The Sentinels You say...

He couldn't at all have expected what came out of her mouth next.  He knew where he'd stood on it, but hadn't truly expected those feelings might be reciprocated in some capacity.  He might have worked up the courage to find out, but when she disappeared, things changed.  Now that she was back, he hadn't completely figured out where he stood.  He hadn't really felt the need to, he'd become so accustomed to the way things were.

The proposal wasn't exactly romantic, but as his initial shock wore off and he actually wrapped his thoughts around what she was asking, that warmed him.  It was honest, clear, and rooted in sense.  Romantic wasn't a term he would ever expect to be applied to himself, and while he had missed her terribly when she was gone, there was uncertainty as to whether the depth of his feeling was at that point as well.  He'd never felt pressed to make that specific declaration, and figured it'd make itself pretty damn clear when it did happen.  She was his best friend, and he'd be lying if he said he hadn't pictured a future for them.  But it seemed she'd be the one with the courage to set that ball rolling, for his want had never outweighed his fear of the consequences.

Would he keep the momentum?

"I can't really say how I feel - even if I knew, that's never been one of my strong suits.  But this is as close to it as I've ever truly gotten to, you know... it. And likely as close as I'll ever get.  These feelings aren't going anywhere either."  He could say that certainly, and he said it slowly, thinking carefully.  "I'd like that.  Yes." This acceptance was a sort of stilted mess but it was as good as he could give with his muddled thoughts.  He hoped it rang as honest as hers.  He laughed as well after he finished, shaking his head slightly. "I never pictured it going like this, a proposal... Though I never pictured it period to be honest."  Not beyond the fact that he'd probably be the one delivering it.  "But it's kind of perfect." He wagged his tail, the enormity of what he'd just said finally catching up on a sort of quiet, glowing happiness.