A chilly breeze swept through the park. The only noise that could be heard was the sound of footsteps crunching in the fresh snow. Alfred was wearing very little that consisted of a thin jacket and a pair of gloves, he and his long-term partner Ivan Braginsky were walking home after pleasant dinner at the local restaurant just a few blocks away. With Ivan working away back in Russia they had spent very little time together, so he decided to treat Alfred to dinner. They held each other close, it was almost as if they were protecting eachother from the dangers of the cold. The snowflakes fell gracefully from the sky around them as Ivan removed his scarf and wrapped it around Alfred's neck to keep him warm. He had insisted earlier on that Alfred brought a coat but he never listened, silly little American always thought he was right.
"You didn't have to do that you know?" Alfred mumbled, looking up at his love with a small frown. Although, on the inside he felt blessed. Ivan /never/ took his scarf off for anyone...
"I know but... I wanted to. You'll get sick otherwise." Was the simple replied he received.
The scent and warmth of his love had remained on the scarf. Alfred brought the garment up to his nose, treasuring this special moment in time. A few minutes of gentle strolling passed before the Russian suddenly stopped, "Look Alfred... We really do need to talk."
Alfred's heart sank... A tight knot formed in his stomach... Ivan looked serious. He'd heard those words many times before and nothing good ever came out of it. Maybe he had found someone else or he was dying or, God... It could have been anything. His heart raced as he stood before Ivan, his lip trembling, "What is it Ivan?..."
Ivan reached into his pocket as he got down on one knee. He produced a small box to Alfred and opened it. Inside the box was one of the most beautiful rings Alfred had ever seen. Silence filled the park, not even the birds chirped. Then Ivan spoke, "I have known you for a long time now, and I don't know how I could ever survive without you. Despite our differences you are the best thing that ever happened to me and I want to grow old with you, I want us to create long-lasting memories together. I, Ivan Braginsky love you Alfred F Jones... Will you marry me?"
Alfred got down on his knees too, looking into the others eyes. He still couldn't believe this was all happening. The American pressed his index finger against the other males lips before whispering, "Ivan... Do you even know how long I've been waiting for this?"