[[A/N: this chapter starts one year after sam keating's death and the events of season one of 'htgawm'. also, this fic has nothing really to do with the movie 'it's a wonderful life', but each chapter/day will be around Christmas, so...]]

*cross-posted from AO3*

2015.

He traced lazy circles across her back with his fingertips, leaning down to press a kiss against her shoulder.

I love you, he thought, burying his face in her hair. Just say it, I love you... I need you. "Hey," he cleared his throat. "I got you something."

Laurel had almost been asleep. She opened one eye, peering at him suspiciously. "Like... a Christmas present?"

Frank nodded. "I guess."

Laurel bit her lip, moving out of his embrace. "Frank, you didn't have to get me anything. I'm not your girlfriend."

"You say that like I don't know?" Frank sat up, annoyed, pulling the sheet with him. "I didn't get it because I had to. I just saw it and thought you could use it."

He reached over to the bedside table, opening a drawer. He pulled out a necklace.

Laurel sat up, peering at the delicate piece of jewelry in his palm. The little silver horn sparkled in the moonlight filtering through his bedroom window. "It's beautiful."

Frank shrugged nonchalantly, but she didn't miss the grin on his face. It made her grin, too.

He brought the chain around her neck, fastening it. "It's a cornicello," he explained. "They're good luck. I figured you can always use a little extra luck, right?"

"I didn't figure you for the superstitious type."

"I'm not superstitious. I'm Italian."

Laurel nodded, but didn't laugh at his joke. The smile was slowly sliding from her face.

Frank frowned. "Do you not like it?"

Laurel brought her hand up, twisting the little horn between her fingers. "No, Frank... I love it. It's just..."

He felt his stomach drop.

"...Kan is going to ask me to marry him, here on Christmas. He thinks it's going to be a big romantic surprise, but I already saw the ring."

Frank took a moment to absorb the information. He went through a storm of emotions, but tried to remain calm- at least, on the outside. He finally shrugged. "So, what? Kan hasn't stopped us this whole year we've been doing this now."

"Well, getting married is different. Isn't it?"

Frank barked out a laugh. "What, you're asking me?" He shifted around on the bed, taking her hands in his. He pulled her closer. "Laurel, I feel... I don't want this to be over."

They sat in silence for a long moment. Frank felt his heartbeat pounding in his chest; he wondered if Laurel could hear it.

"I'm sorry," Laurel whispered finally. "I just think we should stop seeing each other."