Inspired by an episode of Eastenders (British soap opera) cringey I know but I liked the idea.
Hope you enjoy it.
DISCLAIMER: All characters belong to Dick Wolf.
Snow fell silently outside the window, slowly building up on the ledge. Inside their apartment, a cinnamon scented candle burned, filling the room with a warm Christmassy glow. Olivia and Brian lay sprawled out on the couch wrapped in each other's arms, a feel-good festive movie playing in the background.
"It's almost ten Liv, when do I get to open my presents?" Olivia giggled at Brian's childish whining. Shifting up so her head lay on his shoulder, she looked across at the large rectangular package under the tree.
"Well I suppose you did make me my favourite cinnamon latte… and get me those chocolate brioche you know I love…" Brian's smile grew, "so I suppose you can open one present now before lunch, but the rest have to wait 'til everyone else turns up." Brian leapt up out of his seat before she could finish her sentence and was crouching beside the tree as Olivia laughed at his eagerness. He appeared to debate over which present to pick before picking up the rectangular box.
Back on the sofa, Olivia's heart beat quickened. She knew Brian better than anyone but she still wasn't sure if this was what he would want. Brian meanwhile had sat down beside the tree and proceeded to rip away the wrapping paper. Beneath he found a plain brown box. Opening this uncovered a smaller box, wrapped up and tied with ribbon. Lifting the box out, he glanced up in confusion at Olivia but was met with nothing but a small smile. Returning his attention to the package, Brian eagerly pulled at the ribbon and again ripped away the wrapping paper. However, as the paper unfolded, he was met with yet another, smaller box. This one was longer and thinner than the others though, the type a bracelet or necklace would be gift wrapped in. Again, Brian looked back up at his girlfriend. This time, Olivia's smile wasn't as confident but her eyes remained bright and unreadable.
Again, Brian took the long, thin package out of the box. He cleared the discarded packaging so only the box sat in front of him. Olivia switched off the television and slid down onto the floor, kneeling opposite him.
"Open it." She whispered.
Slowly, Brian's fingers pulled at the purple ribbon and tore at the purple and silver paper. Underneath lay a plain black box. He lifted the lid to reveal the present beneath. Olivia held her breath and for a moment the only thing that could be heard was the soft tap of snow against the window.
"Babe? Is this real?" Brian looked up from the box to find Olivia softly crying as she nodded. Immediately, he leapt forwards and wrapped her up in his arms, pulling her tight into him. They sat like that for a few minutes until Olivia pulled away.
"Are you happy Bri? You want this don't you?" Brian chuckled softly, wiping a stray tear from her cheek.
"Of course I'm happy baby, why on earth wouldn't I be? I know how much you've wanted this and believe me…" he took a deep breath, staring straight into Olivia's red, tearing eyes, "there's no one I'd rather have a child with than you." Suddenly, Olivia broke down again, falling straight into Brian's waiting arms. They sat together, curled up under the tree, until the oven timer bleeped informing them the turkey was cooked and company would soon descend upon their paradise. Standing, Brian pulled Olivia into a soft, deep kiss. "Thank you, this has been the best Christmas ever."
"And we haven't even seen Munch drunk yet."
Merry Christmas :)