It was freezing outside. Elliot, bundled up in his black jacket, scarf and hat, got out of his car and nearly ran to the door of the building. The elevator doors were not open when he walked by, so he opted for the stairs, taking them two at a time to the fourth floor.

The apartment looked empty when he entered. He closed the door softly behind him, took off his jacket, and toed off his shoes, setting them in their places by the door.

He couldn't help but smile at the Christmas tree in the corner. It was decorated with classic, white lights, gold garland and various multicolored ornaments. She hadn't wanted a real tree at all; it would be a pain to bring up to the apartment, to clean up, and to get out. He had insisted, though. He'd always bought a real tree, and that wasn't going to change as long as he could help it. Finally, she gave in, and he picked it up the next day.

"El?"

Her voice was like music to his ears. She walked out from the bedroom, already changed out of her work clothes into a pair of yoga pants and one of his USMC t-shirts.

"Liv." His arms wrapped around her, and he pulled her against him, their lips colliding. He could feel her shock for a moment, but she quickly relaxed into the surprise kiss. He loved the feel of her lips against his more than almost anything; every time they met, he felt butterflies in his stomach and like he was walking on air.

"Someone's excited." She said a moment later, after they had broken apart.

"What, I can't be happy to see the love of my life?" He asked, brushing a lock of hair out of her face.

"I didn't say that."

This time, it was her lips that met his. Her hand skimmed along the back of his neck, making a shiver run down his spine. Her other one started to pull at the buttons of his shirt, but he grabbed her wrist, pulling it away.

"Not yet." He whispered, pressing a kiss to the side of her mouth. "I have a plan."

"A plan?" Olivia said. "What kind of plan?"

"It's our first Christmas Eve together, Liv. Of course I have one. And I can't tell you, can I? That would ruin the mystery."

A smile spread across her face. "Okay, I'll go along with your plan."

He looked, for lack of a better term, like a kid on Christmas morning. "Great! C'mon, I got you something."

He grabbed her hand, and pulled her into the bedroom. She watched him as he opened his side of the closet, and shoved aside some of his own clothing.

"I wasn't sure what your size was, so I looked at the rest of your stuff and kind of just… guessed. I hope you like it." He said nervously, standing between her and whatever was in his side of the closet.

"El, what are you talking about?" She asked.

He bit his lip, and stepped aside. Her breath caught in her chest when she saw what the big fuss was about. The dress that hung next to him was breathtaking. It was red with sparkles that made it shimmer, a scoop neckline and a knee-length a-line skirt.

"If you don't like it, I can return it." He said quickly. "I just thought, well… I thought it would look great, and it's, you know, festive, and-

Her lips on his silenced him. "I love it, El. Thank you. But… what is it for?"

"Well, I was hoping we could get some pictures together." He said. "You know, professional ones. I set up an appointment and everything, so all's we have to do is get dressed and go. If you want to, that is."

She smiled, her heart bursting with love. She couldn't believe he went to all this trouble for her… then again, she shouldn't have been surprised. He was the most kind, generous man she knew. "That sounds great. I'll get dressed now."

His eyes lit up. "Great! I'll change right after you."

She stepped out of the bedroom, and spun a full three hundred and sixty degrees for him. "So, what do you think? Did you pick out the right one?"

Elliot nodded, approaching her. He took her hand, and spun her again, loving the way the dress hugged her curves and the skirt flowed around her body. "Beautiful."

"Thank you." She said, squeezing his hand.

He leaned in for a kiss. "I'll be out in a minute."

He exited the bedroom a moment later, wearing a white button-up and red tie under his suit jacket. She noticed that it wasn't one of his regular work suits; it was a deep charcoal, neatly pressed and looked like it hadn't been worn very often. He grabbed her jacket off of the hook, held it out for her, and she slid into it. "Bring a pair of gloves."

"Gloves? I thought we were just taking pictures." Olivia said.

Elliot shrugged his shoulders. "I may have a few other activities planned."

Olivia buttoned her coat. "You don't have to do anything else for me, El. Just being here is enough."

He pulled on his own jacket, and guided her out the door. His hand brushed over the bump in his inside jacket pocket. "I know, but I want to."

He brought her to a photo studio downtown, and took her hand in his as they walked inside. Butterflies of excitement filled her stomach; she wasn't sure why she felt like this. It was just a few pictures, but almost everything she did with him became an adventure.

Their photographer was a woman, dressed in black with a huge smile on her face. The set was mostly white, with stars and a Christmas tree in the background.

"What a beautiful couple." She said, smiling. "Now, just act natural. The best shots are the ones that aren't anticipated."

Olivia never knew taking pictures could be so much fun. When they left the studio a half an hour later, both she and Elliot were laughing, recounting the various goofy poses they'd been reduced to over the last few minutes. She held one of their pictures in her hand; as soon as she saw it after they took it, she had to have it. The rest of the pictures would come in the mail in a week or so.

Elliot nudged her with his elbow. "Can I see it?"

She handed him the photo, and he smiled. They stood next to each other, both at a three-quarter angle as they faced each other. They were so close that her shoulder, the furthest from the camera, pressed lightly against his, and their noses touched. Both of them smiled widely, oblivious that the photo was being taken.

"That's a good one." He said, offering her his arm. She slid hers in his as they walked towards the car. He placed the picture on the driver's seat, then closed the door without getting in.

"Aren't we going?" She asked, her eyebrows furrowing.

"I told you." He said, guiding her away from the vehicle. "There are a few more activities on the list."

Olivia smiled, and nodded once. "Alright, lead the way."

What else does he have planned?

A/N: What else DOES he have planned? Stay tuned tomorrow for the answers!

Thank you to everyone who left feedback on the last chapter. This is going to be pretty demanding, a one-shot a day, so it's great to have all the support. Let me know what you guys think on this one!