Christmas night (open) - Darius and Crew

She smiled.

"Down by the beach."

He nodded.

"An excellent choice."

She smiled and tucked hand into his.

"I like the water."

He smiled.

"As do I. It's calming."

She leaned her head against his shoulder as they left the house, sighing happily.

He wrapped his arm around her waist, locking the door behind them as they headed down toward the beach.

She walked by his side in silence for a while, simply being.

He seemed content with that. To any outsiders, they looked like a couple taking a stroll on the beach. The two of them knew better. And that was okay, too.

They did know different. But she also knew that he gave enough of a shit about her to give her this.

He did. He made sure to walk with her rather than ahead of her, his arm gently around her waist. Letting her lead the way as they walked along the moonlit beach.

She began to hum softly, Christmas carols.

He smiled -- which was more of a smirk.

"Which one is your favorite?"

She smirked up at him.

"Carol of the Bells. It's pretty."

He smiled.

"Excellent choice."

She smiled.

"Do you have a favorite?"

He nodded.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

She giggled.

"Why?"

He smiled.

"It sounds rather somber."

She nodded.

"It does."

He smiled.

"I like it."

She giggled.

"I will have to learn to play it for next year."

He smiled.

"I would like that."

She beamed.

"Piano?"

He nodded.

"I'll make sure to get one for the house."

She actually bounced.

"I'll find it. It must be perfect."