Christmas night (open) - Darius and Crew

She smiled.

"Me too please!"

He smiled and pulled a gallon of whole milk from the refrigerator and two glasses from the cabinet. Pouring them, he grinned over at her.

"Whatever my lady wishes."

She smiled and ate more of her toast. It was a good Christmas again.

"Thank you."

He brought the glass of milk to her and sat down again, digging into his toast.

"You're welcome, Elizabeth."

She spent the rest of breakfast eating and looking at him. Just looking, not speaking. But she was happy.

Which was good enough for him. When she looked at him, she would see that he was watching her. He had his own sort of smile on his face, a pleased, gentle one.

When she was done, and it appeared he didn't want any more, she moved to start cleaning up. Humming Sleigh Ride.

He moved to help her with the cleanup, too. As she hummed, he began to sing softly, occasionally glancing at her to make sure she wouldn't be offended.

She wasn't offended. She was enjoying it greatly. For the first time, they felt like actual family. Doing chores together. Just them. She put everything into the dishwasher, all the condiments in the fridge, and then turned to his, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Time for presents."

His arms slipped around her waist to pull her close to him. It wasn't sexual, it just... was a closeness that he didn't often get to express with Elizabeth. He smiled, then leaned over to kiss her forehead.

"Yes, presents are a good thing."

She leaned into his chest and breathed in. Enjoying the moment of closeness.

"Love you."

He smiled and brought one hand up to brush over her hair. Petting her gently, kissing the top of her head.

"And I love you, Elizabeth."

She wiggled happily, leaned up to kiss his cheek, then took his hand to lead him to the tree.

He smiled at her enthusiasm, though before she dragged him out of the kitchen -- he got them both big glasses of eggnog -- spiked, of course. Because it was tradition.

She grinned as she sat in front of the tree, setting her glass next to her as she reached for the first present. Which she handed to Darius.

"You first."

He grinned and took the present from her.

"So how about we take turns?"

She nodded.

"I'll go next, yes."

He smiled, seeming satisfied. Then he sat back to open the present -- not giving a damn about saving the paper. It was a god damned Christmas present, it was meant to be enjoyed.

It was a hand knit sweater, done up in beautiful deep red.

He pulled it out of the box, then held it up to himself.

"This... is absolutely wonderful, Elizabeth. Thank you."

He reached out his arms for a hug.

She of course came forward to sit in his lap as she gave him a hug.

"Hard to keep it secret."

He laughed softly and hugged her close.

"You did a wonderful job."

She sighed happily.

"What should I open?"

Why no, she wasn't planning on moving.

He smiled and handed her a long, thin box.

"This one first."

She nodded, shook it a little, then ripped it open. Much like a five year old at Christmas. Because you never out grow that shit.