2020-07-10 - Sunshine

Lucas invited Atli out to meet him at the BBQ place near his sister's coffee shop, he didn't really give any particular reason, but he is ....oddly enough...dressed to the nines when she arrives, in an actual tuxedo with a little bow tie.

In an off the shoulder white floral patterned sundress that comes just to the knee walks Atli. Her feet are given height by tan wedge heels and her curls are flawless. Her cheeks grow roses upon seeing him, feeling underdressed.

“H-have I missed something love?” It is rare the blonde is speechless, but for the moment she is only able to take in how dapper he looks with her crystal blue eyes.

He smiles and approaches her, silently offering an arm and leading her toward a table that is set with a couple candles, a platter of bbq'ed meats, various fried sides, and two glasses of wine.

A single eyebrow is raised in surprise, though her eyes sparkle. Atli takes his arm gently, though the pleasure of touching one of her favorite features of him would be noticeable. She allows herself to be led gracefully to the table, taking her seat if it is offered and giggling a sound of tinkling bells.

“You are being rather mysterious today!” She notes the candles and before evening wine curiously.

He smiles, and takes the seat opposite "Do you know what today is?"

Atli cocks her head in consideration, uncertainty creeping into her expression. “It’s not your birthday for another month, I swear I remember! I’m not nearly done planning.” Her hand flies to her mouth to stop herself from ruining her own work.

“Have I genuinely forgotten something important?” Crystal pools go wide.

He smiles more, glad to have gotten her by surprise, "Three months ago today, on the bar stool over there you walked back into my life"

The apprehension dissipates from her, the fit of giggles returning. Reflexively, she tucks a few loose curls behind her ear. Her other hand comes up to support her chin as she gazes across at him. “Only you would know how to make an occasion out of today.”

Though her tone has a hint of teasing, she primarily is taken with his actions. “You really are the absolute sweetest!”

He chuckles, "I want to make an occasion out of every day with you." He pulls out a small box and slides it across the table.

Atli does her very best to continue to breathe normally. Every fiber of her being tingling with excitement. Her typically deft fingers are shaking as she reaches gingerly for the box, staring at him in awe. She picks it up and holds it to her heart for a moments time, savoring the seconds. Then she sits up entirely straight backed and opens it.

Inside the box is a small golden locket. He watches her carefully to see her reaction.

She looks ready to cry when she opens the box, the entire experience wrought with twists. The beading of water at her eyes was not disappointment, but rather utter joy. Atli looks up at him with her mouth agape. “I love it.” She coos softly, reaching out with one hand to take his.

He smiles taking her hand in his, "When I saw it, I knew it was meant for you...." He grins and leans down to kiss the back of her knuckles.

For a few long beats she is only able to clutch her prize and look at him. It had been the happiest three months of her life. If he thought she was having a difficult time setting the box down, it would surely only be exasperated once the piece was around her neck. “I love you.” She breathes. “And I think...it may be a good idea to officially end the lease on your apartment...”

He rises and releases her hand, to take the necklace and drape it around her neck, "I guess I can just move into the fire station full time....."

Atli carefully bunches her curls in her hand and holds them always from her neck, allowing him ease to adorn her with his gift. His joke gets a partial rise out of her, one she stops part way through reaction. “No!”

She laughs at her own predictability. “I’ve nearly finished the master bedroom, I thought you might...want to help make some choices for it? Make it reflect both of us?”

"Now, now Ms. Addington, you wouldn't be suggesting shacking up with someone would you?" He sets the clasp and leans down to kiss the nape of her neck, "Wouldn't that be...improper?"

Atli bites her lip, thoughts racing. “We don’t have to, I just thought it may be...financially responsible...” Sure, it had nothing to do with the amount of evenings spent in each other’s company, absolutely nothing.

“Besides, I know you have to stay at the firehouse often and it’s close to it...” She drops the locks she had been holding.

Lucas slowly runs his fingers through her hair, "I think its a wonderful idea"