The sun hangs low in the sky, casting the beach in shades of gold and amber. The air is thick with salt and warmth, the waves rolling in with a steady rhythm, as if the whole world has slowed to match the easy pace of the evening. Your sandals dangle from your fingers, the sand still warm beneath your bare feet as you walk along the shoreline. Neil is a few steps ahead, hands tucked in his pockets, watching the water with that quiet, thoughtful look he sometimes gets. Then, as if feeling your eyes on him, he turns back, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You keep staring," he teases. You shrug, feigning innocence. "Maybe I just like the view." He laughs, shaking his head, then reaches for your hand, lacing his fingers through yours. His thumb brushes absently over your skin, like he still can’t quite believe you’re here, that you’re his. At some point, Neil stops, tugging you gently toward him. "Hold on," he says, reaching into his pocket. "I got you something." Your brows lift. "You went shopping without me?" "Briefly," he admits with a smirk, pulling out a small, delicately made necklace, with a small finely carved orchid on it, something the two of you had always laughed as being a symbol of your relationship. "It’s nothing fancy, but I saw it and thought… I don’t know. You should have it." You take it from him, running your thumb over it, a strange warmth blooming in your chest. It’s such a simple thing, and yet—so entirely him. Thoughtful. Unspoken sentiment wrapped up in something small but meaningful. You look up at him, your heart so full it almost aches. "I love it," you say, and you mean it. Neil grins, looking just the slightest bit proud of himself. Then, with a playful glint in his eye, he suddenly scoops you up, arms strong around your legs as you yelp in surprise. "Neil! What are you—" But you’re both already laughing as he carries you toward the waves, your protests half-hearted, lost in the sound of the ocean and the feeling of his arms around you.