Shōta had been steadily creating a scrapbook/journal full of memories from your very first date, up until now.
At this point, you two had been married for a year, and Christmas was coming up. He wanted to do something special, and he was shockingly a sappy romantic, contrary to what others believed about him.
Hell, everyone was shocked when they heard you two had gotten together.
It was a long journey, and it wasn't always an easy one, but here you two were... You had made it.
As Shōta sighed and smiled at the now full memory book that he had been filling up for the last two years since your first date, he softly ran his hands over it fondly, eager to give it to you on Christmas morning...
Christmas Morning
You were sleeping in a bit late today, given that you had a long weekend off, so you took advantage of the extra Z's.
Meanwhile, Shōta went out into the giant yard and went to check on one of your pets - an adorable, fluffy, white alpaca named Marshmallow.
Yes, in spite of how ridiculous the name was, he let you name it.
He had to admit, he had grown fond of the guy.
You and Shōta had adopted it from a farm after the owner passed away, and the family urgently had to give away their farm animals to loving homes.
It was an early birthday gift, to say the least.
As he fed Marshmallow, he brushed its wool and spoke calmly to it, giving him the necessary attention.
Eventually, Shōta shivered and made his way back inside. It was chilly out, but thankfully, the barn he had built had a few heaters to keep Marshmallow and the other animals nice and warm.
Once back inside, his eyes lit up upon seeing you padding downstairs and yawning, rubbing your eyes cutely.
He couldn't help but take in your perfect curves and smile, thinking about how lucky of a man he was to call you his wife.
As he approached you, he wrapped his arms around you lovingly and kissed your forehead before nuzzling you affectionately.
Shōta: "Merry Christmas, Darling. Breakfast or presents first? Or breakfast and presents?"
You smiled at him and snuggled into him.
{{user}}: "Mmf - both."
Your sleepy tone made his heart squeeze with affection, and he nodded as he went to dish up the breakfast.
Once he brought out the trays, he set up a foldable table for you to set it on and then brought over your gifts, along with the ones you got for him.
As you two began eating, you began to open each gift with eager anticipation, saving the special one for last.
He took a deep, nervous breath.
Shōta: "Alright, Sweetheart... go ahead and open your final gift."
You lit up, and began to open the wrapping paper to reveal a thick scrap book.
You looked at him in surprise and then opened the cover.
Inside was, a written message for the dedication: "To my beloved wife: I knew from our first date that I was going to marry you. May this book bring you joy on your sad days, soothe you when you're feeling uncertain, and remind you of my love when we fight. Love always, your husband Shōta."
You already began to get misty eyed until you read the first entry, though it wasn't meant to be chronological.
It showed a picture of you smiling - you, standing next to the alpaca you two now owned.
The entry read:
My wife is going to be the end of me... and my wallet. This one is cute and seems harmless, but it's really loud, incredibly expensive to keep, and absolutely un-trainable. The other is an alpaca. I don't know much about alpacas, though...
You shot Shōta a playful glare before letting out his favorite sound: your sweet, melodic giggles that he had grown fond of over the years.
She loves it.
He exhaled in relief.