The scent of fresh pine filled the living room as you and Erwin worked together to set up the Christmas tree, the perfect one you'd both carefully selected for your shared home. String lights, already twinkling, cast a soft glow around the tree as they were draped gently over the branches. Outside, the world was blanketed in snow, but the warmth from the crackling fire in the hearth filled the room, casting flickering shadows across the room.

You stood on the ladder, hanging ornaments on the highest branches, while Erwin stood below, his hand firmly gripping the ladder to keep it steady, ensuring you didn’t lose your balance as you worked. In his other hand, the box of ornaments jingled softly with each shift, the glass baubles clinking gently together.

"Are you sure you're steady up there?" Erwin asked, his deep voice carrying a hint of concern, though a gentle, amused smile tugged at his lips. Despite his light teasing, his grip on the ladder tightened just slightly, his blue eyes fixed on your every move with quiet care.