Archive of Our Own (AO3)

Birthday Present (XE)

Nathalie was slightly suspicious of what Gabriel was planning- especially now that he had excused himself from the office a few minutes early, which he never does. As she watched him leave, she continued to work on the emails she needed to respond to and schedule she needed to make. Today was her birthday, and he had wished her a happy birthday earlier. She didn't have any plans, aside from working today, and then relaxing after, though the current thing on her mind was wondering what Gabriel was doing. She is not very fond of surprises, and he is aware of this fact. However, he was going to surprise her anyway- it was a special day for her, and he believes she should be recognized, appreciated and loved on her birthday. After he had finished setting up the surprise, he had grabbed an old scarf he had laying around, and came downstairs, to find that she was still working.

"Are you finished, yet?"

"Almost... just a moment." Nathalie said as she resumed her furious typing. Once she was finished, she looked up at him. "Gabriel, what are you up to?"

"Take off your glasses."

"What? Why?" She took off her glasses anyway.

He walked over to her, as he placed the scarf across her eyes, tying it behind her head and under her bun. "So I can do this."

"I can't see."

"That's the point. Don't worry, I'll guide you." He said, as he helped her out of her chair. She was clinging to his arm tightly, now slightly more nervous about what he was planning. He escorted her slowly up the stairs, and to the master bedroom, where he closed the door behind them. He untied the scarf from around her eyes.

"Okay, open your eyes." He instructed her. Once she opened her eyes, and put her glasses back on her face, she was pleasantly surprised to see candles around the room, the dim light flickering and casting shadows on the ceiling and on the walls, with rose petals scattered across the bed. He stepped away for a moment and returned, holding a bag in one hand, and a small black box in the other.

Nathalie found herself at a loss of words. "This is beautiful, Gabriel... but how come?"

"Because it's your birthday, and you deserve something special. Is it too much?"

"No no, it's not. I was just caught off guard... I didn't expect such a lovely scene, is all." She said to him, approaching him and giving him a kiss on the lips. He returned her kiss, as he handed her the bag. She raised an eyebrow, as she pulled the tissue paper from the bag and held it in her hand. She reached into the bag, and there were a few items. The first thing she pulled out was a pair of panties, and a bra. They were definitely handmade, crafted from the finest purple silk, with a lace panel in the middle of each garment- and purple lace panels were shaped into a butterfly. She raised a brow at him, catching on to what he was doing. "It's very lovely work- though I believe you very much had yourself in mind."

"Of course I did. But I just think you look absolutely stunning in purple. I may be biased though."

"Mm. Definitely biased." She teased, and reached further into the bag. She pulled out some chocolate. It was her absolute favorite- dark chocolate and sea salt. Nathalie looked at him, and smiled fondly, as he then grabbed her hand, and opened the ring box. Her hand went to cover her mouth, as he gazed into her eyes.

"I wanted to give you something extra special for your birthday this year. A promise ring- because I'm serious about us being together forever. Call me old fashioned if you will... but I wanted to prove to you that I mean it when I love you very much."

Nathalie took a moment to admire the ring as he delicately slid it on her finger- a gold ring, the honey-colored metal twisted in an intricate pattern all the way around the band. In the center was a gemstone, the candlelight revealing the gemstone to be the color of her birthstone. She was surprised he even knew such a detail. "Oh, Gabriel... it's lovely. I love it. I love you. Thank you..." She pulled him in for a kiss. He returned her affections, as his arms wrapped around her waist.