As the snow fell through the window, Uno sat by his desk in his study where he was busy double checking some documents about new recruits in the agency. As he finished up, he turned to see a photo of him standing next to Denise when she finally became headspy of the female divison in North Heathson's Swindon branch.
He smiled and began to recall to when they began dating after seeking cover from a gunfight in a mall in the Philippines. As he stepped out of his study, his eyes immediately falling on Denise, who stood there with her picnic basket, smiling warmly. Her cosmic dark-blue suit shimmered subtly under the light, the tailored fit perfectly complimenting her confident yet graceful aura.
"Hey, I was just finishing up," Uno said, straightening his tie as his eyes lingered on her. "What's the plan with the basket?"
Denise grinned, stepping closer to him. "Thought we could have a picnic outside. The snow looks beautiful in the back garden, and we don't get many chances like this."
Uno chuckled, glancing toward the window where the snow continued to fall softly, blanketing the grounds of their Swindon Manor. "A picnic? In this cold?"
She nodded, her playful smirk widening. "Come on, Uno. We've endured worse during missions. Besides, it'll be cozy. I've got hot chocolate and blankets in here. And," she leaned in, lowering her voice, "I thought we could use some time together... outside of all the spy stuff."
Uno's smile deepened, his heart warming. "You're right. I could use a break. Let me grab my coat."
As he slipped on his coat and walked back to Denise, Thomas the pug came trotting down the hallway, wagging his tail eagerly. Behind him, Haley the black cat padded softly, her eyes glinting with curiosity.
"You two want in on this too?" Uno asked, scratching Thomas behind the ears as Haley brushed against Denise's leg.
Denise laughed softly. "Of course they do. Let's head out before the snow gets too heavy."
***
Outside, the back garden was a winter wonderland. The trees were coated in glistening white, the ground a smooth expanse of untouched snow. Denise found a spot near a large tree, and they set up their picnic blanket there. She quickly arranged their thermoses, sandwiches, and snacks while Uno unpacked a couple of warm blankets. Thomas immediately found a comfortable spot between them, while Haley curled up on the edge of the blanket, her black fur stark against the white snow.
Denise poured two cups of hot chocolate, handing one to Uno. "To cozy winter days," she said, clinking her cup gently against his.
"To moments like these," Uno replied, taking a sip of the hot chocolate and savoring the warmth.
They sat in a peaceful silence for a while, watching the snowflakes drift lazily down. After a few moments, Denise broke the quiet. "Do you remember when we first started dating?" she asked, her eyes soft as she looked at him.
Uno smiled, resting his cup on his lap. "How could I forget? Hiding behind those overturned tables at the mall, dodging bullets in the Philippines, and somehow we found time to... well, admit our feelings for each other."
Denise chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It wasn't exactly the most romantic setting, was it? But I wouldn't change a thing."
"Neither would I," Uno agreed, reaching over to take her hand. His thumb brushed against her fingers gently. "In fact, I'm glad it happened the way it did. It showed me how strong we are together, no matter what we face."
Denise looked down at their intertwined hands, a smile playing on her lips. "I've always felt that way too. No matter the chaos, you're the one constant I can count on."
