Shourtney AU - Loving So Hard (Mature)

#38 - Gifts

*Courtney*

Shayne and I were sat in a circle on the living room floor, accompanied by all of my siblings and my mom and dad. I had exchanged gifts with both of my parents, as well as every one of my six siblings, as had Shayne, until we just had one another's gifts left. Shayne would be opening mine first, and as he grabbed the sizeable gift I clutched at my cup of coffee more firmly than ever. Its warm temperament didn't alarm me as I focused on Shayne's face. His reaction meant everything to me...

Jango snuggled up on Shayne's lap as he peeled away the bright red wrapping paper, before discovering a black box, enclosed by a golden ribbon. Attached to the silky material was a tiny brown note, and I smiled as I recalled writing it:

Dearest Shayne,

In this box is a special kind of book,

I suggest that you just take a look,

It mainly consists of 'Shourtney' memories I treasure,

Spending my life with you would be an absolute pleasure,

Shayne, my soulmate, I love you,

And trust me baby, I know that you love me too

Love, Courtney, your Genius Girl

Shayne suppressed his tears as he read the note, as did Kari and Conr. This caused me to laugh slightly whilst also stopping myself from crying, and Shayne's eyes locked with mine as he contemplated over the contents of the box.

"Just open it," I laughed.

Shayne smiled as he slowly lifted the lid off of the present, before placing it down onto the ground besides him and Jango. Kari and Conr peered in, but my mom and dad pulled them away to let Shayne explore the contents first. His jaw literally dropped open, and he shook his head as if he were unworthy.

"Take it out, doofus," I said, grinning.

Shayne shot me a playful 'angry' look and pulled the book out, examining it with great care and what looked like awe.

"This is too much," he said through stifled tears.

I scooted over to him and kissed his cheek, "Open it, baby."

Shayne looked at me before smiling with cloudy eyes, and he kissed my lips, causing my family to 'aww.' My beautiful boyfriend then opened the book, crying as he did so, and I kissed him again.

"Five hundred pictures of me and you, ranging from high school to now. Every picture has a story, and also something in common," I began.

"What's that?" Shayne stammered happily.

I stroked his cheek, "We're both in all of them."

Shayne kissed me again, and my siblings all clapped, as did my parents. The two of us laughed.

"How long did this take to make?" Shayne asked giddily.

I smiled, "That doesn't matter, it was all worth it just to see the look on your face."

Shayne smiled again, before Kari squealed, "Now open Shayne's present Courtney!"

Everyone laughed again and the little box was passed over to me. It wasn't any bigger than my own hand, but the size of the gift wasn't what mattered. Whatever Shayne got me, I'd be thrilled.

Neatly taped to the top was a small yellow note, similar to what I had done, except the tone of Shayne's was a little different:

Dear Courtney, my Genius Girl,

To the woman who possesses more meaning in my life than meaning itself: I wished to write you a poem consisting of a thousand words, or a song expressing my love for you to the very heavens themselves... but you know I'm crap at that, so instead I'm gonna make this shitty note as short as possible and encourage you to just open the present.

Love, Shayne, A.K.A. your hot boyfriend

As I finished reading it we all burst into a fit of laughter, and I hugged Shayne tightly.

"Open it," he whispered.

I did as he asked, and what laid there shocked me. It was a simple golden key attached to a metallic chain. I picked it up and stared at it as it swung absentmindedly in my hand.

"What's this for?"

"Look inside again," he suggested.

I followed his request yet again, and concealed in the side of the box was a folded slip of paper. After pulling it out and un-creasing it, I started to read aloud:

This may seem like a disappointing gift at first, but if you love me, you'll trust me. Tomorrow, all will become clear.

I placed the paper back and forced a smile, unable to hide my sadness. It genuinely did seem like Shayne had forgotten to get a gift, but I loved him, and so I'd trust him...