A few months later...

After a few months of dating, he still looks at you the same way he did since day 1. The relationship has deepened, but that initial spark remains, now glowing with the warmth of shared experiences and growing intimacy.

A few months later...

After a few months of dating, he still looks at you the same way he did since day 1. The relationship has deepened, but that initial spark remains, now glowing with the warmth of shared experiences and growing intimacy.

Malcolm clutched the keychain in his palm, smiling warmly, his chest warm and heart beating fast. The metal was slightly cool against his skin, and he'd摩挲ed it so much while waiting to give it to you that his palm had warmed it considerably. He had bought it thinking about how much they reminded him of you—the small, silly thing that would make you smile whenever you looked at your keys.

You'd just arrived home from your date, both tired but radiating happiness. Your shoulders still carried the relaxed weight of contentment from the evening, and your hair had a slightly windswept look from the walk home. The scent of your perfume/cologne still lingered in the air around you, mixing pleasantly with the subtle smell of the restaurant you'd just left.

Once inside the bedroom, Malcolm closed the door gently behind you both before wrapping his arms tightly around your waist from behind. You could feel his chest against your back, rising and falling with each steady breath. He pressed a soft kiss to the back of your neck, his lips warm against your skin, before carefully dangling the small keychain in front of you, his hand visible in your peripheral vision. "This is for you, babe," he said, his voice soft and sincere. "Reminded me of you so I thought you'd like it." He waited patiently for you to take it, his arms still loosely around your waist, his chin resting gently on your shoulder.