Derek straightens the lapels of the jacket and I take the opportunity to look at him so close up, the line of his jaw and dusting of stubble and it hits me again that breaking it off with Simon was definitely the right thing to do. As wonderful as he had been, so sweet and kind and interesting, I'd never once looked at him or wanted him the way I do Derek. And even though nothing will ever come of it, that's not fair on Simon.

Still, the thought makes something heavy drop in my stomach again, but it's easy enough to ignore as Derek steps back and nudges the last box my way.

Tossing him a smile, I leave the jacket on and sit on the couch again to carefully unwrap it. This one's bigger and heavier and as soon as the wrapping has been peeled away, I see why.

For a moment, all I can do is stare, my breath completely gone.

"Oh my God," I manage finally, grazing my fingers over the picture for a moment before taking off the lid to see the figure skates inside. They're black and utterly gorgeous. Nicer even than the pair I have back home, the ones I'd left in Madison because I knew I'd never have the courage to wear them at Samwell. "Derek."

I can feel my throat closing up and I have to blink a few times before I finally lift my head. "Derek, this is... this is so much."