Work Text:
The day couldn't have been more perfect even if you tried.
You decided to take a walk. There was no specific place in your mind where you needed to go. All you knew was that your feet had to wander, explore.
Setting out earlier that morning, you snuck out of the palace. It would be a few hours before anyone noticed you were gone since you took care of the things that needed to be done.
Gradually, your steps slowed as the scenery began to get more familiar. A face formed in your mind, a deep laugh and kind smile soon followed.
How long had it been since the two of you were last together? It seemed like mere moments though you were quite certain it had been much, much longer.
'Come with me. I have a place to show you.'
Your feet followed the voice, trudging through the forest carefully. He taught you to be more mindful of your surroundings and it was a lesson to held fast to.
Eventually, you made it to a clearing. Looking out you could see the town down below you and to your right there was a tree. Its branches appeared strong and the thick trunk beckoned you to have a seat against it.
'It's all right. Sit down.'
And sat you did, lowering yourself to the ground carefully as your eyes never left the town.
How long had it been? All the days seem to blur together now. Sometimes when your eyes closed, you could smell his scent. If you held your arms around yourself in just the right way it would be as if he was the one holding you tight.
'I love you.'
Your eyes blurred as you lowered your head to keep your lip from trembling. No, you told yourself you wouldn't do this. Not today. Just one day of not crying was all you asked for...
'No matter what happens? I will always be with you.'
You nodded, allowing the tears to fall as you leaned back against the tree. He was right. He would always be there and with him you would always be safe.
'Don't be afraid, Tigress. Everything will be ok.'
You gently rested a hand on your stomach, a ghost of a smile forming when there was a kick in response.
“Yes, everything will be ok. Because I carry proof you were here. And we will meet again.”
You allowed the memories to wash over you as you continued to watch over the town. He came here to think as you now come here to remember: The way the light caught his hair, red strands waving like fire. His eyes which held so much patience and wisdom. A smile that could make the entire world smile with him.
These were the things no enemy could take from you, that no bullet could keep you from embracing. So long as you drew breath you would remember and a part of him would live on.
But this wasn't the end of your story, oh no. You vowed to meet again and it would come to pass. This time things would be better. You could both be happy and while you knew that such things were never perfect, it didn't stop you from believing it was worth it.
Worth fighting for.
Worth dying for.
Worth living for.
After all, such is the nature of a love that would never die.