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The smell of cigarettes and alcohol filled the air as you walked into the bar to see a certain brunette. Your eyes searched around, as you see your lover, Gallagher, at the counter serving drinks to the customers. You smiled softly to yourself, going ahead to sit by the counters.
At the corner of Gallagher’s eyes, he sees you take a seat, a smirk landing on his face, as he hurriedly finishes the beverage he was preparing. “And here is your Wintry Garden with a Robin sticker.” Gallagher hands the drink to the customer in front of him as he makes your way towards you.
“Didn’t think I’d get to see you here, Y/N. Thought you’d be gone by now.” The bartender says, as he smiles at you. “Why would I leave and not say goodbye to you? When is your next shift over? I can wait till you’re done.” You took out a small hand written letter that you’ve composed last night.
“Well, I can clock out now if it means I can be with you longer.” You blushed at his response. “If that’s alright with you..” He chuckles, making his way out of the bar tables.
He takes your hand in his, leading you out of the building to a more secluded place around the area. You looked at Gallagher, worried about him leaving so suddenly. “Siobhan will take care of the rest of the people there, don’t worry.” He reassures, as you both stop to look up at the starry night sky.
You held on tightly to the letter you’ve been holding onto since you got to the bar.
“This.. it’s a thank you letter from me and everyone else from the astral express.” You gave him the handwritten letter, as he takes it from your hands. “Heh, makes me feel special that I’ve gotten a personal thanks from the one and only Y/N and the whole crew of the astral express.” Before he opened the letter, you stopped him. “Wait! I mean, don’t open it yet. Open it when I leave Penacony.” You say, fidgeting with the hem of your shirt.
You knew about his identity, how he’s nothing more than just fiction made by a fictionologist. Never the less, you still held deep love and care for the man despite the circumstances. The thought of him disappearing without a trace, all the memories you made with him gone in an instant, it brought tears to your eyes.
You hung your head low, trying to avoid Gallagher’s gaze. “I-I’m sorry I didn’t mean to cry like this. I didn’t want our last memories to be like this..” You cried softly. Gallagher’s expression shifted into concern, as he brings you into his arms. “Hey.. I’m still here aren’t I?” The sound of his heartbeat was heard, your head pressed gently to his chest. You nodded, clinging onto him like he'll leave if you let go.
“I never thought I’d find a love within my journey of being a nameless.. but I’ve found you.” His hold on you tightened slightly, as he rested his chin on your head.
He chuckled softly, taking In this final moment between the two of you. “You’ll always be my firsts and my finals, Y/N.” His words made it hard for you to leave him. Warm hands cupped your face, as he leans in to kiss your lips tenderly. The taste of alcohol and cigarettes lingered, bringing him closer to you. He breaks the kiss, leaning his forehead against yours.
A strand of hair is tucked away behind your ear, eyes closed, wanting to savor this moment. “I’ll find you. Wherever you are in this universe, I’ll be with you again. Just wait for me.” You said, intertwining his hands with yours.
A small drop of liquid lands on your cheek, as you opened your eyes to see the man crying. “If only I could.. I would go whenever you went. I wish I could stand by your side and be with you forever..” the sight of him being so vulnerable broke your heart.
You kissed his tears away, humming softly. “Our path here may end, but our love is endless.” Your arms wrapped around his neck, his around your waist.
“My world was already filled of you from the very beginning.”
Those words hit Gallagher, as he smiles through his own tears. “Even through the tears and sadness, you still manage to make even the last moments be an unforgettable memory.”
You let go of his hold, as you kissed his lips one last time. You both stood their quietly, just enjoying each other’s presence.
“I love you..” He looks at you with love and heart swelled with affection. In a shaky tone, you spoke gently, “I love you too. More than you know.”
A small gust of wind hits the both of you, causing you to close your eyes. Once you opened them, the tall brunette was gone. A bittersweet feeling is left inside you, more tears falling down your cheeks.
You could hear a faint voice and you chuckled to yourself.
"The future lies ahead, to the imperfect tomorrow."