Winter Night

 Thousands of sparkling flakes twinkled in the air, covering the earth in a fluffy white blanket. A figure could be seen squatting behind a short wall made of the same substance. It was a young man, steadily making a pile of snowballs, his leather gloves protecting his hands from the cold. He adjusted his cap and scarf against the wind, then poked his head above his hiding place. A slushy ball hit his face before he could locate his target, knocking him backward in surprise.

“Not the face!” he exclaimed. He quickly used his scarf to dry off the now-melted snow.

A softer, lighter voice answered in concern. “I'm sorry, Michael!” The crunch of footsteps brought the voice closer. “Are you alright?”

Michael looked up at the source of the voice. A girl bent over the wall, her own scarf not quite keeping the cold from her face. Blonde hair fell from under her hat, framing her red cheeks in small waves. Her gray-blue eyes looked into his hazel ones in concern, her face turning redder the longer he held her gaze.

“Well?” she asked a little breathlessly.

“Yes, Kristin, I'm fine,” he assured her. He almost chuckled as she visibly relaxed.

“Can we go inside? I'm freezing.”

The young man smiled affectionately. “Can't have that.”

She reached down to help him up. To her surprise, she was pulled down on top of him, nearly tripping over the wall. His lips found hers, and they were soon lightheaded. She could feel the heat behind the kiss, a stark contrast to the cold air. After another passionate kiss, Kristin pulled back reluctantly.

“Sorry, dear,” she said with a smile. “I think it's a bit too cold to do that out here.”

Michael chuckled and embraced her. “I couldn't help myself. You looked too beautiful.” He could feel a blush heat her cheeks, making him chuckle again. She let him help her up, smiling despite the shyness she still felt when he complimented her. They made their way across the snow-covered yard to the steps of a log cabin.

Kristin sighed audibly at the sudden rush of warmth as they entered the doorway. She stripped off her winter clothing and kicked off her boots before heading towards the roaring fireplace. Michael followed suit, pausing to hang their coats. His girl had already stretched out on the floor with a pillow and blanket, wearing only a black silk nightgown. She smiled at him as he undressed down to his boxers and joined her on the floor. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her tight against him. Her heart quickened its pace to match his. She looked up and their eyes met once again. The fire dancing in his green eyes nearly made her heart stop.

Michael's lips pressed down on hers for the second time, hungrier than before. His hands slipped to her waist as hers slid over his shoulders. She pulled back when he rolled gently on top of her.

“Did I mention I love you?” Kristin asked softly. Her answer was another kiss.

“You know I love you too,” he whispered in her ear. “More than anything in the world.”

He pulled her face to his yet again. They spoke no more words the rest of that winter night, letting the love between them do the talking instead.

Proposal

 It was a perfect day for a date. The sun shone brightly, drying the soaked clothes of passing families while a soft breeze cooled those sweating from all the walking. Delighted screams filled the park, accompanied by vendors advertising their booths. Smells mingled as they drifted through the air, creating a mixed aroma of hot dogs, funnel cakes, pretzels, and cotton candy.

A young couple perched on a small concrete wall, hand-in-hand. The girl looked over at the one who held her, looking deep in thought as he stared as his shoes. Her heart fluttered when he looked up at her, loving the way the light shone in his hazel eyes. She smiled adoringly at him. His answering smile made her heart flutter all the more, as it always did. She gave his hand a soft squeeze. “Hi, there,” she said softly. “Hi,” was his reply, the voice she loved to hear sounding slightly shaky.

To her delight, he leaned in to press his lips softly to hers. Her pulse raced even from that gentle kiss. She pouted a little when he stood up and stepped away. She didn't want to let go of his hand, sweaty or not. He cleared his throat and asked for the attention of the people walking around them. The girl raised an eyebrow in question, surprised at his boldness. A few people stopped mid-stride, looking at them quizzically. A small group gathered before the man continued, gesturing towards her. “This is my girlfriend,” he said with an affectionate smile that made her heart thump.

“We have been together for the last two years, coinciding with the best years of my life.” The girl began to blush. “Everyday I wake up to that smile, press my lips to it, and I am reminded that I am the luckiest man on the planet.” He caught her gaze, and she was momentarily distracted, missing his next few words. "Granted she and I have been through some difficult times, as all relationships do, but even our constant perseverance doesn't seem like enough for her to really grasp how much I love her." He turned to address the crowd "So here we are today, enjoying the wonderful weather much like you and your families." Turning back to her, he continued, "And what better place?"

The girl was blushing fiercely as he walked back to her. Once again, her pulse sped as he leaned down to kiss her. She bit her lip when he pulled away, a little lightheaded, and bit down with more force when she saw him kneel down. It felt as though her heart would burst from her chest before he even started speaking. “You, my angel, are my entire world. You invade my thoughts as I lay in bed at night, during my dreams, and you're still there in the morning and over the course of the day. There is nothing I want more than to show you just how much you mean to me. And just how much I want to be with you forever. And that better way to show it than with this?” The man pulled a ring from his pocket, holding it up to her as tears pricked her eyes. She knew what he was going to ask. Four words she had been yearning to hear for so long. With more tenderness than she could bear, he asked, “Will you marry me?”

The tears rolled freely down her cheeks; cheeks that were starting to smart from smiling so much. She took a deep breath, stilling the tears for a moment and spoke softly. “I could not have picked a better man to be with. For two years, you have shown me in every way possible what true love is. You are kind, strong, loving, and everything else I could ever want in a man. Thoughts of you are always on my mind, no matter where I am or what I'm doing. I am the most at peace I have ever been when I am wrapped in your arms. You're unconditional love has helped me through so much.” At this, she gently placed her hand on the man's cheek, fresh tears flowing. “So yes,” the young woman choked out. “Yes, I will marry you.”

The man's glowing smile would have made her heart stop were it not already bursting with joy. He slipped the ring on the third finger of her left hand, his own shaking. Once it was in place, he stood up and pulled her to him. Then, in front of the applauding onlookers, they shared a kiss, knowing they would have many more to come as husband and wife.

Geist's Letter

This was just something I wrote for my boyfriend's DnD game. There's really too much to explain to understand it, and for that I apologize. I hope you enjoy it either way

 The moon shone full in the night sky, bathing the area in its soft light. A lone figure sat illuminated on a stone wall surrounding a cottage. Blonde hair rippled down the back of a young woman, her slender form trembling. Tears rolled down her face, dripping silently on the parchment she held in her shaking hands. Try as she might, she was unable to disbelieve the words she had read and re-read. It was not a trick: the handwriting was unmistakably his.

My dearest Sofia,

By the time my letter reaches you, I will no longer be of this world.

Not in the way you have known me. I go to my fate, both willingly and reluctantly. Never could I bear the thought of leaving my true love. Alas, there are powers at work

that I have not the strength or ability to defy. So I must accept the burden that has been

placed on me, freely giving my life in place of another. Perhaps in doing so, I may

succeed in cleansing my soul of some of the sins I committed at the hands of The Agency. Forgive me, Sofia, for though I wish there was another way, it is not for me to decide.

I pray I will once again look upon your lovely face in the future, but do not pine for me.

My heart would break if you were to live your life alone. Find another who will love you

as I have loved you, and will continue to love you until the end of my existence. Be strong,

dear heart, and live your life well, and know I will always be with you. This is my last

request.

All my love,

Geist Espirit

Sofia shook her head in grief. How could she ever love another? Geist had been her soul mate; her other half. His hazel eyes lost their haunted look when they were together, and his voice took on a tenderness she never heard him use with anyone else. Love settled in her heart the day he stumbled upon her home, wounded and half-starved.

“No,” she whispered to the quiet night. Sofia lifted her face to the moon, fresh tears shimmering in her gray-blue eyes. “I will keep living for you, dear Geist.” Closing her eyes to the light, she took a quivering breath. “But I cannot do what you ask. Never again will another hold my heart.”

“Forgive me,” Sofia sobbed, the last words to leave her lips before the pain overwhelmed her. With her face buried in her hands, she never noticed the figure standing on the edge of the forest, watching her every move. It took a hesitant step forward when Sofia began to cry, but apparently thought better of it. Red hair flashed in the moonlight as the figure turned and fled, disappearing without a sound.