campbell's guide to the universe

xix. til death remastered

"do you want to go to bed soon?" you ask, tugging your jacket tighter to your frame.

it is starting to get colder, wind making itself more prominent.

"yeah. i'm sorry i've kept you up so long." i slip my hand into yours without having to look over, gaze trained on the buildings across the street from our balcony.

"it's okay. i don't mind. the view is really pretty, twinkling lights and all."

i nod, silently wishing i was bold enough to say that you are pretty too. i have never felt so peaceful in all my life, and i want to paint this moment in my mind for always.

"hey, campbell?" you ask.

we've never been the kind for silence, have we?

"i love you." i reply.

"what?" you almost seem shellshocked. and i don't blame you. i mean, i'm the one who often strays from saying that. but tonight, it felt right. actually, i think my heart would have given out then and there if i hadn't said it.

"i love you. will you marry me?"

it's midnight and you're blinking sleep out of your eyes and you are so beautiful and i want to marry you.

"are you serious?" you find my face and stare at me in what can only be described as awe.

"i'm serious. i want to marry you."

"campbell, it's late. and it's cold out here. are you sure you don't want to take more time to think about it? i mean, i don't even think you have a ring."

"i've never been more sure, atticus. and i don't need a ring— i have love for you, and i think that's more important right now. do you need some time to think over your answer, though? i wouldn't mind if you did..."

"no. i want to marry you too."

the wind doesn't seem to matter anymore. the time doesn't seem to matter anymore. my haphazard proposal doesn't matter. nothing matters except me and you, one bright spot amidst the universe as the stars spin over our shoulders.