Valentine's Day

Niall/Rachel

“Hey baby” he says softly, taking a seat in front of her. “I brought your favorite.” He pauses for a second, a small smile coming to his face before he reaches into the picnic basket, pulling out the tablecloth, before beginning to place the food on it.

“Just like our first date right?” he asks, looking at the spread of peanut butter sandwiches, grapes, potato salad and crisps. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, pulling the jacket tight around him trying to block out the cold February air. “The lads are doing well.” He continues. “Zayn’s got his eye on a new girl, Liam and Louis are still with Danielle and Eleanor, and Harry’s still Harry” he says with a small chuckle. “They send their love.” He takes a moment to take a bite of his sandwich, chewing slowly as he looks anywhere but forward. As long as he didn’t look straight, he could pretend it wasn’t real.

“You know, from the moment I met you, I knew. The others said I was being ridiculous, but they just didn’t understand. No one understands. Not anymore” he says with a shake of his head. Tears form in his eyes and he hastily tries to blink them back.

“Why’d you have to leave me?” he asks. “Why couldn’t you stay with me? Why’d you have to take her from me?” he asks, turning accusingly to look at the sky. He’s met by silence, just like he knew he would be. The only sound was the creek where the water hadn’t quite frozen. He finishes the rest of the meal in silence.

“Oh” he says suddenly, as if remembering for the first time. “I brought these for you.” He grabs inside the picnic basket, bringing out 12 red roses. He places them in front of her, their red a stark contrast against the white snow.

“I miss you so much” he chokes out. He hastily wipes the tears that trickled down his cheeks. He packs up the plates but doesn’t leave, instead just sitting there with her.

“Niall? Is that you?” a voice asks and his head whips around to the edge of the clearing to see a lady standing there.

“I’m sorry, I was just… I can leave”

“No” she says, walking over to him. “She would have wanted you here.” He gives a small nod and a moment of silence lapses between them. “I didn’t realize you boys were in town”

“We’re not,” he says with a shake of his head. “We’re in France right now. We have the day off”

“You flew here for one day?” she asks, her voice laced in surprise.

“My flight back is at 5” he says, glancing at his watch; just a couple more hours. Her eyes mist and her expression changes to a mix of surprise, pain, and understanding.

“I really should be going though.” He says. “And I’m sure you want some time with Rachel.” She gives a small nod and he grabs the empty picnic basket, intending on just discarding it in the nearest trash. As he stands, he takes a moment to look at the small marker in front of him and idly trace the name engraved into the marble.

“I love you sweetie,” he says, before beginning to walk out. He pauses a second at the edge of the field, looking back to where the lady was now kneeling in front of the small grave marker.

“Happy Valentines Day Mrs. Collins” he says as he walks out of the clearing.

“Happy Valentines Day Niall”

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To celebrate hitting 1000 followers, I've written a one shot for each of my past stories. They are all Valentines Day themed, and I'll post one a day until then. Hope you all like it :)