BROPPY ONE-SHOTS

Another Day Without You

Human AU

Prompt; Branch takes the day off of work to acknowledge the dreaded day that marks a whole year since his wife passed away.

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  Branch trailed down the solemn streets, thick fog engulfing the area like a heavy blanket. His hands trembled against the chilly air, whistling its eerie melody as he continued down further. His eyes never peeled themselves off the ground, the desperate hope for the ground to open up, and swallow him whole, becoming greater with each step.

  He sighed, finally lifting his gaze towards the sky. It was gray, alike to the emptiness in his soul. The clouds swayed slowly towards the opposite direction, having no clear purpose but to remind him of the impending rain.

  Honestly, Branch didn't care much to bring an umbrella. His state of mental health didn't matter.

  Nothing did.

  Not after his love passed away.

  Branch arrived at the cemetery, slowly walking towards the tombstone he frequently visited. His eyelids began to feel heavy, tears clouding his vision blurry as it came into view. One final step, he was standing in front of her grave.

  Gently, Branch kneeled down and allowed his tensed up body finally relax. He felt a rush of emotions, any of every kind. However, happiness steadied in his heart as he felt the presence of his wife beside him.

  "Hey, my love." Branch softly started, taking the beautifully organized bouquet in his hand into the other and placing in front of her tombstone. "Today, marks one year since you passed." He whispered, his voice beginning to crack.

  He wrapped his fingers over his wrist, drawing slow circles like she would; whenever he felt anxious, she'd immediately take him into her arms and stroke his skin in a way that would comfort him.

  "I dreaded for this day to come. It makes me realize how much time we have spent apart. I hate being so far away from you." He looked up towards the sky once again, seeing a gap in between the clouds where the sun shone its brightest. Branch liked to believe that was a sign she was there.

  Providing him the warmth he was seeking.

  He laughed as tears began to pour down his tan cheeks, "I miss you so much, Poppifer. You have no idea how much I miss your sweet good mornings, waking up to you, and your horrible morning breath," Branch joked, hoping that would lighten up the mood.

  However, he began to break down as the memories flooded in like a storm.

  "Morning handsome." She cooed into his ear, inching closer to nibble down in attempt to wake him. Her eyes lit up as she saw motion, his body stirring to face her completely.

  Branch grumbled in response, cracking an eye open to look at her beautiful profile. He would never get enough of this view. "Mm, you're such an early bird." He smiled, throwing an arm over her waist.

  Poppy giggled and pecked his cheek with a gentle kiss, "And I'm glad because I get to see your cute sleeping face." She snuggled closer to him and sighed in satisfaction, loving the body warmth he provided. The difference in their size helped more.

  Branch's face scrunched up as his nose finally registered in the smell. "Oh.. Poppy." He coughed dramatically, causing her to look up at him.

  "Oh no, is it morning breath again?"

  "It's ten times worse this morning."

  Poppy slapped his arm playfully and backed away from him, with a forced yet cute glare. "Branch!" She tried to scold him yet in the end, they found themselves laughing and cuddling before they had to go about their day.

  Branch wiped his tears dry, "I bet your breath would be just as bad today. You would have kicked me off the bed for mentioning it." His frown curled into a smile, his eyes closing to picture a scenario in his head.

  He could see her tan round face, offering him the sweetest expression ever. She would bring her small hands to his face, cupping his cheeks to bring him closer to her, her pink lips preparing to leave a chaste kiss on his temple.

  She would shower him with the same affection she would a year ago, reassure him that he'd always be the one for her, the only man she would ever love so purely and completely. They were meant to be.

  Branch felt the ghost of a hand leave his cheek, his eyes shooting wide open as the heat on his face only increased. His hand touched the warm liquid running down his cheeks, his breath becoming unsteady.

  "Oh, my dear Poppy." He choked out, "You and I will meet again very soon."

  Very soon.

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A/N: who would've thought I would make myself cry haha. anyway, please take this rushed 2 am one-shot !!