one shots.

Another Set of Wings.

It was almost midnight, on a nice warm summer night. He was sat in the living area beer in hand, too weak to even make it to their bedroom. The almost sixty year old man knew he was damn near intoxicated, but it was almost their anniversary. When the clock struck twelve o'clock, he'd probably be a mess than drift off into a dreamless slumber. The one thing he kept his focus on, were the photos that hung near the fireplace. He smiled faintly before standing and slowly walking over to them. Picking one up, he admired it. The two of them had to have been in their early twenties. He remembered this day, all too well.

-

"Justin! Put me down! I don't wanna get wet!", she squealed as the nineteen year old had her over his shoulders.

"But baby", he pouted looking up at her green eyes.

She smiled, "please?", she giggled before he finally gave in, setting her down.

"You're lucky you're cute, Jauregui", Justin joked.

The 17 year old crossed her arms, "you know deep down you're secretly in love with me", she winked at him while laughing.

Justin bit his lip, running a hand through his hair. This was their first vacation together, along with Alfredo and a few others, but the two teens had been dating for a few months now. Tonight he'd planned on telling her the big 'L' word.

"You okay?", she suddenly asked, all seriousness in her voice.

"You're right, Lauren..", he replied.
Her eyebrows knitted up in confusion, "what? What was I right about?"
"I'm in love with you."

-

Justin rubbed his face, already feeling the tears becoming real. He slowly and carefully picked up the framed photo, letting a small tear escape as he weakly smiled. God he missed that girl with everything in him.

-

"Justin! I'm home!", Lauren yelled out.
He was stood in their backyard, as he heard her voice his breathing hitched. It was valentines day, and he'd gone throughout his way to decorate the yard a bit. He felt his throat dry up as he noticed her silhouette follow the corny line of roses he'd left on the ground. As soon as she'd made it outside, her eyes widened a loud gasp left her mouth as she covered it with her hands. Instantly he dropped to one knee, pulling out the small velvet box he'd been keeping in his back pocket.
"Lauren Michelle Jauregui.. Marry me?", he asked before he was immediately tackled to the ground.

-

"It should've been me..", he whispered, setting the photo down and glancing at the bedroom, "why wasn't it me?.."
Justin sighed, staying quiet before hearing a familiar voice in his ear. The only voice that could ever bring him joy. He smiled at the soothing singing before slowly dancing around the living room. "My angel", he thought to himself as a few tears streamed, he closed his eyes, trying not to sob.

-

"What do you want me to do, Lauren?! I can't just quit my fucking job!", Justin yelled out, pounding his fist on the kitchen countertop.

Lauren stared at her husband, "it seems like you're there 24/7! You have a family, if you haven't forgotten! I barely get to see you! Drew is always asking about where you are! You never make it too any of his soccer games!", she screamed back, becoming frustrated.

He tightened his jaw before storming out. Five year old Drew was at a friends house for a sleepover, so he didn't have to witness his parents' arguing, they always did. Justin was almost thirty now, and all he ever did was work. His job made enough pay to where Lauren could be a stay at home mom, but he was hardly there always busy at the office. Justin just sat in his car, his head in his hands as he sat there and just thought. He always did this. After a good hour, he was finally cooled off. Walking back in, he noticed Lauren was nowhere to be seen. Furrowing his brows he walked up to their bedroom, seeing she'd fallen asleep. Justin bit his lip before laying with her, pulling her into his arms as she cuddled into him.

"I love you.."

"I love you."

"Justin?.."

"Yeah, Lo?"

".. I was at the doctors today.."

"And?.."

"I was diagnosed with breast cancer."

-

He took in a shaky breath, "I miss you so much Lauren", he whispered out, just as the clock hit twelve.

-

There's an angel looking out for me
Because I ain't well
Though I try to be
I'm dancing all alone
'Cause I can hear you sing,
I need my angel
Like heaven needs another set of wings