Finn Bálor One Shots

This Christmas

Description: Holidays just aren't the same for Finn anymore.
A/n: THE ANGST I'M SORRY

The soft sound of Christmas music drifted through the sparsely decorated apartment of Finn Balor. The Christmas tree sat in the corner of his lounge twinkling faintly, a shadow of the vibrant and lively celebrations he used to know. All of that changed three years ago after his beloved fiancée was in a car accident on Christmas Eve. The weight of her absence pressed heavily on his chest even more so this time of year. The day wasn't just a holiday any more it was a cruel reminder of all he'd loved and lost.

Finn sat on his sofa staring blankly at the glass of Guinness in his hand, the dark liquid reflecting the tree lights in front of him. He hadn't even wanted to decorate the house this year, and he sure as hell couldn't do it last year. But part of him wanted to keep y/n's memory alive even if it was just the tree and a couple of little festive bows on the wall. His friends tried to cheer him up earlier in the day knowing how hard this time of year was for him. Damian invited him to a party across town, hoping that Finn being surrounded by people that loved him would help ease even a small fraction of the hurt he was feeling.

As the hours dragged on the oppressive silence after the music had finally stopped became unbearable. Memories of his y/n flashed through his mind, the sound of her laugh and the way her eyes would light up when they decorated the house or Christmas was even mentioned. The tv dinner he'd heated up sat on the kitchen table unappetizing and cold. Finally, he grabbed his coat and decided to head to the party. Anything to escape the loneliness of the apartment.

The party was in full swing when he arrived the room alive with laughter and music the sound of his friends and coworkers filling the space. Finn drifted through like a ghost; he was greeted warmly though he knew many were surprised he'd even showed up. He tried to smile and give a nod, polite answers when one asked him a question. But his heart just wasn't in it, the festive atmosphere made him feel detached. It was a stark contrast to the storm of emotions swirling up inside of him.

After a while he knew he needed to get out it felt suffocating the walls of the room seemed to be closing in, so he excused himself quietly slipping outside into the cold night.

Snow fell from the dark sky coating the ground in a white blanket the quiet streets were empty; apart from the occasional car or sound of Christmas carols spilling from the party he just left. Stuffing his hands into his coat pockets he walked down the sidewalk, his breath fogging the fridged air in front of him. Walking to a lamppost he leaned against it watching as the snow fell. More memories of Y/n consumed him all at once.

"You would have loved this party Y/n, I know you'd be in there right now laughing and singing along to the music. Doing all you could to avoid me catching you under the mistletoe."

He whispered to empty air his voice barely audible; it was then that he felt a faint warmth tugging at the edges of his awareness. Turning his breath caught in his throat, under the streetlight bathed in the soft glow of the lamp stood his Y/n. Her features were illuminated like something out of a dream, her hair and coat were dusted with snowflakes and yet she didn't seem cold. Her smile was the same gentle spirit it always had, her eyes filled with the love and joy he hadn't seen in three years.

Finn could feel his heart pounding in disbelief as he stared at her blinking, maybe the cold was causing him to hallucinate and yet she was still there.

"Y/n? Baby?"

He whispered his voice trembling as her smile grew and she held out a hand for him to take. Without thinking he rushed towards her, his arm wrapping around her in a desperate hug his face burying into her shoulder. She felt real and solid, warm and the same familiar scent of her perfume that still clung to her pillowcase. Tears fell down his face as he held her tighter, afraid that letting go would cause her to slip through his fingers.

"You're here, you're actually here. How is this even possible?"

He choked out his voice broking as his eyes squeezed shut tightly, Y/n pulled back just enough to look up at him her eyes glistening. She cupped his cheeks studying his face as she spoke softly, her voice a melody he thought he'd never get to hear in person again.

"Merry Christmas my love."

The world around them seemed to fade away as they stood there together wrapped in each other's arms. For the first time in three years, he felt whole again, they didn't speak of the past or question the impossibility of this moment. They spent the night walking through the snow-covered streets talking and laughing just like they used too. For one night Finn wasn't grieving and he didn't feel utterly alone. He had her back even if it was only for a fleeting moment he had her with him again.

When the first light of dawn started to break through the cloud, Y/n led him back to the lamppost where he first seen her. She turned to him her smile tinted with sadness but still shining brightly.

"I have to go now love it's time."

She whispered her fingers still holding his as she looked into those blue eyes who always held so much love for her. Finn shook his head quickly his heart breaking at the idea of losing her again. His voice cracking as he pleaded with her.

"No, please...stay I don't want to lose you again. I love you."

Y/n stood on her tiptoes pressing a soft kiss to his lips her touch lingering as if trying to memorize every detail of him.

"I'll always be with you Finn, you just have to look for me. I need you to keep going to keep our love alive. I know it's been hard for you my love I've seen you struggle but you must keep living. I love you."

And just like that she was gone, fading into the morning light like a snowflake melting on his skin. Finn stood there the ache in his chest returning but this time it was accompanied by a strange feeling of peace. Walking to his car he could hear the faint echo if Y/n's laughter following him. It wasn't the Christmas he had expected but it was one he'd cherish and remember for the rest of his days.