all things must pass » the beatles, queen and the backstreet boys

20- Brian Littrell

The sound of our feet kicking the gravel in unison was quite comforting in the dead silence of the night. Perhaps it wouldn't have been so silent if we'd been to a fair or something in town, but going to the fields on the outskirts to watch the sun setting was far more compelling.

I stole a quick glance at the man beside me whom I'd grown so fond of so quickly. In a fleeting moment, I pictured him in an immaculate suit and tie at an altar, and decided that that was a sight I favored over anything.

It wasn't just that he was incredibly and quite ridiculously handsome. I mean, yeah, just sneaking a peek of him as we walked side by side caused my insides to flutter; with his statuesque jaw and cheekbones, sharp nose, crystalline cerulean eyes twinkling in the moonlight, and that soft, kindly smile always gracing his features. But it wasn't that had so drawn me to him.

It was more the fact that his heart was always in the right place. He always knew what to say and when to say it. Perhaps we hadn't known each other for long, but it was apparent that his compassion and empathy towards others were like no other. He always was so giving, so selfless that he sometimes gave a saint-like aura (though I soon discovered that he sometimes had his own mischievous moments---but that's what made him interesting). And he cared for me so gently it was endearing.

"Brian?" I called out, breaking his train of thought and causing him to look up with a small smile, "We're here."

"Sorry, drifted away for a couple of moments," he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, bringing his hand up to fluff some of his unruly blonde locks as I walked us up the path of my house.

After crossing the iron gate, I leant against it as his face turned a delicate shade of red.

"I really enjoyed myself tonight," I admitted, my hands shyly tucked behind me, "More than I have in a long while. So thank you."

He shrugged bashfully, "It's just a simple outing in the fields. Wasn't much."

"But it meant a lot to me, taking a break from work and everything," I inched a little closer to him, as seeing his lovely grin up close was even nicer.

"I was saving this up since the beginning of the day, so it might be a little squished now," he apologized as he zipped open the inside of his jacket, only to produce a single red rose, intact as he twirled it between his fingers before handing it over to me with earnest eyes.

"It's perfect, Bri," I softly said as I inhaled the sweet smell and clasped it on front of me.

"Just like you then," his voice came out quiet, and my heart began to furiously hammer in my chest as he slowly entwined our hands, his being so warm and welcoming to mine.

Taking the initiative myself, I leaned in to give him a small peck on his lips, enjoying the smile he gave me afterwards with blushing cheeks.

"I have to get inside, put this in a vase, and get done with dinner. I'm calling it an early night," I excused myself, though I didn't quite want this dream-like date to end.

"Alright," he nodded, holding me still for a moment to leave another much-needed kiss on my lips, "I'll call you."

At that, I eagerly squeezed his hand, "And I'll be waiting for it," reluctantly letting go, I sent him one last smile I knew would portray all I felt for him, "Goodnight."

"Night," he said, and to leave him with a permanent grin stuck on his face was just what I'd wanted from the beginning of the perfect day.

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