You ran up the steps and arrived at the door of the cottage at sunset, finding Steven returning Skarmory to its ball. As soon as you made eye contact, you dove into his arms.
Hugging each other tightly, you buried your face in his chest. You felt so stressed and yet, so relieved at the same time; a huge weight that you’d been carrying suddenly fell off your shoulders after the talk with Brendan, and now seeing Steven here the day before he left…
“[Name]…”
You stifled your shallow sobs, tears running down your cheeks. “Steven… I’m so sorry. I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You aren’t a burden,” he mumbled into your hair. “Please don’t fret.”
He held you back by the shoulders, placing a small kiss on your forehead and wiping the tears away with his thumb. “I formally invite you to stargaze with me tonight for the Litleonid meteor shower, [Name]. Would you like to join me?”
“Please.”
***
The bed was warm, a light quilt over the both of you. Thankfully, Mossdeep summer was just the right temperature, leaving the room at a cool seventy degrees Fahrenheit. You fit snugly, curled up against his body with his arm draped over your waist, breathing in sync. Both of you had spent a while talking about whatever came to mind (“The way the comets left those trails in the sky was so striking,” “Agreed,”) and then staring into each other’s eyes, quietly laughing together whenever it got too solemn. You would save his departure for later.
He sat up and turned on the light.
“I was going to do this during the star show, but it seemed too formulaic at the time,” Steven admitted, reaching over the side of the bed. “I was never sure of what time would be the most appropriate, but I let it drag on for too long.”
“What do you mean?” Sleepy, you sat up as well. He’d clearly piqued your interest.
“Metagrossite is my second favorite stone, but can you guess what my first favorite is?”
“No clue. I fold.”
He pulled out a small box with an engagement ring. “Mrs. [Name] Stone.”