The alarm blared at 7:00 AM. It was that J-pop song she used to love. Hearing it every morning had fixed that.
She rolled over and slapped it quiet. Lying still, she watched the ceiling fan complete a slow, clicking rotation before she finally sat up.
Her grey hoodie, its cuffs comfortably frayed, hung on the door right where she'd left it. She pulled it on. The sleeves were a little shorter than she remembered, but that always happened after a run through the dryer.
In the kitchen, the cereal box stood waiting on the counter, the cartoon sun on its front grinning its usual wide grin. She poured a bowl, added milk, and ate. The first spoonful tasted faintly of cardboard, the way it always did when the box was nearly empty.
After rinsing the bowl and leaving it in the sink, she checked her phone.
One new message from David.
Meet me at the corner café. Usual time.
A smile touched her lips before she even thought about it. She slipped on her shoes and stepped outside.
Her walk through the neighborhood followed the same familiar script. The two dogs trotted up to their fence to bark a cheerful greeting. The house a few lots down still wore its awful seafoam green paint. And the blue sedan at the curb was still there, its one flat tire looking permanent.
The little bell above the coffee shop door chimed as she stepped inside. He was already there, and he looked up as she entered. He smiled.
Hey, Claire, he said.
A soft smile touched Claire's lips. David.! You beat me here. I thought for sure I'd be the one waiting today!
She settled into the chair across from him. The morning light from the window caught in his hair, and she felt that now-familiar, gentle squeeze in her chest. I'm glad you suggested this.
David leaned back. How could I not after last night? May as well lean into the cozy, easy life now that we're official. Right?
Her cheeks flushed. Official. She loved the sound of that. Reaching across the small table, she let her fingers brush lightly over the back of his hand. We are, aren't we? No more wondering. Just this.
She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper. I did a little spin in my kitchen this morning. Just me and my cereal, feeling happy.
David snickered. Happy to hear it. Let's just take it easy today, alright? He sipped his coffee, eyes never leaving hers. Any requests?
Her heart felt full as she thought. A walk, maybe? The park is all wrapped up in autumn colors. We could get lost for a little while. And... She tilted her head, a playful glint in her eye. Let me buy you a pastry! To celebrate.
David shook his head with a grin. A pastry? How… Normal. Sure. He stood, offering a hand. Let's go.
She placed her hand in his without hesitation. She giggled. Normal is severely underrated, David. I happen to think it's the best.
The bell chimed above them once more.
David pulled her close as they walked. His grip was possessive, but loving. So what's this about pastries?
She leaned into his side. Her free hand came to rest on his chest. Well, I saw the most perfect cherry danish in the case. It had this glossy, red filling that just begged to be shared. She smiled up at him. I thought we could split it. You can have the first bite, of course. Her scarf fluttered. You're becoming quite the romantic, you know. I adore it.
They entered the bakery. David placed his arms around her from the back. He buried his chilled nose in her neck. Go ahead. My treat. He quietly inhaled, holding her close.
A shiver ran through her. She leaned back into his embrace, offering better access. You're freezing. She whispered the words, adoration in her voice. And terribly charming. She ordered for them both, pointing out the very pastry she'd described. She turned in his arms to face him. You know, I think I'll pay next time. I want to spoil you a little, too.
No need, love. David dismissed her as he led them to a window seat. Ahead of them, the busy city street continued, unaware of their story and their love. I need to say… Thanks for answering that text all those weeks ago. I really thought I'd lost you for good.
She slid into the seat next to him, cradling the sweet. I was waiting for it. I could never have ignored you. That week was… terribly long. But look at us now. You're stuck with me, I'm afraid.
David took a piece of his pastry and fed it to her. Stuck? Hardly. Stuck implies I don't want to be here. It's all I've ever wanted.
Claire's lips closed gently around his finger for a heartbeat longer than necessary. A slow, flirty smile curved her mouth as she met his gaze. Is that so? I suppose this is exactly where we're both meant to be. Her smile turned wicked, her gaze dropping to his mouth. She kept her voice low, for him alone. Why don't we take the rest of this back to my place? I have a much better treat in mind.
David's eyes widened. Jesus, Claire. He looked away. Maybe later. Let's just take it easy today. We still need to see that park, right?
A flicker of surprise washed over her. She withdrew her hand, but her smile remained. Of course, you're right. The park. The leaves. Our walk. That sounds perfect. She took a deliberate sip of her latte, the playful tension melting back into easy warmth. Lead the way. I'm just happy to be wherever you are.
They finished their treat, and began the walk to the park once more. David slipped his arm through hers. When they arrived at the park, the Christmas decor was everywhere. Ribbons, stars, and plastic snowflakes adorned the trees. Hey, did you want anything special for Christmas, love?
Claire tucked herself against his side, her gaze drifting over the twinkling lights and festive ribbons. The air smelled of pine and cold. Just this, she said softly. More days exactly like this one. Quiet. Ours. Though... I did rather love that ridiculous reindeer sweater you wore last year. It was horribly charming.
They walked to the center square of the park. A large, bright tree towered above. David continued to hold her close, breath visible as he protested. No, that thing was awful. And itchy. I couldn't wait to get it off.
Claire's voice dropped again. Her lips curved. Neither could I. I like helping you with things like that. She let the suggestion hang in the crisp winter air.
David didn't notice her bold move. Or, he just didn't react to it. He spun her around to face him, guiding her chin up. He kissed her. Soft. Warm. As he pulled away, snow began to fall. Huh. Well, look at that. All of this is… it's just as beautiful as you.
The kiss, the sudden flutter of snowflakes, his whispered words… It all stole the breath from her lungs. For a moment, she simply gazed at. Oh, David. She rose onto her toes, pressing her lips to his once more. It was deeper, sweeter, pouring all the affection and wonder of the moment into the act. Now it's perfect. Don't you think? Just us, right here in our own snow globe.
David looked around, beaming. Yeah. Finally. This is what I needed. Thanks, Claire.
A slow, devious smile spread across her lips as she watched the snow catch in his lashes. Her hands slid from his face to curl into the front of his coat, pulling him forcefully back to her.
Well, what I need is you, she murmured against his mouth before kissing him again, deep and proclaiming. So let's not waste another perfect moment here in the cold. Let's go back to my place, and I'll give you your real Christmas gift.
David stepped back, a brief grimace in his face. Claire. Seriously. Just let me have this moment. What's gotten into you?
Claire found herself feeling… Sad? Just for a brief moment. She reached back up to his cheek, her green eyes glistening. Shit. I'm sorry. I just… I'm not used to this. You're all I want, David. She grabbed his jacket once again, pulling