Songs | Shasta by Matt Kearney

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"One last time through the woods
In my old neighborhood.
It tastes so bittersweet I can't believe it.

"Hometown remind me where I come from
Before the days of the hit and run.
The moss and the pine trees,
I can taste the caffeine.
How the fires blaze when you look at me."

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A/N: I was feeling a little bit homesick today, and I rarely feel that way, so I've decided to write an imagine to make myself feel better. Please give a listen to the song. Not only is it beautiful, but it really reminds me of home (the mountains of Virginia). I hope you enjoy it and get a sense of home from it!

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Homesickness isn't an emotion you feel often. You're happy in California, living in an apartment with your boyfriend Sebastian and your cat Ava. You love your job as a writer and editor for a local publishing house, and you love the friends you've made. Life here is perfect.

You've learned over the past few days that homesickness has nothing to do with how happy or unhappy you are. Sometimes it just hits you hard, unexpectedly, and suddenly you're curled under the covers while wishing you were back in the place you were born and raised. You were lucky enough to have a place to call your hometown, and you've never missed it more.

Sebastian finds you curled under the fluffy duvet after he gets home from work. Immediately, he knows something's wrong when you don't greet him when he announces his entrance. He tip-toes to the bedroom door, then leans against it with a sigh as he sees you.

"Hey, there," he whispers softly, giving a small smile.

You look over at him from staring out the bedroom window at the distant mountains that remind you of home. "I'm homesick," you mumble, pulling the covers tighter around you.

Sebastian leaves the doorway and crawls onto the bed, lying in his side with his head perched up by his elbow. "I know how that is," he says, running a hand up and down your arm soothingly.

You sigh, trying not to cry even though there's nothing to be sad about. "Do you ever miss Romania?"

Sebastian nods, a sad smile on his face. "Sometimes. I was only eight when we left, but I do miss it."

You sniff, rubbing your nose with the back of your hand. "I hate being like this, Seb. I hate feeling sick to my stomach and depressed. I love my life here, with you. Being homesick seems selfish."

Sebastian moves closer, slipping his arms around you and pulling you into his embrace. You rest your head against his shoulder, letting him baby you for once. His fingers drum along your spine, and he buries his face into your sweet-smelling hair.

"It's not selfish, and it'll pass. I promise," he whispers to you.

You wrap your arms loosely around his torso. "I hope so."

"It will," he promises, kissing your forehead as you close your eyes. "Until then, just let yourself be homesick with me."

"Can we spend the rest of the night in bed like this?" you ask, turning up towards him. "Get take-out and rent a movie?"

Sebastian chuckles and leans down to kiss your lips. "I'd love that."