TW: Mention of death

'Dear Asra,

Hello, my love, how are you? I hope you are doing well. Today, I am okay. Although, I really miss you, and I am so excited to see you again. How is the adventure going? I wish I could have accompanied you, but I am sure that there will be another time. I have been visiting with Nadia quite a bit, she keeps good company, that is true.

I was thinking of some of my favourite memories of us the other day. I even made a list of my top three.

One, your proposal. An obvious first choice, as the entire night itself was so unbelievably romantic.

Two, meeting you for the first time. There is no other way to explain it than to say that it was, quite literally, love at first sight.

Three, well, of course, it was the day you asked me to be your partner. Do not bother to ask me why I thought that you meant business partner at first, but I truly did.

What are your favourite memories of us? You will have to tell me again when I see you next. However, I wonder if we will have the same top three. Now, that would be sweet, would it not?

Faust is here with me, she is such an angel, and I really am grateful that she is here to keep me company, instead of being with you. I am sure that you miss her, as well. The days would be more than lonely without her, though. She stays with me when I am alone at the shop, and it is so nice. It is as though she is my own shadow. We bake together, we collect ingredients together, we shop together. Really, we do just about anything that we would usually do, together.

I will not make this letter too long, since you will be getting another one from me very soon anyways. I will end it here. Have a good time, my dear, and I will see you when I can.

Forever yours, Y/N.'

And, with a gentle hand, I hold the paper up in front of my eyes, and closely examine the letter, rereading it. I lay it out on the table again, and fix it up. Dotting my I's. Darkening the light ink spots. And, lastly, adding a small heart at the end. I then slide the folded paper into an envelope, sealing it with some gold wax and my signature stamp, and elegantly write Asra's name on the front before placing it in my basket gently. Standing up, I head over to the coat rack and grab my cloak, pulling it over my shoulders, and advance towards the door. Faust slithers up my leg and into the basket, resting beside the letter. I lock up the shop behind me and follow a familiar path into the woods. The peaceful stroll is silent, and the only thing heard is my soft footsteps traveling through the woods, even the animals of the forest are quiet, almost as if they know where I am headed.

Soon, I finally reach the grave. Crouching down, I cross my legs to sit by the stone, and Faust is quick to move smoothly above it, claiming it as one of her spots. I place the letter on the grave, along with some fresh picked belladonnas.

"Here you go, darling. I hope you enjoy reading this," my voice is low as I speak to the grave, nearly whispering.

"It is so unfortunate that we never got the chance to marry. However, I have recently seen a few amazing spots to hold a reception. And, trust me, I already know that Nadia would insist on the castle, but the woods are so calming," I ramble on, openly talking my heart out to him. Because, deep inside, I know that he is listening.

Tears start to break free from my eyes, rolling down my cheeks in trails, as I think about everything that Asra and I could have done. The things that we will never get to do. He was too young, and there is no convincing me that this is fair, but sadly, this is life. My hands stretch out on their own accord, grasping at the edges of the stone as if he was going to appear and wrap his arms around me. There is nothing to do other than weep, and I fall forward as I let all my built up emotions out. Until, suddenly, I feel a large hand on my shoulder. Through bloodshot eyes, I look up to see Muriel.

"Oh! I am so sorry, Muriel," the words slip past my lips, and I wipe desperately at my eyes.

"Sorry for what?" Muriel asks.

"For the fact that you have to see me like this," I all but screech as I start to cry harder, heaving as my chest begins to ache.

"I understand," Muriel reassures me, squeezing my shoulder as he bends down to sit next to me. And, we take in the depressing feelings that litter the air together. Faust slithers down, sensing my pain, and curls up in my lap. I tremble as I stroke the sleek lavender scales of her skin.

"It has only been six months, but, in my heart it feels as if I lost him forever ago," I admit slowly, covering my mouth with my free hand as I try to bite back another sob that threatens to escape.

"Yeah," Muriel agrees. There is no need for a speech, and he is not much of a talker anyway. Oh, but, my Asra was.

"I was so excited to get married," I say honestly, imagining the celebration that we would have had, and I think about how I will never feel that way about a person ever again.

"They were, too." Muriels smiles down at me, the green in his eyes shining as they watch me with care. A flutter forms in my chest at his truthful words.

Before I can respond, Muriel reaches into his pocket and pulls out a letter. "I think it is time to give you this," his tone is deep as he hands the envelope to me, the contents of the letter a mystery.

My hands shake with grief as they take a hold of the crinkled paper, and the first thing I notice is my name on the front, written in Asra's signature writing style. The letters looped and connected, flowing flawlessly in cursive. Fear nips at my fingertips. The last letter. The last words I will ever receive from him. The last of many things. Being as careful as possible, frightened at the possibility of completely destroying the envelope, I gently slip out the paper. My lips copy the letters, mouthing the words as I read in silence, sniffling every once and a while.

'My dearest Y/N,

If you are reading this, then I am no longer physically there with you. There is no need to worry, though, because I will stay by your side until we meet again. And, when we can embrace. You are more than likely wondering why I am writing this, especially right before asking you to marry me. Well, it is simple really, it is in case things go wrong in the future. At the moment, I am nervous. Terrified, actually. Just know that I am praying that you will say yes, and if you do, then I am going to be the happiest person in the entire world. You are my absolute everything, and I am over the moon excited to build a life with you.'

A single tears drips down, covering the period. But, I continue through the aching pain that fills up my heart. The stain is one I will cherish.

'If that gets to happen. I am also praying that you will never need to read this letter, but if you do, please know that you do not need to be sad, because I will always be with you. You will never be alone.

Forever yours, Asra.'

I peer up at Muriel, watching him pull his own dark cloak around himself. He gives me a tiny fraction of a grin, and with more tears spilling, I think of a million ways to say 'thank you', but there will never be anything good enough. "Thank you, Muriel. I needed this so much. So, so much."

"I could tell." Muriel's shortage of speech is almost enough to make me laugh. A gentle giant, I tell myself.

I hug the letter to my chest, closing my eyes for a slight moment, and for a second, it feels like pure bliss.

"Want to come to my hut for supper? It looks like you could use some food," Muriel offers, reading me perfectly.

"I would love to," I gaze up at him, grinning from ear to ear. Bittersweet is the only way to explain such an emotion.

I set Faust into the basket, and get up. She gazes up at me with her eyes of beautiful ruby, captivating as ever. I take one last glance at Asra's grave before I begin to follow behind Muriel as he has already started to lead us to his hut, his home.

I swear, as we walk away, I can feel Asra's energy go with us, sticking to me the way he said he would. And, I feel calm, protected, and finally, at peace.

I love you.

Who else is crying?? Cause I am while adding in rottencranberry edits. Sorry this was on the shorter side to what I write I just wanted a short sad oneshot. I hope everyone is staying safe and well in these times :)