Dean's phone buzzed on the table, pulling him out of his thoughts. He glanced at the screen—Sara. A smile spread across his face as he answered.
"Hey, you!" he greeted, his voice light and filled with excitement.
"Hey," Sara replied, her voice warmer than he had ever heard it before. "I was thinking... how about we actually have that date today? No traffic, no problems, just us. What do you think?"
Dean's heart skipped a beat. "I thought you'd never ask."
It was a beautiful evening, the sun hanging low in the sky, casting a soft, golden hue over the city. Dean met Sara at the same café where their last date had started—this time, everything seemed right. They sat across from each other, sharing the kind of quiet comfort that felt like they had been doing it forever. The awkwardness that had existed on their first date was gone, replaced with something deeper.
They talked about everything—small things that felt significant in the way they shared them. Sara told him about her day at work, how she was slowly getting better at managing her responsibilities, and Dean shared some of his latest projects at the design firm.
But soon, their conversation turned to something more personal. Sara looked at Dean, her eyes softening as she asked, "So, tell me something. What's the one thing you've never told anyone?"
Dean took a deep breath, his thoughts drifting back to his sketchbook. It felt right to share it with her now.
"I... I've been drawing you for a long time," he admitted quietly. "Ever since college, actually. You probably don't know, but I used to sit in the park and sketch you when you weren't looking."
Sara's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?" she asked, leaning forward.
Dean nodded, his fingers tapping nervously on the edge of his cup. "Yeah, it was kind of my way of coping with everything that happened. You were always so... bright, you know? And I didn't even realize it then, but I was drawn to you. More than I thought."
Sara smiled, a soft blush creeping onto her cheeks. "That's beautiful, Dean."
Dean felt his heart flutter. "I want to show you something."
He pulled out the worn sketchbook from his bag and placed it gently on the table between them. The pages were filled with sketches of Sara, some from memory, some from photos he'd taken when she wasn't looking.
Sara ran her fingers over the pages, each drawing more breathtaking than the last. Her laughter rang out softly as she looked at one sketch of her, drawn in the park, smiling at something one of her friends had said.
"You really captured me in a way no one ever has," she said, her voice low with admiration.
Dean smiled softly, a deep sense of warmth filling him. "I've always seen you, Sara. In ways you probably don't realize."
They stood up, leaving the café and stepping onto the quiet street, the evening air cool against their skin. They walked side by side, their footsteps in sync, the world around them fading into the background.
Dean looked at her, a sudden wave of emotion overwhelming him. He stopped walking, turning to face her fully. "You know, I never believed in love at first sight," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sara met his gaze, her heart beating a little faster. "And now?"
Dean smiled, his eyes filled with tenderness. "Now, I believe in you."
She held his gaze, feeling something stir within her. The moment felt suspended in time. It was as if they had both waited for this moment for years, and now, it had finally arrived.
"I've never felt so sure about something in my life," Dean continued. "You're like the missing piece I didn't know I was searching for."
Sara reached out, touching his arm gently. "I feel the same way," she whispered.
Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the world seemed to vanish. They were standing in the middle of a city, but it felt like the two of them were the only ones who mattered.
Without another word, they leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that was slow, tender, and full of emotion. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring them together, and in that kiss, they both felt it—the weight of their pasts, the hope for their future, and everything in between.
Time seemed to stand still. The world around them faded into nothingness. The kiss deepened, and neither of them wanted to pull away. It was one of those rare moments that felt like it could last forever.
When they finally broke apart, breathless and smiling, Dean looked at her with a look of utter sincerity. "I love you, Sara," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
Sara's eyes softened, her heart swelling with affection. "I love you too, Dean."
It was in that moment that they both realized—this was it. They would be together forever.
Dean pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her as he whispered, "No matter what happens, I will always love you. Forever. You're my home."
Sara felt tears prick at the corner of her eyes, but she didn't let them fall. Instead, she smiled, resting her head against his chest. "And you're mine."
They continued their evening, heading to a quaint restaurant where they ordered their favorite meals. Dean had the steak, and Sara had her beloved pasta, both of them savoring every bite as they shared stories and laughter.
Later, as they left the restaurant, they bumped into Dean's friend and his girlfriend, who were also enjoying a night out. After catching up, Dean and Sara agreed to go to the park with them, wanting to make the night even more memorable.
The park was calm, the air still warm from the day's heat. The sound of crickets filled the background as the group found a bench, talking and laughing. Dean and Sara shared a look, their connection deepening with each passing moment.
Afterward, they decided to go to the beach, where the moonlight danced across the water, casting an ethereal glow.
They stood at the water's edge, the cool waves lapping at their feet. Dean turned to Sara, his heart swelling.
"You're perfect," he whispered, his hand brushing against hers.
Sara smiled, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "So are you."
They leaned in again, kissing beneath the stars, the sound of the waves crashing around them. Dean's lips were soft against hers, and the kiss was slow, deliberate, like they had all the time in the world.
"I want this moment to last forever," Sara whispered between kisses.
"It already has," Dean replied, his voice thick with emotion.
As the night came to a close, Dean walked Sara back to her apartment. They stood on the sidewalk, reluctant to say goodbye.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" Dean asked, his voice hopeful.
"Of course," Sara said, smiling. "I'll be waiting."
They kissed one final time, and Dean watched as she walked up to her door, his heart full.
But just as Sara entered her apartment, her phone rang. She picked up quickly, her face going pale as she heard her mother's voice on the other end.
"Sara... your father... he's in critical condition. You need to come to the hospital, now!"
Sara's heart raced as she grabbed her bag, rushing out the door. She ran to the bus stop, her mind racing with worry.
As she crossed the street to catch the bus, a car sped toward her. She barely had time to react before the vehicle collided with her, knocking her to the ground.
The driver rushed out of the car, his face pale with shock as people gathered around. The sound of sirens filled the air as an ambulance arrived.
Sara was unconscious, bleeding heavily.
Meanwhile, Dean sat in his apartment, his thoughts consumed by the idea of asking Sara to marry him. He had decided he would do it tomorrow, but as he reached for his phone, he hesitated.
He dialed her number, but it went unanswered. He tried again. Still no response.
"Maybe she's just busy...," Dean murmured, trying to stay calm.
But when he arrived at the train station the next morning, he still didn't see her. His heart began to race as he looked around frantically.
And then, his phone rang.
He picked it up quickly, his voice filled with relief. "Sara? Where are you?"
But when he heard her mother's voice on the other end, his blood ran cold.
"Dean... it's Sara... she's... she's been in an accident."
Dean's world stopped. He could feel his heart shattering into a thousand pieces as he stood frozen at the station.
"The world spins, the stars fade, and in this moment, I'm lost, waiting for the one I love to come back to me."
His mind raced as he ran out of the
station, the words echoing in his head. His love for her, his future—everything was hanging in the balance.