It was cold, my eyes were covered, and Nepeta was dragging me somewhere.
"Slow down, Nepeta! God, you act like it's going to disappear, whatever you're taking me to." He grumbled. She stopped and booped my nose.
"Dammit Nepeta I am a grown man. A grown man does not get booped on the nose!"
"I would hardly call 25 a 'grown man'" She said, giggling. I rolled my eyes, and we soon stopped somewhere. I opened my eyes, and we were at the gates to a cemetery. I stopped, and stared at her, then saw she had a bouquet of Poppies.
"...What's all this?" I asked, staring down at her.
"You're going to meet someone." She said, pushing open the gates. She lead me down a path she obviously knew by heart, then stopped in front of one, surrounded by flowers popping out around it. There were little areas where the dirt looked fresher, as if it had been dug up in the past few months.
"Meet my dad...I used to come here all the time, and talk to him. It was my best form of therapy. This is my safe place." She told me quietly. I nodded, and knelt next to the grave, putting my hand on it.
"Hello, Mr. Leijon.. as you know, I'm your daughter's boyfriend.." He said, giving her a smile. She beamed at me, and I knew this meant a lot to her. She seemed scared I would think she was crazy, but.. I did a similar thing, except I would talk to my mother's picture. I knew exactly where she was coming from. Suddenly, an idea popped in my head. But it would have to wait a few minuets.
"Well, sir, I hear you're a good listener, so I guess I'm here to talk." I said, sitting down. Nepeta sat with me, and she started digging up some of the dirt. She pulled out letters and photos and all kinds of stuff.
"I feel like if I buried these things, he would see them, and feel closer to me.. I think it worked." She said, smiling sadly. She laid the poppies in front of her dad's grave, and sighed a bit shakily. "I miss him pretty bad.." She said, smiling sadly at me. I nodded and put a hand on her back.
"I understand. I used to talk to a picture of my mom when I was upset, or when Kristy would bother me. But now, she's gone and in jail for the rest of her life, so I'm fine with that." I said, spitting out his step mother's name. She grabbed my arm and ran her finger along the faded white lines. She did that sometimes, though I didn't mind much. That time was over, I'd overcome it.
" Hey... while I'm here, can I ask your dad a question?" He asked. She smiled and nodded. I cleared my throat, and took a deep breath.
"Mr. Leijon, I am willing to bet you were an old fashioned man. So, I've been dating Nepeta here for several years, and now, I'm ready to ask you this.." I said, glancing at her. "Do I have permission to marry your daughter?" I asked. I heard Nepeta gasp, and I was suddenly on the ground, lips pressed to mine. I laughed, and sat up a little and smiled at her, taking her face in my hands. A small, warm breeze blew over them, and it was a comforting breeze.
"I'll take that as a yes. From both of you." I said, kissing her once more. God, it was good to be alive. Now, for sure I knew. Everything was okay.