''Are you sure we need more sugar?'' Katerina asked, peeking into the tinny jar beside the stove.
Aleksei chuckled from the couch, stretching his legs lazily across the cushions. ''You always say that, and then you steal three Spoonfuls for your tea.''
''That's because you make it so bland.'' she smirked, her eyes soft but playful as she leaned against the kitchen counter, dressed in his oversized shirt.
Their small apartment smelled like vanilla and snow------that weird mix of morning tea and the cold Russian winter trying to sneak in through the windows.
''Come here,'' he said, holding out his hand.
She raised a brow ''why?''
''Because if you don't, I'm going to stand up and carry you like a caveman.''
Rolling her eyes but smiling, she walked over, and as soon as she was close, Aleksei pulled her into his lap. She squealed, then laughed.
''You're such idiot sometimes.''
''And yet, you married me.''
She leaned her forehead against his. ''Yeah.......I did. Best mistake I ever made.''
For a moment, they just sat there-------quiet, hearts syncing, breaths shared. The world outside was frozen, but their little world was warm, alive.
Later that day, they drove to her parents' house -----the roads slippery, the sky already turning gray. Katerina played some old pop songs on low volume, humming out of tune. Aleksei kept glancing at her between the roads and the mirror.
''You ever think about kids?'' he asked casually.
She blinked. ''Where did that come from?''
''Nowhere. Just.....sometimes I wonder what our kid would look like. Hopefully with your nose.''
She laughed. ''And definitely not your temper.''
Then-------------it happened.
A blinding flash.
A scream.
Metal twisting like paper.
Snow flying. Silence.
He couldn't move. Blood was in his eyes, Somewhere, he heard voice. Weak. Fading.
''Aleksei....''
He tried to reach her. His fingers brushed hers through the shattered glass between them.
''I'm here...'' he whispered. ''Don't......don't go.''
Tears fell from her eyes.
''Will you find me again?''
His voice cracked. ''In every lifetime.''
And then----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Darkness.