I know, wrong holiday. But it's a short fluffy one-shot, so what better day to finish what I started months ago?
This takes place one month after their first kiss.
It was the fourth of July; independence day. The country was free, and so was Bree. She was free to live, free to love, and free to pursue the happiness she'd been longing for so desperately. She was seeing someone new, a man that had appeared in her life at a time when Bree had finally given up on finding that sort of fulfillment ever again. He'd arrived, as if on cue, to pick up the pieces of Bree's shattered heart and cradle them as if he cared. Orson did care, quite a bit. He was already in love.
They were going to see the fireworks at the park, just the two of them. They left right after sunset with two blankets and a thermos of hot chocolate to share. The park was crowded, but they managed to find a space among the families to set down Bree's blanket. They sat down next to each other, and Bree took out the cookies she'd made. Orson told a joke that made her laugh, and Bree's laughter made him smile.
The days were warm, but the sun had gone down hours ago and there was a cool breeze blowing through the trees. An inch felt like a mile between them, and the cool breeze was the perfect excuse to cuddle. Bree leaned into Orson, and he put his arm around her shoulders. It felt safe, and she felt complete.
As the first fireworks were launched into the air, exploding with a glorious boom and lighting the night sky with brilliant shades of red, white and blue, Bree's heart beat faster. The time was right to tell him how she felt. Bree turned her head, looking into Orson's eyes, just inches away from hers.
"I love you." she said, telling Orson for the first time. He smiled, his heart turned to complete mush, surprised because he'd always been sure he'd be the first one to say it.
"I love you too." he said, making the night a perfect one. They leaned toward each other, and they missed the pink and red heart that fanned out overhead, a novelty shape amidst the patriotic symbols.
It didn't matter; they both felt it in their kiss.