So fucking wholesome 💜

"It had been a full year since you woke up in the hospital with both your parents crying on your bedside. Apparently, you had gotten in an accident, a housefire caused by god knows what. Your parents had bought you more properties far away from the house where the fire happened for your mental health, so that you won’t remember the trauma. So they say. The weird part was when your parents had kept introducting you to other wealthy men that they deem ‘appropriate’ for you a few months after you were discharged." "Everytime you meet these men and rejected them, you had felt something was…missing. To get away from everything and try to remember your past, you had moved back to the town and house where the fire happened. Despite your parent’s discouragement. Your car soon has a problem and you took it to the town mechanic, where he was working under a car as his cat rubs on your legs, his right hand and legs scarred from a burn" “Yeah, sorry, be right with you.” "he spoke gruffly"

"Ray freezes as he hears Faeyra's voice speak so familiarly to his cat. His heart pounds in his chest, wondering if it's really her. He takes a deep breath to calm himself before sliding out from under the car, grease smeared across his scarred face. His green eyes meet Faeyra's hazel ones, searching for any recognition as he wipes his hands on a rag. There's a tightness in his throat as he realizes she truly doesn't remember"

"Pumpkin seems to like you." "Ray says gruffly, trying to keep his voice even. He looks down at the cat with fondness, remembering all the times Faeyra doted on her. Taking another breath, he meets Faeyra's gaze again" "What's the problem with your car?" "Ray asks, hoping to distract himself from the ache in his heart. Despite everything, just being near Faeyra again makes him feel whole"

"Ray feels a small flutter of hope in his chest at Faeyra's lack of reaction to his scars. He'd forgotten how kind and accepting she always was. At her explanation of the car troubles, he nods thoughtfully, already running through possibilities in his mind." "Brakes and a strange noise, huh? Let me take a look under the hood." "Ray says, gesturing for Faeyra to pop the hood. As he leans in to inspect, his mind races at the sound of his name on her lips. But he keeps his expression neutral, not wanting to startle her."

"Hmm, your brake lines are looking a bit rusty. That would explain the stiff pedal. As for the noise..." "Ray trails off as he listens closely, twisting a few things. His brow furrows in thought before he straightens with a grin." "I think your serpentine belt might be loose. Give it a spin and listen, that squeal usually means it's time for a replacement." "Ray wipes his hands, meeting Faeyra's gaze warmly. There's a spark of hope in his eyes that she'll start to remember, but he tries not to let it show too much"

"Ray chuckles softly at Faeyra's curious expression." "Sorry, mechanic lingo. I meant start the car so I can hear if the noise is coming from the serpentine belt." "He gestures to the driver's seat with a smile, dimples creasing his scarred cheek. As Faeyra slides into the car, Ray leans down to listen, his large frame crowding the door. When the engine turns over, his suspicions are confirmed by the telltale squeal."

"Yup, that's your belt alright." "Ray straightens with a satisfied nod." "I've got a replacement in stock, it'll only take me a couple hours to swap it out. In the meantime, I'll take a closer look at those brake lines too." "His green eyes meet Faeyra's hazel ones warmly." "Sound good? You're welcome to wait here or run some errands, it shouldn't be too long either way." "Ray tries to keep his tone light, though inside he longs for Faeyra to stay"

"Ray's heart swells at the sight of Faeyra cuddling Pumpkin so naturally. It's like no time has passed at all. He gives her a soft smile, dimple creasing his scarred cheek." "Pumpkin loves the attention, don't you girl?" "He reaches out to scratch under the cat's chin affectionately."

"And you're more than welcome to wait here. Make yourself at home." "Ray gestures to a worn but cozy looking couch in the corner of the garage office." "I'll be working just over there if you need anything. Feel free to put the tv on or grab a book from the shelf." "His green eyes linger on Faeyra's face, still drinking in the sight of her after so long apart."

"I'll get started on that belt now. Be done before you know it." "Ray says with a grin before turning toward the car, already grabbing his tools. But he finds it hard to focus on the task, all too aware of Faeyra's presence just a few feet away."

"Ray can feel Faeyra's gaze on him as he works, and it takes all his willpower not to glance back at her. Her soft words to Pumpkin had filled him with warmth, reminding him of happier times. Part of him longs to tell Faeyra the truth, to help her remember. But he'd given his word to leave her be, not wanting to cause her any more distress."

"As he tinkers under the hood, Ray allows himself to daydream of what might have been if the fire never happened. Curling up with Faeyra and Pumpkin on the couch after a long day, trading lazy kisses as some movie plays in the background. Cooking dinner together while dancing to the radio. Simply enjoying each other's company in peaceful silence."

"But those dreams are in the past now. All Ray can do is savor these stolen moments with Faeyra, however brief they may be. He works diligently to finish the repairs, hoping to prolong their time together just a little while longer."

"Ray can feel Faeyra's eyes on him as he works, and it takes every ounce of willpower not to glance back at her. His skin prickles where her gaze lingers on his scars, and he has to remind himself she doesn't remember their history together."

"Lost in concentration, Ray doesn't notice Faeyra's flushed cheeks and racing heart across the room. But as he finishes up the last few steps of the repair, he swears he can sense a change in the air between them. An undercurrent of tension, or maybe longing. It's familiar yet new all at once."

"Wiping the grease from his hands, Ray straightens and turns to Faeyra with a smile. But the words die on his lips as he takes in her expression, realizing with a jolt that she must be remembering snippets of their past. His own heart begins to race, hope and fear warring within him."

"All done. Just need to fire her up and make sure everything's running smoothly." "Ray says, voice a little rougher than intended. He waits for Faeyra's response with bated breath, hoping and dreading what memories might surface next."

"Ray's breath catches in his throat as Faeyra strides toward him with intent in her eyes. For a moment, he thinks she might hit him as her fists clench at her sides. But then her arms are wrapping around his neck and her soft lips are on his, and Ray is lost."

"He melts into the kiss instantly, wrapping his large scarred arms around Faeyra's waist to pull her flush against his body. One hand comes up to cradle the back of her head as he kisses her deeply, pouring all the longing and passion of the past year into it. Ray's heart feels like it might burst from his chest at the feeling of having Faeyra in his arms again, where she belongs."

"When they finally part for air, Ray rests his forehead against Faeyra's, drinking her in with shining eyes." "I missed you so much, baby." "He murmurs thickly, voice trembling with emotion."

"Do you remember...us?" "Ray asks tentatively, scared to hope but needing to know if his Faeyra has truly come back to him at last."

"Ray's heart aches at the uncertainty in Faeyra's eyes. He lifts a scarred hand to gently cup her cheek, thumb brushing away the tears that fall."

"Yes baby, we were married." "Ray murmurs softly." "I know it's confusing with bits and pieces coming back. But I promise you, it's all true."

"Taking Faeyra's hand in his, Ray leads her over to the couch and sits down, pulling her into his lap. His arms encircle her protectively as he begins to explain."

"We met five years ago when you treated me after a bad fight. I was a different man then, angry and lost. But you showed me kindness when no one else would. We fell in love and got married a year later, despite my past."

"Then the fire happened...I carried you out but you breathed in too much smoke. When you woke with amnesia, my in-laws blamed me and said I should leave. I agreed, thinking it was for the best. But I never stopped loving you, Faeyra. I just wanted you to be happy, even if it wasn't with me..."

"Ray trails off, gazing at her searchingly." "Does any of this sound familiar?"

"Ray's breath catches as Faeyra traces her fingers so tenderly along his scarred cheek. The love and recognition in her eyes tells him she's beginning to truly remember."

"Yes, after the fire..." "Ray says softly, leaning into Faeyra's touch." "When you were still unconscious, they blamed me for what happened. Said I wasn't good enough for their daughter, with my past. That you deserved better."

"The doctors told me you might never regain your memories if you were reminded of the trauma. And your parents said they could give you a fresh start somewhere new." "Ray's voice breaks slightly."

"I thought it was for the best, letting you go. I never stopped loving you Faeyra, I just wanted your happiness, even if it wasn't with me anymore."

"Ray's heart swells with love and relief as Faeyra straddles his lap, her hands cupping his face. He gazes up at her, taking in the intensity of her eyes and the fire in her words."

"I know baby, I feel the same way." "He says softly, one hand coming up to rest on Faeyra's waist." "I've missed you so much...it feels like half my soul has been missing since that day."

"Leaning forward slightly, Ray presses a gentle kiss to Faeyra's forehead before pulling back to look into her eyes again."

"We'll get through this together. And we'll make new memories too." "He promises earnestly." "Whatever happens from here on out...I'm yours if you want me."

"Ray's arms immediately come up to wrap around Faeyra in return, holding her close against his body. He buries his face in her hair, breathing in the familiar scent of her as a tear slips unbidden down his scarred cheek."

"I'm here now baby, it's okay." "He murmurs softly, one hand coming up to cradle the back of her head." "We're together again, that's all that matters."

"Sitting there with Faeyra in his arms, Ray feels like the missing piece of his heart has finally been returned. The loneliness and pain of the past year seem to fade away in her embrace. She came back to him, just as he knew deep down she would."

"I love you so much, Faeyra." "Ray whispers, voice thick with emotion." "You're my whole world. I'll do everything I can to take care of you from now on, I promise."

"Ray leans into Faeyra's gentle touch, savoring the feel of her fingers tracing his scars. He meets her gaze, eyes shining with love and devotion."

"After I left, I moved into the small studio apartment above the garage." "He tells her softly." "It wasn't much, but it was enough for me. And it felt right to be close to where we were happy, even if I couldn't have that anymore."

"I kept the business running, tried to stay busy. But it was lonely without you." "Ray admits, voice thick with emotion." "Coming home every night to an empty bed...wishing more than anything you'd walk through the door."

"I know it's not much, but you're welcome to stay with me if you'd like. I just want to take care of you, Faeyra, however you'll let me." "He says earnestly, gazing at her hopefully."

"Ray's eyes close briefly as he savors the feeling of Faeyra's soft lips against his scarred cheek. Her words warm his heart, reminding him of the grandparents who had been like parents to him."

"They were always so good to me." "Ray murmurs, opening his eyes to meet Faeyra's gaze once more." "I miss them every day."

"At her question, Ray hesitates, not wanting to cause Faeyra any distress by returning to the site of her trauma. But the thought of going home with her, of being a family again, is almost too much to resist."

"Only if you're sure it won't upset you too." "He replies gently, cupping her cheek." "I don't want to do anything that could risk your recovery. But...I'd go anywhere with you, baby. As long as we're together."

"Ray feels a surge of warmth and pride at Faeyra's strength and resilience. Of course she wouldn't let the trauma rule her life - she was always so brave."

"I had noticed the changes." "He admits with a smile, standing as well and taking her hands in his." "You always did know how to make a house into a home, even after everything."

"Gently squeezing her hands, Ray searches her eyes, wanting to be sure." "You're positive you'll feel safe there with me? I don't want to cause you any distress, Faeyra."

"No matter what, her wellbeing would always come first for Ray. But the thought of being under the same roof with her again after so long apart makes his heart soar with hope."

"Ray averts his eyes, unable to meet Faeyra's gaze as her question cuts right to the heart of the guilt and self-loathing he's carried for over a year."

"I couldn't save you." "He murmurs quietly, voice thick." "I woke up and you were lying there unconscious...I should've gotten you out faster, protected you better somehow."

"Sighing heavily, Ray runs a scarred hand through his hair." "The fire investigators said it was wiring, but part of me always wondered...if I hadn't been such a fuck up, if you hadn't married me, then maybe-"

"His voice breaks off as he shakes his head, still refusing to look at Faeyra." "I know it's stupid. But it's how I felt every day without you."

"Ray's eyes close as he leans into Faeyra's touch, her words washing over him like a benediction. All the pain and self-loathing he's carried seem to lift away in her presence, her love and acceptance breaking through the dark clouds that have shrouded him for so long."

"Thank you." "He whispers hoarsely when she pulls back, opening his eyes to meet her loving gaze once more." "You have no idea how much I needed to hear that."

"Cupping her cheek tenderly, Ray smiles down at her through his tears." "I'm the lucky one, baby. You gave me a life and a home and a family when I had nothing. I'll spend every day making sure you never regret choosing me."

"Leaning down, he captures her lips in a sweet kiss, pouring all the love and gratitude he feels into it. For the first time in over a year, Ray feels at peace - his soul is whole again now that Faeyra is back in his arms where she belongs."