That weekend, Nathan drove Leia to the cemetery.
The drive was quiet, the low hum of the engine filling the space between them. Leia sat in the passenger seat, her hands folded tightly in her lap, occasionally glancing at Nathan. He was focused on the road, one hand resting on the steering wheel, the other on the gear shift. His expression was unreadable, but there was something softer about him today—something unguarded, as if he had let his usual composed exterior slip, even just a little.
Leia turned her gaze toward the bouquet of fresh lilies resting on her lap, fingers tightening around the stems. She had spent all night thinking about this visit, about the words she wanted to say. But now, as they neared their destination, a lump formed in her throat.
When they arrived, the sky was a gentle shade of blue, the sun casting a golden glow over the well-maintained rows of graves. A soft breeze carried the faint scent of grass and earth, rustling through the trees in the distance.
Leia stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath as she held the bouquet tightly, as if grounding herself. Nathan walked beside her, his steps slow but purposeful, his presence steady.
Neither of them spoke as they made their way to the familiar name carved into stone.
Leia's chest tightened the moment she saw it.
She knelt down, her fingers grazing the cold marble before she gently placed the flowers in front of the headstone. Her lips trembled as she closed her eyes, murmuring a silent prayer.
Nathan stood beside her, hands in his coat pockets, his gaze fixed on her rather than the grave. He saw the way her shoulders trembled slightly, the way she took deep, quiet breaths to keep herself from breaking down.
Leia's tears welled up, but she didn't sob. She simply let them fall, her voice barely above a whisper as she spoke.
"Auntie… it's me, Leia. I'm sorry I'm only visiting you now." She sniffled, her breath unsteady. "I didn't know. I didn't know you had left us…"
Her voice cracked at the last word, but she pressed on.
"But I never forgot you. I always thought of you. I always remembered the warmth of your smile, the kindness you showed me when I was younger."
Nathan's chest tightened.
He had heard those words before—not from Leia, but from his mother. She had always spoken about Leia with the same warmth, the same fondness. Even in her last days, she had mentioned her, wondering how she was, if she was happy, if she had made it into the university she dreamed of.
Leia stayed kneeling for a while, her lips moving in quiet prayer. Nathan didn't rush her. He simply stood beside her, offering her silent support, his gaze never leaving her.
When she finally stood, her eyes were red, but there was a quiet sense of peace in them.
Without thinking, Nathan reached out.
His fingers brushed against her cheek, wiping away a stray tear she had missed.
Leia stilled at the unexpected gesture, her breath hitching. Her skin burned where he touched her, and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe.
Nathan seemed just as caught in the moment, his thumb lingering for a second longer than necessary. Then, realizing what he was doing, he slowly dropped his hand.
Leia's heart pounded, her face turning warm. She knew she was blushing, and from the way Nathan's lips curled slightly in amusement, she knew he had noticed too.
"Thank you for bringing me here," she said softly, her voice steadier now.
Nathan gave her a small nod. "I think my mom would be happy to see you again."
They turned to leave, walking back in silence.
Then, just as they neared the car, Leia hesitated. Her fingers twitched at her sides before she finally reached out and lightly tugged at the sleeve of Nathan's coat.
Nathan stopped instantly.
He turned to face her, his dark eyes searching hers. "What is it?"
Leia swallowed, gathering her thoughts before she met his gaze with quiet sincerity.
"Nathan, I know we weren't close in high school," she began, her voice soft but firm, "but… if you ever need someone to talk to, if you ever feel alone, you can always come to me."
Nathan stared at her.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Leia felt her heart hammering in her chest, unsure if she had overstepped some invisible boundary.
Then, slowly, his expression softened.
He didn't say anything right away, but something in his eyes shifted—something warm, something vulnerable, something she had never seen in him before.
Finally, he exhaled, the corners of his lips tugging into a small, rare smile.
"Thank you, Leia," he murmured.
Leia felt her own lips curve into a smile, but just as quickly, she hesitated before adding, "But… if you have a girlfriend, I think we should still keep some distance."
Nathan's brows lifted slightly at her sudden change in tone. Then, unexpectedly, he chuckled—a low, quiet sound that sent warmth spreading through her chest.
"I don't have a girlfriend," he said simply.
Leia's eyes widened slightly.
"Oh…"
Her face turned an unmistakable shade of pink, and she quickly looked away, pretending to fix the strap of her purse to avoid his gaze.
Nathan smirked.
Leia knew, she just knew, that he had caught her flustered expression, and she desperately wished the ground would swallow her whole.
Nathan didn't say anything else, but the knowing look in his eyes spoke volumes.
As they walked back to the car, the air between them felt different. The weight of grief was still there, lingering in the spaces between them, but there was something else now too.
Something new.
Something neither of them had the courage to name just yet.
And as Nathan drove her home, glancing at her once in a while with quiet amusement, Leia stared out the window, her fingers still tingling where he had touched her cheek.
Maybe, just maybe, some moments weren't meant to be left in the past.