19. Natsu

To say that I'm not disappointed in our friends for barging in when they had is a definite understatement. She was standing right where I wanted her. Her lips... a mere breathe away. But the sudden noise of shifting gravel throws me completely off my game. Luce must think that I'm a tease. How do I get her alone? How do I play my cards without acting like a total jackass? I really don't want to give her any false hope but I don't want to scare her back into Grey's arms either. I have always loved her, that's no secret on my behalf and as of recently, I've come to love her even more.

I gave her an apologetic look before answering Erza's rhetorical question, "Sure, we'll gladly join you guys." We followed them down towards the beach. My hand occasionally brushing against hers. Allowing a tinkling sensation to spread throughout my entire being. When we reached the white sandy plains that stretched for miles, her friends and mine scattered into random directions like falling autumn leafs. Before I could grab hold of her wrist, Levi dragged her away from my reach. It feels like somebody just stomped on my heart after ripping it from my chest. It's a hollow pain that I can't even begin to describe. A hand gripped my shoulder in a sympathetic manner. I looked from over my shoulder and stared into Grey's laughing eyes. Sometimes I wish that I could just punch him for the likes of it. He's slowly testing my passions. Yet I've promised my brother that I wouldn't start a fight and this is me keeping my word. Apparently Luce doesn't like fighting either, the more reason for me to lay low. "Why don't you just give up?" He rubbed it in even more. I controlled myself and allowed a smirk to cross my lips, "Jealous much? Oh no, I guess that's incorrect, seeing how you where the one who left her hanging dry and not me!" His face contorted into a pissed off expression. "Come on guys, we're at the beach so let's have some fun," Jellal came to my defense. It's not like I need it or anything but at the moment I couldn't be any more grateful for his unexpected inference. If he hadn't barged in when he had, I might have broken my promise, which isn't at the top of my to-do list.

Jellal steered me away from the almost scene. "Thank you for stepping in when you had. I fear if you hadn't that it might have escalated into something unpleasant. Which would eventually lead to Luce never speaking to me again?" I ended in a half-quizzical manner. "What is going on between you and Lucy?" Jellal questioned curiously. "Let's just say that we've known each other for a while and I literally can't imagine my life without her in it. I'm so infatuated with the school's golden-haired beauty that I can't fathom otherwise," I answered in all honesty. The chance of it being kept between just the two of us is unheard off. We're guys after all, and someone else is bound to be added to our word exchange. The truth be told, it wouldn't bother me. It's not like I'm trying to hide my feelings, it's out in the open, and anyone who possesses a splinter of mortality would notice it. The knowing grin that Jellal gives me just proves my point to be true; and it's not just because I've emptied my glass all over him. Metaphorically speaking! 

I excused myself and made my way over to the ocean where she was playing along the waves. She's beautiful in ever sense of the word. Her lovely appearance has me enchanted. Slowly I made my way over and wrapped her in an embrace. The waves lapping our bodies. She turned and looked up into my eyes. It's now or never. The moment is within our reach. I bowed my head and level my lips to hers. She closed the remaining inch between us, meeting me halfway. Her lips feel soft and warm against mine. We moved in rhythm. Gently I bite down on her bottom lip asking for entrance, which she provided. Our tongues fight for dominance. This is the moment that I've been waiting for all my life and I wouldn't change it for the world, not even a millisecond!