Until We Meet Again

Part title

  Just to let you know, the characters may be out of character to fit the story.

   Enjoy!

                                          —

   June, 1937

A fresh summer breeze rustled the grass around Natsu, and when he looked up from the book on his lap, he could make out a mop of light brown hair in the distance. His heart began to feel as though it would burst from the confines of his chest as he drew nearer to the scene. The sight caught his breath.

Lucy Heartfillia.

Although Lucy was eleven and he was just ten, he was certain of his feelings for her. Although he was young, his mind was older than his years, and books had taught him about love and affection. The realization had just recently begun to sink in for the child, who knew he had felt this way for a very long time. Over the spring, he had seen that Lucy had changed; she was no longer just the quiet, little girl. She had developed into one of the most exquisite flowers one could ever imagine.

Natsu repressed his feels and refused to let Lucy know. He found solace in writing that the numerous letters, poems, sonnets, and other notes about her that he had written to Lucy were all kept out of sight of her lovely, chocolate-brown eyes.

Natsu could see a smile on her face as she drew nearer to where he was sitting. Even though it was a tiny smile, it was reserved just for him and always made him feel confident. Her pale blue dress was a bit too big for her small frame, and her hair was disheveled and groomed just perfect as always. She was shy and reticent a lot of the time, not daring to be recognized. The way shemoved was really beautiful and full of delicate gestures in stark contrast.

The girl looked up and grinned sweetly at him as she stood in front of where he was seated when she eventually caught up to him. He admired her distinctive qualities. She had wonderful chocolate eyes that would sparkle so clearly in the sunlight, as well as sleek, straight blonde hair. He felt special because she had always been able to reach out to him and get him to open up in a way that no one else ever could, not even her father, who she had claimed to not be on the best of terms with lately. Normally uninterested at other times of the day, they perked up just for him.

"Natsu, would you read to me?" the blonde said as he sat down next to Natsu and leaned his back against the tree. He gave a quiet huff before laying his head on the tree trunk and closed his eyes.

"Are you worn out?" He continued to appreciate her as he fixed his gaze on her face. Her porcelain-pale skin had a little pink hue, and she had long eyelashes and pink lips. The image was much for Natsu to take in all at once, and he was clearly flushed from the heat.

When did I start looking at her with those eyes? He wondered to himself as he gazed at his childhood friend.

"Yes."

"You can close your eyes for a short while afterwards if you want to. I wanted to show you something first." Natsu hesitated before continuing as he watched in wonder as her lids opened once again.

"What is it?"

"It's a surprise." He stood up and extended a hand to Lucy, who grabbed it and got up. "I believe you'll enjoy it. Shut your eyes," said Natsu with a smile.