Claiming Innocence [#wattys2015]

Eighteen

In front of us was a small waterfall; the rocks leading to the top were covered in a vibrant green moss and I could see small white and lilac flowers growing off in small spurts.

Water flowed from the top into the small pond at the bottom, the sound being so amazing. I haven't been exposed to things like this before.

"This is amazing" I beamed.

"Just like you" he smiled as soon as a blush crept up my face.

He walked towards the waters edge before slowly peeling his shirt off. I walked towards him, nerves kicking in like a freight train.

Axel looked at me, "what's wrong?"

I looked down. "I can't swim"

"It's okay, its not deep, you'll be able to touch the ground in a majority of the pond. And, I'll be with you anyways, remember what I said?" he asked.

"That you'll always protect me" I spoke quietly, a smile creeping to my face.

"Always" he whispered as he grabbed my hand and walked me to the edge.

I peeled my dress off, leaving me in my underwear and bra. Axel made sure not to let his eyes wonder down my chest or any further below. He respected me and was making sure I felt completely confortable around him; which I did.

This is my favorite thing about Axel. He treated me so gently. It made me feel butterflies in my stomach every time he held me or spoke to me in such an adoring way. I felt on top of the world when I was with him, I forgot about my father and the rest of my family, I forgot about Sparrow and I definitely forgot about the Claiming.

This feeling of euphoria was something I could only get from Axel. He was my drug- my ecstasy. He made me forget about all the evil in the world.

Axel jumped into the deeper end, whilst I sat on the edge of the pond with my feel dangling in the water.

He swam half way towards me, making me give him a confused glance. "Ax, what are you doing?" I tilted my head.

"These are my new moves, what do you think?" I burst out laughing when he started to show me his water aerobic moves; which looked like a crocodile was attacking him.

"Oh you think my moves are funny, eh?" he smirked evilly before disappearing under the water.

He was planning something . . .

"Axel?" I yelled out, "I'm sorry your moves are really . . . good?"

Something grabbed onto my feet, pulling me into the water. I let out a shriek, as I was pulled underwater. When I resurfaced, Axel stood laughing at me.

I pouted playfully at him. "That was mean."

Axel snaked his arm around my waist, my legs automatically wrapping around his torso. "I'm sorry, baby," he said casually before slowing working his way deeper and deeper. I squealed when Axel tried to pry me from him.

"Come on Tash" he laughed.

When I continued to protest, whilst Ax decided that he would tickle me off of him. "Stop, please!" I laughed in between short breaths.

Finally letting go, I tried running away from him, making my way to the waterfall. By the time I had got there, Axel had well and truly caught up to me. After all, he was swimming and I was trying to walk through the water.

Key word- trying.

Axel followed me through the barrier of water; both of us laughing at each other's flattened hair. When I glanced around, we were in a small cave like area. The walls were roughly two metres from the front and were a deep shade of brown, small trickles of water forming trails down some parts. I swam up to the rocks and touched the rough texture in amazement.

"Wow" I was in complete awe.

When I turned around to Axel, I clashed into his chest- his rock hard chest.

I looked up to him, and he was already staring at me. We didn't say anything, both of us not wanting to ruin the moment.

Both of us were breathing heavily, and I didn't notice how close we were to one another.

I watched as his brown eyes glance down at my lips before back up to my eyes. The temptation was high, I leaned in a little bit more, our lips couldn't be any more that a mere centimetre apart from one another.

Axel finally smashed his lips against mine. Nothing could have prepared me for how amazing this kiss was. It felt even better than the first time. Maybe because it lasted longer, or maybe it was because I've wanted to do this again for a long time.

Axel slipped his hands to my waist, pushing me so my back made contact with the rock wall behind me, and I slipped my hands around his neck.

Our lips molded together, it was if we were in perfect sync with one another. Axel slipped his tongue in my mouth and it felt as if we were drawn closer to one another than we already were.

I knew that we would have to stop before everything got to far. We couldn't risk getting in any more trouble, considering Axel and Sparrows stunt at training.

Slowly, I pulled back from him.

He rested his forehead against mine as we both tried to catch our breaths again.

After being in this same position for a couple of minutes, Axel led me out of the cave, back through the waterfall, and out of the water. 

He told me all he bought was a few sandwiches and fruit drinks, which I assured him I was more than happy with.

I loved the excited look he always got, like he was seeking my approval. 

The rest of the day played out fairly well, we continued to swim around with one other, having some fun and then when we got out of the water, decided it was best to start heading back to the house. The sun down and curfew was due soon.

Holding hands, we pulled open the back door quietly and snuck inside. Drawing to much attention after being missing for so long didn't seem like a very wise idea, so we decided to try and act as casual as possible.

It was difficult because I had the biggest grin plastered onto my face, nothing could ruin my day. By the looks of the massive grin plastered on Axels face nothing could ruin it for him either. 

Everyone in the house seemed to be in a relatively good mood. We finished the night by sitting around the lounge room eating pizza with the group and talking about the ball coming up, which was now a week or so away.

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A/N

sorry for not updating sooner, year 12 is drilling me :(

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