Love and Friendship

Thirty One

Selena POV

Leo: Then be with me?

I froze and pulled back from him. I looked at him shocked by his question.

"What?" I whispered

Leo: I wont force you to go back. If being with Nathan is what will cause you pain, then... be with me. Choose me instead. I let you go to him once. But... all Ive seen is you getting hurt. I.. I dont want to lose you again. I dont want you to get hurt by him."

I released myself from him and turned towards the lake.

"Leo..."

Leo: You dont have to answer now. Take your time. Ill be right here with you. Im not going anywhere.

"You know I still love Nate very much. I cant do that to you. I cant do that to him."

Leo: I know. Im willing to wait.

"Im not sure thats a good idea Leo. I love you yes. Very much. But not.. "

He cut me off pressing his lips to mine. I was caught by surprise. His kiss felt gentle and full of love.

I didnt kiss him back but I didnt push him away.

When he pulled back, he looked at me gently.

Leo: Im sorry. I understand you're confused now. With everything that is happening. Ill wait. Whatever it takes. I really do love you Selly. Very much.

I pulled back from him and walked away.

--

Leo POV

She walked away from me.

Why did I do that for?

She is hurting and confused and Ive just made things worse for her.

I choose to not follow her. Im sure she needs some space from me to think.

I sat down on the bench when my phone rang.

Nathan: Leo. Where are you? Im here in Hokkaido.

I jolted up.

"You're here already? Arent you supposed to be in Tokyo first?"

Nathan: I wanted to meet you first. Where are you?

I decided that it is best to meet him first before he sees Selena.

I told him Ill meet him at the hotel he's in.

--

I knocked on Nathan's suite.

Ginny answered the door and hugged me.

Ginny: Leo! Ive missed you!

"Me too Ginny."

Nathan came out and hugged me as well.

Nathan: Hey bro. How are you?

"Im good."

We sat down on the couch where they told me everything that happened with their father.

I was happy knowing Selena will be safe if she returns with the father accepting her but a part of me wanted to hold on to her. To be with her.

I was selfish yes. Nathan is my best friend. But I cant do this to him.

"Nate. There is something I need to tell you." I started slowly.

He raised his eyebrows and looked at me.

"I.. I found her."

His face changed. For a moment he looked relief but he scrunched it up thereafter.

Nathan: When? Where is she? Why didnt you tell me sooner?

"Actually I found her only yesterday. I wanted to tell you but.."

I couldnt finish my sentence.

Nathan: But what? You didnt want me to find her did you? You wanted to keep her away from me.

He was practically yelling.

Ginny hold her brother back.

"Yes! I didnt want her to go back to you. I cant let her get hurt by you again Nate. She will if she gets back into this life of yours!" I was yelling back.

Nathan: That was not your decision to make!

"I love her Nate! You know that! I told you time and again I will take her away if you hurt her."

He pushed Ginny aside and land a punch on me.

I fell back and block his attacks. I managed to punch him back and we were landing blow by blow on each other before we were pulled back by a few men.

Gareth: What has gotten into you two?

I saw Nathan's parents came into the room and his men pulled us back.

Nathan: (at me) You stay away from her Leo.

"No! You know that all you will do is hurt her. Knowingly or unknowingly you will! I cant let her get hurt again."

Gareth: Enough! Lets talk. Both of you on the couch now.

We obeyed and sat across each other still shooting dagger looks at each other.

Gareth: Leo, Ive accepted her. I dont think she will be hurt again.

"With all due respect Sir, I dont think so. You already know about her. Her past and all. You know she had been through a lot in her life. And if she is with you Nate, in this life, she will be hurt time and again."

By then, Nathan has cooled down slightly.

Nathan: I wont let her. I wont put her im harms way. I wont hurt her in any way. I love her Leo. She is my life. The life that was sucked from me when she left.

Gareth: (at me) Son, I know you care a lot for her but I promise you I will do whatever it takes to ensure she does not get hurt. This is my fault. I was responsible for her departure. Im trying to make things right.

I sighed heavily.

Nathan came and sat down beside me.

Nathan: Please bro. Please tell me where she is.

I knew that it was the right thing to do and so I gave him the address to her apartment.

Nathan: Thanks bro. I owe you one.

He bolted out the door leaving me with a heavy heart.

Ginny came over to me and hugged me.

Ginny: Thank you Leo. I know it is very hard what you did.

--

Selena POV

I need to tell him the truth. I cant possibly lead him to something that will never happen. I also dont want to lose him as a friend.

I was pacing in my apartment. Leo hasnt return. Maybe he went back to his airbnb. Ill just text him to meet tomorrow.

I was about to text Leo when the doorbell rang.

Oh he came back.

I opened the door to let Leo in but it wasnt him at the door.

I stared at the person in front of me shocked.

"Nathan?"