Catch Me
"Catch me," she breathed in his ear. He caught the impish twinkle in her eye just before she disappeared into the forest.
He watched her glide into the woods. She appeared to be an enchanting pixie, some sly, elusive spirit of the woods. She was unreal. He smirked. The chase had begun.
This was her way. She was playful around him on the days they had no work, always keeping him on his toes. Some days she led him into the forest. Other days they played hide and go seek in the town. Then there were days they did not do much at all except simply enjoy each other's company.
Today, they would play tag.
He started slowly, watching her flexible form disappear into the dark horizon of trees. He didn't mind if she outran him or if he lost track of her. He enjoyed the playful game.
Sunlight streamed through bright green leaves, illuminating the forest. Plants and weeds decorated the ground. This canopy of trees was their playground of sorts.
Leaping onto boulders and over rotting logs, he searched out her favorite spots. She had caught him by surprise a few times in the past, but he always enjoyed catching her more.
She was not hiding in the trunk of the hollow tree. She was not behind the long willow branches. He did not see her behind the flat stone monument, either.
She was being rather elusive today. He could almost hear her giggling. But he relished every moment.
He came to a halt as he entered the glade, untouched by the looming trees. He used his skills as a spy and thief to track her here. Soon the tracks stopped. "Which means…"
"Matthew!"
He looked up to one of the nearby trees.
She grinned mischievously. "Catch me!"
She gently leaped from the thick limb, falling without a care. She knew she was safe in his hands. He stood below her with outstretched arms, waiting to catch her lithe body. It was only a few moments before she plunged into him. He nearly faltered at the impact, but quickly lifted his gleeful friend.
She lightly pecked his chin with her soft lips before breaking into a laugh. "Thank you for catching me," she said, beaming.
"You're very welcome," he replied.
He set her on her feet. She collapsed into the fresh grass. She tugged his fingers, wanting him to lay beside her.
They watched the clouds float by for what seemed like hours. They could tolerate the silence, as long as they were together. She locked her hand in his. She pointed at her favorite shapes in the clouds, turning her head to him and smiling.
He wanted this to be their life, whenever they had the chance. Just lying there, watching the clouds and being with her. Being with Leila.
As he traversed a dark forest of dead trees, he could have sworn he heard her voice call out "catch me." He looked up, confused for a moment. But the thought passed, and he claimed it was just the wind.
I'm so sorry for the semi-sad ending. Just forget those last sentences if you don't like. I just felt it made a good ending, and actually I was about to make it longer. But it can be taken to mean she is still alive, just far away from him...(like before her death and he misses her?) So yeah, alternate ending for those who didn't want a sad ending. Again, sorry!!
Anyways, I really like this one. I don't know, I just wrote it on a whim. And DarkBlaziken had requested a story with these two. So here it is. :D