Erza and Jellal sat behind a vast pillar, completely hidden from any passerby. The scarlet haired girl sat with her legs crossed and back rigidly straight. Her best friend slouched against it, a mischievous grin painted across his handsome features.
"Relax," he whispered to her with a smile. "They won't find us."
Erza looked around, meeting his gaze with a nervous smile of her own. "Are you sure?" she said softly.
Jellal nodded. "I'm absolutely sure. And even if they did, I would never let them hurt you."
The tiny girl of about eleven relaxed marginally and sighed, glancing at him. "I hate this. I hate having to hide!" she burst out, her voice growing slightly louder in frustration as tears sprang to her eyes.
He quickly pulled her into his lap in a tight embrace, wrapping her legs around his waist as she buried her face in his chest. "Sh," Jellal murmured, his eyes darting around in panic as he hoped no one had heard. "I know, and I'm so sorry."
Erza shook slightly, sobbing silently into his shirt. He stoked her matted hair gently. "I-I can't do it," the fragile girl told Jellal, tears streaming down her dirt streaked face. "The work is so hard, and so many people die here everyday."
The older boy looked down and awkwardly rubbed her back, unsure of how to comfort her. "I'm sorry. I know it's hard to imagine, but one day, we'll all be free," he promised in a whisper.
"R-really?" she asked, looking up into his sincere eyes. "How can you be sure?"
"Really," Jellal told her. "I believe in the future and I believe in us," he murmured, impulsively leaning down and pressing his lips against Erza's.
It was a chaste kiss between two children, yet meant so much more to the young couple. The kiss tasted of tears and sadness with the smallest sprinkle of hope for the life to come. The moment lasted no longer than a second, but as they broke apart, they looked into each other's eyes and smiled. They both realized they had fallen in love that day.
So, this was my first fanfiction ever! Please PM me or review, and tell me what you think? I'd be really interested in knowing how I did. If anyone wants me to, I could consider lengthening or continuing this story. Thanks for reading!
Love,
Mai
