Chapter 7: This Kiss
Natsu's lips are surprisingly soft. Erza can hardly register what is going on. Her heart beats faster as she kisses Natsu with a little more passion. She yearns to kiss him forever. His kiss makes her forget everything—her struggles, her pain. They become more passionate with each kiss. Erza feels herself not thinking and wanting to never stop.
Jellal never kissed me like this, Erza thinks. After a minute or two, they stop kissing and stare at each other. Erza smiles and tackles Natsu in a hug. They both laugh as they land on the soft grass. Erza lays her head on Natsu's chest and can't stop smiling. Natsu puts his arm around her and rubs her back. They lie in the grass and stare at the sky, quite content with just laying there.
"The sky is so beautiful." Erza says quietly.
"Not as beautiful as you." Natsu says as he kisses Erza's forehead.
Erza blushes at the compliment. "Oh, stop it."
Natsu chuckles. "Come on, you know you liked it."
Erza's face turns even redder. "Sh-shut up."
Natsu laughs and begins to tickle her. "You're cute when you're embarrassed."
Erza bursts out laughing as Natsu's fingers tickle her sides and stomach. She hasn't had this much fun in a long time. She can't remember ever laughing so much except for when Natsu tickled her at the Tower of Heaven. Only for an instant does she remember the pain and sorrow. That all changes when Natsu pulls her close and kisses her. Erza can feel his hands around her waist, which makes her heart beat even faster.
They kiss over and over again, each time becoming more passionate (this goes on for about five minutes). Natsu's tongue meets Erza's for a few brief seconds. There is a slight pause, so they pull away and stare at each other. Natsu can see the pink in Erza's cheeks, which makes him smile.
"You're still cute when you're embarrassed." Natsu says quietly. He kisses Erza once again.
As she pulls back, Erza says, "Shut up."
They both smile, finally forgetting the burdens that they carry. A sense of peace passes over them; it's something they haven't felt in what seems like an eternity. They are finally able to breathe without having to worry about anything or feel any pain from the past. Peace this intense is a rare occurrence, which is sometimes unsettling for Erza and Natsu. They are so used to battle and stress that it's second nature.
"I could lie here forever." Erza says.
Natsu nods. "So could I."
"Can we?" Erza asks hesitantly.
Natsu frowns. "Can we what?"
"Can we lay here all day?"
After a pause, Natsu says, "I think we'd be missed."
Erza sighs, knowing that this is true. She sometimes dislikes her popularity in the guild, but she also doesn't mind it. If it was up to her, which it seldom is, she would take a week off and go away somewhere with Natsu. For a split second, she has the urge to actually suggest it. However, she knows that Natsu would never do something like that.
Natsu stands and offers Erza a hand. "Come on. We have to get ready."
Erza takes his hand but doesn't let go.
Natsu steps closer to her. "What's wrong? You look sad."
Erza shakes her head. "I'm not sad. I just…"
"Just what?"
Erza squeezes his hand. "I like being alone with you."
Natsu smiles. "I like being alone with you too."
They slowly lean in closer and kiss once more.
