The Story Of Us
Chapter 10
...
Leaf wasn't expecting this. She expected a night full of food, dance,music and cuddling with her boyfriend. But not this.
"You went through all this trouble for me?" She asked. Gary gave her a look which obviously meant,'Stupid.'
"No, I did this for my best friend's honeymoon," he rolled his eyes.
She suppressed a giggle. She sat down on the cloth spread on the roof top and inhaled the sweet fragrance of the burning candles. She still couldn't believe how she had caught the eyes of such a lovely jerk.
"Do you like it?" Gary asked nervously. She smiled,"Date on a rooftop? This is amazing!"
He let out a sigh of relief. Sitting beside her, he ran his fingers through her hair,"Lately, I couldn't spend enough time with you. I am sorry." She kissed his cheek lightly,"Are you kidding me? What is there to be sorry about?"
"I just wanted to spend some more time with you before I leave for the next mission," he said. Leaf squeezed his hand tightly,"Who knows we might meet sooner than we expect.'' He asked hopefully,"Are you hinting something?" Leaf shook her head, giggling at his hopeful eyes,"No."
"You remember, how I accidentally spilled coffee on you on our first day?" Gary asked while laying down and putting his head on her lap. Leaf gave a annoyed groan,"That hurt. I still have the burnt scar on my left arm."
He took her left hand and placed a kiss on the palm. She giggled as she was running her hands through his messy brown hairs occasionally pulling at the roots for sensation. She couldn't help but ask,"Trying to make up for the accident by this date?"
He ignored her teasing and trailed kisses on her arm, slowly rising up, gradually making his way up and suddenly kissed her lips. Before allowing Leaf to kiss him back, he moved away, smirking victoriously.
Leaf gave him a annoyed glare as he left her wanting for more,"That is not fair!"
"Ah, missing my touch?" He smirked and leaned closer, making Leaf blush. Leaf put a hand on Gary's chest to stop him. She feebly said,"I don't understand!"
He crooked his head sideways,"Understand what?"
She shifted uncomfortably, trying to avoid his gaze,"Why are you dating me?"
Gary stared at her figure blankly. He smiled,"What do you want to hear Leafy?"
"The truth."
"Well, you'd likely to chop off your fingers than the food when you're in the kitchen," Gary ignored the evil aura emitting from the brunette. "And you're not really the most lady-like. You eat more than you can digest and you are definitely bossy."
He saw the punch coming and he took it as an opportunity to hold her hand; so he did. "But even so, I find your clumsiness cute. I'd rather do the cooking than let you lose any of those pretty fingers and I don't really want to date a daffodil or pinky rose. Yet you're the kindest person I've ever met till now and that scares me. You're just too forgiving."
When Leaf simply stared at him, mouth agape, and cheeks flushing a deep red hue, he tugged at her hand and brought her closer to him. "So don't question why I love you but, or rather, and stay here...with me."
"That was the sweetest insult someone gave me," she said, hugging him tight.
He whispered in her ear,"Stay with me. I will throw some more then." Leaf rolled her eyes, muttering,"Arrogant jerk." But she knew she surely wanted him that way.
Leaf cuddled closer and laid her head on his chest, whispering,"I'd rather have bad times with you, than good times with someone else."
...
...-
"Want something to eat?" May asked after dancing for sometime with Drew. The chartreuse haired boy rolled his eyes,"Are you always hungry? You should take care of the pounds you are gaining."
May glared at him,"Want to get burnt grass head?"
He waved his hands defensively,"I was just giving some harmless advice." May punched his stomach lightly,"It sounded like a case of harassment."
"Seriously, can you stop being so dramatic? All these are side effects of staying with Leaf," he teased. May giggled,"Yeah, she overdramatizes sometimes."
"Most of the times," he corrected.
She giggled some more,"Yeah most of the times."
He locked his arms with her and pulled her along,"Let us get something to eat."
May gave a excited laugh,"Now you're talking!"
...
Ash laid down the sleeping Dawn on bed and pulled sheets over her to cover her. He smiled, seeing her lying so comfortably in her bed, hair in a mess yet still looking perfectly adorable.
The end of the night
We should say goodbye
But we carry on
While everyone's gone
He found it strange, the girl he loathed had become the person of his desire. He didn't care about the bet anymore, right now, her presence was all he craved for.
He was having a mental battle, should he kiss her when she was sleeping or should he not? Of course, she wouldn't know even if he did.
Never felt like this before
Are we friends or are we more?
As I'm walking towards the door
I'm not sure
"No." He had made the decision.
He saw her shift slightly making the blanket on her shift. Smiling, he put it back on her. He noticed in the commotion, she had accidentally dropped her purse. Picking it up, he couldn't help but notice there was still money inside.
"Did she lie that she had money for just one cotton candy?" He asked himself and his heart did a flip flop. "Did she lie so that we share one candy?"
"I mustn't arrive at conclusion like that" he feebly muttered. Her lips were parted and her face seemed so peaceful. He couldn't help but run his hand through her cheek.
"Ash," she feebly muttered, opening one eye. Ash said,"Ssh..go back to sleep okay?" He stood up to leave but she caught the sleeve of his tuxedo.
"Don't leave, please?" She requested.
But, baby, if you say
You want me to stay
I'll change my mind
'Cause I don't wanna know
I'm walking away
If you'll be mine
Won't go, won't go
So, baby, if you say
You want me to stay
Stay for the night
I'll change my mind.
"I can't stay here, it will be dishonest," he said. Dawn smiled in her sleep,"Just cuddle with me. I don't know if I will ever get the chance again."
He was having his doubts, was she ready to let go of her end of the bet? Or was it just fatigue? Her eyes were drooping close and he understood it was just fatigue.
Ash tried to free his hand but she held on tight,"I trust you." With one strong pull, she made him stumble and fall on the bed. Due to his reflexes, he somehow managed not to crush her. Grinning at her victory, she wrapped her arms around his torso and pulled him close, sticking their body together. She muttered,"So warm and cozy," before surrendering herself to sleep.
Ash couldn't help but give her a kiss on her forehead,"Good night, stupid Ice Wielder." He wrapped his arms protectively around her and turned so that he was lying on his back with Dawn on his chest.
...
Next morning
...
Ash groaned when he felt sunlight hit his face. He pulled the blanket over his head to block off the light rays. He smelt something sweet and his eyes snapped open. He was not in his room.
'The previous night was not a dream?' He asked himself. Looking around he took in the beauty of the room. The blue coloured wall with the peachy white ceiling brought him back to reality. He had shared the same bed as Dawn and somehow restricted himself from doing something.
"So you're up?" Dawn asked as she emerged from the bathroom, fully dressed. He sat on the bed and stretched his arms,"Good morning."
She folded her hands above her chest and with a stern voice said,"Leave."
"Wait, what?" He asked stupidly, making his way towards her with confused face.
Dawn repeated herself in a stoic voice,"I said, leave."
Ash was looking at her in confusion. Did she forget how much they enjoyed yesterday? Ash slapped his forehead,"I thought we were getting on good terms." It was more lighthearted joke than an insult.
"I said leave and remember one thing, last night was a mistake," she said her voice stern and lifeless.
Did Ash hear her right? The way she smiled, enjoyed, played and cuddled with him was making him crazy. Was she just playing a game?
"So it meant nothing to you?" He asked finally.
"No. And it never will," she turned away. He held her by her shoulder and jerked to get her attention,"Was it all a plan?" Her eyes widened and she softly said,"No. It was not." She whimpered under his grip.
"Then why are you being such an asshole?" He asked through gritted teeth. Dawn removed his hand from her shoulder and shook her head,"Ash. I don't know what you feel for me and I don't want to know either. All I can do is warn you. Don't end up falling in love with me."
Ash rolled his eyes,"Our bet stated you would make me fall in love with you." Dawn bit her lip so hard that she tasted copper,"I was a naïve. I wasn't thinking clearly." He spun her around and using his index finger, lifted her chin to make her face him. He was glad he was eight inches taller than her.
"Now, listen to me," he sternly said and she bit her lip,"I won't back off until I know what is stopping you."
"Ash, you won the bet, I slept with you alright!" She screamed in his ears and his grip on her arm tightened,"Sleeping beside someone is different as compared to sleeping with someone. You just shared your bed with me, not your body or soul."
She bit her lip again,"I was not thinking clearly last night, why didn't you take advantage when you had the chance?"
Ash pulled her close so that her face was buried in his chest,"I already told you right, I don't force girls."
"I wouldn't have restricted you last night," her voice was barely above a whisper. Ash asked,"What are you so afraid of?"
She pushed him away with a rough push and made her way to her bag,"We are leaving in an fifteen minutes. Everyone will be waiting for you downstairs. Don't keep anyone waiting."
And she stormed out of the door, leaving a confused Ash behind. Ash now understood why storms are named after people. They really do destroy someone in the sweetest yet most dangerous way possible.
...
...
..
.
.
As decided, team Gamma met on their usual meeting spot, the woods. The sky was a little gloomy, with dark clouds covering every bit of it and the forest seemed pretty calm.
Dawn and Ash were the last ones to arrive.
"Why are both of you late?" Naruto asked, his eyes focused on his two pupils.
"Woke up late," Dawn said, shrugging and Ash simply mouthed a sorry for being late. Naruto sighed. They both really needed to get along.
"Let us leave," Naruto said and Dawn nodded once. "Sensei," she called out, getting his attention,"Sinnoh is quite far away. It will take a week even if we walk 24 X 7." May took a heavy breath,"Seven days of continuous walking?"
"Lazy Firehead," Drew said while flipping his hair.
"Annoying Grasshead," she pouted.
Naruto silenced them and turned to face Dawn,"I know but we can't afford any vehicle or private jet, you know. We are not rulers of any place." Dawn folded her hands above her chest,"Hey! What do you mean?"
Naruto waved his hands defensively,"I didn't mean it like that! I mean..oh boy, forget it."
Ash interrupted,"If we waste time here, we will be late for our mission."
"Wait a little, three more people will join us on our journey," Naruto said, as if suddenly remembering something.
"Why? I mean it is just team Gamma's mission right?" Gary asked. Sensei shook his head,"We are following orders from above. Don't ask me."
"Too many people will just slow us down!" Dawn explained. Naruto let out a deep and annoyed sigh,"Will you all stop arriving at conclusions?"
"We are late! We are so sorry!" The group heard and they turned to see Paul, Misty and Leaf coming toward the group. A smile spread on Gary's lips and he excitedly asked Naruto,"Are they coming with us?"
Naruto nodded and said,"I know you all know each other so I won't be giving any sick introductions. I will summon my toads who will help us to move quickly so, be prepared."
"All right!" Everyone said together. Dawn interrupted,"What are we going to call our new team?" May asked,"Are we sticking to our old team name?" Gary butted in,"This is going to be the best mission ever!"
"Calm down folks, we will call it team Naruto!" Naruto said with a cheeky grin. He pointed at Misty, Paul and Leaf,"Sasuke-san has given me the responsibility of you three. Make sure you don't land into any trouble okay? And make yourself as comfortable as you can."
"Can we move now? Sinnoh is in trouble!" Dawn said impatiently.
"Alright, move back!" Naruto said and making some handsigns, slammed his palm on the ground, making two toads appear.
"Have you got something for us to eat little boy?" The yellowish toad asked in its sleepy voice. The red toad scoffed,"Gamakichi, it is not the way to greet anyone." The other toad lowered its head,"Sorry big bro Gamatatsu."
May teased Naruto sensei who was having a red face due to embarrassment,"Little boy?"
"Enough blabbering!" Naruto coughed to get their attention,"We will move on these two toads to reach our destination."
Dawn's face lost in colour,"I am not going to sit on this thing!" May and Leaf agreed,"Me neither!" However Misty was looking at them with sparks in her eyes,"They are water creatures! Wohho!" The boys gave a nervous laugh and said,"We don't have any other choice."
"We have to use them to move," Naruto said a little offended. The toads however were busy getting patted by the water Mage.
Dawn gave Naruto a victory sign and a wink,"We will move on our own!" She clarified,"Ice Dragon will carry us. We will lead the way so that you all can follow us."
That being said, she closed her eyes and called out,"Ice Dragon, come and assist me!"
A bright blue light enveloped Dawn's body and those light took the form of a dragon. Dawn patted its head and smiled,"We're going home Ice Dragon!"
The Ice Dragon purred under her touch and allowed May and Leaf to get on him. Though the girls were little terrified, Dawn consoled them,"It won't attack unless I tell it to do so."
Ash, Drew and Naruto got on Gamakichi and Paul, Misty and Gary on Gamatatsu. Gary signlled Gamatatsu to follow the Ice Dragon flying above them.
"How long will it take if we use them for transport?" Gary asked. Naruto gave a cheeky grin,"Six hours almost. Though we have to cross the Eterna Forest by foot." Paul, who was sitting beside Gary, gave a slow growl,"Such a drag." Naruto gave them a dirty look,"Well, reaching within six hours is more acceptable than walking for seven days right!''
"Come on boys, calm down," Misty said, trying to ease the tension between them,"We must save our energy for what is following up."
"Man, I should have asked Dawn to let me go with them," Drew muttered. Ash elbowed him in the stomach,"You could have asked May to come with us. Then I would have easily sacrificed my place for her you know." Drew teased him back,"Right, you wanna go with Dawn, I know. That way we both would have been benefited, ha?"
A red hue appeared on Ash's face and Drew smiled. However, Naruto gave the boys a worried look.
"I must stop him while I can," he muttered under his breath.
...-
After few hours of continuous journey, the group came down from the back of their respective rides. Dawn bade Ice Dragon goodbye saying she will summon him once they reach the palace. Naruto hugged his toads goodbye.
Putting up tents, the group decided to make the plan.
Naruto arranged for a fire and everyone sat beside it, except Dawn, who was leaning against a tree, a little far from everyone yet close enough to be in hearing range. She was staring at the night sky, her eyes showing various forbidden emotions.
"So, May and Misty are gonna cook, and Drew and I will stay up to guard everyone for the first half of the night,"Gary said. Naruto stretched his limbs and gave a loud yawn,"That's right. For the next half, Paul and Ash will guard. And for the remaining time, I will."
Dawn interrupted them,"There is no need of that."
"Why?" Leaf asked, confused.
"This is my homeland," Dawn said, a little proud yet satisfied.
Naruto shook his head dismissively,"What about enemies and wild animals?"
Dawn said, still looking at the night sky,"As long as animals can sniff my presence, they won't attack us. Suicuine is within me and they respected it with their life. And enemies, he is busy plotting something else, he isn't even bothered to see who might be here."
"You think you know everything troublesome?" Paul asked. Dawn shrugged her shoulders,"You can't deny the fact that I know more about this place than anyone of you." Paul narrowed his eyes and looked away. Ash asked,"Naruto, so what are we going to do?"
Naruto tried to lift the spirit up,"Well then! We all will hit the bed and grab as much rest as we can. Moreover we are going to meet the Queen and Princess tomorrow, we mustn't look like dead zombies." Dawn coughed to get his attention,"I am still here." Everyone laughed at Naruto's embarrassed face. Ash gave a cheeky grin,"Moreover, I don't think Hinata-sama would like your fawning over others." Naruto hushed them,"So much for being your teacher."
The aroma of freshly made soup filled the air and everyone took a bowl from May and Misty. Misty sat beside Paul, her back pressed against his and May and Leaf sat facing each other, with Naruto, Drew, Gary and Ash sitting beside campfire. Dawn picked her place and went back to her usual place.
"Come and join us Dawn!" Leaf enthusiastically called out. Dawn replied in a low voice,"No need to worry. I am fine."
"So, are you excited to meet your fiancé?" Naruto asked and everyone stopped. Ash understood he was referring to Dawn and his heart skipped a beat. Taking a chance, he asked,"What fiancé? Whose fiancé?"
"Ah! I thought she told you about him," Naruto said, trying to act innocent. All colour left Dawn's face and she put down her bowl, not feeling to eat anymore. "I see," May and Drew said together simultaneously. Gary got up and sat beside Dawn,"Is it true?"
Dawn gave Gary the most pained look,"Yes."
"I am going to sleep. Call me up when you all will be ready to move tomorrow," Ash said getting up. He gave Dawn a last, longing look. His brown eyes met Dawn's blue ones for a second and she looked away, Ash, however stared at her figure for a second and then entered a tent. Naruto saw the slight exchange and cursed himself internally. Queen Johanna would be so angry.
"Is he a Prince too?" Leaf asked, her hands folded and eyes sparkling. Dawn slowly said,"A Knight."
May gave Dawn a confused look,"You seem so unhappy. Aren't you ready for the marriage?" Dawn inhaled deeply,"As if I have a choice. Anyways, you all can go to sleep, I will join you later."
...
Dawn was still sitting in that spot, her back pressed against the tree and eyes looking at the night sky. She was glad to be home yet not ready to face her mother. What if she finds out about her date with Ash, the emotional attachment she had developed for him?
"It is late, too late for a Princess to stay awake," she heard a voice and her body stiffened.
"Why are you here?"
"I can ask you the same thing but then you will say ,'stop repeating my questions' and we will fight again and hardly talk, so I won't ask," he said and took a seat beside her. She gripped the hem of her shirt tightly and whispered,"Oh."
"You don't want to get married, I know," he said, his eyes staring at the sky. Dawn sighed,"Will you all stop it? It is getting annoying now."
The boy gave a mocked laugh,"You could have told us earlier."
"And what good would have it done? You don't understand Ash," she breathed out.
"Then make me understand!" He said and used his hand to cup her cheek and make her face him. Giving a long breath, Dawn parted her lips but no voice came out.
Ash let her go and got up to go away,"I am sorry, I shouldn't have forced you."
Dawn whispered,"Stay for a while, please."
Ash sat back again and laid on the grass, facing her,"Hn."
They fell into comfortable silence, as if they didn't need word to convey their feeling. But Ash was still staring at the bluehaired maiden, trying to decipher why he was feeling this way. He had been with a lot of girls, kissed many of them but his heart never fluttered the way it was doing now. Just staying in her presence calmed him down. His heart pained but in a beautiful, sweet way.
"He is a Knight, son of my Dad's best friend," Dawn slowly said and shifted to face him. Ash got up and leaned against a tree. Seeing that she got Ash's attention, she smiled a little,"And the funny thing is, we never met."
Ash gave her a mocking laugh,"Long distance relationship?" She shook her head,"No. There wasn't any relationship." His glare softened on hearing her vulnerable voice. He scratched his neck and bit his lower lip. She continued,"Arrange marriage."
"Oh.." He said, unable to say anything else. Dawn laughed at her condition,"Such a dramatic story, right?"
Ash shook his head,"Tell me the truth. Why are you marrying him?" Dawn looked away,"There is nothing you can do to change it." Ash shrugged his shoulder,"I can read mind if I want." Dawn smiled at him,"But you won't."
Dawn slowly said,"Are you really Gary's cousin?" Ash nodded his head,"Sort of. His father was my mother's sister's husband." Dawn rolled her eyes,"Damn. Such a long connection."
Ash bit his lip,"You should not tie your hair in a pony tail." Dawn raised her eye brows,"Why?"
"It doesn't cover your neck."
"Huh?"
"It makes we wish to kiss that place," he said, smirking and colour rose to her cheeks,"Stop flirting Ash." Ash laughed at her shy face,"No, you look more cute when your hair is down." Dawn gave a genuine smile,"Thanks."
"Don't you feel or crave for the presence of your parents?" Dawn slowly asked,"Because I miss my father, a lot." Ash gave her a small smile,"Naruto filled up that gap. He is my father as well as my mother. I don't know if I would have survived without him."
"Hmm. He understands you I see," she said, smiling.
"Can I ask you something," Ash finally said. Dawn gave a victory sign,"Yo!''
"Have you ever fallen in love?" Dawn was taken by surprise. What surprised her more was that it was coming from Ash's mouth. She grinned a little,"What do you know about love?"
Ash shrugged,"Nothing. May be it is a feeling of care and possessiveness toward someone. Just a guess." She laughed at his reply,"Oh boy, what else to expect from you!" He gave a dirty look,"Answer my question."
Her laughing died a little and she said,"May be. May be not." She turned her attention toward him, giving him a teasing smile,"Don't tell me you have fallen in love with me."
He raised her chin using his finger and stared deep into her eyes, making her to stop laughing and stare back at him. He slowly said,"I still hate you Ice Princess," Dawn bit her lip and turned away but Ash forced her to look back at him,"But I guess something else, a feeling stronger yet delicate than hate has made its way in my heart for you."
"Oh Ash..." Her gaze went to his lips and back to his eyes again. Ash wanted to lean in closer and kiss her but stopped. He let her go and turned toward the camp,"Show yourself May and Gary. I can sense your presence." Dawn covered her face in embarrassment. What if they would have kissed?
May appeared from the bushes and smiled awkwardly,"Oh? I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I just came to fetch Dawn, thats all!" Ash rolled his eyes,"And Gary came to check whether I was alright, huh?"
Gary shrugged his shoulders,"See Ashy-boy, you and Dawn are potential threat to each other. So if both of you even end up killing each other, it won't be a surprise."
Ash gave annoyed sigh and Dawn got up to follow May. May placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a smile. Dawn was glad she didn't ask anything. May slowly said, making sure only she could hear,"You will tell me later right?" Dawn shook her head,"Not now. I will tell once we meet Salvia. You both need to know."
Gary saw the girls heading back to the camp and signalled Ash to follow him. Once Ash was in a close hearing range, he smirked,"It won't be a surprise if both of you end up falling in love either.''
"You want to fight?" Ash gave him a death glare. Gary, though he was a powerful wizard, he knew when to quit. He had seen Ash lose control before and the sight was not a pretty one. He didn't think he was weak but understood he had no chance if defeating Ash if a duel broke out.
"Don't be so angry Ashy-boy! Chill!" He tried to calm him down. Ash rolled his eyes and said,"Night."
...
Happy new year(in advance) everyone!
Have a memorable and wonderful 2017!
Guess who is walking into 2017 single? Yup, that's me! All singles give me a High-five! And the couples can high five each other :p . Well, since I live in India, new year here started several hours ago!
A reviewer told me that I accidentally put Chapter 9's title as Chapter 10. That was a mistake but I'm just too lazy to correct that. And the bet, those who have a doubt about the terms of the bet, refer to chapter 4. And still if you've any doubts, ask me!
That's all!
Happy new year again!
~ darkestlightofhope