The Gift

Lina was angry, as usual. Something had not gone right in the last town and now she was mad at the world. Again. Behind her, Gourry slowly walked, knowingly giving the fuming sorceress her space. But, occasionally, she would look back at him to make sure he was still there. Even though he appeared calm on the outside, his heart was thundering in his chest. Nervously, he reached into his pocket and felt the gift he'd gotten for Lina not long ago. Finally, he got the courage to walk alongside Lina, relieved when she didn't even glance at him.

"Now, to give her the gift……………." Gourry thought, seeing his chance when they arrived at a fork in the road. When they had stopped to decide which way they were going, Gourry made the next move. Lina gasped in surprise when he suddenly kissed her on the forehead, then quickly backed away.

"Hey! What was that…………………?!" Lina started, angrily, then noticed the unfamiliar weight around her neck.

"Huh?" Lina asked, as she reached up and touched the new trinket that now hung there. It was a perfect ruby locket that was intricately engraved with dragons and phoenixes. Next to the locket itself was a ring. It also had a ruby set in it.

"Gourry………………..when did you get this?" Lina asked, her voice unusually soft.

"I got them not long before we parted ways with Zel and the rest. There was a set of earrings too, but I couldn't afford them." Gourry said, in his usual honest manner. There was an uncomfortable silence between them as Lina removed the necklace for a moment, slipped the ring off of the chain, and then replaced the necklace around her neck. Gourry watched, nervously, as she tried the ring on, then managed a slight smile when he saw that it fit.

"Is there something else I need to know about?" Lina asked, regaining some volume in her voice.

"There's a note in the locket." Gourry said, as he tried to calm down. Lina looked down at the locket and opened it, revealing a small piece of paper. Carefully, she removed the paper and unfolded it, not knowing what to expect. She was stunned to see neat, expert handwriting; she had never thought Gourry even knew how to write! Her eyes widened as she read the words.

Lina ,

I have so much to say, but the paper is too small to say it. I'll begin with this; I am glad I met you. Yes, I know I was irritating at times, but I didn't mean it. You've taught me so much during these past few years (believe it or not, a lot of it did sink in, even though I was slow to realize it). The most important lesson was the one where I learned not to judge you by the outside appearance. I guess what I really want to say is this; Aish'teru, itsu made mo, Lina Inverse.

Always

Gourry Gabriev

Lina's jaw dropped. The simple note had blown her away; even the most powerful spell couldn't do that. She spent a few moments looking from Gourry to the note, then back to Gourry again. Then she moved towards him, not stopping till she was right in front of him. She noticed when he cringed, ready to be fire-balled or Dragon Slaved. He was shocked when she wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace.

"Thank you, Gourry. That was very sweet." Lina said, looking up at him with a warmth in her eyes that Gourry had never seen before.

"You're welcome, Lina." Gourry replied, sighing contentedly as he returned the embrace, glad that she liked the gifts and understood his reasons for getting them.

"Hey, Lina?" Gourry asked.

"Hmm?" Lina replied, also sounding very contented.

"Will you marry me?" Gourry asked, seriously. It took Lina a moment to reply, but her look of renewed shock turned into one of joy.

"Hai! Any time you want!" Lina replied, enthusiastically.

"Then let's get to the next town and start making plans. Is that okay with you?" Gourry asked.

"You bet! Let's go!" Lina said, with her usual flamboyance, as she started heading for the next town, holding Gourry's hand the whole way.

~Owari~