Disclaimer: Sadly, this all belongs to a man named Josh. Oh, and Frank Sinatra (along with Billie Holiday) sang the song Just Friends. All songs quoted are by Frank Sinatra.
Author's Note: This is the end of Just Friends, my first fanfic. Thank you so much for the encouraging reviews. They really meant a lot to me. I have a few stories in the works so they should be coming out soon. Until next time…
And I will understand, mmm, mmm
One kiss afire with one desire, a heavenly kiss could I resist?
And then I turn the light, mmm, mmm,
And then she holds me tight, mmm, mmm
One kiss one fond caress will lead the way to happiness
She takes me to paradise
"You missed a spot," Marissa pointed. Ryan obligingly shoveled a bit more dirt onto the spot. "Perfect."
Ryan turned around to kiss Marissa. He had dirt on his nose and his cheeks were flushed and dirty. With grass stained hands he kissed Marissa, just a quick kiss. It lingered on Marissa's lips even after he'd broken away from her. That was the power of love.
The two rested their eyes on the newly planted tree, which was really just a fresh mound of mulch. A willow tree, it was to be. Right now, it was just a seedling, but in time it would grow into a large, full-bodied willow tree. They'd rescued seeds from the fallen tree before a crew came to remove it. Now, the tree had a new beginning, just like Ryan and Marissa's love.
It was already strong, already had the promise of a great future, but would grow to exceed expectations. Ryan had never felt so in love before, not even with Marissa. He guessed that the time apart had made them closer than ever.
Seth had been right about one thing—he and Marissa could never be 'just friends'. Ryan wondered if Seth remembered saying that. Probably not. But Ryan appreciated Seth's truths; if anything, they helped him realize that he needed to tell Marissa how he felt, or risk losing her forever.
Ryan felt Marissa's hand slip into his. They stared at the dirt, which they'd faithfully water every day, until a sprout appeared. It was exciting, starting over. A new beginning, really.
Marissa turned to kiss Ryan. Her teeth gently nibbled on Ryan's bottom lip, and he explored the innermost confines of her delicately featured mouth.
It was paradise. Anywhere felt like paradise when Ryan was with Marissa.
Seth had been right; he and Marissa could never be 'just friends'. It was better this way, too.
Ryan couldn't believe he'd ever thought there was someone other than Marissa that would make him this happy. Because, quite honestly, no one had ever made him feel the way he felt at this moment. And every moment of every day would feel spectacular and amazing, because they would all be shared with Marissa.
Marissa's kisses set Ryan's heart ablaze with happiness and passion. He couldn't believe he'd wasted all that time, unsure of whether or not he should tell Marissa how he felt and if she felt the same way.
Because she obviously did.
"I love you," Ryan said. "I'm glad we're not just friends anymore."
"So am I, Ryan, so am I," Marissa smiled. This was paradise. She was in heaven…at least she felt like she'd died and gone to heaven. She and Ryan were perfect for each other, she was sure of it. "I love you too."
--
"Hey Seth."
"Ryan, how are you?"
But before Ryan could answer, Seth continued.
"So, Summer tells me you and Marissa are back together." Seth's voice contained a hint of amusement, topped with curiosity.
"Yeah," Ryan replied nonchalantly. He knew what was coming. It would be futile to direct the conversation away from it.
Seth laughed. "I knew you and Marissa could never be 'just friends'."
Ryan turned and looked at the sleeping beauty next to him. His sleeping beauty. Last night hadn't been their first time, after all, they were two college kids in love.
But it had been the most meaningful, most mindblowing, most passionate night of sex Ryan had ever experienced. Because he was head over heels in love.
Seth had been right. Ryan sweetly kissed Marissa on her forehead, careful not to wake her up. "I guess we could never be 'just friends'."