BlackLynx17: I hope I updated this rather quickly. I read through this chapter three times, but I still feel like I missed some mistakes. Sorry, if you notice any please let me know and I'll fix it. Good bye. Thanks for the reviews, as always.


Title: Love At First Sight

Secret Title: Pirate Love

Summary: Wendy is a princess forced to be married at the age of 18. It wouldn't be a problem for her if she had fallen in love with her fiance, but alas fate is not too kind. Determined to runaway to chose her own love, she runs into a nice man who rescues her from her guards. Thinking this man is her one true love, she decides to escape with him. She had no idea that her true love was a no good pirate.


Chapter Sixteen

Swim This Way


The bar quiets down in an instant as Juvia walks through the door. They wait for someone to trail in behind her, grand smile on his face, wondering why the hell the party stopped... but no one shows up. Juvia looks up at her friends and smiles kindly at them, lifting up their spirits.

"Just because he isn't back yet doesn't mean he isn't coming at all. Believe in our friend, believe in Gray."

The bar explodes with cheers as everyone grabs Juvia, hugging her, ruffling up her hair, pouring her drinks one after the other. Wendy bites down on her bottom lip and lowers her head, her shoulders shaking a bit. This is all her fault. Gray gave himself up in order for her to return. It doesn't matter what anyone else says or thinks, if Wendy had only been stronger then things could have been different. A hand places itself on top of her head and she looks up, a few stray tears falling down her cheeks.

"You know you look really ugly when you cry." Mest says rubbing her head.

"I don't care. Juvia is smiling, so I'll cry for her," Wendy sniffs.

Mest shakes his head at her, "do you truly think she would want you to?"

Wendy doesn't reply back.

"We all know Gray is going to come back; there isn't a doubt in anyone's mind. He's resourceful like that. Maybe you don't believe in him enough because you haven't known him for years, but we don't have any doubts Wendy, so you shouldn't either."

"I know he'll be back, I just... wish he never had to leave in the first place. Why did he have to go and do that?"

"Because if he didn't I would have killed everyone there and we would have lost a lot of our friends."

Wendy stills and stares up at Mest, her eyes wide.

"I was prepared to murder anyone who kept you away from me Wendy. Gray volunteered so I wouldn't kill his brother and you enticed me away so I would let them live. You both saved a lot of lives, so don't cry. What you and Gray did was the right thing to do, everyone understands that. Juvia understands that. You're the only one who doesn't seem to."

"You're not making me feel any better," Wendy hiccups, but she rubs her tears away.

"Really? Not even a little bit?"

Wendy snorts and rolls her eyes, "maybe just a tiny bit, definitely not a little bit though."

"There we go, I'll take that. Come on, we should be partying, not crying alone in the corner. I'll even let you have a glass of rum, but only one! We don't need you getting drunk again; I'm afraid who you might seduce next." Mest shivers.

Wendy scoffs and shoves Mest away, walking over to join the crowd. A glass of something ends up being pushed into her hands and she takes a sip as she wanders. She finds herself in front of Juvia drinking with the girls and when their eyes meet she smiles brightly, holding out her glass. Juvia smiles back just as bright and cheers with her.

This time the smile she has on her face honestly looks happy.


Wendy holds her hands out wide and smiles as the wind brushes against her body and whips her hair around. She closes her eyes and screams before she runs into the water, chasing after the tide, and then runs away from it as it crashes back over the sand. Mest shakes his head as he pulls his boots off, one after the other. He wonders why she always does that. It's childish, but also very cute. Once his boots are gone he rolls up his pants and disposes his shirt and jewelry next. He hopes that no one crosses their path, thinking of them as easy picking and swiping their valuables. Mest knows he would do such a thing if given the chance.

Wendy giggles as she plays around in the shallows of the water, turning around about to ask Mest to join her. She pauses when she sees the state Mest is in, his hat on the sand, hair standing every which way, shirtless for some reason letting the sun accentuate every part of his muscles, a smirk on his lips as he stares back and catches her checking him out. Wendy blushes and hopes to God he can't see it.

"What are you doing?!" She calls out to him.

"Have you forgotten why we came out here today?" Mest asks heading over.

Wendy shrugs. She thought it was just to play around; she needed it after the brutal training she had with Erza and Jellal this morning. Her wrists were hurting so much she could barely hold up her fork to eat during breakfast. She had training with Azlack and Bisca later in the evening, Gajeel being busy today. She wanted to relax before she learned more.

"Try to think then Princess. We're on the beach, near the ocean, and I'm semi-naked going into the water."

Wendy puts two and two together, "you're teaching me how to swim?"

Mest laughs as he dives into the ocean water, coming back up and floating around, "it is an essential for any good pirate."

Wendy nods her head and runs back to his things. She takes her vest off and tosses it on top of Mest's piles of clothes, her hat going down next. She carefully takes the necklace around her neck off and looks down at her wedding ring... she doesn't want to lose it in the ocean, but she never takes it off... better safe than sorry. She places it very carefully in the pocket of her vest and begins to braid her hair. Mest relaxes as he floats through the water, letting it cool him down from this heat. He leans up and stares over at Wendy, wondering what in the world is taking her so long. He spits out and starts choking on sea water as he watches Wendy take her shirt off, leaving her only with a chemise and her shorts on.

"What are you doing?!" He yells out at her.

"Taking my clothes off like you did," Wendy puts it simply.

"Well don't take them all off! Put your shirt back on!"

Wendy blinks at him and shakes her head at his silliness. She heads towards him, ignoring Mest's scowl, and walks in until the water is to her waist. Mest swims over and stands above her, staring down.

"I can see through that you know," he warns her.

"I want to have something dry to wear when we leave, besides I've seen girls showing way more than me right now. I'm still modest compared to them." Wendy informs him as she ventures deeper into the ocean.

"What type of wenches do you stare at?!"

"The ones you used to."

Mest glares at her as she laughs. She starts jumping up and down on her feet, the waves nearly going up to her shoulders now. She stares up at Mest with bright eyes, trying her best to move around.

"So what's first Captain?"

Mest sighs and heads towards her. He stands by her side and places one hand on her stomach, the other on her shoulder as he pushes her down.

"I'll teach you how to float first; if you ever fall overboard you can just relax and the waters will keep you upright." Mest states.

Wendy's heart begins to race as he pushes her down. She remembers her parents taking her to the beach once when she was younger; the waves completely consumed her and there was this burning sensation throughout her body as she drowned. She never got to try swimming again because of her parents' fear of losing her.

"It's alright Wendy, I've got you. Just relax and let your body float." Mest assures her.

He keeps his hands on her back as she falls into the water and relaxes her body. Wendy's eyes widen as she begins to float, her arms and legs rising above the water. Mest slowly turns around, guiding her body in circles until she's used to it. He removes his hands, thinking she's got this, and that's when Wendy panics. Her hands reach out, grabbing onto him and clinging to his arm.

"Don't let me go!" She screeches.

Mest blushes as she presses against him, "Wendy, you have to learn to float on your own. That's the point of teaching you how to swim."

She looks at him with fear in her eyes, "you won't let me drown?"

He has to bite back his laughter at her cute tearful expression, "I swear I won't. What could a dead princess do for me?"

"That's not funny Mest," Wendy mumbles, letting him gently lay her back down into the water.

Mest slowly pulls his hands away and Wendy squeezes her eyes shut.

"You have to relax Wendy, I'm right here."

She takes a deep breath, some of the waves splashing against her face. She doesn't panic though and lets the water consume her. She stays afloat and opens her eyes, seeing the blue sky up above her and Mest hovering over, smile on his face.

"That's my girl. Congratulations, you can now float your way to land," he laughs.

Wendy giggles as well and leans back up, standing on her tip toes so she stays above the waves.

"What's next Captain?"

"Now we actually teach you how to swim. Here, give me your hands."

Wendy holds out her hands and Mest grabs them, walking backwards and dragging her with him on her chest.

"Kick your legs, they'll help you move through the water. I'll show you how to use your arms next, but get use to the feeling first."

Wendy begins kicking her legs quickly, splashing water everywhere. She laughs, rather liking this new form, and kicks wildly as Mest guides her.

"Alright, alright, you don't have to do it that strongly. You will tire yourself out before you ever reach land." Mest warns letting go of her.

Wendy dunks her head underwater, him no longer supporting her, and struggles as she drinks in sea water. Mest grabs her and picks her up immediately, apologizes on his lips as she coughs out sea water.

"I'm sorry Wendy, are you okay?"

Wendy frowns, but nods her head, "thanks for saving me."

"Sorry for drowning you."

He keeps a hand around her waist as he pulls her towards him. His free hand goes to brush her wet strands of hair away from her face, taking in her beauty. Wendy spits out the last bit of sea water in her mouth, her face scrunching up as she wishes the taste would disappear.

"You sure you're alright love?" He asks stroking her cheek.

Wendy finally meets his eyes and nods her head, "I promise, I'm good."

Mest walks over towards the shallows of the water, placing her down on her feet so she can stand. He pulls away and she instantly misses the warmth he provided her being pressed up against him.

"Let me show you the form; you'll still be kicking your legs, but your arms will be going like this and that will help you move forward," Mest says waving his arms in the air as he shows her his form.

Wendy nods her head and watches him dive underwater. He kicks his feet and resurfaces, his arms diving into the water, going around and coming back out one after the other. He swims circles around her and Wendy claps, completely amazed. She wants to do that! Mest comes back after a few minutes, grinning over at her as he offers his hand.

"You ready?"

Wendy nods her head and dives underneath the water. She holds her breath as she splashes her feet and moves her arms around. Mest has to bite his lip hard to prevent himself from laughing; she looks like a fish floundering out of water. Wendy surfaces and takes a deep breath of air, looking over eagerly at her husband.

"How was that?!"

"It was a start," Mest mumbles heading towards her.

They spend the next hour practicing her strokes. Mest is patient and kind, making sure she doesn't drown as he saves her the instant she stops moving. She has trouble learning how to breathe and hold her breath when her face goes underwater, but she tries her best to learn. When her limbs feel completely numb after an hour of practicing she just lays in the water and floats. She likes this technique better; she doesn't have to do anything. Just let the waves take her wherever they want her to go.

"Done for the day?" Mest asks, raising an eyebrow as he stands over her.

"Yeah, my arms are too tired. I don't know how I'm going to do target practice with Bisca and Azlack later. I don't even think I can lift them up- ah, Mest? Could you stand a little bit more to the right?"

Mest stares as he listens, blocking out the sun in her eyes.

"There we go. Yeah, I just want to relax and lay here."

"I'm sure Bisca and Azlack won't mind canceling practice for today." He mumbles.

She looks so peaceful drifting in the water. Her arms opened up wide, strands of her hair circling around her head. Her braid came loose, so pieces are floating around every which way. It contrasts so darkly against the clear water, standing out with the sun's ray. Mest feels his mouth go dry as he gazes down at her. He quickly looks up and checks around them; they still have this part of the beach to themselves and he highly doubts someone is standing far away with a telescope looking right at them.

Just one quick kiss.

Mest looks back over and leans down, pressing their wet lips together. Wendy moans and her eyes widen up; their kiss tastes salty. He pulls away and stares into her eyes, shrugging softly as if that explains everything. Somehow Wendy understands and she holds out her hands to wrap them around his shoulders as she pulls him down for another kiss. Mest complies and wraps his arms around her waist as she changes her position, no longer drifting. She licks his lips and he bites down on her own, enticing her to open her mouth before he tastes her. A sudden desire is burning in the pit of her belly she's never felt before. She doesn't understand it, but she knows it only feels better when she's kissing him. Wendy wraps her legs around Mest's waist, pulling him closer to her as she kisses him harder. She's picked up a few things from their previous kisses; this by far has to be the longest between them. Mest pulls away and grunts as he struggles to catch his breath, his hands moving down to her bottom to hitch her up higher. He lays kisses down her neck, nipping at a few spots while he catches his breath, before slamming against her lips again.

It's different. Everything is different. She doesn't know what this is. She doesn't know what she's doing. She wants him though, closer, more intense. Her hands rise to his hair and she's running her fingers through it, tugging it. Mest feels his blood boil all throughout his body. He needs to end this. He needs to stop before they're past the point of no return. With a heavy grunt he pulls away and releases his hold on her. Wendy is still clinging to him, still kissing him, and before he loses his whole thought he dives them underwater.

She immediately releases and resurfaces above the water, breathing heavily as she wipes her face. Mest stays under the water and holds his breath, placing his hands over his face. He stays there until his lungs burn before he resurfaces as well, not feeling the least bit better, but his mind is clearer.

"Mest?" Wendy calls his name softly.

"Let's head back, we're done for today." Mest tells her, leaving no room for refusal.

He treads back towards the shores, his pants sagging down as he gets out of the water. Wendy bites her bottom lip, willing her heart to stop racing in her chest as she follows after him. She doesn't understand, they were just having a good time a while ago. He must have felt what she was feeling, so why is he acting so cold to her now? Wendy stares at his figure and her heart drops as he carelessly picks up her vest and moves it aside.

"No!" She screams, splashing through the water as she runs out.

"What?" Mest asks shocked.

Wendy falls onto the sand and picks up her vest, going through the pockets. Her face pales when she finds the pockets empty. Where is it? Did it fall out? No, no, no, no, no! This can't be happening right now! She moves her hands through the sand trying to find it.

"My ring was in there! It fell out! Where is it?! I was so careful putting it away!" She cries out, looking for it frantically.

Mest's stomach drops, guilt flooding through him. He joins her on his knees and looks through the sand around their clothes. He doesn't miss the small sobs that escape his wife's lips as she fears losing it forever.

"It isn't a big deal Wendy, the ring was ugly and inexpensive. I'll just buy you a newer and better one like I've been wanting too for a while now."

"But that was the first thing you ever gave me! I don't want anything else, I want that one!" She cries.

Mest flinches back and lowers his eyes, his hands curling up in the sand. So that's the real reason why she always denied him before. He thought it was because she wanted him to save his money, or because she was used to fancy jewels and liked how simple it was... but she treasured it because that's the first thing he's ever gifted her. Back before they realized they loved each other, back when they were trying to love each other. It must have meant a lot to her for him to give her a ring and propose marriage (well fake marriage). She chose him... she could have refused, but she didn't.

Mest looks with a new strength, moving his hands all around until something blinds him. He stares at whatever is reflecting off the sun and sighs in relief when he sees her ring sticking out. He reaches over and grabs it, turning back towards Wendy who is now throwing sand everywhere.

"Wendy," he calls.

Wendy turns her head up and relief immediately crosses her face. A bright smile appears on her lips as she stares at her beloved treasure.

"You found it," she breathes peacefully and reaches out her hand.

He remembers when he first gave it to her, simply standing up trying on ring after ring until this one finally fit. Her pulling her hand away when he tried to take it back off to see if anything prettier would fit. That's how he proposed, that's how they were fake married. He really wanted to marry her now though, so...

Mest pulls the ring away and fixes his position, kneeling down on one knee as he looks over at her. Wendy's eyebrows furrow in confusion as she stares at him, standing up to walk closer. Here it goes, he needs to do this right. Mest takes a small breath before pinching the ring between his fingers.

"Princess Wendy Marvell... we started out pretty rough. I didn't understand what it meant to love someone so strongly, and I doubted your feelings because I thought I was nothing to you but a means to escape, that I was just the lucky son of a bitch to rescue you, that you would have chosen to run away with any other man who offered to save you. I realize how wrong I was about that. I've made you cry a lot, despite promising to always make you smile. You've gotten hurt and even kidnapped because of me, and none of that seems all that desirable as it might happen again because of the lives we live... but I love you. I want to be with you and I would do anything to make sure that happens. I've been with others before you and you've actually made me regret not waiting for my perfect woman because those feelings mean nothing now compared to what I have with you. I wish I would have stayed pure like you so we could have experienced everything new together. I may make your life more complicated if you choose to stay with me. We will fight, I'm sure of that, and say things we don't mean, and ignore each other, but we'll also laugh and have good times as well. I'm willing to go through all the bad times if it just gives me one happy moment with you. I promise to give you everything you've ever wanted, true love, kids you adore (although that thought still scares me). Even if you want to move to the countryside and become farmers... I'll quit pirating and do that for you. So I guess what I'm asking at the end of this big speech is... become mine princess. Will you please marry me Wendy Marvell?"

She doesn't trust her voice to speak, so she just nods her head up and down. Mest gives her a smile that dazzles her to her soul and she can't help but throw herself onto him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she cries into his neck.

"You're all I've ever hoped and dreamed about Mest Gryder. Please make me your wife, please keep me with you at all times and protect me from all others."

"Of course princess," Mest whispers into her ear, kissing the side of her head.

He pulls away and grabs her hand, placing the ring on her finger and actually meaning it this time. Where it'll stay until they're old and grey and buried underneath the ground. Wendy smiles and pulls him in for another hug, holding him tightly.

"It was a nice thought, but I don't want to quit being a pirate when I've gotten so good at it," Wendy giggles.

Mest laughs with her, "we can sail for as long as you desire my love."

"I need to get you a ring now, a real ring. Do you think there is a store in town?"

"Yes, and if not I'm sure Gajeel can whip us up something. He is a blacksmith, a ring should be nothing compared to swords. Lets dry up and get dressed first though; wouldn't want either of us catching colds now, would we?"

Wendy nods her head over and over again, but can't find herself letting go of him. She's so unbelievably happy right now she doesn't want to let go of this moment. She wants to remember it forever. Remember the way the beach looks, remember the sound of the ocean waves and Mest's breath in her ear, remember how warm it is and the where the sun shines over them. She doesn't want to miss a single thing.

Mrs. Wendy Gryder. Captain Wendy Gryder. A giggle escapes her lips and she pulls him in closer.

Nothing could be better than this right now.