AN: chapter 41
Finally! We finally get to the song, Beautiful With You. (By Halestorm, I own nothing!) I'm very happy/excited/sad that we are at this point. Happy and excited because this story has just been amazing to write and I've had so much fun writing it and all of the characters, and sad that it is going to be over in the next chapter. Well… not entirely, there will be bonus chapters (Just don't know when I'm going to get them done.) I would have been done with this chapter sooner but I got very distracted multiple times lol anywhos! This chapter basically wraps up all of the loose ends and I know some people aren't going to be happy with the outcome, but this is my story and the ending was already decided when I started. I am thoroughly happy with the outcome and how my characters have evolved and progressed. They have all changed throughout the story from how I first imagined them to be so that's also why I'm so happy about that too. Anywhos! I hope you all enjoy this very long chapter and are looking forward to the rest of the story and bonus chapters :) you guys are amazing for reading and reviewing, I cannot say that enough! I love you all!
Finn helped Serena load her car up with her last bag, closing the car door and dusting off his hands. "Well… that's the last one."
Serena put her hands behind her back as she looked away from Finn. "Yeah… I guess so."
The ice mage rubbed the back of his neck, his own eyes glancing away to look at anything but the girl in front of him. "Um… so… I uh…"
Serena giggled as Finn struggled to say something. "It's ok Finn. You don't need to say anything."
Solid blue eyes turned her way, seeing she had already been looking at him. Finn blushed slightly as he spoke. "Sorry… I just feel like I should say something right now… I just don't know what…"
The platinum blonde haired girl stepped closer to the mage. She stood up on the tips of her toes so that she could plant a soft kiss on his cheek, causing them to redden more. He watched her step back afterwards, a smile still over her face as she closed her eyes happily. "You don't have to say anything."
Finn half smiled as he looked over her. She really was a great girl. She had taught him so much, and part of him wished to still be friends with her. He wasn't going to be able to forget the time they shared. Finn watched her begin to step back another step and turn around to head for the driver's side of the car. The ice mage reached out and quickly grabbed her wrist, pulling her back into his body. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. "I just wanted to let you know… that even though I was caught up on her still, I tried to forget. I tried to move on and for a while, it seemed to be working. I honestly thought that I could live the rest of my life with you and be happy. But ever since I came back here…"
Serena wrapped her own arms around the ice mage. "I know. And it's ok." The girl looked up to Finn with a smile. "I'm still going to be your friend, Finn. And you can talk to me anytime you want. So you don't have to worry about a thing. I'll be fine, and so will you."
Finn smiled as he held Serena in his arms. "You're still willing to be my friend even after all of this? Usually breakups don't end so well."
"I'm not like most people, and besides, you are a great guy with great friends. I would love to come back and visit everyone one day! Maybe I'll even bring Ace with me!"
Finn smacked himself in the head as he spoke. "Oh my god… Ace! I completely forgot to call him since I've been home! God I am the worst friend!"
Serena laughed cheerfully. "Don't worry! I'm sure he's busy with other things. And the way you two were, I'm sure he'll end up forgiving you."
Finn brought his hand down to his side as he let go of the girl in his arms. "Yeah… I guess you're right. Oh and is it cool if I come by in a bit to… pick up my things from… your place?"
Serena put a finger to her chin, thinking things over as she narrowed her eyes at Finn. "I don't know… I was honestly thinking of selling everything off…"
"What?! No! You wouldn't!" Finn said with serious concern over his face.
Serena giggled as she waved a hand at Finn. "I'm kidding! I'm kidding! I would never! Just shoot me a text or give me a call before you come over. I can help you out if you want."
The ice mage grinned as he walked her to the driver's side of the car. "Thanks." He opened her door and waited for her to get settled into her seat before leaning down on the window after she had closed the car door. "Will you let me know when you make it home?"
"Still gonna worry about me, huh?" Serena said with a grin.
Finn laughed lightly. "Of course. That's what friends do, remember?"
Serena smiled as she started her car. "Ok fine. I will let you know when I make it back there. Good bye, Finn."
The ice mage stood back and waved a hand. "Bye… Serena." Finn kept his smile as he continued to wave his hand slowly as the girl drove away. He waited until she was out of sight before he put his hand down at his side, wondering if he had done the right thing. 'She wasn't wrong when she said I still love Lil… but part of me wanted what we had to work out. She said I have everything now… but somehow… I feel like I have nothing. I guess this is just what I get for everything I did behind her back….'
Finn sighed as he rubbed the back his neck, his feet turning on his heels as he headed back inside silently. His thoughts were cut off as he looked to the bottom of the stairs where his parents had just stopped at. His mother was laughing as Gray had his arms wrapped around her waist, stopping her from entering the kitchen. He had started laughing as well as he scooped her up into the air, twirling her around happily. The younger ice mage didn't know what had just happened in the time he was saying goodbye, but what he saw in front of him, made him completely forget how guilty his gut felt. All he could think about was one thing as he watched his parents. Gray had set Juvia back down onto the ground. His arms still wrapped around her as she turned to face Gray. She reached up and ran her fingers through his dark hair, her words inaudible to Finn's ears.
Finn watched as Gray smiled and put his head to Juvia's, his response causing her to smile as well. The young ice mage smiled as he leaned up against the wall. 'They're so happy to be with each other… Rain too. Everyone around me is finally happy again. I mean… that's all I ever wanted… I wanted to see them all happy and smiling like old times.' Finn grinned to himself as he continued to watch his parents. 'Maybe I do have everything….'
The water mage turned her head as Gray's arms finally released her, her eyes catching a glimpse of her son near the front door. "Finn! Sweetie, what are you doing? I thought you were upstairs with Serena still."
Finn pushed off the wall and walked over to them both. "Yeah… I actually just said goodbye to her."
Noticing something was a bit off, Juvia decided to continue questioning Finn. "Is everything ok? I thought she would have stayed longer."
Finn looked away as he shoved his hands into the pocket of his shorts. "Yeah… we just… broke up last night. She wanted to leave sooner but I told her to stay one more night."
Juvia's expression softened into sympathy for her son. "Oh Finn…" his mother wrapped her arms around the ice mages neck. "Are you ok?!"
Finn half smiled as he hugged his mother in return. "I will be… I think." He waited until Juvia had stepped back before speaking. "Is Rain still sleeping? I really need to talk to her about something."
The water mage was heading into the kitchen to start on breakfast as she responded to Finn, Gray following right behind her. "I think she said she was going to Leo's."
Finn looked down after hearing his mother's words, irritation forming over his face. "Oh… So she told you guys? You know and you're both completely ok with it?"
Juvia turned to look at Gray, worry coming over her as well as Gray. Before Juvia could say or do anything, Gray put a hand to her shoulder. He kissed her lightly on the cheek before walking over to his son, patting him on the back. "Come on kid. I gotta talk to ya for a minute."
Finn sighed loudly as he followed his father outside to the backyard. 'I can't believe my own parents are totally fine with Rain and Leo… they completely brushed me off when I asked them inside.' The young ice mage sighed as he stopped out in the yard under his old tree house. "So what do you want to talk about? Rain?"
Gray smirked as he reached into his pocket. "No, I wanted to tell you that I've been thinking… about something very important."
Finn raised a brow. "That doesn't sound something good when you say it like that…"
Gray laughed lightly as he pulled out a small velvet box, opening it up to show Finn a ring. "I've been thinking about asking your mother to renew our vows together. And this is the new ring I want to give her."
Finn's face lit up as he spoke. "Dad that's great! Mom will love it!"
Gray closed the small box and put it back into his pocket. "Yeah, she doesn't know it yet, but I'm going to ask her soon."
"That's really awesome dad… I'm happy for you." Finn said with a smile.
"And I want to be happy for you too Finn. As well as your sister. Finn." Gray said with a serious tone as he looked at his son, getting his full attention. "We can't waste any more time. We Fullbuster mean have a hard time admitting what we want in life, but the girls… they know what they want. Your sister takes after your mother in that way. And, like me, you have been stubborn and silent about what you want. We have to stop wallowing over everything and just go after what will make us happy in the end. I think your sister has realized that on her own, and that's why your mother and I are so happy for her. I know it was probably harder for you to hear about them being together because she is your baby sister and he is your best friend… but I think you should just let her live her life the way she wants to. And be happy and supportive of what they have." Gray looked down as he smiled. "She has someone else to protect her now. And I know deep down he will take very good care of her." Gray looked back up to Finn and patted him on the shoulder. "She told me you weren't happy about hearing the news so I hope our talk helped you sort things out in your head."
Finn's eyes cast down halfway through Gray's talk. He waited until his father had gone back inside before letting out a long breath. 'Maybe dad is right… maybe I should just be happy for them.' Finn shook his fist lightly at his side. His mind was slowly making up his decision. 'That's it. I need to talk to Leo. I messed things up and I need to make it right.' The ice mage ran back into the house and rushed past his parents, running up the stairs to grab his car keys.
Lily stood in front of Makarov's desk, her voice confident as she pleaded with him to have the use of his concert hall. "Please, sir, this was the concert hall that my father and his friends used to perform on and I know it hasn't been used in some time, but if you will let me, I will have it fixed up and ready to go by the end of the week. I know some people who can work all of the electricals and even—"
Makarov put a hand up in front of him, coughing lightly before he spoke. "Please, child, you don't need to convince me to play at the concert hall."
Lily's eyes widened in shock. "I… I don't?!"
Makarov smiled as he folded his hands together on the desk. "No, and don't worry about getting it cleaned up and fixed. I can have that taken care of."
Lily placed her hands on the desk, leaning forward slightly. "Please! Let me help! I really want to! Besides, my band and I need to practice when we aren't going to be at the bar, so it would benefit everyone if we just helped you out and then practiced there."
The old man rubbed his chin as he leaned back in his chair. "Persistent, aren't we? Very well. You and your bandmates can help out with getting the concert hall up and running again. I just have one question for you." Makarov looked at Lily questionably. "Will this be enough time for you to get tickets sold and all of the other preparations done before the time of the show?"
Lily grinned and stood up straight, putting her hands to her hips. "You obviously don't know what I am capable of. Don't you know who my father is?"
Makarov grinned from ear to ear. "Oh yes, I can very much tell the resemblance. You are your fathers' daughter alright. Just as stubborn and bullheaded as he is."
Lily held up a finger into the air. "That's right. So there won't be any problems! I'll make sure everything is ready by the end of the week! And I promise a full house!" The script mage turned on her heels and headed for the door. "You won't regret this Gramps!"
Makarov grinned as he looked down at his old pictures scatted around his desk. His old eyes landed on the one picture he had taken when three young musicians landed their very first concert in their hometown at his hall. He had heard of them winning the music competition and saw much potential in them all. He had it built the concert hall for them in mind when they first started out, and that was the last one they performed on all those years ago. He had missed those days when those three proud and stubborn boys came to him, demanding he build them a stage and wanting to help perfect it. He smiled as he looked over Loke, Gray and Gajeel standing behind him in the picture. All three youthful and beaming with smiles. "It seems your daughter has gotten a lot from you, Gajeel. And just like before, I am suckered in to helping out." Makarov smiled as he let his mind wander back to the past. "It's funny how your daughter wants to perform on that very same stage as you did."
Mira entered the room with a knock on the door. "Master? Is everything alright?"
Makarov looked up at the young girl in the doorway. "Ah, Mira. Yes, everything is fine. I was just reminiscing in the past. Please call Laxus and let him know that I am going to need his help with something."
Mira smiled. "I'll go call him now! But Master," She started to say as she watched Makarov climb down from his chair. "What is going on?"
"We have a show to put on! It's time we awake the stage once more!" The old man said confidently.
Finn knocked on the front door to Leo's house. His mind was made up on what he wanted to say to his best friend. He could hear someone on the other side of the door, calling back to someone in the house. A second later, the ice mage was face to face with his best friend.
Leo's eyes widened quickly as he saw Finn at his front door, his first reaction was to closed the door quickly, lock it, and run and hide. But he knew Finn was too fast for something like that, and secondly, he could probably bust down the door with his strength alone. Leo swallowed hard as he gripped the door handle tightly and nervously. "H-h-hey F-Finn! What's… uh… what's up buddy?"
Finn calmly raised his hand and motioned inside. "Mind if I come in for a bit?"
Leo turned his head back behind him, quickly turning it back around to Finn. "Uh, yeah. Sure… come on in…" The blonde haired boy stepped aside, his heart racing as Finn made his way in, saying nothing as he entered the living room. Leo closed the door behind the ice mage and followed him into the next room. He watched Finn sit down on the chair next to the couch, his hands falling in between his legs and coming together as he eyed Leo.
Leo stood still, watching Finn back. The ice mage cleared his throat before he spoke. "Do you want to sit down? I want to talk to you."
Leo shook his head quickly, scrambling to the couch next to the chair Finn sat at. He sat down near the arm of the couch, his legs shaking slightly, awaiting for Finn to start yelling at him for dating his sister. The two friends remained quiet for a long time. Olive-green eyes shifting to solid blue then away quickly. Finn's eyes remained on Leo in their silence. Leo shifted in his seat, his hand came up to the back of his neck. "Um… so… can I just say one thing? Before you decide to deck me or kill me, just know that I am sorry for not coming to you first. When Rain and I decided to start going out… she told me that she wanted to be the one to tell you. I honestly wanted to keep this all a secret but—"
Finn held up his hand to stop Leo from speaking. "Leo, its fine."
Leo's eyes went wide as he almost jumped right out from his seat. "What?! You mean… you're… you're ok with us being together?"
Finn sighed heavily as he looked away. "Look… I don't think I'll ever… really be ok with you two together. I mean… she's my baby sister… you're my best friend… and I know your history with girls. But… my dad told me something this morning that made me think that I just need to stop being so angry at the fact that you two are dating. Rain has grown up so much and I hate to say it… but so have you. She doesn't need me to be her overly watchful and protective older brother anymore. She can handle herself and now… she has someone who will make her happy. She has you. And… I think I can learn to live with that. I know I shouldn't be so mad at you or her, but it was really hard hearing it at first. I think with time, I will be ok with it. But I wanted to let you know…" Finn looked back to Leo finally, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at his friend.
Leo was sniffling and holding back the tears forming in his eyes. He no longer looked nervous, but was a blubbering mess in front of his friend. Finn sighed and rolled his eyes slightly. He raised a brow as his eyes looked back to Leo. "Why are you sniveling?"
Leo shook his head and waved a hand in front of him. "Just keep goin' man. Ignore me. I just… I just can't help it!"
Finn inhaled loudly. "Ok… well… as I was saying… I just wanted to let you know… that you are my best friend. You always will be. And if you being with my sister will keep her happy, then I… I fully support you both. And I want to be happy for you guys. I don't want my anger to push you both away, because in the end… I need you guys in my life. And, please… don't get too into this… but I love you both."
Leo wiped his eyes with the back of his wrist. "Finn…" The blonde haired boys hand dropped as he looked at the ice mage with tearful olive-green eyes, his arms reaching out to Finn. "I love you too man!"
Finn attempted to push away the blonde haired boy away from his own body, but Leo's arms wrapped around the ice mage tightly, holding him close. Finn grunted. "God damn it, Leo! I told you not to get too into what I just said!"
Leo nuzzled his face against Finns head. "I can't help it! It means so much to me that you just said all of that man!"
Lily held her breath as she watched Macao, Alex, Dane, and Walter think over her idea. All that could be heard was the soft murmurs as they all thought to themselves. "Um… yeah so… I kinda need to know like… now, if you guys are interested in doing this show with me. And Macao! You can totally take all the profits from the ticket sales, I really don't need them. This concert is just going to mean a lot to me to do, and I just wanted to perform the one song. I told the old man that the guys can stay and play some of their old songs or some of the new ones we did. We could get another singer to perform after me, I don't care. I just… I would really like for all of you to join me on stage, that is, if it's ok with you first Macao."
The older man smiled as he walked over to Lily, putting his hand on her shoulder. "I'm perfectly fine with it as long as it's mentioned that you all play here at the bar and if they want to come see more of you guys, they need to come here to see ya! As far as the profits go, you know I can't just take all of the sales and I'm willing to give you at least half of what the show brings in."
Lily waved a hand as she half smiled. "No, no… please. I don't need that much. Please, I'd rather see this place flourish further."
Macao held up his finger to the girl. "Lily, think of this as a raise along with a bonus."
Alex came up to the other side of Lily, his expression excited as he spoke. "Yeah! You deserve it Lil! Without you, this place would have gone under so we owe a lot to ya!"
Dane held out his hand as he stood next to Walter. "Yeah and you got Rex Slayer to play with us. You know how long I've been wanting to get a hold of him? Years! And I'm a guitarist myself!"
Walter chimed in after Dane finished speaking. "You know, we were just a bunch of old guys who just played because this was just a job to us. But after you started, I actually look forward to coming in to play. Not to mention we are all making more caz of the people you bring in!"
Macao glared at the bass guitarist. "Hey! You told me you liked coming in here to play every night!"
Walter crossed his arms over his chest. "You call playing for pennies fun?!"
Macao held up a fist angrily. "Well if that's how you really felt, then why didn't you just quit?! I could have found a new bass guitarist no problem!"
The older man scoffed as he rolled his eyes. "Yeah just like how you were able to find a singer without a problem?!"
Lily stepped in between the two arguing old men, holding up her hands to both of them. "Ok, ok… that's enough you two. We have more important things to discuss."
Alex spoke before anyone else could. "Ofcourse we'll play with you Lily! Not only is it fun playing with you, but it gives us old guys a chance to see what it's like to actually play at a concert."
Lily looked around at all of the guys around her. "So… you guys are all cool with this?" Her bandmates smiled along with Macao, all of them nodding their heads in agreement. Lily smiled as she spoke. "Thanks guys, you are the best! I have to run home and grab what I've been working on. I'll meet you guys at the concert hall in a bit!"
The ice mage finally managed to get Leo away from him, his hand grooming his hair back into place. "Geez man… why do you have to act like that?"
Leo sat back down in his seat, his eyes looking away from his friend. "I'm sorry, I know I tend to get a bit dramatic… but… hearing that from you it really means a lot to me. I really take what you have to say to heart. You're my best friend and I'm dating your sister now so… I really wanted you to be happy for us." Olive-green eyes looked back up into solid blue. "And if it's going to take time for you to accept it… then I won't do anything with her that might cause you any anger. Like hugging or kissing her in front of you."
Finn smiled as he shook his head. "Leo… I'm eventually going to see it happen so don't worry about not doing that kind of stuff in front of me. I'm going to have to get used to it one day. Why not start now?" Leo's eyes began to tear up once more, his mouth opened slightly to speak. Finn held up his hand and widened his eyes at the blonde haired boy. "No, don't do it! Don't cry!"
"Sounds like you two made up." Both Finn and Leo turned around to see Rain entering the room, her arms crossed over chest and a soft smile on her lips. Finn stood up quickly.
"Rain, hey… I uh… I wanted to talk to you too." The older ice mage said as he walked over to her. He looked right at her blue eyes as he spoke. "I just wanted to apologize for last night. I shouldn't have acted like that."
"No, you shouldn't have. But I accept your apology."
"Do you really? I was acting pretty irrational." Finn said with a raised brow.
Rain smiled. "Yes, I know that. But I still accept your apology because you are being sincere. And because I know you just said that out of love. For so many years I would look up to you and I think you got used to me always needing you for almost everything. And the moment I was able to take care of myself and found someone else to lean on, I think you just got scared. Like you said, I'm your baby sister and you are a very overly watchful and protective older brother. And that's ok. But sometimes you don't have to be."
Finn rubbed the back of his head as he spoke. "You heard all of that?"
Rain nodded with a smile. "Yes. Also another reason why I accept your apology. Because you talked with Leo."
Finn smiled back at his younger sister. He stretched out his arms to her, stepping in for a hug. Rain stretched her own arms out and met Finn half way. She embraced her brother warmly. Both of their eyes widened slightly, a second later, both let out a sigh as they felt Leo's arms wrapping around both of them. They both spoke in unison, the tones of their voices the same. "Leo."
The blonde haired boy released his grip on them both, holding his arms up above his head. "I know, I know! Brother, sister time."
The ice mages both laughed heartedly. They released each other as a sound came from Finn's phone in his pocket. Finn looked down as he pulled his phone out, seeing that he had received a text message. "Oh…"
Rain had made her way over to Leo as Finn looked at his phone. She turned her head as she hugged the blonde haired boy. "Is something wrong?"
"Lily just texted me…"
Leo raised a brow. "So?"
Finn turned to face the two of them, his eyes still on his phone, starting to fill with slight confusion. "I… I don't understand… she's inviting us to a show this weekend. But… it's not going to be at the bar. It's going to be at the concert hall our parents used to play at. And afterwards… she wants to talk to me."
Leo shook his head slightly, his hand coming out in front of him. "Sooo… what's the problem? We all can carpool and go watch her perform. Then you can talk to her after."
Finn finally looked away from his phone. "I don't think I can go."
"What?! Why not?!" Rain said quickly.
"Look…" Finn said with a sigh. "Serena and I… just broke up. I still feel guilty about… well… everything I did behind her back, and then Lily has just been too confusing lately, so I just… I don't think I should go."
Rain marched back over to her brother, her face getting right up into his. "You are going to that concert, Finn Fullbuster! I've been telling you for years that you need to sit down and actually talk to Lily. And god damn it, you can do it now! You aren't dating anyone, she's not dating anyone. So what's the problem?! Are you going to let the guilt of what you did get in the way this time?! Are you trying to make excuses to not talk to her? She invited you to come to the show and I think you should just go! Quit being such a chicken and join us!"
Finn's eyes were wide as he listened to his sister. She had a stern look in her eyes and wasn't going to take no for an answer. "But, Rain—"
The younger ice mage held up a finger to her older brother. "What did I just say?! You're coming with us and that's that! And after the show, you are going to talk to her!"
Finn crossed his arms over his chest as he glared at the people around him, filing in and talking excitedly about the show. "I really don't think I should have come to this… I could have just met up with Lil afterwards."
Rain rolled her eyes as she elbowed her brothers' side. "Shut up. Lily wanted you to see this, and it's not like you are alone. Leo and I are here too."
Leo clenched his fists tightly as he grinned. "Man this is so exciting! I never got to see my dad perform here, but I can still feel his presence! Aw man! This show is gonna be off the hook!"
Finn raised a brow to Leo. "We don't even know what song she's going to be performing yet… how are you this excited?"
"Can't you feel the energy around us?! And just look at all of these fans coming in! I heard that they actually sold out of tickets and had to get giant lacrima screens so that the people outside can see it too! Of course, those tickets don't cost as much, but man does it pay to be friends with the singer!" Leo said as he snickered.
"Yeah I guess… I'm kind of surprised the show sold out. They didn't announce that this was going to be a new song so I wonder if they are just going to play their old stuff." Finn said to himself quietly.
Leo moved over to his friend, wrapping an arm around his neck. "Lighten up Finn! It's going to be fun! I remember you told me you always loved seeing her perform! It was one of your most favorite things." Leo said with a smirk. "Maybe she'll be wearing that red corset again… that one was pretty good looking on her, eh? Doesn't that make you want to stay and watch?"
Finn blushed slightly as he thought about Lily and her many outfits she used to wear while performing. It's true he did thoroughly enjoy watching her perform on stage, her voice and presence used to fill him to the brim with excitement and energy each time he watched her perform. "I don't just watch it for what she is wearing, Leo. There's something else she brings to the stage that I was always attracted to. Hell I don't even know if I still feel that way anymore."
Leo grinned slyly as he nudged his friend. "It seemed to me that you still had those feelings when you saw her perform when you came back… you can't tell me you don't know if you still feel the same, man. It's written all over your face."
Finn pushed Leo away, rolling his eyes as he did. "Whatever. Let's just drop the subject. I'm sure the show is going to be starting soon and I really don't feel like talking about this anymore."
Leo motioned his thumb towards Rain as he leaned in close to Finn, speaking softly. "So… you won't mind if I just go… you know… hold your sister?"
The ice mage turned his gaze to his best friend, his eyes narrowing as he responded with silence. Leo grinned as he closed his eyes happily, his hand coming down onto Finns shoulder. "Thanks ol' buddy! I knew you would totally be fine with it!" The blonde haired boy walked past Finn straight to Rain, wrapping his arms around her waist. She smiled as she put her hands over his, her head turning slightly so speak to Leo. Finn watched them both, his mind wondering if he should be fine with what he saw before him or if he should just turn around and walk away.
The ice mage sighed as he put his hands into his pockets. He turned around and started walking away. 'I could just leave… if this is just some show that they did before… I don't think I'm in the mood to stand here and watch it.' His legs stopped as he got halfway to the exit door, his thoughts continuing. 'What if this is just me running away? What if… what if I really don't want to deal with this? With Lily? Am I just trying to punish myself for what I did? I could just meet up with her after the show and say that I saw her perform…' Finn scoffed as he shook his head, taking a few steps forward. 'No… she would know. She could always tell when I was lying.' Finn stopped once more, his eyes glancing down. 'Why does part of me want to stay here and the other want me to just leave? Part of me won't let her go. That's why I want to stay here…'
The crowd began to shout loudly, their hands raising up into the air as they cried out towards the stage. Solid blue eyes widened as the ice mage turned around to see Lily and her bandmates heading onto the stage, their hands up and waving at the people surrounding them. He watched as Lily set her guitar in its stand next to the mic on the stage. She was smiling brightly as she waved to the excited crowd. She was wearing a simple grayish, cerulean blue drape neck t-shirt with one of her nicer pair of blue jeans. Her black hair wasn't being held back by a bandana or a hair tie, allowing her short bangs to hang over her forehead as her long bangs framed her tanned cheeks. The back of her hair remained wild as ever. She was showing her true self. Just plain old Lily. No crazy outfits, no makeup painted on her face, nothing about her now screamed wild. She was just being… Lily.
The script mage took the microphone into her hand, waiting patiently for everyone to quiet down some before speaking. "Good evening everyone! How are all of you tonight?!" The crowd roared, filling the girl on stage with even more energy. She laughed as she brought the mic back up to her lips. "That's really good to hear. Really good. So… as some of you know, tonight, I am only going to be performing one song. My band behind me will be staying after I am done to play with some other guest singers, but I hope to one day come back here and put on a full show for you all. And as you know, you can all come check us out at the Purple Flame Lounge."
Finn's feet started to walk forward on their own, heading back to the front of the stage. 'I can't help myself… even when she's just speaking on stage… she's drawing me in.'
Lily glanced around as she continued. "Anyways, before we start up… I just wanted to say a few words. This song that I am going to be singing, is for someone who… I care deeply for. Someone who has been my friend ever since we were kids. I made a lot of mistakes in my youth, and eventually that led me to loosing this person for a little while. And when they came back and I started to realize my true feelings for them, instead of telling them how I felt, I of course was stubborn like my father and kept my mouth shut."
The ice mage stopped at the gate a few feet away from the stage, his solid blue eyes glued on the girl standing before him. 'Lily…'
Hazel eyes continued to scan the crowd. "I never told this person, what I should have said." She shrugged her shoulders lightly as she continued. "I just held it in. And when they were gone, I missed everything about them. We've been through so much, and without them, I feel completely lost and alone. And now… now I know what I want." Hazel eyes came down to solid blue, a smile coming over her face as she found Finn out of the crowd. "I want to tell you how I feel when I'm with you."
The dark haired girl put the microphone back in the stand, her head turning back to notify her band that she was ready. She reached down for her guitar, gently putting the strap around her neck and over her one shoulder. Alex waited a second to start playing, the rest of the band and Lily quickly followed the drummers lead. The dark haired girl opened her mouth as her hazel eyes looked straight out into the crowd, her fingers gliding over the strings of her guitar as she played.
I stare
At the girl in the mirror,
T-shirt,
Torn up jeans,
Lily closed her eyes softly and shook her head slightly.
No beauty queen.
Her eyes opened once more as they glanced down in Finn's direction, a smile curling over her lips. Her voice went higher as her energy rose. Her bandmates joining in every other verse, all of them singing together.
But the way that you see me,
You get underneath me,
And all my defenses just fall away, fall away.
I am beautiful with you,
Even in the darkest part of me.
I am beautiful with you,
Make it feel the way it's supposed to be.
You're here with me,
You show me this and I'll believe,
I am beautiful with you.
Lily looked back out to the crowd, turning her body slightly as she played her guitar, her voice and energy coming down some.
I stand,
Naked before you now.
No walls,
To hide behind, so here am I.
The dark haired girl looked back to Finn and smiled. She stopped playing her guitar to put her hand up over her heart.
See all of my scars,
Still here you are,
Lily took her hand back and made a fist into the air, holding it up confidently as she sang.
I bare my soul and I am not afraid, not afraid.
The script mage looked down at her guitar as her hands went back to playing. She began to rock her body back and forth slightly. Her bandmates once again joining in on the chorus.
I am beautiful with you,
Even in the darkest part of me.
I am beautiful with you,
Make it feel the way it's supposed to be.
Lily looked back up at Finn, her hand left her guitar once more, reaching out towards the ice mage.
You're here with me,
You show me this and I'll believe,
I am beautiful with you.
Both of Lily's hands reached out for the microphone in the stand, her eyes shutting tightly.
I've been the strong one,
For so long but,
Her eyes opened slowly, looking down at Finn almost apologetically.
I was wrong.
Lily's expression changed quickly as she pointed her finger out to Finn.
Doesn't make you weak if you're needing someone,
Her hand came back and pointed her herself quickly before she thrust her arm up into the air. She had turned her hand around so the back of her hand was facing the crowd, her index finger and thumb the only fingers sticking out as she sang.
I'm not holding back, yeah, I know what I want.
Finn couldn't keep his eyes off of her. He knew what she was doing. That hand symbol meant something to him. He once did it for his sister when she left with their mother to their new home. He had done it for Rain, to show her that he would be there for her and love her, no matter how far away they were from each other. And now Lily is doing it on stage. Not for the roaring crowd, no. for him. This was all for him. She was laying everything out on the line how she felt, how she had been wrong all this time, how much he really meant to her. He could feel that strange feeling coming back to him. The one he used to get whenever he watched her perform. And right now, all he could see and hear was her. He drowned out the screaming crowd around him, he wasn't listening to the band, his ears were being filled with just her voice. He watched her pause as her band played their instruments. She was panting slightly and trying to catch her breath before she continued on with her song. Lily closed her eyes as she slowly began to bring her hand back down.
I am beautiful with you.
Her voice was soft as she sang, her hazel eyes opened back up as her hand made its way back to the mic.
I am beautiful with you.
Her hands went straight for her guitar, slamming down on the strings as she looked back to Finn.
You want me for myself!
Her expression softened as she smiled, her eyes tearing up slightly. The ice mage gripped the cool gate in front of him to stop his body from jumping it and joining her on stage.
You get me like no one else!
I am beautiful with you,
She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, singing the next verse loudly and for a longer time.
With you!
The crowd who had been screaming the whole time, somehow managed to become louder as she sang. She was bringing so much energy to them without doing much on stage. Lily opened her eyes and kept them on Finn for the rest of the song, playing only for him now, her hands playing her guitar fiercely.
I am beautiful with you,
Even in the darkest part of me.
I am beautiful with you,
Make it feel the way it's supposed to be.
You're here with me,
You show me this and I'll believe,
I am beautiful with you.
As the crowd around him jumped up and cheered, the ice mage stayed on the ground, his eyes wide and tearful as he kept his gaze on Lily as well. He hadn't realized his solid blue eyes had begun to swell with tears, but now he could feel them there. He watched her standing on stage as the people cheered and chanted her name. She was staring right back at him, a smile on her face as she waited to speak, catching her breath.
'She sang that… for me… I can't deny it now. I want to be with her. And this time… I'm not going to let her go or run away. It's time we both talked seriously.' The ice mage thought to himself as Lily finally took her eyes off of him, raising her hand to the crowd.
She smiled at them all as she took her guitar off and into its stand. She took the mic in her hand as she stood back up straight. "Thank you, so much everyone. I could definitely feel all of your energy as we played, you guys are awesome! I hope you all enjoyed that song. I think I speak for my band and myself when I say that we all hope to be able to play here again one day with more songs to perform. This has definitely been such a great experience to be able to play on the same stage my father and his friends have played on all those years ago." Lily sighed as she looked down for a second. "I really wish I could stay and sing some more songs for you all… but…" The script mage looked up with a soft smile. "I have something else very important that I need to take care of. So… I'm going to be leaving you all in the wonderful hands of my awesome band who I couldn't have done this without, along with some guest singers who are so ready to play for you all as well. You all have been such a wonderful audience and again, thank you so much for coming out here tonight and supporting us. Without all of you, this wouldn't have been possible."
As soon as Lily finished speaking and turned around to head off stage, the ice mage turned quickly and was heading for the exit. He didn't want to waste any more time waiting around. He wanted to talk to Lily. A hand reached out and stopped him, causing him to turn his head to see who had grabbed him. Leo had a concerned look over his face as he spoke. "Finn! We were looking everywhere for you! Where were you?!"
"I was going to leave but when Lil came out on stage, I just stood in the aisle by the gate. Look I don't have time to talk to you right now, I have to go meet up with Lil."
Leo released his grip on Finns arm, his voice calling out to his friend as Finn picked up his pace for the exit. "Good luck!"
Rain came up beside the blonde haired boy, finally able to make her way out from her spot in the wild sea of people. "Did you find him?"
"Yeah. That damn fool is finally going for her." Leo said with a smile.
Rain rolled her eyes as she put her hands on her hips. "Geez it's about time. He better not come home without Lily as his girlfriend or so help me, I'm going to pummel both of them with my magic."
Leo laughed as he wrapped his arm around Rain. "What about us? Are we sticking around here for some more songs or are we ready to go too?"
Rain looked up into olive-green. "I'd say we stay for a few more songs. This is pretty fun."
Leo smiled as he reached down for Rains hand. "Alright then. Stay we shall."
Lily looked down at her hands as she sat on the top of the wooden table, waiting for Finn to arrive. The dark haired girl checked the time on her phone, letting out a sigh as she put her phone back into her pocket. Her expression grew sad as she began to think to herself. 'Maybe he isn't coming… I looked at him throughout most of the show… he looked like he wanted to jump up on stage and join me. Perhaps I was just reading him wrong.' Lily's eyebrows crossed slightly. 'But how come he didn't bring Serena with him? I invited everyone tonight.' Lily groaned as she put her hands up to her face. 'Why am I even concerned about her coming or not? The only person who I wanted to come to the show…'
A voice called out from a small distance away from the girl sitting on the table, causing her to look up quickly. A soft blush came over her cheeks as she saw Finn running to her, waving his hand wildly to get her attention. "LILY!"
Lily smiled as she got down from the table. 'Showed up.'
The ice mage stopped a few feet away from Lily, hunching over to catch his breath. He looked up quickly and opened his mouth to speak. "I made it! I'm so sorry I'm late!"
Lily smiled as she shook her head slightly. "It's ok! I mean, I was starting to get worried that you weren't going to show… but I'm glad you did. Finn…"
The two mages spoke in unison. "I have something to talk to you about." The two stared at each other for a long minute before laughing together. After their laughter subsided, Lily was first to speak.
"Well… first off… I wanted to thank you for coming to the show. It meant a lot to me that you came. And even more that you are here now." Lily turned her head away from Finn. "I um… I didn't know how else to tell you… how I felt…" Hazel eyes looked back up to solid blue. Finns expression was serious as he looked back at her. "About you. So I thought, what better way to tell him then by singing to him? Like you have done for me so many times before. And I know that you still are with Serena. I'm trying to accept that fact, but… I can't… I can't not hold all of this in anymore. It was killing me, and seeing you both together made it harder for me to tell you. I wanted to say something for so long, but I was afraid, and I felt I didn't deserve to be with you." The girl laughed slightly as she turned her head again, her hand coming up to the back of her head, rubbing it lightly. "I even made myself look like a complete idiot at the party by getting drunk, spilling some of my guts out to you and the rest to Serena." The script mage looked back to Finn, her hands coming down in front of her. "I wanted to apologize for that night. To you and Serena. But I wanted to say it to you first."
"Lily…" Finn started to say. Rain drops slowly began to fall from the darkened sky, slowly increasing the rate at which it was coming down on the two. They both turned their heads upward, holding up their hands to catch the raindrops.
Lily moaned as her expression grew sad. "What's with this weather?! They weren't calling for rain tonight—" Lily blushed as she felt the ice mage take hold of her wrist lightly, pulling her along to shelter to escape the rain. All she could do was watch the back of his head, wondering what he was thinking after everything she admitted to him. Hazel eyes looked past Finn to see where he was leading them to.
Her heart raced as he was leading them up to the giant tree in the park. 'Why didn't he just go up to the pavilion? Especially during a storm?' Her mind went back to the time they got stuck in the rain at the park before, the time he had finally opened up to her about his fear of thunderstorms and how mature he was for coming out with the truth at that time. Her cheeks turned red as she also thought about how he had held her close, warming her up as she shook in her drenched clothes.
The ice mage stopped just under the trees long branches, slowly letting go of her wrist. Lily took her hand back, bringing it close to her body as she watched Finn walk up closer to the tree. He reached up and placed his hand on the dry bark, smiling slightly to himself. Finally after a few minutes of silence, Finn spoke. "You know… being here makes me feel calm and peaceful whenever I sit under this tree. I tried to use it the night of the party, but I guess I couldn't let go of my anger to enjoy the beauty of this tree and what it can give off. I can remember the last time we were here, besides the night of the party… I was so happy to be here with you back then."
Lily looked down, her expression saddening as her blush faded quickly. "Oh… I… I understand if now… the feelings isn't the same for you… I made a lot of mistakes and I don't think I even deserve your forgiveness… but… please Finn…" The script mage looked back at the ice mage. "Know that I meant every word I sang tonight. When I'm with you… I just… I feel something more than when I'm with anyone else. And I'm mentally kicking myself for not realizing it sooner, because it's too late now."
Finn finally turned around to face the girl, his hand reaching up to the back of his head. "Well… Serena kinda broke up with me the night of the party. That's why she wasn't at the concert tonight."
Hazel eyes softened as Lily spoke. "Oh… Finn I'm so sorry… if it was because of me—"
Finn shook his head as he held up a hand to stop her from speaking. "No. it was all because of me." His solid blue eyes glanced down as he spoke. "I tried to forget about you, Lil. I thought that I wanted to, that's why I left for another school, and even hooked up with Serena in the first place. I tried so hard to get you out of my mind and out of my heart. But when I came back here and saw you… everything came flooding back. The way I felt about you for so long… never went away entirely. And apparently Serena could see that. I guess I was like an open book to her when I was around you without me even knowing it."
Lily could feel her heart starting to race once more. "What are… you saying?"
Finn looked up to hazel eyes, stepping closer to the girl. "Haven't you figured it out yet, Lil? I can't get rid of this feeling that I felt that night and throughout all of these years." Cool hands reached up slowly, not hesitating on moving to each side of her cheeks, gripping her face lightly. "It's you who I want to be with. It's always been you. I couldn't give my heart to someone else because… part of me still had hope there was a chance I could be with you. And you're not the only one who's made mistakes." Solid blue looked back and forth between hazel. "I love you, Lily. And after hearing your song… you have to feel the same way about me too… right?"
Lily opened her mouth to speak, her hazel eyes tearing up slightly as she felt so nervous about saying those words back to the ice mage. "I... I… love you too. But I don't think—"
Finn breathed out with a smile, pressing his head against hers after hearing her say those words back to him. "After everything we've been through… you're still going to deny yourself happiness?"
Lily smiled right back as she reached up to Finns shoulders, gripping them lightly. "No… I can't… I can't hold myself back anymore. I won't."
"Good, because I'm not going to hold myself back either." Finn said as he closed his eyes lightly, pushing his cool lips against her warm ones. He held her face in place as he kissed her passionately. He was receiving just as much passion from her as she kissed him back. One of her hands reached up to the back of his head as she tilted her head slightly, getting a better angle for them both to deepen their kiss.
The ice mage wrapped his arms around Lily's waste, smiling as he lifted her up quickly. The script mage broke their kiss as Finn began to swing her around as he held her close. "What are you doing?!"
Finn laughed as he spun her around a few more times, setting her back down on her feet and keeping his hands wrapped around her. "You don't know how long I've waited to hear you say those words. I just… I got so happy I couldn't help myself just now."
Lily laughed slightly as she blushed. "You sound just like Leo."
Finn smiled brightly as he spoke. "I know, I guess he's rubbed off on me."
"You two have been friends for so long, I'm really not surprised." Lily said with a half-smile. The ice mage pulled the girl back in close.
"We have been friends for a very long time too you know."
Lily blushed as she spoke. "I know… and I wish that I could have said those words to you sooner…"
Finn smirked as he turned his head slightly. "Oh? What words are you referring to?"
Lily rolled her eyes as she pushed against Finn lightly. "You know what words I'm talking about!"
Finn's solid blue eyes narrowed. "Nooo… I don't think I do. Why don't you just say them again?"
The dark haired girl sighed as she looked down for a second, her hazel eyes coming back up to look at Finn. "I love you."
Finn smiled as he brought a hand up to Lily's tanned cheek, rubbing it lightly with his thumb. "I love you too." He watched Lily smile as her cheeks grew red at his words. He chuckled slightly before he leaned in and kissed her once more, her lips pressing back onto his as the two mages both embraced each other in their arms.
AN: I decided to have Lily go ahead and play her guitar a bit like she did with the song Here's to us because I felt like this was a very serious song and I didn't think her jumping around and doing crazy stunts would fit, thus she played her guitar for a bit while she sang.
Takiarika: haha well, yeah… lol I knew I was being bad by throwing that possibility of Gaje having a gf, but I had to do it. I don't want to spoil anything, but I hope you read the first bonus chapter I have planned ;) I think it'll make up for what I did in the last chpt. And thank you so much! And yes! Please PM me and let me know when you have a story written! I would be more than happy and willing to read and review it! and omg yess! I love being fooled! :) makes for a good story!
Nyma: haha right? I cant not love Finn. I hope I have captured his past self in this chapter with a bit of his new attitude mixed in. I'm so excited to write more and sad too that this is ending, but yes! It was so much fun and wild with all my crazy things I threw in here lol I'm hoping my future stories will bring you a smile when you need it again. :) it makes me feel really really, really good to hear that I made someone smile. I feel like I did something good. And whenever I hear someone say that I'm awesome, I totally just respond with an "I know it!" but I'm going to thank you for saying that and also throw in that line. Lol but I cannot alone take all of the awesomeness. YOU all are awesome and so is MsKtk who has helped me soooooooooooooooooooooo much with this story and the other ones. I have named her the Aunt of my precious OC's lol she has helped me come up with a lot of the ideas for this story or helped me get through some tough spots and has urged me to keep writing when I got into my ruts. Lol
Depressica: yeah, I was originally going to have a small fight between Finn and Serena and he admitted that he cheated to her and I was going to have her be understanding about it, but the way things went, I just decided to keep it out. I might, later on in bonus chpts, might imply that he mentioned it, but we'll see. And yes, I know you never found a reason to like her, and that's perfectly ok, I just have had a love for her ever since I made her in my first stories. The more I love a character that I have written or am writing about, the more cruel I am towards them and basically make their life a living hell. Thank you so much for reading the stories/reviewing though! I still love all of your reactions and thoughts and honestly, never really get mad or upset if you say you don't care for someone I have written. JI LOVE reading all of your thoughts! Good or bad! It shows me that people are having reactions and feelings towards my OC's and the fact that you still are reading it besides that fact, is completely awesome and I love you for it! and yes! Bonus chapters will be so great JI cant wait to write them and get them posted! I am recovering well, and thank you for asking. You guys mean so much to me that I can't just up and give up on these stories.
Rab Shadow: Wow! Thank you! :D I love hearing that people have read all of the stories and still love what I've been writing! Gah! I makes my heart melt! I love you guys so much! You don't have to worry about me not writing lol I will always keep at it as long as I have an idea. Omg I ship Gajevy so hard as well. OxO and omg… that means a lot to me that this is one of your fave Gajevy stories! * hugs tight* if you haven't already, check out my other story I'm working on called Centaur Paradise. ( it will be mainly Gajevy and I hope to get back to it very soon! ) thank you again for reading all of these stories and taking the time to review!