Author's Section: Oh hey guys! Happy Holly Week! I'm back with a chapter you guys would surely love. It's twice longer than any of the previous chapters and I hope you'll all enjoy. Things are slowly starting to unfold. Gihi~
(Chapter was edited concerning Loke's name being change to Leo—05-02-2016)
Reviewer's & Special Thanks Section is on the bottom page. If you left a review last chapter, you can find my reply to you in that section.
Disclaimer: The great Hiro Mashima owned the characters. I only own the plot and the twisted darkness around it.
Summary: A peaceful walk with friends became disastrous when Natsu encountered a raven-haired delinquent in town. After losing a fight and have his first kiss got stolen, Natsu's life was never the same anymore. Questions arise. Secrets unfold. Feelings blossom. And he's determined to uncover the truth. Truth that has been laid dormant for so long. But it will resurface once again.
"The Red Rose On My Window"
Chapter 4: Lingering Memories
By: Johan Winterfrost
"This is pathetic. My weekends aren't supposed to be like this!" I announced loudly, throwing the half-inch thick textbook somewhere across my room as I let myself fell on the red carpeted floor. I momentarily closed my eyes as an audible thud resounded from where I flaunted the accursed object. Damn old geezer for grounding me for a month even after all the crappy drama we'd have in the car that night.
Son of the best officer my ass! He is nothing but a retarded old man who would likely locked me up in a doorless tower if he ever found one. Who does he think I am? Rapunzel?!
It must be the cold breeze coming from my open window that for one delusional moment, I imagined myself sat in a large window brushing my dramatically long pink hair waiting for my Prince Charming to come and save me.
Okay that was just plain stupid. There's no way in hell I'm gonna want a shitty Prince Charming to come and sweep me off my feet. I'm not even a fucking princess to begin with. I'm a man! I'd rather choose jumping off the window and have all my bones crushed than be with another man! That's just so wrong! Who cares about some crappy happy-ever-after and all that shit? Not all Fairy tales are meant to have happy endings.
But then again, if a fairy tale ended unhappy then it's not a fairy tale at all but a heartbreaking tragedy. There will be no happy-ever-after. No Prince Charming to come and save the trapped Princess. The Princess will be locked forever in the tower and will probably die in misery. She will never experience true love and first kiss.
"But I already have my first kiss."
I blushed madly realizing what I have just said.
The kiss. It's been three weeks since it happened yet, it still felt as fresh as ever. Vivid images flashed before my eyes and my cheeks flared up even more at the memory.
.
.
.
.
.
It was a heart-stopping moment. My eyes were wide in utter shock at the warmth that covered my parted lips. I couldn't move a single muscle. It's as though my strength have been completely sucked away.
He kissed me firmly. His teeth nibbling, sucking on my lower lip as he pushed his body harder against mine. I grunted in discomfort at the pressure his weight brought upon my injured body. At the same time however, the feeling of his burning skin rubbing intimately on me has brought a foreign sensation I've never felt before.
And my throat released a sound I have never thought I could create.
The hand that restrained my arms above now rested on my cheek. He deepened the kiss with his tongue, making me moan helplessly.
I should have pushed him away. Especially now that my hands were finally out of his clutches. But as his kisses became more inflamed and passionate, my fingers, as if having its own mind, grabbed his head and pulled him even closer.
I started kissing him back.
My action must have surprised him because he stopped momentarily, but his shock was short-lived. I felt him smile into the kiss and his fingers began caressing my hips. His touches brought a shiver down my spine. I inhaled sharply, taking in his unique intoxicating scent of wild roses mixed with the smell of winter pines.
I was sure I have smelt this fragrance a long time ago. But where? I'm not quite certain but the blurry images flashing in my mind weren't helping at all.
When the warmth of his lips left mine, I felt deprived. It's as if a large piece of my soul was being taken away. I opened my eyes, bewildered.
Why? Why am I feeling this way? Who is this guy really? Why can't I push him away like I should have?
I stared at him with pure puzzlement. His cobalt eyes, cold and enticing like the sky in a freezing winter dawn, shimmered with desire and longing. His breath wafted on my bruised lips, as if inviting me to lean up and kiss those fierce, addicting lips again. But before I do, he spoke.
"I've missed you... Nael.."
.
.
.
.
.
"Gaahhh!"
I bolted up with a loud yelp at the sudden coldness that splashed all over my face, successfully breaking me out of my dreaming state. Wiping off the water with my hands, I looked up to see my father holding an empty cup of water, a slight frown was present on his face.
I stared at him in shock. "Dad! Why'd you do that?!"
Igneel squinted his eyes on me as he put the plastic cup on top of my study table and crossed his arms. "I've been calling out for you several times and you're not answering. When I entered your room, you are sprawled out on the floor like a dead penguin."
"That doesn't explain the water you just splashed on me!"
And seriously, penguin? What the hell!
"What do you expect me to do? I thought you fainted or something."
"You don't splash water on someone who fainted!"
"Whatever. Are you feeling sick?"
I scoffed, pushing myself up to fetch a towel. "No. I'm not."
"Then what's with your flustered face?"
"..."
"I'll go get a thermometer."
"It's nothing! Dad I'm feeling okay. Alright? My temperature is nothing beyond normal thank you very much."
I plopped down on my bed, a clean towel in hand to dry my face. Igneel was still leaned on my study table, giving me the 'I'm not convinced you're okay' look.
"Fine. But if you get yourself sick in our stay in Isvan I will ground you for another two weeks."
"Yeah yeah if you say-hey wait! What?!" The towel slipped from my grasp after the word 'Isvan' sink in my brain and I leaped on my feet. I stared at my father, wide-eyed. "We're going to Isvan?"
"You sounded surprise."
"Of course I'm surprise! We don't go to Isvan unless-" I ran to the small calendar placed on top of my desk and I gasped in realization. "It's Mom's death anniversary!"
"It's the day after tomorrow kiddo. So pack your things up. We are leaving two hours prior."
"Damn! I totally forgot!"
Dad gave me a small smile and patted my head. "Maybe that delinquent you fought somehow damaged what little brain was left in that thick skull of yours." he said, pushing himself off the desk and walked out my room.
I stared at his back with my mouth hanging open.
"Hey! That's so rude!"
I could still hear his laughter echoing down the hallway as I stood in the middle of my room, looking baffled.
I sighed, picking up the small picture frame with our family photo. The three of us. Time had passed by so quick I didn't even realized it. I stared outside my window.
"Looks like it's going to snow soon."
It was after two hours when I stepped out of our front door with a red traveling bag slung over my shoulder. It took me only three strides before I was stopped on my track and have my jaw literally dropped at the sight of a black Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in front of our house. It sparkled with elegance under the brightly-lit afternoon sun and a familiar orange-haired teen was leaning on it with a smile.
"Leo? What are you doing here?"
He just waved a hand in response, then pushed himself off the luxurious monster and walked towards me. I couldn't help but to smile at how the sparkling effect of his car made him look more glamorous especially with the expensive black suit he was wearing. If not dressed in our school uniform, Leo would be seen wearing expensive suits as if he's going to attend a ball. In reality though, that was just his 'normal' attire. Oh, the perks of being a billionaire's son.
"It's about time you stepped out. We've been waiting for you."
Leo took my bag from me and went straight to the trunk. Wait a minute? We? I gave him a bewildered look. Before I could even ask a question however, the car's door opened and revealed a blonde girl with a cherry grin.
"Lucy! You're here too?!"
"Of course!" She winked at me with a sideway flick of her golden fringe before she giggled. "I'm not gonna let you have all the fun. I want a break from all the stress of school and work too! Right Aries?"
"Aries?" I cocked my head a little to see a girl with a fluffy pink hair beside Lucy. From what I could remember, she is Leo's shy younger sister studying in the prestigious Blue Pegasus Academy, the school of rich kids.
"I-I'm s-sorry for the trouble Natsu-san! But my brother insisted I should come along. I'm really sorry!"
She had her head bowed at me and it looked like she was about to cry. I flailed my hands in the air defensively, surprised at her action. "H-hey! It's alright! You don't have to apologize. Really! It was no problem at all."
I breathed a sigh of relief when she smiled shyly at me. The last thing I needed was an angry lion going after my neck thinking I'm bullying his little sister.
"Well are you just going to stand there all day Natsu?" said a booming voice in my back, startling me. I turned back to glare at my father who had the same traveling bag like mine, only it was maroon in color. He also had a laptop bag with him.
"Will you not do that? You're gonna kill me with a heart attack!"
"Like there's any difference when you get in. You'll probably dead once we reached Isvan because of your motion sickness."
"And whose fault is that huh?!"
"Just get in already you brat!"
"Don't order me around old man!"
It was Leo who ushered me to the backseat with a laugh after I childishly stuck a tongue out at my father. He later joined me once finished loading our things at the trunk. When the car's door opened once again and a blue-haired girl entered, I felt my eyes doubled its size upon recognizing who she was.
"Wendy?! You're coming with us too?"
"Hai! I will be joining you in your vacation to Isvan Natsu-nii, Leo-san."
I grinned widely at her after I recovered from my shock and patted her head while Leo gave her a wink. "That's great Wendy! It's been a while since we go on a vacation together!"
"Hai!" Wendy smiled back. "It's been a while."
"Okay brats! All is set. We're ready to go!" Dad suddenly announced from the passenger seat followed by the smooth sound of engine coming to life.
"Isvan! Here we come!" Lucy cheered enthusiastically and the car drove off.
Although it was Leo's car (one of his cars to be precise), it was a family driver who would be driving for us instead of him. Leo was too lazy to drive for long travels. Thus, he is stuck on the backseat with me and my cousin, Wendy.
"This is going to be a lo~ng ride!" Leo exclaimed, stretching his arms up.
I smiled. "You bet."
Several minutes later, I have my head leaned on Leo's shoulder groaning in agony as the inside of my stomach did another horrible flip.
"Natsu-nii, are you gonna be alright?"
"Ughhh..."
"Motion Sickness eh?" Leo had his arm around my shoulder whilst I have my face buried in the crook of his neck, the smell of fresh citrus mixed with honey helped a little to ease up my nausea. "You're a mess Natsu. But you look so adorable like this in my arm. All helpless and vulnerable."
"..S-shut up... Leo..."
"Natsu-nii." Wendy called out from my left. "I'm sorry I forgot to give you this earlier. Mom said this Troia pills could temporarily ease up your motion sickness."
I lifted my head off the comfort of Leo's warmth and stared at the bottle in Wendy's hand like it was some miracle from heaven. I smiled weakly at her, grabbing the said Troia pills.
"...Thanks Wen...You're.. a life saver..." I muttered before popping two pills in my mouth. Leo handed me a bottled water and I downed them in big gulps.
"It would take few minutes for Troia to take effect fully. Please bear with it a little longer Natsu-nii."
I sighed in relief as the churning of my stomach began to lessen after a minute or two and the urge to vomit slowly disappeared as well.
"Feelin' better?" Leo asked, squeezing my shoulder a little, his soft honey brown eyes were staring down at me through his azure sunglasses.
I gave a meek nod, quickly averting my gaze as I realized I was still nuzzled up against him. I felt my blood started rushing up my cheeks.
"Aww..."
There was a flash of light in front of us. Looking up, I saw Lucy grinning at us with a wicked glint in her eyes.
"You two looked cute together." she said, taking another picture of Leo and me with her new phone. "How does dating each other sounds to both you?"
I was certain my face resembled a freshly picked strawberry as I glared daggers at Lucy.
"Q-quit making up nonsense things! We're just friends."
Lucy hummed in amusement, scratching her newly coated nails against the metallic edge of her phone as she averted her gaze from me to Leo who blushed an interesting shade of red.
"I.. I d-don't mind... I mean if I swing that way... I don't really mind d-dating Natsu.."
"Ooohhh..." Lucy cooed, giving me a meaningful stare before going back to her seat with a devilish smile.
My mouth hang agape like a dumb fish as I stared at Leo in disbelief. I couldn't see his expression since he was facing the window but the redness was still evident in the tip of his ears.
Seriously?
I diverted my eyes upfront, willing my own blushing mess to calm down. However, the fact that Leo's arm was still draped loosely around my shoulder wasn't really helping at all. I don't even want to ask why he hasn't removed it yet. And it would be rude of me to just shrug it off.
Sighing, I just leaned on my seat and closed my eyes. Strangely, it felt comfortably warm with Leo beside me, and I found myself slowly drifting off to sleep.
It's really warm.
.
.
.
.
.
"I've missed you... Nael.."
Nael.
It was like a magic word that broke me out of the lustful trance I've fallen into and my arms instantly regained the strength it lost.
I did what I should have from the beginning.
I pushed him away. Hard.
His wide-eyed expression showed how shock he was as he staggered back a few steps, his hands hanging suspended in the air.
"..Nael-"
"Don't.." I held my palm up in front of me, stopping him when he took a step forward. "... D-don't come near.. m-me.."
"But-"
"Just don't! Ahh!"
But he did.
His strong arms caught me before I completely hit the ground. I cracked open an eye to see his worried gaze at me. It's funny how the person who just beat the living daylights out of me earlier now had me cradled in his arms all worried and shit. Tch! What a complete jackass.
"... B-bastard.. I said don't come.. near me.."
He rolled his eyes.
"You're still the most stubborn idiot."
"S-shut up.."
I clutched my head with my left hand as it began throbbing painfully. I groaned, scrunching my face in agony as his addicting scent once again invaded my nose, but this time it was overwhelming it made my head hurt even more.
"Hey. Are you alright? Does your head hurt? Damn! I went a little overboard aren't I?"
His thumb began caressing my cheek. Seriously, he should stop doing that.
"... stop asking... stupid questions.. naked moron.."
"Don't you remember me really, Nael?"
Nael. He called me by that name again. How annoying.
"... It's Natsu. My name is Natsu. Not Nael." I said, clutching my head tighter as the throbbing intensified.
I groaned, louder this time.
"... make it stop.. it hurt.. it fucking hurt..."
"Damn you must have a concussion. Hey! Don't fall asleep okay? I'll bring you to the nearest hospital. Hang on."
I paid no mind when he lifted me off the ground and held me like a groom would to a bride on a wedding day. Not even his smartass remark about my weight registered in my mind.
All I wanted at the moment was for the pain to end already.
And the flashing of blurry images inside of my head to stop.
They hurt.
I don't even recognize them at all. Why? Why are they flashing so fast? Can't they get a little slower? A little clearer?
Why am I seeing these pictures in my head anyway?
Hey, is that a kid slumped in the middle of the road? Why's he crying? He looked so scared.
And who was that man lying on his feet? There's blood. Oh my god is he dead?!
The kid looked my way. His eyes had tears flowing from them, and his raven hair was messier than usual. Why does he look so scared? He's shouting something, but I can't hear his voice. I wonder why?
What is that blinding light? It's hurting my eyes. And who's this kid hugging me? I couldn't see his face but he's holding me so close, protecting me from the offending light.
The light was gone, and my eyes doesn't hurt anymore. But it hurts everywhere.
It's warm. And it smelt nice, a mixture of wild roses and fresh pine trees... and rust? Hey that doesn't smell nice at all! Where's that nasty smell coming from?
I can't move. Something heavy was pinning down my body. Heavy but soft and warm and... sticky. As sticky as the red substance flowing down the side of my face.
Wait. Is this... blood?
I could hear the faint sound of police sirens from the distance. Or was that ambulance? I'm not really sure.
"Shit! The police! Why now of all times?!" suddenly said a frustrated voice from above me. I opened my eyes a little.
Raven hair?
"Dammit! What should I do?" he stared at me with deep worry in his eyes. Or perhaps it was fear.
I felt myself being lowered on the ground, my back leaned on a wall.
"I'm sorry but I have no other choice."
His cold hand caressed the side of my face again, and he leaned in to place a kiss on my forehead before sprinting off to the other side of the road.
I watched his retreating back with a burning feeling inside my chest. A stinging sensation pricked my eyes as my hand rose to reach out for him.
"...-ray.."
But he was already gone.
A car had stopped in front of me, completely blocking him out of my sight.
"Natsu!"
I looked up to see Leo running to me, my Uncle Atlas in tow.
"Hey Natsu! Buddy are you alright?! Natsu! Natsu!"
.
.
.
.
.
"Natsu? Natsu wake up! Natsu!"
I groaned and slowly opened my eyes, meeting Leo's worried gaze.
"L-Leo?"
Is it just me or am I really lying on his lap? I felt myself blush realizing I am indeed have my head laid on Leo's thighs. I tried to get up, but a wave of nausea prevented me from sitting up.
"Ugghhh.. my head.. It hurts.."
Leo's hand rested on my forehead. "You have a slight fever Natsu. Why didn't you say you're not feeling well earlier?"
I sighed, not meeting his eyes. "I'm fine. I just felt a little warm and dizzy, but that's probably just my motion sickness."
"Should I tell your father?"
"Don't you dare!" I hissed as quietly as possible. "You know how he is when I'm like this! And he said he would ground me for another two weeks if he finds out I'm sick."
Leo laughed lightly, ruffling my already messy hair which earned him a growl from me.
"Sure. Sure. I won't tell him. But only if you let me take care of you."
I wasn't so sure why my heart started beating so fast all of a sudden. But I am certain my face already has a shade of carmine painted on it.
"W-whatever. Just d-don't tell my Dad about this."
"Hai. Hai. Now drink this up. It will help lower your fever."
I stared at the white tablet in his hand warily. "What's that?"
"It's paracetamol. I get it from Wendy." He said, motioning to the blue-haired girl sleeping on his side.
I took the medicine from his hand and carefully pushed myself up. Leo gave me the bottled water I used earlier.
"Wasn't Wendy sitting beside me earlier? Why is she on your side now?" I asked, handing him back the empty bottle with a frown.
"Oh that?" Leo turned a little to give Wendy a small pat in the head. "She said she wanted Natsu-nii to rest more comfortably. That's why she transferred on my side so you can have more space to lie on."
"Ohh.."
I was at loss of words. Although I'm not really expecting less from Wendy, and her kind action doesn't surprised me. Knowing her, that's what she would do.
We've known each other since childhood and shared a bond like real sibling have. We only drifted apart a little when we both started going to different schools and hardly have time to see each other. I'm attending Fairy Tail Academy while she's at Cait Shelter Montessori. It was nice to know Wendy hasn't changed a bit even after a long time.
I felt a hand clasped my shoulder and pulled me down, breaking me out of my thoughts. Leo stared down at me with a smile. I was now laid on his lap once again.
"L-Leo? W-what are you doing?"
"I said I'll take care of you right?" He said, pushing stray bangs out of my forehead. I could feel the blood rushing back to my cheeks for the umpteenth time. Thankfully, the lights were off inside the car since almost everyone were already asleep.
"Y-you don't really.. h-have to.."
"But I want to."
I opened my mouth to protest, but I decided it's best not to argue with him anymore. I just averted my eyes and willed myself to stop blushing because really, since when did I start being a blushing mess?
Leo's fingers continued to comb through my hair, massaging my head with the tips of his fingers. Whatever he's doing, it's effectively helping me relax. It didn't take long before my eyelids started feeling heavy.
"Good night Natsu. Get well soon."
"Good night Leo. T-thanks.."
Before sleep consumed me fully, our earlier conversation with Lucy replayed in my head.
.
.
.
"You two looked cute together. How does dating each other sounds to both you?"
"Q-quit making up nonsense things! We're just friends."
"I.. I d-don't mind... I mean if I swing that way... I don't really mind d-dating Natsu.."
.
.
.
Leo doesn't mind dating me. If he swings that way, that is.
Would I mind dating Leo?
But we're both guys.
Does it really matter?
To Be Continued...
Author's Section: Does anybody felt the chills with all the revelations or is it just me? LoL. I hope you guys enjoyed reading this extra-long chapter of TRROMW. Personally, I enjoyed writing this one. It revealed a lot of things. But surrounding those revelations are mysteries that thickens the plot even more.
Anyone can foretell what's going to happen next? I wonder what awaits Natsu in Isvan? *smiles innocently*
I'll dedicate next chapter to the person with the closest prediction, if there's one. XD
Want any clues? Ah well, they're all scattered in this chapter. Good luck finding them ;)
Reviewer's Section:
-cristallina- Ahaha seriously? The real fun hasn't started yet and you're already obsessed with the story? Honey, I'm afraid you might end up crazy like me before the end of this fic. XD
-Ryuu91- Well-weaved eh? I like the sound of that haha.. Well here's the 4th chapter and I hope it meets your expectations. Thanks for your support.
-Secret Companion- Hey there. Thank you so much for the encouragement. I'm grateful to have a very understanding reader like you. Don't worry, I won't think it's terrible anymore. I know I'm improving, slowly. And I will not give up till I can finally write a well-written story.
-Kori no Koibito- LoL. Yeah I know. For years, I've been using the byline 'Johan Lee' in my stories but after I met a person who has the same name as mine ( and he's also bisexual and lives in the same country), I've decided to use 'Johan Winterfrost' instead in Facebook, FF.N, Wattpad and all the social media accounts that I have. About the 0 instead of o? There's a story behind it but it's really silly. I'm gonna fix that soon. And hey don't be lazy. Reread the chapters, they aren't that long. XD
-darkhuntressxir- Of course there's is. I will reveal more about it in the later chapters. Stay tuned! Now here's a new chapter with lots of revelations. Enjoy~
-Blackhatred- Hey! Ahaha you're welcome dear. And it should be me thanking you with all the support you're giving me. Really, thanks.
-fanakatsuki- Thank you so much! I hope you continue supporting this story. I still have a lot of plans and twists to throw inside. XD
-Mistory- Here's the update! Thank you for patiently waiting. Please enjoy!
-123Toby- Hey! Thank you for all the support. Of course I'll keep going. Here's the new chapter to advance the story further.
-lunastarlight- Oohhh! Ahaha I can imagine that too. Who knows what future awaits for them in the later chapters. Let's all stay tuned ne? Of course I will keep on writing wonderful stories/chapters for wonderful readers like you. I hope you enjoy this one.
-KuroGaming01- Hi there! You are one lucky new reader because you don't have to wait any longer. The new chapter is here! Thank you for reviewing.
Special Thanks To: Ryuu91, Secret Companion, Kuro-Maggie, Izuechan, Animelover9696, fanakatsuki, kiara8, GruuseyMoyashi, Ferb O. Oche, PhantomsWorkshop, 123Toby, FairyDragneel, JcL107, SilverIce0, hananodoku, Readerfever and KuroGaming01 for the author and story favorite/ subscription. Thanks guys! Till next chapter :)
The Sorcerer Of Winter, Johan Winterfrost (03-23-2016) Edited: (05-02-2016)