F is for Fairytale (Part One)

(Listen to this song while reading this part, on Youtube: watch?v=-5qhNRmMilI or search "Beautiful Chinese Music - Bamboo Flute" )

Looking across the west, as far as ocean blue eyes can see; the city which I have been bestowed upon to rule with my honour and life, lie in front of my eyes, cascaded in the light of the sunset. With pools of purple colouring the sky, a flood with gold and rose; as sinks the sun into the horizon. It's brilliance glimmering over our continent, as clouds boasted mystical colours.

The sounds of faint music dances through the air; must it be my imagination? My ears can scarcely catch the whispering notes, as they entwine into a beautiful waltz, blending in together with the clouds and colour blend of the setting sun.

As twilight comes in with grey and it's restful eyes; ashes follow flame. The sun drowned in the horizon, the light glimmering into the darkness of clouds – faded.

Heavy eyes closing with a short sigh, before opening up once again to turn to the obtruder at the door; a poised yet apologetic bow, greeting me.

"My apologize for interrupting thou repose, your highness; but a few of the villagers from one of the forest villages have great troubles to speak to you about." The knight spoke, still in bowing position.

I sighed, knowing as the crowned Prince, I must proclaim the orders and keep my people happy in order to keep my kingdom from falling apart. Opening my tired eyes, I looked back at the awaiting knight and nodded; following behind the armored servant down to the throne room, where I was welcomed by four petrified-looking villager men of the Petrus village – were they scared to see me? Or was it something else?

"Your majesty! We beg of you. Please spare us your courage and save our village from the ferocious beast!" They instantly fell to their knees and begged, as they noticed my presence in the room.

I felt pity for them; to bow down and fall to someone else feet. I despised watching it be done, but what can I do? I am the crowned Prince, and soon-to-be King on my 18th birthday, and it is a formality to fall to your knees in front of your royal highness. Yet, I can not tolerate to see someone needing to beg for the things that they need; I just can not bare to watch this be done!

I bend down to one of the man's level and held the older one of the four's hands in my own, surprising both; the men and the royal guard.

"No, no! Please, do not fall to your knees and beg; there is no need for such manner. I will aid in you the courage to get rid of this beast, myself. My knights and I will follow you to your village, forenoon, and I will personally slay the beast." I vowed with a smile.

The men looked at one another with joy but at the same time, uncertainty (?)

"Please forgive us, your majesty. But unfortunately, we cannot wait till dawn for you and your men to slay the beast." The oldest man spoke; his hands still in mine, trembling.

"How come?" I raised in eyebrow in question.

"The beast only comes out during the night; usually around midnight. He comes in and awakens everyone, terrorizing the men, women and children. And within the moments he enters out small village, he always leaves with something he desires; such as our cattle, and/or gold. He once even kidnapped the chief's thirteen year old daughter, a night before her wedding even. Please, you must slay it tonight." The man tightened his grip on my hand, shaking slightly; his hazel eyes looked back at me with great sorrow and plea.

I bowed my head and sighed before looking back up at the man with a sympathetic smile. "Don't worry, sir. My men and I will head over tonight and see what we can do in order to save your village from this beast."

The four men look back at me with tears in their eyes; they were overjoyed to hear that I had complied to their pleas and would rid their village of the ferocious beast that had been terrorizing their people and live-stalk.

I stood up, smile still on my face, as I motioned for two guards to quickly grab my gear and call for someone to bring out the stallions for our departure.

As soon as we were prepared, I hoisted myself onto my pure white horse; Amice, her name was. Meaning "friend," which she was to me. I had Amice as long as my memory foretells; was probably seven years old when the deceased King – my father – had gifted her to me. She was rare type of horse; white maned horses were hard to find around our continent.

He actually found her injured and dying of starvation near a river bank, while out scouting the area with a few knights. They had taken her in, and brought her back up to her feet in a months worth of time before gifting her to me on my seventh birthday. She was one of the only presents I had cherished and loved with all my heart and soul, to this very day. She is also the only thing that keeps the memory of my parents alive.

"Okay Amice; gallop!" I snapped the reins, which motioned Amice to begin heading towards the forest; where the Petrus village lay.

The royal guards followed behind me, as a carriage carried the four villager men back towards their home.

I glimpse at the darkening sky above me – the lunar crescent peeking out, readying itself for it's arrival for nightfall; stars poking at the sky, as well. Shimmering and glowing faintly in the mid of twilight.

I snapped the reins a second time, motioning Amice to speed up; not wanting to be caught in the darkness of the transition of twilight to nightfall. I didn't suppose the knights had enough oil to keep the lamps running for long, as well; it was probably meant to last the hunt and the ride back home.

The sky above flooded with purple, began to darken, as the sun faded away in the midst of the mountain range.

As we approached the forest, the knights pulled out the lamps, lighting them up; illuminating our path , allowing us to see where we were heading.

The wind whistled as it blew strands of raven hair in front of my half-lit eyes; slightly blocking my vision. It carried along with it the faint sounds of music – wait, this tune? I've heard this before; earlier when I was watching the sunset.

The sounds of the sweet melody of a flute danced in the air, a bit louder than I had picked up earlier. It's lone cry haunting the vast forest as it lent its melodious sigh; the notes fluttering away with the wind like colourful butterflies in the spring.

The innocent tune twirled and faded away; leaving the echoes of the majestic sound like specks of fairy dust.

"Did you hear that?" I turn to knights, questionable; making sure it wasn't my imagination.

"Yes, my Prince. Such a sweet, yet saddening tune, it is." One of the guard spoke with a sigh.

"I wonder who it must be playing such a lovely song here in the midst of a forest." The other guard smiled, whilst looking around at the trees and beautiful flora growing on the border of the pathway.

"I wonder too..." I turned my attention back to the road in front of me, sighting glimpses of lights and houses up ahead. "We're here."

We steadily rode into the small forest village, halting as we approached the town square.

Villagers withdrew from their homes as the sounds of horse resided within their town. Worried thoughts and words left in mere whisper as commotion began amongst themselves.

As I slid down from Amice, I was welcome by a shorter old man with a bushy dark grey mustache and a matching beard by it's side; which I assumed was the chief of this village. Other than the facial hair, he was bald; no hair on his meaty arms and legs either. He was surprisingly pretty heavy built for a short old man though.

The old man walked up to me with his hands together in front of his face, speaking in devastated manner. "Your highness, it is my greatest pleasure to have you in our village. We would gladly have a feast for such joyous event, but until that blasted beast does not leave our town, we can not."

"My kind sir, please don't worry, I vow; that I shall not return to my kingdom until I have slain the dragon and brought you back his head." I held his hands in mine; standing brave and tall as I made my vow to the chief.

"Prince Gray..." The man smiled back gratefully with tears in his eyes.

"This is a Prince's promise." I smiled back.

Letting go his hands, I turned to my men and instructed them to prepare themselves and take position.

Quickly; climbing back onto Amice, I raised my voice, instructing the villagers to get back in their homes and make sure the children and no one, as matter of fact, stayed outside or left the safety of their shelter.

As quickly as they were told, men, women, children, even pets and live-stalk were hurried behind walls of shelter; away from the dangerous beast and battle that was to-be done in a couple of hours, maybe.

Once the villagers were safely situated in their homes, my men and I took position at the foot of the entrance to the village. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, relaxing my entire being as I prepared for the beast to come.

As hours and hours went by, waiting for the beast's arrival, I closed my eyes and listened to the faint mystical sounds of the night. The crickets, they sing they're soft soothing tune, chirping in the mist of the night. Small animals scramble around, searching for food, maybe shelter from a predator; who knows?

But out of all these noises, one caught my absolute attention; the sound of music. And not just any music, but the same flute tune that I heard while coming into this forest.

It hummed its sad tune, as the notes danced in rhythm to the beautiful melody. The tune, it seemed like it held a long saddening story. It's lone cry haunting the dark forest, sending chills down my back and startled the horses.

As soon as I opened my eyes, the tune abruptly stopped. I looked around in confusing, as did my knights.

It was quiet...Too quiet.

Not even the sounds of crickets could be heard, anymore.

I had this gut feeling that something bad was going to happen. Something very bad.

Suddenly a ear piercing screech rung through the forest, causing us to cover our ears in pain. A strong gust of wind swoop out of the forest almost knocking us off our horses; I had to tightly wrap my arms with Amice's reins and keep a tight grasp on them in order to keep my body from being knocked off Amice.

Just as fast as the wind rushed towards us, it quickly got sucked back into the forest, now pulling us into the forest.

Again, everything stopped and there was a brief silence before a deafening booming roar broke the silent night once again.

"It's time..." My eyes widen as I whispered the first part.

I quickly reach for my sword then quickly turn to my knights. "Men! Ready your weapons. It's coming!"

Left hand gripping the reins tightly, while my right tightly held my custom made blade close to my side; prepared to take on the beast that we have been awaiting.

STOMP!

The booming steps grow closer and closer each second; forming more and more anxiety in me with each step.

STOMP!

"Almost...here..." I mumble, tightening my grip on my weapon.

I close my eyes as I take one last deep breath before opening them to a loud roar.

Right before us stood a huge bloodshot dragon; it's wings spread out like deadly weapons as it proudly stuck its chest out as it growled and roared. It's eyes gleamed a hypnotizing golden colour as it fell on all fours just to glare at me, dead in the eye.

I swallowed hard, not daring to blink or make any sudden movements.

Shit... Why am I so nervous?

Panic risen in my mind as the beast strides carefully towards me. When he finally stopped in front of me, we were are least an arms length away before he reached his snout out and inhales my scent.

My heart began to race as a shiver went down my spine. I couldn't move or speak; it was like my entire body was paralyzed.

"Your majesty!" One of the guards exclaimed, hurrying to my side.

'No, you idiot! Don't come closer! You'll startle him and he'll attack you!' I scream in my head.

And just as I feared, it all began to fall apart; it was as if everything happened in slow motion as the knight coming to my aid was thrown off his horse with a swift swing of a clawed dragon hand. My eyes widened in terror as I stared helplessly; watching my guard fall 20 feet away, onto his bloodied face. Motionless and dead...

I open my mouth to warn the other guard, trying to get him to flee or back away before his faith ended in the same way as the other guard. But just as I opened my mouth and yelled, the dragon swoop the other guard off his stead and into his hands.

I snapped Amice's reins as I tried to back away, watching wide eyed and helplessly at my guard, whom hollered in panic for help.

I clench my fists harder, reins still in my grip. I couldn't bare to watch this beast kill another human being, let alone my guard.

I snapped Amice's reins, once again, with a, "Gallop!" and quickly rode towards the beast, circling him and screaming for him to let my guard go.

The beast just roared in response to my request, but I continued to make effort and try to have my knight freed with minor injuries.

"Bastard! Let my knight free of your grasp before I slice your hand away and force you to drop him." I practically bluffed, whilst clenching my hand over my sword. Beads of sweat rolled down, falling from my face as my lip quivered in nervousness.

The beast merely laughed horrendously while swinging an arm my way – the arm in which he held my knight, whom wailed at the top of his lungs in pure terror

My eyes widen, as I yanked Amice's reins trying to get out of its way. But alas, I was too late, as the dragon send both Amice and I flying. My back roughly slammed against a tree truck, knocking the air out of my lungs and causing me to fall forward onto my hands.

Although my vision was blurred, I tried to make sense of things in front of me. I swung my head in all directions, trying to at least be able to find Amice, yet all I could see were bits and blurs of colours. The most clearest colour amongst them all was a deep red colour, which I instantly identified as the dragon.

"Amice!?" My voice cracked, calling for my friend, hoping she was okay an not badly injured.

I swallowed hard, when Amice doesn't make a sound. Panic fills my mind.

Where is she? Is she okay?

"Amice..." My voice came out more panicked and terrified than expected. Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to let the fall. I wouldn't show my weak side to this beast.

The atmosphere became very quiet, other than the loud thumping that grew louder each second as the red blur began to grow bigger. It felt like my entire being had become paralyzed, my heart had stopped and as if I couldn't breath – I have never been so terrified, to have met death, eye to eye.

I closed my eyes, tight, as tears threaten to fall. The heat rising in the area, signing that my end was near. As the heat began to rise at an unbearable rate, I felt myself begin to feel faint and drowsy.

I open my eyes, to a half-lit position, as my vision cleared enough to see the red dragon, covered in its flames, before I finally passed out . . .

"Amice..."

The dry grass crunched underneath my feet as I ran off towards my left, in search of my friend. My breath coming out faster and faster, as my lungs tried to get air into them. My eyes hazy from all the running, and all the pain my body was in, it only slowed me down; weakened me. But it didn't stop me from searching for my companion.

I clenched my side, using a tree to hold me up, as my knees began to knock into each other, starting to give me to feeling of crumbling beneath me. I could not stop now! Not yet! Not until I find Amice, at least.

"...Amice." I croak; my throat was dry and pained as I spoke.

Taking forth another weak step forward, using the tree trunk as support, my knees shook violently, sending a shock of pain throughout my body, making me hiss. As my muscles calmed, I took another step, sending another wave of pain through my body.

I winced, looking down at my weakened feet. If I continued walking like this, it would take days to find Amice.

With a grunt, I pushed myself to step forward, taking two steps this time, whilst using the tree trunk as support. I huffed, breathing heavily, as the pain just continued to surge much more unbearably, throughout my body by the minute. Yet, I bit my lip and pushed myself forward, one weak foot step at a time.

"Amice..."I huffed once more, feeling my eyes heavy; I knew my body was tired and needed to rest, but I force my brain to keep my mind focused and awake. Although it was getting almost unbearable at this point.

I open my mouth to call for her, one last time, but not a single sound came out of my mouth. Even my inner body parts were giving up now; they've been in so much pain due to the beast, and now they just weren't going to start functioning anymore.

Suddenly a surge of pure pain, hit my left side, as I took a step forward. I screamed in agony, bending over and clenching my side as I used my other hand to hold myself up by placing it on the tree trunk, for support.

Sweat fell from my face as my eyes clenched shut. My body trembling and beginning to give way, as I lose balance and fall to my knees, on the grassy floor.

Opening my eyes, I stare at the grass beneath me. I exhaled, trying to get air back into my weakened frame.

But I couldn't give up yet.

No, not until I found Amice.

Yet, my body was so weak, I could barely feel my legs, arms and every other part of my body. I tried to raise my bruised frame up, but fell back down, almost instantly, due to all the injuries I had endured during the battle.

My body felt so...numb. I grew scared.

'Was it over? Am I going to die here, all alone? And Amice? Hell, I don't even know where she is.'

My eyes heavy, I watched as the grass below me begin to blur.

"I can't give up... Need...to find Amice." I unconsciously mumble to myself.

Just as my vision went black, I heard the horrific roar of the beast that had ended my life moments ago, before everything just went blank.

"Gasp! Amice!" I instantly sit up straight, huffing and puffing as sweat covered my entire body.

My eyes wide as I stared into space, terrified of my nightmare of the memory of searching for Amice whilst bruised and broken. And the roar of the dragon...it shook me, frightened me. He was near, he was searching for me. Probably to kill me.

I blink; wait, are not I died?

Searching my entire being for any proof of being dead, instead I found my shirt and robe missing, and my entire torso wrapped and covered in bandages.

I blink; what in the world? Who did this?

I touch my forehead in utter shock, to find another surprise. My forehead was also covered in bandages. As I trailed my fingers further down to my jawline, I found a few small bandages on my cheek, nose and even on my neck.

I then brought my hands into my line-of-sight, seeing even more bandages down my wrists and arms, and blinked widely as confusion stuck me as to why there were so many bandages. Well, more confused of to where they came from and who wrap them on me?

Turning my attention off of my body, I began to look around, in search of where I was or if anyone was around.

"Hello?" I called hoarsely, grumbling because of the dryness in my throat pained as I spoke.

Looking around, I noticed I wasn't exactly in the forest now; I was at the edge of a cave. The opening to the cave stood right in front of my feet, bringing in the little light it had to offer, illuminating the small cave. By the looks of the dimness of the sun, I could tell it was approaching dusk, most probably.

My second favourite time of the day, with it new sets of colours glistening the sky as it brought light to a new day. Where else my most favourite time of day colours the darkening sky as it waves farewell to the world, for the day, blending the colours as it fades into the darkness, just to come back and colour the sky once again when it wakes.

I sigh, looking down at the strange blanket covering my lower half, keeping it warm.

It would be nice to be like the colours in the setting sky; free of restrictions and able to create such a beautiful dance that brings smiles to billions on the soil, who were bound by gravity to even touch and be with such beauty glowing in the midst of the coloured sky.

It was a curse to be born in a life like my own; unable to be free of the subjects, the ministers, the duty of a prince, and stuck in a prison where I must do whatever it takes to keep the kingdom together and happy. My happiness, is in the people's happiness. I can not run off on my own free will and enjoy life as the teen I am. I can not enjoy parties, games, running around town, breaking rules, and everything else a regular peasant child or teen has done in their life. Because of my responsibility to the kingdom, I must serve the people. Childish behaviour and leisure time is not in a prince's schedule.

And the worse part is, I can never fall in love. Love; oh how I wonder what it would be like, to fall in love with someone. To want to always be by that person's side, no matter what. To stay up all night, and every night, in fact, just laying in bed thinking about that one person and what they may be doing each and every second of the day.

The feeling, of butterflies, maybe fairies, fluttering all of over the place, spreading their colourful wings and tickling my stomach, making me feel nervous as a pretty dash of love hides beneath the sweet kisses we'd share.

If only I could be like the colours in the sky.

"Oh, good morning! Was wondering when you'd wake up."

I snapped back to reality as a saw a new figure enter the foreign area. I merely blinked as the person whom gave me the most welcoming warm smile I've ever seen.

I blinked, watching as the wind blew through that fascinating yet strange pink hair. The stranger open the most beautifully rich golden eyes, sparkling along to the morning light.

I couldn't stop myself from gazing into them. Oh how fascinating and divine; they held a hungry fire, consuming me with them.

The new stranger walked over to opposite end of the cave from me, placing down a basket of what seemed like fruits and fish. Sitting down the stranger began to start the fire with the little pile of sticks in the middle.

I observed as those sleek arms reached over and pick up two rocks, placing them between those small fingers before snapping then together a few times, causing sparks to fly into fireplace; lighting it up.

"Before our formalities..."

I was taken back, slightly when the stranger began to speak again. I looked into his eyes, as he did the same, after placing aside the rocks while the fire crackled in front of us.

"I have to say, you're pretty cute for a depressing looking guy." He chuckled lightly, as a faint blush escaped my cheeks.

"Um...thank you." I looked away, trying to hide the embarrassment I felt.

The pink haired stranger laughed. "My name's Natsu; Natsu Dragneel."

"Nice to meet you. My name is Gray; Gray Fullbuster" I turn to give Natsu my full attention.

He shuffled around, searching for something another basket, which I hadn't noticed before, and pulled out a pan. In which he placed one of the fishes he had in the smaller basket. He crouched over the fire, holding the pan over it as he cooked the small marine animal.

"Is this your home, ahem, Natsu?" I spoke unsurely, my throat still dry.

He smiled again, grabbing a flask from his side and tossing it to me. I blink as I stare at the object in my hands with uncertainty. "Water; it'll drive away that dryness in your throat."

I blinked, before hoarsely returning my gratitude. "Thank you."

Carefully opening the cap, I stared at the clear liquid in the metal vessel before taking a long sip, sighing as I felt the liquid quench my thirst, slowly ridding of the dryness. I closed the cap, and turned my attention back to the pink haired man.

"You still haven't answered my question."

Natsu hummed a familiar tune, poking at the fish with a stick, making sure it was cooking properly, I assumed.

"I guess you can say that." He answered rather dolefully.

I stared hardly at the sorrowful smile on his face, yet didn't want to question it.

"What do you mean by that?"

Natsu took the fish off the fire, wrapping it in a banana leaf, from the small basket, before handing it to me. I looked at him questioningly, while grabbing the fish, yet he didn't answer.

There was silence amongst us, as I took a bite out of the freshly cooked fish. I cringed slightly, due to the fact it had no added spices or anything, like I was use to, yet held back my pride and continued to eat.

"So?" I mumbled between bites.

"Hmm?" The pinkette hummed; a sorrowful expression laid on his face.

He began to cook another fish for himself, which began to sizzle in no time.

"You...live alone? Or is there someone else with you like a mother, fath-" I began, before being cut off by a rather calm voice.

"My father died ten year ago." His eyes stared into the fire, not even blinking as he spoke.

"Oh...I'm so sorry to hear that." I began, feeling terrible for asking something like that. "I know how you feel. My parents died a few years back as well."

"I'm sorry for your loss." He mumbled, his eyes still planted on the fire.

"Yeah..." I watch the boy, as his once joyous face was taken over by that gloomy appearance. Maybe I should have just kept my thoughts to myself and not asked such personal questions.

I turn to look at the sunrise outside, trying to think of a way to change the mood. I sigh, watching those beautiful colours spread across the sky, wishing I could stare at them all day. So vibrant, so beautiful, so...free!

"You like sunrises huh?" Those golden eyes looked at me with that sweet smile once again.

I smiled in response before turning back to look at the colours in the sky. "Yes. They're just so fascinating and so beautiful. I envy them for being so carefree, and to have the ability to create smiles on even the saddest of faces. If I could just be like them, my life would be perfect."

"Well, if you want to be like them, why not? What's stopping you from living your life the way you want?"

I frown, staring at half eaten fish in my hands.

"It's not that simple to be happy, in my life. To get what I want, even all the riches of the land cannot buy." I sigh.

"If you believe in yourself, anything is possible."

I scoff. 'Believe in yourself' hah, like that would help get rid of my crown. If only this guy knew how impossible it was in my position to be happy.

"I know it's sounds quite cheesy, but if you don't believe in yourself and keep crying about it, nothing will change." He got up, with his own fully cooked meal. "And that's quite a bit, coming from a guy, like me, who's practically lost everything in his life and lives in a cave all by his self."

I raise an eyebrow, watching him come over and sit next to me.

"Don't listen to me, if you want. Makes no difference to me. It's your life, not mine." He took a big bite out his fish, chewing and swallowing before continuing to speak. "I lost my father, my friends, my home, everything I owned; even my god damn dignity to a bunch of bastards..."

"Language." I scoffed, out of habit.

He snorted, "..as I was saying. After all that, I was chased into this forest, almost died, but manage to survive, because I believed in myself, and made a promise to my father that I was going to get revenge on all of those bastards who destroyed our lives. I will not die until I fulfill that promise!"

I stared at Natsu, wide eyed. I didn't expect something like that about his past at all. At least it explained why he was out here by himself.

"...But, my situation is different." I murmur, holding the now cold fish in my hands.

He took a bit of his own fish, staring at me hard. "My life was practically destroyed, and you're still saying otherwise about yourself?"

"It's not that simple! The life of Prince may seem like the most holy life to live, but it's not." The pink haired boy sat there shocked when he realized I was the prince.

"My parents died years ago, in a war, protecting these lands for their people. After that, I was dignified to be King, yet it was still a few years too early; I hadn't even turned eighteen yet, so I had to wait. Yet, I did not, heck, I still do not want to be king. I just want to be a regular person, like the people in the villages. To be able to cause trouble, play games, not be responsible of making sure everyone was paying their taxes or how much money we should invest into something. I just hate my life. Especially after my parents died! Everything they left behind, everything, was put onto my head and now I have to make the decisions, make sure everyone obeyed me, bowed down to me. But I HATE it! I can't stand to watch men, women and children all crouch down on their knees and bow whenever I step out of the castle. It's just not...me!" I bit my lip, as tears threatened to fall. It was the first time I had told someone about this, and it somewhat made me feel better that I did.

Natsu just watched me, listened to me, and tried to calm me down by rubbing my back.

"The worst part is that I can not even fall in love which someone, other than those princesses that have been chosen for me, from either the alliances or those kingdoms in which we could build an alliance. But I want to fall in love. To have the butterfly feeling, every time I see my lover; just like in all those stories my mother would read to me as a child. I want to experience the feeling of love and be free of my throne." I let out a breath, that I had not known I was holding, as a few tears began to flow down my cheeks.

The pink haired boy, just sighed, looking at me with uncertainty. It was as if he wanted to say something, but restrained himself from saying so. Instead, he gently reached over and placed a kiss on my cheek, surprising me.

I stared at him in bewilderment, placing my hand over where his warm lips had touched, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

"If it makes you feel better, you can just run away and stay here for the rest of your life with me. There's plenty of room for more in the lonely cave." He smiled, causing me to blush.

"I-I..." I stuttered, making the pink haired male laugh. "...fine. Only until my wounds heal though, then I should probably go back to my castle."

Natsu sighed, and smiled sadly. But nodded with a, "Aye, you're free to do as you please."

I smiled, before going back to finishing off my meal.

"Hey, what's this?" I blinked picking up what seemed to be a beautifully carved flute. It had small branches and leaves carved into it and on the end, in white, there was a beautiful feather like design painted on it. There was a piece of string looped through one end, with a loose knot at the end, suggesting it had fallen off it's owner's neck.

"Oh, that's mine. I thought I lost it." The pinkette dropped a stack of wood down on a small pile of logs on the other end of the cave from me. He walked over and thank me, just as he took the wooden flute from my hands.

"You know how to play flute?" I blinked, looking at the object as he held it close as if it were his own child.

"Yeah, a little. My father thought me this song when I was young... Every night before bed, I play the tune in memory of him." He looked down with a sad smile.

I looked away with an, 'Oh.' Not wanting to continue the depressing conversation.

We were surrounded in silence as Natsu sat in sorrow. I quickly cleared my throat to break the awkward silence, catching his mere attention as he looked up at me in confusion.

"Could you, maybe, play some music for me?" I looked at him uncertainly, with a blush upon my face.

The bright smile once again reappear on his face as he nodded. "Sure. Anything for the prince."

I blushed, looking away with a scoff; causing the pinkette to laugh at my expression. I smiled, glad that I was successful in making the boy laugh again.

He was so much more beautiful when he laughs and smiles.

I watched as he situated himself in his seat and brought the wooden instrument to his soft-looking lips. It was as if he were moving in slow motion before slowly applying air to the wind instrument and began to play a familiar tune.

The dancing sad melody...

My jaw dropped as I watched, mesmerized by such beautiful melody. I gasped at such beauty. The tune, it sounded so...sad yet it brought relaxation. It felt like it held a story, a sad maybe dark story. As if it came right out of a fairy tale. I merely blinked, just watched him play the gentle tune.

I watched as his chest came up and down between each breath, gently letting out enough air to smoothly play the frolicking tune. I watched as the sun peak through the clouds and glisten against his body just as a light breeze blew through that blossom hair; it made it seem like this was all a fantasy, a dream. I watched as those small fingers lifted up and down from each hole on the flute, pressing firmly against each hole, then changing positions to change the key. I simply watched the majestic sight in front of me, unable to speak or move.

I felt my face heat up, and all my thoughts go crazy with emotions I couldn't quite comprehend. Not only that, it felt as if there were fairies frantically dancing in my stomach.

I blinked. Was this what it felt like, to be in love?

Just as the music stopped, I was brought back to reality. There was a faint blush on Natsu's very own cheeks. His eyes fluttered as he looked away with a small smile.

"Well...That's it." He muttered.

"...Y-yeah." I spoke softly, trying hard not to let the feelings seem visible.

He looked up at me with those doe eyes of his, blinking curiously at the, probably, mess of an expression I had.

I held my breath, praying that he couldn't see through me and see what a mess my mind was at the moment. It didn't help that he scoot closer and rested his hand on my burning up face.

"Yikes, you're warm. Are you catching a fever or something?" He looked at me worried, getting closer.

"N-no, I'm v-very much okay." I blushed. The feel of his hand on my forehead, it made my stomach jump for joy. The butterfly feeling got worse. I just want to touch all of him, to feel his skin.

Argh, my thoughts are so messed up right now! Was this how frustrating it felt to be in love?

"Gray, you don't seem okay. You're face is red and you're burning up. It's a day's worth of a trip, but I can get you some medicine if you're catching a fever." He began, as he rubbed my cheeks, making the feelings get even worse (if that was even possible).

"N-no! I'm perfectly f-fine!" I clenched my fists on my side, wanting to holds his hand. They felt so nice and soft. God, love is torture!

He pouted at my little outburst, grabbing both my shoulders and bringing our faces closer, causing all my emotions to explode. "Stop being such a stubborn rich brat and let me help you. You're clearly not fine. And as long as you're living under my roof, you're under my rules until you heal. Understood?"

My mind went blank due to the closeness between us. Everything coming out of his mouth just vanished into thin air, no sound seemed to come out of them. All I could see was those soft pink lips moving as they spoke. Oh how my body begged to feel them on my own.

"Gray!? Are you even fucking listening?" Natsu looked kind of concerned at this point. "Gra- mmph!"

It was as if my body moved on its own. Before I knew it, our lips had collided together. I could taste sweet strawberries on his soft lips. I felt Natsu's hands grip my shoulders tighter and shake slightly, just as my body began to move on it's own again; caressing his smaller torso and pulling him closer.

We suddenly pulled apart, as the the pinkette stared at me with confusion and flushed cheeks.

"Gray, what are y- mmhh!" The pinkette began just as he was pulled back.

I seemed to have taken an advantage of his mouth being open to let my tongue slip through, causing a soft moan escape the pinkette's lips. He shook in my arms again, figuring this may be his first time at this; it was my first time as well.

My tongue advance into the depths of the other male's mouth, tasting tentatively. Another short moan escaped the pinkette's lips as his hands clenched my shoulders tighter. I let my hands travel, moving down his sides to his hips, wrapping my arms around them and pulling them closer.

He suddenly gasped, pulling away for air and turned to look at the ground. His pink hair shaded his face as we both tried to catch our breaths.

I blinked rapidly as I came back to reality, trying to comprehend what I had just done.

"...Natsu." I merely whispered, causing him to jump slightly at the break in silence.

"W-what t-the hell was...t-that for, bastard?" He clenched my shoulders again.

"...language." I scolded out of habit.

"Answer me." He spoke a little more sternly.

"Because you are the reason why I was burning up. My emotions were a mess." I admitted, looking at the boy below me.

"W-what?" He looked up confused.

I smiled, planting a quick kiss on his lips, causing his face to turn redder than it already was.

"..Eeh!?" He stammered, resting his hands on my chest, trying to hold the distance between us. "W-w-what the hell do you mean by t-that?"

I sighed. "You make my emotions all...mixed up and confused. And when you played that music for me, the atmosphere around you just made you look so...majestic, so beautiful."

The blush on Natsu's face didn't seem to lessen, instead it got worse – if it was even possibly with how red it already was!

"What I'm trying to say is...I think I love you, Natsu Dragneel." I smiled with a blush.

Natsu expression suddenly went from confused to bittersweet to embarrassed. He bit his lip as he stared at the ground. "D-do you even realize what y-you're saying?"

I reached over and held his face up in my hands, forcing him to look up from the ground and at me. He blushed slightly, making me smile brightly. "I'm very aware of what I had just said, and I meant it."

He blushed again, trying to look away from me. He abruptly push me away and turned to face his back towards me.

I blinked in utter confusion, I reached out a hand but was quickly caught off guard by the sound of an almost whisper.

"...I...I can't."

I frowned. "You can't what?"

"I can't except your feelings." He mumbled. A hint of a sob welded in his voice.

I looked away with a blush, feeling completely idiotic to even think to fall in love with Natsu. "...Do you not like me?"

It seemed as if the pinkette was holding his breath or maybe trying his hardest not to cry, because he suddenly let out a puff of air before speaking. "That...that's not true. I-I like you but...just...you don't know me, Gray. If you knew of my past, if you knew what I had done and what kind of a...monster, I was, you wouldn't have these feelings for me. Quite frankly they'd be the complete opposite."

A scuffled hiccup came from the pinkette causing me to stare at the boy's back harder.

I bit my lip before looking away with a blush. My fists clench to my side; I felt so frustrated that I didn't know of how to help Natsu get over whatever it was in his past that he was hung up over. Yet, this was the first time my heart had ever beat so fast. It was my first time I felt butterflies and fairies fly around my stomach making it hard to hide my thriving emotions from exploding in overjoy.

It was the first time, I have felt what true love felt like. I couldn't just let him go, no I just can not!

Natsu gasped in shock, as I wrapped my cold arms around him, catching him off guard from behind.

"Gray, what are you -?" He began, through bitter tears, just to be cutoff by my cold voice.

"I don't care who you were back that. I don't care if you did something you're not proud of. I don't care about your past. Because I love the present you, no matter your bad past." I hid my face in crook of the pinkette's neck, inhaling the smokey scent of fire wood.

A soft hiccup left his petit lungs as his chest heaved up and down, slowly, as he tried to breath normally. He didn't respond to me nor did he speak. He shut his eyes, breathing sharply, trying hard not to cry.

I sighed, looking up at his troubled expression.

Wet kisses began to trail up his neck as I grazed the skin on his arms with my fingers. A gasp omitted from him as he firmly gripped my wrists.

"G-Gray, what are you doing?" He turned his head around to look into my ocean-like eyes.

I stared back into his own rich golden ones, with a smile. I let my fingers caress his face, before pulling him closer into another passionate kiss.

"Do you love me?" I ask just as I pull away for air.

A smile appeared over the tears. "Aye..."

I smiled, reaching over to wipe the tears away from his misty eyes.

He placed his hand over mine, while I was still wiping tears, holding them close to his cheek then kissing it and placing it over his heart. "Indubitable, this belongs to you and you only."

"As does mine to you." I smile, pecking him on the lips.

AUTHORS NOTE: Chapter F will be written in two, maybe three, parts due to how LONG I have written it. The story keeps going and going and I have parts ready that I haven't added here but will be part of Part Two of Chapter F. I may update H before the second part tho because of the shortness of Chapter H but again due to school, there are no guarantees WHEN I will update. So in the mean time, do read this part and please listen to the music link I have put above. It is the tune Natsu plays for Gray.

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