*I do but own Jane and the Dragon or its characters

His confession made his head light and fuzzy, sort of like the time he drank a barrel of cider by mistake. She was quiet for a moment, silently thinking, but her gaze softened. Hugging his head, she kissed the tip of his nose."That is so sweet of you Dragon"

The look on her face said enough. She did not understand, and her answer not satisfying enough. Nuzzling Jane, a tear fell upon her head, soaking her hair. "You do not understand Jane"

"What is the matter? You look so unhappy"

"Do you love me Jane?"

"Of course I do"

"Then will you stay with me?"

"Dragon why are you crying? I thought we were happy"

"Because you misunderstood, I love you Jane like how a short life man loves a beautiful woman."

It finally all made sense, why he was talking in circles and why he was depressed and all the flowers on the roof and all the kisses he approved of receiving. So, was it all a dream? Should she cry or should she scream? What did it all mean?

Pinching both her cheeks, she was definitely awake, so it really was as it seemed. Removing herself from his grip, she asked. "Who told you to feel this way?"

"No one did, it sort of just happened. It is partially your fault for being so pretty, and for always being around."

"How?"

"How could it not? I only see you, and I think about you a lot"

"I do not know what to say?"

"Say you love me"

"Dragon, you cannot... We cannot have a family, you are you and I am me"

"I thought it would not matter"

"Dragon, my loveable green newt, I care for you more deeply then anyone I have ever known, and it is not the matter of whether I would take your heart, but we cannot be together. Do you not remember that one day I will become dust while you will keep on living for many centuries to come?"

"It does not matter to me Jane"

Dropping the coat, she faced the cave entrance, away from his eyes. "It may not matter to you, but it certainly does to me"

As she walked off, Dragon wished he could take it back because he might have just ruined everything. He wanted to go right after her, but his feet felt glued to the ground. He started to cry, feeling terribly depressed. She could never like him, it was impossible now.

It was quite a ways from the castle, but it gave her some time to think. Halfway to the castle a shepherd offered to take her back, but she refused and ran the rest the way. The run was invigorating but it did not help that much, actually she partially felt regret. She had little idea what she was going to do or how she was going to treat Dragon when he returned. When she opened the door to her tower, she wished it was all a dream. The first thing that entered her field of vision was Jester who usually waiting for her. "Good day my lady knight"

Noticing her soaked clothes, he asked "What happened?"

Picking up her bedsheets, she wrapped herself in them. "You must forgive me for my unkempt appearance, but I am soaked as you can see. And I am afraid that I am not in the mood for jesting"

"Since when have you ever not been in the mood? Say, is Gunther raining on your parade?"

Rolling her eyes, she wrapped herself tighter to warm up. "No, this has nothing to do with Gunther. Actually it has to do with Dragon. Could you... Could you assist me with something?"

"Consider it done fair beanstalk, what do you need?"

"I need to you to explain to me how dragons fall in love?"

"You are jesting, yes?"

"No, I am not"

"First, why would you need to know, and second, what occurred to bring up such notions?"

In the best way she knew how, she explained the earlier events which promoted her questions, and honestly, Jester was stumped. "Well Jane, it is possible, though I am not completely sure, but I think you are Dragons first love. That or he is going through his bloom of youth and is in a state of confusion. If it is the first, I can respect him, if the second, then I feel pained for him."

"I do not think dragons have a bloom of youth period like people, but if either one is true then I do feel pained. How do I deal with him now?"

In a voice barely audible, he mumbled. "That is simple Jane, with the same way you deal with me"

"What?"

"Nothing. But you never told me how you felt about it? I mean, do you feel somewhat the same?"

"I am not sure actually. I never had those sort of feelings before so I lack the experience. Can you describe it to me, you know, the feelings of love?"

"I am afraid it is not that simple. It takes a different form in everyone's hearts, and it is not always apparent. I could describe it to you to the best of my knowledge, but I am afraid it may not be enough"

"Please go on, I really do need to know"

"Alright, but would a song suffice?"

"Of course"

"When a person falls in love

It grows wings like a dove

And flies to a lullaby spring

The flowers and the trees

The lovers and the bees

Take on new meaning to thee

Whenever you two kiss

You are showered with sweet bliss

And think of the most wonderful things

Then when you two meet

In the garden or the street

You float there instead of using your feet

Whatever you feel is amazing

It is better then raising

A little runaway lamb

Like you and a shepherd

You confide in each other

And feed on a garden of trust

If he is your other or she is lover

Then you two must fly in the gust

But whatever you are feeling

Be it great or amazing

It must be built on loyalty and trust"

She smiled, no matter how odd the song was. Jester had a way of making the world look colorful. After she clapped, she gave her almost honest opinion. "Very pretty song, though you are right, I suppose I need to find out for myself"

"Well, you know I am always at your service"

Giving him a quick glance over, she had an idea, not the best but it was the only way she could think of. "Would you do me another favor?"

"And what may that be?"

Closing her eyes, she said. "I need you to kiss me"

"WHAT!" Followed by a small panic attack.

Finally the girl of his dreams was making a great request, and he wanted to do it. She silently waited, and he said nothing in return. Opening her eyes, she told him her reasoning. "If it is like you say they I should know upon a kiss"

"I have no experience so please forgive me"

He was frightfully nervous, but he went ahead, kissing her sweetly. It was odd for Jane, but she did not dislike it. When he parted, his face was as red as could be while Jane was unmoved "That was easier then I thought, but what is the matter? Your face is looks funny"

"Did it do anything for you?"

"I am not sure, but I will get back to you on that"

"You are not planning on doing what I think you are doing?"

"I need a second or perhaps several opinions."

"Jane this is a really bad idea and it is still raining"

Running out she took shelter in the warmth of Smithy's forge for a while. "I cannot believe you have to work on such a dreadful day."

"It is quiet"

"Can you help me with something?"

"What do you need?"

"You must not be too surprised"

Explaining the situation, leaving out the detail of kissing Jester, he was more or less unsure. "Jane are you sure you are not coming down with cold?"

"Please Smithy?"

Kneeling down to where she was sitting, he gave her a quick peck on the lips, turning a bright scarlet. He could not face Jane right after, but he apologized if it was not what she had hoped and went on with his work in the stables. Going through the armory, and up to Sir Theodore's quarters, she found him reading next to the candle light. "Good day Sir"

"Playing around in the rain I see"

"Not exactly, but I needed your assistance on something."

Giving him the story, again leaving out the details of kissing Jester and Smithy, she hoped he could help. Sir Theodore the model of propriety and honor was immediately against it. She continued on about her lack of experience and had hoped her mentor of all people could give her sound advice. "Do you have any thought as to what you are asking?"

"I do Sir"

Standing on her tippy toes, she held his face and received a very soft kiss. It was by far the best of the three. Thanking her mentor, she felt somewhat closer to the conclusion she was looking for. Looking for an alternative route to the garden, she found Gunther waiting in the the library looking out the window. "I thought you were on business?"

"I forgot my horse, but I thought it would better to go home tomorrow when the roads are more dry. So, what are you doing here? Playing in the rain?"

If it had to be anyone, she thought he would know. "Gunther, I know you would never do me a favor, but could you make an exception?"

"What are you talking about?"

Without even asking, she started to kiss him and he had no idea what to do with his arms. Kissing her back, he went with the flow and wrapping his arms around her, he deepened the kiss which was almost desperate in a way. Warm tears fell on her cheeks, and that was enough to wake her up. Pushing him away, he was stuck in a sort of daze, practically amazed that it all was not a dream.

Touching his mouth, he turned away, complaining aloud, feeling angry at himself. He fell for her tricks, and it was all his fault. "What have you done to me?"

"Gunther?"

She felt a bit remorseful considering that they were starting to get along. Placing a hand on his shoulder, he slapped it away. She was a confusing girl, one minute arguing, the other minute treating him like a human, but ultimately she was his only friend. No matter her reason, no matter the consequence, he had every right to feel furious. Wiping his eyes, he turned back to face her. "What were you doing to my face? Trying to suffocate me?"

"No, I was only kissing you"

Clenching his fists, he retorted "Do not say that. Do you know how absurd this is? You, me, in my face? Do you have any idea how ridiculous this is?"

"I apologize, but you kissed me back"

"I did not! Just... You better... Get out of here before I say anything else you might not want to hear"

Running out, he closed the window shutters, smiling to himself. Despite what Jane might have thought, she actually stole his first kiss, and his was the saddest in its own right.

Rake was in his vegetable garden, but she decided it was better not to know for Peppers sake. When she came back to her tower, Jester was sitting with his legs crossed on the floor, tuning his lute. Jane sank into her bed, feeling a pile of confusion, "Jester, I feel like I did something wrong. The whole kissing this was nice, pleasant even, but that was it"

"Did you try Dragons kiss?"

"No, I have not"

"Perhaps his kiss will not be a miss."

"But what if I had broken his trust? I said that it would not work"

"When your socks get a tear, what do you do?"

"You mend them"

"Exactly. Jane, the strongest relationships take time and effort, no one said it would be easy. If I was you Jane, then I would be honored if someone could love me that much. Do what you think is right Jane, and no matter what I will always be your friend"

"Thank you Jester, I think I know what I will do."

"And do not worry about the kissing bit, I will just tell everyone you were drunk and I played an awful joke on you"

"I am not sure the rumor of being a vulgar drunk is the best plan, but thank you anyway"

The sky was hazy, but the sunset peeked right behind the clouds. She walked past the hills, until she reached the land of moo as Dragon would call it. Picking up a dandelion, she made a wish before the seeds blew away in the wind. There was always something pretty about the freeness of the air. That was one thing they had in common was the love to live high in the skies. With him, she had some wonderfully stable times, and he was worth it. He was napping away under an apple tree, possibly in sweet dreams. Walking up to his sleeping figure, she hugged his head and apologized. "If life were a dream, then we would all live in a fools paradise"

"Listening to floppy hats songs are you?"

"Were you sleeping here while it was raining?"

"Oh yes, nothing like a good soak to ease the pain away"

If their sense of trust was broken, then she was determined to fix it. "Dragon, if you would just listen then I would be thankful. I am sorry, about everything. Even for a woman who is at the age of twenty years, I lack the experience in life to know what is love. You caught me off guard, and I must admit that I panicked. I never thought that anyone could feel that way about me. You would be even more surprised to know that I thought a kiss would tell me if I liked someone or not, or that my first kiss with Jester meant nothing at all. You are my most precious and loyal friend I ever had, and I feel that the greatest portion of my heart already belongs to you, and I owe you that much"

Opening his eyes, he moved away from her, yelling out in agony with great fire. "You and floppy hat?"

"And Gunther and Sir Theodore and Smithy, but that was it I swear"

"What do you expect from me Jane? Do you think I am happy? No, you have done a treacherous thing to me and I want you to take it back. I do not want obligatory affections, and how dare you stand there in front of me when you know that I am going through a dilemma here. You are in my head. and in front of my eyes, you are everywhere and I cannot think straight. I am going mad Jane, so I need you to go away, go away before I do something dangerous"

"No Dragon, I will not. I am a knight and you do not scare me"

"Well you should be! I could burn you to a crisp if my for heart burns too hotly."

"But you would never do that, I know you and your heart. I might not have known how much of me was in it, but I had never felt the way I do with anyone like how I do with you. You make me happy, and everyday is brighter because it has a piece of you in it"

"Jane, please say you will forgive me. I am sorry, and I am truly sorry for pushing my feelings on you when you were not ready. Last night I had a dream that you were not there and I felt afraid that you would be taken from me. I am monstrously jealous that I cannot stand beside you or hold in my arms without fearing I would crush you to death. I just want to hold and hug and squeeze you and..."

"And?"

Standing on his hind legs, he held her lightly in his arms and gave her the lightest hug she ever felt. "Why do I feel this way about you when I know it is impossible? I feel all fluttery when you look at me like you are doing right now. I think you are best thing that ever happened in my life"

Lifting her up closer to where he could really get s good look of her, he could see nothing but her tearful smile."Perhaps it is the same reason as to why I can never stop worrying about you. I want it to be you Dragon, I really wish it was you"

Standing on her tippy toes, he lifted her up closer " I do not think I can live with all this excitement" he chuckled

"Are you happy?'

"Almost"

"Would you be if I kissed you?"

"If you do that I am afraid I will die"

"I thought this was what you wanted"

"I do, but.."

Holding his face, she smiled at him with those pretty wide eyes of hers. "I want to"

He could feel the softness of her lips, and decided to kiss her too. Her heart was overwhelmed beyond belief, like lightning passing through her veins. Dragon felt a buzz, like flying through a lightening storm.

Then, with a glow of light coming from his heart, his body glowed. She was blinded by the light, and his body seemed to vanish, but she soon felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her, and a long braid fall over her arm and down his back. When the glow faded, they landed safely on the ground and she let him go. Once she got a better look at him, she felt her heart race like it does when she ran through the fields.

His skin was tan like a foreigner, but his hair fair like snow. His red eyes still remained but they were softer and more tame. His scratchy scales became a green tunic, and the rest of him was fine. The oddest part of all was his pointed ears, but he smiled at her like they were acquainted. He was older than she had thought he would be, but he looked at her with a playful mischievousness and in her heart she knew. "Dragon? What happened to you? Or perhaps the better question is what are you?"

"I am what I did not remember, I am a fairy. In a time long ago, I was Drake, the fairy prince of Wyer. My father caught me looking at shortlives and thought that it was wrong to fall in love with a human so he turned me into a Dragon. I lost the one who I thought I loved and I had grown bitter and despised humans after centuries of watching shortlives and their vile and cruel acts. But all of that changed when I met you. You took me as I am and I fell in love with your kind heart. That is why I felt hurt earlier, because I thought you were going to turn me away just like everyone else. It was your love that released me from my curse as well as your soft lips upon mine"

"Do you mean to tell me that the Dragon I knew, is not the same as Drake which is you?"

"Dear heart, I am as I always was except without the dragon like appearance. I can turn into a dragon whenever I please, but I hope that will not change your regard for me"

"How am I going to break it to the princess? This would be her dream come true"

"What about you and me Jane?"

"It is such an honor to stand before a prince, if I would have known..."

"If you would have known then you would have treated me differently. Nothing has changed Jane, you are mine as well as the mountain"

"It had to be you I thought and this is what happened. Like I said, I lack experience, but I do not think I need it anymore. I love you Dragon"

"You will stay with me right?"

"Of course"

They felt a little shy as though they were meeting for the first time. It would take a little time to get reacquainted, but that was only the first of many beginnings. She stepped from side to side doing a little shuffle, every moment a little more nervous then before. There was nothing she could do to quiet down the sounds of her beating heart. It was all very new, just like tying up a shoe, and there was nothing she could do. Noticing her little struggle, he approached her kindly taking into account her youth. Lifting up her face, she looked at him with those wide eyes that he liked. Pressing upon her lips, sweetest little kiss to make her less afraid. Upon his cheek she found a kindness she never thought to seek. Then when he moved away, her heart could not be swayed that she truly loved him.

The rain that subsided began again in full force, having no idea when it will end. Looking beside him at the girl who set his heart aflame, he offered his hand thinking of a most champion idea ."Have you ever danced in the rain my dear?"

"I can honestly say I never have"

They danced around in circles, in the comfort of each other arms hoping it was not a dream. A tiny thought nagged him at the backmost of his thoughts, making him a bit melancholic."But what about the runes? What about my parents? Where do you think they are?"

"They are out there somewhere, I just know we can find them if we are together"

"You and me together till the end, sounds like a good idea to me"