I guess good things just couldn’t happen to me, because if they did, I get hurt in the end.

—


“So, um, what is this supposed to be?” 

Jarred, next to me, looked defeated and slightly horrified. There must’ve been something nice there before, but something ate it and left a “present” where some scraps and torn bits of cloth lay around it on the sand.

“I spent a long time on that,” he muttered in disbelief.

“It’s okay, I can help you remake it..”

“No.” He said decisively. I was surprised and somewhat hurt by his answer.

I was about to say something, but stopped as he took my face in his hands. I shut my mouth before I started blubbering. 

He brushed my hair away from my forehead and caressed my face. It was odd, thinking about it. His hands had wielded swords and hammers and shields, yet they were so gentle.

We stared into each other’s eyes, leaning closer together, all my thoughts of “I’ve never done this before” vanishing as we met for the inevitable kiss–

“Heya, laddie! I’ve just come by for the fishin’ spots, if ah.. oh.” A dwarf with a shocking red beard had suddenly appeared, waving with a fishing pole in hand. Jarred turned his head just slightly, his hands still on me. He look in his eyes must have clearly read “fuck off, buddy” so the dwarf widened his eyes and began to sprint away.

Jarred turned back to me and whispered “I’m sorry about that.” And then he leaned forward, putting one hand behind my dark hair and another by my waist, pressing his lips against mine. It feels as though I’ve been transported to another, happier place. Ragged breathing and dancing tongues bring a fiery heat to the cool ocean air. With just the two of us there, the rest of the world disappeared.

When we break apart, I’ve only done so because my head was spinning from the lack of air. I let out a breath of pleased laughter and Jarred grins. The very sight makes my heart skip a beat, and I put my head on his shoulder. It just felt right.
 I think this is what love felt like. 

“It’s getting dark,” I said (although I didn’t feel like moving for another few days). 

“I did bring out candles, but I think they were eaten too.” Jarred’s words make me laugh. “You can check if you like!”

“No thanks! But don’t you think we should be getting back?”

He shook his head. 

“What if I get cold?” I said teasingly.