It had been years since they had first shared a kiss under a tree along the coast, their youth full of joy and adventures. But now they were back again, watching the dipping of the sun in the sky, sitting against the door of Matt's car. They weren't the teenagers they'd been then, now young adults, joyful in their progression into something more, glad it had been each other that would be the eventuality of emotions. Isabella recalled that past day as she held her lover's arms around herself. It was such an unassuming time, but one that would be cherished as the spark to their fire, and thankful it had happened. Sometimes though she wished they'd come clean about their love earlier.

Her thoughts visualized and memory became clear with focus, that day from a little over three years prior was now present again. "So remind me again why we're out here, I didn't quite catch it back at your place." Matt insisted, trailing along Isabella as they walked to a spot they'd retreated to before. It was her sixteenth birthday and she was just trying to get away from her family for a bit. Her best friend, Matt, had dropped by with a generous gift of a pricey game they'd been looking forward to, spending his money so she could get it first. It wasn't the first time he'd gotten such a gift for her first, but she always felt guilty that he'd work again to get his later, Isabella waiting patiently, not wanting to be alone.

And here she was, with one of the closest people in her life, at her back for what troubles arose that could be solved with friendship. But today he felt like more to her than that, more than her pillar of strength. She'd harbored feelings for him, always wanting to get closer to him, but too cautious to make it more. She didn't want to make their relation awkward in any way, Matt being one of the only people she could let her guard down around. They'd reached their spot, situated under a tree, overlooking blue waves and the rays of sun. The tree was carved with initials, their own initials among several of other couples. But all had been outlined with hearts or promises to each other, all but Matt and Bella's. They sat quietly and watched over the sea, no sound in the air loud or distracting.

They talked about their day, calling back to past days, laughing, smiling, and holding each other's eyes in lock. Matt scratched the back of his head and looked away, shifting towards the horizon, sighing before cracking a reflective smile. "You know, Bella, I'd always enjoyed this spot. I don't know if it's the cool breeze, the rustling of the grass, but it's peaceful." Matt said, sitting upwards and stretching his legs. Isabella sat up and looked where he looked, birds nesting on the cliffs, grouped up and resting. "I know, it's serene, and I love it, the quiet is helpful for thinking and enjoying the moment." Isabella replied, looking over at her friend, the breeze ran over his cheek scruff and hair, shifting in the wind. She hadn't realized she'd been staring long before he looked over and grinned slightly.

"See something you like? I can take a picture if you'd like, frame it as a gift." Matt joked, snickering quietly. Isabella's cheeks got warm, oops, she WAS staring too long. She stood up and held her right arm from behind her back with her left. "I just saw your fur shifting in the wind! Honest! I-I wasn't, you know, staring!" Isabella protested in a defensive tone. She pouted over Matt's continued snickering. "Woah woah! Hey, I didn't mean in a mean way! I just thought you were daydreaming and you were looking my way!" Matt retorted apologetically, standing up and dropping his shoulders. He kinda looked like a sad pup when he felt guilty, it was a little action Isabella felt endearing. He didn't catch her eyes, probably feeling bad about laughing. She'd been through as much bullying as he had, but they were always there to deflect or take the harsh words too. Isabella now felt bad herself, almost wanting to pout about Matt's sad puppy look. How did he always do that?

"Hey, don't feel sorry, I didn't want to sound offended. Okay, I'll admit, I was staring at you. It's just you were just staring outwards so intently, you looked lost in thought yourself." Isabella said, slowly approaching Matt, running a finger on the back of his hand, slipping her hand into his. She held his hand and stood against him, her hair draped over her shoulders and he sighed before smiling. "I know, I just couldn't help but joke, you seemed so withdrawn today. I was thinking of what to say to get you feeling right again. But, anyway, you enjoy that sad pup look? You always feel bad when I do it, but I do actually feel bad when you get pouty, but honestly it's almost as cute as you are..." Matt replied, catching himself too late at the end and cringing a little. Isabella's face was blank before she smiled herself, gripping his hand tighter. "Awww, is someone getting all gushy on me? I'll make sure to heart all the dots in the Is in your yearbook next time." Isabella jabbed, realizing Matt was looking around, and blushing? And now it dawned on her, after so long, and she hadn't seen it.

He must've been off his rocker to think she was the right one. There was no way that he'd settle for her over anyone else. But here they were, Matt indirectly pouring his heart out in one line. She was lost in thought when it struck her. She'd never known if she felt herself the one for him, but that was it, most people didn't know until they were gone from each other. She wished he'd have slipped up earlier, but was he sure? Was Matt himself sure that she was the right fit? Isabella didn't see so highly of herself, and she wanted the best for her dear friend, but she was so conflicted. She had been unconsciously reaching for both his hands as she thought, she was on auto-pilot but she was about to spark the candles of their hearts.

Matt recalled Isabella grabbing his hands while her eyes were darting around in distracted thought, shifting to stand facing him. "Bella, I, I'm not sure per se, i-if it's like that, ya know? I-I care about you, and you're always there and...umm... umm..." Matt said defensively, stammering over his retreat, cheeks blazing hot. He tensed up in his delay. Why couldn't he just say it? Why didn't he finally tell her how he felt? How he's always felt? She was back from her thoughts and looked up to match his eyes, inching closer. He'd know her so long, seeing all her faults as the closest observer as she knew his faults as well. He was stunned, her brown hair was draped over her shoulders, reflecting the light of the retreating sun in the same gold as her eyes. Her freckles followed the curve of her cheeks as she smiled at him, eyes gleaming with joy, how her stance on this exchange had shifted. "Matt, I-I don't know what to say. I, I just don't know if there is anything to say. You can do better though, I, I just can't be the right one. I'm your friend through thick and thin, but you're always so ahead with your confidence. I can't think I'd be good for you, I'm just a drain." Isabella said, smile fading as her eyes fell.

Matt had almost let go of her hands when his emotion kicked in, he didn't feel her self effacing words were really her. She was a good person, but she'd never felt that simply being called nice meant she was. He gave a light squeeze of her hand which drew her gaze at him. "Matt, I-" Isabella started before Matt stopped her with a hug. She reached her arms around his back and gripped tightly. She sniffled a bit, holding on when he was withdrawing himself to hold her hands again. "Bella, what you say about yourself I don't see that way at all. You're my friend, I support you as you do for me. You aren't a drain, you... you're the better half of me, I can't see you as anything more than a shining light, a lighthouse that helps me to shore." Matt said, seeing Isabella step forward and lean upwards. This was it, their moment, crossing the line. Their lips locked as Isabella's grip tightened, eyes closed as tears filled the corners of her eyes. Their friendship had now turned over to something more. She opened her eyes and Matt did likewise, and there she was, her reflection in his, the girl he saw before him. His dearest friend, now something more, and his everything. They sat longer and held on, their time was present, and now she knew who she had for her, as he had for him.


This YCH was done by: https://www.furaffinity.net/user/racerdragon/

Base lines by: https://www.furaffinity.net/user/dauxycheeks

Matt and Isabella are Mine