My Savior: America

"_____! Stop"

I felt someone grab my wrist, yanking on it, and pulling me back from the railing. I instinctively screamed as I fell down, but produced a grunt when I hit something firm. I recovered from my shock and looked up at the person I collided into.

It was Alfred F. Jones.

I wasn't really friends with him, but I knew him from school. Well, everyone knew who he was. He was popular, a jock, and probably one of the most handsome guys in the district.

Obviously, we didn't hang out. We lived in different social circles. I considered myself to be on the lower side of society. Less 'well-known' if you know what I mean. I was quiet for sure. Smart. Well, smarter than most. Pretty? Forget it... It made me all the more worthless.

"Whew~ That was a close one, huh?"

He shot the toothy grin I usually see whenever he was smiling. Normally, it wouldn't have bothered me. But today was different. I felt so lowly of myself, I couldn't help but hate him. He was always so happy. He had everything anyone could have wanted. I wanted to say I wasn't jealous, but it was undeniable.

"Why..." I asked, though I wasn't sure who I was asking it to.

"Because the hero always saves the damsel in distress!"

"NO!" I shouted. Alfred was taken aback by my outburst and reviled a rather confused look on his face. "You were not suppose to save me! I was suppose to die! Goddammit..." I muttered. Alfred just stared at me in bewilderment.  

"You... wanted to kill yourself?" He said slowly. Man, was he slow.

"Duh. Why do you think I was standing dangerously close to the edge? It certainly wasn't to get a better view of the water!" I said rather angrily.

"B-but-"

"No buts! Just leave me alone, Alfred!"

I got back on top of the railing, just as I did before. But this time, Alfred refused to release my wrist.

"_____...." I tried to ignore him.

I looked back down at the river below. It was still flowing, whipping its waves at whatever got in its path. Somehow, I wasn't feeling it. It was all Alfred's fault. He broke me out of my focus. His baby blue eyes; his sunny blonde hair; everything about him just screamed cheery and happy things. I hated them.

"Damn it..." I whispered. I couldn't jump.

"Does that mean you change your mind?" Alfred sad expression lit up with new hope. I guess he got what he wanted. Again.

"Yeah, yeah." I jumped down, but I wasn't prepared for the massive bear hug Alfred was giving me.

"I'm SUPER glad you came to your senses!"

"Alfred," was I could muster. I couldn't breath.

He loosened up his grip, allowing my lungs to reclaim lost oxygen. As soon as I was able to think properly, I pushed myself out of Alfred's arms.

"I'm going home." I started to walk away.

"I'll walk you there, _____."

I didn't really give a reply. I just let him follow me home. He tried striking up conversation a few times along the way, but I only gave replies that would stopped them in their tracks. I wasn't in the mood to talk. I was agitated and emotionally exhausted.

It was weird. Alfred never let go of my hand as we walked. It was the only part of me that felt warm. I tried pulling away a few times, just so I wouldn't feel empty afterward, but he would only tightened his grip. It made me feel funny on the inside. My stomach felt like it was twisting itself and my chest felt constricted. I couldn't explain the feeling due to my tired state, but, strangely, I didn't want it to end.

Once I reached the front steps of my house/apartment, I dug in my pockets for my keys. My parents were out on some business trip, leaving me at home by myself for a few days. They were always so busy. I missed the days where we went to the park together, or even ate meals at the same time and the same table. After a while I got use to it, but the loneliness didn't change. It only got more intense. It was one of the reasons why I wanted to jump.

Opening the door, I muttered a 'thank you' to Alfred and tried to go inside. However, my hand was still in his hand, so I didn't go anywhere.

"Can I come in?"

"Um..."

"I won't be long. I just want to make sure you're okay." He smiled at me again, but this one was more reassuring. It was hard to say 'no' to.

Alfred took off his jacket and hung it on the coat hanger. I would have done the same if I was wearing one in the first place. I didn't realize how cold I was until I got inside the house. I was shivering so much I swore I was a chihuahua. I hated chihuahuas.

"You okay?" Alfred wrapped his arms around my shaking body and held me close to his. His body was so warm I could have melted. I was sure the blush was clear on my face after being in the cold for so long.

"Uh-huh." Smart answer _____.

Alfred just smiled, but it didn't lighten up the blush. He noticed and laughed, bringing me in closer so that he could place his head in the crook of my neck. I was so flustered by his actions that I didn't know what to do but stand there like an idiot. The twist in my stomach tightened up and the rest of my body was burning up. What was I doing? Why was he so comfortable with doing this?

"Are you sure about that, dudette?" He said almost jokingly.

"N-no..." I hiccuped.

Alfred heard the change in my voice and pulled me back to see my face, which was streaming with new tears. I really wasn't okay. Here I was, a broken mess, and Alfred comforting me like we've known each other for ages. He probably had better things to do than to take care of a wreck like me.

"W-whoa. Did I say something wrong? If I did, I'm so sorry!"

"N-no. I-it wasn't *sniff* y-your fault. It's mine. It's all my fault. E-everything's my fault." I cried even more as I spoke.

"Hey. Don't be so hard on yourself." He wiped the tears that had escaped, but they were quickly replaced with new ones.

"B-but you're always s-so happy. A-and I feel bad for making you worry. *sniff* I'm worthless."

"You're not worthless! You are like the coolest, prettiest girl around!" Alfred had a twinkle in his eye that made me chuckle a bit. He acted so childish, it was adorable.

"Y-you don't really think that, d-do you?"

"Course I do. I think you're awesome! I'd always wanted to talk to you, but I had always thought... I don't know, you would prefer to hang around smarter guys.... I'm not really that smart ya' know." He rubbed the back of his neck and averted his gaze from mine. I smiled a bit. It was unusual to see him like this. At school, he would always seem so confident.

"It doesn't matter if you're smart as long as you are nice to people. And I think that this was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me." I put my hand on his shoulder, which made him look back into my teary (e/c) eyes. "You saved my life. I don't know how I could ever thank you, Alfred."

"It was no problem. I am The Hero after all!" Another grin took over his face. I playful pushed Alfred for having such a silly ego. He only laughed.

"Yeah, whatever you say Mr. Hero. Anyway, shouldn't you be on your way home?"

"Hehe. I guess. But..."

"But?"

"Um... I was wondering... um, do I get a reward for saving you?" He said it rather slowly. It was if he wasn't sure if I would agree to it or not. But I wasn't sure what kind of reward he was talking about.

"What kind of reward do you mean?" When I asked him, Alfred looked away from me, his face turning a light pink. He looked nervous.

"W-well. I was hoping... I kinda want... um maybe a kiss?"

What? He wants a kiss? From me?! Why- Was he really-? He certainly wasn't acting. If he was, he should join the drama club.

Well... I guess it wouldn't be that bad. I mean, he was that one who asked for the kiss. Not me.

"Okay."

"I mean you don't have to-... Wait. Really?!" Alfred looked at me, surprised that I agreed. I just nodded.

I stood on my tiptoes, since he was taller than I was. Alfred leaned down and our lips met in the middle. The kiss was nice. It was gentle and simple, but it didn't last very long since I pulled away.

It was my first kiss and I was being self conscious about it. Alfred looked a little saddened when I stopped. So he wrapped his arms around my waist and quickly pulled me in for another kiss. I didn't kiss back at first because I was caught by surprise, but I did soon after. This time, it was deeper and more passionate. I snaked my arms around neck, and my hand made its way through his blonde hair.

God, I didn't want this to stop, but I was running out of breath. We both were panting, but the feeling after the kiss was very satisfying. If I wasn't so tired, I would have squealed. My first kiss. It was amazing.

Alfred smiled at me and gave me a quick peck.

"Does this mean we're a couple now?" He asked.

"Hmmm. I'll have to think about it..." I playfully put my chin in my hand to show that I was thinking about it, but Alfred's kicked-puppy expression told me that he believed that I wasn't sure.

"Don't tease me, _____" He whined. I couldn't help but giggle at him. He was so cute.

"Yes, yes. We're a couple now."