#ftfanfic au

[elssiie]

Walk through the fire

Chapter 1 , Chapter 2

Strategist and priestess Lucy Heartfilia gets caught up in the turmoil of war. Torn between duty and love she must decide whether to follow her heart or mind because the destiny of two nations rests on her shoulders.

Chapter 3: Conversations and Threats

 “The first ingredient in conversation is truth, the next good sense, the third good humor, and the fourth wit. “

William Temple

After crossing of the river, the pregrands took her to the horses, which had been waiting further in the forest. As soon as the men stepped on their land, Lucy noticed the change in the behavior. It was truly amazing how easily the General talked to his subordinates and how they treated him. When they had to decide who Lucy will ride with, the blond guard, whose name she found out was Sting, playfully asked her, while rising his eyebrows in what seemed to be a flirty gesture, „Madam, would you like to get on my horse? I can assure you  that it will be the most pleasant ride you’ve ever had. ”

He was obviously joking and nobody expected her to answer seriously. That was precisely why they got surprised, when she lifted her tied wrists and pointed at the dark haired guard.

“What the hell? Why Rogue?” Sting started blinking, confused by her choice.

Lucy smiled lightly in that cold manner, which had always managed to infuriate the King of Icenberg and which had frightened Jose earlier.

“Because I prefer quiet and well-mannered people than… hmmm...” she shrugged and casually stared at the trees as if she didn’t just insult her capturers.

Ah. Crap. Her temper got the best of her again.

Usually Lucy tried to maintain a calm demeanor, tried to hold the leash on her emotions tightly as it was becoming for a priestess, a strategist and above all a high-class lady. But there were moments, when her hidden nasty behavior emerged on the surface and loved to make use of sarcasm and irony.  She knew it was too childish to act this way, but that sudden shift of emotions always happened when someone had greatly annoyed her.

Though, now was definitely not the time for her pride to rise.

“Than who?” Sting angrily shook his head, silently demanding her to finish the sentence.  

Gajeel, the guard with the long, wild hair, came closer to her and threateningly leaned over her head.

“Oi, dollface, did you also include me in Sting’s group?”

Oh, gods. Someone needed to learn how to control his anger.

Beside her Rogue cleared his throat and the rest of them could see a growing smile, hidden behind his hand.

“Argh, bastard!”

“Traitor!”

There something naïve and sweet in their relations. Lucy understood that the guards were really good friends and for a moment they even seemed likable to her.

“Hey, the strategist,” Natsu said, attracting the attention of the fighting men. Lucy tensed like a cord, ready to move. “Aren’t you acting a little bit too comfortable for a person, who just got kidnapped?”

His eyes were serious; there wasn’t even a hint of humor on his face. Maybe his question was meant to frighten her, to remind her that her live was in his hands and to feel the same emptiness in her stomach, which had ruled over her during her time with Jose. Instead she read in his eyes something else. Their brightness was different, it was more persistent and slightly curious, as if he was wondering what she would do in this kind of situation.

The General was challenging her.

Lucy felt the need to properly answer to his challenge. She truly wanted to do that.

However, she got easily carried away in stupid arguments. Right now she had to stay focused, well composed and to avoid all questions, no matter how insignificant they might look.

That was why she shifted her head and stared at the muzzle of the nearest horse, which was sweetly champing a blade of grass.

“You are going to ignore me, aren’t you? Is that your magnificent plan?” his amused tone came back.

So, he was testing her, to see how she will react to the hidden threat in his words. That only confirmed her theory, which was - the smaller number of people knew her character, the better for her it would be.

“Just accept it, Natsu.” Sting suddenly said. “You’ve never been good with women. “

“Sting, Sting, Sting…You wanna fight? Cause you know who’s gonna win, so save yourself the defeat.”

Both men continued to bandy perky words even after they had mounted the horses, and at times Gajeel also joined their quarrels. It was amazing how friendly acted the General with the others. Even though the men threw insults, swore, and threatened each other with fights, their words were still light and their intention was harmless. Maybe these men were Dragneel’s most trusted men, his closest friends, who he took with himself to every battlefield or when he wanted to kidnap a maiden from the neighboring country. Lucy couldn’t really know what the truth was until she saw how the General acted towards the other soldiers. It was essential to understand his relations with the army.  

This was the best thing she could do in a situation like that. She could only analyze, to find and absorb every bit of information, which could be helpful in the future.

“Fucking trees!” barked Gajeel, when a pine branch suddenly bashed his face, while he was passing beside it.

The General turned his head back and burst out laughing.

“Gajeel,” he said, while wiping tears from laughter “you looked as if you just had a quarrel with your Levy and she nicely punched you in the ugly face.”

Lucy mentally noted the name of this unknown person. Whoever this Levy was, it was obvious by the reddened cheeks of Gajeel that she was an important person to him. His mouth opened and closed continuously like a fish in the open air. “Shut up, Salamander! She is not my Levy! And I’ll fucking kick your ass!”

“Ha, you wish you could!”

***

They didn’t stop anywhere for a rest and Lucy truly thought of herself as a hero, because she didn’t complain even once to her kidnapers. Not only she had to stay on the back of a horse for hours when she was with Jose, but she had to do that again and this time she had to share the saddle with someone else.  But on the other hand she was glad of her choice for a co-rider. Rogue, just as she had expected, didn’t participate in stupid arguments, on the contrary actually, the only thing he made as a noise was his breathing. Although it was uncomfortable to have someone behind her, she was grateful for the warmth his body provided, because her clothes and hair were still wet from the jump in the river and the cold north wind didn’t make her feel any better. But his body protected her back really well.

After some time the night started to change. The darkness gradually faded away, revealing more clearly the vegetation surrounding them.  The small parts of sky, which Lucy could notice through the tangled branches above their heads, were lightening up.

A new day was coming.

That made her think about the time she spent away from Gray and her people. But also about the fact that she hadn’t drank or eaten anything. Realizing this, her stomach fiercely growled, desperately trying to draw her attention.  Her dry throat made its protests too. Lucy asked herself if she tried to open her mouth and say something, what kind of sound would come out.  She got prepared to lay down her wishes to the men, when Sting lifted his arms and sighed happily.

“Fucking finally!”

The three men were just a couple of feet in front of Lucy and Rogue and were looking down at something, as if they were standing on the edge of a precipice. When Lucy and Rogue neared them, a frightening sight revealed before her. Hundreds, no, thousands of military tents were spread throughout an even field, at the end of which a high, stone tower was rising. Thin, gray jet of smoke was spiraling from the ground to the sky, proof for a burning fire.

So many warriors, so much blood would be spilled…

Lucy’s eyebrows furrowed and she unconsciously bit her lips. She had to do something, had to find a way to warn Gray…

“For the great strategist of Isenberg to make that kind of worried face because of my army…” Dragneel interrupted her thoughts,” it seems we have a high chance of crushing the north kingdom.”

Lucy threw him an angry look and turned her head on the other side, though that didn’t prevent her from hearing his loud laugh.

Going downhill from the mound took them quite a lot of time, but the horses were being faster than what it could have been if they were on foot. The sun was right above their heads, when they finally neared the beginning of the military camp. Soldiers, dressed in Pregrand armors, turned their faces to their General and his comrades. In their eyes Lucy could read pride and unreserved support.

“General! General! ” screamed some of them with bright smiles. Most of the soldiers were young and middle-aged people and at first anyone would think that the adoration they all showed for their leader, was all because he was almost as old of them, but had already achieved so much.  No. That wasn’t the reason.  Among the excited faces Lucy could also identify those, which time hadn’t passed, with wrinkles and weak, but wiry figures, true war veterans. Their stares weren’t filled with childish idolization as the rest, but their eyes were shining with pride and calmness, caused by the safety return of their trustworthy general.

Natsu Dragneel was considered reputable by all of his people. It was another reason, for which he was a dangerous enemy to Icenberg and to Gray.

Lucy knew that an army could be small, but if it was ready to give its heart and soul for its leader, then it became ten times more powerful. And Pregrande, with fear noticed Lucy, had the two ingredients, which made a mighty force – a large number of soldiers and an absolute fate in their general.

While passing through the tents, the soldiers didn’t miss her out either. Some glanced at her curiously, others got even more excited when they saw her.

“General” they shouted “You captured the strategist!”

“But she is a woman!”

“She is nice for the eyes, isn’t she?”

“General, who is the beauty?”

Some of them, realized Lucy, dropped their eyes most shamelessly down, focusing on her still wet and pressed to her body clothes, and she tensed. The almost incident with Jose from the previous night had left behind repulsive traces in her mind, and she guessed that the memories of his rude hands on her skin would hunt her for a long time. That was why, this attention, which she attracted to herself and which before yesterday would not have bothered her so much, made her grip the corners of Dragneel’s mantle and to tuck it around her body even more, not caring that it was still pretty wet and that it brought her cold chills.

Suddenly her instincts called her and she raised her head only to see the General in front of her, half-turned and observing her. He immediately showed her the nape of his neck and kicking the horse lightly, he moved forward as if nothing had happened.

A little bit later, while they were still passing through the camp and soldiers kept throwing all kinds of comments at her, General Dragneel suddenly raised his voice.

“Oi, bastards!” his harsh tone cut the valley, probably reaching every part of the camp. “If you have so much free time that you keep circling around us like noisy hens, then I can quickly order youto do some work!”

At first his men froze and Lucy was sure that she would read many disgruntled faces, even if they followed the order. To her surprise their faces beamed with smiles as if they were used to the General and his whims. The warriors quickly scattered, each person with a different task on his mind, and neither of them looked at the General and his comrades again. Nobody seemed to care about Lucy too.

She squinted her eyes baffled by all this. Did he just save her from the uncomfortable thirsty stares of his men? That was strange, but also… kind of nice.

Lucy mentally shook her head. No! Dragneel again offered a suspicious gallant gesture, just like when he gave her his mantle. It was all just to predispose her. It must have been part of his wicked plan for worming out of her the secrets of Icenberg.

Even so, a tiny voice peeping in her mind, recollected all of the information she knew about the General, each fought battle, his strategies, his relations to the higher-ups, each detail, no matter if it was just a rumor or not. Lucy could easily draw a conclusion about the way he took decisions and on what basis he did it. She was certain that deceiving and fawning a captive was not his style.

The fire dragon. That’s what they called him on the battlefield, because of his bellicosity and might, but also because of his rebellious spirit, his inability to hide the wildness and his instincts. He was a man of actions, not of the secret plans.

But still Lucy didn’t want think twice about the reason he helped her. The only explanation, which she could give herself, was that maybe someone in the past had beaten into him gentlemanly manners, which were casually showing up from time to time. That was the most logical thing that came to her mind.

And even though he was displaying sympathy right now that didn’t mean that a few hours later he wouldn’t be pulling her nails out.

Whether it was because of the last thought, or because she hadn’t eaten anything for almost two days that her stomach growled, she didn’t know.

Soon they reached the tower, which she had previously seen from above. Now, while standing in the base, and above her head was the first terrace, the building looked even more striking and massive. Four terraces interrupted the stone walls of the tower and above each terrace a scarlet tiled roof with curved edges, rested directly on vertical structural beams and kept safe from rain and sun. The architecture style itself was somewhat similar to the one of Icenberg because of the curved roofs, but it was also more dynamic, more colorful and detailed, a magnificent work of art. And it was just a tower in the outlying parts of the Empire. Lucy truly admired the pregrand’s craftsmen. They were after all for a reason one of the most wanted and talented people in the all Fiore.

The wooden door, through which they got in, was covered in beautiful ornaments, portraying different animals and plants. The first floor was a large chamber and even Lucy, who was used to the richness of the royal castle, was astonished by the luxury. The paneled dark wooden walls were being separated by golden strips. The ceiling was also wooden and different ornaments and figures, resembling the zodiac signs, were coming down from it. Richly decorated carpet was lying spilled on the floor and on top of it stood a small, wooden table and five armchairs. On the lacy tea cloth someone had left a bluish tea-pot.

When Lucy saw the armchairs, she almost cried. Although she controlled her body to behave better, she did make a few steps forward, which didn’t go unnoticed.

“You must be very tired.” Sting noted. “Let’s just sit here, Natsu.”

“No.” He was immediately cut by the General, who was already climbing up the stairs.

Sting sighed and shrugged shoulders in defeat, glancing at her with pity.

“When Salamander sets his mind on something, nothing will ever convince him.” remarked Gajeel and followed his general.

The second floor was a bedroom, also rich and colorful. From the huge windows  a bright day light was coming through. The bed was similar to the one she had in the defence tower in Dränta, it was huge and at least three people could probably sleep on it. Fluffy, pink blankets were laid on top of the bed, which also had its own wooden sailing, and silky hangings were falling down from it. Next to the bed stood a huge wardrobe and in the front – a wooden sofa with feathery pillows, two armchairs, a tea table, all similar to the ones on the first floor.

Natsu Dragneel sat on one of the armchairs. The rest of them also took their places. When Lucy sat on the sofa, her body sinking in the softness of the pillows, her eyes swelled with tears and she almost cried in happiness. It felt like ages since the last time she was in the civilization. The pain in her back and waist loudly sighed in relief as Lucy got more comfortable.

“So,” started Dragneel. “What do you think about this place?”

Lucy needed some time but she realized that he was asking her. She wondered if the question was even worth answering or if it was better to just keep her mouth shut. She was apparently too slow with the decision, because the General interrupted her thoughts.

“If I hadn’t had heard you talking, I would have assumed you were mute. Have you decided not to talk with everyone, or am I just the black sheep, because you seem to dislike me in a way.” His eyes twinkled with mischief.

Lucy saw the amused faces of the other men, who were openly laughing at their General for being ignored by her.

“Look, tell us your name for a start.” The quiet voice of Rogue suggested.

Lucy couldn’t wrap her head around the situation she was in. This was some kind of interrogation but without the torture and the threats, which was weird. This whole nice-guy behavior was creeping her out. She decided it was best to say something this time.

She pulled her shoulders back, lifted her chin and confidently looked Natsu Dragneel  straight in the eyes.

“I am hungry.”

A sudden silence fell for a moment. Natsu Dragneel and Sting shared a glance and then burst in laughter.

“You want food, girl?” Gajeel’s eyebrows rose in disbelief.

“Aren’t you scared?” asked Rogue, who was also blinking in surprise.

That question stirred something in her.

Lucy snorted without a drop of humor, which immediately stopped the loud laughter of the men.

“Of course I’m scared,” her tone was low, too low. She hoped they would give up the trembling in her voice to fear and not to the actual thing it was - anger. “But I haven’t eaten or drank anything in almost two days and no matter how many times I explain that I am not Icenberg’s strategist, you just won’t believe me. Until I’ve put some food in my mouth we can’t have any kind of conversations.”

That was too insolent, too risky and could cost her too much.

She had to play the role of a frightened maiden, acting high and mighty would not do her any good. She would now raise even more suspicions towards her.

Lucy knew all of that.  But…

But she couldn’t swallow her pride. Fear or not, in her chest there was a burning ball of anger, which wanted to blow everyone and everything.  Those damned pregrands were sitting and chatting sweetly, they had kidnapped her, when there were more urgent matters for her. Gray could be in danger, her land was on the brink of a war and she… She was doing absolutely nothing.

No. It was actually worse than that. The Empire wanted to use Icenberg’s own strategist against the north kingdom.

“Fine.” Dragneel sighed, while getting up.  “I understand. I have a pretty bad temper myself when I’m hungry. ”

He smirked.

“So I’ll do you a favor and play it nice by giving you food. After that it’s your turn.”

 ***

In the next hour two soldiers brought her a bowl of white rice and well roasted steak, and she polished off the whole dish, completely forgetting all about table manners. They had probably given her the same thing the soldiers got as food and it was definitely different from the rich and tasty receipts Icenberg’s royal cook made for her in the palace, but nevertheless she ate as if her life depended on that. The priestess was filling her mouth with large bites and was quickly chewing like a hungry rabbit, wholly aware of Dragneel’s surprised glare. He had stayed with her in the room, while the rest had gone out, probably to eat too.

“You must have lived with the army. I guess Icenberg doesn’t really offer luxury even for their best strategist, huh.” Dragneel stated, while nodding as if he was sure he had guessed it right.

Lucy was just licking the inner walls of the bowl, on which there was still some rice, when she lifted her head and squinted her eyes in annoyance. What did he expect her reaction to be exactly when she hadn’t eaten anything for so long? To slowly swallow small bites  as if she were in a royal banquet?

“So, I gave you food, I gave you water. Now it’s your turn to do something for me.”

He folded his arms and leaned back. His expression was cheerful, calm as if he was sure she would spill everything about Icenberg.

Lucy carefully put the bowl down and stared at him. The General seemed to have accepted that for an agreement, because he smiled widely.

“Well, I am pretty sure you know why you’re here.” His eyebrows lifted. “You do know why you’re here, right?”

Lucy wrinkled her nose. Was he serious?

“I have no idea.  As I said before, I am just an ordinary lady, serving to the priestess.”

Natsu clicked his tongue and shook his head.

“Oh, no. We already went through this and agreed you are exactly the person I need. I am asking if you know why you are in this gorgeous room and not tied to a tree somewhere in the forest and held as a real hostage.”

Lucy took a sharp breath. She almost shifted her eyes off him because of his wolfish smile.

“Look, I don’t have interest in threatening helpless women, so please do me this favor and just tell me the number of soldiers Icenberg has.”

“I can tell you the number of ladies, serving the priestess.”

The General pursed his lips, which made her shudder. She felt a slight fear coursing through her veins.

“Why are you complicating your life so much?” he asked, slightly moving his shoulders, suddenly looking uncomfortable, as if he had understood her fright and somehow that made him uneasy.

“The gods have already planned my destiny. I am left at their mercy. I am only their humble follower.”

Lucy answered almost mechanically, the heaviness in her chest tightening even more. She had been repeating this sentence so many times in her life that is seemed like a prayer, not so much as something, read in one of her secular books.

The blazing fire in his eyes shocked her.

“People decide what path their destiny will take.” His voice was firm, unyielding. He wasn’t saying it just to make her talk. Oh, no. A deep emotion flashed in his stare. There was no doubt that he believed in his words, truly. “Your life doesn’t depend on some god’s power. It is in your hands and only yours alone.”

That, Lucy figured, was probably his own version of a prayer, sent not to the heavens, but to him himself.  

“I can neither convince you to believe in my religion, nor in my words. But I can assure you I haven’t lied to you about a single thing.”

Natsu Dragneel weighed her up with a lazy smile.

“So, you want to play the cat and the mouse game, huh?” He murmured.

Lucy blinked. What nonsense was he sprouting now?

The General suddenly stood up and a few steps later he was right in front of her. Lucy pulled back, with rising panic. Her back was leaning on the sofa, leaving her body between the man and the pillows.

“Let me share something with you.” His head lowered so much that she could actually see the green threads in his irises. His confident smile now seemed scary. “I love playing games. A lot, actually. Unfortunately for you, I am also pretty good at them.”

His eyes became emerald slits, expressing amusement but also excitement.

“I hate losing and it doesn’t happen often.” He got silent for a second, carefully watching her reaction. “In this game you started, there is absolutely no chance of you winning. So, tell me what I want to know.”

Lucy felt paralyzed; she didn’t dare move with an inch. Some distant, animalistic instinct of self-preservation was blocking her nerves and its voice was whispering cowardly words to her ear. Do not move, the voice said, you’ve been marked down by a predator, whose teeth are only a one bite away from your neck. Where did that surge of energy, which had taken down Jose, go? Where did the hunger for fight disappear?

It was all replaced with the thirst for survival.

However… However she didn’t take her eyes off his, she didn’t lowered her head in defeat.

“You haven’t…you haven’t stood against me before. I won’t lose either.” Her voice as shaky, but her eyes were shining with a new wave of adamant will.

Dragneel raised one eyebrow in surprise and then moved back as fast as he had invaded her personal space. As soon as his heavily built body moved away, it felt as if someone pushed in all the air in her lungs. Lucy couldn’t believe how just this action brought down the tension in her veins. What kind of demon magic had Pregrande’s General used against her?!

The fear, which had controlled her body wasn’t the same as the pure terror caused by Jose. It was something totally different, something, which made her fighting instinct freeze. It was as if she didn’t have any control over her body, over her actions.

Natsu Dragneel circled round his armchair, obviously in deep thought. Suddenly he stopped, his eyes contacting hers, and Lucy understood that he had reached a decision.

“Tell me everything you know about Icenberg’s defence force.” He blurted out.

Lucy dogged her nails in her skin. ”I know nothing and even if I did I would never tell you!”

The General just nodded like he had already known her answer.

“Look around this room really well and notice the comfort it gives you, the luxury. Because I’m a good person I will give you one day to happily stay in it. Use this time to think about the situation you are in and carefully, and I mean really carefully think about your choice because your life depends on it. Tomorrow morning I expect to hear if you are going to talk or not.”

Natsu Dragneel turned his back on her and with confident steps left the room, leaving the priestess alone with her chaotic thoughts.

Chapter three is FINALLY DONE after such a long time!

I know, I know. I am slow.

I am truly sorry for that but I can't really bring myselft to write when I don't have inspiration. But I am still confident that I will finish the story, I won't abandon it!

Huge thanks to everyone who has liked and commented on the story! You are the actual BEST and the reason I keep holding onto this multi-chapter fic!

Please review and tell me your thoughts on the new chapter!

Until next time,

xoxoxo

elssiie

Chapter 4

[mdelpin]

Stingue Week 2019 - Honesty

Stingue Week 2019 Prompts: Heroic, Betrayal, Reminisce, Guilt, Union, Gratitude, AU AO3 | Full Story |  Excerpt | Chapter 21

For @oryu404​

Honesty (Excerpt from Chapter 21 of The Red Dragon)

Rogue lay on a blanket on the floor of the cave that had been their home for the last month or so, eyes wide open in the dark. This was but the latest in a series of caves they’d inhabited as they slowly made their way towards the island Natsu and Belserion had discovered.

Weisslogia couldn’t fly for very long periods, and whenever they moved from one place to another, he had to push himself so hard it took him months to recover and build up enough stamina to attempt the next move.

Rogue’s breathing came in ragged pants as he tried to distance himself from the vivid dream he’d just woken up from. It didn’t help that both his legs had begun to throb in agony. A flashback to the acid that had burned through parts of his body during his last battle. The phantom pain to his legs pulsated stronger than it had in several months.

He did everything he could to keep himself quiet, but the discomfort was more than he could bear. He felt like he couldn’t breathe, and upon noticing Sting sleeping restlessly nearby, he made a decision. Rogue shifted into his shadow form and swiftly moved towards the cave entrance.

He traveled up the mountain until he reached a flat area wide enough to not be dangerous. Releasing his magic, he sat on the edge, watching the stars in peaceful solitude. It had been a long time since he’d had some time alone, and he soon found himself relaxing as the dream lost its hold on him, and the pain began to ebb from his consciousness.

Everything had changed so much in the last nine months, one decision made in the heat of battle had managed to reshape his life forever, and although he wished things had gone differently, he couldn’t find it in his heart to regret it. It had been the right thing to do.

Deliora was dead, the war was officially over. Everything else was secondary. Rogue used his arms to push himself back from the edge, wincing as a sharp rock scratched at his legs, which now ended slightly below his knees.

He heard movement below him and sighed, already knowing who it was. Looking up to the sky once more, he enjoyed the peace while he still could.

Some minutes later, he saw Sting’s hands appear on the ledge and waited for the lecture that was sure to follow.

“What are you doing out here?” Sting demanded, “I looked everywhere for you.” Although his face was full of concern, Rogue could feel Sting’s fear flooding the bond, and it irritated him.

“Where did you think I was going to go?” Rogue heard the bitterness in his voice and quickly tried to back down. The last thing he wanted was yet another argument.

“Everything’s fine Sting, I just needed some fresh air.”

“You had another one of those dreams, didn’t you?”

Rogue shrugged his shoulders, not wanting to give it any importance. “It’s a beautiful night.”

“Don’t change the subject, you can’t just take off like that!” Sting chastised, “What if you get into a situation, and I’m not around to help?”

The again was implied, but Rogue heard it just as loudly as if it had been yelled, and he could feel the rage building inside him.

“I may need help to do some things, but I’m not an invalid,” he growled, “I got myself up this mountain on my own, and I still have my magic. I can take care of myself just fine, the only one who seems to think I’m helpless is you.”

“That’s not true.”

“Isn’t it?” Rogue snapped, “You hover over me constantly, do everything for me before I’ve even had a chance to try on my own.”

“And you’re too stubborn to ask for help!” Sting accused, running his fingers through his hair in frustration, “Even when it’s obvious you need it.”

Rogue’s eyes flashed but before he had a chance to retort Sting sat down next to him.

“You’re not the only one who has nightmares, you know,” the words were uttered in a resigned tone, but Rogue could still suss out their meaning, and it deflated his anger instantly. Made him realize that Sting was still frightened he might lose him at any moment.

“Sting —”

“You almost died, Rogue. Did you ever think of what that did to me?” Sting’s eyes had grown so large Rogue felt like he could swim in their depths.

And he felt bad because the truth was he hadn’t given any thought to anything but the fact that Deliora was in front of them, and if they got him, they could go home. And Rogue had wanted to go home desperately.

He missed their friends, and their nice warm bed, and his favorite bakery, but mostly, he missed the way things had been between them before they had gotten caught up in the fights of others. And now they were involved in one that was all their own.

“He promised me, Rogue.”

And there it was. The reason for their neverending fight. Sting was determined to blame Natsu for what had happened to him, and that pissed Rogue off. Not only was it unfair, but it completely undermined his role in what had happened.

“When are you going to accept that I was the one who made the decision to fight that dragon on my own? Natsu was against it from the start. I was the one to convince him to go after Deliora. I was the one that thought I could handle it. And it was the right decision, regardless of the consequences. Deliora is dead.”

“I trusted him, he promised me he wouldn’t let anything happen to you.”

“And if he hadn’t healed me when he did or gotten me to help, that acid would have killed me. Natsu saved me, Sting, and you sent Acnologia after him, knowing full well he intends to kill him. Last time they fought, Natsu barely survived.”

“What was I supposed to have done when he showed up here?” Sting yelled, but once again, the bond gave him away. Rogue could feel his guilt, and that at least made him feel a little better. “None of us was a match for him. It was the only thing I could do to keep us alive.”

“We should have fought him or died trying.” Rogue remarked matter-of-factly, “It’s what Natsu would have done for us. It was our turn to be heroic, but we cowered instead.”

Rogue wondered if Sting had yet realized the enormity of what he’d done by giving Acnologia Natsu’s location. He hadn’t just led Acnologia to Atlas, Igneel, and Natsu, he’d also sent him after Erza, Gray, Lyon, Anna and everyone else who lived in Talos. Sting had pointed that abomination straight to the one place they had spent most of their lives guarding.

“I had to protect you, I couldn’t fail again,” tears were hiding in the corner of Sting’s eyes, and it was then that Rogue felt the honesty in Sting’s words.

All this time, he’d thought that Sting had been punishing Natsu, but that had never been it. Yes, Sting was angry at Natsu, and he did blame him for Rogue’s injuries, but in the end, it had come down to the fact that his mate had been in danger. He’d had no choice but to protect him, even at the cost of betraying his best friend.

“Do you think he’s already gotten there?” Rogue worried, wishing they had been able to warn their friends of what was coming.

“Probably,” Sting’s voice broke, and Rogue let go of some of the resentment he’d been harboring. There was nothing to be done, and even if he hadn’t been the one to give Acnologia the information, the truth was he hadn’t stopped Sting either. They were both complicit.

They sat in uneasy silence, and Rogue couldn’t help but remember all the times they’d sat like this when they were younger. Climbing out of their beds in the orphanage and sneaking outside, just so they could gaze at the stars, and talk excitedly about the places they would go and the people they would meet when they were older.

Not having any idea that a little boy would soon enter their lives and change everything they knew. That they would come to love that little boy almost as much as they loved each other, or that he would come to give them a home.

A home they could no longer return to. Even if by some miracle Talos remained unscathed from Acnologia’s attack, once word got out of what they’d done, they would no longer be welcome there.

Rogue put his arm around his mate, pulling him close, letting Sting shed his tears on his shoulder. He knew there was more to what Sting was feeling than what he’d said, but there was no point in pushing now. He could only hope that the red dragons were able to put an end to Acnologia before he could destroy Talos and that Natsu somehow managed to live through it once again. If only so they could try to earn his forgiveness.

0-0

In the following days, things between them began to improve slowly. Sting hovered less, Rogue asked for help more. They met each other halfway, and although they were still far from where they had once been, it helped ease Rogue’s worries. He’d even caught himself smiling at Sting a few times, though he couldn’t recall having seen Sting smile since Acnologia had come into their cave.

Weiss was feeling stronger, and with any luck, they’d be able to make it to Drak Aatsa, the island Natsu and Belserion had found, soon. They sat in a circle, planning the next leg of their journey when Skia tensed up. Sting and Rogue regarded him in confusion until Weiss explained.

“Atlas and Natsu are near, they seem to be moving slower than usual,” Weiss looked over at Sting to see how his son was reacting to the news, but Rogue didn’t have to. He could feel it.

The surge of emotions that Sting was feeling was overwhelming, and for a moment, they became his. Rogue grabbed Sting’s hand, lacing their fingers together and squeezing firmly.

Sting turned to him, looking paler than Rogue had ever seen him. For the first time since they’d met, Sting looked like he wanted to run from something, and it was very disconcerting. Rogue squeezed Sting’s hand again and offered him what he hoped was a reassuring smile.

They waited silently as Skiadrum went out to meet the red dragons. The minutes dragged on until they heard the sounds they’d been dreading. Three pairs of large wings getting ever closer. Skiadrum entered first, followed by Atlas Flame and then Natsu.

Atlas looked agitated, although it was clear from Skiadrum’s countenance that he hadn’t told them anything. Rogue looked at Natsu curiously, he hadn’t really seen him much since he’d tried to heal him after the dragon attack. The best word he could think of to describe the dragon was downcast. He vaguely wondered why Natsu would choose to be in his dragon form when he no longer needed to, but he was distracted by Sting’s reaction.

Where before Sting had looked nervous, now he seemed to be holding back tears, and all Rogue could feel from him was great sorrow. He looked between Sting and Natsu trying to figure out what was going on.

Weiss broke the uncomfortable silence, “Not that I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?”

“It’s probably nothing for you to worry about, but Acnologia popped up in Talos a few days ago. Now that we know he’s active again, we want to go ahead and move you to Drak Aatsa. It’s not safe for you here on your own anymore.”

Atlas was his usual boisterous self, but for once, it sounded forced, and they all knew him well enough not to be fooled.

Skia and Weiss exchanged a nervous glance. Atlas was putting on a performance, but it wasn’t for their benefit. Rogue couldn’t help but notice that Natsu hadn’t looked at any of them since he’d entered, nor had he spoken a word. In fact, his whole demeanor was very unlike him, and Rogue started to get a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. What had happened?

Before he could say anything, Sting blurted out, “I’m sorry.”

Natsu turned toward him, looking puzzled by Sting’s outburst but finally speaking. “The thing with Rogue? You had every right to be upset. I broke my promise.”

Atlas looked confused as well, but he headed over to Rogue, “How are you feeling? Skia mentioned you’d been getting some pains, want me to take a look?”

Rogue didn’t really respond, too caught up in what was happening between Sting and Natsu, and Atlas took that as an affirmative. Rogue felt a soothing warmness envelop his legs, starting at his stumps and moving upward, and he grunted in appreciation.

“No,” Rogue could almost hear Sting swallowing, trying to build up the courage to say the next words, “Acnologia was already here.”

Rogue saw Natsu’s eyes widen in concern at Sting’s words, his eyes darting to check on each one of them, and it was almost too much for him to bear. His guilt had somehow gained physical form, residing in a large lump in his throat.

“I don’t understand, if Acnologia was here, how are you all fine?” Natsu looked them over again as if checking to see if he had missed something the first time.

“I told him what he wanted to know,” Sting explained, still not able to voice the words he knew he needed to say, and Rogue immediately understood why.

Once those words came out, his friendship with Natsu, something that had always been very important to him, would be over.

Natsu mouthed the word “oh” before once again falling into silence.

“Natsu, I’m sorry, I—”

Sting tried to say more, but Natsu waved him off, adding, “If it had been Gray, I would have done the same thing.”

There was something about the way he said Gray’s name that worried at Rogue, and he wanted to ask, to say anything, but instead, Natsu was the one to speak.

“I’m glad you’re alright.” And with that, Natsu turned around and left the cave, flying off.

Sting ran after him, having to stop at the entrance, “NATSU PLEASE, I’M SORRY!” he yelled through his tears, but there was no response.

“Settle down,” Atlas advised as he sat comfortably between Skiadrum and Weisslogia.

“Aren’t you going after him?” Rogue asked, surprised by how calm Atlas seemed to be.

“Do you really think there is anything I could say that would help?” Atlas challenged, and when Rogue had no response, he snorted. “He needs to sort this out on his own. Get your stuff ready, we move out tomorrow.”

“What happened?” Sting demanded.

“Let it go,” Atlas growled, his previous calm disappearing in an instant. This Atlas was angry, so much so, in fact, that Skia and Weiss were glancing at him nervously.

Sting knelt in front of Atlas, “Please, I need to know.”

“You don’t need me to tell you anything, Sting. You already know what happened.” Atlas wouldn’t elaborate further, but that seemed to be enough for Sting to crumble.

He left the cave without saying a word to anyone, and Rogue could only stare after him in confused shock. Then everything clicked into place.

“I’m gonna go check on him,” Rogue announced before morphing into his shadow form and traveling back up the mountain to the spot where he knew he’d find Sting. There wasn’t really anywhere else he would have gone.

He could hear loud grunts as well as squelching thuds the higher up he got, and winced internally, worried about what he would find. Rogue reached the shelf only to see Sting pummeling the bare rock of the mountain face with his fists, the gloves he liked to wear already stained with his blood.

“Stop it!” Rogue yelled, materializing as close to Sting as he dared. He leaned against the rock, not daring to sit on the edge at the moment as it was windy.

Sting did stop for a moment but thought better of it, continuing to pelt the rock as hard as he could.

“I said, stop it! You aren’t helping anything by doing this,” Rogue called out once again, and when Sting still didn’t listen, he took a risk. He once again shifted into his shadow form. Only this time, grabbing on to Sting from behind, before materializing again. He hoped Sting didn’t fight him because he was in no condition to go up against him.

“Are you out of your mind?!” Sting snapped, but he stopped what he was doing. His breath came out in ragged pants, and his hair was dripping with sweat, but he let Rogue restrain him, probably realizing he would only hurt him if he struggled.

Rogue loosened his hold, and Sting maneuvered him to his front, sitting both of them down. He wrapped his arms around Rogue and pulled him into his chest, which was the most intimate contact they’d shared in a long time.

Rogue removed Sting’s gloves to examine his hands and hissed, “I think you broke one.”

Sting’s only response was to laugh bitterly, “Yeah, I probably did. I deserve it, though.”

“Please tell me what’s going on, I know you’ve been keeping something from me, I just didn’t realize it had to do with Natsu.”

Sting remained silent for a few minutes before sighing, “To think I gave Gray the whole if you hurt him, I will end you speech. What a joke. I was the one who hurt them in the end.”

“Sting?”

“Can I just hold you for a bit? I promise I’ll tell you everything I know.”

“You can always hold me, dork, I’m your mate. I’m not going anywhere.” Rogue reassured him, raising his hand to touch Sting’s face, even though he couldn’t see it. He could feel Sting’s body relax behind him at his words, and he tried to burrow deeper into Sting’s warmth.

He wished they could go back inside, but he had a feeling if he suggested it, it would break this peace. Instead, he waited impatiently for Sting to speak.

“Natsu’s dragon side had been trying to take control of his body, it’s why we noticed all those changes at first. After he killed that wood dragon, we found out there was a possibility he might not be able to change back into his human form. The longer he stayed in his dragon form, the worse it would be. He didn’t want you guys to worry, so he made me promise to keep it a secret.”

Rogue began to shake with rage, That fucking idiot! How dare he keep something so important from them? Then again, he supposed he shouldn’t be too surprised. Natsu had been forced to keep secrets for most of his life.

“After the fight with Acnologia, it only got worse. Natsu had a tough time changing from one form to the other, and his body was covered in red scales wherever Grandine and Atlas had healed him. Natsu said it was like the magic was resisting him. Before he killed Deliora, Atlas had told him his dragon self had asserted itself to the point he didn’t think Natsu had many transformations left in him. So Natsu decided to wait until he went home to change into his human form. He had no intention of changing back until Gray had passed.”

“Oh.”

“He’s a dragon, Rogue. Now and forever. I did that, I ruined his life. Now he can’t ever go back to Gray. I took away the only thing he’d ever wanted.”

‘Sting—”

“No! Don’t tell me I did my best, or that I couldn’t have known. That’s bullshit, I knew. I fucking knew, but I did it anyway.”

“I wasn’t going to,” Rogue lied, he couldn’t believe that all of this had been happening under his very nose and he hadn’t realized it. He was ashamed to realize he’d been so caught up in all their issues he hadn’t spared a thought to Natsu. And it wasn’t like he could even get mad at Sting for not telling him, not when he’d done the same.

Natsu had once been just like them. Just a lonely little boy who’d wanted a family as desperately as they had. He’d withheld so many things from them over the years because Natsu’s love had always been about loyalty and protection. He’d watched over all of them, like the dragon he was, but refused to worry them with his own problems.

Rogue found himself thinking of Gray, the way he’d always looked at Natsu when he thought no one was watching, it had been so endearing, especially given how gruff he acted most of the time. Rogue was filled with pity at the thought that his friend would never experience what he and Sting had. Even worse, given the fact they were soulmates, Gray would never find anyone to replace what Natsu meant to him. It was a cruel fate for two beings who were so in love.

It made him appreciate something he and Sting had both lost sight of some time ago. Even though it often felt like nothing had gone right for them since they’d left Talos, they were alive, and they still had each other. And for that, he was eternally grateful.

He nudged Sting’s arm, “Can you turn me around?”

Sting lifted him without much effort, turning Rogue to face him until he found a comfortable position for both of them. Rogue wrapped his arms around Sting’s neck for support. He wanted to see Sting’s face when he told him what he wanted to say.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that alone,” Rogue declared earnestly, “and I wish you had trusted me to keep your secret. But I understand.”

“Nothing that’s happened changes anything between us. I love you, just as I always have,” Rogue tried to smile through his sadness, nuzzling Sting’s forehead with his, “And I know you feel this is all your fault, but it’s not. I was right there with you. Like I always am, and I’ll always be.”

Sting cupped Rogue’s face in his bloodied hands, “I don’t deserve you.”

Rogue chuckled, “Nope, but here we are anyway.”

“Thank you.”

Rogue leaned forward, brushing his lips against his mate’s gently. More than anything, it was a promise on his part to work on their problems and move forward together. When he felt Sting respond in kind, it awakened feelings that had lain dormant inside him for too long.

Sting broke away first, pulling Rogue into an embrace before whispering in his ear, “I love you so much.”

“I know,” Rogue replied simply, squeezing Sting tightly against him. They continued to hold the embrace until they were both shivering with cold.

“We should probably head back down, Weiss and Skia are going to worry soon, and you should really have Atlas look at your hands.”

Sting groaned, “Might as well give the sadistic bastard the satisfaction.”

Rogue snorted, “He’s worked on me before, he’s not so bad.”

“Yeah that’s cause he likes you, I rather think I’m at the bottom of his list at the moment.”

Rogue had no response to that, so he remained silent.

“How am I ever going to make up for this?”

“I don’t think either of us can, all we can do is be there for them if they let us, and try to accept that they might not.”

Sting frowned as he thought about Rogue’s words, “I guess you’re right.” He peered at his mate shyly, “Together?”

“Together,” Rogue agreed, and holding on to Sting carefully, he shifted them, uniting them in his shadows. He sped down the mountain, welcoming the rush of being able to move on his own. He snorted as Sting complained.

“This is not what I had in mind.”

A/N: I am so happy I got to participate in both weeks this year. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to participate in this one, due to other projects, but rarely have the stars aligned so completely for something. Not only did the week fall on the same date as the next scheduled update for Red Dragon, but it was also a chapter that dealt mostly with Sting and Rogue and the prompts fit the events perfectly, so who was I to ignore fate? Hope you enjoy. If you are interested, the chapter is published in its entirety on AO3.

It really is exciting to see so many events for Stingue, I’m looking forward to many more.

@stingueweek​ @fyeahstingue​

[yamigooops]

Avis Draconis - Chapter 3

Pairing - Gajevy

Type - Fairy/Dragon AU

Words - 2338

A loud noise was the first thing she registered. It was like metal spikes being dragged over stone, making her feel as if someone were pounding nails through her skull.

Then she noticed the pillows pressed to her cheek, the silken sheets beneath her skin. Her mind snapped to attention as she remembered where she was, and she felt her heartbeat pounding faster in her chest. She had awoken in his nest, the Iron King, "Black Steel" Gajeel. He wanted to take her as his queen in an effort to end the war and bring peace. And he terrified her.

But he also intrigued her, captivated her. She wanted to learn everything about him, wanted to know every part of him. So she lay there for a bit longer as the scraping continued, her curiosity nearly forcing her to open her eyes and figure out where it was coming from. But if it was in fact Gajeel there, she didn’t particularly want him to know that she was awake yet.

“How are your wings?” Came a gruff voice from beyond the walls of the nest. Of course he was here... This was his Aerie, after all, so it was somewhat foolish of Levy to believe he’d be elsewhere. Instead of responding, Levy merely opened her eyes and shifted into a fetal position against the mound of pillows she was propped against. She shuffled her wings slightly, only feeling faint soreness in her joints. The skin along the bones felt tight with the promise of new feathers within the next few days or so.

“Come on little fairy,” he called, his words followed by the muffled sound of rustling leather and a soft thud beside her a moment later. “I knew you were awake even before you did.”

Giving up the act, Levy slowly rubbed the sleep from her eyes, keeping her gaze fixed on the gold embroidery of the pillow beneath her cheek. From her periphery, she knew the dragon was sprawled next to her, one elbow against the side of the nest to prop up his head as the other raked through that unruly mane of his. He seemed so content, lying there with her, while she held her breath in anticipation for what he’d do next.

Using the hand that wasn’t beneath his head, Gajeel reached out to gently run the tips of his fingers along the top of her wing. Levy jumped at the contact, not expecting him to make such a bold move only two days after meeting her. She recoiled, moving away from him and glaring as she did. Not many among the Avis would allow someone to touch their wings so....intimately. Unless absolutely necessary, the only fae who allowed such contact were lovers, and he was certainly not that, much less even her acquaintance.

“What’s wrong? Did that hurt?” A look of pure confusion crossed his sharp features, as he surely didn’t know what he did.

“Please...” Levy muttered. “Unless I tell you otherwise, don’t-” her voice caught in her throat. The weight of her current situation seemed to crash down on her all at once, and her eyes teared up. Here was the dragon who had started the war that had killed so many of her kind, looking so...so normal and almost friendly. Yet his actions brought a very real fear into her mind that she had only glanced over last night: he not only stole her from her people, he stole her future from her as well. If everything went according to his plan, as it very well might, she would never get to have a future with Jet, or see her friends anymore. She wouldn’t be able to do most of the things she had always dreamed of, and it was all because of him. Curling even further into herself, she tried her best to keep the tears from falling, but nevertheless she felt the fabric beneath her skin dampen.

“What? Don’t do what? Why are you crying?” He sounded genuinely worried as he came closer, seemingly not knowing how to deal with a fairy crying on his bed. After a moment, his fingers came to brush back her hair as he tried to find her eyes. But Levy simply covered her face with her own hands, hating to show him how weak she could be. As her memories of the previous night replayed in her mind, she couldn’t hold back her tears any longer.

Gajeel made an attempt to shift her onto his lap, believing he could help comfort her at least slightly. If she wanted to be angry with him, so be it. But he couldn’t stand to see the little bluenette crying and looking so helpless. So when she shoved him away, he was more than a bit confused, and that confusion slowly changed to anger as she moved to the opposite side of his nest with a tear-filled glare.

“You took everything...” She choked out. Had it not been for his heightened hearing, he would have had difficulty making out what she said. But considering he could make out her racing pulse, her whispered words weren’t much of a challenge. “I was supposed to have a future, I had friends, a man who loved me. And you took that all away from me. I can hardly stand to look at you right now, much less even consider the possibility of marrying you. Even if it would save my people a hundred times over...”

Her words stung, made his heart feel things he didn’t expect to feel. Her declaration felt more like a dull knife slowly dragging across his skin, and he wasn’t sure why it hurt so much. He took a moment to consider all the ways he could respond, before deciding this wasn’t an argument for today. So instead, he stood once again and stepped out of the nest to return to his previous business.

Levy couldn’t help but stare in befuddlement as he simply walked away. It was as if her words hadn’t even phased him, but merely bounced off his steely exterior. She couldn’t help but wonder if he even heard her, though surely he must have. He calmly strode over toward the pile of treasure that ringed the massive space and picked up a wooden chest filled with scrolls and leather-bound books. Scanning the pile for something else, he shook his head and turned back toward her.

“I have things I need to attend to, but this all should tie you over until I return,” he grumbled as he made his way up the dias steps. “Hopefully you won’t find it too difficult.” He grunted softly as he set the chest down with a dull thud. It was solid looking, as broad as his shoulders and lined on all corners with heavy looking metal. The top looked as though it had been torn off, judging by the mangled hinges that connected to nothing on the back edge of the container.

“I’m sure it can’t be anything I’ve never seen before,” Levy mumbled, letting some of the tension release from her limbs.

“Don’t get too far ahead of yourself, little one. These are Draconic texts,” he chuckled.

“Please don’t call me that,” she demanded softly. That was what Jet always called her, and this dragon king had no right to the same courtesies as the love of her life. “Do you have anything in Fiorean? I can try my best to decipher these, but it would take me days to do on my own without your help...”

“Unfortunately, to get Fiorean texts, I’d have to go to Fiore. And the only times I ever did that , there was quite a bit of fire involved,” he responded in a snide tone. “Fire and paper don’t really go well together.”

Levy wrenched her gaze from the silk beneath her to glare at Gajeel. “Don’t patronize me, dragon,” she hissed.

“Then don’t test my patience, fae. Be curt and honest with me,” he growled, leaning down to place his large hands on the edge of the nest as his eyes narrowed slightly. “Dragons aren’t like you fae, we don’t twist our words and act without reason. If something is wrong, you’re going to need to tell me, because honestly you’re a bit hard to read. For instance, what was I not supposed to do earlier that upset you so terribly?”

Levy stiffened at his words. It was true, fae are often taught how to mask emotions and thoughts from a very young age, especially in higher tiers. She hadn’t been sure how to tell him about the meaning of such intimate wing touching before, but unless she told him he would likely never know of such a custom, and may try to do it again. “I apologise for not communicating clearly,” she began, trying her very best to keep eye contact to show her sincerity. “I was just overwhelmed by waking up to everything all at once. I got upset earlier because you...” Her voice trailed off as she began to lose her nerve. Her eyes drifted away from his, and he shifted before her.

“Did I do something wrong, princess?” The way he said her title made a shiver run down her spine. His wings rustled, the leathery sound causing Levy’s eyes to snap up to focus on them in unintentional curiosity.

“You...you touched my wings...” she whispered after a moment.

“And what’s wrong with that? I was seeing how they were healing,” he asked, sounding somewhat confused.

“It’s very...inappropriate. Touching someone’s wings without asking and receiving permission first is something reserved for family until reaching a certain age, and...” She choked on the last word, shifting her gaze to look at her hands as they rung in her lap. “It’s reserved for lovers,” she finally blurted.

She heard a soft, sharp inhale pass through Gajeel’s lips, and felt her face heat up. There was a moment of stunned silence before Gajeel let out a small sigh and let his head hang. “I apologize but I’m not very well versed in fae customs. I suppose there will be a lot we have to learn about each other in the future, won’t there?” He looked back up at her with a softer expression. “I won’t do it again, princess. Not until the day you give me permission.” With that, his lips quirked into a small, rakish grin.

As if I’d ever give it to you, Levy thought. “Thank you. I promise I’ll try to be more forthcoming with my thoughts in the future. Though it will take a little time. Being taught my entire life to hide my emotions makes it hard to break the habit,” she grimaced. Levy gently drew her eyes over the old, slightly worn parchment he had placed before her before meeting his crimson gaze. “Thank you for the reading materials, they should keep me busy for a while. Draconic texts are hard to come by in Fiore, even as the princess, so I look forward to trying to finally decipher it.” She returned his grin with a small one of her own.

“I’m sure it won’t take a bookworm like you too long to figure it out. It’s much easier than Fiorean,” he scoffed. “Like I said, the Draconis are a very direct people, so our language reflects that. If you have any difficulties figuring it out let me know when I return later today and I can try to help. I’m no linguist, but I know how to speak my mother tongue.” He straightened to his full height, but his eyes never left hers.

“That sounds wonderful,” she nodded, her voice coming out softer than she expected.

There was a pause of silence that stretched on for a moment longer than was comfortable, and Gajeel was the first to break his eyes away. He raised his hand to scratch the back of his neck, looking somewhat sheepish. “Well then, I’ll leave you to it. If you need anything just let Pantherlily know, he’ll be around. I’ll be out for most of the day so, uh... I guess you can feel free to explore if you’d like.”

“Alright, thank you.” Levy looked down at her hands once more. The tension in the air was growing unbearable. Just moments ago they had both been so upset, and now she didn’t know how to feel. She appreciated that he was trying to be accomodating, but she also felt anger, despair and a pang of loneliness at being stuck here without her friends. “I suppose I’ll... see you later then...” she trailed off, unsure of what else to say as he just stood there awkwardly.

“Yes, until later then,” he nodded resolutely before turning toward the steps of the dias.

“Gajeel,” Levy called as a thought crossed her mind. He stopped halfway down the stairs to look up at her, and she had to move to the side of the nest to see him fully, crossing her arms on the rim and resting her chin on them. “Should I stay away from all your treasures?” She motioned to the myriad of things on the perimeter of the room.

He hesitated for a moment, as if he were going to tell her yes, she should not touch anything in the Aerie, before he closed his eyes with a sigh and nodded. “I’d be willing to bet you’re going to explore anyway, given how curious your kind are, so no, I guess you can look around. But try to put things back where you find them. I have a system,” he grumbled as he turned back away and headed for the towering door.

Levy smiled to herself. At least if she was going to be stuck here, and with the king of the Draconis no less, she would have some entertainment between the scrolls and books, the treasure trove surrounding her, and exploring the caverns she currently had to call home.

[partyanimal167]

Your Local Starbucks 2- Gajevy

Here’s the second part!

Oh this was awkward~

If you had asked Gajeel, how he felt about the bluenette that frequented his work place, he would claim to not know what you were talking about. To be honest, he couldn’t wrap his head around it either. He barely paid attention to people, and at work, it was more about the food and drinks that the people he was serving. He kept to himself so much that even his play-cousin, Natsu, had no idea he worked there. Not that he was ashamed. It was a hard job and took some time to master, and Gajeel needed something for himself. Something different away from the stereotypical jobs that people assumed he did.

So he worked at Starbucks. He made drinks, bettered his customer service skills, was able to speak his mother’s tongue, and enjoyed the peace in the moments of chaos.

But she made him crazy in a way. Like he didn’t even know what was going on. It was like his brain saw that bluenette and would take over. He would already be busy and sometimes manage to avoid her, but then if he did have to talk to her, he could barely say a word. He was always relieved when the ticket came in and saw her name with a mobile order. That meant as minimal interaction as possible. Everyone knew she never stayed inside, so that meant Gajeel could force himself to stay focus and only get a second to glance at her before continuing the task at hand.

Truthfully, he didn’t mean to give her a size up from her order. The first time was an accident. He had way too much extra from her drink and just poured into another cup. This was another mobile order of hers, and when she came to pick it up, she had paused for a moment to examine the drink. To be fair, her expression was well…cute. The size-up order came from his lips without much thought, and the employees seemed to listen for some unknown reason.

But here he was now. Staring at that bluenette up close and personal. Natsu invited him to hang out with his friends for a birthday, and Gajeel needed some relief after a long double-shift especially the first half with nagging from two particular women. He had no idea Natsu knew the girl otherwise he would have come up with some lame excuse. He didn’t know what to say. Sure, he noticed his coworkers speaking to her earlier, but he wasn’t prepared to deal with Levy head-on that same day.

The two just starred at each other.

Feeling the tension in the air, Lucy got up and grabbed Natsu by the arm. “Come on, let’s see where the others are.”

Levy groaned mentally. Lucy, what if he’s a psychopath?! Levy shook her head. Calm down, Lucy knows him. She wouldn’t leave me if he wasn’t a decent guy. Levy spoke first. “Hello, my name’s Levy.” She smiled sweetly on the outside, but was screaming on the inside.

Gajeel cleared his throat and shook her hand. “Uh hi,…Gajeel…happy birthday.” He couldn’t look her in the eye.

“Thanks…”

Gajeel sighed. Get it together! Say something you idiot! “Uh-,”

“Okay, look I’m so sorry if this is awkward. I have no idea who you are, and it is so weird seeing you here. I mean like, when I go to Starbucks and see you, I’m like ‘oh cool cute scary piercing guy is here.’ I had no idea you were friends with Natsu and Lucy like ah! I hope we can get to know each other and be friends!” Levy was always good with words. She loved reading, blogs, interviews, language—anything with words! But that had to be the most thrown together, pile of throw up of English she has ever put together. She blushed and covered her face.

She wanted to evaporate. She smelled her food in front of her. The waitress must have come, but Levy didn’t want to move at all.

She then heard an exchange between the waitress and her new acquaintance. They were going back n forth in Spanish, and she could hear the teasing tone in the waitress’ voice.

“Oh my gosh Levy, I didn’t know you were Gajeel’s girlfriend.”

God, please. It’s my birthday. Levy moved her hands and smiled shyly. “What? No, we literally just met today. He’s a friend of friend. I promise!”

The woman looked deviously at Gajeel. ‘Wife her.’ She mouthed at the man. Their exchanged went on. Levy could only pick up a little of what was going on, but she watched at Gajeel’s face grew more and more red. He seemed to be shrinking as the woman kept going on.

“Oh I’m just teasing! I’ll leave you two alone now. Tell your friend to come in and get her food.” The waitress then left.

Levy couldn’t even move her attention to Lucy. The two were both blushing so hard for their own reasons. Levy had to keep the conversation going. This was already a lot going on to begin with. “So um…you go here a lot?”

Gajeel perked up immediately. Well at least she’s talking to me. “Uh yeah…she’s like an aunt to me. Our families go to the same church.” He chuckled. “She would drag me to confessional when I was teen in exchange of not telling my parents.”

Levy laughed. “Oh my gosh, that’s hilarious. She must love the piercings.”

Gajeel chuckled. “Gihi, look shrimp, I’ve done worse things to confess than these.” He seemed to beam with pride. They both laughed a little. “Uh, I just wanted to say…” he paused and cussed internally. “Sorry, I ain’t good with words n shit. I had no idea I’d actually meet you, so I hope you aren’t freaked out or anything. You’re cute n shit, and I bet you’re smart since you go to that big fancy school.” He coughed awkwardly. “I uh…yeah. I wouldn’t mind being friends either.”

Levy beamed. “Oh Gajeel, that’s great! I can tell you mean well. Plus, we’re friends with the same people. We’ll definitely get to hang out more.” Gajeel smiled a little and nodded.

Natsu and Lucy came back with the rest of their friends. They approached the two who seemed to have gotten a little more comfortable with each other. As they got close, Gajeel and Levy both turned red and blurted out simultaneously, “Wait, you think I’m cute?”

~~~

So that’s that. I hope you like it. Just some initial interactions. I didn’t want them to hook up or confess anything major. Slow and steady and all that good stuff. Thanks for reading!

[caandlle]

NALU DRAGON AU LINKS

 Hi everyone! 

I’m excited to present to you the Dragon AU I’ve been working on for a couple of weeks now!  of golden connections will be updated every 1-2 weeks :)

Summary:  Lucy Heartfilia is a noble daughter on the run from her father's controlling hand, only to find herself in the domain of a territorial, surprisingly friendly dragon... who knows more about her than he initially lets on.  

Now, onto the links! 

Fanfiction.net: of golden connections 

Ao3: of golden connections

[splendidlyimperfect]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Fairy Tail Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Natsu Dragneel/Gray Fullbuster Characters: Natsu Dragneel, Gray Fullbuster, Cana Alberona, Mirajane Strauss Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Mental Health Issues, Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms, Drinking, Drug Use, Recreational Drug Use, Dancing, Tarot, Mixtape, Crying, Hurt/Comfort, Running Away, Angst, Codependency, Unhealthy Relationships, Natsu's not good, but Gray can't let him go Summary:

Natsu’s a disaster, a forest fire, a car crash, and Gray’s just along for the ride.

[nalufever]

A Solidly Constructed Kiss

Many, many thanks to @fic-writer-appreciation for organizing the summer gift fic exchange. My fic is for @tuxiedjabberwock ~ I hope you enjoy! 

Summary: High School AU ~ Erza strong-arms Lucy and Natsu into working the Kissing Booth to raise funds for a school trip. Lucy's never been kissed and Natsu acts like he's never entertained even the idea of kissing another person. Things naturally come to a head when Lucy and Natsu are given the task to build the actual booth. Will they fight over construction or build themselves some kind of relationship? Read and find out ;P Rated:  teen. (2770 words)

Erza smiled sweetly and held onto Lucy's hand with an iron grip. "The student council already agreed you would be one of the female additions to our fundraising activity."

"Why me? I have too many other obligations." Lucy shook her head and failed to remove herself from Erza's hold. "I'm practicing for the debate team that night!"

"You can practice before or after. Just show up at the kissing booth."

"I wouldn't be good at it, I haven't had my first real kiss!" Lucy looked down and away, unwilling to meet the student council's president's eyes. "…you were talking about debating, weren't you?"

"Excellent! We can add novice kisser to the posters to drum up interest." Erza grinned and released Lucy's hand. "I wonder if Natsu is any better equipped to man the kissing booth?"

"I wouldn't know."

"Of course not. You've never had a boyfriend, never dated, not ever had one chance to kiss." Erza ticked off each point on her fingers and continued mortifying her friend. "You're pretty but your dad's reputation scares off all interest in you, doesn't it?"

"…"

"Well, it's only a two-hour shift and after that, you and your tested lips will be free to go." Erza rummaged in her book bag, withdrew a ledger and scribbled notes. "Remember, it's for a good cause."

Some of her smarts making a comeback, Lucy looked perplexed at the student council president. "We're raising money for our class trip, not for charity."

"You must be magic at the debates." Erza nodded with a wide smile on her face. "Thanks for proving my point; our class trip is the greatest of causes. Three days and two nights of semi-supervised fun in the big city!"

"Fine." Lucy rubbed her forehead. "I never had a choice anyway, did I?"

"Excellent! I also put you down for construction. I'll send Natsu over to you with the schematics of the booth and you two can get building it straight away." Erza nodded, pivoted and strode with confidence, away from Lucy's mumbled complaints.

><><><><

Natsu found Lucy hunched over a book in the library. He tapped her shoulder twice and failing to get a response, he cleared his throat. "You ready?"

"How'd Erza rope you into this?" Lucy sighed, bookmarking her place. "She could have gotten any of the woodworking students to make the structure. Laki loves that sort of thing! Why would she need us to do this?"

"I volunteered!" Natsu grinned affably. "And all the woodworking students are already busy with fixing the old booths and working on projects. Laki is super busy - so I told Erza we could do it together."

Distracted by her own special thoughts of 'doing it together,' Lucy stared blankly at Natsu.

"Eyes up here!" Natsu waved the work instructions. "We can pick up what we need from Shop class and get most of it done tonight."

"Wha? Okay." Lucy shook her head and blinked rapidly. "This is going to be more fun than working the booth."

"Oh, I don't know. You haven't seen how handy-challenged I am. And at least during the festival we get to people watch." Natsu admitted his less than stellar workman abilities with a giant smile. "It's only two hours and like Erza says, it's for a worthy cause."

"Not you too! The whole point of the booth is to raise money for the class trip, not charity." Lucy shuffled her homework papers, took her book and stuffed both of them into her satchel.

"Having fun is a pretty good cause," Natsu spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. "But would it make you feel better if we donated any extra over our goal to an actual charity? I bet more people would shell out the big bucks if they knew they were supporting both."

"I don't want to get Erza upset."

”Heh! Only someone suicidal would, but it must be important to you, so we should at least try. I'll mention the idea to Gray and he can bring it up at the next student council meeting." Natsu led the way out of the library and towards the Wood Shop classroom. After a few minutes of Lucy struggling to carry her heavy satchel, he tugged her sleeve to make her stop. "Do you need all that stuff? Can't you dump it in your locker?"

"Um, no." Lucy bit her lip and shifted her weight from foot to foot. "I finished my homework, but I need to study every night. If I don't get straight As my father …" She trailed off, breaking eye contact with Natsu. "Anyways, he wouldn't be happy."

"Give it to me then." Natsu didn't wait for Lucy to answer, taking the school bag and slinging it over his shoulder. "I'm good at carrying things at least." He started walking again, cheerfully whistling.

Bemused, Lucy scurried to follow. Even if Natsu had never been romantically linked with anyone in school, it seemed he was capable of gentlemanly behaviour. "Tell me why you agreed to help make the booth when by your own admission you're not that good with construction." Lucy flinched. Way to sound like a controlling harpy. "I mean, I'm curious about that."

"Easy answer! Cana told me I'd learn a thing or two if I did."

"I'm not that experienced with hammer, saw and wood either." Lucy scratched her head. "But I'm excellent at reading and following directions. Maybe this won't be so hard."

Natsu agreed, "Ya, we can figure it out together."

Lucy got lost in a small personal fantasy - Natsu had such a nice smile. She pressed her lips into a straight line. Time to focus! No time to daydream.

Inside the Wood Shop classroom, they found a beehive of activity. Elfman, Lahar, Mest, and Vjeter worked on with various projects while Laki ran back and forth helping each of them in turn.

Carefully Lucy and Natsu made a pile of the framing lumber and plywood, checking and re-checking the instructions. The regular shop students worked, shouting at one another casually. An alarm sounded from Laki's wristwatch. As one, all the students stopped working. They turned off their equipment and cleaned their messes - exiting one after the other.

Surprised, Lucy jogged over to Laki who was evidently also leaving. "Hey! Is anyone staying who could help me and Natsu?"

"Ooh, shouldn't think so. We've got time during class for this, today was just a bit of extra time before my date with Max." Laki grinned, tugging Lucy closer to the door, further from Natsu. "You dating Natsu?"

Lucy sputtered, "W-what, what, what? Why would you even think that?"

"My bad." Laki did not look sorry. "All you have to do is lock the door behind you once you guys finish whatever you can. I'll have a few students work on the rest of it tomorrow."

"Erza seemed to want us to do all the work."

Laki shrugged. "If you want, but are you really prepared to stay for hours and hours?" Another softer alarm sounded. Laki smiled and silenced it. "I'm leaving. Work safe!"

Lucy turned around, the whole room was empty save for her and Natsu.

"C'mon Luce!" Natsu waved the instructions. "I need you! We gotta measure and cut the frame first."

"Coming!" The imp inside of Lucy's brain giggled. 'That's what she said.'

The shop room echoed without extra voices and the noise of saws.

Lucy giggled. She couldn't help it. Natsu had managed to tangle the measuring tape - again. Holding out her hand she requested its return. "I'm gonna have to demote you." Shaking her head, Lucy held the end hook securely against the end of the two by four that was their first planned cut - and then grabbed Natsu's hand and moved it into place. "You get to be the anchor." Lucy extended the tape measure and marked off four spots. "We'll check it twice and then cut."

"Won't that take longer?"

"Yes and no." Lucy explained, "If both marks are at the same point, I've got them in the right spot - but if they aren't, then we look to see where we made a mistake. It's all about checking and double checking before we do something we can't fix."

"Y'mean kinda like, 'least said, soonest mended'?" Natsu gave Lucy an earnest look. "Or if I'm punching Gray as hard as he deserves, but if Erza is about to show up, we pretend I wasn't kicking his ass?"

"More like the first example, but yeah." Lucy nodded. "Or like how a pound of 'cure' is worth the ounce of 'prevention.' If we don't make mistakes, we don't have to rip apart our work."

"Hmm." Natsu shrugged and held the end of the measure against the end of the board. "Then let's double-check our work."

"Okay!"

Lucy and Natsu measured all the cuts listed in the instructions twice and then began cutting. Never one to shrink away from new tasks, Lucy took command of the saw. Without complaint, Natsu held the other end still and encouraged Lucy. Alternating chores, they finished sawing quicker than anticipated.

"What's next?"

Lucy flexed her hands, they were a little sore. Picking up the blueprints, she scanned the information. "We can cut the plywood next."

"Ugh. Measuring and cutting is boring. What about starting to assemble?"

"We can't put together pieces that aren't ready."

Natsu looked at the much larger than expected pile of cut pieces. "But we're not gonna make any progress if we don't start assembling."

Blueprints still within her grasp, Lucy settled her hands on her hips and tapped her foot. "You may have a point. This isn't a puzzle, so, sure, let's get the frame done and then do the rest of the cuts."

"Huh. Cana was wrong about you." Natsu confided, "She said you wouldn't be open to changing plans."

"…" Lucy nodded jerkily. A lot of the fun of this experience had gone out for her right there. Most of her schoolmates didn't really know her, so it was easy to shrug off the popular misconceptions. But - in this short work project, it had felt like she and Natsu had started to become friends.

"She says a lot of dumb stuff, things that only make sense way later, but I think this time she was wrong." Natsu continued speaking, all without noticing how stiff Lucy had become. "You're a good student, I knew that from the posted grades - but you're an even harder worker than I guessed. I bet I could learn a lot from you." Finally noticing Lucy's rigidness, Natsu put down his hammer and the nails he'd been holding ready. "What?"

"…" Lucy looked down and away. This was her standard response to every awkward situation. She flinched as Natsu tentatively touched her shoulder.

"What's wrong?"

Lucy bit her lip and steeled herself. She could face him. Not everything he'd said had been hurtful. Matter of fact, after the first bits, Natsu had sounded like he admired her - which was weird. "More than what we both have time to deal with." Forcing a laugh, Lucy looked into Natsu's eyes. That was a mistake. They were concerned, not condemning. "At first I thought you were saying I was stuck-up."

Natsu frowned and shook his head.

His confusion egged Lucy into saying more. "I've heard that time and time again. People think that I think I'm too smart and won't follow anyone else's advice."

"D'uh! Of course, you're smart! We all can see the posted grades!" Natsu smiled - and it was his smile that convinced Lucy he wasn't being cruel.

"I'm sorry. I'm used to most people getting defensive. I don't know how to react when people are sharing honestly." Lucy picked up a hammer and then a nail. "Why don't we start putting this together like you suggested?"

"That's a good plan, even if it's mine." Natsu laughed and Lucy relaxed.

An hour later, very pleased with their accomplishments, Natsu and Lucy tidied their mess. They swept and dumped the sawdust into the dustbin, hung the hammers and saw back onto the peg-board, and put the nails away.

"This was … an experience." Lucy smiled at Natsu. "I’m glad we got to work with each other."

"I had fun," said Natsu, "and I think you did too."

"Fun isn't usually one of my goals," Lucy admitted, "I have to keep my grades up so my father doesn't freak. Fun doesn't rate high on his list of things to do."

"Pity." Natsu picked up Lucy's schoolbag. "I understand about keeping a parental figure quiet, but y'know we're only young once. Fun shouldn't be forgotten."

"I have some fun. I take dance lessons every Thursday."

”Oh, ya got me there." Natsu's tone did not agree with his words. His voice picked up some pep as he continued speaking. "Pfft. I'm talkin' stuff your dad doesn't approve of kind of fun! The fun that is spur of the moment - somethin' you can't believe you had the nerve to do right after ya do it!"

Hardly able to wrap her brain around calling her father, 'dad,' Lucy stood lost in thought. Natsu had made a lot of good points. Fun was a commodity she hadn't experienced enough. "Will you be mad if I take your advice?"

"Naw, I'd be proud. I bet people wouldn't believe me if I told them the Lucy Heartfilia had taken advice from me." Natsu smiled.

"Remember, you can't get mad." Lucy bit her lip and giggled softly. "I suppose I could apologize ahead of time. You sure?"

"You look like you need fun."

Taking all Natsu's words to heart, Lucy gathered her courage. Heart beating wildly, she moved in front of Natsu. "May I kiss you?"

"Are you joking?"

"Even though your words made me think I could steal a kiss - I respect you too much to do that." Lucy knew her cheeks were climbing way past pink and into tomato red territory, but she wanted to explain herself. "The fun I want is a mutual experience. If I take without your consent, then I'm not respecting your rights. I wouldn't want that for myself so I will not do that to you. I like you. I like you because you're nice to me."

"You're not joking." Natsu blushed. "You're not that good at jumping into fun, but you are so not joking."

"Nope." Lucy swallowed hard. She cursed herself for not thinking harder about how awkward it was going to be after Natsu refused her request because she was too weird. Dammit!

"Okay." Natsu dropped Lucy's books and held her gaze. "You can kiss me - and then… can I kiss you?"

Lucy blinked, knowing her mouth had dropped open. "Huh?"

"I like you too," Natsu spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.

"You like me?"

"Yeah." Natsu smiled. "For a long time now, not just on account of today. You didn't treat me like a dummy while we worked on the booth. I know my reputation. Most people think I'm dumber than a box of bricks."

"You sure?" Lucy inched closer to Natsu.

"I'm sure." Natsu inched closer to Lucy. "Everyone in school thinks I'm stupid."

"You know that's not what I meant." Fire flashed in Lucy's eyes. "You like me? The girl everyone in school thinks is stuck-up? Too smart for her own good and so rich she can't understand anyone else?"

"Yeah. The thing is, I know you’re not like that. Not one bit.”

Lucy nodded, an anxious smile on her lips. They'd reached an agreement of sorts - mutual respect with a side of pining. She could do this - it was just a kiss, right? Well, she had permission and the time was ripe. Lucy leaned forward, angled her head slightly, closed her eyes and captured Natsu's lips against her own. Seconds later she pulled back, heart racing like she'd been running a marathon.

Natsu licked his lips, his fingers tracing where Lucy had touched him. This made the sudden experience more real. He slowly reached out; caressing Lucy's jawline, then cupped her chin as he kissed her. It lasted perhaps half a minute and felt like an eternity at the same time.

"Wow." Lucy was aware her response was inane, but Natsu still held her in his arms and the warmth of his body distracted her. "That…was…fun."

"You sound like you need more convincing." Natsu squeezed Lucy and then relaxed his hold. "May I kiss you again?"

"I'd like that." Lucy set her hands on Natsu's shoulders and locked eyes with him. "And then maybe I could kiss you again too?"

"Hells yes."

[chikkachu]

4 or 14 for Nalu

Happy Birthday to the beautiful @brokenangelwings83 . I was going to make this a short drabble but then I thought you love your NaLu smut and hey I already had a prompt request for it. So, I hope you like it. It’s been a while ;) Thank you to the wonderful @nalu-natic who beta-read this for me and of course the anon who sent me this prompt. 

-x-Pairing: NaLu prompt: What if they hear us?Rating: 18+ / Smut / M Genre: Period/Historical Romance

Summary: Natsu and Lucy have never been so long without seeing each other. In order to cover up their frowned upon activities, they must proceed with caution. However, Lucy has run out of patience.

-x-

Acid pumped through strained muscle as Natsu lifted wrought iron. Hard graft accelerating his heart rate and a fine sheen of sweat accumulated on his skin. The heat of strenuous exercise made his clothes tight and scratchy. Natsu hated having to wear tight garments finding them restrictive. Zeref scolded him for “inappropriate apparel” regularly; walking around in clothes fit for a beggar was inappropriate for the Dragneel lineage.

Epithets and pleasantries meant about as much as the horse shit he scrapped from the stable floor on the morn. Not that Zeref knew of that pastime otherwise the noble would have him escorted at all times.  As if it wasn’t enough being tied to the dukedom, another ball and chain would stifle his audacious nature.

‘Move it this way flame-brain or are you having trouble.’ Gray scoffed, smug banter intoning a challenge to the “pampered young master”.  They had been best friends from the moment Ur adopted the orphan and brought him to the estate. Raising him to be a stable hand with a magic touch. No one in Fiore could tame an unruly stallion like Gray Fullbuster.

Helping fix a broken carriage beat paperwork and the arbitrary tattle of the gentry. Physical work exhilarated his senses and Natsu loved the burn. Shifting the wheel, the strained linin dress shirt restricted his movement making him lose grip. Both men jumped backwards to save their toes as the sound of metal crashing against cobblestone echoed off the walls. Distressed kicks and grunts from the prized thoroughbred met his ears as he ripped his shirt from his breeches. The incident reaffirming his distaste for the fashion. Readjusting the fitted fabric on his waist, he used his shirt to wipe off excess perspiration before tossing it over a stable door.  

‘Showing off?’ Gray laughed, responding to the hushed whispers and giggles of maids passing through to collect supplies from the farm. Looking down he supposed he was exhibiting barbaric behaviour in front of the fairer sex. Zeref did say such nudity should be reserved strictly for the bedchambers. Not that he obeyed. Especially when it concerned a voluptuous blond that wouldn’t take no for an answer.  

‘You’re always half-naked when brother isn’t around.’ Rebuking the snarky retort, Natsu readied his hands on the iron rim waiting for Gray to position himself.

‘Damn straight.’ Gray grunted, Natsu smiled at the response. That’s why Gray understood him unlike the fake accomplices forced upon him at formal gatherings. On the count of three, they heaved the chunky wheel onto the brace. Stepping back, he admired their work. It still needed wheel nuts to securely fit it to the axel.

‘I’m going to go find some oil before we screw it back on.’ Gray said, walking off and wiping his brow, ‘otherwise it’ll break again.’

‘Sure.’ Not bothering to watch Gray slink away he decided to stretch. Bending forward his back arched allowing him to feel the pull down his thighs and calves. Natsu groaned in satisfaction as the tension left his body.  

‘Do you require help?’ He recognised that tinkling laughter and honey-dipped voice. Small hands smoothed over his rump travelling to grasp onto his hip. Bolting upright heat settled against his back, feeling lips pressing against his shoulder blade.

God, he missed her.

‘Lucy.’ He breathed, noticing her fingers tracking his waistband and tickling the sensitive skin.  

‘It’s not often one is greeted with such a pleasant view.’ She said, amusement evident as she dragged her fingertips over his abdominals in a fleeting caress. Natsu sucking in a quick breath turned in her embrace moving to grip her arms. Memories of passionate nights and heated escapades in her father’s hunting lodge filled his mind at her playful antics. Lucy’s touch is something he could never refuse but society is cruel to those who didn’t adhere to protocol. And he wouldn’t stand for her name to be tarnished.

‘We can’t, not here.’ Her determined countenance said Lucy didn’t accept his answer as she swivelled out of his grip.  A finger found his lips and he couldn’t help but track the tongue wetting her own.

‘I don’t want to hear “can’t” from the man who preaches the virtues of living in the moment.’ She said, pressing her digit further into his mouth.

‘Someone might see.’

‘No ones here now.’

‘That’s not the issue.’ He said, she laughed and dragged her hand down his jaw. Following the line of his body, making sure to drag her palm over his nipples, she continued downwards. Hooking both hands into his breeches a sharp tug caught him off balance.

Lucy Hearfilia is a dangerous woman. A woman he couldn’t refuse.  

‘You’ve never been so reluctant before.’ Her voice is sin and he couldn’t help but follow. ‘I travelled too far to wait until later.’

Natsu scouted the area as he allowed the temptress to pull him into a vacant stable. This wasn’t the first time Lucy exhibited her adventurous side. Then again in high society, they take their alone time whenever the opportunity arises. A scandal of their trysts would rock the aristocracy and ruin Lucy’s reputation. He felt guilty, but patience had never been his strong suit and their first erotic venture had been against the old oak in the Heartfilia estate. Now they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Passion burned in his veins for the heiress like nothing he’d experienced before. Natsu intended for them to be wed. The thought of another man touching Lucy made his chest constrict.

‘Natsu Dragneel you sure know how to drive a girl crazy.’ He shivered feeling her breath tickle his dark nipple. Head resting on his chest her hands flitted over a pec setting a pace that caused his hair to rise in anticipation. Instinctually he moved to her dance, hips rising to meet her antics that wandered dangerously close to his crutch. Teasing fingers smoothed the fabric on his thighs, fingers drawing lines on the inside of his knee.

Dipping down he caught her lips in a quick succession of smooches feeling her hand move slowly up his inner thighs. The drag of her manicured nails felt wonderful despite the fabric barrier. Coming close to the straining erection he saw the devilish twinkle in her eye as she removed her hands from where he wanted them. Deciding instead to loop her arms and grab his butt for leverage. Lucy wiggled her hips creating a delectable friction over his bulge.  

‘Damn, what’s with you today.’ Not that Natsu was complaining but it wasn’t usual behaviour. Lucy commented previously that she loved to see Natsu riled up and taking control.

‘I want you to feel my frustration.’

Oh.

They hadn’t been able to meet for a long time and Natsu had decided against their last opportunity to meet. Frolicking at the King’s ball was a bit too risky even for him. Apparently, his fiery partner had revenge in mind for the elongated abstinence. Natsu gasped as he felt her hand dipped below his waistband and gripping his dick.  

‘Fuck!’ He swore, soft lips kissed along his jawline and he chocked as he felt a sharp tug. She didn’t have mercy deciding to attack his neck with open-mouthed kisses. The feeling of her hands gripping his shaft made his knees buckle. Undulating to encourage further movement he worked on undoing buttons to give her better access.

Her eyes flicked down to watch him buck into her hand, there was something incredibly sexy about his desperate movements. The sound of his laboured gasps made her nipples strain, aching for the reward of Natsu hot mouth. Before that, she wanted to have fun with the handsome man at her leisure.

Spitting in her palm she reached down to caress the head of his shaft, taking over from the hand reaching further down to cup his sack. Rolling her head to the side Natsu cupped her cheek and capture her lips in a sloppy kiss, his skill hampered by the distracting thumb brushing under the head of his dick.  He could feel her gentle rotate her palm rolling his balls in a way that nearly made him cum. The sensation of both hands on him was overwhelming. The absence of her touch for more weeks than either of them cared to be separated didn’t help his control.

‘Let go.’ Lucy breathed on his lips, dipping her tongue into his mouth. Tapping her fingertips along his base in a teasing pattern, Natsu braced his back against the walk for support. He felt her travel upwards to connect her thumb and index finger around the top of his shaft. Setting a slow pace, to begin with, he felt his abdominal clench on a particularly strong stoke.

‘Please. Lucy.’ Natsu’s plea barely came out a whisper, his hands moving from her waist to cup a weighty breast. He wasn’t above playing dirty using his thumb to roll the covered nipple. Lucy tremored, her hold on his cock faltering as she craned her neck to engage a languid role of tongues. Need pulsing in his member he covered her hand with his own. Encouraging her to use more fingers Natsu guided her on pleasuring him. Lucy got the message increasing her pace and the occasional rotation of her wrist made his thighs seize up in an effort to resist climax.  

‘Natsu?’ Gray’s call cut through the hazy pleasure they were surrounded in. Lucy didn’t stop, in fact, her eyes glinted mischievously as she proceeded to perform as a quick succession of tugs over his head. Pleasure exploding through his veins made his toes a heavy grunt escaping his throat. Natsu tried to stifle the noise hearing Gray moving around outside searching for him. It wouldn’t be the first time Gray had found them in an inappropriate situation. He wouldn’t hear the last of it if it happened again.

‘I don’t want to see your bare ass ever again.’ Was the quip Gray focused on him the next day. Lucy couldn’t look their friend in the eyes for a month. However, by then Lucy was grinding against his thigh Natsu suspected she had a thing for high-risk coupling.  The feeling of pressure at the top of his sack snapped his thoughts to the woman in front of him. She had circled the top massage the skin gently as his balls drew together. His abdomen rippled as he thrust upwards in a haphazard pattern. Head lulling, he allowed himself to breathe in her bergamot and orange scent.

‘Your hands feel so fucking good on my cock.’ Murmuring praise in her ear Natsu found himself fall from the precipice. Capturing her lips once again in a bid to silence his moans fire shot up his shaft as the pressure in his stomach released. Pulling Lucy’s body flush against him, Natsu clung to her in his vulnerable moment. Savouring the comfort of her hand that had moved to caress his back. Finding her eyes, he couldn’t help but smile. Intimacy enabled him to see her with shocking clarity. His beautiful Lucy who couldn’t keep her hands of him, a woman sporting a kind and gentle soul. Natsu knew he was a lucky man.

‘So,’ Lucy said, smiling up at him as she licked his seed off her knuckle. ‘What’s next?’

And she called him insatiable.

[dreamingoffairys]

Love Thine Enemy

Chapter 3: Predestination

Summary: Sting Eucliffe had never been one for responsibility and rule following, preferring to spend his time as Prince of the Light Kingdom in the arms of his secret lover: another Prince from the long-time rival, the Shadow Kingdom. As the war between the 7 Kingdoms begins to grow in turmoil each day, the ties between Sting and Rogue begin to be severed one by one. Sting grapples with a sudden barrage of new responsibility as blood is spilled, secrets are revealed, and tensions are high among the people of the Light Kingdom. The longer the war goes on, the harder it becomes for Sting to keep himself sane, feeling himself shattering under pressure, wanting nothing more to see Rogue again, and in the process, forgetting that sometimes, you have to be careful what you wish for.

Hello everyone! I know it’s been 50,000 years since I’ve posted anything. I kinda have no excuse besides that I’ve been really stressed out (depressed) because of school and adulthood and ahhh yeah all that.

I dunno if anyone still remembers this, but if you do, here go! If not, here’s Chapter 1 and Chapter 2. Or, if you’d rather read on AO3, here’s it from the beginning and here’s it from Chapter 3.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy! Please reblog/leave replies/write tags, etc, I’d love to hear your feedback! Thank you!💖

Previously... Princess Lucy agreed to help her brother Sting Eucliffe in hiding his secret affair with the Shadow Prince, Rogue Cheney. King Weisslogia's body was burned, and Light Prince Sting Eucliffe gave a speech to his people promising them he would wage war upon the enemies of their kingdom. After sending a letter to Rogue, he was crowned at dawn, then fled the ceremony to read Rogue's response, which revealed that he knew about the assassination... 

Morning the Twelfth of Month the Fourth

Year X791

Light Kingdom of Fiore, Royal Palace, Council of the Holy Light

One of the hardships about being King was having to sit there during a war council and listen to the various brutal ways your people wanted to sentence your secret lover to death. To be honest, it was more of a personal problem, but the title of “King” meant that he couldn’t simply leave. Sting had used to have the privilege to excuse himself during the meetings if the subject felt “sensitive”. No one ever questioned him, they had always seen Sting as an individual with childlike innocence and assumed that the topic of violence unnerved him. In reality, the thought of targeting the Shadow Royal Family had made Sting vomit of fear time and time again.

Right now the other Lords are discussing their next move, arguing over some minor details that didn't really matter. Eventually the Chairman of the Light Army, Gildarts, interrupts the argument with a simple, “This is irrelevant!” He stands up, facing the rest of the table. “We already know the culprit!” He turns to look at Sting, gaze slightly lowered. “Your Majesty, have we spoken to you yet about the assassination of the late Weisslogia?”

“No, but I already know.” Sting sits up a bit straighter, eyes cold and calculating. “It was the Iron Kingdom,” he says flatly, watching as everyone’s expressions shift in surprise.

“Your Majesty, how did you know?” pipes up a younger Lord near the Chairman’s elbow.

“It's a simple deduction.” Sting reaches towards the smooth, molded game pieces in front of him. He moves the Iron Kingdom over towards the Fire Kingdom, eyes still empty. “They attacked Fire as a distraction, hoping that they could lure us into thinking their main forces were focused there.” He slides a smaller piece towards their own kingdom. “Meanwhile, a small force snuck into our kingdom and infiltrated our palace as we worried about what to do with Fire’s losses. A cliche plan, but an ingenious one nonetheless. It's such a simple tactic that we overlooked it. The oldest trick in the book.”

Sting lets out a small breath of relief seeing everyone's impressed expressions. Sting wasn’t unintelligent, rather the opposite of the fact. Not only did he conceal the fact that he found out from Rogue, he may have possibly deduced Iron’s actual plan in the middle of his own lies. He watches as the table murmurs in astonishment at Sting’s apparent wit and feels relief flood through his veins. His secret is safe.

“Excellent deduction, Your Majesty,” Jellal bows his head slightly. “If I may ask, do you believe attacking Iron would be the best course of action?”

Sting leans forward over the strategy board again, blue eyes narrowed in concentration. “Well...I would say yes, but most likely we’d be walking into a trap. They’ll be expecting us, after all.”

“They won’t know we found out, will they?” Chairman Gildarts stands up again, hands on the table. “They could think that we haven’t realized it yet, and just-”

“It’s foolish to assume such things,” General Loke cuts in, glaring at the Chairman.

“General, it’s rude to interrupt, perhaps you should let the Chairman finish?” Jellal suggests.

“Silence, Fernandes,” Loke snaps. “You’re a mere knight, though you may be high class, addressing your General in such a fashion is more disrespectful than my interruption.” He folds his hands, looking over at Sting. “Your Majesty, I formally demand that we focus on invading the Iron Kingdom. In order to prevent extreme loss due to a trap...perhaps you should be part of the invasion force.”

The table erupts into argument. The Chairman speaks first, eyes wide. “You want to risk your own King just newly crowned a few days prior?”

“General, you’re insane!” another knight cries.

“It would not be wise to send His Majesty into the battlefield on the enemy front!” Jellal cries. The argument grows louder and louder, Loke standing up and shouting at Jellal from across the table, eyes narrowed and voice risen.

Sting’s head is pounding. This is too much. “ENOUGH!” he roars, rising to his feet and banging his hand on the table. The  council falls silent, eyes widening as they look at the young King. “This foolishery needs not to go on!”

Sting takes a deep breath before continuing. “I do not find it wise to put myself in danger, but I also believe you do not give my strength credit: I have become a far better warrior than even Sir Fernandes. If needed, I could easily fend off our enemy.” Sting doesn’t want to go, but showing that may conjure suspicion. “However, I think it wise to not attack so brashly, we know not our enemy’s plans or forces… If we were able to get a spy across the borders, perhaps Dobengal, to investigate the situation, I would feel more inclined to send an attack force.”

“Your Majesty, we don’t have time,” Loke presses. “You have a target on your back, we must eliminate them before they invade our glorious kingdom a second time!”

“Then sending him out into the battlefield would be suicide!” Jellal cries.

“Did I ask your opinion, Fernandes?!” Loke snaps. Jellal falls silent, glaring at the General from across the table. “It won’t be suicide, it’ll be safer out there for you, Your Majesty, as there you can fight back as equals instead of being stabbed with a knife when not looking.”

Sting sighs loudly. “Both of you, silence. I have a lot on my mind.” The room is eerily silent as Sting stares at the wooden pieces in front of him.‘Oh, Rogue...what do I do? You have so many friends in Iron you speak of so highly...and to think it will be my orders that kill them...if it’s not a trap. Oh, my dearest love, if this is a trap, we may never see each other again… If only I had a way out of this situation… If only, if only…’

He reaches for the Iron Kingdom’s piece, holding the wood in his palm. ‘I’m so sorry, my love, I’m so sorry…’ He looks up at the table, dark blue eyes glinting. In deathly silence, he clenches his fist. The wooden piece shatters into tiny fragments from his dragon strength, the shards falling onto the table. He said nothing, but his message was abundantly clear.

This was war.

Afternoon the Twelfth of Month the Fourth

Year X791

Iron Kingdom of Fiore, Outskirts

Cold, heavy rain pours down over the armor-clad Light Army, swords sharpened and shields ready. Dragon Warfare is simple: your enemy marched through your gate, you confront them. The Light Army is currently marching through the massive Iron Kingdom’s gate in perfect lines, lead by Loke, Jellal, and Sting. The young King is completely silent, while Loke is arguing quietly with Jellal, whose eyes have strange conflicted emotion inside of them, as if he wishes Loke and him weren’t fighting, but enjoying each other's company. It’s strange, but Sting ignores it and marches on. These kind of things are not relevant in wartime.

Hushed whispers move around the army as terrified Iron citizens rush into the safety of their homes, although most were inside already due to the storm. Loke steps in front, turning around to face the army with a cold stare. “Halt!” The army stops, shouting out an echo of Loke’s statement.

He stands firmly, the rain falling faster around them, voice carrying across the streets to alert the steadfast men of their duty. “The Iron Army should be directly ahead, waiting to meet us! We must be ready for any surprises they may hold!”

Sting turns and takes Loke’s side, adding in with a strong voice, “My orders are absolute, you will obey them no matter the cost! There will be sacrifices, but death will not come without reason!”

“Light Kingdom, Iron Kingdom, this is war!” the young men shout in unison, raising gauntlet-covered fists to the air, voices powerful through the violence of rain.

The army is on the move again, turning to reach the main square of the kingdom. But what awaits them is not as expected… Instead of an army dressed in only the finest metals, amongst the Iron soldiers are warriors cloaked in shadow, eyes glowing in the rain. But Sting’s stomach only churned with acid at the sight of the young Prince before him with crimson eyes and dark bangs covering one side.

“R-Rogue…” he chokes under his breath, and he watches as the other’s eyes widen in recognition and horror.

“Your Majesty, is that…?” Jellal breathes, his eyes just as wide as Rogue’s.

“Yes…” Sting whispers. “Rogue Cheney...Prince of Shadow.”

The Iron Prince Gajeel is nowhere to be seen, which is a relief, but Sting would have preferred anyone but Rogue to face off with, even if it were the fearsome Black Steel Gajeel.

“Your Majesty, I’ll hold the East side,” Jellal draws Dark Heavens, the glow of magic casting upon his face in the rain. “I’ll take a good portion of men with me!”

“Good,” Sting replies, turning to order Loke and finding him already leading most of the army to the West side to engage the battalion of Shadow and Iron. Sting sighs, realizing he is left with Rogue and a few high-class warriors from each of the enemy kingdoms present.

The four or so Light men Sting has been left with look at him expectantly. Sting wants nothing more than to order them to Rogue, but it would be suicidal and seen as a tactical mistake. Instead, he readies his sword and shield and shouts out, “Charge the side men, I’ll take the Prince!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” the four soldiers cry, and then they are running through the raindrops to the knights flanking Rogue. Blades clash and steel sounds as Light collides with Shadow and Iron, a fight that Sting could already feel would be a losing battle, but he stands his ground and faces his worst enemy and dearest love with unyielding determination.

“King Eucliffe,” Rogue says in a clipped, cold voice as he draws his fearsome blade Night Edge and stands at the ready.

“Prince Cheney,” Sting replies with the same poisonous tone, stepping towards him. The two Dragon Warriors lean forward, breath hot on each other’s faces. Sting wants nothing more than to kiss his beautiful lips, pour all of that passion into a single embrace, tell him how much he missed him and wanted him in his arms again like that morning that seemed so long ago, where the sheets fall around his hips and he looked like an angel and Rogue laughs and smiles as he climbs from the window, eyes twinkling like rubies.

Sting tries to not let the tears fall, but it's to no avail. They mix and blend with the rain, and for one brief moment, Sting sees Rogue crying too. Swords raised and eyes spilling tears, the two boys charge.

Blades smash together in a loud, musical sound that rings in their sensitive ears as they gaze at each other through the raindrops. Sting steps back and stabs towards Rogue, who parries quickly, then swoops down near Sting’s knees. Sting leans back to dodge, swirling around and slashing at Rogue’s shoulder.

The Shadow Prince stops the blow easily before descending on Sting once more. Sting shoves his own blade between them, putting pressure on the movement. They stand in deadlock, swords grinding against each other, radiating Dragon power into the air. Sting suddenly pulls away with a simple spin and lunges at Rogue’s chest, tip first, but Rogue vanishes into a shadow and slips away.

Sting whirls around and catches Rogue’s blade as he appears again, swishing his sword through the air where Sting had once stood. They were perfectly in-sync and equal in strength, Twin Dragons performing a dangerous dance amongst blood and tears and rain, hiding away in their own protective bubble so fragile it would take only a foreign eye to shatter it forever. This is the place where blood should be drawn, taken from their veins by blade instead of tooth or nail.

Sting could feel the eyes of the people upon him, judging stares of three powerful Dragon Kingdoms watching and waiting for either Light or Shadow to succumb to the other. Sting swallows hard, knowing that they would have to at least draw blood, for there is no way of soaring themselves from their own people whom claim to love them so dearly. Oh, if only they knew the love shared by the Dragons of the Yin and Yang.

Sting’s eyes scream a thousand apologies as he lets Rogue make a small cut across his chest, drawing a bit of blood. Rogue is so startled that Sting is able to lunge forward and slash violently at Rogue’s shoulder. The cut is much deeper than his own, crimson instantly soaking through black fabric, Rogue hissing violently in pain as he grits his teeth together and carries on. The pain is much more than the physical wound, the sensation scars emotionally, cutting deep and harsh.

Sting feels a trickle of blood run hot down the white and gold fabric, but does not falter. He had to power through, to appear loyal to his kingdom that he is secretly betraying as he fights on against his one and only love. He takes a mighty swing at Rogue’s face, and although Rogue moves to dodge, the edge skins his nose, cutting the bridge enough so that blood slides down either side. “Infernum stupri!” Rogue curses, blood all over his face. He spits out a bit of blood that has dripped into his mouth, charging at Sting again with a loud war cry.

Sting tries to parry, but his response is too late. Rogue’s sword slashes through his side, instantly splashing blood onto the iron road below. Sting is swearing over and over again, clutching his furiously bleeding wound as he blindly swipes at Rogue. The Shadow Prince trips, in too much pain to continue, and falls to his knees before Sting.

Sting knows his duty: kill Rogue. But he can’t...he’s frozen solid in place, shaking from head to toe. Suddenly his head is spinning, heart is pounding, and acid rises in his stomach into his throat. Sting instantly grasps his stomach and pukes, the thought of losing Rogue plus his immense pain getting the better of him. Acid and blood burns his throat, and seeing the extreme about of blood Sting has coughed up, Jellal is by his side in seconds. “Breathe, Your Majesty, everything will be just fine.”

“Retreat,” Sting croaks, spitting up more blood.. “We’re too weak...we’re outnumbered. Get the men out of here!”

Jellal is shocked, but he obeys with only a single nod. He stands up and shouts out the order above the crowd, and as the soldiers of Light confused leave the Kingdom of Iron, all Sting sees is a fleeting glance of Rogue’s adviser Bickslow helping him away, and then...darkness.

[through-a-blackhole]

criminal

criminal

-

he is a bad boy with a tainted heart

and even i know this ain't smart

-

Lucy Heartfilia has always been a well-rounded daughter.

She grew up with the best education money could buy. She graduated top of her classes with honors. She accomplished a PhD in a span of a year with a major in psychology. At eighteen years of age, it's no secret the blonde beauty was a golden child.

So when police chief officer Gildarts Clive approached her professor hoping for someone to get through his recent arrest, Lucy was halfway to volunteering herself.

"He's a good kid with misguided perceptions," officer Clive sighed as he sat across professor Jellal Fernandez and star pupil Lucy Heartfilia.

"Grew up in an orphanage, you see," Gildarts continued and stirred his coffee absentmindedly. "Orphanage burnt down, he was given away to the streets. Little runt had to fend for himself. Grew up stealing from vendors."

Lucy nodded and jotted those details in her leather notebook. Jellal leaned forward and interlocked his fingers, gently lowering his chin. "So, what happened this time?"

The officer chuckled and wearily scratched his stubble. "Runt got caught stealing from the library— of all places. Wasn't a big deal really, until he started threatening the librarian."

Lucy's ears perked up. The librarian was Levy McGarden, a close high school friend of Lucy's. The original librarian was a sweet eighty-six year old woman who— bless her heart, passed away three months ago. So either the old woman came back to life, or Levy finally took over.

The blonde clenched her pen. Levy was a strong girl but even she couldn't deny how utterly petite the bluenette was.

"I heard the threatening part wasn't bad," Lucy jolted back to the conversation. Apparently, Clive wasn't done talking. "Little shit got in a fight with another student. Didn't end up well. Patrons just looked until that runt pulled out a knife. Then, someone called the police. Came there to see the guy with blood on his hands. Had to take him on probation."

Lucy thought hard. This was some man. A definite tough nut to crack. Growing up, she retained her childlike belief that everyone had a little bit of good in them.

Lucy stood up and both men loked at her. "Leave it to me, officer. I'll talk to your little runt." Gildarts grinned at the blonde's rendition.

"I'll take you to him tomorrow."

Details settled. Files were passed.

Jellal looked at his student. Without a doubt, Lucy Heartfilia has been the best in her class and maybe even beyond her year. Having skipped a few grades was mind boggling. It didn't help that the blonde was a total beaut, most males in his class were captivated by her strong determination. But he supposed it was mostly through her looks.

"Lucy," he caught her attention.

"Remember," he reminded. "No questions that could make him wonder 'why?'. No emotional attachment." Lucy nodded.

Jellal sighed.

His other students were more than three years above her age yet it was only Lucy that he could entrust side jobs like this.

He couldn't wait to tell Erza.

-

first part done! man i missed making stories like these. can't wait for you to read the second part. this is gonna be split into four parts btw. psyched!!!

[starmini]

APYJCK UPDATE

Okay! Chapter 27 is done!

The betas have been notified, so hopefully you’ll get an update in the next few days. I’m really excited and can’t wait to see everyone’s thoughts about this chapter. 😎

[not-just-any-fangirl]

Implexium Vitae PT 9

A/N; This is so late and I am so sorry! Usual explanations and all that, but at least I have some druve back!

It is said that some people have old souls, reborn every couple centuries to find their loved ones again and continue on their never ending journey. But what happens to these intersecting lives when one is immortal and the other is ripped from them?

Vampire AU.

Pairing: Nalu, Fairy Tail

Words: 3120

Rating: M

Part: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine

“Natsu, may I ask you a question?”

Lucy trailed her forefinger along a crease of his shirt, his skin warm through the fabric under her finger. An old novel sat forgotten on the cushion to her side, hours since a word had been read from its page. The fire flickered over its coals in the stone fireplace before them, the plush settee pulled close so that the light caught on the aged plum fabric. Lucy’s toes curled in the velvet under them, her wearing of stockings lost sometime in the two moon cycles since they had arrived in their castle, a practice she now appreciated as she felt softness ground her in the moment. A moment she thought would only appear to her in novels; curled under the arm of her soulmate, a kitten on her lap and warm fire in front of her banishing the cold of the night, much like how Natsu had banished the cold from her life.

Natsu’s breathing deepened, his head tilting in her direction as his gaze remained focused on tracing the patterns in the embers dancing in the fire. Lucy pressed more into his side at his acknowledgement, her head heavy as she lay it on his scarf that hung around his neck, a part of him as much as his leg or fangs.

“How did you come to carry the scar on your neck?” Lucy breathed, her palm laid flat over her heart to remind herself that despite everything, he was here with her in this moment. Natsu stilled under her, Lucy remaining in her spot despite his tenseness, knowing that this was simply Natsu’s method of processing his thoughts. Happy trilled from his spot curled in her lap, his head lifting and whiskers twitching while he looked between her and Natsu. He held curiosity in his gaze, but remained quiet as he too waited for Natsu to speak.

“Do you really want to know, Luce?” Natsu questioned. His voice was muffled in Lucy’s hair, his nose buried against her as he often did when they held one another, as though he were reminding himself that she was real with her scent the way Lucy did with his heartbeat.

“Yes,” Lucy said softly, remaining unmoving so as not to push Natsu and to give him the time to collect himself from his thoughts and inner wars.

His chest rose and fell under her with a heavy sigh, the hand that had been tracing patterns into her hip tightening on her as he pulled her close to him. “It’s not a happy story.”

“But it is still one of yours, and that is all I need to know I wish to hear it. Please, Natsu, share with me the life I missed by your side.”

Lucy met his gaze as Natsu pulled back, the soft adoration coating his sharp emerald colour and the pull of a corner of his lip up sending Lucy’s heart into a wild beat. No matter the conversation or the time, the effect Natsu’s sheer presence had on her was never lost, nor lost on Lucy’s mind. She traced his jaw with her finger before cradling the side of face, Natsu relaxing as he leaned into her touch, his eyes fluttering closed easily.

Natsu was slow as he opened his eyes, unhurriedly taking her in and tracing her like one would trace their favourite painting, already a hundred times familiar but never losing its pull and beauty. The way he looked at her made Lucy feel as though she were a masterpiece of art, more grounded than a marble statue but just as delicate as a paper sketch by a master. His own hand lifted, back of his knuckle tenderly dancing against the heated skin on the swell of her check. The time passed around them, both content with the silence that encased them as comforting and warm as a blanket, Lucy allowing Natsu to take the first step to further their conversation and Natsu simply drinking in the moment of having her in his arms. Lucy knew as such as he had told her when she asked him why he would simply look at her for such long periods of time, unspeaking, and he had replied that he was simply making sure to note every detail lest he wake and his miracle had been nothing more than a cruel dream.

Lucy had cried in his arms again at that, before tucking him under her chin and telling him in as confident and final whisper as she could that she would never leave him again.

“It was a lifetime ago,” Natsu started slowly, gaze still as soft as his touch as he spoke, focus lost in his emerald colour and Lucy felt as though he were looking through her and watching the memory from the view of a spectator rather than himself. “I don’t suppose you have a recollection of a man named Gray Fullbuster, do you? He always looked a cross between confused as to why he just entered a room and as if someone had pissed in his tea?”

“Natsu!” Lucy chastised, swatting at his shoulder as her cheeks heated in shock at his crudeness. He chuckled at her reaction, fingers trailing through the loose hair beside her temple before cupping the side of her head, his fingers tickling the back of her neck. The joy dimmed in his eyes as he continued to look at her, the same tired dullness that came when he remembered his years without her clouding his gaze.

“He was one of our closest friends. A surly bastard, always carrying too much pain in his heart. As if I’m one to lecture on clinging to the past,” Natsu scoffed at himself, face pinched as he turned away from her slightly. “Used to curse fate for making a vampire hunter the thing he hated the most.”

Lucy listened patiently, unease curling through her body like blood as she feared she knew where this story would go, dreading the thought of someone Natsu had once held dear to him pushing a blessed blade to his throat.

“How did we meet him?” She asked, hoping to delay the inevitable conclusion she had asked to be told, suddenly desperate to remain ignorant of the pain Natsu had endured and to keep him from remembering the betrayal. Lucy lowered her gaze, tracing the lines of his lips, not quite full but neither thin, flesh pinker than the tan colouring which had only been regaining its healthy glow as Lucy insisted he fed daily. Darker dots scattered across his skin mimicking constellations, centralized on his nose and cheeks but a few tracing his jaw from the corner of the left of his mouth to his ear, straying as the morning star strayed from its sisters of the night.

Natsu brought her attention back to the present, lifting her chin with his knuckle so softly Lucy melted into his touch easily. She gathered his free hand in both of her own, giving him a reassuring grip as she offered him a weak smile, knowing he saw through her excuse to delay, accepting it easily in his own desire to shield her from himself. A thought which Lucy found incredulous, but knew it would take more than a few months to free Natsu of, if not years.

“We first crossed his path when he was human, and I had only been a vampire for a few decades, four or five I think?” Natsu frowned, brow knitting as he thought. “It’s hard to keep track honestly. All the years start to blur into pockets of centuries. I can remember specifics, like the first time we swam in the ocean under the Blood Moon, and the time we joined for hours in the tower on top of the mountain while the villagers thought we were the gods of life and fertility. I can remember your black and gold ballgown and the way it fit you as if it had been painted on your body by a master themselves, the way your eyes shone and how you threw your head back in abandon when we danced at the birthday gala of some princess and her wife, but I could not tell you when or where we were.”

“We were on an island that no longer is remembered on maps, and it was only fifty years before I can remember no more,” Lucy whispered. She brought his hand to her lips, brushing dozens of kisses along his knuckles, barely brushing his toughened skin with butterfly touches, soothing the pain she had felt in his voice as he spoke of fading details. “You told me that you were glad to never sleep as your dreams would never match your reality in a million years.”

“And I still mean that now,” Natsu grinned at her, gently pulling his hand from hers so he could cup the sides of her head and lead her forehead to rest on his his. Lucy closed the final distance and pressed her lips to his, soft and slow and reverent, savouring the beginning of the eons of time they had before them to simply be as one.

She pulled back, pressing against Natsu’s side while lifting Happy to her chest as a comforting pillow to hold, settling into her new spot with her head over Natsu’s heart and between his thighs, one bent against the back of cushion and the other planted firmly on the floor. He held her as she held Happy, close and tight as though she were a charm that could banish away all ill wishing shadows. His chest rose under her, and Lucy knew he was gathering himself to speak.

“After you died, I broke. Mentally, emotionally, every way that I could have broken, I did. When you were killed, Lucy, when you were taken from me and I came home to see what was waiting, my soul broke.” Natsu spoke impassionately, as if he were discussing the weather. These were simply facts to him, and that broke Lucy more than his pain itself. “I did horrible things in my pain. Unforgivable things Lucy.”

“I will never love you any less than I most fully could,” Lucy whispered, pressing herself firmer into him. She refused to allow her light to lose himself in the darkness he thought he belonged in.

“I killed them.”

Lucy blinked, her breath catching like a stone in her throat. Natsu was looking beyond her, shoulders relaxed and still somehow curled in, chin tilted down. Weak. Defeated. “What?” Lucy asked, pushing him to elaborate.

“The village. I killed it. They had stormed our home, burned it to it’s bones, leaving your body in it’s wreckage like you were nothing. They bled you like we were monsters, and so I gave them what they desired. A monster. A shadow in the forest that fed on the screams of it’s victims, a soulless being that was cursed to wander the earth, a nightmare to tell the children and an excuse for their drunk bastard of a husband to not return in the middle of the night. All the stories humans would tell for their own ends. As if I cared for their lives. As if anything mattered after...

“I spilled human blood, uncountable times, ruthlessly, without remorse. But the only time I ever brought the fight to them was the day I came home. And even then, they had made the first move. An earth-shattering call of war. A war they lost, so ignorant of those they had championed a fight with that they were shocked to see me unharmed in the light of day, even as I tore out their throats.”

Natsu remained still as he spoke, statuesque and unyielding. Lost in the past, and Lucy knew somewhere in her soul that he was reliving every time he had spilled human blood. Her heart ached, not only for him, but for the people he had killed. For all the pain and the cloud of misery that hung over her love. And yet, when she thought of the village, of the women and the children that had undoubtedly been within it’s borders, Lucy felt nothing. No empathy. No sorrow at the loss of innocents. She knew, knew, somewhere in her mind that none of them were innocent, and it rocked her core that she could feel that way. Life was sacred, it always had been to her. It was what her mother taught her, the value, the gift of life.

But here she sat, in the arms of someone that could call himself a monster without a hint of pause, knowing in her soul that he was not.

The village had gotten what it deserved.

“And what of Gray?” Lucy asked, pressing her palm to his cheek. His gaze focused on her, still fogged with memories that should never have been allowed to be made in the first place, pain so palpable that Lucy felt she could almost simply reach out and tear it away from him herself.  “I am still here Natsu. I know, and I love you, and I am still here by your side. So please, tell me of how you now wear your scar.”

“Word spread to the hunters of a ‘beast gone rogue’,” Natsu spat, looking away from Lucy’s prying gaze while pressing his hand to hers so it was trapped firmly in place against his cheek. Lucy ran her thumb over the sharpness of his cheekbone, smiling as finally, Natsu focused on her. She nodded her head just a hair of a breath, urging him to continue but not wanting to speak and break the spell that was allowing Natsu to open up. “And so they sent the one most desperate to rid the world of our plague, despite him being one of those he hated so fully. I couldn’t believe it, when I saw him,” Natsu shook his head, small grin twisted and dark as he laughed dryly.

“First I had had my future torn from my life, and then my best friend was sent to be the one to put me down. Poetic, considering he was at the beginning with us. Why not the end as well.”

Lucy blinked twice, shaken. The Gray she knew would never have actually tried to kill Natsu. They had fought over the centuries, more like brothers forced to be in the same room during a spat than friends, but never on opposing sides. That Gray could turn his back on Natsu when he needed him most, it shattered Lucy’s heart. He was part of her family. He was who she had counted on to reign Natsu’s grief in when she was gone. Lucy’s gaze fell to the scar traveling half his neck, and rage burned hot and white in her, stealing the breath from her lungs. Her hands shook as she pulled Natsu to her, tucking him into her shoulder, her arms holding him tightly to her. The fabric of his shift bunched under her fingers, and Lucy bowed her head so her nose was buried in his wild hair. Happy shifted, steps as soundless as he voice, knowing now was not a time for him to be anything other than a comforting presence at the sides of those in pain.

“I’m going to maim him the next time our paths cross. And then when he is healing he will explain his stupid thoughts as to how he could hurt you.” Lucy hissed. Natsu shook in her arms, his laughter deep and full as his arms wound around her in return.

“It was a lifetime ago,” Natsu said, the pain from before lost in his words, unnervingly quick if Lucy had not known him so well.

“But it was your lifetime, and I’m going to hurt that moody bastard,” she huffed. Lucy paused at her lack of decorum in her words, her tongue slipping into old habits of being secluded with Natsu as the only witness for her drop in social convention. She pushed it aside, along with Happy’s purrs of mirth, choosing to focus on the man in her arms over her own discoveries.

“Did my ears deceive me or has my fair wife cursed?” Natsu prodded her, his grin wide where Lucy felt it brush the column of her neck. Lucy huffed, her breath making his rose hair tickle her nose.

“We both know how poor of an influence you are on me, my love,” Lucy said in return. The banter was forgotten between them as Natsu responded to Lucy’s endearment. His grin paused, weight falling more into Lucy as he settled into her. His lips brushed over her neck the barest amount before a firmer kiss was pressed to the side of her neck, and then the hollow under her ear, and the line of her jaw, and finally where Natsu had first bitten her. The memory of that first painful encounter of this life was pushed aside by all the other times filled with pleasure that flooded Lucy’s mind. Lucy called his name, turning her head to expose her neck to him, pulse so loud in her own ears she couldn’t imagine how it sounded to Natsu’s.

“Now who is the poor influence,” Natsu asked, voice rasped with dryness. His lips moved against her skin and sent warm shivers along her spine at the touch, Natsu remaining in his place tucked against her, their bodies intertwined like their hearts. The tense sadness from before was washed away, but Natsu’s lips simply ghosted her tender skin rather than anything more. “I promise I’ll feed later Lucy, right now, I just want to lay like this.”

Lucy closed her eyes slowly, breathing in calming breaths to steady her racing heart. Natsu had spoken low, cautious of her answer and Lucy couldn’t help the sting it pulled in her soul. “Of course Natsu. Whatever you need.” She spoke as soothingly as possible, letting her fingers run through his hair, massaging his scalp as she tried to ease his worries. Natsu relaxed against her, pressing a chaste kiss to her pulse before resting his forehead to it, curling into her.

“All I need is you. All I’ll ever need is you.”

Lucy all but swooned, placing her lips atop his head.

Together they stayed like that, their family re-found after being torn apart, Happy too feeling natural as though he had meant to be there all along. The night pushed on as they remained wrapped in each other’s arms, simply being, safe from all the demons of the past and scars that remained, watching the fire return to smoke and embers.

[unashamed-shipper]

Match

Nalu soulmate commission for @itsthatonepunnyguy! Thanks so much for working with me! It was amazing to write something inspired by Black Mirror! :)

word count: ~2k

rating: t

pairings: nalu, mention of jerza

It had been only two years since he met her, but it only felt like minutes. The words that her voice uttered when they first met echoed inside his head like a bell, and he craved to hear that sound again.

To see her smile, her hair, her eyes, everything. She was beauty in and of itself, and he knew that the system would keep them apart but wished that it wasn’t so.

But it would. And that was what killed him inside.

“Sorry to keep you waiting!”

That first sentence out of her mouth sounded so melodic and beautiful that he could listen to her voice for the rest of his life and never get bored. She could read textbooks and he would listen, which was something that was amazing for him to even think.

Her blonde hair trailed behind her in a ponytail, which was one of his favorite things on a girl. They looked so cute and sporty when they wore it even when they weren’t participating in a sport, and he loved how it swished behind them when they ran. The next thing that caught his attention was her big brown eyes that searched his as she stared at him.

“What’s your name?” she asked, holding out her hand. It was delicate looking and dainty while his was large and engulfed hers while he shook it.

“Natsu Dragneel,” he barely squeaked out, which was strange. He had been on so many matches from the system before but never had he ever felt so amazed by one woman. How was she so beautiful and graceful at the same time? It was like he was a clumsy mess around her and she was an elegant creature who could do no wrong. Even as she picked up her wine glass to drink, her fingers curled around it softly as if it were one of the most intricate things she had ever touched.

“I’m Lucy Heartfilia. Pleasure to meet you, Natsu!” Lucy replied with a smile, and it felt like all the air had been sucked out of his lungs. It would be an understatement to say that it lit up the room, no, it was the only one in the room. Most couples around them, Natsu realized as he took a drink and peered around the room, wore frowns or looked anxious as they sat with their matches. Sadly it was the norm to be sat next to someone who you despised or didn’t get along with in general. Thankfully Natsu didn’t have to deal with it this time.

“Ready to see how long we have together?” Lucy asked, and Natsu grinned softly before nodding eagerly. Most matches he had gone through wouldn’t ever want to know how long they had with him out of dread, and Natsu was glad that he didn’t have a match like that again.

Together, Natsu and Lucy clicked on the system together after creating the necessary calibration.

“Ninety minutes,” Natsu said in shock, and Lucy’s eyes met his for a moment. Continuing to eat their dinner quicker, they then made their way to the car where they would spend the remainder of the night together.

Natsu inhaled as he got into the car as it drove he and Lucy to the destination where they would stay, mind racing a mile a minute. Did that mean he had to…? Did she even want to? They would both need to consent to do that, and he didn’t even know her that well other than that she was absolutely stunning.

“We don’t have to, you know,” Lucy said, breaking the silence. Natsu’s eyes snapped over to hers, searching as if trying to find something.

“We don’t?” he asked, and Lucy giggled.

“No,” she said with another smile that seemed to suck the air out of the atmosphere. “You’re not comfortable with it, and neither am I.”

A few moments passed by, and Natsu grabbed Lucy’s hand. Surprised, Lucy stared up at him with a confused look on her face.

“Thanks, Luce,” he said, putting a hand on her head and embracing her for a moment. The sudden contact from someone she barely knew shocked Lucy, yet she leaned into him with a flutter in her heart that she hadn’t felt before with anyone else.

Even though they had barely spoken and only had ninety minutes together, both Lucy and Natsu hoped that they would end up together.

Once the match ended, Natsu went home and took a shower like normal and changed into his pajamas, thinking of Lucy once more. His whole being ached; he just wanted to be near her again! She was so pretty and graceful and knew exactly how she felt on certain things, which really attracted Natsu to her. And he hoped that she felt the same way.

Was he really supposed to get another match right after this? He was probably going to get another ping from the system tomorrow, and he was definitely not looking forward to it. He hated wearing a monkey suit more than most things, but meeting with a few different girls in the span of only a few days was more aggravating than wearing a tie.

Natsu really wished he could choose his match, but that’s not how the system worked. It had a 99.8% success rate, and as much as he hoped it wouldn’t tell him about another match, it probably would. The thing seemed to find him matches quicker than most people, which left him scowling each time. Why did it have to happen to him?

Natsu growled, falling into bed and rolling over. He softened, however, when he thought of Lucy and how she was probably dealing with the situation. Sleep threatened to close in, and he let it. The last thing on Natsu’s mind was Lucy and her beautiful smile before he succumbed to sleep at last.

“I’m Erza Scarlet. It’s nice to meet you, Natsu,” the woman across from him said, cutting up her steak with a vigor and biting into it quickly. Her eyes glared into his as if challenging him to do something stupid, which he probably would.

“N-Nice to meet you, Erza,” he replied, and her eyes snapped up to his.

“You’re afraid of me, are you?” she asked, and he shook his head violently although all he wanted to do was run away.

“N-No,” he said, his eyes darting away. Biting at his chicken, he forced a grin at the terrifying woman.

“Hm. Care to see how long we’ve got?” Erza asked after he introduced himself, and Natsu nodded slightly. He really wanted to get out of there, but the system would find out and it would mean consequences for him. How bad could it be, really?

When the system prompted, they both clicked the screen in unison. Erza gasped and covered her mouth with her hand while Natsu ran a hand through his hair.

One year.

Spending time with Erza wasn’t all that bad. They both told each other in their first conversation that sex was off the table, and that they’d spend time getting to know each other as friends. They definitely weren’t compatible in any way, so why try to be?

In the course of the year, Natsu was more exhausted than he’d ever been. Erza had an energy about her that was much different than Lucy’s. While Lucy was charming and had a quiet grace, Erza seemed to steamroll over everything in her path but still attract other men...somehow. She began dating a man named Jellal in their sixth month, and after she and Natsu’s match had ended, Erza and Jellal got married and escaped the system together. If only it were much sooner, Natsu could only wish. The dark bags under his eyes from his previous match waking him up at four in the morning to go running weren’t going to heal themselves, and it meant that Natsu was in for some heavy slumber before his next match arrived.

A week later, Natsu met another woman named Yukino who he felt he could get along with alright. She was beautiful in a quiet way, with big brown eyes that reminded him of Lucy’s. She spoke so gently that Natsu could barely even hear her most of the time, which was definitely different than Erza’s shouts. It was starting to get confusing with all of these previous matches in his head, but thankfully only Lucy stood out to him.

After Yukino fell asleep, he held her in his arms as she shook with fear in her dream. He had found out during one of their conversations that she had night terrors, and she needed someone to keep her stable during those times. Thankfully Natsu was there, but all he could think about was how Lucy felt in his arms.

He really should find her, he thought in the back of his mind, and hopefully they’d be matched again. All he could do was wait for her to find him again, and that was all he wanted. Their unrequited love would be the talk of the town, and the system, but Natsu didn’t care.

All he wanted was for her to be in his arms again.

Weeks later, after Yukino’s departure from his life, Natsu received a ping from the system.

‘Congratulations,’ it read, ‘The system has found your one.’

Practically jumping out of the hot tub in which he sat, Natsu practically demanded more information.

“You have one day before you meet your final match and leave this world for a new one. The system has granted you to meet with someone before you go to get ready for your departure--”

“Lucy Heartfilia,” Natsu blurted, and the system was quiet for a moment before approving his request.

“Well,” Natsu looked in the mirror, seeing himself in his swim trunks and no shirt, “I better go change.”

Lucy walked into the restaurant Natsu requested they meet in, sliding into the familiar seat once again. It had only been two years since she’d seen him, yet the excitement of her first match with him still reverberated throughout her body. She was practically pulsing with energy, but had to keep her smarts about her.

“Hey,” Natsu said above her, and Lucy jumped but smiled when she saw him.

He was wearing the same button down and jacket that he was in when they met two years ago.

“Do you only have one outfit?” Lucy teased, and Natsu chuckled with a nod. The two sat down to enjoy their dinner and had light conversation until they knew no one was around to hear them.

“You got your perfect match today, right?” Lucy asked, lifting her fork to tap the circular system that each of them left on the table.  

“Yeah, and we only have a day until both of us bust outta here,” Natsu bit into his chicken, leaving a bit on his shirt, and Lucy grinned softly.

The two were quiet for a moment before an idea seemed to strike both of them at the same time.

“What if we were to fight it?” Lucy questioned, and Natsu’s face covered in a wide language.

“You’re speakin’ my language, Luce. Let’s get outta here.”

Promptly dropping their systems in their water glasses, Natsu and Lucy headed out the door despite the security system guards going after them and sounding the alarms to grant a search warrant for the two. Escaping the system and fighting the police had never been as fun alone as it had been with the one they were in love with for the past two years.

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed, and thank you again to my good friend for commissioning me! :)

[partyanimal167]

The Fair- Gajevy

It’s weird how used you can get to seeing someone without saying a word to them. The people at your local Starbucks, the bus stop, the pharmacy, all of them have their own story with their own details about life, growing up, and what they’re doing now. Working in an environment where multiple businesses interact is just as intense—you know malls, office buildings…fairs.

Levy sighed as she meandered around the fairgrounds. It was her break, and she needed one. She had returned to the fried dessert stand as a way to make some money while in school. It was fair season, and if she worked hard enough over the next two months, she could save a decent amount to help with her school’s monthly bills. She had another job as a student assistant, but every year the school gave her flexible hours so she could work at the stand. It was a lot to balance between school and work, but there were some benefits.

She continuously walked around looking at the patrons, rigged games, and rides. The fairgrounds were huge which worked out since patrons didn’t feel so crowded. It sucked, however, when one stand ran out of an ingredient and someone from the other stand had to run what felt like a marathon to restock. Levy sighed. She felt that she was always chosen since she was one of the younger employees, but she wasn’t fit. She was usually out of breath going up the stairs since her backpack was larger than her it felt.

She waved to the game stand workers and stopped by one woman’s thrift book blanket. Levy tried her best not to spend her money there. She didn’t venture far. She didn’t want to run late after her break was over. She stopped suddenly when a delicious smell reached her nose. Ah, sweet corn.

Levy moved her head to peek slightly around the corner where a roasted corn stand was located. There, she saw a man who was about her age and went to her university. He had long unruly hair that was pulled back by a yellow bandana that went along with his bright green shirt but contrasted his red eyes and multiple piercings. Levy could feel herself blushing but she blamed it on the heat from the grill. He seemed to do multiple things at once: turning the stalks of corn, maintaining the fire, and passing out cooked corn to the other employees who dealt with the customers. Levy had never said a word to him.

His name was Gajeel Redfox. He was in the same year as her, but after freshman and sophomore year, they never had any classes together, and the ones they did share were large lecture classes that involved no interaction. He was a music composition major with a specialization in string instruments. Levy only knew this much from her office job when his file fell when she decided to surprise her supervisor by cleaning her desk.

They seemed to always find each other in the same spaces. If she was in the library, he was fixing a printer. If he was having rehearsal, Levy would quickly skirt in to hand the professor a folder or something. But again, no words have been exchanged.

Levy continued to blush watching him work and sweat. She blamed her friend Juvia for ways. Juvia was actually close friends with Gajeel and encouraged Levy several times to introduce herself to him.

“Juvia has known Gajeel-kun for several years. He’s much nicer than he appears.” The dark bluenette said once during a lunch.

Levy mentally kicked herself for her ridiculously intense shyness and the fact that she was crushing on someone who she had only heard of from others. What if Juvia was wrong? What if he was a complete asshole?

Suddenly, Levy’s stomach growled—reminding herself that her break was for eating not staring. She turned to quietly skirt away like she always did and made her way to a burger stand. The line went by quickly, and she soon got her food. When she turned around to get a seat, she was immediately greeted by red eyes and an odd scowl that she couldn’t tell was aggressive or natural. Then the piercings hit Levy like a ton of bricks. Then her face grew red. Then she wanted to die.

She thought he had ordered food at first, but then she would have noticed someone’s presence near her. She looked up at him waiting for something to happen.

In a gruff voice, he finally spoke. “Hello.”

Levy tried to keep it together. “Hi…” she looked down and saw a paper tray with Mexican street corn. It was definitely from the stand he worked at. This was the closest she had ever been to him. Usually, she might catch him near her stand, but he never went up there. He would hand money to his cousin Wendy for her to order. Levy figured he didn’t have a sweet tooth.

“So um… this is for you…” He continued on though he wasn’t looking at her. His face was red, but Levy was sure it was from the heat. He did work by a raging grill after all. Levy took the food and tried to figure out what to do. She didn’t necessarily want this to end.

“Um, come sit with me. I could use the company.” She smiled brightly, and he quietly followed her to a nearby metal table. “You have half of my burger. I’m sure I won’t finish eating all of the food especially since you brought me corn. Thanks, by the way.” Gajeel mumbled a gruff ‘no problem.’ “So um…I’ve noticed you been working at the fair since I’ve been here.”

Gajeel finally summed up enough courage to keep this conversation going. “Uh yeah, my uncle owns the stand and goes around the country working at different fairs. I help him out when he’s here and during the summer.”

Levy nodded and bit into the corn. She’s pretty sure her eyes rolled to the back of her head. “Oh my god! This is the first time I’ve had this! This is really good!”

Gajeel chuckled and bit into his half of the burger. “Definitely better than this thing.” He continued to eat.

“I’m…happy to officially meet you but…why did you bring me food? Aren’t you working?” Levy blushed and looked off around her—embarrassed by her curiosity.

Gajeel blushed too since he wasn’t really ready to answer the question. He opened his mouth to speak but was loudly interrupted by an approaching figure.

“Oh my god Gajeel! You actually did it!” The two turned to see a pink-haired boy in a matching uniform like Gajeel’s. Gajeel cussed internally, Fuck, why is this happening to me?

“Hi Natsu!” Levy waved enthusiastically.

“You know him?” Gajeel asked surprised.

“Of course! He goes out with my best friend, Lucy.” Levy explained and hugged Natsu once he was close by. “I didn’t know you worked here.”

Natsu grinned. “Oh this is my first year, but I’m usually at another stand on the other side of the fairgrounds. I’m rarely here, but it’s my break.”

Levy nodded. “Oh, ours too!” She gestured to Gajeel. “I didn’t know you two were friends.”

Natsu howled with laughter. “More like friends from birth—Gajeel’s my cousin along with Wendy!”

“Oh wow! I didn’t know that! You wanna join us? I have to leave in a little bit, but I’m sure you two can continue on.” Levy gestured to a space by her and scooted over.

Natsu felt the pierced man’s gaze before he even moved. Natsu was usually clueless about certain things, but he had been teasing Gajeel for a good year about him needing to talk to Levy. Gajeel had Natsu and Juvia on his back the same as Levy with Juvia and Lucy. Natsu wanted to make the moment awkward by shooting obvious hints at Levy…but he knew Lucy would be mad at him, so this time he decided against it. Natsu shook his head. “Nah, there’s an onion bloom stand nearby, and I don’t wanna interrupt your date. Bye!” And with that, Natsu walked off leaving the pair confused and shocked.

Levy wanted to ask him what he could possibly meant. Did Lucy tell him about her crush? Gajeel wanted to punch him in the face. He could not have been more direct than that. The idiot.

Levy noticed the expression Gajeel was sending in the direction Natsu had went. She placed her hand on his and smiled as bright as the colorful fair lights. “Oh ignore him. I wouldn’t mind going on a date with you anyway.”

Gajeel stared blankly, and for a second, Levy thought she might have gone to far. He gazed at the sky about him and placed his hand on his head. “I mean…I wouldn’t either you know…if you’d stop stalking me gihi.”

Levy gasped and hit him on his arm. “Now that I think about it, you do eat the desserts Wendy buys. You use her, so you don’t talk to me.”

Gajeel couldn’t argue with that. “Well…whatever. I’ll take you somewhere I guess.”

Levy giggled. “Okay, and say hi to me when you see me.”

“Alright, alright shrimp. I accept your terms.” Gajeel snickered. “So will you go on a date with me or not.”

“It’s a deal, Gajeel.”

~~~

I went to the fair a couple days ago and this kinda hit me. I like this little AU idea. Message me if you like it. Thanks for reading!

[smartcookie727]

His Eyes

Hey yall! I decided to throw in some banter and fun between my smuttier fics, and this one is far overdue. Sooo here’s a little gift fic for @bianww as a thank you for making my awesome icon :) I decided to show a different side to their relationship this time and explore some initial spark. Enjoy some fun college AU, and try not to be seduced by Gajeel in a pair of glasses.

Pairing: Gajevy

Prompt: College AU with Gajeel in glasses

Length: 1.7k

His Eyes

It was the fourth day Lucy had been sick. Though Levy was sorry to see her roommate so ill, she was damn near ready to shove half a bottle of Nyquil down the girl's throat if it would help. She knew it wouldn't. That didn't stop Levy from trying to calculate as much cold medicine she could possibly give her friend without killing her as the clock tower chimed the top of the hour, signaling the start of class. Curse Lucy's sick ass for leaving her alone in their materials class. It was the only advanced lecture she was taking this semester. Lucy had convinced her she'd be great at the work and needed a friend to fend off the cold, judging eyes of exhausted upperclassmen. Levy didn't mind taking a few extra hours and helping her best friend study, but if she could stomach skipping class she would have today. Sitting alone in that class made her feel so small and out of place. The professor droned as Levy glanced at the empty desk on her right over and over again, willing Lucy to materialize. Her concentration was at an all time low when a heavy thud interrupted the monotonous stream of definitions.

Levy had been so preoccupied with Lucy's absence that she hadn’t realized he wasn't in class either. The tall, red-eyed man she'd snuck glances at for the last month gave an apologetic look to the professor before scanning for an available seat. His gaze met Levy's and gave her a crooked smile. Each step he took made Levy's heart beat faster, and she immediately turned her attention back to the notebook when he sat down.

"Hey," the man whispered with a deep voice, "did I miss anything important?

Levy frantically shook her head ‘no’ as a blush warmed her cheeks. Of course it was just her luck that her secret crush would sit next to her the one day Lucy wasn't there. She fidgeted each time his eyes lingered on her instead of the board, losing the pace between her ears and her hand.

"What’re ya so nervous about, Shrimp? I don't bite," he said, flashing his teeth in a smile.

"I'm not nervous and I'm not a shrimp," Levy retorted.

"Ya look like a shrimp to me."

Levy puffed her cheeks in annoyance, glaring at him, daring him to insult her again, when she realized he was wearing glasses. It wasn't typical for him to wear them; she hadn't even known he'd needed lenses until now. The professor coughed loudly in annoyance, and Levy bit down on her pride, settling back in her seat to refocus on the lecture. Concentration didn't come easily when they occasionally brushed shoulders taking notes. His broad chest and muscular arms made him just a little too big to fit well in the tiny lecture hall desk.

The tips of her ears burned just being next to him. He was much more handsome up close than from glimpses across the room. She could see distinct scars on his left arm and count his multitude of piercings. Levy could even smell the woody pine from his wild, black hair, and it allured her. Everything about him allured her; she couldn't help but try and take in his details. Warring with her sense of studious responsibility, Levy got lost in his ruby eyes. She couldn't help but notice the piercing, red tone before, but this time, outlined by his glasses, she could see the confidence and wonder inside them. Light glinted off the frameless edge, and she could glimpse the beautiful gem buried beneath his rough exterior. The complexities hidden there were stunning, every plane refracted a different shade of red, begging her to look closer and find his core.  

"Why are ya staring at me, shorty?"

Levy blinked, shattering the spell that had captured her. "You just look different is all," she paused, thinking, "more studious I guess. I'm not used to you looking that way."

A momentary blush brightened his cheeks, clearly taken aback by her response. "Well, usually I wear contacts, but I kinda scratched one during my last boxing match. So glasses it is til my next pair comes in. Besides, I'm at the top of the class. Don't need glasses to see that."

"Really?" she asked, amused. The man had inconsistent attendance at best from what Levy could remember.

"Ya. This," he motioned to his scribbled figures and notes, "is the foundation of what I do." The jewel-like gleam came back to his eyes. "Everything is made up of something else. If I know what that something is and how it fits together with other things, I can figure out how to create anything." He took in a long breath, turning to stare at her. "And I'm the best. Always."

Levy returned his unspoken challenge. "Usually I'm the best in the room."

"Not this time, shorty. I'm top score according to the automatic rankings that came out this morning." His cocky smile widened. "I guess that just makes you the youngest here. Sure yer even old enough for college?" The man's eyes gave away hidden laughter with every word.

Levy's blood was about to boil. "I'm the same age as Lucy thank you very much, and I've been here for over a year. Just cause I'm cute doesn't mean I can't beat your ass at crystal structures." The space between them was shrinking quickly.

"I'd like to see you try." His words hung in the air over them, daring Levy to be bold. Every bit of fire in her soul reflected back at her in his eyes. She'd show him just what she was capable of.

A jarring cough stirred the silence in the room. "Do we have a problem on the right?"

Levy suddenly realized just how close she was to this infuriating, attractive man. The spark between them shot them back into their seats, both blushing furiously as they sank down to avoid further scrutiny.

"Feel free to go if you've got something better to do. It's your grade and your money."

An audible peep escaped Levy before she could utter through a tight jaw, "No sir, please continue the lecture."

Muffled laughter vibrated in the man's chest, and it irritated her even more. Levy’s blush nearly overtook her face when she turned away, pursing her lips into a tight bundle of pink.

"What?" the man snickered, "First time getting called out by a professor?"

Levy was near seething. Something about his red eyes stirred such intense emotion in her. "As a matter of fact it is, and I'd care to not have it happen again."

He cocked his head to the side. "Ehhh you'll get over it. I've had it happen so much I hardly hear it anymore." Levy noticed him chuckle at the memory, and the softness she had seen before crept back into his eyes. "I took a lot more offence when I was a freshman I guess."

"Sophomore. I'm a sophomore," she retorted.

"Ok, shrimpmore. I get it."

Levy tossed her head back in exasperation. His teasing clearly knew no bounds. She stewed in her chair for a minute, tapping her pencil and biting her lip. Then the man utterly surprised her. Little laughs escaped his lips as a wide smile spread across his face. Mirth gleamed in his eyes.

"Yer cuter when yer mad."

Levy was taken aback. She watched as this big, studded man next to her sat there giggling, and her anger slowly dissipated.

"You're cuter in glasses."

It was his turn to be taken aback. Onyx locks covered part of his face as he looked down, smiling thoughtfully. Levy let her hair cover her blush too; she couldn't believe she'd been so bold.

"Oh, really?" he asked, face composed once again. Then he wrote his number on a piece of paper and gave it to her with a cocky smile. "I think yer even cuter when yer reading—yer not the only one who notices things." Standing up, he shouldered his bag and added, "Name's Gajeel. Shoot me a text if you wanna hang out." Gajeel leaned in close, resting his arm on the desk and giving her a wink. "Or if ya need some tutoring. Oh, tell blondie if she misses class much more she's gonna lose her spot. I'll see ya on Thursday—unless ya just can't help but text me first." Levy scribbled out her number and gave it to him.

"Levy McGarden. In case you just can't help but text me first."

"Touché miss McGarden. I look forward to hearing from you." He took the paper and walked away with a flick of the wrist goodbye. Levy watched him leave, savoring the way his muscles pressed against his shirt and how his hair swayed on his back.

She sank from her seat to the floor and covered her face with her hands. What the hell just happened? Hot piercing guy had talked to her, even flirted with her. Well, he'd pissed her off to no end, but the banter had also felt electric. Thoughts ran through Levy’s mind a million miles a minute. She had to bite down on her lip just to keep from squealing. Footsteps and the thud of the door reminded her that the next class would be coming in soon. Levy gathered her bag quickly and ran out of the lecture hall. A buzz at her hip almost startled her out of her shoes. There was a text from Lucy.

Hey girl! Sorry I had to bail, but I'm still pretty sick. I hope it wasn't weird sitting alone. Notes + Chicken soup delivery plz <3

Levy sighed as her heart began to calm; Lucy had a sixth sense about these things.

Well…I don't really have the notes from today…but girl do I have a story! Remember hot piercing guy? He kinda flirted with me in class. I'll be home with soup & details asap :)

[splendidlyimperfect]

If you like humor and/or space pirates, my partner just added a new chapter to the Fairy Tail series he’s been writing for me - The Bold Adventures of Dread Pirate Natsu Dragneel! The writing is fantastic (yes, I’m a bit biased), and they’re all really funny. It was an awesome birthday gift! <3

Story Summary:

Fleet Commander Erza Scarlet and Captain Gray Fullbuster seek answers from the crew of the Igneel, while Mavis fights for the survival of the allied guilds on the surface of Alvarez.