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kiliinstinct · 4 years ago

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The Stone Prince - Prt 2

I know it was a long time coming, but here's chapter 2!

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- Tag List -

@moeruhoshi @unwei @mykingdomforachocolatecookie @jem-hamster-chan @littlejinxed @pbfanart @millennial-star-gazer @caandleworks @meilynalu @doginshoe @squeep123 @bitch-stole-my-nutella-again @shadyhydrathesnekqueen @clockworkassassino

When Prince Natsu was first roused, he couldn’t move. Too exhausted, too pinned down, but a warm weight pressed against him while muffled voices spoke all around: Irritating. He wanted to sit up, to demand the occupants in his quarters out for a few extra hours of rest and comfort. What good was being royalty if you had to wake early every day? No, he wanted more sleep and he would get it.

The voices faded before he could manage more than simple thoughts and the darkness fell over his mind and thoughts, lulling him back to sleep once again. It wouldn’t be long enough to chase the exhaustion from his limbs.

Natsu awoke from a shot of pain that struck every nerve from toe to finger tip. A rapid heat that burned through his skin and smothered the air in his lungs. He gasped, gulping in air that stung his dry throat. As if he hadn’t breathed in years. When he sat up, limbs moved sluggish and slow- joints ached like rusted hinges. None compared to the worst pain that clenched in his stomach, twisted his insides and screamed for attention.

Hunger. He needed to eat and he needed it now. His attempts to move from a room he did not recognize was confusing. The strange, dusty smell that wafted through the air tightened his lungs and he wheezed out a hacking cough. Broken boards, stone and dangling vines tripped his way and while all these things rang as wrong, Natsu couldn’t focus. Couldn’t attend to the obvious changes of his own, unfamiliar room.

A sickness had taken over him. One caused by starvation as he stumbled into the dim hall, once illuminated by glowflies and red tapestries. His senses saved him. A scent, familiar from his first waking -soft and floral- mixed with the heavenly aroma of a warm, hot meal. Natsu’s mouth watered and desperation fueled him.

“Damn,” He croaked, surprised at his own voice. Much like his joints, it resembled rusty old hinges that crackled hoarsely from within. As if wool formed the passages and prevented proper vocalization, “am I ill?”

It was the likeliest of explanations, but he wasn’t stupid. He couldn’t wait for a meal, he had to find the source. Though where it led him was baffling. His Father’s old study - a former room he refused to enter, but the cracked doors couldn’t hide the glorious scent of bacon, eggs and… something he had not tried before.

When he swung the doors open, only the thought of food was on his mind- temper flared at the sight of a woman, underdressed for her job and ignoring him, cooking the very lifeline that brought him.

Strange, he thought, but the floral scent he caught within the desired breakfast, was coming from her? A perfume, perhaps, but it didn’t matter. Natsu demanded his right to a meal, but was met with a shriek so loud he thought he’d pass out to slumber all over again.

“What is WRONG with you?!” He shouted. His ears rang with her scream and Natsu’s knees buckled under the strain as he crumpled to the hard -rotted?- floor.

What was wrong with her? What a laugh. What was wrong with me?!

Chapter 2:

Lucy’s shriek caused many things to happen at once. With arms flailing, the frying pan flew and clattered harshly to the floor, half cooked egg spilled out as her voice echoed off the walls. Freed, Levy and Gray simultaneously bolted from their tents, each holding a heavy book, flashlight (Gray happened to grab a nearby rock) to use in their defense. When their eyes landed on Lucy, looking for danger, her gaze never left the open door as she leaped into action, scrambling backwards on all fours.

The man in the doorway looked stupefied, as still as the statue he’d been the night before. He paid no attention to the others jumping from their stations as he took a step towards the spilled meal that was now contaminated by all manner of dirt and grime.

“Oi-!” He attempted to shout, but the croak of his voice sounded pained and his legs gave out at his second step. Crumpling to the floor, he grunted from exertion and pain. “I ordered you to serve me, not- “ he gasped, eyes clenched tight together, “waste it all!”

His weakened shouts were not attended to. Lucy’s continued shriek died off as her three friends moved to bring her to her feet- each one sporting their own degrees of baffled confusion on their faces.

“What happened, here?” Levy asked, still holding a book in her hand as if prepared to bludgeon any threat that came near. Freed held his flashlight in a similar manner, but he lowered it in his attempts to help Lucy, but froze when he finally noticed the male across the room.

Their “stone prince” muttered, voice muffled by the floor as he struggled to move. The words were too low to catch, but Freed was certain he caught the phrase, ‘have you all dismissed,’ being threatened. Jaw dropping, he almost dropped Lucy..

“That… that’s impossible.” He claimed, mystified.

“What is?” Gray asked, turning to follow Freed’s gaze. His eyes narrowed was he growled, “Hey, who the hell are you?!”

Everything was a rush. Lucy’s heart felt like it would beat from her chest, but her shriek had turned to silence as she struggled to piece together what was happening. The man on the floor looked exactly like the statue from last night, but he was a statue. - but this man was clearly not a statue. Had they been followed? Were there others trying to survey the fortress? Why was he dressed like, like…

His clothes were moth-eaten, molded, dusty and faded with age. Just like….

“Please tell me this is just a dream.” Lucy’s words spilled forth in panic, giving her no time to breathe. “Tell me that is NOT a talking, walking-” well, kneeling now, “statue just ten feet away from us!”

The man teetered it to his knees, panting as his eyes struggled to focus. Sweat dripped from his pink, dusty hair and he stared them down. “Do I LOOK like a statue? Did this place fall to insanity while I was asleep!?”

The four didn’t answer, but brandished all their ‘weapons’ as if prepared to attack (while Lucy raised a hand as if she could slap from a distance) - the man who should be stone grimaced.

“What sort of idiot, see a man,” He gasped while words turned to mush in his mouth, “struggling to stand- sick from hunger, and thinks he’s going to ATTACK them! Are you all just… just...ugh- “ Blurred images took the sight from his eyes and his belly rumbled a weak request, but words failed him. Croaking an illegible defeat, he crumpled back to the floor crashing down with a heavy thud.

His chest expanded from labored breathing, but all other functions ceased. The Stone Prince had fainted.

Lucy honestly felt she could join him.

“So,” Levy began, lowering her book as the reality of their situation dawned on her. “... maybe we should help him?”

Looking to the other three, only two of them shrugged and moved to do just that. Lucy’s heart was pounding in her ears. Her earlier panic ruled her limbs, shaking like a leaf. Logic told her that a n obviously sick man couldn’t possibly harm them, but her earlier shock drowned out her thoughts. It took minutes of watching Gray and Fred struggle the dead weight of their visitor towards their camp as Levy cleaned the floor and began breakfast anew before Lucy regained her sense of self.

What came next, was a flurry of questions and expletives that none could answer.

Lucy wouldn’t believe it.

She couldn’t believe it.

Slippered feet padded against the floor as Lucy strode passed, her mind settled on her destination. Levy had no time to turn around as she cooked before Lucy passed by and her questioning shout went ignored. As Freed settled the unconscious man onto a spare sleeping bag, Gray answered Levy’s shout, turning to follow after Lucy.

Her steps never slowed. Rushing down the hall, she made her way up the winding, degraded stairs, following the same steps she took the day before. She slipped once, almost stumbled back down into Gray’s waiting arms, but regaining her balance, she sped up.

Gray’s voice echoed after her, “You’re not wearing the right shoes to be running through here, Lucy! I know you’re freaking out, but we can check it out later!”

“I’m checking it now!” She snapped, her raised voice sent birds flying from their hidden nests, escaping out from the open roof. Lucy had to see it for herself. Had to prove it wasn’t what she thought.

It had to be a prank. Whoever this, sick man was, he couldn’t be-

Skidding to a halt by the broken doors of the former Prince’s room, Everything looked as it had the day before. Nature was taking over the corners and broken roof, what was left of the bed was cracked and rotting wood and the stone statue was … not there. An empty divot where a statue should have been was all that was left and with a few, disbelieving glances from the walls and back to the bed, Lucy had to accept the truth.

“H-he… he really was… -” There was no strength in her legs. Lucy slid down to her knees, breathless in amazement as Gray joined her. Sucking in air, manic laughter shook her shoulders and she looked towards her friend, unable to think passed the insanity of it all. “Gray, I didn’t even kiss it, but there’s a guy in our camp that looks just like it. Can you explain that?”

“No, I-” “I can’t.” She didn’t let Gray start, smiling through her own laughter, “I can’t explain it at all. This doesn’t make sense. He was stone. STONE! I felt it! Hard as a rock! Am I crazy? Was I imagining it? Am I crazy, Gray?!” Gray gaped, tongue-tied and attempting to absorb Lucy’s words, but only managing a blank stare from her and towards the empty bed. In the seconds that ticked by, he slowly knelt, looking her in the eyes. Patting her shoulder, she realized just how much he was containing in that moment. His own hand was tense, shaky even, and his jaw clenched on words left unspoken. He didn’t know either.

Lucy felt shame wash over her, “I didn’t mean to- I’m sorry Gray, you’re probably just as -”

“Yeah,” Gray interjected, exhaling exasperated amusement, “I am just as confused, but you’re the one in bunny slippers, running through an ancient ruin without a care what you’re going to step on,” Smirking, he helped pull her off the floor and glanced to her covered toes. “So maybe you are a little whacko.”

Lucy’s hoarse laughter echoed down the broken stairwell and beyond, but she suddenly felt better. Shrugging off the unanswered questions boiling inside the both of them, Gray led her back to camp. No more words came between them, but a few times, he stopped her from stepping on a rock or petrified piece of wood. She distantly wondered how she dodged these obstacles in her mad dash to check Stone Statue’s room, but was answered by a throbbing in her heel that spoke a different tale. Not missed the obstacles. Merely didn’t notice coming across them. “All right,” Lucy admitted when she was calmer, “That was kind of stupid of me.”

“Only kind of, huh?”

“You can shush if you’re going to be a jerk.”

Gray laughed, “I don’t know, I think you deserve being a little mocked right now.”

She could have argued, but what was the point? He was right, and they both could use the distraction. Their banter started and continued just as they finally returned to their base and the smell of Levy’s cooking sent an embarrassingly loud gurgle to rumble through Lucy’s stomach. Gray gave her a knowing glance, but said nothing as she blushed and shoved him aside, stamping off to her tent to put proper shoes on. She ignored the obvious form of an extra body sleeping in the middle of the floor, muttered a quiet apology to Freed and Levy, then quickly zipped the tent behind her.

In that moment, Gray took the initiative to report their ‘findings.’ Or lack thereof. Lucy was grateful for this, as her heart still thudded in her ears just thinking about it. Calmer. Yes, calmer, but it did nothing to chase away her mystification over the entire thing. Was that sickly man really their stone statue? Where else could it have gone? What would happen when he woke back up? Too many questions, but Lucy tucked them away to answer another time. She could waste her entire day obsessing over the insane notions of a statue walking around, but it would do nothing to fill her empty belly or further the rest of her research.

She would put it aside and take one step out of her tent, officially ready to start the day again. With bunny slippers replaced and tucked away.

It would be another hour before the mystery stranger roused again. He’d awake to a soft hand lifting his head and a strange object placed against his lips. It felt strange and smelled just as odd, causing him to grimace. He tried to push it again, angle his head, anything, but his body felt heavy, like lead. A few more seconds of struggle was met with a soothing voice shushing him as a cool substance suddenly wet his lips: water.

He didn’t need further coaxing. Eyes shot open as he opened up, accepting the drink as if he’d been dying of thirst. It was colder than expected and it shot down his throat like ice, but it was a welcome change until he gulped too fast and took some air right along with it. Sputtering, the strange contraption was taken away from him as he coughed, throat burning and hoarse.

“M-more!” He rasped out, attempting to grasp for the glass once again. He didn’t understand how the covered lid had given him the drink he sought, but that didn’t matter. He’d figure it out if he could move! The girl who held him shrank back, Olson her hand just out of his reach as she shook her head wildly.

“T-take it slow!” She ordered, squeaking when his sudden lash towards the bottle fumbled it in her hands “You’ll over do it if you gulp it in like that- ack, Lu, help me!”

A second pair of hands pressed against his shoulders and a strange, familiar scent crossed Natsu’s delirious senses. A curtain of blonde blocked his gaze from the substance he sought and he was lowered back into the bedding he’d been given. Sharp eyes looked for the new person touching him, meeting the brown eyes from the other girl. The one who had been cooking. An order habitually tried to pass his lips, demanding more water, to be released, but the words caught in his throat as a strange clarity flashed before his mind.

Did he… know this woman?

“...Lucy? Why are you here?”

There was no explanation for the stunned expressions that crossed both girls' faces, but Lucy’s fingers recoiled from his shoulders as she gaped at him.

“How do you know my name?” She asked. Natsu’s brows furrowed, nose scrunched in distaste.

“I saw you not two days ago,” he grumbled, ignoring how wrong the claim felt crossing his lips. “You came with Count Heartfilia for the Spring Dances.. You… “ He licked his lips and struggled to read the expression crossing her face, “you certainly weren’t dressed like a commoner though.”

The concrete silence that fell between them was stifling, but it gave the other girl enough time to bring a tray of sliced fruit and eggs over. He still needed food, but curiosity kept his gaze on the woman looming over him.

Whose own voice fell silent, contemplating his answer before she laughed hollowly, disbelief twisting her face.

“You’re joking, right? I knew it! this had to be some sort of prank. I’ve never met you before in my life!”

#Mira's Fanfiction #FairyTail Fanfiction #FTFanfiction #Nalu Fanfiction #Nalu #Natsu #Lucy #Levy #Gray #Freed #The Stone Prince #sorry it took me so long #but i finally know where i'm going with it!

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kiliinstinct · 4 years ago

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Stood Up - Nalu OneShot

I was inspired yesterday and this came from it. And I mean, super burst of inspiration. Apologies, but I wrote it as soon as the idea entered my head, and it’s not edited. This story was inspired by this post that came across my dash yesterday. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

--- Tag List ---

@phoenix-before-the-flame @pbfanart @cobblepottantrum @yuldragneel @mamabearcat @millennial-star-gazer @caandleworks / @caandlle @kaycha1989 @furidojasutin @eragonsoul @just-another-dream-girl @whatdidyasayiamdaydreaming @dlshieldss @ctay21 @acidrain1698 @lovelyluce @clockworkassassino @celestialwolf24 @unwei @jem-hamster-chan @melissa827 @meilynalu @littlejinxed @moonlitstargazerforever @trollka21 @doginshoe @squeep123 @bitch-stole-my-nutella-again @sonicloudbat @lonleyloser

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Ten minutes late. While it wasn’t ideal, Lucy could accept it. Rather than place an order for food, she asked for water instead and checked her pocket mirror for the fifth time. Perfect, but the more the overhead radio switched songs, the more she tapped her foot, patience wearing thin. The urge to check the mirror for a sixth and seventh time was rising.

Instead, she sipped her water and checked the time again: twenty minutes.

Where was he?

Paranoia began to set in as she looked around the small, corner restaurant. It wasn’t the most notable of places. A small business off the corner of downtown that only the locals truly appreciated. She had always wanted to try it, finding the dim lights and cramped walls very homely. Dan, her date, had argued at first. He didn’t think such a place was worthy of a girl in her class. ‘A true beauty deserves a beautiful meal!’ He had stated. While this irritated her, Lucy dismissed his words and pointed out that it was her turn to choose the place. He gave in eventually. It was their tenth date. One that was supposed to be special. The time she finally opened the door to her apartment and asked him to join her, if all went well. He’d wanted that after the third date, but-

Lucy felt that a true connection required more time. Trust was earned, after all, and she refused to to be quick to give it. She sighed and took another glance at her phone, lips pulling into a frown when the time ticked to Seven-Thirty. She couldn’t keep waiting like this! Pulling up her contacts, she dialed Dan’s number and waited for it to connect. Her glossy, manicured nails tapped against the table in a rushed staccato.

Were people watching her? No, no, of course not. They had their own dates and families to tend to. There was no way they’d look twice at her. As her phone rang in her ear, the waiter passed again, only to be waved off after refilling her water. The clink of the ice cubes only served to raise her irritation. Why wasn’t he picking up? The voicemail message picked up, Dan’s boisterous voice echoing through as he requested a name and phone number to reach out to. Lucy hung up and struck redial.

It didn’t ring. The start of his voicemail came again and Lucy sniffed, staring wide eyed at the phone in disbelief.

“Did he just… “ Baffled, she listened to the message all the way through, “hit the f-u button?”

Must have been an accident, she reasoned. Sipping her water far too quick, Lucy grimaced from the blast of cold that shit through her brain as her phone dialed out again. And again. Three more times. Voicemail every time. Either he kept sending her to voicemail or his phone had shut off.

Lucy wasn’t sure which reason she liked better.

“Excuse me, Miss, but are you ready to order now? I don’t mean to rush,” The waiter was back again, looking uncomfortable. Lucy stiffened and set her phone aside, trying to remain aloof and calm. “Oh, no, not yet.” She said, waving him off. His blue eyes stared into her own. Pretty, all things considered, but Lucy didn’t miss the look of pity that swam in them. Did he know what was happening? Feeling the heat rise in her cheeks, she cleared her throat and tapped the phone, forcing a false smile. “He’s just running late, that’s all. My date should be here soon!”

She hoped her words were true, but the sinking feeling in her gut said otherwise. Her waiter shrugged, telling her to wave him down if she needed anything and shuffled off to the next table. Lucy couldn’t help but follow him for a few seconds, horror setting in when she realized the couple at the next table were staring at her with looks of pity. One even mouthed ‘I’m sorry’ before turning their attention away.

Lucy’s lungs tightened as her ability to breathe became worse. She licked her lips and checked her phone once more, sighing when she read the time. He was late by an hour now. An hour. How long was he expecting her to wait?! “Lucy, grow a spine. If he’s being this late then obviously he-... he isn’t coming and you should take your loss and leave.” The pep talk she muttered did little to make her move. What if she was wrong? What if his phone really did die and he was caught in traffic? What if she left and more people just stared with those pitying gazes? It was becoming harder to breathe and she gulped down the rest of her water, grimacing. She’d have to run to the bathroom the rest of the night with the amount she’d drank , but what else could she do?

She checked her phone again. And facebook. Even twitter. Dan hadn’t posted anywhere. Where WAS he? Did something happen? Maybe she could call a - that’s it! Lucy swiped to her messages, finding the number of Dan’s room mate, Mary.

‘Do you know where Dan is?’ She asked, desperately trying to stay calm rather than allow her overactive imagination to run away with her. Lucy began to rummage through her purse again, withdrawing her small hand mirror and lip gloss to reapply her makeup. If he WAS just held up by traffic, then it would be worth it, right?

Lucy was stunned when her phone buzzed just as the lip applicator touched her skin. Not expecting the fact response, she dropped the gloss and checked the reply that flashed upon her screen. Eyes widened and the phone slipped through her fingers, clattering against the table as it fell to the floor.

Mary’s reply glowed on the screen in big, curious letters, ‘Didn’t you and Dan break up?’

Break up? Since when? They’d spoken earlier about their excitement for their date tonight. She’d even verified the address with him! What was Mary talking about-? Lucy’s fingers shook and she rushed to retrieve her phone, wincing when she caught the slight laughter of a table a few feet from her. Their gazes were pointed, watching her move as her eyes watered. I will not cry!

Lucy wanted to be angry. To let this moment fall into fires of fury and burn away the tears threatening to fall and distract her from the embarrassment that stabbed her. He stood her up. There was no other explanation, was there? Swallowing thickly, she tapped through her phone again, blinking back the waves of shame that pushed to fall. All her messages to Dan were on read, all her calls ignored. Swiping to her friend’s number, she began to type a quick message. ‘Can I stay with you tonight?’

The message sent and lip quivered. She steeled herself for the shameful walk she’d have to take to the exit. Everyone would know. Everyone did know. Even that waiter, with his dark hair covering half his face (and wasn’t he wearing a vest earlier?), was sending her knowing looks. She noticed his hand clenched to a fist as their eyes met and felt a strange wave of appreciation. He felt the fury that refused to consume her. That was nice, at least. She grabbed for her wallet to set a small tip on the table.

So what if she hadn’t ordered anything. He’d been nice. It was the least she could do for wasting his time. Unable to resist the disappointing settling in her bones, Lucy stuffed her things into her bag and slid out of her booth. She wouldn’t cry. Not until she was outside in the sunset with just herself for company.

Lucy didn’t make it a step from her table when a sudden rush of feet and hurried gasp interrupted her thoughts. Heavy footsteps slammed against the floor as a warm voice melted into her ears.

“Shoot, I’m sorry! Traffic was a bitch!” The voice said, sheepishly, “you- you’re not leaving, are you?”

Lucy’s heart stuttered and she blinked: confused. That voice…

It was not Dan.

She lifted her head and felt the words die in her mouth.

While it was not her tall, broad shouldered, brunette of a boyfriend (possibly ex) - it was a man with a smile that made her cheeks warm and eyes that peered into her own as if he could read her mind. A little intense, but she barely noticed the discomfort of his stare, too stunned by the shock of pink hair on his head. A set of barrettes kept his bangs from his face as dark roots shone beneath the lighter colors. Her face burned even hotter when he cleared his throat and Lucy realized she was caught staring. “Uh, I- “ She stammered, looking for a proper response, “I was, actually.”

What else would she be doing? Who was this guy? Her mind and his movements were a whirlwind as he clicked his tongue and ushered her back to her seat. Lucy started to protest, but stared, dubious, when he muttered, “just go with it!” Into her ear.

In seconds, she was back in her seat with her water refilled and the strange guy had sat across from her, lounging in his seat as if he owned the place and hadn’t just sat with a stranger. If Lucy hadn’t been so caught up in her emotions and the oddity of the moment, she may have considered the guy cute, all things considered.

“Listen,” She began again, finally forcing her mouth to work, “I think there’s been a misunderstanding-”

“Shhht!” He hissed, one finger on his lips to silence her. He leaned forward to keep his voice low, “The name’s Natsu. Whoever stood you up is a dick and I’m gonna fix it!” When he was met with silence, he rethought his words and slightly back pedaled, “if you’ll let me that is.”

Realization finally dawned and Lucy’s jaw dropped. Natsu, reading her expression as consent, leaned back in his chair and quickly flagged the waiter down. The looks of pity around the room turned to relief and shame at eavesdropping with many onlookers turning their gazes elsewhere. Lucy felt a weight fall off her chest, now that she was no longer the center of attention. Taking in a deep breath, she marveled at the situation and wondered if it was best to end the farce before it started and leave. The waiter had arrived and was sharing furious whispers with the other, both looked irritated before Natsu’s grin grew larger, satisfied with whatever conversation had gone between them. “Oi, just go ahead and get me a coke and - “ he looked to Lucy and smirked lazily, “What do ya’ want? I’ll cover it.”

Wait, was he serious? Looking from him and to the waiter, she cleared her throat and muttered a quick, “Sweet Tea with Lemon, please,” and the waiter was off. Natsu didn’t waste a second of time, opening one of the menus to hold it out to her. “So, what’s your name,” He asked lazily, prodding her fingers until she took the menu and opened it. “I’m sorry?” Lucy still felt like she was missing a few steps in the dark. Natsu snickered, “Well, you don’t have to tell me, but I figured this would look more real if I knew your name. Or I could just make up one?”

Lucy’s earlier horror was being buried beneath amused bafflement. The entire situation felt so surreal, but Lucy was beginning to warm up to the idea. A hint of a real smile curled at her lips and she sipped her water, eyeing Natsu through her lashes. “And what sort of name would you give me?” She asked.

Was she flirting only minutes after learning she’d been dumped? Something must have jarred a screw loose in her head. Natsu didn’t seem to mind, however, as he scrunched his nose in though and tapped a finger to his chin. “How about… Luigi?”

“What?!” Lucy sputtered, pushing the glass aside. “You can’t call me that, I’m a girl!”

Natsu’s expression looked much like the cat who caught the canary, “Then you got no choice, but to tell me your name. Or it’s Luigi for the rest of the evening!” “No way, you have to pick another or I’m leaving.”

It was his turn to sputter, “Oi, that’s not fair, you already agreed to-” “And I can change my mind at any time.” She asserted, eyes gleaming. Natsu knitted his brows together in thought before he laughed again. Rather than give her a new name, he tapped the menu again. That smirk was making the twisted knots in her stomach detangle and curl in a way she wasn’t expecting. Odd, Lucy thought, she hadn’t felt warm from such a smile in a long time. “Go ahead and pick something. I already know what I’m having and all the meals are affordable! You’ll like everything, I swear.”

Her attention turned back to the menu and she nibbled her lip, “you haven’t even looked at it.” She accused me.

“Don’t need to. I know everything about it.” He replied flippantly, but gave no further explanation. The smile on his face spoke of mischief, making Lucy wonder if she had failed to notice something about him, but she shrugged and chose a meal to order either way.

Her phone buzzed and she glanced at it, surprised to see her friend had answered, full of worry towards the conclusion of her date. She began to type a response, but paused, unsure of what to say. Natsu snorted. “Wow,” He teased, “already on your phone. Am I that boring?”

“Maybe you are,” Lucy said pointedly, laughing when he squawked in mock offense. Her fingers quickly ran across the screen, sending a quick, ‘I’ll tell you later. My Date’s still going.’ Giggling, she put it back in her purse and looked to her pouting savior. “I was letting my friend, Levy, know that I would stop by her house later.”

“Oh, is that all?” He propped his chin in the palm of his hand and observed her. “You really just gonna give your friend’s name that easy, but can’t give me yours?”

Oh, crap, she really did do that. Abashed, Lucy turned her nose in the air and said stiffly, “You still haven’t given me a new one.”

Natsu’s grin was nothing short of sly, “Nah, it’s a secret now. I’d rather your real name anyway.”

It was hard to argue with that. Curiosity urged Lucy to needle him for more answers, but she was interrupted by their drinks arriving. Natsu took the opportunity to rattle off his order, a rather large one if she read the menu correctly. In a few seconds, the waiter was gone again, with both menus and Lucy wondered when the tears had stopped trying to fall.

The pain was still there, dull and throbbing in her chest, but it felt.. Distant, in that moment. Natsu jabbed his straw into his coke before slurping away without a care in the world. It was something Dan would have called “uncivilized” for a girl like her. One of the many reasons her father insisted they date. Had she been fooling herself all this time? The thoughts swirled in her mind and Lucy realized she had much to think about.

“Lucy.” Her name spilled forth without further prompting. Natsu paused from his drink to blink at her, expression almost slack jawed as the straw dangled between his lips and teeth. “My name is Lucy.”

It wasn’t an immediate fix, but this man had already slapped a bandage on her aching heart. The least she could do was give her name.

The straw popped from Natsu’s mouth as he laughed, “Hah! Luigi wasn’t too far off!” “H-hey! They sound nothing alike!”

It was absurd. Crazy even, but Lucy began to laugh right along with Natsu. Their joined giggles filled the space between them and the ice was broken. Her now pseudo date began and with every new topic approached by Natsu, more laughter ensued. Eventually, Lucy did cry, but only from humor. When their meal came, Natsu ate with gusto, leaving bits of crumbs and sauce on the side of his mouth and for once in her life, Lucy didn’t feel the need to constantly dab her mouth with a tissue. It was a comfortable back and forth. By the time they both cleaned their plates, the restaurant was near empty and all the streetlights had lit up the windows.

It was getting late, and Lucy’s phone buzzed with more messages. Each went ignored. Lucy didn’t think to check the time until the bill had been placed on the table, quickly swept up by Natsu before she could glance at it. “You really don’t have to cover for me.” She said, feeling guilty. Natsu waved her off as he pulled a card from his pants pocket. Lucy didn’t bother asking why he didn’t have a wallet, assuming it was one of his many quirks.

“You’re right. I don’t.” Natsu agreed, making no move to hand her the bill, “but I want to so I’m going to.”

Leaning back in her chair, Lucy blew a strand of hair from her face and sighed. “You didn’t have to do any of this.”

Natsu, for the first time that night, grew solemn. A growl of frustration rumbled through his frame and he ran his hands through his hair, searching for the right words. “Yes. Yes I did. Or I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.”

“You’re exaggerating.” Lucy accused, ignoring the way his words made her ears turn red. Natsu denied it, shaking his head as his obvious annoyance turned to anger. “No.” He bluntly said. “I’m not. You were being stared at and clearly upset. What sort of guy would I be if I just let you run out to cry like that? Tch.” he reached over the table to tuck the blond strand of hair behind her ear and sighed. “I had to try and make your day better. It didn’t sit right with me not to.”

Lucy sniffed, eyes watering before she could stop them. Natsu reacted with a curse under his breath. “Shit, I didn’t mean to make you cry. The point was to help you smile!”

A watery laugh burst through and she wiped her eyes, smiling widely. This complete stranger saw a girl in distress and decided he had to make her smile. How touching was that? And silly. Most wouldn’t think to do that for someone they didn’t know. Wiping more tears away, she grabbed his hand in gratitude, biting back a choked sob. “You did.” She said, laughing through the tears. “You made me smile more than I had in months.”

Ah, and that was the truth of it. Despite her relationship with Dan, she’d been going through the motions. So assured that they were clicking, without fully realizing how much she pushed aside and pretended wasn’t an issue. And Natsu came and burst through the doors, showing her just how much she’d been holding back. It was uplifting and painful all at once, but Lucy couldn’t have been more grateful. “Thank you, Natsu.” She said earnestly, hoping he could understand just how much his actions meant to her. “I mean it.”

His answering smile was so bright, Lucy felt her entire torso warm up at the sight. Natsu really did have an infectious smile, Lucy thought. His hand flipped to give her own a squeeze before they separated and Lucy caught the faintest hint of red glowing on the tips of his ears. It was cute. Ridiculously so.

“Then that’s…” He said helplessly, words failing before he tried again, “That’s good then! Guess there’s only one thing left to do.”

Before Lucy could ask, he left his seat and moved to her end, holding his hand out for her to take. Grabbing her purse, she allowed him to lead her through the restaurant and to the exit. While she understood the night had to end eventually, the sudden realization that it came now made her heart stutter. She almost wasn’t ready to face the world again, turning to Natsu just as they entered the parking lot. Natsu didn’t leave the sidewalk, his hand still warm in hers as he fidgeted beside her. “Sorry if that seems a bit rushed, but I don’t want your friend to worry about you. That’s why your phone keeps buzzing, right?”

Lucy blushed, looking to her purse that vibrated from her phone again. “Oh, y-yeah.. That- probably is Levy.” She would have so many apologies to give her friend later for this! She almost whined at the thought, but turned her attention back to Natsu. “Well, I guess, this is it then.”

It was a little awkward, maybe a little silly after the night they had, but it wasn’t a real date so what else could Lucy do? She held her hand out for a shake and smiled. “Thanks for making my night the exact opposite of a disaster.”

Natsu stared at her hand as if it was dripping in goo, scrunching his nose up before he laughed, fished for something in his other pocket and slapped his hand into hers, holding a small card between the two. Lucy tried to withdraw to examine what he’d given her, but his grip tightened slightly as he grinned. “Anytime, Lucy.” He said, face splitting in half with his mischievous grin, “And I mean it. Any time. And hey, maybe-”

His words hung in the air as Lucy froze, feeling like a sudden precipice had appeared before her and she was about to tumble off it. Was he-? “You know, maybe when you feel better we can do this again sometime.” He finished, releasing her hand. “For real this time.”

The implication did not escape her. A real date. He was asking for a real date. Was it all right to agree to something so soon after a possible break up? The thoughts whirled in her head, but for once, Lucy didn’t feel overwhelmed as she had earlier. Lucy didn’t miss the message: maybe when you feel better.

Natsu was giving her the choice and the time to process her feelings and get herself in order. Just how good was this man? Beaming, she clutched the small card to her chest and nodded. “I’d like that.” It was the most honest answer she could give, and one that took her breath away from excitement. Natsu released a breath, shoulders sagging as if he’d been stone moments before and he dramatically clutched at his own heart. “Thank god!” He cried, “I’ve never just out and asked someone out before, I was for sure you’d turn me down like the weirdo you are!”

“Wait, what did you just call me-” Lucy’s words were cut off by his lips warmly pressing against her cheek and in a flurry, he dashed back to the doors and flung them open, gleefully grinning.

“That’s the other name!” He said, voice coming out in a sing song, “I was gonna call you a weirdo!”

The doors slammed shut before she could utter a reply, standing a mere twenty feet from her car and astonished. A weirdo? His other name for her was that? “What sort of name is that?!” Hilarity struck her and Lucy laughed as she unlocked her car. It wasn’t until she sat herself inside the vehicle that she realized Natsu had gone back into the restaurant rather than to his own car.

Wait, why did he-? Noticing the sign on the window had changed to closed, she stared at the card in her hand in scrutiny. She wasn’t surprised to see his cell number on the card, but then her eyes read the title of the card. Her jaw dropped again.

Natsu Dragneel: Head line Cook to the Dragneel Bar and Grill.

Lucy’s surprised shriek could be heard through the entire parking lot. “HE WORKS HERE!?”

#Mira's Fanfiction #Nalu Fanfiction #FT Fanfiction #Fairy Tail Fanfiction #Nalu #NatsuxLucy #was inspired and i went with it #why cant i write 4k words this fast usually?#fricken brain #anyway #if you thought you were on my tag list #and didn't get tagged #either tumblr wouldn't let me tag you #or your names were changed and i dont know the new urls #SO TELL ME YOUR NEW URLS #sobs

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kiliinstinct · 5 years ago

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A Second To Kiss: Nalu

So I might have gotten a little too inspired by Mashima’s recent tweet.

Enjoy!

-----

It was their moment.

It wasn’t the most romantic, but it was theirs. Talking led to laughter, which trickled down to comforting silence as they stared into their partners eyes. When Natsu’s arms wrapped around Lucy, pulling her close: she made no attempts to resist. She stepped into it, arms resting against his strong chest, comfortable and secure.

What moments conglomerated together to end in this moment? She couldn’t be sure. Lucy’s mind was a fractured mess of hidden and obvious moments that jumped back and forth in her memory. The world around them was melting, blurring together until all that existed as her in Natsu’s arms and the angle of his head as he moved to meet her.

Slow, uncertain. They’d never done this before. Never crossed that line. It was strange and new and yet, somehow so natural. Lucy felt herself leaning up, eyes slipping shut, ready to meet him, but her body…

Her body was tense. Nervous. What if she wasn’t good? What if she messed it up? What if they kissed and realized it was something that neither of them wanted and they were lost to awkward attempts at friendship after? What if it ruined everything? What if it didn’t? Did her breath smell? Why hadn’t she thought to check that earlier… Why was this happening so fast?! Was it fast?

The thoughts tumbled through, shouting louder and louder into her mind. Lucy became distracted. Her brows knitted together as she waited for the inevitable moment that Natsu and she would share their first kiss: finally. She didn’t notice the seconds tick by or the silence between them.

She didn’t notice Natsu pause, eyes half-lidded as he watched her. The thoughts, though silent, were clear on her face and he read them like a Job request. His consideration took only a moment longer than necessary before he leaned in, closing the horrible distance that stayed between them and….

Licked her nose.

“Uh, what,” Lucy sputtered, eyes shooting opened as she jerked back. The tip of her nose was warm and wet and now cold and Natsu’s snicker through her brain into overdrive, “Did you just LICK me?!”

His laughter spilled out. No longer contained as it boomed from his chest and resounded off the walls of her apartment. Natsu tightened his hold as he giggled, he smiled wide as it split across his face.

“What?” He asked, still snickering, “Isn’t that how kissing works?”

No. Absolutely not. Lucy couldn’t believe it. Refused to believe it. She attempted to wipe her nose, but Natsu’s hold kept her arms in place as he laughed, the mischievous twinkle in his eye unnoticed in her exasperated struggles. “No! It’s not! Whatever gave you that idea you- “

She paused as a sudden realization hit her. It was obvious, when she stopped to think. Of course Natsu knew what a kiss was. He’d seen enough of it from random passersby on the street. From Alzack and Bisca! From Gajeel and Levy that one time they had the unfortunate timing to turn down a nearby alley and find them pinned up against a nearby wall. The moment was still seared into her brain. There was no reason, what so ever that Natsu would mistake kissing for licking unless-

“You did that on purpose!” The accusation echoed across the room and Natsu’s laughter continued, but he stepped back. Enough to give her room: air. Still chortling, he ruffled her hair and smiled affectionately.

“Yeah,” He said, “Yeah I did.”

“But, why would you,” Her sentence trailed off, uncertainty spilling between her words, “- do you… not… want to?”

The laughter ceased. Natsu’s smile never left, but it shrank to something almost calm and he shook his head, “No, you were just so tense. I was worried you were gonna pass out. Did you forget to breathe, ya’ weirdo?”

Oh! “I- no, I just, that wasn’t…” She stammered, embarrassed by her own thoughts and covered her face, “I was just so nervous! I’m sorry!” His arms returned to soothe her, drawing her claws while chuckles shook his frame. “Hey, “ Natsu said, happy and content, “It’s okay. We got all day and the rest of our lives to try again.”

And wasn’t that the perfect thing to say to relax her?

“That or I’ll just lick you again.” He teased.

“NATSU!”

--- Tag List I Forgot To Do Again ---

@pbfanart @cobblepottantrum @yuldragneel @mamabearcat @millennial-star-gazer @caandleworks @kaycha1989 @furidojasutin @eragonsoul @just-another-dream-girl @whatdidyasayiamdaydreaming @hanahathefluffydragon @dlshieldss @ctay21 @acidrain1698 @lovelyluce @clockworkassassino @celestialwolf24 @unwei @jem-hamster-chan @melissa827 @meilynalu @littlejinxed @moonlitstargazerforever @trollka21 @doginshoe @squeep123 @bitch-stole-my-nutella-again @aliezander @sonicloudbat

#Mira's Fanfiction #FT Fanfiction #Nalu Fanfiction #Nalu #NatsuxLucy #i was inspired #sue me #no don't #i don't have the money and would die #still #bwahahahaha #i'm sorry #but the fact natsu's tongue was sticking out #in those sketches #gave me this idea #and i had to do it

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kiliinstinct · 5 years ago

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Have You Missed Me? // Nalu One-Shot

Inspired By the Recent Artwork by @fainttwinkling!! (Click Here For Image) One look and the emotions and situation between Natsu and Lucy just spoke to me, I had to write it out! Warning: Adult Content - You read that Right. Avert ye gaze if you’re a younglin’. Pairing: Obviously Nalu. Apologies for any spelling errors, I wrote this rather quickly and didn’t really take much time to edit.

-- Tag List --

@pbfanart @cobblepottantrum @yuldragneel @bearpluscat @millennial-star-gazer @caandleworks @kaycha1989 @furidojasutin @eragonsoul @just-another-dream-girl @whatdidyasayiamdaydreaming @hanahathefluffydragon @softscream @dlshieldss @ctay21 @acidrain1698 @lovelyluce @clockworkassassino @celestialwolf24 @unwei @jem-hamster-chan @melissa827 @meilynalu @littlejinxed @moonlitstargazerforever @trollka21

----

‘Have you missed me?’

Such a simple question with a loaded answer.

A day had turned to a week. A week into a month. A month…. Into three. Too long, far too long. It was taking its toll on him. An obvious toll that everyone could see. It started subtly. His smile stopped reaching his eyes one day- the cackling laugh that erupted so often grew quiet: subdued. At one point, he didn’t respond to Gray or even Gajeel goading him to a fight.

It was worrisome, but they all knew better than to force him. Natsu tried to live through every day as if nothing were wrong, but the longer Lucy stayed away, the harder it became. Jobs were easy. He went on one or two daily, even joined up with Erza, Gray and Wendy for a few that lasted a couple of days or more, but none would last as long as the one Lucy had been on and there was only so many days Natsu could pretend it wasn’t eating at him the longer she was away. They’d never been apart for so long, not since she’d joined the Guild- it was … an empty feeling he didn’t want to name.

Natsu had taken to sleeping in her apartment on Strawberry Street. It wasn’t beyond the ordinary; the days spent staying at her place tripled the moment their relationship became official, but his days after she left had begun at his own home with happy. It had changed with time- the small house became devoid of sound as he and Happy moved their nights to the comfort of Lucy’s empty bed.

The comforter smelled like her- a smell that couldn’t leave after so many washes or days away- it eased his nights and made it easier, though they were full of nightmares. Had the job gone wrong? Was she okay? Countless nights finding her again and again, only for her to disappear in a multitude of ways: wounded, fading, dying, waving goodbye- versions were endless. He never spoke of them, but every guild member knew something was wrong when he came to the Hall, tired and dazed, falling asleep with his face smushed in the Fire Chicken placed before him.

“- maybe you should get some more sleep.” Erza said, frowning pulling at her face while her arms crossed. “Making a mess is usual, but this is becoming ridiculous.”

“I’m fine.” He grumbled, face planted to the table, little specks of the earlier dish still covering a bit of his nose and chin. He’d wipe them off later. Natsu may have been pushing Erza’s button’s with that response, but even Gray tapped the wood next to him, chiming in with an opinion before the redhead could continue.

“Dude, serious,” He mumbled, scratched the back of his head, somewhat uncomfortable. “Usually I’d call you an idiot, but even I’m starting to feel bad. Either quit sulking or go back to bed!”

Natsu lifted a hand to give his fellow wizard a well-known hand signal that gave his opinion loud and clear. Gray smacked the hand and scoffed. “Fine. Suit yourself, you flamin’ idiot.”

“Is-.. is Natsu going to be okay?”

“I said I’m fine!” Snapped Natsu, finally lifting his head to look towards Wendy, pulling a small grin. “Seriously guys, I know Lucy’s more than tough and will be back in no time, so can ya’ drop it?”

His answer came when Erza’s hand shot out, pinching his ear and forcing a loud yelp to escape him, “We’ll drop it as soon as you stop pathetically moping on the table, and get some sleep!”

A grunt of pain, a few chuckles around the hall, and a wave to Happy was the end to his venture that day- effectively kicked out for rest. ‘Don’t you worry, Natsu!’ Happy had told him whilst he was shoved out the door, ‘I’ll hold the fort until you feel better and if Lucy comes back, I’ll even tell her where you’re at!’

Pfft, He thanked Happy with a pat to the Exceed’s head, but figured it wouldn’t matter. Lucy always liked to come home first and if that happened… well, he certainly wasn’t sleeping back at his place. Surrounded by so many memories somehow made his sleep even worse. Slinking through Lucy’s window, it was easy to flop onto the mattress, shuffle himself against the blanket and pillows and let his exhaustion over take him. Maybe once he rested, he could drag Happy off for fishing or another job….

Her scent was there again, overflowing his senses. Natsu’s tense muscles relaxed, sighing softly as the pillow and scarf effectively covered his tired eyes. He’d worry about shutting the window later (if he remembered)- for now he was more than content to slowly drift off. The ticking of a nearby clock reminded him vaguely of the emptiness in the apartment and he frowned, peeking one eye out into the dim light of her room.

It wasn’t as fun without Lucy around… he’d noticed it before, time and time again- the exhilaration he’d feel when they were doing things together: either playing a game, teasing or working- the world just seemed a little bit brighter. While his life was still bright, and his family there- somehow… things just felt….

“It’s all dusty.” He mumbled. With that word in the air, he sighed, allowing dark, tired eyes to slide shut, and waited for his tired body to give in.

Lucy’s scent was overwhelming when he came to.

It was everywhere, strong and musky- the sort of smell that followed her after a hard job or training. Usually she would shower immediately, claiming she felt gross and had to wash herself, but he never minded it. (It really wasn’t THAT bad of a smell- most wouldn’t even notice if they didn’t have the sort of nose he did.) This was a scent he was used to, but as the sleep slowly seeped from him, Natsu realized it was far too strong and-

A rustling of hair brushed his face, the mattress bent from added weight and the window clicking shut echoed through the room- Natsu’s eyes shot open, very much awake.

“-Lucy?!” The question held excitement, blood pumping through his ears as he hoped his senses hadn’t betrayed him- freezing in place when he was greeted with the family, brown eyes of his girlfriend.

She had also frozen, slightly leaning over him still from her attempts to shut the window as quietly as possible. “Oh- sorry, did I wake you?” She questioned, voice low, as if her quiet whispers could lull him back to sleep. “You looked so tired, I didn’t want to-”

Lucy never had the chance to finish her sentence as Natsu’s body reacted, surging forward to grab her- the force sent them both tumbling off the bed and crashing to the floor. Her screech was sudden and it rang in his ears, but he didn’t care- he was more concerned with ensuring he wasn’t having another one of his many vivid dreams. She felt real enough- her clothes were wrinkled from travel- her hair frizzed in weird places and her keys jangled at her hip.

Her body directly beneath his, hips straddling by his own legs and breath panting into his ear as she struggled to adjust to his sudden weight, gave Natsu all the proof he needed: His Lucy was home.

“Weirdo,” Natsu said, head lifting to beam at her- the dimples in his smile meeting his eyes for what felt the first time in weeks, “You’ve been workin’ forever and you're worried about ME bein’ tired?”

Lucy’s answering smile looked winded and she simpered, “- it was only a few months, not forever, you goof. I came back just fine!.”

“Yeah, yeah you sure did,” He rasped back, lips surging down to silence her. He didn’t want to talk, not just yet. Natsu’s relieved laughter passed from his mouth to hers, lips molding over her own, coaxing them open to dip his tongue in to meet her own- it wasn’t tentative or searching. It was fast, desperate almost. The taste of her, the feel of her breath against his face, the way she squirmed and looked for a position for her arms as their kiss grew more frenzied…

It spoke the words he didn’t know how to say. I’ve missed you. I’ve missed you so damn much… !

Lucy hadn’t been prepared, gasping for much needed air when Natsu finally relented, pecking her mouth over and over in between laughter and their whispered names. He couldn’t get enough. Wouldn’t get enough. Not just yet. Rough fingers move along the curve of her hips, finding the skin her shirt couldn’t cover- he grasped her, feeling the rise in temperature, the hitch of her breath as his hot mouth descended upon her jaw before moving back up again. What seemed rushed, turned slow as he took in air and pulled back to admire the flush and swell of Lucy’s lips. How he’d missed that dazed look on her eyes.

“Natsu what are you-” Another interrupted, but a welcomed one. Lucy bit back her words, cheeks growing redder as Natsu tenderly moved to press a soft kiss to her nose, her eyelids and even her forehead, before moving back to her lips. The rough movement that started took a more sensuous turn as he pressed their heads together, dark eyes simmering in the dark. The sun had been high when he’d fallen asleep, but now, he subconsciously realized their only source of light was a gentle glow from the moon.

Though he was far more interested in the light he held within his very arms. “You are never takin’ a job that long ever again.” He said- voice serious, but eyes gleaming as he sat up, pulling her with him to brush their hips together- allowing her fingers, now shaking with her own anticipation and need, to slide his scarf off slowly before zipping down his coat to brush off his shoulders. She gave him a look he knew all too well and he backpedaled, “At least not without me you aren’t.”

What started as a reprimand turned to a giggle as Lucy’s slim fingers finally pushed off the fabric of Natsu’s clothes and met with his heated skin, “Have you missed me, Natsu?” She asked. No answer was needed- they both knew it either way and her laughter was muffled by his impatient hands suddenly pulling at her shirt, lifting it over her arms and tossing it aside. In no time, his own hands found skin once more, trailing up and down her Lucy’s ribs before grasping the swell of her breasts, squeezing in a silent tempo while his mouth covered hers.

The slow, languid push and pull of their tongues was met with soft sighs and more murmurs- her legs positioned over his, pelvis and hips pressing atop his own and his hands, still impatient for more touch, grasped her thigh to push her closer against him and explored the expanse of her back. Lucy whimpered when he pulled away, teeth nipping her lip before descending downward, brows furrowed as he placed nips and open mouthed kisses over her neck and shoulder.

More. He needed more.

Lucy tilted her head back, giving Natsu more room to move, arms moving over his shoulder, hips shifting as he continued to suck against her skin leaving a trail of marks. There were many words at the tip of her tongue, all wanting to be released, but she held them back. Not yet, not now- he needed this, inhaling sharply when his teeth and tongue met the tip of her nipples, she admitted in lustful whispers her own need.

‘I missed you. I missed Happy.. I missed Gray, Erza and Wendy…’

Another rough suck and her hips gyrated against his, heat pooling in her stomach, twisting and coiling as nails dragged down his shoulders.

‘But most importantly…’

Another press against each other, their bottoms still in the way and Natsu growled, impatient, frustrated- Lucy whined in response as his hands quickly moved to push her skirt up, thin, lace panties pushed aside for his fingers to move and test her. She was already prepared for him- already waiting, needing- wanting-

Natsu’s impatience grew, but he ignored the tightness of his pants, grunting in satisfaction when the pads of his fingers found the sensitive bud, hidden from everyone, but him. He circled his finger, gave pressure and stimulation- marveling at the slowly building sounds that escaped Lucy’s mouth. She’d always been noisy- breathy and more than willing to tell him just what she liked through hushed whispers against his ear.

‘I missed you-!’

It if had been any other day, any other night- they may have taken their time. Natsu would have eventually moved her to the bed and consumed every inch of her wish his mouth and she may have traced the contours of every muscle he possessed with her tongue before swallowing him down for great release. This was not that night. A heavy need consumed every move, every motion- Natsu’s hand continued to press and play against her, eventually testing her wetness by dipping two fingers inside, thrusting in and out.

While she crooned, urging him on, hips moving against his own in a tempo searching for a release she hadn’t reached since the last she had seen him, Natsu continued his crusade against her skin: his teeth marked her with more love bites and when one breast received enough attention to ache when he pulled away, he moved to the other, suckling and pulling forth more sounds from her mouth as he helped build her need higher and higher. He timed it with the thrusts of his fingers and pressing of his thumb, but Natsu wasn’t the only one.

Lucy needed more- far more than what she was given, mind altered by the steady build he was giving her inflamed body. Fingers quickly unclasped the belt as his waist, weaved around his own hands to push the hem of his pants down- finally grasping the hardness she desperately wanted to replace his fingers.

He was hard, painfully so- his movements paused when she gripped him, pumping her hand up and down while their eyes finally met with the other. A silent conversation passed between them- heavy breathing mixed between the two in the heavy air, and his hand finally slid away from her- giving opening for the swell of his head to touch against her, teasing as her hips moved to angle herself. “N-Natsu,” Lucy rasped, free hand moved to caress his face, tongue peeking out to swipe at her swollen lips, “We can take our time later, please just- “ She whined again when his hands gripped her hips in response, “Just do it!”

Fingers flexed against her and Natsu helped with the very thing she wanted. Pressing her hips down against him, he slipped inside her, groaning from the sensation. They were together, working as one, taking only a few moments to adjust before their hips were moving together in a well-practiced rhythm that would send them higher and higher to a point they both desperately needed.

They kissed, mouths moving sloppily together, unable to keep up with their frantic pace. Natsu was already pent up, but he groaned in his attempts to hold back the pleasure. Not yet, not so soon, Lucy’s insides gripped him with every thrust and her mouth mimicking his own moments before, sucked the skin of his neck, licked the sweat as her own gasps and mewls echoed into the room. “D-damn that feels so good, Lucy!”

He howled his praises and the work of his hands served their purpose, Lucy’s pleasure was already meeting the precipice she sought. Her movements stuttered and she grit her teeth, biting his skin when wave after wave of pleasure washed through her, crying out his name, Natsu finally allowed his own release- giving in to the conjoined pleasure, surging roughly inside her with every spurt of his orgasm. .

It felt like mere seconds and an eternity had passed, panting against the other with sweaty foreheads pressed together. Lucy shuddered in the aftermath, slouching against Natsu as he held her. It was a few minutes longer before they both put together the crumpled clothes on their hips- their position on the floor and lost clothing littered around them.

Natsu laughed first. A low, tired chuckle soon followed by Lucy's lips slowly meeting again between giggles. With weary limbs, they eventually moved to Lucy’s bed, sliding under the blankets as they kicked away the rest of their clothes. They would worry about the clean up later.

Silence fell between them. A peaceful calm that comes between two people when they’ve finally come home: relief and contentedness filling them as Natsu pulled Lucy close against him, arms encircling her hips as she snuggled close. He pressed soft kisses against the back of her ear, and she giggled at each one, hands moved to encircle with his fingers. Despite his overdue rest through the day, Natsu felt all the worries and nerves he’d hidden beneath the surface, slide away, covering him with a different kind of exhaustion.

It wasn’t until Lucy’s own breathing began to even, closing in on sleep, that he chose to finally answer the question she’d gave him. Another soft kiss before he nuzzled his face into her hair.

“I missed ya way too damn much.” He admitted, practically purring into Lucy’s golden tresses. She snorted, the closest to a laugh she could come while her limbs were so tired, but squeezed his hand in response. “- how did the job go?”

Her sleepy reply came with a tilt of her head, pride swimming in her eyes, “The client was happy he requested my help and I have a new key to show for it.” Before he could ask further, she tilted herself enough to kiss the tip of his nose and fell back against her own pillows. “- talk more later, sleep now.”

Her tired plea and yawn pulled forth another laugh from Natsu, but he didn’t fight it.

They had plenty of time to catch up. For now, he’d keep her all to himself.

#Ft Fanfiction #Nalu Fanfiction #Nalu #NatsuxLucy #Mira's Fanfiction #high rating #smut warning

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kiliinstinct · 5 years ago

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In The Garden - Nalu One Shot

Has a lot of things implied here, but was inspired by the sads I felt when re-watching ‘Angel Beats’ yesterday. Note, I said inspired, but not based off of.

Anyway, consider this pseudo tragedy and pseudo angst. It’s all based on how you technically view it yourself, so I’m not sure how to explain it. oops!

--- Tag List ---

@pbfanart @yuldragneel @bearpluscat @millennial-star-gazer @caandleworks @kaycha1989 @furidojasutin @eragonsoul @just-another-dream-girl @whatdidyasayiamdaydreaming @hanahathefluffydragon @softscream @dlshieldss @ctay21 @acidrain1698 @lovelyluce @clockworkassassino @celestialwolf24 @unwei @jem-hamster-chan @melissa827 @meilynalu @littlejinxed @moonlitstargazerforever @trollka21

---

The air was crisp and clear.

It was the purest atmosphere he had breathed. The wind blew gently through his hair, cooled his sore limbs and wafted the scent of grass and wildflowers through his nose. Water trickled nearby, tickling his ears with the sound. He couldn’t see it, the thick foliage circling him blocked his sight, but that didn’t bother him. Everything from the blue of the sky to the green of the ground served one purpose: to calm and relax him.

He knew nothing before his eyes had opened. No beginning and no end. There was just his own, singular existence. Time held no meaning. His body moved on instinct, bare feet scraping along the blades of grass, toes curling in the dirt which each step. The man who had never existed until that moment, took his time exploring the garden. Hummingbirds and bees flew by, drinking the nectar from sweet honeysuckle or rested upon the flowers his arms brushed by.

This was heaven. Though he had no clue what heaven was. This peace and comfort was his only way to describe it. He enjoyed it, following the sound of water, hoping to find its source. With each step his speed increased, noticing the ground beneath him was inclining. Soon, the man rushed through the thickets at a full run, unaware that his lack of fatigue was not normal, and that the outer edges of the garden dropped off at the end the higher up he moved.

There was no knowledge before he opened his eyes. Therefore, it was normal. Further and further he ran until he broke free of the thicket, barely noticing the way the twigs and leaves brushed along bare skin. Eyes widened at the open path before him, leading up to the top of quiet hill. One, lone tree stood upon it, looking over the small garden like a silent watcher.

One, dead tree- and a bench, occupied by a figure, gazing out into the distance. Golden hair shined under the bright sun and their head turned from the crunch of his steps. A woman with honey-brown eyes, wide and perplexed. She stood when he advanced, one arm grasping the other as she sucked her bottom lip. A nervous tick he noticed.

Adorable.

“Who are you?” She asked, voice a tiny whisper. “Why did you come here?”

At first he worried he wouldn’t know how to respond, but he swiped his tongue across his lips and broke the dam of silence to answer. “I don’t know. I’m just here. What about you?”

She sucked in a breath, unsatisfied. Looking back towards the expanse of endless plains and drop offs, the woman who had always been there, shut her eyes. “I thought I was the only one. It feels like an eternity since I opened my eyes.”

He didn’t know the depths of eternity, but her empty tone filled him with guilt. “Sorry I’m late, then.”

“You should be. It’s rude to keep a lady waiting.”

A chuckle passed between them and he moved to join her at the bench. The stone looked old and cracked. It sent a chill through his skin. When she resumed her position, now next to him, she gave no reaction, as if the cold had soaked within her ages ago. He noticed small things about her: a shine to her eyes, the soft pink of her lips, the way the wind blew strands of gold across her face as she habitually attempted to blow them back.

They were new and familiar all at once. He resisted the urge to reach out and brush his fingers through the silken strands. A spark inside his mind said this was not the first time he had done so, but that couldn’t be right. He hadn’t existed until today.

“Will others come?” He asked after another eternity. She shrugged, casting her gaze to him with the barest hint of a smile.

“I don’t think so.” She said. “I feel this is our place.”

A strange declaration for two people who had never met before, but after another second of forever, he realized it was true. This was their place. It would always be their place. There was nothing around to prove it, just a feeling of absolute certainty that settled in his gut.

He noticed light freckling on her shoulders, finding them like secret constellations and he grinned. “You have stars on your shoulders.” It was a weird thing to say, but fitting. She was weird. She had always been weird. It was natural to say weird things with her. Her laugh came out like bells ringing from loud and clanging to low and airy.

“And you have,” She began, reaching out to tap his cheeks, “two. adorable. dimples.”

He recoiled and frowned in feigned offense, “I am not adorable!”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Her eyes gleamed in mischief, “I forgot, you’d rather be handsome!”

He balked, leaning away to feign a pensive expression. Handsome? Is that what he’d rather be called? The word ‘badass’ shot through his mind and he grinned, “Hmm, nah, but close enough!”

Her giggles uplifted him giving the sensation of floating on air. He could hear her laugh forever. Their laughter conjoined together as natural as the world around them. In that quiet peace, their chuckles slowly died as he nudged her shoulder with his. As normal as breathing, as existing. It took only a few seconds more for him to realize they were strangers acting like old friends. No, friends wasn’t the right word…

“Are you sure you don’t know me?” Her confusion matched his own. Considering his question, she licked her lips, one hand moving to brush strands of pale-red hair from his face. Their movements felt like an age old tale, unrecognized but subconsciously remembered.

“No,” She said, with a sigh, “I’m sure I’ve never seen you until now, but I feel like..”

He finished with a light breath, “... like we’ve known each other forever.”

“- but that’s impossible,” She waved him off, cheeks paling. It made no sense. There was no possibility for two people who knew nothing of themselves or each other to be this connected. Was there? Her head bowed in thought, considering his agreement, fingers fidgeting as she tangled them together. “... it… yeah, it really feels that way, though…”

He took her hand then. The urge was not ignored. Fingers touched familiar, slender digits, entwined and clasping tightly to one another. Their silence became thick and brooding. It fell between them like a fog, erasing the beautiful environment around them. There was just him and her, and the connection felt between them. He realized he loved her hand in his. The grip was strong despite its small size; they grounded him and gave him a sense of peace inside his soul he hadn’t realized he was missing.

Empty pieces of himself clicked together as his eyes memorized her. Passed her freckled shoulders, down the swell of her breasts and smooth expanse of her stomach, down to her thighs and back up again, but stopped, zipping back to her hip. He had missed it at first, but the telltale sign of a scar puckered and discolored the skin on her stomach. His mouth ran dry.

“Is.. that ...new?” He croaked, finding it difficult to speak. She followed his gaze and flinched, withdrawing her hand to move away. Like a broken animal she curled into herself, gnawing her lip rapidly.

“Yes,” She said, eyes glancing this way and that, “I mean no, I don’t think it was there earlier, but it… no.. It’s.. “ Realization shone in her eyes, “it’s why I’m here.”

With each shift back, he followed, moving slow as shaking fingers reached out to pull her back. He clicked his tongue, voice dropping to a smooth baritone. After little resistance, she relented, sinking into his arms so he could examine the scar. Her back rested against him and hands moved to trail along the skin from beginning to end. He frowned.

“There’s more.” He whispered, finding older scars, more faded and difficult to see. One on her right, another on her arm, the faintest trace against her neck. Place to place, location to location and each new revelation made his lungs tighten, squeezing the air from him and he struggled to stay calm. Who? Who had hurt her like this?

How many times? How many lives?

It was like the light of the sun flashed into his own mind and he gasped. “Lucy, how many times have you died?” He did not stop to question the sudden use of her name, for that is what she was called, time and time again, in one form after another. This was Lucy and her body mapped out her history like a book.

She breathed in shaky gasps, memories of times that didn’t exist flashed through her eyes and she twisted her torso, fingers trembling as they traced the planes of muscles on his chest- the touch electrified his nerves with each movement. Up to his neck and cheek, back down to the sharp concave caused by his hip bones. They slowed to a stop, centimeters from his skin, not touching, but just enough for him to feel and burn and yearn. He tore his gaze from Lucy’s scars to watch her hand, belatedly realizing she had paused across his own angry, protruding scar.

“How many for you?” She asked when her eyes met his, bottom lip trembling. “I can’t count the times, Natsu.”

Natsu.

He felt a punch to his gut the way the name tore the air from him and stabbed his mind like a hundred daggers all at once. A shriek of his name, faded and lost, laughter, love, friends and family- a jolt of memories shot down his spine. All his, but not.

He was Natsu, but he wasn’t. Just as she was Lucy, but she wasn’t. He struggled to regain himself, realization crushing through his soul. He took Lucy closer into his embrace, nose burrowing into the curves of her neck and shoulder. He breathed her in while her hands sought desperately for purchase in his hair, bodies meshing close together in an attempt to become one, solitary figure.

He knew her. He knew her like the taste of his own tongue, the weight of his own limbs. Like breathing, she was every part of him as he was of her. They were separate and not and his memories of a time before he existed struck him until tears formed in his eyes.

“I couldn’t save you.” Natsu exhaled sharply, voice thick and rough, growling a pain he hadn’t felt until that moment, but had felt a dozen or more times before.

“No.” She disagreed, voice muffled. “We were unlucky.”

He couldn’t believe it, “Bad luck every time, Lucy?” His grip tightened while soft lips pressed against the back of his ear followed by consoling whispers.

“Not every time,” She assured him, voice cracking from the multitude of lives pressing against them, “we never know what will happen in the next one.”

“The next one?” It hadn’t occurred to him that there was more beyond this plain. Existence and time felt elusive. In their current present, Natsu saw no future, only the woman in his arms and the truth. They were together. They were always together. Over and over again and this was their haven.

Lucy settled against him, sighing as they enjoyed the heat of their own bodies and the wind gently caressed them. The tree blossomed with pink, blue, purple and green petals, thriving with new life over their heads. Natsu could see now, the distance between their garden and many others. Some were connected through small arches and bridges, some were too distant to make out. Everyone of them floated in a large expanse, separated from each other. He didn’t know what lie beyond his own, but he knew its thriving life and gentle breezes was something created between two souls in harmony.

“When does the next one come?” He asked while thumbing her scar again. Natsu didn’t like it. The prospect of her cycling through another life, earning more scars to her skin. Scars meant she lived and learned, but suffered.

Lucy didn’t answer. Her silence grew and her hands moved to cup his cheek, tilting his face towards the base of their little hil to the stream of water, cutting off the end of their little world. It weaved through the area and disappeared into the thick brambles of the garden Natsu had traversed through. He had forgotten his failed search for it until then. Dark gaze narrowed as he looked at its crystalline surface, watched the pebbles sparkle beneath the clear liquid, finally noticing the dirt path, faded as if it were not fully there, just on the stream’s outer bank.

It was translucent. As if one wrong step would send you falling through it. “There?” He asked. They could walk through and be no more?

“Only if you’re impatient.” Lucy moved away, leaving a trace of cold air against his skin from the loss. “You can go at any time, this is just….. A place to rest.”

Her voice trailed off as he watched her. It felt as if he had heard these words before like a mantra. How many times would they forget? What made them remember? Was it always him asking the questions? While Lucy marveled at her own knowledge coming to light, Natsu struggled with a need to never leave.

Why suffer if they could stay? He remembered the feel of her in his arms, more perfect than the garden around them. He could drink in her sweetness, become one with her and never leave. They could enjoy the sunlight and brilliant scents and sights for an eternity or more without pain or fear. The distance Lucy put between them was excruciating, a second feeling like forever, as if he were dying of thirst. He could be happy here, he knew this, and his hands reached for her arm, intending to draw her close once more.

Her hand firmly pushed his hand away and he stared, “I’m sorry, Natsu,”She whispered, hair slipping over her shoulders to form a curtain across her face. “I’m so sorry, but it’s best you don’t touch me anymore.”

Natsu balked, “But that’s… that’s…! Lucy we’ve got forever here! What’s wrong?!” Even in a sadness he could name for centuries, she was beautiful. Her hair continued its light glow as shoulders shook from tears he could not see. He attempted to gently touch her shoulder, but the result was the same, “Lucy, tell me what’s going on?” Why so sudden?

“I’ve been waiting for you.” She croaked, wiping her eyes to peek at him through her tresses. “I’ve been patient for so.. So very long…!”

His stomach twisted into knots, “I didn’t mean to make ya’ wait Lucy, I just-” Just what? What had he been doing? Fighting? Living? His memories told him they were joined, but what happened when one died without the other? Why couldn’t he remember after? “I can make it up to ya since I’m here now, you don’t have to be alone anymore-”

Natsu was silenced by Lucy lifting her hand between them, poised in the air for him to see- translucent like the path below them. “What-”

“I waited as long as I could.” The simple truth held between them, but her tears were not lonely tears of anger. They were content, a sad acceptance, “- but this place cannot hold us here forever. It’s a miracle you made it before I had to leave.”

Lucy was fading. The transparency in her hand trailed up her arm like spiderwebs, criss-crossing further and further up until pieces of her faded away,. “No, but I just, I just got here, you can’t leave yet!” Natsu wouldn’t accept it. Couldn’t accept it. Ignoring her pleas, he pulled her in, fingers moving along her arm, as if attempting to use friction to put her back together, “I haven’t seen ya in so long after you... after you- Lucy!”

She caved, hands grasped his face to hold him still and her lips fit against his to say everything they hadn’t the time to say. Lucy poured her emotions, her loneliness, her sadness, her peaceful and calm existence, and every memory coiled between them into her kiss. Natsu tasted tears and didn’t know if they were hers or his. He clung to her, hands pressed against the small of her back, trying to will her to stay with him forever.

Her teeth tugged and pulled, he responded and drank everything she was willing to give, but the moment ended far too soon. Pulling back with swollen lips and tear stained cheeks, his other half smiled, a hand he could no longer see rested against his heart.

“Come find me.” She said. “We have many more adventures to live before we’re done and everyone is waiting.”

Natsu’s arms fell to his side. Lucy was gone.

In his own personal garden his soul came into being. In her own personal garden her soul met his. Together they lived on and on and on, building their Garden into a paradise they would never have to leave. The sky was still clear, but the tree above his head wilted once more. They weren’t done yet.

He shook at the loss, cried into his hands and stained the ground with his tears. It felt like death, but then there was light, the little pathway shone before him, quietly waiting. He didn’t have to wait. Natsu didn’t have to stay. As he mourned the loss of her, he stood firm and glanced out to the many other gardens in the realm.

They needed a bridge, he decided. To visit the friends they made on the other side. Natsu would work on that next. Smiling through his tears, he walked towards the path with a spring in his step.

When he crossed the stream, birds chirped and quiet peace continued on, everything stayed as it always had, but his steps crunched in the dirt until there was none and right as he stepped off the edge-

He closed his eyes and knew nothing once more.

#FT Fanfiction #Nalu Fanfiction #Fairy Tail Fanfiction #Mira's Fanfiction #Nalu #NatsuxLucy #After Life #Implied Death #Implied Reincarnation #Implied Soul Mates #a lot of implied here

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kiliinstinct · 5 years ago

Text

Flame’s Desire: Ch 11

Rating: T Pairing: Nalu FF.Net || AO3

[Ch: 1] ||| [Prev] | [Next]

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Lucy saw the cove through the cracked stone window of her room. Grey skies, Roma and Romni she recognized bustling about one direction to the other and many others she had never seen before. Some didn’t hold the mark of the clan. Not in places she could see. The cove looked to reach around a wide stretch of a closed off bay, with salty ocean water moving along the tides and it’s scent struck her with every gust of wind. It was a beautiful sight, something new that she had never seen before. She wanted to see more, but the doors to her room had been locked tight, much like a prison. Scorch marks and ash residue stained the door served as a reminder of Natsu’s poor opinion to this change. She gave a tired grin at the sight of it. It helped to reassure her that, despite everything they learned over the last two days, he still believed in her, no matter what was said otherwise. Lucy remembered what lead to this point and the decision she made that sealed itl:

“Ya’ can’t just lock her up!” The day her fever broke had been a day full of shouting and bitter words. Lucy remembered waking to the sound of snarling as Natsu blocked the path to her cot. “So what if that Kagu - whatever his name is- said she’s dangerous! She hasn’t done a damn thing to us!”

“Natsu, there’s more to it than that,” Erza snapped from the doorway, her voice calm in comparison. It was steely and brook no grounds for argument. “We have to take into account what Laxus heard from Jose-”

Natsu’s interruption felt like an explosion of force as a burst of hot air filled the room, “I couldn’t give a damn what THAT bastard says! Since when did we ever trust that snake?!”

“That’s enough, Natsu!” Makarov shouted, silencing them both. He stood between them with arms crossed and mustache bristling. “You know as well as anyone that I wouldn’t trust that man with the life of a slug, but we can’t take any risks until we have more information.” Lucy’s eyes had opened by then, viewing Natsu before her as he attempted to block the Chief's view. Makarov’s expression did not fit one of a leader protecting his clan from danger, but of a tired man, riddled in guilt. His narrowed brows made his expression harsher than the downcast of his eyes, but they met hers with shame, “Considering her condition, Lucy won't be leaving this room for a few days, this is just a precaution.” He didn’t bring attention towards her waking up.. Instead, the elder forced his gaze to meet Natsu’s, whose entire frame had grown stiff.

“How is locking her up like some kinda criminal a precaution? Are ya losing your mind, gramps?!”

“Natsu!” Erza interjected, stepping from her position she grasped the pommel of her sword, “You will show the Master the respect he deserves or be punished by my ha-”

A flare of fire and heat surged from Natsu’s feet, drowning out the sound of Lucy’s surprise. “Just try it Erza, I don’t care that you can pummel my face into the dirt- you draw that sword and I won't hesitate to melt it!”

“Quiet! Both of you!” Makarov barked, causing them to jump as a heavy pressure emanated from the smaller man’s body. The weight pressed against Lucy like weights and her weak body struggled to breathe at the onslaught. It rippled away as fast as it struck and Makarov cleared his throat, eyes meeting hers again in apology. Makarov straightened his back, motioning his fingers for the female warrior to retreat back to the doorway.. “I’ll not have you threatening Natsu for doing what he thinks is right. He’s attached to the girl and for good reason. Even I would rather protect her in some way that didn’t involve locking her up.”

“Protect her?” The two warriors, perplexed, questioned in unison.

“ - but you said she was gonna get locked up,” Natsu wavered, his earlier tenacity simmering. He took a step back to Lucy’s bed, “what are you talkin’ about?”

Makarov rubbed his temples, lips thinned in consternation as he grumbled, “Listen here, you knucklehead. For some reason, Jose and his men are looking for the girl. We don’t know why, but it’s enough for them to risk entering our woods and feeding information to Laxus. We know he would never allow something to threaten our home. Corroborating that information is the young man in our cells, Kage. Rather than give that information up himself, he implied what Laxus knew to already be fact. Something is amiss here, and I don’t want to leave anything to chance!”

“Yes, exactly.” Erza nodded, her expression as fierce as ever.

Natsu snarled, his fury rekindled, “and how does treating Lucy like some kinda criminal, protect her?”

“Natsu, use your head for a moment, would you?” Makarov groaned. “They are trying to make us give her up without attempting to break through our defenses. Whether they’re speaking the truth or not is not the issue. They want her and have already made it clear they will attack us to get her. In her state, if they somehow managed to break in, do you think she could fight them off as she is? Until we get answers, she’s safer where we can keep an eye on her.”

The words sunk in, filling the room with a permeable silence that was suffocating. Natsu’ back was still facing Lucy, but she could imagine the expression on his face, mouth open as he struggled for words- his dark eyes glittering fiercely. Erza’s features had softened, no longer attempting to intimidate the Draconis into submission One that spoke of a quiet remorse that matched their Chief.

“I just,” Natsu swallowed, tongue swiping along his lips as he put his thoughts to vocalization, “I don’t get how that’s fair to her, that’s... That’s all.”

The tension broke, all shoulders relaxed and Makarov’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Perhaps it’s not, but she needs rest and a way to stay safe for now. I don’t intend for her to stay in these stone walls forever, you know. That’s not a life for anyone.”

“... but-”

His eyes twinkled knowingly, “Perhaps Lucy can tell us what she thinks?”

His gaze met hers once again while two heads twisted to look back, Natsu’s cheeks were flushed from emotion, eyes wide. “You’re awake? Is the fever broke? Are you better?!” Lucy blinked owlishly and wondered if Natsu realized just how loud they were being to expect her to still be sleeping. Carefully, she sat up, fingers twisting the thin blankets that covered her. “Yes and I heard everything, Natsu.”

The discussion that followed lead to a tantrum from Natsu. He never expected Lucy to agree to the terms and his agitated shouts still echoed through her mind. When the Draconis left, his heated hand slammed against the wall at his exit. Lucy could still smell the charred door frame upon examination even after the few days that passed.

Her leg throbbed where she stood, but Lucy ignored it. It wasn’t an ideal situation, but she couldn’t deny the logic. If they felt this was the best course of action, then her best option was to listen and hope for the best. How else could she prove her innocence? Truthfully, being distrusted due to some rumors being spread, struck her heart like knives, but she couldn’t blame them for being careful. They didn’t know her. Not really. Blinking back a sting of emotion, her pale fingers clenched tightly together.

“It’s not as if they are my family,” She sighed, “they can’t be expected to trust me that easy.”

Except, they did trust her. So many assured her as they passed by to deliver food, water or to provide other needs. Natsu more than most. He visited for hours at a time. As did Cana, Wendy and Mirajane. Even Gray shuffled by her window at times to check in on her. All those she had spent the end of Summer and Fall with, attempted to give her company at any moment they could spare. It was heartwarming, but not enough for the rest. Not yet.

Lucy hadn’t realized the clan would be so large, or so full of people who didn’t travel all year round. The cove was like their own village, working together just as any other, and not everyone carried a source of magic within them. Mirajane had tried to answer a few other questions during her visits, but while the knowledge had been interesting, it wasn’t the same as experience.

Watching a few waves crash against the beach, Lucy’s lip trembled and she struggled to hold back a wave of tears. “Maybe I shouldn’t have come with them, after all.”

“And what makes you think that?” A voice came from below and Lucy yelped. She jumped away and narrowly grazing her hair against the upper window frame. “Goodness, your observation skills need some work, don’t they?”

“M-Makarov-?” She asked, breathless, blood pounded in her ears and she struggled to calm her heart rate. Resisting the urge to step away further, she tilted her gaze downward for the interloper, surprised to find the Clan Chief seated calmly beneath her.

Makarov sat comfortably on the cool, dead grass, arms crossed under his fur cloak, the top of his balding head the only thing she could see from her angle. Sputtering, the Romni cleared her throat and wondered how long he’d been there. Did he do this often?

“I didn’t think anyone would sit there,” She admitted, “then again, most people don’t think to look under their windows.”

He chuckled and tilted his gaze up to grin at her, “Of course they don’t. Now then, are you going to answer my question or aren’t you?”

“Question?” She deadpanned, only just processing the words that had startled her. “Isn’t that answer a little obvious? You welcomed me to stay as long as I wanted, but look where it got me. Stuck in a small room. The view is lovely, but that doesn’t really make up for it.”

“Ah yes,” He said, pushing himself up to face her, “I knew you were putting on a brave face for the others. I wish it hadn’t come to this.” “I know.” Lucy said, eyes moving away from his. The look on his face was full of pity. She couldn’t bare to see it. “I know why you did it, I just…” She couldn’t help how she felt, the words dropping before she could finish, hanging in the air and dispersing, but the elder understood. He gripped his staff and inhaled slowly, as if mentally counting the seconds before he spoke.

“You’re a strong, girl.” He said, “Though I don’t think you realize it yet. I’ve noticed many of the others visiting you. They seem to accept you just fine, haven’t you noticed?” Lucy made no effort to respond, unwilling to state her fear of the opposite. She didn’t have a family, and this new clan couldn’t trust her. What right did she have to hope for more? Licking her lips, she looked over Makarov’s head, searching for a new subject. “Where’s Natsu?”

She missed him, strangely enough He often poked his head through the window as if he could fit right through it. (His shoulders were too too broad, but that didn’t stop him any.) The day they had locked her in, he had complained and dug his heels in, refusing to give an inch- even more so when she agreed to it. His anger at her decision was clear, but that never stopped him from visiting. However, she hadn’t seen him since the night before, and it left her anxious. Was he still upset?

“He’s on patrol today.” Makarov broke through her thoughts, full of amusement, “I’m sure the minute he returns he’ll be trying to dive through your window again, don’t worry about that.”

“Patrol?” Somehow, Lucy had never thought the need for patrolling would be necessary.

“Hmm, yes- while Erza and a few others are tracking down the men who attacked, he’s part of another group that’s keeping watch over all entrances. He’ll be back once off rotation.”

It was then that Lucy remembered Natsu was one of the many warriors and hunters in the clan. She’d become so used to having him near, watching out for her, that the day they had met was almost a distant memory. The revelation left an empty feeling inside. Not a day went by that she didn’t recall the days and nights with the slavers, but the singular night that lead to her escape had somehow become a blurred vision. Had she grown so used to the clan? Had her guard been lowered?

“Now, I did have a reason for my visit,” Makarov pulled her from her reverie once again and she flushed at being caught distracted twice. His mustache twitched in amusement, but his eyes were narrowed: serious. “Do you recall what I told you when you first awoke from your fever?”

Her eyes lit up, “Yes?” After accepting his order to be shut in, Lucy had asked about the man they’d captured. In her state, she missed far too many things. Who was Jose? And what were they told to make them distrust her so? When she asked, Natsu and Erza had stiffened, their expressions cloudy. Makarov was undeterred and shook his head. “I’d rather not reopen old wounds by repeating them to you. Just know it has raised many concerns that need looking into if we’re to keep you here.”

It wasn’t the answer she wanted, but at his order, no one would tell her otherwise and she knew it. Looking upon the Chief now, she hoped he was ready to give her the answers she requested. No, the answers she needed and deserved to know. “I’m still not telling you what was said.” She deflated instantly, but he raised a hand to interrupt an outburst. “Lucy, I need you to trust me. I know it’s hard to feel as if we’re on the same side, but I assure you that all my decisions have been made in your interest, not just my own. What was mentioned spoke of the deaths of your family, and I won’t force you to relive that telling again.”

She bit her lip enough to draw blood and winced, her own brows knit together as she shook in silent fury. “I’m sorry, Makarov, but I have WANTED to trust you since I was saved. I’ve wanted to heal and to feel safe and, and- “ to find a new home! She couldn’t finish the words as a strangled sob burst through her. Lucy’s knuckles hurt from her as she slammed the flat of her fists against the stone, “h-how do you expect me to do that when you wont even tell me what I’m being locked up for?”

He let her talk, calmly watching as she shook and poured forth her frustration and feelings of helplessness, but when she fell silent- his gaze no longer held the pity it once had. “You were accused of something dreadful, and I won’t lay that burden on you.” She opened her mouth to speak, but his voice turned harsh, “Lucy! I need you to be quiet and listen!”

Her mouth ran dry, eyes wide while emotions boiled over into more tears that clouded her vision. “What is it?”

“I don’t believe what that man told Laxus is true. I refuse to believe it!” The passion in his words surprised her, belied everything said before, it filled her with jarring confusion. “That being said, I still have to make absolute certain that my own intuition is correct. I have to ask this of you, Lucy. One more time, please tell me that you gave me and Natsu the full truth about the attack on your Clan.. Tell me you gave every. last. detail.”

Lucy froze. So that was it. Whatever this Jose had said, whatever this Kage intended when he attacked, it all had made her sound as if she had something to hide. Air left her as her lungs constricted, refusing to breathe and her eyes stung with tears she couldn’t contain. Swallowing thickly, her mind ran through her previous account: the route they had traveled, the sudden attack, the wagon that covered her… surviving, listless and alone, traveling like a wilting corpse until …

The men that caught her, outside of a town, as if they had known exactly where to find her. Had she lied? Emotions and memory flurried together in her heart and mind; they whispered and circled, giving visions of memories she had forgotten or dreamt of nightly. Had she hidden some terrible truth? Did Makarov know something she didn't about her own family?

Lucy met his gaze, her voice cold and gaze blazing. Lucy answered with every emotion she could feel boiling beneath her skin, throbbing in her knee, “I told you everything I know.”

That was the truth and she prayed he would feel her earnest emotions and know them for what they were. He grew silent as the wind grew in force, rustling empty branches and dying leaves across the turf as sand from the beach scattered against the stone wall. His gaze searched hers, as if burrowing into her eyes to pick apart her brain, but the Romni refused to turn her eyes away.

The tension faded, melting into a sigh of relief and a small smile crinkled the corners of his eyes, “That’s all I needed, Lucy. Thank you.”

She didn’t know what string had pulled taut inside her, but it snapped- releasing the tension in her body as the last ounce of energy inside her faded. Limbs felt boneless and her knee panged like an electric shock. Lucy mustered what strength she had in her to hold herself up and looked towards the village beyond. She felt as if she’d been put through her paces and took a deep breath to fill her shuddering lungs.

“I don’t know what I did to ease your mind,” She said, “but you’re welcome, I suppose.”

“Never you mind that,” he replied, reclasping his cloak as he turned from her, “Your eyes told me all I needed. I’m sorry I had to put you through that. Now rest up, please. “

She didn’t move as he left, a lightness to his steps she hadn’t noticed until then. Lucy pursed her lips, her heart still raw from their discussion. She refused to rest, not until he had left her sight, but Makarov didn’t remain alone for long. Joining him at a nearby corner was a tall blond man she had yet to meet. He spoke with the chief before narrowed eyes looked her way. Lucy felt rather than heard the threat that came from his stare.

He didn’t trust her and wouldn’t hesitate to strike her down if he had to; that she knew. Though the expression on his face was difficult to distinguish from a distance, she knew the intense feel of it. It was the same look she had given the slaver’s when captured. A look she never expected to have aimed at herself.

“That… must be Laxus,” She surmised, exhaustion forced her to finally drift from the window to fall against the ragged cot that was her bed, “It almost felt like an angry bear was staring me down.”

Lucy laughed, her voice empty, and closed her eyes. She wouldn’t sleep, not now. Lucy felt she had slept long enough in recent days and the Romni refused to succumb to further daytime napping. She would rest her body and wait to rise again. Maybe her next visitor would give her a reason to smile and hope, rather than jump through emotional hoops.

Her breathing began to even out, but the wind and sounds of others rushing by her window, echoed in and out of her ears, keeping her aware. With each intake of oxygen, her limbs grew heavier- the release of all tension in her body relieved Lucy and allowed the last vestiges of tears to fall, stain her cheeks and dampen her pillow. Only a few, and her crying stopped after a few stricken gasps.

She didn’t want to think anymore, only listen.

… forgive us….

What?

We didn’t mean to hurt you.

She couldn’t open her eyes, but the voices whispered in her mind as if beside her, it caused goosebumps to travel up her arm. ‘Who are you?’ Lucy froze, realizing that while her mouth moved- she couldn’t hear herself. Muted, quiet, no voice to echo along the walls of her room.

‘What’s going on?’

Don’t you remember us, yet?

We wanted to help.

It’s our fault… please… please…

‘Wait, I can’t-’ Lucy struggled for the words to come, but the barrage of voices continued echoing through her skull. Memories of Natsu rushing off to fight without her flooded her senses, the sudden ability to see his every move, the aches in her head the…

The voices…

Forgive us!

The sudden paralysis broke and Lucy shot up from her bed to shout furiously. “Tell me who you are already!”

Lucy’s words echoed off the stone walls with brilliant vibrations and her chest heaved from the exertion. The voices scattered, dispersing as quickly as they came and a strange pressure in her skull released. Lucy blinked the vestiges of sleep from her eyes and gasped. Why was this happening so much?

“Last I checked I was the same as I always was. Do I sound different to you or something?” As if the world was set to continue throwing surprise visitors at her, Natsu’s familiar voice struck Lucy like cannon fire and in her sudden fright, she slipped from the cot with a loud thud.

“Ow! - W-when did you get here?!” She whined as her fingers searched for the nearby cane to pull herself up.

“Just now.” He said, beaming from the window as he watched, but the smile was forced. “You doing all right? That didn’t hurt you did it?”

“I’m fine!” She shouted, teeth ground together as she managed to stand, “Just perfect!” Rubbing her stiff knee, Lucy gripped her cane tighty. Makarov sounded as if he would be gone for most of the day, what brought Natsu back so soon? She was about to ask, but froze mid-sentence when she realized the sun was well-beyond the horizon behind Natsu’s head.

“-But, I wasn’t sleeping, how did-” She stammered, looking back from her cot and towards the window again. Was all that just a dream? The Draconis at her window watched her with a deep interest, nose scrunched as she looked between them. His lips pulled back under his teeth as he examined her from the distance.

“And you’re sure you didn’t hit your head?” He asked quizzically, one pink brow lifting into his fringe. “Cause you’re sounding a little strange right now, Lucy.”

“I said I was fine, Natsu,” She snapped as she trudged back towards the window. His hair was a mess, much like the time she’d picked leaves from it. His outfit had changed as well. No longer clothed in just a vest and pants- a loose shirt was worn beneath. She ignored the appreciative voice in her head that enjoyed the view of its open neck. Clearing her throat, she tore her eyes away and sighed, “Sorry, you didn’t deserve that.”

Natsu used his forearms to hold himself up pushing partially through the window with feet splayed out behind him. Not for the first time, it looked as if he would attempt to crawl through. Instead, he hung in the air, head closer to hers while his frown deepened. “Nah, I probably do.”

“Natsu?”

His eyes were solemn, a dark brooding simmered in the depths of them. The past few days were full of the Draconis bouncing between anger and energized movement; Each time he came, he either threatened to break down her doors and pull her free or bring her new items from the village to look at. She saw nothing on his person today, but the dirt and scuff marks on his clothing told a clear story. He’d run straight to her from his patrol. Lucy felt a lightness in her chest at the realization, but ignored it too. He was too close, even if he was barely through the opening.

“I couldn’t convince them to let ya’ out,” His rumbling complaint turned to a low growl, full of frustration, “And instead of bustin’ the doors down like I should be doin’, I’m just letting them keep ya here.”

“It makes me sick!” Lucy flinched at his fervor, it dripped in bitter toxicity and spewed from his mouth like hissing fire. His gaze darkened as he shifted back to his feet and he ground his teeth together, sucking in air to calm himself.

Lucy hated seeing him like this, closing in the distance to reach out. He froze at her touch, her hand cupping his cheek and lightly rubbing his skin and unseen stubble.His focus turned back to her with wide and blinking eyes. She knew he’d been against Makarov’s decision from the start, but she never realized just how much he placed the blame on himself for it. “No, you’re not. I agreed to it, remember?”

His dark gaze melded with her own, the simple effect of her hand against him made his shoulders relax and the Roma relaxed further, tilting his head to nudge into her palm before moving away. He reached out and flicked her on the nose. “Ya shouldn’t have, that’s my whole point!”

“H-hey!” She recoiled instantly, but avenged herself seconds after by pinching his nose with enough force to make his eyes cross. “Don’t be rude! I only agreed to it because I know it’s not going to be forever! You’d know that too if you had any faith in me!”

“Oi! I do have faith, why else would I think you shouldn’t be stuck in here?!”

“I don’t know, maybe because you don’t think everything through?”

“Now you’re just being mean, Lucy!”

“No, I’m being practical! You should try it sometime!”

Breathing mingled together as they continued their back and forth. It was a tug-o-war match over who could make the other retreat from the window first, but neither did. A few more well-placed barbs and the two fell silent, glowering at each other in mock offense. A cricket chirped, interrupting the moment and their downturned expressions lifted to a fit of giggles instead. They leaned against the sil, laughing and gasping for air as they wiped their watery eyes.

“I needed that.” Lucy admitted, her quiet chortles became muffled behind her hand and Natsu’s fanged grin grew wide as he agreed. But he fell silent faster than her, his expression pensieve. The silent consideration sobered her and she stared in confusion. What was it now?

“You know what?” He asked, leaning further into her personal space, eyes gleamed with a sudden, mischievous light, “I think you need a better view. What do you say?”

Lucy blinked, casting her eyes to the frame of the window and around the landscape between them. All things considered, her view was fairly decent, if not limited, “And how am I supposed to get that?” She asked, her arms crossed. “Are you going to make me a new window?”

“Nope!” He exclaimed, pointing pass her towards a stool in the corner, “Bring that over and stand on it.”

Not understanding his intentions, but seeing no reason to disagree, Lucy hobbled to do as requested. The stool was lighter than it looked, and wobbled when she placed her foot upon it. After a few adjustments, she managed to stand, balancing on the seat while it boosted her an extra foot: the view was extraordinary.

“I never thought I’d see a wall this close up.” She said dryly.

Natsu snickered, “Don’t be weird and bend down through the window. It’s too narrow for me, but your shoulders should fit through just fine!”

His plan finally dawned on her, “Wait, are you wanting me to sneak out?” What other reason could he have? Curiosity urged her to follow his instructions, feeling just a graze of the stone frame brush across her shoulders. Natsu was right, she could fit through, but the stool wobbled and her balance faltered. “N-Natsu this is- I shouldn’t be doing this!”

He used a steady hand to hold her by the shoulders. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you get back in again,. Just trust me, will you?” With guided movements, he pulled her through, clicking his tongue as she wriggled through the opening. The pain of her knee was a dull throb in response to the movement, but to Lucy’s surprise, Natsu’s grip did not falter and he swung her gently down to place her on solid ground without fuss.

She smelled the woods on him as her fingers searched for purchase in the hem of his vest to hold herself. “If I can’t get back in later, I’m blaming you. What are you planning?”

“Keh, I’ll take the blame no problem!” Natsu’s chest puffed and he turned to look towards the starlit beach. “Not everyone sleeps early, but you still haven’t got much of a tour yet have you? Let’s change that.”

A part of her knew that it was better to have him help her crawl right back into her locked room. To be patient and wait for Makarov to release her, but soft whispers, familiar and unheard, spoke into her mind and urged her to listen. Grasping his hand - her cane forgotten in the confines of her room- Lucy smiled.

The stars were bright. It felt like their own brilliant glitter agreed with the voice inside her.

“I’d like that.”

Natsu’s only response was to smile so brightly, it was like the sun was still shining.

#FT Fanfiction #Nalu Fanfiction #Fairy Tail Fanfiction #Mira's Fanfiction #Nalu #NatsuxLucy #Natsu #Lucy #Flame's Desire #Chapter 11 #Fairy Tail #FT #Multi-Chapter #Fanfiction

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