#unless your lucy heartfilia of course

[zuzu-fairys-tail]

@shiiro-arts I FINALLY DREW HIM IN THAT DAMN MINISKIRT MUAHAHA

terribly rushed because some rando named Henry fischel just had to create exams

also i kept thinking i kept thinking that i was drawing lucy cuz of the clothes and the reference i was using was of a girl so his proportions are kinda girly...

[akisunlovesnalu]

When the World Revolves Around You <3

By the time the calendar hits day 31, he’ll know her like the back of his hand. (Or: Lucy is extremely popular and widely known throughout all of Fiore thanks to her father. So why the hell doesn't this pink haired jerk have a clue about who she is?)

Chapter 5:

Lucy walks into classroom 777 completely prepared for the day ahead of her. She immediately has Natsu in her sights, his discernable pink hair shining in the glare of the open window beside him. Of course he was right next to Gray Fullbuster, the two of them butting heads over some stupid reason or another.

Lucy took a deep breath, stealing herself while gripping the strap of her school bag. “Levy.” She said darkly, a serious look in her eyes. “Wish me luck.”

Levy took a deep inhale as well, if only to prepare herself for whatever weird antics her best friend was getting ready to subject Natsu to. She held her hand up to her forehead in a salute, taking on a serious expression of her own.

“Godspeed, Heartfilia.”

Lucy nodded sharply, her target in sight, and her legs stiffly making their way over. After their conversation yesterday, the girl had decided that her plans with Natsu were too convoluted and that in order to succeed, she’d have to go the simpler route.

This plan was named: ‘I ask you and you ask me and eventually I’ll answer so many questions about myself that you will be forced to get to know me whether you like it or not’.

The name needed work. 

Levy had suggested naming it 20 questions but Lucy didn’t know what that was and honestly, it sounded boring.

She was too busy mulling over which conversation starter she would use to catch his attention today to notice when his eyes drifted over to her… That is until he raised a hand in greeting and a grin settled on his once irritated face.

The girl froze in her tracks, a lump forming in her throat at the sight.

“Hiya, Luce!” He animatedly waved her over.

Her breathing stuttered and an image of him sitting in the nurse's office, a kind smile on his face as the wind blew his hair away quickly came to mind. Luce? Were they already close enough to have nicknames for one another? Why weren't her feet moving? She had to get it together!

“Um-”

“Gray, my love!” A girl Lucy remembered to be Juvia barreled through their conversation, her light blue locks elegantly trailing behind her. She unsuccessfully tried to leap into Gray's arms, almost knocking Lucy over in the process.

“Mornin’ Juvia...” He mumbled, darting out of the way.

Juvia stumbled into a standing position, unfazed. A loving grin was plastered on her face. “Oh it is a wonderful morning now that Juvia has seen your face…”

Natsu didn’t allow this to distract him though, once again finding the blond girl's eyes and tilting his head. “You doing okay, Luce? Your face is lookin’ pretty red…”

“O-oh!” She slapped her hands against her steadily warming face, gritting her teeth at the amused snickers behind her. She shot Levy a glare and the girl quickly turned away, whistling to herself unsuspectingly.

“I’m okay…” She took a deep inhale, putting on her best smile. “Good morning, Natsu.” she beamed.

He slowly blinked back at her. “Yeah…”

While Juvia rambled on about her morning, Gray’s attention shifted to Natsu, his brows furrowed. His eyes flickered to Lucy and then back to his friend suspiciously.

“Cut it out.” Natsu hissed, shoving the dark haired boy aside. “I can feel ya breathing down my neck!”

“You cut it out!” Gray pried the other boy's hand away from his face. “You’re acting weird and it’s freaking me out!”

“Yeah well, your face is hideous and it’s grossing me out!”

“Yeah? Well-”

Lucy huffed in frustration while the two’s argument escalated. It seemed no matter how hard she tried and no matter how much she wished for it, it was impossible to catch a moment alone with Natsu. That was a fact that had been brought to her attention yesterday, and a fact that will remain infuriatingly true. 

Unless she could get Gray out of the picture…

The girl felt her eye twitch as Gray ascended on Natsu, threateningly taking a fist full of the boy’s shirt. 

Seriously you’d think they were a couple with how much time a day they spend together. The only moment Lucy managed to catch Natsu alone yesterday was because a teacher had forcefully separated him and his rival. Every other minute of the school day they were inseparable! Sure all they did was argue and bicker. And yes, occasionally a friend or two (or Juvia) would tag along- but the statement still stands. Those two were connected at the hip.

Were they enemies, or were they lovers? Anything remotely close to lovers would prove to be a roadblock in Lucy’s plans.

While too busy in thought, the blond failed to realize the death stare she had been receiving for the last few minutes. That is until a hand gripped her shoulder, nails digging dangerously into the fabric of her uniform.

“Enough is enough, Lucy Heartfilia!”

The girl whipped her head around and came face to face with a fuming Juvia.

“What?” She blinked cluelessly.

Juvia huffed in annoyance and shook her head. “Juvia does not care who Lucy’s father is, or how popular she may be! Lucy has no right!”

Oh, so even Juvia knew who she was without having to ask! That was a relief. The whole situation with Natsu had Lucy doubting her influence; but this only reassured her that her reputation was fine, and that Natsu was as rude and insensible as she originally assumed!

Watching the way Lucy’s face lit up as she spoke, Juvia narrowed her eyes further. “Juvia will not stand by while another woman attempts to steal her precious Gray.” The girl grit her teeth and reached into her bag for something that Lucy was not sticking around to find out.

She quickly threw her hands up defensively and attempted to convey the sincerity on her face. “Juvia, I'm not after Gray!”

“Do not lie, Lucy!” The blue haired girl hissed. Actually hissed like some sort of wild beast and Lucy found it was in her best interest to back away . 

“Juvia saw you yesterday!” The girl continued, jabbing a finger into Lucy’s chest and roughly shoving her up against a desk. “You couldn’t keep your eyes off of him! Juvia thought nothing of it because Lucy was new but today it’s the same! Well, sorry to break it to you but Lucy cannot have him. Gray belongs to-”

“Juvia please!” Lucy desperately grabbed her wrist. Her plan was failing horribly and though they were friends now, she couldn't help but blame it all on Natsu. Had he not smiled at her like.. Like that! Had he just called her Lucy instead of that stupid nickname, she would not be in this mess!

Lucy gently lifted Juvia’s hand, squeezing it to better get her point across. “It wasn’t Gray I was staring at! It was…”

Suddenly losing all of her confidence, the Heartfilia heir turned her face away, once again ignoring the heat rising to her cheeks. That was happening way too often for her liking. There had to be something wrong with her.

When her eyes focused she was staring at a mess of papers and books scattered on the floor. Gray had leapt on top of Natsu and was doing his best to grab at the other boy's tangle of pink hair.

“I was s-staring at…”

Again, Lucy wondered why words were failing her. Never, not once in her life had she been left so tongue tied. It was downright embarrassing! Her father would have her head if he knew just how much of a babbling fool his daughter had become after one day of public school!

By now, Natsu had gained the upper hand. He was busy childishly shoving his hand against his rival's face, kicking his feet around and shouting meaningless insults. The boy smiled a little as he fought and Lucy figured her current predicament had something to do with him…

“I was staring at Natsu…”

“Oh!” Juvia used her other hand to cover her mouth, a wide dazed expression on her face. Her own cheeks had turned a pretty pink color and her eyes sparkled with a new found understanding.

“Juvia understands now.” The girl pulled her hand out of Lucy’s grasp and bowed apologetically. “Please accept my sincerest apologies.”

Lucy felt herself physically deflate in relief. Happy that she was no longer on Juvia’s hit-list and even more thankful she didn’t have to figure out what was in her bag…

Juvia relaxed, folding her hands behind her back, and tilting her head curiously. “So, Lucy is looking to catch Natsu’s eye, correct?”

“Yes!” Lucy beamed. Juvia really did understand her situation. It was only a matter of time before Natsu was on his knees begging for forgiveness and embarrassed by his ignorance! A creepy smile crept onto the girl's lips as she imagined the scenario and Juvia took a cautious step backwards.

“W-well Juvia is looking to catch Gray’s eye.” She cleared her throat, narrowing a concentrated eye at Lucy. “We have no choice but to work together.”

Lucy blinked in shock and considered her options. The options varied from “act stupid in class and make him your tutor" to “Bewitch his family and worm your way into his weekly family dinners.”

…That last one wasn’t a horrible idea-

“Lucy?”

Right. Her only option was working with Juvia to separate Gray and Natsu long enough for her to sweep in and force him to realize his mistake and make up for it!

Lucy nodded to herself. Yes, this was definitely the only course of action.

“Alright Juvia.” She looked up, a dangerously greedy gleam in her eyes. “Let’s work together.”

Juvia met her eye with a gleam of her own, chuckling darkly to herself. “Yes. Lets.”

Only a few chairs away from the scheming girls was a petrified Levy, a hand doing its best to cover her wide gaping mouth. Her eyes felt like they would pop out of her head as she watched her best friend and Juvia high-five. She could swear she felt a shift in the air as soon as their palms touched. And it seems like she wasn’t the only one.

From the floor, both Natsu and Gray abruptly froze mid-punch, faces paling in unison.

“Did…” Natsu squeaked. “Did you feel that too?”

Gray, all too familiar with the feeling stiffly nodded, mentally preparing for a week of utter chaos.

CH 1 - CH 2 - CH 3 - Ch 4 - CH 5 -

Also posted on AO3 and Fanfiction.net!

[petri808]

Quarantine memories fic hoarding craze for @thenaluarchive

— thank you to @phoenix-before-the-flame for helping jump start this fic 💜

It was Natsu Dragneel’s absolute favorite time of the day. 1 pm for him, and 8 am for Lucy, his… well, right now they were just online friends separated by distance and priorities. But judging by how he talked about her to friends, you’d never know it. They’d met three years ago on Twitch through a random chat stream about an anime series, and he continued following Lucy on her writing streams. Three years ago, she was a sophomore in college while he was in his senior year. Lucy later moved on to a graduate program, but they stayed in touch, growing close. To Natsu, she wasn’t just some girl online but a real friend he cared very much about. His friends called Lucy his online girlfriend. Pfft. He wished he could call her that.

Roughly two thousand miles away, Lucy Heartfilia was hating life. Her curtains were drawn, and a blanket was pulled over her head to drown out the light. The air conditioner was down to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, working against the low-grade fever and pounding migraine born yesterday. Migraines… the bane of her otherwise healthy existence. It was her fault after all, the temptation of a chocolate dessert knowing full well it was one of her triggers brought on said migraine and all she could do was bear it.

Why?

“Stupid hoarders!” Lucy groaned to herself.

As if dealing with a pandemic wasn’t bad enough, people’s selfish reactions to it were worse. A government agency had claimed that acetaminophen products could help with the virus’s symptoms, so what did people do? Panic buying anything and everything they could find containing that drug! The problem for people like Lucy, is the one over the counter medication that helped with her migraines was Excedrine… an acetaminophen product! And she’d just. run. out.

Lucy’s phone rang and she knew exactly who it could be based on the time. So, she clicked the answer button without opening her eyes.

“Hey, Natsu,” she groaned out.

“Morning Lucy! Oh geez, you sound like a frog.”

“Thanks,” she retorted sarcastically. “I’ve got a migraine.”

“Ouch.” Natsu genuinely flinched. He rarely got headaches, but this wasn’t the first time he’d talked to Lucy when she was going through one, so he knew what she was going through. “The meds aren’t helping?”

Lucy sighed. “I ran out. And did you see the news about all the hoarding? Every store here is bought out. It… sucks.”

“I could check around here and send you any I find,” he offered.

“Aww, that’s sweet of you Natsu, but I don’t wanna trouble you.”

“Pfft. Nonsense. I’m sure you’d do the same for me.”

“Thanks, Natsu. I appreciate it.” Lucy smiled through the pain. There’s a good reason her feelings for the man had grown over the years. His sweet and caring, yet fun and goofy, positive personality was an easy drug to get hooked to.

“Anyway, I gotta get back to work.” Natsu whined. “Good morning again, stay hydrated, and I’ll check on you again when I’m finished for the day, okay Lucy? Get some rest.”

“Have a good day at work Natsu.”

“Will now, after hearing your voice. Talk to you later Luce.”

She giggled softly. “Bye, Natsu.”

Lucy shifted under her blanket as she clicked off the phone to lie on her back. His sexy voice did wonders for her mood despite the pain still ravaging it. Now all she had to do was drag herself out of bed to eat something and drink water. She never had an appetite when she got these migraines, but it was a necessary fuel to fight it. All Lucy had left were extra strength Tylenol, so she could only hope it would at least take the edge off until the migraine ran its course.

Like so many others, this pandemic had really taken a toll on Lucy’s psyche. It’s not as if she went out a lot before it took hold, but just the fact it made going out dangerous brought different emotions to the situation. School had moved online which sucked all its own, she missed casually hanging out with friends on campus, and simply longed for the freedom of leaving her apartment as she pleased. But she understood the precautions of a quarantine. Frankly, she agreed with the city’s efforts to keep them as safe as possible no matter how many grumbled about it. Did it make it easier? No. But it was a necessary evil.

They weren’t completely trapped, could shop for necessities, visit family or friends, just encouraged to limit such gatherings as a safety precaution. If you went out, wear a mask, and just don’t stand too close to other people. Well, unless Lucy knew the person, why would she want strangers in her personal bubble anyway? And the mask thing? Have you ever been out shopping, and someone just sneezes without covering their mouth? Yeah— seriously, would it kill people to use one?! Why were people so selfish during times like this? Not everyone, but too many. Just like with all the hoarding frenzies that swept through cities, it was frustrating and— “Ugh…” being in a pain-driven bad mood was sure bringing her down today.

But despite all the external frustrations, the feelings of isolation from being in a quarantine for months were probably the most mentally exhausting part. It was lonely being so far away from home during a pandemic. Lucy’s been in college for five years and while she’s made friends in the new city, she was starting to crave comfort instead of an empty apartment. Her life online was one of the few things that made her happy, like Natsu’s daily calls, and kept her sane.

Natsu… her face heated up every time she thought about the man. They didn’t have a lot of hobbies in common, but he was always so supportive and made her laugh like no other could. Where they lacked in commonality, was made up in ease of conversation. It hadn’t taken very long for their online chats to feel more like an old friend and less like a faceless stranger. Over the years they’d talked about meeting in person one day after she finished school. It also helped that he was from a city not too far from where she came from, so if she chose to move back it would be convenient. But she also loved the new city she called home. Oh well, Lucy sighed. It was a decision still a couple of years away to make.

The next morning, Lucy woke up to find her migraine had finally given up. She could still feel the little bastard hiding, simmering somewhere ready to strike, but if it stayed mellow, it was something she could tolerate. Throughout the day, Lucy wasted no time in catching up on the homework she couldn’t finish the day before and making sure to stay hydrated with food in her stomach.

Lucy’s phone rang around 2pm.

“Hi Natsu, how was work?”

“Same ole, same ole,” he chuckled. “And how are you? Still feeling, okay?”

“Yeah, it hasn’t come back.”

“That’s great!”

Lucy could hear a lot of background noise, so she asked about it. “Oh, you’re not home yet?”

“Nah, and the commuters are being extra noisy today,” he responded benignly. “Anyway, tonight I won’t have time to talk cause I got a project due for work I need to finish.”

“Oh, that’s okay. Yeah, I’m still catching up from yesterday too and Levy’s dropping by for dinner.”

They chat for a few minutes about their day as Natsu waited for transportation. Lucy knew he used the subway to and from work, but today it sounded a little different, noisier and she swore there were engines instead of the normal train sounds. Maybe it was static. Finally, Lucy caught the muffled words now boarding.

“Shucks, time for me to go,” Natsu cut through. “Sweet dreams Lucy! I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Good night, Natsu!”

Lucy spent the afternoon relaxing online, chatting with friends and gaming. Her friend Levy McGarden later dropped by with take-out food for dinner and the two women caught up on random topics while movies droned on the television. They were both in grad school, so during the semester there wasn’t a lot of time to hang out, but they made do. Lucy was also doing a paid internship at a local magazine 4 days out of the week as part of her master’s program. She really enjoyed working there under one of the senior editors. He made it a fun learning experience.

Life was almost perfect except for the background isolation of the pandemic. Lucy was glad she wasn’t one of the individuals affected by jobs cuts, but it still got under her skin to feel trapped in a way. It was nice with her friend over... ‘Maybe I should see if Levy wants to become roommates?’ She wondered as she drifted off to sleep. The apartment would sure feel a lot less empty.

A knock at the door roused Lucy from her sleep. She blinked and yawned, looking at the alarm clock and that said 9 am the next morning. ‘Natsu didn’t call,’ she thought how odd. Maybe he slept in after working late.

Lucy dragged herself out of bed, throwing on a robe to answer the front door. “Gimme a sec,” she called out as she neared it.

“UPS delivery, ma’am.” The male voice responded.

‘UPS?’ Lucy grew confused. She didn’t remember ordering anything through them, but maybe she’d forgotten?

She peaked out of the peep hole, but all she could see was the box being held up. Okay a little weird, but some of the delivery people did that to show they were legitimate service people. Lucy slowly opened the door but kept the chain lock on while peering through the gap. But what she saw next brought on instant tears.

“H-How?” Her voice stammered out as her fingers quickly undid the lock and opened the door wide.

There Natsu stood holding a small brown box, dressed in a uniform of sorts, with a mask hanging under his chin, and wearing a goofy grin.

Lucy snorted a laugh as her eyes crinkled in happiness. “Is that a Halloween costume?”

“Yeah,” his smile widened, and hand scratched his head. “Surprise delivery,” Natsu held out the box, “for Lucy Heartfilia.”

“What is it?” She asked as she took it from him.

“Oh, I um found you Excedrine.”

Lucy opened the box to find 4 bottles. “You certainly did,” she laughed. “But why’d you bring it yourself?”

“It was quicker than the mail and… I hoped…” Natsu’s mannerism grew sheepish and tentative, “it was about time we finally met in person?”

Her face softened with a smile. “It truly is.” Lucy gestured into the apartment. “Please, make yourself at home.”

[gruviafan-forever]

A/N: Hello everyone, Happy Gruvia Week to you. I didn't expect that I would be writing contents for this year's event too. But I'm really happy to be writing stories about my favourite anime couples.

   Hopefully, everyone likes it. This year the prompts were very similar to previous years. It had me in fix how to write content without making it a repetitive fashion.

   Finally got an idea and tried to merge all those 7 prompts into a storyline. Hopefully, it convinces you all.

   Thank you for reading and spending your time here.

----------------------------------------------

Main Pairing: GRUVIA

Summary:- Celebrity Gray x General Public Juvia, Modern AU

Words:- 2K

Currently, Fairy Tail Agency has arranged for a press meet to officially declare the facts of the new movie in which two of their most famous actors are going to be a part.

Gray Fullbuster, 25 years, tv artist turned actor and Lucy Heartfilia, 24 years, model turned actress, has signed up for this movie which is under the production of Straussl Inc.

As the reporters who out various questions regarding the details of this upcoming venture and some related to their personal life.

"So, Mr Fullbuster, tell us about how you feel knowing that you have been nominated for 3 categories of awards this year?" 

One of the reporters asked and was ready to note Gray's response.

"I'm sure that I will receive the awards for best actor and handsome face. Also, my last movie 'Icy Days' has been nominated for the best movie of the year. But not sure about the 'Gem of the decade' award." 

Gray confidently answered and smiled which made the female reporters squeal.

Lucy interrupted, "Not to ruin Gray's fantasy but my movie 'Starry Night At Stella' was a blockbuster hit. Myself and my co-actor Natsu Dragneel were praised by critics for our performance. So, Gray, don't forget that even we are on the race too." Lucy smiled which made everyone chuckle after hearing her opinions.

"Sure Lucy... All the best to you and Natsu" Gray told and looked at his manager, Erza Scarlet, who also happens to be Natsu's manager, to know when this press meet is going to end.

"Another 10 minutes" Erza gestured by hand signals. 

Suddenly, one of the reporters from Magnolia Times shot down a question that took Gray off guard.

"Recently, there was a photo of Mr Fullbuster with a child in his arms. Who does that child happen to be? And is it true that you are having an illicit affair with someone, Mr Fullbuster?" That reporter smirked. 

Gray remained indifferent and calmly answered him while his team members and staff panicked.

"Everyone in Fiore knows that it was a piece of fake news. In today's era of modern technology, it is easy to photoshop one's picture with anything and anyone, Mr Invel.

    Even my agency owner, Mr Makarov Dreyer and my manager, Ms Scarlet have clarified about it. So, don't go digging the old hoax rumours." 

Gray stood up and thanked everyone for their time and presence before dashing off to the exit where Lucy followed him back.

It was Erza and the production team who bid a farewell to the reporters before joining the actors in their cabin.

Once Erza reached Gray's cabin, she saw him tossing his coat and tie around the room while Lucy stood silently.

"Gray, I think you should disclose your relationship before it gets exposed in a bad way," Erza said calmly and patted his back.

"That's what I was thinking, Erza. I can't continue to hide this big news about my life for a long time from my fans. I will reveal this during the awards function." Gray looked determined and hoped that his fans would take it on a positive note.

"They will surely accept your relationship status just like how they received mine and Natsu's." Lucy encouraged him and patted his arms which seemed to make him calm down.

"Gray, tomorrow you have your day off then, on Wednesday, we will be going to Phoenix Mall for a fan meet up event where other actors of our agency will join us." Erza informed him and handed the invitation.

From the invitation, it was clear that this mall was quite near to his apartment complex. Moreover, it was arranged by Mr Makarov himself so there was no way of turning it down.

"Fine, I will get ready for this. Just send the car near the children's park no need to come in front of the complex." He informed Erza and thanked them both for their words of motive before he left them.

After half an hour, Gray reached the children's park and put on his disguise, cooling glass, mask and a cap to conceal his identity while he was dressed up in a simple t-shirt and jeans.

"Max, tomorrow's your day off. Pick me up here at 9 am on Wednesday. Bye."

"Yes, Mr Fullbuster. Bye, and Good night" The driver left him while Gray made his way towards his home.

The apartment complex in which he lived was one of the expensive housing in Magnolia. The higher the floor level, the higher is the cost and the higher is the security.

Till the 11th floor, the general public who did high order jobs lived while the next 10 floors were occupied by celebrities of various fields.

One of the perks of this housing agency was that their identity remains secret, not even their neighbours know about them until and unless the involved party discloses it.

Once Gray reached the 17th floor, which had two apartments where one was still vacant.

As he hit the doorbell of his apartment, Gray could hear voices coming from inside which brought a smile on his face.

The door opened and his eyes met the gorgeous lady who welcomed him with a beautiful smile that captivated him.

"Welcome home, Gray-sama"

"I'm home, Juvia," Gray said and got inside.

Soon, he removed the disguise and leaned forward to kiss her lips which she reciprocated back.

Once they broke off the kiss, Juvia hugged him and whispered, "I missed you, Gray-sama."

"Even, I missed you, Juvia. It's been a week since I last saw you and…." Before he could finish, both of them felt someone hugging their legs.

And it was none their 3-year-old daughter, Yuki Fullbuster, who resembled her mother but had father's hair and eye colour and his sharp nose.

"Papa"

Seeing his daughter's smile was enough for him to get distracted from his wife, then, have his undivided attention on his little munchkin.

Gray raised Yuki in his arms and kissed her cheeks and forehead who did the same to her papa.

"Yuki missed you, papa."

"Even, papa missed you, darling. Were you a good girl during papa's absence?" Gray asked her as they moved towards the living room.

Gray let her down who ran up to a table and tried to fetch her drawing notebook.

Juvia made her husband sit down and inquired him about his work as he looked tired and kinda depressed.

Gray convinced her everything was fine and told her about the press meet excluding the details of the rumours.

#

It had been 4 years since Gray started his acting career starting as an ad shoot model to tv artists then to movie star.

Gray, Natsu and Erza were childhood friends who did their schooling from the same institution till college.

It was during the 3rd year, Gray and Natsu got scouted to act as models for a tv commercial which they accepted readily as of then they needed some kind of part-time jobs to meet their ends.

Even, Erza thought that it was a good opportunity for them to succeed as the agency, Fairy Tail, was well known throughout Fiore and persuaded them to take up the offer.

Once, their commercials began to reach people mainly because of their handsome features and physique especially Gray got popular among the female fans.

It was during this time that Gray and Natsu had to move out of the college dorm so that they could work freely without time restrictions.

That's when Gray meets Juvia for the first time in his life. She was his neighbour whom he thought lived her boyfriend but it turned out to be her best friend, Gajeel Redfox, vocalist of Phantom Bands, an upcoming band.

Gray rarely started any kind of conversation with anyone. It was with the help of Natsu that they befriended Juvia and to date, Gray was thankful to his friend.

Until the moment he met Juvia, Gray was never keen on love or relationships. 

But to him, Juvia was way different from the girls he had met in his college. She was modest and shy but a kind person with a large helping tendency.

Gray knew her personality and beauty had beguiled his attention and wanting to know more about her made him fall for her head over heels.

Of course, they would exchange greetings whenever they met while leaving the house together. Slowly they deepened their connection and exchanged numbers.

Due to her friendly nature, Juvia would invite Gray and Natsu over to her place for small weekend parties which she would arrange for Gajeel to relieve his stress.

At first, he was reluctant to invade a party meant for Gajeel but the latter happily welcomed them.

That way, they got acquainted exchanged their work details and stress with each other.

It was after a few months of that weekend party that Gray had offered Juvia a dinner date which she accepted after a week of thinking.

By this time, Gray gained quite a lot of recognition. The reason he called her out on a dinner date was to reveal that he has signed up as the main lead for a tv drama which was produced by a well-known production house.

Juvia was elated and congratulated and wished him luck. It was during that time Gray confessed his love for her and waited for her answer.

To his surprise, Juvia readily accepted him. He still remembers her words from that time,

"Gray-sama, even I feel the same for you. I was afraid to convey my feelings to you as each day our world was getting apart. I was determined to tell you today after dinner.

     But to my surprise, I never expected even you would feel the same. I love you, Gray-sama."

After hearing her say those golden words, Gray got hold of her hand and kissed it lightly and asked Juvia to be his girlfriend which she agreed.

Once they reached their respective place, Gray kissed her lips and shared a hug before calling off that night.

The next day, both of them informed their friends about their relationship. Erza and Natsu were supportive.

But Gajeel was reluctant he wanted to tell Juvia how difficult it would be for her to date a celebrity.

She has to remain under the shadows. Moreover, if words go out then obsessive fans might harm her and she would be constantly under paparazzi's scrutiny if Gray's facing bad times.

But Juvia was ready to face any difficulties and wanted to support her boyfriend in his career.

#

Once the family had their dinner together, Gray tugged his daughter in her bed before planting a kiss on her forehead and wished her good night.

Juvia was washing the dishes when Gray snaked his arms around her waist and kissed her neck which made Juvia squeak.

Gray turned off the tap and turned his wife so that she could face him.

"Juvia, tomorrow's my day off. Even the night is still young. Moreover, I missed my wife…" He leaned forward and kissed her lips which made her moan against his lips.

"Gray-sama…."

"Juvia…." Both of their eyes were clouded with lust and decided to continue their passionate night inside their bedroom.

After an hour, both was them were under the blankets, Gray had his arm around his wife and hummed in her ears as she talked about her day with Yuki.

Juvia could sense her husband's hold around her waist getting tight. He did only when he felt insecure or paranoid.

Juvia turned around to face him who kept looking at her. She cupped his face with both of her hands which startled him.

"Gray-sama, what's on your mind? Spill it out. Don't go huddling up those stressful thoughts within you. Share it with your wife. I will help you lessen those burdens." Juvia conveyed her thoughts and smiled at him.

"This is what I'm beguiled about you, Juvia. You can easily find out my conflicting thoughts just by sensing my actions. I'm really lucky to have you as my soulmate, dear." Gray said earnestly and kissed her forehead which made Juvia feel special.

Then slowly Gray disclosed his fears about how the world will perceive his relationship and worried that this shouldn't cause any harm to either Juvia and Yuki especially.

After hearing his fears, Juvia cradled her husband and patted his back just like how she does it for her daughter whenever she has nightmares.

Gray seemed to relax from this action. Juvia assured him that nothing terrible is going to happen and just hope everything turns out well.

Suddenly Gray raised his head and questioned her, "What if things repeat? And this time to our Yuki."

Juvia's eyes grew wide, but she can't show her fear, at least, not in front of her husband for now, who himself was feeling paranoid.

"I'm sure nothing will happen. Let's have faith in ourselves and your fans, Gray-sama.

       I'm just worried that your fan number might get reduced once you reveal your married status." Juvia voiced her concern.

This time it was Gray's turn to convince her, "Nah! Just like you said let's hope for the best. I love you and Yuki. Remember that, okay"

Gray smiled and kissed her lips, "Juvia, you are still warm. Wanna continue from where we left?" He teased her.

It seemed her Gray-sama was back to normal for now.

A/N: Sorry for posting it bit late. Hope I will be able to update for the rest of the event.

[prettylittleheartfilia]

Secret Gardens and Starry Nights

Nalu Royal AU because I recently found out I have a light academia aesthetic and now everything makes sense in the world.

“Miss Heartfilia! Are you listening?”

“Huh? Uh, yes. I am.” The blonde turned her eyes to her instructor and straightened up in her seat. If she were to be honest, she hadn’t been listening to a word Madame Porlyusica had been saying. Not since a certain worker had shown up to work in the gardens. The room where Lucy had been getting her private lessons, one of the castle’s many ballrooms, provided the princess with a perfect view of the beautiful field of flowers outside, the one she was never to set foot in as per rules of her father, and a perfect view of the pink-haired gardener that had stolen her affection many moons ago. 

It always amazed her how he could be so brash and boisterous, yet so gentle and caring when it came to his plants and his loved one. It was one of the many attributes that had made Lucy fall in love with him. She smiled as she remembered all of the beautiful moments they had spent together, behind the eyes of everyone around them who would not approve of their close relationship.

“Miss Heartfilia!” Madame Porlyusica slammed a long ruler on Lucy’s desk to catch her attention once again. “Must I remind you of the importance of this Etiquette Course? You are a princess, for goodness’ sake. It is time you start acting like one.”

Lucy simply nodded absemindlely. This was the same speech she heard at least twice a week. She bit back any witty remarks as she fantasized about when she would be able to see her esteemed gardener again.

The sound of something hitting the glass on her balcony doors woke the princess up from her slumber. Although confused at first, once she had fully woken up she realized that this could only be the doing of one person. She stood up from her bed and all but ran to her balcony.

“Natsu!” She breathed as she saw the pink-haired young man smiling brightly up at her, holding a cluster of small rocks in his left hand. 

“Come with me!”

Without hesitation, Lucy bunched up her ivory nightgown and climbed down the balcony with some help from her lover. “Where are we going?” She whispered.

Natsu took her hand and started running towards the back of the castle. “You’ll see.”

Lucy happily followed until she realized where they were heading.

“Natsu, wait!” She halted her movements, which made him stop in his tracks as well. “I can’t go in there.” She muttered as she stared at the doors of the “secret” garden a few feet away from them. It was the only place in the palace where visitors were not allowed to roam around. And that included Lucy, simply because her father deemed it unnecessary and a waste of time for her to be placing her attention on anything other than her studies and her duties as a princess. Only Natsu the gardener and King Jude himself were allowed inside. Though the King never left the confines of his office unless he had business to attend to. Therefore, this place was more Natsu’s than anyone else’s. Her entire life, Lucy was left to admire the beautiful flowers and statues from the windows inside the residence. Always wondering what it would be like to smell the flowers and bask in their beauty. 

Seeing her troubled expression, Natsu took her hands in his and prompted her to look him in the eyes. “Luce, you’ve always wanted to come here, haven’t you?”

After hesitating for a few seconds, she looked down and nodded.

“Then, let’s go! There’s no one around anyway. You deserve it.”

At this, the blonde looked up with a fond smile. “Alright.”

She allowed herself to be dragged to the gate of the garden by Natsu. “Take off your shoes.” He commanded as he did the same. After seeing Lucy’s confused gaze, he explained sheepishly, “There’s a lot of grass and I don’t like it when it gets dirty… more work for me.”

Right, she thought, this garden is Natsu’s greatest and most precious accomplishment.

Lucy did what she was told and Natsu opened the gate. She gasped as the grass tickled the soles of her bare feet. Everything was beautiful. Being in there, instead of simply looking at it from afar, was a totally different experience. This garden was much smaller than the public garden at the front of the castle, which made it that much more intimate and special in her eyes. It was only when she felt Natsu’s hand on the small of her back that she realized she had been frozen in place for quite a while now. Natsu gave her a gentle, yet anxious smile. As if asking what she thought of the place.

“It’s beautiful.” She answered his unspoken question as she roamed around, touching and smelling all the different kinds of flowers. “You’ve put so much love and care into this. I can tell.” 

Natsu simply smiled as he walked up to her. He bowed in front of her and offered her his hand. “Care for a dance, Princess?”

She giggled. “There’s no music.”

“We have survived much bigger inconveniences to get what we want.” He winked as he got a hold of her hand and placed his other hand on the small of her back.

And so they danced the night away, basking in each other’s company, the starry night sky, and this secret place they now get to call theirs.

[adramaticbeauty]

Fairies and Dragonflies

Warning: If you didnt read the previous chapters you will be so fucking confused so best to go back with this link: https://my.w.tt/nw0KOnbfRcb

Now onto the trash dump!

Chapter 8: Trouble for Both

You gotta be kidding me." Gray grumbled in disbelief. He still tightly clutched the newspaper that headlined what could either make or break his career.

It was about 9 in the evening, and he just trudged through his door.  Gray flopped on the couch, his limbs sprawled any which way. He was the personification of a mess right now.

The talk with his manager, Mr. Kyoji was unusually awkward and gruesomely long.Gray wasn't usually one to formally apologize but if it saved his ass from punishment, it was worth it.

He never knew what the protocol was for this type of situation, fraternizing with a rival band. He guessed him and Juvia could always vouch they were just hanging out as friends. But either way rumors would start, considering it was just the two of them. Plus he didn't have the most squeaky clean record involving females.

Either way, it damaged Juvia's career the most however you looked at it. The public always seemed to target women the most when it came to romantic endeavors. Not that there ever would be one between them now.

Gray chuckled horsely as he thought back to 3 days ago. So much had happened in so little time, that he never even got to  process Juvia's rejection. Not that it was a proper one.

It seemed like everything was going great at first and then it was as if she completely changed into a different entity. She became snarky and he dare say bitter. It didn't make any sense to him. Why would anyone ever be bitter with him? Well he had a few reasons but its not like he even knew the girl for long. The scene kept replaying in his head, although he knew it was useless to think about it now.

The more he thought about it the more he got pissed. Who the heck did she think she was? He hadn't done a damn thing and he definitely didn't deserve to get verbally trashed like that. It all just left a sour taste in his mouth.

"That girl...whats with her." Gray mumbled to himself more than anyone.

Gray rested his eyes as he only took in the sound of his own breath. He hated when it got like this. So quiet. He honestly despised when it became so stilled, as if the world stopped spinning. He hated it, as it felt like there was a missing element. In his life, his home and even maybe his heart. Although Gray would never admit it , even to himself.

Gray's stomach grumbled ferociously and it reminded him of his lack of food from today. Gray's contemplation of whether to order pizza became meaningless, as a ring echoed throughout his apartment.

"Unknown number huh?"

Gray pressed reject and slouched back into his couch, again trying to create the somber mood once more. Once again the phone rung, and with the same unknown digits.

Probably some crazy fan found out his number, although he couldn't imagine how. Guess he had to change it once again. Unless it was...

He did give his actual phone number to Juvia, even if she didn't give hers. He picked up almost a little too quickly and tried to sound as natural as possible.

"Hello?" 

"Is this Gray Fullbuster?"

Anddd not Juvia. As he reached for the decline button, he couldn't help but recognize the voice in his subconscious.

"Who the hell is this?"

"Um Lucy Heartfilia? From 'Fairies'. We were introduced after our concert-"

" Wait which girl were you again?? The red haired hot one?"

"What- no! I'm the blond one! This is already irritating..." There was a discreet groan at the end of the line before she cleared her throat and took on a more stern tone.

" I'm calling because I wanted to ask about the day you went out with Juvia."

Well this was not what he was expecting.

"Oh thank god. Thought this call was because you wanted to hook up or some shit."

"I really want to hang up right now, but I need answers. Tell me what happened before you end up on my shit list please."

"How about this- you tell me who gave you my phone number. I deserve to at least know that much."

He could feel the girl roll her eyes even over the phone.

"Can't say."

" You can if you want answers. What's it gonna be blondie?"

" Fine. It was from the paper in Juvia's....purse."

"Wait. Don't tell me you stole her purse and took my phone number? The hell-"

"I didn't steal! It was just sitting there! And I remember you giving her yours on that tiny piece of paper."

"So...you stole it."

"ANYWAY! Can you answer my question today please?"

Gray scratched his head, contemplating on how much to tell her. The event was a bit embarrassing, even for him. Not like all his dates ended that badly.

" To be honest, not much. We went on a date and things were going well. Then she just freaked out and blew up at me when we were heading back. That's all really."

There was no answer on the other end.

" Hey are ya still there??"

"Yeah dummy, do you hear a beep? And wow. Juvia looked totally not into you when you guys first met. Surprised she even agreed to a date."

Gray could feel his cheeks burning in embarrassment.

" Well I sort of saved her life, so it would be nice if you just shut up."

Lucy frowned as she twisted her blond hair in between her fingers. A quirk known to all her closest friends when she was in deep thought.

" Another thing. I have only seen Juvia get pissed once in my entire life. And I've known her for 3 years."

"You known her for that long? Was she as difficult back then as she is now?"

"You must have said something really dickish. I swear to God if you said anything to hurt her feelings-"

"Of course not! If anything I'm the victim!"

" Yeah, well explain why Juvia hasnt come out of her room for 3 days, except for practice!?"

"How the hell would you know that?"

" Juvia, Levy and I all live in the same complex. So I know-"

"That's fucking weird, just saying. What are you, her babysitter?"

" You know what? I don't need to take this shit. I'm hanging up!" Lucy seethed.

"And make sure you give my number back to her so she can apologize whenever."

The only thing that met his voice was the sound of continuous beeping.

Great. That girl had to call him, demanding answers and make him remember the incident all over again. Gray frustratingly glided his fingers through his frazzled hair. Not like he wasn't already thinking about it, for some unexplainable reason.

What bugged him in the back of his mind though was a bit unsettling to him. Why did Juvia even keep his number if she really hated him that much? In fact, she could have threw it away as soon as she had gotten it from him.

He wondered if she would have called him first if he just did absolutely nothing. Gray cursed under his breath before he trudged up to the bedroom. Feeling the coolness of the newly washed sheets gave him temporary comfort to the ache in his heart.

At times like this, he could still hear the softness of his mother's voice. It plagued him so, but at times like this he appreciated the soothing voice setting his mind at ease. Hearing a voice that you knew you could never touch, felt eerie at times. But when he would try to recall the appearance of the voice which beckoned him so much, there was always nothing.

[moeruhoshi]

Never Hit a Girl

Never hit a girl. His father told him that as soon as he met Erza. But Igneel learned that soon after, he probably couldn’t even land a hit on her if he tried.

Never hit a girl unless they’re Erza. It was a much easier rule for the fledgling to understand. He had no will to hit Levy or Juvia, even if they hit him first. There probably wouldn’t be another girl in this world that he would want to hit.

Or so he thought for a few years. But there was a girl, Lucy Heartfilia. She came to live in Magnolia when they were about nine or so.

It’s not like he saw her in the park one day and wanted to outright tackle her. She didn’t really come anywhere near him, anyhow. She was Cana’s friend, and over the years got closer to the other girls in their friend group.

Lucy wasn’t all that used to guys and was kind of scared of them after she saw them play-fighting in the park. So they didn’t push it with her and lived just kind of knowing her for a little while. Erza took that time in between them meeting to strengthen her up, of course. Because the guys weren’t so scary once they were cowering under your fist, so she said.

Per the redhead’s rule, they didn’t even try talking to her until she was ready.

It was strange for her to be wary even as the years went on, but Levy summed up a large part of it for them.

Even if she were still scared, she would have approached them eventually. Not two or three years, she was probably fine after about a week of seeing them around. But she had a strict dad that didn’t want her stepping out of line, so she made it apparent not to gain any male friends. For their safety and her own.

If Lucy were really all that terrified, she wouldn’t have made sure the guys got chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Or gifts on their birthday. Indirect things that Cana passed along.

It was sweet in an odd way, Natsu’s smile always turned up halfway when he got something from her.

She knew he was a dragon, so his snacks were always overly spicy.

By then, they were all fourteen, still unable to speak casually together.

That’s when Natsu started noticing these strange voices. They were his own inner thoughts, but at the same time they felt separate from him. Like a mischievous voice trying to coax him into doing something dangerous. Which he couldn’t help really wanting to do.

Back to the main point at hand, he didn’t just want to hit Lucy. It was a little weird, but he really wanted to wrestle with her.

And no, that wasn’t just some replacement word for sex.

He had heard how strong she was, how Erza had secretly trained her to become almost as deadly as herself. So he was curious.

If she could pin him, if he could pin her. How he’d block a punch of hers, if she could block one of his.

He wanted to wrestle her to the ground and just...let her toss him back on his ass.

What the fuck was that though? He was upset with that kind of thinking, so he did his best to ignore it. He was glad at these times that there wasn’t much between them.

She continued to stick close to the girls for the next couple of years, baking sweets for them, giving giri chocolates to be passed through Erza. Both Gray and Gajeel could admit they had a soft spot for her at this point. They wished it hadn’t been so hard to just have a simple hang. 

But they did one year, at a summer festival. Lucy’s father was out of town for the week that lined up with the yearly event, one she had never been able to attend before. 

Her staff pretended like they didn’t know where she was going or what she was doing, that being with her staying at Cana’s for the night before and after. 

They had a group chat, one Lucy couldn’t be a part of as her dad consistently read her texts. But the brunette let them all know that night that Lucy would be there and making a picnic lunch for their day out. 

They were sixteen when he realized he was in love.

Natsu thought that maybe it was just her food, the fact that she cooked like a goddess was fooling him into thinking it was attraction.

But it was surprisingly easy to talk to her, it was fun even. He felt like he’d really known her for years after a few conversations. Her smile churned his stomach, her scent swam down into him, making him purr and bristle excitedly. He looked at her with a swooned gaze whenever she turned away. And under the boom of the fireworks, she was the only thing sparkling that day.

Although, she did begin to glow a little when the moon rose, as she was a star fallen from the sky.

It was unfair that he couldn’t see her like this again, that he felt as though his heart was walking away from him.

But then, the voice returned, reminding him of that twisted urge.

He went to bed with a frown, unfortunately. It was better for them to be apart.

When they were seventeen, much had changed. They were seniors, almost adults. Maybe her father had decided to put some trust in her, or maybe he was tired of being so demanding. But she was able to choose her friends, as long as she wasn’t out past nine.

Natsu kept his distance. He could see the pain in her eyes whenever he made up an excuse to ditch the group, but he had to. Sometimes he felt like he couldn’t really control those thoughts. Sometimes they got so bad when she was around, he had to run away.

He told Gray and Gajeel after he almost got the shit beaten out of him for being such a jerk. His cousin understood. Luckily he and Levy were practically married, so his inner dragon wasn’t as much of a hassle.

The girls had to, unfortunately, live in the dark about the whole situation. Which only made for the best rants during their sleepovers.

Lucy wasn’t that upset, the girls were for her. If she had to think about it, she was just disappointed because she really wanted to get to know Natsu. Because maybe she liked him a little too. He was pretty cute, after all.

So things were as they were for a good amount of time, until one day, their classes combined for a session during P.E.

Natsu gulped as he stood across from Lucy in the gym, both awkwardly trying to avoid eye contact. He wanted to run over and ask the teacher to switch partners, but that would probably come off the wrong way. It was likely that Lucy already hated him for what he decided.

But he was scared. Their class was having a spar session, god knows why. It was pretty well known that most girls at this school could throw a punch that would knock you out so...? They were unfortunately never given a reason why.

“Should we...?” Lucy raised her fists a bit, shrugging with a soft smile on her lips.

“U-Um, sure,” He breathed steadily, his eyes seeing that most had begun to participate.

They weren’t wearing gloves so it wasn’t a true sparring match; he was figuring at this point that the teachers were just bored and wanted some entertainment.

He held himself back, blocking her strikes easily as it didn’t seem like she put much effort forth.

But he wanted her to. Wasn’t this the exact right time, the best opportunity for her to unleash her anger on him? Wasn’t she upset that he wasn’t near her? Didn’t she feel the pain of being apart in her heart?

Natsu shoved her a bit, unknowingly, which caused Lucy to stumble back. She pursed her lips and steadied her loose stance now.

“What was that for?” She asked with a bit of a whine.

“I saw an opening,” He shrugged, still doing his best to avoid her eyes.

She maneuvered a kick, sweeping it to catch Natsu behind his knees. He made a small shout, Lucy giggling as he landed on his butt.

“I saw an opening,” She shrugged, smiling down at the pouty glare Natsu flashed.

“Alright, lets go again,”

They both got more serious as Natsu stood up, his fire starting to bloom in his stomach. He was finally dating his odd desires, though he didn’t pay much attention to what his body was doing at the moment.

His scales began to fleck out on his skin, his eyes shifting into a more golden and shimmering shade. He failed to notice his tail pop out of his shorts, or the canines in his mouth stretch out ever so slightly. 

Lucy was too heated as well to notice much else about him, her drive to pin him down now much more important. 

He met every palm strike with a block, every kick with a shin slowing down her strike. She did the same, neither able to one up the other. Their sweat began to build, their teeth began to grit, students began to turn their heads when the room got a tad warm. But no one said anything. They were too interested, wondering if Lucy had what it took to take the fire dragon down. 

He growled when her strong scent caught under his nose, fuck, he loved how she smelled. Getting all worked up because of him, showing off her strength and presenting herself to him like this. He was crazy turned on, if the boner in his pants hadn’t made it obvious. But they were moving too quickly for anyone to notice.

He was having fun, if anything. He loved this, could do it any day of the week. Especially if he got to show off for her like this as well. He was a formidable opponent, right? Someone who was clearly able to match her speed, who was good enough to be the one to stand by her side. 

Natsu’s dragon was a little impatient, wanting more than just this back and forth, than the teasing they were engaging in. 

His tail subtly slithered up from behind, Lucy not noticing it until it wrapped around her upper thigh.

“Eek!” She stifled a small shriek as it dragged her to the floor, Natsu following to pin her down. “Hey that’s chea–” 

The blonde cut herself off when she felt something poke at her hips, suddenly flushed with embarrassment. It didn’t allow her much time to process anything else as the dragon swiftly lowered his lips to meet her own.

It wasn’t a smug peck like someone would have expected. It was warm, deep, and sensual right off the bat. 

He had a hand holding the back of her head steady while the other curled up in her open hand. 

His lips moved to smother hers before coaxing them to follow his lead. She didn’t know how to kiss, obviously, but briefly followed his lead out of curiosity. And the warmth of his lips was absolutely soothing. Lucy’s mind instantly felt hazy rather than alert, like she was being subdued into slumber.

“I love you,” He breathed out in a brief parting from her reddened lips. 

His tongue barely made it past them when suddenly, a large water cannon collided with his body and flung him into the nearby wall.

Juvia was flustered and staring at Gray with swoony eyes and weak legs. The winter sprite pretended not to see her making that face at him. Erza stood beside her and aimed her hand, an intense blush on her cheeks and a fuming gaze pointed at the soaked dragon.

“Just what the hell did you––Natsu!” The valkyrie shouted as the pink-haired boy quickly booked his ass out of a nearby window. 

He shuddered and felt his stomach sink, running back to the locker room to quickly change. 

How could he, did he have no control?! To get so lost in his own desires that he rubbed himself up against her and stole a kiss like that? His heart felt sick, like the fire ran through his veins had now gone cold. 

He ran out of the room after quickly stripping from his wet clothes, heading towards the other end of campus before flying away. 

He’d be found at home, but would rather have Erza kill him in his own bedroom instead of in front of the entire school.

So he waited painfully for his death, not even bothering to have a last meal with his parents that night. They were concerned but didn’t push him for answers. They figured it was enough to know that he was okay if they let in an absolutely fuming and enraged Erza Scarlet. But he was sure that the whole gang would be coming after him this time. Lucy probably cried...

His ears caught the ringing of a doorbell in the middle of the night; he hadn’t the will to enjoy a peaceful sleep either. His stomach turned, but he forced himself out of bed, not wanting his parents to be bothered with this whole ordeal. 

They’d probably drag him out to the park, if they were here this late. Knock him the fuck out and hang him up in a tree with pervert written in calligraphy ink on his chest. 

He opened the door with his head hung low, expecting to be grabbed and manhandled right away. 

The light clearing of a throat surprised him, he knew that voice.

“L-Lucy? What’re you doing here this late?” He asked, quickly shutting the door behind him. He felt a little odd standing there in a zip up hoodie and loose sweatpants while she was in an oversized tee an practically nonexistent shorts. 

“I snuck out and had Cana drop me off,” She said, looking over her shoulder to the brunette parked down the street on her motorcycle. “She said I should come see you, and I really wanted to, actually.”

“Eh? Really?” He was surprised, but figured she just came to punch him out and to stay the hell away from her for the rest of her life. It pained him to think as much, but he deserved it. 

“I...well, I just,” She blushed and shuddered as the wind rolled over her arms. “I wanted to know if you meant what you said to me earlier.”

“What did I say?” He wasn’t really sure, since it hadn’t really been him that was there. He remembered what had gotten him riled up and the brief aftermath, but...

“You said that you loved me.” She said matter of factly, refusing to look away from his darting gaze.

“I––”

“Either you meant it or you didn’t, just tell me,” There was a twinge of sadness in her voice, the slightest but most audible octave she could have reached. His nose caught scent of starter tears, her eyes beginning to slowly wet. 

“I meant it!” He quickly confessed, afraid that he’d have to see her cry. “Since that summer festival we all went to. I love you, but I didn’t mean to do all that today, really I––”

“Then why have you been avoiding me? Wouldn’t you have wanted to be my friend?” She was now frustrated and stomped her foot a bit. He thought it was cute.

“I did, I mean it, Luce. But I couldn’t when I thought about such weird things about you. I didn’t want to freak you out,” He breathed out, embarrassed but he jumped over that hurdle to be honest. Natsu wasn’t sure why, but it felt like an instinct. He had to be upfront with her, absolutley no lies or she’d never trust him.

“Weird things?” Her cheeks were a bashful pink, lips pulled together as she grasped her hands against them.

“I don’t think I should go into too much detail,” He chuckled slightly. “But I was just scared of hurtin’ ya. Honest.”

“Well,” Lucy quickly leaned forward to peck him on the cheek. “You won’t so, I’ll see you at school tomorrow, okay?”

She started back down towards the street before he could answer, the dragon looking out into the night with a shocked expression on his face. He held his cheek and turned to look at her, his eyes fixated on her hands as they rubbed her goosebump covered arms. 

“Wait!” He called out and swiftly undid his jacket. Natsu handed it off as he jogged to catch up to her. “I don’t want ya to be cold,”

“Thank you,” They shared a shy smile before turning away to head home, their hearts both warm with resolve.

[doginshoe]

The Draconian Huntress XII

In a time where there is an impending war to come, Lucy sets forth to find the Draconian people in order to shift the tides against the demon King Zeref that threatens to take over Fiore. read on ff.net here part 12 of I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI

When Gajeel pushed forward, he hadn’t been prepared. The sudden strength weighing down on him as the armoured opponent dropped his wings and sent them tumbling towards the ground.

Natsu’s look of surprise didn’t last long as he gritted his teeth, his eyes darting to find an escape. His movements were quick. He dropped Gajeel’s fist and propelled himself upward, twisting his arm free as he maneuvered behind the large draco’s head and sent him falling with a whip of his tail.

Gajeel skidded along the dirt as he landed without his opponent, his feet slowly making his recovery as he sent Natsu a hard stare, excitement glazing over his red piercing eyes. The armoured draconian took in a heavy breath, rolling his shoulders before he took off from the ground.

Natsu charged with him.

It was a flurry of movement. Claws just barely scraping against skin, fists connecting over and over until they managed to land a blow. It was obvious that they were matched in skill, each blow being countered by another. Nothing was going to get through the other’s defenses unless they changed their tactic - their strengths showing through the longer they were locked in close combat. Gajeel had power on his side that was matched with a keen eye, whilst Natsu twisted and turned. His agility from his lighter armour letting him out maneuver his opponent.

The crowd roared as Natsu leaned backwards, the threatening fist of Gajeel just passing over his head by the fraction of an inch. He rolled in the air, flipping, and sent a fist upwards to his opponents chin. It cracked against the metal - the sound reverberating throughout the colosseum. The force sent fractures winding up the helmet, coursing up the steel like vulnerable veins that would surely shatter if it suffered another blow.

“I’ll admit Lucy,” Gray piqued up from beside the blonde who hadn’t moved an inch since the fight had begun, “it was a good idea to have them on our side. I mean this is-”

“The power of a dragon,” Laxus interjected, his stare on the dark haired winter sprite.

Gray looked towards the large draconian, his eyes hesitant to drift from the fight when the sounds of armour clashing and sickening thuds of hits landing on their target raged on - the screams of the crowd only growing as blood started to be drawn.

“That’s what it is. Succumbing to their basic instincts - the drake inside of them. They’re using that power to fight.” He looked back to the fight, Gray following suit to watch as Gajeel swung his fist into a surprised Natsu that sent him crashing into the large walls surrounding the pit - a wicked grin pulling up on the armoured draconian’s lips as the King broke through stone.

It wasn't hard to imagine how all those craters on the field got there now - the tremors from his landing shaking the platform where they stood.

“Though, I wouldn’t know if it’s a good idea to have called on us,” Laxus spoke as Natsu burst from dust and rubble, a roar so loud it seemed to silence the cheers of the people - his fist was glowing and he struck at Gajeel who blocked with his arms crossed. The steel melted beneath his fist and Gajeel smirked.

“I told you what would happen, Salamander.” The drums boomed as the crowd watched in eager anticipation. They knew what was happening and Laxus could only frown as Yajima shook his head.

Gray furrowed his brow.

Natsu let out another deafening roar as his other fist came down, the metal bubbling from the heat coming off his scales in waves.

“Ya never gonna defeat me with no control over your drake,” Gajeel threw his arms apart and sent the draco tumbling backwards. He didn't pause before he flapped his wings and propelled himself through the air and knocked a hit into his cheek - the curved metal slicing open the soft flesh until the pure force sent him back again.

“It’s going to be fun making you watch as I burn that girlie alive along with her friends.”

Gray turned to Laxus, his fists clenching by his sides. “Just what the hell is going on? What do you mean this wasn’t a good idea? Did you know-”

“No.” Laxus sent him an electric glare that had Gray freezing in place. “Having this power comes with… it’s own set of problems.”

Lucy kept her eyes trained on the fight as the men around her continued to discuss the fight that unfolded before them. She could sense it. The consequences that came with this power. Natsu was snarling - his scales growing further down his hands and covering his knuckles. He looked feral, with glowing eyes and attacks that become more predictable. Gajeel was beginning to take the upperhand, evading each blow with more ease unlike the matched skill that they shared in the beginning. He was landing hard hitting fists on Natsu’s sides and shoulders, which only fueled the rage that was taking over the King.

“Yes,” Yajima spoke from beside the tall Draconian, “The Draconians have the power of a dragon, but that power… If left uncontrolled can become strong enough to consume you. We’ve had many that have succumbed to their drake and slaughtered many before someone could put them down.”

“On a battlefield unsupervised… I couldn’t imagine the casualties of friend and foe that would ensue.” The advisor sighed, his eyes filling with a memory he wished to forget. “The power drives you to kill.”

“And that’s all you know,” Laxus added, his eyes on Natsu as he came at Gajeel with increasingly animalistic charge. He had no direction or thought - it was only attack. “And that will get you killed in a one on one. Especially with someone that has full control of their drake.”

His frown deepened. “It would be like sparring with a child.”

Gray opened his mouth to retort, but before he could utter a word his eyes caught Lucy. She had been silent since the fight had begun, not even moving a muscle, but now the archer was visibly shaking.

She fisted her hands by her side as she pulled her gaze from the fight. Her eyes were red and teary, her teeth gritted as a blaze of fury seemed to be spiraling out of control in her glare, the look of ferocity directed to the advisor and commander that stood beside her.

“How can you let this go ahead?” she hissed, the words laced with venom that had Gray feeling nervous. “Not only do you put your own comrades against each other to the death, but you willingly sent your king to be killed?”

The blonde was seething, her hands tightening hard enough that she could feel her nails cutting into her palms.

She could feel him.

It was strange. At first simmering along the surface, like the feeling in the back of one's mind when they had lost something or apart of themselves. Yet, as the fight continued it only continued to bubble - the heat rising within her and nearing almost suffocating. It was searing in her mind, a second embodiment that wasn’t her own. It was carnal and savage.

Yajima sighed. “Lady Heartfilia-”

“No! This is sick. How can your people find amusement in watching them tear each other apart?”

She turned back to the fight, her hands once again finding the rail as she tried to calm down. Yet, the sight only made her stomach sink.

They were fighting on the ground now, both their wings folded as they stared at each other with fury. Natsu’s lips were turned into a snarl, eyes glowing golden and growls bubbling from his throat. Blood was dripping from the large cut on his cheek and bruises were beginning to form on his skin - the purples looking like a painful mirage across his body.

Gajeel was fairing slightly better. His gauntlets melted were he had blocked Natsu’s searing fists and there was a cut on his brow. The armour that he adorned had served its purpose - there wasn’t a single bruise on his body and Natsu’s hands… Lucy had to swallow her tongue as she took in the hands that were bleeding. Scales had been ripped from where they were scattered across his skin, harsh bruises appearing on his knuckles.

His own armoured gauntlets had nearly been shattered.

“Ghi-hi, come on Salamander! I was hopin’ for more of a fight from the mighty Igneel’s son.” Gajeel dropped his fists to his side as he grinned. “Or was all that talk about yer dad just bullshit?”

Natsu roared as he readied himself into a fighting stance. “Gajeel!”

His opponent laughed, his gaze flicking up to Lucy on the royal stand, “It’s going to be fun ripping apart that bitch. Hell, I might even take her star-”

“Mea!”

Natsu shouted, fist raised as he came at Gajeel. The armoured draconian smirked.

It happened in the blink of an eye. Natsu charged and he moved his stance. He was ready and when Natsu came to land the attack, he moved. It was seamless. His body reacting out of instinct as he ducked under the on coming blow and then pushed up, grabbing the King by the throat.

The crowd gasped as he slammed the King into the ground that crumbled from the force. Natsu choked, blood pooling in his mouth from the damage it shocked through him. His eyes diluted back to a dull green, but there was no call for a white flag.

Gajeel pushed him further into the ground, his gaze serious and deadly before he raised his fist. The first blow hit before he could even catch his breath and from there the punches were relentless.

Gajeel’s fist came down again and again without reprieve. The metal on his gauntlets slicing his lip, brow and cutting deeper into the already existing wound on his cheek. The crowd was screaming for more as Natsu was pounded into cracked ground, blood spilling over his lips as his lungs burned for air.

He could not escape the assault.

Lucy couldn’t contain her horror. The pain was excruciating - her hands shaking as she stepped away from the railing, trying to get away from the feelings that were intruding her senses.

“Lucy,” Gray called from beside her, his hands catching her shoulders before she possibly fell. His dark eyes were filled with concern as he called out to her, but her eyes could only turn to the draconians that watched on as one of their own was about to be killed.

“This is madness!” Lucy shouted as she turned to Yajima. “You have to stop the fight or he’s going to die!”

The old man only shook his head. “It’s our way, Lady Heartfilia. You have no part in our traditions.” The words were cold but Lucy couldn’t form a response as the crowd suddenly went wild. The screams and shouts became deafening.

Lucy looked up as Gajeel lifted the nearly unconscious body of his opponent from the rubble on the ground, the sharp blades on his armour looking deadly as he rose the edge to the King’s throat.

The scream that left her lips was instinctive, her arms shaking free from Gray’s grasp as she called out to him. The adrenaline was pumping through her veins as she pulled herself back to the edge of the platform with trembling legs.

It was a moment of desperation - the feeling of a racing heartbeat thudding in her mind and tight lungs. She could barely breathe. Everything overwhelming her senses at once as tears welled up in her eyes. If only she could do something, but she felt hopeless, or was it Natsu’s feelings that was overriding her senses…

“Natsu!”

Lucy sunk to her knees but, again, she felt Gray gripping onto her before she could fall.

“Lucy!” He shouted, “are you alright?” He looped her arm over his shoulder to help her stand while the blonde tried to steady her breathing, but she couldn’t choke out a response. “What is happening to her?” The winter sprite narrowed his eyes onto the two beside them, but their eyes were trained on the pit.

There was a loud crack, the entire colosseum falling silent apart from a scream that had Gray turning to look back to the fight. Lucy also raising her head as she steadied herself in his arms.

The sight left them both wide eyed.

Natsu had grabbed hold of Gajeel’s arm, his tail snaking up the draconian’s arm and wrapping itself tightly around the limb that held itself close to his throat. His eyes were a fierce green, flecks of gold highlighting the olive colour that seemed to shine with his fury.

Gajeel’s arm had been snapped, the bone crushed from the power of Natsu’s red scaled tail. His face was pinched, teeth gritted in pain as his shoulder fell limp. There was no way he would be able to use the appendage now - the bone had been crushed.

“I won’t let you ever hurt Lucy,” Natsu seethed, his fist grabbing onto his opponent as heat seemed to roll off him in waves. “Ispa est lux mea!”

He threw Gajeel to the side - his body crashing into his broken arm causing him to growl as he pulled it close to his side.

Natsu pushed himself up, his legs shaking as he spat blood into the dirt - chest heaving. The cut on his cheek had split to the other side making a horrific sight as he opened his mouth to catch his breath. His gaze was locked on to the armoured draconian as he finally was crouched, one hand supporting his weary movements.

“Im ‘iens ut te perdere.”

The King had risen.

The crowd burst with energy - draconians coming to their feet to cheer and clap as the fight continued. Except for those on the royal stand.

“We told you, Lady Heartfilia.” Yajima spoke, “You are what would change the tides of this blood match.”

Gray furrowed his brow, anger taking over his features as he left Lucy’s side who grabbed hold of the rail for support.

“What the hell,” Gray shouted, “You knew that Lucy could get hurt in this fight? What is wrong with you-”

Laxus stepped forward. “Watch it. You may be the future Queen’s comrade but it won’t protect you from us.” His gaze pierced into him. “Natsu will win and you will be granted the army that you came here for. That is what you want, right?”

Gray’s gaze darkened as he raised his fist, the calm anger only being shown through his cold dark eyes. Yet, Lucy’s quiet voice brought him to stand down.

“Don’t Gray.” She wrapped her arms around herself as her eyes stayed focus on the standoff that unfolded in the pit. “We don’t need anymore blood shed here.”

His eyes softened as he turned towards the blonde - his logic telling him that she needed him more with her then fighting a battle that would only cause more problems. He sent one last icy glare to the tall draconians before he came to Lucy’s side.

“Are you alright?” He asked in a hushed voice and Lucy nodded curtly.

“This doesn’t feel right, Gray.”

“I know,” He replied as they both had their gazes on Natsu who was now standing alongside Gajeel. “But there’s nothing that we can do.”

“Maybe so,” Lucy spoke, a hint of mockery in her tone, but before Gray could question her further the crowd buzzed with another round of cheers and it drowned him out as the draconians were locked in battle again.

There was a noticeable difference in their attacks. Gajeel clutched one useless arm to his side, his body taking on a defensive position as he withheld making any powerful strikes. Natsu, however, had completely changed. He was quick, yet no longer tried to charge into Gajeel with no thought. His attacks were planned - some feigned and the real strike coming afterwards and others that had Gajeel twisting and turning before he landed a direct hit onto him that sent him crashing into the dirt.

When he tried to stand, Natsu was on him again - his strikes coming from above, the side and frontal assaults. Gajeel was knocked down again and again - his armour chipping and breaking with each hit.

It was the final blow from Natsu’s tail that shattered the steel. The metal smashing to pieces from the force of his swing and sending the draconian forward - crashing face first into the dirt.

Gajeel spat into the dirt, blood pouring from the previous cut on his brow as he tried to draw in steady breaths, but Natsu didn’t give him the chance. He kicked him and sent the draconian tumbling along the ground, his arm being struck by the hard surface and twisting that had him roaring in pain.

“Fuckin’ bastard,” Gajeel snarled as he clutched his useless arm. There was no way he could win and the whole colosseum knew it. It was just a matter of how their King was going to dispose of the person who had challenged his throne.

“Yer going to lead this place to ruin if you follow her.” Gajeel rose to his knees, his red piercing glare directed at Natsu who stood over him. “We don’t fight anybody’s battles! Do you think we made it this far by fighting wars that aren’t our own?”

Natsu grabbed hold of Gajeel, his gaze bright with gold embers. “It’s the deal we’ve made!”

“Bullshit! Yer an embarrassment to ya father by lettin’ this happen!” Gajeel spat. “Fuck, I’ll be glad to be gone so I don’t have to watch your miserable sack of shit drake chase around that bitch.”

Lucy watched as Gajeel screamed at Natsu. “The fights over. You can call it off now.”

“No one can leave the Sanguis Pit until one, or both, has died, Lady Heartfilia.” Yajima was stern with his words. “You best begin to learn your place.”

The archer gripped the railing, her eyes snapping to Yajima. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let this go on. As someone who will rule over this kingdom, I can’t condone what is being done here.”

“Lady Heartfilia,” Yajima shouted, but Lucy already jumped over the railing.

Natsu’s eyes flashed gold as he grabbed hold of the other draconians jaw as he roared in his rage. He forced Gajeel down, fingers prying his mouth apart as he sought to rip apart his skull.

The crowd cheered at the bloodlust in their King’s eyes - heat beginning to build up around Natsu. He was going to destroy him just as he vowed. The beast inside him rearing up and taking over as it made good on the promise to burn him to ash.

Yet, before he could pull Gajeel’s mouth further, he was knocked backwards - the air leaving his lungs as he tumbled across the pit. The colosseum erupted in fury as Lucy stood between the two drakes.

“Laxus!” Yajima shouted, “Stop her at once!”

The people screamed their protests as Lucy stared up at all of the draconian people, her hand raising for them to calm down.

They hated her. She knew that, but she couldn’t watch this anymore. If the Draconian Kingdom was to be hers to rule then she would not do so idly like the Heartfilia’s that came before her. She wouldn’t fear them as her mother had.

“My name is Lucy Heartfilia,” she shouted to the people up in their stands. “I am your future Queen, bonded to your King as his mate.”

The crowd hushed as she spoke to them - their attention forgetting the injured draconians as they now focused on the blonde star who stood in the blood pit.

“This battle does not need to end in bloodshed,” she called to the crowd, “May you stand with your King, in his victory as I do. For his win has been just and the fight ahead of us will need our strength in all our numbers.”

“I ask of you to stand with me, your Queen.”

[sassyhazelowl]

Title: Life is What You Bake It Rating: PG - a few swear words, comedic violence Pairing: Lyon x Erza Secondary Pairings: Lucy x Levy A/N: Silly, cute little idea that popped into my head while cruising titles on Netflix. Bakery AU.

Link to Google Docs - Comments welcome and appreciated :)

Chapter 3

Erza hadn’t been sure what to make of the gift Gray had dragged through her door. And dragged appeared to be the right word for it.

The two had been friends since junior high, and Gray always had an odd sense of humor. If she didn’t know better, she’d suspect some sort of trick. The man that sat in the doorway with his arms crossed hardly looked like he knew one end of a spatula from the other, and his clothing was way, way too expensive. Not that Erza didn’t approve; she loved clothing and knew all the brands. She had a whole closet dedicated to her love of clothing. And she could appreciate a well-dressed man. But it didn’t show a lot of common sense to come into the kitchen dressed like you were planning to eat in the dining room of the Ritz. 

Glancing around at the kitchen, she realized beggars couldn’t be choosers. It wasn’t like she was a baker by trade. Before inheriting the bakery, she worked part-time here and there at any outdoor job that would take her, as a jack-of-all-trades. Sometimes she’d work two or three jobs at once, just for the challenge. She loved learning new things and being outside in nature and most of the jobs around here were seasonal anyway.

There’d been nothing for it but to roll up her sleeves and learn on the job when the bakery fell in her lap, bequeathed by it’s very elderly owner Mr. Makarov, who retired and moved to Florida. She’d been a cashier and a waitress and a ski instructor and a camp counselor and park ranger and so many other things. How hard could it be to run a bakery?

Quite hard, it turned out.

There were so many things she needed to learn that had nothing to do with baking, and the baking part itself was something she struggled with. Eating her way through every treat she could get her hands on did not prepare her for how much work went into making those delicious morsels.

But quitting wasn’t in Erza’s nature, and she was certain with some hard work she could turn things around.

“Well, I suppose I will see you tomorrow?” she said, still skeptical of the man who spoke charmingly enough. Turning, she saw he’d acquired a cloth from somewhere, stripped off his jacket (and shirt!) and was making short work of all the splatter within arm’s reach. Surprised, she covered her awkward giggle with a cough and asked conversationally, “Do you have a place to stay?”

“The Heartfilia residence,” he answered, moving on to the nearest table, barely sparing her a glance. “Another of Gray’s friends. My brother seems to be quite the popular man.”

“It is a small town. Everyone knows everyone,” Erza bristled, sure he was making fun of her home.

He straightened up seriously, rag in hand absently, “I am sure I will too by the end of the summer. Miss Scarlett, you seem to have an impression of me I am not sure I deserve.”

Curse her wretched fair skin and freckles. Instead of answering in words, she spun to hide her burning face and to stop oogling his muscular chest. Of all the horrible habits to share with his brother, going topless did not have to be one of them! 

“Anyway,” she heard the rag flop down on the table, “I will come back tomorrow morning early. Be sure to either leave the door unlocked or be here to meet me.”

Well, dang it. She’d made him mad. How early was early to him anyway? 8 or 9? Would he even bother to show up tomorrow? It wasn’t any real loss if he didn’t. He probably was a fair baker but poor, struggling Fairy Tail Bakery needed more than mediocre tarts and muffins to survive. It had been flagging under Makarov’s expert hand, and under Erza’s inexperienced one it was drowning.

Without Fairy Heart she wasn’t sure it could go on that much longer.

Maybe that was for the better. 

She could say she gave it an honest try and go back to drifting between jobs. Of course, it’d be a shame. Fairy Tail had been in this town for generations, and there weren’t any good bakeries in the surrounding cluster of small towns either. A chain would probably move in or perhaps someone with more luck than Erza would give it a try. Ignoring the sinking, heavy feeling in her chest, she wondered what Magnolia would be like without it’s bakery. Once this had been a bustling, social hub where people came to gather during the day, the sun to the moon that was Mira’s bar.

“Girl, who was that hot, shirtless guy that just stalked out of here? And what did you do to drive away such a stud?”

Lucy Heartfilia, a charming and plucky blonde, grinned as Erza jumped out of her skin and her sad thoughts. Letting herself behind the counter, she leaned back against the display, looking through the open door to the kitchen.

“That,” Erza remarked stiffly, ignoring the hot and shirtless comment, “Is your new tenant for the summer.”

“That’s Gray’s brother?” Lucy whistled, impressed. “And here I thought it was a fluke Gray was so ripped after all those donuts and Mountain Dews. Guess those boys got some good genes.”

Erza frowned, trying not to think about it. Sure, she saw Gray half-naked all the time, but she thought of him like a dumb little brother. This was definitely different, and it felt very inappropriate. Especially since she had… someone else.

Sorry, Jellal, she said in her head.

Would he even care? Would he be jealous or disappointed she was looking at another guy? Erza wasn’t sure. It hadn’t come up before, and of course, he trusted her, but did she trust herself?

“Why were you looking?” Erza clicked her tongue, really questioning herself and not Lucy. “What would your girlfriend say?”

“She’d say go for it, babe; we need some more eye-candy around here. Not that she’d pay attention herself. Not unless said eye-candy had a well-stitched binding and some sweet, fresh off the press paper smell to it.” Lucy shrugged a my-girlfriend-is-a-bibliophile shrug and waved a book at Erza. “I was just bring over the latest and greatest erotica from our favorite author.”

“You?”

Lucy choked for a moment then laughed, “Our other favorite author. What makes you think I write erotica? I’ll just set this… okay, definitely not anywhere in here. Did you put the mixer on high again?”

“No.” 

Yes. Again. Because she hadn’t learned her lesson the last half dozen times. Why did it even have that setting, if all it did was cause chaos?

Lucy rolled up her sleeves, eyes twinkling with good humor, and snatched up the rag left by Gray’s brother. 

“First things first. You’re done destroying the kitchen for the day. We’re going to clean this mess up then you’re going to take the afternoon off to read this amazing novel and relax. I know you’re worried, but it’ll work out. Levy had a horrible time when she first opened her bookstore because she didn’t know how to order or stock or balance a budget, but now it’s thriving and hiring some employees to help out made a huge difference. Can you imagine Magnolia without it? Little mom’n’pops are Magnolia’s life blood and charm. The tourists don’t come here for Starbucks or Barnes and Noble after all.”

“No. No they do not,” Erza murmured to herself, thinking it a bit eerie Lucy had the same thoughts she had. 

The author was a transplant to the town, visiting on vacation and never leaving. It wasn’t entirely an unheard of thing, but Erza sometimes wondered if it was Magnolia or Levy her friend was in love with more. If anyone in town could be the authority on the charm the town held to outsiders, Lucy would be it.

Erza simply had to trust things would turn out alright. What else could go wrong after all?

[tuxiedjabberwock]

For What We’ve Lost - Fairy Tail one-shot

late af but my piece from @naluzine

1691

Rated K

Action/General

NaLu

The town of Hibisco was larger than most of the villages they’d passed through, but not too remarkable overall. It was built in a large forest clearing, so they had a lot of monster problems, as the bartender told them, but there was an especially troublesome breed of Vulcans about. Hence, Natsu and Lucy.

Grabbing her roughly by the hip, Natsu pinned Lucy against a nearby tree by her wrists, his hand moving against her torso along the curve of her armor. She smirked at the action and raised her leg, digging her boot into his muscled stomach. “Try a little harder than that next time and you might just do it.”

“Hrrngh,” he grumbled, pulling away and crossing his arms. Unlike any other human or wizard she knew, majority of his skin was decorated with ruby red scales, and curly black horns jutted from his temples. His ears were pointed, his knees and ankles bent oddly for a bipedal, and while he lacked wings, the bones of his shoulder blades were large yet elegant. She straightened and pulled a few pine needles free from her hair.

“You won’t get your scarf back unless I want to give it—unless you want to start a fight right now?” She went into a loose fighting stance with a gloved hand on her sword and he snorted, turning his head away. He was sulky when it came to his scarf, but she did it for the good of the people—and for their pay. Her and Natsu usually wouldn’t mess around like that, but the autumn forest was quiet and still, and she trusted Natsu to warn her if he smelled anything ami—

Natsu’s pose went rigid, then he took her by the hip again and yanked her against his body. She didn’t have time to be surprised before a massive figure dropped into the brush where she was standing moments ago. The tree next to them exploded as the trunk was split from a melee attack.

“Pretty woman,” a deep voice said, followed by echoed cackling. Lucy moved from his grip and drew her sword, facing off against the…very large…three Forest Vulcans. “Pretty woman, pretty woman,” they said to each other. (Natsu snorted with laughter, which she ignored.) The closest Vulcan, the largest one of the pack and with a white circle on its forehead, reared back and swung its arm faster than she could visually track. She raised her sword defensively, but the impact knocked her from her feet. She would’ve been stomped if not for Natsu rushing forward to grab its foot.

“Ngaah!” Digging his feet into the soft earth, Natsu hurled the Vulcan backwards into its friends, causing them to collapse into a pile.

“These Vulcans are stronger than usual.” He nodded in agreement, then his eyes narrowed as they began to rise again, now grumbling angrily. A growl built in his throat. “One of them might’ve taken over a wizard. Can you tell?”

He shook his head, a quick and abrupt movement, before raising an arm to block the largest Vulcan’s punch. He was forced to take a step back but otherwise held his ground. The other two caught Lucy’s attention as one tried to distract her with a swing, the other attempting to move behind her. She ducked beneath the first’s arm, causing it to strike its friend instead. She drove her sword into the first’s arm, right in the crease of the elbow. It roared in pain and stumbled backwards into a tree. It bellowed and slapped her sword away as she drew close before its fist drew near, but after almost a year on the road, Lucy was quick on her feet. She dodged the punch and kicked off from the tree to dodge the next, causing its hand to get stuck within the bark. No, she wasn’t as weak as she was before.

“Virgo…Capricorn…Sagittarius,” Lucy whispered, feeling tears make tracks through the smears of blood on her face. Her friends lay on the grass slowly fading back to the Celestial Realm, defeated. Her broken and injured arm ached, but it was nowhere close to the pain in her heart. She tried to make her way towards them, past the rubble that was once the Heartfilia estate, then a pale hand seized her Keys before she could get close. Rage quickly took the place of sadness, and she forgot her utter defeat of seconds ago to shout at the intruder. “Return my friends now!”

“Or what?” Zeref was as calm as a nighttime lake. He looked over the Keys with a critical eye as she made her way over, stumbling over debris with her bare, bruised feet.

“Give them back! Give them!” she yelled over and over, until she grew close enough to see the faint reflection of the sunset in Zeref’s dark eyes. But suddenly they weren’t dark anymore, glowing red like fresh blood. A chill ran through her body and she collapsed to her knees as if by some divine power. He turned to face her, black robes rustling faintly in the wind.

“If these Keys can help me attain Fairy Heart, they’ll be returned to you,” he said in a deceptively level voice. She had no clue what “Fairy Heart” was, but if Zeref wanted it, it couldn’t have meant good news. He turned towards the path leading to town and Lucy let out an angry noise, reaching towards the tail of his robes. He didn’t turn again. “You can find me and try to get them back anytime you want, but know that it will be your life.”

“I’m not that weak, not anymore,” she muttered as she dove to the ground, snatching her sword up. That moment where she removed her eyes from her opponents was a mistake: a foot collided into her back as she straightened, sending her in a rolling-skid across the dirt before she crashed into a tree trunk. Hard. The impact took her breath away and pain radiated through all her limbs. She lost her grip on her sword and struggled to her hands and knees as the two Vulcans advanced. From the corner of her eye, she saw Natsu wasn’t faring any better. He could take hits well enough, as displayed when he received the same punch-slam combo as she and simply brushed it off with a shake of his head, but his non-magical attacks were mainly chip damage.

I’m still weak. She squeezed her eyes shut. How can I beat Zeref like this…? Natsu’s furious noise dragged her from her loathing, and she looked up to see him being piled by two Vulcans now. The last one, the alpha, was rushing towards her. She glanced at Natsu again, fighting tirelessly despite the odds. I have him. I have Natsu to cover the chinks in my armor now. Maybe I’m not strong enough alone, but together, we’re…

She forced her arm to move to the straps of her armor, undoing the buckles and letting the dented plates fall to the earth. She untied the scaled fabric from her waist as the Vulcan caught her torso in a vise grip, pinning her against the tree. Her ribs ached in his grip but she refused to cry in pain; instead, she used her free arm to toss the scarf over. “Natsu!”

Natsu’s eyes snapped over and upon sighting his scarf, a maniacal grin crossed his face. Pushing away from his assailants, he tensed his legs and leapt into the air, snatching the bundle and winding it around his neck. Almost immediately, his scales faded entirely, his horns retracted, and his claws shrunk to broken nails. He hit the ground with a fanged grin and flaming fists.

“Lucy’s just given all the permission I need,” he said, voice a little hoarse. “I’m gonna roast you guys for dinner.” His fire blazed higher and hotter as he swung at the shocked Vulcans. The first was thrown backwards, plowing through twenty feet worth of trees before coming to a stop in a mini-crater. The other attempted a fight, feinting a kick before throwing a punch at Natsu’s side. He jumped onto its fist and used it as a springboard to drop a fire-powered axe kick on its head, burying it in the ground. He hit the ground and turned to face the alpha Vulcan, who released Lucy (with an undignified yelp on her part) to face Natsu. He cracked his neck, grin widening, and steadied his stance. “I’m fired up now. Gimme your best shot!”

“Die!” the Vulcan roared as it charged, locking its hands together to swing down, then to the side. Natsu jumped to dodge the first, then raised his arms as the second shredded a nearby tree, sending wooden shrapnel everywhere. He landed on his hand and propelled himself back in the air as the Vulcan’s next few attacks came faster, then it managed to land a punch in his face. Blood spurted from his nose but did nothing to deter him as he grabbed the Vulcan’s wrist and slammed his feet in its face. It stumbled, then Natsu put out a hand and jetted a whirlwind of gold and orange fire. The Vulcan screamed in agony before its voice gave out, and when the flames died, it hit the ground and didn’t rise. Natsu didn’t spare it another glance, rushing to Lucy’s side.

“You’re alright?” he asked with wide eyes. She waved off his concern.

“I’ll be fine.”

“Zeref was here, you know. I smell him.”

“Of course.” Her voice lowered with anger and she took a calming breath. “We should tell the mayor the Vulcans are dealt with.”

“Then we leave. Keep moving to Magnolia,” he said. “For Zeref.” She nodded and pushed herself up.

“And whatever awaits us along the way,” she added. He grinned in response.

“Whatever adventures await.”

It wasn’t easy, a Celestial Wizard without her Keys, but Natsu at her side, she felt hope. She would be strong enough and she would win. She nudged his arm around her side, helping support her weight, and smiled.

“Lead the way, my dragon.”

[ratretro]

Title: Obstacles

Pairing: NaLu

Prompt: NaLu Angst Week 2018 - Obstacles

Rating: M; Ages 18+!

None of these characters are owned by me, they are all owned by the wonderful Hiro Mashima!

A/N:

I hope this came out well because I wanted to make it kind of fun and kind of awful

But the good kind of awful

Idk my angst game is weak rn im sorry tbh

Of course it happens right as angst week writing begins lmao heres an arranged marriage au for you all

also I won’t be doing tomorrows prompt unless i have time to complete it ive got some stuff to work out

FF.net

           The male beside her had eyes the shade of the night sky on the new moon; cold and empty. His hand was resting comfortably on her hip, but she’d felt his fingers twitch each time she walked by. The she Lucy was referring to was not herself, but a smaller girl on the other side of the room. The girl with the flowing, soft blonde hair that fell in waves with ribbons adorning both sides of her head in perfect symmetry. Her gown was a shade of pink that reminded Lucy distinctly of cherry blossoms, and though it was elegant she could tell the fabric was lightweight and the design specifically made to appear as though it matched the overall feel of the party. This made sense considering Mavis was cunning, and tactful. She needed to be quick on the floor, but she also needed to blend in. She was her father’s advisor, and an outstanding one if this party wasn’t a testament to her hard work.

             The manor they lived in was all shimmering gold, and sparkling wine. The chandeliers were perfectly lit, and every bulb had been replaced in light of tonight’s event. Once again, her husband’s hand twitched as the sprite of a girl passed. Lucy didn’t much care on the transgressions of her husband. They’d made an agreement after all. That didn’t stop her from glowering at him. He was an idiot, and it was like he wanted to get caught. In truth, he probably did. Then he could stop the charade and be with the woman he actually loved. However, that wouldn’t do well for Lucy. Her father would just find another man to marry her to and she couldn’t have that. She may have wished it in the beginning, but too much was at stake now. Her father wouldn’t care if the male beside her was having an affair, but to bring public shame to the family would be a disgrace.

             “Careful, darling.” She placed emphasis on the pet name, and once more her smile full of lies graced her face. “You’ll get us caught.” She mumbled below her breath to keep their conversation from being overheard.

             “The only reason I agreed to your deal is my brother. Otherwise, I would have left with her long ago.” He muttered back to her. His tone having shifted from ‘overly excitable husband’ to ‘don’t get cocky’ in a matter of seconds. Two could play at this game.

             “I know that. I don’t care. Don’t. Get. Caught.” Each word was said through gritted teeth.

             “Oh my! Look at the happy couple!” it was her aunt Supetto for the third time that evening. “You look marvelous, my dear!”

             Her cheeks turned a shade of rosy pink as she knelt to her aunt’s height, and gently gripped her hands. “As do you, auntie.” The two separated, and she watched her aunt wander back out to the floor. She’d certainly be back.

             “You say I’ll get us caught. His face has been the epitome of ‘don’t touch her’ all night.” Shots fired. He was right though, Natsu had been throwing a silent tantrum since they’d descended the stairs arm in arm, with smiles of a happy couple. She didn’t want this anymore than he did. Zeref’s hand returned to her hip and pulled her just an inch closer. They’d come up with a system in their closeness. This marriage was one of necessity and convenience. Neither wanted this, but still. Zeref couldn’t shame the Dragneel name, and neither could she to the Heartfilia Konzern. Both would be inevitable as the affairs they both engaged in continued. And yet the pair of them felt addicted to their other half.

             “Surely, we could separate for a moment.” It was a suggestion that Zeref posed nearly every political event. He couldn’t stand to be there like some exhibit for very long, and truth be told Lucy couldn’t stand to have someone other than him touching her.

             “Surely, we could.” She echoed, and the pair separated. Both gave each other their signature smiles, and that lingering glance that they’d practiced and become sufficient at. It was like when she had played pretend as a child. Her performances could give a professional entertainer a run for their money. She crept down a small hallway that normally led towards the restroom, but instead of entering the ladies’ room she ventured to the left. The door shut softly behind her, and there she waited.

             It wouldn’t be long now, she hoped. And she was right. She heard his stomping before he even entered the room, but once he did she felt like her skin was on fire. Her father was insistent on marrying into a family of dragons for the status, and the fame but she’d always wondered what his thought process was on that. Did he think they’d be controlled? Impossible.

             “Natsu, could you please turn down the furnace. It’s rather hot.” She teased. Though, from the look on his face it was clear he was past the ‘joking to ease tension’ phase. Dragons were peculiar that way. They got insanely territorial over what they felt was theirs. It was how she’d first noticed Zeref’s feelings for Mavis, and it was how she’d discovered Natsu’s for her. She had been drawn to the mysterious air of the elder Dragneel, but immediately felt he was too tense, and stuffy. Natsu had been like a breath of fresh air in the spring. Zeref felt like a cloudy day with a one hundred percent chance of rain and high humidity. Yet, Mavis loved him with everything she had. To each their own, she supposed. Her own was right in front of her.

             Natsu wasn’t about to just let Lucy slide with a joke like he normally did. He’d watched them practice flirting, and getting the timing of their own lies together the entire night. That hadn’t bothered him, much, but the one thing he’d forgotten in his entire time with Lucy was that their parents had expectations. His father expected Lucy to bear the next heir of the Dragneel name, and of course Lucy’s father expected the same. He’d heard them practice what to say to their respective father’s, but both had become silent. Every single one of them knew that the argument wouldn’t hold out.

             Zeref’s eyes had been the color of blood red, and Lucy couldn’t even bother to face him. She couldn’t bear to tell him the truth, and he knew that. He knew that one day she would have to bear the child of his brother. It was either that, or she get sold to some other high ranking socialite. Zeref could easily sway their father to choose Mavis, but he hadn’t out of respect for Natsu. Natsu appreciated it in ways his brother would never truly understand, but Zeref was at his breaking point. It wouldn’t be long before he called it quits, and Lucy knew that too.

             They continued to refuse each other in this small room. Natsu never moving towards her, and Lucy staring into her hands like they were the most interesting thing in the world. He couldn’t stand it any longer. The tension was so thick it could be cut with a knife. He moved towards her, and the movement startled Lucy into looking up.

             She could barely see through blurred vision as the water pooled, threatening to spill over. His hand touched her cheek, and she could feel the weathered skin, and each scar across the tips of his fingers and his palm. A tear slid when her eyes closed and she relaxed into his touch. His thumb ran under her eye to brush the liquid from her cheek.

             Not even a single tear should stain her cheeks. He’d decided this when they first began their arrangement, but that was then, and this was now. He couldn’t make this better. The greed of her father far outdid that of a dragon. He wasn’t sure if that was a compliment, but he highly doubted he could ever think something nice of Lucy’s old man.

             “Stop cryin’, Luce. It’ll be alright.” She gripped his suit jacket tightly and nodded before tugging him against her. Her forehead nuzzled softly into his chest.

             “I know. I’ve been thinking lately… what if we all just ran away? Me, you, Zeref, and Mavis. Couldn’t we just leave?” if she cried anymore she’d ruin her makeup. Appearance was everything. She had to keep up appearance.

             “That wouldn’t solve a damn thing. My father would hunt us to the ends of the earth, and so would yours.” That didn’t mean he didn’t want to, because fuck did he want to. He could run to hell and back as long as it was her by his side. But they couldn’t. They couldn’t just leave.

             “What if—” she stopped herself. One ‘what if’ was all she could afford. Any more than that, and she’d have actual hope. His rough hand gently raised her chin up to look at him, and he pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead.

             “I love ya. And if that means I gotta fight an army to keep ya then I will.” She didn’t want him to. Anything that would hurt him, she could never forgive. Even if it was herself.

             “Please don’t. I don’t want you to get hurt, idiot.” She lifted to her tip toes, and pressed a kiss to his lips. It was soft like it always was, he mused. Her lips were sticky from the lip gloss she’d chosen. It tasted like watermelon. She had always liked those flavored ones, and he couldn’t help but agree. He licked her bottom lip, and she giggled – a real giggle – for the first time that night. The sound was like music to his ears. His own private symphony.

             He pressed his head into her neck, and his hands gripped her hips. She gave a small gasp that had him growling softly. Then, a scent rose to his nose. It was buried beneath her floral perfume. He was glad she chose the softest one she had in her array of scents. It hadn’t taken the heiress long to learn the sensitivity of a dragon’s nose, and since then had only worn soft scents that smelled of vanilla or a flower shop. Today was the flower shop. Still, that wasn’t the problem. No, his problem lay under that.

             Lucy noticed quickly the change from playful growl to territorial growl. She froze on the spot, and then she waited. Territorial Natsu could sometimes be a hassle, between sibling rivalry, and his disgust about their situation it often gave her trouble. Tonight, for example, he likely smelled Zeref on her skin. They’d had to do a ‘lover’s embrace’ in front of their fathers. Complete with longingly staring into each other’s eyes, and happy smiles. They joked about how disgusting it was later.

             In another life, she and Zeref would have been friends. She thought so anyway. Here they had a mutual partnership. One that likely wouldn’t make it much farther. It was just as she thought. They should all just run away.

             Natsu’s breath on the crook of her neck distracted her from her thoughts, and she tensed while a shiver ran down her spine.

             “Your father sucks.” He muttered, resting his forehead to her collarbone, and gently pushing her backward. It wasn’t long before she bumped into the desk at the far back of the office. This idiot was going to try that in a place like this.

             “He does. But you know what’s worse?” she was setting him up for a joke. Just like when she’d entered, but his brain didn’t want to hear it. Her dress had been distracting him all night, and with the scent of Zeref on it that was making it all the more irritating. It was tight, black and boy did it fit her like the perfect sized glove. He shivered the second his fingers caressed the fabric. His hands were gripping her hips again, which in turn made her nervous. She’d chosen the dress with slits on both sides with the purpose of riling him up, but she didn’t mean for right now, she’d meant for later. When they were alone in their chambers, and the party goers had gone.

             “Hmmm.” The sound vibrated against her neck as a tongue lashed out to lick her skin. A whimper slipped through her lips, and the grip on her hips tightened.

             “Happy’s going to destroy the furniture before we get back.” She deflected to the feline for aid in distracting Natsu from his current activities.

             “And when he does we’ll confiscate his prized fish as punishment.” A gasp of horror came from her body, but he was more than aware that she was joking. Soon, another giggle erupted through her ribcage.

             “And then we’ll have to buy a new couch. Again.” She mumbled.

             “What can I say. He really liked the old one.” Natsu wasn’t distracted one bit. In fact, his lips were kissing trails up her neck, and she was doing her best to hold it together.

             “For someone who owns a cat, you’re such a sly dog.” He bit into her neck softly, but she got the feeling that if he ever could, he’d leave nothing but marks on her pale skin to show everyone who she was with. She was his, and he was hers. This situation just complicated matters was all. Lucy rocked her hips into his, and he grunted.

             “Dragon. I. Am. A. Dragon. We are majestic!” he groaned loudly in annoyance with her terms, and she supposed he was right, but she wanted to make the joke, and so here they were.

             “Yes, a mighty dragon. He who lays claim to all treasure.” She had deepened her voice, and added a tone that sounded a lot like a story narrator.

             “If we lay claim to all treasure, then you’re mine. You’re my pile of golden coins.” He brought her hand to his lips, and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. She flared a vibrant red, and her face felt like it was on fire all the way up to the tips of her ears.

             Their lips met again, but this time more urgent. Her fingers dug into his hair, and his hands finally found their way to her thighs. He squeezed one as he slid his other hand up her inner thigh to reach the seething warmth. A shaky sigh left her lips, and with one touch to the clothed flesh she was throwing her head back, and biting her lip to keep from making a sound.

             His grin was devilish as the finger began to rub up, and then down. Up. Down. Up. Down. He continued the slow pace, and the deliberate stroking even as her grip on his hair tightened. She breathed, and his name flowed out. His finger stopped abruptly, and he pulled it back. Then, once more a searing kiss to her lips.

             A knock at the door startled her from her haze. She froze in fear until she saw the look of irritation on Natsu’s sharp features.

             “We’ve got to get back.” Zeref’s voice echoed from behind the door, and she nearly cursed before pushing past the pinkette. She straightened up her appearance before hanging her head and mumbling something. Natsu had heard her, and all be damned he was a dragon. And wasn’t it a dragon’s duty to kidnap the princess and hide her where she’d never be found again? Her hand pressed to his chest, and she left him with a soft, lingering kiss. It was so pure and tender. It was so full of love that it nearly ripped out his heart to watch her leave arm in arm with Zeref.

             With her lingering glance on him as she left he silently promised the world would fear the wrath of Natsu Dragneel if it meant he could live a full life with her.

[gingerxtrash]

As the years go on//Ch.2

Chapter 2

Hey guys, I’m sorry for the short chapter but they will get a little longer. I’m sorry if it was confusing but I’m excited for this story because of I have a lot of ideas. Sorry I don’t know what to say again.

Lucy’s P.O.V

four years later

I slowly open my eyes, waking up to the sound of the train going along the tracks in the constant straight path that leads to my past before everything went to hell. I am extremely happy that I’m coming back to Fiore and getting out of Basco. Four years of seeing the people I love suffering (my parents). At the time, anything I said would never put in consideration. My Father would also get in the middle of rivaling gangs during the time because they wanted to use him for his social status. My Father was the one who covered up the illegal activities caused to transfer weapons, drugs, etc. When other gangs started to realize of the Heartfilia’s success in social status, my Father found out before any of them could confront us in keeping my Mother and I safe.

The thing is, this gang was were I built friendships with the people I learned to love over the years. Even though Fairy Tail is the most ruthless gang in Magnolia, they were still good people in my eyes because they are the ones who doesn’t tolerate other gangs abusing innocent people.

Because of this I am terrified, I will have to face those who I once called my close friends. The ones I told that I never wanted to lose them. But in the end, I left without telling them. I showed them I couldn’t achieve my goal and that is what makes me pathetic. Why would they ever forgive me?

---flashback---

(four years ago)

“Natsu please let go!” Giving him puppy eyes while he looked at Lucy laughing. When me and the whole group reached to the tree in the middle of the field. It is not to far between the Magnolia Public School and Magnolia Academy, the school for high school students. At the tree Natsu gently put me down and now I see everyone else getting closer. “HEY GUY’S, since we are almost graduating from public school we should all make new goals we will achieve in high school” Erza said smiling with her hand is up in accomplishment and a smile. “That sounds great!” Mira said giggled with her hands clapped together. “I will start my goal, I will become the strongest swords woman ever!” Erza said first. Everyone laughed in unison. ‘Even though Magnolia is very dangerous and filled with gangs, every one of my friends and I have been trained for dangerous situations, we don’t let that rob our childhood. I feel like Erza is setting this as her goal to protect everyone, she really is a softy in her heart.’ Lucy thought and smiled at the thought.

“I want to reach my goal of reading 500 books! I already have 100 done, oh and becoming the next president of the student council. But the books are more important!” Levy said giggling. “Shrimp you sure are weird, my goal is to get so many piercings that people will fear me, gihe” Gajeel chuckled to out loud. “Lameeee, you guys are so boring. I am going to drink so much apple juice until I drop!” Cana laughed. “I guess my goal is to always be by Erza’s side” Jellal said earning a deep red blush from Erza. We all knew Jellal said that to get Erza embarrassed. “Hehe, I don’t really want anything” Mira said. “Hmph, I don’t really have a goal but if someone picks some serious beef with I will pound them in” Laxus said crossing his arms closing his eyes, looking cool as always. “Juvia’s goal is to always be around Gray-sama and always being happy!” having a big smile on her face. Gray looks down blushing, not knowing if he had a crush on her or not. Quickly he picks himself up “Ha, my goal is show that I’m better than and stronger then Natsu”. Gray said smirking at Natsu. “OH YEAH, THAT AIN’T EVER GONNA HAPPEN ICE PRINCESS!?! Ha, I’m going to be the strongest and greatest leader ever!” Natsu said with his million-dollar smile. Everyone smiled at this, especially me. When I look at Natsu I always become happy, and he is my best friend.

This is the most peaceful moment, I hope it this moment never ends. Even though we are leaving public school, we are still going to be with each other every day. “Hey Luce, what do you wish for” Natsu says while tilting his head with a questioning look. “Hmm, I already have everything I want, but my goal is to never lose you guys as my dearest friends!” I said with a big smile.

“LUCY YOU ARE SO CUTE!!” Erza squealed and brought me into another hug. I giggle and Natsu tries to steal me “Hey Luce is mine!” Natsu says while sticking out his tongue to everyone else and everyone starts laughing.

Now everyone starts heading home so we all start walking together, laughing and joking just like everyone has known each other for all their lives. Even Laxus was silently laughing, everyone thinks he is so scary, but he’s actually a really cool guy.

It’s time to separate so we all go home, sadly we just got done with our last day so tomorrow is the first day of summer. “Hey everyone, we should hang out tomorrow at the usual place (the tree)” Natsu yelled. We all agreed and left to go back to our homes.

I am turn the corner to see my house, although I saw something that has crushed my heart completely.  ‘No, how could this happen?’ I thought to myself. I start running to my house to find my parents, Layla and Jude Hearfilia. “Mama, Papa what happening here” tears so forming in my eyes. “Sweetie, I am so sorry, but we have to leave. We have gotten in a lot of trouble, so we have to leave so we can keep you safe” Layla said apologetically to Lucy. “No, I don’t want to leave!” Lucy yelled. “Lucy, I’m sorry but you don’t have a say in the matter. We are leaving right now!” Jude started to raise his voice, now the room is completely silent.

“Can I at least say goodbye to my friends?” Lucy said with her head down. “No Lucy, we have to leave right now, it will be safer if no one knows why we left.” Layla said calmly. I feel horrible for saying these things to Lucy but it’s for her own safety, isn’t that the right thing? Layla thought to herself.

“Why won’t you tell me why we are in trouble!?” Lucy said. “I promise, we will tell you, but we need to leave as soon as possible. We really are sorry Lucy.” Jude said.

---End of flashback---  

‘Dang, I want to go back to that day to that day instead of being haunted of the never-ending nightmares of that night’. Lucy thought while feeling overwhelmed with sadness. Remembering the night, three years ago. I remember the fear I felt when my Mother forced me to hide under the floorboards in my house, and that was the last time I saw her. The worst moment was that I watched her die right in front of me above the floor boards.

‘I need to stop being so down about this, I can’t let others see my pain. My Mother is the one who taught me to keep my head up high in the times I feel weak’ Lucy thought and vowed to keep that word and I never break a promise no matter the consequences.

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a monotone yet loving voice. “Princess, we are here. Would you like me to carry your bags?” Virgo said. “No, it’s fine, I don’t mind carrying. Although, you should stop being so formal with me” I said smirking at Virgo. All she did was smile back at me. “Come on, we should start heading to our place before it gets late” Loke interrupting my conversation with Virgo. And with that we just followed him and quickly arrived at our new apartment located at Strawberry Street and was put at the price of 70,000 jewels.

Ever since my parents have been killed Virgo and Loke, some of my Father co-workers who were loyal took me in and raised. They have taught me so much and helped me to improve my combat sills because I always had to stay aware of my surroundings since I was a Heartfilia. That is why my alias is Lucy Ashley, so it can set other others off a bit because not that many people know what I look like since I’ve grown a bit since my parent’s death.

“Lucy, are you ready to start your first of day of school of school? I expect good grades or else you’re grounded. Oh, and no boys over or else they will have to go through me!” Loke said while smiling to himself and trying to look cool at the same time. “Ha of course I’m ready, and by the way you’re only five years older then me. Unless you’re already going senile old man.” I said while I was messing with him. “Well, I think you’re getting delusional because I am an incredibly handsome many” Loke said with pride.

Wow, he’s trying to act as if he is my father when he is only he’s six years older than me. But honestly, I slightly thing of him and Virgo as parent figures because they have taught me so much over the last four years. They have raised me with so much love and kindness that it’s hard to not love them.

“Well I’m going to try to get some rest and it has been a long rest. Plus, I have to go to a boring school with boring people.” Lucy said with her back to them and waving at them while leaving.

But the thing is, I am incredibly nervous for tomorrow because it means I must finally face my dearest friends which probably started hating me over the years. Will they yell and scream at me or will they act as if I don’t even exist.” Lucy says with a worried look in her eyes (her beautiful eyes that anyone would get lost in just by one look).  My eyes are starting to shut close against my will, so I decide to lay down and immediately drifted to sleep.

Hey guys! So I hope you liked this chapter because I had fun writing

 and the next chapter I’m more excited to write. Please review so I can know that people like my loser self! cx

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Chapter 1- https://gingerxtrash.tumblr.com/post/173317577354/as-the-years-go-on

[petri808]

19 and 39. Nalu

“I think I’m in love with you, and that scares the crap out of me” + “Please come home, I miss you” @rougescribe

Fear is Our Worst Enemy

“Nope,” Levy crossed her arms as she barricaded the door frame with her body, “Lucy doesn’t want to talk to you Natsu.”

“Oh, come on!” He waved his arms exasperatedly. “You know I wouldn’t intentionally hurt her!”

“You don’t have to intend to hurt someone to still hurt them. Four years you’ve strung her along and when she finally pushed you for an answer, what did you do? Nothing! You literally stood there like a dead stick. That spoke volumes Natsu.”

Natsu’s body deflated. He knew she was right about everything, so he couldn’t fight it. Lucy and he had been together since junior year of high school, but even after four years, he just couldn’t bring himself to fully commit. Not saying he wasn’t loyal to Lucy, Natsu would never cheat on her. His problem was deeper and stemmed all the way back to childhood. As an adopted child, he always had a lingering fear of becoming unwanted, and that fear only intensified when his adoptive father died while he was still young. To Natsu, why love anyone when they might leave you in the end? So, when Lucy demanded to know exactly how he felt about her— he froze.

“You’re right…” Natsu sighed in defeat. “Lucy has every right to hate me because I haven’t been forthcoming about my feelings, but please, Levy, I’m begging you. I need to talk to her.” He’d thought a lot about everything in the two days she’d left the home they shared, and shed tears that were long overdue. Maybe yes, it would help if he went to counseling over his fears, but right now to lose Lucy would send him to a place he really didn’t want to go.

It was time to confront the pain or lose the best thing to ever enter his life no matter what came with it.

Natsu took a step forward with his hands clasped in front of him in a begging manner. “Lucy deserves to hear an apology from me, and I’m ready to give her one.”

Levy sighed… “I don’t know…”

“Please, just one chance, that’s all I’m asking for, and if she never wants to see me again, I’ll leave quietly.”

“Alright, fine. But I swear Dragneel, if you hurt my best friend again, you won’t just leave quietly,” Levy’s brows narrowed menacingly— “I’ll make sure no one finds your body.”

To think this tiny woman could evoke so much fear! It sent a shiver down Natsu’s spine because he believed every word. He held up his hands in a white flag gesture. “I won’t.”

At that moment, Levy simply nodded, then turned and shut the front door again, leaving Natsu alone on the front steps to wait. He could hear a lot of hushed back and forth voices, but nothing he could understand. Several agonizing minutes passed by as droning negative voices tortured his mind, and he began to unconsciously pace. ‘Was Lucy just too angry? She’s probably too angry. Of course, she was angry. She’s not gonna wanna talk. It was too late to fix this. They were over. Lucy’s never gonna take me back and I deserve it. I don’t deserve her…’ Natsu cradled his head. ‘You blew it man. You—’

His head whipped around instantly at the sound of the door opening, certain it would be Levy telling him Lucy would come out— But it wasn’t her.

“L-Lucy?” The pain in his hidden heart was nothing compared to pain she wore emblazoned on her face. Lucy’s eyes were bloodshot, skin muddled and worn as if she’d been crying for hours, and the light in her normally bright brown eyes were dulled and lifeless. This was all his fault.

Natsu dropped to his knees at the sight of the woman. “I’m sorry… I’m so, sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen!”

“Sorry won’t cut it anymore.” Lucy spat back and wrapped her arms around her body in protection mode. “You always say sorry, but nothing changed, and I— I can’t keep waiting on you Natsu.”

“I know, but—”

“No, you don’t know,” the level of anger in her voice was starting to raise. “There’s obviously something you’re hiding from me! Something that you need to figure out for yourself, and unless you come clean right here, right now, it’s—” Lucy’s voice cracked, almost unwilling to finish. “Then it’s over Natsu.”

Natsu hung his head at those stinging words. “You’re right. I haven’t told you everything because I was afraid.”

“Of what?” Her eyebrow raised.

He let out a long, centering exhale and his broken voice grew quiet. “I think I’m in love with you, and that scares the crap out of me”

“You think?!” Lucy’s arms flailed and eyes flashed with the biggest sign of life. “What do you mean you think?! After four years you should know by now and why the hell would it scare you so badly?!”

“Because everyone I loved always left me! First my birth parents, then my adoptive dad.” Natsu sank back onto his haunches. “After that, I told myself not to let anyone in. It’s why I was afraid to admit I love you too.”

Lucy sighed. “Natsu—” she knelt down and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I wish you would have just been honest with me, because I understand how much it hurts to lose someone close to you.”

“You’re right…”

“And it’s very scary to realize you love someone. I was scared when I started to feel that way about you…”

Natsu looked up in surprise. “You were?”

“You big idiot,” Lucy cracked a small smile. “Of course, I was! That’s why it hurt so much when you couldn’t say it back.”

“I’m so, sorry Lucy!” Natsu grabbed her hands and held them close. “I know I was an idiot, but I can change. Please come home, I miss you!”

Lucy frowned slightly. “How do you know that? You’re saying what I want to hear now, but how do I know you won’t shut me out or freak out the next time we have an argument?”

“I know I can, because losing you over these two days was worse than any fear I’d ever experienced before.” Natsu shuddered at the thought. “I never wanna go through that again...” He squeezed her hands. “I love you— I’ll shout it to the world how much I love you Lucy Heartfilia! I’m not afraid anymore.”

[beautifully-vain]

One-Sided

Ao3

Chapter 6

<Ch. 5, First Ch.

After so much time and anticipating, the next chapter of One-Sided is here!!! Please let me know what you think of it! Enjoy!

Lucy couldn’t help but get excited about her date with Natsu. She’d get to know him and see what he could bring to the table. She knew he was capable of being a gentleman, hero, and an asshole, but which one was the real him? For her own selfish ambitions, she really hoped he’d be an asshole.

Levy was curling Lucy’s hair into tight little ringlet curls before she raked her finger through them to give her hair a beach wave look. Her makeup was done to perfection. She went for a casual look with baby pink lipstick to complete her face.

“Where is he even taking you?” Levy asked as she finished the last few strands of Lucy’s hair.

“Not really sure. That’s why I’m not dressing up too much.” Lucy replied fixing her top. She sported a flowing white sleeveless top that she added a black leather jacket with white sleeves to give it a classier look. She wore a pair of black skinny jeans and finished the outfit off with a pair white low-top converse and some diamond earrings that belonged to her mother. If this didn’t get Natsu’s attention to stick around, Lucy would give up altogether.

“I think you can dress this up or down depending on the place, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, you’re right. You look great Lucy.”

“Thanks Levy. I love my hair by the way thank you so much for doing it.” Lucy reached out to hug her roommate who gladly returned her affection.

“Now since I’m ready, tell me why everything about Natsu ‘screams run’ like you put it,” she asked giggling.

Levy grew quiet for a second, like she was deep in thought. “I just remember all the times Gajeel would call or text me angry about something Natsu had done or was doing. It never affected him, just annoyed the hell out of him. I don’t think they got along that well. Gajeel used to live at the house we went to last night and Natsu lived in the room next to his. He’d always complain about what girls he had over and the pranks he’d pull to get people’s attention. After he moved out, the complaining stopped for the most part. But after every party he would have something to say about what or who Natsu had done. At a certain point, I got tired of his complaining and I told him enough was enough and he’s held his tongue ever since.”

Lucy pondered this. She could find any partying fuckboy anywhere, but something in her felt that there was something different about Natsu because of how he carried himself. There was an air of command around, that made people both respectful and wary of him.

“Just be careful. I don’t know his backstory, but from what I’ve heard, he’s bad news.”

“Is that from other people or just Gajeel?” Lucy giggled.

“Surprisingly, other people. And they all say the same thing – ‘don’t get involved’, they sound like parents being honest. How bad can the guy be? And how has he not been expelled or arrested yet, right?” The girls burst into a fit a of laughter then there was a knock at the door.

Lucy was almost giddy with excitement. She quickly answered the door and saw Natsu in a pair of ripped jeans, a black shirt and the same scarf he had on the night before. He looked Lucy up and down and smiled at her.

“You look nice.” He said kindly. Lucy blushed.

“Thank you. You do too.”

“Ready to go? The restaurant will charge my card if we don’t show up in time for the reservation.”

Reservation? How nice was this date supposed to be? Lucy didn’t try to think about it.

“I’m fucking with you, we do need to leave though. I don’t wanna get stuck in traffic on our way there.” He said chuckling.

Lucy nodded and followed Natsu out of the dorm, receiving dirty looks and heard terrible whispers about her choice of date. She smiled to herself happy to know that just spending time with him would ruin her reputation.

“Look everyone! Natsu’s got a new play thing! Shall we start taking bets now on how long this one will last?” shouted one of the girls in the lounge of the dorm. The words stung, but Lucy just rolled her eyes and kept walking.

“Mad it’s not you even after I let you suck my cock?” Natsu grinned apparently knowing who the girl was.

“Fuck you Dragneel!” she shouted at him with disgust.

“You did, don’t you remember?” he laughed wrapping his arm around Lucy and pulling her close. “I’m really sorry about that. It sorta comes with the territory. You don’t deserve this though.” He whispered into her hair, sending heat through her body.

“They’re just words from people who don’t matter. It’s fine.” It was something that she had been telling herself for years when people would talk about her and her family situation. She had taught herself to at least try not to care about what people said about her. Unfortunately, the pain of the words still stung her heart.

“We’ll have a good time and you’ll forget all about them and your problems. Sound like a plan?” he asked smirking.

“Sure, why not?” she giggled as he walked her to his car.

In the parking lot, Lucy was hoping to see a badass motorcycle or something of that cliché nature. Instead, she was met with a fiery red Camaro. Natsu unlocked it and led Lucy to the passenger side. He opened the door and smiled at her as she got into the car. He felt incredibly nervous because he needed to be on his best behavior, but he wanted to take her in the back seat and get her to scream his name while she came all over his dick. He checked his phone before he got in the car and saw a message from Lisanna.

“I’m not even with you right now, but you need to behave! This is Lucy fucking Heartfilia you're taking on a date.”

He rolled his eyes at the message and quickly typed his reply.

“I want to fuck Lucy Heartfilia Lisanna!” He put his phone on Do Not Disturb and got in the car with Lucy.

“So…” Lucy started.

“Before you ask me where we’re going, don’t. Just relax and enjoy. You won't be disappointed.”

“Okay.” She said feeling scared and excited all at once. She was more anxious to find out what tonight had in store for her and the kind a man Natsu would be.

The calm silence was interrupted by Natsu’s phone ringing. It annoyed Lucy but it also reminded her that she probably wasn’t the only girl he would take out.

“Yes Lisanna?”

Lisanna? Lucy knew that name, she just couldn’t remember who the girl was especially since the name Lisanna wasn’t on the list of the world’s most common girl names. She sat and strained to hear what was being said on the other end of the phone.

“Lisanna, I’m on a date right now. Please go bother Mira or Elfman.” He said obviously ignoring what Lisanna had said to him.

Of course, she knew who that was! Lisanna was Mirajane’s little sister who was probably a senior in high school by now. She was just as beautiful as Mira, but she never liked the popularity that came with her looks. Lucy remembered how Lisanna would intentionally not do her hair and makeup to make people leave her alone. Eventually the effort – or lack thereof – finally paid off and she was just like everyone else.

“Don’t you have homework? It’s a school day tomorrow, right? Lisa I’ll entertain you later, but big kids are busy. I’m gonna hang up now. Make good grades and behave!” She shouted something on the other end of the phone as he ended the call. Lucy raised her eyebrow at Natsu urging an explanation.

“She’s a friend of mine. You probably don’t know her. Trust me, we’re just friends.”

“I mean, I hope you're just friends since she’s still in high school. Unless you roll like that.” Lucy said off-handedly.

“Wait, how’d you know that?!” Natsu was shocked.

“I went to the same school as them. Actually, Elfman and I were in the same class.”

Natsu was still shocked about the news that he had just heard. Did that mean we would have to watch his back for Mira and Elfman even more than before?

“Were you all friends or something?” he asked casually.

“No, we just went to the same school. I knew more of them than I actually knew them.”

Natsu was so relieved to hear that and was glad to be at their destination. When he told Lucy, they might be late for a reservation, he wasn’t joking even though he told her he was. The look on her face was slight horror when he mentioned it so he wanted to play it off and still somehow surprise her. He was hoping she wouldn’t hate the place he chose. Well, Lisanna convinced him to pick the place. It had a semiformal dress code, menu items he couldn’t pronounce, and prices that he had to use the credit card he swore to himself that he’d never use. To put it simply, he hated the place already so Lucy better enjoy the damn restaurant.

He parked in the best place he could find and like a gentleman, got exited the car to get the door for his beautiful date. He gauged her reaction to the setting of the date and he was a bit confused. She almost looked like she was about to cry, and not the good kind. Had he completely fucked everything up by listening to Lisanna?! He was starting to become agitated with her response and he cleared his throat hoping that she would say something that would lead him to believe that he didn’t just waste his time and possible money.

“Natsu, w-where did you hear about this place?” Lucy asked in a daze.

“Lisanna told me about it. Why?” His response was curt and she felt slight joy in his behavior, but she was bothered that his tone was spoiling her complete and utter joy.

“It’s nothing. Are we gonna head inside? You did say you didn’t wanna be late for the reservation, didn’t you?” she smiled sweetly at him while taking his hand.

What Lucy wasn’t going to tell Natsu was that she would fall into bed with him just for bringing her to this very place. This restaurant wasn’t just some upscale pompous rich people restaurant, not to Lucy anyway. This place was her mother’s favorite when she was alive. Lucy remembered the many times that her mother would beg her father to take the three of them as a family for dinner. She began to remember one specific time that her mother had lied to her father about forgetting their anniversary just to take her there. Lucy could still hear the fake weeping her mother was doing while Lucy sat in the room playing with her doll. If she thought hard enough, she could even hear her father’s laugh, a deep throaty laugh that would warm the worst of moods, when he realized that he had been fooled by his wife.

“Layla, I rushed over as soon as the maids told me! How could I have forgotten one of the absolute best days of my life?”

“You didn’t Jude, but you did make me a promise to drop everything you were doing if I ever called for you. That wasn’t that case last time so I decided to get back at you Jude! By the way dear, when is our anniversary?”

Lucy remembered her father’s laugh echoing in the room as he lifted her mother and kissed her lovingly. Lucy knew that technique oh too well especially after her mother passed. He never answered the question, he only replied with gifts or affection. Nevertheless, he brought the family to the restaurant and they had a lovely evening.

“Lucy!” Natsu whispered sharply.

“What?!” she snapped sharply, drawing unwanted attention from other patrons of the restaurant.

“I was going to ask you if there was anything that you were interested in, but your thoughts seem to be elsewhere,” he said with a tight smile.

She glanced at the menu, but already knew what she was going to order.

“I’ll get the Asiago Chicken Pasta cooked witch red peppers instead of the sun-dried tomatoes and I’ll have a glass of Bramito del Cervo. What about you Natsu?”

He was dumbfounded by her response.

“Have you been here before?”

“A few times, is that a bad thing?”

“I was hoping that it would be your first time being here.” He said still trying to figure out what the fuck she said she was going to order.

“To be impressed when you ordered something off the fancy Italian menu? Natsu, if Lisanna is your friend she already told you that I have money. I’m sorry to disappoint but it’ll take more than this to blow me away.” She quickly realized that her words made hers sound as arrogant and pompous as the regulars the restaurant.

“But I’m very happy you brought me here. It’s a very impor–” she was cut off by someone calling her name.

It was some of her father’s associates. She’d known them her whole life. Who she didn’t know was the women she saw the two men with. No doubt they were their mistresses and the men were absolutely shameless to bring those women here knowing that they’re regulars at the dining establishment with their wives. Lucy was completely disgusted with them.

“Oh my, Lucy, how you’ve grown! It’s hard to believe you're in college already,” one said while placing a suggestive hand on her shoulder.

“Jude was just talking about how proud he was of you. I bet your mother is smiling down at you right now.” The other said patting her head innocently.

Lucy rolled her eyes at the two men in annoyance. She knew the only reason they approached her was to make her keep quiet about who they had come with. The one with the hand of her shoulder was making her uncomfortable. Ever since she was young, he would always watch her, but he wouldn’t dare try anything. Lucy knew that he would just be waiting for her in the wings until she become of age to try something then belittle and berate her when she would try to speak out about it. Flashes of the bathroom come to mind and she slightly flinches.

Natsu cleared his throat at the three of them.

“Excuse me, but the two of us were trying to enjoy our evening out. Is there any way that it could remain that way? I’m sure you two gentlemen have your dates to entertain as well.” He said with a tight calm tone.

“And who exactly are you?”

“I’m Lucy’s date. Unlike the two of you, I don’t have a woman at home wasting her worry on me while I’m just out fucking some lowlife whores that will do anything for attention. So, you can either leave now and act like you never saw us, or your wives will receive a phone call giving them anonymous tips about your affairs. Trust me, they’re already suspicious of you so they’ve believe me that you're having affairs. All in all, it’s your choice.” Natsu said with a sickly-sweet smile. Lucy’s blood ran cold with that look.

The men were at a loss for words as they angrily left with their dates, but not without shooting Natsu a dirty look. He let out an annoyed sigh.

“Lucy, I gotta tell ya, if the food isn’t as good as the names make it look, I’ll lose my shit.” He said with the same smile he gave her father’s colleagues but there was mischievous look in his eye.

“I promise most of it is. You have to know what to order.” She giggled while pointing out things on the menu that she enjoyed.

“Miss Heartfilia, it’s nice to see you. Shall I place an order for your usual?” asked the handsome waiter.

“No, I’ll order what my mother always got.” She said with a sad smile.

“Yes ma’am. And for you sir?”

Natsu struggled to pick what he wanted when Lucy reached over and pointed to one of the menu items that she thought he might like.

“He’ll have my father’s usual order.” She said to the waiter.

“Of course. Your food will be out in a moment.” He said walking away.

“Hey Lucy, does that man always touch you like that?” Natsu asked casually.

Lucy didn’t answer right away as flashes of last night. She didn’t want to ruin the night with her own personal issue, she also didn’t want Natsu to know all that much of her personal life.

“No, that was the first time it ever happened. It’s nothing to worry about. Anyway, how did you know those women weren’t their wives?”

“You didn’t recognize them and they didn’t wanna look you in the eye.”

Lucy was amazed by his observation skills. Their food arrived and they enjoyed their meal in comfortable silence as Lucy tried not to get too emotional over the meal she was eating. It was the meal her mother adored when she came to the restaurant. And she adored it just as much her.

The rest of the evening went on very uneventful and that slightly disappointed her. Natsu was still a gentleman and he even refused to answer his phone while he drove her home. When they got back to the dorm, he walked her through the lobby again only this time this girls that were heckling Lucy were silently sneering at the two of them. One girl was a childish enough to trip Lucy, Natsu quickly caught her and gave the girl a dirty look.

“You okay?”

“I’m fine,” Lucy said with an indifferent face.

They got to the door of her room and Natsu was starting to get uncomfortable because everything in him wanted to take her back to his house and fool around with her.

“I hope you had a good time tonight.” Natsu said nervously.

“I did Natsu. Thank you so much.” She said kissing him on the cheek.

Before she could pull away, Natsu grabbed her face and his lips met hers.

[serinity-love-child]

Me: hey here is my first chapter for my book guys:

The title is called:

The New Friend

Hey, I just want to let everyone know that this is my first book I do not own any of the Fairy Tail characters in this book. I Do Not Own Any of the Fairy Tail Pictures, Videos or Soundtracks. Please understand that this story just popped into my head and I had to write it down. I really hope that you enjoy it as much as I do. This will be the only time I interrupt this story so I want to be clear. That I don't own any of this even though it is my version of NaLu stories I want NO credits.

Thank you any other questions please post in the comments and I will reply when I see them. I should also like to tell you that this book contains violence and sexual graphics features do not read unless you are at least 15 years or older and you must have parental permission. Also, I have to say that all of this work belongs to Hiro Mashima as he is one of my favorite Authors!!! Okay, I can't find any good pics to use so those of you that know how to do it I would appreciate the drawings as it's not letting me. I would also like to say PLEASE DO NOT USE THE CHARACTER THAT I MADE: CLAIRA DRAGNEEL unless you ask for permission first. Thank you.

It was summertime at the Heartfilia's mansion, July 6th x 777 and young Lucy was playing with her doll Gazella. She was happily playing, her mother Layla was in the kitchen making her favorite snack, and her father Jude was in his study working hard on paperwork that needed to be done.

"Lucy, I got your favorite snack done, why don't you come inside? Layla said.

"Okay mom, I'm coming!" Lucy said with excitement.

Lucy loved her ice cream with banana slices and chocolate. When Lucy ran into the kitchen carrying Gazella, she noticed that her mother looked worried about something and that Mrs. Stelleto was not there so she asked, " mom, what is the matter and where is Mrs. Stelleto?"

Layla looked at her daughter's beautiful face and said: " nothing is wrong sweetheart and Mrs. Stelleto is running an errand for me."

"Oh," Lucy said as she devoured her ice cream.

Layla then said to Lucy " How about we take a nap? You will have friends coming over."Layla suggested.

This made Lucy very happy and she couldn't wait to see others her age so she agreed to take a nap.

While Layla laid on her bed she thought ' I wonder what is keeping Mrs. Stelleto? Did she find Aquarius's key yet?'

Layla was very worried and could not sleep so she got up and went to her own study. Giving a sigh she knew that without Aquarius's key that she would have to summon all of her power to open the gate of time she was saddened at the thought.

It had to be tonight just after midnight she was after all a celestial wizard.

Lucy woke up excited, she could not wait until tonight. I wonder how mom will get these kids to come over' she thought to herself and went to find her mother. 'Father is too busy working' and she missed the old times when her father would join them for supper.

Lucy found her mother in her study reading a book she caught the title upon a starry night and looked at her mom and said: "That is one of my favorite books!"

Layla glanced up at her daughter and smiled then said it was one of her favorites as well.

After reading for several hours Layla glanced at the clock and noticed that it was 10:30 pm and she began to worry more 'where on earth is Mrs. Stelleto? Has she found Aquarius yet? Oh boy I'm going to have to sacrifice myself' she thought as she looked at her beautiful daughter, Layla sat at her desk while Lucy was distracted and began to write a letter... this is what Layla wrote:

To my dear daughter, Lucy

I'm sorry that I'm no longer around for you, know that I will always be with you no matter what happens. I pray that you have found your friends and that you have found the one you are to marry, I know your father will try to force you into a marriage that is not for you. The one that is supposed to be with you will probably be your best friend and teammate and that is good he will be the one to protect you no matter what...

I would also like to tell you that like me you are a celestial wizard. I will leave you Aquarius's key she will help you on your journey through life. Be kind to her.

You will always be my princess.

Love,

Your mother

Lady Layla Heartfilia

After Layla had finished the letter, she stuck it into a white envelope with Lucy's name on the front. Layla glanced at the clock again which read 11:00 pm and there was still no sign of Mrs. Stelleto, Layla sighed.

Lucy had gone to her room to play with Gazella she was so excited that she was going to have new friends to play with soon.

' oh, where is Mrs. Stelleto is she having issues with getting Aquarius? We really should have the key by now and time is growing close' Layla thought.

Then her husband Jude knocked on her study door. "Layla dear may I come in?" He asked.

"Of course dear," Layla replied.

As Jude entered the room, he smiled and said: "Dear, I just wanted to tell you that I will be turning in for the night, it's been a long day filing those papers."

"Okay, sweetheart, I will join you in an hour or so I still have a few things to do," Layla said.

Giving Layla a kiss Jude left the bedroom.

Layla kept an eye on the time at exactly 12:01 am Layla used all of her strength to summon her power to make the door of time open. Five small bright lights floated out of the gate making Layla back up then they shot out in five different ways.

Then a younger version of Layla stepped out of the door with a young girl attached to her skirt. The young girl had Salmon colored hair, onyx-colored eyes, a red and golden dress and a sash from her right shoulder to her left hip, she was around Lucy's age.

Layla stared for a moment. "Oh, how rude of me, my name is Anna Heartfilia and this is Princess Claira Dragneel." Anna proclaimed.

Layla smiled.

"Thank you, Layla, for doing this it must have been really rough on you," Anna said.

"Claira, Lucy is upstairs in her room it's the second door on the right why not go say hello and play for a bit?" Layla said.

Claira smiled and left the room to leave Anna and Layla to talk.

"I should tell you about Claira," Anna said.

Layla was puzzled. "Is there anything wrong with her?"

"No, but her twin brother is Natsu Dragneel, they are both Dragon Slayers as they were raised by the dragon king Igneel, however, Claira has the second ability, she is a time wizard and can go back and even to the future," Anna explained.

"That is very interesting," said Layla.

Then Layla began to feel dizzy and started to collapse, Anna caught her before she fell and was really worried. "You overdid it just to bring us here. Anna whispered.

Just then Mrs. Stelleto ran into the room "I have the key Lady Layla..." Mrs. Stelleto froze as she saw Anna holding and unconscious Layla...

"LAYLA," Mrs. Stelleto yelled. "Why could you not wait for me to return?" Mrs. Stelleto covered her face and began to cry.

"Do you have somewhere I could lay her down?" Anna asked.

Mrs. Stelleto nodded her head and said: "there is a bedroom just down this hall."

Anna carried Layla to the bedroom and laid her on the bed while Mrs. Stelleto sat in the nearby chair and waited for Layla to awake.

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This Chapter and Book was created by: Melinda Schwemm aka. Claira Bartholomew

[prettylittleheartfilia]

Day 2: Mischief

Word Count: 2,056

Rating: T (?)

Ninth period. The last one of the day, and the one Lucy hated the most. Well, hate is a strong word. However, it certainly wasn’t fun having to sit next to your year-long crush who didn’t even know about your existence.

It was her fault, really. If only she would’ve talked to him. It really wasn’t that hard. All she needed to do was turn her head to the right and introduce herself. Hi, I’m Lucy Heartfilia. Nice to meet you! And then they would talk and discover just how much they have in common, and they would fall in love and get married. See? Easy.

Except… he was the Natsu Dragneel. She could never go up to him and start a casual conversation! He was one of the cool kids. The type that everyone knew and everyone liked. The class clown. The jock. The hot guy. Everything Lucy was not.

Albeit she had a decent amount of friends, she was known as shy, and quiet. The type that people would go to for “help” on the test. The teacher’s pet. The bookworm. She didn’t believe someone as gregarious and confident as Natsu could ever be interested in someone as boring as her.

Which is why she was so shocked when she felt him put his hand on her shoulder to gain her attention.

“Hey.” He whispered. Lucy was speechless. She tried to play it cool, but was pretty sure she was failing. He had never talked to her in the entirety of the school year, unless they had to do a lab together. And even then, their conversations were short and strictly about the assignment. “Isn’t it stupid that we still have to do labs in the last week of school?”

Lucy chuckled nervously. “I guess.”

“My friend Gray told me they aren’t doing anything in Ms. Strauss’ class.” Gray Fullbuster. Natsu’s… best friend? Truthfully, Lucy wasn’t sure. They were always together but they always seemed to be yelling insults at each other. Juvia, one of her best friends, constantly tried, but failed, to flirt with him. Lucy admired her determination, and wished she had a bit of it herself. “But we had to be stuck with Mr. Dreyar” Natsu murmured. He and Mr. Dreyar were not the best of friends. Natsu was the class clown, always getting in trouble and never taking anything seriously. At least, those were Mr. Dreyar’s words, ones he repeated almost every day.

“Call it senioritis, but I don’t want to be here, and I have a way of getting us out of here. If you want to, of course.” He finished.

Lucy didn’t know how to respond. She was never one to cause problems. If anything, Mr. Dreyar always trusted her to solve the problems other students would cause. But, Natsu Dragneel wanted to skip class with her. When will an opportunity like this ever arise again?

“Ok.” She let out a shuddering breath. “What do you have in mind?”

He smirked mischievously. “Pass me that test tube.” He pointed to one of the test tubes standing on the test tube rack on her side of the desk.

“But that’s—”

“I know what it is. Just trust me, ‘kay?” And how could Lucy refuse when he looked at her with those dark green eyes and that cute little smirk? “Before I do the honors…” Natsu pinched Lucy’s nose to prepare her for what was to come, and Lucy hesitantly did the same to him, her cheeks painted with a dust of pink.

With his one available hand, he poured the contents of the test tube in the flask. It only took about two seconds before the chemical reacted with the substance already in the flask, instantly rising up and flooding the science classroom with an overwhelmingly bad odor.

Everyone started running out of the class, coughing and covering their noses with their lab coats, including Mr. Dreyar, who ran out of the class with his face cringed in disgust. The culprits weren’t far behind; Natsu grabbed Lucy’s hand and ran with her out of the classroom. Perhaps she was being delirious because of the smell, but she could swear she felt a spark the moment his hand came in contact with hers.

Everyone ran out to the end of the hallway, as far away from their classroom as possible, and once her adrenaline had died down, Lucy couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Natsu was startled by the sound, but soon after he accompanied her.

“That was the most exciting thing I think I’ve ever done… and all I did was hand you a test tube!”

“Really? You’re such a goody two shoes, I might need to corrupt you a little bit.” He winked teasingly, and Lucy felt her entire face heat up.

“You.” Their little bubble of joy was bursted by the growling of their teacher. “Natsu Dragneel. I can’t say I didn’t expect this from you, but Lucy?”

The aforementioned let her head fall forward in shame.

“Lucy didn’t have anything to do with this. I’m the one to blame.” Lucy looked up with wide eyes, taken aback by Natsu’s declaration. She would be lying if she said it didn’t make little butterflies flutter in her stomach.

“No. I helped him, Mr. Dreyar. I’m sorry.” Natsu opened his mouth, about to protest, but was interrupted by the blonde. “I’m ready to take responsibility for my actions.”

The young teacher looked at them sternly. “Very well. If both of you are so willing to take the blame, then I hope you won’t mind coming back after school to clean up the science lab.”

“But today is the wrestling team party. I can’t miss that! Can we just get detention tomorrow?” Whined Natsu.

“You should’ve thought of that before stinking up my working space. I’ll see you both at three.” With that, Mr. Dreyar headed downstairs, probably to discuss the matter at hand with the principal, who also happened to be his grandfather.

“I’m sorry, Lucy.”

“No, it’s okay. I’ve never gotten detention before, I wonder what it’s like.” If she was being honest, the idea of spending the afternoon alone with Natsu didn’t seem like such a bad thing.

****

“Here are your utensils.” Mr. Dreyar put down two buckets full of water, and handed each of them a toothbrush.

“Toothbrushes? You expect us to clean all of this with toothbrushes!? Is that even legal?”

“And I better be able to see my reflection on the floor after you’re done. I’ll be in the class next door with Ms. Strauss if you need anything.”

“This is child abuse!” Yelled Natsu as the chemistry teacher headed out.

“I’m sorry, Lucy. If you want you can go and I’ll take care of this.” He turned to the blonde with an apologetic smile.

“No! Really, Natsu, don’t worry about it. This could be… fun.” She stated sheepishly.

Natsu showed her a lopsided grin. Just like that, they started working, scrubbing all the desks and windows with the toothbrushes. After a few minutes of silence where Lucy tried to build up the courage to start a conversation, she heard music from the other side of the room, where Natsu was cleaning one of the windows.

“I love that song.” Lucy said before she could stop herself.

“Me too. I’m actually trying to learn it on the guitar.”

“Really? I didn’t know you played guitar… or that you liked 5 Seconds Of Summer.” She smirked.

“I like Amnesia, and a couple other songs I’ve heard.” He scratched the back of his neck, as if embarrassed to admit he liked the band. “And yes, I play the guitar. You would know if you actually talked to me.”

The comment was meant to be a lighthearted joke, but Lucy frowned, unbeknownst to Natsu. It was true. If only Lucy wouldn’t have been so wrapped up in her own head, she would’ve gotten to know her crush better— be friends with him at least. Now, they’re three days away from graduation and this is the first time they had actually talked.

They cleaned in silence for a few minutes, listening to Natsu’s playlist until an ad interrupted the music.

“This is boring.” Natsu drawled, startling Lucy slightly. “Can we take a break?”

“We’ve only been cleaning for like twenty minutes.” The girl smiled. It amused her how energetic Natsu was.

“Still.” He shrugged. “Let’s play a game or somethin’.”

“What game?”

“I don’t know…” He pondered for a few seconds, before an imaginary lightbulb turned on above his head. “What about truth or dare?”

“I don’t know… I don’t really like that game.”

“C’mon, Luce! Live a little! I promise I won’t make you do anything that could get you in trouble.”

Lucy was surprised by the nickname, but she didn’t mind. After thinking about it for a bit and looking at his cute little face she sighed. “Fine.” It was just a game of truth or dare with her year-long crush. Alone. No big deal.

Natsu grinned from ear to ear and Lucy thought she might melt for a second.

***

“Truth or dare?” Natsu grumbled from the corner of the classroom. Lucy had dared him to sit still in that corner for three rounds, which was almost impossible for someone as rambunctious as him. The game had gone on for way longer than anticipated, and they were getting more and more comfortable with each other as time went on.

“Truth.”

“Who’s your crush?” Lucy could swear she saw a dust of pink on his cheeks as he asked the question. A color that was more than likely also covering her face at the moment.

“No one.”

“Really? No one at all?”

“Nope.” Lucy was a bad liar, she knew it, but she still tried her best to hide her true feelings. “Truth or dare?” She added before he could question her any further.

“Considering I can’t do any dares while I’m sitting here: truth.”

She already knew what she wanted to ask. In fact, she had wondered about this for a very long time. It’s now or never, Lucy thought as she exhaled.

“Same question for you… do you like someone?” Lucy looked down while answering the question, scared of the answer.

“I do.” At this, Lucy looked up, trying to conceal her disappointment. “I think you know her. She’s short, blonde, really pretty, like gorgeous. She’s kind of weird, though. I mean, we’ve been lab partners for the whole year and she’s never even said ‘hi’ to me unless I say it first. But she’s very smart, and I like how she blushes at every little thing.” Natsu grinned, and Lucy blushed. “She also has big brown eyes. They’re pretty. Like her. She’s really pretty. Did I say that already?”

The blonde kept looking at the floor with wide eyes. Could it be that all this time, Natsu actually liked her too? It seemed impossible but, it was true. She couldn’t look up. She felt as if she looked up, she would see a mischievous glint in his eyes or something that would give away the fact that he was only joking, messing with her and with her feelings. But… Natsu wouldn’t do that. As much of a trouble maker as he was, Natsu was kind, and cared about other people. She knew it in her heart. So, Lucy looked up. She saw Natsu looking down at the floor, his face almost matching the color of his hair, with an expression of… disappointment? Fear? Regret? All of the above?

“Really?” Lucy let out in a tone that was barely above a whisper.

Natsu flinched, as if he had forgotten where he was for a moment. He looked at his lab partner and smiled softly. “Yeah. Figured I’d tell you before graduation.”

“I… I like you too.” Her face felt as if it was burning. Natsu’s smile widened as he looked into her eyes. “We should finish up.”

The pink-haired boy’s smile instantly fell.

“I forgot we had to finish cleaning.” He groaned.

“You got us into this mess with your mischief, mister. Assume the consequences.” Said the blonde with a firm voice, though her smirk gave away the fact she was only teasing.

Natsu grinned lopsidedly. “And I don’t regret any of it.”