It was a relatively peaceful evening and Lucy was making her way home from the guild after a normal, rowdy party. Climbing up on to the stone median along the river Lucy flashed out a key and started to hum. A puff of stardust later left Lucy with her Canis Minoris spirit, or, so he was called, Plue.
"Pun-puun!" He shivered with a little smile. Lucy giggled cheerfully. Then he jumped up into her arms.
"Oh Plue, you're so adorable!" She squealed, squeezing him tightly.
"Puuuun!" He wheezed. Lucy let out a soft 'oops' and put him down before continuing on her way.
"Hey, be careful!"
"Yeah, watch out Lucy-San!" The fishermen called out. Why they were still out Lucy was unsure but she waved to them none the less.
"Thanks, I'll be careful." She called back. "Oh, bye!" Was added on as an afterthought.
"Today was nice Plue." Lucy started with a smile. "Natsu didn't destroy anything and Juvia didn't melt when Gray offered the seat next to him to her. Although I am pretty tired... oh well, it was really nice today... not to mention all the good weather recently too." She said looking up at the clear, starry and, best of all, cloudless night. Actually... there might be some clouds off in the distance but we'll be fine... hopefully... She thought with a light shiver. Oh, how she hated thunderstorms. They never used to bother her but her mother had died the night of a thunderstorm and they always left a bad feeling behind. Plus, her hair sometimes... blew up in the rain. It wasn't that she had naturally frizzy hair... or hair like Levy's, but sometimes the frizz would strike and Lucy just couldn't stand that.
"Pun?" Plue questioned, bringing her out of her reverie. Lucy giggled in embarrassment.
"Tee hee... sorry Plue... I was... thinking." Lightly jumping off the stone, Lucy scooped up Plue and headed to her place which was a five minute walk away at most. As they were walking the wind started to pick up. Whoosh! Plue shivered and snuggled into Lucy's chest. Lucy gave him a squeeze and patted his back comfortingly.
"It's alright Plue, it's just wind... we'll be home in a minute." Plue looked up at her then and patted her neck to gain her attention.
"Pun?" He asked with an adorable, pleading expression. Lucy melted and gave him a smile.
"Of course we can Plue. Do you want marshmallows with your hot chocolate?" She asked with sparkling eyes.
"Pun!" He agreed excitedly, rubbing his little paws together in anticipation. Just then another gust of wind hit them, this one much stronger than the last, accompanied by a spatter of rain droplets, each one the size of an almond. Lucy started to growl in annoyance but was quickly cut off when she yelped and then let out whine as a drop hit her squarely between the eyes. Gathering up the last of that days energy Lucy sprinted the last thirtyish seconds to her apartment. By the time she and Plue stumbled through her door, gasping for breath, they were soaked through from head to toe. Plue was shivering uncontrollably and even started sneezing. Lucy moaned.
"Oh no! Plue, I'm so sorry! I'll get Virgo to take you home," She started, grabbing Virgo's key with a flourish. "That way you can get better and I promise we'll have our hot chocolate once you're better... ne?" She asked, calling out Virgo.
"Is it time for my punishment Princess?" Virgo questioned with a curtsy. Lucy scowled.
"No." She stated firmly. "It will never be time for your punishment." Virgo sighed but instead of arguing asked what was needed of her.
"Plue caught a cold from the unexpected rain shower, I was wondering if you could take him home and care for him until he is all better. Please?" She asked pleadingly. Virgo nodded.
"Of course, Princess. I'll be back for my punishment later then I suppose." She said, starting to disappear.
"NO!" Lucy shouted out. "There will never be a punishment!" But it was too late, Virgo was already long gone. Lucy sighed, rubbing her hands over her face.
"Well... at least she can't force me to give her a punishment." Lucy told herself exasperatedly. "Why on ear-" Lucy started but was cut off when a loud boom came from outside, shaking the building. The rain came down harder and Lucy cringed. This wasn't going to be a thunderstorm, right? It's just your average, run of the mi- Her thoughts were interrupted with another boom and she dropped to the floor, instinctively curling up into a ball while her hands came up to cover her ears. It's going to be all right. It's just a storm, it can't hurt me. She thought reassuringly but her efforts were wasted as another boom shook the building once again and the lights went out leaving her in the dark as she let out a sob of terror, curling in on herself more.
(^.^) (^.^)
Back at the guild the party was still going strong but something was off. There was a drinking contest with Cana and Macao and Mirajane was absently wiping a mug with a calculating expression as always... heck, there was even a brawl. But, if you looked closely at the brawling nakama you would notice the missing presence of a pink head of hair. Natsu was looking around for Lucy, who had seemed to have disappeared. One minute she was sitting at the bar, laughing at his antics, the next she was gone.
"Hey, Mira... where did Lucy go?" Natsu asked with a worried expression. Mira just laughed.
"Home Natsu... she got tired so she left." Natsu blinked at Mirajane once before saying a quick thanks and, with a small salute, he was off, headed straight for Lucy's place. Mirajane let out a conniving chuckle.
"If they haven't realized that they have something yet then they will know by tomorrow!" Then she resumed her task of absently wiping the mug.
Natsu was running straight to Lucy's, paying no attention to the rain as it soaked him to the bone. He just wanted to hang out with Lucy, a little rain wasn't going to stop him. Then a boom of thunder shook the ground beneath his feet. Damn this storm is annoying. He cursed inwardly as another boom made him lose his footing on the wet earth. Wait... there! Just in time too! He thought with a grin as Lucy's place came into view. Then, even through the pounding rain and resounding booms of thunder, Natsu heard a sob. It was a sob that could only be from one person. Luce... He thought with an odd pain in his chest. Hang on... I'm coming! Then, with one last stroke of his legs, he jumped up to her window and, with an expert flick of his wrist, he pulled the old window open and stepped down into the apartment.
"Luce?" He started cautiously, taking a tentative step forwards and almost slipping because of his drenched and dripping clothing. Letting out a curse he dried himself before once again venturing forward into what seemed to be a pit of darkness. Thankfully, his improved eyesight helped him move silently so as to not scare Lucy if she didn't already know if he was there. Upon entering the living room his eyes caught a small movement in front of the couch. Turning quickly he manoeuvred around the coffee table but before he could reach his target he heard a strangled whimper and immediately closed the remaining space between him and the object on the floor.
"Luce... is that you?" He questioned, his voice thick with worry. When all he got was a whimper in reply he moved into action, placing a hand on her shoulder he gave a quick squeeze. As soon as his hand made contact he got a reaction. Lucy let out a choked gasp and sat up quickly, her eyes full of tears and salty tracks already running down her cheeks. Realizing Natsu was sitting in front of her, Lucy gave out a sob and flung herself into his lap, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face in his chest. Natsu was startled but quickly wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. He rubbed her back comfortingly while whispering soothingly into her hair, attempting to calm her down. Lucy relaxed slightly but soon after there was a boom of thunder and she sobbed louder, clinging onto Natsu with absolutely no intentions of letting go. Natsu hugged her closer, shifting his weight so that she could sit comfortably in his lap while allowing him to hold her even closer, cutting off any remaining space between the two. Lucy's sobs continued for at least another ten minutes, the lightning occasionally lighting up the room, but the storm had no intentions of giving up anytime soon. Sensing that she was slightly calmed down, Natsu pulled back slightly, turning her face up to meet eye-to-eye with his.
"Hey, Luce..." He whispered softly. "You okay?" Another boom shook the apartment and Lucy gripped his vest tightly, giving a small nod. Natsu sighed.
"I... I guess I should go now then..." Lucy snapped her head up.
"No... please..." She choked out with teary, pleading eyes. Natsu started to object until he saw her eyes and gave in.
"But you've gotta remember this in the morning... it's your fault I'm staying over." He chuckled. Lucy let out a small giggle before the thunder hit again, making her yelp and bury her face once again in Natsu's chest. Yeah... no way this storm was stopping anytime soon. It's funny though... I'm okay with it. This feels... nice... natural even. Natsu thought, grabbing onto Lucy tightly while he slowly stood up. Lucy adjusted her weight and wrapped her legs around Natsu's waist to make herself easier to carry. Natsu grinned, he could get used to this.
"Hold on Luce." He warned, making Lucy move her arms to wrap around his neck tightly. He chuckled, slowly venturing through the darkness to Lucy's bedroom. Upon reaching her door he found it closed and gave it a light shove with his shoulder which made it glide open quickly and smoothly. Her door doesn't have a very good latch... I'll fix it for her so perverts like Popsicle can't get her. He thought with a slight frown at the thought of Gray and Lucy. Hmm... weird. Why do I feel this way? Lucy... your weirdness must be infectious. During his thoughts he had made his way to Lucy's bed and he slowly lowered her down, untangling her from himself in the process. Once she was sitting down he turned around and managed to take one step before she let out a hoarse cry and lunged after him, hugging him from behind and catching him by surprise.
"Luce...?" He breathed, confused by her reaction. Lucy shuddered.
"You... you said t-that you w-wouldn't l-leave me..." She sobbed, clutching his vest tightly. He turned sharply, making her lose her grip and stumble backwards quickly. As soon as she started steadying herself there was yet another boom of thunder and she gasped sharply, her already weak-from-terror knees collapsing underneath her. Natsu, who had expected her to catch her footing, saw all of this in slow motion. It's definitely the thunderstorms fault that she's upset... Lucy squeezed her eyes shut and braced herself for impact. However, instead of hitting her hardwood floor she felt warm, strong arms suddenly around her waist, stopping her mid-fall. She stayed still for a moment before opening her eyes, only to find herself face-to-face with Natsu, their eyes level.
"Natsu..." Lucy murmured, moving her left hand to absently stroke his cheek. Natsu blushed furiously and so did Lucy, as soon as she realized what she was doing that is. As Lucy quickly retracted her hand Natsu stood them up, picking Lucy up abruptly only to drop her back down on her bed. Lucy looked up at him, her eyes still fearful.
"Luce, it's okay... I'm not going to leave... I was just getting something. Stay put." Natsu said firmly, staring right into her eyes. Lucy blushed and looked unsure but agreed, although her eyes never left him as he walked swiftly to the other side of her room. He quickly reached her dresser and opened up some drawers, rummaging around.
"Natsu... what are yo-" Lucy started but was cut off when something soft hit her directly between the eyes.
"Hey!" She cried out indignantly. Natsu chuckled, "Sorry Luce... I got you some pj's though..." Lucy looked down at the clothes in her lap, indigo boxers and a light yellow tank top, and gave Natsu a smile.
"Thanks..." She murmured, blushing slightly. He shrugged, "Eh... it was nothing. I'll give you some privacy then..." He said, walking towards the door.
"Wait!" Lucy cried out, "Please... stay... just, turn around or something..." Natsu smirked, "What? Afraid I'll peek huh?" But he turned around anyways, snickering softly. Lucy blushed and gave out a huff but changed into her night clothes quickly.
"Okay I'm rea-" She started but stopped abruptly and let out a squeak as her boxers fell down, thankfully she was wearing underwear though. Natsu, hearing the okay, turned as lightning struck, lighting everything up (meaning Lucy and Natsu's scarlet blush) only to immediately pivot back and slap his hands over his eyes. Lucy pulled the boxers up quickly and grabbed a ribbon from her dresser to tie around the waistband while thinking, Oh my god... why, boxers? Aah, this is so embarrassing! But... wait a second... did he just... blush? Then, letting out a shaky breath Lucy told Natsu it was safe to turn around. Natsu did turn back however, he kept his eyes covered. Lucy blushed but didn't want to seem stupid for letting her boxers fall down, it wasn't his fault he saw... things. So she did what she assumed to be a clever choice, go on the defensive.
"What? Why are your eyes still covered? Didn't like what you saw?" She questioned, hurt dancing in her eyes. Natsu balked, this was not what he had been expecting. I mean, a beat down sure but her upset because she was afraid that he didn't like what he saw? No, he definitely wasn't expecting this.
"N-no... t-that's n-not it L-Luce... Y-you're g-gorgeous... I c-couldn't have h-hoped for a b-better partner." He stuttered terribly, all the while blushing furiously. "A-and... I... err... l-liked w-w-what I s-saw... t-that i-is..." Natsu added tentatively. Lucy blushed and started fidgeting awkwardly. Then, seemingly right on time, another boom of thunder shook the place making Lucy cry out and Natsu immediately closed the distance between the two, pulling Lucy into a tight hug, the awkwardness forgotten. Natsu carefully lifted her up and laid her back on her bed, tucking her in and sitting down at the end facing her. Lucy was crying softly, the salty smell filling his senses, and was staring directly at Natsu. She shuffled over slightly, offering the place next to her but Natsu shook his head saying that he didn't want her to kill him in the morning. Lucy saddened visibly but didn't argue... he was probably right anyways. With a sniffle Lucy grabbed an extra pillow, sobbing into it and tensing up at every boom. With a sigh Natsu got up and moved over to the empty space.
"Luce... hey, it's okay... I'm here." He said softly, tugging gently at the pillow she was holding. Lucy loosened her grip on the poor thing and glanced up at Natsu tearfully. Seeing her chocolate eyes, which were usually filled with joy and excitement accompanied by a warm twinkling glow, in that state with 'fear' written all over them Natsu could do only one thing. He chucked away the pillow and lifted up the blankets, sliding in next to her and then gently gathered the sobbing Lucy up tight in his warm, comforting embrace. Lucy visibly relaxed, curling into him with a soft sigh. They laid there quietly for a few minutes, Lucy flinching at every boom and still sniffling softly, until Natsu shook Lucy slightly making her open her eyes to look at him.
"Luce... you... you don't have to tell me but remember... if you need me... I'm always here, ne?" Lucy nodded and tucked her head into the crook of his neck and whispered softly, "I... I know... it's just... well... my mother..." And then she got too choked up to continue but Natsu knew that her mother had died when Lucy was just little and her mothers death must be related to storms somehow. So, stroking her hair comfortingly, Natsu whispered, "It's okay Luce, I gotcha." Lucy cried louder, clinging to Natsu, who just continued to stroke her hair and pull her ever closer to him. Eventually Lucy's sobs died down and her breathing evened out leaving Natsu to conclude that she had fallen asleep. Luce looks so peaceful in her sleep... Natsu mused, staring down at her sleeping form and rubbing a stray wisp of hair off of her nose, pausing quickly to stroke her cheek. As Natsu watched her another boom of thunder struck and Lucy flinched, subconsciously cuddling into Natsu and intertwining their legs. Natsu smirked and moved the hand that had been stroking her hair down to her waist where he gave her a light squeeze and slowly drifted off to sleep. It was so worth it to ditch the party and come over here. Luce... I don't know why but Luce makes everything better... and she just smells so nice...
A/N:
Hey guys! Thanks for reading my story... it's my first so I'm unsure as to whether or not it was good enough. Also... I was wondering if I should end it there or add another chapter or so. Let me know what you think. And thank you once again... oh, and I apologize if they were really OOC... anyways... Please review~
