Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail


Summary

Taking place as Lucy and Natsu step into their week of passionate nights, watch as the great dragon and the angel form a union never seen in over four hundred years!


Interlude:

Fairy Love

by

Magnafeana


Part II

Passion's Call


Natsu sighed as he opened the door to the cottage and walked back inside. He had busied himself with finishing preparations for the mating ceremony and contacted Levy to ensure he had done everything right. Once he approved his work, he made the trek back to the cottage, back to Lucy. He slowly closed the door and his eyes went straight to his wife. While he was clothed in his balloon pants, scarf, and a t-shirt, Lucy was still naked and asleep. A soft smile was on his lips as he walked over to her. Her hair was splayed all over and a little drool was coming out of her mouth, but she looked like a Goddess in his eyes.

"Good morning," Natsu whispered. Lucy just sighed, still stuck in her sleep.

Natsu chuckled as he kicked off his shoes and went to go to the kitchen. He had woken up at the same time he always did and knew Lucy would remain asleep for hours after him. He had taken a shower and found his own walk-in closet filled with clothes that suited his style. He was relieved Lucy was not disturbed when he left and was not awake when he returned. He wanted her remaining ignorant until he fully explained everything to her.

Natsu went into the kitchen. He had to say he was impressed with Fairy Tail building this cottage for his and Lucy's honeymoon. The kitchen was cozy and fully stocked. He padded to the refrigerator and frowned when he noticed a few containers with notes on them. He picked up one big container of scrambled eggs and tore off the note. It was Mirajane's cursive writing.

This is for you two after your first night! Natsu, you should be able to warm this up with your magic. The fridge will restock itself after each night, so don't worry too much about cooking!

Natsu smiled. Mira knew them well. Lucy could cook mostly essentials by scratch, but Mira must have known both would be too weary to attempt cooking and would want a fast meal. He took out containers of bacon and sausage and pancakes, all with Mira's handwritten notes attached. This was good. It meant he had more time with Lucy.

"Natsu," he heard Lucy's soft sigh.

Natsu set down the container of pancakes and darted out of the kitchen and down the hall, back to the main room. He looked at Lucy, who was sprawled on the mattress, still fast asleep and her chest heaving. His eyes darkened a little. Seeing her body so weak and vulnerable made him grow a little hard. Her nipples were erect and he began smelling that delicious smell she got when she got aroused. He grinned. Wet dream, huh, Lucy?

Natsu took off his shirt and his scarf and crawled onto the bed. Lucy softly sighed again, but it was a little louder than before. "Dreaming dirty, my North Star," he tsked. "Guess I should help you." His eyes flashed with thirst. "I did tell you I'd lick you lean."

"Natsu," Lucy mewled, too unconscious to notice him lick his lips.

Natsu gently spread Lucy's legs apart and was hit with a smell that made his fire burn. This dream of hers must have really been something if she was this wet! His grin darkened. He was eating his breakfast early. He climbed on top of her, effectively straddling her. Her cheeks were flushed from arousal and her mouth was parted slightly. He could hear her heart beat getting faster.

"Lucy, what are you doing to me?" Natsu quietly asked. His lips kissed her cheek before moving downward. He kissed her jaw, he kissed her neck, he kissed her throat, he kissed her pulse—he kissed everywhere. He was awarded with soft gasps, but when his eyes flickered to her face, she was still asleep. He shifted backwards until his mouth could meet with her chest.

Lucy's back arched as she softly cried his name.

Natsu hummed as he paid attention to her chest. He knew it would be sensitive. But punishing her for looking so vulnerable and moaning his name in her sleep was what he would do. He could feel his length tense as he played with her chest, but knew it was not the time. He had to save himself for the ceremony, even if he wanted to thrust into her. So, instead, he nipped and licked at her chest. Playing with her would be the only thing to satisfy him this morning.

Natsu kissed Lucy's nipple and she cried out to him again. Just what could you be dreaming of, Lucy?


Lucy walked on the beach. The sand was warm and soothing along her bare feet. The summer breeze massaged through her scalp. Shy waves kissed the bay then pulled away, abashed. The sun paraded in the sky, making sure the herding cattle of clouds migrated to their new home. She smiled, brushing a strand of hair back. This was absolutely picturesque, the perfect place for her to catch up on her writing. She sat down on the sand, moving her sundress' train. She laid her notebook and pen in front of her. She knew the rest of Fairy Tail was somewhere along the beach, probably playing in the water or going for food, or challenging each other to childish contest, and usually she would join in, but not today. This was just the place she could use to start writing again.

"What are you doing?"

A shadow overcame her, but she was not afraid. She looked up at the stranger. He grinned down at her and his eyes were friendly. His pink hair was tousled from the wind and he had forgone a shirt, walking about in his swim trunks.

Lucy answered him. "Just catching up on writing, that's all."

Natsu settled beside her. "Come on, Lucy, why write when we're here? It's our vacation!"

"I know. We've earned it," Lucy said. "But this is just the place to do a beach scene in my story."

Natsu studied her curiously. "You really like writing, huh?" he asked.

"Yeah," Lucy admitted. "It's fun creating a world only you can create."

Natsu cocked his head. "I don't get it," he admitted.

"It's fine," Lucy assured. "It's a writer-thing." She opened up her notebook. She could see notes inside. For some reason, the notes were all in a different language than Fioren, but she understood it perfectly. She picked up her pen and began to write. Ah, how she missed this!

Lucy was pulled away from her writing as Natsu pushed her back onto the sand, straddling her. She struggled against him, feeling annoyed. "Natsu, get off," she commanded.

Natsu gave her a snarling grin that made her shiver. His onyx eyes looked at her intensely as though imagining naughty thoughts about her. "Don't try telling me what to do," he said. "You're mine."

Lucy scowled, but could not deny the ripple of pleasure she felt at his possessive words. "Stop saying that! I'm my own person and you know that," she snapped.

Natsu did not look fazed by her speech. "You're mine," he repeated. He paused, then added, "And I'm yours."

Lucy stopped struggling and looked at him, bewildered. "What?" she choked.

"I'm yours," Natsu repeated. He leaned close and began kissing her face, each kiss leaving a burning sensation that left Lucy weaker and weaker. "I'm yours forever. You can do what you want with me, Lucy," he softly hissed.

"Natsu, wait," Lucy weakly protested, but it died out as Natsu began to move his lips along her jawline. The Natsu in her dreams was always like this: so possessive and refused to listen to her commands. As much as she wanted to fight against him, she melted whenever he touched her. She hated and loved how weak his burning touches made her feel.

Suddenly, they were not at the beach anymore. They were back in Lucy's old apartment. Naked with clothes scattered on the ground, they were on her old bed. Night had come as quickly as the day. There was no moon, but somehow moonlight invaded the bedroom. There was not a sound, not a light in the city of Magnolia. They were completely and utterly alone.

"What do you want me to do?" Natsu asked in a low growl, disregarding the change of scenery. "I'm yours for you to command. I will do anything you desire. I can kiss you until you feel like you'll pass out. I could kiss your throat." Natsu made an example of languidly moving his lips to her throat, nipping her skin a little. Lucy sighed his name. "How about I play with your boobs? I always loved them. Should I go soft or should I grab them? What should I do, Lucy? You always liked it rough, didn't you?"

"Shut up," Lucy managed to say.

"Oh, but I'm not finished yet," Natsu said, pausing to give her a mock pout. He went pack to trailing fiery kisses along her skin. "I could lick your nipples. I love playing with them and getting them to perk. They perk so easily. It must mean you get easily excited. Maybe I'll suck them. Bite them a little and bite around them. Lucy, I'm yours. You're my master. Tell me what you want."

"Do it, Natsu," Lucy panted. "Touch my chest, please!"

Natsu looked at her with an expression of arrogance. "Your wish is my command, Lucy," he whispered, making her thighs quiver. Natsu lowered his head to his chest. He blew hot air on one of Lucy's nipples, making it stand and wrinkle. He chuckled darkly. "Look at that. It's just so easy."

"Lick them," Lucy ordered. "Play with them now."

Natsu gave her a mocking look of confusion. "But Lucy, I thought you were writing," he reminded her.

Lucy growled at him. "You're mine, remember? Do what you're told."

Natsu nodded at her, cold amusement twinkling in his eyes. "Of course, Mistress Lucy," he hissed. He kissed both of her nipples before slowly lapping at one of them like a lazy cat, eyes remaining on her. The chilling gaze sent shivers down her spine. It was exciting to see a Fire Dragon Slayer have such coldness in his eyes. "Is that good?" he asked as his tongue swirled around her nipple.

Lucy arched her back. "Yes," she wheezed. "Use your hand on the other one and go gently."

Natsu consented to her wishes and tenderly thumbed the other nipple before kneading the whole breast. Lucy threw her head back as she let out a low moan. "Natsu…"

Natsu's rumbling laugh had Lucy trying not to squeeze her legs together. "I can smell your arousal, Lucy," he said in a singsong voice. "So delicious. So hot. So sexy. It makes me want to lick you dry. It makes me want to fuck you."

Lucy gasped at Natsu's language.

Natsu chuckled again. Hungry darkness clashed with shocked chocolate. "Surprised? Don't be. I want to fuck you hard, Lucy. I want you to be so sore you won't be able to walk straight for days. I love being inside you. And I know you love it too."

Natsu gave Lucy's breath a firm squeeze and she cried his name. "Natsu!" she cried loudly, trying to clear her mind of the hazy thoughts.

"Do you want me to?" Natsu asked, suddenly serious. "Do you want me to fuck you?"

Lucy took a moment to consider Natsu's offer. The idea of "fucking" him had crossed her mind more than once. "Fucking" meant he would be plunging in rough and fast without preamble. Another shiver went down her back. She could feel the ache between her legs growing when she thought about Natsu thrusting into her that fast and that hot. She needed relief.

"No," Lucy decided. "I want you to keep your promise and lick me dry."

Natsu nodded. "Your wish is my command," he said, sounding as though he were taunting her. He backed off her to sit in front of her. He spread her legs easily, but with soft hands. He stared down at her hungrily and licked his lips. "I can't wait to taste you again," he muttered. "Lick you dry. Lap every single drop of you up." His eyes went to hers. "Suck on your clit. Kiss it. Make you remember whom you belong to."

Desire shot through Lucy's body. "Do it," she urged. "I need you, Natsu."

Natsu did not answer her. Instead, he took her legs and threw them carelessly over his shoulders. He hunched down. Lucy could feel him getting near her. His tongue licked the length of her sex and she saw stars that were actual stars and not her Celestial Spirits. She groaned loudly when she felt Natsu's tongue slowly drag over her, before lapping her thighs, teasing her.

"If you want me to do something, you have to tell me," Natsu said. He peered over her stomach to look at her. "Your wish is my command."

When Natsu dragged his tongue over her again, Lucy cried louder. "Lick my clit!" she ordered. "Please, Natsu, just do it!"

Natsu obeyed. His tongue darted inside her and prodded the button-like organ. Lucy bucked her hips, but he easily held her down. He stabbed at her with his tongue, swirling it around her. Lucy shouted Natsu's name as she felt tingling pleasure pulse through her body.

"More," Lucy demanded. "I need more, Natsu."

"Of course, Mistress Lucy," Natsu whispered against her.

Lucy bucked when she felt Natsu's tongue dart at her sporadically, catching her off guard. She moaned as he made nonsensical shapes on her, stabbing her with his tongue from time to time. Her toes were curling with pleasure and she jolted each time Natsu surprised her. It was mind-numbing. It was…too much!

Natsu seemed to sense Lucy's struggle. "Lucy," he hissed, flicking her clit with his tongue.

"Natsu, please more," Lucy begged.

Natsu slowly licked her again. "'More'?" he repeated. "Are you getting close? I can smell you getting close." He inhaled deeply and breathed out on her, making Lucy shiver. "So good. Makes me want to fuck you hard."

"N-Natsu," Lucy whined.

Natsu sighed deeply. "I won't," he assured her. "How cruel are you, Lucy. Making me give you pleasure when you won't let me in. How cruel of you. It makes me wonder who's the demon and who's the angel."

Natsu slowly licked Lucy again, and Lucy nearly saw white from the desire coursing through her. It hurt so much for her to hold it in. She felt slight guilt for denying Natsu the joy of being inside her. Perhaps she was being selfish. But her need outweighed her guilt.

"Such a cruel star, aren't you?" Natsu whispered against her sex. Lucy gasped when she felt Natsu kissing her. By God, how great it felt! "It gets me burning when you're so mean, Lucy, my merciless Goddess."

"Oh, Natsu," Lucy moaned. She felt two heated thumbs playing with her chest and nearly lost it. This was torturous!

Natsu pulled his mouth away, smirking coldly when she groaned in displeasure. "Not yet," he chided. "Tell me: who do you love?"

"You, Natsu," Lucy said quickly.

Natsu awarded her with a gentle lick on her clit, making her back arch. "Who do you want?" he asked.

"You, Natsu," Lucy said.

Natsu flicked her with his tongue. "Now, who do you want to come for?" he demanded to know.

"You, Natsu, it will always be you!" Lucy cried.

Natsu nodded his approval. "Then do it for me, Lucy. Come for me." With that he gave her a firm suck, humming lowly.

Lucy threw her head back in pleasure as her world unraveled, leaving her exposed and unreasonably blissful as she came.


"Wow, must've done a good job if you squirted again," came a familiar voice filled with amusement mixed with smugness.

Lucy blinked woozily as she tried to come back down for her euphoria. Such a sweet release was complete ecstasy! She could barely feel someone lap at her legs, licking her clean. She hummed as she looked around, her eyes hazy and her body tender. Oh how the dream Natsu teased her and made her want him so much. He was just so good with his mouth! Too good, now that she realized it. In her dreams, she never squirted. Even dream Natsu was not that good. Come to think of it, he never heated up his fingers for her before. And for her to come that hard...

A pair of lips kissed her, pulling her back down to Earth. They were warm and gentle and loving. Her dream Natsu was rarely gentle. His kisses on her were always rough and full of possession. Lucy responded to the kiss with ease, humming.

"That was a Hell of a way to wake you," came the soft voice of Natsu.

Wait, Natsu?

Lucy's eyes widened frantically when she realized where she was. She was in the bed in the cottage on her honeymoon. She looked up to see warm onyx eyes staring down at her with an affectionate smile.

"Good morning, Lucy," Natsu greeted lightly, kissing her temple. "Sleep okay?"

Lucy began to nod when she remembered her dream. Hopefully, she was not moaning in her sleep! Natsu may have known about her touching herself, but she did not want him to know she had wet dreams about him. He would never let her live it down!

Lucy nodded shyly, averting her stare from his. "Uh, yeah, it was fine," she mumbled. "You?"

Lucy could feel Natsu's smile widen. "It was great. You know, Lucy, you kind of talk in your sleep."

Lucy nodded. She knew that. Natsu had complained many a time about her mutterings in her sleep.

"And you moan too."

Lucy froze.

"Yeah, you were saying my name and your face looked a little pink." She felt Natsu lean closer. "Having a dirty dream about me?"

Lucy gulped. This was humiliating. He knew. He knew about her dreaming of him. "I—…" She struggled to get out her words. She wanted to cry. Natsu knew how much she thought about him. He knew she dreamt about them intimately.

Natsu stroked her cheek, forcing her eyes to look up at his. "It's okay," he soothed. "If you knew about all the times I dreamed of you, you'd call me a perv."

Lucy's eyes widened in shock. "Natsu!"

Natsu shrugged. "What can I say? It happens. But hearing you say my name in your sleep made me happy."

Lucy looked at him in disbelief. "Really?"

"Heck yeah! I feel awesome you dreamt about me! Plus"—Natsu licked his lips—"I was able to help you through your dream."

Lucy's mouth opened in a wordless gasp. It made sense. No wonder her dream felt too real, too vivid. Natsu had been touching her while she dreamt. She grinned up at him, suddenly thankful. "It felt amazing," she confessed. "And you kept your promise."

Natsu grinned back at her. "Guess I did," he supposed, trying to sound nonchalant. "Licking you clean was my pleasure. I got my breakfast early," he added cheekily.

Lucy laughed, playfully shoving him away. "Shut up! I am not breakfast," she said, almost pouting.

"No, you're not." Natsu brushed his lips against hers. "But you look delicious. That was just my snack. And I'm still hungry."

Lucy moaned when Natsu kissed the corners of her lips. He moved to her cheeks then her forehead then trailed back down to her nose. Just when Lucy thought she would get a kiss, he passed over her lips and kissed her chin. "Just kiss me!" she demanded.

Natsu chuckled. "Your wish is my command," he whispered, making her tense. He made it sound just like how Dream Natsu said it: so dark and intense, it thrilled her.

Natsu pulled Lucy into another deep kiss, taking his time with her. Lucy tried to hasten the pace, but Natsu kept it slow and steady. Such a sight was contradictory. Usually, it was Lucy who had to keep the kiss slow from a demanding and needy Natsu, but the roles had reversed. Natsu was content while Lucy needed him.

Lucy slid his hands down his chest agonizingly slow and felt him tremble from above her. Just the reaction she wanted. Her fingers danced a long his hot skin until she came close to his pants. Pants? She remembered him being naked as they slept, but she did not care. Undressing him made it more exciting for her. She began undoing his buttons and unzipping his zipper. She needed him; she craved him to thrust inside her as Dream Natsu desired. Maybe somehow Dream Natsu and her Natsu wanted the same thing. She did as well. She wanted to feel him inside her again.

Natsu suddenly pulled away. Lucy tried grabbing him back, hungry for his lips, for his touch, for him, but he got out of her reach and offered her an apologetic smile and a slight shake of the head. He looked clearly amused by her disappointment, but there was a glimmer of sadness in his eyes. "Not right now," he whispered. "Why don't you go take a bath and I'll get breakfast going, okay?"

"Join me," Lucy blurted, feeling courageous.

Natsu's eyes darkened as they raked over her body. Both of them knew how much he longed to join her and try heated shower sex with her. She had grazed his hardened length when she tried undoing his pants. She knew he wanted her again. And she needed him again.

Natsu shook his head, clearing his mind. "No. I have something planned for us today and we can't have us sore. I'd never hear the end of it from you," he added in a grin.

Lucy brightened. "You have something planned?" She then frowned, gazing at him suspiciously. "Is this surprise fighting some monster you found?"

Natsu shook his head. "No, and I only did that twice!"

Lucy held her skeptical stare.

Natsu sighed. "Just take your bath," he mumbled, crawling off her. "Then go get changed and meet me in the kitchen for breakfast."

"Do I have to wear clothes?" Lucy whined.

Natsu gave her a smirk. "Oh trust me. Having you naked around me all the time would be a dream come true."

Lucy smiled seductively, batting her eyelashes at him. "So can I?" she asked.

Natsu stiffened. His eyes watched her and Lucy knew he was lost, thinking about her prancing around him, naked. He swallowed thickly and turned away from her. He got off the bed, making her frown. "I'm going to start breakfast," he announced. With that, he scurried away.

Lucy looked after him in puzzlement. That was peculiar. She knew Natsu was always game for her sexual offers, even on missions. If she were desperate for release on a mission, he would leave his fight to attend to her needs. He always encouraged her to prance naked for him, even when she blushingly rejected his offer. And after sex last night, she was in need him thrusting into her again. It was clear his thoughts were the same as hers. She knew by that look in his eyes he wanted to do a repeat of last night. So why was he so hesitant this time?

Lucy sighed and sat up. She cursed at the soreness she felt in her thighs. Maybe a bath was what she needed. Lucy scooted off the bed and winced as she got off the bed. She yawned and stretched. She could feel the radiance of the sun on her skin. She had no idea what time it was, but the sun felt too good on her skin. It made her want to crawl back into bed. But the offer of a bath sounded too tempting.

Lucy walked away from the bed, wincing a few times, and down the hall. She remembered seeing the grand master bath the third door on her right. She swung the door open and fell in-love all over again. The bathroom was everything she wished. It was spacious enough for all the women of Fairy Tail to comfortably walk around. There were two showers. One was made out of pure glass. The other was in the middle of the bathroom, exposed to everything around it. It seemed the concept that a person and their lover could shower together under a waterfall. Lucy blushed at her thoughts. She could picture Natsu and her underneath the raining drops, Natsu grabbing her cheeks and ardently kissing her, molding his body against hers. Such daydreaming made her sigh.

The bathtub could fit four, but was meant for two. Lucy was in Heaven. How had Fairy Tail managed to make this bathroom so amazing? She went over to the cabinets and pulled one to reveal six bottles. Four were essential bath oils, another one was shampoo, and the last was conditioner. There was a note attached to one of the bath oils. Curious, Lucy picked it up. She recognized Mira's beautiful writing.

Lucy, hope you and Natsu had a good time on your first night! The girls and I figured you could use a relaxing bath! Hope you are enjoying your honeymoon!

Lucy smiled at the note. Oh, Mirajane. It was just like her and the girls to do this for her. She looked at what they bought her. Almond, lavender, rosemary, and marjoram oil were her bath oils. The shampoo and conditioner was her vanilla honey scent she had loved when they went to Hosenka. She recognized the oils. They were most often used for muscle soreness. Lucy's eyes widened. That meant the girls had predicted Lucy would be sore from her events last night. Damn them!

Lucy abandoned the bottles to go to the bathtub. This was something she had learned from her mother. Her mother drew Lucy's father a bath when he was tired from a long day's work. Lucy learned more about baths from Mira and Evergreen after coming to Fairy Tail and often soaked in the tub after a painful mission. It was always soothing to her when she sat in the tub. Usually, she sat back and fell asleep, allowing the water to work its wonders.

After a few minutes, Lucy was relaxing in the tub, sighing in pleasure. Natsu was right: this was what Lucy needed to tend to her muscles. Sleeping after sex helped ease the pain a little, but after her wake up from this morning, the soreness had returned as a dull ache. She sighed as she felt the warmth gulf her. It was nothing like Natsu's warmth.

Natsu…

Why had he rejected her? He had not made her feel unwanted, but he refused her offers. He seemed to have wanted her back in his arms last night even after sex. She could see in his eyes this morning he wanted to her the same way she wanted him. And yet, he gently pushed her away. His rejection made her frown. Maybe he regretted their first night as spouses. Maybe sex for him was not as great—albeit awkward—as it was for her. The rational part of her brain knew she was being unreasonable about her logic, but her emotions were set on edge. She knew it was stupid, but she felt like she needed his approval, she needed him to want her again. She felt a tear drop out of her eyes and brushed it away. How could she be crying? She knew Natsu loved her and always would. So then, why—…? Why did he reject her?

Lucy plunged herself into the bath, blowing bubbles. She just needed to relax.


Natsu sat back in his chair, his hunger abated. He loved Mira's cooking, but still craved Lucy's cooking more. The Take-Over Mage understood Natsu's hunger and made plenty for him to eat until he was full and enough for Lucy to eat as well. But Mira had not known about Natsu's plan he shared with the Master. Levy had told Natsu all the rules of the mating ceremony. He could not eat too much before it; he could only eat enough until his stomach was satisfied. Levy had also warned him Natsu could not have sex with Lucy before the ceremony either.

That rule made Natsu groan all over again.

After finding out how mind-blowing was sex with Lucy, he wanted to take her again and again. Seeing her naked and longing for him and underneath him made him growl. He felt himself get slightly hard at the thought. Lucy's flushed face, her parting lips, her shivers, her moans, her hands running through his hair, her nails digging into his shoulder, her hands trailing his body, her voice screeching his name as she came—oh, God, he wanted her! He wanted the sensation of being inside her again. Feeling her on him so wet, so tight… It was too amazing to put into words!

Natsu looked down to see a slight bulge in his pants. His mind was acknowledging Lucy was not only his wife but also his mate. His instincts were hissing he mate with her. He was ready. He was ready this morning to mate her. Her scent was too much to resist. But without completing the mating ceremony, the sex part of their mating would hurt her even more.

Natsu sighed, resting his chin on his arms. He felt guilt when he thought of Lucy's upset face from this morning. He knew she felt rejected. He could see that perfectly when he told her to bathe alone. Seeing her like that made his heart break. He had not meant to upset her, but he could not take her offer. It was forbidden. He would not break any rules. This was far too important for him to screw up. And he hoped Lucy saw that.

He thought of ways to explain to her about the ceremony. It was difficult for him to even talk to Levy about it and she was the one with the information on the ritual. For him to explain to Lucy, his own mate? He sighed. It was harder than he thought.

The relaxing scent of sweet honey with a pinch of vanilla mixed with a meadow of flowers hit his nose and he shivered as he felt himself tense. His nose was extra sensitive to her scent. It made him want to clear the table and start the mating without the ceremony. He swallowed. He had to keep control. He lost it this morning when he woke her up with his tongue. He could not afford to lose it again.

Lucy walked into the room, looking refreshed and blissfully ignorant. Her eyes sparkled when she looked at him and her smile looked pure and innocent. Natsu's eyes traveled approvingly up and down her body. She was wearing a light violet sundress with her hair in a side ponytail. She looked gorgeous. He growled lowly. He was ready jealous of her dress. He wanted to be the one to cover her, not some flimsy dress.

"Good morning," Lucy trilled as she made her way over to him.

Natsu smiled at her. "You look relaxed," he commented.

Lucy nodded at him, content. "The bath really helped," she mentioned.

Natsu watched as she leaned over the table, examining the food laid out for them. He could not resist it. He grabbed her waist and pulled her into his lap. He grinned at her surprise yelp. She was too adorable.

"I hope you like it," Natsu put in. "Mira left it for us."

"That was so nice of her," Lucy said as she grabbed a spoon. She spooned a helping of scrambled eggs onto a plate then grabbed two strips of bacon. "Mmmm," she moaned. "This all looks so good."

Natsu nodded, his gaze transfixed on Lucy. "I know. Really good," he mumbled.

Lucy remained oblivious to Natsu as she took a mouthful of scrambled eggs. She moaned her appreciation and Natsu swallowed down his growl. She was making this harder for him.

"Wow, can't believe how much I missed Mira's cooking," Lucy said as she chewed her food.

"I like your breakfast better," Natsu muttered, but Lucy heard him.

She swallowed her food and looked at him, eyes twinkling in amusement. "I'm nowhere as good as Mira," she argued.

Natsu looked at her with a serious glint in his eyes. "To me, you're better. I love eating your food because you made it. I love everything you do," he admitted honestly.

Lucy blushed a little under the intensity of his stare and ducked her head. "Really?"

Natsu nodded. "Well yeah," he answered.

Lucy smiled softly. "Thanks, Natsu."

He raised an eyebrow. "What for?" he inquired.

"Nothing. I'm just glad you're you is all."

Natsu watched as Lucy returned to her breakfast. She felt so natural on his lap. Them eating breakfast together as man and wife felt normal to him. It was as if it was meant to be. She began speaking to him about memories they shared at the guild and alone and Natsu added his input when necessary, but he took the time to study her. He took in the smooth pale complexion of his skin. He admired how her golden hair glowed when hit with the sunlight. He loved each smile she gave him and the optimistic brightness in her eyes. He loved her too much. With how much he loved her, she deserved the right to know.

Natsu waited until Lucy was finished that he suggested they go onto the balcony. Lucy worried about dishes, but Natsu persuaded her to leave the dishes and join him. The view from the balcony was magnificent. They could see the layout of Tenrou Island from their perch. The ocean rolled with each breeze. The sun glistened in the sky, bright as ever. Lucy went straight to the railing as she did the last night, awestruck as ever. Natsu watched her in faint entertainment. She was just as childish as him when she wanted.

Natsu grabbed one of her hands and pulled her back with him. He sat on one of the reclining chairs and brought Lucy with him to sit on top of him, her back on his chest. He sighed as he wrapped his arms around her. He smelled her hair and his worries went away. He could not understand it. Lucy's scent relaxed him, and yet it seduced him. A mystery indeed.

"So what's wrong?" Lucy asked.

Natsu snapped out of his reverie at her question. "Huh?" he grunted.

"Something's on your mind, Natsu," Lucy pointed out. "I've known you for years. I know when something's on your mind."

Natsu was quiet. He should have known Lucy would deduce his behavior. As his wife and mate, she knew him better than anyone. But how was he to start what he needed to say? He thought for a mere three seconds and opened his mouth. "Did Levy ever tell you about dragons?"

Lucy nodded slowly. "I mean we both did a little research on them, but Levy knows more than me," she confessed.

Natsu nodded. That sounded right. Levy had warned him Lucy knew little about dragons besides what Gajeel had shared with her. "What about mates?" Natsu wondered.

Lucy hummed in thought. "No, not too much on that. Aren't mates the equivalent to a human husband and wife?"

"Kind of," Natsu half-answered. He was dancing on the truth. "For dragons, mates aren't always forever. Guy dragons when they're basically teenagers usually mate with a she-dragon just for sex. And when she-dragons are that young, they sometimes get pregnant, but the guy dragon never stays with her and goes to another she-dragon."

"That's horrible," Lucy whispered.

Natsu calmed her by rubbing her stomach with his thumbs. He went on: "Maybe it is, but they're young and stupid. Older dragons stay together after they mate, but some don't and mate several times with other dragons in their life." He paused, waiting for Lucy to say a word. When she did not, he took that as his cue to continue. "But how they mate is amazing. When a single guy dragon wants a mate, he woos her with this traditional dance."

"They dance?" Lucy questioned. She sounded skeptical.

Natsu chuckled. "I know. It sounds funny, but stick with me, okay? Yeah, they do a dance. It's to show off their power and grace and endurance to she-dragons. And when a she-dragon takes interest, she joins him in his dance. And they start singing."

"'Singing'? Really, Natsu?"

"Lucy!" Natsu whined.

Lucy laughed. "Sorry, sorry! Go on!"

Natsu huffed, but did as she asked. "They sing together. To humans, the singing sounded terrible! But to the two dragons, it sounded beautiful. When their song and dance was over, the two of them did a power test. They used their most powerful roar against each other. It was testing their strength. If they could match strength, they were suitable mates. If not, then they weren't meant to be."

"Oh" was all Lucy said.

Natsu kissed her head, still stroking her stomach. "It was harsh, I guess, because you're testing to see who's weaker, but it worked. So if the pair matched strength, they would fly off together. The guy dragon usually had a cave or a nest for the two of them to use. And they would begin one of the final acts: sex." Natsu's eyes darkened in gravity. "It was said it sounded like the dragons were trying to kill each other because mating was that aggressive. But no mating dragons died during sex," he assured. Or at least that was what Levy told him when he began to panic. "During their mating, they would give each other a Mark. It would let anyone know they were mates. And after that, the she-dragon would stay in the cave while the guy dragon brought her food until she laid eggs. After that? Happily ever after I guess."

There was silence following Natsu's words. There was nothing he left unsaid. He just held Lucy in his arms as she processed his words. He had no idea what was going through her head. How would she take the information? He did not know. He wished he did.

"Natsu?" He smelt the salt of tears and his eyes widened in fear as Lucy sniffled. "You love me, right?" she wanted to know.

"Absolutely," Natsu said firmly. "Don't ever doubt that. I love you, am always loving you, and will always love you."

Lucy nodded, but her tears would not stop. "So… When you said dragons don't always mate forever… Does that mean—…?" She sniffed. "Does that—…?"

Natsu sat up in the chair, forcing Lucy off of him for a moment. He pulled her back down so she was straddling him. Her hands hid her face, but he knew she was crying. His heart shattered. His arms encircled her and brought her to his chest, snuggling her in the crook of his neck. "No, Lucy, please don't cry!" Natsu pleaded. "Shhh, Lucy."

"Does this mean you're not going to be with me forever?" Lucy sobbed. "You'll just get tired of me and leave me for another girl?"

"No!" Natsu exclaimed, horrified and hurt at the thought. "I'd never leave you! How could you say something like that? We're not just partners and teammates; you're my wife and I'll always love you!" Lucy kept crying. "Please believe me," he pleaded.

"I just—…" Lucy let out a shaky exhale. "I know it's selfish, but I want to be with you forever! But I—… I understand if you want to find someone else. If it's what is in your instincts, who am I to stop you?"

"Lucy," Natsu suddenly growled. He pulled her away from his chest. He used one hand to brush her hands away from her face and to tilt her shin up to look at him. She looked at him through her spilling tears. A memory of Éclair's death flashed through his mind.

"Lucy," Natsu said tenderly this time, "don't even think for one second I would leave you. I'm in-love with you. I love you. You are my wife first and foremost and I married you because of my love for you."

Lucy hiccupped. "But what about all this talk about dragon mates?" she asked.

Natsu smiled at her, incredulous of how oblivious she was truly. "Don't you get it? I want you to be my mate. I'm not fully human. Hell, I'm practically ancient and shouldn't be alive, but I am. Even without Igneel in me, I can feel it in my Dragon Slayer Magic. My instincts want you as my mate and as my mate forever."

Lucy sniffled, and Natsu used his thumbs to rub away her tears. "You want me?" Lucy probed.

"That's not even a question," Natsu told her. "I'm sorry if I made you feel a little upset this morning, but I can't have sex with you until the mating ritual."

Lucy looked confused at the statement. "But… What about last night?" she questioned.

Natsu had a feeling she would ask. "I made love to you last night as my wife. My body and mind knew you were my wife last night. But today, you are the woman I want to perform the mating ceremony with. Trust me: I really wanted to redo last night this morning."

Lucy smiled at that. "Me too," she admitted. "But I understand."

"Good." Natsu kissed her forehead. "I'm glad you get it." Lucy leaned into his touch. Natsu felt complete like that, having Lucy in his arms, near him, safe with him. She was his other half—his lighter half. Where he was a demon, she was an angel. Where he was in the dark, she was his light. After the mating ceremony, their souls were linked.

"So…" Lucy pulled away to grin at Natsu. "You're going to dance for me?"

Natsu groaned. "Yeah, it's part of the ritual. I had to practice for weeks until I didn't mess up. The moment I screw up is the moment when you can turn me down."

Lucy furrowed her eyebrows. "I can do what?" she asked.

Natsu nodded solemnly. "Yes. If I go too fast or misstep, I could hurt you or scare you and you could reject me."

"I would never reject you!" Lucy vowed fiercely. Her brown eyes glowed determinedly. "We're on a never-ending adventure together!"

Natsu smiled sadly. "I know," he whispered, soothing her with a kiss on the nose. "I'm just letting you know the dangers of this. You're going—…" Natsu swallowed. "You're going to get hurt because of me," he confessed. "Dragon Mating… It's not the gentlest thing, Lucy. It's nothing like we did last night. If I wanted to mate with another Dragon Slayer—I said 'if'!" he emphasized, amused by the flash of jealousy in Lucy's eyes. "If I wanted to mate with another Dragon Slayer, I wouldn't worry about her."

"Why?" Lucy interjected bitterly. "Because she would be stronger than me?"

"No!" Natsu denied. "That's not it! But a girl Dragon Slayer would be used to this. We have no idea how much harm it will do to you. Dragon Slayers at least can create scales to protect themselves. You're exposed!"

Lucy smiled at Natsu's worry for her. "It's okay, Natsu," she insisted. "I'll be fine."

"You don't know that!" Natsu argued. "This is brutal stuff, Lucy! Levy and Gajeel aren't sure how you'll be able to get through this. I can't—" He stopped, defeat in his eyes. "I can't lose you again," he whispered. "I lost you so many times. And to think I could lose you because of my stupid instincts? I can't go through that, Lucy. I can't go through seeing you hurt."

Lucy saw the broken look on Natsu's face and immediately regretted being so lighthearted on the situation. Natsu was fearful of this mating ceremony. She remembered each time she thought she was gone, only for Natsu to revive her. She always assured him there was nothing he could have done, but he blamed himself countless times for her near-death experiences. Lucy could tell he inwardly yearned for her to not just be his wife but his mate; however, she saw him struggle to see past the potential pain she could endure.

"Natsu," Lucy said, forcing his eyes to meet hers. "I'm okay. I'm right here with you. And I want to do this mating ceremony with you."

"But how it could affect your body—!"

Natsu was shushed through Lucy's kiss. He closed his eyes as he responded. He was becoming dependent on her lips. They were so soft and smooth against him. He pulled her closer as he nibbled on her bottom lip. Lucy sighed, raising a hand to caress his face. She parted her mouth a little for him. Natsu slipped his tongue into her mouth, lightly resting it atop of hers. Lucy moaned her appreciation. Natsu moved his tongue, slowly exploring Lucy's. He felt Lucy's tongue copying his movements and growl rumbled in his throat.

Natsu felt Lucy running a hand down his shirt, stroking his chest. In response, he moved one of his hands to stroke her chest. He was pleased when Lucy's back arched and she pulled a way a little to sigh his name. That was right. She would only ever say his name. His hand slipped from her chest, trailed down her stomach and landed to her inner thigh. Her smell was heightening. He loved the smell of her arousal. He delicately stroked her inner thigh. Lucy awarded him with a hearty moan. He loved her moans. They reminded him how good he made her feel.

Natsu felt himself grow hard and broke off from the kiss. The bulge in his pants had grown painfully. His mating urges growled that he yank off Lucy's panties along with his pants and boxers and connect with her. Her smell was increasing, driving him crazy. He knew should her hand touch him he would lose himself to primal hunger. He stopped stroking Lucy's thigh and looked back up at her, sorry and ashamed, nevertheless longing. "We can't," he denied with heavy reluctance. "We have to wait for the mating ceremony."

Lucy fidgeted on top of him and Natsu noticed her smell had not gone away. He knew it would take some time until her urges calmed down. Lucy nodded in understanding, but residual desire was in her eyes. "Of course." She got off Natsu, wincing a little when her legs crossed.

Natsu sat up and cursed himself. He was losing control too fast. He needed everything perfect to ensure Lucy would not get hurt during the ritual. "I'm…going to go take a cold shower," Natsu muttered.

Lucy laughed at Natsu. "Fine, fine. Go take care of your little problem."

Natsu looked at her, offended. "'Little'?" he echoed. He had to object to that. His length was not little! He could even remember when Lucy saw him for the first time and gasped about how large was his size. That was a memory he was proud of: to see Lucy in awe of his length.

Lucy stood up, peering down at Natsu through hooded eyes. "I'll go take care of the dishes. If you need help with you problem, well…" She took her index finger and slowly sucked on it. Natsu watched with starved eyes as she pulled it out of her mouth with a smirk. "I'm always willing to help you," she finished, walking away with swaying hips.

Natsu gazed after her. Such a tease! He wanted her mouth on him now. He wanted her to gag on him as punishment. He wanted her on her back, begging for him and on the verge of tears. He wanted to command her to join him in the shower and pleasure him as she promised. He wanted her to suck him dry. Such thoughts made him shiver as blood rushed down. Natsu looked down to see a tent in his pants. Shit! He really needed a cold shower! Hurrying, Natsu ran into the cottage to find the bathroom, tearing off his clothes.

"Natsu…" he heard Lucy moan.

Natsu stopped immediately and whipped around to see Lucy smirking at him. "Oh, don't mind me, Natsu," she purred, strutting away from him.

Natsu was tempted to pull her back. Her teasing mouth on him seemed like a reasonable punishment. He could see it. Them together in a steamy shower. Lucy on her knees, sucking him and touching herself… Oh God, how much he wanted her!

Natsu felt his cock twitch. He growled lowly. Damn it, Lucy! Why do you have to be such a damn tease?


Lucy was a little petrified when Natsu led her to the grounds they would use for their mating ceremony. It was at the heart of Tenrou Island in a wide clearing. Strange markings were on the ground in formation of a circle. Lucy could tell they came from an ancient language, but Levy would be more knowledgeable as to what they read. The space seemed comfortable enough for a sparring match. That made Lucy wonder if the mating process involved them battling. Natsu had mentioned to bring her keys. Lucy thought she had left them back in Akane where Levy would ensure her keys were safe, but Lucy found her keys in her closet, humming their greeting to her.

Lucy looked over to Natsu, who discarded his shirt and shoes at the edge of the clearing. He looked a little nervous about the whole ceremony, but tried to put on a strong front for her sake. She pitied her husband. He must have been scared of messing up and having her reject him. This was an ancient ritual unused for the last four hundred and more years. He would be the first Dragon Slayer since then to perform the mating ceremony. She understood his nerves.

Natsu headed over to her, smiling uncertainly. "Shoes off?" he checked.

Lucy pointed over to her sandals at the edge of the clearing. "Yup. I'm all set!"

Natsu nodded. "Great. Go into the circle and stand in the center. Then place your keys around you. All of them. Silver, gold—doesn't matter."

Lucy arched an eyebrow, frowning at him. "Is this normal?" she asked.

Natsu shook his head. "No. Levy had to make adjustments to the ceremony due to us being us. It should work just as well." He walked away from her and began muttering too low under his breath for her to understand.

Lucy huffed. Well, that was comforting. Still, she did as Natsu asked and wandered to the center of the impressive circle. Once she figured she was in the center, she stood still and brought out her keys. She disconnected her key ring and she carefully set each key on the ground in a ring around her. Each key thrummed under her touch and she could vaguely hear the greeting voice of each of her spirits as she set them down. She was proud of her key collection. She had made so many new friends as she got to know her spirits. They were her family. She could trust them with her life.

"Lucy!" She looked up to see Natsu standing right on the edge of the markings inside the circle. His signature scarf swayed in the wind. He stood proud and tall with renewed confidence in his eyes. His stare remained lock on Lucy. "I'm going to start," he warned her. "Once I start, the ruins will activate. The book said girl dragons feel a pull on their magic. Just go with the flow, okay?"

Lucy nodded, confused but trusting in him. She had no idea how the ceremony would commence or the outcome, but if it meant she and Natsu would be linked forever, she would follow him.

Natsu settled into a stance, closing his eyes. His hands burst into flames. Slowly, he moved his hands around as if they were the wind, just going through the sky. It was entrancing to watch the fire dance on his skin. The orange flames licked over his body, crawling up from his arms and spreading onto his torso. The fire ignited on his skin and quickly cloaked the rest of his body. He stilled for a moment as though overwhelmed. His eyes remained closed and Lucy saw him breathe in and out slowly.

Then Natsu moved.

His body moved slowly, yet confidently, gliding through as he followed the motions of the breezes. He moved his arms in front of him as he ducked and slid his left foot ahead of his right. He slowly rose his head up and blew a jet stream of swirling fire into the air. The fire hungrily ate the air to expand itself. However, instead of dying after a few seconds of being born, the fire began to slither on its own. Lucy watched in awed eyes as the fire went around the circle. She could hear barely audible whispers and mutterings as it did. The language sounded gruff and in a series of growls and hisses. But she did not mind. The fire had captivated her eyes.

Natsu continued moving along the circle, moving his hands around him. Fire poured out of his mouth, but he acted as though he did not care. He kept sliding forward, channeling the fire to sync with his moves, and kept blowing out fire. Lucy watched his movements with a strange intensity. She felt safe with Natsu near and the warmth given off by his fire soothed her worries and made her let go of her cares. She could not take her eyes off of Natsu. It was peculiar, but his movements made her body weak with desire. She felt an odd pull toward him. The fire moving around her felt as if it was calling to her. And Natsu's movements were just so sensual. She could not break away from watching him. She could only watch him longingly.

Lucy listened closely as she heard the hisses and growls of Natsu's fire grow louder. However, the growls and hisses melded together into something beautiful. Deep, baritone voices caroled together in their native tongue. The song vibrated through Lucy's mind and the words seduced her, forcing her to listen. Their words soothed her, tempted her, excited her. Her eyes flickered back to Natsu, but he seemed ignorant of the song of his fire and continued his movements. He was only three-fourths around the circle, but his fire was unceasing and his movements were fluid.

Lucy heard a vague humming sound echoing from her keys in approval. She could feel her Celestial Magic course through her. She had only felt the power faintly when she summoned her spirits as well as when she took on their forms. But this time, it felt different. She felt so light and unbound to the world. She felt as though she truly belonged among the stars. She could feel rushes of power wash over her like a relaxing waterfall. The power of the Heavens began singing to her in a chorus. The words were garbled, but somehow she understood their songs. Her magic was responding to Natsu's magic. This must have been the singing part Natsu mentioned!

The soft voices of her Celestial Magic were nestled by the deep vibrations of Natsu's Fire Dragon Slayer Magic. It was a harmonious tune combining the two languages into one. The soft chorale of the Heavens would sing verse first, but the baritone choir of the Draconic Fire followed soon after, reassuring the soft voices. Lucy felt like weeping at such beautiful music. She heard them rise and fall with an uncountable beat, moving smoothly from verse to pre-chorus to chorus to bridge and all over again. She could tell her spirits were singing along as well, adding their voices to the ensemble. She felt a swell of gratitude toward her spirits. They officially approved of her choice. She would have to find a day to thank them personally.

Her Celestial Magic suddenly gained one strong voice that stood out among the others. It sounded female, soft-spoken and dainty. The voice filled Lucy's ears. Natsu Dragneel, the voice called in song. The voice sung the name with such love and such acceptance.

A deep rumble stood out among Natsu's magic. It sounded male, strong-willed and protective. The voice filled Lucy's ears. Lucy Heartfilia, the voice sung back with a light growl. It sounded so affectionate, yet so dark with intense craving.

Lucy shivered at the voice. She was wrapped around in its protection, its warmth, its love, its lust for her. The fire was getting hotter. She could sense something. Her keys hummed louder. The vibration of the fire and the song of the Heavens increased their volume. Her body was getting warmer and her need was increasing. She looked over to see Natsu only a step away from completing the circle. Once Natsu made his last step, the ruins activated. They flashed with warming gold and raging orange. The earth began to tremble. Her keys began to glow a golden color. The golden glow suddenly shot up from the ground, encircling her. She could feel the crushing weight of space coming down on her. It was too much to bear! She felt as though she would break.

However, before Lucy could cry for help, the discomfort began to lessen. The golden glow pulsated around her, sending waves to the fire who gladly accepted them. The ruins began to shine brighter. The heat would normally be unbearable, but it aroused Lucy and made her feel loved. She felt so ecstatic! This was such a feeling even she as a writer could not describe. Yet, just when Lucy thought it would be over, she felt a strange sensation cover her body.

She began to move.

Lucy's movements were slow at first, weaving from side to side. Her hands were covered in a golden energy as she waved them around. She could see Natsu was going back ground the circle again, oblivious to her dancing. He was going faster than before, his mouth still open as he blew fire. Lucy turned her attention back to her own dancing. She never knew she could dance like this. She supposed it was her magic reacting rather than her mind and it knew the dance. She was supposed to go slow as she twirled around, moving her hands with her. As if on instinct, her mouth opened. A golden energy left her mouth. She watched as she danced as the swirl of golden energy acclimated with Natsu's fire.

A wave of pleasure overtook her body.

Feeling her magic and Natsu's magic touch was such an intense feeling.

She shivered when she felt Natsu's fire welcome her magic and protect it, winding itself around the golden energy like a cat as though to sooth her magic. Her keys hummed their content. The song of the Heavens sounded coyer than before, but the song of the Draconic Fire encouraged her. A rush of affection embraced Lucy and she knew it was Natsu's magic trying to get her to not be afraid. She was not afraid. She was timid, yes, but not afraid. Her magic, too, seemed nervous at Natsu's magic's invitation.

A memory flashed in her mind. She saw two hands. One hand was tan and battle-worn. It was the hand of someone who had traveled places, who had fought for something, who had been alone. The other hand was pale and delicate. It was the timid hand of someone who never fought, who never traveled, who had been alone. The tan hand offered itself to the pale hand. The pale hand reached for it before pulling back. Hesitantly, the pale hand reached out for the tan one and the tan hand reached out for the pale one, interlacing their fingers.

The ruins around the circle burst with light. A mixture of orange fire and golden energy erupted from the ruins to create a barrier. No longer were Natsu and Lucy connected to the outside world. They were alone in the space they created for each other. Lucy's keys levitated in the air before scattering apart and into the barrier. Rather than perishing, each key glowed from their place in the barrier. They were merging with the fire.

The Celestial Magic accepted the Fire Dragon Slayer Magic.

Lucy found she danced her way to the edge of the circle. Natsu was on her opposite side. His eyes, however, were open and he no longer breathed fire just as she stopped breathing her magic. The two of them were bathed in the essence of their magic still. Unreadable onyx freckled with emerald clashed with blank chocolate making love to hazelnut almond. Just by looking at him, Lucy felt her body become attracted to him in ways she had not been last night. Her love for him was burning and passionate, but her desire for him was identical. She knew Natsu was feeling the same way as she. She just knew it. Knowing they both felt like that consoled Lucy. Natsu wanted her in every way and she was ready to give everything she had to him and surrender her whole soul to combine with his.

As though automatic, Lucy and Natsu opened their mouths. Nothing was said between them however. Their mouths were simply open. Then fire and golden light spewed out of their respective mouths. It was a sudden burst, but Lucy was not surprised. She could only watch as the golden light and the fire barreled towards each other.

And then they clashed.

And the whole world had gone white.


The mind is a tricky thing, especially in dreams. It could force you to believe that the guy next to you was a serial killer. It could create world where you are the hero and your irritating elder sibling is the evil antagonist set on killing your crush. It tells you what you could and could not recall. It tells you what the smell was. It tells you which color was what. You could see red, but your mind convinced you it was purple. The mind is a tricky thing. Perhaps it knows it was too smart for its own good, perhaps it knows you could kill it through the abuse of drugs and alcohol, but it cares not for any of those factor. It still controls your being. It controls your want, your needs, your hates, your loves—it controlled everything.

The mind is a tricky thing.

Especially when it created nothing.

White could be seen from miles on end. There was not a song being made, or at least the mind muted all sounds. There was not a thing to be seen, or at least the mind cloaked all things to be invisible. There was not a scent to be smelled, or at least the mind tricked the nose into believing there were no scents. There was ground and there was a sky. But where were each? How did one know they were on the ground when they could be in the sky?

The mind was a tricky thing.

Two figured emerged into the space of white. Their shapes were the first things to arrive and finalize before their color came in. A yellow like the sun as it began its trek home to sleep as the moon took the night shift. A pink like the blushing sky early in the morn. A pale peach like the shifty white sand of paradise. A light tan like the sunbaked sand of a local beach. Swirls of amber engulfed in chocolate with twinkles inside that represented the stars. Pools of flint sprinkled in shredded bright green with a resilient fire always burning inside. A pale pink like the cheeks of a flustered schoolgirl. A fiery red like the blood poured from enemies.

Snow white wrapped around their bodies to shield themselves from each other. They settled down on what they believed was the ground and looked around them. The world was not yet created. They were the firstborn in such a white wasteland. They were the rulers. They were together.

Lucy looked at Natsu in bewilderment. What is this place? she asked without opening her mouth. Her eyes widened and she covered her closed mouth in panic. I'm talking without moving my lips! Telepathy?

Natsu shrugged his broad shoulders. I don't know. He grinned when he realized he had not needed to open his mouth to speak. Whoa, this is awesome! Take that, Warren! We can talk through minds too!

Lucy shook her head, sighing in her head. I'm still confused what this place is, she admitted. I just remember using my magic on you and then this happened.

Natsu's grin softened into an understanding smile. Levy told Gajeel and I about this. Though—he scratched his head sheepishly—I didn't really understand most of it.

Lucy rolled her eyes. Of course not. But what did she say? she probed.

Well, right now, we're trying to match strengths, Natsu explained. I don't know where we are, but I'm guessing it's somewhere in our minds. Levy said something about dragons going somewhere to basically say, 'I accept you as my mate' and stuff.

Lucy furrowed her eyebrows. But our magic already combined, she realized. That should mean we accepted each other. Wait! she suddenly exclaimed. I think I read a little bit about this! Natsu, we're not in our minds. We're in our souls.

Natsu looked skeptical of that. 'Souls'? he echoed. I don't know. Shouldn't our souls be more like us and how we are? Not all white and quiet and boring?

Not necessarily, Lucy murmured, tapping her chin. If I've got this whole mate thing right, then we combine our souls, right? So this must be what our combined soul looks like! Lucy stared around her in awe.

But it's blank! Natsu protested.

Well, now it is, but it won't be for long, Lucy said. Did Levy teach you anything about how to do this soul thing? Wasn't it in a book?

Natsu thought back to Levy's teachings. The memories to him were a little fuzzy. Her words were hazy, but the message was clear. I don't know, he confessed. He tried harder to remember. Levy had said something to him, had she not? Natsu's eyes widened. We have to let our inner selves or whatever take control!

Lucy offered him a flat look. Really?

Natsu nodded vehemently. Yes! Our inner self somehow knows how to do all this. Now that our magic accepted each other, it should be easy.

Lucy frowned. I mean we could try it, she supposed slowly. Maybe try meditating or something? Wouldn't you have to call to your inner dragon?

I guess so, Natsu figured with a nonchalant shrug of the shoulders. Try focusing on your spirits or something.

Lucy nodded. Okay. I'll try.

Natsu and Lucy both closed their eyes, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Natsu searched for something, anything that could lead him to the dragon inside him. It was difficult when his concentration kept straying. He needed to focus! But how was he supposed to find this "inner dragon" of his anyways? Igneel was no longer inside him. What was he looking for? He searched harder. There had to be something!

Something sparkled inside him. He felt it. He knew what it was. He had trained with it before. He smelled it before. It was Igneel's fire, or at least part of it. He could feel it. It was small, undoubtedly, but alive and well. It was a part of Igneel, the last part of him left. Natsu felt his fire intertwining with his father's flame. He knew. That was what he searched for. He found himself standing in a sea of his fire, the flames licking him as though welcoming back their master. He breathed in and when he exhaled, flames came out of his nose. He smiled. This was his "inner dragon".

Lucy used her mind to locate her keys. She could faintly feel them, but the connection had not broken. They were concerned for her, but she could tell they trusted Natsu to return her to them. Such caring spirits she befriended. She looked harder. She found memories of her mother and father, but that was not it. She had to search deeper.

Something twinkled in the darkness of her thoughts. She knew that twinkle. It was Rasalas, the star in Loke's constellation that he gave to her! Rasalas touched what appeared to be the ground in the darkness and the darkness rippled. Within seconds the obscurity transformed into space. Lucy was in awe. She was floating in space. Stars were everywhere. A supernova here and there. Galaxies were being born and destroyed. A solar system or two was below her feet. She was in the Heavens. She felt Celestial energy encircle her, feeding her. This was it. This was her "inner self".

When Natsu spoke, a hundred voices chorused with him. Each was deep and rumbling and full of tender affection, but his voice was the leader. Tá mé ach leath gan tú, he chanted.

Lucy heard him. She understood him. She opened her mouth to recite back to him, accompanied by a soft chorale: Dan saya setengah tanpa Anda.

It was Natsu's turn again. Ag triall ar an domhan, a thabhairt mé leath m'anam a thabhairt duit, he promised.

Lucy felt her heart flutter at his words. Her inner self was pleased by his promise. Dan saya memberikan setengah jiwa saya kepada Anda, cintaku, she vowed.

The fire surrounding Natsu burned brighter at the declaration. He could feel the fire's need to go to Lucy's magic. He felt the pull to her as well. But he had to restrain himself. An mbeidh tú Fan Le Mise? he demanded. An mbeidh tú a roinnt ar fud an domhain le liom?

Lucy wanted to laugh at Natsu's request and the spatial universe created a new galaxy in honor of her mirth. Aku akan selalu, she promised. Dan akan Anda tinggal dengan saya? Apakah Anda ingin menghabiskan sisa hidup Anda dengan saya bahkan jika aku jatuh buta atau tuli?

Natsu smiled. His fire cackled in reflect to his amusement. Beidh mé i gcónaí, he vowed.

The white abyss changed. Sunset gold swirled around with blazing orange instead. Lucy was wrapped in a dress made of the universe and Natsu was wrapped in pants and a shirt ablaze in his flames. He held out a hand for her and Lucy gladly accepted it. He pulled her close to him, resting his forehead on hers.

We combine as mates, they both said, their voices echoing, and will uphold to our promise. May the fire of Igneelson and the stars of the daughter of Layla join together in unison for now and forever!

Natsu closed the distance between their lips and brought Lucy in for a well-deserved kiss, which she eagerly reciprocated.

And white exploded once again.


When their eyes opened, they were met with the most beautiful sight their eyes had ever seen: they were trapped in a swirling tornado of their combined magic. Their songs combined in perfect harmony. The fire's baritone sound couched the stars' gentle ballad. They no longer sung in echo. They sung as one, wholly and intimately.

Desire pulsed through the air, making Natsu tense and Lucy shiver. It was one of their final acts of the mating ceremony: the Mating Phase. Lucy felt sudden anxiety from the thought and as a result her magic shied away from Natsu's, trepid. Natsu's fire pulsated a little, showing off its need and love. That was all it took for Lucy and her magic to calm down.

Natsu felt pleased when his fire was able to sooth Lucy. In a normal mating, it was rare for magic to act so affectionately to a dragon's mate's magic. This just meant he and Lucy were more compatible than they believed. Natsu growled when he felt his growing need toward her as well as his fire yearning to intimately combine with Lucy's magic. When their magic combined in such a way, he knew his fire would recognize her and would not burn her, but treat her as it did Natsu and merely lap at her skin. But Natsu felt differently. His desires were more primal, more animalistic. He needed to mate with Lucy and prove his dominance to her. He needed him inside her again. He was growing impatient with lust as he remembered the feeling of being inside her. How tight she was. How wet she was. How she screamed his name. He knew he would not be able to be as gentle with her as his was before. He was in desperate need of release and knew only Lucy could give it to him. He wanted her.

He looked at his arms to see pinkish scales surface. His tongue went over his teeth. His canines had sharpened. Flames danced over his body and need clawed at his lower stomach. He cursed the human side of him trying to restrain him from throwing Lucy to the ground and proving him to be her mate. He stalked over to her, a snarl on his lips and rumbling in his throat. His fire began the process of coaxing her magic to surrender to it so they may be one. Natsu sniffed the air and his mind blanked out in lust. Lucy's smell was strong. She was ready for him.

Lucy took a tiny step back as Natsu approached her, freezing when he growled at her almost as in ordering her to stop. She felt his magic grow restless as her magic was still hesitant just as she. She knew his fire only desired uniting intimately with her Celestial Magic, but her slight fear toward Natsu reflected on her magic. Natsu looked different than he had before. His skin was covered in pinkish scales and his eyes had narrowed coldly, but carried the same intense need that made her thighs quiver. She saw his canines protrude his mouth. He had surrendered himself to the dragon side of him.

And that thrilled her a bit.

Natsu stop in front of her, dark eyes slowly drinking in her appearance. He growled a moment later and raised a hand. "No clothes!" he commanded, tearing at her sundress.

Lucy winced at his aggression as he slashed at her dress and ripped it off her, leaving her in her panties. Natsu ignited himself and burned off his clothes, throwing his scarf away. Lucy let out a surprised yelp when Natsu swept her off her feet and set her gently onto the ground. She knew he was struggling to be careful with her. His fire seemed to be the one being gentle with her magic as it began the process of intertwining with it. It was sweet. It was like Natsu's Fire Dragon Slayer Magic wanted to make love to her Celestial Spirit Magic. That left Lucy nostalgic. Natsu's magic was acting as he had last night: coaxing her magic, being gentle, thinking of her magic first.

Natsu snarled when he realized Lucy was not paying attention to him. She was about to be his mate. She had to obey him. She would be punished for not devoting her attention to him. He took her hands and pinned them above her head, disregarding her shout of his name. That soothed him a little. Only his name was coming out of her mouth, as it should be. He nuzzled her neck, sniffing her. "My mate," he purred. "My Lucy."

Lucy trembled at his words. He spoke as though she was his possession. Maybe male dragons were possessive of their mates. It certainly made sense. Dragons were always greedy creatures. Her thoughts were cut off when she felt Natsu nipping at her chest. She gasped and arched her back.

"Focus! My mate! Answer me!" Natsu roared, biting a little harder on her chest.

Lucy cried out. Such roughness reminded her of Dream Natsu. It frightened her, and yet it made her go made with pleasure. "I'm your mate," she whispered.

Natsu purred, satisfied at her response. He licked at her neck in reward. "Good mate," he rumbled. "My mate."

Lucy shivered as his tongue licked her. She woozily felt his magic and her magic swirl together in an endless dance. His magic was radiating with the need to unite and her magic began feeling the urge as well, making Lucy ache between her legs. She whimpered and crossed her legs together to ease the tension.

Natsu noticed her movements and snarled at her fiercely. "No! Open!" he commanded. He spread Lucy's legs apart, licking his lips. "All mine," he growled to himself. "Kill others who touch. Mine. Mine to lick; mine to suck." He glared at Lucy who writhed underneath his glower. "Mine," he repeated. "Answer me!"

"Yes, Natsu, its yours," Lucy whispered back, trying to appease him. "No one but you can go there, not even me."

Natsu grinned happily at her answer. He rewarded her by lapping at her thighs. "Good mate," he purred against her.

Lucy moaned and she bucked her hips a little. She sensed her magic was being driven by desire as well as Natsu's magic when she felt her magic comply easily with the fire's whims.

Natsu smirked at her, eyes connecting with hers. "Ready, mate? Ready for me?" He pulled his head down and blew a puff of hot air on her. Lucy cried out and her hips bucked. Her core was aching too much for her to handle and she knew her magic was ready and willing for Natsu's magic to take control and combine them.

Natsu growled loudly at her. "Mate ready?" he demanded. "Answer!"

"Yes!" Lucy exclaimed. "I'm ready, Natsu."

Natsu grinned at her. He crawled on top of her, pleading orbs of chocolate clashing with impatient onyx. He nuzzled Lucy's face and licked her cheek. "Mate ready. Mate ready for me," he purred. "Mate is mine."

"I am yours, always," Lucy declared to him.

Natsu pulled away from her face to nod approvingly at her. She was submitting to him. She knew who was the dominant one. She really was ready for him. Natsu did not give her a warning, but she knew his fire magic was winding around her own magic, prepared to make their union permanent. Natsu positioned himself and thrusted into her, making Lucy shout. She felt woozy with pleasure. It felt so good for him to be back inside her! Her body was already burning from him and she needed more.

Lucy did not have to ask Natsu to move this time. He pulled back and slammed into her, making her back scrape on the ground and her boobs bounce from the force. She felt slight pain in her thighs and her body got warmer. It was strange. It was not her skin that was hot, but inside her that was. She felt like she was dying on the inside due to heat.

Natsu pulled back and thrust into her roughly. His eyes flickered to hers, a snarling grin on his face. "My mate!" he declared proudly. "Mine!" He thrust into her faster, jolting her with each plunge.

Lucy could not meet with each thrust and shouted her pleasure painted in pain. It began to hurt as Natsu frenziedly jackhammered into her and her back was scraping against the land. Heat clawed inside her body, wanting a way out, but there was no way out. With each thrust, her body grew hotter and hotter until her shouts were more in pain than in pleasure.

But she could not help the tingling sensation she was feeling. With each thrust, she knew her senses were overloading. She could feel her thighs tighten and her muscles contract. Oh, but the agony of the heat in her body! She wanted to go into the ocean and cool off, but she knew she could not. Sweat rolled of her body. She could vaguely feel Natsu's fire tightly wind on her magic. Her magic felt giddy from the fire's warmth. That added giddiness only made Lucy's need grow.

"Mate ready," Natsu announced. "Good mate. Mate is ready."

"Natsu, it hurts," Lucy whimpered, wincing. She could already feel the bruises on her thighs. And the heat became unbearable that she was afraid her internal organs would begin to fail. She wanted to pass out, but knew Natsu would not let her. It hurt so much! So why did she feel so needy for him?

Natsu slammed harder into her, making tears spring into Lucy's eyes. He did not notice the tears. He needed release. He needed to mate her. He needed her. He slammed desperately into her, not noticing the yowls of agony coming out of Lucy in-between ragged breaths. He could only feel his fire mingling with his mate's strange star magic. It was nothing he had ever heard of, but it made his mate all the more special. Her magic cried out to his, needing his magic to become hotter so their merge would satisfy it. His fire consented in a heartbeat and heated up. His mate's magic reacted positively and he sensed the strange magic was ready to burst into the sea of flames just like his mate. Natsu knew his fire was already ready to accept the star magic and was about to burst itself. It was only a matter of time.

As Natsu slammed into her again, Lucy began to see black spots. There was too much pain for her to bear; even her body was about to explode onto Natsu. A new batch of tears rained from her eyes. It was all too much. She did not know how much longer she could maintain consciousness. Natsu's thrust into her was the final straw for her senses. She screamed through her tears as her body let go of all the pressure built up. She felt herself contracting on Natsu, milking his length. But the inconceivable pain won against her euphoria of her orgasm. It hurt. She felt weak and faint. She felt too exhausted and anguished to care about her supposedly delirious state. She could feel Natsu harden a little inside her and knew with awaiting dread what would happen.

Natsu did his final thrust into her and he shot off hard. A loud roar erupted in his throat. It sounded not at all like Natsu. It sounded purely like a dragon, animalistic and incomprehensible. He felt his fire burst around his mate's star magic, sending out wave after wave of heat. He splurged inside his mate in a series of painful jolts. He felt smug. His mate would only mate with him. But even as he spluttered inside her, he felt the urge to mark her as his mate. She was his! No man would dare steal her! He pictured the Lion Spirit touching his mate. No. Lucy was Natsu's mate!

"Mine!" Natsu roared furiously into the skies. After a few moments, he felt himself stop coming and grew frustrated. It could not be over. He needed more of her. More! He looked down at Lucy, too angry to notice she was sobbing helpless, feebly calling out. His eyes narrowed onto her neck. His human half had kissed that spot many a time. It seemed that was the place he was to Mark. He dipped his lips down onto her skin, moving his lips until he came to a slight dip in-between Lucy's collarbone and neck. This would make Lucy his mate forever. They would be bound together. Forever!

"My mate," Natsu growled. "My Lucy."

He did not kiss the spot. He went straight to the marking her. His teeth grazed her skin then sunk into her, drawing of her blood. He ignored Lucy's scream of agony as he sunk his teeth a little more before abandoning his teeth from her flesh. He sluggishly used his tongue to lap at the blood, satisfaction rippling through him as he felt the connection between him and his mate. Once the blood was gone, he examined it. He saw his two fang marks already fading away do to his licking, but the Mark itself was a hue of dark purple.

Natsu growled. "Mine." He felt the overwhelming sensation of lust as he stared at the Mark. She was his mate now. They were bonded. To see their Mark made him hungry for her again! He felt himself hardening inside her, but needed to quicken the process. He wanted—no, needed—to mate with her.

Quickly, Natsu began licking her nipples, nipping them. He recalled his human side doing the same to his mate and getting her excited. He continued his antics when he heard her moans and felt her clench on him, obviously aroused. That got him harder. Feeling her tightness around him made him want to be her undoing. As he nipped at her chest, he felt her want radiate off her, adding to his own. Too much desire made him ready for her. He needed to release into her. He needed him inside her.

Natsu pulled back and slammed into Lucy at an alarming speed. He was frantic. His need to mate was strong and growing. He growled when he felt Lucy clench on him again.

"Mate ready," Natsu realized through ragged pants. "Mate bound to me. Mate mine! Mate mine!" He heard a small whimper from Lucy then a loud shriek. Her muscles clamped down on him as she came. And that was enough to send him over the edge. "Mate mine!" Natsu thundered.

And he exploded in her.


Lucy screamed when Natsu came. Last night, it would have meant she felt the pressure and reveled in it. But today, it meant she was in pure agony. What she felt inside her burned her. He came hard and it hit her like a brick wall. She saw white when he came furiously. She knew her body was trying to cope with the pain, but each jolt of Natsu was sizzling hot. His own semen hurt her. He was hurting her.

Yet, Lucy still loved Natsu with all her heart.

She could only weep uselessly at her pain and at the pain Natsu would feel tomorrow. She thought fearfully of how he would react tomorrow when he realized what he has done. He would never touch Lucy again. She could see him deciding he could not trust himself with her. He would hide away from her. He would never look at her. He would be scared of her.

"Natsu," Lucy weakly called, trying to gain his attention. But he has busied him with a spot between her collarbone and her neck. Tears flowed freely from her eyes. "Oh, Natsu," she cried.

She felt fangs scrape her skin. The next think she knew Natsu was sinking his fangs into her. Then, rushes of heat consumed her as she felt her body being ripped apart.

She screamed her anguish.

It felt like all of Hell was touching her and pulling her in different directions. She was on fire! She vaguely felt the panic of her keys, but they were not able to do a thing. Her magic had combined with Natsu's magic and it seemed that the fire was doing its best to keep her magic with it. With her body being in such a state, her magic was beginning to withdraw from Natsu's fire.

It was strange, but something else washed over her: wild desire. It made her tremble as her need for Natsu made more tears come out of her eyes. God, how her body hurt and how she needed him now!

She felt Natsu's tongue stop lapping at her neck and he growled words that were barely human. She could still understand him, but her lust for him made her whimper. She felt him playing with her chest, nipping her, licking her, and she moaned, blocking out her pain momentarily to give into her want. She clenched on him, knowing her body wanted release. It was not just release. Her body only wanted Natsu to give her that release.

Natsu suddenly slammed into her in a frenzy, and she could not keep up. Her body was aflame and her eyes were puffy from tears, but she could not help feeling how much Natsu's thrusts made her senses overload. He growled something to her and his growl alone made her whimper. She needed him now.

Without further ado, Lucy felt her muscles contract. She shrieked as she came, relieved the aching pressure she had was gone. She was coming on Natsu, and the thought made her feel like the world was right.

Then Lucy felt Natsu burst inside her.

Her scream died in her throat. It was too much for her. She could not scream away her pain this time. She could not cry again. She could not whimper his name. She could not do anything. Blistering hot pressure filled her almost instantly and began leaking on her inner thighs, making her skin burn. The heat coming in from Natsu was too much for her body to bear. She could not do it.

She saw white then everything turned black.


A/N:

I will explain all of this in the final chapter, I promise! But here are the translations!

Translations:

Tá mé ach leath gan tú means "I am only half without you"

Dan saya setengah tanpaAnda means "And I half without you"

Ag triall ar an domhan, a thabhairt mé leath m'anam a thabhairt duit means "Bound to the world, I give half my soul to you"

An mbeidh tú Fan Le Mise? An mbeidh tú a roinnt ar fud an domhain le liom? means "Will you stay with me? Will you share the world with me?"

Aku akan selalu. Dan akan Anda tinggal dengan saya? Apakah Anda ingin menghabiskan sisa hidup Anda dengan saya bahkan jika aku jatuh buta atau tuli? means "I will always. And will you stay with me? Do you want to spend the rest of your life with me even if I fall blind or deaf?"

Beidh mé i gcónaí means "I will always"