First One of the Day
Security. Comfort. Warmth. Contentment. Joyous. Relief. Satisfaction.
These were the positive feelings Erza felt in her sleep. She didn't know why though, but she was lying with the coziest body pillow she had ever felt. The feeling of hugging it closer to her body and the heat it gave off was addictive; relaxing her tense muscles and warming up her cold feet under the covers. Erza felt fantastic sleeping with this thing. Her dreams consisted of idly sitting in a hot spring with the rock walls containing the water being as comfortable as can be. It was odd, though. When did she ever get one? She doesn't remember packing one of these wonders, nor does she remember having one?
Suddenly, the amazing body pillow started slipping from her grasp, going off to the side of the bed and leaving for what seemed like an eternity. Chills racked her body as the covers were lifted somehow and Erza's graceful face gained a deep frown. She didn't know pillows can move? 'Wait a second…' They don't.
Her eyes involuntarily twitched as a soft noise made its way to her ears. Then, a rough uneven surface landed on her exposed shoulder. What was it? What is it? 'Mmm, go away.' She thought in annoyance, turning her body away from the disturbance. But, it happened again, only this time the force was stronger and the noise was increasing in volume.
The constant interruption made her eyes flutter open before tightly squeezing them as the sun greeted her with malice. Groaning in frustration, Erza knew she had to get up, but didn't know who was doing it. That's when it all hit her, the memories of the days before her flooded in rapidly while she turned swiftly back to her other side and stared awkwardly into the man's eyes.
It was Natsu…
"Sheesh, you're finally awake? And I thought I was the heavy sleeper," Natsu said with a bright smile before he threw the covers completely off the bed, "Come on, rising and shine! We gotta go to the stupid Sorcerer Weekly thing!"
"H-huh?" Erza was perplexed. Everything was so sudden for her. Her night was full of bliss and relaxation which made her forget the events in the real world. Wait… Natsu… sleeping with her… on the same bed… and a warm pillow- oh, shit! "Ahh! You- you didn't wake me up even when you knew I did it!?" Erza asked with an ear-splitting pitch in her voice causing Natsu to pick at his own ears to get the ringing to stop.
"Eh, what did you do that I had to wake you up? I mean, you were sleep. What could you've possibly done?" Natsu asked dumbly, still picking at his ear. His face donned a confusion and irritated expression while he started walking away towards the door, "Anyway, Imma go take a shower now, 'kay? The stupid rule about ladies first doesn't make sense to me. Although Lucy thinks otherwise…" Natsu said the last part to himself in a whisper as he started to wonder why he was half-naked in the first place. But he just thought it was Erza's doing and left it at that while entering the bathroom.
But she was left there in a daze, staring at the long-gone figure of Natsu through the door. But she was still pissed, "How does that dumbass not know!?" She fumed quietly to herself, slamming her fist on the foam bed, "How did he not know that I… was…" Erza couldn't stop the blushing that came after. The mere thought of the activity somehow made her flustered. She didn't get it, how can she take a show with the same man that has her all over the place with simple things- like saving his life with CPR or just sleeping half-naked with him!? (Those actually aren't very normal activities. Don't try this at home kids)
'But it was nice… How could Lucy kick him out the window every time? I would love it if I could sleep wit- what? What was I just about to say? Nevermind, can't dwell on it too much. We have to get there by noon.' Erza instantly blocked her train of thought from before and focused on the important things: posing for the camera. She honestly didn't know where she was headed with that conversation in her head except that it had to deal Natsu, Lucy and doing something again, which was probably punishing Natsu and checking up on Lucy.
Deciding to roll off the oval bed and landing on her feet, Erza drew a deep breath to clear her mind. Right now she needed to focus and take up this job head on! Not get distracted with whatever Natsu was doing, even though she'll be working with him.
'Now I guess I'll just wait for him in the bathroom.'
A few hours later, around 12 o'clock:
"Aww, man! What a good breakfast! I should come to eat here more often!" Natsu yelled satisfied, patting his stomach with glee.
"Well, that means taking the train more often too." Erza shot back, adjusting her hair to look good for her picture(she's a newbie, doesn't know what'll actually happen).The two friends just got back from a small family owned restaurant where they ate their filling breakfast. It was quite delicious and they got a discount for ordering so much food, which was mostly on Natsu's accountability. Of course, they dressed in their usual outfits, already knowing that Jason had others waiting for them. It didn't take long for the two to get to their destination. It was near the docks leading to the beach shore, where all the shops and merchandise carts were located.
"I really want to get this over with and go on some S-class missions again. Buuut, I guess I can stay for the food. And the bed too." Natsu said lazily, putting one hand behind his head and licking the leftover sauce off the other. Arriving at the place where they were told, the camera crew already had a whole area set up with lights, tapes, and lacrimas placed all over, but there was one clear spot where it was empty.
"Stop your complaining Natsu. This is going to be fun! Trying on different outfits, getting our picture taken, doing different poses, it sounds great!" Erza said enthusiastically, getting pumped for this job.
"I think that's more your of shtick." Natsu answered back quickly, closing his eyes in thought.
"Shut up." Erza said annoyed, slapping Natsu on the head as it started to bob back and forth. Shaking the dizziness out of his system(it doesn't make sense, I know) Natsu was instantly greeted with the way-too-eccentric-about-meeting-him Jason. He almost grimaced at the sight of his excited smile. Something was going to happen… and he knew, it was all gonna be fanservice…
Mostly from Jason of course.
"So cool! You guys are really here- and with your usual clothing too! Fantastically cool!" Jason said excitedly, swiftly turning his back to them and waving his hand, signaling them to follow him, "Come on, we gotta get you ready!"
"Okay, but what's going to happen?" Erza asked curiously, really wanting to know what happens in one of these Sorcerer Weekly gatherings.
"Well first, I'll have you two just get pampered up a bit, then have your picture taken with how you are now for the front cover of the magazine." Jason explained quickly, giving her the answer she wanted.
"Wait… us, on the front cover?" Natsu asked surprised, pointing towards himself in shock.
"Of course the front cover! We have the great Salamander and the fierce Titania showing together for the first time! It's gonna be so cool!" Jason exclaimed gleefully, throwing his arms out in the air. Stopping abruptly, he called out a name unfamiliar to either of them, "Angela! We need you here to meet some cool people!"
Then, out of nowhere, a girl with a petite stature stood in front of them in no time. She had brown hair that went down to her neck with two bangs going to the side of her soft, plush-like face. Showing her green eyes, the woman named Angela smiled brightly at Erza and Natsu. She wore a purple short sleeve shirt with green pants and brown shoes, " Oh, Jason-san! You really brought them here!? I thought you were just joking about having two Fairy Tail members."
"Nope, not at all. And it's super cool, right!? Anyway, I'm going to need you take care of Erza-san here, just fix her hair a bit- nothing too dramatic," Jason instructed carefully. Turning to Erza, he began to speak again, "She'll be your make-up artist from now on, okay? And don't worry, she's really cool. Well, off you go!"
Suddenly grabbing Erza's hand, Angela beamed a bright smile, "I'm glad to be working with ya! Come on, I have just the right idea to do for your hair." Angela said, dragging Erza along with her to one of the private booths.
"Yes, I'm glad to be working with you too." Erza said also smiling. The two women left, leaving Jason and Natsu alone.
"And, Natsu, you come with me. I have someone cool to show you." Jason said, leading Natsu to another booth.
Groaning painfully in his head, Natsu complied and followed him. The two got to the booth and was greeted by a big man.
"Natsu, this is Roberto! One of my coolest friends!" Jason pointed high to the man in front of him while Natsu couldn't stop staring at the goliath. He was a very bulky, dark-skinned man that had a bald head. His face was stern and had very small lines, showing his age. Though, half of his face was covered in a very long black mustache and beard that connected and went all the way down to his chest, showing little gray hairs here and there.
"R-roberto…" Natsu whispered to himself in awe, "You look so badass!"
"U-uh, thank you, I guess," He said in a deep voice, scratching his beard unsure of how to take that random comment, "Anyway, let's get started. Jason already told me the requirements so I know that there isn't much for me to do."
"Yup Natsu, Roberto will your make-up artist for the time being and I'll call you guys when we're ready. Have a cool time!" Jason said, walking off to another station in the set.
"So, please sit in this sir," Roberto instructed as Natsu walked over to the pointed wooden chair and sat on it, "I'm not gonna do anything fancy, just going to comb it down a little." Humming in response, Natsu waited as the man took out his black comb and put it in his hair. Just as he was about to pull it back, Roberto grunted.
"Huh? What the heck?" He asked himself in confusion, pulling on it harder while Natsu screamed in pain.
"Ahh! Son of Dragon! What'd you that for!?" Natsu yelled in fury, roughly taking the comb out of his hair.
"Sorry sir, but one question. Is your hair naturally this messy and spiky?" Roberto asked in worry.
"Yeah, why? What does that hafta do with this?" Natsu asked confused.
"Have you at least tried to tame your hair?" He asked again, only to get e series of snickers and giggles.
"You serious? Me? Taming this thing?" Natsu laughed, pointing to his hair, "It's freakin' impossible! I even tried to use magical gel to keep it down, but that only lasted about ten minutes. The only thing that actually flattens my hair is getting it wet."
"So, you're saying that you never- not once in your life- tried to fix your hair the way it is?" Roberto asked again with exasperation.
"Pff, no." Natsu answered again in finality.
"Whatever. I can't see what I can do except move your bangs in different positions for a while. Oh well, you're free to go." Roberto said sighing.
"Really, just like that? Well okay! I'm gone-"
"Time's up! Time for the cool picture!" Jason yelled through the curtains while Natsu just deflated in excitement.
"Welp, that's my cue I guess," He said with a slump, walking away slowly, "See ya, Roberto."
"Bye Mr. Dragneel." And so, Natsu exited the booth and headed towards Jason as said man began to lead him towards the empty spot he saw earlier.
"Ooh, I can't wait! This is gonna be so cool!" Jason shouted with excitement, "Let's go see how Erza-san is doing." Natsu grunted after hearing another 'cool' come out of his mouth but ignored it for his own sake. He was more interested to see how Erza was doing after being on her own. With curiosity being his drive, Natsu started to walk faster towards the middle empty space and walked around the giant lights to meet Erza again.
Getting to his destination, he stood there in shock after seeing Erza's new hair do. It wasn't much different than her usual style, but the details are, after all, in the devil. Since his magic enhanced his senses, Natsu could easily pick out the slight differences in her hair- with some being obvious for a normal person to pick out. Her hair was done in a way that had broken up into three parts: two strands of hair was bunched up over her shoulder with the main part sliding down her back. And the added volume given by Angela made her scarlet hair stand out even more. To finish the light touch, Erza had a bang on the right side of her face that covered the majority of her eye. It was combed downwards then back to give it a natural curl.
"Wow Erza, you look great!" Natsu complemented happily, walking up to her with a smile.
"Really, you think so? I didn't know anyone was going to notice." Erza said modestly, pushing some of her hair back behind her ear. 'Although, I do like the style. I might keep it when this is all done.' Smiling to herself, she greeted Natsu as well.
"So, are you ready for your first photo shoot?" Natsu asked excitedly, finally getting to help Erza with something new and not the other way around.
"Of course I am! Let's do this!" Erza exclaimed with her eyes gleaming with determination. But their conversation was cut short by Jason- also known as the head director of this photo shot for Sorcerer Weekly.
"Okay, cool people! We have are special guests here so let's welcome them with the best of our services!" Jason called out as the stage crew began to cheer for them, "Alright! First things first, we're going to have you take a picture the way you are and then have you change into different outfits! Please comply with our demands, for the fanservice given to us by the people of Fiore have waited to see this! Do not be alarmed if anything uncool happens, just please bare with it!"
"What is he talking about?" Erza questioned, turning to Natsu.
"Well, there's this thing called fanservice that Sorcerer Weekly has to keep up with so they won't lose their ratings. It's something Mira has to go through with- that's why you often see her in different bathing suits in weird positions," Natsu explained with a heavy sigh, "The things that those people made me do… it's just unforgivable. But there is a limit of how far they can go thanks to citizen rights and employment contracts."
"You sure do know a lot about this stuff even though you supposedly hate it." Erza said egotistically.
"Don't get me wrong. I still hate those sons of a gun called producers for making this stuff. It's just that Mira had me read the whole contract before she forced me again to go to these things before. Which is kinda contradictory." Natsu said defending himself.
"Get in positions, everyone! It's time to start!" Jason announced, getting off his little stage and walking towards Natsu and lights turned on and the cameras were being adjusted before the real thing started, "Okay you guys, listen, this is gonna be super cool if everything goes as planned. I want you to act as natural as can be- just act like you're in Fairy Tail right now, talking and having a friendly conversation but look at the camera and put on the best smiles."
"Roger that." Erza said, understanding what he meant. 'Natural, huh? I guess he wants me to hug Natsu the way I usually do? Yeah, that'll work.' Erza thought, watching Jason go back to his director seat.
"IT'S COOL TIME!" Jason screamed in his megaphone, getting everyone's attention. The cameras started rolling and the lights flashed brighter as Jason pointed towards them, "Begin!"
With that being said, Erza reached over to Natsu and proceeded to give him one of her best hugs ever. Closing her eyes and enjoying the moment of being in the spotlight, Erza heard Jason scream.
"Stop! Stop, stop, stop!" Jason got off his chair and walked over to them while Erza let Natsu go, hearing a 'thump' noise afterward, "Oh my gosh, what just happened- were you trying to kill him?"
"Eh, kill him? I was just acting normal and giving him a hug." Erza said, not seeing the after effects of her stunt.
"No, no, no. Just turn it down a little," Jason instructed, watching Natsu slowly get up, "Wait, I have an idea about this! It's perfect!"
"W-what's goin' on?" Natsu asked, getting no response from anyone in the area.
"Let me do all the work," Jason said with a smile as he moved Natsu, Erza and their body parts at a really fast pace, "Tada! Now Natsu, give a thumbs up and a bright smile. And Erza, close your eyes but smile as well, like you're in bliss."
"Uh…" Natsu just blinked in confusion. All he remembers is being hit with something hard on the head, and then waking up suddenly to only be forcibly maneuvered around in an uncomfortable state. He saw that his body was slouched a bit as Erza's arm was around his neck with his head being slightly pushed against her breastplate, and with what Jason said, Natsu supposed he had to pose with her like this.
'Oh boy.' Natsu thought tiredly.
"Hey, is everyone ready!? Alright, let's get this over with and move on to the other cool pictures! Start!" Jason yelled while Natsu sighed. He saw the cameras were already on film and prepared to take take the shot when they posed. Looking up quickly, Natsu saw that Erza was following her instructions to the letter, which made her look beautiful in his opinion.
'Wait a second… where the hell did that come from?' Natsu thought suddenly. Deciding to completely ignore his thought process(as usual) Natsu began to do what he was told, giving the thumbs up and smile to the camera. A couple flashes later and they were done. It was weird for Natsu because they usually take multiple shots of him in different positions. But he guessed Jason was, well… different- which wasn't surprising to him at all.
"Alright people! There's still more to do during this cool day and we must make it happen fast! So let's do this!" Jason screamed, pumping his co-workers up along with him.
Natsu felt his uncomfortable position being slowly undone while he looked up to see Erza smiling at him.
"Wasn't that fun Natsu?" She asked happily, landing a hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah, for you maybe. It was bad for me since I had to slouch the whole time." Natsu answered with a small pout.
Giggling a bit, Erza widened her smile, "I can't believe it- you look adorable when you pout like that! If they made a merchandise of that, I would buy it."
"W-what!?" Natsu screamed embarrassed, having a little blush on his cheeks, "Screw that! I am so not cute! I'm a furious fire breathing Dragon!" He fumed comically.
"Yes, whatever you say Natsu," Erza answered sarcastically while a Natsu just gambled in response, "Come on, they're moving the set, we've got to go."
"Hmpf, fine." Natsu said reluctantly. He didn't know why but he really enjoyed being with Erza. When he's with everyone else, she tends to beat him silly for almost every mistake he made, but here, alone with her, was different. He had some weird feeling building within him that told him to make her happy, protect her, be by her side, and he didn't mind it one bit. In fact, he enjoyed spending time with her.
'We should do this more often.'
Natsu couldn't wait to spend to rest of the day with Erza.
A/N: Hey guys, you won't guess what happened to me. One of my favorite authors followed this story(and that person is probably reading his right now) I replied back to me when I PMed him. Crazy right? It was like talking to the Michael Jordan of writing, which might be too much of an exaggeration but whatever. But about the story, please don't get confused about the events. I stated in the first chapter that Natsu already did this thing before, but once again, Mira influenced him to go but it was alone, not with her. That was the first time and from then on, he hated the experience.
Anyway, I'm really surprised at how this story has grown, I just could believe that it would happen but it did... which is weird. I never knew so many people would want to picture Natsu and Erza taking a picture together. Oh, and about that, I got this idea by looking at Naza pictures on Deviant art while coincidently listening to a song that had some drive to this story's plot. Sometimes the greatest things come from the weird experiences, just like how Newton had a "super knowledge apple" that gave him the idea of gravity when it hit his head. Just so weird...
Anywho, Pm/review, follow, share or do whatever(cause I literally can't stop you!)
Have a nice time reading! :)
