Disclaimers: I do not own Fairy Tail at all! I am just a hardcore fan that loves fan fiction!
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Once again, our favorite team are on their feet to keep up with their mission of reuniting Fairy Tail. It is close to dawn, and Lucy is exhausted, "Can we rest? I'm tired..." she pouted. Wendy giggled, "Yeah we have been on our feet practically the entire day!"
Natsu stopped and looked around, then he closed his eyes, "Hm I hear a source of water near, we can camp near there." Lucy stomped, "We are camping out again?! I need a bed!"
"Aw come on Luce, it isn't that bad! Besides inns are so expensive!" Natsu argued, only to step back once Lucy fully glared at him, "I. Want. A. Bed." she punctuated sharply. Natsu scrunched his face in annoyance, folding his strong arms in defiance, "We are camping out, Lucy." Lucy stared at him flabbergasted. Natsu has never showed such masculinity before, he has always been childish about well…everything.
Wendy, and the exceeds look back and forth to the both of them. "Lushi, Natsu doesn't want drunk creeps lurking around you like last time," Happy purred tauntingly. Natsu's eyes widen at the teasing cat and Wendy giggled while Charle snickered. Natsu for some reason felt annoyed at the comment, usually Happy's teasing didn't get to him. "Tch. That's not it! I just like sleeping on the grass okay!" he stomped while holding his nose high in a very childish, Natsu-like way.
Lucy cocked her eyebrow amused, 'Is Natsu embarrassed because of what Happy said?' putting her hands on her hips, she shook her head, "Nah, no way" she blurted out loud. Natsu turned to her, "No way what?" he asked.
"Eh? Oh it's nothing," she shook her hand in dismissal, "If it bothers you so much then we can sleep outside; I'm guessing you got used to sleeping in the woods during the past year," Lucy smiled while walking, then pointed her slender finger straight, "The water source is that way right?"
Natsu nodded, his face blank. Lucy shrugged and started walking ahead, Wendy and Charle following behind. Happy walked up to Natsu, "Natsu close your mouth, you'll drool!"
Natsu shook his head, and then pouted, "Oh shut up," before he followed after his teammates.
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Natsu stared at the stars; everyone had fallen asleep besides him. He knew once they got to the village who they will find, he had a hunch and it caused dread to well up inside him. He sighed, and then turned to look at his side, Lucy was curled up next to him, like usual. Lately, both have been attached at the hip, it was like natural instinct for the both of them. He took a good look at her face, long thick eyelashes fluttering, fine eyebrows that were usually scrunched up were now relaxed in sleep, golden hair, long and shining with the moon, giving an ethereal glow to her rosy cheeks. Natsu's eyes dared to travel lower to her tiny nose, and then plump lips that were slightly parted to inhale tiny breaths in her steady sleep. Curves that never ended, chest rising and falling, tight, and smooth skin exposed on her abdomen area, legs that showed her creamy texture.
Natsu had never paid attention to Lucy this closely and he had to admit she was indeed beautiful. Of course, all of his female friends back at the guild were all good-looking, including Wendy, who he knew once she blooms will also be a beautiful flower. But Lucy was different to him; she is a breathtakingly gorgeous, ethereal goddess.
He had started thinking about her since he left a year ago. Natsu knew his mission was to find Zeref and E.N.D, just like Igneel had done. He had to follow his dragon father's mission, and to do that he had to get stronger. Traveling he saw Gildarts and both trained and spent time together for a bit. Something he said, though, had intrigued Natsu.
"So how did Lucy take it, with you leaving her and all?" Gildarts had asked, while he cooked a boar they had caught earlier for dinner. Natsu stopped gathering the wood, his left eyebrow rising in a questioning and confused look. "I left her a note; I told you this old man."
Gildarts chuckled, shaking his head, "You are one dense idiot son! Geez and a lucky idiot at that! Hahaha!" Natsu's mouth twitched, "What the fuck?! I'm not idiot! Don't compare me to that shitty Gray!"
"Yeah you BOTH are idiots. For Mavis sake, both of you have two gorgeous women fanning all over you guys, and you all just decide to be blind about it!" Gildarts snorted. Okay, now that confused Natsu, putting his already ignited fist down, ready to punch Gildarts, but he couldn't help but ask, "What the hell are you talking about? I have no woman fanning over me!"
"Wow, poor Lucy. To not be considered a woman in your eyes, are you blind or sumethin'? If only I was a few years younger! Ah~" the old man stared at the sky with dreamy eyes. Natsu for some reason felt pissed, and sent a fist towards Gildarts' face, of course causing no serious damage. "Stop perving on her, you perverted old geezer!"
Gildarts smirked, smacking Natsu hard, making the boy create a hole on the ground. "Aha! So you do see her as your woman! Defending her and all. I mean why wouldn't you, she's gorgeous. You both have my blessings."
Natsu sat up, pouting and rubbing his sore head, "Of course I have to defend her, she's my-!" Natsu paused; did Gildarts just say Lucy was his woman? Natsu's eyes went blank. WAS Lucy HIS woman? Is that how it looked to everyone else? Well, Mira, Erza, and even Cana teased them all the time about being a couple and all, but he never really cared to pay attention to them. Other males always fawned over her, and he would immediately glare or growl at them on the down low, but he had to, they were all perverts for crying out loud!
"What? Did I make a mistake? Is she Gray's girl then? Damn my bad! I thought it was that Juvia girl that was Gray's girlfriend!" Gildarts rubbed his head, a vein popped in Natsu's head. "There is no way in fucking hell Luce is that Ice-shit's girlfriend!" Natsu's body caught on fire with fury; just thinking of Lucy with Gray or any other man set his teeth on grind. Suddenly all images of Lucy popped in his head, her smiling, her furious, her determined, "Lucy is MINE, my woman, MY mate, and-" he caught himself as an image of Lucy crying, sad, alone, and weak crossed his mind, "- I have left her alone..." he finished, his flames vanishing, eyes shadowed.
Gildarts smiled, "Get stronger son, and go back soon to that woman of yours." Natsu stared at his other father figure, his eyes shining with a new determination. He grinned, his canine smile brighter than usual, "Oh I will, and then I'll beat Gray into a pulp, gahaha!"
Natsu smiled remembering, his eyes focusing on Lucy's lips. He wanted to know how they tasted; he has been holding back not wanting to ruin their comfort zone. He knew that up to this moment, she was still very pissed at him for leaving. Without thinking he lowered slowly towards her lips. At that moment Lucy's eyes opened, bright warm chocolate eyes, met startled black eyes. Natsu sucked in his breath, waiting for a Lucy-kick or smack, but what his eyes met next knocked the air out of him. Lucy was smiling at him, and not any smile, but that warm breathtaking smile he loved the most.
Lucy closed her eyes, and slightly pouted her lips cutely leaning closer to his mouth. Natsu gulped, was this really happening?!
"Even if it's just a dream, just at least for now please..." she whispered, as her sweet breath fanned his face. Natsu felt his mouth watering, wide eyes slowly closing as he gently brushed his lips to hers, and her lips felt wonderful just as he imagined, even better if you ask him. He knew she thought this was a dream and that it was wrong of him to take advantage, but her pleading whisper weakened his resolve. She kissed him back gently, before falling asleep in peace once again, but this time with a small smile gracing her now swollen lips.
Natsu smiled, tugging her nearer to his chest. He knew things will only get more complicated from now on, but he will make sure to let her know this isn't just a dream.
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They managed to get to the village, and indeed it was pouring cats and dogs. Natsu and Happy thought it was such a great idea to just play around, making the rest of the group shake their heads at their childish behavior. Lucy explored around her, when she noticed a woman sitting down all on her own, "Ne, Natsu there is someone over there," Lucy pointed out.
Natsu looked in her direction, sniffing as best as he could, even if the rain made it difficult he could still whiff out that familiar scent. Grinning he ran towards the woman, "JUVIA!"
Lucy's eyes widen at the mention of the name, so their speculations were correct after all. They all chased after Natsu and Juvia, just to see said woman trying to hug Natsu. Lucy huffed in anger, Natsu of course stopped Juvia before she would hug him, but Lucy didn't quite see it like that.
"Gray-sama!" she screeched happily while Natsu looked at her confused.
"Don't confuse me with that prick! It's me Natsu, Lucy, Wendy, Happy, and Charle!" once he spoke, Juvia quickly jumped off him, staring at the group with hazy eyes. As she whispered out their names in surprise she fainted, leaving Natsu to grab her. Wendy ran towards the fainted woman, "Oh, she has a high fever! I wonder how long she stayed here in the rain..."
"Let's take her somewhere warm and dry," Lucy spoke making everyone look at her with startled eyes, her tone wasn't at all friendly. She eyed Natsu slowly, by now he had the rain woman in a princess-like hold, his strong hands hoisting her legs up, while his other arm circled around Juvia's waist, his fingers slightly brushing her breast. Lucy grit her teeth in jealousy, Natsu caught her attention, "Yeah, I smell a place with fire already; it must be where she's staying," he started walking ahead, the sick woman resting her head on his shoulder.
Lucy sighed; she is being ridiculous that dream really had her all messed up since she woke up this morning. She touched her lips as she watched Natsu's back with yearning, sighing once again. Happy took note of this and got slightly worried, "Lushie, are you all right?" he flew towards the blonde and gently pat her cheeks. Lucy smiled at the blue exceed, "I'm fine Happy, the rain is just getting to me," she chuckled; well the rain really was getting in her nerves.
Natsu of course paid attention, and perked his ears to listen to this. His shoulders felt shivers when Lucy glared at him a few minutes ago. He wondered if she knew about the kiss from last night, he looked up in wonder and then shook his head, 'Nah, I would be dead by now if she knew' he grinned sheepishly. Charle and Wendy looked at him weirdly, "What's so funny Natsu-san?"
"Eh? Oh! Nothing, hehe just glad we have found another member, yeah that's it!" he chuckled nervously. "I must say, this trip is getting quite interesting," Charle commented loudly, making Natsu look at her and gulp once he met the exceed's taunting face. 'Oh no! Did she see me kissing Luce?!' Natsu panicked inside. He coughed loudly, "M-man! This rain is annoying, come on let's hurry!" so he sped up towards the little cottage.
Kicking the door open, Natsu took in the little house's interior. There was a small table to eat, not far from it there was a bed as well, but what really got his attention was the smell. "This place reeks like that Ice freak," the dragon slayer commented as he put Juvia down on the bed, "Eh?! Gray is here?" Lucy asked surprised. Juvia was awake by now and smiled tauntingly to Lucy, "Gray-sama and I have been living here together for the past year."
'Well isn't she trying to rub shit in' Lucy sweat-dropped, Natsu's eyebrow shot up in surprise. "You have been living with Gray? This whole time?" he asked, Juvia smug, smiled wide "Oh yes! Juvia has been living with her love all this time! Aren't you mad Love-rival?"
"Er, not really..." Lucy commented, Juvia took a good look at both Lucy and Natsu, who were standing too close for comfort. "Hmm, now you are after Natsu-san huh, getting your claws on someone else." Lucy's face became fire-red in shame, "I'm not getting my claws on anyone!" Natsu folded his arms over his chest, "Where is the ice prick?" the fire mage asked. Juvia's happy face fell in a second and Lucy looked at her with worry. "I don't know, one day he just disappeared out of the blue. I looked for him and waited but he never showed up again," Juvia whimpered, big drops fell from her eyes. Wendy got up and started to use her magic to help with her rising fever.
"Don't worry, I'll bring Gray back and I'll make sure he apologizes to you for leaving," Natsu grinned, Juvia smiled, and Lucy just glared at him. Natsu's skin shivered, her usual cheerful gleam was now surrounded by the darkest aura he has ever felt, not even Erza's would compare to it. "Oh? You'll make him apologize for leaving Juvia all alone, huh?"
Natsu only nodded his head slowly, which was a big mistake as Lucy's aura just darkened even more. "I need a walk," Lucy got up and walked out in a second, Natsu of course followed her trail, "Lucy wait!" and so they both disappeared in the rain, leaving the rest in the room staring at the door.
"Just what is going on exactly?" Juvia asked. Wendy shrugged in response, not understanding the situation herself. Happy looked sad that both his partners were in an argument, "Lucy was the one to hurt the most out of all of us," Charle spoke up. They all looked at the white exceed in confusion.
"Yes, the guild disbanded, but everyone had company with them. Lucy had Natsu and Happy, but they both left her. Apart from them and the guild she has no one else in this world. Both her parents are dead, poor girl… The only ones left with her were her loyal spirits," Charle looked down, shaking her head in sadness. Happy, after processing her words began to cry, Wendy did the same, and Juvia's eyes almost watered as well.
"Charle! Lucy is sad because of me! I don't want her to be sad or mad!" he whimpered, Charle smiled lightly and patted his head. "It's okay Tom cat, I have confidence that Lucy will be happy and smiling like before soon enough."
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"Lucy! Wait up dammit!" Natsu walked at fast speed towards the stubborn celestial mage; he wondered when she got so fast!
"Leave me alone!" she screamed over her shoulder, Natsu's anger just flared even more, taking even bigger steps he finally caught up to her and in a swift move he grabbed her hand and swung her around to look at him. "What's the matter with you! You'll get sick with all this rain!" he yelled at her but Lucy didn't look at him, her beautiful eyes shadowed by her golden bangs.
"Tell me what's wrong! …please Luce talk to me," Natsu's voice softened, and that was Lucy's breaking point. She looked up at him, her brown eyes melting with the tears she shed, combining themselves with the drops of rain. Her cheeks flushed, and her lips shivered. Natsu's eyes shined at the sight, she looked beautiful but that wasn't his concern right now. Lucy looked vulnerable. His Lucy was crying in hurt and he felt as if his heart just got jabbed.
"You're still hurt because I left right," Lucy's eyes widen, for once Natsu was right on target. Looking at her expression he knew he was right, he sighed deeply in exasperation. "Look Luce, I'm sorry really. Kick me if you have to, but don't cry I don't like it one bit, specially if it's because of me."
Lucy bit her lip, and on impulse she hugged him. Natsu was rather surprised, to be honest he was waiting for one of her painful Lucy-kicks, but he wrapped his arms around her small figure anyway; he knew she needed comfort. "I don't know why I'm still mad, you have apologized a lot, I just still feel hurt. Natsu without you, I felt alone. I would have been okay, even with the guild disbanded like this if you would have stayed with me; I would have never felt lonely with you..." Natsu's insides burned, Lucy's words ignited flames in him he never felt before, he gulped 'No no no no! If she keeps this up I won't be able to hold it anymore!' he panicked, his body obviously wasn't listening to him, because his arms just held her even tighter; damn you instincts!
"Natsu..." Lucy looked up at him, 'God! She's killing me, I can't anymore!' and with that Natsu lowered his face to hers. Lucy didn't move; she could feel his breath on her face, it smelled like fire and she loved it. His eyes caught hers, and her breath halted at her throat. She has never seen him wear such an expression; he looked at her with loving, desperate eyes. "You will kick me for sure after this," he whispered, and then his lips sealed hers.
Lucy's eyes fell shut, and she smiled a little when she kissed him back and then she felt like she woke a beast. Natsu hungrily responded, grabbing her around her waist until her entire body was flush against his, his other hand vigorously knotted in her wet blonde hair. She flushed, but couldn't help enjoying the feeling. She dug her fingernails in his chest; this only got a growl out of the dragon slayer. Suddenly though, Lucy felt hot, like not an uncomfortable hot but she felt like the rain was being evaporated. Opening her eyes slowly she panicked, and their make up session was interrupted when she broke the literally hot kiss.
"Natsu! You're burning!" she screeched. Natsu was way too high on cloud the clouds for him to understand what she meant. He had a little drool coming from the corner of his mouth. Damn Lucy tasted so good! It was totally unbelievable to him. Natsu's body temperature skyrocketed and Lucy was worried. "Natsu turn it off already!" at the panic in her voice he came back down to earth. His eyes widened when he saw the water around them begin to evaporate quickly. "Holy shit! Lucy! We are on fire!"
Lucy rolled her eyes, "No shit you moron! Do you want to kill me or something?!" Natsu looked at her in confusion and then smiled wide, "Nah Luce, my fire would never burn you, trust me!" he gave her a thumbs up and winked, which made Lucy blush. "W-what?" she asked.
"You are my partner, my mate. My element is your element, and in this case my element is fire so fire could never hurt you Luce!" Natsu said with a wide grin.
"M-mate?! W-we? M-me? Us?!" she screeched, her whole body went pink, and indeed she evaporated the water around her. Natsu laughed, he gently grabbed her hand, "Hey, this is your fault you know. I couldn't keep it inside anymore," his forehead touched hers adoringly. She trembled, and blushed, "So this is real? Not a dream?" she whispered. Natsu froze, "Uh no, it's real. I mean yesterday was real too, but you thought it was a dream, and then I didn't want you to get mad, and-" Lucy interrupted him by putting her small finger on his lips. She smiled and giggled, "I have never seen you this flustered Natsu; it's okay I'm not mad. Just explain to me what this whole mate thing is?"
Natsu gulped, "Well..."
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And that's it for this chapter! I was going to write more, BUT I love the cliffhanger HAHAHAHA
Anyways, sorry guys for taking so long! I just came back from a business trip, and my long time boyfriend proposed to me! Ah! Sorry I needed to share that! But, I will try and update as much as I can, Kat is my BETA reader, so we both take our times with the chapters. I think my story has matured A LOT, and I hope it keeps progressing better! Please leave me a review so I can improve my writing! Thank you so much!