Hey guys! I'm back~! It has been a while... *sweats nervously*... I've had a bad case of writer's block lately and a lot has happened in the past few weeks... but I have pulled through! This is wayyyy long overdue and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it! I don't own Fairy Tail... but I wish I did. And btw... all of you guessed the right location! Haha congrats! I'm virtually hugging you all.
As he was walking, he passed a blue ball of fur that was anxiously waiting for his arrival at the end of the alleyway. He sat behind the brick wall that encompassed the open space, fearfully mumbling something to himself every couple of seconds.
Pacing back and forth until the first glimpse of his savior, Natsu Dragneel, the exceed began waving his paws up and down furiously with wide orbs.
"NATSU! THAT WAS THE HEIRNESS. DO YOU KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF SOMEONE SAW YOU WITH HER OR- OR IF GUARDS WERE WITH HER OR IF SHE HAD SUPER SPY EQUITMENT TO ARREST PEOPLE OR-"
Natsu lifted him up without uttering a single word, palmed his head, and stored him between his bicep and ribcage.
"If…" He mumbled.
The pyro silently waded his way through the crowds of people that came in rippling waves. He didn't bother to look up into the eyes of whoever he happened to bump into or even show any sign of interest in apologizing. His mind… was elsewhere.
Once he got to his destination, he paused in front of the large stone building located on Strawberry Street. He took a deep breath and hopped up to the ledge of the large, four-cornered window and found it was locked. Happy followed the boy in suit.
He watched as the pink-haired man before him tried pulling the four-sided frame up again, but it just wouldn't budge. It felt like it was glued to the damn ledge! Damn it all!
With his frustration at its peak, he whipped a fist through the glass, causing miniscule fragments to dance all along the hardwood floors with a light chime.
When he entered, the room was dark; the only source of light shone from the, now broken and obscurely shaped, window he had purposely smashed to pieces. That single beam was enough for him to see that the apartment was completely empty, along with the scent of dust and not Lucy.
Happy stayed behind near the window, giving his foster father the space he seemed to need at the moment.
Natsu strode over to the part of the room where her bed would be located. A small smile stretched across his mouth at the open space. Man, did he always get the best sleep in that thing or what!
"N-NATSU! HAPPY! GET OUT OF MY BED! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" Lucy screamed after she had peeled back the comfy blankets of her bed after a long, hard day to find the two boys drooling all over he favorite pillow!
They awoke groggily, Natsu peeping one eye open, "Mmm… calm down Luce. Happy and I just wanted to have a sleepover is all. Just a little fun with the team!"
"Aye… too much yelling…" Happy pouted, snuggling back into the pillow.
Lucy let out a groan and crossed her arms, starring daggers at the two. "Fine, but not in my bed. You go to the couch."
"But, Lucy~!" Natsu whined, hoping to be able to sleep in this wonderful, fluffy, comfy, god-like bed of hers! It was like sleeping on a cloud!
"No but's Natsu. Go."
"Bu-"
"Now!" She pointed towards the couch with a stern finger, her eyes locked onto her partner's.
It was a war between eyes, brown against onyx. The first to break the lock each had would pout in defeat. Both narrowed their orbs. Not even being able to blink, each desperately clung onto whatever chance that had to win.
Natsu balled his fists and let them massage his flaming eyes. It was definitely not the good type of burn.
"Meanie…" Natsu finally gave in with a sigh, knowing Mavis would never let him win a battle with Lucy. He reached for the nearest pillow and stored it between his ribs and bicep. The bed-head maneuvered his way out of he covers, untangling his limbs and hobbled his way over to the very awful, hard, uncomfortable, couch from hell.
"Now, goodnight, Natsu, Happy." Lucy shouted triumphantly from her bed, now cozily drifting to sleep. Her bed was the best, wasn't it?
"Night." Both groaned.
In the middle of the night, Natsu awoke to the sound of a harsh string of shivers. He looked over by the window and of course, Lucy was laid right under it, the breeze sending icy blasts along her skin. She was only in a t-shirt and shorts… maybe he should warm her up? He can also get the chance to be in that heavenly bed again!
He climbed in next to the celestial mage, carefully lifting the sheets to keep her asleep. He instantly radiated heat that calmed her body. She let her weight shift next to him, to the warmth she craved.
"Mm…" She mumbled now at peace from the earlier winds of cool air.
"Hah! She doesn't even know she actually likes it when I'm here with her. Weirdo." He whispered as he himself let his eyes flutter closed.
Then, to where her desk would be, where she wrote all of her letters to her mother and created her own stories. He remembered watching her work magic with the quill in her hand, going up and down the page so expertly.
"Hey, Luce! Whatcha workin' on!" Natsu chirped, entering the mage's main room, watching her harried pace with close eyes.
"KYA~! GET AWAY NATSU!" She jumped from her seat, unaware the pyro had even entered her house. When did that happen!?
"Why? Ahhh~ writing a story I see! Gimme!" He tore the pages from her shaky hands and started to walk in the other direction, only to have Lucy snatch it back up and hold it to her chest protectively.
"NATSU!"
"Aw come on, Lucy!" Natsu said as he strolled back over to the mage in a care-free manner, a playful smile dancing onto his features.
"NO!" She screamed, terrified of what he would do with it, holding onto it so tight the pages start to crease. The whole guild would probably make fun of her. He would probably show everyone in the world! Some guy all the way in Galuna Island would say, "Hey! It's the 'writer' girl!" and start laughing at her! She might even get arrested for such horrible treachery to writers everywhere! She pictured her mug-shot, hanging in every café and street corner she could think of, dressed in white and black stripes. In addition, she promised Levy would read it first!
There was no way she could let this happen!
"Would you rather me read it… or burn it?" He took a chance to get a glimpse of her, or what was left of her. She was as white as a sheet! He gave her a twisted smirk and glanced to Happy. "What do you think, buddy?"
"OOO! Read!" Happy yelled excitedly, clasping his hands together.
Just as Natsu was about to reach for the papers clinging to her chest, she stood up silently with dim eyes. "How about I burn you."
Natsu and Happy shrunk back into the corner, shivers racking up and down their spines as her eyes spelled death to either choice. "A-ahh how about we don't d-do anything huh, Happy?" Natsu tripped over his words, mumbling panic-stricken.
"Lucy's scary!" Happy shouted, hiding behind Natsu legs.
Next, he walked to the kitchen where they would sit and have breakfast together. Although Natsu and Happy usually came uninvited, the blonde always welcomes their company after a big huff about 'barging in and breaking and entering'.
"You know, you two should really start asking for permission instead of just barging on in here all the time." The blonde said as the click of her slippers padded the floor, making her way to the breakfast table where the duo sat.
"Aw, come on Luce! You always let us in anyway and this is like our hangout spot! It's like me and Happy's second home!" Natsu shouted light-heartedly, ready to devour all the food Lucy had on the stove.
"Yeah, Lushi. We shouldn't even have to ask. This is ours!" Happy said, pulling a large fish out of his handy, green backpack.
"This is MY apartment the last time I checked." Lucy muttered sarcastically, creating a whirlpool in her tea with her spoon. She left the table and abandoned her steaming cup when she heard to pop of the bread from the toaster.
"Now Luce, I don't think you're right… I'm pretty sure this is mine." Natsu let out a yawn and kicked his feet up onto the table and leaned his head against his crossed arms.
"AH SHUT UP YOU TWO!" Lucy smacked his sandals off the table and set down a gorgeous breakfast before the hungry teen; eggs, bacon, toast, ham, sausage, pancakes, and even French toast! FRENCH! Man, did Lucy know the exact mood of his stomach or what!
"Ahaha! Look at Lucy's face! It's turning red!" Happy pointed out with his index finger, making a rather large vein pop out of the girl's head.
"Happy, I swea- PSH HAHAHA!" Lucy let out a huge gust of laughter, almost knocking the two out of their seats from surprise.
"Wushts so bunny, Wushi?" What's so funny, Lucy? Natsu raised an eyebrow questioningly with a mouthful of food.
"N-nothing! Y-you just ha- haha- have a lot of food on your mouth… haha I'll get it." She reached for a napkin and dangled an arm over the table, gently dabbing the corners of the pyro's mouth with warm, chocolate brown eyes. Maybe her eyes were too warm… or was that just him?
"Oh, now Natsu's turning red! He likes her~"
"Oi, shut up! And Lucy, a man can wipe his own mouth." He muttered, whipping his head in the other direction to feel safe from the heat that erupted on his face.
"Don't go all 'Elfman' on me now." Lucy giggled, settling into her chair and finally taking a first sip of her tea.
"Aye! Everyone knows I am the real man in the guild." Happy raised a paw and jumped onto the table, flexing his 'manly cat muscles', as he calls them.
The group burst into uncontrollable laughter, having a good start to the day.
Finally, he wandered into the bathroom, where she always had her make-up set up in perfect rows as well as her various bottles of perfume. It would all sit along the small counter top next to the large tub and sink.
"Yo, Luce!" Natsu waved a pruiny hand at the girl in question, barely noticing the amount of surprise on her face through the thick steam. She dropped her towel in complete mortification.
"N-NATSU! W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY BATHROOM!" She stuttered, trying to shield her eyes.
"Uh, what does it look like? You have eyes." He said plainly, relaxing into the tub, soothing all his bruises and cuts in the hot water.
"I KNOW I HAVE EYES, NATSU! I MEANT WHY ARE YOU IN MY BATHROOM! GO HOME I WANNA BATHE TOO~!" She stomped her foot and pouted, starring the boy and cat down and trying to use her telekinesis powers to lift them up and out.
"Hop in then." He gesticulated towards the warm water and scooted to one side of the tub, enough for her to enter.
"IN YOUR DREAMS, PERVERT!" The slam of a door was heard and she ran out, grumbling how she should start locking and flame-proofing all the entrances and exits of her house.
"Such a loud weirdo…" He whispered to no one in particular.
He looked at himself in the provided mirror above the sink. He held a bittersweet smile on his features until he saw something. No, no, no. More like someone.
His eyes widened and his jaw locked, his mouth forming a thin line as he swallowed a rather large lump in his throat, leaving him utterly breathless. It couldn't be…
There, just in the background, smiling as bright and warm as a star was the girl he had been searching for.
"Come on, Natsu! It's time to go on a mission!" Her voice echoed as she started walking closer and mumbled sheepishly, "Plus, rent is due…"
His mouth went dry and his, usually deep, voice came out as a stutter. "L-Lucy?" His attention was still absorbed into the mirror, five miles past shocked.
"We're gonna go adventure!" She giggled and his breath hitched. She went to snake her arms around his waist from behind and he, to return the embrace by laying his own hands atop of hers.
Only when he caught hold of his own arms, he realized he was imagining it all. His eyes were playing dirty tricks.
He squeezed his lids shut and balled his fists causing veins to pop and muscles to ripple. He arched his back and leaned over the marble sink, curling his fingers around both sides.
"SHAKE THIS OFF, NATSU! SHE'S NOT REALLY HERE!" he howled. He knew she wasn't here but then again came the recurring thought that she was there right next to him. Like always.
"She's not here…" he mumbled, bringing his hands to his temples. The words replayed in his mind, penetrating the layers that contained his doubts. He felt as if someone had taken hold of him by the throat and refused to let go. As if they were strangling him to see tears stream from his eyes. He stumbled into the living room until his knees grew weak and soon gave out, leaving the dragon slayer to tumble to the ground like a collapsing building.
Once regaining a bit of his composure, he slowly stood up and rested his head against a wall that looked like it had a crack in it. It resembled that of a jagged scar or lightning bolt.
He let his hand brush against the wall, just barely raising it into the air and formed a fist. Using as much force as he could muster, he let all of his emotions go into one punch, leaving a substantial sized hole in the dust. He left the edges of the gap sizzling with smoke forming clouds of gray from his flaming fist.
He sank to the floor again, kneeling and propping himself up with a single fist. He couldn't take it anymore. It was too... hard. Something he never though he would say.
He had heard a couple of screams through the hole he had created and on both the lower and higher level of the apartment complex. The shouts soon turned to whispers and slowly died off. The next thing the boy heard was footsteps. They were far too heavy to be Happy's, and he was still over by the window. Who could possibly want to come in here? Who else would dare enter Lucy's apartment anyway?!
The door burst open, almost off it's hinges, and a small hand gripped his scarf, choking the poor and surprised dragon slayer. The owner of the hand dragged him down the apartment stairs with ease, treating him like a sack of potatoes. They then threw him out onto the streets and listened to the squeal that escaped Natsu's lips as he landed face first into the dirt.
The mysterious figure watched as the boy coughed and drummed a fist on his chest to satisfy his lungs that were screaming for oxygen. Who did this person think they were!?
The pink-haired mage rubbed his head wearily and looked up to see who the unlucky culprit was.
"OI! Who do you think you a-"
He reeled back as soon he caught a glimpse of the person who strangled him and was… to say the least… disgusted.
It had turned out to be a female. She was rather wide and a bit short. She wore a short red dress far too revealing for her own age, which looked about 65. Her body was adorned with jewelry, with bracelets crawling up her arms to the seashell necklace that met her mid-section. To top it off, she had a fur wrapped around her neck atop her necklace, and large, thick-rimmed glasses.
This woman had recalled faint memories for the pyro. He knew her, but… how?
"What do you think you are doing in this apartment complex, young man? I have been getting complaints from the surrounding tenants about hearing screams and banging. I don't want to see you here again!"
The woman scolded as she stalked back up the stairs, but as soon as she went to close the door, the mage had already caught its slamming, wooden bodice with his right hand.
He let his weight lean against the door so it would be enough to keep the lady at bay. She kept trying to push him out but with no avail, she gave into the man's demands with a grunt and a sigh.
With a face full of gratitude, he smiled down at the older lady and then it hit him. His eyes widened and his mouth parted slightly. He did know this lady after all! "Hey, wait! I know you… you're… you're-!"
"I don't care if you know me! Good day and good riddance, young man!" She then proceeded to close the door. With the un-expectance of another trial in shutting the door and with all of Natsu's weight its wooden bodice, as it slammed he fell backwards yet a second time that day.
On the ground he whimpered, rubbing the sore spot on his head and mumbled, "You're… Lucy's landlady…"
"Wait, Natsu!"
"Huh?" He whipped his head around to catch a glimpse of a big blur of Happy, right before he flew into his muscled chest. The young exceed buried his head and hid himself between the boy's knees and stomach.
"H-Happy? What's wrong?" Natsu pulled him close and tightened his grip, looking side to side to see any type of threat that might've caused the poor exceed to cry out. Seeing nothing that could cause harm, he picked himself up and started down the street. He watched Happy quickly imitate his movements by walking down the street side by side.
After a long and deep silence, Happy mumbled few words under his breath that the dragon slayer had just barely caught. "I-I didn't want you to leave without me…"
Natsu stopped walking and the little exceed bumped right into the back of his legs, unaware of his sudden halt.
Natsu turned to face him and raised an eyebrow. "And why would I ever do that Happy? We are a team!" Nastu shouted with a gleeful mug, despite his earlier feelings of loss. He continued, "I'd never leave you behind."
Happy's canines were now visible along with the tracks of salty tears that ran down his furry little cheeks.
"Yeah…" Happy whispered, as if a small weight had been lifted off of his chest. "Anyway, Igneel is probably looking for you so I think you should go back."
"Oh yeah! Now I can train with him like old times! But this time I'll definitely beat him!" He said as he smugly flexed his arm and patted his bicep. "Igneel~! And why just me an- wait…WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!"
He stalked up to a large newsstand, an elder commissioner welcoming him.
"Ah, hello sir! OH! Mr. Dragneel! What can I do for you today?" He said politely with a smile full of yellowed teeth.
"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?" Nastu ripped down a magazine from the stand, glaring at it to make it explode.
"W-why that is you Mr. Dragneel…" The salesman said with a trembling lip as all the hairs on his body stood up straight.
"I KNOW THAT'S ME BUT WHAT THE HELL IS IT?" He seethed through clenched teeth as he began to scorch the edges of the glossy paper
that read, 'Strongest Trio in Fairy Tail! Complete with interviews of 'the' big three! Titania, Erza Scarlet, Gray Fullbuster, and your fired up dragon-slayer, Natsu Dragneel!
"W-well t-that's the s-strongest trio in F-Fiore… Team N-Natsu."
"There was never a team without her, and there never will be. This is TRASH!" He slammed the crispy papers down into the dirt and his heat radiated all the way to the salemans, causing beads of sweat to roll down his face.
"N-Now, Mr. Dragneel I-" He started but let his words go as the teen's head perked up as if something had caught his attention.
"Mr. Dragneel!" He shouted after him but he was already gone, leaving clouds of dirt in his wake.
He was running; running as if the devil was on his heels; as if his life depended on it.
And it pretty much did.
She walked through the town very quietly, careful not to draw attention to herself. She just had to go for a little while longer unnoticed and once that mental timer rings, she can finally live her life! A life that she chooses. One that she can have all to herself. One where her magic and new friendships can grow. And most of all, one her mother would be proud of.
The blonde let her eyes wash over various stores that sat in a straight line on the street until one caught her eye. It was a small pastry shop on the corner that had been, or looked like it had been, freshly painted a beautiful shade of pink, her favorite actually. The banner said, 'Strawberry Sweets' in an adorable cursive lettering. But at this point, that all didn't matter. She just knew she was ready to eat all of Magnolia and that her stomach was saying 'God yes'.
They had a vending cart in the front of the store, convenient enough for just an ordinary shopper. Perfect.
Her feet were traveling by themselves before she realized where she was going. It was as if there was some sort of magnetic attraction or invisible string that was pulling her closer and closer.
Her hungry eyes gazed down at all delicious baked goods that sat in neat, organized rows of five.
She reached out a quick hand to grab a piece of divine looking strawberry cake, her bare arm becoming visible to the strangers.
Big mistake.
OOooooo major suspense. Remember this chapter... it has a major importance in the whole story! Thanks for reading and feel free to leave a review! ~ Lauren
P.S. THE ANIME IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND I'M SO GLAD IT'S BACK! Ok, carry on now:)