Hi guys ! Here's chapter 4 ! 2 chapters in one day, i'm exhausted ^-^ This chapter is less long than the others. Less action, more dialogues, mainly NALU as promised ! Hope you enjoy it anyway :)
I don't own Fairy Tail, comme d'habitude.
"Did you have to bring Plue with you ? He's licking my pants again !"
"He wouldn't if you didn't have chocolate spots on them. And yes, Plue comes with me everywhere, he's my guide dog !"
"You don't need a guide dog when you're with a friend who can lead you !"
"Assuming we're friends, 'cause I haven't decided yet. Even so, I prefer to have Plue. I don't want to cling on my friends all the time."
" 'Assuming' ?! I'm taking offense to that."
"And I'm taking offense to being kidnapped in my own apartment !"
"If I had kidnapped you, you would be on my shoulder like a backpack, and there would be no Plue."
"Like I would let you do that. I'd kick you in the balls before you could manage to catch me."
Lucy waited for an answer, but nothing came. 'Oh-oh…' She stopped and focused to hear every little detail surrounding her, and mentally prepared to strike, like her teachers taught her. She heard a really slight noise on her left, and immediately raised her left leg up, folded her knee, and released to make what she liked to call a 'LUCY KIIIICK'.
Unfortunately, a hand grabbed her ankle, blocking her kick, and in the same time she felt Plue's leash being pulled off sharply. It made her lose her balance, she let out a little cry as she was falling forward, but then her stomach landed on something robust. A second later, she felt lifted from the ground, head lower than her bottom. Plue's leash was gone, but she could hear him bark happily, and an arm was firmly wrapped around her thighs.
"NATSUUUU, YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THAT YOU KNOW !"
"MUAHAHAHA shouldn't have tempted me Luigi !"
"Luigi ?! Why Luigi ?"
"Dunno, sounds good to me. Hey let's have an ice-cream !"
He let her down a couple of minutes later, when they reached the ice-cream store.
"What do you want Luce ?"
"Vanilla, middle size please."
"What ?! No way I'm paying for a middle size, you're having a large with lot of cream and that's final."
"Eeh ? But I don't want to !"
"But who am I gonna challenge for ice-cream contest then ? Of course I can beat you even if you have a middle size, but rules must be the same for every one ! So have your damn large size and that's all ! And I'm NOT taking easy on ya because you're a girl, capisce ?"
Lucy was flustered, and felt a blush spread on her cheeks. Then she smiled.
"Ok, I accept the large size, and I challenge you back ! I'm not taking easy on you either !"
"Gooood." Natsu grinned with a mischievious stare.
"What do you want."
"Good to hear you too Gajeel."
"Yeah whatever. So ? What're ya calling for ?"
"I was just wondering something… You're at Levy's apartment right now ?"
"Yeah, why ?"
"Is Lucy here too ?"
"Nope. Hothead came by half an hour ago, and they left together."
"I KNEW IT ! Juvia ! I was right, you owe me 10 bucks !"
Gajeel rolled his eyes.
"Wanna meet somewhere with your girl ? I need to get out of here, Shrimp is pissed since they left together. She already broke two glasses."
"I'm in. Let's meet in an hour at the park ok ? I'll tell the others to come."
"Got it. Bye. ...Shrimp, if you don't calm down right now, I hang you up to the top of the wardrobe."
"So… you didn't tell me why you kidnapped me today."
Natsu and Lucy were laying on the grass, their belly full of ice-cream. Plue was leaning his head on Lucy's lap. The weather was nice, the sky was blue… 'Perfect day' Natsu thought.
"I wanted to apologize for yesterday. What Angel did, I mean."
"Oh. You didn't have to. It wasn't your fault."
"But I wanted to ! And we're having fun besides ! Right ?"
"Yeah, except the kidnapping part." Lucy giggled.
They remained silent for a while.
"Lucy ?"
"Mmhh ?"
"Can I ask you something ?"
"You can. But I can't promise you'll have an answer." She teased.
"Tchh. Eer, the other day, when we were at the bookstore, you told me you knew this place by heart, that's why you could lead me so well, but… err… they're books, right ?"
"I see what you mean. They have a braille section. And I know this place very well, because it actually belongs to Levy-chan's family. We spent days there, playing, studying, reading, talking… Most of my high school memories remain there."
"Ok I get it now."
Another silent moment passed.
"Can I ask you something else ?"
"How many questions do you have ?"
"A bunch. I would normally ask you just like that, but I was always told I have a lack of tact. And I don't know your limits."
"Ask whatever you want."
"Ok…" Natsu stood a bit to lean on his side, so that he could see the blonde. "How long have you been blind ?"
"I was born this way."
She was on her back, her head was laying on her arms. The wind was swaying her golden strands, and her eyes were closed. If Natsu listened to himself, he would stroke her cheek. It was looking so soft.
"I see doctors regularly," Lucy resumed, "but it's only to please my parents. I knew for long time now that I'll never see." She said that with a neutral tone. It was a fact. A simple terrible fact, Natsu thought. "I don't complain, can't miss what I never had, right ? But sometimes, it happens that I fall asleep hoping that something would change when I open my eyes in the morning. Only sometimes."
"What are your dreams like ?"
"My dreams ?" She said, astonished. She wasn't used to this kind of questions.
"Yeah, you do dream I hope ?"
"Of course I dream. My dreams are mainly sounds and touch."
"Sounds and touch ?"
"Yeah. Like, if I dreamt of you, I would hear your voice, and feel your hand for example." She grabbed his hand and raised it. "I told you, I rarely forget the sound and touch of people I meet and care about. Like you wouldn't forget a face that hit you, and would see it in your dreams."
"Ok… It's hard to picture."
"I know. Like it's hard for me to imagine colors. I read a lot, and wrote several books, so I have vocabulary. I can imagine shapes of objects, softness and roughness. Because I can touch them. This way I can picture myself a wet cloud, sticky grass, or a smooth ice cream. I can see them. But… colors… it's really difficult to picture. You can't hear them or touch them."
"Well I can try to describe them if you want."
She opened her eyes and grinned.
"I'd love to."
"Ok, so… right now the sky is blue, it's a sharp color, like it hit on your eyes. And it contrasts well with the green of the trees right now. They strike nicely the eyes. There are several blue and green though. Not all of them are that bright. The blue of the night is deep, it feels like it embraces everything, and you can fall in it."
Natsu made a pause, looking at the blonde. She was eyes-closed again, listening and smiling as if it was a lullaby.
"Keep going."
"Red, and orange are also very bright colors, that strike the eyes. They're… fiery, burning, no wonder why fire has these colors... Then there are smooth colors. Mmmh, colors that are really soft, like a hand caressing a cheek, or a pillow ! White, yellow, and pink, for example."
"Like your hair ?"
"Yeah like my- how do you know my hair is pink ?"
"Angel called you pinkie."
"This girl… But yeah my hair is pink. I know that's unusual."
"That's not a bad thing. Being unusual. At least you're not boring."
"Put it that way, how can I complain !" Natsu grinned.
"I like how you describe colors."
"Did it help ?"
"Yes, a lot… thanks."
"Gimme my phone Gajeel !"
"No."
"Gimme now !"
"No."
"I have to call her !"
"You're not her mother."
"But he's gonna-"
"What ? Rape her in the middle of the day ? Actually that could happen, geehee."
"Gajeeeeel !"
"Levy, you're annoying." Gray sighed. "I know you're worried, but I know Natsu, if he hasn't hit on her yesterday at the club, he won't do anything, especially in daylight."
"… You're sure about that ?"
"Yessss, now sit down both please, and let's enjoy coffee."
They just sat when they saw Erza and Jellal entering the café and walking energically towards them.
"Sorry guys, we won't enjoy coffee today. I made some research about that girl Angel, and his friend Cobra… apparently they started to attend Fairy Tail only this year. But I can't find any previous records of them… that's dubious."
"Maybe they weren't studying before, what's the problem." Gray replied.
"They're way older than us, that's the problem."
"Maybe they didn't want to work and stayed at home, right Gray-sama ?"
"Like Juvia says."
"I still think there is something weird, and I'm going to keep on searching about their past."
"Hey guys, what do you wanna drink ?"
"Hi Lisanna. Coffee please." Erza answered the white haired girl.
"Same for me please."
"Got it Jellal. My service is finished soon, can I join you after ?"
"Of course Lisanna-san ! Juvia and the others will wait for you to finish, then will head to the park."
"Great ! Eer Levy-san ? Are you feeling well ? You're… very red."
"Don't pay attention," Gajeel answered instead of the bluenette. "Shrimps always turn red when they're fried. And this one's so pissed she'll soon be a lobstair, geehee."
"You and your fishy jokes…" Levy mumbled, pouting.
"When did you start to write ?"
"As soon as I learnt how to read and write. I was first published when I was 16."
"Wow, wicked !"
"Thanks. I'm lucky, I always knew I wanted to be a writer, and I actually CAN write to earn money and live. Plus, my parents supported me, and always provided me everything I needed to succeed. My life was settled a long time ago, planned, secure. That's a good thing, I guess."
"What do you mean ?"
"I mean… I can't… really allow myself some adventure. I have to think about safety first. Well, it's the same for every one, but particularly for me. Since I was a little girl, my parents insisted on that. I had to make plans fast, to know what I wanted in life fast, and fight for it. It's a great thing, I'm living well now, I'm published, I've got friends… but…"
"But… ?"
"I don't know… Some unknown could be fun too. A little change of scenery. I felt it last night in the club, it was scary, but exciting also, and- WHAT ARE YOU DOING HEY STOP HAHAHA NATSU STOOOOP."
Lucy was rolling on the grass, trying to get rid of the hands tickling her ribs.
"Hey, you asked for it ! Don't blame me ! You didn't plan on that, did ya !"
Natsu finally released her prisoner, who let out a sigh, relieved.
"Where are your parents ?" He asked.
"Abroad. They own a big company, Heartfilia Konzern, its siege has been moved away 6 years ago."
"Wait… you haven't seen your parents in 6 years ?"
"Dummie… of course I have ! They come home for all the vacations, and my birthday."
"Why didn't you move with them ?"
"Because I didn't want to. I like living here, and… I wanted to become independent. It was really hard to convince them. I was only 15 after all. But Levy-chan helped me. She was my only non-blind friend who could help me take care of myself, and they trusted her. So, they eventually bought me my apartment, and Plue too. They payed me some self-defense lessons too, because I refused to have a bodyguard with me.
"Ooooh that's why you gave me that super kick before the ice cream !"
"Yeah…" She frowned. She worked so hard to improve her reflexes and learn how to fight. And yet, her friend, who didn't even mean to harm her, beat her in a snap of fingers.
"Hey what's with the ugly face ?"
"Excuse me ?!"
"I don't like when you do that, it gives you wrinkles."
"And I thought you knew how to talk to women…"
"You're not women, you're Lucy. And you need to laugh, so that you don't have wrinkles. So stop frowning, or I tickle you again."
"Noooo, not again !" She laughed, tilting her head back. Natsu grinned.
"Theeere, better !"
"Natsu."
"Yes ?"
"This is weird, we only met a few days ago, but… I feel good around you. I feel like I can trust you."
Natsu's grin fell down. He frowned, and remained silent for a moment.
"What's the matter ?"
"I don't think you should trust me."
"Why so ?"
"Why hiding it ? I'm a playboy, you know it. I hurt people. I assume you met Lisanna, you must have heard about our sto-"
"Hey," Lucy cut him. "Look at me. In the eyes."
Raising a brow, he did as she asked.
"What do you see ?"
"Err, is that a trick question ?"
"No. Tell me what you see."
"Chocolate."
"Damn, you only think about food ! Please Natsu ?"
"Ok ok… I see chocolate brown eyes… empty eyes."
"Exactly. My eyes don't work. I can't see what the others do. I always saw things differently. And my senses tell me to trust you. Last time I ignore my senses warnings, it ended bad for me. So now I trust myself. I was born blind, but a lucky star watch over me. That's what my mother always tells me."
"You're amazing…"
"Really ?" Lucy grinned, looking away, because she didn't like to show her eyes for too long.
"Well, sometimes. When you're not weird."
"Are you calling a blind girl weird ? How unsensitive…" Lucy smirked.
"Don't play the victim on me ! You know you're weird ! You have a dog named Plue, you eat middle size ice cream, and of course… you ARE a crazy author."
"Take that back Natsu Dragneel…"
"No way, have you actually read your book, Seeking the clock ? It's fucking crazy- Hey STOP IT THAT'S UNFAIR !"
"TICKLE BATTLE THE REVENGE !"
A man in black was standing hidden behind a tree, gazing at the couple in the grass.
"They're tickling… It's true sir ! … No, nobody, the park is empty… I can't barg in like that ! What if the dog bites me ? … Yeah… right, copy sir."
The man hung up and let out a sigh. He bent down in the bushes, still staring prudently at the two young adults.
"You're gonna hate me, blondie…"
"Gray-sama ! You left your clothes at the café !"
"DAMN IT ! How did it happen ?! I don't understand, I thought I got rid of this habit !"
"I'll teach you manners someday…" Erza had a dark aura surrounding her.
"AAAH don't worry Erza, this won't happen again ! Juvia, now you're in charge of my clothes."
"No problem Gray-sama ! Here, take my shirt !"
"Juvia-san, you're only wearing a bra now !" Lisanna exclaimed in horror.
"Tssk. Stripper couple. Still pissed Shrimp ?"
"Yes, but now it's because of you ! Why do you always make fun of me in front of my new friends ?!"
" 'Cause you're even more pissed than when we're alone."
" So that's your goal in our relationship ? Make me pissed ?"
"… And make-up sex."
"You're disgusting…"
"Don't pretend you don't enjoy it, geehee."
"Hey Lovebirds, are you done now ? We'd like to go to the park before it gets dark !" Gray said, wearing an undersized skinny T-shirt.
"Very feminine Gray…" Levy smirked.
"Oh shut up Shorty. Come on let's go now !"
"Oh my god, my abs hurt… You're too good at tickle battle."
"You're not bad either, Dragneel-sensei !"
"Sensei ?"
"Yeah, you taught to catch people on surprise !"
"Tchh you learn too fast, it's not funny."
They fell silent for a while.
"Hey Natsu ?"
"Yeah ?"
"… Don't freak out. I do this when I trust people…"
"Err, should i worry ?" He giggled.
"Don't laugh… ok Natsu… please, let me see you."
"…Eeeh ?"
"I said don't freak out! Sit straight please."
"Okay ?" Natsu sit up straight, as Lucy did the same, moving Plue's sleepy head off her lap.
"I don't see the way people do, I told you… and I'd like to see you. Please ?"
"As long as it doesn't involve tickling, I'm good."
"Thanks !" Lucy smiled.
She put her hands on Natsu's knees to figure out where he was, then leaned and got closer to him. Her face was right in front of his. She reached out her hands, and gently put her fingertips on the top of his forehead. Natsu's eyes widened. Then she began to slowly move her fingers, the pulp never leaving Natsu's skin. Stroking his eyebrows, they parted then to reach both his temples.
Natsu felt his heart racing. She was like scanning his face, printing every single detail in her mind. Her fingertips were now on his jaw, then his chin. They suddenly pull away, and reached the bridge of his nose, then lowered, until his mouth.
His breath had now accelerated. He couldn't avert his gaze from her. He was completely bewitched by her movements and her face. Her eyes were still sparkless, but he noticed every other little detail, like the little blush of her cheeks, her brow slightly raising, her mouth beginning a smile…
Her fingertips rested on the corners of his mouth. Without moving them, both her thumbs traced each half of his lips, very slowly. Natsu had to focus, in order to stay still, and not opening his mouth. He knew she could feel his heavy breath, but who cared ? That was a particular contact. Nobody could blame him.
"DAMN IT LEVY STOP STRUGGLING !" Gajeel said hastily, calling her by her name for the first time.
"LET ME GO ! DON'T YOU SEE ? SHE'S SEEING HIM ! SHE CAN'T, IT'S TOO SOON !"
"Levy, we don't even know what that means," Gray sighed.
He watched the couple from afar. They were acting weird, that's for sure. Natsu was completely stiff, eyes wide, never blinking, and Lucy was… touching him. Very slowly, intensely, almost seductively, he thought… Even though they were quite far, everybody could imagine Natsu's heart beating loudly. His face was redder than Erza's hair.
Gray glanced at Lisanna. She wasn't looking good… her skin looked paler than her hair… Was she going to throw up ?
Suddenly, a man in black got out of the bushes, ran towards the couple, looking furious. Natsu finally got out of his spell, but too late, he couldn't avoid the fist.
I had to write this last part... it was on my mind for a while. You think it's weird?
I think i exploded my Nalu-fluff-rate ! Well for now héhé.
I'm so hungry now ! Shouldn't have written Shrimp so many times.
Zucchini cake or carrot cake? Zucchini for me (damn i'm hungry)
Doublepassé
