Author's Note: Hello everyone and welcome to another chapter! I suppose a few things I need to go over and explain. Firstly, sorry for the week long hiatus, between getting ready for the holidays, work, and well...a citrus brain fart; I am able to proudly bring you this EXTRA long chapter that I know many of you have been waiting for. I know it wasn't easy, but I promise you it's worth the 8000 word wait! Oh yeah! I went there!

As a fair warning, there is a bit of a citrus bit in this chapter, however I have labeled the appropriate time to read and skip it. If you are under 18, please skip that part or if you feel uncomfortable in reading anything of that nature. I tend to try and warn reader if there is going to be scenes of that nature. It is rated Mature for a reason, but still, I want to be respectful for reviewers and readers. If this is something you are uncomfortable with, just know I will give a warning so you aren't caught off guard.

I do have to apologize for not updating last week. It wasn't due to laziness I promise you. I have been diligent in writing and typing when I can, but life does love to get in my way-especially this time of year. I promise I will continue to write and update every week unless circumstances like this happens. I have every intention of uploading next week the usual Sun/Mon times; so please look forward to that. I appreciate your patience and understanding; but from all the warm pms and reviews I get; I know you all understand and continue to support me. So thank you all so much for that.

Without any more explanations, the song for this chapter is "I Really Like You" by Carly Rae Jepson. I feel the two characters are at a point where feelings are conflicting and blossoming. I think this chapter has a lot of people you all will either love and want more of. Not sure, so you will have to let me know in your pms or reviews. I look forward to hearing your thoughts after you finish this. So pull up the song to give it a listen as you read the chapter. Enjoy!

How'd We Get In This Position?

~Chapter Seven~

Natsu had decided to keep the discovery of Lucy's glowing form from her until he understood better just what was happening with her because, chances were, she would just be as confused as he was. So, in short, he'd figure not to let her worry unless she needed to be. The pair ate the reheated meal while going over both of their day's events. Natsu found himself hanging on every word that Lucy recounted from her conversation from earlier with Wendy and found himself laughing and smiling with Lucy during the funnier parts of her story. Just something about her brought out the best parts of him. Lucy felt that, with Natsu everything was so much simpler, easier. With Natsu, being around him in these moments was as easy as breathing; natural and in sync. For the better part of the hour, Natsu and Lucy enjoyed the others company until most of the meal was consumed.

"I'll make the leftovers for your lunch since you want to have a training day tomorrow." Lucy started to gather the empty dishes. Natsu picked up the remaining dishes that Lucy couldn't carry and followed her into the kitchen. Lucy set the dishes on the counter and began to run the hot water in one of the sinks to start the dishwasher. As Lucy went to put the dishes in the water, Natsu was rolling up his sleeves. "Prince Na-"

"Make my lunch. I got this." Natsu gently moved her aside and went to work cleaning their dishes. Lucy watched him for a moment softly smiling.

"Alright." she nodded and went to make his lunch into a large sack that she placed for him in the special ice box. Lucy cleaned the counters and table with Natsu finished the dishes. By the time the last dish was set to dry, the rest of the kitchen was spotless.

"Although you didn't have to do this, thank you Prince Natsu." Lucy thanked the Prince beside her as they admired their handy work.

"Well I was late and besides, I can pitch in. I used to make my own meals and clean before you came to live with us." Natsu smiled while drying his hands.

"Well I appreciate it all the same." Lucy untied her apron and Natsu got the lights as they exited towards their rooms. As Lucy was about to turn into her door, she felt Natsu grasp her hand. She turned and gazed at him with a look of confusion. "Pri-nce?" she spoke slowly.

"Lucy..." he stepped closer to her. Natsu was a good foot taller than her and always smelled of sandalwood and campfire. He dared not to let go of her hand as he looked back into her eyes. Lucy should have felt intimidated; that he was acting so strange. But quite the opposite as Lucy found herself lost in her senses of Natsu. He was so close, so inviting. Lucy felt her back against the wall and he towered over her.

Natsu cupped her cheek with his free palm. Lucy found herself resting into that warm, calloused hand. He was gentle and he was kind. No words were needed as they felt so intimately secure. Lucy felt her cheeks warm as the scene was something from a dream; only subsequently much better. Natsu dipped his head low where their lips were mere inches away and he lowered his gaze to contemplate crossing that line; Lucy desperately hoped he would. As she about made up her own mind to lean in, Natsu abruptly pulled back and faced ridged towards the end of the hall that lead to the living area.

Lucy opened her mouth to voice the obvious question, only to have it answered by the door slamming open and Happy giving his usual greeting. Suddenly Lucy's faint, misty love was quickly replaced by the dim hall, the enclosed hand of the towering Prince, in a very compromising position. Her pink tint cheeks quickly rippled to a bright tomato as she suddenly shoved the confused Prince back. With a quick 'good night', Lucy practically slammed and locked her door with her back pressed firmly on the other side. Her hand clutched over her racing heart as all kinds of accusation type questions raced through her mind as she struggled to calm her raggedy emotions.

As for Natsu, he found himself standing in the middle of the hallway, blinking confused to the suddenly slammed door in his face. He couldn't get the beautiful, innocent expression out of his mind's eye, nor how she shimmered in the hall light. All he knew at that moment was she was the most perfect, most beautiful thing in his world; cursing himself as he was just so close to that paradise. With a slight pout gracing his lips, he put his hands in his pockets and lightly kicked the ground. What rotten luck for his best friend to show up at such a crucial time as this. Speaking of the reason the ideal moment was ruined, Happy floated down in the hall. "There you are Natsu! Why didn't you answer me when I called you? Where's Lucy?" Happy asked.

"Ah, well she went to her room. She was just telling me 'Good Night'. Sorry we didn't hear you."

"That's alright. You heading to bed too?"

"Actually yeah. I have an early day with the guys. Get some rest Happy."

"Aye! You too! Night Natsu!" Happy waved as he headed towards his own room.

~Morning~

Natsu was awake before either Happy or Lucy. As he passed by her room fully dressed and ready to leave, he paused outside her door in profound thought. As he had readied for bed last night, he had thought about the moment before Happy has shown up. He mused over her beauty, of their almost kiss, and the unusual scene when he first saw her in her room reading. He wished she hadn't locked her door; how he wanted to come in and just see her for a moment before he spent the whole day training. Just seeing her always brought a reassuring feeling that soothed him. Natsu didn't know when, but he had become exceedingly attached to their new live in helper. She was pure magic with that voice to her simple, kind gestures. Letting out a defeated sigh, Natsu went to the kitchen to pick up the lunch she had prepared for him and with a final word of farewell to those still sleeping in their home, Natsu took his leave.

It was still dark out, with the stars still fully out and in the far distance the soft glow of the morning sun was beginning to rise. Natsu pasted the endless labyrinth of halls to head towards his private training ground where he knew his squad was waiting. Just as expected, Natsu found Sting helping Rouge stretch and Gajeel already working on his weapons training. Gajeel was wielding an obsidian iron sword with razor sharp, lethal edges-which is what his weapon of choice was. Natsu sat his lunch down with the others by the benches. He went to his normal spot to begin his stretches. Seemed everyone was focused on their own training strengths until the sun fully began to rise in the dark, tranquil sky. Beautiful hues of pinks, oranges, and blues painted the glorious morning clouds. As Natsu focused on the flames in his fists hitting his iron dummies, Natsu's mind couldn't help but drift from the task at hand to the beauty asleep in her room.

She was certainly something. She looked like an angel in her own light and the way she was so close and comfortable with him really gave Natsu a confidence he wasn't used to. 'God that scent and that flushed body. Her lips were for the ta-'

"OI! FLAME ASS!" Natsu blinked out of his day dreaming to himself standing in mid-fiery fist raised for god knows how long while everyone seemed to have stopped to watch him.

"I think he actually broke." Sting snickered to Rouge who rolled his own eyes at his friend's jests. Clearly the more mature of the pair was bored with seeing if Natsu would move. Sting was easily amused to watch Natsu make a fool of himself per the norm. Gajeel ended up throwing his Bo at Natsu, who easily caught it last second before being hit upside the head with the elongated staff.

"Get back to work! Don't worry about what the hell I am doing and focus on yourselves!" Natsu snapped.

"That's funny coming from you." Gajeel cracked backed arrogantly.

"You were daydreaming for a clear ten minutes. What gives?" Sting coyly asked while wiggling his eyebrows.

"None of your business!" Natsu threw down the Bo. He stormed off to get himself something to drink. Rouge shrugged at Sting at Natsu's odd behavior, but the pair went back to work on their training. Gajeel set his own Bo aside and followed after where Natsu had disappeared to. He found him by the outside sinks having his head under the running water. He leaned against a wall to simply observe the Prince. When the Prince removed his head, Gajeel grabbed a nearby towel from the rack the servants provided and tossed it at the perplexed man. Natsu caught it and proceeded to wash his wet head.

"What the hell has been going on with you Salamander?" Gajeel asked without his usual agitated tone he normally had when it came to addressing Natsu.

"Nothing is the matter with me!" Natsu impulsively responded annoyed.

"Clearly. How about you cut the bullshit. It's me we are talking about. I know when you are being an idiot and when something is actually bothering you. So I'll pretend that you didn't give me that shitty response from before and ask again; What the fuck is your problem?" Gajeel eyed Natsu whom was avoiding his pointed stare and observed Natsu using his own heat to finish drying off. The duo stayed quiet until Natsu squared himself to look at Gajeel.

"I need to talk to Levy." was all Natsu replied.

"Levy? What does my Mate have anything to do with you spacing out?"

"Look, only she can help me alright? Do you think she will be stopping by to bring you, your lunch?"

"What makes you think I'll let you speak to her without me there, much less when you won't even tell me what this is all about?" Gajeel scoffed.

"Never said you didn't have to be there, but I need to ask Levy something. So either I ask her when she shows up or later when I know she isn't busy." Natsu tossed the towel in the dirty towel hamper beside the rack. Natsu turned on his heel to leave.

"You just can't-"

"Yes I can. Being a Prince sucks most of the time, but there are cases where it sucks a little less. Now come on metal breath. You are slacking and I can't be expected to fight myself training partner." Natsu turned to leave. Gajeel gripped his fists and 'tsk'ed at Natsu's turned back.

"Be prepared for me to kick your scrawny ass."

"Don't tickle me with those love taps trash can." Natsu jabbed back.

To say the least, the mid-morning to lunch training session was one of extreme intensity. Gajeel had gone fully out on battling Natsu, while Natsu not only held his own but refused to give an inch to Gajeel. The skirmish drew so much unwarranted attention by those nearby as Gajeel and Natsu both gave their all. By the time lunch was signaled by Levy's arrival, the training grounds were completely trashed by broken weapons and stands by powerful impacts and scorched grounds by intense fire. Both Sting and Rouge had stopped their training long ago to join the other bystanders looking from the safety of the fences while making a bet on which opponent would come out the victor. Levy, whom joined besides the two from Natsu's squad, was carrying a rather large picnic basket which was lunch for the squad, gazed angrily from the side lines.

"Just what the hell is going on here?" the usually bubbly bluenette was looking forward to the mayhem with a deep set scowl. Hearing Gajeel's mate gained the attention of both Sting and Rouge.

"Well we aren't sure. Natsu had been acting weird earlier and Gajeel went to talk to him privately." Rouge spoke.

"When they came back, Natsu looked to be itching for a fight and Gajeel had been going nuts to give it to him. They've been like this for hours. Say, is that for us?" Sting added while eyeing the basket in her hands.

"Those children, I swear! They are typical children! I'll handle this. Here, you two set up." Levy handed the basket to String's eager hands. Opening the gate to the training grounds, Levy bravely stepped onto it. "Enough you two! Call it quits! The food is going bad!" Levy yelled up to the two idiots using their magical dragon slayer abilities to fight one another.

"Shrimp! Get out of here! I'm handling this!" Gajeel shouted roughly at Levy on the ground. Natsu had focused on Levy and bee line straight for her. Growling, Gajeel chased after him. Levy crossed her arms and continued to glare sternly at the duo.

"I will do no such thing! Have you both forgotten this is a training session; not an actual battle?!" Levy scolded.

"Shrimp you-"

"Levy I need your help!" Natsu interjected. Gajeel glared darkly at Natsu who blatantly ignored him and focused his sights on the petite woman. Both men were before her now and Levy could only look between them.

"I don't know what is going on or what happened between you both, but this is most certainly not the appropriate way to go about it. What has gotten into either of you?" Levy folded her arms and eyed them. Gajeel folded his arms with a livid expression.

"Do nothing this idiot asks Shrimp!"

"I have to hear him out at least and don't tell me what to do." Levy snapped.

"Ha! She told you!" Natsu gloated.

"Keep that up Natsu and I'll tell Gajeel your weak spots." Levy threatened. Natsu could only gulp while Gajeel cracked a smirk.

"Now what are you two arguing so much that it had to come to blows on the training grounds?"

"I need your help and your mate went off the deep end." Natsu explained.

"You can't tell me why you want to drag Shrimp into your stupid situation, and knowing you, it will be something dangerous and life threatening!"

"All this fighting because he wanted to ask me something and not you? Really Gajeel, how petty are you really?" Levy rolled her eyes at her mate's over-exaggerations but leveled a glare at her mate, and Natsu snickering was cut short when he ended up in Levy's crosshairs.

'Well ask me then." Levy focused her attention on the Dragon Prince.

Natsu let out a sigh and asked, "Will you help me find some information about someone?"

"Information? What kind?" Levy's interested peaked.

"Well...I was given a servant and wanted to know more about her people and what made them so special."

"Wait, since when did you have a servant?" Gajeel asked surprised.

"Are you talking about the Lost Princess? The one Wendy has been telling me about?!" Levy spoke excitedly.

"Uhh yeah..."

"Huh? Lost Princess?" Gajeel baffled confused as he looked between his Prince and his Mate who seemed to be having their secret conversation that he clearly wasn't a part of.

"I want to meet her!" Levy squealed

"Wait, what? Why?" Natsu blanched back.

"I said I want to meet her! So either you let me and I give you all the information you could possibly want or I don't. That simple." Levy folded her arms smugly.

"It isn't that easy. I have to ask her. If she says 'no', I won't force the issue."

"Then you had better hope that you make a very convincing argument." Levy nodded.

"Okay, can we go back to the part where you have a Princess as your servant?" Gajeel butted in.

"No we cannot. Just keep up Gajeel." Natsu rolled his eyes.

"Oi! You are walking on thin ice flame brain!"

"Jokes on you metal breath, I give no fucks if you care or not. Levy is gonna give me information and you can sit quietly in the dark!" Natsu stuck out his tongue.

"Ugh, you both are acting like children again! Just get the approval Natsu. And Gajeel, I'll explain everything tonight and in private. See, was it that so hard you two? Now quit bickering, I brought lunch and knowing Sting he probably had more than his fair share of it.

"He better not!" Gajeel hollered.

"Just take my share. Luce made me my lunch again." Natsu headed towards the benches that were left intact and grabbed his lunch from under the safety of the benches.

"Luce?" Levy said softly and Gajeel looked at her.

"Is Luce the name of the girl?" Gajeel inquired.

"It's Lucy, but ONLY I can call her Luce." Natsu emphasized after he picked up his lunch and headed towards the exit of the grounds. Levy gently nudged Gajeel to follow.

"I think Natsu might be in love." she softly whispered to Gajeel so only he could hear.

"Like hell. The day that idiot falls in love is the day hell freezes over." Gajeel rolled his eyes and they went to find where both Sting and Rouge set up the picnic basket.

~Later That Night/Lucy~

Lucy had spent the better part of the morning quickly completing most of her chores, so by the afternoon, she could bring out the tea cakes for her afternoon visit from Wendy. Lucy had grown quite fond of the child and the lengthy conversations they would have about everything and nothing at the same time. It was certainly nice to have a friend. For years she had grown in desolate isolation and in only a few short weeks, her life had undergone a complete change. The afternoon visit from Wendy had proven to be as delightful as the first encounter they had. Lucy was quickly seeing that spending time with Wendy was becoming the second highlight of her day; which the first was eating dinners with Natsu. It also seemed that Carla was coming around as well. After sizing Lucy up and some sweet talk from Happy, Carla had started to see the better qualities in Lucy that she had overlooked due to the background that Lucy had come from.; but that certainly didn't mean there was an apology.

The afternoon visit was civil and overall pleasant. They enjoyed talks about Wendy's studies and past memories of her and Natsu while enjoying the sweet cakes Lucy had prepared. The visit lasted its couple of hours until Carla reminded Wendy that they had dinner obligations with their respective mothers. After a short goodbye and a yawn from Happy, he retreated to the couch for a quick cat nap and Lucy started her clean up. She cooked the chicken while finishing cleaning and re-setting up the table for dinner. Lucy prepared fire chicken over spicy noodles for the Prince seeing that she quickly uncovered that, that was one of his more favored meals.

As Lucy dished the last dish on the already spread table, she heard the front door opening to signal the owner's return. Lucy heard the shuffling of heavy footsteps come into the living area. "Hi Natsu!" Lucy heard Happy's voice from being awoken.

"Hnnn...Happy...too sore..." came the soft grumble from Natsu.

"Did Gajeel whoop you again?" Happy teased.

"NO! No fucking way! In his dreams could he ever attempt to think of being in the same league as me!" Natsu growled.

"So why are you sore?"

"From kicking his ass!"

"Uh-huh." Happy replied not convinced at the way Natsu seemed to be swaying.

"Whatever. Where is Luce? I'm starvin'!" Natsu quickly diverted the subject.

"Cooking I think. It smells good!" Happy chirped. Lucy had returned to the kitchen and was drying her hands after pulling the dessert from the oven. Natsu made his way to the kitchen in hopes to find the person he really wanted to see. Lucy looked up from her spot and her breath was caught in her throat. Natsu stood there covered in random bruises, severe cuts, caked dirt and blood on his skin and clothing. He had bright smile on as he saw Lucy standing there with a surprised expression.

"There you are Luce! Is dinner rea-"

"What happened to you!" Lucy raised her voice worried as she went to him. Like a concerned mother hen, began to tenderly examine his wounds.

"Luce, it's fine. None of this hurts you know." Natsu spoke warmly as his eyes soften watching Lucy fuss over him. Lucy took his hand and led him by the sink counter. She reached to the cabinet above the sink and withdrew the first aid kit. Natsu had hopped onto the counter sitting with his legs dangling off the counter's edge. Lucy applied gloves and began to find items to clean the dirt and blood before she could start dressing his wounds.

"What in the world did you do?" she lightly reprimand. With nimble fingers she dabbed at the blood.

"Nothing. Sheesh, you act as if I am dying or something." Natsu chuckled.

"Says the idiot who is bleeding all over my clean counter." Lucy eyed him.

"Need I remind you of whose counter it really belongs to?"

"If I clean and cook on it, it's mine. Besides you used it for messy dishes and your underwear when I first came to live here remember?" Lucy teased.

"True, but I can always revert back to my old habits."

"Don't you dare!" Lucy pressed onto his wound a little harder than she intended which earned her a startled yelp from Natsu.

"Geez! That's smarts Luce! Easy!" Natsu complained.

"Sorry, you are distracting me." Lucy eased up and continued to clean him up in silence. Which, of course, did not last long, "So, why are you hurt?" Lucy picked up the conversation once more.

"Fucking Gajeel. He needs that surgery where he removes his head from his ass." Natsu mocked. Lucy couldn't resist the smile forming.

"Hmm? Again? You both fight like siblings."

"Rather him than stupid, fucking Gray!" Natsu snorted.

"Gray?"

"Don't worry about it. All you need to know is he is a fucking little bitch who lies and sucks at fighting cause' I win every fight against him!"

"Natsu stop setting the counter on fire!" Lucy saw his fists aflame and begin to scorch the wood as he gripped tightly onto it. Lucy quickly made a mental note that when the topic of 'Gray' were to come up, it would be best not to engage or at least steer clear of the topic altogether.

"Damnit! It's all Gray's fault!" Natsu quickly put out the fire while cursing this 'Gray' person. Lucy continued to focus on up Natsu's wounds quietly until he decided to speak again.

"Gajeel was looking for a fight with me." Natsu offered. Lucy didn't take her eyes off her careful work.

"Why did he want to fight with you so badly?"

"Well, because I wanted to talk to his Mate."

"Mate?" Lucy stole a curious glance.

"Partner...erm someone you are close with all the time." Natsu offered the vague explanation slightly blushing. Lucy gave a nod and refocused back at the task.

"You mean they are married I am assuming. That is what two people who are faithfully, romantically together. There is usually a ceremony." Lucy offered. Natsu cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"Uh yeah, whatever, anyway I wanted to talk to Levy and he was all defensive about it. It wasn't as if I wanted to do anything bad, but I needed to talk to her about something."

"Something huh?" Lucy began to dress some of the wounds.

"Nothing serious, but in short, before Levy showed up, we fought and then some. When Levy and I spoke, she said she would help me out, but with a catch." Natsu avoided Lucy's full attention.

"What's the catch?"

"..." Natsu found the spot besides him on the counter where his scorch mark hand was previously. He found his own markings particularly interesting. He also had found that the spot was easiest to focus on than the curious stare that was coming directly from Lucy. "..She wants to meet you..."

"She wants to meet me? How did I end up in this conversation?"

"Well you weren't initially, but I think Wendy had been talking to her and now she wanted to meet you so...that was the only way for her to help me with some research I need." Natsu half told the truth.

"Wendy knows Gajeel's wife? What is she like?" curiosity got the better of Lucy.

"Well she is small with blue hair and brown eyes. She is the smartest person I know. She loves to read and research various topics. She speaks a ton of languages and knows everything about anything." Natsu explained.

"She seems very sweet. And you said Wendy knows her?"

"Yeah, Wendy practically spends most of her time over at Gajeel's place with him and Levy." Lucy continued her dressing of Natsu's wounds.

"When does she want to meet me?"

"Tomorrow alright?"

"Yeah. She and Wendy can come over at our usual time so it isn't too awkward for everyone." Lucy spoke.

"You really going to do this?" Natsu asked.

"Of course; why wouldn't I? You need some research to be done and she seems like a lovely girl to meet, so it is an outcome where everyone wins." Lucy finished the last dressing while avoiding Natsu openly staring at her.

"You know you don't have to do this.

"I want to. If it helps you out, I don't mind it." Lucy smiled lovingly. Natsu stared at her with a fond expression. She was going out of her comfort zone in order to help him even though she was under no obligation to do so.

"Lucy-"

"Well you are better! Come on! Dinner is going to get cold!" Lucy slapped his knee suddenly as she couldn't hold back the nervous, tingling resonating within her belly. The way he was looking at her made her feel all sorts of ways. She couldn't decipher between anxiety and heart melting; regardless, she didn't understand the effect this was having on her body and the most logical thing to do was to remove herself from the situation.

Natsu jolted at the sudden physical contact on his injured knee. "Luce! That-" Natsu couldn't finish his sentence before Lucy had taken the dish from the stove and left for the dining room after calling for Happy. Grumbling with no other choice, Natsu followed Lucy's example. After a pleasant meal and all three working together to clean up, the trio went their separate ways to ready for bed. Natsu had lay down on top of his bedding staring up at his ceiling with arms around his head in deep thought. Various parts of his body was covered from the bandages, but he couldn't find reason to complain. Lucy had taken special care to clean and dress them. She was certainly something that servant of his.

His inner mind drifted to the beauty next door to his room. He fixated on how beautifully golden her hair was and how loose strands would frame her face. He smiled at the thought of how she would slightly pout every time she had to put any number of those strands behind her ear. Speaking of her pout, those lips of her had his mind beginning to run in a more mischievous direction and suddenly he sat up in his bed due to the uncomfortable situation between his legs. "Damnit, this isn't right. She is your servant, not your toy!" he hissed at himself. Natsu groaned softly at he couldn't stop the twitching of the needy appendage. Sighing, he laid back down and let his hand back under his covers. Apparently there was more to the blonde he liked than his conscious let on.

***Lemon Warning: Those Under 18, Please Move To The End Scene; Thank You***

Natsu closed his eyes as he let his hand reach under his bottoms and grasp the sprung appendage. He let out a soft groan at the feel of the warmth of his fingers gently wrapping around the thick member. He felt him body become comfortable in his own bedding as he let his mind drift to the darker recesses. The vision of his not-so-aware neighbor came to light. She was clad sheer silk that teased her beautiful skin. Her breasts pert and full with curves in all the right places. She looked at him with those bedroom eyes as she laid on his bed with her legs were bent suggestively. In his mind's eye he saw her gently groping and touching her breasts. Her nipples pink and pert that teased the restrictive, thin material. He heard her soft, coquettish whimpers as her eyes stared at him from his position at the edge of the bed. He had already lowered his own bottoms and was stroking himself as he watched his Lucy display herself so seductively.

The increasing of his stroking went harder as Natsu's thumb rolled over his own tip. He growled softly into the quiet night from the feel of pleasuring himself. Natsu could see Lucy so clearly. The way her soft hair splayed out behind her, the way her plump lips beckoned him, and how her slender fingers played in that special place between her legs now. Natsu growled unable to take it anymore. He climbed on the bed and climbed over her. He captured her lips with his own. She tasted like heaven and burned like his fire. By the gods she tasted so good. He spread her under him and then he ravaged her; taking her right there and gods did make his body ache.

Natsu increased the pace of his stroking. A light sheen of sweat coated his body as the vision continued with Lucy's loud cries and the image of her body coupling with his. Natsu drove himself faster and harder as he jerk in his hand . He needed her; wanted her. The soft pant of Lucy passed through his mouth as he grunted. He was so close now. Lucy had wrapped her legs around him and he slammed into her repeatedly. He could hear her begging him to release; begging him to take her-all of her. Natsu squeezed his eyes tighter as his breathing so irregular. He was going to let go now; he was on that threshold of pleasure. And then, all at once, Natsu felt his balls tighten and in lighten reflexes he spilled himself all over his hand and into his bottoms. He let out a feral growl as he jerked out his seed. He panted laying back in the afterglow. He could still see her, still feel her. She was beautiful and perfect and...not his yet. With his free arm, Natsu shielded his eyes as he let out a soft groan. "I'm in trouble..."

*** You May Continue Reading After This!***

~Tomorrow Afternoon: Lucy~

Like most mornings, Lucy had awoken to an almost empty dwelling with Natsu long gone with the lunch she provided for him with leftover dinner. This time, there was a note on the kitchen counter next to the scorch marks from where he left his fists on fire. Lucy had walked in the kitchen with fresh face from her morning shower and her usual cleaning clothing. Her hair was pulled back into two low pig tails held by her two blue, matching ribbons. Lucy, spotting the note, went to read it and the contents that contained Natsu telling her that he will arrange the meeting and the she should have dinner ready at the usual time. Lucy set the note down and sighed, "Seriously, he acts as if I don't know how to have the meal ready or something." Lucy set to work cooking and preparing for the meal and treats for the day as well as fulfilling her daily chores. Happy had been lounging around the living area with his cat naps and snacking on fish that Lucy left out for him. At the normal time, Lucy heard the familiar knock at the door. Lucy looked herself over in the mirror with her hair still in pig tails and dusting slave attire. Satisfied with her look, she went to answer the door.

Wendy and Carla stood before her, Wendy with her bright smile and Carla sporting a bored look. "Lucy! We're here!" Wendy beamed.

"We're-oh! Hello!" Lucy looked slightly confused until a petite bluenette wearing an airy orange dress while holding onto a midnight fur Exceed with a permanent scowl and scar over his one eye stood next to Wendy. The young woman looked to be about Lucy's age and she had a sweet smile as she greeted the young hostess.

"So you are Lucy?" she spoke. Lucy suddenly felt self conscious as her voice failed her. She could only nervously nod.

"It's alright Lucy, this is Levy. She is really nice like you and this is Panther Lily. He is both Levy and Gajeel's Exceed." Wendy gave her guest introductions.

"O-Oh, it is a pleasure to meet you." Lucy offered a smile.

"Pleasure is all mine really. I've heard so many wonderful things about you from Wendy." Levy's smile brightened.

"You have?" Lucy asked curiously. Levy bent down to set Panther Lily on his paws as he walked close to Carla. By now, Happy had emerged and stood beside Lucy in the entrance.

"It's good to see you Happy." Panther Lily greeted.

"I didn't know you were coming too!" Happy grinned.

"Naturally. Gajeel asked me to specifically because he wanted to protect Levy incase the Lost Princess attempted anything." Panther Lily folded his paws nodding.

"Lucy? Do anything? If you mean burn fish then sure." Happy laughed heartily.

"What about that cat!" Lucy puffed her cheeks and glared at the insulting feline.

"What? You do burn fish. Everyone knows you are not supposed to cook fish, but eat it as it is." Happy explained innocently. Lucy swore she felt the vein throbbing on her temple and the heat on her cheeks. Lucy was suddenly pulled from glaring down at Happy by the joined laughter at the door.

"Y-You are right Wendy! Lu-chan is so much fun!" Levy laughed wiping a tear from her eye.

"Lu-chan?" Lucy asked blinking confused while Wendy giggled behind her hand.

"Lucy is really the best." Wendy agreed. Carla cleared her throat not all the amused by the whole situation.

"Don't you think it is about time you invited us in instead of standing there gawking at us." Carla snidely pointed out.

"O-Oh right. Please, why don't you come in?" Lucy felt the pink on her cheek deepen in awkwardness. She stepped aside and let her guests into the home and then led them to the usual visiting spot where each guest had gotten relaxed in their seats. The Exceeds had sat at the other end of the table already in one of their many random conversations, where Levy and Wendy were in the usual spot. Lucy went to work pouring the drinks and serving the cakes before taking her own spot by the two girls.

"So Lu-chan, tell me about yourself." Levy jumped at the chance to get to know Lucy. Feeling suddenly put on the spot, Lucy felt that self conscious part of her well up again.

"Th-There is really isn't much to tell. I'm sure Wendy had filled you in on most things." Lucy shyly replied.

"Yes, but it is much different hearing from the person than getting it second hand ." Levy rationalized.

"Well...what do you wish to know?"

"I heard you write." Levy replied. Lucy stole a glance at a guilty looking Wendy.

"I dabble, but none I feel is well written."

"I love to read and I would love to see some of your work."

"No one has seen my work and I rather no one did."

"Come on, I am sure you can make an exception for me. I'll even edit your work if you wish." Levy clasp her hands together in a begging motion. Lucy looked uneasy between Levy and to Wendy whom was shaking her head 'yes'.

"I cannot refuse, can I?" Lucy murmured.

"Nope! I'll just bug you until you eventually give in. So you might as well skip that part and agree." Levy grinned.

"I'll...think about it." Lucy sighed already knowing that she knew Levy was correct; she was just postponing the inevitable.

"You drive a hard bargain Princess Heartfilia, but I will take it." Levy giggled.

"Does everyone know who I am?"

"Practically everyone. Mostly you are rumored as the 'Lost Princess' or 'Prince Natsu's slave'" Wendy commented.

"I personally think Lu-chan suites you the best. After all, we are now friends aren't we?" Lucy studied Levy's sincere and trustworthy expression. This person knew practically nothing about her really and just like Wendy felt so close and warm to be around.

"If that is the case, then I will call you Levy-chan!" Lucy smiled brightly.

"I like that." Levy clasped Lucy's hands into their own as they shared a moment of friendship.

"Levy, why not tell Lucy a bit about yourself and Gajeel?" Wendy suggested.

"Isn't Gajeel your Mate? Natsu had told me briefly about him since he is his main training partner and in his squad when he goes on missions." Lucy refilled their beverages while Wendy helped herself to a few more treats that were set out.

"That is right. Gajeel is my Mate and we work very close to the Royal house and more specifically Prince Natsu." Levy began. She explained Gajeel's title and briefly how Gajeel was chosen to live in the capital with Sting and Rouge. She talked about how there three were Prince Natsu's personal guards. They were to guard the Prince with their lives as the Prince was in charge of not only protecting the laws of their lands an from invaders, but expanding the empire. Then Levy switched the topic of being a young Princess of her own kingdom to the far west.

She was an only child and she was to have an arranged marriage to Gajeel. She hadn't liked the fact she would be Mated to a man she had never met and less like the fact that he was an absolute brute. When they did eventually ended up meeting, it had taken quite a long while for the pair to start developing feelings for one another . It was up until Levy was making a mandatory visit to Gajeel when her carriage was attacked and ransacked by bandits. Luckily, Gajeel was in the area hunting and had not only stopped the thieves, but saved Levy from being brutally attacked.

Ever since that eventful, fateful day, Levy and Gajeel had been together with Levy always going out of her way to help and be closer to Gajeel as Gajeel being protective of Levy. On their Mating day, it was a beautiful, festive event where the two houses joined. Levy was a vision of beauty and Gajeel couldn't take his eyes off of her. She stayed by his side and the ceremony was stunning. It was certainly a week-long celebration as the two joined and became one family about three years ago.

Wendy and Lucy listened to every detail Levy spilled. Lucy found herself picturing Levy's story with a rugged man and couldn't help but feel a little envious of the touching romance that was Levy and Gajeel. "I love hearing this story." Wendy cooed.

"Heh, it is my favorite." Levy blushed.

"You mean because it is about your romance with that knucklehead." Carla smugly piped in.

"Carla, don't me be mean!" Wendy scolded.

"Well I think it is sweet. you found true love and if he treats you the way you describe, then you are a very lucky girl Levy. I am happy for you." Lucy smiled warmly as she started to collect the empty dishes off the table.

"You think so Lu-chan?"

"Well yeah, I mean you got saved by the man you loved and you both got mated by this picture perfect ceremony. I mean, what is not to love? I know I would die of happiness if any of that happened to me." Lucy said before disappearing into the kitchen. Lucy returned with another fresh pot of tea and refilled the cups.

"Well, I am sure you will find the person you are supposed to be with." Levy sipped her tea.

"It is most unlikely. I am a slave. Slaves don't really have rights. According to King Zeref, I am the worst kind of slave. The only reason I was spared a terrible fate was because Prince Natsu pitied me. I am fortunate to have been saved by someone who owes nothing to me. I am just happy to be alive. I cannot afford to have such luxuries the same as hope for a future in which there is love like yours Levy. I have come to terms of accepting that." Lucy smiled, but her sad eyes had focused on her swirling tea in front of her, told of a different emotion. Levy and Wendy looked at each other knowingly.

"But Lucy, just because you are a slave doesn't mean you have to ignore your own feelings." Wendy gently interjected.

"That is where you are wrong. A slave has no rights."

"But Natsu isn't like a Master. I am sure you if you ever come to him, he would find a way to either free you or let you have what you truly want." Levy spoke up.

Lucy shook her head and closed her eyes, "It isn't something either of you will ever understand. I, unfortunately, do. Trust me, both mine and Prince Natsu's hands are tied on the matter. I am really fortunate because I don't have feelings for anyone and have no desire to falling love or have any type of family. So it is a blessing. Please don't be sad for me. I am alright with all of this. Really I am." Lucy sounded convincing, but a certain blue furred Exceed that had been ease dropping from his own conversation; he seemed to have known better. Wendy had decided to drop the topic as the chime from the clock on the wall signaled their visit was due to come to a close.

"Levy, it is getting pretty late. We should be returning rather soon." Wendy reminded the group.

"Gajeel will be done with practice. I am sure he will wish to see us." Panther Lily spoke fixing his sword strap on his body.

"I am sure you are right." Levy approved.

"Lucy, same time tomorrow? Do you mind if I bring Levy again?" Wendy requested.

"Of course, you both are welcome anytime, but I would stick with the time Prince Natsu set in place." Lucy watched the group gather their belongings.

"Have your first chapter ready for me to edit tomorrow." Levy smiled as she headed towards the entrance after scooping up Panther Lily in her arms.

"We will see." Lucy strifled a giggle. Wendy gave her a hug and Lucy handed her parcel of left over cake treats.

"Make sure you share these with your Mother alright?"

"I will!" Wendy smiled as she beamed gratefully.

Thank you for the cakes Lucy." Carla offered a nod and hidden smile. Lucy wasn't sure what to make of it, but was pleasantly surprised all the same. Carla walked beside Wendy close.

"Of course, I will make sure to make some more tomorrow." Lucy returned Wendy's smile with one of her own. With all goodbyes done, Lucy watched as the guest left. Lucy returned to clean her mess only to find Happy taking care of it.

"You don't have to do that Happy. I would have been more than glad to take care of the mess." Lucy smiled fondly.

"I got it this time." Happy spoke as he took the remaining dishes to the kitchen. Lucy followed closely behind.

"Say Lucy..." Happy set the dirty dishes in the warm filled dishwater.

"Yes?"

"You know you aren't just a slave, you know? You aren't just a person who cleans and cooks our meals?" Happy sunk his paws into the water and began to wash the dish. Lucy looked at the floor and couldn't bring herself to speak. Happy continued to wash and let out a sigh. "Lucy, please don't think we see you that way, because we don't. You are one of us; you're family and sure we tease sometimes, that is what friends do. But if Natsu had taught me anything, it is that we choose our family sometimes and Natsu chose me, as well as he chose you. Anyway," Happy looked out the corner of his eye to see Lucy staring at the floor with wide, glistening eyes with unshed tears as she heard Happy's sincere words, "You needn't worry so much. I am going to finish cleaning up. Why don't you go rest before dinner?"

"Y-You sure?" Lucy asked quietly.

"Yeah, I got this. Have a good nap Lucy." Happy smiled. Lucy came up and kissed the top of his head.

"Thank you for being the best Happy." Lucy sincerely spoke with her voice filled with warm emotion. Happy could only blush ad mumble his thanks.

~King Study~

A guard stood before a regal desk of fine finish, dark oak where scattered important documents littered the desk. A rather large office with prestigious figures in picture frames hanged on the walls. The dark haired ruler leaning forward on his hands while he sat in his expensive, plush chair while listening to the guard's account the details of what exactly his brother had been up to ever since he taken in his newly acquired slave. "The duchess Levy and Princess Wendy have been visiting Prince Natsu's chambers regularly as of late. It has been known on good resources that Prince Natsu has been spending more time in his chambers than fulfilling his duties. There is some discord in regarding his squad dynamic. Prince Natsu has been exhibiting rather odd behav-" King Zeref raised a hand to signal the guard to stop speaking.

Silence filled the spacious office as Zeref leaned back in his chair in profound deliberation while the guard stood before him. After contemplating , Zeref stood up from his seat, walked around his chair, and stood before his large back window that over looked the training grounds he could clearly see his brother from. He watched as Natsu was covered in sweat, bruises, and dressing to which Zeref clearly knew it was that girl's doing.

"Continue to monitor them and I expect a full report every few days."

"Sire?"

"I want to know what exactly my Brother is doing and if that little witch is casting any curses on him." Zeref coldly spoke.

"As you wish sire." the guard bowed and turned to take his leave.

"And should she try anything, don't hesitate to bring her to me."

"As you command."