Chapter Seven: A Typical Saturday Night.
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Hi Everyone! Sorry I was gone for sooo long! I was at a friend's house and babysitting A LOT! It was hard to get settled down and to write this out. But here it is and I know it's not everything you would want the next chapter to be like but I hope it would do. I just jumped to the next new adventure for Natsu and Lucy, trying to add some adorable fluff.
Thank you for all the reviews for the last chapter. Now here's the new one. Hope y'all like it. Reviews appreciated.
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(Lucy)
It had been one full week since Natsu learned about my mother and I was finding it a little hard to believe that I had told him all of it. Well not all of it but close enough that it was. But the boy showed no signs that he did know. He didn't suddenly look at me like I was a sick puppy, or act like at any moment I would break. Nor did he let my family heritage get in the way of our friendship. Instead, he would come over after school and refused to leave until I agreed to come with him to the park, go to his house, help him with homework that wasn't making sense to him, or watch another after school game. Natsu had even tried to get me to play again but I put my foot down with that. Minerva still scared me and I didn't want another injury from the dark haired, aggressive girl.
Now it was like seven on a particularly warm Saturday night. I had just settled into a warm bath, soothing out the stresses of the long week. The frothy vanilla scented bubbles tickled my chin and the warm glow of the candles lightened my mind. The pink tinted water soaked my skin, giving it a strong fragrance. It was so refreshing and relaxing, I thought about just staying in there all night long. It wasn't like I had any plans. Originally, I did but Levy had canceled on our plans to spend the afternoon checking out bookstores then go back to Levy's for a night of watching romance movies and popcorn.
Of course this brought out my curiosity on the situation and yet again my imagination ran wild. What was Levy doing? Was she hiding something important, like an illness or dangerous, like drugs? I didn't want to think that Levy was doing that but my imagination took me down some dark roads. Each leading down to either a dead Levy or a tattooed, pierced, dirty, mean Levy. Each time I thought like this I would mentally slap myself. She probably had to watch her little brother because her parents were working late or she was tutoring. She did that a lot and sessions would randomly pop up along the week.
"Lucy, you have to stop thinking about it. Levy will tell you when she thinks it's important." I muttered to myself.
I lifted myself out of my round white porcelain tub and placed my feet evenly on the beige tiled floor. I brought a fluffy white towel around my chest and another one wrapped around my hair. My reflection shimmered in the golden trimmed mirror above the marble sink. For just a moment, I studied my face. Just like every night, I would stare into the big, brown eyes. I would see the light rose pink on my cheeks. I would see the waist length, golden blonde hair tucked hestiatly in the towel. But I wouldn't see me. No, I would see my mother. Ever since I was five, I wished I could grow up and look as beautiful as her and when she died, I had prayed harder. Now I was the spitting image. If mother were alive, I thought of how everyone would think we were sisters.
However, just like every night, the mirror would suddenly realize it wasn't Layla it was supposed to reflect and I would once again see myself. I sighed and grabbed the bottle of lotion from the basket on the counter. Sitting on the edge of the tub, I began spreading the cream over my newly smooth leg. I was half way done when I heard my phone ringing in the other room. I raced to the door connecting the bathroom to my bedroom and searched for the small pink device. It wasn't too hard to find -having flung it on the bed after I read the most recent text from Levy before my bath- and I hit the accept button within seconds.
"Hi Luce. I am on my way over and we are going out tonight. You have fifteen minutes to meet me outside fully dressed or I'm coming in and dragging you out." Natsu said through the phone and hung up, not giving me a chance to react.
I pulled the phone away from my ear and stared at the now blank screen. What the hell was Natsu planning?
….
Ten minutes later, I stood at the bottom of my driveway checking the time on my phone. I had spent only five minutes getting dressed, pulling on a pair of faded blue skinny jeans, some black wedge ankle boots, and an black tank top. As I raced out the door, I made sure to grab my phone, bag, and a jacket. Natsu had said I had fifteen minutes, but I knew how he drove. I only had half that time. And sure enough, Natsu was just pulling up to the gate.
I slipped through the gate and got in the car without a word. From beside me, I could feel Natsu beaming. One couldn't help but to smile at his extremely high childlike joy and it was no exception for me. For about twenty minutes we rode in silence. It wasn't weird or anything, in fact I liked how we could sit side by side not talking and still enjoy each others company. But the curiosity in me was crawling to get out, hungry for answers. It wanted to know what we were doing and where Natsu was taking me.
"Natsu?" I asked.
"Yes Lucy?" Natsu answered.
"Where are we going?"
"See, I knew you would ask. But, sadly, you don't get to know until we get there." Natsu gave me a sideways glance while smirking.
My eyebrows pinched up in disbelief. Natsu couldn't do that. Why did he always do this? He knew I hated it!
The light laugh that came from beside me told me otherwise.
"Oh, come on Natsu! You have to tell me!" I pleaded, turning in my seat and gripped his bicep.
"No I don't" Natsu chuckled.
I couldn't believe it. He wasn't going to tell me.
I turned away from Natsu and stared out the window, nervous butterflies beginning to swarm around in my stomach. I had never liked not knowing what was happening; ever since my parents kept me in the dark about mama's condition.
"Hey, you know I'll never take you somewhere questionable." Natsu said, obviously seeing the look on my face. "Just calm down. Relax."
I just stared at him.
I was about to open my mouth again when the car pulled to a halt. Outside wasn't much; just a dirt road and tall grass. Somewhere off in the distance, I saw a soft glow; warm and inviting. But what was it?
"Natsu, where are we?" I asked, turning to face the pink haired boy but he was no longer in the car. Instead he was walking around to my door. Natsu opened it and leaned on the door, extending a hand- his way of asking if I was going to come with him. I didn't think too long about it, taking Natsu's hand. To me, our particular friendship didn't need the questions. We just understood one another, like we had known each other for hundreds of years.
"Watch your step. It gets kind of.. unsteady." Natsu warned before leading us into the waist high grasses.
"You could have at least warned me to wear decent shoes." I mumbled as I stumbled behind Natsu.
"How was I supposed to know you would have worn those?" Natsu responded, turning his head slightly to look at me. I paused for a second and gave him a gentle glare.
He snapped his jaw shut and started walking forward again. With an miffed sigh, I followed him.
"Do you come out her often?" Lucy asked.
"Every now and then."
I was about to ask why when a wide circle had opened around us with a moderate sized group of students inside and a monstrous fire in the center. I was surprised I hadn't heard them sooner. A radio was playing from one of the vehicles around the circle and everyone in the field seemed to be yelling and laughing in extreme euphoria. At first the only ones I recognized was Erza, Gray, Juvia, and Gajeel, but eventually others began to surface in my memory. I could see a girl named Cana whom everyone knew couldn't function without alcohol in her system and these boys named Dory and Jett that borderline stalked Levy until last year. Though there was still some I didn't recall. Mainly the blue haired boy talking with Erza and the white haired boy in between Juvia and Gray.
"Who are they?"
"Who?" Natsu asked, obviously not thinking about the fact I was kind of new here.
"The guys over there with Erza and Gray!"
"Oh. The blue haired freak with the red face tattoo is Jellal Fernandez. Erza's Boyfriend. The one with Gray is Lyon, Gray's cousin." Natsu said.
I watched as Lyon tried to get Juvia's attention but the girl just hugged Gray and swooned. Gray was talking with Jellal a little but I could see the way he was holding Juvia back and occasionally glancing down at her. And all I thought was they looked really cute like that. Well not all. I also wondered why Gray occasionally shot Lyon these short undignified glares. But I wasn't going to ask. My curiosity has been overloaded for the evening.
"So why did you bring me here? I mean, it's pretty interesting without me." I tantalized.
Natsu laughed as we got closer to the small group near a black pickup tailgate. "Easy. You need something to do on Saturday nights."
"Lucy! It's good to see you again! How's the ankle?" Erza shouted when she saw me. The red head jumped from her seat and ran over to hug me.
"Hi, Erza." I gasped, breathless from the bear hug. When Erza heard it, she slightly loosened her grip. " It's all better now. Thanks for asking."
"I think this is the only station your truck will get out here." I heard someone say from behind me and I turned to see who said it and came face to face with Levy. "Lu-Lu! When did you get here?" her face breaking into a beautiful smile when she saw me.
"Levy! Natsu got me like ten minutes ago." I laughed.
"Well I'm glad you're here. Sorry for bailing on you." Levy said, looking down at the ground.
"No it's fine really! You'll tell me why later."
Levy blushed and smiled at the comment, grateful that I wasn't pushing the issue.
...
We had all gathered around the truck that I believed belonged to Gajeel, listening to the radio and laughing at one another. Natsu and Gray had gotten in a fight once or twice and Erza separated them effortlessly. I talked with Levy, Juvia, and Jellal -Trying to get to know him a little. He was smart and handsome and whenever the conversation drifted to his love life, his cheeks darkened. Us girls found it funny and giggled at him. Also, whenever Levy was distracted, I would look around and see a certain dark haired male staring at the petite blunette. It was so cute too see so much love around this group of friends/ lovers.
By now the fire in the middle of the circle had almost died out and most of the other students were leaving. Even Lyon had left, claiming an early swimming practice at Lamia high. I noticed that the small group I was sitting with were the only ones not making a move to leave. Everyone just kept sitting in the back of the truck, leaning on each other. It was a nice group of close friends laughing and talking.
"I've been meaning to ask this for a while but I have been putting it aside out of respect, but what is going on with you and Lisanna?" Erza asked, looking over at Natsu.
"What do you mean." Natsu responded, clearly trying to avoid the question even more.
All eyes and ears were suddenly on him.
"You know what I mean. A month ago you were planning date night and all of a sudden, you two can't be seen in the same room and avoid running into each other in the halls."
Natsu hestiated for a minute then took a long breathe out. "We took a break."
"What?" Juvia yelled, sitting up from her position in Gray's lap.
"Why? Last I heard you were so excited for that night." Gray injected.
"What happened?"
Everyone was barking out questions but I couldn't. I knew something was wrong but I didn't think it was as serious as that.
"Well, with her going to Europe soon and the fact that we couldn't stop fighting about it, we kind of slowly came to the conclusion to take a break and see how it goes when she gets back." Natsu shuffled his feet around awkwardly in the truck
"But that is a whole ten months away." Erza said.
"Yeah, well, it was better than trying long distance." Natsu mumbled.
He looked so uncomfortable and I felt so sorry for him. This was obviously so difficult for him. I placed my hand lightly on his arm. As everyone noticed how he didn't want to talk about it,, they dropped the subject and the conversation had drifted to a dull murmur, even the radio -which was turned down kind of low moments ago- was heard a little above the people around me. As I listened to the soft beat, I watched the couples around me. Jellal and Erza had moved to lay on a blanket in the grass pointing at the stars, Juvia sat in Gray's lap and he draped his jacket over her shoulders to keep her warm, and even Gajeel and Levy seemed in their own little world. The thought that Levy could possibly have this boyfriend warmed my heart. I loved that my friend was finding love and I wished them the best of luck. And I would definitely spend more time with them together just to see how cute they were.
Natsu laid on the bed of the truck with his hands behind his head. To me, it looked like he was sleeping. But I knew he wasn't. Every now and then he would say something. Nothing important but small little comments.
"Luce, lay back with me." Natsu mumbled without looking at me.
I did as I was told and laid my head beside Natsu's.
"Why are we laying here?" I whispered to him when I was comfortable.
"No reason." Natsu replied.
I shook my head and smiled. Rather than talking, we were silent and listened to the soft thump of the music. I had even almost fallen asleep. My eyes had drooped closed and everything felt heavy. And I would have fallen asleep if hadn't recognized the song on the radio. I sat up abruptly and perked my ears for a split second, confirming the song.
"What is it Luce?" Natsu muttered, rubbing his right eye with the palm of his hand.
"Oh my gosh! I love this song. Natsu, you have to dance with me!" I shouted, excitedly tugging on Natsu's arm so he would get off the truck and dance with me.
I had shocked him with the sudden command; brought stumbling out of a his near sleep daze and me tugging on him to go dance.
I slid off of the truck bed and started to dance to the music without Natsu. Well not much dancing just swaying back and forth due to the slow beat. Sure, so what if it was a slow song. I loved it. I leisurely spun around, lost in the words drifting in the air around me. When I saw Natsu finally standing by the truck, I smiled brighter and grabbed his hands, forcing him to dance with me. My hands slid up his forearms, stopping at the elbow and his hands in return rested on mine.
(Outsider P.O.V.)
"We have to get them together." Erza mumbled.
"Don't you think it's a little too soon?" Levy asked. "I mean things just ended with Lisanna. And it isn't really over, just a break."
"It's been a month." Juvia said. "The decent amount of time for mounring."
"This is Natsu were talking about." Gray said dryly.
"If we don't push him, he won't do it."
"Should we really?"
"Honestly, yes. I love Lisanna and all, but who takes a break from something good just to make going to Europe easier?" Erza quizzed.
"I guess." Levy sighed. "If we can get them too. They have been friends and Lucy has a blind eye when I comes to her own relationships."
"We might have to pull in the big guns for this one." Juvia spoke lowly, from her sleeping daze.
"You mean her? Do you think she'll go for it?" Gray choked. He slightly jumped at the thought of the cruelty she could bring in just a simple act of forming a couple. Well not so much of a slight jump as it disturbed Juvia, who was sitting in her boyfriend's lap with her head rested on his shoulder.
"I do. She might be the only one skilled enough to pull it off." Erza agreed. "We'll just explain things to her and hope she'll help."
"Poor guy." Jellal whispered sympathetically while tightening his grip around Erza's waist.
…..
September 14
LUCY P.O.V.
"I'm so sorry Lu-lu. I shouldn't have canceled last night but.." Levy apologized.
"No, Levy it's fine. I know how it is." I interjected.
We were currently sitting at an outdoor table, sipping on warm coffees and catching up on what's been happening over the past couple of weeks. Since both of us have been canceling plans so much, we've missed a lot.
Last night I asked if I could spend the rest of the night at Levy's house -It was like three in the morning when everyone decided it was time to leave- and on the drive over there, Levy suggested we spend the day catching up. Before leaving the house, Levy and I put our phones in the drawer on Levy's nightstand, leaving behind all distractions.
"But I do want to know what's going on?" I ended in a question, letting Levy know she didn't have to tell me right now if she didn't want to.
"That's what I'm trying to figure out. Remember that day I asked Natsu to take you home? Well that morning Gajeel told me to meet him at the pier. And I didn't know what to make of it, so I have been hanging out with him a little more. He is just a little confusing. Some days it's just hanging out and talking but others, I feel something stronger than friendship. Do you get that?" Levy explained.
"I get it. Does this mean you have a boyfriend?" I almost squealed, bringing my hands up to my mouth.
Levy blushed heavily. "I.I.. I mean.. ah..Not officially.. but maybe."
I screeched into my cupped hands, concealing the sound somewhat.
"What about you? Have anyone special in your life?" Levy teased.
"Oh. N-no!" I said, my cheeks turning a dark red than Levy's.
Oh how I had missed this. The teasing manner of girlfriends. "I think we should have one day a week where we can't blow off plans. That we will sit around doing absolutely nothing with no one else." I suddenly muttered.
"Good idea! What day? How about Sundays?" Levy exclaimed, really liking the idea.
"Sure." I agreed smiling at Levy.
