Note: I want to take this moment to thank everyone for their support of me – every follow, favorite and review makes me so happy. Thank you for always spurring me on!
As a little present to you all, I included a little something-something special for you to enjoy! What can I say? I'm a people pleaser. (And Natsu is a Lucy pleaser. Rrrrrrrr.)
So, without further ado, let's continue on with it, shall we?
Paper Moon
Chapter 7
Baldachin
Lucy was perfect.
How he had been blind to her perfection for so long was something he would never be able to comprehend. Or rather he always knew she was but he never actually realized he knew or even understood what it meant or what to do with it.
Natsu's realization had taken years to be planted but once the seed sprouted it was in full bloom soon after.
He started to notice things he had not before. The way the sunlight reflected on her golden hair, how her eyes sparkled under the twinkling night stars, when she would yell and kick but despite herself still give him her brightest smile. She always made him feel warm, in an unfamiliar but enchanting way. And the closer he would let himself, the warmer he would get.
The only way he could ever describe her was perfection.
And so one day he decided to take it upon himself to kiss those perfect lips on that perfect face and hold tight onto that perfect body and savor her perfect taste. He was not certain how she would respond. He imagined some form of assault but the only thing she did was melt into him, pressing into him, conforming to his being.
He had never imagined it to feel so good. And in that moment, he realized it was all he ever wanted.
Natsu was aware of human intimacy and what the actions typically led to. He had learned relatively spotty and crude details from some of his male guild mates over the years, illustrating in uncomfortably explicit detail to the young dragon slayer.
Igneel had also taught him of mating. How dragons connect to one another and for the rest of their lives, they share a special bond. He always said a dragon's love was pure, though the younger him never quite understood what that meant. When further inquiring as to how he would know he found his mate, Igneel's response was vague in simply saying that he would know when the time came. Although in retrospect the answer was discretely direct.
Lucy made him feel what he had never before. And thus his mind was made; Lucy was his mate.
"Natsu, don't tell me you've already forgotten about our date tonight!" She yelled at him.
He opened his eyes, climbing down from the hammock. He scratched the back of his head. "Always so loud." He smiled as he wrapped his arms around her, kissing her forehead. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"Warren, could you please try again?" Lucy begged the telepathy mage. She had been at this for twenty minutes, even buying him drinks to try to butter him up. Or at the very least loosen his reticence on the matter.
He did not respond for several long seconds until finally he sighed with resignation, Lucy's pout too much for him withstand. He was not known for his unshakeable will and stone heart. Who could deny a beautiful, grieving woman with huge knockers anyway? "Fine." He took a swig from his draft. "Let me finish this first."
Lucy led the way, eager to get started. They settled into Natsu's hospital room. She stood next to his bed, brushing a dull, pink lock from his peaceful face. "Let's get started." She announced, turning from the sleeping slayer. "Try to link me in."
Warren walked up to her, his buzz having dissipated from the walk here. "As with the past four times we've tried this, I'm not making any promises that we can get through. Do you understand, Lucy?" She nodded and he readied his magic.
With his telepathic patch, she called out to Natsu in his mind. She never got a response and she never had. Warren had told her that he always hit a wall in Natsu's conscience, that there was a barrier that they could not pass. He still felt his presence. "Someone is home but they're not answering." That was how he described it.
It did not happen often and it was never incredibly loud or consistent but she swore that she could catch glimpses of his voice when they linked to him – she could hear him laughing or calling her name. Warren said he never heard anything from him. Whether it was her mind playing tricks on her or it was actually happening, she did not care. Just that semblance of him brought her peace.
After a half hour, Warren broke the connection. Lucy sighed as she looked at Natsu.
"Did you hear him today?"
She smiled, knowing he was just being considerate. "Yeah." She grabbed Natsu's hand, drawing circles with her thumb like she had done a million times before. "He said my name."
"Lucy." He growled over her, trailing kisses along her jaw and down her neck. He was hot.
She moaned, pressing into the palm that kneaded her naked breast. Tiny rivulets of sweat dripped down her, pleasure swirling through her body at his simple ministrations.
He tapped her thigh with his hardened member, eliciting an excited moan of his name from her. He nipped at her collarbone as a reward.
"Natsu…please…"
He smiled as he kissed his way to her piqued nipple, taking it into his mouth as he continued his massage on the other. She pressed him harder against her chest, wanting more of him. He suckled, puckering the sensitive skin all around the peak. He flicked his tongue over the nub, causing Lucy's breath to hitch at the sudden surge of pleasure. He rolled the other in between his thumb and forefinger. He switched breasts, offering each one the same treatment.
She was chanting his name, head rolling and back arching.
He could smell her, the sweet, molten nectar pooling between her thighs. He wanted to taste her.
Abandoning the treatment on her breasts, he pursued the intoxicating scent. It was maddening. And all he wanted to do was relinquish all his control to his instincts and just fuck her. But he wanted more than that for her. This was Lucy. His Lucy. And he wanted to fuck her and please her and connect to her and love her.
He would not be satisfied until she was.
With all the restraint he had in him, he kissed down to her soaked panties. He inhaled, reveling in the smells flooding his senses. He could already taste her.
He traced his fingers over the thin, laced garment, teasing her swollen lips. She bucked, a pleasured yelp escaping her lips. "Natsu!" Her hands frantically reached for him, fingers tangling in his unruly locks and yanking him towards her center.
"Not yet." He whispered, pulling her panties from her legs, freeing her of the final obstacle. His fingers rubbed her center. She panted. He rubbed over the swollen nub and she screamed. "Hmmm, right here. Is that what you want?" He brushed over it again.
She moaned and nodded.
"Well?" He rubbed past her clit and she whimpered. "Is it?"
"Yes! Oh God, yes, Natsu!"
He pressed his lips to the glistening folds, tongue sweeping up her slit slowly and circling her clit. She was sweet and salty and he wanted more. He pushed harder with tongue, entering her shallowly. She cried out, hands back on his head and pulling him to her. His lips circled her clit, suckling and nibbling gently. He brought his fingers to her opening and pressed one in, the digit immersed to the knuckle. She screamed, her thighs tightening around his head. He entered a second finger.
She was tight. His cock throbbed and he groaned. It was becoming painful but he was not done with her yet.
He started to slowly pump his fingers in and out of her moist opening while sucking her clit relentlessly. She was starting to thrash as he sped up. She came, calling out his name, the juice that flowed from her center thickening and he ran his tongue up and down her again.
She was panting as he climbed up, his cock solid and unable to wait any longer. He looked at her, a silent request for her approval after the orgasm she just had. She pressed her hips up, his member connecting with her folds.
He growled and entered her, sheathing his entire cock in her velvety center. "Lucy…" He moaned, relishing in the feel of her tightness. She was practically choking him and it felt incredible. He leaned down and kissed her.
He started to thrust into her, pulling his cock out to the tip and then ramming back into her. He loved hearing her moan his name, letting him know that she was his, that he claimed her, that they were mates.
He started to pump faster and soon her hips began rolling with his, finding their rhythm. They were grunting and panting, moaning each other's names.
Sweat coated their bodies as the ramming became more erratic, more desperate for release. He could feel her walls tightening around him and he could feel his orgasm readying. Not until she came again.
He thrust harder, the sound of their skin slapping echoing with their moans. She was screaming his name like it was her mantra and he was growling and grunting at her like a savage beast. She squeezed him, her nails scratching down his back and she screamed out his name in one final cry. He kept pumping into her, his release nearing. "Lucy!" He yelled out, spilling into her as her tightened walls kept pulling him deeper, accepting his seed greedily.
He collapsed and she held him close. They were breathless and exhausted, their muscles aching from their intense lovemaking.
"I love you." He said, mouth nibbling at her ear.
"I love you too." She breathed out. "But you're really heavy."
He rolled over, grinning. "Sorry, you're just so comfortable to lay on." He poked her bare breast.
She hit him playfully and chastised him. "Stop that!"
He hmphed and crossed his arms. "Not too long ago, you wanted me all over those."
She giggled as she curled into his side, his arm lacing around her and pulling her closer. "Goodnight, Luce."
She hummed lightly, elated and glowing from her recent ecstasy. "Goodnight."
The next morning they went to the guild, hand in hand. They took a seat at one of the booths in the corner of the mess hall.
Mira greeted them at their table, ready to take their order. "Good morning, you two! How was your date last night?"
"Incredible." Lucy breathed.
Mira gave them a knowing wink. "Oh, I bet it was." Natsu blushed and the barmaid giggled.
They ordered breakfast and ate quietly. Lucy was the first to speak. "I can't believe it's been three months already." He looked at her questioningly. "Since you first kissed me and asked me to be your girlfriend, you knucklehead!" She laughed.
"Has it really already been that long? Does time fly or what!"
She smiled with a nod. "Good thing you finally spoke up. I had been waiting for so long." There was a far off look in her eyes for a moment before they focused back on him. "Would you like to go star gazing tonight?"
This was part of the relationship agreement, he supposed. He had to do these boring things that required zero of his expertise in blowing things up. But that was also what was pleasant about them. When had he turned into such a sap? He guessed somewhere between now and three months ago.
"Sure! Sounds great!"
Gray abruptly flew out of nowhere, kicking the dragon slayer in the face and knocking him out of the booth.
"What the hell was that for?" Natsu yelled from across the hall.
"For that smug look you had on your face, flame brain!"
"What's that even supposed to mean?" Natsu yelled as he stomped over to the ice mage.
He held his arms out. "You want to go?"
Natsu growled in rage, flames igniting from his fists. "Let's go, ice princess!" He drew his arm back and punched Gray square in the face, sending the mage flying back and knocking him out in one hit. Natsu huffed, steam puffing out of his nose. He turned to Lucy and held his hand out. "C'mon, Luce. Let's get out of here."
"I'm impressed. You took him out in one hit." She beamed, head tilting.
He shrugged, not thinking much of it.
They spent the day shopping, Natsu reluctantly but wanting to make Lucy happy. After filling the cabin with more food and more of Lucy's clothes and more decorative furnishings, they packed for a late night picnic.
They found a clearing on a high hill not far from Magnolia and laid a blanket out for them to sit on. They snacked and talked as the sun set lower and stars grew brighter.
Natsu wrapped his scarf around Lucy's neck and pulled her close, the temperature rapidly dropping.
They looked at the stars in silence for some time.
Natsu finally asked. "Which ones belong to your spirits?"
She sat at, looking at him. "Pardon?"
He motioned to her keys at her hip. "Your keys. Which stars are for your spirits?"
She hesitated, turning to look at the sky. "Uh, well…" She put her finger to her mouth, thinking.
"C'mon, Lucy." He sat up too. "I know I don't know these things but you should. You're so smart and your spirits are so important to you. Don't you know which constellations are which?"
She cleared her throat. "I think that's enough star gazing for one night, don't you? I guess it's kind of boring really." Her words were swift and anxious. She stood, starting to gather her things together.
He blinked at her, bewildered. "What did you just say?"
"Nothing, just drop it. Let's go."
He climbed to his feet and grabbed her wrist. "What's gotten into you all of a sudden?"
She jerked from his grip. "Nothing. Now let's go."
"Luce."
"We really should head back. Happy is probably wondering where we are."
"Lucy!"
She turned to him, face bright and eyes harsh.
"What's wrong with you?"
"I already said that nothing is wrong. So can we go now? These stars are boring."
He reeled. Lucy would never say that. Why was she so anxious suddenly? He could practically feel her heartbeat from where he was standing. Lucy knew where the constellations were. She had shown him before. He never remembered – there were so many different clusters and always so many stars in the sky. He would never be able to remember those things. So what was wrong with her? Why did she not remember? And why the hell was she so damn defensive? He knew Lucy well and he knew that this was not how she would react.
He snatched her wrist again as she started to turn away and he brought her eyes back to meet his. "Natsu, let go." She tried to shake free but he tightened his grip. "Natsu, stop. You're hurting me."
"I know Lucy. I know how much she cares about, how much she loves her spirits. And I know how much she knows about, well…about a lot of stuff." He motioned upwards. "But especially about the stars. Lucy would never call them boring. In fact, she would probably kick me for forgetting, again, about the constellations." He did not waver; his gaze was harsh and unrelenting on her. "So who are you?"
"Natsu, what are you talking about?" She shrieked, trying to struggle free. "Stop it, will you! I'm Lucy! Stop being crazy!"
"Who are you?" He shouted this time, causing her to shrink back in his hold.
She sobbed. "You're scaring me…"
"Lucy knows I would never hurt her." He let go of the rough hold he had on her wrist. "What have you done with her?" His voice was dangerous and threatening. "If you hurt her in any way, I swear, I will burn y—"
"You couldn't just let it go, could you?" The imposter stood up, dusting at her rear. "We could have stayed like this, you know. Peaceful, content…" She sighed, closing her eyes. "Life would have been perfect. You could have everything you ever wanted."
She pointed past him and he turned around. His eyes widened at the sight. A giant red dragon flew above him, fire searing the emptiness around him. "Dad…" Natsu whispered. "Dad!" He started to run to him but suddenly he disappeared. He halted and then whipped around. "What did you do? What did you do with my dad?" He shouted furiously.
"If you stay here, you can be reunited with him. You can live happily with Lucy. No one would ever hurt anyone in the guild. You could defeat Erza, Laxus. Gildarts too. Fairy Tail would be the strongest. You would be the strongest." She laughed lightly. "Even the Rune Knights would leave you alone and you'd never have to pay for anything broken to be repaired. You could have everything. Life would be perfect."
"What are you talking about? What does any of that even mean?" Natsu was aggravated and his last lines of patience were quickly waning. "Who are you? What do you want?"
"I want what you want." She said simply.
Natsu had no words. He was confused and his head was spinning. What was going on?
Igneel appeared beside the impostor Lucy. "My son." His voice bellowed. "Every happiness in your life can be granted here. But only if you stay."
The fake Lucy walked up to him and kissed him. He did not return the action. He stood silent and dumbfounded. She pulled away. "Isn't this what you want?"
"I want Lucy."
"I am Lucy."
He shook his head. "No. You're not."
She smiled, her hand on his face. "I could be her for you."
Natsu shoved her. "But you're not her! You're not Lucy! You're not my Lucy!"
She frowned, "this can be your life." She stretched her arm out, the guild appearing around them, Igneel again gone. "Perfection can be your life." Everyone surrounded them, sad smiles on all their faces. Who were these people? Where was his guild? Where was his Lucy? "Your deepest wishes can be your life." She whispered. "Everything can come right to you. It doesn't matter what it is. It's yours."
Natsu shook, hand moving to his head. "N-no…" He whispered. "No. I don't want this."
An imitator of Erza stepped forward. "You do. Everyone wants this."
He collapsed, clutching desperately to his head at the voices coaxing him to stay. "No! No, stay out of my head!"
"C'mon, flame brain. It's good here. Everyone is happy." It was Gray.
"We can be your new home. Don't you want that?" Wendy smiled at him.
A fake Happy flew towards him. "We can be happy and we can catch big fish everyday!"
Lucy stepped forward, kneeling before him. "See? Everyone here cares about you. Isn't that enough?" She pulled him to her chest, nuzzling her cheek to his head. "We will live peacefully here. Together."
"Together…with Lucy." He muttered, his mind racing. His whole body shook.
"That's right. With me." She said, humming to him as she rocked him lightly, trying to soothe him.
He pushed her away and jumped up. Flames surrounded his body, crackling with lightning. "No way am I staying here with you! You aren't my true comrades. I don't want to live in a world where they aren't!" He braced for his attack. "Roar of the.."
Lucy stood up frantically, eyes wide and lunging at him. "No! Don't do it!"
"Lightning Flame Dragon!"
"No!"
The attack let loose a massive shockwave, blowing everyone in the guild back. A crater formed beneath him, the attack directed to the ceiling above. He was not sure where he was but he sure as hell was not sticking around to find out.
He continued his roar, gaining more momentum with his desperation to escape.
"Stop! You'll break the wall!"
The fake Lucy only spurred him on. Every last ounce of magic he put into this attack and with a final burst of energy, the world shattered and he plummeted.
Natsu coughed and sputtered, choking on whatever was obstructing his airway. The erratic beeping next to him was deafening to sensitive ears. His clogged nose was overwhelmed by the acidic stench of sterility. His vision tried to acclimate to the darkness the cloaked him but he was struggling to make out the shapes. He tried to sit up but the muscles in his body protested, defiantly exhausted and miserably rigid.
Where was Lucy? Was she okay?
A light appeared to his left. He knew it was dim but the sudden illumination was blinding and he needed to scrunch his entire face to alleviate the sudden burn of his keen eyes.
"Mister Dragneel!"
An unfamiliar woman was at his side, shouting unfamiliar words that he had no interest in attempting to decipher. He felt tiny, prickling pulls across his skin, similar to when Happy would knead on his person in his sleep. He wanted to scratch at the itches they produced but he could not move.
There was four medical staff around him. He would grimace if his face could move properly with whatever thing they had shoved down his throat.
Carefully, one of the nurses pulled the cannula out, slithering slowly up his throat and causing him to gag and groan in discomfort. They secured a mask around his face, granting him more precious oxygen that his lungs could not work adequately to receive.
Where was she? And dammit, why could he barely move?
He knew what he had been trying to say, what he had wanted to say. But the only thing that came out of his parched throat was an intelligible rasp of the sentence "Where's Lucy?"
"Mister Dragneel, please don't strain yourself. Your body needs time to readjust to activity."
Readjust? What was that even supposed to mean. Just earlier today he was wailing on that crazy lady with the weirdo magic. Or was it yesterday now? It was dark so he surmised it was night so it had to have been yesterday.
"Son," the man caught his attention, "my name is Doctor Wells. I've been taking care of you while you were unconscious."
Yeah, yeah. I've been out for a few hours. What's your point? Natsu stared, blank faced and unable to verbally respond. These people needed to hurry up. He needed to check on Lucy. Was she okay? Did she get hurt? He started to shuffle but the first nurse who came in his room stopped him with a palm on his shoulder.
"Your body is still very weak. You've been comatose for three months."
His eyes widened and he could not help it. His voice was gravelly and unfamiliar even to his ears as he semi-shouted the only word that he could presently think to use to sufficiently depict his utter bafflement. "What?"
