..chapter 7..
Lucy looked out the window of her apartment, the sky covered by the clouds with a chill breeze passing through. Erza was returning back to Fairy Tail today and today was the celebration of her 500th completed quest. However, an odd thing occurred, she hasn't contacted Mira yet about it being completed, nor informed her of coming back.
Lucy turned around and stared at her quiet, empty apartment. Sliding down onto her bed, she thought back on about last night, unable to process it completely yet. She finally admitted her feelings to Natsu and was entirely stunned that he felt the same way. Her eyes drooped slightly, smiling like a little girl once again. Her fleeting dream of being with someone finally was coming alive. Most especially, her best friend, someone who knew her inside and out. Closing her eyes, she thought back on how he held her all night, just sleeping peacefully. At first she tried arguing about it, but realized there was just no point in shoving him away. What else was there to be ashamed about? Her face tinted pink immensely realizing what could also possibly happen in the near future. Slapping herself slightly, she pulled herself out of bed and got ready for the party.
People were chattering left and right, a small commotion was held in the guild of Fairy Tail. Mira was running back and forth placing the cakes neatly onto the tables. Lisanna, her sister, helped as well. Gray and Juvia were already out to the train station to look for the Scarlet mage and Jellal was still preparing himself at home. The guild master eyed his guild from above, sipping from his worn-out mug and smiling at the chaotic sight. Erza informed him only about her return, wanting to give her friends a surprise. Mira came to him a few times because she was worried, but he shrugged her off and insisted that Erza will be fine. Dangling his short legs off the balcony, he watched as the blonde celestial mage walked in.
...
"Wow, this place changed so much in such a short time" Lucy spoke quietly to herself. A sudden small voice mumbled from behind.
"We're doing our absolute best for Miss Scarlet" The small blue-haired dragonslayer spoke. The celestial mage smiled as she eyed the cakes covering almost all the tables.
"I'm sure even before she does a speech, she'll be taking those cakes home"
"Its too much for one p-person..." Wendy paled from the ridiculous idea, "Isn't it?"
Lucy laughed and shook her head in disbelief, "For us, yeah, but for Erza, I'm not too sure"
A hand touches Lucy's shoulder, making the girl jump from the sudden, unnoticed presence. She whips her head around, wide-eyed as she saw her pink-haired dragonslayer. He waves at her smiling before swinging an arm over her shoulder.
"Yo!" he widely grins at her and looks at the festive guild hall, "When's it time to dig in?" looking around curiously.
Wendy's eye caught his fingers twirling the loose ends of Lucy's hair and it seems she doesn't even care or notice.
The celestial mage frowns, "After Erza gets her fill, this is her party, not yours Natsu" He turns to her, slightly pouting.
"I never even got a chance to eat anything yet!" groaning as he moved over to sit at an empty table. Wendy ran over to finish helping the Strauss sisters but took one last look at the two that were now sitting together. However, Lucy still sat across from him, shaking her head slightly, she turned back around to see Happy with Charle yet again.
"Hello there, Happy" the dragonslayer spoke. Charle looked to Wendy then back to Happy.
"Hi Wendy!" the cat spoke with fish already stuffed into his mouth. Tail wagging happily being able to sit by his favorite cat. Wendy looked to Charle for only a moment and the white cat nodded.
"I'll be back in a moment Happy" Charle moved away quickly, leaving the dragonslayer alone with the devilish blue cat.
Normally, the girl doesn't pry, but shes been awfully curious lately, especially since no one made the effort to ask if those two were ever official. She knew Gray and Juvia were an item and Levy finally married Gajeel. She was only slightly jealous, only because she had to wait a few more years before she can even consider dating. The thought of it now made her face blush slightly, which caught Happy's attention.
"What's wrong Wendy?" the cat looked up at her curiously with his big round eyes.
"I-I'm just wondering, are those two..." eyeing the table near the doors. Happy stretched his neck to see where she was looking, "are those two together finally?"
Happy noticed Lucy looking relaxed and smiling as she talked to the pink-headed dragonslayer. He was leaning back slightly, arms folded across his chest but he was smiling as well. That's not what has his attention though, underneath the table, despite the barrels in between tables, he caught them brushing their legs against another briefly. The cat grinned and looked back to Wendy.
"Why wouldn't they be?" stuffing the last bit of fish in his mouth, "Tell Charle I'll be right back!" the cat flew off towards his best friend. Wendy sat by the bar stool briefly when Charle popped up beside her.
"Did you get the answer you're looking for?"
The small dragonslayer watched as Happy sat on the table in front of Natsu, "I-I think I'm going to find out now from the looks of things"
...
"So after the party is over, we're going to Crocus?" Lucy asked as she sipped her drink.
"Yeah, the mission was posted yesterday and since you're finally done with the cooking, figured we can head out after the party" he caught Happy flying in between them and plopped onto the table. A sudden noise sounded from the table being bumped and Happy looked around curiously. He knew though, he just wanted to see their reactions, he was absolutely not letting this one slide. Lucy cleared her throat as she batted her eyelashes quickly before averting her gaze. Natsu sighed and looked down at the blue cat.
"What's up Happy?"
"So is Lucy coming on the mission?" even though she was right behind him, he was going to set up a small little plan of his own.
"Yep!" grinning ear to ear.
Happy turned around to see a somewhat flushed expression lingering on her face, "Y-yeah, I'm going. We're leaving after the party Happy" grimacing. Happy stood up and looked up at her curiously, tail wagging excitedly. Natsu raised an eyebrow as he watched. Knowing what that tail wag meant, it wasn't going to be good, for either of them.
"Lucy, what're you embarrassed about? It's just a mission! You and Natsu have to go undercover and pose as a couple in Crocus, easy right? Once we get the thief it'll be all over" The cat sat down in front of her and Lucy's face changed to a brighter shade of red.
Natsu put his head down on the table, eyeing her warily, wondering if the cat is making her uncomfortable. Lucy swallowed heavily and a smile escaped that looked too much of a nervous grimace instead.
"Exactly, easy work and pays a lot, nothing to worry about especially since my rent is due next week" Happy turned his head around slightly back, to see the sheepish look on Natsu's face.
"So you guys are practicing to be a couple before the mission starts?" stifling back a laugh, placing both paws over his mouth, "I didn't mean to interrupt you guys, i had to be sure Lucy would be the one coming"
Lucy nearly jumped out of her seat and glowered down at Happy, "What do you mean by practicing? We aren't-"
"But i saw you guys playing footsie's!" Happy flew up in the air, speaking purposely a bit too loudly.
The guild fell silent and all heads turned to them. Lucy's face went into a dark crimson while Natsu just buried his face into his arms that was over the table.
"H-Happy..." the embarrassed girl mumbled under her breath, feeling the holes burn into her back. She knew, the moment she turns around, she'll see the laughs and snickers on everyone's faces. How long Levy tried to get Lucy to go on a date but failed because she was going to hold out for Natsu until she lost the will to wait.
"Well if you're not practicing, are you guys finally together then?" still snickering under his paws. Lucy couldn't even say anything, because it was true, they were together but, to admit it in front of everyone. She turned around slightly, and was slightly shocked to see everyone looking at her curiously. They've been asking about her and Natsu for awhile but she always denied it. Before she could speak though, Happy looked down to see Natsu already behind her and hugged her from behind. Leaning his head onto her shoulder, he looked at everyone seriously, speaking in a somewhat low tone.
"We're together, what about it, Happy?" Happy squealed and flew in circles around them two.
"About time! Three cheers for the dense couple!"
Suddenly hearing cheers and finally's thrown in between, Lucy turned to look at Happy who flew onto Natsu's head.
"I wanted to keep that bit to ourselves for just a little while" she mumbled, feeling Natsu pull her back to the chair and sat beside her. Their hands interlocked under the table and he gave her a light squeeze.
"Cat's out of the bag now, but that's one less worry for you, isn't it?" he laughed lightly and Happy flew back to Charle.
"I guess so" smiling up to him. Her eyes fell slightly. In honesty, she felt a whole lot better, finally relaxed. Lucy was panicking on whether or not to tell everyone, figuring why would they care but, obviously they did if they kept poking on her about it. They all seemed to be glad they finally were official. She smiled even brighter at the thought. Not caring about who saw anymore, she leaned onto his shoulder and closed her eyes. The heat he gave off was warm yet comfortable. She couldn't help but snuggle into him during the cold night-outs during winter. However now, she didn't have to feel embarrassed, she for once, felt free to do as she pleases. She felt a hand brushing the side of her shoulder and Lucy opened her eyes to see Natsu looking down at her gently.
"Tired?" he spoke and then leaned one elbow onto the table, looking out the one window in front of them.
"No, just happy" tucking her arm under his to snuggle further.
"Not embarrassed anymore?"
"Nope" she said quietly and closed her eyes again, "I don't have a reason to be...u-unless" moving away slightly, "if i'm annoying you any..." looking slightly flustered and turned her head away,
Natsu chuckled slightly and pulled her back closer to him, "Nah, I'm fine Luce. Just needed to make sure" she looked at him smiling. She can see his bright green eyes twinkling from the little bit of sun that shined through the windows. It seems the skies were finally clearing up.
He leaned his head down slightly, touching her forehead with his as he spoke in a lower, quieter tone, "I won't do anything that makes you uncomfortable, got it?" he felt her nodding her head until he lifted her chin up slightly. Her face was only slightly tinted with pink but the look she had, made his heart beat a little faster.. She had the faintest smile lingering and the softest gaze peering up at him. Closing his eyes slowly, he leaned in towards her. Right before he could kiss her, the doors slammed open.
Gray was holding hands with Juvia as they walked in. The guild fell quiet again as they also saw Erza and Jellal walking in together. A few people cheered out suddenly saying congratulations but fell silent when they saw Erza dropping her bags and walked straight to the table in front of her. She sat down and looked at the cake in front of her. The guild master walked up beside them and looks to Gray for some indication but all the ice mage does was point his eyes towards Jellal. Juvia squealed slightly and pulled Gray to another table.
Makarov moved to sit on the bench and Jellal sat next to Erza quietly. Lucy watched the scene, feeling slightly confused. There's hundreds of cakes around the tables, Jellal is present with her and yet...
"Is something wrong Miss Scarlet?" the guild master mumbled to her quietly.
Erza looked at him slightly and shook her head, "I..."
Jellal sighed and handed Makarov a slip of paper. The guild master opened it up and raised an eyebrow, "You..."
"I failed" she mumbled almost inaudibly.
"Mistakes do happen, Erza. People make mistakes, it's a part of life"
"But you guys went through all this trouble...i can't accept this..." Placing both of her hands, onto her face, covering her eyes. Lucy moved away from Natsu and walked towards Erza.
"Erza...what happened?"
The scarlet mage turned to her slightly, "It was suppose to be the grandest night at the theater the other day and yet i..."
Natsu moved over and stood behind Erza, without warning he suddenly slaps her back, flinching the woman to sit upwards. Everyone's face paled and went into complete silence from that sudden bold move.
"Why are you so down about it? So you failed one mission out of how many? It's not the end of the world, instead of feeling down, you get back up and do twice the amount of effort next time" huffing slightly as he folded his arms. Erza looked at him feeling slightly appalled, completely ignoring the fact he slapped her, "The Erza i know wouldn't let something this small get the better of her. Instead she'll give them hell the next time she comes across it" grinning slightly and remembering what happened the last time someone beat her just once. It basically never happened again, even he knew now not to duel her anymore, despite being friends, she was relentless with comebacks.
Erza smiled and felt Lucy patting her shoulder, "He's right you know, as hard as it is to believe"
"...hey" he frowned as he looked down to her.
Lucy smiled up at him and spoke again, "When something gets in your way, you beat it down until there's nothing left of it, right Erza?" the scarlet mage nodded.
"Yeah, you're right. Thanks guys" Jellal cleared his throat and their eyes went to him.
"If you're worried about that 500th mission being valid, how about i give you one, Miss Scarlet?" smiling towards her warmly.
"You have a mission for me, Jellal?" Erza looked to him curiously and he leaned in towards her. He lowered his voice slightly and slipped a box into her hand.
"Yes, i have a mission for you and only you" The scarlet mage looked at the box in her hand and Lucy nearly squealed. Pulling Natsu aside, she watched from her bench as Natsu huffed slightly but slid his arm around her waist again.
Erza opened the box and gasped. Her face nearly matched her hair and became a complete loss for words, "Will you Marry me, Miss Scarlet?"
"I-I..." completely flustered, Jellal couldn't help but smile at her. Knowing how she was probably going to react, he slipped the ring out of the box and held it between his fingers.
"It's a very difficult mission, you'll never know whats going to happen" he tilted his head slightly and his smile turning into a slightly devilish grin. Erza's face went into a deeper crimson, not realizing she had an entire audience. Forgetting that fact, she nodded her head.
"Y-yes..." she spoke barely above a whisper, trying her best to recompose her self, "Yes, i do"
Everyone nearly screamed and congratulated them with an uproar. Makarov smiled at them warmly as the two suddenly went into a tight embrace. Drinks were being passed around and the party finally started.
"I can't believe they're getting married, I'm so happy for them!" Lucy squealed, swinging her legs slightly. Natsu eyed the two across carefully and slightly huffed.
"What's there to be so worked up about, though?"
"Its a union between two people Natsu! People get married because they want to celebrate being together, to tell the world to back off and that they belong to each other" She started huffing to herself slightly until Natsu pulled her closer to him. Lucy didn't bother looking up, she kept her eyes on the engaged couple, feeling slightly upset that she'd probably never have a wedding of her own.
"I'm sorry..." he whispered over to her.
"It's fine, everyone is different i suppose"
"I mean, why get excited over them? Yeah, they're our guild mates and friends but, You'll need all that excitement for when it's your turn"
Lucy froze and peeled her eyes away to look at him, "What...?" her eyes grew wide to see Natsu smirking down to her.
"Maybe one day, Luce and it'll be better than any wedding you've ever seen before"
Lucy choked back a sob and threw both her arms around his neck, "I can't believe I'm hearing that from you, You're really something..."
Natsu buried his face into her hair and laughed, "Only for you Lucy" she sniffled, eyes slightly puffy. He frowns and brushes his thumb under her eyes.
"What's wrong?" she whispered. He didn't say anything and leaned in closer to her, "Natsu..?"
"You have something there..." before Lucy can answer, he pressed his lips onto hers lightly and she was immediately silenced.
It didn't take long for the crowd to notice though, keeping up the noise in the background.
...
"So they've finally admitted it while i wasn't looking?" Erza folded her arms before turning away to look at her Fiance.
"It was quite the troubling deed to complete" he mumbled quietly.
"What'd you do this time?" sitting down at the table full of strawberry cakes.
"Nothing, much. Something i know I'll never do again" sitting beside her.
"Quite the match maker aren't you?" she smiled to him gently.
He brushed her hair back slightly behind her shoulder, "I wouldn't say that"
"It's what you did, didn't you? Don't lie to me.." pointing a fork at him accusingly.
"Well, i merely dropped a few hints and spoke to both of them, but they did all the work themselves. It's what makes a relationship whole, you go through your feelings, sort them out and you do all of it together, do you not?" he smiled towards her, then leans in closer to her, "You gave me quite the run around for awhile yourself.
"As if you haven't, I'm still curious as to why you said you had a fiance when you clearly haven't..." eyeing him menacingly.
"You're right, I'm sorry, i just had you in mind at the time" Raising his hands up in defeat.
"w-what...you thought about it since..."
He nodded and watched as her face turned into a bright crimson again, "I've always loved you, Erza" he said sincerely.
Erza smiled and sobbed quietly, "M-me too..." Jellal hugged her tightly while Makarov moved onto the stage across the guild hall.
"Ahem!" he announced through the mic. The guild fell quiet and turned all their attention towards him, "As you all may know, today is a remarkable day to celebrate. Not because of Erza's amazing efforts and contribution for this guild, but a union that follows it. Congratulations to the new soon to be, married couple, Erza and Jellal" bowing to them slightly as he clapped, "...further more, I'd like to wish you all an amazing night, have fun!" Everyone cheered loudly as he moved off the stage. Mira looked down to him curiously.
"Have you seen Natsu and Lucy? I wanted to thank her for helping me with the baking..." pouting slightly. Makarov laughed lightly.
"They left before i made the announcement. I saw them leaving as i walked up on the stage" moving over towards the bar counter.
"Why so early, the party only just started" huffing slightly and moved towards the tray full of drinks.
"I wouldn't worry about them so much Mira. They have a mission to do tomorrow so I'm sure they got to prepare for an early start"
"But that mission isn't until the next day, they don't need to leave until tomorrow morning"
Happy flew over to the counter and smiled towards the white-haired girl, "Two drinks please! One with fish and other with berries for Wendy!"
Makarov looked at the flying cat, "Not with Natsu, Happy?"
Happy shook his head, "No, Natsu told me to have fun, so I am!"
Mira looked at the cat accusingly, "And he took Lucy with him?"
The blue cat snickered, "Okay okay, so he told me not to tell anyone"
Mira grabbed the cat by the tail, "Spill it"
"AYE! Natsu wanted to be alone with Lucy before the mission tomorrow!" she dropped the cat and squealed.
"Oh my goodness, such young love!" dancing on her heels. Makarov laughed and Happy paled.
"You didn't hear nothing from me!" and he flew off.
"I have my own way of finding out things" Mira chimed and hummed.
"Well, don't get yourself in too much trouble Mira" hopping off the counter to head back into his office with a newly filled mug. She laughed and returned to her work.
Lucy laughed as she continued to be chased down by Natsu. They ran through the park as the sun was beginning to set.
"Come on Luce! Just once!"
"No way!" she laughed, hiding behind the tree. She knew it was pointless to continue running from him, with all the energy he has, shell burn out way before him. Hiding was also pointless due to the fact he can still find her, eyes closed.
"Just once!"
"No!" she stayed put and noticed they were at the far end of the park. It was quiet and she stared at the setting sun in the distance. The sky already had its stars peeking through and the colors around them made it all the more beautiful. Forgetting herself, she jumped when she saw Natsu standing in front of her. Gulping slightly, he backed her up into the tree entirely, caging her between his arms.
"Can't run now Lucy"
"Doesn't mean I'll do it"
He leaned forward towards her neck and whispered, "please?"
She felt her face warming and her breathing picked up, "But why?..."
"We'll if we're going to do this mission, we have to do it right"
"F-Fine..." she stammered.
Grinning widely, "Alright, Let me hear it"
"B-But..." His eyes narrowed and moved closer to her face. His warm breath tickled her slightly and she shuddered, sighing, "M-my name is..."
"What're you so nervous about?" he mumbled, "It'll be true one day though right?"
Her eyes widened and huffed slightly, "My name is Lucy Dragneel"
"See now was that so hard?" he laughed.
"And you say I'm weird..."
"No one can be weirder than you Luce, Especially since you're stumbling over a simple sentence"
She folded her arms tightly and looked away, "I still don't see why we have to pose as a couple when we are one" she mumbled.
"But they don't know that" he leaned his head onto her and she finally relaxed.
"Lets go home" she tried to move away, "we have to get up early in the morning" He didn't move away and instead, he wrapped his arms around her. Lucy stopped moving and moved her arm around his.
"I really like you Lucy" he whispered quietly. Not feeling embarrassed any more, she smiled and nuzzled her head into him.
"I like you too, Natsu"
The sun shined on them, casting a shadow over the grass.
The wind blew by them gently making the tree leaves move slightly over the shadow.
Creating a small heart on the ground, they stayed there for awhile, in each others arms, living in that moment, of a world of just them and no one else.
AN: Isn't that the cutest? maybe? no? idk XD i liked it, and you all probably thought the wrong thing with Happy and Mira! XD maybe? anyway, i hope you all enjoyed the story, i tried a little bit and more stories will come in the future. Thank you all so much for the support and sticking with it until the end :3
Sincerely, RosarioSecrets
