Hallo! Wie geht es Ihnen?

Hope y'all have been doing great! I finally am done with the semester and finished most of my projects! Which means I'll get to refocus on getting more chapters up more often- yay!

Anywho- I hope you enjoyed the last chapter and I hope you had some lingering questions/doubts. I really enjoy cliff hangers :D

Hiro Mashima is the creator, destroyer, and all things in between when it comes to Fairytail.

...

Chapter 7: You Coming Lucy?

Lucy POV

"Lucy? Lucy?"

...

"Lucy! Can you hear me? Something isn't right."

... huh?...

"I don't know what it is- but be careful."

What? Who's... Voice?

"I sense a darkness. Watch over yourself and Natsu. Remember..."

Voice! What do you mean?!

"Blood magic runs deep."

...

I let out a gasp and bolted straight up, the covers falling from me as morning sun filtered into my room. My heart was pumping and I felt clammy all over. My mind tried to grasp at the rapidly disappearing nightmare that had shocked me awake.

Remember... remember... remember...

It was right on the edge of my mind.

Remember... remember- deep?

I tried to grasp the thought one last time but... it disappeared.

It was gone and all I had left was a terrible feeling of foreboding.

I shivered... and finally realized that I was completely naked!

Last night's events come back in a flash and I felt a warmness surge throughout my body.

I smiled.

Natsu and I. Me and Natsu. Dragneel and Heartfillia. Dragon and Spirit. Fire and-

I stopped daydreaming and looked around.

... Where the heck IS Natsu?!

I'd realized that the Dragon-Slayer was not in bed- in fact I couldn't see him anywhere!

What the?!

I tore the blankets off and rushed to my closet, retrieving my old blue bathrobe and quickly wrapped it around me, tying the belt securely at my waist. I rushed out my bedroom and it wasn't until halfway down the stairs that I smelled... bacon?

Huh?

I stopped my frantic pace and took a deep whiff.

Yup- definitely bacon

Cautiously, I walked down the rest of the staircase. As I neared the bottom, I could hear a sizzling sound and my toaster giving off a loud 'POP'. My kitchen came into view, and I almost sat down in astonishment.

Natsu was at my stove. Wearing his boxer shorts AND my pink-frilly apron. Cooking bacon. While whistling.

Holy celestial spirits above...

I descended the last step and my floorboards let out a gentle 'creeek'.

His head lifted from his task and when he saw me, he gave me the biggest grin, "Morning sleepyhead! I thought you were never gonna wake up!"

"Natsu..." I gestured at the scene before me, "What are you..."

"What does it look like? I'm making breakfast! I hope ya don't mind- I found the bacon and eggs in your fridge and decided to use them. Sorry I didn't ask for permission." He pointed towards the table where I saw two plates, a fried eggs resting on each, "I remember you said you like your egg soft so the one on the left is yours. I still don't get why you don't cook it longer. It doesn't have any taste unless its got a little black on it!"

"I prefer not to have charcoal mouth the rest of the day, thank you," I replied automatically as I still tried to take in everything that was happening.

Natsu making me breakfast... what the heck!

"Luce, sit down! It's just about ready!" He grinned, "The bacons all done- now we just have to wait for the toast! But we can get started without that! Come and eat!" He brought over the crisped bacon and put a few on each of our plates (his held much more then mine).

He sat, and patted the chair next to him, "It will get cold if you just stare at it."

I woodenly walked over and sat down, glancing from him to the food and back.

What's going on?

Natsu raised an eyebrow, "Is it THAT strange for me to cook breakfast? Geeze Luce- you look more taken aback by me whipping up some food then you did last night when we had sex." He casually took a large bite of bacon.

I opened my mouth in astonishment.

Natsu Dragneel!

"Natsu Dragneel!" I sputtered out my thought, "Don't say things like that at the breakfast table!"

He rolled his eyes, "Now you sound like Carla. What's the big deal?"

"Civilized people do not talk about their, uh, private lives where anyone could hear!" I could feel my cheeks starting to turn a deep red.

He looked around at my very empty apartment, "Who's here to listen? Beside, did I say something untrue? Isn't it true that you and I 'did the dirty deed'?!" He gave me a toothy grin.

I punched him, "Natsu! Stop!"

"Lucy! No one's here!" He rolled his eyes at my panicked look. He stood up, took a deep breath-

"Natsu!" I grabbed his arm and tried to pull him back down, but to no avail.

"LUCY AND I HAD HOT-PASSIONATE SEX LAST NIGHT!" He yelled at the top of his lungs, "AND IT WAS THE BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE! I CAN'T WAIT TIL WE DO IT AGAIN!"

I looked up at him in horror as he grinned down at me, "See Lucy. Nobody is here to listen- which also means..." he leaned down and whispered in my ear, "Nobody's here to watch either." Natsu started to slip my robe off my shoulder, but I pushed him away, finally giggling at his outrageous behavior.

"Alright! That's enough! I understand... I've just never thought you would have the patience to cook anything without eating it before it was finished." I smiled down at my food, grabbing my fork, "It looks great- thank you." I started to eat.

"Lucy- I've been waiting years to tell you know how I feel. Believe me- I can be as patient as a situation requires." He leaned forward and gently kissed my forehead, "But what they say is true- patience pays off in the end."

I giggled, then planted a light kiss on his chin, "It certainly does," I looked up at his dark onyx eyes, "Thanks for waiting."

"Thanks for coming around," He replied.

I felt butterflies in my stomach as I stared at his deep onyx eyes.

Eyes which are staring right back...

Soon our gazes went from sweet... to fiery.

His joking face turned serious and he started to lean down.

I could feel that now familiar heat start to flood my systems once again, and I started to rise to meet him.

Breakfast can wait- can't it?

Our lips were only moments apart- when suddenly the toaster went off with loud 'POP'!

Natsu and I jumped, startled by the unexpected noise, then turned and looked at each other,

And laughed.

I quickly leaned back, letting out a breath that I hadn't realized I'd been holding, "Haha..."

"Damn toast." Natsu growled playfully, pushing his chair back to go retrieve the crisped bread.

I chuckled, "It's probably better... we need to eat and go tell everyone you're okay! Especially Happy!"

He sighed, "I know... I was just hopin' we'd get a little more time to ourselves before all that," he looked over at me with big puppy eyes.

I just shook my head, "Everyone has been so worried! It wouldn't be fair to hog you all to myself!"

He returned to the table and placed the toast down on each of our plates, "Yeah- but still. I wish you weren't always so fair all the time!"

I picked up my fork at pointed it at him, "HEY! I can be super selfish! Just you wait and see!" I gave him a sly wink and his expression brightened.

"Counting on it." He flicked my nose lightly, "Now let's eat! I'm starving!" He dove into his breakfast, devouring it so quickly it would be gone in only a matter of minutes.

I could only smile.

There's my Natsu...

...

After breakfast, we decided that we both should take showers and get ready before we left to see everyone.

"I mean I haven't showered in weeks!" Natsu laughed, "Even I think I need it!"

At that point he tried to convince me to join him, which I adamantly refused, stating that we couldn't get distracted- people had to know he'd woken out of his coma! Natsu pouted, but finally got ready and left me in peace. I also decided to shower and went downstairs to use the guest bathroom, locking the door.

Just in case that frisky dragon gets any ideas

I stood under the shower head for a long time, replaying everything that happened and how much my life had changed in the last 24 hours.

I'd gone from despair to passion in such a short amount of time, it almost felt like a dream.

Which turned my thoughts back to the mysterious dream that had awoken me from my sleep.

I know I should remember something... but for the life of me... I can't recall

I felt frustrated that something as silly as a dream was making me feel this apprehensive.

Whatever! It's just a stupid nightmare! You've had them before and it's not like you won't have them again! Grow up!

I shook my head.

You should be thinking about what happens next. What am I going to say to everyone? How will they react to me and Natsu? Will they be excited? Surprised? Will they believe us?

I grunted while turning the shower off. I stepped out of the tub and quickly started to dry myself, trying to think of every possible outcome and people's reaction to the news.

I think everyone will be alright. I mean... they're all our family. They'll support us.

But I still didn't feel quite right.

What's the matter? It feels like I don't even want to tell them...

I opened my eyes in surprise and turned to stare at my reflection.

I stared back with comprehension on both my faces.

Thats it! I don't want to tell them!

Our faces clouded.

But... why? Why don't I want to tell them?

Well- maybe it's because you really don't want to share Natsu?

My reflection looked thoughtful.

I became confused.

Isn't that pretty... childish? Natsu isn't some toy that I can play around with

Of course he isn't! BUT... he IS the most important in your life person or thing in your life. With that in mind, it's totally reasonable to feel a little protective of him and your new relationship

So... do you think I should tell Fairytail?

I think- I think you should go with how you feel. Not telling them doesn't mean you're a bad friend. It just means you want some more time to adjust to all of this craziness and once you feel comfortable, then you can let them know!

I smiled at my reflection.

Thanks... I think I'll do exactly that.

I quickly changed into my old pink tank top and jean shorts and towel dried my hair. I walked out of the bathroom to find Natsu sitting down on the couch, dressed in his usual clothes, flipping through an old "Sorcerer Weekly" that had been sitting on my coffee table.

When I entered he looked up at me and smiled, "You look great Luce!"

I blushed, "Stop it. I've worn this outfit a dozen times."

"Then I'm about 12 compliments short- I'll make up for that." He replied simply and stood up, "You ready?"

"Yeah but- ah- could we sit back down for a sec? I want to talk to you before we head out," I gestured for him to sit again.

He smirked, "Oh- are you thinking what I'm thinking?" He pulled me down next to him on the couch, his hand resting on my thigh, "I've always wanted to do this-"

I picked his hand up, "Whoa- hold up there Salamander! Those, uh, 'thoughts' will have to wait for another time! I actually want to talk about what we're going to tell everyone."

"What do you mean?" He seemed genuinely confused.

I gestured to both of us, "I mean- what or when are we going to tell them about our, um, new relationship?"

"Oh is that all? You don't have to worry- half of them thought we had already hooked-up and the other half were wishing for it." He replied and sat back, putting his arms above his head.

"WHAT!? Are you serious?!" I half-shouted.

He nodded, "Oh yeah- I can't tell you how many times people have asked me about what was going on with us. Seriously, none of them will be surprised."

Are you kidding me?!

I stood up, my anger rising quickly, "Well- why do you know all about these rumors?! I haven't heard a thing!"

He cocked his head, "Well duh Lucy, of course you wouldn't know about it."

"And why's that huh?! Why did everyone want to hear from you and not me!? Shouldn't I defend myself against such rumors!?" My hands turned to fists at my side.

"Because Luce!... I threatened each and everyone of them that if they ever said anything to you, I'd kick their ass within an inch of their life." He folded his arms.

I stared at him, my anger retreating at his words, "What? Why- why'd you threaten them?"

He flexed his neck and gave a sigh before he answered, "Because... because I knew how upset you would be. And to make sure that nobody thought of you as some sort of 'easy' girl, you would have distanced yourself from me at every possible moment. I couldn't take that. This last month before going after Valentino was absolute torture. That's why I got so upset the day you told me Wendy was going to take your place and that you wanted to be alone. I thought someone told you the rumors about us."

I felt like someone had just dumped cold water all over me.

He's been taking care of me for so long... how am I ever going to make it up to him?

I sat back down, and slowly laid my head on his shoulder.

I felt him stiffen in surprise, but he quickly relaxed as I snuggled closer, and he draped an arm behind me.

"Thank you for trying to keep me away from those rumors. You're right... I really would have avoided you. I'm such a fool... I ended up doing that anyway when Wendy and Carla asked me why are relationship was so bad recently. I really am too predictable." I let a sigh while he squeezed my shoulders.

"Hey its fine. This last mission brought us back together! In fact, it brought us closer then ever!" He wiggled his eyebrows, trying to cheer me up.

You really are too good for me

He continued, "I'm almost glad that I fell into a coma... how would all this have happened without it?"

I gave a small laugh, "So you're saying we should thank Valentino for getting us together?"

"I think just thanking him is too small a gesture. What we should really do is send him a fruit basket with the words 'Thanks for all your craziness! It's what brought us closer!'" He joked and I laughed again.

"That's a funny thought!" I sobered quickly, "But... honestly... what do you think we should we say?"

I could feel his mind working as he slowly answered, "Honestly- I'd like to shout it from the rooftops that you and I finally together. But it doesn't sound like you feel the same."

I bent my head down, a little ashamed, "Well... you would be right."

He lifted my chin to stare up at him, his eyes full of compassion, "What do you want Lucy?"

My chin trembled and I felt my eyes start to moisten, "Natsu... I really don't want to tell them! And not because I want to be rude or a bad friend I just- I just..." I choked on my last words, fighting the tears that were far too close to the surface, "I'm- I'm sorry Natsu!"

He brought his hands down and cupped my face, "Hey- hey there! It's okay! Lucy, you don't have to feel bad! To be honest, I don't... I don't fully understand your feelings, but that doesn't mean that they're not important or legitimate. I've had years to deal with people talking about us and it wasn't even true! If you are feeling overwhelmed at the thought of others knowing, even our Fairytail family, then of course I'm going to support you!"

I blinked, trying to keep the tears away as my heart lifted at his words, "Really?"

"Really, really." He smiled and gently kissed both of my cheeks, "I promise- even though I want to let everyone in Fiore know that you're mine and no one else's, I won't tell anyone until you're ready as well." He stood up and lifted me with him, "Now- how's about we stop those tears, huh? It's suppose to be the happiest day of your life! I've come back from the dead and I'm stronger then ever! I can't have people raining on my parade!" He teased, trying to lighten my mood.

I nodded and quickly used my hand to wipe away the errant drops that were on my cheeks, "You're right!"

"Course I am- I'm Natsu Dragneel- Son of Igneel, King of the Fire Dragons! Fairytail wizard and Ass-Kicking Dragon-Slayer! But most importantly..." he bent down and whispered in my ear, "I'm best friends and lovers with Lucy Heartfillia, the most amazing woman in the world."

I felt my heart flutter as Natsu continued.

"And if someone like her could choose me out of everyone in earth-land, then that's GOT to mean I know what I'm talking about, don't you think?" He leaned back and beamed at me, "Now let's get to it! The day's just started and I can't wait to see what adventures we'll have next!"

He took a step back and extended his hand, "You coming Lucy?"

It felt like my heart was going to burst

Anytime and anywhere

I placed my hand in his, "I'm ready for whatever today has in store!"

He grinned and we ran out my front door, excited for this first step into the rest of our lives.

...

If only I had known what would happen next... I would have locked ourselves away in a deep dark dungeon, where no one could find us. And thrown away the key.

...

End of Chapter 7

Hey! What did you think? Can you guess what will happen next?! Leave a comment, I read all of them multiple times- they really give me a lot of motivation to carry on.

Also I have exciting news about the next chapter...

ITS ALREADY BEEN WRITTEN AND IS READY TO GO! WOO HOO!

The next chapter was actually part of this one, but after reading through... I decided I really likeD where this chapter ends so I cut the original and created two chapters, while adding more to the second one. I'll be posting it either tomorrow late at night or early the day after so you guys have a little bit of thirst to see what happens next!

Wir sehen uns!