Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail
Enjoy:**
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Chapter 8 – Home
When Natsu entered the FBI office again, for the first time after everything that happened, he really felt a bit queasy. He was safe here, that was out of question but it still reminded him on to much he didn't really want to think about now.
Kate had just shown him every important rooms and explained to him all the things he needed to know, for now. When he arrived yesterday, Kate firstly showed him his apartment and then the shortest way to get to the office. Apart from that he had a bodyguard all the time and Kate would be with him most of the times anyway.
So was she this morning when she picked him up to show him around.
She was now back at investigating on another case and Natsu was left with a few files about Portaloona and Sting.
Paper work. Something he actually never wanted to do in his life and now he was supposed to read all these files. Like he wouldn't know the content anyway.
He leaned back in the chair he was sitting at. Kate told him that this was the old office from a colleague who moved to another town and now it was mainly used to prepare coffee and read files – what he should actually do right now.
Natsu sighed again when he opened Stings file and saw his photo. Slight anger ran over his being but Natsu calmed down fast when someone entered the little room and filled a cub with coffee.
''Want some, too?''
Natsu turned around in his chair and looked at the young man. He was smiling warmly at the pink haired teen and Natsu returned the smile faintly.
''No thanks.''
The man nodded and left again. This repeated a few times. All kind of persons entering the room, getting coffee, some asking if Natsu wanted some too and then left again.
But no one ever made some strange remarks on Natsu or looked at him in some strange kind of way. Either they all didn't know what happened one month ago, what he doubted, or Kate told them all to act normal around him.
Great. He was being taken care of. Like he was some little boy who would cry if someone would talk to him about uncomfortable topics.
He kind of regretted agreeing to this but there was no backing away now anymore. He needed to finish this once and for all. Also for Lucy's shake.
Natsu looked out of the window when he rested his head on the table.
What is she doing right now?
-o.O.o-
''Okay... A bit further to the right. And... yes, that's perfect.''
Lucy was giving instructions how she wanted to have all the furniture. She had driven the whole night to Maryland together with Levy and Gajeel after she told them what she was up to. At first they both were skeptical but in the end they found a liking to the idea. Furthermore, Lucy didn't sell off Natsu's house in Oakland so everything was fine.
Like hell she would just sell off Natsu's own things. She didn't even dare to think about that and when they would come over they always had a place to stay.
So now they were here in Maryland, at a nice yellow house, a bit bigger than Natsu's in Oakland but still not very big. The moving supplies were busy carrying all things from the big moving truck to the house and placing them right there where Lucy wanted them. Then they build up all the furniture which had been disassembled for the transport.
After everything was finished which was after a good nine hours since Natsu and Lucy didn't have that much of things, they left, leaving Lucy, Levy and Gajeel at the house.
Gajeel and Levy were sitting on the couch in the new big living room while Lucy was upstairs, referring the bed and unpacking some of the cartons.
She was kneeling there in their new bed room, looking around amazed.
The house has been build three years ago and it was still in a very good shape. The walls were all in a light orange, lightening the room with light when the sun slowly started to set.
Gajeel and Levy were now also in the bed room, admiring it. There was only the bed, a closet and a little cupboard, where all of Lucy's books were already lined up in.
''This looks pretty good already.''
Lucy turned around with a smile. Content and full of positive thoughts.
''I bet Natsu will like this.''
Levy smiled reassuring at Lucy and gave her a thumbs up.
Lucy again only smiled and then looked out of the window.
''I hope so... But maybe this is a bit to rushed...''
''Aw, come on Lucy. Now you bought it. And it's beautiful here.''
Levy wrapped her short arms around her blond friend.
''He will love it. You two are able to start all over again here.''
Lucy placed her hand over Levy's and smiled a bit more.
''Yeah, you're right.''
Gajeel also smiled. He knew Natsu, maybe not as good as Lucy, though they didn't know each other that long but he bet better than Gray. He knew that Natsu would have never done this on his own, just moving away, away from his friends but with Lucy at his side, there was nothing to doubt.
He would be grateful in a way.
Gajeel just knew that.
''Levy, we should drive back.''
The petite girl only nodded and stood up.
At their car Lucy gave Gajeel a quick hug and then shared a long one with Levy.
''Call me when you're back home, okay?''
Levy winked at her.
''Always. Call me after you told Natsu.''
''Okay.''
The sat inside and Gajeel slowly started the car. When they were out of sight, Lucy walked back inside. She knew from Kate that Natsu still would be at the office for one hour so she still had some time to prepare some things.
She called Kate and waited for her to pick up.
After some seconds Lucy heard her voice.
''Yes?''
''It's me, Lucy.''
''Ah Lucy! How did everything go?''
Lucy heard the something shift, probably stood Kate up or something.
''Everything's fine. Can you send Natsu to the Bourman street 6?''
She heard Kate laugh slightly.
''Of course I can.''
''Thanks.''
''You're welcome.''
Kate hung up. Lucy let herself fall onto the couch and waited a bit longer. She had no idea how to tell him, neither had she any idea how he would react.
The next minutes were hard for Lucy. She had no idea when she started to wait in front of the door but she faintly remembered that if was kind of immediately after she called Kate. Hat meant she waited now for almost an hour in front of the door as to not miss him if he comes by here. After all he had no idea why Kate sent him here.
She was nervous. That wasn't to deny. How should she tell him?
Her nervousness clearly spread over her whole being when she saw his car, and she recognized it without a second look, parked at the opposite side of the street.
Feeling her legs shake, Lucy did one of the most stupid things and ran back inside, slamming the door behind her. Oh, screw all this. She was everything but ready to tell him that she bought this house for them to live in, together.
She couldn't not like this at least. Ugh, and now her stomach started to knot again, just like in the morning. Lucy's head snapped up when the pain felt kind of familiar and with one look on her phone and the date she knew exactly why she had these cramps today.
It was that time of the month.
Cursing, she leaned against the door. Her ears picked up the silent sound of footsteps coming closer.
Shit!
The blonde was desperately biting down on her lip, trying to suppress the urge to scream when the pain in her stomach became worse and trying desperately to not hear the bell which rang in the same moment.
Natsu stood in front of the door patiently. Kate told him to drive here and get something from the owner since she hadn't the time. When the teen looked around slightly he was a bit confused. The house looked so uninhabited. There was no decoration in the windows, the front yard looked like it just had been built.
After a few more seconds of waiting he rang the bell again.
When he hated one thing in the world it was waiting.
Impatient as he was he started to hammer his fist against the door, making it shake a bit.
Lucy bit so hard on her lip that it started to bleed. In her head a thousand things were happening, a thousand ways on how he could react. But the most annoying thing was her stomach to make matters worse.
With a heavy sigh, she decided that it was ridiculous to hide from him like that. He would find out sooner or later anyway.
She opened the door, trying to smile. Though that didn't seem to be that hard when she saw his incredible laughable expression after she revealed herself.
''L-Lucy?!''
Shyly, the blonde looked to the ground, rubbing her one feet against her leg.
''Hey Natsu.''
The break was long, way to long for Lucy's liking but in the end she found herself in the arms of her boyfriend and she simply melted into his warmth.
He mumbled into her hair when he didn't dare to let go of her.
''What are you doing here?''
Lucy gripped his shirt at his sides. It was now or never. She would simply tell him, no matter what.
With squeezed eyes she simply blurted out.
''I live here.''
And that's all it took for him to break the embrace and look at her. His expression changed. It wasn't laughable anymore. No it was everything else but funny.
He was serious. Way more serious than she had ever seen him. And for some strange reason it scared her.
''Lucy. What do you mean.''
It wasn't a question anymore, more a demand. Lucy sighed. She thought of any possible way for him to react but she didn't think that when she tried to pull away, he tightened his grip on her.
Again, she wasn't able to look at him.
''It's like I said. I live here.''
His expression changed yet again. It seemed that he didn't quite get what she wanted to tell him.
''You mean like... Live here for the days I am here and then come back with me to Oakland?''
Oh god, she knew it. She should have just rented that stupid flat near the office. He wouldn't like it.
Ashamed, Lucy looked him in the eyes.
''No, I mean, like this is my house.''
''Wow.''
Was all he said. And then they simply looked at each other. He sighed before he stepped back, just to get around her and enter the house. He looked around curious, first the kitchen then the living room.
Lucy followed a bit unsure of what to do or to say.
What was he thinking right now? Did he like it? Or maybe it was so bad that he hated it... No Natsu normally isn't the kind of guy who hates much.
''May I ask why you bought a house, here in Maryland?''
''Oh my god, I am so sorry Natsu. I was reckless. I didn't think about anything. I was selfish because I just wanted to stay with you, to be there when you come home and that we eat together and all that stereotypical stuff couples do. I wanted to be there for you if you needed it and not just talk with you over the phone. I...I...''
She lost her voice when she saw him staring at her like she just asked him to kill her.
Fuck this menstruation.
Yeah, that must be it. All because of that matter. And the cramps didn't help either.
''You're okay Lucy? You look kinda pale.''
She simply nodded when he said nothing about all the things she just told him. Did he not care about that she bought a house for them? Maybe that was a good sign. Maybe a sign that he approved of it.
He stood now in front of her and brushed one strand of her hair behind her ear.
''I want to stay with you too, Lucy. But buying a house? Don't you think that's a bit to much?''
Her hands dropped at her sides. He didn't want to live here with her? So that was it... He wanted her to stay over in Oakland... Great.
''Sorry.''
''Why do you apologize?''
His thumb brushed over her cheek, tenderly caressing the soft flesh.
''Because I acted rashly and it seems like you're not too happy with it.''
''That's not it.''
When Lucy looked up she met those honest eyes of his. These black and beautiful eyes which always took her breath away. They were so lovely.
''I... I guess I just need a bit time to get used to it.''
Lucy's mood immediately rose by his remark. He wanted to get used to it? He wanted to live here with her?
''So... you are not mad?''
''I'm not mad... as long as you didn't sell my house in Oakland to buy this.''
Surprising herself, Lucy wanted to tease him a bit and answered faster than she thought.
''So you are mad.''
Natsu sweat-dropped and took a step back.
''Lucy... you not seriously...''
The bad liar Lucy was she wasn't able to hold back her chuckle and that's when he knew that she was lying. A sigh of relief left him.
But then again, a slight worry came back. How did she buy the house then?
''How did you buy it?''
He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination but it seemed that her mood slightly dropped after he asked that. Was it something uncomfortable? No, she would have told him if something happened.
''Lucy?''
''My mother had an account running for me where she saved money for when I receive my guardian ship... And since my father doesn't hold the right anymore to watch over me the money had been transferred to me.''
Again, something with her father. Maybe he shouldn't have asked. But he also had a right to know, didn't he? If he was going to live here with her, he needed to know how she even got the idea.
''You think it's stupid, don't you?''
''What?''
''Living here... with me.''
Her bangs were falling over her eyes so he couldn't see her expression but the disappointment in her voice didn't go unnoticed by him.
''I don't.''
That's when he titled her head so she would look at him. Why was she even thinking like that? They would have lived together anyway so there was no problem. He didn't even want to think about living separated from her again. Maybe it was a bit stupid from her to buy a house here in Maryland but at the same time it was a smart idea. So they were close for now... Forever. Natsu didn't know what it was but something told him that they would stay here longer than just a few weeks. And this feeling didn't come into his mind after this right now with the house, he already felt like it the day when he left and drove away from her.
He never wanted to do that again. So he actually was happy that Lucy moved straight forward and did something like this.
''So it's okay for you to live here with me?''
His hands were at her shoulders where he squeezed them once and looked at her, deeply in the eyes.
''I don't care where we live as long as we live there together.''
And then his lips were on her's again, claiming them in a sweet and lovingly kiss.
Lucy wished she could have melted into his passion but another attack of cramps spread through her stomach and she pulled away, hugging herself tightly.
Natsu bent down with her when she leaned forward as to subside the pain.
''Hey, what's wrong?''
Her face, her expression it looked so pained. Why was she in pain? Natsu completely freaked out.
''Nothing.''
Lucy breathed out through gritted teeth. Seriously, why did her menstruation always caused her so much problems?
''Just cramps.''
''Oh.''
It snapped in him faster than he thought. He remembered Erza talking to him about it once. That it was different from girl to girl. He one time found her curled up in a corner of her room when he had to do a chemistry presentation with her. And that's when she explained. It was one of the most embarrassing talks he ever had with her. It wasn't like he had no idea about a woman's body and it's strange features. But he seriously had no idea that it could hurt that bad.
With a sigh, he wrapped his arms around her torso and knees and lifted her up.
''Natsu?''
He had found the stairs in a few seconds and carried her upstairs.
When he reached the second floor he was a bit surprised to not find the living room behind the first door on the left, like it had been in his house.
He heard Lucy chuckle softly before her face contorted back into a pained expression.
''Second door to the right.''
Natsu brushed his lips over her head and went on. With his elbow he pushed down the door handle and pushed the door open with his back.
Silently, he walked over to the bed and laid her down carefully.
''So that's why you have been so pale...''
He more mumbled to himself when he covered her with the blankets and brushed the knuckles of his hand over her cheek.
''You should have told me earlier.''
''Hm... had other things to talk about.''
Natsu couldn't hold back the slight giggle. She took his hand and gripped it tightly. Natsu simply wrapped his finger around her small hand and leaned down to kiss her once more.
His eyes then scanned the room a bit. It was already furnished. It wasn't to stuffed, just the way he liked it. With that much space, the room seemed to be even bigger.
He chuckled softly when he saw all of Lucy's books lined up in the little cupboard with the most of care. Natsu had the feeling that it wouldn't take him long to get used to his new surroundings. Especially with Lucy by his side all the time.
He had already slipped in bed with her and was now gently massaging her stomach, not knowing how else he should help her.
It seemed thought that it was helping enough because when Natsu looked at her again, her face looked more peaceful. She was sleeping.
Smiling to himself, Natsu leaned down and placed another chased kiss onto her lips before he carefully left the bed.
-o.O.o-
The next day, Lucy seemed to be in a way better mood than before. She explained Natsu, although it was pretty embarrassing for her, that she only had that pain at the first and last day of her menstruation and she was actually pretty happy with that. Sure, she would be even more happy to never feel any pain while having it but she always told herself that it was better that way than having them continuously for 5 days.
Natsu used the next days to show Lucy around a bit in Maryland, to show her his flat which he wouldn't need anymore now and nice placed she could visit while he was in the office.
Lucy also filled him in on her plan to attend a school here, in Maryland. That she already talked to the principal there. She also told him that she was a bit insecure about going to another school. What if someone recognized her? She still wasn't able to get along with foreign people fast. It was a miracle to her that she was able to get used to Erza, Gray, Levy and Gajeel so fast.
Natsu reassured her though that not many people knew about what happened... And also they didn't know who they were. The only problem was the radio announcement where Lucy had been confirmed to be one of the two teens. Kate told him that all the evidences had been deleted after the whole case and it was also officially confirmed that no one was allowed to talk about it. Still, the uncomfortable feeling didn't leave Lucy.
''It will be alright.''
Lucy only nodded and looked at him in a way she never did before.
She was kind of scared he could tell but at the same time she was more than grateful to be here with him. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her head, calming her. Before she could say anything else he kissed her again.
-o.O.o-
Natsu had to leave early this morning and since he knew that Lucy didn't sleep that well in the past days he left with the most of care. It was Friday now, and he planned a lot for the weekend. Lucy would be going to school again after this weekend and he wanted her to enjoy this more than ever.
When he arrived at the office, Kate already greeted him with a coffee and a smile.
''I heard that you moved.''
''You knew it, didn't you?''
Natsu gently took the coffee from her hand and smiled.
''Of course I did.''
They both only laughed when they entered and made their way to their working places.
The day passed way to slowly for him. All he could think about was Lucy and the smile she would show him when he comes back home.
Home. That still sounded unfamiliar but at the same time so familiar that it surprised him. Home wasn't about a house and a place to live. Home was where she was.
He would always feel home no matter what as long as she was with him. Because she was already a part of his life he never wanted to lose.
-o.O.o-
Natsu opened the door with a heavy sigh. Lucy gave him the key already at the first evening after she recovered from all her cramps and menstruation problems.
He quietly entered, pushing the door close with his back.
When he made his way over to the kitchen he heard the TV.
''Lucy. I'm home.''
It was already late in the evening since he was out with some people from the office. On the kitchen table was a plate served with Pasta with Pesto. The red one, his favorite.
He picked up the little note which laid next to the plate.
Hope you had a nice evening. I prepared some food for you. Don't know if I'm already asleep when you're back. Love you.
His lip twitched up when he placed it back on the table.
The pink haired teen walked over to the living room since he thought that Lucy was still awake.
He was met though with a sleeping person on the couch.
On the little table was a cub with warm chocolate and some pain killers.
So it was the last day.
He slowly came closer and sat down on the couch, brushing his hand over her head.
She was fast asleep.
Again, he couldn't suppress his smile. She looked so beautiful when she was sleeping.
''Seriously...''
Natsu reached for the remote controller and turned off the TV.
''Like a little child.''
With another sigh, he simply lifted her off the couch and carried her upstairs where he laid her down in their bed and settled next to her when he himself got pretty tired.
