8: Trip

Natsu Dragneel ran forward and burst through the tall wooden doors of the great hall, laughing triumphantly.

"Yahahahaha! Finally, it's over! Freedom~!"

"Geez, pipe down will you? You're always so noisy." Lucy groaned, clutching the side of her head.

Natsu leaned towards her and grabbed her chin between two fingers, grinning unabashedly. "Awww, is little Rushi's head feeling all pain-y and sucky? Here, let me kiss it to make it better."

Lucy couldn't believe that her heart actually skipped at that childish line; she really was a goner for this pink haired man.

She smacked his hand away in annoyance. "Shut up you. It's all your fault anyway. You and your stupid pen."

He clasped his hands behind his head nonchalantly. "Can't help it. It's my thinking thing. Twirling helps me think."

"Not when you drop it on the floor with every other spin! Obviously you don't twirl much."

"Cause I don't need to think much. The VC system's never failed me before, and for some unthinkable reason, ice head has a good brain."

Lucy didn't point out that unlike Natsu, Gray actually studied for his exams. Come to think of it, why couldn't she have fallen for Gray instead? The guy easily rivaled Natsu in terms of looks, he was friendly and amiable, and unlike the noisy pinkette, Gray put in effort when it came to his studies. Not to mention that the male was also built on sexy lines and… oh right.

Juvia.

Lucy shuddered.

"-cy. Oi Lucy!"

"Huh?"

Natsu was waving his hand in front of her face. "Dude, you're totally blanking out. I asked you what you were planning to do later on."

"Later? Uh… I haven't decided."

"Geez. I was thinki- Gaah!"

The blonde gaped when Erza suddenly step up behind the male, grabbed his head in one hand and smashed it against her chest. "Great job, Natsu! I noticed you didn't try to cheat this time!"

The redhead was smiling warmly, as though complimenting an unruly son.

Natsu sprung off her chest, swinging his fist at their student president. He rubbed his aching head and snapped at her. "What the hell, Erza? That hurt!"

Lucy cocked her head in confusion until she realized that Erza still had her Student President's blazer on. The lapel on the jacket had on pins by the score. Youch.

"Anyway, I want you two to go get ready. We're leaving tonight."

"Leaving? Where to?"

"I told you guys you belonged to me for the first two weeks, remember?" The redhead propped her hands onto her waist. "We're leaving for a five – day conference in the capital of Crocus that starts the day after tomorrow."

"Wh- Damn it! Why do we have to leave town?!"

"Because it's a inter – university conference, dummy. Didn't you see her text?" Lucy sighed.

"She sent a text?!"

"I don't even know why you have a mobile." She facepalmed. "We'll meet you at the train station at 7 then, Erza?"

"Yes. And don't forget extra cash. You'll have free time to move about on your own while we're there."

"Woohoo! Shopping! I'm going to buy souvenirs for everyone except ice head and metal freak!" Natsu pumped his fists high up in the air and moved to head back to his room to pack.

Erza reached out and grabbed Lucy's arm before she could leave. "Lucy, one more thing."

"What is it?"

The females startled when Natsu turned back around and popped between them. "Yeah. What is it, Erza?"

"Go away, Natsu. Girls' secret." Erza pressed a palm against his cheek and unceremoniously pushed him away.

"Aww, come on!"

"No. Now leave us, and don't try to eavesdrop."

"Geez. Petty."

Her face darkened ominously. "… Pardon?"

"Nothing! I'm gone! See ya, Luce!" The male dashed off in the direction of the dorm hall.

Lucy cringed. Alone with the Scarlet Terror. Sure, they were in the middle of campus in broad daylight, but no one dared to oppose Erza. That plus most of the people had already cleared out for vacation.

"Uh… What did you want to tell me, Erza?"

A determined glare suddenly entered the redhead's eyes and she turned around to face Lucy head on, gripping her shoulders firmly.

"Lucy!" She barked out suddenly.

"Eep! I- I mean, y-yes?"

"Now I know that you're a big girl and that you can take of yourself. But as a friend I am also worried that you might not be thinking straight."

"Uh… I don't…"

"You still have a thing for Natsu, yes?"

"Uhm… yes? You're embarrassing me, Erza! What's this about?"

"Just listen. On normal days, you hang out with Natsu a lot, yes?"

"Uh… yes?"

"But still you guys are rarely alone. Either your friends are also there or you guys are in class."

Lucy wisely didn't point out that she had shared a bed with the male just a few days ago, even if she hadn't made the decision while entirely lucid.

"I want to warn you that on the last day, there will be the traditional dinner party held in order to, well… to establish friendly relations with the other important members of the other universities outside the talks."

"There's dancing?" Crappity doo da. Lucy wondered how many toes she was going to trod on this time.

"Yes. It's always ballroom dancing, which means that you have to promise me!"

The redhead tightened her grip on Lucy's shoulders and leaned in so close that Lucy swore that anyone seeing them might be mistakenly assuming that they were ahem* Well, partners. Though the look on Erza's face would dispel any of such thoughts immediately.

Lucy felt like a deer caught in headlights, headlights that were so close she could feel them exhaling on her face.

"P-promise you what, Erza?"

"To bring condoms."

"I prom- Wait. What?"

"There's no need to blush, Lucy." The student president chuckled as she straightened away from the blonde. "It's likely that you'll hook up with some male after the dance. It's the perfect environment for romance after all. Wine, dance intimacy, sexy outfits... How do you think I met Jellal?"

"Your boyfriend?"

"Mmhmm."

Erza crossed her arms and nodded sagely. "He was there as the student president for Rakuen University for the elite. We talked, hit it off and I must say, he certainly has supreme skills when it comes to… dancing."

A mysterious smirk crossed the redhead's lips and Lucy was 99% sure Erza wasn't talking about her boyfriend's skills on the floor. Who knew their rule abiding student president advanced so quickly when it came to matters of the heart? Just a few days into their first meeting and the pair had already established very friendly relations between Magnolia University and Rakuen University.

Lucy sighed inwardly. While on her end, she had known Natsu for over a year and had seen him hook up with at least four girls now. None of whom were blonde, had amber eyes and was frequently labeled a nerd by her friends.

Romance hated her guts.

"I'm worried that you might succumb to your desire to advance your relationship with Natsu. And while I can't do anything about that, I want you to at least promise me it'll be safe."

"Yes, well… I wouldn't worry about getting knocked up." Lucy raised her palms in defense. "Natsu thinks I'm a complete nerd."

A nerd who looked beautiful in her red dress, but Lucy instantly stamped down that particular memory. The guy had been talking out of his mind due to his weakness.

Erza sighed and patted her shoulder. "Just trust me, Lucy. Bring condoms. Who knows who you'd meet on the dance floor? Oh and…"

Erza took out a notebook and pen from her pocket and scribbled something quickly onto a sheet before tearing it out. "I'd recommend this one too. See you after dinner, Lucy." The redhead turned and left.

Lucy held the piece of paper up to view, and her face heated up instantly as the paper shook in her quivering hand.

"ERZA! I'm not bringing this!"

The redhead merely laughed and waved back at her.

Lucy embarrassedly crushed the paper and flung it into the nearest waste paper basket.


Natsu grinned his signature toothy smile and nudged her arm with his giant backpack.

"Whatcha having for dinner, Luce?"

Lucy turned the lock on her dorm room and slipped into a comfortable pair of leather moccasins.

"I was thinking of grabbing a bite at the café on campus before heading down to the station."

"That's boring! We can have that any other time."

"Yeah, well. I can't think of anything else right now."

"Hmmm… Follow me. I know of this really cool pizza parlor just around the corner. Plus I get discounts there too!"

Lucy paused for a smile before breaking into a smile. "Sounds great! I haven't had pizza in a while." She licked her lips in anticipation, not noticing how the male beside her froze for just a second before turning away.

"Uh, sure. Let's go before the dinner crowd comes in." He mumbled as he descended the steps in a quickened pace.

The place was fantastic and Lucy could easily see why the male liked the place. She herself loved it the moment they stepped through the glass doors.

The interior decoration of the shop had a forest cabin theme, with soft ambient light and lacquered wood seats. It was large, roomy and absolutely cozy. They sat in front of the counter where they could watch the chefs busy at work, flipping the bread bases, layering it with sauce bases and then furnishing it with ingredients and herb garnishes. The pizzas cooking in the brick oven behind them filled the air with a plethora of delightful scents.

She could also see why the male had discounts there.

Maraia, the owner's daughter, worked as the supervisor there and it was obvious that she had Natsu on her mind the entire time the pair sat there. She kept coming over to offer him free garlic bread sticks while ignoring Lucy's requests for clean serviettes.

Oh well, what did she care? She was all too used to girls throwing themselves at Mr. Campus Superstar and besides, Lucy was happy watching the chefs at work. Well, happy enough. At least she got to mooch from his bread stick basket.

Damn, what herbs did they put on this thing? She mmm-ed audibly as she bit down onto a fresh piece. It tasted nothing but 100% delicious, especially when paired with the house soups.

Lucy was feeling extremely satiated and satisfied when they finally made their way towards the station. "That was freaking delicious, Natsu! Bring me there again next time please."

"Huh? Yeah sure…"

The male replied, tucking his hands back into his pockets. Lucy threw him a curious glance but decided to ignore it. His silence was a little uncharacteristic but right now she was in a state of food induced bliss and wanted to do nothing but savour it. It wasn't everyday she got to eat at such a good place for so little.

Food however, was far from the male's mind. Or rather, life sustaining food was far from his mind.

Natsu glanced up when the blonde took a step ahead of him and stretched her arms, the coloured lights from the shops on the street they were walking along playing across her golden locks. She flexed her fingers and he couldn't help but notice how slender they were. How slender her entire body was. From her small waist to softly rounded hips and down her long legs. The only part of her that wasn't slim was there, but he had enough on his mind right now to add in one more aspect of her body.

Fuck it. What the hell was wrong with him lately?

Ever since the night when he had (unwillingly) stayed over at her place and (not so) accidentally saw her shirtless breasts, his male hormones had been screwing with his mind. Damn it to hell. Lucy was a friend, not someone whose body he ought to be fantasizing over. He knew without a doubt that the blonde would murder him if she ever found out about the torrid thoughts he was having at that very moment from just watching her.

"Hey, Natsu!" Lucy had stopped and was instead staring at a shop just up ahead.

The pink haired male forced himself to stop thinking about how her legs would look much better wrapped around his waist and looked up.

"Yeah?"

"Wait here for a moment. I want to uh… get something."

"Want me to come with you?"

He could swear that the blonde blushed, but he couldn't be certain given how her face was illuminated in so many hues.

"NO! I mean… Ju-just wait here. I'll only be a sec." She replied, flustered, and disappeared quickly into the entrance.

He looked up and saw the sign that said 'Pharmacy.' Meds for the trip maybe? Holy crap, that reminded him.

Lucy was standing at the counter with her items when he popped up behind her. "Hey, Luce. Let me use your discount card."

The blonde jumped and whipped around to face him. "I thought I told you stay outside!"

"Geez. Relax, I forgot I needed motion sickness patches. What are you getting that's such a secret anyway?"

The male noted with surprise that she was indeed blushing.

"N-Nothing! None of your business!" The blonde turned back around, deliberately hunching over the counter to block out his view but Natsu caught a glimpse of it anyway. The two items in her hand were small and looked rather inconsequential but he nearly choked at the sight of them.

What the hell was Lucy doing with condoms and flavored gel?!

Ooh, and it was strawberry… My favourite flavor. I wonder where she's planning to spread it… On herself or m- Shit! Get ahold of yourself, Natsu! Whether or not she buys those things is not something to concern yourself with. As she said, none of my fucking business… Well, she didn't say fucking, but what the hell. Those things are for fucking and… God, I wonder how Lucy is like in the sack? She has a great body, bet she'd be awesome and GOD DAMN IT DRAGNEEL! Stop thinking about her and sex and how her perfect body would be like in my arms and-!

"Hey, ow!" Natsu winced when Lucy suddenly whacked his arm with her wallet.

"She said it was your turn, idiot. Why are you spacing out now?"

"Oh right… Sorry." The counter staff was staring at him in annoyance and so were the people behind him in the queue. Natsu hurried out after Lucy when he was done.

"Thanks for waiting, Luce."

The blonde merely rolled her eyes and motioned for him to hurry up.


By the time they checked into the hotel it was just past nine. When Erza announced in the elevator that they would all be having separate rooms Natsu gave an inward fist pump. Not that he didn't want to share a room but both of them posed their own separate threats.

Erza would positively murder him if he dared to touch her, not to mention the wrath of her boyfriend. If Erza was this scary, who knew what kind of monster her guy was? He shuddered to even consider. And Lucy… he'd probably go crazy from just being in the same hotel as her, let alone the same room.

He forced himself to breathe deeply. It was just five days with her, and then he could disappear and avoid the blonde entirely for the rest of their two month break. Maybe even hook up with a new girl. By the time they started the new semester, these ridiculous emotions he was feeling were sure to have vanished.

Lucy giggled under her breath when she heard Erza's announcement.

She knew exactly why Erza didn't want to share a room with her. The redhead had accidentally let slip on the ride that a certain Fernandez would also be showing up at this year's conference and obviously Erza wanted some alone time with her man. Lucy was looking forward to finally meeting the mysterious man that managed to tame their fiery redheaded president.

She was a little worried about Natsu however. He had hardly spoken a word to her the entire evening, even after they had alighted from the train. Usually the male would be extra hyper after a grueling trip but this time he been so silent she'd almost forgotten he was there.

She poked him lightly in the arm after Erza had exited the elevator. The redhead was staying one floor below them.

"Hey, Natsu."

"Yeah?" He barely glimpsed at her before turning away again.

"You feeling ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"You sure?"

Natsu gave her a deadpanned look that belied the emotional turmoil he was feeling from just having her so close. "I'm fine, Lucy."

"You… You'll tell me if anything's wrong, right?"

He regarded her silently for a while, noting the slightly anxious expression in her eyes and sighed. He hadn't meant to worry her but he supposed that his behaviour was a little odd for him. Patting her shoulder softly, Natsu forced on one of his signature grins.

"Relax, Luce. I'm feeling great! And yes, I'll tell you if anything's wrong. Now stop being such a worrywart and let's check out this place!"

The pretty blonde smiled and tapped her keycard on the door reader. A small green light flashed and door unlocked with a click. "Ok then. How about I meet you out here in the corridor in half hour? Just give me some time to freshen up."

"Sure." He grinned as she closed the door behind her.

Damn it. A late night stroll with Lucy? Why the hell had he promised that?

Natsu had a feeling he was going to need another cold shower by the time they were done.


Hungry. D:

Faie.