Hello my lovely readers!
Lemme just start by saying HOLY COW THIS TOOK LONGER THAN I THOUGHT. I think that I started writing this around four hours ago? The point is, I totally got sucked into my own little world. Was going to go to the gym tonight before taking a necessary trip to get room supplies but I'm most definitely not going to have the time now.
But it was totally worth it! In addition to being the longest chapter so far, I think that this might be one of the best ones that I've written since I started the story. I'm really trying to pull out all the stops when it comes to making this a very emotional work. I'm trying so hard to stay true to the original characters, while also trying to guess what each one would actually do in circumstances like these.
As far as what's going on, a lot of things are about to happen. You'll see what I mean once you start reading! I really can't think of much else to say regarding this story...
I do however have a request! I am itching to start a second story, and I would like to know what you would like the next one to be about. I've come up with a few ideas that I think I'll be able to do well. I will admit that pretty much all of them will involve lemons and other citrusy goodness... I have accepted the fact that deep down I am a perv.
1) A very citrusy Gruvia one-shot
2) A romantic lemony Jerza short story
3) Not a Fairy Tail fic, but a Soul-Eater MakaxSoul one-shot where soul resonance gets Maka in trouble
4) Another non-Fairy Tail one-shot between Naruto and Hinata
5) A GaLe short story, still with lemon but more focused on plot
6) And my personal preference... A new lemony story between Sting Eucliffe and my own OC character! Unsure of how long I would want it to be but it would involve an OC character who is loosely based off of myself! (I would love to make a fanfic about my OC character and Natsu, but I just don't have the heart to write about him with anyone other than Lucy...)
So please leave suggestions!
Like I always say, reviews and critiques are encouraged and welcomed!
On a side note- nico2883, I not entirely sure what you meant in your review, but I'm guessing you meant to ask why only Natsu was having the rough time and not Lucy... I'm actually going to be addressing that in this chapter, and you'll see that everything isn't going to be a walk in the park for either of them!
Sending you all much love
Sabina
Chapter 9
Lucy's POV
Lucy ended up spending the rest of the day hanging out with Juvia. Their conversation at the café had helped the two women realize that they weren't as different as they had originally thought. The topic had changed from men to literature, both mages realizing that they actually had quite a few favorite authors in common.
When they had finished their meal Lucy invited Juvia to come shopping with her, and the water woman agreed much to Lucy's delight. It was so nice to be having a normal conversation with the blue haired woman, infinitely better than having Juvia menacing her for "flirting with her beloved."
Since Lucy had already gotten herself some new clothes she gave Juvia a hand in selecting styles that would suit her. Juvia blushed and readily tried on the clothes that Lucy had picked out, the celestial mage saying that she thought Gray would like those styles.
Lucy was selecting styles that she knew would catch the ice mage's eye. Juvia had an excellent figure, and while the clothes she wore were very flattering, they weren't what she knew Gray liked on a woman. She had spent enough time with Gray on missions to know his type, and she knew that Juvia's current style was a little too conservative. He only saw one of his guildmates when he looked at Juvia, not the lovely woman that she really was.
"Lucy… Are you sure that Gray-sama will like this outfit?" said the water mage, a little uncertainly. Lucy had enthusiastically pushed her into the changing room when she had found this outfit. She had a feeling that it would be perfect for getting the ice mage to see Juvia for the woman that she was.
"I'm positive Juvia! Now let me see!"
Later (still Lucy's POV)
Night was falling when Lucy finally returned home. She was brimming with happiness after the great day she had had. Not long ago she had parted from Juvia, but not before they had decided to take on a small mission together the following day. Juvia needed the reward and Lucy was eager to spend more time with the water mage and further strengthen their friendship so she had offered to help her. The blonde hummed as unlocked her front door and entered, dropping her bag by the door and hanging up her coat. She felt like talking to someone so she selected one of her silver keys and summoned the spirit.
"Open, Gate of the Little Dog! Come Nicola!" she called, and the small form of Plue appeared in front of her. The little creature greeted her enthusiastically, hugging her leg. Lucy laughed and picked up the spirit, cuddling him. He must have sensed that she was in a good mood through her magic. "Hello Plue! You wouldn't believe how great my day was today!"
She set Plue down and began preparing her evening meal, chattering on and on about her day as the spirit followed her around. The little dog-like thing always seemed to enjoy listening to her talk and she was glad for the company.
After finishing her meal Lucy took a long hot bath, still talking away to Plue as he continued to listen. She laughed when the little guy fell into the water, her mind a million miles away from all her worries. Eventually she got out of the bath and put on her pajamas.
The blonde stretched and looked around at her room, her eyes falling on her desk. She had almost forgotten that she had wanted to make some progress on her novel. She bounded over to her desk excitedly and pulled out her writing materials.
She sat there deep in thought as she looked at what she had last written. She was in the middle of writing a romantic scene between the main character and her love interest, and she had been stuck on what to write next for some time now. Her thoughts wandered to one of the fantasies that she had had recently about Natsu and she sighed. She really didn't want to think about her best friend and her unattainable desires for him, but she had to admit that the fantasy that she had in mind would make for some delicious action in her novel.
Knowing that she would regret it later, she picked up her pen and began to write, the vivid images in her mind slowly taking form on the paper.
The tick of the clock and the scratching of her pen were the only sounds in the room for a long time. After a couple of hours she sighed in a tired sort of way and set down her pen. Her eyes glanced briefly over her work and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks before she carefully put away her supplies and got into bed.
A soft knock came at her window, and she sat up. Happy was there, hovering just outside the glass. She reached up and unlatched the window, letting the blue exceed in.
"What's up Happy? Where's Natsu?" she asked, a little worried. It was odd for the feline to show up at her place without the fire dragonslayer.
"Natsu is doing some really intense training for the next few days and needs to be alone," said the blue furball sadly. Lucy knew that he didn't like being away from Natsu, so she patted his head comfortingly.
"Well why don't you go stay with Wendy and Carla?" she suggested, knowing how the little guy felt about the pretty white exceed. Happy's expression got sadder and he sniffled a little.
"Carla's mad at me… I accidentally stepped on her tail today and she got really angry…" he said forlornly. Lucy took pity on the poor lovesick cat.
"You can stay with me…" she said warmly, and Happy brightened up. "As long as you promise not to make a mess or be too annoying!" She added just to be safe, and Happy nodded.
"Aye sir!" he said then curled up on the end of her bed. The little guy must have been exhausted because he felt asleep right away. Lucy smiled at him and yawned. She was ready to go to sleep too.
She shut the window and wriggled back into her favorite place in her bed, and once she was comfortable she lay on her back and stared up at the ceiling. Her mood was rapidly deteriorating as her mind filled with images and thoughts about the man that she so desperately wanted but would never have. She struggled briefly to hold back the tears that were rapidly forming, but soon gave up and let the sobs come freely.
Would she ever get over this? No matter what she did she couldn't smother her feelings for the fire dragonslayer. Sure she could distract herself for a time, but the thoughts and emotions always came rushing back as she waited for sleep to take her.
The celestial mage continued to cry for some time, cursing herself for falling in love with someone she believed would never love her back. Juvia's words of encouragement from earlier echoed in her mind, telling her that it wasn't hopeless and that Natsu did love her, but she couldn't bring herself to believe them.
The woman wondered how long her heart would be able to hold out before it broke completely.
Eventually her eyes drooped closed and her breathing slowed to a steady rhythm. Sleep had finally given her mind relief, but her body still betrayed her emotions…
For a long while after she had fallen asleep tears continued to slowly leak from her closed eyes…
Then the dream began…
Levy's POV
Levy was pleased with how the day had gone. Natsu had finally gotten on his way to understanding his feelings for Lucy and soon her would be unknowingly granting her greatest wish by confessing his love. She squealed in excitement and hurried back to Fairy Hills.
As she reached the path that led up to the dorm she spotted another figure approaching. She waved enthusiastically when she saw who it was.
"Juvia! You're out pretty late!" she said, stopping to wait for the other blunette to catch up. "Were you out shopping today?' She added, seeing the bags that the water mage was carrying. Juvia nodded happily.
"Yes! Juvia ran into Lucy today and got some help picking out clothes that Gray-sama might like!" she said, excitement in her voice. Levy looked at the other woman curiously.
"You ran into Lu today? Was it before or after she got asked out by that guy from Blue Pegasus?" she asked, wondering if Juvia even knew about the mystery man.
"Oh it was just after!" said Juvia, quickly stepping through the front door of the dorm as Levy held it open for her. "Lucy told Juvia all about what happened and what their plans were." The water woman jumped as Levy grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her.
"You have to tell me everything!" she exclaimed, wanting to know more about Natsu's love rival. Looking confused but nodding, Juvia allowed the smaller woman to drag her along to her room.
Levy quickly shut the door when they had reached her room and ushered Juvia to a chair, before making a pot of tea and filling two cups.
"Alright Juvia tell me everything! I wanna know all about this guy!"
Twenty minutes later
Levy's mouth was hanging open when Juvia had finished telling her everything that had happened. Did Lucy really thing that her situation with Natsu was that hopeless? She felt a rush of sympathy for her best friend, and her desire to make both mages happy was strengthened.
"So why are you so curious about Lucy's date Levy? Juvia knows that you two are good friends but it seems a little odd to be this into her relationships," said Juvia, eying Levy suspiciously. She was startled again as Levy's leapt to her feet and began pacing, all the while rapidly explaining the whole Natsu situation.
Juvia's eyes looked dangerously close to popping out of her head when Levy told her about the plan to get Natsu to confess to Lucy. She flew out of her seat and grabbed Levy by the shoulders, stopping the smaller woman's pacing.
"What can Juvia do to help?!" she asked excitedly. Levy thought about it for a moment. They pretty much had the Natsu side of things covered…
"Oh I've got it! Juvia, can you keep Lucy's mind on Natsu for the next few days? Do whatever you can to make her think about how Natsu treats her, how he's always protecting her, anything you can think of to convince her that he does have feelings for her!" Juvia nodded vigorously. Levy thought about it a little more then another idea came to her. "Also try to get her thinking that Darius isn't really into her. It's kind of a mean thing to do but we can't let him steal Lu away from Natsu. Remind her that all the men from Blue Pegasus are players, say that you've seen him with other women, make up rumors…. Do whatever you can to make him sound less appealing!"
Juvia agreed to do all of this and whatever else she could to ensure that Lucy would believe Natsu when he finally revealed his feelings for her. Levy knew that the water mage would happily help set the blonde woman up with anyone who wasn't Gray.
"Alright then… Operation NaLu is a go!" exclaimed Levy, and Juvia cheered. They both whipped around when they heard the door burst open behind them. The rest of the Fairy Tail women were standing in the doorway, all of them grinning.
"Excellent idea you two," said Erza, nodding her head at the two bluenettes.
"We heard you mention Natsu and Lucy in the hall and we couldn't help but listen in," said Lisanna, seeing their confused expressions. Levy and Juvia laughed, and soon all of them were suggesting more ways to keep Lucy from falling for Darius…
Makarov's POV
Makarov had to admit that he was looking forward to this little job his 'children' were about to take on. He was sitting in his office, going over the day's events in his mind. He cared deeply for all of Fairy Tail's members, but the two lovesick mages held a special place in his heart. They had both been through so much already in their short lives, and he believed that they were both due a great deal of happiness. He would ensure that they would not fail.
He absentmindedly flipped through one of the books that Levy had thought would be useful in getting Natsu to understand his emotions. She had uncovered it in one of the deeper, less frequented sections of the library and she had made sure to grab it before she and Natsu returned to the guild.
"Dragonslayers: A Compendium of Facts and Legends Pertaining to Dragonslaying Magic and Those Who Utilize It," he muttered, reading the title aloud to himself. The book contained a surprising amount of information on the art of dragonslaying magic. There were sections on its creation, use throughout the ages, and it gave detailed accounts of some of the most notable users of dragonslaying magic. He wasn't surprised to not find any mention of the current dragonslayers, this book was old, almost ancient. He paused when he reached a section on the many changes that mages went through when they began to practice dragonslaying magic.
'Dragonslaying magic is very wild. Even a master can't stop the physical, mental, and emotional changes that it has on the body. By practicing dragonslaying magic, the mage in question becomes more dragon-like over time. There is even one recored case of a dragonslayer completely transforming into a dragon, utterly forsaking his humanity…'
"Achnologia," growled Makarov, the memory of the vicious black dragon sending a chill down his spine. He continued to read.
'However, since there have been no other cases of dragonslayers turning into dragons, it is assumed that there is more to making the complete transformation than just practicing dragonslaying magic. One legend states that there is even a way to keep dragonification from happening no matter what happens. The accounts are vague but most mention a dragon sealing itself inside the body of a dragonslayer, and through unknown means preventing the slayer from transforming.
The most common changes that occur when a mage begins to practice dragonslaying magic are:
- Increased aggression
- Voracious appetite
- Strengthening of the senses (sight, smell, hearing, etc.)
- Increased endurance, physical strength, vitality, durability, etc…
Makarov just glanced at these listed changes. He had four dragonslayers in his guild, and he knew most of these already. A few entries further down caught his eye.
'There are also a few rarer changes that can occur:
- Desire to seek out a mate. Dragons are strictly monogamous creatures, only taking one mate for the entirety of their lives. They are very protective of their mates, and will often react aggressively when they believe their mate to be in distressed or in danger.
- When the dragonslayer's mate has been found, a subconscious mental link is formed between the slayer and mate. Both are completely unaware that the link exists at first, simply believing that they are dreaming on their own. The reality is that during sleep, the slayer and their mate enter a stared dreaming state. This shared dreaming is what helps the slayer to identify and claim his/her mate…
He stopped reading at that point, his hand resting gently on the page as he stared into space and thought about what he had just read. Natsu had confided in him about his dreams about Lucy before the young man had left the guild for the day. The master was sure that he hadn't been entirely truthful about the content of those dreams, as the boy had been blushing furiously and had refused to make eye contact with the old man as he mumbled something about always being with Lucy in his dreams. That had to be the subconscious connection that the book referred to. And if Natsu was seeing Lucy in his dreams, that meant that she too was seeing the fire dragonslayer in her own. The old man chuckled and shook his head, his spirits lifting even further at this most fortunate discovery.
"Looks like these dreams will make our jobs a little easier," he said to himself, before closing the book and heading home.
Natsu's POV
Natsu felt utterly exhausted as he stepped into the house he and Happy shared. It had been such a long, emotionally stressful day and he knew that the next few days would be just as rough. He was so distracted that he yelled in surprise when something small and covered in blue fur rocketed towards him and slammed into his chest.
"NATSU!" yelled Happy, obviously overjoyed to see his best friend. Natsu felt guilty that he had basically ignored Happy the whole day, so he tried to put on a cheerful expression.
"Hey Happy! How was your day?" he asked in a jovial tone, hoping that his voice wouldn't give away how he really felt. But it was futile. Happy knew him too well, and the little exceed instantly gave the young man a look a deep concern.
"What's wrong with you Natsu? You don't seem like your normal self. You were gone all day and you look like you just got kicked inbetween your legs," said the little but feline. Natsu smiled weakly, he really couldn't hide anything from Happy.
"It's a long story buddy… It's gonna take a while to explain," he said, flopping down onto the couch. Happy plopped down on the couch next to the dragonslayer and made himself comfortable.
"Well you better get started then," said Happy, causing a warm feeling to spread throughout Natsu's chest. Happy would always be there for him.
"Well… It's about Lucy…"
Sometime later (still Natsu's POV)
Happy had remained silent while Natsu explained everything. The little exceed knew that this wasn't the time for jokes and Natsu really appreciated that. Normally the little blue furball would have teased him relentlessly about being in love with Lucy, but Happy was smarter than he seemed. He saw that Natsu was truly hurting and held his tongue till the young man finished speaking.
"I know you really love Lucy," the exceed said quietly after a while, surprising Natsu. He had expected his friend to ask questions, or to give in to his childish impulses and tease the pyro for being in love. But the blue feline just smiled at Natsu and patted him on the knee. "I'm glad that you're finally going to tell her Natsu. I may be young and I may not be that bright, but I've watched you since we first met Lucy in Hargeon. Everyone in the guild is right, you do treat her in a special way. A long time ago I thought that you loved Lisanna, but ever since Lucy joined the guild I've known that I was wrong. Lucy is someone precious to you, someone you can't live without. You need her Natsu."
Natsu just stared at his little friend in wonder. He never would have imagined Happy reacting like this. The fact that his best friend was speaking calmly and without cracking jokes was a testament to how much the exceed meant what he was saying. The little furball grinned hugely at Natsu as he saw him beginning to cry.
"Oh come on Natsu don't cry," the feline said, his tail wagging much like a dogs. "If you start getting too sappy on me I'm going to have to make fun of you!" Tears were falling freely from the young man's eyes, but his laughter revealed that they were tears of happiness. Happy always knew just what to say to cheer him up. He had chosen well when he had named the newborn exceed.
"Thanks pal… I really appreciate it. The next few days are going to be tough but I know I'll get through it with you and the guild supporting me," he said, wiping his eyes. Happy nodded.
"Aye sir! If there's anything I can do to help I'll do it!" said Happy, smiling brightly and jumping up and down in anticipation of the coming events.
"I know you will buddy," said Natsu, getting up. "Lets eat, I'm starving!"
Natsu felt more or less like his usual self as they prepared their food, creating a huge mess in the process. Now that Natsu was feeling better, Happy too had returned to his childlike self. He pestered Natsu with questions he had held back while the slayer was telling his story, and had even given one of his infamous "You loooooovvveeeee her" teases when Natsu had told him more about the moment he had seen Lucy with the man from Blue Pegasus. Happy picked up on the barely contained venom in Natsu's voice when he talked about the stranger.
"You're really worried about this guy aren't you?" said the exceed, yet again astounding Natsu with his perceptive skill.
"I'm worried that he'll try to make a move on her before they actually have their date," said Natsu, his face etched with worry. "You know how those guys in Blue Pegasus are… When they find a beautiful woman they just can't leave her alone." He didn't see that Happy grinned hugely at his use of the term 'beautiful woman.' He didn't even notice that he had stopped referring to Lucy as pretty, or cute. Even before the 'special training' had started, he was already subconsciously accepting the fact that he loved the blonde celestial mage.
"I've got an idea!" exclaimed Happy, shooting up into the air and doing a few loops in excitement at his cleverness.
"What is it?" asked Natsu.
"How about I stay at Lucy's until her date? That way I can let you know right away if something happens! I'll just tell Lucy that you're doing some special training and that you need to be alone so you can concentrate," said the little feline. Natsu high-fived his friend, impressed at this.
"That's a great idea Happy! I mean I actually will be doing special training, but telling her that I need to be alone for it is just the excuse to get her to let you stay at her place! You better say that Carla is mad at you or something too or Lucy will tell you to go stay with her and Wendy," he said, beaming at his little friend. Happy giggled and nodded.
"Aye sir! I'll head over there now!"
"Thanks buddy," said Natsu, glad that he had Happy to count on. Before he left the little blue feline crashed into Natsu's chest again, hugging him tightly. Natsu managed to hold the tears back this time as he embraced his most trusted friend. He waved as Happy flew out the window and zipped through the night air towards town and Lucy's apartment before shutting the door with a little smile on his face.
He really was ready to collapse now. He managed to make it to his bed before his legs gave out and didn't even bother taking his clothes off to sleep. He more tired than he had ever been in his whole life and he had a lot that was worrying him. But he was also happy. He knew that he could get through this because his friends were there to help him. It would be tough, but he knew they wouldn't let him down. He would tell Lucy how he felt, and he would spend the rest of his life making her happy if he could.
His eyes began to droop and he felt himself slipping slowly and peacefully into sleep. Before it had completely overwhelmed him he wondered what Lucy was doing right then. He wondered if she was thinking about him…
Sleep took him…
Then the dream began…
