Warning! Explicit content ahead!


11. Glorious Aftermath

A foreboding shadow loomed ever closer. Lucy huddled behind her boyfriend, who was still green-faced from the train trip. She gulped as the blood-red hair of Erza Scarlet came into clear view. The look in her eyes was cold and unforgiving. Lucy could almost see a vision of her own demise in those black eyes.

"Er-Erza?" she managed to squeak out. Natsu started shaking in front of her. She heard a cracking noise, as the menacing woman flexed her knuckles in preparation for a beating.

"Where were you two for the last couple of days?" she asked coolly.

"Uh… White Shore?" Lucy stuttered. Her hands gripped Natsu tightly, holding him in front of her like a human shield.

'For a holiday!' Natsu added. Lucy smacked him. Don't lie, you'll make it worse, she screamed in her head. She could envision everything that would come next; the barrage of punching, accompanied by several painful kicks to the gut. Natsu would bear the brunt of the violence, while she would take any leftover blows. Maybe, if she was lucky, Erza would take pity on her and leave her leg and shoulder alone.

"Interesting. I don't suppose you stayed at White Shore Cabins, the location described in this S-Class mission?" she replied, pulling out a piece of paper with a mission brief she had seen quite a lot in the last three days. Lucy swallowed.

"Hey, didn't we take that?" Natsu asked, looking at Lucy with a befuddled kind of expression. Lucy smacked him again.

"Shut up," she hissed. Natsu's brow's knitted together, frowning at Lucy.

"What did I say? Wait… Erza, wait!"

"That's all I need to hear," she said quietly, advancing on the two mages. Lucy squeezed eyes shut.

"AAAARRGGGHHH!"


When Lucy finally managed to hobble home, she was met with a very familiar figure lounging on her couch. Even though his body was swollen and bruised, he'd still managed to sneak into her apartment before she'd even unlocked the door. She rolled her eyes.

She'd ended up in a much better condition after Erza's beat down. Lucy suspected she'd realised that the S-Class mission was Natsu's idea; after all, he'd dragged her along on one before. Despite a lesser crop of injuries, she still felt like she'd been run over by a bus. Her leg ached, her shoulder ached, and she felt absolutely filthy. All she really wanted was a shower and a rest.

"How do you always get in here?" she asked, aghast. Natsu just shrugged.

"You have really crappy security. Also, that window doesn't lock," he said, pointing to the white-framed glass looking onto the street. Lucy stared at him.

"How did you know…? Never mind," she sighed. Kicking off her boots, she made a beeline for the bedroom. Lucy fished out her pyjamas from under her pillow, and a set of underwear she hadn't used from the massive bag Natsu had packed. She wandered back into the living room.

"Look, I'm going to go have a bath, ok? I'll be out in 15 minutes." She announced, looking to the man on her couch. He nodded.

"Ok. Can I come?"

"Grea- Wait, WHAT?" she yelped, hugging her pyjamas tight to her body. Lucy turned bright pink.

"Well, that's what couples do, right? They take baths together and sleep in the same bed all the time?"

"I-I… No! Well, yes, but, uh…." She stuttered, blushing even redder. "I'm going to have a bath now!" she said hurriedly. "Don't come in!"

Lucy limped over to the bathroom faster than she thought she was capable of. Locking the door with a soft click, she pressed a hand to her chest. She leant back against the wood, breathing hard. "Oh my gods," she muttered. "Oh my gods, he actually just asked that."

Lucy shook her head, trying to banish the thoughts that were now blooming in her mind. Namely, the visions of her and Natsu in the tub together, washing each other down, kissing, cleaning each other wounds, touching-

"Stop thinking!" she hissed to herself. Her imagination was a very inappropriate thing. Lucy's eyes were wide as she hurried over to turn on the taps. Hot water gushed out, and Lucy started to strip off. Pulling her top over her head and her skirt down her legs, she was struck with more thoughts she shouldn't be having. Like Natsu doing those same things. Then, Natsu unclasping her bra, and Natsu pulling down her panties-

"Gah!" she squeaked, burying her head in her hands. "Stop thinking, brain!" Lucy kicked her pile of clothes beside the door and quickly climbed into the bath. Her toes dipped into the warm water, sending a pleasant tingling sensation through her body. She sunk into the bath, sighing happily. The breath was cut short when her injured leg ducked beneath the surface of the water, and Lucy hissed in pain. Tears pricked at her eyes, and a hand shot down to shield it from further exposure. Hesitantly, she let it soak there for a moment, and the pain eased. She let out a low breath, dreading what her shoulder would feel like.

She relaxed into the water, letting her shoulder sink down as well. The red hot darts of pain that shot through her chest were shocking. Lucy winced and breathed in sharply. It hadn't hurt as bad, at least.

Knowing the majority of the pain was done with, Lucy let her face duck below the surface. Eyes squeezed shut, she enjoyed the feeling of the light waves over her submerged body. Lucy could already feel the tension in her muscles easing.

Lucy's head broke the surface of the water, and she sucked in a fresh breath. She reached around blindly for the wash cloth, eyes still firmly shut. She frowned when her fingers brushed nothing but the porcelain of the tub. Where had she left it?

Lucy opened her eyes and scanned the edge of the tub. No wash cloth. She fished around in the water for a moment, before her frown deepened. No washcloth. Looking up, she searched the room. Her gaze settled on the pink square of cloth sitting on her vanity. Her eyes narrowed. Washcloth.

Desperately, she leaned against the side of the tub, trying to reach it. She knew it was hopeless, but it didn't stop her from trying. She only had two real options. Number one, get out of the bath and get it. Number two, call Natsu in.

Her blush reappeared instantly.

Lucy shook her head. Neither option was appealing, but there was no way she was calling Natsu in. If he even took one step inside the bathroom, she'd have no control over her next actions. She'd want him to come in, and wash her back, and then wash the rest of her and then-

Lucy squealed at her own train of thought, for the third time in the last five minutes. She squealed even louder when something rapped on the bathroom door. "Lucy? Are you ok?" a voice called from the other side. "Why do you keep yelling?"

"I'm fine!" she called hurriedly. "Absolutely fine!"

"Well, ok then," he murmured. "Is there anything I can help you with?" he asked, a little louder than before.

"N-no, nothing at all… Well, yes- I mean no!" she stuttered, undecided. Hesitantly, she tried to put a little weight on her leg and hop out. She yelped as the pressure made her leg sear with pain. It didn't hurt this much getting in, she screamed in her head.

"Lucy? I'm coming in!" Natsu called from outside.

"Wait, don't-"she cried, but her words were cut short. The door swung open, and the pink-haired mage dashed in. He looked around, searching for any signs of danger. After a moment, his stance relaxed and he looked back to Lucy, who had turned a very noticeable shade of red.

He kneeled next to the bath and the stellar spirit mage pressed her body into the side of the tub, hoping he couldn't see anything explicit. She silently prayed that the bathwater was murky enough to hide her from view. He frowned at her. "Why were you yelling like that?"

Lucy chewed her lip. "My leg, it's just… sore. I tried to stand up, and it really hurt," she explained. It wasn't entirely true, but it wasn't entirely a lie, either.

Natsu gave her a worried look. "Do you want me to help you get out?" he offered, gently rubbing a thumb over her shoulder. Lucy's eyes widened.

"No, that's not necessary," she quickly rebuked. "But, uh, could you please pass me that washcloth?" she asked, pointing to the pink scrap of material. Natsu gave a nod, reaching over and grabbing it. She took it graciously, giving him a nervous smile. "Thanks, Natsu."

"No problem," he said quietly, returning the smile. He watched her for a moment, saying nothing at all. Lucy stared fixated at him. His face was so close, his lips were so close. She knew what he was debating. She was mulling over the same thing.

Seeming to have made up his mind, Natsu leaned in a pressed a kiss to her lips. She met him eagerly, reaching up with damp fingers to grip the collar of his signature black jacket.

His hands brushed over her shoulders, her bare back, rubbing in soft, circular motions. His touch melted her like no hot water ever could. Those hands moved gently down her sides, lingering at her taut waist, before running back up her spine and repeating the process. Tingles ebbed throughout her body, and she felt herself sink lower and lower into the depths of passion.

His tongue swiped over her lips, begging for entrance. She happily granted him access, pushing his vest off his shoulders to leave his chest fully exposed. While their mouths explored, Lucy delicately unwrapped his prized muffler from around his neck. She moved very slowly and very carefully, trying her best not to get it wet, Placing it neatly to the side, she continued their kiss.

Natsu broke the connection for a moment, pulling their lips apart. He felt her hot breath on his skin and yearned to resume their heated make out. "Lucy," he said softly, stilling the ministrations of his hands. "Do you want me to join you?"

The pink-cheeked blonde easily saw the true meaning of his words. She knew as well as he did the direction things were taking. If he got in that bath with her, she would not emerge with her virginity. In fact, neither would he. She took a deep breath.

"My back is awfully hard to reach," she murmured, planting a light kiss on his lips. He nodded, pulling back. Then, he kicked off his shoes and started to pull down his pants. Lucy forced herself to look away at this point, knowing full well he was standing naked within just a few feet of her.

"Y-you can hop in now," she stuttered furiously, staring adamantly at the wall. He happily obliged, landing in the tub with a loud splash and very little grace. He settled down behind her, and she could feel her rock-hard chest against her back, as well as his newly-awakened member. Lucy blushed even deeper.

"Where's that washcloth?" he asked softly, wrapping his arms around her. Her body was pulled even closer against his. Every part of her was touching every part of him. Lucy had never felt so close to one person before.

Lucy passed him the cloth, eagerly anticipating what came next. She heard small splashes as he soaked the material again, before running it up over her back. His touch was firm, though not too hard. It was the perfect amount of pressure.

She let out a happy sigh, leaning back into his touch. She could feel the material sliding up her spine again, rubbing circles over her tensed, sore shoulder muscles. Her eyes fluttered shut, lips slightly parted, and she slipped into a glowing state of euphoria.

He slid the cloth carefully over her neck and chest, listening astutely to her breathing. As the edge of the material was dragged over her wound, she sucked in a sharp breath, and Natsu moved the cloth to the other shoulder. He was very gentle in his motions now, and she could sense his hesitation. She smiled to herself. He really does care about me.

Lucy's smile morphed into a silent 'O' of shock when she felt his lips press lightly against her neck. He brushed the golden strands of her hair aside for better access, before dappling kisses across the soft flesh of her neck, her shoulders, her back. His mouth sealed around the fair skin there, and started to suck softly. She gasped, and her eyes shot wide open. He was marking her again!

"N-Natsu," she moaned, and her head rocked backwards. The washcloth brushed down lower, and she felt it slide over her generous endowments . She couldn't quite believe he'd dared to touch her like that. Then, he did it again. The cloth-wielding hand lingered on her right breast, rubbing in smooth, slow circles. As the material brushed over her nipple, she moaned. It felt so good to be touched like this, especially after the beatings they'd both taken over the past few days.

Another bold hand, free of washcloth, reached around to cup her other breast and pay it equal attention. Natsu's thumb rubbed over her left nipple, daring to give it a light flick. Lucy's moans heightened at the doubled sensations.

Heat was rapidly pooling deep in her stomach. The sensations were so much stronger in the hot water. It was almost as if a layer of her skin had been peeled away, heightening the pleasure wherever she was touched. Lucy arched her back, resting her head on his shoulder. He eagerly buried his mouth on the fresh patch of exposed neck, while she mewled in pleasure.

The feelings were building at a rate Lucy wouldn't have thought possible. The layered effect of stimulation had her making noises she didn't know she was capable of. Her thoughts were hazy, but the recurring theme was 'Natsu is damn good at multi-tasking'.

She could feel the pressure at the base of her spine grow, and she realised he was just as turned on as she was. As the wash cloth slid over her ample chest for the umpteenth time, she decided it was time to give him a bit more attention.

Lucy straightened her back, pulling away from Natsu's touch. She rolled over, so she was facing his front,. Looking him dead in the eyes, she smiled. "You turn," she breathed, sealing their lips together in a passionate kiss.

Lucy trailed her fingers over the solid planes of her chest, following the dips and ridges. She could feel his heartbeat against her inquisitive fingers, and the rise and fall that indicated his breathing. She felt him shudder under her touch. In turn, he ran his hands over her back, sliding over her ass this time.

As the kiss grew heavier and the touches grew reached more sensitive regions, Lucy started to let herself go. There was a mounting heat in her core, and she yearned to dispel it. Her hands drifted over his hips, and she pulled her lips from his, breaking the kiss for just a moment. "Natsu," she breathed heavily. "I'm ready."

He nodded, before resuming the kiss. Strong arms snaked around her waist, and she found her body turning over in the hot water. Suddenly, Natsu was on top, and his hands were ghosting over her hips. "Luce," he murmured, staring deep into her eyes. "Are you sure?"

She nodded firmly, settling her hands on his muscular shoulders. "Certain."

Just a few seconds later, she felt a hard, pulsing pressure slide over her most delicate region, provoking a loud moan. It was cut short when the pressure increased, and she felt an alien pain in her core. His shaft pushed into her, and the searing pain built.

She gasped, and tears pricked at her eyes. The pressure grew and grew, and she could have sworn something was tearing. She whimpered, digging her nails into Natsu's shoulders. Her eyes were squeezed shut, but she could envision the look of concern on his face.

"Lucy?" he called. "I'm so sorry. It'll go away in a moment, I promise. I'm sorry, Lucy." The blonde let out a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding, before relaxing again. He was right, the pain was leaving. Lucy's eyes fluttered open again. Natsu smiled at her. "You feel so good, Lucy."

Then he, started moving, and the pain came back. It was only slight, though, and the friction was delicious enough to overshadow it. Lucy heaved a shaky breath, groaning deeply. She felt so full, so connected to him. Nothing she'd felt before equated to these sensations. It was glorious.

Natsu thrust into her harder, picking up speed. His strokes were still tentative, but he was finding a rhythm. Lucy could feel his hot member throbbing inside of her. The heat was building fast, and there was a knot tightening in her stomach. She moaned loudly. "N-Natsu," she gasped, holding onto his shoulders for dear life. She was anchored to there by nothing more than his presence; if he wasn't there, she was certain the mounting pleasure would have her float away.

Lucy cried out as he hit something deep inside of her. Her hips bucked upwards wildly, and her legs kicked at the water. Waves were sloshing over them, seemingly in sync with Natsu's thrusts. Lucy's eyes squeezed shut and her body was lifted to a new level of ecstasy. She screamed, feeling strange new muscles contract as she reached climax.

Waves of pleasure exploded from her core, and the searing knot in her stomach unravelled into metaphorical fireworks. As she reached completion, she heard his let out a pleasured grunt of his own, and spill deep within her. It was a strange feeling, like someone had tried to pour water inside her.

Lucy leaned back into the tub, breathing fast and feeling utterly wiped. There was no words to explain the happiness or the pleasure she'd just experienced, no way to tell him what he'd just done to her body, So, instead, she pressed alight kiss to his lips, and gave him a sleepy smile.

"Natsu, take me to bed?" she begged, brushing a hand over his. He smiled at her.

"Sure, Lucy." The water sloshed as her stood up, towering over her in all his naked glory. Lucy couldn't help but admire the perfect specimen of man as he stepped out of the tub, and slid his arms under her. Bridal style, she was carried out of the bathroom and over to her pink bed. She was soaking wet as she hit the sheets, and she knew he was too. It didn't matter to her, though. Sheets would dry. For now, she just wanted to be held.

Natsu lay down beside her, taking her tired body into his arms again. Lucy let out a contented sigh, and her eyes drifted shut. She fell asleep with a smile on her face, and she was certain that he did too.


Oh my god, they did it in the bath! Scandalous ;)

Well, I hope you enjoyed that little bonus. It's been a long time coming, I know. Unfortunately, this marks the end of the first arc. I will be taking a two week break to edit, write, relax, and catch up on a particularly nasty mountain of schoolwork. I have decided to o with the idea I mentioned earlier for the second arc; lots of little NaLu bits and pieces, with the occasional mission. If anyone has any suggestions or themes for a chapter, feel free to post them as a part of a review. I'm basically writing a string od inter-related one-shots for this next part. I don't really know how else to describe it!

On a cheesier note, I would genuinely like to say thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed and enjoyed this story. I'm actually in awe of the response I've gotten from writing this. There is no way to say how grateful I actually am. I ended up with thousands of reads from people all over the world, as well as a fabulous group of people who took the time to give me feedback over my writing. Someone actually cared to do that, and that is incredible. It had been a god damn honour writing for you guys, and I will eagerly resume writing for you in two weeks time. Thank you so much, once again. This has been unbelievable.

Once again, thank you.

I'll be back soon, my lovelies!

Maddie

EDIT! As of 3/04/13, I have changed my mind regarding the layout of the next arc. I will be posting the first chapter as a NEW STORY on 14/04/13! That means in around a week and a half's time, you will have your next NaLu fix! I'll be naming the sequel 'The Brightest Star'.