Chapter 13
Good afternoon, my poptarts :D
Just came back from school and I'm hyped up on Pepsi so I decided to write a chapter for you poptarts. Anyway, the votes are in (compromise is a no-go cause not enough people):
NaLu: 31
No NaLu: 7
…That was a LANDSLIDE omg XD
***I will be changing my name from Rainbowpoptartcat to PoptartEmpress***
{~•~•~}
Natsu stared at the tree in confusion, wondering why the key-hole was there at a different time than stated in Levy's research.
He debated on whether to put the key in now, or gather his friends for the "reunion". Then again, it was around one in the morning, and he did not want to deal with Erza's anger for being awakened. So Natsu walked up to the tree and studied it a little before placing the key into the carved hole and took a step back.
The key started glowing brightly as the colors of the rainbow appeared on the leaves and shone beautifully in the starry night sky. The tree absorbed the key as the bark somehow stretched around the it, making the key and the key-hole carving disappear.
There were flashes of color so bright that Natsu covered his eyes and looked to the side, cringing from the slight pain in his eyes. The leaves rustled as the wind blew, detaching some leaves from its respective branch, instantly turning back to its spring green color.
As the light became more bearable to look at, Natsu, with his eyes still covered, looked at the tree again and noticed a faint yellow outline of a person that looked vaguely like Lucy at the very top of the tree.
Slowly, the shape started to fill in with different colors from her slightly tan skin to the colors of her clothes. The outline molded into her body shape, showing her curvy figure.
Details began to arise, filling in her eyes, nose, and mouth; the shape looking like Lucy more and more as time went by.
The flashing lights died down to a dull, yellow color, leaving Lucy floating in the air for a few seconds before she started to fall. Seeing this, Natsu sprinted up to the tree and caught her bridal style before she hit the ground.
"Lucy?" He said as he slowly set her on the ground, still cradling her. "Lucy, wake up, are you okay?"
The blonde's eyes fluttered open revealing her big, chocolate brown eyes. "Natsu?" She whispered. "What happened?"
Natsu sighed in relief and helped her sit up so that they were facing each other. "Long story." He answered shortly.
Lucy nodded in understanding. "I'm guessing I turned into key and you solved it by putting the key in the key-hole in the tree?" When Natsu raised an eyebrow, she continued. "Yeah, I sort of knew about the whole key thing as well…sorry."
"No, you don't have to apologize. I'm so sorry, Luce. I'm sorry about everything, including not telling you about Lisanna and me before. I don't know why I didn't tell you, I-"
Lucy held up a hand, stopping Natsu from talking, and smiled. "It's alright, Natsu. I may have overreacted just a little." She stood up, Natsu following her movements.
Then, she wrapped her arms around his torso, pulling him for a hug which he accepted immediately. "Thank you…"
Natsu smiled. "Anytime."
Lucy pulled out of the hug and returned the smile. They stayed like that for a few seconds before Lucy saw something flash in Natsu's eyes and she took a step back. "Well, I should probably head back to my apartment. I'll see you tomorrow at the guild."
Natsu nodded and watched her leave the park, a look of longing in his eyes.
{~•~•~}
Lucy was scrambling around her room, trying to get dressed for her date with Suta. She had on a pale pink dress that reached her mid-thigh and matching ballet flats. Her hair was down over her shoulders and just when she finished brushing it, there was a knock on her door.
She grabbed her purse, which had her keys and whip in it for safety reasons, and walked to the door, opening it. Suta was in a button-up and khakis with some dress shoes. "You ready to go?" He asked as he held out his arm.
She took it with and eager nod and locked the door when she walked out.
The couple went to a restaurant not too far from Lucy's apartment. They had a pretty good time, talking and eating together. But a thought was plaguing Lucy's mind the entire time.
As they walked back to her apartment, her mind began to wander off as Suta walked beside her, talking animatedly. She couldn't get Natsu's expression from the night before out of her mind. His eyes had this sincerity and passion that she only saw while he was fighting somebody.
Maybe, he was telling the truth about his feelings.
When they reached Lucy's apartment, Suta turned to the blonde, snapping her out of her thoughts. He faced her and took her hands, rubbing circles with his thumbs. His ears were pink, and his gaze was focused on his shoes.
"Suta? What's wrong?" Lucy asked softly.
Suta finally looked up and Lucy flinched inwardly at the intense look in his eyes. "Lucy, I-I know we haven't known each other for that long a-and I understand if you don't feel the same way but I j-just wanted to say..."
He intertwined their fingers and said something Lucy never thought she'd hear.
"I love you."
{~•~•~}
And cue cliffy XD
Ohmahgersh guys, we're almost to 200 followers! I'm so hyped :D
I 3 you all.
By the way, I've been thinking about this lately, and with the help of a reader (*cough* CrimsonLightKey *cough*) and their input I think I'll just merged the sequel within this story, giving it another arc, and just having like a seasonal break so it'll continue a little later while I write my other story.
With that said, the next chapter will be the last chapter for this arc :'( But it will be the longest chapter I've written for this story so far, just for you guys :)
Anyway, good day, my lovely poptarts, and don't forget to review!
Review Goal:15 (we got twelve last time :D)
EDIT: Ending was changed, new chapter up as well.