Bewitched 12: We are Stronger Together

To say that Lucy's week was rocky would be a understatement bigger than her apparent, boyfriend's alternate form.

She had been 'allowed' to go to work. But only after she had begun to fuss and had called in his mother for support.

She had managed, but only barely.

Even then Natsu was stalking about. He was pressing his case, gently, but insistently that she come home with him nd when she won that she would stay home he plopped himself on her couch and has refused to move since. Lucy rubbed her head absently. It didn't help that for some reason, her temper was starting to get the better of her. Usually she prided herself on being very cool and collected even in the most extreme situations. But this whole situation was just making her agitated.

And Natsu was both the cause and the solution to her feelings.

He incited her anger and yet it could only be soothed by his touch.

It was infuriating.

And not just for her.

Even Juvia had threatened to toss her to Natsu just to get some peace from Lucy's somewhat riotous mood-swings and Natsu's incessant circling and needling. She had done a version of it one day by actually opening the door for him into her room (which she had spelled that only a woman could open) just so he'd stop thumping around the living room. Thankfully Lucy had been sitting on her bed reading when it happened. Juvia had just looked tiredly at her and shut the door behind him as soon as he was inside. She felt a bit betrayed...but she couldn't fault the woman. Natsu sparked her irritation too simply because of their powers. Fire heated water. And Natsu seemed to be 'leaking' power everywhere...rather like...marking territory.

Ugh.

That sounded...very primeval of him.

And mortal women complain about their men being dogs...

Looking at the time it was well after four and as five rapidly approached she knew so would Natsu. He was getting his deliveries done in record times now and though part of her was supremely flattered the other part was supremely pissed.

One attack and suddenly he was like a shadow.

Today had nearly been disastrous more than usual because Hibiki had come in to get the keys for about five homes he was showing that day. He always would take the keys slowly from her hands and kiss them as if she was giving out her grace. He truly was a bit of a shameless flirt. Hibiki was in high demand as many of the women purchasing homes (many to the chagrin of their husbands) loved Hibiki's looks and attentions. However, he was a shameless, if harmless flirt. Unfortunately, Natsu had walked in about the time Hibiki was being his usually suave, yet harmless, self. Natsu had walked in and promptly dropped his packages on the ground next to Ichiya's office door and glared daggers at the other man who was quickly heading towards the door. Natsu went back to 'peacefully' scan the three boxes. The mage was not fooled. Lucy now knew that the perceived temperature change he seemed to leave behind was the subtle sign of his magic, and right now it was at least ten degrees hotter as he approached her with the digital pad. Lucy stands up, hands on her hips, and eyes snapping and sparking back at him as the well within her bubbled in response to at his irritation.

"He's harmless. that 's how he treats every woman! He has a girlfriend he's very serious about you know!"

"So do I." And with that comment she was yanked forward and the lips slanting across hers was like a brand. One she was all too willing to receive. She could feel something hot and surging boiling through her blood and she wasn't too sure it was unpleasant. She always had known the man was hot but...well the *dragon* was hot but this was something else entirely.

He pulled back to inspect his work and smiles smugly at the erratic but strong flickering occurring behind her eyes.

Now...if she would just come home with me...

"I'll see you at five."

"I...I can take care of myself." she manages out through puffs of air. He only grins and hugs her a bit tighter rubbing his nose against hers.

"I know. Which is why I haven't kidnapped you yet and taken you home."

"Just try it buddy." she growls at him.

"Thus, me escorting you home and camping out on your couch."

"Yet I always wake up to you in my bed. Freakn' pervert."

"What can I say? I like waking up to the smell of starlight."

"That doesn't even...ugh!" she pushes away from him and signs his pad shoving it back to him.

"Go finish your job..." she huffs. He grins as he steps back and hurries out of the door.

"I'll be back to get you! Don't leave with out me!"

Though she attempted to hold on to the anger it had lowered at his touch to the background.

But just thinking about what he did still brought heat that flushed her cheeks

And it wasn't coming from HIM but rather from HER. Maybe that's just how their magic responds to each other?

But he wasn't HERE.

Frowning she glances at her sleeping computer monitor and frowns. Where her eyes...flickering?! Was she sick!?

No. She didn't feel sick...

Natsu would've smelled if she was sick right? He would've told her...right?

No, she can't assume anything anymore...she needed information and right now she was only ever safe to investigate without him hovering was during work. Glancing at the clock she was rapidly running out of time. She could call Levy...no today was her day off with Gajeel and she didn't want it possibly getting to Natsu so easily... Picking up the phone she dialed a number in desperation, ironically it seemed that going closer to the source would be easier and safer...

"Hello?"

"Ms. Grandeeny! I need your help!"

"Lucy! What did he do now?"

"No...it's not that...at least I don't think so. I mean...I have no idea what I mean." She stopped and looked down at herself. "I feel strange."

"Is it painful?"

"No...hot. NOT that kind of hot but physically hot, like it comes from inside and It's like my magic but my magic doesn't feel like this. At first I thought it was Natsu's magic effecting me and...that that was how I was feeling it but...it feels like it comes from *inside* ME. And- and my eyes their flickering! Like flashing! I...I just need to know, if there is something I need to know about?"

The Dragon Queen leans back smiling softly to herself.

"Oh, honey, there is so much you need to know. That feeling is coming from within you. It's a...piece of your magic being replaced with his. The same is happening to him. That's how bonds work. Your bond is new and sensitive so it seems to spring up everytime he's near. You have probably felt irritable, hot, and...well other things."

Lucy blushes at the suggestive tone, it was why she had sent Natsu out to stay on the couch the first night back at her apartment...

"You are progressing perfectly normal, for this sort of thing."

"But I didn't ask for it!"

"Not many do. At least not the way magic and fate chooses to do it... I certainly would never have picked his father. He was loud, aggressive, messy, and had never learned to eat with utensils until we met. I certainly did not want him. Despite it all he was kind but persistent, understanding but demanding, gentle with me harsh with those who would stop us." She sighs as she remembers and smiles faintly. It seemed like just yesterday she was a much younger lady being followed by this poorly dressed fellow in a Tunic attempting to garner her attentions with twigs and such in his hair.

Fire and air did not cross at that time, no more than mage and dragon, or elf and human. But their emotions, the bond, and magic had other things in mind... It was a backwards time and them deciding to stay on Earthland to watch a way-point was both tactical and familial in nature. They could love, live and raise their children in peace while influencing a air of tolerance.

Thinking about the girl on the other end of the line she smiles.

How times have changed.

She then frowns as a thought occurs to her.

And yet they haven't.

"When bonds happen it's usually gradual and progresses only if there are mutual feelings and is strong er when the magic's are strong as well. You two do have both, yes?"

"Well...yes..."

"Then that's why it's happening. Let me guess, he's trying to get you to come home with him, and camps out in your apartment when you say 'No."

"YES! It's INFURIATING!"

The woman laughs. "He's so much like his father..." Grandeeny's father and Igneel still have trouble speaking to one another...the fight they had gotten into had been horrid.

That poor town...

Lucy didn't really see what was so funny about the situation. She didn't have a dragon sleeping on her couch eating the fire from their gas stove (causing them to make him relight their pilot light each time) complaining about the lack of fireplaces, steaming up the whole apartment from ONE cold shower, magically piddling everywhere and sneaking into her bed every night.

Wait...maybe she did...times two.

Gods, if so this woman and Wendy where saints...

"Lucy, dear, listen. He's doing very well, all things considered. And I think you already know that. But bonds are serious things to dragons. And others could begin to think that he's not serious, or doing a poor job of taking care of you." Tack on the fact that Lucy was lacking family probably doesn't sit right with Natsu either. At least with family she'd have some form of 'protection' and back up...right now all his instincts see is that she is alone and that meant "vulnerable."

"I can take care of my self."

"I know that, you know that, HE knows that. Technically."

"He doesn't act like it."

"Well, male dragon's are hardwired to horde and protect that which they see as theirs or under their protection especially when they have good confirmation that the feelings are completely returned. At the park in the fight with Angel you clearly fought on his behalf after he was hurt. He has confirmation and now wants to pull you closer. He can't horde you as effectively because more people now know of your existence and well instinct wants him to pull you closer. The best way would be to take you back to his house to live."

"Can't his little den work?"

"In a pinch, but he doesn't see that as his normal home. It's probably not infused with enough of his power..."

"But wouldn't it be just a bit odd for him to bring me home with you and Mr. Dragneel about?"

"Well, yes, that's if he would be bringing you here to stay. Odd's are he's built someplace farther out in our lands. His checks from his delivery job has to go somewhere. The place he was eyeing was probably just a red-herring for us so we didnt' snoop too much."

"Are you saying he wants to cut me off from everyone?" She could hear the worry and fear filter into Lucy's voice. That was not good.

"No, he'll never do that, but he does want some real alone time with you and you have to admit that's been very hard lately with all the interrogations and interviews and coming into the Embassy to write reports and I.D. pictures."

Lucy sighs slumping in her seat a bit.

It was true.

They where so busy lately with all the paperwork and red tape that was involved with reporting what was known about the group that even when alone she often fell asleep on him. She knew he was a very affectionate person, so she could imagine that this situation was probably driving him up the wall. "But if I give in and go with him I won't likely be allowed to go back home."

"That's true, too. He'd want to always keep you close. But I ask you this: Does that apartment really feel like home to you? Has it ever?" Lucy paused and looked at her screensaver thoughtfully.

No, truth be told.

It was simply a place to keep her stuff and lay her head. She didn't particularly feel safe there, even with the layers of spells she and Juvia had put into place. she always checked over her shoulders constantly...

When was the last time she ever felt safe?

"I'll tell you what. I'm sure this has to be very nerve wracking to Juvia as well. Why don't I offer you two a cottage to stay in here. It's close to our home, the spells are powerful and ancient and you would not have to worry about him being quite so paranoid. You and Natsu could walk to see each other and the magic here is far more healthier than the ones around you."

"But getting to work..."

"Can be handled...my offer from before about that still stands as well. But it's a happy medium and I'm sure give a week or so you'll see him calm down."

Lucy sighs. "Maybe you're right..." She glances up at the time and squeaks. "Oh! He'll be here any minute to pick me up!"

"Then stay on with me and I'll tell him the plan."

"Oh, but..."

"Trust me... let me help, dear. You'll have to learn about us sooner or later, and I think sooner would behoove you. I'll give you a little library of what we have here waiting for you in the cottage. But let me talk him into it."

"I-If you're sure..."

"I am."

She hears the front door open and looks up into the very face of the man-dragon who's been causing her all the stress. "Natsu."

"Hey, you about ready?" He pulls at his black polo, judging by the fact that he still wore his work pants he had only had enough time to change shirts and drive back.

"AH, yeah, I was just..."

"Hold the phone away dear, NATSU!" Lucy had just managed to do so before the woman yelled.

Natsu blinks and stares at the phone before walking over to take the receiver. "Mom what are you...?"

"I hear you're being a bit of a nuisance, to poor Lucy and Juvia."

"I'm not..."

"You are. I want a sane daughter-in-law and she is a very sweet girl. You are NOT going to scare her away!"

"MOM~! I' not..." he blinks and looks at Lucy who was staring curiously at him and a bit in worry before leaning away and whispers quietly.

"I'm not being a nusance! She's just being a bit...difficult...it would be best if she stayed close to me."

"I know and that's what I'm here to help with. What if I told you I could get her to stay on the property and move out of that apartment?"

"That would be accept- wait...what's the catch?" Natsu's expression is skeptical.

"You have to be a perfect gentleman and go SLOW. She still has to adapt to the idea that her boyfriend is a DRAGON and the magic thing is giving her fits! The poor dear is having mood swings! I've never heard of her raising her voice before. She and Juvia need to be on the top of their game if this group decides to move. You harassing them constantly won't help matters. I don't want to split the girls up, because, frankly, they really only trust themselves."

"And me."

"Yes, but right now you're a cause of stress. If she's calm again you'll make more head way. Last time she was extremely stressed horrible things happened. I don't think you want to be associated with that." He was quiet for a long time his mind searching for any downside to her idea. Finding none and thinking that perhaps she had a point. He grunts.

"Fine. When it's ready I'll help."

"Wonderful! Put Lucy back on the line."

"I could-"

"Put. Her. Back. On. The. Line. Natsu."

"Mom wants to speak with you again." Lucy takes the phone that was suddenly shoved at her by her strangely stiff boyfriend.

"H-hello?"

"Now, I have a cottage that would be very lovely for your girls and it's a lovely place to watch spring come in. I will not take any rent except for the occasional request of advice. The place could use a bit of life in it lately. It's been a long while since anyone has darkened it's doors. I'm sure Natsu would be willing to help. " Lucy just got the impression of a 'wink' but she wasn't sure how...

" So should I expect you girls later this evening to look the place over?"

"Uh, yes...yeah. We'll be there...well, I will...I have to talk with Juvia..."

"I think you might be surprised at how willing she'll be. Talk to you later..." Lucy blinks at the receiver in her hands.

Natsu looks at her and though it wasn't his house it was in his territory so he could be a little less tense. But it would do nothing about helping her adjust. Already he could see shadows behind her eyes denoting her growing weariness. He quietly helped her clean and lock up and escorted her to his car. As soon as she sat down her muffled sigh of tiredness did not go unnoticed. Lucy would continue to protest his over protectiveness but he could see that even making it through the day was draining for her. Her magic and body was working overtime keeping up her glamour, adapting to the rapid insurgence of power and manifesting the physical changes that went along with that. To ask her to ride the bus and loose sleep and walk home...well he wasn't about to ask that of her. She needed all the rest she could get. preferably he'd ask her to stay at his home and simply sleep and eat but he knew she would balk at that. So the best he could do was to insist she sleep in the same bed as he, provide food and drive her about. At least with him acting as a battery her body wouldn't use it's own reserves to complete the changes. He hadn't told her the full extent of her changes yet. But he knew he needed to come clean. Judging by her scent she was about at the half way mark. She would come out of it stronger but in the mean time she was vulnerable. More than she even knew at the moment and he was not going to let the enemy have a easy chance at taking a pot shot at her.

Noticing Lucy's zoned out expression he places a quick and quiet call to Juvia and explained his mother's suggestion. He assured her that he would be by tomorrow to help with packing their few items but he needed to get her to their new place.

"Natsu-san's mother has already called. I'll do anything not to have pools of fire power sitting in random spots about the house."

Natsu winces and blinks at the change of tone from the woman in the next few words.

"You just make sure you get here there safe and come clean with her. You're not telling her something and she needs to know. She needs information to make educated decisions. She'd probably choose your way if you'd just stop being so secretive." Glancing back over to his passenger seat he noticed that she had already dozed off and he frowned at the exhaustion marring her features. "You're right. It's a habit that's not right when she's not a dragon."

"Good. Now get her home before she wakes up and attempts to blast you from the car for not taking her back to the apartment."

"UH...yeah...didn't think about that...talk to you later." He quickly hung up and allowed his foot to press just a little harder on the gas.

~"She hasn't been here since hours ago...no Sir. Angel has been captured but she will not speak. We made sure of that. They have lived here for a while sir...and it seems that nothing has happened to change their suitability as sacrifices. Yes sir, we'll be waiting for them."~

" ~ana."

"Hn...?"

"Cana."

"..."

"CANA!" Erza slammed her hand down on the table in front of her, rattling their coffees and B52's respectively.

"What!? HUh? Oh sorry, I kind of zoned out..."

"Are you alright?"

"I...think so but I heard something."

"You sure it wasn't me?"

"Positive. I need to make a few calls... give me a second." she stands up and walks off to a corner and pulls out her cell and dials a number.

"Dragneel."

"The princesses are not safe in the tower." There is a moment of silence.

"Understood." before hanging up.

Cana looks up and smiles at a confused Erza. "I think the girls are going to be moving soon."

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"Call it a hunch." She smiles before waving over Mira. "They sure can make a mean mead here, has to be that half Changeling blood. Supposedly they have the best taste buds in all the realms..."

"Changing the subject won't make me forget...have you forgotten I'm here to watch out for them?"

"Have you forgotten who you're watching them for?"

Erza stiffens.

"Even with you modifying your reports you report anything like what's really happened and they'll attempt to pull them back. That would not be good for many until they are settled I'm not telling you anything. Now, more MEAD!" she waves excitedly to amused Lisanna who was already preparing another bottle.

Lucy woke to being lifted from the car but she couldn't bring herself to be too worried as her nose picked up hints of campfire and pine. "Mm...Natsu?" He pauses and looks down at her. The husky notes in her voice causing a shiver to run down his spine, refocusing he smiles. "Yeah?"

"If we're here I can walk. I'd need to stand to unlock the front door anyway." she begins to shift.

"You don't need to do that...you don't have the key to this place, yet."

"Hmm? Of course I have a key to my place."

"But...you're not at your apartment." He could feel her tense and pop into full awareness right before she proceeds to struggle.

"Natsu Dragneel! Where have you brought me!?"

"To the cottage Mom's letting you use. You needed sleep...and getting here allowed you to sleep longer than if I went to your apartment."

"Natsu, I needed to at least pack a overnight bag, toiletries, my book..."

"I can get that."

"Natsu."

"Lucy."

She goes to sniff at him an finally turns her head to face the house. Freezing she stares in awe.

He places her down on the ground before a mid-sized two level circular octagonal house. The place was painted almost the exact same color as the snow covered evergreen trees it was nestled in. The snow drifts about only served to make the place much more scenic and...secluded. It had to be at least a three bedroom and had a wall of windows facing east, down a small hill that leads towards the lake. The windows where behind a nice deck for entertaining. For a moment she was speechless. This was the Embassy guest 'cottage'!?

Natsu taking advantage of her silence walks ahead of her. "It's been a while since this place has been used...here...let me get you to the front door. I know it's on this side, somewhere..."

Taking a deep breath he exhales a huge stream of fire twice his own height that immediately melted the large snowdrift that blocked the door. Lucy turned wide eyes to a grinning Natsu.

"Found it." he snarks as smoke curls from his fanged mouth. He takes her hand and pulls her close. "Let's go in. Gotta get you settled. Your energy won't last long if I leave you out in this cold."

"Natsu It's not that cold...not to mages. Certainly not to you."

"Until your power levels balance back out it is. You didn't even notice you're shivering." he runs his hand down her arms. "You should be resting more." he murmurs as he gently pushes her through the heavy wood doors and into a large sitting room with a circular sectional and similarly shaped 360-degree fire pit. Looking up she could see that all the bedrooms opened out to look down on the seating area and she could detect magic running along the chimney so that any heat going up would be directed out to help keep the hall way warm. Looking to her right she sees a large kitchen, made for entertaining. The whole place was both rustic but classy. The Draconian embassy crest was subtly hidden on the doors of the place and again on the fire pit's hood.

"Mom designed and decorated this place when she was bored about fifty years ago. She updated it not too long ago. But it largely goes unused unless our Grandparents visit."

Lucy is guided to the couch and settled on to it. She felt the leather and noted how soft it was and that it was also spelled against tearing and age. Looking around she smelt old power positively dripping from every surface. It wasn't uncomfortable. It felt like Natsu...but not. It wasn't warm enough but it was soothing. And as much as she wanted to deny his claims she WAS tired constantly since their run in with Angel. She suspected that it had to do with the bond which would also explain Natsu's babying habits lately. She watched as he built a fire and lit it with a soft blow and a hand over the fire to control it's intensity.

"I'm sure mom's ordered groceries to be delivered soon. When they come you should make some tea and sit by the fire."

She *did* feel better when she was around him...then there was her eyes...

"Natsu?"

"Hmm?"

"This...bond. C-could it-if I don't take care of myself- hurt me?" She hugged her self at the next thought. "K-kill me?" The man sighs and kisses her gently.

"It won't kill you. But it could hurt us both if you don't take care of yourself. Strong bonds help us get to know each other and together our power is stronger than alone. I'm not going to lie, though. A dragon m-bonding a mage is rare. There will be people who would attempt to separate us, some might even attempt to kill you just because magic has chosen us as a pair. Hell, there are even people that are still upset that Mom and Dad are mated." he pauses and snorts. "They have tried to kill Wendy and I on occasion, too before I even reached adulthood. It's why we've had to become so strong not only as a Embassy but also as a family. You are being pulled into our world Lucy, and I don't want to loose you. So, yes, you have to rest for a bit because we will come out of this stronger. Let me be a bit smothering. " He pauses looking into her eyes. "I need you safe, Luce, capable of taking care of business on your own too. But I'm going to try and make it so you aren't put into such situations."

"You sound like you'd go crazy if I got hurt." she laughs weakly trying to break up the intensity.

"I might. I found my other half." He says softly. "Heaven help this city if something truly happens to you."

Juvia steps off the last step of the Aquarium pulling down her black skirt in frustration. The white shirt sea blue vest and skirt outfit was cute but very constricting. Juvia was also not used to having to wear her hair up so much and the center of her scalp was starting to hurt where all the pins and such where holding the weight up. She suddenly seemed to get why Lucy was alright working in such a business casual environment. She got to have days off of wearing 'buisness-wear.' Shaking her head she thought fondly of a nice bath where she could let her hair down and simply soak, only to be greeted by a all black car that was blocking her way to the bus stop. Gray steps out and every so gently takes her things and placing them into the car before escorting her into the passenger's seat. "What~ Gray~san...what are you~?" He pulls into the drivers seat and locks the doors firmly. "What is going on?" he drives off. "You're not staying home from now on. "

"Well...what? Juvia is moving someplace new but how would Gray-sama know?"

"You are? We where just told about twenty minutes ago."

"Juvia was told almost a hour ago from Ms. Gradneeny. "

"Chief Dragneel sent us the message...either way, I can't let you go back. A special sweeper group has been sent in to clean out your place. You and Lucy are going straight to the embassy."

"We where promised a cottage but...is all this due to Natsu-san's worry over Lucy?"

"What? No...we have on good authority that you girls are in danger..."

"I don't understand..."

"I'm not sure I do either, but I'm taking you regardless." Juvia was flattered...somewhat. He was still acting on orders but he was being far kinder than was necessary given the situation. Sighing she looks off. "You got called because you where the closest to me, then?" Gray blinks at the word usage. "You" and "Me" huh?

~Alright, it's better than her being openly hostile. It's a much better step in the right direction.~ He supposed he had caught her by surprise when he pulled up. She seemed lost in thought and today was his day off..

"No, I asked to come. I was...worried."

Juvia blinks at him and touches her chest.

"Despite what you think I do worry about you...and I am a ass, insensitive at times and stiff but I'm not heartless. It just and not good with emotions and stuff."

"Gray...-sama."

"I don't know what to do with you. You make me...loose my cool, my focus. I've never had that happen in years. Last time it happened... I'm not scattered brained I always follow a specific M.O. You...rattle all of that. I don't like it. But I keep coming back, like I'm searching for something. Maybe I'm just sick."Juvia just listens and smiles.

"Or maybe, Gray-sama simply needs to know that with Juvia Gray-sama doesn't have to be so cool?"

He starts the car and shifts it into gear before starting to drive off a small smile gracing his features.

"Maybe."