*sobs* I'm too proud to proof-read, leave me alone!
The Night Before (see what I did there)
"Natsu, we just need to be calm. And collected." Lucy stated slowly and I shook my head, arm thrown over her shoulders as we walked towards her place. Gildarts had left us in order for a well-rested nap, something about our general touchy-feely nature making it hard to be around. He also had congratulated Lucy on giving him a roller-coaster of feels. She didn't take it as a compliment.
"What we need to do, is lock Mira and Erza in a steel cage for the next two weeks. Because they are both going to kill us." I told her, smiling a little at her giggle.
"At least we will be buried together?" She remarked hopefully and I snorted at her skewed way to approach the situation. I couldn't deny the change in Lucy. We had left Wedehaven a few days ago, only just arriving in Magnolia today, but it was like Lucy was shining brighter in that small gap of time. I didn't know whether it was getting Aquarius back, or deciding to give me a shot, but I found I didn't really care. I got to be with Lucy.
I didn't know exactly what that meant, but if it was anything like the past few months, it wasn't something I was going to give up.
"Maybe we should do it tomorrow?" She hummed softly, hand going up to my arm and tugging on it lightly. I tightened my grip around her shoulders, swallowing my bottom lip when she laced her fingers with mine. If someone had told me I'd be able to walk with Lucy, all loved-up and shit, after the last few years of complete madness, I'd have called them a liar.
But, now that she was here. And mine.
It was a little unreal.
"Avoiding a problem? I thought we were done with that." I teased and her other hand slapped my stomach 'lightly' in reprimand. It stung a bit, but instead of getting annoyed, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of pride at the fact that my wife packed a punch.
Am I maturing or just being corny as fuck?
As I asked myself a multitude of questions Lucy would call 'existential', her soft, almost shy voice cut me off, "Actually, I was thinking... We could play Happy Family for the rest of the day. Just so we know what it would have been like before Erza rearranges our spines."
I glanced down at her, surprised to see the pinkest of blushes on her cheeks and realized that she was nervous.
Why she was nervous, I had no idea. But it made me a little restless to make her feel comfortable.
"That sounds great! Let's do that." I cheered and she laughed at my enthusiasm, her big brown eyes sparkling with amusement as we finally reached her street, and she skipped ahead to open her door. I followed her, watching the way her hair shined in the sun, and the cute wiggle of her hips when she took a step a little too big for her stride. She waited for me at the door then walked inside, holding the door open for me and that burned my heart a little.
Macao had once mentioned something called 'domestic bliss' and I had the strangest feeling I was about to experience it.
While Lucy put all her things back, and went for a 'quick' shower, I helped myself to her food. My stomach growled hungrily, settled after the train ride from hell and I pulled out an apple, deciding I'd snack on this until Lucy made lunch. I wandered into her bedroom, catching the flip end of her pulling some shorts on. My eyes snapped down to the tattoo, my name printed clearly on her ass cheek and a proud smile began pulling on my lips.
"Stop staring at my ass."
"I'm not."
"Liar." Lucy spun around, attempting to catch me in the act but I quickly glanced upwards and smiled when she let out a huff of suspicion, sitting down at her vanity. She grabbed her hairbrush and I settled in on the bed, about to endure one of things I loved about Lucy. Her hair was always smooth and silky, never knotty or messy, and the reason was mostly because she brushed it for twenty minutes every day. It was insane but watching her do it was calming, and a little cute especially since she played with it way too often.
"So, what did you want to do?" She asked, as she pulled the brush through her hair once.
"Lunch would be great, I'm starving." I groaned, holding my stomach as she laughed, "I think I have the stuff for wraps. Sound good?"
"Definitely." I agreed, a little lost with how she smiled at me. I didn't know if this was because it was Lucy or it was my first time experiencing these feelings — Lisanna was a childhood crush that soon turned to sisterly affection — but Lucy did something that made my breath go funny and my stomach tighten.
I watched her brush her hair over and over again until it was hanging long and silky around her face. Once she placed the brush down, I spoke up, "Come here."
Her eyebrows furrowed confusedly, "Excuse me?"
"Come here, please." I added the last word to alleviate the pressure in my chest, and to coax her closer. She walked over to me, eyes a little pinched as she regarded me suspiciously.
From where I sat, she towered over me, my head almost directly opposite her chest, only a touch higher. The ends of her hair reached her waist, something that had magically happened in the year I had been gone.
"What's wrong?" Apparently I had been pulling grumpy face, because her fingers touched my forehead lightly and smoothed the lines. Her touch was soft and hesitant, eyes wide with a hint of concern.
I shook my head at her compassionate look and wrapped my arms around her waist, smiling at her surprised squeak.
"Natsu…? You are using my boobs as a pillow." She informed me, voice shaking with laughter as I hushed her, falling back so she was forced to fall on top of me.
"I thought you wanted lunch?" She giggled, wrapping my arms around my neck as her hair fell everywhere, teasing the skin of my arm.
"It can wait. I'm giving you your hourly dose of affection." I stated seriously and she snorted, wiggling a little. My arms tightened immediately, ruining her chances of escaping.
"You act like I'm the only one who likes affection. Remind me; who braided your hair on the train?"
"I was dead asleep Lucy. That was your idea, and you know it." I murmured, tucking her in my arms and she curled closer, tangling our legs together.
"I was hoping you'd keep it in, I found it cute." I could hear the pout in her voice and grinned, running my lips gently across her collarbone.
"I spoil you too much. Sometimes I have to say 'no'."
"And sometimes it works. As long as your eyes are closed and you are seven feet from me." She teased, and I leaned back a little to glance up at her warm chocolate eyes.
"What can I say, I'm a softie for brown eyes."
"No. You are a softie for me. Don't lie to yourself Natsu, it's okay." She giggled when I ignored her, head returning to its previous spot.
"Shh Lucy. It's nap time. Silence."
She laughed this time, her body moving and I waited it out, until she was only slightly twitching with her joy. I took a long second to breathe in her scent, vanilla and flowers. It always reminded me of Spring, all light and sweet. The fragrance made my head spin.
But, like always, Lucy ruined it.
"Why am I the big spoon? I don't like it, switch."
"But I'm comfortable." I complained as Lucy wiggled a little harder, trying to escape my evil clutches.
"I'm not. I feel like I have a constrictor around my stomach."
I smirked, remembering the time she had tried to 'cuddle' with me.
"At least I'm not lying on top of you." Once I said that, I couldn't help but think what a wonderful idea.
Unfortunately, Lucy could sometimes read my mind and immediately squeaked, "Don't even think about it!"
I sighed lengthily, and stated, "Do you realise, in this position neither of us are the little spoon?"
"Say that to my breasts; they feel like pillows."
"No, they feel soft and warm. Not fluffy, maybe a little squishy." I smirked, awaiting her squeal of outrage but surprised when she just sighed.
"Well your dick is small. Leave me alone."
The laughter shot out of my mouth before I could stop it, wondering how complimenting her tits related to insulting my cock.
She stayed quiet during my laughter, only relenting a few giggles before I detached my arms and spun her so her back was to my chest. I cuddled into her back, waiting for her little hip wiggle to move closer and smiled when she did it.
I heard the whispered, "Thank you."
In reply, I just pressed a kiss to the back of her head.
"Don't forget your keys!" I called, yanking my shirt from her dryer as she hollered back.
"I've put your scarf on the bench. Grab the papers for Doctor Smith to sign!"
I growled lowly at the mention of Doctor Smith who seemed to always take Lucy's side. She continued to tell me I was imagining things but I definitely got a lot more funny looks than Lucy did.
I walked back into the Kitchen, slipping my shirt on and wrapped the scarf around my neck messily. Lucy brushed past me, and pinched my ass which made me grin, glancing over to her amused.
"Don't look at me like that." She stated, without turning to look at me, "I'm allowed to do that now."
"Can I return the favour then?"
She laughed, "Knock yourself out. But not now, I have to go." She riffled through the little pot of keys, and snatched up her house keys, the sparkle of her celestial keys already placed on her belt.
I watched as she pulled her hair into her usual ponytail, and numbly listened to whatever she was saying, "Remember, you have to tell Doctor Smith that we won't be going through with the divorce. Get him to sign the paperwork, and be nice. I'll meet you outside the guildhall in an hour."
I murmured an answer, eyes squinting at the paperwork suspiciously as she turned around, "It's just legal stuff. He has to inform the court we aren't going through with it as well as us, the amount of legal hoops we have to jump through to stay married makes me want to divorce you just for the lack of hassle."
She laughed at my accusatory look and bounced over to me, pecking my softly on the lips. My shoulders relaxed and I brought my hands up to cup her jaw, rubbing my thumbs along the smooth skin.
"So what do you have to do?"
"Don't eat the therapist until he's signed the papers."
I watched her roll her eyes but the grin on her pink lips gave it away and I bent down to press my own against them again. She returned the affection, and I squished her cheeks a little when she went to move away.
"I'll see you at the guild hall."
I nodded, releasing her reluctantly and she headed towards the door.
"Have fun." I told her just as she was leaving.
She glanced back, a bright smile on her lips, "That's if she doesn't drown me for not telling her sooner."
"What a good excuse to wrestle CPR from me." I smirked and she winked playfully.
"See you later, babe."
I snorted at her pet name, remembering the hour long discussion we had last night about not using them. In the end, I had ended up calling her sweet names for nothing but the reaction she had.
I listened to her lock the door and tucked the papers away, caught in a moment that I was with Lucy. It felt surreal.
The familiar noise of wings caught my attention and I grabbed an apple before heading towards the bedroom window, where Happy was hovering, about to come in.
He stilled in surprise before grinning, "Lucy didn't kill you!"
"She almost did. Fly me to Doctor Smith's office, little Buddy?"
He picked me up, pausing to let me close the window before asking, "You guys aren't going together today?"
I only then realised, Happy hadn't come by last night — I had sent him a letter saying we would be home the day we left Wedehaven — and the last time he had seen Luce and I, we weren't together.
"We aren't going anymore. Lucy and I are going to stay married." I boasted proudly but my grin was cut off when he almost dropped me.
"Careful!" I warned.
"You shocked me! It's not my fault, I didn't think Lucy would be crazy enough to stay with you!" He cried out and I grunted, "What is that supposed to mean?"
"You stalked her, even though she said you couldn't come!"
"Actually… she caught me straight away."
Happy snickered, "Good."
Silence surrounded us as he soared towards Kardia Cathedral, Doctor Smith's office just a few streets passed it. A funny thought entered my mind and I voiced it to Happy.
"You don't really… mind if Lucy and I are together, right?"
He was quiet for a few minutes, only the cobblestone streets and smell of sweat, food and flowed keeping me company, before he stated, "Is she going to move in with us?"
I blinked.
"Maybe…? Probably not right away"
"It's going to be like, a family. Lucy was already part of our family, but now she can't leave."
Something told me, that's not how relationships work.
I was too busy wondering what Lucy would say if she heard that, and Happy took my silence as a yes because he cheered enthusiastically, "She's going to be around all the time, cooking and being weird. It'll be fun!"
A grin crawled onto my lips as I nodded in agreement, "Yeah. It is going to be fun."
He hovered closer to the pavement and dropped me, flying down to land on my shoulder. I climbed the stairs of Doctor Smith's, eye twitching at the plaque with his name.
"Is he nice?"
"To Lucy." I grumbled, knocking on the door despite the 'closed' sign.
"Well of course, everyone has to be nice to Lucy!" Happy told me just as the door opened. Doctor Smith smiled at me, "Mr Dragneel. I hadn't expected a visit. I assume all went well with Lucy's quest?"
"She got Aquarius back." I told him, grinning at Happy's delighted cheer.
"That's brilliant. But, I am confused. Our next session isn't until next week."
I sucked in a breath, "We've decided to stay married. We just need you to sign this and tell the court." I mimicked Lucy's words, watching for any hint of a surprise. He simply smiled and took the papers from my outstretched hand, "Certainly. Please come in. Have a seat, I'll just read these over and sign."
I walked inside, taking a seat on my normal chair as he began to read the paperwork silently.
"Was this your overall goal? To make Lucy realise her feelings?"
"Are you asking if I married her so she could get feelings for me?" I wasn't sure if that was how Lucy worked but I knew for a fact that it wasn't how I worked.
"I'm just curious. You don't have to answer the question, Mr Dragneel. Many men 'marry' women for that exact reason, to trick them into feeling something for them purely out of greed or loneliness."
My upper lip twitched into a semi-snarl and he watched curiously as I stated, "It wasn't my idea to get married. I won't say I'm not greedy, because I am. And I was lonely. But that night…"
Memories flashed in my mind, the one that changed everything stuck there for my own viewing
…
"Psst… Natsu."
My head raised, a smile immediately growing on my lips at an intoxicated Lucy, trying to get my attention.
"The guard told us not to talk." I informed her, smile widening when she stuck her arms through the bars, her hair drenched, clothes wet and make-up a little ruined after our wrestling match in the fountain.
God. She's beautiful.
"The guard can kiss my ass. I'm talking to my Natsu." I slipped my arms through the bars as well, smiling at her adorable little giggle and reached. Our fingers brushed , and I noticed the way she squirmed and reached even further.
"It was your silly ass who got us into this mess." I told her, staring at her excited grin.
"My motto should be 'all ass and thigh.'
"Your motto should be 'the biggest eyes in Fiore.'"
She pouted and tried to grab my fingers, making me laugh when I purpose withdrew them a few times.
"I can be demure! I just have to…" She squinted her eyes to the point where they were practically shut, I swallowed my bottom lip to stifle my laughter.
"Is it working? Am I turning you on?"
"Totally." I drawled, my fingers brushing hers which made her eyes snap open. I found myself gazing into her warm chocolate eyes, full of emotion and felt a burning heat crawl up my neck.
"Hey."
Her whispered vulnerable tone made something wild burst inside me, something that made me want to break open the bars and hold her until the world ended.
"Hey." I whispered back as her lips parted, and her tongue swiped along her bottom lip.
"There's something I want to tell you."
My mouth felt dry, and the only person who could make my heart speed was staring at me, making it go so fast it made me dizzy.
"Yeah?"
She nodded slowly, before admitting, "I don't know how to say it. But, I don't want to be just friends with you."
Sober Lucy would never say that.
"Luce…"
"I've gone through so much with you Natsu. You are like a constant in my life, and I'm so selfish but I want you. I want to be able to hug you, and kiss you. I don't want to be in this state, this weird place between friendship and more."
My heart raced inside my chest as she brought her hands back, "I don't understand when it changed. But, I want to be with you. And the only reason I'm saying all this right now is because I wouldn't say it if I was sober and I need this sort of bravery, I need you to know how I feel. I don't think I could survive a day without you, I feel complete when we are together and I trust you with everything."
"Lucy, I-" I went to tell her I feel that way about her, that I'd continue to feel that way until I died and probably after that but she cut me off with a sharp shake of her head.
"I won't remember any of this tomorrow Natsu. But I need you to promise me, it might take me a while to admit it, but I love you Natsu. So don't give up on me. Please. Promise me."
I could hear her heart, possibly, incredibly going faster than mine and saw the vulnerability in her eyes. I ignored the guard who came in to tell me to put my arms back through the bars, and stared at her.
Fuck, I love her.
"I promise."
…
Doctor Smith shook my hand, still surprisingly silent from what I had told him.
"I'll notify the court first thing. You will have to get in contact with your caseworker. Mrs Saracrew, was it?" He handed me back the papers and I nodded.
Happy was still gaping at me, and I stated hesitantly, "Thanks for everything."
"You are welcome Mr Dragneel. If you or Lucy need any therapy in the future, my doors are always open."
"I have one question though, why do you call me Mr Dragneel but Lucy, Lucy?"
Doctor Smith smiled a little, "I call Lucy by her first name, because I was her late-mother's therapist when she became ill. Lucy explained the situation, and I was more than happy to contribute. I have known her since she was a young lady."
I blinked, completely blindsided by this information as he crossed his arms and leaned against the doorjamb, eyes crinkling in seriousness, "I'm sure you can understand after the first issue with a therapist, she reached out to someone she trusted. And whilst I admit, at the beginning, I was sceptical about your relationship."
"I knew you didn't like me!"
"But now…" He ignored me, "I can tell that Lucy is in good hands, and vice versa."
I smiled a little sheepishly at that and Happy snickered as he showed us to the door, "I'll send Lucy my bill, with the family discount removed, of course. And I hope you take me up on my offer."
"We'll see." I grinned easily and jogged down the steps, just as he said, "Natsu. I feel obliged to tell you, I was very close to the Heartfilian family for many years. If you harm Lucy in anyway, I will be paying you a visit. After hours, of course."
I felt a shudder of fear roll through me, and nodded before waving and walking away.
"You are late." Lucy informed me when I sat down beside her, eyes flickering from fight to fight in the rowdy hall. I watched Erza fly across the room in a rage and land a scissor kick to Gray's abdomen with a wince.
This might be the first time I want Erza calm and collected.
I sneaked my hand under the table and grabbed hers lightly, giving it a squeeze.
"I ate Doctor Smith. He made fun of my hair."
A grin played on her lips when I whispered that and she shook her head, lacing her fingers through mine, "Unforgivable. Did you save me his pinky bone as a souvenir?"
"I gave it to Happy to hang around his neck."
Happy snickered and landed in front of Lucy, grin wide, "I'm happy you got Aquarius back! Was she mad?"
Lucy shook her head with a sweet smile, "We had some girl talk, made a new contract and I got called a brat a few times but other than that, she was chipper."
Happy's eyes widened, "Was a chipper Aquarius frightening?"
"Incredibly so." Lucy shuddered and I chuckled at the pair of them, waving at Mira for a drink. She nodded and continued on her path towards the bar.
"I also heard about you and Natsu calling off the d-" She hushed him before he could finish and leaned close, "We haven't told everyone yet."
"When are you guys going to tell them?" Happy groaned, as if the secret-keeping was frustrating to him. And honestly, I was surprised he lasted that long.
Lucy glanced at me, nibbling her lower lip as the sounds of a progressively dangerous guild hall ricocheted around us, "Now?"
"Never?" I said at the same time and she scowled playfully at me, "We need to tell them Natsu."
"I still think we should trap Erza and Mira in a steel cage." I suggested, pleading with my eyes as she laughed, slapping my shoulder gently.
"Okay, get everyone's attention." She pushed me lightly, nerves and apprehension in her eyes. I noticed the way her leg bounced slightly and the fact she kept glancing towards the door. I glanced around the guildhall, surprised at the fact we had chosen a day when even the usual missing people were here.
I cleared my throat and shouted, "Hello!"
Everyone ignored me so I did so again, almost laughing at Gray's face as he was shoved into a highly pissed Erza.
I waited a few seconds before yelling, "Yo!"
No-one paid me any attention and I growled, ready to jump into the fight for some damn attention when I noticed Lucy climbing up onto the table, fists clenched and shaking.
Happy and I watched as she screamed, "Shut up!"
The effect was instantaneous, everyone immediately quieting down and turning to a trembling Lucy, whether by nerves or anger, I wasn't sure.
I opened my mouth to say something when she barked, "Alright, let's get this over with. Natsu and I have something to say. And you are all going to listen carefully before going back to your stupid drunken brawls. Three months ago, Natsu and I got very drunk and got hitched. That's right, married. That is why Natsu's has my name on his chest, that is also why I have his name on my ass. Once we realized our mistake, Drunk Lucy put a clause in saying we couldn't split until three months of marriage had passed. At the beginning, we both believed that divorce was the best way to go and kept it quiet. Unfortunately, Natsu kept giving me sex-eyes, my own pesky feelings got in the way and we had a little fight. In the past week, we have decided that Natsu has an epic boner for me - both physical and emotional - and that I think he has a nice smile. So we are staying together, as husband and wife, for the foreseeable future. To answer your questions, no we haven't had sex, no I'm not pregnant, we might have a sober wedding ceremony later on and I'm sorry that we kept it from you but goddamn it, I'm a light weight and Natsu kept making me laugh and my panties would have hit the floor the minute we got married but he decided that he wanted me sob-"
I tugged on her hand softly, lips twitching as she glanced down, "Too much?"
"The start was good but you drifted off the subject." I barely kept my laughter in, settling on giving her a small smile as she nodded, and turned back to the awestruck crowd, "So yes, to clarify, Natsu is now my husband, and I am his wife. We will probably have tiny blonde children with pink goatees. Thank you for your time."
I helped her down and she sat back down slowly, taking a big breath in before turning to me, "Did I just do that?"
I laughed a little, "Yes you did."
"Shit." She murmured, head falling down into her hands and I rubbed her back softly.
Fuck, she's amazing.
"Thanks for taking the hug for me." Lucy stated sweetly, hands messing up my hair as I groaned a little, the bruises from Erza's back breaking hug making it sore to move.
"What are husbands for." I choked out and she laughed.
"I think they took it well."
"Juvia nearly flooded the guild hall." I reminded her, closing my eyes as she massaged my scalp.
She hummed, "Still…"
"Mira almost tore your finger off looking at the ring."
"Yeah but…"
"Gray got a black eye."
She giggled, "You gave him that."
"Serves him right. He touched you."
She snorted, "You, Man. Me, Woman."
Damn right.
She tugged on my scalp and I arched my back, ignoring the rippling pain from Laxus slapping me on the back for 'congratulations'. I think he added lightning to the mix, somewhere between the first and tenth slap.
She leaned down, skin milky white and eyes filled the brim with happiness. Pride burned in me that I was partly the reason for it. She brushed her lips against mine, hair falling like a curtain on either sides of our faces. I reached a hand up to play with the silky strands.
"So blonde children with pink goatees." I reminded her and grinned against her lips when she groaned and slouched, looking at me upside down.
"Shut up. I got it done, didn't I?"
"You definitely did get it done. In your own Lucy style, of course."
She groaned again and I chuckled, both hands now in her hair as she bent over me. We were both dead quiet, until she asked curiously, "Do you ever think I'll remember anything more from that night?"
I shrugged, grumbling at the pain of one of Elfman's manly shoulder barges, "I don't see why you need to. We got here. I kept my promise."
"What promise?" She blinked, puzzled and I laughed softly.
"Nothing, baby."
"Do not."
THE END
Oooooo my gawd.
The FINAL CHAPTER.
FIVE THOUSAND WORDS.
I just want to say a big massive thank you to everyone who read/commented. You guys are flipping INSANE and I'm so proud that we got here. I won't be reviewing any more comments mainly because, sometimes the negatives stand out more than the positives (depending on my mood) and I think it's good to end this on a clean, EVEN slate.
To answer two questions:
Will there be a lemon? Possibly, yes. At the moment, there could be or couldn't be. It's difficult to say, I mean, if I get the time, DEFINITELY. But you might be waiting a while because it's not essential to the plot.
This feels too rushed, can you add more chapters? No. I'm not going to apologize for last chapter after someone said it was too rushed because I feel, it's better to HAVE a chapter than nothing. I'm sure a lot of you can agree, but you need to push through when you have writers block (and the last chapter I did) or you get stuck. That way, later on, if I (AS IN ME THE AUTHOR) decide it could use a little something more, than I can just go and do it.
I write to share my works, not to write your perfect story.
In saying that, to the people who helped out (I vaguely remember a typo when I said 2:00 instead of 4:00) and the like, thanks so much! We've stuck through guys, and it is FINISHED.
Now moving on.
A Coffee A Day: Will be finished within the next two days (aiming for fifteen chapters - gotta love short stories)
Game Night: is a one shot present for watchmist1412 for secret santa that should be uploaded and ready for your perusing if you wish in my works.
A Christmas Special: Should be out tomorrow or Christmas Day (depending on how I'm planning to write about Natsu dancing naked ;) )
If you'd like to check out what is coming in the New Year, head over to my page to have a little look and yeah.
Once again guys, thanks for sticking with me, and helping my little baby The Next Morning, GROW/
I hope to see you in the new year.
Stay fresh and jolly.
xo freshprincess.