A Note before the note I previously wrote
I had actually had most of this chapter done within a week of the previous chapter. I had planned to surprise all of my loyal and lovely readers with a double chapter week. But then my mom was hospitalized, and everything stopped. She's fine now, but she got a really bad infection, that could have caused her to die, and almost needed to get her foot amputated. She needed a lot of help, so between traveling an hour to her house as often as I could, 2 kids and a full time job, I spent the last couple of months in a state of exhaustion, and honestly I didn't give this story a second thought till recently.
I think my next story will involve being cursed, because honestly I have felt cursed these last couple of months. One top of my mom's health, Let's see, my daughter had several raging ear infections, the kind that can potentially cause deafness if not treated properly (She has been treated properly, and now has tubes in her ears. She's fine but it wasn't your usual run of the mill ear infections), my son got walking pneumonia, I got a horrible flu which turned into regular almost hospitalized pneumonia, then my husband caught the same thing, though he got treatment faster than I did, because I didn't get diagnosed with pneumonia right away, then I got a sinus infection followed by an ear infection. And am currently suffering from Laryngitis.
It's overwhelming and frustrating.
So I understand I just seem to be full of excuses, and for that I do sincerely apologize. I hope my life can go back to normal.
So many unhappy people. Guess I'll address a couple of things
1.Natsu did NOT kiss Kyoko. From Lucy's angle, that's what she thought she saw. Remember this is a mansion. Unlike a typical square shaped house , you can see the balcony from different areas and angles. I imagine the mansion to be like a large square "C" with several balconies that overlook large courtyards that wrap around the entire estate. No bad views at all. Sorry some of you got confused.
2.Sorry people don't like me adding "Skip Beat". The bride and groom characters were always going to be a part of the story. It was later on, while I struggled to create my own characters that I decided the incorporate my second favorite manga. In my original outline, it was actually supposed to be the bride that flirted with Natsu, but Kyoko would never do that. But those characters were going to be a part of the story anyway, so people who don't like that aspect, sorry, but that was always my plan.
3.People who don't believe Lucy would do bad things. Everyone is capable of making bad choices. She's over emotional and feeling hurt. I've worked with enough teens to know, that this is a bad combo. Throw in the fact she has met her celebrity crush, who is flirting with her and she's not the most rational. Sorry you disagree, but even the sweetest teens make stupid ass choices. I've portrayed them as legal, older teens, but they are still very young adults. But no worries, this is NaLu, why would I have her have sex with someone other than Natsu? Weirdo's I swear.
4.Some people love the misperceptions and miscommunications, some people loath them. How does one handle that? To the people who hate them, guess you don't read much shoujo, huh? Or perhaps I read too much? Jumping to conclusions, and being led by emotions, getting jealous; is pretty much half the storyline. Happens in the real world just as much as the manga one.
5.Though I do apologize that the story is dragging. It's hard to be motivated lately, with so much going on. I'm hoping to finish up this part within the next 3 chapters. Let's see where my fingers lead me. There's so much more I want to write for this story, but at the same time I kind of want to end it and be done.
I really enjoy this chapter. I hope you all like it as well. I made it extra-long. Reviews always appreciated. Though please don't just say update the day I upload a chapter. I mean, I just uploaded the chapter. I can see after a couple of weeks, but the same day?
"Fairy Tail" owned by Hiro Mashima
"Skip Beat" owned by Yoshiki Nakamura
"Start a Fire " lyrics owned by Ryan Star, with very minor tweaks to the lyrics, and shortened.
Chapter 16
"About Time"
Lucy's POV
This is so exciting. I can't believe I am actually hanging out with THE Fuwa Sho. He is so dreamy.
"So, it's kind of hard to believe you're a mage." Sho said interrupting my thoughts.
"I get that a lot. I may not look it but I'm pretty strong." I said proudly, making a muscle with my arm. I heard him chuckle a little. "And my spirits are even stronger." I expected him to ask about my spirits instead he surprised me.
"So would you like to see my studio?"
"Oh, yes. Yes please!" I said in excitement. Practically jumping from foot to foot. I get to see Fuwa Sho's studio… but why is it here? "You have a studio here?" I asked.
"Birthday gift from Kyoko, 3 years ago."
"That is so sweet that she supported your dreams so much."
"Right…Anyway, let's go." Is it just me, or did he not sound really happy just now?
We entered a room with so many lacrima screens, and switches. I couldn't begin to understand it. One wall was mostly a window that looked into another room filled with musical instruments. At least that looks familiar. "It's a little overwhelming" I admitted.
"Would you like a demonstration?" He asked as we entered the room with the instruments.
"I'd love one."
"Name a song."
"Any song?"
"Sure, just a popular one."
Brain fart. "Um…How about…"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star?"I almost face palmed at my stupidity. Of all the songs in the world, I pick my favorite nursery song?
"The kids' song?" He sounded a little confused.
"I'm partial to it due to my magic." I lied. Well not a total lie, but not the reason I chose it right now. More like my brain short-circuited.
"It's fine, just really simple. Sit there and don't make any sounds, not even a sniffle. That's really important okay? I need about 20 minutes."
I nodded in agreement. Super curious what he was doing.
He left the room, I saw him through the glass messing with the gizmo outside. He came back in, picked up an electric guitar. Bobbing his head, he started to play. I recognized the medley of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". But it was different. He left the room a few times, each time returning to pick up a different instrument. Play, then leave and return. I was so curious, but I kept my word and sat quietly. He really can play every instrument.
"Alright, ready to be amazed?"
"Already am. What were you doing?"
"You'll see." He left the room, and I heard a buzz start. He came in quickly and picked up the microphone. All of a sudden the music started and he started singing the song! It was "Twinkle Twinkle" like I had never heard it before. Instead of a sweet lullaby it was cool and full of electric guitar, he added a couple of lyrics, and I was even more amazed. He had created a whole song in 15 minutes on the fly! And how did he make Twinkle Twinkle sound so damn sexy?
When he finished. I clapped enthusiastically. "That was amazing! I can't believe you were able to do all that so quickly." That was so incredibly cool. I think even Natsu would be impressed. Damn it brain, you're in the room with the hottest guy in music, stop thinking of your womanizing, stupid partner.
He flashed me a heart stopping smile. "Glad you liked it. Want to hear another?"
"Absolutely."
"How about…Wanna hear my next single?"
"No way! You'd let me hear your next single?" I covered my mouth in excitement. This has got to be the best day ever!
"You won't tell my competitors right?"
"Never. Besides you have no competitors. To be a competitor they have to at least be at your level. And no one is as great as you." Shit, I sound like some insipid fan girl. What is wrong with me? I keep doing and saying stupid stuff.
"Music to my ears. Unlike others, I like flattery." Oh that's good. Though he's probably just being nice.
"What's it called?"
"Start A Fire." Of all titles, he had to choose one about fire.
Natsu's POV
I finally found Lucy. She was with that Sho shit. They were in some kind of room, and I could hear him singing. I looked in and saw he was holding her hand and looking in her eyes. I watched as he pulled her to her feet and started dancing with her as he sang. I stood there, frozen at what I was seeing.
"Start A Fire"
I remember when you said you wanted to be with me,
I remember swimming as our clothes drifted off to sea
So wake up, wake up dreaming,
And lie here with me,
So wake up, wake up dreaming,
And lie here with me.
Here we go,
Just lose control and let your body give in,
To the beat,
Of your heart as my hand touches your skin,
Is this love
Or,
Just sexual desire,
We're gonna start a fire!
If it's a fire he wants I'll give him a fuckin fire. I sulkily thought. Watching every movement of his hand and he touched Lucy's face. With every word, my irritation grew. A consuming fire of pissed off jealousy was taking control. What a fucking asshole. The shit is getting married in 2 damn days and he's trying to take Lucy from me?
I remember drinking as the stars were falling,
I remember dancing under the moons bright lit night.
So wake up, wake up dreaming,
And lie here with me,
So wake up, wake up dreaming,
And lie here with me.
Here we go,
Just lose control and let your body give in,
To the beat,
Of your heart as my hand touches your skin,
Is this love
Or,
Just sexual desire,
We're gonna start a fire!
Here we go,
Just lose control and let your body give in,
To the beat,
Of your heart as my hand touches your skin,
Is this love
Or,
Just sexual desire,
We're gonna start a fire!
She was looking at Sho in a way I couldn't stand anymore. Like he was her world. He had his hand on her waist and they were dancing close to each other while he was singing to her. I saw him starting to lean forward and I couldn't take it anymore. Slamming the door open, rattling its hinges, "How about singing that to your fiancé asshole." My sudden appearance caused both of them to jump away from each other. To say I was mad, would be the understatement of the year. Livid, absolutely pissed off would be closer. Borderline enraged. I had found my Lucy being seduced by the fucking prick. And I was jealous as hell.
"Natsu, what's wrong? We weren't…"
"Get. Away. From. Him." I seethed. She immediately understood that I was in no mood to be trifled with, and was heading towards me, when the moron grabbed her hand.
"What right do you have to tell her what she can and cannot do? We were having a pleasant time before you showed up." He said snidely, guess he's as dumb as he looks. "Lucy you don't have to go with him." My fury was emanating off me in waves. If he had been paying attention, he may have noticed the smoke coming from the ground I was standing on, or the sudden increase in temperature of the room.
Lucy recognized the state I was in. "Let go Sho." She said quietly, while looking at me. "Natsu stop." She said softly by my side. I didn't answer her, instead I addressed the prick.
"Let me make one thing perfectly clear. Lucy is not a one night fuck for you to make another notch from. Keep your disgusting hands off of her, unless you want to go down the aisle in a wheel chair. Don't look at her, don't talk to her, and especially don't touch her."
"Hey, I was just sharing my new song with a fan…"
"Bullshit, fucktard. You're looking for some free fuck before you tie the knot. And I'm warning you, don't pursue her anymore. I promised Kyoko I wouldn't kill you, but that doesn't mean I won't rip your fingers off and shove them down your throat."
"Natsu, what are you talking about? We…" I looked at her, my fury barely contained. She quickly looked away, her face was bright red with embarrassment. "I'll wait for you outside." I could tell she was also very angry as well. Well good, because this shit needs to end. I refocused on Sho. My glare not decreasing in intensity. For a minute I seriously considered if I could get away with hiding his body.
"I don't know what your problem is. Lucy is an adult who can make her own choices. She doesn't need her Partner to babysit her."
I charged right at him, lifting him up and slamming him against the wall. Slamming my fist through the wall near his head. He looked at me with shock and fear. "I can easily kill you. Remember that you arrogant prick." I said shaking him roughly. "If you don't want to get married, be man enough to tell your parents no. If you are incapable of making your own way without your daddy's money, then be man enough to take your commitment seriously." I let go of him, and he fell to the ground. His mouth gaping like some retarded fish. "I hate stupid piss-ants like you. Thinking money somehow makes you invincible. You have a girl, who loves you, and you spit in her face. And despite you being such a disgusting, piece of shit, she's willing to marry you anyway." I crouched down, and got in his face. I menacingly said, "There isn't a single person here that can take me on. If I choose to burn you alive, no one would be able to save you. And I can devour your body in a fire so hot, only ashes would remain. Keep that in mind next time you have a perverted thought about my Lucy…" Bringing my voice just an octave lower, "Stay away from what's mine." And for sadistic pleasure I set his shirt on fire. I was so angry. Walking away was the safest thing for him and me.
As I got up and turned away from him, I had only one thought, to go and find Lucy.
She was in the back courtyard, restlessly pacing back in forth. When she saw me, she immediately came up to me and got in my face. Even in my pissed off state, I thought she was beautiful. "Natsu, what the fuck was wrong with you? You're acting like he was trying to rape me."
"If I thought that, he'd be dead."
"That's not funny Natsu."
"It's not a funny scenario Lucy. Anyone who would try that with you, I would kill them." She blinked at me in shock.
"Why are you so mad?"
"I didn't realize you were some home wrecker Lucy. Thought you had better morals than that." She looked at me like I had just slapped her.
"What? How dare you?!" She screeched.
"How dare I?! You're the one who was all over a guy that's getting married." I yelled back.
"I was just listening to his new song!"
"Didn't realize listening required him to put his hands all over you and for you to grind against him like some horny club slut! Didn't realize you were so fuckin desperate to get laid!"
With that she slapped me, hard. I suppose I deserved it, but at the time I was too pissed to watch my words.
"You have no say in what I do or don't do. What right do you have to judge me? It was harmless flirting with one of my favorite singers."
Trying to calm down, "You're not stupid enough to not know what his aim was Lucy. Why would you put yourself in that position?"
"You're one to talk, I saw you all over Kyoko earlier."
"We didn't..wait, what?…" But she wasn't really listening as she cut me off. That short circuited my anger. I was instead very confused, what on earthland was she talking about?
"You have no right be mad at me, or to butt in to my business. I'm not your property. I've really had enough of the way you've been acting lately. Damn it Natsu, quit using me as some God damn practice dummy!"
"What?" That statement truly confused the hell out of me. And I was getting extremely tired of being confused. Why couldn't she just make some damn sense? Why does she keep yammering about owning her, I've never said I owned her. Well maybe not directly…well...
"Oh please, you think I haven't noticed the changes?" I looked at her in silence as she continued. "The changes to your clothes. You wore the same damn outfit for a year straight and just randomly start dressing in cool clothes and wearing regular shoes? You think I haven't noticed the better manner's at restaurants. The fact you're bathing more often? I'm not your damn surrogate girlfriend."
"Wait a minute. " I said putting my hands up to pause her. "Let me see if I'm understanding you correctly. You think I've been "practicing" on you for some other girl?" I asked with a twitch to my brow. She looked away from me, crossing her arms over her chest and bit her bottom lip. This is what she thought? How dense can she get? "And who is this mystery women?"
"I don't know…Lisanna I guess or maybe the random chick you fucked recently; I don't know and I don't care? Who the hell knows what goes on in your stupid head. Maybe Kyoko is who your aiming for now."
I slowly walked towards her as she backed up, hitting the wall of the mansion. "So everything I've done, all the 'changes' I've made, you've been under the impression that it was all for some random girl and I was…practicing on you?" I couldn't have heard all that correctly. I caged her against a wall as I said that, an arm on either side of her. Looking her in the eyes.
"Y-yeah." She said defiantly, though unsure.
"Dumbass." I couldn't take it anymore. I grabbed her and kissed her. At first I felt her push against me, her voice muffled by my lips pressed against hers, I just held on tighter. No more confusion or mix ups. I was making it completely clear right here and now, who I wanted. My tongue entered her mouth, and fought with hers. I kissed her roughly, putting all my frustration and pent up passion into it. She stopped fighting me, and I felt her return my kiss and heard her moan against me. She grabbed the front of my shirt, pulling me closer and we kissed each other senseless.
I pulled away from her, we were both breathing hard, and with a voice raw with emotion. "Everything," I held her face in my hands and intensely looked in her eyes. "Everything has been for you." She looked at me with wide, shocked eyes.
With that I turned away from her and started walking away. When I remembered something important, so I turned back around, went back to her and stated, "And you better remember kissing me this time!" With that I quickly made my exit, climbing up the side of the wall, and disappeared onto the roof. Leaving a stunned Lucy staring behind me.
"Stupid, useless clothes." I muttered to myself as I ripped my shirt off and threw it on the floor. I knew; I just knew it was stupid to think that clothes would make a lick of difference. I'd wasted my time, money and pride, for nothing. So much for impressing anyone. I just looked like an ass.
I had gone back to our room prepared to have myself a full fledged temper tantrum. I picked up a bag and threw it across the room. And just my luck it was Lucy's; and papers scattered all over the damn place. My first thought was fuck it and threw myself backwards on the bed. A huge amount of frustration, and hopelessness weighed on me. I balled my hands into fists and pressed my wrists to my eyes. I'm pretty sure I just fucked up everything. And not just with Lucy. After pretty boy whines to the client we'll be kicked out. Wouldn't be surprised if guards were called. I can see the headlines now "Grand Magic Games hero arrested for assault!" Is he more beast than human?"
Then Erza will beat my ass for bringing shame on Fairy Tail. Gramps will squash me. Grey will laugh at me, and of course worst of all. Lucy hates me.
Lucy officially hates me now. Can't say I blame her. I was an asshole. I just had to let my jealousy get control of me. And yet again, I rush in without a thought. I really am a retard.
I'm not sure how long I laid there feeling sorry for myself. I turned my head and looked at the mess I had made throwing Lucy's bag. And felt even more guilty. She didn't deserve me throwing her stuff around. I slowly dragged myself out of bed. And picked up the nearest thing. It was a sealed envelope that had "N" written on the front. I was momentarily distracted by curiosity. "Who's N?" I muttered to myself. So I ripped the envelope open.
It was written in Lucy's handwriting.
"Dear Natsu," It began. Wait a minute. Dear Natsu, That's ME! She wrote me a letter. I sat down on the floor to read it.
Dear Natsu,
Were on our way to Iceberg now, and your sleeping on my lap. I have to say, I think I'm going to drug you every time we travel from now on. The silence is very nice.
"No chance in hell." I growled at the letter.
We've been going on a lot of missions lately, haven't we? Winning the Grand Magic Games gave a huge influx of requests, and it feels like you've made it your personal mission to accept them all. You big goof.
But I don't really mind. It means I get to spend a lot of time with you and earn plenty of rent money. I've never told you how much I enjoy your company have I? Even when you frustrate me, you are such a blast to be around. Every day is filled with laughter. We've been partners going on 3 years now, and you still have no idea how I feel about you. I've gotta confess, this crush I have on you really needs to go away though. Especially with the most recent events.
At this point in the letter I had to pause. I had been smiling broadly, even if she did call me a goof. But this part confused me a little. So I reread the paragraph. "Crush? On me? Crush means she likes me, right?" I wondered. I thought for a few moments, and was pretty sure she meant she liked me, not that she wanted to squash me.
I've noticed the changes lately, Natsu. The nicer clothes, the better behaved you are at restaurants, even just now, you carried my bag and paid for my ticket! My heart is really hoping it's all for me. But my head tells me otherwise. If you felt the same way I feel for you, wouldn't you have tried impressing me sooner? No, these changes tell my head that you have found someone else, and want to impress them. Though you shouldn't have felt the need to change who you are to impress anyone. You are wonderful the way you are.
I've been debating about asking you about all this. Maybe teasing you a little. I love it when you blush. It's so adorable. But a big part of me really, really doesn't want to know. And the other, curious parts of me wonder who the lucky girl is. Is it perhaps, Lisanna? Have you finally grown up and acknowledged feelings for your childhood friend? I know she wanted to marry you when you guys were younger. I don't really mind if it's her. She's my friend as well. And I know she'd cherish you, better than I ever could. She is a better match for you than I ever will be.
Why does she think I want Lisanna so much? She's like a sister. I remember getting teased by Macoa back before she… well when we thought she had died. And there was all the wedding talk from her, but I wasn't interested. It had been really embarrassing to think about all that mushy stuff back then. I'm pretty sure Lisanna just liked teasing me too.
She's so strong, much stronger than me. She treats you gently, and is more open about her feelings. I'm so weak. Both inside and out. She would be a good partner for you. One you wouldn't have to save all the time. I'm sure I'm nothing more than a burden for you. You're just too kind to tell me the truth. Sometimes my weakness just sickens me.
This part made me mad. Why is she belittling herself in a letter to me? I don't want to read that crap. And Lisanna is not stronger than her, she just turns into weird animals. Why doesn't she understand that she's not only strong magically, but in all aspects?
I'm gonna be completely honest with myself and you, for once in my life. I think I've been in love with you since you saved me from Phantom Menace. I've denied my feelings all this time. Remember that time you thought there was a treasure buried by the Sola Tree? I had honestly thought you were going to confess to me that night. I debated with myself and had decided that I would say yes to you. Instead, I found out that you didn't feel that way at all. You only wanted Virgo to dig for you because the ground was too hard. I felt so embarrassed and heartbroken. I made the decision that night to never make that mistake again, and just be your Nakama. I would give up these feelings for you and just be content with friendship.
I replayed what I could remember of that day, and had to cringe after I read that. I can see why she thought I was going to ask her out. At the time I hadn't really developed these feelings for her. Sure I thought she was pretty hot and funny, but I was more interested in fighting and food. But this would explain why she smacked the shit out of me that night. Didn't realize my actions on that one random day are the foundation for all my issues with her today with her. It's not like I only wanted Virgo, I had wanted to find the treasure with her, and that was just my excuse to get her there. Never did find it.
Here I am, still harboring these traitorous feelings for you all these years later, only they've gotten worse. How can I cast them aside when you are always there for me? What can I do Natsu? What can I do to make you feel the same?
How do I give you up? I want to be with you, to stay by your side, but can I, with a smile on my face, lie and say I'm happy for you day after day when you finally get together with this mystery girl?
"No! Don't give up. I already do you weirdo! There is no mystery girl!" I accidentally said that out loud. Whoops. I looked around to make sure no one had heard me. This letter was intense. How does she keep all that bottled inside without exploding?
I'm so conflicted. I have so much fun with you, even when I have to yell at you. I love kicking back at the guild just eating dinner. I love watching your crazy antics every time you challenge Gray and Erza to a fight. Even when you sneak into my apartment. Since I'm being honest, I look forward to it, and actually feel a little disappointed when you aren't there. When you're there, I don't feel so alone. I love fishing with you and Happy, though I do honestly hate all the bugs. I love fighting together with you on our various missions.
And while I'm being completely honest, did you have to go and get even hotter? No pun intended. Seriously. You've gotten even taller, your chest more wide. The bulge of your arms make me want to pant. Your features have lost their boyish charm, given you a more rugged, handsome look; though your smile is still adorable. How do you expect me to stop thinking of you in inappropriate ways, when you keep getting more sexy! Damn it Natsu, give a girl a break. You leave me with such mixed feelings and emotions.
I was blushing like mad. I covered my mouth in embarrassment. And had to pause and look away after reading that. Did I read what I just thought I read? So I read it again, and it was still embarrassing. She thinks I'm sexy. I was almost giddy. I wanna know more about these "inappropriate" thoughts as well.
For now I shall just continue to go with the flow. We're still young, right? It's not like I want to get married right now, or be in some super serious relationship. We're only 20! I just need to enjoy what we have. I have to just strengthen my resolve not to ruin it. And perhaps God will show me the man I'm supposed to be with down the road, so that I can turn "my swan into a crow" as Shakespeare wrote. Oh, you probably wouldn't get that reference, not that I'm insulting you, you just don't read what I read. But it doesn't matter since you're never going to see this anyway!
Your Nakama, friend and secret Admirer
Lucy
I looked around the room and started gathering up all her papers. I saw several letters written to "N". And wasted no time tearing them open and reading them. Some were just complaints, but a fair amount were like the first one.
When I was done, I ran out of the room to find the love of my life, determined to work things out and beg her forgiveness. With one really happy, and excited thought going through my head. "She feels the same way!"
Lucy's POV
I watched Natsu climb the wall, and my legs gave way from shock. I sat on the cold ground in shock. How did we go from having the worst fight we've ever had to making out against a wall? Somewhere through my blurred mind of shockness, I had the passing thought, that that kiss was beyond amazing, better than my writers mind had ever imagined.
I'm not sure how long I sat there, though my heart seemed to refuse to calm down. When I heard a throat clearing itself. "Um, Ms. Heartfilia?" I turned and looked up and saw Mr. Mogami standing there.
There you have it. Hopefully I will be able to get back to writing this more regularly. Never meant to take such a long hiatus, if I had realized it I would have said something sooner.
Hopefully I will be back soon.