Chapter 26
The following morning, the door to the bedchamber is thrown open as Loke bursts into the room. "Have you–" He freezes in place, eyes nearly popping out of his head.
The pinkette is already holding Lucy against his torso for protection because they were disturbed. His entire body is already on alert to shield her from any danger. Meanwhile, the groggy blonde is attempting to figure out why her face is being held against his chest.
"Oh…" the orange-haired guy says rather lamely.
"What?" Natsu asks, loosening his grip on Lucy who is pulling away to breathe. "What's going on?"
"It's the day of the festival and you need to get ready for the event," his guard replies. "Gray kicked down your doors since you weren't answering and discovered you didn't sleep in your bed."
"How could he possibly have known that?"
"Your bed was already made from last morning."
"Oh."
The blonde finally sits up, rubbing her eyes.
Loke clamps his eyes closed and even covers them with a hand. "I-I didn't mean to disturb anything! I just thought maybe Lucy would know where you were so I figured I'd ask her while others look in different places. I'll go let everyone know the search is off!" With that, he hurries out of the room and shuts the door behind him.
Lucy looks over at the pinkette. "You cause trouble without even knowing it."
He grins sheepishly. "Must be an awesome skill of mine."
She rolls her eyes playfully. "It must be."
"G'morning, Luce."
That makes her smile. "Good morning, Natsu."
"Did ya know that ya snore in your sleep?"
She whacks his chest. "I do not!" Then she puffs her cheeks out. "At least I do not talk in my sleep and say embarrassing things."
He snorts. "I don't say embarrassing things."
She arches her eyebrows. "You said you loved me when we napped together before."
Pink tints his cheeks. "Wh-what?"
Now the blonde is the one who has the upper hand. "You said you loved me. That you loved me so much."
He is stunned and stares at her in silence.
"I just thought it was funny that you said it in your sleep," she says. "Perhaps you thought you were sleeping and said it any–"
The pinkette places his right hand over her left one, averting his gaze from her. "I love you. I love you a lot."
Her face feels like it is on fire and might melt.
"I can't explain it either," he continues. "We only met a few days ago so it makes no sense, right? But"-he looks at her-"I can't help it. Maybe it's stupid–"
"Do not say what you feel is stupid," Lucy interrupts, not meaning to be rude. "I feel the same way so if you say it is stupid then–"
His lips are on hers, keeping things chaste between them. He scoots closer, just so he can angle his head better–
The door flies open once again, but this time Gray rushes into the bedchamber before halting. He blinks, taking in the scene of the two royals jumping apart. Then he steps backwards before disappearing around the corner, leaving the door open.
"What just happened?" the blonde questions, looking over at him.
Natsu shrugs. "I haven't seen him do that before."
"Perhaps you broke him," she muses.
"That'd be awesome!" Then he leans over to peck her left cheek. "I better get going though. If he sends Lug Nuts in after me things might get nasty."
"That would be a sight to see," she giggles.
With that, the pinkette gets out of bed and stretches. He moves his neck from side to side, cracking it. Then he looks at her. "If ya want, ya can get dressed so we can eat breakfast together."
"I would enjoy that."
"I'll see ya downstairs then, Luce!" He waves goodbye before exiting the room, closing the door behind him.
The blonde falls onto her back, a smile on her face that will not go away. She is happy. She is really happy. When her moment of bliss is over, she finally does get out of bed and strips out of the tunic. She gasps at the sight of her newest bruise on her right forearm from when Jose grabbed her. She must have not noticed it from yesterday when her mind and emotions were so disheveled.
"Perhaps it will be best if Wendy wraps this," Lucy muses, gently rubbing her left hand across her skin. After all, she does not want a certain pinkette laying his eyes on it.
Having decided to leave her hair down, she changes into the other dress she obtained from the Strauss siblings' shop. There are thin straps over her shoulders for much needed support while some white fabric drapes down all around the top. The bodice is form fitting and laced with purple ribbon. Matching the color of the top, the flowing skirt falls down to her shins, exposing her boots.
Off to search for the little apprentice, the blonde leaves her temporary bedchamber. Along the way, she crosses paths with a cat that has abnormally blue fur. He flops down and meows, demanding attention.
"Happy?" she questions, trying to contain her laughter. "Why are you blue?"
The cat merely continues his meowing until she moves closer to him. She bends down to gingerly pet his fur and looks at her fingers, finding they are not turning blue like she thought they would. "What kind of trouble did you get into?" Lucy muses, picking him up and holding him like a baby.
He purrs with contentment as she pets his belly.
"Has Natsu seen the state you have gotten yourself into?" she giggles. "I am more than sure he will laugh at you."
Happy merely continues on with his purring, delighted to be receiving love.
"Do you happen to know where Wendy is by chance?" the blonde inquires, already knowing he will not reply. "I am in need of her help."
She makes her way down the hallway, staying in parts she is familiar with. She definitely does not want to get lost in this giant castle without someone to aid her. Up ahead, two guards round a corner and are approaching her. What luck!
"Excuse me!" Lucy calls, quickening her pace.
The duo gasps. "You managed to catch that monstrosity!" the taller of the two says.
Monstrosity? She looks down at the cat in her arms. Is it even possibly to consider him a monstrosity?
As they approach, Happy hisses and swats a paw out at them. Then he leaps out of his her arms and scampers away in the opposite direction.
"We can't let him escape!" the shorter shouts. "He'll keep ruining the decorations!"
The two guards barrel past her, and the blonde watches them go. "But I need help…" she says quietly. Straightening her shoulders out, she continues on her way and ventures down the staircase, making it halfway when there is noise from above.
"Get back here, Flame Brain!" Gray shouts.
Lucy pauses and looks back at the top of the stairs.
At the same moment, the pinkette starts thundering down the steps. "Ya can't make me!" he shouts back ever so defiantly. He may not be acting like one, be he looks like a true prince with his assembled attire. With black boots and pants, he is wearing a detailed, crimson red top that has a stiff collar and gold buttons. The black cape on his back is adorned with gold where it is held in place at the tops of his shoulders.
The dark-haired guy appears at the top of the stairs. "Don't make me get your brother!" he threatens. "Because I will!"
Natsu turns around to point a finger at him. "I'm already wearing this stupid getup! Ya can't make me wear a crown, too!"
Gray is the first to notice the blonde and has the brilliant idea to use her as leverage. "I'm sure Lucy would appreciate it!"
The pinkette tilts his head to one side. "Appreciate what?"
Warily, the dark-haired guy approaches his charge. "Appreciate the fact you will dress appropriately for the festival today. And for the ball tomorrow."
He considers the thought for a moment. "Maybe I'll save the crown for just tomorrow." With that, Natsu turns back around to race down the stairs. His face lights up when he sees Lucy. "Hiya, Lu–" His eyes suddenly grow wide with shock and he misses a step. He begins to tumble down the staircase.
"Natsu!" the blonde shouts, heart skipping a beat. She rushes to help him.
"Shit!" Gray runs down the stairs as fast as he can.
The pinkette manages to stop himself and holds his head as the room spins.
Lucy kneels down in front of him, checking him over for injury. "Are you all right?"
"Arm," he says, trying to focus on her.
"Which one?"
"Yours."
She is puzzled. "Mine?"
Natsu takes a hold of her right wrist to look at the latest bruise.
She inhales sharply, wishing he did not see it.
He immediately releases her wrist, believing he hurt her. "Sorry."
"You did not harm me," the blonde explains. "I am fine. Just surprised is all."
The dark-haired guy crouches down. "Are you good?"
"Who did that to you?" the pinkette questions, ignoring what his guard asked.
"Jose," she replies, letting him know the truth.
His gaze hardens before growing soft. Then he takes her right arm and brings it to his lips so he can kiss a part of the bruise. "I won't let anybody hurt ya, Luce. I promise."
She softly smiles. "Thank you, Natsu."
A/N Part 1: Sorry for the delay in updating! Life has been busy. Work has been slammed. And my best friend just got engaged (confetti) and I'm the maid of honor (more confetti)! But here's the chapter!
A/N Part 2: Psssst. Lucy is totally supposed to be wearing the dress found in the cover image by LeaonS-7! If that helps people mentally picture what the top half looks like. I totally made up something for the skirt potion though.
panickingathogwarts: I'm glad you liked it! And I'm excited to bring Juvia in (so she can be reunite with Lucy annnnnd meet Gray). Juvia and Lucy is a BrOTP of mine!
BeginnerFanFictionWriter16: That it was :3
Nekokittygirl: To which Person A responds with "not canon yet" XD
hananodoku: I struggled in Chapter 24, but made up for it last chapter! Hopefully you won't be disappointed with the Thunder Legion!
Yeeellyy: Well, there's the matter that Lucy is betrothed to that duke from her kingdom, but Natsu totally would duel him for Lucy's hand XD Or Lucy would duel him herself haha. I'm happy you got to have some happy feels about the update! A couple more days in the story timeline is when others should arrive from Fiore. If you keep reading until the end, questions will be answered!
OgaxHilda: That he was XD
luna22x: I'm glad you did! I debated having him hear it or not. He probably would have listened to half and then threw open the door to hug her.
NamesAreFutile: Woo, I'm happy you think so! Them NaLu moments though :3
TokyoTeddiWolf: Gah, I love those kinda feels ^-^ So great! He totally was though haha. And thank you!
SolidScriptJess: NALU FEELS INTENSIFY
Whatstoknow: All dat NaLu :3
12Rayne: I'm happy they made up too :) There was a reason why Natsu didn't open his doors for Lucy! Because he totally wasn't in there! Haha, all of the babies for sure ^-^
laxusdrayer2324: I'm sure Natsu will do what he can do make sure he is the one who marries his Luce! Igneel and the ball will happen the same day! Which will be a day from now in story timeline.
Wonderwomanbatmanfan: Finallllllly. And hopefully that wasn't too long of an update!
osika: I'm debating how he will react still tbh…
Destructive_diva: Aye, sir! I'm glad you have happy feels because of the fic :3 I read/watch Fairy Tail so I'm caught up on both ends actually! Gotta stay strong!
Skylovesdargons: You are most welcome :3
Guest: WOOOOOOO~
Rose Tiger: Took 'em long enough :P
RynerFeruna: Oh, yeah! Thanks! You, too!
FlamingAngel525: THEM NALU FEELS THOUGH :3
DIGIKO12: Good feels for sure last chapter! Well, a kiss on the lips! Before Natsu had kissed her head I think to comfort Lucy.
Lady Anime Cat: OH, YEAH!
Risa98: And after getting rid of the duke, figure out why someone/people wanted Lucy dead o.o I will say this though, not Jude.
StellaHeartfilia: I'm happy you think so!
PoptartEmpress: Yesssssssss
PuddyKatz: Yay, I'm glad you think so :3
prongsmydear: Woo, I'm happy you do :D And I'm looking forward to the Gruvia and GaLe moments that will happen in the future myself! And wow, you had much to catch up on! I like updating every few days when I can if possible. I do have a busy work life and some nights I like spending time with the boyfriend, which does take away from writing. I do appreciate your review! Every single one I read gives me life!
Marisol: AYE, SIR! And here's that new chapter you asked for!
kiteou-kun: I'M BLOWN AWAY, NOT GONNA LIE. A LOT MORE THAN MY RPRT FIC HAS AND THAT ONE IS OLDER THAN THIS FIC!
Le Potato: I have a thing where I want to add Jellal in. I'm not sure about the other members of Ultear and Meredy, but I suppose I could use Ultear as well… Not sure. Time will tell! After all, I'm still not sure where this fic will take us! Gah, wow! That's pretty awesome! Thank you for saying that ^-^
Kinsutenekochan: They totallllly made up XD Some bumps ahead, but not toooooooo many. Thank you! :D
Sara lovelymusic: He totally is XD Whelp, you know how Gray reacted due to this chapter! Zeref's reaction to finding out is next!
MissyPlatina: FINALLY. Omg, Natsu would be alllllll for that haha~
that1nalushipper: WOOOOO. 25 CHAPTERS IN AND THEY FINALLY DID THE THING.
ShyLilNugget: That I did! It felt great updating! And that NaLu moment though :3 PS. I totes love your username!
JessieDragon99: *uses earplugs* Good reaction! :)
FireShifter: Yay, I'm happy you liked it! And NaLu is totes on good terms now :) And that it is!
NinaChan1000: OH, WOW. THANK YOU SO MUCH. MEANS A LOT.
clea everlasting: Wow! That's awesome you do! Means I'm doing something right and better keep it up! And there is more to come for sure! :D
Dacoolchick: Yay, I'm glad you love it! And he might be a little one XD After all, Lucy is more than a princess~ Gah, I'm happy you're like this fic :3 Hey, neat place!
Crazyfanficgal: There are totally more chapters to come for sure ^-^
Shadow-Light23: Took 'em long enough XD Lucy is hoping that was Evergreen and will be on the lookout next time she is in the city.
Fairy Tail 4lyf: WOOOOOO!
Loveroffanfic: Maybe some trouble, not a lot :P And wow! That's pretty neat you think that :D THANK YOU!
JustDon'tFlickrrr: I enjoyed writing the past couple of chapters a lot, and I'm glad people are enjoying this fic! Merci beaucoup!
Intangibly Yours: Gah, thank you! I try keeping characters in character, but every now and then they maaay get a bit OC :P And you'll just hafta keep reading to find out!
Crazy lady: Oooooooh, yeah!
Ashnmarley: Took 'em long enough :P
Yuri Dragneel: Oh, wow! That means a lot! Thank you so much! I try and keep the characters in character, but every now and then things don't go as planned XD There will be a time Lucy speaks with Jude. That will take place days from now in the story timeline. I'm not sure what will become of the duke or if he will ever appear. I originally planned on him being Dan Straight. If I end up using Dan for either Team Natsu or Team Lucy, then the duke will be the duke Canon!Jude tried marrying Canon!Lucy off to! Not sure yet. As for Phantom Lord, I already made Jose the merchant who caused Lucy trouble… But I'm happy you're enjoying the fic so far!
Guest: (Chapter 18) Thank you! I'm still working at improving my writing so things will be better!
Guest: Wow. That's a lot XD
Crazy lady: (Chapter 22) Finally got around to that update!
OGalnalu43: (Chapter 23) I totally plan on having more for sure :D Not done with this fic jussssst yet!
YumeNekoChan: Gah, I'm glad you think so ^-^ I'm still improving my writing so things can be better! But I'm happy you're enjoying the fic so far :D
Sm: (Chapter 3) Wow, I'm super happy you think so! Thank you! I'm still trying to improve my writing style and make things better ^-^
Crazy lady: Sorry for the delay, but here it is!
buttercup56: WOOOOOO
izzieBizzieBuzz: So sorry for the delay, but here it is!
Uchida Akira: Thank you!
Dosunmu604: Hopefully you weren't waiting long for this chapter! Not sure about Mavis (I doubt it actually). Juvia and Levy will appear, but now isn't the time. The Thunder Legion will appear again, but it'll take a bit. Not gonna reveal Jude's emotions just yet. As for the duke, he has noticed she hasn't arrived yet (he has yet to receive word about the bandit situation actually). AND I FINALLY UPDATED. WOOOO.
Lexus Nguyen: Aye, sir!