I dyed my hair pink.. I think I'm a little too obsessed with Natsu -_-

xox


Chapter 29: Of Sneaky Plots and Tales I


"How dare he!"

"Wait, Erza! You'll wake them up!"

"That's the whole point! I'll make him rue the day he decided to crawl into-"

"But they look so adorable!"

"I don't care how they look! I must protect Lucy's innocence!"

"Lucy isn't innocent! She's probably the one that made him sleep with her in the first place!"

"Utter nonsense!"

"Oh no you don't! Quick! Help me stop her, Gray!"

"Pft. Don't drag me into this."

"Then what are you doing here?"

"To watch ash breath get his ass kicked?"

"Why are you so useless?!"

"Whatever.."

"Release me at once!"

"Never! Wendy grab her feet!"

"I'm scared!"

"Just do it! We can't let her interfere with the snuggles!"

Lucy's lips thinned and her eyebrows furrowed as the ruckus at her bedroom door steadily grew louder.

Scratch what she said about not minding if they never leave..

She sat up with a loud growl and glared at the now silent group. The sight that greeted her made her want to laugh - or at the very least snort in amusement - but she held back because she was having a VERY pleasant dream and she really hated being woken up when she was having pleasant dreams..

They didn't come often after all.

"What the hell do you guys want?" She hissed. "Can you not see that I'm trying to sleep?!"

Levy - whose hands were gripping the door frame whilst her legs were wrapped securely under Erza's arms and around her chest to keep her in place - slowly released the red head from her grasp and lowered herself to the floor.

"Oh! We just came to let you know that breakfast is ready!" She beamed in hopes that her sunny smiles would lighten up the blondes obvious foul mood. But upon having no such luck, she ducked her head and averted her gaze. "And.. that um.. Gajeel and Igneel won't be here til this evening so the girls and I were hoping you'd come with us to look around town since neither of us have been here before.."

Erza - even though she was tough in her own right - shifted awkwardly and tried not to look at the person who refused to acknowledge their presence just in case her murderous tendencies flared up again.

"My apologies.." She said and slowly backed out along with the others. "We shall leave you to rest.."

"Sorry for waking you, Lucy.." Wendy bowed. "It won't happen again.."

And with that they all fled.

Lucy sighed once the door closed and flopped back against her pillows.

"Damn.. I forgot they were coming today.."

Natsu (who had admittedly been awake for at least an hour before the door was opened) sat up and stretched after kissing her cheek.

"My old man's coming?" He asked looking back at her. "When did that happen?"

"Last night not long after you left." She explained and closed her eyes. "Levy asked me if it was okay to give them my address.. said your dad wants to talk to us."

"Hm.. guess I was right then."

Lucy opened her eyes and watched as he rotated his head to get the kinks out of his neck.

Last night was the best sleep she's had to date, but she wasn't about to admit that to him.

"Right about what?"

"That Levy and Gajeel are mated." He shuddered. "Now she smells like him even more. It's so gross."

"I take it when you mate with someone, that person has his or her scent on them? Which means I'd smell like you once we've done it right?"

"Uh.. yeah.." Natsu answered sounding slightly nervous all of a sudden. "It's our way of letting other people know who they belong.. er.. who they're with I mean.."

Lucy watched as he ruffled his hair and inwardly laughed at how awkward he became when it came to the subject of mating.

Thanks to Levy, the blonde was already well informed about how it happens but Natsu wasn't aware that she knew and from what she had observed whenever it came up, he wasn't in a rush to explain it. The boy practically avoided it like the plague which she supposed was understandable considering..

He probably thought that she'd be against the idea of getting intimate with him ( at least so soon anyway ) which is why his attitude always shifted.

That in itself just made her heart swell even more for the boy and strengthen her vow to give him everything she had to offer.

She was by no means a prude (as everyone at the Academy liked to believe) and she wasn't a pervert whose head was stuck in the gutter 24/7, but she had already come to terms with being his and she meant it when she told him that she wanted to be his completely so she figured if it was to happen sooner or later, then it'd happen when she wanted it to.

And if she were being completely honest with herself.. she really wanted to.

The fact that she considered her boyfriend to be one fine piece of ass didn't help her growing desires much.. then again.. she supposed it was a good thing that she found him really attractive.

She knew enough about him to know that it would take a little convincing before he accepted the fact that she's serious about being ready to complete their bond but she was also confident that once she started putting the moves on him, it wouldn't take long for him to give in.

A small smirk appeared on her face as she thought about how he'd respond to her secret plan of seduce and conquer.

It was sure to be entertaining..

"Hey.. Natsu?"

Said boy swallowed thickly when he felt her hands sliding up his back then froze when she linked her arms around his neck and pressed her front flush up against his back.

"Y-yeah?"

"I just wanted to say thank you.." She whispered in his ear softly. "For checking up on me last night.. it meant a lot.."

"No p-problem.." He stuttered. "You know that I'm here.. for you.."

"What would I do without you?" She breathed out making sure her lips lightly grazed his ear in the process. "Natsu.."

Lucy suddenly found herself flat on her back with Natsu up and off the bed, laughing like a mad man and slowly backing away.

"The guys said breakfast is ready right?" He said as his face rivaled the colour of Erza's hair. "We should go eat before they finish it all! Come on, Luce!"

Lucy watched as he ran from her room like the devil was on his heels and once his footsteps had faded completely, she laughed and rolled out of the bed.

Her day just got interesting.


"Morning guys." Lucy beamed as she entered the kitchen. "Gosh I'm starving!"

Natsu tensed slightly and praised whoever was looking out for him when Lucy opted to sit opposite him.

"Sorry I snapped this morning." She went on as she piled bacon and eggs onto her plate. "I'm not that kind first thing."

"No.. it is our fault for bursting in.." Erza answered. "We should have at least knocked first.."

"Yeah.. sorry Lu-chan.."

"Water under the bridge." Lucy grinned and poured herself some juice. "So when were you guys wanting to leave? I'll need to take a shower first before we go though."

As Levy dove into the details, Natsu felt something slide slowly up his leg and once he figured out what it was he immediately started to choke.

"Learn to chew your food." Erza reprimanded and handed him a glass of water. "You're not a kid anymore, Natsu."

The pinkette gasped for breath and looked up at the blonde who was staring back at him with slightly widened eyes.

"Are you okay?"

He cleared his throat and as gently as he could, pushed her wandering foot away from him.

"Please don't do that.."

"Sorry.." She smiled and turned her attention back to Levy. "My foot just kinda got cold and you're always really hot so.."

Natsu shook his head and stood up.

"You're finished already?" Wendy asked in surprise. "But you haven't eaten much.."

"Lost my appetite." He muttered and picked up his plate to put in the sink. "And I need to have a shower."

No one else bothered him as he made his leave but he could feel Lucy's eyes on him and that simple fact made him shiver and hasten his pace.

"Let me know if you need a hand with anything.."

The sudden sound of her suggestive tone made him momentarily loose concentration and walk straight into a wall.

"I'm fine.. b-but thanks though.."

Back in the kitchen Lucy grinned behind her glass of juice.


"I don't see why we had to come.." Gray mumbled as he walked alongside Natsu behind the girls. "I really couldn't care less about this damn city.."

"Yeah.. From what I saw last night it ain't nothin' special.."

"Quit complaining." Erza glared back at them. "What would we do if we end up having bags that need to be carried?"

"Oh I don't know.." Gray snorted. "Carry them yourselves?"

Natsu automatically grabbed Gray by the back of his shirt and yanked him back just in time to avoid Erza's foot that had been aimed for his face.

"You're lucky." The red head murmered before flipping her hair over her shoulder and resumed walking with the girls. "Now keep up. I will not be amused if you get lost."

"Holy shit.." Gray gasped and hid behind the pinkette. "Thanks man.. I owe you one.."

"I'll cash in on that later." Natsu grinned. (Which was the only reason why he helped in the first place.) "Try not to say stupid shit like that again when she's right there.. idiot.".

"Yeah.."

They continued to walk down the bustling streets for what seemed like an eternity - much to the boys dismay - and they hadn't stopped once until they reached the market place in the center of town which was when Natsu's stomach decided to let out a very audible growl causing the girls up ahead to stop and look back at him.

"How can you be hungry?" Levy asked in amusement. "We just ate not long ago.."

Natsu huffed and crossed his arms.

"Yeah well it feels like hours to me." He grumbled. "Besides, I didn't even get to eat much."

"I'm sure you can hold off until lunch time." Erza stated. "It's not our fault you keep leaving the table before you're satisfied."

"But I'm hungry now!" He whined. "Just let me go find something to eat, the rest of you can continue on your way without me."

"I'll go with him." Gray said. Anything was better than walking around staring at things he wasn't going to buy. "I'll make sure he doesn't break anything."

Erza glared at the duo but before she could object, Lucy granted them their wish with a wide smile.

"Alright. We'll give you guys a break." She laughed. "We'll come find you after we've stopped at the bookstore."

The boys grinned back at her gratefully and practically ran as soon as she waved them off.

"I smelt something good over there." Natsu said as he led Gray through the throng of shoppers. "Yosh! I can't wait to eat!"

"Wait.. do you even have any money?" Gray asked when they entered a small fast food diner. "Because I don't."

"What?!" Natsu yelled scaring everyone within the vicinity. "Why didn't you say so earlier?!"

Gray pushed Natsu of him and rolled his eyes.

"It's not my fault you're stupid and can't think of these things on your own.."

Natsu's stomach growled again, the smell only causing his hunger to increase ten fold, and he fell to his knees whimpering dramatically.

"My food..."

"Would you get up?!" Gray hissed. "Quit acting like a baby its embarrassing!"

But Natsu continued to act like a drama queen, clinging to Grays legs and wailing about the injustices of life.

"Let's just go find the girls." The raven haired teen sighed in annoyance, ignoring the stares and whispers. "One of them should have some money."

"Why didn't you say so earlier!" Natsu roared in excitement and jumped to his feet. "Come on let's go!"

Gray sighed again and shook his head.

He was starting to think that maybe it would have been better if he just stayed with the girls in the first place..


The girls scattered to different parts of the store once they entered so Lucy found herself wandering aimlessly down the isles in search of a book that interested her.

She'd been to this store numerous times over the years so she knew exactly where to look.

As she pulled out a book to read the blurb at the back, an amused smile graced her features as she thought about how jumpy Natsu was being.

What happened to the confident boy that spouted innuendos left right and center?

She had half expected to tease her right back but no. He'd just stutter and run away from her like she had an infectious disease.

'Who knew teasing a boy could be so much fun?' She inwardly mused. 'Silly Natsu.'

"Lucy?"

The blonde froze when she heard that voice and silently cursed under her breath before raising her head.

"Oh.. hey Ichiro.."

"So it is you!"

A wide smile spread across Ichiro's face once his suspicion was confirmed and he moved closer to hug her but she sidestepped and narrowed her eyes, causing him to halt and chuckle.

"I almost didn't recognize you under all that hideous male clothing." He laughed. "It's been a long time.. how've you been?"

"Fine." She answered curtly and placed the book back. "And you? Still treating everyone like they're your personal slaves?"

"But of course." He smirked. "How else am I supposed to treat those that are below me?"

Lucy scoffed while moving down the isle and much to her dismay, he followed.

"Are you undercover?"

"No."

"So then you.. voluntarily dressed yourself in rags?"

Lucy stopped and inhaled deeply. It was just her luck for something like this to happen. Couldn't the damn fates give her ONE good day? Was that too much to ask? As Ichiro started talking about his studies in the capital she supposed that yes.. yes it was.

"So I decided to come and visit my family during the break.. I know, I know.. I'm disgustingly generous.. no need to be envious my dear.."

"Trust me." Lucy grumbled. "Envy is far from what I'm feeling right now.."

"Is it love?"

"Not in a million years"

Ichiro gasped dramatically and placed a hand over his heart.

"Why must you toy with me so? What would your father think? After all.. that's no way to speak to your-"

"Okay." Lucy cut in and spun around to face him. "Let's get one thing straight here. You are nothing to me. Nor will you ever be. I don't give a rats ass what my so called father thinks he's arranged but he doesn't decide how I live my life, I do."

"But-"

"Besides, I'm with someone. And he's very possessive." She reached behind him to grab a book that caught her eye and turned to leave. "I'd say it was good to see you again but that'd be a lie so.. let's 'not' do this again sometime."

Ichiro grabbed her arm and spun her around then wrapped his arms around her and squeezed tightly.

"There's no need to lie.." He chuckled. "I can see straight through you remember?"

"You should really let me go." Lucy sighed, not even bothering to try and break free. "My boyfriends going to be here in exactly 8 seconds and if he sees you touching me.. well.. let's just say you'd be lucky to escape unharmed."

"I love this 'hard to get' game you like to play Lucy.." The brunette smirked. "But you and I both know that you long to be my wife.."

"As if."

Ichiro released her from the hug but kept his hands on her shoulders and glared down at her.

"You seem to have lost respect for me.."

"I've never liked you, let alone respect you." Lucy snorted and shrugged his hands off her. "How could I? When you're such a self-centered, egotistical, judgmental asshole?"

For a few seconds Ichiro seemed taken aback by her harsh words but then he shook his head and laughed.

"Always the entertainer."

"Whatever." She rolled her eyes. "I'm leaving."

"But we just started to catch up!" He protested and grabbed her arm again. "Let's go chat over coffee and discuss our future together.."

"I don't know who you are or what you think you're doing pal and quite frankly? I don't give a shit."

Lucy loved the sound of his voice whenever he was pissed. It sent pleasant tingles down her spine and made her brain go all fuzzy..

"But you better get your filthy hands off of her."

Ichiro let go immediately when Natsu rounded the corner and held his hands up in front of him. "Easy tiger." He laughed. "I was merely greeting an old friend.."

"We're not friends Ichiro." Lucy scoffed and then smiled up at Natsu once he reached her. "I'm done. Let's go find something to eat."

"You go ahead." The pinkette growled and cracked his knuckles. "I'll be right with you."

"Oh no you don't." Lucy laughed and pulled him along after grabbing one of his hands. "This place is sacred. Save it for next time."

Ichiro watched as Lucy dragged her hot headed boyfriend away and frowned.

Did her father know that his precious daughter is running around with street rats?

Somehow, he highly doubted it.


Once they had all settled down at the same place the boys had found earlier, Levy turned to Lucy and asked her about the guy she saw her with at the book store.

"His father is a friend of mine. I guess you could say we grew up together." Lucy explained as they ate. "He's really stuck up though. Can't stand him."

"I kinda guessed that." The blunette giggled. "He seemed really prissy when I saw him, and you looked like you were about to blow a gasket."

Lucy could tell that the topic of her 'childhood friend' was getting on Natsu's nerves so she discreetly placed her hand on his thigh and squeezed it lightly.

Natsu stopped eating and slowly swallowed the food in his mouth before glancing at the blonde who was smiling at the girls opposite them and nodding along to whatever it was they were talking about.

She noticed his eyes on her but she didn't draw attention to it and continued to tell them about how fast Ichiro had backed off once Natsu showed up.

"You okay?" She asked softly. "You look a little lost.."

Natsu resumed eating almost immediately and tried to fill his head with disturbing images to distract him from the fact that Lucy's fingers were lazily tracing circles on his inner thigh.

"I-im g-good"

"Are you sure?"

"I'm fine!"

The entire diner fell silent at Natsu's outburst and turned to see what the commotion was all about.

"Sorry.." He apologized flatly and quickly stood up. "I need some air."

Erza, Gray, Wendy, and Levy turned to Lucy expectantly.

"Is.. everything okay Lu-chan?"

"You're not fighting again are you?"

Lucy wiped her face with a napkin and smiled at the group.

"Everything's good." She said and stood up. "I was just teasing him a bit. Continue eating. I'll go get him."

They watched her leave and once she exited the door, they all let out a sigh of relief.

"Man. Those two really know how to make situations feel awkward." Gray mumbled.

"And then some.."

...

"Wanna tell me why you're so edgy?"

Natsu made no attempt to look up at her and continued staring ahead of him with a blank look on his face.

"If it's about Ichiro-"

"It's not about that bastard." He snapped. "And I don't want to talk about it."

Lucy shook her head and moved to stand behind him.

"You really need to learn how to relax." She said and reached out to massage his shoulders. "All that tension isn't good you know."

"Stop touching me!" He practically screamed and jumped away from her. "It's really getting on my nerves!"

Lucy tilted her head slightly and raised a brow at him.

"But I like touching you.." She replied and gave him a once over. "You can touch me too you know. Pretty sure I'd really like that also.. love it even."

Natsu's eyes almost popped out of his head and his jaw dropped at what he just heard.

"What are you talking about..?" His frustration was instantly replaced with unease so he took a step away from her and gulped. "There must be something wrong with you.."

"You're right.." The blonde sighed over-dramatically and circled the bench in order to get closer to him. "There is something very.. very wrong with me.. would you like to know what that is?"

"I.. don't think so.." Natsu answered shakily as he took another step back. "I don't think it'd be good for my health to hear whatever it is.."

Lucy smiled and managed to grab the tail end of his scarf before he could retreat any further.

"But I really want you to know what's wrong with my body.." She pouted and slowly tugged him closer. "I'm sure you'll be able to fix what's wrong with it.."

"Sorry!" He squeaked and managed to get away from her. "I gotta go! See you back at the house, Lucy!"

She watched him run away with a small smile and her face then laughed and shook her head.

That boy was too damn cute for his own good.


Natsu was hiding somewhere when the gang returned to the house - that much Lucy was certain - but she decided against going in search of him and headed to the kitchen to start on dinner. ( she'd probably traumatized him enough for one day anyway.. )

They had spent another few hours wandering around the market much to Gray's chagrin, and finally made their way back when Levy told them that Gajeel and Igneel were on their way.

"I brought some cakes for dessert." Lucy told Erza who had followed her. "What should I do for the main?"

"Anything will suffice." The red head answered and took a seat at the bar. "Can I help with anything?"

"Yep." Lucy beamed as she pulled out a variety of meats and other ingredients. "You can help by keeping me company so I don't fall asleep or run away."

"Why would you run away?" Erza asked. "Is something the matter?"

"Just a little nervous." Lucy admitted as she flipped through her cookbook. "Natsu told me that he'd protect me from his family but I don't want to cause problems for him.. what if his dad sides with the people that want me? I'd never forgive myself if they turned against each other because of me."

"Lucy.."

"I just.. hope that everything turns out alright.. for Natsu I mean. And Wendy."

"What about yourself?"

"You know I couldn't care less about what happens to me, Erza." The blonde laughed and started shredding lettuce. "Natsu.. you.. and the rest.. as long as you're all safe and happy, then that's all that matters."

Erza studied her silently and smiled to herself. "It's nice. Seeing you like this."

"Like what?"

"You've been showing your true colours lately.. kind, sweet, considerate.. I'm very proud of you."

"I'm getting soft." The blonde chuckled as a light shade of pink dusted her cheeks. "Don't know how I feel about that."

"I can assure you, it's a good thing but still.. you shouldn't think so little of yourself. Your safety and happiness is important too."

"I guess." Lucy shrugged.

"On a completely different note.. what were you teasing Natsu about earlier?" Erza asked curiously. "I'm surprised he actually yelled at you.."

"Oh yeah. He yells at me all the time." She replied with an amused grin. "Just because we're destined soul mates or whatever and he can't live without me, doesn't mean he can't get mad at me. It's actually pretty hilarious. He's so cute when he's mad."

"You've definitely changed." Erza mused. "Never thought I'd see the day when you so openly admired and complimented a person."

"As for the teasing.. you probably don't want to know."

"But I do." The red head insisted. "I find your relationship quite fascinating."

"Why?"

"I.. have no idea.."

The two laughed until Lucy bit her lip and motioned for Erza to come closer.

"Promise you won't freak out.. and you won't tell anyone?"

"Promise." Erza nodded trying not to sound so eager. "And If I somehow break this vow, I give you permission to strike me until you are satisfied."

"I'll.. get back to you on that." Lucy chuckled then pulled Erza closer to whisper in her ear.

40 seconds later..

Lucy sighed and called out to the boys.

"What's up?" Gray asked lazily as he strolled into the kitchen. "Woah.. why's Erza on the floor?"

"Can you take her to the lounge please? She just had a little shock is all.."

"Yeah okay.. hey Natsu! Get in here and help me!"

"Why should I?" Natsu grumbled but did as he was asked anyway.

Lucy kept an eye on the pinkette but he wouldn't look at her which only increased her amusement. She waited until he bent down to pick up Erza's legs and leant on the counter to get a better look.

"Have I told you before that you have a really cute butt?"

Natsu promptly let go and screamed "Do it yourself!" before stomping back out the way he came.

"mm.. delicious.."

"Luucccyyyyy! Stop it!"

"Hm? What're you talking about pervert? I was referring to the food."

"I'm going to sleep!"

"mkay. I'll wake you when your dad gets here."

"... okay.. thanks, Lucy.."

"No problem.. oh.. and Natsu?"

"... Yeah, Luce?"

"Can I lick your abs later?"

"Gah! I'm tuning you out now!"

Lucy snickered and shook her head.

He was too easy.


Just another little filler chapter of nonsense for the group until things get depressing again for lulu.

Hope you liked it :)

Sorry for any mistakes. I'll check it later when I get home. Uploaded this on my break lol

So I went on a date last night and it turned into such a disaster.. mainly because my blind date isn't into anime or video games. He called me immature and left. The bastard. So I showed him how immature I am and kneed him in the ballsacks! Tch. It's one thing to have different tastes but do NOT look down on me for it. Right? How dare he say amime is stupid and for brats with no lives Dx

I thought guys liked girls that were into that sorta stuff? Oh well. Must be just in my head lmao

Anyway! Thanks for all the reviews faves and follows. I am in much appreciation to you all *bows* thank you very much xoxo