Hi everyone! Thanks so much for all the lovely reviews. Sorry that I haven't gotten a chance to reply - I'm packed up with exams :( Tomorrow I have two exams, both 4 hours! I have myself to blame, I did choice this course...
Also, I'm sorry about the spelling mistakes. I wrote it in a rush, so there's bound to be many. I did proof read it twice - but I don't trust my eyes so much ^-^
Anyway, hope you all enjoy this chapter! I'm really enjoying writing the newer ones.
Hope you all are having a good new year!
Enjoy!
Lisanna hums a little, happy tune under her breath as she walks through the town.
Today is a good day.
Last night Lucy discovered the truth about her and her brother – she found out what they were. When she had returned home from the game last night, she had already been able to sense the trace miles from the house. It was unmistakable – something had happened that caused Natsu to inflect more of the trace on the blonde girl. Needless to say, Lisanna had been frantic when she had entered the house, only calming down when Natsu had forced her to sit down and listen to him.
He told her everything.
Apparently Natsu had lured Lucy out into the woods to try and scare her off again and Lucy hadn't taken it well, running away and nearly getting hit by a truck which Natsu had stopped. To do that however, her brother had had to reveal his true self and use his powers. Lisanna didn't blame him one bit, no matter how many times he apologized. He had saved her best friend – and now Lucy knew everything. They had no more secrets.
Lisanna had been so excited and at the same time so nervous and worried that she had stayed in the guest room with Lucy all night, watching over her and making sure she was alright. She wouldn't have blamed the girl if she had woken up and been in a screaming panic. Finding out your weird neighbors were from another planet – something the humans called aliens – was not an easy thing to take in.
So when Lucy had woken up and accepted her fully, Lisanna had cried. Her heart felt like it would climb out of her throat with how touched and relieved and happy she had been. Her best friend knew what she was and was okay with it. They could be real, no-secret friends now and Lisanna was more than ready for it.
The silver-haired girl felt another fit of giddiness swell up in her and she grinned wider to the mostly quiet town. She didn't even notice how some of the older townspeople gave her dirty looks as they got into their cars or moved onto the other side of the street to avoid being close to her.
Nope, she was too over the moon to care today. She had a real, true friend and she was going to enjoy it.
She hadn't seen Lucy since this morning, wanting to give the blonde girl some personal time to really take it all in. She knew it would still be a little longer before Lucy fully understood it all. She was more than willing to answer any questions. Apparently Natsu was too, with all the things he'd already told her.
At the back of her mind, Lisanna worried about what would happen when Laxus found out. He had a similar mindset to Natsu and disapproved of them getting too close with the humans. Juvia was in the same boat and would probably also give them an earful. Lisanna couldn't blame them, she understood some of where they were coming from when it came to avoiding the humans. Zeref had been a terrible example of just how bad things could go wrong. Lisanna still refused to let herself think too much about him. It hurt too much. And Juvia had that whole incident with that Gray boy. Gajeel and Sting were on the same page as her and even had relationships with humans outside the town before. They had traveled more than she and Natsu, had known more and were braver. After Zeref's disappearance their small group of family strengthened and Natsu closed off. He didn't want to make the same mistakes, Lisanna understood that. Rogue to a shorter extent also tolerated human friendships, though he sometimes sided with Laxus's view on things, depending on the danger level.
But Lisanna didn't want to avoid the people of Earth. She wanted to make friends, live a life here where she could be happy. There wasn't many of their people left and their home was gone for good. If this was there life now, Lisanna wanted to live it.
But she could never put her family more at risk than they already were. She didn't want to worry Natsu more. But now she had Lucy. That was more than enough.
The town square was practically empty save for some random person on a small errand. A few children sped past the grocery store, the front boy holding three chocolate bars in glee as they're mother yelled at them to wait for her. An elderly couple were slowly walking on the other side of the pavement.
Lisanna watched all of them, but didn't bother saying any tiny greeting when she would make eye contact. Instead, she'd just look forward again and continue with her own errands. She was headed for the bakery near her favorite diner – the only bakery in town, but it sold the most delicious hot-crossed buns. Not that Lisanna had tasted that many in her life. She wanted to buy a few and take them over to Lucy's house as a small celebration. It was silly, but Lisanna wanted to do it. She just hoped her best friend like them. Though, honestly, who doesn't like hot-crossed buns? She'd also have to remember to put some away for Natsu. After all, if it wasn't for him, Lisanna wouldn't have anything to celebrate. If anything, Natsu seemed to be happier with the turn of events too, though she knew he would admit it. She had a feeling her brother was getting a sort of fondness for their pretty neighbor. As for Lucy, Lisanna had caught on that she felt something for Natsu too, but she doesn't want to pressure anything. It was best to let the chips fall where they may.
Lisanna giggled softly at the thought.
Maybe she should get some ice cream too?
While Lisanna tries to remember if Natsu had finished all the ice cream or not, her thoughts are interrupted by a loud barking.
Crystal, blue eyes blink widely, but she doesn't get a chance to see what it it when a large blur of brown jumps at her – knocking her down in a startled heap.
"Ah!" Lisanna cries in shock just as she makes contact with the hard pavement, that heavy brown bulk on top of her. Her eyes roll back – not in pain – but just be the sheer surprise of it all. She's about to let out another hum of discomfort, when something slobbery and slimy starts licking at her cheek.
A delighted squeal escapes her lips when the enthusiastic licks keep going and Lisanna raises her hands, one to gently grasp the furry face of the animal attacking her and the other to protect her face. She doesn't push the dog off though, too much in awe of the whole incident. Plus, doggies!
"Rexy, stop!" a raspy voice yells out in slight horror. Lisanna's breath catches at the sound, not because it's possibly a human that doesn't want her touching her dog, but because she knows that voice.
Unfortunately, once Lisanna stills in shock, her arms are easily pushed away by the large dog and it continues to lick – this time slimming over her entire face.
"Oh!" the silver-head grimaces when the saliva gets smeared over her face.
"Shit, I'm so sorry-" says the man and then the large hound is forcibly pulled away from the laying girl.
The brown dog whines mournfully as it gets taken away from it's new friend and Lisanna quickly wipes at her face with her sleeve.
"Oh, it's you."
Lisanna's shoulders tense at the realization in his tone and she slowly removes her arm to look un-surely up at him.
Bixlow is looking down at her with widened eyes and a slightly gaped mouth. Lisanna is sure she must look much the same.
"U-uhm,-" the silver-haired beauty starts nervously and moves to quickly stand up. Bixlow snaps out of his stunned gaze then and automatically takes a step towards her, the hand not gripping the dog's leash offered out to her.
"Uh-here," he says and Lisanna's head pops up to look at his hand, her movements momentarily paused. "Let me help you up."
Swallowing, the silver-head's eyes move up to meet his eyes again and this time is met with a smiling pair.
She hesitantly accepts the hand and is easily pulled up, her feet gracefully finding their place flat on the ground.
"You alright? Rexie is pretty heavy," the man asks, a smidge of concern in his raspy voice. Lisanna is quick to shake her head to reassure him.
"N-no! I'm fine, I don't even feel sore," she hurries to say. The whines start again and Lisanna's eyes are drawn down to the large hound wiggling in it's spot next to its owner. It's black eyes watch her with a deep yearning and it brings a wobbly smile to the girl's lips. "He's really cute," she shyly waves at the large beast, which makes it desperately struggle against Bixlow's iron grip on it's leash in an attempt to get to her. Bixlow doesn't relent though and Rexie gives a unhappy bark, tail wagging behind him, practically slapping at Bixlow's bare, lower legs.
"Aww~" Lisanna softly squeals at the big puppy and hears Bixlow laugh afterwards. She jumps slightly at the sound, before blushing and looking back at him. He's smiling directly at her – a happy grin that does strange things to her stomach, and Lisanna avoids his eyes again, instead focusing on wiping away the bits of drying saliver still on her chin.
"He really got it all over you, didn't he?" Bixlow voices guiltily and then Lisanna sees him fish out a old, purple rag from his pant's back pocket. "Here. Use this – uh – don't worry. It's clean...ish?"
The embarrassed tone that comes in a little at the last words draws out a little giggle from the shy Luxen and she bites her lip soon as the sound starts. Her eyes find his again and before she can look away, he catches her stare and holds it.
There's something relaxed and comfortable in Bixlow's eyes and the way his lips quirk up on one side in an awkward, but friendly grin have Lisanna reaching out to take the rag.
"Thank you."
He grins broader. "No problem, Lisanna."
Lisanna's eyes widen in surprise and gasp just even to be audible at the sound of his voice saying her name. He remembered. He remembered and said it so openly.
Bixlow doesn't take her small gasp all that well and a uncertain look washes over his face and he rubs a spot at the back of his neck. "That is your name, right? I was pretty sure – sorry if I got it wrong. I'm not that great at remembering those kinds of things-"
"Lisanna's right," the girl squeaks and ducks her head down soon after, toying with the rag, before using it to clean her pale skin. She can't help but peek back at him a couple times as she does this. "Thank you, this um, this works much better than my jersey."
Bixlow's arm stills from it's position behind his next, before smiling again. "Yeah, after looking after this big baby, I caught on to a few things. Thing number one – always carry something with you to wipe away the saliva. Ain't that right, girl?" he ruffles up some of the dark brown fur of the dog's face. It barks, as if it were actually agreeing.
Lisanna smiles prettily at the display, before rubbing the rest off her cheeks.
'He's wearing black eyeliner,' Lisanna notes as she discretely takes Bixlow in. She noticed it too that day in the hallway. She still liked how it brought out his eyes, so unique and pretty compared to the other human boys. It was a large contrast to the scruffy, retro style he had going on. And yet, it all made him more interesting and unique, Lisanna even found it cute. Her cheeks warmed at the slipped thought and tried to rub it away with the rag as well. Hopefully he hadn't noticed.
Curiosity soon got the better of her and the silver-haired girl's eyes flickered back for another peek, only to find Bixlow staring back at her. However, this time, he was the first one to look away, a small tint of pink visibly on his cheeks. Lisanna almost dropped the rag.
"Uh-wa, well – thank you, here," Lisanna stuttered and offered back the rag, feeling more like a complete freak than he probably already thought she was. Her eyes falling to the pavement to keep her grounded. Still, there was a little bit of hope and excitement forming in her chest, like a dim light that was steadily growing brighter. She knew it was just a fluke though and knew if she needed to go before she ruined this rare experience.
The lithe girl almost jumped back in shock when cool fingers barely traced over her to accept the rag back. They stayed there, just slightly touching hers, while also holding the patch of material. Lisanna's fingers prickled with tiny shivers at the feeling and her eyes shot back to look startled up at him. Bixlow was looking back at her, a small tilt of him lips showed he was smiling and Lisanna's breath caught in her throat. For some reason her fingers refused to let go of the material, but it didn't seem to bother Bixlow much. He seemed to be happy with just standing there.
'What is he-'
"Look mommy! There's that weird girl again!"
"Sshh, Patricia, don't speak so loudly. Stay close to me-"
Lisanna's hand dropped like a bullet, letting go of the rag and at the same time, taking a large step away from him. Bixlow's blinked in confusion at the action, Lisanna looked away.
"Uhm, s-sorry for getting in your way. Thanks for the...the rag-"
She turns to walk away, to spare him the embarrassment of being seen with her in public. She had taken a chance with Lucy, a move forced by a need for a friendship. She hadn't expected it to work out, but it did and she was happy. With the townspeople though, there was so much history. They wouldn't want to try–
"You want to get some coffee?" Bixlow's voice is rushed and unsure, but it's loud and is enough to shock Lisanna to a stop.
Her eyes widen as the question and turns to look at him with a hope betrayingly beginning to fluster up.
"I-I'm sorry?"
Bixlow looks like he was ready to walk out towards her before she had turned around and when she speaks, he straightens back a bit and that free hand goes back to it's previous spot rubbing at his neck.
"Do you want to get coffee with me?" the tall, mohawk'd man asks again, this time more composed. "Or something? My treat." Beside him, Rexy is still wagging her tail happily, not understanding the situation, but eager to be let in.
Lisanna still can't wrap her head around the fact that he had just asked her to coffee and her head seems to fill with warm air. "You want to have coffee? With me?"
Rexy barks and the loud sound jerks Bixlow and Lisanna at the same time, but Lisanna more noticeably.
Bixlow seems to be better now that the awkward spell is gone and he finally gives his dog some attention by scratching her head, but his eyes stay on the still bewilded girl. He smiles, almost bashfully by her, but the cool, wild boy-look of him makes it look easy.
"Yeah, I mean this is the second time we've bumped into each other," he says and Lisanna cheeks turn rose-y. "We might as well get to know each other if the universe keeps pushing it, right?" Despite his brave words, Lisanna feels like he's still nervous about asking her. He's giving her an option to say no – something insane because it should be the other way around.
She hesitates, but something inside of her yearns to accept his offer. When would this happen again? If he asked her, he must know what it means...and he still wants to.
"Lisanna?"
Lisanna blinks and finds the tall boy looking at her with a bit of concern, masked by a tilted grin. She looks at him and her mouth opens.
She wants to.
It won't hurt.
Natsu won't be happy, but –
"Okay."
She really wants to go with him.
Bixlow grins broadly at her and even pumps up a fist, it makes her giggle before she even realizes he did it. Rexie howls out some adorable sound and Lisanna feels a new ease come over her as Bixlow chuckles at his dog while rubbing it's hairy cheeks.
"Alright!" Bixlow straightens, releasing his now overjoyed dog and walks up closer to the small girl. She meets his eyes shyly, but willingly. He grins down at her, before flicking his eyes forward then back to her. "Let's go, before you get some sense and change your mind."
Lisanna's mouth opens in a pretty, wide smile and shakes her head in a quiet laugh.
With that, Bixlow ushers them towards the diner and Lisanna finds herself feeling a different kind of giddiness bubble in her chest. She doesn't speak as they walk, leaving that all up to the talkative and loud Bixlow. He doesn't seem to mind, but does pause to get her answers – usually in a small nod or shake of her head. She was still shy and unsure, but the moment she fell into step with the retro boy, she couldn't think of leaving him.
She wouldn't tell Natsu when he got home. It wouldn't hurt anyone or be the end of anything. Gajeel hung out with humans all the time outside the town. This was just the same.
Besides, it was just coffee.
"Where are we going?" Lucy asks.
The look she gets from the tall male is a little too naughty for her nerves and the blonde eyes him warily.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" he smirks down at her and Lucy's brows dip along with her frown.
Natsu laughs at her reaction: a deep, throaty laugh that you can't help but roll her eyes at. Unfortunately for her, the small smile forming on her lips took away whatever annoyance she was trying to convey. Natsu laughed more.
"Natsu," the blonde pouted with another eye roll. "Are you gonna tell me, or will I be closing the door on you after all?" She couldn't help but remember the first time she met the pink-haired man and how he said something along the same lines when she had embarrassingly stared at him.
Natsu's laugh muffled at that and a myschivous glint flashes in his eyes. "Don't be like that, kitten. It's more fun to see you get all flustered."
The cockiness that only one Natsu Dragneel could muster was fully evident in that Lucy almost considered actually shutting the door in his face – just to tease him back a little. Too bad it felt so good talking so easily with him, knowing they had no secrets to cause any more drama. He was lucky today.
Lucy's smile slowly returns at that previous thought as she looks up at him. Natsu's dark eyes seem to soften then at the stare, and it makes something in the blonde's chest flutter. She forces her eyes to look down at the porch before her face can turn a telling colour.
"So where exactly are you taking me?" Lucy says after clearing her throat, hoping her voice doesn't sound too high. She sees Natsu shift in the corner of her eye and dares to look back up at him to see the pink-head glance out towards the woods.
Almost instinctively, she knows.
The lake.
"You...you have more things you want to talk about don't you?" Lucy murmurs and Natsu turns back to look at her, a more serious expression now present on his handsome features.
"Yeah," he sighs. "I do."
Had they not spoken about everything last night? That was a stupid question – of course there was bound to be more things. Natsu and Lisanna were from another world after all. There was probably loads more things Lucy was yet to learn.
Still, why did it feel like Natsu was a little nervous – or at least on edge – to tell her? Did it have something to do with the Dakrum?
A shiver runs down Lucy's spine at the possibility. She knew they were a big threat and she couldn't just ignore those monsters existed, but she didn't want to focus more on them today...but if Natsu felt they needed to, there must be a good reason.
Lucy sighs – long and deep. Her shoulders rise and fall as she does and after a brief moment - she smiles encouragingly up at him.
"In that case, I'll just go and grab a swimsuit?"
Natsu's eyes her smile for a short moment. Lucy only falters for a second until she spots the tiny upwards tilt of his lips. She smiles wider.
"Wear something pretty for me," Natsu winks at her, and it makes Lucy's mouth fall agape.
"Natsu!"
The dreaded blush comes back full force and Lucy can't stand to look at him for another second. The last thing she hears before shutting the door in his face is her neighbor's deep chuckle on the other side.
Lucy didn't waste a lot of time in choosing a swimsuit.
She ended up choosing another two piece bikini. It was a stylish, white colour and both the top and bottom pieces had flow-y frills sown in. The bikini bottom basically looked like a really, really tiny skirt, but it barely covered even half of her butt. Still, Lucy loved the design and it was more modest than most bikinis. Yes, she was feeling pretty good and even, maybe a little sexy – but not slutty. That was an important distinction.
Throwing on a pale pink sundress and some matching sandals, she was satisfied.
Lucy walked over her closet mirror and admired her reflection. She really did look good. The soft fabric felt nice over her skin and the pinkish colour was one of her favorites.
"Wear something pretty for me."
Natsu's words echo in her head and a similar shade of pink appears over her cheeks. He had been teasing her, she knew that, but….
Her fingers smoothed over sundress and slowly trailed down to the hem, grasping gently. Looking her reflection in the eyes again, Lucy took a moment to settle her thoughts.
Could she?
It wasn't that big of a deal. She'd been to the beach in just her bikini before – though she hadn't been alone with a guy during them. But that first time Natsu took her to the lake she'd eventually ended up without her dress. She'd handled it well. It wasn't like she was overbearingly shy.
It was just that it was Natsu…
Okay, maybe she was probably overthinking her outfit for her and Natsu's little outing. She was still a girl after all.
Lucy's grip on her hem tightened at the same time her cheeks grew hotter. She was being ridiculous.
With a deep breath, Lucy lifted the hem and in one pull – took it off. Her eyes found the mirror automatically again and took in her appearance.
She had a good body: curvy and tan-ish. Her hips were a little larger and rounder than she liked, but it wasn't something she'd ever felt ashamed of before. Her chest was on the larger side too, but Lucy had come to terms with that ages ago. She felt comfortable in her skin, usually. She blamed all these current butterflies on the fact that she would be alone with Natsu – who was far too hot for his own good.
With a few gentle claps to her cheeks, Lucy gave an encouraging smile to her reflection. She could do this!
She knew she wasn't ugly. Maybe not Lisanna-beautiful, but she knew she was a looker too.
And whether she wanted to admit it out loud or not – she wanted Natsu to notice that too. That wasn't such a bad thing, right?
She just wasn't going to overthink anything else.
After pulling her hair into a high ponytail, Lucy was ready to go, only taking with two towels with her.
Outside, she sees Natsu casually leaning against her porch railing, waiting for her.
The fluttering in her chest seemed to multiply at the sight of him, knowing her state of dress. She had to ground herself into not running back inside to fetch the pink dress. With one final breather, Lucy pulls the front door closed and steps outside.
"H-Hey."
Natsu turns his attention to her and Lucy holds her breath on instinct. When his eyes fall on her, they widen.
"Whoa."
Natsu's voice is soft as he voices the word and his lips fall open slightly as he take she in. Lucy feels the blood return to her cheeks and, to her annoyance, falls to her defeat and looks down to her feet.
It's quiet for a little too long and Lucy's mind starts to overload.
'Maybe this had been a bad idea. What if he thinks I'm trying to come on to him!' Her teeth sink into her bottom lip, because the statement isn't completely false.
Wait, no! She wasn't coming on to him – or was she?
"You look nice."
The compliment is said softly and Lucy's blonde head practically bobs up to meet the man's eyes when she hears it.
Natsu meets her shocked expression with a small grin, one pink brow raises too when she doesn't reply.
"White's a good colour on you," he adds after a small pause and Lucy swears she sees a small tint of pink over his cheeks. It doesn't stop the flutters in her chest, but this time, she kinda likes the feeling.
Smiling shyly up at him, Lucy offers one of the towels.
"Here," she says and waits till Natsu accepts it. "If we're going swimming we should probably both be prepared, right?"
"Yeah," he agrees, those black eyes never leaving her. Lucy feels warm under them and just nods. "So, now that you're dressed, you ready to go, kitten?" is the next thing Natsu says and Lucy smiles thankfully for the question.
"Hmm," she nods again, before smiling a bit more playfully up at him. "I promise I'll look both ways before crossing the street this time."
In the woods, Lucy and Natsu walk in a comfortable silence.
The sunlight, filtered through the green leaves, casts an almost magical light over the two of them and Lucy basks in it with a newly found appreciation. Natsu and Lisanna's home was taken away from them – she still had hers.
And Earth definitely had it's beauties.
"So, Natsu..." Lucy says, breaking the peaceful silence of the forest. "What did you want to talk about?"
She still wasn't sure if she wanted to find out the answer to that question, but the sooner they got it out in the open, the easier things would be for them. She only hoped it wasn't as bad as she expected it to be.
Natsu keeps his gaze on the trail ahead as they walked, his steps thankfully slow and steady. "I'll tell you once we're at the lake."
"Should I be worried?"
She sneaks a peek up at his face, just in time to see a small smirk start to form on his lips.
"Feeling a little antsy, kitten?" there's humor in his voice and Lucy is grateful for it. She takes it as a good sign for later.
With an easy shrug of her shoulders, Lucy fake-whines; "Well, I still haven't figured out whether or not I'm in there clear yet." She eyes him with a small smile. "I sorta still think you might be taking me into the woods to kill me or something."
Her words surprisingly have a different affect on the pink-haired man than she expected and Natsu suddenly freezes, before slowly turning around to face her properly. When he looks at her, it's with a deep, dark intensity that she's not entirely used to.
"You really think I'd kill you?"
Lucy blinks at the question, confusion taking over for only a second, before she notices the worried look hidden in his eyes.
"I'm just teasing, Natsu," she smiles gently up at him. "I was just...trying to ease the mood a bit?"
He doesn't seem to believe at first and Lucy's smile slips.
"Natsu, I trust you," she tries again, this time more firmly. "Why would I agree to go on this walk with you – or stay over at your house if I didn't?"
Natsu softens at the words this time, before he runs a hand through his hair. The pink strands end up messier than before, some falling into his eyes. Lucy almost reaches up to stroke it away, but catches herself before she can embarrass herself.
"I'm sorry," Natsu huffs softly, more at himself then her, she notices. His brows furrow as he looks around the forest and Lucy wonders if she had been wrong about the subject being easy. "It's just," he pauses to look back at her, Lucy holds his gaze. "...do you know how many humans I've been close to?" he says and then chuckles softly. "And then suddenly you show up and blow the whole secret to smithereens. You're taking this whole thing really so well and..."
Lucy's eyes widen and watches him as he shakes his head, as if trying to sort out whatever thoughts were running wild in his head.
"Do you regret finding out the truth about us?"
Was he really worried about that? After last night, did he still…
She almost laughs out loud at the idea that he was worried about it. She thought she'd made it pretty obvious how happy she was to finally understand them better.
Lucy's eyes slip down to the towel she'd brought with her. She had wrapped it around her hips a few steps back to keep her legs safe from any scratching. As she fingers the material, a small sigh leaves her lips. "Do you want me to be completely honest, Natsu?"
There's a moment of silence, before Natsu voices, "Yeah."
Lucy can't stop her lips from stretching into a giggly grin at the unsure words. "In that case..."
Lucy doesn't think before closing the distance between them and gently reaches up to touch the sides of his face, forcing his eyes to stay on her solely. She offers a bigger smile when he flinches slightly at her sudden touch.
"In that case, what?" Natsu's brows furrow, but the glint in his eyes intensifies.
"I'm really glad I got to know the real you. I regret nothing." She shrugs with a tiny smirk. "Besides, if I didn't know the truth, I'd never know why you're such a jerk."
That does the trick and the tensing atmosphere vanishes. Natsu smiles at the small, playful jab, before he reaches up and envelopes his hands with hers. Lucy's heart flutters again at the way he leans into her touch. It's such a simple gesture but one that never used to come easy with him. It felt like he was really making an effort to let her in further.
Natsu's eyes close for a small moment as he sighs, his hands tightening a little over hers. "Even if it's hard for me to believe you, it's still nice to hear."
"Natsu..." Lucy's shoulders slump at the words and begins to withdraw her hands – but Natsu keeps them were they are.
"Tell me the truth again," he asks, his voice low and serious. "...Are you scared?"
"Natsu, I –"
She was scared. Just not of him – not him and Lisanna or what they were. She was scared of something else.
The memory of that man at the library flashes through her mind and Lucy pushes it down, because it isn't the time to think about that night. Natsu wasn't like that man. He wouldn't hurt her like that – he saved her. And yes, she was scared of getting in that situation again, but she trusted Natsu and Lisanna. Trusted when they said they would protect her...and she would try everything she could, even if it wasn't much, to do the same for them.
Looking up at Natsu's intense, black orbs, Lucy decided that lying wasn't the way to go. They'd been through enough to be honest with each other. He'd proven that.
"I am scared," Lucy whispered. "But that's okay. I'm not afraid of you. I trust you." She really did.
Natsu scoffs at her words, his eyes rolling closed in his disbelief, still, she felt some relief when he squeezed her hands.
"I don't know if I should be happy about that or not," he says and Lucy frowns. His eyes open then and she feels herself soften at the tenderness she finds in them. He doesn't say anything else and instead, just looks at her.
"Natsu-"
He shakes his head, just a small, dismissive tilt, before sighing. "...Thanks, Lucy," he breaths and the blonde holds her breath. "Just...don't get too cocky okay? Sometimes it's good to be scared of things you don't know." The feel of his touch lingers on her palms as he pulls away. She chooses not to respond to his warning.
The rest of the walk continues in silence, with Natsu leading her through the leaf-covered trails.
When they arrive at the lake, the stress in Natsu's face seems to simply melt away.
Lucy doesn't question why. This place seems to have that magical affect, even she feels lighter than before. No wonder Natsu calls this place Paradise.
The unbelievably clear, blue water shimmered underneath the sun. Even the Large rocks that stood out from the waters seemed other worldly. How was it that such a beautiful place existed in such a small, judgmental town? It made sense that Natsu and Lisanna never showed this place to the other townspeople. He wanted to keep it private. A good spot to escape.
Lucy felt happy to be apart of it all.
"This place always takes my breath away," Lucy breathed as she took in the sight before her. The sound of chirping birds sounded in the higher distance as they flew by, it only added to the calm that came with the view.
"I know what you mean," Natsu agrees beside her. "Of all the places I've been to, this is my favorite so far." Lucy hummed in response and they just watched for a while.
Natsu shifted beside her after a few minutes and Lucy looked down to see him removing his shoes. She found her eyes moving to his pink hair as he worked the laces. The pink stands almost seemed fluffy in the sunlight and she couldn't help but think of cotton candy. It made her giggly, which she quickly muffled with her hand, but really, the color fitted so well. Natsu Dragneel, the sexy, too-cool, mysterious guy also had cotton candy for hair.
Ugh, did she just call him sexy while comparing his hair to a carnival snack? Yip, she really was weird.
'Still, the pink really does suit him,' Lucy thought, going back to admiring the locks. It also helped that pink was one of her favorite colors.
Natsu moved again and Lucy quickly turned her newly burning cheeks away from him and stared at the water. She saw him stand up straight in the corner of her eye, before he walked pass her, only turning back to look up at her once he was a few feet out on the dusty sand.
"So, I figured you'd have more questions, which is why I brought you out here." Lucy blinks widely at the reveal and an excited smile starts to pull at her lips. Natsu catches the look and quickly adds, "There are some questions I will answer, but some I won't."
His statement doesn't do too much to falter her enthusiasm and Lucy nods quickly. "That's fair."
He looks surprised at how easy she gives in and Lucy laughs.
"I got to find out you're an Luxen, I can wait a little longer for you to fully let me in."
The pink-haired man smirked at her enthusiastic tone and shook his head again. "How about I promise to answer anything that you absolutely have to know, and we leave it at that?"
Sounded fair.
"Deal."
"Oh, and I have one more rule for today." His smirk somehow grows cheekier. He winks then and Lucy shoulders hunch a little at the way the look of it makes her cheeks warm. That really seemed to happen a lot lately. Was he doing this on purpose?
Didn't Lisanna say that they could sometimes tell what she was feeling because of an…what was it? Aura?
Oh, Lucy really hoped that he couldn't tell what she was feeling now and that her aura color wasn't something too embarrassing.
"You're blushing, kitten," she hears him chuckle. "See something you like?"
The mortification that came with that washed over her then overpowered any embarrassment. Of course Natsu could always be counted on to ruin their good vibe.
"You're such a, ugh," Lucy crosses her arms to keep from running them through her hair and ruining her ponytail. Natsu only finds it more amusing.
"Sorry not sorry that I like watching you get all bent out of shape."
His voice is laced with humor and Lucy rolls her eyes. Okay, so maybe she wasn't so annoyed about the remark. At least their carefree mood was still on point.
"In that case, sorry not sorry if I walk away," she hums, and the pink-head raises an intrigued eyebrow.
"Oh? You think you can take me, kitten?"
His voice is too husky as he says that and even with how her cheeks betray her, she knows he's teasing her. Yet, even as he teases her, he's doing it in good spirits now. It was a welcome change between them. They're relationship, whatever it's becoming, Lucy loves–
"That being said, kitten," Natsu interrupts her thoughts. "If you really do want answers, you can start by working for them."
"Work for them?" Lucy gaped suspesiously. "How?"
Her neighbor smirky as he scans the lake before settling his gaze further out in the water and then points a some rocks at the far side of the lake. Lucy turns to look too. There was quite the distance between them and the rocks. Lucy tilts her head slightly.
She looks back down at Natsu, slowly walking over to him. "You...want me to…?"
"Swim with me for a bit," Natsu smiles at her and waits until she's right beside him before adding, "Loosen up. Have some fun. Let's just be normal for once." That smile turns more playful as he looks down at her. "What do you say? Think you can handle me in the water?"
One blonde eyebrow raises at the challenge and Lucy crosses her arms, squaring her shoulders to convey confidence.
"You know what, Dragneel," Lucy met his smile with a toothy one of her own. "You're on."
Natsu's eyes light up with excitement at her acceptance of his challenge. The golden flicks dance in his black pools and Lucy feels herself inwardly swoon – but now's not the time for that. Natsu wanted to play – she was game.
With a confident shrug, Lucy steps one foot closer, "Besides, you forget that I've already had some experience with you in the water. I think I'll be okay."
Natsu laughs at her display of cockiness. "We'll see," is his comeback and then he casually tugs off his shirt. One, quick tug and suddenly that tan, muscled chest is on full display. Lucy's mouth falls open shamefully and she can't help but let her eyes roam over his perfect physique. She swore she saw him flex his pecks just a little and suddenly the air around them seemed much hotter.
"Like what you see, kitten?"
Of course he's notice her staring, she wasn't exactly being subtle. She didn't even want to guess what her aura color was right now. She'd have to get a handle on her responses to Natsu's...well just Natsu.
Forcing her eyes to look at anything besides the totally-unfair-sexy chest of her male neighbor and with a snort, said, "I'm not going to answer that. I think your ego is inflated enough."
"Maybe you can't admit it verbally, but your eyes don't lie."
Damn. Natsu: 1. Lucy 0.
Choosing to spare herself any further embarrassment, Lucy busies herself with toeing off her sandals and then unwrapping the towel from her waist. After folding it, Lucy sets the towel down next to her sandals and then walks over to the water's edge. She hears Natsu walking over to her, but she keeps her eyes on the crystal clear water. It really did look appealing.
Deciding to test the waters first, Lucy dips one toe in the water and then almost immediately pulls back.
"Brrr! That's freezing!" Lucy squeals and hears Natsu chuckle behind her. She turns to glare at him over her shoulder. He at least has the decency to hold up his hands defencively, even if he was just humoring her.
Natsu's eyes fall to the water again and he moves to stand next to her. He lets his feet stand in the water and doesn't even flinch at the cold feeling. He seems un-bothered. Lucy would ask him about it, but the memory of how hot his skin felt under her fingers reminds her that he didn't exactly have the same body temperature.
"Want me to warm it up for you?"
Lucy doesn't have time to answer, not when looks up to see Natsu's eyes take on a sunlit glow.
"Natsu?" Lucy gasps.
He doesn't answer her or pause his actions. In an instant, a blazing light sparks around the tall man and then his whole form gets engulfed in it. Lucy takes a startled leap back and just as her feet stumble back onto the sand, he's turned into his Luxen form.
She had almost forgotten just how beautiful they really were. Natsu turns to look at her, his supernatural flames wisping over his skin. Her eyes get glued to the stars acting as his eyes and the wonder of it all bubbles in her chest so rapidly that she laughs breathlessly. Natsu smiles happily and then turns back to the water.
"Let me help you out with that."
That's all he says before he turns into a fiery ball of light that flies up into the sky.
Lucy's legs feel numb under her and she does tumble to the sand this time, but her eyes stay fixed on the magical sight. She shakes her head in disbelief and amazement. "What a show-off," she laughs.
Natsu then arcs like a literal shooting star before diving into the lake. The moment he hits the water, the lake lights up into an iridescent glow. Lucy scrambles to rest her weight on her knees to fully take in the view. Was she possible still dreaming? Would she wake up soon and be back in her bed and none of this would have happened? She hoped not.
A second later, Natsu's pink head pops up from the water, a good distance away from her. He's transformed back into his human form. He finds her almost instantly and even from where she's situated all the way on the sand, she can see the way his perfect teeth flash at her in a cheeky grin.
"Come on in, kitten, I promise it's not cold!"
He looks like a naughty kid as he waves her over and Lucy laughs out loud at the look of him, with an arched brow. There's no point in denying the request and Lucy gets to her feet and walks over to the edge of the water. True to his word, the water isn't ice-y anymore. It wasn't like a hot spring, but instead pleasantly cool on her bare skin.
She looks back to where Natsu is still waiting for her and she waves at him. She sees him tilt his head slightly.
She grins out at him and then looks back at the water. It really did feel good. Clenching her hands into fists, Lucy runs into the water. When the water gets too deep to continue running, she dives in.
The cool water surrounds her entire form and seeps into her hair. One word, refreshing. It's exactly what she needed and Lucy's eyes peek open – then widen in wonder. She could see it all: the little pebbles at the bottom of the lake floor, the bits and strips of thistle weeds and the soft sands that she had previously been toeing. It was all too beautiful.
When the need for air became too much, Lucy swam up and broke from the water, her fringe sticking to her forehead. Blinking away the droplets of water from hers, Lucy breathed in the sweet air, looked up at the clear sky, and just took in the wonderful feeling. Today was just getting better and better. A flash of pink brought the girl's brown eyes back down, finding Natsu a few swims away from her. He was watching her with a strange expression. It was soft. So soft that she felt her cheeks warm and her lips curl upwards in a bashful smile.
The blonde gracefully swims over to Natsu, the feeling of his stare never straying. When she gets close enough to him, the pink-haired alien grins back at her, before playfully splashing her.
"Hey!"
"Come on, let's see those claws of yours."
Lucy gasps as another wave comes at her and shields her face, failing miserably at keeping the water from splashing her. "You want to see claws, Natsu?" she giggles under his continuous attacks. "I'll show you claws!"
Natsu's laugh is rich and vibrant as he splashes him right back. "There we go, that's the fiesty Lucy I know!"
Wave after wave, Lucy's laughter mixes with Natsu's as they being the splash war. It reminds her of the first time they came here, how Natsu has coaxed her into swimming and then playing with him. She'd had fun then too, but this meant so much more to her. Because now, now they could understand each other more.
"Hold your breath, kitten!" Natsu calls out to her through the splashing and Lucy's attacks falter at the strange request. His eyes sparkle in the the light and Lucy watches as he disappears beneath the water.
Lucy's arms fall back under the water and sway there as she looks down confusingly. 'What was he…?'
She feels a tug on her ankle, it's not forceful, but felt like a request. She smiles in understanding and after taking a deep breath, dives down after him.
Beneath the surface again, Lucy feels that familiar feeling of being apart from the rest of the world. So peaceful. Her eyes scan the area and her brows slowly furrow.
'Natsu?'
Something draws her eyes downwards and she sees him drifting a few feet beneath her, his smile still present. He swims up towards her, and even beneath the water his eyes shine bright. The gold specks shine like sunken treasure, surrounded by dark pools of black.
Lucy smiles and meets him half way, moving her body downwards. Maybe it was the way the world seemed so peaceful or how happy she felt right then, but Lucy let her extincts and yearning take over. She reaches out and takes his hand, not the least surprised this time when she feels how warm it is, even under the water. Any possible doubts or insecurities that may take over after her action are blown away when Natsu's strong arms pull her fully to him and embraces her tightly. It ends far too quick for her liking, but she doesn't let it bother her. It was still amazing to be here, like this, with him.
When Natsu pulls back, he runs the curves of hi knuckles along the side of her face. The tender touch sends shiver down Lucy's spine and she leans into the feeling. Warmth directly against her skin was such a beautiful contrast to the cool liquid around her. His touch ends at her chin as he lifts her gaze up to meet his before he presses his forehead to hers.
'Is he thanking me?' Lucy wonders as her eyes slipped close. Was this a silent thank you for making him feel normal?
Her fingers find his and she squeezes in answer, her eyes opening to look into his own. Natsu's eyes dip down and Lucy feels her heart skip a beat and her hands unconsciously tighten. The way he was looking at her – did he feel the same as she – was he going to –
Natsu's eyes find hers again and a small smirk peeks at his lips, and then he pulls away. Lucy blinks at him, before following his lead and swimming up after him. They break the surface together and Lucy gasps for breath, only know realizing just how badly she needed air.
Natsu supports her weight against him and wipes her blonde fringe away from her eyes as she inhales deeply.
"You alright, Luce?"
The blonde nods jerkily and then smiles reassuringly at him when she feels her lungs fill with air again. Natsu's eyes run over her face and he shakes his head.
"Sorry, I forgot how little time human's can go without air," he breaths and Lucy shakes her head.
"I'm fine, really, just..." she breaths in and out, but keeps smiling. "a little overwhelmed?" Was that the right word?
Natsu nods, but she doesn't miss the way he looks her skeptically over again."Anyway, shall we head back to shore now? You must be getting tired."
"I think I could go for some time enjoying the sun," she agrees.
Lucy is the first one out of the water. She's laid out on her towel on the sandy shore, watching peacefully as Natsu does some laps. She was pretty sure that he just wanted to show off some more. She didn't complain though and silently enjoyed the view.
When Natsu finally climbs out of the lake, beads of water cling to him like twinkling stars. Lucy bashfully directs her gaze to the sky again, not wanting to become anymore of a creeper than she already felt like.
She hears the thump of Natsu taking a seat next to her, on his own towel. He doesn't say anything as he stretches out next to her. Lucy acts like she can't feel the blissful warmth that radiates off of his very close skin and just enjoys it.
They sit in easy silence for a few moments and Lucy feels like she could get used to this.
"So..." Natsu sighs easily next to her and Lucy peeks over at his face – not daring to glance at the damp body displayed just for her eyes. He's laying mostly flat on his back, with his arms folded behind his head. It was a good look for him, she noted. "What questions do you have for me, kitten?"
The blonde smiled fondly at the way his words lazily drawled out. He was so at ease with her, so relaxed.
"Hmm," she hummed as she turned back to the view of the shimmering lake, adjusting her weight a little more comfortably on her arms that held her body up from behind her. "I don't know. What's your favorite color?"
He scoffs beside her and she looks back to see him looking at her with a raised brow.
"Seriously?"
She shrugged. "It's a simple question. You didn't say I couldn't ask simple questions too."
"...red."
Lucy's interest peaks and she tilts her head to rest on her shoulder as she regards him. "Red's your favorite colour?"
"Not the answer you were expecting?" the pink-head smirks up at her and Lucy rolls her eyes.
"No, actually, I think it suits you. You're made of fire after all."
"Fire isn't red, kitten."
"You know what I mean," she huffs and Natsu snickers.
"...what about you?" Natsu then asks and Lucy looks at him again.
"Me?"
"What's your favorite color?"
She blushes slightly then and her eyes fall to the fluffy, white towels below them. "Don't think too much into it, okay?" Natsu makes a questioning noise. "Just know that I liked this color way before I like you, so don't let your ego get all inflated – I think it's big enough."
"Hey-"
"I like...pink," the blonde blushes as the word leaves her lips and dares to look at him. She's already prepared for the teasing, but blinks when she sees him staring confused at her.
"Why would that inflate my ego?" He asks and Lucy's eyes betray her by flicking to his hair. It was only for half a second, but his eyes flash with realization, and then mortification.
"My hair isn't pink," he pouts and Lucy blinks at the look of it. Natsu was pouting. And it was adorable. She giggles, making his roll his eyes. "It's not. It's salmon."
"Sure it is," Lucy giggles at him and then reaches out to gently grasp some of the hair, feeling how soft the stands felt between her fingers. It was definitely pink. Natsu watches her closely as she does, pout disappeared, and it's only when she catches his eyes does she pull back, a new flush hot on her cheeks.
She clears her throat. "Next question?"
"...sure."
At least he was being nice, Lucy decided to move forward.
"In that case…" her mind wondered and then bit her lip. There were a few things she really wanted to know, and at the same time not. "Have you...fought a lot of Dakrum?"
When she turns to look at him, she sees a vague frown at the corner of his lips. "More than I like," he admits. "...I've lost count, and with you lit up so bright, I'll probably have to fight more."
Lucy's eyes drop down again at that. She knows that he isn't blaming her, but it still fills her with guilt. She suddenly wished she didn't bring it up.
Natsu sighs and turns to look at her before carelessly pushing his hair from his eyes. He pushes himself upwards and Lucy looks at him.
"When I used my powers to protect you from that bear..." he starts and Lucy bites the inside of her cheek. "And from that Dakrum...I should've been more careful."
"You did what you had to."
Natsu smiles at that and it's the void smile she'd been so accustomed to before he let her in. He sighs. "You know, even though there are Dakrum around, they actually aren't fully aware of the Luxen here."
"Really?"
He nods. "Remember when we went to the Seneca Rocks?"
A smile tugs at Lucy's lips as she remembers their hike. "Yeah. You told me about that romantic story you like so much."
Natsu smiles at the small tease and rolls his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Don't hate on a perfectly good legend," he huffs, a tinge of pink decorating his cheeks. "You see, the beta quartz in the Seneca Rocks are able to throw off more than just electric signals. They're powerful enough to be able to hide a Luxen's energy signature, as well."
A slow creeping dread starts to fill Lucy as the realization of how safe Natsu and Lisanna had been...and how her coming into their lives really put them at risk.
"You're trace was my fault," he sighed. "The Dakrum saw it and immediately gunned for you."
Lucy's lips pressed together, not knowing what to say that would ease his mind.
Natsu looks up at the sky. "...It's because of me that you're in danger and my family's in danger."
'He really believes it's all his fault...' Lucy frowns sadly. She can understand his feelings, but she wishes he wouldn't.
Pushing herself upright too, Lucy looks at Natsu, wishing she could change his way of thinking. Wrapping her arms around her now dry legs, Lucy wished she could see inside his head. Words and feelings swell in her as she tries to figure out something to say, but nothing feels right. She feels useless.
"I'm fine, kitten," Natsu assures and the blonde looks at him in surprise. "Your aura is pretty telling right now," he answers her silent question and Lucy slumps.
Right, she forgot about that.
"You're not fine though, are you?" Lucy says softly and Natsu doesn't have to say anything to change her mind. It must be a lot of stress having to protect his family and feel like he's responsible. It wasn't fair. Lucy leans her head against Natsu's shoulder and feels him relax a little under the touch.
"...you're different," Natsu whispers. "Strange. Weird."
Lucy groans at the words and feels and hears him chuckle softly about her. Then he shakes his head.
"It's hard to figure you out, and that's what I like about you."
Lucy pulls away from his shoulder and looks up at him, a small smile on her face. "You're hard to figure out, too."
He smiles at her and tilts his head, some pink strands falling back over his eyes as he does. "What exactly are you, Lucy? What kind of girl accepts the impossible? Still wants to be friends with my sister after I did everything to scare you off." He shakes his head, before pulling back a little to really look at her. "I've been a jerk to you, and still...here you are...who are you? What are you?"
Lucy's eyes soften as she looks at him, a shy look coming over her face. "I'm...just me."
Natsu's smile turns wry then and his eyes turn to the lake again. "...You wanna know what I like most about you?"
Lucy eyes him a little suspiciously. "Is this another tease?"
The wryness melts into mischieviousness as he reaches up and gently takes a hold of her chin. Lucy stills.
"You don't tolerate any crap I throw at you. You always throw me in a loop," his voice turns fond and the blonde laughs under her breath. "You leave me...curious, kitten." And with that, Natsu smirks at her, before leaning back on his arms. "Anyway, until your trace fades, you should stick around me or Lisanna."
Lucy sighs – a soft, but needed breath. "Yeah. Lisanna already told me."
"Good," Natsu replies. "...I meant what I said to you last night, you know. Nothing's going to hurt you."
Lucy smiles a tiny smile at the promise.
"...thank you, Natsu."
'I'm gonna be there for you too.'
A chill wind blows through the woods as the afternoon light shifts to early evening.
Natsu's the first to break the silence.
"It's getting late. We should head back."
Lucy finds herself nodding, even though the last thing she wants to do is leave. She doesn't want the day to end, but knows that it has to eventually.
"Yeah, school starts up again tomorrow," she sighs. "I can't believe Labor Day weekend's over already."
As she stands and begins to gather her things, Lucy turns to see Natsu staring at the sunset again. The warm colors of the sky seem to add something extra to the little place of paradise. She couldn't blame him for wanting to take another look.
That's when a sudden, sad realization hits her as she walks over to stand next to the tall man.
"Natsu...I like this."
"...what do you mean?"
"This," Lucy repeats and looks away from the setting sun to stare up at him. "I like this: this moment where we're just honest with each other."
Was it going to end once they went back to school? When Natsu was surrounded with the other Luxen. Juvia didn't like her, neither did Laxus. Will Natsu go back to avoiding her when around his own people?
The pink-haired boy doesn't say anything in response. He doesn't even look at her. Instead he closes his eyes as if he's soaking in the last bit of sunlight before he turns and start walking.
Lucy stays put and watches him with a sinking heart.
When he's near the rocks that clutter near the trees, he stops and looks back at her, a small smile on his face as he watches her.
"Come on, kitten. I didn't save you from a truck so you could die."
Thanks for reading!