Chapter 2
5 Years Later (Lucy's age: 23 Natsu's age: 23 and a half)
The bell rang signaling the end of the School day. The Kindergarten class was fumbling to their cubbies to get their belongings, Lucy's heart warmed as she watched her sweet little students.
"Have a great weekend, little turkeys!" Turkeys because it's November, their little heads are decorated with different little turkey headbands in all colors, something she helped them make in Art today. It was almost Thanksgiving Break; while she is happy to visit with her father, Lucy dreaded it too. The beginning of her Freshman Year in College, she was dead set on becoming an Author like her mother, Layla. Her father pushed her hard enough, that it was possible for her to follow through with her dream but it changed. Taking on extra credit was a way for Lucy to get better Academic Scores and it helped take her mind off the fact that she did not have any friends around for support. She applied for a Teacher's Aid position, she hoped for an English or Poetry Class, when her counselor told her that a local Elementary School needed extra volunteers for the Classroom Lucy signed up for that instead.
The students won her over by lunchtime, as much as she tried to focus on writing it was difficult to find that groove, that motivation to push through the writer's block. Soon, writing turned into Lessons Plans, and School Trips her mind was completely focused on those fifteen little faces. Little minds that she had a chance to mold into writers, doctors, dancers you name it she was all for it. Lucy did not speak with her father before she switched her majors because she knew he would be displeased with her. When Jude did find out, Lucy got an ear full for over an hour, while like ten minutes before she placed the phone down. Child Development/Education was everything that she hoped for, she kept her Teacher's Aide position, and even after she remained a part-time volunteer. Her first chance at teaching as an actual Educator is this School Year, she had fifteen little turkeys in her Classroom and the joy they brought her was indescribable.
Lucy went along each desk and tidied up their space, she picked up the extra Arts and Crafts material that were left behind; she planned to use a bunch of this for the next Holiday. She sat at her desk and graded a few papers on shapes and colors before it was time to leave.
A soft knock on her door distracted her for putting her papers into her bag, "yes?"
The Fifth Grade teacher Ms. Erza Scarlet made her appearance, Ms. Scarlet had become a close friend to Lucy, and the fact that Erza was teacher was baffling. Erza was impatient and strict, but she is extremely kind-hearted, she pushes her students to be their very best, and to always do the right thing, no matter the repercussions.
"Drinks?" Erza asked, "Today was rough, a student almost burned her eyebrows off in our Science Experiment." Erza rubbed her temples, she chuckles slightly, "and it was kind of amusing."
"Erza Scarlet, that's not funny." Lucy tried hard to keep a straight face; it reminded her of when Natsu burned off Gray's arm hair with a can of her hairspray and a lighter when they were kids. Seeing Gray stop, drop and roll was hilarious until he started stripping, of course.
"One drink." Lucy flung her bag over her shoulder, she walked across the room, turning of the Classroom light and locking her door behind her.
"You'll change your mind once we get there." Erza argued back.
Blue Pegasus was Lucy's favorite bar; good-looking men in fancy suits served the establishment, since she did not have a significant other it was nice to look but not touch. Lucy had plenty of suitors, she rejected them all, and most of them never even got a second date. Erza teased that her standards are too high, but Lucy wanted what she wanted, she was not going to settle for man that she would not be happy with.
She was on her second glass of red wine when she spotted a head of blue hair walking toward the bar.
'Levy? No Way!'
Lucy told Erza that she would be right back and hopped off the bar stool, it was Levy! Her best friend had just walked back into her life. Levy was still as short as she remembered even with pumps, her blue hair was longer and she was wearing a cute black top with white jeans.
"Levy McGarden!" Lucy squealed. Levy flinched slightly.
"Who- Lu!" The girls both squealed with joy, as they hugged each tight. "Gods, how I've missed you! You fell off the face of the Earth!" Levy said. Lucy pulled back, but held on to Levy's hands and squeezed.
"I know, and I'm sorry about that." Lucy did feel guilty that she left the way she did, without a good-bye to anyone.
"When did you get back?" Lucy left right after Graduation, right after that night with Natsu and did not look back; she attended College 4 hours away from Magnolia.
"Since the beginning of the new School Year."
"And you didn't think to contact me, Lu?" Lucy saw the sadness in her friend's eyes, "Levy… it's not like I didn't want to see you, and my children take up a lot of my time."
"Children?!"
"You got married, and didn't invite me! You had children and did not name me their Godmother! Lucy Heartfilia!" Somehow, the small girl grew in size.
"Levy!" Lucy held up hands in surrender. "Let me explain."
"I'm listening."
"I'm a Kindergarten Teacher; I have fifteen children-students in my Classroom."
"A Teacher, what happened to becoming a famous Author?"
"I found something more rewarding." Lucy was proud of her decision. "I love my littles."
Levy's anger left her body, "I'm happy for you, Lu. That's really great; you should bring them to my Library for a field trip." Levy was bouncing with ideas. "We could have a story-time center with Arts and Crafts after."
Lucy smiled, "you work at the Public Library now?"
"Oh, I own that place now." Levy stated like it was no big thing.
"Levy that's amazing. You literally have a house for your books now." Levy loved to read, she was Lucy's proofreader back when she was writing stories. She had a great eye for detail; her encouraging words kept Lucy going even when she did not want to.
"Yo, Shrimp!"
Gajeel Redfox was making his way through the crowd, the exact same face and dark red eyes. He might have added a few more piercings to his face though; Lucy could not remember what was new or old.
"Gajeel! It's nice to see you again!"
"Bunny Girl? It is you." His voice was rough, but that normal for the metal head.
'One time, it was one time she wore a bunny costume and Gajeel refused to call her Lucy ever again.'
"It's Lucy, love." Levy always corrected him, but it was always the same with him.
"It's always going to be Bunny Girl." He shrugged. "So, this is what's taking you so long with the drinks? Natsu won't shut up which is pissing Gray off which is causing me to get more frustrated and I need alcohol."
"So the usual?" Levy laughed. "Oh, Lu! Natsu is with us, come say hi."
'Natsu… No can't do it.'
"Well, actually I came here with someone, another teacher. She's probably wondering where I am." Lucy was trying to escape, and fast.
"Ah, I don't think so! You practically desert me for 5 years, you butt is going!" Levy grabbed onto Lucy's arm.
"Babe, get the drinks! Lu, let's go get this friend." Lucy looked at Gajeel and mouthed, 'save me.' He just chuckled and turned around. There was no stopping Levy McGarden when she wanted her way.
Lucy sulked all the way over to Erza, who was sitting on her phone until the girls made their way over.
"Sorry about that Erza." She motioned toward Levy. "This is my best friend Levy McGarden; it's been years since we last talked." The girls hit off great, much to Lucy's relief.
"Now, that's go meet the guys. We are sitting outside in the back." Levy had a firm grip on Lucy; it is as if she knew she was trying to disappear.
'Curse this tiny woman! When did she get so strong? What was Gajeel feeding her?'
The breeze is chilly but thankfully, the backyard seating area has decorative little heaters around each table, which is probably a fire hazard, now that she thinks about it.
'There he is.'
Lucy's feet stopped moving, Levy looked slightly worried. "Lu, you look like you've seen a ghost."
"I can't- please Levy don't make me go." Lucy was pleading; Erza looked a little lost about the whole situation. "It's best if I leave."
"Lu, you know Natsu was real upset when you left without a word." Lucy frowned, "He's the one that told us that you left."
'How did he know?'
"He went to your home the day after Cana's party but you were long gone. Your father didn't give up your whereabouts, and Natsu never asked me."
'Why didn't father tell me?'
"My father never told me." She whispered, if he had, she would have made an effort to find Natsu at least.
"Natsu didn't go into detail about what your father told him exactly but I will say that Natsu was pissed for days afterwards."
"Shrimp. Bunny Girl." Crap, she has been spotted. "You can't ran from him forever, Lu."
"What's going on, Lucy?" Erza looked concerned now. Great.
Lucy took a deep breath, Levy's right. Lucy was a young back then she is an adult now, a young woman with a Career. It was time to face Natsu, maybe they could rekindle their old friendship that is all she ever wanted.
Natsu was arguing with Gray when Gajeel came back to the table, with numerous drinks. "How drunk are we getting?" Natsu joked. "Drunk enough to where I can no longer hear your annoying voice, flame brain." Gray was first to grab a bottle, he took a swig, "This needs to be colder."
Natsu rolled his eyes, "Where's Levy?" He was next to grab a beer.
"She ran into an old friend, it'll be awhile before she comes to me."
'Old friend? He knew all of Levy's friends because they are his friends, it could not be Lucy. Her father made it clear that she did not want anything to do them or was it just him.'
Natsu took a long drink; the sudden urge to drink the night away crept up on him. "Well, that was faster than I expected." Gajeel held up a hand, gaining their attention. "Shrimp. Bunny Girl."
'Shit. There is only ONE Bunny Girl. Lucy."
Natsu's heart started to pick up speed; this was the last thing he expected.
"Holy Hell, its Lucy." Gray greeted Lucy with a hug, while Natsu continued to drink.
"Hey Natsu." Sweet and luminous brown eyes gazed into his green eyes, her cheeks tinted red and her blonde hair was in a side braid with loose hairs framing her lovely face.
'Nothing's changed; she's still beautiful, he's never found anyone that compares to Lucy.'
Lucy was wearing a cream-colored blouse tucked into her black slacks with small flats, she looks adorable, Natsu curses himself for not dressing up as Gray suggested.
Natsu quickly stands, and pulls her into a hug. Lucy seems a little off guard, but she hugs him back. He can feel every soft curve of her body, and she smells like vanilla and lavender.
"Ahem." Erza is feeling a little left out.
Lucy jumped back from him. "This is Erza Scarlet." Lucy introduced her to everyone but Natsu was more concerned as to where Lucy was these past five years.
Everyone caught Lucy up with the latest news and gossip regarding their friends, and Natsu had learned that Lucy gave up writing to become a teacher, a Kindergarten Teacher, more power to her because children are crazy. Soon everyone was tired, and the alcohol was starting to kick in little by little, everyone said their good-byes and Lucy promised not to skip town.
"Can I walk with you?" Natsu asked her once everyone was out of earshot. He was riding on liquid courage, Lucy was too, he could tell by the glossy look in her brown eyes.
"Of course." A shy smile played at her lips. They walked in silence for a moment, Natsu was trying to think of something to say, he made a ton to ask but could not formulate a sentence.
"I missed you, you know." Lucy's voice was soft, she was testing the waters. The walking slowed until they were completely still.
"Why'd you leave?" Natsu's voice was hard, he's angry. "You didn't even say bye, Luce. Was it me? Was it because I kissed you that night." He's rambling. Lucy faced him and gently grabbed his face until he stopped talking. She ran her thumbs across his cheeks and he closed his eyes, the feeling was comforting and her hands are soft against his skin, it's like all the aggression was leaving his body as she caressed his face.
"We should have lunch tomorrow? Hm." Natsu opened his eyes, Gods, she was beautiful. He's willing to do anything for her.
"When and where?" He smirked.
Not a whole lot of Natsu & Lucy action but it's coming because we have a ton to discuss from Freshman Year to Lucy's father keeping his and Natsu's meeting a secret! Debating on whether Natsu should have Happy or if Lucy should? I love that little kitty. Anyways, tell me what you think.