Hello, everyone !

I'm back with the twenty-fifth chapter :D

I hope you enjoy reading it~

Disclaimer: I only own this plot

When Natsu felt her soft lips, his rationality was completely gone. What started out as a mere possessiveness was now a deep hunger he ached with it. He didn't want to let her go. And Lucy was the same. Her breath choked when Natsu kissed her, but she quickly melted again. Natsu let their intertwined fingers free, using both of his free hand to cup Lucy's cheeks and kissed her deeper. Lucy used her hands to encircle Natsu's neck, basking herself in his warmth and gentleness.

They broke apart when their lungs screamed for air. They panted but a second later, Natsu captured her lips once more. But his kiss was the same as before. Aggressive and gentle at the same time. Showing Lucy how much he loved her and how much he wanted to have her.

Lucy responded with the same force, confirming that she had the same feelings as Natsu. That she had the same wish as Natsu. That she didn't want to let him go.

They broke apart once more and this time, Natsu put his forehead on hers. They panted even harder, but neither of them wanted to put any wider space than this.

"I love you." Natsu whispered. "I really do."

"I love you too, Natsu." Lucy whispered back. "So, so much."

Natsu smiled as he planted another kiss on Lucy's forehead and pulled away. He was still panting and his face a bit flushed. "We should really go to King Scorpio now. Before he goes to bed."

"Y—yeah." Now that her rationality was back, Lucy's face was as red as a boiled lobster.

How dangerous it could be when she let her heart took control!

Natsu offered his hand once more, and this time, Lucy readily took it. Their fingers were intertwined again as they stepped out of the room.

At the Dragon Country's palace…

"Where's Natsu?!"

Gray softly groaned as Juvia softly rubbed his knuckles. He was just two minutes into his breakfast with his fiancée, but Lisanna just had to ruin their morning.

"He's not here." Gray flatly replied.

"I'm not blind!" Lisanna stomped her feet as she stormed inside and walked towards Gray. "You're leaving him alone with that witch?!"

"What witch?"

"Don't play dumb with me, Fullbuster!" Lisanna said. "Bring Natsu back here right now!"

"Lisanna, you know we can't do that." Juvia said. "Natsu has a job to do there!"

"And I'm pretty sure he wouldn't want to leave." Gray quietly muttered. Not when he knew you'll be here, Lis, chowing his ears off., he continued inwardly.

"We can just send Gray there!" Lisanna protested. "Why does it have to be Natsu?"

"Can't you just let me have my breakfast first?" Gray protested back. "And why are you here? Shouldn't you be in Strauss Manor?"

"I can be wherever I want to be!" Lisanna said. "That's it, I've had enough! You'll be bringing me along to the Sand Country today, Gray! I will drag Natsu back here with my own hands!"

"Lisanna, enough!" Juvia sternly said. "You're 20 already, and for goodness sake, you're a high court lady! Act the way you're supposed to!"

"What is it with you people?!" Lisanna retorted. "Why are you supporting Natsu's relationship with that witch?!"

"Witch, witch, witch…" Gray muttered. "Enough with that witch word! She has a name, Lisanna!"

"She doesn't deserve a name!" Lisanna angrily said.

"Enough is enough!" Gray slammed his fist onto the dining table. "If you're not stopping, then I will force you to stop! Remember that I have a higher noble rank than you, young lady! This is enough to be considered as impropriety!"

Lisanna clenched her fists hard as she bit her lower lip in anger. What the hell?!

"I am your childhood friend, Gray! How can you do this to me?!"

Gray's patience snapped. "Guards! Take her away!"

"Gray!" Lisanna's breath choked.

"Lady Strauss, please follow us." A guard politely said.

"Let me go!" Lisanna yanked her hands away. "Fine! If you don't want to help me, then I will do things my way!"

Lisanna turned on her heels and stomped away in fury. The guards excused themselves, leaving Gray and Juvia alone again in the dining room. Gray let out a heavy sigh.

"Gray-sama, please don't mind about her too much." Juvia placed her hand gently on Gray's. "Lisanna is just upset."

"I'm upset." Gray grumbled.

"By the way, did Lucy agree to the adoption?" Juvia asked, stirring the topic elsewhere to lighten up Gray's mood.

And it worked. Somewhat. Gray softly nodded. "Although she didn't want to be legally adopted."

"Aww, does that mean she's not officially a part of the Fullbuster?" Juvia asked.

"Yeah. But she's still a part of the Fullbuster. If someone hurt her, they'll have the fury of the Fullbuster." Gray said. "Even if that someone is Lisanna."

"The Lockser will do the same thing as well." Juvia added. "But Juvia honestly thinks that Lisanna's obsession on Natsu is unhealthy."

"Totally toxic." Gray agreed. "What's so good from that squinty eyes anyway? There are plenty of other hot guys out there."

"Come to think of it, Juvia remembers Gray-sama once said that Lisanna has always been the closest to Natsu, isn't it?" Juvia asked.

Gray let out a sigh. "Mirajane and Elfman have always been busy with their noble duties. Mirajane as the eldest child while Elfman as the sole son. So, it's no wonder Lisanna was left alone. And you know how Natsu is. He couldn't just let Lisanna stay alone, so he accompanied her. Now see where that leads to. And I can't believe Lisanna actually holds a promise made by a freaking four years old brat."

"Well, for her, Natsu is everything." Juvia sighed. "They've been together since a long time ago."

"But she should grow up and assess the situation right now." Gray said. "How can you actually believe a promise made by a four years old brat?"

Juvia let out a soft sigh. "Juvia can understands her, though. For everyone else it might be just a silly promise, but to Lisanna, perhaps it is the first promise given to her. Especially, it was made by someone she held so dear since she was little."

Gray also sighed. "But if Natsu is so dear to her, shouldn't she choose his happiness over her own egoism?"

Juvia let out a small smile. "Perhaps… Lisanna is afraid to let go and she isn't ready for it."

"Well, sometimes letting go is harder than holding on, isn't it?" Gray muttered.

"Lisanna, where do you think you're going?" Mirajane sternly asked as she stepped into her little sister's room and winced upon seeing Lisanna who was packing some of her clothes.

"I'm going to drag Natsu back over here." Lisanna closed her suitcase tight and prepared to leave.

"Hold it." Mirajane stood in front of her, blocking the door. "You're not going anywhere, young lady."

"Let me go, Mirajane-nee." Lisanna stared back at Mirajane. "I've been silent for too long. I've had it enough."

"About what?" Mirajane raised an eyebrow, keeping her figure stood still in front of Lisanna.

"Isn't it clear what I'm talking about?" Lisanna asked back.

Mirajane stared back at Lisanna for a few more seconds and sighed. "Lisanna, stop doing this. You're hurting yourself and you're hurting Natsu."

"How am I hurting Natsu?" Lisanna asked back. "That witch is the one hurting Natsu!"

Mirajane winced. "Lisanna, since when your language becomes so rude?"

"Ah, I don't care!" Lisanna retorted. "I'm bringing Natsu back!"

"Just what is Lucy's fault to you?" Mirajane asked. "What did she do to you that makes you so hostile against her?"

"She's taking Natsu away from me!" Lisanna said. "I've been with him far longer than she does! What makes her think she could snatch away the place that is rightfully mine?!"

"Lisanna, open your eyes!" Mirajane gripped her little sister's shoulders tightly, hurt was apparent in her eyes. "That place has never been yours! Stop this delusion of yours and snap right back to reality!"

"Hands off!" Lisanna swatted Mirajane's hands away. "I belong at Natsu's side and it is my place only!"

She then quickly pushed Mirajane aside and ran towards the carriage.

"Lisanna!" Mirajane tried to chase after her but she ran away. She clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Where are my parents?"

"They will be returning later this evening after their meeting is done, Young Mistress." One of her personal maids answered.

"Prepare another carriage. I will take Lisanna home personally." Mirajane ordered.

"Yes, right away."

I hope I get there in time. Please, Lisanna… Please don't do anything stupid., Mirajane wished.

At the Sand Country's palace…

It was halfway to sunset by the time Natsu returned to the palace with Gray. Starting today, the Dragon Country's men were taking over the job of creating the tunnel. Lucy didn't join the supervising this time because she was spending her time in the queen's chamber.

"Hah… This is surely a time of peace." Gray happily hummed. "Oh, right, I should tell Lucy about the training."

"My father has agreed to it?" Natsu asked.

Gray scoffed. "He didn't even give a second consideration for the idea. I simply said 'Lucy would like to' and he said yes instantly."

Natsu laughed. "Well, it's true that my father likes her very much."

"Yeah. She received the royals' permission the minute she stepped into your lives." Gray smirked. "By the way, she's spending a lot of time with the queen."

"Lucy's seemed to worry about her health." Natsu said.

"But I heard from the maids that the queen is steadily getting better. Having someone to accompany her while the king was busy contributes a lot." Gray said.

Natsu let out a small smile. "Yeah."

Gray nudged his side while smirking. "I see you two have made up."

"Shut up." Natsu growled, although he couldn't stop soft blush made its way to his cheeks when he remembered their kiss.

Natsu's heart thumped faster as he replayed the memory. Man, she was really a poison for him. Addicting, but very sweet.

"Natsu!"

Natsu and Gray stopped on their tracks and turned their bodies at the same time. Their eyes widened at the sight of Lisanna.

"Lisanna?" Natsu raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here? I thought you cannot come here anymore."

Lisanna hastily made her way to Natsu and grabbed his hand. "You're coming home with me!"

"What?"

"This is ridiculous!" Lisanna said. "Why should you stay in this country and supervising an unimportant project like this? Not to mention dealing with your motion sickness back and forth! You can leave this project to Gray! You're coming home!"

"Stop this." Natsu pulled his hand away. "I have my responsibilities here."

"What kind of responsibilities?" Lisanna asked back. "Surely you're not feeling responsible for leaving that witch here!"

"Her name is Lucy." Natsu sternly said. "Go back, Lisanna. You shouldn't be here."

Lisanna stared at Natsu in disbelieve, but her control broke when Natsu turned his back against her.

"Just what did I do to you?!" Lisanna grabbed at Natsu, yelling at the top of her lungs with tears streaming down her eyes.

"Lisanna…"

"Why are you treating me this cold, Natsu?" Lisanna sniffled. "How do I get you out of that witch's spell? Why can't you be the same Natsu I grew up with?!"

Natsu's heart was struck by a pang of guilt upon seeing Lisanna broke down in tears. Gray decided to not interfere and stepped away, although he didn't leave because he decided to look after Natsu from afar.

"Lis," Natsu gently placed his hands firmly on Lisanna's shoulders. "stop calling her a witch. And I am the same Natsu you grew up with."

"No!" Lisanna shook her head fiercely. "You've changed! The Natsu I grew up with won't treat me this cold! He won't give me a cold shudder or a stern tone or a hard glare! Give me my Natsu back! The same Natsu that made that promise all those years ago!"

"Lis, listen to me." Natsu firmly said, causing Lisanna to look up at him with tears still flowing down from her eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for mindlessly made that promise to you without even thinking. But, Lisanna… I… I just don't have that kind of feelings for you. You're very dear to me, that's a fact. You're someone I grew up with, you're as dear as my other childhood friends. But, that's it. I… I can't push this feeling more than that, Lisanna. I'm sorry."

"N—Natsu…" Lisanna choked, her hands turned weak and laid still beside her body.

"Even if I'm not betrothed to Lucy, even if I don't love her, I still can't see you as someone more than just a dear friend." Natsu said. "I'm sorry."

"N—no…" Lisanna muttered under her breath, her voice was trembling. "Stop…"

"Lisanna, I—"

"STOP!" Lisanna screamed and yanked herself away from Natsu.

But her footings slipped and she tumbled out of unbalance. She fell, her head hit one of the palace's pillars hard. Lisanna slumped on the floor, blood started to seep through from her head.

Natsu's voice was what she last heard before her consciousness disappeared.

"LISANNA!"

Done !

Okay.

I'm ready to have some flames after this *grimace*

P.S. And I'm also ready to have them for the next few chapters… Blame my imagination.