Chapter 30- Family Barbeque
What the hell had she gotten herself into?
She could feel heat radiating off Natsu, heat that enveloped her only a short while ago. He'd touched her and kissed her as if she were his entire reason for living. A huge part of her was tempted to drag Natsu back to her house and finish where they left off. However she had obligations to her family.
"Fair warning, my mother's going to hate you." Lucy rang the door bell.
"And how do you know that?" He raised a brow.
"She has depression and doesn't take to men very well.."
"She'll like me, I'm different." He claimed.
Oh god, this was going to be a disaster..
"Just.. be nice to her. She's very sensitive and any little thing can inflict some type of emotions." I sigh.
"Like I'd be rude to your mother." He mocked offense.
"You're rude to everyone.." I muttered.
"Are you trying to start an argument with me, Princess?" He teased.
"You're nervous and lashing out. Nasty habit, that." He tsked.
"I am not!"
"Do you want me to kiss you again? That always seems to distract you." He ran a fingertip down her spine.
"Okay yes, I'm nervous but for the love of God! NO kissing!"
"Whatever you say, Princess."
Ugh this man is incorrigible!
She really did NOT want to make out with him in front of her family. Speaking of, where the hell were they? She rang the door bell again.
"This is a nice neighborhood." Natsu said gazing at the monstrosity of a house.
"Thanks." She scanned the lot for her families cars. They're here.
"You grew up here?" He asked astonished.
"Yeah, I take it's not what you expected?" She asked.
"I guess I expected something less.. extravagant?"
She nodded, accepting the answer. This lavish lifestyle wasn't her.
Her back straightened and ears perked at the sound of laughter that traveled lightly in the wind.
"They're in the back! Follow me."
She bounced back from the porch and strolled to the side of the house with Natsu beside her.
"What kind of place did you grow up?" She asked in return.
"In Alvarez, something pretty similar to this. After my move to Fiore, something very different." He shrugged.
The thought of a child Natsu not only moving countries but also lifestyles made her heart clench.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" He grinned.
"Likee whaat?" She stuttered. Pulling herself out of a sad daze.
"Like I'm asking for your spare change?" He chuckled.
Rolling her eyes at him, she felt her cheeks heat up.
"I never would've suspected you had a soft spot lurking underneath." Amused, he poked her cheeks.
She couldn't help but laugh at his antics. He was being ridiculously charming
"Look at us, getting along." Lucy's eyes twinkled.
"That's because you're behaving." There was a glimmer of mischief in his olive eyes.
"And now you've ruined it." A smile twitched at her lips.
More laughter drifted on the breeze, then the sound of her sisters voice. "No running, girls! The deck is slippery!"
Natsu looked quizzically.
"My nieces." She smiled fondly.
"Ah, what're their names?"
"Well, I guess you could say Gemini? They're twin sisters named Gemi and Mini." Lucy said.
"Gemi and Mini? And they're twins? You're serious?" Natsu's face stunned.
"Totally serious. We grew up learning about the stars from our mother. So Gemi and Mini were named after their zodiac sign Gemini, the twins." Lucy explained.
"And their father didn't object?"
"Oh no, he came up with the idea!" She giggled feeling nostalgia.
"Well it certainly suits them."
He reached out and gently hooked a stray hair behind her ear. The gesture so affectionate and delicate..
Not knowing what to make of his actions and her feelings, she backed away. Awkward silence creeped between them.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." He frowned.
"It's fine. We should, uh probably let everyone know we're here." She said.
"Wait, first tell me what you want from me, Lucy?"
"Lucy? Is that you?" She heard her mom call out.
"Yes, mom." She called out, never taking her gaze off Natsu.
"I don't know what I want, I don't know anything right now.."
And she didn't know!
Lucy only knew she felt nervous, confused and exhilarated!
He nodded, his expression understanding.
"I don't know either. Well, with the exception of you, Lucy. I want you and I'll do whatever it takes to have you. We'll figure everything out as we go."
Lucy nodded, pulled open the gate and sauntered into the backyard.
"If you're rude, I'll make you.. hold my hand."
He intertwined their fingers. "There! Now I can be as rude as I want." He smirked.
Hah! That almost made her laugh, almost.
She tried to slip free of his grasp, but he tightened his hold.
"You wanted to hold my hand."
"I did not want to hold hands!"
"Please, I know a hint when I hear one." He winked.
"Whatever." She scoffed but secretly liked that he kept the contact. His hand was callused but warm and dwarfed hers. Natsu was strength yet tender when he desired.
Hands joined, they both rounded the side of the house. The scent of grilled meat making her mouth water.
Here we go!
End of Chapter 30
Sorry for the late post, my mental health hasn't been the greatest lately, so I took a break from everything. I'll do my best to update for you guys! Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Stay safe, blessings! -J