Wooo i made it back within a decent time. Few things before you read pertaining to the story so stay tuned for a moment. First happy birthday to my friend Maya. This is her favorite story of mine that i write so i updated as a gift. So thank her for the update, really lol. She's writing a nalu fic called Playing With Me! Her username is MagicalDivinity so check her out if you have a moment.
Okay so second, we're onto the next arc and are done with this in between phase after sting. It's the final arc of the fic, the Jude and stalker arc. Third, Natsu sings this chapter. Twilight was a fucking moment in history, lets be honest. but the sound tracks slap and ill admit that, thank you. The song he sings is Where I Come From by Passion Pit. Its in Breaking Dawn part 2 and its a great ass song so if you guys dont know it, highly suggest looking it up. Always hate writing lyrics and writing them doesnt show how good the song is but its apart of his character so yeah. Anyways, that's all. Have fun and tell me what you think!
Everything has been going surprisingly well for Lucy. No new developments at school, she met the rest of Natsu's friends and was slowly getting to know them all better. Things between her and Erza haven't gotten better per say, but they were still civil and professional with each other. At least things hadn't gotten worse. It was now well into October and Halloween was only a week and a half away. Lucy enjoyed Halloween quite a bit. Dressing up as someone else had a way of making her feel refreshed. And this year, she and Natsu can dress up together. Doing something cringy like couples' costumes never really appealed to her before, but since its Natsu, she was looking forward to it.
On a more worrying note, after Halloween, the holidays quickly approach. And Lucy has a lot to be nervous about. Natsu hasn't said anything, but unlike her relationship with her father, Natsu is very close with his family. And Having to reintroduce herself to his family puts her in a very awkward position. If she didn't meet them previously while pretending to be Sting's girlfriend, her being Natsu's previous teacher could have been conveniently left out of their relationship's history. But since she already met his family and it was already a known thing that she was Natsu's teacher, it's too late to leave that particular detail out. And that makes things really difficult. Plus, Lucy hasn't seen Sting since that awful night. Despite how she knows Sting has no interest in her anymore and is very happy with his girlfriend, the thought of seeing the man who tried to rape her isn't exactly a thing to celebrate about. It's just all around not an occasion she's looking forward to. But like her therapist says, its best to get it over with. Telling Natsu she doesn't want to go will put unnecessary strain on their relationship and it only postpones the inevitable. It'll happen eventually. Might as well get it over with and get passed it.
Best not to think too hard about it, but Lucy has always been a realistic thinker and all her concerns are very realistic so it's hard not to stress herself out over what will happen in the upcoming months.
Sighing, Lucy tried to banish the thoughts from her mind as she pushed her desk chair back. School was over, her work was done, time to run a few errands before going to meet Natsu for dinner after he finished school. She locks her classroom door behind her then makes her way down the halls and eventually out of school. With her bag across her body bumping her thigh after each step, Lucy pulls her phone out of her bags pocket and responds to the few texts she had received. There were two from Natsu, asking where she wanted to eat. She sent a quick "Idc you can pick" but just five seconds after she sent it, Natsu was calling her. She smirked and answered the call.
"Yes?"
"Don't 'Yes?' me, Luce. You do this every time."
"I don't know what you're talking about." She smugly replied.
"Mhmm, sure."
Lucy's smile was wide as she looked down at her manicured nails. "If you just picked the restaurant I want to eat at, then we wouldn't need to have this talk every time."
"Or you could just tell me where you want to eat!"
"But that's no fun at all, boo. So, you might as well start naming restaurants."
Natsu sighed in frustration, making Lucy giggle. "You're bein' such a brat. You want me to punish you that badly?"
Her stomach fluttered but she held back the shyness threatening to cut off her voice. "What can I say, being a brat is one of my best traits."
"I disagree." His voice lowered, making Lucy's breath hitch. She knows where this is going since it's been going here a lot recently. "I prefer when you're my submissive little slut. What would your students think if they saw you being dicked down by your daddy? Hmm, Luce? Miss Heartfilia, always so professional. I know I was surprised when I saw you like that."
"A-aren't you at school?"
"It's a break between classes right now."
"W-well I'm out running errands."
"You should have thought about that before—" His voice cut out as someone collided into her, making Lucy drop her phone. It fell onto the cement and Lucy followed after it. She fell back so hard her bottom hit the ground and felt like it broke, then she jerked back forward again from her back slamming into a bench on the side of the street. "OW, wah-what... the fuck?" Her hair in her face, Lucy looked up, tears falling from her eyes it hurt so bad. She wasn't on a necessarily busy street. Being a high school teacher, she leaves the school around 2:40. Before the normal after work rush home, but she waits a bit to avoid the after-school rush home. The roads are never awful. And nowhere near awful enough for someone to bump into her so hard. What the hell were they doing? Running at full speed blind folded?
She pushed the hair out of her eyes and saw that there was no one standing in front of her. The suddenness of it all confused her and then she finally heard a groan in front of her. Lucy must have gotten the wind knocked out of her since she felt so delirious. The person looked up as well, vibrant red hair falling out of her braids. She suddenly sat up and crawled over to Lucy, touching her forehead and pinching her cheeks. Lucy was so confused and slowly moved her hand to wave the person away. "Stop, I— I'm fi—"
Lucy's stomach lurched and she moved to the side to throw up on the sidewalk next to her. She emptied her lunch and drowsily looked around while wiping her mouth with her jacket sleeve. "Natsu— Where's Natsu?"
"Damnit, did you hit your head? Let me take you to the doctors."
"Phone…" Lucy blurrily jerked her head around looking for her phone, but she couldn't focus.
"Here." The girl put it in her hand and Lucy tried to push the button, but it wasn't turning on. "It's cracked, Lucy. It won't turn on." The stranger told her. The lady pulled her own phone from her pocket and called 911. Lucy sat on the sidewalk with the lady until the loud sirens approached her. She wanted to cry it seemed so loud. People were moving around her, and she somehow got put in a moving white room. Lights shined in her eyes; people asked her questions and told her to move her hands a certain way. She did and answered what she was asked, but Lucy just wanted to know what happened. She was just walking home? Yet how did it feel like she got pushed so hard that she was playing a high contact sport like football.
It was all so overwhelming and confusing that at some point, Lucy fell asleep.
Lucy woke in a hospital bed and looked around in confusion. She was connected to a heart monitor, but other than that, there was nothing else. A nurse eventually came in and smiled at her. "Hello, Ms Heartfilia. How are you feeling?"
"Call me Lucy." She groggily spoke while shifting to sit up. Her head was pounding, and she had a hard time remembering what happened. "My head hurts and I feel heavy."
She nodded. "Let me go get a doctor for you."
"Wait— do you have a phone so I can contact my family?"
"Oh, that's not necessary. We called your father and he said he'll get on the next closest flight. I imagine he's almost here if not already landed."
"Oh okay— Wait, what?!" Lucy flung up, but she moved so fast that her whole body and mind pulsed. The nurse rushed to her side as Lucy swayed. She felt so awful and frustrated that she couldn't stop herself from crying with her eyes buried in her hands. "No no! You're lying! You didn't call him, right? Bring me a phone! I want my real family!"
"I'm so sorry ma'am, I'll bring a doctor immediately." She left the room quickly, leaving Lucy by herself to cry. It just made her headache feel worse.
Two quiet knocks sounded, causing Lucy to look up as a man walked in followed by a different nurse. "Ms Heartfilia, would you like some medication for your headache?"
"I said to call me Lucy." She couldn't stop crying, but she nodded at the offer of medicine. The nurse set a cup of water and a tiny medicine cup with the pills on her hospital table. She took the medication and drank the rest of the water.
"Lucy." The doctor started again. "You have a concussion. You'll be able to go home once someone is here to take you. We prescribed you some pain relief medication. We just need to do another neurological examination and cognitive test and we'll set up a follow up appointment in a week's time unless there's an emergency. You should take the rest of the week from work off; we'll give you a doctor's note before you leave. Any questions?"
"Yes, why did you call my father? I want Natsu and Mavis. I asked for a phone. I want a phone." Her tears were becoming worse the more she thought about her father.
"I'm terribly sorry for the confusion. We called your father since he was your immediate family."
"I just want a phone! How many times do I have to ask!" The nurse pulled the phone from the bedside table up onto the hospital table, so it was directly in front of her. They both left and shut the door behind them. Lucy dialed Mavis first. She picked up after the first ring.
"Lucy?! Is that you?!"
"Mavis..." she hiccuped.
"Oh thank god! Are you okay, what happened?! Natsu called in a panic saying something happened!"
Lucy calmed down just hearing Mavis' voice. "I'm at the hospital. Come get me, May. T-they called my father. I-I don't want to see him." Her voice trembled at the end just thinking about it.
"Okay, sweetie we're on our way. What happened?" She heard her shuffling around getting things together along with a few deeper voices in the background.
"W-we? Is Natsu with you?"
"Yes, would you like to speak to him?"
"Mhmm." She sniffled.
It was quiet for a moment as the phone was passed.
"Luce? Are you okay?"
"Y-yeah. Are you guys far away?"
"We'll be there in 20 minuets. What happened?"
"I-I don't really know. Someone bumped into me really hard on my way home and I fell down. I guess I have a concussion. I don't think I hit my head, but I hit my butt and back hard, so it was probably from the shaking." Talking to Natsu calmed her down even more. Her tears had stopped completely, and she was beginning to feel the effect of the medicine helping her headache.
"Is it anything serious?"
"I don't think so. They said I can go home once I get a few tests done. But— but my father is coming and I—I don't want to see him. I told you, he's the reason I'm so messed up and he makes me feel awful and—"
"Shhhhh, baby. Calm down. It's okay. We're on our way. We'll deal with that asshole later. For now, just breathe and try to relax. No need to work yourself up, baby."
"O-okay, you're right."
Two knocks and the door opened to reveal the same doctor. "Excuse me," He stepped inside and shut the door behind him again. Lucy hugged the phone to her chest. "If you're ready, we can do those tests so you can leave as soon as your family gets here."
Lucy nodded. "I have to go Natsu." She paused for a moment. "What floor and room am I in?"
She relayed the details the doctor gave her and hung up with Natsu. After the tests revealed that she in fact, had a concussion, he handed Lucy the paperwork. "As soon as your family gets here, you're free to leave." He looked down at the bedside table and his mouth dropped open as he realized something. He picked up a slip of paper that looked like it had been ripped out of a notebook and handed it to her. "This was given to the first responders who picked you up in the ambulance. They told a nurse it's from the girl who ran into you. She wanted us to give it to you." Lucy held her hand out and took it from him. He set the discharge papers on her table then helped her get the heart monitor probes off before leaving the room. She had her same clothes on so there was no need to change but she noticed her coat draped over a chair that had some throw up on it. She grimaced as the memory of her puking suddenly flashed through her mind.
She still felt a bit dizzy and unsteady but wanted to sit up better. So, Lucy sat on the edge of her bed and opened the note.
I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to bump you so hard! I'll pay for a new cellphone. I'll leave you my number. Text me and I promise I'll make it up to you. (xxx)-xxx-xxxx
I'm sorry!
Flare
So, this is the girl who rammed into her so hard she got a concussion. From what the doctor said, she did not hit her head. So, it was from the intense whiplash which seemed even more unbelievable. Seriously, what the hell was she doing? Well, she seemed sorry enough and Lucy isn't petty enough to hold grudges when she seems to be doing her best to make up for it. And phones are expensive so if she's offering, she'll take her up on that. Though texting isn't an option since her phone is broken! She guesses she'll have to call or text her off Natsu's phone.
She wobbly got out of bed to sit in a chair next to where her things were. Shoving the note in her purse, Lucy began the fumbling process of trying to push her boots on. Natsu, Mavis, and Zeref happened to walk in at that moment, and Natsu very quickly ran over and pulled her into a hug.
"You scared the shit out of me Luce."
"I-I'm sorry." Lucy doesn't know why, but she cried a bit. Having someone care about your safety so much felt really comforting. "I'm sorry I missed dinner." Natsu mumbled a quick it's okay, but Lucy paused. "Umm actually, what time is it? I didn't think about it until now." Plus, there's no windows in her room so she couldn't even tell by how bright it was outside.
"It's 7:53." Mavis said. Natsu pulled away, letting Mavis hug her as well. "Let's get you out of here before Jude comes."
"Yeah. Thank you, May."
"Of course!" Once Mavis pulled back, she handed Lucy a lollipop. "Look what I found in my purse on the way here! It's strawberry, your favorite! And no bubblegum!"
Lucy happily accepted the candy Mavis always used to cheer her up and quickly began to unwrap it from the plastic. These lollipops really were the best ever and never failed to make her feel better. Lucy happily sucked on the candy distracting her from her earlier task. Chuckling, Natsu kneeled down and helped her get her boots on and tied. Zeref had her things and Mavis was going through the paperwork the hospital gave her stating the results of the tests and aftercare Lucy needed. Natsu took to supporting the girl stumbling down the halls of the hospital.
He watched her in amusement as she went to town licking the lollipop. It reminds him of that one time last year when Mavis gave her the same lollipop and Lucy was teasing him like crazy while she licked and sucked on it. It was funny seeing her so unstable and acting so ditzy and a bit out of it. Lucy was so fucking cute he could die at just this image of it all. Though he feels kind of bad that he finds concussed Lucy so adorable. Natsu can't help it though. He has an uncontrollable urge to tease her.
"Here, Luce." He holds the lollipop stick in his hand and pulls it from her pretty, sticky lips with a wet pop. Lucy whines with a pout and stumbles closer into his side.
"Give it back!"
"I don't want you to fall and hurt yourself, so I'll hold onto it for you." He puts it in his mouth and Lucy looks at him like he just committed the worst sin someone could possibly commit.
"Don't hold onto it there! It'll be all gone!" He ignored her, holding onto his girlfriend tightly while leading her down the hallway.
"Natsu~"
"Lucy~"
"Bullying is a sin!"
Natsu snorted. She couldn't possibly be any cuter. "Being a brat is a sin too, but you still seem to do it."
Lucy blushed as she looked up at him. "D-don't talk like that." She whisper-yelled. "Mavis and your brother are right behind us!"
Natsu just grinned. Ever since the first time they had that kind of sex, it's been a regular occurrence. Lucy enjoyed pushing his buttons and he enjoyed breaking her down until brat Lucy was only needy Lucy. Of course, they go back to the usual softer love making if they want more tender sex, but on most days, it's more fun for both of them to add that kind of play.
Natsu held the lollipop in front of her and smiled. "Here, want it back?"
"Decided to be nice to the injured, huh?"
She accepted the candy and moved her head to look forward as they walked through a set of doors. As they passed, Lucy's eyes widened as a feeling of dread washed over her entire body. She stopped walking, making Natsu stop as well.
"What's wrong?"
Lucy said Nothing, her lips trembling and fingers clutching at Natsu's side.
"Lucy." A stern, demanding voice called out to her. Natsu followed it and saw a large, blonde man accompanied by some other men in suits. Mavis suddenly appeared in front of them followed by Zeref, separating Lucy from the man. "I see you still stick to my daughter like glue." Jude looked down at Mavis in contempt. "Come Lucy. I think you've caused enough issues for me in this city. Time to go home."
"N-no."
"I said come. I won't let you trick me again. You and your manipulative little mouth talking your way out of everything. Not this time, I won't fall for your good little daughter act again! Come, NOW!"
Lucy shook her head, tears falling from her cheeks. "I-It wasn't my fault. It wasn't mine. I-I lied for you! I did it for you, father!"
"Are you saying it's my fault that you ran away when you're the one with feet and got up on your own? How does that make any sense?!"
"T-that's not what I was even talking about! I-I meant—"
"Don't you think you should make up for how you left your own father stranded? Running off to some low-level university, doing some low-level occupation, dating some low-level little boy? I gave you the best education, the best home with the nicest things. I gave you the best opportunities and would have set you up with the man most suitable for the Heartfilia name! You ungrateful little brat!"
"Hey, don't call her that!" Natsu yelled, still holding a trembling Lucy in his arms. Only he can call her a brat. "Who the hell do you think you are to talk to Lucy like that?! So, what if you're her father! She doesn't owe you anything! Fuck off and leave her alone!"
Jude just looked down at Natsu like he was a pest. "Do you see how far you've fallen Lucy? Dating such a vulgar boy? Even the lowest of the suitors I picked out for you would have been better a hundred times over."
Lucy opened her mouth to retaliate, but she didn't know what to say. Why is she always like this with her father? She freezes up and words don't come out. She hates this feeling. She never wanted to feel it again.
"I-I want to go home, Natsu. Take me back to the apartment."
Natsu nodded and led her towards the door. Jude didn't stop her and let them walk away. But they all knew it wasn't that simple. "I'll be staying in Hotel Magnolia. Top penthouse suite. I'll be doing my work there temporarily and I'll be by to see you. I know where you live and where you work so don't think I'll just go back without you. You've caused enough trouble. You and that boy."
Natsu had already began leading Lucy away, but Mavis didn't follow them quite yet. "You have no right to show up here acting like you're doing what's best for Lucy."
"That's ironic coming from you, the one who manipulated my impressionable daughter into leaving with you. No wonder she and that boy became like that."
"Wha—" Mavis was appalled. "And what are you insinuating by those words!? I Became her parent when you were such a shit one! How dare you talk about either one of us like that! You don't know me or Lucy! And you don't have the right to judge our relationship when the so-called 'perfect childhood' you gave her is just a fancy way of saying emotional neglect!"
"Mavis, let's go." Zeref tugged at her arm in concern. "Natsu and Lucy are waiting."
"Hmph!" She turned around, her long hair swirling around her to stomp away.
Lucy heard what they had both said. She knew that he knew. He knew where she and Natsu first met but he wouldn't openly slander her about that in public, so he did it in a roundabout way. Her name is the same as his and if what happened somehow got connected back to him, he would surely get backlash as well. Jude Heartfilia's daughter dating her high school student. That wasn't a headline Jude wanted. So, he would do whatever it takes to make her come willingly. And she's terrified to learn how exactly he'll threaten her.
Natsu kept walking despite how he wanted to argue with Lucy's so-called father. His top priority was getting Lucy home and away from the source of her anxiety on her already hurt mind.
Lucy was crying and he did his best to comfort her. When they got home, he took her boots off and helped her change. It was dark and Lucy was so drowsy. She held the almost finished lollipop in her lips as she got into bed under the covers but was sitting up. Natsu sat at the edge of the bed as he handed her a cup of water. "Are you hungry?"
Lucy shook her head. "Sleepy." She handed back the cup once she was done then continued to suck the lollipop. "I have to call school." She mumbled between licks."
"Mavis said she would call for you tonight and drop the doctor's note off at school in the morning."
"Woah when did she say that? Can you read her mind?"
"She said it when you weren't paying attention." He smiled and leaned over to kiss her nose. "Can I have this?"
Lucy nodded and let him take the lollipop from her lips. "Lay down baby, I'll be there in a minute."
She listened and got comfortable cuddled up in blankets. It was a breezy night and felt cool having the window open. Natsu changed into just a pair of sweats and got into bed next to her. Happy was following him around the apartment but once Natsu was situated, Happy jumped up with them and laid on Lucy's chest.
"He's really awful." Lucy suddenly said. "I don't know why but whenever he scolds me, he finds a way to make me go silent. I can't fight it. Even though if I had that same argument with someone else, I could think of ways right now to retort them. But if it's father, I cannot."
"It's okay, Luce. At least I get why you are the way you are now. You never lacked things or opportunities, but he never gave you any love. No wonder you turned out like that."
Lucy couldn't help it. He was just so blunt about it. She snorted and then it turned into a giggle and then increased into a full-on laugh. Natsu stared at her in shock but couldn't help laughing with her at how hilarious she thought it was. "Y-you're right," She got out between her wheezing.
"Yeah?" Natsu smirked. She was so cute.
"I-I mean it only makes sense, right?" It was actually comical how funny she thought the lack of affection she received as a child was. That really fucked with the way she expresses things or how she perceived love. The way he treated her and the words he spoke to her, it was glaringly obvious. Natsu always told her love isn't a business deal. Seeing her father even if he just saw them exchange words for a few minutes, just one phrase was being played in his head on repeat.
It makes sense.
It just did. It makes sense why showing weakness was hard for her. It makes sense why she thought love was something they had to trade so both parties benefited. It makes sense why it was so hard for her to share personal things. Why she didn't like crying in front of him. Why she was so independent. Why she was so manipulative. Why she randomly cried in certain situations when all he was doing was showing he cares. Because she never got that. Why she acts tough when she has every right to cry. Why she can stop her feelings and emotions and then let them go when she's with people she trusts or when they're convenient. Why she very rarely got mad because she never was allowed be upset as a child. Why she never wanted to fall in love because to Lucy, what was love?
He will make sure she knows what love is.
"I Love you." Natsu randomly said. Lucy stopped laughing to look at him. He sat up on one elbow and used his other hand to brush the hair off of her forehead to kiss her. "I love you. I'll give you enough affection that it'll make you sick."
"I-I already feel like crying." She shakily whispered.
"It's okay. I'll wipe your tears, Luce."
"I-I Love you too Natsu." She let her tears fall unashamed. Natsu did as he promised and wiped each and every one away.
"Look how good you're doing. Remember when you couldn't even say I love you when we both knew you did?"
"Mhmm." She nodded, more tears falling.
"The first time you said it, it wasn't even for me. Do you remember? You said it to make me leave. But I was just happy you said it."
"I'm sorry."
"I didn't bring it up to make ya feel guilty." He brushed her tears some more and kissed her rosy cheeks. "Look at how good we are. Look at how far you've come. Letting me in, you've done so good baby. I'm so proud of you."
"You really think I'm doing good…?"
"Yes, Lucy. You've done so good with me." He smiled at her neediness. Just that was enough to show how far she's come. "You used to push me away when you were vulnerable. Hated when I saw you looking weak. But look how open you are now. Letting me dote and comfort you. Who cares about your fathers lack of affection, I'll give you all of it, baby. All of it."
"Please." She reached one hand up to cup his cheek while rubbing her thumb under his eye. "Can you sing to me while I fall asleep? Please Natsu?"
"Of course, baby. Any requests?"
"Something nice."
Natsu snorted. That wasn't much to go on, but he can work with it. Something nice, comforting. Something that'll make her happy. He's got it.
Natsu still leaning over her, held his hand by her ear and gently pushed her hair back.
"Where I come from,
You say things will be well and fun,
Though the world around you is crumbling,"
Lucy blinked up at him in confusion because this wasn't nice. Natsu paused his singing to chuckle and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Close your eyes and listen."
She did as he asked and let the tension in her shoulders relax out of her. He gently stroked at her jaw to lull her to sleep.
"And the truth bleak as a bee,
Stay close believe,
Though things are not what they seem,
I won't let them destroy these dreams,"
He stared down at his girlfriend full of affection, like he was speaking these next lines directly to her.
"They're just things,
Silly little things,
They're only things,
I think we'll be alright,"
The end drew out as he sang, making lucy open her eyes and stare in awe at how talented he was. He smiled as the word ended then moved his hand up to cover her eyes so she closed them again. He opened his lips to sing the same line again while moving his hand back.
"I think we'll be alright,"
They will. They'll be alright. Lucy knew they would be. It might seem bad, but they've been through worse.
"Where I come from,
You say things will be well and fun,
Though the world around you is crumbling,"
Natsu's voice got softer as he saw her relax, continuing to rub at her jaw gently.
"And the truth bleak as a bee,
Stay close believe,
Though things are not what they seem,
I won't let them destroy these dreams,"
He stopped to brush a stray tear away, and Lucy needily leaned into his touch.
"They're just things,
Silly little things,
They're only things,
I think we'll be alright,"
Just Like before, that note was long at the end, and they continued to be.
"I think we'll be alright,
I think we'll be alright,
I think we'll be alright,"
The song ended and Lucy softly mumbled, half asleep. "Again."
He happily sang the song over and over until he knew she was fully asleep. He gently settled down beside her, making sure to watch over his concussed girlfriend. He wasn't tired yet since it was barely nine, so he played on his phone, making sure to not move a lot until he dozed off himself.