A Fire Dragon, His Princess and The Not-So-Terrible Party Aftermath

Nalu week 2020 Prompts: Voice, Flirt, Charm & Smile(All implied)

Genres: Romance, Humor, New Adult Fanfiction

Pairing: Nalu/Endlu (Natsu x Lucy & E.n.d. Natsu x Lucy)

Rating: M for language, steamy and mature/adult sexual content (all consensual) in these and future chapters. Reader Discretion is advised.(You've been warned!)

Summary: God knows it was all fun and games at an outdoor guild party until a drinking contest results in a not-so-great time for a certain celestial wizard much to the dismay of a protective dragon slayer and company. Even worse is Lucy's hangover with some kind of mild flu and busted ankle to boot . At least a doting Natsu is more-than-willing to provide his mate plenty of TLC. One of my entries for Nalu week 2020 and part of the Nalu-centric anthology series The Dragon Demon and His Celestial Princess anthology series (slight au/ canon divergent).

Chapter 2: At The Fairies' Bonfire Party

A/N: Hey guys, it's your girl back with another installment of AFDHPATNSTP! This time around, I was able to post another chapter relatively fast just a few weeks after the first one for Nalu- week 2020. Fun fact: The chapter title is a fitting take on the similarly-named INXS song ( The Devil's Party). Hope you guys enjoy the reference! Anyways, that's pretty much all I have to say for now! Special thanks and kudos to MannyEGB for helping me edit and further develop this chapter! Now without further ado, here's Chapter 2! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairytail which instead belongs to the one and only Hiro-sensei instead!

Legend

Italics: Fantasy, flashback & literary/ song quotes

Bold: First Person Thoughts

Bolded Italics: empathized word

Bolded Italics: outside of main story): A/N

In his blue gardens, men and girls came and went like moths among the whispers and the champagne and the stars."

(Nick Carraway/ F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby)

"Here you go."

Natsu's dulcet timbre fueled the sparks shooting through Lucy's nerves from his fingers that just delicately brushed along her collarbone; before fastening the clasp of a chain. " Did I mention how much I love this pendant on you?"

"It really is beautiful," She mused in a thoughtful agreement. "Amazing handiwork that really ties any look together." A delicate hand touched the pendant, a simple but intricately-designed flame-encased crystal with a complimentary silver chain that was forged by the hand of the dragon slayer himself. He presented the jewelry to her as a physical token with the utmost pride; just days after the consummation of their dragon-demon mating bond.

Flashback

"Consider this necklace a physical token of my love for you". Natsu had declared, words resonating with wonderstruck affection. "And the consummation of our bond with you as my mate and queen. You know a little something extra special in addition to the mating mark. Really brings out the colour of your gorgeous brown eyes, don't ya' think?"

"You know I spent hours forging that necklace".

Natsu's pensive voice through Lucy's reverie.

"That's what I value most about it, " she sang his praises, not able to help the smile forming on her lips. "How much time and meticulous effort went in. Plus the quality craftsmanship from the love of my life. What's not to like?"

"Totally worth it to see your beautiful smile too. It made my day…and well...the rest of my life. Anyway, you all set?"

"Yup. Ready to go if you are."

"Definitely am! Off we go then milady."

Nastu's hand slid into Lucy's who couldn't help but revel in the warmth of his touch .

Pretty sure it'll always feel this way too…

"Right. Just remember that the picnic spread is for all the guests meaning no devouring all the food. Or setting bags of shit or people's pants on fire just cuz' you feel like it."

"Aw, where's the fun in not doing that?" Natsu bemoaned, flashing Lucy beyond-flawless puppy dog eyes with an endearing pout thrown in for good measure . " like what's wrong with a little harmless chaos? And it's not as if we couldn't convince Master to bend the rules just a little bit for his favorite dragonslayer, right?"

"Yeah, no " Lucy gave a slight shake of her head with a wry smirk. " Don't really see that happening. Oh well., Tough —Them's the rules dude."

"Damn…." Natsu deflated,. clearly a little crestfallen by what was obviously unfortunate news in his eyes. " I was really counting on letting loose and stirring some mild mayhem behind the scenes by pulling a few mild pranks. You know when I wasn't with you or some of other friends and stuff. Still sucks though."

"Yeah, sorry."

"It's okay. at least I roast the asses of any loser who tries to put the moves or flirts with you," He resolved, his voice otherwise nonchalant ; though with an edge that bordered on territorial. " Territorial instincts and pyro urges and all."

"Sure," Lucy giggled in agreement. "Why not? Bound to be a few idiots who don't get that I'm yours anyway."

"Sweet!" Natsu's eyes immediately lit up with a diabolical cackle at Lucy's agreement. " I get to kill two birds with one stone by teaching those dickheads not to touch what doesn't belong to them and having a little fun with my pyro side. " One spare, fire-engulfed hand was raised to empathize his point.

"That you do."

"Wishing on a scar, if there's the sun

I'd want to dream, wishing on a sky

Wishing on a scar

If there's the moonlight, I wouldn't want to wake up"

Night had fallen by the time the couple arrived hand in hand at the park; under a horizon awash in a sea of stars.

"Woah!" Natsu let out a low whistle of impressed approval. "Our guild really went all out for this!"

"Yeah, that's for sure!" came Lucy's response of spirited agreement. "I really love what they have done with the place!"

"My daydream, daydream (oh)"

Daydream, daydream (oh)"

Daydream, daydream"

The sound of a smooth voice over an upbeat hip hop melody was floating out through the air through the entrance of the park. Illuminating the path of moving guests were suspended fairy lacrima lights on lines above linen-covered picnic tables. Just to the northwest of the entrance were chatting partygoers; who meanwhile collected plates from another table with quite the appetizing spread of entrees; burgers, hot dogs, salads, ribs— a whole feast fit... for well royalty.

"Holy crap- is that steak I smell?!" Nastu chirped from beside his soulmate;no doubt detecting the mouth watering scent of sizzling barbecue wafting off a nearby grill. "T-bone even? More ribs and fried chicken too?! I'm gonna eat tonight! " Think I can even catch a whiff of veggie burgers and dogs! Bet ya' can smell it too Luce!"

"Yes, I can. Quite delicious, isn't it?"

"You're telling me!"

"Yo Natsu, Lucy!" Cana animatedly waved the couple over from another table she was seated at. "Over here lovebirds!"

"There's Cana!" Lucy pointed out with a light giggle. "And never short on the nicknames, it seems."

"Nope" The dragon slayer concurred, dry amusement colouring his tone. "Though I actually don't mind it actually. Still a hell of a lot better than being called a 'lovesick pansy-ass' by iceprick."

"True. Should we head over To Cana, then?"

"Sure."

The two made their way towards Cana's table.

"Finally...Sup you two?" Came the card mage's nonchalant question by way of greeting. "Hand in hand— nice!" Said card mage paused to knock back a swig of moonshine from a flask that Lucy couldn't help but notice in amusement.

"Why yes we are" the celestial wizard quipped, with a hint of a wry smirk pulling at the corner of her lips. "I see you found the booze."

"Yep" Cana verified, unrepentant pride ringing in her words. "Best drink I've heard I've ever had if you ask me. Tastes mighty fine and pairs well with that overpriced, bougie cheese that the Pegasus boys brought, don't ya think?"

"You say that about all the alcohol you drink" Lucy countered with a slight roll of her eyes. The brewskis loving fortune teller was constantly boasting about how this "pint" or that "stout" is the "best damn drink I've ever had."

"Pretty much any alcoholic beverage known to humankind, really."

"Oi— no I don't!" Cana objected in faux indignation. "I'll have you know that this card magic user is a refined lady— a real classy bitch. Besides, this moonshine pairs well with the cheese like I said."

"Pretty sure that's wine actually" Lucy shot back, though without any real heat to her words. "and since when do you care about being classy?"

"Since now and you know I'm right"

"If you say so..."

"Ladies, ladies" Natsu intervened with an awkward chuckle. "I know this is all in good fun but no need to argue. Got more than enough of that with me and Gray already. Seriously though Cana, it's probably not a good idea to goad Lucy like that. Otherwise, who knows how long she'll be here?"

"Why? Afraid of someone hogging all of your girl's attention?" Cana taunted Natsu, with a conspiratorial smirk. "Guess you want her all to yourself now later, huh?"

Just what is she implying?

"Course. It's no secret that both of my kind are protective and territorial creatures of instinct" The dragon wizards purred, a glimmer of raptorial lust flashing in his half-mast eyes that was thinly-concealed. "Can't stand others making a move on or coveting what doesn't belong to them. We hoard the treasure most precious to us— like say Luce in my case. Pretty sure I'm gonna be hoarding her plenty with what I have in store later." Not to mention how his words were laced with a sinful promise that sent a shiver of delight down Lucy's spine.

"Oooh Hot."

Cana's lips broke into an approving grin with a not-so-discreet wink thrown at Lucy from Natsu's candid answer. " Very, very, very. Hot."

Goddamn am I looking forward to whatever that man's planning …

A Few Minutes Later

"Yes it is. So," Natsu was all conversational now. "You've been for here long?"

"Not too long, actually. Only been for the past half an hour or so. Some of the others just arrived too. Erza, Levy, Gajeel and Happy who came with Wendy and Carla."

"Oh yeah, I heard he was helping those two on a few odd jobs around town these past few days. Been meaning to ask them how those went."

"Well, I'm sure they'll be glad to catch you."

"Good opportunity to do that what with the party and all."

"Very true. Oh and Lucy, Levy wanted me to pass some info once I saw you." Cana turned to Lucy whose words caught her attention. "Apparently she and Gajeel found some artifact on their recent archaeology mission and they thought it might be of interest."

"Oh yeah?" Lucy prompted, not bothering to hide conceal the intrigued excitement leaking into her voice. The prospect of even catching a glimpse of some ancient artifact from another era seemed too much like a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to pass up! "Did either of them provide any clue as to what it might be?"

"Nope!" Cana popped the "p" with a cheeky shake of the head. "Guess you'll just have to find out by asking them yourself."

"Course I will. I uh..." Lucy trailed off, eyes flickering over to Natsu; who met her tentative gaze with a warm smile.

"Fine by me."

"Really?" She checked, eyes searching his face for any sign of offence or disapproval.

Last thing I want to do is offend Natsu or hurt his feelings. We did come here together after all.

"Yeah, go ahead," Natsu's hand cupped Lucy's jaw just as his lips were brushing against her cheek in a lingering kiss; with a cozy warmth that settled into her bones. "I'll be around and I know how much this type of thing means to you. Got plenty of ways to keep me myself occupied and lots of people to talk and chat with in the meantime."

"Great! Thanks for understanding, Natsu!"

" 'Course. Save me a dance later?"

"Sure thing."

A/N: And that's Chapter 2 folks! (Chapter 3 will eventually follow) Anyway. The featured lyrics are a english-translated expert from a fantastic song off BTS Member J-Hopes' solo, hip-hop and kpop mixtape Hopeworld (released back in 2018). Definitely recommend giving the entire EP a listen! Either way, hope you enjoy it and this chapter! As usual, please feel free to let me know what you think by dropping a review/comment! Oh and don't forget to check out the rest of my writing! (Corresponding links to all my writing and profiles can be found above in this post, the navigation bar and bio if reading this on tumblr.) Also on my respective FF and A03 accounts.) Thanks again to everyone for their incredible show of support ! Until next time-take care!