I said I wouldn't write until I was done with the semester loool but I really wanted to rewrite this
My finals are overloaded and super vague so I foresee myself being very busy by the time finals week rolls around
two of my classes are hella unorganized so I'm not vibing rn
Lucy flinched as the door slammed open, clearing her throat quietly as she heard it slide shut with a similar force. The chair behind her desk squeaked sharply as it was pulled out, the bag dropped on top of it creating a small gust of wind. It brushed her hair against her neck, Lucy doing her best to ignore the sensation.
The classroom fell to a hush at the appearance of the pink-haired student, the teacher even feeling a shiver run down their spine.
The energy was thrown sideways, reality tilting right before their eyes.
The gentle snoring of the aggravated student prompted everyone to release the breath they'd been holding; the lesson continuing as planned.
Juvia sighed as she eyed her two friends, frowning at the obvious tension. It'd been well past a week since their fight began.
Who would even think it was possible; Natsu and Lucy fighting?
There couldn't have been a better match made in heaven with the way those two acted around each other.
It was a quick hop, skip, and jump into the swing of things once Lucy moved to town. They were impossibly inseparable.
You'd rarely find one without the other, Natsu often sleeping over or vice versa.
They always went to school together, someone from Lucy's extended family driving them from her estate. It wasn't anything oversized, but compared to anyone else's house, it was at least three times bigger.
She always made him lunch and was there to wake him up if he didn't stay over. They held hands and gave each other lasting hugs. They cuddled and she borrowed his clothes. Their first kiss was the only box unchecked on the list of first love achievements.
So it seemed virtually impossible for the two to ever have a serious, 'I plan to ignore you' fight.
It started with an innocent conversation between Cana and Lucy, the brunette begging for her help.
"Please? I swear it'll only be ten days tops! Bacchus' dad could really use the help until their new waitress comes in," Cana begged with her dramatic puppy dog eyes, kneeling at Lucy's side as the blonde rummaged through her fridge. "I can get him to pay you double!"
"I know you work there but I feel like it'd be awkward," Lucy sighed as she dug out a container of fruit. "Don't you get a lot of guys who stare at you? Wouldn't it be weird for a high schooler to be working in a bar?"
"It's more like a restaurant that serves alcohol, honest! The older servers and staff are really protective too, they don't let anyone treat you the wrong way," She explained, stealing a sliced strawberry from her bowl. "And I'm basically married into their family, they wouldn't let anyone hurt you. Plus, I'll be working all the same shifts as you! We'll go there from school and home together every night."
"I guess if you put it like that, it can't hurt to help out." Lucy nodded as she gave in, laughing through Cana's tight hug and celebratory jumping.
"Awesome! I'll let him know!"
And when Natsu found out later that night, he wasn't especially happy.
"What do you mean you're working with Cana for a week? At that sleazy bar?" He sat up from his place on her bed, his nose scrunched in question.
"Yeah, she said they needed help until the new waitress can start," She shrugged, her eyes cast on her phone as she answered a message from Levy. "I figured I wouldn't be the worst thing–"
"There's no way I'm letting you do that." Natsu's voice was stern as he stood up, crossing his arms and glaring down at Lucy.
"Um? Did I ask for your permission?" She scoffed, raising a brow as she set down her phone. "It's safe enough for Cana to work there, so why can't I?"
"That doesn't mean some prick still won't harass you," He shook his head. "I'm calling her, she shouldn't've asked you."
"Quit it," Lucy quickly got off her bed to stand up to him. "Natsu, you're freaking out for no reason. It's just a waitress–"
"A position at some fucking bar in the office district! I'm not giving anyone the opportunity to look at you in skimpy clothes. It's not happening." He chided, his nose flaring slightly as Lucy knocked his phone onto her bed.
"Are you being serious right now? What's wrong with you?" She raised her voice, getting in between him and her bed. "I can do whatever the hell I want, Natsu, it's my life. Don't act like some concerned parent when it's honestly none of your business."
"And since when was your business not my business? Don't act like I shouldn't have a say in wh–"
"You know what? I'm not listening to this. Just get out, Natsu," She nudged him back with her hand, feeling her teeth grit together. "Capricorn will take you home."
"So, you're just going to ignore me? I can't believe you, you're acting crazy! Do you really think some weak girl like you can handle it out there? I'm sorry, Lucy, but you have no idea what you're signing up for."
"...What did you just call me?"
Gemi and Mini were more than happy to fill in her friends on what they overheard. It was a mix of shoving and shouting, loads of hoodies and sweatpants being chucked over her balcony.
Lucy locked him out of her room at one point, Natsu banging on the door to try and get any response he could.
He eventually gave up when Capricorn informed him he had collected all of the clothes that landed in the bushes, both left that night with a heavy heart.
It was a hard story to believe, but once they saw them at school, they knew the story was true.
Natsu showed up late every day, used to his morning call from Lucy. He was forced to eat the mediocre cafeteria food instead of her home cooking, the pinkette sulking wherever he went.
Lucy seemed unbothered on the outside; if a little more tired than usual. Now that she was working nights, it didn't leave as much time for her standard amount of sleep.
"I can't believe that jackass hasn't apologized yet," Cana shook her head. "It's almost been ten days, and what has happened? Absolutely nothing!"
"He's just being childish," Erza sighed, patting Lucy on the back. "I'm sure he'll come around sooner or later."
"Juvia hopes it's soon, she misses having lunch with Gray-sama." She stabbed at her lunch, her phone open to a picture of the boy in question.
"Has he tried texting you?" Levy asked as Lucy shook her head.
"Nothing, not even a phone call since he left," She huffed, angrily biting into her rice ball. "As Erza said, he's being super childish."
—
"I know I'm in the wrong! But there's no way I'm telling her that," Natsu frowned as he spoke through his chewing. "She shoulda just listened to me, I was being reasonable."
"For the millionth time, no you weren't," Gray rolled his eyes. "You could have said everything a lot differently, but you chose to be a controlling asshole."
"That's not–"
"Oh shut it, Salamander. We're all tired of your whining. The only one who feels any sympathy for you is Jellal." Gajeel remarked, pointing as his cousin's head had already been resting against the blunette.
"I know you want to apologize, Natsu," He pat his back, stifling an awkward laugh as Natsu wrapped his arms around his torso. "You might ruin things if you don't talk to her."
"Yeah…"
Natsu was smart enough to know that he shouldn't have said what he said, but in the heat of the moment...what was he supposed to say?
Lucy nonchalantly said she was going to work at night in some bar by the office district. How was he supposed to be okay with that?
She was putting herself in a potentially dangerous situation where older men could just…! He didn't want to think too much about it.
He just wanted to keep her safe, wasn't that much obvious? But he went ahead and said she was too weak to take care of herself. And Lucy was anything but weak. She was one of the strongest people he'd ever met.
He should have just offered to take her home on those nights, to drive her back on his dad's bike and watch her walk into her house.
He could imagine the long hug they'd have before saying goodnight, brushing her hair behind her ear as she asked what he'd like for lunch the next day. He'd ask for something easy since they were both up late but she'd still give him a full lunch box of all the things he'd love.
Their fingers would fidget together, neither really wanting to say goodbye. But he'd whisper how beautiful she looked under the moonlight before she kissed his cheek and went inside.
Now it'd just been so long since they spoke, that he didn't know how to approach her.
Over the phone? In person? Through a text? He wasn't sure she'd even want to see him; they didn't even make eye contact at school.
He was late every day since their fight, unable to sleep properly without knowing when she was home. Even when he did fall asleep, it was uncomfortable and only lasted a couple of hours. At least at school, he could fall asleep knowing she was safe.
Lucy grunted as she tugged on the knot of her apron, taking it off for the last time before she hung it up.
Friday nights were unnecessarily busy, Lucy worried for her future if this was how all office parties conducted themselves.
She was quick to set everything down before moving on to the next table, careful not to keep a conversation for too long. The bartenders all had a careful eye on her and Cana, ready to bounce anyone that stepped out of line.
It was easy enough and Cana's promise was fulfilled, Bacchus' father handing over an envelope with twice the normal salary.
"Cana? Are you ready to go? I just finished changing," She called out into the breakroom, grabbing her stuff and stepping out of the locker room. "Cana?"
"Oh, Lucy," She poked her head out from the men's locker room, her shirt slipping down her shoulder. "Sorry, but are you okay going home on your own? Bacchus and I are–"
"You don't need to tell me, I'll get going!" Lucy quickly said as Cana shut the door with a giggle, the blonde running out before she heard any unsavory sounds.
She waved goodbye to Bacchus' family, stepping out into the chilly night air. She buried her nose into the scarf she wore, finding that walking down this street by herself was actually a little nerve-wracking.
Cana was easily more confrontational, not afraid to sneer or glare daggers at anyone who attempted to get in her face.
Lucy felt the stares of buzzed pedestrians, not distracted by her usual after-work chat. Thankfully, it wasn't a long walk to the station and her train was always right on time.
"Oh, darn it. I should have told Capricorn I offered to stay longer to help with the rush…" Lucy bit down on her lip as she stepped off at her stop; just how was it already past midnight?
She stayed under the fluorescent lights as she called him, tapping her foot as the tone rang a few times. She cursed under her breath as he failed to answer, scrolling through her phone to call the only other person who would answer. Maybe it was a bit ironic now that she happened to be wearing his scarf. She would have tossed it out with the rest of his clothes when they fought, but she knew better than to purposely get it dirty.
"...Luce?" His voice sent a shiver down her spine; it'd been so long since they last spoke. It was slightly groggy and rough, one of her favorite pitches of his. She could almost hear it waking her up with a squeeze and his nose brushing against her cheek.
"Hey, Natsu. I know it's late, I hope I didn't wake you up."
"I fell asleep for a second," She could practically see him shrug, hearing him shuffle to get out of bed. "But it's okay, what's wrong?"
"Capricorn didn't answer and I forgot to tell him I'd be out late...do you think you could pick me up? I'm in the station near our school." Lucy couldn't help the small smile spreading on her lips as she already heard him rushing around his room to get ready.
"Yeah, I'll be right there, don't worry. Wait outside for me, okay? I'll bring my dad's bike."
"Thank you, Natsu." She felt her cheeks warm as she headed for the doors, feeling a flutter bloom in her stomach.
"Of course, I'll see you in ten minutes tops."
She let out a sigh of relief, feeling ten times more at ease. And they had such a natural conversation too, she missed how easy things were between them. Now she wanted more than ever for things to return the way they once were.
Lucy stepped out of the train terminal, leaning against a lamppost as she waited for Natsu to drive up to her curb.
"Lucy?" She turned around to face the voice that called out to her, surprised at who was approaching her.
"Oh, Hughes?" She tilted her head in question as he nodded with a chuckle. If she remembered correctly, didn't he live in the opposite direction? Cana said he was a regular who lived in some bougie condo closer to Akane Beach.
"What are you doing out here, it's pretty late, you know?" He shoved his hands in his trench coat as he towered over her.
"Um, yeah, I'm just waiting for a friend to pick me up," She hummed, taking a slight step back as she felt he was too close. "What about you?"
"I took the wrong train by accident and I saw you," He laughed, Lucy, gulping slowly with a wary feeling growing in her heart. "Figured I'd come talk to my favorite waitress. Your last day came out of nowhere, I was super bummed to hear you wouldn't be working anymore."
"Yeah, I was just helping out a friend." She shrugged, waiting for the silence of the streets behind them to fill with any sort of noise.
"Wanna go sit with me over in the park? We can wait for your friend together, hm?" He gestured towards the park across the street, Lucy turning to peer across the street. She'd been in that park before since it was right by their school, more than comfortable with knowing its entire layout. She had never been so reluctant to walk through it before.
"That's okay, he said to wait right here," Lucy said, her hand tightening on her bag strap. "You should hurry up and catch the next train, I'm sure it's about to leave."
"Don't be silly! I can't leave a girl all alone in the middle of the night. Come on, I'll buy you something warm to drink from the vending machine." His hand was quick to wrap around her bicep, Lucy cringing at how tight he grabbed onto her. She yelped as he tugged her forward, leading her to the crossing light to their left.
"You need to let go right now," She tried to counter her weight, pulling back and holding herself on his heels. "I'm serious, let go! I'm not going anywhere with you!"
"What are you freaking out for? You know me, Lucy, you always smiled when I talked to you," He rose a brow in question, Lucy letting out a shout as he dragged her forward with a disturbing force. "Why are you being so rude?"
"I don't owe you my company, you freak," She winced as he tightened his hold, glaring up at him. "Let go!"
Lucy flinched, her voice catching in her throat as she felt a harsh strike come across her cheek. She slowly turned her head to face Hughes, a chill spreading throughout her body as malice spread across his features.
"You're coming with me whether you like it or–"
"Get your fucking hands off her!" Natsu pulled Lucy away from his grasp and got between them, his fist making sharp contact with Hughes' nose. She closed her eyes and trembled at the sound of his bones breaking. The older man gagged as blood ran down the back of his throat, his balance thrown off as he fell onto the sidewalk.
"If I ever see you around here again, I'll fucking kill you," Natsu said in a stern, low tone. "You're lucky all I'm leaving you with is a broken nose, asshole."
It felt like time was moving at five times its normal pace, Lucy suddenly on the back of Natsu's bike, her arms wrapped around his torso. It felt like no time at all when he finally drove into her driveway.
Natsu kicked down his bike stand and took of his helmet, shaking his hair loose as he turned off the engine.
He turned his head to look back at Lucy, a somber look on his face as she didn't even budge.
"C'mon, Luce. I'll take you up to your room." He said, helping her up and off his bike, her movements a bit lethargic. Natsu was quick to pick her up, careful not to pressure her into speaking.
The memory of her shouting as he approached the street was haunting, his heart racing a mile a minute when she shouted to be let go of.
He had her house key, easily opening the door and taking them both up the stairs. Her arms were weakly draped around his neck, her mind slow to process everything that went down.
Natsu sat her carefully on the edge of her bed, sitting beside her as he held her face and looked at her reddened skin.
"Does it hurt? Should I get some ice?" He asked, feeling his anxiety grow as she began to cry. "Luce, hey–"
"I was so scared," Her bottom lip quivered as she looked up to meet his gaze. "I knew you were coming but I was so scared."
"I'm sorry for saying all that crap about you working with Cana," Natsu carefully held her hands in his. "I should've been more supportive, I should've been there sooner."
"You were right," Lucy shook her head, sniffling as a couple of stray tears fell down her face. "I was too weak to do anything against him...he would have...would have…"
"Don't say that! I don't think anyone in your position would've known what to do. You said no and–"
"If it hadn't been for you, Natsu, I'd be in that park right now!" She cried, letting go of her held-back emotions. "I can't protect myself from anything as much as I think I can. I am weak."
He frowned as he wiped her gathering tears away with his thumbs, unsure of what to say in order to comfort her properly.
"I promise you, Lucy, that you're the strongest girl I've ever met. But I swear, I'll protect you for the rest of my life so no one ever harasses you like that again."
Lucy buried her head against Natsu's chest, the pinkette maneuvering the two to lay comfortably against her pillows.
She cried as she laid on him, his hand gently patting her back. He closed his eyes, careful not to fall asleep; he missed the scent of her room.
It was maybe an hour at most before Lucy finally ran out of tears, her quiet hiccups and sniffles filling the room.
"I missed you, Luce," Natsu sighed as he sat up, smiling at the sight of her puffy eyes. "I'm sorry again for causing such a mess."
"It's okay," She shook her head and sniffled again, thanking Natsu as he handed her a tissue from her bedside. "I forgive you."
"Are you okay with staying the night?" She asked, Natsu rolling his eyes playfully.
"Of course I am, weirdo. There's no way I'm leaving you alone tonight."
"I missed you too," She mumbled as she rested her head against him again. "It's always more fun when we're together."
Lucy snuggled closer to him, Natsu feeling a blush creep onto his cheeks. He pushed her hair behind her ear, his heart skipping a beat as she looked up at him. Though her eyes were a bit puffy, she was still as cute as ever. The moonlight broke through her open curtains, spurring Natsu to press a kiss against her forehead.
"Mn, give me another one,"
He chuckled as he peppered her face with gentle kisses, her mood lightening with every soft touch.
"Natsu?" She asked with his lips against her cheek.
"Hm?"
"Can I have a real kiss?" She asked, her nervous hand on his bicep. He met her nervous gaze, swallowing the forming lump in his throat.
"A real one?"
"If that's okay." She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked up at him expectantly.
His hand shakily came up to caress her face, both leaning forward to close the distance between them.
Their embrace was inexperienced, both only having knowledge from seeing movies or tv shows.
She parted her lips against his, Natsu molding his lips into place carefully. They moaned lightly at the gentle pucker of their touch filling them both with the desire for more.
Natsu felt his chest swell with the need for her touch, questioning why they hadn't kissed sooner. He tilted his head and parted for a moment before chasing her lonely pair.
Her arms found their way around his neck again, Lucy arching her back and crooning slightly as his hands rested on her hips. They moved up her sides, pulling Lucy closer as their kiss deepened.
He laid her back on the bed, his arm propped up as his tongue prodded out and poked her bottom lip. He groaned as she responded to his touch, their labored breaths growing as they explored each other's mouths.
"Natsu," His ears burned with the sound of her moaning his name, his kiss migrating to the crook of her neck. "That feels so…"
"We should have been kissin' each other this whole time, Luce," He chuckled as he stole her lips again. "This is really the best feeling on earth."
hope you liked it! they totally deserved a kiss lol
if you're new to my stories, I hope you look into my profile, especially if you're in need of some NaLu smut!
manifesting a cute future