Hey what's up? Don't have much of an author's note so yeah. Anyway, anything else you guys want to see? Oh, and the reason for one of the later scenes is that our first time hanging out together (My girlfriend and I) was having a race. I beat her but it was close. We both ran track and cross country but never got a chance to see who could win in a race. Lots of fun! Oh, special dedication to those fans of the tory who asked for them to move quickly, especially 25NaMi, thank you for all of the support and ideas! On with the chapter!
Natsu and Mirajane stepped out of the restaurant into the warm summer air. It wasn't too humid or muggy, but perfectly warm, an ever present breeze rustling leaves and loose clothing. The lunch they had was good, hearty. Natsu sighed in content before taking his signature position with his arms up, hands resting on the back of his head. Natsu and Mira walked around for a bit, not having much to do.
"Natsu, you've never seen our studios, have you?" Mira asked.
"No I can't say I even know what you do in there," Natsu said sheepishly. All those years away from humans had kind of crippled his knowledge of their day to day affairs.
"Well, do you want to go see them with me? I want to take care of something," Mira asked.
"Sure, might be interesting. What do you need to do?" Natsu asked.
"Just set something up is all," Mira said. Natsu and Mira walked through the streets before arriving at a large building. Mira grabbed Natsu's hand because he was just standing outside and staring up. Natsu got dragged in the offices by Mira with her monstrous strength. Natsu looked around at the large number of people just lounging around or writing things down on notepads. Natsu also noted a few flashes of light going off every so often.
"Where are we going? And are we there yet?" Natsu asked childishly pouting.
"Give it a second Natsu, come on, into the room," Mira said, still dragging Natsu along. Natsu flipped himself up and landed on his feet next to the white-haired beauty. Mira looked over for a second before opening a door in the hall and sitting down on the couch.
Natsu covered his ears instinctively and was glad he did as the loud shout of "COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL" by the blonde man in the room would have blown out his eardrums.
"Calm down Jason. I'm here to schedule a shoot between me and Natsu later," Mira said taking a professional, harder tone.
"Natsu Dragneel?" Jason asked, "COOOOOOOL!"
"Shut up Jason, you're going to hurt his ears," Mira said jokingly, as they both stared at the salmon headed dragon slayer writhing in agony on the floor.
"Sorry, when do you want to do this?" Jason asked, also taking on a somewhat more professional tone which allowed Natsu to get up off the floor, though his ears were still ringing.
"Today?" Mira asked, looking around, "We're trying to get back as soon as possible."
"Sure, if Mr. Dragneel is okay with it," Jason said, "I can have the cameras ready in five, and if you want an article about him, get him out into the public's eyes."
"Natsu, how do you feel about doing a shoot with me right now? And having an article done?" Mira asked questioningly.
Natsu glanced up blankly, the ringing in his ears drowning out the words that had been said. Natsu squinted before flopping onto the couch, "Yeah?"
"Great, I'll give you five minutes to prepare and get ready for the shoot," Jason said before leaving the room.
"Good. We'll be waiting in here; Natsu, you ready?" Mira asked.
Natsu, who just regained his hearing pulled himself off the floor miserably looked at Mira with a questioning look, "Ready for the shoot in five minutes?"
"Is that what you were asking me about just then? I couldn't hear a thing, that guy was too loud," Natsu said as he got up shakily.
"Oh, well yeah it was. You're doing a photo shoot and then an article with me," Mira said.
"You knew I wouldn't be able to hear anything, didn't you?" Natsu asked. Mira nodded. Natsu sighed before standing up and going with Mira. They waited for Jason to come back, and as soon as he stepped in the room, a wall peeled back to reveal a small set with a green lacrima screen behind it, "What exactly does this entail?"
He was promptly ignored.
"Okay, Mr. Dragneel I think what we'll do with you is the normal thing we do with Mirajane since she is the one you're working with," Jason said.
"Natsu is fine, and what do you mean normal?" Natsu asked, before seeing Mirajane step out of the changing room off to the side. She was wearing a black and red bikini, "You know what, I think I figured it out. What exactly do I need to do?"
"Just put on a pair of trunks that are in the room behind you and we'll go from there," Jason said.
Natsu changed and stepped back in front of the camera, Mirajane waiting on him patiently. Mira plopped down on the sand, sitting on her knees and leaning forward ever so slightly. Natsu sat down next to her before Mira planted her hand on his chest and pushed him to the ground, forcing him to lie on the sand that they had put there. A few snaps went off and Natsu registered that Mira had laid down next to him and there was a camera over him and her.
The shoot went on for a good hour, swapping them from swim wear to just normal clothes to something more elegant. Natsu wore a black three-piece suit while Mira wore and elegant, strapless black and white dress cut just above mid-thigh. A few more shots were taken before the door opened.
Mira groaned and Natsu looked up to see another girl standing in the doorway. She strode over towards them but instead of stopping in front of Mira who she seemed to know, she stepped right past and up to Natsu.
"Well handsome, who might you be?" she asked, her voice ever so layer with a light husky tone covering up everything else.
"Natsu Dragneel, and you might be?" Natsu said, bowing his head ever so slightly though his voice gave away his disinterest. All of this flashing was hurting his head.
"Gentleman huh, that's nice," she said, twirling her blonde hair, "Jenny Realight."
"What are you doing here Jenny?" Mira asked the blonde woman. Natsu could sense Mira's mean streak was about to rear its head if things didn't go well.
"Oh you know, just stopping in, wondering why they didn't ask the real number one model in Fiore to do a shoot with this hunk of man right here," she said, dragging her arm across Natsu's arm and torso.
"Because I was the one who asked to do it with Natsu, not you," Mira growled.
"Oh, but he'd so much rather do it with me, wouldn't you Natsu?" Jenny asked pressing herself against the slayer, trying to show off as much skin as possible. Natsu felt his arm being sandwiched in between the new model's breasts Natsu was extremely uncomfortable at this point. Jenny looked at him expectantly, Mira just looking down, eyes shadowed by her hair. Natsu glanced at Jenny for a second before pulling his arm and body away from the blonde model and walking over to Mirajane. Natsu felt like he understood what Mirajane had meant by humans being more foreward.
"No, I don't think I would. I'd rather do it with Mira, and only Mira, or not at all," Natsu said draping his arm around the woman and pulling her closer to him. Mira looked up at Natsu for a second, an unreadable face before a small smile and a light pink dusting appeared on her beautiful features.
"Are you sure?" Jenny asked, adding more husk to her tone, arching her back and showing her breasts off more so than ever.
"Yeah absolutely. In fact, I was the one who requested to do it with Mira, and Mira alone. She just allowed me to," Natsu said, making a quick cover story. Mira looked up once more, a smile once again gracing her face. A few moment later is was replaced by a smirk. Mira looked at Natsu once more then gave Jason a look who simply nodded.
"Well, Natsu, I think we're done. What do you think we should do next," Mira asked Natsu happily.
"Well, I think it's time for me to treat you to dinner for our little date together, right?" Natsu asked a bit louder than normal, projecting it towards Jenny.
"Ah yeah, I forgot about that, where are we going might I ask?" Mira said, catching onto what Natsu was doing. She was grateful for it.
"Ah can't have you knowing, secrets, right?" Natsu said, "Though, I do think it is time to leave, is it not?"
Mira nodded, and turned to leave with Natsu but not before grabbing his arm and linking it with hers, grasping his hand as they left. She sent a quick smirk over her shoulder at Jenny who looked about ready to explode. Mira and Natsu stepped out of the building and Natsu collapsed on the ground and sighed.
"Okay, can we go back to the rooms now?" Natsu asked.
"Not so fast Mr. Dragneel, if I can recall, you're taking me somewhere to eat, is that right?" Mira asked grinning. She wasn't actually expecting him to do anything, so his response shocked her.
"I mean we kinda need to get ready, don't you think?" Natsu asked, "Sure it's nothing fancy, hell I don't even plan on a conventional date, but it's something. Just be dressed in something… let's say scrappy, that you don't care too much about."
"Um what?" Mira asked, "You were serious?"
"Well yeah, I can't say it then just go back on it. I'm taking you out on a date, even if we have to make it up as we go along," Natsu laughed, "I have something a bit less conventional."
"Oh? When do I get to find out about this?" Mira asked.
"Well, I think that maybe an hour would be good, yeah?" Natsu asked, "But don't do anything too fancy."
"Only an hour? And why not fancy?" Mira asked.
"You'll see," Natsu laughed, "I think an hour will be enough. If you would meet me around the northern outskirts of Crocus by the forest with the large tower and lake?"
"Of course, what are you going to do?" Mira asked.
"Surprise you I think. Hopefully it works!" Natsu laughed.
Natsu and Mir parted ways, with Natsu getting to the outskirts where he'd meet Mira. All he needed to do now was to make what he needed. He had to make two things, one of which would be significantly harder than the first. Natsu held his hand to his chest and sent a burst of dragon slayer magic through his clothes, causing them to briefly glow blue before shifting into something completely different.
Natsu set off to make the first thing he had to, which was a decent enough boat. Why bother buying one when you can make one? Natsu walked over to a large tree and pressed his palm against it. The tree sunk down, flowing into a small black symbol that appeared on Natsu's arm. He finished with that tree and repeated the process. After a few minutes, Natsu had enough materials to do what he wanted. The only issue with the kind of magic that he was using, was that it took a large amount of energy and matter, and said matter had to be in the same form. To make wood, he would need wood, same for stone, or metal, or water. He could change the state of matter any time, but he still needed to have the same base.
Natsu walked over to the water and grinned before concentrating. Matter flowed out of the symbol, glowing a bright white and taking a large globular form. Natsu finished that and began using his magic to mold the mass. Natsu first formed a stable base and adding a waxy coating using tree sap he had gotten in the tree, most of the material going into that. After that, Natsu focused on walls and streamlining the shape. After that was done, Natsu stopped for a second and lifted his creation into the water. It floated, but Natsu had to make sure it would float well enough. Natsu leapt up and landed in the mass. It floated, only sinking a few inches. Natsu grinned before focusing on the finer details, adding a clamp or two, some holding spots for oars, and a few benches.
After some good time, Natsu was done, a pristine, fresh boat floating on the water of the lake. It would only seat two people, but that was what it was designed for. On the front, Natsu had stylized the wood with his fire and creating intricate dressings and markings. Natsu grinned for a second before getting to work on his second creation, this one only taking a few minutes because of how used to making them he was. Natsu stepped back and laughed, hiding the second creation in a small compartment Natsu had made for them. The space was carved into the back of the boat, right under his bench so that Mira wouldn't be able to see them.
Natsu walked back to where he was supposed to meet Mira. He only had to wait for a few minutes before she showed up. Natsu laughed when he saw what she was wearing. It was a good thing she had listened, though he had expected her to try and resist a little bit. What she as wearing was probably a little bit better than what he had hoped for. It was no offense to Mira, just that he had come to expect it from people.
"Well Mira, it seems you took what I said to heart," Natsu laughed looking at the white haired-beauty in what looked like something she might work out in. If that was the case, then this would be a whole lot easier. Plus, Natsu could always change it if he needed to.
"What? You got a problem with it matchstick?" Mira asked, pretending to be annoyed. She would have sold it perfectly if she didn't give a tell-tale smirk at the end. Natsu had taken the time to read most of the people in the guild. That really just made it easier for him.
"Absolutely not! This was more than what I had expected, and this is so much better actually," Natsu said happily, "If you are ready to go, let's be off!"
"Yeah, let's. But! Are you going to tell me where you are taking me, or what you are doing?" Mira asked, "I'd rather like to know honestly."
"Eh I could tell you but that'd ruin the surprise wouldn't it?" Natsu asked.
"Fine, but are we almost there yet?"
"Well, not quite, maybe a fifteen-minute walk unless you feel like going full speed?" Natsu grinned.
"Let's go, try to keep up," Mira said, racing ahead of Natsu. Natsu laughed and shook his head; she was going to get lost because he was the only one who knew where they were going. Natsu grinned seeing the dust trail that was getting ever farther away. Natsu took a step before all but flying after Mira, before casually running alongside her. Mira looked over at Natsu before speeding up, but of course, they were going to be there soon, unless… Natsu had an idea. Quick as the wind, Natsu was near the boat, nabbed the second creation and put it in his pocket dimension. A second later, Natsu was back behind Mira. Mira shouted in surprise as the salmon haired mage appeared in front of her, running backwards, boasting his incredible speed. It scared her enough to cause her to stumble and nearly fall. She would have if a certain dragon slayer hadn't caught her.
Natsu stopped and grinned down at the model in his arms. She slapped him in response to his cheeky grin. Natsu laughed and set Mira down, letting her stand up. Natsu waited patiently, letting her stand up, but also not wanting to drop her lest he incurred her wrath. Igneel taught him a lot of things, but hammered a few into his head. He had used this particular piece of advice many times. As Igneel always said, Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Natsu sure as hell wasn't going to try his luck, especially with this woman.
Mira picked herself up and glared at Natsu before laughing, "Alright Natsu, you had your fun, but what do you want to actually do?"
"Well, you kept running so I had to go and pick something up for you. It was meant to be the last part of the ride but is suppose now will do then," Natsu grinned, "Do you want to run back or spoil the best part?"
"Best part, huh? Might as well save it, I suppose."
"Alright then, let's get this moving, yeah? I want to do something," Natsu said, walking back to where he was initially. Mira followed, taking only about five minutes to get back to where the boat was. Of course, Mira had no idea what she was waiting for, but eh. Natsu grinned before leading her onto the little boat he had made.
"Natsu, where did you get this?" Mira asked apprehensively.
"I uhh… Hmm… I made it of course!" Natsu laughed, failing to see Mira looking somewhat startled, "Oh it's fine. I already tested it and everything. It'll work fine!"
"You sure? I don't feel like going for a late-night swim with you. These clothes are practically see through when wet," Mira said, sitting down. Natsu followed right after her, grabbing the oars and pushing them through the water.
"To be fair, so are all of those little bikini things you wear," Natsu said putting his hands behind his head and leaning back.
"What do you mean?" Mira asked.
"Well, I mean that I can basically see through them," Natsu said, eyes closed. To Natsu, this was perfectly normal.
"What? How?" Mira yelled.
"Well, I suppose it's my dragon senses. I can see all of the individual fibers if I want to and that includes through the little gaps in them. You were pretty close after all. They kinda morph around your body so I can see through the gaps and get a fairly decent idea of well you know… I don't of course, but I could I suppose," Natsu said, opening an eye. Mira sat in the corner of the boat, somewhat huddled.
"You can see through them?" Mira asked. She sounded on the verge of tears.
"Not entirely, and even if I could, I wouldn't. It's purely rude, plus why would I want to?" Natsu asked. He mentally slapped himself. He really needed to tread more carefully.
"Am I not beautiful enough for you?" Mira asked. Natsu opened his eyes and mentally slapped himself again. Natsu leaned over the bench, seeing a single drop fall onto the small deck of the boat. He made her cry. Fuck.
"Hey, please don't cry Mirajane, honestly. I didn't mean it that way, so much that I have no reason to. Remember the whole mate thing?" Natsu asked, he fucked up, bad, "You're plenty pretty. You're amazingly beautiful! All of Fiore seems to think so!"
Again, wrong choice of words. Another tear slipped down her face, falling onto the wood beneath. Natsu felt her tense up. He needed to do something obviously, but what?
"I don't care what they think!" Mira half shouted-half blubbered, "I want to know. I want to know what you think! I care about what you think, not them! You actually took the time to get to know me a little bit. They know nothing about me, they only look at my face and body."
"Believe me, I think you are absolutely stunning. Honestly though, I could care less what you look like. You're still my friend," Natsu said.
"Natsu, tell me the truth damnit! Don't lie to me, please? I've only got the looks! That's it! I'm not strong, I'm not all that smart, I'm clingy and controlling, ad my personality is shit, and I'm insecure. I have only the looks, probably the only positive thing about me! Everyone always stops to ogle, but none of them want to talk! I can see why though, I drive everyone away," Mira cried.
"Please, for your own good, Mirajane -and I do mean this in the best way possible- shut the fuck up. None of that is true! You're very smart and strong, you're S-class! And as for your personality, that's what I love most about you! It's what I care about, because in my mind, you're not you if you don't have that personality. Maybe you are clingy and controlling, yeah, but you can work with that! There's no reason to feel bad about it, and especially no reason to cry about it. Please, don't cry, okay?"
Mira looked up, another tear leaking out of her eye. Natsu made an executive decision. It was probably a horrible one, but he still did it. Natsu leaned forward and grabbed Mira, hoisting her up and sitting her down next to him on the bench. Natsu wrapped his arm around her, draping it over her shoulders and pulling her ever so slightly closer.
Natsu sat taller than she did by a few inches, allowing her to lean her head in a way that put her in against the side of his chest, around where his heart would be. She could lean forward and put her head right on his chest. The man she leaned against let out the most comforting, happy aura she'd felt basically ever. She felt overwhelming safe when she was near him, and now that she could feel his heart, strongly beating, pushing boiling hot blood through his veins, she thought that she had never been safer.
He would protect her, no matter what. Mira felt him shift, leaning his body against the side of the boat, letting her basically lay down, keeping her head and upper back pressed into him. She felt the heat he exuded, she felt his chest rise and fall, his breathing slowing. He was falling asleep, and to be honest, she was too. She stretched her legs, feeling around, relishing the feeling of warmth of her own personal heater. Mira leaned her head back, letting it rest against his chest, right on his heart. She tilted her head back a little, eyes skyward. She looked at the handsome face above hers, drinking in all of the subtle features, every scar, every blemish, anything she could. She felt an overwhelming surge of… something. She couldn't describe it, only as something.
Mira leaned her head back down, letting her eyes shut slowly. Even with her eyes closed, she felt as close to him as she did with her eyes open. She didn't need to see him to know he was there. She felt every fiber of his being, feeling his slow, deep breathing as his heart beat rhythmically, sending a new warm feeling as his life substance coursed through every part of his body. She every move, every twitch, every beat.
She drank in all the warmth of his body, pressing herself into his body, feeling the aura of warmth and safety increase ever so slightly. And then, she felt it. She felt his arms slowly, but surely wrap around her waist, pulling her into him. She let out a soft breath ever so slightly visible in the crisp, night air. She wouldn't know though, her eyes were closed, her body focused on drinking in as much of him as possible. Everything.
And at long last, she finally drifted off to sleep, snuggling herself ever so slightly closer to him. She wanted it all, selfish as it might sound, but it didn't matter, because he was willing to give it all to her. The last she felt, was him, pulling her closer, keeping her comfortably against his body.
