Trigger Warning: Sexual assault situation
Soft footsteps on wet pavement were the only sounds that could be heard as I walked the empty streets of downtown Magnolia on my way home from work. My eyes darted down each shadowed alley I passed, but I could neither see nor hear anyone else. Skyscrapers loomed darkly above me, adding a claustrophobic dread to the already unnerving night. I quicken my pace as fear wraps its frigid fingers around my heart and mind.
Another alley appears on my right and I skid to a halt before I get too close. There are noises coming from the darkness – the first proof that I'm not alone tonight. Not knowing whether to investigate or run, I find myself frozen in place unable to do either. Shuffling steps grow closer until a man stumbles out from the alley towards me.
Relief washes over me as I recognize a head of disheveled pink hair. Able to move once again, I dash to his side. My arms wrap tightly around him of their own accord. Natsu's arms follow my lead, and the solid warmth of his body against mine melts away the uneasiness that had been building inside me.
"You're alright," he whispers, his breath hot against my neck. "Thank god I found you in time."
Natsu strokes my hair with one hand while the other rests firmly on my low back, keeping me tight against him - not that I had any intention of leaving the comfort of his arms. If I could stay wrapped up in this moment forever, eternity would be pure bliss.
Our perfect moment is disturbed by a flash of light and thunderous roar. I flinch at the noise and falter back a step as Natsu lurches slightly forward; I can't support his weight that is suddenly leaning heavily on me and we sink to our knees.
"Lucy," his voice is strained, "you need to go. Run away, please."
"What? Why would I run away from you?" I swallow my rising panic and take a moment to really look at Natsu. He is covered in bruises and wounds, as if he were in a fight. Now I'm both worried and confused. "Natsu, what's going on?"
"Lu-Lucy, go." His voice is weaker than before. "Please, I need to keep you safe. I promised to help you. You have to go.."
"Not without you," I snapped at him. This is not really the time for arguing, so I position myself to help him up. The full truth of the situation hits me when I glimpse a grouping of crimson blossoms spreading across the back of his otherwise white shirt. What the hell is that? Was he shot? Fuck, whatever it is doesn't matter right now; I need to get him to a hospital – quickly.
In my desperate attempt to help Natsu to his feet, I failed to notice someone approaching us. Bora's fist was tangled in my hair, one-foot colliding with my dear friend to send him tumbling back to the ground, when I was able to comprehend our situation.
"Natsu," I cried out as he fell away from me. Bora yanked painfully on my hair, pulling me away from Natsu as he leveled a sawed-off shotgun at him.
"No, please don't," I begged while I tried to fight free of the monster holding me captive. The deranged look on his face told me he would not hear my pleas, but I had to do something. In a moment of desperation, I gave the only thing he could possibly want, hoping it would be enough. "Please, Bora, I'll do anything you want! I'll be with you...I won't run away again, I promise; just please, don't hurt him!"
The only reply I received was a second deafening gunshot as Bora pulled the trigger.
"No," I screamed as I woke, desperately wriggling to get away from the sheets wrapped tightly around me, only to land painfully on the floor as I rolled off the hotel bed. Sitting up with my back against the bed, I tried to take in my surroundings in the darkness.
I'm safe in my hotel room; it was only a nightmare. I told myself this over and over again, seeking a calm that refused to come.
A glaring red light to my left informed me it was only 3:16 in the morning. I'd only gotten four hours of sleep, but the last moments of terror were playing on an infinite loop in my brain. In spite of my exhaustion, I had no desire to climb back into bed and close my eyes. At that moment, the only thing I had the will to do was pull my knees up to my chest and cry.
Nearly two hours passed before I found the strength to get off the floor. I'm still shaken by my nightmare; the image of Natsu laying on the street bleeding out – as well as my inability to save him, to do anything other than scream and beg – refuses to fade. It just becomes more vivid each time I close my eyes. I can see his pain, and hear him pleading for me to save myself.
I sigh, forcing myself to drag out my usual morning routine, taking a longer-than-usual shower to wake me up, and applying enough makeup to no longer look like a fucking zombie. Irritation set in when I realized that I had not packed any of my work-appropriate pants to wear today, and I grumbled as I slid on a flowy, knee-length skirt to go with one of standard button-down tops I always wear to work.
Natsu arranged for me to have a ride to work, and whoever is driving will come to my room to pick me up at 7:30, so I will have to wait a little longer before my coffee fix. Even though I'm safe in the hotel, he didn't want me leaving my room without an escort, which I agreed to late last night.
All my clothing and toiletries are packed and waiting by the door, my bridesmaid dress on top in its garment bag. Everything is ready to go, and I'm bored. The knock on the door was nearly ten minutes early, a fact for which I am grateful as I hop up from the chair in my room and answer without hesitation.
"I just need to grab my..." My voice died in my throat as I saw Bora standing before me. I tried to slam the door, but he lunged forward at the same time.
The force of his weight against the door pushed me further into the room as he stalked towards me. With my only exit now blocked, I had little choice but to stand my shaky ground.
"Leave me alone," I managed to mutter. Even those few soft words granted me the strength to continue. "Get out of my room, and out of my life."
"Why must you continue to deny my love for you?" Bora replied smoothly, sounding slightly hurt. I knew this game; he has played it many times with me. If I'm careful, I may get out of this encounter unscathed.
"Whatever your sick obsession is with me, it isn't love." Every word was spoken loud and slow, allowing no room for misinterpretation. "I do not love you. I do not want to be with you romantically. I don't want to be your friend. I don't even want to be anywhere near you. You kidnapped me, cut the hell out of my body, and raped me. Exactly which of those actions were done with anything that could possibly be interpreted as love?"
"I may have lost my temper once or twice when you were being disobedient, but that doesn't mean I don't love you."
"You carved your fucking name into me," I snapped.
"We are engaged," he snarled, dropping the mask of hurt he had been wearing. "You belong to me, and I am allowed to claim what is mine however I choose! You have been playing hard-to-get for years, so I gave you the space you think you want. And when I finally take the time to visit you at work, I see you with that pink-haired freak! I saw how you were dressed, and I know you've been whoring yourself out to him. I think it's time for another lesson; maybe this time you will learn your place."
Three thoughts passed through my mind in quick succession as the monster in my room spoke. First, I never heard the door click closed behind him. The second was that it was almost 7:30, so someone would be here shortly to help. And the third was Natsu's words last night to always keep fighting.
I bolted for the bathroom, knowing that if I can make it I will be able to lock myself inside until help arrives. Bora was faster, jumping at me and grabbing one of my arms tight enough I'm sure it will leave a bruise. He pulled me violently back against his chest, his arms wrapped around me to keep me in place. My struggling did little against his superior strength, but I persisted.
"Oh, yes," he panted in my ear as a hand slid over my left breast, squeezing it painfully. "You still remember how I like my foreplay. Keep struggling, my little whore; I'll be ready to fuck you soon enough."
As he spoke, Bora dragged me to the bed, pinning me face-down. His left hand held my wrists above my head and his thighs kept my legs in place after he slid my skirt up. Once he had me where he wanted me, he began to move on top of me, grinding himself against my ass.
Don't let him do this to you again, Lucy! My mind was screaming at me. Use your head! Fight back!
Memories flooded my brain of all the times this had happened before, but unlike in times past I did not allow them to overwhelm me. Instead I studied them, analyzing every painful moment until I found what I needed. It was the same. Each and every time.
The vile monster above me is a creature of habit, and he likes to hear me scream. Every time this has happened in the past, he has bitten into my neck just below the base of my skull. Hard. Right before he does that, though, he likes to whisper to all the explicit things he's going to do this time. It made me sick each time I felt his breath on my hair. If I'm right, he'll keep to his pattern and do it again. I hate that I want him to.
I bided my time, keeping myself from vomiting as I felt him getting hard the longer he moved his hips, until I detected the shift in weight as he brought his nose to the back of my head, inhaling deeply as I knew he would before he could start his disgusting ritual. I've struggled away from this move before and do the same again, pressing my head forward slightly into the pillow. He wasn't expecting what came next as I slammed my head back up into his face. I could feel his nose break on the first hit and his blood dripping into my hair.
Holy shit, did that fucking hurt! As rewarding as Bora's cry of pain is - or maybe surprise, but it doesn't matter which - I don't have time to revel in my small victory and whip my head back again and again. I finally felt his full weight hit me, unmoving. His breath brushed the side of my neck as I desperately squirmed out from under him. I'm not sure if I'm relieved or disappointed to know he is still alive, but I don't dwell on the thought; I need to get as far away as I can before he wakes up.
Barely able to stand, I made my way to the door. My head was throbbing from the multiple impacts, stars dancing across my vision. The room grew more blurred with each step, and the floor is getting closer. I'm vaguely aware of arms guiding me softly to the floor and familiar voices that I try to answer. Instead, I find myself closing my eyes, too exhausted by this morning's traumas to care about what happens next. For now I'm comfortable in the knowledge that I'm going to be alright; I'm safe.
I slipped in and out of consciousness for...a while, I guess. People woke me several times to answer questions, but it's all a bit fuzzy.
Everything was too bright when I was finally fully aware again. Flinching at the glare, I forced my eyes open to take in my surroundings. A hum started to my left and I could feel pressure on my bicep; it took a few seconds to make the connection: a machine is taking my blood pressure. Judging by the room I'm in, this is likely the ER. Although "room" seems a bit too generous a term. Perhaps "closet" would be more appropriate.
The glass door and curtain in front of me are opened to admit a nurse.
"It's good to see you awake again. How are you feeling, Miss Heartfilia?" She checks my vital signs on the machine and shines a light into my eyes as she speaks. "Do you remember what happened?"
"Head hurts," I said thickly. I want to say more but can't seem to form coherent sentences just yet, so I nodded in answer to her second question instead.
"That's understandable. The doctor will be in to check on you in a few minutes."
I nodded slowly as she left the room, closing the curtain in her wake. When it opens again, I am greeted by a woman with startlingly pink hair.
"Good morning, Miss Heartfilia," she said softly, "I'm Dr. Blendy. You may call me Chelia if you like."
"Call me Lucy," I reply, haltingly. "What am I doing here?"
"Your friends found you in your hotel room. You've suffered multiple contusions, as well as a concussion. It seems you passed out a few times, so you were brought here to make sure there's no additional trauma to your brain. Standard protocol for these situations."
None of this surprises me since I did bash in someone's face with the back of my skull. Panic fills me as I realize I don't know what happened to Bora. Did he get away? Is he in the hospital? Is he in this hospital? All these questions make my head spin, and my stomach churns painfully.
"How long do I have to stay here?"
"I'd like to do a CT scan to make sure there are no underlying problems. If that looks good, and if you have someone who can monitor your condition for a couple days, you should be able to go home in several hours. Best case scenario? Maybe five hours. Could be more, but won't likely be less than that."
"You..." Pain moved through my head like the ebb and flow of the tides; I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, then started over. "You said my friends found me? Are they still here?"
"They're still here," she said, giving me a sweet smile. "I'm going to put in the imaging request and get you a prescription for the pain. Just press the call button if you need anything, and I'll have someone escort your friends in if you like. No more than two at a time."
"Thank you, Chelia. I'd like to see my friends, please."
Chelia closed the door when she left, allowing me a few minutes of quiet before my visitors came in. I don't know who to expect, but I know the voices in the hotel were familiar.
"Hey, Lucy," Erza said softly as she walked into the cramped room with Jellal entering behind her. As soon as she was close enough, she bent to wrap me in a careful hug. "I'm so sorry, this is all my fault. If I'd left a few minutes earlier..."
"Erza, no. You are not responsible for the actions of that asshole, he is," I corrected. Though it was becoming easier to speak, it still took effort. "You're also not responsible for my carelessness in answering the door before checking to see who was knocking. That part is on me. And not that I mind you showing up when you did, but what were you doing in my room? You usually just text or call when you want to check up on me."
Erza sends a look to Jellal. He merely shrugged in reply.
"Natsu said you knew we were coming to pick you up?"
"Well, I knew someone was coming, but he didn't tell me who. Not that it matters at this point." The throbbing in my head was worsening again, and I did my best to ignore it. I don't want to take whatever medication Dr. Chelia has prescribed – painkillers make it difficult to think, and that is not a luxury I can afford at the moment. Or ever, if I'm being honest with myself.
"We're just glad we arrived when we did and that you're going to be alright. Though I wish we could have gotten to you sooner, I'm glad I was able to slow your fall. I don't think it would have been good for you to hit your head again," Jellal spoke calmly. He gave me a quick kiss on the forehead. "I need to get to work, but I'll see you soon. Get some rest; I'll send in your other visitor."
Erza stood to give him a kiss before he left, then sat in the only chair in the room.
"I'm proud of you, Lucy," she said after a short silence.
"I can't think of anything I've done that anyone can be proud of."
"But you have. You fought back. You finally fought back. That bastard was in rough shape when the police and EMTs showed up. Slightly unorthodox method you used, but obviously effective." She paused, smiling, then looked down and picked at her fingernails. "I don't really know how he did it, but I'm grateful for whatever Natsu said to you yesterday."
"I guess. I might be able to take the compliment a bit better once I stop feeling like shit." I let out a small laugh. Fuck, that makes my head hurt worse. Regardless of how much pain I'm in, I can't find it in me to regret my actions. "As far as what Natsu said to me, I need you to be a little more specific, because there was a lot of talking yesterday."
"You knew him for two days, and not only did you open up to him about that prick, but he managed to talk you into accepting help. All of us have been trying for years to achieve that." She smiled sadly. "Whatever he said, I'm just glad he was able to get through to you."
A soft knock came on the door before either of us could say more and when it opened again, it was to admit the subject of our conversation. He looked relieved to see me; as many times as I've watched him die in my mind this morning, I was just as relieved to see him. A blush crept up my face as I remembered the only moment that was not horrible: how it felt to be in his arms, even if only in my mind.
"Hey, Lucy," Natsu greeted. The look on his face shifted to one I didn't quite recognize. "I'm really..."
"You're not about to apologize to me, are you?"
"No?"
"Just checking. Erza already tried, and I shut her down; I don't have the energy to do it a second time."
"I'm really glad to see you're alright," he stated, running his fingers through his hair.
"I'm glad you're alright too," I replied without thinking.
"What? Erza, you weren't supposed to tell her." I could hear slight irritation in his voice as he glared at her.
"No, I didn't. I didn't say anything, I swear," Erza denied the accusation.
"Am...am I missing something?" I stuttered. "What do you think Erza told me?"
They glanced at each other, then back at me. Both looked uncertain about how to reply, but they didn't have a chance to say anything before we were interrupted.
"Miss Heartfilia," an aide called as she pushed back the curtain. "My name is Marley, and I'm here to take you to imaging."
Marley quickly unhooked me from the monitoring equipment and IV drip I hadn't even realized was in my arm, then helped me into the wheelchair she brought into my room.
"All set? Good!" This girl has far too much energy, and really needs to lower her volume. Before we set out, she flashed Natsu a smile and said, "don't worry, handsome, I'll have your girlfriend back before you know it!"
Neither of us were able to respond before she was hurrying me out of the room, but I could feel my face turning red.
"He's not my boyfriend," I told her as she wheeled me to the elevators.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't see a ring. Should I have said 'fiancé' instead?" She practically squealed in delight.
"No. He isn't...I'm not," I stumble over my words, rather confused as to why it's so difficult to say. The concussion is not helping me find the words I'm searching for, but I finally manage. "We're not romantically involved. He's just a friend."
"Does he know that?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Of course Natsu knows he's my friend. We just became friends and it was his idea, so I'm pretty certain he hasn't forgotten.
"Nothing, dear. But can I give you a piece of advice?"
"Um...I guess?"
"Next time you tell someone that he's 'just a friend,' you may want to try sounding a little less forlorn if you want people to believe you." Her tone as she said this was soft and sincere, but I'm fairly sure this woman isn't all there in the head.
"It's just," I sighed. "My life's just complicated right now. And, yeah, he's attractive, but we're just friends. Nothing more."
Why in the hell am I trying to justify my friendship with someone I'll likely never see again when I leave today? Damn concussion. Next time I tell myself to use my head, I need to not take it literally.
Marley let the conversation drop, as we had arrived at our destination. The imaging didn't take long and, much to my displeasure, she picked up talking right where we left off. Well, right where she left off.
"Just because something is complicated, that doesn't mean it wouldn't be worth it," she commented. "Okay, so this is the last thing I'm gonna say about it. That pink-haired hottie you've got waiting for you was a lot more worried than 'just a friend' would usually be. That red-head had one hell of a time keeping him from storming the ER to get to you; I'm pretty sure she threatened to rip off his legs if he didn't calm down. Or maybe she said she would cut them off? Whichever it was, we almost had to call security because we couldn't allow anyone in with you until you woke."
Yep, Marley's completely off her rocker. Natsu was obviously just worried, and she's blowing his reaction out of proportion. I'm feeling a little too polite to tell her that, instead opting for a slightly uncomfortable silence as she wheeled me back to my cupboard in the ER.
"Alrighty, Dr. Blendy will come back to speak with you once she has the results from the radiologist." Marley helped me back onto the narrow bed as she spoke, then hooked up the IV drip and monitoring equipment before making sure the call button was within easy reach. "Try to get some rest until then and press the call button if you need anything. Hope you feel better soon and give a little thought to what I said."
"That woman is entirely too chipper," Natsu said after the door slid closed.
"You have no idea." I replied, flashing him a grin before closing my eyes with a sigh. I always forget how draining it is to be in the hospital. The waiting just sucks all the energy out of me every time; it doesn't help that I could really use some sleep.
"I'll go so you can get some rest." I hear the light creaking of the chair as Natsu stands to leave and I couldn't help but panic.
"No, please!" My hand reached out to grasp his wrist, but my aim was off, and I found his hand instead, feeling the gauze under my fingertips. "Please stay. I'm scared, and I don't want you to go...I...I'll feel better knowing you're here."
As I waited for his reply, I noticed dark circles under his eyes, and his hair a little more out of sorts than I'd seen it before. He looks almost as tired as I feel, but I don't tell him that; I'm more than embarrassed at the desperation in my voice when I asked him to stay, but I can't tell him my fear is more about his safety than my own.
"Alright, Lucy, I'll stay," he whispered, leaning forward to plant a light, lingering kiss on my forehead before returning to the chair, his hand still in mine. "Get some sleep; I'll keep you safe."
Several hours passed quietly, with the occasional nurse waking me to check my vitals and see how I was feeling. Natsu was still by my side - my hand still held firmly in his and his thumb sliding across my skin - when something occurred to me.
"Hey, Natsu?"
"Hmm?"
"Obviously I don't mind having you here, but don't you have more important things to do than sit in the hospital with me? I mean, you have a company to run. Aren't there meetings you're missing, or phone calls, or..." I let my voice trail off, my train of thought not quite derailed, but it had completely run out of tracks at that point.
"Nope," he answered. "Nothing pressing is going on this week that I haven't already taken care of. I had Gray move my meetings once I heard what happened, and if there's an emergency people know how to contact me."
"But we've only known each other for a few days. Why would you go through all the trouble of staying here with me?"
"Because I," he paused, looking into my eyes. "I care about you, Lucy. It doesn't matter if I've known you for days or years; you're my friend, and I want to make sure you're alright."
I must've done more damage to my head than I realized; for a moment, I thought I heard the same sad tone in Natsu's voice that Marley claimed to have heard in mine. Stupid head; stupid imagination. Gods damned fucking concussion messing with my stupid, stupid brain!
"Thank you, Natsu." I gave his hand a light squeeze.
Our conversation couldn't go any further – or turn into an awkward silence – as there was a tap on the glass door. It slid open enough to admit the doctor. Finally.
"Alright, Lucy, I have your results," Chelia said while glancing at where Natsu was sitting, our hands still connected as they had been for hours. "Would you prefer to discuss this privately, or with your...friend...in the room?"
"I'd like him to stay?" I glanced at Natsu to make sure he was okay with that. He gave me a nod and a smile.
"So, the good news is that there is no swelling or hemorrhaging around your brain. Since you did lose consciousness several times, I would like to keep you for 48 hours to monitor your condition. As I told you earlier, if you prefer to be at home, I can discharge you if you have someone who is willing to look after you during the next two days and bring you back to the hospital if your condition worsens."
"I'd rather be home, but I don't..."
"I will stay with her and track her condition," Natsu cut me off.
"I can't ask you to do that," I whispered to him.
"You're not asking, I'm volunteering."
"But," I hesitated, letting my previous thoughts filter through. "I don't want to burden you with this…"
"It's either forty-eight with me at home where you can rest comfortably, or forty-eight in the hospital where we will both be decidedly uncomfortable. The choice is yours, but I have no intention of leaving your side when you need me." I almost took advantage of his slight pause, but he beat me to it. "You're not a burden, Lucy. I'm choosing to stay and help with anything you need, whatever that may be. We're friends, and I'm here for you. And don't try to argue that you don't need help - I know that's a lie, since you've already asked me to stay once."
Though I didn't want him to be right, I knew he was. I don't even know where home is right now, but I know I want to be there with him, and my heart gave a slight flutter at Natsu's determination to stay with me. Stupid. Fucking. Damaged. Brain! What the hell is even wrong with me right now?
"Home," I answered quietly, "I want to go home."
"Of course," Chelia replied. "I'll put in the discharge paperwork. One of my nurses will be in to go over care instructions, and I'm writing you two prescriptions – one for the pain, the other for nausea. Do either of you have any questions for me?"
We both said 'no' and she left again. Another hour came and went before I was released.
First off, thank you to everyone who liked this story enough to fave/follow. And a special thanks to my reviewers: Copperreign12, LadyNerdyNerf, and RequienMage.
This was one of the more difficult chapters for me to write, and I'd love to hear what y'all think of it. I know several of you expressed a desire to have Natsu kick Bora's ass - and that's absolutely going to happen in the future (planned, but not yet written) - but Lucy is a fighter, and you know she has to kick ass, too. With everything he's done to her, she deserved to claim first blood in this one.
When I first wrote this, this was actually two chapters, but upon further review, I couldn't just leave y'all waiting to see what happened to Lucy. I mean, I know I'm evil, but I really do try not to be cruel. Next chapter you get to find out about the 'safehouse' that I know you're curious about.
TTFN, Lovelies!