SEVEN: The things that happen when summer hits
Natsu's Point of View
After months and months of studying and answering exams, summer finally comes. It's my favorite season of the year, where the sun is out and hot and we get to do whatever we like. The best thing about it is that we get to go somewhere out of the city and have tons of adventure, and I can't wait to get started.
"Yo, Luce," I called out to the blonde next to me, as I kept my hands on the steering wheel while looking back at her. When Lucy looked back at me, I asked, "What are your plans this summer? We have like two months to do anything,"
Lucy chuckles before answering me, "Yeah, we have two months to spend on a very hot weather,"
"Hey, summer is great," I defended, earning a laugh again from Lucy
"Right, you love heat," Lucy said with her eyes rolling at the thought, "I guess, I'll just be at home, read my books,"
"Booo!" I howled and got a glare immediately from her, "You can't just stay at home and read books. Summer is for fun adventures. Didn't your mom tell you anything about having a trip?"
"Actually no. Though, last week, she mentioned that she wanted to go vacation on our rest house on Acalypha," Lucy then turns around in her seat to fully look at me. As she brought her knees up and poked me on the arm, she continued, "Do you remember that place? We used to go there every summer,"
"Yeah sure," I then chuckled at a memory, "I always push you to the lake,"
I then saw Lucy roll her eyes at me, making me chuckle back, "Yeah, and as a revenge, I'd take all of your briefs and put it in a basin full of water and place it in the freezer," Lucy then laughs at me as she saw my face scrunches up in disgust
"I seriously can't forget that," I glanced at Lucy as she slows down from her laughter, "You want to go back there?"
Lucy thought for a moment before she replied, "Yeah, sure," she then looked straight ahead, "You know, it doesn't matter to me if we go somewhere or not. I just want to take a break from everything. It seems like our last semester was full of events that it seems so hard for me to catch up,"
"In studies? You did great. Remember, you had the highest score in one of your subjects," I replied back
"Well, yeah. But aside from studies, a lot of things happened," Lucy then looked at me, as if she was conveying something to me, "particularly my transformation,"
I snuffled at her words as I remembered that first day I saw Lucy in her mini skirt, "Tell me about it,"
"Exactly," Lucy reiterated before she sat down properly.
Soon enough, we were both entering our village and we started talking about the people we saw on the street. It's always funny for Lucy and me to recall memories of our neighbors, who were sometimes clueless about everything, but either way, we love these people. They are just the kindest people you'll ever meet.
"Natsu," Lucy suddenly calls my attention. When I made an audible sound that I was listening, she continued, "Are you going to Erza's cake party?"
"Is that tonight?" I whined at the blonde, who just looked back at me like I was some spoiled brat
"Yes, mister. But it's fine if you don't come, just don't expect me to cover up for you," Lucy then grinned at me devilishly, making me frown at her evilness
"You are just like her," I commented, making her even more proud, "You both are scary,"
"I'll take that as a compliment," Lucy smirked at me before she chuckles.
Within a few minutes and a few turns around our village, I was able to reach Lucy's house and dropped her off. As she waved goodbye to me and reminded me to pick her up for Erza's party, I went straight to our home, which was just three houses away.
As soon as I stepped out of the car, mom and Wendy immediately welcomed me home. They were ecstatic about something, but I couldn't really understand what they were talking about. So, chuckling at how they were behaving, I tried to make them calm down, "Okay, mom," I stopped right before the door, "Can I get my things to my room first before you start telling me about this thing…you have been talking about?"
"Apparently, oni-chan wasn't listening," Wendy chortles after when mom gave an annoyed look to me
"Fine, fine, pack your things away first then head to the kitchen alright? I'll prepare you some noodles," Mom then winks at me before she opens the door for us and heads straight to the kitchen.
When Wendy followed mom inside, I quickly ran up to my room and placed all my bags on the floor as I shut the door close. With a sigh of relief, I walked over to my bed and went free falling.
As I bounced on the bed, I said to myself as I sighed in content, "Finally, I can sleep the whole day," my eyes then slowly close but before my brain could totally shut down for a sleep, someone suddenly bangs on my door too loud for my liking. So as my eyes crack wide open, I immediately groaned sitting up.
"What?!" I annoyingly bellowed
"You might want to come down, Lucy's on the phone," dad's voice said behind the door
"Lucy?" I replied back, less annoyed this time, "Why is she calling this early? I just got here," I then stood up and opened the door to see my father's grinning face
"Why are you smiling like that? You look like a creep, dad," I then sidestepped to walk past him but before I could walk away from him, he quickly said, "Lucy's not on the phone," Dad admitted as he tries to stifle his laughter
I slowly turned to look at the red-haired man with a hard stare, "You were just messing with me?"
The old man then howls in laughter as he taps my shoulder and walked away, "Yup! Welcome home kid,"
"Uh!" I groaned as I rolled my eyes to my dad. I knew there was something fishy about Lucy calling me right away. So, soon enough, I laughed along with him as I replied back, "It's nice to be back. Thanks, dad,"
Igneel just smiled back at me before he points and says, "Ramen tonight alright. And I asked your mom to make it triple spicy,"
"Awesome!" I cheered as I jumped in excitement, "Can I ask Lucy to come over?"
"Sure, kid," Igneel then winks at me before walking down the stairs.
When my old man was gone, I went back to my room and immediately dug out my phone from my pants' pocket. I dropped myself on the bed and pressed 1 to call Lucy. As I waited for the call to be answered, I expertly took off my shoes and made myself comfortable on the bed.
"Oy Luce!" I exclaimed instantly when the call was answered
"Natsu, I didn't know you were excited to go to Erza's cake party?" She snickers, making me smile as well
"Nah, not excited one bit," I then slowly moved up and rested my back on the headboard, "Hey, mom is making ramen tonight, want to come over?"
"But what about Erza's party?" She questioned
"I'm going to pass on the cake. You know I'm not into sweets," I replied back as I watched my feet flap together "And besides, I feel too tired to step out of the house,"
"Huh, yeah right," Lucy said, and I can imagine her rolling her eyes on me, "Knowing you, you have a lot of reserved energy,"
I quickly laughed at her comment, because for some reason it was true, "So, want to join in our ramen night?"
"Hm, maybe next time. I'll be passing on Erza as well because I want to eat dinner with mama and papa," Lucy then became silent, but I could sense she was happy taking a rest
"Alright," I replied back, "Call you later then,"
"Ok, bye!" Lucy then hangs up the call and I quickly pull the phone away from my ear.
As I crawled downward to fully rest my body, I stared up at the ceiling with a content smile on my face. After a long school year, I finally can say to myself that I deserve to take a break and I can't wait to spend my summer vacation.
As I hear the clock ticking, I couldn't sit still on the couch. I wondered to myself, how could they just sit around watching tv or read a book, when we could do something outrageous or thrilling. So, when the clock strikes 9, I quickly looked at the wall clock and stood up from my spot on the living room. With my sudden stance, mom, dad, Wendy, and even Zeref couldn't help but glance at me, and I could see on their faces, the wonder of what is going on with me.
"Natsu, are you alright?" Zeref questioned as he deliberately stared at me but then I didn't bother to look back at him and said instead, "I'm going out," I replied back, completely ignoring the question of my brother. And so, I immediately turned around and headed upstairs to get my scarf and wallet, without even listening to my parents' query about what is going on.
When I got all the things I needed, I ran down the stairs and headed straight for the door. But as soon as dad saw me, he quickly called my attention, making me stumble a little as I try to stop right at the door.
"What?" I questioned as I leaned back to see dad looking back at me, "What did you say?" I continued
"I said, where are you going?" Dad asked again, but this time with a little more conviction
"Uhhh, to Lucy..." I trailed off as I was unsure of how I would explain it
"At this hour?" Mom questioned this time as she raises a brow at me, making me a little apprehensive of what they are thinking
"Yeah..." I said back, sounding more like I'm asking than actually being certain of my thoughts, "Don't worry about me-" I added but I was immediately cut off by mom as she said
"it's not you who we are worried about. It's Lucy," mom then rolls her eyes on me when I literally gave a displeased look at her.
"Don't worry about her. She got me," I then looked away from them as I grabbed the doorknob and turn it open. Once the door was open, I quickly stepped out of the house and completely ignored what my parents had to say again. As soon as I stood outside, a warm breeze caressed my face and this instantly brought a smile on me. Feeling that warm breeze, I couldn't hide my excitement for the season and for what I will be doing in the coming days. I thought to myself, today starts the best adventures that I will be creating, along with Lucy. So, without waiting any longer, I quickly jogged away from the house and ran towards Lucy's home.
Since it was 9 in the evening, only a few people were out on the street and they didn't mind me at all running. It's a typical thing for me to run around the neighborhood and they got used to me being like that, regardless of the time. In less than five minutes, I reached Lucy's place and stood by the gates of the Heartfilia's. As I stood there, I instinct checked the window of my best friend and there I saw her room was still lit. Just like a habit, I smirked to myself before I looked around and headed towards the side of the house, where I could climb over the fence and jump to Lucy's room balcony.
After a few jumps and leaps, I was able to land quietly on Lucy's balcony and quickly knocked on Lucy's tall glass door. In a few minutes, Lucy's curtains withdrew and revealed a surprised blonde. The moment she saw me standing behind her glass door, I saw her eyes grew wide in surprise before looking back at her room and open her door. As her door moved, she quickly mumbled softly yet obviously annoyed with my sudden intrusion, "What are you doing?!"
"Konbanwa, Lucy!" I greeted, as I try to annoy Lucy even more
"Don't 'konbanwa' me, Natsu! What are you doing here?! Why are you on my balcony?!" Lucy then steps out of her room and closed the glass door, so that we were both at the balcony.
As I completely ignore Lucy's rant, I sat down on the balcony ledge and grinned at her as I say, "Luce, you know why I'm here. This isn't the first time,"
"But still!" Lucy then crosses her arms over her chest
"Eh, just don't mind me. Let's just go, Luce," I then jumped off the ledge and tried to reach out for her wrist, but then she steps back as she gawked at me
"What?! No!" Lucy retaliated, "And seriously, do you think I would just brush it off the idea that you habitually climb over our fence when you could just have used the doorbell?"
I suddenly sighed. Hearing Lucy to complain about my ways of visiting her, sometimes annoy me because, to be honest, there is nothing going to change with my reason, "Luce, you know that doorbells are boring for me," I then moved past her and opened the door to go inside Lucy's room. I thought to myself there is a need for more convincing for Lucy, "Do you know how it feels when you're sneaking into your room?" I then grinned at the blonde as I take my seat on Lucy's bed
"No, I don't know, because obviously, I don't need to sneak in into my own room," Lucy said as she closes the door and turns around to face me. Right when she looked at me with her poker face, I knew then that she is beginning to get annoyed. So, I just nodded my head and kept myself quiet, to avoid making her mad.
Crossing her arms over her chest, Lucy soon gave a skeptical look at me before she asked, "What are you doing exactly?"
Before I sighed and gave an answer to Lucy, I looked at her as if telling her I'm getting tired of our repetitive conversation. But then she raised her brow, and I quickly gave her a tight smile instead, "Well, something came into my mind," I finally said
"Which is?" Lucy waits for me to continue
"Adventure," I simply replied, earning a scoff from the blonde
"Natsu, I know how much you love adventures and exciting things but…climbing over our fence and jumping to my balcony is not a good idea,"
"But why?" I whined, and Lucy immediately furrowed her brows at me again
"What do you mean why?!"
"Luce, sneaking inside your room is exciting and cool!"
Lucy scrunches up her face as if finding me ridiculous, which I don't understand why "I don't think mama and papa would find that exciting and cool. I mean seriously, you could have looked like a burglar trying to steal things," Lucy then widens her eyes at me as she tries to convey her point
Thinking about what Lucy said, I suddenly realized what I did. Lucy does have a point, I did look like a burglar, jumping over their house. So, without knowing, I nodded my head in understanding and said, "Right…I did look like some thief…"
"Now, you get my point?" Lucy then smirks triumphantly, as if she won a debate
"…but I think I did some pretty good ninja moves, so I doubt anyone saw me" I then grinned back at her, completely forgetting her words moments ago.
Lucy then slams her palm on her forehead as she shook her head, "Oh, Natsu…" Lucy then drops herself next to me before she looks back with a sloppy smile, "When will you ever grow up?" we both then chuckled before I made another joke
"Hey, I'm a grown man," I then started to flex my arm and showed my bigger bicep. But then Lucy just scoffed as she rolled her eyes
"Did you just roll your eyes on me?" I said, and this made Lucy gawk
"Why yes, got a problem with that?" Lucy replied as she widens her eyes, and I quickly quivered back and moved away
"Nope, just asked…" I said as I moved a little bit further from her before I grinned and stood up.
As soon as I did, Lucy looked back at me with a pure confusion of what will happen next. So, giving it away, I extended my hand for her to take but then she just stared at it, completely doing nothing but stare. So, rolling my eyes at her deadpan reaction, I quickly pulled Lucy to stand up as well. And as we stood by the bed, I pointed backward with my thumb, directed toward the door, I then mumbled to her, "Come on Luce, let's go. Let's have a night stroll,"
"A night stroll? You? I doubt," Lucy said dubiously as she shook her head with a smile on her face
"Trust me, it will be quick. We'll be back before midnight, I promise"
Lucy furiously shook her head, "No, we are not doing that. The last time you pulled me into a night stroll, I got locked out of the dorm,"
"Well that was back in the dorm, but we're not in the dorm anymore," I then smirked at my own defense, knowing I would win this argument. So, knowing that Lucy is about to lose this debate, I gently grabbed her arm and gave it a shake as if it would convince her, "So, come on!"
Sighing at in defeat, Lucy just gave me a deadpanned look, totally telling me that she is already regretting her decision even if she hasn't said it yet. So, instantly, I grinned at her and moved my ear closer to her as to tease her about agreeing to my plan. Seeing me do this, I laughed when I saw her roll her eyes as she said, "Fine…but!" Lucy exclaimed as she then raised a finger as if to stop me from reacting. So, then, I held my breath and waited for Lucy to continue, "I should be back home before midnight and we're leaving through the front door,"
Without second thoughts, I quickly nodded my head and quickly pulled her into a hug. Hearing her yelp made me even more excited. So, as I pulled away, I swiftly pulled Lucy towards her door to run out of the room. And before Lucy could even react and shout out to her parents that she was leaving, we were already outside, standing before the front door.
"Alright!" I shouted as we stood in front of the door, "Now that we've done your conditions, it's time for us to do our adventure!" I then hurriedly pull Lucy out of the gate without making her trip. And the moment I heard her yelp in surprise and laugh in excitement, my smile grew even wider as we headed away from their street.
As we strolled around the neighborhood, Lucy and I happen to pass by a small convenience store that sold different snacks. To our surprise, the store was open 24/7 which was great because it only means that there a lot of food choices to pick.
"Luce," I called as soon as we saw the store
"I don't have money," Lucy quickly responded, knowing what I wanted to say
I then chuckled when she glanced at me as if she was saddened to the thought that we couldn't buy anything. So, I pulled out my wallet from my pants' pocket and showed it to her
"Tada!" I chimed as I wiggled my wallet in front of her. But then Lucy raised her brow at me as if it didn't please her that I brought my wallet
"Did you check your wallet first if it has some jewels?" Lucy looked at me, almost impatiently as I swallowed hard with the thought that I did not check my wallet and prayed that it has some jewels
"Um…let us just see," I then opened my wallet only to see two hundred jewels
"At least," Lucy then grinned before she snatches my wallet and dashed towards the store. As I watched her head off, I couldn't help but grin too, obviously, I don't know why.
When we looked around the store, there was not much that we wanted to eat. I wasn't into noodles because apparently, that was my dinner. Lucy didn't also feel like eating chips, because she said she was watching her sodium intake.
"I mean seriously Luce, sodium intake?!" I bafflingly questioned her as we continue to walk around the store, "Since when did you care about maintaining a sexy figure?! Does that come with your transformation?!"
Lucy looked at me bewildered, "No!" She quickly denies as she knuckles my head
"Ah!" I shouted in pain as I covered immediately my head for any further attack from the blonde, "What was that for?!"
"Natsu, watching my sodium intake has nothing to do with my transformation," Lucy then rolls her eyes on me, "It's called, living healthy,"
"Psh," I slurred before making face at the blonde but quickly looked away when she glared at me, "Then what do you want?"
"I don't know…" Lucy looked back once more to see if anything grabs her attention, "Nothing seems to be interesting to eat,"
Before I could even respond to Lucy, the door to the store suddenly opens and the chimes quickly resounded, snatching our attention to the newcomer.
"Ice cream delivery!" the man in white polo shirt shouted before glancing around the store to see the crew. When the crew didn't show up immediately, the delivery man looked at our way and asked, "Where's the crew?"
Lucy and I suddenly froze, suddenly feeling nervous and suspicious about the man. I then stepped in front of Lucy and hid her behind me. I then whispered to her, "I think this man is a killer,"
"What?!" Lucy whispered angrily as she bangs my shoulder in nervousness
"I don't know!" I shouted back at the delivery man, making the man a little curious with my tone since he tilted his head, "I don't know where is the crew,"
"Natsu!" Lucy bellowed in fear for me as I felt her pull on my shirt, "Stop talking to him..."
"I got this," I said back as I peek over my shoulder. When suddenly, a clear of voice was heard behind our back, making Lucy yelp in surprise.
"Do you mind guys? to step aside? I've got delivery," The crew said to us as he parted us away and walked towards the delivery man, who shook his head in disbelief.
"Oh...he is a delivery man," I said as Lucy and I just gawked at the two men. As we were about to leave, Lucy suddenly pulled on my sleeve and called, "N-Natsu," she stutters as I glance at her. She then pointed at the crew and delivery guy and mouthed out, "Ice cream,"
"Yeah, I know..." I looked at her confusedly before asking, "What do you want me to do?" I innocently questioned as I leaned closer to her
"Ice cream..." Lucy then slowly smiles at me
"You want ice cream?" the crew staff suddenly spoke as he looked our way. With our expression like a Deer caught in the headlight, I couldn't help but just nod.
Soon, Lucy and I ate our popsicle stick on the street and aimlessly walked around again.
"Well, that was an adventure..." I said as I looked at Lucy, happily eating her treat
"It was more odd than an adventure..." Lucy comments back as she looks back at me
Without any intention of going anywhere, we both then saw the playground a few meters away. So, without talking, we both looked at each other again and gave a wide smile. And without saying a word, we both ran up to the playground and headed for the swing.
"Natsu!" Lucy called as she finished her popsicle stick, "Push me!" Lucy then took her seat on the swing and held onto the chain
"Why would I push you?" I replied back as I take a bite on my treat
"Because that's your task, all the time," Lucy then grinned. In seconds, I remembered our younger days wherein she'd always ask me to give her a big push and when I take my seat she couldn't push me that hard because of her smaller frame, "remember?" She added as if her words were poisonous
Knowing the meaning of her grin, I gave a scowling look at the blonde, making her chuckle. Being impatient as she is, she grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards her while she is seated, "Come on, Natsu,"
"To think of it, you were reluctant to join me tonight," I teased as I positioned myself at her back and gave her a gentle yet strong push
"Alright, alright, I admit I was being a sissy back at home," Lucy admitted as she enjoys the ride
"And why is that?" I asked as I try to see her face
"Nothing," Lucy then laughed before she leans her head back to look at me but then she looked away quickly, "I wasn't just in the mood,"
"Are you in your period?" I suddenly ask as I grab the chain to slow down the swing
"No," Lucy shook her head, "I just finished last week,"
"Right…you're a monster last week," I said as I nodded my head in recollection
Lucy then just laughed at me, knowing that she remembers how horrible her mood swings were last week. So, dropping the topic, I continued to push Lucy at the back and as she goes higher, the blonde couldn't contain her happiness as she yelps in glee.
"Are you happy, Luce?" I questioned as I find myself being amused by her gleeful laughter
"Yeah," Lucy giggles in excitement
I then laughed at her manner of response, I couldn't help but compare her to a small child, like to the young Lucy I've known for years, "You sound like a little girl, like it's your first time to ride a swing," I then laughed again when she laughed at my teasing
"Riding a swing is very fun, and it has been a long time since I rode one," Lucy answers back as she leans back to look at me,
"Really?" I then tilt my head in surprise, "You've never joined me in any playgrounds near our school?"
"Yeah, most probably because I find it inappropriate for us to do so in broad daylight," Lucy then plants her feet on the ground to slow down, "Why, you? When was the last time you rode a swing?" Lucy then stood up and faced me as she tugs my arm towards another facility in the playground
I raised my brow at her, "Just the other day," Lucy then nearly tripped on her own footing before she catches herself and tried to stand up again, "It's not like we're not allowed to have fun in a playground, Luce. You can always go to one and have fun with kids," I then snickered at the blonde before turning around to head for the monkey bars.
As I headed to the highest monkey bar in the playground on one side, Lucy stood at the other end to wait for me. Knowing that she wouldn't be doing the monkey bars with me, I just waited for Lucy to start our conversation.
"Don't you ever get tired of being too playful?" Lucy asked as she leans on the pole, "I mean, were young adults now and playing in the playground is pretty much childish,"
"You know Luce, sometimes, being playful is not that bad. If I'm not playful, that wouldn't be me. People always say I have so much energy, and that is one of my characteristics. Don't you agree?" I asked back as I give a short glance at her before looking back at the bars
"Okay, fine. Maybe being playful is your characteristic. But don't you want to grow up a little. Maybe thinking more about the future, like, where we'll work after graduation, if you'll get your own place, have your own family," Lucy suddenly stepped back when I signaled to her that I was going to jump off. When I dropped myself down to the ground, I replied back to her, "I've thought of those things, Luce. I just don't usually talk about it," I then grabbed Lucy's hand and pulled her towards the slide. As we climbed up the small house, I took my seat on the side and let my feet dangle, which Lucy copied after.
"Then, why don't you talk about it?" Lucy asked at once
"Because people wouldn't take me seriously," I then chuckled at the thought of me talking about my plans for the future, but my laughter quickly dies down when Lucy didn't laugh back
"Why would you think that? I would take you seriously," Lucy answers back
"I know," I suddenly looked away from her as I begin to feel bashful. I don't actually know the reason why I would never talk about my future plans with anybody, even with Lucy, "It's just that, I don't have a clear idea yet about what I want to do in life,"
"Well, who does?" Lucy then slightly bumps me on the shoulder, making me chuckle and look back at her. As she smiles timidly at me, she adds, "I don't even have an idea too of what I'll be facing in the future, but I'd like to make plans," Lucy kept her gaze at me with a sweet smile on her face. With how she looks at me, there is something inside me that tingles, so without really understanding why, I scooted closer to her and asked, "What do you want to do then?" I leaned closer to her and placed my hands behind her
"Me? Well, I thought about working in Crocus," Lucy then looks ahead as if she was imagining her dream, "Working for a publishing company and be an editor-in-chief someday,"
As I try to imagine it too, I softly mumbled to myself, "I see…you want to go to Crocus…Crocus?!" I suddenly bellowed in surprise when I realized what she said. With my loud voice, it was obvious that it startled Lucy and made her look at me with wide eyes, "But that's too far!" I continued as I try not to spaz on her
"Relax, pinky," Lucy said with her raised hands to keep a barrier between us. Glaring at her, which Lucy didn't take seriously, just chortled as she continued, "Crocus may be quite far but that city has a lot of opportunity for a journalism student like me,"
"Pssh," I scowled as I leaned away and scooted away from her as I crossed my arms, "Your planning to leave Magnolia," I stated annoyed
"Natsu," Lucy chortles at my childish antics, "Crocus is still in Fiore. It's not like we wouldn't see each other. And besides, you can also get a job there,"
"But I don't plan to leave Magnolia," I then glanced at Lucy with a soft look, "Magnolia is my home and I'm not going anywhere,"
"So you're saying all of your plans would go around this city?" Lucy asked
"Yeah," I answered before I laid down on my back with my arms behind my head and looked up at the night sky. When silence came, I glanced at Lucy to see her expression. Looking at her face, I couldn't really read what was running inside her mind and it's quite unsettling that Lucy and I have different plans for our future, "I plan to work here, have my family here, and grow old,"
Lucy just stared at for a moment before she answers back, "Well, that's nice..." she then copies my position and gazed at the sky as well, "See, you have a plan..."
"What are you looking forward to?" I asked as I turn my head to watch Lucy
"For the future?" Lucy asks back as she turns her head as well to glance back at me. With her expression, it was obvious that she was taken aback to see me looking back at her already. And for some reason, I always enjoy seeing her being taken by surprise by me. So, as I stop myself from smiling, I replied back to her, "No, for the coming days of our vacation," I then kept my gaze at the blonde, despite the little shock on her face
"Oh...um, nothing much. Just...fun adventures I guess," Lucy then tried to smile before she continues, "Courtesy of yours,"
I then chuckled at her comment as a relief, "Good. I thought you'd say something else,"
"What do you mean?" Lucy suddenly sits up straight as she stares at me
"N-Nothing," I then pulled myself up to sit up straight and immediately stand, making Lucy furrow her brows. So, as she follows after me, she quickly grabbed my scarf and stopped me from turning away, "Hey, what do you mean? What did you think I would say?"
What did I think she would say…um, obviously something that I can't bear to hear from her. I don't think I will ever be ready for those words. Goodness! I sound like her father, no offense Uncle Jude. But you get my point?!
I stood still for a moment before I sigh and shake off the tingling feeling inside my stomach, "I just thought… you'd say you're looking forward to meeting the guy,"
After a few seconds of silence, Lucy then laughed hard, making me look back at her skeptically. If I recall correctly, there is nothing funny to what I said. To be honest, it's the truth. I really thought she would be interested in looking for a summer fling. But who am I kidding, this is Lucy? So, as my uncertainty slowly fades, I begin to laugh as well.
When Lucy slows down from her laughter, she taps on my shoulder and said, "That was funny," then without waiting for any reaction, she turns away from me and sat at the slide to go down herself, leaving me alone here at the top.
When I snapped out of it, I slowly followed my best friend and went sliding. And as I reached the bottom of the slide and stood up, Lucy immediately gave a sweet smile to me before she turns away and walks ahead. Right when I was about to smile back at her, I barely noticed that she had left already. And so, I shook my head to get my attention right and began walking to trail behind the blonde. But after a few large strides, I was able to keep up with Lucy and began walking next to her.
As we walked home in silence, we soon arrived at Lucy's house, with only a few windows lit. Looking down at her phone, she saw the time was past 11 already.
"Probably, mama and papa are asleep already," Lucy then kept her phone away before she brightly smiles at me, "Thanks Natsu," she then took a step forward and gave me a brief hug before pulling away
"Pssh," I said as I shrug it off, "Why say 'thank you' when this is our thing," I then ruffled her hair as I chuckle a little, "Night, Luce," I softly mentioned with a small smile
"Night," Lucy softly bids goodbye before turning away and headed inside. But before she steps inside, she gave a last glance at me and said, "Tomorrow?"
I quickly grinned at her words, "Yep, tomorrow again,"
"Good," and with that Lucy closes the door, as she leaves me by myself.
Narrator's point of view
As the next morning came, Lucy is soundly asleep in her bed. With a smile permanently fixed on her face, it was certain for an older blond that the young girl was having a good dream. However, to Layla's dismay, she has to shorten her daughter's dream and wake her up. So, as gentle as possible, Layla sat down next to the sleeping girl and gently caressed Lucy's arm. As Lucy stirred a little with the warm touch, Layla continued her caress along with a soft whisper.
After a few minutes of waking the blond, Lucy finally grunted as she realized she was being awoken by someone. So, opening one eye, Lucy was a little surprised to see her mother sitting down next to her with a bright smile on her face. Snapping out of dream haze, Lucy finally shook her head awake and slowly sat up straight as she yawned and stretched out her limbs and a few joints popped.
"Good morning dear," Layla greets as she watches her daughter
"Morning, mama," Lucy sleepily smiles back, "What time is it? Did I oversleep?" Lucy tiredly asks as she tries to wake herself up
"Oh, it's only 8 in the morning," Layla then began to fix her daughter's scruffy hair, "Did you have a good night sleep?"
"Yeah, of course…" Lucy then gave a sweet smile like she was feeling content, "There is nothing better than sleeping in your own comfy bed," Layla then chuckles along with her daughter
"That's good,"
"So, what made you come here?" Lucy asked as she pulls the blanket off herself and sat next to her mother
"Well, since it's your first day of summer break, I was thinking to invite a few people here at home. And I'm hoping that you could accompany me in the market and prepare a meal for everybody,"
"Prepare a meal?" Lucy slowly asks as she tilts her head, beginning to be confused
"Yeah, we wanted to invite-well, we invited the Dragneels already," Layla then stood up as she stretched out a hand, "So will you help me out?"
"Of course!" Lucy gleefully replied as she takes her mother's hand and stood up, "I'd love to,"
"Great! Now, maybe you could start by taking a bath and change to your day clothes, alright?"
"Alright, see you in a few moments,"
Lucy then turns away from her mother and headed right away for the bathroom. After a few moments, Lucy finally steps out of her room, all fresh and clean, and runs down the stairs to call on her mother. But right when she arrived at the dining area, she was a little surprised to see her best friend, sitting in their dining room, eating some bread.
"Ohayo!" Natsu chimed as he raised a hand and waved at the blonde
"Natsu? What are you doing here?" Lucy asked as she slowly walked closer
"What do you mean? I'm here, eating breakfast," Natsu then grinned before he stood up to pull Lucy and make her sit next to him, "Come on, start eating,"
Lucy just raised a brow at the pinkette, "Wow, it seems like I'm in a wrong house,"
"Huh?" Natsu sounded, "This is your house,"
Lucy then chuckles as she replies, "Yeah I know, but it seems like this is your house because you're the one actually inviting me to eat breakfast at my own home,"
"Oh," Natsu then looked at the food before glancing back at Lucy, who was trying her best not to laugh. He then just shrugged his shoulders as he said, "Habit, I guess,"
"Whatever," Lucy states back as she shakes her head in laughter
As the two began eating, Layla finally showed up with a cup of tea in her hand. A smile immediately appeared on her face as she sees the two young adults.
"I hope the food is enough?" Layla teased the young pinkette, who was ravishing his plate with tons of bacon, eggs, and bread
"Oh! It's perfect!" Natsu complimented as he grinned at the older blond, "Thanks auntie Layla, you're the best!"
"Second best to your mother, I'm sure," Layla then chuckles at the young man
As Layla watched the two, she pulled out a chair and joined them for breakfast, occasionally asking about their previous school days. As their conversation went on, Lucy finally pushes back her plate as she finishes her meal and happily said, "I'm full,"
"Really?" Natsu stunned looked at Lucy before glancing at her plate then back to her face, "But you just ate one egg, two pieces of bacon, and a piece of bread,"
"Well, believe it or not, Natsu, we don't have the same appetite, so yeah I'm full,"
Layla silently chuckles to herself as she patiently observes them. When Lucy glances at her, Layla suddenly grabbed her small purse and asked her daughter, "If your done Lucy, can we go?"
"Oh, yeah!" Lucy then hurriedly stood up, alarming the pinkette
"Where are you going?" Natsu asked as he looked at Lucy, running around the house to grab her things, then at Layla
"Oh, we're heading to the market, want to tag along?" Layla asked
"Yeah, sure!" Natsu happily replies before he realizing that he may be overstepping, "I mean if that would be fine with you,"
"Of course, Natsu. You are like my son, well, a very energetic son," Layla teased once more the pinkette, who was a little bashful at the comment
"Well, thanks," Natsu then slowly stood up. Right when he did, Lucy was finally back with a small sling bag on her shoulder, "Ready!" Lucy exclaims
"Alright! Natsu's coming with us," Layla then steps away from her chair and went on towards the main door, "Let's go!" Layla called and with that, the two young adults followed her and soon walked out of the house and headed for the car.
As soon as the trio was out in the garage and saw the car warming up, Natsu suddenly stopped from his tracks and gawked at the vehicle. While Layla and Lucy continued to walk towards the vehicle, they barely noticed that Natsu had already stopped and turned pale. So, when Natsu made a hurling sound as if he's about to vomit, Lucy quickly stopped from her pace and turned around to look at Natsu.
Lucy's eyes grew wide in surprise as she tries to question the pinkette, "N-Natsu, are you alright?"
Holding his reflex to throw up, Natsu vigorously shook his head, "N-not really…" He said as he holds down his stomach
"Mama," Lucy loudly calls on to her mother as she runs towards Natsu, who looked like he is about to collapse, "I don't think I can go,"
"What dear?" Layla turns to look at her daughter and she was quickly surprised to see the two teens, "Oh my, is Natsu alright?"
"Not really…he easily gets nauseous when he sees cars rattling or something," Lucy then gave a sheepish smile to her mother
"oh, goodness. I should have known," Layla then turns to her driver, "Capricorn-san!"
"Yes, madame?" Capricorn then stepped out of the car as he bows his head
"How about drive the car to the front and I'll meet you there?"
"Yes, madame," and with that, the driver took his seat again and abruptly left the garage
When the car was no longer in sight, Layla looked back at the two teens and gave an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry Natsu. I always forget about your motion sickness,"
"Well…it's really not your fault," Natsu then sighed in relief as he drops himself to the floor, while Lucy squatted next to him, "I just really have these weird sickness…"
"Oh, Natsu…" Lucy's face suddenly turned sad as if she had some bad news to share, "With you feeling sick, we can't ask you to come with us…You should rest instead and I'll bring you soup,"
Lucy then stood up and stretched out a hand for Natsu to help him stand up. As the young man stood up, Layla finally decided to change the plan.
"You know what, maybe I can do the shopping alone," Layla then places her hand on Lucy's shoulder, quickly capturing the attention of the young blonde, "Why don't you accompany Natsu instead and I'll do the shopping,"
"But I thought you needed help?" Lucy worriedly asks her mother
"Well, you can help me out by taking care of our guests. Besides, Grandine, Igneel, and Wendy might come soon…so, someone should welcome our guests,"
"I guess I can do that…" Lucy then stood next to Natsu and looped her arm to Natsu's, "I'll bring Natsu inside. See you later?"
"Yeah, I'll be back soon. Take care Natsu," and with that Layla turns away from them and headed for the front gate instead. As the two was left alone in the garage, Lucy helped Natsu head back to their living room and decides to take a moment to rest.
As the day went by, Lucy and Natsu patiently waited for people to arrive. A lunch gathering was supposed to happen, but no one came, making Lucy nervous about why no one was coming. Until her mother called and said that there are a few changes happening and that the other Dragneels were coming instead for dinner.
Exclaiming her surprise to her mother, Lucy suddenly questions her mother's whereabouts when she saw Capricorn walking inside the house carrying the goods from the market. Layla immediately said that she was with her father in their company dealing with unexpected guests from another country.
Rolling her eyes, Lucy couldn't help herself but grumble a little before trying to calm herself, "Alright, I'll see you soon," Lucy then pulls the phone away from her ear
"So, what's happening?" Natsu asked as soon as Lucy sighs deeply and drops herself to the couch
"Apparently, people like to make changes in plans without notifying others," Lucy then crosses her arms over her chest, "I mean, what's so hard about calling and giving us a heads up about it,"
"I don't get you, Luce, why are you so upset about it? It's not like we're having an important lunch meeting today with our family,"
"Yeah I know, it's just that I was waiting,"
"For?" Natsu then pressed the pause on his control before glancing at his best friend, "Come on Luce, just relax a bit. I know how you hate unexpected turn of events and that you like planning stuff but…you got to relax,"
"You think I'm…"
"No, what I think is…we should head out and have fun a little," Natsu then turns off the television before standing up and pulls Lucy to her feet, "Come on!"
As the two headed towards the gate, Lucy was taken aback a little when Natsu suddenly presented to her a big black and red motorbike.
"Tadah!" Natsu chimed as if he was presenting a gift
"What is this?" Lucy confusedly looked at the man
"A motorbike obviously," Natsu then scoffed before walking closer to the motorbike and rode it
"Of course, Natsu. I know that it's a motorbike. But you just had your motion sickness,"
"Luce, I'm better. And besides, I don't feel nauseous when I'm the one driving…" Natsu then grinned before pulling out a helmet and presented it in front of Lucy
"Okay…but what is your plan exactly? Because if your thinking that we're going for a tour around the village with that motorbike…nu-uh!" Lucy then shook her head in disagreement
"Come on Luce! It will be an experience!"
"No!" Lucy then crosses her arms, "And besides, do you even know how to drive a motorbike?"
"I've driven a few times," Natsu retorts back with a smug look
"Do you even own this?" Lucy raised a brow to the man
"…No, but it's Gajeel's. He lent it to me," Natsu then shook his hand that was holding the helmet, "Come on, Luce. Just once,"
As Lucy stared at the pinkette for quite some time, she ended up sighing in defeat as she harshly took the helmet and wore it, "Just promise me we'll be back here alive,"
"Yosh!" Natsu shouted before he brought the bike to life. When Lucy was ready, Natsu immediately speeds away, making them both shout for different reasons.
As time continued to tick away, everyone finally arrived at the Heartfilia residence. All gathered in the garden to eat their dinner, everyone was being ecstatic about sharing their stories about school or work. They would talk about what happened to them and Natsu and Lucy were having a great time bonding with their families.
Having meals with the Dragneels was like a usual thing for them since they were close neighbors for years. Also, since the Heartfilia clan wasn't a big family in Magnolia, they have welcomed the Dragneels like an extended family. They would bond and celebrate many occasions together and it has always been fun being together.
"Isn't this nice?" Grandine asks as she places down her wine glass and looks at everyone around the table, "Us gathering in one table?"
"You know Dine, I missed this…With the kids going to college and us being busy with work, we barely caught up with one another," Layla gave a sweet smile to her friend before looking at her husband
"It's true…I never knew Natsu even rode a motorbike," Jude then looks at Natsu, who suddenly stopped eating his steak, "Do you use a motorbike going to school?"
As Natsu looked back at the blonde man, with a little nervousness, he tried to shrug off the topic but then he saw his father's look, who was skeptical about his behavior, "Uhhh…It's Gajeel's bike…just trying it out,"
"Oh," Jude then looked at Igneel, who was surprised as well, "I guess no one knew about that,"
"Anyways, how about you Wendy? How are you dear?" Layla glanced at the young blunette
Wendy, being the youngest among all, suddenly perked up as she talked about her most awaited activity for summer. She shared to everybody about being excited to join the summer camp not as a camper but as a counselor. It would be her first time and she's looking forward to it. Being themselves as adults, they gave her pieces of advice about what to expect as a counselor.
"Wendy, I remember when I was a counselor for summer camps I had to handle a big group of kids that were totally hyper. There were kids who'd fight every activity, so better watch out for those kids," Grandine shared before she looked at Layla, who was chuckling at the small threat of the blue-haired woman
"Grandine, I don't think telling that to Wendy would make her excited. Look at her," Layla point out to the kid and soon everyone looked at the youngest girl and began to laugh
"Don't worry Wendy, the head counselor will be helping you out if ever you were put into that group," Lucy reassured as she taps the hand of the girl
"Lucy-nee, did you experience being a counselor before?" Wendy then bites her lower lip in anticipation
"Nope, I was more of a camper along with your brother," Lucy said as she tilts her head to gesture to Natsu, who was oblivious to the conversation
"Really? I thought you'd at least experience being a camp counselor," Wendy then glances at her brother who was receiving a glare from the blonde
"Well, that hope was quickly wiped away from me since I always stick around Natsu and they thought I was a troublemaker too…like your brother,"
"No wonder I always hear from your head camp master that you were surprisingly nice and behaved," Jude interjected, earning a laugh from the older adults
"They really thought Lucy was a troublemaker?" Igneel questioned with great surprise and when Jude nodded, the red-haired man laughed out loud before pointing at Natsu, "Oy, kiddo, I think you're a bad influence for Lucy!"
"Am not!" Natsu retorts back before glancing at the blonde, "Right, Luce?"
"Eh…I don't know, Natsu," Lucy teased as she shrugs her shoulder, "I think uncle Igneel is right,"
"Hey!" Natsu then pouts at the blonde, "I thought we're on the same side!"
"Who said so?" Lucy joked, making everyone laugh when Natsu suddenly gawked at the blonde
"Anyways, Lucy, I love your dress today," Grandine compliments all of a sudden, making the young blonde girl blush a little
"Oh…uh, thanks, auntie Grandine. This dress was given by Mira," Lucy replies before glancing at Natsu, who was silently watching her, which was odd for Lucy but then she just shrugged it off
"I'm actually quite surprised with how Lucy dresses up now," Layla reveals before she looks at her friend, "I always see her wearing those long baggy shorts or oversized shirts," Layla then glances at her daughter, "Where do you even get those clothes?"
"Thrift shops," Natsu answered for Lucy, "She'd go there and get the overly big shirts. But I think, she prefers these clothes now," Natsu then scanned Lucy's outfit, who quickly was bashful with his glance
"I-it's not that I prefer these clothes only," Lucy broke her gaze to the pinkette and looked at her mother, "I still like those big old clothes, they are comfortable. It's just that, I think I need to wear clothes that are a little bit more presentable for these kinds of occasion,"
"Ah, I see. So, you'd still want some old clothes because we have at home," Igneel then grinned, making Natsu furrow his brows in disgust
"Yuck old man, you can't let Lucy wear your old clothes!" Natsu exclaimed but then the man laughed out loud first before answering his son
"Who said it would be my old clothes? I'm throwing out your clothes," Igneel then barked out a laugh again
"Hey!" Natsu exclaims back before looking at Lucy and say to her, "If he ever does that, make sure to keep it. Alright?"
"Why me?" Lucy astoundingly asks back
"Because," Natsu then grinned before looking back at his father and continue to banter with one another.
As the night went on and everyone was settled inside the house, Layla suddenly remembered what she has been planning to reveal since this morning. So, as she brought out the snacks for everyone and have put it down on the coffee table, she immediately claps her hands to get their attention.
"Everybody, I think I have the greatest idea," Layla started and as everyone looked at her, she continued, "Since it's summer and it's a hot weather, I think it's great to have a vacation somewhere we could relax and enjoy,"
"Oh, I like the sound of it," Grandine suddenly stood up and walked to Layla with a big smile on her face, "I was planning to take the family to Bassia city but I'm pretty sure it would be crowded,"
"I have a better idea," Layla then wraps her arms around Grandine's shoulder and said to everyone, "How about we stay at the rest house in Alcalypha?"
"But there's no beach there," Wendy comments
"Well, yeah. But there is a beautiful lake there that we can swim at, or ride a boat," Layla tries to excite the young girl, but it seems to be not enough
"Wends, it's great there. Zeref and I used to go with them during the summer. There are a lot of things to do and it can inspire you to have better ideas for camp," Natsu adds before he began to tap Lucy with his elbow as if to single her that she should add more to convince the bluenette. When Lucy understood the signal, she quite stuttered as she tries to think of what is great about the rest house.
"O-oh...uh...the rest house has a big backyard and it's close to a trail going up to a mountain that could overlook Alcalypha," Lucy then glances at Natsu for assurance and when Natsu keeps on nodding his head, Lucy looked back at Wendy with a little more confidence, "The view up there is great. It's very different from the city and I can assure you, being near to nature is just as great as being on the beach, it might be even greater,"
"But camp is already by the forest and I was looking forward to some beach," Wendy then looks down to her hands
"Well then," Zeref suddenly spoke, earning the attention of everybody, "Will it be okay if I suggest something?"
"Sure, boy. What is it?" Igneel asked as he glances at his other son
"Well, since Wendy prefers to go on the beach and I was invited by Mavis to go to Akane beach, maybe I can bring her along while you all go to Alcalypha,"
"Oh, but I was hoping everyone would be coming," Grandine then gave a sad look but Layla immediately consoled the blue-haired woman
"It's fine Grandine. I think Wendy would enjoy more the beach than the lake. And besides, she has a point about the camp being in a forest already and spending her summer in a different environment would be more fun for her,"
"I see your point...but, will it be fine with you Zeref? I mean, it's your only chance to ask Mavis out," Grandine nonchalantly states back, making the black-haired teen turn red instantly
Zeref then choked on his drink, making him nearly splatter his drink on the floor, "Mom," Zeref widens his eyes at her in embarrassment, "Seriously?"
"What?" Grandine shrugged nonchalantly, making everyone chuckle and look at the young man with a mischievous smile, "Just asking if it will be okay with you…I mean, maybe you want some alone time with Mavis,"
"T-that is a-absurd," Zeref then clears his throat as he tries to focus instead on Wendy, "It was a friendly invite and some of our classmates would be coming too. So, technically it's a friendly outing...so that means, I can bring someone along…" Zeref then felt uncomfortable with everybody's teasing. But he shrugged it off as he focused on her little sister, "Are you up for it, Wendy?"
"Well…you could use the outing as an excuse for a date with Mavis-nee, but…YES!" Wendy cheerily exclaims as she jumps out of her seat, making everyone sigh in defeat, "I'd love to go with you guys!"
"Great...then it's settled," Zeref then looks at everyone and gave a smile to them as if he won their little secret game, "Wendy tags along with me, while you all go to Alcalypha,"
To be continued...
