edited chapter 3
It's the following Sunday after Natsu's last MMA fight.
His dad, brother, and his girlfriend decide to treat him to lunch for a successful match.
They found themselves at one of many restaurants in the city of Fiore. The place in question is 8-island.
The owner is a long-time friend of the principal of his school Makarov Deyar.
Their party was so big they needed two tables pushed together to fit them, boys on one side girls on the other.
Grandeeney and Igneel invited the mother-daughter pair since Igneel wanted to catch up with Ur after not seeing her for a while.
But before they could order, two new guests showed up completing their party.
"Salamander!" A smile graced Natsu's face, recognizing that voice.
He faces the source. It was none other than black steel Gajeel Redfox and his girlfriend Levy.
Gajeel takes his spot next to Natsu and Levy next to Ultear.
"Black steel as happy as I am to see you, but what's the occasion?" He points to his father, who smirked in response.
"I thought after Winning your match you wanted to hang with an old friend!" Was his father's response.
The two glare at each other "when this is over, you and I have a match to see who is stronger!" Gajeel said with a sneer causing the girls to sweat drops.
"You're on Black Steel!"
"Natsu, you still haven't recovered from your last match, so that's a big NO!" Ultear glared at the two causing them to clam up.
"Damn, Salamander, your girlfriend a Feisty one," he whispered to Natsu.
"She is not my girlfriend. She is my cousin's neighbor!" he whispers back.
"Taking your time to make sure, smart move!"
"She is not my girlfriend!"
"For now!" He said with a chuckle.
With Ultear
"Ultear is it, relax there always like this," the older blue-haired girl informed.
"Yes, that's my name. Are you sure?"
"Yes, your boyfriend and Gajeel grew up together. They're practically brothers in all but blood!"
"He's not my boyfriend! And is that why Igneel invited you two?"
"Sure, you aren't. yes and to help alleviate the stress Natsu is dealing with moving all the way out here."
"That makes sense" was all they could say before their attention was brought back to the groups as the waiter took their orders.
They all gave their orders, the rest of the lunch was quiet. Accept for the teasing everyone gave Natsu and Ultear.
It is clear to the two everyone is trying to ship them. Secretly the two did like the other but wouldn't admit it.
While they waited for their food, Ur played catch up with Igneel, not seeing each other for several years.
Igneel learned of Ultear's previous boyfriend, who turned out to be nothing but a pig.
Igneel sported a ticked-off expression but also sorrowed when he learned his father was a stand-up guy.
Likewise, Ur learned Igneel still has had the same job since they last met. He works at an insurance firm.
Ur is still working at the marking company aimed to help small businesses get on their feet.
They continued trading information on the other till their food arrived.
They ate their food, still trading stories with input from Grandeeney.
Natsu continued trading stories with Gajeel wanting to know how the others were doing since he left Alvarez.
Ultear had her full attention on Natsu and Gajeel, wanting to learn more about Natsu's hometown.
She wasn't alone; Wendy, Zeref, and Mavis were listening in on them as well.
After half an hour of eating and trading stories, they paid for their meals before calling it a day.
When they headed home, it was basically a tiny convoy for the group.
To expect when you have five cars all going to the same place.
All of them, including Ur and Ultear, hung out and Grandeeney's place for the remainder of the day.
The adults stayed downstairs while the teens stayed in Natsu's small room, making it a little cramped for them.
"Oh yeah, we heard about your match with Sting. I'd really hate to get hit like that," Gajeel said nervously, knowing Natsu could drop him like a mother if he faced him in the ring.
"I really didn't want it to come to that, but it would end with a lot more blood covering the canvas," he said with a merciful chuckle.
Then they heard a knock on his door. "Ultear, we're heading home. The rest of you Just to let you know Igneel is heading home!" Ur informed on the other side of the door.
"Be right there, mother!" Ultear got up to leave with the other right behind her.
When they got outside, they could see the sun nearing the edge of the horizon.
Natsu, Wendy, and Grandeeney gave the other goodbye.
"Gajeel and Levy, thanks for coming out here. I needed this!" He said, bringing Gajeel into a one-arm hug.
"No problem Salamander, will try and make it to your next match!"
"Wish you still did, MMA!"
"Yeah, well, someone got to help with the family business. Oh yeah, there's a charity event this week. You interested?." He said with a shrug of his shoulder before opening the door for Levy.
"Where is the money going."
"It's going to cancer research!"
Natsu didn't do or say a word. Instead, he's deep in thought, debating if he should participate or skip it for his next match.
"Hey, if you don't want to, I under-," he never finished.
"I'll be there. Just hope no one there from my past shows up!"
"You won't know if you don't show up!"
"I'll be there and drive safe!" Natsu waved them goodbye as they pulled onto the street.
The following day is the Monday after his match. To be expected, he got a few looks from the cuts Sting gave him.
But he didn't pay them any mind, just focused on his school work and lunch with his cousin.
During the week, he ended up partnering with Ultear for a class project.
Natsu didn't mind at all. He was actually glad he partnered up with a friend. He made everything less stressful for him.
To be expected when you move two hours away despite being in Fiore for a month and a half.
"So, Natsu, do you have plans this weekend?" Mira asked.
They could see the reluctance in his eyes before speaking, "Yes actually, Word from my friend Gajeel their charity event happening on Saturday."
"Really?"
"Luck would have it. It's at the local gym I go to!" He said with a smile, telling them he wouldn't mind them tagging along.
"Well, you can count me in!" Mira stated only for Erza Lisanna and Ultear to follow suit.
The following day Natsu met up with Ultear to work on their class project. That was when Natsu noticed their classmate's eye on them.
And they were whispering to themselves. On closer inspection, Natsu noticed smug borderline evil looks from the girls sent to Ultear.
A quick scan of Ultear told him she was well aware of the looks and whispers sent her way.
This was cemented whenever she looked at him, and he could tell the smile she gave him was fake.
He would have asked her but decided to bite his tongue, not wanting to make her more uncomfortable than necessary.
That week went by in Natsu's opinion in the blink of an eye. It's now Friday. The school finally let out for the weekend.
Like always, Natsu gave Ultear a ride home. Of course, he drops her off at her home before inching his way to his.
The next day both Natsu's family and friends, including Elfman and Laxus, came to the charity event.
"Something has been bothering me. How does this charity work with the MMA matches?" Ultear asked.
They all sat in their front row seats of the octagon, waiting for the matches to start.
"Each fighter is sponsored by at least one business or brand. It could be local or halfway across japan. They show off the sponsor through brand tags on their shorts and gloves and are listed with each fighter before their respective match begins. The longer their respective fighters last, the higher the chance people will notice that company, meaning more business." Igneel informed
"How does that coincide with the charity aspect?"
"All businesses have to donate a minimum amount of money for fighters to show off their brand. Does that help?" Igneel added
"So every company has to donate a certain amount of money to the charity for fighters to represent them. The longer a fighter lasts, the more people will see the brand from them in return. Is that it, or am I missing something?" Ultear asked once more.
"The fights also promote the event so more people will chip in their own money to increase the amount raised."
"Thank you, Igneel, for explaining it," the girls, along with Elfman and Laxus, nodded.
"No problem, Ultear."
With Natsu
Natsu is doing his warm-up exercises along with his other fighters in the back.
Fortunately for him, a few familiar faces were with him.
Both Sting and Rogue were there, along with Erik, or Cobra is his nickname when fighting.
All sitting in the back area, ready for their respective matches to begin.
That's when Natsu noticed someone with black hair that caused him to go weak in the limbs, Gray fullbuster in another area in his MMA gear.
Natsu retreated behind the other, not wanting to deal with him again. Then, he glances at the others. They took a few steps to cut the length of the site.
Unlike Gray, all the other fighters here believe in sportsmanship or honor. Gray has none. What Gray and his presumed current girlfriend Lucy did last year was a low blow.
Intentional or not, many fighters were quick to cut ties with him. Especially since he bragged about beating Natsu last time they fought.
If Gray is here, that means Silver is and quite possibly Lucy. His emotions were a mix of sadness and rage.
He can only imagine his family's reaction when they see Gray enter the octagon.
Fortunately, the fights didn't start for another half hour, giving Natsu time to process this.
He just stayed hidden for the time being, thanks to his brothers in arms, if you can call it that.
With Ur
The matches won't start for another half hour, so Ur decided to get some food and maybe some beer.
Once she made it to the food court, she placed her order and waited at the nearby table.
That's when she noticed someone that made her blood boil. Across the room is Silver fullbuster eating and drinking his food.
Part of her didn't want to do this as it would only cause problems, but she has to know why he's here to protect her daughter.
She marched over, practically stomping as she stood behind him, tapping her foot impatiently.
Silver didn't have to look to know who was marching up to him. Then, with a sigh, he turned to face Ur.
"Long time no see Ur," he said casually, not wanting to start something.
"Don't tell me that swine you call a good for nothing son is here too!" he could see the rage in her eye, putting him on edge.
"If it makes you feel better, the moment he turned 18, I kicked his ass out of the house and disowned him!" she could see the disgust in his eyes.
This calmed her down a bit but still held her rage. "Don't tell me that swine is here!"
"Unfortunately, he is!" he countered.
"If you disowned him, then why are you here?" her previous level of rage returning.
"Believe me, I don't want to be here, but I'm forced to as one of the organizers!" he said, turning around to focus on his meal.
Ur didn't say a word turned around, walking with a loud step.
She ate her meal silently and quickly before going back to her daughter and the others.
When she finally arrived, they saw the rage in her eyes. It could only mean one thing. Gray is here.
"Are you fucking kidding me!" Igneel matched her rage.
The Dragneel family didn't need to ask what he meant by those words, including Gajeel and Levy, who showed up shortly after them.
The Strauss siblings, Laxus, and Erza had confused expressions.
They look to Ultear, but she is next to her mother, trying to help her calm down.
"Someone mind filling us in? We're a little lost here?" Erza said, speaking for the others.
"Gray Fullbuster is here for this event!" Zeref said coldly.
Ultear flinched at his words getting everyone's attention. The Dragneels looked to her friends.
"Ultear's ex-boyfriend is Gray Fullbuster. When they broke up, horrible rumors of Ultear spread through the school like wildfire. I'm sure your minds can fill in the blanks!" Laxus informed.
"What did Gray do to Natsu?" Erza asked since the other couldn't find the words.
"It's not what he did. it's what his then Ex-girlfriend did to Natsu at the end of his junior year." This time it was Mavis to speak.
"If you don't mind me asking, who's his ex-girlfriend?" Lisanna asked.
"Lucy Heartfilia," Zeref informed with venom.
They all silently agreed to drop it for now since this is supposed to be a charity event and the last thing any of them want to do is start something.
They put their focus on the octagon waiting for the first match.
Match after match went by, with the amount of money raised steadily grew. Gray fullbuster's match was next, putting Ultear on edge.
She tried to hide, but it was too late Gray saw her and sent a cruel smirk towards her causing tears to form. The others didn't hesitate to cut the line of sight.
His opponent wasn't too far behind him. The guy in question is a slightly slimmer man with gray hair, pretty surprising considering how young he was. His name is Lyon.
The starting bell went off, the two went at a trading blow for, neither giving in to the other. As the match continued round after round, the match ended with a K.O with Gray, the victor.
The final match of the night is Natsu. After a 10-minute intermission, Natsu entered the octagon.
His opponent is a man with black hair and a crazed grin. His name is Bacchus. They tap their gloves as the starting bell went off.
Like the previous matches, they traded blows, neither giving in to the other round after round.
Ultimately Natsu won his match, but Bacchus didn't make it easy for him. Like most previous matches, the two gave each other a one-arm hug with a matching grin.
Natsu helped him get to the medical tent. Then, their respective groups waited to congratulate the two combatants for a fantastic match.
Once all checked out, Natsu got his clothes back on. Then, with the matches complete, they waited to see the total amount raised for cancer research.
He and his fellow fighters, minus one, all stayed together with their respective groups celebrating. Now that the matches are done, they all sat in one of the basketball courts since they have enough room to house everyone.
The total amount raised is a quarter million USD. But, of course, most of that is from the brands sponsoring the 12 fighters and the event itself.
Feeling both thirsty and hungry, Natsu left to get food. But, on his way back, an old enemy decided to strike.
"Well, I'm surprised to see you here, Natsu!"
Natsu stopped dead in his tracks before facing Gray with a firm expression before heading back to the others.
Gray wasn't gonna let this opportunity pass him by, so he carefully followed him back.
When Natsu made it to the halfway point, when he saw Ultear by herself, he noticed the nervousness in her eyes.
When Gray saw her, a new plan hatched in his mind that would really mess up Natsu. So, with a sinister grin, he came out of hiding.
Just as Natsu is within reach of her, he spoke, "Ah, I see your friends with that slut!" Ultear flinched when she heard his voice.
Natsu's entire body tensed up, almost getting bigger ever so slightly, Gray failed to notice, but Ultear did.
She silently prayed, "Please don't let a fight break out!"
Natsu faced Gray, "leave her alone, Gray!"
"What are you gonna do, tough guy? Make sense you'd be into her. You should know I had her first!" He wore a smug grin.
Natsu just stayed silent as they stood by Ultear, trying to cut the line of sight.
"Can't blame you for protecting her. She is a first-class pussy, and damn did it feel good!"
Tears started to form in Ultear's eyes at his words. She silently hoped Natsu didn't believe his words.
Natsu put his food down on a nearby table. Then, gray noticed the veins in Natsu's arms started popping out.
"Just a little bit more, and he'll snap, then I can beat his ass again!. I wonder if it even went back to normal when I was done!"
Ultear's tears finally broke out, Natsu's body got slightly bigger.
"Whenever I'm down, I just think of how good her pussy was!"
Now Natsu is furious at the vulgar words coming out of Gray's mouth.
It took all his willpower not to snap right at them, and there, he took a deep inhale before exhale.
It calmed him down enough to get his wits together.
He held out his hand to "come on, Ultear, I'll take you home!" she snaps toward him. Natsu gave her a resulting smile.
She took it gladly to walk in silence to the nearest exit, not even bothering to tell the others.
It was clear to Natsu he needed to get her out of here immediately. He knew the others would understand.
"Dang, just when I was having fun," Gray turned around, heading back to where his group was.
Unknown to the three of them, not one but two people watched this whole exchange.
The first is Ur, concerned for her daughter being by herself, and right next to her is Silver keeping his anger in check.
"Sorry, Ur, for letting this happen."
"You told me where she is that good enough for me" she lightly elbows his side with a giggle.
Silver just looked away before heading off to wherever he's needed.
Ur headed back to the other with a small smile. If Natsu is anything like his mother, her daughter is safe with him.
When she made it back to the other, she filled them in on what happened.
They are rightfully so angry since it's Gray but had a smile at the end, knowing Natsu is with her.
The drive home was silent but comforting for the two teens. The whole time Ultear's mind and heart are fighting each other.
Her heart tells her Natsu might be the one, but her mind tells her he's a gentleman. But, unfortunately, there are still some unknowns about him.
As for Natsu, he would take occasional glances toward Ultear, making sure she was doing fine.
He pulled up to her house. Then, seeing her lost in thought, he carefully got out to open her car door.
She was brought out of her stupor when she heard her car door open to reveal Natsu holding his hand out with a smile.
She grabbed his hand, carefully stepping out of the car. He walked her to the front door.
Just as he was about to let go, she tightened her grip, getting a curious look out of him. He saw her smile turn to a frown.
It was clear as day she didn't want to be alone, he was a bit nervous, but she stepped inside with her leaving his shoes at the door.
The house was pitch black to him, but he could tell Ultear knew where to go.
He found himself in her room, his mind going a million different directions at once.
It was cut short when she dragged him to the carpet floor as she sat against her bed with the moonlight passing through the window.
Natsu sat right next to her, admiring how beautiful she looks in the moonlight.
It distracted him enough to forget. Ultear never let go of his hand since she stepped out of his car.
His thought went back to the words Gray spoke before they left.
"Ultear?" he couldn't find the right words to continue. She knew what he meant. It's a logical conclusion.
Taking a deep breath, "Gray is my ex-boyfriend," she couldn't look him in the eyes.
"I figure that."
"I was happy, believe it or not, at first. Unfortunately, the man I thought Gray is was all a sham. He just wanted to have sex with me, I said no at first, but he kept pressuring me. I continued to say no. he was getting angrier and angrier."
"I see. You don't have to continue if you don't want to!"
"No, it's fine, I need to get this off my chest!" taking another deep breath "eventually, he realized I wasn't going to give that to him." Natsu could feel her anger through their intertwined hands.
"Did he try to, you know?"
"Fortunately, I figured out his game sooner than he liked. I kicked him. You know where and ran away. I thought that was the end of it, but it wasn't!" Ultears grip on his hand tightened ever so slightly.
"He spread rumors to get back at you for not giving him what he wanted," he finished for her.
The firm grip she gave him stopped, only going back to normal "yes!" she looked him in the eyes as she slowly leaned toward him.
Out of instinct, he followed her lead. They got closer and closer till their lips finally met.
It was a soft, gentle kiss that lasted longer than it should have. Finally, the two slowly pulled apart, not looking away from the other.
Natsu put his forehead to her, giving her a grin that she matched before resting her head on his shoulder, tightening her hold on his arm.
They stayed like that for who knows how long. Then, finally, Ultear broke her hold before looking away with a blush.
"Ultear, I'm sorry if it-" she cut him off.
"Natsu, I really do like you, but...I'm not sure if I'm ready for a relationship right now!" she couldn't look him in the eyes. "But I wouldn't mind if you stayed here a little while longer," she said with a gentle tone.
He let out a small chuckle before placing his arm around her upper back.
She looks to him only to see him smile. "I understand. I don't want to ruin what we have right now too. So I'll stay here as long as you need me to!" he put his forehead to hers once more, looking deeply into her eyes. "P.S I will wait until you are ready!"
"Thank you, Natsu!" a stray tear went down her left cheek.
Natsu kept his arm wrapped around her, and she, in contrast, rested her head on his shoulder, neither wanting to break away.
A few hours later, the rest of this group finally came home close to one in the morning.
Seeing Natsu's car still in front of Ur's place put them all on alert.
Ur and Igneel went inside to see what happened.
They see something significant on the couch. Ur hesitantly approached, hoping Natsu didn't do that.
With Igneel right behind her, she carefully lifts the blanket to see a fully dressed sleeping Natsu.
They let out a sigh of relief. Ur put the blanket back on him before going to Ultear's room.
Igneel gazed at his son's sleeping form. "I'm proud of you, Natsu!" he said quietly.
Ur carefully entered her daughter's room. Then, lifting her blanket, she let out another sigh of relief.
Her daughter is fully clothed, and she goes back downstairs, giving Igneel a thumbs up.
"From what I've seen, he hasn't done anything bad to my daughter so that he can sleep at my house for tonight!"
"Thanks, Ur. I'll tell the others" he carefully closed the door behind him.
Ur took one last glance at Natsu "thank you for protecting my daughter Natsu!" with those words. She called it a night.
that it for this chapter
also it is not my intention for this fic to be a character bashing fic
I choose Gray and Lucy because it's different since every other high school AU fic pick jellal and laxus as the villain
as always make sure to fav follow and leave a chapter review