Hi everyone, I'm back!
Please accept my sincerest apologies for my absence, I had absolutely no intentions of leaving you all hanging, life happened and I found myself with a new job in a new county which meant moving and working, then between sorting new life and wedding planning I got severely carried away! I'll be making the most of this lockdown period to dedicate more time for this fanfic, being away from it for so long means trying to get back in the groove of the story so as always, constructive feedback/criticism/ideas completely welcome.
Thank you all for your patience, all the reviews have lifted my spirits so I hope this chapter will be as good as the last ones!
Natsu groaned feebly.
Everyone knew all modes of transportation were evil contraptions made to inflict suffering upon the greatest! Why, oh why did she continually torture him so? Hargeon wasn't even that far!
"Because, oh great one, it takes less than an hour by train yet over three hours to walk it." Lucy deadpanned.
Natsu peeked his eyes open towards her, uncaring he had said that aloud. "You're so mean, Luce." He whined.
"Natsu…"
"…?"
"We haven't even boarded the train yet."
Lucy watched the scenery whir past from her window seat while idly running her hands through Natsu's pink locks. She silently marvelled at the soft texture, almost as fluffy as Aries' wool (not that she dared tell him).
It wasn't often she travelled alone with Natsu, she mused. Oftentimes this would be a team affair, always filled with chatter or hilarious mishaps (her personal favourite being Wendy's palpable horror at a catering crew who turned out to be the former Jiggle Butt trio). Natsu would either be left alone in an adjacent compartment or knocked out cold by Erza to stop his incessant whimpers.
As a pair, the rides were surprisingly always peaceful. After a few attempts to help ease his pain (i.e. prevent him from blowing chunks the entire way), they discovered having Natsu lie down with his head on her lap worked out for both. Lucy was mortified to begin with, uncomfortable with such an intimate position - made even worse by other passengers giving them knowing (or disapproving) glances. As for Natsu, her legs were the ideal pillow: perfect for raising his head slightly, soft and Lucy-smelling.
The hair thing was a pleasant addition, and Natsu secretly relished in this new habit of hers. He never brought it up to her for fear she would cease out of embarrassment and thanked Mavis she routinely did so. Especially when she would lightly scrape her nails along his scalp…
A jolt passed through the wagon and Natsu's insides twisted painfully. He hissed, desperate to contain the urge to hurl.
"Shh, Natsu…" Lucy cooed, wiping his forehead with a damp cloth. "We're almost there."
She grabbed her water bottle and poured more liquid onto the fabric, his natural temperature drying it rapidly. She pushed the water bottle towards his lips, gently coaxing him to take small sips. He did so gratefully and thanked her weakly.
Lucy really sympathised with his plight, taking no pleasure in his discomfort. It was unnerving to watch such a powerful (again, she wouldn't dare give him the satisfaction of saying this out loud), spirited mage be reduced to all but a pitiful mess. Even if a small (minute) part of her did enjoy nursing him at his most vulnerable. It was a rare sight, one that pulled at her to care for him. He had been her saviour on several occasions - this was the least she could do to repay him.
Maybe she could make it up to him with a nice meal in Hargeon, she thought ironically back to their first meeting.
A memory now tied with conflicting discussions past.
"I'm saying he's your soulmate."
Lucy sighed.
She couldn't wait to get off the train either.
Hargeon's marketplace was crowded and vibrant, just as Lucy remembered it to be. The town had done a wonderful job restoring the place after the war and Acnologia's defeat. Stalls lined the route offering a diverse array of merchandise. Citizens hustled and bustled around them, some browsing, others haggling for their daily bread. She delighted in the colourful scene and soaked up the energetic atmosphere, eager to discover the local delicacies and admire the various jewellery displays.
Natsu, now feeling heaps better, felt a tug on his arm and let himself be led around by his partner. He, too, was partial to markets. He basked in the salty breeze from the sea mingled with the aroma of spices and flowers in the air. The people were lively, some vendors shouting their best offers while the rest interacted in a bubbly manner. Not to mention the mouth-watering street food he could almost taste…
They weren't due to meet up with their client until the late afternoon, leaving them ample time to roam the streets and find their intended accommodation.
"Luce, look at this! They've got fire roasted boar, please can we get some!" Natsu begged.
Lucy giggled over his enthusiasm and easily complied, making sure hers wasn't anywhere near as spicy as his. They ate while ambling through the streets, stopping every so often to check out some items or to get (Natsu) more food.
She was having fun. Lucy loved her teammates equally, but she couldn't deny how carefree it felt with just Natsu. No Gray to antagonise him, no Happy pulling them away for fish, no Erza to heed, not even Wendy's wandering to keep an eye on.
As it was, Lucy enjoyed spending time with Natsu alone. Something she belatedly realised they rarely did. Lucy frowned at that but quickly shook her head. Perhaps after this mission she would make an effort to change this.
They stopped by a small crowd and watched as a street performer executed a series of complicated tricks. Natsu and Lucy joined the audience in their awe and amusement. He whooped and hollered as the artist successfully juggled chainsaws on a monocycle and as Lucy clapped, she took the opportunity to study him carefully.
His child-like joy wasn't uncommon to those who knew him, but Lucy felt she never took the time to appreciate it. Natsu breathed life, she decided. He lived each day with a passion to be envied and a cheerful attitude so bright it was impossible not to be affected. He had a natural charisma that easily charmed the moodiest and nothing ever got in the way of his love for the guild.
"Holy shit, Luce! This dude is badass, did you see that?"
Lucy snapped out of her musings and quickly averted her eyes from his form, hoping he didn't catch her staring at him. She looked up to see the performer finish his last act and joined the final applause, the crowd dispersing soon after.
"That was awesome!" Natsu beamed, turning to Lucy with a wide grin. "What'd ya think?"
Honestly, she thought his expression - so happy and flushed from the excitement - was quite breath-taking.
Mavis, had Natsu always been this attractive?
His grin was so infectious, she found her lips gently pulling wider into a full-blown smile, her chest tightening with a fuzzy sensation at seeing his elated state.
"Yeah, amazing."
Natsu's stomach fluttered at the sight before him.
It had nothing to do with the chilli squid he ate and everything to do with the tender glow from Lucy's smile.
Which is weird, because he'd seen her smile plenty of times, but nothing could come close to the one she presented right now. It was bright and generous, crinkling her brown eyes in the prettiest way possible. This was a deep, genuine smile – spread through every part of her.
An unexpected warmth rushed through him.
He felt humbled by the smile; a small, greedy part of him coveted it for himself. A silly thought, although Natsu found himself glad to be the only recipient of such radiance. Well, he assumed he was, frowning at the thought of someone else receiving the same smile too.
Natsu recovered from his staring as Lucy tilted her head in confusion, most likely at his sudden change in demeanour.
"Natsu?" She called.
Swiftly, he smirked and grabbed her hand, ignoring her startled shriek and guiding her further into the market. Hopefully, she'd be distracted by the many trinkets they sold on that end.
"Come on! Let's go see what souvenirs we can bring back for Happy and the guys." He said eagerly.
"Miss, miss! Come sample these delightful perfumes, all at a decent price!"
"Miss! These shawls are made from the finest silk in Fiore, would you like to try one on?"
"Lovely earrings for a lovely lady!"
Lucy gave a polite nod as she passed the stalls one by one, occasionally perusing through some items before moving along. She longed to shop 'til she dropped yet sadly her thin wallet reminded her she of the upcoming rent and the very reason they were in Hargeon.
She ignored the insisting calls from each vendor, content to browse as they walked on, until a certain object caught her eye.
A wooden hairbrush, delicate in its design and washed in white paint. She picked it up by the handle to inspect it in detail and was surprised by its lightness. It was tastefully made, with sophisticated patterns decorated in pink and gold. Very reminiscent of the one she had as a child.
It brought her back to a memory long forgotten. Lucy was reminded of warm, gentle hands running through her golden strands, a soft humming of a lullaby…
"I see you've taken a liking to this item, young lady." Lucy jumped at the sound of the merchant's voice, momentarily having forgotten where she was. "A fine brush indeed, if there were any."
Lucy looked up and saw an elderly woman greeting her with a friendly smile.
"It's hand made and imbued with magic to ease the knots and keep your hair smooth and glossy." She added.
"I see..." Lucy started awkwardly. She hadn't intended to show much interest and felt a twinge of guilt knowing she'd have to turn the old lady down on a sale.
"Watcha got there, Luce?"
Lucy turned to see Natsu stood by her side, his gaze inquisitive at the object she still held in her hand. "That's pretty." He remarked casually.
She glanced back at the brush. "It is, isn't it? It looks exactly like the one I had back in the mansion. My mother used to brush my hair every day with it…" She trailed off.
"What do you say, love? I can sell it to you at a good price." The aged merchant offered.
Lucy blinked in alarm. "Oh no, that's quite alright, I had no intention of buying anything today, I'm afraid." She explained.
"It's originally six thousand jewels, but for you, I can make it four." The old lady pitched.
Lucy bit her lip in thought. It was a reasonable price, to be fair, and for a moment she was sorely tempted to go ahead with the purchase. Unfortunately, she recognised it to be unwise and resigned herself to disappointment.
Damn her for being a responsible adult.
"I thank you for the offer, truly, but I couldn't." She said. "Maybe another time."
The woman gave her an understanding look. "It's no problem, miss. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day."
Lucy thanked her once more and turned to leave before she felt Natsu's hand grasp her arm in wait.
"Are you sure, Luce? You seemed like you really wanted it." He asked.
She looked over to his concerned expression and gave him a reassuring smile. "It's totally fine, Natsu. Besides, I already have a hairbrush – no need to spend money on another." She assured him.
He still looked hesitant, she noted. She pried her arm away carefully and laughed softly, his worry oddly endearing.
"Come on, we need to find the inn and get ready to meet the client." She prompted and walked ahead.
Unbeknownst to Lucy, Natsu had barely taken a step behind her, a frown marring his face.
He had seen the wistful look upon her face when she stared at the brush and smelled the sadness as she was lost in nostalgia. It itched his nose and made his heart clench.
Natsu was no stranger to grief, having lost his own parent not once but twice. While their situation could never compare, he felt deeply for Lucy. Not for the first time, Natsu wished he could have met Layla. If her daughter were anything like her (highly likely, he still wasn't convinced about her douchy dad, no matter how noble he turned out), then her kindness and compassion would have been unparalleled.
"Come now, surely a young man like yourself could make an effort for his beautiful girlfriend?"
Natsu was quickly brought out of his reflections at the merchant's teasing.
Wait, girlfriend?
Sure, Lucy was his friend and a girl, but judging by the playful looks thrown his way (her eyebrows moved strangely, like fuzzy caterpillars), he guessed she was hinting at something more.
"Don't deny it, boy. I see the way you look at her." She chuckled in good nature. "Ah, to be young and in love…"
Love?
She thought he loved Lucy?
Natsu blushed at the old hag's implication. He opened his mouth to contest her theory but abruptly stopped himself.
Granted, Natsu cared for the celestial mage – profoundly so. She was his nakama, like everyone else at Fairy Tail, but no sooner had the notion come had he dismissed it.
No. Deep down, Natsu knew she was special. Lucy was more than nakama.
She was his partner, his best friend (not counting Happy). Throughout the years, Lucy was always by his side, no matter the perils or challenges. She was the first one he looked out for, at the guild or in a battlefield. They went on several adventures, shared many experiences and supported each other.
And he had almost lost her. Natsu's thoughts turned dark as he remembered the time future Lucy died in front of him, and once again at the battle of Alvarez. Her body limp, lifeless… He'd lost control, completely overtaken by agonising grief. For a life without Lucy –
He shook his head clear. There was no use tormenting him on events past.
"If you ask me, I think it would make for a wonderful romantic gesture." The merchant suggested.
While he may be clueless about many things, even Natsu knew what boyfriends and girlfriends did. Not that he ever had any desire to pursue such a relationship. He certainly didn't need it.
But he supposed if it was Lucy…
He imagined her in his arms, the same warm smile as the one she gave him after the street performance. She'd be happy with the gift, slowly raising herself upwards, eyes gently closing and lips parting…
Natsu's face swiftly combusted in flames, the old woman shrieking and jumping in surprise. He quickly apologised and reassured her he was ok, hoping he hadn't caused too much of a scene (Lucy would so kill him if he did).
He looked ahead to see Lucy at a flower stall, confirming she had yet to notice his absence. One last glance at the old lady (and her irritating knowing grin) solidified his resolve.
"I'll take it."
Voila! I'm particularly pleased with this chapter so finding it hard to keep it up throughout the next, reaching some blocks but hopefully I can spend more time to nurture the story and keep the flow as natural as possible.
Again, suuuuper sorry for the wait and a huge thanks to all who have reviewed so far! xx
