Chapter 3 Discoveries made when least expected
The question Yukino posed had her looking up at the stellar spirit mage, biting the inside of her cheek to keep the Cheshire grin off her face. "You want to spend time with Sting?" The blonde asked, her lips pursing in a small pout. "But didn't you come to Magnolia to spend two weeks with me?" She inquired, struggling to keep her poise as the Sabertooth mage averted her gaze, remorse passing her eyes.
"I-I did, yes." She replied quietly.
"It's been less than a full week. Are you tired of me already Yukino?" Her brow rose inquisitively.
"Of course, not Lucy!" The other girl protested. "I just – well…" She trailed off.
"No, no I get it." She sighed melodramatically. "You'd rather spend the day with Sting than with me, your friend, whom you came all this way to visit." Glancing towards the distressed young woman she felt her lips twitch in amusement, her smile widening as the other celestial mage's eyes narrowed upon seeing the action.
"Lucy!" She whined and the blonde chuckled.
"Of course, I'm fine with it."
Yukino's face fell as she shifted in her seat on the sofa, hesitant. "Are you sure? I mean I – "
Lucy smiled softly. "Yukino, I was teasing you. I'm fine with it, I understand" The stellar mage nodded. "But" Lucy continued, sitting up from her hunched over position. "Tomorrow we're joining Cana for drinks." Receiving a nod, the blonde waved her friend off, smiling as she stood from her seat to head out.
"Seven?" Yukino called out.
"Eight." Lucy informed her as she continued editing her manuscript. The door to her apartment opened and closed a moment later, a heavy sigh leaving her. Setting down her manuscript she unfolded her legs and slowly stood up stretching out her aching limbs. Giving a quick glance around her apartment she looked down to her manuscript before tossing a glance over her shoulder, her lips curving in a smile as her brown eyes spotted the lacrima sitting on her desk.
Shuffling over to the object she lifted her hand pausing unsure of the feeling that swept over her. Her hand dropped startled upon hearing a knock on her door. Brows furrowing, she couldn't recall expecting any visitors today, especially since it was supposed to be just her and Yukino. Making her way to her door the blonde, took hold of the knob, twisting it and pulling her door open, surprised to see Rogue at her door.
"Rogue" Lucy clenched her hand, feeling a tingling sensation in it. "What are you doing here?" She inquired. "Are you by chance looking for Yukino?"
"No, I came to speak with you."
The blonde felt a jolt in her chest, unable to decipher if she was feeling panic or something else, she swallowed in attempt to quell her suddenly dry throat. "Oh, I-I'm sorry. I'm actually getting ready to head out."
"I see." Her hand tightened its hold on the doorknob, as distress flashed in his red eyes. "I'll stop by another time." He silently turned away.
Her arm twitched to reach out to him, her voice ready to call out to stop him, something told her that what he had to say might be important, yet she remained still, resisting the urge. Quickly closing the door Lucy released her grip on the knob, stumbling back and letting out a yelp as she fell to the ground.
"What the hell was that?" She murmured, shaking her head to rid herself of the feelings. "Natsu" She mumbled. "I was going to call Natsu." Pushing herself up she hastily made her way to the lacrima to call him, anxious for him to respond to her call. "Please answer." She fidgeted, as there continued to be no response from the slayer.
Frustrated she quickly threw on some clothing, locking up her apartment with the intent to head to his place, hoping he was there. Lucy stood in front of her apartment building, looking in the general direction of Fairy Hills. Shaking the thought away she focused on her initial goal, of finding Natsu.
When she arrived at his small cottage Lucy lifted a shaking hand and knocked on his door, shifting from one leg to another as she waited for him to answer. Knocking again the celestial spirit mage, felt a wave of relief wash over her upon hearing him grumble through the door, the click of the lock had her taking a step backwards, a sense of foreboding creeping its way into the back of her mind. Her eyes watched the door swing open, his dark eyes taking in her presence as a bright smile spread across his face.
"Luce" He immediately enveloped her in his embrace. Shaking off the peculiar emotions she wrapped her arms around him, returning his hug, a smile of contentment on her face. "What are you doing here?" He queried, pulling back to look at her. "I thought you and Yukino were spending time together?"
"We were, she had something come up so…" She trailed off, smiling as a wide grin split his face.
"Does that mean you're mine today since you're here?"
Giggling she nodded. "Yep, I'm all yours."
"Want to come in?" He stepped aside allowing her entry into his and Happy's little home, closing the door behind them.
Lucy stood at the entry way, taking in the chaos of his home. Huffing in frustration she made her way inside, rolling her eyes as she saw the mess from his room coming out. "Natsu, why do you have so much stuff?" She complained, pausing as she caught sight of his memorabilia from their jobs noting it had grown. "Can't you just be a little more organized?"
"I can't help it." He said smiling sheepishly, his shoulders lifting slightly as he passed her, taking her wrist and pulling her into his lap and onto his only available chair. The stellar mage let out a laugh as they landed in the seat, a soft sigh leaving her as he nuzzled her cheek. "Lucy" He called softly, and she hummed in response. "Can we go on a date today?"
Lucy smiled gently, recalling her promise. "Of course, but before we do, I need you to help me with my shopping." His lips pressed together in a small pout. Grabbing his cheek Lucy gave a small tug. "Don't give me that adorable face you bonehead!" She scolded playfully. "It's your fault my food is practically gone."
Natsu chuckled as she released his cheek. "Okay, okay, I'll go shopping with you." Giving her quick peck he glanced to his door. "Should we head out now?"
The celestial mage shook her head, shifting in his hold to get more comfortable. "Not just yet" She whispered. Nodding he leaned forward pressing his lips to hers in a chaste kiss.
The couple sat in silence, Lucy enjoying the warmth emitting from her boyfriend, snuggling just a little closer. The comfort of being his embrace had always seemed to diminish any undesirable emotions. No matter how anxious, angry or afraid she was the moment she felt those arms wrap around her, everything felt that much lighter, and her burden would just fade away as if it never existed. She loved the way it made her feel and she wished more than ever that she still felt that way in his arms.
"Lucy." His soft timid voice pulled her from her thoughts; the feel of his warm breath against her neck sent an involuntary shiver down her spine.
"Yes Natsu?" She asked worriedly.
"I have something I want to ask you." His arms tightened around her. "I have an important question I want to ask you." He continued, sounding more confident.
"Okay"
"Will – Would you become mine?"
Shifting in his hold the stellar mage turned to Natsu, observing the expression on his face, the gravity of his question evident in his eyes. The cogs in her brain turned as she comprehended his question, her eyes widening briefly in understanding she felt her face heat up. "You – you mean – Are you asking me if I want to become your mate."
He nodded his head and she could feel her heart, beat against her chest, an unnerving sensation settling in her stomach. In the back of her head warning signals tried to push through to her consciousness, everything within her commanding her to refuse, to tell the pinkette no.
"Lu- "
"Yes." She whispered, beaming at him.
The slayer grinned at her, his hold tightening, and she giggled as his lips descended upon hers. "Let's go shopping now, that way we can just spend the rest of the day together."
Throwing her arms around his neck she pulled him close, desperate to rid herself of the sickening feeling that had begun to take over the moment she had said yes. "Let's go then." She whispered. Pulling back, she smiled brightly at him, laughter erupting from her as he stood from his seat with her in his arms, carrying her to the doorway.
"Aye!" He shouted cheerfully.
The couple made their way to the market, Lucy going over her mental check list picking up the necessities before delving into the ingredients required to make majority of the meals, she cooked for either Natsu or herself.
"Hey Natsu" The blonde called as she looked over the meat options. "Is there anything in particular you want?" She glanced over to him, brows furrowing upon not seeing him nearby.
Sighing she turned to the butcher, pulling out her list she handed it to the gentleman, ignoring the raised brow he sent her way before setting about completing her order. Handing him his payment the stellar mage took the bags, taking a moment to adjust her hold before making her way to the produce, selecting her favorites and adding a few new she was sure she could convince Natsu to try with her. Finally ending her shopping with a search of the little stall she preferred for all her herb and spice needs, feeling agitated that she never stayed in one spot.
"Luce, wait up!" Pausing in her step she turned in the direction of her partner's voice, waiting impatiently as he caught up with her.
"Natsu where ha – "He pressed a quick kiss to her lips
"Sorry for leaving you alone." He smiled apologetically. "Oh here, trade me" The slayer took the bags from her hands, giving her a crepe in exchange. "It's chocolate and banana." Lucy rolled her eyes as she took a bite of the dessert, of course he would get her something chocolatey to placate her. "Erza said there was a really good bakery nearby, so I got us some dessert." He lifted the bag "Chocolate cake, strawberry cake and chocolate truffles."
A smile made its way onto her face, as she took another bite of her crepe, finding his gesture thoughtful. He had even chosen her preferred desserts. "Wait." She turned to the slayer, her brown eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Did – you did something didn't you?"
"What?" He looked at her startled by her accusation. "No, I just wanted to treat you to something." He shrugged.
"So, then you're telling me nothing is on fire?"
"Nothing is on fire." He swore. "You should trust me a little more." He muttered, his shoulders dropping.
Lucy chewed on her lip; half tempted to apologize for the suspicion however it was never without good reason. Linking her arm with his, she guided him to the stall. "Except I know how you are mister pyro." She teased. "You get all fired up and next thing I know it's chaos." She pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Come on, this is the last stop, and we'll be done."
Releasing her hold on him she picked a few herbs and several spices, thanking the stall owner as she paid her before the couple set off for her apartment.
Adjusting the bags in his hands he glanced at the celestial spirit mage that was his best friend and partner. He had fallen for her from the moment he met her. His feelings gradually growing until he had confessed to her and his heart swelled with joy when she had accepted him, and they began their relationship. He loved her with every bit of him and nearly a year later and he planned to make her his.
Natsu grimaced upon feeling his chest ache, a sense of guilt edging its way in. He gripped the bags in his hands tightly, reminding himself once again that there was no wrongdoing in claiming her as his own. Over the years he had been her best friend and partner, had loved and cared for her deeply. She in turn loved and cared for him. The bond they shared meant there was no mistake that she belonged to him.
Reining his urges in he focused on getting to the blonde's place, determined to make sure the night went well. When they arrived at her apartment, he followed her into the kitchen, placing the grocery bags on the counter before he began helping her put things away, sensing her surprise. Sending her a smile he finished with his task, waiting as the stellar mage finished up with the rest of the food.
His arms wound themselves around her pulling her close, her scent filling his nostrils, stirring the hunger. "Let's head out for a little while."
She glanced over her shoulder at him, her chocolate eyes looking at him, a soft smile on her beautiful face. "That sounds like a good idea."
Taking her hand the pair left her apartment, walking nowhere in particular. It had been some time since they had wandered aimlessly around Magnolia, simply just to be with each other and making the day last just a little while longer. Natsu considered taking her on a job after Yukino's visit, to give them some alone time. His lips quirked at the memory of their first job alone after becoming a couple and their first night. No matter how much she protested and kicked him out he had always found himself in her tent every night, wanting to be by her side. Eventually Lucy had given up on kicking him out and they started sharing a tent from then on.
That night Natsu did his best to treat it like any other, aware of the blonde's nervousness. The moment he embraced her, holding her close he could hear her heart rate pick up as her breathing pattern changed. He had been tempted to claim her then however simply kissed her and wished her sweet dreams.
He felt the pang of guilt working its way back into his consciousness and he gritted his teeth reminding himself there was no reason for him to second guess his actions. There was nothing wrong with claiming the woman he loved. Clenching his fist he winced as he realized his grip tightened on Lucy's hand.
"Natsu?" He smiled apologetically.
"Sorry Luce, I was just… thinking about something."
"Did you want to talk about it?"
He shook his head. "No, it was pointless anyways." Closing the small distance between them he smiled gently. "There's a job I've been eyeing, we should go on it after Yukino's visit."
Lucy shook her head giggling softly. "Despite the fact that the job is likely going to involve an obscene amount of violence, I'd like to go on it with you. It's been some time since we had some alone time together."
He nodded, pressing a chaste kiss to her lips. "Yeah, it has." Kissing her again he released his hold on her hand, sliding his arms around her, holding her tight. "We'll stop at magic shops on the way home."
Lucy laughed lightly, leaning up to kiss him. "Then I'm all for the job." Natsu grinned as their lips met again.
"Should we get some dinner?"
"Yes."
Taking her hand once more he led her into a nearby restaurant, taking a seat in a more secluded area of the restaurant. Picking up the menu he skimmed over it, allowing Lucy to order first before giving the waiter his order, handing the waiter his menu once he finished. Turning his attention to the blonde as she spoke, he felt his lips lift in a smile as he half listened to her talk. In that moment he was reminded of when they first met how she rambled on for several moments and he had barely heard her too busy with shoveling food into his mouth. He debated on taking her to Hargeon for their anniversary and to that very restaurant – although, hopefully she would see it as the romantic gesture he intended and not be reminded of his brash rudeness.
His train of thought soon shifted to how long it had been since they took a vacation however recalled that any vacation they took always ended up into team training. There had barely been any relaxation and he knew it always bothered the blonde. She could finally get to do that. His onyx eyes shifted to look at her, wincing at the expression on her face. He had done it again.
"S-sorry Luce" He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "What is it you were saying?"
The stellar mage rolled her eyes. "Never mind, it's not important anyways."
He flinched at the tone of her voice, opening his mouth to say something when the waiter brought out a portion of his meal and hers, placing them on the table. The duo ate their meal in silence, Natsu glancing up at her several times during the course of dinner, unsure what he could say to make her feel better. He truly couldn't stand when she was upset with him in any degree.
After finishing their food he took the check, paying the bill. He followed the celestial mage out of the restaurant, sensing her agitation he moved to wrap his arms around her, stalling when she turned to him.
"Natsu can – can we just go back to my apartment?" He suppressed the whimper nearly escaping his throat.
"What? Why?" She looked away from him, frowning at her action he realized it wasn't his spacing out that was upsetting her. "Luce" He called her name softly, reaching for her he pulled her into his embrace. "I'm sorry for not listening in the restaurant. Whatever's bothering you, I promise to listen this time."
She shook her head. "It's not that, I – I don't really feel like being out right now."
He hesitated, wanting their date to last a little longer before nodding his head, taking her hand and beginning their walk back to her apartment. Glancing to the blonde he tried to speculate what it was that caused her sudden urge to go home. On a normal basis she had no qualms about their dates lasting well into the early morning hours, neither ready to part with the other, even if they both knew that they could just cuddle in her bed like any other night and spend more time together the next day.
He wracked his brain, frowning in frustration upon not finding any explanation. He thought back to their dinner, not recalling her saying anything but the brief thought that she had said something while he was spacing out crossed his mind, causing him to cringe hoping that wasn't the case. By the time they arrived at her building he had given up, hoping that she would tell him soon enough but if not he could always pester her until she revealed what was bothering her and do whatever he could to make her smile once more.
They reached her apartment door and he released his hold on her hand, looking up to wish her a good night and sweet dreams, startled to suddenly find her mouth against his. He growled lowly as he pressed her against her door, his tongue greedily plundering her mouth in an effort to curb his longing for her. His hands held her firmly, resisting the temptation to throw open her door and take her as his own.
She tore her mouth from him calling his name softly; her eyes fluttered open revealing beautiful chocolate colored orbs, and the same level of desire he currently felt. The fire slayer waited patiently for her to continue, his eyes dropping to her hip as she fumbled with her keys, pulling the ring off her hip. He blinked in confusion, before his face split into a grin as she turned to unlock her door, stepping inside.
Following the stellar spirit mage into her apartment, his lips lifted in a smirk as the door closed, and the sound of a lock clicking seconds after. He slid off his sandals, as she removed her boots licking his lips, eyes following her as she moved past him, further into her apartment. His hand quickly grasped her wrist pulling her back to him, leaning close he brushed his nose against hers, his lips twitching upon smelling her arousal.
He cupped her face as his lips descended upon hers, the hunger demanding to be sated. "Luce" He groaned quietly, as she pulled away, taking his hand she guided him through her apartment and to her bed. Her brown eyes looked up at him lovingly and he could swear his heart was about to burst from his chest. "I love you." He murmured as he claimed her mouth, his tongue pushing past parted lips, ravenously tasting every bit of her mouth.
He growled in frustration as she once again broke the kiss, brows furrowing as she placed her hand on his chest, pushing him back and onto the bed. His dark eyes narrowed briefly at the amused smile on her face, watching her movements as she stepped back her arms crossing in front of her as her hands took the hem of her top lifting the shirt up and over her head. He grinned as she tossed the article of clothing onto the floor before climbing into his lap, his hands grasping her waist, their lips meeting for a brief kiss.
She bit her lip as her hands slowly slid his waist coat off his shoulders, tossing it onto the floor with her shirt, her mouth finding its way to his neck, nipping and sucking at the flesh. He groaned lowly, grabbing her ass firmly. He felt her smile against his skin her tongue snaking out to trail along his throat, their lips meeting for another kiss.
The slayer's fingers slowly traced along her spine, pausing as they reached her bra. Making quick work of the garment he tossed it onto the floor beside her bed, his arms wrapping around her as he lifted her up, turning to lay her on the bed. He shifted above her; reaching for her skirt he carefully undid it, tugging it off of her and adding it to the pile of discarded clothing. Glancing up to his blonde partner he smiled as he caressed her thighs, slowly inching his way to her hips. Taking the last article of clothing between his fingers his eyes followed his hands down her slender legs and dropping it onto the floor.
He had caught glimpses of her nude form before but seeing it in its entirety left him breathless. Leaning forward their lips met in a soft kiss, her supple lips moving slowly against his own as he settled himself between her thighs. His fingertips trailed along her silken skin, eager to touch every bit of her and discover what brought her pleasure.
The stellar mage's hands slid along his torso and down his back, pulling him in closer, her breasts brushing against his chest, sending a shiver down his spine, his cock aching to seat itself within her warmth. Standing up he immediately unbuckled his belt, dropping his pants followed by his boxers before climbing back onto the bed, capturing her lips with his own, ready to finally claim her as his mate.
He felt the twinge of remorse in the pit of his stomach as he held himself above her, cupping her soft breast in his hand, his mouth still against hers in a kiss. His adoptive father had given him rules and guidelines to follow as a slayer and here he was blatantly disgracing himself as a dragon.
Breaking the kiss, he clenched his teeth, no longer able to convince himself. Letting out a staggered breath he called her name in a whisper.
"Luce" He bit back the tears. "I think we should hold off on this."
"O-Oh" He cringed, the disappointment in her voice breaking his heart.
"I-It's not that I don't want to." He began, sitting up. "It's just that I feel like I should do more research." He shifted as her brown eyes looked imploringly at him. "I'm afraid I'm going to mess this up and I want to do this properly with you." Taking hold of her hand he held it against his cheek. "I love you Luce and I really want to do this right."
The expression on her face softened as she pulled him towards her. "Okay Natsu, we can hold off." Their lips met in a chaste kiss.
Suppressing the bile in his throat he smiled. "Let's get some sleep." Wrapping his arms around the celestial mage he closed his eyes, willing himself to keep the tears at bay until she was asleep.