Hey you guys! It's Kytrin tonight! Poor Mslead had a Murphy's Law day from hell clobber her, so when I found out I told her to go sit down and relax and I'd post the chapter for her.
As I mentioned on tumblr, this chapter is the pebble that starts the cascade, so hang on tight because everything from here on is a direct result of what you'll see here! I don't think we have any housekeeping, so you guys enjoy! :)
And as always... THIS FIC UPDATES EVERY 3 DAYS: Post, Break, Break, Post!
CHAPTER 33
Imp
Imps are lesser demonic entities originating from Germanic folklore. They were not always evil back then, but always mischievous. Sometimes imps were the attendants of gods.
Sting eyed the two of them in amusement and smirked a bit, "I'll go on ahead. You two catch up Once you're presentable okay?"
With that he tugged Happy out with him by his tail and left the two alone.
Lucy huffed a little and got up, "Presentable?" She grumbled and looked at Natsu with mingled exasperation and affection, "I'll have you know this is your fault."
Natsu grinned back at her, "My fault?" He asked, "You were the one to kiss first!"
"Details." Lucy replied dismissively and leaned over to pull him into another warm kiss before getting up, "Give me five minutes and you can take the bathroom."
Natsu nodded and watched as she left before flopping back on the bed with a happy sigh. He was thrilled with how well he and Lucy had made up, and though he was sorry he'd had to go through such extremes to convince her it had been totally worth it.
After all, there was nothing quite like having your brain partially melted. Though he felt absolutely no shame in admitting he would do it again in a second if it got him the same result.
He heaved another sigh and levered himself out of bed to take a shower and get cleaned up as his brother had suggested. Maybe he would get lucky and the meeting would be short.
Twenty minutes later, Igneel huffed with relief as he spotted Natsu up and about again. Seeing that somewhat glazed look in Natsu's eyes after his argument with Lucy had been frightening, and he was pleased to see they'd obviously made up if the way they were staring at each other and holding hands was any indication. However, the whole thing had been a very sharp reminder that his son was a Golem.
And his life was tied to the very fragile one of a human.
A human that was tangled up in a war against demons that would try to tear the world apart. His son would fight by her side every step of the way, even had he not been in love with the human, the nature of what he was would force the issue.
Igneel had held off on making a decision, but the choice was clear enough now. Dragons could not simply reinsert themselves into the lives of mortals. Not without allies.
And while his nest was powerful, Igneel suspected it would not remain so if the humans fell to the demons. The dragons would be their next target.
Perhaps the dragons would win, but not without suffering heavy losses. Not if they could mount an offense with the humans.
"I have decided the Dragons will offer aid to the humans in this fight," Igneel rumbled to Lucy, "my son has chosen you as the one he loves, so consider this an acceptance of the treaty you offer."
He dipped his head to Sting, "Natsu's brother will accompany you back to Magnolia. Gajeel has informed me that Rogue from Metallicana's nest has already made it to Fairy Tail."
"The rest of us will remain where we are for now, and then communicate with you outside of Magnolia's walls," Igneel rumbled, "Fiore must be freed before the rest of the lands."
Lucy stared at the dragon in awed gratitude, "I... thank you." She managed with as much sincerity as she could muster, and glanced at Natsu, "I know you don't care much for my people, and I can't blame you all things considered, but whatever your reasons for this I'm extremely grateful."
Igneel smiled a little at her, "I admit my desire was first to the protection of my children and my own people, that such protection benefits your race was merely beneficial." He met her eyes, "However, you and your companions have reminded me that the actions of one, or a few, should not taint everyone. Doing this will still protect my children and my people as a whole, but it is also the right thing to do."
Lucy smiled happily at him, "Thank you again."
Sting grinned at her and stepped forward, "Now, we can't simply fly in and start helping. Given the way things have gone for the last four hundred years we would probably terrify the humans as much, or more, than the demons."
"So what's the plan?" Lucy asked, instinctively slipping back into her Rune Knight professionalism, "I assume it involves you and Rogue making friends in Magnolia?"
Sting nodded, "Exactly. We want to make contacts among the humans that might be friendly to us while dad rallies and coordinates the nests. The plan is that by the time the dragons are ready to mobilize we'll have enough support inside to help ease the transition."
Lucy frowned a little in thought, "That won't be easy." She replied, "As much as it still pains me to admit it, the Magic Council can't be trusted with something like this. That leaves the guilds themselves, and while Fairy Tail and some others might be friendly and willing to help others won't."
"Furthermore, all of the guilds are illegal." She grimaced, "I'm honestly not sure why the Council outlawed them since they used to be legal, but that's not the case anymore. At least not in Magnolia. The guilds outside Magnolia might have more power, but that's chancy at best."
"The answer to that is simple, is it not?" Grandine asked, dipping her head down to Lucy's level.
"I'm not sure what you mean," Lucy frowned in misunderstanding and Grandine shifted down to her smaller size to better meet Lucy's eyes.
"The Magic Council must have its leading members removed from office and replaced by those who would be willing to support the guilds and dragons," Grandine purred.
"It ain't the soundest plan, there are at least eight members on the council at any given time," Gajeel grunted, "You're talking about needing a majority vote here."
"It's hardly impossible if they have committed as many crimes against the people as you say they have," Igneel replied, "Expose the truth to not just the people in the lower quarter, but the upper class as well."
"Magnolia needs to change first before anywhere else can follow suit. It's the capital, and it will lead by example." Igneel let out a low chuckle.
"Yes, but how will we prove it?" Lucy asked, "I come from that upper class, and I know the people there will demand that sort of proof."
Gajeel grinned toothily, "That, at least, ain't a problem. Rogue's a shadow dragon. Slippin' through the shadows and spyin' on things he shouldn't is as easy as breathing to him."
Lucy blinked a little, "Alright..." She said slowly, "That will help a lot. The council signatures are magically designed so they can't be forged. If we can get enough evidence with their name on it we might be able to pull that off."
"It'll still be tricky though." She frowned, "We'll need someone to charismatic enough to be our spokesperson, and someone sharp enough to know how to handle the political minefield that's bound to be."
"Jellal can do it!" Levy exclaimed eagerly, "He's a genius, and powerful enough magically to be on the council himself! Plus, he knows a lot about politics, and what he doesn't know you can tutor him on!"
Lucy stared at her friends in stunned disbelief. Had they really come up with the outline of a plan that would overturn the council and the political climate of Magnolia and Fiore at large in less than ten minutes?
She turned her gaze to Natsu and found him grinning broadly at her, "Let's do it Lucy!"
A slow smile stretched over her face, "Yeah!" She exclaimed fiercely, hope blossoming in her chest, "This can work!"
They dissolved into more in depth plans, unaware of the plotting much further away.
-::-
In the fortress of Tartaros, the leader sat in his throne with a dog-like monster at his side.
Mard Geer pet a slow hand through its thick fur, humming under his breath. The monster was whimpering and whining, communicating a story to the demon in a language only demons could understand.
"So, END and his mistress have gone to seek help from the dragons," Mard Geer finally spoke, his eyes narrowed and calculated with thought.
"Shall we go attack the nest? We know where our prize is my lord," the female demon next to him bent down before him.
"No Kyoka, Igneel's nest will fall in time," Mard Geer shooed the mutt away from him and gave her an amused smile, "but keep an eye out for them. We need END more than ever now since he eluded Jackal on Galuna island."
"Our master cannot be left waiting after all, even if that means getting our hands back on that failed weapon. He would still be useful." Mard Geer explained, "I want their movements monitored closely."
"It will be done my lord." Kyoka purred eagerly, "I will see to it myself."
"Very good Kyoka." Mard Geer replied in satisfaction, "But don't stretch yourself too thin. I may have need of your... talents... elsewhere."
"Yes my lord." Kyoka replied, "I am ever at your call."
Mard Geer smirked as he nodded at her and she bowed her head before departing. Everything was going well. They'd located END and his filthy mistress, and would soon have him within their grasp. Even if they had to raze that wretched human city to the ground to get to him.
-::-
Gray leaned back and crossed his arms thoughtfully as the call ended, "That's one hell of a report."
"It is indeed." Erza agreed, "A bold plan for certain." Her lips twitched, "But never let it be said Fairy Tail shied away from a bold plan. Are you two willing?"
Jellal nodded, "I am. I have no wish for the spotlight, but if that's what it takes to put an end to this..."
"I'm also willing." Rogue replied quietly, "My drake sent me here in the hope he could help in some small way. Now that the King is backing this I will do everything I can to ensure his plan is a success."
Erza smiled, "Thank you both. Gray, I want you to partner up with Rogue. Find out what he needs to infiltrate the Council building and retrieve the evidence we need."
"You got it." Gray growled with a grin that was all teeth, and got up, "C'mon. It'll be easiest to just show you what you're looking for instead of staring at a map."
Rogue nodded and followed him out.
The trip to Magnolia, and meeting Fairy Tail, had been an interesting experience. To say the least. The people here were unlike any he'd encountered before. And though he wouldn't admit it, but he was actually starting to like them.
Rogue had to admit, the humans of Fairy Tail seemed to be cut out of a similar cloth to Lucy. It suddenly seemed to make sense why. The people that they were seemed to inspire a sort of type of person to join their ranks. It came to him as no surprise that Lucy would find a home here in this guild.
They had already welcomed him with open arms. Even more he admitted who and what he was, or why he had come to them specifically.
And he believed already, if anyone could turn the tide in this war, it would be these humans.
"What're you thinkin' about?" Gray slyly asked as they headed to their target in relative quiet. The streets they took were largely empty save for a beggar or two, but that only served to give him a better lay of the land in this strange human landscape.
He imagined at one point, Magnolia had been a beautiful place. Aside from the towering walls that protected the city, Rogue could feel strong air currents overhead, something dragons could relish and play in. Hatchlings especially would love the updraft that came from cities.
Lucy was right to want to protect it.
"Lucy," Rogue admitted after a long moment, "I was just recalling her as the reason why I volunteered to be the one to come here."
"She's got a real fire about her, doesn't she?" Gray asked, "Lucy's was my partner for years while we were undercover for the council. She's like a sister to me."
Rogue chuckled softly, "She does." He agreed, "She's one of the few humans to have ever been to Tenrou. When I first met her I assumed she was like all the others I'd met. Greedy and selfish, wanting to end the war for her own ends, or broken." He shook his head, "I should have known better."
"What did she do?" Gray asked curiously.
"She talked back to me." Rogue replied in amusement, "I asked her why she bothered to fight at all when the demons have been trying to eradicate you for the past four hundred years."
"Let me guess... she said something about how they haven't killed us off yet, and that's a reason to fight right?" Gray smirked, "That's Lucy all over. Stubborn to the very end. You wouldn't believe what it took to convince her guilds weren't all evil and the council wasn't all good."
"I doubt it would surprise me." Rogue replied, "Anyone capable of talking back to the people they're asking help from, and being right in the process, is not one to question their course of action lightly.".
Gray grinned in reply as they came to a halt in a shadowy corner not far from their target, "Alright, this is your best way in."
Rogue narrowed his eyes as he studied the layout before him, "I see at least four ways in from here alone. What do you recommend I look for?"
Gray shot him an impressed look, "You've got sharper eyes than mine then." He gestured to a sewer grate, "That will take you right underneath the labs where they were keeping Natsu for experimentation before Lucy tore up the place breaking him out."
"We'll want to keep the prince out of this." Rogue mused, "But if those labs are that unscrupulous I'm certain there's more on record in there. Where else?"
"The archives." Gray replied instantly, "There's a special section only council members and authorized personnel are allowed to go. Rumor has it they keep all the really dangerous spellbooks in there, but it may be more than that. Other than that, you'll want administration on the second floor from the top. That's where the councilmen keep their offices and paperwork."
He grimaced, "There's no telling how much of that is boring crap, so you might have to do a lot of sifting to get the good stuff."
Rogue nodded, "This may require multiple trips then. I'll be back in an hour to report."
"Same here," Gray smirked at Rogue and cocked his head at his vaguely surprised look, "What, you didn't think I was going to let you do all the hard work by yourself did ya?"
He jerked a thumb into his chest, "I know this place better than anyone else. besides probably Lucy and Levy."
"Meet back here soon then," Rogue nodded to Gray as they split ways.
Rogue melted into the shadows, purring softly at their comforting embrace, and sped towards his destination. He was careful to stick to the actual shadows around as he didn't want to draw attention to himself by being a shadow where no shadow should be. Fortunately, it was dusk so the shadows were lengthening everywhere, and the lights were starting to come on, which would only help.
Even better, it was near the end of the day, so most had gone home or were leaving. That would give him a better chance to work without discovery as long as he stayed quiet.
Since Gray had headed for the sewer entrance, Rogue glided towards the top floors of the building. Gray would have a difficult time getting there undetected, but he could linger in the shadows as long as was needed.
At least that was his plan. Unfortunately, the human nest was considerably more complicated than a dragon one, and it took him several tries before he was able to figure out where he actually needed to be, and wasted quite a bit of his allotted time.
However, it wasn't a complete waste.
He had no trouble at all getting around the few humans still there, and after picking one of the plush offices at random was pleased to discover that barring an unexpected interruption these rooms would be clear for looking through them all night. Though he could tell immediately it would take many such nights.
It seemed powerful wizards liked to hoard books almost as much as dragons did.
If nothing else, it was a start. One they would have to revisit and think on for several days at a time, but at least between the two of them they would be able to unearth the council's secrets day by day.
He was particularly interested in the older volumes that were pushed to the back in their attempt to hide them from curious eyes.
He was tempted to take one to read, but there was no telling if he would be able to sneak it back before anyone noticed. So quickly he moved to meet up with Gray. They were sure to have some of the raunchier stories in the archives and in the labs.
When he slithered back into the shadows, he moved back to his meeting point with Gray, only to find that the man was already there with a file stuffed under his shirt.
"Subtle," Rogue's eyes narrowed on the ream of paper bulkily sticking out from Gray's collar, "Don't tell me you believe they won't notice that missing."
"It's Natsu's file," Gray grumbled back at Rogue, defending his decision to swipe the documents with that reason alone, "I wanted to know what they did to him while they had him in their hold."
"He seemed fine, but a lot of his past is still a mystery to us, and if the doctors managed to find out something in his head that we haven't been able to yet, then we'll be able to get a step up!" Gray said with hushed excitement.
Rogue lifted his eyebrows up at that, and he had to admit, Gray had a point.
"Very well." He conceded, "Let me take it though. You'll only attract attention with it like that." He blinked as Gray's shirt was suddenly gone, and Gray was holding the file with a frown, "What happened to your shirt?!"
"Goddamnit!" Gray cried, "Not again!"
He practically shoved the file at Rogue while he scooped his shirt up and put it back on.
Rogue stared at him for a long moment, "I think we're going to need a bag of some kind for anything you carry."
He wasn't too bothered by the human stripping, though he couldn't work out how it had happened so fast, but doing that while carrying sensitive information? No thanks.
He shook his head a little in bemusement, "We should go."
Gray nodded and they headed back to the guild, much more quickly now that Rogue was familiar with the way.
"Back so soon?" Erza asked once they returned.
"We only did preliminary scouting tonight." Rogue replied, "This will be an ongoing assignment. There's simply too much to sift through in one night even for the two of us."
"Yeah, but at least we were able to confirm we know where enough dirt is to bury the council in scandal." Gray smirked, "And we got Natsu's file from those freaks."
"Natsu's file?" Jellal asked curiously, "What good will that do?"
"Gray believes the file might contain something valuable regarding their experiments on the prince." Rogue answered, "I'm inclined to believe him, but as none of us are healers I'd like permission to fly it to the Queen."
"How quickly can you do that?" Erza asked, and Rogue smirked.
"I can be there and back within a day if I fly at top speed the whole way."
He could probably be there and back much faster than that, but there was no telling how quickly he would be granted an audience, or how long explanations would take.
"Very well, but first make a copy of it so we can review it ourselves," Jellal looked up at Rogue from where he had begun to sink into thought.
"We may not be healers, but we certainly have one among Fairy tail who excels in her art," he smiled, even if it was tinged with a bit of unspoken terror, "Polyusica can decipher almost any kind of medical script even outside her area of expertise."
Rogue seemed hesitant, but he bowed his head in acknowledgement and passed them over to Jellal.
The man got up to made a quick copy of it before returning the original to Rogue, "please inform them we have a copy of the file."
Rogue nodded and fetched a tight cording to wrap around the file. He looped it around his wrist and stuffed it in a bag to keep the pages from flying away.
"I'll take my leave then," Rogue bowed his head to head to the door.
"Safe travels," Erza said kindly.
Rogue smiled as he stepped into a shadowy corner and became one with it.
He couldn't risk transforming, even partially, within the city. Thankfully, his shadow form was nearly as fast as his flying form, and it took him only a few minutes to return to the secluded area he'd marked as unclaimed by anyone.
Once he'd double checked the area was clear he quickly transformed, and launched himself into the evening sky until he was little more than an odd inky smear high above, and rounded his course straight for Igneel's nest.
-::-
Natsu tried not to groan with frustration as the evening meal dragged on.
They'd wound up spending most of the day planning, talking to Fairy Tail, and planning some more until he was about to explode with impatience. He'd actually had little fires sparking up randomly before Igneel had declared the rest could wait until later.
But even then he hadn't been free to whisk Lucy back to their room to spend some time alone together. Grandine, his mother, had insisted on one last check up, after which Wendy had begged him to play with her with the most enormous eyes he'd ever seen. Something he was starting to think Lucy was in on since she'd sat there laughing the whole time as he struggled against Wendy's eyes and Happy's cheerful enthusiasm.
He had, of course, caved within five seconds.
Now the whole day was gone, and he hadn't once had the chance to speak with Lucy privately again. It was completely unfair.
And despite the smirks and knowing looks he kept getting from his parents and brother, it wasn't for the reasons they thought.
His moment with Lucy had been precious and wonderful in all possible ways. However, as much as a part of him badly wanted to pick right back up where they'd left off, there was a much larger part that just wanted to spend some time with her.
She was the most precious thing in his world, and he wanted her to understand, to truly know that he loved and cherished her. They'd had a rough few days recently, and they both needed to unwind. To spend time laughing and reading and not solving mysteries or getting hurt or any of the other stress in their lives.
Truthfully, he wanted a couple days locked away from the world himself.
Their arrival at the nest had been a succession of rapid shocks, and trying to get things done while part of him was still reeling.
They weren't all entirely bad shocks, but as happy as he was that he now had a family there was a part of him that was still reeling and hadn't had a chance to process everything yet.
Probably because he'd spent most of his time here so far unconscious.
Which was just ridiculous in his opinion.
He jumped a little when he felt a gentle hand touch his wrist and looked over to see Lucy watching him with concern and a question in her eyes.
Guilt surged through him at the sight. He hadn't meant to think about things so hard she got worried like that. Her concerned look turned into a slight head tilt and he smiled softly back as he twisted his hand to tangle their fingers together.
That got him a smile, and his own widened in response as he lifted her hand and placed a gentle kiss on the back of it.
He had seen Jellal do that with Erza back at the guild, and judging by the pretty blush that scooted over her cheeks, Natsu guessed it was the correct choice of action.
He understood wants now. Needs and desires. Each one had their purpose, and Natsu was no stranger to those emotions anymore.
There were some emotions he didn't know. Hatred, grief, envy.
But with Lucy as his guide, how could he ever learn about those feelings? He smiled at Lucy, unable to hide just how he felt for her in his eyes.
It was then he realized, he would do anything to keep the smile on her face. Which was frightening, considering he was a world-ending demon.
He was happy Lucy didn't desire anything cruel from him. Not that she would. Her soul was pure.
Natsu couldn't wait to kick some demon ass so he could go on a vacation with Lucy in a nice, secluded part of the world.
His was interrupted from forming any other cheese riddled thoughts when a loud blaring sound interrupted their dinner.
Blinking, Natsu looked up.
"What is it?" Lucy asked, her hand loosening in Natsu's grip.
"It's a proximity alert," Sting growled angrily, "We have a visitor too close to the mountain."
"Gonna try to rip their heads off without finding out what they want first?" Gajeel snorted.
"That was one time, you have to let it go," Sting's cheeks flushed, "besides no one ended up dead."
"What should we do?" Lucy asked, uncertain if they needed to get up or not.
"Just relax." Igneel rumbled calmly, "The sentries will intercept our visitor and alert us if it's something requiring we defend the nest."
Right on cue a series of complex roars echoed throughout the nest, and everyone relaxed immediately.
"Not hostile." Sting breathed just as one of the sentries, a younger green dragon, led a larger black one inside.
"Rogue!" Gajeel exclaimed in surprise, leaping to his feet, "What're you doin' here?"
"I come bearing news and something that may be of great interest, if not help, to the Queen regarding Prince Natsu." Rogue replied as he shifted down into his human form and stepped forward.
He bowed respectfully to Igneel and Grandine before approaching them.
"What news?" Igneel asked with interest, noting the plain folder Rogue was carrying.
"Fairy Tail has already begun their preliminary scouting of the council building for evidence." Rogue replied, "It will take some time to go through everything properly, but we've already had some success."
He held the folder out to Grandine, "Gray was able to retrieve the file of what was done to the prince during his brief time they were experimenting on him. We're not sure if there's anything in there you're already unaware of, but it was worth the risk to find out."
"Gray actually got his hands on that file?!" Lucy yelped in surprise, "And he made it out with it without getting caught?"
Rogue nodded, though his lips twitched a bit, "He did. We did our first run through of the building not three hours ago, so it was mostly deserted." His lips twitched a bit more, "The file was stuffed under his shirt."
"Discreet," Lucy mumbled.
"I'm surprised that stripper was able to keep his shirt on that long," Gajeel loudly brought to voice what Lucy and Levy had been secretly thinking.
Rogue passed it to Grandine, who cracked open the file while Natsu practically crawled on top of the table. His nosey self couldn't help but want to be directly part of the action.
"What does it say ma?" Natsu asked, trying to peer over her head.
The dragoness frowned as she read the reports, "I imagine you wouldn't have a clear idea of what happened to you. You were heavily sedated."
"Yeah I do remember seeing a lot of Loke's butt that day," he frowned.
"He means when I had my spirit carry him to safety," Lucy sighed in explanation.
Grandine shot her son an amused look, quietly pleased that he'd called her ma, "I'll have to go over it in detail Natsu." She told him gently, "But at a glance it appears they were trying to discover your physical limits, and..." She frowned at the folder, "I believe this may be an attempt to pull out your memories?"
She shook her head, "It's difficult to say. Human healing has come a long way since last I studied it."
"If it helps," Rogue offered respectfully, "Fairy Tail has it's own healer as well. Her name is Porlyusica, and she will also be reviewing the file. I'm told she's extremely talented in her own right."
"Then perhaps a collaboration is in order." Grandine nodded, flipping the folder shut, "I will investigate contacting her tomorrow. Thank you Rogue."
Rogue bowed his head, a small, proud, smile playing over his lips.
"Are you required back tonight?" Igneel asked, and Rogue immediately shook his head, "Then you are welcome to stay the night and rest before returning tomorrow. You've done very good work so far, and are an asset to your nest."
He signaled to one of the attendant dragons, "See that one of the spare lairs is set up for him, and keep it available for future need." He ordered and eyed Rogue, "I'm afraid our meal is nearly over, but you are welcome to join us for the remainder or take a meal in your lair if you prefer."
Rogue bowed slightly, "I would not want to hold anyone up while I ate." He replied smoothly, "I believe I'll take my meal in my room. Of course, anyone who wishes to visit is welcome."
Sting let out an amused growl at that, "I'll think I'll take you up on that Rogue. I've been meaning to ask how the nest down south is doing."
"You're not getting lazy down there sunning on the beaches, are ya?" Sting smirked wide at the shadow dragon. The other just gave a dark smile in return.
"If you'd like your highness, I'll be more than willing to prove that I have not yet lost my edge," Rogue challenged back, which caused Sting to bark out a laugh.
"Is that so? You wanna fight then?" Sting demanded, looking excited.
Lucy snorted as she looked at Natsu, sitting on the edge of his seat and no doubt hoping a fight would break out.
"I can see how you two are related," Lucy giggled as Sting and Natsu turned to give her identical looks that varied from grumpy to confused.
"What I don't get, is how Rogue and Sting know one another," Lucy continued, ignoring the confused grumbling coming from her demon.
"That's an easy one," Gajeel spoke up with a lazy drawl, "when my old man broke off to form his own nest, a few dragons went with. Rogue was one of them, but until then he lived here in the main branch."
Natsu blinked over that, his eyes carrying over to Sting and Rogue. He didn't know why, but he suddenly felt an uncomfortable feeling edge in his chest.
He didn't quite understand it either, but it nagged at him and he sulked down in his chair. Natsu wasn't sure how to deal with the feeling he was experiencing, but to say it made him feel awkward was an understatement.
However, he didn't have time to think about it too much as Igneel called an end to the meal. Dessert was available, but since everything was already fairly disrupted he declared they could get their own desserts and do as they pleased.
Lucy leaned close after that announcement, "Do you want to stay, or get some dessert and head back to our room?"
Natsu thought about it for a moment, but when his eyes landed on Rogue, Sting, and Gajeel easily trading quips and barbed insults at each other that uncomfortable feeling got stronger and sharper.
"Let's go." He muttered back, suddenly not feeling like sticking around. Besides, he'd wanted to spend some time alone with Lucy right? This was the best chance to do so.
He tugged her to her feet and quickly raided the selection while Lucy bid Levy goodnight. He smiled as he took her hand and they headed back to their room. He wasn't sure what was wrong with him, but he had Lucy all to himself now, and that was better than whatever weirdness was going on with the others.
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"Natsu, what you're feeling is envy," Lucy smiled at him, "and maybe a little bit of jealousy?"
Natsu blinked slowly as he processed that, "I'm jealous of Rogue?"
Lucy nodded before leaning over to kiss him softly in reassurance, silently marveling that she could do that now, "It's not surprising really." She replied, "Rogue basically got what you were cheated out of by Zeref. The chance to grow up with Sting."
She gently rubbed her hand over his chest, "I would be jealous of that too." She admitted, "Just like I was always jealous as a little girl over the kids who had more freedom, or siblings, and eventually parents. It always hurt so badly, and part of me hated them for a long time even though it wasn't their fault. Or mine."
"So how do I stop it?" Natsu asked hopefully, and Lucy shook her head.
"It's not something you can turn off Natsu." She chided lightly, "What you have to keep reminding yourself of is that it's not wrong to feel the way you do, but that this mess isn't your fault, or Rogue's, or Sting's for that matter."
"And most of all, don't forget that even though you lost time, too much time, what ultimately matters is that you're here now right?" She tapped her finger on his nose with a small smile, "You're here, and your family are all tripping over themselves to try and build a relationship with you. That tells me you're very much loved by Sting and everyone else, and they're desperate to make up for all that lost time."
She grinned, "I think that counts for a lot, don't you?"
