Disclaimer. I don't own anything related to Fairy Tail or any of its characters.

-Oby Abel-

Chapter 17: Jealousy is a cute emotion

Lucy sighed deeply. Draco and Natsu had cleared every piece of food – yes dessert included, and left a not so pleased Erza in their wake – of the tables, and were now whining about how their stomach ached. And to who of all people did they complain to?

Her!

Both child trapped in an adults body whimpered for her attention. Pleading her to take the pain away, as if she was the cure to everything. But she wouldn't budge. Oh no. Not only had they finished the whole buffet, but the two idiots had destroyed it in their wake as well.

With a deep frown set, she looked at them sternly. "You reap what you sow. Deal with it."

"But Lucy –" Their protest died in the back of their throat as they suddenly made gagging sounds. Alarmed, Lucy took at least five large steps backwards. If they puked it wouldn't be on her. And to be honest she didn't worry. This was what they get for challenging each other.

"Why are you even sick?" She turned her attention to the God. "Aren't gods supposedly to be all powerful and invincible or something?"

He glanced at her but refused to speak. Instead he held a hand up while the other was firmly placed on his mouth, trying to keep his food down.

"Pathetic." She shook her head and left the two miserable men. It was their own fault for eating so much and so fast. It was a bit scary how they had cleared of so many plates and so fast, but it was more disgusting than scary. And she was very thankful neither fought, for she had an inkling feeling that they would have had her crown the winner which she so not want to do.

Plopping down next to Levy, she let out another deep sigh. "Maybe we should get home soon. It's getting late." She murmured to her friend.

"Why? We're having so much fun. Let those two be." Levy pouted.

"Fun with what?"

"Everything. It's so serene and beautiful here. And the spirits are so nice."

Lucy had the urge to roll her eyes. Levy was giving her the puppy dog eyes, pleading Lucy to stay for a while longer. All Levy had done was sit by the table, ate, conversed with Gajeel and some spirits or their friends and of course let's not forget the books Grandpa Crux had given her. That had kept the pregnant mage very occupied.

"Fine," She conceded, "But only for a little longer." Lucy really wanted to get home and sleep. After her cry fest yesterday her body was still very exhausted, and her brain screamed sleep.

"Alright. Wanna try this cake? It's divine! Aries-san made it." Levy gestured to the fluffy sponge cake with pink icing, and lots of berries.

"No thanks, I'm good."

Levy shrugged her shoulders and took a bite of her cake. "Suit yourself. It's really good."

"I'm sure it is. Anyway, how're you holding up? Tired?"

"We're all good." She said patting her growing bulge with a fond smile. "The tonic Virgo and Aries-san prepared helped."

The blonde mage smiled back, and put a hand over Levy's stomach. "That's good to know. I can't wait to meet them. And now we know it's a boy and a girl. In fact you're all having one of each."

"I know right. It was a nice surprise and the idiot here is very excited too. We can't wait to meet them." Lucy noticed the dreamy look her friend held in her eyes. It was adorable. She ignored Gajeel's grunt and just focused on the glowing mother-to-be.

"I hope I find Aquarius' key before the birth. I don't want to miss it."

Snapping out of her daze, Levy looked at Lucy with a stern expression. "You better be there. I need my best friend during the birth. If not –"

Startled by the dark aura Levy emitted Lucy gulped and nodded hurriedly. "Of-of course I'll be the there!" Lucy squeaked. "Promise!" Damn Levy is scary, note to myself, don't anger her. Ever.

"Good!" And a happy Levy was back. "We'll all help you with the search of her key. That way you and Natsu can get on with your own family! Our kids can become best friends! How perfect would that be?! Can't wait!"

During the feast Lucy had turned beet red too many times to count and this time was no different. Her face exploded by Levy's gushing.

"Er, hey I think Juvia's calling! Talk to you later!" She dashed away from the table, hurrying towards the Water mage who was still engaged in a talk with Aquarius, now without the two males. She rather be there than go through a mortifying conversation of her and Natsu's would be children with Levy. The bluenette had an imagination that rivaled Juvia's. Not pretty.

"Hi guys." Lucy greeted, her face still red.

"Brat." Aquarius nodded in acknowledgement.

"Hi Lov– no, you're not Juvia's love-rival anymore. Hi Lucy-san."

"Juvia, I've never been your love-rival in the first place. I don't like Gray." The blonde let out a exasperated sigh. That had always been her opening speech whenever she spoke with the Water Mage. Silly really.

"That's right, Lucy-san loves Natsu-san."

Again a beet red Lucy was present. The mermaid smirked at the blonde's reaction. "So how is things going on with you and your idiot?" She questioned.

"Not you too." Lucy groaned, hiding her face in her hands. Today was officially embarrass Lucy day.

"How long are you with your mating ritual?" Aquarius ignored the embarrassed blonde's huffing. "Any brats happening soon?"

"Aquarius!"

"What? It was just a question, idiot." The mermaid tsk'ed.

"A very improper one." Lucy retorted, chastising her old spirit. Why was they all set on embarrassing her today? Did they want her to die early from heart failure? It seemed like that way.

"It wasn't improper. I just fear for Earth Land. Your brats will cause destruction with an idiot for a mother and a, I don't even know what you call him, for a father. Sad really."

"Be nice." The blonde pouted. "Natsu's a good guy, maybe a bit rough around the edges and lacking some brain cells, but he's much better than any other guy. A real sweetheart." She defended her best friend.

"You sound like a little sappy teenage girl in love." Aquarius said with distaste. Lucy stared at her, dumbly, wondering if she should retort and tell her that was exactly how she, herself acted with Scorpio, but she decided it wasn't worth getting drown for.

"Whatever you say. How are you Juvia? Are you having a good time?" She asked her guild mate, dismissing her conversation with Aquarius.

"A very good time. Aquarius-san and I were talking about our magic and what we had in common and about our beloved Gray-sama and Scorpio-san" The Water Mage answered with a polite smile.

"That's good to know. Well I think I'll leave you be then." The blonde turned to the mermaid. "I promise that I'll look for your key as soon as we get back and I will find it. Family doesn't leave family behind."

Aquarius gave the blonde a rare affectionate smile and patted her head. "I'll look forward to make a new contract with you then. Now scram."

Lucy had to stop herself from wrapping her arms around the Spirit's waist, to hug her, and gave her bravest and most radiant smile.

She left the two women seconds later, holding in the tears. It was hard not to be happy yet also sad when she was constantly reminded about how she had lost Aquarius' key in the first place, but she was grateful that she could see her again. Her resolve strengthened. She would find her key and reunite with her properly. Get back the deep, odd connection they once shared. She was determined.

Natsu, still feeling like crap, noticed his blonde look a bit down, walked over to her albeit very wobbly. He was slowly regretting challenging a Dragon to an eaten contest. Luckily it was a tie. Or that was what he wanted to believe himself. To be completely honest he was too far gone to notice who was winning or losing.

"Luce?" He called softly, making her turn to him. He saw how her eyes glistened, teary. "What's wrong?"

Rubbing her wet eyes, she smiled at him. "Nothing. I was just being a bit emotional. How are you feeling? Better?"

Frowning he pulled her into a hug, ignoring everyone's prying eyes, and the sudden coo's. One louder than them all, yet it sounded more like an dying animal than anything. "What happened?" He whispered.

"I was just caught up in the past for a moment, thinking about Aquarius. You have nothing to worry about, I'm good." She pulled her head away to look him in the eyes. "I promise." Her smile was assuring.

"Don't worry about her, I'll help find her key." His dark intense eyes locked with her soft brown ones, making butterflies swirl around in her stomach. Just his mere words could change everything. She was under his spell. She must be.

"T-thanks." She whispered.

"No need for thanking me. Your my best friend, and I love you, so whatever makes you happy makes me happy and whatever makes you sad makes me sad. I'll always help you out no matter what."

Feeling grateful for his words, Lucy hugged him tightly. Seriously, could this guy get any more perfect than he already was? He just knew what to say to make her feel better.

"Wanna take a stroll?" He suddenly suggested.

Pushing her head away from his chest she nodded and smiled at him. "I would love to."

"Good. Could use some exercise after all that food." He grinned. She shook her head with a giggle, and let him lead them whatever direction he wanted to go.

"So, are you gonna tell me what you are Capricorn and Loke talked about?" They had walked for a few minutes now, and in silence. It wasn't awkward, but Lucy was still bugged about whatever her spirits could want with him.

"Just some guy stuff." He shrugged his shoulders.

Stopping, she looked at him eyebrow raised. "Guy stuff? When did you get close to Capricorn to talk about guy stuff?" Sure she had seen them converse before but never had she seen any indication of them being great friends that would talk in private for almost two hours. It made her suspicious but of what she had no idea.

"Today actually. It's nothing you should worry your pretty little head about it." Now she really wanted to know but Natsu made it clear that he wouldn't elaborate, so she dropped it. Albeit annoyed and pouting.

"Wanna go on a mission when we get back?" She changed the subject as they began walking again. They could use some bonding time with each other. Going on missions used to be their thing and to be frank it had been quite a while since their last one.

"Sure, but I have a mission I have to finish before I can go on another, so when I come back?"

"What mission?" Her interest piqued, she looked at him searchingly.

He eyed her carefully from the corner of his eye before turning his gaze ahead. "I promised Lis to go on a mission with her." His voice nonchalant. But internally he was anxious of her reaction.

Lucy stopped abruptly. He was going on a mission with Lisanna? Alone? When did that happen? "W-what?" She felt stupid for uttered that but he took her by surprise. Not a good one.

"What, what? We never got to go on a mission when she came back. So she asked if I wanted to accompany her with a mission. And I told her yes."

"A-alone?" damn she was feeling weird. Was this jealously? And why did she stutter? So not cool Lucy! She berated herself.

"I don't know. Haven't asked Happy yet. Probably." His answer did nothing to soothe her feelings. It was official. Lucy was jealous. Her heart was clenching painfully by just the mere thought of Natsu and Lisanna going on a mission alone.

"Oh, okay." She said dejected, and continued with her walk but kept at least two large steps away from him. It was an unconscious move but Natsu immediately noticed.

He felt guilty. Why you ask? Because this was Loke's idea. He told him to make Lucy jealous by telling her that he was going on a mission with some other girl. Was he regretting it thought? No. His guilt was no were near his mirth.

"Are you mad?" He asked her cautiously.

"No." Oh yes she was. She was mad jealous. Her mind was already busy conjuring scenarios of their mission. What if he suddenly didn't like her anymore and fell for Lisanna? What if everything was just a lie and she wasn't his mate? What if –

"Then why are you clenching your fists?" He pulled her out of her what if scenarios. Looking down at her sides, she noticed he was right. She was clenching her fists.

"I'm not mad." She denied and turned around. "And I'm going back."

"Are you perhaps… jealous?"

Her eyes widened, she spun around staring at him. "No!"

"Then why did you change attitude so fast? It's just a mission Luce. It's not like we're running away, eloping."

"E-eloping?!" Lucy bellowed with a screech. That so not helped her thoughts.

"Lucy," He walked up to the blonde putting a hand on each shoulder, looking into her frantic eyes "do you think I would abandon you when I love you so much? I could and would never do that to you. I said it before, you're the only one for me."

"But-but –"

"No buts," He shook his head and cupped her face. "I love you. Only you. And I'll wait for you to trust me with your heart. Be it days, weeks, months or years, I'll wait for you. So trust me." He told her sincerely.

Stunning her with his words and action, Natsu planted a chaste kiss on her forehead, before pressing his own with hers. "You have nothing to worry about. I can and will only give my heart to you. You're free to do whatever you want with it. I'm yours to do whatever you wish to do."

Inhaling sharply, Lucy pushed everything out of her mind. Every negative things. Here he was, assuring her sincerely of his feelings for her. How could she not have her heart melt at the spot by those words. He was just too much. Too good. Too Perfect.

So she did something that usually would take a lot courage for her to muster but with his words she felt soaring, invincible. She pressed her lips to his, kissing him. The sentence; I love you, were just at the tip of her tongue but she still couldn't say. Not right now so she kissed him, showing her love and adoration for him.

Natsu was surprised but quickly gathered his wits, kissing her back. It was a long, wet and sloppy kiss, but it were theirs. Much better than his first kiss yesterday. This time it was a mutual kiss. They both wanted it to happen.

Lucy's hands wandered around his neck, tugging the back of his hair while his wandered to the back of her head and another to her small back, both trying to push each other closer. All it took was a kiss to lose their wits. Lose themselves into one another.

Lucy let out a moan when she felt his hand brush her bare side giving Natsu the opportunity to explore her hot cavern. Plunging his tongue inside her mouth, he groaned. It was much better than he had ever imagined. And sliding past Lucy's tongue sent shivers down his spine. She tasted so sweet, so perfect that he felt lost.

Their tongues began to battle for dominance, clashing eagerly against one another. The battle ended abruptly when their lungs needed air. Pulling apart they rested their foreheads against one another, panting heavily and eyes closed.

"Th-that was…"

"Awesome." Natsu finished for the loss for words blonde. She opened her eyes to look at his. His eyes were darker than usual, hidden with desire and love. She couldn't help herself with kissing him once again and have him eagerly return her kiss.

Natsu deepened the kiss with much fervor, hands wandering, touching her body sensually. His senses were taking over and the need to claim her was getting out of hand. Her moans and whimpers were driving him mad.

Their make out session were stopped by him, as he pulled away first, leaving a confused blonde whimpering disappointment.

"We need to stop." He told her with irritation laced in his words. Not aimed for her but himself.

"Why?" Lucy couldn't understand why they had to stop when she was feeling so good from his kisses and touches. It was her first time being this intimate with a guy. Every book she had read could not give this moment any justice. She couldn't give this more any justice. Her entire body felt on fire. It longed for Natsu to touch her, kiss her and love her. She felt so safe and loved in his embrace.

"Because I don't think I'll be able to control myself. I want to mark you… real badly." He admitted with a frown. He wanted to touch her, kiss her so badly but he knew this was neither the place or time for it. Lucy wasn't ready. And to be perfectly honest, he wasn't either. He was too inexperienced.

Then it dawned the blonde. She had called forth his instincts. His instincts that wanted to make her his. "S-sorry." She mumbled embarrassed.

"Don't be. I liked it." He pulled her into his arms, kissing the crown of her head. Instinctively she hugged her back. This was the most he could handle without his control seeping away.

"Me too." She admitted. She really liked the kisses. Or maybe she liked them because it was him who was kissing her back. Yes, definitely that.

"So does this mean you want to be my girlfriend?" He asked after a few minutes of silence, their hearts calming down as well as their nerves. He was nervous for her answer cause after such heated kisses, he couldn't think of anything else than her accepting him.

Without saying anything, she just nodded her head and squeezed his waist. Telling him a clear yes.

"Good, then I don't need to go in a mission with Lis anymore." She pulled away confused only to see him grinning down at her. He was relieved and giddy.

"What do you mean?"

"Loke said I should make you jealous, which you clearly was, and it worked too." He replied, grinning like he won a fight against Gildarts or something along those lines.

"I was not jealous!" She denied, cheeks turning redder by each seconds. "I was just…"

"Jealous. It's okay. You're cute when you're jealous." He teased just like she had done earlier. Payback was a bitch.

"Stop spouting nonsense." She huffed, before narrowing her eyes on him. "And I can't believe that you would listen to that overgrown cat to make me jealous." She was so going to have a talk with Loke later. Maybe a little scare would do him some good.

"So you were jealous." He stated with a hearty chuckle.

"Was not!"

"Denial, denial. But I love a jealous Lucy, makes me feel loved and special."

"Shut up," She grumbled embarrassed hiding her face in his chest.

"My cute girlfriend is jealous." He cooed, teasing with much mirth, tickling her sides.

If there was one thing Lucy was that was being ticklish and Natsu knew that. He tickled her until she erupted in loud giggles, squirming. "S-s-stop it!"

"Not until you admit you were jealous."

"O-okay!" He ceased his attack, waiting for her to admit defeat. Calming her racing heart she shot him a displeased look before huffing. "Fine. I was just a teeny tiny bit jealous and worried. Happy?"

"Very." Natsu grinned triumphantly.

"Idiot." She mumbled, but couldn't help be smitten by his happy mood. "Wanna go back or?"

"Nah, I rather stay with you for a while longer."

"When did you get so romantic? I remember you telling me months ago that you didn't have a romantic bone in you." She mused, letting him intertwine their fingers as they continued walking.

"Well when you're in love with your weirdo best friend, then you need to learn to be romantic."

"I'm not a weirdo." She pouted.

"Oh yes you are. But that's what makes me love you even more."

"Stop with the flirting. Idiot." She was very much happy with this turn of situation but damn it was embarrassing.

"But I'm your idiot." He countered with a teasing grin.

"Ugh, why are you Dragons and Slayers so embarrassing." She grumbled, cheeks turning bright red.

"Because you're easy to tease and very cute." He laughed.

"Tch."

"See, adorable." His laughter got louder.

"Annoying," She mumbled.

"But you love me either way." Did he want to kill her? And honestly she wasn't even surprised anymore by how easy it was for him to use the word love. It was Natsu. But that didn't mean it didn't embarrass her.

"Shut up…"

He just continued laughing at her embarrassment as they strolled through the beautiful landscape of the Celestial Realm.

"So, when we get back can we go on a mission?" She asked when they sat by a bench that was placed at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the beautiful water pit under them and a perfect view of the starry sky.

"Sure, but I wasn't lying about going on a mission though. I have something important to do, and I don't know how long it will take." He answered honestly.

"What kind of mission?" She inquired, feeling a bit uncomfortable. He wasn't going to leave her again, was he?

"Top secret. Can't tell you." He responded with a grin.

"Meaning I can't tag along." She stated gloomily.

"Aye. But don't worry I'll be back as soon as I can." He assured with a squeeze.

Sighing deeply, she felt her heart ache. Thinking it was like when he left her the first time. But she pushed the negative thoughts away. He was coming back and this was just a mission. She had to move on from the past. She couldn't get stuck, it wasn't fair to her or him.

Lying her head on his shoulder, squeezing their joint hands she said. "Just promise you won't take long." She needed a little more assurance to keep her sane.

"Of course. I'll hurry and then I'll ask you out on proper date before we go on a mission." He promised with a lovely smile she didn't see.

"That sounds perfect."

She closed her eyes, relaxing next to him. She was pretty content, happy by the turn of situation. His confessions just made her realize that this was Natsu. Her Natsu. He would never lie to her. Or hurt her feelings. Not intentional. He always put her needs before his owns. So his confessions eased her heart. Made her accept him. It even made her seem silly. It wasn't exactly his fault for making her fall in love with him the first time. It just happened. And she was actually a bit happy she did. This was Natsu.

Her boyfriend.

Sure she wasn't yet ready to mate with him. But that wasn't due to fear. No it was due to the promise she made herself way back. As soon as they finished the ritual she wouldn't be living her life for herself but for him and their… their children. So she needed to open up to the idea more.

The idea of being bonded for life and parenthood. Sure she liked children, but she was still young. They were both young. And she was so inexperienced with dating so she wanted to just stay as his girlfriend before truly accepting him as a mate. She had never had a boyfriend before, and she just wanted to relish in the whole dating experience before taking another step.

For now she just wanted to fall in love with him more without hurrying her feelings. They still had time. No rush. Everything needed to be done in a slow pace. They still had many other adventures to go on.

"I love you Lucy." She felt him shift and plant a kiss on her head. Without noticing she was in a half conscious state and before she fell completely asleep in the security of his presence she told him for the first time with more meaning behind it.

"I… love you.. Natsu."

Do you all love me now? XD Nalu is officially dating in the story!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas xD

I suck at writing kissing scenes, but I tried my best. Hope it isn't that horrible. XD And Lucy is such a Tsundere, I couldn't help it xD

Thanks for the reviews and birthday wishes! It truly makes me happy! My day was truly amazing and your reviews just left me soaring! Love you all!

Guest, Helenezahl, ZoeNarutoFairy, Lizzy7258, Bluebolt050, .forever, FairyTailFan5023 and Guest! Really appreciate the reviews and I have taking your ideas into consideration!

And wow! Nearly 200 followers! Thank you all so much. Seriously the only thing I have to say is thank you!

The next chapter is in the making and it won't be long till I finish. Or I hope. XD

Keep reviewing, fave and following!

Well then, until next time! Peace out!

-Oby Abel-