Wow this is late, sorry it's late guys I've just been so busy lately but I'm working really working hard and I'm gonna try to upload faster ((if I can)) please be patient with me, I love you all so much and you're the most understanding fans ever!

Thank you for sticking with me!

ILU

2015: Revised

Chapter 24: Winter Solstice

Lucy paced apprehensively in front of the main office, chewing on her bottom lip, arms crossed. Fairy Tail Academy had very strict rules about staying isolated from the outside Muggle world and they ensured none of their students, Muggle born or not had any technology that might compromise this. There was only one telephone, besides the one in the Headmaster's private quarters, in the entire school and students were only allowed to use it under very special circumstances.

Lucy wasn't sure how her father was going to take the news that she wasn't coming home for the holidays which officially began tomorrow; she was hoping he'd be too busy with work to care but that was wishful thinking. She had promised Natsu and Levy she would ask before it was too late so here she was, calling him at the last possible moment.

The boy in front of her hung up the phone, looking mildly irritated about something and he marched out of the booth and past Lucy.

"Name?" The telephones personal secretary asked nasally, adjusting her pink wired glasses on her pink stout like nose.

"Lucy Heartfilia." She answered, wringing her hands nervously.

"Sign here please." The lady grunted, sliding a pink sheet of paper strapped to clipboard across her desk.

Lucy leaned over, scribbling her name down on the sheet, then gently shoving it back to the secretary.

"You have five minutes, go." The lady shooed her off, picking up a magazine that was on her desk and flipping through it.

Lucy nodded and headed over to the phone, heart in her mouth, ears ringing. Shaky hands clasped the black handle of the phone and pressed it against her ear, the dial tone buzzing in her head. Robotically she pounded in her house phone number, heart picking up.

Her father picked up on the second ring, "Hello, Jude Heartfilia speaking."

Always so formal. "H-hey dad it's me Lucy."

A second of silence. "Lucy, I wasn't expecting to hear from you today."

A cold sweat broke out across Lucy's forehead, "yes well I was calling you about winter holidays that start tomorrow."

More silence. "Yes, I remember now, you get out of school for the next five days after tomorrow do you not? You'll be expected to take the train home tomorrow morning. Why are you calling?"

Lucy felt her stomach clench, how was she suppose to tell him?! How would he respond? What would she do if he said no? But she had to ask, she had made a promise and some how this made her speak.

"Dad, I was wondering if instead of coming home tomorrow I could go to my friend Erza's estate, they're throwing a big Winter Solstice celebration and I really want to go." It all came out in a rush, words slurred and wheezy but she had said it.

The line went silent, and Lucy could feel the tension threatening to strangle her from the other end of the line.

"You don't want to come home for the holidays?" His voice was hollow and empty, the words deadly quiet.

Fear rose in Lucy's chest as she scrambled to correct her mistake, "no it's not that I just really want to go to Erza's, she was so kind to invite me and I wouldn't want to disappoint her."

"I see." Her father's tone was empty and emotionless and for some reason that terrified Lucy more than if he was yelling at her.

Swallowing thickly Lucy pressed on, "so can I? I need to know." Lucy was shocked at her own frankness but in all honesty, with all that was going on, standing up to her controlling father didn't seem like that big of a deal.

Finally her father broke the silence, "I will allow you to go to Miss. Scarlet's for the break," he paused, and this is when Lucy knew the trade would be brokered. "If you promise me that all summer you will work diligently alongside me, being my only heir you need to know the trade you're going to grow into." He said this all matter of factually, it not even remotely occurring to him that Lucy might want a say in her future.

Lucy bit down the want to tell her father off, putting her foot down and demanding that her, and only her, would be the one planning her own future; but she knew that wouldn't help her case so she stopped herself. "Of course father, thank you very much." She said respectfully.

Her father made a uninterested grunting sound on the other end of the phone, "good bye Lucy. See you in July 1st." Then the line went dead.

Stiffly Lucy hung up the phone, then it dawned on her; for the first time in her life she had won a battle against her father and the feeling of triumph rising in her chest could not be contained. She jumped up and down frantically, dancing on the spot excitedly. She only stopped when the secretary shot her a very nasty glare over her magazine, smiling sheepishly Lucy darted out of the office.

Running down the hall a large small split Lucy's face, she couldn't wait until the others heard the news.

OoOoOoO

Lucy didn't think she had seen Erza look so pleased in the whole time that she had known her. Hazel eyes glinting mischievously and lip quirked in a cheeky smirk a storm of happenings was swelling atop Erza's head. "I'm so happy your dad agreed to let you stay, no one ever forgets Winter Solstice at my house, Jellal comes every year."

Jellal Fernandes, looked up from his book and nodded nonchalantly, "yep. A lot of fond memories, a lot."

Natsu, hands fisted on his hips, looked triumphant. "I'm glad your Dad went along with it, if not I would've had to convince him otherwise with force!" Natsu chuckled darkly, letting a burst of flame spurt from his punching fists, eyes momentarily slipping into a familiar crimson.

Lucy smiled, she was also quite pleased. This was going to the be the first time, since her mother's death, that they would celebrate the holidays like wizards should, with magic.

"Well, what time should I be ready tomorrow?" Lucy asked, feeling like she should get a good nights rest before the festivities began.

Erza grinned wickedly, "six am sharp, we'll all meet outside in the front plaza, have all your bags packed tightly."

"Why do they have to be packed tightly?" Natsu asked, looking confused.

Erza eyed him again, mystery flashing in her eyes, "It's a surprise. Good night everyone see you tomorrow bright and early!" And with that she left, disappearing up the staircase.

Lucy and Natsu shared a look, both mixed with curiosity and excitement.

"See you in the morning." Lucy smiled at Natsu, preparing to leave.

Natsu reached out, hand gripping onto hers, and he smiled at her cheekily, bumping her hand lightly with his before releasing. Eyeing Jellal, who was still reading on the couch, and insuring he wasn't eavesdropping he spoke; "are you sure we're going to be okay? I feel like the next time Angel comes he's coming in full force."

Lucy's eyes dropped to the floor, not wanting Natsu to see the fear in her eyes. "We'll be okay, I think. Angel wouldn't be foolish enough to attack a whole houseful of wizards would he?" Lucy fought to keep her voice confident but she knew it was beginning to slip into hysteria when Natsu pulled her into his arms, tucking her head underneath his chin.

"Lucy I don't know him as well as you do but I think he's willing to do anything to get to you, doesn't matter what the odds are. And don't you find it weird that that kid Raven is back here? I don't know about you but I don't trust him."

Lucy thought on this, the Raven she knew, the one who tried to kill her was so cold, the one she knew now was just distant. The puzzle pieces didn't seem to fit together, Angel was losing control and he was becoming reckless; maybe he released Raven from his indoctrination?

Lucy sighed, brain growing weary, "honestly Natsu I don't know. Angel isn't playing with a full deck, he never was, he's mentally unstable and uncontrollable. I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

Natsu grunted, obviously not qualifying that as a answer, but he kissed her on the forehead gently anyways, inhaling the fresh smell of her hair deeply.

"You're right," he whispered, his thumb running lazy circles on the back of her palm, "we'll just have to see. But whatever he throws at us just know I'm ready, no matter the cost, I'll protect you." Natsu whispered fiercely, eyes burning.

Lucy was taken aback at the ferocity in which Natsu proclaimed this before a genuine smile split her lips, "yeah." She nodded, kissing him swiftly on the cheek then hurrying upstairs, ashamed at how hot her cheeks were.

OoOoOoO

Lucy could barely keep her eyes open as she stood with her friends the next morning, wavering uneasily on her feet. Erza stood in the middle of the pack, accessing the growing crowd assertively, she obviously wasn't tired. Levy stood to the left of Lucy, her own blue hair messy and pulled into a bun.

"Good morning everyone! I'm assuming everyone slept well!?" Erza called out enthusiastically, the suppressed groans of her friends only fuelling her enjoyment. "Our transportation should be here any time now, did everyone make sure their bags were packed tightly?"

Everyone shared a look, wondering what the hell Erza was going to pull out from her sleeve. Hands on her hips, scarlet hair gleaming in the waning sun and devilish smirk on her lips Erza looked like a goddess of mischief. Suddenly Erza perked up, turning around so her back was facing the crowd, hand pressed to her forehead blocking out the sun she stared up at the grey sky.

Everyone's attention was directed to the clear sky, waiting with bated breath the infamous Scarlet family mode of transportation. At that moment a small, metallic looking glimmer shone momentarily between the fluffy pillows of two lazy clouds, disappearing before it became distinguishable. The crowds sucked in a unanimous breath, whispering excitedly to one another. Another streak of silver light darted across the sky and then a whole fleet of what looked like stars pulled into the morning sky, reeling proudly. Their downward extent was lighting fast, metallic bodies radiating off the sun; neat, tidy looking carriages bounced along behind them, decked out nicely in festival colors. Gracefully the fleet of what appeared to be silver bodied mares trotted onto the cobblestones, puffs of air flooding out their shell shaped nostrils.

Erza smiled happily, "everyone I'd like to introduce my father's Seevan's, the finest mode of transportation known to wizardkind. For aerial transport that is."

Everyone let out awed gasps and wows, taking in the majestic looking horses fully.

"Everyone please grab your bags and board onto which every carriage you see fit, we'll be at my place in about an hour." Erza instructed, grabbing her duffel and jumping onto the carriage leading the pack .

Natsu and Lucy's eyes met in the crowd and they shared small excited smiles and clambered onto the carriage right behind Erza's, bags tightly clenched to their chest in fear of losing them on the flight. As soon as everyone was seated and readied the beasts took to the air, the climb easy and well paced if not a bit chilly.

"This is spectacular hey?" Natsu called over the roar of the wind, scooting closer to Lucy so she could hear him.

"Yeah!" Lucy nodded in agreement, cuddling into Natsu who's natural heat was welcome.

The rest of the ride Natsu, Gray, Lucy, Levy and Juvia shared in laughter and friendly jokes, cheeks red with the blush of the wind. The journey almost seemed too short when they were hovering over the sprawling grounds of Erza's estate, Seevan's readying for descent.

This was going to be the best Winter Solstice ever.

OoOoOo

The day they arrived everyone was too busy exploring the mansion to really do that much celebrating. It seemed the hallways stretched on for miles and there were hundreds of tiny, cozy rooms lining the halls for unknown purposes. The abundance of rooms gave Erza's guests a very wide selection of rooms to stay in; Lucy eventually ended up settling on a small one located near the library and away from most of the others.

The remainder of the day they mostly spent drinking cider in the hall, cuddling up in front of the twenty foot long fireplace, laughing and roasting marshmallows. After an afternoon of peaceful laziness everyone made their way down to the dining hall where they all gorged out on a decadent five course meal. Once everyone was finished eating Mr. Scarlet, Erza's step father made a speech, his kind blue grey eyes warm and bright. Erza's mother also spoke a few words, her soft red hair bound in a neat, elegant bun at the nape of her slender neck; Erza and her practically looked like twin sisters. After everyone had eaten their fill they were all quite tired and all decided to retire to their rooms early so they would be prepared for the festivities the day ahead.

Lucy was just brushing her teeth and getting ready to crawl into bed when she heard a frantic knock at her door. Curious at who would be knocking on her door at such a late hour, she wrapped herself in a bathrobe and made her way over to the door, opening it slightly.

Natsu stood outside, missing a shirt and wearing ratty old pyjama bottoms, his pink hair was messy and sticking out all over the place. His eyes were intent and focused which made his disorderly appearance look odd in comparison.

"Natsu, what are you doing here?" Lucy asked.

Natsu ignored her and peered over her shoulder and into her room, as if he was looking for someone.

"What's wrong with you?" Lucy asked, voice an angry whisper, also careening her neck around trying to see whatever he was looking at.

"Shh," Natsu warned her, eyes narrowing, "we don't want anyone to hear us."

"Why?" Lucy demanded, growing impatient.

Natsu rolled his eyes as if it was the most obvious thing ever, "we don't want Angel or any more of his freaky spies overhearing us do you?"

"That's what you're worried about?" Lucy asked disbelievingly, "it's me they're trying to kill not you." Lucy tried to make light of the situation but Natsu just grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her inside her room, fuming.

Finally wrenching her hand out of his Lucy yelled at him. "Look I'm sorry this is so terribly inconvenient for you but remember you signed up for this! I wanted to keep you out of this but no you had to come along, acting like some goddamn hero!" Lucy was verging on hysterical, fists clenched tightly at her sides.

"Lucy it's not like that at all . . ." Natsu began, voice soft.

"How is it then?!" She demanded.

"I-I . . ." Natsu's voice broke off and he suddenly became hesitant.

"You what?" Lucy hissed words dripping venomous poison.

"I love you." He whispered, straightening himself out, chin held strong and eyes truthful and blazing with worry and concern that Lucy just became aware of.

Lucy faltered, realizing what a fool she was being, she took a step toward him, hand landing on his chest, his heart pounding beneath her fingertips.

"I know Natsu, I know," she whispered, "and I love you too."

Natsu's arms wrapped around her instantly, coiling around her like a boa constrictor. His body was such a shock of warmth Lucy felt as if she was being engulfed by a raging inferno, his musky, woodsy scent filling her nose.

For a long time he just held onto her, not moving, not saying anything just holding her, as if memorizing her body shape in his mind for later reference. Lucy complied, knowing she had been wrong to be so rude towards him, she loved this stupid idiot after all.

After a long stretch of nothing Natsu let go, his hands still resting on her forearms, eyes intense and serious.

"Lucy you know I meant what I said; I'm not one to toss those words around lightly and I want to make sure you know I'm fully committed to whatever this mess is." He paused, voice low and husky. "I'm in a hundred percent now and I can't stand you pushing me away any more."

Lucy stared at him, astonished. Recovering from her shock, she nodded, a smile breaking across her face.

"Natsu," she whispered, "please forgive me I'm such a idiot."

Natsu's face lightened, a smile itching into a cheeky grin, he laughed wholeheartedly, rubbing her head affectionately. "I already forgave you, stupid. Now since you were being such a dummy I believe I've earned a request." Natsu suggested smugly.

Lucy giggled, "okay, okay. What do you want?"

Natsu's cheeky grin widened, crossing his arms over his chest, "I'm staying here tonight. I was going to stay request or not so you don't really have a choice."

Lucy's jaw dropped and she felt her cheeks blush, she'd never shared a bed with a boy before. Vivid imagery painted across her mind, and her blush deepened. She slapped her cool hands to her cheeks, trying to calm the wave of heat, she looked up at Natsu.

"Y-you're s-staying on the f-floor." She stuttered.

Natsu groaned, oblivious to Lucy's innocence. "Aww come on Lucy!" he groaned, "the floor is hardwood and you didn't even pick a bedroom with a couch."

Lucy shook her head frantically, "you're staying on the floor or you're not staying at all! Imagine if Levy popped in sometime later and saw me and you sleeping in the same bed!" Lucy exclaimed horrified, Levy's ludicrous reactions running rampant in her head.

Natsu sighed irritatedly, "who cares what Levy thinks?! Bet she's done nastier things than share a bed with that black haired, piercing mutilated dude."

Lucy glared at him, huffing angrily. Shrugging off her house coat she stomped over to her bed, ripping back the covers and sliding in, pulling the covers up to her chin; still glaring at Natsu.

Natsu glared back, each of them putting the weight of their anger behind their scowls. The room seemed to flood with tension, neither one of them giving in willingly.

Finally Natsu caved, knowing he was fighting against unfair odds.

"Lucy, I swear to all that is honest and good in this world I will not take advantage of sleeping with you and keep my hands to myself. Now can I sleep in the bed?" Natsu asked, eyes pleading, lower lip puckered and begging.

Lucy sighed, rolling her eyes and tried to calm her racing heart but nodded begrudgingly, turning over. The faint rustle of Natsu pulling the sheets back and easing onto the mattress beside her seemed to resonate throughout the room, he released soft sigh as he snuggled into the comforter. Lucy lay frozen, eyes wide open as she heard Natsu's breathing slip into comfortable sleeping regularity. Time seemed to limp by, each tick of the clock on the wall longer than the next and Lucy wondered if she'd ever fall asleep.

"Lucy," the gravelly, sleeping voice of Natsu sounded, making Lucy jump in surprise.

"Y-yes?" She whispered tersely, positive he had been asleep.

"You should really get some sleep." The faint sound of a smirk was evident in his voice and Lucy felt her face warm.

She nodded stiffly, not trusting herself to speak, allowing her eyes to close, easing her breaths. Relaxing, slowly letting exhaustion wash over her Lucy was inches from sleep when a scorching hot arm sneaked it's way across her midsection.

Terrified, blood pounding in her ears Lucy was ready to jump up and beat Natsu for everything he was worth but something stopped her, his face. Peaceful and closed, mouth slightly open, hot breath fanning out on his pillow, he looked more serene than she'd ever seen him.

Lucy couldn't help but smile, that lovely ache spreading across her chest. The loveable, sweet, vulnerable guy who was protecting her even in sleep was hers.

Something about that made everything perfect once again.

Arrrgh. There we go, next update will be quicker, I swear on my life!

Please review and favourite and give me feedback you're all precious

till next time

3 Suicidal