Thanks Rivendell101, AnimeStar-Writer, Adri-Swan, KawaiiOdango, jelloman3, Simlop, cocobean4ever, and LinkinParkTheKillersFan for the reviews! Hope you check out the newest chapter!
Testing, testing,
I'm just suggesting
You and I
Might not be the best thing
Exit, exit
Somehow I guessed it right, right
But I still want cha, want cha
Don't mean to taunt ya
Haven't Had Enough- Marianas Trench
What Once Was
Ch. 3 Reason Number One
Lucy walked towards the front door while Gray, Juvia, Natsu, Gajeel, Erza, and Jellal all talked in the kitchen, the door bell had just rang moments ago and Lucy didn't want Juvia and Gray to end the conversation they were in so she decided to go answer it herself. She also wanted to greet everyone before sending them towards the happy couple; she hoped to get all of the hugs out of the way before dinner. She opened the front door to reveal two women on the other side. One woman had long white hair and bright blue eyes; the other was a younger girl with long dark blue hair. Lucy smiled wide as she recognized their faces! "Mira! Wendy! Wow! Look at you two! Wendy you've really grown up into a fine young lady! You're eighteen now right? My goodness," Lucy hugged each woman tightly.
"Elfman and Lisanna wanted me to say hello for them, they both are working and wish they could be here," the woman named Mirajane Strauss informed.
"They will have plenty of time to party with us another time, we have almost two weeks left," Lucy replied.
"Lucy-san, it's great to see you again," the girl named Wendy stated, wiping some happy tears from her eyes. "I've missed you."
"I heard you work with Gray. So Laxus helped you out with a job? Is that what you want to be? A model?" Lucy questioned.
"N-no, I'm doing this for some cash, I'll actually be attending nursing school this fall," Wendy answered as she blushed.
Lucy nodded and turned her attention to the woman that was slightly older than her. "Speaking of Laxus, where is he?"
Mirajane smiled softly at Lucy before answering. "I don't think he's ready just yet. I didn't want him to ruin this dinner with his temper."
"Natsu-nii is here right?" Wendy asked nervously.
Lucy nodded her head. "Yeah he is. And I guess Laxus does have some words to say to your cousin. It was probably safe to give him some time."
"I believe Natsu has plans to meet with Laxus sometime this week to explain everything, at least that's what Laxus informed me anyways," Mira stated.
"By the way, how are things with the two of you?" Lucy snickered, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"Now that I'm going to answer later," Mira claimed. "Take that as punishment for not calling as often."
"Ah, come on, I want to hear all the details," the blonde complained and then added some thoughts to herself, 'She's almost as bad as Erza. Jeez.'
Wendy started to giggle. "You haven't changed at all Lucy-san," she pointed out.
Lucy looked at her and rubbed her head. "Well I wouldn't say that. I've changed quite a bit actually, but anyways, let's head inside and see everyone, shall we?"
Wendy looked down as she played with her fingers. "I'm nervous, I haven't see Natsu-nii in a very long time. What if he doesn't like me anymore?"
"Nonsense, he's pretty much the same Natsu," Lucy informed with a shrug. "You'll be fine. Come on, I'll show you."
Lucy showed them to where the others were and Gray and Juvia were the first to notice and greet them. Erza and Jellal smiled and nodded at the two females that they often see, and Gajeel seemed uninterested. Natsu, however, stared at Wendy, blinking several times.
The boy was in shock, he couldn't believe his eyes. "W-Wendy?!"
The young woman nodded her head as tears formed into her eyes. "N-Natsu-nii."
The pinkette jumped over the counter that was in his way and rushed over brought the girl that was like his sister into a bear like hug. "You're all big now!" he claimed in disbelief.
"That tends to happen," Gray mumbled under his breath, rubbing his forehead. "She wasn't going to stay small and thirteen forever ya know."
"Shut it, Popsicle Stick, can't you see I'm reuniting over here!" Natsu barked glaring back at the raven haired male. He turned back to the girl in front of him. "We'll talk later. I have a lot to say, but I really am sorry Wendy."
Wendy squeezed him with all of her might. "It doesn't matter anymore. You're back."
Lucy and the rest of the group couldn't smile at the reunion that was happening before them. They all (besides Gajeel) knew what the girl had been through when the boy who was pretty much her brother left. She had been locked into her room for weeks, blaming herself for his disappearance. Lucy was the one who was able to get the girl to come out and realize she wasn't the reason. Lucy at the time had acted so strong in front of Wendy; she didn't want the young girl to know that she had felt the same way, and that deep down she was damaged beyond repair.
Natsu patted her head and then brought her out of the hug, and as he released her his stomach rumbled. "I'm happy to see you, squirt, but right now food is callin' my name!"
"That's Natsu for you," Mira giggled. "Thinking with his stomach."
"Nice to see ya too Mira," the hungry boy chuckled, rubbing the back of his head feeling slightly embarrassed.
"You are more than welcome to take a seat at the table, Juvia will start to bring out the food," Juvia stated. "Everyone is almost here too. Juvia got a text from Cana-san not too long ago."
Ding-dong.
"I'll get that," Lucy stated, exiting the room.
"I'll come too, I have a feeling that might be that bastard Lyon," Gray grumbled as he followed her.
"Well then things just got ten times more interesting," Lucy couldn't help but giggle as she watched Gray's eye twitch. "We're all going to have a good time tonight, try not to let him stress you out too much."
"It's Lyon," Gray mumbled, "it's always been like this, even before Juvia, and you know how we are."
"I know this is your time, and I also know that if Lyon gets out of hand I'm kicking my foot up his ass," Lucy loudly stated as they reached the door, hoping if it was Lyon on the other side he got the message.
Gray opened the door and there stood not one, but three guests; a man with orange hair, a woman with long brown hair, and a man with silver hair.
"Now that wasn't very nice, Lucy," the man with silver hair grumbled. "I just arrived and you are already threatening me?"
"Lyon," Lucy sweetly greeted. "Please come in."
"Don't try anything, you bastard, or I'll stomp that hideous face of yours into the payment," Gray warned as his adoptive brother walked passed them.
"Where's my greeting Lucy, my love!" the orange haired man whined. "I haven't seen you in so long!"
"Nice to see you too, Loke," Lucy mumbled, "please come in as well."
"Calm down, man, the night has just begun," Gray teased patting one of his groomsmen on the back as he entered the house.
"And what about me?" the woman demanded, her arms crossed.
"Cana!" Lucy beamed as she threw her arms around her college friend. "So glad you could make it! Juvia will be so excited."
"I am a bridesmaid of this damn thing," Cana stated, "and I wasn't about to miss out on all the booze!"
"It's always fun with you around, Cana," Gray chuckled. "Come on in, the booze is in the kitchen. Help yourself, but try to pace yourself. We don't need you passed out before the night is over."
"I don't ever pass out," Cana snorted feeling offended. "I know how to hold my alcohol." She stepped out of Lucy's hold and into the house.
Lucy and Gray looked at each other before laughing and following after the three newest guests. "Well now that everyone is here, why don't we get this meal started," Gray suggested pulling out a chair for Juvia, she sat down and he went for a chair opened next to her, and right as he pulled it out Lyon plopped himself down.
"Juvia-chan, you're as beautiful as always!" he beamed, hearts in his eyes.
"Lyon-san," Juvia blushed, looking at Gray feeling bad for her fiancé.
A vein popped out on Gray's forehead from his annoyance. "Lyon you bastard! Quit flirting with my wife!"
"She's not your wife yet," Lyon growled, he ignored Gray's glare and looked back at Juvia. "I bet this meal is delicious since you prepared it, Juvia-chan."
"I had Lucy's help," Juvia stated, turning her attention away from him. She watched Gray sit down in other chair next to her and she grabbed his hand.
"N-Nani? Lucy cooked?" Natsu bellowed out in surprise. "Are we sure this food is safe to eat?"
Lucy unconsciously punched the pink haired male on the back of his head. "Shut it. I happen to know how to cook fairly well." She walked around the table and chose a seat next to Erza. 'I can't forget that things are different now. This isn't high school anymore.'
"Ouch," Natsu grumbled rubbing his head. He sat back in his chair and stared at Lucy who was on the complete other end of him. He couldn't help but slump in his seat. He knew she didn't like him, but she didn't have to make it so painfully obvious.
"I bet it taste amazing! I can't wait to try this food that Lulu made!" Loke hummed.
Lucy's eye twitched. "Please don't call me that," she mumbled. "Please please don't."
"This time we surely won't be parted! I'm not letting you go so easily this time!" Loke claimed, tailing after her.
"Loke, leave her alone, will ya?" Gray groaned with his head in between his hands.
"You're talking a whole lot of shit to everyone. So since we're in your house you think you can act all tough huh?" Lyon chuckled shaking his head.
Gray glared at the silver haired male and opened his mouth to bark a come-back, but was interrupted.
"Oi. Paled idiot at the end of the table. If you ruin this dinner, I'm gonna kick your ass," Gajeel threatened; his eyes dangerously serious.
"Nice to see you again, Gajeel Redfox," Lyon grumbled, more to himself than to anyone.
Gajeel then took a seat next in between Natsu and Gray and Wendy took the seat on across from Natsu, Mira sitting in between the teen and Jellal. Cana took a seat on the edge of the table and Loke took the seat next to Lucy.
"The food looks amazing," Erza announced. "You both did an excellent job."
"R-really? That really means a lot to Juvia coming from you Erza-san!" Juvia squealed happily.
"See? I told you not to worry too much, didn't I?" Gray boasted how he was right after all.
"Now everyone, eat up and stuff your faces, Juvia slaved over this meal and I want to make sure it isn't wasted, got it?" Lucy demanded, digging into her own plate, and thus the night began.
After dinner and dessert everyone went onto the outside patio to enjoy some 'booze' as Cana would say. The sun had long set and the weather was beautiful and for the most part, everyone was enjoying the company. Lucy was sitting at table with Cana, Wendy, and Mira as they talked and got to know each other once again. Lucy was on her fourth cocktail and was feeling really good, Mira was enjoying sipping on her first one, Cana had long passed everyone and had lost count of how many drinks she had downed, and Wendy was just observing everyone.
Mira and Wendy had listened to Lucy's story about how she and Juvia met Cana at Crocus University and how during Lucy's second year of college, Cana, Juvia, Levy, and herself all became roommates. Lucy told them all the crazy situations Cana had put them through. It was clear to everyone Cana loved to drink and Cana loved a good party. Lucy laughed as she took a trip down memory lane. It had only been year since she graduated with her bachelor degree, but it had been two years since she really got to spend quality time with Cana.
"So Cana-san, what do you think of Magnolia so far?" Mira questioned as she stirred her drink with her straw.
"It's ffiiinneee," Cana slurred. "But tits gonna get a wholllle lot more entertaining here sssoooooonn." A huge grin appeared on her face as she looked at Lucy. "Yooou know who's gonna be here! And he's gonna come straight for ya! Better take care of those knockers Llllluuuccccyyyy!"
Lucy blushed deep red. "Cana! What do you mean!"
"He's gonna be all up in yer goods I mean!" Cana shouted as loud as she could, causing many heads to turn their attention to the table full of women.
"Cana, shhhhh, or I'm going to knock your ass out," Lucy warned, grabbing her friend by the ear. "And don't talk about 'you know who'. You know very well it isn't like that!"
"Oh, but it is," the brunette snickered as she picked up her drink and downed it in one gulp. "On to another one! Yahoo!"
Wendy and Mira couldn't help but laugh at the strange woman they had met just hours before. She was hilarious and knew things about Lucy they didn't, so they were enjoying her rowdy company. She was obviously having a good time.
Natsu watched from a far, taking a drink from his beer every now and then. He was leaning against the house, trying to keep his distance. He didn't want to push everyone too much on the first night, however he knew eventually he'd have to explain to each and every one of them what had happened five years ago, and one of the first people he wanted to tell was Lucy, but unfortunately she was keeping herself away from him. Natsu sighed and ran one of his hands through his hair.
"Oi, pinky," Gajeel called as he approached. "What's your deal anyway?"
Natsu narrowed his eyes at that question. "That's too complicated to answer, but let's just say I was gone for a very long time and finally I'm back."
Gajeel looked toward the direction Natsu had just been staring. "What's with you and blondie?"
"It's complicated," Natsu mumbled, he lifted his bottle and finished it off.
"Gee hee," Gajeel snickered. "Ain't that the truth about every woman?"
"It's not exactly like that," Natsu groaned.
"Not exactly like what?" Gajeel questioned, "are you saying and you and her never..."
"N-no! No!" Natsu barked throwing his hands up defensively, and sadly he couldn't fight off the slight pink tint that crossed his cheeks. "We never ever did that. Or anything like that."
"Didn't seem that way to me," Gajeel chuckled, "I might be a newcomer but there is definitely some unfinished business with you two."
"Well that's slightly true I guess," Natsu mumbled, once again his hand found its way through his pink locks. He sighed, "like I said its complicated."
"I believe that. Well I'm grabbin' me another drink. I'll grab you one too, you're going to need it," Gajeel informed as he walked away leaving Natsu back to his lonesome for the time being.
His eyes traveled back over to the blonde woman and as soon as his eyes found her, he noticed she had been looking his direction. The second their eyes locked she looked away and started to talk to the teen beside her. Natsu sighed to himself for the billionth time that night. 'Luce, I really am sorry…'
Lucy looked away from the boy she had been observing, he had gotten her attention the second he shouted out. She had no idea what Gajeel and Natsu had been talking about, but whatever it was it got Natsu worked up. The whole table instantly became quiet and started to observe the pair that leaned against the side of the house. The other girls gave up before Lucy; they couldn't hear what the two men were talking about so they had lost interest. Lucy, however, tried her best to read their lips, but she failed miserably.
"Lucy?"
Lucy looked up at Mira, and was greeted with her concerned blue eyes. "Y-yes?"
"I was asking you what you think about having a girls' day out. Where we all go out to lunch and do some shopping maybe?" Mira suggested with a warm smile.
"Oh, that sounds fantastic! I bet Juvia would love that," Lucy stated, agreeing with the idea one hundred percent. "We'll all have so much fun! I can't wait now."
"Why aren't you all drinkin'? C'mon, drink up!" Cana cheered, lifting her newest drink into her hand and pouring it into her mouth.
Lucy shook her head. "Oh Cana."
"Um…Lucy?"
Lucy looked up and saw Natsu standing behind her. He must have been walking over this way while she was distracted by Mira and Cana. "Yes Natsu?"
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked her, he waited for her reply and watched as all the girls looked at him as if they were waiting for him to continue. "Uh…alone?"
Lucy turned and looked at all the girls, Mira smiled at her, Wendy nodded her approval, and Cana wiggled her eyebrows at her. Lucy's eyes widened and she tried her best to fight off her blush. She would kill Cana later for her perverted mind. Lucy stood up and nodded. "Sure." 'Might as well get this over with,' Lucy thought to herself as she grabbed her drink and followed after him.
"Lu-chan!"
Lucy stopped in her tracks and looked over to the backdoor where Gajeel stood with a very petite woman with long blue hair and glasses. The short woman smiled and ran toward the blonde.
"Levy! You made it!" Lucy walked toward her friend, meeting her half way.
"Yes I did! Where's Juvia? I must say hello," Levy stated, "by the way, who's the big guy? I was totally scared when he answered the door. I thought I got the wrong house."
"He's a classmate of Juvia's from like high school or something," Lucy answered. "His name is Gajeel. Oh and Gray and Juvia are over there talking to Erza and Jellal. Why don't you go say hello."
Levy nodded. "Okay," she paused and noticed the pink haired male a few feet behind Lucy. "Hey Lu-chan, did I interrupt something between you and Natsu?" she whispered into her friends ear.
"We were just about to talk, that's all," Lucy stated waving her hand, dismissing any other ideas that were making their way into Levy's head.
"Oh, okay, well then I'll let you have that talk then and I'll go say hi to the bride and groom! Talk to you later!" Levy turned around and walked towards the couple she had been looking over.
Lucy turned back towards Natsu. "Well, shall we?" They walked away from everyone in the backyard and actually went to the front of the house, and Lucy went to the fountain, sitting on the edge of it. She looked up at him and signaled for him to speak.
Natsu sighed once more. "Where to begin…"
"Just tell me why you left Natsu," Lucy suggested because that was the only thing she cared about. She didn't need him to apologize and go on and on about how sorry he truly was or anything else. She just wanted to know why her best friend left without telling her or anyone anything.
Natsu sat down beside her and he took a second to play with his large hands and to gather his words. "I had a few reasons to leave Magnolia, and I had been considering it for awhile before I actually decided to," he started, he met her brown eyes, they stared at each other and he took another breath before he continued. "But there was one reason that made up my mind, and I just went with it. And that reason is why I've been gone for so long," he continued to stare deeply into her dark brown orbs, "Luce, I went to go find my dad."
Thirteen-year-old Natsu sat on a bench waiting for a bus to arrive and drop off Lucy. . It was Saturday which meant it was movie night for the two teens. He could see the bus down the road and knew it would be stopping in a matter of seconds. He stood up and waited for Lucy to get off the horrible use of transportation. Lucy stepped off and smiled at the boy waiting for her. "Hey!"
"About time you showed up!" he growled, "two other busses have already passed. You're late."
"Sorry," Lucy mumbled her response. "I was reading this book and it was so good, I couldn't put it down until I finished, and well it took longer than expected, okay? But I'm here now."
"You know how much I hate busses..." the boy felt his stomach sickened at the thought and quickly covered his mouth.
"And cars, trains, boats, and airplanes, anything useful for transportation; and it wasn't like you were actually on one," she teased as they started to walk back to Natsu's home. "You know there are pills to help you with your motion sickness."
"They don't work," he grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Guess that sucks for you. How are we ever going to travel and see the world together?" she questioned looking at the pinkette with a raised eyebrow.
"Simple. We won't," he answered sticking his tongue out at the blonde.
"Well that's mature," she rolled her eyes. "My best friend once promised me he would travel around the world with me so we can have fun together."
"You were also crying when I made that promise…" he pouted.
"We still pinky-swore remember?" she couldn't help but laugh at the expression on his face. He was already terrified on how they were going to 'travel' around the world.
"Yeah, yeah, I got it."
They walked into the door way of Natsu's grandpa's house and were instantly greeted by Natsu's grandfather, Makarov Dreyar. "Oh Lucy, you're looking as pretty as ever."
"Thanks Dreyar-san," Lucy bowed her head.
"How many times am I going to have to tell you child, call me gramps," the old man chuckled as he exited the room. "You two kiddos have fun. Try not to disturb others. And remember you are far too young for…"
"Ji-chan!" Natsu warned, shouting back at his grandfather. The two teens both had a pink blush across their face. "Sorry about that, Luce."
"Don't worry about it," Lucy shrugged, "same warning, different day. He'll figure it out soon enough that we are not like 'that.'"
He nodded. "I'm going to grab us some snacks."
"You mean you're going to grab YOU some snacks," she corrected. "I'll be lucky to even get a crumb."
Natsu laughed and rubbed the back of his head in a goofy manner. "Right. Anyways, go pick a movie. I'll be up there in a bit." He made his way to the kitchen and Lucy made her way to his bedroom which was upstairs.
She made her way through her best friend's room, observing all of his video games and comic books. And at the edge of his shelf was a picture of a young woman with blonde hair. Lucy remembered how Natsu once explained to Lucy how this woman was his mother. In the picture she was in her early twenties and according to Natsu's grandfather it was his favorite picture, she was smiling and so carefree. Lucy looked the woman over, she had her eyes closed so she didn't know what color they were. The woman was beautiful and seemed to be a wonderful person.
"Yosh! I found the cookies!"
Natsu re-entered his room with his hands full of snacks for them to munch on while they enjoyed their movie night. He made his way to his desk and scattered all the items across it. He looked back at Lucy and smiled. "Whatcha doin'?"
"Hey Natsu, whatever happened to your father?" Lucy asked, she remembered the first time she had brought it up and Natsu didn't have an answer to give her. He simply said 'I don't know.'
Natsu's smile disappeared slowly and he walked over to her, he looked at the picture of his mother and then back at to Lucy. "Ji-chan told me when my mother left Magnolia she met a man and they fell in love, eloped, and, well I happened. For some reason mom came back to Magnolia before I was born and never told Ji-chan the details. She died after I was born, but before she died, she begged him to keep my last name Dragneel. Ji-chan says that Dragneel is the name Mom and I got from my dad, but since Ji-chan doesn't know anything about him or where he even is, he was never able to contact him and let him know he had a son," he confessed, his eyes losing their normal shine as he talked. "I have a dad out there, he just doesn't know I exist, and I have no way of finding him. I have a last name, but apparently there's a lot of Dragneel's in Fiore."
Lucy grabbed hold of his hands and held onto them tightly. "Natsu, when we get older and leave Magnolia, let's travel around Fiore and find your dad!" she had tears forming in her eyes. She felt horrible making her friend feel pain like this. Lucy had her father even if he wasn't involved with her life like a father should be, but he was still near.
"What? Are you crazy?" Natsu questioned as he started to laugh. "There's no way we'd find him."
"We don't know unless we try!" Lucy protested, "Let me help you find him, please!"
Natsu stared at the girl beside him, she never ceased to amaze him. He smiled and nodded. "Ok. Fine. But you're payin' for the whole stickin' trip! And you can't get mad if I get sick on you! You're going to have to take care of me the whole ride of whatever stupid damn thing we use!"
"Deal!" Lucy smiled and with that they shook hands on it, agreeing that one day they'd find Natsu's father, no matter what it took.
One more, last try
Imma get the ending right
You can't stop this
And I must insist
That you haven't had enough
Haven't had enough
Testing, testing
I'm just suggesting
You and I
Might just be the best thing.
And there's chapter three. And oh boy I can't wait till chapter four! Things get interesting! Wohoo. So I got another idea for a NaLu fic but I won't post it anytime soon until I get further along with this one. It's a darker fic and I think everyone is going to like it! I'm excited for it at least. Lol.
Thanks for reading and please review! I like reading your opinions and so forth.
Cookie-chan91