A/N: To anyone following this, the latest update (10/4/17) is just some formatting - I noticed none of my ***** separations carried over and wanted to put them back. Hopefully a new chapter is coming soon - I AM working on it!
As Natsu led Lucy down the hall, his mind raced. They were going to be alone. There would be no one else from the guild watching or even around, and even Happy was sleeping somewhere else. While this excited him, made him want to burn, it scared him. The feelings he had had on the beach were strong and almost too much to control. He didn't know what he would do if she touched him like that again and it scared him. He didn't want to hurt Lucy. He couldn't hurt Lucy. As he opened the door to the room and she stepped in in front of him, he saw the downward turn of her face, her bangs hiding her eyes in darkness, and he froze. Had he already hurt her? He didn't move again until Lucy had gone as far as the chain would allow and it tugged on his wrist gently.
"Luce," he began, stepping into the room and feeling like he might shatter into a million pieces.
"I'm tired, Natsu," she breathed. "I just want to take a bath and go to bed."
He scratched the back of his head with his free hand. "Sure," he sighed. Then his eyes fell on the bathroom and his entire body flushed red. "But um, Luce," he indicated with his free hand, unable to say what he wanted.
Lucy's eyes followed his finger and she froze. The bathroom was large – so large that there was no way she could be in the bath with him in the other room. He was going to have to be in there with her. "Oh," she breathed, her mind racing. Even though he had withdrawn after Happy interrupted them, her creative mind still raced, planting thoughts she wanted but was too scared to focus on. When she forced her eyes back to Natsu's, she could see the pink in his cheeks, the way he pressed his lips together, and the way he avoided her gaze. He had walked in on her in the bath back in Magnolia more than once, but this was entirely different, especially now that they had allowed their feelings for the other to finally show, if only for a moment. Then a thought struck her that was like a knife in the chest. Was he regretting his actions?
When Lucy didn't move, Natsu swallowed. He was never this scared, never this unsure of what he was doing. Even when he had no plan and simply rushed into battle head on, he felt surer of the outcome than he did at that moment. Even after the day's events, Lucy's soft coconut scent remained, drawing him to her. He had been so intent on her skin before that he didn't bother to feel what she was wearing, but now that they were inside, soft light surrounding them, he could see how nearly sheer it was. It looked as soft as her skin, but he would have to touch it to find out. She had left her bikini bottoms on since the slit came up so high on the side, but the only thing covering the rest of her was the sheer fabric, and as she trembled before him, he longed to rip it from her.
Without realizing it, Natsu had come up behind Lucy, his hand reaching out to untie the wrap at her hip before he stopped himself. His hands were shaking, but he forced himself to continue. He had to know if what happened on the beach was okay…
Sucking in a deep breath for courage, he slipped his arms around her waist from behind, his right arm gliding across her skin and pulling her back to him, while his left moved her hair from her shoulder. Lucy gasped softly at his touch, but leaned against him, her hands resting on his.
His breath suddenly warm on her neck, Lucy closed her eyes, her entire body tingling and awake now that he was touching her again. When his lips gently brushed against her neck, she shivered and lifted her hand to run her fingers through his hair. His lips pulled away from her for just a moment, a relieved smile touching them, before they moved higher up her neck, creating a trail of fire before she turned her head and he captured her lips with his.
The moment Lucy returned his kiss, Natsu felt as though he might burn through the floor. His grip around her tightened, pressing her back into him in such a way that made his thoughts turn even more passionate. Natsu's hands had a mind of their own as they slid up the front of her and under the wrap easily. He cupped her breasts, feeling Lucy shiver against him. She pressed back against him, rolling her hips in such a way that he groaned into the kiss, one hand leaving her breast to slide down her stomach.
Needing to breathe, but unwilling to separate from her in any way, Natsu broke off the kiss, Lucy's head immediately rolling to the side as he kissed the hollow of her neck and then down. His hand had reached the top of the wrap, her bikini bottom beginning just below, but she showed no signs of stopping him. He plunged lower, and she shivered, heat immediately flashing from behind her.
"Natsu," she breathed, her voice ragged as he reached between her thighs.
Natsu had no idea how he knew what he was doing. He only knew he wanted Lucy, wanted her to keep making the sounds she was making. His stomach was tied up in knots, his heart pounding in his chest when she shuddered pleasantly against him, her hand slipping from his head to reach around behind him, pressing him more firmly against her.
The wrap was getting in his way. He reluctantly pulled his hand from her breast, leaving his other to stroke her between her legs, and pulled at the knot at her hip. "As much as I like this," he breathed, his breath causing her to shiver just as the knot came loose.
With one gentle tug, the wrap slid down Lucy's hips to land in a puddle at their feet. His hand eagerly returned to her breast as his mouth hungrily found hers. When Lucy groaned into their kiss, they suddenly found themselves moving as though propelled by some unseen force and collapsed onto the bed in a joyous heap.
Lucy found herself on her back, her hair splayed around her head like a halo. Natsu straddled her legs, holding himself high above her on one hand while the other reached up to brush her cheek. She blushed as his onyx eyes burned into hers and she had to swallow. "I'm sorry, Luce."
Lucy blinked up at him with hooded eyes, her hands gripping the top of his swim trunks. "Sorry for what?"
"For shutting you out." He hesitated, heat radiating off of him as he tried to gather the courage to say what he wanted. "You seemed so scared on the beach," he began, "And I couldn't stand the thought of hurting you."
Smiling softly, Lucy reached up to cup his cheeks in her palms. It was hard to believe that just a few days ago they were battling six other guilds, vying for the chance to prove who was better. It all seemed so moot now, especially after they fought a battle for their lives and the lives of everyone in the country. Seeing her future-self die had made her want to take nothing for granted, but her fear had held her in place. Now, to think all of this started because of a few choice words uttered during a challenge on the beach… "You'll never hurt me," she breathed. "I trust you. I was scared of what I was feeling." Natsu turned bright red, knowing exactly what she had been feeling; not realizing her words had a deeper meaning. "I never thought you felt the same way," she finally admitted.
How could he tell her that all those times his "ideas" got her to strip was because he wanted her to strip (and yes, it would also serve their purposes). How could he tell her that he enjoyed walking in on her in the bathtub, or her coming out of the shower wrapped in a towel only to find him sitting on her couch, a look of surprise on his face? How could he tell her how he burned with fury and jealousy any time another man looked at her? How could he tell her that the times she did let him sleep in her bed, he had to touch her to make sure she was still there, almost as though to prove she was real? Worst of all, how could he explain to her how much seeing her future-self die had destroyed him? "Lucy," he breathed, trying to formulate his words and unable to. His voice was low and gruff as he said her name, her name forever on his mind. Without thinking, he slipped an arm under her and lifted her more fully onto the bed, this time coming to rest between her legs, his elbows braced on either side of her. His hips rested against hers, her legs spread easily to allow him to fit, and there was no denying what both of them clearly wanted.
Lucy had never seen this side of Natsu, had actually doubted it even existed. Sure, she had had inklings, had caught glimpses in his eye when he thought she wasn't looking, but she never could have imagined they would end up entangled in bed as they now were. He was her best friend, he was the reason she joined Fairy Tail and had a new family. He was everything to her and she was terrified of what giving herself to him might do to that. When his eyes met hers, tormented passion reflected in their onyx depths, it was clear he felt the same. Biting her lip and taking a deep breath to bolster her courage, she reached up and pulled him to her, her lips crushing his and begging for more. He groaned in surprise, his hips pressing into hers on their own, and she felt her heart rate kick it up a notch.
They were both tense, wound so tightly they felt they would explode. Hearts fluttering in their chests and stomachs tied into knots, they gave into their instincts, all thoughts outside of each other gone. Once Natsu's large and warm hand ran down her side, finding and kneading her breast once more, before he covered her delicate nipple with his mouth, she knew she had to have him, and damn the repercussions. Their remaining clothes were quickly thrown throughout the room, Natsu collapsing onto Lucy with a passionate chuckle. Their chain tinkled above them, a reminder that this was supposed to be "punishment", which only made Natsu smile and nip Lucy's neck. When she squirmed beneath him, it only made him do it again, but this time he reached up and pinned her chained hand above her head, looping the loose chain around her other wrist and pinning them both beneath one hand. Lucy looked up at him with surprise, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Lucy could no longer use her hands thanks to Natsu's gentle restraint, but she could still use her legs and her hips. Undulating beneath him, Natsu gasped when she brushed against him, and pressed forward, heat rolling over both of them in his pleasant surprise. When they touched he immediately stopped, pulling away to look in her eyes. She smiled softly, closing her eyes as he moved to kiss her again, his hands slipping from her wrists to intertwine his fingers with hers as he finally entered her.
Lucy sucked in a painful breath as he pierced her, deepening their kiss and pressing up with her hips to hide her discomfort. When he continued, the pain increasing, she broke the kiss off, her hands clenching his. "Natsu," she gasped, the pain radiating through her body as he was finally fully inside of her.
The sound of her voice immediately made him stop. "Luce?" he asked, his voice trembling.
The moment he moved back, his eyes peering into hers, the pain changed, and Lucy was finally able to appreciate him. He held still, afraid to move, but once she opened her eyes, lidded with passion, he instinctively pulled back a small amount before thrusting forward once more. When her hips moved to meet his, a small sound of pleasure escaping her, the fear of hurting her left and he gave in to what his body told him to do, gradually increasing his strokes until they both panted and moaned.
Lucy felt like she was flying, her body light and filled with happiness and tingling pleasure. She knew about making love from books, including several of Erza's novels, but this was different. This was better than any surge of magic. She felt ready to explode, ready to fly away into the stars when Natsu changed his grip, releasing her hands, and crushing his lips to hers. He groaned into their kiss, his body trembling as she tightened around him and let him plunge his tongue into her mouth as he was plunging into her. The moment her hands were free, she brought them to his back, pulling him closer. He broke off the kiss with a short gasp as he gave one final thrust fully into her with a grunt. His fierce thrust, his tight grip, and the surge of heat from him inside her caused her back to arch, her fingers digging into his shoulders as they both cried out in ecstasy.
Spent, Natsu dropped his head into Lucy's shoulder, her hands in his hair as they tried to catch their breath. His arms shook and when she moved the slightest below him, he gripped her tightly, her movement sending him over the edge once more. "Luce!" he whispered harshly.
Chuckling, Lucy could only smile as her laughter made him gasp once more. She was already beginning to feel sore, but didn't want this moment to end. This was one of the few times she got to see Natsu completely vulnerable, his soul bared to her as he clung to her breathlessly. Her fingers played with his hair, running along his scalp and causing him to shiver. "I love you," she breathed, not aware she had said anything out loud.
Natsu stiffened at her words, pulling his face from her shoulder to look into her eyes. She had said those three words so easily, so effortlessly, and yet so confidently. He already knew he felt the same. "I love you too."
The moment the door was closed behind them, Levy folded her arms across her chest and refused to move. "Gajeel," she demanded.
The iron dragon slayer turned to face her, grateful for the darkness of the room that hid the heat in his cheeks. He had a hard time looking at her in that outfit. It was both perfectly her, and completely not her. The combination was fascinating and driving him crazy. Now that they were alone, the confidence he exhibited to everyone else started to melt away. Like Natsu, he was fearless in battle, but being alone with Levy scared the crap out of him. It was why his safe bet was usually to pretend to ignore her.
"There a reason you chose that outfit?" he asked, completely at a loss for how to say what he wanted to say.
Her face growing hot, Levy looked down at herself, thinking he hated it. Without realizing she was doing it, she turned, her hip cocked out as she played with the hem of her skirt and checked out her butt, offering Gajeel a glimpse of something he found incredibly attractive. "I thought you would like it," she admitted so softly anyone else wouldn't have been able to hear it.
"It's not how I see you," he answered, not unkindly.
Levy took a cautious step closer. "Then how do you see me?"
Gajeel swallowed, squeezing his eyes shut. "I see you and what I did to you when I first came to Fairy Tail," he admitted, his heart and stomach clenching.
"Gajeel," she began, taking another step forward and reaching out to touch his arm. Tears were welling in her eyes. When he didn't react, she reached up to turn his face to her. He reluctantly opened his eyes and she saw the fear and self-loathing evident in them. "That wasn't you. I know that. I know the real you now. And I don't want you to see me like that."
"I knew what I was doing, Shrimp." His voice was low and gruff.
"I know," she countered; trying to give him a fierce look and not sure if she was succeeding.
"I wanted it to be you," he continued, turning to face her fully. She had to look up in order to look into his eyes. "Because you made me feel things I didn't want to feel. You were so happy, so bright. Seeing you," he paused, "hurt me. So I had to hurt you in return."
No reply came to her lips and so Levy swallowed, gingerly reaching out to rest her hands on his arms. "You aren't that person anymore."
He closed his eyes and looked away from her. The way she looked up at him so openly and so honestly tugged at his heart, but he didn't deserve her. As much as he wanted to act like she was already his, and had to swoop in any time anyone else showed any interest, he didn't think he should have her. Only Lily knew of his external charade and internal turmoil; the black Exceed could not be fooled. "If you were still that person, would you have been so determined to finish the chariot race for your friends? Would you have been so willing to die for everyone else during the Eclipse? Would you have protected me, like you always have?"
"I don't deserve," he began, but she cut him off by standing on her tip-toes and pulling his head down, capturing his lips with hers. The kiss was soft and gentle, her fingers ensnared in his hair to hold him there, to keep him from pulling away.
"Shut up," she muttered when she finally pulled away, resting her forehead against his. "You called me yours already, remember?" She lifted their chain as a reminder. "That's how we ended up in this predicament."
Gajeel tck'd but didn't move his forehead from hers. "I slipped," he offered with a hint of a smile.
"So did Natsu." Her head cocked to the side. "Almost like you planned it."
"Or the Salamander was just trying to outdo me."
Levy chuckled, squeezing him a little tighter. "Either of those is equally plausible."
Gajeel allowed himself to grow serious once more. "How can you forgive me so easily?"
Her eyes pierced his with such force he felt as though she were looking into his soul. Part of him wanted to shrink away, lock her out like he did so many others; but then part of him wanted to welcome her in with open arms. "Because everyone deserves a second chance. And, you made me feel things I had never felt before. You made me yearn for a new kind of adventure. I've watched you change Gajeel, and I see how different you are now compared to then. I feel like I've been a part of that journey and I want to keep being a part of it. If that means you call me yours, then I'm yours."
The protective part of Gajeel practically flexed inside him with pride as he wrapped his arms around her. He never talked to anyone like he did to Levy. No one seemed to understand him as well as Levy did, with the sole exception of Lily. No one made him feel the way she did, both protective, and yet awed. It was why he treated her the way he did. He was showing others she was off limits even if he wasn't ready to claim her as his own (hence why he was often so indifferent). She was the brain to his brawn (although he'd never admit that to Natsu). She was the calm to his storm. Everything was going to be different now, and as he lifted her into the air, spinning her so that she wrapped her arms around his neck tightly and laughed, he felt a heavy weight leave his shoulders that he had never thought would leave.
"Now let's talk about sleeping arrangements," Levy stated more calmly than she felt, and Gajeel immediately set her down and took a step back.
"Look, Shorty," he began, scratching the back of his neck.
The alcohol they had consumed was giving her more courage than she ever had in how she addressed him. For once she felt calm and in control compared to him. She felt like the brave one, leading him forward. The fact that her words could affect him so easily was a boost to her ego. But, she kept thinking about the way he kissed her on the stage. A crooked smile on her lips, she looped the extra chain around them, thankful she didn't hit him in the head, and pulled him closer. "Stop treating me so delicately," she whispered, before she pulled him down and kissed him once more.
Blood rushed through Gajeel at her words, his face growing hot even as he lifted her in his arms, her legs wrapping around his waist. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, keeping him there with surprising force while he kicked out of his flip-flops and made his way to the bed. He deposited her forcefully, but gently, and covered her body with his, careful not to crush her as he settled between her legs. He wasn't used to seeing this side of the little bluette, but it made him smile as his kiss moved down her neck. Her fingers traced the corded muscle of his shoulders as he at first tried to unbutton her blouse, then gave up and ripped it open. She was wearing nothing beneath it, and even though she sucked in a shy breath, she did nothing to stop him.
The moment Gajeel's lips touched her breast, Levy uttered a sigh of pleasure. Like Lucy, she knew of love from books, especially Erza's stash, but was yet to truly experience it herself. The moment she met Gajeel, she had been intrigued by his aloofness and confidence, bordering on cockiness. He was like a mystery novel, even after he had hurt her. Even in the beginning it was clear there was a hidden side to him and she had to know what it was. She had been able to see through his malice and wanted to peel away the layers. The more she knew about him, the more she cared for him, and the more she wanted to know about him. The times she found him next to her for no apparent reason always made her heart beat faster, and she found herself finding reasons to be near him for that same reason. "See me in a different way," she breathed, pulling his lips back up to hers as she worked on the ties for his swim trunks.
Gajeel's hand was at the top of her skirt, but he stopped. "Shrimp," he murmured, his breath hot on her neck.
Sensing what he was about to say, she removed her hands, brushing her fingertips along the piercings on his face. "Gajeel?"
"You sure about this?" his voice was but a whisper, deep and gruff. It brought goose bumps to her skin.
The corner of her mouth pulling up in a smile, she nodded. That was all the permission the iron dragon slayer needed, and in moments they were both stripped of their clothes, concealed beneath the blankets. Levy couldn't help but giggle at the sudden urgency, her giggle quickly dying down when his hands moved over her. She trembled in anticipation and nervousness, her heart pounding so hard within her chest she felt like she might burst. His touch elicited feelings she had only dreamed about, and when his hand slid up the inside of her thigh she had to suck in a shaky breath, her eyes closing as she gripped the sheets in her hands.
Seeing her reaction, Gajeel smiled to himself before bending to nibble on her ear as he explored her. She shivered pleasantly beneath him, her pleased sigh music to his ears. When her hips moved with his movements, he eased himself between them, wrapping his arms under her shoulders and crushing her lips with his. Her breath was stolen from her when he brushed against her from below and just when she felt fear along with her desire, he gently pressed forward.
Levy knew what to expect, but was still taken completely by surprise when they became one. The pain was exquisite as he moved forward, and she clung to him, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck and her legs wrapping around his waist as she groaned into their kiss. Deepening the kiss to distract her, Gajeel momentarily slowed, until she gently shook her head, telling him to keep going while she continued to kiss him.
When he could go no further, Gajeel paused only a moment before he started moving in slow strokes. Levy's death grip on him gradually loosened, her legs releasing their tight grip on him as her hips began to respond. Now when she moaned, it was from pleasure and not pain, and she broke off the kiss to kiss the cap of his shoulder. Ever the adventurous one, Levy pulled him to a stop for a moment, a curious light in her eye before she got him to roll over, pinning him from the top. Gajeel looked up at her from his back with an amused smile on his face, his hands immediately coming to rest on her hips as she slowly guided herself onto him. Now it was his turn to grip her, sucking in a deep breath as he filled her even more than before. She stopped when they were completely entwined, trembling for a moment as she rested her hands on his abdomen. He didn't give her time to do anything else as he quickly sat up, wrapping his arms around her while burying his face in her chest. At the same time, he flexed beneath her and Levy's startled gasp made him smile as she threw her arms around him.
"What?" she scarcely managed to ask before he hit the same spot again and it was like a jolt of lightning went through her. Her fingernails dug into his shoulders as she let out a shaky breath. The iron dragon slayer only chuckled beneath her and kept going.
It wasn't long before Levy felt like her head might explode. Gajeel took the moment to lean forward, pressing her onto her back once more with their heads now at the foot of the bed. His mouth took over Levy's, his tongue toying with hers as her fingers ensnared in his hair. As their movements grew more frantic, they both let out soft noises, and when Levy suddenly clung to him, much like she had in the beginning, Gajeel finally let go, thrusting as far into her as he could, his entire body going rigid as he climaxed right along with her.
When his body finally stopped shaking, Gajeel picked his head up to look at the solid-script wizard beneath him, still breathing heavily. Her eyes were hooded when she looked up at him, her cheeks flushed, her bandana askew, and her hair a mess. She had never looked more beautiful.
"So can I sleep in the bed, then?" he asked with a crooked smile.
Levy laughed, slapping his shoulder good-naturedly and pulling him back to her. "You oaf!"
Gajeel joined her in the laugh, pulling back to kiss her quickly before he left her. She curled up in his arms, her ear to his chest, listening to his heartbeat as it gradually began to slow. He had one arm wrapped around her, the other toyed with her hair. They lay together quietly, each in their own thoughts as sleep began to overtake them. Just when Levy's breathing became slow and even, he squeezed her tighter. "I see you differently," he whispered, his lips turning up in a soft smile before he kissed the top of her head and allowed himself to fall into sleep along with her.
Just a few doors down, Gray and Juvia lay in bed together, his arm around her with her head pressed against his chest. They were the two everyone would expect to be consummating their love, but instead they were the only two who weren't. Their relationship had taken so long to get to the point that it was, neither of them were ready to rush ahead just yet. In a reversal of typical roles, Juvia was the more impatient one, but she was also just as nervous as Gray and didn't want to ruin anything between them. He had just started to return her affections, she could wait as long as was necessary. Being with him, even just touching him or talking to him, was enough for her. Her heart was lighter than it had ever been, and as she lay there, listening to his slow heartbeat, she felt pure contentment. I love you, my Darling Gray, she thought as her eyes drifted closed.
On Natsu's end of the hallway, Erza opened the door to her room, not sure who she would find inside since Mira took care of the room assignments and last minute changes had been made. Trying to be polite and not potentially wake up her roommate, she walked slowly and cautiously on her toes. "Erza," the deep voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Jellal?!" she all but shrieked until he jumped forward and clamped a hand over her mouth, the other slipping easily around her waist. He raised his eyebrows at her, asking without words if she would be quiet if he removed his hand, and she nodded. His hand immediately left her mouth and went to her back. "What are you doing here?" she hissed.
"I could ask you the same thing."
"Mira sent me to this room." Her cheeks blushed. "We had some last minute room changes."
A smile pulled at the corner of Jellal's mouth at her words. "Oh, really?"
Erza let a smile cross her own lips, finally relaxing in his arms. "Mira is a damn genius."
Jellal leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. "Remind me to thank her later," he breathed in between kisses.
Erza couldn't answer him. Instead, they made their way to the bed and collapsed as clothes flew, their soft laughter filling the darkness. She was the scarlet haired woman that haunted his dreams; he was the dark and mysterious man that dominated hers. Together, they made something beautiful. Together, they gave in to their wanton desires, throwing caution to the wind, something completely out of character for the two of them. Now that it had happened, she wanted nothing more than for it to keep happening, only she was fairly certain that wouldn't be possible; not for a while at least. She would settle for what time they did have.
Disclaimer: The usual... I do not own Fairy Tail or any of the characters (unfortunately). They all belong to the genius that is Hiro Mashima. I just like to write about them. :) Hope you enjoy!
