Yes, I know. Late update. I was punished for raising my voice at my parents and so they decided it was best take a little break and fit in a world where things don't exactly go as I want. So hope you'll enjoy this chapter.
And by the way, no guest has voted yet. Why? You guys can vote as you want!
And also, some of you might be thinking 'What the heck? I thought this was a NaLu!'. Rest easily, I'll assure you the story is not ending GraLu, but as I had also told somebody, what's a love story without a little competition?
The end of the story is not so close, but I still want you guys to vote so I can gather ideas, though I don't think there is going to be problem. The team that wants Lucy and Natsu to leave this world leads a lot. So if you stand there and have a different opinion or simply prefer them remaining in Fairy Tale, call all of your friends and make them vote even if they don't know what it's all about. Because you still have a lot of time and there's no too late.
But I don't think a case like that exists, so for now enjoy reading!
And no, Gray is not a vampire.
Natsu kicked a little rock, sending it flying through the air while the sky was filling with the deep moan of a thunder. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and sighed shakily.
Dark clouds had gathered blocking bright funny rays of the sun reach the extent of ice covering the capital of Frozen Roses. It was like the weather reflected the darkness in his heart. The road was lonely and he was glad he had gotten rid of the horrible frozen forest. Everything around him seemed to have reminded him of the prince. Both the princes, actually; the one he hated and the one in the legend.
He guessed he had left the capital, because what was surrounding him right now was a pretty green forest with short plants and tall trees. He was walking down a rocky path while his head wondering others. Soon, the sky started dripping and a light rain was pouring down on his head. He stopped walking and looked at his feet. The color of the earth was slowly darkening and the surrounding noise started gathering loudness.
Natsu's blank eyes scanned the forest for a shelter. He dropped himself at the root of an old oak and breathed in the smell of the rain.
It was getting late but he wasn't in a rush at all. He knew the ball had probably started already, but he was too much of a coward to go back. He needed a break. He needed a break to sit and think. His tired eyes closed and he remained quiet, listening to the relaxing melody of the pouring water. Some drops were slipping through the leaves and falling on his beautiful white face and arms.
He had parted with the Lucy and Natsu from this world with a fake smile, telling them about the public invitation to the ball that evening. He personally preferred to sleep in the rain. He was feeling tired and too much like a coward to face Lucy of Gray. He was glad he could touch normal earth and living leaves or grass. Gray was stupid to have frozen the nature. So what if it was dying in autumn? It would be born again in spring, right?
He preferred summer anyway.
Why was he so sad anyway? Why was he so tired? Why was there no energy left for life?
He put the back of his hand over his eyes and kept thinking silently and sadly. Through the rain, the small figure of an old woman approached Natsu slowly so that he didn't notice her presence at first. She stopped in front of him and looked at him sadly. When the pink haired boy finally noticed somebody was looking at him, he took his hand off and looked at her surprised.
''Why are you crying, young man?'' she asked softly.
''What? I'm not crying. It's from the rain.''
She shook her head slowly.
''It's alright. You don't have to excuse yourself. Tell me, what's troubling you?''
The first think that crossed his mind was that she was crazy. He put his hand back on his closed eyes and moaned:
''Go away, old hag.''
The woman kept smiling and her mild eyes seemed so small on her face wreathed in wrinkles.
''You cannot drive away the good that's come to help you.''
Natsu threw her a short glare before ignoring her.
''Tell me, is it because of the ball?''
''Ball?'' he asked with a neutral voice.
''You want to go to the ball and you're not allowed to, am I right?''
''What the heck are talking about?! Go your way, granny! And mind your own business. Who do you think you are? The Fairy Godmother?''
The woman nodded slowly.
''And I want to help you.''
For real? He thought surprised and pissed.
''Look, it's not like I can't go to the ball. Anybody can go! I don't want to, ok? Now leave!''
''I understand. You don't have the proper clothes. You can't go with those rags, after all.''
She pointed to the wet and dirty shirt the boy was wearing with her short walking stick. Natsu stared at her and now he was sure she was crazy.
''Bring me the biggest pumpkin you will find in the garden. And also, all the rats you will find in mousetraps.''
''What garden?!'' Natsu asked shocked. ''Look, woman, this is not the Cinderella story or whatever. I'm telling you I don't want to go to the freaking ball!''
The woman looked at him calmly and still smiling.
''Then will you tell me what's troubling you?''
''Nothing! What makes you think I'm troubled by anything?''
''It's written all over your face.''
''No. It's not. Now will you please leave me alone? I just want to find a nice and quiet place to think.''
''That means something's troubling you. And I won't leave until you tell me what that is.''
Natsu sighed and desperately looked around.
''Ok. Fine. I'll tell you. But promise me you leave.''
She nodded slowly.
''Good. There's this girl, ok? She is blind to what's happening to her and I can't find any way to tell her and make her believe me.''
''Do you love this girl?''
He hesitated.
''Y-Yeah.''
''And you're saying she's blind. Is it like she's asleep?''
''Yes! And she is too stubborn to wake up. Now will you leave?''
''Did she by any reason sting her finger in a spindle?''
Natsu groaned exasperatedly.
''No! She is not Sleeping Beauty!''
''Then… Why won't she believe you?'' she ignored his attitude.
He calmed down and stared in her eyes. Why won't she? Was it because he was a liar?
''Well… I think love is blinding her.'' he said trying not to think at the more obvious reason.
'''More importantly, are you sure she doesn't believe you?'' the woman smiled slyly. Natsu eyed her surprised.
''You're saying is there a possibility she believes me?''
''I don't know. How are you so sure she doesn't?''
''Well she told me.''
''Maybe your love rival made her think somehow else.''
''That's what I said. Love is blinding her.''
''Love? I'm not saying it's love. Anybody could have influenced her with a proper behavior when the real personality is hidden deep inside the frozen heart.''
Natsu stared at her shocked and then narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
''You know more than you pretend to, don't you?'' he said receiving a sly look from the woman.
''That's why without a well aimed push from the dream-land, one could easily have her think clearly. But then again, you can't know if she truly doubts that one's words, now could you?'' she blinked.
''Are you saying there's still a chance for me to wake her up?''
''One's feelings can vanish another's. Love cannot be shut for one's heart could never be opened willingly; but hate is the greatest enemy for love. The will of ice is not as strong as the will of fire. A burning soul and heart can expend for flames love to share.''
''What?'' he asked confused. ''Stop talking in metaphors.''
''I'm telling you you can kick the bastard's ass if you fight with the love in your heart. But be careful with your hate. The girl will be won with love, not with hate.''
Natsu stared at her amazed. It was obvious she already knew everything. His lazy heart started running and his whole body was suddenly filled with adrenaline. He jumped up on his feet.
''I still can't understand entirely what you're saying'' Natsu started grinned ''but I think I got the idea.''
''And now I question you once more.'' she smiled. ''Are you sad because you're not at the ball?''
This time, Natsu understood what she meant. She wanted him to go and fight for Lucy. He grinned wider and replied:
''Take me there, ol'lady!
''I'm not taking you there, you have to walk on your own.'' She said still smiling and Natsu sweat-dropped.
''Uh, right.''
''But I will give you proper clothes for the party.'' She said.
Natsu looked at what he was wearing.
''But I'm fine the way I am. I just need them to dry and maybe to be cleaned a little.''
The woman approached him raising her walking stick and placed it on Natsu's head.
A few sparks jumped from the end of it and Natsu suddenly found himself being surrounded by waves of light. His pink hair was floating softly in the nonexistent wind and it was drying. He widened his eyes at the comforting feeling and the tender touch of the magic. The clothes he had been wearing disappeared and his body started glowing harder when they were replaced by others. The Fairy Godmother gently retrieved her stick which also seemed to be a wand and the light vanished slowly. Natsu only then realized how dark it had gotten. He looked at the old smiling woman and then at his new clothes. He widened his eyes and opened his mouth widely in shock. He had almost jumped at the sight of what he was wearing. They have been in this world for almost four months, so of course he would be shocked to suddenly see-
A pair of dark swagger jeans and a tight black T-shirt with the skuzzy writing of ''don't mess with me'' along with two silvery necklaces which were lightly weighted by two detailed skulls: human and animal; a funny combination. A cool large and grey anorak with big pockets was keeping his shoulders warm and he was wearing a pair of brand new sneakers that suit him perfectly. It was a simple, but cool way of dressing and he liked it except for the fact that-
''HOW THE HECK TO DO EXPECT ME TO GO TO A BALL DRESSED LIKE THIS?!''
But the godmother had disappeared. He looked around surprised, but she was nowhere. Instead, he heard a carriage approaching him. It was still raining, but he put his hood on and walked to the road. Maybe there was somebody that could pick him up.
The carriage stopped and the driver looked at him with curiosity. Natsu looked back at him and hesitated. He then opened his mouth to speak when the man cut him off.
''Are you alone?''
Said man blinked surprised.
''Yes?''
''I've been told to pick up somebody on this road by an old lady. Are you the one she was talking about?''
''Yes, I think I am.'' Natsu smiled. That woman had taken care of everything.
''Well what are you waiting for? Up you go!'' the man also smiled kindly.
Natsu did as told. He opened the door and climbed the little staircase. He shot himself inside glad to have gotten rid of the rain. He sat comfortably on the red and fluffy bench and then looked around. He flinched when he spotted the figure of a girl sitting on the other bench and looking at him with big eyes. He immediately recognized her and he widened his eyes. The coat she was wearing was held tightly around her trembling body and the huge hood was partly covering her face. She took it off with shaky hands while her eyes were looking inside his with surprise.
''Natsu?'' Lucy asked in a whisper. Said boy also put his hood down and looked at her happily.
She smiled and jumped up from her seat, throwing herself in his arms. He squeezed him tight, surprising him with her reaction.
''It is you!'' she said happily. ''Oh, I've been worried sick!''
He looked at her figure with shock. Worried? After they had fought, she was still hugging and telling him she had been worried?
She retrieved herself embarrassed, apparently thinking about the exact same thing.
''W-Where did you get these clothes from?'' she asked.
''You've been worried about me?'' he ignored her question.
''O-Of course!'' she blushed. ''You never came back and I thought…''
''You thought what?''
''I thought you had left.'' She whispered looking down at her feet.
''Left?''
''You know… left. Without me.''
Now he felt bad for not going back sooner.
''I left searching for you.''
''Gray allowed you to?''
She blushed and frowned.
''Gray cannot control what I do and you know it very well.''
Even though he had at first opposed her will to go looking for him.
''I'm sorry.'' he said starching the back of his head.
She widened her eyes slightly surprised that Natsu Dragneel just apologized.
Natsu remembered what the godmother had told him. One's feelings can vanish another's. In other words, if his feelings were love and tenderness, he could wash away the tension between them or at least Lucy's sorrow.
He chuckled sadly. He also felt the need to apologize.
''And I'm sorry that I hurt you, Lucy.''
She widened her eyes even more and her heart skipped a beat only to start beating fast the next moment.
''I understand that everything I say lately is hurting you. And I'm sorry for that. Please forgive me.'' he looked at her sadly.
She looked back at him and her chin trembled. Her eyes started watering, so she lowered her head and spoke with a shaky voice:
''I forgive you.''
She sniffed and looked away, trying to stop the tears from coming.
''C-Can we not fight anymore, Natsu? Please. I don't want us to be apart anymore… I miss… you…'' the last word was spoken in such a whisper that Natsu barely heard it. But he was surprised by her words. His heart skipped, but he stood still resisting the urge to hug and kiss her. His entire being was bleeding for her presence, but he knew something was wrong and if he was going to ignore it now, it would be getting worse later.
''You're referring to my lies, aren't you?'' he asked sadly.
She flinched, but didn't reply. Indeed, that was what she has been thinking about.
She didn't want to believe them.
''Except that they aren't lies.'' he continued. He then laughed crushed. ''And I have a couple more, in case you're interested.''
''You promised you won't bother me with all these anymore.''
''I did, Lucy, but which is more important? The truth, of a promise?''
''Both.''
He hesitated.
''Then fine, I will do as I promised, but you should know one thing, Lucy. I'm doing this for your own safety.''
She felt the need cover her ears. Why was he so stubborn? She was sure that he would follow her advice and just drop the fight and let everything be as before. She wanted things to be as before. And she also knew the Natsu she has known would be glad she was offering him such a suggestion of getting grid of the trouble and do things the easy way, which were in this case making peace. In a way, she would have been disappointed if he would have agreed to her because that would have meant Natsu didn't change and he was the same woman-chaser as always.
Thus, a part of her was crushed because he wasn't going to come back to her as things were while the other part was happy that he was. He had changed and he was fighting for something. He was going heads on toward his purpose without falling for the temptations on the way.
''How is it for my own safety?'' she asked softly. He rose up and bended in front of her. He caught her forearms and looked directly in his eyes.
''Look into my eyes, Lucy Heartfilia, and even if you don't believe a word I had told you up until now, I'm begging you to trust me this once. Look into my eyes and search for the reality yourself. Because I promise you I am going to tell you the pure truth.''
She looked deep in his pupils and her heart was racing with a mix of emotions. Everything about him was telling her there was nothing but truth in his words. But she didn't want to believe him. She took a deep breath and Natsu's eyes seemed to be ready to swallow her. Her eyes were looking for a door to escape. Her whole body was sweating nervously. Why was he sending such arrows in her heart? And why was it resisting with so much stubbornness? She knew it. She knew it wasn't Natsu who was being persistent; it was her who was too persistent to believe him.
''Gray is not the man who you think he is.'' He said.
Nothing. Nothing in his eyes could lie to her that moment. She started trembling and closed her eyes tight.
The memories of Gray glaring at Natsu, of Gray acting ignorantly at her words, of Gray hurting her with full intention, flashed before her eyes. Gray is not the man she thought he was.
''Maybe he's not, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's a womanizer.'' She told him shakily.
''Maybe not. But have you thought he might be even worse?''
He couldn't tell her the legend; not until he was sure himself that it was the truth about Gray.
''No.'' was all she could reply.
He looked at her filled with worry.
''Please take into consideration every possibility. I don't want to watch you get hurt.''
''Why are you so persistent to be against Gray?''
''It's true that I didn't like from the very beginning, but now I'm positive there's something fishy about him.''
He seemed honest.
Neither of them said anything after that until Lucy completely changed the subject.
''Where did you get your clothes from?''
''It's a pretty long story.'' he answered thinking about the old woman. ''However these are supposed to be my ball clothes.''
She giggled.
''Then I guess you're the lucky one.''
''What? Why?''
''It seems like one of the guests is a fisher and he caught a golden fish today. The fish gave him the chance of having three wishes come true if he would have freed it and one of the wishes was for the ball to be more exciting and active. Now, instead of a ball, there is going to be a club dance.'' she smiled shyly.
''A club?!''Natsu screamed with surprise. ''You mean, a club? Like the ones we have?''
''Yeah. Everything is going to be random, because the fish made every single guest have the impression of being used to stuff like clubs.''
''Wait, is there going to be stuff like a disco ball of a DJ? And colorful lights and everything?''
Lucy nodded. It was all going to be like on Earth.
''I don't understand.'' Natsu smiled wearily. ''These guys don't have electricity, real music and nothing that a club dance needs!''
''But they have magic and imagination.'' She smiled nervously.
Natsu took his time to swallow the news and then he suddenly smiled and started laughing. The idea of a club was much more appealing that a boring ball.
The carriage soon arrived at the palace and Natsu was shocked to be able to hear the booming music from over the gates that drew the borders of the royal garden. The boxes seemed to be crushing the walls of the building. Some people preferred the nice and cold atmosphere of the night and they were talking walks in the garden. Natsu noticed they were wearing simple clothes and there were women who even wore really short skirts and tight dresses. It was obvious there was magic for nobody would have normally agreed to wear such a type of clothing.
So much for the prince's charity acts, Natsu thought smirking. He could bet Gray was now sitting gloomily in a corner, upset to have had his plans turned upside down by some fish. He was the type who would rather read, recite poems, play the piano, dance waltz and stuff like that. Just like an old romantic man. A club was what he would've disliked most.
''It's been going like this for a couple of hours already.'' Lucy screamed to him over the music that could be heard loud and clear. They pushed open the double door of the main entrance to the ball room.
Natsu was struck by the sight. No matter how you looked at it, it was a club. The only lighting sources were the flying 'stars', some magical spheres that were emanating strong colorful rays of light while spinning across the enormous room. The boxes were actually nothing. The musing was coming from everywhere; probably the walls. There wasn't a bar, but the usual long tables of which some of the guests were eating and chatting happily. There were a lot of alcoholic drinks and everybody was free to drink. The dance floor was the entire room itself. People were moving their bodies everywhere and it was a good thing that it wasn't crowded. There was a taller platform in the front of the room on which there were four thrones. Two were bigger meant for the king and queen and two smaller on each side, for the two children of the royal couple. In the Kingdom of Frozen Roses, there was a tradition for the king and queen to have a son and a daughter, no much, no less. If there were two boys or two girls of more than two children, the one not needed was either killed, either banished, either just treated a little worse.
Gray was an only child and now, instead of occupying one of the smaller thrones, he was sitting relaxed and proud on the one in the right, the throne built for the king. Somehow, Natsu guessed a sly attitude to have had the guts to sit on his deceased father's place. And also, he was surprised to see how much fun Gray was actually having. He was resting his head in his hand and he was holding a glass made of ice with a transparent liquid inside. For some reason, Natsu knew that wasn't water.
Lucy had taken her coat off revealing a simple pink dress that reached her knees. It suited her better than she was ready to acknowledge. Natsu admired her beautiful curves with an impudent smile. The two entering the 'stage' had drawn a little of attention and some of them stopped dancing and looked at them with a friendly curiosity.
''Natsu~! Lucy~!'' a girl called out joyfully while finding her way through the crown and to them, dragging her boyfriend after her. Lucy smiled shyly and Natsu grinned happily.
Lucy Sketchnik and Natsu Fremont appeared in front of them with excitement.
''What's up?'' Natsu D. asked.
Lucy S. slammed her hands against her cheeks emphasizing her surprise and happiness.
''When you said there was a ball, I imagined there was a ball, not a freakin' party!'' she squealed making both Natsu's laugh. ''This is SO much more fun than a boring waltz!''
''We have things like this in out worlds all the time.'' Natsu said proudly.
''You do?'' she grinned enthusiastically. She then looked at her boyfriend. ''Honey~ can we move?'' she asked sweetly.
''No sugar, we can't. It's another world, after all.'' Natsu said with fake sadness. He then pinched the blonde's cheek and giggled.
''It seems you're pretty used to places like clubs.'' Lucy told her Natsu suspiciously.
He looked at her surprised.
''W-Well, yeah. I used to go there pretty often with my friends. How about you?''
''Of course I've never gone to one! It's ridiculous; all they do is smoke, get drugged and excite one another!'' she screamed pissed. Natsu looked at her surprised.
''NO, we're having fun!'' he replied with a frown.
''Well yeah, what I just told you is pretty much the definition of fun these days.''
''But it is fun.'' Natsu F. said with a smile.
''See?''
''You're telling me it's good to take drugs, smoke and who knows what else?''
''No, I'm telling you it's fun to dance and have a good time with your friends. You should try it sometimes.'' Natsu smirked not allowing her to anger him. ''Like, how about now?''
He caught her hands, but she immediately took them back.
''N-No, I don't want to!''
''Why?''
''Because she isn't going to dance in that kind of dress.'' Lucy S. replied drawing their attention. They kept silent. ''Are you?'' she continued measuring her body from top to toe.
''Is there something wrong with my dress?''
''Well, uh, totally yes?''
''I don't like pink either, if that's what you mean.'' Lucy started speaking when the other Lucy cut her off.
''No, it's not about the color. The dress is way too long! I mean, come on, girl, you're not seriously coming to such a party with pajamas! You're young, you're beautiful, show us what you've got down there!''
She grinned and slapped the girl's butt. Lucy H. squealed and blushed.
''And besides, I don't want people to see you and make a wrong impression about me! You're coming with me!'' Lucy said taking the blonde's hand and dragging her after her. The boys grinned and encouraged the pushy girl. Lucy protested, but was ignored.
-.-.-.-.-.?
Gray was looking over the crowd of people. The atmosphere was great and exciting. The music was strange, but somehow it was making your body feel the need to move. The beat was entering your veins and it made your entire being want cool sensations.
He was glad the fisher had made such wish.
His eyes suddenly stopped upon a blonde and a pink haired man who just entered the room. Lucy had taken off her coat and she was looking so beautiful. He smiled pleased at what he was seeing. He was glad she finally returned.
He stepped down the throne and started walking towards her happily. He tried calling her name, but nothing could be heard in that agitation. He saw a pair approaching them and after a short chat, before he could reach them through the crowd, the girl had taken Lucy and left in the cheers of the boys. He gave up with a sigh and returned to his throne. He had seen the pair was looking exactly as Lucy and Natsu, but he wasn't surprised. Lucy had already told him about them being from another world even though she didn't say many details. He was finding this fact rather strange, but he didn't dislike it.
A beautiful blond alien.
It didn't sound so bad at all.
He sat down and gave Natsu a last look before returning his attention to his cheerful and drunk guests.
-.-.-.-.-.-!
''I-If you're looking for a dressing room, I can take you to one, but I'm telling you I don't like your idea at all!'' Lucy H. exclaimed worriedly.
''Calm down! It's just for fun!'' Lucy S. laughed. She still hadn't let go of her hand.
''Stop.'' Lucy H. said.
The girl indeed stopped with a frown.
''Look, if you're so stubborn to look ne-''
''No, it's not that.'' Lucy said shyly. She looked at the door beside them. She shifted a little and hesitated being positive it wasn't a good idea at all. ''It's here. The dressing room.''
She pointed to the door making her Fairy Tale version grin.
''Well what are we waiting for?''
They entered the room silently and the enthusiastic girl looked around amazed by the huge amount of clothing for women. Each dress was stunning, but they were too fancy and long for what she was looking for.
''Wow. Now this is what a girl would love to have.''
''You can have some, if you want.''
Lucy S. looked at her with her eyebrows raised.
''T-They're all mine.'' Lucy explained shyly. ''The prince gave them to me, but if you want… you can… have some…''
A shiver crossed Sketchnik's back. The prince was really in love with her, wasn't he? And even though they had decided that day that Gray wasn't the same person with the one in the legend, she still had her suspicions.
''It's ok.'' She replied with a smile perfectly hiding her troubling thoughts. ''I don't need any of them. Now let's find a good one for you.''
She opened the wardrobes to search deeper within the dresses. The ones visible were simply hung by some objects alike the hangers from Earth on a long straight stick. She only threw a fast critical look over them all and her eyes immediately stopped upon a round of colorful dresses packed neatly. She looked at each one of them until she reached the last one, a dark purple one. She unfolded it carefully and let it fall in the air as her eyes were slowly widening.
She grinned devilishly and looked over the fine material with almost too much pleasure. Lucy looked at her with worry and whimpered:
''Please no…''
-.-.-.-.-.-)
The two boys had sat at a table and they started talking white tasting the delicious food. Natsu Fremont grinned kindly at his other self and asked him friendly:
''So how are things between you and Lucy?''
Natsu looked at him surprised and then muttered:
''Fine, I guess.''
''How much of 'fine'?'' he grinned boldly.
''W-Well better than how we were when you last saw us. But she still doesn't trust me… I think.''
The guy's grin disappeared as fast as it had appeared.
''Oh. I'm sorry to hear that.''
''Well I'm confused, she's confused, things are difficult.''
''It'll work out, don't worry.''
''How do you know that for sure?'' Natsu asked him sarcastically.
''Well that's why you're here in this world.'' Fremont replied with a soft smile. Dragneel's eyebrows frowned confused.
''What do you mean?''
Natsu Fremont waved it off.
''Sorry, I can't tell you more than that. I already said enough, but don't worry, it'll all be clarified at the right moment.''
''Hey, don't do this to me! Why would you leave me confused and curious like this?''
''So how do you like my Lucy?'' Natsu changed the subject.
''Come on! Tell me!''
''I can't. Now answer my question.''
Natsu made a ''Tck!'' and decided not to push it anymore. He was curious, but he could understand he wasn't allowed to hear anything else.
''I dunno, she's fine?''
''How much of 'fine'?'' the guy asked again with another bold grin.
''Well she's not like my Lucy, but I guess she's alright. She's full of life. Pleased?''
''You said 'my Lucy'.'' Natsu emphasized.
''Yeah.''
''Buddy, you really like her, don't you?''
Natsu Dragneel didn't answer. He looked away through the crowd not finding anything to distract him. The other Natsu blinked confused.
''You don't?''
''No.'' Natsu smiled sadly.
''What?''
Natsu laughed and gave him a reassuring smile.
''I love her. And it's a huge difference between love and like.''
Fremont smiled with relief.
''But you hesitated.''
Dragneel gave him a sad look.
''I'm not so sure about how I feel anymore. I'm not sure about how I should feel or how I'd like to feel.''
''What's the difference?''
The truth was that Natsu wasn't getting a feedback from Lucy and that made him wonder if it was worth still hoping she would return his feelings. He had been thinking of giving up on them, but the old woman in the forest gave him back the hope he had lost. Now he still doubted his heart. Was he still in love with Lucy?
-.-
''OH…MY…'' Lucy Sketchnik couldn't finish her sentence as both her hands covered her mouth with surprise.
''NO. Help me take it off this instant!'' Lucy Heartfilia ordered angrily. ''I am NOT wearing something like this in public.''
''Are you crazy?! It looks… no, you look…. GOSH! Even me, as a girl, can't take my eyes off of you!''
The two continued fighting until Lucy Sketchnik had to literally drag her all the way back to the dancing room.
-.-
The people around suddenly stopped dancing or were just moving slower. They were all looking in the same direction. Natsu Fremont noticed this first and followed their eyes. He first widened his eyes slightly and then grinned.
''Hey.'' He called for Natsu, who was spacing out in the opposite direction. The guy looked at him and then at what he was pointing at.
But the crowd had gathered around the something that had caught attention. He couldn't see anything.
''What?'' he said rising up from his seat. Natsu Fremont was also confused as to why the people had surrounded the two Lucy's.
''Well the girls are back, but I don't understand…''
The people made way for the prince to approach them. Natsu looked at his face and gritted his teeth. The bastard was smiling like a slu* and he was thrusting his arm forward. A fat woman moved a little to the right and he could see Lucy's head shyly blush and she gave him her hand, which he took, bended and kissed gently, making some other young girls blush and feel jealous. He then smiled at her and changed a few words. The girl smiled back a little embarrassed and then replied something to him. She then rubbed the back of her head and seemed to be apologizing. His smile disappeared and he looked at her surprised. He let go of her hand and told her something with a new grin. He then widened the gap between them a little disappointed.
''She refused to dance with him.'' Natsu Fremont explained grinning. He seemed to be watching the exact same scene.
''You think so?''
''I know so. That reaction could only mean she rejected him with something and since we're at a dancing party…''
''Why would she?'' Natsu asked confused and secretly hoped it would be because she was waiting for him.
''Well why don't you ask her?'' Fremont grinned wider thinking at the same thing.
Natsu gave him a weary and hesitant look before leaving the table and approaching her. But before he could reach her, he heard the other Lucy tell somebody:
''Sorry~! Tonight I only dance with my sister! No boys for both of us~!''
That was enough to make him return to the table.
''They're not dancing.'' He gloomily told Fremont.
''EEh?! Why?''
''I bet it's my Lucy. She's probably too shy to dance with somebody, even if it's me or you or whatever. She made your Lu stick to her for the rest of the night.''
Both the boys were disappointed, but only the prince of the North Fire Kingdom was ready to acknowledge it. After all, this was a unique chance to dance with his girlfriend at such a good party.
Most of the man had gotten drunk and they were shouting and cheering like crazy.
And Natsu was planning to do the exact same thing.
''Did you see her dress?'' Fremont suddenly asked looking at other people dancing.
''No?'' he replied confused. ''Why?''
The man grinned wider and answered.
''Never mind.''
Lucy Heartfilia was awkwardly shifting as her eyes were glued to the floor. People were dancing around her and she couldn't believe there was practically no difference between them and those from her own world when in a club. She could feel all those looks set upon her body and face as well as she could feel the dress she wore. It was literally uncomfortable seeming as it was the first time she was dressed in such a way. She hated the other girl for making her wear such a thing! Sketchnik fixed and elbow in her arm lightly drawing her attention from 'itchy' thoughts. She made her look in her serious eyes and frowned.
''Are you seriously not going to have any fun tonight?''
''It's pretty obvious I can't have any fun while I'm dressed this way. It's embarrassing!''
The other girl told her not to be so overly stressed and caught her hand, forcing her to dance. Lucy was finally made to move a little. And she had to admit, the music wasn't that bad. It gave her energy. She started moving her body from one side to another and listened to the music booming and making the floor tremble.
''Is that all you've got?'' Sketchnik asked annoyed. ''Come on, you can do better than that!''
Heartfilia looked at her. The girl couldn't dance to her fullest because of her. She had taken the responsibility of taking care of her that night, but she couldn't have fun while her other self was shifting awkwardly calling that dancing.
She sighed and looked at Heartfilia smiling.
''Ok stop. Tell me. Can you hear the music?''
She nodded.
''Close your eyes and listen to the… beating of it.''
The beat, right, Lucy thought. She did as told. Indeed, her blood was slowly getting hot in her veins and she felt the need to move.
''Good. Now…''
She left her sentence unfinished as she disappeared from her view a second only to return the next with a glass of a golden liquid in her hand.
''… Drink this. In one gulp.''
Lucy looked at her with curiosity. She took the glass and stared at the liquid in a hesitating moment. Her mouth filled with the cold acid drink and she widened her eyes surprised of how much it burnt her neck when she swallowed much of the glass's content. She took a mouth full of air and stared at the grinning girl.
''What was that?''
''Beer. A strong beer. How was it?''
Lucy tasted what was left in her mouth and answered:
''Hot. Very hot. But pretty good. Why did you make me drink that?''
The other girl gave her another glass filled without answering. This time, it was whisky. Lucy coughed a little after swallowing it whole and decided it was the worst drink she'd ever tasted. Sketchnik gave her another glass from which she had taken a gulp herself, but Lucy refused it.
''Why are you giving me alcohol?'' she grimaced at the taste in her mouth.
''Isn't it obvious? I'm getting you drunk!'' the girl answered laughing. Lucy widened her eyes and stepped back.
''What?! Why?''
Her cheeks were already flushed noting that the alcohol was doing its magic.
''I'm dragging you in the world of fun by Lucy Sketchnik.'' Said girl winked.
After a short break of protests from the dizzy Lucy, the girl took her hand and told her she was going to teach her how it's done. She told her to try and dance as she wanted. Lucy hesitated, but moved her feet a few inches as if she was dancing. The other girl said:
''See? Now it's not that you don't want to dance, it's just that you don't know how! Try to do like me.''
She made a little gap between her feet and threw her hip in one side. That was the opening, which also was the same to her usual position. Lucy admired her nice body fast. She was dressed in a really short dress - much too short if you asked her – that was losing its red color in the ocean of lights in the room. Her long legs were showing off better as she was wearing a nice pair of hills that even though they were in fashion for the Middle Eve and not for the 21st century, looked perfect on her.
A slower melody started playing and Lucy immediately recognized it. It was still making her blood boil in her veins and she wished she already knew a few steps.
Sketchnik threw her hands in the air and started dancing.
Lucy watched her amazed. She could remember she'd seen that dance before. She was actually amazed to already know the steps.
''Where did you learn this dance from?'' she shouted to cover the melody.
Still dancing energetically, Sketchnik answered:
''It's not a dance, it's just what my body tells me to do. Now come on, try to do like me. We can make a dance together.''
After a couple of minutes, Lucy was feeling a little too joyful than normal and eventually agreed to try out the dance. She started looking at her dance partner and tried o do the same. It was easy. The dance seemed to already be in her blood. The room was slowly filling with activity in her eyes. She was feeling great letting go of her hesitation and awkwardness and just break free. She didn't know dancing felt so great! She felt like she couldn't stop moving and it was so ridiculously fun! And even thought the alcohol was doing half of the job, she was very turned on.
Before she knew it, she was perfectly dancing beside Lucy and they looked like mirror reflections. The girls started laughing not being able to hold all the great sensation inside their bodies. They looked at each other and high-fived.
People started noticing their synchronized and energetic moving and they were slowly stopping their dancing and watched them surprised. Soon, they were all clapping and cheering for the two girls as they were now working on some difficult moves that for some reason they both knew from a look at each other.
''Yeah! This is what I'm talking about!'' Sketchnik screamed as she raised her knee and her forearm taking her other hand at the back of her head, played a little wit her hair while taking some other short steps, her hips flowing from one side to another boldly. She then leaned her body backwards and pushed it with her feet as her hands were sustaining herself on the ground. She remained two little seconds upside down in her arms and then graciously fell back throwing her hair on one side and bending her elbows in sides. The dance continued as fast as she could making her pant but not be able to stop. Lucy Heartfilia was moving exactly like her, grinning and wondering how could she not know this was so much fun.
Outside her own world, the audience was getting bigger and bigger. Natsu Fremont and Dragneel noticed the another catch of attention and they approached the big group of people. Natsu Dragneel pushed other people to make his way to the middle. He was already drunk, but he had his senses still on their places. He pushed the last person and looked with seriousness in the spotlight.
His eyes grew wide and his heartbeats hurried.
What he was seeing shocked him. And then he understood why people had gathered around Lucy before.
Her hair was left normal. But her dress had no sleeved and it was only reaching a little under her butt. It was simply glued to her body and the dark purple color made her look even more attractive. The simple, yet fancy details to the dress added to the charm. And that was not all. There was a V-cut at her breast showing a LOT more than it was ok to and another huge cut on the stomach's place shaped like a heart, the Fairy Tale sign, revealing her cute belly. Instead of sleeves, there were two large pieces of falling purple lace on each arm that made her look mysterious. There was also a detailed lace at the end of her dress and the same kind covering her feet half way to the knee.
Leaving the details aside, she was looking hot, with capitals. And the dance, even though she seemed not to observe this, was leaving all the men drooling. Both Natsu's seemed to have noticed this and Fremont angered. Lucy was his girlfriend and he didn't want he to do this kind of thing in front of other men.
But Natsu Dragneel was feeling his own senses get sharp at the sight of her and he couldn't move his eyes away.
-.-
Panting, the two girls had finished their dancing. They were smiling joyfully and Lucy Heartfilia was glad she had had this experience. She thanked Sketchnik shortly.
''I've never thought it would be this fun!''
''Told'ya!'' Lucy winked calming her breathing.
The people started vanishing through the room as the music had stopped since Gray had decided it was time for the party to take a break. It was long past midnight and some of them were very tired. Half of the big crowd climbed up the stairs in order to leave for the night in the rented rooms. Those who lived close by left the palace and went home. But there were many others who continued drinking, talking and laughing.
Lucy told Sketchnik she was going to one of the bath rooms (note: they didn't have something you could call a bathroom, but only a room with water for taking baths) to wash her face. She was covered in sweat.
She walked on the pretty lonely halls and wished goodnight to a bunch of happy women exiting the same room she wanted to enter.
She knocked, but there was nobody. She entered it joyfully and relaxed under the shock of the cold water. She grabbed a dry towel and wiped her face.
She sighed pleased and decided to go to sleep as well. She knew where her room was, so what was left to do was only change clothes.
She closed the door behind her and noticed the hall was sunk in darkness. Her eyes got used to it and she walked silently, the only sound that could be heard being the laughs of the people in the ball room. She entered another little hall which was even darker and kept walking carefully.
''Lucy.'' somebody's voice echoed slowly, making her flinch and her heart beat faster.
She turned around and shaped the dark figure as being Natsu's.
''Natsu?'' she asked just in case.
''Dragneel.'' The voice answered while he was approaching her. She sighed softly with relief.
''Yeah, Heartfilia here.'' She replied for him.
''I know.''
A shiver travelled her back as his voice had sounded strangely… strange.
''A-Are you going to sleep right now?'' she asked trying to wash away the awkward feeling she was getting from him. He stopped right in front of her without answering immediately.
''I don't know. How about you?'' he said softly.
She turned around and continued walking towards her room and trying to calm down her heart. She could feel her cheeks flush from his presence and her lungs seemed heavy.
''Yes.'' She answered him. He followed her without another word. She was sticking as close as she could to the wall feeling more secure that way. She didn't know why.
She eventually stopped and turned her face to him only to realize how close he was.
''W-Where are you going?''
''To my room.'' He answered looking in her eyes and slowly leaning closer to her face. He placed his hands on the wall, trapping her between his arms.
''Well is your room this way?'' she asked looking up into his eyes and feeling her heartbeats running crazy as he was inches away from her.
''I don't know.'' He whispered.
And then their lips touched softly until Natsu slowly weighted the kiss. The girl couldn't understand why he did this, but she didn't know what to do. She was feeling her entire body slowly melt under his presence and his hot touch was making her tremble. He grabbed her neck with his fingers and under his light grip he could feel her crazy pulse. Well it wasn't like his own was calmer.
He parted from the break of his control only to feel like he hadn't had anything of her yet. He looked in her glowing, energetic eyes and told her:
''Nice dance.''
He grabbed her back with his free hand and took her prisoner in his arms. He opened his mouth and kissed her once again, this time with a lot more passion and uncontrollable desire. He could feel her finally respond to his calls when she couldn't keep her hands free and took the back of his head into her control, feeling his hair between her sweaty fingers. Her whole body was trembling and she kissed him back hardly feeling the need of more. Natsu couldn't feel anything anymore but her. He pushed her against the wall and his hand lowered on her back, entering a forbidden territory. They parted again, both panting heavily. Lucy looked at him surprised to feel like that. They were new feelings for her and she couldn't say she disliked them. Natsu leaned in closer and reached her ear. He breathed in her neck and made her hair rise at the back of her head. Her senses were blown and she couldn't resist not being with him anymore. He whispered shakily in her ear and made a proposition.
She widened her eyes and pushed him away in the split of a second, taking him by surprise. She covered her mouth in shock and only then realized what was happening and what the situation could have lead to. She gave him a last look before running away towards her room, slamming the door closed and locking it, leaving a confused Natsu behind.
She touched her running heart with her trembling fingers and tried to calm down her breathing. She couldn't believe what had happened and she was already feeling guilty. She sat on the edge of her bed and spaced out with big, brown eyes.
She suddenly felt her body like it was naked and realized how stupid she had been to eventually accept to wear such a thing. A chill crossed her body and she immediately grabbed a coat by its collar, wrapping it around her body. She couldn't keep an indecent word escaping her lips.
She sat in the silence for a few minutes trying to calm down and think things over. What had just happened?
It was all obvious for her now. She finally understood why it was bad to go to such clubs. She understood why her clothes were a bad choice to wear. And she also thought with worry it was a good idea to try to talk with Natsu. She had to explain herself and… everything.
She rose up quietly and realized her feet were shaking. She opened the door without a sound and stepped out of her comfort zone, looking down the hallway. Natsu stood there dumb-founded, looking at her with big, still shocked eyes. She clinched the coat tighter gathering her courage and self control and walking with small light steps towards him. He looked down at her approaching him. She stopped a pretty considerable distance away from him and couldn't find her word to start. The situation was amazingly embarrassing for both of them.
''What's wrong?'' he immediately got to the point.
''Listen, Natsu, I…'' she whispered but couldn't continue.
He took a step forward, but she took one backwards. He flinched and looked in her eyes. He couldn't read hate or sadness or disgust at all, in fact not even anger. It was obvious she only wanted to make it clear she wanted to stay away.
''I don't understand.'' he laughed confused.
She looked away knowing that his eyes were too alluring and she wouldn't be able to resist the temptation.
''I thought you liked me.'' he frowned with a little smile.
''Liking you has nothing to do with this.'' she blushed. But she didn't deny his words. ''Listen, I don't want you to misunderstand, but…''
She paused leaving Natsu even more confused.
''I'm sorry.'' she whispered. ''For everything that happened tonight. I did a bad thing and I'm sorry.''
''What are you talking about?''
''I shouldn't have dressed that kind of clothing. And also I shouldn't have drunk, I shouldn't have got myself in such a… dance.''
''But you were just having fun?''
''No. Even if I did, it's not the kind of fun I am proud with.''
''But there's nothing wrong with dressing like that.''
''Yes there is. I gave everyone the wrong impression and correct me if I'm wrong. Especially while I was dancing, I knew I was doing something wrong.''
Natsu frowned, not being able to understand what her point was.
''Listen, it is wrong because I probably gave the impression I was 'free' while I had o intention of… Y-You know what I mean.''
The guy looked at her surprised. He'd never thought about things that way. And she was right. Why would you go around dressed hot and dancing appealingly while you had no intention of attracting looks – or even worse.
''And… On top of all… I had no intention… for y-you to… see… me…'' her voice vanished in a whisper at the end.
Because it was obvious for both of them she had turned him on.
''So I'm sorry.''
He kept a short pause of silence and then he whispered:
''So I should understand that you have no intention of being with me.''
She at first agitated a little, trying to find the right words, but she ended up looking at her feet. Because he was right.
''Why?'' he whispered softly taking another step towards her.
She hardly managed to make herself also take one back. The truth was that she wanted to be with him, but she knew it wasn't right.
''B-Because it's wrong, Natsu!'' she said closing her eyes tight trying to control her heart.
''Wrong?'' he laughed. He then added softly and lovingly: ''Why would it be wrong, Lu? I love you.''
His words made her poor heart flutter and she blushed harder.
''I'm not so sure about your feelings, but you like me at least, don't you? So why's it wrong?''
He took another step towards her and touched her arm softly, sending shivers through her body.
''You don't love me. No. If you loved me, you wouldn't be asking me to do something like that?''
''What?'' he asked surprised. ''Why?''
''Because…''
She raised her head and looked at him. Her eyes were big and teary and he knew he loved them so badly that he almost didn't care she was about to cry.
''Because-'' she started again, but Natsu cut her off laughing shortly.
''Do you know what I think? I think that you don't know what love is, Lucy. You've never experienced love, so you can't know anything about it.''
''It's true that I've never experienced love.'' She admitted.
Until recently, she wanted to add, but couldn't.
''But-''
''Love means pleasure, Lucy, supreme pleasure. Why would you be running away from it when it's the most natural thing in this world?''
Natsu looked away a little frustrated. He wasn't expecting her to continue. But the girl looked down at the floor with determination and the words came to her mind like she had just read them.
''Love is patient, Natsu.'' She whispered. ''Love is full of kindness. Love does not act rudely and it doesn't look for its own advantage. It doesn't anger nor does it mind the harm suffered. Love is not happy at the evil for it is happy at the truth. Love endures everything, believes everything, hopes for everything, abides everything. Love will never fail…''
Natsu threw her an ironical smile.
''Such a love is impossible.''
''It might seem impossible, but it's not if you try to keep such a love. You might not manage to have a love like this anytime, but as for me, I will keep fighting for it.''
Her eyes were filled with determination. He looked at her kind of surprised.
''I can't understand you.'' He concluded with a grimace.
''Natsu, you don't believe in true love?'' she asked him sadly.
He looked away. It wasn't like he didn't believe in it, he just couldn't find it. He didn't answer.
''True love is patient.''
''So you want to be patient. Ok. We'll wait. For what?''
She frowned.
''I am not going to sleep with you until we get married!''
She immediately widened her eyes and remained shocked at her own words. She blushed the deepest shade of red feeling the very embarrassing situation. They were both thinking the exact same thing: Wait, who said we're ever getting married?
''I-I-I m-mean, nobody! I-I'm not sleeping with anyb-body until I-I'm g-g-g-''
He sighed.
''Save it. I got what you meant.''
She shifted awkwardly, her own words still echoing in her ears.
''But it's stupid, Lu. It's stupid. There's no reason to wait. We both have feelings for each other, so it's only natural that if we want, we, should d-''
''It's not!'' she cut him off before he would say it.
''Yes it is! Everybody does it!''
''Well if everybody suddenly gets fond of throwing themselves out the window, excuse me for deciding to stick my ass to my chair!'' she raised her tone. She then sighed and continued, calmer: ''Not everything that 'everybody does' it's a good thing, Natsu.''
''But it's ridiculous! Why would you want to wait until you get married?''
She hesitated.
''Did you know that biologically, when two people 'combine', they become one? And also, a couple would eventually get bored of each other if they start doing this stuff. Why? Because there's no mystery left between them. And thinking that you actually have plans for the future with that person, well your relationship wouldn't last long at all. If you don't have self control before you get married, you won't have it after the marriage, either and then what comes? Divorce! And no, divorce is not something good either. It's…''
She sighed exasperatedly. She didn't know how to make him understand.
''And what if you're only doing it for fun?'' he grinned.
But when she raised her head and looked sadly into his eyes, he regretted saying anything.
''Is that what you would be doing if I accepted your proposal, Natsu? Just playing around with me until you get bored and move to the next woman? Well here's your answer. You'd break my heart.''
He kept silent a while.
''You're probably also thinking that it's good to do it before marriage because you get to know each other better and get to see if you want to marry that person or not.''
Indeed, he has been wondering that.
''Yeah. Let's say she has an ugly skin illness that you would only find out about after the marriage.'' he said.
''Well first of all, if you two have the intention to get married and there's something really serious between you, she should be telling you about it. If not, it only means you two hurried with getting married which is also a bad thing. And then, if you truly loved her, Natsu, you wouldn't care.''
He raised his eyebrows.
''If you loved her with true love which you can feel and it's not impossible, you wouldn't care about her illness. Because it's her you love, not her skin. That's another reason why I don't like wearing showing clothes. I don't want people to like me for my body. I want them to accept me as I am, and I'm not saying that because I think I have who know what exceptional body. No.''
The guy was surprised. He had never looked at things that way and even though he was too stubborn to accept her ways, he was surprised to think she might be right.
''My aunt was burnt with boiling water when she was a baby and she still has the mark of her skin completely burnt now. But my uncle married her because he loved her and even told her he didn't give a shi* about her marks.''
She blushed.
''Excuse my words.'' She added in a whisper.
He frowned and didn't say anything.
''So, Natsu, '' she looked sadly in his eyes. ''Even if you can't understand or you don't want to accept anything that I told you, please; at least respect my decision and try not to convince me of anything anymore.''
She blushed harder and looked at her feet. Natsu couldn't reply. He was frustrated and angry. He had been reject the second time by the same person. And it was only the second time he had been rejected by any girl. He thought she wasn't normal to think that way.
But deep in his heart, he knew she was talking about the true love he had been searching for. It was just that he didn't expect it to be so hard to reach.
Maybe she had a lot more things to tell him, but for that night, she knew she had told him enough. She looked at him once again before speaking:
''This is all I wanted to tell you. Good night.''
She turned around to go back to her room when she was stopped by his call.
''Lucy.''
She was afraid of what he was about to say. She didn't want him to insist anymore.
''You said love is happy to the truth.''
She turned around and looked at him.
''Then why won't you believe me?''
She widened her eyes, but couldn't say anything. He was talking about Gray again.
He took the few steps left that parted them and caught her face in his hands, raising it up and making her look at him. He couldn't speak either. He measured her beautiful eyes trying to find out who she was for real. She never stopped amazing him. Who was she? Wasn't she the ethical nerd in their high school? Wasn't she the bitchy neighbor who was always picking a fight with him? Wasn't she the stalker in good terms with his mother?
Why did they have to come to this world for him to meet her true self? Why did he have to fall so badly in love with who she really was? And on top of all, why did she have to push him away? Why was she rejecting him while saying senseless stuff about marriage?
His heart, which was beating like crazy at the feel of her in his capture, was confused. Why was she looking at him with those big brown eyes like she had done nothing? Why was she so innocent when she was stabbing his heart over and over again? She was making his heart bleed for her.
Respect my decision, she said. But how could he? How could he when she was looking so beautiful in his palms?
He kissed her, taking advantage of the precious moments when he could touch her soft skin.
He then let go of her, breaking the magic and letting her win. He couldn't do anything against her. He parted with her and looked at her longing for her more and more each step he was talking further from her.
''Good night.'' He tried to smile, but grimaced. He turned around and left in silence.
Lucy looked at him vanish in the darkness and her heart was aching to be with him. She had the impulse to run after him and hug him. She didn't want to lose him. But she knew that Natsu wouldn't be able to accept her with her weird laws of life. And it hurt her so badly thinking that he was fading away from her sight right before her eyes.
Her look got blurry and her whole face prepared to let her cries come out. Her trembling knees lost in the survival battle and she fell down on the floor, hugging her coat tightly while bending forth. She almost touched the floor with her forehead and the tears came out like a storm. She had to bite both her lips not to start crying and wake up the rest of the guests. Her shoulders were shaking and she couldn't imagine a greater pain in the world than losing the one you love.
Yes. For she had fallen in love with Natsu Dragneel.
In the ball room, few men were still drinking and chatting happily while in a corner, two people were giggling while talking and saying sweet words. Lucy Sketchnik looked at her beloved Natsu Fremont with tenderness in her eyes. She loved him so much. The guy started telling her one of his funny stories, but she was too caught up in the picture of him to hear his voice also.
Her heart was suddenly filled with sadness. She studied his face, his hair and she knew she loved every inch of him, but….
She also knew that they won't get their happy ending. And that saddened her.
She sighed. She knew their relationship wouldn't last. There was no mystery left between them and they will soon get bored with each other.
She smiled sadly.
Ok. Sorry for the depressing chapter. It keeps the story flow.
Please vote and review.