Gosh, guys! Thanks a LOOOOT for all the reviews! Do you have any idea how happy that makes me? ;D
And also, I appreciate the voting! You don't have to worry. Lucy and Natsu will definitely go back to their world. Thanks to your votes~!
AND, dear dear readers. Why are you so pessimistic? Of course NaLu has a future! Oh, a big one I could tell you. But I actually shouldn't have said that. Heck I just spoiled.
Plus, special reply to Tawny (Guest): No offence taken! I didn't have the time of my life writing the past chapter, either. Actually, I agree with you and Lucy is being stupid and annoying, but it's soon going to be fixed. You'll just have to stick with my stupidity a little more until the happy ending comes.
Enjoy! (Following song: The Riddle Anthem by Jack Holiday and Mike Candys – I recommend the nightcore version)
''~Near a tree by the river there's a hole in the ground, where an old man of Aran goes around and around. And his mind is a beacon in the veil of the night, for a strange kind of fashion there's a wrong and right.~''
Natsu was singing while leaning against the old oak and playing with the green grass. Lucy was sitting on the other side, also playing with the grass and looking at the blue sky.
A few fluffy clouds were spotted around the bright sun that was pouring down his generous rays upon the earth. They were both at the shade of the oak, so the hot day couldn't be felt by them as badly as the rest of the people. Even the birds were too tired to sing anymore. Only a couple on insect raised their songs in the burning air.
''Near a tree by the river there's a hole in the ground-''
''Shut up already.'' She puffed her cheek annoyed.
He looked dreamily at the endless sky.
''This song is so addictive.''
''I agree, but it's hot and I can't stand songs right now.''
The minutes continued to pass just like in the rest of the day. All morning long they have been sitting at the tall tree and rested. Jane Habbit, the woman whom they had met in the market the day before Lucy had been kidnapped by Sting, the one with the little girl Luna, had invited them to stay over at her house.
It all had happened a couple of days before, when Natsu had a small fight with Gray. The prince had managed to perfectly keep his calm and Natsu was the only one who had risen up his voice and that had angered the pinkette the most. He ended up arguing with the blonde too, and then he had told her with much determination:
''Fine! You can stay here as much as you want! I'm sick of this place! I've been staying here only because of you, but I've had enough!''
He had left the same day and met up with Jane Habbit. The woman happily agreed to host him for as much as he wanted. He had taken the little things he had and moved into her house. He had been so delighted to see where she was living! She had a little house apart from the rest of the town, on a beautiful, green and large plain. She had a little garden in which she was cropping vegetables and a meadow in which she had three apple trees. The forest of the mountain was filled with huge, mysterious trees and it was also Natsu's favorite place to hand out.
Lucy was visiting him every day from the morning to evening. They were in good terms with each other, but there was obviously a weird tension that was keeping them from sticking close. They couldn't feel natural in each other's presence.
Natsu breathed in the smell of apples that came along with a hot breeze from the east. He closed his eyes but couldn't rest.
He was still feeing stuffed with tension and he felt the need to break free. He wasn't doing much sport lately and he could feel the absence of his usual training. He started shaking his foot uncontrollably and with frustration. He didn't know himself why he was so angry lately. This was only one on the rare moments in which he could partly find his peace.
He lastly ruffled his hair and stood up clinching his fists. He then threw Lucy a couple of narrow-eyed looks.
''Fight me!'' he suddenly screamed. The girl turned around and looked at him like he was crazy.
''Did the sun burn your brains a little too badly, Natsu?''
''I'm serious! I'm sick and bored of just sitting and waiting!''
''Waiting? For what?''
''Besides,'' he ignored her. '' you haven't had your training for a while.''
Lucy's expression changed and she dodged his look blushing.
''A-Actually, Gray's been training me…''
He angered a little more, but couldn't protest. He let out a moan and continued:
''That's even better! Show me what you've got.''
She looked at him surprised and frowned with boredom.
''It's too hot; I don't want to move, I don't want to sweat.''
He grinned.
''Come on, don't be lazy.''
''You're annoying me.''
''Good.''
''I'm serious, drop it.''
''Not until you raise your butt and fight.''
''Natsu, you're sending the needs into me.''
''What needs?''
''The needs to call you a rat and murder you.''
''I'm angering you?''
''Exactly.''
''Then fight me.''
Their little conversation ended up with Lucy sitting in a fighting position and Natsu grinning.
This was the feeling the guy has been longing for: the blood boiling in his veins, the adrenaline spread through his body.
''So what has the bastard thought you?''
Now it was the girl's turn to grin.
''Sword fighting and a little punching here and there.''
The look in his eyes could approve him she had been working hard those past days, maybe even weeks, and she was very confident with what she knew.
''You've been training every day?'' he asked a little surprised dropping his guard.
''Yup. Every minute of the time when I wasn't with you.''
''Huh.'' he smirked wonderingly. He had been wondering.
''Aside from the hours of talking and reading out loud.''
His smile disappeared and he angered again. Lucy clinched her fists and threw a punch in his direction. He dodged it easily and noticed the lack of speed of hers. Well, naturally, it was because she needed a lot more experience to be able to move at his speed while her training was most probably weak and not-
The line of his thoughts was interrupted by a sudden knee threw in his stomach. He blocked it in the last second and was literally surprised for her to be able to attack so fast after the last. It was his turn to react and he said a quick 'Sorry Lucy' before punching her side. The girl widened her eyes and moaned with pain. She backed up a few steps and tried to catch her breath after her lungs being hurt. It seemed Natsu hit a little too hard than he intended to. She looked at him surprised as her face had gotten a little red with the pain.
He looked back at her, waiting for her to attack him again. She took a deep breath and ran towards him once again. She raised her arm to punch his face, but he immediately hit it from the side, throwing it in the exterior. What was expected happened, that is Lucy lost her balance a little. If it had been a lesson, Natsu would have told her: ''Don't put your entire weight in your fist. Use all your strength to punch, not your weight.'' Losing balance was the worst enemy in a battle. In a second, Natsu pushed her (not to say kicked her) from the side and to the ground. The girl blocked her fall with her arms and let out a small scream. She gritted her teeth obviously annoyed not to be able to even touch him.
She raised up as fast as she could and she yelled frustrated throwing another punch towards him. Natsu moved to the side and she tripped as she didn't touch anything in her target. She bumped into the grassy earth once more. Natsu almost couldn't control not to tell her it's totally wrong to let anger lead you in a battle. Well, not if you're strong, that is. If you're strong, it couldn't turn out for anger to be a life-saver. But it almost always ends up blinding your strategy and making you fail big time.
Lucy remained to the ground a little more than expected, making Natsu smirk and ask her slyly:
''Come on, Lu. Is this all you've got?''
She took deep breaths to calm down and probably concentrate. She didn't reply. Her body slowly rose up and she wiped away the sweat and dirt on her forehead as she was once more facing him.
She took a last deep breath and her whole being completely calmed down. She fiercely looked him in the eye.
Natsu watched her as she was bending her knees, prepared for a new attack. She rushed in his way, sending a couple of rocks flying at her back. Her right fist was aiming for his top while her left was hiding under the impression of an only punch while she was actually prepared to hit his stomach immediately after he would block her right one. He smirked recognizing his own move that he had taught her a while ago. As he knew what she was preparing, he blocked her right fist with his left hand and stopped the other punch with his right. He could have easily dodged both of them, but for some proud reason, he decided to block them. And that turned out to be a surprisingly bad decision. Lucy pulled out the third ace in her sleeve without him suspecting anything. She raised her foot and jabbed her knee in his thigh.
He widened his eyes surprised and gritted his teeth with pain.
''You told me to never underestimate my enemy, did you not?'' she grinned devilishly, sweating under the pressure he was putting in his block. He grinned back holding the urge to knock her out instantly.
She pushed herself backwards taking a break. Catching her breath, she thought fast for a new move.
''You don't suppose they have two swords here, do you?'' Lucy asked smiling sheepishly. She was out of ideas for strong moves that would work on Natsu. She was pretty sure she was better in sword fighting than him and she actually had a chance of winning. Gray was a god at battling with swords and she was his disciple. What could do better than that?
''No, Jane's husband doesn't have any weapons. He hates violence.''
Lucy mentally swore and clinched her fist again. But this time, she turned around 180 degrees and kicked his head with all her strength. Natsu caught her leg with both his hands and stopped her not that easily. Lucy was about to retrieve it and try another move on him when she realized he wasn't letting go of her. She widened her eyes surprised and lost her balance. In order to restore it, she started making quick small jumps to get the right position not to fall. Natsu caught her ankle and dragged her a little towards him. Lucy gritted her teeth very surprised and confused.
''H-Hey…'' she said while jumping forth in the direction he was dragging her. She desperately shook her hands to free herself, but she couldn't even reach him. ''Let go!''
She almost fell a few times, but immediately managed to get back straight while screaming: '' What are you doing?! Let go!''
He was grinning and dragging more and more towards him. He gripped her knee and then caught her joint having complete control over her body.
''That's a dangerous move, Lucy. Didn't I already tell you that?''
Now that he was in the reach of her hands, she started throwing punches towards him, but he expertly dodged every single one of them until he caught the annoying free hands in the one that had been holding her knee. Her foot was free and she immediately dropped it back to its right place, but Natsu had both her arms in hi control. He grinned wider and started pushing her towards the big oak. She was forced to take small steps backwards while protesting with threatening screams and tripping every second. Her back was glued to the tree and the guy took both her wrists in only one hand while the other one was shown before her eyes, threatening her to a dangerous game of tickling.
''NO!'' she was screaming. ''Don't tickle me; you know how much I hate it!''
But his fingers were already moving slowly on her soft skin and she started laughing hysterically. Natsu knew a way of tickling that was horrifying everyone. And the worst part of all was that he always knew where the girls were sensitive.
That day, Lucy was wearing a simple dress in two pieces: a skirt and a shirt. He raised the shirt slowly, making the feeling even more terrifying, and he let his fingers slip softly and lightly on the surface of her tummy's skin.
Lucy literally couldn't take it anymore. Her body was desperately bending forth and if the guy hadn't been blocking her legs with his own feet, he would have been long deceased in a puddle of blood.
Before the girl would drop dead, he took the kind and filled with wisdom decision of stopping. He let go of her joints and backed up. Lucy immediately fell down and covered her stomach with her trembling palms. Her body was covered in sweat and she was trying to breathe again. Natsu let his body drop down on the grass with a satisfied grin.
''Ah~!'' he sighed. ''That felt good. I haven't fought in a while. Well if you could actually call that a fight.''
''Well you obviously killed me!'' Lucy puffed her cheek frustrated. ''My muscles hurt.'' she whimpered sadly.
''See? And I haven't even warmed up yet.''
''Aw you just go around and show off with your amazing skills in fighting and tickling!''
Natsu smiled. She wasn't that mad if she was still able to indirectly praise him.
''Well you were better than I expected anyway.''
''What?'' she defended. ''But I haven't shown you anything yet! And I've been especially working on sword fighting, so get ready for a badass skill next time you hold such a weapon!''
''Sheesh, now I'm scared.''
''I'm serious! You don't know anything yet!''
''Well it was pretty obvious to me that I won.''
''Yes, but I've learnt a lot of new moves! I just didn't get the chance to show them to you. And besides, I was talking about swords.''
''Yeah, I might not be that great, but I don't think Gray's so hardcore either. So you can't be that good.''
''Actually, mister, Gray is very good. I bet he'd kick your dumb ass with his eyes closed even if he wouldn't try.''
He threw her a glare. She grinned and looked at him narrow eyed.
''In fact, I don't think that'd be necessary. A look at you and you drop dead at his feet just like you did last time. The only difference is that before you left his presence you had a hysterical crisis emphasizing that you are no more than a sack of barks and no brains.''
Natsu rose up in the split of a second glaring at her with his whole body burning in anger and hurt pride.
''What was that?'' he hissed between his teeth.
''Calm down, ol' Jack. The truth can't be that bad after eighteen years of proofs in everyday life. '' she grinned like a devil.
Natsu was smashing his teeth in anger. Even so, he tried to keep his calm.
''Oh. Why, excuse ME for not being so overly attentive with our little princess over here. I have no EXCUSE for dirtying her pretty ears while trying to open her DAMN EYES! I'm all bark you say? Then I should rather bow down in front of the mighty fighter who has been protecting my humble life all these months, making it obvious for how stupid I always am. But oh, wait! I forgot that she is only a mere virgin washed in the rays of the bright sun, taking advantage of the TRUE friggin' fighter who has been protecting her! Or should I say, in the rays of the prince? Swallowing his beauty and kindness like the last FOOL in the century?''
''Stop it!'' she screamed offended. ''That's not true and you know it very well!''
''No, but the one who's only barking is me!'' he dramatically said.
''Cut it off!'' she screamed standing fast with her fists clinched annoyed and angry.
''You think you're so big and mighty and I'm just the stupid bastard!''
She looked at him frowned, but with her eyes big. He was starting to take things pretty far. She hadn't been so serious insulting him, but now he was seriously hurt and trying to get all his frustration off his heart in one shake.
''You think that you're so strong and important and you could manage on your own! You think you're full of priorities and you can do anything without ever thinking about others' feelings!''
This was getting amazingly personal and the girl was starting to look at him shocked and hurt.
''You think you're always the one that matters most and you only believe what's in your interest to believe! You! You! It's all about you!''
He was starting to yell really loud and ferociously and Lucy was a little scared of him. He took a deep shaky breath and screamed the end of his pain out.
''You think I'm the worst shitty bastard in the world and you can never see the good side of me! You think I'm lying to you because I'm stupid!''
Lucy was slowly widening her eyes even more and her chin was trembling.
''WHEN THE STUPID ONE IS YOU!''
His chest was moving up and down as his breathing was slowly calming, but his eyes were still threateningly wide. His clinched fists were still trembling with fury. The silence that fell in next couldn't bring nothing but bad news. He looked at Lucy and he was sure he had hurt her big time. The girl was looking back in his angry eyes when she lowered her head and her hair was blocking her view. It was silent. Way too silent. Natsu could hear his own heart boom in his chest and he couldn't understand why he had had this sudden burst of anger. But he didn't regret it, even though it was surprising how only moments ago he had been laughing along with her.
Lucy was amazingly quiet. He was sure she was starting to cry. It couldn't be any other way. But she wasn't trembling.
When his panting eventually stopped, they were sill not moving or making any sound. He was out of things to tell her, but he was prepared for what would come next. The only thing that followed was to wait for her own burst of tears and maybe even cries.
But when she spoke, he voice was amazingly calm and random as if he hadn't said anything.
''Why do we always fight, Natsu?''
He still couldn't look into her eyes because of her hair. But he was needless to say, very surprised at her reaction. She had spoken loud and clear and it was as if she wasn't hurt at all. It was probably expressing simple curiosity and maybe a little pity for themselves.
He didn't know what to reply. Did he need to reply in the first place?
She finally raised her head and revealed two big eyes that looked into his with a little sadness.
''We're both stubborn and persistent, aren't we?''
Before any of them could say anything, Luna showed up with an expression filled with worry and hesitation.
The two looked at the little girl surprised and Natsu instantly blushed embarrassed, knowing he had been heard screaming earlier.
''Um… uh… m-mommy sent me to ask you if everything is alright…''
She blushed super embarrassed and tried to hide her face in her own chest only managing to stuff her chin in her shirt in such a cute and funny manner that it would have made the two in front of her burst out laughing if the situation were different.
''Everything's fine, Luna. Sorry for that.'' Lucy smiled reassuringly at the girl.
After a little break of silence, Luna remembered:
''O-Oh! Also, mommy told me to tell you that daddy isn't coming today at dinner because of a problem at work and you can stay over and eat at us. B-Beside the lunch.'' She added fast talking to Lucy.
''First, my name is Lucy; I keep telling you that. And then, I can't stay over. Thank your mom for the invitation, but I have to leave earlier today.''
''W-Will you stay to eat lunch with us? It's ready, you know? You can come in and eat right now if you're hungry.'' the child insisted blushing. She liked Lucy even if she couldn't remember her name for some reason.
''Sorry, Luna.'' Lucy smiled sadly.
''I can't see any reason for you not to eat at us after a little fight.''
The three looked at the woman who spoke. Jane was wiping a plate with an old rag while looking with seriousness at the blonde from the other side of the opened window. Lucy flushed embarrassed.
''N-No, Mrs. Habbit, you see, I really can't stay any longer today. I actually should have returned to the castle by now.''
The woman didn't seem impressed by her words.
''Has the prince demanded your presence by a specific hour?''
Lucy took that as an offence and frowned.
''He had asked me to have lunch with him.''
From Jane's attitude, Lucy wondered if Natsu hadn't told her everything about Gray and had her share his frustrations and hate.
''It's ridiculous.'' The woman concluded coldly. ''A day without you won't kill him.''
Lucy had the impulse to tell her that it would actually be the first time she'd have lunch with him, but she swallowed her words and eventually agreed quietly to eat with them. Don't misunderstand; Jane wasn't doing this because she disliked Gray or anything, but she was well aware of the fights a couple usually has. It wasn't like Natsu and Lucy were a couple, but it was kind of the same fight; and she knew it was easier for the girl to run away and avoid him, but she was ready to help her see the right way of solving a problem: talking. She was going to have Lucy and Natsu talk and nobody was going to leave until they solved their issues.
Maybe she was exaggerating a little about the little screaming from Natsu, but she was too experienced to just ignore small rocks in shoes.
The lunch was quiet. Nobody was saying a word and especially not in Jane and Luna's presence. Assuming Natsu and Lucy were everybody.
''It's delicious, mama!'' the little Luna praised her mother with a wide grin. She was the only one not able to read the atmosphere. The other two agreed with a silent nod and continued their meals.
''Thank you, sweetie~!'' Jane smiled sweetly to her daughter. Lucy and Natsu were feeling a little awkward; and to make things worse, Jane took the plate with a thick sausage for the soup (?) and after dropping a little in her bowl, she placed it at the end of the table in which Lucy stood. Natsu was way on the other side and even though Jane had seen crystal clear he had had the intention to also take some sausage, she had used it first and took it away from his reach. A simple useful plan for the smart woman.
Natsu sweat-dropped at the woman's doing. She remained with his hand hung in the air few more moments confused until replacing it in his lap. He continued eating silently thinking that the food wasn't that bad without the other ingredients.
''Aren't you going to eat the soup with the sausage, Natsu?'' Jane chirped smiling.
Natsu sweat-dropped once more and passed her a weary look. He then looked at the little place like showing her the distance was a little off his reach.
''S-Sure, if you can pass it to me.''
Jane showed him her palms.
''Sorry, honey, my hands are very tired from cooking and I'm afraid I can't even lift another spoon.''
But, of course, she was eating using a spoon.
Natsu kept silent not being able to comment to such a stupid excuse. He already knew what she had in her mind, but he wasn't ready to play her game.
The little Luna, who had exchanged a few glances between the two, immediately volunteered to help.
''I can pass you the sausage.''
She raised up and thrust her arms towards the place when her mother stopped her fast and made her sit back.
''No, sweetie, you can't. Luna helped mommy a lot in the kitchen and her hands are also very tired.''
Her smile was covering a very threatening look to her daughter.
'' Aren't they?''
Luna looked back at her confused, but she didn't reply. She listened to Jane and did nothing. Then, as if the three had exercised for weeks, their looks rolled over to the blond girl sitting quietly and eating her food. She stopped chewing noticing she was being observed and then swallowed fast.
''Yes?''
Natsu hesitated as little veins kept popping out on his face. He looked at her and for some reason he was very annoyed and embarrassed.
''L-Lucy, c-can you p-pass me the sausage, p-please?''
Jane nodded to herself. Good, she thought, it couldn't have been a bad fight if he was able to ask her a favor without so much resistance.
''Sure.'' The girl said simply looking at him with the most random look ever. She passed the oh-so-wanted sausage and the lunch continued silently.
Her attitude was a little confusing for Jane, but it couldn't have meant anything else than that the girl was chill about the whole situation.
''Thank you for the food.'' Lucy exclaimed suddenly with a grin placing her spoon in the bowl.
''Oh? You're done so soon?''
''Uh, yeah sure. It was very good, thank you.''
''You're welcome.'' Jane said watching the girl rise up from her seat.
''Now I really have to go.'' Lucy smiled awkwardly.
Jane laid back on her chair calmly.
''What's the rush? Stay a little more and rest before you walk all the way back to the palace.''
''Look, Mrs. Jane, I deeply appreciate your kindness, but I'm already stepping on the prince's words.''
This time, Jane looked at things form a completely different perspective. She couldn't say anything against Lucy anymore. She knew not obeying the royalty could mean prison in the good cases and if Lucy had referred to her friend as the prince, she was seriously in the need to return.
She couldn't help but nod at her words. So much for the making-peace-between-Lucy-and-Natsu plan.
''Thank you for understanding.''
The blonde then looked at Natsu for a long time, not receiving any glimpse in return.
''Bye, Natsu. See you around.''
She left towards the door, when she remembered something.
''Gray told me to invite you to dinner tonight. Please come.''
She then left and Luna rushed to the door, waving from the doorsteps.
''Bye, Lucy!'' she screamed after the running blonde.
''Come back in, Luna.'' Her mother called. ''Come on, help mommy clean the table after Natsu finishes his meal.''
Natsu widened his dreamy eyes and received the woman's words as a ''Hurry up and finish your food, dammit!''
That day went by pretty silently as the rest of them and Natsu gladly accepted to help with the house chores. Physical activities were welcomed for him. He chopped wood for the fire, took food to the animals (horses, cows, chickens, piglets and a dog) and cleaned after them. He also helped with other small problems and that completed his day. He only remembered about the invitation to go the palace before drifting to sleep and he immediately regretted it. He swore and scolded himself for forgetting. Yes, he had had the intention to go see the two, but it completely exited his mind.
The following day, Lucy came at the Habbits' house at the same hour she was coming every morning. She was looking kind of sad and the first thing she said, not even replying to Natsu's greet, was:
''Why didn't you come?''
He, of course, knew what she was referring to, so he answered as fast as her.
''I'm sorry, Lucy, I completely forgot!''
She opened her mouth to reply, but he cut her off fast.
''And NO, it's not just another lie of mine.''
''It's true.'' Jane showed off carrying a basket of clean laundry. While she was placing it down and taking each cloth and hanging it on a thin wire to dry, she continued: ''I wasn't able to sleep because of the noise he was making smashing his head against every wall.''
Natsu widened his eyes and blushed while Lucy giggled amused.
''Well then I guess I can forgive you, but you won't get away next time.'' She smirked to Natsu. ''Gray is re-sending you the invitation for tonight.''
Natsu narrowed his eyes and smiled slyly. He guessed things were fine between him and Lucy now.
''It sounds a little odd coming from him. What's the true meaning behind this persistent invitation?''
He was making it all sound like some kind of joke, but he knew the topic was pretty delicate for Lucy and he was stepping at the edge of a cliff. She could have jumped back in defense and start fighting with him again, but she decided to only play along.
She also narrowed her look and grinned.
''Well I'm not so sure if I am allowed to tell you. But consider it an exception. You see, Gray has been planning for a while to cook you alive. He says your hair will do as a pretty good ingredient for his salmon soups. So he asked me to bring you to his palace no matter what.''
''And you're just going to sit back and watch him get me bald?'' he laughed.
''Yes.'' She smiled sweetly. ''He promised he would live some parts of your body for me.''
He looked at her surprised. Even this was a stupid conversation, he wouldn't have guessed she'd say something like that.
''Oh really? What parts of my body?'' he smirked.
She laughed and thrust her hand forward touching his lips with the top of her fingers gently. That surprised him a lot.
''I don't know; maybe your hands...''
Saying that, she tangled the fingers from her right hand with his and remained close to him with a warm smile on her face. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were loving. And he didn't understand her anymore.
''Maybe your face...''
Her left-hand fingers slipped on the surface of his cheeks so gently that it tickled him. The touch of her was making his whole body go numb. He caught her left hand in his right and kept it on his face in a loving manner.
''Why…?'' he asked confused while there were a lot more questions behind this one.
She laughed and got further from him.
''Just kidding. The reality is, Gray wants to talk to you. He doesn't like you being far away while we're both at the castle.''
He frowned when he finally understood the situation.
''More like he doesn't like to see you leave him for the entire day.''
Her reaction again surprised him. She giggled.
''Well who knows? Maybe, but isn't it better for all of us to be together?''
''You don't like always parting with one of us, right?''
''I want all of us to be together.'' She grinned and then started humming and spinning in circles under the beautiful sun rays.
Jane Habbit, who's been watching the entire scene while hanging the wet, clean laundry on the wires, kept giving Lucy confused looks. What was wrong with the girl? She could've sworn she would be hurt after being screamed at. And who knows what she'd been screamed! Most probably Natsu had insulted her or that prince of hers, so her reaction from now would not exactly be the reaction one would expect.
Natsu was shocked, confused and in love at the same time. He was looking at Lucy dance like a little kid in the sun and his heart was beating enthusiastically. For the first time in a long while, he felt love for her. He was happy to find out that he still loved her.
He started laughing at her ridiculous spinning and his heart was laughing with him.
Luna showed up in the doorway grinning happily.
''Lucy!'' she exclaimed running towards the blonde. ''You came already!''
Lucy laughed, glad to hear her name had been memorized.
''Honey, did you finish cleaning up in your wardrobe?'' Jane asked in a serious tone.
The little child froze before hugging Lucy. She looked at her mother sadly.
''But mommy, Lucy came! I want to play with her.''
''No buts, Luna. Please go back and you can play with Lucy after you finish your work.'' She said and then gave the blonde a short glimpse. ''If Lucy is willing to, that is.'' She added in a mutter.
The little girl returned in the house sad and frustrated at her mother. Jane hung the last clothes and took a fast look at her work. She hoped there wasn't going to be a storm anytime soon for the laundry to dry and not to be blown away.
''Can I help you with anything, Mrs. Habbit?'' Lucy volunteered.
''How many times to I have to tell you to call me Jane, Lucy? And no, I don't think you need or want to. You came here to spend time with Natsu, not helping me.'' the woman sighed.
''Oh, but it's fine! That's at least what I can do for you hosing Natsu.'' She insisted.
''No need to! Besides, Natsu's a really big help! He's earning his bread well and I wonder if not even more than that.''
Lucy looked at her surprised.
''Oh? I didn't know that!''
''Yup.'' Jane placed a tired hand on her hip while wiping her sweaty forehead with the other one. ''Yesterday he was especially a big help and when I'm busy and he's not with you, he usually plays with Luna, taking a big burden off my shoulders.''
She raised the empty basket and, seeing Lucy's confused and unsure look, she added fast:
''Don't misunderstand, I love spending time with my daughter, but when you're busy, children are usually a burden. Not always, indeed, but… you'll understand better when you'll have your own kids.''
''W-Well, I was rather more curious about Natsu babysitting Luna.'' she looked at the pinkette with big eyes. Jane didn't reply to that one and a break of silence fell in.
''What? I like kids!'' Natsu defended himself with a frown.
''I didn't know that one.''
''Okay, so maybe I don't, but Luna is so obeying and sweet!''
The topic changed fast when Jane left them and entered the house to continue her working. Lucy and Natsu were now alone and the guy wondered if Lucy hadn't only acted lovingly in front of Jane. He hoped she won't change her attitude towards him now that the older woman left.
But he didn't need to worry. Lucy was still smiling sweetly, admiring a butterfly flying near them.
''So how was your day yesterday?'' he asked her friendly. Lucy looked at him surprised and he watched confused as the little light in her eyes was shutting. She lowered her head slightly and then looked away, dodging his eyes.
''It was pretty random. How about yours?''
Did she avoid answering? He decided something was up and trying digging for more.
''Well Jane told you. Chores. But did you do nothing interesting?''
''No, I already said it was random.''
''Then why did Gray tell you to be at the palace earlier?''
This time, she frowned a little and gave him a little glare. She could see he was being persisting and she wasn't ready to answer him directly. Whatever that answer was.
''Yes. He… wanted to practice reading with me a little more.''
It was true. But she had known Gray wanted a little more than just reading. But for now I'm not telling you more than this.
Natsu looked at her and wondered if she was ling or not. Lucy looked at him happily once again.
''But today it's fine if I stay more as I long as I return with you.''
She approached him and took his hands into hers.
''Will you come?''
He was literally confused. He couldn't understand her attitude at all. It seemed to him that she was hiding something and her very sweet and lovely mood only made him more suspicious.
But her big brown eyes were so charming and truly happy that his dark thoughts immediately vanished. He smiled and his sight was pleasing.
''Only if you kiss me.''
She blinked surprised and her blood started rushing in her cheeks. She was so beautiful in his eyes that he couldn't take his eyes off of her.
She looked at his chest embarrassed and hesitated.
''If you don't I won't come for sure.''
He grinned and waited her reply. But instead she put rested her hands on his shoulders; she sat on her toes to reach him and closed her eyes. Their lips touched fast and then she retreated, dodging his eyes and holding her hands together. He grinned wider and looked at her gentle face.
''W-Will you now come?''
''I'll think about it.'' he answered holding himself from bursting out laughing. She looked at him like she'd just been betrayed and resisted the urge to punch him.
''Natsu!'' she screamed and couldn't hold his laughter anymore.
''Fine, fine, I'll come.''
She calmed down and silence fell in between them for a while.
''You know, Natsu'' Lucy started smiling softly and looking at the grass. ''It's actually been me who asked Gray to invite you to stay over.''
He eyed her with curiosity.
''I just want you and Gray to make peace and be in good terms. He is a good man and you can find a very good and relying friend in him. And I also told him that you're very caring and full of life.''
He widened his eyes surprised. She thought he was caring and full of life?
''I want the three of us to be in good terms.'' She looked at Natsu with big, loving, hopeful eyes and she couldn't stop surprising him.
They both sat on the ground and rested their backs on the oak just like the previous day.
He couldn't understand why she was suddenly saying all these things, acting so friendly and lovingly. It was like his dreams were coming true, but it was somehow freaking him out at the same time.
''I can't promise you anything, Lucy, but I will come tonight.'' He admitted with a sad smile. The girl smiled back and thanked him.
He stared in her eyes for a long while as none of them were saying anything. Lucy let him stare not being able to do anything against it. She was fond of his eyes, also.
''How come you're so beautiful when you're smiling?'' he asked in a whisper. She smiled shyly and blushed.
''I don't know, how about you?''
His heart fluttered and he couldn't believe she just said that. His eyes were happily searching through hers and he wished the time would just stop.
He approached his face to hers slowly and gently placed his hand at the back of her head, moving his thumb over her cheek's soft skin. She was all he could ever wish for that moment. He was so much in love with her that he thought his heart would smash under the pressure of his feelings. He knew he couldn't live without her and he had to admit he loved her cheerful attitude that allowed him to love her as he pleased.
Deep inside his heart he was feeling guilty for the day before when he had screamed at her. She hadn't seemed to mind it so much, but he wondered what the truth had been.
He kissed her softly and he was suddenly overwhelmed with the smell of her, the touch of her, the feeling she was spreading through his body when she was so near him. He immediately decided it was the most wonderful feeling he had ever felt.
Deep inside his heart, he wanted to apologize for he'd said about her. He had angered over nothing and he had burst out.
He kissed her again and again, and he couldn't get enough of her. Her hair was tickling his face and neck and their hands had tangled threatening to never let go.
Deep inside his heart, he knew her behavior was questioning and he somehow knew this Lucy was slightly different from the one he knew. It was like her joyfulness was a little exaggerated and she was making sure he was feeling good.
He kissed her again before having to part away from her not having any intention of losing control. He opened his eyes and looked at her beautiful face expecting her to get a little further from him and do something else, but he was too surprised when she hugged his neck and pushed his lips in a much intimate and passionate kiss. She left her entire weight on her hug and he ended up falling on his back and she falling after him. She parted only to look in his eyes.
He caught a little unsecure and hesitant glimpse as if she wasn't sure about what she was doing. Maybe she indeed didn't want to do what she was doing.
But for the moment, he lost to his senses and ignored it. They kissed again.
Inside the house, Jane covered her daughter's eyes while they were looking out the window. Luna protested, but the woman took her finger to her lips telling her to be silent or they would be discovered spying on the two.
She grinned, remembering her own romantic moments with her husband. She eventually took her daughter away from the window and continued preparing the lunch.
Half an hour later, Natsu announced Jane he wouldn't be staying for lunch that day. He was going to go to the palace with Lucy and somehow he was sending the news with a much larger smile and much shinier eyes than the woman would've guessed. She muttered something like "I've guessed so.'' and waved to him. Natsu even kissed Luna goodbye, he was that happy.
And then, he and Lucy left as his heart told him he must've been the happiest person in both worlds.
Little did he know his happiness wasn't going to hold for long.
There you go, good folks! I don't have any idea if you liked or not this chapter. I might have drawn you into confusion, but the next chapter will clear the whole situation. Because… the preview I gave you a while ago… is about to come true.
For now I'm writing in a place where I don't have any internet, so the next chapter will probably come out at the same time as this one. That means a super update I only do once a year! (yes, I've done that last year also at the other story of mine, A Vampire Kiss, dunno if you know it. I'd tell you to check it out, but the spelling is going to give you nightmares, so I fear for my safety). But then again it's only probably, so if I update only one chapter, you know I suddenly had access to internet and updated.
Btw, news about 4ever-a-fairy!
I found out a while ago that my grandmother had been in prison! O.O She was supposed to be there for three years, but she (didn't break free if that's what you've been thinking. Well she did do something that wasn't exactly fair, but…) was freed after one year!
And now she's such a calm and peaceful woman that I was shocked! I asked her more about it and she was like: ''Oh, come on, you! Don't ask me embarrassing stuff like that!'' and I was like: ''ARE YOU FRIGGIN' KIDDING MEH?! HOW IS THAT EMBARRASSING?!''
Because I was already looking at her like she'd been a superhero.
No, I'm not telling you what she did to get into prison. It's no big stuff, it was more like our president being a crazy ****…. I don't know why I was just beeped, I wrote 'man'…
Sorry for acting a little crazy tee-hee. It's just that I had drunk a big mouth of wine. :))))) … HELP ME PEOPLE! I'm starting to like alcohol a LOT and that only means that I can't touch it anymore! Don't misunderstand, I don't have alcohol at home…
I'm a pretty ethical person…
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Audience: ''BOOO! GET OUT OF HERE! SHOO!''
Me:…. Oh, not tomatoes again!