Just a quick thanks once more to Link, leoslady4ever, and rxpertsven for your reviews! Hope I don't disappoint with this chappy!
Lucy cried out at the sudden impact of her head to the wall thanks to a not so smooth stop of the carriage. Peeking out the window she could see buildings meaning they were at a town. "Finally," she groaned. After stretching best she could while sitting she shook the dragon slayer, "Natsu come on. We've stopped." With her only response being a groan on his part she sighed and forced him into a sitting position. "Happy help him out please. I'm going to pay the driver."
"Aye Sir!"
Nodding in approval she grabbed everything including Natsu's pack and climbed out. Dropping everything but her bag she finally was able to properly stretch out. Grimacing slightly at the sounds of bones popping and cracking she couldn't help but feel relieved at just how good it felt to stand. "Hurry up you two." She called cheerily as she dug around her bag to pull out the amount owed. Shivering in disgust at the thought of having to talk to the driver again she straightened her shoulders and steeled herself for the encounter.
She frowned as the man once more leered down at her not bothering to hide what was on his mind. Keeping a respectable distance between them Lucy held out the amount they had agreed upon before leaving Magnolia, "Thank you for your assistance, from here your services will not be needed." She said in an attempt at being polite.
For a moment the man looked at her outstretched hand then he laughed before latching onto her wrist bringing her much to close for her comfort. "Ya know, there are other forms of payment I'll accept from you." his lecherous smile back in place.
Having enough of this guy's foul behavior Lucy dropped her bag and attempted to pry her wrist from his painful vice like grip while gritting out, "Look creep take your damn payment and let go!"
The man laughed, "Now now I'm sure I can have you singing a differ-" he never got to finish the statement because a flaming fist made contact with his jaw and sent him to the ground.
"She said to let go fucker!" a fully recovered and overly pissed Natsu growled out.
"Natsu!" was cheered out by a very relieved Lucy.
"Aye I told you he'd be mad." Happy said as he hovered in front of her adding an extra layer between Lucy and the driver.
Lucy just blushed mildly and smiled a bit while she rubbed her now sore wrist tentatively.
Natsu smiled evilly as he watched the man start to stand and rub his jaw. He was extremely excited that one punch didn't do the prick in because he had a whole day to make up for.
As the man stood he looked directly at Natsu and sneered, "You're going to pay for that brat. It's going to take more than that to take me down."
"Good, I was counting on it." Natsu said while cracking his knuckles and getting ready to beat the hell out of him.
Sending a wink to Lucy the man sealed his fate, "When I'm done here me and you'll go have some proper fun."
That was it. That was SO IT! Fire engulfed Natsu at that moment. Fire lots of it! When he was done he'd make sure this guy never wanted to see a fire again. With that thought Natsu lunged forward.
Lucy was fuming herself and without thought went for her keys until Happy stopped her, "Leave this to Natsu Lucy." He said while hovering with his arms crossed and a look that spoke of the pain that was coming to the creepy guy Natsu was pounding on.
Taking in the scene before her, left Lucy in a state of shock. Natsu looked like he was ready to beat the fiercest opponent he'd ever faced. He was serious! Each punch or kick he delivered was emphasized by each of his words. For not the first time her partner left her to stand in wonder and awe.
"And. This. One. Is. For. Saying. That. Shit. To. Happy." Damn he was pissed. He made sure that every strike he delivered left the guy still standing by the momentum alone. He knew it was already over but he also knew the fucker needed to be taught a lesson. "This. Is. For. Looking. At. Her. Like. Some. Meat." He took some sick pleasure at hearing bones breaking and splintering. Oh yes, it was a sick but well deserved pleasure. "And this you dirty bastard," he landed an elbow to the man's gut finally letting him drop to the ground, "THIS is for TOUCHING HER!" With one last flaming kick that ensured several broken ribs, he sent the piece of shit flying in the air to land who knew, or really cared, where.
He watched with satisfaction as the form disappeared in the sky and wasn't made to look back to his partners until a very feminine hand was placed on his shoulder. Without thought he brought his own hand to rest over top and smiled. Looking to his shoulder he realized he was still, in fact, on fire. Recalling his magic quickly, he mentally wondered since when could Lucy not get burned before he turned to face her and smiled. "That was fun! Sorry I didn't get up quicker."
She couldn't bring herself to look at him. She was unbelievably grateful but at the same time she had too many emotions going through her to full comprehend what she was feeling. She could see the purpose he had behind each strike and it was all for her. Why? As a single tear of emotion ran down the side of her face, she smiled brightly finally looking up at him and simply said, "Thanks."
Natsu was all smiles until he saw her crying. Getting pissed all over again he freaked out, "OI! Why are you crying? Did that fucker hurt you?" Glancing her over quickly he noticed the bruising skin on her wrist and growled as he gently took hold of her arm and brought it closer for inspection. "Bastard piece of-"
"It's fine. Really I've had worse." She said cutting him off and attempting to pull away.
Frowning he looked to her then back to her wrist before releasing a sigh. Lightly he rubbed his thumb over the abused flesh and finally let go. "Come on you two let's get our stuff and find some ice for Lucy's arm."
"Aye Sir and my fish!" Happy called grabbing onto the cooler that still miraculously had some fish left.
Lucy picked her once forgotten bag up and turned to grab her suitcase only to find Natsu carrying it. Giving him a questioning look he just shrugged and grabbed hold of her hand dragging her with him. She blushed finding the path through town to be interesting as he linked their fingers together ensuring her hand's place in his.
The trio didn't have to walk far before they came across a small inn and sighed in relief. Now they could drop their stuff off for the night and get some real food. Going up to the counter and finding no one Natsu rang the service bell far too many times to be necessary. When Lucy scolded him he just laughed and continued to ring it. After another minute or so a small, kind looking, elderly woman came shuffling out of a back room.
Looking over her patrons the woman smiled, "Oh my some young celebrities!"
"Uhh did you hit your head Granny?"
"Natsu be nice!"
Chuckling at them the woman continued, "Don't be so modest dears! Being so close to the Capital we get lots of traffic during the games. Because of this we have viewing lacramas all through town for the week and get to watch. You are those mages from that amazing guild Fairy Tail! Congratulations by the way!"
All three smiled brightly and thanked her. They didn't much care about getting individual recognition but hearing someone talk nicely about their guild gave them pride and joy.
"So what can I do for you lot?" she ask while continuing to smile.
Lucy spoke up to this, "Well we need a couple of rooms for the night and directions to the closest restaurant, if you would be so kind."
"Aye and Ice!" Happy added over her shoulder.
The woman chuckled once more but frowned slightly, "Well, unfortunately I currently only have one room open but I can still provide you with some ice and directions to one of my favorite eateries and the inn on the other side of town that's larger than my own and may have more space available."
Before Lucy could thank her Natsu cut in, "It's not a problem the room you got will be great Granny!"
Blushing at his implications Lucy whined, "Natsu!"
He blinked at her and said, "What? It's no different than when we stay at your house."
Once again before she could respond properly, Lucy was cut off, this time by the old woman. With a clap of her hands and a warm but knowing smile she said, "Wonderful! Sign in here and I'll show you the way and get you that ice."
"AYE!" Happy called following the woman closely.
Natsu growled once more as he saw Lucy flinch at the feel of the ice. He was starving but he really, really wanted to track that guy down and beat on him some more. Instead he inhaled deeply trying to calm himself and ask, "How's that feel?"
Lucy smiled sheepishly, "Better. Thank You."
Smiling back her, he stood up and ruffled her hair saying, "Good! Now let's go eat. I'm starving!"
Lucy giggled as she followed him and Happy took purchase on her head. She couldn't help but laugh as her prior thoughts rang true. He really could beat down anything then smile and ask when his next meal was without a second thought to it. There was still the lingering question as to just why he had done that, not to mention how he recovered so quickly? It wasn't uncommon for him to help her out if need be but she would have been fine. Given the guy had hold of her but she had a free hand enabling her to grab her keys. She knew Natsu thought she could take care of herself, he'd said so often. So what was with the sudden chivalrous display? "Oi, Natsu?"
"Yeh Luce?"
"Not saying I'm not grateful or anything but… umm… How did you come too so quickly?" she mentally slapped herself at her own cowardice. Oh well at least maybe one question would be answered.
Natsu suddenly stopped walking and turned to her. After a brief mental debate he smiled like a kid being given a present, "Oh that! Turns out your like the bestest thing next to Wendy's magic!"
Happy snickered on Lucy's head, "Aye! I told you so Lucy!" he teased.
"Baldness Happy! Remember that!" she growled out swatting aimlessly in his direction.
"WAAAAA! Natsu save me! Lucy is going to steal my fish!" he cried as he flew to the relative safety of Natsu's head.
Natsu just looked between the two and laughed as he continued to follow the directions the old lady had given them.
Blushing from a mix of what had been said and irritation at Happy, Lucy huffed and continued to follow. Gaining some of her courage she continued to question Natsu, "So… what do you mean by that?"
Natsu shrugged, "I don't know. It was weird. My tummy was still all flippy and stuff but I didn't get all dizzy and shit." Glancing over his shoulder at her he continued, "I told you what you were doing felt nice didn't I? Well that's what I meant! It made it way more better. I still hate transportation but I figure if you're there it won't be so bad now!" Reaching over and pulling her up and to his side in a form of a hug he said, "You're the bestest Lucy!"
Lucy continued to blush and briefly wondered if her face would ever go back to it's normal color. "Thanks," she mumbled weakly.
"LOOK! There it is!" Natsu shouted while pointing at the dinner. Continuing to pull Lucy along with him he ran to the entry yelling, "LET'S EAT!"
A chorus of giggles and a cheerful call of, "AYE FISH!" followed his own cheers.
So yeh I'm not the best with fight scenes... But I'm sure you guys got the point seeing how it was really a one sided fight after all. LOL I like random perv moments WAY to much!
BTW For those of you asking for more detail on that dream... unless you want me to change the rating and go in that direction with this story... That's all you get. I got no issue with lemony goodness, hell I personally LOVE it, BUT since this story has such a huge (ONCE AGAIN TY TO MY AWESOME READERS!) following I don't want to offend anyone with that sort of writing. I guess I'll leave it up to you guys and I'll keep reading the reviews to see what ppl want! And for those shy ones out there you can send me a msg I check those pretty regularly since Link and I are STILL in a crack fic war! LOL
Needless to say I think so far this is going nicely and you all seem to agree! I personally am nearing the end of my story writing on this HOWEVER I'm currently working on chappy 23 so there is tons more to read! YEY! When I'm done you'll all know because I'll just post all the last chaps at once LOL. But fear not I am CONSTANTLY re-reading them and re-vamping them adding fun little things here and there so adding in any suggestions will not be hard ;)
On that note~~ THANKS ALL! Keep sending me your reviews they make me smile and keep writing!
~Gemi