~Lucy~
"So...we're gonna have to leave soon."
"Leave?" She keep her voice even but inside Lucy is panicking. She wasn't ready for this to be over and she damn sure wasn't ready to go back and face the guild. Trying to stay calm Lucy keeps her back to Natsu and focuses her attention on continuing to repack he pack of supplies.
"Well I came here on a mission with Grey and Erza. If I don't report back soon that crazy red head will go ballistic. I'm already gonna be in enough trouble for last night." Breath Lucy.
"Natsu...I cant..."
"Yes you can. C'mon Luce, they've missed you like crazy too. I bet it would even make Erza forget about punishing me!" He was still such a child, his whine making her want to giggle even though she's freaking out.
"Don't you think you should wait? At least till you figure out this whole dragon thing you've got going on?" We hadn't really discussed that yet anyway. It was strange to think that even with everything that had happened it's only really been one night and half a day since their reunion. There really hadn't even been time to talk about anything.
"Oh you mean the wings and fangs and stuff? I was wonderin' when you'd get to asking about them. They'll go away on their own after awhile. Igneel actually did a pretty good job of warning me about all this, its kinda what I was always so worried about happening if I lost control of myself. But it hasn't been nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Anyway because of the mating thing the magical overload is still working through both our systems so ill stay this way until it finally settles."
"Wow. I never imagined there was so much extra stuff to being a dragon slayer." An idea strikes her and Lucy resolves to scour for books on dragon slayer magic when she gets back. It would be nice to understand and be prepared for anymore surprises.
~Natsu~
He watches her back for a moment, the tense set of her shoulders clearly proving her discomfort. A sigh pushes past Natsu's lips and he moves up against her back, hands covering her own to still the semi-frantic movements.
"Luce don't change the subject baby. Its time to come back."
"I'm not ready." The whisper make his heart clench at the note of pain. Gentle urging turns her in his arms and both hands cradle her face to make their eyes meet.
"Oh baby, yes you are. You have no idea how empty we've all been without you. What I said was a child's way of trying to pretend I wasn't in love, none of us have ever thought you weak. Magic aside you proved to all that your more of a fairy then any of us during that fantasia stuff, not to mention you kicked Bixlow's ass. Your so strong and brave and your soul is absolutely beautiful. Its time to go home and rejoin your family. Make us whole. Plus you have a dragon slayer who worships the ground you walk on, I'm practically leashed. Use me, let me be the strength you need baby. Just don't send me home alone."
I'm so tired of seeing her cry but these tears seem somehow different, cleansing rather then sorrowful. The love in her eyes makes his chest puff with pride and Natsu whoops and twirls her around when the soft 'ok' leaves those pretty lips. Hes not dumb enough to think its that easy and everything would go smoothly but he knows his mate sticks to her word and that was something he knew he could count on.
~Shared~
Shes terrified. There really is no other way to put it. The clawed fingers woven through her own squeeze encouragingly as the township grows ever closer and her heart pumps painfully fast. What would the team say? Lucy was almost relieved that Wendy wouldn't be here to see it this for Lucy was damn sure Grey and Erza would be spitting mad enough for the entire guild. Despite what Natsu said she really didn't hold much hope for a happy reunion.
Passing the town border really sends her into a panic but as the villagers notice them and their eyes glue to Natsu as fear spikes in their eyes her own narrow. Sure she knew people would be a bit freaked out by the draconic visage, it would be pretty shocking, but she'd be damned if she'd let anyone hurt him with their half-baked assumptions. Her spine straightens and she snuggles into his side with a bright grin in response to his questioning glance.
"Natsu watches with pride as that strong will of hers rears its head. Contrary to popular belief he isn't a total fool and seeing her go all protective over him makes the tension bleed from his shoulders. News travels fast in places like this and he isn't really surprised to hear the sound of stomping metal headed their way. The appearance of his team has Lucy sliding behind his back and he allows it, the protective male dragon inside rearing its head in response to her nervousness. Meeting angry eyes he grins and opens his wings slightly. Their dumbfound expressions make him cackle in glee, which just makes them even more confused. All things considered he could understand it.
"Hey guys!"
"Natsu what the hell!" Grey is the first to react and shows no fear as he rushes to punch his rival. "We were actually worried about you ya moron! What the hell happened?!"
"Its kinda a long story." Natsu has the grace to look sheepish and rub the back of his head. "But I had a good reason!"
"Doubtful." Natsu's eyes narrow on Grey as his hackles rise.
"HEY!" Hearing them digress into childish insults Lucy decides that shockingly yes, she did in fact miss this of all things.
"I would very much like to hear your reasoning for abandoning your mission and making your team worry." The harsh tone makes him wince and as he meets those hard eyes he takes particular notice of the demonic aura around the red head with a gulp.
"Actually I'll show you!" With a tug he pulls the blonde from behind him, pulls her against his chest and wraps his arms around her waist to stop the trembling he can feel, grin wide and proud. "SURPRISE!"
