Chapter 7: Plummet

He's a pretty laidback kinda guy. Sure, some would often describe him as crass, crude, and a bit of a prankster. Some would say he's a disaster waiting to happen. He has a bit of a temper, but who doesn't? But the one thing he's not, it's being petty.

He takes everything in stride and accepts disappointments with a snort. He doesn't exactly hold grudges when someone fails to fulfill a promise.

But at the very moment, Natsu knew he was being very, superbly, terribly petty. Perhaps it was due to being stuck at home with stuffy nose, massive headache, itchy and sore throat, and dry cough. Perhaps because he was [as hard it was to admit] quite excited when a certain blue-haired chick promised to show up with food.

And of course, it was never good when Natsu got hangry. Hunger and anger were never compatible, especially for him.

The television was on with a hockey game playing. It was early in the second period, and his team was already trailing by three. Not a good sign, and definitely not helping to lighten his mood. Everyone in Magnolia was probably so deliriously ecstatic with the huge lead for the Dragons. Natsu was probably the only Magnolian cheering for the Hargeon Pirates. For some reason, though he was born and raised in the city, Natsu just couldn't give loyalty to Magnolia's sports teams. Whether it was basketball, baseball, hockey, or soccer, he always seemed to develop a liking towards other cities' teams. It was always a pain to watch any sports with friends, as most cheered for Magnolia.

"Damn it. Stupid, fuckin' Dragons!" He cursed out loud when the home team was awarded another powerplay. It just wasn't working for Hargeon. His stomach growled, and it reminded him of another reason to be angry. "What a liar! Agreein' to be here but not showing up!" He received a 'meow' as a response.

Natsu glared at a blue-furred feline staring at him with 'judging' eyes. "Shut up, Cat! Your fur reminds me of someone very annoying. Get outta my sight!"

Happy, his beloved companion, meowed at him with a condescending tone. He seemed to be lecturing Natsu for being such a sourpuss.

"Yeah well… if I promise you something and I forget about it, won't you be pissed as well? What if I say, 'oh Happy, lemme bring you some good grilled fish', and then I don't do it. Won't you be super annoyed, huh?"

Happy meowed again in response, and Natsu completely comprehended that his cat agreed. As if to let Natsu know he got it, Happy walked away and left the snappy pink-haired dude alone.

"Whatever!" Natsu called out to his pet. "Goddammit!" he screeched when Magnolia Dragons scored another powerplay goal. It was now 5-1, though there was still plenty of hockey left to play.

The message tone on his phone pinged, and a notification popped up on the screen. It was from 'Blue', indicating she would be arriving in ten or so minutes.

"As if I care," he said out loud, rolling his eyes, and intending to reply with a 'don't bother' message. Another message came in and it made his frown disappear.

Juvia is really sorry to be late. Will be there soon to feed you.
-Blue

"Yeah well… you should really be sorry," he muttered under his breath. Natsu simply refused to acknowledge the tiny spark of happiness growing inside him. Nope; he's just glad that one of the Dragons players landed on the Pirates goaltender, with clear intent of distraction. That earned Magnolia a goalie interference penalty, and Hargeon enjoying an extra man on the ice. Yup, that's why Natsu felt a smidge of joy. Nothing to do with a certain blue-haired chick.

Two minutes passed, and the time ran out without Hargeon scoring, but the sound of his doorbell jerked him off his seat. He's not excited to see someone, just excited for food. He got to his front door in no time, opening it as quickly as possible. There stood in front of him was a red-cheeked bluenette carrying two full grocery bags.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, looking so surprised that with just one ring of the bell the door was already opened. There was a moment of awkwardness between them, but she managed to dispel it quickly. "Juvia is really, really, really sorry to be late. Juvia brought groceries for a really delicious get-well-soon meal!" she beamed at him, raising her arms to show him what she brought.

Natsu decided to play the grumpy role and rolled his eyes. "Yeah well, you shouldn't have bothered coming at all," he grumbled but proceeded to grab the bags in her hands.

"Juvia will make it up to you," she said, following after Natsu into the house, even without him telling her to come in.

Natsu could sense her eyes roaming around, probably discerning the look and feel of his home and matching it with is personality. He could guess what goes in her head, since it's practically the same as any first-time visitors—the house was so NOT Natsu at all. "The kitchen's up ahead," he muttered. However, he paused and waited for her, as Juvia couldn't help but look around. "What? Something wrong with my house? Doesn't match me, huh?"

Giggling, Juvia gave him a thoughtful look. "You're more like a bachelor pad-type of guy, not…" she trailed off.

"Not what? Not the homey-type?"

The truth was, Natsu kept the way his father decorated the house, which was patterned after his mother's preferences. The interior had a charming balance with rose taupe colour giving warmth to the somewhat cold vibe of the grey walls. The mixture of off-white and beige accents gave neutrality, while the honey-like wood flooring added a much needed bright sophistication to the overall appearance. Point was, it was a big contrast to the oft-brash attitude that Natsu usually displays.

"My dad, he, umm… didn't want to change the way the house was after my mom passed away. It was to honour her and keep her presence alive, or somethin' like that." He felt the need to explain, but unsure why he was revealing a part of him he considers intimate.

"When… when did your mom—"

He didn't let Juvia finish her question. "Mom died of complications after I was born. I didn't really have memories of her. Anything I know of her came from my dad's stories. But if she lived, this is how her house would look like," he shrugged, trying to brush off a subject that's quite personal for him.

"Oh, Juvia's sorry to hear that." She walked closer to him, offering him a warm smile (or at least how warm smiles should be). "Let Juvia help you with the bags and let's go to the kitchen. Juvia should start cooking cause you're probably hungry."

Natsu refused to give her any of the bags and walked ahead. "Never mind that. I'm famished so just do your job as a cook." He spoke trying to sound harsh but it came off as playful instead. But whatever, he was now in a more jovial mood.

He set the bags in the island counter with Juvia following closely behind. He could tell she was probably amazed at how clean (and spacious) the kitchen was. "Yup, this kitchen is rarely used nowadays. My dad loved to cook, but I apparently didn't inherit that. I'm great at eating though." He turned around to face her and was caught off guard that she was actually standing a foot or two away. "Wha— what are you doing?" he asked in confusion when she proceeded to do something un-Juvia-like.

She cupped his cheeks with her palms. "You have a slight fever, I think. Juvia's no expert when it comes to that though, but you should be resting instead of walking around." To Natsu's surprise, Juvia caressed his cheeks with her thumbs in a gentle manner. "Have you taken any medicine?"

The annoyance and his plan to whine about her dissipated in no time. Natsu, blaming it on his sickness, let go of his callous façade. He encircled his right arm around her waist and brought her closer to him. "Make me food and I'll get better," he spoke in a low voice. He brought his lips down to place a kiss on her neck.

This type of intimacy was usually reserved for someone else, someone he's loved for a long time, who currently belongs to someone else. And clearly because he's not feeling well, he's uncharacteristically showing it to Juvia. He expected the bluenette to feel uncomfortable and step away, but she reciprocated by wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Juvia promises you a delicious meal, so go rest and relax for a while."

He didn't care how he looked; he was hungry—no, he was famished and the smell of homemade food made his stomach grumble loudly. The two of them were sitting on the couch, the hockey game on the TV was coming to its final seconds with the Pirates losing 6-2. He ate every spoonful of congee with vigour. Whether the deliciousness of the hot rice porridge was attributed to Juvia's skills or simply due to hunger, Natsu enjoyed the contents of the bowl he held in his hands. He was well aware the blue-haired lady watched him intently, eyes blinking, a napkin in one of her hands, while the other held a glass of water. She handed him the napkin the moment the spoon made a clanking sound inside the empty bowl.

"You should've taken your time eating," Juvia noted, and then handing him the glass of water next. "Were you that hungry?" She gave him a half smirk, "Or perhaps Juvia's cooking is simply scrumptious?"

Natsu rolled his eyes and put the crumpled napkin inside the bowl. "First off, who says the word 'scrumptious' nowadays? Second, I was starving. Even Erza's bland food would taste delicious to me."

Juvia frowned, not exactly happy with his comment. "Scrumptious is a very nice English word, and Juvia doesn't know who this Erza is. You can be at least grateful for the meal." Her pouting made him snicker, and he found that completely attractive.

He brought his thumb to her forehead and smoothed out her wrinkled brows. "Frowning doesn't suit you. I like you better with a smile," he nonchalantly said, very aware of his somewhat untypical "romantic" behaviour. It's the colds, he thought to himself.

Juvia's reaction, however, was gold. Her cheeks were suddenly tinged in pink and she couldn't look him straight in the eye. Instead, she blinked away her shyness, if that's what it was, took the empty bowl and stood up.

"Well, enjoy Magnolia's win while I make you some ginger-lemon tea. It will help relieve your sore throat." She didn't wait for Natsu's reply and headed straight to the kitchen. Natsu observed that she moved around his house with comfort and ease, as if she's already feeling at home.

He turned off the TV, somewhat pissed that Hargeon lost, as they continue to drop in the rankings while Magnolia maintained their top spot. He headed to the kitchen and caught Juvia in time as she placed ginger bits in a boiling pot.

"Can you not put a lot of ginger? I hate the taste of it."

He stood behind her and snaked his arms around her stomach. He felt Juvia stiffen a bit but soon relaxed in his arms. She didn't say a word but added more ginger pieces.

"Hey! Honestly, I really don't like the taste of it!" He whined to her but made no move to stop what she's doing.

"No complaints. Ginger is good for you. Juvia will add some honey to neutralize the taste."

Natsu shook his head in belief. The three ingredients she's using were ingredients he didn't have in his pantry. "You really came here prepared, huh? I don't even remember the last time I had honey in this kitchen." He was now aching so much to kiss her, but he was considerate enough not to directly transfer any virus or bacteria—or whatever you call 'em—to Juvia. So, he did what he loved doing to her instead: kiss and suck on her neck until it left a mark.

Juvia gave him free access, arching her neck to allow him whatever he's doing. It didn't stop her from making his tea however. When she was done with the preparation, she turned around and faced him. "Drink your tea," she told him.

Natsu obliged, taking a sip but never taking his eyes off hers. After a few more sips, he put the cup down and brought a hand to brush strands of hair on Juvia's face. His left hand travelled inside her blouse, immediately cupping her breast. Juvia's eyes closed and she bit her lip due to the sensation. She tiptoed and inched her face closer to him, trying to reach for his lips. He stopped her from doing so, with his right thumb touching her lower lip.

"You'll get sick," he spoke hoarsely, already feeling a reaction inside his sweatpants.

"Juvia's been exposed to it the moment you opened the door," she replied with a shrug. This time, she was quick to peck his lips with hers. She gave him the look that indicated she wanted more. He was simply happy to oblige.

Natsu dipped his head and captured her mouth with hunger. His right hand travelled to her back, his palm pushing her gently towards him, so that her chest was pressed against his. Their passionate liplock lasted for quite some time. In the process, he had carried Juvia with her legs wrapped around his hip until they reached the living room. He'd take her to his room on the upper floor, but he couldn't wait any longer. She was equally eager to undress herself as well.

Foreplay be damned, and Natsu worked to free Juvia of her skirt.

"Damn it, Juvia, what the hell are you wearing?" he hissed as he was getting impatient trying to take off her black tights.

"D-don't rip it. Juvia likes these tights," she panicked. She took over rolling down the opaque stockings down her legs.

"Looks kinda hot though," Natsu snickered, kissing the exposed skin of her left thigh. He let Juvia shirk off her hosiery completely and instead went for her exposed breasts. The only barrier left was her bottom lingerie and Natsu gave her a toothy grin before sucking on her nipples. Juvia's moans were music to his ears. His throat was itchy and dry and he kept sniffing every now and then, but he continued his ministrations on her.

Juvia ran her hands inside his shirt and complained, "Why are you the only one fully clothed?" She questioned him as she brought her lips to trace his left jaw. In response, Natsu snorted and took off his shirt. They continued making out until they were interrupted with a loud meowing. Juvia was caught off guard and covered her chest. "Wha—is that your cat?" She half-shrieked, abruptly cutting her lips connection with his.

"Ugh, Happy get back upstairs. Don't interrupt!"

Happy, for his part, seemed to grumpily oblige as he quickly turned around and went back where he came from. Natsu dove back in to capture Juvia's lips but she back away.

"What?"

"Juvia doesn't want an audience."

Natsu scowled. "Audience? You mean Happy? He's used to it. You know how many times he'd walk in on me with a girl? Especially when Luce was here."

That response earned him a frown and Juvia placed her palms on his naked chest to push him away. "It's getting late. Juvia should go."

Scratching his head, Natsu realized he clearly messed up. It's never a good idea to mention other sex partners while trying to get some with your current one. "Uh… you can stay."

Juvia was already standing, picking up Natsu's shirt to cover her upper body. She traced their earlier path back to the kitchen where she dropped her clothes. He didn't follow her, since he's trying to figure out what to do to rectify the situation. After a few minutes, he arrived in the kitchen and found her fully clothed.

"Hey, umm… I think it's best for you to stay. Like you said, it's late and I don't trust the evening transit."

Juvia didn't face him as she cleaned up the dishes and tools she used to make dinner. "It's okay, Natsu. Juvia has already scheduled a cab. It'll be here in ten minutes."

"If you say so," he nonchalantly replied but a scowl was etched on his face. He left her and went back to the living room, trying to nurse a frustrating hard-on. Tactlessness had always been one of his major flaws. Scratching his head in annoyance—mostly at himself, the other part at Happy—Natsu paced back and forth torn whether to make her stay or not. He could just grab her, haul her off on his shoulder, and bring her upstairs. But, what if she interpreted that as being too forceful? That's the last thing he wanted. He could… beg? But, Natsu rarely begged for sex. Not even when he was with a steady girlfriend or sex buddy, his pride won't let him beg. But, he's horny and he badly wanted Juvia at the moment.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard a phone ringing. It wasn't his ringtone, so he deduced it was Juvia's. He walked quietly towards the kitchen to listen in if it was the cab notifying her of its arrival. It wasn't.

"Oh, sorry that Juvia bolted out earlier," she said in apology. Natsu could see the phone placed between her shoulder and left ear, allowing her hands to continue with the kitchen clean-up. "Yes, Juvia saw the score. Dragons practically annihilated the Pirates." Natsu frowned at the exaggeration. He was now curious about the speaker at the other end.

"Really, Juvia is soooo sorry to have left early. Huh? Umm… yeah, a friend. Not a boyfriend! What are you talking about?! Umm… Juvia needs to, uh, feed, uh, a friend's cat. Yes, that's why Juvia left in haste. It was to feed a friend's cat who's in vacation."

Natsu was not dumb. In fact, he's actually a very academically intelligent man. But even then, it wouldn't take a rocket scientist to theorize what Juvia was saying. She made plans with her friends, only to realize that she made plans with him. When she was leaving, she probably made some silly excuse, and now they're calling to interrogate her.

So, Natsu in this context was the "cat" she forgot to feed.

He was leaning on the entryway when she finished her clean up and conversation and proceeded to exit the kitchen.

"I'm assuming I was the cat? Is that why you were late?" he asked, his tone turning cold.

"Oh, you heard my phone conversation?"

No shit, Sherlock!

"You forgot that you promised to stop by and made plans with other people?"

Juvia scowls at him. "Gray isn't 'other people'. What can Juvia do? It's been a long time since Juvia is able to hang out with him. When he invited us to watch the Dragons game, how could Juvia refuse that?"

"Ah, I see. It was Fuckbuster. How's the bastard doing? Is your seduction plan and breaking up his marriage working?" he questioned her with vivid sarcasm.

Juvia walked past him, looking mighty pissed. "Stop calling Gray names. Isn't that what we originally planned anyway? To break them up? Juvia doesn't see you doing your part."

"Really? That's the issue now? I guess you're really craving for Dickbuster, huh?" Natsu followed her to the doorway. "Where the fuck are you going? I don't think your cab is here."

"Juvia will wait outside."

"In the cold? And then what? You're going to blame me for getting you sick?"

"The cold won't bother me and make me sick. If Juvia's going to get sick, it's because of you!"

"You know what, Blue, you're actually doing a good job. Continue seducing Jerkbuster, so MY LUCY—" the last part he said with such vigour, "—will be free from the clutches of Gray Douchebuster! Oh, and the Dragons are bunch of losers whose fans always think they'll win the championship, when it's been years since they last held the Cup." When Juvia didn't say anything in return, Natsu continued his rant, "I bet if Fullbastard tells you to open your legs for him, you'd do it happily, eh? You're hungry for him that much, huh?"

Juvia turned to him, fists clenched. Natsu backed away a bit, thinking she might slap or hit him with her bag. She didn't, but her words were enough to strike him like an upper cut.

"Juvia knows now why Lucy chose Gray…" she trailed off, perhaps deciding whether to deliver the blow. She did, and she spoke in a low voice that really cut him like a knife. "Because Gray is a man of principle, wit, and respect, and you're just a mere fuckboy. You will never get her back if you're up against Gray."

And with that, Juvia opened the door, stepped out of his house, and slammed it hard behind her back, leaving Natsu at a loss for words.

a/n: my sincere apologies for being away and not updating the stories. I have a "legit" (at least in my head) reason, and that's losing a USB with my fanfic chapters. And since that, the motivation to write disappeared for a bit. This chapter wasn't the original ch7, and I felt that one was better, but I just couldn't emulate it anymore. And I haven't even proofread this one, but I just want to upload it. Hopefully this one is still okay.

also, I started a new job so that took priority (with all the training and adjusting to new routine). plus, when I was at my old job, I was able to "sneak" in personal writing. in this new company/position, there's just no way I can do that anymore.

with that being said, I haven't abandoned my fics. so to all who continued/and will continue to support/read it, thank you sincerely, and please look forward to the next chapter (and updates for other stories!)

Uploaded: 022017