I am so sorry for the delay. But here is the story you all have waited or not waited for. I don't know! But here it is.
'Thoughts'
"Talking"
"Flashback's"
'Labels'
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.
Last time on Lion pride
"Yes?" I ask, head tilting in confusion. He shifts his paws and looks at the ground. As he gets ready to speak a yell draws my attention to another place.
"LISANNA!"
Natsu's P.O.V
I freeze from the yell and my fur prickles with unease. I softly gulp and look back at the cave Lucy is in. I take deep breaths before slowly walking down to where all the commotion was at. Mira was up from with Elfman as they both inspect Lisanna. They both look at me as I walk. Their eyes filled with fear.
"What?" I ask as I walk past, not even looking at the female that once held my heart close. She makes a soft noise before breaking free of the group and rush to me.
"Natsu...aren't you glad I'm back?" She asks, softly. I could smell human on her heavily. She holds a look of pure joy. I stare at the white lion and examine her. I once again look up at the cave that held Lucy. I simply shook my head, sitting.
"Do you not remember? You left me for another mate." I say, lowly. She stares at me before looking at her paws. Her ears starting to droop.
"It was a stupid mistake. He wasn't who I thought he was...Natsu I just survived death. They shot me right in my chest right where they thought my heart was. Please. Please don't do this. I need you right now more than ever." She whispers, making my heart clench. I grit my teeth to refrain from immediately saying yes and getting back with her. She looks at me, hopefully.
"I-...I... s-sure." I stammer, shocking myself. I mentally curse at myself and look at the ground as I know nothing good would come out of this. She throws herself at me and presses her head up to my chin. The lions start to cheer and whistle for us. I look around and catch watery chocolate eyes. 'Luce…' I think.
Lucy's P.O.V
My dreams were peaceful until loud cheers were heard. I give a soft groan as I stand and stretch myself out and trot over to the entrance. I squint my eyes to see through the mass of lions that were in front of me. I spot pink and white. I give a soft huff and pad out a little further before freezing. My eyes water and I suck down the burning need to cry.
"Natsu! Lisanna!" The crowd cheers, breaking my heart further. I quickly suck in the tears and stares at my paws as me and Natsu make eye contact. 'It's not actually like we were together…' I think and walk back into the den. I, gingerly, pick up my nest and walk downstairs to the den with other warriors, eyes burning my back the whole way there.
"Lucy?" Gray asks, as he pads up to me. I look at him and tilt my head.
"Yes?" I answer, faintly and rub my paw to my face. He softly presses his nose to my ear.
"I'm sorry. I know you are hurting from flamebrain's decision." He mumbles. I look at him and sniffle, finding his warmth comforting and inviting. I press into it and close my eyes, pushing out the burning feel of the tears. I softly shudder as I feel a glare full of hate hit my pelt. I look and see a dark blue lion slinking away. Gray doesn't seem to notice.
"How about we hunt?" Gray suggests. I blink before nodding my head. I haven't hunted in a while. It would be good to stretch my muscles. As we cross to the mouth of the den I feel eyes burning into my pelt. Two pairs. I glance back and spot Natsu as well as that same lion. Gray flicks his tail to my thigh, making me look from my searching. He smirks.
"Keep up!" He says, running away at top speed. I stayed there in my stupor before laughing and following after him, running at full speed, feeling energy surge through my body as I feel the wind across my face and through my fur. Gray blinks, shocked that I caught up with him. I give him a dazzling smile before pushing faster, accidently stumbling on gazelle grazing. They all stare at me before running in galloping jumps, trying to get away. I grin and give a chase, taking down two females. Gray comes up, holding a male, proudly but once he sees the two I have he grumbles.
"We will need another lion." He mumbles, looking around.
"No. Teamwork will prevail!" I say, looking at him as he gives me a weird look. I softly hum as I place the females the long way on my back. I beckon Gray and he walks over, sliding the gazella onto his back as we both press together and take ahold of his male buck. We make the slow journey in silence as we try to keep the buck stuck in our mouths. When we make it back and place it in the food pile we stretch our aching jaws.
"Nice catch!" Erza congratulates and I softly smile as Gray proudly puffs out his chest.
"Yep! This slacker here was dead weight!" He teases, making me huff in mock irritation. Erza blinks and softly mumble to herself, maybe over me and Gray's sudden closeness probably. I knew it was wrong but I was using him for a crutch over the unexpected pain when that white lion came back. I turn and catch Natsu's stare. We held it before he snatches his attention from me to the white lion, Lisanna. I grit my teeth and look away. 'He got his real mate back. I was only the replacement.'\