Act 3

38

The Huntchback of Notre Dame

"Love is like a tree: it shoots of itself; it strikes it's roots deeply into our whole being, and frequently continues to put forth green leaves over a heart in ruins. And there is this unaccountable circumstance attending it, that the blinder the passion the more tenacious it is. Never is it stronger than when it is most unreasonable."

― Victor Hugo, The Huntchback of Notre Dame

"Wow... I think they might've heard heard that all the way over in Crocus." Cana drawled as she took a swing of her drink, and smirked at the sight of her more red faced guild mates, "It's about time though."

"A-ah, di-did they...?" Wendy stuttered, her entire face redder than a tomato, and Cana ruffled her hair with a grin.

"You bet they did little lady!" She replied and then laughed at Wendy's expression, "C'mon, it's nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. It's perfectly natural." She shrugged, "Besides, we live a long time. We can't afford to get hung up on embarrassment."

Wendy blinked up at her, not having thought of it like that before, and smiled a little, "Well, as long as they're happy right?"

"Exactly!" Cana crowed in triumph.

"Cana..." Jellal purred from where he was sitting with a pink cheeked Erza, and gave her a slightly wicked smirk, "I believe this means it's time to conclude the bet you've been running."

Cana froze at his words, and stared at him, "Y-you! You set this up!" She spluttered at the smug looking bastard, and gaped when he laced his hands together as if he was sitting on a Magic Council meeting from his Segrain days.

"I may have... provided the setting." He replied smoothly, his smirk widening, "But I assure you, anything that happened they did of their own accord."

"That's cheating!"

"Hardly. Natsu and Lucy live together in a one room apartment. The only difference between that and this is the lack of two beds. Something I understand they don't always use under normal conditions."

Cana shook her bottle at him, the contents of it sloshing around the glass container. Her cheeks were rosy and she opened her mouth to argue, but let out a loose sigh when his calculating gaze fell on her.

She had a feeling that no matter what argument she put forth, he would have an counter. Which just meant next time... she would have to get creative.

Besides, she still had a stake in the ongoing bet of when Jellal would finally stick his money where his mouth was and propose to Erza. She was feeling lucky tonight.

She huffed, turning to her bag and digging out Erza's winnings, shoving it over to the couple.

"Excellent Cana, I'm glad you're so agreeable to this," Erza smirked at her, tucking her hands around her pile of jewel, even though her face was as red as her hair, "I-It was clear this was a solid victory."

Sensing the knight's embarrassment, even despite her age over such matters, Cana leaned forward with her legs in a wide stance, "Oho, Erza. Whaddya say? Wanna play for keeps? See if those two are going to play for a round two?"

"I-I don't think that'll be necessary! We should leave the couple to their evening!" Erza squeaked and shoved the earnings into her overnight bag, standing rigidly at Jellal's side. The man gave her an amused grin and took her hand.

"Erza's quite right," Jellal's heart thumped with nerves over what he planned, and gently tugged his lady towards where he had their suite, "And if you would excuse us Cana, Erza and I will take our leave to enjoy our winnings."

He was certainly not going to propose to Erza in front of the guild.

Even if his nerves hadn't been stretched thin it just didn't seem right. They were both very private people, and while neither would dream of denying the guild their celebration the moment itself was reserved for them alone.

He just hoped she said yes.

He smiled a little as he guided her to their room, and unlocked the door. She marched inside without a second thought only to stop cold when she saw the interior.

"Do you like it?" He purred softly as he stepped up behind her after putting their bags down and locking the door, "I thought perhaps we could treat ourselves a little on this vacation of ours."

He ran his hands tenderly over her shoulders and down her arms before wrapping his arms around her and nuzzling her neck softly, amused by her shocked reaction.

"Jellal I..."

He chuckled and swept his gaze over the room itself. The staff had done a wonderful job in the short time frame he'd given them to work with.

There was a romantic candle-lit dinner for two sitting out on their balcony. Little lit candles placed all around the large hot tub in the bathroom, still hot thanks to the fire lacrima inside. And flowers everywhere.

"Jellal," Erza said turning in his arms to look up at him intently, "What is this? It's not a special occasion."

He chuckled as he curled his hands into hers, acting far more confident than he felt, and tugged her gently into the center of the room. He understood her confusion. He tried his best to show her every day how much he loved her, but he didn't often go all out like this.

"It could be." He replied, caressing one hand and subtly reaching into his pocket for the box there, "But that depends on you."

"Me? What?"

He gently caressed her cheek, "My Erza." He murmured, "Our path has been a long and difficult one hasn't it? Friends to enemies and back to much more." He shook his head, "I can still hardly believe that you never stopped loving me in all that time. As I never stopped loving you."

He stared deeply into her eyes, "I can't imagine the man I would've become without you there. I don't think I want to." He dropped smoothly to one knee, trying not to fumble at her sudden gasp of understanding, and opened the box to her, "I know I'm unworthy of you, but I hope you'll consent to remain by my side and forge a new path with me?"

Erza's eyes went wide, her mouth dropping open and her heart racing into her throat. She reached out a shaking hand to touch the ring nestled inside the velvet box.

"You are worth more than you think Jellal," Erza whispered, her fingers closing around his wrist. She met his dark, hopeful eyes, her hand moving from his arm up to his face.

Thumbing the red ink under his right eye, Erza blinked back her tears.

"Yes," She laughed wetly at him, "You silly, foolish man. I will marry you."

She jerked him to his feet with considerable force, nearly staggering Jellal an inch off the floor.

Her arms wrapped around her fiancé, and she pulled him into a joyous kiss, fingers digging into his collar.

Jellal laughed into the sloppy kiss, finding the moment perfect despite his fiancé's bruising grip and her eager smiles.

"I love you Erza," Jellal whispered, voice hoarse with laughter, his eyes gleaming with tears, "Now until the stars dim in the sky."

She nodded, her laughter shaking through her and sank into his embrace.

"That sounds good to me," Erza looked up at his face, remembering the trials they had been forced to stand through together. And the silly time he had lied about having a fiancé. Now that was a title she proudly held.

"But if you don't mind," Erza laughed quietly, her hair tossing over her shoulder, "I think dinner can wait just a little while longer."

-::-

The next morning Lucy slowly awoke to find herself still tangled up with Natsu. She smiled as her memories of the night before danced before her eyes and for a moment she wished she was a cat so she could just purr in her contentedness.

She shifted a bit so she could lean forward and plant a lingering kiss on her dragonslayer's cheek, and wondered just how they'd managed to make the journey from enemies to lovers.

She supposed what they said was true...sometimes the journey was more important than the destination. And they'd had quite a journey so far. Though she had to admit she rather liked this destination.

Natsu had proved beyond a shadow of a doubt last night that he was as passionate in bed as on the battlefield, and despite his inexperience she was certain she'd never been more satisfied. It was really true that emotions made all the difference.

The thought made her smile as she watched him sleep.

There was no room for doubt now. She was well and truly in love with her ferocious dragonslayer.

She bit back a giggle as he rolled over a bit and began drooling on his pillow. Yep. That was her prince charming.

But really she wouldn't have it any other way.

She glanced at the time and stretched a bit as she gently disentangled herself from him. She didn't have the heart to wake him, so she was going to tiptoe off for a shower. At least that was her plan, but no sooner had she sat up than sleepy green eyes fluttered open.

"Lucy?" Natsu mumbled, raising his head a little to blink at her, "Whatcha doing?"

She smiled at him and leaned over to gently kiss him, "I was going to grab a shower." She grinned wickedly, "Wanna join me?"

"Hnnnnngh," Natsu whined, his eyes shuttering shut at the brushing kiss. While his hand rose to loop around her wrist, the rest of him didn't budge.

"Five more minutes," He mumbled childishly, twisting around in the sheets to shift onto his back.

"Natsu," Lucy huffed when his grip tightened on her, his expression growing lax and drowsy again.

She shrieked when suddenly a pillow was flung at her side from Natsu. One green eye was cracked open with a mischievous glint as his sneak attack took her by surprise. It caused her to flop forward back onto the bed.

Natsu's arms wrapped around her in a flash, capturing her against his chest and a smug smile on his face. Victory painting his smile, he settled down onto the mattress with his trapped prize.

But of course Lucy wasn't going to go down without a fight. Natsu thought he had won, and she had to admit he was pretty sneaky with his pillow attack. What he didn't know was that she had some tricks of her own.

Her leg slid between his, his pink brow twitching just barely in acknowledgement that he was aware she was doing something.

Too bad it would be too late before he figured out what.

Lucy pushed up with her hips and rolled herself upright on top of him, using her momentum, and Natsu's stubborn refusal to let her go to her advantage.

They rolled over once, twice,-

- and right off the side of the bed.

Natsu made a strangled noise of protest and even Lucy shrieked in surprise at the suddenness of the stable mattress disappearing underneath them.

"Cheater," Natsu groaned from where he was underneath Lucy, completely buried in blankets.

"Shower now?" She asked hopefully.

"I guess."

Shaking loose a laugh as Lucy managed to climb up off him, Natsu's sleepy gaze couldn't help but travel appreciatively over her. She was sliding off him, her cheeks rosy with embarrassment and groping blindly for her nightie.

Good luck, Natsu grinned as he watched her finally give up the searched after a few seconds of pulling aside the covers.

His heart felt so warm and happy, body lingering with the effects of Lucy's touch. Natsu wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms back around her, dip his nose into the base of her head and sigh.

Tempted though he was to snag her and drag her back into bed with him, he reluctantly got up after her. Eyes locked on her retreating back, Lucy glanced at him over her shoulder and hurried into the bathroom.

It seemed now that morning dawned, she had rediscovered her shyness. Even if he was about to shower with her. Lucy was a confusing creature to be certain.

Natsu laughed and rolled forward on the balls of his feet.

It was strange, ever since meeting Lucy, Natsu had never felt more at peace. Not in a very long time. Before Motherglare had taken control of his old nest and pushed him out.

His hand rubbed at the thick scar across his neck, where she had almost taken his head clear off.

The memory surprisingly didn't cause the old scar to ache, and Natsu wondered if perhaps that childhood fear he had always held for the dragoness was finally abating.

While in his vulnerable human form, he could never entirely forget the sharpness of her claws or the viciousness from her tongue.

But now it didn't sting as badly anymore.

"Natsu?" Lucy's voice floated out the bathroom, beckoning him to join her.

"Coming," He laughed, a smile widening across his face and a hurry to his step.

He was interested in seeing what bathing with Lucy might be like.

It turned out the shower was just as eventful as waking up turned out to be. Natsu and Lucy grumbled over different degrees in temperature, and Natsu was convinced Lucy was trying to boil herself.

Being a fire dragon, he really had no idea of what would be too hot to a normal person.

Eventually they managed to come to an agreement in the tight space, before washing up and drying off. Soon they got dressed and headed outside to look at all the stalls getting set up for the first day of the festival.

Lucy grinned as she looked around eagerly. The festival would run for four days, but she and Natsu only had to work the last one as it was the big finale and they were to help provide both security in case some of the drunker people got too rowdy, and magical entertainment.

She doubted the officials were expecting any real problems, but it paid to be cautious, and most folks weren't inclined to tangle with a wizard. Especially one from Fairy Tail.

She blinked a little as she thought about that for a moment and shot Natsu a wry glance, "So what do you think the odds are everyone else will join our job too?" She smirked, tangling her hand in his and guiding him towards some truly amazing breakfast smells.

After all their energetic playing she was absolutely ravenous, and suspected Natsu could eat the equivalent of two or three cows.

"That's a sucker bet Luce." He smirked in reply, but the idea didn't bother him. They'd gotten a big reward for their last job, and he knew Wendy wasn't hurting either, so he didn't mind too much.

He glanced at her and felt his heart melt with emotions that were entirely gooey, but he wasn't sure how to name.

She really was something amazing. The greatest treasure he'd ever found actually. Like a jewel so brilliant that it makes all the other jewels around it gleam that much more just by its reflection.

How could he have ever wanted to snuff out that radiance?

He couldn't remember anymore, and resolved that he would do his very best to protect his most precious treasure no matter what.

Though... he was kind of curious about what this development meant to her. He'd been too young to know the human version of this kind of thing when he was wholly human, and he'd learned the hard way that the dragon and demon versions could be radically different.

"Um... Lucy..." He hesitated a little, shy about voicing such a question, but not sure if there was a better way to do it than just ask, "Last night... what does that mean now?"

To say Lucy was surprised he brought it up was an understatement. There was a certain kind of unsteadiness to the way he was looking at her, as if he were wondering if things were going to change.

Natsu was a creature of habit unlike any Lucy ever met before. He had a tendency to get grumpy and sulk when something radically changed around them. Like the time they had accidentally blown out one side of the guild so a large chunk of it had to be remodeled.

He warmed up quickly to the pool it generated though.

The thought lingered in her mind that perhaps this would be too much of a change for him to handle at once. It was also true she did not want to rush him into anything either.

So she took his hand in hers and shook her head, "It's whatever you want it to be Natsu."

The response was steady despite how rapidly Lucy's heart pounded in her chest.

He glanced at her, and Lucy knew she did not miss the dusting of red across his cheeks or the way the back of his ears pinkened. Natsu was so bold about most things, but this made him almost shy.

It was cute.

"I for one enjoyed it," Lucy admitted to him, sensing it was something perhaps he needed to hear, "Whatever this is, I don't see a reason to define it. Whatever we are, works. And I wouldn't change anything about this, or you."

Natsu stared at her for a moment and then, slowly, a wide grin curled around his face as something tense within him relaxed. He liked that answer. He liked it quite a bit.

Nothing had to change. They were just as they'd always been with a little more thrown in. He could do that.

"I wouldn't change anything either." He replied cheerfully, gently squeezing her hand. This certainly felt a lot better than the formal stuff he'd heard about with humans. The dragon version wasn't even worth mentioning. It gave him hives just thinking about all the rules and proper behavior and everything.

This relaxed idea suited him just fine.

Lucy grinned back at him, pleased to see him relaxing and so happy with her answer, "Good." She replied and tugged at his hand, "Now c'mon! I'm starving!"

Natsu scoffed as he let her lead him towards a series of food stalls, "You? You eat like a bird! There's no way you can ever starve!"

"I do not eat like a bird! You're the one who eats enough to feed an army!"

"Hey! It's not my fault I have a dragon's appetite!"

Neither half of the bickering couple noticed the wide eyed white haired woman behind them as she watched them with open shock, a touch of fear, and rising hope at the potential opportunity.

She had to tell Sting and Rogue about this!

Yukino ran back the way she came before she had stumbled upon the two, careful to make sure that neither half of the very odd pair had actually seen her. It absolutely would not do for them to be discovered on any terms but their own. She'd learned that from harsh experience.

However, it looked like the rumors they'd heard about End were, in fact, true. He really was bound to a human form. Which meant the blond with him had most likely been Lucy. The young celestial wizard her spirits had been talking about.

And the one who had bound End.

The very idea an untrained wizard could do such a thing was insane, but she'd seen the evidence with her own eyes. End belonged to the woman, and he appeared to be enjoying it if their banter was anything to go by.

It made her wonder if perhaps there was more to the binding than simple magic. After all, the rumors and stories she'd heard about End had never indicated the dragon ever had a feeling that wasn't cruel or malicious.

After all, no dragons had dared to fly wing or set foot in his territory in more years than could be counted. It was only through their unfortunate run-in with End's old nest that they were here, and they'd been wary and jumpy the entire time. She was certain neither her husband nor her brother-in-law would be pleased with this development. But what else were they to do? If she'd read the signs correctly, this might be an unprecedented opportunity dropped into their laps.

"Sting! Rogue!" She called as she neared, out of breath and flushed from how quickly she had made it back to where she left the two dragons.

The two men were sitting on the edge of a partially broken rock wall, the blond sprawled over the ledge on his back, while the other brooded quietly nearby. Both looked up alertly as she rushed over, without the food she'd promised to get.

"What is it Yukino?" Rogue asked, his shoulders tight with worry at what could've possibly caused such a reaction in his sister. He did not like being here, and any deviation from their plans worried him.

"Rogue," She panted, gasping out for air and setting her hands on her knees, "You'd never guess who I saw - or who was with him!"

Rogue and Sting both tensed immediately and the blond frowned as he rolled upright so fast Yukino almost missed it.

"Who?" Sting growled, his attention now, and worried fear evident on his face. At least to her and Rogue.

She bit her lip, hesitating on telling them. Now that her excitement had worn off, she was almost afraid they might pack up and leave without even approaching the other dragon.

They were cautious after all. Nestless dragons who weren't drakes could often get into more trouble than was worth. They had learned to be careful over the years.

"End is here," She breathed, her fingers curling up under her chin, "I didn't recognize him at first - he's in a human form like the rumors said!"

"End is here?" Rogue said tightly, alarm flashing over his face. He turned towards Sting, "We need to leave."

Sting, however, frowned, "Yuki... you said someone was with him. Who was it?"

Rogue stared at his brother incredulously, "You can't be seriously considering approaching him?" He yelped.

Sting's frown grew, "Maybe." He admitted, "The rumors have also said that he's allowed Black Steel Gajeel into his territory, and has become friends with his old enemies. If that's the case then there might be a slim chance he'll allow us a corner to live in as long as we defend the territory."

"Sting.. End is dangerous!" Rouge tried to reason, "Why do you want to take such a risk?"

Sting stood up and wrapped his arms around Yukino, "Because it won't always be just the three of us." He replied quietly, "One day you'll find someone too, or Yuki will get pregnant." He shook his head, and smiled lovingly down at her, "I don't want any hatchlings born in our little nest to have to fear for their lives all of their lives. Not if there's a way around it."

Yukino smiled up at her husband, "Do you want me to sound things out?" She asked, more than willing, and able, to do the legwork where they would potentially have problems.

However, Sting shook his head, "It would be better if we went with you. Just in case it goes wrong we'll be better equipped to get you out since we can transform."

He glanced at his brother, "What do you say Rogue?"

Rogue sighed, "I think you're insane." He growled flatly, "We should leave now before he finds out we're here."

In the distance, Natsu sneezed into a spool of cotton candy.

"Ew Natsu that's gross!"

"Eh, it's still good."

Yukino set her hands on her waist and shook her head at the two dragons who were giving one another the stink eye over Sting's decision.

"A woman was with him. I think she's the one who is rumored to have bound End," Yukino set a hand on her hip where a jingle of keys rang at her side, "If she's a celestial wizard like we've been lead to believe, then it's possible we could have something to offer End in exchange."

Both dragons stared at her blankly and she shook her head with a sigh, "She hasn't had a lot of time to master celestial summoning, and I could offer to help teach her."

Sting snapped his fingers and glanced over at Rogue with a grin, "See? Look, it's a smart plan. Very smart!"

Rogue rolled his eyes and grabbed his brother's cheeks, tugging them apart, "That only works if End actually cares about her! Which he probably doesn't because she bound him to her by force!"

Sting snarled and yanked on Rogue's bangs, the two of them squabbling like a pair of children.

Yukino sighed and waited for them to take a breath between their snarling to catch their attention

"I don't know, they looked very affectionate with one another," Yukino smiled, "They were even holding hands!"

That froze the pair as they looked at her in surprise, "Really?" Sting mumbled around Rogue's fingers and snapped at them irritably for being in his way, which resulted in Rogue swatting at his own hand as they, momentarily, straightened up.

"Yes, really." Yukino replied, torn between amusement and exasperation at their antics, "They seemed quite friendly really. Which is something you couldn't say about End normally."

Rogue sighed, aware that he was being outnumbered here, "I still think this is a stupid idea." He growled at Sting, "You know how dangerous it is to cross even an ally's territory, but this is End! The most powerful drake to ever live! If he decides he doesn't like us there's nothing to stop him from roasting us!"

"If he's truly bound then he won't be able to without permission anyway." Yukino pointed out reasonably, "And the rumors I've heard about her from my spirits say she won't let that happen. If we were ever going to take this chance it's now."

That wasn't strictly true, but the rumors she'd heard from Libra and Pisces were favorable enough she was willing to take the chance.

Rogue sighed again, "Fine." He growled, "But when this goes sour don't say I didn't tell you so."

Sting grinned triumphantly and curled his arm around Yukino, "Lead the way Yuki!" He beamed at her.

Yukino just smiled at him and began heading back towards the festival. This time with a pair of dragons in tow.

But as she returned with her companions in tow, a cloaked figure on the opposite end of the fairgrounds unobtrusively slipped away from the festivities. One who had seen precisely the same thing Yukino had.

He raced away, body hidden from view aside from the occasional glitter of something shining just under his hood. The man moved with inhuman speed, legs eating up the ground as if he had wings. He tore through the countryside and made it to the edge of the forest in a matter of minutes.

Not even breaking pace, he plowed through the heavily wooded area. His form shifted and changed, the cloak ripping off behind the figure as he began to swell in size.

Large wings burst open, the tips catching on branches. However these were not the fragile wings of a bird, or even the gossamer membrane of a bat. No, these were thick and leathery, strong enough to snap wood without flinching.

Springing forward the instant the forest ended, he vaulted his body over a wide running river and to the other side where others of his kind were gathered.

The dragons from the badlands all stood there waiting.

Among them stood Motherglare, her cruel eyes dark with deadly intent, "Did you find anything out?"

The scout flashed a smile that split his face in two. His teeth, razor sharp and glistening in the bright sun gleamed across the scales of gathered dragons.

It was difficult to make out what he growled through the gnash of teeth and the bloom of smoke from his nostrils. But the words made themselves known.

"End is there with the girl and the rest of those pathetic worms," he laughed, "But I saw no signs of a nest. Only the fool falling in love with the human wench that bound him."

Motherglare laughed harshly at the report, "Does he now?" She grinned darkly, "Well then, we shall have to be sure and take her alive before we crush End. Perhaps we can have some sport of her before we finish her off while he watches helplessly."

The dragons around her all roared their laughter and approval as their queen stood and shook out her wings, "Let us waste no more time!" She roared, "End's territory is within sight, and by dusk it will be OURS!"

There was an answering roar as the nest took flight and winged their way toward the border that they no longer believed could hold them back.

Whoooooa, well. That was a lot of screaming now wasn't it last chapter? Sorry guys, no review responses this time because... I sorta don't know how to respond to them?

Aside from making this face.

:'3

...

SO THANKS FOR REVIEWING from the bottom of my heart! And here is your VERY well deserved sneak peek of the next chapter!

She was startled when he growled, lowly and menacingly, but not at her. In fact, he wasn't even looking at her. She peered around him to see what could be causing such a reaction and found herself staring at a trio of very nervous looking people.

"Um...hi?"

Natsu cracked his knuckles, his expression shadowing rapidly, "First Gajeel, now you two? And you have the guts to walk up to me in your human forms in broad daylight. I'll have to pummel that metal head for not doing a better job at keeping an eye on the border."

A challenging grin began to spread across his cheeks, his eyes glittering like black coals, "I'm going to enjoy this." He seemed to be looking right past the woman that was with them, seeing only the two men that were with her.