Thank you for all the reviews, follows, favorites, etc. My story has hit over 28 Thousand views. It's a little mind boggling. I am one grateful old lady :) And especially thank you for your patience as I've been so busy. It's currently 2 am where I'm at. So sorry if some typos get through. I'm kind of sleepy.

My personal story is coming to a close soon, so I was wondering if people wanted to do a question and answer segment on it? Since this is anonymous, I pretty much don't mind answering just about any question. Let me know your thoughts in a review or PM. It'll be finished in the next chapter.

Hiro Mashima, you're one amazing guy. With intense foresight. I'm rewatching the anime and episode 52-53 (can't remember exactly which one) is when Tartarus was first mentioned with the Baram Alliance. I'm just in awe, and wonder if he had them all flushed out back then or has he been winging it?

I like the serious tone Fairy Tail has taken with these current arcs. Just feels like all the characters are growing up and maturing. I know it's not a romance manga, but maybe just a little wouldn't hurt? He keeps teasing us but nothing happens. Jellal and Erza, so close, yet so far. I felt like the meme flipping over the table when he pushed her away. Give me something concrete you troll!

Anywho, I own nothing.

Errands

Chapter 10- Normal POV

As the bathroom door closed, a stunned Lucy had one thought, "What the hell was that?"

Inside the bathroom an equally stunned Natsu was crouched down, tugging his hair with his hands. "Shitshitshitshit, what the fuck was I thinking? She's gonna kick me. I just know it." He was worried. Did he just ruin everything? What was wrong with him? What had possessed him to go up to her like that? Well he knew what possessed him, but when did he lose control over himself to such an extent, besides fighting that is. He's been around Lucy for years, why is he struggling so much to control himself lately?

It's not like she's gotten any more beautiful. She's always been beautiful. Even if the first time they met he had been more interested in lunch then her, he had still thought she was pretty.

He was very scared of what would happen to him once he left the bathroom. Should be pretend nothing happened? Should he grovel and apologize? Should he continue what he had implied…no, no that was a bad idea. It was bad thoughts like that, that has gotten him in his current trouble. He had scared her, and that was bad. What kind of guy is he that he would scare the girl he loves?

She had just been so tempting standing there in nothing but water drops. He had wanted to lick them off….damn it stupid brain knock that off. "Maybe I should take a shower to buy some more time. Though I really don't want to take another shower. I'll turn into a chick if I keep showering so much."

While Natsu debated and berated himself, Lucy had finished getting dressed, and was currently sitting on the bed with her arms wrapped around her knees, which were tucked under her chin. She had put the salad into the fridge, because she had already brushed her teeth and didn't want to do so again. Plus she didn't have an appetite after what had just happened.

She was currently obsessing over the …event. Trying to make sense of Natsu's actions. "Well he is a guy, you've always known that this body is sexy and attracts the male populace." She thought to herself. "I really shouldn't think it means more than a passing attraction. Though he said I smelled good, not looked good. Or perhaps…I know! A vitamin deficiency! He definitely eats way too much meat and not enough fruits and vegetables. He said I smelled good, must be the mango scent put him over the edge. I'll make sure he eats something healthy tomorrow."

Feeling much better about the whole situation, the blond decided to turn in for the night; to save her friend from any feelings of embarrassment. "Tomorrow I shall act like nothing happened." Plus they had to be up early to start looking for supplies for their camping excursion, and to find a communication lacrima to let the guild know not to expect them for a few months.

Natsu had decided to buy himself the extra time by turning the water on but not going into the shower. Brilliant! He had initially thought, but after a couple of minutes he heard a nagging voice in his head saying he was wasting water, so slunked in anyway. Grumbling to himself about his stupid conscience that has done nothing but give him problems lately.

After he finally felt like enough time had passed, he slowly opened the door to see a dark room. Breathing a sigh of relief that she had gone to bed, and he wouldn't have to deal with the consequences tonight. He crawled into bed with her, and made sure she was asleep. Her heartbeat and breathing were steady. Then as he has been doing, pulled her closer and held her as he fell asleep as well.

Natsu's POV

"Sorry miss, but I don't know anyone heading that way. Monsters are just too dangerous."

"We're mages from Fairy Tail. Surely you've heard of Fairy Tail?" She said with what I call her winning smile.

"Sure have. Champions of the Grand Magic Games."

"Well my partner, the very famous Fire Dragon Slayer, Natsu Dragneel and I can safely escort you there." Why did I suddenly get the feeling I was being put on display?

"That's all fine and dandy, but what about on my way home?"

"If you're willing to wait till after the wedding, we would be willing to escort you home as well. Plus if you're willing to do security detail for the wedding you will be paid 25,000 jewels." She said showing him the flyer.

"Sorry, I hate to say no to such a pretty miss, but I just have no business going there. And right now I'm really busy. So I wish you a good day." And with a tip of his hat, he walked away.

"Lucy, maybe you should give up. That's the 7th 'No' you've gotten." Not that I minded her calling me the most famous Dragon Slayer.

"I just don't get it Natsu. It's a really great deal. The monsters can't be that bad, that they think you couldn't handle it." Putting herself down again without even realizing it.

"Don't you mean us?" I honestly can't stand that she naturally thinks she's just some useless accessory to our team. Instead of a main person. Why can't she see what I see?

"What?" She responded distractedly. Mumbling something about why her feminine charms always fail. If she could read my mind, she'd know that her charms are too damn strong as is.

"Nevermind. Listen it's only a 4 hour ride, right? Why don't we just get our supplies together, and just walk it. We've got a couple of days anyway before we're supposed to be there, so getting a ride today would make us get there too early. Plus if we do have to rest for the night, we can test out the camping stuff to see if we need to buy anymore."

We've been running around since 8. First trying to find a communication lacrima to contact Mira. At hearing we would be gone for several weeks possibly months she told Lucy to do everything she would do and make sure to have a lot of fun. I understood the innuendo perfectly but chose to act ignorant just too tease Lucy a bit. So when I questioned her about what Mira was talking about she just blushed cutely and said "Nothing." And I got several minutes of fun trying to get it out of her. When I suggested that she let me contact Mira again so she could tell me directly, Lucy started her quest to find a ride.

And have now wasted the last several hours trying to find someone to take us to the mansion.

"You just don't want to get sick." She replied.

"Well duh, but I thought of very good reasons as well." I said sticking my tongue out at her. It was hard to think of solid reasons to not get in anymore transportation. I had thought they were good arguments too.

"Fine, you win Natsu. Let's go buy camping stuff." She said with a smile.

I smiled really big back at her. It's really nice to win. I really wanted to do my happy, winning jig, but have been informed by several of the guys that it's looks stupid. And that I'd never get laid if I continued dancing it, since the girls would be too busy laughing at me. That conversation started another brawl, and at first I did what I wanted...But one day I was doing my jig in the guild hall, and Lucy laughed and shook her head at me. I heard her call me a goofball and for the first time I felt embarrassed by it, so have ceased having my fun. This attempting to impress stuff sucks ass sometimes.

"Natsu?"

"What's up Lucy?"

"What are you thinking about?" She was looking at me with concern. She really does have pretty eyes.

"Nothing important. Lets hurry up." I said with a reassuring smile. And grabbed her hand and led the way into a mountain gear store.

"Good day sir, madam. How can I be of assistance?" And elderly guy asked us when we entered.

I turned to look at her and noticed her face was all red. "Yo, Lucy you getting sick or something?" She shook her head in the negative. I'd check her head to see if it was warm, but I'd just make it hotter. So I'll take her word for it, but why would she be so flushed? I thought to myself scratching my chin.

"I'm fine Natsu." She nodded more to herself I think, and turned to the old guy. "We're going to have an extended stay in the mountains. I really don't know what we'll need or not need."

"Are you the mages who will be taking care of the monsters?"

"Yes sir."

"Good, damn things have nearly bankrupted my daughter and her husband. I'd give you a discount, but I've been giving them all the extra I've got."

"It's fine sir, we would appreciate your knowledge as thanks enough. And to not try to sell us a bunch of things we won't need."

"I can do that miss. Now what do you have?"

I just let Lucy do all the talking, and discussing. Me, I could go up there as I was and be perfectly fine. Heck, I could go up there butt naked and be perfectly fine. Being a Fire Dragon Slayer is awesome. But my poor Lucy doesn't do well with cold. Of course that's partially to do with how she doesn't wear any clothes. But even dressed she's always shivering.

After some time, the old guy left and headed to his back room. I was pretty bored, but then I saw something fun. I've been called an imp more than once; guess today is one of those days.

"Hey Lucy, found the perfect pajamas for you." I said with a mischievous smirk. I held up a pair of the most hideous looking, butt flap, footed, flannels. I chuckled when she glared and rolled her eyes at me. "What?" I said with fake innocence. But she just ignored me. To continue or not to continue that is the question? Continue of course! I walked over and held them up to her. "See just your size. This putrid green really high lights your hair, and now when you've got to pee in the middle of the night, you won't freeze your bits off."

"Natsu!" She said in outrage and shaking with anger. Success! As I dodged her kick. Always a sure fire way to rile her up by talking about bathroom stuff and body parts.

"Getting slow Lucy." I taunted, and ran away as she chased me around the store. Waving the pj's behind me like a banner. Ah good times. Alas our fun was cut way too short with a clearing of the throat. I abruptly stopped and turned towards it, but since Lucy didn't hear it she crashed right into me. She landed on top of me, and boy did I like that view. It could be called a compromising position. I had my hands around her waist to prevent her from getting hurt, and she was straddling me. She was turning redder by the second. I reached up and touched her cheek, and asked "Hey, are you okay?"

"Idiot Natsu." She said with a scowl as she shoved off me and quickly got up dusting herself off. Her face was a bright shade of red. Turning to the store owner. "Sorry sir."

"It's fine, you didn't break anything. It's nice to see young people in love."

"Wha….we…We're…not" She was stuttering. And even more red than before. I'm pretty sure she was putting tomatoes to shame. I couldn't help but laugh loudly, I think she heard me say "tomato face" because she kicked me for my efforts. I was still lying on the floor, so she got me pretty good. "Baka." She said with clenched teeth. I stood up holding my stomach with one arm and put the other around her shoulders.

"It's okay dear, no need to be embarrassed." I said cheekily, but then I gulped. I got the look. I know that look. Erza has trained her well. Maybe I pushed the teasing just a little too far. I let go of her and put my hands up in surrender. "Sorry." I said quickly.

"So did you have my size?" She said turning away from me to the shop keeper who was still grinning.

"We did, a pair of magically heated boots. Guaranteed to keep your feet warm and dry even in the coldest weather."

"Hey that's pretty cool." I said. And useful. Now her toes won't freeze off. "You have anything else like that? Coats or pants?" I asked him.

"Unfortunately no. I did have some gloves, but the shipment was delayed."

"Will you have some in 2 weeks or so? We'll be coming back through here then." Lucy asked him.

"Maybe, can't make any promises since I don't make them, just play the middle man."

After a long time later. We had this pile of stuff. "How are we going to carry all that?" I asked. Not that I was worried about the weight, but I still only have 2 arms. There was a tent, boots, ropes, sleeping bags, lamps, flash lights, and just a crap load of more stuff. I started sorting through what I felt we would need and wouldn't need. "We won't need any flint." I stated lighting my hand on fire to answer the incoming questions, "or an ax, since I can just break trees with my fists, but I will need a really sharp knife. We should also get you some warmer clothes Lucy. What you packed wasn't made for harsh mountains. "After going through it all again, I managed to take out basically everything that had been added for my use, though she refused to share a sleeping bag with me. Sigh. But I think there was still too much crap. "Do you have a bag big enough to carry all that in?"

We spent so many hours in that shop that I was absolutely starving by the time we were done. The guy showed us how to store everything in a large back pack. It really helped that I didn't need basically anything. So I was pretty much carrying Lucy's stuff. Not that I minded, but I really wanted to eat. "Can we eat now?" I said doing my best not to whine. Though probably failing.

"Yes Natsu, we can go get some dinner." Didn't she realize we missed lunch?

"Aren't you hungry at all?" I asked a little skeptically.

"Well, a little, but it's not a huge deal for me." How can she not be starving? Hell all we had for breakfast was a pile of fruit. She wouldn't let me eat my normal breakfast. Saying something about some kind of vitamin de-fit-shun-cee. And that I ate too much meat. I tried to argue, but she was really firm, that I needed to have a 'healthy' breakfast once in a while. I didn't realize we'd be skipping lunch at the time, or else I'd have put up more of a fight. But now, I'm dying I'm so hungry.

"Lucy, I'm dying." I said while slumping over her. "I have to carry all this heavy stuff on an empty stomach, you're so mean to me." Yes, I will milk this for all it's worth. Especially since with my head on her shoulder I get a nice view down her shirt.

"Oh poor baby." She said indulgently, as she patted me on the head. "Up Natsu, you're heavy. Where do you want to eat?"

I took a quick sniff of the air for anything yummy. "I smell something frying."

"Lead the way."

We had a very yummy dinner of a variety of fried meats and vegetables, at Lucy's insistence of course. I debated with her that any nutrition that the vegetables may have had was fried to smithereens, but she said it was better than nothing. But overall just a nice meal. Of course there were the usual men staring, but I made it plain that they would face a terrible death if they approached our table. I guess it's one of those things I will just have to get used to. She's gorgeous, so of course other men will notice. Doesn't mean I won't rip their limbs off and beat them with it if they try anything.

"Despite almost starving to death, today was pretty fun." I commented.

"You sound surprised."

"Well shopping has never really been my thing."

"So when do you want to head out?"

"Tomorrow during the day sometime. It's too dark now. Early, since the sun sets early out here."

"Sounds like a plan. Shall we head back to the hotel?"

I didn't want our evening to end yet. "Let's look around the town a little before heading all the way back though, since it's still kind of early."

"Oh, that sounds like fun." And she beamed her smile at me.

It was nice just walking around with her. Seeing her get excited over something in a store window. We found ourselves in a small park, sitting on the swings. Not saying much.

"The stars are so pretty out here." She said randomly. I looked up and had to agree.

"Yeah, reminds me of nights when I was with Igneel, only more snow."

"Do you still search for him?" She asked me.

"Not as much anymore. Sometimes I'll take a mission in an area I haven't searched before. I may take some time and search these mountains if we have some free time. But as more time goes by and the more I learn about Zeref and the demons… I think he had his reasons, and I believe he'll come find me again one day."

"I'm so sorry Natsu. I know you miss him a lot." She said it softy and sadly. I really don't like hearing her like that, it makes my heart hurt.

"Hey it's not so bad anymore. I've got Happy, Fairy Tail, and gramps; my Nakama, and of course my very best friend." I said and gave her a one armed hug. Any excuse to touch her is a valid one in my book. "I haven't been alone for a long time. Even when dad left, gramps found me pretty quick. Imagine how much more wild I be if he hadn't."

She mocked shuddered and we both laughed. I left my arm around her shoulders, and she didn't seem to mind. Baby steps. I have a good feeling about the next few months.

"Speaking of stars, your spirits are stars right?" Wanting to turn the conversation to better things and just to keep talking with her.

"Sort of, there are star constellations that represent them, but you've been to the celestial world. They don't hang out in the sky at night. And the constellation stays there even when they're summoned."

Makes sense. "Are any of them up there now?"

She looked up and studied for a minute. Then pointed, "Several I don't have, but there's Aries."

I excitedly looked up but didn't see anything that looked like the lamb girl. "Where?" It was a big sky.

She came behind me, placing one hand on my shoulder and the other on my hand and guided it towards a bright star. It took me a few moments to focus on what she was saying, because I was just basking in her touching me. Blushing slightly, Her face was so near to mine, all I had to do was turn my head... but I forced myself to pay attention, and followed what she was saying, and she showed me 4 stars that made a mostly straight line with a slight bend at the end when you connected them. "A line with a curve?" I asked because I wasn't getting it.

"Well, yeah I guess so."

"That doesn't look anything like her." I said with a pout. In fact, it doesn't look like anything but 4 stars in the sky. That's kind of disappointing.

"Want to see Draco?"

"Draco as in dragon?! Yes please!" Bet a dragon will be tons cooler than a sheep.

She then guided my arm to follow a curve of stars. The 'dragon' looked like a sideways "2" with a bump. I think I'll just enjoy the sky as a whole. These constellations suck ass. How can you see a freakin dragon from a sideways 2? Must have smoked some bad crack. Not that I would say so to Lucy. I have that much sense. Her spirits were so much cooler looking though. "You should focus on getting Draco, he'd be the best one. A dragon is way cooler than a Lion." I said with confidence. Earning a laugh.

"Maybe I should." I could hear her smile. "Let's head back, I'm getting cold." We contently headed back to our hotel room, and made sure everything was packed and ready for our early departure tomorrow.

"Sigh, maybe I should have Virgo hold onto my stuff. Most of what I packed will probably be useless. Especially since we just shelled out a ton of money for new stuff."

"Sounds good. Do it after we get back, since I'm sure your stuff is fine for a party. Why don't you just have her hold it all the time? Then you wouldn't have to worry about carrying it at all." I asked while getting ready for bed. I was unwrapping my scarf.

"I don't want to get in the habit of using them for my own selfishness. They are my friends, not servants." How is that different than having the crab dude cut her hair? I wondered, though didn't say it out loud. "Natsu?" She suddenly asked. I looked at her with my eyebrows raised. "What is on your neck?" I confusedly stared at her for a second, and walked over to a mirror, and saw a large purple splotch. Whoops forgot about that. Hmm, what should I say?

"I don't know, you did it when I gave you a piggyback ride back from the club. I'm gonna go brush my teeth." I quickly said and went to the bathroom, though I didn't miss her very shocked expression.

He asked me for ideas on how I wanted to be proposed too and ring I would like. I told him one knee was mandatory, I'd like to be dressed up, just a random day, nothing clichéd like Valentine's Day, and the ring should be traditional with a small diamond because I didn't wear jewelry often, so didn't want something that would get in the way. Plus we lived in a major city, and didn't want it to attract a muggers eye.

So January 2003 rolled around and he took me to Medieval Times. We had the Red and Gold Knight and he won. It was super fun, I had never been before. After the performance, we were looking at the displays and he said my name, I turned to look at him and he was on his one knee. "Will you Marry me?"

"Yes!" Came my happy reply.

Though when I had tried to wear the ring, it was too small for me. The jeweler had not resized it like it was stated in the order. Sigh so we only told our immediate family, and waited to make the big announcement when the ring actually fit.

A week later I finally had my ring, but we decided to see if anyone would notice me wearing it. We went to the Aquarium with a large group of friends. And my friend Emily noticed it after about an hour, when I scratched my head. Her expression was so priceless. "That's a nice ring…" then she looked at me "Is that an engagement ring?!" I nodded my head in excitement with a big grin on my face. "Everybody, they're engaged!" And happy chaos ensued as the news quickly spread. Several of them were speechless at first, and their faces were priceless.

It was so fun and such a great memory.