Thank you all again for your wonderful reviews.I have to apologize for the delay. Of course there were the holidays and all the craziness that involves, then our water pipes burst from that arctic cold that engulfed the country. Top it off with my kids having some stomach flu, and you have one heck of a month.
I'm sorry the smuttiness hasn't be prevalent these last few chapters. It's heading there, I promise. When I first thought up this story, I wrote an outline of what I wanted. What scenes I wanted, where I wanted the scene to go, and how I want it too end. But I've been winging it on how to get from scene to scene, and I'll admit it's taken a little longer to get to each scene than I first thought. So I'm sorry, Perhaps I shall write a short smutty story to tie you guys through.
This chapter was starting to get really long, especially with all the answered questions at the end, so I will hopefully finish up the next chapter fairly quickly. Unfortunately you have all been so patient and I only have a filler for you. I hope you enjoy it anyway. And to show your happiness please leave a review.
And some of the pfiller you're gonna be like, "what?" But it has purpose later on. Bear with me please.
"Fairy Tail" and all its characters of course belong to Hiro Mashima.
"Skip Beat" is owned solely by Yoshiki Nakamura. All her characters that I'm borrowing are her sole property.
Chapter 13 – Dinner
Lucy's POV
Natsu's question had really, really thrown me off. So much for a naive, innocent Natsu. He asked me so bluntly too. I banged my knee on the dresser drawer because of him. He may be my best friend, but he's still a guy. It's not a conversation I feel comfortable just bluntly talking about like that. Hell I don't even really like talking with Levy and Erza about things like that! But I knew he wouldn't have let the conversation drop. He's a pretty stubborn guy after all.
I didn't really expect him to get so pissed off though. I wonder who exactly he was planning on hunting down? Was he just gonna ask all the guys on staff if they have ever dumped a pregnant girlfriend? I agree it's a shitty thing, but not one I've ever gotten mad about. Probably because it never happened to anyone I personally know.
Of course he was technically abandoned by Igneel. And who knows about his actual birth parents. I wonder if that may have struck a chord with him.
Not sure how I haven't realized it yet, but Natsu really has a soft spot for kids doesn't he? My very first day in Fairy Tail, he went out to help Romeo get his dad back, and I've seen him playing with Romeo more than once. And of course he's raised Happy, and treats him like a son. Natsu is probably going to be a really great dad one day.
After putting away my stuff I said, "I'm gonna go ahead and enjoy the shower. Do NOT enter that bathroom or forfeit your life." I told him sternly.
"Yeah, yeah." He said petulantly, and laid back down on the bed. He's kind of cute when he sulks. I didn't take as long as usual, because I was excited to go exploring. It's been a long time since I was in a mansion like this. I hope there is a library here.
I exited the bathroom in my more usual attire. I'm not used to wearing so many layers anymore. "I'm gonna go explore till dinner."
"Great I'll go too." He said with a grin. Jumping off the bed excitedly.
"Natsu, I'm hunting for a library. I don't think you'll have much fun following me around. Maybe you'll have more fun checking out the grounds."
"It's always fun when we're together though."Doki doki. I really hope he's not hearing my heart right this moment. With a light blush dusting my cheeks, I headed out the room with him behind me.
The mansion was beautiful. Much more beautiful than my old home. My father was more into sterile grandeur as opposed to this detailed luxury. Every vase looked like it was hand crafted with lovely gold detailing. Lovely things basically disappeared after my mother passed. I was given all the pretty clothes I could want, and my room was professionally designed with a girl in mind, but the rest of the house was all him. Cold if I had to use one word. Of course there was gold and platinum in abundance with the decorations, but no warmth. Enough with the memories. "So what do you think of the place Natsu?"
"Hmmmm, kind of like a really fancy cup?"
"What does that mean?"
"Nice to look at, but not very practical, and if you do use it you're afraid of breaking it the entire time."
I chuckled lightly at that. And saw a passing maid. "Excuse me, miss?"
"Yes ma'am?"
"I was wondering where the library was?"
"Allow me to show you the way."
"Thanks so much."
It was fabulous. Large windows gave plenty of natural light, and many large, comfortable chairs and couches were all around. 2 floors of books., Floor to ceiling books. Thousands and thousands of books. This was going to be wonderful. Where do I even begin?
"That's a lot of books." Natsu said.
"Isn't it wonderful?" I gushed. "Where should I start?" And started looking over at all the shelves. Pulling a few that looked interesting. I had a decent stack when one caught my eye. "Surviving the Harsh Climate of Iceberg." That one sounded useful.
"Find enough books?" His tone was one mixed of incredulity and amusement.
"Hmm, it's a nice start I think." And plopped down on a couch pulling open the book. I'll read the useful one, and then the fun ones. And dived in. I have no idea how much time passed, but I was suddenly interrupted by Natsu plopping down on the couch as well and laying his head on my lap. "Wha!, Natsu? What are you doing?"
"Getting comfortable."
"Why are you getting comfortable on my lap?"
"Best place to listen to a story." He said with a cheeky grin.
"This isn't really a story, more like an educational school book."
"So? Read it to me anyway."
"It'll be boring." But he just looked at me expectantly. "Okay Natsu, don't say I didn't try to warn you." And so I started reading. I was on the chapter talking about hypothermia. "Treatment for hypothermia depends on the condition of the person."
"What's that?"
"What? Hypothermia?"
"Yeah, that."
"Hypothermia happens when your body gets really, really cold. You know how people can die if they get too cold for too long?" He shook his head in acknowledgment. "Well that's because of hypothermia. Your body temperature gets too cold."
"Okay, got it."
"Mild hypothermia victims who show only symptoms of shivering and are capable of rational conversation may only require removal of wet clothes and replacement with dry clothes or blankets. In more severe cases where the victim is semi-conscious, immediate steps must be taken to begin the rewarming process. Get the person out of the water and into a warm environment. Remove the clothing only if it can be done with a minimum of movement of the victim's body. Do not massage the extremities.
"What are extremities?" Natsu interrupted again. At least he's listening.
"Generally it refers to hands and feet."
"Why not just say hands and feet?"
"I don't know Natsu, may I continue?"
"Lay the semi-conscious person face up, with the head slightly lowered, unless vomiting occurs. The head down position allows more blood to flow to the brain. Immediately attempt to rewarm the victims body core."
"What is the body core?"
Trying to be patient with him, though the constant interruptions were irritating. "Like your chest area where your heart is. And stomach area."
"If available, place the person in a bath of hot water at a temperature of 105 to 110 degrees. It is important that the victim's arms and legs be kept out of the water to prevent "after-drop". After-drop occurs when the cold blood from the limbs is forced back into the body resulting in further lowering of the core temperature. After-drop can be fatal.
If nothing else is available, a rescuer may use their own body heat to warm a hypothermia victim.
Most persons recovered in cold water "near" drowning cases show the typical symptoms of death:
• Cyanotic (blue) skin coloration
• No detectable breathing
• No apparent pulse or heartbeat
• Pupils fully dilated (opened)
"So if someone falls in cold water and gets hypo what it is you strip them naked and strip yourself naked and lay on them?"
Oh dear, again with the bluntness. Covering my face with my hand, "If nothing else is available then yes Natsu."
"Got it. You're a nicer teacher then Erza was. I still have nightmares from when she taught me how to read."
I giggled at that. Honestly I was impressed that he managed to pay attention to all that. Though I'm not sure how much more I can put up being interrupted all the time trying to read. "Wanna go explore some more Natsu?"
"I thought you wanted to read all those books?"
"I was thinking I can send them back to our room, and use my speed reading glasses on them later."
"Are you sure?"
"Yup, let's go."
I found another maid to take my stack of books back to my room, and we explored some more. We found the grand hall, and it was already being decorated for the wedding. I guess this is where the reception will be." I said randomly.
"Looks…fancy." He said in an uncertain tone.
"Well of course it's fancy, rich people always do fancy for everything."
"Is this the kind of wedding you want?" He asked, looking around.
My heart. Oh dear, I'm sure my face is on fire again. Does he have to be so curious about everything? "Umm, not really. I want it to be nice of course, but not this level. I don't want a back yard bar-b-que, but not this formal either. Somewhere in between, I guess? Nice dress for me and a nice suit for my groom at least." After some silence, "What about you?" I asked in what I hoped was a light tone.
"Never really thought about it." Of course not. I thought with sigh. Scratching his head in thought, "But definitely nothing like this. Where's the fun?"
"You had fun at the ball in Peregende."
"True, who wouldn't have fun stealing the kings crown?"
"I'm still shocked you weren't locked up for that." We both smiled at the memory.
We continued on our way. Familiarizing ourselves with the grounds. Before we knew it, it was time for dinner. And boy do I wish we had skipped. It's my fault, it's my entire fault. I didn't prep Natsu before hand on fancy table etiquette, though to be fair, the fact he uses a fork and knife now is a huge improvement to when I first met him.
We were seated at a long elegant table. I was seated to the right of Mr. Mogami. Kyoko was to his left. There were some party planners seated with us as well, and Natsu was placed farthest away from me. I found it incredibly odd that the seating arrangement would be like that. But I felt it would have been too rude to speak up. Though Natsu had looked really uncomfortable with the arrangement.
The poor boy was way out of his element. I could see the confusion on his features as he took in all the silverware, and stack of plates. It was a full-fledged formal dinner setting complete with red wine, white wine and water glasses, bread plate with bread knife, soup spoon, teaspoon, dessert spoon, dinner fork, salad fork, cake fork, and all the other trimmings. And I am completely sure he has no idea what the cocktail fork is for. The kind of setting you set when you are trying to show off and impress. There was way too much there for him to have the slightest clue on how to begin.
I looked over at him a caught his eye. I tried to mentally tell him to just watch me and to do what I do. I pointed at the starting utensil and hoped he would look at me throughout dinner. It was the best I could do for him right now. Though I would request to sit next to him at the next meal.
The meal began, and I could tell Natsu was already being mocked. Which was pissing me off. He openly admitted to not knowing what he was doing, and I guess didn't pick up the subtle jokes on his behalf the other guests were having. Many years of training prevented me from upending my water glass at the jerk to my right.
"It amazes me that such a refined young lady like you would be partners with such an uncouth barbarian." Said the gentleman while he eyed my chest. Who is the uncouth one here again?
I stiffened in my seat with anger. I wiped my mouth with my napkin and was about to tell him off when Mr. Mogami spoke up. "So Lucy, I've heard from my staff that you are sharing a room with your partner?"
"That is correct. We already explained our reasons to your daughter."
"You must know that I can't allow an unmarried girl to 'shack' up with some guy. You'd bring shame on my house."
"Sir we are not members of your household. We are temporary employees. The only place that can claim grievance against us is Fairy Tail."
"I don't understand why you would ruin your reputation by doing this? Obviously the boy in unworthy of a girl of your status. Why risk your future for something so trivial?
"My future sir?"
"Yes, you're the same age of my daughter, you still have years ahead of you, why do something so foolish? Look at him, he doesn't even know how to use a fork correctly."
"You are correct when you say it is my reputation sir. Therefore it is my concern, not yours. You have no claim on it. You may have been friends with my father, however you are not my father. I shall not say this again. I am Lucy of Fairy Tail. My future is with Fairy Tail. My reputation is with Fairy Tail, my honor is with Fairy Tail, and that boy as you so dismissively said, has saved my life more than I can count. And saved all of your lives as well. Perhaps you were not informed of the events that took place after the Grand Magic Games. But Natsu was publically honored by Princess Hisui of the Pergende Kingdom as a hero. What laurels do you possess to speak of my partner in such a way?"
The table had grown very silent. I was too angry to be embarrassed. Natsu was smiling.
"If you are truly that worried about how our presence here will negatively affect you, we shall take our leave. I bid you good night." I stood up, grabbed the bread roll with my bare hand, took an obnoxiously large bite, looked over at Natsu, he got up as well and we both left the room.
Natsu's POV
God she's amazing. "Lucy you're amazing." We were back in our room and she was repacking her bag. Guess another night in the tent for us. I couldn't resist anymore, I went up to her and gave her a huge hug. Ignoring her fake indignant squeals. "Thank you for that Luce."
"I couldn't stand those assholes anymore. We're leaving, now, I don't want to stay one more minute here."
I love her, I absolutely love her. What's not to love? I looked at her face, "You know what Lucy?"
"What Natsu?"
Now is a good time. "You're great. You are the best friend, and partner I could have ever asked for." Breathing deeply, I looked her in the eyes, "I really L…" A loud knocking at the door interrupted me.
"LUCY!" The voice of Kyoko was heard from the other side of the door.
"Come on in Kyoko."
Kyoko's eyes were brimming with tears, "I'm so SORRY!" She wailed. She then threw herself into a full Japanese Dogeza, "I don't know why my father did that. He was so rude, and mean, and nasty, and impolite. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry" With each 'I'm sorry' she rose up and bowed again. She was going so fast I could feel a breeze. How was she not passing out from the effort?
"Kyoko. Sto, Kyoko, wait listen. Ky – Kyo - Please stop." Lucy was trying desperately to get the wailing girl to stop. Lucy was looking very flustered and helpless, so I took a page out of Gajeels book, and just grabbed the scruff of the back of her shirt and lifted her up to stop the constant bowing.
"Oiy! Kyoko!" I said loudly with a little shake. "Knock it off, you're being annoying."
"Gomen asai Natsu-san." She said subdued.
"I heard you the first 50 times, apology accepted, so no more bowing. Got it?"
She shook her head up and down, and seemed calmer, so I put her back down on her feet.
"Kyoko, what was all that about?" Lucy asked concerned.
"I was apologizing for my father's boorish behavior. As the lady of the house, I had to restore the honor of my family."
"His house, his rules. Don't worry we're leaving. We'll be back the day of the wedding if your father still wants us to be. I shouldn't have lost my temper with a client."
"No, no no no no. What he said about Natsu-san was completely wrong. I don't understand why he would do such a thing at the dinner table."
Another knock at the door sounded with that. "Ms. Heartfillia, may I have a word?" It was the Mogami asshole.
Questions I have received
Several people asked me about how kids changed things, or if having kids made thing more difficult for us as a married couple. I shall try to answer as best as I can. And please take no offense to any of my answers. I am definitely not all knowing.
It'd be a lie if I didn't say it was an adjustment, but it didn't negatively affect our marriage. My husband loves kids, and wanted them. I was the one who was kind of against having kids, and when I got pregnant with my son, I wasn't happy. My unhappiness stemmed more from fear then anything against the kid, but never the less I had a fairly shitty attitude about being pregnant.
When he was born 3 months early, it was kind of like God was telling me, "If you truly don't want this gift, I'll take him back." I was very suddenly smacked with the reality that I could lose my son, and was filled with guilt and remorse over my previous attitude towards him. I finally understood that children are a gift, not a chore.
Overall It's a lot less spontaneous. Before if I wanted a milkshake at 2 am, or wanted to go see an R rated movie, it wasn't a problem, now I can't go out unless I want to go by myself. And taking my kids to an R rated movie is just wrong. It takes pre-planning to go to the movies or a fancy dinner. But the exchange has been more than worth it I feel. It's hard to explain the absolute joy that enters your heart at their smiles. When my son was a baby and he'd wake up in the morning, I'd sneak into his room when I hear him happily cooing and peak over at him in his crib.
Every time he saw me, he'd break out into the biggest, toothless grin possible. And he'd do a whole body happy baby wiggle. Let me tell you, I have received no greater joy than that feeling right there. It makes all the poopy diapers, and spit up worth it.
We both played an equal role in taking care of the kids while they were infants, and I think this is one mistake a mom makes, is trying to do it ALL by herself. Change all the diapers, give all the baths, change all the clothes, laundry, housework, etc. I breastfed, but definitely allowed and expected my husband to do diapers, give baths, dress them, help out around the house, etc. If you do everything, of course you'll be too exhausted to do anything else, and your husband won't truly understand why you're so tired and may start to feel neglected. Be partners. Plus there is something incredibly sexy about a man who can take care of his kids. I definitely found my husband more sexy seeing him sleeping holding our baby on his chest.
Plus we make sure to still have fun together. The first 6 months after having a baby are pretty much a baby blur. Once the baby is sleeping more than 3 hours at a time, life starts to resemble life again.
How do I feel about marrying my best friend? When I was little did I think I would marry my best friend?
No I didn't think I would marry my best friend. Part of me never really expected to get married due to self-esteem issues. I was a foul mouthed tom boy for most of my childhood. I blame having 2 brothers and a foul mouth mother : )
I didn't expect it to happen, but it's really great. When you're dating someone, you put on a show so that they'll like you more. When you're friends, he already knows you can eat a footlong or burp your ABC's (yes, I can burp my ABC's)You already have a bunch of stuff you know you like to do together.
There's a comfort level there as well. Like I know he has never purposefully tried to hurt me. So when he's said something that I could take as an insult, I ask him "Think about how I could take what you just said?" And he'll think about it, and open his eyes in shock, and apologize and clarify exactly what he meant.
I would recommend it to everyone. Just be friends. You get to know who they really are, not the polished persona they wear on date nights.
How is traveling with kids? Have I traveled a lot?
When they're babies, it's kind of like extra luggage. You just lug them around where you want them to go. Be mindful of their needs, and it's really not that complicated. We've driven to Florida, Kansas, and Wisconsin Dells with success. Good rule of thumb is the younger the child, the more stops you plan. Plus we usually travel at night, so they're more likely to sleep most of the way there.
For an older kid, they're more easily entertained. A portable DVD player, Nintendo DS, books, snacks, makes for a fairly pleasant drive. Make them get out and pee every time you stop for gas even if they say they don't have to, just tell them to try. 9 out of 10 times they've managed to pee something.
It is a little frustrating not being able to visit more adult places like a cool bar. But you are an adult for most of your life, and they're only kids for such a short amount of time. It's okay to give it up to make them happy.
I would love to travel more. We try to get away at least once a year. It gets easier and harder as the kids get older. Easier in the sense we can go more places, harder in the sense if they don't like they let you know under no uncertain terms what they think of it.
Whatever happened to the rude friend? How is the fake friend?
We're still acquaintances, but not really friends anymore. We keep in touch via Facebook, but we have definitely gone down different paths in life. I hung out with her once last summer and we went clubbing. I realized I'm way too old for that. I had no fun, and she was grinding up to a bunch of different guys. She's going through a separation/divorce. (She never officially married, but they were together for about 10 years, so it's kind of like a divorce.) So she went clubbing with being single in mind. Me, not being single, was pretty miserable and bored. I haven't really tried to hang out with her since. We just don't enjoy the same things anymore.
I do not harbor any real ill feelings towards her anymore. I shared my past since it was part of the story, but it's not really something I think of anymore. In fact hadn't thought of in so long till I was reliving my history for all of you.
What was your first time like?
Enjoyable. No pain. We officially went all the way about 6 months before the wedding. Wasn't the most innocent but hadn't actually had full fledged sex until that point. We had wanted to wait till the wedding day, but I was going through a really tough time at home, and just wanted to feel his love completely.
I don't remember the day, just know it was in November 2003. But no blood, or pain. Just felt good.
Are my kids into geeky things?
I assume you mean technology stuff, and yes. Both of them like playing video games quite a bit, and he rocks at Angry Birds. My daughter is really good at puzzle games. He had his own DS, he hasn't earned a 3DS yet, and my daughter wants a DS, but not until she's 5. We're thinking of getting them a tablet to share, so they'll quit using ours.
With all the technology these days do I share a lot with people? Do I like how easy it is to stay in touch with people?
I have a facebook, and that's about it. I used to share a lot more but when Facebook decided to change thing like any pic I upload becomes their property kind of garbage, I stopped sharing so much.
I love how easy it is to stay in touch with people. I've reconnected with several High School friends that I just lost touch with when they left for college or what not. I love that I can see how their lives are, see pics of their kids, share pics of my kids. I've actually met up with many of them and that has been a blessing to rekindle old friendships. It's also been nice to see dodged bullets in a sense. Boys I thought were cute that have not aged well, or turned into jerks or are still living at home with no job. It's nice to have married well : )
Do I like Sonic? Fire Emblem?
I actually don't like Sonic games too much because they are just too fast for me. I do not do well with fast, reaction based games. My son loves Sonic, and does so much better at them then I ever could. Even in my youth. I haven't actually played any of the Fire Emblem games, my husbands owns them all, and loves the series. I should pick it up, I hear good things about it.
Mario or Sonic?
Mario is slower paced, but never really liked his games much. I haven't played a Mario game since the one for the 64 came out, many moons ago. Again my son likes Mario, and has Mario Brothers bedding. I do enjoy Mario Kart immensely though. Does that count?
Though Sonic is cooler looking then an over weight Italian man : )
Advice on Dating Life?
Best advice I could give for dating couples is to not get too physical too fast. Once you do something physical you don't go back. Like once you start groping each other, you don't just stop, you continue too, and then it progresses to under clothes groping, or clothes removal. To me sex wasn't something to take lightly. From the relationships I've seen over the years, the people who got the most physical the fastest, had the worst break ups and heart ache. Not all the time, but majority. And then they were more likely to rebound on someone way worse because they're self-esteem was shot.
Also don't be afraid to discuss hard issues after you have been dating a while. Politics, religion, sex, kids, holidays, money. Obviously these are not first date conversations, but after a while if you are getting serious, have these conversations. It always amazes me that a person could date someone for 2 years and not discuss these topics. People of 2 different religion's, how will you raise your kids? Do you want kids? What's your discipline style for when the kids are bad? What kind of ceremony would you have? Whose in-laws for the holidays will you go to? What holidays do you celebrate? Will you have a joint account? Will the wife stay home to raise kids or work or will you guys do daycare? What is your stance on abortion? Gay marriage? I seem to have gone on a tangent, so shall stop, but I hope you get the idea.
If you're starting to think marriage with the person you're dating please have these conversations first.
Advice on married life?
Hmmm I've got some that have worked for me, though may not be popular. I guess the number one thing is to know your spouse and what works for one couple may not work for another. But here is a bit that I will share. Again these are generalities, I'm sure there are plenty of people who will say this doesn't apply to me at all. That's fine. You know your situation the best.
As a general rule do not use absolutes, like Never or Always. Especially in arguments. You never help, you always nag. Is it really true that he has never helped you? Is it really true that she always nags? No it isn't.
Compromise is huge. One person shouldn't do all the compromising, it should be a 2 way street. Brow beating your spouse, the person you are supposed to love the most, into submission of your way of thinking is really wrong and unhealthy. It will brood resentment and anger. It is okay to say, Last year we went fishing, so this year can we go to a spa.
To women, men are not mind readers and generally do not pick up hints well. If there is something you want or need just bluntly state it. Respect is also really important to men. If you ask him to do the dishes and he does it, thank him. Not nag at him that he loaded it wrong, or didn't put the bowls in the right spot. Say thank you, then ask if you could make a small suggestion, and explain why putting the bowls a certain direction will give them a better rinse. You would probably not believe the fights I've heard about. When they can be avoided by just using a gentle voice and saying thank you first.
To men, do not play up ignorance to get out of things. If you wish to be seen as the strong, smart man you are, then make sure to be willing to learn and apply. You may have never changed a diaper and had no younger siblings, but that doesn't mean you cannot learn and be a wonderful dad. Which by the way a man who is great with kids is SUPER sexy. I am not lying or exaggerating. Be willing to share your feelings and emotions with your wife. If you need some time to brood, tell her please give me "10-20 minutes" to think and we'll talk later. And then follow through
The absolute best book I can suggest every couple who are getting married read is "The Five Love Languages" by Dr. Gary Chapman. It's a really good book. It describes how everyone gives and receives love. For example, A man thinks he's showing love to his wife by providing financially for her and buys her expensive things, but is hardly home. The wife needs to spend time with her husband to feel loved. The wife thinks she showing love to her husband by having a clean house and meals ready to go, but the husband needs to be told he's appreciated.
Both are trying to show love to their spouse, both love their spouse but their spouse doesn't feel it, because they are not speaking each other's love language.
That was a lot of questions. But fun to answer. I hope you will continue to ask if you want.