Notes: i never thought id get back into fan fiction the way i am now. I have been re-reading lots of old stories i used to love and new ones.
Lucy considered herself a good girl. A good daughter. A good student. A good class president. A good friend.
Whatever the label was, it was always good.
Great.
That was what she was raised to be. Good.
Her fathers words always ran through her mind whenever she thought about anything else.
A good daughter is everything.
Everything. That is what it meant to her. So, in order to be a good daughter, Lucy followed every single step, plan, schedule, and direction she was given in order to continue being a good daughter. She aimed to please and excel since she was a child and she wasn't planning on breaking that anytime soon. She was top of her class, top of her grades, top of everything she could imagine as she juggled sports, after school lessons, and her immerse schedule of life. It was all she could remember since she was a little girl from piano lessons, violin lessons, volleyball, tennis, clarinet, horseback riding… the list could go on.
She was blessed in that way. Blessed that her father happened to be one of the top businessmen in the country where he owned about seventy percent of the railroad tracks and some shops here and there.
People always thought she had it easy since she was basically on a golden pedestal her entire life but the harsh dark truth is loneliness.
She kept up with her busy schedule just so she didn't have to feel the loneliness she felt from her life. She never really had a relationship with her father since he was always in and out. Maybe a brief conversation here and there and sometimes they would have dinner but it was always silent.
Truthfully, she gave up halfway through middle school when she realized he didn't have much interest in her besides if she was being a "good girl."
She learnt that from a young age when she realized whenever they talked, she was the one who did. And she is the only one who asked if he was doing alright and how was his day and when she even dislocated her shoulder and had to wear a sling, he didn't even bother asking what happened. Ever since then, Lucy had realized she was nothing more than an asset to her father. Just for looks and praise when other businessmen complimented Jude on his beautiful daughter and when photos were taken for marketing purposes.
She knew her place. She knew her job. But it was hard to continue to upkeep this "good girl" lifestyle where she struggled to be herself during the day. She cried herself to sleep at night mostly and watched cheesy romantic movies where she dreamt about her Prince Charming coming to swoop her off her feet and take her away to his castle to protect and love her.
But like her novels always emphasize, it is all fiction.
Lucy wanted to live a life of fiction. Where she could feel the thrill of life and adrenaline pump through her veins like the protagonist in her novels. She wanted to adventure and be part of it all instead of being the Princess who was locked away in her tower where the dragon guarded her from leaving.
She hated that book.
She felt like it resonated with her in an ill way where her father was the dragon who kept her away from everything that is all fun. Dangerous. Scary. Real.
While that was the one book her maids all loved to read to her, Lucy cried about how she wanted her Prince Charming to come rescue her from this stuffy tower of hers she was held captive.
To join a life of love and adventure. A life worth reading about.
Lucy could only dream.
"Are you sure you can't join us after school, Lu?" Levy, her childhood best friend, whined as she leaned in close.
"Yeah, it's only a study group." Cana, the high school drunk, hiccuped. "Tell your father it's a small get together before break starts. We won't be able to see you till after the break ends!"
"I have to stick to my schedule, guys." Lucy sighed as she pulled out her textbooks from her bag, tucking over her chair. "I can't miss piano, Capricorn will be upset if I miss a lesson."
"You never miss anything," Cana muttered under her breath as Levy nudged her. "What?"
"I wish I could," Lucy smiled sadly as she looked at her two friends. "You know I can't."
"We know, Lu," Levy put a reassuring hand on her. "Just figured we asked. We're supposed to meet at the Fairy Tail Cafe after school to study there if you change your mind."
"Who is going anyways?"
"Levy here asked Gajeel to come," Cana nudged Levy back who started to turn crimson.
Lucy gave her a sly smile as Levy continued to glow darker, sputtering and throwing her hands in the air as the two giggled.
"I—I—it's not like t—that!" She mustered out, steam blowing out of her ears. "W—we—we're in the same English class and we're partners! So…" she trailed off, pouting, pressing the tips of her pointer finger together. "That's it!"
"Yeah, right," Cana scoffed as she took a swig of her water bottle. "You just happened to invite one of those badass goons to come out and study with us."
"He's not all that bad!" Levy scowled, looking at the brunette who was smirking. "I—I mean I—"
"Oh, Levy," Lucy sighed lovingly, leaning against her arm. "I wish I could have someone like that."
"Oh, can it," Cana scowled this time, leaning against her chair. "You have every boy flocking towards you. You're just picky." She pointed her finger at the blonde who blushed this time.
"Wh—what?" She scoffed. "That's not true."
"Hey, you there!" Cana shouted at some guy who was standing around talking to his group of friends. The student looked at Cana in confusion, pointing to himself as she nodded, curling her finger inwards to indicate for him to come over. It made him exchange looks with his friends before he slowly made his way to where the three were, awkwardly fidgeting in his spot as he stood upon the trio. "You, there," she repeated, keeping her finger at the slightly quivering male. "What do you think about Lucy?"
"L—Lucy?" His sputtered face grew red as he noticed Lucy smiling at him. "M—Miss class president is just…" he trailed off, sweat starting to outline his hairline. "Miss Lucy is just an amazing person and beautiful woman. She is magnificent."
"T—Thank you," Lucy flushed, looking away embarrassed.
"Would you like to go on a date with her?"
"C—Cana!" Lucy cried out, wide brown eyes on the woman.
"D—Date?" His eyes widened. "O—Of course! It would be m—my pleasure!"
"Oh, no!" Lucy started to wave her hands in front of her, growing red. "I—I am so sorry for making it seem like I was interested. I simply am too busy of a person and I cannot. So sorry," Lucy turned him down immediately, making him frown slightly. "I'm sure you're a wonderful person," she offered him a soft smile, making him gasp slightly while looking at the beauty queen. "I just… am not looking currently, thank you."
"Thank you so much!" He bowed low making the three look at him in shock and confusion.
The trio exchanged confused and embarrassed looks as the male stayed at a ninety degree angle, excitedly spewing out his gratitude for the blonde as he hurried over to his friends who were whispering excitedly.
This made Lucy scowl and glare at her smirking friend, shrugging in nonchalant.
"See?"
"Cana, that was a bitch move." Levy said, making Lucy agree.
"So, what? A boy can dream, too." She said as the last class bell rang. It made the students start to wander back to their seats and some flock back inside from hanging around the halls.
Cana and Levy scooted back into the desks as they faced the front of the classroom, awaiting their teacher. Lucy could only sigh deeply as she looked out the window, wondering if she would ever have a chance to go out on a date one day as well. It made her ponder if she would even find anyone one day to her liking and she just zoned out as she watched a group of guys wrestled out in the field, scrunching her face up in displeasure as she noticed the animalistic fist fighting.
.
.
.
"Really?" Lucy cried out in half surprise, half excitement as she pressed the cellphone against her ear.
Fighting the urge to jump up and down in glee, Lucy had a face splitting grin on her face as her butler slash driver spoke on the other side of the line. Relieving her from her piano lessons as something had happened giving her the afternoon off. This made her heart swell as she thought about her girl-friends who asked her to come to the cafe earlier this morning, making her thank the man on the other side before she pushed the device into her pocket.
She rushed to grab her backpack as she grabbed a last minute cardigan to go with her outfit. Without knowing, she had already changed into an outfit fit for her lesson but with her last minute changes, Lucy ran out the door still wearing her dress and heels.
She hopped into the car that awaited her arrival and they drove off, the happiness bubbling inside of her chest like none other as she imagined the faces of her friends when she walked into the cafe.
Her heart was pounding in antsy anticipation, rushing out the car and squeaking out a quick thank you before she was skipping towards the cute small cafe across the street. She said her excuses before she rushed over to the corner where she saw Cana and Levy sitting, Gajeel sitting across from the couple as their faces perked up.
"Lu?"
"Levy! Cana!" She squealed, rushing over to throw herself onto the two girls who sat at the booths.
They huffed with confusion and surprise as the blonde crushed them, smiles decorating their face.
"What are you doing here? I thought you had a lesson."
"Capricorn said it was canceled!" She squealed. "So, I decided to stop by!"
Lucy's eyes flickered towards the pierced male who was staring at her, seeing that the seat next to him also had a backpack sitting on it as she offered a shy smile at him. "H—hi, Gajeel," she muttered as he nodded at her.
"Hey Class Pres,"
"We're not in school, you don't have to call her that." Levy said, a small pout on her lips as Gajeel turned to look at her. As soon as he did, she was flushed and looking away as Cana snickered beside her.
"Is someone else here? Can I sit?" Lucy pointed at the seat next to Gajeel.
"Oh, actually, some—"
"That's my seat."
Turning around to look over her shoulder, her brown orbs came in contact with unfamiliar dark ones. She stood there staring at the pink-haired delinquent she knew from school as he stood there, hands shoved in his pocket as he had a slight smirk to his lips.
"You really invited him?" Lucy leaned in to mutter to her girlfriends.
"He's failing bio," Levy sighed. "He's also in our group and Ms. Ultear said if Natsu isn't part of our project then she's going to fail us all." She whisper-shouted at the blonde as Natsu came over. He pulled the chair to sit down on it, the male looking up at the woman who stood over the table.
"You can pull up that chair right there," he motioned at the next table making Lucy frown.
"What a gentleman," Gajeel snickered, making Natsu shoot him a look.
"Fine," he huffed as he reached over to drag the chair over with his leg, sitting it on the edge of the table between Cana and him. "Have a seat, Pres."
"T—thanks," she murmured as she sat down, backpack placed next to her as she felt uneasy. She flickered her eyes towards her girlfriends who just shrugged at her making her regret making her trip out as she now felt the burning stare of the delinquent that terrorized their school.
Natsu Dragneel happened to be the most popular in school just because of his reputation he withheld. His first day transferred to Magnolia High, he beat down the biggest bully all on his own and since then, the others flocked to his side as if he was their leader. Gajeel was included in one of those followers as Natsu and he happened to be cousins. They had a group of guys who were his traditional friend group where all they did was "hood-rat shit", Lucy liked to call it. Natsu barely was in class and barely showed his face around school and when he did it was like a party where girls and teachers swoon over him.
She didn't know what was so great about him, anyways. She read his paperwork and his file and whenever he got into trouble, she heard all about it since her position being class president. The teachers urged her to do something with their animalistic behavior and actions but what could she truly do?
The guy was barely at school! And the times he was, he was surrounded by waves of girls who were desperate enough to want to spend any ounce of their time around or with the pink-haired student.
It didn't help that her father did business with his father. Nothing she knew too deeply about since her father rarely spoke to her but she had clearly seen mail from the Dragneel family which made her ponder. She asked around and yes, indeed, the Dragneel that addressed their letter happened to be Igneel Dragneel, Natsu's father who ran one of the biggest law firms and security companies.
Apparently, they used to watch over the pope which happened to be a big deal.
But atlas, Lucy didn't have any interest in guys who couldn't care less about school work or themselves. Especially those who knew they would be fine with daddy's money because in all honesty, she was also daddy's money. They did some sketch stuff behind the scenes and it just didn't settle well with her.
"So, why'd you show up late?" Natsu asked, leaning against his arm as he got too close to the blonde. "Date canceled?" He eyed her outfit making her hug herself.
Lucy reeled back slightly as she tried to keep a straight face, feeling awkward and uncomfortable. "Nothing like that," she scoffed. "Change in plans."
"Uh-huh," he hummed, seeing how her cheeks reddened. "Well, glad you made it."
He flashed her a cocky smirk making her scowl slightly, narrowing her eyes at the pink haired student. She felt flustered as his eyes burned into her body, a slight tingle running through her spine as she shivered.
"You cold?" Cana asked, placing her hand on the blonde making her turn to look at her.
"No, I'm fine. I just…" Lucy pouted slightly, trying her best to look away from the male who continued to stare at her and grin. "Anyways, I—"
"Hold on," Cana said as her phone started to ring loudly in her bag. She fished the small device out as she pressed it against her face. "What?" Her annoyed tone of voice echoed as her face scrunched up in displeasure. "Are you serious? I'm out with my friends…" she paused for a second. "But I—" she stopped to take a deep breath in, eyes rolling. "Fine!" She shouted into the phone before aggressively tapping on the end button. "I have to go." She said, packing her belongings into her backpack.
"What?" Lucy cried out, watching in concern. "I just got here!"
"I know but my stupid-ass father called me needing my help with god knows what." She hissed out, annoyance laced in between her words and her face scrunched up in frustration. "I swear, if I fail my English test because of him, there will be hell to pay!"
Watching how the fifth wheel packed their bags and stormed out, the four were left in the cafe in utter silence as unknown exchanges were passed around. Lucy quickly took the opportunity to scoot into Cana's seat so she could have some distance from the hot-headed one as she placed her hand on Levy's leg, squeezing in anticipation. She received a squeeze back as the two exchanged knowing looks.
"So," Natsu said as he leaned back against his chair, arms thrown behind his head to look at the two. "Know anything about bio?"
"I thought you three had a project," Lucy's eyes darted at Levy and Gajeel who were trying not to listen.
"We do but I also need help with my homework."
"Well, I have stuff of my own I need to do."
"Can't you help a friend out?"
"Who said we were friends?"
The question came out harsher than intended as the table grew silent. Lucy winced as she realized how it must have sounded as she looked up to see Natsu's face twisted in some kind of way making her frown.
"I—"
"It's cool," he shrugged, reaching forward to grab his pencil. "You're right."
It felt awkward as Levy cleared her throat, trying to direct the attention to the project as Lucy excused herself from the table.
Unknowingly, Natsu just stared and watched her leave as her retreating figure disappeared in the bathroom.
The rest of the study session was mainly silent and awkward. Levy and Gajeel had a couple conversations back and forth about this or the project and Natsu chimed in at times when prompted but Lucy mainly kept to herself as she continued to think about what happened. It made her feel weird and oddly upset as she continued to think about how harsh she may have sounded. And the look on his face made her frown even deeper as she chewed on the end of her pencil, brown eyes glued to the sheet of paper as she felt the flick of guilt.
She tried to sneak peeks at the guy and everytime she caught his eye she would look away, blushing furiously as she tried to act as if she wasn't looking at him.
She's never really paid much attention to him and to actually see him in person made her want to look at what these girls were so swoon over. This was the first time they've spoken to each other and it didn't help that she sounded like such a bitch.
In all honesty, she didn't have much experience when it came to guys. She never had close contact with anyone and while she grew up with just her father, they barely had enough time to connect.
Oh but the look on his face when she said he wasn't her friend made her want to strangle herself.
Packing up their belongings, Lucy put her cardigan over her shoulder as the group disbanded. Everyone had said their goodbyes and went separate ways as the sun went to bed and the moon began to greet the earth.
Lucy began to walk down the familiar path to her home as she refused a ride, wanting to walk underneath the romantic trail of the sky where the stars danced and the moon waved. She always had such a connection with the night and she would always hope to chase the night sky, a soft smile on her face as she connected the constellations and whispered sweet nothings out into the dark world.
Maybe it was the times she spent late at night alone, looking up at the starry night sky where her fascination bloomed but she also loved the stories of the zodiac.
Coming down the dark streets, Lucy felt a shiver run down her spine as she felt anxious and cold. She turned around to take in her surroundings, feeling uneasy all of a sudden as she noticed nothing. Turning back around to continue her journey, Lucy bumped into a figure making her take steps back to see a group of men, grinning at her hungrily.
"Hey, pretty lady," one of them purred, making her skin prickle. "What are you doing out here all on your own?"
"Don't you know that pretty girls like you shouldn't walk alone at night?" The bigger one added, the three starting to surround her small shaking body.
"My, you really are a looker, aren't ya?" His hot breath tickled her neck making her whip around to look in fear.
"G—get away from me..!" She said as they started to corner her. "I mean it!"
"And what are you going to do?" One of them cackled, the three starting to move in on her as Lucy began to move towards the wall.
"C'mon! Have some fun with us! We're experienced."
"Yeah, we'll show you a good time."
"No!" Lucy screeched as one of them grabbed her wrist tight, stopping her from getting away. "Let go!" She tried to jerk her hand free but his grip tightened.
"Hey," his voice got deeper and harsh. "When grown men ask you to do something, you fucking do it. Do we have to teach you a lesson?"
"I said," Lucy took a deep breath in. "Let go!"
Her knee collided with the groin of the main guy holding her wrist, a yelp of pain escaping his lips as Lucy made a dash for it. Her heels clicked as she ran as fast as her legs could take her, the shouts of anger echoing behind her as the fast footsteps. Lucy threw her heels off her feet as she booked it, adrenaline running through her body as she unknowingly had a smile running to her face.
While she felt the fear of being attacked, she felt alive for some reason. As if she had something to be afraid of and something that felt out of the ordinary for her.
She jumped and skipped, sprinting and hopping as she lost sight of the three that were chasing her. It made her laugh as her golden hair flew around her, her feet growing numb from the concrete and coldness the ground provided for her.
Soon, she was alone, again, as she was much closer to her estate, her bare feet padding along as she walked slow and steady.
The beating of her heart was starting to slow down as she took a deep breath in, exhaling loudly as she felt victorious. She replayed the scene where she kneed the one guy and she couldn't help but giggle to herself, a sense of pride swelling inside of her chest. She watched how the trees shook in laughter in return and the stars twinkled, her eyes closing in on the bright moon that shined bright for her victory.
Coming around the alleyway, Lucy froze as she saw the trio she escaped running down to stop, seeing her figure down the alleyway. They ushered each other down as they started to laugh menacingly, their faces glowing in the moonlight.
"My, my, what a nice surprise."
"You're dead, bitch," the one who got kneed coming over to the blonde who was walking backwards. "I'm going to make sure your face is unrecognizable after we're done with you."
Lucy turned to run again but shrieked as she bumped into the bigger one from earlier, the man grabbing her roughly to throw her against the wall. It made her hack in pain as the air escaped her lungs, the blonde on the floor as the three hovered over her.
"I'll fucking teach you," he snarled, eyes narrowed as he reached down to grab a fist full of her hair.
It made her scream out in pain as he pulled her close, his hot breath that smells like cigarette pouring out into her nostrils. Her heart raced inside of her chest as her wide brown eyes looked into the dark ones that grinned back at her. It just made her squeeze her eyes shut as she screamed for help.
The sound of accelerated wheels stopped everyone from their tracks as the four of them looked down the alleyway to see a motorcyclist sitting on his bike, engine running. He just sat there making the three exchange looks.
"Who is that?"
"Who gives a shit," the one spat on the wall. "Don't you see we're busy?" He shouted at the guy, turning his head back to the wincing blonde. "Now, where were we?"
Hearing how the wheels spin in place and screeched, the three looked back to see he was racing towards them. He flew by in an instant, grabbing the one who held Lucy by the collar to drag him down the road with him, cries of confusion and despair coming from his lips as he disappeared. It made the other two uneasy as they became on guard, looking from both sides to prepare for battle. The screeching sounds of the rubber on the concrete made them jump as they shouted obscenities into the night, Lucy trembling in fear as she tried to look for a way out.
She watched how the motorcycle was zooming back in both ends, his engine roaring into the silence as he zipped by once more, taking down one of them in an instant as he screamed out in pain. She watched with wide eyes as blood gushed out of his temple, the big man holding his head on the ground by her feet as the other trembled. He soon was running in the opposite direction making this her chance to get up and run.
She ran without looking back, the sounds of the man's screams and tire screeching making her eyes tear up as her heart pounded inside of her chest. She felt scared as her ran and ran, slowing her pace when she started to come towards her estate. She stopped for a minute to catch her breath, huffing and puffing as she looked down at her scratched up and bloody legs and feet. She felt worn out as she caught her breath, taking the chance to look behind her to make sure nobody followed her.
And then there he was there again. The motorcyclist drove up the long road and zipped past her as her dress and hair flew around everywhere. She guarded herself from the wind and leaves, stopping in her tracks to watch the motorcycle speed away until it came to a halt. She watched how the guy turned to look at her, the blonde furrowing her brows as she stared at the figure of the guy who only had a helmet on making it hard for her to see who it was. But by the looks of it, they knew her.
She continued to slowly walk, trying to act normal as she approached the motorcyclist. She tried to ignore him as she walked past him, feeling his eyes on her as another shiver ran down her spine.
She stopped to whip her head back, seeing how he still stood there watching.
"Who are you?" She sounded confident after her brawl. "Why did you save me?"
He was silent for a minute before he kicked his brake pedal, zooming past her once more as the wind blew her hair and dress upwards. It made her guard herself once more as she turned to watch him disappear, a huff escaping her mouth.
"Who is that?" She muttered to herself as she came back home, walking up the long driveway that took her to her well lit large home.
Once she returned, her maids were surrounding her, screaming and scrambling about worrying about her and how she was barefoot. Lucy could only reassure her staff as they came to her aid, Loke, her bodyguard and servant in charge coming to scold her. He cried out her feet and legs and ordered everyone to help her as Lucy refused, angry and embarrassed as she lectured everyone about how she wasn't a child. She just stormed off to her room to clean up as her heart and mind raced, thinking about her knight in shining armor who saved her in the alleyway.
In this modern world, they just happened to ride motorcycles.
Waking up in the morning, Lucy was beyond excited. Spring break had just begun and she was over the moon about how her schedule had opened up for her. A first in many years as she was free to do what she wanted for the next week. Capricorn said something about how her father had business overseas and wanted Lucy to join for dinner to discuss it, making her giddy about finally learning about the family business. It made her feel proud and excited to finally have a conversation with her father and learn about what goes on.
She brushed her hair for a while to make sure it was perfect. Took over an hour to pick out the right dress, painted her nails and tended to her legs that were bruised up from the previous night.
She was practically skipping down the hall as the smell of dinner lingered in their large roomy home. She could hear the chatter of people as she entered the large room, her large dining table covered in various types of dishes as maids prepared a feast for Jude and guests.
Lucy was surprised to see guests as she entered the room, her father speaking with an unknown gentleman with someone who looked like his son as she approached. Jude was quick to give a large fake smile she often saw in papers and television, opening his arms to embrace the woman who stiffened under his unusual touch. She offered a gentle bow at to the men and turned to see her father was chatting about what an amazing and beautiful daughter she truly was.
A good daughter.
And then the news spilled.
"She would make an excellent bride for my son."
Her heart pounded as her father boasted about how Lucy would make the perfect bride for anyone and especially his son. Speaking about her accomplishments and 'hobbies' she has. How she was top of the class, excel in sports, and how beautiful she was because she mirrored her late mothers attributes.
His son held her hand and kissed it, speaking sweet compliments as he smiled. He presented a box with a giant Diamond ring, her eyes widened at the bold proposal that was given to her as Jude and the other man boasted about marriage.
Her eyebrows were knitted as the pits of her stomach swirled with the unknown. Her heart accelerated at rapid paces as she felt light headed hearing how her life would be exchanged for a business ordeal.
It made her sick.
Feeling the hand of her father touch her shoulder, Lucy flinched and jerked herself free as she took a wary step back. She could hear the sounds of confusion and shock coming from everyone around as she flashed hardened eyes at her father who seemed displeased.
"Lucy, what are you doing?" His voice rang in her ears. "Be a good daughter and—"
"No!" Her shout boomed, echoing into the large room that grew hush. "Y—you can't do this!"
"Mr. Heartfillia, is there seem to be a problem?"
"Lucy, this is not up for discussion."
His hand gripped her arm like hot iron, burning her as she jerked free from his grasps, again. This time, she turned to flee as the cries of confusion and anger filled the room.
Lucy didn't know where she was going. All she knew was her legs took off and she was out in the dark streets again, running with her head held high. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she gasped for air, the cool night breeze nipping away at her pale skin as she eventually came to a walk. She was somewhere deep within town where the roads grew silent with the moon. Couple of people were out here and there as they gave her odd looks, her breath rapidly panting as her legs gave out on her. She fell to her knees and then suddenly erupted into a sob, body shaking violently as she cried out in agony.
She didn't care if anyone watched or saw her as she released all the undesired emotions she stored inside her tiny body. She was trembling with fear as she watched her hands shake, suddenly feeling cold and empty as she came into reality. She felt something fall on her shoulders as she saw the sleeves dangling by her sides. She blinked away tears to see something pink, focusing on the hand that was held out to her.
"Na..stu?" His name came out dry, almost a croak.
He didn't say anything as he helped her up on her wobbly feet, helping her stabilize herself as she tried to look at his face. He walked her towards a building where she realized there was a bar, dark lighting and tables scattered in spots as the chatter of the local community gathered to drink and talk. The same energy and enthusiasm his group of friends mirrored. He took her through the crowd to the door where stairs ascended upwards. She blindly followed him through the place as he brought her up to a room above the bar. It looked very well kept and homy as the modern finishes reflected luxury. Windows that overlooked the town, high enough to have some privacy and an overlook that soared into the night. Marble counters and wood floors that were warm underneath her bare feet.
He brought her over to the couch that sat in the rather spacious room before he disappeared somewhere to come back with a first aid kit. She watched through swollen eyes as he cleaned off her bloody feet and knees, wiping dirt and blood away as the silence swallowed them. Her heart raced as she felt his warm gentle touch, watching how he took care of her gingerly.
Once he was done, he stood across the room from her, quiet and observing as he looked at the blonde.
Lucy kept her head down, staring down at the spot he once sat as she counted the cuts and bruises that appeared on her long pale legs.
He didn't want to pry or be the first to talk as he waited for her. He brought over water and a blanket, laying the comforter over her body as she twitched in surprise. Her warmth instantly hugged her, making her loosen up, balling herself up on the couch to lay in silence.
"My father introduced me to my fiancé today."
Natsu was silent as he listened to her breathing, his eyes on the window that reflected a television.
"I didn't even know I had a fiancé."
She was sobbing again as her small body quivered underneath the covers of the sheets. He only watched with a frown on his face, seeing how her emotions danced in agony.
"I—I can't believe him," she sobbed, messily wiping her tears and snot. "I thought I was actually going to be able to connect with him and talk and get to know the business," she hiccuped, cheeks puffed and red. "and—and I spend an hour looking my best and he drops this fucking bomb," she took a deep breath in, gasping for air. "like I'm some kind of property he can sell off!"
"He sounds like a dick."
Lucy could only laugh as her tears stained her cheeks. "He is."
Natsu could only offer a small smile, watching how she angrily wiped the tears away. Silence was a normal thing between them as he waited for her to catch herself and regain her composure as she breathed in and out deeply.
"You can stay here if you need."
Lucy looked at him in surprise, feeling a sense of relief yet an awkward pang of guilt creeping in.
"Why are you helping me?"
Natsu shrugged. "I saw you crying. I couldn't just let you cry in the middle of the street like some weirdo."
"How did you find me?"
"My family owns this bar," he shrugged again. "I was outside getting some air and you just came running down the street barefoot and in all tears. I couldn't just watch and do nothing."
Lucy sniffled as she looked at the blank expression he mirrored. "Why are you being so nice?"
He just shrugged, scratching the back of his head.
Lucy frowned, seeing how reserved he was, her eyes falling down to the ground between them. She held the blanket close around her as she suddenly felt worn out, eyes heavy as her body heat held her near.
Natsu noticed her tiredness and he stood up, flicking the kitchen light off as he came over to where she was. He held his hand out to her as she eyed his palm. "Do you want to go to bed?" He motioned for the open bedroom door. Lucy's eyes followed the bedroom door to where Natsu stood, her cheeks growing red as she felt flustered by the situation. "I'm going to sleep on the couch, don't worry." He chuckled, making her body close up in reaction. Her lip formed a small pout as she felt embarrassed, palming his hand as he guided her to the bedroom where a mattress laid by the wall adjacent to them and a television with a dresser to her right. The decor was minimal, lacking personality and color as he guided her into the bed, taking the blanket from her shoulders to sit her down.
She watched how he moved around the room, going to the dresser to grab a t-shirt and then coming to a door on their left to flick the light on inside showcasing the bathroom. He made a beeline back to her where he placed the shirt to her side. "The bathroom is there so you can clean up and here's a shirt to change into. I'll be outside if you need anything."
"O—okay…" she said in a hush, unable to express her gratitude. She was unsure what to say as she watched him walk away, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. "He—hey Natsu..!" Her voice came out in a high pitched squeak. He turned around to look at her, hand on the doorknob. "I—um, t—thank you! I really appreciate this. You're a really good friend."
Natsu just scoffed, smirking at the flushed blonde. "Who said we were friends?"
Lucy was stunned as she watched him leave, heart pounding inside of her chest as his voice echoed inside her head.
notes: unsure where this is going. figured i could write about something new. let me know what you think so far!