The hot, humid sun beats down on Magnolia, reflecting off concrete and creating ripples along the horizon. Boiling solar rays cast their blistering heat across the decrepit structure, baking the land to an unpleasant degree. The stifling air rises off the pavement, adding to the intense heatwave.
Dull bangs resonate throughout the dilapidated building as sledgehammers pound against brick walls, soon followed by loud booms as the blocks break away, falling onto the fragmented heaps below. Workers shout over the clamor, their voices drowned out by blows.
Sweat drips down tan skin and over-defined muscles, mixing with and collecting dust on its journey. The brick walls are no match for the heavy, stiff pounding of hammers as they gradually chip away, releasing the blocks from their cemented jail. The tool's destruction is uncompromising, leaving the wall in a scattered heap of debris as Natsu works, throwing his full weight into every swing.
"That's a wrap everyone! There's water and snacks at the tent." An older man calls, his voice loud enough to sound over the ruckus. Workers breathe a sigh of relief, stiff shoulders slouching as they lower their tools.
"Hey, Natsu! You did a good job today pal," The scruffy ginger smiles warmly, clapping a large hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Thanks Gildarts!" Natsu shouts back, pride egging into his words as a toothy grin stretches ear-to-ear. Lifting his tired arms, the pinkette throws off his helmet and wipes the glistening perspiration off his brows.
He trudges towards his coworkers as a sense of relief washes over him at the shade provided. Not usually one to be affected by heat, Natsu basks in the warmth radiating from the ground. After a long day's work, the man settles down on a nearby crate and takes a moment to relax, rolling his shoulders and stretching brawny arms. He enjoys the pleasant sensation of tired, yet relaxed, muscles.
Gray leans on a car next to Natsu, tossing him a cold, refreshing bottle of water. "So how are you liking the job so far? You're not too worn out yet, huh?" he questions, sipping his own cool beverage.
Natsu chugs down the water to combat the heat as small drops dribble down his chin. After finishing, he releases a deep, relieved sigh. "It's not too bad after a while, beats working in retail," he remarks with a grateful grin. The heat may be difficult to handle for others, but Natsu enjoys it, even thriving off the blistering sun.
Much less could be said for Gray, however, as sweat pours down his forehead, almost resembling a melting snowman. He chuckles, nodding his agreement. After a brief pause, "I'm hanging out with a pal later if you wanna join us, figure you could use some more friends," Gray jokes, jabbing his elbow into Natsu's side.
The newbie's lip quirks up in a sneer as an eyelid pinches in annoyance, "Who says I wanna be around your ugly mug more than I already have to?" Natsu retorts, shoving Gray's shoulder. "Can you melt elsewhere, Frosty?" his mouth pulls back in disgust as Natsu scooched away from his smelly coworker.
Unfazed by the insult, "Just be at Fairy Tail by 9," Gray retorts, not willing to waste his breath responding. The dry air already stole enough of it. He pushes off the vehicle and strides towards his own car, casting back a wave.
"Cya," Natsu calls out to his retreating form. A heavy sigh leaves his thin lips as he stands up, ready to head home and wash away a week's worth of dust and filth. The humid air weighs him down, turning his movements sluggish. Each step is a sweat-inducing chore, feeling the oppressing heat clinging to his skin. Stepping out of the tent, the harsh sun blasts down from above, turning his tan skin flushed.
On the walk back to his truck, Natsu hears a soft meow nearby. Surprised, a puzzled look crosses his sweaty face as he glances around, trying to find the source.
Another noise rings out from above, pulling Natsu's attention up a nearby tree. A tiny, light gray cat, almost blue perches on a branch, its razor-sharp claws holding on for dear life. The poor feline flattens against the bark as it shakes, cautiously staring down.
Natsu's surprised eyes meet the kitty's frightened gaze as he stands below, pink head tilted back slightly. He gives the creature a friendly smile and approaches slowly but confidently. The cat continues to meow for help, its eyes filled with terror. "What are ya doing up there, buddy?" He says with an easy grin, hoping to win the cat's trust.
"You're pretty high up there, huh?" He says to the kitten, gauging the height with his eyes. "Just hang on tight while I go grab a ladder, okay?" He smiles, his deep voice reassuring the scared creature.
Another fearful meow emits from the cat as he leans over the branch, its dark eyes pleading not to leave. Natsu feels his heart soften at the sight, "Alright, I won't leave ya, but we're gonna have to find another way to get ya down from there."
Sharp eyes dart around the area in search of something, anything that could help rescue his new furry friend. But he comes up empty-handed, which only motivates him more. Determined to save the feline, Natsu does the only reasonable thing he can think of. He grabs the tree with both hands, one foot propped up for support in preparation to scale the thing. With his signature grin and determined expression, Natsu propels himself off the ground with one powerful kick.
At the first step, confidence oozes off Natsu as a toothy grin splits his face. Emerald eyes glance up, just in time to see the disobedient cat jump off the branch and plummet down. Natsu's eyes widen in shock as he watches the descent, reckless fear quickly shooting through his veins.
Almost comically, the cat lands squarely on his face, its sharp claws now biting into tanned skin and pink hair. Natsu's eyes screw shut as he flinches upon impact, but the shock swiftly fades away. A boisterous laugh spills past his chapped lips as he can't help but laugh at the situation, amused by the cat's antics.
Natsu steadily slides back down the tree, the cat still glued on his head. Once his boots touch grass, the man slowly reaches up, petting the adventurous feline before slipping him off his perch. "Man you sure are a rowdy little guy," he chirps, cradling the animal against his chest.
Natsu looks down at the feline with a warm smile, feeling a sense of companionship with the cat. "It's way too hot out here buddy, whadda ya say you come home with me?" he asks, gazing fondly at the kitten. An approving 'meow' is all he needs as Natsu flashes another toothy grin, eager to take the feline back home with him.
After a quick pit stop at the pet store, Natsu finally arrives home with bags of supplies. Throwing off his dusty work boots, he releases the blue kitten from his crate. The small animal's whiskers twitch as he curiously steps out, assessing his new home.
"Make yourself comfortable bud," Natsu coos, crouching down to rub his soft ears. The kitten pushes his head further into Natsu's palm before walking away, fuzzy tail swishing in the air.
Natsu fills his new food and water dishes with a gentle grin, watching as the cat happily prances over. "I'm gonna take a shower, alright little guy?" he states, giving his companion another pet. The cat meows in response, dismissing Natsu as he devours his kibble.
Entering the bathroom, Natsu is greeted with the warm sense of relaxation that only a hot shower can provide. The cool tiles contrast against his bare feet as the boiling water spills from the faucet, instantly relieving tension from his aching muscles. Steam rises from the shower head, filling the small space with a peaceful mist that settles against his skin like a warm blanket. He watches as it envelops the room and feels the comfort it creates, enjoying the feeling of it wrapping around him.
As the water rains down, Natsu's mind begins to drift to his new life in Magnolia and the friends he's made along the way. He reflects on finding a better job and meeting his furry pal, and then to the pretty blonde bookstore employee. Natsu's thoughts are like a river, floating along in whatever direction his mind decides.
His stream of thoughts merges with his girlfriend and how much she's changed his life for the better. Without her staying by his side, encouraging him to better himself, Natsu's current life wouldn't be a reality.
Cloudy, opaque images of Lisanna won't leave Natsu's head, no matter how hard he focuses. Scrubbing pink strands, he focuses on her voice, hoping it'll clear her figure. Her soft, soothing voice draws Natsu in, words like music to his ears. Her sweet, contagious laugh fills the air with joy, doing wonders on Natsu's skipping heart.
As the distorted haze lifts off the woman, rigid lines smooth out and form clearer images. Short, silvery hair shines blonde as her features grow sharp and focused, creating a glassy portrait. Lines that were once fuzzy and misshapen become sharp and clean, her blonde hair flowing like silk. Her features are more defined, no longer blending together in one muddled mess. It's as if she was seen through a distorted lens, with the blur finally clearing.
The warm water and steam mix with her angelic voice, clouding Natsu's judgment. Without thinking, a name tumbles past his open lips. "Lucy," he whispers, gazing at her cloudless replica reflecting off his eyelids.
The name floods his ears like a tsunami, dragging Natsu out of his thoughts. He finds himself at a loss, unsure of what to think. Why would he suddenly think of her?
Feeling confused and uneasy, Natsu shakes his head to clear his mind. Small pricks of guilt pierce him like dull pins.
Quickly finishing his shower, the disorientated man tentatively steps into the bedroom, vigorously rubbing his hair with a towel to distract himself.
He's greeted with a cheeky grin from Happy, his black eyes tracking Natsu across the room. The blue cat stretches his back, sharp claws digging into Natsu's comforter.
"What's up, buddy?" The man chuckles, running a hand through the feline's fur. He chirps in response, butting his head against Natsu's hip. His purrs fill the air as Natsu continues to pet him, smile growing wider by the second.
The bed bounces as he plops down, the curious cat is quick to step on Natsu's thighs, making sure to press his full weight onto his front paws. Suppressing a wince, the pinkette can't pass up the perfect photo opportunity.
Plucking up his phone, Natsu stretches an arm out in front of him. "Say cheese Happy!" he exclaims, flashing a toothy grin towards the camera. Happy meows in response, facing the phone as if understanding the command.
Natsu's grin grows wider as he takes the photo, capturing the moment on the pixelated screen. Scrolling through his contacts, he sends the image to his girlfriend.
Look who I found at work today!
A tan hand smooths down Happy's soft fur, enjoying the subtle rumbling as he purrs. Moments later, a small ping sounds from the device.
Aww, what a cutie! And his owner is pretty handsome, too ;)
Chucking again, warm fuzzies fill Natsu's chest as he reads the message. His eyes twinkle with affection as a small, almost unnoticeable blush spreads beneath his skin. Just a short text is enough to send his heart flying.
You're so sweet, He replies, sending a couple of heart emojis. His smile softens at the edges, fingers tapping across the keyboard. Can you call? I've been thinking about you a lot, and I miss your adorable laugh.
It's been almost a week since they last called, Lisanna having been reluctant lately. Natsu's mind fills with a cascade of sweet thoughts as he wonders what she's been up to, he can't wait to hear her voice again.
Tossing the phone aside, Natsu stands with a stretch, heading towards the closet for a potential outfit. Eyeing the selection, he reaches for a casual flame-printed shirt and jeans. A few minutes go by until a soft chime sounds from the bed.
I'd love to 3
Not wasting time, Natsu swiftly dials Lisanna's number, smile back in full force. Feeling elated, he counts the rings until her gentle voice drifts through the speaker. His heart flutters like a butterfly as they swarm within his chest in anticipation.
"H-hey, Natsu," she answers, words catching in her throat.
He can practically feel nervousness ooze between her breath. As her voice trembles, Natsu's grin vanishes as waves of worry wash through him. "Hey, are you doing alright? You sound kinda nervous, if it's some creep again I'm in the area and ready for a good fight!" Unrealistic scenarios plague his mind, jumping from bad to worse.
A short pause drags on like an eternity until she responds, "No, no. It's nothing like that." She replies with a dry chuckle. "I'm sorry for avoiding your calls, I had something personal come up." Clearing her throat, the woman continues, "I'm, um, not ready to talk about it, but I'm fine. Thank you for asking."
"Hey, no worries sweetie, everyone needs time to themself. If you ever feel like venting don't be afraid to call me, I'll always be here for ya, no matter what." Natsu's gentle voice and soothing words lift an invisible weight off her shoulders.
Smiling softly, "So, tell me more about your furry friend! How'd you find him?" She asks, curiosity peeking through.
Being the good boyfriend he is, Natsu tries his best to cheer her up. "The little guy was stuck in a tree at our recent demo location," he chuckles, lounging back on the bed. The cat in question meanders back over, his light blue tail swishing in the air. "I tried to climb up and grab him, but he had other plans." Natsu reaches over, running his fingers through soft fur. "Rascal decided to jump down at the last second, nearly gave me a heart attack til he landed on my face."
"A menace indeed. Sounds like he sprouted wings and fluttered down." Natsu's heart skips a beat at her soft, tinkling laughter, his face lighting up with a warm smile.
"He sure is. I scheduled a vet appointment tomorrow, just a regular check-up, nothing too serious. Since he's a stray, I wanna make sure he's good and healthy."
Natsu can practically hear her smile through the phone. "That's good, I'm glad Happy's got an amazing dad. Give him extra treats and snuggles for me!"
"Will do. So what have you been up to?" He smiles into space with a dopey look. Her voice is like music to his ears as he finds himself getting lost in her soft, smooth words. Natsu flops backward on the bed, now facing the ceiling. He lazily studies the speckled bumps, playing an unending scavenger hunt.
Muffled rustling sounds in the background as she shifts into a comfortable position. Pulling her legs under her, the woman leans back on the couch and takes in a deep breath, relaxing into the plush cushion. "Nothing too exciting, I've been enjoying some me-time at my place today. It's been really cozy, actually. I'm almost at the climax of a new book, pretty sure my hunch on the villain is correct!"
A deep chuckle resonates through the phone, tugging a smile on the author's face. Her stomach flutters with excitement as she hears the sound of his voice. "Your hunches are always right. If you wanna get back to your book don't let me stop ya, sounds like you were having fun." Natsu suggests, grateful to have spoken with her, even for a little bit.
"Trying to get rid of me already?" She chides, a soft giggle erupting from the speaker. "I miss you too, you know, I'm not ready to say bye yet. Besides, I'd choose talking with my amazing boyfriend over reading any day."
Love swells in Natsu's heart at her admission, making his chest ache with warmth and joy. "Alright, alright," he says with another light chuckle, a genuine smile plastered to his face. "So, tell me more about your book."
"You sure you want to hear about it? I know books don't interest you."
"'Course I do, I love learning about your interests. Plus, it gives me an excuse to listen to your voice, baby." Natsu's heart flutters like feathers, his immense affection for his girlfriend evident in his tone. A tender sweetness coats his words, capturing and sealing feelings between each syllable.
A light blush creeps across her face as she pauses, taking a moment to regain her composure. "Well, it's an adventure novel with bits of romance and mystery…" A large, love-struck smile curls across her lips, shyful glee seeping through her voice. Feeling giddy, the woman fingers the corner of her book, loving the soft texture as the material slips down her thumb.
Time slips by like a lazy current passing through an open palm as the couple lounge around, feeling no need to rush as they drift through conversations. A comfortable silence envelops them as they lay, content with each other's company.
Taking in a shaky breath, the writer musters her courage, "So, do you have any plans for tonight?" She asks, her voice revealing a hint of nervousness. She bites her lip in an attempt to keep her words steady.
"Nah," Natsu mumbles, sitting up with a yawn. Carding fingers through his now-dry hair, a faint memory tickles the back of Natsu's brain. "Wait, my coworker invited me to Fairy Tail at 9," Pulling his phone away, emerald eyes widen as they peer at the bright digits.
"Uhh, babe? It's 8:50." His girlfriend voices, her tone dripping with worry.
"Shit… Guess I'm not going, I'd rather stay home and talk with ya some more," Natsu shrugs, not caring in the slightest.
Sputtering, the woman's voice raises in pitch as she shouts her denial. "What?! Natsu go have fun with your friends, you can call me when you get home!"
"Ow.." Natsu moans, pulling the phone back with a wince. Rubbing at his injured ear, "He's not my friend," the pinkette grumbles, stubbornly crossing his arms.
"Sure, sure. Now get up and go have fun! I'll be here when you get back, I promise."
"Fine, but I'm calling ya as soon as I leave." He says with a pout, gloomily digging through the closet for shoes. Plucking up a pair, Natsu hobbles on one foot like a terrible ninja, clumsily putting it on.
She snorts at his antics, imagining his bottom lip jutting out and pink brows curving inward. "I'm looking forward to it."
'Lisanna' opens her mouth for a second before shutting it, swallowing past the lump in her throat. "Before you go…" She starts, heart pounding like war drums. "Are you, free tomorrow? I'd, um, love to finally meet you. And there's something I need to tell you, but I'd prefer to do it in person."
Her stomach churns like the stormy sea, each wave threatening to bring forth the ugly truth. Dull teeth pierce into her lower lip as though trying to keep herself from spilling out her secret, sweat beading along her forehead as her mind runs wild with doubt.
A tense beat of silence passes, forming a brief moment of hesitation. Before she can take it back, Natsu finally speaks, splintering through the wall of guilt. "R-really?!" He shouts, almost losing his balance until a foot jerks out in the nick of time. "Yeah I'm free, I'd always make time for you! We can even hang out tonight, let me tell Gray I can't make it."
Natsu's heart starts to race as giddy excitement blooms in his chest, unable to contain the wide grin that splits his face in two. His mind races with endless adventures they can go on, from laser tag to moonlit walks under the stars.
Oh, how he can't wait to finally meet her. His chest swells with excitement and suspense as he looks forward to finally seeing Lisanna, and in person no less! Not through the staticky screen of video calls, but with his lucid, crystalline gaze.
To see her smiling face and hear her silky voice in front of him.
"Natsu," she groans like a parent scolding their child, "go have fun, enjoy yourself for a bit, I can wait. Let's meet up after Happy's appointment, okay?"
Anticipation spreads through veins as he hops around the room, searching for his wallet and keys. "Yes, mom." Natsu exaggerates, finally finding his lost possessions. "Happy's gonna love ya, I just know it."
A soft, nervous smile spreads across her lips, excitement overshadowing faint guilt. After a year of lies, she'll finally come clean. Finally pulling back the shroud of smoke that distorts their relationship, their dream of a life together. "I can't wait to meet him, too. I'll talk to you later, don't pick too many fights. If I have to bail you out of jail I won't be able to afford rent."
"There goes that plan," Natsu jokes, his cheeks beginning to hurt from the constant smiles. "G'night, beautiful." With a soft click, he ends the conversation, making a mad dash down the stairs, taking two at a time. Natsu sprints through the front door and out into the dark streets, ready for the night to end so he can come home to Lisanna.
Chapter 5 is complete and ready to go next Thursday! Unfortunately, I only have a little bit written for the final chapter so I can't promise it will be ready in two weeks, but it will be uploaded at some point. I have a few conversations and scenes planned, but I'm lacking the sparkle that wraps the story up nicely.