The sky unfolded in a riveting display before Lucy, its colors shifting exquisitely from night's deep indigo to morning's soft, rosy hues.
Ensconced beneath the same tree she had been bound to yesterday, she took in nature's morning symphony—birds chirping, leaves rustling in the crisp air.
Nearby, the remnants of last night's campfire lay strewn about, reduced to smoldering ashes and faint tendrils of smoke, their earthy scent blending with the fragrance of pine and dew.
Despite the tranquil atmosphere surrounding her, Lucy couldn't shake the unsettling memory of Natsu's warm lips pressed against hers, softened only by the blanket covering her face.
Since that fleeting moment, sleep had eluded her entirely. And she had almost returned his kiss, almost pulled the blanket off her face. If Natsu hadn't pulled back, who could say what might've transpired?
Alcohol had plausibly played a significant part in loosening their inhibitions that night. Then, the echoing cries of passion from Erza and Gray had effectively served as a backdrop, intensifying the tension between Lucy and Natsu that had been steadily building from the start.
Still, Lucy knew she shouldn't have let it happen, especially considering she was still in a relationship with Laxus. It felt like a betrayal, plain and simple. Despite Laxus' shortcomings, she couldn't deny that she had crossed a line, egregiously violating the trust he had placed in her.
So break up with your boyfriend and be with me, echoed Natsu's words from the night before.
At the time, Lucy had vehemently brushed off his audacious statement, her initial reaction a blend of flustered disbelief and profound incredulity. But now, as she carefully mulled over his words...
Break up with Laxus? The suggestion lingered heavily in Lucy's thoughts, furrowing her brow in deep contemplation. But I still love him… I…
Do you still, though? Another voice intruded, sounding suspiciously like Natsu, causing Lucy to wince. Sounds like you're into me now, Luce! Ha-ha!
Lucy shook her head vigorously, attempting to dispel Natsu's voice from her mind. What the hell?
So, she and Laxus had been going through a rocky phase lately. The root of their discord lay in their markedly differing interests, his self-centeredness and fiery temperament, her tendency to be a pushover, and… well, the simple fact that they were inherently incompatible individuals who clashed more often than they connected.
And when they did connect, it seemed to center mostly around physical intimacy.
Four years.
Lucy pulled her knees close, wrapping her arms around them tightly. The thought of diving into Natsu's arms didn't sit quite right with her. But there was something in that guy that did force her to confront the reality of her relationship with Laxus, prompting a reassessment of where they stood.
The thought of Laxus sleeping peacefully at the mountain's edge incessantly nagged at her. Did he even worry about her yesterday when she went missing? Or was he utterly indifferent?
Lucy let out a weary sigh, her gaze drifting back to the pitched tents. Her eyes widened perceptibly as she noticed Gray emerging, stretching out. His dark hair tousled, he tilted his head, a contented smile gracing his lips as he released the tension in his neck. He looked like he had enjoyed a peaceful night's rest, a stark comparison to Lucy's own sleepless night. Damn it.
When he finally spotted her, his face lit up with surprise. "Hey, Lucy," he greeted, strolling over, "You're up early. Didn't know you were an early bird."
Lucy offered a faint smile. "I'm usually not," she admitted.
Gray eased himself down beside her. "What's up?" he inquired. "Didn't get much sleep?"
Lucy struggled to push away the memory of Gray's erotic groans from the previous night, but it stubbornly lingered, turning her cheeks a shade redder.
"Yeah," she replied, avoiding his gaze. "First time sleeping outdoors, you know? Takes some getting used to."
Not precisely a fib, but what was I supposed to say? 'Oh, I couldn't sleep because you and Erza decided to have a midnight concert, and, oh yeah, Natsu and I almost kissed'?
"Is it really?" Gray asked, sounding utterly surprised. Then, a curious glint entered his eyes. "You're a mystery, Lucy."
"How so?" Lucy inquired.
"Well, you kind of appeared out of thin air," Gray pointed out.
"Not exactly out of thin air," Lucy corrected with a chuckle. "I was with a hiking group. Long story short, I lagged behind, probably tripped, and ended up knocking myself unconscious."
"Ouch," sympathized Gray ruefully. "Must've been quite the ordeal. Where did they go?"
"The mountain's edge," Lucy replied. "That was the original plan, anyway."
Gray frowned deeply. "They still shouldn't have left you behind," he insisted.
Lucy shrugged, indifferent. "Guess they figured I'd catch up."
"Well, lucky for you, Erza swooped in when she did," Gray remarked. "Even if she did resort to tying you to a tree," he added sheepishly. "Sorry 'bout that. Erza's got a flair for the dramatic. Natsu and I couldn't talk her out of it."
"It's all good," Lucy reassured him. "Beats waking up alone in the dark. That'd be way worse."
"I guess so," Gray conceded thoughtfully. Then, with a serious tone, he continued, "Listen, if you want, we can accompany you to the edge of the mountain. We hiked up there two days ago, so we know the way."
Lucy's cheeks warmed at the kind offer. "Um, I don't think I can handle that steep climb again," she admitted with a nervous laugh. "I'm not really good at it. That's why I got left behind in the first place."
"Well, how about you just hang out with us?" Gray suggested casually. "We're camping up here for one more night and then heading back down tomorrow morning."
"Seriously?" Lucy gasped, her eyes hopeful.
Gray chuckled. "Yeah," he replied. "I'll fill in the others about your situation."
"Thanks, Gray. You're the best, you know that?" Lucy praised warmly, her voice filled with gratitude.
Gray flashed a grin. "Ah, shush," he deflected modestly.
This guy is really nice. I feel so comfortable talking to him.
"Anyway, what's your story, Lucy?" asked Gray curiously. "You didn't say much at dinner."
"That's because you and Natsu were busy bickering all the time," Lucy replied playfully, amused.
"Oh, sorry about that."
"No, no, I actually enjoyed listening to you two," Lucy told him earnestly. "Seeing how close you both are was quite touching."
Gray shifted, a hint of bashfulness in his demeanor. "Yeah, well…"
Lucy hesitated before opening up. "Anyway," she began deliberately, "yesterday marked my debut in the world of hiking and camping. I'm usually more of a homebody. I love reading books, and I'm working on writing my own."
"You're a writer?" Gray's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
Lucy felt a warm blush creep up her cheeks. "Not a published one, at least," she confessed with a shy smile.
Gray nodded, his expression sincere. "Sounds like you have a lot of stories to tell. Keep it up, Lucy."
Lucy's smile visibly brightened at his encouragement. "Thanks, Gray. That means a lot to me."
"You're welcome. So…" Gray trailed off, as if expecting her to say something more.
"Well, that's essentially it," Lucy said with a self-conscious laugh escaping her lips. "My life isn't particularly eventful, you know."
But Gray shook his head. "Don't sell yourself short. Books can make any life exciting."
Lucy giggled. "You're not just buttering me up, are you?"
"Nope," Gray confirmed, his tone deadpan. "Erza might be interested in contemporary romance, but I'm drawn to the classics."
"Really?" Lucy was genuinely taken aback. "I never pegged you for that."
"Well, surprise," Gray quipped, a smirk playing on his lips. "I've got layers, like a parfait. What about you?"
Lucy beamed. "I'm all about wizards, magic guilds, and celestial spirits." And some good steamy read, too, but no one has to know that.
Gray nodded sagely. "Fantasy and adventure. Solid choice."
"So, what's Natsu into?" Lucy asked lightly, hoping to sound nonchalant but failing miserably.
Gray leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Curious about Natsu, huh?" he teased, nudging her playfully.
Lucy's cheeks flushed. "What? No," she lied defensively, earning her a laugh from Gray. "It's not like that."
Gray leaned back. "Natsu's got a thing for BDSM romance," he revealed, giving her another teasing nudge.
Lucy blinked, processing the information. "You're joking." No way. Natsu…?
"Why would I make that up?" Gray asked innocently.
"But… Natsu doesn't strike me as…" Lucy trailed off, chewing her lip in thought.
Gray snickered. "Oh, Lucy, you're too fun to mess with," he said. "Natsu's more into dragons and fiery adventures. Pretty much your genre twin."
Lucy swatted his shoulder. "You're terrible," she accused with mock indignation. "BDSM romance? Seriously? I'm telling your girlfriend."
That somehow brought a tinge of pink into Gray's cheeks. "What girlfriend?" he asked, his voice tight.
"Erza. She's your girlfriend, right?" said Lucy dubiously, sensing the unease.
Gray slowly shook his head. "Ah, it's not like that with us."
"But, you and her… I thought…" Lucy stammered, her words faltering as she realized she couldn't bring up the awkward truth—that she had overheard their intimate moments last night.
Abruptly, Gray's previously lighthearted demeanor shifted into a somber state. The atmosphere turned as uncomfortably awkward as a first date gone awry, leaving Lucy to mentally chastise herself for presumptions.
"No, it's…" Gray hesitated, fumbling for words. "We're not exactly together, but we do… things," he clumsily clarified, the tension thickening with each word. "Erza… she's still sorting through stuff with her ex, Jellal."
Oh. So they were in that kind of relationship.
Lucy didn't know what to say, so she just nodded. For a few minutes, she and Gray sat in companionable silence, gazing out at the rugged mountains in the distance, basking in the warmth of the sun on their faces.
The peaceful moment allowed Lucy to collect her thoughts before finally opening up again. "One of the people in the group I was with is my boyfriend," she confided softly.
Gray stared at her for a moment, looking incredulous. "Are you serious?"
"Mm-hm."
"What kind of boyfriend would leave his girlfriend behind while hiking up the mountains?" Gray exclaimed, and his expression darkened. "What the fuck, Lucy?"
"We've been together for four years," Lucy recalled, "and I always thought he's the one for me. But recent events, like his abandoning me yesterday and other issues have made me question our relationship. I'm not sure where we stand anymore."
"Other… issues?" Gray echoed, his brow furrowing in concern.
"We simply don't connect on an emotional level," Lucy explained, frustration gradually creeping into her tone. "And we share absolutely no common ground. It's just… It's all…"
"It's all physical?" Gray finished for her, his tone slightly awkward.
Lucy blushed, feeling a tad uncomfortable. "Well, yeah," she admitted reluctantly.
Gray ran his hand down his face, his expression heavy with resignation. "I think I understand," he said sullenly.
This is bizarre. Why am I having this conversation with Gray of all people? He just seems so… Brotherly?
Suddenly, Lucy felt a bubble of laughter rise within her.
"What's so funny?" asked Gray, looking a little startled by the sudden shift in mood.
"Us," Lucy replied, giggling. "We're sitting here, talking about relationships like we're in some dramatic soap opera."
"Speak for yourself," said Gray, a playful glint in his eyes.
Their eyes met before erupting into laughter together, the tension dissipating like morning mist beneath the sun.
Gray gently patted Lucy's knee. "Anyway, Lucy," he said, rising to his feet with an easy smile, "good chat. But I gotta rustle up some breakfast."
"Need a hand?" Lucy asked, getting up as well.
"Nah, it's all good," said Gray nonchalantly. "Erza's probably up and about already. Our camping morning ritual, you know? But thanks for the offer." With that, he sauntered toward the marine cooler stationed just outside their tent.
True to his words, Erza emerged from the tent moments later, her fiery locks catching the morning light in a breathtaking display.
Lucy couldn't help but notice the tenderness in Erza's gesture as she ruffled Gray's dark hair, their quiet exchange suffused with an intimacy that felt both comforting and distant. As Gray whispered something in return, Lucy caught the shift in Erza's gaze, a flicker of curiosity tinged with something she couldn't quite place.
Not wanting to be caught staring, Lucy turned her attention downward, her eyes tracing the worn contours of her hiking boots. The pair bore the marks of yesterday's hike, dirt smudging their once vibrant surface, a dent marring the tip. Lost in reflection, she barely registered the call of her name.
"Lucy!"
Startled, Lucy turned to find Erza beside her in an instant, her grip firm as she pulled Lucy along.
"Erza, what's going on?" Lucy managed to inquire before she was whisked away.
"Isn't it a beautiful morning?" Erza exclaimed, her enthusiasm evident.
Lucy stumbled, caught off guard. "Y-Yeah, but... where are we–?"
The next thing she knew, she was ushered into what could only be described as Erza's version of a storage unit disguised as a tent.
"Just stay put for a second," said Erza, diving into a knapsack and rummaging around.
"Why'd you bring me here?" Lucy asked, surveying the cluttered space, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of belongings. So much stuff!
"Here you go, Lucy. Take your pick."
Lucy turned, taken aback, as Erza thrust a pile of bikinis into her arms.
"Um, what exactly am I supposed to do with these?" she asked, feeling utterly bewildered.
"There's a hot spring not too far from here," Erza explained with the casualness of someone discussing the weather. "We bathed there yesterday morning. We're planning to go again after breakfast."
Erza paused dramatically, her expression thoughtful. "Of course, you're welcome to join us in the true spirit of freedom," she went on, "Or, you know, you can stick to the conservative approach with the bikinis. Your call."
Lucy's eyes widened in disbelief. "You mean to say you go... au naturel?" she stammered, picturing Erza, Natsu, and Gray frolicking in the hot springs with nothing but their birthday suits on. Jeez, just what kind of relationship do these three have?
"Au… Au naturel…?" Erza's brow furrowed in confusion. "Do you mean naked? Alas, those fancy words. Yes, we go naked, Lucy. But fret not, I won't judge if you decide to preserve a little modesty."
Lucy's stomach twisted into a tight knot as she balanced a pile of bikinis in her arms, each one more revealing than the last. Modesty? Are you kidding me? Seems like a foreign concept in this heap.
The idea of skipping out on this one danced around Lucy's thoughts, and it wasn't just because of the borderline scandalous swimwear.
Hot springs had never been her thing. No aromatic bath salts, no plush robes, and definitely no serene atmosphere to coax her into unwinding in those tepid waters. Just a mishmash of rocks, the occasional stray leaf, and quite possibly a few unwelcome guests skimming the surface.
And picturing the gorgeous trio frolicking in the buff? That was pushing it even for Lucy. Definitely. Just... Mm.
"From the looks of it, you seem excited," Erza remarked approvingly, slapping Lucy's shoulder so hard that Lucy nearly toppled over, causing a few pieces of bikini to flutter to the floor of the tent. "That's the spirit!"
Lucy rubbed her shoulder, dropping the remaining bits of swimwear. Ouch, that really hurt. What the hell is her deal?
Erza's expression softened, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Lucy."
"Uh, yeah?" Lucy replied, her voice uncertain.
"Oh, come here, you." Erza enveloped her in a sudden, tight embrace, catching Lucy off guard.
A moment later, Lucy pulled back slightly, confusion knitting her brows. "W-What's going on, Erza?"
"Gray mentioned your situation, though not in detail," Erza explained, her gaze steady and reassuring. "But fear not, my dear Lucy, for you are hereby granted refuge in our sacred camp."
Lucy's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Oh. Um, thanks."
Without hesitation, Erza pulled her close again in a bone-crushing hug, causing Lucy to emit a sound somewhere between a mouse's squeak and a rubber duck's honk.
"Erza… I can't… Breathe…"
Erza quietly eased up, but her grip remained firm. Lucy appreciated the sentiment, but couldn't shake the feeling that she was being smothered by a supermodel with a side hustle as a professional wrestler.