Hours Before after Natsu found the box
As the hours passed, a majestic dragon waited in the sky, its imposing figure casting a shadow over the land below. Covered in dark red scales with beige accents on its lower body, the dragon bore scars that spoke of battles long fought. Spikes ran down its back, and its triangular head bore horns and sharp, keen eyes that gleamed with wisdom and power. With bony wings spread wide, it descended gracefully, a regal presence unmatched by any other.
This was Igneel, the King of all Dragons, a being of immense strength and authority who commanded respect from all who beheld him.
Beside Igneel floated a woman, radiating an aura of grace and elegance. With fair skin, golden eyes, and long, blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail adorned with small braids, she possessed a youthful appearance. A golden tiara adorned her head, symbolizing her royal lineage and status.
She wore a unique attire, a combination of armor and dress that reflected her likeness for bunnies. The dress flowed gracefully around her legs, allowing for freedom of movement while still exuding an air of regality. Adorned with blue and gold accents, the dress hugged her form, accentuating her hourglass figure. Around her shoulders and elbows, she wore a white blanket-like garment, adding to her ethereal appearance.
This was Artoria, the Daughter of Igneel and Princess of the Dragons, a figure of beauty and strength who stood as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Silence stretched between them, punctuated only by the gentle rustle of the wind and the distant sounds of the world below.
"I don't think he's coming," said Artoria, breaking the quiet with a note of concern in her voice.
"He is... just a few minutes, surely he would be ecstatic to find the box and will come here straight away," Igneel reassured himself, though a hint of uncertainty lingered in his words.
Artoria remained unconvinced. "It was night in that realm... he must have gone to bed and ignored it," she pressed, her tone tinged with frustration.
"What? No, Natsu would not ignore me," Igneel protested, his voice carrying a comical tone of indignation at the mere suggestion of being ignored by his son.
After a few more minutes of deliberation, Artoria spoke again. "I am going down. You should also come, Father," she said, her voice firm yet gentle as she descended to the ground below.
Igneel, torn between his desire for more time and the urge to accompany his daughter, wrestled with his thoughts. "Natsu! Don't do your dad like this! Don't ignore me!" he muttered to himself, a mix of frustration and hope evident in his tone.
"It's really comfy here, Father, and we can see the place he would appear!" shouted Artoria from below, her voice carrying a hint of excitement.
With a resigned sigh, Igneel finally relented. "Fine," he agreed reluctantly, his massive form descending gracefully to the ground.
As he landed, Artoria climbed onto his back, settling herself between his massive wings. Pulling out a book, she began to read, the anticipation of Natsu's arrival still lingering in the air.
The next morning
The next morning, Igneel and Artoria had fallen asleep after a few hours, exhausted from their vigil. Suddenly, they were jolted awake by a shout that quickly morphed into laughter.
Looking towards the sky, Igneel's eyes widened in recognition. "Natsu!" he exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face.
With a surge of excitement, Igneel took flight, his massive wings propelling him upwards as he soared towards Natsu. He knew that Natsu, unable to fly on his own, would need his help. But more than that, he couldn't wait to be reunited with his beloved son, to embrace him once more and share in the joy of their reunion.
As Igneel approached, Natsu's laughter echoed through the sky, a symphony of pure joy and excitement. Seeing his son tumbling through the air, Igneel's heart swelled with pride and affection.
"Natsu!" Igneel called out, his voice resonating with warmth and happiness.
Natsu's laughter subsided into a wide grin as he spotted Igneel soaring towards him. Despite the exhilarating rush of falling through the sky, there was a sense of comfort and security in knowing that his father was there to catch him.
Igneel caught Natsu in his massive claw, and Natsu hugged it tightly. "Igneel! You've got lots of explaining to do, old man!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and curiosity.
"Yes, Natsu, I will explain everything," Igneel replied, his tone gentle yet resolute, as he landed on the ground next to Artoria, who looked on with curiosity.
Natsu and Artoria locked eyes.
"Hello," said Artoria with a warm smile.
"Hello," Natsu responded, returning her smile.
Igneel took the initiative and introduced them. "Natsu, this is Artoria, my daughter. Artoria, this is Natsu."
With a warm and playful smile, Artoria approached Natsu. "You've spoken many times of him... but you never mentioned how handsome he is," she remarked teasingly, her gaze lingering on Natsu's face.
She was taller than him by a head, Artoria's presence was undeniably imposing, yet it only served to enhance Natsu's admiration for her. His cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment, and he found himself momentarily at a loss for words in the presence of such beauty and grace.
Caught off guard by Artoria's compliment, Natsu chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Well, uh, thank you, Artoria," he stammered, his cheeks still tinged with a faint blush.
Artoria's smile widened at Natsu's bashful response, finding amusement in his flustered demeanor. "You're welcome, Natsu," she replied warmly, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
Igneel watched the exchange between them with a fond smile, pleased to see them getting along so well. "Now that introductions are out of the way," he began, turning his attention to Natsu, "there is much I need to tell you."
Natsu nodded eagerly, his curiosity piqued. "I'm all ears, Igneel," he said, ready to listen to whatever revelations his father had to share.
As they settled into a comfortable spot on the ground, Igneel began to recount the tale of Natsu's journey through time, unraveling the mysteries of his past and the events that led to his arrival in the present day. And as the story unfolded, Natsu listened intently, his heart heavy with emotion as he learned of the trials and challenges that awaited him on his path.
Natsu remained silent for a moment, processing the staggering revelation. Then, with a mixture of disbelief and incredulity, he exclaimed, "I'm sorry, what the FUCK?"
Igneel's eyes widened slightly at Natsu's unexpected outburst, while Artoria couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction.
"Let me make sure I've got this straight," Natsu continued, his tone tinged with disbelief, "I'm from the past, and I'm some sort of demon? Created from a divine relic of god-like power?"
Igneel nodded solemnly, his expression grave yet compassionate. "Indeed, that's just the beginning of the tale. But there's no need to overwhelm you with everything all at once."
Natsu's mind whirled with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, each revelation sparking a cascade of questions and doubts. The realization of his true nature and the implications of his past weighed heavily upon him, like burdens too heavy to bear.
As he grappled with the enormity of it all, a sense of disbelief lingered in the depths of his being. Could it truly be possible? Was he truly a being born from raw power ? molded by the hands of gods?
"I... I don't know what to say," Natsu murmured, his voice tinged with a mixture of shock and uncertainty. "It's just... a lot to take in."
Igneel offers silent support in the face of his son's turmoil. "I understand, Natsu," he said softly. "This is a revelation that few could comprehend, let alone process in a single moment. Take your time, and know that I am here for you, every step of the way."
Artoria placed a comforting hand on Natsu's shoulder, offering him a reassuring smile. "You're not alone, Natsu. We're here for you, every step of the way."
Taking a deep breath, Natsu squared his shoulders, ready to confront the uncertainties of his past and embrace the possibilities of his future. And as he looked to the horizon, bathed in the golden light of dawn, he knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, he would face them with unwavering resolve, for he was Natsu Dragneel and he was destined for greatness.
"That's it," Natsu declared with a sense of finality, his voice carrying a newfound conviction.
"That's it?" Igneel questioned, surprised by Natsu's sudden change in demeanor.
Natsu met Igneel's gaze with unwavering determination. "I'm over it," he stated firmly. "Fuck it. It is what it is. No reason to deny it. Demon, human, or dragon, I am Natsu Dragneel."
Igneel nodded in understanding, a sense of pride swelling within him at the strength and resilience displayed by his son. "Indeed, Natsu. You are who you choose to be," he affirmed, his voice filled with admiration.
Artoria smiled, her earlier curiosity now replaced with genuine admiration for Natsu. He was not what she had envisioned—he was much better.
"So, what's next? Why was I called here?" Natsu inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Beyond the fact that I have not seen my son in 400 years and wanted to let you know I did not, in fact, kick the bucket?" Igneel replied sarcastically, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Well, you are going to like this."
"Oh? Do tell," Natsu responded eagerly, his interest piqued by Igneel's cryptic statement.
"In a few months, there will be a sort of... competition, or more like a tournament. Various fighters will enter it, and so will you AND Artoria," Igneel explained, his voice brimming with excitement. "I am going to completely unseal your power and teach you much, much more of the dragon ways."
Natsu's eyes widened in surprise and anticipation at the prospect of unlocking even more of his potential. The thought of delving deeper into the mysteries of his draconic heritage filled him with a sense of exhilaration unlike anything he had ever experienced.
But Igneel wasn't done yet. "Also, I have been thinking of retiring," he continued, his tone laced with amusement. "Artoria would need a husband, and who else would be more worthy of my daughter than the someone I raised myself?" Igneel's words caused both Natsu and Artoria to blush furiously, their cheeks flushing at the unexpected proposal.
Natsu's eyes widened in surprise at Igneel's announcement, his mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. The prospect of participating in a tournament and unlocking more of his power filled him with a sense of anticipation, but the mention of marrying Artoria caught him completely off guard.
"Wait, what?" he blurted out, his voice betraying a mixture of astonishment and incredulity. He stole a glance at Artoria, whose cheeks were now red, and found himself at a loss for words.
Artoria, for her part, was equally stunned by her father's declaration. She had not expected the conversation to take such an unexpected turn, and the idea of marrying Natsu left her feeling both flustered and intrigued.
"I... I didn't realize...," she began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words. A myriad of emotions flickered across her face—surprise, uncertainty, and perhaps even a hint of curiosity.
"Ha, well, about the last part, I don't really know," Igneel continued, his tone more serious now. "Even with my word, the Council of the Dragons are most likely going to ask for something to accept you into our society. They were not happy when they heard about what you are and that I gave you the power of a royal bloodline, and beating them into submission would not do us any good. But don't you worry, kids. That was just me trying to tease you. We'll see what the other kings and queens want."
Natsu and Artoria exchanged a glance, a sense of relief washing over them as they realized that their future was not set in stone.
"Thanks, Igneel," Natsu said gratefully, his voice filled with appreciation for his father's guidance and support.
"Yeah, thanks, Dad," Artoria added, a warm smile gracing her lips as she glanced at her father. While the idea of marriage initially caught her off guard, she couldn't deny a certain intrigue at the prospect. After all, Natsu was not some arrogant demon; she found him quite interesting. The notion of spending her life alongside someone like him wasn't entirely unwelcome.
,,Well we should go back to the castle.'' said Igneel as he took flight as did Artoria by manifesting a pair of wings.
,,I still can't fly, remember?'' said Natsu as they nearly forgot him.
,,Oh I'm sorry.'' said Igeel, scooping him up with his tail and throwing him on his back.
As they soared through the sky, Natsu clung tightly to Igneel's back, feeling the rush of wind against his face and the exhilaration of flight coursing through his veins. Despite the initial shock of his newfound identity, a sense of freedom washed over him, filling him with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
Artoria flew gracefully alongside them, her wings beating rhythmically against the air as she kept pace with her father. Glancing back at Natsu, she offered him an encouraging smile, silently reassuring him that he was not alone in this new chapter of his life.
As they approached the towering spires of the castle, Natsu couldn't help but marvel at the sight, his eyes widening in awe at the grandeur of his new home. With each passing moment, the weight of his past began to fade, replaced by a sense of anticipation for the future that lay ahead.
Touching down gracefully in the courtyard, Igneel gently lowered Natsu to the ground, his massive form towering over them both. "Welcome home, Natsu," he said warmly, his voice rumbling like distant thunder. "This castle may be a place of royalty, but it is also a place of family. And you, my son, are now a part of that family."
As Natsu turned towards the castle, his eyes scanning its imposing walls, he couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity. "So this is your personal castle?" he asked, his voice tinged with wonder.
Igneel nodded with a hint of pride in his eyes. "Yes," he responded, his voice resonating with a regal air. But before Natsu could react, a shimmering veil of magic enveloped Igneel, causing him to shrink and transform.
In a flash of light, Igneel emerged in his Dovakin form – a tall, muscular figure with spiky red hair tipped with black, and piercing golden slitted eyes. He was dressed in simple yet striking attire, exuding an aura of strength and confidence.
Igneel grinned mischievously at Natsu, but his expression quickly turned to one of mock offense as Natsu quipped, "I only saw you in this form a couple of times yet I can tell... you got fat."
As Artoria's laughter echoed through the courtyard, a new voice joined the playful banter. A tall woman with flowing blond hair and striking red slitted eyes emerged, her presence commanding attention. Crowned with draconic horns that adorned her head like a regal crown, she exuded an air of elegance and power. She was dressed in a resplendent white gown adorned with gold accents, her every movement graceful and poised.
"Well, Igneel, you did say he was fun and reminded you of your younger days," the woman remarked, her tone laced with mock sympathy as she playfully tousled Igneel's hair. "No point in whining about it, dear."
Igneel let out a melodramatic sigh, his expression a mix of amusement and faux indignation. "I guess you're right... but I still wish he would show me a bit of respect. After all, I am an awesome and powerful dragon," he continued, his tone childishly petulant.
Natsu couldn't resist interjecting, his voice laced with comedic seriousness. "I will NEVER admit that to your face. It's just not happening," he declared, eliciting another laugh from the woman.
Suddenly, Natsu found himself facing a rather unexpected threat, as spears were pointed threateningly at his throat. "The fuck?" he exclaimed, caught off guard by the sudden escalation.
"How dare you disrespect his highness?!" one of the guards demanded, his voice brimming with outrage.
Natsu's growl reverberated through the courtyard, his eyes flashing with a primal fury reminiscent of a dragon's. "You better remove those spears from my face before they end up in your ass and come out your mouth," he warned, his threat delivered with a dangerous edge.
The tension in the air thickened as Natsu's fists ignited with crimson flames, his anger palpable as he prepared to defend himself against the guards' aggression. But before the situation could escalate further, Artoria intervened, her attention fixated on the unique hue of Natsu's flames rather than the confrontation at hand.
"Put your spears down," Artoria commanded, her voice firm and authoritative. "He is a son of Igneel."
The guards hesitated, their uncertainty evident as they exchanged uneasy glances. "Son of Igneel?" one of them repeated, his tone laced with disbelief.
Igneel stepped forward, his towering form casting a formidable shadow over the guards. "That's right," he affirmed, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Natsu Dragneel is my son, and you will treat him with the respect he deserves. Or else, you'll face the consequences – and believe me, he's more than capable of delivering them."
A smirk played across Igneel's lips as he too observed the crimson flames dancing around Natsu's fists, a curious gleam in his golden eyes. "That's why I trained him," he added, his pride evident in his voice.
Natsu glanced down at his flames, a frown creasing his brow as he observed the unfamiliar hue. "Crimson?" he mused aloud, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Is it mostly orange or gold? It feels... different."
The woman answered him, "The royal bloodline you were granted awakened much faster than anticipated, truly a testament to your unique existence," she said as she approached him and patted him on the head, standing even taller than Artoria.
"I'm sorry, but who are you?" asked Natsu, his curiosity piqued.
"So you CAN be respectful? Why not with me?" asked Igneel, feigning offense.
"Dad, I watched you sleep for two days straight, refusing to wake up, only stirring when the hill you were on broke and made you tumble down it," said Natsu bluntly, poking fun at Igneel and eliciting laughter from Artoria and the mysterious woman.
"That's not true!" Igneel protested, but Natsu ignored him and turned back to the woman.
"So, who are you?" Natsu pressed again.
The woman smiled warmly, "I am Eliza, Queen of All Dragons and wife of Igneel," she introduced herself.
Natsu turned towards Igneel, incredulity evident in his expression. "You got married? You always said you were just gonna make some dragons and disappear."
Igneel's eyes widened in embarrassment. "Natsu, you're digging my grave here. Please, stop," he pleaded.
Eliza openly laughed, her amusement filling the courtyard. "Haha, well, I managed to get this old dragon to settle down. I'm sure the fact that he raised you before helped," she teased, casting a playful glance at Igneel.
"Hm, so what exactly does a royal bloodline mean for me? I remember Igneel saying my flames are special, and I have been able to sometimes burn things that should not be burned, like magic. I once burned my way out of a pocket dimension or something; it also had some kind of ghosts," Natsu recounted, his curiosity driving him to seek understanding.
Eliza's expression softened as she regarded Natsu with a thoughtful gaze. "A royal bloodline carries great significance," she began, her voice carrying a weight of ancient wisdom. "The magic it bestows upon you is much more powerful and complex than normal. The red fire you manifested represents the bloodline Igneel gave you, but your own unique biology will likely modify it in the future."
"As for what it does, Igneel can tell you," Eliza added, deferring to Natsu's father.
Igneel stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. "The Flames of Destruction, that is what they are called," he explained, his voice resonating with pride. "It grants us the ability to impose the concept of burning upon things that could not be burned before. For example, we can burn the magic of a spell, rendering it ineffective. In its most advanced form, it can even burn away immunity to magic or immortality."
Natsu's eyes widened in awe as he processed the magnitude of his abilities. "That's... practically destruction itself in the form of fire?" he remarked, his voice tinged with a mixture of amazement and apprehension.
Igneel smirked proudly, pleased that Natsu had grasped the concept so quickly. "Yes, exactly," he affirmed, his tone filled with certainty. The power of the Flames of Destruction was indeed formidable, a force to be reckoned with in the hands of one who wielded it with skill and determination. And as he looked upon his son, Igneel felt a swell of pride knowing that Natsu was destined for greatness.
As they began to walk inside the castle, Artoria leading Natsu with Igneel and Eliza a few paces behind them, smiles adorned their faces at the sight of Artoria and Natsu getting along so seamlessly.
Natsu turned towards Igneel, his curiosity burning bright. "So, any idea what my demon or whatever I am, abilities I should have?" he inquired.
Igneel pondered for a moment before responding, his expression thoughtful. "Well, the device you were created with is very closely tied to Chaos. In fact, that is what it's supposed to hold – infinite Chaos energy. So, it could be anything. I have an idea, but we will have to test it to be sure."
"Chaos Energy?" Natsu mused, his brow furrowing in concentration. "It sounds so... familiar?"
Igneel's interest was piqued at Natsu's reaction. It seemed that Natsu had some subconscious familiarity with Chaos Energy, which didn't surprise Igneel. Natsu had always possessed a chaotic personality, and his powers often fluctuated unpredictably. Igneel was convinced that it was due to the device that brought Natsu into existence.
"Hmm, we will see, Natsu. First, we will get you settled in a room... that is, if Artoria doesn't want to keep you in hers?" Eliza suggested, testing the waters with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
Artoria's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she quickly regained her composure and shot a smirk towards her parents. "Well, that doesn't sound like such a bad idea. Fine, Natsu goes with me," she declared, her tone teasing.
"Do I get an opinion?" Natsu asked, a hint of protest in his voice.
"No," Artoria replied bluntly, her smirk widening.
Igneel and Eliza exchanged amused glances before offering their well wishes. "Well, be careful with Natsu, darling," Eliza said with a playful wink.
Igneel chuckled, his voice filled with amusement. "Good luck, Natsu."
Natsu blinked in surprise at their reactions. "Wait, that's for real? Is that, like, not supposed to happen? I was under the impression that it was a big deal for a boy and a girl to sleep in the same room," he remarked, his confusion evident.
"We're not humans, Natsu, and besides, you're going to behave," Artoria replied, her tone teasing despite the faint blush on her cheeks.
Alone, Artoria exuded maturity, but in the presence of her parents, she revealed a more playful and youthful side. It was a dynamic that Natsu found both amusing and endearing as they continued their banter, laughter filling the air as they made their way towards Artoria's chambers.
As they walked towards Artoria's chambers, Natsu couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Being invited to stay with Artoria felt like a significant step, one that carried both anticipation and uncertainty.
Artoria led the way with confidence, her steps echoing through the grand halls of the castle. Despite her composed demeanor, Natsu could sense a subtle shift in her energy, a hint of nervousness hidden beneath her facade of maturity.
"So, uh, thanks for letting me stay with you," Natsu said, breaking the silence as they walked. "I mean, I know it's probably not a big deal for dragons, but it means a lot to me."
Artoria glanced at him, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You're welcome," she replied softly. "And don't worry, it's not a big deal. Besides, it'll be nice having someone to talk to."
Natsu felt a surge of warmth at her words, grateful for her kindness and hospitality.
As they reached Artoria's chambers, she pushed open the ornate doors, revealing a spacious and elegantly furnished room. The soft glow of candlelight bathed the space in a warm ambiance, casting intricate patterns across the walls.
"Make yourself at home," Artoria said, gesturing towards the room. "I'll go fetch some refreshments. You must be hungry after everything that's happened."
Natsu nodded gratefully, taking in the beauty of his surroundings. As Artoria disappeared into another part of the room, he couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected turn of events.
As they sat down to eat, Artoria poured some refreshments and they began to enjoy their meal together. The atmosphere was relaxed, with a sense of friendship refilling the air as they exchanged stories and laughter.
Between bites, Artoria turned to Natsu with curiosity shining in her eyes. "So, Natsu, what is the human world like?" she asked, her interest evident.
Natsu paused, considering her question thoughtfully. "Well, it's... different," he began, searching for the right words to describe his experiences. "There are bustling cities filled with towering castles, crowded streets, and endless noise. But there are also serene countryside landscapes, tranquil beaches, and vibrant communities."
He recounted tales of his adventures in the human world, from his encounters with fellow mages to his battles against powerful foes.
Artoria listened intently, captivated by Natsu's stories of a world so different from her own. She asked questions, seeking to understand the intricacies of human society and culture.
As the meal drew to a close, Artoria couldn't help but feel a sense of fascination and wonderment at the tales Natsu had shared. The human world sounded both thrilling and daunting, a place filled with endless possibilities and challenges.
"Thank you for sharing your experiences with me, Natsu," Artoria said, her voice filled with gratitude. "It's given me a new perspective on the world beyond our own."
As they finished their meal and settled into comfortable chairs, Artoria leaned in with a sparkle of excitement in her eyes. "Now, let me tell you about the Dragon Realm," she began, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.
Natsu leaned forward, eager to learn more about the world of dragons that Artoria called home.
"The Dragon Realm is a place of wonder and magic," Artoria explained, her words painting vivid images in Natsu's mind. "It's a vast and diverse land, filled with towering mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes. But beyond its natural beauty, the Dragon Realm is also home to a rich and vibrant culture."
She spoke of the different dragon clans that inhabited the realm, each with its own traditions and customs. She described the ancient cities carved into the mountainsides, their towering spires reaching towards the sky. And she recounted tales of the legendary dragons who ruled over the realm with wisdom and strength.
"As the daughter of Igneel and Eliza, I've had the privilege of experiencing the wonders of the Dragon Realm firsthand," Artoria continued, a smile playing across her lips. "But even now, there are still parts of it that I've yet to explore."
Natsu listened intently, captivated by Artoria's descriptions of her homeland. "So interesting, you gotta take me on a trip someday, or are we cooped up in this castle?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
Artoria chuckled at his question. "Oh, yes, just like the stories. The princess kept in a castle by a bad dragon," she replied, amusement dancing in her eyes.
Natsu couldn't help but smirk. "Yes, the only difference is the princess herself is a dragon," he quipped, his tone light and teasing.
"Well, we should head to sleep. Do you have any extra beds or a couch?" asked Natsu, glancing around the room.
Artoria opened her mouth to respond,''I do not.''
Natsu shrugged. "No problem, I can sleep on the floor. Just toss me a pillow and a bla-"
Artoria interrupted him abruptly. "No, that's unacceptable. A prince will not sleep on the floor," she declared, sounding offended.
Natsu blinked in surprise at her sudden change in demeanor. "But you said you don't have an extra bed?" he pointed out, confused.
With a small blush tinting her cheeks, Artoria continued, "M-my bed is very big. We will share," she offered hesitantly.
Natsu couldn't help but chuckle at Artoria's reaction. "Well, if you insist, Princess," he said with a playful wink, his tone filled with amusement.
Artoria's cheeks flushed slightly at the playful remark, but she quickly regained her composure. "Yes, well, it's only logical," she replied, her tone more composed.
As they made their way to Artoria's bedchamber, Natsu couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation mingled with nerves. Sharing a bed with Artoria felt like a significant step forward, one that filled him with both excitement and apprehension.
As they entered the room, Artoria gestured towards the large, plush bed that dominated the space. "Here we are," she said, her voice soft.
Natsu nodded, a nervous smile playing across his lips. "Right," he said, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies in his stomach.
Artoria hesitated for a moment before stepping closer to the bed, her gaze meeting Natsu's. "Well, um, I suppose we should, uh, get some rest," she said awkwardly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Natsu couldn't help but smile at her nervousness, finding it endearing. "Yeah, sounds like a plan," he agreed, trying to hide his own nerves.
As they settled into bed, Natsu couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort at Artoria's side. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, he couldn't imagine a better way to end the day. And as sleep began to claim him, he knew that no matter what the future held, he would always treasure the memory of this moment – sharing a bed with his newfound friend under the same roof, surrounded by warmth and laughter.