A/N Hello everyone! Thank you so much for your love and support! I can't believe people are not only reading my story but enjoying it. I can't express enough how happy it makes me and how much I appreciate it. I can't wait to continue to share this story with everyone. I can get busy, so I hope to get chapters out at a decent rate. I'm aiming for a chapter at least once a month or sooner if possible. Again, thank you all for your love and support! :)
Chapter 2
Lucy rested her forehead on the window of the train as she gazed out, admiring the shades of greens, yellows, pinks, and blues that painted the hillsides as they passed along the way to their client. She had thought the multi-colored shaded meadows were endlessly beautiful. The rest of the lands where their client is must be absolutely breathtaking.
She felt Natsu gently nuzzle his nose closer to her abdomen. Inhaling her scent deeply, immediately prompting Lucy to blush. His head laid on her lap as he always did when they were on any sort of transportation. She wondered if her smell helped him to feel less nauseous. She heard him groan uncomfortably, one arm holding his stomach, the other wrapped around her waist. She gave him a smile, slightly shaking her head and began to run her fingers through his hair, knowing that helped his condition. He immediately groaned again quietly but this time with pleasure, knowing her fingers lightly scraping his scalp felt nice.
She looked up to see Wendy in the same condition as Natsu, laying her head in Erza's lap.
Poor dragon slayers. One of the strongest types of wizards in the world, taken out by measly transportation.
After a train ride that lasted a little over two hours, Lucy was happy to finally be at their destination. And from the looks of it, so were Natsu and Wendy. Lucy watched as they both kissed the ground, crying about how grateful they were to finally be back on solid ground.
"Alright guys." Erza began pulling out the job flyer. "From the details I've read, it says once we arrive at the station, the town is West of the train station. About a fifteen-minute walk there." She places the flyer back in her belongings. "Then at seven o'clock, a carriage will take us up to those hills." She pointed. Everyone's gaze shifted to the direction she indicated. "That's where our client's home is located."
Lucy was right, the rest of the lands were breathtaking. The hills were shrouded in meadows rich in colors of all shades. And right on the edge of the hilltop sat what Lucy could see to be a gorgeous mansion. It was probably over a few miles away. High up on the large hill sides. It looked as if it could oversee the entire town and all the farmlands surrounding it.
"And we have a couple hours until then." Erza finished as they all began their walk to the town.
"Do we have to wait and ride the carriage? We could probably walk it in less than that time." Natsu complained, obviously trying to avoid being subjected to further transportation-induced misery.
"There's no way I'm hiking up those hills for that long." Lucy snapped at him.
Natsu pouted.
"Yeah Natsu, plus I'm starting to get hungry, aren't you?" Happy asked.
Natsu perked up. "Yeah buddy, you're right!"
Erza spoke up again. "Well, it's decided. We will explore the town. I hear its soil is rich and has some of the best waters. So they grow amazing fruit." Her eyes gleamed. "So I'm sure to find a sweets shop somewhere with some delectable strawberry cake!" She turned to Wendy. "What do you say Wendy? Would you like to find some with me?" She asked excitedly.
"Of course!" Wendy exclaimed, beaming as well.
"Then after we explore a bit, we can meet back up in the front of the town in one hour to find something for dinner." Erza ordered.
They continued their walk. Natsu and Lucy walked close to each other. Lucy noticed the backs of their hands kept barely brushing against one another.
"Before we left, Cana told me the waters make for good ale too. Apparently, this small town is known for the ale it makes." Gray continued. "Also, it's known for its farmlands and supplies a lot of its grown food to a few towns near them."
"Yes, and our client owns all these lands. Their family has taken care of these farmlands for generations and has taken great care of its residents as well." Erza added.
"Oh, I might even have to try their fruit cakes then." Lucy said, grinning excitedly.
Natsu POV
Once they arrived in the town, they all held expressions of wonder. They couldn't believe just how bright and beautiful it was. It seemed to be a little town full of life. The streets were almost bustling and had a great variety of small shops and vendors. Flowers were lined up all along the sides of the small buildings and they also decorated the window sills of the buildings.
"Alright team, we will meet back in this spot in 45 minutes. And don't be late!" Erza ordered.
"Yes ma'am." The team said in unison, backs straightening instinctively.
"Look Wendy, over there!" Erza pointed to a small shop with cakes in the window.
They both looked at each other with excitement then ran to the shop, Carla following after them.
Natsu and the rest of the gang continue to walk while the other three run to get their treat.
"Oh Natsu, look!" Lucy gushed. Natsu looked to where she was pointing. "It's a tiny bookstore and I see my book on display!" She said gleefully, skipping her way to the store.
Natsu smiled warmly, trailing after her. He always enjoyed seeing her excitement.
"Well, I'll just keep walking around seeing what other shops I can find, see ya in a few." Gray said as he strolled off waving a hand as he went.
Natsu entered the bookstore already seeing Lucy grab her book. He knew she was excited to see her book has made its way on the shelf of even the smallest of bookstores. Especially being displayed directly in the window for all those passing by to see.
She then began to look around the other books, curious as to what they were.
Natsu was never much of a reader, it never excited him like it did Lucy. Outwardly, it seemed he was beyond bored being in a bookstore. But no matter what they did, spending time with Lucy is what's exciting to him.
He has always cherished Lucy's presence. Seeing her happy and full of enjoyment is something that brought him enjoyment, along with fighting and eating, but that's besides the point.
He heard Lucy make a sound somewhere between a squeal and gasp and said something about not realizing a second book came out. He immediately smiled at the stars in her eyes.
As he continues to admire Lucy in her natural habitat, he hears snickers beside him, and looks to Happy. His hands were on his mouth, obviously suppressing a laugh.
"Can I help you?" He asked.
Happy, trying not to laugh says "Oh nothing it's just that, you looovvve her." He draws out in a sing-song tone.
Natsu immediately rolls his eyes. Why does that cat always have to bring love into everything?
He continues to ignore Happy and walks up to Lucy. "What's got you all excited?" He asks her.
She looked up from the book she had in her hand.
"Oh nothing, I've just remembered reading the first book of this series way over a year ago and didn't realize they released the second one. I probably read the first book over three times that year when you were gone."
Natsu felt his body stiffened for a moment from the thought of that year. And how him being gone affected her as well as him more than he'd like to remember. He usually avoids thinking about it.
"Excuse me, are you Lucy Heartfillia? The Author of The Adventures of Iris?" A man with blond hair that looked to be around their age, asked.
He held up her book, back facing forward to display her author's portrait.
Natsu saw her face light up, excited to talk to a fan.
"Yes, yes I am."
Natsu began to wander off, nudging Happy to move along as well, while she spoke to the fan. Letting her have her moment.
He looked aimlessly around the bookcases. He was happy for Lucy; she'd been working on her novel since before they had met. He knew how much it meant to her.
He wanted to support her in other ways too, like reading her book. But getting himself to sit down and actually read anything seemed impossible, but he wanted to for her. He knew it had to be amazing. It was Lucy's book after all. He had continued to wander, when he heard a sound that made his ears perk up.
Lucy giggling. He looked over and saw the guy had moved closer to Lucy and she was giggling at him. Actually giggling. The guy was clearly trying to make a move on her and Lucy never giggled; she always turned those creeps down.
But here she was. The man smiled warmly at her as he gently reached for her hand and began to lift it to his lips. What the hell.
He isn't going to allow some asshole to touch Lucy like that. His scent would be all over her. The man was already way too close to her for his liking. Lucy never let these creeps flirt with her, she's obviously just trying to be nice because he's a fan of her novel.
He felt himself heat in anger, and stalked over to the two, passing by a snickering Happy.
He walked up behind Lucy, his gaze focused on the man, eyes swelling with fire. Before the man could bring his lips to her hand, he saw Natsu. He immediately caught on to his warning look, dropped her hand and took a step back in fear.
Lucy twisted sharply around, obviously wondering what scared the man. Only to see Natsu. She held her chest while her face fell in relief.
"Oh it's just you, Natsu." She perked up. "Oh Natsu, this is one of my fans!" She gestures to the man. "This is Dorian." She bothered to get his name? "And this is Natsu." Natsu cocked his head and gave him an unwelcoming smile.
The man lifted his trembling hand to shake Natsu's. He looked at it for a moment, appalled that Dorian thought Natsu would even want to shake his hand. But then Natsu thought he'd take the opportunity to scare the interloper off.
He accepted his hand, then Natsu immediately lit his flames, simultaneously squeezing, and pulling him closer.
"I suggest you keep your hands off her and get out of here." He warned Dorian
He cried in pain then nodded his head, desperately trying to free his hand. Natsu let him go and the trespasser took off.
He heard Happy burst into laughter and Lucy's protest.
"What the hell is wrong with you!?" Lucy spat at him. He was befuddled. He was doing her a favor getting rid of that creep. Why is she biting his head off?
"I thought I was helping you! That guy was all over you!" He declared.
"I was fine! He was a fan and was just being a gentleman." She huffed in frustration. "Then you go and assault the guy!" She said through gritted teeth.
Natsu was taken aback. Did she enjoy that guy flirting with her? "S.. So, what? You liked that creep?" Natsu stuttered.
She let out an aggravated sigh.
"I never said I liked him I-." She stopped herself.
"You know what, it doesn't matter, let's just go."
She grabbed the book she meant to buy. "You and Happy wait outside while I get this, before you decide to assault anyone else." He looked at her for a moment. "Now!" She barked.
Natsu and Happy quickly scurried out of the bookstore, not wanting to provoke her further.
Lucy could definitely be scary when she was exasperated. Not that he meant to make her angry. He couldn't help it. He thought that, because that guy was a fan, she didn't want to be rude and tell the guy to screw off, like she was supposed to.
So he thought he'd do it for her. But now she was upset with him.
Him and Happy waited outside the tiny bookstore for Lucy. He could hear Happy trying to hold back another laugh. He looked towards him with annoyance painted on his face. "Is there something funny, buddy?" Natsu asked.
Happy choked back a laugh. "Oh nothing buddy. One day you'll understand." Natsu was confused. "Or... maybe you won't because you're helpless." Happy shrugged.
He was right, Natsu definitely didn't understand.
He was only trying to help Lucy, not upset her. Looks like he'll have to apologize.
Lucy walked sharply out of the bookstore and directly past Natsu, clearly still upset. Natsu sighs and follows after her, Happy flying beside him.
Maybe he shouldn't have been so… Violent. He could have told the guy, fuck off in a more civil manner. Then again, Natsu wasn't one to think before he acted.
To be honest, he can't pinpoint when jerks hitting on Lucy made him so irrationally angry.
Sure, in the beginning he found himself getting annoyed when they would make a move on her, but he never thought much of it and just ignored it. Annoyance then turned to irritation as time went on, but still, he didn't think much of it.
Once, Lucy almost chose going on a date over going on a job with him and Happy. That's probably when the annoyance started to grow. The thought of Lucy choosing to be in the company of some other guy instead of going on an adventure with him, did in fact, irritate him.
But getting irrationally angry, he's not sure when that started.
The trio continued their walk back to the spot where they intended to meet the rest of the team.
Natsu kept stealing glances at Lucy, seeing if she still held her vexed expression. She in fact, did.
He knew he messed up. Looking back, he shouldn't have hurt the guy. But the guy also shouldn't have been so close to her. But why did it anger him at all? Because he cares for Lucy of course and doesn't want her to be made to feel uncomfortable from unwanted attention. Yet, it seems she didn't mind that man's attention.
Which only irked him further. Not fully understanding why he felt such anger towards the situation, he tried to shove the feeling away.
Once they arrived at their spot, it didn't take long for the rest to arrive as well.
Natsu immediately forgot what he was pondering on, remembering the promise of a meal once they all met back up.
Wendy walked up to Lucy with a container that had a small slice of strawberry cake. "Here you go Lucy, I remembered you said you may have wanted to try a piece." She said gleefully.
"Aww thanks Wendy." Lucy said, returning her cheerfulness.
Natsu saw Gray return with a small gift bag. He was trying to act nonchalant about the bag he held. Natsu shrugged and they began their search for dinner.
They all found a quaint little café just right around the corner from where the carriage ride will be. It was small and cozy inside, with only a dozen tables or so. The tables all sat sorted in the middle, with a few in the corner.
They chose a comfy spot in the corner of the room.
Once their food arrived, they enjoyed their meals. Natsu quickly stuffing his face.
Natsu, with a mouthful, looked at Lucy excitedly. "This is some of the best food I've ever tasted!"
Lucy only side-eyed Natsu, slightly inclining her head in acknowledgement. As if she had no desire to have a conversation. Which then occurred to Natsu, oh yeah, she's mad.
He studied Lucy, wondering if he should keep trying to engage her in conversation, or leave her be.
It was hard to leave her alone honestly.
He hated when Lucy wouldn't engage with him in some way. He could take her yelling at him, but not blatantly ignoring him.
He had to poke.
"Are you still mad? I said I was sorry." He lightly nudged her.
Lucy turned to him, giving an irritated expression.
"Uh actually no, you didn't apologize."
Everyone at the table all looked up from their meals to stare at the two. Happy already chuckling under his breath.
"What'd you do this time, flame brain?" Gray asked, antagonizing Natsu.
"What'd you say!?" Natsu fired back.
Erza put her hand on the table. "Enough!" She said sternly.
They both immediately listened. Erza's face then softens and turns to Lucy. "What has he done now?" She asked, crossing her arms.
Lucy looks at Erza, then turns to Natsu, then back to Erza. "Natsu decided it was a good idea to assault a completely innocent fan of mine." She says, still obviously peeved from the whole thing.
Happy begins to laugh. "Yeah! The guy was totally scared out of his mind. Natsu burned him and almost broke his hand!" He says cackling.
"You did what!?" Erza said in disbelief.
"Why would you go and do that, dumbass?" Gray said, also incredulous.
"Well, how awful." Carla scoffs.
Wendy only watched the situation unfold, with a gaping expression.
"Hey! I didn't, 'almost' break his hand, I wasn't even squeezing that hard." Natsu defended. "And he wasn't that innocent."
"You shouldn't have done it at all!" Lucy shouted. "And yes, he was. He wasn't doing anything wrong, Natsu."
"He was trying to touch you."
"Seriously Natsu?" She rolled her eyes. "He was being a gentleman."
"Well, you were giggling at him." He replied.
"So?" She said dumbfounded with her shoulders raised. "We were laughing about a part in my book."
Natsu only utters meekly. "Couldn't have been that funny…"
"Oh, now you're insulting my book?" She accused him.
"What? No!" He waved his hands in defense.
She only responded by rolling her eyes.
Erza and the rest all watched with amused expressions, as if there was something funny Natsu didn't get.
"Oh Natsu." Erza said, shaking her head.
"Geez Natsu, why are you such an idiot?" Gray said, provoking him.
"You trying to pick a fight with me, iceprick!?" Natsu retaliated, standing up from his seat.
"Maybe if you weren't such an idiot, you wouldn't have attacked a guy!" Gray said, also standing up.
"I said enough!" Erza shouted, standing up after them, she placed one hand on Gray's shoulder the other, on Natsu's, forcing them back in their seats.
They both cowered down. "Sorry ma'am." They said in unison.
At least there were only a few people here in the café to witness their quarrel. And they were a little distance away, anyways.
Erza spoke up. "Listen, Natsu, despite your… intentions." She said in a bit of an amused tone, then becoming serious. "You don't attack people. Be more civilized than that!" She ordered. "Now apologize to Lucy properly."
Natsu pouted, then faced Lucy. "I'm sorry I attacked your fan." He mumbled.
"Speak up!" Erza demanded.
"Ah! I'm sorry I attacked your fan. I overreacted!" That seemed proper enough.
Lucy lightly giggled at Erza's scolding. He was happy to hear that sound after the sore mood he caused her to have. "I forgive you. But just… if I ever need your help I'll let you know. 'Kay?" She finished, her expression now soft.
"Okay…" Natsu murmured.
Once the group finished their meal and paid the bill, they started to head towards their destination.
Natsu was the first out of the restaurant, followed by Gray, then Happy. The others, still inside.
"Look man, it's about time you stop being such a dense idiot and admit how much you care for Lucy." Gray told him, as he began to walk ahead.
Natsu of course took immediate offense. "What's that supposed to mean, jerk? Of course I care about Lucy." he didn't understand what Gray was insinuating.
Gray looked as if he was ready to argue, until Happy intruded. "I wouldn't even bother Gray. He's hopeless." He shrugged.
Gray scoffed. "Yeah you're right, he is."
Natsu was about to speak up again until he snapped his mouth shut when the others came out, wanting to avoid being scolded by Erza once again.
They all strolled along to the carriage ride that awaited them.
Natsu was still pondering on what Gray had said. Cared? Of course he cared about her. Lucy was probably the closest person to him in the guild besides Happy.
Of course he cared deeply for everyone in the guild. They were all his family. But Lucy, she was, well… Special to Natsu. He knew she was his partner, and best friend, but still, different. He never really thought much of it before, to be honest, but he's found himself thinking more lately about what Lucy really means to him. She is his favorite person. Favorite person to laugh with, eat with, play with. To tease, to go on adventures with. Admittedly she was the first person he thought of when he woke up. What they would do for the day, what pranks he could play on her that day, what they would eat that day. If they would get a job that day.
He honestly can't pinpoint when Lucy became so important to him, but she did.
In the beginning when he first met her, the very first thing he noticed about her was her smell.
It smelled of a light vanilla, with a hint of, well, just Lucy. It had an overwhelming familiarity to it as well, but knowing now that was because of her relation to Anna.
He thought her to be weird, and she talked a lot. But he couldn't help but want to take the weirdo back with him to Fairy Tail. She did say she wanted to join after all.
Then he invited her to be on his team, which was definitely different for Natsu, cause the only person he wanted on his team was his furry friend. But he thought she was nice.
Then, as time went on he realized how much he enjoyed being in her company.
Then Phantom Lord attacked. He's felt rage for his friends before, no doubt, but her being taken really set him off.
When the battle was over, he, Happy, and the rest thought she had left for good.
He cried. Not only cried, but hysterically wept when he thought she left for good. It was embarrassing, but the thought of never seeing Lucy again wrecked him.
When they were on Tenrou Island, when they were fighting a goon from Grimoire Heart.
He was stuck under rubble and she was being brutally attacked and he couldn't do anything, he begged her to run, but she refused. It struck a chord in his heart he never felt before when she was bloody and bruised but refused to run just because she wanted to stay with him. It let him know that she was just as happy being with him as he was with her.
That's probably when he realized how truly important she was to him.
There was a day Lucy blinked out of existence for a moment. He mentally kicked himself for actually forgetting her but subconsciously he remembered. He couldn't go on an adventure without her, even if she didn't exist for that moment.
He was terrified that day, scared she would cease to exist again, so he and Happy made their way to her apartment that night. He slept in her bed just so he could make sure she was actually there. Not to mention being engulfed in her smell made him sleep like a baby. She woke up scolding him but thankfully she let him stay, and the nights following.
They walked through a giant arch that was the exit to the town. They saw a couple of benches for them to rest on while waiting for the carriage.
Natsu saw the carriage coming down the hill just a few minutes away. He held his stomach, preparing for the ride.
The Sun was beginning to set. He had to admit watching the Sun set in such beautiful lands was quite a sight.
"I do hope our client will have sleeping arrangements when we arrive, and not expect us to go monster hunting tonight." Erza said, plopping down on one of the benches.
"Yeah, I hope so." Wendy agreed.
Natsu found a spot next to Lucy. She was beginning to read the book she had bought. He watched her carefully. The sunset kissed her skin and illuminated her in a way that was making Natsu really notice how beautiful she was. He felt his stomach knot up, but not in the familiar way transportation makes it. Sometimes when he would stare at Lucy he'd find himself getting that feeling, but he tried to brush it away, as he did most feelings he didn't understand.
Natsu continued for a moment thinking about when he realized how precious she was to him.
During the Grand Magic Games he witnessed losing her… No, it wasn't Lucy, but it still was her, seeing even a version of her being murdered sent him to a rage he's never felt. Almost as if there was a monster he hadn't unleashed yet trying to claw its way out. Knowing now that there actually was.
It scared him. It scared him so much to lose her that even after the threat was gone and they were back home, he could barely sleep making sure she was okay.
One night, he finally held her. He had such a burning desire to do so, so he did. It made him feel more at peace, holding her so close being shrouded in her scent. Feeling her against him. He had never felt so content in his life. So he held her almost every night that he could.
After he would hold her, some nights, he would have dreams he shouldn't have been having. Even thinking of the dreams he would have some nights, brought color to his cheeks. He knew Lucy would kill him if she ever knew.
He was dense, yes, but his father taught him some of what a man and woman can do together, like kissing and being intimate in ways. Something about one's manhood and a girl's womanhood, or something along those lines anyway. He also hears stuff from the shameless pervs at the guild, and they have other names for those parts but he never had much interest in really listening.
He knows when he gets overwhelming desires to touch Lucy's breast he shouldn't, unfortunately he's lost that battle a few times. And in the dreams he is able to touch Lucy without her protest. Which makes him feel excited in ways he shouldn't be, since he would be holding her. He knew he'd get the hardest Lucy kick to the face if she knew he had these weird feelings, so he usually tried to ignore it.
The year he trained and had to be away from Lucy made sleeping extremely difficult. He definitely missed her. He almost gave up and went home early, but he knew it was something he needed to do.
Some nights he'd have nightmares that she forgot all about him and was enjoying the company of other guys, he would wake up setting his surroundings aflame, one of those surroundings being Happy; who wasn't too pleased about that.
Natsu was ready to pack up and leave after that. He was worried if he was gone too long she would forget. But Happy would remind him of why he was doing this, to protect Lucy and everyone in the guild. So he stayed away for an entire year.
Thinking about it now, that's probably when the rage of Lucy being hit on by other guys started.
Once he saw Lucy again after all that time, he never wanted to leave her again.
Of course he thought he'd lost her during the war with Alvarez.. Which brought out the demon dwelling within him.
Thankfully, Erza stopped him before he did any real damage, once he started to come out of it, he smelled it. A hint of vanilla.
She was alive. She was alive. That's all he kept chanting in his mind as he collapsed and let her wrap her arms around him.
Yes, Lucy is incredibly special and precious to him. She's the one he wanted to go on adventures with forever. And he had hoped she felt the same as well.
They finally began their carriage ride, much to Natsu's dismay. He immediately made himself comfortable on Lucy's lap, burying his face in her abdomen, taking in her scent knowing it helped him only slightly.
He groaned, nudging Lucy's hand to communicate his desire for her to massage his scalp.
He heard a playful giggle quietly leave her lips as she brought her hand to his hair.
He hoped the carriage ride wasn't too long.
With the horses moving at a steady trot, it took one long grueling hour for the carriage to make its way up the large hillside to the mansion that sat right on the edge of it.
They all made their way out of the carriage to be greeted by two men and a woman, who looked to be staff members, as well as a tall man, with dark red hair, from what Natsu could tell in the night, in front of the staff.
He noticed Lucy kept squinting her eyes at the man like she wasn't quite sure of something.
"Welcome, Fairy Tail wizards, to my estate. It is most certainly an honor to have you here.
I am Lord Halloway." He says to the team as they make their way up to him.
"The pleasure is ours, Lord Halloway. We are looking forward to cleansing your lands of the beast who has been plaguing them. I am Erza Scarlet. These are my team members." She went down the line Introducing them all, finally landing on Lucy. But before she could get out Lucy's name, Lord Halloway interrupted. "And this is Lu-"
"Miss Lucy?" He exclaimed
Lucy made her way towards him with bewilderment written on her face. "Sir Soren? I thought the name had sounded familiar on the job flier. Wow, it's been so long."
Natsu watched the exchange between the two, beginning to feel on edge.
"Yes it has been." Natsu noticed the man's eyes began to brighten. "It's actually Lord now, the late Lord Halloway, my father, passed away last year." He said with a touch of sadness.
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that." Lucy said with remorse.
"And I am sorry as well, I heard of your fathers passing some years ago." He said, giving her his condolences.
"Thank you." She said, lips curling into a slight sad smile.
He returned her smile. Natsu started to feel his body heat up.
"I have to say, Miss Lucy, you are as radiant as ever." He pronounced.
" Uh, thank you," She replied.
"But it's actually just Lucy of Fairy Tail now." She said, grinning.
Everyone watched the scene unfold, Natsu noticed Gray kept glancing towards him.
"Well that's wonderful, you finally got your dream of joining a wizard guild after all." He grinned wildly. "That's good, I'm delighted for you." He began to reach for Lucy's hand, once he had a hold of it he brought it to his lips.
Natsu, at this point had had enough and was ready to lay the guy out for touching her, he didn't care who he was. He started to stalk over towards him, forgetting earlier that he had told Lucy he wouldn't be so rash.
Before he could take a second step he was abruptly stopped by Gray's arm. "Don't be stupid." He whispered to Natsu. He was ready to shove his arm away until he saw Erza's warning side glance.
He watched as that lord planted his lips on her hand. He then balled his fist.
It took every ounce of control he had not to let his flames unleash on the guy.
Lord Halloway gazed at Lucy a moment longer, much to Natsu's dismay, before directing his attention to the rest of the team.
"Now, Fairy Tail wizards, if you would please follow me. We will discuss further details of the job, and have rooms arranged for you. Please, this way." He said holding his arm out for Lucy to grab. She was hesitant at first, but then she reached her arm out allowing for them to link together and began to walk with him, the rest of the team following.
Natsu's knuckles turned white. He was making great effort not to pound the guy's face in.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Erza giving him a sympathetic smile.
"Don't worry, it's just until the job is finished." She whispered to him before giving his arm a light squeeze and walking ahead.
Natsu hoped he could keep himself at bay until then. He knew he would have to work extra hard to act as if Lucy being so close to this, Lord whatever, wasn't eating at him. He still can't figure out why it bothered him so. But it did. All he knew was that he was ready to get this job over with, so he could get Lucy away from this guy.
He couldn't help but feel this was only the start of a long, and grueling job ahead.