#wish we could’ve seen more of this natsu

[kopiksu]

can we talk about how cute he looks with his scarf wrapped around his head like this. like look at him.

[justauthoring]

The Long Wait

Prompt: Eventually, the hoping became too much to bare. Requested by: no one.

A/N: This is basically a remake of this fic -- upon re-watching the GMG arc with my mom, I couldn’t help but look back at this fic and realize how much more I could’ve done with it. Thus, this was born. Pairing: Gray Fullbuster x F!Reader

“What do you mean you’re leaving?”

Keeping your gaze trained to the ground, you absolutely refuse to look up -- because you know that if you did, your heart would break all over again.

“I’m sorry,” you mumble, words jumbled together, voice quiet that if the guild hall was so completely silent, they definitely wouldn’t have heard you. But they do, and they falter at the way you sound so absolutely broken. And of course, all of them were, but there was something different about the way you sounded -- it was like you were defeated. 

Macao steps towards her, you hear it rather then see it, and can imagine his hand stretched out towards you, trying to placate you. “Y/N, we understand--” and he halts, voice catching in the back of his throat. “We understand more then anyone how you feel, but--”

“It’s different.” You find yourself cutting in, voice sharp, and you wince at yourself because you sound so incredibly selfish and rude. Who were you to say that your pain was any different from theirs? Any worse? But, still, you continue, your emotions getting the better of you. “It’s just... different. I... I can’t be here knowing they’re... he’s gone.”

“Y/N-nee, we don’t know that they’re gone!”

Your eyes fall shut at the sound of Romeo’s voice.

“We have to keep searching for them,” he argues, defiant, adamantly shaking his head. “They’re somewhere out there, I know that. And Gray wouldn’t--”

“They’re gone,” you hiss, interrupting him and finally glancing up to regard your friends, your family. They rear back at your harsh words, and that guilt festers even deeper inside of your chest, with the way they’re looking at you. Jet and Droy look near tears, and you know they’re thinking of Levy. And Bisca and Alzack look in shock at your outburst, you’re usually so quiet and calm. Macao looks angry, and the rest just stare at you, varying reactions that all mesh together.

Because really, it’s the way Romeo looks at you, still so young, so full hope as your words basically slap him in the face.

But you’re too far gone now, and there’s no stopping you.

“It’s been two years,” you continue, voice softer but still cutting, still hurtful. “They’re not coming back. They’re never coming back.”

He’s never coming back.

They don’t respond. No one argues, even if some look like they might. Maybe they’re understanding, maybe they’re finally getting it -- it’s been too long now and no one from the island is coming back. You’d been hopeful at first, you’d been like Romeo -- you’d refused to lose hope. But your heart is broken and there’s no mending it and you can’t keep staring at those doors all day expecting, hoping, praying that he’ll walk through them only for him never to.

So, you turn, nothing but a soft, sorrowful, pathetic apology leaving your lips as you turn your backs on your friends and leave them.

And as you turn, you see his familiar face, the dark black of his hair, that drawling smirk on his lips, and his cold, but always soft when directed at you eyes looking at you, but when you blink, he’s gone.

-

You huff at the weight dropped around your shoulders, inhaling deeply when you see a familiar puff of blonde hair.

“Did you hear?”

You don’t need to ask what he means. It’s pretty obvious.

“Fairy Tail will be competing again this year.”

When you turn to look at Sting, he’s smirking -- all bright eyed and giddy, and you hold back your own snark as you regard him with a small nod. Sting was one of the few to know of the fact that you used to be part of Fairy Tail -- him and Rogue, given that they were the ones who recruited you, and then the master as well.

It wasn’t news you were eager for everyone to know. Fairy Tail was a laughing stock in all respects now, but Sabertooth seemed to have a particular fondness of mocking the way the guild had fallen. And it was easy to hide you’d ever been apart of it given you hadn’t been a particularly well-known mage back when you’d been a member. Your powers were relatively new, and with, regrettably, the help of the Twin Dragon slayers you’d definitely grown in aspects of strength.

Three years since you’d joined Sabertooth -- two years of training on your own, and three of being surrounded by much stronger mages had you adapting and constantly changing. You were practically unrecognizable.

You were known at Y/N of Sabertooth now, and it was like the Y/N of Fairy Tail never even existed at all.

“I’m surprised,” you hum, shifting as Sting moves to take a seat next to you, still whilst having an arm draped over your arm. You blink at the sudden arrival of Rogue, not having heard him, as he takes a seat in front of you, before continuing. “They weren’t in it last year, or the year before if I remember. After finishing last every year before.”

You hadn’t been apart of Sabertooth’s team, but you do remember watching.

It had been... hard, to say the least.

“Ah, well, this year they have a new team.” Rogue explains blandly.

“New members, you should say,” Sting smirks.

Brows furrowed, you shake your head at their words, confusion flooding at you at the particular gleefulness of Sting’s expression. He always got a kick out of embarrassing other teams, not even just Fairy Tail, but there was something different about the way his eyes sparkled.

Sting meets your gaze, and without wavering, adds; “or should I say, old?”

Your breath catches, and even as your mind starts spinning, you’re all too aware of the way both Sting and Rogue are watching you carefully.

You turn from Rogue to Sting, and absolutely hate the gleam in the latter’s eyes as he smirks down at you. Keeping a tight hold on you, he pulls you closer, leaning until he’s a breaths away; “it’s a good thing I managed to convince the Master to let you on the team this year, Y/N,” he grins widely, “you’ll get to reunite with your old pales.”

That... that couldn’t be possible.

They were--They were dead. They are dead.

“I... I need some fresh air.” Shoving Sting’s arm off of you, you ignore his calls and his merciless laughter as you stock out the guild doors, bypassing Minerva which you know will get you in shit later. You don’t really care in that moment, you can’t even think straight, you need air. 

You need to breathe.

Sting must be lying. He has to be lying. There’s... they were dead, it’s been seven years.

Seven years.

How... why now? Why after all this time?

And you convince yourself he isn’t lying. You ignore Sting every time he tries to talk to you, and focus on training. It would be no good if you failed since you were on the roster this year -- Master would kill you if you failed to impress him and keep Sabertooth at the very top. And it’s easy enough to do, spend all your time training, pushing yourself to the brink, until it’s a few days before the games and you realize, Sting wasn’t lying.

You’d been trying to ignore it, ignore the urge, but eventually you give in and find yourself in the city of Magnolia. A place you haven’t been in a long time.

Fairy Tail’s location had changed, but you’d made sure to keep tabs on them. You never showed your face, mainly because you knew that in the end, you’d betrayed your friends. In their eyes, you assumed, you were the enemy, a traitor. You’d left them, left your guild in a time they’d needed you most, and almost instantly regretted it.

But every time you tried to go back, every time you made your way towards those doors, you’d remember the words you’d said -- “They’re not coming back. They’re never coming back.” -- and, like a coward, you were never able to face them.

From the moment you’d left, all you’d wanted to do was go back but it was too late for that now. And so you settled for keeping tabs, helping them where you could, always in secret -- you knew how they owed money, and you didn’t have a lot, but you always anonymously send some the guild’s way in hopes of helping. Sabertooth would kill you if they found out, specifically Sting, but it was your way of repaying all the hurt you must’ve caused them.

It’s why you know their new location. And, without even being there for more then five minutes, you see them.

A blue flying cat, followed by a white one, a tuff of pink hair, red hair, blue hair, blonde and most importantly, him. His dark hair, the fact that nothing’s changed and he looks exactly like he had those seven years ago when you’d wished him good luck on the S Class competition, and pressed a shy, chaste kiss to his cheek, the two of you blushing madly as he left, waving you goodbye.

But, they were there. He was there.

-

“And last but certainly not least, is the team that came first in the preliminaries... that’s right, you know them, you love them! Now, get on your feet and scream for the most powerful guild in all Fiore! The one and only, Sabertooth!”

You wince at the cheering, two steps behind everyone else as Sting makes his grand entrance, looking thoroughly most pleased and proud of himself then anyone else. However, even you can see the smirk on Rufus’ and Orga’s face. 

If anything, it’s you and Rogue that don’t look all that excited.

And you, for a specific reason. One that stares you right in the face the second you walk into the arena.

Elfman, Erza, Lucy, Natsu, but more importantly, Gray all look at you the second your team arrives. You can even feel Fairy Tail team B, and the rest of the guild up in the stands watching you and only you. You also notice with disdain that Sting had purposefully made way for you to be seen, even if you hadn’t been that hidden, you would’ve rather remained in the shadows.

That, and you’re not exactly sure what to say as they all stare at you.

“Y/N?!”

It’s Natsu who yells it, but it’s Lucy who steps towards you, baffled and confused; “Y/N, what’re you...”

But you only lower your gaze, eyes falling shut as Sting pulls you into his side, laughing loudly. “What a reunion!” He cheers, pumping his fist in the air, before turning to you. “Isn’t it so great to see all your old guildmates, Y/N?”

You meet their eyes, just as the announcer calls out;

“What’s this? A reunion? Could it be perhaps that Sabertooth’s own Y/N Y/L/N was once a member of Fairy Tail? What a twist on her debut in the Grand Magic Games!”

“This is so not man...”

Turning your head at the sound of Elfman’s voice, your breath catches in the back of your throat.

“Elfman,” Erza says sharply, pulling your eyes back on her and thus the rest of them, noticing with a thick swallow the way her eyes have never left your own. “I’m sure Y/N has her reasons.”

But as she stares at you, waiting for you to say something, you simply turn, walking off.

“I didn’t know you used to be in Fairy Tail,” Rufus drawls to you when you pass him, and your shoulders tighten.

That’s right... now, everyone knew.

“You never needed to know,” you say simply.

“Y/N.”

“It seems Fairy Tail’s Team A Gray Fullbuster approaches Sabertooth’s own Y/N Y/L/N, and the crowd watches in anticipation at the clear tension amongst the two of them--.”

Everything freezes. Shoulders tensing, you slowly turn, meeting Gray’s eyes -- the one you’d been specifically avoiding.

“We won’t lose.”

I know, you want to say. I don’t want you to, you want to tell him. I want Fairy Tail to win, you want to plead. But instead, knowing the eyes that watch you, you simply say; “neither will Sabertooth.”

-

This had to be some cruel joke.

Your punishment, maybe.

Sabertooth’s Y/N Y/L/N versus Fairy Tail’s Team A Gray Fullbuster

That’s what the board said, that what that God awful announcer calls with clear joy in his voice -- your first battle, the second day of the Games, and this way the turn out.

There was no way you’d win. 

Ignoring the fact that you had no doubt Gray was stronger then you -- you simply just couldn’t. You wouldn’t. Not against Fairy Tail and certainly not against Gray.

“Good luck, Y/N,” Sting calls as you move to make your way towards the arena. “Though I doubt you’ll need it.”

You hate his words, hate the way he knows, hate the way he seems to get such joy out of everything that had happened. This was his fault. His fucking fault that you were here, and that this was happening.

Though, of course, even you knew that was true.

“Sabertooth’s Y/N Y/L/N has never been apart of Sabertooth’s team, but we can expect something great from Fiore’s strongest guild, needless to say. Do you know anything about Y/N Y/L/N, Yajima-san?”

“I don’t know much about Y/’N now, but in her Fairy Tail days, she never really made a name for herself, but I do distinctly remember her powers being incredibly unique.”

“Ah! A mystery then. And of course, Fairy Tail’s Gray Fullbuster is a Ice Wizard, but after his performance in day one’s Hidden Competition, the crowd’s not too sure what to expect. Nonetheless, it should be an intense match between old guildmates now turned enemy’s.”

“Shut up,” you hiss to yourself, nails digging into the palm of your hands.

“Ah, I see you’re just as chipper as you used to be.”

Swallowing thickly, you inhale sharply as Gray comes to a stop a few feet before you. It’s closest you’ve been to him since that first day, and more importantly, then in seven years. You’d already known since that day, but he really does look exactly like he had that day. Hasn’t aged a day. You don’t know the story, you don’t know how he’s back, but you know you’ve heard the term ‘seven year blank’ echoing around.

That makes more sense as you stare at him now.

Still eighteen, you’re now older then him then a year younger like you had been before. 

Remaining silent, your head tilts back, where you know Sabertooth is, chest tightening.

“Y/N.”

Turning to Gray at the sound of your name, your lips part when you noticed the way his eyes have softened, even if only a little, like he caught something in the past moment you’d turned away from him. He looks so much more... concerned then he had the first day, and that was only yesterday. When he’d called for you, he’d looked so angry...

Now, he only looked worried.

“What happened?”

Swallowing thickly, you try to appear unbothered. “I left.”

“There’s more to it, I know there is,” Gray shakes his head, “the others told us about the day--”

Eyes clenching shut, a simply jerk of your head has Gray flying back. It causes a roar of gasps, surprise and anticipation in the thought that the fight is finally starting. But you know, unlike them, that it won’t get farther then that -- at least not from your end.

Gray hisses, slowly crawling to his feet, before he smirks at you; “you’ve gotten strong.”

“It’s been seven years.”

“Still,” he shrugs, stopping before you once again. “You have control now.”

You shrug, mimicking him with a smirk, “it’s been seven years.”

However, the facade falls all too quick when he takes a step towards you. Your body tenses, fists clenching as he continues to make his way towards you until he’s directly before you. He eyes you for a moment, quiet, carefully, and you nearly break then and there.

“It may have been seven years, but I know you best,” he whispers, voice low, “I know you’re lying.”

You shake your head, pushing his words away from your thoughts; “attack me.”

And he blinks, surprised; “what?”

“I need you to attack me,” you repeat, keeping your eyes trained downwards, refusing to meet his eyes. “I... I just need you to.”

And part of you expects him to -- you deserve it, you know, after all you’d done.

But, a second later, Gray’s stepping back, pulling your wide eyes on him as he shakes his head; “Fairy Tail doesn’t attack their own friends, Y/N. You know that.” And your breath hitches when his hand moves to raise.

“No!” You yell, before you can help yourself, eyes flashing a bright gold, like they had seconds before, holding Gray’s arm in place as he blinks back at you. Letting out a soft whimper, one you hope he doesn’t hear, you hold his arm in place, eyes falling shut as your own arm raises, the crowd falling eerily silent.

“I give up.”

And you knew, even as you feel the glares on your back, that there really wasn’t any other outcome that could’ve happened. You’d never hurt Gray, you knew, and you refused to hurt Fairy Tail anymore.

You were destined to lose this match.

-

“What’s so special about those fairies, huh?”

Wincing, you gasp at the squeeze on your throat, trying to suck in air that won’t come as your eyes fall on Sting’s own narrowed ones, glaring down at you. The brick of the wall behind you bites into your skin, and you know his grip will leave bruises, but even as you gasp for air and it feels like your vision is closing in on you, you have no regrets.

You never would, even if it’ll get you killed.

“What’s so fucking special about them?”

You refuse to respond, even if Sting wasn’t blocking off your air way you wouldn’t. Even if you could easily knock him away, send him flying, you don’t -- you’ll only pay for it more later.

“What’s so special about him?!”

He drops you then, and you fall to your knees with a thud, a cry leaving your lips as he sends a sharp kick to your gut, causing you to double over. It takes you a moment, a solid minute to catch your breath, and even then you’re still gasping, voice raspy as you raise your chin, eyes narrowing as you say the words you’ve been wanting to say to Sting for years.

“Fairy Tail is the guild Sabertooth could never be,” you hiss, your voice pathetic but your gaze menacing. “And Gray is a better man than you’ll ever be. All of them are. You’ll never be as good as Natsu.” You hit him where you know it hurts, the words having been on the tip of your tongue for years but you’d always held back in fear of what would happen.

Well, you’re no longer afraid. You’re too far gone now.

Sting’s eyes narrow and his face twists, ready to explode, before he breathes, and a smirk curls onto his lips. “You’ll never be apart of your pathetic guild again,” he hisses, “you’ll be stuck in Sabertooth for the rest of your life. Only, Master will make sure your life is a living hell.”

He sends another sharp kick at your side, but says nothing more as he turns, walking off with a huff.

It takes you a moment to gather yourself, slowly pushing yourself up to your knees where you stay, chest heaving, the pain radiating across your entire body, fingers finding your neck and touching the offended skin gently as you hiss in response.

You didn’t regret surrendering, but you couldn’t help but be terrified of what would happen when you walked into the inn that night.

You never should’ve left Fairy Tail. It was a regret you’d probably take to your grave.

“We actually have points thanks to you.”

Blinking at the sound of Gray’s voice, you slowly glance up at him, arm still wrapped tightly around your stomach as you stare up at him.

“I’m glad,” you whisper, smiling gently, “Fairy Tail deserves to win.”

Gray sighs, and stepping towards you, he reaches a hand out; “here,” he says softly, voice a mere whisper. You meet his eyes, before glancing at his hand for a moment, slowly slipping your own in it. He helps you to your feet, holding you up as you waver, hissing in pain, and then, before you know it, before you can even help yourself, you fall against him, forehead pressing against his shoulder as you let out a whimper.

“You know,” Gray says after a moment, “I still remember that kiss.”

Shaking your head, you let out a quiet, somewhat forced laugh.

“What happened, Y/N?”

“You were gone,” you whisper, finally answering. “You all were, but you were too. And... And I couldn’t handle staring at those doors everyday waiting for you to walk through them, only for you never to.” Pulling back, you meet his eyes, “I love you, I wanted to tell you that day, and it crushed me that I never did.”

Hands falling on your waist, Gray shakes his head; “no one would tell me where you were when we came back. It’s like every time I asked, this look would come over them and everyone would fall silent. When I learned it had been seven years, I wanted to see you first and tell you... tell you, I love you too.”

Biting your lip, “it’s too late,” you whisper. “The others must hate me and I... Sting will never let me leave.”

Gray’s grip tightens. “They don’t hate you, Y/N. Everyone misses you. I miss you,” and then, he shifts, cupping your cheek to pull your eyes on his own again. “I need you to come back.”

“But... Sting--”

“We’ll figure it out, Master will figure it out,” Gray argues, shaking his head. “The Guild needs you. I need you.”

Lips parting, you try to find the words, only to realize there are none. So, instead, you simply fall into his arms, holding him tight against you and hold on to his promise.

[hellisoursalvation]

I love Natsu’s outfits on the manga covers and I wish they gave him more outfits in the anime. I love this one especially cause he looks so much like a teenager - just a dude. At first glance, you wouldn’t even realize that it’s “Natsu Dragneel, Dragon King Igneel’s son”, but you’d just see some weird teenager teasing his friends. I wish we could’ve seen them acting more like teenagers, it would’ve made my heart happy.

[marzaid]

List of things about Bakugo and his mother I guess (and some about Todoroki his father, Izuocha.) But what do you think about the list?

1. The thing I hate is how everyone is focused on Bakugou's mental health but barley focused on Deku's..... for example if All might died then people would still pay attention to Bakugou's mental health even though it affect Deku's mental health wayyyyy worse.

2. There were plenty of times when Midoriya has been through way more stuff then Bakugou and people still likes to focus him instead.

3. Bakugou needs to say sorry

4. Bakugou's mother is NOT abusive Bakustans they are trying to excuse his behavior, Bakugou's mother personality is not as bad as people think it is .

5. Bakugou had a weak excuse to bully Deku.

6. Endeavors arc is better because he even so he still had some consequences to his actions but it doesn't mean that I like him, his arc should've been even more better if he strengthened the relationship with Todoroki and spend time with children that he neglected such as Natsu and Fuyumi and say sorry to his Children in general especially Todoroki's mom

7. Some Bakustans need to calm down

8. There are some good Bakustans and there are some bad: usually it's to the point when they have to say sorry for other Toxic Bakustans behavior but toxic Bakustans go Waaaaaaay out in there way to criticize people or Deku saying that " well if Deku would not follow him all the time he wouldn't be Bullied" WHICH is wrong the only reason why he got bullied is because he was quirkless. I want some Justice for Deku

9. Bakugou is lucky that Deku never holded any grudges towards him.

10. Bakugous quirk is NOT that interesting

11. Todoroki should've won the sports festival he had way more experience Todoroki started to train when he was a child.

12. Bakugous mom acts like Tsundere instead of abusive mom she treats him more like a annoying brother

13. I honestly feel like Izuocha is going to be a forced canon ship Aoyama would be better as a love interest (I am sorry this ship if you don't like and support it at all)

I have but I don't think you want any more.

Ok here we go!

You are so right! There is a huge focus on Bakugou’s mental health and how everything has affected him but people tend to ignore that Izuku has gone through many of the same things (minus being kidnapped). I don’t understand why people ignore Izuku’s mental health when not only is the main character but he’s also had a worse round of it? Especially since Bakugou is part of the reason that Izuku’s mental health is so bad. 

Yea you’re so right. So many people talk about how being kidnapped is this horrible thing (and it is) however that’s really the only thing really (besides the sludge villain) that is bad that happened to Bakugou. There are so many things that happened to Izuku that are so much worse. 

SAY IT AGAIN FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!! BAKUGOU NEEDS TO SAY SORRY! But more than that he needs to actually mean his apology and show that he’s actually changed (which thus far if he’s changed it’s very minimal at best).

We really only see that one scene where Bakugou’s mom smacks him upside the head so it’s hard to judge from there. Personally I do agree that she is most likely not abusive because the way that scene was played it was supposed to be a gag. On a side note, interesting that many bakustans tout that as the reason why his mom is so abusive yet when Bakugou does things 10 times worse to Izuku they completely ignore it or say that it’s just a gag 🙄

There is no reason for Bakugou to have ever bullied Izuku. There is no reason for bullying. I don’t care if he thought that Izuku was looking down on him, that is not how you treat other people. I don’t care what anyone says. There. Is. Never. A. Reason. For. Bullying. 

I do like the part of Endeavor’s arc currently with Dabi/Touya revealing the truth to the world and I do really hope that there are some really good consequences for Endeavor as a result of this. I just wish that it could’ve been framed differently. We get Endeavor’s point of view where he’s like “oh I’m sad my family is torn apart :(” and I feel like Natsu’s reactions are framed as bad (at least that’s what I got from the context) when I feel like they are legit and should be respected. I think that like Bakugou until Endeavor truly has real consequences (possibly losing his spot amongst other things) and he shows he truly changes I won’t be truly content with the arc but again that’s just me. 

Oh god yes! Some bakustans really do need to take a chill pill

Definitely!! There are some good fans across the board regardless of the characters they do or don’t like and on the flip side there are some bad fans cross the board too. Unfortunately, we see a lot of the toxic bakustans because they are the vocal minority that we see. The toxic stans definitely need to stop blaming Izuku for trying to be kind and friendly to Bakugou. It definitely shows their mindset that they view someone being a good person as bad.... JUSTICE FOR IZUKU 2KFOREVER

For sure! Bakugou is lucky that Izuku for the most part doesn’t hold a grudge and views him as one of his closest friends. 

Honestly? You’re right. I don’t really think Bakugou’s quirk is all that cool. Like congrats you can make explosions? But we have Tokoyami that has a living shadow inside him? Or Uraraka and her antigravity quirk? Or Momo and her ability TO FUCKING CREATE SHIT OUT OF HER BODY?!?!?!

I completely agree! Shouto should’ve won. Not only would it have been much more satisfying, but it would also’ve been really good for Bakugou’s character development. 

Bakugou’s mom does act a bit tsundere. I’ve seen it with many parents. Discipline is difficult especially in that situation so really it’s just telling him to stop being a prick. Honestly considering how awful Bakugou is to everyone including his parents, it’s a surprise that his parents are actually pretty decent. Bakugou reminds me of that teenage boy that doesn’t get what he wants and threatens his parents even if they’re just being strict and telling him to be respectful or something.

Ugh!! I think so too unfortunately. Izuocha is a great platonic ship but it really does feel shoehorned in. It’s like “Oh she’s the first girl he’s ever talked to so obviously they’re in love.” Like there are so many other characters that could work much better. If I’m being honest I do like tododeku the most because that was the first ship that I saw going into the fandom and the ship that actually got me interested in BNHA. But I can totally see Aoyama and Izuku. That would actually be really cute! Especially with how Aoyama checks on Izuku and tries to give him cheese and talk to him about his quirk. (please don’t apologize for liking ships) (also I may have to check out Aoyama and Izuku whatever their ship name is because the multishipper in me might be coming out lol thanks)

I am always down for more stuff!! Please feel free to talk to me on or off anon about whatever you want 😁

[takoyakitenchou]

hot ice.

if anyone is especially decent at creating unique titles for fics please dm me.

in which natsu lowkey causes globalFiore warming

“I wish it would snow again,” Lucy mused to no one in particular as she sipped her coffee. She was alone in her apartment, blissfully relaxed after returning from a job and ready to chill out and maybe write a few more chapters of her book. It had been an unusually dry winter with hardly any snow; she’d be lying if she said she hadn’t been looking forward to goofing around with Natsu and the others in an apocalyptic snowball war. At least she had all the upcoming years to look forward to, right?

With a contented sigh, Lucy sat down at her desk and had just begun to pull out her stationery when she felt a large, warm hand clamp down on her shoulder. “Snow, you say?”

She dropped her pen and shrieked so loud Sting and Rogue probably heard her over in Sabertooth. “NATSU!”

The fire dragon slayer was grinning at her. “Come on! Jicchan let me pull out the old sled from storage!”

Once Lucy found her voice, she squeaked out, “Mmguhh?”

Without sparing another word, Natsu grabbed her hand and yanked her out of the apartment building so fast she felt the whiplash. He didn’t slow down until they were in front of an iced-over lake on the outskirts of Magnolia.

“What are we doing!?” 

“Sledding!” he crowed triumphantly, and produced said sled out of seemingly nowhere. “You said you wanted snow, right!?”

Lucy began subconsciously drafting her obituary as she felt Natsu practically chuck her onto the sled. He plunked himself down cross-legged behind her with his back pressed to hers and suggested, “Maybe hold on to something?”

Now, this sled had absolutely nothing in terms of safety precautions. In fact, it wasn’t actually a sled. It was literally a sheet of curved metal that Lucy definitely had seen somewhere before. Oh, yes. It was supposed to be from the fucking bell in Magnolia’s square.

It is how it is.

Thusly, Lucy could only hold on to herself and link arms with Natsu as he opened his mouth-turned-makeshift propulsion. He belted out a jet of fire and the momentum was enough to send them skidding across the frozen lake. Between exhales, Natsu managed, “Lucy, you gotta steer or we’ll crash.”

Lucy had already given up on life at this point but she remembered that she hadn’t been able to formalize her will yet, so she drew breath to summon one of her celestial spirits and ask for spirit world oars when Natsu accidentally got a little heated with the engine-ing and melted the whole damn lake.

They plunged straight into the freezing ice water and Lucy realized this was probably where they were going to die. It was pitiful to think she and Natsu had survived pretty much everything under the sun (and over it, to be honest) but they would be felled by a failed sledding attempt.

Natsu, on the other hand, had very different plans. He wrapped his arm tightly around Lucy, spat one last heaving bolt of flames in a vaguely downwards direction, and they shot out of the water, quite literally freezing to death but still very much alive.

“You could’ve called Aquarius,” Natsu said. He was already fully dry—ah, the benefits of being the salamander—and had begun to breathe hot air onto Lucy’s drenched clothes.

“She would’ve killed me for calling her into water of that temperature,” Lucy sighed. “But, Natsu, thank you for trying. I’ve enjoyed this. Significantly more than I thought I would.”

Natsu grinned one of his trademark grins that stretched wider than his attention span. “I’d do anything for you, Lucy.”

“Like... a job?” she asked, mimicking his lopsided smile.

“Of course!” he exclaimed, picking up the sled. “But we might need to tell Jicchan that we unfroze the lake first. Just in case Fairy Tail has to pay public property damages.”

Lucy palmed her face. “I forgot that’s a thing.”

“It’s fine! We’ll just win the Grand Magic Games again. Should be a breeze.”

Life is good when you’re Natsu Dragneel.

For some serendipitous reason she couldn’t quite place, and despite the fact that she had literally been dunked in ice water two minutes ago and nearly drowned, she was filled with warmth as they made their way back to the guild hall.

Life is good when you’re with Natsu Dragneel, Lucy corrected herself with a smile.

[phoenix-before-the-flame]

Excuse these words I quickly scraped together. My brain is only halfway there today because of no sleep but i still had to do something for that new mashima pic right?

So please, enjoy.

Her breath fanned against his cheek, a new warmth that made him shudder and redness creep further up his neck and to his ears. An arm tightened around her back, pulling her closer than she already was, the hand pressed firmly on his chest and the other resting on his shoulder proof of just that.

Lucy's grip on his shoulder was tight, clamped down with nervous energy and her eyes squeezed shut. He would've laughed any other time at the face she was making, slightly parted lips pursed as she leaned in close, the colour on her cheeks deepening by the second.

It was such a silly one to make, worthy of teasing. But he couldn't, because Natsu was almost certain the one he was making was equally ridiculous. Or maybe even more so. He swiped his tongue over dry lips, heart in his throat as he dipped his head to meet her halfway.

And he stopped. because Lucy stopped.

A frustrated sigh blew past her lips, her fingers curled tightly on his chest. She buried her face in his neck, the embarrassment sharp in her voice when she whispered the words onto his skin.

"I can't do it." Lucy groaned. "I really want to but it's just…." She trailed off, searching for the right words.

"Too soon?" Natsu filled in, slowly unwinding his arms from her, but he still kept one resting around her shoulders. Lucy hadn't budged an inch. 

She groaned loudly into his chest, annoyed with herself. "I honestly thought I could do it. In theory it seems like such a simple thing but doing it is another story completely." Natsu rubbed comforting circles on her back, his heart calming and slipping back into his chest where it belonged.

"Least you're better than me." Natsu mumbled sheepishly. "I'm pretty sure you've read about this kind of stuff before but I was flying kinda blind just now. I was hoping you'd lead and i'd just follow through." He ended jokingly.She groaned again, trying to sink her face further in his scarf.

"We can run head on in a fight no sweat but it's now of all times we freeze up." Natsu mused, running a hand quickly through his hair. She whined softly in agreement.

"How do people do this all the time?" Lucy let out a shaky laugh, leaning into him heavily.

"Hey beats me! I always thought it was a weird thing to do. Making weird looks at each other before you smoosh faces together." Natsu pursed his lips together and puffed out his cheeks to prove his point. He couldn't hold it long as his own snorting chuckles bubbled up. "I wish you could've seen how you looked. Like some kind of nervous pink puffball."

Lucy gasped, shoving his shoulder playfully. "And what? Like you were making a better face? Don't think I didn't sneak a peek at you. What was with the whole tongue out thing?" She eased off his chest and stuck out her tongue, waggling it teasingly. "I've never kissed before but I don't think that's how you do it."

Natsu bumped his forehead against hers lightly, cupping the back of her neck once more. A playfulness worked its way into his smile. " And who told ya I was going in for a kiss? Maybe I was tryna trick you."

Lucy rolled her eyes at him. "Oh really?" She asked incredulously. "What else could you have possibly done instead-" Her mouth dropped open in a soft 'o' at the realization.

"You.wouldn't. dare." 

The devious bastard had her trapped in his grasp, making her attempt to escape futile. And he did the unthinkable with that twinkle in his eye. She shivered at the warm wetness on her nose in a deliberate childish ploy.

"I could've done that to you instead." The tip of his tongue poked passed over his lips and Lucy wriggled out of his grasp as he started laughing again, almost doubling over after the horrified look she sent him, rubbing furiously at her nose.

"Well now you'll never going to get a kiss from me if you're just gonna lick me instead." Lucy mused. "That's just gross and you know it."

"That won't stop me and you know it. And I know you don't mean that." Natsu extended a hand towards her, a cheeky grin plastered on his face. Lucy scoffed, knowing he was right and took it, pulling him towards her and threw his arm over her shoulder. " I still wanna try, and i know you do too." He continued quietly, with a hint of longing that made her lips curl softly. "But just not today. Maybe tomorrow?"

"Maybe." Lucy said, playing his fingers."And if not tomorrow then maybe the day after. Or the other day after that." Her grin widened, matching his growing by the second.

"Cause we've got time, right?"

"More than enough time to try and get it right."

[nalu4emily]

The Unexpected Reward - Chapter 9

Summary: Natsu and Lucy go on a job together, but what they bring home is something neither anticipated. Forced to make a life changing decision, they have to adapt quickly, but that's never easy, especially given the circumstances. As they work together on their toughest adventure yet, they find themselves drawn to one another, in ways they never realised. Nalu/cute/fluff/multi-chapter.

Lucy had been startled awake again that morning. Her heart was pounding and her breathing heavy from the same recurring nightmare she dreamt of every so often. A nightmare that had continued to disturb her sleep ever since they'd returned from their last mission, the fateful one where they'd been stalked by Haru's biological father. It always started with him looking for them in the forest. Sometimes her dreams replayed what actually happened, other times it was Haru he'd kidnapped instead of Amelia. Then there were the worst ones where he'd carried out his threats on the children and it made her sick to her stomach, jolting her awake covered in sweat. Each dream always ended the same, Natsu was no where to be seen and she was unable to stop the man from harming the children.

They'd returned from that job two months ago now, and every time Lucy thought back to it, she remembered every word that guy had said and the horrific things he'd planned to do. She'd been so thrown off by who it was, she'd let her guard down and her nightmares were a constant reminder of what could have happened if Natsu hadn't been there to protect her and the girl. What if he'd been a mage? What if it'd been Haru he'd kidnapped? It's those sorts of thoughts that made her question herself and tormented her conscience.

Natsu had become acutely aware of her waking during the night and in order to help her get over it, he'd taken it upon himself to find a solution. She needed something that would bring back her confidence in her abilities, not just as a mage but as a mother who could protect her child without the assistance of others. She needed something where she had to rely on herself to pull her through and what better than a solo mission, Natsu thought it was perfect. He'd had a hard time convincing her, but she'd finally accepted the job he'd picked out. Lucy was about to embark on her first solo job since who knows when and as nervous as she was, she couldn't wait to get back in action and hopefully prove to herself that she was still just as strong as she'd always been.

Natsu had accompanied Lucy to the station, and waited with her. "You doing alright, Luce?" Natsu asked, he knew she was super anxious about going alone, but he wanted her to know that he had every faith in her, he knew she was strong, she always had been, he just needed her to see that.

"Yeah, I just hope it all goes well." She said, a few sweat drops appearing on her brow. She was just glad the mission he'd picked (without her permission, she might add) looked pretty simple, it wouldn't take more than a day to complete, which meant she'd be home late that evening. "Are you going to be okay on your own with Haru?"

"Sure, I'll be fine. Haru and I are gonna have lots of fun! Aren't we, buddy?" He beamed, lifting the smiling baby up to his face. Little Haru spent most of his awake time smiling these days, he was such a happy little guy. At only three months old, he already had his own personality coming through. Natsu chuckled at his adorable expression, nuzzling his nose up against the baby's making him giggle uncontrollably. "Listen Lucy! He's laughing! See, I told you we were gonna have fun!" Natsu couldn't stop smiling, the infants giggle reverberated through the station and it was the cutest noise either mage had ever heard.

"Oh my goodness! That was the sweetest little laugh ever!" Lucy felt her chest warm as she stepped closer to join in on the fun, "Did Daddy make you laugh? He's silly isn't he?" She chuckled, as Natsu handed him to her so that she could have one last cuddle. "Mama's going to miss you so much today!"

"Think of it as a break, Luce. You're a great mom, but you need your space too and then you can tell us all about it when you get home." He grinned at her, trying to relieve her stress somewhat with the approaching train thundering into the station.

She gave Haru one last little kiss on his cheek, before giving him back to Natsu. As she was about to walk away, Natsu grabbed her wrist and drew her to him, placing his hand on the back of her head and tangling his fingers into her hair. "Remember why you're doing this, Luce. You've saved my ass more times than I can count, but you've just gotta believe in yourself again, like I believe in you." Her chest flood with warmth, eyes turning watery from his kind words.

Laying eyes on his beautiful partners face, he kissed her wantonly, heatedly, not caring who was around to see. He smirked against her, gazing at the cute blush that'd crept up onto her skin. Still in each others embrace, they pulled their heads away, lost in their own small bubble.

"Damn you and that mouth of yours! How am I supposed to get on the train looking like this?" She gave him a bashful smile, her eyes flickering between his hot mouth and fiery gaze.

He leaned closer, sporting a sly grin and tickling her ear whilst whispering into it, "Maybe I'll show you more of what my mouth can do later."

Lucy's ears were red and steaming, her entire face felt like it was on fire. How was she meant to concentrate on this job now, when all she was going to be plagued with was erotic images of his hot mouth all over her. He chuckled lowly, leaning back to get a good look at her flushed face. Feeling satisfied with her reaction he let go, wishing her luck as she boarded the carriage and they waved at each other through the window when the train pulled away. It was strange seeing Lucy go off on a mission without him, he'd always accompanied her before, but he knew she needed this, it was for her own good and so, with that in mind he looked down at the gurgling baby, and grinned.

"What do you think, little guy? Where d'you wanna go?" He waited for some sort of response. The baby held his head up from his father's shoulder and smiled once again, "To the guild? Good choice! Daddy was thinking that too! Happy should be there by now." Natsu grinned, turning to walk in the direction of the city.

He wandered slowly through the streets of Magnolia, talking softly to the little one as he showed him all the different market stalls, making sure Haru knew exactly where to get the best food in town. Although he never liked being apart from Lucy, Natsu did enjoy spending his time with just Haru. He loved to show him all the things he found cool and exciting, or spend hours playing with him whilst telling him stories of Igneel or his and the teams past adventures. It was their special bonding time, something Natsu hoped they would continue to do as Haru got older. It was these precious moments that the slayer would cherish for the rest of his life, one's he wished he could've had more of with Igneel, but that was the past and Haru was his future and what a bright one it was turning into.

After finally reaching the guild hall, Gajeel was quick to run over, "Salamander! Are we still on or what?" Referring to a bet they'd made the other day. Natsu had been bored, so challenged Gajeel to see who could use their roar attack for the longest, but before he could follow through with it, Haru had woken up from his nap. "Or do you surrender to the superior dragon?"

"Superior? Ha! Don't make me laugh, Metal head, I just got better things to do." Natsu scoffed, gesturing to the bundle he was carrying, whilst continuing to walk straight passed Gajeel without a second glance.

Gajeel's mouth dropped open, totally dumbstruck. Did the infamous salamander just turn down a bet? The iron dragon slayer was speechless, he couldn't believe his own ears and apparently neither could any other guild member that'd heard him.

"Are you sick, Natsu?" Lisanna asked, putting her hand against his forehead to check his temperature.

"No, of course not. I don't get sick!" He looked up at her hand until she removed it from his head. Checking his temperature wasn't going to work, it was always high. "I feel fine." He reassured her. He sat down at the bar and turned to the crowd gathering around him, staring sceptically at the bewildered looks they were giving him. "What did I do now?" He groaned, rolling his eyes.

"What don't you do, Pinky!" Gray muttered under his breath from across the bar, knowing Natsu would hear him. The fire breather turned swiftly to the smug looking demon slayer and scowled, about to give him a piece of his mind but instead was interrupted by a barrage of comments flying at him from all over the room.

"Uh-oh! He's pussy whipped!" Macao shouted from a nearby bench.

"You're damn right he's pussy whipped, what's she threatened you with? No sex? That'll do it!" Wakaba shouted straight after, then they both began to laugh when Natsu choked on and spat out the drink Mira had just given to him. Luckily his reflexes were quick enough to move Haru out of the way.

"He's on his best behaviour so Lucy gives him some once she gets back!" Cana drunkenly blurted, "Good boy Natsu, you'll be getting your dick wet tonight!"

"Making babies is MANLY!" Elfman cried.

"Who said anything about making babies you big dolt!" Evergreen scolded, smacking Elfman with her fan.

"You're trying for another baby? That's so cute! Haru needs a sibling." Levy said with a little sparkle in her eye.

What the hell were they all going on about? A question Natsu often asked himself with regards to his guild mates. He'd stopped trying to look at each person individually as they spoke and had started to drift off. Is this what Lucy had to put up with every time their relationship was brought up, because, man, did he feel sorry for her! The only thing he could do was wait patiently until they all shut up, because unlike Lucy, he was use to their antics.

"You guys are like vultures…" Natsu sighed, not looking remotely amused whilst raising his eyebrow at them. Haru had started to get tired and began whimpering from all of the commotion. "See, now look what you've all done! Haru was the reason I turned the bet down, not because of whatever you old lechers were calling it." He accused, pointing his finger at a sniggering Wakaba and Macao, then turned back to the others. "And anyway, what's it to all of you what Lucy and I do?" He pulled Haru away from his chest and laid him down in his arms, making the little one comfortable and pulled out a bottle of milk from his backpack to warm up and feed him, watching as the baby's eyes instantly lit up.

"So… you are trying for another baby?" Mira sneaked in there, her eyes like stars at the possibility of that being true. "It's okay, you can tell me."

"Why would I tell you that?" Natsu looked up, confused as to why he'd tell her something that wasn't true, until he realised she'd misunderstood him. "That's not what I meant!"

"But you didn't deny it, so how're we to know?" Levy teased, elbowing Natsu in the arm.

"I think they are! You should hear the noises they make when they think they're alone together." Happy flew over, and started circling Natsu's head, giggling along with some of the girls.

"Happy! You'll upset Haru if you keep doing that!" He growled at the exceed, then turned back to the rest of them. "No, we're not trying for anything. Lucy and I haven't even… er-" He stopped mid sentence as he realised what he was about to say would doom him for all eternity, but by the looks on their faces, it was too late.

"How is that even possible? You've been together for months now, what are you both doing?!" Cana shrieked, making Haru burst in to tears from her racket. She was gobsmacked. How is it they'd been sharing the same bed and not touched each other?

"Oh no, it's okay buddy, don't cry. Cana's just got a big mouth that she can't keep shut." He frowned when Haru refused the rest of his milk, deciding that he wanted to be held against Natsu's chest and have a cuddle instead.

"Natsu, even I have to admit I'm surprised that neither of you have fornicated, I assumed most loving couples did that sort of thing, to, er, procreate or otherwise…" Erza had tried to keep her composure whilst saying that and even though she'd sounded the part, she'd failed miserably by turning the same colour as her hair.

"Forn-a-what now? I don't get what the big deal is here? It's not like I don't wanna, I'm just waiting for Lucy to want it too." He thought he was doing the right thing by waiting for Lucy, was that not what he was supposed to do then?

"Have you not thought that maybe Lucy's waiting for you too? If she's not done that sort of thing before, there's no way she's gonna initiate it with you. You gotta be the man and go for it." Gajeel grinned, making Levy blush.

"Go for it? But wouldn't that scare Lucy off?" He asked, if he knew Lucy would be ready for it then he would have done it ages ago, but he couldn't be sure without asking her directly and there was no way he was going to do that.

"Well you haven't scared her off yet and that's a feat all in itself!" Gray smirked again, man did he love to wind Natsu up.

"Hey droopy! What's that supposed to mean?!" Natsu snarled through gritted teeth.

"Gray, your clothes…" Cana huffed at the ice mage as he looked down at himself and freaked over losing his clothing, then turned back to Natsu, gaining his attention again. "Just go for it and see where it takes you. You never know, you might be pleasantly surprised…" She smirked, like she knew something he didn't.

Natsu had picked up on the subtle cue, and smirked to himself. So Lucy had spoken to them about it? Which was surprising but by the sounds of it, she wanted it just as much as he did. However, it's not like he could do much about it right now, she wasn't there, but she would be later and he couldn't stop his imagination from running wild. However, those lewd thoughts were unfortunately interrupted by the she demon and her sister.

"If you want, Natsu, Mira and I could take the little one tonight, so you and Lucy can spend some time together?" Lisanna offered, she'd been dying to get her hands on the baby and so had her sister. "I imagine being parents is hard work especially without a break every once in a while."

"But, I'm not sure if Lucy would-"

"Lucy would appreciate it as well I'm sure. You could do something romantic for her for when she gets home?" Mira said, smiling at the dragon slayer.

"You got to have time to yourselves every once in a while, Gajeel and I do. It doesn't make you a bad parent for wanting some space." Levy explained. It did sound quite tempting to take them up on the offer, spending a night with just Lucy sounded like heaven.

"Then you got no excuse not to bend her over." Cana laughed, watching as the dragon slayer's face started to redden a little.

"You've always gotta lower the tone!" Natsu said staring at her, before turning back to Lisanna, "Fine, but you forgot about Happy, it's his house too."

"I don't wanna get in the way of your gross kissing, you always sound like you're trying to eat each other. I'm going night fishing, Lily said he'd come with me!" Happy laughed to himself, earning a scowl from Natsu to shut him up, but it quickly turned into a chuckle, shaking his head, that cat would never change.

Natsu spent the afternoon at the bar stuffing himself silly and playing with Haru, when he was awake, and Happy, before it was time to hand the little guy over. He gave Haru a kiss on the cheek and smiled when the baby smiled back at him. He gave him to Mira, gauging his expression to make sure he was alright before he left. He noticed a slight hesitancy from the baby as he stared into the smiling face of the she-demon. But it wasn't long until Mira had managed to win him over allowing Natsu to relax a bit, making his leave he smiled to himself when he heard the baby giggle again at all the weird noises Mira was making.

Once out of the guild, Natsu halted and took a long, deep breath, he was kinda nervous and excited about the night he'd somewhat planned for Lucy. He hoped her job was a success because then she'd be in a good mood as well. He began to walk again, carrying himself all the way home.

Lucy's job had been a triumph, she was so thrilled to be back in action and she was doing it without the help of anyone else, just her and her spirits. The job itself had been relatively easy, it was to transport a load of ancient artefacts across from Hargeon to a small town on the west coast of Fiore, she was requested to keep them safe and stop anyone from trying to steal them. It had been exhausting using her magic for the entire journey but she had completed it, got paid and had just pulled in to Magnolia station.

She couldn't wait to get home to take a nice long shower and see Natsu. It had gotten quite late now and she imagined Haru would be asleep in bed, so she'd have to wait to see him. Lucy was curious to hear how Natsu's day had gone too and wondered briefly if he would make good on his words from earlier.

She felt herself flush at just the very thought of it, would he do it? They'd been together for a few months and they hadn't got passed overly passionate kissing and heated flirting. Lucy absolutely loved how he made her feel but she still wanted to go further, she wanted to experience what it was like to be truly intimate with someone and surely he did to, or was he really that clueless? In her desperation, she'd even gone to Cana for advice which hadn't really helped, she was much too vulgar to have a serious conversation with. It had left her at a dead end, she was too shy about that sort of thing to outright ask for it, but she wanted to do something, even if it wasn't all the way it could be at least some of it.

Lucy had finally reached her house, only to be startled when Natsu seemingly appeared from nowhere, he grinned, pleased to see her home at last. "Hey, Luce. I thought I could smell you." He said, watching her relax a little and smile back at him. "Are you just gonna stand there or do I have to come to you?"

She dropped her bags and ran up to him, jumping into his arms. They kissed fervently and it instantly made Lucy's skin heat up, she really didn't think she'd ever get use to kissing him like that. When they finally pulled away, grinning like idiots at each other, she remembered that she hadn't seen Haru or Happy and wondered where they were. But before she could ask, Natsu took her hand and guided her to the nearby hill top close to their house. Her breath caught in her throat when she laid eyes upon the dazzling sight before her.

Just like the view from their bedroom but even more spectacular, was Magnolia city, all lit up and mimicking the beautiful night sky above them, the stars were out in full force and she could see the constellations clearly. She looked at the ground and noticed a large blanket and a few cushions had been laid out, in just the right spot for stargazing, it was simple but effective and very much Natsu. She realised then that he must've planned this for them and that Haru was probably with one of their friends for the night.

"It's so beautiful! Did you plan this?" She asked, not being able to rip her gaze away from the stunning scenery.

"Sort of, I guess. You always say the stars are brighter from up here, so I figured you'd want to spend some time looking at them." He said, watching her reaction to it all. "Come and sit down, Luce, I made some dinner for you too if you're hungry?" Her face paled at the thought of Natsu wrecking their kitchen, she made a note to check it before they went to bed. "And before you bombard me with questions; no, I didn't mess up the kitchen and Haru is with Mira, he's fine." Natsu said, leading her down onto the blanket and bringing out a basket full of food. "Oh, and Happy's gone night fishing with Lily." He finished, feeling like a responsible adult.

"Well, look at you acting like a grown up and for the record I wasn't going to ask. I'd already guessed that Haru was with someone else, otherwise you wouldn't be so calm. However, I'm still dubious about the kitchen." She chuckled at his sheepish grin, whilst digging into the food to settle her rumbling stomach. "My job was a success by the way. You were right, I really did need that, it felt good to use my magic again. I had fun!"

"Good, did you get any one trying to steal the stuff?" He asked, he was genuinely interested in how her job went, wanting to hear how bad-ass she'd been. Which had always secretly been a huge turn on for him.

"Yeah, loads! I didn't realise the relics were that important. I sat on top of the train and used my Sagittarius star dress to shoot them all as they approached. It was like playing a game…" She continued to tell Natsu all about it, smiling and laughing at all the things that'd happened.

"...and just as we were pulling into the last station, some big burly guy came onto the train and knocked me out of the way. His size took me by surprise at first, but I quickly changed into my Taurus form and beat him. It was like letting all my anxiety out at once." She finished, grinning from ear to ear. "Apart from the train ride, you would have loved it. There must have been over a hundred of them trying to ambush me and I took down every single one of them."

She felt so refreshed telling Natsu about her achievements and he looked so pleased for her, soaking up every word she told him. He could see the little glint in her eyes had returned, the way she was talking about what she did had brought hope to him that her confidence had returned. He stared into her beautiful eyes as they held this new type of vigour, she looked ready to take on the world and just like always, he'd be right there beside her.

After what seemed like hours of talking about their days, they found themselves laying down on the blanket, huddled closely to one another, gazing up at the stars. Lucy felt like a weight had been lifted and now she had time to relax with her dorky partner, and just be themselves for a change. She couldn't remember a time where she felt more at peace then what she did in that moment, she could have stayed there like that, forever.

"Thank you for today, Natsu, it's really helped clear my head of everything that's been troubling me. I should've listened to you all along, I am strong enough, I know I am and just like always, you've been there to help me see it." She said, nuzzling her head further into the crook of his neck. His hand was splayed against her exposed stomach, stroking it lightly. "And laying here like this with you is just the perfect way to end the day."

"Anything to keep you smiling, Luce!" He murmured against her hair. "I'm just glad it all worked out! I told you I believed in you."

"You did and I'm so grateful for it." She beamed, she was so content in that moment. It got her thinking of how precious times like these were, where they could be just Natsu and Lucy, the two best friend turned lovers. "I could stay like this with you forever, but I guess now we have Haru, we'll miss out on times like this. It's a shame we didn't do more of this before becoming parents." It wasn't that they didn't spend time together, they did plenty of that, but it was always as friends not as anything more.

"We won't miss out, Luce. We'll find time to be just us, I promise. Haru won't always be this small, then we'll have all the time in the world to be with each other. I said forever didn't I?" Natsu thought back to when he'd told her that, it'd been when he first came to terms with his feelings for her. It felt so long ago now and so much had changed since then, they'd achieved so much together. However, he understood how she felt, it was a shame they'd both been too dense to see what was in right front of them. But without Haru, they'd still be in denial and who knows how long it would've taken for them both to act.

"Yeah, you did say that." She smiled up at him and kissed his jaw.

Natsu brought her closer, brushing his fingers over her hip, grazing a sore spot and making Lucy hiss suddenly. She flinched at the painful vault that ran through her leg, making her sit up. Natsu bolted upright, concerned by her reaction, he wanted to check her over to make sure she was okay. After a quick scan of her body, he caught sight of a huge dark bruise that'd appeared on her right hip.

"Whoa, Lucy! That's one hell of a bruise!" Natsu was shocked by how big it was, it must have been fresh because that hadn't been there earlier. He brushed his fingers gently over it, earning a small whimper from her, as she tried to hide how painful it was. "Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you." He grimaced as he looked up to her eyes and saw her bravely trying to hold back her tears from the pain it had caused.

"Don't worry, it doesn't hurt that much. I'll be okay." She said as she went to touch it herself, "Ouch! I take it back, that's so sore! It must have been from that huge guy I defeated earlier, he was pretty tough." She yelped, whipping her hand away from the darkened area.

"That bastard! At least you beat him, Luce!" He said smiling at her, trying to lighten the mood. "I'd apply heat to it if I knew it would help, but I don't think it will. You need ice on that."

"Hmm, looks like I'll have to go and find some ice then…" She said slyly. Putting her finger to her lip, she put on a cute thinking face. "Do you know of anyone in particular, that could be of assistance, Natsu?" She pretended innocence, struggling to hold her smile down when she saw Natsu's face turn into one of disgust.

"Don't even go there!" He raised his eyebrow at her, realising that she was trying to provoke him, but after all of her past failed attempts at doing just that she definitely wasn't going to succeed this time either.

"Go where? I only asked if you knew of anyone that could provide me with ice, or would you prefer to see me suffer?" She said, moving slowly closer to him, careful not to touch the bruise. She put on her best innocent smile as she looked deep into his eyes through her lashes.

"I think you know my answer already, Lucy. And as much as it would kill me to say it…" His eyes bore deep into hers, his hands clutched both sides of her head and gently stroked her skin. His face remained calm and serious as he spoke, "I'm sorry, Luce, but I'd have to let you suffer." He murmured, flicking his nose against hers, before moving back a bit.

She gasped, watching his lips split into a mischievous grin, "You're so mean! How could you? And here I was thinking you loved me." She joked. It's only when she noticed Natsu's eyes go wide that her own mirrored his, her hands shot up to her mouth when she realised what she'd said out loud. "N-No, wait, I-I, er, that's not, I d-didn't mean…" Feeling herself become quickly flustered, she started babbling, trying but failing to make up any excuse for what she'd blurted.

Natsu tilted his head at her and furrowed his brows whilst she rambled on, confused by what she was trying to tell him, "Didn't mean what, Luce?" He asked.

She stopped her erratic talking instantly, "What I said, did you not hear me?" Was he pretending that he hadn't heard her? Her heart sank a little, maybe he wasn't ready for that yet? She felt her mood dampen, who was she trying to kid? He really was clueless. She went to stand, her painful hip pushed to the back of her mind, no longer caring about the discomfort as she tried to adjust to being on her feet. "Never mind, Natsu."

Just as she was about to turn she felt a warm hand wrap around her wrist, stopping her from walking off, but she was no longer in the mood for his antics. "Wait, don't go! I heard what you said, Luce." He said, almost frantically. He stood and took a step closer, hand cupping her cheek, totally transfixed by the radiant glow of her glossy brown eyes, wavering back and forth between them. "And you're right… I do love you."

She gasped, not actually expecting him to say it. "You love me?" She blushed a little but not caring about her pink skin. He loved her? Natsu Dragneel loved her? Why was it so surprising? That was usually how relationships developed, yet she still couldn't believe what her ears were hearing.

"Now who isn't listening?" He grinned fondly, taking in her gorgeous stunned features, with his hand still on her cheek, rubbing softly at her delicate skin. "I wouldn't lie to you, weirdo. I said it because I meant it." He brought her head closer to his, their lips brushing together and curling up into a tender smile, "You mean everything to me, Lucy."

Lucy's mind had turned to mush, she felt her knees turn weak, like they were about to collapse. She clung to his jacket to steady herself and wrap her head around what he'd just told her. She didn't know what to do with herself, she was so filled with joy it was making it hard to think straight, but luckily Natsu was there to save the day. He pressed his mouth to hers, slowly bringing her down until she was laying against the blanket, never breaking contact. He caged her between the soft floor and his hot body, overwhelming her lips, it was a feeling like no other. She wanted to sate his hunger for her, to be completely and utterly consumed by him and have him gorge on every part of her body until there was nothing left except pure, sweet bliss.

Unable to control her inner desires any more, she snaked her hands up his body and ever so slowly unzipped his jacket until his front was completely exposed. The cool air against his burning hot skin seemed to shock him at first, stopping in his tracks when he felt her colder hands lay flat against his chest. Disconnecting from her mouth and gazing deep into her eyes, it seemed like he was looking for something, a sign maybe? Or a reason to her actions? Usually, she wouldn't have been so forward, but now that he'd confessed his love for her, she didn't want to back down, no matter how inexperienced and nervous she was, but he still didn't look too convinced.

"Is this really what you want, Lucy? There's no pressure to do anything if you don't wanna. We can just have a bit of fun?" He spoke tenderly to her, wanting to show his utmost sincerity, because this wasn't some one night fling. He wanted to make sure she was actually ready for it, and not just doing it because Cana or Mira had told her she should be, and definitely not because she thought that this was what he wanted. "We can just start slow, then see where it goes."

Lucy's chest flooded with nervous energy, he was so sweet sometimes, and she definitely wanted this, she'd wanted it for the longest time, but her nerves were starting to get the better of her. "Of course I want this! I love you, Natsu. I've loved you for so long and now I want to show you just how much." She rested her hands on his broad shoulders, her words made his stomach do back flips and then she smiled, the most beautiful shy smile appearing on her smooth features and it took his breath away."I've just never done this before and I'm kinda nervous is all."

"I know, Luce, neither have I, but we can learn together. You know I'd never do anything to hurt you, your trust means everything to me and I would never break that." He spoke lowly, almost like a whisper. She nodded back at him, smiling sweetly at his words.

He leaned back down to her mouth and kissed her softly and full of passion for the girl he adored so much. It wasn't long before the kiss became more needy but it still held the same amount of love in it, because that's what he intended to do, make love to her, whether that be tonight or any other night. Natsu loved Lucy with every fibre of his being and she deserved his very best efforts.

He made his way down to her neck, paying extra attention to all the areas he knew made her squirm. Her hands went straight into his hair, while his were laid next to her head. Travelling down to his shoulders, she hooked her fingers under his open jacket and pushed it off of him, hearing it crumple on the floor. Wanting to feel his hard muscles against her skin, Lucy reached down to her own top and slowly pulled it over her head, forcing Natsu to detach himself from her. He pulled back a bit to gaze over her slender form, and damn, was she stunning! She could make any man hers if she truly wanted, but she'd chosen him and for that, he would be forever grateful.

He looked down to Lucy's chest and noticed they were still encased in her bra, that was no good! He wanted to get a birds eye view and that stupid bit of material was stopping him. He smirked up at Lucy, as an idea popped into his head. He hooked his finger around the material and in a second her chest was on fire, burning the bra away, but not hurting Lucy, exposing her enormous chest to him and all she could do was shriek at the sudden warm sensation on her skin.

He seemed pleased with himself but she never got a chance to scold him before his mouth dived down to her nipple and latched on, flicking his tongue over it. Her mouth dropped open and inhaled sharply at the new sensation, her head flung back as she arched herself a little into the air, pushing more of herself into him. His free hand came up to play with the other one, making Lucy moan out loud. Natsu felt himself respond to the noise she'd made to the point where it was now very obvious in his pants. He was so turned on from watching her enjoy herself, it was a stunning sight to behold and he could only imagine what having sex with her would be like.

He released the nipple from his mouth but kept his hand firmly on the other one as he began to make his descent to her stomach. Her creamy skin was so sensitive, and so deliciously sweet, her scent was ever so strong right now and it was overwhelming his senses the closer he got to her legs. He finally reached the band of her skirt, looking up to Lucy to make sure they were both in sync.

"P-Please don't burn it…" She whimpered out quickly as he continued to play with her nipple.

He smirked at her, she could barely get the words out, and all he was doing was playing with her breast. He removed the skirt, the proper way, as swiftly as possible, leaving her thigh high socks on and taking off her boots to make her more comfortable. She was now laying before him in nothing but her skimpy (pointless, he thought) underwear and some thigh high socks and what a sight it was. His cock twitched again, he could feel the blood rushing from his head down to his groin as his arousal began to take over. He was glad for self control because, by god, was it difficult seeing her like that.

He was having a hard time controlling the heat radiating off of him, which she was glad for because the air had a bit of a chill to it. He was staring at her, like she was some delicate piece of jewellery that might break if touched in the wrong way, but she missed the contact and so proceeded to help him along. She reached down and slowly took off her underwear until only the socks remained on her body. She felt her face blush like crazy, but couldn't take her eyes off of his face. He looked mesmerised by her, he'd seen her naked a hundred times before and yet it all felt so new. He gave her a soft smile as he began kissing her again, making his way down from her hips, to her inner thigh, nipping at her sensitive skin. He edged closer and closer to the area her overpowering scent was strongest until he could go no further.

"P-Please, Natsu, touch me. I want you to touch me." Her voice soft and wavering as she looked down at him, her heart pounded uncontrollably when she saw how close he was to her.

"Touch you where, Lucy? Show me." He said, he wanted to get this right, but with having no previous experience a little guidance was needed until he got the hang of it.

Lucy felt herself flush even more as she opened her legs wide, giving him the full view of her nether region. She reached her hand down, using her fingers to separate her lips to reveal her swollen clit. Now this was an area he'd definitely not seen before, but still felt compelled to see what that would taste like and moved his face down to where she was showing him. He held her legs apart and encased her clit with his mouth and began to suck lightly, using his tongue to swirl over and around it, whilst keeping his gaze on Lucy's face. Her eyes instantly rolled to the back of her head and let out a long breathy moan. Her hands landed back in his hair, pulling and tugging as he continued his onslaught, his warm tongue felt like heaven.

"Yes, Natsu, right there, i-it feels so good…" She mewled, totally lost in the pleasure he was giving her.

He wanted to elicit more of those erotic sounds from her and make her tell him just how amazing she felt, it was like music to his ears knowing that he was the one causing her to feel that way. Natsu grazed his fingers lightly over her entrance and watched her breathing become harsh and heavy, then ever so slowly pushed a single digit into her. He could feel her tense around him and she groaned at the new sensation. Once she seemed to relax, he added another finger, stretching her even more, but this time her expression turned strained.

"Does that still feel good, Luce?" He asked, he didn't want to hurt her, that wasn't the point of this.

"Mm-hmm… really good." She breathed, bucking her hips up a little, "Fuck me with your fingers, Natsu."

Smirking at her choice of words, she was quite the dirty talker, if she liked that then he'd have to up his game too. "As you wish." he murmured, going back down to suck on her clit, whilst moving his hand back and forth inside of her, making her groan loudly over and over again.

She could feel the tension building up within her and to add to her sweet torture, the more she moaned the faster he would go. The feeling of his fingers massaging the inside of her walls was enough to almost send her over the edge, and he could see she was close. Natsu was enjoying watching her teeter on the edge, he kissed and nipped his way up her body, fingers continuing to work their magic before he eventually found himself face to face with a very flushed and burning hot Lucy, and fuck, did she look absolutely breathtaking in this state.

She could feel her climax approaching and it was so intimate with their eyes locked on each other as he brought her closer and closer. He leaned down to her ear and sucked on her lobe, "That's it, Lucy, come on my hand, show me how good it feels." He growled against her, sending a shiver through her spine.

Hearing him speak like that made her snap. Tremors racked Lucy's body as her orgasm took hold, tensing around his fingers and crying out into the night. She felt her mind go blank, while her eyes rolled into the back of her head, it was like nothing she'd ever felt. He halted his movements, allowing her to ride it out with his fingers still firmly inside her. He gawked at her writhing body beneath him, totally captivated by how incredible she was. When she finally came down from her high, Natsu was staring down at her with the biggest smirk on his face, obviously pleased with himself that he'd managed to make her climax.

"That was so hot!" He growled against her mouth, claiming her lips briefly and removing his fingers from her. "We should take this indoors." He grinned playfully, carefully lifting her from the ground. Natsu chucked her over his shoulder, ignoring her protests to put her down and took her inside. Now the fun could really begin!

Hi! Sorry this took a bit longer to come out, I must have rewritten it about 6 times in the end, but it's here now, thank god! :D And don't worry, I haven't cheated you out of smut, this chapter was long enough without adding any more to it, so you will be getting the full, unadulterated smuttiness you've probably been waiting for, or not if you don't like that sort of thing. I hope you enjoyed and thank you for reading! :)

[muwur]

Hiii and welcome!! May I please request for the lovable annoying baby Hinata who has a HUGE crush on this popular girl in his class and one day she sees him at the mall or something and rushes to him begging him to pretend to be her boyfriend because there���s a group of guys that won’t leave her alone and that’s when she finally realizes that this gorgeous sweetheart exists and Hinata is just on cloud 9 the entire time but then he remembers it’s all fake :((((( teeeee

✿ pretend boyfriend pt. 1

♡ scenario ♡ for hinata

❧ fem reader

✎ 3.2k words

a/n: aw hello ty for the welcome <3 also this request made me cackle AAHAHAHAHA. also this format is interesting lolol, im so indecisive about how i want it

anyways, hope u enjoy hehe >.> this came out a lot longer than i had originally planned but did i even have a plan in the first place buut i aint complaining LOL

also yes theres going to be a pt 2 firhfnxfwifj hehe

requests: open! pls bbys dun b shy i have summer skool soon fml i need this to make me procrastinate on work LMAO

-having been preoccupied with volleyball, crushes never crossed Hinata’s mind

-however, he was about to find out that he was quite clueless when it came to love

-he found himself speeding to school on his bike one morning, riding at breakneck speed to try to make it on time

-ahhhh, i was so excited about the first day of going to karasuno and seeing their volleyball team that i couldnt sleep until 4 am...!

-that explains why he overslept

-lost in his thoughts, he nearly failed to notice the girl who was walking in front of him

-and so, at the very last minute, he swerved. i nto a tree.

- “oh my gosh! are you okay??”

-if he wasn’t okay before, now he’s cURED because the most beautiful girl was looking down at him with an outstretched hand, concern in her eyes

-he jumped up instead and waved his arms in front of himself, blushing and nodding, “y-yeah, I’m fine! don’t worry about me, a-are you okay??”

- “you’re the one who crashed into the tree!” you responded with shock as you moved to pick up his bike off the ground (luckily, it was undamaged)

-he took the handlebars after you offered them to him

-you frowned slightly. “i’m sorry, i should’ve watched where i was going. are you hurt?”

-he was too busy gawking at you to realize his head started bleeding

-cue you yelling frantically “y-your head! it’s bleeding!” and rushing him to the nurse’s office

-in his head: ‘i-im holding her hand’

-nearly combusted on spot

-and that was how he met you

-later he found out he actually shared the same class with you!

-though you never seemed to notice LOL

-you sat on the opposite side of the room, closer to the front of the class

-he sat all the way in the back, so it’s not like you would’ve really seen him but it was the perfect spot for hinata to stare at you and not pay attention to class

-and during breaks or when the teacher left the room for a few minutes, everyone around you would try to spark up a conversation with you

-oh how he wished he could make you smile and laugh like that too

-and whenever he saw you outside of class, he hid immediately (behind walls, doors, lockers, people *coughkageyamacough* “hinata boke!”, etc) and admired you from afar, way too nervous to approach you after your first encounter several weeks ago

-he just kNOWS he’ll do something stupid and end up a stuttering, blushing mess

-besides, you probably forgot who he was ;((

-one day at lunch, he hid behind yamaguchi, who was confused until he followed hinata’s intent gaze to your form, which was walking by in front of the pair

-kageyama, who also took notice, smiled devilishly

- “pfffft, she’d never glance your way”

- tsukki deadpanned, “you don’t stand a chance. she’s way too pretty for you and people are lining up just to talk to her”

-cue hinata fighting kags n tsukki, blushing and with tears pricking at his eyes

- “aw, guys, don’t be so mean, I think he just has a crush!” yams snickered what an angel (no i am not in love w this man)

-one weekend, hinata was out in a nearby shopping area to get some snacks for natsu cuz she wouldn’t stop bugging him about it (“you ate the rest of my candy, so you have to go get me some more!”)

-as he was leaving the store, hand in his bag, he felt a tug on his sleeve and heard a “psst”

-some higher being must’ve blessed him that day because here he was, face to face with the girl who’s been on his mind everyday for several weeks

-sdgfhjkljihyuitufjhk

-error.exe

-he opened his mouth to say something, maybe like a:

-“h-hey! you look familiar, I totally don’t know your name or think about you before i sleep at night, s-so hOWS the weather???”

-but before he could humiliate himself speak, you gave him a small smile and asked, “aren’t you the guy i took to the nurse after you crashed into that tree?”

- “y-yeah, that was me!” he stuttered out

-he was trying so hard to keep his cool, but he could feel his palms get sweaty and his body quiver with pANIC

-you stifled a giggle with your hand (hinata: so cute dfghjfgljkl) "im glad to see you’re doing well. sorry, i never introduced myself. my name’s y/n, what’s yours?”

-you extended your hand as a greeting

-yet all he could do was stare at it, dumbfounded

-the two brain cells he owned said we ouTTIE

- “my name’s hinata!” he yelled dramatically for no reason. “sorry, my hand’s a bit sweaty, otherwise i would shake yours!” so instead, he bent forward in a bow

-eyes wide at his sudden outburst and gesture, you laughed in response and waved a hand, “it’s okay, really! nice to meet you again, hinata”

-a few moments of silence passed by, he was still bending over, and you were looking at your surroundings awkwardly

-risking a glance up, he caught a nervous expression on your face, and it made his eyebrows furrow in concern

- “hey, are you okay?” he asked as he straightened his body

-nice. smooth and direct.

-you sheepishly looked at the ground and absentmindedly itched the side of your head, twirling a strand of hair with your finger

- “this is kinda embarrassing, but um... could you do me a favor? i promise it’s nothing too bad!”

-little do you know he would literally do aNYthing for you right now

- “of course!” he replied a little too quickly. “w-what is it?”

- “soooo, i ran into these guys from school earlier, and they won’t stop bothering me, especially this one guy. a lot of girls like him and think he’s cool, but he’s such a jerk! i honestly don’t know what they see in him. he’s been so insistent on dating me the past few weeks that i try to avoid him as much as possible...”

-you shyly looked up at him and he had to refrain from exploding

- “could you please, uh, pretend to be my boyfriend?”

-b-b-b-boYFrIeNd??

- “y-y-y-your b-b-b-boyf-f-friend?” he managed to sputter

-you clasped your two palms together in front of your face like a prayer and leaned forward slightly, closing your eyes. “just for today, i promise! i remember you were really sweet when i first met you, so i thought i could ask you! i need to get a few things and i know he’s still around here, so i might run into him and his friends again. also, earlier, i uh... kinda told him i had a boyfriend to see if he would back off, but i think it just made him angrier...”

-you were talking a bit too fast for hinata’s nonexistent brain to process, but he got the gist

-basically, he needed to pretend to be your boyfriend in front of some guy that wouldn’t leave you alone

-it almost sounded like a dream come true

-except for the fact this was all fake and he wasn’t actually your boyfriend

-BUT HE GOT TO TALK TO YOU AND PRETEND TO BE SOMETHING HE WANTED TO BE

-AND PROTECT YOU

-AND HE GOT TO TALK TO YOU

-but...

- “err, how do i do that?”

-you looked back up at him questioningly. “do what?”

-he looked off to the side in embarrassment. “w-well, i’ve never really dated anyone, so i’m not sure how to act and make it believable...”

-you clasped his hands making him even more flustered and jumped up in excitement

- “so you’ll do it??”

-he could only manage to nod in response

- “great! ahhhh, thank you so much! you don’t know how much i appreciate this! as for the acting... well, we just have to do couple-y things. y’know, hold hands, stand close to one another, feed each other, take pictures together, kiss, all that stuff. just follow my lead!”

-did his ears deceive him?

-did you just say

-kISS??

-he?? was going to get?? to?/ kisS yOu?//dfokgjif

-he definitely looked like an idiot right now

-wide eyes glazed over, mouth opened slightly for the soul leaving his body, a grey and sickly pale complexion, stomach twisting from nerves and butterflies

-noya and tanaka would be so jealous

-and possibly kill him so they could replace him as your pseudo boyfriend

- “hinata? what’s wrong, d-did i say something?”

-your concerned voice brought him back to earth

-gazing into your cute, confused eyes, he took a deep breath and exhaled

- ‘im acting so uncool right now! y/n needs my help!’

-he mustered up the courage to flash you a determined smile and a thumbs up. “i’ll be the best fake boyfriend you could ever ask for!”

-you could’ve sworn you felt your heart skip a beat

-you chuckled at his genuine display and smiled back. “then in that case, would you mind tagging along as i pick up a few things?”

-he could barely hold himself together when you clasped his hand and scooted close to him

-so close he could smell a pleasant scent wafting from you

- ‘i cant believe this is happening im holding her hand agAIN was this meant to be—‘

-and then his mind went blank for like the hundredth time in the last several minutes

-he followed you around, trying to steady his rapidly beating heart and ignore the warmth that remained on his cheeks

-how could you be so calm when you two were holding hands for so long?? (kags: it means she doesnt like u)

-he was both elated and terrified at the same time

-hinata couldn’t help but relish the way your fingers felt interlocked with your own

-how you slightly swung your arms together as you walked

-the way your eyes shone as you talked so casually with him

-the crinkle of your eyes and the sweet sound of your laugh when he said something that was apparently funny

- ‘fjjkdjnf i made her laugh‘

-he couldn’t help but notice the way your hair brushed your face when you leaned forward to inspect an item on a shelf

- “this is kinda cute, don’t you think?” you held up a small plush of a hedgehog

- “y-yeah, adorable!” but i’m not talking about the hedgehog

-it was no surprise to him, really, to see why you were so popular with everyone

-what’s not there to like? aside from your stunning beauty and intelligence, you were naturally charming and radiated an aura that just drew others in

-two hours passed and you both ended up sitting at a table, hands linked together across the table’s surface

- “ah, i need to answer this,” you breathed out, letting go of his hand to rummage your bag and answer your ringing phone

-ngl his hand was already getting cold and he missed your touch

-after a few nods and short replies, you ended the call and stood up

- “well, now that i’ve gotten everything, i have to head home now. ..”

- “oh... i-i mean, oh, alright! uhh, it was nice um, shopping with you!”

-his heart sank a bit now that this blissful time had come to an end

-disappointment seeped in hello darkness my old friend

-you, too, were a bit dismayed. you never expected to have enjoyed your time with him that much

-how come you never saw him at school? you definitely would’ve loved to get to know him more...

- “y-yeah, i had a good time, too! er, shopping, i mean! thanks again for following me around, though. you’re really sweet, hinata. i don’t know what i would’ve done without your help...”

- ‘come on, this is your chance!’

-boyo took another deep breath and opened his mouth to say, “y/n, could we do this again som--”

- “y/n! heyyy, i’ve been looking for you, sweet cheeks!”

-you both whipped around to see a group of guys approaching your table

-quickly, you pulled hinata close to you and whispered in his ear, “act natural.”

-nAtUral?????

-nodding, he stood up straighter and hesitantly snaked an arm around your waist

-then stiffened in fear when you were both surrounded by a group of guys who were all way taller than him

-you gave the boys a suspicious eye and scooted closer into hinata’s touch

-“what do you want? for the last time, i am not going out with you. don’t you know anything about respecting other people? besides, i’m already with someone,” you huffed

-the one in the front cocked an eyebrow at the sight of you two

-he had silky dark hair, smooth skin, a captivating gaze, and a smirk that could creep right under your skin

-“you expect me to believe small fry’s your boyfriend? him? with YOU? you could do so much better, buttercup. I could make you feel so good.”

-hinata could tell this guy was bad news. really bad news. he was the type who wouldn’t take no for an answer

- ‘ahhh, what do i do?? if i just stand here, he’s gonna keep harassing her! and possibly even hurt her...’

-the guy inched closer to you, much to your obvious discomfort as you stepped back, and he reached out to touch your cheek

-but hinata was quicker, and he slid in front of you before the guy could lay a finger on you

- “leave her alone! she obviously wants nothing to do with you.”

-the fiery glint in his eye was almost enough to make the other guy back off, but his pride wouldn’t let him

-angry, he instead grabbed fistfuls of hinata’s collar and spat in his face, “say that again, shorty.”

-hinata continued to stare into the other guy’s eyes daringly and grabbed a hold of his wrist in response

- “she said no. quit harassing a girl who’s made it clear she’s not interested, or else.”

- “or else what.”

-his grip on the guy’s wrist tightened and his eyes sharpened. “you’ll have to get through me, first.”

- “tch,” the taller male scoffed. he let go of hinata, pushing him back and glaring as he did so. then he glanced over at you still standing behind the orange-haired boy

- “bet you’ll get bored of shortstack over here soon enough. i’ll be waiting,” he remarked with a wink

-then he and his friends turned and walked away, disappearing from view

-hinata, who’s been running on pure adrenaline during this whole encounter, then collapsed on the floor from all the excitement and terror he tried to contain

- “h-hinata?!” you gasped, using your arms to support his sluggish body

- “ahhh... i thought he’d at least swing at me, but i got lucky...”

-he sounded breathless

-however, the last thing he expected was the soft press of your lips on his cheek

- “thank you, hinata. i really appreciate the way you stood up for me back there. no one’s ever really done that for me.”

-how many times can you die and come back to life in the same day?? p sure hinata’s broken the record for that by now

- “o-o-o-of course! i couldn’t just let him keep thinking that going after you like this is o-okay! i-i didn’t even do much, i-i mean you’ve been standing up to this guy for weeks, this was the least i could do to help--”

-and you were huGGING HIM

-he awkwardly returned the gesture, eyes wide with shock as he patted your back

- “i mean it. thank you. i hope he backs off, but...” you bit your lip and pulled away

- “w-what’s wrong...?”

-you sighed. “i have a feeling he’s still going to be bothering me for a while. i hate to ask this of you, but...”

- “could you pretend to be my boyfriend for a bit longer? at least until he gets the hint and stops...?”

-did this mean...

- ‘dating’ you at scHOOL???

-kageyama and tsukki will never let him live it down, he could already imagine their comments

- “why’d she pick you of all people for this job?? you’re so?? you???”

- “couldn’t she have chosen to be with someone more believable??”

-he shook his head from his thoughts

- “i-is that a no?” you asked worriedly

- “n-no! i mean, yes! i mean, ignore that! i can pretend for as long as you need, y/n.”

- “ahhh, thank you so much, hinata! i promise i’ll treat you to something in return!” you brought him back in a hug, swaying side to side in glee

-you both stood up after you let go. “we should exchange numbers!” you suggested

- ‘oh my gawd, im getting her number rdftegiuofref’

-tanaka and noya would be so proud tho

-you quickly typed down your contact information on his phone before handing it back to him. “alright, here you go, just give me a text! i have to go now.”

-you picked up your bags and gave him a parting smile. “i’ll see you at school! get home safe!”

-and with that, you were on your way

-he stood there and watched as you left, holding onto the cheek you had kissed earlier

-he couldn’t believe it

extra:

-he had texted you after he got home, giggling like a lovesick preteen (was he not thooo LOL) as he was reading your messages and sharing memes with you

y/n 乁( ⏒ ͜ʖ ⏒ )ㄏ : oh ye btw, who’s your teacher? also, where do you usually hang out? just so i know where to find you. i never c u around school for som reason

me: oh rlly? thats strange... (pretending like he doesnt hide from you lol) im usually in the courtyard during lunch or in the gym for volleyball practice, and i have class with ms. akio

y/n 乁( ⏒ ͜ʖ ⏒ )ㄏ : WE’RE IN THE SAME CLASS??? omg im so sorry, i never noticed :((

me: oh no its okay! i sit all the way in the back, so

y/n 乁( ⏒ ͜ʖ ⏒ )ㄏ : well, i’ll make sure to greet you next time :) ! we’ll be seeing each other a whole lot more now, so

-he was still smiling like an idiot when natsu burst open his bedroom door

- “where’s my candy?!”

-shit, you probably took it with all your other bags by accident

- “uhhh....”

- “shoyooooo! you owe me, big time!”

-he rolled his eyes. “yeah, yeah, i know, i’m sorry, i’ll buy you twice as much tomorrow.”

-he went back to typing away at his phone

-natsu raised her eyebrows in curiosity. “whatcha doinnn?”

- “nothing, go away.”

- “you’ve been on your phone all day!”

- “and?”

- “are you talking to a giiirrrlllll?”

- “n-no!”

- “then why are you blushinggg?? moommm! shoyo has a girlfriend!” then she added to her brother, “can i see her?? is she pretty??”

-he just groaned, putting a hand up to his face to cover his blush, and nodded

a/n: OKAY this def took me longer than i thot AAHAHA but no ragrets. ty for your request, anon, i rlly enjoyed writing this and i hope you liked it! there will be a part 2, ill try to get that done soon >.> stay tuned hehe. msg me or send me an ask if you wanna be in the taglist cx <3 have a great day or night, lovelies, wherever you are

[bladerivalen]

GIFT EXCHANGE!

Lucy slowly walked through the market, flanked on either side by a guard twice her size. “Can’t you two take a break or something?” She sighed.

“I’m sorry m’lady, but your father said we must keep by your side the entire trip.”

“Of course he did.” She grumbled. Her eyes scanned over all the stalls. Hand-carved furniture, ornate jewelry, and cute children’s dolls. She loved this time of the year when all the traders came through. Not because she had the money to buy whatever she wanted, but because of the people. Townsfolks enjoying life and family, honoring traditions or starting new ones. Making a life for themselves and making a mark. She wished she could be with them, but her father would never let her. “At least let me try some clothes on.” She eyed a dress stall, so many pretty ones catching her eye. The guards looked at each other.

“I don’t see why she can’t. Go ahead, princess Lucy.” She smiled and grabbed some, heading into a curtained changing area. But, she didn’t change. Instead, she snuck out the back, a devilish grin on her face.

“Heh, dumb meatheads.” She said under her breath, chuckling. Swiftly, Lucy made her way through the crowds admiring the stalls. The number of people this year surprised her, there were so many! But one drew her attention, more so than any she’d ever seen. A boy, seemingly her age, with tan skin and hair as pink as a cherry blossom. He sat at the corner of an inn, doing tricks with fire, people passing by and dropping coins in a cup. She sidled closer to him, amazed by the fire. “Wow…..” She grinned brightly as she watched it snake through the air.

“Hey cutie~” He says with a smirk, his fire slowly swirling around her. Lucy looked down and blushed, gently waving at him. “I haven’t seen you around here, are you new?”

“I….don’t…..get out much.” She glanced back up at him. Why was he so hot?

“Well, I think you should visit more often. It’d be nice to see a pretty face like yours around here every now and then.” He said happily, following with a chuckle. Her eyes couldn’t move off his body, scanning him from head to toe. Topless, save for his vest, torn and slightly singed shorts, and that scarf. Altogether, he was the most handsomely sexy man she’d ever laid eyes on. 

“There you are, princess!” The voice pulled her from her thoughts like the guard’s hand pulled her from the man. “Your time in the town is up after that little stunt.” She whimpered, wanting to stay with the man. 

“Sir! Please tell me your name!” She called after him as the guards rushed her into the carriage.

“Natsu! And yours?”

“Lucy!” She managed before the door was closed. She watched out the window as the carriage left, trying to look at him for as long as possible. 

“That was quite foolish of you m’ lady.” The left guard scolded, receiving a glare from the blonde. “You could’ve been hurt, especially by that beggar.”

“He wasn’t a beggar.” She spat. “He was a street performer. And his name is Natsu.” His smile stayed in her mind, causing her sour face to brighten. However, a sudden stop to the carriage once again pulled her focus from him. “Why did we stop?” She peered out, gasping. The two guards had been knocked out, tossed to the side as a group of bandits. She pulled her face back in and tried to hide, but a cackle unsettled her. 

“Did ya see that boys? There’s someone in here.” He threw the door open, sneering at the yelp Lucy let out as she cowered. “And it seems to be the pretty princess~” The rest gathered around him, Lucy shrinking into the corner.

“Heyyy, I know that carriage.” That voice, Natsu! The boy sauntered up and looked at the bandits. “But you guys don’t seem familiar…….”

“Natsu help! They’re bandits!!” Lucy yelled, receiving a slap from the leader. 

“Shut it you wench! And the next time you speak up it’ll b-” His threat was cut off by a bolt of fire, tossing him to the side. Lucy gasped and looked out again, seeing Natsu with his hands wrapped in fire. 

“Hurting a girl ain’t right. Especially one like her.” He growled deeply. The rest of the bandits circled him, but upon attack, they were no match for him. And in his effortless defense of her, Lucy was entranced. His strength was that of a monster. No, not a monster. A dragon.

“Lucy!!” The king called to her, riding up with more guards. She crawled out and went to him. “Oh, Lucy thank goodness you’re safe!” She hugged her close, her hugging him back. He then turned to Natsu. “Are you to thank for this?” 

“Yes father, he saved me from these bandits!” He eyed Natsu, looking him over with an inquisitive gaze. “He was a performer I saw on the street, and he came to my aid without any reason.”

“Hmm…..what is your name young lad?”

“Natsu Dragneel.”

“Well, Natsu Dragneel, thank you for saving my daughter. If there’s anything you need, send word to me.” Lucy leaned up to him and whispered in his ear. “That could work…..Natsu, Lucy has requested that you became her personal bodyguard. I will allow it if you accept.” Natsu smirked, shaking the king’s hand, a bright and wide grin spreading on Lucy’s face.

~

Here you go @phoneboxfairy!!!! Thanks for the Gajeel art!! This fic was for the gift exchange in the @kuroshironekoserver.

[quietlysatan]

An Invincible Summer - ShanaStoryteller, AO3

Link: Here!!

Rating: T for read the warnings, but don’t worry too much because of them

Favorite Quote(s): I legit wanna tattoo this next quote on me somewhere

"Oh, the things that can be accomplished through ignorance of their impossibility," 

And this Straight Up Fact

“There’s no such thing as cheating as long as you win,” Natsu says, and the brat’s not wrong.

This one’s just funny

“Chouza,” Inoichi forces himself to say evenly, “Your teachings produced Ebisu and goddamned Gai.”

“Genma’s pretty normal though,” Chouza sighs, “I never could get through to that boy.”

Gently Gai casually caring about Kakashi’s well-being is my entire reason for living, speaking of which if someone wants to come be my Gai that’d be really fucking nice because us Kakashi’s don’t do too well on our own

He hesitates, but says, "Not that I do not find your newfound mentorship to be a most youthful endeavor, but -"

"I don't know," Kakashi interrupts his friend, "I met her while she was taking her genin exam and she, I don't know, adopted me or something. She just keeps showing up."

Gai nods thoughtfully, "Stubbornness is a useful skill to have when trying to cultivate a friendship with you." Kakashi elbows the other man, but doesn't protest besides that. "She's a good cook."

And this one because I love it when people Get It, ya’know?

That's really why he won't say anything, why he won't reveal that the Kyuubi's container and the fourth Hokage's child is still alive: they already killed him once. Naruto and Shikamaru are the same age, they would have been in the same class, and the idea that anyone could want to harm his innocent, precious son makes his blood boil 

And this one, for accuracy

"This sounds like a most youthful endeavor. I will bring Anko! She will fan the flames of youth in our young Konoha blossom!"

Both Itachi and Kakashi look at Gai, horrified. "Please don't," Itachi says weakly, like he knows it'll fall on deaf ears but he has to try anyway.

"Don't worry," Gai attempts to assure them, going into his Good Guy pose, "They will produce youthful flames of feminine excellence!"

"They're going to burn down Konoha," Kakashi says flatly.

Gai's hair and teeth sparkle in the sunlight, and he doesn't attempt to deny it.

Another important one

"The world is a terrible place," she says, and she has to swallow before she speaks again, "and it's full of terrible people. But I don't have to be one of them." 

I love that Natsu-chan has great balance, this is my number one favorite character trope, and I wish more people would write it

She bends down to look at him upside down, and Itachi can feel that she's not using chakra to stick onto him, and sometimes her balance just isn't logical. 

I just love the idea of tiny genius Naruto, and I love that Natsu-chan is a seal master at like, fucking seven and a half lol

Itachi knows it's actually far more complicated than that, but just as he does not tell her minutia of the past shinobi wars in their history lessons, she does not overcomplicate her explanations of sealing. Usually he's grateful for that, but when she appears to break every known law to sealing and chakra, he's not.

"That's," he blinks and he's not going to tell her it's impossible because it clearly isn't, "new," he settles on.

A mood honestly

Inoichi now feels the urge to bang his head against the table top, because 'a huge pain' to Natsu is 'literally impossible' to everyone else.

Another mood honestly

Inoichi watches his former genin dig in with resignation. “When are you guys going to start picking up the tab? Feeding you all isn’t cheap you know.”

Hana swallows her mouthful, “Sensei, I am but a lone healer’s apprentice –“

“I have been a chunin less than a month,” Kabuto pouts, wounded, “and already you seek to profit-“

“Do you have any idea how much sealing paper and ink costs?” Natsu demands.

“Okay, okay,” Inoichi grumbles, but it’s not very effective considering he’s smiling, “I take it back, jeez.”

Okay so, since this is a 100k+ word fic, I’ve been doing this thing lately literally just now on this fic review where I only feature quotes from the first chapter (Depending on length.) but, I’m making an exception because I’ve never seen these three characters and my thoughts on them summed up so well by someone I don’t know which is to say anyone, no one I know cares about my interests really lol

"Maybe a little," he admits grudgingly, "Sakura's really smart, but she acts dumb for some reason. And her endurance is really bad. She probably would have been failed on that alone if she didn't have such good aim with shuriken. And Sasuke's good at like, everything, I still don't get why he didn't graduate earlier. He's just so-" Kiba rubs his hand over his face.

"So what?" Hana prompts, even though she's heard this particular complaint before.

"Sad," the genin sighs, "He's miserable all the time, and he works hard and if you yell at him for long enough he'll work with you, but - crap, I don't know. He's got this really great poker face so you think he's just a big jerk, but I can smell his emotions, the big idiot, and he's just this sad lonely kid who won't listen to anyone."

Hana hums, because if she opens her mouth she'll probably start cursing the Hokage and his dumb rules and his dumb ideas, and that is not the type of thing that leads to a long life.

Just one last quote because dudes, guys, pals, friends of mine it’s important and you should all stop and read it.

 “Thanks for being cool with – everything. I’m really happy you’re not mad at me for not being honest with you.”

“You are my friend,” Gaara says warmly, “and you have always been honest about that.”

Words & Chapter(s): 136,306 words of greatness, and 6 full chapters of nicely done completion

Summary: When Naruto is five, he's gutted by a drunken civilian and presumed dead.

Six months later a girl with ash pale hair and dark blue eyes enters the Academy. 

(Guys I swear on my cool as fuck username, and all around internet personality as practically satan and probably Lucifer and whatnot that nobody we like stays dead or severely injured)

Score: 13, this is one of my favorites for a reason, this is actually my second technically third time rereading this in as many weeks

Pairing(s): Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto Hatake Kakashi/Umino Iruka, background Haku/Zabuza, but don’t worry anything you’re thinking of is addressed quite nicely in the fic ultra background but still there’s a lot of relationships and I’m not going to tag them all

Warning(s): Naruto technically dies more than once because this is Naruto we’re talking about but they also technically don’t??? You gotta read it, but basically temporary character death, only the bad guys stay dead in this one.

Nobody knows that Naru-chan lived so there’s that angst for you, however, to be fair it’s not like this whole story is just characters mourning and crying and whatnot, at this point it’s mostly just passing thoughts and memories which, again, to be fair, does almost feel worse at times... Huh, regardless it’s not overly angsty

Kakashi is adopted whether he likes it or not by Natsu-chan, we love both of our emotionally fucked over fair-haired ninja in this house so you won’t have to worry about that sorta fic coming outta nowhere from me BTW... but anyways, Kakashi freaks out a bit, much like the abused dog he always reminds me of, but Natsu is the sweetest and most gentle, yet forceful person he could’ve possibly caught the attention of. (This is canon)

The Akatsuki are still bad, BUT ITACHI ISN’T technically SO WHO FUCKING CARES!!!! (The Massacre still happens tho...)

Mentions of The Flower District and what that implies, and also things a Kunoichi might definitely do

Oh my fucking god the Hyuga... Who would willingly do something so horrible as that? Of all the things... Warning for... The Hyuga branch family situation, it’s dealt with nearly as soon as we are informed but, gods, my blood ran cold, and my face whited out, my sister thought someone had died when she saw my face haha,,, who the fuck does this? And do they die? In canon I mean? I think I only watched up to the chunin exams or Pein’s attack, I can’t remember which tho...

Natsu cries because people are nice to her sometimes. And honestly that’s fair, I burst into to tears once because I imagined someone kissing my forehead softly so, Natsu is completely valid... Sidenote, I’m touch-starved and have no cure for this beyond younger siblings and my cat because I don’t have the ability to ask my mom for a hug without literally gross sobbing and I have A Thing about embarrassment sooooo... yeah if anyone has some therapy justu for me that’d be nice

Mentions of Gross Men that apparently want to have Natsu’s increasingly growing collection of the absolute most dangerous people she can befriend pay them a visit. And by that, I mean an old fuckwit has the gall to leer at a TEN-YEAR-OLD and a FUCKING THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD!!!!!! Ugh, I hate those kinds of pathetic worms.

On that note, there is technically underaged things going on, but they are also Ninja soooo???? They’ve killed people and are technically in their version of an army, and by the laws of their lands they’re all adults, actually I’m pretty sure by shinobi life expectancy Kakashi is middle-aged, Inoichi is a senior citizen, and Hiruzen is a walking corpse tbh

Alcoholism??? I don’t really think it is but I’m not sure, but some characters do drink often, and usually when stressed courtesy of Natsu and co. but still... I don’t actually know if it is because it doesn’t actually happen much, more like every few weeks/months

Mentions of past sexual assault, and attempted past sexual assault, neither happen in fic or to any of our main characters, the experiences are not graphic though they do talk about it in chapter five, it’s not to graphically described.

Also, a bunch of off-screen lemon

A Thing (That I copy-pasted from the author so that all of you will see it and not say a single word against it.): If you thought Natsu was too mature for her age - she has seen and been through some really horrible shit. But also: my cousin has, since he was like 4, hung out with kids that were about 4 years older than him because those were the kids that were in his neighborhood or whatever. Point being, even after he started school, his main group of friends was consistently older than him. He very quickly adapted to that, and to this day (he's 12) hangs out with that same group, and considers children his own age 'kids' because he adapted to the behavior of the group he was surrounded with. I hardly believe Natsu would be any different.

And also

4. Quick little note because some people mentioned liking my portrayal of the Sandaime. I base his decisions/motivations (and Itachi and Danzo's to a certain extent) around this quote by Clementine von Radics: "It is so hard to live half monster, to hurt everything you love by trying to protect it wrong."

Pros: Watching Natsu just casually disregard the idea of gender with little to no thought is the greatest thing anyone will ever experience beyond, I dunno, the party we’re all gonna collectively throw when soggy Cheeto dies (I still haven’t decided which song we should make chart number one when that happens)

Given that I’ve technically read this three times you should already know the writing is fucking amazing, like, whoa, mind blown type of amazing, like, wow, so good, I usually hate rereading something I’ve read before, and especially so soon after the fact but geez Louis is this fic amazing

Natsu is just as easy to fall in love with as Naruto, and they are still the same people with slightly different personalities as is to be realistically expected with a situation like Naru’s was.

Also, GENDERFLUID REPRESENTATION DONE FUCKING AMAZINGLY IS ALWAYS A PLUS!!!!!!! 

The author manages to convey a very realistic genderfluid character in an incredibly believable manner, while also still keeping Natsu/Naruto themself. They’re still the Naruto that we knew and loved, but they’re different too, as is to be expected. when Natsu is a girl no-one stumbles, she is a girl without a doubt, even the author doesn’t trip up on societal expectations, and when Naruto is a boy there is next to immediate acceptance of this fact with absolutely zero (0) Zero bullshit from transphobes, which, as a genderfluid person myself, is always fucking nice to see. You’ll have to read it to know more though.

Natsu running around creating seals is honestly the greatest thing ever, and the end scene with the village made me cry a lil bit, and dammit this fic is so fucking good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, there’s a scene, where Natsu heals Kakashi, and the way the author handled explaining the intimate not sexual relationship between two of my favorite characters ever is just, so subtly beautiful, the sibling-bond these two have is beautiful, and a part of me wants to cry sometimes when I read it, and usually do cry a little when I get to this scene, and only partially because of what happened directly before it.

I love the way everybody just gets up and moves past their trauma and just decides to politely ignore it, oh they still have it, they still deal with it, but they care, and they are careful about it, and even though it hurts them like a knife-wound to the kidney in slow-motion they still get back up and keep fucking going. That’s hella admirable and I can respect that, I can respect even more that they slowly but surely let themselves heal as time moves on. This fic is beautiful on so many different levels but it is this one perhaps, that is the most magnificent. Perhaps.

Sasuke is adorable and depressing and adorable and I love it. And Ino is still a bad bitch but she’s a kid so we only see it like a handful of times in the first two chapters. The Akimichi/Yamanaka/Nara are all great, and I occasionally pity Inionchicause like, he’s putting up with a well-informed seal genius that’s still hyper, a slightly frightening medic-kunoichi with giant dogs, another slightly more frightening medic-nin who isn’t the greatest fighter but damn can he be intimidating and also really good at pointing out “Certain Things” while judging you about them which, honestly, is my greatest pastime. Itachi is so sweet and then so tragic oh my gods, and Natsu never even considers giving up on him. Kakashi is so sweet, and he slowly becomes less of a beaten dog as time goes on and I just love all of these characters.

Except for Hiruzen. Well, no, I still love this particular incarnation of Hiruzen, for all that he’s got one hell of a pathetically small backbone, I get why he does shit. But that doesn’t make me happy. Still, he’s better than dumbledouchebag. Granted that’s not difficult, and you might have to actively put an effort in to be as bad as that guy, but still. Plus, his hearts in the right place, and he’s less about the greater good then... certain disgraces to teaching and being in charge of a large group of people... Hiruzen is actually kinda sweet and admits he has issues and actually has an excuse that’s understandable for the shit that he pulls which is great, if sadly uncommon.

Anyways, Sakura is terrifying, and I remembered why I had a crush on her. She’s so badass, also, she ends up Princess Mononoke basically which, honestly, is fucking great, and the best thing we could’ve asked for, I love all of these characters so much!!!

Aesthetic: It reminds me off beefy stew (We don’t eat beef, so we used vegan soy beef stuff instead, and it was just as good.) it reminds me of the warmth, and friendship, and home that I felt after my mom and I make dinner together with nothing but a little music on and jokes passing back and forth between us. It reminds me of scraping my knee and having my friends help me to their mom, it reminds me of loyalty and compassion. It reminds me of dancing outside at night, alone in the forest with nothing but the moon for company and wind for music. It reminds me of the first time I realized that I could love someone despite their gender and that I should despite mine. It reminds me of finely spun handmade lace, and all it’s delicate while also reminding me of the sturdiest of steels, it reminds me of so much. It reminds me of acceptance, and understanding, and so much more. If I were to say what food and drink it reminds me of, I’d say chicken noodle soup, and sweet lavender-lemon tea.

Music Aesthetic: So, I made a playlist while I was reading this the first time around, and instead of a gif or twenty like I would usually prefer to do I’m going to add that playlist. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbhXmTSBbAyjk0m1b4BZUp3t0RHL83LDK

But if I were to add a gif or two it’d be these

Because something about this fic reminds me of rainy days with tea and baggy clothes.

Every time Natsu/Naruto decided to fight ever, to be honest.

[the-professor-of-gallifrey]

Nalu Week: Treasure

Professor: I can’t believe that we are already approaching the end of Nalu Week. This has gone by so quickly! I do not own Fairy Tail. 

…

Lucy galloped as fast and hard as she possibly could, desperately putting as much distance between her and the hidden village as she could. Her heart panged at abandoning Levy after promising to give them a chance, but she couldn’t. She just couldn’t. 

The whole situation was far more than she had bargained for. 

Almost against her will, Lucy looked down to her chest. The mark still stood proudly visible, bright red even in the dark, right about her heart. She’d have to start wearing different shirts to hide it. Goodbye tank tops. 

But that was the least of her concerns. Right now she just had to make it back to Magnolia before-

A large shadow overtook her, flying ahead to the middle of the clearing that she was trying to cross. The creature landed there, followed by at least half a dozen others. 

Lucy slowed her horse down, knowing she would never outrun them now. The dragons were too quick to catch her trail. Instead she just dismounted and waited for them all to transform back into their human avatars. 

“Lucy Heartfilia.” the first dragon that had landed stepped forward, “You wouldn’t happen to be running away, are you?”

“Of course not Acnologia.” she bowed her head solemnly, “I was simply going for a ride to clear my head. The past few days have been quite confusing.” 

“In the middle of the night?”

“I love the night air and the stars.” she replied smoothly, looking around at the other dragons.

Sting. Rogue. Gajeel. Cobra. Laxus. Wendy. And, Natsu. 

She turned away from the pained expression on his face, ignoring her own heartbreak and resisting the urge to run into his arms. 

“Straight towards Magnolia?” Acnologia raised an eyebrow at her. 

“Oh, is that the way to the village?” Lucy feigned innocence, “I had no clue.”

She glanced around as slowly as she could. He had brought the strongest dragons with him, surrounding her. There was no chance for escape. 

“Is there anyone who can confirm this?” Acnologia asked her. She caught sight of his smirk, knowing that he had cornered her. 

It wasn’t surprising. He’d been looking for a reason to get rid of her since she had been bonded last week. 

“I can.” Natsu spoke up, startling everyone, “She told me she was just taking a ride.” 

“Why didn’t you tell us Salamander?” Gajeel growled at him. 

“We didn’t exactly have a lot of time before we were ordered to fly out, Iron Breath.” Natsu shot back, “Besides, I was trying to respect her wishes and give her some privacy.”

“See?” Lucy asked, crossing her arms. 

The dragons all looked back and forth between her and Natsu. It took all of Lucy’s strength to not let her expression give anything away. 

Acnologia studied them for a long while, but finally huffed and turned away, “See that this confusion doesn’t happen again. Natsu, stay with her. If she’s lying-”

“Don’t worry,” he said, “I’ve got this.”

Acnologia scoffed at him, obviously thinking otherwise, “Let’s move out!”

He and the other dragons began to morph away from their human form. Lucy watched as they grew in size and wings sprouted from their backs. In moments, they had taken off, the sky now filled with 7 completely unique dragons flying back the way they had come. 

Lucy looked at the one dragon that had stayed behind. He was watching them too, waiting until they were far enough away that their conversation wouldn’t be heard. 

After a few minutes he turned back to face her. Lucy expected anger, or at the very least, annoyance. Instead, his expression was pained. 

“Did you hate this place that much?”

“W-What?” she sputtered. 

“Did you hate this place that much?” he repeated himself, “Is that why you tried to leave? We gave you everything. Food, a home. There are even other humans here for you to spend time with.” 

“Natsu, it’s more complicated than that. It-”

“Then it was me!” he burst out, “I did something to make you hate me!”

“No! It’s not you!” she yelled, “I could never hate you!”

“Then tell me why! Why’d you run away?!”

“Look at us Natsu!” she screamed, throwing her arms out to the side, “You’re a flipping dragon! I’m an English student! Now we’re suddenly bound together?! This is insane!”

“That’s how the bond works! Every dragon has a Treasure, and you’re mine!” he punctuated this by pointing to the matching marks on their chests. Where hers was red, his was pink, “No matter where you are, we’re bound together! For life!”

“You don’t understand! It’s more than that!” Lucy could feel the tears gathering in her eyes, but tried desperately to hold them back, “I had a life before all this Natsu! I...I was publishing a book. I was gonna travel the world. I had friends and family who were counting on me. For goodness sake, I was finally living my life the way I wanted! Now I’m expected to give all that up because we’re bonded? To live here under Acnologia’s thumb the rest of my life? I don’t even know you!” 

“You could’ve asked.” he glared at her, stepping closer to the blonde, “I would’ve gotten you out of here. All you had to do was ask.” 

Lucy was stunned, “Y-You’d do that? For me?” 

“Of course I would! You're my Treasure, literally. All I want is for you to be happy, even if what makes you happy is being away from me.” Natsu’s voice had grown quiet as he said this, head down. 

Lucy’s heart broke at the sight. She hadn’t meant to hurt him so much. She honestly thought that Natsu wouldn’t care if she left, especially since they hardly knew each other. 

Obviously, she was wrong. 

“Come with me then.” she whispered. 

Lucy had never seen someone’s head shot up so quickly. 

“What?”

“Come with me.” she said again, “Let’s leave together. You don’t want to live under Acnologia’s rule anymore than I do.” 

“What’s with the change of heart?” he asked, eyebrow raised suspiciously. 

Lucy sighed, “I won’t lie to you. This past week has been absolutely crazy. But, despite it all, I...you-”

Lucy took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say. 

“I like you, ok? For some strange reason, I’ve started to really like you this past week!” 

She huffed, crossing her arms and looking away from him, just knowing that her cheeks were pink. 

Surprisingly, Natsu started laughing. 

Lucy turned back to him, shock written all over her face, “You’re laughing?”

“Of course I am!” he said between chuckles, “You’re such a weirdo.” 

“I just confessed to you and you started laughing, but I’m the weirdo?!”

“Yep.” he smiled cheekily at her before moving forward to grab the horse’s reins, “Come on. If we move now we can make it look like we went to finish your ride.” 

“You’re coming with me?”

“Of course I am.” he looked at her in an ‘isn’t-it-obvious’ sort of way, “Like I would ever let you out of my sight now.” 

Lucy smiled, rolling her eyes at how nonchalant he seemed, before swinging back up on the horse. 

Natsu sat himself behind her, taking the reins and moving the horse into a good trot. 

“Just so you know,” he whispered, leaning forward and letting his hot breath tickle her ear, “I like you too.”

A shiver ran down her spin in excitement. In that moment, she realized why Natsu had laughed. 

It has been out of relief that she had feelings for him. That she wouldn’t reject him. She instantly knew how that felt, wanting to let out a laugh of her own. 

Instead, she said, “Is that so?”

“It is.” 

“Good.” she smirked, “Now, after Magnolia, where are we going?”

“Anywhere you want.” 

“Anywhere?” 

Lucy couldn’t help herself. She turned back to face her dragon, planting her lips on his for a kiss that sparked a fire in both of them. 

Pulling away after a moment, Lucy let herself smirk again, watching his awestruck face. 

“So,” she asked, “What are we waiting for?”

Natsu chuckled, “Absolutely nothing.”

Up in the sky, far above them, Acnologia and the others watched as the horse broke into a gallop. 

“Trust her to be the Treasure that causes trouble.” he snorted. 

“Are we going after them?” Wendy asked. 

“And have to deal with the Salamander again?” Gajeel groaned, “I vote we leave them be.” 

“But if they get found out-”

“Then we’ll deal with it when that time comes,” Acnologia cut off Rogue’s warning, “Until then, we’ll leave them alone.” 

“But, you never let anyone leave our home.” 

“None of the others that tried were Igneel’s son. He’d maim me if I harmed Natsu.” Acnologia snorted again, “Besides, I agree. We could all use the peace that comes with Natsu leaving.” 

And with ttht, the seven dragons flew back to their hidden nest, letting Natsu ride off with his stolen treasure. 

Professor: You know what? I actually really don’t like how this turned out. It didn’t want to end right. Believe it or not, this is the best ending I could come up with. 

Anyway, tomorrow is Chance, see you then! 

This has been posted to my FF.Net account.

[ship-ambrosia]

Character asks? Well this is based off your profile.... Gray Fullbuster, Jaune Arc, Ban and Todoroki.

Sorry for the late reply dear! Oh boy I hope you don’t want me to rank them, I couldn’t possibly 😭 so here’s just me spouting off how much I love these boys

Gray Fullbuster - Instantly my fave character as soon as he appeared on screen. Though that slowly changed later in the series Gray has never been lower than top 3. Hes funny, he’s relatable, he’s got a compelling backstory and everything he does (canon: I’m looking at you, Daphne arc) at least makes sense with his motivations. He’s made me cry a lot. He’s sexy. He’s got magic that absolutely fascinated me (ive already written a meta about it somewhere ont this site). The demon slayer magic was also a very interesting upgrade and I wish we could’ve seen him utilize it more. And of course, he is one half of my fairy tail otp Gruvia! His relationships with Juvia and Team Natsu have always made him one of the most interesting characters by far in the series.

Jaune Arc - ohhh boy. So I gotta be totally honest, I really didn’t like him at first. Vol 1? I was praying that he would come into his own though I appreciated seeing a teenager who wasn’t just an incredible hunter with no issues facing the literal personifications of nightmares. As he has grown volume by volume, I’ve found myself happier with Jaune. Gone are the days of him being a bumbly, fake obnoxious flirt, and he has become a rock for people; especially Ruby. I wanna see more of this relationship for sure. If he is so close with Weiss, as he was so devastated by her getting fatally wounded by Cinder, I’d like to see him have an affect on her growth. And I love that he isn’t a great fighter, but that his strength is in his heart and his brain. Also, I wanna see him become better friends with Neptune, if RT ever brings Sun and his team back!! Their talk in Vol 2 was one of my favorites.

Ban - Literally one of the sexiest anime men of all time what else do I even say. Jk. Um, obviously his backstory cuts deep. Every single piece of it, pre and post-immortality. Even though I was so upset about him leaving the crew, I love the soul-searching journey he went on with Jericho that developed them into a brother-sister sort of dynamic. I wanna see his ability (?) fuck I forgot what they’re called it’s been too long since I’ve watched this anime. Ik his is called Fox Hunt though and I wanna see him use it so much more. Every time he fights it’s a feast for the eyes. And I love his friendship with King sooo much. If I could ask for anything, I wanna see Ban develop a relationship with Elizabeth (my Internet wife keeps up with the manga, I don’t, so I only know bits and pieces of what’s to come)

Last but not least, the fire-ice prince himself. Todoroki is, to me, the first character in My hero who’s backstory really got to me. I guess he’s the first one we really got besides Midoriya, but Todorokis was just so... realistic? Like yeah of course it had quirks mixed into it but the way Endeavor treated him, and what happened with his mom, just hit too real. I have loved watching him blossom and change through the series, from opening up and making friends to developing his powers. Now my hero I HAVE been keeping up with the manga on and I just gotta say, Todoroki killed it in the vs Class B arc. Also, can’t wait for five pee-pee man to be animated oh my god please. Jokes aside, I look forward to seeing todoroki continue to grow, continue to become better friends with Midoriya and Iida, Uraraka, Tsuyu, and Momo, and I also kinda see him being friends with Kaminari and Ojiro too. His relationship with Bakugou is quite interesting as well.

[natsuxlucyfanfiction]

Superhero Part 3 (nalu fanfiction)

Yo so what’s good, this is Superhero Part 3 but like...what I wanted to write is a longer idea which in no way I could have written with one post. So basically there’s gonna be a part 4 and possibly a part 5. If you read this and think, “wait, how is this related to Superhero?” it’ll all start to make more sense with the upcoming chapter(s).

*********

“Congratulations, your highschool days are officially over! Please leave already!” Everyone’s graduation caps flew up as people cheered with excitement, joy, and jubilation. The caps came down in a flurry onto the ex-students. The celebration continued, everyone too caught up in the moment to make a complaint.

Lucy and I did our secret handshake to celebrate while everyone screamed and hugged and cried and leapt for joy. Through our entire lives, we always knew it would happen one day but now it was real. Neat, I guess.

“We did it, we did it, we did it,” Lucy chanted jovially with a sing-song tone. She was the fourth in our class.

“We did it,” I nearly wept with relief.

“This is the start to a whole new chapter of our lives!”

“tHiS iS tHe sTaRt tO a wHoLe nEw cHaPtEr oF oUr LiVeS,” I mocked her. “Lucy, you realize you’re gonna wake up tomorrow and you’re gonna feel zero different and then feel dumb for acting all cliché at your graduation.”

“I hate you!” Lucy whined, hands on her hips. “Why can’t you just let me enjoy the moment for once?”

“What moment? We’re graduating! Why are we all pretending that we liked school? You know how many times I’ve heard people complain about this dumb place?” Giving her a hard time was the best. Her nose always scrunches up and she thinks she looks intimidating, which makes it like 10 times better.

“You are literally the worst, you’re making me want to move to Crocus more and more by the second,” she joked. Freaking Crocus.

“You think you’re soooo much better than me now since you’ve been accepted into Crocus University.”

“No, of course not! Just because it’s the second most prestigious school in the entire world and is extremely hard to get into especially with a scholarship like mine, doesn’t mean that I’m gonna flex that privilege.”

“Very reassuring, thanks,” I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm. It’s not even the best school, it’s the second best. I don’t know why she cares so much. She should just stay here.

“You’re just salty that in less than two months I’m moving hours and hours away,” she said again to tease me, but she wasn’t wrong. There are good universities nearby. Sure, attending Crocus University was a great opportunity for Luce, but she’s leaving everything behind. Even me.

“Yeah, sure. Maybe when you’re gone I can finally get myself a girlfriend,” I said.

“That’s as likely as you attending Crocus University,” Lucy giggled. “It’s the second best university in the entire world, just a quick reminder. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but I’m going there.”

“All bow for Lucy Heartfilia!” I’d miss our little banter.

“You’re kinda right though, I’m over this. Wanna go get wings?” Lucy was bouncing up and down with her typical boundless energy. She’s always so excited and full of happiness.

“Tonight, we eat ‘till we drop.” We bumped fists and left graduation in my truck. I gave her the aux cord and hoped she wouldn’t play trash. To my great fortune, the sweet music by Queen flooded my ears. Lucy grabbed the fake microphone we always kept in the back and began singing along.

“Get your party gown and your pigtail down

And get your heart beating baby

Got my timing right, got my act all tight

It’s gonna be tonight my little school baby”

These are the moments I’ll miss. Her next to me, carefree and happy. It’s not like she’s dying, I don’t know why this is affecting me as much as it is. There’s social media which will keep us connected. And she’ll be happy there. She’s been nothing but excited since the second she read “Congratulations!” on her acceptance letter. I spent all my time hoping she would make it in, so I was surprised by how much my stomach dropped when she read the letter to me.

I need to forget about it right now and savor the time I have left. I sped up, way over the speed limit, and lowered the windows. The wind blew through our hair as we both blurted the lyrics to the next song, Hot Blood by Kaleo. I looked cool as heck, but Lucy’s hair flew in every possible direction because it was so long.

Life is good.

-------------

The airport was freaking huge. It took us forever to find Lucy’s terminal. Maybe this was a sign that she shouldn’t go to Crocus. Stop being selfish, Natsu! I kept reminding myself.

“Flight 442, first class passengers please board.” That was Lucy’s flight. Soon they’d call for coach or economy class, whatever it was called.

“This is actually happening,” Lucy said with an out-of-breath tone. After months and months of excitement, it seemed as if reality just hit her. She looked pale and shaky. “Natsu, I can’t go, I’m not ready-”

“Lucy.” I took a deep breath. “Your dreams are coming true. No one ever feels ready to leap into a new era of their life. It’s the few who leap anyway that are the ones who live their happy lives.” I looked in her eyes and saw the same nervousness that I felt. “This is what you’ve always wanted. There’s nothing more that I could’ve wished for than this opportunity for you. I 100% think that this is a great idea.” I 100% want you to stay home, Lucy. Please don’t listen to a word I’m saying.

“You tryna get rid of me or something?” Lucy laughed while wiping unshed tears from her eyes.

“Am I making it too obvious?” I joked along. Of course I don’t want to get rid of her. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad that she’s going and about to live her dream. I just... wish I could be a part of it.

“Flight 442, economy class passengers please board,” the annoying flight attendant announced.

“That’s me,” Lucy whispered with a soft smile on her face. She wrapped me into a hug, squeezing tightly. I hugged her back, knowing this was the last one for a long time. Be happy for her, Natsu. Be supportive, stop thinking about yourself. It was our last moments in person together for who knows how long yet I was silent. I couldn’t think of what to say. Think, Natsu! Come on dude! She pulled away from the hug and I saw more unshed tears in her eyes. I knew she wouldn’t cry here, but the second she sat down in that plane she’d let the tears fall loosely.

Lucy picked up her carry on and pulled out her passport and ticket for the attendant to check. I just stood here and watched her like some creep as she waited in the line. Finally, she was about to go through the gate, I think it’s called, when I shouted out:

“Goodbye, Little Luce!”

She turned around and smiled, a gorgeous smile I’d never forget. “Goodbye my Superhero!” Lucy called out with no shame. She was probably too far away to notice the tears streaming down my face.

The plane left 20 minutes ago, but here I was still at the terminal, as if somehow the plane would turn around and she’d come back running into my arms. A boy could dream. It felt like I was mourning Luce, but she wasn’t leaving my life permanently. We’d still talk everyday.

I drove to my apartment. Usually I’d play some sort of music to fill the silence, but today I just wanted the quietness. Both in the car and at my apartment I just contemplated. What would life look like without Lucy?

A week later I’d start learning at some Automotive school nearby to become a mechanic. I’ve already been working on cars for years so it won’t be too much of a challenge.

I grabbed the remote and switched on Netflix. After a bit of scrolling, I found out all of the Indiana Jones movies were on Netflix. “Sweet!” I selected Raiders of the Lost Ark then grabbed blankets, snacks, and drinks for Lucy and I. It was only when I got back to the couch that I remembered Lucy wasn’t there anymore. Force of habit, I guess.

Man, getting used to this is gonna be tough.

———-

*9 months after graduation, 7 months since Lucy left*

The thing that surprised me the most was that I was actually learning a lot in school, I thought I knew everything. A mechanic at the nicest shop around took me in as his assistant. My schedule was full between school and the shop. When I get my certificate in a year and a half, I’d begin working there full time.

Lucy and I used to talk every single day for hours. We‘d constantly text or facetime or snapchat, but both our lives have gotten so busy. We still talk everyday (streaks) but not one conversation hasn’t been cut short due to one of us needing to do something.

“Morning Luce!”

“Good morning! Dude have you seen the trailer for the new Avengers movie?”

“No, it’s out?! I’ll check it out when I get home. Class is starting, I’ll call you later.”

Looking back at these past conversations made me realize how short and choppy they were. That wasn’t either of our intentions but that’s how it was turning out and it just really sucks.

--------

*11 months since graduation, 9 months since Lucy left*

My phone vibrated from the charger when I was watching Brooklyn Nine Nine. I checked it, hoping it wasn’t anything important and I wasn’t called in to work so I could enjoy my day off. It was an instagram notification from Lucy. Apparently she just posted something. After switching my phone off silent, I opened instagram to check it out but was stopped when I got a call from her.

“Sup Luce.”

“Did you see my post on instagram?!” She practically screamed. I turned down the volume a bit.

“You mean the one you just posted literal seconds ago?” She ignored my comment and continued on.

“Check out the post now! Do it! Open Instagram! Like the post so I know you saw it!” I opened up the app and her post was the first one on my feed.

“‘Mark the day, everybody,’” I read, “‘because today is the beginning of Mark and I’s relationship’? Lucy you have a boyfriend?!” She never even told me she was talking to somebody! I know communication has been tough with both of our busy schedules but I didn’t think we were drifting apart so much so that she wouldn’t tell me something like this!

“Yup, he asked me out today. We’ve been talking for a while now, if you know what I mean,” she said with a suggestive tone.

“Congratulations, though I don’t even know who this mystery Mark is.” Making sure to add a laugh so it didn’t look like I was calling her out, I awaited her response.

“If you did know him, you’d love him Natsu. You guys would get along so well.”

“But I don’t know him.” My voice conveyed the frustration that was starting to stir in me, becoming a little louder and more aggressive. Luckily, it was subtle enough for Lucy not to catch.

“Stop being a little wuss,” Lucy joked. “He’s my boyfriend, not yours. You don’t need to know him.” Her tone was so lighthearted, yet I took the words so seriously.

Is that supposed to sting? This whole conversation really just isn’t doing it for me. Not only that, but for some reason now I feel sick too. My gut feels weird. “Well I hope y’all live happily ever after in that dream castle you’d always draw on the back of your tests. Wanna continue this conversation later? I gotta deal with a client for the shop.” I was currently sitting on my couch with a show on Hulu paused.

“For sure, see ya!” And with that, one of the hardest phone calls of my life came to a close. I don’t know how I feel about this Mark guy. Whoever he is, I don’t want Lucy dating him. It’s not my choice, that’s obvious, but I thought she’d at least consult me about whether she should date him. Or, you know, tell me about him! Is our friendship slowly deteriorating? Maybe I’m just thinking about myself too much, or like, being too possessive of a best friend. She doesn’t have to tell me everything. Lucy can do whatever she wants.

I ignored the tight feeling in my chest and continued watching Brooklyn Nine Nine. The episodes passed by but they didn’t register. My thoughts consumed me. Anxiety about my friendship with Lucy just made that already weird chest pain feel worse. I didn’t cry but boy did it feel like I was gonna. Was our friendship dying? All I know for certain now is that I’m the king of overthinking.

***************

As I said earlier, there will be more. Please leave a comment, for real, I legitimately wanna know what’s good and what’s not and how I can fix whatever to make the experience better for y’all.

[doginshoe]

wip 2/??

Fairy Tail in a Deltora Quest concept?

Sunlight crept through the rips in the royal blue curtains, which poorly illuminated the room that was dominated by the shadows that were nearly forcing the light to disappear. The footsteps that paced to the main room echoed throughout the tower as well as the cries of the crows that lingered in the trees outside.

“It is time.”

A figure kneeled before the throne, head bowed and awaiting a response from the dark haired man in the throne. His dark eyes glinted as he looked at his subject who stated the news he had been waiting to hear.

“Assemble the soldiers,” he commanded, voice bouncing off the grey stonewalls.

“As you wish, Lord Zeref.”

He watched as his son made haste with his new order, viewing the large grand room he sat in with regel power. He reached out and put a pale hand on the large globe that he had spent many hours with as he planned out his attack. Zeref turned the bronze sphere until he laid eyes on the country of Fiore. His frown deepened as he tapped the metal.

He was finally ready. The pieces locked into position and all he had to do was make his move and then surely the blonde tactician would play into his game. A sigh left his lips and he turned his gaze to the ceiling with the chipping masterpiece that was painted there. A beautiful array of blues with stars littered across it with seven gems locked into a tablet, shining in the centre. Zeref gently brushed the dark purple amethyst that hung from his neck.

“Are you ready, Mavis?

----------------------

“Happy!” Natsu shouted as he struggled to push himself up another branch. The teenaged boy breathed heavily as he used all his strength to try and climb the large tree that practically grew into the sky.

“Oi, Happy,” he called the feline again and tried to tighten his grip on the dark wood beneath his fingertips. The blue cat blinked with its wide eyes as it watched the boy heave himself up more branches. Natsu could feel his fingers slipping and his sweaty hands making him lose his grip.

“Haaaaaaappppppyyy!”

He glared up at the blue sky, his head aching beneath his pink locks. Natsu sat up from the ground with a groan, a hand coming up to cradle his throbbing head.

“Fuck you! I nearly died,” Natsu shouted up to Happy who was slowly descending the giant tree. The blue cat circled Natsu before jumping onto his shoulder and Natsu scratched him behind the ear.

“I really hate you sometimes,” the boy sighed, smiling slightly as his best friend purred and rubbed his furry head against Natsu’s cheek. He laughed and grinned at Happy, “Okay buddy, I forgive you. Now come on we gotta get back.”

Natsu picked up his rucksack and tossed it over his shoulder and Happy trotted along beside him, “Let’s go!”

The town of Clover was busy as always. Stalls were open on the side of the streets as their keepers tried to usher people in to buy their items. The afternoon crowd of buyers were large and Natsu weaved in and out of people. He heard them shouting after him as he knocked things, and people, over in his rush to get back home. Happy raced with him, jumping from roof to roof.

“Natsu you idiot, come back here!”

His grin grew wider and he ducked into one of the alleys, hoping to get rid of the hot-headed geezer that would always chase him. He slid behind an old sign leaning against a brick wall, his dark green, almost black, eyes peering through the gap. The short old man stomped down the alley. His large nostrils flaring as he glared.

“Come here you damn, brat,” his booming voice was filled with rage as he walked just past Natsu, who stopped breathing as he hid. The boy watched intently as the old man rounded the corner and then the young boy quickly crept back to the main road, a victorious grin dancing on his face.

“Yes,” Natsu cheered, “stupid old geezer will never get me!”

“Stupid old geezer, aye?”

Natsu froze. His heart was beating wildly in his chest and his eyes grew wide. He turned around hesitantly and before he knew it he felt his ear clamped in a tight grip.

“C’mon, brat. You got yourself some cleaning up to do.”

“Don’t tug so hard, gramps!”

“I’ll tug as hard as I want.”

“Fuck you!”

“Watch your language, boy, or I’ll be throwing you in the stables to clean up all the horse crap too.”

Natsu grumbled as he was dragged back by Makarov and soon he was picking up all the things he had carelessly knocked over.

“Stupid geezer,” he mumbled, “can’t ever let me have any fun.”

He looked up at Happy who was lying on the counter top stuffed with fish from Mirajane, Makarovs’ daughter in law.

“Traitor.”

“Well, Natsu, I think you’ve done enough.”

The young boy jumped and turned around, his glare meeting the stern eyes of the short old man.

“Do you want to do more?” Makarov asked and Natsu scoffed before throwing his rucksack over his shoulder. He walked off, “Cya, Gramps.” Happy jumped down off the counter and followed after the pink haired boy who was storming off.

“Be careful, Natsu.”

He looked over his shoulder, eyes softening, “I always am.”

With that Natsu waved and started to run off leaving Makarov. Mirajane came out from out back and smiled before shouting out, “Goodbye, Natsu, it was good to see you!”

It wasn’t long till he was at the outskirts of town, his feet carrying him to old wooden front door. He smiled, looking at his dad who sat at the small dining room table.

“I’m home,” Natsu shouted as he slammed the door shut behind him.

“I swear that door will break off its hinges one day.”

“If it doesn’t burn down first.” Natsu smiled as he threw his rucksack on the table and then went into the small kitchen.

“You were out for awhile. Knock yourself out training?” Igneel asked, his red hair looking fiery in the light from the setting sun that poured in from the windows, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he watched his son.

“Fucking Gramps caught me and made me clean his damn shop.” The boy cut up some raw fish and put it on a chipped plate for Happy who greedily ate it. Natsu’s brows narrowed as he recalled how that geezer made him clean everything up. His father let out a boisterous laugh that seemed to shake the whole house. Natsu only shot a heated glare at his dad.

“I can’t believe you still get caught by Makarov at fourteen.”

“Oi,” Natsu barked, “That geezer pops outta nowhere.” He grumbled, “If that old man hadn’t caught me I could’ve my sword!”

“First, Natsu,” Igneel started, “it isn’t a sword, it’s a dagger. Secondly if I recall correctly than I don’t think you have any chores tomorrow…”

His son’s face lit up.

“I can finish it,” Natsu cheered and he stood up in his seat throwing a fist into the air.  He had been jumping at any opportunity to finish the dagger that he had poured his blood, sweat and tears into. It was his greatest dream to follow in his father’s footsteps to be a blacksmith, after he had become one of the world’s best fighters.

“Time for dinner first,” Igneel chuckled and Natsu grinned excitedly. Once the sun had dipped below the horizon and the moon shone high in the sky Natsu lay in his bed as Igneel tucked him in.

“C’mon, Dad! Tell me the story,” Natsu begged.

“Alright, alright,” Igneel said as he raised his hands in the air. “I had been wondering around for a few days when the storm struck. The rain felt like bullets against my skin and the lightning flashed and hit the trees that surrounded me. I had faced many near death situations and being killed by lightning would certainly not be the most heroic way to go out.”

“Eventually I stumbled upon a large cave. Without a second thought I entered, thinking that whatever was inside couldn’t possibly be as bad as the weather, “Igneel chuckled lightly and Natsu watched his father intently.

“I walked further into the dark cave to shield myself from the wind and rain, only having my fire for light. It wasn’t long until I heard something growl and that was when I came face to face with a dark red dragon. I had heard the stories of the large beasts that ruled the skies, but I had never seen someone for myself. His eyes were bright and narrowed.

[mdelpin]

To Kill A Dragon - Chapter 5

Previous: Ch 4 | Ch 5 | Next: Ch 6

Chapter 5: Be Careful What You Wish For

Gray Fullbuster sat by himself at the bar in the Fairy Tail Guild. It had been three days since his teammates had left for the Magic Library and he'd been left behind to wait for an offensive that had yet to materialize.

Gray had spent each day the same way, arriving at the guild hall the moment it opened its doors in the morning and staying until it closed at night. He wanted to be able to go the second they got a lead on Natsu's whereabouts. But as the hours crawled by with no news, his mood got progressively worse, covering him in a dark aura that alerted everyone to give him a wide berth.

Despite what Makarov had told him, Gray couldn't keep his mind from imagining what could be happening to his friend, and his fists once again clenched in rage at his impotence.

So he practiced his magic, hoping to keep himself distracted. Focusing his considerable will on making his creations as detailed as possible, Gray formed object after object, anything he could think of, save the one person he wanted to see the most.

Happy chose that moment to fly into the guild. The Exceed looked around and immediately headed to where the ice mage was sitting. He sat on the counter and watched Gray mold for a while before saying anything.

"Do you think he's okay?" Happy asked, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. The usually cheerful Exceed sounded much younger than his six years, waking Gray up to the fact that he wasn't the only one who felt terrible about Natsu's disappearance. They'd gotten so wrapped up in their plans to locate Natsu they'd all forgotten about the young Exceed.

Natsu and Happy were inseparable, yet Gray never once stopped to consider the guilt Happy must be feeling at not being there when Natsu was taken. He studied Happy, trying to think of something to say that would sound reassuring but coming up empty.

He started to plaster a fake smile on his face but thought better of it.

"I really hope so," Gray offered the Exceed a small smile and was rewarded with a weepy hug. He held Happy against him, patting his back and petting his soft blue fur gently, letting him get all his tears out.

He decided he'd step up and take care of Happy until Natsu returned. At the very least it would give him something else to focus on. Once Happy let go of him he suggested, "Would you like to stay with me until Natsu comes back?"

"Are you sure you want me to?" Happy looked at him hopefully, and when Gray nodded, he considered for a brief moment before agreeing, "Okay, but just until Natsu comes back."

They sat in companionable silence after that and Gray went back to molding, making sure to make some fish for Happy.

xxx

"What is that noise?" Gajeel asked irritably. The dragon slayers were all looking around the guild hall trying to pinpoint the source of the repetitive tapping they heard. No one else seemed to be aware of it. The more Gajeel focused on it, the more it sounded like it was coming from outside.

He got up to investigate, with Rogue following behind him. Gajeel opened the door, and something immediately flew inside. It looked like some kind of bird, but it was made entirely out of ice. It must have been tapping at the door with its beak trying to get inside.

The room immediately roared to life. Everyone ready for some excitement after the gloominess of the last few days. They followed the new visitor with interest wondering what it was doing there. After several sweeps of the large room, it finally stopped on the bar where Gray and Happy were sitting.

Gray hadn't noticed any of the commotions as he was once again deep in thought. He jolted when he felt a sharp pain in his hand.

"What the hell!" He snapped, furiously searching for the source of the pain. He looked down and saw a bird made out of ice pecking at his hand.

Gray stared at it in confusion, wondering if he'd somehow managed to use Active Make magic. Once the bird had Gray's attention, it dissolved, leaving a small piece of paper covered in writing on the counter. Gray looked at the paper with trepidation, it could only come from one person. He picked it up warily and read it.

Gray, Come to Lamia Scale right away. Come alone. Lyon

Why would Lyon want him to come to Lamia Scale, and why did he need to go alone? Sure, they'd made some strides in rebuilding their friendship since Galuna Island, but they weren't what anyone would call friends, at least, not yet.

The few times they'd interacted since his return from Tenrou Island had been awkward, and now there was a seven-year age difference to deal with. Then again, it was still better than sitting around doing nothing, and Margaret Town wasn't that far away.

He could take a communications lacrima with him, and they could get in touch with him if anything happened. Gray made up his mind and went to look for the Fairy Tail Master.

He knocked on the door of the Master's office and let himself in. He showed him the slip of paper he'd received from the bird.

"I need to go to Lamia Scale, Lyon needs to talk to me about something."

"Don't you think that's a bit unusual?" Makarov frowned as he looked at the note, "How did you get this?"

"Ice carrier pigeon," Gray grinned, both amused and proud at Lyon's cleverness.

"It still feels like a trap," Makarov pointed out, "Why would you need to go alone?"

"I don't know, but I'm not a dragon slayer, I doubt they'd have any interest in me."

"You're Natsu's teammate. You don't think they'd try to use you against him?"

"They have a shapeshifter in their ranks, Gramps, I doubt they'd need to take me," Gray shuddered as that was skirting dangerously close to the thoughts he'd been trying to suppress earlier.

"You know Lyon best, do you trust him?"

"I do, ever since we returned he seems more interested in being a mentor than anything else. I'll take a communication lacrima with me, and Happy can come. He can fly me out of any danger."

Makarov thought about it and decided to give his blessing. He knew Gray had been going mad sitting around. Having a distraction might be useful for him, it would undoubtedly be good for Happy. He watched them leave for the train station and hoped he wasn't making a mistake.

xxx

Gray and Happy walked into the Lamia Scale guild and looked around for Lyon. Even though Gray had only visited a few times before, he was sure it had never been this quiet. He wondered if something had happened to one of their mages.

Gray saw no sign of Lyon, but he recognized Jura Neekis and headed over to talk to him.

"Gray, I'm getting an awful feeling," Happy confided as he flew next to him.

"I know Happy, me too."

"Hey, Jura. Have you seen Lyon?" Gray asked nervously, "He sent me a message to come. Is everything okay?"

"Greetings, Gray Fullbuster," Jura smiled at him warmly and answered his unspoken question, "Lyon is fine, he's tending to our guest. I'll have Sherry get him for you."

Jura motioned Sherry to get Lyon, and she disappeared into a room Gray hadn't noticed on his other visits.

"Guest? Did something happen?" Gray immediately caught the way Jura had said the word guest. It fed into his feeling that something was off. He didn't know why, but the second he'd walked through the doors of the guild he'd been filled with a sense of foreboding.

Jura gazed at him wondering how much to tell him, but he was saved from answering by Lyon walking towards them.

"I thought I told you to come alone," Lyon snapped at Gray, his complexion becoming pale when he saw the Exceed standing next to his foster brother.

"I did," Gray protested as he looked his brother over with some concern. Lyon was covered in bandages, his skin appeared red and swollen. He looked like someone who had suffered burns recently, something rather unusual for an ice mage.

"What happened to you, Lyon?"

Lyon ignored his question and turned to Jura.

"Jura, do you think you could take Happy to get some fish, he looks hungry. Maybe give him a tour of the guild, too."

Jura nodded in understanding and motioned for Happy to follow him. Happy hovered unsurely, waiting for a sign from Gray before following Jura.

"I swear you're hopeless. Of all the guildmates you could've brought..." Lyon muttered. He took a deep breath and said with a jittery voice, "Let's get a drink."

Gray followed Lyon worriedly. He didn't know what he was expecting when he received the note, but this was definitely not it. They ordered drinks from the bar and Lyon grabbed a bottle and took it with them.

They walked towards the back of the guild and sat at a table that afforded them privacy. Lyon downed his drink and refilled it. He looked at Gray expectantly, bottle in hand as he waited for him to do the same.

"Can you please just tell me what the hell this is about?" Gray pleaded, his anxiety growing by the second. "You look like you're getting ready to tell me my best friend died."

Gray had meant the words as a joke, but instead of laughing or even scoffing, Lyon flinched.

Lyon rubbed the back of his neck slowly, he really wished that none of this had fallen into his lap. He knew how hard it was for Gray to let people get close to him.

Ever since Ur had died, Gray had closed himself off from everyone, and Lyon knew he was to blame for a lot of that. He'd rejected Gray when he'd needed him the most and sent him away, accusing him of killing their foster mother.

It had taken Galuna island for him to realize how selfish he'd been and he'd been trying to make amends ever since, but he knew they still had a long way to go to mend what had been broken.

Gray was stubborn, and he hoarded guilt like a treasure. Lyon didn't think being the bearer of this particular news was going to help. His brother already looked like he'd been put through the wringer, but Lyon knew he couldn't protect him from this.

"We were returning from our mission yesterday afternoon when we first noticed it." Lyon began, surprised by how calm his voice sounded, considering he felt anything but. "There was a cloud of black smoke, so large we could see it from the train. One of the old buildings near the river had caught on fire, it happens from time to time."

"The building itself looked like it had been abandoned for quite a while, but you know how these things are." Gray nodded in understanding, Magnolia was much the same. The buildings were all built on top of each other so fires had to be dealt with quickly or the entire town could be destroyed.

Magnolia, however, had something Margaret Town did not. They had a crazy fire dragon slayer who loved nothing more than to eat as much fire as he could. Gray's heart ached, he could see Natsu so clearly in his mind, and it irked him to not know where he was or how he was doing. Gray could feel Lyon's worried gaze on him, and he met it, prompting him to continue.

"Unfortunately, by the time we got there, the fire had already begun to spread. People were screaming and running to the river with buckets to try to put out the fire, but it wasn't enough."

Lyon paused to finish his current drink and pour himself another. He studied Gray, seeing the confusion and worry on his face. With a sigh, he pressed on.

"That's when we heard the screams coming from inside the building. I rushed in, trying to rescue the people that were trapped." Lyon looked down at his arms, not able to hold Gray's gaze for what was coming.

"I froze everything I could, but it was scorching hot, and my ice wasn't holding up as well as I'd hoped. There was so much smoke, I could barely see where I was going."

"I tried to save them, but I was too late. All I found were charred remains," Lyon bowed his head in shame, "I wasn't able to help any of them."

Gray grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently, being mindful of his injuries but still trying to offer him some comfort. It made Lyon feel ten times worse. He didn't deserve Gray's sympathy, not when he would be the one to hurt him once again. He just wanted to get through this, but the worst was still to come.

"I continued to explore the building, hoping I could help someone, and that's when I saw her," Lyon tried to think of how to describe the woman he'd seen, but no words came to mind that could explain the vast magic power he'd sensed from her or the aura of evil she'd exuded.

"In the middle of that blazing inferno, there was a woman. I rushed to get to her, but she wasn't the least bit concerned. All of her attention was focused on a magic sealing stone. She screeched in what might have been another language, and shot rays of light from her hands into it."

Lyon closed his eyes, trying to free himself from the fear that still gripped him when he thought of his experience. When he opened them again, he saw Gray watching him with concern, but also dread.

"Her power was like nothing I'd ever felt before, even Jura couldn't compare. Next thing I knew, I was filled with this paralyzing fear, and there was no doubt in my mind. She was evil. I couldn't think, or move while in her presence, I was literally frozen."

She stared through me like I was no more than an insect and started talking in this amplified voice.

Take care of him for me, won't you? I have some things I need to take care of but do tell him I'll be back for him and for what is mine.

Then she walked right through the flames like they weren't even there." Lyon shuddered as he remembered the encounter.

"Who was in the stone, Lyon?" Gray demanded, even though he had a pretty good idea.

"I think you already know."

"Where is he?" Gray shouted at his brother as he stood up and looked around the guild.

"Not yet, Gray," Lyon tried to remain calm in the face of Gray's anger.

"Where is he, Lyon?" Gray yelled even louder. How could he be so stupid? He should've realized who this was about the second Lyon reacted badly to Happy's presence.

"NATSU? Where are you?"

Gray started running towards the door he'd seen Lyon come out of earlier.

Happy flew towards him, "Natsu's here?" he asked , his eyes shining with a hope that tore at Gray's heart.

Gray ignored him and kept heading towards the door. He had to see Natsu, had to know he was alive. Happy flew after him continuing to ask questions. Yuka and Toby came out of the room and stood in front of the door. Their message clear. No one was going inside that room until Lyon said so.

"He can't answer you right now, Gray. Please let me finish."

"You don't understand, I need to see him. It's my fault he was taken."

"I highly doubt that. I promise I'll let you see Natsu once I'm done."

Gray glared at his brother furiously, but he could see in Lyon's eyes that he wasn't going to budge until he'd had his say. He grudgingly allowed himself to be led back to the table. Happy followed, looking confused and forlorn and Gray wrapped his arms around the Exceed, not sure which one of them he was trying to reassure.

"I entered the stone to see who was in there and I barely recognized him. If it hadn't been for his hair, I doubt I would have. Natsu was lying unconscious on the floor, his body covered in blood, and his arms and legs bound with magic sealing cuffs. I could barely feel his pulse." Lyon shivered as he remembered the state he'd found Natsu in, it had shocked him.

Lyon looked at Gray with compassion, he hated to do to his brother, but he needed to prepare him for what he was about to see. He let his words sink in before finishing the worst of it.

"He was tortured, and our healer thinks he was raped as well. He's lost a lot of blood, and she believes his magic was drained out of him. She's done all she can for him, but Natsu is still in horrible shape, and he hasn't woken up yet."

Gray looked at Lyon listlessly, his worst fears confirmed. Happy sobbed in his arms.

"He's going to be okay, isn't he?" Happy sniffled.

Gray didn't have an answer for the Exceed, he felt ready to vomit. His overwhelming guilt instantly curdled the contents of his stomach, but he tried to comfort Happy as best he could, holding him against his chest tightly and resting his head on the small Exceed's.

Lyon took one look at his brother's face and said, "Stop it, Gray. There is no way any of this is your fault. I don't know how Natsu ended up in this situation, but I do know there is no way you could've gone up against this woman."

He sighed, deciding he couldn't postpone it any longer, it was time for him to take Gray and Happy to Natsu. He hoped he'd prepared him enough.

"There is more I need to tell you, but I think it can wait until after you've seen him. Come on."

Lyon led the way to the door that Yuka and Toby were guarding which turned out to be the infirmary. They stepped aside and allowed the three of them to enter the room.

Gray gasped, covering his mouth with his hand when he observed Natsu lying on the bed. Happy started sobbing again, and Gray instantly regretted bringing him. Natsu looked so frail. They'd washed him up, so he was no longer covered in blood but in some ways that was even worse.

The healer was in the process of changing his bandages, so the blanket only covered his legs up to his waist leaving his chest exposed. It was covered in angry welts, cuts, and bruises that made it seem like his skin color was purple. It also allowed him to see that Natsu's breathing was very shallow.

The parts of him that weren't injured were so pale that Gray looked tanned next to him. Even covered in bruises Natsu's face looked oddly peaceful and Gray reached out his hand to run his fingers through Natsu's pink hair just to reassure himself that his friend was really there. The healer started telling him all of Natsu's injuries, but she gave up when she saw he wasn't listening.

Happy asked her if it was okay for him to sit on the bed with his friend and she assured him it was fine. When she was finished, she left them alone. Gray sat on a chair and placed Natsu's hand in his. He removed the communications lacrima from his pants pocket and called Makarov as Lyon looked at him worriedly.

"Lyon found Natsu," Gray muttered into the device and then handed it to his brother, unable to continue the conversation with his guild master.

"Gray?" Makarov's voice could be heard coming from the lacrima.

"Master Makarov, this is Lyon Vastia. Natsu is here at Lamia Scale. I found him yesterday afternoon."

"Is he okay? Why didn't you reach out to us earlier?"

"Natsu's in pretty bad shape. It looked like he'd been kept against his will, I thought it safer to keep his location secret until I could contact someone I trusted." Lyon could see Makarov nodding his agreement at his explanation, so he proceeded to give him a situation report.

"Our healer has done all she can, but we should probably make plans to move him to a better facility. Chelia might have been able to do better, but she's not scheduled to return for a few days. I know he suffers from motion sickness so I'm not sure what to do here."

"I should also probably come to you. There's a lot I need to tell you, and I'd rather do it in person," Lyon added, grasping at any excuse to be around his brother. He knew Gray would need as much support as Natsu to get over this.

"Is Gray okay?"

"Not really, it's quite a lot to take in, and it sounds like he holds himself responsible."

Makarov sighed. He'd been afraid of this.

"Lyon, I'm going to send Laxus and Wendy to Lamia Scale. They should be able to get there quickly. Hopefully, Wendy will be able to help heal him further. I'll contact the Magic Council to see if they'll lend me Doranbolt. He should be able to teleport Natsu back to Fairy Tail. Once he is moved, you can bring Gray back. I will contact you once the arrangements are made."

Lyon returned the lacrima to Gray who shoved it into his pocket without looking at it. Lyon continued his story in the infirmary since he understood Gray would not be leaving that chair any time soon.

"Sherry and Yuka were distraught when they saw Natsu's condition. They have great respect for him, and they wanted to help, so they went back into the building once the fire was extinguished."

Lyon wasn't sure Gray was listening, but he kept talking, hoping the sound of his voice got through and let him know Lyon was there for him.

"They found a room that had somehow remained intact. It contained a bunch of books and parchments which they collected and brought back here. I haven't looked at them much, but they seem to have information on dragons and summoning rituals. They might be helpful to figure out whatever you guys got yourselves into this time. They also found another magic sealing stone, but it was empty. Seriously, do you guys ever rest between crises?" Lyon tried to inject some levity to the situation, but it fell flat.

Gray didn't respond, and when the communication lacrima went off in his pocket a few minutes later, he handed it to Lyon without a word.

"Hello?"

"Lyon, Laxus and Wendy should be there shortly. The Magic Council is trying to locate Doranbolt, so hopefully, he will arrive soon. I hope you can get through to Gray on the way here."

Makarov ended the call, and Lyon found himself muttering under his breath, "So do I."

Lyon didn't want to look at Natsu anymore, he'd already seen too much when he found him. He was sure he'd have nightmares about this whole ordeal for weeks.

He sat in another chair and scrutinized his brother instead. Lyon wasn't surprised to see Gray looked like he hadn't slept for days. He knew the two were close. As much as he liked to think of Gray as his brother, Natsu had more claim to the title than he did. They'd grown up together. He tried not to feel jealous by that thought. He had no one to blame but himself.

There was a knock on the door and Wendy and Laxus came in. Wendy immediately moved towards the bed whereas Laxus let out a curse when he saw the extent of Natsu's injuries.

"The old man didn't say it was this bad."

"Wendy, you'll be able to help him won't you?" Happy asked expectantly.

"I'm gonna try my best Happy," Wendy patted the Exceed on the head and gave him a hug before going back to Natsu. She activated her magic and scanned him to determine where to start.

Even though she looked resolute, she couldn't hide the tears brimming in her eyes. She began to heal the worst of the internal injuries first, but just dealing with that took most of her magic. She had to stop and rest before she could start on the broken bones.

Lyon gave her his chair and left the room to provide the members of Fairy Tail some privacy. He set about preparing all of the materials that Sherry and Yuka had found for transport to Fairy Tail.

"Hey Fullbuster, what did Vastia tell you happened?"

Gray didn't make any indication that he'd heard Laxus, just continued to stare at Natsu on the bed. Laxus started to shake the ice mage's shoulders, but Wendy stopped him.

"Just let him be for now, Lyon is coming to Fairy Tail. We'll find out everything then."

"Fine, I hope Doranbolt gets here soon. The old man was getting Porlyusica."

They heard a pained moan coming from the bed and turned to see Natsu stirring. He opened his eyes and looked around, his eyes locking with Gray's.

Natsu started to whimper and pulled his hand out of Gray's roughly. His eyes widened and darted around like he was looking for a way to escape. He saw Laxus and Wendy and begged them in a frantic voice "Please, please don't let him hurt me anymore!"

Natsu hugged himself and sobbed hysterically. Everyone stared in shock at the Fire Dragon Slayer.

"Gray, I think you'd better wait outside," Wendy told him sadly. It broke her heart to say that to the ice mage, who looked like someone had kicked him in the stomach. Tears streamed down his face as he came to terms with the fact that his best friend was now terrified of him. He nodded slowly, stood up and left the room.

Doranbolt walked past Gray as he entered Lamia Scale's infirmary. He thought the ice mage had been crying. What the hell was going on?

He saw Natsu as soon as he walked in the room. He blanched at the extent of the fire mage's injuries. He waited for Wendy to calm the distraught Natsu down and explain that he would be teleporting him and Happy back to Fairy Tail. Once Natsu had calmed down enough, Doranbolt picked him up, grabbed Happy and disappeared.

Gray had walked back to the table he'd been sitting at earlier. He drank the rest of the bottle by himself, not bothering with the cup. He'd never felt more miserable in his life than he did at that moment.

Gray couldn't get Natsu's terrified face out of his mind. He had done that to him. Even though Gray knew he hadn't been the one to actually hurt Natsu, he felt he might as well have.

The one time the flame brain had needed him, Gray had failed him, and some sick bastard had worn his face to hurt him. He suddenly remembered Lyon telling him that Natsu had been raped and he prayed to whatever gods he could think of that his doppelganger hadn't been responsible for that.

Laxus and Wendy went over to him, but he was far too drunk to talk. They looked around for Lyon and explained what had happened. Lyon winced at the news.

He assured them that he'd speak to Gray and get him back to Fairy Tail the following day. He handed them the materials he'd packed. They thanked him for all his help and left to report to Makarov.

Lyon headed back to the table only to find Gray had already passed out. He had no idea how he was going to get through to his brother. But he had to try, before Gray closed himself off again, this time for good.

A/N: Revised May 08,2019. Added about 1K words, but more importantly, gave Lyon some much-needed depth and edited the hell out of his retelling of events. Also gave more importance to the relationship between Gray and Lyon. I think it sounds better now.

[sunflowerheartwriting]

Dragonic 21

A/N: MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!! Here's my Christmas gift to you, an early update!! :D Sorry not sorry for the cliffhanger! Thank you so much for all your comments and likes!! Don’t forget you can read on FF.net or AO3!

If anyone dared to say Levy doesn’t have a good poker face, they are liars. Even though she was screaming internally and ready to run for the hills, she sat proudly with a stiff spine and neutral look on her face. The only thing that could give her away was the bead of sweat that was starting to accumulate on her brow. But if he asked, she’ll just say it was the fire’s intense heat, even though it was a steady warmth. Metalicana seemed to smile even more at her reaction, eyeing her up and down with a scrutinizing eye.

She wished for him to stop and to finally say something instead of letting them sit there in silence. They say silence is golden, but it was excruciating and grating at her nerves. When a voice spoke, she nearly sighed with relief, if it was coming from the man that sat across from her. No, it was coming from the trees, along with footsteps.

“Yo!” A man yelled breaking through the trees with a boyish grin that looked all too familiar. “You made it hard to find you.” The old man had dark red hair, with a scar that sliced across his right eyebrow and cheek, along with a smile that screamed Natsu.

“Wait for me!” A female voice spoke, following close behind the red head. Metalicana groaned, leaning his head back as he ran his hand down his face, cursing loudly. Obviously, he wasn’t expecting company to join them.

A woman with long white hair seemed to float into their little area, stopping when her blue eyes met Levy’s. The woman was beautiful and held the regal air of a queen. “You’re so much cuter in person!” The older woman smiled, taking a seat beside Levy, continuously to stare down at her with a bright smile.

“What the hell are you guys doing here?” Metalicana growled, glaring holes into the two adults. “I told you two to stay away.”

Ignoring his statement the white haired woman turned back towards Levy asking, “Was he giving you the silent interrogation?” Unable to answer, Levy nodded her head, too stunned to trust her words. She was sure who the other two were, but she wasn’t sure if her eyes were deceiving her or not.

“Melly! I bet you were scaring the poor girl.”

“That was the fucking point, Grandeeney. I don’t want my son dating some wuss and don’t call me Melly, in front of other people!”

The red head, who she could only guess was Igneel slung his arm around Metilacana shoulders, tsking his brother. Metalicana quickly shoved Igneel away from him making him fall off the log and onto the forest floor.

“Uncalled for, Melly.” Ingeel pointed at him from his position on the ground, earning a growl for the nickname. The two bickered back forth, Levy seeing the brotherly love and where their sons get their nicknames from. Metal face and flame breath were obviously passed down.

Grandeeney knocked her shoulders with Levy, catching her attention. “They’re going to go at this if we don’t interrupt them.” She smiled looking down at the small woman before looking towards the fire. Waving her hand slowly in the direction of the flames, the orange hue quickly swirled to life, showing the image of Gajeel again.

He was arguing with Porlyusica and she in return smacked him upside the head for his bad mouthing, telling him shut up and let her do her job. Igneel chuckled shaking his head, “Porly was always a bitch.”

“Iggy!” Grandeeney chastised, Igneel shrugged his shoulders as he sat back besides Metalicana. They turned their attention back towards the fire, Gajeel taking his seat at Levy’s bedside with Lily curled up by her, resting his head on her legs.  

“He still has that nasty look in his eyes.”

“He’s your son, Melly, you both have a nasty look.” Grandeeney teased, smiling when Igneel chuckled at her comeback.

The metal dragon was about to respond when Gajeel’s voice broke through, putting them into a trance. He was singing, and it was beautiful, with his deep raspy singing voice. Her heart seemed to stop and her breath hitched as she realized what he was singing, it was the tune she always hummed since she couldn’t remember the lyrics. The song sounded more beautiful with words attached. It was in Dragonic, and even in the harsh language it was bringing tears to her eyes.

“He’s singing the song of love,” Grandeeney breathed as awe decorated her features. Levy wanted to ask her what she meant but she was too entranced by the heart breaking tone Gajeel sung. The image disappeared as soon as he finished singing. Levy wanting desperately for him to come back, but knowing if she reached out towards him, she’ll just burn her hand from the fire.

All eyes were on her and she immediately felt like she did something wrong. “Do you know what that song meant?” Metalicana asked, a deadly serious look on his face that frightened her. Maybe she did do something wrong.

Unsure of how to answer she only spoke what she heard. “It was about a dragon falling in love with a human and-”

“I didn’t ask what it was about, I asked what it meant.”

“It means, you’re the only one he loves, Levy.” Igneel spoke up for her, an unnatural serious look on his face. It was just as frightening as his brother’s. “That is a song we do not take lightly in our family. When we sing it to a loved one, it means you’re the one they choose.”

“Like a soulmate,” Grandeeney continued. “No matter what happens, he refuses to be with anyone else but you, so if you die, he chose to stay alone forever.”

The weight of their words hit her like a ton of bricks. She would never wish for him to do that and she hoped they knew that. Voicing that would be a great idea, but a sob threatened to interrupt her words as she starred absently into the fire, trying to hold back tears.

Gajeel, you idiot.

“You love him.” Metalicana said matter-factly. “I’ve never seen him care for no one other than his family and Lily, but with you it’s different. So…why’s that?”

“Way to be father-in-law of the year,” Igneel shook his head, but that didn’t deter the intense gaze the older man was giving her.

It took a moment for her to respond, but when she did, she was proud that her voice didn’t waver. “I don’t know, to be honest. I’m still surprised sometimes by how much he cares about me. When I first met him I didn’t really know what to expect from someone of his caliber. He could’ve treated me anyway he liked knowing that he could get away with it, but he still treated me with more respect and care than the past persons that had me in their care. I love your son, Mr. Redfox, way more than you could imagine. I would never do anything to intentionally hurt him.”

Metalicana seemed to stare into her soul as if trying to identify if she was telling the truth or not. When he was satisfied with whatever he was looking for, he shot her cocky smirk, crossing his arms over his chest with a proud huff.

“Well then little fairy, I approve.” Levy let out a breath, Grandeeney squealing as she pulled Levy into a side hug. “He talks a lot about you to me. It was a pain when he was deciding if he should confess to you or not.”

Igneel raised an eyebrow, “Oh really? I remember you ecstatic that he was even interested in someone and wishing you were there to help him.” Metalicana shoved Igneel again, telling him to shut his fiery mouth the two quickly falling into another verbal fight.

“Don’t tell him I told you, but the big bad iron dad over there already approved of you before you came,” Grandeeney whispered. “He just wanted to give you a hard time.”

Levy thanked the old woman, finally seeing how alike she and Porlyusica looked. Before she could comment on it, Grandeeney stood up with a clap of her hands catching her brothers’ attention. “Alright you two, it’s time to go. Let’s say our goodbyes.”

The men followed her instructions with grumbles as they stood up. “It was nice to finally meet you, Levy.” Metalicana grunted out clapping her on the shoulder, a look on his face he didn’t want to voice in front of the others.

‘Please take care of him.’

“It was nice to meet you too and I will, don’t worry.”

Igneel came next pulling her into a hug, beaming a bright smile when he released her holding her by the shoulders. “Welcome to the family, little blue.”

Grandeeney pulled her into a similar hug. “I’m so glad our little mini Melly found someone to share his life with. Take care and be sure to keep us updated.”

As she bid them goodbye, she couldn’t help but laugh as Metalicana and Igneel shoved it each other with Grandeeney groaning, calling them childish as they faded into the trees. Her surrounding immediately changed back into the spring meadow as soon as they were out of sight. Spinning around she was confused by the sudden daylight and even more confused by the woman standing in front of her now.

“Aquarius?!” Levy nearly yelled, as the blue haired woman stepped closer to her. “You’re dead?”

Nodding her head, Aquarius usual stern gaze softened. “I know Lucy has been looking for me, so please tell her if you can that she can stop.”

“But, how did you die?!”

Her blue eyes flared with anger at the memory. “I died that day that crazed dragon king attacked us. I went home to find Scorpio dead, along with a dozen of the kings guard dead around his body. It was all a trap and I was too late to figure it out. I was attacked as soon as I realized what was happening. Taking us out would be easier for him to get to Layla, Lucy and you. ”

“I’m so sorry, Aquarius.”

Shrugging her shoulders, the woman smiled proudly. “I didn’t die so easily and took a great number of his fleet with me, plus I’m with Scorpio so it’s cool.”

Leave it to Aquarius to smile at her own death. Levy would do the same if she was half the badass Aquarius and her husband was. A thought popped in her head of Gajeel chastising her, telling her that she was in fact just as badass as Scorpio and Aquarius.

“I’ll tell Lucy. It might hurt her, but I think it’ll bring her some closer.”

“Thanks, Levy.” She said, patting her on the shoulder, before straightening with a serious look on her face. “Now. Have you decided, whether you’re staying or going?”

Needing no further explanation, Levy nodded her head. It was an easy decision her parents and Gajeel’s relatives reassured. There was no way she could leave Gajeel and Lily alone. “I decided to go back.”

“Good,” Aquarius nodded her head. “This may hurt, mainly due to getting the sickness out of you. You ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Taking that as a go, Aquarius cocked her hand back, slamming it into her chest. Levy felt like she was underwater for a few seconds before coming out sputtering, but instead of spitting up water on a beach, she jumped up in her bed coughing.

Lily jumped ready for an attack his eyes landing on her. He meowed loudly leaping towards her, rubbing his head against her face, purring loudly. “I’m starting to have a tendency to make you worry, Lily.” She croaked out, her voice hoarse from misuse as she hugged him with weak limbs.

The door opened, showing a surprised Lucy. “Levy!” She yelled, flinging herself onto the bed, hugging her tightly around the neck. Levy patted her friend on the arm, gasping for air. “I’m sorry! We were just so worried about you. Natsu and I came right away. He finally got Gajeel away so he could get some fresh air.”

“I should get him right away.” Lily meowed, leaping off the bed and out the door. Finally taking a look at her surroundings, she noticed that almost everything was either in a shade of blue or green.

“Where am I?” Levy asked. The bedspread reminded her of a mermaid’s tale with its shimmery blue and green scale designs. The carpet was a pretty dark blue with the walls painted a turquoise green. “I’ve never seen this room before.”

Lucy looked around a small smile curling her lips, “It’ll be better if Gajeel explains that, but how are you feeling?”

Her headache was gone, so was the intense itch in her throat and stiff muscles. Stretching her limbs, she attempted to get out of bed. “I feel a lot better, but I think I need a bath. I don’t want to see Gajeel knowing I haven’t bathed in a few days. How long have I been out, anyway?”

Lucy helped her out of bed and towards the bathroom that was decorated similar to the bedroom with it multitude of blue and green shades. “Three days. Natsu and I got here on the second day.” She drew Levy a bath, helping her into the water before running off to find something for her to wear. When Lucy placed the clothes on the vanity, Levy urged her friend to come sit beside the tub.

“I really thought we were going to lose you,” the blonde sniffled as she kneeled beside the tub, brushing Levy’s wet hair. “You should’ve seen Gajeel. I’ve never seen him look so….vulnerable. He really loves you, Lev.”

Levy was unsure on how to tell her that she knew exactly what he looked like and it broke her heart just to see him like that as well. “This may not be the right time, but I have to tell you before I forget.” Levy said, stilling Lucy’s movement’s with her hair. “I did see Gajeel while he was here. I also saw my mom and dad and….Aquarius.”

Lucy took in a breath her body shaking, her eyes wide with shock. “You mean she’s…dead?” Levy nodded her head, filling in the blanks for her with the information Aquarius told her about how she died. Levy also explained where she was and how she saw Gajeel. Even though it seemed impossible, she knew her friend believed her.

Lucy pulled Levy into another hug, her wet form soaking Lucy’s gown. “Thank you, Levy. I really don’t know what to say, but I’m so glad that you’re here with us. Please don’t scare us like that every again.”

“Can’t make any promises,” she giggled as her friend released her, the two smiling fondly at each other. After a few more minutes of them talking as Levy cleaned herself, Levy chuckled. “I think I’m ready to come out and you’re ready for a change of clothes. I don’t need you getting sick.”

With a helpful hand, Lucy pulled Levy out of the water, just as the bathroom door was nearly kicked in.

“Levy!” Gajeel roared, his eyes landing on her naked form causing his face to turn beet red. Levy let out a scream as she attempted to cover herself.

“Quit staring and get out of here, Gajeel!” Lucy yelled, tossing the hairbrush at him to break him out of his trance. It bounced off his chest, clattering to the floor. He didn’t say a word as he quickly turned around and ran out, slamming the door behind him. “He nearly broke the freakin’ door down.” Lucy muttered as she wrapped the towel around a still stunned Levy.

A bubble of laughter formed in her chest and burst out as she used her friend for support. That was not how she pictured their reunion, but she had to say it was pretty hilarious.

“We’re gonna have a sit down and talk about how all this transpired between you two before I leave.” Lucy giggled along with her friend. “Are you ok to dress on your own?”

Levy nodded her head, already pulling on her underwear. “I’ll be fine and I promise to tell you everything.”

Pointing towards her with an accused finger, Lucy declared, “You better. I want all the juicy details too.” She left to let Levy change so she could most likely do the same, promising to come back with Natsu

A/N: Melly and Iggy are children and Grandee is like the mom of the three! And of course Melly just want to give people a hard time! Thank you so much for reading and Merry Christmas Everyone!!