Hey, everyone! We would invite you all to participate in #fairyweek2018! The upcoming event is scheduled for October 15th to October 21th. Join us in this week full of Fairy Tail editions! Share your love through photos, gifs, picspams, fanarts, fanfics and much more! So check our rules to know how to participate and don’t forget to tag your work as #fairyweek2018 within the first 5 tags so we can see it! Also, we have prepared some prompts! We’d like to have the collaboration of you all in this event! More questions, just ask us!
The prompts:
→ 15.10.18 Day 1: Magnolia
→ 16.10.18 Day 2: Crocus
→ 17.10.18 Day 3: Freesia
→ 18.10.18 Day 4: Oshibana
→ 19.10.18 Day 5: Balsam
→ 20.10.18 Day 6: Shirotsume
→ 21.10.18 Day 7: Acalypha
PS: The Fairy Tail Anime: Final Season is coming on October 7th! Let's enjoy the new anime and also the sequel of the manga - Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest that is already being published! Thank you, and let's participate in the #fairyweek2018!
Summary: What went down on the day when Team Natsu arrived in Crocus on the day before the Grand Magic Games and Natsu and Lucy went to explore Crocus.
Genre: Friendship/Romance
Rating:K
A/n: this is set one day before the Grand Magic Games.
"Hey Lucy...how long are you gonna sit here and read?" Happy asked dejectedly, sitting on top of the bookshelf where Lucy was reading.
Lucy frowned at him, "I don't know, maybe a few more minutes,"
"You said that half an hour ago." Happy rolled his eyes.
"Well, I just started reading!" Lucy shrugged her shoulders.
"Oh come on, let's go already!" Natsu whined. Lucy squeaked when she found Natsu lying on the floor just next to her feet.
"Natsu what are you doing?!" Lucy stepped away.
Natsu proceeded to ignore her, "This is festival time!" he exclaimed. "There's a whole new world out there!"
"Don't forget we're here to play the Grand Magic Games! We are representing our guild and so we can't cause any ruckus. We shouldn't overexert ourselves!" Lucy laid down her case. "I'm also feeling a little sore because of the second origin release." she stretched her arms a little.
Happy giggled, "Old lady... "
"Watch it, stupid kitty!" Lucy grumbled. "Why are you guys even here, I didn't ask you to come with me anyway," she said more to herself.
"Lucy, let's go!" Natsu and Happy started whining loudly, attracting looks from other people in the store.
Lucy hid her face behind the book, "Knock it off, both of you! People are looking!"
Despite her warning, the two of them continued their antics. Lucy quickly put the book away and grabbed Natsu's arm and Happy's tail and swiftly dragged them out. She didn't want to face the humiliation of being kicked out the store with them, which had already been done countless times before.
"Sheesh, you guys!" Lucy pouted angrily.
"Mission success!" Natsu and Happy gave each other a high-five. "Aye sir!" Happy chirped.
"Well? Where do you want to go?" she raised a brow, still not pleased with what went down at the bookstore.
Natsu grinned widely, "Thought you'd never ask!" He grabbed her hand and dragged her along with him.
"Wait a second- Natsu!" Lucy huffed, trying to catch up with Natsu's speed.
They ran into the shopping district, which was the most lively place in Crocus today.
Lucy was amazed to see the wave of people, children, youngsters, couples and elderly people too. It felt like the whole of Fiore had gathered up to see the Grand Magic Games.
That only added to the weight in her heart, the nervousness that bubbled in her stomach at the thought of a tournament they had no idea about. 7 years had gone by, and they had to make up for the lost time. She had to uphold the guild's pride. They were all counting on her. She had to make them proud. This was her only way of paying them back for all they had done.
She knew she wasn't as strong as Natsu, Gray or Erza. She was aware of her limitations. But giving up wasn't an option. She had to fight for herself, and her friends. She wanted to make everyone proud of her. She had to do her best, no matter what.
Lucy was driven away from her thoughts as Natsu shoved an ice-cream in her hands. "Ice-cream. Eat it. " he said simply. It was her favorite flavor, butterscotch with fresh strawberries and kiwis. Lucy smiled, "Thanks."
As Natsu silently watched her lick down the ice-cream, Lucy asked, "Wanna try it, Natsu?"
Natsu turned his head with a grunt, "You know I can't do ice-cream,"
Lucy smiled, "Come on, one bite, here, II'll go get another spoon," Before she could go, Natsu swooped the spoon from her hand, "No need for that," and put the ice-cream in his mouth.
An intense blush spread across her face, "Natsu! That was my spoon!" she squealed helplessly.
Natsu with a gulp of the icy thing found steam blowing from his ears. "I can't take it after all!!!" He yelled rubbing his face animatedly.
"Good grief!' Happy laughed. Lucy couldn't hold in her laughter too long at the misery of the Fire dragon slayer. Lucy had already forgotten what she was feeling glum about. She decided to put all the bad thoughts away and enjoy her time in this new city.
"Hey, I heard that Fairy Tail is participating in the Grand Magic Games this year-" Their ears perked up at the mention of their guild name. Two men were sitting on the bench and drinking alcohol in broad daylight.
His partner, a skinny guy with a shrunk face, laughed, "Fairy Tail? The guild that's always losing?! They should call themselves Fairy Losers by now!" he laughed harder at his joke.
"I heard that their core members have returned. It seems that they were quite the thing 7 years ago." the stout guy informed.
"Hah, that was 7 years ago. Trash like that should remain in their history books." he said menacingly and snickered.
Natsu, who was growling with rage had balled his fists in anger. He was about to storm to them when Lucy's better judgement stopped him.
She put a hand over his chest, "Wait-Natsu. Let me deal with this." Lucy strode over in confidence.
"Hey you!" she pointed at the guy. "You're from the guild Titan's Nose aren't you? The same guild whose master shipped banned magic goods and was caught by Fairy Tail? The same guild that begged for mercy to Fairy Tail and promised to turn good if they didn't report it to the council?" Lucy smirked at their speechless faces, "Looks like you need to revise your history books."
She was about to turn away when she added, "Oh, and as for the Grand Magic Games, we're gonna kick your butt! Don't you dare underestimate Fairy Tail, you hear me?!" she walked away, taking her ice-cream from the stunned Natsu and Happy.
"You guys coming?" Lucy asked.
"Yes ma'am!" Natsu and Happy replied mechanically.
There were so many shops to explore here. There were antiques, bags, jewelry, home decor, books, magazines, spices, groceries, clothes, all in one place. Artsy restaurants and quaint cafés were sprinkled in between. Lucy had to admit that this place had a greater variety than the market in Magnolia.
"Huge sale! Great discount at Eve Boutique only for today! Hurry!" A salesgirl shouted out loud.
Lucy hummed, "Maybe I should go and check out some clothes."
Natsu and Happy grumbled, "Oh come on! We just got out of the bookstore and now you want to go clothes shopping?"
"50% off on all apparel, bags and shoes!" the salesgirl continued her drag.
Lucy's eyes sparkled as she quivered with excitement, "Sale on shoes?! Let's go!" She linked her arm with Natsu and dragged him in with her. "Hey-!" Natsu squirmed but it was too late.
They entered the bright shop that had loud, upbeat music playing on the lacrimas. It was an attractive shop that had cute clothes for girls with a neat display.
Lucy squealed, "I love it all!" all starry-eyed she picked up a pair of white boots and black pencil heels. She moved around animatedly trying on hair accessories and holding up a shirt in the mirror.
She held a black embroidered top, "Hey Natsu, how does this look?"
Natsu picked his nose in a typical disinterested fashion, "Huh, looks great." He said without looking at it.
"Lucy, look, it's double cat ears!" Happy tried on a hairband that had cat ears on it.
Lucy pouted, "Ugh, okay you know what, I'll quickly buy these boots. You both go wait outside the shop."
"Great," Natsu waved his hands in resignation.
"Aye." Happy murmured and they found their way out.
Lucy sighed, "Okay, let's see which one's my size,"
Less than a moment later, Natsu tapped Lucy's shoulder, "Natsu?"
"Lucy, try this!" Natsu excitedly held up a red pleated mini skirt.
Happy held up a white off-shoulder top. "And this too!"
"Eh?" Lucy was surprised. "What the heck you guys?"
"Come on, just try it on!" They pushed the clothes in her hands. "Wait a second, these aren't my size!" Lucy said with a quick look from the tag.
Natsu took another look and agreed, "Right, excuse me!" He called out to a nearby salesgirl, "Do you have a size smaller than this?"
The girl came over, smiling ear to ear, "Yes sir. Could you tell me the exact size you want?"
Lucy started to speak when Natsu answered immediately, "Small size, waist 59cm and Hip 88cm."
"Understood, I'll go get it immediately," the girl said and rushed away.
"What the- How does Natsu know my measurements?!" Lucy blushed red.
"With all the time Natsu spends with you, it's obvious Lucy!" Happy said simply as if that was common sense.
"What does that even mean?!" Lucy turned even more red, if that were possible.
The girl came over and handed the skirt to Natsu, "There, now go try it on!" he said pushing it into her hands and pushing her towards the trial room.
"Okay, okay I got it!" She pouted. She pulled the curtain and started changing. It was strange that Natsu was suddenly taking interest in her clothes. Although, Lucy had to admit, she felt a little happy that he chose something for her.
"Are you done yet?" she heard Natsu's impatient voice from outside.
"Geez, wait a minute, will you?" Lucy answered back while pulling the shirt over her head. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled. The dress showed off her legs and her collar bones. She was used to showing her skin but this outfit had a different vibe.
"I'm pulling the curtain!" Natsu announced and immediately pulled over. Lucy turned and smiled, feeling a little abashed. Natsu stared at her intensely head to toe, making her feel self conscious. "Well?" Lucy asked, waiting for his reaction. He looked like he was in deep thought.
The salesgirl from earlier smiled, "That looks great on you ma'am! That is one of our bestsellers here," She looked at Natsu, "Your boyfriend has an excellent taste!"
Lucy jumped at the comment, her heart thumping furiously against her chest, "N-no no, we're not-"
"Take that off!" Natsu pulled at her shirt.
"Excuse me!?" Lucy backed away, crossing her arms over her chest. The salesgirl put her hands over her mouth, looking far too excited and invested.
"Try this on instead," He held up pastel purple backless crop top with cute unattached half sleeves and a black corset.
Lucy was amazed at Natsu's particular choices. Who knew the dragon slayer had a good fashion sense? Maybe she should ask him for fashion tips.
Natsu finally nodded, giving a thumbs up, "Looks good!"
Lucy couldn't help but feel shy once again at his open feelings. This side of Natsu was new to her. But she did enjoy it.
"They liiikeeeeach other !" Happy rolled his tongue.
As Lucy finalised her purchase, she noticed a few magazines on a rack near the counter. She realized that she had a copy of the latest issue in her house and all the clothes that featured in it were sold here. And then it struck her. Natsu was reading her magazines when he spent time in her house. Whether intentionally or idly, he was keeping the trends in mind.
Lucy couldn't help but smile. Natsu was such a sweet boy sometimes. Having him around always lifted her spirits. She could be herself and have fun. Even though Happy and Natsu troubled her and teased her from time to time, she knew they always had her best at heart and truly cared for her.
She couldn't imagine her life without them, even their usual barging in her house.
Lucy smiled all the way out, feeling elated after their little outing. They decided to grab a snack at the stalls and see a few more places around the town. Crocus being the flower capital, they donned flower crowns and garlands that were given to all the tourists.
They watched various street performances; magic shows, musicians playing music and dancers. The upbeat music had gathered a mob of dancing people and Lucy dragged Natsu along to join her. She smiled and laughed with Natsu and Happy, having a great time.
"Ah that was so much fun!" Lucy exhaled, the excitement still lingering in her bones. The dancing crowd was chattering as they dispersed in big groups.
"Lucy got too excited!" Happy giggled, flying in the air.
"All that movement made me more hungry!" Natsu complained, folding his hands over his head.
The density of moving people had increased as the performances ended and it became dark. Lucy had to keep pushing people to follow Natsu and Happy.
Happy sighed with exasperation, "Hungry already? You just ate two bags of popcorn!"
Lucy was finding it more and more difficult to keep pace with them. The mob of people seemed to sweep her away.
"Eh? So what? That wasn't enough!" Natsu remarked.
She was already losing sight of Natsu and Happy, their voices getting lost in the numerous sounds surrounding them. Her heart started thumping, the feeling of claustrophobia eating away at her mind.
Crushed by the onslaught of people, her dry throat couldn't get a voice out. It felt like she was drowning in the sea of people, getting swallowed by the earth.
Fear gripped her mind, "I don't want to be alone...Dont leave me, Natsu-!" She stretched her hand out helplessly, trying to reach him.
A warm hand grabbed her outstretched hand, "Lucy?" Natsu's voice sounded gentle and soft against the noisy town, close to her.
"Lucy where did you go? We got worried that you got lost!" Happy cried.
"Are you alright?" Natsu asked, scrutinizing her face.
Lucy gulped and nodded slightly, "Yes I'm fine." she managed to croak out. She wasn't sure what had suddenly gotten over her. The irrational fear and anxiety was something she had never experienced before.
Natsu seemed to notice her discomfort immediately. He clasped her hand firmly and pulled her close, "I'm here. Lets go." he said reassuredly.
And that was all Lucy needed to hear. He pulled her along with him, never leaving her hand even once. They walked through the maze of people until they were free from the constant rocking and pushing.
"I'm fine now, I promise." it was only when she said that was when Natsu finally let her hand go.
"Thank you, Natsu, Happy." She pulled them into a hug, effectively surprising them. Natsu and Happy exchanged worried looks. They knew Lucy was sensitive and quite frankly, they didn't always know how to react when she was like that.
When she pulled away, Natsu rubbed his neck and looked everywhere else, but at Lucy. "Uh, so should we return?"
"Okay," Lucy nodded. "But only after a dinner treat with me!" she winked.
Natsu and Happy rejoiced, glad that Lucy was back to normal and Lucy successfully threw off the awkward air between them.
After all, a good meal was what pleased these dorks the most.
A/n- after that dinner they meet the twin dragons and return to their dorm at 12. Hope you enjoyed this short story! :)
