My second contribution to this event, run by @ftguildevents \o/
I was lucky enough to get to work with two writers for this one! The first being the wonderful @jinx13gxa !
You can check out their story *HERE*. Give them some love, they deserve it!
UPDATE:
And the second writer I was paired with for this piece is @phoenix-before-the-flame ! You can find their story *HERE* . Check it out and leave all the likes, reblogs, comments, everything!
Big thanks to both my writers for writing amazing stories! ^^
Last submission for the FT reverse big bang held by @ftguildevents!! \o/ Some Erzajane goodness!!
Story is done by @shellielyzabeth and you can read it le right
*:･ﾟ✧ ✧ﾟ･: * HERE *:･ﾟ✧ ✧ﾟ･: *
Art | DeviantArt | Instagram | Twitter | Commissions | Ko-Fi
Hello! Been a while. Here is my story for the Fairy Tail Reverse bang held by @ftguildevents :) I am out of practice, as you could probably tell from this story, but it was fun trying to get back into writing. My partner was the amazing @crackheadart42 :) Pls go check out the awesome art that inspired this story! :D
"Sorry, I can't go on a job with you guys today. I've got book club with Levy-chan and Freed," Lucy said as she tied her hair into her typical side pony.
Natsu crossed his arms with a huff. "Book club? Since when were you guys in some sort of club?"
"I told you about it last week! We can go on a job tomorrow!"
"But Luuucy!" Happy whined. "We found the perfect job for you! If we don't go today, we'll have to let someone else take it and it'll be gone by tomorrow!"
"Then so be it," Lucy said with a shrug. "Listen, I've gotta go meet them at the coffee shop now. I'll see you guys tomorrow. Or later tonight if you want to come over. Bye!"
Natsu pouted, watching as the blonde skipped out the door, an eager grin plastered on her face.
"What's she so excited for?" he wondered. "It's just book club, right? What can be so fun about that?"
"What do you wanna do now, Natsu?" Happy's voice rang out.
"Hmm… Wanna go to the guild?"
"Sure! Today will be the day I win Charle's heart!"
Natsu grinned. "Good luck, buddy!"
Arriving at the guild, a gloomy aura immediately suffocated him. Expecting it to be a recently rejected Juvia, per usual, he searched the room for the water mage in suspect only to find her latched onto Gray's arm, happy grin glued to her face. Sitting across from the pair, however, were Gajeel and Lily, the former resting his head on the table. The negative energy that surrounded the dragon slayer was practically tangible.
"What's wrong with you, Metal Mouth?" Natsu asked, plopping beside the other dragon slayer while Happy flew off to flirt with Charle.
"None of your business, Salamander," Gajeel replied, his voice gruff as usual.
"Oh, right. Levy is at book club."
Gajeel lifted his head to glare at him. "Whatever."
"Yeah, Lucy's there too, even though we found the perfect job for her. I don't see what's so special about some stupid book club!"
Gray studied Natsu. It was clear the boy was aggravated without Lucy around, if his scrunched up face and crossed arms were anything to go by. Just like that, an opportunity was found.
"Maybe it's not so much about the books, but more about the company," Gray said, all the while trying to hold back laughter.
"What do you mean?" Natsu asked.
"What if she just wants to hang out with Freed?"
"Freed? Those two rarely talk."
"Yeah, but you can't deny that they seem to work well together. Hell, he's a lot like the Prince Charming she used to always talk about when she first joined the guild. He's smart, reads a lot, he's more refined. Who knows, maybe she's into him. Maybe they're on a date." Hook, line, and sinker.
Natsu's eyes widened. "N-No way! Levy's there too!"
Cana, having heard their conversation and wanting to join in on the fun, chimed in, "Well duh. Lucy's too inexperienced. She's probably too nervous about being out on her first date, so she brought Levy along to make it less awkward."
Natsu stood up, slamming his hands on the table. Heat radiated off of him as he tried to control his temper.
"I'm going home," he said, eyebrows scrunched in annoyance. With hands shoved in his pockets, he was out the door without another word.
Gajeel scoffed. "How pathetic."
Gray and Cana immediately set their eyes on their new target.
"You know," Cana began, "I think Levy and Freed would make a really cute couple too though. Blue and green compliment each other."
"I think you're right," Gray replied. "Who's to say that Levy and Freed won't hit it off instead?"
And in the blink of an eye, Gajeel was out the door. With that, the entire guild bursted into laughter.
"Gray-sama, that was too mean!" Juvia said between laughs.
"I just can't help myself! They make it too easy!" the ice mage replied.
"I see this going one of two ways," Cana chimed in. "Either they're going to go batshit crazy on their book club, or they're going to sit around all day listening to sad love songs. Either way, I'd say that was a success!"
While the guild all laughed about Natsu and Gajeel's jealousy, they failed to see another dragon slayer sneak out the door.
"Oi, Salamander," Gajeel's voice rang out.
Natsu didn't bother glancing over his shoulder. "What do you want?"
"Where do you think you're going?"
"None of your business."
"You spying on Bunny Girl?"
Natsu blushed, his brows slanting in annoyance. "No! I'm just going on a walk!"
"Oh really?" Gajeel replied with a skeptical grin. "Because you're going the same way that Lucy's scent leads."
"Oh yeah? Then where are you going? Because Levy's scent leads this way too."
"D-Does it? I was just getting some coffee."
"You don't drink coffee."
"I'm trying something new!"
"Psh, yeah. Sure you are."
With that said, the two brooding dragon slayers walked in silence the rest of the way to the coffee shop, where the girls they pined over every day just so happened to be at.
Reaching the coffee shop, Natsu reached for the door handle when Gajeel grabbed him by the wrist.
"Idiot! They're gonna be pissed if we go in there and ruin their book club!" he barked.
Natsu furrowed his brows. "I wasn't gonna do anything!"
"Bullshit! If I let you in there now, this place will probably be burned to the ground!"
"Just let go already!"
"No way!"
"Will you two just shut up already?" a new voice rang out.
Natsu and Gajeel jumped before turning around to find Laxus peering at them with his usual expressionless face.
"Laxus? What are you doing here?" Natsu asked.
The blonde's eyes darted up to the sky before replying, "Just making sure you two numbskulls don't make a mess that Gramps has to pay for later. So, you guys are spying on Levy and Lucy, right?"
The two boys blushed and shouted in unison, "No way!"
"Yeah, whatever. There's a window over there. If you really wanna go spy on them, use that instead of going inside."
Natsu and Gajeel shared a quick glance before rushing towards the window. The two slowly peeked their heads high enough to see Lucy, Levy, and Freed sharing a table. Levy was skimming through her book while Lucy and Freed chatted with huge smiles on their faces.
Gajeel heaved a sigh of relief. "Okay, good. Levy's not interested in him at all, she only cares about the book."
Natsu huffed, watching as Lucy's smile grew while she wiped tears from her eyes, which were produced by laughing too hard. His stomach churned. He thought only he was able to make her laugh like that.
As he watched the two talk, his bad feeling only got worse. Gray's words from before haunted him. He was right, they did seem to hit it off. Freed liked everything Lucy did; reading, writing, just about everything that Natsu wasn't interested in. Maybe they were a better pair.
He thought back to the moments he shared with Lucy. All of the times she had scolded him for breaking into her apartment but never kicked him out, all the times they had hugged, and all the times that they were each other's point of comfort. He shook his head. There was no way that Freed could be better for Lucy than he was.
Meanwhile, Laxus stood behind the other two dragon slayers, watching Freed talk to Lucy. Even though he knew he was being irrational, he couldn't help feeling uneasy. Even though Freed made his feelings for him apparent, he never made any real attempts to reciprocate those feelings. What if Freed had gotten tired of waiting? What if Lucy, the girl who so clearly shared so many of his interests, was the new person he was pining for?
"This is stupid," Laxus muttered under his breath.
"You're telling me," Natsu replied.
"Sucks for you, my girlfriend is really just interested in the book, so ha!"
"You sure about that?"
"What do you- Wait, no! Don't talk to him, Levy! Pick up the book! Go back to being a bookworm!"
As the three watched from outside, the air around them became thicker and thicker. Just about anything could've sent them over the edge. And finally, it happened.
It was an innocent gesture, really. Freed had said something funny, to which both girls laughed at. After, he placed his hands on their shoulders. And just like that, the door had been blown open while three sour dragon slayers marched over to them.
Lucy was the first to turn around after hearing the door slam open.
"Natsu? What are you doing here?" she asked, glancing around to notice the whole coffee shop staring at them.
The boy stopped in front of her, glaring at the hand that for some reason was still propped upon her shoulder. Meanwhile, Gajeel took a more direct approach by simply picking Levy up and throwing her over his shoulder.
"Later!" he said, all the while carrying her out.
Lucy deadpanned. "What the hell is going on?"
"That's what I'd like to know," Natsu muttered. It was taking every bit of patience in him not to burn Freed's hand to a crisp.
Luckily, Freed had caught on to Natsu's foul mood. However, instead of removing his hand, he smiled at the angry dragon slayer as if taunting him.
"Hello, Natsu. What are you doing here?" he asked. He then turned to face Laxus, a bright blush overcoming his face. "Laxus! You're here to see me!"
The blonde blushed and looked away. "No I'm not. I'm just here to make sure this one doesn't do anything stupid."
Natsu crossed his arms. "Freed, you've got three seconds."
Freed sighed before finally removing his hand from Lucy's shoulder.
Lucy glanced between the two of them, totally oblivious as to what was going on. One minute she was having a good time in book club, the next Levy was being taken away while Natsu was threatening Freed.
"Can't I just have one normal day without your crazy antics?" she said, slapping a hand to her forehead. Grabbing her book, she stood up. "Let's go. Levy-chan is gone now anyways. Sorry, Freed. We'll do this again some other time."
Freed nodded. "Alright. I'll see you next time."
With that, Lucy grabbed Natsu by the ear and dragged him out of the shop, leaving Freed and Laxus.
Laxus heaved a sigh of relief before sitting across from his partner.
"I'm so happy!" the other boy's voice rang out.
"Huh? For what?"
"You came because you were jealous! If that isn't the most romantic thing-"
"Oi, who said I was jealous?"
"Oh, Laxus. It's written all over your face!"
Laxus scoffed, covering his mouth with his hand before a smile broke out over his face.
"Yeah, yeah. So, do you want to tell me about your book since we messed up your club?"
Freed's grin grew even wider, which Laxus thought was impossible.
"Okay!"
"Put me down, Gajeel!" Levy shouted, banging on his back.
Townspeople ignored them, having been used to Fairy Tail's crazy antics. It wasn't the first time they had seen Gajeel carrying Levy over his back through town, and it wouldn't be their last either.
"Not until we're back at your place," the scruffy boy replied.
Having had enough, she yanked on his hair, causing him to yelp before finally letting her go.
"The hell do you think you're doing?" Gajeel barked, rubbing his head.
"That's my line, idiot!" Levy replied. "What are you getting so jealous about? It's just book club!"
"J-Jealous? I'm not jealous!"
"You think I don't know you enough by now to know when you're jealous? Seriously, Gajeel! Sometimes you can be so annoying!"
With slanted brows, he rubbed the back of his head while turning away from her. She went on and on about how immature he was, each word a slap in the face, making him realize how dumb he was being.
"Alright, alright. I'm sorry," he said, shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Say it again," Levy demanded, crossing her arms.
"I'm sorry."
"Look at me while you say it!"
"Jeez, I'm sorry, okay! Need me to get on my hands and knees?"
Levy let out a giggle. "No, that won't be necessary this time. But I'm warning you, next time you interrupt book club, I won't be so forgiving. I was really looking forward to gushing about the characters of the book we just read!"
"Yeah, I know. It's not my fault, though. Gray and Cana were talking about how you and Freed would make a cute couple and I guess I just lost it."
Levy smiled, holding her hand out to the boy. Lacing her fingers with his, they began their walk back to her apartment. Her smile widened as she rested her hand over her belly.
"Well, you don't have to worry about anything like that ever again, okay?" she said, her cheeks burning red.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Gajeel asked, tilting his head.
"Oh nothing." Before he could question her any further, she continued, "I wonder how Natsu and Lu-chan are right now."
"Uhh, Lucy? How long are you gonna be dragging me by the ear?" Natsu asked, eyes squinted in pain.
"Until you realize how much of an idiot you're being," the blonde answered with a huff. "I mean seriously, Natsu. Was the job that important that you had to barge in on book club?"
The boy scrunched his face in annoyance. "Not really."
"Then what was it? Because I can't have you keep pushing my boundaries!"
Lucy was about to go off on a rant when a warm hand gripped her wrist, pulling her hand away from Natsu's ear. He quickly spun her around. His face was serious, much different than his usual carefree grin. Something was bothering him.
"Do you really not know?" he asked, voice low. He kept his hand latched to her wrist.
Lucy tried to ignore the warmth that spread from the simple contact. "Know what?"
"C'mon, Luce. You're one of the smartest people I know. You're telling me you can't figure out what this is about?"
She looked away. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"I think you do," Natsu said, his features growing soft. His hold on her wrist was gentle as he pulled her closer to him. "I don't wanna keep beatin' around the bush with you."
"N-Natsu," Lucy whispered, her heart threatening to beat out her chest. "W-What are you…"
The boy slowly leaned forward, his breath fanning her face. Her mind was short circuiting, unable to comprehend what was going on until his lips brushed against hers. At first, she was unable to move. All she could think about was how surprisingly soft his lips were. Then, she felt him begin to pull away. Her arms moved on their own, wrapping around his neck and pulling him closer to her, deepening the kiss.
As the two pulled away, they gazed into each other's eyes. Both of their faces were flushed with heat, their lips swelled from the passionate kiss.
Hearing whispers, Lucy remembered that they were in public. Squealing, she pushed Natsu away and covered her mortified face. She never imagined her first kiss would've been in front of a group of strangers. Instead of being offended, Natsu only laughed.
"What're you getting so embarrassed for?" he teased.
"It's embarrassing kissing in front of people!" Lucy replied, finally moving her hands away from her face so that she could glare at him. "And don't think that k-kissing me is going to make me forget that you ruined book club!"
"Shit," he mumbled, rubbing the back of his head. "Look, I'm sorry about that, okay? Gray was being an asshole, telling me that you and Freed might've been on a date and that you two coulda been hitting it off. I guess I got kinda jealous since I kinda like you."
"You kinda like me?"
"I like you a lot, okay? Kinda more than like, actually…"
Lucy's heart skipped a beat. "W-Well, that doesn't mean that you can barge in on book club."
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry, Lucy."
"It's okay. I'll forgive you this time since I sorta kinda like you too."
Natsu's eyes widened. He ducked his face in his scarf. "You kinda like me too?"
"Well, more than like."
The two looked away from each other, their hearts beating miles per second. Finally, their feelings for each other were out in the open. They didn't know what life had in store for them now, but they were eager, albeit a bit nervous, to find out.
Lucy, feeling the need to break the silence, asked, "Why Freed though?"
"What do you mean?" Natsu asked.
"Freed? You're telling me you don't know?"
"Don't know what?"
"Natsu, Freed is gay. How did you not know that? The only person I can think of who makes their love more apparent than Juvia is Freed."
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"Hello, Freed is in love with Laxus!"
Natsu's jaw dropped to the ground. "Wait, what!?"
"Duh! That's why it's so silly you got jealous over Freed!"
Natsu thought back to all the interactions he witnessed between Freed and Laxus. It hit him like a brick.
"Holy shit, how did I not notice?"
"Because you're dense," Lucy teased with a grin.
"Oi, I don't wanna hear that from you! Do you know how long I've been flirting with you and it took you this long to figure it out? Actually, you didn't even figure it out! I kissed you!"
"Since when is breaking into my apartment and making a mess flirting!?"
"Since forever!"
And just like that, their nerves had calmed. They were back to their usual selves, bickering playfully and having fun. They were friends first, and always would be. Only now, they'd be even closer.
"Should we get revenge on Gray?" Lucy suggested, sliding her hand into Natsu's.
"Hell yeah! Cana, too!" Natsu replied.
As they headed back to the guild, carefully concocting a plan for revenge, they couldn't help but think about how it was thanks to Gray and Cana's prank that they were being open with each other. And it wasn't just them either. Gajeel and Levy, Freed and Laxus. All of their relationships were going to change for the better after today.
Hey hey hey! Been a while since a phoenix wrote a thing but i was a pinch hitter for the @ftguildevents reverse bang, writing a fic for @rougescribe dope af artwork that is right here (seriously it's sick af)
Hopefully this fic is worthy of it, so without any further ado please, enjoy.
Natsu knelt in the snow, holding down a shiver that tried to shake his small body. The moon hung too high above him in the inky sky, uncaring in how its cold light shone like a spotlight on him as it guided biting winter winds and the frost to attack him. His knees dug deeper in the ground, trying to focus his thoughts, to keep them from wandering. To keep the cold from scattering them like it scattered flurries of flakes in his face with each heaving gust. His fingers long had gone numb, unable to feel them as they ran shakily over the gooseflesh on his arms. The scarf wound tight around his neck did nothing to aid in his plight.
What he wouldn't give for the warmth of rigid scales, scratchy like bark as they dug into his back when he rested.
Natsu shook his head furiously to banish the thought but the cold seemed even harsher now as the memories of searing warmth and soothing smoke crawled to the front of his mind. He stood suddenly, his young bones creaking much too loudly at the action, eyes darting about the unbroken line of trees. His gaze locked onto a familiar rise above the treetops, piercing yellow eyes staring back at him pensievely with wings like sails unfurled slightly by his sides. The red of his scales painted black by the night.
Natsu hurriedly blinked away the flakes gathered on his lashes, the beginnings of another shiver threatened to travel up his spine. He bit down on the insides of his cheeks, knowing full well what chastising words laced with disappointment awaited him when he took off into the brush. The same words as yesterday, and the day before that. And the many before that. Natsu decided it was better to hear them again that lose to the cold.
Igneel huffed as Natsu came to a stop before him, straightening with his wings folding to his back with a leathery snap. He fixed the young boy with a stern look, unmoving as he hurried to hide beneath his wing to press tiny hands against his hardened skin to sap warmth. He remained silent as the minutes ticked by, the snow piling higher by his clawed feet, unbothered by its presence save for when it started to gather on his snout. With a slight shake of his head it fell to the ground.
"You're mad at me again. Aren't you?" The voice was small, muffled from under his wing and he felt Natsu shy away, scurrying into the smallest corner of Igneel's wing to hide from the scathing words he thought were coming his way. Igneel sighed, his breath swirling heavily in the air. He unfurled his wings slightly once more, enough to see Natsu's back facing him but still closed enough to keep the snowfall from the child.
"I could never be mad at you. Only disappointed at worst." Igneel voice rumbled loud even as he spoke softly, the trees shivered at his words. Natsu flinched, curling in on himself. "That's just soft mad." He said glumly. Igneel couldn't help the light chuckle at his son's logic.
"You are too dependent on my flames when your own needs tending to." Igneel lowered himself to the forest floor, curling his head towards Natsu as he rested it on his forelegs. A mischievous glint in his eye aimed at Natsu's back. "Perhaps I should hide away deeper in the woods, behind the tallest tree. Maybe without me here your inner fire will blossom."
His joke did not have the desired effect he wanted. The small child wheeled around, horror painting his features and his fists clenched tightly, trembling from something other than the cold.
"No!" He shouted. "No no no! Don't do that! I'll try harder I promise! Just don't…" His voice trailed off. He pulled his scarf over his face and tucked himself away once more. "...don't leave me alone..."
Igneel blinked at the unexpected outburst. Silently he chastised himself, tail sweeping guiltily from side to side. He should've known better. Atlas always bemoaned his jokes, said they were in too poor a flavour. Igneel would roll his eyes then. Maybe his old friend was right.
"Natsu." He called softly, nudging the boy with his wingtip. "Natsu, come here. Please." He didn't move and Igneel tried again, praying his words hadn't dug too deep a wound.
Slowly Natsu turned, scarf still pulled over his face, and trudged out from under Igneel's wing. He stopped when he felt the dragon's warm breath on his skin and plopped down heavily on the ground near Igneel's face.
"You shouldn't make jokes like that." Natsu sniffled, voice muffled by the scaly cloth and Igneel winced at the realization that he made him cry. " I'm sorry my son. Truly I am. I should never have said those words to you."
"Yeah you shouldn't have." The retort was well deserved. Though there was an odd hitch to Natsu's words, as though he wanted to say something more. " It's just that…" He shuffled where he sat, curling in on himself as he held the scarf tighter to his face. " All of this is so hard to do. Everything would be way easier if i'd have just hatched out of an egg like you."
"I can't eat fire without it burning the corners of my mouth. And when I try to breath it, it hurts my tongue. My flames don't always come when I call for them and I can't keep warm in the cold like you can. Because i'm not like you." The words tumbled out fast, almost tripping over each other in the haste they were forced out in. He drew his knees to his chest and dropped his head to rest on them.
" Everyday you tell me that I should try harder and that I give up too soon. And that one day it'll all be natural. But I know it won't be. Because i'm not a dragon." He drew a shuddering breath, heart pounding wildly in his chest at the rush of letting all his fears free and Igneel almost reeled from the force of it. Stress and insecurity and anger at himself had laced Natsu's words, digging their way past Igneel's scales to attack his heart. His tail swept across the snow once more, piling it up against the tree trunks. He dug a claw into the snow in thought, the gouge mark deepening with each passing. Natsu rocked slightly, back and forth on his heels, lost in a whirlwind of emotion.
"And who is to say…" Igneel paused, eyes narrowing as he chose his words tactfully. "...that you aren't a dragon?" Natsu stopped rocking and lifted his head somewhat, allowing the scarf to fall just beneath his eyes to Igneel with a withering glare. Bright green eyes were tinged with red around the edges.
"I'm not stupid Igneel." He accused.
"So what makes a dragon 'a dragon' then?"
"A dragon has scales and claws, and fangs and-"
"Ah, but you have those too." Igneel cut him off, reaching a claw out tenderly to hook on the end of the scarf to pull it down past his quavering mouth." You have fangs hidden away beneath those lips of yours. And you have scales." He raised the claw slightly, showing off the end of the scarf that hung limply from it. "As for claws, well you always chew them off but they're there. Strong enough to leave a scratch on my scales in your rowdy sleeps. You are my son, that makes you a dragon in the truest sense."
"Dragons have tails. And wings."
"I knew some with one or the other. Any many who had neither." Igneel responded cheekily. "And those without were no lesser than those with. Only less burdened in a fight."
Natsu snatched away his scarf from Igneel, flying to his feet and staring at level with Igneel's eyes. He dug his heels into the ground. " A dragon's s'pose to be strong and powerful! I'm not! This is supposed to be easy for a dragon cause it's easy for you! But it's not for me! Cause i'm.not.like. you! Stop trying to make me feel like I am!"
His echoed words from earlier stung at Igneel even harder now as he saw the turmoil in Natsu's eyes, locked behind a wave of fresh tears that struggled to break free and run down his face. He dug his teeth into his bottom lip harshly, biting at it without care even as Igneel caught glimpse of the first beads of blood. He only slowed his gnawings then, wincing slightly at the pain while he forced his eyes down to focus at his bare feet shuffling on the ground.
"Natsu…" Igneel murmured. He eased his head closer to the child until his horned snout was just mere inches from his chest. His eyes rounded with softness. "My son… My one and only son. A dragon is more than just the few traits you can see. Or what they came from. Do you really think us so unalike despite everything that we share?" His question hung in the air, unanswered, yet Igneel pressed on.
"What magic do you have? What magic do you train everyday to use?"
"....fire… " came the trembling answer.
"Fire." Igneel affirmed with the slightest of nods. "Fire that I gave to you. Fire burned into your bones, your soul, that connects us both in a bond stronger than blood not only to each other, but to the others before us."
Natsu focused back on Igneel,lifting his head while he swiped a knuckle over his split lip to smear the bits of red on his cheek. "What others? It's just me and you out here."
Igneel smiled, crinkling the corners of his eyes slightly. " My flame was passed on to me from my mother. And she gained it from her mother before her. And the line continues beyond that, with the flame passed from fire dragon to fire dragon for countless generations. They live on in our fires though they have long since passed." He huffed out a breath. Thin puffs of smoke laced with blinking embers danced around Natsu and winking out of existence when they touched his skin.
"You are a part of that lineage. Whether you were born into it or not holds no account, you hear me? The snowflakes that fall around us are all different with no two alike and yet they are still very much the same. Much like you and I."
Natsu curled his fingers around the ends of his scarf, eyes flitting between it and Igneel's face, as if mulling over hiding behind it again the way his fingers tightened on the tassles. He moved forward with an unreadable expression that seemed unsuited for his young face, resting his head against Igneel's dry snout.
"Why is all of this so hard for me then?" He mumbled
"It takes time for an ember to grow to a blaze."
"It wasn't for you though. It's always easy for you."
At this Igneel chuckled. "I'm old Natsu. Very old. I've had my time to make it look easy. But there were times I struggled, much like you. Or perhaps I was worse off." The cold moonlight now dripped through thick, dark clouds on the pair, determined to stay on them and not be hidden away like the rest of the sky. " Far beyond my days as a hatchling I struggled with my abilities. Much to the….ire of my mother." The fire dragon's lips thinned at his chosen words. She was a tough one, with a scaled over heart he would often joke out of range. The love was in there, as he always saw in her blind eyes. But so was annoyance and a palpable sadness at each failure. And at each failure her methods became harsher to get him to a point she deemed satisfactory. Igneel winced.
His tail curled closer to his body at the memories rushing back, the tip brushing Natsu's ankle. "She was a master like no other. Truly. But i'm embarrassed to think that my training methods are a bit too much like hers in some ways." He sighed, nudging Natsu with his snout. A silent tell that Natsu understood, scaling the dragon's head with practiced ease to settle for the night.
"In my haste to see you strong I may have repeated her mistakes as a teacher and perhaps, as a parent as well." Igneel's eyes glanced up at the weight resting atop his head, nestled comfortably just between his horns. "Tell me my son. Do you think I need to change how you're trained?"
He felt Natsu move, sliding down just above his ridged brow. Then a pink head came into view hanging upside down, the scarf almost unwinding fully. " Are you gonna be disappointed if I say yes?"
Igneel shook his head."No."
"Then yeah, you should. And no more bad jokes." His tone was firm with his mouth set in a serious line. "I'll still keep trying hard if you promise."
"I promise." "And you promise never to leave me alone?"
"I never will."
Natsu's lips curled in a small smile, twinging slightly from the cut. He pulled back but stopped himself short, doubt filtering in his eyes. "....Did you really mean what you said? About me being a dragon like you?" He sounded unsure, as though mentally steeling himself for a bad answer.
"Yes. You have no reason to ever doubt that you aren't. As long as you have the fire then you are a dragon like me. One who can be better when you get older."
The snowfall had finally eased, the clouds finally winning over the moon and painting everything dark. Igneel tipped his head up slightly, and Natsu slid back with a surprised yelp. "Now close those eyes and get some rest, fire dragons have to rise early to greet the sun."
"Can't fire dragons ever sleep in?" Came the whispered grumble though he already felt Natsu curling up dutifully. Igneel chuckled, resting his head on his clawed legs. "One day we can give it a try." He mumbled out something more that Igneel didn't quite catch but he didn't press any further into it. The trees were still, the winds having died down some time ago to barely a stirring.
Wooooo! Piece number 2 (two)!!! Tried a lot of new things with this one. Another big thanks to @ftguildevents for giving me the chance to create this! Another big thanks to @izukillme for being my writer! Their companion piece is absolutely incredible.
You can find it here: https://izukillme.tumblr.com/post/630339156286062592/all-the-moments-you-dont-remember-chapter-1
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works When a simple spy mission for the rebel group Fairy Tail goes
... and here is the second one! not going to lie, this piece went through many iterations - at first i wanted to do a more aerial look, with the tall statue and the tiny tiny humans barely visible, but then decided that having the girls be visible would do it better and now here we are. the oracle and the knight
(excited monny noises)
this drawing was done as part of the reverse bang organized by @ftguildevents. my partner, @rougescribe, wrote a beautiful matching fic which i greatly recommend you take a look at - you can read it here!
My third and last piece for the fairytailreversebigbang, hosted by @ftguildevents ! Have the raijinshuu and Laxus bc ofc I drew them. I love em all. (Click for better quality?)
My writer’s @alittlebitweird4 and you can read their work here: https://alittlebitweird4.tumblr.com/post/629286648850579456/heart-of-a-monster-fraxus-fantasy-au-ft
Im so excited to show my piece for the Fairy Tail Reverse Big Bang 2020!! It was hosted by @ftguildevents My amazing partner @lissy-doodly drew this piece which inspired my fic!! I had a lot of fun and its cool seeing all of the art and pics being made! Enjoy!!
Pairing: Lucy x Juvia
--
Juvia had thought it was a good idea at the beginning. Lucy had suggested a movie night after a very long week’s worth of missions. And Juvia was thankful that she did. Although she loved going on quests with Gajeel, sometimes she needed a well deserved break. After getting stuck in a magical void, being burned with steam and even being covered in a slime mages goop, all she wanted to do now was crash on the couch with her girlfriend and hold her close.
Even Lucy herself didn’t have the easiest week either. Erza had dragged her on some long mission that resulted in the celestial mage being sore in every place and a long lecture from spirits about her over use of magic. Not to mention a sparring match with Natsu that left both of their heads spinning and seeing stars.
The moment Juvia’s train had stopped at the station, she wasted no time getting to Lucy’s apartment. The water mage didn’t bother to stop at Fairy Hills and would rather see Lucy sooner than later.
Three fast knocks sounded on the apartment doors and in a flash the door opened to reveal Lucy standing in her fuzzy pink pjs even though it was just approaching dinner time. Juvia had assumed that she had gotten home early that morning and couldn’t be bothered to change into other clothes, and she couldn’t blame her.
“Lucy-sama!” Juvia said as she took the blonde by storm and hugged her dearly, feeling the others arms come around her soundly. She always loved to hug her. It was a feeling of certainty and comfort that made her heart beat a million miles a minute and she wouldn’t give it up for anything.
“Hey babe.” Lucy said and Juvia could sense the smile on her lips. She wasted no time leaning forehead and capturing Juvia’s lips softly.
Juvia’s tense shoulders relaxed and for a moment she felt like she could breath and take it easy. She placed a hand on Lucy’s cheek, deepening the kiss before pulling away and peaking her cheek softly.
“I missed you.” Lucy whispered as she nuzzled her nose against hers.
“Juvia missed you more.”
“Come on, it's cold outside.” Lucy smiled before grabbing her hand and picked up her bag.
The moment they stepped into her house, the smell of homemade pizza filled the air making Juvia’s mouth water. It reminded her of a small village they had traveled to on a mission, where they shared their first date at a small pizzeria. Juvia smiled at the memory of how Lucy had confessed her feelings and she wasted no time pulling her into a long awaited kiss.
Juvia shook her head and pulled away from her thoughts. “Lucy-sama, that smells divine!”
A small blush instantly blossomed to Lucy's face. “Thank you. You can go upstairs and take a shower and by the time you're done, dinner should be ready and then we can start the movie.”
“Sounds good to me.” Juvia said as she gave her girlfriend another peak on the cheek and found her way upstairs.
--
The water mage came back down stairs, now in her own blue pjs that had a cute little heart on the front. She smelled of freshly scrubbed lavender and vanilla and appreciated Lucy’s assortment of lotions and scrubs.
Lucy was still in the kitchen, oven mitts on and pulling out the small wooden boards that held the pizza.
“How was your mission?” Lucy asked.
“Juvia had a good time, some rough patches but overall, Gajeel and I succeeded.”
Lucy laughed. “Of course you did, you’re a Fairy Tail wizard! At least you came back in one piece. I was certain Aquarius was going to scold me into next year from using up too much magic.” She rubbed the back of her neck as Juvia giggled.
“I’m sure it was fine. You never back down from a fight so they should be used to that.” Juvia said as she looked outside and noticed a few droplets of rain coming down. “Oh, Juvia didn’t know it was going to rain.”
“You know they say there's supposed to be a thunderstorm.” Lucy said as she took out a cutter and sliced the pizzas.
Juvia grabbed some sliced fruit from the fridge. “Oh. Well I’m sure it won’t be too bad.” She looked to see Lucy frowning slightly. A small smile came to her lips as she hugged the blonde from behind. “Hey, it's going to be okay my love. I’m here to protect you.” She kissed just under her ear.
Lucy turned and angled her head to kiss her softly. “I know.” She smiled even though she dreaded thunderstorms. Ever since she was little, the dark clouds above that echoed with a loud bang, had startled her and she hated how she never grew out of her childhood fear.
“Why don’t you choose the movie, love?” Juvia said as she brought the plates over to the couch. “Anything you want.”
“Anything?” Lucy quipped and Juvia narrowed her eyes at her.
“Yes.” She said with uncertainty. It was as if a lightbulb sprang into Lucy’s head as she came over to the couch and put all the food down. A blanket was pulled from the armchair and soon the pair sat on the couch.
They started with a comedy movie as they ate. Giggles and random bursts of laughing filled the apartment as the plates laid empty on the coffee table. The credits rolled and Juvia hid her yawn as Lucy got up to change the disk.
“Another?” Lucy asked even as she selected the next film and Juvia shrugged as the blonde joined her back under the blanket. “Have I ever told you that I love you?” Lucy asked and Juvia met her eyes.
“Many times, yes. And I also love you.” Juvia smiled back but something about the way Lucy was looking at her, put her on edge. “Lucy?” She narrowed her eyes at her but the blonde only kissed the pout on her lips before quickly returning her attention to the screen.
“Such a tease.” Juvia whispered before leaning against her.
The opening scene started to play and Juvia’s eyes widened at the title.
“The killer mage?” She read and stared at Lucy. “A horror movie?” Juvia gasped.
“You said I could pick.” Lucy shrugged.
Usually the water mage never minded what Lucy picked, always enjoying her company, that would usually end up with one pressed against the other and soft kisses.
However, the water mage was not a fan of scary movies. She was known to have a killer stare and maybe she had been a part of Phantom Lord, but other than that, scary movies were a no go. No, Juvia preferred the happy endings and fluffy romance, not the blood and gore.
The past few movie nights, Lucy had been asking for something from the horror genre. Each time the thought of playing it would make Juvia's spine tingle and she would respectively decline. But even Lucy deserved to have her pick.
“Ready?” Lucy asked in a cheerful voice. Juvia only nodded as the play button was pressed and Lucy leaned back before throwing her arm around her shoulders.
Juvia hummed as she watched the movie play. She was a badass wizard who has faced harsh situations many times. She had been turned into a constellation, chained in a battle to the death with a friend and has even felt the chill of death in her system. She could handle a silly little movie. It was all fake anyways. Fake blood and props. The plot could even be considered boring.
At first the movie started with the happy plot. A couple of friends had been at a party on Halloween and decided to take up the dare to visit the so-called “haunted house” that was at the edge of the town. One character ranted about how an evil mage who killed those who didn’t possess magic lived there and another person just rolled their eyes and said they were being weak.
Another boring scene rolled on and Juvia was wondering if this could even be considered horror. But then they got to the house. The music shifted and by the time they walked through the door, a creepy doll was shown and Juvia’s stomach twisted.
Her eyes widened as she watched the main characters walk through the haunted house. The music turned mysterious and dark as the light to the lantern was blown out. A small gasp escaped the water mage's lips and she felt the arm around her pull her closer, a signal to let her know that Lucy was there.
“It’s okay.” She heard Lucy whisper. Juvia nodded before taking a breath and relaxing. Lucy’s fingers danced on her arm in a soothing way as a blanket was pulled on to them. “We can turn it off-”
“NO!” Juvia said quickly. She adjusted the blanket and leaned against Lucy, her head on her shoulder. “Juvia is fine, let’s keep watching.”
A small laugh came from Lucy as she kissed the side of Juvia’s head and put her eyes back to the screen.
How is she not afraid? Juvia thought to herself. This whole time a small smile was on her lips yet Juvia was practically shaking from a dog left out in the rain. She didn’t understand.
The music changed again and Juvia was priding herself for keeping her eyes glued to the movie. A close up of the main character, Rex was his name, came into view. Juvia thought he would be smart, she was rooting for him even though she knew how these things ended, everyone always loses no matter how hard or fast you run and try.
He had lost his friends a few minutes ago and was now climbing the stairs to a different part of the house. He tiptoed slowly, pushing a door open. The camera began moving to examine the empty room. It panned back to Rex who was looking pale as a piece of fresh paper. In a flash the killer jumped out from behind the wall causing a loud scream to erupt from Juvia.
“Look out!” Juvia cried before turning away, she couldn’t even tell if Lucy had screamed. Her voice over shadowed any other noise, even the sound coming from the tv.
She felt a cold chill run through her body as the blanket came to shield her eyes and her lips began to tremble. Instead of another scream, she only heard the slight giggle of Lucy. She didn’t dare to look up, too terrified to continue to watch and buried her head into her girlfriends chest. She felt fingers thread through her hair and more fits of laughter.
“This isn’t a comedy Lucy-sama!” Juvia whined but it was slightly muffled by her face being pressed against her. The laughing did die down and her fists tightened the sheets. “Lucy.” She complained again but the vibration of laughing still rang against Juvia’s head.
The water mage furrowed her eyebrows before pushing up and coming nose to nose with Lucy. The blonde bit her lips as she faced Juvia whose lips were in a pout and cheeks puffed out.
Juvia let out a huff. “Lucy!” Suddenly her face was held between soft hands.
“Im sorry Juv, you’re just so cute I could handle it.” She finally spoke with a bright smile. “We can turn it off, I just liked holding you close.” She gave her a wink.
Juvia sat staring at her still well in her hold. Her pout slightly curled up as she gazed into the celestial mages eyes.
--
Many people in movies and books talked about seeing stars in others eyes. They would say that constellations would dance around the iris, filling in as the color for the world to see.
“Juvia one day you will see the light and the stars in the sky. Dark clouds won’t be found when love enters your heart.” Juvia’s mother said years ago when she was little.
Over the years Juvia had stored away those sayings, never truly believing the words.
Until now.
--
The dark blue eyes rivaled the sparkle of green as Lucy's smile continued to be plastered on her lips.
A small laugh came from Juvia as she leaned and tapped her nose against Lucy’s.
“Lucy-sama, has anyone ever told you that your eyes are more enchanting than the galaxy?” She hummed and watched with pure amusement as the green eyes widened and the smile turned to a small effortless gasp.
“N-no.” Spoke the flustered girl and it was now Juvia’s turn to laugh as she placed her lips against hers.
“Well they should.” She whispered. All of a sudden a huge boom of thunder rolled from the sky above.
A high pitch scream left Lucy’s mouth and now it was Juvia’s turn to comfort her.
“Hey, it’s going to be okay.” Juvia hugged her tight.
“This is like a real horror movie.” Lucy whined as another roll of thunder came from above.
Juvia kissed her head and got out of the blanket, ignoring the protest from Lucy. She leaned down and took out the terrible thing people called a movie and popped in another one.
“There.” Juvia smiled. She came back to the blanket and Lucy rested against her as she turned the volume up to help mask the sound of rain and thunder.
The movie began to play and this time it was a story of a princess and prince, one of Juvia’s favorite films. She felt Lucy slightly shake like that of a lost dog in the rain and only tightened her hold and ran slow fingers through her blonde hair.
Even with the movie playing, Lucy was still on edge. Juvia lifted the remote and paused it and turned towards her.
“Juvia used to be afraid of thunder too.” She said. “But Juvia’s mother would tell her that thunder was just the sky’s way of letting out its worry before the rain would come and replenish the earth.” She held out her palm and formed a little water cloud.
“It’s pretty.” Lucy whispered as she stared at the small cloud and how a spark of lighting danced in her palm.
“You’re kinda like Juvia’s lighting. Pretty and bright, always lighting up the room you go in. Thunderous and bold, never backing down from a fight. Not to mention golden and beautiful.” Juvia said and a soft blush came to Lucy’s face.
The sky roared again and this time, Lucy shook less. It didn’t scare her as much as before because she was enchanted by the clouds and the way Juvia spoke. She leaned and kissed her softly.
“Thanks Juvia.”
“Of course my love.” She turned and resumed the movie. Lucy resting her head on her shoulder and becoming more relaxed as the story continued.
By the time the movie ended, Lucy had fallen asleep on top of Juvia, chest rising and falling peacefully as the storm danced above.
