Pairing: Nalu/Endlu (Natsu x Lucy & E.n.d. Natsu x Lucy)
Rating: M for language, steamy and mature/adult sexual content (all consensual) in these and future chapters. Reader Discretion is advised.(You've been warned!)
Summary: God knows it was all fun and games at an outdoor guild party until a drinking contest results in a not-so-great time for a certain celestial wizard much to the dismay of a protective dragon slayer and company. Even worse is Lucy's hangover with some kind of mild flu and busted ankle to boot . At least a doting Natsu is more-than-willing to provide his mate plenty of TLC. One of my entries for @nalu-week 2020 and part of the Nalu-centric anthology series The Dragon Demon and His Celestial Princess anthology series (slight au/ canon divergent).
A/N: Hey guys, it's me again with my third entry for @nalu-week 2020 in the form of a new story and is also part of The Dragon Demon and His Celestial Princess anthology (TDDAHCP); series which is set shortly after the events of 100 years quest with said quest being completed in a matter of weeks or a few months (hence why it's slight au/canon divergent). Special thanks to @mannyegb again for helping me to edit and further develop this chapter. Now without further ado, here's the story-enjoy!
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Disclaimer: I don't own Fairytail which instead belongs to the one and only Hiro-sensei instead!
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1. A Fire Dragon, His Princess and The Not-So-Terrible Party Aftermath
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"There you go baby - everything's ready now. It should be perfect for tonight. A guild picnic at dusk and bonfire under the stars, was it?"
"Yep, that's what Mira told us. Even said so on the Magicbook * page for the event. My friends from other guilds like Sabertooth will be attending too— a bunch responded."
"Awesome baby!"
"It really is. Thanks for helping me get ready by the way, Cancer!"
"Anytime. Have fun tonight!"
"Will do— thank you! "
"All right-catch you later, baby!"
"See ya!"
" Wow—- You look beautiful, Luce."
Natsu's arms encircled Lucy's waist from behind with the soft pressure of his lips on her shoulder; which sent a tingly shiver down her spine.
"Not that ya' didn't before. He amended, a fond smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Not to mention those striking emerald eyes the celestial mage could drown in. "You always do."
Major fan of this whole look.
"I still can't believe I got such a gorgeous angel as my mate and queen. How am I this lucky?"
"Dunno. How'd you ever get so sentimental?" Lucy shot back, a teasing lilt to her words. (She couldn't help but lean back into his arms ). "If Gray could only hear you now ...but yeah, I really like all this too ."
Golden half-braided hair framed the face of Lucy's reflection in a floral-mini, skater dress; who was gazing back through a mirror. Topping the whole ensemble together was a pair of Grecian-style wedges on her feet that were to die for.
"Still can't believe you're officially mine" the dragon slayer breathed, voice thick with reverent awe. "I love you so much."
"L-love you too... hmm."
The celestial wizard let out a soft hum of bliss from the peppering of feathery-light kisses on her neck leading to her collarbone just after a nuzzle.
"Y-You trying to distract me Natsu?" she inquired, voice coming out as breathy to her own ears. God, the sensation of Natsu's scorching lips on the celestial mage's creamy skin was scattering all train of thought— almost too much to handle!
It's really hard to think right now...
"Hmm.. just maybe I am, sweetheart," came the dragonslayer's reply, timbre, a languid drawl against her skin. "Is it working?"
"Yes," was all Lucy could utter, eyes drifting shut from the sweep of his hand up the curve of her neck in a single caress. Oh and the appealing sensation of a blonde tendril being dragged through his deft fingers was an added bonus too!
"Good," The vibrations of the fire wizard 's throaty chuckle sent sparks ripping across the summoner's nerves; which effectively turned the celestial mage's knees to mush.
"That's what I was aiming for ."
"It is?"
"Yep. Did I mention how amazing you smell?" He rumbled, pulling another shiver out of his mate. "Your natural scent now permanently mixed with mine..."
Dear God, the enticing charisma of this man- so natural! Who was she deny the incredibly overpowering ecstasy exploding through her veins with how the demon hybrid's nose was pressed against the crook of her neck?.
"And is that a hint of jasmine perfume I'm catching a whiff of?"
"Mhmm..." Goddamn- how extremely apparent that Lucy was pretty much rendered incapable of forming any type of response other than a single ,answering hum.
"Thought so-pretty intoxicating if ya' ask me."
"Um..."
It was then Lucy couldn't help but wonder what Natsu's ultimate end game was. No doubt the man was successful in efforts to ensare her with his devilish charms— but where did he intend for it to all lead? Did any of his plans entail steamy kissing marathons on the couple's bed? Slow-burn love-making beneath the sheets, wild romps all over their apartment? Just what if it could be?
Holy hell— that pulsating of liquid heat pulsating that shot between to the keyholder's core from the scintillant flash of images flooding her mind .
Supple digits unzipping the back of her dress, an insatiable Natsu pinning her against a wall, being lightly tossed onto the bed by said dominant dragon slayer, all-too-welcome lips leaving a high-voltage trail of electricity down her bare form before...
"Crap... the time."
Just for that little fantasy bubble to burst once Natsu pulled away from Lucy; who bit back a noise of protest at the loss of contact.
"Eh sorry, Luce," he apologized, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. "Didn't mean to lose track of the time like that. Either way, we should probably start heading over if we don't wanna be late."
"Okay..." Lucy let out a sigh, not able to stop the wave of mild disappointment from washing over her.
"Aw come on now, weirdo!" Natsu wheedled, light-hearted amusement coloring his tone. "No need to be so glum! Tonight's gonna be fun, remember?"
"I know." Lucy conceded, with a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Should be great to spend time with our friends from Fairytail and other guilds. " Her spirits couldn't help but be lifted by the pyro's sunny mood.
Him and that infectious grin of his...
"Great! That's the spirit!" He crowed , planting a light peck on Lucy's cheek;aka the reason for the slight flush of scarlet .
"Tonight's gonna be awesome !"
"It sure will ."
"Definitely!"
"Oh, and one more thing," Natsu paused to shoot Lucy a lingering glance. "Just a little tiny something."
" What that might be?"
"Your outfit. I was thinking that maybe it could use a little extra piece to complete the look? Like, say that necklace I gave you?"
" Oh… that gorgeous pendant? You know what, yeah! Great idea-Thanks Natsu!"
"My pleasure. And pretty sure I saw said pendant in your jewelry box. Lemme' grab it for you."
A/N: Magicbook is a fictional social media app and site for all magic users and citizens in Earthland- aka the Fairytail equivalent of its counterpart in real life Facebook- in case anyone was wondering. Just a little sidenote about the chronological order for the timeline each fic in my TDDAHCP anthology series.
1. Fire And Gold(prequel)
2. Tantric Flames
3. A Dragon, His Princess and the Not-So Terrible Party Aftermath(this fic)
Figured I'd provide a little guide about the chronological order in terms of how each fic in this series takes place. Anyway, that's pretty much all for now until the next chapter. Hoped you enjoyed the first installment and please free to let me know what you think by dropping a review/comment!
Once again, don't forget to check out my other Nalu week entries along with the rest of my writing! Also be sure to stay tuned for chapter 3 of Fire and Gold which will be posted ASAP once I have a chance to finish the edits and format! Did I mention my other upcoming Nalu/FT projects in the works! Bet you're all fired now as Natsu would say! Oh and why not check out the rest of Nalu week submissions from the other incredibly talented writers and artists while you're at it? (Corresponding links to all my writing and profiles can be found above in this post, the navigation bar and bio if reading this on tumblr. Also on my respective FF and A03 accounts.) Thanks again to everyone for their incredible show of support ! Until next time-take care!
What sort of trouble can some walking and a bit of camping get one dragon slayer and one celestial mage into? Truth be told - lots. Adventure can be fighting bandits, solving a mystery, or simply admitting your feelings. Natsu and Lucy are in for the adventure of their lives. My entry for the 2019 @nalu-week , all prompts in one story. Fluffy but rated teen for some light cursing.
Natsu gave Lucy one of his patented looks of misery and she sighed, defeated. Instantly. All it took was a woebegone expression; the one where he emulated a freshly kicked puppy. Dammit. He knew exactly how to push her buttons.
She threw her hands in the air, exclaiming, “Fine! You win! No train, no cart - just you and me on the road!”
“Yosh!” Natsu’s green hue disappeared. “I told Happy you’d cave.”
Happy flew a lazy loop-the-loop over Lucy’s head. “Lushi always caves!”
A wicked smile on her lips, Lucy stood with her hands on her hips. “Speaking of Happy…”
“He’ll love camping out and -” Natsu stopped talking, Lucy was wagging a finger in front of his nose.
“No, just you and me, and you already agreed. A dragon slayer never goes back on his word.”
“You’re being weird about this.” Natsu pointed to the massive pile of luggage at Lucy’s feet. “You’re telling me you’re gonna haul around all that without an extra pair of hands?” He smirked. “You shoulda resisted that dumb Heart Kreuz sale.”
“Blasphemy!” Erza conjured a dozen swords and then reconsidered. Natsu had slandered her absolute favourite brand in all Fiore. Heart Kreuz. Eighty-eight more swords popped into existence, glinting in the noon sun, showing off razor sharp edges. “You take that back!”
“Easy, Erza!” Lucy spoke softly to the swordswoman but did nothing else to restrain her. “Natsu doesn’t understand great fashion.”
“Yeah, he’s an idiot.” Gray scoffed, not even trying a little to hide his look of derision. “Case in point, what’s he wearing? His ever-present scarf, a vest, off-white pants, and a stupid grin.”
“Better clothes than you,” Natsu shot back, “and way more, you naked popsicle princess. And I’m wearing sandals.”
“Goddammit.” Gray sighed and grumbled, “My train ticket is in my pants pocket!”
“I’ll make sure your luggage makes it back to Magnolia, Lucy.” Erza clapped one hand on Gray’s shoulder, making him tremble. “Find your clothes, fast. The train leaves soon.”
“Yes’m!” Gray sprinted away.
“Excellent! Everything is settled.” Erza vanished her swords back into her requip space. “See you two later.”
Lucy dug into her pile of belongings and pulled out her overnight bag, took a few things out of some of her other luggage and repacked quickly.
Lucy smiled and gave Natsu a thumbs up. “I’m ready, let’s get on the road.”
><><><><><
Lucy lost her easy grin somewhere between the third and fourth time she had to fish out a pebble from her sandals. It wasn’t only that - Natsu was dreaming out loud about what he wanted to eat and now her stomach was rumbling. Even so, all in all, Lucy had it good. Natsu was carrying both bedrolls and the majority of the camping equipment.
“If we hurry, we’ll reach Iris Village before sundown.” Lucy interrupted Natsu’s listing of delicious foods. “And while sleeping in the great outdoors is super fun, it looks like it might rain.” The clouds overhead darkened further and thunder rumbled. A lone raindrop struck Lucy’s nose; the wind picked up, the temperature dropped and more rain pelted the mages. “Greaaaaaat.”
“Yeah, I love a good storm.” Natsu lifted his face to the sky and sighed. “I’d trade every train ride in the world for this.”
Lucy glowered. “I wouldn’t.”
“It’s not just not having motion sickness, Luce.” Natsu turned to give his partner a single-fanged grin. “I like being alone with you too.”
A wild thumping inside her chest made Lucy self-conscious. How could Natsu say something so sweet? Gah! How should she respond? Thanks? That would be dumb. Oh, he wasn’t paying attention to her anymore. The moment was gone.
Natsu ran ahead a bit and then stopped in the middle of the road and sniffed the air. He turned to the left and to the right, searching for something. “C'mon Luce! There’s meat grilling up ahead - and it’s greasy. Exactly how you like it!”
Lucy scowled. “Hey! I do not!”
Natsu jogged back and grabbed her hand. “Don’t worry about being a weirdo. I like you the way you are.”
Caught between the urge to wail ‘I am not a weirdo’ and blush because Natsu had said he liked her, Lucy allowed him to tow her down the path. They ran, whooping in the rain.
Natsu’s nose led them to a hut made of rough-hewn logs with a thatched roof. On both sides of the front door grew a collection of unique flowers - with no two alike in shape or hue and a few that seemed stunted compared to most which were easily as tall as Natsu. Even stranger, there was a woman wearing a voluminous and heavy cloak tended a blazing grill. “Can I help you dears?”
“Do you have any extra meat?” Natsu ignored Lucy’s unsubtle elbow to the gut and continued talking. “It smells so good!”
“I’m Lucy and this,-” she pointed at Natsu, “-is Natsu. His manners are better when he’s not hungry.”
The woman smiled as she flipped the sizzling skewers of meat. “It does smell incredible, doesn’t it?”
“We can pay, if that’s what you’re worried about, we don’t expect you to suffer a loss.” Lucy rubbed her stomach; the aromas were even more delicious than before.
“Oh goodness me! I couldn’t charge…money.”
“Yosh!” Natsu threw an arm around Lucy’s shoulders. “It’s your lucky day.”
“All I require is assistance with an important task.”
Natsu and Lucy exchanged perplexed looks. “Huh?”
“Let me feed you and explain.” The woman smiled, piling a large platter with everything she’d cooked. “I have a bit of prescience and it told me I should grill meat to bring heroes - though I had no idea you’d be such a cute couple! From the amount of food I felt compelled to buy, I was thinking it would be a whole crew of ravenous young men!”
“Natsu’s got a real appetite,” Lucy said, her eyes just daring Natsu to contradict her or add anything.
Happily clueless, Natsu nodded. “And Lucy could out-eat two crews of guys when it comes to greasy meat!”
“Come, sit.” The woman removed her heavy cloak revealing a long purple dress. “Since we’re dining together, I should give my name and learn a little something of yourselves.”
“I’m a dragon slayer and Lucy is a celestial mage!” Natsu threw his arm around Lucy. “She’s the best partner I’ve ever had.”
“I’m the only partner you’ve ever had!”
“Nuh uh! You’re forgetting Happy!”
“I wish I could.” Lucy rolled her eyes. “He’s more of a pest than a partner.”
“I know you’re joking, Luce! You’re just crabby when you’re hungry.”
“That’s so sweet. You two can call me Lavender.” Oblivious to the bickering, she focussed on banking the fire.
“Allow me!” Natsu sucked in the flames, his gut bulging until he turned his head and belched. “Delicious!”
Lucy grinned weakly at Lavender. “Trust me, that was mild.”
“Okay…” Lavender smiled and shrugged. “Follow me, let’s get comfortable on my patio. I’ll explain exactly why I need help for some poor lost souls.”
Natsu and Lucy settled themselves on the patio at a table already set for a dozen people. The flowered tablecloth fluttered at the table edges in the evening breeze as the rain increased. An awning protected them from getting wet - to a degree.
Lavender set the platter down, excusing herself to fetch drinks; upon returning she was amazed to see the giant pile of bones where once had only been grilled meat. “You do have a big appetite.”
Natsu covered his mouth and burped. “And my manners actually improve after eating.” He grinned, leaning forward on his elbow and gave his partner a wink. “Lucy’s a good influence.”
“I don’t know about that.” Lucy rubbed her forehead. “But I’m very curious about this important task.”
“I have the gift of foresight as I mentioned already.” Lavender wrung her hands. “But there are times when I don’t understand what my visions show me until it’s too late.” She sighed, sadness chasing away the tiny smile she’d worn. “This is not my home but another’s; a handsome young man with a dark spirit. He enchanted people into flowers for his own purpose. Why? I do not know.”
“I have a celestial key who’s good with information.” Lucy slipped her hand into her collection of keys and fished out Crux.
“Can’t it wait until I’m done eating?” Natsu complained.
“If you weren’t such a big eater, you’d be done.”
“But this is delicious!”
“My dear, can this key bring knowledge to break their curse?” Lavender wiped away tears with the back of her hand. “I don’t even know if they are still human. I don’t know anything else beyond the last words Ranulf Mershim screamed as he ran away. I defeated him, but can’t do anything about those he harmed and it brings me great sadness.”
“Oh?” Natsu wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Gildarts told me about a guy he knew a long time ago, his name was Ranulf too - but he musta been old. Lavender, you said a young man?”
“Handsome and young.”
Natsu shrugged and turned to beam at Lucy. “It’s a good thing you’re a celestial mage. Crux is real good at finding out anything and everything.”
“No time like the present!” Lucy held Crux’s key high and summoned her helpful spirit. “Open! Gate of the Southern Cross!”
Crux appeared in a big display of sparkles and bowed to his mistress. “How may I assist?”
“We need some information about a curse that has turned some people into flowers.”
“Let me check.” Crux became motionless, appearing to be sleeping, blowing bubbles from his nose.
“While we wait, we should finish eating.” Natsu placed another portion of greasy meat on Lucy’s plate. “You need your strength!”
Lavender sniffed back fresh tears. “You two are so adorable!”
Crux’s eyes suddenly opened and his whole body trembled. “The Flower curse is a powerful curse indeed!”
“But are my friends okay?” Lavender’s gaze swung wildly from Crux to Lucy. “I’ve been taking care of them…” She bit her lip and sniffed back tears. “As best I can…”
Lucy patted Lavender’s hands. “Crux, what can you tell us? Can we free them?”
“They live.” Crux sighed, looking as sorrowful as his weird face allowed. “But to break the curse requires sacrifice.”
Natsu frowned. “Fairy Tail guild members don’t kill.”
“What kind of sacrifice?” Lucy glared at Natsu and then smiled at her spirit. “How exactly were they cursed? That’s always part of the cure.”
“My sources say they failed a trial; tricked with words and an empty promise.” Crux opened his book and flipped pages until it showed a bent, wizened figure carrying a tiny mirror. Natsu, Lucy, and Lavender peered at the picture. “Find the mirror and the magician to release his victims.”
“Uh, you said this Ranulf Mershim was young and handsome, yeah?” Natsu scratched his head and pointed to the illustration. “This guy’s wicked old.”
“Mmmm.” Lucy closed her eyes in concentration. “Curses are always made to steal from people and the caster benefits.” She opened her eyes wide and clutched at Natsu. “You said Gildarts knew a man named Ranulf, but it was a long time ago. What if the curse is to steal vitality and youth from the victims?”
“Okay, so we know who we’re looking for and what he wants to steal.” Natsu pounded his fist into his palm. “But where are we going to find him so I can kick his ass?!”
Lavender took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I didn’t want to admit this, but I have no other choice.”
Lucy, Natsu, and even Crux stared at Lavender in confusion.
“When Ranulf came to Iris village we struck up a friendship that was close in nature to what you two have. Despite our age difference.” She pointed at Natsu and Lucy, smiling weakly. “Or so I thought. He gained my trust, betrayed me and those people planted at the front door of this house.”
“Then you must have an idea of where he would have gone.” Lucy dismissed Crux and put her keys away. “We’ll take on this challenge and do our best to break the curse.”
“You still wish to help?” Lavender somehow looked hopeful and resigned. “Ranulf and I always talked of running away together to the mountains of Avens. I had thought it a joke…” She buried her head in her hands and sobbed.
“That’s not even that far!” Lucy jumped out of her seat. “In the morning, we’ll get an early start.”
><><><><><
After feeding her heroes a hearty breakfast Lavender gave Lucy a packed lunch. She left and returned leading a sturdy packhorse harnessed to a cart. “Fred can ease your journey.”
“No thanks!” Natsu shuddered and rubbed his stomach. “I don’t travel so good on vehicles.”
“It’s true, he gets the worst motion sickness - which is why we were walking back home after our last mission.” Lucy moved next to Natsu and stroked one of his clammy cheeks. “I’d rather we walk than you get sick, you know that.”
“Adorable,” gushed Lavender, “Now what about magic brooms? Can you use those?”
“Do you expect us to sweep our way to Mountain Avens?” Natsu stopped rolling his eyes once Lucy’s elbow made sharp contact with his gut.
“Dear me, no!” Lavender clapped her hands. “These fly!”
“Um, that’s not so good either.” Lucy turned and picked up her bag, slinging it over her shoulder. “Every mode of transportation gives my partner motion sickness.”
“That’s awfully inconvenient.” Lavender wrung her hands. “How do you manage?”
“Compromise.” Natsu shrugged into his backpack and grinned. “We use the train when there’s no other option and with no time constraints, we walk.”
“You mean if I feel sorry for you we walk.” Lucy huffed. “It’ll be faster to not argue and get going.”
“I’m not arguing!”
“If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and swims like a duck - it’s a duck!” Lucy responded with ire.
“I don’t know what you’re getting at, but let’s get going.”
Lavender waved at the bickering couple and murmured to herself, “They’re so perfect for each other.”
><><><><><
Natsu and Lucy were high up Mountain Avens by late afternoon. A merchant going the same way had chanced upon them and insisted a dream had told him to give them a ride. With poor grace Natsu had agreed - so in the span of a few hours, they covered the distance that would have otherwise taken a full day.
“You gotta admit, the view sure is something amazing from up here.” Natsu waved grandly after his fulsome praise. “Almost as pretty as you, Luce.”
“Who are you and what have you done with Natsu!?” Lucy pretended mock outrage, going so far as to shake her head and glare at her partner. “Are you getting heat stroke?”
“Nope, don’t be a dope. I’m a fire dragon!” Natsu took hold of one of Lucy’s hands and pulled her close. “And sometimes you forget that, and like all dragons, I work hard to protect my treasure.”
“You get weirder every day.” Lucy scoffed. “We’re here to break a curse and save some poor souls who’ve turned into flowers!”
Suddenly as serious as she’d ever seen him, Natsu gave Lucy a contemplative look. “Treasure is in the eye of the beholder.”
“Such a beautiful notion.”
Lucy whirled around in surprise. She’d thought they were alone - but the male voice interrupting their conversation was loud even if they couldn’t see him.
“More like happiness is a chance you take because you want your own person to treasure. And when the woman of your dreams turns you down, you have to leave town because she can’t stand the sight of you.”
“Who’s there?!” Lucy peered into the dense foliage lining the path up the mountain. “Show yourself!”
“He’s ten meters up ahead and he’s been trying to circle around for the last twenty minutes,” Natsu told Lucy with a casual shrug. “We could’ve stopped but I thought you could use the exercise.”
“Remind me to yell at you later.” Lucy struck Natsu in the chest with one stiffened finger as a warning. “And we’ll be taking the train the rest of the way home just for that comment!”
“Excuse me?” A handsome young man, undoubtedly Ranulf Mershim, stepped out from behind a tree. He smiled and swirled his cape in a bid for attention. “I couldn’t help but overhear your whole conversation, because I was listening on purpose.”
“Tch. Even I know that’s rude.” Natsu crossed his arms and gave Ranulf a challenging look. “It’s best not to admit that sort of thing.”
“Are you trying to befriend this guy right now? Save that for later.” Lucy tapped her foot. “We’re here to save the people you enchanted into flowers.”
“I gathered that.” Ranulf lazily waved his hands in a shooing gesture. “But I’m not about to let you break my mirror. If I live long enough, I’m sure to find another woman I can let my guard down with.”
“Oh, we don’t need your permission.” Natsu cracked his knuckles and moved his body into a relaxed about-to-fight posture. “Me'an'Luce can solve any problem together.”
“That’s oddly sweet, Natsu.” Lucy smiled and approached Ranulf. “We can solve any problem together.”
“Whatcha doin’?”
“We’ll use my brain and your brawn. First, we talk to Ranulf and try to sort this out peaceably - and if that fails, you get to kick his ass.”
“Oh?” Ranulf arched one perfect eyebrow and gave his two opponents a haughty stare. “I’m not going to break the mirror because you ask nicely.”
Lucy shook her head. “Nope, of course not. But I did more research last night and dug up some interesting facts about the Flower Curse.”
Ranulf boasted, “So? I’ve been stealing youth and vitality for decades.”
“And I listened.” Lucy’s smile softened into pity. “You’ve been extending your life to find love. And you’d found her, at Iris village. Lavender. She’s the one, isn’t she?”
“She refused to join me.” Ranulf looked close to tears. His lips thinned, pursed tight and he sighed before speaking again. “I left because I couldn’t bear to add her to the others.”
“You’re not that bad of a bad guy, are you?” Natsu turned to Lucy with a grin. “Tell me you can help him.”
“I can!” Lucy grinned at Natsu. “But he’s going to have to compromise.”
“Compromise? And what do I gain?”
Lucy opened her mouth to answer, but Natsu beat her to the punch. “Uh, we don’t kick your ass for one, and for two, have you not been listening to Lucy? She’s figured out how to help you. Don’t you want to reunite with Lavender?”
“Natsu, I appreciate your support, but Ranulf has to agree on his own.” Lucy touched Natsu’s upper arm and he calmed. “He’s got to really want to be with Lavender.”
“I do, but she refused to join me.” Ranulf pouted. “Together we could have harvested more people and remained young forever.”
“Do you want to keep running?” Lucy shook her head. “She won’t join you, but you could join her if you give up the mirror.”
“What do you mean?” Ranulf frowned but it was more contemplative than angry, and his expression softened with thoughts of the woman he’d left behind. “She's…she’s too far out of my reach.”
“But you love her beyond reason, don’t you?” Natsu addressed his words to Ranulf but the smile on his face was for Lucy. “You’d do anything to keep her happy - so you ran from her and didn’t harvest her friends. Even though your enchantments could have cursed her too.”
“You’re right. Tell me, Lucy, how can I join with my lady love?” Ranulf reached beneath his cloak and withdrew an ornate mirror, and offered it to the celestial mage.
“Keep it.” Lucy flourished Sagittarius’ key and donned the archer’s star dress. From the quiver on her back, she produced a special arrow, notching it to her bow. “I cannot tell you more, but to break the spell, you must be willing to risk all.”
Ranulf gazed into the mirror. He traced the image of his face with one finger and sighed. “I’d rather be dead than alone. What use youth without love?” Now resolute, he squared his shoulders and held the magic mirror over his heart. “I’m ready.”
Lucy pulled the bowstring taut, aiming for the center of the mirror. The arrow glowed and she released. It shimmered as it flew through the air, shattering its target and Ranulf flew backward, collapsing in a heap.
Natsu went running to Ranulf but Lucy shook her head and held him back. “It shouldn’t take long, we’ve got to wait.”
Ghostly glowing forms released from Ranulf’s body. They danced around his still form, joined by more and more spirits until it resembled a writhing cloud. Soon the activity slowed and then it calmed completely, dissipating in a burst of sparkles.
“What a way to lay bare his heart.” Natsu gazed at Lucy, his expression inscrutable. “Did you want me to remind you now or later to yell at me for the exercise comment?”
Lucy gasped instead of answering Natsu. Ranulf was standing, but he seemed to have shrunk. His dark, thick hair had thinned, receding from his forehead - as if in fear, and he’d gained a few decades in the blink of an eye. While the wrinkles didn’t detract from his otherwise still good looks, he was obviously older.
“I’m like how I was before I took up the cursing mirror.” Ranulf examined the backs of his age-spotted hands. “Thank you! Thank you! Thanks to you both!” He smiled and it lit up his blue eyes. “I have to go back to Iris village and talk to Lavender!”
“Start with an apology,” Natsu advised. “End with one too.”
“Go to her and have that talk.” Lucy returned to her normal clothes. “Good luck.”
Natsu and Lucy waved good-bye as Ranulf began to jog down the mountain path, picking up speed and beginning to whistle merrily.
“He wasn’t that bad of a guy. He’s lucky 'cause I coulda kicked his ass so hard!”
Lucy laughed and leaned against Natsu when she ran out of breath. “You never change, do you?”
“Why would I change when I’ve got everything I could ever want, Luce?” Natsu looked around the idyllic mountain path they stood on, the birds singing sweetly - the wind rustling the tree leaves - and back to Lucy’s smile. “It’s you and me. Together.”
Lucy blinked. Natsu was looking at her in a way that made her stomach flutter and knees feel weak. She stood still, uncertain but loathe to break the mood.
“Is it what you want?” Natsu tilted his head a little to the side and nervously bit the corner of his mouth. “Do you feel the same way?”
“You and me…” Lucy nodded, a soft blush colouring her cheeks. “I like the sound of that.”
“Together?”
Lucy licked her lips and Natsu’s eyes were drawn to the motion. Slowly and inexorably Natsu lowered his mouth to Lucy and kissed her. He kissed her with tenderness and restraint. Lucy moaned and clutched Natsu’s shirt; wordlessly begging for more - and Natsu delivered.
Together was a mighty fine way to express 'you and me.’
Sinopsis: Relatos antiguos manifestaban siempre a los dragones protegiendo una inmensa fortuna de monedas y joyas. Pero existió un dragón cuyo tesoro era diferente. [#naluweek2019]
Nota de la autora: Me siento mal, me olvide la Nalu Week. Mashima debe odiarme y ustedes también (¿?). Al menos deseo aportar a un día y aquí me tienen. Esta historia corresponde al sexto día, osea hoy, donde el tema era "Treasure", tesoro en español.
Capítulo único: El dragón y su tesoro
Rezongó exhausto cuando escuchó el sonido de los cascos aproximarse a donde estaba. La presencia de ejércitos atravesando su valle en dirección a la fortaleza había incrementado gradualmente durante el último año, provocando mal humor cada vez que los veía blandir sus espaldas y cantar a los cuatros vientos que iban a conseguir la victoria. Ya ni siquiera le resultaba entretenido ver sus rostros salpicados en pánico cuando él, dragón vigilante de esa enorme fortaleza, aparecía escupiendo fuego y moviéndose como un asesino mortal.
Se estaba aburriendo.
—¿Qué…? —preguntó al aire. Afilando su audición logró descubrir que no solo tenía a una armada montada acercándose. Algo sólido y que se arrastraba con dificultad por la tierra lo acompañaba—. En serio…, ¿catapultas?
Sacudió su cola con frustración y arrojó humo por sus fosas nasales. Era evidente que quienes venían a fastidiar sus dominios no conocían que era un simple juego terminar con los ejércitos armados con espadas y catapultas. Nada era un desafío, no después de estar más de diez años custodiando.
—¡Natsu!, ¿dónde estás, Natsu?
Una voz lo llamó. Giró su cabeza al sitio de donde provenía y sus facciones toscas se volvieron suaves, una sonrisa adornando su rostro de dragón. Ordenada con un vestido blanco usado y bastante estropeado, una muchacha de cabellos dorados se acercó con entusiasmo.
—¡Finalmente te encontré!
—Lucy —mencionó, bajando la vista. Ella le regaló una afectuosa mirada que recompensó acariciando su hocico contra su rostro. Por eso recibió un beso en su escamosa piel. Carcajeó—. ¿Qué sucede ahora, Luce?
La susodicha lo miró enarcando una ceja con diversión.
—Esa pregunta está mal formulada, Nat. Mejor sería decir, ¿qué te sucede a ti? Se te escuchaba desde la cocina refunfuñar.
El dragón lamento soltando un leve bramido.
—Tendremos compañía en unas horas —declaró alzando su mirada hacia el paisaje. Se arrojó en el suelo y descansó la cabeza entre sus extremidades delanteras—. Un ejército con catapultas. Nada novedoso.
Lucy hizo un mohín de cansancio y se acercó a él. Natsu corrió su cabeza ligeramente para que se sentara sobre su pata y se apoyara. Soltaron un suspiro cuando se amoldaron el uno al otro.
—No comprendo porque continúan —dijo Lucy.
—Tampoco yo. Creí que había dejado en claro que no iba a dejarte ir —señaló Natsu—. Estamos bajo un juramento que nos liga como compañeros de vida por la eternidad. Eres mía y yo soy tuyo. ¿Cómo podemos hacer que lo comprendan?
Ella acarició a su amado dragón con desconsuelo.
—No lo sé. Se que hemos aprendido a luchar con ellos, pero temo que un día no podamos y nos separen.
Natsu rugió.
—Eso no pasara. Soy el dragón que protege el tesoro de esta fortaleza —afirmó con dureza. Pensar en distanciarse de Lucy le era imposible. Solo era una prole cuando se conocieron y había jurado protegerla desde ese primer encuentro.
Su padre, Igneel, asumió la tarea de cuidar a la princesa que era codiciada por su belleza. Sus padres habían sido asesinados y solo quedaba su niñera para resguardar, esta última contrató los servicios del dragón.
La tarea era protegerla por tiempo indeterminado.
Tiempo que continuaba fluyendo hasta el presente, quince años después de que Lucy llegara a la fortaleza Dragneel. Actualmente solo era ocupado por Natsu y Lucy porque el padre del joven dragón estaba de viaje.
Qué Natsu fuera un dragón y Lucy una princesa no impidió que se enamoran. Su amor era legítimo y los años lo fueron construyendo hasta el punto de contraer matrimonio bajo las leyes de los dragones, mal visto por quienes deseaban llevarse a la princesa por su belleza. Nadie le preguntó si pretendía ser rescatada, solo se asumió que por estar con un dragón ya estaba en peligro.
El aparente riesgo era para quienes que no sabían que sucedía dentro de fortaleza. Donde un inmenso dragón no protegía el conocido tesoro de oro y joyas, no, para ese dragón su tesoro era esa muchacha. A esa muchacha a la que cada noche llevaba en su lomo a recorrer el cielo estrellado, a la cual profesaba amor eterno y había jurado cuidar más allá de una tarea encomendada.
Él como dragón protegería su tesoro, la princesa, por lo que sentía en su corazón.
—Eres el tesoro de este dragón, Luce. No te dejaré ir.
—Este tesoro tampoco va a apartarse de su dragón, Natsu.
Muchos dragones custodiaban oro y joyas por pura avaricia. Natsu protegía a Lucy por amor.
The following day I met her near the school again, this time she looked around then smiled and waved at me. I was happy at least she was smiling more now.
"Hey, good morning."
"Good morning to you too, you seem to be in good spirits." I said and she just smiled.
When we reached my class, she waved me goodbye and went to her class. When I entered there was Gray looking at me with a raised eyebrow.
"Who is she?"
"Lucy" I answered and shrugged.
"You mean SHE IS THE GIRL" he shouted.
"What the heck man, why are you shouting?"
"You are bringing her to meet us at lunch." It was more like a statement than a question.
"Hmm I was thinking so." He smirked but still he looked stupid. I shoved him and went in while he started laughing, was he going insane? What's the point he already was.
At lunch we went to the canteen, I half expected her to be there while I felt she may have gone to the terrace again. But to my relieve she was there.
"Heya Lucy"
"Hey Natsu" She came to our table. She smiled to my friends who looked shocked and stunned.
"Hi I am Lucy Asley." She said with slight hesitation, these guys must be giving up the creepy feeling.
"Ah let me introduce them to you, this is ice princess, that's the metal head, that's Love rival, she devil and lisa." I said purposely to make them react and that's work perfectly. While Lucy gave me curious looks.
"What the fuck man."
"HE Admitted it, LOVE RIVAL" OK that was bad.
"NO way you got this hot chick" why was he saying this? While Erza's eyebrows were ticking when she looked up there was fire in her eyes, time to run for life, before I could get out, they caught me and a brawl broke out.
We were at it, when Lucy suddenly started laughing till tears were at the corner of her eyes. All of us looked at her and stopped in the middle of the brawl which I think looked funnier cuz she was laughing her heart out so were others. Suddenly Erza stood up with grace and we fell on the ground.
"I am Erza Scarlet."
"Gray Fulbuster, don't listen to anything this dumbass tells about me." He stretched his hands to her and she took it and blushed slightly, damn it that stripper.
"LOVE RIVAL." Juvia was there in a second with a glare.
"This is Juvia Lockser."
Gray introduced her and she was by his side with a beautiful smile.
"Gajeel Redfox."
"Lissanna Strauss"
Lucy smiled beautifully to everyone and we started to eat, all kind of rubbish talks were going on the table. I kept on checking on Lucy if she was feeling left out but whenever our eyes met, she smiled at me, to let me know that she was fine.
After the school was over, we were walking back together. Juvia and Gray went together cuz apparently Juvia lived in the same area. Erza and the Strauss sisters went for the station. Gajeel went to his part time job that left me and her together, but now I was feeling somewhat nervous.
"I would walk you home."
"No need for that, I am still trying." I kind of understood what she meant by that.
"Then can I invite you in?"
She thought for a while then shrugged "Sure"
We went towards my home, on the way we were talking about school, and that time I learnt that she came to our school like one week before and she had ran away from home, then she was anxious like she had told me more than she intended to, I smiled to make her comfortable and said some jokes about Gray and sure enough she was laughing.
When we were nearing, I suddenly thought of the condition my home would be in and was it right for me to invite her? When I opened the door, I was relieved that there was not a lot of mess, like it was dirty clothes thrown here and there and empty plates and wrapper on the table as I was watching a movie last night but it was better than normal so yeah cool.
"Wow your house is good, plus so neat and tidy" she said with a laugh.
I glared at her but was happy to see that there was no anxious or afraid look in her eyes she seemed pretty interested in my house and that makes me happy. I tried to clean up a bit and asked her if she would like some juice even before she said anything, I went to the kitchen to bring her one.
She was still looking around. While I was pouring the drink. I suddenly remembered something that I wish she had not yet seen I rushed back to my room but alas she was there surprised.
"NATSU" she shouted maybe she didn't notice that I was here already.
"Yeah" I replied softly.
"What's this?"
"Well I call these my treasure collection"
I had a small store room beside my room which I had things collected from my past and memories that I hold dear and right now something was in progress that I really didn't want her to see but now here she stand and I don't mind anymore.
"That's the top I wore for first day at school." I pointed to a very small yellow top with a brown teddy face on it with 'Happy" written on it.
'That's my first drawing I made for my day' I had made a fierce dragon.
"Me and my dad were so into dragon stuff, I still am."
"where's your dad now?"
"He died in a plane crash along with my mom." I sighed but before the mood became heavy, I started with some jokes that my dad used to tell and we were laughing. I even had the frock that my mom brought for me for fancy dress, though I opposed, I had to wear it and showed that embarrassing picture too. My other drawings. Mine and Gray's first picture together from the elementary class. The first time I came home beaten up by Erza and my dad being happy instead and that picture. Pictures of Happy a cat that me and Lisanna bought up during our early childhood.
My every year Halloween costumes, prizes and books of every year. I even had those paper chits me and Gray passed to each other in school which contained nothing but insults. She was laughing and smiling. All my memories were re-lived, this is why I kept them they make you happy, feel loved, and make you realise how much everyone of them mean to you.
I next showed her the gifts I have been receiving over the years again there was a tinge of sadness in her eyes and I took her to the section were was the collection of memes that we make for each other and post during our birthdays there she laughed so hard that some of my most unfunny memes seemed funny to me now.
"These eyes…"
She asked about it, from the time I had met her, her eyes are the only thing that has been hunting me and hence that was what I was working on for some time now. Some final touches were remaining.
"I-I-It's your" I tried to said it as normal as possible but I shuttered and blushed.
She was surprised but seemed happy, I had made them anxious and afraid but now I am going to make them happy so that's what I did, after making a few changes here and there. I made them smiling eyes.
She seemed shocked.
"Do my eyes change so much with my expression?" She asked in a whisper.
I shrugged, cuz yes I have noticed them change what can I say now.
"Thank you Natsu" She said with such sincerity I was slightly taken aback. What happened next melted my heart. She hugged me, before I could reply to her hug she held tighter and then released me with red cheek, I think my cheeks would match the colour.
"Let's take some pictures to treasure this moment?"
She nodded. We took some pictures in my treasure room. Making some wonderful memories that I would treasure for life.
Title: Encouragement, Through Play
Series: Fairy Tail
Pairing: Natsu/Lucy
@nalu-week 2017 Prompt: Video Games (bonus)
Rated: K+
Word Count: 1,273 words
Additional Notes: This is based on a scene I wanted to write for my upcoming sports drama fic, Center Ice. However, I’m pretty confident that what you see in this story, will probably be in the actual fanfic as well. Also, this is set in a modern AU, with all that mentioned.
Settling herself down onto his sofa, Lucy kept an eye on Natsu, as he headed into the kitchen. A few clinking noises emerged from that room, followed by the sound of water being poured into a cup, and then into another. The young, pink-haired male emerged from the kitchen, holding two porcelain cups filled with water. He offered one of them to Lucy.
“Thanks, Natsu,” she quietly expressed her gratitude, taking a small sip from her cup.
“Anytime, Lucy,” he smiled slightly at her, before turning on both the T.V., and the PlayStation 4 that was situated below. “You want something to eat, as well?”
Lucy politely declined his offer, placing her cup onto the coffee table. “Thanks, but I’m fine right now.”
Her lips then creased into a small frown, as she focused on him. While Natsu retrieved the disc for the favourite video game he usually liked to play, Lucy couldn’t help but feel like she wanted to bring up the issues that arose with him, following his concussion diagnosis, from a few weeks earlier. Just seeing him struggle a lot—playing in the Fairies’ D-league team—a short while after his diagnosis, had seriously concerned her. It made her want to do something...something for him, for once.
Loading the disc into the PS4, Natsu settled himself down on the sofa, beside the blonde girl. Lucy glared at him, while he selected the video game he wanted to play, off from the console’s main menu.
“Natsu,” she quietly murmured, enough to bring the one she cared more about, to pay attention to her. “Can I...have a word with you?”
Taking his eyes off from the large screen in front of him, Natsu turned to directly face the blonde sitting beside. “Sure.” He raised his eyebrows. “What is it, Lucy?”
Her head bowed, and her eyes fell in the same direction. “Oh, it’s nothing.” She then slowly brought her irises up to his own. “I just...wanted to talk to you about what happened, in those last few days.”
Natsu frowned, and gave a dejected murmur, his eyes shifting away from hers. His attention then came back to the big-screen T.V., as it flashed the start screen of NHL 17, prompting him to press the corresponding start button on his DualShock 4. Going through the main menu, Natsu set himself up for a quick game, using the same rules that would apply in the actual NHL, and the pro-league he played for. Once on the gamepad selection screen, Natsu handed a spare DS4 to Lucy beside him.
“You wanna play, too?”
Lucy looked down at the second gamepad he offered her, for a moment, before she lifted her focus up to his eyes. “Uh...okay, I guess,” she accepted, gently taking the controller from him. “But, will you actually listen to me, when I’m talking to you?”
“Yeah,” Natsu nodded shortly. “I’ll try my best.”
Starting the match within the game, Natsu controlled the players on the Magnolia Fairies team, while Lucy controlled the players on Fiore’s national hockey team. Both of them began to battle against each other, on the big screen, as the first period commenced. Sounds of grunts, harsh crunches, and simulated crowd noises, had poured out of the T.V.’s speakers.
Lucy turned to him, while he maintained his best to focus on the screen. “Look, Natsu,” she spoke up, “I know how you’ve felt, after what went down in those games.”
Natsu tried to focus on the game, mashing at the buttons and sticks on his gamepad, at once. At the same time, however, he can definitely hear what she had to say to him.
“I understand what you’ve been going through,” she continued, “and it’s downright terrible—I get that.”
The pink-haired male sighed deeply, starting to become more frustrated at himself. He could feel the heat, and tension building up all over his body, again.
“But, what I really want to say,” Lucy revealed, in her more serious tone of voice, “is that you can’t keep being angry at yourself, just because you aren’t able to do well, as you have from before!”
The goal horn blared loudly through the speakers, as the Fiore national team scored the first goal, much to Natsu’s disbelief. It was at this point, when he finally opened himself up to her, as he slumped against the sofa.
“And you really can’t give up on what you’ve done, so far!” The blonde expressed to him, strongly, “You’ve gotten far enough, to make it to where you are, now...simply, because you’ve worked so hard for it!”
Natsu slowly turned to her, his eyes wavering a bit. A different horn sounded out, in the game, signalling the end of the first period.
“So, please,” Lucy pleaded to him, as the second period started, “Natsu...you have to keep trying.”
Natsu could see the light twinkling in her large, brown eyes, projecting the same intent, with such passion in them. Blinking a few times, the pink-haired hockey player turned back to the screen, as he kept playing.
“Yeah,” the pink-haired male agreed, frowning slightly.
“You just have to put a little bit more trust in yourself, you know?” She smiled brightly at him. “You have to believe more in your own abilities.”
“Yeah,” he turned to her, smiling back. “That too.”
The goal horn blared again, as the Magnolia Fairies managed to tie it up, at one apiece.
Lucy watched the replay of the goal scored by the Fairies, before turning to him. “Just remember who’s right behind your back, always supporting you, the whole way,” she added. “You’ve got your teammates, you’ve got your fans...”
Natsu turned to her, right as the second period ended, in the game.
“Hey, even the ones who you care the most!” She then grinned at him. “Especially me, Natsu! You’ve got me, who’s always cheering for you...”
He chuckled quietly. “Well, yeah, I mean...you’re always there for me, as well.”
“Exactly,” she pointed out.
The third period began with the teams tied at one. Natsu continued to mash at the buttons and sticks on his controller, while Lucy just simply moved the sticks around—only pushing the buttons, when she needed to. With the dying seconds of the match, Lucy controlled one of the players on the screen, scoring the goal to win the game.
The blonde screeched loudly, raising her arms triumphantly. “YAY! I WON!”
Natsu was aghast, as he suddenly sat up straight. “Wha—,” he whipped his head to her, then back to the T.V., repeating a few times. “How did you—,” he sputtered. “No way! You actually beat me?” He raised his eyebrows, as he finally turned to her. “No one has actually beat me in this game, for a long time! How did you...?”
Lucy simpered, in response. “Well, little did you know that I play these kinds of games, with the other girls, too...”
“Ah,” he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, “I can see that.”
“But, you get what I mean, by all that, right?” She raised her eyebrows at him. “You gotta keep trying, until you can find the best of your abilities, again.”
Natsu nodded. “Yeah, I know everything that you’re saying to me, Lucy.” He then flashed a bright smile at her. “And I want to thank you, for those encouraging words of yours.”
“It’s nothing, Natsu,” she adamantly stated, a slight blush on her face. “I just want you to feel better.”
The pink-haired male chuckled quietly again, followed by the blonde, as they sat closer to each other, both enjoying in the company of one another.
