teenage erzajane
I drew this specifically for you two @ace-of-fairytail @strawberriesatan
59 notes
ยท
View notes
๐พ๐ผโ๐ผโ๐ธ๐ โ๐ผ๐๐ธ๐๐๐โ๐โ๐โ โ๐ผ๐ธ๐ปโ๐ธโ๐โ๐
๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: ๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐ด๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: ๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐ข ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ข ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐'๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐.
๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐'๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐: ๐ธ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐ธ'๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ข ๐๐๐๐๐ข ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐! ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ธ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ข ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐. ๐ท๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐!
๐ธ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ข ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ธ'๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ข
โWhen you first get together, Mira would likely want to keep your relationship a little more quiet, at least for anyone outside the guild. Itโs inevitable that the news would get out amongst your guildmates, but when it comes to the public eye, she doesn't want it spreading too fast. This is to keep you from having any trouble more so than anything else. Sheโs a famous model and extremely popular wizard, and she probably has more than her fair share of crazy overly obsessive fans that would be filled with jealous rage over the news. She fully believes you can handle yourself, but she sees this as something she can do to take care of you even when she's in a physically weakened state. Her form of protectiveness is unique, but it shows that she cares.
โGet ready to have the entire Fairy Tail guild ready to throw hands with you at a moment's notice if you ever upset her in any way. Even so, for as overprotective as they can be, they're all very glad to see her as happy as she is anytime you're around.
โMira is very very sweet, and overall just an amazing person to spend time with. She never runs out of stories, jokes, or things to talk about, so no matter what you're doing, youโll definitely never have to worry about getting bored. You can't count the amount of times you've spent entire days hanging out with her behind the guild's bar just serving drinks, helping clean up, and chatting about whatever topics first came to mind. If you're not a very talkative or chatty person, she doesn't mind in the slightest. She would never force you to carry on a conversation, but you should be prepared to do a lot of listening. In her mind, a one sided conversation is still an exciting and wonderful conversation if it's you she's getting to talk to.
โShe loves having you help her in the bar and around the guild hall. If not for the conversation, then just for the help and company. She loves the job she does for the guild, and it never lacks as a source of entertainment with all the shenanigans that occur, but whether she admits it or not, It would definitely get stressful sometimes. Having even just a little bit of help takes a lot of weight off her shoulders. Plus, getting the work done faster just means all the more time off to spend together outside of the guild hall.
โShe's not one for super elaborate dates. She doesn't mind going out to nice places or having planned activities, but some of her favorite time spent with you is when you can just take some time to relax together. She loves at home dates, just eating home cooked meals, chatting about your days, and resting after a long day of work. When you do feel like getting out of the house, she really enjoys quiet late night walks.
โMore often than not, whenever you do have the chance to have a meal at home, her siblings will join you. Elfman and Lisanna both look up to you a lot, and really enjoy your company, though they probably wouldn't admit it out loud for the sake of keeping up the tough protective siblings act. From the start though, you became such close friends with both of them that you're already practically part of the family. Theyโre hoping to keep you around for a long time, and definitely run your secret ship fan club.
โMira really likes letting you style her hair for her. It's very relaxing both before heading out into the chaos of a new morning, and afterwards to help wind down from the excitement of the day. One of her favorite things to do is lay with her head in your lap and let you just play with her hair however you want. She has definitely accidentally fallen asleep like this a few times. She also loves this in the reverse. Whether you have long hair, or short, she just likes playing with it, running her fingers through it, or even just resting her hand on your head.
โShe has a very playful side to her, and youโd be surprised by the amount of pranks you'll have to deal with on a day to day basis. A particular favorite anytime she wakes up before you once you're living together is changing into either one of your guildmates, or some other friend or acquaintance of yours, and waiting watchfully for you to wake up. Almost every time, you end up waking up to the sound of her being unable to muffle her own giggles, and almost every time, you still end up falling out of bed in tired baffled confusion. She always apologizes and checks in to make sure you're alright after though and then makes you breakfast to make up for it. At least every once in a while, she'll ask you for help with jokes or pranks on other guild members. Sure you get into trouble, but nobody can stay very mad at the two of you for long.
โShe likes having your company when it comes to performances and photoshoots. If you can sing or play an instrument, she would be absolutely thrilled to have you up on stage with her when she's performing at the guild or city events. Even if you can't, just being able to see you at the front of the crowd or backstage behind the curtains gives her a big energy and confidence boost. When it comes to photoshoots, she just likes being able to see you nearby while she's doing them. While it's one of her jobs and you've never had any problem with it, she has some very showy shoots sometimes, and now that you're together, she just feels a lot better and more comfortable with those particular types of shoots when you're around to keep an eye on things and cheer her on.
โA relationship with Mira is signing yourself up for a serotonin overload. Not a day will go by that she doesn't make sure she's gotten a good deal of smiles and giggles out of you. Seeing you happy makes her happy, and vice versa. She's very affectionate and loving, and generally just a very positive person to be around. You're never going to have to feel lonely with her around. You get an amazing sunshine girlfriend, two caring and supportive siblings, and the whole guild family backing you both up to boot.
๐คFor starters, Erza is definitely the most quiet about your relationship of these three. She prefers to keep your relationship less public, not for lack of loving you, but actually quite the opposite. While she definitely doesn't mind those close to you knowing that you're together, announcing every little detail of your relationship for the world to hear makes it feel much less intimate to her. She believes that your love is something that should be shared between the two of you, so even if it's no secret that you're in a relationship, she's not one to go parading information or bragging about it.
๐คDespite this, she actually has no problem with simple acts of PDA as long as they're not too intimate. While she's far from being the type to go clinging to you in public, she actually quite enjoys having physical contact with you while out and about. Holding hands, linking arms, resting her head on your shoulder or vice versa while seated, or simple kisses on the cheek are some of her favorite things, though she may not admit it out loud.
๐คErzaโs also definitely not one to go hopping from relationship to relationship. With her past, sheโs not letting herself become 100% emotionally invested in any one person unless she can truly trust them to stay by her side and return those emotions and trust. If youโve managed to work your way into her heart, you can expect to be there for a long, long time. Even with the unpredictable lives you live, she has no fear in saying you're someone she would like to spend her whole life with.
๐คEspecially at the start of your relationship, Erza won't be one for talking about feelings much. She thinks verbal affection and communication are extremely important, but would shy away from deeper emotional conversation by instinct. Especially with any questions regarding how she grew up, she initially waves them off and avoids the topic whenever possible. She trusts you immensely, but she feels that the emotions of her past are hers to bear, and feels a lot of guilt about letting that weight fall onto others.
๐คFurther into your relationship, however, she feels much more comfortable allowing herself to be vulnerable around you. Be it physically or emotionally, she trusts you to see her and lend her support in her weakest moments. This goes both ways, as well. Just as you're there for her, she'll be there to lift and support you through the hardest of times with unwavering devotion.
๐คShe thinks communication is one of the most important things in a relationship, so you rarely have to deal with any conflicts between the two of you lasting very long. In the case of any disagreements, while she isn't opposed to giving you your space when you need and want it, she thinks the best thing to do can be to just stay in each other's company in silence until you're both ready to talk through the problem.
๐คHer love languages are definitely quality time and words of affirmation
๐คShe has a lot of somewhat unusual hobbies and passions. She'll pick up almost any activity that strikes her interest at any point in time, and nothing brings her more joy than seeing you express interest in those same things, even if just to humor her. You support and invest time in her odd endeavors, and in return she's happy to try out any hobbies and interests you pick up as well.
๐คShe places a lot of value in the time she spends with you, and therefore likes to spend as much time as she's able to with you. She enjoys having you tag along on jobs with her, be those solo jobs or with the rest of the team. Whether you're a strong fighter or not, your support is extremely meaningful to her especially in tough situations. When you're unable to tag along on jobs with her, especially if they're longer ones, she enjoys writing you letters or sending you back souvenirs.
๐คExpect to have a LOT of dates out to cafes or bakeries. If you are a fellow enjoyer of strawberry cake, be glad that you are one of very few people she would allow to share her cakes with her. If you are not, that just means more for her, but you'll be sitting around for a while waiting for her to finish. If you can bake those cakes yourself, oh boy be ready because there's definitely no way you're ever getting rid of her now (though you're insane if youโd even want to).
๐คThe rest of the guild has a tendency to hide behind you and rely on you pretty heavily to calm her down in some of her scarier moments. She has a hard time saying no to you, so you're definitely the person to go to for anyone trying to escape her wrath for any given reason. That being said, sometimes if they really deserve it, it's best to just let her dish out punishments unless you want to be dragged into them too.
๐คAll in all, while Erza has her more intimidating moments, she can be an extremely gentle and caring lover. She can be a lot of fun to be around, be that at home, at the guild, out traveling, or on jobs, you'll definitely never be bored in her company. Every day is going to be an adventure with her, but you're going to get your fair share of love in return for putting up with the shenanigans that seem to follow her wherever she goes. Being in a relationship with her is not something for the faint hearted, but itโs undeniably well worth the trouble.
โ
Juvia is by far the most open about your relationship. If someone around you doesn't know you two are together, they definitely will by the time you've left. She doesn't mean to overshare or brag, she just finds a lot of joy in expressing her love for you and making sure everyone she comes across knows how much she cares. She also feels a certain sense of security in being able to say that after so long of being alone, she has someone who loves her just as much.
โ
She can be extremely insecure about both herself and your relationship, and tends to need a lot of verbal affirmation to keep her from getting into her own head. She was bullied so often as a child that it's very easy for her mind to spiral to dark places. However, having you around always helps clear away some of that gloom, especially if you are willing to help talk her through whatever may be bothering her at any given point in time. Most of her doubt comes from herself rather than from anything you do, so giving her compliments or pointing out things she does well is always a huge help.
โ
This goes for jealousy as well. We've all seen how she can be when she feels like something may be threatening your relationship. She can be extremely protective and over reactive about anyone else spending too much time around you. While it will take her quite a while to get used to getting along with your friends without feeling threatened, she'll come around a lot faster with extra reassurance that that's all they are. Now if a stranger were to flirt with you, that may be a whole different story. Be ready anytime you're out in public to have to hold her back if anyone tries.
โ
Another of Juvia's love languages and one of her favorite things in the world is gift giving. Sometimes her gifts can be a bit on the odd side, but she just enjoys giving you tangible tokens of her appreciation. She'll make you meals at home or pack you some if you have to go out for the day, bring you home trinkets or objects that she says reminded her of you, or make little craft projects to give you for special occasions. Reciprocating this and giving her gifts in return may cause her brain to short circuit. She never gives you gifts with the intention of having the favor returned, so when you show up with any gifts for her, it always surprises her and brightens her entire day.
โ
Adding to the note of her love for making meals for you, she's surprisingly a very good cook. She can make a bit of a mess in the kitchen sometimes when sheโs scrambling to decide what to make or frantically get meals ready to surprise you with, but even when it's a bit messy, everything tastes amazing. She absolutely loves cooking food with you too. It tends to help keep things a bit less messy when she's working together with you and has you around to help pace out the cooking process a bit more. Whether you're a good cook or not, she always enjoys having your help. She would also eat any food you make her even if itโs the biggest culinary disaster in history.
โ
She is also huge on physical affection. She's not always the most composed or best with words, so she'd much rather express her feelings through physical touch. Wherever you go, she always wants to be holding hands, clinging to your arm, hugging, snuggling, or just having some form of physical contact with you. In private, this is even more true. Hopefully you enjoy snuggles and kisses, because you're probably going to be smothered in them. Nothing makes her happier after a long day than coming home to curl up and fall asleep in your arms.
โ
Juvia enjoys dates that take place outdoors. Now that she's able to enjoy sunlight, she likes to do so as often as possible, and it's all the better if she's enjoying it with you. You'll be eating at lots of outdoor restaurants and cafes, taking walks in the park, having picnics, and cloud gazing.
โ
Juvia also really likes training with you. She'll take it easy on you of course if you're not all that strong. She doesn't want to hurt you, but your presence motivates her to work harder and makes her even stronger, so especially sparring against you, she has a lot more confidence in herself. Same goes for cases where she's training with or sparring against others. If you're watching, it's like a massive strength boost for her. She tries to go on long rants about how the power of love gives her strength, but everyone knows she's actually just extremely determined to show off and look cool in front of you.
โ
It can be a handful getting her to prioritize herself every now and then, especially if you're hurt or in any danger. Juvia would put her happiness, health, and even life on the line for you without question, so you may have to put a lot of effort into getting her to actually take care of herself as well. Making it a sort of trade off is a good way to start with her. Take care of her the way she takes care of you, and over time it will help her to recognize her own value and importance. This still probably wouldn't stop her from throwing herself in harm's way if it came down to protecting you, but she can be much better at rationalizing situations where you're in any sort of trouble now.
โ
While she has her many ups and downs, Juvia is overall very sweet and loving especially when you're willing to put in the effort to show her you care. Even though she can seem overbearing at times from outside perspectives, she just wants to show you how deeply she cares about you, and returning that deep love and devotion is one of the best ways to put her more at ease and calm her down. Many people may not quite understand or view your relationship as normal, but you boost each other up and give each other strength both physically, mentally, and emotionally, and that's all you could ever ask for in a partner.
All works belong to @wynndynights. Please do not copy, translate, or repost. Reblogs are welcome!
43 notes
ยท
View notes
I can start talking about Jellal and Laxus friendship but then I just won't shut the fuck up ykwim
I can talk about that for damn HOURS
Deeply traumatized dudes aka former bad boys aka 'I'm the strongest mage on that damn earth but I can't think straight when I'm with the woman I love (hi Mira and Erza) and so happened that the woman I love has a best friend and her best friend has that whoever-he-is-for-her who is also traumatized almost like I am and he's guilty too so I guess it's okay to drink with him and maybe talk about our women and well he's not that bad I guess I can have another drink with him and hmm he's a cool guy actually hold on he's really cool okay i think it's okay to call him a friend but not like for real cuz I don't make friends cuz I'm guilty and I'm not allowed to have it until I'm fully recovered from my past so uhh yeah he's absolutely fine he can understand me we can talk and stuff and yeah you know I can call him my friend actually I can call him my best friend so um there is my woman and she has a best friend and her best friend's man is now my best friend I think I'm okay with that'
67 notes
ยท
View notes
Erza Scarlet and Mirajane Strauss NSFW head cannons
note from bloom: hiii!! thanks for the love iโve been getting. after i upload these iโm going to start a levi x reader oneshot!! stay tuned for that this weekend :)
TAGS/WARNINGS: 18+ PLS??? NSFW, i stan soft dom erza, strap ons, toys of all kinds, bdsm, degradation, praise, pet names, mira w aftercare, hard dom mira, shibari, overstimulation, edging, fuck does this list end, slight ass play (erza), hair pulling, cunnilingus, lots of teasing, yeahh i think that might be it
Erza Scarlet
Erza can be a switch, I feel like
She definitely has a competition kink though. However, this only applies to you.
She/d definitely enjoy sparring with you, and most times sheโd win. I mean, itโs not easy to beat Erza in a swordfight. This usually led you both to being absolutely needy for each other.
When sheโd win, the absolute passion she showed you in her dominance was indescribable. Erza loved to make you say her name.
Sheโd definitely like to use things like vibrators on you, but on extra hard days, Erza might just pull out the strap on. She loves watching you writhe underneath her, having you at her mercy.
Sheโ would enjoy calling you sweet names like princess and angel.
โPrincess, are you going to cum? Look at me, whatโs my name?โ
She loves to tease you. Sheโll pull your hair, bite your neck, and even leave a hickey or two. Erza loves to leave marks on you. Youโre hers.
But when you do when, she eats up your attention.
Erza loves to be praised. She loves when you tell her how good sheโs taking it.
Erza would definitely be the whiney sub. Sheโd love when you edged her, and youโd make her beg for it. Only to have to repeat the process of bringing her to her climax, and rip it out of her grasp.
Sheโs very needy when she subs, she loves using butt plugs and she loves when you spank her.
She likes when you sit on her face as well. Youโd been topping her, you were soaking and finally needed relief. โIโm going to sit on your face now, so be a good girl and make me cum if you want me to fuck you.โ
Sheโd whine and obey, of course. And sheโd get her promised reward.
Sex with Erza was always fun yet passionate.
Mirajane Strauss
Mira is a dom and thereโs no questioning it. She takes so much shit from her guildmates all day, hiding it behind a smile.
But when she comes home with you, itโs not the same Mira.
Sheโs super kinky. Mira would love to tease you for hours before actually even touching you where you want her to.
Sheโs definitely into shibari. I can see her tying you up, edging you with a vibrator.
I think Mira would be into all kinds of BDSM, from whipping to blindfolding to slapping you across your pretty face, she wants to ruin you and make you hers.
Sheโd also be into calling you petnames. Sheโd like to call you baby, flower and missy when she thinks youโre out of line.
Sheโs the queen of degrading you. Sheโll have you all tied up, writhing against her fingers, while she fucks you with her strap on.
โOh, arenโt you cute. You really think Iโm going to just let you cum? Such a thoughtless, dumb baby. Youโre going to have to try harder.
Super having you eat her out. But believe me, she is not letting up her hold on you. Sheโs telling you what to do the entire time.
And if you test her, sheโs going to punish you.
If you make her cum after she tells you not to, god wonโt even be able to save you. Sheโll overstimulate her for hours, and will not stop until youโve been reduced to silent screams and violent tremurs.
But, donโt even think about trying to edge her without her permission. The one time you tried to edge her, she edged you for 5 hours straight. After that, you didnโt dare to try it again.
But as frightening as she can be between the sheets, sheโs also super sweet and doting afterwards.
Sheโs so big into aftercare, she knows shes rough and likes to take her frustrations out on you, she needs you to know she loves you so much.
Sex with Mirajane is rough but sensational, you feel alive and regenerated afterwards.
176 notes
ยท
View notes
Remember when Mirajane said that Erza's strongest armor is her Seduction Armor after she's reminiscing them fighting when they were younger? ๐คจ๐ณ๏ธโ๐
89 notes
ยท
View notes
uhhhh biblically accurate angel Erza Scarlet
30 notes
ยท
View notes
Fairy tail chapter 345.005
103 notes
ยท
View notes
I'm thinking about the "People don't like female characters as much as male characters", and how i sorta also feel a bit distanced from most of fem characters for recent years.
And then i remind myself how i loved absolute lot of fem Fairy Tail characters and some of them more so than any male characters.
Even though FT was literally a shounen, where one and only one guy was allowed to save the day with the simplest "power of friendship"; For which the author literally made crap up as he went along.
Sounds like a character taste issue and not "People don't like female characters as much".๐๐คจ
(at least in my case)
9 notes
ยท
View notes
Bad
Happy Miraxus Day 2022 !
Found : FF.net AO3
He was mad. Intensively mad. Like never before at her. Veins pumping like he was ready to start a battle. At him though, he may have gotten a bit angrier once or twice. Especially when the boy harmed his whole family, trying to throw a rebellion against him in order to start a reign of terror and misery over the people he loved the most. But that was another story.
How stupid did they have to be ?
Honestly, he wondered. There were some days he even wished he was tall enough to smack them both across the face with his wheelchair, just to get their brains both back into places. If only nature hadnโt been so cruel towards him.
Mavis, he couldnโt believe it.
And the nerve they had. Unbelievable. To just pretend like nothing was happening, right under his nose. To smile and chat like everything was fine, without a thought to what he might be feeling or wondering. To vanish one after the other, not at the same time, oh no, Mavis forbid they even let the slimiest clue that they were actually going back together.
Un-fucking-believable. And he didnโt like to swear. Not when he hadnโt drunk. He shook the habit out after years of hanging in the guild with a thousand children running around.
Not that he wanted to catch it again, even with them all grown.
If only they could stop acting like children.
Those two stupid brats.
And he loved them. To the death. Didnโt even need to explain why. Not when it came to him, but to the girlโฆ Oh, how he grew to love her. Like his own, even if she was one of the only ones to actually remember who was originally supposed to love her this way. And it wasnโt just blind fatherly love, since he spent most of his days in her company, trying to get some work done, or mostly watching her getting the job done.
Watching her grow up, and loving what she was becoming. How beautiful and kind, and caring, and just the right amount of witty. Sometimes, he even wondered if she couldnโt be some angel sent from the sky to save him from his old days. Not that he wasnโt encouraging her to enjoy life as much as she could, even if it meant doing anything, or anyone for that matter. As long as it meant making her happy, and finally taking the life she deserved from the fate that took so much from her.
He just wished she hadnโt taken it so literally.
Because him. Well, he certainly wasnโt going to make her happy.
And it wasnโt as mean as it sounded. Because he loved him and also wished him the best joys of life just as much, if not even more. They just werenโt right for each other.
Too much baggage.
They were too different. Or not enough. He couldnโt tell. But, he certainly could tell how it was going to end. Horribly. Like some cheap heartbreaking show. Actually, there were several ways it could end, since they were both honestly damaged. Not for the rest of their lives. But for now, and until they actually managed to break through a few relationships, to have time to contemplate what their hearts lacked and were able to give.
If only they werenโt so stubborn as to skip all the trials to get to the one that could maybe harm the guild. And he didnโt want that. Not after everything. He didnโt want to die seeing them both tearing each other apart and his life work with them. It was just too much. Too much for his old heart to bear.
The only thing he didnโt know was who was going to bolt first.
It could be both really.
He was just so insecure, so hurt. And with reason. The old man had done his best, taking him in, raising him to the best of his ability, but no grandfather could make up for a shitty emotionally abusive father and a run-away mother. It was actually a miracle the boy wasnโt that messed up. He had character, that you couldnโt take from him. Most men would have wrecked the world and become a drug addict, or a warlord for that matter.
But he was damaged. Didnโt trust anyone. Not even him. Especially not him. But that was mostly his own doing rather than his fatherโs. Barely even opened up to his own carefully chosen friends, that would never dare break his trust. Sometimes he even thought he chose them to make up for his lack of parental validation, to have people chanting his praises to make up for the years of demeaning.
He was going to crush her. The girl needed steadiness and somebody to confide in and trust with her own life. She was a romantic. Not a goofy one though. She believed in die-hard love and life-long promises, in burning desire and intimate support. He knew it. She wouldnโt say it, but he knew it. Because he knew her, knew how much she had struggled with loneliness and suffering, even with her siblings at her side.
He was going to run. He was going to get terrified of having to trust somebody else, and he was going to crush her heart into tiny little pieces when she would open up and try for it.
And for that, he wanted to kill him.
Or maybe, he was going to be the one to open up. No reason. Actually, she was just as fucked up as him. She could very well be thinking they were just having fun, and unintentionally mislead him with her emotional talk and kindness. It was difficult not to feel close to her. She had a talent for that. People loved talking to her at the bar because she drew them in with her smile and warmth. It was only when you went to bed that you realized she never even said a word about herself.
He was going to fall for it. Way slowlier than the others, but she was going to do exactly what she did all day, except this time in his arms, and he was going to fall for it and blurt his heart out to her to get the affection he was yearning for. And she was going to crush it, ruin every little effort he ever made to let other people know how truly kind and loving he was, just to step on it and take him years back without even realizing it.
And he wanted to cry at the thought.
There was no way this was going to end well. His best chance was to hope they would both keep their bullshit until the end, and go for a quick and clean break. But how could the best scenario be not to grow at all ?
Because the odds of them getting both of their messes together on the first try was just too unlikely.
And the audacity to try when it was doomed. Well, it angered him so much.
It didnโt help that they both acted like children sneaking out to eat candy in secret, or thieves getting ready for the heist of the century. They didnโt even look at each other most days, let alone exchange a few words that werenโt directly related to jobs, or drinks, or the weather, but that was them trying. He knew because he had watched, carefully, weeks after finding out about the deed.
He had heard the rumors before, of course. But nothing quite compared to seeing it on his own. He hadnโt believed them, didnโt want to believe them. There were a thousand rumors going around the guildhall every day, especially about eminent members, and he was too old to pay attention to drunken chitchat, particularly when the two concerned barely managed to talk to each other for five minutes.
It was ridiculous.
He had found out during their trip to Crocus, to celebrate Lucyโs award and drink the night away. He was old but he wouldnโt have missed it for the world. He was too proud of her.
Of course, he thought it was weird when he saw his twenty-five year old grandson leaving the party before midnight, only half an hour after he himself considered calling it a night. But the boy had never been a social butterfly, even seeing him not hating the whole gathering already felt like a win.
He hadnโt thought much about it when he saw that they were sitting next to each other the whole time. After all, they both belonged to groups that seemed pretty determined to mingle, so it wasnโt that out of the blue. Maybe he noticed it, wished they wouldnโt return to their old ways and wreck the place over what color the tablecloth was supposed to be. He prayed for that one.
Didnโt even connect the dots when Mira got up, just fifteen minutes later. Right on the clock, he had to give it to her now, the timing was perfect. She went to congratulate Lucy, and then had the nerve to come up to his table and ask him if he needed help getting back to his room. Like she wasnโt planning on skipping her own to see if Laxusโ wasnโt more comfortable.
He couldnโt believe it.
He felt betrayed.
He trusted that girl. Trusted her with all the comings and goings of the guild, the one thing he gave his life for. Trusted her with his thoughts, feelings, and doubts. Mavis, he didnโt even trust Erza that much. And she knew. She knew how much it meant to him, how he was the most treasured thing he had left on this earth.
And she went for it.
Didnโt even have the decency to tell him to his face.
Didnโt even have the nerve to face him right after he found them out.
He didnโt have the strength to face her either, to be honest.
She didnโt like when he drank, kept on rambling about how it was bad for his health and his heart, how smoking could keep him from seeing his children thrive and be happy, and did he want to miss that ? No. Certainly Not. But he was old, and it was pretty difficult to explain to her, how, despite her best efforts, he could very well be found dead in his bed tomorrow, for no other reason than that it was the time. So, he certainly wasnโt going to miss out on his last opportunity to enjoy a good whiskey or a cigar.
He was too old for that.
But, he didnโt want to hurt her. Not when she spent way too many nights making sure he was going to bed properly and taking care of his way too big of a house. Did he feel ashamed about sneaking out at five in the morning when sleep eluded him ? Certainly. Very much so.
Couldnโt quite shake the irony when they had both found each other uncovered and guilty as charged. Him on his way to join Guildarts and the last partiers, and get some hard-earned liquor, and her getting out, dissheveled and sleepy, from a room whose number he knew to be Laxusโ.
Mavis, he didnโt have the nerve to call her on it when she stared at him. Pretty sure he never saw her as red or as flustered. She didnโt even try to articulate a word to him. Just stared, and he stared back at her, before walking past him without another glance. Just walked straight across him and down the corridor to her room.ย
She was savage.
โI just caught Mirajane getting out of Laxusโ room'' Was the only thing he could articulate when he found an empty seat beside the fourty-seven year old mage.
He didnโt quite know how to take the warm laugh he had gotten.
โAbout fucking time.โ The brown-haired said, trying to calm his laughter and finish his glass. He was drunk, anybody could have smelled the whiskey in his breath from a mile away.
The old man only smiled awkwardly, and finished his drink straight, to forget about the all too disturbing image.
They hadnโt talked about it. Not for weeks. The woman just pretended they had never seen each other. Even missed the opportunity to scold him about his drinking. Probably hoping he had been too tired (or, too drunk) to remember their encounter. But you didnโt spend fifty-three years running a tavern without developing a resistance to shake the gods. But he didnโt call her on it.
He observed her. Observed her manners. Looked for the slightest tell, the subtlest blush when the blond talked to her, the quickest touch between their fingers when they just stood too close. And they were good. Honestly, only someone in the know could catch it, but they werenโt invisible. He noticed the glance heโd send her before ordering a drink. He noticed the knowing smirk she had when she asked him about his job. Noticed the way he would drag time at the bar, before resigning and going up the stairs when someone else would require her attention.
And it killed him.
It killed him how they could just go along their day acting all innocent and probably laughed at him later, at all of them. About how everyone was so oblivious to it. Like it was their fault if they couldnโt assume a glance in public could mean many more things in private. He wanted to kill them. For playing with fire. For acting like spoiled entitled brats. For hiding things that they knew were bad.
He almost gagged on his drink the day he saw it. That day when she was just so drunk and he saw her grab his arm to rest on it. He even looked around to see if anyone else had seen it, but he was only met with bored eyes that didnโt have a clue about what just happened.
Maybe it wasnโt that important. Maybe everyone knew and he was the only one caring. Maybe he shouldnโt care about it and let them figure their own things out. Maybe it wasnโt that big of a deal.
But, it was to him. Maybe it was stupid and childish, but he was angry. He was angry at them for hiding such a thing from a person they were both close too. From the person that cared most about them, that knew them better than they knew themselves. Even if that person hadnโt been capable of guessing it for himself
Maybe he was mad at himself. Maybe he was sad he didnโt know them as much as he thought he did. Maybe he hated himself. For being so slow. For being so blind.
He wanted to confront her. He wanted to scold. Tell her how stupid she was being. Him too, but it was already so difficult getting time alone with him, he didnโt want to offer him an excuse to skip their rare meals together. He worked too hard for them.
But he never could. For the first two weeks because it was too awkward to bring up. For the weeks that followed because he wanted to see how much time they could go without addressing it. Maybe the boy wasnโt even aware about him knowing. Not if Mirajane had kept it from him.
But why would she ?
He almost choked on his beer the day he asked her out. Out of the blue. In front of everyone. He was pretty sure he heard the whole goddamn guild freeze when they heard. Pretty sure he heard a few ones falling from their chairs when she actually said yes. She tried to hide it of course, but she was red as a poppy, fidgeting as she tried to ignore the questions to go back to her everyday chores.
Maybe it was kind of cute.
โSo, you and Laxus, right ?โ He had finally asked just a few hours after that. Once they were alone in his office, trying to get through the pile of complaints hoping to touch the ceiling.
He could see her straighten a little, probably not expecting the direct question from him. After all, he kept silent for many weeks, so why now ?
โRight. โ She only responded, not lifting her eyes from the letter she was reading.
โHuh.โ He thought about giving up. But no. He wanted an answer and a resistant twenty-one year old certainly wasnโt going to stop him.
She only gave him a glance then. But that was all he needed.
โAnd how long exactly has this been going on between the two of you ?โ
โI donโt know what youโre talking about, master.โ She hummed.
โDonโt play with me, child.โ He wanted to scream but instead settled for firm. โIโm old, but Iโm not that old.โ
Still no glance, she was pretty motivated not to look at him, shrugged her shoulders and kept on working, pretending like the conversation wasnโt making her head burn.
So, he didnโt say anything next, only stared at her, very intensively, very much expecting a response. She kept on working as long as she could but there was just something about the master burning holes into her that became too difficult to bear.
She looked at him then, tried to take on her best teenage-like face about how unimportant it was, but he didnโt let her. He gave her the knowing eyebrows and she felt herself stiffen, feeling like a child whose parent remind that lying only makes the punishment worse.
She swallowed and turned back to the papers, trying to hide the disarray that spread through her core.
โA few monthsโ She maybe articulated with another shrug.
โA few months ?โ He sounded angrier.
โMore or less.โ She scribbled something on paper, probably a bill.
There were not many times when he wanted to unscrew her head from her body to see if she could be as unnerving, but that was definitely one of them.
โYou mean you donโt know ?โ He tried to control his tone, but he was fuming.
She sighed and lifted her deep blue eyes to uncomfortably stare at him, just for a second.
โI mean it doesnโt have to be that importantโ
โI seeโฆ โ He sighed trying to think of a mischievous remark to throw back but nothing came to mind. So he just drank his beer in silence.
A few months.
It was insane.
They didnโt talk about it again. Not for a long time.
โWhy donโt you try minding your own business, for once ?โ The blond also shot down every chance he took at warning him.
They both had that way of getting on edge every time he would try to put the subject back onto the table. Even if it was just to tell them that whatever was going on between them, he and the guild certainly didnโt want to hear anything about it.
So he ignored it. He waited. Waited for the day they would become ancient history and he could go back to normal with both of them.
He just hoped heโd still be alive by then.
โI donโt get whatโs bothering you.โ Bob said to him one day, when he was visiting on a business trip away. โYou love that girl.โ He put down his drink in exasperation. โIf you were seventy years younger, youโd marry her yourself.โ The Blue Pegasus master laughed.
Like that was a reason.
A few weeks later, he finally gave in. Just not to die stupid. Maybe he was never going to like it, but he could at least try to comprehend it.
Mirajane was just a little less inclined to answer his questions.
โWhat do you mean why ?โ She only asked back when he went forth and tried to inquire. A bit aggressive, as always when it came to the thunder mage.
โI do not wish to fight, child.โ He tried to diffuse the tension but she was already frowning to hell and becoming all agitated it took everything in him not to give up. โI am only curious.โ
โI didnโt see you becoming that curious when Gajil and Levy got together.โ
โSurely, you can see why that is different.โ
โI can assure you, I donโt.โ
There was a silence. A long one. One during which she shelved a few more papers before turning back to him to raise her eyebrows again. A bit insolent maybe. She had quite a spark, one that clashed with her usual demeanor, one that he didnโt see often. But he wasnโt going to let her have her way around him. He wasnโt that old. So he was just raised his much more impressive eyebrows back until she turned around back again.
โI really donโt get what you expect me to say.โ She was tidying the desk, glancing at him from time to time while he only stared and finished his cigar, ignoring her judgmental look.
โYou mean you canโt think of a single reason why you would want to date Laxus of all people ?โ
He saw her smirk, but only for a split second.
โI can think of many reasons, master.โ She sighed while gathering the glasses on her tray. โIโm just afraid they might be a bit too generic for what youโre looking for.โ
โGeneric ?โ
โThatโs the word, yes.โ She smiled, then. Like she was having him.
He paused, blowing out smoke. But still staring at her, so she knew she wasnโt dismissed.
โI donโt know.โ He sighed again, folding the paper of the day, just for countenance. โIโve seen you turn down quite a few people from the guild over the years.โ
โWell, maybe thatโs because heโs not twice my age, nor divorced, or married for that matter.โ She tried to giggle but his face looked just too serious for that, so she only grinned. โI like that in a man.โ
Sometimes he wondered why he even bothered.
So, he tried seeing it for himself.
โWhy donโt you stay for dinner instead ?โ He invited her once as she was preparing to leave while Laxus sat on the couch in front of him, eyes widened and everything, as usual, when the boy (rarely) gave in to his passive aggressive invitations and came over to eat alone with him.
He saw her hesitate, he even caught the glance she threw at the blond, seeming like she was checking by him, as he wasnโt ready for any possible reason to avoid being left alone with his old man. โI really doubt heโs going to mind.โ He tried adding.
โWellโฆโ She stammered, taking her shoes back off and grabbing a glass to join them on the couch, ignoring the victory glance he had when he understood he finally managed to take them by surprise. โI guess I can spare an evening.โ
He didnโt know what he expected, but he certainly was disappointed when they didnโt even try to exchange a few words through the whole night. Well, he was pretty sure they did in the kitchen, but never in front of him, let alone touch. No, not a finger, not a word to each other, only to him. He was less angry than amazed now. What kind of self-control could they possibly have ?ย
He tried talking to her sister then. After all, the girl was as close to her eldest as anyone could be, so she had to know something, right ?
โI donโt know, master, they never really hang out with me either.โ He was very disappointed with this one. โNot together, I mean.โ The white-haired girl tried to smile, but the old man looked too concerned to be taken lightly. โThey just donโt like having people around.โ
He sighed.
โFrom the lack of witnesses, Iโm beginning to doubt they even hang at all.โ He smoked while the eighteen year old giggled with amusement. โYou forgot one.โ He pointed at the glass left on the table.
โWell, I rather think it's a good sign, you know.โ
He was intrigued then, grinning slightly. โAnd why is that, child ?โ
โI donโt knowโฆโ She finished piling the glasses up on her tray before smiling brightly at him. โThe thing with my sister is that she never talks that much about the things she cares about.โ
โThatโs an interesting take.โ
โWell, not to me at least.โ She sighed too. โBut from what I heard, sheโs a lot more talkative with Erza these days.โ
He frowned at the thought. โ Erza, why ?โ
โI donโt know, maybe itโs the booze talking.โ She giggled again. โOr maybe, itโs because she doesnโt talk under torture.โ
He smiled at her as she exited the office. A bit more satisfied with her than with the others.
Erza, huh ?
Now, that was someone he could ask.
Or not.
From the red her head immediately got when he asked, heโd go for the latter.
โI really donโtโฆ I really donโt know what you want me to say, masterโฆโ She stammered so hard, way redder that heโd ever seen her before.
โDonโt give me that, Erza.โ He cut her, tried grinning to relax her. โFrom what Iโve heard, you know more than anyone in here.โ
She got even more flustered. If that was even possible.
โMaybeโฆโ She swallowed hard. โBut, Iโm notโฆโ She whispered then. โIโm not really supposed to talk about it.โ
He thought hard about making her. He certainly could. She would never hide something from him if he inquired, he knew that. He could order her to talk and she would shamefully confess the whole thing even if it meant betraying her friend. But he hesitated. After all, the guild peace and running greatly relied on the two womenโs good understanding, and force a feud between the two just seemed too stupid for that idiotic a reason.
โI do not wish to make you uncomfortable, child, but Iโm just looking forโฆโ
โPlease, donโt make me tell you, master.โ She cut him though, still red as a tomato and looking down. โI really canโt have Mira hating me again.โ
He nodded. Sometimesยฒ there was no helping it.
He thought he had gotten to the end of his ressources by then. Maybe he was never going to comprehend it. Maybe he didnโt have to. Some things maybe werenโt made to be understood. They never fought like he used to think they would. They never talked for that matter. He could go on about his day without even having to think about it. He even had to check by the girl, once in a while, just to make sure this was still happening.
Some guild members even forgot and tried to ask the white-haired out, but strangely only when the blond was away. The Thunder Legion didnโt like it though. He himself didnโt like it. Just because he didnโt approve of something didnโt mean guildmates could act this way towards each other. It was a matter of respect.
He did like that Laxus came by more often though. Not too often, he didnโt like exaggerating. But he slowly stopped turning him down for whatever reason he had found that night. He was calmer too, a little bit more relaxed and smily, but that could be very well him taking his dreams for reality. He didnโt know if she had something to do with that.
Maybe.
Maybe not.
But he did see him smile that day. When the guild was dark and packed. When the chatter was so loud he had trouble understanding Cana next to him. He saw them. Up onto the balcony where they thought no one was paying attention. He had trouble at first, catching the hand on her waist, or the bright mischievous grin she had during what seemed to be a passionate and witty conversation.
It seemed like they didnโt catch the ruckus around them. Or maybe they were just too used to it to pay any attention. He wondered what could be so interesting that they wouldnโt even think about looking around. And maybe he felt a bit sad. Sad that he didnโt know what could possibly be the topic at hand. Maybe he almost felt his heart sink that he might never know.
He almost hissed though at the way he had to keep her way too close to him, and let his hands wander a little bit too much. He almost wanted to turn around at the way he dragged her closer to casually lean in and capture her lips. It was swift, or maybe it was longer. He hadnโt gotten a good look, even staring the whole time. Strangely, he couldnโt tell.
But he could tell they were smiling.
And for that, maybe.
Maybe it wasnโt all that bad.
26 notes
ยท
View notes
This was requested on AO3 by butterflyzilla.
Now, to combine the two previous oneshots into one in which Erza and Mira get angry at the notion of Natsu having feelings for Lucy.ย
I hope you enjoy!
Lucy's Protective Girlfriends (Erza x Lucy x Mira ft. Natsu, Lisanna, and Gray)
Natsu and Lucy were very close. That was undeniably obvious. Lisanna had noticed when she returned from Edolas. She didn't mind, really, she didn't. She actually thought that it was great that Natsu had found someone who he cared about very much and was close to just as he was with her. She would often times watch the two best friends, noticing how they got along remarkably well and seemed to both know what the other was thinking. It was amazing, in her opinion, when Lucy was able to know that Natsu was hungry for a specific dish just by him saying that he was hungry, and it was similarly amazing when Natsu was able to know that Lucy was bothered by a case of writer's block just by watching her slump at the table with a heavy sigh.ย
Their friendship was something that nobody could deny was remarkable, making them incredibly close.ย
So, Lisanna doesn't think that she could really be blamed when she quickly started thinking that Natsu and Lucy were a couple, or that they had feelings for each other, at least. She had initially thought that they were a couple, but was informed of that not being the case when she was talking to Cana over some alcohol.ย
She sipped on her glass and asked, "hey, Cana, I have a question."ย
Cana downed a mug before she looked over and lifted an eyebrow, prompting her, "yeah? I'm sure you have a lot of questions since you've been gone for a few years. What is it?"ย
Lisanna smiled at her and asked, "are Natsu and Lucy dating?"ย
Cana sat her next mug down on the bar and turned to the white-haired woman next to her, questioning with a raised eyebrow, "why? Are you jealous or something?"ย
Lisanna was quick to correct her, exclaiming as she shook her hands in front of her body, "no, no! Not at all!" She dropped her hands and continued, calmer this time, "I was just curious. Their really close, so I thought that they might be dating, but neither of them has told me."ย
Cana chuckled and shook her head, "no, they aren't together. I'm pretty sure they're into each other, though."ย
This got Lisanna's attention. "Really?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
Cana raised her mug to her lips, responding, "I'm pretty sure. Don't really know."ย
Lisanna turned around to look at Natsu, who was sitting alone at a table, eating a mountain of meat. She muttered a word of thanks to Cana before she hopped off of the stool she was sitting on and strolled over to the dragon slayer. When she sat down across from him, Natsu grinned at her and muttered around a mouthful of meat, "hey, Lisanna!" He gulped down the mouthful and asked, "what's up?"ย
Lisanna smiled back at him and answered, "I was wondering something." Natsu hummed for her to go on as he turned his attention back to his food. The take-over mage inquired, "how do you feel about Lucy?"ย
Suddenly, Natsu dropped his food and stared at her with widened eyes, his face paling considerably. It confused her. Why did the usually fearless dragon slayer look as though he had just been faced with the most terrifying thing he'd ever witnessed? His eyes flicked toward the bar, but Lisanna didn't pay much mind to it. Instead, she questioned, "well, what are your feelings toward Lucy?"ย
Natsu gulped down the mouthful that was in his mouth before he answered, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple, "um...Luce and I are, uh, friends." He smiled at her nervously, as if he was being held at gunpoint and being forced to say that.ย
Lisanna then spoke, slight confusion in her voice, "I asked what your feelings were for her. Why don't you ask her out? I've noticed that you and she are very close. I'm sure that she would love to date you."ย
With that, Natsu gave a yelp and ducked underneath the table. Lisanna remained sitting at the table, her confusion having increased greatly. She was about to look under the table to ask what he was doing, when she heard the sudden and loud of two spells activating, causing her to jump. She whipped around, only for her eyes to widen greatly and her mouth dropped open. She stared in shock at Mira and Erza, who were both at the bar.ย
Mira was in her Satan Soul: Halphas form and Erza was clad in her Heaven's Wheel Armor. They were also both visibly furious. Lisanna jumped away from the table she was sitting at when Mira and Erza launched themselves at the table. She watched with shock and confusion as the guildhall was destroyed while Natsu tried to get away from a pissed-off Mira and Erza, and the rest of the guild dove out of the way of attacks.ย
Lisanna's attention was brought away from the chaos when someone tapped her shoulder. She looked over to find Gray standing there, shirtless as usual. Confusingly, he seemed to be not at all bothered by what was going on, as if this happened every damn day. Gray asked her, "you suggested he ask out Lucy, didn't you?"ย
Lisanna nodded mutely, questioning, "what's going on?"ย
Gray sighed, "help me calm them down, then I'll explain it to you."ย
Lucy hummed as she walked back to the guild. She had gone on a solar job, wanting to get away from the chaos of Fairy Tail for a week. She was happy to be back, though. She was especially happy to be returning to her two loving girlfriends. Her humming and walking stopped when she came to the guild, finding that it was destroyed. She walked into the remains of the guildhall, seeing that her guildmates were working to clean up and fix it.ย
She spied a small group over at the surprisingly still intact bar and walked over, questioning with a stern tone, furrowed brow, and hands on her hips, "what the hell happened?"ย
She looked at each person in the small group, noting that Mira and Erza were glaring down at an injured and bandaged Natsu, who was cowering fearfully on a stool. Gray and Lisanna also stood there, the man was calm, while the woman was confused.ย
Mira answered, her voice chilling for everyone except for Lucy and Erza, "Erza and I heard Lisanna suggest that Natsu is interested in you."ย
Erza huffed, "we just wanted to make it clear to him that you will not be dating him."ย
Lucy sighed. She probably should have expected this. She then looked at Gray and Lisanna, instructing them, "Gray, Lisanna, you two help clean up the guild." She then glared at Mira and Erza, causing the two women to both gulp and pale as they stared at their girlfriend with fear, and continued, "I'll take Natsu to my apartment to rest, and then, I'll punish you two for destroying the guild."
Gray nodded and dragged a still confused Lisanna. As Lucy began setting about doing what she said she was going to do, she heard Lisanna ask Gray what had happened. She walked out of the guild with Natsu, Erza, and Mira as Gray sighed and started explaining everything to the youngest Strauss sibling.ย
11 notes
ยท
View notes
What are your shops for Erza and Mira?
I assume you mean "ships"!
I like mira x laxus mostly, and then of course erza x jellal.
altho i dont draw or look into either pair much since NaLu is really the only ship i genuinely connect with. But im still a supporter of the big main pairs!
9 notes
ยท
View notes
I read a story about erza x mirajane x minerva and it changed my ship dynamics forever.
13 notes
ยท
View notes
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Fairy Tail
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Erza Scarlet/Mirajane Strauss
Characters: Erza Scarlet, Mirajane Strauss, Original Characters
Additional Tags: Lesbian Erza Scarlet, Lesbian Mirajane Strauss, ftrbb2022, Ghosts, Haunted House, Canon-Typical Violence, Ghost Hunting, Erza blushes a lot, Mira likes to tease, Friends to Lovers, First Kiss, Girls Kissing, Lesbian Character, Adventure, on a job, wlw, Lesbians
Summary:
Mira asks Erza to go on an important job with her. Neither woman knows just how important this job will be, in more ways than one.
"But learn that to die is a debt we must all pay." Euripides
____________________________________________________________
Hey everyone! Here is my first piece for @ftguildevents Reverse Big Bang! I hope you enjoy my story based off this lovely, fun artwork by @dykemirajane :) I want to thank her for being such an awesome team mate and human! Major thanks to the mods running the event, this was a lot of fun!
I hope you have as much fun reading this one as I did writing it!
9 notes
ยท
View notes
Haha Erza and Mira
0 notes
tell me you loved me from the start
ship: natsu dragneel x lucy heartfilia
summary: There's nothing that can get between a friendship as strong as Natsu and Lucy'sโor at least, that's what they'd like to think. Sometimes feelings are a little too complicated for it to be smooth sailing when you're feeling them towards your best friend. Lucy finds that one out the hard way.
ao3
Lucy had always been good at keeping secrets. Many a friend or guildmate had confided in her before, and as such, she had gained plenty of dirt that she was sure the guildโs gossips would kill for, by virtue of being able to keep her mouth shut. She was, for the most part, an open book. There were a few things she felt the need to keep close to her chest, which would have been difficult to achieve in the first place considering just how nosy her best friend was.
Given their frequent close proximity, Lucy couldnโt keep a secret from Natsu, even if she wanted to. He knew everything about her, and she, in turn, knew everything about him. She trusted him, so there was no reason to keep secrets. They both spoke candidly to each other about their lives and their feelings, each seeing no reason to keep things from the other.
For the most part, anyway.
It was just one, teensy, tiny little secret, something she was sure would go away at first. She had expected it to pass quickly; what she had not expected was for her little, baby crush on him to spiral out of control into a full-blown yearning for her partner that consumed her entire being to the point where he was always on her mind at any given time.
Part of her felt guilty for keeping it from him, though the other reasoned that she was sure Natsu felt similarly on some things. Romance was never the type of thing they spoke about; he didnโt ask and she didnโt tell, but that was before her thoughts of romance involved him.
A brief period of contemplation had passed in which she thought about letting him know, but the realistic part of her brain reminded her of the irreparable damage that could be done to their relationship. She liked what they had too much to throw it away over anything. Instead, she resigned herself to the fact that Natsu would never know.
It wasnโt the most well-kept secret: Levy knew about it, as did Erza, Mira, and Wendy; even Gray had been in on it too, but Natsu still remained none the wiser. It was nice being able to confide in others when she couldnโt with Natsu, but it felt wrong to keep secrets from him.
It had been about a year or so since her feelings had become too big to contain, and she had let it slip to Levy, and somehow it had become an open secret to everyone but Natsu. Perhaps it was out of pity, for fear of watching their sweet angel Lucy be rejected by a dense and romance-averse Natsu, but whatever the reason, everyone was sure to keep tight-lipped around him.
Thatโs what made it all the worse when it was Lucy who accidentally managed to let part of the secret slip.
Lucy rested her chin in the heel of her hands, her elbows balanced on the table below her where she sat in defeat, her gaze not even focused on Levy before her as she expressed her woes.
"I just wish heโd look at me, you know?" She sighed, resisting the urge to flop down onto the table in defeat. "I want him to say Iโm pretty, or something, but itโs like he doesnโt even see me as a woman."
"Who doesnโt see you as a woman?" Came the voice of the man in question as he slid into the seat next to her, and Lucy immediately froze.
"Oooooooooohhh~ Lucyโs got boy problems," Happy chimed in with his sing-song teasing.
The two of them had been out on a solo job for a few days and hadnโt been expected back until tomorrow. Had she known there was a possibility that they would come to the guild hall today, Lucy would have kept her stupid mouth shut. Now, all she could do was gape like a goddamned moron as she sat paralysed in fear that she had just let it slip.
"Soooooo~ Whoโs the lucky fella?" Happy sang, clearly trying to worm his way into information that could be used against her down the line.
"Yeah, I wanna know too," Natsu added, his tone and gaze much more serious than Happyโs.
Lucy looked over to Levy in a plea for help, but it seemed as though she had slunk away in the moments since Natsuโs arrival, leaving her to deal with this one on her own.
"How was the job? Did you do any cool stuff? Eat any good food?" She asked in a desperate hope of diverting the conversation.
"The job was fine, I kicked some ass and Happy ate so much fish afterwards that he passed out," Natsu replied in quick succession, seeing right through her. "Who is this guy youโve got a crush on?"
"Crush? Who said anything about a crush?" She sputtered, trying to maintain her composure.
It wasnโt technically a lie. What she had going on was far beyond a crush.
"You did, just now," he said bluntly. "You said you wish heโd call you pretty. You only say that mushy stuff about guys you wanna date."
Lucy paused for a moment, surprised by how adamant he was about this. Sheโd assumed that getting him to talk about his job, all the cool things he did, all the bad guys heโd fought, and all the food heโd eaten along the way would be enough to divert his attention, but he was stuck on the one thing she did not want to talk about with him.
"Come on, I promise I wonโt tell anyone," he whined through her silence.
Thatโs ironic , she thought to herself.
"No," was all she managed to get out without incriminating herself.
"Why not?"
"Because I donโt want to."
"What if I say please?"
"The answer is still no."
"Pretty please?"
The two of them continued to run in circles, neither willing to be the first to break, but knowing just how stubborn Natsu could be, Lucy was beginning ware down, only, not in the way he might have hoped.
"Iโm not going to tell you, Natsu, so just drop it, okay?" She finally said, unwilling to let this go on any longer than it needed to.
"Why not?" He repeated.
"Can we not do this?" Lucy sighed. "Please?"
"Why?"
He sounded like a broken record at this point, and figuring that she was not going to win their little game, Lucy simply didnโt reply. Natsu, on the other hand, was not satisfied with this response.
"Tell me," he said.
Lucy stood her ground.
"Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me," he began to repeat, over and over again, until the words began to blur together and Lucy simply could not take it anymore.
Grabbing her bag and throwing it over her shoulder, Lucy stood up to take her leave.
"Iโm going home," she declared. "Go bother someone else."
She half-expected him to follow behind and continue his nagging, but it seemed her foul mood had done enough to have her off the hook for now.
By the time her rent was due once more and it was time for them to take on a new job, Lucy had hoped that Natsu had dropped the subject. She had hoped that in the time between when she last saw him and now, he had found a new subject to fixate on. That was decidedly not the case.
Suddenly, she regretted agreeing to walk the scenic route.
"Have you changed your mind yet?"
"No, Natsu, I have not changed my mind," Lucy sighed, arms folded across her chest as they walked. "Iโm not going to tell you."
"Come oooonnnnnn," Natsu drawled. "If you tell me, Iโll be your best friend."
Lucy quirked an eyebrow.
"I already am your best friend."
"Nuh-uh," he refuted. "Happyโs my best friend."
"Aye!" Happy butted in, much to Lucyโs chagrin.
"But if you tell us who you like, Iโll let you be my new best friend."
"Hey!" Happy added, clearly not pleased to have the position of Natsuโs best friend being used as a bargaining chip.
Lucy looked over at him to ensure he saw just how unimpressed she looked with his deal.
"Youโre not very good at this whole bribery thing, are you?"
Deflating at her reply, Natsuโs shoulders slumped forward and he stuck his lips out in a pout, apparently having thought that worming his way into Lucyโs secret would be much easier than it actually was.
"Please?" He tried rather pathetically this time.
"Still no."
"Will you tell me?" Happy chimed in.
"Absolutely not."
"What if I promise not to tell Natsu?"
"Wh- Hey! Thatโs no fair!" Natsu cried out.
"Thatโs a lie, and you know it," Lucy said.
Happy responded with a sheepish look that told her that she was right on the money. That damn cat would backstab her for the promise of fish any day.
"What if I annoy you into telling us?" Natsu suggested, and Lucy grimaced at the idea.
Being annoying was certainly high on the list of things that those two were good at, and anyone not as strong as her may have caved right at that moment, but Lucy remained strong.
"Tell us! Tell us! Tell us!" Happy began to chant, with the background vocals of Natsuโs "pleaaaassssssseeeeeee," ringing in the back.
Pressing her hands over her ears in some attempt to block the noise out, Lucy had never regretted not taking the train more than now.
The thud of Natsuโs pack hitting the floor was louder than usual as he let out his frustration on the poor thing. Though he had been all smiles just before, Happy was quick to notice the way his mood had soured into an almost sombre state the moment Lucy was no longer around, and he thought he had an inkling as to why.
"Are you sad because Lucy wonโt tell you who she likes?"
"No," Natsu shrugged, brows furrowed as if he were deep in the dregs of thoughtโsomething Happy rarely saw on his face. "Maybe, I guess."
Natsu let out a hefty sigh, though the expression on his face remained inscrutable, even to Happy.
"I just-" He stopped, his brain unable to keep up with the words he was saying. "You know."
He didnโt have to elaborate. He did know.
Though Natsu was never really one to talk about his feelings too much, heโd confided in Happy on many occasions about his little Lucy problem. Though some liked to think of him as dumb, dense, and unaware, Happy knew better than that. He knew that Natsu had his complicated feelings and emotions just like anyone else; he just kept them closer to his chest and played things off like they didnโt affect him at all. In quiet moments like this, however, Happy caught a glimpse into what was really going on in that brain of his.
"Why are you doing this if itโs just going to hurt your feelings knowing that she likes someone else?" Happy asked, trying his best to be empathetic to his situation.
Natsu was quiet for a moment as he mulled the question over in his mind. Happy knew there wasnโt really an answerโnot a rational one, anyway. Anything beyond admitting that this was just some unusual form of self-inflicted pain would be nothing short of a blatant lie.
"โCause I need to make sure theyโre good enough for her," is what he settled on.
It sounded reasonable enough. If Happy didnโt know better, he might have almost believed him.
Almost.
"I canโt let Lucy date some loser who doesnโt call her pretty," Natsu huffed. "What kinda best friend would I be if I did that?"
Happy didnโt reply, instead letting him try to justify himself, though perhaps more to convince himself than Happy. He didnโt feel the need to probe furtherโheโd simply deny any accusations he made because Natsu was stubborn like that. If he wanted to figure out his Lucy troubles, heโd simply have to do it in his own time.
When Natsu hadnโt brought it up again the next time they were together, Lucy had thought she was safe. Little did she know, he had simply lulled her into a false sense of security that remained throughout lunch and all the way back to her apartment.
That was until the moment her apartment door clicked shut, and as if treating her secret as a reward for him to receive for not bringing it up all day, Natsu asked, "are you going to tell me who you like now?"
Lucy crossed her arms and let out a huff. He sounded like a damn high schooler, pestering her over some stupid crush, unable or unwilling to let it go. She didnโt even know why he cared so much, but she was certain that she cared more about keeping her secret than he did about knowing it, so instead of responding, she just shot him back a deeply unimpressed look.
Her lack of response did not deter Natsu, who, in the time between first bugging her about it and now, had come up with a new strategy.
"Is it Gray?" He asked, narrowing his eyes. "โCause heโs not good enough for you. You could do better than him."
"Itโs not Gray," she dryly replied.
"Laxus?" He probed.
"No."
"Elfman? Gajeel?"
"No."
"Is it Bixlow?"
Realising he wasnโt going to stop any time soon, Lucy just gave him a blank stare, but he remained undeterred. He continued to list people until she was certain that he had named every single man in the guild, no matter how appropriate.
"Are you done?" She asked, fingertips pressing into her temples, thoroughly over whatever little game Natsu was playing.
The only solace she got from this situation was Happyโs silence. He had been quiet from the moment Natsu started nagging herโalmost suspiciously so. Any other time, the cat might have jumped at the chance to annoy her until smoke was pouring out of her ears, but he hadnโt said a word. Supposing she shouldnโt look a gift horse in the mouth, Lucy was willing to take whatever small victories she could get in the wake of Natsuโs inability to just leave her alone.
"Was it any of those guys?" He asked.
"No."
"So heโs not part of the guild?"
Lucy stayed silent at his question. If Natsu was going to run around in circles, she would let him, but she wasnโt about to lie to his face. She was simply ready to wait until he would tire himself out and get bored of her lacklustre answers, but it seemed he didnโt have plans to stop any time soon.
"Is he from another guild? Sabretooth? Is it Sting? Rouge?"
With a groan, Lucy flopped down onto her bed, which Natsu seemed to take as a no.
"Itโs not Jellal, is it?"
"No, Iโm not interested in being shanked by Erza," she replied in earnest.
"Yeah, thatโs probably for the best," he mused.
After a moment of quiet contemplation, Natsu spoke up again.
"Was it that guy from the library?"
"Why?" Lucy finally responded, thoroughly sick of this game.
"Why what?"
"Why do you want to know?" She asked, irritation seeping into her voice.
"โCause Iโm your friend, and friends tell each other stuff like this," he justified.
Lucy scoffed at his almost humorous answer.
Yes, of course they were friendsโthey were best friends, but this, whatever it was, was not something they did. They didnโt talk about crushes or romance because Natsu never showed any interest in it until now.
But even if she wanted to, she couldnโt, because telling Natsu that every time she read a romance novel, she imagined the love interest as him, would completely and irrevocably ruin their relationship. Lucy liked what they had too much to change that, no matter how much her heart ached knowing that what she wanted with him was always just a little far out of her grasp.
"Iโm not to tell you, okay?" She huffed.
"Why not?" Natsu hit back, seemingly growing frustrated at this trivial impasse that they had found themselves at.
"Because I donโt want to."
"But Iโm your friend."
"I know youโre my friend, but I donโt-" Lucy paused to let her mind catch up with her mouth before she said something she might regret.
She didnโt want to argue with Natsu. She knew that he didnโt want to argue with her either, but it just seemed like this was something that they wouldnโt be able to compromise on.
"Look," she sighed. "Iโm not going to tell you, so you can either make peace with that or you can leave."
Her remark was met with an almost astonished silence. Perhaps he hadnโt expected her to put her foot down like that. Maybe he had just assumed that she would eventually cave to his pleas. Whatever it was that was going through his head, Lucy couldnโt exactly see it on his face, so they simply sat in silence as she awaited his reply.
It didnโt come the way she had hoped.
Instead, he turned on his heel and headed for the door.
"Come on, Happy."
All Lucy could do was stare and gape as he left without another word, Happy shooting her an apologetic look before following his friend out the door.
She knew she had given him an ultimatum, but she didnโt think that was the option he was going to choose. It all felt so childish to her, leaving over a silly little crush. That had always been her fear, but she had never thought it would happen before she got the nerve to tell him.
It had her heart aching in her chest and tears pricking in the corner of her eyes, and all she could do was let her pillow soak up her sorrows.
The silence on the way home from Lucyโs apartment was uncomfortable. Happy could practically hear the way that Natsu seethed and sulked as they walked the ever-familiar path back to the cottage in the woods. Happy never really minded the silence between them, but this time was different. This time, Natsu was hurting, and Happy didnโt have the words to make it better.
"I donโt get it," Natsu said, finally breaking the silence. "Why wonโt she tell me? Is it someone we donโt know? I named everyone."
Perhaps the worst part of this was watching this all fly over Natsuโs head.
Thereโd always been an inkling in the back of Happyโs mind about the way Lucy felt. Heโd always wondered if Lucy saw Natsu as a little bit more than a friend, but over time he had simply put that down to Lucy being weird. Now, though, after Natsuโs interrogation and Lucyโs little scene, the pieces were beginning to fall into place.
Happy knew better than anyone that Natsu was not dumb. A little dense, maybe, sure, but never stupid, so the fact that he couldnโt see what was happening right in front of him had Happy scratching his head.
"Well, you didnโt name everyone," he curtly replied.
Natsu was quiet again for a moment, contemplative, before he spoke up again.
"You think itโs Alzack?" He asked, evident confusion tainting his voice, so genuine that Happy wanted to throttle him right then and there. "โCause I donโt think Lucy would stoop that low."
"I donโt think itโs Alzack," Happy shot back, trying to keep a straight face.
For as much prank potential as there was in spilling Lucyโs blatantly obvious secret, it also had the potential of her never speaking to either of them again out of sheer anger and mortification. So in the name of maintaining their friendship, Happy kept his mouth shut.
"Who do you think it is?" Natsu said, glancing in Happyโs direction.
Happy looked at him for a moment before responding. There was genuine intrigue in his friendsโ eyes, perhaps a hint of desperation. Happy had to break their eye contact and look forward to the path before them before guilt started to eat him whole.
"I donโt know," he lied, earning a defeated sigh from Natsu beside him.
It certainly didnโt feel good lying to his best friend like that, but even Happy knew it wasnโt his place to meddle in their relationship. At best, it was disingenuous; at worst, he was wrong and getting his hopes up for nothing. He simply had to have faith that Natsu would put things together himself. If he was going to continue to sulk the way he was, Happy could only hope that he figured things out quickly.
When Natsu had stormed out of her apartment without a word, Lucy had hoped that he simply needed some time to himself. He could be a temperamental sort of guy, but sometimes all he needed was a little bit of time to blow off some steam before he was back to his usual self.
Unfortunately, this time, it seemed he needed a little more than that.
It had been a week.
A whole week since she had seen Natsu, much less spoken to him. It didnโt take a genius to figure out that he had been deliberately avoiding her, and that fact was beginning to piss her off.
The last thing Lucy had wanted was for her feelings for Natsu to cause a rift in their relationship, but it seemed as though she had no choice in the matter. Either she told him and things would grow weird between them, or she kept her secret and he would continue to resent her.
Damned if she did, damned if she didnโt.
In the week since he had walked out on her, Lucy had done a lot of thinking between all the tears.
Would it really be that bad if he knew? Surely their friendship was strong enough to withstand the fallout from it. Though, the longer Natsu avoided her over it, the more uncertain she became.
But maybe he deserved to know. Maybe it wasnโt right to keep a secret so heavily involving him. Maybe he would understand, and if they just talked about it, they would come to an understanding and maintain the easy friendship they had.
Maybe she should have thought more about what exactly it was that she wanted to say to him before she had come all the way out to his little cottage in the woods.
She hadnโt really thought about why she was coming out here or what she wanted to say. There was an equal chance that she was going to chew him out or that she was going to burst into tears the moment she saw him. She was so angry at him for letting this get in the way of their friendship, but more than that, she missed him. She missed hearing his laughter from across the guild hall, she missed taking jobs with him. She missed his teasing, his warmth, his comfort. She missed the way heโd crawl into her sheets at night and pretend to be asleep, so she couldnโt kick him out, not knowing that these days sheโd never make him leave. Just thinking about it was enough to make the tears almost breach, but as she bit down on her lip, she maintained her composure and rapped her fist against the front door.
Every semblance of composure left her once the door opened and she caught a glimpse of Natsu on the other side, looking at her like a deer in headlights, as if her mere presence had struck the fear of god into his heart.
In that moment, she was overwhelmed with so many emotionsโrelief, joy, sadness, absolute seething fury.
It seemed that last one was the one that took over when Lucy finally opened her mouth.
"What the hell is wrong with you!"
Part of her was expecting Natsu to slam the door in her face, but all he could do was stand there and gape as she yelled at him.
"You are so stupid! You storm out on me, and then you not only donโt speak to me, but you donโt even show your face at the guild? You dumb, stupid idiot!"
Her expression didnโt match her harsh words as her lip began to quiver, all the emotions of the past week coming crashing down on her as she spoke.
"You idiot, you donโt knowโhicโyou donโt even know how lonely Iโve beenโฆ"
With that, the dam burst, and she was in full tears, sobbing and wailing. She tried to step towards him but stumbled slightly, with Natsu catching her before she could fall. Feeling his touch once more only served to make her cry harder as she recalled how much she had missed it in their time apart.
With no words to make her feel better, Natsu simply wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she cried.
"Please donโt cryโฆ" He mumbled, resting his forehead on the crown of her head.
"I donโt understand!" Lucy wailed. "Why does- Why does who I like matter so much that youโre willing to hurt me over it?"
Natsuโs jaw clenched, and she could feel his grip on her tighten, as though her words had caused him physical pain.
"I donโt- Thatโs not what I-" He barely managed to stutter out, clearly struggling to find the words. "Lucyโฆ"
Though her grief-stricken wails had subsided, Lucy continued to sob, gasping for breath between them as Natsu struggled for an answer. When the words didnโt seem to come to him, there was only one thing he could think to say.
"Iโm sorryโฆ"
Lucy could hear the remorse dripping from every syllable. Natsu rarely apologised, even rarer did he mean it. This time, he did.
He wasnโt apologising because he was made to; he wasnโt apologising because he felt he had to. He was genuinely remorseful for making her feel this way.
"I still donโt understand," Lucy murmured. "Why? I mean- I donโt- Itโs so stupidโฆ" She paused to suck in a breath and gather her thoughts. "You completely avoid me because I wonโt tell you who I like? Why do you care so much?"
"I- I just-"
Natsu sputtered out the words, clearly unable to form a coherent answer to the question, almost as if he didnโt know himself.
Lucy looked up at him with glassy, pleading eyes. For the first time since she had shown up, she got a good look at him, too blinded by anger and tears to have caught a glimpse prior. He looked so terribly lost and guilty, his brain seemingly barely able to comprehend the speed in which this had all happened. She couldnโt quite find it in herself to blame him.
She had shown up out of the blue, chewed him out before bursting into tears in his arms. It certainly was not her finest moment, but keeping up appearances was the last thing on her mind. Natsu was her friendโher best friend. Not having him by her side was like some cruel, twisted torture, a reminder of days long past that she had hoped she would never have to relive. She never wanted to not be with him if she could at all help it, and if weeping in his arms was the best way to get that across, then so be it.
"I donโt want you to like someโฆ stupid guy whoโs gonna hurt you because he doesnโt think youโre pretty," he said, cobbling his words together with uncertainty as he spoke.
"Youโre already hurting me!" Lucy blurted out, not taking a moment to think about what she was saying.
She hardly even registered what she had said until he was looking down at her in some gut-wrenching combination of horror and confusion. It was like her words hadnโt quite set in, but he got the gist of where she was coming from. It was like he knew how she felt but wasnโt sure how to feel about it himself, and the idea of that made her swallow thickly to push down the bile that threatened to rise.
He looked at her slack-jawed before he managed to sputter out, "me?"
With no backing out of this one, Lucy decided the only way she was getting out was through.
"Yes, you, stupid! Are you blind?"
Her insulting words didnโt seem to hit him as he simply stood, lost in his own thoughts for a moment before he finally spoke up again.
"Why didnโt you tell me?"
"Becauseโฆ I like the way things are between us," she breathed. "I donโt want to change that because I like you. It would justโฆ make things weird, and I donโt want to lose what we have."
Natsu furrowed his brows slightly.
"Why would it be weird?" He asked, his voice low and soft, but she wasnโt certain he meant it to be. "I donโt think thatโs weird."
"It is! Itโs always weird when someone likes someone else, but they donโt feel the same, and itโs just-"
"Who said I didnโt like you?" Natsu interrupted.
"I-"
Lucy stuttered around an answer, not truly knowing what to say. No one had said that. Sheโd simply assumed that there was no possible way that her feelings would be reciprocated because it was Natsu. Natsu, who had never shown romantic interest in anyone, let alone her. It was just an informed assumption based on years of friendship that she thought was just thatโfriendship. She had never considered the idea that he might feel the same way, and now it felt like everything she knew about him had been flipped on its head.
"I just didnโt think that you-"
Her breath hitched in the middle of her sentence as her mind began to race with the possibility of being loved back.
"Whyโd you never ask me?"
Because I didnโt want you to reject me. Because I couldnโt handle seeing your face as you tried to let me down easy. Because I knew that if I did, things would never be the same between us again.
There were so many answers to his question running through her head that she just couldnโt seem to figure out which one she wanted to hear.
"Because I wasnโt sure I was ready for the answer."
Natsu was quiet for a moment in response, and Lucy felt her heart sink to her stomach. He still hadnโt given her a real answer. For all she knew, she was simply getting her hopes up only to watch her friendship with Natsu come crumbling down.
In a small, dwindling moment of courage, Lucy squeaked out a soft, "do you?"
"Yeah," he breathed. "I do."
His words were a little shaky, but he said them with such conviction that Lucy couldn't do anything but believe them.
"And for the record, I think you're really pretty."
Those were the words that she had been waiting for him to say for all too long. She had dreamed of hearing it from him for longer than she could recall.
Suddenly, everything started to fall into place.
"Is thatโฆ Is that why youโve been avoiding me all week?" She asked. "Because you were jealous?"
Well, it sounds bad when you put it that wayโฆ" He murmured.
"It sounds bad no matter what way you put it!" Lucy exclaimed.
So much of the pain and despair she had been feeling could have been foregone if he had just told her how he felt. She had never felt such joy and such frustration at the very same time, because, god, he felt the same way about her, but he had put her through such heartache over a little secret that it made her want to scream.
"I donโt know if I should be mad or if I should kiss you senseless."
She knew she couldnโt be mad, even if she tried. He was protecting his heart the same way she was protecting hersโshe could never hold that against him. Sheโd be a hypocrite to pretend she was any better.
"Can you do the second one?" Natsu asked, drawing her back into the moment and away from her thoughtsโand who was she to deny him?
With no reply, Lucy placed her hands on his shoulders and pressed her lips against his, sending them stumbling back into his home. He caught her by the hips, hands gripping tight, and Lucy hoped that he wouldnโt be letting go any time soon.
224 notes
ยท
View notes
Gave him her heart
Ship: Natsu Dragneel x Lucy Heartfilia
Summary: Lucy worries about what to get Natsu for his birthday, not knowing how ridiculously easy it actually is.
Day 5 of Nalu Week 2023 - prompt: gifts
Ao3
***
Natsu was a good man. He was wild, fun, crazy, but most of all: good. Lucy was very aware of this and knew that such a good man truly deserved the best. So, naturally she felt slightly panicked when she realised his birthday was coming up.
Lucy liked to believe that she was good at giving gifts. She was observant, both on the battlefield and off, so she knew what people looked a little extra at when they browsed shops or went by markets. Wendy turned to sweets, cute dresses or jewellery, something Lucy was relieved over when she noticed it โ Lucy was nothing if not good at picking clothes and accessories, and Wendy was transparent with her tastes (sweet = good, savoury = fine, if there was a good reason to why it was gifted, otherwise a little weird, and sour = danger zone. It could be risky, but citrusy tastes were appreciated in sweet desserts). Erza was also easy to please with gifts โ either go the sword and armour route, or go the girly route, possibly with some suggestive books. Gray appreciated nice soaps and clean dรฉcor for his house, and if she wanted to be funny with him she could always gift him underwear, seeing as it was the only clothing that stayed on for a while (though since him and Juvia got together it wasnโt really an option โ Juvia didnโt care too much about what Lucy gave him, underwear or not, but Lucy herself felt weird about it, so nowadays she kept to soaps). Carla liked tea and pretty dresses as well, but appreciated flowers and other handmade things, and Happy was never happier than on his birthday, when he practically could get buried in the number of fishes heโd be given.
Natsu, however? Lucy wasnโt too sure what she could give him. He liked loads of things โ food, fights, adventures, funny hats, board games: few things were off the table with that guy. If she gave him a bouquet of flowers heโd probably smile and say thanks (and maybe heโd try to eat them once he got home), if she gave him tea, heโd probably set the leaves on fire and accidentally get high or something โ she didnโt want to risk it either way. Heโd be thankful for any clothes she would give him, but would most likely only wear them when he really had to, or to sleep if they were comfortable enough. He really liked his special made ones, that managed to stay intact no matter how hot his fire was. He would definitely try to eat the soaps, and that wasnโt worth it in her opinion, and if she gave him a fish heโd very likely think she was either giving Happy a gift through him, or that she was confessing her undying love for him, since thatโs what it meant when Happy gave fishes as gifts to the opposite gender (of the same species, might be important to add).
Point is: giving Natsu gifts was hard when you knew him too well. She had even considered giving him jewellery that matched with the ones she had gotten from him recently, but it once again came down to him only wearing them as a chore, and her pride couldnโt really take that. She would have to put a pin in this challenge though, because she was expected at the guild to help cover a shift for Mira as she dealt with one of her requested missions.
As she entered the guild hall, she was relieved to see that it was rather empty. It had its perks, working at a bar in the middle of the day, and since she saw some of her closer mates, she knew she could take her chance to dig around and find out what others would be gifting him.
โHi Master,โ she greeted Makarov, still using the title he had tried to give over so many times already. Though technically he was still in charge, so Lucy thought it only appropriate to keep calling him master until he truly was off the position. โIโm covering for Mira this afternoon.โ
โI heard,โ he grumbled from his position in the wheelchair. โYouโve been behind the bar before, so you know the drill. In fact, could you bring me a plate of fried squid and a beer? Just put it on my tab.โ
Lucy took his order and sent a note into the kitchen per his request. Normally Mira would help out in the kitchen as well, but since Lucy had limited experience with cooking the meals they were serving, she was excused to just manage the drinks and easier snacks, like nuts and chips. As she waited for the staff in the kitchen to finish the order, she poured a glass of beer for Makarov. Half with light alcohol, half with none. He was currently cutting down on his alcohol intake, Porlyusicaโs demand, but to not make him fall back immediately from quitting cold turkey, they slowly made him drink lighter and lighter.
โSo, Natsuโs birthday is coming up,โ Lucy said, trying to cover it up as small talk, but realising it was obvious what she was trying to do.
โIโve heard.โ A smug grin graced Makarovโs face. The relations between the mages in his guild were always amusing, especially in the stage that Lucyโs and Natsuโs had been in the last couple of years.
โIโm a bit curiousโฆโ She gave him his order. โWhat do you think he wants? Youโve known him for longest.โ
โChild, Iโm too old to remember all my guild membersโ gift preferences, and Iโm definitely not rich enough to give away gifts like itโs nothing. For a long time now, Iโve allowed myself to forget who likes what.โ Lucy smiled, ready to brush the topic off and take another order across the hall, but he continued. โI do, however, know that you could give him a stick or a pebble you found on the sidewalk, and that boy would treasure it like itโs his most sacred, most valuable item in his possession. Do what feels right, Lucy.โ
She thanked him, but within she felt like she was back at square one. She knew he would be happy about getting any gift, but she didnโt want to give him just any gift. She wanted it to reflect how much she appreciated him and their friendship, and she wanted it to stick out. Maybe it could even suggest that she appreciated him more than a normal friend, but only if he started overthinking the gift (which she doubted he would do anyways). It was meant to be subtle, but not subtle enough for it to never be discovered by him. And if it needed to be discovered by him, whatever this little message it was she was trying to convey to him, then it would have to be flashing in neon lights above his bed when he woke up in the morning.
So, she spent a few hours continuing to ponder on what to do, as she was taking more and more orders as people kept dropping in. At around 6:30pm her true saviours arrived at the guild hall. Her team, plus a few other closer friends and minus Natsu and Happy, who were camping today and tomorrow, were back from one of their shorter missions, and they were probably starving for some dinner. Lucy was quick to come over and take their order, also grabbing her chance to question them about their thoughts on this conundrum.
โHi guys, did the mission go well?โ She greeted them, preparing her notepad.
โIt went great!โ Wendy beamed, and Lucy made a quick mental note to ask about the mission more in detail at a later date. She must have done a good job if she allowed herself to be this proud โ Lucy always thought she was too harsh on herself when they fought on missions.
โGray even kept his clothes on,โ Erza added, praising the man on her right.
They took a quick moment to chat, and as they finally decided on what to eat, Lucy seized her moment.
โSo,โ she started, already knowing she would never live down asking a question like this, considering that many of the people at the table were quite transparent on their opinions on Lucyโs and Natsuโs relationship, โNatsuโs birthday, huh?โ
The silence her sentence brought made her regret it immediately. She could already see how their brains were working on new ways to tease her for whatever she was going to say next, but she would have to swallow her pride once again. Itโs for a good cause, she kept telling herself.
โHave you gotten your presents yet?โ She chuckled awkwardly, hoping their answers would be enough to inspire her, so she could get their food and forget she ever brought it up in the first place.
โMhm.โ
โYep.โ
โI have too.โ
โAnd Iโm with Wendy on her gift,โ Carla added, still making it painfully obvious that nobody was elaborating their answers. They were making Lucy work for it; she just knew it. They loved grabbing their chances to make her say embarrassing things, and today was no exception.
โReallyโฆโ She forced out a laugh. โSo, what have you gotten him?โ She tried again to prompt anyone at the table to speak up, but they knew she would have to continue pressing, and that it would sound more and more desperate the less information they gave her, so after they all stayed silent for another minute, Lucy gave in.
โIโve just completely blanked out; I canโt even remember a single thing he likes! Please, help me! Give me some inspiration!โ
Erza exchanged a glance with Wendy before she answered.
โWell, he likes fire.โ
โAnd fighting.โ
โAnd ugly tourist shirts,โ Gray chimed in. Lucy groaned.
โI canโt exactly give him a clip card for sparring matches, and Iโve already considered a bonfire, but I wanted to have a get together later with all of us where we make a bonfire and drink hot chocolate and stuff.โ She spared Gray a short glance as well. โAnd he only wears his special made clothes, so I canโt give him a shirt to frame for 200 jewel.โ
โThen we canโt help you,โ Erza said, flipping her bangs as she always does when she lies. Lucy pouted.
โIโll get you your food, please help me afterwards?โ
โDeal.โ
After 30 minutes she finally had four hot plates balancing on her arms, ready to serve to her stubborn teammates. They were chatting along just fine now, so hopefully the would have forgotten their silent agreement to keep themselves clammed about their gifts. Lucy hurried to place out their food, hoping that they would notice her way of bribing them by giving them extra big portions.
โNow please...! What should I give him?โ Lucy sat down at the table. She wasnโt going anywhere until she got an answer she was pleased with.
Wendy gave her an apologetic smile.
โWellโฆ We can tell you what we think, but donโt you think heโd like it better if it truly came from you?โ Erza nodded along.
โIโm going to give him a sword thatโs enchanted with endless fire,โ she revealed. โBut you know, itโs not really a gift that screams โLucyโ.โ
โErzaโs right. Iโm giving him some scrap wood I found in the woods because I canโt really bother, but no gift we tell you to get will be as appreciated as the one you come up with,โ Gray said, taking a sip from his beer.
โAnd weโre getting him a small cupon at a restaurant,โ Wendy added.
Lucy sighed.
โI know it wonโt be the same, but my creative well has completely dried up. Nothing I think of feels like enough. If I get him something Iโd appreciate it would be like I donโt know him at all, and that doesnโt feel fair.โ She started to feel hopeless. She didnโt like how drained she got from worrying about this โ she loved Natsu! And she would love to properly show him how much she loved him, because he truly deserved that. Platonic or not.
โHey, you look like youโre giving up, thatโs not like you! Think of it like this, weโve all combined our own interests with Natsuโs interest: Erza with the sword, Wendy and Carla with the food, and me with the scrap wood that shows that I have zero interest in him. Why donโt you write something to him? It may not look like it, but I think he know how to read. At least simple words.โ Gray gave Lucy a half-hug from his seat in an attempt to comfort her.
โSoโฆ you think I should write him a letter? Would that be enough?โ She felt sceptical, but it could work.
โYou spitting on him would be enough,โ Carla snorted, almost offended by her obliviousness.
โCarla!โ Wendy burst out, not before Lucy raised an eyebrow in confusion. Her gut told her not to ask, and for once, she decided to actually follow that gut feeling.
โDo you really think a letter would be enough though?โ She asked.
โHow about you give him an experience? A friendly date of sorts,โ Carla suggested.
โAn experience?โ
โLike going to the movies, or to a restaurant, or maybe picknick or stargazing?โ It was Erza who spoke up this time, and Lucy thought she could see a sparkle in her eye. If she didnโt know better, she would almost think that Erza had been on dates like that herself.
โHmโฆ I guess youโre right. If he doesnโt like it, Iโll just have to ask him directly, I suppose.โ
Lucy stood up from her seat at the table and bid farewell to her friends, along with her thanks. A letter would have to do, and she had a gut feeling that told her that she would figure out a good topic to write about. She hurried to end her shift so she could get to her gift-making. A good idea rarely stayed for long in oneโs head.
When she finally sat at her desk, pen in her right hand and paper in front of her, she knew this was the right thing to do. What better way was there to tell Natsu how much she appreciated him, if not through words on paper? It was her speciality, after all. She had even lighted some candles to keep her company, since she knew she would sit there for a while. There was a lot of things she wanted to tell him and thank him for, and the letter would be the perfect way to convey these feelings. Right. Feelings. That could include her less platonic ones, and even if this was a great opportunity for that as well, she didnโt know if she was quite ready to go that far yet. In the meantime, she would just have to tell him she loved him in every way except the straightforward one.
Four hours and 16 pages later, she had her letter. It was ridiculously long, she knew that, and he probably wouldnโt be able to read it in one go, but her heart felt light. A letter was the perfect gift. She had even included multiple invites to โexperiencesโ she wanted to give him, and if he took as long to read it as she thought he would, then those experiences would be experienced with about one week in between them. Lucy gave the thick envelope a quick lick to seal it, and after that she couldnโt help but to give it a soft kiss. She had poured her heart out, and though it would be embarrassing for her to know that he would read such things, it also felt very right. It wasnโt a love letter, but in a way, it felt like it was. She had told him all the things she loved about him, all the moments she especially appreciated him being there, and how great her entire life was thanks to him. If read with the intent of reading a love letter, it could very well translate into one, and maybe, someday in the future, he could look back at it and see the hints she left him.
Lucy leaned back in her chair with a big yawn. It was well into midnight hours by now, and she really needed a refreshing shower. A thought went to how Natsu and Happy were having it right now, in a tent somewhere in the woods. Though she was happy to get to sleep in her soft bed, she was missing them. Tomorrow couldnโt come soon enough. To speed time up she hurried to the bathroom so she could get into bed as soon as possible โ her apartment wasnโt the same without those two.
Lucy cursed herself. Why, why, why had she written that letter? It was the most obvious love-confession anyone could ever read, how on earth had she not realised that when she read it through yesterday? She was dragging her feet behind her, because if the embarrassment wouldnโt kill her when he read it later, she would have to kill herself, and no one non-suicidal would ever look forward to something like that. So, her feet dragged. The letter felt heavy in her hands, and she knew that as soon as it would be opened, she would feel naked. Her gut was begging her to turn back, but her heart told her that celebrating Natsu today was more important than her pride. Him and Happy were coming back from their camping trip, and they promised her they would stop by the guild to say hi before heading home, and thatโs when they would be surprised with a small celebration. Nothing like other events, where people went completely wild, but a celebration big enough to show him some appreciation.
Checking the clock one last time, she made sure that she was there before they arrived. They woke up pretty late generally and their favourite camping spot was about an hour into the woods. 10am. Maybe they hadnโt even woken up yet, but Lucy didnโt want to risk it. She wanted to prepare and decorate the guild, and then she would grab something to eat, considering she hadnโt eaten any breakfast yet.
As she entered the guild, she was relieved to only see her team and a handful more people. They were chatting and blowing up balloons, and they had turned one of the tables into a gift-table. Lucy hurried to put her letter amongst the others, eager to get the gift out of her hands.
โGood morning, Lucy!โ Levy greeted her with a hug. โYouโre pretty late, did you stay up last night?โ Lucy chuckled lightly.
โYeah, I had something important to finish.โ She felt her teamโs eyes in her back โ they knew she had stayed up writing, and though Lucy knew she hadnโt written a love confession of any sort (other than platonic) she still managed to feel a blush creep onto her cheeks.
โSo, do you need help with the balloons?โ She offered, greeting the rest of the group.
โItโs fine, you go ahead and grab some breakfast instead,โ Mira smiled.
โHow did you know I havenโt eaten?โ Lucy sat down at a table.
โYou have a tendency to forget to eat when you have other things on your plate,โ Mira just answered, placing down a yoghurt bowl with homemade granola and fruits. Lucy could only smile sheepishly, slightly embarrassed how obviously nervous she was about this event. She was sure Erza had told her about her moment of weakness yesterday, so she reminded herself to try to keep herself under the radar. Sheโd just be here, sing a happy birthday song, eat a piece of cake and watch Natsu open his presents, then the day would be over and the whole Lucy-confesses-her-feelings-though-a-letter thing would be over! No unnecessary teasing from her friends, if all went well.
โIโm back!โ
The guild door shot open with a noise loud enough to give the untrained ear a heart attack. Lucy however had a trained ear, so she just turned her head and met Natsuโs happy gaze, her heart fluttering at the fact that his eyes immediately searched for her and no one else.
โHappy birthday!โ The guild cheered. Lucy stood up from her place at the table, not really knowing why until Natsu stood in front of her, just an armโs length away. If she reached, she would be able to bring him into a hug, and it truly itched in her arms to do exactly that.
โHey,โ Lucy smiled softly. โHappy birthday.โ Watching Natsuโs smile go from surprised and generally happy, to soft and caring made Lucy lose what little control she had, and she caved into her needs to hug him. As soon as she felt him hug her back, she knew that whatever the others thought about the content of her letter contained, as long as Natsu read it and took it to heart, all would be fine.
โThank you,โ he whispered, tightening the hug for a second before he went ahead and thanked the rest of his friends, never straying far from Lucy.
The birthday party was overall a quite big success, everyone had a great time, and Natsu, who not so secretly had been itching to open the presents, finally gave in and announced what he was planning to do.
โTime to open the presents!โ He cheered, almost jumping in place in excitement, clearly not representing the age he was turning (400-something years old) but making everyone smile regardless. Everyone except Lucy, whose heart flew up in her throat, suddenly getting the strongest urge to grab her letter before he got to it so she could throw it away or burn it. Not because she didnโt want him to read it โ she would just prefer it if he read it somewhere more private, where the burning eyes of her much beloved friends could read it and jump to conclusions. So, she hurried close to whisper her plan to Natsu โ despite him being the cause of these nerve-racking feelings, he was still her partner in crime, and she knew he would break his neck to achieve whatever she asked him to do. This time, what she asked him not to do.
โPsst!โ
Natsu shot a glance to Lucy, who was whispering just quietly enough that no one else would notice, unless they had dragon ears and paid attention to her. Lucy, who saw that he had heard her, hurried to shoot her shot.
โMy gift is the letter, I would kinda like it if you read it after the party instead? Itโs just โ itโs quite long and it wonโt be any fun if you sat down and read it here, you know?โ
The ball was in the air, and now she could at least sleep well knowing that no matter the outcome, she did try her best to steer the situation into best case scenario โ all to her means of course.
Natsu, the king of pranks and someone who was surprisingly good at sneaking around, despite his usual love for the โletโs just barge in and fight anyone who tries to stop usโ approach, still managed to keep up his gleeful demeanour as he had listened to Lucyโs request. He once again met her gaze and gave her a quick nod, ensuring that she had scored. The rest of the evening would manage to stay calm and uneventful. All thanks to their ways to keep down low. It was really convenient to have dragon hearing at times like these โ though usually she had that thought on missions, and not happy, meant to be uneventful celebrations and parties.
The birthday boy himself didnโt mind opening Lucyโs gift later. In fact, he was just happy he was getting something at all from her, considering how stressful most birthdays could be for her. Sure, she already knew what genre people liked, but getting down to picking the actual thing and managing prices was a hard task for Lucy to tackle without stress. So instead, he went ahead and opened the elongated, wrapped gift that said โHappy birthday, from Erzaโ on the card. He would make sure to ease Lucyโs mind today, considering how stressed she clearly had been the last couple of weeks.
Natsu couldnโt stop grinning. He truly had the best friends ever, and despite him not being a big birthday celebrator when it came to himself, it felt good to be appreciated. There had been good songs playing, yummy food to eat, and most importantly: good company. He especially loved the presents he had gotten, since they clearly were gifts that his friends had carefully thought through and taken into consideration before giving them โ yes, even Grayโs gift was appreciated, because though it seemed silly, he did sometimes need firewood after hard missions to speed up his recovery. Everything was dear to him, so when he finally got home with that thick letter in his hands, he couldnโt wait a second more to open it. This, you see, might be the dearest gift of all.
The softly written โTo: Natsu Dragneelโ on the front of the envelope made Natsuโs heart beat harder. He knew that the content in it probably wasnโt anything out of the ordinary stuff the two of them said to each other, but still. He liked that Lucy had put extra thought into whatever she had written. Or, at least he hoped she had, seeing as he didnโt actually know what the letter said yet.
Happy peaked over Natsuโs shoulder, closing the door behind the two.
โSo, what are you waiting for? Open it!โ Happy urged, eager to see what Lucy wanted to say to him, but clearly couldnโt since she had to write it down. In his opinion a speech would be quicker, knowing how slowly Natsu read.
Carefully Natsu parted the sealed wax from the paper, making sure not to tear anything. If he could make some space, heโd want to hang everything on his memory wall later, and in that case he didnโt want to ruin it.
Still standing just inside the door, Natsu began to read. The letter started out rather normal. She was writing the obligatory happy birthdays and saying hi to Happy, who she knew would read over Natsuโs shoulder despite it being a private message. That part piqued Natsuโs interest a little extra. What did she have to say to him that not only had to be written, but wasnโt meant for Happy to know? It sparked some hope in his heart that she possibly could feel something special about him โ special-er than what they already had. He continued down the page. She started reminiscing about the past, and about halfway through the second page, Happy gave up on Natsuโs slow reading and told him heโd simply read it after Natsu was done with it. Natsu took a seat as he joined Lucyโs trip down memory lane, enjoying the new information on how she saw him when they first met, during their first missions and more. He especially liked learning that despite his foul mood the first days together, she still had fond memories of him, like when he included her in his list of friends when they fought Macao (before they knew it was him, since he had turned into a Vulcan) and how the reason she didnโt refuse to get along with him after he had seemingly deceived her for a mission, was because he had managed to get a few lucky words in. Something like โbecause we thought you seemed niceโ had made her stick, and Natsu could only thank his past self for accidentally pressing the right buttons.
As he continued reading, he was struck by the wonderful realisation that he truly mattered to Lucy. Itโs not like he didnโt know that she enjoyed his company, but seeing in in black and white was completely different. It wasnโt just that she had written something along the lines of โI care about you, your existence matters to meโ (though that would have worked as well), but the fact that she could remember so many small details of what he had said and done, that she may as well have written a complete book with all those moments, and it would probably be at least 200 pages long. He knew she had been cutting down on what memories she brought up in the letter, because enough talks with one person made them show how much brain capacity they had, and Natsu knew that her brain capacity was way longer than a 16-page letter. This was her way of being concise. Yet she still managed to bring up moments he only vaguely remembered, sharing almost exact quotes of what was said and by who. Mostly the who was either Natsu or Lucy, but it was still impressive.
Natsu had never been interested in reading. It was a chore he had to go through to get the money he needed for food, had never been any more interesting than that. Except for two occasions: Lucyโs first published book, and this letter. Sure, he had been reading it for almost double as long as it probably took to write it, but that didnโt mean he wasnโt interested. This letter was so far the greatest thing he had ever received, which wasnโt an easy thing to manage.
At 4am had he gotten to the last line of the letter. His eyes were trying to force him to rest, but his mind fought it like never before. He had skipped dinner for this, and he was not planning to give up last minute, just to succumb to something so superficial, boring and unnecessary as sleep. No, he gathered up some extra will power and pulled though. โThough you probably understand this after reading this letter, I am simply eternally grateful for everything you are, and what youโve just read is the best I could do at describing my gratefulness in words. Thank you for all youโve done, and for being unapologetically you. No one else could make me as happy as you have, so once again: Happy birthday, Natsu Dragneel.โ She had signed it with her signature at the very bottom, ensuring that all he had just read was completely and wholly from Lucy. After reading the whole thing, he felt his legs itch. No, maybe it was his arms. Feet, hands? No, it was most definitely his soul that had started to climb inside his body. He wanted to go to her, and he wanted to see her. Preferably five minutes ago. He threw another glance at the clock. 4:50am. He had been tossing around, unable to even do as much as close his eyes, for the last 40 minutes, and he knew he wouldnโt feel better until he was within a 20-meter radius of Lucy. Or rather, 2-meter radius.
Not bothering to sneak around the heavy sleeper that the exceed was, Natsu jumped out of the bed and pulled on his slippers. In less than 3 seconds he was out the door, and in another 3 he noticed that he was running. He wasnโt quite sure what he would do when he saw her, especially considering that she most likely was asleep in this hour, but he simply had to get to her, quickly. The time was ticking, like he was a bomb soon to explode, like he was going to run out of time if he didnโt arrive soon. Wind blowing in his ears, he could barely make out the sound of his heavy breathing. He hadnโt run this fast in Mavis knows how long, and he might actually had made it outside her apartment in record time. His chest rising and lowering in big breaths, he managed to make something of a sigh in relief to see her window slightly opened. Climbing the wall quietly was no challenge with Natsuโs experience, so he swiftly pulled himself up, making sure to fully open and enter the window as quickly as possible โ though this time with less success since he didnโt have as much experience with that part. Usually he just barged in after scaling the wall, seeing as the time he did it at was most often a time where Lucy either was away or awake.
Either way, he didnโt manage to sneak in as stealthily as heโd like. The window creaked and his body almost fell limp after getting a whiff of Lucyโs calming scent โ that he had been running like a maniac to get there didnโt help either, and after a loud, nongraceful landing, Lucy was already awake.
โNatsu? โs that you?โ She mumbled, sitting up and rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
โYeah, sorry for waking you,โ he whispered, finding his balance on his legs again as he stood up.
โNo worries.โ Lucy had now swung her legs over the edge of her bed and sat in a more upright position. โDid you need anything? Is Happy alright?โ
โYeah, heโs at home sleeping. I just felt like coming here,โ Natsu said, full transparency.
โAlright,โ Lucy said, now taking a better look at his face. He looked red and flustered, but with his heavy breathing it might just be the fact that he ran to her place.
โI read it.โ
Lucyโs face started getting hot as well.
โThe letter?โ
โThe entire thing.โ
โWow. Uh, so what do you think of it?โ Had the hour been normal she might not have asked him such a bold question, but something about the way the streetlights and moon illuminating the room made her feel brave. Perhaps she still thought she was dreaming, but this felt much too real to be just a dream.
โItโs perfect.โ Natsu took a few steps closer. He could now make out most of her facial features, sleepy yet alert of his presence.
โIโm glad.โ
A few more seconds went by, though it felt like minutes.
โIs it true?โ
โIs what true?โ
โAll of it. All the things you wrote?โ
A soft smile graced Lucyโs lips.
โOf course. I would never lie about those things.โ
Natsu knew he could be dense in most situations. He couldnโt always read the room, and he wasnโt good at subtext. This time however, he had felt something the whole time as he read that letter. Maybe it was what other would call โreading between the linesโ but he suddenly had great confidence in something that could change their relationship forever. Of course, it was a very long shot, but perhaps the adrenaline from all that running was just what he needed to gather the courage to take it.
He did, however, decide to test out the water first. Running headfirst was usually his go-to method if he could choose, but he wasnโt blind to the delicacy of the situation he was putting himself in.
โCan I assume things?โ He tried.
โAssume things? From what I wrote?โ Lucy asked, curious where he was leading this conversation. She was very aware of her heartbeat, but she didnโt know that she didnโt have to be this time, considering that all that Natsu was hearing was his own.
โYeah.โ
โIt depends. What do you want to assume?โ
Natsu swallowed. Did he always have this much saliva? If so, maybe something was wrong with him. He swallowed again, clenching and unclenching his fists. Had he ever been this nervous in a situation as calm as this? No bandits, no monsters, no big wild animals โ not even an annoyed Erza was around.
โThatโฆโ he started, his tongue thickening as he spoke. Not literally, but it sure felt like it. He could barely concentrate on what he wanted to say, gazing into those doe eyes. She was so, ridiculously pretty. He knew that before, of course, but he almost found it unfair. How could he think of any words when she sat there, looking all nice and pretty. โThat you like me?โ
He had said it as a question, though it sounded more like a statement right now. Lucyโs heart must have skipped a beat or two. She was still sleepy, but the tiny possibility that this wasnโt just a perfect dream made her stop herself from straight up answering yes.
โWellโฆ I hoped my letter was clear on that. Youโre my best friend in the whole world, how could I not like you?โ She let out a small chuckle at the very idea of disliking a friend. She didnโt, however, predict what he would say next.
Natsu reached out his left hand, touching a piece of her hair that had fallen out from behind her ears.
โBut can I assumeโฆโ He put it behind her ear, โthat you like me more than a friend?โ
Natsuโs eyes were darker than usual in the dimmed light, but Lucy saw clearly that he was being serious. Though, this exact facial expression was one she had never seen before. She had seen his tender look, his soft look, his happy look, his loving look, but she had never seen this combination of all. And it was her he was showing it to. In fact, maybe it was exactly this expression that made her admit the truth for once. For so long she had been scared that he would feel bothered or surprised by the very idea of โliking beyond friendshipโ, or love, as she would prefer to call it. She had been afraid that he would find her fantasies of the two of them living their life together as a couple weird, or even mildly repulsive. That her confession would lead to their friendship breaking apart forever.
That, however, could no longer be the case. Lucy wasnโt blind, and she certainly wasnโt dumb. If Natsu looked thisโฆ happy? To even assume that she likes him beyond friendship, then the outcome from telling him the truth couldnโt possibly be bad. She tilted her head lightly towards his hand, sharing another smile.
โYeah. I do like you more than a friend, or a best friend.โ Natsu took another step closer, now close enough to make her feel his hot breath on her face that he had tilted upwards, towards him.
โThenโฆโ He bended down slowly to come closer to her sitting position. โCan I kiss you?โ His words didnโt come out louder than a breath, but Lucy knew what she heard. Her heart had never danced as wildly as it did when she nodded and closed her eyes as Natsu closed the space between them.
The kiss itself was probably nothing special to someone watching. It was plain and soft, just two mouths pressing against each other. For them, however, it was nothing short of magical fireworks. Lucyโs cool, soft lips against Natsuโs hot, slightly rougher ones sent shivers throughout both of them, as if the small touch had opened a completely new door, a way for them to connect and become closer than ever.
Inexperienced as they both were though, they soon had to break it off to breathe. After less than 20 seconds, Lucy pulled their faces together again. How could they have been missing out on this awesome experience for all the years they had known each other? Natsu knew that this already had topped the list of his favourite activities โ even placing higher than eating and fighting. The next time they went up for air, they couldnโt stop themselves from giggling.
โCan this count as a birthday gift if I havenโt slept since yesterday?โ Natsu asked, more energetic than reasonable after his long day.
โIf that makes you happy,โ Lucy smiled, giving him another peck on his lips. Whatever they decided to do from this point on, Lucy knew they would figure it out. After all, if they had managed to overcome the obstacle of going from friends to whatever this was, then they could definitely manage anything and everything else thrown at them. Whatโs important was that they from this point out, took on every challenge together.
166 notes
ยท
View notes