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myrandomfandomramblings · 2 years

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A fluff filled X-mas morning with the Bat team - a Batwoman fanfic

It was Christmas morning at Sophie’s apartment and Ryan couldn’t help the urge to pinch herself and prove it was real. She stood in the kitchen pouring Bailey’s into her coffee as she took it all in. Against one wall stood the bat team’s makeshift Christmas tree or tree’s to be more accurate. These consisted of a number of large plants Mary had accumulated during her time as poison ivy, that she had offered up for the festivities and were now adorned with lights, tinsel and popcorn strings. Beside the trees the TV was on, showing the yule log channel, effectively turning it into a fireplace. Below it on the TV stand lay 6 stockings, each hand sewn and personalized with their owner’s first initial.

When Alice had offered to make them Ryan had been surprised although she figured it was her way of ensuring she was included in the gathering. Nevertheless, it was a nice gesture and Ryan couldn’t help but be impressed by the craftsmanship.

On the kitchen table sat the Kane family’s menorah, that Kate had left for Alice after her visit to celebrate Hanukkah with her sisters and the bat team. In the middle of the living room Ryan’s friends sat in a circle, atop the air mattress her and Mary had spent the night on, a small pile of presents in the middle of them. They were all still in their pyjamas as they nursed their morning drink of choice. Christmas music played softly in the background and Ryan could just faintly smell the pillsbury cinnamon buns baking in the oven for breakfast.

Spending the holiday together had seemed like the natural choice but it was actually Jordan who had suggested turning it into a real celebration with the sleepover and gift exchange. This was after she got in a fight with her and Sophie’s mom, when their mom refused to include Sophie in their family Christmas plans. They had all lost a lot of family in their lives and particularly in this last year but being all together for the holiday was a nice reminder of the family they had gained

“Hey, earth to Wilder. Ryan.” Sophie’s voice broke Ryan out of her thoughts.

“Oh, sorry, what?” Ryan stuttered.

“Are you going to come join us or just stand there and stare?” Sophie teased.

“That depends. What are you offering?” Ryan replied meeting Sophie’s eye with a smirk.

“Can you two save the flirting for later so we can get to the presents,” Alice piped in pointing between them.

Ryan felt her cheeks flood with warmth but hid it with an eye roll as she walked over and joined the group.

Once Ryan sat down Mary pulled out an empty wine bottle, put it in the middle of the group and spun it. It landed on Alice.

“So does that mean I’m supposed to kiss you?” Alice teased as she leaned toward Mary with her lips pursed.

“It means you get first pick of the gifts,” Mary deadpanned pushing Alice away.

“Would you be saying the same thing if it had landed on Luke?” Alice countered.

“Alice,” Mary hissed under her breath.

“Fine. I want the big one.” she said grabbing a present from the pile. She tore off the perfectly tied ribbon then ripped the paper to reveal a fluffy brown teddy bear onesie.

“What is this supposed to be?” Alice asked holding it in front of her.

“It’s a onesie,” Ryan offered, “like pyjamas.”

“Now you can stop stealing my clothes to sleep in,” Sophie added.

“Oh Sophie, poor, naive Sophie,” Alice said shaking her head.

“Just try it on,” Sophie bit back, “if you don’t like it you can trade once everyone has opened theirs.”

Alice sighed and made a face but ultimately put the onesie on. “Happy?”

“Now I am,” Ryan said pulling up Alice’s hood. “Your so cute.”

Alice glared at her but as soon as she looked away she noticed a small smile on Alice’s face as she cuddled deeper into the fabric.

“Ok Alice now you have to guess who bought your present.” Jordan explained.

“How am I supposed to know?”

“You’re not. You’re just supposed to guess.” Luke answered, clearly frustrated.

“Fine you?” Alice said pointing at Luke.

“No.”

“You” Alice continued moving clockwise around the circle to Mary.

“Yes.”

“OK. Now what?”

“Now you say thank-you.” Ryan offered, like she’s talking to a toddler.

“Thank-you Mary.”

“You’re welcome. Now you get to spin the bottle.”

Alice spun the bottle and it landed on Jordan.

She picked a present simply wrapped in a brown paper bag and opened it to find a bottle of wine and a chocolate bar.

“That’s a fancy bottle of wine. I thought we had a $20 limit.” Sophie said as she leaned over to read the label in her sister’s hand.

“It was less than $20 with the employee discount,” Ryan shot back without thinking.

“Did you just take a bottle of wine from the hold up?” Sophie asked head tilted, gaze fixed on Ryan with a smirk.

“Maybe. I’ve been really busy okay. I ran out of time for Christmas shopping,” she countered defensively.

She knew everybody understood how busy she’d been between Batwoman duties, running the hold-up and reorganizing Wayne since she returned as CEO following Marquis’ downfall. Nonetheless she felt guilty.

But then Sophie laughed, “Well I have to give you points for resourcefulness,” and her chest was flooded with warmth and all other feelings were quickly washed away.

“I think it’s a great gift. Thank-you… I’m guessing Ryan,” Jordan teased.

“Yes, sorry I totally gave that away.”

“No problem.”

Jordan spun the bottle landing on Luke. He picked a gift wrapped like a Christmas cracker and opened it to reveal what appeared to be a hand sewn tapestry of the bat logo.

“Did you make this?” Luke asks looking at Alice.

“You know. I learnt a few things sewing faces for 18 years. Fabrics a lot easier to work with than skin,” Alice replied nonchalantly.

“What?” Jordan asked.

“You don’t want to know.” Luke replied, “Thank-you Alice. This is actually very nice.”

Alice didn’t reply just gestured like ‘oh shucks’. Then Luke spun the bottle and it landed on Mary. She selected a gift bag, and pulled out Codenames, the board game.

“Yes. Now we have to have another games night!” Mary exclaimed.

Mary had been organizing game nights with the bat team for what felt like forever but they regularly had to be cancelled when bat duties arouse and when they did happen they tended to be less than stellar. Mostly because somehow the only one of them that actually owned any board games that weren’t missing necessary pieces (which they had discovered by trying to play all of them) was Luke and all Luke’s games were ridiculously long and complex, strategy games that nobody else had the time nor energy to invest in figuring out. Mary did end up buying Yahtzee, but after 3 game nights in a row they were all ready for a new game.

Ryan also had to appreciate the choice in game, Codenames. It seemed a nod to the fact that at least two people in that room had secret aliases. Mary must have been thinking along similar lines because she immediately guessed Luke who confirmed it was the gift he brought. Mary spun the bottle which landed on Jordan who having already gone twisted the bottle slightly to point at Sophie, sitting beside her. There were only two gifts left now, which Ryan reasoned must have been bought by Sophie and Jordan. Sophie picked the one that she presumably did not bring and opened it to reveal a book.

“Really Jordan?,” Sophie sighed, “how could you possibly have known I would get your gift.”

“I didn’t,” Jordan replied, “I may not have known you guys for long but I know you could all have benefited from that book… although I am glad you got it.”

“Thanks,” Sophie said sarcastically.

“What’s the book?” Ryan asked unable to make out the title from across the circle.

Sophie held it up and Ryan could’t help but laugh as she read “Relationships for dummies” across the familiar yellow and black stripped cover of the series.

“If I had been buying specifically for you I would have gotten you a dream interpretation book,” Jordan added mischievously.

Ryan had no idea what Jordan was talking about but Sophie must have because Miss cool and collected looked flustered.

“Jordan,” Sophie hissed under her breath.

“Just trying to help,” Jordan shrugged.

“She’s got a point,” Alice offered, “I’ve watched you all dance around your feelings for months. It’s just sad.”

“Didn’t you kill your last two boyfriends?” Mary countered.

“Touche,” Alice replied.

Before this could go any further Ryan jumped in. “My turn,” she said grabbing the last gift, “and by process of elimination I know it’s from Sophie,” she finished shooting a smile her way.

It was one of those pre-wrapped gifts from one of those bath and body product stores. The set was called relaxing retreat and consisted of a candle and bubble bath, both lavender scented.

She said Thank-you to Sophie and gave her a hug but as they parted and everyone started to move to the kitchen for breakfast Ryan’s mind wandered without her permission.

She imagined herself in a hot bath surrounded by bubbles and the scent of lavender, wrapped in Sophie’s arms as she leaned back into the other woman, and tilted her head back to see those beautiful brown eyes sparkle in the candle light.

Jesus, Ryan thought as she pulled herself out of her daydream, she had it bad. But as she looked around the room trying to reorient herself to reality she found Sophie looking at her with an expression Ryan didn’t quite recognize. She quickly looked away when she noticed Ryan returning her gaze and Ryan couldn’t help but wonder if Sophie’s mind went to the same place Ryan’s just had, when she had bought the gift. Or at least when it had been Ryan to open it.

Ryan joined the rest of the group now sitting around the table, eating cinnamon buns and excitedly talking about the snow that had started to fall outside.

“Cheers,” she said as she raised her mug, “to the best found family a girl could ask for, and the start of a beautiful tradition.”

“Cheers!”

#batwoman #wildmoore #hamilfox #ryan wilder #sophie moore #alice kane #luke fox #mary hamilton #jordan moore

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rhaellatully · 4 years

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Strings’n’Drums Chapter 10 (Fanfiction)

AO3:https://archiveofourown.org/works/13991202/chapters/58549480

FF.net:https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12814422/10/Strings-n-Drums

Summury: AU. In 1969, Lucy runs from home and becomes a journalist for the magazin Strings'n'Drums, this will lead the young shy girl in the world of rock music, to meet the colorfull caracters that populates it. In between running from her father and living new experience Lucy will make friends, gorw into an adult and maybe have some romance. Will include Nalu and mentions of other parings

Chapter 1:https://rhaellatully.tumblr.com/post/170156396003/stringsndrums-fanficition

Chapter 9:https://rhaellatully.tumblr.com/post/190235367348/stringsndrums-chapter-9-fanfiction

“So, are you guys okay?”

“I don’t know, one minute we are, the next we’re fighting”

Lucy wasn’t surprised by this, to be honest, she had a hard time thinking that anyone would have a relationship different with Gajeel Redfox, excepted, perhaps, Juvia Locser.

“Did you tell him?” she asked

Levy looked down at her shoes and muttered “No”.

Lucy didn’t answer, she was still unsure of how she felt toward the idea of a relationship between Levy and that man. Levy seemed to really desire it but Lucy worried that this relationship might end in tears. Perhaps the fact that they fought so often was a sign that they weren’t went to be, but would Levy see it?

Lucy looked at the stage with anticipation. Any moment now Rust would be coming on stage. Lucy had her appreciation for their music and was very curious as to what they would sound like live. She had to focus on that and not the eventual relationship between her closest friend and the lead singer.

“They’re doing the final test on stage,” said Levy while looking at the stage, “I have to go.”

She went away to make her way across the barrier that separated the audience from the stage. Lucy waved at her and friend waved back before getting ready to do her job. There, only the photographs and members of staff could stand. They weren’t so many, like one could have seen at the other concerts. The crowd was also different. It was smaller than the other she had seen at the festival and much more heteroclite. Where you would have found generally one type of people at other concert, here you had all kinds, punks, hippies, teddy boys, beat and many others.

A great shout emanated from the crowd; Lucy didn’t need to look at the stage to know that Rust had made its appearance. There were cheers and claps as each members of the group picked up their instrument. In the middle of stage, with the second guitarist to his left and Juvia Locser to his right, stood Gajeel Redfox. He had his guitar in his hand and the mike against his mouth; he shouted into it “Shut the fuck up!”

The crowd laugh and clapped harder. Lucy didn’t know if that meant that they thought it was a joke or liked the fact that he talked to them that way, either way she didn’t join in. From where she stood, she could see Gajeel Redfox rolling his eyes, and she was half temped to join him.

He gave a nod to Juvia Locser and the gritty sound of distorted instrument filled the air, causing the crowd to go crazier than Lucy had ever seen. The sound was raw, violent and passionate. Which left Lucy to wonder how could Juvia Locser stay this impassive when she was playing this? As usual her face showed no emotion, the movement of her body were striped to their minimum. Her armed moved to play the right cord, but where any other musician would let their body move with the rhythm, hers stayed put. She looked so mechanical. Lucy was impressed, even though she didn’t know what she was impressed by. Was she somewhat capable of playing songs full of passion while not having any other herself, or was she capable of letting her passion out in her music without it showing on her face? Lucy had the feeling that she could ask the woman about this over a hundred times and not get any answer.

While Juvia Locser’s performance was impressive, the same could be say of Gajeel Redfox’s, or to be more précises the performance he was sharing with Levy. As he was playing, she was taking picture, and since Juvia Locser wasn’t putting on any show the only one she had to photograph was him. As such she was following him around the stage. That, he didn’t seem to appreciate. The second he would notice her he would run to the other side of the stage. Levy would discreetly make her way there, wait for the right moment, maybe kneel or take a few steps back to get a better picture, and when her flash would light up his sight, Gajeel Redfox would see her and run again. It was impressive the way he managed to avoid her and still play his guitar and sing his song. It was also impressive how persevered she was to follow him.

Lucy watched their dance during the entire show. Gajeel Redfox didn’t miss one key, which made her wonder in what kind of condition he had played in the past. Maybe he had needed to run from woman during shows before. Or perhaps he had needed to dodge object thrown at him. That seemed to be the most likely option. The more she looked at Levy the more she wondered if she was going to get any good picture. She didn’t know what to think of it. To be honest it made her feel like she was watching children. By the end of the show Levy was breathing heavily, and Lucy could tell Gajeel Redfox was exhausted as well.

She and Levy met up not far from the stage, her friend of sipping out of a water bottle.

“Did you get any good shots?”

Levy nodded and said, “Yeah I’ve got a few, but dam he was being difficult.”

“I’ve noticed, I’m not sure how the audience felt about his moving around.”

She had noticed that there were much less people present at the end of show, that could have been because they didn’t want to be late to another show, but Lucy wasn’t so sure. There had been something different about their performance. Every key had been strung the way it was suppose too, everything had been normal. And yet, Lucy had the feeling that something was missing, though she couldn't place what.

She told Levy about it and her friend said that it been going on for sometimes.

“Gajeel says that they need new songs.”

Lucy nodded, yes, they had probably moved on from their old songs. She supposed that if they no longer wanted to play their song they were bound to feel off.

Levy moved toward the back stage entrance where she found Gajeel Redfox, from where she stood Lucy couldn’t exactly tell if they were arguing or playing around with each other. As she got closer, she heard Levy’s laugh and noticed that Gajeel Redfox’s face wasn’t as hard as when she last saw him.

A part of her wanted to stay where she was and let them have their conversation, but Nastu Dragneel’s show was starting soon and she didn’t want to miss it. So, she went up to Levy.

“Are you going to see Nastu?”, she asked.

Before Levy could answer Gajeel Redfox scoffed, “You’re going to see that clown?”

“He’s not a clown, his one of the best musicians of our time,” objected Levy.

“I’m not talking about his music. I’ve met the guy he’s a joke,” retorted Gajeel Redfox.

“He’s one of my oldest friends!”

“Then stay with him, if you like idiots!”

Levy sighed angrily, “Why do you always do that?”

“Do what?” he grunted, having clearly no idea what she was talking about.

“Speak badly of any friend I mention!”

Gajeel Redfox had a small laugh, he rolled his eyes. A weird smile appeared on his face and he said “Because your friends,” he spited that last word like insult “, aren’t worth shit!”

“Oh really! Is that the issues, or is it just that you don’t like me spending time with other men!”

He took a step back, “What?”

“Well yeah,” began Levy with her arms crossed over her chest, “you never speak that way of any of my girl friends, actually now that I think about it, you just talk that way of every men I mention!”

“Maybe it’s because every man you know are tools!”

Levy went on to argue back. There’s was lot of shouting and Lucy felt out of place. She thought that this all thing was none of her business and felt uncomfortable watching them. She, therefore, left to see Nastu Dragneel on her own.

She managed to get there before there was too much of crowd, as such she was able to stand merely a few steps away from the front row. I didn’t take long for Nastu Dragneel to make his apparition, which was followed by loud shouts throughout the crowd, Lucy couldn’t deny that she had been among the one shouting. She didn’t really know why she screamed, perhaps because everyone was shouting, or maybe because she wanted to give Nastu some kind of support, of perhaps she was simply happy to see him. No matter the reason he clearly was unable to distinguish her voice among so many others.

The music started and once again it transported her. With just a few keys it made all her worries disappear and she was able to enjoy the music, just the music. It had grabbed hold of her soul and she enjoyed every second of it.

It was only in the interspace in between the song that she noticed the three platinum blonds at the bottom of the stage. She wondered a moment if they were who she though, she could only see the back of their heads and they could very well have been just some people who had come from the north of Europe for the festival. But then on them turned their head to speak to the other and Lucy recognised the face of Mira Jane Strauss.

The Strauss were at the concert, it made sense, they knew Nastu and from what Levy had told her they were close. If she wanted to be introduced, all she had to do was take five or maybe six steps ahead of her. But would they care for her? Even if she used the fact that she was friend with Levy and knew Nastu it didn’t guaranty that they would talk to her. Perhaps they were taking some time off to enjoy a concert and didn’t want to be disturb. In that case they would react badly to her coming to them. It was probably better to stay put.

But interviewing them could be a goldmine, all the incredible artist they had work with, they were an insight on so many aspects of the industry. She could write the most interesting article with their insight, the kind of article that would make never be question again be her superior.

She took a step forward, but then the fear over took her, she stepped back and told herself that she’d goes to them later. After that song. Never mind, after this one. This one. Now.

She didn’t move and the concert ended.

She felt ashamed, she thought she had gotten past this, that she could go introduce herself to people without fear now. She didn’t know what had just happened. Perhaps it was because they were three people this time, or maybe it simply wasn’t her day. Still she was a journalist, if she didn’t get rid of this childish fear how could she ever hope to succeed?

She made her way miserably to the entrance of the backstage. A small part of her had hoped that the Strauss would be there, and that Nastu could do the introductions. They weren’t. She should stop relying on Nastu for these things anyway.

“Lucy!”, she heard the shouting voice of Nastu Dragneel, “Did you like the show?”

“Yeah, I had a great time.”

He came in front of her and looked at her questioningly, “Are you sure?” he asked.

“Yeah, what do you mean?” retorted Lucy.

“I don’t know, you seem… down, kinda.”

Lucy opened her mouth and closed it. How had he noticed? Was she really this obvious?

“It’s nothing”, she finally said.

“You sure?”

“Yeah”

“If you want we can-“

“Yo Nastu!” a raspy voice cut him.

They both turned around to see Cana Alberona making her way toward them.

“Move your ass! Gray’s concert is about to start!”

“Oh right, the bet”, he said.

“What bet?” asked Lucy.

“Gray- I mean John Fool and I made a bet to see who would get the most people at their live”

“Yeah” added Cana Alberona “and if we want to know who win we better get going.”

They started walking away and Lucy wondered what she should do. Before she could think about it, Nastu turned back and asked her “You’re not coming?”

She had wonder before, and while, making her way to the festival, whether she’d go see John Fool or Lee Richards, as they were both playing at the time. This made the decision for her.

They joined the crowed that was forming in front of the stage. “They were more people at mine”, said Nastu the second they got there.

Lucy looked around, she had a hard time telling, people were still coming in, and being inside a crowd doesn’t make you best placed to tell how many people are in it.

“I don’t know they are more coming,” said Cana Alberona, “I’ll go get us beers before it starts.”

And with that they were alone. Lucy glanced at Nastu, she had the feeling she should say something, but she had no idea what. Nastu was still looking around at the crowd trying to tell how many people were here. There was a determined look on his face. He looked like a boxer before the start of a match.

“Is this really so important?” she asked “I mean, it’s just a bet, right?”

Nastu looked at her in the eyes and said perfectly naturally “Yeah, but I wanna win.”

“Why? What are the stakes?”

Nastu seemed thoughtful, they had not set stakes, Lucy realised. There was nothing to win or lose, and yet he was taking it incredibly seriously. As a matter of fact, this was the most serious she had ever seen him behave. He had been casual during their interview, when he had introduced her to Erza, even when he was on stage, he didn’t seem very different than he was the rest of the time. All he had need was for someone to challenge him for it to change. She wondered what it was like to leave that way, to be lay back about everything, and to have an unmovable determination when in competition.

“To prove I’m better than him”, finally answered Nastu.

“Having more people at your live doesn’t makes you better, just more popular.”

Nastu chuckled, “Yeah that’s true, but you know Gray and I we have this kind of rivalry going on, so we do this kind of things sometime. I mean you and the other journalist don’t you try to prove your article the best, or something?”

“No, I don’t really talk much with my co-workers,” Lucy admitted.

“Why?” asked Nastu with a worried look on his face.

Lucy felt heat making its way to her cheeks, “I’m shy”, she explained, “plus I’m the only girl at work.”

“Seriously?”

“Well, my boss does have a secretary but besides her…”

“And you can’t be friend with man?”

“It’s not really friendship they’re interested in.”

“They’re idiot.”

This made Lucy smiled. She thought that if everyone was like Nastu the world would be much easier to navigate.

Cana Alberona came back handing each of them a beer.

Lucy’s hand immediately went to her purse, “How much do I owe you?” she asked.

“Nothing girl. Hey! Aren’t you the girl I met on the first day?”

“Yeah”

Lucy didn’t had time to elaborate, the music started. She had never seen John Fool in concert before, he seemed rather reserved. His eyes were on his guitar, only rarely darting toward the crowed. She couldn’t tell if he was concentrating on what he was playing, or just shy. She was leaning toward concentration, because she doubted that someone shy could have transmitted such row emotions. There was this sadness, this melancholia in his music, but there was also something like hope. Yes hope, much more palpable live than on his records.

At some point, she noticed that Natsu was taking in the crowed and trying to figure out if there were more people here than his live. Lucy almost laugh at this, but instead she started looking at the crowed as well. From her place she was incapable to tell if the crowed was bigger. What she did noticed though, was that Mira Jane and Lissana Stauss were in the crowed, not too far from them.

A second chance, she couldn’t miss it. She took a good sip of her beer, told Natsu she’d be right back and headed toward them.

She put her hand on Mira Jane Strauss shoulder and said “Excuse me, you’re Mira-Jane and Lissanna Strauss, right?”

“Yes” Mira-Jane Strauss answered with a kind smile.

“I’m sorry to bother you, my name is Lucy, I’m a journalist for Strings’n’Drums”

“Oh yeah I know that magazine” stated Lissanna “There was a great article about John Fool in it recently.”

“I’m the one who wrote it.”

“Really? Well done!”

“I was wondering if I could interview you, and your brother, not right now of course.”

“Sure”, answered Mira-Jane, “Let me give you my number so we can do this latter.”

She quickly wrote the number on a piece of paper she gave Lucy. Lucy stared at it, she had Mira-Jane Strauss personal number. Her heart was beating so fast, she needed to get back to Nastu.

“I won’t bother you any longer”, she said and started walking away.

“Wait”, Mira-Jane Strauss told her, “where did you get that dress?”

Lucy looked down at her dress, it was a short summer dress with a floral pattern of pink flowers on a bleu background, the pattern wasn’t exactly special but the colour had a wonderful contrast, and the cut of the dress fitted her like a glove.

“I got it from a small shop not far from my apartment, in London.”

“You’ll have to take us there, or else no interview.”

“Alright.”

What had just happened? She had gotten an interview with the Strauss and a shopping date? These girls were incredibly friendly. To think she was scared of talking to them a minute ago.

She went back to Nastu and Cana Alberona. The rest of the concert went smoothly. Each song was incredibly beautiful and the audience responded positively to each of them. But the second the concert ended, Nastu grabbed her arm and said “Come on, we have to go see Gray.”

They were walking in the opposite direction of the crowed, which made their movements difficult. As she was doing her best to make her way forward, she thought she saw Juvia Locser. The woman in question had the same face, the same long hair, and the way she was dressed would fit the musician. But she was smiling. Her smile was one of the brightest Lucy had ever seen. That couldn’t be the emotionless Juvia Locser, could it?

Lucy didn’t get much time to muse over the possibility, because as soon as they were in front of John Fool, Nastu started to shout.

“Gray, they were way more people at my show.”

“No way, they were more at mine.”

Nastu disagree and they went at each other so passionately that Lucy expected them to start frowning fits at each other’s. But thankfully they settled for shouting in the other’s face. Lucy didn’t know what to think of that scene. This were two of the greatest musicians of her time, and John Fool had seemed so calmed and composed when she had interviewed him. But at this moment they looked like a couple of children.

Finally, Nastu told John Fool, “Having more people at your concert doesn’t mean your better than me anyway, it just means you’re more popular.”

Lucy raise one eyebrow. Cana Alberona burst into laughter. And John Fool frowned.

“Since when are you mature?”

Nastu had a satisfied smile and he winked at Lucy.

She spent the rest of the evening with them. Lucy wasn’t the most vocal during the conversations but they didn’t seem to mind her remarks. Spending time with them, seeing them laugh, argue, and talk made realised that they were human. She knew they were of the same species as her, but she had always thought of them as something more, something she could never be: artists. She had always wanted to be a novelist, but she didn’t think she had what it took, that she was less than an artist. But artists, as she was discovering, were just like every one else. Did it meant she could be one, one day? She couldn’t say she was sure.

As the night started to fall, she decided it was time for her to head back. She said her goodbyes and Nastu insisted on walking her back.

They were walking on the street alone, it didn’t feel like a Rockstar taking a journalist home, it felt like two friends walking together. It was nice. She just didn’t understand why he was friend with her.

“You don’t have to this,” said Lucy.

“I know I want to.”

“Why?”

“You’re great, and I don’t get to see you often, so I’ve got to make the most of it.”

#nalu #fairy tail #ft fanfiction #nalu fanfic #natsu dragneel #lucy heartifilla #gajevy #levy mcgarden #gajeel redfox #gruvia #gray fullbuster #juvia lockser #fanfic #ft #fairy tail fanfiction

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rhaellatully · 4 years

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Strings’n’Drums Chapter 9 (Fanfiction)

FF.net:https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12814422/9/Strings-n-Drums

AO3:https://archiveofourown.org/works/13991202/chapters/53107363

Summary: AU. In 1969, Lucy runs from home and becomes a journalist for the magazin Strings'n'Drums, this will lead the young shy girl in the world of rock music, to meet the colorfull caracters that populates it. In between running from her father and living new experience Lucy will make friends, gorw into an adult and maybe have some romance. Will include Nalu and mentions of other parings

Chapter 1:https://rhaellatully.tumblr.com/post/170156396003/stringsndrums-fanficition

Chapter 8:https://rhaellatully.tumblr.com/post/189997948033/stringsndrums-chapter-8-fanfiction

AN: I'm back! And it took less than two weeks! I'm so proud of myself! I can't promise it will happen again though...

When Lucy got to the festival that morning, she was so excited she could barely stay in place. Today was going to be a great day. She was going to see Erza Scarlet live and after that she would finally see Guildarts, the bleus man who had been a source of inspiration for so many of her favourite artist. And best of all, she was going to spend the day with Levy. They hadn’t gotten a proper chance to talk yesterday, they hadn’t seen each other in so long, they had to have things to tell one another.

As she got to the meeting place they had agreed on, she heard rather loud voices, like a couple fighting. As she got closer she saw Levy speaking agitatedly to none other than Gajeel Redfox. Lucy couldn’t understand what any of this was about, since in their respective anger their sentences founded themselves being distorted. It didn’t take long before Levy shouted at him “Go! Just go away!”

He left and they were tears in her eyes. Lucy rushed to her friend and as she put a hand on her shoulder she asked her “Levy, are you alright?” Of course she knew she was not alright but this was the most polite way she knew to ask if she wanted to talk about it.

“Lucy” she said and you could see that as she spoke holding back tears became more and more difficult “it’s stupid, it’s so stupid.”

“Let’s go somewhere else” said Lucy before taking Levy to a more private place in between some trees.

Levy was whipping her tears away quickly and violently “He doesn’t get it” she said, “I try and I try and he just… doesn’t understand. It’s like he’s not even trying to! Or maybe I’m doing it wrong, I don’t even know how to do this.”

“Do what?” asked Lucy who had only found herself more confused by Levy’s rant.

Levy looked at Lucy than rapidly looked away, her lips were pressed and she wrapped her arms around her self. She breathed slowly and once she had seemingly calmed down she said, “Ask a guy out.”

Lucy froze, the first thing that crossed her mind was “Levy has dated guys before why wouldn’t she knows how to ask them out?” followed closely by “Levy wants to go out with Gajeel Redfox!”. Lucy was just as confused as surprised. Levy and Gajeel, Levy and the man who had her calling Lucy in tears. Why would she want him?

“Gajeel Redfox?” she asked hoping she had misunderstood.

Levy sighed and said, “Yes.”

“Why?”

She pressed her lips together, “I like him.” she said firmly.

Lucy stood there staring at her, she couldn’t think of reason why Levy would like that man. He was mean and rude. He didn’t seem to have respect for anyone and definitely wasn’t attractive. Why would Levy like him? She could tell that asking her why one more time would only anger her friend, so instead she tried to calm down.

As gently as she could she said, “So, how did it happened?”

Levy’s posture relaxed and she answered “ After a while of me following them, we started to sympathise, you know just talk about nothing and everything. I can’t say we were often on the same page but I like a good argument. And” a smiled appeared on her face “the way he treated me started to change, it’s not that he became nicer, but he started treating me as an equal. And I did the same. We do share a lot in common, on a more fundamental level. I’ve earned his respect and he seems to think highly of me. The way he talks about me, it’s “ she paused searching for the right word and then her smile grew bigger and she said “it makes me feel strong.”

Lucy was taken aback by what she was hearing, but she did her best to insure that it wouldn’t show. The way she described Gajeel Redfox was something she never though could have been associated with the man. But then again, Levy had spent much more time with him than Lucy ever had. Perhaps he was nicer once you got to know him. She really hoped that he was, she wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to Levy.

“It makes me feel strong.” It was the sentence that stayed in Lucy’s mind. How did he do that? How can one make someone else feel strong? And how did it felt? Lucy had rarely felt strong, but she remembered the unnatural feeling that had came to her when she ran away from home. That was strength and excitement. If Gajeel Redfox made levy feel anything like what she felt that day, then she was truly jealous.

They’re was still a mystery in Lucy’s head, if Levy liked him and wanted to go out with him, then what was the matter?

“What’s wrong then?” she asked.

“What is wrong, is that he doesn’t notice me!” she answered angrily “He notice what I do, what I say. But it’s like it all goes over his head! I don’t now what to do. I mean I’ve never done this before.”

“I though you had dated men, you told me you did.”

“Yes but they always asked me out, I’ve never had to make a move on anyone. I never though I’d actually have to.”

“I… can’t help you with that.” Lucy admitted. Sad but true she had even less experience in that domain than Levy. As much as she though of herself as a feminist she had to admit she too had always thought that man would be asking her out. If she were in Levy’s position, she’d probably be even more lost.

“I know” she said nicely “I asked Cana, but the only advice she gave me, was to sneak in his bed without clothes on.”

“I think you should just be honest with him” as she said it Lucy realised that if she were in Levy’s place she would never be brave enough to do so. When she though about being in her place she found herself thinking of Natsu, that was odd, she barely knew him, she did found him attractive but that wasn’t enough to desire a relationship with someone right? Maybe for other people, but for Lucy this was unthinkable. As a matter of fact considering the issues with her father it was probably best to avoid dating for now. It would make things just too complicated.

“You have no idea how much I just want to do that, but the second I’m with him I don’t know what happens, I just want to be… I don’t know he thinks of me as someone strong and capable and I want to stay that way in front of him, I wouldn’t want him to see me as someone vulnerable.”

Lucy had no idea what to tell her, she knew what it was like to want to look strong in front of other, but what Levy was describing was different. Lucy didn’t know how deal with this, she barely knew how deal with her own issues how could she help other with theirs.

“Why don’t we go see The Front Doors, the Strauss are their background singer for the festival, that ought to make me feel better.”

Lucy followed her to the petite scene where the band was preforming. She knew of both The Front Doors and The Strauss. The first was a soul band from America, they were quiet wonderfull and had a quite amazing saxophonist. The second was a background band, made of siblings, they each got singular and powerful voice, they match together pretty well and lots of musicians liked having them around, especially when it came to recordings. They made everything sound great and everyone wanted a piece of them. They were basically the most prolific background band around. They had release they’re own albums which mostly featured covers, it didn’t sell very well but it was excellent sample to show other musician. The fact that Mira Jane Strauss had dated a bunch of famous musician also made for brilliant advertising. Nowadays, they could basically choose whom they would work with, and if they had chosen The Front Doors it went they were good.

The journalist in her was delighted to go to this concert and was impatient to get her impression of this band. But at the moment Lucy didn’t felt like a journalist, she felt like a friend and as such she was far more concerned with Levy’s mood. She said this would cheer her up, and Lucy hoped that she was right. She knew how powerful music could be and how it could take over your own emotions to make you fell something. She only hoped it would be enough for Levy.

There wasn’t that big of a crowd in front of the stage. Which turned out to be a positive thing since it allowed the audience to dance freely to the music. Levy was the first to join in. It was as if she was taking out her frustration in her steps and Lucy was happy for it. She couldn’t dare to join her though. Her anxiousness was still present and even if the music was slowly making it disappear, she wasn’t quite there yet.

When the music shifted to a slow song, Levy came by her side with a smile on her face. Lucy was glad to see that her friend was feeling better. She hoped she’d stay that way for long. Maybe she should just hope to not run into Gajeel Redfox.

“I’m sorry I worried you.”

“It’s fine.”

“The Strauss are great.”

Lucy agreed, this was one of the best performances she had seen since she got here and she didn’t need to be a professional musician to realise the background was responsible for most of it. The performance given by there voice made every song more powerful than the last.

“Lisanna is really doing great since the break up.”

“The break up?”

Levy paused and her eyes widen, it seemed she just realised she said something she shouldn’t have. She then leaned toward Lucy and whispered, “She and Natsu broke up about a year ago.”

This revelation gave Lucy a strange feeling she couldn’t quite place. It reminded her a bit of disappointment, she didn’t understand what she could be disappointed about though. That Natsu and Lisanna Strauss used to be a couple? Why? She had only met Natsu a few times and she didn’t even know Lisanna, there was no reason for her to care.

She looked at the stage, toward the three platinum blond that were singing on the left. She had seen enough pictures to recognise which one was Lisanna. The small one with a very short haircut. She seemed so happy, radiant even. Lucy could easily understand why Natsu would want to date her. The weird feeling came back in her guts, she didn’t like it, she didn’t understand it.

As she though about it something crossed her mind, the fact that Natsu had been one of the few people to have ever been genially nice to her. When you put it that way it didn’t seemed like mush, but Lucy had always none they were some cruel part in the world and always expected the worst to happen. Natsu was one of those people, like Levy, who simply choose to show kindness to other. Of course it had impacted her, and the fact that he was handsome hadn’t help. He was pretty, kind and accessible. Someone you felt at ease with, it was normal for her to have this attraction toward him. But the reality was that she didn’t know him, and probably never would, he was a famous singer and her a beginner journalist. The cute affection she had toward him at the moment was nothing more than that and it would disappear just as fast as it had come.

During an upbeat song Levy grabbed her hand and tried her best to make her dance. Lucy danced little but she kept a bit of restrain, she was far too afraid of appearing ridiculous to dare let herself dance in front of people. The fact that her friend was making her do so made more nervous than anything, but she understood why Levy did it. She wanted to see Lucy have fun for once. But truth was she wasn’t ready for that kind of fun.

When they walked away from the stage, Lucy didn’t know what to say to Levy. She felt like she should do her best to avoid the subject of Gajeel Redfox, and at the same found herself incapable of thinking of anything else to talk to her about. The smile that had been on Levy’s face as she danced had disappeared and she now wore a though full look on her face. Lucy felt she should say something but came short. In the end, it seemed better to just ask her if she wanted to talk about something.

She was about to do so, but was interrupted by a voice shouting, “ There you are!”

Lucy turned and saw Natsu coming toward them. She expected him to go to Levy but instead he grabbed her hand and told her “Come on I need to show you Erza.”

“What?” asked Lucy.

“She’s over there waiting” Natsu explained.

Lucy was shocked, did he mean Erza Scarlet? Was she about to meet Erza Scarlet? The Erza Scarlet! She didn’t feel ready for this. She wasn’t prepared for this. What was she supposed to say? How was she supposed to act? Was she dressed correctly? What if it went wrong? What if she said the wrong thing? What if she made a fool of herself?

She started breathing fast and looking around, she couldn’t tell if she was searching for Erza Scarlet or an escaped. Which ever it was she didn’t find it. But Natsu made a stop.

“What’s going on?” he asked visibly confused “Didn’t you want to meet her?”

“I do” chocked out Lucy “but… I’m scared.”

“I get it Erza is pretty scary, but don’t worry it’s fine as long as you don’t steal her cake”

Lucy laugh, hard. What was that? As long as you don’t steal her cake it’s fine. It sounded like he was talking about a child. More laugher escaped her. This was the last thing she had expected to hear at this moment. This was the last thing she had expected to hear about Erza Scarlet. She couldn't stop herself from laughing, this was so ridiculous. Now Natsu was laughing with her, or at her, she wasn’t sure which.

They laughed and laughed. A few eyes stopped on them but didn’t linger too long. They probably looked like they had taken some substances. Lucy didn’t know why she couldn't stop laughing, this hadn’t happened to her a lot in her life. She had been forbidden to laugh in public before, and had learnt to make herself as discreet as possible about it. But, for unknown reason, at this moment, all of this had disappeared and she was just having a good laugh.

When she stopped laughing and managed to catch her breath, she felt fine.

“Can we go now?” Natsu asked nicely and she nodded as a reply.

They reached a meagre group of tables; at one of them there was a woman with long red hair sitting. Natsu and Lucy sat around the table and he said, “This is Lucy.”

“Nice to meet you.” said Erza Scarlet while extending her hand. There was a small smile on her face, and Lucy could understand why she was considered to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Lucy shook her hand, it was firm and strong, which she hadn’t expected.

Ever since she had liked music, and even more once she became a journalist, she had heard things about Erza Scarlet. She had heard rumours that were the nicest and most naïve girl in the world. She had also heard that she was a perfectionist monster that all should fear. She had been told she used more than thousand beauty products a day. Or that it was just her natural beauty. She had heard man claim that they had had sex with her. And women swear that she had complimented then on their dress, or make up.

Lucy had learned a long time ago not to trust rumours. Now that she was in front of her, of the Erza Scarlet, the singer who already had three golden disk, and two Grammy Award, the woman who had become a millionaire at the age of 22. One of the greatest artist of their time. The voice that anyone could recognise. The face that she had been able to recognise from far away. Someone she had seen on the telly and the covers of magazine but could never have hoped to see in real life.

She was lost for words there was so much she wanted to ask and had no idea where to start.

She did managed to tell her, “Nice to meet as well.”

“I really like your dress.” she said.

Lucy felt a bit shy, she wondered if she might have been saying that just to be kind. After all, the dress she wore today had nothing special. It was just an A-shaped dress with a flower patterned. She guessed the patterned was likable, but there wasn’t more to it than that.

“Thank you.” she said nonetheless.

“Did you buy it yourself?”

Lucy was a bit taken a back by the question; she had a hard time seeing how she could not have bought it herself. Was she asking if it was gift, or if something like that?

“Um… Yes” she stuttered, “I bought in a small shop not far from flat”

“You have quite an eye, I’m afraid that not my case, I’m awfully bad at following trend, my agent buys me cloth most of the time.”

Lucy was a bit surprised by this, but she supposed that when you were an international star you had to be careful how you appeared in public. She wondered just how deeply her agent was involved in her life. Did they also decided what she ate and she where she went?

“Well, we can’t all be David Bowie.” she said to ease things.

“Quite right.”

Natsu was looking back and forth between them; there was a tiny smile on his face and his chest out. Lucy didn’t perceive what he was hoping to get out of this meeting. It’s when considering his that she realised what she could gain out of this meeting. She hesitated; Natsu seemed to notice it and gave her a big smile.

She felt a little warm inside and said, “Could I get an interview?”

The smile left Natsu’s face “Does that mean I have to leave?”

Lucy suddenly felt very cold. This perhaps hadn’t been the right moment to ask.

“It’s fine,” said Erza Scarlet “you can come back when we’re done.”

Lucy was surprised, did this mean she had gotten the interview. She couldn’t believe how easy it had been. Usually when she wanted an interview she would ask it on the phone with a professional tone and lots of arguments. Here she had just blurted it out during a normal social moment and she had it. Maybe she had been worrying about nothing.

Natsu got up and left but he warned them that he would be back soon.

“So where would you like to start?”

She now remembered the other reason why she planed interview over the phone, it supplied her with plenty of time to prepare. She didn’t have time to search for question right now, she just had the time to take her notebook and a pen out, if she waited to long before asking anything she’d looked like an idiot. She remembered that she did have a question, the one she had been asking herself barely a minute ago.

“Let’s start with your agent, the fact that you told me they buy your cloth makes me wonder just how deeply they are involve in your life.”

“He is pretty involve, his an old friend, after all. He mostly helps me a lot. He helps me with the cloth thing but he also lots of places and people. The moment I need something all I have to do is ask and he gets it for me. I try not to abuse of it though.”

“How did you meet him?”

“We’re both from a small town named Magnolia.”

“So he’s a childhood friend?”

“More of teenage hood friend, but yes.”

“How did he end up becoming your agent?”

“Well that actually has to do with the creation of Great Tales Records. You see, the producers with whom I first work were not… they were a bad experience for me. But my foster father had been a musician so he knew the business and along side other friend who had had the same problem, we decided to ask him if, with his help we could create our own record company with people we trusted. During that time we were looking for people to come work with us, and Max, my agents, had experience in sales and that sort of things so he joined us.”

“You have a lot of friends in the company?”

“It feels like a big family.”

Lucy wondered if she was honest. The idea that a company that had signed some of the most popular artist of her generation was like a big family, didn’t seem quiet believable.

“How about we talk a bit more about music, tell me how are you enjoying the festival so far.”

Erza Scarlet provided her a long speech about all the artists she had seen, talking about their qualities what she though they could improve and of course which one she would like to work with in the future. Lucy wrote everything down as rapidly as she could, as she listened to her she realised that Erza Scarlet would have made a great music journalist. She mentioned something about the qualities of the lyrics of one band, which made Lucy look up and ask “Speaking of lyrics you don’t write any of your songs?”

Erza Scarlet glanced down at her feet and admitted, “Yes I’ve collaborate with lots of very talented writers and I have to admit I’m incapable of writing a good song. I’ve tried many times but I never seem to get it. I turning my thoughts and feelings into music is natural to me but I’m completely unable to do the same with words.”

“How does that usually works, are you given the lyrics, or do you work with the writers on what you want to express?”

“It depends, sometimes I get offered a full song and I then decides if I want to sing it or no, and sometimes I ask for a writer to put into words what I’m looking for.”

Lucy took notes, and she still had a question to ask on that subject, but she wasn’t sure if she should, this one came from deductions she had made and wasn’t fully sure of. Her curiosity won over her doubts and she asked, “Are all of your writers listed on your albums?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well it’s just that they are some of you songs that are written in a style very different from the other and it doesn’t match with the other works of the writer mention on the back of the records.”

Lucy listed the songs she had noticed, or at least the one she could remember. Erza Scarlet eyes had gotten as wide as saucers and she was staring at Lucy.

“You’re very impressive.” She marvelled “Yes these songs were written by someone else but we can’t put their name on the back because I don’t know who it is. I’ve received them through the post by an anonymous fan, I have no way of knowing who they are and they said they wanted to stay anonymous and didn’t want any credits.”

Lucy was astonished by what she was hearing. This wasn’t what she had expected for an answer and it only served to build a bigger mystery. She was extremely excited to write an article about it. And she was filed with the wonderful pride you could only feel from being right.

“Which do you prefer? Your anonymous writer or the one you usually work with?”

Erza Scarlet gave her a full and fascinating answer. She talked about the different writers she had work with and their manners of work. She ended by saying “Writers are cruelly underappreciated, they are praises for the singers and the musician but rarely for the writers, unless they are also the writers. Honestly I’m just a performer I don’t believe I should be given that much credits.”

“I wouldn’t call you just performer, finding the write words is very difficult but its just as hard to say or sing them right. The performances you give are always right and powerful. There’s a reason why you receive song from anonymous writers.”

At this Erza Scarlet looked away and thanked her. This was strange to Lucy; she hadn’t thought that someone like her could talk that way about herself. Self-loathing was familiar to Lucy and she had never imagined it could come out of a successful person. It was a strange reminder that Erza Scarlet, Natsu Dragneel and all the others were humans, like everyone else.

“I have another question to ask you, it comes from something Natsu Dragneel told me in an interview. He said that the industry didn’t appreciate you to the full. That you were one of the greatest musicians he’s ever met but that you are only allowed to be a singer. Is this true to you?”

Erza Scarlet smiled “A lot of that is just Natsu exaggerating. I’m not a bad musician, but when I started I couldn’t give my best at singing and playing at the same time, so I had choose, and I decided to be a singer, now I can do both at once but I’m not sure how my public would reacted if showed up with a guitar on stage tomorrow.”

“You play the guitar?”

“Yes as well as the bass, the drums, the piano, the saxophone, and the harmonica.”

Lucy froze. Six instrument. Erza Scarlet played six instruments. Lucy had heard of multi instrumentalist who played two or three instrument, but six! That was insane! Lucy had to agree with Natsu, someone capable of playing six instruments not using any on stage that was unbelievable, laughable even.

“Why did you choose to be singer?”

Erza Scarlet’s face changed, it was very hard to read, it somehow close of the emotionlessness of Juvia Locser but it was not quite it. “I had bad experience trying to be female musician.”

“Would you mind elaborating?”

“Yes.”

Lucy didn’t know what to say, she would have wanted to press her but she could tell she would receive no answer, actually she was afraid she’d never get an interview with her again if she did.

“They are female musician who have made their way in the industry today.” Lucy said, it was her way of encouraging her to assert herself as a musician.

“You mean like Juvia Locser?”

“Yes.”

“I admire her in a way.” She stopped to observe her watch “As much as I would love to continue I’m afraid I must get going”

“Of course.”

Lucy watched her leave and wondered if she truly was in a hurry or if her questions had made her run away. I this was the case than this could be a remarkably bad news for her carrier. She looked at her own watch and realise that Erza Scarlet’s concert would start soon enough for her to have needed to leave. She trully hoped her questions hadn’t made her uncomfortable.

Natsu came back not long after that, he asked how it had went and she told him about her worrying. He assured her that if she had made Erza uncomfortable she would have known. He was so certain of this that she started believing him. He invited her to join him secure a nice spot for Erza Scarlet’s concert. When they got close to the stage she noticed that they were already quite a lot of people here. And not just anyone. There was indeed lots of random people but among them some of another calibre. Natsu, who was here with her was a good start but in the crowd she noticed many more. Cana Alberona was taking sip from a bottle in the middle of the crowd. Toward the back there was the Strauss talking happily among themselves. Toward the right she spotted Lee Richard. John Fool was on the left side of stage. At the other end you could find Juvia Locser, Gajeel Redfox and Levy. These were the one she had seen but she wouldn’t have been surprised if they were more.

She though of joining Levy to make sure she was okay, but on closer look her friend seemed perfectly content. She wondered if they had talked while she was with Erza Scarlet. She was a bit curious but didn’t want to bother them.

Erza Scarlet delivered probably the best performance of the entire festival. She had that passion that none could match. Has she listened to her Lucy was transported. She did hope to see her take out an instrument, but it never happened. This didn’t prevent the show from being perfect. If her interview had disturbed her it didn’t show.

After her show, she grabbed something to eat with Natsu. She was less tens than the first time. She talked to him quite easily. They talked mostly about Erza Scarlet’s performance. They had both enjoyed it and were talking with lots of excitement. Natsu was incredibly eloquent when describing her performance, to the point that Lucy asked if she could quote him. Music was amazing; Lucy knew that if they had not just been to a concert she wouldn’t be able to speak so freely.

“Are you going to see Guildarts afterward?”

“Yes, you as well?”

“Yeah we go together?”

“Sure.”

It was strange, seeing to concert in the company of a famous musician in a row. The stage were Guildarts was playing was much smaller than the one Erza Scarlet had been at. But he had quite a crowd as well. If Erza Scarlet’s crowd had fifteen per cent made of famous musician, Guildarts was forty per cent. Many of the same faces as the one who had been at Erza Scarlet’s were also here, along side a few more. There was religious silence among them. No one said a word. Not even when Guildarts got on the stage, just respect full claps, not even a whistle. Once he started playing the silence came back. There was none of the occasional shouts you would usually hear. All eyes were focus on the man on the stage. His strings rang sad and true. His voice was low and carried the sorrowful truth of the world. Songs about poverty, the passing of time, hookers and the fear of a new war succeeded themselves. Lucy didn’t know when she started crying; maybe it was around the part about the death of his first love, or perhaps the one about coming back to his hometown in ruin. Lucy had no idea how to describe this experience. She thought that this was how she should have been feeling in church. She understood why so many musicians were inspired by him. She felt inspired at that moment, inspired to do more, to show her best, no matter if she failed.

Never had she had had more enthusiasm to check her notes when she got to her hotel room. She went through them, underlying the important part, placing little numbers here and there to remember which part should come first. As she went through them something intrigued her. It was in her interview with Erza Scarlet. She listed every concert she had seen and told her thoughts on them, but there was no mentions of Fernandez, even though she was sure to have seen her there.

#fairy tail #fairy tail fanfiction #nalu #nalu fanfiction #lucy heartifilla #nastu dragneel #levy mcgarden #gajeel redfox #gajevy #gale #fanfic #erza scarlet

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rhaellatully · 4 years

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Strings’n’Drums Chapter 8 (Fanfiction)

FF.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12814422/8/Strings-n-Drums

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13991202/chapters/52670395

Chapter 1: https://rhaellatully.tumblr.com/post/170156396003/stringsndrums-fanficition

Chapter 7: https://rhaellatully.tumblr.com/post/182871386968/stringsndrums-chapter-7-fanfiction?is_related_post=1

The ferry ride toward the island was peaceful. The sun was warm, Lucy decided to go on the deck and enjoy the sea air. Making her way to the front of the ship, she could clearly see the island ahead. She was much looking forward the festival; she had no idea what it would be like and was excited to find out. She knew they would be several stages, and sometimes two artists would play at the same time on different one. She would have to make hard choices. According to the program Lee Richards and John Fool would be at the same time, she didn’t know which to choose yet.

Seeing as the island kept getting closer and closer, she thought it would be best to go get her things and make sure she would be ready to get off. That’s when she noticed and silhouette hanging on the fence head toward the water. With a closer look, she realised she knew this silhouette.

“Are you alright?” she asked.

He slowly lifted his head and Lucy almost laughed at his face. Long gone was the smiling face and the incredible energies she had seen on stage, Natsu Dragneel clearly couldn’t handle the sea.

“Hey… Lucy” he said weakly.

She smiled at him “Sea sick?”

“Motion sickness” he managed to let out.

“We’re almost there” Lucy offered.

He took himself off the fence and started to stumble across the deck, trying to get to the door. It was a sad sight and Lucy’s guilt quickly over came her. “Do you need any help?” she shouted toward him.

He made a weird sound in response, which she chose to interpret as a yes. She took his arm and putted it across her shoulder. They difficultly made their way to the door, behind which she helped down some stairs, when they reached the corridor a man came to get Natsu. He was one of his technicians and jugging by his face, he had been looking for the musician for long time. As she watched them leave Lucy couldn’t help but wonder if he usually caused that kind of trouble. He seemed like the sort of person who would. Lucy would have never bear to do the same, the mere though of embarrassing someone else made her uncomfortable.

When she was on the dock she heard someone scream “Finally, earth, sweet earth!” and she turned around to find Natsu Dragneel again looking far better than he did on the boat. The sight gave her a smile she kept all the way to the small hotel were she would staying. She would have liked to call Levy, but she didn’t which number to call. And as Levy was in the same situation they could only hope to meet at the festival tomorrow.

Sadly when Lucy made her way there the next day, she caught no sign of her friend. And she couldn’t spend her day looking for her; she was here for work, not just for her own enjoyment. So she went to the first concert on her list, it was at the biggest scene of the festival. There was already a bit of crowed in front, but Lucy managed to make her way through it effortlessly. Still she felt the heat from the sun as well as from the crowed. She was close to the stage, but not too close. She noticed that the technicians were still setting up the equipment.

Waiting for the musicians to get here she looked around her self, this was a band she liked and she was curious to know what kind of people would be listening with her. She noticed a lot of different, from hippies to teddy boys there was a bit of everything. The only thing they all seemed to have in common was to be dress more appropriately for the heat then Lucy was. How great was her shock when she noticed right next to her Cana Alberona. Lucy stared, incapable of assuring herself that this was indeed the famous singer.

Looking at the other woman from head to toe, there was no doubt, the long curly brown hair, the cheeky smile, the single bra as a top, the tight pants, the barefoot, all the signatures of Cana Alberona. And on top of it, she lifted a bottle of bourbon, that, if Lucy believed the rumour, never left her side.

Any good journalist would have jumped on the occasion. Any good journalist would have already introduced herself. Any good journalist would have tried to get an interview later. Any good journalist would have asked her views on the band they were about to see. But Lucy stood frozen. She knew she had to do something, but it didn’t seem to be in her abilities.

“You’re okay sweetie?” asked the husky voice of Cana Alberona.

“I’m…” she managed to started but she couldn’t go any further. She wanted to kill herself.

The singer gave her a smile, “Hey, it’s fine” she reassured her “I’m just a regular junky.”

Lucy snorted.

Cana Alberona noticed the pass hanging from her neck and asked “Journalist?”

“Yeah” answered Lucy as her cheek grew warm.

“Beginner?”

Lucy nodded.

The older woman smiled, “At least you have good taste” she said turning her head to the stage.

The band had yet to arrive, which meant Lucy still had a chance, in a very small voice she said “You like them too?”

Miss Alberona turned toward her again “Yeah” she said “they’re still a bit messy, obviously they haven’t really found themselves yet, but they have a lot of potential”

Lucy’s eyes widen “I though the same!” she exclaimed.

“Then you have the right sense for your job girl” she looked at her close and added “not so much for the weather thought.”

Lucy looked down at herself, more to hide her face than to see what Miss Alberona was talking about. She knew very well what she was talking about. Who in their right wind would be wearing a bellbottom jean and a jacket in this weather?

Lucy had packed light summer dresses but hadn’t dared to put any on this morning. And now on top of being sweaty she was embarrassed in front of Cana Alberona. While she had cowered at the idea of wearing her not so revealing dress, the singer was walking around with only a bra on.

“You don’t have to have to go around half naked if you don’t want to, you know.”

Lucy looked up to Miss Alberona, she had no idea why she was telling her that.

“Look” she continued “I know a lot of women here, me first, won’t bother covering anything up, but there’s nothing wrong with you not being able to do the same. Feminism is freedom and freedom is doing whatever you feel like. So if you feel like covering up, go ahead, it doesn’t make you a coward or less of a feminist.”

A smile came to Lucy’s face, she wanted to thank her, but the music started. The band was finally here and Lucy had more impotent things to do than talk. She enjoyed their show. They were wild but manage to keep their melody clear. She had such a great time that she only remembered Cana Alberona’s presence at the end of the show. But when she turned to talk to her again she was gone. For a second there Lucy though she might have dreamt their encounter, but even with her wild imagination she didn’t mistook dreams for reality. So it did happened. It simply didn’t mean as much to the singer as it did to her. Which was fine. Which made sense. Why would meeting a debutant journalist mean anything to a great singer?

With her shoulder dropped and her eyes on the floor she started leaving. A sighed escaped her lips as she forced herself to look up and find somewhere she could buy food. Seeing large group of people agglomerating around some small wooden house she guessed that this was what she was looking for. Along many others she made her way toward it.

In the crowed, she noticed a pale emotionless face, a quick second look allowed her to recognise the woman she had interview several month prior. The mere look in her eyes still scared Lucy. Nevertheless, she was an artist, someone Lucy needed to be on good terms with. All she had to do was say a quick hello, no need for an actual conversation.

Gathering all her strength, Lucy looked straight at her and said loud enough, “Miss Locser!”

This coughed the other woman’s attention; she looked in Lucy’s direction and without any changes to her expression said “Hello.” And then without a second glance walked away.

At least it didn’t take too much time. Lucy went back to making her way to the food stand, when she realised that if Juvia Locser was here, then they were good chances that Levy might be as well. Getting closer, she started scanning the crowed for her small friend. Every one around her was so tall; the chances of spotting Levy seemed rather fine.

She made her way through the masses of people, dodging the arms of overexcited people, and stepping away form a longhaired woman who kept trying to offer her fruits. Among this sea of faces she was unable to tell if Levy was anywhere near. When she finally reached her destination, she felt as if the smell of each person in that crowed was still attached to her. It made her uncomfortable. At that moment all she wanted was to take a shower.

She quickly forgot her uneasiness when a voice shouted “Lucy!”

Lucy almost jumped in the air when she saw Levy. She wore a short dress that stopped at the middle of her hip, she didn’t had tight on, and the sighed of her bare legs seemed to attract a lot of eyes. Her arms were covered by long large sleeves thought, and her cleavage barely parted from her neck. They were cute little flowers printed at the edges of her dress that matched the scarf in her hair. She looked incredibly happy.

“It’s been so long.” Said Lucy as she pulled her into a hug.

Levy hugged her back “I’ve missed you! What have you been up too?”

Lucy pulled back “Same old same old, what about you? Have you… managed with Rust?”

“Actually I did” she said with a smile

“That’s great to hear. Gajeel Redfox wasn’t too hard on you?”

Levy bit her lips, but her smile didn’t change, there was a hint of pink on her cheeks, and looked away for second. “Actually about that-“

“Hey Lucy!”

Lucy turned at the sound of name and she came face to face with Natsu Dragneel. He looked much better than he had on the boat. He had a bright smile on his face and was standing straight. Despite the heat he was still wearing his scarf, thankfully it was wrapt around his head and not his neck. The only other piece of clothes he had were a pair of white pair of pants. She didn’t know what had happened to the clothes he had worn on the boat, but with the current heat, she could hardly blame him for taking them off.

“There you go.” he said as he handed Levy some food. This reminded Lucy that she had been looking for food herself.

“I need to go buy some food too.”

“It’s alright” said Levy “We’ll wait for you, right?”

“Yeah, absolutely”

She wet away from them to join the queue. As she waited, she thought about what Levy might have wanted to tell her. It was about Gajeel Redfox and she had seemed embarrassed by it. Had he hurt her? Lucy really hoped that wasn’t the case. If it had been she would have looked angry or sadden. Being embarrassed by this sort of things didn’t sound like Levy at all. It had seemed like she wasn’t sure how to talk about it with Lucy, yet the last he had been mean to her she hadn’t hesitate to tell Lucy. This couldn’t be it, but then what? She have to make sure to ask her as soon as she was back with her and Natsu.

Natsu. She was about to eat with Natsu Dragneel. This felt so odd. He had told her he wanted to be her friend, but up until now they never talked outside of an interview. She had no idea what she going to say to him. What if in that knew setting he found her boring and decided he had no desire to spent time with her after all? What if it destroyed their professional relationship? She would never be able to get an interview with him again. This would be horrible for her career.

She couldn’t mess this up. She had to be on her best behaviour. But what could the best behaviour be with someone like him? Should she try to be friendly, but she could end up coming off as clingy. Should she try her best to look cool, but she had never been cool in her life, she wasn’t even sure if she knew what that meant. The best option seemed to let them lead the conversation, and make little observation here and there. But if she did things that way how would she get answers out of Levy?

She was stressed by the time she got to the front of the line that stuttered through her entire order. As walk back toward where she had left them, she found herself hoping they had forgot about her and left. At least that way she wouldn’t have to worry. But sadly for her, they were still standing there waiting for her.

“There you are” said Levy as she spotted her “ I had to keep him from eating this all time, do you realise how hard this is!”

“Oh… uh… sorry” Lucy managed to answer.

Levy frown and said “Let’s go found somewhere to eat. Natsu lead the way.”

Natsu went ahead of them without hesitation.

“What’s wrong?” Levy asked her in low voice.

“I can’t mess this up, it’ll be horrible for my career.”

Levy smiled “Look Lucy, they are only very few people Natsu actually dislike, and trust me you have none of required personality trait to enter that category.”

“What if he founds me dull?”

“You’re not dull”

This was levy final encouragement, before all three of them sat down on a patch of grass. The moment they touch the ground Natsu dug into his food like his life depended on it. They were bits and pieces scattering on his face and the floor. Lucy did her best to contain her disgust feeling, but she could tell the muscles on her face were moving. But oddly on their own they started shaking and a small laughter escaped her. She stopped and felt very embarrassed.

“Someone’s hungry” she said

Levy gave her a sympathetic look while shaking her head. Did she mean that he ate that way all the time? That couldn’t be.

Lucy started eating her own food, and Levy did the same. For a moment they were just eating in silence and Lucy was thankful for that. But she knew it wouldn’t last long.

“So you’re gonna see Dust Cloud or U-turn?” asked Natsu to Levy

“I don’t know, they both sound great, but I’m not sure which of them is going to give me the most interesting material.” Levy answer.

“It’s not all about the pictures you know” pointed out Natsu, who seemed tired of hearing about pictures

“It is when they pay the rent” grumbled Levy

“Come on! You’re at a music festival! Relax!”

“I like taking pictures!”

Lucy could tell that the tone was rising between them, and made her worry. She didn’t want them to fight, especially not here.

“I think Dust Cloud is very good, and they seem to have a lot of energy so they should be able to give you what you need.” She interjected

It seemed to calm the mood as Natsu added “Yeah this guys have to be on drugs or something”

“Personally, I really like there lyrics. They have a way turning little things of every day life into fantastic songs. I think that’s incredible.”

“I know” said Levy “I red your article that’s what got interested in them.”

“Thanks” said Lucy as a blush made it’s way through her cheeks. This was by far the best complement anyone could give her. To think her writing had gotten someone interested into a band, it made her all warm inside.

“It’s not as good as the one she wrote about you, though” Levy added, smiling to Natsu.

“Really!” He said with a bright smile.

“Out of all the article that have been written on you, hers is by far the best.”

“That’s great!”

“You didn’t red it” the words escaped Lucy mouth before she could think better of it. Of course he hadn’t red it. She couldn’t expect a famous musician to read all the articles about himself. Especially not the one written by novice journalist.

“I don’t read a lot” he said

Somehow that made her sadder, some part of her had hoped that he might like reading too. It was foolish of course, she couldn’t hope that every one she met would love to read. She didn’t even know him so why would it matter.

“You know what I really liked about your article” added Levy “the one about Cloud Dust I mean, it was the part were you said ‘their music and lyrics merge in a way in which you can no longer tell which of the two is creating the strong emotion that each songs creates’”

“Oh my god that’s exactly it!” exclaimed Natsu

The blush that had left her cheeks came back immediately, “I just said what I felt” she explained

“You totally got it. That’s exactly what I thought! I mean no, I’m not that good at putting things into words, that’s why I tell stories in my song. But you got it that’s so great.”

“Thank you” mumbled Lucy shyly.

“I don’t understand why more people don’t listen to them thought” said Levy

“Yeah that’s weird, I mean, “added Natsu before turning toward Lucy “you get how their music works, how can more people don’t get it?”

“I don’t know, maybe it’s because I’m the one who wrote about them and not many people are interested in what I think” Lucy felt bad the second after that sentence came out. She knew she shouldn't let her self-pity show in front of others. But in her heart, she couldn’t think of any other reason why people weren’t interested into Dust Cloud.

“What makes you think that?” asked Levy

“I’m new, I’m just a nobody who wrights about music, why anyone care about how feel about it”

“I don’t read much, but if that’s how people who read choose their stuff than their pretty stupid, I mean if you do things that way than you always end up listening to the same stuff. Got to get boring at some point.”

Lucy stared at Natsu, that made a lot of sense, she hadn’t though about it that way, but now that she did, she realised that she didn't only read the books of author she already knew, she always tried new ones. It was how she discovered things.

“He’s right” said Levy, and Lucy it was true.

Natsu looked at his wrist watch and exclaimed “Fernandez is going to start soon”

Levy immediately got up “You’re coming?”

“Yeah” said Lucy before following them.

Fernandez was playing on the big scene and the place was packed. Levy had her photograph pass that allowed her a nice place at the front, which was not the case for Natsu and Lucy, who were now staring at the sea of people in front of them. Natsu grabbed her hand.

“Come on” he said as he made his way through the crowed.

He managed to get them just a few feet away from the stage. They were so many people around them that one would have though it impossible to move from there spot. But they had a great view of the stage and the band that was about to start.

Natsu let go for her hand and it suddenly felt very cold. That’s when she realise how warm his hand had been. Her feet felt cold, the floor had turned muddy from all the excitement of the day. She looked at the crowed around her, they were so many people, and no familiar face. Thankfully she wasn’t here alone. It’s at that moment that she realised she was with Natsu Dragneel, the singer. Somehow it had seemed normal to her to be here with him, as if they were nothing more natural then attending a concert with a famous singer. Lucy didn’t know how she was supposed to feel.

But then the music started, and the emotion it carried took over her. She let every key penetrate her soul and the beat animated her body. In the music she felt at home. It felt right.

Each song came and hit her in the heart. Fernandez on the stage looked like he was in a trance. For a moment, Lucy thought that he wasn’t even able to see the audience, since his eyes, under his hair, had been fixed on one point since the beginning of the concert. She followed then and fell on a patch of red in the crowed.

She looked just in time to see a gorgeous woman with long red hair leave the concert with a sad face. She immediately recognised her. That was Erza Scarlet. The Erza Scarlet. Lucy followed her with her eyes until she disappear toward the back of the crowed.

“What are you looking at?”

Lucy turned back to Natsu and said with a small voice “There was… there was Erza Scarlet”

“I’ll introduce you if you want”

“Really?”

“Of course”

#fairy tail #nalu #ft fanfiction #nalu fanfiction #lucy heartfilia #natsu dragneel #levy mcgarden #fanfic

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