Chapter Text
Lucy moved to Magnolia with her dad at 14. She started her freshman year the new girl, and for many, this can be a lonesome time. Yet, Lucy seemed to be spared from this for she quickly formed a relationship with one Natsu Dragneel. They had shared a few classes, and Natsu’s constant cheerful, outgoing personality made it incredibly easy to befriend him. While talking, the two found they had similar humor, media preferences, and even sports interests.
Natsu was quick to introduce Lucy to his other friends, and she molded easily into the group. Forming friendships with the witty Levy McGarden, honest Erza Scarlet, and sweet Juvia Lockser, Lucy found her place. Yet, of all her new friends, Natsu was still number one.
From freshman to sophomore year, a best friendship was formed. The first Friday night of junior year could only play out one way. A Natsu and Lucy movie night, and that night was Natsu’s pick. He chose “IT,” and for each jumpscare where Lucy inched closer to him and had a jerk reaction to grip some part of his body or clothes - a realization started to weave into his mind. Shortly after, Natsu and the boys were all playing for the Magnolia High soccer team, and of course, the girls came to support them. Natsu, the team’s goalie had blocked every shot taken and helped secure the win for the team. Riding on his victory high, he ran over to the bleachers, hopped the fence, and scooped Lucy into his arms.
Through weeks of close time together, the realization started to grow and spread in the two of them. And after Natsu had played an incredible game and had a whole team to celebrate there was truly only one person who he was going to prioritize his time with. And with that thought, the realization had fully rooted in his mind. He made a decision as he sprinted towards his favorite blonde whose mind-numbing smile he could already see from a distance.
“Luce!” Natsu beamed at the blonde whose face matched his hair.
“Natsu! What are you-” Her sentence was cut off by his lips meeting her. Lucy’s eyes widened for a moment before closing and melting into the exchange. She didn't think something so new could feel so completely instantly right. Her arms wrapped around his neck and her legs around his waist. They were already putting on a show for the crowd around them, might as well commit to the experience.
They soon pulled apart, and surrounding cheers broke them from their moment to see all their friends grinning excitedly and knowingly at them.
“Lucy Heartfilia, will you please do me the honor of being my girlfriend?” Natsu set her back down on the ground but kept his hands loosely on her hips.
However, the seemingly life changing question of course called for another gesture as Lucy jumped into another hug quickly and, with a slight laugh, easily answered, “I’d love to be your girlfriend.” She did not know how long she had been waiting to say that phrase to him, but once she did she felt that there were no more worries to be had in the world.
With celebrations all around, the group decided to go over to Gray’s and have a fun night with each other. Seeing that Lucy and Natsu were the last couples to finally get together, spirits were high in energy and love.
Later, with most of the group passed out, just Erza and Levy remained awake. Erza was scrolling through Instagram when she let out a gasp.
“What's up?” Levy whispered so as not to disturb anyone else. She was encased in the arms of her teddy bear boyfriend and did not want Gajeel to wake up for his disruption would surely alert everyone else.
“Mirajane just posted on Instagram a picture from when they were younger here at Magnolia. She captioned it, “Can’t wait to finally be back home. Only 2 more months.” I would imagine that must mean the whole Strauss family is returning. Lis and Elfman will be back. Our friends will be coming home to us!” The Strauss family had moved to the other side of the country to help their grandparents move and get settled into their new living spaces. Then their mother decided she wanted more time with her parents so the family ended up staying in the area for the entirety of the gang's highschool years. It seems though, the family would be making a return and letting their children be home for the rest of the school year.
“That’s wonderful! It was certainly difficult to seem them go. Ya know, I don’t think Evergreen was truly over their departure. Over, Eflman's departure to be specific. And yay I can’t wait for Lisanna to come home too! She and Natsu were such a funny, chaotic duo. It will be nice to bring back all the Strauss flare to the group.”
Ezra glanced over to where Natsu was lying across one of the sofas, Lucy on top of his chest, arms wrapped around each other. She smiled softly, “I’m sure Lis will have a grand time teasing Natsu about Lucy; they always loved to take cracks at each other.” As the conversation drifted to a close, so did the two girl's eyes as they joined the rest of their friends in a peaceful slumber.
Weeks passed, and the school year went on, with the girls going to every soccer game. Always intending to celebrate after, win or lose. Before each game, Natsu would meet Lucy to give her his away jersey because he claimed there was no better place for it than on her. The man really knew how to make her blush.
While the best friends were close before, this new relationship only seemed to bring out a new side. Natsu constantly had his arms around Lucy; Lucy’s new favorite seat was Natsu’s lap. Lucy would always have him over to try new recipes she made. Natsu even faced his motion sickness just to get extra Lucy time, whether that be going on dates or doing small errands; they were just together. There was no awkward question of their closeness being unnatural for friends. Instead they were able to just exist in a peaceful bubble, just the two of them.
Then November came.
With November came the Strauss family.
The group planned a huge welcome-back party at Natsu’s. At 3 o’clock, the guests of honors arrived. Lucy wasn’t sure what to expect, but she only heard wonderful things about each of the members. The sibling trio barely walked into the backyard before being engulfed in hugs by everyone. Lucy stood off to the side, waiting to introduce herself and letting everyone have their time. After the initial welcome wore down, she caught eyes with who she was informed was the oldest Strauss sibling, Mirajane. Mirajane was the same year as the rest of the group whereas Lisanna and Elfman were twins, just a year younger than the rest of them.
Mirajane walked over with a gentle smile, “Hello there! I'm Mirajane, but everyone calls me Mira; I assume you are a new friend of the group?” Her tone was kind and Lucy was informed by the others they had not had much contact with the siblings since they left. It did not mean they cared less for them, their friendships went deeper than that. So Lucy was not offended by any means that Mira did not know about her.
“Hi! I’m Lucy Heartfilia and Natsu’s girlfriend- it is fantastic to meet you I’ve heard such wonderful things.” Lucy finished speaking for Mira to drop her jaw, eyes widened, and in quick movements, grabbed Lucy by the shoulders and shook her. Levy had pulled her aside before the group arrived and insisted Lucy let Mira know she was dating Natsu. While Lucy thought that could be a weird off-the-bat possession move, Levy insisted.
The blonde swore she saw stars form in the women's eyes. “YOU AND NATSU! OH MY GOSH! That is so exciting. How long have you been dating? Who asked out who? When will there be Nalu babies? Can I be the godmother?” Lucy was not even positive Mira was still addressing her. She seemed to be in a happy daze going on and on about their relationship. She understood Levy a bit more now. It was nothing about claiming Natsu by any means. Mira certainly had other interests in their relationship.
Lucy did not even flinch as she felt warm arms wrap around her. She turned and gave a quick smile to the man who joined the pair. “Woah, Mira, calm down you’ll break my girl's shoulders.” She swore the girl was going to feint at watching the couple in live time. Mira was no longer even coherent. “But it is good to see you are still your happy love-obsessed self.” Natsu and Lucy just looked at each other after Mira gave them a wide smile and salute. They could not help bursting out laughing over the amusing woman.
Soon the other Strauss siblings walked over and met Lucy as well.
Elfman was polite and just like his sister, she felt no animosity towards her for being new to the group. He certainly did blush while bearing witness to Natsu and Lucy being openly handsy with each other. It certainly did not help when Mira commented on it being the goal he needed to achieve for with Evergreen. Lucy liked and pitied the poor sophomore who seemed to have a gentle soul.
Then there was Lisanna Strauss.
Lisanna stood really close to Natsu during introductions, and Lucy felt weird energy from the girl’s smile once Natsu explained his relationship with Lucy. She felt that the girl was not even looking at her when being introduced to her. Lisanna's smile seemed almost too joyful. She was so happy to meet Lucy that it seemed she was not happy at all. Well no, it was not that she was angry she seemed sad to be meeting Natsu's girlfriend.
“Ya Luce is my rock-”
“Oh, you call her Luce! How cute!” Lisanna turned to Lucy, “Ya Natsu here calls me Lissie; I was the only one he ever gave a nickname to; I’m glad you could be the placeholder for him while I was away.” Lucy flinched, and suddenly Lisanna was not the only one wearing an ingenuine smile.
As night approached, the group decided on a bonfire. Natsu and Lucy sat next to each other on a bench, cuddled together for warmth. Lisanna came over and sat against Natsu’s legs and feet on the ground. Natsu made no comment for it. But there was no comment against it either.
“N, you don’t mind, right? Remember how I always used to sit against you for warmth? The only thing you're good for, really.” She was looking back at him, causing Natsu to turn from Lucy to address Lisanna. His hand that was rubbing circles on Lucy's back slowed as his attention was diverted.
“Funny, Lissie and you were really only good for…oh wait, nothing really.” The two broke out into a laugh, then fistbump. Lucy had been watching the whole interaction and, with furrowed brows, decided to brush it off. Natsu clearly had a dynamic with the girl, it doesn’t mean anything.
Except perhaps it did, and Lucy wanted to smash her seed of doubt into pieces over and over again. But it was hard to kill when it already took root.
At lunch, sometimes Lisanna would insist on splitting foods with Natsu, as it was their tradition. Natsu wouldn't turn it down, thanking his friend for the nice gesture. Lucy started bringing smaller portions to lunch. In the elective classes Natsu, Lucy, and Lisanna shared, Lucy noticed they would throw small paper airplanes at each other when the teacher wasn’t paying attention. Sometimes it would be little doodles that Lisanna drew for him causing him to draw some of his own in reply. Lucy just looked away when Lisanna would clutch them to her chest. Yet, Natsu was still hers. He still drove her to school daily. Friday was still movie nights when there wasn’t a game. And at the end of the day, Natsu was only kissing and performing perhaps some other intimate activities with Lucy. Yes, he was still hers. Natsu was hers. Natsu was most definitely hers. She just kept repeating that to herself in hopes she might believe it.
Natsu was hers in the morning, during their drive to school. Except Elfman and Mira had morning conflicts with morning practice as Elfman joined wrestling and Mira lacrosse so Lisanna would need a ride from who else but Natsu. And one Friday movie night, Lucy had picked “Pirates of the Caribbean” eager to laugh and get lost in the world of pirates with Natsu. Lisanna was with Levy when Levy had to abruptly leave, according to Lisanna. And Mira and Elfman weren't answering their phones, so Natsu had to go get her from the diner Levy left her alone at. It was dark, she had no ride, Natsu would not make her walk would her? He wouldn't. Lucy knew as soon as he answered and heard she needed a ride he would be momentarily getting into his car. With a quick kiss goodbye, he was out the door. Later, it was much later, when he made contact again. He was calling Lucy to ask about coming back, he apologized for the delay. Apparently, Lisanna was so anxious from being alone she needed Natsu to take her on a drive first to calm down. Lucy had anxiety, lately, she was full of it. She understood the need for a moment to breathe. She also understood she was too tired to respond and fell asleep with the warmth of a blanket and not his arms.
Everything boiled over, though, with a soccer game. When Lucy went to go meet Natsu for his jersey, their tradition broke.
“Oh, Luce, I actually had to give it to Lizzie cause she said some freshman spilled their soda on her, and her shirt was ruined. I know how uncomfortable you would be, so I figured I’d just lend it to her for the game. But don’t worry, my number one fan doesn’t need school colors for me to pick her out.” And with a squeeze of her hand, Natsu was off to the team.
Lucy was flabbergasted. She went to find her friends to see Lisanna sitting in the center among them all. Proudly showing off the jersey.
Natsu loves me. Natsu loves me. Natsu. Loves. Me.
It used to not be a plea. It used to be a statement of truth, not a question.
Lucy couldn’t bring herself to stay for the whole game. The anxiety was causing a pain in her chest, grating against her skin. It'd only be a few moments before she completely brokedown. If she were to face her friends they'd immediately pick up on her mood. If she faced Lisanna..she could not predict how she would act. Lucy was not a hateful person, the anxious, envious person she was becoming was not who she wanted to be. At the end of the day she was most angry with herself above all. So, she left before anyone would even know she was there. She sent a quick text to the girls that she had eaten some “bad sushi” and needed to take a self-care night. The responses of care, worry, well-wishes brought some ease to her for the first time all night.
Later, when the group met up to all celebrate, as usual, Natsu was confused when Lisanna engulfed him in a hug with a “Congratulations” and not his Luce. He had ran over to the group as he always did and almost tripped over himself in confusion. The victory meant nothing if Lucy wasn't there to enjoy it with him. Besides, he does all his showing off for her enjoyment anyway.
An incredibly lost Natsu pulled Levy to the side, “Hey, where’s Luce at?”
Levy looked at him with confusion, “Uh, Lucy texted about food poisoning from sushi, she stayed home tonight? You weren’t aware?” Surely Lucy would have texted him if she was unwell.
Yet, she was perfectly fine. Natsu had just seen her pre-game. Where Lucy was standing before him completely fine. Something was up, and he knew between celebrating or Lucy, only one option was truly enjoyable for him. Telling his friends he was going to go check on Lucy, he was met with concern and got well wishes to pass along. He didn’t notice the frown on Lisanna’s face as he departed. He didn't much pay attention to anyone as soon as Lucy's absence became apparent to him.
He rushed to her house, he did not even bother to change out his game uniform. He had more pressing matters on his hands. Natsu was easily let in by Lucy’s father. When he knocked on the door he thought he heard sniffling then a “go away dad” so with a soft voice Natsu replied, “Lucy baby it’s me. Can I come in?”
Natsu heard shuffling for the door to then open to a red, tear-faced Lucy. Lucy looked utterly exhausted and it was gut-wrenching to see his love in such a depleted state. Natsu quickly just pulled her into a hug, and her tears broke into sobs. He had so many questions, but a greater priority to take care of her first.
Natsu just let her exist in her sorrows, softly rubbing her hair, while his arms remained securely around her. “Lucy, take your time, but please tell me what happened. Two hours ago, you looked thrilled about the game, and now I find out you didn’t even go. I know it certainly isn't any sushi food poisoning. You didn't even eat sushi today or yesterday.” Lucy did not yet trust the use of her voice. She just kept her face pressed to his chest, listening to the soothing sounds of his heartbeat. She knew she needed to have a conversation with him, it was her anxieties that had her fearing the conversation. But with his arms wrapped around her, his heartbeat calming her, Lucy was starting to reach a calmer state.
Once she finally felt she was in a place to speak, Lucy took a step back. There were a few more deep breaths taken, the blonde did her best to collect herself. Natsu in the meantime gave her no pressure to speak, or be in anyway. He just let his love take her time. He had never seen her so distraught and he'd move mountains to make sure his girl was never in the state of despair again. “Okay, this has been weighing on me long enough. And it is eating me alive. So I am just going to come out and say it. Natsu, it’s Lisanna. I am so uncomfortable with her relationship with you. I just- I don't know, am so uneased by her. I don't mean to be malicious or hate on someone who is literally younger than me. But I also cannot deny what I feel anymore. It may not be logical, but Lisanna makes me uncomfortable. Our moments, unbreached by others, have now been broken in by her. I trust you; I do. I do not trust her, and I see she obviously has feelings for you. She has intruded on our morning drives, she shares food with you to the point we hardly share like we used to. She even pulled you away from our movie night. And perhaps it is childish, perhaps I am irrational. But this is how I feel. I can't apologize for it or diminish it because I know it will eat me alive otherwise. And I hate myself for questioning our relationship and I don't want to upset you and insinuate anything. But I am hurting. I am hurting and I cannot handle it anymore. I feel like she is pulling you away from me. Pulling you away from our pockets of peace together and I can no longer sit by. I mean, your jersey. She wore-she wore your jersey. And I know why you gave it to her, because you're a good person. You truly have a kind soul Natsu Dragneel. But I just as your girlfriend have some boundaries that she is crossing and screw me for being selfish but she wore your jersey. I'm the only one who should be wearing it. I realize your innocence to her behavior, but I still feel so unnerved and that I am going to lose you. And I just hate myself for feeling like this anxious mess all the time I can't take it anymore.” And with her words finally out in the air, she immediately broke down again. Yet, with the tears spilling she did feel lighter. Lucy voiced her anxieties and though it was a new fear to experience his response, she at least said her piece. Her hands moved to cover her face to contain the tears that just kept spilling. It was when she finally started to back away that Natsu moved from his frozen state.
He immediately wrapped the blonde in his arms again. He let her talk all she needed, but he was not going to let her back away from him. She clearly was in a state of doubt and Natsu knew his actions in the next few moments would be crucial for their relationship. It broke his heart that she had been feeling that way about their relationship for so long. Natsu would go back and knock some sense into his past self if he could. It truly broke him that he had lead his angel to such a devastated state. He truly felt he was failing her and here she was apologizing for her feelings. Feelings she never would have had if he had just acted and reacted to situations differently. He couldn't change the past. He could not rewrite the past few days, weeks, the past moments stolen or interrupted between them. But he could do better moving forward. And he would. Lucy Heartfilia was the love of his life, and it was time he started displaying that. He'd spend the rest of his life making up for what he'd done if needed. What Natsu Dragneel knew for certain was he loved Lucy Heartfilia, and from moving forward there would never be a need for her to question it again.
“Luce,” Natsu just squeezed her and wanted to kiss her feet and whatever higher deities that was keeping his angel in his arms. It was fully in her right to walk away from him and his idiotic actions. Yet, she was there in his arms. It made Natsu feel all the worse that he had such a kind soul standing in front of him, yet he did not worship her the way he should have. He pulled away with a warm grip on her hand as he walked them over to her bed. He sat down, pulling her to his lap as she started to cry heavily into him again. Each sob broke his heart a little more.
“Lucy, you will never lose me. I am sorry I ever put that doubt into you. I thank the earth each day that I get to have you even glance my way. I love you Lucy Heartfilia. And you are right; I was unaware of Lisanna’s behavior having other intent, but now I am, and I am glad you told me. I am so goddamn thankful you told me. Because now I can only do better from here. I will be the person who deserves you and worships you in the way you should be. Tomorrow, I will talk to Lisanna and establish boundaries because Luce she doesn’t have my heart. I am yours all the way, and her discomfort is a little issue to me, but seeing you upset like this is breaking me. And it’s my fault. This is all my fault. And if you let me, I will spend the rest of my days earning you each day over and over again. Because that is the kind of boyfriend you deserve. Not one who leaves you in doubt. I am so sorry, my dear Luce. I want to fix this, and I will. But tomorrow, because tonight is just all about you. The only person who matters to me above all. You’re it for me. You are all I want in life Luce. I love you, Lucy Heartfilia, I love you so heavily and it is time I start to show that.”
Lucy’s cries had quieted, and she started to pull herself back from Natsu to look up at him.
“I love you Natsu Dragneel. And we clearly have some more discussions to have. But I love you Natsu, I do. And I want us to work because I can't help how much I love and care for you. We'll come back from this, I know we will. And perhaps one way to start making it up to me is just keeping your arms wrapped around me. I just want to feel you with me tonight.”
"You don't even have to ask for me to oblige, angel. You are the greatest gift of all Luce. I am truly honored that a lowly man such as myself is granted the opportunity to be the one to wrap my peasant arms around your angelic body."
Lucy playfully hit him and the sound of her quiet laugh was a symphony Natsu never wanted to stop listening to.
The two spent the rest of the night just wrapped in each other’s arms, and as they finally drifted off with Pirates playing in the background there was only an atmosphere of peace encompassing the room as the two slept.