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Advancing in magic power as a wizard was incredibly fulfilling. Being able to push past limits that seemed like a dream was euphoric.
The sense of accomplishment and pride from a completed mission was unmatched. Being able to use the gift of magic power for the well-being of others was marvelous. So much good came from magic, and the rewards seemed never-ending.
Except there was a sort of price that came with the rewards. To grow stronger, one had to face off against more vigorous opponents. Although they always won in the end, it wasn’t without its scars. Literally.
Lucy Heartfilia had no reason to be ashamed of her battle scars. She had bruises, cuts, and scars. All healed or healing. They, most of the time, meant good things. Each spot told a family saved, a village secured, a smile brought to a face. The wounds and bruises showed her hard work. How far she came from the life, she once lived.
That was the problem, though. When one comes from an upbringing like Lucy, there are no physical scars – just mental ones. Mental ones that now made cuts and bruises hurt a whole lot more.
See, she could never feel judged by her guild. There was never more love to be found. However, growing up in a world where her appearance meant everything, it was hard to move past that.
The guild was throwing a celebration that night. Lucy had been excited about it. Unfortunately, insecurities that usually didn’t get a second thought were present that night. Lucy had dressed in a blue mini dress with thin straps. Her whole body was on show. Thus, the bruises on her legs from the latest mission were very present.
The mission had gone well; Lucy had just gotten knocked back by one of the Vulcans. It was no big deal. It hadn’t been. Till it suddenly was.
She wanted to cancel all her plans. Stay in. Wear long sleeves and long pants. Put on socks and slippers. Her hair would be down. The horror would be hidden away, and she could pretend it was all gone if any of the business partners saw her now. Suppose her father saw her now. The staff at her old house. They’d all be disgusted.
She was raised to rule the world of riches and business dealings.
She wouldn’t even make it through the door now.
It was a back-and-forth in her mind to get her through the door. There really would be no avoiding that party. Someone would look for her if she took too long.
Then she’d feel terrible. Her immature insecurities would cause distress to others. That wouldn’t be fair at all. Something so trivial as red cuts and purple bruises. No one else in Fairy Tail even batted an eye at that. They were all so more mature than her.
Lucy forced herself to look straight ahead as she neared the guild. If she looked down, she’d see her body’s unwanted decoration. A life of freedom came with battle scars. They were treasures most days. A show of the beautiful accomplishments she achieved as a Fairy Tail Wizard. There was no explanation of why they had to be a bother on the night of a party. A night when Lucy got all dressed up should’ve been when she felt prettiest. Yet, with each click of her heel, she felt uglier and uglier.
Her hands rested on the handle of the door. One pull, and they’d be open. One pull and her ugliness would be visible to everyone. She’d subject them all to her mutilated skin. A talented wizard wouldn’t let silly battles leave a mark. They showed her failure.
She couldn’t do this. Quick movements and she was already turned away from the door.
Her heart jumped when the doors opened.
“Lucy?” Of course, it was him. He probably smelled her arrival.
She curled her hands into fists at her side, a deep breath, and without turning around, “Natsu, hey!”
“Are you leaving? Already? You haven’t even come inside yet. I’ve been so bored without you; I was excited to catch your scent finally. Then suddenly, it was fading. Is everything alright?”
He started to near, and Lucy squeezed her eyes shut. She wanted to cry. He was so good to her; she was damaged goods.
“I’m sorry. I tried. I just couldn’t tonight. Not looking like this.”
He was behind her finally and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. That contact broke her. She turned to him with glassy eyes that started to stream down tears.
Natsu didn’t hesitate to pull her towards him. Her hands covered her face as she sobbed against his chest. Nonetheless, she relaxed against him as he rubbed her back, his other hand against her head.
“I’m not sure what’s bothering you, and I’m not sure what you mean. But I think you look beautiful, Lucy. You look as beautiful as you did yesterday, the day before, and since I met you. It amazes me, honestly. I’ve seen Erza, Cana, and Mira in various states. But you are consistently enchanting.”
Lucy, through bleary eyes, looked up at him, “You find me beautiful? But don’t you see all the bruises, the scars? I’m so roughed up, Natsu.”
“You have scars? Huh. I guess I haven’t noticed before. I see the same Lucy every time I look at you. That’s cool, though. I have scars of my own. Guess we match. Honestly, looking at you, know I see someone so wonderful and I consider myself lucky you even care to stand next to me. When I look at you, I see the Lucy I’ve always known, the Lucy I love.”
She grabbed his biceps and put some distance between them, “Wait, love? You love me?”
“Lucy Heartfilia, I fall in love with you every day, all over again. My family is all inside that building right there. But the better half of my soul is right before me.”
“Natsu Dragneel. I truly love you so much. I am thankful every day for the universe bringing us together.”
His hands cupped her cheeks, and he brought his face down to her. The two wasted no time in familiarizing themselves with each other. She dug her fingernails into his arms, losing herself in his comfort.
A moment together, a long time coming.
They pulled apart, and the pair couldn’t help but grin at one another.
“I’m sorry you were upset about your appearance. But I think you look marvelous, and I’d hate to waste your outfit. So, if it’s okay with you, would you accompany me back inside? And perhaps you could bless me with a dance. I want to show you off Lucy Heartfilia.
She beamed at him. She already was feeling better about herself. There were always going to be more cuts, bruises, and scars. But nights like these. Moments with him. They’d always be memorable, and she’d cherish them for life. So, silly little marks weren’t going to take any more time from her.
Besides, she was one fine girl. And the arm candy was an excellent addition to it. So, she was going to go inside, dance with the love of her life, and enjoy the rest of the night.
Natsu’s eyes widened in surprise as he was suddenly pulled forward back towards the guild. As Lucy smiled back at him, he matched her grin, excited to dance the night away and for future good times.