#ftrbb2020

Natsu pouted, watching as the blonde skipped out the door, an eager grin plastered on her face.

"What's she so excited for?" he wondered. "It's just book club, right? What can be so fun about that?"

"What do you wanna do now, Natsu?" Happy's voice rang out.

"Hmm… Wanna go to the guild?"

"Sure! Today will be the day I win Charle's heart!"

Natsu grinned. "Good luck, buddy!"

Arriving at the guild, a gloomy aura immediately suffocated him. Expecting it to be a recently rejected Juvia, per usual, he searched the room for the water mage in suspect only to find her latched onto Gray's arm, happy grin glued to her face. Sitting across from the pair, however, were Gajeel and Lily, the former resting his head on the table. The negative energy that surrounded the dragon slayer was practically tangible.

"What's wrong with you, Metal Mouth?" Natsu asked, plopping beside the other dragon slayer while Happy flew off to flirt with Charle.

"None of your business, Salamander," Gajeel replied, his voice gruff as usual.

"Oh, right. Levy is at book club."

Gajeel lifted his head to glare at him. "Whatever."

"Yeah, Lucy's there too, even though we found the perfect job for her. I don't see what's so special about some stupid book club!"

Gray studied Natsu. It was clear the boy was aggravated without Lucy around, if his scrunched up face and crossed arms were anything to go by. Just like that, an opportunity was found.

"Maybe it's not so much about the books, but more about the company," Gray said, all the while trying to hold back laughter.

"What do you mean?" Natsu asked.

"What if she just wants to hang out with Freed?"

"Freed? Those two rarely talk."

"Yeah, but you can't deny that they seem to work well together. Hell, he's a lot like the Prince Charming she used to always talk about when she first joined the guild. He's smart, reads a lot, he's more refined. Who knows, maybe she's into him. Maybe they're on a date." Hook, line, and sinker.

Natsu's eyes widened. "N-No way! Levy's there too!"

Cana, having heard their conversation and wanting to join in on the fun, chimed in, "Well duh. Lucy's too inexperienced. She's probably too nervous about being out on her first date, so she brought Levy along to make it less awkward."

Natsu stood up, slamming his hands on the table. Heat radiated off of him as he tried to control his temper.

"I'm going home," he said, eyebrows scrunched in annoyance. With hands shoved in his pockets, he was out the door without another word.

Gajeel scoffed. "How pathetic."

Gray and Cana immediately set their eyes on their new target.

"You know," Cana began, "I think Levy and Freed would make a really cute couple too though. Blue and green compliment each other."

"I think you're right," Gray replied. "Who's to say that Levy and Freed won't hit it off instead?"

And in the blink of an eye, Gajeel was out the door. With that, the entire guild bursted into laughter.

"Gray-sama, that was too mean!" Juvia said between laughs.

"I just can't help myself! They make it too easy!" the ice mage replied.

"I see this going one of two ways," Cana chimed in. "Either they're going to go batshit crazy on their book club, or they're going to sit around all day listening to sad love songs. Either way, I'd say that was a success!"

While the guild all laughed about Natsu and Gajeel's jealousy, they failed to see another dragon slayer sneak out the door.

"Oi, Salamander," Gajeel's voice rang out.

Natsu didn't bother glancing over his shoulder. "What do you want?"

"Where do you think you're going?"

"None of your business."

"You spying on Bunny Girl?"

Natsu blushed, his brows slanting in annoyance. "No! I'm just going on a walk!"

"Oh really?" Gajeel replied with a skeptical grin. "Because you're going the same way that Lucy's scent leads."

"Oh yeah? Then where are you going? Because Levy's scent leads this way too."

"D-Does it? I was just getting some coffee."

"You don't drink coffee."

"I'm trying something new!"

"Psh, yeah. Sure you are."

With that said, the two brooding dragon slayers walked in silence the rest of the way to the coffee shop, where the girls they pined over every day just so happened to be at.

Reaching the coffee shop, Natsu reached for the door handle when Gajeel grabbed him by the wrist.

"Idiot! They're gonna be pissed if we go in there and ruin their book club!" he barked.

Natsu furrowed his brows. "I wasn't gonna do anything!"

"Bullshit! If I let you in there now, this place will probably be burned to the ground!"

"Just let go already!"

"No way!"

"Will you two just shut up already?" a new voice rang out.

Natsu and Gajeel jumped before turning around to find Laxus peering at them with his usual expressionless face.

"Laxus? What are you doing here?" Natsu asked.

The blonde's eyes darted up to the sky before replying, "Just making sure you two numbskulls don't make a mess that Gramps has to pay for later. So, you guys are spying on Levy and Lucy, right?"

The two boys blushed and shouted in unison, "No way!"

"Yeah, whatever. There's a window over there. If you really wanna go spy on them, use that instead of going inside."

Natsu and Gajeel shared a quick glance before rushing towards the window. The two slowly peeked their heads high enough to see Lucy, Levy, and Freed sharing a table. Levy was skimming through her book while Lucy and Freed chatted with huge smiles on their faces.

Gajeel heaved a sigh of relief. "Okay, good. Levy's not interested in him at all, she only cares about the book."

Natsu huffed, watching as Lucy's smile grew while she wiped tears from her eyes, which were produced by laughing too hard. His stomach churned. He thought only he was able to make her laugh like that.

As he watched the two talk, his bad feeling only got worse. Gray's words from before haunted him. He was right, they did seem to hit it off. Freed liked everything Lucy did; reading, writing, just about everything that Natsu wasn't interested in. Maybe they were a better pair.

He thought back to the moments he shared with Lucy. All of the times she had scolded him for breaking into her apartment but never kicked him out, all the times they had hugged, and all the times that they were each other's point of comfort. He shook his head. There was no way that Freed could be better for Lucy than he was.

Meanwhile, Laxus stood behind the other two dragon slayers, watching Freed talk to Lucy. Even though he knew he was being irrational, he couldn't help feeling uneasy. Even though Freed made his feelings for him apparent, he never made any real attempts to reciprocate those feelings. What if Freed had gotten tired of waiting? What if Lucy, the girl who so clearly shared so many of his interests, was the new person he was pining for?

"This is stupid," Laxus muttered under his breath.

"You're telling me," Natsu replied.

"Sucks for you, my girlfriend is really just interested in the book, so ha!"

"You sure about that?"

"What do you- Wait, no! Don't talk to him, Levy! Pick up the book! Go back to being a bookworm!"

As the three watched from outside, the air around them became thicker and thicker. Just about anything could've sent them over the edge. And finally, it happened.

It was an innocent gesture, really. Freed had said something funny, to which both girls laughed at. After, he placed his hands on their shoulders. And just like that, the door had been blown open while three sour dragon slayers marched over to them.

Lucy was the first to turn around after hearing the door slam open.

"Natsu? What are you doing here?" she asked, glancing around to notice the whole coffee shop staring at them.

The boy stopped in front of her, glaring at the hand that for some reason was still propped upon her shoulder. Meanwhile, Gajeel took a more direct approach by simply picking Levy up and throwing her over his shoulder.

"Later!" he said, all the while carrying her out.

Lucy deadpanned. "What the hell is going on?"

"That's what I'd like to know," Natsu muttered. It was taking every bit of patience in him not to burn Freed's hand to a crisp.

Luckily, Freed had caught on to Natsu's foul mood. However, instead of removing his hand, he smiled at the angry dragon slayer as if taunting him.

"Hello, Natsu. What are you doing here?" he asked. He then turned to face Laxus, a bright blush overcoming his face. "Laxus! You're here to see me!"

The blonde blushed and looked away. "No I'm not. I'm just here to make sure this one doesn't do anything stupid."

Natsu crossed his arms. "Freed, you've got three seconds."

Freed sighed before finally removing his hand from Lucy's shoulder.

Lucy glanced between the two of them, totally oblivious as to what was going on. One minute she was having a good time in book club, the next Levy was being taken away while Natsu was threatening Freed.

"Can't I just have one normal day without your crazy antics?" she said, slapping a hand to her forehead. Grabbing her book, she stood up. "Let's go. Levy-chan is gone now anyways. Sorry, Freed. We'll do this again some other time."

Freed nodded. "Alright. I'll see you next time."

With that, Lucy grabbed Natsu by the ear and dragged him out of the shop, leaving Freed and Laxus.

Laxus heaved a sigh of relief before sitting across from his partner.

"I'm so happy!" the other boy's voice rang out.

"Huh? For what?"

"You came because you were jealous! If that isn't the most romantic thing-"

"Oi, who said I was jealous?"

"Oh, Laxus. It's written all over your face!"

Laxus scoffed, covering his mouth with his hand before a smile broke out over his face.

"Yeah, yeah. So, do you want to tell me about your book since we messed up your club?"

Freed's grin grew even wider, which Laxus thought was impossible.

"Okay!"

"Put me down, Gajeel!" Levy shouted, banging on his back.

Townspeople ignored them, having been used to Fairy Tail's crazy antics. It wasn't the first time they had seen Gajeel carrying Levy over his back through town, and it wouldn't be their last either.

"Not until we're back at your place," the scruffy boy replied.

Having had enough, she yanked on his hair, causing him to yelp before finally letting her go.

"The hell do you think you're doing?" Gajeel barked, rubbing his head.

"That's my line, idiot!" Levy replied. "What are you getting so jealous about? It's just book club!"

"J-Jealous? I'm not jealous!"

"You think I don't know you enough by now to know when you're jealous? Seriously, Gajeel! Sometimes you can be so annoying!"

With slanted brows, he rubbed the back of his head while turning away from her. She went on and on about how immature he was, each word a slap in the face, making him realize how dumb he was being.

"Alright, alright. I'm sorry," he said, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Say it again," Levy demanded, crossing her arms.

"I'm sorry."

"Look at me while you say it!"

"Jeez, I'm sorry, okay! Need me to get on my hands and knees?"

Levy let out a giggle. "No, that won't be necessary this time. But I'm warning you, next time you interrupt book club, I won't be so forgiving. I was really looking forward to gushing about the characters of the book we just read!"

"Yeah, I know. It's not my fault, though. Gray and Cana were talking about how you and Freed would make a cute couple and I guess I just lost it."

Levy smiled, holding her hand out to the boy. Lacing her fingers with his, they began their walk back to her apartment. Her smile widened as she rested her hand over her belly.

"Well, you don't have to worry about anything like that ever again, okay?" she said, her cheeks burning red.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Gajeel asked, tilting his head.

"Oh nothing." Before he could question her any further, she continued, "I wonder how Natsu and Lu-chan are right now."

"Uhh, Lucy? How long are you gonna be dragging me by the ear?" Natsu asked, eyes squinted in pain.

"Until you realize how much of an idiot you're being," the blonde answered with a huff. "I mean seriously, Natsu. Was the job that important that you had to barge in on book club?"

The boy scrunched his face in annoyance. "Not really."

"Then what was it? Because I can't have you keep pushing my boundaries!"

Lucy was about to go off on a rant when a warm hand gripped her wrist, pulling her hand away from Natsu's ear. He quickly spun her around. His face was serious, much different than his usual carefree grin. Something was bothering him.

"Do you really not know?" he asked, voice low. He kept his hand latched to her wrist.

Lucy tried to ignore the warmth that spread from the simple contact. "Know what?"

"C'mon, Luce. You're one of the smartest people I know. You're telling me you can't figure out what this is about?"

She looked away. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I think you do," Natsu said, his features growing soft. His hold on her wrist was gentle as he pulled her closer to him. "I don't wanna keep beatin' around the bush with you."

"N-Natsu," Lucy whispered, her heart threatening to beat out her chest. "W-What are you…"

The boy slowly leaned forward, his breath fanning her face. Her mind was short circuiting, unable to comprehend what was going on until his lips brushed against hers. At first, she was unable to move. All she could think about was how surprisingly soft his lips were. Then, she felt him begin to pull away. Her arms moved on their own, wrapping around his neck and pulling him closer to her, deepening the kiss.

As the two pulled away, they gazed into each other's eyes. Both of their faces were flushed with heat, their lips swelled from the passionate kiss.

Hearing whispers, Lucy remembered that they were in public. Squealing, she pushed Natsu away and covered her mortified face. She never imagined her first kiss would've been in front of a group of strangers. Instead of being offended, Natsu only laughed.

"What're you getting so embarrassed for?" he teased.

"It's embarrassing kissing in front of people!" Lucy replied, finally moving her hands away from her face so that she could glare at him. "And don't think that k-kissing me is going to make me forget that you ruined book club!"

"Shit," he mumbled, rubbing the back of his head. "Look, I'm sorry about that, okay? Gray was being an asshole, telling me that you and Freed might've been on a date and that you two coulda been hitting it off. I guess I got kinda jealous since I kinda like you."

"You kinda like me?"

"I like you a lot, okay? Kinda more than like, actually…"

Lucy's heart skipped a beat. "W-Well, that doesn't mean that you can barge in on book club."

"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry, Lucy."

"It's okay. I'll forgive you this time since I sorta kinda like you too."

Natsu's eyes widened. He ducked his face in his scarf. "You kinda like me too?"

"Well, more than like."

The two looked away from each other, their hearts beating miles per second. Finally, their feelings for each other were out in the open. They didn't know what life had in store for them now, but they were eager, albeit a bit nervous, to find out.

Lucy, feeling the need to break the silence, asked, "Why Freed though?"

"What do you mean?" Natsu asked.

"Freed? You're telling me you don't know?"

"Don't know what?"

"Natsu, Freed is gay. How did you not know that? The only person I can think of who makes their love more apparent than Juvia is Freed."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"Hello, Freed is in love with Laxus!"

Natsu's jaw dropped to the ground. "Wait, what!?"

"Duh! That's why it's so silly you got jealous over Freed!"

Natsu thought back to all the interactions he witnessed between Freed and Laxus. It hit him like a brick.

"Holy shit, how did I not notice?"

"Because you're dense," Lucy teased with a grin.

"Oi, I don't wanna hear that from you! Do you know how long I've been flirting with you and it took you this long to figure it out? Actually, you didn't even figure it out! I kissed you!"

"Since when is breaking into my apartment and making a mess flirting!?"

"Since forever!"

And just like that, their nerves had calmed. They were back to their usual selves, bickering playfully and having fun. They were friends first, and always would be. Only now, they'd be even closer.

"Should we get revenge on Gray?" Lucy suggested, sliding her hand into Natsu's.

"Hell yeah! Cana, too!" Natsu replied.

The water mage came back down stairs, now in her own blue pjs that had a cute little heart on the front. She smelled of freshly scrubbed lavender and vanilla and appreciated Lucy’s assortment of lotions and scrubs.

Lucy was still in the kitchen, oven mitts on and pulling out the small wooden boards that held the pizza.

“How was your mission?” Lucy asked.

“Juvia had a good time, some rough patches but overall, Gajeel and I succeeded.”

Lucy laughed. “Of course you did, you’re a Fairy Tail wizard! At least you came back in one piece. I was certain Aquarius was going to scold me into next year from using up too much magic.” She rubbed the back of her neck as Juvia giggled.

“I’m sure it was fine. You never back down from a fight so they should be used to that.” Juvia said as she looked outside and noticed a few droplets of rain coming down. “Oh, Juvia didn’t know it was going to rain.”

“You know they say there's supposed to be a thunderstorm.” Lucy said as she took out a cutter and sliced the pizzas.

Juvia grabbed some sliced fruit from the fridge. “Oh. Well I’m sure it won’t be too bad.” She looked to see Lucy frowning slightly. A small smile came to her lips as she hugged the blonde from behind. “Hey, it's going to be okay my love. I’m here to protect you.” She kissed just under her ear.

Lucy turned and angled her head to kiss her softly. “I know.” She smiled even though she dreaded thunderstorms. Ever since she was little, the dark clouds above that echoed with a loud bang, had startled her and she hated how she never grew out of her childhood fear.

“Why don’t you choose the movie, love?” Juvia said as she brought the plates over to the couch. “Anything you want.”

“Anything?” Lucy quipped and Juvia narrowed her eyes at her.

“Yes.” She said with uncertainty. It was as if a lightbulb sprang into Lucy’s head as she came over to the couch and put all the food down. A blanket was pulled from the armchair and soon the pair sat on the couch.

They started with a comedy movie as they ate. Giggles and random bursts of laughing filled the apartment as the plates laid empty on the coffee table. The credits rolled and Juvia hid her yawn as Lucy got up to change the disk.

“Another?” Lucy asked even as she selected the next film and Juvia shrugged as the blonde joined her back under the blanket. “Have I ever told you that I love you?” Lucy asked and Juvia met her eyes.

“Many times, yes. And I also love you.” Juvia smiled back but something about the way Lucy was looking at her, put her on edge. “Lucy?” She narrowed her eyes at her but the blonde only kissed the pout on her lips before quickly returning her attention to the screen.

“Such a tease.” Juvia whispered before leaning against her.

The opening scene started to play and Juvia’s eyes widened at the title.

“The killer mage?” She read and stared at Lucy. “A horror movie?” Juvia gasped.

“You said I could pick.” Lucy shrugged.

Usually the water mage never minded what Lucy picked, always enjoying her company, that would usually end up with one pressed against the other and soft kisses.

However, the water mage was not a fan of scary movies. She was known to have a killer stare and maybe she had been a part of Phantom Lord, but other than that, scary movies were a no go. No, Juvia preferred the happy endings and fluffy romance, not the blood and gore.

The past few movie nights, Lucy had been asking for something from the horror genre. Each time the thought of playing it would make Juvia's spine tingle and she would respectively decline. But even Lucy deserved to have her pick.

“Ready?” Lucy asked in a cheerful voice. Juvia only nodded as the play button was pressed and Lucy leaned back before throwing her arm around her shoulders.

Juvia hummed as she watched the movie play. She was a badass wizard who has faced harsh situations many times. She had been turned into a constellation, chained in a battle to the death with a friend and has even felt the chill of death in her system. She could handle a silly little movie. It was all fake anyways. Fake blood and props. The plot could even be considered boring.

At first the movie started with the happy plot. A couple of friends had been at a party on Halloween and decided to take up the dare to visit the so-called “haunted house” that was at the edge of the town. One character ranted about how an evil mage who killed those who didn’t possess magic lived there and another person just rolled their eyes and said they were being weak.

Another boring scene rolled on and Juvia was wondering if this could even be considered horror. But then they got to the house. The music shifted and by the time they walked through the door, a creepy doll was shown and Juvia’s stomach twisted.

Her eyes widened as she watched the main characters walk through the haunted house. The music turned mysterious and dark as the light to the lantern was blown out. A small gasp escaped the water mage's lips and she felt the arm around her pull her closer, a signal to let her know that Lucy was there.

“It’s okay.” She heard Lucy whisper. Juvia nodded before taking a breath and relaxing. Lucy’s fingers danced on her arm in a soothing way as a blanket was pulled on to them. “We can turn it off-”

“NO!” Juvia said quickly. She adjusted the blanket and leaned against Lucy, her head on her shoulder. “Juvia is fine, let’s keep watching.”

A small laugh came from Lucy as she kissed the side of Juvia’s head and put her eyes back to the screen.

How is she not afraid? Juvia thought to herself. This whole time a small smile was on her lips yet Juvia was practically shaking from a dog left out in the rain. She didn’t understand.

The music changed again and Juvia was priding herself for keeping her eyes glued to the movie. A close up of the main character, Rex was his name, came into view. Juvia thought he would be smart, she was rooting for him even though she knew how these things ended, everyone always loses no matter how hard or fast you run and try.

He had lost his friends a few minutes ago and was now climbing the stairs to a different part of the house. He tiptoed slowly, pushing a door open. The camera began moving to examine the empty room. It panned back to Rex who was looking pale as a piece of fresh paper. In a flash the killer jumped out from behind the wall causing a loud scream to erupt from Juvia.

“Look out!” Juvia cried before turning away, she couldn’t even tell if Lucy had screamed. Her voice over shadowed any other noise, even the sound coming from the tv.

She felt a cold chill run through her body as the blanket came to shield her eyes and her lips began to tremble. Instead of another scream, she only heard the slight giggle of Lucy. She didn’t dare to look up, too terrified to continue to watch and buried her head into her girlfriends chest. She felt fingers thread through her hair and more fits of laughter.

“This isn’t a comedy Lucy-sama!” Juvia whined but it was slightly muffled by her face being pressed against her. The laughing did die down and her fists tightened the sheets. “Lucy.” She complained again but the vibration of laughing still rang against Juvia’s head.

The water mage furrowed her eyebrows before pushing up and coming nose to nose with Lucy. The blonde bit her lips as she faced Juvia whose lips were in a pout and cheeks puffed out.

Juvia let out a huff. “Lucy!” Suddenly her face was held between soft hands.

“Im sorry Juv, you’re just so cute I could handle it.” She finally spoke with a bright smile. “We can turn it off, I just liked holding you close.” She gave her a wink.

Juvia sat staring at her still well in her hold. Her pout slightly curled up as she gazed into the celestial mages eyes.

--

Many people in movies and books talked about seeing stars in others eyes. They would say that constellations would dance around the iris, filling in as the color for the world to see.

“Juvia one day you will see the light and the stars in the sky. Dark clouds won’t be found when love enters your heart.” Juvia’s mother said years ago when she was little.

Over the years Juvia had stored away those sayings, never truly believing the words.

Until now.

--

The dark blue eyes rivaled the sparkle of green as Lucy's smile continued to be plastered on her lips.

A small laugh came from Juvia as she leaned and tapped her nose against Lucy’s.

“Lucy-sama, has anyone ever told you that your eyes are more enchanting than the galaxy?” She hummed and watched with pure amusement as the green eyes widened and the smile turned to a small effortless gasp.

“N-no.” Spoke the flustered girl and it was now Juvia’s turn to laugh as she placed her lips against hers.

“Well they should.” She whispered. All of a sudden a huge boom of thunder rolled from the sky above.

A high pitch scream left Lucy’s mouth and now it was Juvia’s turn to comfort her.

“Hey, it’s going to be okay.” Juvia hugged her tight.

“This is like a real horror movie.” Lucy whined as another roll of thunder came from above.

Juvia kissed her head and got out of the blanket, ignoring the protest from Lucy. She leaned down and took out the terrible thing people called a movie and popped in another one.

“There.” Juvia smiled. She came back to the blanket and Lucy rested against her as she turned the volume up to help mask the sound of rain and thunder.

The movie began to play and this time it was a story of a princess and prince, one of Juvia’s favorite films. She felt Lucy slightly shake like that of a lost dog in the rain and only tightened her hold and ran slow fingers through her blonde hair.

Even with the movie playing, Lucy was still on edge. Juvia lifted the remote and paused it and turned towards her.

“Juvia used to be afraid of thunder too.” She said. “But Juvia’s mother would tell her that thunder was just the sky’s way of letting out its worry before the rain would come and replenish the earth.” She held out her palm and formed a little water cloud.

“It’s pretty.” Lucy whispered as she stared at the small cloud and how a spark of lighting danced in her palm.

“You’re kinda like Juvia’s lighting. Pretty and bright, always lighting up the room you go in. Thunderous and bold, never backing down from a fight. Not to mention golden and beautiful.” Juvia said and a soft blush came to Lucy’s face.

The sky roared again and this time, Lucy shook less. It didn’t scare her as much as before because she was enchanted by the clouds and the way Juvia spoke. She leaned and kissed her softly.

“Thanks Juvia.”

“Of course my love.” She turned and resumed the movie. Lucy resting her head on her shoulder and becoming more relaxed as the story continued.

By the time the movie ended, Lucy had fallen asleep on top of Juvia, chest rising and falling peacefully as the storm danced above.

--