Hot and Cold

Back To Normal

~*****~

Natsu yawns tiredly as we make our way back to the hotel. "Man, I'm stuffed," He complains. "I totally overate."

"You always overeat," I mention lightly. "You know, you could've told me your plan, I'd have loved to get out of this stupid dress." I complain as I tug at the skirt.

"I think you look great!" Natsu cheers. "But I think I prefer the vagabond look!"

I laugh. "That's what Lisanna said!" I mention impishly.

Natsu rubs at his nose and smiles, the flush on his face becoming super heady. "Didja think I'd prefer you uncomfortable?" He asks. "I like it when you're relaxed and smiling." I snort at him and turn my gaze onto the ground for a moment.

"Since when have you been a smooth talker?" I ask.

"Since you said you loved me that night you were wasted during the games." Natsu says in a serious tone.

I start choking on my air and snap my gaze onto him. "Hold on, I actually said that?!" I exclaim.

"Sure did!" Natsu beamed. "Said it didn't scare you to say it! You should totally say it again!"

"N-No way!" I bark at him. "It's not like you said it back!"

"Course I did! You just passed out when I did!" Natsu retorted in offence.

I grumble irritably. "W-Well, I'm not saying it again until I hear you say it properly." I jut my chin up and cross my arms over my chest.

"Aw, come on! Don't make me say it first!" Natsu complained. I huff irritably and turn on my heel. Natsu catches me around the waist and buries his face into my neck. It takes a moment, but he eventually relents. "I love you, Aria." He says softly. "So much that it makes my heart wanna burst outta my throat most days."

I settle against him, palming at his arms. "I love you, too, Natsu." I hum delicately.

When we make it back to the hotel, we're pleasantly surprised that we're totally alone. It's enough to make my own skin itch for contact. The room feels muggy as Natsu pushes me onto my back, his teeth nipping at my neck. We hold each other for the rest of the night, ignoring the shocked, yet stifled gasps coming from the others as we remain curled together under the blankets.

The next morning, everyone packs their belongings. "I'm so ready to get out of here," I sigh loudly.

"I'm ready to go to another royal party!" Happy chirps.

"Yeah! I wouldn't mind being the king again!" Natsu cheers.

Ballad sighs as she presses her entire body onto the bed. "I wish we could stay longer," She coos.

"Yes, in a strange way, it's starting to feel like home." Erza mentions.

"I guess master and the rest of the guild left earlier, huh?" Lucy asks.

"He did. He said he was ready to get back to Magnolia." Erza nods. "But I think some of them may still be celebrating."

"Like Cana," I giggle. "Probably still downing a barrel of wine."

"Yep, that's a pretty safe bet," Gray laughs.

"I know, right?" Lucy laughs.

"Hey, guys!" Wendy cries out. "Come look!" We peer out of the hotel's balcony at the fancy carriage Wendy is besides. "We're gonna get to travel back to Magnolia in style!"

"And in supreme comfort, I might add!" Carla chirps. I hunch forward, grimacing at the sight. Sure, it was a sweet looking carriage, but I had no more motion sickness potions.