Hot and Cold

Natsu Vs. Zeref Pt. 2

~*****~

Once again, I was in my own memories. Watching a delightful childhood of six little children fighting and playing together. Little Wendy wailing when Gajeel and Natsu would fight over the smallest thing. Sting and Rogue following Gajeel, Natsu, and I around like little sidekicks while we played little games. It was endearing to see. To remember such beautiful memories. Then I remembered why I'd began looking for the dragons again. A dream I'd had. A great fire dragon arguing with my mother over a little pink haired boy. And an ancient magic Everest was to teach me to counter something inside of Natsu.

My gaze was still bleary when I'd opened them, and the ceiling above me looked dark as hell. I could vaguely hear the others talking to one another. My gaze slowly turned to the side as I catch a whiff of Natsu. He looks as if he's in a deep sleep, but I can't feel any heat from him at all. I crawl over to Natsu's form besides me. Lucy cries out once she notices me, but I'm already tugging Natsu's head to the side, and sinking my teeth into his neck, digging deep to that object that's growing rapidly inside of Natsu. I could feel the heat building up around me as I force myself to exert as much heat as possible, trying to keep Natsu warm. I start ripping at my shirt, smooshing my bare skin against his to keep the warmth in. A blanket is thrown onto my back, just as I start digging my palms against his back and shoving my face harder into his neck. I'm grateful for it. And that's when I feel it. It's a seed, inside that's growing stronger and stronger. My teeth are aching as I remain latched onto Natsu. I want to pull them free and release myself from this torment. But the seed is trying to merge with a different seed, and if it does that, it'll be the end of Natsu's life. I force my magic between the two, growling deep in my chest as I continue to pump magic in, trying to separate the seed long enough to stunt it's growth again. It feels as if I'm trying to force myself into Natsu's body. I could feel his emotions, his pain, everything, even the smallest muscle contraction. If I could keep them apart long enough, Natsu might find the strength to pull through.

It felt like a century, trying to push them apart, but finally, finally, the presence of the seeds disappear completely. Both of them. My thoughts are drawn back to the present little by little as I feel a hand rubbing at the back of my neck, it's warm and inviting. It's familiar. My eyes are still bleary when I reopen them, taking in the little faces of Happy and Ballad all teary eyed and smiling happily at me. I taste the tang of blood on my tongue and I careful extract my teeth from Natsu's neck, my jaw feels as if it's creaking from being open so long.

"Not that I'm complaining, but any reason why you're naked?" Natsu's voice rings out. My gaze snaps up and I ignore the chill on my chest before leaping forward, hugging him tightly.

"You were as cold as the grave; it was all she could do to keep you warm." Porlyusica's voice rang out.

"Granny?" Natsu hummed in confusion.

"You should be thanking her, not being a distasteful pervert." Porlyusica scolded.

"We helped, too!" Happy and Ballad cheer.

"I kept your toes warm with my fur!" Ballad chirped.

"And I petted you!" Happy cheered tearfully.

"Aw, thanks!" Natsu laughs.

"Aye-aye, sir!" Happy and Ballad cry.

"I didn't bring an extra shirt," I comment dry as I refuse to peel myself from Natsu's chest.

"You won't hear me complaining!" Natsu commented.

Porlyusica scoffed irritably. "How are you feeling, Natsu?" She asked.