Keeping Secrets

Cross The Divide

It's been 84 years...

XD

I have no idea why this chapter took as long as it did. Seems like a bunch of small things that turned into a long wait. Apologies.

I'm happy to finally upload it though, and hope everyone enjoys.

Chapter title taken from the song of the same name by Epica.

--------------------------------------

KEEPING SECRETS CHAPTER 42: CROSS THE DIVIDE

When Natsu had teleported her, Lucy had expected to find herself in the bustle of the palace cafeteria again. Instead, she felt a blast of dry desert heat washing over her, followed by something even more unexpected- a cool, salty breeze that smelled of seafoam.

Opening her eyes, she saw they were standing on a narrow peninsula of white-gold stone, stretching out from the desert behind them like a finger reaching into the ocean. Ahead, a solitary lighthouse stood at the tip of the land, flanked by a small blue and white building with sun bleached awnings and wide windows overlooking the waves.

Lucy's eyes widened. "Where are we?"

Natsu nodded toward the building. "Best seafood in- well, near- Vistarion. Zeref's taken me here a few times." He smirked, hooking his thumb behind his belt. "I thought you might like it!"

Lucy blinked, momentarily stunned. This wasn't some random spot he'd dragged her to because he thought it smelled good. He had thought about her, specifically, when bringing her here.

Her heart thudded against her ribs. Wait... is this a date?

She was about to ask, but when she turned back towards him, she was momentarily thrown off by the changes in his appearance. He was now wearing a black ball cap with the Alvarez insignia in green, pressed down low over his forehead, and he was just finishing wrapping bandages around...

Lucy frowned. "Wait, why are you hiding your guild mark?"

Natsu sighed. "Well... it's not that I want to, but it gives me away too easily. Same with my hair."

Lucy found herself momentarily confused, until it clicked. In Alvarez, Natsu was the prince. And from what Brandish said, a pretty well loved one.

Brandish's comments about Natsu being voted the empire's most eligible bachelor echoed through her mind again. She laughed nervously. This is gonna take some getting used to...

"Ah," she finally managed, "that makes sense." She offered him a smile.

He returned it sheepishly. "Yeah. Easier to get around without a bunch of people wanting to come talk or bow or something."

They walked toward the building, the cool ocean breeze heavenly against the otherwise hot autumn day. Lucy glanced up at the painted sign- At First Light- as they stepped inside, and approached the hostess' station. The young woman behind the podium smiled politely.

"Good afternoon! Would you like a table for two?"

"Yeah, and one upstairs if you don't mind!" Natsu said, flashing a friendly grin.

"Ah- apologies sir, but the upstairs seating is currently booked out-"

Natsu sighed and tilted his hat up, giving her a clear view of his salmon hair.

She froze, eyes growing wide. "Y-Your Highness!" She sputtered quietly, before bowing deeply. "Of course! Please give me just a moment!" She scurried off, leaving Lucy gaping at Natsu in disbelief.