Accidental Love - Nalu

>> Chapter 7 - Accidental Love - Threat On The Rise <<

Lucy jolts awake from a dreamless sleep. As her glistening eyes adjusted to the darkness, she tilted her head to the left to discover Natsu lying peacefully beside her, his burly arm wrapped around her abdomen. The blonde Heartfilia blushed pure red, remembering all that happened that night. The salamander murmured something in his sleep, something about Lucy. Smiling warmly at him as he slept, Lucy nuzzled into his chest. Everything was perfect. Lucy had everything she could have asked for: a beautiful home, her dream job and a loving boyfriend. Life seemed to be at its peak for the blonde wizard, or so it seemed.

At dawn...

Awaking in a daze, Lucy rubbed her eyes vigorously. Natsu was gone. Her heart pounding like a steam hammer, she spun around only to be greeted by her pink-haired lover - who was just inches away from her face. She lashed out.

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" The celestial wizard screamed, smacking Natsu with a pillow. Regaining his bearings, Natsu sat back up and grinned widely, leaning up against Lucy's bureau.

"Well, good morning to you too, Luce." He chuckled, pecking her on the forehead. Concealing her blush, Lucy glared angrily at her boyfriend who continued to roar with laughter.

"That wasn't funny. You scared the hell outta me!" Lucy complained, clenching her fists. The dragon slayer's smile grew wider, he loved messing with Lucy like that. It was almost part of his daily routine. Helping her up, Natsu had to bite his cheeks to hold in laughter - he knew Lucy would kill him.

"We should head to the guild," the salamander suggested "I think Gramps has figured out what those bandits were after, the other night." The blonde wizard rolled her eyes, leading Natsu down the staircase.

"One problem after another eh?" She groaned in annoyance as Natsu generously helped her put her denim jacket on. The dragon slayer snickered, slipping on his jet black sandals.

"Don't I know it," he complained "but it's different now. Now that we're official, I get to spend more time with ya." They exchanged elated glances. With shear delight, Natsu threw his arm around her, pulling her closer. The celestial wizard giggled sweetly, kissing him lightly on the cheek.

10 minutes later...

The charming couple were sat together at one of the many wooden tables dotted around the guild hall, awaiting word from their master. As soon as they had come in, Mira was uncontrollably fangirling over the newly formed couple - along with most of the other girls in the guild. There seemed to be only one anomaly amongst the crowd of 'Nalu' supporters - Erza. She was not so pleased. Storming over to them, Natsu quivered with dread in his seat, latching onto Lucy for protection.

"I swear Natsu...if you hurt her...you'll have to deal with me, ya hear?" The red-headed warrior threatened, grasping onto Natsu's collar. Sweating nervously, the salamander nodded hurriedly without an ounce of hesitation.

"Y-yes Erza! I swear it! Now...can you please put me down?" He stammered as politely as he could. Titania carelessly dropped him on the cold floor and lumbered back over to the bar. The blonde Heartfilia blurted out laughing until her sides ached - that was just too funny to watch with a straight face.

"Ha...ha...ha," Natsu moaned sarcastically "anyways, where's Gramps?" Amazingly, as Natsu spoke those words, Master Makarov strode onto the stage, a grim look on his worn face.

"Everyone! As most of you know, two of our members were savagely attacked by a group of bandits a few nights ago. The intentions of those bandits was not just petty thievery, they seek the full power of a dragon slayer - hence why they were headed for Magnolia. As you may have guessed, Natsu, Gajeel and Wendy...you are in danger of these cut-throats and must therefore take caution. Unfortunately, I am unaware of why these bandits would wish to possess such a power - though that isn't important right now. Natsu, Lucy, you both gave them quite the thrashing, hopefully they've learned there lesson but please be careful." The ancient Master announced, anxiety written all over his face.

Horrified, Lucy turned to Natsu who bared the same expression as her. Placing her delicate hand on her chest, the blonde Heartfilia spoke up.

"Master, I shall protect Natsu. I will never leave his side." She vowed, grinning confidently down at her boyfriend who was astonished by her courage.

"And I shall guard Gajeel!" Levy declared, rising to her feet. Gajeel flinched and arose to his feet.

"No way! It's too dangerous Levy!" He yelled - but Levy stood strong and didn't accept. The entire guild then stood up abruptly and roared with cheers.

"And Wendy, I will make sure somebody always goes with you on quests - someone of a high level of wizardry." Makarov explained, eyeing Charle.

Will the guild be able to protect their beloved dragon slayers? Or will something drastic happen that alters everything?

Find out in the next chapter - coming soon :3