Fairy Tail - In Our World [Natsu x Reader]

Chapter 8: Delicious Tree Bark

        When you enter the camp where Lucy and Happy were, you see they already had a fire going, and they now seemed to be rummaging for food. "Any luck, (Y/n)?" Lucy asks, only glancing up at your arrival before continuing her quest for food. You sigh, shaking your head. "No. I dunno, maybe it's just not meant to be..." You were extremely disappointed that you hadn't figured out what magic type you had. A part of you wondered if a normal person from Earth could learn magic, even though both Lucy and Natsu had said they sensed it inside of you. "Don't worry, (Y/n)! I'm sure it'll come to you! I bet you're just a late bloomer, that's all." You had the strangest feeling she was implying something else when she said that. "Mmm, yeah. Maybe," You reply.

"Anyways... food. What do we have?" Natsu questions Lucy. Of course the only thing on his mind is food. Typical. Lucy stops rummaging, then looks sadly at him. "I can't find anything. I guess we'll have to search for something." Both you and Natsu groan loudly. You didn't feel up to searching for something to eat. Training had completely wiped you of whatever energy you had had to begin with.

You collapse dramatically on the ground, muttering something about 'sleep' and 'impossible to go on'. Lucy rolls her eyes, picking up the back of your shirt. "Oi! Don't take advantage of me just because I'm shorter than you!" You yell, squirming. It was true; Lucy was at least three inches taller than you. You pout, folding your arms against your chest.

"Fine then. Help us find something to eat. Then you can rest," Lucy replies. "Fine. Just put me down." Your feet make contact with the ground, and you immediately straighten out. "Follow me to the food!" You shout, forgetting your earlier worries. Natsu catches up to you easily, walking a little ways behind you.

"Look! Perfect!" You somewhat sarcastically exclaim as you peel off some tree bark from a nearby tree. You face Natsu. "This is a rare delicacy found only in these mountains. It's taste is exquisite! I've also heard it does wonders for your skin," You lie. You actually knew this bark tasted horrible; it was pine tree bark. It wasn't poisonous, but it didn't taste very good either. You force yourself to chew and swallow the bitter bark, putting on a fake smile and humming in 'delight'. "So good!"

Natsu stares curiously at the bark. "Uh, (Y/n)? Are you sure that's edible?" Happy asks, hovering beside Natsu. "Of course!" You exclaim enthusiastically. Natsu shrugs, pulling off a large portion of the bark. He puts it into his mouth, chewing slowly. Happy watches nervously, eyeing the bark out of the corner of his eyes. You had a mischievous grin planted on your face, which Natsu had failed to notice. He makes a disgusted face, spitting the tree bark out. "What the hell?! That's nasty!" He yells angrily, attempting to get rid of the awful taste by spitting. You laugh at his expression.

Happy sweat drops. "I'm gonna go look for a stream with some fish..." He flies off, Natsu close behind him, muttering a stream of curses; most of which were directed towards you. "I thought it tasted fine..." You mumble, still smiling at your little prank.

*Time Skip*

After awhile of searching for food, you came up with nothing. You, Happy, and Natsu drag yourselves to the camp ground, hoping desperately that Lucy had found food. When you arrive, you're met with a defeated look. "No luck then?" You ask, already knowing the answer. Lucy nods. "Well... there's always some delicious tree bark that-" "No." Natsu interrupts you. You huff. "Fine then. Be that way." He rolls his eyes.

"Anyway, I guess we'll just have to go without food for tonight," Lucy says tiredly. "Hai," You mumble, exhausted. Your earlier burst of energy was gone, a hollow feeling left in its wake. You yawn loudly. "I can take first watch..." You decide. "No, you watched all night long last night! You shouldn't push yourself," Lucy says. You blink. "I'm fine. Honest. I'll just wake one of you up when I get tired," You argue back.