Fire & Ice (Fairy Tail Next Generation) DISCONTINUED

Chapter 10: Catching Up

Natsumi's POV:

I felt someone poke my cheek as I stirred in my bed, groaning sleepily. The corner of my bed dipped as someone sat, the sheets shifting as the person leaned closer.

"Wakey wakey, sleeping ember." A deep voice cooed in my ear and I jumped awake as a chill ran down my spine, "You know better than anyone how much I hate it when someone whispers in my right ear!" I yelled at Evan whom had a devilish grin on his face, he laughed and stood up from his spot on the bed.

"You're awake now, aren't you?" he inquired as he faced me with his arms crossed, "Besides, be grateful I woke you before Layla came up here and dumped cold water on you." I stood up next to him and scratched my head, knowing how much she hates waking me, I don't doubt she'd do that.

"I guess," I muttered while I walked to my bathroom, grabbing my clothes, "Still, you know I hate that." He laughed and muttered a quick sorry. I went in the bathroom and did my morning routine, when I went out Evan was still there.

"What?" I asked cautiously, noticing the glimmer of mischief in his now golden eyes. "Nothing," he said, creeping closer to me. "Then, go down stairs." He tilted his head and stared with a wicked grin, "I will, in a sec."

I backed away from him, nervous smile on my face, "What are you gonna do?" I asked with a nervous chuckle. "You'll see." He smirked, I squeaked when he suddenly lunged forward and scurried across the room. My attempts at fleeing were no use because he quickly grabbed onto my waist and threw me over his shoulder.

"Evan! Let go!" I squealed and punched his back, trying my best to avoid facial contact with his butt. He carried me down the stairs in a fit of laughter, "Just hang on for a little more!"

"Then hurry up!" I exclaimed, "I don't wanna stare at your ass anymore than I already have!" My face was burning due to the rush of blood going to my head.

"Oh~?" he said, "You sure? Cause I kinda like the view I have up here." I started to kick my legs at an attempt at release, my face burning for other reasons entirely. "Evan! I swear to Mavis, if you don't put me down right now I'm gonna-" I cut myself off when I felt him smack my butt, I scoffed loudly and kicked harder.

"Stay still or I'll smack you again," He warned, no doubt a wide smirk was playing at his lips. I huffed and stayed still, feeling myself starting to get dizzy. He walked us outside and then put me down, holding my arm as I wobbled a little before letting go after I steadied myself. I shook the dizziness away and looked up to see my house's backyard; Dad was standing in front of the grill, staring down at the food with a pleased smile; Mom and Layla sitting at the table we had built a few summers ago; and Luna and Lucas were playing soccer with the Exceeds.

"What...?" I trailed off, Dad turned and faced Evan and I, his smile widening, "There's the sleepy head!" he exclaimed, "She didn't give you too much trouble, did she, Evan?" I pouted at his question while Evan laughed out his answer.

"Not really," he glanced at me with a cheeky grin, "It isn't all that hard if you know the right tricks." Layla laughed right after casting a quick glare my way, "You gotta teach me some, I usually never succeed in waking her." Evan raised his hands apologetically and shook his head.

"Sorry, these tricks stay between me, Sumi and the others," he chuckled awkwardly, "You're gonna have to find out yourself, Layla." She pouted and let out a big 'aww' before turning back to Mom, whom was laughing.

"What's going on, anyway?" I finally asked, Mom stopped laughing and turned to me, "The guild celebrated last night so we're going to celebrate Evan's return ourselves today," she said it as it was the most obvious thing in the world, "Evan is part of this family, you know that better than anyone, Natsumi." she finished with a grin.