Trash: A Collection of Stories

Chapter 28

"It feels so good to be back," I stretched as we hopped out of the carriage. I still hurt but my magic energy was returning. No one replied and walked past me into the guild hall. "Ok, I was fine with the silent treatment on the way home, but you don't have to be rude." Still no answer. "What did I do that was so wrong?"

I looked at Natsu who seemed the most pissed. "Are you mad that I'm dating Sting?" His jaw clenched.

"Lucy," Gildarts looked at me sharply.

"You know what, no. So what," I flung my arms up in the air, turning and pacing. "I'm in love with Sting, and we have kissed."

"Lucy!" Gildarts said more loudly and forcefully.

"That doesn't give you the right to act as if I'm nothing. I can make my own decisions and decide who I want to date and-" Natsu lunged at me, punching me square in the jaw and tackling me to the ground.

"Why don't you just shut up and think about what you say," he seethed. I was so shocked at his explosion, I didn't know what to do except stay there with him on top of me, pinning me to the floor.

Gildarts and Elfman had to pull him off of me, leading him away. I felt like crying, why couldn't I just be accepted, I'm out of place and always on someone's nerves...

I quickly got up and dashed out of the hall, wiping the stray tears from my reddening face. My jaw hurt and I knew it was bruising. 'Stupid Natsu. I hate him, he keeps ruining everything in my life.. I don't know why I let my guard down.' The anger was building up inside of me, and I felt lost. My vision blurred from the tears and I couldn't tell where I was or where I was going.

After my eyes began working again, I found myself at a lake. It wasn't the stream I first met Sting at, this was a lot bigger and it seemed deeper. I picked up the pace, stripping off my shirt and pants. I dove in and swam around, trying to get everything out. I went to the surface every once and a while to breathe, but I stayed under water for minutes holding my breath as long as I possibly could.

I went at it until my skin began to prune and wrinkle. Gathering my clothes, I laid down in the grass to air dry a little. The sun beat down on my body, and I didn't care if anyone walked by to see me in just a bra and underpants. I was alone anyway so it didn't matter.

"This sucks," I yelled at the all too peaceful world.

"Why would you say that," a frog peered over me.

"Frosch!" I gasped, reaching my arms up to her. "What are you doing here?"

"I was trying to find my way back to my guild, I'm lost."

"Oh, well I'm sorry, I don't know where your guild hall is. Do you want to hang out with me until someone comes looking for you?"

"Sure." I sat up and smiled.

"Why doesn't she have any clothes on?" I heard a pretty loud whisper. I looked past Frosch to see Lector, Rouge, and Sting hiding behind a tree, watching us. They all began blushing when they saw I had spotted them.

"Frosch, I think you have been found... You guys can come out." Frosch turned around and ran towards the three who were already making their way over.

"Rouge, I tried to find my way back but I couldn't!"

"You did good, Frosch," he rubbed the top of her head. "Weird seeing you out here," he directed his statement at me.

"Yeah, I guess."

"Hey, babe?" Sting sat down next to me.

"Hmm?"

"Why are you naked?"

"Stuff happened earlier.."

He took his hand and placed it on the side of my wet hair, bringing my head to his shoulder. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"No, not really."

"Rouge? Could you leave us for a while?"

"Yeah. I'll take the two back." The three left us and I wrapped my arms around his waist.

"They don't like us together," I started.

"I know they don't, baby."

"Everyone is mad at me." I began hiccuping.

"Shh," he began to rub my upper arm.

"Natsu attacked me." I moved my face so it was hidden behind his arm, I didn't want him to see me full on sobbing.

He lifted me into his lap and readjusted so my face was buried in his chest and his chin rested on top of my head.

"I'm sorry, they shouldn't be taking it out on you. It should be on me."

"That wouldn't make it better, it would probably make it worse.

He kissed my forehead. "If they don't accept us then they aren't important. Tune them out and if anyone attacks you again, they will not wake up tomorrow."

I hummed, looking up at him. He took his thumb and wiped away the rest of my tears. "I don't know what I would do with out you," I shook my head.

I kissed his cheek and he gave me a small smile.

**Hope you enjoyed!!**