What Happens After Dragon Season?

Feeling Better

A noise woke Lucy this time - a different noise than before. Sitting up, she looked at the couch, now empty, the blanket thrown to one end. The noise came from the kitchen. She started to get up, then saw Natsu munching on an apple, leaning against the door frame.

"That's a weird place to sleep, Luce," was his only comment.

Obviously, he was fine - why had she worried so much? Rolling her eyes, she stretched, then looked Natsu over. "You're obviously feeling better."

"I am? Was I sick?"

"Uh yeah! Don't you remember? I woke up last night to you puking in my toilet! You were burning up, so I put you on the couch, cooled you down with ice water - you really don't remember, do you?" she finished, seeing his blank expression.

He wrinkled up his nose, thinking. "I thought it was a dream." He shrugged. "Thanks for taking care of me, though. It's one of the reasons you're my best friend!" he grinned at her.

She gave him a tired smile. "Best friend. Yep, that's me." She rubbed her back - the floor was not the most comfortable place to sleep. "I'm going to take a shower, okay? Alone."

Natsu looked puzzled. "Okay," he answered slowly, "don't you always take showers alone?"

Lucy frowned. This past week, Natsu had hardly let her out of his sight and there had been some definitely interesting dual showers . . . she blushed at the thought.

Natsu finally shrugged. "Whatever. I'm going to head home and change. See you at the guild?"

It was Lucy's turn to look confused. "Okay," she finally said, making her way to her bedroom. Why was he acting so weird? Well, at least the possessiveness and the "keep my eye on you all the time" obsessiveness was over. Obviously, Day 8 of dragon season didn't exist - it truly was over. She had to admit - it had been scary at first, but Levy was right - very enjoyable once she gave in. Things would go back to normal - at least as normal as they'd ever been.

Still, she thought, shampooing her hair, it was nice and a bit of a relief she and Natsu had taken the next step - even if it had been forced by the season. So, I finally have a boyfriend, she smiled to herself as she rinsed off. Someone to snuggle up to, hang out with, steal secret kisses while hanging out at the guild. She hummed happily as she picked out her outfit carefully. Which one was it that Natsu had complimented her on that one time? Oh yes. She took her time getting dressed, doing her hair just right.

"Hey, I am a woman in love," she said aloud to her reflection, giggling. "Levy and I have a lot to talk about!"

She made her way to the guild, the smile staying on her face. She waved at the townspeople she passed, made small talk with some, and bought a fish at one of the market stalls for Happy as an apology for neglecting him this week. Still smiling, she opened the guild hall, not surprised at the noise and chaos that leaped out at her.

"Lucy! Welcome back!" Mira called out as Lucy made her way over to her. "You look good! Been busy?" she asked in a sly tone.

Lucy blushed. "You were right, I had nothing to worry about," she told Mira, who gave her a wink. "Well, if you're looking for your dragon, he's over there picking a fight with Gray."

Lucy glanced in the general direction, but decided she'd avoid it for now. "Hey Mira," she began, catching the mage's attention, "When Laxus went through his, um, time, did he get really sick at the end?"

Mira frowned, shaking her head. "No. Why?"

Lucy shrugged. "Natsu got really sick last night, but this morning, seemed much better. I didn't know if it had something to do with the season or if he caught something."