Ember ↠ Natsu Dragneel

Chapter Seventeen

Camryn was in her room getting ready for the party at the guildhall. She was free. Free of Karmin all the pain and guilt she felt during the past she didn't need to feel that anymore. The silver earrings dangled from her ears, jingling like a bell when she moved. They were like a chandelier of tiny diamonds hanging from her ear lobes, and she loved how they shook when she turned her head.

She stood in front of her mirror as the dress covers her shoulders entirely and flows down into a simple keyhole neckline. It's a snug fit which makes the dress look sleek and elegant. Her arms have been covered to just below her elbows. The sleeves start out loose and tighten towards the bottom where they form a perfect match with the colour of her skin. 

The dress' waist is thin, but it's a tight fit. A cloth ribbon has been wrapped around her and is tied on one side. Below the waist, the dress fits snug around her and has a sundress style. The dress reaches all the way down to her feet and is longer in the back. 

She's wearing platforms, which further adds elegance and class. To top it all off she's wearing a simple, but stylish necklace and one simple, but elegant bracelet.

A knock on her door brought her out of a trance. "Come in." She said. Richard stood there with a large grin on his face.

"Did you get my note?"

"Of course I got it. You taped it to my forehead while I was sleeping."

He was wearing a standard shirt and left it unbuttoned at the top for a more casual look. On top of the shirt he's wearing a sleek vest with 5 buttons, it has a narrow v-line, which allows for the top to remain visible even when the suit's jacket is buttoned up.

The jacket is a perfectly tailored fit for him. It has an intricate, but subtle plaid pattern, giving the suit a stylish casual look. The 3 buttons of his single-breasted jacket are all buttoned up with the exception of one, a subtle but very effective touch of informality.

The jacket is slightly longer at the back, it has no vent, there's a single pocket on one side and there's a breast pocket which contains a pocket watch.

He's wearing pants which copy the style of the jacket, both in colour and pattern and they make an ideal combination with his shoes. He's wearing a graceful pair of split-toe bluchers.
To top it all off he's wearing a modest belt, which can be accompanied by a brooch and cuff links.

"Come on, when have my calculations ever been wrong?"

"Well?"

"Shut up, that was one time."

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, gently rubbing her arm. Despite the heaviness in her stomach, it fluttered at the feeling of her body pressed against his. She sunk into the warmth of his side, appreciative of the simple gesture. His touch made the room warmer somehow, her future within its walls seems a little less bleak.

                                                                                   ― 》―

ONE HOUR LATER. . . 

"Are you're sure you want to do this?" Natsu asked me for what seemed like the millionth time. 

I grinned. "Yes, I'm positive. I want to do this."

Natsu sighed and nodded. "But don't push yourself too much, okay? If it's too much, you just stop alright?"

I just shook my head; he worried way too much sometimes. "Trust me, I'll be fine." 

He nodded, giving me a quick kiss before saying, "I'm sorry, what were you saying? I keep getting lost in your eyes." 

I rolled my eyes at me angrily but the smile on my face said otherwise. "You know I'm always here for you, right?"

"I know." 

"Alright. Good luck." 

I nodded, taking a deep breath. Then Mirajane was standing beside us, handed me the microphone, and I walked out onto the stage.

The entire guild was sitting in the audience, waiting for me to start the show. Mirajane had helped me set up this little concert, it would be my second time singing in front of a crowd, as well as sharing the fact that I could write songs and I can sing.  I could feel the nerves to start to kick in, but I was also excited. 

"Hey everyone," I said. "I wrote this song not just for myself, but for my wondrous boyfriend Natsu. " I gestured to Natsu, who had joined the crowd, and he smiled before blowing me a kiss. "I hope you enjoy it."

I took another deep breath. Then I began to sing. 

I was a liar, I gave in to the fire
I know I should've fought it, at least I'm being honest
Feel like a failure, 'cause I know that I failed you
I should've done you better, 'cause you don't want a liar

And I know, and I know, and I know she gives you everything
But boy, I couldn't give it to you
And I know, and I know, and I know that you got everything
But I got nothing here without you

So one last time
I need to be the one who takes you home
One more time
I promise after that, I'll let you go
Baby, I don't care if you got her in your heart
All I really care is you wake up in my arms
One last time
I need to be the one who takes you home

I don't deserve it, I know I don't deserve it
But stay with me a minute, I swear I'll make it worth it
Can't you forgive me? At least just temporarily
I know that this is my fault, I should have been more careful

And I know, and I know, and I know she gives you everything
But boy, I couldn't give it to you
And I know, and I know, and I know that you got everything
But I got nothing here without you, baby

So one last time
I need to be the one who takes you home
One more time
I promise after that, I'll let you go
Baby, I don't care if you got her in your heart
All I really care is you wake up in my arms
One last time
I need to be the one who takes you home

Yeah, I know I should've fought it
At least I'm being honest, yeah
But stay with me a minute
I swear I'll make it worth it, yeah
'Cause I don't wanna be without you

So one last time
I need to be the one who takes you home (Takes you home, babe)
One more time
I promise after that, I'll let you go
Baby, I don't care if you got her in your heart, babe
All I really care is you wake up in my arms
One last time
I need to be the one who takes you home, yeah

One last time
I need to be the one who takes you home

I finished the song and everyone exploded into applause. I smiled, covering my hand with my moth before jumping off the stage and ran over to Natsu. Then she gave him a tight hug before she kissed him and the world fell away. It was slow and soft, comforting in ways that words would never be. His hand rested below her ear, his thumb caressing her cheek as their breaths mingled. She ran her fingers down his spine, pulling him closer until there was no space left between them and she could feel the beating of his heart against her chest.

"Someone's happy," Natsu said to me with a laugh.

I shook my head, taking his face in my hands. "I'm not happy. I'm home."