50 shades of salmon

Chapter 36

"WELCOME HOME LUCY" they all shouted as we walked in the foyer.

"Hey guys" I waved at my friends, everyone was there Levy, Erza, Mira, Lis, Gray, even Gajeel was there and a girl with long dark blue hair.

"How are you?" Levy pulled me into a hug.

"Better" I pulled back "You guys really didn't have to do this" I looked around the room at all the friendly faces.

"It was my idea" Natsu wrapped an arm around my waist "They all wanted to see you when you got back and also I wanted you to meet my little sister" he waved at the girl with the long dark blue hair "Little Wendy Marvell" he smiled as she came close.

"I'm not that little anymore" she smiled at him "Hi, I'm Wendy" she stuck her hand out to me and I shook it gently.

"Lucy" I gave her a small smile and let go "It's a pleasure" I leaned into Natsu's arm.

"I've heard plenty about you" she said watching me as I pushed back some hair that was coming out of my low ponytail.

"All good I hope" I glanced at Natsu, she nodded but was interrupted by Gray and Erza walking over with drinks.

"Here you go Luce" Gray handed me a wine glass tumbler filled with white wine "I'd get one for you but I don't think you're legal yet" he turned towards Wendy, she waved it off and walked away.

"Thanks Gray, but I don't think I should drink this soon" I handed the cup back to him, "Also I don't think I'll stay long" I looked between Natsu and Gray.

"Why not?" Natsu asked squeezing my side.

"This is just a lot you know" I looked around "I didn't expect all this and I was kinda just hoping I could watch tv or like read in the backyard or even swim just something relaxing without too many people you know" I shrugged "No offense Gray, but spending a month just working on yourself just does something I don't know how to explain it but I just want a day just getting used to being here" he passed me a new glass but this time filled with sparkling cider.

"Of course, I understand" he nodded "Want me to kick them out?" he pointed towards everyone.

"You don't have to, I can do it" Natsu said patting Gray on the shoulder "Hey" he shouted which got all conversations to end "It was great having you all here but everyone that doesn't live here needs to leave" 

"It was great seeing everyone" I smiled "You can all finish your drinks before you go, and we'll have the car drive you home safely" I tipped my glass towards them. 

"So, you still hate us?" Levy walked over to me with Gajeel trailing behind.

"Of course not" I pulled her into a hug "I love you guys too much" I pulled back I looked around at who was left after a few people left and it was just Natsu, Levy, Gajeel, Mira, and Lis. "Thank you guys" I smiled at everyone "I really really needed this after" I paused and saw a few of them tense "It's good to talk about it, I can't just brush it under the rug like nothing happened" Natsu squeezed my side again and I looked up at him. "As much as I hated it, I didn't know what was best for me in that situation and I'm sorry you had to deal with me but I'm extremely glad and grateful for what you guys did" a  single tear fell down my cheek "Sorry got a little emotional there" I smiled wiping it away "Happy tears" I waved my arms.

"It's good to see you like this Lu" Lis smiled pulling me into a hug, "Call me if you need anything okay?" she pulled back and nodded.

"Of course" I smiled and nodded back.

"I hate to do this right now but I do have to go, it's a work thing that I can't get out of" she put her glass onto a nearby table and gave me one last hug before running out the house.

"I hate to cut the party short but I want to be alone right now, just to get used to my new space and surroundings" I placed my empty glass on the table "I love you all" I smiled and clapped my hands together before waving goodbye and walking away to the stairs.

"Hey Lucy " a voice called from behind me before I pushed open the door to the bedroom.

"Erza, hey" I turned around and did a small smile "I'm sorry I didn't stay long it's just a lot you know" 

"It's fine I get it" she waved off "I just wanted to say, I know you have bodyguards and everything but you should take some defense classes I can bring you to some of mine or I could just teach you if you don't want a crowd" 

"Thanks" I turned my head to the side "Yeah I think I might, that sounds good" 

"Just text me whenever" she smiled.

"Yeah, I will" I nodded before turning and going into my room. I inhaled sharply as I looked around the room, I closed my eyes exhaled and shook my head before opening them again and walking over to the bathroom. I walked past everything in the bathroom to my closet and walked in there. I never got an actual chance to appreciate how beautiful this closet actually is. The walls were covered in dresses, shoes, bags, and there was an island in the center with drawers on all 4 sides. There was even a vanity in the corner of the room filled with high end skincare and hair products. I walked over to the island and opened up some of the drawers trying to find a swimsuit so I can go relax in the pool. I pulled out a blue one piece and quickly put it on before putting on an oversized hoodie and a pair of athletic shorts. I grabbed a towel and made my way to the backyard so I could swim and relax before actually facing my new reality.