Their Life-Changing Encounter

Author's Note:

Hey, swaghetti_123 here! I'm back with the 4th chapter of Fear of the Innocent Flame🔥 !!!As always, thank you for the amazing comments and votes! It means a lot.Hope you enjoy this chapter! And have a nice day!❤️❤️

Lucy's POV

I opened my eyes to the sun, seeping through my new bedroom curtains. They are not the nicest curtains, but for now, they have to do. My main goal for today is to go look around at the local shops and buy some much-needed food.

Before I leave my house, I need to make a list of items I will get for the next week or so. Ever since I left my childhood home, I have been scarcely going outdoors. I am afraid that I might accidentally run into my so-called "father". After what he did, I don't think I could ever love him the way I had once before.

I am constantly asking my landlady (not the same one from Lucy's apartment in Magnolia) for the weekly newspaper. I have a feeling he will try anything and everything to get me back, so I need to always be informed of what is happening. I am also waiting to see my mother's obituary. I still don't know if she is still alive...

While I am taking inventory on what I need, I am getting myself ready for being in public. I have to take a nice, relaxing shower and put on something that won't give me away.

The one nice thing that has happened is that my arm has already stopped bleeding, so no more bandages are needed! Though there is a downside...

The places where the glass got stuck in, left scars...

They will always be a reminder, a painful reminder... of my father...

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After about two hours of prepping myself, I am finally ready to go out. I wish I didn't restrict myself from leaving my apartment, but I need to stay vigilant.

To hide my identity today, I decided to wear some black sunglasses, a blue, long-sleeved t-shirt, and skinny jeans. I know it's boring and bland, but I can't stand out.

Just for more precaution, I always check my window to see if any guards are nearby and if there is a big crowd of people. The best time to go out is with a big group of people, that makes for good coverage. I can easily lose anyone that might follow me.

I sound a little too paranoid, but wouldn't you if your psycho dad is still alive and might want to kill you?

When I looked out the window, I didn't see any guards and it was crowded. It is the perfect time to get everything! I thought, happily to myself.

As I walk out, I grabbed my keys that are on my bed and enter into the public eye.

No One's POV

In an alleyway not too far from Lucy's apartment, there is a very hungry, pink-haired mage that is looking for his new "victim." He has not eaten in, what seems like to him, ages.

With hungry eyes, he is frantically looking for something to catch his attention, something of value. This is the part of his life he hates. He hates making others suffer for him to survive in this cruel world.

Why can't anyone understand!? I am no different than any of them! Natsu frequently thought to himself.

He stared into the crowd of people until something someone had shimmered in the light and made it known to Natsu.

"Bingo," he said quietly to himself. That was when he advanced into the crowded streets of Hargeon.

Lucy's POV

"Ah, I have missed being outside," I said aloud, but to myself.

I have been walking peacefully down the streets, trying to find the shops I need to go into for my supplies. I, so far, have not found a single shop that I need. There have been a few I was tempted to go in since the shop windows can really entice pedestrians that walk by.

There was even a pretty wedding dress on display. I could faintly see myself in it, but then I looked at the price tag... Nope! Not happening!

While minding my own business, I suddenly felt a huge, toned body nudge into my form a little harshly. I felt a tug from my belt at the same time.

All I heard from the mysterious, toned man was, "I'm sorry."

It all happened so quick that it was almost as if I was in a daze. I look to the side the man had run into and noticed I was missing 2 of my golden and 1 of my silver keys.

Panic, that is all I felt at that moment. I frantically looked around for that man and I managed to spot him. His pink hair had given him away.

"Gua-!," was all I yelled until I realized they can't help me. They would find out who I was and take me home. I need to fix this myself.

I darted to the last place I saw him and noticed pink flashing around a corner into another alley. My pace quickened as I got nearer and nearer.

No One's POV

As Natsu turned that corner, he thought he was at a safe distance. But he was dead wrong. Little did he know Lucy had been on his tail.

She appeared right in front of him, out of breath, with anger and relief written in her expression.

Her sudden appearance stunned the man and he rose his arms up as a way of defense for the punishment he thinks he will receive.

Lucy sees how he reacted to her and questioned him, saying," Why did you try to steal my ke- , no, friends? You know kidnapping is illegal." Her face softened as she asked him this.

Natsu just stared at her, giving no type of response. What does she mean by friends? How could these inanimate objects be her friends!? Is she crazy?? He contemplated this as he stared from the girl in front of him back down to the keys he stole.

She saw his perplexed face and explained, " I can summon celestial spirits with these keys. They are not just tools to me, they are my friends. So, can I have my friends back?"

Natsu's confused face changed to a guilty one. He did not mean to steal her friends. Without much hesitation, he gave her back her keys. "I didn't know, and I am sorry I caused you trouble, ma'am."

His apology was a shock to Lucy, but she forgave him instantly. That was when she finally got a good look at the man she just chased.

There was dirt and grim all in his hair. Along with tattered clothing that looked like an icky trash bag. The only thing he owned that looked untouched was his scarf. Even though his body looks toned, he still looks unfed and starving. Lucy began to realize why he had stolen from her in the first place.

"Instead of stealing from me, you could have asked me for a meal. Then we would not have had to run around town!" she said with a light chuckle and smirk.

At that moment, Natsu's heart rate increased and he began to blush. It had been a while since someone treated him so kindly. Her laughter was like music to his ears and he began to laugh along with her.

A grumbling sound interrupted their fun and that was a signal to go buy some food. During their shopping trip, they barely talked. Both of them struggled to think of something to talk about. When they finished shopping, they headed to Lucy's apartment.

------------------------------------------------Author's Note:

Thank you for reading this chapter! Comment and vote if you enjoyed it! Also, constructive criticism is always appreciated.

For those that commented the suggested questions for an upcoming chapter, thank you for the help! There were so many great ones I can use. That chapter is in the process of being made. The next chapter is not the question chapter, the 6th chapter will be.

So, if there are any more ideas that you may get from this chapter, then please comment on them! I am really excited to allow my readers to be apart of the chapter.😊