A/N: I apologize for the long wait! No one should have to wait this long for a trip to the onsen! I hope you find this chapter worth it, as you see I changed the story's rating to M. ;)

Thank you so much for your reviews, Iloveallanime18, CeeCee Dragneel, XxanimegrimreapergirlxX, DIGIKO12, Zadel, jordycat2000, melt0928, CelestialTitania, fuego dragon, White Okami, Phanny6, ty7769, Maia Pandra, Musiclover237, Shugo Fairy 4eva, rdcampa, Guest, MarinaHeartfillia, Moi-Master, 27kirune12, xLadyxChaosx, Guest, YaoiFanaticFreak, Fairytailwatcherlove, artistofthemind, and Shewolf1010! And for favoriting and/or following, thank you, KawaiiPotatoSenpai, FairyAngel123, aikachan15, BakaNatsu, HeyItsMeTim, Supreme Neko Lover, kittykat5811, SilverSapphire34523, EllieOswinSmith, advanceshipping4ever, animestorylover1621, MayJoo, BloodStainedSilver, NatsumiMarvell, FireIsMyLife, platinum-breaker, starfiresusan18, ShokoraFantasy, enouement, Anomnomnomnom, Slytherins-FalseAristocrat, LucyandNatsuforever0, GunzStyleBR, moonprincess731, xXxCherryBlossomValentinexXx, Ria978, zopticz, ILikeAnime12, lucyheartfilia226, yamotokukai, Kitsune Reaper26, Na1uL0ve4Ever, icydawn88, Shattered-Nightmares712, hapiflower, Delia365, simpleory, Dragneel1550, drunkR3ader393, KnightOfTheWoefulCountenance, camacazi1, Patters1, Nubesparky, Black Night Wolf, Catndhat, BluWildcat, Catneko123, naluforever32123, LouiseAndreea, evelyn star, and Bringmethekawaiisenpai!

Disclaimer: This chapter contains mature content.

Chapter Seventeen – Hot Springs Time!

"Lucy, wake up. We're here."

A gentle voice nudged me back to consciousness. Wincing at the crick in my neck from sleeping in the car (even for as short a time as it had been), I looked around to see Natsu crouched next to me, holding my door open.

"Oh, thank you! I'm sorry I dozed off," I said with a yawn. I accepted Natsu's hand as he helped me out of his car, and then we walked over to join the others waiting in the entrance.

The reception area was large and dimly-lit, giving off soothing vibes. Off in the corner, a rock fountain murmured softly as the water flowed over the smooth stones in each bowl. Just then, a tall man with spiky brown hair stepped out from behind a floor screen and came around to stand behind the reception desk.

"Ah, Natsu! There you are. And how nice to see all of your friends!" He bowed slightly to us with a broad smile, and we all returned the greeting. His eyes were the same shape as Natsu's.

"Good evening, uncle!" Natsu sauntered confidently up to the desk, handing his uncle a credit card. "Business been good?"

The older man snorted and took the card. "My business is always thriving. Is the coed spring still okay?"

"Perfect." With a wink and a charming grin, Natsu took his card back and turned towards the changing rooms. "Thanks, uncle!"

We followed Natsu to the changing rooms, where we split off into the women's and men's changing rooms. Aside from us, there were only a few elderly women sitting in the changing room, chatting amiably with each other as they changed out of their clothes.

Levy grabbed the back of my shirt as she came up behind me. I glanced over my shoulder and took in her worried face. "What's wrong, Levy?"

"Did he say that we're going to be together in one spring?" she squeaked, her cheeks turning a cute shade of pink. "All of us?"

"Don't worry," Erza cut in, already whipping her shirt off. Reaching to untie her bikini top next, she continued with a smile. "You can wear a towel into the onsen."

Levy opened her mouth to say something else, but shut it again and sighed when Erza continued casually stripping. I could tell that even the thought of wearing a towel in the same spring as the boys made her uncomfortable. Taking my own shirt off, I leaned in close and whispered, "I'll make sure no one gets too close to you. Just stick by me."

Turning to me with wide eyes, Levy rushed to reassure me. "Oh no, don't worry about me! I'll be fine. These towels are plenty big enough for me, after all." With a self-deprecating smile, she began removing her own clothing, as well. "Besides, I wouldn't want to get in the way of your time with Natsu." She winked and grabbed a towel from the rack, wrapping it around her tiny frame.

Now I was the one blushing. Seeing that Juvia and Erza had already gone out ahead, I rushed to grab a towel of my own.

As I stepped out onto the deck surrounding the steaming pool, I nervously tugged at the towel that was wrapped tightly around my body. It barely covered my butt and boobs at the same time, so I was grateful that the steam made it more difficult to see things clearly. I walked over to where the other girls were getting into the water, looking around to see if Natsu and the guys were out yet. They were already in the water, leaning back against the side of the spring. As soon as Natsu saw me, he stood and made his way over to me.

"Come on in, Lucy! The water's perfect." He leaned against the side, his arms crossed and propped up on the deck.

For a moment, I couldn't find any words. All I could do was stare at his glistening skin, practically glowing in the light of the lanterns scattered around the pool. He looked like a water spirit or some other ethereal being.

Finding my voice, I smiled and crossed my arms over my chest. "I'd gladly get in if you would get out of my way."

"How about I help you in?" he asked with a devilish grin.

As he lunged out of the water for me, I danced backwards out of his reach. "Natsu, this isn't a swimming pool!" I shrieked. He laughed and hopped smoothly out of the spring, his white towel sliding low on his hips. I caught my breath and forced my eyes up towards his face and safe territory, hoping that I could pin my blush on the steam rising from the water.

He came to stand right in front of me, looking down at me with less than an inch separating our bodies. "Then why don't you come relax with me in the water?" he whispered seductively. Brushing a feather-light kiss to my lips, he pulled back and took my hand in his. Light-headed, I allowed him to guide me towards the water.

Erza and Jellal were sitting together across the pool, Erza sitting on Jellal's lap. They were talking with Gajeel and Levy, who were standing close together, almost touching. Gray was reclining against the side, partially obscured by the Japanese grass that was growing along the edge. Juvia was clinging to him, resting her head on his chest. He didn't seem to mind. And Loke was talking with the old ladies we'd seen in the changing room. Their raspy laughter drifted over to me as Loke said something witty, and I smirked as I saw one of them pinch his cheek with her wizened fingers. Everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Walking down the steps together, Natsu and I entered the water hand in hand. A sigh escaped me as the water came up to the bottom of my chest, taking all my aches and soaking them up. The hot springs were just what I needed.

"That good, huh?" Natsu teased. I was in so much bliss that I just murmured my agreement, letting my head fall back to rest on the water's surface. Natsu chuckled softly, and then I felt his hands gently massaging my scalp. His long, slender fingers ran through my hair, coaxing me into a state of relaxation so deep I wasn't sure if I was awake or asleep.

After a few minutes, I lifted my head again and smiled up at Natsu. "Your turn," I replied cheerfully, leading him over to one of the benches along the side. He sank down on it with a sigh, and I sat next to him. The water covered half of my breasts now, so I felt slightly less exposed. Then I began to massage Natsu's shoulders and arms. Even though I'd spent the entire day staring at and touching his muscular torso, it still amazed me just how flawless he was.

As I worked my way down his back, I felt him tense slightly. "I'm sorry, was I too rough?" I asked, lifting my hands away from his skin worriedly.

He turned to face me, his eyes smoldering. "Your touch is something else, Luce," he said hoarsely. Then he leaned in close, whispering against my lips, "Don't stop touching me."

I immediately returned to full alertness, every nerve in my body wired. "Ah, Natsu?" I gasped in between kisses.

"Hmm?" He continued to kiss his way down the side of my neck and over my shoulder, his hands pressing into the small of my back.

"We shouldn't be doing this right now…we're in public." My face was probably as red as a tomato, thanks to the steam and my attraction to Natsu.

With a deep chuckle, Natsu pulled away from me to look me in the eye. "In public, you say? Then would you like to go somewhere a little more private so that we can continue?" He grinned seductively at me, sliding his hand down so that our fingers were intertwined. I couldn't think of a response, so he stood up and tugged me along behind him. Ducking my chin and sneaking a glance around to make sure that no one had seen us, I was happy to see that everyone else was too busy doing their own thing to notice us sneaking off to the far side of the spring.

As we rounded a bend, I saw the long wooden screen that separated the coed bath from the private bath. Bamboo shoots grew along its base, dragging in the water. It was a little more secluded, but it was still easily within sight of the others, should they move a bit in our direction.

"Natsu, this hardly counts as private," I snorted in amusement. He turned to me with a devilish grin, putting a finger up to his lips. Then he took a deep breath and ducked beneath the water. I blinked in shock as I watched him turn towards the rock wall that made up the side of the hot spring. He grabbed onto the wall and started tugging, and I wondered what he was trying to do when all of a sudden I saw a section of the wall move. Natsu resurfaced and sucked in another breath before going under again, sliding the panel the rest of the way open. I could see the water on the other side, and realized that it was a secret tunnel connecting the two pools.

As Natsu resurfaced, he whipped his hair out of his eyes and turned to face me with a wink. "You're right…but this does," he said, gesturing to the opening in the wall. Excitement ran through my body, all of my earlier tiredness forgotten as he grabbed my hand.

"Wait…won't the others worry if they can't find us?"

Natsu smirked. "Nah, they'll assume we snuck off to have some alone time. And since we came here separately, it's not a big deal if we leave at different times, right?"

Finding nothing to argue with, I allowed him to pull me under. He led the way through the tunnel, holding my hand until we emerged on the other side. Then he turned and slid the panel back into place, hiding any trace of our escape. I looked around the pool we found ourselves in. It was completely empty except for us, and it was smaller than the other spring. As with the other spring, lanterns lit the water with a soft glow, and various plants and rocks covered the deck surrounding the spring.

"Natsu, why is this one empty? What if someone comes in?"

"You don't need to worry about that," he said in a smug voice. "This pool is closed, since it's not high onsen season yet. No one will disturb us."

I wasn't sure whether to be pleased or scared by that.

Before I had time to decide, Natsu had pressed me up against the side, his lips on mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck, drawing him closer. Water dripped from his bangs onto my face, but I didn't mind. I was burning up, so hot that I was sure the water would evaporate from just coming into contact with my body.

I slid my hands down Natsu's back, and then around his chest, letting my fingers savor every dip of his hard muscles. Natsu was doing some exploring of his own; his hands ran down my arms, up my back and over my shoulders, caressing my collarbones. As his fingers dipped lower and brushed the curve of my breast, I became aware of the fact that only a towel separated our bare skin. Natsu must have sensed my hesitation, for he pulled away for a moment, looking down at me with concerned eyes.

"Everything alright, Lucy? Am I going too fast?" He brought his hands back to safe territory, resting gently on my shoulders.

I was torn between being relieved and disappointed that he had stopped. I'd never gone this far with anyone before, and every warning I'd ever heard about being intimate suddenly came to the front of my mind. I knew I should pull back now, while I was still thinking rationally. And yet…remembering the feel of Natsu's hands on my body, the taste of his skin, made me want more.

"I…" Uncertainty stopped my tongue, and I hesitated. Staring into his burning eyes, seeing the love and desire there, helped me make up my mind. Natsu loved me, and I…I loved him, too. I didn't want to wait. "I want you, Natsu," I whispered.

With a grin, he swooped in to press his lips to mine once more. "If you change your mind, just say the word."

"Mkay…" I murmured, lost in the pleasure of his touch. He sank onto the ledge and pulled me up onto his lap, spreading my legs so that I was straddling him. With my towel as small as it was, I doubted it was covering anything now, but I couldn't bring myself to care at this point.

I knelt up straight, looking down at him with heated eyes. His hair hung wetly in his eyes, and it was the sexiest sight I'd ever seen. I pushed it back with my fingers, leaning down to plant a kiss to his lips. He moaned and pulled me closer, slipping his mouth from mine so that he could suckle my neck. I tipped my head back, allowing him to pull me even tighter against him as he trailed burning kisses down my neck and over my chest. I gasped as his tongue traced the curve of my breast down to where it met the towel. He brushed his fingers against the top of my towel in back, glancing up at me with a questioning look. In response, I grinned down at him and began to rub my body slowly against his.

Taking my invitation, he pulled the towel away from my body and tossed it up onto the rocks behind him. My breath stilled in anticipation as I gauged his reaction. I was sitting on his lap, totally naked. No man had ever seen me naked before, and I was equal parts terrified and thrilled.

"Holy mother of god, Lucy…" he breathed, letting his eyes trail slowly over the swell of my breasts, down the flat plain of my stomach, and finally down to the space between my spread legs. With the water in the way, he couldn't get a good look, but I found myself wanting him to.

"Like what you see?" I asked coyly, letting a strand of my wet hair fall over my shoulder. He brought his eyes back up to my face, complete adoration and lust shining in his eyes.

"You are a goddess," he growled, yanking me against his chest. His lips aggressively met mine, his hands sliding down to cup my cheeks. He squeezed each mound in his hands as he coaxed my hips to grind against his. I could feel his erection straining against his towel, directly underneath my heat.

I gasped and panted with desire, my aching body craving release. Natsu moved his mouth to my breasts, burying his face in the soft swells. Water splashed around us as we continued to grind against each other, his mouth sucking on my nipple. Our pace became more feverish as our bodies heated up. The water didn't feel so warm anymore, now that our bodies were burning up.

"Ngh, please, Natsu," I gasped. "Please…I need you."

"How can I resist when you ask like that?" he murmured, sucking on my neck. Then he slowly slid his hand down between our bodies. I twitched, anticipating his touch where I needed it. However, instead of touching me, he grabbed his own towel and slid it off. Looking down, I caught my breath when I saw his length standing erect, just beneath me. I had never seen an erect penis before.

"Will…will it hurt?" I whispered, slightly embarrassed.

He grinned, but his eyes were gentle. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you're prepared." I could only nod and bury my head in his neck.

This time, when his fingertips slid down my stomach, I knew what his destination was. As his fingers brushed my entrance, I gasped and quivered in need. "Natsu!" I gasped, reflexively grinding downward. His other arm, wrapped tightly around my waist, prevented me from moving how I wanted. "Don't tease me!" I squirmed and tried to find relief, but he held me firmly in place.

With a raspy chuckle, he nodded. "Alright, alright. Are you ready?" His tone grew serious.

"Yes."

Then, slowly, I felt his finger slide into me. I couldn't hold back my hiss of pleasure as my heat eagerly sucked him up. I was throbbing, needing release. Carefully, he began pumping his finger in and out. I gasped and whimpered, grinding up and down in time with his thrusts. After a minute, I felt him add a second finger.

"Ah…yes, that's it," I panted. Natsu's hot breaths fanned against my chest, his expression tight and pained. It was probably taking everything he had to hold back. I threaded my fingers through his silky hair, meeting his gaze. Tears pricked my eyes as I smiled down at him, resting my forehead on his. "I love you," I breathed, my voice strained.

"Lucy," he groaned, his pace picking up. "I love you too."

My insides where a quivering mess, and I was fairly sure that I wasn't going to hold out much longer. "Natsu…I'm not going to m-make it…."

With a final thrust of his fingers, Natsu withdrew. He was breathing heavily, too. Planting a kiss on my lips, he grabbed my hips and positioned them so that I was directly over his length. And then he entered me.

We thrust and grinded against each other, water sloshing all around us. The rocks along the edge were soaked. As our bodies reached their climax, I couldn't hold back a cry of pleasure. Not wanting anyone to hear, I quickly bit into Natsu's shoulder to stifle the scream.

As we came down from our high, our bodies gradually stilled. I didn't get off his lap, and he didn't make any effort to withdraw from me. I rested my head against his neck, blissfully spent. That was when I noticed the bleeding mark on his shoulder.

"Natsu! Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I bit you!"

Natsu turned his head to look at the gash, a surprised look crossing his face. "Oh, you did." Then, slowly, a sly look of satisfaction replaced the surprise. "There. Now everyone will know that I'm yours."

My guilt abated somewhat, a spark of pleasure creeping in. Yes. He's mine, and I'm his. Completely.

Giggling softly, I planted a loving kiss to his lips. It was long and sweet, nothing urgent about it. But it was filled with the knowledge that we had just been joined physically, mentally and emotionally. And that was all that I needed.

I lifted myself off his lap, and as we parted, I saw a trickle of white flow away into the water. Cheeks flushing red with embarrassment, I muttered, "Oh no, now they're going to have to sanitize the water…."

Natsu laughed, pulling me to my feet with him. He wrapped me tenderly in his arms, his chest vibrating against mine. "Don't worry about it. They always clean them one final time before opening."

We parted and climbed out of the water, reclaiming our towels. I could feel the exhaustion settling in again, now that my rush had faded. I didn't think I had the energy to go look for the others. Natsu sensed my weariness and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "Come on, let's get you home."

I smiled gratefully up at him, my heart melting. "Thank you, Natsu." No matter what happened from here on out, I would fight for us to be together. Nothing would come between us.

A/N: So I decided as I was writing this to go ahead and make it a lemon. :) I hope you like it, even though it's small and relatively tame. Haha thank you for reading, and I'm once again sorry for taking so long to update!