Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail

Lucy had just finished fighting and here was another person, already, to take up the challenge against her. She looked at her keys, her spirits had taken quite the beating with her last opponent and she was unsure which one to summon. Before she could choose Loke appeared behind her with a bit of shimmering starlight reflected off the pool of water. "But you're not recovered yet." Lucy said looking at Loke with an annoyed frown.

"I'm fine." He said leaning heavily on her but making it look like he was just wrapping his arms tenderly around her lest his latest opponent realize his weakness. He smirked at the man standing not too far off. "Come on then."

"Leo?" He asked looking terrified. Loke's eyes narrowed. "Hell with that." The man said as he tore off in the opposite direction.

"I guess you two have met." Lucy laughed.

"I guess." Loke shrugged with a laugh. His smile faded quickly when Lucy's eyes slid shut and she fell to the ground. Loke's eyes widened as he scooped her up, feeling just as drained as he knew she was but forced himself onward, bearing her to safety. When they finally got to the village where he knew she'd be safe he placed her gently on the bed and then collapsed on the floor exhausted.

When his eyes finally opened he saw Lucy sitting by the windowsill with a book. The sun was shining on her, illuminating her golden hair and battered body. Silent as a cat, he slipped over to her, slipping an arm around her waist and hoisting her into the air with a laugh. She squealed in horror as her book fell to the ground but was still too weak from her injuries to fight back. When she realized it was him though, she stopped her wimpy struggling and blushed. "Loke, you're still here?" She asked.

"I wanted to make sure you were safe." He said twirling her on her toes until she fell into his chest. His smile broadened as his hands slipped around her waist to hold her tight against him.

"Safe as can be expected." She said hugging him back and resting her head against his chest with a contented sigh. "But hey." She slapped his chest and freed herself from his hold much to his surprise. "If you ever do something like that again I'll-" She was cut off when he put his hands on either side of her face and pulled her into a kiss. Her face turned red but she melted into it. His hands slid down her neck and shoulders, her body relaxing under his touch until they came to rest on her hips. Her arms rested on his shoulders, entwined in his shaggy mane.

"I knew none of your other spirits would be ready to go again so soon and I needed to protect you. Your safety is my number one priority. Not your happiness." He said as his thumb tracked its way down her cheek.

"I can take care of myself." She protested half heartedly.

"Just let me do this." He said turning her so she was looking out the window at the sunshine soaked forest. One arm slipped around her waist while the other rested atop her head where his chin came to rest. "It's how I show I care." He said softly.

"I didn't summon you for the same reason." She replied. His eyes slid shut behind his blue shades and he was content.