It wasn't that she didn't trust him anymore, it was just that every now and then, Lucy felt like she had to keep an eye on Natsu; just in case his disappeared again. It wasn't like he broke any promises, but she felt as though one needed to be made.

Just to be certain.

She shook her head, pressing her lips together in a self stubborn manner. She couldn't be thinking of the worst anyway, there was no reason for him to leave now right?

He had left to train... With the strength she had seen from him, it was obvious that he had fulfilled that job and strengthened up all on his own as he had planned. And she didn't blame him, he had no idea about Fairy Tail, and he had even got Gray after promises. Or perhaps that was just it. Lucy had never known Natsu break a promise.. If she could get him to promise, it might confirm him not going.

She grumbled slightly, why was this such a big deal? Everyone had left, wouldn't it make more sense for her to want everyone to promise? And yet, something in her told her that she would only need Natsu to promise.

She flicked her eyes forward, it was late after all, and the boys had already gotten ready to eat. But she had wanted to go out and get food for them, they had both insisted on coming with her, her pace slower than theirs so she was left walking behind them.

Lucy took in a stuttered breath, collecting her thoughts quietly as she tucked a blonde lock of hair behind her ear. It was now or never, and luckily she found it easy to gather her confidence; this was only Natsu of course.

She forced herself to tread forward faster, walking directly between them, cutting the boys off in their conversation about the lack of ramen on their trip.

"Hey Natsu.."

They practically whipped back to look at her, midst in an argument by the expressions on their faces. She really had been in a mind of her own world if she could block out Natsu and Happy shouting at one another in that usual teasing and friendly manner.

They were cross, but something she loved about then was the fact that they were true family, they sometimes would fight or have a heated discussion and yet they were the best of friends and made up in seconds.

She did a sheepish laugh and smiled awkwardly. It probably wasn't the best idea to bring up anything serious, but luckily Natsu was one to quickly adapt so she forced herself to continue with the conversation she had curated.

"I was just... Thinking.. About something..."

He raised a brow gently, "You didn't get much spicy ramen either?"

Though his voice was playful, she couldn't help but feel guilty for spoiling his and Happy's silly talk, and the genuine look he gave her made her stomach grow queasy with butterflies.

"No Natsu... Something serious."

"Hoi. Spicy ramen is serious." He said, shooting a soft glare towards Happy who seemed to sigh in defeat.

"Natsu." Lucy repeated, her voice warming that she wanted to be taken serious. And sure enough, his expression stiffened and he trained his eyes on Lucy; halting them from walking.

"What's wrong? Do you feel sick?"

"No, I just wanted.. To ask you something." She said with sincerity, putting her hands behind her back in a solemn manner, apologetic as she crossed her arms.

"Okay. What is it?" Even Happy had settled on the ground now, his wings growing tired as he stood on the pavement impatiently.

"Well.. I just... You left me. Alone... For a year."

His face screwed up at that, like it always did when she brought up the subject. And sure enough he would fall silent now she had brought it up, so she had the advantage of having room to talk.

"Ah Luce.."

"I don't want to talk about it. I want to ask my question."

He looked oddly taken aback but nodded out of relief and curiosity.

"Will you leave again?"

"What?"

"Will you leave again?"

"N-no? I don't think so."

"Promise me." She said quietly, tempted to cling to his scarf out of sheer embarrassment.

But her statement was true.

She didn't want him to leave her again.

He stepped forward and admittedly, she was a little shocked by the action.

"I promise…"

Her eyes widened, she was hopeful after all.

Natsu's face was right inline with hers now, his dark eyes focused on hers.

"I promise that I will never hurt you. Ever again."

Her expression faltered slightly. Not only had he avoided answering properly, he had also avoided making a promise. Which meant he obviously knew he would break it.

And that was just it, Natsu didn't make promises he couldn't hoped it meant the same thing.

After all, if he left again… she would be heart broken… perhaps even right now she felt a little so. And that would hurt her more than anything.