The first night of their 100 Year Quest, Lucy couldn't sleep. They'd set up camp earlier, eaten dinner and made plans for their further journey before they just sat around the campfire and relaxed.
Natsu was almost bouncing around with excitement, and even though he hid it well behind his cool exterior, she knew Grey well enough to see that he was just as excited. Not that he'd ever admit it. Especially not with Natsu around. Erza too, seemed to look forward to the adventure. Which left Lucy, Wendy and the Exeeds who were unsure about the whole thing. Well, Lucy and Charla were unsure, while Wendy and Happy went along with the flow but weren't overly excited.
After everything that has gone down since the guild disbanded and they rebuilt it, Lucy wanted some peace and quiet. She wanted to spend time at home, get reacquainted with her guild mates, go on jobs with Natsu and Happy or with the whole team. What she didn't want was to leave their home for an unforeseeable amount of time and possibly (read probably) end up in another life-threatening situation. Or ten.
But Natsu was insistent, and Lucy could never really say no to him. Especially not after almost losing him. So on a 100 Year Quest they went.
With a heavy sigh, the celestial mage untangled herself from her sleeping bag and quietly left the camp. Just down the hill from them was a beautiful bubbling stream and she walked to the bank, simply standing there, bathed in the moonlight and staring at the sparkling water.
Completely lost in thoughts she jumped and almost screamed when she felt a hand grab her own and a strong arm sneak around her neck and along her collarbone. It was only Natsu's familiar voice whispering, "It's me, Luce," into her ear that stopped her.
She didn't turn around to look at him but she leaned back into him, angling her head to rest in the crook of his elbow. Her fingers tangled with his and held on tight.
"I can tell when you're unhappy, Lucy. I know you didn't really want to go, but I think this will be good for us," he said quietly, his voice serious. He rarely ever sounded like this but when he did, Lucy listened.
Natsu was the furthest thing from stupid, he was just mostly oblivious. Though, Lucy had learned he was way more attentive when it came to her than about anything else. So when Natsu got serious with her, Lucy always listened.
Still… "What do you mean by this will be good for us?"
He sighed slightly behind her and tightened his hold. "I know you don't want to hear this, but we're different people from what we were before. I think we need a little time alone, just our team, to find our way to the previous dynamics we had."
They were both silent for a time before Natsu dropped his head to nuzzle his face in her neck. "You don't trust me, Luce, not like you used to."
Lucy went rigid with shock, "I trust you!" she exclaimed almost desperately, but Natsu shook his head.
"I can feel it, Lucy," he whispered hoarsely, his voice pained. "That's why we need this. You need to trust that I'm never going to leave you again. Not ever."
With fire and conviction in his voice Lucy suddenly felt lighter. He meant it. He really meant it.
"Okay, Natsu," she whispered sweetly and her free hand came up to caress his arm that lay across her collarbone.
Natsu smiled in her neck and both just stood there under the moon and the stars, completely at peace with each other.