The guild hall was quiet today. As Lucy made her way to the front door, she was unaware that a set of eyes watched her from a distance. Before she could exit a voice called out to her. She pulled up short and turned answer but found that no one was paying any attention to her. With a sigh she turned back around only to feel a hand on her shoulder. She jumped and gave a small scream as she turned around only to fall back against the door in relief as she was face to face with Mira.

"Sorry Lucy, I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's fine. I've been pretty jumpy lately for some reason."

"Is everything ok?" Mira gave her a genuine look of concern as Lisanna walked over to see what was going on.

"Yeah, I guess. I mean I haven't been sleeping well the last few weeks but that probably because Erza has been running us around taking job after job."

"Maybe you should take some time off." Lisanna spoke up. "It's not good to take a job if you are so tired.

"You're right, I know you are. But have either of you ever been able to say no to Erza?" I asked then, not really expecting an answer. Mira smiled at me.

"Many times."

As if on cue, Erza came into view with the rest of the team right behind her. Lucy sighed and put her head in her hands. As much as she tried to fight it, a single tear escaped from her eyes and fell down her cheek. She really hoped they didn't see it.

"Lucy, are you ready?" Erza asked, her voice as strong as ever.

"I think Lucy should sit this one out guys." Lucy's head snapped up at Mira's voice.

"What? Why?" The shock and confusion in Erza's voice made Lucy want to cry harder. All she could do was cover her face and sink to the floor. She didn't see Mira step closer to Erza and speak to her quietly.

Feeling a hand on the top of her head she uncovered her face and looked up to see Natsu's eyes inches from her own. He gave her a reassuring smile and spoke softly so only she could hear. "You dummy; why didn't you say anything?" She opened her mouth to reply but he cut her off. "No worries, just rest up. We will be back in a few days." He then stood and walked out of the guild hall. As Lucy watched him leave, there was a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach that she was never going to see him again.

Without thinking, she jumped up and ran after him. "NATSU!" she called out to him, making him stop and then face her. Before he could open his mouth to ask what was going on, Lucy had her arms around him with her face buried in his neck. Slowly, almost as if he was afraid, he put his arms around his friend. "Please tell me you will be careful."

He chuckled against her and squeezed Lucy tight to him. "I will be careful."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

She then pulled back and looked up at him. Lucy couldn't help but smile at his stupid grin that he always seemed to wear. Again, without thinking, she leaned forward and kissed him. The stood there for a frozen moment, both of them too stunned to move until Lucy finally pulled back then immediately ran back into the guild hall.

Natsu finally turned back to Erza, Grey and Happy, who all looked as stunned as he felt. "What the hell was that?"

"I have no idea." Erza replied in a slightly strained voice. "Maybe she is finally admitting her feelings for you."

"What feelings?" Natsu cocked his head sideways as he tried to understand what she just said.

"I think we should just go" Grey said "You know, before anything weirder than that happens." His face was calm but his voice was just as strained as Erza's.

With one last look at the guild hall, Natsu thought Take care of her then took off after the rest of his team