Lucy could hear Lisanna's soft voice from just outside of the room, the sound of Happy sniffling soon joined her. Lucy followed Erza silently as they entered.
Lucy gasped at the sight. Natsu lay still on the bed, The fire wizard was pale and seemed fragile.
"Lisanna, Lucy's here now. If you want to take a few minutes to yourself, now would be a good time."Erza told her placing a comforting hand on Lisanna. The white haired girl wiped her eyes before stand and turning to them with a forced smile.
"he still hasn't opened his eyes." She said quietly, the smile quickly vanished from her face.
"He will, give him some time to recover. He'll be fine." Lucy tried to sound encouraging but her attempt was wearing thin. Lisanna embraced her.
"You're right, he's still our Natsu. He's always been there for us, and I know it's a little worrying but we'll get him back soon. He needs us now." Lisanna released her and left.
"I'll leave you with him, if he needs it, those cloths can be used as a compress, if you need anything just call out and someone will come up to help." Erza promised. Lucy simply nodded.
"Thank you." She said sitting down next to the bed. When Erza returned to their guild mates, Lucy turned her attention to the sobbed cat lying on the other side of Natsu, his wing was just visible.
"How are holding up Happy?" She said gently.
"Fine." He whimpered.
"You don't sound like you're fine. It's okay to be upset and worried." Though they didn't get along most of the time, neither one had any thoughts of arguing. Lucy sighed heavily and reached out to touch Natsu's hand. Lucy lightly rested her other hand on the compress that. Lisanna had placed on his head not long before Lucy arrived at the guild hall.
"You'll need a new one soon." She said quietly, her heart was aching. In the short time she had been in the guild, she saw him get hurt, but never once had she thought this could happen.
"Natsu, I have so much to say to you, and I have to believe that you can hear us but can't wake up. You're important to the guild and Happy, they all need you back...i need you back. We're really worried about you. Please come back to us soon, I miss you." Lucy carefully removed the cloth from Natsu's head before soaking another in the cool water, wringing it out and gently using it to stroke his face.
"Hey Lucy?" Happy sniffled.
"Yeah?"
"Do you really think he's going to get better?"
"of course he will Happy. We'll take care of him and soon everything will be back to normal."
"I hope so. Natsu's my family, if he doesn't -"
"He will, he just needs the rest, do you want to go downstairs and get something to eat while I'm here you can come back up when you're done"
"No, Natsu might need me and if I'm not here-"
"But you still need to eat. You don't want to make yourself sick , he won't like it if you're sick too."
"I can't leave, I wanna be here when he wakes up. I want him to know that he's my very best friend and-"
"He does. Even of you don't tell him." Without a second thought, she reached out and stroked Natsu's hair.
"I need you to wake up soon. Let us know you're okay. We'll be right here waiting for you. Please Natsu,don't keep us waiting too long." She picked up another cloth and after dipping in into the watch, Lucy softly stroked his cheek in an effort to cool him down.
"L-Lucy?" The voice was a weak whisper but it was enough to catch the girl's attention.
"Natsu!" She cried happily, the little cat sat up quickly. Natsu struggled to open his eyes, with Lucy and Happy 's encouragement, the dragon slayer succeeded and found himself looking into her eyes.
"How are you feeling?" She asked quietly. He gave a faint smile.
"Been better, but could be worse. What's wrong with you, your eyes are all red?"
"I was worried about you and I -"
"Y-you cried for me?" He asked in a tone of surprise. Lucy's face turned to scarlet.
"I was just -I'm not used to seeing you look so fragile . You scared us. " She replied. "We knew you wouldn't let us down, we need you here."
"It's gonna take a lot more than this to get rid of me." Despite his weakened condition, Natsu managed to hold his determined tone.
"Good,we're counting on you." Happy remained silent, though he was glad Natsu woke up, he didn't trust his emotions enough to speak. Natsu seemed to understand.
"You okay little buddy?" He asked, Happy nodded without looking at him.
"It'll be alright,I just need some time." He told them.
"A-are you sure you're going to get better?" Happy sobbed.
"Yeah, it's just-" Natsu stopped, he began to feel lightheaded and he was beginning to feel the pain that was returning.
""Natsu?"
"I'm fine, I just needed a minute,sorry guys, I'm feeling a little tired. I think I need to sleep a little longer." As he said this, his eyes began to close , his breathing was shallow.
"Natsu, wake up." She cried out with no response.
"Natsu, get up right now!" Happy shouted in tears.
"Go get Erza." Lucy instructed in a panic.
"But what about -"
"Go!"
"Aye." He sniffed"Natsu, I'll be back, don't go anywhere okay?" He flew off leaving Lucy with their friend.
"Come on Natsu, you were just awake, do it again, you have to,I-I love you."
