Sorry for the wait I'm a lazy garbage monster in the shape of a human

Natsu shifted uncomfortably in his plastic seat, back straight and fists clenched. This would not be good. In no way could this turn out well for him.

"Detective."

Natsu began thinking of many things, things that were decidedly not where he sat and what he was facing. No, because focusing on what was happening was something he very much did not want to do.

"Natsu," Makarov growled. Natsu continued staring at the wall, away from his Captain. "Listen boy, I don't know what got it in your head to do this, but it was certainly not common sense."

"This" being the fact that Natsu had went ahead and infiltrated Jude Heartfilia's mansion without express permission from his Captain and without proper supplies in case things got dicey. "This" being the allure of a certain blonde headed writer who knocked what little common sense he had from his brain. "This" being his worry for her staying in such a place and wanting to get her out. "This" being him throwing caution out the window and trying to get into the mansion to track down evidence. "This" being Natsu getting caught in the fence, nearly caught, and chased by attack dogs for nearly two blocks, only for him to jump in a trash can and shake them from his trail. "This", being his own personal hell.

"So?" Makarov demanded.

He wanted to know why Natsu had been reckless. Why he'd attempted a completely illegal act and obtained evidence without proper cause. All Natsu could say that every time he saw Lucy his heart stuttered and every time he received a text a grin would automatically light his face. All he could say that every moment the investigation dragged on would be another stab to her heart when she realized the truth and every moment he ached to share his life with her, but he couldn't, not until this business was dead in a drawer.

But he couldn't say that.

"Got impatient," was all he muttered, sinking slightly into his chair. Which was very true. Just not completely.

Makarov narrowed his eyes and leaned over.

"If caught you would have compromised the entire investigation. I don't care how impatient you get, one more attempt like this and you're done."

Natsu paled considerably.

"Done, as in off the case?" he asked, panic clutching his heart.

"Done, as in this precinct. As in, fired, done." Makarov growled. "You're on thin ice boy."

Natsu gulped, back snapping straight. He couldn't imagine a life not on the force. He'd always been a wrecking ball in his life – always in trouble at school, never caring enough for his schoolwork to even try, constantly in fights. "Problem kid" was his reigning title. But here he'd finally found a place to fit in. Natsu couldn't fathom a day where he didn't come here for work.

Natsu nodded quickly.

"Understood, sir."

Makarov sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I swear, Natsu, one day you'll kill me." Natsu fought back a grin at that. The entire precinct caused him ultimate stress, but he was sure Makarov wouldn't have it any other way. "So," he paused, "how goes your project? I assume not well, given current… incidents."

Natsu cleared his throat nervously.

"Lucy Heartfilia is what we imagined – well connected with her father. I'm still working on gaining her trust. It is slow going, she's guarded." Natsu shifted, feeling uncomfortable. This felt so wrong, talking about her like this.

"Do you think we should abandon this method and find another way?" Makarov questioned, head tilting to the side.

Natsu wanted to say yes. The sooner he could abandon this project the sooner he could be honest with Lucy and have a real relationship. But he remembered that notebook that she guarded so closely and the way she avoided speaking of her father. She was hiding something, and it could be crucial.

"I just need more time," he sighed, defeated. "She knows something. It's just a game of patience at this point."

Makarov nodded and leaned back in his chair, seeming satisfied.

"Let me know if you need anything." Makarov nodded at him in dismissal and Natsu stood, grateful to finally be released.

Just as Natsu began to sink into the chair at his desk, he felt his phone buzz. Glancing down curiously, he felt a small smile light his face.

"Wanna grab lunch? – Lucy H."

Comments, suggestions, thoughts? Yes, no, maybe so?

I'm terrible at keeping promises for things to be longer - apologies. The writing spirit is being a bitch today, what can I say. Also, interest in this story has DESPERATELY dropped lol. I'm still gonna write it but damn son where did I go wrong? Meh, who cares.

Anyway, let know your thoughts, hope you enjoyed! Needz the angst.