Because she was the essences to his star.
{They were kids that I once knew, now they're all dead hearts to you}
"Where do you think we go when we die?"
Her voice is so soft, he barely catches it. But due to his dragon senses, he does, and it's as clear as a bell.
"W-What?" He chokes, caught off guard. They lay down in the grass and stare up at the stars, Lucy's brown eyes reflecting the shine.
"Just curious..." Her lips part and her voice hums out, and once again he nearly missed it. He furrows his eyebrows, obviously not satisfied.
"Why are you thinking of that stuff?" He asks in concern, turning his head to look at her. She smiles sweetly―yet she's not fooling him again.
"I dunno..." She answers sheepishly, her own orbs flickering to meet his. Her smile widens and he feels his heart clench.
"Well...don't." He takes her small delicate hand in his rough one and grins widely at her―the only way he knows how to make her feel better.
Her cheeks flush with color and her eyes avoid his, turning up to look at the stars again. Innocently curious, he intertwines their fingers, his stomach reacting with butterflies.
"But where?" She speaks up, and he almost groans. He decides to finally give in, a small smile breaking out on his face.
"I think we become stars." His reply surprises her, and she turns to look at him once more. She had never heard that theory before―and the fact that it was of her sky was even more fascinating.
"Really?" She pipes up, alternating between him and the skyscape. She stops short when he grins that fanged grin, leaving her breathless and warm faced.
"Yeah, I think whatever is left of us just becomes stars, y'know?" He shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, like it doesn't really concern him. Yet.
"Do you think my momma is up there?" She whispers, her voice catching and her throat drying. She hasn't cried about her mother in a while and refused to start, but the wound seemed fresh right then.
"Of course." Natsu scoffs and suddenly his arm is in her vision as he points up, directing her gaze.
"Right...there!" Natsu points with satisfaction, grinning widely. Lucy's eyes widen and she lets out a giggle, her heart throbbing.
"What happens when stars fall?" She asks curiously, wanting him to delve into his theory.
"They become a new person." Natsu replies softly. Lucy feels her heart soar and smiles wider, letting out a content sigh.
"I like that." She murmurs, and Natsu chuckles.
"I do, too."
His eyes turn unfocused as he tramples through the ruins, tripping over his own feet. Salamander's eyes rake all the carnage, looking for a certain person.
Come on...come on...
She's nowhere to be found.
And then he hears it. It's faint and throaty and sounds like pain.
"Natsu,"
He turns instantly to the source, eyes now frantic. He tumbles forward, buckling onto the ground. A roar of a dragon echoes from somewhere behind him though he pays no mind, intent on finding his love.
"Lucy!" He calls out, his own voice matching the one from earlier. He shuffles forward when he sees it.
His nightmares.
Lucy smiles wobbly up at him, her own eyes unfocused. They dart around, frantic. Natsu almost smiles until he notices the huge wooden plank plunged through her stomach, no doubt from debris of the first blow.
"Lucy," His voice is reduced to a sob now, black eyes filling with tears. She maintains her smile, though it slowly dips down into a grimace.
"N―Natsu." She struggles out through her parched throat, beyond the feeling of pain.
"Oh god..." He whispers out, shuffling to her side. He instantly takes the warmth of her hand, pressing her palm against his face. He knows he won't feel this for long.
"It's not that bad N-Natsu." She croaks out, giving a painful half smile.
"I promised I would keep you safe." He grits out. He looks over, only to see the truth.
Her arm is missing.
Just like future Lucy―she will die.
Just sooner.
No. It's not supposed to be this way. He's supposed to die, not her. It can't be this way. He won't allow it.
"It's okay Natsu..." Her voice is distant and cuts his heart in half. He was losing her.
"I saw..the wind it...everything was thrown your way so I..I.." She chokes out her own sob, though she can't move with her wracking sobs.
"No..."
"Natsu, I see it." She replies, her voice excited like a childs, though faint. He perks, devastated by what is transpiring.
"The stars...the stars Natsu.." She smiles beautifully and her eyes melt into his, causing him even further pain.
"They're so beautiful." She goes on and on, until she finally takes a slow, long breath, indicating it was almost time.
"Just like you." He manages to his surprise. She gives him a bittersweet smile, the color slowly draining from her face.
"Do you think I'll become a star, too?" She asks curiously, and for a moment he goes back to the moment where they're in the meadow, not a care in the world. He would give anything to go back in time.
"You're already a star." He replies through clenched teeth, not having the heart to cry any further for her. He didn't want her to see him this way when she died.
She hums a soft, melodic laugh. "That's very sweet Natsu." She thanks. He can't bare to stare at her anymore, so he stares at the ground instead.
"I think I'm dying now, Natsu."
"I know."
"I'm scared, Natsu."
"I know."
"I love you, Natsu."
"I kno―" His voice catches in his throat as the lump forms, eyes widening even further. Screw it, his reservoir pummels over and he's nearly weeping as he stares down at her helplessly.
And before he can respond, she's gone. She lets out a gush, and suddenly it's like she's deflated. Her eyes lose the sparkle they once had, her smile flimsy now. Her whole being just screams grief.
He picks his head up, staring up at the night sky that had seemed to be bathes in blood moments ago, only to see a beautiful star filled heaven.
A lone star streaks across the blue abyss, catching his gaze. The tears pool but do not fall as he clenches her―now cold―hand, rubbing his thumb across it.
"You're my star, Luce." He whispers, hanging his head.
Edit 4/18/13:
This was gonna be a story where Lucy comes back and only has a week but...I don't think I can manage it.
I hope you liked it..
Reviews are much appreciated and keep me going!