Natsu's POV

The sun was starting to set as the kids and Luce decided to head in. Following them, I had a sudden idea. I ran out to my room and grabbed the old guitar I had kept from before I lost everything. My buddy, Gajeel, had given it to me before he left on a three year world tour. He should be heading to his homeland soon. The Irish rocker had been patient with me, teaching me to play between shows and tours.

Tuning the guitar, I made my way back to the main house to meet up with Luce and the little ones. With a grin, I led Happy and Michelle into the living room where I began to play a song by Josh Turner. Singing along to the guitar, I laughed as the two small beings began to dance and play to the melody.

My voice wasn't nearly as deep as the original singer's, but it seemed to draw a good portion of the staff as well as Luce in for the show. Happy and Michelle danced together as Virgo grabbed hold of Taurus and swung him into the middle of the room in a violent attempt to dance with the poor guy. Aquarius snagged up Scorpio, not one to be out done and Aries stole away my guitar, whispering something about Lucy needing a partner. With a wide grin I snagged up Lucy's hand and swung her into a graceful spin before pulling her into my arms to lead her around the floor. She smiled, happiness radiating off her.

My mind began to wander as butterflies ate at my stomach. God, she was beautiful. Her big brown eyes reflected the world around her in an inviting light. She made the world look like a fun adventure just waiting to happen. Her blonde hair fell just to the center of her shoulders, the top half pulled into a side ponytail while the bottom half fell free against the skin of her neck. Her soft pink lips parted into a smile so gorgeous it sent my heart racing. She was a drop of sunlight dancing in the rain of this life. Michelle's father was an idiot for leaving such amazing girls. I'd give anything to be the one coming home to these wonderful ladies.

Michelle was almost the spitting image of Luce, except her eyes held a slightly bigger slant and her hair was a few shades darker, falling in waves rather than in straight locks. The child was a softer spoken, sweet child with a love for pink and a heart of gold. She was going to be an amazing woman one day. She had an energy to her that made you wanna be around her. She made friends everywhere she went, just like her mother.

I was in love. I loved Lucy and I loved her daughter like I loved my son. I wanted to be by their side always. I wanted this to be my family, but I knew Jude would never let me have them.

I was so lost in thought that I misstepped during the dance and tripped. My body met the floor and Luce's met mine. Our lips connected and my senses exploded. Holy hell, she tasted amazing. Her lips were softer than I could ever imagine and they tasted of cherry. Her scent filled my nose, lilac and sunshine. I felt myself losing control.

Suddenly, she was gone and I lay alone on the floor. Her face a lovely shade of red as she tried to make sense of what happened. Her eyes were wide and her hands fluttered nervously. I smiled as I watched her.

Happy and Michelle jumped on me while I was still down, laughing and trying to tickle me. I laughed at the two kids and lifted them into the air as I stood up. Glancing at the wall, I saw it was way past their bed time.

"Oi," I laughed. "Luce, it's time to get these two little monsters to bed. You coming?"

"Yea," she smiled softly, taking Happy from me.

We walked side by side up the stairs to Michelle's room. The silence lulled the young children to sleep as we walked. Happy's loud snores created a harmony with Michelle's soft ones. I couldn't help but smile even wider. These two small beings stole more of my heart each day.

Once we put the kids down in Michelle's bed, I turned to look at Lucy again. God, she was gorgeous. "Wanna take a walk?"

"Sure, Natsu." Her voice sent shivers down my spine.

"Let's go."