Crush

Chapter 1

Restless

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail. This is based off the Anime Series not the Manga Series. No copyright intended. I do own the story line, because I made that all up with my brain.

The sky grew cold as the once mighty and the most noble of all dragons falls to the ground in a loud thud, creating a huge crater upon the earth's surface. All the warmth left my body leaving me cold. I have never been cold before, never in my life. I've always had a fire burning bright in my belly but as I watch what is unfolding in front of me, I am frozen in place. Tears streamed down my face in silent anguish. There among the rubble of stone, what lays before me is the great Fire Dragon King Igneel as he is most famously known as but to me he is just simply father. No. This can't be happening. We've only just found each other again there is no way he can be gone, not so sudden, not just like that. Gone, like a puff of smoke.

"Dad!" I yell, shooting upright in a sitting position in bed, hand reaching out for someone who's already gone.

Happy stirs next to me and rubs his eyes with his paws, "Natsu?"

I take deep breaths to calm my erratic heartbeat. Happy perks up a little at my distraught state, looking up at me with worry filled eyes.

"Are you okay, Natsu?"

I sigh after a bit of silence as I close my eyes, willing the nightmare I just had to disappear.

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine Happy." I said stuttering a bit, trying to laugh it off.

Happy didn't by it and with the way I sound, I don't by it either. He pouted at me a bit, irritated that I lied.

"Natsu, I know that's not true. This is the 6th time you've woken up like that. Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?" He asked, sitting on my lap all ready to listen.

My heart aches a bit with guilt. It's not like I didn't want to talk to him, it's just he wouldn't really understand. Yeah sure he can tell me he's sorry and that things will get better, but I don't want to hear it. I've heard that same speech from every single person in the guild a hundred times over since Igneel died. Nothing they say or he says will bring back the one I've looked up to my entire life, the one I strive to making proud of me, the one who was truly there for me from the very beginning. There were so many questions I had for him that will now rest unanswered, I never even got the chance to introduce him to Lucy.

Lucy has become a very special and important person in my life, I care for her so much. She's my best friend. I am so glad I ran into her that day in Hargeon and dragged her into my life. I had wanted her to personally meet Igneel once I found him, I was hoping it would be on different circumstances but things never go as you plan. Wait a minute, Lucy. That's it. I need to go talk to her, she's the only one that gets me, everything I really am. She gets me more than anyone ever had before, even Lisanna, I don't know why but I feel more at ease confiding in her. She would understand more than anyone about losing a parent, well everyone one else in the guild would but not as in depth since they all haven't actually witnessed their parent's deaths.

It's hard to explain but Lucy just gets it unlike anyone else I know, well Gray would too but he's too off in his own world these days. It's best not to bother him and let him grieve in his own way, besides he has Juvia by his side helping him though it. I swear, sometimes I don't even understand how he could just turn her away and not admit his feelings towards her then again it's not like I can talk. Right now I'm about to go see the only person on my mind. I know it's the middle of the night but I'll just sneak in like how I usually do when nights like these happen, what's better is that she doesn't yell at me anymore for coming into her home invited, especially sharing her bed. I feel like she's gotten used to it and learned to welcome my presence, that knowledge alone makes my heart tighten in a feeling I haven't felt before. All I know is that I am really happy when I'm around her.

"Where are you going, Natsu?" Happy asks as he notices me getting out of my bed and grabbing my vest.

"Just going for a walk Happy. Don't worry, go back to sleep."

Happy sighs, "Your going to see Lucy again, aren't you."

I don't say anything as a light blush dusted my cheeks as I slip on my sandals and run a hand though my pink spiky hair.

He giggled, "Gee, Natsu. Why don't you just move in with her since you go there almost every night now."

I groaned annoyed with his teasing, "Happy."

He continued to chuckle, "You looooove her."

I pouted at him showing clear annoyance plastered all over my face.

"Fine, fine. Go on Natsu, go see her I know that always helps. I'll go back to bed. I'm here if you need me though."

I gave him a half smile as he snuggled back into bed on a pillow, "Thanks Happy."

With that I left my little cottage of a house and headed in the familiar trial I always take to get to Lucy's, the night air is cool and crisp as I breathe it in. I wonder what happened to her today anyways, she didn't seem like herself all day at the guild. I didn't pry into it because I know she'll come to me if she needs to, so I left shortly after she did and passed out on my bed.

It's not long before I am in front of her apartment building, I look up at her bedroom window and notice something immediately strange. Her bedroom light is on, that's weird, she's usually asleep at this time of night. I immediately start to get worried as I sniff the air, my nose fill up with the her sent. Vanilla and honey with what also smells like, salt? Tears. She's crying. I climb up the way to her window and perch on the window sill as I take in the scene before me. Lucy is sitting there on her bedroom floor, knees drawn up to her chest, head down. She holds a paper in her hand, what looks like a letter. I look around her and notice letters all round her in a circle, all scattered around the floor. My heart clenches at the scene, I hate it when she cries, I always have.

"Luce?"

Lucy's P.O.V

"Luce?"

My head perks up at the sound of my name. They said it so quiet but it was enough for me to hear, my eyes widen a bit. Natsu? What would he be doing here? This late, I might add. My breath catches in my throat as I start to get flustered and embarrassed by him seeing me like this. I'm a total mess.

"What's wrong, Luce?" He said hopping out of the window and kneeling next to me, worry in his hazel green eyes.

I opened my mouth to say something but the words won't come out, I swallow back the lump in my throat as a whole new wave of tears threaten to break surface. Instead I just leaned forward and pulled him into and embrace, welcoming his warm arms holding me tight as I just sob on his chest. Right now I feel as if I am just as fragile as glass and the only one to keep me from shattering is him. He understands me more than anyone ever could, we have a mutual understanding to how it feels losing a parent. Today was the day I dreaded the most, my father's anniversary of death.

All day I had been indifferent, even sitting at the guild trying to socialize and laugh with everyone wasn't any use to get the weight lifted from my heart. I came home after Mira insisted I stay at the guild for dinner, ever since I've been trying to shake it off and go to bed. I took a shower, cleaned my entire apartment and even started reading a large novel Levy gave me to read. But nothing I did could shake this feeling of dread that's in my heart, so I did the thing I only knew how to do during this grief. Face it head on. I got out the small box I had tucked away in my closet and started to re-read all the letters my father sent me during my 7 year long absence.

I pulled away from Natsu to try and collect my bearings as I wiped away my tears.

"Sorry Natsu." I said quietly, my voice hoarse from crying so much.

Natsu just rubbed my back soothingly, "Its okay Lucy. Are you ready to talk now?"

I sighed and nodded, "Today was the anniversary of my father-"

I cut myself off, words dying on my tongue as a lump formed in my throat. But I didn't need to finish that sentence because with one look at Natsu's kind and understanding face, he already knew what I was about to say. Natsu pulled me into him, lifting me up to lay on my bed. Natsu sat me between his legs as he leaned his back against my headboard, arms resting on my shoulders, holding me close. I know that this is a kind of cuddling but I don't care right now, I need this. Having him near me makes my fears, worry and doubt slowly fade away. It's amazing to me how he knows just exactly what I need in times like these, part of me thinks that secretly he needs this too. My heart lifts in happiness knowing that he needs me just as much as I need him.

"What's wrong, Natsu?"

My voice breaking the now calming silence but at my words I felt his arms tense against me.

"It happened again."

My heart sank and I instantly turned around to face him, my face growing with worry.

"Oh Natsu." I said, caressing his smooth face, the heel of my palm resting on his lips as he closed his eyes tight.

"This is the 6th night that it happened. I thought you said that you were getting better."

He clicked his tongue in annoyance, "I was Luce. But I guess not as much as I thought."

I sighed in understanding. After my mother died I would have nightmares too, only I had no one to soothe my fears as my father would always send me away. That is until I found out ways to summon Aquarius, knowing she may have been angry with me, I still summoned her anyways. She always made me feel better and no matter how much she tried to deny and hide it, I know she cares for me deeply. Still to this day, 18 years old now, I am still haunted by my mother's memory sometimes. I take Natsu's hand in mine. He looks up at me a little surprised by my actions.

"Natsu, I know that without a doubt your father, Igneel, would be extremely proud of the man you have become. I know I am." I said brushing some stray locks of pink hair from his face. My fingers lingering a bit at his face, wiping the stray tears from his eyes.

"You are kind, courageous and brave. Honest, loyal, a little goofy and dense sometimes but that's okay. It's what makes you, you. And I happen to admire that about you, Natsu. If you can get through near death countless times you can pull through your grief. I may not have known Igneel, but I do know that he wouldn't want you like this. I know I don't, I want the happy and carefree Natsu back, see this depressed, angst ridden Natsu, it breaks my heart a little. You're my best friend, I only ever want to see you happy."

Natsu took my hand in his and kissed it, showing his appreciation and affection towards me. I don't find it awkward at all anymore, I've actually gotten used to his actions like this and I've grown to like and accept them.

"Thanks Luce, hearing that means a lot to me. You always know just what to say to brighten my dark moods." He said smiling at me.

I giggled a bit, "And hey, you have me now. I have faith that you will get through this. If I can then so can you." I smiled warmly at him, trying to ease his suffering.

I saw his face soften and lighten up as he returned my smile, "Your right Luce, I do have you. And you have me, don't forget that."

He rested his forehead to mine caringly and in a silent vow. I smiled and giggled at the intensity of his voice, meaning every word. I held my right hand up holding out my pinky.

"Promise?"

He chuckled and shook his head at my way of sealing that in a friendly vow and held out his left pinky, clasping it over mine.

"I promise." he says.

I grin widely at him and giggle, instantly my mood back to its light positive self. I then got off of my bed to pick up the mess of letters on my floor, Natsu got up and helped me put them back in the box and into the closet where they will sit for the next year or so. After that I stretched, my body and mind finally feeling the exhaustion from the day. I go to my closet and pulled out my pink nightgown. It's a spaghetti strap silk piece with a white lace trim and bow resting on the chest.

"Are you staying here tonight Natsu?" I ask him trying to stifle a small yawn.

"Think you already know that answer." He said cocky, kicking off his sandals and tugging off his vest, laying it over my desk chair.

I shake my head and giggle, "Alright then. I'll be there in a minute just have to change for bed."

All this time I was still wearing my everyday clothes, after my shower earlier I changed into them when I cleaned my apartment not wanting to dirty any of my night clothes. I walked into the bathroom and closed the door and slipped out of my clothes which was a maroon t-shirt and dark blue shorts. I let my black bra fall to the floor as this nightgown has pads built into it, I slip it over me and let it fall loosely just ending slightly above my knees, leaving my black panties on. I then take my hair out of its ponytail and brush it out, after that I brushed my teeth.

Satisfied, I turned off the bathroom light ready for some much needed sleep. I stretched my arms up walking towards my bedroom light to turn it off with another small yawn, I heard a small chuckle come from my bed. I look over and see Natsu looking over at me, steady hazel green eyes watching me. Something in his eyes shone what I had thought to be want, desire, lust maybe? I shake my head thinking I'm just seeing things from being so tired, there no way Natsu views me that way. My cheeks flare up a little in blush but I turn out the light so he doesn't see, the darkness of the room wrapping around us as the only source of light now comes from the street lamp posts.

"Natsu, are you okay?"

He blinked a few times before answering, "Yeah, yeah I'm fine Luce."

I shrugged it off and walked over to my bed, I lift up my covers and settle into bed, getting comfortable. Once I am comfortable I feel Natsu settling down, pulling me closer as his arm encircled my waist. His breath hot down my neck sending shivers down my spine.

"Are you cold Luce?" he asks.

I nod not daring to speak as my heart picks up speed, hammering away against my ribcage. I don't know why I'm feeling nervous all of a sudden, could it be the way he's holding me or is it the tone in his voice? Well, whatever it is, its a bit unsettling as I slowly realize I'm having those thoughts towards my best friend. That's all he's being a concerned and caring best friend, there's no way it could be more. I sigh to clear my mind of these ridiculous thoughts and try going to sleep.

"Don't worry, I'll warm you up. Goodnight, Lucy." he said softly.

He putting his hand flat against my stomach, heating it a little but not too much as to catch fire. Just enough heat to make me feel comfortable and at ease as my mind drifts off and my eyes flutter closed.

"Goodnight, Natsu."

End of Lucy's P.O.V

Damn it Lucy?! Do you honestly haven't a clue in the world what you do to me?! My eyes lock their gaze on the girl coming out from her bathroom. Her stretches and yawns, signs of being tired, cause a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. My gaze takes her in from head to toe, I notice every little footstep she takes as she goes to turn out her bedroom light. Seeing her in that nightgown makes some kind of hunger bubble up inside me, she looks so unbelievably beautiful.

This feeling is strange yet familiar as I've been having it ever since I felt us getting closer that I've ever been to someone, which was technically just two years ago, aside the 7 long year slumber on Tenrou Island, but it feels like an eternity. I can't quite make out what this feeling is inside me and it's driving me crazy, hell this girl, my best friend drives me crazy. But is she really just a best friend to me? Maybe Happy is right and I do love her. Love? Is that what this is? Am I in love with Lucy?! Her voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Natsu? Are you okay?"

I blinked a bit to get my head to think clearly. I looked at her and my heart clenches at the way her hair falls over her shoulders. The street lamps dimming her room but with my sight, it's like I can see her clearly like in the light of day. I notice everything about her in that moment, her kind and content honey brown eyes, her soft pink lips slightly parted. The way her breasts fill that pink silk nightgown, oh god why am I looking at her chest?! My eyes trail further down noticing all her curves and the faint line of her panties. She looks so….sexy.

"Yeah, Yeah I'm fine Luce." I manage to say in my normal tone of voice.

Did I just seriously think of Lucy as sexy?! I mean I have always known that she is a very beautiful girl but I've never seen her like this before. I unconsciously lick my dry lips as she walks over to her bed settling in. I scooted a little out of her reach so she could get comfortable and to avoid any awkward situations. I held her close like I always do and snuggled into the inbetween of her neck and vanilla scented hair, sighing a breath of comfort, which caused her to shiver.

Noticing this I asked her, "Are you cold, Lucy?"

A nod was my only answer and I smirked an idea settling into my mind.

"Don't worry Luce, I'll warm you up. Goodnight Lucy."

I told her as I warmed her a little with my fire, careful as to not hurt her. I watched her as she drifted off to sleep.

"Goodnight, Natsu." she said quietly, barely above a whisper.

I heard her nonetheless. I smile despite myself at her sleeping figure. I kiss her temple softly and settle into bed myself. Hopefully I can get some proper sleep now. I can't ignore these feelings much longer but before I do anything I need to find out exactly what love means. Yes, I have heard about it countless times from Igneel when I was younger but I haven't ever really paid much mind to it. I mean who would? All I was concerned about was fighting and getting stronger, not that mushy romance crap that Lucy, Mira and Levy are always ranting on and on about. Hold on a second, Mirajane, that's it! I need to talk to Mira about this, she'll know what to do when it comes to these things, besides she is always going on about being the best matchmaker in the guild. Hopefully after a night's rest, everything will make sense to me tomorrow.