Natsu's POV

Ever since last night's talk with Grey, I haven't really been able to think about anything else. Maybe he was right, Lucy is amazing. She's funny and beautiful and makes me happy. All I want to do is see her happy as well.

But… am I the one she wants to do that? We have such a complicated past. I mean, I helped make her life hell for years. But recently it's been different. We joke and hang out; we support and lean on each other.

There's something there. I've felt it. But is it enough; am I enough?

I sigh as the bell rings for the end of the day.

Mr. Ichiya pulls my attention back to the front as he says, "Alright MEN and woMEN, remember to read chapter 11 for discussion next week-"

Yeah, like I'm going to do that, I think as the room starts packing up their stuff.

"Also, I have your tests graded, make sure to grab them on your way out, most of you did well there was some room for improvement in others, but overall great job class!"

I gulp. Lucy helped me study for this test all day on Wednesday, I felt pretty confident when I turned it in, but now I'm not so sure.

This was the first time in a while that I actually study for a test and did it without any 'help'.

As I make my way towards the front of the room, I feel my palms sweat. I wait as other kids go through the stack of tests, grab theirs and head out of the classroom. By the time it's my turn, I wipe my hands on my jeans. I quickly find my test and rush out of the room without looking at the grade.

In the hallway, I take a deep breath. No one pays any attention to me, they're too busy rushing to catch the buses or meeting up with friends.

I steel myself before looking at the red mark covering the top of my paper.

'B -Great job Natsu, keep up the good work.'

I blink and let go of a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

I got a B. A smile creeps its way onto my lips until a full-blown grin stretches across my face.

I got a freakin' B! I can't wait to tell Lucy! That's probably one of the best grades I've gotten all year and it was on a test no less. And it's all thanks to her. I'm going to have to thank her for helping me, I can't believe I got a B! Oh Man, my mind is going a mile a minute, I'm just so excited!

I stare at the paper as if the red letter will change if I look away for even just a second. A relieved laugh passes through my mouth and I shake my head.

I have to find Lucy and tell her the good news.

Maybe… maybe I should thank her by asking her on a date?

I know that I like her. How could I not? She's beautiful, kind, smart, funny- honestly, I can't believe it took me this long to realize it. I like her a lot. Way more than I ever liked Lisanna.

…But I wonder if she wants me in the same way.

I guess there's only one way to find out.

I start making my way down the hall to where me and Lucy usually meet up. I can feel my nerves raising and my palms are sweating again for a completely different reason now. I gulp as my throat goes dry. I try to shake the tingling feeling out of my joints.

Focus on the good grade, not the possibly disastrous thing you're about to do, I repeat to myself over and over as I walk through the halls.

"-ucy, you know the poor chick?"

I freeze and look around for the voice that just spoke. I'm close to where I'm meant to meet Lucy, but that voice stops me in my tracks.

Sting stands on the other side of the hallway surrounded by a group of guys. They all clustered around him and I can see that Sting is telling one of his 'famous' stories as all the people nearby lean in to listen.

I narrow my eyes at them, it sounded like he was talking about Lucy.

And anything out of his mouth can't be good.

As I get closer, I can see a dark bruise on his cheek and his lip is still a bit swollen from when I punched him.

My anger raises the closer I get, but so does my satisfaction at seeing his beaten face. I wish I had done more to that creep.

But Lucy told me to let it go; so, I take a deep breath and try to ignore him and the group of people surrounding him.

He smiles smugly and runs a hand through his blond hair as his other hand waves around wildly. Everyone is completely absorbed in whatever it is he's saying and no one notices me.

"I'm telling you guys, you wouldn't know it, but she's stacked. Don't tell anyone else this, but she could rival Lisanna's figure. It's too bad she decides to wear those nasty baggy clothes. But I guess beggars can't be choosers." The group laughs at this as Sting gestures to his chest and continues, "hell, I'd buy her some clothes if it means she'd show off some cleavage."

I'm absolutely boiling I can practically feel steam coming out of my ears. I don't even notice that my hands are gripped into fists until my nails break skin.

Breath Natsu, I tell myself. Let them talk, he's never going to see, let alone touch her again. I'll make sure of that.

I start to walk again. When did I stop? But as I'm about to pass the group, Sting catches my eyes. That god forsaken smirk comes back onto his face as he starts to speak louder and stare directly at me, "Oh and her skin, ah man you won't believe just by looking. You have to touch it to feel how soft it is. All delicate and smooth." He laughs then and says, "who would have thought that delicate is a word to describe Lucy. And honestly we'll have to think of a different nickname than Fatty cause it just isn't true."

He has no right to know how her skin feels, let alone be talking about it to a group of people. I can feel my jaw clenching and I work to release the muscles there. I can't let Sting see that he's getting to me. It's obvious that he's trying to goad me into a fight. I shake my head and push past the crowd that's forming. Lucy is okay. She told me to let it go. She's past it and says I should get past it too.

"But don't just take my word for it, just ask Natsu. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's experienced her smooth skin. Isn't that right, Natsu."

I freeze and turn as all eyes look at me, just noticing my presence for the first time. A couple of people move away from me when they see the glare I send to Sting.

He just chuckles and makes his way towards me, the group parts to let him pass. More people in the hallway stops to see what's going on.

Sting gets right into my space and turns his head just slightly, allowing for everyone in the hall to hear, "Well almost smooth. There is this nasty scar on her back, just above her shoulder. I wonder how she got that? Probably from a—"

He never gets the chance to finish his thought as I swing a fist at his face.

But Sting's ready this time and ducks. He quickly swings back and hits me in the gut. The crowd of people start yelling, but I'm only focused on my fight with Sting and the noise fades rapidly into the background.

Lucy's POV

Where's Natsu? He's usually not this late.

I'm standing at our usually meet-up spot, it's Friday and well I was hoping to spend the weekend with him. I don't have any other plans and I know Levy has a date with that guy she's been talking to, Gajeel. I was hoping to do some snooping on the dude, make sure he's good enough for my best friend. I was hoping that maybe Natsu would want to help me, I remember him talking about a guy named Gajeel at his foster house. From what he says, Gajeel's new to the house and doesn't talk much with the others. He's gruff, but Natsu swears that he can hear him playing guitar and sing at night. Maybe he'll help me dig up information on the guy. It would definitely be more fun with him there.

If I'm being honest, I always have more fun with him there. I've known for a while now that my feelings for him goes deeper than just friends. I don't know when it happened, but I do know I've been denying it for a while. But last night was different, something clicked.

My cheeks heat up at the thought of the kiss I gave him. I don't know what I was thinking or where I got the courage, but I wouldn't take it back for the world. Even if he doesn't feel the same way.

I smile fondly at the memory of him teaching me self-defense and then basically meeting his brother. Juvia was great too and we all got along great. Plus, they're all planning on going to Fairy Tail University too; wouldn't it be great if me and Levy also got in?

I snap out of my thoughts as I see a couple of students race down the hall. What's going on? Now that I think about it, this place is a lot less busy than it usually is at this time of day. Where is everyone? And where's Natsu?

I start walking in the direction the students ran in and see a girl rush over to a group of three and say, "Guys, come quick. The King and the Knight are duking it out."

The King and Knight, isn't that Natsu and Sting?

I gulp, this can't be good.

I feel my worry raise and my stomach twists into a knot; Natsu what are you doing?

Another girl gasps, "Do you know why?"

Everyone, including me, leans in to hear the first girl's reply, "I heard it was about some girl, probably Lisanna. Word is Natsu is fighting to win her back from Sting."

That-that can't be right?

I'm caught off guard at the respond and suddenly I'm off-balance. I take a breath and place a hand on the wall. Blinking rapidly, I try to wrap my head around what I just heard.

I had thought… we were meshing so well. What happened?

Why does it feel like someone if squeezing my chest? I blink back tears that I hadn't realized were forming in my eyes. I had thought that, maybe, we were becoming more than friends.

But something must have happened for Natsu to want to be with Lisanna again.

I take a steady breath and try to smile. It comes out more as a grimace.

I gulp back my feelings and try to think rationally; me and Natsu have been through so much in the past couple weeks and if Lisanna is the person that makes him happy… well who am I to stop him from having happiness. Even if that happiness is with someone other than me.

I had hoped we… but, no. I shake my head, I will support Natsu in whatever he decides. I will be his friend, just like I have been. My feelings aside, as long as we can still hang out and joke around, I'll be happy.

I try for another smile and it comes out a little better this time. As more students, rush by me I realize I've just been standing here in a daze and Natsu's fighting Sting. At. This. Very. Minute.

Oh God.

I take off, following the crowd to the fight.

I turn down a hallway and see just a huge mass of people yelling as someone is pushed up against the lockers with a bang.

I cringe and start fighting my way to the center of the circle. The shouts from people are incomprehensible and the closer I get to the middle, the hotter the air feels. With so many bodies packed in one area, arms are flying everywhere, and I get elbowed at least three times.

By the time I push to the front, I'm sweating slightly from the heat.

I gasp at what I see.

Natsu is breathing heavy as he pushes away from the lockers. There's blood dripping down his forehead and into his right eye. A large bruise is rapidly forming on the left side of his jaw and there's a cut just above the bruise on his cheekbone.

Sweat and blood mix together as Natsu wipes away at the fluid that falls from his cheek, smearing it across the side of his face. He holds his left side as if in pain and it's obvious that he's favoring that side of his body.

Sting is in no better shape. He shakes his head, trying to clear it as he raises his fist to strike again. His face holds a couple of newly forming bruises along with the one from yesterday. His lip has reopened and is bleeding again. He spits out the blood that trickles into his mouth after Natsu dodges his swing. Sting's left eye is swollen and judging by the redness will probably be sore and shut tomorrow.

Natsu blocks another punch from Sting and retaliates by hitting him in the stomach. Sting keels over and steps back.

Oh Natsu, what are you doing?

I want to yell to him, but the noise in the hallway is already so loud, he probably won't hear me even if I tried.

Just then, as if feeling my eyes on him, he looks up and scans the crowd. His eyes land on me for just a second before Sting punches him right in the ribs. I shout at that moment. It's the side Natsu's favoring and he falls, hitting the ground hard.

Sting stands over him and looks down at Natsu who is groaning and holding his ribs.

It gets quiet for just an instant before picking up again, even louder than before. Natsu struggles to his feet and his eyes search out for me.

I bite my lip at the pain I see on his face and I just want to run up to him and take it all away. A cold white rage shoots throw me.

That bastard Sting. He wasn't satisfied with just messing with me, no he had to drag Natsu into this mess and hurt him. I'm so done with this fucking shithead. Him and Lisanna and anyone who ever hurt Natsu can go fuck themselves because he deserves better.

We both do.

I don't even realize I'm stepping forward until I hear Natsu say, "Luce, don't—" as he shakes his head slightly.

But I ignore him and step into Stings space. Surprised he turns to me, but before he can even react or say anything, I plant my feet just like Natsu taught me and swing, hitting him square on the chin. His head snaps back and he stumbles from the unexpected impact.

Natsu takes the opportunity and trips him. Sting lands hard and groans as the air is knocked out of him from the sudden loss of balance. I stand over him breathing hard as the anger seeps out of my shoulders.

Everyone goes silent as he rolls on the floor and slowly begins to make his way back up to his feet. All eyes are split between me, Sting, and Natsu. I let out one last breath before rubbing my knuckles. Damn, that hurt. But it went better than I thought it would. My knuckles ache from the impact and becomes an irritated red.

I ignore the crowd and turn to Natsu, who's just gapping at me with a look between astonishment and pride. "Luc—" but before he can complete his thought someone yells, "Teacher's coming."

As soon as the words leave the person's mouth, it's chaos. People start running out of the hallway and push through side doors to get outside. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Sting escape through a back door.

"Shit," I whisper and rush over to Natsu, who's still holding his side.

I grab his left arm and drape it around my shoulders, as I say, "I got you hot head."

He just chuckles than groans and says, "Grey's a bad influence, and don't make me laugh, it hurts." I wrap my hand around his waist and lead him toward a side door that will take us outside.

"What am I going to do with you?" I ask no one in particular, and Natsu just smiles lopsided at me. My stomach flutters and my heart pounds against my chest before I can stop it.

I gulp and look away, turning my gaze forward and say lightly, "Well, come on then, let's get you fixed up." And with that, I lead us down the sidewalk towards his house.

When we finally make it, Natsu is exhausted.

He is such an idiot. What possessed him to think it was a good idea to fight Sting. He's a beef head and can hold his own against anyone in the school. Granted so can Natsu, but come on, Natsu at least has some sense not to go fighting people when there are other ways of dealing with conflict.

Well I had thought he had some sense, but I guess I was wrong.

I sigh as I haul Natsu up the stairs to his room. The house is just as busy as the last time I was here. Kids scream and run around downstairs. Luckily, no one stops us or asks what happened. I don't recognize anyone, but Wendy's cat runs pass us as we make it to the top of the stairs.

"Natsu, come on. You're heavy, help me," I whine as he leans more weight onto me.

"Can't. Hurts." Is all he replies, mumbling into my hair.

I huff an exasperated breath, but don't push him off.

It's a slow process but we finally make it to his door. I move him so that he leans into my back and I fidget with the door handle. He rests his head on top of mine and mumbles something again.

I don't hear what he says but decide it's not important. Besides, I'm trying not to think about the fact that Natsu is standing flush against my back and I can smell him again. God, I love his scent, like burning wood. And his arms are snaked around my waist. If I just lean back a little…

I snap out of my daze before both of us stumble to the ground. A blush rises to my cheeks as I yank the door open and step away from Natsu.

He makes a small noise in the back of his throat and pouts from my sudden absence.

"Come on, you need to lie down so I can check out that head injury." I say standing in the doorway. When Natsu doesn't budge, I roll my eyes and grab his arm. "Big baby."

"Luce," he starts but doesn't finish as he flops face first onto the bed and lands with his head hitting his pillow.

I shake my head and close the door. His room is just as messy as before, seriously does this boy ever clean.

I remove the clothes from his desk chair, before moving it over to the side of his bed.

Natsu doesn't move the whole time and when I finally sit down, I just look at him. His face is buried in pillows, but his pink hair sticks up at odd angles, even crazier than usual.

I hate seeing him like this. I lean over and start running my hand through his hair gently, soothing down those insane pink spikes. Natsu hums under my touch and I can see his shoulders relax.

He turns his head to me and stares up at my face through sleepy eyes.

This man means so much to me.

I look into his lidded eyes and see obsidian stare back. My hand moves down and I trace his jaw softly, conscious of the bruising there. My fingertips run over his cheek and I can feel the faint scratch of stubble.

His lips are parted, and I can't help but think about how easy it would be to just lean forward. Just a little. I could feel those lips on mine.

My eyes slowly trace up his sharp nose and back to his eyes. Which look a lot more alert now than a second ago.

I jump at the sudden intense look in Natsu's eyes. I quickly pull my hand away and sit straight. When did he wake up, I swear a second ago he was sleepy?

I gulp and look away. It's silent for far too long and when I glance at Natsu again, he's still watching me.

I clear my throat and stand up, "Al-alright, let's get you cleaned up before you fall asleep." I fidget and look down at him as he sits up slowly and winces.

When I see his clear pain, I forget about what happened a second ago and sit on the bed, worried.

I turn his head so I can get a look at the cut that meets his hairline. It's stopped flowing blood a while ago which is good, but there's still a lot of the dried liquid plastered to his forehead. I tenderly pull his hair away to get a better look. It's shallow and, by the looks of it, will heal in a couple of days. It just needs to be cleaned.

I slowly lift his chin so I can see the bruise on his jaw better. It looks angry and a little swollen, and there's already purple starting to show. I sigh as I rub my thumb over the top of it slightly. Natsu tenses when I do so.

I look up at him and meet his eyes, "this is going to hurt in the morning."

"It hurts now," he says and then grins cheekily.

"Yeah, well that's what happens when you get into fights." I reply as I start to examine the cut on his cheekbone. This one is longer than the other and it's still glistening with blood. I sigh, at least it's not running anymore.

"Natsu, what happened?" My question comes out more like a plea. He says nothing and just looks down. "Why would you do something like this your senior year? Fighting with Sting, over what?"

He still doesn't say anything and instead juts out his chin and turns his head away.

Hurt, I sit back. My hands pool in my lap and I look down at them; the words are out of my mouth before I can even think not to say them, "It was Lisanna, right?"

Natsu jerks at that and when I look at him again, his eyebrows are scrunched up and his eyes are large with bewilderment. "What does Lisanna have to do with this?"

"Th-the fight, wasn't it about winning her back?"

At this Natsu actually cringes. Then he winces and grabs his side.

"God No. What gave you that idea?" He asks as he rests back, propped up by pillows.

"But— People were saying— then what was the fight about?" I ask completely in shock. My head reels with this knowledge. I was prepared to step out of the way so Natsu could be happy. But it turns out he wasn't even thinking about Lisanna during the fight?

Again, he purses his lips and looks away. He shakes his head slightly before leaning his head back and looks at the ceiling, "nothing you need to worry about. Sting was just talking his usual trash."

I let out a small breath, "Okay, but whatever he said, I'm sure it wasn't significant enough to fight over. Look at you." I gesture to his head and ribs, which he's still nursing.

This time he meets my eyes, "Some things are worth fighting back for."

I'm caught off guard by the sudden seriousness in his voice and face. I gulp as I look back.

"Yeah. You're right," I say, rubbing my knuckle absently.

After a second, a small smile appears on Natsu's face and he lets his head fall back, "besides, you should see the other guy. He was knocked flat by this badass chick punching him square in the face."

I smile playfully back, "yeah, well I heard she had a good teacher."

Natsu's smile just grows at that. And he settles further into the bed.

I can tell sleep is calling to him again, but before he can pass out, I need to clean and patch up those wounds.

Standing up, I push him lightly, "Come on sleepy bones, you need to get up so I can get those cuts bandaged. Plus, I still need to take a look at your side, I've seen you holding it."

"You just want to see me shirtless." He smiles up at me cheekily, "what did you say the other night, I had 'wonderful muscles'?"

My mouth falls open and my cheeks heat at the realization he heard me the night before. As his smirk grows wider, I sputter.

When he starts to laugh, I slip his shoulder and roll my eyes. "Hurry up and get that shirt off, I'm going to see if I can find a first aid kit or something."

I leave before he can say anything more. As soon as I'm out in the hallway, I start fanning my face. Damn that boy for always making me blush.

"Oh, hi Lucy, what are you doing here?"

I jump at the sudden intrusion of my thoughts.

Romeo stands in the hallway petting Charlie as she sleeps in his arms. At my look he says, "Wendy's hanging out with her friend Chelia after school today and ask me to look after her cat."

"Oh," I say awkwardly, "that's nice of you."

He shrugs. "Is Natsu home? I didn't hear him come in, usually he's so loud."

"Uh, yeah. He's here, but um, actually do you know where I can find a first aid kit? Natsu got into a small fight. He's fine, just has a few cuts."

Romeo looks a little shocked by the news and says, "Natsu got into a fight? It's been years since the last time he fought someone. Huh, anyway, I can get the first aid kit for you, I'll just bring it to Natsu's room."

"Okay, thank you Romeo!" I say as he starts heading down the hall.

He's a good kid. I smile and go back to where I left Natsu.

When I come back into the room, Natsu's sitting up on the bed with a pout on his face and shirt still on. His hair and top is disheveled.

I can't help the laugh that escapes my lips at the sight, "What happened?"

I enter the room completely as Natsu turns to me. "Luce, help," he whines. "It hurts too much to get my shirt off by myself. Can you do it for me?"

I shake my head and walk over to him as he raises his arms, wincing as they go up.

"You really are a big baby, you know that right?"

He just pouts more. I chuckle and reach out and grab the hem of his shirt. As I start to pull it off my hands run against his sides. The humor is gone from my mind as his skin is exposed.

Those muscles really are wonderful. Hard underneath smooth, warm skin.

By the time I pull the shirt all the way off, Natsu is looking up at me from the bed as I stand over him.

All I want to do is run my hands over his chest, to feel his heartbeat under my palm. Maybe tug at his messy hair and take his lips—

"Here's the first aid kit, Lucy. Let me—" Romeo says, walking right into the room with a white box. He stops mid-sentence when he sees us.

Everyone's quiet.

Oh God. There's me and Natsu. In his room, alone. He's on the bed, shirtless, facing me. I'm facing him with his shirt in my hand.

This cannot look good.

"Romeo!" I say louder than I meant, "Thank you for bringing the first aid kit." I step away from Natsu.

He's gone wide-eyed and still. Hearing his name shakes him out of his shock, though. "No problem," he replies in a high pitch voice, "le-let me know if you need anything else. Okay. Bye."

And with that he drops the box onto the bed and makes a speedy escape. I groan, great God only knows what he thinks he walked in on.

Natsu starts laughing. I turn to him and slap his shoulder, "it's not funny." But I can't fight the laugh that rises up in my throat too.

"Yeah, it is." He says and turns back to me, "so what's the verdict doctor Lucy?"

"Let me see." I feel along his sides and ribs. No broken bones, maybe a bruised rib or two but nothing that won't heal with time and rest.

I tell him this after double checking. "You don't need to bind them, but they'll hurt for the next couple of days. Here take some of this medicine, it'll help with the pain and swelling." I hand him two tablets that he swallows without problem.

As he does this, I take out a couple of antibacterial wipes and start cleaning his face wounds. With the blood gone, it actually doesn't look bad. I place a bandage over the cut on his cheekbone but leave the other after cleaning it.

Looking at the bruise, I just apply some soothing bruise cream to the area. After I'm done, I take one last look at the work and nod.

"Alright, you're all done, Natsu. You can fall asleep now."

His eyes are already closed by the time he lays back onto the bed. He sighs out a "Thanks Luce."

I smile fondly at the man I like. "For you Natsu, always. That medication is supposed to make you drowsy to help you sleep, so hopefully you won't wake up in pain."

His breathing starts to even out and slow. With one last look at his relaxed, bandaged face, I get up to leave.

But before I make it to the door, his hand reaches out and grabs my wrist.

I look down at him curiously, but his eyes are still shut. "Stay with me until I fall asleep, please?" he asks in a tired breath.

I don't say anything, just sit down on the desk chair.

He hums when as I lean forward to stroke his hair away from his face with the hand he's not holding.

After a second he says quietly, "I wanted to show you my test grade before everything happened."

"How'd it go?" I ask matching his soft volume.

"I got a B." At this he grins lopsided, obviously very proud and happy.

A smile stretches wide across my face, "Natsu, that is amazing. I'm so proud of all the work you put in to achieve that."

His smile grows fond and slowly fades as he replies, "it was all thanks to you, Luce. You helped me. You always help me, you help everyone. You're so kind and smart. And pretty."

At this I chuckle, "You're just drowsy Natsu."

Stifling a yawn, he argues, "No I'm not."

He turns then, so he's lying on his side facing me, and peeks his eyes open.

After a second, he leans over to his side table and pulls out the scarf his father gave him. Settling back onto the bed, he runs his hand over the material before draping it over my shoulders.

"Natsu—?" I start but he cuts me off as he falls back onto his side and lays his head on his pillow.

"I want you to have it. As a thank you. For everything, for all of it. Besides it looks good on you."

"I can't—"

He cuts me off again falling back into a drowsy stupor, "I wanted to say that to you today. Earlier. Before everything with Sting."

I stay silent as Natsu falls further into a sleepy haze.

"I wanted to tell you that you deserve to be just as happy as you make everyone else. As happy as you make me. You deserve to be with someone special, someone who'll treat you special."

A warmth flows through me when he says this, love and affection fills my heart and I can barely speak when I say, "yeah, that would be nice."

Natsu's eyes are already closed by the time I reply and just as he drifts off to sleep for good, he breathes out a sigh, "someone like me."

I stare at him. Did he just say that? Is he delirious from sleep because of the medication or does he mean it? I take in a breath. When did I start holding it?

Natsu is fast asleep, oblivious to the effect his comment made.

I shake my head, no use freaking out about it right now. I'll ask him about it tomorrow. He starts snoring softly and just then Happy jumps up onto the bed out of nowhere and curls up on Natsu's hair. I smile lovingly at them.

I think I'm really falling for this idiot.

"Yeah, Natsu. If I could have someone like you, I think it would be really special." I say to his sleeping form.

After a second longer, I lean forward and kiss his forehead softly. "Sleep well and get better soon."

I get up and take the blanket that's half on the bed, half on the floor and drape it over Natsu's body.

Once he's covered, I scratch Happy's head and move to the door. Shutting off the light, I whisper, "See you tomorrow, hot head."

As I leave the house, I pull Natsu's scarf closer to myself.