A/N: Hi! Hope you're all doing well! Got a whole lotta domestic goods for y'all this month ;)
Enjoy!
Oh! We've also reached the over 100k words mark for this fic with this chapter! Which is crazy to think about omg. To think I was only planning for it to be a one shot lmao
But thank you all so much for being along for the ride in this very indulgent au of mine of our fave couple in love and hope you enjoy what's to come!
They continued to get things settled and cleaned up throughout the week, staring downstairs before making their way up.
Lucy worried that it might become too much for him, going through his family's things all at once. She knew just how hard that could be, no matter how long it's been after losing a loved one, but he reassured her with that warm smile and kiss to her cheek, saying how grateful he was.
"I don't think I would've gotten around to it anytime soon if it wasn't for your help," Nastu admitted when they'd started on what used to be his parent's room earlier this afternoon. "It's always been easier to just… not see it or deal with it, but I know that's never good either," he sighed, "but it's time… and I'm tired of holding onto everything that hurts. I want a good start for us here," he said earnestly.
Lucy squeezed his hands that were holding hers. "I know. Just remember you can take as much time as you need. I know it's been a long time, but I'm right here with you," she said softly, brushing her thumbs over the backs of his warm hands.
He swallowed, nodding sharply and pulling her in to kiss her affectionately before wrapping her in a tight hug.
Lucy sighed against his chest, feeling him take a shuddering breath and hugging him back just as tightly for several moments, content just holding each other.
They eventually managed to make a lot of progress in the room by the end of the day, leaving two low bookshelves with some keepsakes of his parents on it, Lucy's small loveseat sofa and rug she'd brought from the apartment, and a couple smaller things in a storage ottoman by the window. Natsu put a couple boxes in the garage, the rest set aside to donate.
Her heart warmed when Natsu asked her if she wanted any of his mom's jewelry or jackets and if there was anything of her own mom's or family's she wanted to put in the room.
She thanked him with a kiss to the cheek that made him smile that toothy grin that she loved. Lucy ended seeing two nice peacoats she didn't have the heart to put in the donate box and set up some of her mom's own keepsakes Lucy hadn't found a place for yet and some pictures on a shelf beside some photo albums and books Natsu found in his parent's closet.
Lucy loved the sight of how special things from both of their families looked blended together. They had some things in the living room by the fireplace, but it was nice seeing them together in a special place like this. Maybe they'll figure out what more to do with the room later on but for now it felt perfect, and Natsu seemed a bit lighter when they put the few boxes from the room in the garage which made her happy.
Grief often showed itself in the most unexpected places, everyone working through it differently. She definitely went through many phases of it herself and still struggled with it at times, but Lucy was glad she was able to help Natsu in a small way like this. Being a shoulder for him to lean on when he'd gotten a little emotional a couple times, and just being there to listen to some of the fond, funny stories he shared well into evening. Lucy was content to just watch his animated expressions with a fond smile for the rest of the night.
The next day, Natsu wanted to finish sorting through the last spare room that Lucy found out used to be the one he used to share with his brother when they were younger. There weren't that many things left in that room, but she couldn't help but notice the stiffer line along his shoulders in his movements.
Lucy placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Hey… remember, we don't have to do this all at once if you don't want to." Her thumb brushed over his warm skin soothingly.
"It's okay… I'd rather just get it done," he said after a long breath, running a hand through his hair, "not like I'm keeping much anyway, since he clearly never cared about any of this stuff to come back for it all this time," Natsu huffed, some of the tension leaving him, turning to give her a small smile and a squeeze to her hand. "Thank you, though."
Lucy smiled softly before they continued sorting. She moved towards a box that was in the corner that caught her attention. "Now, I think this was yours?" Her smile widened as she picked up a plush red dragon that looked a little tattered and worn, but loved.
Natsu turned to look over his shoulder and laughed that full laugh that showed the cute dimple in his cheek. "How did you know?"
"Hm, a lucky guess," Lucy smirked, "seems like you've always loved dragons, huh?" She took a moment to admire the colorful ink of his own dragon he had inked on his forearm. They really did suit him.
Natsu's grin widened. "Oh yeah, they used to be everywhere. Think I put most of them in the garage somewhere," he laughed, picking the toy from her hands and thumbing over the material fondly. "But we can clean this one up and put him in our room." His smile still bright.
"Of course." Lucy rubbed along his firm back soothingly.
Their room. The thought still made her heart flutter with warmth, but Natsu had told her yesterday that it used to be his parent's home office, sharing memories of how he'd used to watch his mom hang up prints of her photography, or where his dad would be reading over books for the classes he taught. How he had found it easier to just move in there rather than the other two rooms after everything.
It had been hard to stay in that empty apartment after her mom had passed, understanding that feeling of needing some distance from it, even though it did end up giving her more motivation for her new start.
Who knew it would lead to where she was now, building a life and a home with the amazing person who held her heart, loving that they were still revealing and understanding deeper parts of themselves.
Natsu didn't share as many things about his brother as he did with his parents as they finished up, but of course she understood. They were a little worn out, but the relieved look on Natsu's face and seemingly lighter weight on his shoulders more than made up for all their hard work.
"Alright," Natsu huffed, stepping back inside after throwing out some trash bags and the last of the full boxes to the garage, "I'll go drop off all those donate boxes this week." He slumped onto a stool at the kitchen counter where Lucy had been cleaning up a bit. He thanked her when she handed him his flask of water, taking a few large drinks as he looked around. "Well, I'd say we did a pretty good job," he grinned, "but why is cleaning and movin' around the house always more of a work out than actually working out?" he whined.
Lucy laughed, making her way around the island to him, admiring how his black tank top highlighted his arms… just for a moment. "That's because you were determined to do everything all at once and now you're tired just like I warned you," she grinned teasingly, placing her palms on his shoulders and rubbing over them. As many times as she told him they could take it easy, she knew once he set his mind to something he was going to keep going until it was done.
He swiveled the stool to face her fully, relaxing further into her touch with a lazy smile. "Mm, but it does feel better now that it's all done," he sighed, looking up at her. "Finally feels like something that we can make our own here… thank you… for everything. " His voice was soft, eyes loving and affectionate as he held her waist lightly between his palms, fingers playing with the hem of her shirt.
Lucy cupped his jaw, thumb trailing under those bright jade eyes gently. "Always," she said before leaning down and giving him a lingering kiss.
Her heart swelled, feeling him sigh into her as he kissed her back and pulled her closer.
She'd always felt at home here with him, but now it really felt like their space together. A fresh, clean start to another chapter of their lives together.
Their stomachs suddenly growled loudly, their smiles making them break the kiss to laugh brightly.
Lucy pushed back some of his messy hair from his forehead affectionately. "Should we get cleaned up and order some Chinese food for delivery?"
Natsu stood and wrapped his arms around her fully with a wide grin. "Sounds perfect, but first…"
She breathed a surprised squeak of his name when he pressed several sloppy kisses on her cheek. His chest shook with laughter as he held her tight, her own bright breathless laughs filling the kitchen.
Lucy sighed as she hooked her keys back onto the key rack after securing the door behind her after walking in.
Their office had been busy all day, or more like all week, and Lucy was just glad to be home now and that it was the weekend, looking forward to taking a warm shower and curling up on the couch with Natsu, and maybe some ice cream.
Happy mrowled as he ran over to her then over to where his empty bowl was, meowing again expectantly.
Lucy laughed, shaking her head. "Well, hello. I'm hungry too, but you're just gonna have to wait a bit."
She set down her things on the dining table, just about to call out for Natsu when she heard some music coming from the attached garage.
Lucy stepped through the door, heavier music clear now, seeing Natsu doing some of his stretches with resistance bands from his physical therapy sessions. She took a moment to admire the strength in the forms he made and along his broad shoulders since his back was to her, the thin heather grey tank top showing each movement of the toned muscles underneath.
He'd made so much progress since he first came home and she couldn't help but be proud of him.
Natsu huffed and moved to hang up his bands, turning to take a long drink of water and finally seeing her in the doorway, a bright smile stretching across his face.
"Hey, you," Lucy greeted warmly when he turned off his music.
He gathered his things and ran a hand through his hair. "Hey to you. Just gettin' home?" He leaned in to press a kiss to her temple.
"Yeah, long day," she sighed as they made their way back towards the kitchen, "how was yours?"
"Good! Finally finished up taking the last of the boxes and stuff to donate. Gray wanted a couple of my dad's jackets. I ended up keepin' a few too after all," he smiled softly, "cleaned up a bit more, then had been feelin' kinda sore so was just doing some workouts and stretches... but happy to see you now." He smiled that wide toothy grin, not giving her a chance to say anything before he trapped her against the counter within his arms, dragging his damp hair against the crook of her neck.
"Natssuu!" she giggled brightly. "Get off , you're all sweaty!"
"But I missed youuuu," Natsu laughed against her skin, teasing fingers tickling her sides.
She tried to squirm away from his too warm, sticky skin, and damp shirt but her laughter made her movements sluggish, and she couldn't deny the happiness bubbling in her chest.
"I-I missed you too, but, aha, e-enough!" she pleaded breathlessly.
Natsu pulled up with a dramatic pout. "Okay, okay." He curled some of her hair behind her ear, grin widening to one that looked a little too pleased with himself.
Lucy huffed, narrowing her eyes at him playfully. "So rude. Go take your shower." She mussed up his hair more, making him laugh.
"You're not gonna join me?" he smirked, bracing his arms back against the counter on each side of her.
She trailed a finger along his collarbone slowly. "Mm, tempting but maybe next time, I have to put my stuff away and-" Happy interrupted with another loud, exaggerated mrowl and a knock to his bowl, pulling a laugh from both of them. "And someone is too impatient to wait for us to eat it seems."
"I'll be quick, then we can make somethin' to eat." Natsu quickly leaned in to capture her lips. The kiss slow, lingering, and making her think twice about not heading upstairs with him.
She gripped his shoulders and sighed as he gave a soft bite to her bottom lip, and just as she thought he was going to deepen it, he pulled back.
"Be back soon," Natsu murmured against her lips before leaving her arms, sending her a wink over his shoulder before heading upstairs.
Lucy had to take a moment to collect herself. The nerve of him! Though… she wasn't really complaining , she thought, biting her bottom lip of her widening smile.
She made her way upstairs after feeding Happy and a couple things, to get her comfy clothes ready, catching Natsu already in the room fresh from his shower, rubbing a towel over his head.
A lazy smile pulled at her lips, leaning against the door frame of their room as she drank in another tasteful sight of him. This time of him just his black boxer-briefs, the ones that hugged the curve of his bottom just right.
Natsu turned to reach for one of his drawers, catching her gaze and smiling. "Everything okay?"
"Yup. Just admiring the view… you're so pretty and make those underwear look too good," she smirked.
His grin widened into a wolfish one as she made her way over to him, breathing out a laugh. "Oh yeah?" Strong arms circled around her waist, pulling her flush against his warmth. The smell of his soaps and shampoo comforting as always.
Lucy hummed, smoothing her palms up over his firm, bare chest and around his broad shoulders that were warm to the touch. "Very much so," she whispered before capturing his soft lips in an unhurried kiss.
Natsu held her tighter and made a soft content sound against her lips, her chest swelling with affection.
Lucy managed to finish up her own quick shower soon after and they made it back downstairs to cook up something simple for dinner before finally relaxing on the couch, half paying attention to whatever movie was playing.
She was laying across the couch, comfortably warm as Happy purred curled up on her stomach. Ice cream bowl empty on the coffee table, her legs thrown over Natsu's lap, the soothing presses of his fingers to the soles of her feet almost making her fall asleep before he called her name.
She hummed in acknowledgement, eyes still fluttered closed.
"Wanna help me touch up my hair dye tomorrow?"
That was how they found themselves in the bathroom the next day. Natsu seated on a chair in front of the mirror as Lucy stood behind him, supplies scattered across the counter.
"You know, it's not fair that you can pull off your natural color and this color so well and that it stays softer than mine. You don't even bleach it!"
Natsu laughed and caught her gaze in the mirror as she worked the dye into his hair at the back of his head with some gloves.
"Maybe it's just my natural beauty," he smirked.
She stuck her tongue out at him. "I don't remember if I've told you already, but your hair was one of the first things that caught my attention when we met," Lucy smiled, remembering how she thought it suited him really well.
"In a good way or a bad way?"
"Of course in a good way," she laughed, pushing his shoulder with her elbow, "I'd seen this color on a few people but you were easily my favorite and I loved it right away. I was a little disappointed when I found out it wasn't your natural color," she teased.
He'd told her his natural color was a light brown when they first started getting to know each other, then was able to see it in person when he had to cut it a little shorter before he left that first time she moved into town and met him at the base, looking just as handsome as he did with the pop of color on him when he was back home. It really was unfair.
Natsu's grin widened, bit of a blush on his cheeks. "Well, you were my favorite part of that night and easily the most beautiful woman I'd seen ever, so I'm glad I could impress you at least a little that day."
His warm gaze met hers in the mirror with that toothy grin and it was her turn to feel the blush on her own cheeks but she huffed a laugh and focused on the sections of his hair at the top of his head.
"We've definitely come a long way since then," she said softly.
Natsu hummed, sharing an affectionate look with her in the mirror. "Definitely."
A few comfortable quiet moments passed before Lucy asked, "So how did this whole, you dying your hair thing start? Since this is the first time I get to see your secret process in person," she grinned, almost finishing up saturating the last of his hair.
Natsu breathed a raspy laugh, securing the towel around his neck, cute crinkles around his eyes. "It was actually from a dare from the guys a few years ago, we'd been joking late one night when we were deployed and Sting bet I wouldn't do it… then 'course I had to do it when we got home." His grin turned into a crooked smirk. "I ended up likin' it and I freshen it up when we get home, then just let it grow out since I usually have to cut the color off before I go back 'cause they don't let us have fun with colors." Natsu finished with a pout.
Lucy giggled softly. "Well, you and all your colorful beauty would probably be too distracting if they did."
"Yeah probably," Natsu sighed, grinning. "Y'know, you have to hold onto the secret process now too."
Lucy hummed in pretend thought. "Hm, it may be too big of a secret for me. I just might text the group chat a picture of this box of dark rose gold dye and share the weight of the secret."
Natsu gasped dramatically. "You wouldn't."
"Depends," she winked as they shared a laugh.
Lucy finished up with the dye, rinsing out his hair and drying it. Lucy took her time to enjoy running her hands through it after. Natsu sighed happily and pressed into her touch before they eventually cleaned up in the bathroom and headed back downstairs.
Natsu settled on a stool at the island counter and took a big bite from one of the cookies on the plate, breathing another happy sigh.
Lucy chuckled, he was too cute. Him and his ridiculous hair and all.
The soft light overhead was reflecting on his fresh hair, glow of the setting sun through the windows behind him. Perfect. Lucy quickly grabbed one of the polaroid cameras on the counter and snapped a picture of him.
He looked up in surprise. "Hey!" he grinned.
She giggled. "You're so cute like that right now, I couldn't help it," Lucy said, grabbing the small film after it printed, setting it on the counter to develop.
She loved all the ones they'd taken with Natsu's mom's camera, but it was older she didn't want it to get damaged or anything so she was glad they got a newer one of their own now. One that took mini polaroids and another one that took regular large ones, all adding to the growing collage on the large cork board by the kitchen.
"Just right now?" he pouted deeply, "and here I thought I was always cute."
Lucy rolled her eyes, smiling. It widened when she saw that the image got clearer, revealing Natsu's content expression mid bite. Lucy took a picture of the polaroid on her phone to keep for herself. "Maybe I'll put this up on instagram for everyone to see."
Natsu groaned. "I doubt they're gonna wanna see that, Luce," he chuckled. "That one can be just for you. Here, we'll take one together and we can put it on mine," he said, moving to get the camera ready again.
"The page you haven't used in years?" Lucy laughed.
"What better time to surprise 'em!" he smiled brightly, "And you'll make it look a thousand times better." Natsu stood from his seat, pulling her flush against his side, strong arm secured at her waist. Lucy smoothed a hand along his back as he held out his arm with the camera facing them. "Alright, ready? One, two, three."
She turned to press a warm affectionate kiss to his scarred cheek right before the click, feeling him laugh softly with a squeeze to her waist.
He pulled the film out and set it on the counter. "Here, now a dumb one."
Lucy tried not to laugh as they did another quick pose.
He pulled off the film, setting it beside the other photo and a few minuets later the image of them cleared. They shared a bright laugh when they looked at their expressions.
Natsu had stuck his tongue out, showing off his teeth with an eye shut as his other arm was thrown around her shoulders, putting up a peace sign. Lucy had pursed her lips dramatically, gripping her chin with a raised brow as if in deep thought.
Both were already some of her favorites.
"Told ya you'd make them a thousand times better," he grinned, setting them up to take a picture of them on his phone. "Let's see if I can manage to navigate this thing again."
It took him a few minutes to reset some things, making Lucy laugh when he started getting frustrated and ended up helping him, finally managing to post the picture.
She got notifications on her own phone that he followed and tagged her, updating his profile pic to one she'd taken of him recently where it made him look "cool and badass" when they were out exploring the other day and he'd found some new sunglasses.
Back on the grid thanks to my girl.
Lucy laughed and smiled affectionately at his caption. She followed him back and liked the photo. His last post had been of Happy when he was kitten from a few years ago, then a few with Gray and the rest of their friends.
A few of them already started to like and comment.
FINALLY , THANK YOU LUCY, Sting said.
"Think we surprised them," Lucy giggled.
"Worth it." He pulled her close to his side again and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
"Hey, Luce?"
Lucy hummed in acknowledgment, flipping over the page of the book she had on her lap as they laid in bed a couple nights later. "You have the day off tomorrow right?"
"Yeah, finally," she sighed, "just have to finish up a few assignments but nothing too bad. Why, is there something going on?" Lucy paused her spot in the book and turned to look over at Natsu.
He sat up against the headboard. "Well, Sting was telling me about this new restaurant that's supposed to be really good. Kinda fancy, but was thinkin' we could make a night of it if you want to?"
Lucy smiled at his cute curious expression. "Why, commander, are you asking me out?" she said, smile turning a bit teasing.
Natsu huffed out a laugh, leaning in closer. "Mm, maybe I am," he grinned, pressing a kiss to her nose. "It's just been a while since our last special one."
Her expression softened, reaching out to lace their fingers together. "Natsu, you know we never have to do anything big or fancy."
"I know." He reached up with his other hand to curl a piece of her hair around her ear. "But it'll give us an excuse to get all dressed up?" he grinned brightly.
That was true, and if it was anything like how he looked in his dress uniform... she would be very interested in seeing that, and it really had been a while since they went all out with a plan like this.
Lucy matched his bright smile. "Alright, sounds like fun." She closed the distance and gave him a sweet kiss.
Then soon, it was already the next late afternoon and Lucy couldn't help the excited fluttering in her stomach as she looked through her side of the closet, thumbing through her options to wear. She knew she wanted something she was comfortable in but something a little nicer than usual.
She smiled and settled on a simple black dress that was one of her favorites for special things and what a better chance to bring it out again. Lucy smoothed her palms over the material, looking herself over in the mirror a last time as she finished up in the bathroom.
Natsu had already said he would be downstairs and she admitted she was a little eager to see his reaction.
Deciding she was as ready as she was going to be, Lucy clasped a bracelet on her wrist as she made her way downstairs towards the kitchen.
"Hey, Luce, I'm was almost-"
Natsu paused from adjusting the buttons of his shirt, eyes widening a little as they trailed over her, making warmth crawl up the back of her neck. She hadn't gotten dressed up like this in a long time, she hoped it was okay.
"W-Wow," he breathed, "you look… amazing… ly beautiful, gorgeous." A wide smile grew on his face as he moved closer to her. His hands settled on her waist, thumbs brushing over the material of her dress.
The warmth made it's way to her cheeks from the way he looked at her, but she returned his warm smile. "Thank you."
She smoothed her hands over the lapels of his jacket over his chest, drinking in her own sight of him appreciatively.
His dark navy suit hugged his toned form just right, the crisp white shirt bringing out the shades of green in his eyes, the golden tan of his skin, and highlighting his hair softly. He left a few buttons undone on his shirt and didn't bother with a tie, but it was perfect for him, along with his dressier laced brown boots.
"You look pretty amazing too," Lucy grinned happily, hugging around his waist and leaning up to press a kiss to his jaw. Amazing enough to make her want to take a picture of him, but she wanted this memory all to herself.
"Good to know I can still manage to clean up well enough," he said, smiling that toothy, crooked grin. "Oh, these are for you." Natsu reached over to pull over a vase with some bright sunflowers resting inside.
"Aw, flowers and everything? Thank you, they're beautiful," she said warmly, hugging him to her side as she felt the soft petals of her favorite flower.
"Mm, not as beautiful as you," Natsu murmured against her temple before pressing a kiss to her skin. His voice so warm and earnest it made her heart swell.
He finished putting on his watch and they gathered their things before Natsu extended his arm towards her. "Shall we?"
Lucy slipped on her soft, thick cardigan, grinning brightly. "Lead the way, commander."
They drove for almost an hour, simply enjoying each other's company before they reached a seemingly nice, quiet town and found some parking near the restaurant. Natsu was ever the gentleman and held the door of the truck open for her to get out and when they walked up to the thick wooden doors.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting when they walked in. Rustic dark wood floors and tables, soft lighting with a light piano playing in the background.
It was easily one of the most romantic places she'd been too and far better than all her previous lame dates combined back in her hometown. Though her company had a lot to do with that too.
Natsu walked back towards her after giving the hostess his name. "They're just finishing setting up the table."
"Wow, even a reservation?" Lucy grinned, lacing their fingers together.
Natsu chuckled with a squeeze to her hand. "Well, I wanted tonight to be perfect after all."
"It already is."
They shared a soft look before the hostess soon led them to a quiet booth towards the back, handing them some menus after they got seated with a smile and wished them a good evening before heading back up front.
They eagerly looked over the menu, Natsu humming. Everything sounded delicious already… until she saw some of the prices.
"Natsu… are you sure this is all okay?"
"Hm?" He looked up from his menu.
"Some of these prices are…"
Natsu put his hand over hers that was fidgeting with the edge of the cover. "Hey, of course it's okay," he said softly, "I've got ya covered, don't worry." His thumb brushed over the back of her hand with a reassuring smile.
Lucy sighed, starting to relax a bit under his warm touch. "Are you sure? I was kind of expecting this but I don't want it to be too much?"
"I'm sure," he said, squeezing her hand. "Plus, how often do we get to be fancy like this?" he smirked. "Think we deserve to celebrate after all our hard work at the house too, right?"
Lucy couldn't help but mirror his infectious grin, the rest of the twinge of worry in her chest melting away. "Well, when you put it that way, you do have a good point."
"I'm known to have them every once and a while," he smirked, "but nothing's ever too much for you, I promise," he said after a quiet moment.
Lucy's expression softened as they shared a meaningful look. The warmth and love in his eyes almost made her eyes prick with tears.
"What did I do to deserve you," she said softly, a grateful smile on her lips.
"That's what I usually ask myself." He breathed a raspy chuckle and gave her a soft look. "I'm just happy we have each other and that's what matters."
"I'm so happy we do too."
Natsu's grin widened, skin around his eyes crinkling, picking up her hand and pressing a warm kiss to her knuckles. "Alright, now, I think we should get the biggest steak in the place."
Lucy laughed and rolled her eyes playfully.
The waiter came up soon after and they eagerly gave him their orders and decided to try some wine.
Lucy sighed in content, slipping off her cardigan and taking a sip from her glass as she looked around the room, savoring the flavor of the wine on her tongue from the bottle the waiter recommended.
The crowd was both older and young with couples like themselves, but a small smile pulled at her lips when she thought Layla would've really liked to get all dressed up and enjoy a restaurant like this too.
"All the things we've been sorting through at the house has me thinking about my mom a lot too lately," Lucy admitted softly. Natsu gave her an understanding look when she glanced back over at him. "Sometimes we would get all dressed up like this just to stay in and order some take out," she smiled fondly and was quiet for a moment. "I think it's still hard for me to let go of that instinctual worry about money… after all the years we struggled to just get by after my father left us with practically nothing… but I liked that we were building a better life for ourselves and we didn't need him to have that."
Natsu reached out and grasped her hand on the table. "I'm glad, but it was hard I'm sure."
"It was… couldn't help but crave more sometimes but it made me appreciate what we had," she said, "especially towards the end when she didn't feel up to much of anything and i just wanted to make her as comfortable as possible and the simplest things would make her happy." The warmth of Natsu's palm was grounding as she continued on. "Her favorite tea on as we relaxed on the couch with her favorite movie, or when I would read her parts of her favorite books..." Lucy sighed, but her smile brightening a bit. "She really would've loved you too though." She turned her palm and squeezed his hand. "I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting all of that to tumble out. Probably too much for date night," she laughed softly, her cheeks warming a little from getting lost in her thoughts.
"Hey, that's okay. You know I'm always here to listen." He squeezed her hand back and gave her that kind, open smile that always melted her heart a little. "And I already love your mom too."
Lucy breathed out a laugh and gave him a warm, grateful smile that she hoped conveyed everything she was feeling.
Their food came quickly after that, looking and smelling just as amazing as the menu described and they eagerly tucked in.
They both said their praises during the meal, with some content conversation and laughter until their bellies were full and satisfied, enjoying themselves for a while after until they decided to pay and make their way back out to the main downtown street.
It wasn't too cold of a night, and they didn't want it to end yet so they decided to take their time and walk along the sidewalk and admire the different shops, hands laced together. Many others had the same idea and eventually they came across a night market that practically took up a whole block. Filled with colorful lights and stalls and Lucy tugged Natsu's arm to look through a couple.
Lucy watched his expression to make sure the slight crowd wasn't too much for him, but he seemed content. Especially when he pulled her to a tent that had some appealing desserts and buying a couple for them to try.
Another stall caught her attention, wrapping her cardigan tighter around her as she made her way over, seeing it was one that sold cute cat accessories.
"Aww, look we should get Happy a cute little sweater!"
Natsu snorted. "As if he would even keep it on long enough before he destroyed it," he grinned.
"Mm, you're right. Here, we can get these instead."
Lucy picked up a headband that had cute cat ears on it and leaned up to put it on Natsu's head, giggling as he rolled his eyes but smiled. This time she didn't resist taking a picture of him, pulling out her phone and snapping one of him sticking his tongue out at her.
They paid the older woman at the stall for the band and a cute plushie.
"You know, now that you're back on the grid, I can finally tag you in pictures like this to get back at you for all the ones you've taken of me."
Natsu cackled, putting his arm around her shoulders and pulling her to his side as they walked on. "Aw, c'mon, you're still so beautiful in all of them." His teasing tone obvious in his voice.
"Shut up," she laughed, elbowing his side lightly before wrapping her arm around his waist, content to take in everything around them.
They eventually came up to the main square part of the block that had lights strung up above them in the center with strings of colorful lanterns.
"This place is pretty cool, we should definitely come back soon," Natsu said, looking around them.
Lucy hummed in agreement and the next moment Natsu was asking a passing couple if they would take their picture and handed them his phone.
They agreed happily and Natsu wrapped his arm back around her and pulled her against him. Lucy grinned brightly, affection swelling in her chest as she held him close, feeling safe and warm in his arms as several pictures were taken.
They thanked the couple and Natsu pulled his phone close for them to see. The pictures captured the pretty twinkles of the lights around them, bright in the dark blanket of the sky as Lucy admired their happy, warm expressions.
"It's perfect, I love it," Lucy grinned.
Natsu tucked his phone back into his pocket and reached up to caress her cheek. "Love you more. You really did look so beautiful tonight."
Lucy breathed deeply, leaning into his warm, comforting touch. "I love you too," she replied softly, stepping closer, palms settling at his back underneath his jacket. "Maybe we should treat ourselves more often."
Natsu laughed and matched her grin. "Sounds like a plan." He closed the distance and kissed her sweetly, making her heart full.
Lucy sat at the dining table finishing up her coffee and reading through some emails on her laptop when she heard Natsu's phone start to ring from where he'd left it in the living room before he went upstairs.
She didn't think too much about it, figuring it was one of their friends and continued to look through the assignments she had for the week. She was grateful her job had been so understanding and flexible when she talked to her boss about going back to school before.
They'd been able to rearrange her schedule for her classes and some light work from home days. She didn't want to make a big cut to her hours because every bit helped but it was working out well so far. Her couple of friends and coworkers from their office often sent her sweet, encouraging emails or texts that made her smile, giving her more motivation to keep going despite how hard it seemed at times.
Natsu came back downstairs a bit later, towel around his neck and carrying a hamper of laundry he set in the washroom before making his way over to her.
"Mornin', Luce," he grinned, hugging an arm around her shoulders.
Lucy hummed a good morning, leaning into him. He was warm from a shower. She could get used to more mornings like this during the week.
"I left some coffee for you, oh and your phone was ringing earlier? I didn't catch who it was."
"Oh? Probably just Sting needing the truck again," he chuckled, rolling his eyes as he picked up his phone from the coffee table.
A change in his expression caught her eye as he held his phone to his ear.
He ran a hand through his damp hair as he pulled his phone away after a bit and looked down at it.
"Natsu? Everything okay?"
Natsu didn't answer and instead sat heavily on the couch, sending a throb of worry through her chest.
Lucy got up quickly and walked over around the couch to sit beside him. She put a gentle hand on his shoulder, thumb brushing soothing motions.
Natsu was quiet for a few moments before he took a shuddering breath. "That was… um, that was Igneel…" His brows pinched in thought.
"Did something happen?" Lucy asked softly.
Natsu sighed, leaning back against her touch. "No, it didn't sound like it… it's just- I haven't heard from him in years. After all the times I tried to reach out before, why now?" He gripped his phone tightly between his hands for a moment before relaxing his fist. "He says… well, I'll just play it for you."
He navigated his phone and put it on speaker, a deep, rough unfamiliar voice heard through it.
Hey, Natsu… it's Igneel. I was glad to see you still had the same number, I wasn't sure, but um… look, I-I know it's been a long time and I'm… I'm really sorry for that. I've been back in town and I hopin' we could get a chance to meet up and talk if you're home from leave… but I understand if it's not somethin' you want right now. Though, if you do, this is my new number. Hope you've been well, kiddo... Bye.
Lucy watched a mix of emotions flicker across his face, heart aching a bit for him. Natsu didn't talk about Igneel too often, his voice was fond sometimes when he shared some stories, and others there was a hint of sadness, but she never pushed him to talk about it.
"I'm sorry… do you think you wanna see him?" She shifted her arm down to hold his warm hand in hers.
Natsu breathed another deep sigh, setting his phone back on the coffee table in front of them. "I dunno right now honestly. I'm… frustrated that he just decides to call now all of a sudden after all this time but… but then at the same time… I'm happy… to hear his voice after so long 'cause I've missed him. Is that… i-is it okay?" His voice quivered a bit as it trailed off softly, looking up at her with glossing eyes that were searching for answers.
Lucy made a soothing sound. "Oh, Natsu." She pulled him in for a tight hug, pressing a kiss to the side of his head. "Of course it's okay to feel everything you're feeling right now," she said softly, smoothing a hand along his back, "I'm right here with you."
Natsu wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tighter, nestling his face in the crook of her neck. She felt a few of his tears wet her skin as he breathed in a shuddering breath.
"Thank you…" he said in a broken whisper.
The tension melted from him after a few minutes, slowly pulling himself up. "Ugh, I'm such a mess, I'm sorry," he murmured into his hands, rubbing them over his face and through his hair.
"No need to apologize," Lucy reassured softly, rubbing his back and up between his shoulder blades, "it's hard when things like this happen all of a sudden."
Natsu hummed. "Yeah, wasn't expecting that kinda start to the mornin' that's for sure," he chuckled humorlessly, scratching the back of his neck.
They were quiet for a few moments, save for Happy's loud purrs when he trotted over and arched against Natsu's legs. He gave a small smile as he reached down to give Happy some scratches behind his ears.
"Are you up for eating something? I saved some breakfast for you if you're hungry?" she asked. "You know I'm right here if you want to talk about it."
Natsu leaned back and turned to look at her, expression softening. He breathed deeply through his nose and cupped the back of her neck, gently resting his forehead against hers for a few long content moments before he pressed a warm, lingering kiss between her brows.
"Yeah… sounds perfect."
A/N: Yay! Lucy's officially all settled in! Already feeling right at home there with him and they get to have a clean start in the house together and will get to make it more of their own. I think it's also the push Natsu needed to finally sifting through and letting go of some of those lingering negative attachments he'd been carrying around there too, but Lucy was there to help him ❤️
I've always loved the thought of them dying Natsu's hair together and wanted to include it in this au lol. And Natsu in a suit for date night? Yes please, I had to! lolll
Igneel coming back soon and Natsu with mixed feelings? Stay tuned! ;)
It's also feels kind of weird to write about groups of people and things while all this craziness is going on, but the world is perfect in fics lolll
Thanks for reading and as always, special thank you for all the amazing support from last time! : AthomeinFairytail, rao hyuga 18, itsxoi, XxCelestialAssassinxX, MillennialStargazer, sevenlaila, stranger1999, Copperreign12, valerioux, MatchaTeaPot, Monkeyyy, KYAAAA, MaraDragneel3113