Natsu sat backwards on one of Lucy's dining chairs. Cheek resting on his arms that were thrown lazyly on the back of the seat. Happy was sitting on Lucy's bed next to her suitcase as she packed for three weeks a concerned look on his face.
Three whole weeks.
Natsu felt his chest tighten at the thought. He was so used to seeing Lucy everyday. He couldn't remember what he was like before meeting her.
"I wonder if I'll be allowed to take on any jobs while I'm there…" Lucy mumbled out loud frowning at a shirt she held up in front of her.
Natsu smiled at her quirky habit. She liked thinking out loud, sometimes forgetting that others could hear her.
"I hope so, how else will I make my rent?" Lucy finished packing clothes and moved onto less necessary stuff, like makeup and a blow dryer.
It had taken all day to get back to Mongolia, and another day to get back… so She would be leaving first thing in the morning.
Lucy picked up a couple of books she was currently reading off her writing desk. Her eye caught something and she stopped. She was looking at a doll sitting on her shelf. Natsu watched quietly as she stared at it deep in thought before picking it up.
Michelle… it was shocking to find out the klutzy girl Lucy loved so much was actually a part of the Oracion Seis.. even more shocking? She was actually Lucy's childhood doll come to life.
Natsu stood up and went to her side.
"Luce?" But Lucy didn't hear him, instead staring at the doll with a bittersweet smile. "Luce?" Natsu stuck his face closer to his best friend. She didn't react.
I hate it when she does that. Annoyed Natsu moved closer to the dazed girl.
"Oi! Lucy!" Lucy blinked a bit before she turned to face him. Natsu didn't realize just how close he was until she looked at him. Natsu felt himself freeze, a mask of seriousness hiding his alarm.
He could see the flecks of soft Carmel in her dark eyes. Natsu barely noticed her pupils expand because her breath brushed against his mouth, distracting him. Her sweet, sweet scent was making his head dizzy and he felt his mind cloud over.
She was so close…
Natsu could feel his heart beat faster as he stood there memorized. Lucy's own cheeks bloomed red as he could hear her heart beat increase. But she didn't pull away, and she didn't look away either.
It was moments like these… Natsu couldn't help but feel so utterly helpless. Her reactions to him… he could feel his chest swell with hope and excitement.
Maybe…just maybe... she felt the same…? Mavis, Natsu could only dream.
"N-Natsu?" Lucy's bottomless eyes were filled with questions. Pulling out of his daydreams Natsu spoke softly to her, never looking away.
"You ok Luce?" Natsu stayed put, despite screaming at his body to pull away before he did something rash. Lucy looked away sheepishly and hugged Michelle close to her chest, breaking the spell.
"Yeah… just thinking is all…" Lucy gave out an embarrassed laugh before stepping away from Natsu. She sat Michelle down next to an oddly quiet Happy.
That was dangerous. The pink haired boy let out a sigh before turning to her once again.
"Are you really ok with this Luce?"
"I have to be…" the blonde beauty didn't look at him.
Natsu scowled unsatisfied by her answer.
"Lushie?" Happy finally spoke up after being quiet for so long.
"Hmm? What is it, Happy?"
"I don't think you should go…" the cat's usually chirpy tone was gone.
"Huh? What makes you say that?"
Natsu silently watched the cat, concern replacing his frustrated look.
Happy just stared at Lucy frowning.
"Hey… is something wrong Happy?" Lucy kneeled in front of him worried.
He looked like he was about to say something before a knock interrupted him.
"Lucy? It's me Erza… can I come in?" Lucy looked away from the hesitant cat and went over to open her apartment door.
"Oh hey Erza." she let the red headed mage in
"Hello Lucy, how are you doing? Oh I see Natsu and Happy are here too."
"I'm fine!" Lucy gave her a smile, but Natsu knew she was trying to keep the elder mage from worrying.
The red head and the pyro shared a look.
Erza studied Lucy for a moment. Her armor casually equipped, something she hasn't done in a while. She gave the blonde a soft smile.
"You're being very brave about this, I'm proud of you."
Natsu rolled his eyes but kept his mouth shut.
She shouldn't even have to do this in the first place.
"Thanks…" Lucy fiddled with her fingers a moment before perking up. "Oh that reminds me, since I won't be back in a few weeks there's some food in my fridge I want you guys to eat." Lucy spun around and went into the kitchen rambling about how it'd be a waste if all her food spoiled.
Erza stayed behind with Natsu and gave him a suspsious look over.
"You're being oddly calm about this." She kept her voice quite enough for the Dragon slayer to hear.
"I thought you'd be sulking off in the woods somewhere or pestering Lucy on letting you tag along…"
Natsu looked away trying to act all nonchalant which made her even more suspicious.
"Natsu…" she warned.
"Look nobody said anything about not being allowed to visit the city that just so happens to be where the Sabertooth guild is located at." He shrugged his shoulders grinning mischievously.
Ezra's eyes widened before she frowned at the floor deep in thought.
"Huh yes I suppose that's true…" she gave a firm nod. "I'll be coming too then."
Natsu giggled gleefully like the mastermind he is. Perfect- now he won't worry about the almighty Erza dragging him back to Mongolia
"Great! We gotta protect Lucy from those saber guys."
"I'm suspicious of them too. We don't know them, and with the Clock incident being not too long ago I worry about her safety. You remember how the number of celestial wizards dropped drastically low?"
"Yeah…" Natsu recalled something like that being important and how Lucy was kidnapped because of her powers.
"Oh Erza here you should take this tonight-" Lucy came back in the room with a bright smile and a dessert. "It's strawberry!"
Faster than she could blink the dessert was gone and Erza was already eating.
"Alright! So it's decided then!" Natsu laughed. Lucy turned to him confused. "We've decided to come with you to Sabertooth!"
"WHAT"