"Hey, Luce. I need to try something," Lucy heard from the window, making her jump in surprise as he tore her from concentrating on the book she was reading.
"Natsu, you scared me! Come through the door like a normal person and stop breaking in!"
Natsu was quiet as he approached Lucy, and she was confused by his oddly demure behavior. "Natsu?" she questioned. "What are you-"
"Do you want me to leave?" he asked.
"I- what?"
He grabbed her shoulders and was close enough that Lucy was about forced to stare into his deep, hazel eyes.
"I asked, 'do you want me to leave?'"
Lucy's eyes flicked to his lips. Why was he so close!? Why was he asking her this!? Her cheeks were red and her head was spinning.
"What are you- You never ask!"
"I'm asking now. You tell me, 'yes', and I'll leave. I won't argue, and I'll try harder to respect your boundaries and stay out of your house. You tell me 'no' and…" Lucy watched his eyes gaze at her lips for several moments. "And I don't know what I'll do…"
Lucy's heart was palpitating. The beating in her chest was all she could hear for a long minute.
"Are you asking to kiss me?" she breathed out.
"Do you want me to leave?" he asked again, insistent. Lucy could feel his breath against her lips, he was so close.
"No," she whispered.
And their lips crashed together.
The kiss felt oh so wonderful, like puzzle pieces locking into place, as cliche as it was, and like this was where she was meant to be - in Natsu's arms with her lips moulded against his.
But Lucy still felt dizzy and flush and confused. Why were they kissing? Why had Natsu been so… Not Natsu tonight?
She pulled back slightly. "Natsu, wait." He grunted in response. "Why? Why are we-"
"I love you," he blurted out. "I've loved you for years and years, it feels like. I just- I've waited for so long, too, and I thought I'd just be able to wait forever, because I didn't think I needed more with you, but ugh- even I have limits, apparently. I do! I need you! Just- everything you do, it makes me fall for you harder! And I just- I had to do something!" He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Does that make sense?"
Lucy nodded, blushing from his intense confession. "It does… I've been debating with myself for weeks whether or not I should tell you, and how I should tell you, that I love you, too, Natsu."
Natsu grinned that stupid grin she loved so much again before leaning his forehead against here. "Wow," he told her. "Lucy Heartfilia loves me, that's amazing."
"Yes she does," Lucy laughed, moving her hands to his hair and pulling him to kiss her again.