Chapter 9: The Sun in my Night Sky

Lucy's Apartment

June 9 10:50am

"Happy, please hand me the bowl over there" Lucy asked as she shifted the cake pans, pulled out the carton of eggs and cream from the fridge. The cat quickly placed the bowl nearby and helped Lucy pour the ingredients into the mixing bowl while she set the oven temperature.

*bzzzzt...bzzzzt...bzzzzt*

"I got it" Gray called out quickly and then placed down his phone.

"Thanks!" Lucy responded then smiled while teaching Happy how to prepare cake batter, "...Now Happy, Mix the batter like this..."

"Oh, it's you..." Gray spoke glumly after he opened the front door.

Lucy motioned to Happy to keep mixing the batter. After wiping her hands on the nearby kitchen towel, she quickly moved to the door as well, to confirm who Gray was talking to.

"What are you doing here?" The other recognizable voice responded, sounding almost as annoyed as Gray.

"Watching over her while your ass was busy out there. Tch, I'll see you later Lucy. Have fun with...that" pointing to the door as he left.

Lucy appeared into view to see Natsu glaring down the hall at the retreating ice mage, "Natsu..." she whispered. Natsu turned his head back to look at her.

"Hey Luce!" His face changed immediately to a bright smile.

"NATSUUUUUUUUUU!" Happy suddenly flew past Lucy and pounced onto Natsu, "You could've at least called once you know!" The cat cried out. The pinkette rubbed his small, blue head and walked into the apartment after Lucy moved out of the way.

"Gah, this whole place smells like the ice princess" His face twisted in annoyance and opened the windows shortly after. Lucy couldn't help but laugh and turned to him.

"It's what happens when you leave me by myself" she retorted.

He turned around while still scowling, "...It's not like i had a choice, Erza sent me out with whats his face's name..." Natsu mumbled and sat on the couch. He then combed his hand through his pink hair-locks as he looked down to the floor, "...and it felt like it was for nothing..." He continued quietly after.

Lucy moved closer to him and noticed his hands looking a bit scabbed. She sighed, feeling his down mood and walked to the bathroom to grab some first-aid supplies. It took her only a moment when she finally walked back over to him. She placed the medical box down quietly, then walked to the kitchen and threw the cake batter into the pans then placed them into the oven. When that was done, Natsu almost got up again and Lucy stopped him.

"Let me, please..." She said quietly while trying not to look directly into his eyes.

He looked at her confused, but stayed in his seat like she asked. She slowly, gently lifted his poorly covered, injured hand and started wiping the warm, wet cloth over it after removing the dirtied bandages.

"You came straight here, didn't you" Lucy said quietly as she brushed against the stains on his hands. Happy watched from Natsu's side and frowned at his friends hands.

"Yeah..." He looked away towards the window, "...We lost a lot of people yesterday and I just needed to get myself out of there..."

Lucy twitched when she felt him trying to clench his hands again. She took a deep breath and tried to carefully unfold his hands again.

He looked down to her and gently took the cloth from her, "You don't have to do this..."

She wanted to get mad but when she saw the look in his eyes, Lucy stopped herself from speaking. His eyes were nearly black, looking dull...cold and pained. Lucy unconsciously moved her hand very slowly over to his face and he started to close his eyes. Natsu moved his free hand over hers and leaned his head into her palm.

They didn't speak for quite awhile, not even Happy. He too felt Natsu's unspoken pain for his fallen comrades. He may not know them personally, but he can only imagine the burden of telling their friends, families, that they were gone and not coming back home. So instead of cleaning up after the mission, Natsu came straight to Lucy's place, because he knew he had people waiting there for him.

"Happy..." Lucy whispered, "Please go back to your place and bring back his clothes and other things he may need..."

The cat flew up and nodded to Lucy, then he glanced at Natsu before flying out of the open window, "Why would you send Happy out for that?" He asked quietly even though he was still distracted from the previous thoughts.

"You will need a change of clothes since you will be around for awhile, might as well make the other room yours for now..." She shyly turned away, attempting to hide her face. "...Also I've...uhm...noticed a large cut on the back of your arm, you should have that cleaned..." She cleared her throat nervously, "...and I can help you with that..."

Natsu's mood seemed to have lightened, just a bit. He got up off the couch and walked around her to get into the bathroom, "I got it" and he glanced towards her with a half smile, "I don't want to frighten you again" He turned away but she heard him sighing behind the door.

Lucy scoffed and grabbed the clean cloth she had by the alcohol bottle, "Not funny Natsu..." She took a deep breath and counted to thirty before going into the bathroom after him. She opened the door to see him already with his shirt off and cleaning the cut she had pointed out. He looked at her with a slightly shocked expression before turning away.

"I did say you didn't have to help..." He grumbled but then she heard a hiss coming from him. Lucy eyed her spare alcohol on the bathroom sink and shook her head. She walked over to the sink to wet the towel with warm water and then walked over to him.

Keep calm Lucy, Keep calm, You're just helping him clean his cuts...breathe...She mumbled inside of her head. Her eyes widened when she noticed a few more deep scratches on his back side and a strange scar on his lower back. However, as much as she wanted to stare and look, Lucy forced down her curious thoughts and started wiping the dirt and scabbed cuts across his shoulders. She twitched when she heard him hiss again through his teeth.

"That stings..." He grumbled again.

"No kidding, You really need to be more careful when you get yourself into fights" She pouted as she dabbed at another scab.

"Half of those were probably from the metal shipping container that crashed down..." He groaned as she touched another sore spot.

"Tell me it didn't land anywhere near you..." She paled at the thought.

"Well...sort of? Why? That's not enough to kill me Luce" he chuckled. She felt him shaking under her hands but she scowled and dabbed another sore spot purposely,

"Hey!"

"Don't be making those jokes...It may not have killed you right away but if you get wounded enough it might!" She growled under her breath.

"...Sorry" He said very, very quietly.

Lucy paused for a minute and sighed. She stood up and moved to the front of him and knelt down. She patted his knee and he looked down at her, "Don't be sorry" she smiled with a hint of sadness, "I'm just glad your back in one piece" Lucy picked up his hands and brushed the back of them with her thumbs, "...You're suppose to be my body guard, So i expect you to not get yourself so easily defeated, alright?" She chuckled softly.

Natsu leaned forward and nuzzled the top of her head. Lucy froze, not moving a muscle. She tried to move only an inch after the initial shock was gone but he moved his hand over to hug the back of her neck, "Let me just stay like this for a little while" he said quietly.

In defeat, she just nodded and went along with it.

Happy finally came back with a small bag of his friend's clothes which allowed Natsu to finally shower while Lucy prepped the cake that was baking.

"What do you want Happy, icing or whipped cream?" Holding one of each in her hands.

"Cream!" He said without even a second to think.

"Alright, I'll make it blue to match you, how's that sound?"

The cat grinned and flew around, "A cake all for me!" He repeated it a few times until Lucy told him to sit and he did. Only a few minutes passed and Lucy heard the bathroom door click open.

"You're just in time, the cake is done" She said loudly. Happy was already chewing away his dessert.

Natsu came out and walked towards the kitchen, "Don't give him too much sugar or he'll bounce all over the walls, literally" He laughed.

"I do not!" The cat whined. Natsu arched an eyebrow at him with a face that said 'Do too.'

Happy huffed but continued to eat his cake anyway. Lucy shook her head and pushed a plate of food towards the pinkette, "I figured you would be hungry again" She said quickly while she put the rest of the cake away.

Happy watched the strange exchange very carefully with his cheeks still full. After swallowing, he spoke, "...You two are being weird"

Natsu and Lucy both shot him a look but, Natsu beat Lucy to it, "What's that suppose to mean?" He frowned at his little friend that was already causing trouble again.

Lucy folded her arms, "I've baked you a cake and this is your way of saying thank you?"

Happy pouted, "That's not what I mean..." He flew up in the air and looked down at them, a thinking bubble would've appeared if it could.

Lucy shook her head, "Whatever..."

As she walked to her room, Happy spoke again, "You guys are acting like a married couple" He blurted. Lucy skid to a halt and Natsu almost choked on his food.

The celestial mage only half turned around and pointed at the cat, "I'm going to let that one slide only because I really want to keep my good mood in tact..." and closed the door to her room shortly after.

"What'd I say wrong?" The cat whined. Natsu let out a huge sigh and motioned to his feline friend to come over. Happy mumbled as he wagged his tail in front of himself, "You look happy for once, Natsu...ever since Igneel..." His tiny voice got quieter.

The dragon slayer thought for a bit as he stared at the little fur ball. Then he scoffed and shook his head, "It's fine, Happy" He scratched behind the cats ears and it soon followed by a purr from the feline.

"Am I wrong, Natsu?" He mumbled in between purring.

Natsu smiled, "Maybe I am happy, but..." Then he poked the cats nose. The blue cat squeaked in surprise, "Watch what you say around Lucy..." He pointed his finger at Happy while the cat was held its nose, "...She's getting just as scary as Erza..."

They both shivered but then it was followed by laughing.

Magnolia's Beach, South-side

June 11 3:20pm

Seagulls flew around, scooping their meals nearby the beach shore. The sounds of the waves echoed through the empty beach while the waves brushed the sands gently. The day was really bright, warm and perfect for a little outing. With much planning, Levy and Lucy managed to pull their boys out for a stroll along the beach.

Gajeel originally protested against it, he couldn't be bothered with the overly bright sun but after Levy's excessive pleading, He caved. Natsu on the other hand wanted to immediately have a brawl on the beach with the other guy however, both girls voted against it.

"The plan is to have fun and relax" Lucy said quite firmly to the whining dragon slayer behind her.

"B-but Luuuucy, What's the big deal anyway, not even for just for a little bit?" He huffed.

Levy turned to her dragon slayer, "Do you want to fight under the sun?"

"Not a chance, it's too damn hot to even be out here"

Natsu scoffed, "...Weak" but was immediately pounded in the head by the iron fist, "Damn it metal-head, Are you trying to pick a fight with me?" He raised his fist angrily.

"Can it already, Pyro runt. I don't need any more hot air blowing around"

Levy and Lucy started to exchange giggles while listening to their bickering, "Oh Levy that spot over there..." Both girls dropped their umbrellas by the shore. Small rocks were piled up nearby making a natural bridge into the water. Small waves crashed up against it but not enough to cover it.

Happy flew on top of Lucy, "Can we eat now?" dropping his head slightly to look at Lucy in the eyes.

"If you can catch it..." She said while pointing to the water, "How about we play a little game?"

"What game?" Natsu chimed in curiously.

Lucy handed Happy over to him, "Which one of you can catch the biggest fish in the ocean?" Arching her eyebrow, Knowing he's all for challenges.

"What do you say, Happy?"

"Aye! I'll win this time Natsu!" The cat flew quickly over to the rocky bridge.

"Oi, No cheating!" He quickly ran to catch up to his friend.

"That was easy" Levy said shortly after setting up her umbrella.

Lucy and Levy both decided to wear their best swim suit today, knowing it'll be really hot out today. Levy wore a two-piece bikini but hers was more an orange and blue mini swim skirt and the top looked like a swimsuit blouse. The outfit was extra cute from the ruffles around making make-shift flowers.

Lucy on the other hand, was slightly more revealing, she wore a white bikini with pink hibiscus flowers. At the moment though, she wore a small, thin skirt to cover and a pink, sheer shawl over it.

Lucy propped up her umbrella and laid out her beach blanket, "...I think that about covers it" She assessed the spot one more time, to see if it needed any more adjustments.

Then both girls turned to see Gajeel already setting up the BBQ, "Are you going to have Natsu light that later?" Levy called out to the iron dragon slayer.

He rolled his eyes, as if that was even a question. Levy smiled and turned back to Lucy. The blonde was eyeing her friend skeptically, "So tell me again, how'd you rope that grump to coming here on his two day vacation?"

Levy giggled, "I have my ways, just so you know. You on the other hand, have yours around the clock, Makes me a little jealous"

The blonde waves her off, "You say that, but you're not the one going to the grocery store every other day. He eats everything! Then on top of that, needing a cooler of fish for Happy, weekly..." She grimaced at her friend.

"Yes but the company is nice though, isn't it?" She smirked. Lucy turned to look at her two friends fishing, "I guess so..." Lucy pulled out her sunscreen and started rubbing her arms.

"You guess? Are you starting to have doubts about the arrangement?" Levy pulled up her sunscreen too and started on herself.

Lucy sighed and shrugged, "It's not doubts...it's more like...I don't know..."

The blunette moved closer and placed a hand onto her shoulder, "What's the matter Lu-chan?"

The blonde grimaced and then looked at her friend, "A part of me wonders what it will be like to have a boyfriend and then..."

Levy nodded for her to continue, "...and then?"

Lucy pressed her lips firmly together and let out a loud sigh, "...and then thinking if he doesn't feel the same way. That I'm the one getting too ahead of myself..." Her voice was quiet, but it still carried through the breeze that passed through.

The blunette was just about to answer back, but then the other two showed up with their catch of the day.

"Natsu cheated Lushiii!" The cat dropped his small fish and ran behind the blonde.

"Did not! It was completely fair!" Natsu pouted. He placed his larger fish by the BBQ and immediately lit it.

Lucy looked to Levy, "Excuse me, I have a couple of boys that need tending to" The blunette laughed and moved over to Gajeel. The big guy already laid out his beach chair and a large umbrella that looked like it covered for 5 people.

"So...Natsu, why is Happy accusing you of cheating?" Lucy came up from behind him trying not to laugh.

The blue cat flew over with his tiny fish, "He knocked mine back into the water!" Happy promptly added.

Natsu playfully glared at his friend, "I did not knock it back, you've dropped your fishing line when yours got stuck on mine!"

"Its the same thing!" The cat whined.

"Is not!"

"Is too!"

"Nope!" Natsu huffed, at this point he was fighting back a smile.

"Lushiiii!" Happy looked back up to Lucy with pleading eyes.

Lucy sighed and rubbed her temple, "You guys are really something else..." She turned away, "You two are big boys now, solve it by yourselves. I want to take a dip in the ocean"

Happy scowled at Natsu and snatched up his big fish.

"Oi! Get back here Happy!"

"No! Lucy said to solve it ourselves, so i did" He grinned.

Natsu flipped the smaller fish onto the BBQ and decided to drop the subject, he was just teasing his friend at this point. Natsu then turned around to see Lucy taking off her shawl and skirt, His mouth dropped slightly, not realizing he was staring. Of course, Levy noticed and walked up from behind him. Time to take matters into her own hands.

"What are you looking at, Natsu?" pretending to look around in the direction he was staring. Natsu flinched, snapping him out of his daze.

"Huh? Oh, nothing, I was...uhm, just looking around" He turned to look back at the BBQ and flipped the fish to keep himself busy.

"Is that so? Huh, I could've swore i saw Lucy go into the waters by herself..." She heard a clank of metal tongs drop from behind her. That made her smile, Check Mate.

"Lucy mentioned she was going into the water..." He said while still intensely staring at the grilled fish.

"Not going to follow her? I can watch the food in the meantime..." She knelt over the BBQ and grabbed the other pair of tongs to flip the fish.

"You sure?" Natsu started to look back to see Lucy already half way in the water.

"Yep, you go ahead, i can do this" She smiled a little too brightly.

It didn't take much more convincing as he got up and walked towards the water, "Thanks Levy!" He grinned.

"What're you doing, shorty?" Gajeel spoke from his chair. He partially lifted up his black shades while laying back out of the sunlight.

"Nothing...and i said stop calling me short!" She poked the fish one more time, then pointed the tongs at him.

"I heard what you were doing" He moved his head down slightly, making his red eyes visible over the shades, "...Trying to get bunny girl with that pink menace eh?"

Levy smirked, "I don't know what you're talking about..."

"Whatever, So long as you can keep salamander busy, then I don't care"

Levy walked over to him and bent over his head so she was the only thing in his view, "...That and I will have you all to myself today" She closed her eyes while smiling. Gajeel smirked but didn't say anything else.

"Oi Lucy! Watch out for the wave!" Natsu called out, but his voice was partially blocked from the wind and waves.

"What?!" She called out. Lucy turned around to see Natsu coming closer, but then she lost her footing and fell into the water from the waves knocking into her The pinkette immediately rushed his way over as fast as he could and helped her back up.

"I did say to watch out..." He watched as Lucy moved the blonde clumps of hair out of her face.

She blinked a few more times and shook her head, "Oh, sorry i couldn't hear..." She spit out more salt water and took in a deep breath. Her nose crinkled from the burning feeling from the salt water that passed through, "I thought you were cooking the fish?"

Natsu pointed to the blunette by the BBQ, "She said she'll take care of it..." He clapped his hands together, "...So i came over here" He gave her a toothy grin.

Lucy grinned back, "So, you said you wanted to have a little battle earlier?" She moved away slowly as she felt the waves trying to push her over again.

"Alright! So what's the challenge?" Throwing his fists up into the air excitedly.

Lucy couldn't stop smiling, "First to call it quits?"

"Huh?"

Lucy grinned deviously and kicked the water from under her, towards him.

"Oi! You didn't say start!"

"Do i need to?" Lucy kicked more water at him and he swiftly dodged it. She squealed as she tried to move away from the big splash he made in retaliation.

"You're on!" Natsu called out.

The celestial mage ran from him as he tried to chase her through the water and almost tripped over again, but then caught herself in time. He was just behind her now and she immediately threw a big splash back at him.

He wiped his face down for a minute, his once spiked hair, is completely drooped over now. He narrowed his eyes and frowned, "Cheap shot, I thought you were going to fall over again. I was getting ready to catch you..."

Lucy grimaced, "...Almost fell over. I'm fine now though..." She pointed out. But, her eyes barely caught his movement and jumped away just in time from his next large splash of salty water.

A dark shadow lingered by her foot in the water and saw Natsu readying up his next splash. She quickly ducked her head into the water and realized the shadow was a small crab, after grabbing it, Lucy got knocked over the incoming wave behind her.

It took her a few seconds to recover and pull her head back up above the water, but then saw Natsu already leaning by her, "You okay?"

"Yeah, also..."

"What?" He took a step back to give her some room.

"Catch" She tossed the crab at him and he grabbed it the wrong way. Lucy busted out laughing as he tried to shake the crabs pinch off.

"So mean, Lucy!" He eventually cooked the crab and watched it fall over.

"All's fair in love and war, Natsu" She swam backwards and away from him. After getting a few feet from him she pulled her self up to standing again, "...And I think I'm winning" giving him a smug smile.

He narrowed his eyes, "Are not..."

"Are too..."

He started to run towards her and she ran away towards the shoreline. However they both didn't see a slightly bigger wave coming in. As soon as Natsu reached over to grab Lucy, the wave hit them both, knocking them over into the wet sand. After the water receded, Lucy turned her head sideways to see Natsu over her. He shook his head from the water but then noticed Lucy under him.

"You alright?" He said quickly and moved away to help her up. After she stood, she attempted to shake the sand off herself, "...Let me just rinse this off real quick and then we can go check on the fish"

Natsu shook his head and jogged over to the BBQ.

Lucy sighed and turned towards the water, Damn that was too close She put a hand over her chest, feeling her heart thumping quite heavily. Lucy then slid her hands up to her face, feeling hotter than she should be, I can't even tell the difference between a sunburn or blushing anymore...Why am i getting so worked up over that Lucy let out another puff of air and walked into the water to cool off and wash off the excess sand.

She turned to see her smiling dragon slayer already digging into the cooked fish, Levy asks if i have doubts...but its not doubts I'm feeling...

Lucy looked up towards the sunny, bright blue sky, I'm just afraid of falling in too deep with no way out She closes her eyes and feels the wind tickling the sides of her face. The cool waves brushed up her legs softly and Lucy took in a deep breath...I'm afraid...of falling in love with you, Natsu...

Still at the beach, 8:50pm

Happy curled up at the small bonfire that Natsu made with some dried branches nearby. Gajeel started strumming his guitar for Levy, who didn't really like his music taste but still found it a little romantic. Then, there's Lucy who sat on her stretched out blanket under the stars.

Natsu only just finished tucking away the extra fish for happy before pulling out two cans of sparkling water. He took small steps towards the celestial mage and tapped her shoulder with one can.

Lucy glanced up at him and smiled as she took the can from him and popped the top.

(Elemental SoundWorks - Quiet Halls)

"Thanks" Lucy turned slightly back and tapped the blanket beside her, motioning him to sit down.

He popped his can next and they both stared towards the waves in front of them. The stars twinkled brightly above, looking like a blanket of small lights in the sky. The moon has barely risen above the water, but it was still a beautiful sight to see.

"...I use to love coming to the beach with my parents" She said quietly through the wind. Natsu looked at her with the corner of his eyes, "Mom has taught me the constellations using the night sky" Lucy looked up and smiled. "Sometimes I still wonder how she can see all of them..." referring the cluster of stars.

Natsu chuckled, "Yeah, I can't see it either. Just looks like a mess..."

Was quiet again for a few minutes...

"What kinds of things did you do with Igneel? ...If you don't mind me asking" Lucy pulled up her legs close to her chest, leaning her head onto her arms to look at him.

"Hmmm..." He leaned back then glanced at her. Her brown eyes twinkled up at him, like stars of their own, "Well, on top of the usual survival stuff in the forest..." He turned to her smiling, "He use to take me out flying, up and above the clouds at night. Luce, you haven't lived until you've seen that..." He started to get excited and began explaining how scary it was at first, but eventually made it a thrilling adventure afterwards.

Lucy found her self really enjoying his little stories while also making her a little jealous. How she would love to see the stars that close. The glittering lights painting the night sky and only a white sheet of clouds below.

"Sounds like a dream..." She said as she looked up, "I wish I can experience that too someday"

"Maybe one day..." Natsu spoke quietly, "...First I have to wait to hear from Igneel again" His voice barely carried over the breeze, but she still heard the sadness lingering in the words. Lucy misses her parents too and hasn't seen them since they have departed for their business trip but, Natsu has no idea where his parent even is.

"I hope you will see him again soon" She whispered.

Lucy peeked up at him to see his eyes staring off into the distance. She grimaced for only a minute and moved over closer to him. Despite her racing heart, she decided to lean onto his shoulder for comfort. Natsu was startled for only a second because it snapped his attention back to her, but then he decided to put his arm around her and leaned gently onto her as well.

Meanwhile in the distance...

Levy nudged Gajeel who was already putting away his guitar. "Look see! I knew the atmosphere will finally wear them down" She giggled and pulled up her phone.

"Gihi, seems Salamander knows how to man up after all" He popped a beer can while Levy snapped a photo of Lucy and Natsu.

"This is going to be solid gold for the bar later..." Levy quickly sent a text and picture to Cana and Mira.

"Just don't let bunny girl catch ya, I can't promise to back you up there. I don't mess with cat fights" holding his beer up.

"I'll be fine, besides, I can almost guarantee she'll want this picture too..." She snickered. The iron dragon slayer shook his head in disbelief.

Happy scurried over to see what Levy was talking about. "What are you doing?" He asked curiously while trying to peek at the phone.

The blunette tilted the phone down for him to see. In the center of the photo, you can clearly see a blonde girl snuggling against the pink haired boy.

"OOOH!" The cat cackled as he realized it, "They so LIIIIIIKE each other" Happy squealed.

"Yup and now this doesn't get spoken about until AFTER I've had my fun, Got it, Happy?"

"Aye Sir!"

Now back to the other two...

The two sat in silence, listening to the echoing waves brushing up against the rocks and shore. Lucy would've half expected herself not to be anywhere near the human torch but the kind of warmth he gave off was different. It wasn't at all like the heat from the sun, but a comforting warmth that made you feel cozy on a cool day. She found herself snuggling into him more and closed her eyes.

"Natsu..." Lucy mumbled while making herself comfy.

"Hm?" He started to lightly brush his fingers against her shoulder.

"If...Erza calls you off from being my bodyguard...Are you going to go back to your place?" She found it really hard to say for some reason but at the same time, she wanted to know, to mentally prepare herself.

The question hung there for awhile before he finally spoke, "Do you want me too?"

That caught her off guard. Lucy turned to look up at him and he was looking down at her, "Uhm..." Feeling kind of stuck looking into his eyes. The green was no longer there. All you can see, was the faint twinkle from the moonlight on his gentle, black eyes. Lucy was honestly feeling quite at a loss for words.

She breathed out a long sigh and moved her hand slowly up to his face. Natsu closed his eyes as he moved his own hand onto hers, "I don't..." She whispered. He re-opened his eyes to her and smiled.

"...Alright" He murmured and looked back to the ocean next to them.

It didn't take long for the moment to be ruined when a blue cat decided to drop in.

"Levy said they're packing to leave!" Happy flew in circles before landing on Natsu's head.

Lucy twitched and quickly moved away from the dragon slayer. As she turned to look at them and for only a split second, a sad look was on his face from the sudden movement but then he smiled to look at his friend above him. Her heart squeezed a bit, she too didn't want to pull away but, they have to leave to get home anyway. Yes, she'll think of it like that.

Lucy's Apartment

June 12 9:50am

Lucy pulled a pillow over her face from the incoming sunlight peeking through her window blinds.

*bzzzzt...bzzzzt...bzzzzt*

...

*bzzzt...bzzzt...*

Lucy stretched over to her nightstand and pulled up her phone, only to see a dozen unread text messages.

What the...

She blinked and sat up as she flipped open her phone. Lucy's eye's popped to see a handful of messages from Cana, Mira and Levy. Her hand started to shake and clicked onto Cana's message box first.

'YOU TWO ARE SO CUTE!'

'Speaking of, how come we weren't invited!? I have Mira and the others looking for an excuse to schedule a few days for a vacation soon. We're planning it now as we speak and you two are invited of course!'

Lucy blinked at the messages, feeling a bit confused. She flipped to Mira's message box next.

'I hope you two are having a lovely time, I'll be rooting for you, Lucy'

The celestial mage stared and stared, only to finally have it click in her head. She immediately flipped to Levy's message box that had an attachment.

'I couldn't help myself Lu-chan. Don't get mad, you and I both know it was meant to be. Also, i hope you like it'

Lucy clicked on the attachment to see her and Natsu sitting in front of the waves, snuggling against another. Her face immediately went crimson. Deep down she loved the picture and will treasure it, but at the same time, now everyone she knows...knows about it now. Her heart-stopped when she heard a knock on the door.

"Lucy, I'm taking Happy out for breakfast, Want to come?"

She learned to finally calm her heart a little faster than before, but it still never shook the nerves away.

"S-Sure...I'll get ready, just a minute!" Lucy quickly stumbled out of her bed and threw her phone on the bed.

Crap, does he know about it? Or did she only send it to us? Damn that means Gajeel already knows...which means Natsu will know eventually too, right?...Wait why am i getting so worked up..We didn't do anything...

...

...Just relax Lucy, Just relax, it's not the end of the world...

She threw on a small, denim skirt with a white belt, then pulled out her blue, v-neck, halter top. Lucy only combed through her hair quickly, leaving it down for today. She finally opened the door to her room and saw Natsu and Happy waiting by the couch. As she approached them, he gave her bright smile, making her insides feel like butterflies fluttering around.

" 'Morning, Luce" He said as he got up, "Are you ready to go?" holding out his hand to her.

She grabbed his hand with a bounce in her step, "Yep, Let's go" and Happy flew onto her head.

"Aye!"

Yeah, there was no reason to be even remotely worried. If this is how it was meant to be, Then I'll take it, every bit of it for as long as i can.

Fairy Cafe / Outside

10:30am

The streets of Magnolia city were a sight to see in the mornings. The sun hung high in the sky, illuminating the trees and buildings that it touched. People walked around in small or large crowds and there was only a few vehicles filling the streets. It didn't take long to reach the small shopping district nearby her apartment. It was on the opposite side of the club but this direction lead towards the Vermillion Gardens. The notorious park that everyone went to for a breath of fresh air.

Natsu led Lucy over to a small cafe that over looked the park across the street. Happy buried himself into Lucy's hair, which left some people passing by, to stare. However it never bothered the two of them. Right now, all they had was eyes for each other and food.

Lucy went over to the table by the window and placed Happy down while Natsu talked to the woman at the counter. The cafe was quite small but it did not disappoint. The baby blue walls were covered in white etched forest like trees, covered in vines with random small birds inbetween. The windows were small and rounded as it stretched down almost to the floor. The small, round tables looked only big enough for two people and there was about 8 of them. It wasn't meant to house many people but it was still very cute nonetheless. Lucy picked the corner of the cafe, that held a window on each side of her. It didn't take long for Natsu to rejoin them with a couple of drinks. She had rose tea and he had a small cup of black coffee. Lucy could've swore she smelled a hint of cinnamon from the coffee and it smelled good.

"Are we going to the park after?" Lucy motioned towards the window as she sipped her hot tea.

The pinkette frowned for only a second, almost like he wasn't sure how to answer, "Uh, Sure if you want..." The frown dropped but, Lucy knew what that meant. She didn't want to pry but its been digging into her curiosity for quite awhile now.

"It's fine if you don't want to..." She continued to think on how to word the question.

"It's fine, Luce. We can go after we eat..." He nodded, then looked behind himself to see the woman coming in with their meals.

Lucy folded her arms a little bit before picking up her fork to eat. He was already digging in while Happy chewed on his muffin.

"That...news program from a few weeks ago is still bugging you, isn't it?" Lucy saw him freeze for a moment before looking up at her.

"...It's nothing" He mumbled between the mouthful of food.

Lucy sighed and scratched the side of her head, feeling like this was probably going to kill the rest of their happy mood, "Natsu, We both know that wasn't nothing. If it wasn't nothing, you wouldn't have acted the way you did..." She pointed her finger at him and continued, "You can brush it off as much as you want, fine. But you really had me worried, You know that right?"

Natsu finished his food and looked out towards the window, still not saying anything.

"Natsu..." She said again.

He glanced up at her with a blank expression, but in his eyes she saw something, a plea to not keep prying into something she shouldn't. However, Lucy fought against it anyway, "...I just...want to know what to expect...for the next time...if anything happens like that again. I want to be there for you"

Happy looked up at her and just watched the exchange of looks. The blue cat knew about the relationship between Zeref and Natsu but he kept his mouth shut this time. He didn't want to betray his friend with something that sensitive unless he gave the okay.

Natsu folded his hands up as he propped himself onto the table with his elbows. He then buried his face into his hands shortly after and she heard a deep sigh coming from him, "That man...is dangerous, Luce" Natsu moved his hands away and she saw the dark, onyx eyes, even with the bright lighting in the room. It almost unnerved her, "...I will never put you in that kind of danger. Don't even think about approaching that person by yourself, ever" He spoke in such a low voice, it almost came out like a growl.

Lucy could only feel herself nod as well a quiet door slam on that conversation. He made it very clear, that was all he was going to say about that topic. Happy moved over and patted Lucy's shoulder.

"Natsu may sound mean sometimes, but he cares too!" The cat spoke. Lucy looked down to the blue cat.

"Happy..." Natsu gave the blue feline a warning tone.

"Natsu, Lushii doesn't know! So, you shouldn't be mean to her!" Happy walked across the small table and stood in front of his friend.

"What don't I know?" She asked even though she knew that was an active landmine.

Happy turned around to look at Lucy. His eyes started to bubble up knowing he couldn't hide it from her anymore, he was scared of Natsu yelling at him, but his words did not stop from coming out, "That man is Natsu's brother, Lushii. He bullied Natsu ever since he left home..."

Lucy watched as Natsu stiffened and his hands started to ball into tight fists. His eyes closed and she saw him clenching his jaw. "Why'd you tell her Happy, I told you-..." He hissed before being cut off.

Happy turned to look at his friend, tears in his eyes, "Because you're sad Natsu! I don't want you to be sad anymore!"

A silent tear fell on Lucy's face. Just one tear as she watched her two friends talking to one another from what it felt like behind a window. It was so bright and sunny outside, a gorgeous day, the cafe was a cheerful atmosphere, but here at her table, It felt like pure sadness.

"I-Im sorry, I shouldn't have pried, maybe I should go..." She was ready to get up until a hand touched her. Natsu looked up at her and his anger was gone, but it was replaced with a sense of pain and loneliness. The green hue barely lingered over the black pupils while loose strands of his pink hair drooped over his left eye, making the other eye darker. It was such a strange look to see, so her thinking process completely blanked out as she looked at him.

"Wait.." He breathed shakily, "Just...give me a minute and we can talk outside..." Natsu finished his words quietly as they got ready to leave.

They walked for what it seemed like forever. The two of them ended up at the center of the park that had a fountain in its center. A very large one at that. The white marble glittered in the water like snow. Birds were singing as they lingered in the area for awhile, passing by other people. Other than that, it felt like a private garden. Black and white roses circled the pathways, lining the trails in different directions. Happy flew on ahead to a snack cart nearby, while Lucy and Natsu sat by the bench near the fountain.

Neither of them didn't know how to start the conversation, every time Lucy tried, the words never came out. She gazed up at him when he shifted his position. Natsu turned half way towards her, with one leg under him and his arms crossed over.

"What did you want to know?" The tone of his voice was calm but, it still felt like he was on edge. Lucy watched from the corner of her eye, Happy flying over and landing on the edge of the fountain, his paws were holding a couple of skewers.

Lucy turned herself partially towards Natsu, wondering where to start. She watched as the sunlight flickered over his face as the trees created dancing shadows across the both of them. This was not how she wanted to spend their day at the park, especially when it was her last day off for awhile.

"Uhm..." She breathed out finally, remembering she had to answer, "I just..." Her brows knit close together, contemplating how to ask the question without annoying him any further.

Natsu watched quietly as her face changed into all different kinds of expressions. Her hair fluttered like gold strands from the warm breeze passing through, reflecting some light back at him almost blindingly. He could very faintly hear her small shaky breaths and if he tried hard enough, he can even hear her heavily-beating heart that was frantically beating against her chest. Natsu just watched her, while fighting back his thoughts that was turning his mind into a battlefield. He knew she would find out eventually, but this was not how he wanted it done. He wanted to make sure she was safe away from the man that threatened his existence. However, that time never came, has no idea why Zeref made all of those threats but never followed through with them, Just what was he waiting for? Natsu was never one for waiting around, he always had to keep moving. The constant wandering around, looking for a place he can call home for himself and Igneel. The dragon that saved him from his brother. His eyes snapped back to hers when she finally spoke, stopping his train of thoughts.

(UnSecret - Buried)

Her lips parted slightly, her brown eyes looking like amber from the sunlight as it reflected into his own. However the words that echoed in the air, wasn't at all what he was expecting. Instead it left him feeling quite stunned.

"You say he's dangerous...You've made it so clear that you want nothing to do with him but, Isn't he still family, Natsu?"

Natsu blinked at her for a minute, but without realizing it himself, he chuckled, a dark chuckle just escaped into the quiet atmosphere. Feeling unsure if she really meant that or not, but the look in her eyes says, she meant it.

"I'm not sure what happened all those years ago, I was too young but... " He leaned forward to Lucy. She could see herself reflecting in his near pitch-black eyes, "...related or not, he's anything but family, Lucy..." He closed his eyes and laughed darkly yet again. His hand moved to cover half his face, "The things he has done would make that mission we finished a couple weeks ago, look like nothing..." Natsu moved back and turned, looking away from her.

So his name...Is Natsu Dragneel? Is that why he never mentioned his full name? Not even an alias, he just...completely disowned that part of himself. It's so sad...Its heartbreaking...Just what exactly did the other Dragneel do to make that horrible nightmare, look like nothing?

"I'm sorry..." was all she managed to say at the moment. Happy only watched them from a distance, but he too felt the tense atmosphere around them.

"Don't be, He's my problem and I will deal with him myself..." He said while gritting his teeth. Lucy froze when she saw the fierce look in his eyes. It held so much anger and determination. This wasn't him just stating something, It was a promise.

It was at that moment, everything around Lucy has frozen. She didn't realize it right away until the eerie silence was starting to sound louder than anything else she's ever heard. She turned to look at Happy, who was frozen while looking like he was about to fly to her. The water shooting up was still. The birds were stuck in the air, lifeless. Her heart was the only thing she heard.

Ba-thump...Ba-thump...Ba-thump...

The heartbeat picked up more and more, as it was sinking in her head. Time has frozen entirely and she doesn't know why. Immediately tapping Natsu who too, was frozen in place with that fierce look in his eyes.

"Natsu..." She said quickly, "Natsu...say something, please...Natsu!" Her heart was starting to cause pain the more it kept beating, louder, heavier...

Lucy froze when she heard the echoing sound of footsteps on the stone trail nearby. Her eyes darted in front of her, nothing. Turning slowly, she looked behind herself and her eyes dilated. A man she recognized, the black-haired boy who she was specifically told to stay away from.

"No..." Lucy breathed in panic, "Stay away..." She felt herself moving up against Natsu, hiding him behind her like a shield.

The boy smiled as he stopped a few feet from her, "Hello, Lucy"

A/N: Hello everyone! Hope everyone's week is going smoothly. Holidays are coming up, so I'm sure everyone is busy but, i wish you all the best c:
Anyway, It took me awhile to edit this chapter, my head is spinning from the future chapters, so going back is throwing me off just a little bit, haha

I've read your reviews, don't worry, not ignored. Taking your thoughts into consideration, it made me think. So i really appreciate the feedback and i hope to hear more from you guys in the future. As I've mentioned before, if i missed any mistakes or if confused by something, let me know, please xD

-Rosario

A small preview for next time:

(He leaned into her, whispering by her ear, "...I promised that I would never hurt you"

Her face immediately turned red, "I-Idiot..." She stammered. Lucy moved her hand away only to suddenly be pulled towards him.

In that moment, Lucy was pressed up against him. Her face was buried in his shirt and that's when she heard it, Natsu's heart that was beating heavily against his chest. However, Lucy froze when she felt him shifting just enough when his lips suddenly pressed against the top of her head.

"You've gotten really strong, Lucy" He whispered.)