My eyes are mere slits when Natsu leads me into the parking lot. It is far brighter outside than it was in my little cupboard, and everything is vibrantly blurry. Lucky for me, I have a hand to focus on. One that makes me a little curious, because I know who it belongs to - Natsu - and I know that he's a CEO. But his hands are slightly calloused and rough; maybe he does his own landscaping or something? But they're also kinda soft, so maybe he has a really good moisturizing regimen? Or does he get regular manicures?

The thoughts scamper away as fast as they show up, none staying long enough for me to linger. One thing I do know is that I'm spending way too much time thinking about this hand that has been holding mine for most of the day - the firm grip, the fingers that played lazily with mine while he scrolled through his phone…

Damn, I really need to stop these thoughts before they roam into dangerous territory.

"Where did Erza disappear to earlier?" I inquire once we're buckled into Natsu's car, only slightly distracted at finding myself - yet again - in a run-of-the-mill sedan instead of some flashy sports car. Of course, it is a brilliant fire red, but that's the extent of the ostentatiousness. My musing over the car almost caused me to miss Natsu's answer.

"She went to meet Cana and Wendy at your old apartment," he stated as he pulled out of the parking garage. "They volunteered to pack your clothes and stuff and bring whatever you need to the penthouse."

"Penthouse? I... what?" Why? Why is my brain still fucking with me? I am absolutely certain he was supposed to say 'safehouse,' but that other word just lingers between us for a few moments before he speaks. Maybe I just heard him wrong? Fuck, I don't know anymore.

"Yeah, since you refused the offer of my guest room Friday, I didn't really want to mention that the safest place I could think of is my dad's penthouse." He shot me a guilty grin before continuing. "Don't worry, dad is aware of the situation, and he only uses it when he comes to town, so you'll have it to yourself...sort of."

"You are...manipulative. You do know that right?" He smirks at my question but keeps his eyes on the road. "And I'm sure I'll regret asking, but how exactly can I 'sort of' have the place to myself?"

"Due to unfortunate circumstances, I will also be living there for a while."

"How long is 'a while?' I know you volunteered to look after me for the next couple days while I recover, but I really don't need a babysitter after that...I'll have enough of them with a bodyguard following me everywhere."

"Wait...no, that's not what's going on," he protested. "Lucy, there was a fire at my house this morning."

"Oh." That was not quite what I was expecting.

"Yeah. I...well...I kinda didn't want you to find out. It's currently being investigated as an arson, and the house is damaged enough that I can't really live there at the moment. I promise, I'm not trying to hold you captive or watch your every move or control your life. This is out of necessity, but if you're uncomfortable with the arrangement, please let me know and I will stay elsewhere once you're better."

Wow, this man can really babble when he is nervous about something. I can't help but giggle as I hear him take a deep breath - about to start up again - and he glances at me from the corner of his eye.

"It's more than a little disturbing that you find house fires so amusing," he grumbled. Since he whispered the next part, I doubt it was meant for my ears. "What hell have I gotten myself into?"

"I'm not laughing about your house," I reply as I calm myself. "I'm laughing at how adorable it is for you to monologue like that."

"Adorable?" He slowed the car and pulled into an underground garage. "I think you meant 'devastatingly handsome,' or maybe 'heartbreakingly sexy.' Something other than adorable..."

"Keep telling yourself that," I snicker as we got out of the car.

"That's mean, Lucy," he chuckled. "C'mon, time to release you into your new habitat."

We boarded the elevator and Natsu pushed the button for the top floor, then entered a code on the keypad next to it. I sent him a curious look.

"The first three floors are lobby, restaurants, and gym, respectively," he explained, "all other floors require specific security codes to be entered, or for one of the residents of the floor to grant access. Each apartment has its own code. There's only one residence on the top floor, which makes it a little more secure than the rest."

A soft chime sounds before the doors slide open, revealing a bright white hallway leading to a single blue door. The bare walls and uncarpeted floor make our light steps sound like the footfalls of giants as we walk the only direction available from the elevator. Once open, the door revealed a spacious apartment.

"Wow," I whispered, slipping my shoes off and taking in my surroundings.

Dark hardwood floors started in the foyer and flowed into the warm ocher living room directly in front of us. A creamy studded leather sofa and matching chairs rested on a jewel-tone rug near the middle of the room. Centered on the wall to my right was a massive flat screen TV above a gas fireplace.

The entire far wall was floor-to-ceiling windows with a set of double doors leading onto a furnished balcony.

"Would you like the grand tour, or do you prefer to lurk in the foyer gawking?" Natsu took my purse and hung it on a hook I hadn't noticed, then put a hand on my back and guided me into the lavish residence.

"I was planning on lurking for a while," I joked, "but I would like a shower, and I desperately need to wash my hair."

"Want some help with that?" His words hung in the silence for a few moments before the realization of what he'd said struck Natsu. "Shit! That's not what I meant, I swear!"

I have to suppress a smile, as I'm pretty sure he's about to start babbling again. Adopting a stern expression, I cross my arms in front of my chest and wait. This should be good.

"Not with the shower. I mean, I'm sure you can shower by yourself. Unless you need help? Crap, where the fuck was I going with this? Oh, right...I was just trying to offer to help with your hair," he rambled in his own defense. "My sister-in-law has really long hair – like, fucking ridiculously long – and there's a salon sink in their suite for washing it, since she can't do it herself. When I was a teenager and my brother would go out of town for business, she would stay here with us and I would help her with washing and brushing it out and stuff. Since blood can be difficult to wash out, and your hair is a bit matted from lying in a hospital bed for hours, and I don't want you to have to risk falling in the shower because of your concussion, I thought..."

My breath catches as his gaze meets mine, his eyes pleading for me to believe him as his rambling quiets to a stop. Does he think I don't trust him? I know I'm safe with him; as horrified and angry as he was that someone touched me without permission, I know it is something he would never do. I relax my stance and smile at him.

"That sounds..." I struggle to find the right words as the room sways slightly and I close my eyes to stop the nausea that follows. Natsu's hands are a gentle, steadying force on my biceps, keeping me upright and guiding me to sit on one of the chairs. Sighing at my sudden lack of brain power, I choose something easy to say. "Yes, please."

It doesn't take long before everything is set up and Natsu is leading me through one of the bedrooms into the attached bathroom. The décor is simple, yet elegant, but I don't have time to take it in before I'm helped into the chair so I can lean back against the lip of the sink. I'm more than a little surprised at the gentle way Natsu pulls my hair back so he can begin.

Before the water is even turned on, my nose is assaulted with the strong scent of vinegar, which was liberally poured onto my matted hair.

"Natsu..." I paused, searching for the words. None came to mind, so I settled for simple. "Why?"

"Not my first time doing this. The vinegar will help keep the blood from staining your hair, otherwise you'll have some pink splotches that will take time to fade."

While that makes sense, I'm now curious as to how many times he's had to wash blood from someone's hair that he already knows this information. After a couple minutes, cool water rinsed the sharp smell down the drain. What followed after can only be described as 'heavenly.'

I lost track of time once his fingers touched my scalp. He slowly and methodically worked shampoo into my hair first, keeping his pressure gentle. The water was kept cool but not cold when he rinsed. Natsu only stopped once - just after putting in a deep conditioner, and only long enough to order food when I mentioned I hadn't eaten since dinner the night before – then went right back to work combing through each and every tangle with great care to avoid tugging on my sensitive scalp before giving a final rinse. The entire experience was blissful, and I was more than a little sad when he was finished.

"All clean," Natsu stated, still sliding his fingers through my now-dry hair. "Would you like help putting it up so it doesn't get wet again in the shower?"

All I could do was smile and nod, wanting to prolong this just a bit more. I must admit, this is not what I was expecting when he offered to help with my hair. He was so gentle, and actually did a great job weaving my hair into a loose braid, then pinning it up so it wouldn't get wet. How in the hell is this man not married yet?

"Are you ready to see your room now?"

"Yeah."

We walked down the hall, stopping at the second door on the right. Natsu hesitated with his hand on the doorknob.

"I had the girls pick up a few things you might like for your suite – sheets, curtains, whatever – to make it more your style. We can repaint if you don't like the color and..."

"Natsu," I chided softly, "could I maybe see the room before you decide I'm not going to like it?"

He sent me a smile and opened the door, standing aside for me to enter.

Sky blue walls greeted me as I stepped inside. A queen-size, four-poster bed was set up against the left wall, flanked by matching night tables. Butter yellow sheets peeked out from under a navy-blue quilt. The back wall was all windows, covered by navy curtains which matched the quilt; there was a sliding door leading onto a small balcony, as well. In the far-right corner, stood an empty pair of matching bookshelves flanking a fluffy armchair, all of which sat on a silver and blue floral rug.

Two matching cream doors adorned the right wall. Instead of exploring what I would guess are my closet and en suite bathroom, I turn and wrap my arms around Natsu – who has been patiently awaiting my reaction.

"Thank you, Natsu. It's perfect." I found myself close to tears as I leaned my head against his shoulder.

He stayed silent and still while I spoke; his chest hadn't even moved to indicate he was breathing.

Did I cross a line? Fuck...my throat tightens as I realize that I've been taking advantage of his kindness. After all, he has a company to run, and I am just some girl he barely knows.

Natsu's arms wrapped around me before I dug any deeper into my negative thoughts. His warmth soothed the doubts in my mind and quieted my demons.

"You're welcome." His cheek rested on top of my head; I could feel him smiling. "I'm glad you like it."

We stood holding each other a little longer; it felt like the hug lingered a little too long, but also ended too quickly.

"Two more things to see, then you should take your shower," Natsu said as his arms loosened from me. "Food will be here soon."

Opening the closest door revealed a walk-in closet. All of my clothes were hung up or folded neatly and set onto the shelves, arranged by style and color – just the way I like it. Racks circled the room along the floor holding all of my shoes. It looks like this is everything from my apartment, but there's room for much more.

The other door opened directly into heaven. A glass enclosure encasing a multi-head shower stood to the left, with a deep soaking tub on the far side of it; honestly, I could probably fit two of me into that tub and have plenty of room to stretch out. Natsu opened a cupboard to my right, which was packed with fluffy towels and washcloths.

This whole suite was so beautiful and perfect, and I found myself surrounded by waves of guilt once more. It must have shown on my face.

"I wouldn't have done any of this if I didn't want to, Lucy. Whatever trouble you think you're causing...you're not, I promise." He looked deep into my eyes while he spoke, and I found myself hypnotized once again. His hands took hold of mine and gave them a gentle squeeze to reassure me.

"Thank you," I said again once I found my voice.

Natsu left my room after making sure I knew where everything was and that I knew how to work the shower. Unlike every other time Bora touched me, I do not feel the need to scrub my skin raw, so my shower is relatively quick. Several minutes were spent standing in front of the mirror in my closet, wrapped in a towel and studying the light bruises on my wrists and right arm - which I'm sure will darken over the next few days - before I slipped on a pair of red plaid lounge pants and a black tank top. I debated wearing a bra, but I have no more fucks left to give today. Comfort over fashion around the house.

"Lucy," Natsu called as he knocked on my door. "Are you dressed? Food's here."

"Yeah," I answered as I left my closet. "I'm coming."

"TMI, Lucy," he laughed.

"You, sir, are a pervert," I stated once I opened my door.

"It's part of my charm."

In the process of rolling my eyes at him, I notice his hair is damp. I quickly took in his appearance as he takes in mine. Neither of us can stop the gales of laughter which followed as we made our way to the living room. Somehow, we had managed to choose matching outfits, though he is wearing a T-shirt instead of a tank top.

"We look like we just stepped out of an L.L. Bean winter catalog," Natsu said, still laughing.

"Erza?" I ask as I remember her gifting the pants to me for my birthday two years ago, and they are by far the most comfortable lounge pants I own.

"Yep."

Natsu handed me a steaming cup as I plopped down on the couch. I sent him a curious look before bringing the cup to my lips.

"What? Cocoa goes with everything. And since it's been a rough couple of days, the girls made sure to bring your favorite ice cream this morning, and I figured pizza would be a suitable dinner. I know I prefer it when I've had a crap day." The sound of his voice trailed off as he left the room to fetch something from what I can only assume is the kitchen.

"Damn, a man willing to wash my hair, bring my coffee, and order me junk food. I'm feeling spoiled. Maybe I should reconsider his proposition from Saturday."

I glance at Natsu as he walks back into the room with plates and napkins in his hands, looking at me with one eyebrow raised.

Shit, I hope I didn't say that out loud.

His amused expression tells me that, yes, I did voice my thoughts instead of keeping them in my head. My face is instantly on fire, which only burned hotter when he leaned closer to me, his eyes on mine.

"This doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of how I could spoil you."

The words he spoke paired with a deep tone I hadn't heard from him before sent my heart racing and tied my stomach in knots. It hurt more than a little when the realization hit me that the man who was invading my personal space was everything I had ever wanted – kind and caring, funny and playful, protective and strong without being possessive, generous beyond belief, and so very handsome – but he would always be just out of my reach. We already had the discussion that we're friends, and it wouldn't be appropriate to be anything more.

Even if we both wanted more...even if it was more than just playful flirting, I don't know that I'd ever be able to keep him happy. Honestly, what man wants to be with a woman who is as damaged as I am? That last question leaves my heart aching and I know that whatever little fantasies flit through my mind could never really happen. Instead of dwelling on things I can't have, I forced the ridiculous crush (and accompanying pain) away from the forefront, then I rolled my eyes again and pushed him back playfully.

"Whatever, Casanova." I smiled, hoping it is convincing and does not leave him questioning its sincerity. "What I really want from you is a couple slices of that pizza you spoke of."

"I can make that happen," he replied with a smile still on his face.

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who has faved/followed both myself and this story. Honestly, the warm reception its received has been overwhelming. A special thanks to my reviewers: samurai of sunflowers, LadyNerdyNerf, RequiemMage, Niomei, takeagamble27, Copperreign12, and Trugracee. Your comments and feedback keep my demons at bay (they tell me regularly that my story is shit and I couldn't write to save my life, but y'all continuously prove them wrong with your kind words and excitement for each new chapter).

Sorry this one is kinda short. I was going to do another combined chapter, but my schedule kept me from doing a final editing to make that possible. Fear not, loyal readers, I still have a few more chapters coming your way before publishing slows a bit as I write new material.

TTFN, Lovelies!