Thank you all for the amazing support so far! It means a lot and so glad you're enjoying it! Hope you like this next chapter!
Lucy woke up the next morning feeling lighter than she had in a while, content to take her time in the shower as she got ready for the day. Thankful that it was the weekend so she could simply enjoy some time to herself and relax.
Which was much needed, especially after things had felt so busy with the move this month, getting settled in the apartment, her new job, and just trying to become more familiar with the town again from when she was here before.
It also felt good to finally make some time to take Levy up on her offer to get out for a bit and enjoy some dinner with her and her friends. She smiled softly to herself at the thought of the new seemingly kind group of friends she'd made last night. Something she hadn't really had in a long time.
Levy had been one of her only constant friends over the years, despite not really being able to see each other since Lucy had gone back home to Crocus in the middle of an early college semester here. After that, Lucy hadn't really branched out with friendships other than having some friendly co-workers. Most of her time she'd spent working and it was just easier to just focus on that and keep to herself.
So, it felt surprisingly good to not resort to her usual bad habit of distancing herself, and instead listen to her gut and step out of her comfort zone a little and make some friends. The group was kind and welcomed her from the start, including her in their stories and jokes with warm laughs.
One friend with a bright smile and warm green eyes stood out a little more than the rest… but maybe that was just from the clumsy way they met more than anything.
It hadn't been her finest moment, but Natsu had just grinned and joked it off and made her feel better about messing up his nice shirt and the whole thing with his kind, pretty eyes, and infectious laughter quickly easing her bit of nerves.
It wasn't very often that Lucy made such a comfortable connection with someone so quickly and she hoped it was a sign that it would be the start to a good friendship.
Lucy pulled on some comfy clothes and settled into the corner of her couch with some tea after she'd turned on something on her tv, smiling when she saw a text from Levy come through.
Lucy! It was SO good seeing you last night! I hope you had fun! It's really been too long. I missed you!
She capped off the text with a whole wave of emojis that made Lucy laugh softly as she replied back, I did! Thanks so much for the invite! Loved seeing you and missed you so much too!
They texted back and forth for a bit before Lucy asked her if she wanted to come over and see her new apartment and hang out since she wasn't doing much. Levy agreed right away, of course, and was over within the hour.
"Hi! Sorry for the mess. I'm still kind of putting things away," Lucy chuckled, giving Levy a tight hug and smoothing out the more appropriate sweater she threw on than looking like she'd just rolled out of bed.
"Nonsense! You should see the mess at our house ugh," Levy shook her head. "But I love it! Cozy and perfect," she grinned brightly. "Oh! I brought you a little housewarming gift."
"Aw, thank you, Lev. You didn't have to," Lucy said warmly, taking a bag and opening it to find a couple candles and snacks inside. "How did you know I've been wanting to get some candle?" Lucy laughed, "I love this, thank you."
"You're welcome! It's what what best friends are for," Levy smiled warmly and Lucy matched it with one of her own before pulling her in for another hug.
Lucy really had missed their friendship.
She set the gifts on the counter and grabbed them some drinks and food before settling on the couch.
"So how've you been? Happy we finally got to meet up since you moved back! I know we talked a little last night, but it wasn't enough."
Lucy laughed, tucking her legs up under her. "I've been good! It's been great being back. I'd almost forgotten how much I like it here. Quieter, not so crowded," she smiled fondly. "I'm glad things finally feel a little more settled after all the moving too."
"Ugh, I bet! Moving is always stressful, but I'm so happy you decided to come back," Levy grinned. "Is everything okay with your family now? I remember you telling me a little over the years, but I didn't want to push you to talk about it or anything."
Lucy's heart ached as she was reminded about the reality of it all, but she didn't want to get into all the details right now. "Well, um, I think I mentioned that my mom had gotten sick and... things were hard for a long time and she-" Lucy swallowed thickly and took a steadying breath. "She actually passed a little over six months ago now."
Levy breathed a soft sound and grasped Lucy's hand between them. "Oh, Lucy. I'm so sorry. I know how close you both were. I didn't mean to make you talk about it before you were ready."
"It's okay," Lucy reassured softly, brushing off a stray tear that had escaped and a squeeze to Levy's hand. "I know I didn't really talk a lot about everything over the years, but it was just easier to focus on other things because then always feel overwhelmed by it all, y'know?" Levy hummed in understanding, soft brown eyes kind. "But I know she wouldn't have wanted me to be sad for so long like I was, and there was nothing really keeping me back in crocus anymore so it's one of the main reasons I decided to move back."
They were quiet for a moment before Levy added, "I'm so sorry you had to go through all that. Your mom was always so nice the times she came to visit us and she's really going to be missed, but you're right that she wouldn't want you putting your life on hold anymore," she said softly. "You always deserve to be happy and I'm so proud of all your strength through everything and for having the courage to start your life again here."
Lucy had to blink back more tears. "Thank you. For everything. Our friendship has always meant a lot to me."
Levy only pulled her in for another warm hug, grinning brightly when they pulled back. "Me too. Always."
They moved onto lighter things after that, catching up on more of their lives since the past five years. How Levy and Gajeel had met when he opened his auto body shop here a few years ago and Levy had started bringing her car there and couldn't help become a regular pretty quickly after the cute mechanic was a little grumpy, but kind and helpful. How they both still loved to read and do some writing. How easy it was for them to pick things right back up like no time had been lost between them.
They gave more hugs when Levy was headed out, with more promises for more lunch and dinner meet ups soon and Lucy was already looking forward to it.
The night of the fair came up quickly the next month after that. Or rather the 'spring harvest festival' Levy had said it was "technically" called, but they all just called it the fair. She had offered for her and Gajeel to pick Lucy up since it was on their way and Lucy happily agreed,
Lucy found herself eager to spend more time with new friends… and see Natsu's bright smile again if she was being honest with herself.
They had all met up for a couple more dinners over the month and Lucy felt more included into the friend group each time, and every time she saw Natsu it surprised her how easy it was to just talk and laugh. This warmth spread through her chest every time that she couldn't quite place, but happily welcomed it all the same. Even now just at the thought of hanging out with him and everyone again.
"Thanks again for the ride. I've gotten more comfortable with the routes around town, but wouldn't have wanted to chance getting lost or something even with the directions on my phone," Lucy laughed.
Levy giggled and turned in the passenger seat. "Of course! Though, don't let this one fool you, if it wasn't for my perfect navigation skills, he'd get lost everyday since he refuses to use the maps on his phone." She rolled her eyes playfully at Gajeel beside her.
He scoffed at that. "I took a wrong turn once and this is what she turns it into." He turned to stick his tongue out at Levy and she pushed his shoulder in return, making them all laugh.
Soon enough, they pulled into a large parking lot, paying for a small ticket at the front booth and seeing Gray and the rest waiting for them ahead and then she heard Natsu before she saw him
"Luce!"
When she did look over, he was smiling brightly and waving her over. "Hi, Nat-!"
He quickly grabbed Lucy's hand in his before she could finish, pulling her with him to follow him.
"Come on, Luce! There's some spicy chicken over here you gotta try!"
Lucy couldn't help the laughter that bubbled in her chest as she gripped his warm rough hand in hers. She looked back, waving at the rest of the group who started to follow them at a less eager pace and shaking their heads. She heard Levy's giggle as she waved them off too, but with the light that Natsu radiated, his warm palm in hers, the bright infectious smile he gave her over his shoulder, she would follow him anywhere.
Several food tents later, they ended up at a ring toss game where things just weren't going Natsu's way.
"Ugh! These games are rigged!" Natsu complained, running his hands through his hair as yet another ring missed landing on a bottle.
"Think it might just be you, Natsu," Lucy teased with a light giggle, patting his arm. "Here, let me give it a try."
Natsu grumbled, stepping aside so Lucy could try her hand at the apparent cursed game.
Four rings later, each one landing perfectly on a bottle, Natsu was gawking as winning bells sounded and bursts of confetti were showering over them as Lucy won a perfect game.
"Wha-!"
Lucy turned to him, honey eyes shining brightly. An even brighter smile across her lips.
"I did it, Natsu!"
"Alright! A great game, miss! Here's your prize!"
The worker handed her a large oversized dragon plushie, Lucy hugged it against her right away.
"Aw, I love him already!" Lucy cooed.
"I can't believe you got a perfect game on your first try," Natsu mumbled.
Lucy laughed brightly, warmth spreading through her heart at the sight of his dramatic pout. He was so cute. Lucy wrapped an arm around his and tugged him away from the stand.
"Come on, you."
"I wanted to be the one to win it for you!"
"Don't worry. You can buy me some ice cream over there to make up for it," she grinned.
"I guess I can," Natsu said with a fake pout before a crooked smile emerged as he turned to her. "Wait hold still, you got some confetti in your… " Natsu paused, stopping them so he could pull the colored paper from her bangs.
Lucy's breath hitched. Her heart faltered as Natsu pushed some fallen strands from her face and behind her ear softly. He traced the line of her hair, his thumb brushing her cheek faintly. The strands of hanging lights surrounding them in a soft glow that glistened off his deep emerald eyes.
Natsu's gaze found hers, his eyes widening slightly as quickly retracted his lingering fingers that were in her hair.
"T-There! All better," Natsu said with a breathless chuckle, palming the back of his neck. "S-So ice cream right?"
A fierce warmth had quickly covered her neck from Natsu's soft touch. Her skin still tinged where the rough skin of his fingers had lingered.
Get a hold of yourself, Lucy. It's just Natsu…
She pushed down the flutter that stirred in her chest, that familiar soft warmth settling it.
Lucy hooked her arm back through his, starting to lead them back towards the food stands. "Sounds perfect, Natsu."
Their eyes met again and she couldn't help but match the bright grin that he wore.
Lucy laughed when she saw Natsu's order of a large cup with two scoops and all kinds of toppings. She got her favorite strawberry with some toppings too, enjoying a spoonful as they stood at a small table. Lucy sighed softly in content, taking in the sights around them.
"So how are you liking everything so far? Got more settled in town?" Natsu asked, practically almost finished with his cup.
"Yeah it's really fun! There wasn't really anything like this back home, so it's nice to see the town come together like this," Lucy grinned. "Things have been better too, little less stressful now that I finally got around to putting away the last box," she chuckled. "Not that I even have that much stuff, but you know how it can take forever to fully unpack."
"Yeah I totally get that," Natsu laughed, "and I'm glad you're feeling more at home here. It suits you," he said, his expression a bit softer.
Lucy smiled warmly. "Me too."
They met up with the rest of the group at a large table in the middle of all the food a bit after that.
"Hey! There you guys are. Didn't even say where you ran off to," Levy said with a teasing smile.
"Told you guys Natsu would drag her to eat his way through the food stands." Natsu stuck his tongue out at Gray for that.
"Well, that part is true," Lucy giggled, "but I was off winning this cute plushie that Natsu couldn't win," she teased, hugging the dragon closer.
The group laughed. "What happened, Natsu? Loosing that competitive edge?" Sting smirked.
Natsu huffed and crossed his arms. "Oh, come on. I told her that game was rigged."
"Like that's ever stopped you from coming close to breaking one of these games to win," Gray laughed as Natsu grumbled.
"Alright, alright," Levy waved off. "Come try these amazing fries we got!"
They all talked and laughed for a while longer before it started getting late and decided to head out.
Natsu walked towards the back of the group with her. "You came with Levy right?"
"Hm? Oh yeah, her and Gajeel gave me a ride since we were all meeting here anyway."
They slowed down a little as they approached everyone's cars. "Well, um... I can give you a ride back? If you want?"
"Oh, are you sure? I wouldn't want you to go out of your way or anything?"
Natsu gave her a warm grin. "Of course not. I'd be happy to help."
That warmth swelled in her chest at the thought of not having to say goodbye right away and had her happily agreeing. "Alright sure, thank you," she smiled.
"No problem, Luce." Natsu rubbed the back of his neck with a widening grin before he cleared his throat. "Night, guys! I'm taking Lucy home," he called out to the group with a wave.
"Okay! Drive safe and see you guys soon," Levy replied, some kind of knowing glint in her eyes that Lucy didn't want to think too much about.
Lucy said her goodbyes too with a few hugs and they set off. "It's just over by the shopping district," Lucy said, giving Natsu a few directions when he asked where her apartment was.
"Oh yeah, that's not too far," he grinned as they headed out of the parking lot.
"I like your choice of cars, or trucks rather," Lucy chuckled. She wasn't all too surprised that he had a tall, older, red truck when they approached it and he held the door open for her. It suited him.
"Thanks," Natsu laughed. "I had an old, smaller used car as my first one I had saved up for when I was doing all these small jobs in high school. Then I saw someone was selling this truck for cheap one day and I had to get it," he grinned brightly at the memory. "I've fixed it up a lot over the years to the grand chariot it is now."
"Sure, sure." Lucy rolled her eyes and laughed. "Though, I'm still driving around my first older car so I can't really tease you too much."
They laughed together again, with more easy conversation that made time pass by quickly and before she knew it, he was pulling up to her building.
Lucy sighed, a little sad the night was coming to an end, but she supposed it had to at some point. "Well, thanks again for the ride, Natsu. I appreciate it. I had a lot of fun tonight," she grinned warmly.
"Yeah, of course, anytime, Luce. I'm glad you had a good time. I did too. It's been a while since I've went but it was way better with you there this time." Those green eyes were warm and kind, and she couldn't help but get a little lost in them. "Hope you have a good week though and see you soon?"
His voice pulled her back into the moment. "A-Absolutely. Now, I have to go put this in a safe space," she said, pulling up the dragon plushie and holding it close.
Natsu chuckled and shook his head. "Yeah, yeah. You enjoy this round, but I'm gonna win next time."
"Whatever you say," she teased, stepping out and holding the door open as she gathered her stuff. "Oh! Here, you can put in your number so we can keep in touch more?" She opened the contacts on her phone to a new page and handed it to him.
Natsu's eyes brightened. "Yeah, sure." He took her phone and punched in some numbers and adding some dragon emojis next to his name with a cackle.
"You would," Lucy rolled her eyes, lips twitching into a smile. "Hope you have a good week too, Natsu. Drive safe and see you next time."
"Sounds good. Night, Luce." He gave her one more bright, toothy grin as she told him goodnight and waved before heading up to her apartment.
The light feeling lingered in her chest for the rest of the night. The more Lucy got to know Natsu, the more she was drawn to him. His warmth, the way he made her laugh, already craving to spend more time with him and know him better. She smiled softly at the thought and let it rest in her mind as she drifted off to sleep.
However, that light feeling didn't follow her into the next few days and today was just not Lucy's day.
First, she'd been making some simple mistakes at work that had her feeling off and frustrated this week, then she had to change her outfit after spilling coffee on herself just as she was about to head out the door this morning, then to barely being able to get her heap of a car started after it was acting up yesterday.
So, safe to say she would just love to restart her day if she could. Or whole week. Back to that light feeling she'd felt after spending the day with her friends last week.
Lucy decided she'd earned a treat for herself after all the mess today that was supposed to be a good start to the weekend before she attempted to do some errands. It definitely wasn't meant for her to try making coffee at home today, so she decided to finally stop by a small coffee shop she had seen nearby recently and get herself to a nice latte.
Lucy put in her order with the barista then sat at a table close by, sliding open her phone and checking her emails.
Her mind wandered towards Natsu, hoping he was having an easier morning than she was.
The bell on the door rang as someone walked in.
"Hey, Luce!"
Lucy looked up, and there he was. Natsu, the very man in her thoughts, standing there in a pair of faded jeans, worn laced boots, his fresh undercut. His black t-shirt revealed a full tattooed sleeve on one arm, and a large piece extending towards his elbow on the other arm. Green eyes kind as ever.
Oh wow…
She hadn't noticed the artwork before in the last few times she had seen him. He'd been wearing a jacket or a long sleeve shirt, but she definitely wasn't complaining now, the thought making her neck a little warm.
"How are you?" he grinned as he came up closer to her table, that wide crooked one that did weird things to her heart.
Lucy sighed, her gaze falling from his glorious form for a few seconds to get her thoughts back in order. "Could be better honestly, it's been kind of a rough morning so far," she murmured, running a hand through her long hair.
"Aw, that sucks. I'm sorry," Natsu pouted a little. "Well, I'm glad I ran into you then. Did you already order coffee? I'll grab you something to eat!"
Before Lucy got a chance to reply, Natsu was already in line at the register.
He came back with two plates, placing one in front of her, "Here ya go, the best cinnamon scones they got, which also happen to be my favorite thing here," Natsu said proudly.
Lucy's chest warmed at the sweet action, and that smile. The one that made one of his sharp canine teeth poke out from his lip…
Get a hold of yourself, Lucy! As we said last time, it's just Natsu...
"Thanks, Natsu," Lucy said, feeling more settled.
"No problem, Luce." Their coffee orders were soon called out. "Oh, I'll grab 'em." Natsu turned to head back towards the counter to grab the cups and sat back down at Lucy's table.
"Got a minute to catch up?" Natsu asked, his eyes hopeful as he handed over her coffee.
She thanked him again. "Yeah, of course," Lucy grinned, bit of that warmth back in her chest.
"So how did you have a rough morning?" He asked, taking a sip of his drink.
Lucy ran her hand through her hair again, breathing another deep sigh before she went on to tell him about her frustrating start to the day.
She huffed when she was done. "I'm sorry. I'm rambling and probably sound like I'm just complaining and I-"
"Luce."
"And I just- you probably have better things to be doing right now than me keeping you and-"
"Lucy."
Lucy's gaze snapped back to his, finding his soft amused expression. A warm hand resting on her forearm.
"It's okay," Natsu reassured, "First off, I'm sorry your day didn't start off so well, but I totally get those days like where nothin' goes right either, always sucks. And second, don't worry, I'm here to listen if you need to vent about anything," Natsu finished with a soft smile.
Lucy's heart warmed again. It had been a long time since someone genuinely wanted to spend time with her, even just to talk like this. It was refreshing and a bit... overwhelming to say the least.
She didn't have many people she could call friends, let alone close friends, but she felt Natsu starting to break down her walls piece by piece. A large part of her wanted to resist. To step back and hide from too much happening too fast… but the other part found herself craving it. To be able to have a genuine friendship, to have that close connection with someone.
So she let herself embrace it a little
"Thank you, Natsu. I really appreciate that." She said softly, breathing another sigh, "But enough about me, how are you?"
Natsu took a last gulp of his coffee and leaned back in his chair. "I'm good! It was a bit of a slow start, but I was just out doing some stuff to prepare for the week. Nothin' too fancy. Thought I'd stop at Rogue's for some coffee."
"Sting's boyfriend, Rogue? They live nearby?"
"Oh, well, they do, but he actually owns this place," Natsu grinned easily. "Don't think he's here today though. He usually is."
"Really? That's so cool," Lucy smiled too. "I've been seeing it on my way to work all the time and finally decided to stop today. He didn't even say anything the other times we've all hung out together. I'll have to tell him I love his coffee."
Natsu laughed. "He's too modest that way. Hates to brag about anything, but it's awesome what him and Sting built here and that'd make his day to hear."
"Next time for sure," she grinned. "Well, I'm glad your morning wasn't as hectic as mine at least."
"Don't worry, it's bound to happen soon, I'm sure," Natsu said, giving her that same toothy smile.
They talked and laughed for a while longer and each minute soothed her frayed nerves from this morning until she was warm and content with Natsu's company.
They got a few more minutes in before Lucy caught a glimpse of the time behind the register and groaned internally at the thought of having to leave already.
"Well, as much as I'm enjoying this, really, I guess I should get around to what I planned to do," Lucy sighed.
"Gotcha. Well I'll let ya get to it! I should probably get to my stuff too," he sighed, seeming as reluctant to end their time as much as she was.
They stood up from the table. She caught a wince pass Natsu's face as he stretched his shoulder, but it was gone before she could think too much of it as they made their way outside, warm sun greeting them.
"Thanks again for the snacks and making my morning better, Natsu," she said with a bright smile.
"Anytime! We should, um, come grab some coffee again sometime soon?" He asked, one of his hands coming up to rub the back of his neck.
Lucy thought she saw a faint flush on his cheeks, but it was probably from the hot coffee or weather. Right?
"Absolutely. I would love that, Natsu," she eagerly agreed, her smile widening.
"Alright, sounds good, Luce. Have a good one!" He said brightly with a wave.
Lucy waved back and got into her car. She tried to turn the key over, only to have the engine start sputtering on her again.
"Oh no. You've got to be kidding me." Lucy tried a few more times, but no luck.
Just perfect, she thought, resting her forehead against the steering wheel.
This morning's negative energy was just insistent on coming back around to kick her in the a-
She flinched at a sudden tapping at her other window.
"Everything ok, Luce?" Natsu's muffled voice asked through the window, his eyes concerned.
Lucy sighed and got back out of her car, coming around the hood towards him.
"Oh, just my dumb car deciding to test my patience today of all days," Lucy complained, pushing back the strands of hair that were blowing annoyingly in front of her face. "It's been causing me some problems lately, but I just haven't had a chance to take it in anywhere."
"Hey, it's alright, these things happen," Natsu consoled, coming around and giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Do you mind if I get in for a sec?"
Lucy handed him the keys, watching as he opened her door and slid in the seat.
Natsu turned the key over again. "Hmm, your dash lights aren't going on, it could be your battery."
He stepped out, handing her back her keys. "Let me check to see if I have my cables in my truck, maybe I can give you a jump."
"Oh, I would hate to trouble you, Natsu. I can call someone."
"Nah, it's no problem," Natsu waved off, "Don't gotta pay for that, I'm parked right down there, I can bring it up," he said, digging a hand in his pocket and pulling out his keys.
"Thanks so much, Natsu," Lucy breathed, relieved. She knew the basics of car maintenance, but nowhere near confident enough to know what could be wrong with it.
"Sure thing! Be right back!" Natsu grinned before making his way down to his truck.
Lucy sighed deeply. Although it was the last thing she had planned on doing today, at least it happened here and not while she was out stranded someplace she wasn't familiar with.
She was also just a little happy she could spend more time with Natsu, if she was being honest.
Lucy snapped back to the moment at the rumble of his truck as he pulled up in the empty space in front of her car in the small parking lot.
"Good news, Luce. Had my cables after all," Natsu grinned, stepping out of his truck and starting to get the hoods open to connect the cables to the batteries.
Lucy couldn't help but admire how the sun highlighted the colors of the swirling tattoos on his arms, and the way his muscles moved as he worked…
Natsu started up his truck again, breaking her out of her thoughts and coming back over to lean against it by Lucy.
"So, not quite what you had planned, huh?"
"Ugh, no not quite," she chuckled, shaking her head lightly.
They carried on comfortable conversation for a few more minutes before Natsu went over and tried to start her car again.
"Ah, I'm sorry, Luce. I think your battery is totally dead or there's somethin' more going on," Natsu grumbled, scratching the back of his neck and pouted a little, which looked far too cute than it had any right being.
"It's okay! I really appreciate the help, Natsu," she reassured warmly.
"Still a bummer, but I can call Gajeel. He has pretty decent prices and does good work. I'm sure he could take a look at it for you."
"It wouldn't be too much of a short notice?"
"Nah, it's okay. People bring in cars to him all the time. One sec." Natsu took out his phone and stepped off to the side a bit.
Lucy nodded and fidgeted with her hands. She really hoped it wasn't anything too serious, she just couldn't afford a new car right now. After she'd just gotten settled into the new apartment and job, it would be a bit until she could handle something like that.
Natsu suddenly cleared his throat. "Alright! He says he can take a look at it for ya. I can hitch your car onto my truck and take you over there."
"Oh, you don't have to do that. You've already done so much," Lucy fretted.
"I really don't mind," Natsu said, giving her a wide grin.
The tension in her chest loosened slightly. "Alright, if you're sure?"
"Of course! Don't worry, it'll all work out," he grinned, starting to get things prepared for her car.
Before she knew it, her car was all hitched up and she was in the passenger seat of his truck on their way to the shop.
Sometimes it really surprised her that there were such genuine and caring people out there like Natsu who were willing to go the extra mile to help her, but she could never shake off the feeling like she was a burden somehow whenever she accepted any amount of help.
"I'm sorry to bother you like this and ruin your day," Lucy said softly, pulling at a loose thread on her jeans.
"Hey, it's no bother at all, Luce, I promise," Natsu reassured warmly. "I didn't have much going on today anyway. I'm always happy to help you out. On the bright side, at least we ended up getting to hang out more today." Natsu turned to her with that bright grin of his, and with the way the light caught the green in his eyes just right, how could she say no to anything he said.
A flush crawled up her neck, forcing her to tear her gaze from his before she got too lost in those kind depths again. "H-hey, you're right," she laughed softly.
They arrived at the shop soon,Lucy following Natsu's lead through the back door.
"Yo! Gajeel, where ya at?"
"In the office," a deep rough voice called back.
They passed by several cars in various stages of progress as they made their way to a small room up by the front of the shop. Gajeel's tall broad form stood out, sorting through a stack of papers on a messy desk when they entered. His long black hair pulled back into a messy bun, making his numerous piercings more noticeable, also sporting a full tattooed sleeve like Natsu's.
She found she preferred the latter's a little better. Just a little.
"Is that a way to greet your favorite person?" Natsu smirked.
"Shut up," Gajeel grumbled, rolling his eyes but seeming not all that irritated. "Hey, Lucy," he nodded towards her, "heard from a certain idiot, ya got some car trouble?"
Natsu squawked next to her, making her laugh lightly at their banter. "Hi, Gajeel. Yeah, it's been giving me some issues lately. Barely started up yesterday and again today. We tried to give it a jump earlier but nothing, so Natsu suggested bringing it in."
"Hm, yeah we're a little slow today so I can take a look at it for ya."
Lucy breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, that's a big help."
"Sure. I can give you a call in a while. Let ya know what I find," he said leaning back against the desk, cleaning off his hands with a rag from his pocket.
"Sounds good," Lucy smiled.
She filled out some paperwork before they went back out to get her car situated.
"Again, I really appreciate all your help today, Natsu. So glad I ran into you this morning."
Natsu chuckled softly. "No problem, Luce. It was the least I could do," he grinned, palming the back of his neck as they leaned against his truck after handing off her keys to Gajeel.
"Hey, how about we grab some lunch, as a thank you. My treat?
"Oh, you don't gotta do-"
"Please? You can show me another one of your favorites?" Lucy urged, smiling when she saw his eyes brighten at the possibility of food.
Natsu ran his hand through his hair again. "Alright, when ya put it that way, I think I know just the place," he agreed with a toothy grin.
"Are you sure you're alright with this spot, Luce?"
They ended up at a small hole in the wall pub in town. One she wouldn't have even noticed if she wasn't looking for it. It wasn't anything grand, but had a cozy feel to it and she loved it already.
"Of course! I wanna try this so-called 'best burger you've ever had' for myself," Lucy grinned, following him towards a small booth in the back.
Natsu lit up at that. "I'll make good on that claim, I promise. Take a seat, let me go put in the order at the bar. You want somethin' to drink?"
"Sure, anything is good."
Natsu nodded, heading over the counter and returning not too much longer with two large pint glasses. "I brought you another one of my favorites. They make this draft right here too," he said, smiling that wide smile that reached his soft eyes.
Lucy smiled and thanked him before taking a taste of her golden beer. "Oh that really is good! I'm gonna need to make a list of all your favorites for myself," she grinned.
"Right? Glad you like it!"
Lucy laughed at Natsu's eager face when their food was set in front of them.
"Oh, I wasn't sure if ya like things too spicy like I do, or not so I asked for them to put some sauce on the side."
"I don't mind some spice, Think I'm up for the challenge," Lucy said confidently.
"I knew you were a tough one, Luce," Natsu smirked.
Natsu raved about the burger, barely coming up to take a few breaths and sips of his drink until he was practically finished with it.
"Natsu," Lucy laughed, grabbing a napkin and leaned over. "You've got sauce all over you."
Before she knew it, she was brushing over his cheek to clean it softly. Her gaze lingering on his lips before their gazes clashed, holding it for a few long moments.
Lucy's eyes widened slightly, quickly retracting her hand. Heat immediately rose up the back of her neck and most likely onto her cheeks. She hoped he wouldn't catch it.
What was that?!
"S-Sorry! I just, I-"
Natsu cleared his throat, "It's okay! T-Thanks, I, uh, do tend to get carried away a bit sometimes," Natsu chucked, grabbing a napkin to clean off the rest of his mouth before scratching his neck, "but, um, I hope you liked yours?"
"Oh, I definitely did," Lucy smiled, his honest eyes and soft tone easing her pounding heart a bit, "you were right, it was easily one of the best I've had. We'll have to come back for another soon."
A wide smile stretched his lips, putting a hand over his chest. "Ah, more of my favorite foods. You know the way to my heart already, Luce."
Another flush crept up her neck just when it was starting to calm down.
How does he say these things that affect her so easily?!
"So how's work been?" Natsu asked, leaning back in the booth and sipping the rest of his drink.
Work. That was an easy topic. Her heart got so worked up over the simplest things around him, he was probably just being nice like he always was.
She'd recently shared a bit with him about her job as an office assistant at a small local online magazine company in town recently. Lucy thanked her lucky stars she was able to find something when she was searching for jobs before she left home. It made the move a bit easier without that extra bit of worry. It wasn't exactly her dream job, but she was grateful for anything.
Part of her was expected to hear that it was a rather boring profession when she'd told Natsu about it, but he was so sweet and enthusiastic and was always willing to hear about her work. Which put her heart at ease a bit and allowed her to be a little more open.
Lucy sighed a bit. "It's going okay, can get stressful some days, but it's worth it," Lucy smiled softly, "but I've, uh, actually started working on some original stuff of my own on the side when I get the time," she said, pushing some hair behind her ear and fingers fidgeting with her glass.
"Really?" Natsu grinned brightly, "That's awesome, Lucy! I'm sure you write amazing stuff."
"Oh, I don't know about that," she laughed, her cheeks warming.
"What kind of writing is it?"
"Um, mostly fiction, fantasy, things like that."
"Oh, like with dragons and stuff?" he asked, his grin turning toothy with an excited glimmer in his eyes.
"It's a strong possibility yes," Lucy laughed. He was too cute.
"I can't wait to read some! I already know it's gonna be awesome if you're the one writing it," he said, "you just might have to send me some while I'm away. Gonna need something to help keep me sane," Natsu chuckled dryly, his smile faltering slightly. He rubbed the back of his neck, tracing random shapes into the wood of the table with his other hand.
"When do you have to leave?" she asked softly
Natsu breathed a deep sigh, "Two weeks." Then answering the question she was thinking of before she could ask, "Gonna be gone for a couple of months." A flash of something she couldn't place crossed his face.
Her chest ached. She knew he was set to deploy, but didn't realize it would be so soon.
"Oh, that's coming up quick. We'll have to be sure to fit in another burger before then," Lucy smiled warmly, trying to ease the soft ache she felt in her chest at the thought of not being able to see him for a while.
Natsu's gaze met hers, his soft smile reaching his eyes again, "Yeah, absolutely."
They were quiet for a moment before a thought crossed her mind, and she was blurting it out before she fully realized it. "Can I-, um, if you don't mind, can I go with you to see you off when you leave?"
That damn flush spread back up her neck again.
Did she just ask that? She said it before she lost her nerve but was that too much? It was too soon wasn't it. What if-
"Oh, yeah? Of course you can, Luce."
Lucy met his wide emerald gaze. A noticeable cute dusting of pink covered his cheeks as he ran a hand through his hair and cleared his throat.
"I-, um, I would love that actually," he said with a warm smile.
"Sounds like a plan," she replied just as warmly.
Thanks for reading! Natsu's leaving soon T_T but don't worry, some good fluff is ahead uwu