A little bit of fluff before Natsu leaves, enjoy!

Natsu flinched at the stream of light that hit his eyes through the blinds when he tried to open his eyes.

He should really get around to buying dark curtains.

Natsu sighed and gave up on the thought of more sleep since he was so rudely woken up, throwing his legs over the side of the bed and running a hand through his hair. He took a few moments to breathe in a couple deep breaths to try and clear the static from his mind, pushing away the last lingering strings of his hazy dream.

Happy trotted into the room with mrowl, the ball of dark gray fluff jumping up onto the bed and nudging his head into Natsu's arm.

"Looks like it's that day again, huh?" Natsu rasped, scratching behind Happy's ears. He had a feeling Happy knew when he was leaving, he was circling around his stuffed duffel bags last night too.

Natsu stretched his arms above him as he stood from the bed, a few satisfying pops along his spine. He winced a bit at the predictable tightness in his shoulder before throwing on a shirt and heading down to the living room.

Natsu got Happy situated with his food and made himself some tea before he fell back onto the couch with a deep sigh, head still feeling a little heavy.

He still had a couple things to do before he left, but it didn't take long for his thoughts to land on Lucy. As he found himself doing most days, more often than not actually, wondering what she was up to, how her day was going, just wanting to spend time with her.

This amazing person had suddenly come into his life, and while she was pretty much being the most gorgeous woman he'd ever met, he couldn't help but be drawn to her kindness, thoughtfulness, the warmth of her personality, the way he just felt this sense of ease and comfort whenever he was around her. He wished they could've met earlier, so they could've shared this friendship all this time.

Natsu smiled softly to himself at the thought before his expression shifted as he was reminded he wouldn't be able to see her for a while soon.

Usually, he didn't let himself didn't get too hung up on the thought of leaving. He never really had anything keeping him here, but now, his chest ached at the thought of not being able to see her for a while.

Sure, he had his close circle of friends, but they all had their own lives too and whenever he got back from a deployment, when he thought about it too much, it sometimes left him feeling like he didn't really have his place in the group as the years went by. Their lives continued to move on while his had felt like it got caught in quicksand. Slow and stagnant, pulling him down further and further, stuck in the same routine he put himself in.

Things felt different with Lucy though. Something deeper he couldn't quite place just yet. This instant connection that loosened the sand at his feet and ignited something in his chest that he already knew he wanted to hold onto. The fog in his mind lifted slightly when he was with her, already bringing some light back into his life.

A few chimes from his phone broke him out of his thoughts, leaning over to grab it from the coffee table in front of him. As if she was reading his thoughts, Natsu smiled wider when he saw it was from Lucy.

Hi Natsu! I'm just finishing up some things and should be over there in a while!

At first, they were going to meet at the base, but then he told Lucy they usually had some breakfast at Rogue's before they headed out if she wanted to go with them and she happily agreed and offered to pick him up this morning instead so they could go together.

He didn't want to trouble her initially, but she insisted with that warm, bright smile of hers and how could he say no and sent her his address last night.

Now, it really set in that Lucy was really going to be here. In his house.

Natsu quickly sat up and looked around. The house wasn't too much of a mess, but it could be better.

He sent a quick reply to Lucy, finishing off his tea before he cleaned up a few things around the living room and kitchen before heading back upstairs for a shower.

Natsu was just finishing up putting a few things in his bags when he heard a couple knocks at the front door. He grinned and made his way back down, opening the door and was greeted with the golden-haired beauty before him.

"Hey, Luce!" Natsu grinned. Lucy greeted him back happily as Natsu pulled her in for a tight hug, the warm, clean scent of her hair surrounding him. "Come in, come in. Make yourself at home, I'm just finishing getting my stuff together."

Natsu lead her inside, showing her the areas around them, offering her something to eat or drink.

"I'm okay for now, Natsu, thank you. I'll save it for when we get there," she smiled, settling into one of the stools at the kitchen island.

"Alright. Was the drive okay?" Natsu asked, moving to grab his camo jacket from the washroom across from them.

"Yes! It's so scenic on the way out here, and your house feels so cozy. I love it."

The warm expression she wore as she looked around and look comfortable here was enough to make him smile so wide it almost made his cheeks sore.

"I'm glad. I like it out here too. I haven't fixed up much around here in a while, but I try," he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.

"That's okay. I'm sure it's a lot, especially when you have to be gone most of the time." There was understanding in those kind eyes and his expression softened a little.

"Yeah, it definitely can be," Natsu sighed, leaning against the counter.

"Have you lived here a long time?"

"Mm, pretty much since I was younger. My parents fixed it up a lot in the beginning, but…" He had to pause for the soft familiar ache in his chest when he thought about his family. "But they're not here anymore."

Lucy made a soft sound, reaching over to grasp his hand. "I'm sorry. I… I know the feeling."

They both hadn't talked a lot about their families yet, but neither pushed each other yet. Natsu knew his own reason for not wanting to dredge up all those memories and feelings that were always just easier to ignore. Lucy had mentioned a little about her mom before, but now, with that deeper something in her eyes, Natsu got the feeling her past must hold some similar hurt too, and he knew that all too well.

Natsu shifted his hand and gave hers a reassuring squeeze with a warm smile, hoping he conveyed his understanding and support that they didn't need words for just yet.

Lucy returned a kind smile of her own, sharing a quiet moment before Happy interrupted them with a meow after trotting down the stairs and hopping up on the back of the couch in the living room with some curious meows about the new person in the house.

"Aw, is this Happy?" Lucy asked, stepping down from the stool and walking towards the couch.

"Yeah, that's him. The brat," Natsu grinned. He had told her a few stories about the mischievous cat a few times and he was happy the two were finally meeting now.

Lucy put her hand out and Happy took some curious sniffs before deeming her acceptable and butting his head into her palm for needy pets with loud purrs.

Natsu shook his head fondly. "See?"

"He's a cutie," Lucy laughed, giving him more scritches behind his ears.

"Hm. When he wants to be," Natsu grinned, chest warming at how quickly Happy had warmed up to Lucy. Sometimes it took him a while with new people, but he must have a good feeling about her too.

Another ping from his phone distracted him, this time from Gray.

Hey. You and your girlfriend are still meeting us at Rogue's before we head out today right?

Natsu rolled his eyes at that as he replied.

Shut up with that

And yes we are. Just getting ready to head out

His phone pinged again.

Whatever you say

Natsu grumbled and ignored him for now, looking back at Lucy.

"Just Gray asking if we're still meeting them, so guess we should get going," he said with a soft sigh.

Lucy nodded with a small smile. "Did you need help with anything?"

"It's okay. Just gotta go up and get my bags. Happy should be set for today, he doesn't need much. Gajeel and Levy have a spare key to the house and they usually come and check up on him and the house after I leave and then take him to their house to play with their cat," he chuckled. "And Gajeel picks up my truck and keeps an eye on it at his shop for me."

"They're so kind," Lucy said warmly. "I wish I could offer to watch him while you're gone, but they don't allow pets in my place."

Natsu laughed at her cute pout. "Don't worry, Luce. You can go visit him all you want."

"Well, it won't be the same without you here, but I'll be sure to send you updates."

"Sounds good," he grinned.

His bags were now ready by the door, standing from the bench by the door with a huff after lacing up his boots and slipping on his jacket.

"Look at you all dashing in your uniform."

Natsu looked over, catching the teasing glint in Lucy's eyes. He grinned a toothy smile in return.

"Dashing? That good, huh? I can wear it more often when I get back?"

Lucy rolled her eyes and laughed, curling some of her hair behind her ear.

Her words caught up to him a moment later.

She thought he looked good in this old thing? Warm pride swelled up in his chest at that. She probably didn't mean it in that way since she was teasing… right? But it was definitely a thought he was going to keep close while he was gone.

Natsu chuckled, smoothing a palm over the rough material. "Alright, let's go." They said their goodbyes to Happy, Natsu taking another look around to make sure everything was set before grabbing his bags and heading out and locking up. "You could'a parked here in the driveway, Luce," Natsu said when he noticed she'd parked on the curb in front of the house.

"It's okay! It was my first time here so I wasn't sure," she chuckled, helping him put his bags in the trunk.

"Don't worry about that. You're always welcome here," Natsu grinned brightly. "Just means you gotta come over and hang out more when I get back."

The morning light is reflected in her golden hair, almost making him want to run his fingers through it as she sends him a happy smile over her shoulder before she gets in the car.

"Sounds like a plan."

They talked and laughed more on their way to the now familiar cafe. She'd told him it had quickly become one of her new favorite places in town and Rogue was happy to have another regular.

Natsu met her there for coffee and snacks a few times since that first time he ran into her there and he more than liked the company.

Normally, Gray usually did ask him if he wanted to join them for their usual meet up at Rogue's before they all left, but he usually didn't feel the drive to go the last few times. He often just spent the mornings of his departures trying to enjoy the last few moments of peaceful quiet at his house before he had to go back to constant noise and often preferred to just meet them at the base. Though, this time, he could make an exception for a certain someone.

Lucy soon found a good parking spot and the bell on the door chimed as they walked in. The savory and sweet smells that greeted him made his stomach growl, glad that they offered more breakfast and lunch foods on the weekends.

He didn't get around to eating much last night, as the slight nerves in his stomach the night before deployments often came up. He felt better today though. But maybe that was more the company currently by his side.

"Over here!"

Natsu turned and found Sting waving them over. He and the rest were already seated at a large corner table by the door and Natsu couldn't help but smile at his infectious bright tone as he walked over to them.

"Hey, guys," Natsu grinned, dropping into a chair towards the edge with Lucy following beside him.

"Hi! It's good to see you both," Yukino said warmly across from them beside Sting.

"Great to see you guys too," Lucy replied happily.

"Gray," Natsu greeted flatly, giving him a half-hearted glare.

Gray rolled his eyes, trying to smother the smile that was twitching on his lips.

"Happy you could join us this time, Natsu. It's been a while," Juvia said kindly.

Natsu caught a bit of concern in Lucy's eyes, but he cleared his throat and scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah, it has," he chuckled, "but thought I'd show Lucy our full, fun deployment day."

He turned and gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile.

"I dunno about fun, but of course its gotta include some good breakfast food," Sting said brightly.

"Ooh, right! I almost forgot about Rogue's good breakfast food on the weekends."

"Forget?" Natsu gasped dramatically. "That's basically a crime, Luce."

Lucy laughed and rolled her eyes with a light elbow to his arm, with that radiant smile that made his chest feel light.

"Glad to have you join us, Lucy. Natsu here could barely keep the smile off his face when he told us you were coming," Gray said with a bit of a teasing smirk.

Natsu tsk'd to himself. Gray was right, but Lucy didn't need to know that.

"Aw, of course! Happy to be a part of the day with you all," Lucy smiled brightly, glancing back at him with those kind honey eyes.

The sight made his chest warm, his neck flushing a little as he cleared his throat again.

She seemed to have missed Gray's teasing. Luckily.

"So, you guys order some stuff yet?"

"We ordered a little bit to start, but we were just waiting for you guys. Wasn't sure if you were going to want something more," Yukino said. "Rogue insisted on bringing everything himself, even though we told him not to," she chuckled.

Natsu chuckled and nodded, and sure enough Rogue was soon walking over with plates of some food and coffee.

"Hey, guys. Good to see you," Rogue grinned with a pat to Natsu and Lucy's shoulders after he set everything down. "Anyone want anything else?"

They said a few more things and Natsu offered to go help him with the plates.

"Oh, it's okay, don't worry. You guys just relax," Rogue smiled, patting Natsu's back before turning to leave to the back again.

"It's useless to try and change his mind when he's like this," Sting laughed, a fond look in his eyes.

"It's true," Gray said, shaking his head.

Rogue eventually came back with the rest of the food and drinks, finally settling beside Sting with a squeeze to his hand.

They all settled into a comfortable conversation after that, but Natsu often found himself drifting in and out of the conversation. Distracted by the sweet warm tone of Lucy's voice and how her bright soft laugh made her eyes shine. The way her hands moved when she talked, remembering how those soft fingertips felt brushing his cheek the last time…

"Natsu?"

Lucy's call of his name snapped him out of his thoughts he didn't even realize he'd fallen into. "Hm? Sorry, what was that?" He asked, smiling sheepishly as a hand came up to scratch the back of his suddenly warm neck.

The others were involved in their own conversations, allowing him to focus on her.

"It's okay," Lucy laughed warmly, "I was just asking if you were nervous about heading out?" she asked, hands fidgeting with the handle of her coffee cup.

"Oh, uh, yeah a little? There's always that kind of… fear, of the unknown and what could happen every time but I know it'll be alright," Natsu sighed, giving her a warm smile and trying not to let it show that he was always more than a little nervous when these days came.

It was difficult to shift back into that certain mindset he didn't always like being in when he went back. To go back to the strong instinct of always watching over his shoulder kick in again. That uncertainty and worry about if they were going to have a place to sleep on missions sometimes

"I get that. You're a tough one though, commander. I know you'll make it through," Lucy said, breaking through his thoughts with conviction in her honeyed brown eyes.

Oh.

Natsu froze for a moment. He had shared the nickname his team usually called him with Lucy recently and now, it sounded far too good coming from her, already craving to hear her say it again.

Natsu cleared his throat, feeling the warmth on his ears, "Well, uh, I do have a reputation to uphold ya know," he quipped back, hoping that came out smooth enough.

Lucy breathed a bright laugh so it was good enough for him.

Soon enough, after more content laughs with everyone, their food was gone and the check was paid and it was that time again.

The group made their way back out to the small parking lot out front.

"Meet you all there?" Sting asked, opening the passenger door of Rogue's car.

"Yeah, sounds good!" Natsu called out when they stepped back over towards Lucy's car, waving at everyone before getting inside.

"So, are you sure we're safe in this, Luce?"

She turned to him, brows drawn in as she started up the car. "What, why?"

A teasing smirk tugged his lips. "I dunno, this hunk of steel might give out on us again."

"Oh shut up."

Natsu cackled when she smacked his chest with the back of her hand, her wide smile back on her face. She made it too fun to tease her sometimes.

She started up the car. "I'll have you know, Levy told me she had Gajeel make sure he put this 'hunk of steel' almost back to as good as new so there," Lucy quipped back, pulling away from the spot.

"Ah, that's good then," Natsu grinned, "but if you do ever need another tow, I'm just a phone call away."

"Good to know you won't leave me stranded."

"Never," he said, looking over and admiring the way the sun highlighted Lucy's profile beside him. Her golden hair falling in waves over her shoulder, the bright smile that reached her deep amber eyes as she glanced over at him.

Wow. That was definitely a sight he was going to take with him.

"So, they mentioned you hadn't joined them in a while?" Lucy asked after a few quiet moments, glancing over at him with a little concern.

Ah. She did catch that, he thought, running a hand through his hair.

"Well… yeah, sometimes it's just hard for me, um, mentally, to be around crowds and stuff," Natsu admitted, glancing out the window at the moving view. "And cause of that and how wrapped up in my head I usually tend to get before I leave, the past few times, I've just preferred to keep to myself on deployment days and I guess they started catching onto that when I would skip their offer to meet up and just get a ride to base," he sighed, a little surprised at how easy it felt to talk about deeper things like this with her.

Though, maybe not all too surprising, considering it was Lucy.

"I'm sorry it gets rough like that for you," Lucy said warmly. "I did notice you were a little quiet in there at times. If I would've known, of course I would have understood if you would've just preferred to go straight there rather than put yourself in a crowd like that for my sake?"

Natsu's chest ached at the worry in her expression. That's the last thing he wanted.

"Hey, it's okay. Please don't feel bad, Luce," Natsu consoled, reaching over to squeeze her shoulder softly. "I hadn't told you that before, so you couldn't have known, but I feel good today and I wanted to have this last bit of 'normal' before I left… with you, and you helped make it all that much better," he said warmly.

He watched the profile of her expression soften, glancing quickly at him with a small smile.

"As long as you're sure. Thank you for sharing that with me. You know you can tell me anything? "

"I'm sure," Natsu grinned, without a doubt in his heart. "I know I can. Thank you. I'm always here for you too."

The rest of the worry melted from Lucy's shoulders for now and she smiled brighter. "Alright. I did like getting to spend time with you before you have to leave too."

"Me too." A bit of warmth spread through his chest. "Now, I found some new good jokes to tell you before I'm gone."

Natsu laughed fully at Lucy's displeased groan, but sent him another smile over her shoulder.

They eased into a comfortable conversation with more laughs and stories after that, and a few directions from Natsu, they all too soon reached the Marine base after a few hours.

As he looked around at all the other military families that were gathered around near the landing platform, that familiar fond warmth swelled in his chest at the fact that Lucy was able to be by his side this time.

He didn't really put too much thought into it the times he came here on his own. Sometimes some of their friends would come with them to see them off before, but this time felt more… meaningful with Lucy there.

"Well, guess this is it," Natsu sighed. His shoulders fell a bit as he tried to give her a reassuring smile as they came to a stop.

He blinked and the next moment Lucy's arms were around his neck, pulling him close in a tight hug.

Emerald eyes widened a bit. He tensed slightly on instinct at first, but then melted into the touch. He dropped his bags to the floor and wound his arms around her.

"Please come back safe, Natsu," Lucy whispered, her voice a little shaky.

Natsu's chest ached at the reality of leaving now. Especially after such an amazing person like her had come into life.

His eyes fluttered closed, burying his nose in her hair and breathing her in, memorizing the feel of her in his arms, her soft warm scent he'd quickly grown addicted to.

He was going to miss the way her energy was able to calm the static in his mind, the way her bright smile would pull him in and make him want to stay by her side and he wanted to hold onto that feeling as long as he could, the way he'd get a little lost in those kind, honeyed eyes.

"I will, Luce," he said softly, a warm palm rubbing her back soothingly. "I promise." Warmth spread through him, a new conviction settling into his chest.

He was never one to break a promise after all.

Natsu leaned back slightly, a little worried when he noticed a couple tears had escaped down her cheeks.

"Hey, please don't cry." The rough pad of his thumb brushed them away softly as her hands came down to settle between them.

"I'm sorry," Lucy chuckled, drying off her eyes more. "I'm just- I'm really gonna miss you…" she said softly with a shaky smile, fingers fidgeting with the material of his jacket. "And of course I'm going to be worried about you out there."

Natsu's expression softened. "Really gonna miss you too, Luce." He curled a soft strand of hair behind her ear. "But it'll be okay. Besides, now I have something worth fighting to come home to."

The words tumbled out before he thought about it, but didn't regret them as Lucy smiled warmly, Natsu admiring the flecks of gold in her eyes and pretty soft pink dusting on her cheeks a little too long before he realized he was still holding her close where his palms had settled at her waist.

Oh, what if this was too much for her? He worried, clearing his throat as a palm came up to scratch the back of his flushed neck.

"Thanks for the ride, Luce. Oh, and like I said, feel free to go visit Happy anytime you want, okay? I'm sure he'll love getting spoiled with pets from his new friend," Natsu grinned, hoping the heat he could feel on his ears wasn't showing too much.

He rarely ever got flustered so often like this. What was up with him lately?

Lucy's light laugh and wider smile had him relaxing though. "I'll be sure to check up on him for you and have one of our favorite burgers for you too."

Natsu clutched his 'as if' wounded chest with a gasp. "You'd have them without me?"

"Hey, if the cravings get to be too much I just might have to!"

They shared some laughs together for a few more moments before an alarm sounded, reminding him that this was the last of their time together for now.

Natsu sighed. He turned his head and noticed some of the others were starting to head towards the plane, catching sight of Gray and Juvia, then Sting and Rogue saying their goodbyes.

Before he turned back fully, Lucy leaned up and placed a soft, barely there, kiss to his jaw. "See you soon, Natsu," she whispered, soft lips brushing his skin.

His breath hitched in his throat, green eyes wide. The flush on his ears surely noticeable now.

"Um, I know it's a bit old fashioned, but is it okay if I write to you? Lucy asked after taking a step back, her own flush deepening on her cheeks.

Natsu was still gathering himself, his skin tingling from her touch.

"O-Oh, uh, y-yeah of course," he breathed out after a few moments, running a hand through his hair. "I'll send you something, um, once we get settled so you have the address?"

"Sure, that sounds good," she grinned, looking through her purse and writing something on a piece of paper and handing it to him, "here's my address."

His chest warmed. "Thanks, Luce," he grinned softly, tucking the paper into his chest pocket, "I'll be back before you know it."

"I'm gonna hold you to that," Lucy smiled, her eyes fond.

"Absolutely."

Natsu stepped closer and pulled her in for one more tight, warm hug. "Bye, Luce. Talk to you soon. I'll miss you," he said softly, swallowing thickly.

Lucy squeezed around his waist tighter. "Bye, Natsu. Miss you already."

He leaned over and grabbed his bags when they managed to pull apart. sending Lucy a wide grin and wave over his shoulder as he started to make his way towards the large plane with the others.

Glad she couldn't feel the tight ache in his chest that he was feeling. He missed her already too.

Thanks for reading! They got a kiss! Almost ;)