Hope you all enjoy some more fluff with our dorks slowly falling for each other!

Yo Luce!

I'm sorry it took me a while to get this out to you. We got in and then things got a bit hectic pretty quick, but I'm glad I finally have this chance to write to you now.

How are you? I hope everything's good back home. It's hot and dry over here in Alvarez, but luckily I've gotten used to this weather all these years. Gray? Not so much. Still kinda funny.

I already feel tired with all the moving around we're already doing, so I hope time passes fast this time around. I have a lot to get back to now. Be well, Lucy. I'm sure you miss my amazing jokes already, but don't worry, I'll be back before you know it! I really miss hanging out with you, though and I can't wait till I get to see you again.

Oh! Happy is probably already enjoying his time over at Levy and Gajeel's with Lily if you wanna go visit and say hi to him for me. Sure he misses you from the first time and would rather see you more than he would me. The brat.

Take it easy at work and be sure to have some fun! This was also my first time writing a letter so I hope I didn't mess it up too badly!

Talk to you soon,

Natsu

Lucy smiled fondly as she read over Natsu's letter again. His writing was a little messy and smudged in some spots, but she loved it all the same. She could just hear his warm tone as she read it and pictured that bright toothy smile, feeling a soft ache in her chest.

She missed him. More than she realized.

Lucy had picked up the letter from her mail this morning, her pulse picking up a bit when she saw his name. Quick to read it as soon as she jumped in her car. Lucy knew they could have done the 'modern' thing and sent emails, but Lucy thought it was a bit more personal this way and made it worth the wait.

Lucy sighed and glanced at the time on her computer for what felt like the thousandth time that hour, and it wasn't even noon yet! The neat typed words on her screen weren't nearly as exciting as the handwritten ones on her desk. Concentration basically non-existent now as her mind continued to drift back to the letter and what she should write back.

Why was she worrying so much over this? He was her friend, she was comfortable with him, it shouldn't be this hard… But yet, that flutter of warmth that has sparked in her chest more often than not lately when she thought about him was getting harder to ignore.

Especially the recent time she let that warmth lead her to press that kiss to his cheek when she said goodbye to him at the landing last month…

Remembering the thought, a fierce blush crept up on her cheeks.

What was she thinking?! She probably freaked him out or-

A notification on her phone broke through her thoughts. It was from Levy.

Hey, Lu! Putting together a dinner with the girls at my house tonight to kickoff the weekend if you're interested! We would love to see you!

Part of her wanted to decline, already tired from her long workweek, but another part found herself missing her friend after being so busy lately.

Lucy smiled softly to herself as she typed out her response to Levy.

Hi! That sounds fun! Thanks so much for inviting me. I definitely need it after this week! Anything I can bring?

Maybe it would also help take her mind off thinking about her certain other friend too much…

Lucy got to Levy's house after picking up some sweets at the store after work since she didn't want to get there empty handed. Despite Levy insisting she didn't need to bring anything.

"Hi, Lu! So glad you could make it! Please come in and make yourself at home!" Levy greeted brightly, pulling Lucy in for a tight hug.

"Thank you! Oh, I brought these for you," Lucy grinned, handing her the box.

"Aw, you didn't have to, but thank you! I'm sure I'm going to be the one making a dent in these later." They laughed together as they made their way through the kitchen into the living room.

"Oh, Lucy this is Cana. Another member of the crazy group," Levy giggled. "Cana, this is Lucy. You guys didn't get a chance to meet the last time we were at Fairy Tail."

"Yo! Happy you could join us, Lucy." A tall brunette waved with a wide grin from where she sat criss crossed on the corner of the couch.

"Hi! Thanks for having me," Lucy smiled warmly. "Hi, Juvia, Yukino!" she called out, waving over to the other two women, who were across the room in the kitchen. The girls greeted back happily and ran over to give her a hug before heading back with the food Lucy assumed.

Another woman with a short platinum pixie cut walked in from the hallway. "Hey, Lev, did you need help with anything else?" she asked, pausing in the living room.

"That's ok! We're almost done getting everything ready, don't worry," Levy reassured warmly. "Oh, Lis, this is Lucy, my friend from college. Lucy, this is Lisanna, another friend of the gang. Make yourself at home, guys. We'll have the food on the table soon!" Levy said, happily hopping back over into the kitchen.

"Hi, Lucy! Happy to meet you," Lisanna greeted brightly, offering Lucy a hug that she happily stepped into, feeling soft warmth swell in her chest.

"Great meeting you too, Lisanna," Lucy grinned before they both settled on to the two other plush armchairs across from the couch. She took a moment to look at her before she realized where she'd seen her before. "Oh, wait! That's why you look familiar, I saw you behind the bar when we were at Fairy Tail the other week?"

"Oh, yes! You had a little accident with Natsu's drink, right?" Lisanna giggled.

"Ugh, yes, that was me. Natsu still teases with that story sometimes," Lucy chuckled with a soft shake of her head.

"Don't worry, he teases to show he cares. We've all been at the end of that in this group," she laughed, waving the statement off. "Levy had told me you guys were meeting up that night, but it got pretty busy and I didn't have a chance to go hang out," she sighed, with a slight pout.

"Which is why Lis is the best bartender in town. Handlin' a crowd like that," Cana added playfully, finishing the last of her bottle.

Lisanna laughed brighter. "If you think flattery will get you stronger drinks next time, then you are mistaken, my friend."

"It won't even persuade you to go get me another beer from the kitchen now?"

"No way! I'm off duty today, you can grab it yourself," Lisanna grinned proudly, settling further into the chair.

"Oh well, a girl can try," Cana smirked, standing from the couch and turning towards the kitchen. "Do you want one, Lucy?" she asked, raising the bottle.

"Oh, sure, thank you!"

"Better yet, grab me one too!" Lisanna called out to Cana with a smirk, making both of them laugh.

Soon enough, Levy announced the food was ready on the table and they all settled around the large dining table and happily dug in with comfortable conversation and bright laughter.

They were still enjoying the food when Lucy heard keys in the front door, looking up and seeing Gajeel walk through a moment later with two meowing bundles of fur in his arms.

"There you guys are," Levy grinned.

"Took em' to the shop with me today so they wouldn't tear up the couch like they've been," Gajeel murmured, stepping out of his boots and leaned over so they could jump out of his arms.

"I figured," Levy chuckled.

The one with black fur jumped up on the large tower in the corner of the living room right away and a familiar gray one with white paws made his way right over towards Lucy, mrowling in greeting and immediately wrapping himself around Lucy's legs.

"Aw, hi, Happy!" Lucy cooed, leaning down to scratch behind his ears as he pushed his back into her palm for more pets. "Nice to see you again."

Lucy thought she caught a knowing glint spark in Levy's eyes when she looked back up, but Gajeel distracted his girlfriend for the moment.

"Yo," Gajeel's rough voice greeted. The girls greeted him back as he stepped up behind Levy's chair to place a kiss to Levy's temple, making her smile softly.

"So, how was work, honey?" Cana smirked.

Gajeel rolled his eyes, trying to hide his smile. "Heard you guys were comin' over tonight. Already eat?"

"We just started, but food is still warm if you wanna join us," Levy said.

"Yeah, if you don't mind hanging with us women for a while," Yukino grinned.

"Nah, of course not," Gajeel chuckled.

A warmth settled in Lucy's chest as they happily resumed dinner. It had been a long time since she had felt this kind of contentment. Surrounded by people she could call friends, with bright, comfortable conversation and full of warm laughter.

Although, it made her miss a certain other person who made her feel that way… But she tried not to let herself dwell on that for too long.

Everyone eventually finished up with dinner and settled back in the living room with some desserts while Gajeel went to do some work in their garage.

The cats were quick to join them. Happy jumped up to curl up on Lucy's lap when she took a seat on the armchair, while the black one settled against Levy's leg on the couch, both purring away loudly.

"These boys love their attention," Levy giggled. "This is Lily, annddd safe to assume you've been over Natsu's lately since you've already met Happy, Lucy?" she grinned knowingly, the rest of the girls 'oooing' playfully.

Yep. Lucy definitely should've expected that from the look in Levy's eyes earlier.

Lucy shook her head with a soft chuckle, some warmth spreading along her neck as she curled some of her hair behind her ear. "Yes, yes. Just once so far when I went to pick him up before going to Rogue's the morning they were set to leave." Lucy's palm smoothed over the soft fur over Happy's back. "It's really cozy there."

"That was sweet of you. I'm sure Natsu appreciated it," Lisanna grinned.

"You know he did. We could tell how close you both are already when you got there," Yukino said warmly, Juvia even humming and nodding in agreement.

"Oho, getting close with Natsu, huh? Pretty good pick there, Lucy." Cana said, raising her bottle to Lucy with a wink.

"I-it's really not-" The soft flush on Lucy's neck definitely reached her ears now.

"I think you guys are really good for each other and would be great together," Juvia added with a warm smile.

The sip of wine she took to try and calm her heart almost caught in her throat.

While she had dated a few people before, it really had been a while since she had felt truly 'happy' with someone in the romantic sense, if anyone.

Sure, sometimes she did feel those pangs of longing and had thoughts of, 'would she be able to have that in her own life?' at times, but a relationship hasn't necessarily been on her mind right now.

The thought of having one was nice to entertain at times, often taking the form of a certain someone with captivating green eyes and a toothy smile lately… but that couldn't really mean anything, could it?

"I, um, I don't know, we-we're really just friends," Lucy said softly.

"He's all you talk about sometimes, Lu! Can't help but wonder," Levy grinned, "and you deserve it if he makes you happy."

"Sometimes the best relationships do start from greater friendships," Lisanna grinned brightly.

The girls happily agreed, and Lucy couldn't help mirroring their infectious smile.

She really didn't have all that much experience in matters of the heart so maybe she should just get some of what she was feeling out there.

Lucy sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Natsu is… we're just-," she stuttered, trying to figure out her words. "He's amazing," she admitted, flush still heating her face. "He's so kind, funny, generous, and thoughtful."

"Not to mention, hot as hell," Cana threw in.

"W-well yeah that too," Lucy giggled, the girls following. "I really do miss him and… there have been times where I felt like there's maybe something more between us," she sighed, feeling a bit of tightness in her chest all of a sudden, "but- but I've never really had that before and what if it's just in my head and I've built up moments more than they are? What if he wouldn't even feel the same or see me that way or-"

"Lucy," Levy interrupted softly. "It's okay not to have everything figured out, but I can safely say, we could all see he only had eyes for you that first night you met at Fairy Tail and you with him. That instant connection," she said, her smile growing again.

A bit of that tightness in Lucy's chest melted with a swell of fond warmth, helped by Happy's soothing purrs. She really had felt so comfortable with him that first night they met and she'd literally fallen into him and his emerald eyes captured hers. He was so easy to talk to and had this way of making her feel at ease, which didn't happen often with others. They just clicked and the more time she spent with him and it felt like she had already known him her whole life.

The moments they've shared already had a place in her heart. All the moments he made her laugh, all the days and nights they talked about they could talk about anything and everything with each other and just genuinely supported each other… But could it really be more than just friendship?

Lucy breathed another soft sigh. "It's just such a great friendship, I wouldn't want to ruin what we have." Lucy's heart ached at the thought of already not having him in her life, even as a friend.

"You'll never know unless you take that leap," Yukino said softly. "You can tell even just your friendship means a lot to Natsu, and it's been so nice to see him come around more often," she smiled warmly.

"We would always try to invite him out or over the house when they're home, but he rarely would and had gotten a little distant the past few years. I know it's hard and affects them all differently when they're home," Juvia sighed. "Gray doesn't need to say it, but I can tell when he's worried about Natsu. They've been in each other's lives so long I'm sure it's become second nature, and even he admits that you have surely had a big part in him starting to feel like himself again," she finished, giving Lucy a fond smile.

It hurt to imagine Natsu not being that bright self she had come to know, or choosing to hide it away.

"I-I don't think I've done much of anything to help him really?" The warmth on her neck returned, probably on her cheeks now.

"I'm sure not consciously but I think just being yourself and the friendship you've built so far probably helps him more than you know," Levy said softly.

"Of course you don't have to do anything if you're not comfortable, Lucy," Lisanna said, her blue eyes kind. "We just want the best for you both. Natsu really is such a great guy and if it would make you both happy, you definitely deserve that shot at whatever you want your relationship to be," Lisanna finished with a soft smile.

"Agreed!" Cana cheered, "Then it would make it one step closer to you guys fucking."

Lucy sputtered again. "C-cana!" she squeaked, easily giving into the infectious laughter from the other girls.

"What? Too soon?" she winked, her teasing smirk reaching her eyes before her expression softened. "I'm kidding. It's easy to see how much you care about him, fitting since Natsu's one of the best and that's what you both deserve."

Affection swelled in her heart. It felt good to allow herself to share pieces of herself like this. It was a bit unnerving, not being used to letting herself be vulnerable and be open with people like this, but Natsu and this warm group of friends had chipped away at the walls she'd gotten used to putting up over the years and she was grateful for it.

"Thank you guys. I appreciate it," Lucy smiled warmly. "I'll be sure not to include that last part in my letter back to him though," Lucy giggled.

"Natsu wrote you a letter?!" Lisanna exclaimed, leaning over the arm of her own chair. "We've known him for years and he's never written to any of us when he's away!"

"Do you have it with you?" Levy urged, her hazel eyes bright and eager.

"Y-yes? I asked if we could write to each other when he left?" Lucy squeaked out, retreating away from the intense gazes.

"Well, come on! Don't hold out on us!" Cana insisted.

"Yeah! Please? Oh, you know I love a good romance story!" Levy pleaded.

Lucy groaned through a laugh. "Ok, fine!"

Happy mrowled at the disturbance of his sleep when Lucy shifted over to grab her purse that was hanging over the arm of the plush chair she was sitting on, barely having a chance to open the letter before the girls surrounded her.

"He calls you Luce, that's so cute!" Yukino gushed.

"It's like this whole other soft side of him, who knew!" Lisanna grinned.

"That settles it. You really are something special to him, Lucy," Cana added.

Lucy's never-ending flush had surely spread over her whole face by now. She just had to go and say something about the letter!

"He's so falling for you already," Levy grinned brightly. "Aw, he wanted you to visit Happy again, tonight was meant to be," Levy said dreamily before she gasped. "I know! You should totally take a picture with Happy and send it to him with your letter! I have a polaroid around here somewhere!" Then Levy was down the hall before Lucy could blink.

"Wha- wait!" Lucy called out, standing from the chair.

"That's such a sweet idea! I'm sure he'll love it and I'm sure he misses you too and would love to see you and Happy together, his two favorites!" Yukino cheered, shaking Lucy's arm, making Lucy giggle.

"Hey, maybe he'll send you one back," Cana winked, nuding Lucy's shoulder with her own playfully.

Her ears were definitely burning now, but Lucy couldn't deny she liked the thought of having her own picture of him to keep.

Levy eventually cheered happily when she found the camera and Lucy laughed when Happy let himself be cuddled close for the picture with a soft mrowl.

Lucy grinned brightly and approved of it, tucking it in her purse to save when she replied back tomorrow.

Their night continued with more laughs and Lucy's chest swelled with more affection at this group she felt so welcomed into and would always be grateful for.

Hi, Natsu!

So happy to hear from you! I hope you're doing well and are staying safe out there.

Things are good on my end! Work has been hectic as usual, but I'm pushing through and remembering to take some time for myself like you said. Thanks for reminding me, we both know I tend to overwork myself a little… ok maybe more than a little.

Good news! Levy had the girls and I over for dinner recently and I got to see Happy again! He's still so sweet. Not at all bratty, just when he wants pets. I'm including a picture we took together, I hope you like it!

Hey, don't say that. I know he must miss seeing you when you're gone. I really miss you and hanging out with you too. Our usual places and things just aren't the same without you and I can't wait until you're back home. Maybe just so I can beat you in another arcade game!

I won't keep you too long, but thank you so much for your letter. It made my day and I look forward to the next one!

Talk to you soon,

Lucy

Natsu grinned so wide it almost hurt his cheeks after he finished reading over Lucy's letter, a warm swell of affection filling his chest.

He'd been resting on his cot when the mail came the next month, sitting up quickly when something was dropped on the desk beside him. He quickly tore open the envelope when he saw the smooth pretty handwriting on the cover with her name on the corner, looking even better when it spelled his name.

Lucy missed him. Him!

Natsu's expression softened when he pulled out the picture tucked inside and saw Happy cuddled close in the blonde beauty's arms. Her smile was bright and radiant towards the camera. Her golden hair was up in a messy bun that framed her face as she lifted one of Happy's paws to make it seem like he was waving to him. Her deep honey brown eyes lit up the small photo of two of his favorites and it easily became something he'd always treasure.

"Oh, what's this? Our tough commander is blushing ?" A teasing voice broke through his thoughts.

Natsu looked up. Sting stood over him with a crooked grin and arms crossed over his chest.

"Shut up," Natsu grumbled, trying to tuck the letter back in the envelope.

"Let's see, shall we," Gray smirked, swooping in and snatching the letter and picture from Natsu's grasp.

"Hey!" Natsu quickly stood, tumbling over to try and get the paper back.

"Let me see too!" Sting grinned, hovering over Gray's shoulder.

Natsu rolled his eyes and groaned, accepting his fate.

"Damn, no wonder you're already fallin' hard for her. Practically a happy little family already," Gray smirked, eventually relenting and giving Natsu back the letter.

Natsu punched both of them on the shoulder. "You guys are the worst," Natsu grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.

"So how's it going with her?" Gray asked, tucking his hands in his pockets.

"What do you mean? There's nothing 'going on'. We're just friends," Natsu defended, putting the photo in his pocket, fingers lingering over it gently.

Sting snorted. "Natsu. I know I'm a little slow on the women uptake, but even I can see there's more than 'just friends' between you two. Who else do you ever write to when we're out here, let alone them send you a picture?"

Natsu grumbled, heat lingering on his neck as he scratched the back of his head.

He'd never really given much thought to relationships in general since he was younger. He'd been on a few dates before, but it was never anything solid, and especially that he's been back and forth with deployments and on the move he really didn't feel that want.

But lately, when that thought did enter his mind, it often took the form of flowing golden hair and honey eyes with a bright smile… but could that happen for them?

He didn't really have much experience in the whole deeper feelings of the heart stuff, so he figured it was best to just get out the words that'd been on his mind lately and see what the guys thought.

"It's just- she's- she's amazing," Natsu sighed, "and I miss her... more than I realized," he admitted, falling back to sit back on the edge of the cot heavily. "I mean yeah, there's times where it feels like something more, but I'm not sure? She's an amazing friend and person and I've never thought about this with anyone else. What if it's just me and she doesn't feel the same or see me that way? What if-"

"Natsu." Gray broke through his rambling, with a squeeze to his shoulder. "It's ok not to have everything figured out, but we can tell she means a lot to you. In whatever way you want that to be, but even from the times we've all hung out together, it's obvious in the way she looks at you that she feels something ." He took a steadying breath. "I think it's worth finding out if it's mutual and it's… great, to see you a little happier with her in your life. You both deserve that," Gray finished with a murmur

As if all that emotion took a lot out of him, which it probably did since his friend only opened up like that when he thought Natsu needed it and he was grateful for it.

"Thanks," Natsu chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just such a great friendship, I wouldn't want to lose or mess up what we have or rush anything for her?" He felt his soft ache in his chest at the thought of not having her in his life, especially after how quickly Lucy became such a large part of it.

"Hey, you never know till you try. It could be the best thing that ever happened to you," Sting said, gripping Natsu's shoulder.

The ache melted into a soft spark of possibility, of hope that he held onto tightly, that kept him going.

Natsu sighed, dropping down his pack and heavy gear near his area in the bunker, groaning as he sat onto an old wooden desk that was by his bed. He leaned over and unthreaded the laces of his boots, feet throbbing from finally getting a break and being able to sit down after another long day.

Another long week had passed and this current mission was becoming exhausting, but luckily they were nearing the end of it… until the next one anyway, but every time he thought back to Lucy's letter and picture it was able to get him through the day. Often with a small soft smile.

He ran a hand through his hair with another deep sigh. It wasn't only the recent days wearing him down, the past couple years were starting to catch up to him.

The constant traveling, tiring missions and assignments, and the many other responsibilities he'd taken on over the years. Part of him wondered how much longer he would be able to last, but he didn't want to dwell on that right now, preferring to think about the amazing woman who was constantly on his mind as of late.

Natsu grinned as he took his time to write out his response to Lucy, folding up the letter and tucking a picture with it inside an envelope, ready to take to the mailroom tomorrow.

He leaned back to lift his arms over his head with a long stretch and yawn, rubbing out some of the tension at the back of his neck.

Man, did he wish he was back home with her already…

Thanks for reading! Wanted to have them kind of mirroring each other's spark of budding feelings here and them missing each other uwu