Thank you all for your amazing support so far! Hope you guys enjoy this one. It's a little special uwu

Natsu could tell it was a dream.

People ran past him, but his movements were too slow. Almost as if weights were tied to his ankles, pulling him back every time he tried to take a step.

"Natsu, come on!" Gray urged. His eyes were frantic as he reached for Natsu's arm. He could see him grabbing the material of his jacket, but he couldn't feel anything. His body was heavy and words wouldn't come out, "We gotta make it back to the-"

A loud boom erupted close by, knocking up pieces of rubble overhead. Natsu shielded his eyes, when he pulled his arm down they were in the truck, his mind still caught in a haze of static.

Another explosion hit closer and-

Natsu woke with a sharp gasp. He breathed in deeply for a few moments as the ringing in his ears and static in his mind eased.

He was safe and at home, not there…

Happy appeared on his chest, rumbling comforting purrs.

Natsu sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. He hated waking up like that.

It'd been about two weeks since he'd gotten back, most of it spent sleeping to be honest. It always took a while for him to feel any sense of normalcy again when he came back.

Not that he knew what 'normal' was these days anyway.

As much as he didn't want to disturb the comforting purring weight on his chest, the blankets were starting to get too hot.

The clammy itch on his skin already made him crave a shower to wash the dream off him. A loud grumble from his stomach also urged him to get up.

"Sorry, Happy. Gonna get up," he murmured tiredly.

An annoyed mrow protested as Natsu shifted out of bed. He rolled his tight shoulder and winced at the soreness along his spine. He should really start doing his stretches again.

Natsu pulled on a shirt and stepped out of his room. He yawned deeply and ran a hand through his hair as he made his way to the kitchen. Grateful for the quiet mornings like this when his mind felt cluttered and heavy.

He opened his cupboard, groaning when he saw he had no more coffee left. Another thing to add to his list of things to do.

Natsu put out some food and water for Happy instead, turned on the TV and fell back onto the couch.

His thoughts drifted to Lucy, wondering what she was up to today.

Warmth swelled in his chest. Holding her in his arms again after so long had felt so right. Every feeling he'd felt since he'd left all came rushing back into his heart. So much he thought it would burst. Seeing that bright, glowing smile and hearing her warm voice again, sparked those familiar flutters in his stomach and he felt the need to just keep holding her close.

A flush spread up Natsu's neck when he remembered the kiss to her forehead. He hoped it'd been ok and he didn't freak her out or anything, His heart had pushed his brain aside and he had moved before he had time to think about it and just happened. He did like the pretty flush that dusted over her cheeks.

He couldn't help but feel more drawn to her the closer they became, never even expecting someone as amazing as Lucy, with all her kindness, generosity, and beauty, inside and out, to come into his life and become such a big part of it so quickly. But he was so grateful for her and the way she kept him grounded. Especially while he was away.

Their letters had been such a comfort this time. He often found himself rereading them when he was missing her, or on nights he couldn't sleep. Her words always eased his frayed nerves and soothed his tired mind, making his chest feel lighter. Which he rarely felt during any of his other deployments.

Natsu made sure to tuck them safely into the drawer in his bedside table as soon as he emptied out his bags the other week, and pinning up that special picture of her and Happy up on the corkboard in his room.

He smiled softly at the thought.

Lucy, a radiant light that had started to break through the looming dark clouds that had surrounded him for so long. She didn't deserve to be dragged down by the broken mess his life had become over the years, yet, he couldn't help but want to surround himself in that light.

Get as close to it as he could and never let go.

Then it fully set in.

Wow... he really does like her. So much.

The thought left him a little breathless as he ran a hand through his hair. He felt his heart pick up, full of warmth, affection, hope, and so many other good things, and he can't help the smile that quirks his lips.

A ping from his phone interrupted his thoughts. Natsu picked it up from the coffee table in front of him where he'd left it last night.

Good morning, Natsu! How are you?

Natsu smiled a wider, toothy grin at the text, seeing it was from the very woman who was in his thoughts.

Luce! Kinda been a slow morning but doin' alright. How are you?

They chatted back and forth for a while. The tension melted from his temples, unable to keep the smile from his face the whole time.

Natsu glanced through the window, the weather seemed nice enough, sparking an idea. He hoped Lucy would be up for it.

Natsu had been happy when Lucy seemed up for the idea to go on the walking trail with him when he'd first mentioned it to her the other month. Now, the fluttering in his chest hadn't eased since she eagerly agreed when he asked her this morning with a smile he could hear in her voice.

He'd matched it with one of his own and jumped up to grab a quick shower, packing a few things in his backpack and set off for her apartment after offering to pick her up.

The trail could be a bit tricky to find if you weren't looking for it and he didn't want her to get lost or anything.

Natsu made a quick stop and picked up some pastries and hot chocolate for them along the way, since he knew it was one of her favorites.

He also wanted to be prepared in case his loud stomach interrupted again since he forgot to bring some snacks.

Natsu found some parking in front of her building when he pulled up. He grabbed the food and headed up, knocking on her door once he found it.

Would she think it was weird showing up at her door suddenly? Maybe he should have called her and waited down in the truck and-

The door opened and the bright wide smile that greeted him eased all his worried thoughts.

"Hi, Natsu!" Lucy pulled him in for a quick hug. That soft, comforting floral scent surrounded him, spreading warmth through his chest.

"Hey, Luce," he grinned into her hair, an arm squeezing around her gently.

"Come in," Lucy grinned, ushering him inside.

He thought he caught a faint blush on her cheeks when he met her gaze for a few moments, but she turned back towards the living room before he could dwell on it too much.

"Sorry, it's a bit of a mess around here," Lucy laughed, pushing back some of the loose golden strands that had fallen out of her messy bun, "Work's been a little crazy and then the last thing I want to do most nights is clean up," she sighed, picking up some stranded items from the couch and setting them on the coffee table before sitting.

Her apartment was cozy. Walls and shelves decorated with things that he could tell were uniquely her. It had a warm feel to it, but he thought her presence might have a bit more to do with that.

"That's okay," Natsu grinned, settling next to her on the couch. "I know the feeling and it's much more put together than my place right now, I promise," he laughed. "Oh, and I know it's not the healthiest breakfast, but I come baring goods." He raised his hands, offering her the sweet treats.

Lucy's eyes brightened. "Aw, thank you! You didn't have to." She took the cup Natsu passed her, warming her hands around it and giving him a wide smile.

"Y-Yeah, no problem," Natsu said, willing the warm flush that was crawling up the back of his neck to stay there as he ran a hand through his hair.

Get it together.

"And you read my mind again because I thought it would be the perfect morning for some hot chocolate but I didn't have any."

Yeah, it is pretty perfect so far , Natsu thought, admiring her cute pout and getting lost in the way her expression shifted brightly as she took a sip of the sweet drink.

"Then it was a good call," he chuckled, clearing his throat after trying to collect himself. "So, um, work was pretty busy this week?" he asked, following her lead and sitting beside her on the couch. He pulled out one of the croissants out of the bag and took a big bite.

Lucy laughed softly when he offered her the bag of goods, happily taking one of the pastries. "Yeah," she sighed around a bite. "A lot of jobs have been coming in lately and I was doing a lot of overtime, but I'm grateful in the end to be saving more money." She tucked up her legs beneath her, sending a tingle up Natsu's spine when her knee brushed his.

He swallowed his next bite slowly. "I get that. But remember to take some time for yourself to relax too," he grinned. "You still do some of your writing right?"

Lucy's expression brightened, before turning a bit shy. "Some, when I actually get around to it and not too drained from doing edits all day," she laughed, the movement of her fingers curling her hair back behind her ear again catching his attention.

Almost feeling the faint softness of her hair on his fingertips... focus Natsu.

"I should try and make more time for that though. I actually had an idea for this fantasy story that's set in space."

The excited glimmer in Lucy's eyes added to his own happiness for her. She has shared a few snippets of her own work with him over the months he'd been away and he could already tell she was talented. He always felt honored whenever she shared some of those pieces of herself with him because he knew they meant a lot to her and he wanted to do all he could to support her passions.

"Sounds awesome already. I know it's gonna turn out amazing," Natsu said with a wide grin.

"Thanks, Natsu," she smiled, nudging his shoulder with hers playfully. "And thanks for asking me to hang out. Really helps the me 'setting aside more time to myself' part I need to work on."

Natsu's chest swelled with affection. "Anytime," he laughed, nudging her shoulder back.

They settled into comfortable conversation for a few more minutes, finishing off their sweets before heading out.

Natsu drove them back towards the outskirts of town that he'd come from. Scattered buildings of town turning into thick towering trees.

"So you're sure it's not some crazy expert trail that I'll end up stranded on?"

Natsu barked out a laugh. "Nah, it's an easy one. No steep hills we need to climb or anything, I promise, " he grinned. "And don't you remember my other promise that I'd never leave ya stranded?"

"Oh yes. I'm still holding you to that," Lucy laughed.

"You can always count on me," Natsu said, giving her a toothy smile over his shoulder.

Natsu eventually turned off the main part of the winding road, coming to a slight clearing that met part of the trail.

"Alright, Luce, here we are," Natsu announced after he parked and shut off the engine. He hopped out and took a look around, grateful there were only a few other cars here too.

Lucy followed him out, gasping as she looked around. "Wow, it's beautiful up here!"

Even with the lush shrubs and thick, tall pine trees that surrounded them, scattered wildflowers sweet in the air as birds chirped and flitted through the trees, the sun filtering through the changing colored leaves above that decorated the ground, Lucy glowed brighter and more radiant than anything

"Y-Yeah, it really is," Natsu whispered, just the sight of her made him breathless. He cleared his throat again to steady his heart around her. "So, shall we?" Holding out his elbow towards her with a toothy grin.

Lucy laughed, a cute dusting of pink spreading over her cheeks. "Why thank you. You're ever the gentleman, commander," she quipped, stepping over and looping her arm through his and starting off at a slow pace on the path.

Warmth swelled in his chest every time she called him that and he didn't think he would ever tire of hearing it from her.

"Only the best for you, princess ," Natsu teased, glancing to see the pink on her cheeks deepen a bit.

Maybe not just the chill in the air.

"Such a dork," Lucy murmured, yet a smile twitched on her lips as she nudged his shoulder and gripped his arm tighter.

Natsu gasped. "Me, a dork? Hm, I think I prefer to be like the awesome fiery dragon in your stories," Natsu smirked.

"You would," Lucy snorted. "Yes, Natsu, you are totally my favorite big strong dragon," she laughed.

Natsu's breath hitched in his throat, the lingering warmth on his neck rising again. Luckily he had his scarf to hide it.

Lucy calling him her dragon just might be his new favorite thing.

"Sounds good to me," Natsu said softly.

They settled into a comfortable silence for a while as they continued on, leaves crunching under their boots, Lucy's warmth beside him and the crisp fresh air soothing his mind.

"So, how did you find this place?" Lucy asked.

"Oh, uh, it was a few years ago I think," Natsu hummed. "Gray had found it first actually, and then we were taking a drive one day and he told me it was nearby so we checked it out and I thought it was a pretty cool little escape. Nice and quiet, y'know?"

Lucy hummed in acknowledgment, squeezing his arm before her arm shifted and slowly sliding their palms together.

Natsu's heart picked up again, glancing over and catching her soft smile and pink still lingering on her cheeks.

Could... Could she maybe like him back too?

Natsu swallowed the thought down for now before his own flush on his neck reached his ears.

He grinned back and gave her soft hand a squeeze, letting the warmth of her touch ground him. "I, um, I come out here sometimes when I need to clear my head and stuff," Natsu managed to continue. "Some days I bring Happy with me with me. Sometimes Gray when he's feeling particularly grumpy," he chuckled.

"Mm, I can see why. It's so nice out here," she said, sighing contently. "Sounds like a great way to take your mind off things," Lucy smiled softly, honey eyes fond.

"It can be. When Happy doesn't wander too far off and I'm not crawling through bushes to get to him." He shook his head, Lucy's bright laugh making his chest feel light. Gods, he loved that sound. "But that stays between us!"

Lucy giggled. "Of course, your secrets are always safe with me. Even though I'm sure all your friends already know your dorky secrets." That teasing glint in her eyes made his smile widen.

Natsu gasped dramatically. "So mean to me, Luce," he pouted. "Well then, if they already know mine, how about I tell them some of your weird and dorky secrets."

"What secrets? And I'm not weird!"

Natsu cackled when she shoved his arm playfully, trying not to let her wide smile break through.

"Oh? How about that crinkle on your nose when you laugh too hard? The way you light up when you talk about your favorite characters? Or when you get ink on your cheek when you write a lot and you don't notice?" Natsu grinned, "Although, that's all more cute than dorky. Or-"

"O-Ok! Now who's the mean one," Lucy mumbled, crossing her arms with a cute pout that was twitching into a smile, making him long to press a kiss to those full, pretty lips...

Wow. His heart was really all over the place today.

Despite definitely feeling the flush reach his ears now, he throws an arm over her shoulders, tugging her to his side. "Deepest apologies, Ms. Lucy. How ever shall I make it up to you?" he grinned.

Lucy hummed, putting a finger to her chin as if in deep thought, "Hm, next time lunch is on you," she said, letting her smile grow wide. "Or maybe you can pick up that rare book at the bookstore I've had my eye on."

Natsu laughed brightly. "Deal." His skin tingled beneath his jacket when he felt Lucy wrap an arm around his waist.

They took their time, enjoying each other's company and were about halfway back down the path when the comforting warmth of the afternoon sun quickly started to get covered by darkening gloomy clouds overhead.

"Uh, Natsu?"

"Hm?"

"Was there going to be a chance of rain today?"

Natsu turned to glance at her, finding her looking up towards the graying sky.

It had been a couple hours since they left this morning, so it couldn't be evening already, but the sky had gotten dark pretty fast now that he realized.

"Uh, I didn't quite get a chance to check the weather before I headed out today," Natsu said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "It seemed nice enough this morning so I thought it was gonna be alright."

"I don't know, I think mother nature may force us to cut it short today," Lucy laughed.

A couple drops hit Natsu's forehead just as she said that. "Shit, I think you're right."

A loud clap of thunder rumbled above them, heavier drops of rain following it. The sky darkened further.

Lucy yelped, quickly putting the hood of her jacket over her head, though it was too small to fully cover her.

Natsu tried lifting his scarf over him but the water persisted.

"Come on, Luce!" Natsu laughed, grabbing her hand again and rushing the rest of the way. Their laughs are almost muffled by the loud drops falling around them.

They made it back to Natsu's truck, jumping in and shaking off the water. Heavy drops thudding loudly on the roof. He started up the tuck and quickly turned on the heater.

"Ugh, I'm sorry, Luce. I should'a paid better attention. Maybe it wasn't a good day for this," Natsu grumbled. "We can go dry up back at my house and get warm?" He paused, eyes widening a bit when he realized how that might have sounded. "Uh, I mean, i-if you want to of course! I don't wanna pressure you if you don't wa-"

"It's okay, Natsu," Lucy said, placing a palm on his forearm and pausing his ramble, giving him a reassuring smile. "Getting dry sounds great right about now," she laughed, putting her hands in front of the vents to warm them.

He grinned, a soothing warmth settling in his chest. Natsu took the familiar roads back, soon pulling into his driveway and shutting off his truck.

"Alright, just one more quick dash then we'll be safe. Ready?"

"Ready."

They quickly jumped out, making it onto Natsu's porch.

Natsu fumbled with his keys from his pocket, finally turning the lock and stepping inside.

"We made it," Natsu breathed, shaking off the water from his hair. He flipped on the lights, turning to step out of his boots, telling Lucy she could do the same with hers.

A loud mrowl greeted them.

"Sorry, Happy. Left ya in the dark."

"Happy!" Lucy cooed, crouching down to give him a scratch behind the ears after he circled her legs and butted his head into her hand.

"Sorry about the mess, I've been meaning to clean up too," Natsu laughed, setting down his pack on the bench by the door. He hung up their wet jackets and his scarf on the hooks by the door, running a hand through his damp hair.

"No, it's fine! It's always so cozy here, I love it," Lucy said, standing back up and giving him a soft smile. Her hair had gotten wet too, cheeks flushed from the cold. Still just as beautiful.

"I'm glad," he grinned. "Oh, let me grab some extra clothes for you to change into, be right back!"

He went up to his room, searching his drawers for the comfiest clothes he had. He pulled some out for himself too and changed from his damp clothes.

He could already feel that damn flush crawling up the back of his neck again, heart beating a little faster than normal.

Relax Natsu, it's just Lucy. In your house again... but this time wearing your clothes… gods give him strength.

Natsu took a deep breath, heading back into the living room and handing Lucy the pile.

"Nothing too fancy, but hope it's good."

"It's perfect, Natsu. I'm sorry for putting you out like this," Lucy said, her expression turning shy.

"It's okay!" Natsu rushed out. "I'm… I'm happy you're here. I always am when you are," he said softly. Lucy's expression softened, with something more in those melted honey chocolate eyes he couldn't quite place. "You know the, uh, bathroom is upstairs to the right. Spare towels and stuff in the cupboard if you want too."

"Thanks, Natsu." Lucy gave him a small smile before heading up.

Natsu took a shuddering breath when he heard the door click, hand smoothing over his chest.

His heart seemed to be in overdrive since his realization this morning. In tune to every touch and warm smile. But their friendship would always be the main priority. He didn't want to mess anything up.

Natsu distracted himself by getting the fireplace going to warm up the house. Luckily he'd left some dry wood inside.

The fire soon grew strong quickly, the crackling warmth familiar and comforting.

Natsu stood back up from the fireplace, breath hitching in his throat when he looked up.

Lucy had just walked back in, running a hand through her now dark gold damp locks. She had on his oversized hoodie, soft pants, and cozy socks, but made them look far better than they had any right being.

Things that were seemingly so simple, but made her look gorgeous in his eyes.

"At least we made it back before we got too drenched," Lucy grinned brightly, "I wasn't sure where you put the laundry?"

"Yeah, that's true," he breathed an airy laugh. "Oh, don't worry. I'll go throw the clothes in the dryer for you. Gotta put mine in too."

Natsu came back to find Lucy curled up on the couch, Happy purring loudly beside her as she smiled fondly down at the feline who was all too happy to be receiving pets.

He took a moment to admire his two favorites, here together, with him. Lucy looked content and perfect, as if she belonged there. His chest warmed pleasantly at the thought.

Natsu walked off into the kitchen. "Hey, Luce, are you hungry? I don't think I have much here right now, but we can probably dig something up," he chuckled, starting to look through his cupboards.

Lucy came up beside him, her smile almost making him forget what he was looking for. "Sure, do you need some help?" she asked, starting to look through the pantry and refrigerator with him but then paused. "Natsu," she giggled. "How do you live like this? Everything is practically empty."

"Well, in my defense, I have been meaning to stop by the market soon," Natsu chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, "but it hasn't been too high on my priorities." Not as much as seeing her was.

"I will see to it that you get some good stuff soon, can't have you going hungry." She gave him a wide grin over her shoulder, "Oh! Here's some… pancake mix?" Lucy pulled out the box from the cupboard.

"Breakfast for dinner, sounds good!"

They put together some ingredients for the batter and soon Natsu was flipping some in the pan.

"Master chef Natsu makes an appearance," Lucy teased, leaning against the counter beside him.

Natsu smirked. "Pancakes are my specialty, y'know. Among my many other cooking talents."

"Cooking talents, huh?"

"Of course. I'm also a master of sandwiches, pasta, anything on the grill. You'd be surprised, Luce."

"I'm sure I will," Lucy giggled. He noticed a streak of flour on her cheek when she turned to face him fully.

He chuckled. "Hold on, Luce. You got some flour on your…" Natsu trailed off in a whisper, thumb lingering on the soft warm skin of her cheek. He lost himself in her bright honey brown gaze, aching to pull her in close and-

He flinched out of his trance when he caught a whiff of something starting to burn.

Natsu quickly flipped over the cake. Sure enough, it was burnt. "Shit, uh, that was just a practice one," he laughed sheepishly, scratching the back of his shoulder.

They laughed together and settled into comfortable conversation. Lucy's infectious laughter filled the kitchen, adding to the bubbling affection in his chest.

A fond ache spread through him. Flashes of moments he'd spent just like this with his mom in the kitchen flickered through his mind. Early mornings he'd helped her bake fresh cookies, her bright laughter as he got flour all over himself, then sharing a few warm ones from the oven together. The playful kisses she pressed to his cheeks as she helped him get clean.

It had been a long time since his house felt this warm.

"I... I think I got some of the cooking stuff from my mom," Natsu said softly, setting another finished pancake onto a plate. "We used to spend a lot of time in here together. I'm not as good as she was, but I like to think she passed on a little something."

Lucy reached over and gave his forearm a squeeze. "I'm happy you got to share moments like that," she smiled warmly.

"Thanks, Luce," he said, squeezing her hand back. "Pancakes aren't really an impressive skill, but hopefully you and my mom think I do a decent job," he laughed, taking their plates over to the dining table.

"Hey, cooking is cooking," Lucy grinned, sitting in front of him and was quick to dig in. "Mm, she'd definitely approve," she said around a bite.

Natsu huffed a laugh. "Glad you think so. I'll showcase my skills better next time."

They'd finished up their sweet dinner on the dining table, then settled onto the couch after making some tea. The fireplace still crackled soothingly and a random movie on tv that Natsu wasn't really paying attention to.

No, he'd become more entranced by the way the ember's light surrounded Lucy in a warm glow. Her hair had dried and the golden strands framed her face softly.

Natsu was still hyper-aware of everywhere they touched, skin tingling at every point.

They had gravitated closer towards each other throughout the movie, Lucy's legs were curled up beneath her as her shoulder pressed up against his. One of her thighs was halfway over his, warm and comforting. The backs of their hands had brushed against each other and now their fingers laced together gently, her soft skin sending heat up his arm.

How different his life had become since they met. In all the best ways. She'd brought a light into his life he didn't think was possible, making him wonder how he had lived without her for so long. His heart swelled in aching affection for the amazing woman beside him.

It had taken him a bit to fully realize it but he really had fallen for her completely.

Head over heels and every other cliche saying. Lucy was one of his best friends and everything he'd felt since they met had now grown into something more. Something deeper.

How could he not fall for her amazingly kind heart, her laugh, her radiant smile, her beauty, brilliance… everything.

The clarity of the feeling was so strong and it filled every part of his heart and he never wanted to lose it.

That bit of insecurity wanted to hold him back from putting himself out there and risking everything they've built, but the intense swell in his heart told him it was worth the risk.

"Lucy…"

She hummed in acknowledgment, turning to face him, those deep honey eyes pulling him in closer.

Natsu's thumping heart picked up speed as he glanced at her plush lips for a moment. He saw the question in her eyes melt into something hopeful, her expression soft and open, and it pushed his heart even further.

"I've… Can I…"

A rough, warm palm came up to caress her cheek. His thumb brushed over her soft skin before tracing her bottom lip, catching the shuddering breath she took.

"Please." An airy whisper left her, gripping his hand tighter.

The flutters in his chest intensified, breathing out his own shaky breath as he cradled her jaw and leaned in closer, until there was a gentle press of lips.

He instantly felt sparks between them and skin tingling. He felt weightless, like he was up high among the stars that she loved, but at the same time, the warm pressure of her lips grounded him and pulled him right back beside her where he wanted to be.

He pulled away slightly, thumb brushing under her bright honey eyes, taking a moment to admire the longing, affection, warmth reflecting back at him.

"Is this okay?" he rasped softly between them, tongue flicking over his lips.

Lucy's expression softened as her hand came up to thread through his hair, shifting to palm the back of his neck and slowly pull him back in closer.

"Always," she whispered against his lips before she kissed him again, tilting her head to deepen it as she melted against him with a soft content sound.

Natsu sighed into her. Flashes of color sparking behind his eyes when they fluttered closed as he allowed himself to fall into the moment. Lucy's flavor sweet on his tongue, her lips soft against his. Natsu's palm slid to her neck, thumb brushing her along her jaw as he lost himself in her.

Every meaningful moment between them shaped into this moment and fond warmth swelled in his chest.

Lucy's hand flattened over his heart, surely feeling his pounding strongly underneath her palm.

Natsu rested his forehead on hers as they caught their breath after a few more slow kisses. "I've been wanting to do that for so long," he whispered between them, a fanged grin spreading across his face.

Part of him was still in awe that it actually happened. He'd imagined how it would be countless times but it was far better than he ever dreamed.

"Me too," Lucy smiled brightly, holding his face between her palms. The soft caress of her thumbs over his cheekbones soothed his frantic heart.

"Really?" he breathed, lips still tingling from her touch.

Lucy laughed softly. "Yes, really."

She had kissed him back, but his brain was still catching up obviously.

Natsu chuckled and breathed deeply, pressing a warm kiss to the inside of her wrist.

"I'm glad 'cause I… I really like you, Lucy. So much," he said softly, brushing back some of her soft hair behind her ear before resting his palm over her thigh, thumb tracing aimless shapes there. "You just- your friendship has meant so much to me. You're my best friend, but I found myself feeling something deeper and part of me was scared to take this leap if you didn't feel the same, but to think that you do I just-" Natsu paused to take a steadying breath.

"Natsu…" Lucy's eyes were a little glossy and a quick pang of worry shot through his chest. He thought something was wrong for a moment, but when she smiled his nerves settled. "Of course I feel the same," she said softly, resting her other hand over his on her thigh. "Ever since we met, you've been an amazing friend and that has meant so much to me too, but my heart couldn't help but feel more too. Especially when you were gone. You bring out the best in me when I'm with you, and I'm happier than I've been in a long time."

Natsu's expression softened. "You make me really happy too, Luce."

They exchanged a soft, meaningful look. His heart swelled with such strong affection, even his head felt light. The woman of his dreams actually liked him back. It felt almost too good to be true.

He followed his heart's pull and leaned in to press his lips to hers again in a soft kiss that sent a tingle up his spine. He still couldn't believe he was kissing her like this.

"Hopefully even when I drag you out in the rain too?" he smirked against her lips after a few content moments. His grin grew wider at the cute crinkle of her nose as she laughed.

"Yes, even then," she laughed. "Thank you for today by the way. It was perfect."

Lucy laced their hands together and with the glow of the fire in front of them reflecting the warm fondness in her captivating eyes as she smiled at him was almost too much for his full heart.

"Always," Natsu whispered.

Lucy sifted her hand through his hair and was the one to pull him closer again for a lingering couple of kisses.

She giggled when he wrapped his arms around her fully suddenly and fell back to lay along the couch. He threw the blanket that was hanging off the back of the couch over them and ran his fingers through her hair with a kiss to her temple.

"Thanks for today too, Luce," he whispered.

"Can't wait for the next one," Lucy sighed and nestled into the crook of his neck, arm wrapping over his waist and holding him close.

It felt so right to be in this moment with her. Almost as if it had always been this way.

They talked more into the night, about anything and everything until he felt Lucy's breaths even out. Natsu smiled softly, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead.

"Night, Luce," he whispered into her hair as he wrapped an arm around her. Warmth and affection still tingled through him as he let sleep pull him easily.

AH they kissed! Finally! Hope you guys enjoyed all that sweet fluff ;)
Thanks for reading!