Hope you all enjoy this chapter with even *more* fluff and feelingsss!

Lucy breathed in deeply, slowly feeling herself waking. She was comfortably warm and didn't really want to move. But she could feel the morning light behind her eyes already.

She eventually blinked them open, slowly taking in her surroundings.

Wait, this was... She lifted her head up slightly, finding Natsu still sound asleep beside her on the couch. His arm laid over her hip.

That's right, she was over Natsu's house. They must've ended up falling asleep.

Memories from last night quickly came back to her. His wide bright smiles as they walked together, coming back to his house and seeing him cute and cozy in front of the fire, how he kissed her...

Lucy's gaze fell to his full lips, heat instantly spreading up her neck when she remembered how warm and soft they felt against hers.

It had taken so much of her willpower to try and watch the show that had been on TV and not focus on the tingling warmth when his hand touched hers. But when he whispered out her name and met his soft open striking green eyes she couldn't help but fall.

She remembered the way her pulse jumped when his lips met hers. The light that sparked behind her eyes and tingling on her lips, how everything seemed to fall in place when they kissed deeper and he held her close. How right it all felt to be with him like that.

And it really did happen. It wasn't just a really good dream.

The thought made her heart swell.

Natsu tensed beneath her suddenly, his arm tightening around her. She heard a muffled groan from his throat as his expression shifted, brows drawing in discomfort.

Lucy sat up a bit further, a pang of worry aching through her chest. "Natsu?"

Her hand came up to feel his forehead. He was a bit warmer than normal, his breathing a little uneven. He was still asleep but it seemed like he was dreaming. Or trapped in a dream.

"Natsu." Lucy's voice was still soft but called out to him a bit louder, palm resting on his cheek as her thumb brushed across his temple softly. "You're okay."

Natsu slowly started to relax, between her soft reassuring words, hand running through his hair and thumb brushing over his temple and smoothing over his brows gently.

Green eyes eventually opened slowly, finding hers and softening.

"Hey, there you are," Lucy grinned softly, relieved.

Natsu's eyes fluttered closed briefly as he breathed in a shuddering breath.

"Hey," he rasped, a soft smile on his lips.

Lucy's palm came back to caress his cheek, Natsu leaning into the touch.

Her heart warmed at the action. "Are you okay?" He seemed better but she was still a bit concerned, unsure if it was something more.

"Y-Yeah, just uh, a rough dream." Natsu cleared his throat, voice still a bit rough and raspy but warm. "Still happy you're here," he smiled warmly, easing away some of her concern. Whatever shadows lingered in his eyes faded for the moment, tightening his arm around her to hold her close and making her stomach flutter.

Lucy's expression softened, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek and rake a hand through his hair.

Natsu breathed a content sigh, leaning his head into her touch before he reached up to palm her cheek, leading her in closer.

"Thank you."

It was a breath of a whisper from his lips before he closed the distance and kissed her slow and sweet.

Warmth flooded through her, all the way down to her toes as she melted into him and enjoying the fact that they could do this so freely now.

After all the days and nights she had imagined how it would be. It was far better than anything she ever thought.

Their foreheads pressed together when they parted. "I don't think I'll ever get tired of that," he whispered between them. A warm smile on his lips, pushing some fallen strands behind her ear.

"Me either," she grinned. A loud rumble of her stomach interrupted before she could say anything else.

Natsu laughed softly. "Well, seems like someone wants us to get a move on."

"I'm not t-that hungry," Lucy squeaked, hiding her quickly heated face on his chest that was rumbling with laughter.

"Sure, sure. C'mon, I'm starving too." She heard the smile in his voice as he rubbed her back as they untangled their legs and sat up. "Sorry, Happy, we're getting up."

Happy only mrowled in disgruntled reply, jumping down to the floor and towards the kitchen.

They stood, Lucy setting the blanket back on the couch. She turned and caught a wince flash across Natsu's face as he groaned and held his shoulder.

She'd seen him do that motion a couple times, maybe it was something more than she thought.

"Natsu, are you sure you're okay?" she asked, her expression shifting into concern again as she squeezed his arm gently.

"Yeah, my shoulder just gets a bit tighter than normal when I sleep on the couch. Old injury," Natsu laughed tiredly, trying to give her a reassuring smile.

Nerves tightened in her chest. "O-Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep and overstay and make you sleep on the couch like that! You must've been uncomfortable." Her hands flitted up to her quickly warming cheeks.

Natsu's eyes widened slightly. "No! I, uh, I mean it's okay. I've crashed on the couch more times than I can count and it happens every time," he chuckled, his warm hands pulling hers from her face gently. "I love having you here, and you can stay over any time I promise. My lame shoulder can complain all it wants, but that was the best sleep I've gotten in… well, a while, so thank you." His thumbs brushed the back of her hands gently, pulling her closer.

Lucy went willingly, never able to resist his radiating soothing warmth. She wrapped her arms loosely around his waist.

"As long as you're sure."

"Of course I'm sure. You're always welcome here when you get caught in the rain," Natsu smirked, warm palms smoothing up along her back.

"Again with that? Technically it was you that got us caught in the rain," Lucy pouted at his teasing grin, poking his chest and making him laugh fully.

She loved that sound. He was so cute.

"Guilty. But I think it turned out pretty well." His expression softened, hands drifting along her sides.

Lucy smiled warmly. "Yeah, I think it did." She leaned up to give him a soft kiss. An act that still felt new, but so so right and sent a tingle down her spine every time.

They pulled back and she glanced around the now familiar house that felt more and more like a home. A place she felt warm and content. Something she hadn't felt in a long time.

Although, being here with Natsu might have a lot to do with that too.

"I do love it here though. It's always so cozy and peaceful."

Natsu hummed, holding her closer. "I'm glad. Happy likes when you're here too."

They shared a soft laugh, glancing to see that Happy wasn't even paying them attention and had jumped up on the back of the couch.

"So, I think that was the last of the food I have here. Do you wanna go grab something instead?"

"Sure, that sounds good," Lucy smiled, squeezing around his waist and leaning up to kiss his jaw. She couldn't help it.

Part of her still held some shy nerves and butterflies, but the other just felt so comfortable with him like this. Almost as if they had been like this the whole time.

They broke away slightly, Natsu wearing her favorite toothy grin. "Sounds good to me too."

Lucy ran her hand through her hair, wishing she had brought an extra brush and things with her, the rain had made it a tangled mess.

"Natsu, is it okay if I use your shower? Just wanted to wash the rain from my hair." She winced when her fingers got caught in a rough knot.

"Yeah, of course you can! Lemme grab the stuff from the dryer. I forgot to take them out last night," he chuckled.

Natsu came back quickly and handed over her clothes and made their way upstairs.

"Oh, one sec, I have some spare shirts you can use if ya want a cleaner one." Natsu paused to open a door to what must be his room. "But don't look at the mess, Luce!" He called from inside.

His room was nice and spacious, wide dresser and closet off to the side, a plush bed in the middle with large tall windows on either side of it. But true to his word, it was a mess. Several of his duffle bags with clothes spilling out scattered over the floor, cups, bottles, other random clutter over his bedside tables and small shelf, comforter and blankets rumpled over his bed.

The dark warm colors in the room suited him though, and it was cozy like the rest of the house.

"Natsu," Lucy laughed, leaning against the doorframe and looked around, "Okay, I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt since you did just get home."

Natsu returned from rummaging through his dresser. "Why, how generous of you," he replied with a crooked grin, handing her the shirt and bumping her shoulder, making her laugh.

They made it to the bathroom, Natsu flicking on the light and going through one of the cupboards under the sink. "I thought I had one somewh-" he murmured, "ah here it is." He came back up to reveal a new toothbrush pack, resting it on the counter.

"It's not much, but feel free to use anything you want." Natsu ran a hand through his hair and scratched the back of his neck. "There are some towels there, shower is pretty basic, soaps and stuff are in there."

"Thanks, Natsu. I appreciate everything."

They shared a soft warm look for a moment. "Anytime, Luce. Be downstairs if you need anything."

Lucy sighed when the door clicked. This definitely wasn't how she expected the weekend to turn out, but she couldn't deny the happiness that spread through her. The pleasant warmth in her chest that continued to linger. It was comforting and full of promise.

Being surrounded by his warmth when she woke up, her lips still tingling from their kisses.

After all the times she thought that he wouldn't want something more, Natsu, this amazingly kind, generous, beautiful man with an amazing heart, gorgeous eyes and radiant smile really liked her back.

Her best friend she couldn't help but fall for.

She turned on the shower, waiting for it to warm up as she pulled off the clothes and set them on the counter. She grabbed a small wash rag and stepped into the shower, sighing as the warm water fell over her with a soft, content smile.

Lucy started her way back downstairs, running her hand through her now soft hair. Luckily she'd found a small hairdryer so it wouldn't have to be wet. She actually really liked the smell of his shampoo and soaps for herself. Surrounded by those comforting notes of woodsy cedar and pine she'd come to love on Natsu with a hint of something sweeter.

She found Natsu in the kitchen fishing up some tea. "Hey, the bathroom's all yours," she grinned.

Natsu turned towards her, the morning light that spilled in through the window made the jade in his eyes shine just right. It almost took her breath away.

"Hey," he said, a toothy smile spreading across his face. "Oh, this is for you." He handed her a large warm mug. "I wasn't sure what kind of tea you like? I can get you a different flavor, or if you prefer coffee? I think I ran out though, or-"

"It's ok," Lucy reassured, her smile growing. He was so cute and caring. "This is perfect, thank you." She settled the cup in one hand, she reached out to give his hand a squeeze.

Natsu took a breath, his smile softening as he squeezed her hand back.

"Make yourself at home, Luce. Be right back down in a bit," he said warmly.

"No rush, I'll be here."

Natsu headed upstairs and Lucy settled on the couch, taking a sip of her tea, flavor soothing and warm on her tongue.

Happy trotted over, head bumping her leg before jumping up, kneading the couch and laying down next to her. Lucy smiled and scratched behind his ears as he purred in content. She'd never had a pet of her own, but she always loved cats and was always glad when she got to spend time with Happy.

The TV was on in the background but she was content enjoying the peacefulness that she never realized she could experience after always living in a larger city. Out here nestled among the trees and crisp air, she could breathe again.

Lucy thumbed the soft material of his hoodie she'd held onto this morning, bringing it closer to surround herself in his comforting scent.

"Hey, you. Ready?" A warm voice said by her ear.

"N-Natsu!" Lucy yelped in surprise. She didn't even realize how much time had passed or hear him walk in the room. "Don't do that!"

"Sorry sorry, couldn't help it," he laughed, giving her that wide fanged grin.

Lucy's breath caught in her throat when she took in what he had on. His black fitted jeans, forest green shirt that brought out his eyes even more, and a hooded denim jacket.

How did he always make the simplest things look so good?

"Yeah, r-ready when you are," Lucy said, grinning through the fluttering in her stomach as she stood from the couch.

They moved towards the front door, Natsu slipping on his worn boots and white scarf. "I'm also gonna wear this since I'm obviously horrible with predicting the weather," he laughed, pulling on a beanie that only added to the pleasant fluttering in her chest.

Lucy shook her head and laughed. She grabbed the bag she brought with her, throwing her own jacket inside it and slipped on her own boots.

"Be back later, Happy!" Natsu called out behind him and locked the door. "Anything you're craving?" he asked when they got in his truck and started down the road.

"Hm, maybe more pancakes?" Lucy's smile widening at Natsu's bright laugh.

"Whatever your heart desires, princess," he teased.

"Oh stop," she laughed, that damn smirk making her neck warm again as she swatted his arm playfully.

She liked that pet name a little too much, but his ego didn't need to know that.

Natsu caught her hand with one of his, lacing their fingers together and bringing it up to place a warm kiss to the back of it.

The warmth on her neck quickly spread to her cheeks as they exchanged a soft look.

Lucy squeezed his hand, thumb brushing the back of it.

Yeah, she could get used to this.

After they had found a good filling spot for breakfast they decided to take a stroll around town. No particular destination in mind, just content in each other's company.

The air was cool and crisp around them as she took in the morning sights and sounds of the town. The smell of fresh rain lingered, sky bright and clear above them.

Natsu's hand brushed the back of hers, bringing her back from her thoughts, sending warm pleasant tingles up her arm.

She slowly slipped her hand into his warm palm. It always gave her such soothing comfort. She felt safe and at home by his side.

Lucy glanced up and met his gaze, his wide smile reaching his eyes as he squeezed her hand.

Her own smile grew in return, she loved being able to just hold his hand freely like this.

"Hey, Luce. Feel like havin' a snack?" he asked, stopping to pull her over to a small ice cream shop.

"Sure, sounds good actually," she laughed, already knowing the eager glint in his eyes wouldn't go away until he had his fill.

But it worked out. They had stopped in a couple small shops just to browse along the way and a sweet craving was starting to hit her right about now.

They settled at a small booth after Natsu insisted on paying for them. Lucy got just as big of a cone as Natsu did and practically almost finished it, much to his delight.

The quaint shop held just as much charm as the rest of the main part of town.

"You know, the longer I'm here, the more I fall for this town and everything in it," Lucy smiled, gazing out the window beside them as she enjoyed the rest of her cold treat, "sometimes I think about how it would have been if I never left that first time." Her voice trailed off quietly.

"You had to leave for your mom right?" Natsu asked, his expression open and eyes soft.

Lucy had shared a bit about her parents with him before, he knew her mom was gone and about her basically non-existent relationship with her father, but she rarely went into much detail. He never pushed her to talk about it, just as she did with him. But she always felt like she mattered and felt safe with him.

"Yeah, I had started college here in Magnolia a few years ago, like I've told you before." Natsu nodded. "My mom was so happy and excited for me. We drove down together, she helped me set up my dorm, supported me so much along the way," Lucy smiled fondly, chest starting to ache as she remembered those moments.

Lucy sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Then I was just finishing up that first year and my parents suddenly decided to get divorced. My mom started getting sick and being the lovely person my father is, he didn't want to lift a finger to help her." Her brows drew in as Lucy shook her head, frustration welling up in her, remembering all the times she got into it with him over the phone. "I went back home to Crocus that summer and things seemed like they had settled a bit. T-Then I tried to make it work at the start of my second year, going back and forth when I could to help her. She tried to act like she could handle it on her own but-but she was getting w-worse and I-I-" Lucy swallowed past the lump in her throat. Then a warm hand was over hers.

"Luce, you don't have to keep going if you don't want to," Natsu said softly. Her heart warmed at the concern in his eyes.

Lucy gave him a small smile. "It's okay, I want to." Her thumb brushed over his. Once she started, it was hard to stop once she opened those gates. It'd been a while since she talked about everything.

"I just- I hated seeing her struggling and I wanted to be there so she wouldn't have to be alone. No matter how much she told me she was okay. So I went back home to stay. She didn't want me to put school on hold, but how could I not help her after everything she'd done for me."

Natsu squeezed her hand and passed her some water. She smiled and thanked him after taking a sip.

"And I ended up coming home right in time because she had gotten worse than what she had told me. My father had just sold the house since it was in his name, so we moved into an apartment together. I got a couple jobs to help support us and then with time she started getting better and she was in remission for a bit..." Lucy breathed in a deep shuddering breath, "but then the cancer came back again and it did off and on again for the next couple years… then she passed a couple months before I came back here."

"I'm sorry, Luce." His palm still warm and strong over hers, rough thumb rubbing soothing circles over her skin, keeping her grounded and here.

"It's okay," she breathed, "she just didn't have the strength to fight anymore towards the end. We did all we could to make her comfortable but that was all I could do and I just- I felt so helpless..." Her voice started to quiver, strong tears pricking at the back of her eyes.

"Oh, Lucy, I'm so sorry. Can only imagine how hard that all was on you." Natsu had moved to sit closer to her, rubbing her back in comfort.

Lucy leaned into his warmth. "Then after she was gone I didn't see a reason to stay there and I found my way back here. It wasn't a home without her anymore."

"You're so strong, Luce, and I'm sure your mom is so proud of you."

A few tears broke through at that as Lucy breathed through a watery laugh.

"I hope so."

"I know she is and I'm proud of you too, you've come so far," he said, thumbing the tears off her cheeks gently, and tugging her a bit closer to his side, "I'm sorry you had to struggle all that time on your own though."

Lucy sat back up a bit. "It's okay," she sighed, "after I reconnected more with Levy, moved back here, and met you…" She squeezed his hand. "I didn't feel so alone. You've all helped me more than you know and I'm so grateful."

Lucy glanced back up and caught his soft open expression. "I'm glad, and even happier that you found your way back here."

"Thank you, Natsu, I am too," she smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder, "I'm sorry for dropping all this on you so suddenly." Lucy breathed in another shuddering breath.

She really was glad she found her way back to this special town, who knew it would hold all this good for her.

"Hey that's okay, no need to apologize. I'm always here for you, Luce," he reassured warmly, rubbing a warm palm along her arm. "Thank you for sharing all that with me, I know how hard it can be."

Lucy sighed. "It can be, but thank you for listening… and for everything," she breathed, blinking away more blurry tears that threatened to fall again, "It hurts that we both had to lose people so young, but I'm really happy we found each other now."

"Always," he whispered, "and I'm really happy we did too. You've helped me in so many ways too and I don't know what I would do without you." Natsu pressed a warm lingering kiss to her temple that sent tingles down her spine.

What would she do without him either?

Several quiet moments passed, Lucy soaking in his radiating warmth as she leaned against him. Like a balm over her raw emotions.

"Wanna grab some fresh air?" Natsu asked softly.

They made their way back outside, the cool air soothing her mind. She felt a little lighter, as if some weight was lifted from her shoulders. She hadn't talked to someone about all of that in a long time and it felt refreshing to let some of it go. Grateful for Natsu's strong pillar of support.

They walked along the sidewalk for a bit longer, Lucy's arm looped in Natsu's as she laughed a little brighter at his one too many cheesy jokes. Comfortably warm and content by his side.

Before she knew it, the day was starting to come to an end. They found their way back to Natsu's truck to take Lucy home after grabbing another "light snack" as Natsu called it.

Not that she minded much, happy just enjoying time with him. She'd spent too many days missing that contagious laugh and bright smile and wanted to soak up every minute she could.

Natsu eventually pulled up to Lucy's apartment when they decided to head home, shifting his truck into park and shutting it off. "Well, here we are, Luce," he sighed, seeming just as reluctant to let the weekend end as she was.

"Guess we had to call it a day at some point," she said, glancing towards the door to her building. "Maybe I should call in sick tomorrow."

They shared a laugh before they turned and caught each other's gaze, expressions turning soft.

With the golden pink sun that streamed through behind him highlighting his smile, the fond affection in those soft eyes, his warm rough palm in hers, she almost forgot to breathe.

He was beautiful and she couldn't resist her heart's pull to lean over, cup his cheek and give him a slow lingering kiss that made her chest tingle when he kissed her back fully, warm palm squeezing her forearm.

Lucy pulled away slowly. "This weekend was perfect, Natsu, thank you." Her voice an airy whisper between them as her thumb brushed over his cheek softly, "Talk to you soon?"

His eyes were a little dazed, feeling him take a shaky breath. "Y-Yeah, of course."

Lucy smiled, hoping the growing flush on her cheeks wasn't too bad. "Oh, here's your hoodie," she said, reaching to pull it off.

"Nah, it's alright, you can hang onto it," Natsu waved off. "It, uh, looks way better on you anyway." A cute soft dusting of pink fell on his cheeks as he gave her a warm grin.

"Are you sure?"

"Yup, positive," he smiled.

"Alright," she laughed softly, secretly happy she could hang onto the soft hoodie for a bit longer, "Bye, Natsu." She gave him one more sweet kiss on his cheek before she pulled back and grabbed her things.

Natsu cleared his throat a bit. "Bye, Luce."

"Drive safe and let me know when you get back home?"

"Will do." His expression soft.

Lucy stepped out, sending him a smile and a wave over her shoulder. Natsu's own toothy smile widened as he waved back at her.

She got up to her apartment, sighing happily as she set her things down on the couch.

Lucy wasn't sure what the future held for them, but her heart had a good feeling about it.

Thanks for reading! They're just so cute together already, I can't help but pour in all the sweetness T_T