As I was putting this chapter together I figured, since I didn't get to go out and do all the things I planned for my birthday (those 2020 feels) what better gift to myself than some self-indulgent fluff for my faves. And Christmas in April? Why not. There are no rules when it comes to feels. Enjoy!

Slight PTSD episode.

Natsu stretched and rolled onto his side, breathing in deep the crisp air in the room that was slowly waking him.

His eyes slowly fluttered open, settling on golden strands that were flowing over the pillow beside him.

Natsu smiled softly, leaning over a bit to gently push some strands behind Lucy's ear.

She had come over for Christmas Eve last night. He didn't have much decorations but he'd brought home a tree a few days before and Lucy helped him put some lights on it and around the living room. Then they settled onto the couch with some fresh baked cookies he helped her with, watching cheesy Christmas movies, wrapped up in a blanket.

She brought such warmth and light into his life, and his home since they met. Something he hadn't realized he'd been missing all this time. And now that he had it, he didn't want to lose the feeling for anything.

Lucy buried her face deeper into the side of the pillow as his finger trailed along her jaw. His smile widened when her nose crinkled cutely.

"Luushhii..."

Lucy groaned, honey eyes peeking open. "Natsu…" she whined. "Why are you up so early?"

"Force of habit, sorry," he chuckled at Lucy's muffled groan and wrapped an arm under. He turned over onto his back again, pulling her close.

Lucy settled her head on his chest, wrapping an arm around his waist. "Mm, you're lucky you're warm or I would shove you off for waking me before the sun is even fully up," she murmured, teasing in her sleepy voice.

Natsu gasped. "Out of my own bed even on Christmas?"

"Even then."

They shared a soft laugh. "Merry Christmas, Natsu," Lucy whispered, kissing his jaw and nuzzling into the crook of his neck before her breathing slowly evened out again.

"Merry Christmas, Luce," he breathed into her hair, tightening his arm around her and allowing the soothing warmth surrounding him to lull him back to sleep this time.

Natsu woke up again about an hour later, groaning softly at the tightness in his shoulder that was annoyingly urging him to get up.

He slowly pulled himself from under Lucy, careful not to wake her. Lucy breathed deeply as she resettled on his pillow. Natsu smiled softly and pressed a warm kiss to her temple and pulled the blankets over her.

Natsu threw on a hoodie, stopped by the bathroom to freshen up, and made his way downstairs where he was greeted by a soft meow.

"Hey, buddy, there you are."

Happy jumped down from his tower in the corner of the living room to circle around Natsu's legs as he walked into the kitchen, mrowling up at him expectantly.

"Yeah yeah, hold on you. Your food's comin'," Natsu said, leaning over to give Happy some affectionate scratches behind his ears.

Natsu yawned and ran a hand through his hair, getting some coffee started and putting down some water and food for Happy.

Natsu gripped the counter as he took a deep breath.

Things had been… easier lately.

The restless nights filled with vivid dreams he would much rather forget that woke him every other hour most nights had eased up slightly.

He'd noticed Lucy's concerned glances on mornings he felt more run down than usual, sharing bits and pieces of his dreams but he didn't want to worry her more than he had to.

They were still there of course, lingering in the back of his mind, tethered to shadows he couldn't escape. He preferred when he had dreamless sleep like last night.

Although, maybe it was the newness of being in a relationship now that was soothing his mind a bit lately. The thought stretched a toothy grin across his face.

Natsu never really thought it would happen for him. He'd been on a few dates before, but nothing ever really stuck.

Not that it had been a priority for him, with him always being gone and not really being settled down. His friends had always been enough and he never expected to fall this hard for anyone let alone with his best friend and someone as amazing as Lucy and to have her feel the same for him just made it even sweeter.

For him, and everything he was. Pieces and all. He felt too undeserving of her, but he would do everything in his power to make her feel like she was the most important girl in the world. Which she was.

A thought popped in Natsu's head and he went around the kitchen and gathered some ingredients together, setting a skillet on the stove and getting to work.

Then soon, arms wound around his waist and his smile grew at the familiar touch.

"Hey, you." His hand fell over her clasped ones around him.

"Mm, what are you making that smells so good?" Lucy murmured, squeezing his waist and resting her head between his shoulder blades.

"Apple cinnamon pancakes," Natsu said proudly, "And bacon 'cause I had a craving," he laughed, flipping a couple cakes on the griddle. The savory sweet smell filling the kitchen.

Lucy came up beside him, arm still hugging around his waist. "Getting treated to your specialty pancakes again? I'm honored," she grinned playfully. "That sounds amazing though, I'm starving."

"Good 'cause It's almost done."

Natsu turned to face her fully, arms wrapping around her.

"Mornin Luce, and Merry Christmas. Officially," he laughed brightly.

"Yes, now that I'm fully awake, Merry Christmas, Natsu," she grinned, amusement twinkling in her eyes. She leaned forward to give him a sweet lingering kiss that he never wanted to end.

He hummed against her lips, warm palm against the small of her back pulling her closer before they separated, his stomach growling loudly right on queue.

Natsu gave her crooked grin as they laughed and he finished cooking up the rest of the food, moving to set the food on the table.

Natsu put together a plate for Lucy and handed it to her. "Princess."

He didn't know where that pet name came from but it was too fun to see her reaction to it every time. She acted like she was bothered, but the cute pink that spread over her cheeks always gave her away.

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Thank you," she laughed. Lucy quickly dug in, humming around her fork. "Mm, Natsu, these are amazing."

"Glad you like 'em," he grinned brightly. He put a big forkful of the cakes, and as soon as the taste of cinnamon and sweetness of the apples hit his tongue, fond memories of similar Christmas mornings came back to him.

"My dad, well uh, my uncle Igneel who became our guardian after my parents passed that I mentioned to you before? He used to make them every Christmas actually and get all into the holiday," he said after a few content moments. "I hadn't done much holiday stuff in a long time so figured I'd start with this," he chuckled.

"I do remember you mentioning him sometimes… do you both not keep in touch? You don't really talk about him much other than that," Lucy asked softly.

Natsu's chest tightened a bit, running a hand through his hair. "He's… it's kinda complicated with him. Has been for the past few years and we haven't really talked in a long time," he admitted roughly.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring it up if you didn't want to talk about it," Lucy said, a bit of guilt in her eyes that Natsu didn't want there.

"No, don't be. It's ok," he smiled softly, pulling out his phone. He scrolled through his photos there until he found the one he was looking for. "This is him actually." He turned his phone, showing her the older picture he had saved of them one winter, Igneel cutting firewood and young Natsu playing in the snow beside him. Both with wide smiles.

"Aww, look at you both having fun," Lucy grinned. "He looks big and tough, but also a softie."

"Yeah he definitely is. He always tried to make the holidays fun, which was probably hard after dealing with me and my brother," Natsu chuckled. "S'mores in the fireplace, the pancakes, basically a lot of sugar. But… it's been a while since I've let myself enjoy the holidays, so thank you for sharing it with me this year." His voice turned gentle, smile grateful.

Lucy's expression softened. "Thank you for having me," she said, returning a warm smile and reaching across the table to squeeze his hand.

His chest felt light and warm, a toothy smile spreading across his face.

They finished their filling breakfast, cleaned up in the kitchen and moved to settle on the couch.

"Ugh, I ate too much," Natsu groaned, rubbing over his belly as he leaned back into the plush cushions.

Lucy gasped. "You eating too much? It's a miracle."

He stuck his tongue out at her playfully and laughed. "It's known to happen every so often."

They talked easily for a bit while cheesy holiday movies played in the background.

"Oh! Let me grab your gift." Lucy stood from the couch, picking up a wrapped box that was underneath the tree in the corner and moved to sit beside him again. "I hope you like it," she said softly.

"Hey, I know I will. Thanks, Luce," Natsu grinned.

He pulled at the ribbon of the box until it unraveled, the wrapping paper and lid following. He pushed aside the tissue paper, eyes widening slightly.

A new pair of hiking boots rested inside. Along with a leather bound pocketbook.

"I remembered you pointing them out when we went to that shop and that you needed a new pair. Hope that's okay?" she asked, voice slightly uncertain, "and thought you would like to take the book with you when you have to go next time, write things or remember things. You can take the boots back if they're the wrong size or style but-"

"Luce," Natsu interrupted, chuckling softly as he grasped her hand, "These are awesome and perfect, thank you."

"Really?"

He grinned. "Really really. Can't wait to break them in!"

Lucy's shoulders relaxed. "I'm glad." A small shy smile tugged her lips. "I may have gotten myself a pair too so we can go back on that trail. Preferably when it's warmer and not raining," she laughed. His favorite sound.

"Yeah?" His voice brightened. "Awesome! Sounds good, Luce. Now I really can't wait," he smiled and leaned over, pressing a kiss to her cheek and pulled her in for a tight one-armed hug.

Then Natsu stood and grabbed her gift from under the tree. "Here's yours, Luce. It's not much really, but I hope you like it too," he said after settling back down beside her.

"Of course I will," she said. Her smile open and kind.

Lucy pulled away the paper. He enjoyed the soft surprised gasp that escaped her when she opened the lid, revealing a rare print of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

"I also remembered you mentioning you had been looking for that one at the bookshop we went to," he smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck, "I went back and asked them for some help and they were able to find one. Then threw in some good hot cocoa mix you can enjoy while you read," he laughed softly.

Lucy turned to him, cradling the book gently in her hands. "Natsu, this is- thank you," she whispered, "I've been trying to find this exact print that my mom had for years.. it's our favorite book… I-I can't thank you enough for finding it."

She reached up, caressed Natsu's cheek and leaned in to give him a slow kiss.

Natsu sighed into her, pulling her close. He placed another kiss between her brows before pulling back slightly. "You're welcome. I'm just happy it made you happy, Luce," he said softly.

"You make me happy." Lucy tucked her head into the crook of his neck and gave him a tight hug.

Natsu grinned a wide toothy smile, a warm flutter spreading through his chest as he wound his arms around her fully. "Not as much as you make me."

If she was happy, that's all he could ask for.

They stayed like that for a few minutes, enjoying the peaceful moments of content with her in his arms.

Happy mrolwed as he trotted in, jumping on the couch beside Lucy, nudging his head onto Lucy's arm.

"Aw, of course I didn't forget about you, Happy," she laughed, scratching behind his ears.

Lucy leaned over to grasp a small package on the coffee table in front of them, pulling off the paper to a small fish kick toy.

Natsu laughed when Happy sniffed it and took off to his tower with it between his teeth.

"Thanks, Luce. Safe to say I think he likes it," he said, smiling that wide crooked grin.

"Thought he deserved a little something too," she laughed.

They settled further back into the couch. Lucy rested her legs across Natsu's lap, his palm resting on her calf as they tuned into a random holiday movie.

It was the best Christmas morning he'd had in a long time, no question.

"We don't have to be at Gray's for a while right?" Lucy asked just as another movie had started.

Natsu hummed. "Yeah, not till later. Though, it's actually his parents house but I always just call it his," he laughed, "but what's up?"

Lucy's fingers came up to play with the string on his hoodie. "Well, I heard they still have ice skating up at the plaza, we can check it out?"

Natsu chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Ah, I dunno, Luce. Don't think you'll wanna be seen with me once you see me out there," he grinned.

"I highly doubt that," Lucy laughed softly, grasping his arm. "Come on, I think it'd be fun."

Her eyes were so open and warm and he fell right in. As if he could deny her anything.

"Alright, alright. But don't say I didn't warn you."

Lucy giggled and rewarded him with that radiant smile and a kiss to his cheek.

Anything was worth it for her after all.

"Lucy," Natsu groaned, taking shaky staggered steps forward. He held a tight grip on Lucy's outstretched arms as he tried to keep himself steady on the smooth ice. "How are you so good at this?" he pouted.

"You're doing great," she laughed softly, squeezing his forearms, guiding him forward, "and it used to be my own tradition with my mom on Christmas."

Her expression was fond, seeming to get lost in a memory.

"Did you want to talk about her?" he asked gently, slowing his uneven steps.

Lucy gave him a small appreciative smile, moving to his side. Natsu kept one hand hovering over the rail they were close to on the edge of the rink.

"Well, sometimes my dad would come with us, but it was mostly my mom and I in the big plaza downtown," she started softly, arms gripping Natsu's and keeping him steady, "then we would get hot chocolate from this little cart. Probably doesn't sound like much now, but I'm glad we built those memories together."

"Hey, it's okay, those memories are everything," he said, squeezing her hand, "and it's good to keep them close and remember them like that. Even if it can hurt sometimes." His voice turned soft.

He knew that pain all too well and it hurt she had such similar experiences, but at least they had each other to lean on.

"Sounds like it was fun times, Luce," he smiled, picking up a bit of speed in his steps, "I'm sure she was more graceful than me," he strained out before a yelp squeaked out as he started to trip forward.

"Natsu," she said between giggles, "just hold on!"

His breath hitched in his throat. The rink and people quickly faded around him, shifting until Natsu was surrounded by muffled screams and the sound of rumbling booms and gunfire shooting past him…

The pressure in his chest was tight and sharp and he couldn't breathe.

Natsu fell to his knees, jumping to take shelter on the side of a dirty truck. He put shaking hands in front of him to shield over his head. The static and ringing in his ears were getting louder, piercing and making his head throb.

"Natsu! Just hold on!" A shout filtered through, "We'll cover you soon and you get the hell out of there!"

Who was that? Where was the voice coming from? How was he supposed to leave when he could barely feel his legs, the heavy pack on his shoulders pinning him to the ground.

The shouting voice was trying to get more words to him but they could barely pass through the haze in his mind...

Lucy's chest tightened quickly.

Natsu's expression had shifted to somewhere far away where she couldn't reach as soon as she said those last few words.

One moment he was smiling and stumbling and trying to catch his footing and the next he was slipping from her grasp. Lucy tried to save his fall but she couldn't make it in time. His fingers missed the rail, falling back hard and hitting his head against the luckily soft but firm wall.

Lucy quickly knelt beside him, raising a slightly trembling hand to brush across his warming cheek. His expression was pinched in pain. His breaths were quick and harsh.

She had seen this happen several times, the more time they spent together. Enough to know it was probably another episode he was having.

He rarely liked to talk about them after, preferring to say he was okay and just give her a warm tired smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Of course she worried, especially after seeing him sluggish and drained some mornings and feeling him get up in the middle of the night occasionally. Though, she never pushed him to talk about things if he wasn't ready. She would still always be there for him regardless. Just as she knew he always would be and was for her.

"Natsu?" Lucy called out, brushing back some messy strands that were starting to stick to his forehead, his warm flush deepening on his skin.

She continued to thread her fingers through his hair with soft comforting words, thumb brushing across his temple until his shaky harsh breaths started to even out.

His eyes fluttered open and found hers, finally clearing a bit and seeing her.

"Hey, there you are," Lucy smiled softly.

Natsu closed his eyes and took in a shuddering breath, clasping his warm hand over hers on his cheek.

"S-Shit, I'm sorry, Lucy," Natsu rasped, his eyes apologetic when they opened, "that was- I just-"

"Natsu, it's okay," Lucy said gently. She moved to sit beside him, tucking her legs to the side, ignoring the cold chill of ice that nipped through her jeans. "You don't have to apologize. Does your head feel okay? You fell back pretty hard." Her hand moved up to feel the back of his head softly before rubbing his arm soothingly with the other. Her brows still creased with concern.

Natsu took another deep breath. "Y-Yeah, I just… lost myself for a bit."

Lucy smoothed along his back, letting him collect himself for a few minutes. "Let's go sit out and take a break?"

Natsu nodded, accepting Lucy's outstretched hand when she stood and helped him up.

They slowly stepped out the rink, finding a nearby bench.

Lucy squeezed their still clasped hands. Natsu sighed and laced their fingers together.

Lucy thought he was going to end it there, but he continued softly.

"I was… back there… It was a heavy mission. One of the guys on my team said that same thing you did and it all just came rushing back, like I was right in it again, " he rasped, brows drawn as shadows of memories flickering across his face. Lucy made a sympathetic sound, squeezing his hand leaning into him. "I'm sorry for making you worry." His thumb dragged across her knuckles, tingling her skin as he turned and locked his gaze back on hers. "But thank you… for being here. Now and all the other times I know I've been off and couldn't really explain why."

"Natsu…" Lucy's expression softened, swallowing past the lump in her throat. "You know I'll always be here for you, and thank you for sharing all that with me. I know how hard it must be remembering those things."

Natsu hummed. "It can be… but you help me more than you know, Luce." His warm smile finally reached his eyes.

Her heart swelled with affection. "I'm glad," she whispered, pulling him close to press her lips to his temple, making him sigh deeply. "I'm sorry for triggering you like that," Lucy said softly after a few moments, some uncertainty slipping into her voice as she pulled on a loose thread on her jacket.

Natsu breathed a soft sound. "Hey, no, it's okay, Luce." His fingers came up under her chin to tilt her head up to face him gently. "Please don't feel bad, you couldn't have known. Hell, even I don't know what triggers these things sometimes," Natsu reassured, his palm moving to caress her cheek, "I would never blame you for anything."

Lucy sighed, leaning into his touch and pressing a kiss to his palm. "I know. It just- it hurts to see you struggling through these sometimes and I wish I could do more to help you, but you always have all my support, Natsu," she said softly, hoping she could convey just how much he meant to her.

Natsu gave her a warm smile. "Thanks, Luce," he rasped, "like I've said, you do help me more than you know and I'm so grateful for you."

"I'm grateful for you too," she whispered as she leaned her head against his broad shoulder. Natsu wrapped his arm around her to bring her closer, resting his head on hers as they sat and watched others continuing to glide across the ice for a while.

"So, how about a few more laps around?"

Lucy pulled back slightly to look up at him, some slight concern lingering. "Are you sure? We don't have to if you're not feeling up to it?"

"I'm sure, I promise. " His smile widened. Natsu stood from the bench slowly and offered Lucy his hand. "It's a Christmas tradition we have to keep going after all."

Her heart warmed at that, laughing softly. Who was she to refuse that smile?

Lucy grasped his rough, warm hand and allowed him to help her up from the bench.

He quickly brought her flush against his chest, warm arms surrounding her in comfort. Those bright emerald eyes open and soft, reflecting more than he could say.

Lucy leaned forward and captured his lips. Natsu breathed her in, his large palm holding her close by the small of her back as he deepened the kiss. She felt some need in his touch and she gave in willingly.

They parted to take a breath. Natsu's grin grew wider when he caught her gaze. "Thanks for sharing your holiday with me too."

Lucy responded by pulling him in for another slow kiss.

"Ready?" Natsu sighed with a grin, turning towards Lucy. They'd just pulled up and parked in front of Gray's parents house after going back to his house for a quick change.

"Are you sure you're feeling up to it? I'm sure they would understand if you weren't," Lucy asked softly, rubbing over his shoulder. Her mind went back to the way her heart dropped when he fell earlier.

He reached a hand over and squeezed her knee. "Yeah, I'm sure," he rasped. "Feelin' better now, thanks, Luce." His smile was small but genuine as it reached his fond eyes.

"Alright, let's head in," she grinned, patting his hand on her knee.

They stepped out, grabbing armfuls of presents and bags and headed for the door.

Natsu squeezed her to his side for a moment before ringing the bell. Some muffled laughter got closer as it neared the door.

It swung open and they were greeted by a large man with a wide smile that practically reached his ears.

"Hey, Natsu!" He brought Natsu in for a hug and clapped him on the back.

"Hey, Silver," Natsu smiled brightly. They were soon ushered inside, and shrugged off their coats and hung them on the rack by the door.

"Look who I found, everyone," he announced loudly.

Different cheers of greeting sounded from some of their friends already gathered in the open living room.

Lucy smiled and waved.

"Natsu! So glad you could make it," an older woman said warmly, embracing him in a hug.

"Thank you, good to see you guys," Natsu grinned, stepping back. "Ah, Lucy, this is Silver and Mika, Gray's parents. Guys, this is Lucy."

Silver offered his hand with a wide smile. "Hey! Pleasure to meet you, Lucy."

"Great to meet you too!" Mika stepped in to give her a warm hug after Lucy shook Silver's hand.

"Thank you for having me, oh we brought some cookies for you," Lucy said, handing over the container they packed.

"Oh these look so good, thank you! And we're happy to have you! Any friend of this bunch is a friend of ours," Mika laughed warmly. "Please make yourselves at home, the food is almost ready," Mika said cheerfully before heading back towards the kitchen, slapping Silver's hand away when he tried to pick at the ham.

Affection swelled in her chest at the joyful home and the warmth the people in it surrounded her with.

"Natsu!"

They turned to see a younger girl with dark purple hair running over to them.

"Hey, Wendy!" Natsu gave the girl a big hug. "Have someone I want you to meet. This is Lucy," he said warmly, smoothing a hand over Lucy's back. "Luce, this is Wendy."

"Oh, hi, Lucy! So happy to meet you! Heard so much from my favorite cousin and everyone," she grinned brightly, stepping in to give Lucy a hug.

"Same to you!" Lucy grinned, returning it warmly.

Natsu did mention that when they found some pictures a while ago, while he and Wendy weren't technically related, their parents were all friends and would spend a lot of time at Natsu's house growing up, happily staying in touch even though their parents weren't around anymore.

"Better be your favorite," Natsu teased.

"Yeah, yeah," Wendy laughed with a soft shove to Natsu's shoulder. "I'm just sorry it took so long for us to meet, Lucy. School was so busy this semester, but glad I'm on break for a while," Wendy huffed.

"I totally understand, don't worry," Lucy grinned.

"Thank you," Wendy sighed. "I heard you were back too, Natsu and didn't even get a chance to call you!"

"Hey, don't worry about that. We're all together now." Natsu pulled Wendy into a side hug, easing the girl's distress. "C'mon." He gave Lucy a wide smile over his shoulder that made her heart warm and led them the rest of the way from the entryway and into the living room.

"Hey guys! Thought I heard you get here, Merry Christmas!" Levy bounded over and wrapped Lucy in a hug.

Lucy hugged her back happily. "Merry Christmas!"

They made their way through the group with more hugs and cheerful greetings, ending with Gray who just finished shoving Natsu's shoulder playfully.

"Hi, Gray! Merry Christmas," Lucy greeted brightly, giving him a hug.

"Hey, Lucy. Glad you could make it," Gray said, "I told this one to be sure to invite you, glad he came through." Gray tilted his head towards Natsu with a smirk.

Natsu squawked. "Of course I did!"

"Sure, sure," Gray waved off.

Lucy laughed at Natsu's grumbling. "Come on, you." She smoothed a hand up his back till they finally got settled on the couch.

"Sooo," Lisanna drawled, leaning over on the arm of the chair she was on. "We couldn't help but notice you guys got here together and… was there something more behind that we?" she smirked, playfulness in her blue eyes.

A flush quickly made its way up Lucy's neck. She probably should have expected that. "Ah, well…" glancing at Natsu, a shy smile on her lips.

Levy gasped. "It's true isn't it?" excitement shining in her eyes.

"Ugh, yes already! It's true, we're together, you nosy idiots." Natsu rolled his eyes, some false annoyance in his voice. Yet, a soft flush grew on his cheeks, smile twitching his lips as he ran a hand through his hair. His expression turned fond when he looked back at Lucy and squeezed her hand.

Lucy giggled when cheers of 'finally' and 'I knew it' rang out around them. The group was quick to rush over and give them a big group hug.

"We should celebrate!"

"Why do you all need to celebrate?" Natsu laughed.

"Because! You both finally realized what we've seen this whole time and we have to celebrate accordingly! And we're all happy that you're happy, you deserve it!" Lisanna said proudly after returning from the kitchen with a bottle of wine and some glasses.

They passed around several filled glasses. "Cheers to Natsu and Lucy!" Happy cheers sounded around them. Gray gave them a knowing smirk.

He did seem to know more than the others...

Natsu laughed and scratched the back of his neck. "Alright, alright."

Lucy couldn't help the wide smile on her face, warmth settling in her chest. The happiness in the air around them was contagious and she soaked in every minute of it.

Natsu wrapped an arm around her shoulders and leaned in to press a kiss to her temple, making her skin tingle and warmth spread through her.

"Lis, they're so cute I can't," Levy gushed, grabbing onto Lisanna's arm.

"So, when and where did this all happen?" Sting asked, blue eyes a bit too eager, "I gotta- uh, some people would like to know I'm sure." A wide goofy grin on his face.

Natsu smirked. "That's for us to know and you guys to wonder."

Sting groaned. Rogue caught their eye and they shared a laugh.

"You know something don't you?!" Sting gasped and ran up to Rogue.

Rogue raised his hands in surrender. "No comment," he grinned. Sting grumbled.

"We're so hanging out soon so you can give us all the details!" Levy pleaded to Lucy.

"Okay, okay, deal, " Lucy giggled, despite the hot flush now on her cheeks.

The excitement over their new relationship soon simmered went back to mingling among themselves.

"Sorry, Luce. Know they can be a bit much," Natsu chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.

Lucy smiled. "Oh no, it's okay," she laughed, "I know they're just happy for us… and I'm pretty happy too." Lucy curled up further into his side.

Her favorite wide fanged grin sprung on his face. "Yeah?"

Lucy hummed happily.

"Me too," he said softly.

She took a moment to admire the affection in his eyes before leaning in to give him a sweet kiss.

The group resettled in the living room after a filling dinner. Natsu and Lucy flopping back on the smaller sofa.

"Ugh, too much eating today," Natsu grumbled, rubbing his belly.

"I give you an hour before you're looking for dessert," Gray smirked, throwing up his legs onto the ottoman in front of him, Juvia settling on the armrest beside him smiling gently at them.

Natsu narrowed his eyes at Gray, seemingly too tired for more of a comeback.

Lucy laughed and leaned back into the couch. "I mean, he's not wrong."

Natsu gasped, a hand falling over his chest. "You wound me so, Luce." Then fell to the side and dropped his weight over her, burying his head into the crook of her neck.

"Natsu!" Lucy giggled, trying to lift his heavy form off of her.

"Mm, too comfy," he murmured into her skin.

Lucy sighed, resigning herself to her fate with a soft smile. She didn't really mind, his warmth was comforting.

Natsu found her hand and threaded his fingers with hers between them. His rough thumb brushing over her inner wrist sending tingles up her spine.

"You were a bit quiet at dinner, feeling okay? We can leave early if you want to?" Lucy asked softly while their friends started up a debate over which board game they should play.

Natsu leaned back a bit and took in a deep breath, his smile warm. "I'm okay, just a bit tired, but I wanna be here with you," he said with a squeeze to her hand. "Thank you though."

Lucy searched his eyes, only finding content warmth in those emerald depths that she fell into every time.

"Of course," she whispered, "but if anything is too much you can always tell me." Her thumb brushed over the back of his hand.

Natsu breathed an airy laugh. "What did I do to deserve you…" His voice was so soft she was barely able to hear it as his fingers played with hers.

Lucy wrapped her other arm around his that was holding her hand, leaning into him.

"By just being you."

Natsu's expression softened. He took a shuddering breath and leaned in to press his forehead against hers. He squeezed her hand, saying all the words he didn't need to say.

Thanks for reading! Love me some good domestic holiday fluff!