Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes last time! Our happy couple just keeps getting closer and closer! Things get a little more heated towards the end ;)

Enjoy!

Lucy sighed in content, eyes skimming over some pages of the new book she'd been reading lately.

It was an interesting mystery novel but her attention continued to drift.

Lucy's gaze fondly fell over Natsu's relaxed form again as he rested his head on a pillow over her lap again, watching a show he had turned on while she preferred to catch up on her book.

Well, tried to anyway. If her attention wasn't so easily shot.

It wasn't like Natsu was distracting her on purpose. She knew how hard it was for him to wind down sometimes so she couldn't help but enjoy the sight of him so relaxed and content.

Lucy set her book aside for now and threaded a hand through his hair instead. She smiled when she felt a low hum vibrate through him as her nails scored his scalp gently.

They'd been lounging around Lucy's apartment on one of her days off, catching up with a couple movies and shows until they started getting hungry. Natsu insisted on getting pizza delivered with "the works" and her grumbling stomach agreed easily.

Too many slices later, they ended up back on the couch, bellies full and warmth surrounding them.

The start of the new year quickly came and went and before they knew it, they were in the middle of March.

So much had changed over the past year, Lucy almost couldn't believe how different her life had become and all the good she was grateful to have in her life now.

"Can't believe it's already been a year since I got here." Her thought whispered out loud.

Natsu turned over onto his back, warm gaze reaching her. "Hey that's right. Pretty much almost the time we met too." His smile shined.

"That was a pretty good night," Lucy laughed, her chest warming with soft with affection as she remembered how quickly she'd clicked with him and how easily he had made his way into her life… and her heart.

"So, if I remember correctly, your birthday is coming up soon. Did you wanna do anything special?" Lucy asked, her hand still sifting through his hair, making him breathe in deeply as he leaned into her touch.

"Hm, nah not really, but it's okay, Luce." Natsu waved it off. "I've never done much for my birthday anyway," he chuckled.

"Are you sure? I owe you something since someone didn't tell me it was their birthday the week before we met until months later," she pouted.

Natsu laughed brightly as she poked on his chest with her other hand. He caught it and laced their fingers together.

"Yes, I'm so sorry, princess, I'll go back in time so we can celebrate together," he smirked.

"Good," Lucy smiled, lifting their hands to press a kiss to the back of his warm hand.

"But really, you don't owe me anything, Luce." A warm content smile on his lips. "Anything with you is good enough for me."

Lucy's expression softened at the fondness in his kind eyes, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand that rested on his chest.

Natsu met her halfway when she leaned over to give him a sweet kiss. Pleasant tingles traveled up her spine when he sighed into it, his lips soft and warm as they slid over hers.

Lucy pulled back a bit, smiling when he tried to lean back in. "Don't worry, I'll think of something good. Now come on, you, I wanna get ready for bed." She pushed on his arm, giggling at his cute dramatic pout. "You can- you're always welcome to stay over," she said softer, feeling warmth spread over her cheeks.

They'd fallen asleep over each other's houses countless times now, already becoming a familiar thing but Lucy still felt a little shy every time she asked him. A flutter in her stomach that would travel all the way up to her chest but then once she was beside him and his soothing warmth it melted into soft affection that always reminded her how safe and at home she felt with him.

"Sure, Luce. Was starting to get too tired too," he said softly. Her thumb brushed along his jaw, wishing she could do more to help him ease the fatigue that lingered underneath his warm smile.

Lucy walked back to her room after she finished up in the bathroom, her heart warming at the sight of Natsu getting her bed ready and sifting through the spare pack he'd started to leave here after a couple nights of sleeping in his clothes when he crashed here.

"Be right back," he smiled before heading to the bathroom himself.

The fluttering from earlier settled into a comfortable warmth, glad he felt just as comfortable here as she did at his house.

Lucy sat up on her usual side of her plush bed, plugging in her phone and checking a few of her apps.

Natsu came back into the room a while later fresh from a shower, running a hand through his damp hair. He wore soft shorts and a loose black tank top that highlighted the lines of his collarbone and his toned arms that let her admire the swirls of ink along them.

Gods he's gorgeous, Lucy thought as a light flush spread up her neck.

She fell for him more and more every day. Though, it was more than just his good looks. His amazingly kind heart had a lot to do with it too.

Natsu flopped onto the bed, arm falling over her waist. "Ah, much better," he said, voice muffled by the soft comforter beneath him.

Lucy laughed brightly. "You goof." She set her phone back down on the nightstand, her hand falling to thread through his hair. She soon gave into the urge and trailed her fingers along his firm arm with her other hand, tracing the various shapes and colors gently.

Natsu sighed in content. "But I'm your goof," he said, squeezing around her waist.

"Mm, yeah, you are," Lucy said fondly, thumb brushing over his temple.

They talked for a bit longer before the pull of sleep started to get stronger and Lucy settled down lower on the bed.

Natsu tucked under the covers, leaning over to flick off the lamp beside him. Before he could turn over fully, Lucy scooted closer until she was curled up along his firm back and broad shoulders. She wrapped an arm over his waist, that comforting warmth surrounding her and settling in her heart.

"Is this okay?" she whispered.

Natsu breathed deeply. "Mm, of course. You know it always is." His arm came over hers, lacing their fingers together and holding them against his chest. "Thank you…" he said in a soft whisper.

Lucy hummed, hugging him closer to her and pressing a soft kiss to the back of his neck. "I'm with you," she said softly, lips brushing his skin.

Lucy felt him take a shuddering breath. She buried her nose into his hair, breathing in his soothing scent of clean pine, warm cedar and amber that always made her feel at home as she easily fell under sleep's strong spell.

The next week came and Lucy smiled when she heard a knock at her door, drying off her hands on a towel before moving towards the front.

She pulled open the door and was greeted by that bright, wide fanged grin that still made her stomach flutter.

"Hey!"

"Hi, Natsu! Happy birthday!" Lucy greeted brightly, pulling him in for a tight hug after letting him in, breathing in the trace of that cologne she loved on him.

Natsu laughed warmly, strong arms wrapping around her as he returned her hug. "Mm, thanks, Luce," he breathed into her hair, holding her flush against him.

Lucy pulled away slightly, hand moving to cradle his jaw before she leaned in to give him a slow sweet kiss.

Lucy had thought about taking him to a good restaurant, but then decided that she would invite him over and try her hand at making him dinner instead, preferring something with just themselves rather than deal with possible crowds which she knew made him uneasy sometimes.

His comfort and well being mattered more to her after all.

She took a moment to admire the way he filled out the dark navy blue sweater he wore very nicely with his sleeves pushed up to his toned forearms, the material soft under her fingertips. Along with faded jeans and his usual boots.

"Looking handsome as ever, commander," Lucy said, loving the cute faint blush that grew on his cheeks as his grin widened.

"Thanks, figured I'd put in some effort today," he smirked. "You look beautiful as always, Luce." Natsu's expression softened with a warm smile, hand smoothing over the sides of her dress.

Lucy smiled brightly, feeling a soft fluttering in her stomach. "Thank you." She pressed a kiss to his jaw. "In the mood for some spicy curry?"

"Really?" Bright eagerness quickly sparked in his eyes, taking in a deep breath. "Mm, smells amazing already," Natsu grinned wide, his stomach growling loudly in agreement making Lucy laugh.

"Hope it tastes just as good, I know it's one of your favorites," Lucy said, moving back towards the stove.

"I know it will! And means even more just 'cause it's you who made it." Her heart warmed at his soft smile, leaning against the counter beside her. "Need any help?"

Natsu helped her finish up the rest of the rice before they moved over to set things up on her small dining table.

Lucy giggled at his eager expression as they finished loading up their plates, Natsu digging in quickly.

"Mmm, Luce, this is amazing!" Natsu gushed around a rather large spoonful, his eyes shining bright with enjoyment.

"I'm glad you like it," Lucy laughed, digging into her own bowl, enjoying the rich spice flavor on her tongue. It did come out pretty well if she said so herself, for her first try making this dish. "You'd mentioned you've been craving it so I thought I would give it a shot," she said, feeling her cheeks warming a bit.

"Mm, it's perfect, thank you!" he breathed out with a wide toothy grin after he practically finished his bowl already.

"Well, good thing I made more than enough so go ahead and get your fill," she grinned.

Natsu didn't waste time and set himself up with another bowl full, humming around his spoon. "We definitely need to have this again soon, Luce."

"Sounds good," Lucy laughed brightly, warmth swelling in her chest.

She'd do anything a thousand times if it meant she got to see him happy and smile like that.

Natsu helped her clean up after they finished dinner then they moved to settle on the couch.

"Think I might haf'ta change into my stretchy pants," Natsu groaned, leaning back into the plush cushions behind him, rubbing over his belly.

"You can go get changed if you want," Lucy giggled.

"Mm, not right now, too comfy," he murmured, pulling her legs over his lap. He wrapped his other arm around her, nestling into the crook of her neck.

Lucy laughed softly at that, leaning her head against his, breathing in the soft scent of his shampoo, her chest feeling warm and light beside his warmth.

They eventually did change into some comfier clothes after a while though. Lucy stopped by the kitchen before heading back to the couch, setting a plate with a large cake with a couple candles lit on it in front of Natsu on the coffee table.

Natsu sat back up quickly, making her laugh. "I also tried making a little something for dessert. Chocolate cinnamon."

Natsu gasped softly. "You're spoiling me, Luce."

"Hey, it's your birthday, you deserve it," Lucy said. "Now make a wish and blow out the candles." She smiled into the kiss she pressed to his cheek as she sat back down beside him.

Natsu breathed out a laugh, closing his eyes for a moment before blowing out the small flames.

Lucy cut a slice for them both and handed him one on a plate that he quickly dug into. Natsu gave her more of his praise around several large bites and another slice quickly followed.

Her heart warmed, happy she had an excuse to polish up her rusty cooking skills and create something like this for him.

Natsu quickly pulled her over his lap again as soon as she had her fill and set her plate on the coffee table.

Lucy laughed brightly, melting against his warmth.

"Thanks for today, Luce," Natsu said, "best birthday yet." A wide smile grew across his face, his palm warm at her hip.

Her expression softened. "You're welcome, I'm just glad you liked everything," she whispered between them, threading her hand through his hair.

"It was perfect. You're perfect." Natsu leaned into her touch and kissed her palm, sending sparks up her arm.

They carried easy conversation after that, a random movie playing in the background.

Lucy's thoughts eventually drifted to Natsu's next possible deployment, which was probably going to be in the upcoming months. Part of her felt selfish when she wished he had a kind of 'normal' job that didn't have them be apart for so long but another more reasonable part knew it probably hadn't come easy for him to choose this life.

"Natsu?" she asked, feeling him hum in acknowledgement. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, of course, Luce," he replied, squeezing her hip.

Lucy raised her head from his shoulder. "I-If you don't mind me asking, what was it that made you enlist?" Her voice softened.

Natsu sat up slightly. "That's okay, I never mind." His warm hand smoothed up her arm. "Hmm well, it was kind of a whole thing, but I was eighteen, barely managed to graduate high school. My brother was always out doing who knows what, my parents were gone…" Natsu paused, taking a deep breath. Lucy slipped her hand through his, giving him a reassuring squeeze as she watched several emotions cross his face. "A-And uh, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I wasn't motivated for college and was just kind of wandering for a while. I knew there was a marine base camp a couple hours out and the more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea of just getting out of this town and that empty house for a while." Natsu took another shaky breath. "Eventually I got talking to this recruiter and enlisted. Gray did too not too long after I did and now ten years later, here we are," he finished with a raspy chuckle, running a hand through his hair.

Lucy turned to face him better, caressing his cheek. "I'm sorry you felt that way back then. I know it must have been hard. Thank you for sharing all this with me." Natsu hummed, leaning into her touch. " And I understand that though, that need to just- to just get out, travel. Find yourself."

Natsu tugged her hand down over his lap gently, rough fingers tracing over the lines of her palm, tingles following the soft touch.

"Yeah I- there was nothing left for me here so I fell into it easily. I had something to work towards y'know? Something that helped me find some meaning at the time." There was a far away look in his eyes as he looked towards the television blankly.

Lucy hummed softly in acknowledgment. "Did it take you a long time to reach the commander rank?"

Natsu laughed lightly at that, his warm palm resting over her thigh. "Actually, my technical rank is sergeant, where I've been for the last few years and I work as a scout sniper in the infantry division which is mostly combat."

"Wow, that sounds like a lot," Lucy said softly.

"Yeah, training was hell," Natsu breathed a dull laugh as he shook his head, "but I pulled through. Wasn't about to let all that hard work be for nothin' y'know?" Lucy hummed in understanding. "And it was all I had so I just kept workin' at it. I also do some recon and lead certain missions sometimes. Which is how the guys started callin' me commander," he chuckled softly, rolling his eyes, "even though I'm not technically a commander. Too high up for me," Natsu waved off.

"I'm still so proud of you and how far you've come, Natsu," she said with a warm smile, "I'm sure it can be a lot on you with everything that you do."

His expression softened, resting his forehead against hers. "Thanks, Luce."

A few comfortable quiet moments passed. "Commander does still have a nice ring to it, but I can call you sergeant if you prefer?" Lucy smirked, trailing her fingers down his arm.

A wide wolfish grin quirked his lips. "You can call me whatever you want," he rasped between them, wrapping his arm back around her, pulling her close.

Lucy searched for any hesitation in his eyes. The distant look from earlier had faded and warm bright affection reflected back at her, with a bit of something heavier she couldn't place. She caught the glance he made towards her lips and she leaned in easily, sighing when she finally pressed them against his.

Natsu kissed her back eagerly, groaning softly against her. His warm palm heavy at the small of her back, sending tingles of pleasure up her spine.

Lucy's pulse jumped when he traced her bottom lip with a searing tongue, giving it a light nip that sent a sharp, warm tingle straight to her belly.

Lucy breathed a soft sound, shifting so she was seated on his lap, palms smoothing over his firm chest. She felt his own strong, rapid pulse under her palm.

So, it wasn't just her.

That warm simmer she'd started to feel deep in her gut during their intimate moments like this over the past couple months had become familiar and Natsu must feel it too.

A soft groan of her own escaped her when his hot tongue trailed across her bottom lip again. Lucy gasped, allowing him to push past her lips and trace her tongue with his and flicking the roof of her mouth.

Lucy's hand came up to tighten in his hair, nails scoring along his scalp gently as she tilted her head to deepen the kiss. She felt a soft growl reverberate through his chest, sending more warm tingles to her belly.

Natsu's large palms slid around her waist fully, squeezing her curves as he pulled her flush against his toned form. Lucy melted into him, craving his warmth and addicting touch. Her own tongue soon invaded his hot mouth, giving his tongue a light suck before pulling his bottom lip into her mouth softly.

"Natsu…" she murmured wantonly against his lips.

Natsu breathed a low moan, palms squeezing up her waist, thumbs suddenly brushing the underside of her breasts.

Lucy broke the kiss with a high gasp from the quick spark of pleasure. Their chests heaved against each other to catch their breath.

"S-Shit, I'm sorry, Luce," he rasped, hands resting on her hips again, thumbs brushing over them softly, "got a little caught up there."

They hadn't really gone past a few heated kisses, which Lucy was comfortable with. She wasn't ready to go that full step yet, but there were moments like this where she couldn't deny she wanted a little bit more.

Her hand slid down to caress his cheek, thumb brushing along his jaw. "It's okay," Lucy said in a breathy whisper, "I kind of did too." A shy smile tugged her lips and Natsu gave it a soft, sweet kiss. "B-But it really is uh, it's okay… I don't mind a little bit more." A flush creeped up further up her neck.

Natsu's eyes were open and wide, searching in her eyes for something, fingers twitching on her hips. "Are you sure?"

"If-if you want to."

Natsu's flush reached the tips of his ears. "I-I do want to, really, I have the past few times with you too, I'm just- I'm not that… experienced and I want things to be good for you and I-" His voice drifted off and he wouldn't meet her gaze.

"Natsu," Lucy said softly, cupping his face between her palms gently, "I really haven't done… much, either but I always feel safe and comfortable with you and- um, a l-little more sometimes would be okay." The flush was fierce on her cheeks now, her fingers fidgeting with the neckline of his sweater. As hard as it was to get the words out, she would rather be honest and have good communication between them like this than be worrying.

Natsu's expression softened, pressing a lingering kiss to her warm cheek. "I'm glad 'cause I feel the same way with you, Luce," he said, pushing back a loose strand behind her ear, "and as long as you're sure, but I'm happy with anything as long as it's with you."

Lucy smiled brightly, her nerves melting into warm affection for the man in front of her. Always so considerate, kind, and everything else good.

"I'm sure. As long as it's with you too," Lucy whispered between them before capturing his lips again.

Natsu groaned softly as Lucy wrapped her arms around his shoulders, threading her fingers through his hair again. His warm palms slid up her waist again. His thumbs brushed over her ribs softly, making her twitch, her lips quirking in a smile into the kiss.

"Oh? Ticklish are we?" Natsu smirked against her lips, a bright teasing glint quickly entering his eyes.

Oh no. That look only meant one thing.

"You wouldn't." Lucy tried to narrow her eyes at him but already knew it wouldn't work.

"Mm, but I would," Natsu smiled wolfishly, indeed too quick as he wrapped an arm around her fully, holding her close as his other hand tickled along her waist, ribs, and behind her knee.

"N-Natsu!" she squealed in laughter, body jerking and trying to escape his teasing fingers but his hold was strong. "St-sto- ah!"

"What was that, Luce?" he laughed brightly.

Lucy tried to take in breaths in between her giggles, no room for words to get out as her palms pressed weakly on his chest.

Natsu finally relented his attack on her sensitive skin after a bit and Lucy fell against him, burying her head in the crook of his neck as she tried to catch her breath.

"So mean," Lucy murmured, smiling when she felt his laugh rumble beneath her.

Lucy squeaked when he wrapped his arms around her fully, falling to lay along the couch and pulling her against his chest.

"You're just too cute I had to," Natsu grinned, pressing kisses all over her face before she could reply. Lucy giggled brightly, his slight stubble tickling her skin.

Natsu kissed her nose before capturing her lips again in a slow kiss. The kind of soft slow kiss that made her toes curl.

Lucy sighed into him happily, fingers curling into his sweater, pulling herself flush against him and enjoying the feel of the firm toned muscle under her.

"Thanks again for today, Luce," he rasped against her lips, "I never felt like my birthday was anything special but I loved getting to spend it with you this year." He gave her a warm smile, her stomach fluttering as he threaded his fingers in her hair, thumb brushing across her temple softly.

"You're welcome," Lucy smiled softly, "I'm happy I got to spend it with you too." She kissed him sweetly before settling back on his chest. The heat in her belly had faded but she was content to take things slowly.

"I was going to order you a gift but what I wanted was out of stock," Lucy said, a little dejected, fingers tracing shapes over his chest, "but I'll still get it for you soon."

"Hey that's okay," Natsu reassured, "you don't have to get me anything. Everything you've done so far is perfect." He pressed a kiss into her hair, tightening his hold around her.

Their legs tangled together and here, being held in his strong arms surrounded by his warmth, it really was as perfect as she could wish for.

A couple weeks later they were having dinner at what had become their favorite pub. They often found their way here after the first time he'd brought her, always at the cozy booth in the corner that became their usual spot.

Natsu had just finished telling her that he'd gotten a call reminding him of his upcoming deployment next month. The thought of him leaving already made her chest ache.

"It's, uh, a bit of a different mission so can't really say where and I'm not sure if it's gonna be for the same amount of time or longer. Sorry, Luce," Natsu sighed, running a hand through his shorter hair. He'd cut it again, but looked just as handsome.

Lucy could already see the wariness in his eyes, hard lines setting his brow. She grasped his hand across the table. "Don't worry about that right now. I'll still always be right here for you."

The lines softened as he gave her a small smile. He turned his hand over and threaded their fingers together, giving her hand a squeeze. "Thank you," he said softly, "just mad that I'll be missing your birthday and spoiling you this time." His eyes brightened a bit at that and she giggled lightly at his cute pout. "Especially since someone didn't tell me it was their birthday last year either till way later," he huffed, but there was amusement in his eyes.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry too," Lucy grinned, "I've never done much for my birthday either so it slipped my mind back then."

She giggled again at his slumped shoulders, but warmth trickled through her as his thumb brushed over the soft skin at the back of her hand.

"Hmm, I'll just have to plan something good before I leave," he said, perking up and giving her his wide fanged grin.

Thanks for reading! Natsu has to leave again soon T_T but don't worry! He's got all the support with him uwu