A/N: Yo! Hope you've all been doing well! Got a bit of an extra long update for you guys today! A little more soft fluff (and touch of angst) before Natsu leaves again, enjoy!
TW for slight implication and talk of alcohol/drug use.
Low chatter and warm atmosphere surrounded Natsu as he looked around the familiar bar of Fairy Tail, enjoying his beer.
"Hey," Gray greeted as he slid into the booth in front of him.
Natsu turned towards him and grinned. "Yo, finally. Thought you would never show up."
Gray rolled his eyes but a grin broke through.
Natsu pushed a cold glass in front of Gray. "Here, I already got you one."
Gray thanked him and took a sip of his own beer. "So what's with the sudden invite?"
"Nothin' much, just haven't really hung out much since Christmas and-"
"Aww, you missed me," Gray smirked.
"Whatever," Natsu shook his head with a grin. Though he couldn't deny it, he'd been missing his other best friend lately, but he knew Gray had a lot to catch up on when he was home too. "Anyways, I figured it would be cool to catch up before we have to head back."
Gray's expression shifted a bit but it quickly faded, humming in agreement. "True. Alright, I'll admit I like your idea," he chuckled.
They settled into comfortable conversation after that and warmth filled Natsu's chest as their laughter surrounded him. He could always feel the slight strain on his friendships when he was home and tended to fall back on his habit of withdrawing and isolating himself.
Old habits were hard to break but he wanted to try to get better and it felt good to reach out like this.
Gray was his oldest, and first, true friend and despite their teasing and liking to give each other a hard time, the often brooding man meant a lot to him.
"So how's it been at home?" Natsu asked.
Gray finished off the rest of his drink and sighed. "Good. Finally got around to fixing some stuff. Got the pool up and running for the next time we get back."
Natsu snorted. "You would still want to go swimming in the winter."
"If we're gonna be most likely in another hot as hell country then damn right I am," Gray grinned. They laughed together at that.
"And you, how's it going with Lucy?" Gray's grin turned into a sly smirk.
Natsu smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's goin' good. She's beautiful and amazing." His heart warmed at the thought. "How she fell for a damaged guy like me, I'll never know but I'll be damned if I fuck this up now," Natsu laughed softly.
"Don't gotta always put yourself down like that. You guys deserve to be happy." Gray's expression was unusually warm.
"You're a big sap when you drink." Natsu laughed at Gray's narrowed eyes before he leaned back against the seat. "Thanks though. I'm just bummed I'm gonna miss her birthday so I was thinkin' of surprising her with something soon. Cook a surprise dinner maybe?"
"And you call me the sap," Gray smirked, "but she'll love anything you do I'm sure. If you haven't noticed the way she's looked at you this whole time."
Natsu only hummed in reply, a flush working its way up the back of his neck.
Damn, it really had been obvious to everyone but him that whole time… but despite it admittingly taking him a bit longer to pick up the signs, he was more than happy with how things turned out for them. Content to go at their own pace and he was going to do everything he could to always show her how special she was.
Natsu sighed, running a hand through his damp hair. He'd just finished a quick shower after another restless night, the cool water rinsing off the last remnants of his dream from his clammy skin.
His next deployment was getting close and his nerves were quick to set in as usual and put him on edge, thrumming strong right beneath his skin, ready to burst. Granted they were always there, but they always surged stronger the closer he got to leaving and getting back in that mindset…
But for now, he just wanted to spend as much time as he could beside his favorite person. The thought made a smile pull at his lips.
It was going to be warm out today so he threw on a thin loose shirt and some board shorts. He also wanted to be prepared since they were going to take a drive and head down to the beach soon.
They'd gotten to talking one night and it came up that Lucy had only been to the beach once before, sparking an idea a few days later when he was thinking about what he wanted to do for Lucy's early birthday and she eagerly agreed when he asked her.
He just wanted to head out for a while, clear his head and enjoy the little bit of summer with Lucy while he can.
Natsu gave Happy his food and water, packed up some snacks from the kitchen and a couple other things before saying bye to the content feline and jumped into his truck.
He pulled up to his favorite girl's apartment soon after, smiling as he called her.
"Hey, Natsu!" Lucy's warm voice greeted cheerfully in his ear.
Natsu's grin widened. "Hey, Luce. Just parked out front, ready when you are."
He could hear the smile in her voice. "Ok! I'll be down soon."
"Sounds good."
A soft flutter filled his chest as it usually did whenever he got to see her. If only it could be for a while longer.
Natsu was pulled from his thoughts when the passenger door opened after a few moments. "Hey, you," Lucy smiled brightly, leaning over to pull him in for a quick sweet kiss.
Natsu hummed against her soft lips, reveling in the taste and feel of her, wanting to burn the memory into his mind.
A wide fanged grin quickly spread across his face when they parted. "Hey, babe," Natsu smirked, cackling at Lucy's amused roll of her eyes.
"You're still going on with the babe thing?" she laughed, settling into her seat.
"What? Still nothing? Hm, how about sweetpea, pumpkin, lovebug?"
"Stooop," Lucy giggled, pushing his shoulder.
Natsu took a moment to admire the way the sun filtered through the window and made her glow, the way some loose golden strands had fallen from her bun and framed her face softly, the way her light blue sundress hugged her curves just right. Though, his favorite was the way her radiant smile lit up her eyes, happiness and fondness reflecting back at him, making his chest tighten with adoration.
"Alright, Luce."
Her expression softened. "I think that one will always be my favorite."
"Mm, mine too," Natsu agreed, pressing a sweet kiss to her cheek before starting up his truck again. "Oh wait, I almost forgot, princess is your other favorite," he teased.
Lucy sighed and shook her head. "What am I gonna do with you," she grinned.
They laughed together as Natsu started down the road, her hand warm in his.
They arrived at the beach a while later, the sun was strong and heating his skin, sand warm under his feet. They found a decent spot nearby the water. Luckily the beach wasn't too crowded today so they had plenty of space to themselves.
Natsu planted the cooler, their chairs, and umbrella in the sand, laughing softly when Lucy flopped down into her chair with a deep sigh of content.
Breathing in deeply, Natsu took a moment to take in the way the sun reflected off the water after he set out their towels, the sounds of the crashing waves and cool salty water flicking over his skin, soothing his mind.
Natsu turned back to gaze at Lucy, expression softening fondly. This sight in front of him was far more beautiful.
He watched Lucy dig her toes into the sand, reclining in her chair. "Ah, it's so beautiful out today," she breathed. Her eyes had closed as she rested her head on the back of the chair. A peaceful content smile on her lips as the sun kissed her skin and the cool ocean breeze pushed some strands from her face.
"Yeah, it is," he said softly.
Natsu loved seeing her so happy, and he would do anything and everything he could to make sure she always would be.
He gave her a bright smile when her eyes fluttered back open and caught his. Natsu tugged off his shirt over his head that was starting to cling to his warm skin, ruffling a hand through his hair.
Natsu watched her eyes widen slightly and a blush quickly spread across her cheeks that wasn't just from the sun. Oh.
His grin turned into a fanged smirk, his voice lowering a bit. "What's wrong, Luce? Like what you see?"
He knew he was in decent shape from his years of training but the prideful dragon in him very much liked the thought that Lucy appreciated his form.
"Shut up," she murmured, a smile quirking at her lips as she tried to look anywhere but him.
Natsu barked out a laugh. "You're so cute." He planted a sloppy kiss to her temple before flopping down into his own chair.
She stuck her tongue out at him, making him laugh more. A full smile soon stretched across her lips.
"Is it so wrong if I do?" Lucy asked, a soft blush still on her cheeks, amusement twinkling in her eyes, "you are pretty gorgeous after all."
Natsu breathed out another laugh, scratching his warming neck. He was still unused to her compliments on his looks sometimes and his chest still warmed at the thought that it was her who liked him, but it made him happy regardless.
"Not at all," Natsu grinned widely, "I'm all yours after all."
Lucy's expression softened, smiling warmly and reaching between them to thread her fingers through his hair. "I'm all yours too." Her voice was light and soft, but the words held so much meaning.
Natsu's chest swelled with so much warmth and affection for the amazing woman beside him he thought it would burst. He closed the distance between them and caught her lips for a slow tender kiss, pouring his heart into it and swallowing Lucy's soft sounds.
Natsu pressed a kiss between her brows when they parted, Lucy smiling as her palm caressed his cheek.
A comfortable content silence surrounded them, only the crashing waves and seagulls above heard around them but it was perfect with her by his side, right where he wanted to be.
They'd taken a slow peaceful walk along the wet sand, enjoying the sun's warmth and sights around them after eating the sandwiches Natsu had brought, coming back to their spot where Lucy stepped out of her dress before they went into the water.
Natsu nearly tripped over his chair, breath hitching sharply in his throat as Lucy revealed her dark navy blue two-piece swimsuit. He could already feel some warmth reach his ears as his eyes traveled along the expanse of her creamy skin, admiring the way the material clung against all her curves just right. So beautiful.
He really loved that color on her.
"What's wrong? L-Like what you see?"
Natsu's gaze snapped back up to Lucy's, catching a slight teasing glint in her eyes as she repeated his words from earlier with a soft smile. The light blush was back on her cheeks as she hugged and arm loosely against her waist.
Natsu cleared his throat, willing his racing heart to calm down. "Mm, very much so," he said with a widening smile as he stepped closer to her, his hands circling around her wrists to pull her to him. "You're very beautiful after all."
Lucy breathed out a laugh and Natsu enjoyed the way her blush darkened a bit as she wound her arms around his waist. "Why, thank you."
A warm palm settled at the small of her back, Natsu's grin turning wolfish. "Ready to head in?"
"Yeah, sounds like fu-"
She didn't get to finish as Natsu wrapped his arms fully around her waist. Lucy yelped in surprise as he picked her up, holding her tightly as he ran the last few feet in the sand before they reached the water. A rather large wave crashed around them, getting them properly drenched.
"Natsu!" Lucy flicked off the water from her face, quickly followed by her bright laughter.
Natsu grinned a toothy fanged grin at the sound, reaching out to brush some wet dark gold strands that were sticking to her skin. "Thought it'd be more fun to just jump right in," he said between his own laughter.
Amusement sparkled in her eyes. "Two can play at that game," Lucy smirked, pushing her arms through the water and splashing him with more water.
Natsu laughed more, trying to shield himself with his arms. He pushed his way through the water, quick to wrap her in his arms again and swing her around, her arms tight around his shoulders. His chest tightened with fondness at the sound of her bright laughter and radiant smile that shined brighter than the warm sun above them and he wanted to surround himself with everything she was for as long as he could…
Natsu's thumb brushed over the back of Lucy's hand that was warm in his palm as they walked along the pier after they laid out and dried off from their fun in the waves, now enjoying the beginnings of the setting sun.
He tried not to let his mind wander too much, wanting to stay in this moment but of course his insistent brain brought up the to do list in his mind that still had to get done before next week.
As if sensing his thoughts, Lucy gave his hand a squeeze as they looked out to the seemingly never ending ocean when they reached the end of the pier.
Natsu met her warm fond gaze and breathed in deeply, letting the cool air push the intrusive thoughts aside for now. He gave Lucy a grateful smile with a squeeze of her hand.
"So did you like part one of your early birthday… day?" Natsu laughed, turning to cage her in between his arms against the railing.
"Part one?" Lucy asked, grin widening as her arms wrapped around his waist loosely, "Today's been pretty perfect already," she grinned.
"Oh, I still have a couple things up my sleeve for you, Ms. Heartfilia," Natsu smirked, leaning in a bit, "You okay with heading back home for dinner?"
"Of course," she said, trailing her palms up along his back and shoulder blades, sending pleasant tingles down his spine. "I'll love anything you have planned, Sergeant Dragneel." Lucy sent him a teasing smirk of her own.
A soft rumble sounded from his chest at the name before he caught her plush lips with his in a deep kiss.
Gods, what she did to him.
Natsu pulled into his driveway, smiling as he shut off the truck and turned to look at Lucy. "Alright, now close your eyes when we get to the door, Luce."
Her expression turned cute and confused. "Wait, why?"
"It's a surprise, trust me?"
Lucy sighed and smiled softly. "Always."
Natsu grinned back and they quickly grabbed their things. Natsu moved in front of her to unlock the door, pausing to turn back. "Are they closed?"
"Yes!" Lucy giggled, true to her word and had her eyes closed.
Natsu reached for her hand, leading her inside. He closed the door behind them and set their stuff down before flicking on the light. "Okay, you can open them."
Lucy gasped softly as she looked around the living room.
He'd decorated it the night before with balloons, streamers, a birthday banner, the works.
"Surprise!" Natsu grinned, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "The beach may have been part of it but I still wanted to find a way to celebrate your birthday with you and thought I'd set this up for you."
Lucy turned to him, eyes glossed over slightly but her expression was warm and affectionate. "Natsu…" Lucy breathed softly, quickly wrapping her arms around his neck for a tight hug, "you're so sweet and too good to me," she whispered into his neck, her voice wavering a bit.
Natsu wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close and breathing her in. Sunscreen, sand, summer, and that soft scent that was Lucy surrounded him.
"Hey…" Natsu rubbed a warm palm along her back soothingly. "You always deserve the best. And I'm gonna be right here to remind you of that every day," he grinned. Happy agreed with him with a loud meow below them before bounding off into the kitchen. "Happy will too."
Lucy laughed with him softly before pulling back to catch his eyes again, warm amber flakes in her eyes drawing him in. One of her soft palms drifted down to caress his jaw, making his skin tingle. He leaned in easily when she pulled him in and gave him a tender kiss that said more than words could.
Natsu's grasp tightened around her waist as he kissed her back just as deeply, her warm curves flush against him as he groaned softly into the kiss. Some of Lucy's fingers tightened in his hair, with the other palm drifting across his chest with a nip to his bottom lip, pulling a low growl from his throat.
Lucy smiled against his lips and breathed out a laugh when he leaned in to chase her lips when she pulled back a bit.
"As much as I would love to continue, I think I wanna wash the beach off me first," Lucy said between them, smiling warmly as her thumb trailed along his jaw.
Natsu closed his eyes as he breathed in deeply, resting his forehead against hers and memorizing the feel of her as he held her close.
"Mm, yeah you're probably right," Natsu rasped out, unable to resist giving her another quick kiss, nipping her own plush bottom lip softly and smirking when he pulled back.
Amusement and heat swirled in her eyes before she laughed brightly and patted his chest. "I'll be right back."
Natsu immediately missed Lucy's warmth when she pulled away and moved to grab some of her things. She shot him a bright smile over her shoulder before making her way upstairs.
He couldn't erase the wide smile from his face either, dropping onto the armchair by the couch with a sigh. He smoothed a palm over his chest, willing his racing heart and heat that had settled in his belly to calm down.
Lucy fired him up in the best of ways and he couldn't get enough.
Though right now, it gave him time to get started on what he had planned for dinner. He grinned and stood again, turning on some music through the room before heading into the kitchen and gathering some things. He gave Happy some affectionate scratches, setting down his own bowl of food before heading out to the backyard.
Soon savory smells drifted up from the barbecue Natsu was working in front of on the back deck, making his stomach grumble, ready to sink his teeth into the steaks on the grill.
"Natsu?" He heard Lucy's voice from inside.
"Back here, Luce!" Natsu called out.
The screen door squeaked open as Lucy stepped out. He smiled at how comfortable she looked in her soft pants and one of his loose shirts, making him happy that she felt so at home here.
Natsu wrapped an arm around her when she stepped up to him and hugged his waist. "Wow, this all looks so good!" Lucy gushed, "you spoil me," she grinned up at him.
"Of course, nothin' less for you." Natsu pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Mm, you smell good," he murmured, burying his nose in her soft hair. The familiar scent of his shampoo on her filled his chest with warmth.
"I had to borrow some of your soaps again, sorry," Lucy laughed softly, "I forgot to bring more of mine from home."
"Never gotta apologize for that, I… I like when you use my stuff," Natsu said, a heated flush starting to crawl up his neck.
"Mm, I do love the smell of them." Lucy leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to his jaw, warmth following the touch.
Lucy moved to lean against the railing beside him and they talked a bit until the rest of the food was done and she helped him bring it inside.
The kitchen was filled with savory smells as Natsu set up their plates on the small dining table right beside the kitchen before going to the fridge after asking what Lucy preferred to drink.
"For you, princess," Natsu smirked. He bowed dramatically as he leaned over to place the cold pint glass of Lucy's favorite beer beside her and moved to sit in front of her, setting his own glass down.
He laughed at the amused shake of her head, fondness reflecting in her eyes.
"I think I can make an exception for that one today," she teased.
"Good, 'cause you deserve to be treated like one all the time, but especially today," he grinned. Natsu picked up his glass again. "Here's to you. Happy birthday, Luce." His voice softened.
Lucy smiled warmly and thanked him before clinking their glasses together and dug into their dinner.
"Mm, Natsu, this is one of the best steaks I've ever had," Lucy praised excitedly around a large bite.
Natsu grinned widely after finishing a sip from his glass. "I'm glad! Didn't I tell you I was a master at the grill too?"
"You did," she laughed, "and I didn't doubt you for a second, babe." Natsu barked out a laugh at the name. "What? I can give you pet names too," Lucy smirked.
They laughed together warmly through the rest of their dinner, Lucy helping him clean up when they were done despite Natsu telling her she didn't have to.
"This is also for you, Luce," Natsu grinned, handing Lucy a small box and sitting beside her on the couch.
"Natsu… you didn't have to get me anything, all this was more than enough," Lucy said softly, turning towards him.
"'Course I did," he grinned, a palm coming over to rest over her knee.
Natsu watched Lucy smile warmly as she tore the wrapping over the box, a soft gasp passing her lips when she opened the box and rested a necklace gently in her palm.
A crescent shaped moon pendant with a star beside it hung off of a soft brown leather cord, outlined in silver and filled with a midnight blue color and sprinkled with gold sparkling glitter.
He'd seen it when he was out downtown the other day and immediately thought of Lucy and had to get it for her.
Natsu ran a hand through his hair. "It's not much really, but I hope you like it?"
Lucy thumbed over the pendant gently. "Like it? Natsu, this is beautiful…" She caressed his cheek before her palm found the back of his neck and pulled him in for a sweet soft kiss. "Thank you, it's perfect and I love it," Lucy whispered between them when she pulled back, giving him a radiant smile.
Natsu's grin widened. "Anytime, Luce."
"Help me put it on?" Lucy asked, amber eyes shining brightly.
Natsu pressed a kiss to the back of her neck after he clipped the necklace, fingers tracing over the skin around her new pendant when she turned back to face him. "You're right, it's perfect," he grinned as they shared a soft look before Natsu pressed a kiss to the light blush on her cheeks.
"Oh! I almost forgot…" Natsu stood, moving back into the kitchen and coming out with a plate of cupcakes. A couple had candles on them. "These won't nearly be as good as your cake, but I gave it a shot anyway," Natsu laughed, setting them on the coffee table in front of them.
"You just keep spoiling me," Lucy giggled brightly, the sound making his stomach flutter.
She blew out the couple candles and praised his messy attempt at baking with a bright smile and a kiss to the corner of his lips after taking a few bites.
Worth it.
Natsu put on one of Lucy's shows she liked after they cleaned up the dessert, enjoying the sight of her settling further onto the couch, Happy jumping up next to her. "I'm gonna go freshen up, Luce."
She gave him a smile when she looked up at him. "Alright, take your time." Natsu cackled at her huff when he ruffled her hair before making his way upstairs.
The warmth from the soothing shower still lingered on his skin, running a hand through his damp hair as he came back down into the living room. He paused when he saw Lucy standing by the bookshelf beside the media console the TV rested on. His chest ached softly as her fingers lingered over a couple vintage cameras he had set up there.
"Those were my mom's," Natsu said softly when he quietly came up beside Lucy.
She startled from her gaze at the sound of his voice. "O-Oh, I'm sorry, they just caught my attention and they looked so pretty and-"
"It's okay, Luce," Natsu reassured with a soft airy laugh, his palm coming up to rub along her back, "I've always liked them too. My mom loved photography and always had a camera on her," he said fondly, his expression softening. "Most of the pictures up around here are hers that I found over the years and had framed."
Lucy gazed around the room. "I've noticed a few the last couple times, they're beautiful."
Natsu hummed in agreement, his own gaze settling on a frame beside him on the shelf that held a collage of polaroids of various pictures of him and his parents, some with Zeref. His chest felt heavy when he picked it up, memories of some of the moments captured there flooding through him.
"I miss them." His slightly shaking voice barely a whisper as his thumb traced over the edge of the frame.
"Did you… want to talk about them?" Lucy asked softly.
Natsu looked up. Her eyes were warm and open and he easily fell into them.
He took a deep breath, taking the frame with him as they moved back onto the couch. Lucy sat close beside him, comforting and safe.
"My parents… they died in a bad accident when I was young…" Natsu rasped. His chest already ached tightly. He hadn't talked about all this in so long, each word was sharp and bruising from his throat. Memories fresh in his mind again…
Natsu was nine years old again, running up to his parents after his latest baseball game.
"Mom! Dad! I made a hit! Did you see?" Natsu cheered, giggling when his dad picked him up for a tight hug, swinging him around as they headed back towards the car.
"Of course! Best hit of the game!" he said with a wide bright smile.
"You did amazing, sweetheart" his mom said warmly. Natsu laughed again when she leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"Mom!" Natsu grinned brightly, trying to duck his head.
"What? Gettin' too old to be seen getting kissed by your parents?" his dad teased.
"He's never going to be too old if I can help it, Lucas. How about by both?"
Natsu yelped and squirmed in his arms as they both pressed kisses to his cheeks. "Aha stooop!" he giggled between his squeaking laughter, feeling warm and safe between them.
His dad finally set Natsu down and ruffled his hair. Natsu huffed and ran a little ahead to the car. "Come on!" he grinned brightly, his parents smiling back at him fondly, walking towards him with their hands clasped together.
"Then before I knew it, we were headed back home. It-It was getting a little dark and we were on the highway and this car just-" Natsu took a shuddering breath and swallowed past the growing lump in his throat.
"It's okay," Lucy whispered. She rubbed his arm and laced their fingers together, her comforting warmth seeping into him.
"And then- everything just froze after that," he said, voice cracking a bit.
Natsu's dad was in the middle of talking animatedly about something in the passenger seat when he cut himself off.
"Sarah, look out!"
Natsu's eyes widened in the back seat. There was a sudden scared expression on his dad's face, something he'd never really seen before and it made his chest ache. What was happening? He just wanted to be home with them.
Then there was a flash of lights, screeching of tires, the sound of metal crunching, everything shifting, frantic shouts, some pain and then everything went dark.
Lucy's thumb rubbed the back of his hand, the soft touch keeping him here and grounded as he took a shaky breath. He could do this.
"I woke up in the hospital," Natsu sighed, squeezing her hand. "Guess I was out of it for a bit. It was all kind of a blur but had a nasty concussion, it was a thin fracture in my skull I think, broke my leg, and hurt some other stuff I can't remember." The ache was still sharp and heavy in his chest but the words kept flowing. "Igneel was there when I woke up. He was a family friend but pretty much became family and he told… h-he's the one who t-told me they were gone," he said quietly, hand trembling in Lucy's but she continued to hold him tightly.
The light hurt when Natsu's eyes peeked open, groaning when he tried to turn and his body hurt too. Where was he? Why did everything hurt?
"Hey there, bud." A deep warm voice said softly. A rough hand sifted through his hair gently, pulling him from his confused thoughts. "How are you feelin'?
Natsu's gaze eventually settled on the man beside him, his red hair was ruffled and messy and gave Natsu a small smile.
Natsu's brows drew in."U-Uncle Igneel?" he rasped, looking around the room. "Wh-whe, wha-" The fumbling words wouldn't come out right.
"Shh, it's okay. Deep breaths." Igneel's warm voice soothed some of the confusing tightness in his chest. "We're in the hospital."
Natsu frowned. The hospital? How did-
"You were in an accident, Natsu," Igneel said softer. Natsu looked up at him again, seeing Igneel's tired eyes with something sad in them and it made Natsu's chest tighten again. He grasped over Natsu's hand, giving it a squeeze. Igneel's hand was rough, warm, and comforting. Safe. "Do you remember anything?" he asked gently.
Natsu's expression pinched as he squeezed his eyes shut and took a shaky breath. His head hurt. He remembered being excited after his latest game, getting into the car before…
His dad's scared face flashed in his mind.
"Mom and d-dad…" Natsu whispered, eyes snapping open again, seeking Igneel's, pleading.
Something shifted in Igneel's expression as he held his hand tighter, Natsu couldn't help but grip it just as tight as it started to tremble.
Igneel ran his other shaky hand through Natsu's hair. "The accident was b-bad, Natsu." His voice quivered. "The doctors, they-they did everything they could but th-" Natsu could tell he was trying to stay strong for him but the tears in Igneel's eyes made Natsu want to go home and curl up in his bed. "The other car was coming too fast and hit you all too hard and… they're gone, Natsu."
Igneel's voice was soft but it was so loud in his head.
But- no… no, that couldn't be right…
He'd just seen them. He'd just hugged them…
Natsu didn't realize when he'd started crying but the pressure in his chest was too sharp and tight and he felt like he couldn't breathe.
He felt Igneed push the hair back from his face. "Natsu, it's gonna be okay. Look at me, please." He barely heard Igneel's wavering voice.
Natsu sobbed harder, shaking his head. "I-I can't- I don't- they can't-" He tried to pull his hand back, but Igneel held on tightly. His head was pounding now, everything hurt, and he just wanted his mom.
The bed dipped a bit beside him, a familiar warmth suddenly surrounding him. Igneel pulled Natsu gently onto his chest and Natsu fell easily, clutching his shirt tightly as the dam broke.
"They c-can't be gone," Natsu cried into Igneel's shirt.
Igneel just held him a little closer, pressing a kiss to the top of his head, his own chest trembling beneath Natsu. "It's gonna be okay…"
Natsu couldn't help the hot tears that trailed down his cheeks as he remembered that hollow feeling of hopelessness that sat in his chest that day.
When everything changed and nothing was the same.
"I'm so sorry you had to go through all that," Lucy said softly as she rubbed his back.
A broken sob escaped him as he leaned into Lucy, her warmth melting some of the tight ache in his chest.
Fuck, why did this still hurt so much after all these years?
"Oh, Natsu. Come here," she whispered. Lucy settled into the corner of the couch and pulled him close.
Natsu tucked his face into the crook of her neck, all of the emotions he'd buried and tried to avoid for so long came pouring out of him. His fingers tightened in the fabric of Lucy's shirt at her waist.
"I-I didn't want to believe it at first," he cried softly into her soft skin, her fingers brushing through his hair soothingly, "It didn't feel real… even at the f-funeral I just felt numb and-" He took a shaky breath and swallowed past the heavy lump in his throat. "My stupid, selfish brother didn't even bother showing up at the hospital that whole time or even to the funeral." His chest tightened in irritation at the thought. "Until days later."
Natsu was watching, but not really watching, a cartoon on the screen in front of him curled up on the couch one evening, Igneel was making something in the kitchen when they heard keys at the door.
There were fumbled steps when the door opened and Natsu looked up to see Zeref slowly moving inside.
"Zeref…" Natsu murmured. A range of emotions swirled through his chest and he felt like crying again.
Natsu shifted a bit to rest his head on Lucy's shoulder, their hands clasped together again, his still shaking slightly and he tried to take deep breaths.
He'd told her a bit about Zeref here and there but it was never much or something he cared to think about really. He's the one who left without a second thought.
"He's seven years older than me. We were close when I was younger but then he started getting really distant, always leaving the house at random times," Natsu murmured, "I knew something was off when he came in that night. I was too young to know then but pretty sure that's when he'd started drinking, probably more…"
"Where've you been?" Natsu heard Igneel ask after he'd walked into the living room, staying close to where Natsu was on the couch. His voice was soft but low enough to make Natsu look back up at him, surprised by the hard lines in Igneel's brows he'd rarely seen.
Zeref didn't answer, avoiding making direct eye contact with them. His dark hair fell into his eyes as he hugged his arms around himself loosely, swaying and fidgeting where he stood.
Igneel shook his head with a heavy sigh. "Go sleep it off. We'll talk later."
The tight feeling in Natsu's chest lingered as he watched Zeref shuffle off down the hall without a word.
Did Natsu do something to make Zeref not want to talk to him anymore? Natsu wasn't sure, but he just wanted his brother back…
"How're you feelin'?" Igneel asked softly, breaking Natsu's thoughts. Igneel moved around the couch in front of him, securing the blanket over Natsu more and moving his hand through Natsu's hair gently.
Natsu just hummed, lowering himself along the couch. His leg ached in the cast and his head still hurt a bit and he just wanted to sleep.
"Get some rest, kiddo."
Natsu quickly reached out for Igneel's hand before he could move. Please don't leave, he thought.
Igneel smiled softly, squeezing to sit beside him on the couch, grasping his hand fully. He was always so warm.
"I'm right here. Not going anywhere, I promise."
Natsu's chest still ached but it didn't feel as heavy. "Igneel got custody of us after that," he said softly, "Zeref hadn't been old enough yet but I doubt he would've been able to anyway." He was quiet for a few moments, pressing his head into Lucy's touch. Her palm still raked through his hair softly as he took a shuddering breath. "I just- h-how could he not have cared? Or even been there? For me, or for them. They're- they were our parents…" Natsu's voice quivered. "They loved him too and he just-" Lucy made a sad sound as a sob escaped him again, holding him closer. "I miss all of them… even him sometimes. How we used to be…"
"I'm so sorry, Natsu," Lucy whispered, pressing a kiss to his temple as his tears continued to soak into her shirt, "But I've got you, it's alright."
They stayed together like that for several long moments, the tight pressure in his chest slowly melting into exhaustion.
Natsu sat up slightly, taking a shaky breath and rubbing over his face. His skin felt tight and his eyes stung a little, but he felt a bit lighter. Though some guilt trickled through him at the thought of putting all this on Lucy.
"I'm sorry, Lucy," Natsu rasped, turning towards her, "I didn't mean to unload all that on you all of a sudden. I know it was a lot and I just…"
"Natsu," she said softly, her eyes were so open and warm as she cupped his cheek. No trace of pity or judgement. Just adoration and understanding. "I'm always here for you, and you can tell me anything. Thank you for sharing all that with me. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you being so young." Her thumb brushed the lingering trail of tears on his cheek gently. "I wish I can help make it easier."
Natsu breathed a shaky soft laugh, leaning into her touch as her fingers slipped through his hair at the back of his neck. "You already do." The painful ache in his chest continued to melt and instead swelled with affection for the woman beside him. His fingers pushed back some soft strands behind her ear. "More than you know, Luce. Being with you has been… amazing, you're amazing," Natsu breathed, feeling the backs of his eyes prick again, "This house was- sometimes I can't stand how empty it felt being here, especially in the beginning. It got a bit easier over the years but… you've made it start feeling like a home again when you're here and I just…" Natsu swallowed past the growing lump in his throat, "You mean so much to me, Luce."
Lucy breathed a half sob and laugh, fondness behind her glossy eyes. "Natsu…" She cupped his face between her soft palms, searching his face for a moment before pulling him in for a tender kiss. Her warmth melted the last of the tension in his shoulders. "You've given me so much and I'm so lucky to be with you and have you in my life, and get to be a part of yours," she whispered, giving him a tearful smile.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry too." Natsu breathed an airy rough laugh, brushing away her own tears.
"Ah, they're happy tears, I promise," she reassured. Her hands came down to hold one of his between her palms. "And you do, you make me so happy, Natsu and being here with you always feels like home to me too."
Natsu's expression softened with a warm smile, his palm still caressing her cheek. Some days he didn't feel like much or that he could be doing better, but as long as she was happy that's all that mattered. So he must be doing something right.
"You mean so much to me too, I-I really don't know what I would do without you," she continued softly, squeezing his hand. "I love seeing your happy smile and your laugh, you deserve so much good and I will always be right here by your side."
"Luce…" Natsu whispered, voice thick with emotion. Really, what had he done to deserve her.
More words wouldn't do him justice, so instead, he pulled her legs over his lap and held her close as he gave her another slow, deep kiss that filled his chest with so many good things. His heart still ached a bit from all the memories of his parents that had resurfaced but the warmth of her lips soothed it, making it feel lighter.
Though right now, he just wanted to focus on the feel, taste, sounds, and everything amazing that Lucy was now.
Lucy wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him deeper, pulling a soft groan from him. Natsu pulled her curves tight against him, almost afraid she would leave as his kiss turned a bit needy.
"You're okay, I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere," Lucy whispered against his lips, her thumb brushing across his temple softly.
Natsu breathed a shuddering breath, the warm adoration and conviction in Lucy's beautiful eyes almost made tears prick his eyes again.
He quickly captured her lips again, moving to resettle them to lay across the couch, propping himself up on an elbow and angled to kiss her deeper with everything he had and pouring every ounce of gratitude and affection he had in him, hoping it conveyed just how much her support and amazing heart meant to him. A searing tongue dragged across her bottom lip, swallowing her soft gasp as Lucy gave him access and eagerly met his tongue with hers. Natsu groaned and caressed her cheek with the other warm palm as her fingers tightened in his hair again and traveled down along the side of his waist.
Her touches filled him with dizzying heat and contentment and he wouldn't trade this moment for anything.
He hated the thought of leaving her soon but knowing that he had her to come back home to, gave him the strength to go through just about anything and he was going to make the most out of the time they had left.
Thanks for reading! As always, shoutout to the awesome reviewers from last time! : AthomeinFairytail, ItsJ Gacha, Copperreign12, valerioux, itsxoi, Ctay1621, MaraDragneel3113, stranger1999, KYAAAA, FbFlame94