A/N: (8/25/20) Happy 1 year anniversary of Back to You! A year ago, I had the idea for this story rolling around in my head and I thought, what if I made this into a longer story rather than just the one shot I had in mind?... So I said, why not and I just put it out there and now here we are!
Thank you all so much for all the support along the way! Every favorite, follow, and review means so much! I've put so many pieces of myself into this story and I'm happy you're all enjoying the ride as much as I am so far! Hope you continue to enjoy what's ahead for this story and our favorite couple!
I've really enjoyed writing their journey so far & there will be more soft dorky moments of laughter, some tears, but most of all, love (＾ω＾)
And don't worry, as angsty as it may get, I never write a story without a happy ending! ;)
Side note: Thought it'd be cute to have their birthdays be on the same number date so Natsu could be an energetic Aries in March and Lucy a strong Leo in July loll
Enjoy!
Natsu's hand was rough and warm in Lucy's.
Fingers threaded together as the pad of his thumb brushed over the back of her hand, sending soft tingles up her arm.
Deployment day was here and they were still a little early, slowly making their way through the airport trying to avoid the main burst of the crowd. Maybe subconsciously delaying the inevitable fact that Natsu was leaving again today.
They'd decided to skip meeting up with Gray, Sting, and the girls at the cafe in favor of stopping by a small local coffee shop when they got to Clover. Something quiet and peaceful and just them.
Which worked out because Lucy's nerves were all over the place but she tried to stay calm and strong for Natsu. She didn't want to make him more nervous than he already was.
He didn't have to say it, his bouncing knee, fidgeting hands, and strained breathless laughter said it all, despite his reassurances and soft smiles.
She knew he didn't want to worry her more either but she couldn't help it. She would always worry about him when he was gone.
They got through just about as far as they could together before Lucy would need some kind of ticket, coming to a stop at a slightly empty area where they sat on a free bench in front of a wall of windows.
Natsu sighed as they sat and he set his stuff down beside him. "Think it's just up those escalators there," he rasped, looking ahead of them for a moment before turning to her with a soft look, "but we got some time." He grasped her knee with a soft squeeze.
Lucy took a breath, taking comfort in the warmth of his touch through her jeans, giving him a soft smile back and clasping her hand over his.
Lucy's chest ached tightly. She thought the last time he left was hard, but this was quickly outweighing it. They'd only gotten closer since then and now that they were in a relationship it would be that much harder but she would do all she could to stay strong for him.
He was about to go off and face things she could only imagine, so it was the least she could do. Be that pillar of support for him as he always was for her.
They shared a few quiet content moments beside each other, Lucy trying to push the ache aside for now and focus on enjoying the few moments they had left.
And this wasn't goodbye after all.
"Oh! They finally had what I had wanted to give you for your birthday in stock." Lucy reached into her purse, pulling up a small soft cloth pouch and placing it in Natsu's hand.
"Luce, you didn't have to get me anything," Natsu said, his smile widening a bit, his thumb brushing over the bag before pulling the strings to open it.
Gods, she would miss that smile so much.
Lucy pushed back some loose strands behind her ear. "I wanted to, hope you like it?" she said softly. She fidgeted with her fingers as she watched him pull out the set of two matching bracelets.
They had cotton cords, tied in a knot in the center, a thinner cord wrapped around equal sides of the knot with metal clasps on the bottom securing the main set of cords in place.
"I know it's kind of cheesy? To get matching couples bracelets but I'd seen them on this shop online and they just made me think of us and I- I can return it if it doesn't fit or you want a different color or-"
"Luce." Natsu interrupted softly, his finger under her chin, pulling her gaze back up to his where she saw a glint of amusement but mostly warm fondness. "They're perfect, thank you."
"Are you sure?"
"Yup. I'm sure." He finished with a playful kiss to her nose, smirking at the flush spreading over her cheeks probably. "Which color did you like for you?" he asked, holding them out in his palm.
Lucy picked up the light olive green colored bracelet with a thinner soft sand color cord on the sides of the knot. "Well, I did like this one because it… the color reminded me of your eyes and I…" The heat was still strong on her cheeks, brushing over the soft material between her fingers.
"Then that makes this one mine. I love it, Luce." Natsu thumbed the opposite colored bracelet, with the same sand color cord as the main color and soft olive green color surrounding the knot in the center.
Natsu's fingers moved to clip on his bracelet, then hers. "Perfect fit." He gave her another wide smile. "And it's not cheesy at all. Think it's awesome we get to have matching bracelets… and will give me another reason to think about you when I look at it."
Lucy's expression softened to match the warmth in his eyes. Natsu laced their fingers together and leaned in to press a lingering kiss to her lips. She squeezed his hand and kissed him back eagerly, sighing into him and smiling softly against his lips.
"Oh, I have a gift for you too actually," Natsu said after they parted with a small smile, digging into one of his bags for a minute.
Lucy looked down when he placed something cold in her palm.
It was silver and had a small ring attached to it.
"It's a key to my house." His voice was soft as his fingers played with one the pockets of his pants. "Just… if you wanted to get away or somethin', or just wanna spend time there while I'm gone… you know you're always welcome."
Lucy's chest swelled with warmth, eyes widening a bit as she gripped the metal in her palm. "Natsu… are you sure?"
"Of course." He grasped over her hand. "Sorry if it was a little sudden or anything but I, uh, I just-"
"Natsu it's perfect I… this means so much to me. To trust me with your house like this."
"I trust you with my life, Luce."
There was such conviction and admiration in his eyes, she quickly tried to blink back the pricking in the back of her eyes.
Lucy reached up, softly threading her fingers through the hairs at the back of his neck and pulling him in for a deep slow kiss. "I trust you with mine too," she murmured against his lips before resuming the kiss.
Natsu hummed into the touch, arm wrapping around her back and pulling her closer against his side.
Lucy thumbed along his jaw when she pulled back a bit. "It's not gonna be the same without you there but thank you, I really appreciate this."
"Anytime, Luce."
A beeping from Natsu's watch broke them out of their bubble.
He sighed and pressed something to turn it off. "Guess it's that time."
Lucy stepped over to his side to help him place his bags on the bench when they stood.
"Thanks, Luce." Natsu gave her a soft grateful smile before he pulled her to him, wrapping her in a tight hug. "I'm gonna miss you so much," he murmured into her hair.
Lucy buried her face into the rough material of his jacket, gripping him back just as tightly around his waist and willing the stinging tears in her eyes not to fall.
"I'm gonna miss you too, Natsu… so much," Lucy whispered.
Her chest throbbed again when they regretfully had to pull away after a few too short moments.
"Give Happy some pets from me when you see him and careful he doesn't steal too many of your socks if you bring him over the house with you and I'm not there to keep him in check," Natsu said, narrowing his eyes playfully, still holding her close to him.
Lucy breathed an airy tearful laugh. The tears did win out in the end, a few escaping quickly over her cheek before she could stop them.
Perfectly Natsu to still make her laugh even in moments like this.
"I'll be sure to keep an eye on the sock thief when I see him," she grinned, winding her palms up over his chest and behind his neck.
"Good," he laughed softly.
His expression shifted a bit, something deep in his eyes that made her chest tighten as he brushed away the lingering tears clinging to her skin as, cupping her cheek. "It's gonna be okay, Luce… I'll be back soon."
"I hope so…" Lucy whispered between them before she pulled him close and captured his again, reveling in the warmth he radiated, how safe and at home she felt with him, how much she would miss this feeling.
Natsu breathed a soft sound against her, holding her flush against him as he tilted his head to deepen the kiss. His touch warm and addicting.
Her fingers tightened in his hair just as he trailed a warm tongue along her bottom lip with a soft nip. A soft growl vibrated through their lips from his chest. Lucy gave him a playful nip back to his own lip before he leaned back a bit, resting his forehead against hers.
"I'll still never get tired of that," he breathed, grin widening as he pushed back some strands behind her ear.
"The feeling's mutual, commander." Lucy smiled, kissing his nose.
Before Natsu could reply, another alarm sounded from his watch. Natsu groaned. "Alright, alright." He switched it off and sighed. "Guess it's really that time now."
Lucy's chest tightened sharply, wishing she could hold onto him a bit longer.
Natsu pulled back a bit to put the strap of his duffle across his chest before reaching out to curl her hair behind her ear, sending warm tingles down her spine.
His palm shifted to the back of her neck, pulling her in gently for another kiss. It was a bit rough, needy, and sharp but Lucy soaked in as much of his warmth as she could, melting into his touch and kissing him back fully and hoping she conveyed just how much she was going to miss him.
Then all too soon he had to pull back. Lucy gave him one more kiss to his cheek before he could get too far, her favorite toothy smile spreading across his lips making her stomach flutter.
Natsu grasped her hands between his, holding them to his chest, thumbs brushing over her knuckles.
"See you soon, Luce," he rasped between them. His eyes filled with such soft warmth she almost lost herself in those green depths. "I'll miss you… so much…"
Lucy took a shuddering breath, swallowing past the lump in her throat, tears threatening to fall again. "I'll miss you more than you know," she whispered, "be safe."
Natsu brought her hands up, pressing a warm kiss to her knuckles. "I will, promise," he grinned.
"Oh wait! I almost forgot…" Lucy reached into her purse, pulling out a small envelope. "I know we can't really write physically this time but I wrote you a little something to take with you for now… if that's okay, and you need something to read on the way or when you get there or…" Her voice trailed off, feeling her cheeks warm a bit.
Stop rambling, Lucy. It's fine.
Natsu's grin widened with a soft laugh. "Of course it's okay, Luce." He put the letter in one of his large chest pockets and pulled her in for a quick tight hug. "Thank you… for everything," he murmured into her hair.
Lucy's eyes fluttered closed with a deep sigh, hands tightening on the back of his jacket, breathing in his comforting scent she loved, memorizing the feel of him in her arms, how right it all felt, and trying to ignore just how much her chest ached at the thought of not seeing him tomorrow.
She tried to give him a bright smile when they pulled back, palms smoothing over his chest. "Talk to you soon?"
Natsu gave her a warm smile in return. "Of course." He grabbed his other bag from the bench before breathing another sigh, shifting the straps on his shoulder. "See you soon, Luce," he said softly, leaning over to press a quick kiss to her cheek before she caught his expression shifting with something she couldn't place.
"See you soon, Natsu…" They shared a soft look and she gave him a wave as he started to make his way over to the escalators further ahead of them.
Natsu looked back as he started going up, sending her a bright fanged grin towards her over his shoulder with a small salute.
Lucy couldn't help but laugh softly and gave him another wave, watching until she couldn't see him anymore.
She missed that smile already.
She breathed a deep sigh, wrapping an arm around her middle as she slowly made her way back to the parking lot.
Day one out of… she wasn't sure but it wasn't going to keep her from being here for him every step of the way.
Lucy woke to the soft glow of the early morning sun through the light curtains.
She'd gotten them for Natsu after he kept complaining about his broken blinds. They did help him sleep better after that so she was happy.
She smiled softly when she looked down and saw Happy curled up by her hip over the covers, purring in content. She gave him a gentle scratch behind his ears before turning on her side slowly, bringing Natsu's pillow over to her and clutching it to her chest.
His comforting scent still lingered, filling her with warmth as she buried her nose into the soft material. Cedar, juniper, and cinnamon… how quickly something so simple had become one of her favorite things.
She also may or may not have given herself a little spritz of his cologne once or twice since he left… Maybe.
Lucy eventually made her way downstairs, still in her soft shorts and one of Natsu's faded shirts, content to enjoy the slow morning.
She'd been missing Natsu a lot lately and wanted to feel close to him and luckily, her birthday fell on a Friday this year so she decided to take the day off, picked up Happy from Levy's last night, ready to spend the whole weekend over his house. She figured Happy would be missing his home too.
When Lucy told him she was thinking about going to his house for her birthday in the last one of the few emails her and Natsu had been able to send each other he'd been more than happy that she was. The excitement in his words was palpable even through the screen, making her happy that he felt so comfortable sharing his space with her like this even though he wasn't physically here.
Lucy sighed, looking out the window over the sink after she gave Happy some food. She smiled softly at the way the morning glow filtered through the thick trees that surrounded Natsu's home.
She loved being out here. After years of living in some kind of small apartment, surrounded by the constant noise and sounds of a bigger city, it was such a relief to enjoy some peaceful calm and quiet in a place that was starting to feel more and more like home.
It wasn't quite complete without Natsu there but he was always on her mind and she was grateful she could enjoy time here like this.
Maybe someday she could officially call this home too… Her cheeks flushed quickly at the thought, was it too soon to think that? She wasn't sure, but she couldn't deny the burst of hope that it could happen for them one day.
They'd already started to build a life together so maybe it wasn't too far off of a thought…
Relax. One step at a time, she thought.
Lucy settled on the couch with a warm cup of tea, looking up to see Happy asleep up on his tower in the corner. She turned to a random channel before swiping open her phone.
She smiled fondly at the couple of birthday texts she got from her friends, breathing a soft laugh at Lisanna's text with a goofy picture she took with her own cat.
Then she moved on to her email. There were a few from work, some promotions, but one name made her heart leap in her throat, her smile widening instantly.
It was an email from Natsu sent late last night.
he would have been up normally, but she'd been so tired from work and after she got here she'd eaten a quick bite, took a shower and was out as soon as her head hit the pillow.
Lucy's stomach fluttered whenever she saw his name in her inbox, clinging onto his words in each one and it was such a sweet surprise to wake up to this time.
LUCE!
Happy birthday! Was able to find some time to get this out to you before I headed out this morning. I'm sorry I can't be there to celebrate with you on your actual birthday but I hope you have a great one. Pretty cool how we're birthday day twins! 23 can be our lucky number! Do you have anything planned for the day? Some good food I hope!
I know I already asked you this the other day but how are you? Hope you're making yourself at home at the house! Things have been kinda hectic on my end. It's only been a month but it feels so much longer and I miss you so much.
Gonna try giving you a call later tonight if it doesn't get too late for you. Well, morning for me? Or technically morning for you? I hate time zones.
Have a great day, Luce. Can't wait to talk to you.
Miss you,
Natsu
Lucy brushed off a stray tear that had escaped off her cheek as she breathed a watery laugh. Her chest felt light, yet heavy with longing.
She missed him so much.
She could just picture the cute confused scrunch of his nose as he wrote that last line and the warm soft look he'd have after.
Lucy reread Natsu's email a couple more times before slowly getting ready for the day, carrying her small smile with her as she thought about what she wanted to say when she replied to him.
She had a while before she had to meet the girls. All she knew was that they were going out to dinner somewhere. Lisanna insisted on it all being a surprise, as much as Lucy told her she didn't have to, Lisanna wouldn't take no for an answer.
Her and Lucy had gotten pretty close over the past year. The woman was beautiful, kind, funny, and they just connected so easily from the beginning and Lucy was so grateful that Lisanna was part of the handful of people she could call close friends. She never really expected it to happen when she first got here, Levy being the only person she really knew in town, but couldn't picture her life without the warm vibrant group now.
She just came back downstairs after a quick shower and trading Natsu's soft shirt for her regular clothes when she heard several knocks at the door.
Her brows drew in. Who could that be right now?
Lucy peeked through the curtain by the window, seeing someone carrying something in their arms before moving to open the front door.
"Hi?" Lucy greeted.
"Good afternoon," the man replied, nodding towards her, "I have a delivery here for a Ms. Lucy Heartfilia."
"Oh… that's me," she said, a little uncertain.
"Here you are." He handed her a large arrangement of sunflowers and she instantly had a feeling she knew who they were from.
"Thank you," Lucy grinned.
"No problem. Have a good day!"
Lucy closed the door after he left, heading into the kitchen and placing the flowers on the counter.
She found a small card tucked inside, pulling it open and smiling brightly when she read it.
Surprise! Happy Birthday, Luce! Thinking of you and miss you.
Your favorite awesome dragon,
Natsu
Lucy wiped away the stray tear that she didn't even realize had fallen, her smile still wide on her lips as she breathed a soft laugh.
It was perfectly Natsu to still be able to surprise her even though they were far apart.
He was so sweet and she would give him a big kiss right now if she could, but she settled for brushing her fingers over the soft pedals. Some soft pink roses sat scattered inside.
She wished she could send him something in return this time but she'll just have to make up for lost time later.
A sudden ringing broke her out of her thoughts, smiling when she saw Lisanna's name on her phone.
"Hey Lis!"
"Lucy!" she greeted cheerfully in Lucy's ear, "Happy Birthday!"
"Thank you, I appreciate it," Lucy said, her smile warm, "How are you?"
They talked for a bit before Lisanna brought up the apparent surprise.
"Oh, I was calling because I can pick you up from your place on my way to the restaurant? You shouldn't have to drive on your birthday!"
Lucy's neck warmed a bit as she laughed softly. "Oh, actually… I'm staying over Natsu's this weekend… but would still love to go over together if it's not too much of a drive?" she said, fingers pulling at a loose thread on her shorts.
"Ooh, you are huh?" She could practically hear the twinkle in Lisanna's eyes, along with the teasing smile Lucy just knew was wide on her face. "But of course not! I'd be happy to, I'll text you when I'm on my way?"
Lucy smiled brightly. "Sounds good, thank you!"
"Anytime, Lucy, see you soon!"
They said their goodbyes, Lucy's heart warming at the thought of seeing the rest of her friends soon.
She pulled out her laptop from her bag, moving to sit at the kitchen table, looking up fondly at the flowers she'd placed there and pulling up her email.
Hi Natsu!
I know you may be busy but just wanted to send you a quick reply. Thank you for all the birthday wishes! 23 can definitely be our lucky number, I love the idea already!
I don't have anything big planned, just dinner with Lisanna and the girls in a while. It's a new restaurant apparently but they insist on it all being a surprise and won't tell me anything! Speaking of surprises, I absolutely loved your flowers, thank you so much! It was such a sweet surprise, of course you'll always be my favorite dragon.
I've been well though! Things have been busy at work as usual so this break was perfect timing. I miss you so much too and as much as I wish you could be here to celebrate with me too, you're always on my mind and staying here at the house practically feels like you're here with me. Happy seems like he's enjoying it too.
These time zone changes are always a struggle but don't worry, it won't get the best of us, commander.
I can't wait to talk to you too, but I completely understand if things get busy and we have to wait a bit. You're always worth the wait.
Miss you more,
Lucy
She clicked send with a soft sigh. Things were always rough when Natsu was gone but what they have was worth fighting for and they made it work the best they could.
Lisanna got to the house a bit after that. True to Lucy's thought, her teasing smile was practically at her ears as soon as Lucy stepped into her car. Lucy laughed brightly and shook her head when Lisanna wanted to know all the details.
Soon the car stilled and Lucy looked up to see they were parked in a small plaza with a few small shops.
"So this is actually my sister's new restaurant!" Lisanna grinned brightly as she shut off her car, "It's been busy getting it up and running but we thought it'd be perfect for you to get VIP access before we open next week."
Lucy admired the cozy looking brick restaurant in front of them. Large windows with planters under them, warm oak doors, small outdoor patio seating with strands of soft lights above it. It was beautiful.
"Wow, I didn't realize you guys were so far ahead, it looks amazing!" Lucy praised, reaching over to give Lisanna's hand a squeeze, "You guys didn't have to do all this for me…" she said warmly, feeling the pricking of new tears beginning.
Lisanna had told her it had been her family's dream to open a restaurant together one day. Her sister, Mira, was equally beautiful and kind and an amazing cook so Lucy had no doubt it would do well. It was so inspiring to see their dream come true like this and Lucy felt honored to be a part of it.
"Of course we did! You're an amazing friend and we all love you. You deserve nothing less." Lisanna gave Lucy's shoulder a soft squeeze, still wearing her bright smile that reached her crystal blue eyes. "Now come on, there's still more!"
Lucy breathed a laugh and moved to follow her out of the car. Really, what had she done to deserve such genuinely kind people in her life.
They stepped past the thick doors, lights flicked on and sudden cheers made Lucy flinch in surprise. Levy and the rest of the girls were already here, with some balloons and decorations on a long table in the center of the room.
"You guys…" Lucy's smile widened as warm affection spread through her chest, "you are too sweet!"
Levy tackled her in a tight hug first. "Happy birthday, Lucy!"
"Thank you," Lucy giggled, embracing her friend just as tightly. She made her way over to Yukino, Juvia, and Cana with equally warm hugs.
"Lucy! Happy birthday!"
Lucy turned to see Mira coming through a door by the bar, long white hair flowing behind her and blue eyes shining just as bright as her sister's with a wide smile.
"Hi, Mira!" Lucy greeted happily, returning Mira's warm hug and pulling back a bit. "Thank you so much for all this, your restaurant looks amazing so far, congratulations!"
The inside was just as beautiful and cozy as the outside. Rustic hardwood floors, warm lighting throughout, it was already one of Lucy's favorite places.
"Of course, Lucy! We're happy to do it," Mira said warmly, "and thank you! It's been a lot of work but so satisfying to see it all come together! But relax and enjoy, Lucy! I'll be back soon with some food for you guys." Mira sent her a smile over her shoulder as she headed back through the door she came through.
Lucy settled at the table with the others, flowing into easy conversation and laughter that made her heart feel light.
Lisanna brought over a tray of drinks, setting them in the middle of the table. "Courtesy of my new bar," she winked.
"Cheers, Lucy! Your first drink 's on me," Cana smirked, setting a cold glass in front of her.
"Um, I think you mean on me," Lisanna laughed, pushing Cana's shoulder playfully.
Lucy laughed, shaking her head softly. "Looks perfect, thank you!"
Mira and a couple of others brought out some food a bit after that and they all tucked in after convincing Mira to take a break and join them.
As their warm laughter surrounded her, Lucy couldn't help but think how lucky she was to have such amazing people like them in her life. People who were willing to not only spend time with her, but to go out of their way to plan something like this for her and it meant the world.
Lucy never really had a close group of female friends like this. She had always just felt like she was drifting among the crowd. Never really connecting or making something meaningful with anyone. Sure she had co-workers and others she was friendly with but rarely did she find people that cared and accepted her for everything she was and she was so grateful she took that leap when she moved here.
"So, Lucy… how's it going with Natsu?" Levy asked, eyes twinkling eagerly breaking her from her thoughts.
The back of Lucy's neck flushed, fingers trailing along the condensation on the glass in front of her, breathing an airy laugh.
"Things are good…" she grinned, knowing that wouldn't satisfy them.
"Just good? You know we're gonna need more than that, girl!" Levy giggled.
"You're too eager, Lev," Yukino laughed, "give the birthday girl a break."
"I can't help it," Levy pouted.
"But it's true, you guys are just so cute together, we can't help but wanna know all the sweet juicy details," Lisanna smirked.
Lucy laughed, waving them off. Guess she wasn't getting out of this one. "Alright, alright… things are really good. How's that?" She teased.
Whines of her name echoed across the table, making her laugh harder.
She ran a hand through her hair. "Natsu's been amazing," she admitted warmly, "he's so good to me, and kind… and so pretty," Lucy giggled, making the girls join her, "I love the home he's built, and getting to be a part of his life and having him be a big part of mine has just been… I'm starting to see that it's everything I didn't know I needed." Affection swelled tightly in her chest with a soft ache at how much she wished she could have him in her arms right now.
Lisanna squealed softly, looping her arm through Lucy's beside her. "Lucy! That's so amazing to hear. I love seeing how happy you are."
"And I was happy to get an email from him last night and he surprised me with some flowers earlier," she grinned sheepishly, soft warmth growing on her cheeks.
"That's so cute! You two really are so good for each other, oh my gosh," Levy gushed across from her with a wide warm smile.
Lucy laughed, squeezing Lisanna's arm back. "Yeah, and I know nothing in life is ever completely perfect and we work through some things together, but for my, um, my first real relationship things feel really good and right with him," she smiled softly, truly believing that in her heart, "and even though the long distance can be hard it's always worth it… I miss him a lot already."
The soft ache still lingered but it was tempered by the warmth she could feel from their support beside her, grateful she could share things like this.
"It does get hard when they leave and relationships always take time and work," Yukino started softly next to her, placing her hand on Lucy's shoulder, "but anyone can see how well you both fit together and how much he's fallen for you and cares about you, and the same for you."
"It's definitely so nice to see you and Natsu so happy together," Juvia smiled softly, "you both deserve it."
"You're all too kind to me…" Tears quickly pricked the back of Lucy's eyes. "Alright, now that we've got me to the right amount of emotional," Lucy breathed an airy laugh, wiping at her eyes a bit, "How have you all been?"
The girls gave her reassuring squeezes, more warm laughter surrounding them for a while longer.
Juvia brought out a small cake she'd made soon after, Lucy flooded them with thank you's and appreciation for their gifts.
"Oh! Did you guys hear that Erza might be coming back soon?" Lisanna said eagerly after they were full and content from dessert.
Lucy thought back, remembering hearing them mention her here and there. "Erza… the same one who also grew up with you guys?"
"Yeah! She's been on this big research assignment for the past two years after she got her masters, it's a whole thing," Levy said with a soft laugh, "but it'll be so great to see her! I'm sure you guys will be great friends too, Lucy."
Lucy grinned. "From the good things I've heard from you all, I'm sure I will."
The night winded down after that and all too soon they were saying their goodbyes outside of the restaurant, Lucy giving them each a warm tight hug.
"Thank you all so much for making this one of my favorite birthdays yet," Lucy said, emotion shaking her voice a bit, "you guys mean so much to me and… and I'm going to stop myself before I cry again." Lucy breathed through a watery laugh.
"Girl, you're gonna make us cry too!" Cana laughed, wrapping Lucy in another hug, "we'd do anything for you after everything you do for us."
"Agreed!" Juvia cheered. Happy agreements followed from the others.
They followed Cana's lead and all surrounded them in a big group hug. Lucy giggled brightly, her heart bursting with warmth.
Lucy sighed happily as she settled in bed after freshening up and changing into some comfier clothes.
Today had definitely been one of her favorite birthdays yet. Despite the soft ache in her chest as she looked over to Natsu's side of the bed. It would have been more perfect if he'd been here to celebrate with her but the few words from him made her feel close to him.
Happy trotted in with a chirp, jumping up on the bed and curling up beside her.
Lucy gave him some scratches behind his ears, laughing softly when his purrs got louder.
She almost dozed off as she was reading Natsu's email again when a number suddenly popped up on the screen. She didn't recognize it but she felt a pull to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Luce."
Her heart leapt in her throat. The voice was a bit staticy but she knew it anywhere and almost felt like crying again.
"Hey, you," Lucy said softly, a bright smile quickly spread across her face as she held her phone closer.
"I'm sorry it's late for you, did I wake you?" Natsu asked, Lucy picking up the concern in his voice.
Lucy sat up further against the headboard. "No, it's okay, I was up," she reassured. She glanced at the clock on the bedside table beside her. It was a little after one, but she didn't feel so tired now. "Never too late for you anyway."
"That's awfully kind of you, Ms. Heartfilia," Natsu laughed softly. The sound filled her with affection.
"Well, I often make exceptions for my cute boyfriend who happens to be away right now but still manages to surprise me."
Lucy could hear his toothy smile in his voice. "Oh? He sounds like an awesome guy."
"Mm, he's the best… and I miss him a lot."
There were a few quiet moments.
"I really miss you too, Luce…" Natsu paused, voice thick with emotion, making the lump in Lucy's throat grow, "But I got your email and I'm glad you liked your surprise!"
Lucy could tell he was trying to lighten the mood a little and she understood. She would rather focus on the good for now too rather than everything they were missing.
"Yes! It was such a sweet surprise, thank you. My favorite dragon always helps make my day," she grinned.
Natsu breathed out a warm laugh. "Anytime, Luce. How was dinner with the girls?"
Lucy filled him in on Mira's new restaurant and how good the food was and how she tried out a few things he would love when he got back.
"So how've things been for you?" Lucy asked.
"I've been alright…" Natsu sighed. Her chest ached softly at how tired he sounded, picturing the hard lines of tension in his brows and shoulders. "Just glad we've kinda been between missions right now so I could call and stuff, even though I wish I could've done more for you."
"Hey, that's okay, don't say that. You've done more than enough for me and I loved everything," Lucy reassured, "though… I think getting to hear your voice right now has been my favorite," she said, her chest tightening with fondness and longing the more she got to hear the warmth of his voice, with a soft rasp.
Natsu hummed in agreement. "Mine too. Getting to hear yours all the time is one of the things I miss most, then and now…" He breathed a deep sigh, some rustling sounds coming through. "Glad you've been stayin' at the house though," he said, the smile back in his voice.
Lucy couldn't help but smile at that either. "Yeah it's been great," she sighed, settling a bit lower on the bed, "enjoying all the cookies and snacks to myself." Lucy giggled at the obvious pout in his voice at that. "I'll buy extra for you later don't worry, but I do love it here. If only I didn't have to work so I could stay longer," she laughed softly.
"You're always welcome to stay as long as you want, you know I love having you there too…" His voice trailed off, but it was warm and fond.
"Thank you," Lucy whispered, "Maybe I'll see if I can work from here? It's nice having more space and peaceful quiet to think and write."
"Yeah, that would be awesome for you, Luce. Tell them commander Dragneel gives his orders for you to relax at home."
Lucy laughed brightly at that. "I'll be sure to tell them. Happy also did try to get one of my socks but I caught him before he got too far."
Her heart ached at the sound of his own full laugh. She missed hearing it so much, and the wide smile that went with it.
"Nothin' ever gets past you, princess," he teased.
They talked for a bit longer before a strong yawn suddenly escaped her.
"Hey, I know you must be tired. You should get some rest, Luce," Natsu said, voice softening.
Part of her wanted to be stubborn and say she wasn't tired, but it was getting harder to keep her eyes open.
"Mm, as much as I don't want to leave yet, I would feel bad if I fell asleep on you," Lucy said, breathing a tired laugh.
"But then I would get to hear your cute little snores."
"Wh- hey, I don't snore!" she sputtered, "I think you meant yourself, sergeant."
"Whatever you say, babe." She could picture his teasing smirk so clearly. The jerk.
A few quiet moments passed.
"I'll miss you. Can't wait to talk to you again, or hopefully we can try to do a video call or something?"
"Yeah that would be amazing. We'll figure somethin' out," he replied, "I'll miss you more… talk to you soon, Luce."
"Stay safe, Natsu," Lucy whispered. Her chest ached tightly again.
"Anything for you. Bye, Luce. Sleep well."
Lucy replied softly before the line went dead. She clung onto the lingering warmth his voice brought her as she quickly drifted to sleep, thumbing over the bracelet on her wrist and counting down the days till she could hear it again in person.
Hopefully it wouldn't be too long...
"How are things on your end, salamander?" a low tinny voice in Natsu's ear asked.
Natsu rolled his shoulder, adjusting the sight through the scope of the gun. "It's been calm. Though maybe a bit too qui-"
A sudden close explosion interrupted him, the rumbling boom shaking the tall roof he was perched on. The strong smell of smoke quickly reached him.
Shit, he knew something felt off.
"Dragneel! Do you have a visual?"
Natsu's nerves were on high alert, thrumming rapidly, sparking under his skin. His heart pounded in his chest as he tried to focus on what was in front of him through the scope.
Fuck, what he wouldn't give to be home right now.
Thanks for reading! As always, shoutout to the awesome reviewers from last time! : AthomeinFairytail, JadaLiburd, valerioux, Hayitsmay363, Copperreign12, Lucy, timrocks99, FbFlame94, MaraDragneel3113, KYAAAA, stranger1999, itsxoi, shayeh923, Lady Of The Sphinx, animeflower107, & BlaackPepper!