A/N: Hi! Thank you all for all your support from last time! Hope you all enjoy this chapter & what's coming ahead! (＾ω＾)
"Dragneel! What's your status? How did they know we were here… shit."
The urgent voice brought Natsu back to his senses, making him take a deep breath to try and focus again.
His sharp eyes caught some movement through the dust cloud. "I'm here. I can't get a clear view but think there's movement up by you, Hanson."
"Copy."
Natsu's nerves were still on alert, beads of sweat trickling down his temple as the sun continued to beat down strongly on him as he tried to steady his breathing.
Just a bit longer, he thought. Part of him hoped that he wouldn't have to come into close contact with anyone they were searching for… but he knew it was inevitable.
It was 'part of the job' as they said, but man, it was days like this that were really starting to get to him. That sluggish ache in his bones was getting too hard to ignore…
The smoke cleared and soon enough he picked up the sound of pops from gunfire.
Shit, he knew it was just wishful thinking for things to be easy.
Before Natsu could reply, he heard more scattered pops echo near him.
"You were right, sergeant, they were headed right for us. All clear."
Natsu closed his eyes and breathed in deep, he knew what that meant.
"Copy that," he replied through the comms after a moment.
Just a little longer…
Natsu should have known being in between missions before wouldn't last very long before he was thrust to the forefront of his latest task.
He was leading a new recon mission, the days were long, nights were longer, everything ached, and he just wanted some solid sleep, but he was pushing through.
Natsu was finally able to drag himself onto his cot in his team's makeshift tent later that night, able to breathe easier again. For now.
They were to be on location for this mission for about a week. Away from their main base, leaving him with little ways of trying to communicate with Lucy.
The thought made him sigh deeply, shrugging off his heavy pack, not bothering to take off his boots before running a hand through his hair.
He missed her so much.
He dug out the now slightly worn journal she'd given him for Christmas, pulling out her last letter he had tucked inside.
Natsu,
I know it's going to be a little bit harder to write these kinds of letters this time, but I just wanted to write you a little something anyway to take with you.
You're completely knocked out on the couch right now. After you insisted we start the Lord of the Rings trilogy that I still hadn't seen, and I have proof because I totally got a picture of you and you can't take it back! Luckily, you're so cute right there so I forgive you. Gives me a chance to get a little writing done.
Kidding aside, I know you're tired and haven't been sleeping well lately so I'm happy to see you resting. Know you have to leave next week and I know I'm going to say it already at the airport, but I'm going to miss you so much. Not being able to see your smile, hear your laugh, feel your hugs all the time already hurts, but I know it'll all be worth it when you get to come home.
I'll be thinking of you often,
Lucy
Warmth filled Natsu's chest as he read her letter again for a countless time since he left. He was glad he brought it with him whenever he knew it would be harder for them to get in touch.
Whether it was that they were out on the field and there was bad reception or they just weren't in a place where he had time to communicate, and lately he'd been on the move so much that by the time he got back to his cot he was out cold, trying to fit in whatever sleep he could.
He just wanted to hear her voice, see her smile, feel her warm curves under his fingertips. The couple pictures he also kept in his journal helped do for now.
Natsu breathed a raspy soft laugh at one of his favorites, a picture he'd snapped of her when she fell asleep on his couch one night.
He had found one of his mom's polaroid cameras that still managed to work once he found some film for it a couple days before and once he heard her deep even breathing he couldn't help slip out from under her legs and grab the camera.
She looked so cute, peacefully asleep along his couch with Happy purring on her stomach. Head tilted to the side and hair falling in her face, plush lips open slightly.
The picture right behind that one was probably his top favorite right now. It was one he'd taken when they were at the main square one warm afternoon, the sun was bright but the smile Lucy wore shined brighter, a pretty soft shy blush on her cheeks as she tried to hide herself from him.
"Beautiful…" he whispered to himself as he thumbed over the picture.
"Why, commander, thought I told you to only call me that when we're alone."
Natsu looked up to see Sting wearing a shit-eating grin proudly on his face as he sat on his own cot next to Natsu's.
He couldn't help but shake his head and laugh, kicking Sting's shin. "Yeah, only on special occasions," he smirked.
Sting laughed in reply, shucking off his pack and flopping to lay down with a groan. "Miss her, huh?" he said after a few quiet moments.
There was understanding in Sting's tired eyes that made Natsu sigh again. "Yeah… everyday."
He heard Sting hum in acknowledgment.
It was moments like these that made him second guess his decision to re-enlist when his last contract was up the other year. He figured, what was another four years, but now that he felt he had so much to lose, the more he just wanted to get back home.
Sting's soft snores started up quickly beside him. Natsu was a little jealous at how easy he made it seem to be able to fall asleep but he was glad his friend could get some sleep while he could.
Natsu rummaged through his pack to find a pen he kept on him, thumbing past the pictures to a blank page.
Lucy,
Sittin' on this uncomfortable as hell cot, thinking about you, wishing I could sleep. My body is super tired but it always takes a while for my brain to shut down. Meanwhile, Sting over here is already snorin' up a storm!
I miss you so much, Luce. I think about you all the time, wondering what you're up to, how your day's going. I wish I could call you right now, just to hear your voice even for a little bit. Things have been crazy lately and everything aches but writing to you like this helps me get out of my head and not think about- well, to not think.
Hope we'll get to talk soon, or see you soon through video.
You're fevorr (guess my brain is finally tired I'm messin' up now)
Your favorite dragon,
Natsu
Natsu smiled softly and sighed, tucking the journal back in his pack and settled down further on his cot. Eyelids heavy now and quick to pull him into a hopefully dreamless sleep as he thumbed over the cords of his bracelet.
Natsu's team finally managed to make it back to their main base after completing their mission. Captain Dreyar came through the main entryway of the annex of the building not too long after them.
"Good work, sergeant. We were able to get some good intel." Natsu nodded as Laxus gave him a firm clap on the shoulder before stepping back a bit. "Welcome back, salamander squad," he smirked, addressing the rest of Natsu's team, crossing his arms to lean back against the table behind him. "Listen up, since we finished up this mission a little ahead of schedule, got word that we're getting a bit of a break this weekend. Enjoy." Laxus gave them a nod before heading back out.
Some cheers of agreement sounded off around him, making Natsu chuckle softly as he got more claps along his shoulders from his team as they passed him to head to their respective buildings.
Natsu breathed a deep sigh of relief he didn't know he was holding. As much as he wanted to rush over to talk to Lucy right now, he wanted to wash the days off him first.
"Glad to see you made it back in one piece, commander."
Natsu turned to see Gray giving him a lazy smile with his hands stuffed in his pockets, a slight relieved look in his eyes.
Natsu grinned, stepping over to give Gray a one armed clapped hug. "Hey, you too, scrub." Natsu cackled as Gray rolled his eyes, even though his smile widened as he shoved Natsu's shoulder. "You guys just get in too?"
Gray ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah, we got in last night. Still pretty beat," he sighed, "was just coming back from sending off something for home."
Natsu hummed in acknowledgement. Gray had been sent out with another team on a similar mission, though he was a rifleman, so Natsu understood and he was happy his friend made it back safely too.
They started to make their way out to their buildings, content in comfortable silence. Natsu could feel the ache in his legs, back, shoulders, and everything in between with each step as they got closer to the bunk quarters. His bed was calling his name.
"I'm looking forward to this break, that's for sure." Natsu grunted as he shifted the heavy pack on his shoulders.
"Mm, absolutely," Gray rasped, "if I don't sleep all the way through it," he laughed tiredly.
Natsu breathed through a laugh too as they got to his door first. "Right. Meet up for dinner soon?"
"Yeah, sounds good. I'll let Sting know too." Gray clapped Natsu's shoulder, giving him a wave before continuing on.
Natsu grinned to himself, grateful they were out here with him. He stepped into the room, groaning when he let his heavy pack fall from his shoulders. He'll deal with cleaning it out later. Probably tomorrow.
Natsu sighed as he finally got settled on his bunk, able to breathe a little easier now that he was fresh from his shower earlier and stomach contentedly full from dinner.
He found that his phone had some good reception, which he was grateful for so he wouldn't have to move from his spot and use the phone in the room.
Natsu plugged some headphones into his phone so all he would hear was her, brought up Lucy's contact and pressed the icon to dial. It didn't ring for very long. He'd been thinking about this all afternoon and the voice on the other end immediately made his stomach flutter, and it was so worth the wait.
"Natsu?" Lucy breathed, the soft tone of her voice making his chest warm.
"Hey, Luce!" he rasped, grin widening until he could feel his cheeks getting sore.
"H-Hi! You surprised me," she laughed softly. Natsu's chest ached with longing at the sound and the smile in her voice. "But it's so good to hear your voice."
Natsu's eyes fluttered closed as he focused on her, wishing he could be beside her right now.
"Yours too, Luce… How are you?"
Lucy sighed, Natsu hearing some shuffling on her end. "Been busy at work as usual. They have me training some new people we have so I've just been tired." She breathed another airy laugh. "And I've been missing you of course." Her voice softened.
"Hey, that's awesome! Told ya you'd be runnin' the place in no time," he chuckled roughly.
"Yeah, yeah, sure." They shared another warm laugh.
"I really miss you too…" Natsu said softly after a quiet pause, "I'm sorry I've been out of touch for a while, things got busy and then had to go off base this week," he sighed, "but we finally got back in today."
"Natsu, it's okay," Lucy reassured, "I'll always worry about you out there but I know how hard it is for you to get the time to talk sometimes."
His Lucy, always so understanding.
"It's frustrating when I can't but you're always on my mind… and I still get to look at that cute picture of you sleeping." Natsu cackled at her groan.
"Oh my god, you didn't bring that picture with you."
"Of course I did, wouldn't go anywhere without it, babe," he smirked, clearly picturing the shake of her head and roll of her eyes at him.
"You're the worst," she said, but he heard the warm fondness behind it.
"Think you mean the best."
"Whatever you need to tell yourself, babe," she teased. He missed their banter so much.
They caught up for a few more minutes after that.
"Oh, I also wanted to tell you, Captain said we were gettin' a bit of a break this weekend so wanna try doing a video call tomorrow? It would be awesome to see you," Natsu asked, fingers brushing over his bracelet fondly.
"Yes absolutely! That sounds like a great idea, I would love to see you too," she said warmly. He heard the smile in her voice again and he couldn't wait to get to see it. "They're actually giving me day off tomorrow so I get an early start to the weekend, I can pick up Happy and go over your house so you can see him too?"
Natsu couldn't help his wide smile at the thought of her spending more time at his house and getting to see both of his favorites. "Sounds perfect, Luce. Can't wait."
Natsu felt his chest flutter with excitement and nerves at the thought of seeing Lucy again. Even if it was just through a screen.
Why was he nervous? He'd been away a little longer than usual and he hadn't seen her in so long so maybe it was just the anticipation that was getting to him. What if things had changed and she was getting tired of trying to maintain this long distance with him, what if-
Natsu shook his head, pushing the thoughts away. It wouldn't help anything being negative like that right now.
He shrugged off his jacket, tossing it on his bed before he got set up on one of the small desks in the room with his laptop. It was a bit old and worn, but it had a camera and worked when he needed it to out here and saved him from having to use the shared ones that were around base.
There was some low chatter in the room he shared with a couple other guys, two or three of them were still knocked out. Not that he could blame them, he could already feel the tired soreness pulling on his shoulders but he wasn't about to waste this time he could spend with Lucy on sleeping.
A giddy smile tugged at his lips at the thought.
Natsu clicked through the motions before emailing Lucy the link. He hoped he set things up right, it'd been a while since he'd done a video call, but if he got to see her just for a little while, anything was worth it.
He sighed as the video loaded up, running his hands through his hair and over his face. Hopefully he could try to wind down later and get some decent sleep and-
"Hey, you."
His head snapped up at the sound of that soft sweet voice coming through the speakers, fumbling to plug in his earbuds.
"Hey, Luce!" He grinned so wide his cheeks were already sore and the backs of his eyes were already starting to prick, but it all went ignored. "Gods, it's so good to see you…"
"You too, Natsu," Lucy said warmly with her own bright grin. She looked so beautiful as always, golden hair falling over her shoulder, the light above her making it look so soft he could almost feel it gliding through his fingers. Lucy sniffled through a laugh, wiping under her eyes. "I'm sorry, it's just… I'm really happy to see you, even like this."
Natsu's expression softened. "Hey, it's okay. I'm really glad we were able to do this."
"Me too," she smiled, "so how have you been?"
"Better now," Natsu sighed, scratching the back of his head, "just glad we got a break and I get to see you."
"Natsu…" He saw some concern in her eyes. She could always see right through him.
"I'm okay, Luce, I promise. I know I probably look worn down," he chuckled roughly, running a hand over his head, "just been tired, y'know?" He tried to give her a reassuring smile. "But hope it's not too late over there for you? I'm sorry I wasn't able to do this sooner, things were pretty non-stop for a while," he sighed.
Luckily they still had their phone calls and emails, but getting to actually see her like this did things to his heart.
"I can't help but worry about you, but as long as you're sure," she said with a warm smile, "of course it's not too late, I was wondering if you were going to sleep in a bit. This was worth the wait though."
"It was," he smiled, "and I was already up early, still on that schedule," he chuckled, "so how're you? Lookin' dashing, princess," he smirked at the playful roll of her eyes.
He thought she looked beautiful in anything she wore, but his favorite was always when she was comfortable in the simplest things. Preferably his things.
"Yes, only my fanciest hoodie just for you," she teased, "it started getting cold last month so I had to bring over more of my winter stuff. May have borrowed a few more of your shirts and hoodies too," Lucy smiled sheepishly.
"Hey, I always say you look better in them anyway, babe," he teased back.
"Careful, I may just end up taking all of them." A loud meow suddenly sounded off screen. "Ah, I think someone heard your voice," Lucy laughed.
Natsu watched Happy hop up on Lucy's lap, ears twitching at Natsu's laugh. "Hey, buddy!" Happy mrowled in reply, nosing at the screen, as if he was wondering why Natsu was in there. He resettled on Lucy's lap, headbutting her palm to get pets and purring loudly. Damn spoiled brat.
"Things are good though, I've been trying to get ready to take finals that are coming up soon so that's been fun," she laughed softly, "I'm glad I'm able to take most of them online because of work and everything. This French class is particularly hard, but I think mom would be happy that I'm finally finishing up my degree," Lucy smiled warmly.
She'd told him she decided to go back to school a bit after he left and she started in the beginning of fall after taking all that time off and he immediately gave her all his support. "Sure you'll do awesome, Luce! And I know she'd be so proud of you… and I know I am," Natsu grinned, letting affection swell in his chest.
"Thanks, Natsu. That means so much to me," Lucy said, some emotion thickening her voice.
"Always, Luce… Things been alright at the house?" he asked after a quiet moment.
"Yes! It was raining a bit earlier so put a fire on and it's nice now, because you know how I feel about the rain." Lucy's laugh was soft and soothing and Natsu could listen to it forever.
She looked so comfortable and at home there in his space as she looked ahead of her into the living room probably, from the spot on the kitchen table as she drank from her mug.
The sight made his chest swell with warmth, with something deeper he couldn't place right now…
Maybe she would be able to call it her home too one day… Would that even be something she would want? His neck flushed at how much he liked that idea. He would have to think about it more another day.
"Yes, can't have you get stranded in the rain when I'm not there to come to your rescue, princess," he smirked.
"Hmph, I can handle myself just fine thank you very much." Lucy stuck her tongue out at him playfully.
Natsu laughed brightly. "Mm, I know you can." His voice softened. Her strength was one of his favorite things about her after all. "But I'm glad you're there, Luce. Like I said before, you can stay as much as you want."
"Thank you," she whispered, "it's not the same without you of course and I miss you everyday, but it helps, being here."
"Then that makes me happy," he smiled softly.
"So do you… do you know how much longer you have left?" Lucy asked quietly after a moment, expression shifting and fingers fidgeting on the handle of her mug. Happy seemed to have wandered off somewhere.
Natsu sighed, leaning back a bit and rubbing over his shoulder. "Hm, last I heard possibly two more months. Could be less but I may not make it back in time for the holidays this time, I'm sorry…" His brows furrowed, eyes widening suddenly. Was it really going to be a year already? "Wait, or our anniversary, shit… I'm so sorry, Luce." He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair.
His heart sunk and ached. Their first anniversary together and he wasn't even going to be able to be there with her. Of course it would work out that way. It was already early November, six months having passed quickly yet so slowly at the same time.
Not being able to spend their anniversary, let alone the holidays with her and the rest of their friends hurt. Before, it wouldn't really have mattered to him because he preferred not to really think about the holidays if he was away from home. But now, the tightness in his chest was all he could feel.
He could still try and send her something for both days but it wouldn't be the same as getting to wake up with her on Christmas morning, cooking together, enjoying the chill of the fresh snow. It surprised him how much he craved the comforting simplicity of it all.
"Natsu…" she started softly, "please don't apologize, it's okay. I'll miss you but just focus on staying safe and coming home," Lucy reassured, her eyes warm with affection and understanding.
Natsu gave her a small grateful smile, some sadness pulling at it. "I'm gonna make it up to you, Luce. I promise." He'll find something special to do for her. He had to. "And I'll let you know as soon as I know anything solid, but I will… anything for you."
They talked for a bit longer, focusing on lighter things. Natsu was content to just enjoy her bright smile and warm laugh, burning them into his mind and letting them fill his dreams when he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow for a nap that afternoon.
He really hoped it wouldn't be too much longer.
Lucy woke up to the sound of some light rain still hitting against the window in the bedroom. She was comfortably warm underneath the soft plush comforter and didn't feel like getting up just yet.
She yawned and stretched out a bit, resettling on her back with a deep sigh. Her lips pulled up into a small smile as she remembered all the times she would wake up to Natsu's messy hair, the lazy sleepy kiss they would share, the way he would wrap his arms around her and pull her close, surrounding her with his warmth and security.
She could almost feel the ghost of the warmth from his lips against hers… but she wouldn't get too carried away with those thoughts right now.
Lucy eventually made her way into the kitchen after a quick shower and throwing on one of Natsu's soft long-sleeved shirts.
The rain looked like it was lightening up but that chill still lingered in the air, but nothing a warm cup of coffee wouldn't cure.
Her mind drifted to Natsu after she put out some food and water for Happy and waited for the coffee machine to warm up, smiling fondly at finally being able to see him last night. Despite being through a screen, his bright wide smile still managed to make her heart flutter. It really had been too long since she'd seen it.
Lucy's chest ached a bit at the thought of still not being able to see him in person for a while longer. She missed him so much and the thought of not being able to see him for the upcoming holidays, or their anniversary hurt more than she liked to admit but she understood and would never blame him for anything.
Natsu had looked so tired when she first logged on and he hadn't noticed she was there yet. She longed to reach through the screen and pull him into a hug and kiss the hard lines between his brows and smooth out the tension in his shoulders. But she settled for getting to see him smile, get a bit lost in those deep green eyes, and hear his warm rough laugh.
A year together was coming up so quickly. Some days felt like they'd gone by so slowly where she could feel the minutes dragging to hours, and others seemed as if she blinked and it was already going to be winter. Despite them not being able to spend most of it together in person, she didn't regret a moment being with Natsu and she never would. He would always be worth everything for her. Affection spread through her, pushing down the longing ache for now.
Lucy was in the middle of cleaning up around the house a while later when she heard a ping through the music she was playing off her phone, smiling when she saw a text from Lisanna.
'Hey, Lucy! Since you said you were gonna be over Natsu's this weekend and it finally stopped raining, did you want some company for dinner tonight? I can bring over some food from the restaurant!'
Lucy's stomach immediately growled at the mention of food. Oops, guess it had been a while since she ate this morning and it was already getting dark. She was sure Natsu wouldn't mind having her over and Lucy thought spending some time with her friend sounded good right now.
She sent off a reply to Lisanna and finished up cleaning and went upstairs to freshen up.
Then there was a knock at the door before she knew it.
"Hey, Lucy!" Lisanna's bright smile greeted her when she opened the door.
"Hi, Lis!" Lucy pulled her in for a warm hug with a bright smile of her own. "Please, come in!" Lisanna followed her inside and moved to set down the bags of food on the island in the kitchen. "Lis! You didn't have to bring all this food just for us," Lucy laughed, starting to help her unpack all the containers.
"Hey, you can't deny we can pack some food away when we're hungry," Lisanna smirked, "and Mira was on a roll today and wouldn't let me leave without at least two bags and I never question the chef."
Lucy joined Lisanna in her warm infectious laughter that further pushed down the soft ache that was lingering from earlier.
They decided to settle on the couch, setting their plates on the coffee table, Lucy coming across a random movie playing on TV.
"Mm, thank you for all this, it looks and smells amazing," Lucy said.
"Of course! I know it's been busy for you lately and we haven't really had a chance to catch up," Lisanna grinned, "and I know you tend to forget to eat if you're working on something, which I figured you were, so I wanted to treat you."
"Thank you, you know me so well," Lucy laughed, giving her a grateful smile.
"What are best friends for," Lisanna smiled warmly.
Lucy's chest throbbed with affection. She really was so grateful to have such amazing friends like her.
Lucy returned her warm smile. "When you're right, you're right. Now, let's dig in!"
Soon enough, several containers were empty and their bellies were stuffed. "Mira always out does herself, that was so good," Lucy groaned, falling back into the cushions of the couch after helping clean up a bit.
"She really does," Lisanna laughed from the kitchen, "want some wine for dessert?" she asked, settling back on the couch beside Lucy with a bottle and glasses in hand.
"Sure, sounds good."
Lisanna poured each of them some and handed a glass to Lucy. "We got a couple new bottles in this week, people have been loving them. Cheers!"
"Cheers," Lucy laughed, clinking her glass against Lisanna's, "mm, I can see why. This is really good," she said after taking a sip, feeling the slight warmth of the alcohol settle in her chest.
Lisanna hummed in agreement, comfortable silence settling around them for a few minutes as another movie played in the background, Happy purring loudly peacefully asleep between them. Lucy felt content, she hadn't realized how much she needed this.
"So… how's it going in romance land with Natsu?" Lisanna asked, turning towards Lucy a bit, settling further into the corner of the couch with her legs tucked underneath her.
Lucy laughed softly, catching the teasing glint in Lisanna's eyes. She should have known that question was going to come sooner than later.
"Things are good," Lucy smiled, "We hadn't been able to talk much the past few weeks but we finally had a chance to do a video call last night and it was so good to see him." Some emotion leaked through her voice, Natsu's wide smile at the front of her mind again.
"Aw, that's great, I'm glad!"
"Me too, he's still his dorky self." Lucy breathed through a laugh. "Of course I've missed him since he left but it really hit me just how much I do when I saw him," Lucy said softly, leaning over to set her glass on the table and turning further towards Lisanna and sighed, running a hand through her hair. "He… he was saying he may not be able to make it back home for the holidays this time or… or our anniversary, but we can always make up for lost time when he does come back home." That ache in her chest returned softly but she wore a small smile, fingers brushing over her bracelet fondly.
Lisanna made a sad sound, reaching over to place her hand over Lucy's and giving it a soft squeeze. "I'm sorry, Lucy. I know how much you were looking forward to that."
"I was… I still am, but Natsu's always been worth the wait. When we were just friends and even more so now," Lucy said, feeling the pressure of tears in her eyes, "and I know he goes through so much over there and yet he still always puts in so much effort for me so it's only fair that I give him all the support I can."
Lisanna squeezed her hand again after a moment. "You really love him don't you?"
Lucy's heart leapt into her throat, eyes snapping back up to Lisanna's and seeing her warm encouraging smile. "W-Well I… I just…" Lucy's voice trailed off as she quickly lost herself in her thoughts.
Her and Natsu had been through so much together already. Been there through each other's highs and lows and there was no one else who could make her feel the way he did. Who knew her inside and out and could still manage to surprise her. Who she was content to do nothing and anything with. Who she could give her whole self to and would do just about anything for. Who was the first person she thought of when she woke up and the last when she fell asleep. Who could make her laugh till she cried and make her feel so supported and cared for with just a few words. Who she felt so safe and at home with and just felt so… complete with, in a way she never knew she needed.
She thought about the ways Natsu managed to always bring out all the best things in her and made her want to be a better person, the way her heart would flutter every time she saw his smile or heard his infectious laugh, how she couldn't wait to hold him close again and know he was safe, and how she really couldn't picture her life without him anymore…
Oh.
More warmth swirled in her chest with each thought and deep down she knew. Knew that this had to be love.
"I-I think I really do," Lucy managed to finally say through a wet breathless laugh, her tears breaking through, "How did you manage to see it before I did?" Lucy giggled, dabbing off her tears with her sleeve.
"Oh, Lucy," Lisanna laughed softly, leaning over to pull Lucy in for a hug, making Happy jump to escape between them. "We could all tell," she grinned after pulling back a bit, rubbing over Lucy's arm, "sometimes you have to take a step back to see things clearly."
"I… I'd never been… I couldn't…" Lucy's words wouldn't come out right, this new feeling filled her heart so much she felt it would burst.
"Lucy, it's okay," Lisanna said softly, squeezing her hand again, "these things take time sometimes but you both deserve all the love and happiness and it makes me happy that you both found each other."
Lisanna gave Lucy a bright smile, her own eyes glossing over a bit and Lucy couldn't help but pull her in for another hug, pouring every ounce of appreciation and gratitude into it as she could.
While she hadn't been expecting to have this sudden realization today, Lucy had a feeling she started feeling more for Natsu for a while now but hadn't really figured out how to put it all into words. Sometimes you really did have to take a step back to get some clarity.
Love. She loved Natsu. The feeling was exhilarating, and a little overwhelming if she was being honest, but she embraced it with her whole heart. She never thought she could feel this way about anyone, but with him... it was as if a piece was falling into place in her heart. It just felt right, as if it was always meant to be.
Thanks for reading! As always, special thank you to all the amazing support from last time! : AthomeinFairytail, MaraDragneel3113, BlaackPepper, shayeh923, valerioux, Copperreign12, itsxoi, sevenlaila, Animeflower107, MillennialStargazer, KYAAAA, stranger1999, Hayitsmay363, rao hyuga 18, FbFlame94, & RomitriIsMyMaximumMortalFlaw !