A/N: Hi! Hope you guys enjoy this one! (*´ω｀*)
Lucy groaned, rolling over and fumbling to shut off the incessant alarm on her phone.
Too early.
She always forgot to turn it off the night before when she was going to have the day off. Flopping onto her back, Lucy sighed and gave up on the thought of getting more sleep, knowing she wouldn't be able to now that she was up.
With that, Lucy slowly got up and started her usual routine. Her mind drifted when she made her way into her kitchen, starting up some coffee.
Over the past two weeks, all Lucy could think about was the new light warmth she finally recognized in her heart and it was constantly on her mind. At work, when she was trying to get through her day, in her apartment, when she found herself reading over the same page of her book countless times. At night, when all she thought about was him.
She loved Natsu.
Just thinking it made her stomach flutter every time.
She really loved him.
Though, now the question was, how does she tell him?
Should she say it now? During one of their phone calls? Or maybe on the next video call? Did he even feel the same way?
Lucy shook her head with a sigh.
One thing at a time.
Things had been a little busy recently so she hadn't been able to go over Natsu's as much since most of her work materials were here in her apartment, but she already missed it. Her place was small, yet it seemed so big and empty compared to when she stayed over his house. She missed the comfort it brought, even though Natsu was still away and it wasn't really complete without him there, but she felt more like herself there. More than she had been expecting to.
She breathed a deep yawn, stretching her arms over her head as she made it out into the living room, lips pulling into a soft smile when her eyes caught the papers she left on her dining table.
Lucy had been happily surprised when she received a letter from Natsu the other day that he'd apparently written when he was off base. 'Had written this out in my journal and wanted to send it to you,' he'd said. It warmed her heart to see his handwriting. She loved their emails, but letters still always made it feel more personal. She was worried how he was doing over there based on his shaky handwriting and how he said he was having trouble sleeping. She wished she could help more in some way but she just hoped he didn't have too much longer out there.
Though, it gave Lucy some comfort when when she asked him if she would be able to send him something after their last video call the other week. Natsu had said they'd been back at their main base more often so would be able to get it. She just hoped it arrived on time for him.
Early morning soon blended into mid afternoon and Lucy huffed, standing up to stretch. She finally managed to take a break from working on a couple things her boss had given her to look over this morning. How did she always manage to get roped into these things when she was home.
She was just about to grab something from her room when she heard a knock at her door. 'Who could that be?' Lucy thought, brows furrowing as she made her way over towards the door. She peeked through the small hole, frowning when she didn't see anyone. Maybe it was one of the neighbor kids down the hall playing pranks again.
Lucy slowly opened her door and peeked out, eyes immediately catching something bright and colorful on the floor by her feet.
Sunflowers.
A wide smile quickly tugged her lips. She quickly brought them inside, setting them on the counter in the kitchen. Her fingers brushed over the soft white pedals of daisies that were placed throughout, finding an envelope tucked inside.
Hey Luce!
Hope you like the flowers! I'm so sorry I can't be there today for our special day. I was really hoping I could make it but I knew it would be just wishful thinking. Although, I think things are starting to wind down a bit so could be not too much longer. Hopefully.
But! I have a few more surprises planned for you today so hope you're ready!
For the first, I think you need to take a break from work (which I know you got caught up in even though you told me you took the day off and probably haven't eaten yet!) So I think you should head over and relax at our table at Rogue's for a coffee. He might have something waiting for you.
Enjoy! I miss you, so much.
Natsu
Breathing through a watery laugh, Lucy brushed away a few stray tears. That was Natsu, always going the extra mile for her like this, giving her more than she could ever ask for.
The letter was in his handwriting... how and when did he have time to plan all this?
Regardless, Natsu was right. Her initial plan to just rest for their anniversary didn't exactly go as planned so far and he knew her so well.
What she was working on could wait till tomorrow. A latte did sound like the perfect pick me up she needed right now, and she couldn't deny she was excited to find out what he had planned.
Lucy tightened her jacket around her as she approached the cafe, the crisp air already felt strong but luckily she didn't have to walk very far to get some warmth.
She soon stepped into the cozy room, several people were already seated around and enjoying their drinks.
"Hey, Lucy," Rogue greeted brightly when she got up to the counter.
"Hi, Rogue! Busy day?" Lucy grinned, leaning her hip against the thick granite in front of her.
"It was earlier," Rogue laughed, wiping off his hands before pushing back his dark bangs and tightening the messy bun holding his long hair. "But it started slowing down now, so you came at the perfect time. Heard it's a special day and you were stopping by today." He gave Lucy a warm smile.
Lucy laughed. "Yeah, someone had it all planned out for me apparently."
"Glad I get to be a part of it," Rogue grinned, "can I get you the usual? Or we have a new brew that people seem to really like lately."
Lucy followed Rogue's gaze above him to the black chalkboard above him, reading the name written.
'Deathstar-bucks, dark (side) roast cold brew'
Lucy breathed a sudden loud snort, quickly covering her mouth with her palm and giggling behind it.
"You guys would," she laughed, "I'll take my usual, but I'll have to try that new one next time. Have I told you how much I love the name of your shop?" she said, eying the larger painted logo on the wall beside the menu that read, 'It's a frap coffee cantina'.
"You have, but I don't get tired of hearing it," he laughed warmly, moving through some motions as he prepared her drink. "Sting and I were pretty happy with that one when we thought of it."
The first time Lucy had stumbled across this cafe when she moved into town, she didn't even fully notice all the Star Wars merchandise and artwork that decorated the walls. Until several times later when she came in with Natsu, the name dawned on her and found out Rogue actually owned the quaint cafe.
Other than the fun decor, the coffee was amazing and It had quickly become her and Natsu's go to coffee spot, already holding some fond memories for her. Like all the times she watched Natsu go on a cute passionate rant about a certain movie or character in the series or how he couldn't believe she hadn't seen the latest ones that came out a few years ago and made her watch them in one go when they got back to his house. Though, how could she complain about a night watching one of her favorite series curled up beside her favorite person.
"I can see why," Lucy smiled brightly.
She watched Rogue place a large steaming cup on a tray. "Alright, go ahead and take a seat, Lucy. I'll take this over to you."
"Oh, how much do I owe you?"
"It's on us, don't worry."
"Rogue… are you sure?"
"I'm sure," he grinned.
Lucy sighed, smiling. "Alright, thank you."
Lucy shrugged off her jacket, hanging it over her chair before she settled into her usual spot in the back corner, laughing softly to herself when she recognized the cantina soundtrack that was playing in the background. That's new, she thought, making a note to tell Natsu soon. He would love it.
Rogue soon came over and set down the cup in front of her along with a plate of a couple small pastries.
"And these are also for you." Rogue set an envelope and a small package beside the plates then gave her shoulder a soft squeeze. "Happy anniversary to you guys. You deserve it... and don't worry, I'm sure they'll be back soon." Rogue's smile was warm and reassuring and made tears press against the back of her eyes. "Apparently you're supposed to open the gift first I was told."
Lucy laughed softly. "Thank you… for all of this."
"Anytime. Enjoy, let me know if you need anything," Rogue smiled before giving her a wave and moving back behind the counter to talk to the other barista.
Lucy took a shuddering breath, unable to help her bright smile as she brushed over the familiar handwriting that spelled out her name on the envelope. She enjoyed a long sip of her latte, savoring the smooth sweet flavor on her tongue before she thumbed open the package first.
A soft gasp escaped her when she unwrapped a dark leather bound journal, with a leather tie around the middle, along with an intricate floral design etched onto the front and back.
She'd been wanting a new one. Natsu really did know her too well.
Her fingers trailed over the grooves of the artwork. It was beautiful and perfect. She moved to untie the strap, eyes falling to a piece of paper tucked behind the cover.
For all your new and amazing story ideas that'll obviously be about dragons since y'know, they're the best! But so are you.
-Natsu
Lucy couldn't help her soft giggle, picturing his wide toothy grin so clearly it made her heart ache. She moved to open the envelope next.
Lucy!
Knew ya couldn't resist your favorite latte for too long. Hope you liked your next gift! I'd actually found it for you before I left, but I wanted to save it for something special. You're an amazin' writer, Luce, hope you get some time to do what you love with it.
Wish I could be sittin' with you in our spot at the cafe right now, but you'll just have to eat my share of the goods ok? Damn, I'm gettin' hungry just thinking about them. I figured that spot would be fitting for today since it's where we went for our first official date.
So, I don't think you're ready to go home yet after that coffee, how about a nice night at the square? Lisanna may also have one last thing for you.
Thinking of you,
Natsu
That Natsu… how did she get so lucky.
She'd sent him an email this morning, but it didn't feel like anything compared to all he's done for her so far today. Being able to do all this for her even though he wasn't able to be here and still make it feel so special, just filled her heart with so much love for him. How did it take her so long to fully see what was in front of her the whole time.
Lucy finished up the rest of her drink and sweets, tucking her gifts into her purse and giving Rogue a smile and a wave before she headed out. Eager to find out what the last piece of the surprise was.
The sun was just starting to set into the evening, bright blue melting into a warm orange across the sky. She was glad she decided to walk today, giving her time to admire the changing leaves along the path and breathe in the brisk air around her with some savory smells from a couple restaurants she passed by. The faint smell of fireplaces going nearby also making it feel like fall.
Lucy wished Natsu could be walking by her side. She could almost feel the warmth of his palm against hers if she thought about it hard enough, but knowing all the time and effort he put into all this for her still made it feel so special and like he was right there with her the whole time.
She arrived at the park a few minutes later, making her way through to the center square. Feeling a notification on her phone, Lucy pulled it from her pocket.
'Hi! Look over to your left!'
Lucy smiled at the text, looked over and sure enough, Lisanna was near the water fountain standing from a bench when she caught Lucy's eye.
"Hey!" Lucy greeted brightly, wrapping Lisanna in a hug when she got close.
"Lucy!" Lisanna hugged her back just as tightly.
"I can't believe you knew about all this and didn't tell me," Lucy laughed, shaking her head when they parted and sat back on the bench.
"Of course! I wasn't about to ruin the surprise," Lisanna said with a smirk. "Natsu emailed me the other week asking if he could send me some things he wanted to surprise you with and set them up for today. How could I say no," she smiled softly.
"You guys…" Lucy breathed, "so that was you earlier?"
"With the flowers? Yeah," Lisanna giggled, "picked up the journal from his 'secret hiding place' at the house and then dropped off the gifts at Rogue's. The journal was beautiful by the way."
Lucy hummed in agreement with a soft smile. "It really is, I love it. He had it at the house all this time and I never noticed!"
Lisanna laughed. "You know when he wants something to be a surprise he goes all out, especially for you."
Lucy felt her neck warm a bit. Natsu really was too good to her. She'll have to plan something to surprise him one of these days.
Lisanna gave her hand a soft squeeze before continuing. "Levy was originally going to help out today too, but she wasn't feeling well. Bad case of morning sickness left her out of it."
Lucy made a sympathetic sound. "Aw, oh no. I'll have to call her soon." Levy had told Lucy and the rest of the girls she was pregnant the other week when they had lunch together, things must be progressing quickly, but Lucy was so happy for her friend. "But thanks so much, Lis… you didn't have to do all this," Lucy said, giving Lisanna a warm grateful look.
"Hey, I was so happy to be a part of it and you know I'd do anything for you guys," Lisanna smiled brightly, "now, I believe these are for you." She pulled another envelope and package from her own bag, handing them to Lucy.
"I still can't believe he planned all this for me," Lucy smiled, laughing softly as she brushed off a tear that had quickly escaped down her cheek.
"You'd better believe it," Lisanna grinned brightly, "he'd do just about anything for you too. I know you were probably content just to stay all cozied up at home but we both know he's never one to not do something for a special day," she laughed, "and it's obvious he loves you too, Lucy… he probably just hasn't fully realized it yet either. You guys just need a little push sometimes." Lisanna winked, Lucy joining in her warm laugh. "I can leave if you want to read it on your own?" Lisanna asked quietly after a pause.
"Oh no, it's okay! Stay?"
"Of course," she smiled, settling further onto the bench beside Lucy while she opened the letter.
Lucy,
This year with you has been… amazing. It's as well as I can describe it and I know I've used that word before, but it has been. You really are amazing, Luce. In every way and I can't begin to thank you enough for everything you've done for me. All the ways you've been there for me and still are even though we're apart right now. All the ways you give me the motivation to be better and make my life mean something. It means more than you know and I'm so grateful to have you in my life and that you've shared your life with me.
I'm so sorry again for missing our anniversary and not being able to be there with you today, but I hope you liked all the surprises! I couldn't help myself. I had to make it up to you somehow for not being there to give them to you in person.
I hope you like your last gift, just a little somethin' I had gotten made for you.
Missing you, so much. Here's to another year of adventures together.
See you soon,
Natsu
P.S. Give more thanks to Lisanna for me! She has been awesome for all her help! As she always is.
"He's too sweet," Lucy laughed softly through some tears that had managed to fall again, running her fingers under her eyes before moving to open the small package. She pulled open the lid and her heart melted a little when she gazed at the small enamel pin nestled inside. It was of a cute dragon asleep, curled up in a small bed of sunflowers, perfectly capturing a piece of them both.
Lucy brought it closer for Lisanna to see. "Aww! That's so cute, I love it," Lisanna grinned.
"Natsu says to give you more thanks for all your help today too," Lucy said with her own bright grin.
Lisanna giggled. "Like I said, you guys deserve it. I'm always happy to help out." She gave Lucy a quick one-armed hug, Lucy leaning into it.
"You know… if I hadn't already fully realized my feelings for Natsu, today would have done it," Lucy sighed happily, thumb brushing over the words on his letter. "I really do love him… he's just…"
"I know," Lisanna said softly, her smile warm and understanding as she gave Lucy's shoulder a soft squeeze.
Nothing more needed to be said. They watched as some stars started to sprinkle across the darkening sky, content in comfortable silence together until the air got a bit colder than they would like and their stomachs started to grumble, making them laugh.
Lucy still wore her wide bright smile as she walked back into her apartment after they stopped for a quick dinner before Lisanna dropped her off. The warm fluttering still lingered in her chest from what turned out to be an eventful day. Unexpected, but still meant a lot to her.
She set her things down on her desk and sat to boot up her laptop. Her fingers trailed over her gifts fondly, letting her heart swell with affection… and love as she set up an email to Natsu.
Hi Natsu!
Thank you sooo much for everything today. You seriously always know how to surprise me in the best ways. It really isn't fair, you set the bar too high and I can't compete!
But really, I loved every letter and gift so much. The journal is beautiful and the pin is so cute and perfectly us. I already plan to put it on my favorite denim jacket.
I wish you could have been here to enjoy everything with me, but I can't wait to celebrate with you in person. I have to make it up to you too after all.
Would you have time for a video call tonight? Well, morning for you, it's probably still really early there so you might be asleep, but I'd be happy to stay up if you can! Or we can try tomorrow?
I hope you're doing well. I miss you so much.
Happy anniversary, my favorite dragon,
Lucy
Clicking send, Lucy bit the lip of her smile. How easy it would have been to type those simple three words, but she knew she wanted to wait for a better moment. Yet, it still didn't take away from the warm throb of fondness in her chest as she stood to go change into some comfier clothes.
Lucy was surprised when she already saw a reply from Natsu when she got back to her desk, making her smile return quickly.
Luce!
You're so welcome! I'm happy you liked everything! It was my pleasure, princess.
Hey, don't worry about that. Just knowing I was still able to make the day special for you even though I couldn't be there and knowing I'll get to see you soon is enough for me.
Although, my mastery of surprise is unmatched after all.
Yeah, totally! I'll log on right now! It's alright, I've already been up 'cause of this drill we had to do.
I miss you too, see you in a bit!
Natsu
Lucy giggled, already picturing his teasing smirk at that middle part, but she was happy that she would get to see him for a while.
She'd just opened the program and plugged in her earbuds when sure enough, her laptop was chiming with the notification of a call.
Lucy grinned, running a hand through her hair, settling better in her chair before answering. She watched the video load up on the screen and there he was.
"Hey, Luce!" Natsu greeted happily through the screen, smiling that bright fanged grin that she missed so much.
"Hi, Natsu!" Lucy replied, feeling tears already stinging the backs of her eyes like they did the last time but she couldn't help it. "It's still so good to see you like this." He still carried tired lines along his face but she understood.
Natsu's expression softened. "You too, Luce… so it was a good day, huh?" A crooked smile stretched across his lips.
"Yes, very much so, thank you," she said, returning a bright smile.
"I'm glad. I know relaxin' is good when you're home too, but today was the exception."
Lucy hummed in agreement. "I agree, it was worth it. Thanks for all the surprises, babe ," she teased, "oh, speaking of gifts, were you able to get the package I sent you?"
"Oh yeah!" Natsu pushed his chair back and sat back a bit, showing her the new shirt he was wearing. "Mail just came in yesterday so it worked out perfect. Couldn't wait to throw it on this morning after I got back. Great fit don't 'cha think?" Natsu wore a playful smile, raising his arms and trying to flex for her.
Lucy rolled her eyes and giggled, but allowed her eyes to linger along his form, admiring the way the material hugged his torso just right and how his strong biceps stretched the sleeves of his shirt a bit… It really was a perfect fit.
She ignored the warmth on her neck for now. "It looks good! I'm glad those couple bags of chips I sent with it didn't get to you too much, commander," Lucy smirked.
Natsu breathed a dramatic gasp. "You wound me, Luce, but you know they didn't last long," he grinned, patting his belly before scooting back up to the screen.
"Natsu," she reprimanded playfully, "that was a whole big bag full, you were supposed to make it last," she giggled. Of course she knew he would have finished them already, especially when they were his favorite spicy flavor.
"I know," he whined, "but they were too good! I promise I really enjoyed them though."
"I knew you would. I'm glad it was able to get there in time for today," she smiled warmly, before a soft ache throbbed in her chest. "I'm sorry it wasn't much, and that I haven't sent you as much as I have before, I just- I know you said you haven't on base as much this time and I didn't want to risk anything getting lost o-or something and I-"
"Lucy… hey, it's okay," he reassured softly before she got too carried away, "sure, things have been more hectic this time around and it's frustrating… but I never need material things to know you care," he said softly, "I feel it when I get to hear your voice or see you like this, and our emails… they've all helped me so much, Luce. I really don't know how I got through it all before you," he breathed an airy laugh, running a hand through his hair, "and yeah mail things like these are always nice… but all I need is you."
Lucy couldn't help the soft sob that escaped her. Why did the simplest things always make her cry so easily. He always knows just what to say to make her feel better and make her heart feel like it was going to burst.
"I'm sorry," Lucy smiled through her tears, brushing them off her cheeks, "you're too good to me, you know that?" she laughed softly, "I just worry that it's not enough for you over there sometimes…"
"No such thing, Luce. Anything and everything you do for me when I'm gone is enough for me… You're always enough."
Lucy caught the fond look in those green depths, his warm smile making her heart do funny things again.
She took a shuddering breath. How could she argue with that. "Well, I'm glad I waited to send it for a special day then, I'm happy you liked them," Lucy said, her smile finding her again.
"Of course! How could I not. Got to have my favorite snack that I haven't had in months and my shirt's got an awesome dragon on it. It was perfect, thanks, Luce, " Natsu said with another bright smile, smoothing a palm over part of the design on his chest.
The ache in her chest soon melted into strong affection.
"Anytime," she smiled, "and as much as I loved everything you've sent me too… just you and everything you are is enough for me too, Natsu…"
Lucy watched Natsu smile sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. A cute blush bloomed on his cheeks, even over his tan skin, similar to the warm one she felt on her own face that he could probably see too.
"Ya make me blush, babe." His grin turned toothy as he scratched his cheek, and she was just happy to see him smile so much like this.
"Feeling's mutual, babe ," she laughed, "and I may have gotten a couple more things for you though, but you're just going to have to wait to be surprised too." Lucy giggled at Natsu's dramatic pout at that.
"'s alright. Since our anniversary is close to the holidays it just means I get to spoil you that much more when I get home," he smirked. The look was so much more handsome than it had any right being.
Lucy shook her head and laughed. "Only if I get to do the same."
His smirk shifted into a warm toothy smile. "Deal."
"Today was always going to be special but thank you… for making it more than I could have ever hoped for, Natsu," Lucy said after a moment.
"Anything for you, Luce…" Natsu's expression softened. "Happy anniversary."
"Happy anniversary, Natsu."
They shared a soft meaningful look. "So are you going over to Levy's for Thanksgiving?" Natsu asked, "Been getting colder over there?"
Lucy hummed in agreement. "Yeah, we've been getting some more snow here and there lately. Perfect weather to put all your hoodies to good use," she smiled, "and for Thanksgiving, I'm not sure since- oh! Levy told us the other week that she's pregnant! I kept meaning to tell you," Lucy laughed.
"Woah, really? That's awesome!" Natsu grinned, his brows raising up, "Just picturing Gajeel figuring out how to be a dad is too good," Natsu cackled.
"Oh stop," Lucy giggled, "but I'll have to ask her, it would be nice to catch up with her."
They talked more for a while longer after that before Natsu had to go, saying their goodbyes and how much they'll miss each other.
Lucy closed the screen but the light feeling in her heart lingered.
She loved him so much… and it was so clear to her now.
December soon rolled in and with it, colder temperatures and a little more snow. Lucy loved how it blanketed the trees and mountains but she could do without the slick patches on the sidewalk when she went to get her coffee.
Thanksgiving had been a small thing at Levy's after all. Cozy, warm, surrounded by good food and better friends. Just what she had needed and she truly was thankful for it.
She hadn't been able to have as many phone calls with Natsu lately. He'd mentioned he had to go off base again in their last email the other day.
Of course, Lucy loved each one that popped up in her inbox, but today, she was finishing up a hand-written letter she wanted to send him. Something a little more personal to keep his spirits up hopefully, by the time he got it.
She took her time with it, sighing when she eventually reached the end.
Lucy bit her bottom lip, fidgeting with the pen between her fingers… should she? The strong warm flutter she felt in her heart was telling her yes, becoming too hard to ignore this time.
She took a steadying breath. 'Here goes nothing' she thought, and wrote out the last line… using a bit of her new found French skills.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed all that anniversary fluff! Wanted to make it special even though they had to be apart so I poured my whole sappy heart into it.
We're gonna be back in Natsu's POV next time for… well, I'll leave it a surprise ;)
Fun fact: I have their anniversary as November 23rd, when they had both confessed their feelings and had their first kiss :3 Thought it'd be cute to have it be the same number date as their birthdays, 'cause again, I'm sappy like that uwu, and it really is their lucky number.
Had to insert my nerdy star wars side with Rogue's cafe and the drinks haha
Chapter title means also happy anniversary in French ;)
Thanks for reading! As always, special thank you for all your amazing support and reviews! : AthomeinFairytail, rao hyuga 18, theweiszguy, valerioux, MillennialStargazer, Guest, Copperreign12, Hayitsmay363, MaraDragneel3113, KYAAAA, itsxoi, fairytailfanatic0703, stranger1999, & shayeh923 !