A/N: Hi! Hope you all had a good holiday! Here we are at the last new chapter of 2020! Thank you all for all your amazing support with this fic throughout the year! I hope you enjoy what's ahead in the new year! (＾ω＾)
I also worked with the amazing tehzeldamaster and commissioned artwork for a special scene in this chapter recently! She did such an amazing job and perfectly captured the vision I had in my head for so long and I love it so much! (ಥ﹏ಥ) It can be found on my tumblr under my same user name! And tehzeldamaster can be found on twitter and tumblr, check out her awesome work!
As a holiday treat, enjoy a bit of a longer chapter with extra sweetness and see you in the new year! ＼(^o^)／
Lucy was just about to head upstairs to change when she heard a couple knocks at the door.
Confusion crossed over her face. Did she forget something at Levy's earlier? Levy hadn't called her or anything?
She couldn't quite see completely when she peeked through the side window by the door, other than the dim porch light.
Lucy opened the door slowly. The sight immediately stole the breath from her lungs.
It couldn't be…
"Hey, Luce."
The wide toothy smile that greeted her only belonged to one person… and it told her it might not be her imagination after all.
"N-Natsu?" Lucy managed to whisper roughly, already feeling tears prick the backs of her eyes.
Natsu gave her that bright infectious smile she missed so much, those deep green eyes soft and affectionate. She almost forgot how easily she could get lost in them.
"I'm home."
Lucy couldn't help the half sob and laugh that escaped her, quickly launching herself into Natsu's arms, uncaring of the heavy tears that now fell freely.
Strong arms wrapped around her and she was immediately surrounded by that familiar warmth, keeping away the outside chill as Natsu pulled her against him tightly, lifting her up a bit.
"It's okay, I'm here… home…" Lucy felt him murmur softly into her hair after a quiet moment, his voice thickening with emotion.
The rest of her words got stuck behind the lump in her throat as she held Natsu tighter, as if afraid he would disappear and she would wake up from yet another dream, but he was warm, solid, and real under her fingertips.
Lucy pulled back a bit, resting their foreheads together and breathing out an airy laugh. Natsu brushed away a few of the lingering tears on her cheeks, holding her face between his warm rough palms, pressing a lingering kiss between her brows.
Natsu met her gaze again, something shifting in those piercing eyes. Then his lips were on hers and all she could feel was him.
One of his arms wound back around Lucy's waist, holding her flush against him as the other caressed her cheek so gently it almost made her start crying again. Lucy sighed a soft moan into him, Natsu's lips warm and soft over hers. The kiss was slow and sweet, but her heart was racing and she followed its lead.
Her palms made their way up his firm chest, gripping his broad shoulders before sliding into his hair, tongue tracing over his bottom lip and deepening the kiss she'd been dreaming about for months.
Lucy's knees went a little weak at the deep groan that rumbled through his chest. His large warm palm squeezed her hip as his tongue followed her own movement, leaving a hot trail along her bottom lip before he brought it into his mouth with a nip from those sharp canines. She couldn't help the soft whimper she breathed into his mouth at that.
They broke away after a few more heated needy kisses, catching their breath with wide smiles. All the longing, waiting, and pent up emotions pouring into each press of their lips.
"I've been wanting to do that for so long," Natsu rasped, a bright toothy grin across his face, nose brushing against hers. His thumbs brushed over her waist, keeping her close and sending tingles up her spine.
"Mm, me too…" Lucy said softly, "I… I can't believe you're here… I missed you so much, Natsu." Her voice faltered a bit.
Natsu's expression softened. "I missed you too, Luce. Every day."
They shared a softer lingering kiss before an involuntary shiver ran through her from the cold breeze that passed them. She didn't even realize how long they'd been out here.
He rubbed his palms up along her arms. "Let's get inside. Can't have you freezin' on me, princess," he winked.
Lucy laughed softly, shaking her head as he led her back inside the warmth of the house with a gentle hand on her lower back.
Natsu dropped his bags by the door and sighed deeply as he toed off his boots and shrugged off his thick camo jacket, letting her admire his form in the black shirt he wore underneath... just for a moment.
A loud mrowl sounded as Happy trotted down the stairs, quickly circling and arching against Natsu's legs with loud purrs.
"Hey, bud!" Natsu laughed, squatting to give Happy some pets, making Lucy smile softly.
The rush of everything eventually caught up to her though, and the vision of Natsu actually here in the living room was indeed very real.
"S-So how… how did… when…" Her thoughts were moving faster than her words could keep up.
Natsu made his way back over to her, grasping her hands in his warm rough ones. "It's okay, Luce."
Lucy fully took in the sight of him for a moment, eyes widening.
Under the better lighting, her eyes fell onto the bandages on his face and neck. She was so caught up in the moment, she must have missed them at first. "And you're… you're h-hurt? Oh, Natsu…" she whispered, tears quickly threatening to escape again. Her fingers gently traced over the edges of them, her chest aching tightly at the thought of him getting hurt out there.
What if something worse could have happened to him, what if-
Natsu made a soothing sound. "Luce… c'mere," he said softly, interrupting before her racing thoughts could take hold and pressed a warm kiss to her temple before leading them to settle on the breathed another deep sigh, resting his head back against the cushion behind him for a moment, some tension melting from his shoulders.
Lucy sat closely beside him. Natsu pulled her legs over his lap, holding her close. His eyes warm and understanding.
Happy had followed them and jumped up onto his tower in the corner of the living room.
"I'm okay, I promise," Natsu reassured, tucking some of her hair behind her ear. Lucy pulled his other hand onto her lap, thumb brushing over his knuckles, just wanting to hold onto some of his warmth. "Our mission the other week got… complicated," he continued, running a hand through his hair, "and I ended up gettin' caught up in a blast." Lucy's breath hitched, grip tightening on his hand, his thumb brushed over the back of hers, the touch keeping her grounded. "Gray found me, I ended up at the field hospital back on base where the doctors told me I had a pretty bad concussion and got a bit cut up from the debris." Natsu took a deep breath, his expression shifting a bit. "I felt out of it for a while, but then I would think of you… and I knew I had to fight to get better so I could make it back."
Lucy breathed a slow shuddering breath, grip still tight on his hand. Her other hand came up to gently sift through his hair. "I'm so glad you did and that you're okay," she whispered, swallowing past the thick lump in her throat that had reappeared. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Her expression softened.
Natsu leaned into her touch when she cupped his bandaged cheek gently, compassion and affection swirling in his eyes. "I didn't want to worry you more than I probably already was," Natsu sighed, "and they said I was healin' up well and I figured it'd be fine by the time we finished up but they ended up letting me go home early 'cause of it."
Lucy nodded, grateful he didn't have to be hurt out there longer than he needed to be but still couldn't push past the sharp ache in her heart.
"Do... do they still hurt? Or your head?" she asked softly, concerned eyes glancing over the bandages and slowly running her fingers through the hair at the back of his head.
Natsu pressed his head into her touch with a deep breath. "Hm, they're still a bit sore and I get some headaches at times but it's not as bad as it was."
Lucy hummed in acknowledgment. "I'm glad it wasn't anything worse, but I just… I could've lost you and I-I don't… I don't know what I would do if…" Lucy's voice quivered, a few tears escaping again.
Natsu made a sympathetic sound. "I know," Natsu said softly, pulling her close and tucking her under his chin, running a hand through her hair. "I was scared out there too, but you'll never lose me, I promise." His voice was strong and reassuring. The familiar comfort of his warmth and being held in his arms eased the ache of worry in her chest as he rubbed along her back soothingly.
"Gonna take more than that to get to me so you're gonna be stuck with me for a while longer," he smiled into her hair after a few quiet moments when her tears had calmed, Lucy grinning against his chest in return.
He did always have that way of making her smile, no matter what.
Lucy sat back up. "I'm a mess, I'm sorry," she breathed through a laugh, drying her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt.
"Mm, you're perfect."
Lucy looked up, breath catching softly at the way the glow from the fireplace made the green in his eyes shine, highlighting the warm affection in his eyes with something deeper. She leaned in, not resisting the pull and pressed her lips against his for a soft lingering kiss. Lucy melted into the feel of him, her skin tingling from the heat of his palm on the small of her back.
Natsu sighed into her, deepening the kiss for a few moments. "Gods, I missed you so much…"
Lucy brushed her fingers along his strong arm. "I missed you too," she said, "and I really am so happy you're safe and were able to come home. Of course, only you would plan a big surprise like this," she laughed softly, heart feeling a little lighter.
"Well, how could I not?" He gave her a toothy grin. "I so badly wanted to call you, but I would've blurted it out the second I heard your voice so I had to throw it off in that last email, but I think it was worth it wasn't it?"
"After giving me the biggest shock ever , yes, Natsu, it was worth it," Lucy grinned brightly, "think it might be your best surprise yet."
The sound of Natsu's full laugh made her heart flutter. "I dunno, ya never know what I could have up my sleeve." Then gave her that teasing smirk that still made her cheeks warm.
She shook her head with a fond grin. "So, I'm sure you're tired but if you're hungry, I have some leftovers from Levy's? Or I can make you something if you-"
"You don't have to, anything is good, Luce," Natsu smiled, "I'm just gonna go up and clean up first."
"Sure, do you need help or anything?" She couldn't help move her gaze back down towards his bandages with some lingering concern.
"They gave me some stuff for it, nothin' too bad."
"Alright, just let me know if you do."
"Thanks, Luce," he smiled, leaning in to kiss her softly. They moved to stand from the couch, Natsu putting his bags in the laundry room across from the kitchen.
"Oh, Natsu?" she said, catching him before he headed upstairs. He hummed in acknowledgment. "Welcome home."
Natsu's expression softened, walking a few steps back towards her. "You'll always be my home," he said before he pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, squeezing her hand and sending her a bright smile before continuing upstairs.
Her skin tingled from his kiss, just like every time they've touched tonight. Lucy couldn't help the smile widening on her lips. After so many months of not being able to feel Natsu's warm lips on hers, feel at home in his arms, or just hold his hand, being able to have those simple things again ignited those familiar sparks in her chest.
It definitely wasn't how she expected her evening to go. The initial shock of seeing that he'd gotten hurt had made her stomach drop, but it made her more grateful that he made it home safely and nothing more serious happened.
Natsu came back down a bit later while she was in the kitchen, looking much more comfortable in one of his hoodies and cozy socks.
He put a bundle of clothes in the washroom before he stepped closer to her. "Mm, smells amazing already," Natsu grinned, right before a loud grumble sounded from his stomach. He rubbed over it sheepishly.
Lucy laughed, leaning her hip against the kitchen island. "Luckily, there just so happened to be some of your favorites in the fridge."
Natsu hummed. "But my top favorite thing to eat is right here," he smirked playfully, moving to cage Lucy between his arms against the counter.
Their gazes locked for a quiet moment before they erupted in a fit of laughter. Natsu's head fell onto her shoulder, hugging her to him as their laughs tried to settle.
"That was such a romantic line, commander," Lucy giggled, fingers drawing lines up along his back.
Natsu laughed with a toothy grin. "Wasn't it? I got more, don't worry."
Lucy rolled her eyes playfully. "Let's head back to the couch where it's more comfy, you big goof," Lucy grinned, kissing his good cheek.
Natsu caught her lips in a sweet kiss before she left his arms completely, the taste of peppermint on his warm lips. Her fingers sifted through his still damp hair, sighing into him happily. She'd never get tired of this feeling.
They settled back on the couch with a random movie in the background. Lucy was just happy to have him beside her again, listening to the rasp of his full laugh and enjoying his bright smile as he eagerly tucked into the containers of food as they caught up more. With several sweets after of course, how could she deny herself of indulging in a few, and pretty soon Lucy had changed herself into some comfier clothes too and they were curled back against the couch with Lucy's head resting on his shoulder as the movie continued.
Lucy reveled in the comfort of the simple position and truly how much she'd missed it.
"Y'know… I got your letter before I left…" Natsu said softly when a comfortable quiet had settled over them, squeezing her hand, thumb brushing over the back of it.
Lucy's breath hitched, heart leaping in her throat. She'd almost forgotten about her last letter in all this and what she said at the end of it.
It'd probably been too much after he figured it out, hadn't it? She knew she probably should have just waited and now ugh!
"N-Natsu, I-"
"I love you too, Lucy."
She stilled for a moment before slowly sitting up fully. Lucy's gaze found Natsu's, his expression so open and affectionate.
"You… you do?" she breathed, her heart thumping in her chest.
Natsu turned towards her fully, reaching up to tuck back some strands that had fallen from her messy bun behind her ear with an endearing smile. "I really do."
Tears quickly pricked the backs of her eyes again. "Natsu…"
"I'm sorry I left you waiting, but I-I've loved you for a while now and I... I couldn't wait another minute to tell you and... it's always been you, Lucy," Natsu said softly, his hand still warm over hers.
His voice was so earnest, green eyes soft and filled with the emotion she now recognized as… love.
A few tears quickly fell. "Oh, Natsu… I love you too, so much." Her voice quivered, the burst of every happy emotion overflowed in her chest.
Lucy reached up, carding her fingers through his hair and pulled him closer to press a kiss to his lips.
Natsu leaned into the kiss with a happy sigh. It was slow and sweet and full of promise, and she couldn't get enough.
They caught up on several more deep lingering kisses and soft words for a while, the movie forgotten. Her emotions were bubbling over in her chest but she was content with this for now.
They held each other close when they went up to bed. Lucy sprawled over his chest with an arm around his waist and legs tangled together, whispering sweet words before she let sleep pull her. Surrounded by comforting warmth... and love.
It really hadn't been a dream when Lucy woke the next morning.
Natsu was still deep asleep. His warmth that she so missed was still real and soothing beside her.
Part of her still couldn't believe he was actually home, but a bigger part of her heart fluttered when she took her time and drank in the sight of him, feeling that swell of affection in her chest.
Her gaze followed the arch of his brow, his slightly open full lips that she could almost feel against her own, his golden tan skin that stood out against the pillow.
His expression looked a little tense in his sleep, but it slowly melted back into a peaceful one when she reached up and gently ran her fingers through his hair. Natsu breathed deeply, pushing his face further into his pillow and squeezed her closer with the arm that was around her waist.
Lucy's smile softened, her gaze falling to his bandages. He'd been through so much and she was so proud of him for, well, just about everything.
She'd felt him turning a bit throughout the night, so it probably took him a bit to fall asleep, and she knew how much the change in time zones got to him when he got back so Lucy wanted to let him rest as much as he could.
As much as she could spend all morning admiring his sleeping form, she should probably get up.
Lucy leaned over, pressing a soft kiss to his temple and slowly slid out from under his arm with one more affectionate look before she grabbed some clothes and padded out of the room.
Lucy was in the middle of doing some work on her laptop, sitting up on a stool at the kitchen island when she turned and saw Natsu making his way down in the early afternoon, yawing deeply and running a hand through his messy hair.
"Hey, you," Lucy greeted warmly, her heart fluttering again at Natsu's lazy but bright smile. Gods, she missed seeing him smile in person so much. "I saved you some breakfast, well, it can be lunch now," she laughed softly.
Natsu walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "Mm, thanks, Luce," he murmured against her hair, pressing a kiss to her head. She relished in the feel of his strong chest on her back, still warm from sleep.
"How did you sleep?"
Natsu breathed a deep content sigh. "Better than I have in a while with you there… but guess I was more tired than I thought, still feel out of it. That damn jet lag always gets me" he chuckled roughly, slumping onto the stool beside her.
"That's okay," she reassured, rubbing over his shoulder, "that's why today a lazy day today."
Natsu's grin widened. "That sounds amazing." Lucy couldn't agree more.
They were back on the couch, content to just lounge around after Natsu had his fill of breakfast, and some leftover cinnamon buns Mika had given her to take home from Christmas.
Lucy sure didn't say no to one either. It was lunch time for her after all.
"So how was Christmas over at Mika and Silver's?" Natsu asked, turning towards her after flipping to a random TV show in the background.
"It was good! The girls mostly, and Gajeel," Lucy laughed softly, "Gray's siblings, Lyon and Ultear stopped by with each of their kids. They're all so sweet, and missing their uncle Gray and 'fun uncle Natsu' of course."
Natsu grinned a wolfish grin. "Well, can't blame them. I am their favorite after all."
Lucy rolled her eyes playfully. "Yes, of course."
"But really, I'm glad you still had a good time," Natsu said, expression shifting a bit, "I'm sorry again that I couldn't be here to spend it with you." He squeezed her knee soothingly.
"Hey, that's okay," Lucy started softly, placing her hand over his, "it wasn't the same without you of course, but you're back safe now and that's what matters." She gave him a warm reassuring smile.
Natsu gave her a soft look and kissed her cheek, skin tingling under the touch.
They exchanged belated Christmas presents they'd gotten each other soon after.
Natsu gave her some beautiful diamond shaped wood earrings with intricate designs of a moon and some stars etched into them, seemingly handmade, and a soft silk scarf with colorful vibrant geometric patterns he told her he'd found at a market one day.
Natsu loved the dark navy blue coat Lucy had gotten him. It had soft wool lining the edge of the hood and was thick enough for the still chilly weather outside.
He gifted her with a bright infectious smile and she thanked him with several sweet lingering kisses.
They were content to spend the rest of the day relaxing and simply enjoying each other's company. After so many months apart, Lucy was grateful for a seemingly ordinary day like that.
The day eventually darkened and they spent another night wrapped up in each other's arms. It was perfect and exactly what she'd been missing.
A couple days after Natsu had gotten home, Lucy had called Lisanna after he'd told her she'd been in on the surprise too. Lisanna just giggled and told Lucy how happy she was for them. Even more so after Lucy told her they confessed their feelings.
She was still pretty ecstatic about that too. The new, yet familiar feeling still spread warmth through her whenever she thought about it and she counted herself lucky to be with such an amazing person like Natsu. To have him love her back was everything she could ask for.
Natsu was still getting readjusted to being home during the past two weeks or so. Some days he would sleep a lot, others he struggled with getting any sleep at all. The occasional rough dream made it harder for him on top of it too.
Lucy tried to be there for him as much as she could but things had gotten busy at work after the new year, as well as getting ready for her next semester. So she had to go back to her apartment more often than she would have liked after work. Though she loved waking up to him and sharing their domestic nights together when she could be there, her apartment starting to feel bigger and colder when she did go back.
Natsu reassured her that he would be okay when she would leave, but of course she still worried when she caught him wincing when his shoulder would flare up or a headache would creep up on him.
She had gone with him for his appointment last week with his doctor at the VA medical center, per instructions from his other doctor overseas.
His wounds had healed up nicely, not needing the bandages anymore. He'd worn them a bit longer just in case They'd given him orders for some physical therapy work for his back and shoulder at the rehab center there and were going to keep an eye on his occasional migraines. Most likely a long-term symptom from his concussion, prescribing him some mild pain meds if he needed them.
Lucy was quick to reassure him with a long deep kiss when he shared his worry if things were getting to be too much for her. He would always be worth anything.
Lucy also reassured him the first night he took off the bandages up in his bedroom and jokingly said they 'probably looked gross', but she could see the bit of insecurity in his eyes. She told him that they indeed did not look 'gross', but rather made him look very hot. He may have blushed a little with a sheepish smile she couldn't help but kiss. Deeply.
"Are you sure you feel up to the drive? I can always just pick up my books during the week sometime if you just feel like staying in today. I know you were having some trouble yesterday," Lucy asked, some concern leaking in her voice as they were finishing up their morning coffee.
She'd slept over his house after freshening up and packing a bag after work last night and had noticed he seemed a little quieter than usual, but he was still affectionate and kept close to her. Ultimately, she was ready to just enjoy the weekend together with her favorite person.
"Yeah, I'm sure," Natsu grinned reassuringly, hair still adorably messy from sleep, "I feel good today."
"Alright," Lucy relented with a smile, "but if anything feels off at some point, you better let me know." She narrowed her eyes at him playfully.
Natsu laughed as he stood to put their cups in the sink. "Yes, babe. I promise," he teased, pressing a warm kiss to her forehead before they headed upstairs and got ready for the day.
Lucy ended up driving, already used to the route to the school. She let Natsu control the music, making her laugh as he sang along loudly, and terribly off-tune, to some of his favorites with a bright grin stretched across his face.
Her heart swelled lovingly every time she looked over at him, realizing just how much she craved moments like this since he'd been gone.
Lucy parked in one of the visitor spots in the lot when they got there, content to take their time and walk along the empty main pathway. Lucy gave him an affectionate smile when Natsu laced their fingers together.
He insisted on paying for her books, despite her telling him several times that he didn't have to. They compromised on going half. She could never say no to that convincing smile after all.
"So how much longer do you have left here?" Natsu asked, expression open and curious.
They'd stopped to sit on an open bench along a quiet pathway after they stopped for something warm to drink after finishing up at the bookstore.
The sun felt nice on her back in the chill of the early afternoon. Some melting patches of snow on the grass around them. Only the occasional person passing by.
"Hmm, about two years I think? I had got a lot of the general classes out of the way that first year before I left but still have a lot left to go."
"That's comin' up quick then," he grinned. "Still goin' for english or writing?"
Lucy smiled sheepishly. "Actually… I was checking out some departments and talking to some counselors during the last semester and the break, and things are looking well so... I was thinking I want to go for completing the astronomy program." She took a steadying breath. "It looks pretty good here and it's always been something I've thought about since I was young, but never thought I would be possible for me but I… there's a lot of careers out there in the science world and it's going to be a lot of work but I just think it's worth a shot because if not I'll always be left wondering, y'know? And I think I want to keep creative writing just something for myself."
Lucy realized she'd been rambling a little, but when she met Natsu's eyes, his expression only held fond admiration.
"I've said it before, but I really am so proud of you, Luce."
Lucy felt her cheeks flush, pushing some stray locks behind her ear. "It's really not that much…"
"But it is. You're goin' after your dream and that's amazing!," Natsu said enthusiastically, "You're gonna be amazing too. Not that you aren't already, but more amazing." he grinned that warm toothy smile that she loved.
His eyes held such conviction and love, she had to push back the lump in her throat, not wanting to cry already. He always had that way of making her feel like she could do just about anything.
"Thank you, Natsu… for everything."
Natsu grinned wider, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close and pressing a warm kiss to her temple. "Don't gotta thank me. I'm always gonna support you a thousand percent of the way."
They shared a meaningful look before Lucy closed the distance and kissed him, pouring every bit of gratitude she felt into it. Natsu smiled against her lips, kissing her back deeply.
They made it back to the house after making a stop at the grocery store after they left the school to restock and get some things to make for dinner.
It was something that probably seemed so mundane, but for them, after having to work through long-distance for so long, it was everything and Lucy soaked up every minute of it.
"So, I was thinking we could do a nice belated anniversary and holiday thing tomorrow? If you're up for it?" Natsu asked after they'd come up to his room after lounging around after dinner with a random movie on Netflix.
Lucy's expression softened. "Natsu… you don't have to." She walked around to where he was sitting on the bed, hands smoothing over his broad shoulders. "You've already done so much."
Natsu smiled, arms circling her waist and pulling her closer. "I know we don't have to, but I want to. For you."
Lucy thumbed over the now healed scar on his cheek softly, taking in all of his handsome features. His eyes were so open and hopeful. Warm and full of love, blending with the different shades of green.
How could she say no.
Natsu couldn't help but wake up a little early the next morning, taking a few minutes to admire Lucy's peacefully sleeping form before he gave her a soft look and got up.
He had finally started to feel a bit more like himself lately since he got home.
It was always hard to readjust at first. When his mind was all over the place and the days felt like a blur. Would sleep too much, or not enough. His mind there one minute then off in a hazy memory the next.
Though, getting to come home and surprise Lucy that night, finally hold her in his arms and kiss her made it all worth it. He'd instantly felt at home again with her there, unlike other times when he would walk into a cold empty house and it would take a while until he really felt like he was home.
Natsu knew she would be worried the minute she saw his wounds, but everything she'd done since then to help him was more than he was used to and so more than he could ever thank her for.
Lucy had helped him a lot the last time he came home, but more in the subtle way of her soothing presence and being around her. This time felt different, each action held a bit more meaning behind it.
He still felt bad about everything he'd missed and he wanted to do everything he could to make it up to her, which is what he planned on trying to do today.
Natsu made his way downstairs, greeted by a vocal mrowl from Happy who was perched up on the back of the couch.
"Mornin' to you too, bud," Natsu grinned, setting up some food and water for him before getting some things together for breakfast.
He winced a bit as he moved some pots and pans around. His shoulder ached a bit today. He should probably try and stretch it later.
He'd just finished putting their loaded plates on the dining table when Lucy came downstairs a bit later, hair up in a messy bun and looking adorably sleepy in one of his hoodies.
"Mornin'! Happy anniversary, holiday breakfast," he greeted cheerfully, gesturing towards the table, "Christmas can't be complete without my dad's pancakes."
"Mm, so this is what you were up to so early," Lucy grinned, coming over and wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning up to press a lazy kiss to his lips.
Natsu hugged her against him. "Yup, even got your coffee all ready for you."
Lucy hummed. "Everything smells amazing, can't wait. Thank you," she said, giving him a bright grin.
Not a bad way to start the day.
They settled at the table and dug in eagerly and soon enough their plates were clear and bellies were full and satisfied.
"So what did you have in mind for today?" Lucy asked as they started to clean up.
Natsu leaned against the counter. "Hm, was thinkin' we could check out the new things Rogue's got that you were telling me about in a bit? Go out for some good dinner later, then… the rest a surprise," he grinned.
"Always have to throw in some kind of surprise don't you?"
His smile turned into a smirk at the teasing glint in her eyes. "Of course, gotta make it special somehow."
Lucy laughed softly. "It's always special with you, don't worry."
Natsu grinned and kissed her temple before he moved to finish putting the cleaned pans away. He hissed at a sudden spark of pain along his shoulder when he tried to lift the heavier cast iron pan.
"Natsu? What's wrong?" Lucy's concerned voice was back beside him, hand smoothing up his arm where he was gripping his right shoulder.
He groaned softly as the aching throbs slowly started to fade into something more bearable. "Ugh, j-just my shoulder is bothering me a bit today," he rasped, "it's nothin' too bad though."
Lucy's worried eyes told him she didn't quite believe that ever since he'd told her he aggravated his old injury again. Before, it was fine most days, but ever since the recent incident it was a pain in his ass more often than not.
Natsu had just pulled off his shirt when they came back upstairs to get ready when Lucy came back from the bathroom, holding a small container.
"I almost forgot I'd found some cream for you that I think can help?" she said, her voice hopeful.
Natsu sat on the edge of the bed. "You don't have to, Luce, it's not-"
"Natsu, I hate seeing you hurting more than you have to," she said softly, "please let me give it a try for you. Or else no sweets at Rogue's," Lucy finished teasingly, some concern still lingering in her eyes.
He knew she was worried and just wanted to help so he relented with a playful pout that she pressed a kiss to with a soft laugh, warming his heart.
"Here, just relax." She settled behind him on the bed and whatever words he was going to say left him as soon as her fingers started rubbing along the top of his shoulder and back of his shoulder blades.
His skin tingled and warmed soothingly under her fingertips with the help of the good-smelling cream, slowly melting the sharp throbs into a dull ache and further with every slow knead of her hands.
"Shit… that's amazing," he breathed, head dropping towards his chest as she rubbed over his other shoulder and back of his neck for good measure. How was he just about to say no to this.
He could hear the smile in her hum as she continued her magic motions for a couple more minutes.
"Now just lay down and let it work for a bit, okay?" Lucy's soft voice brought him back from zoning out, or maybe he'd fallen asleep without all that tension weighing him down.
Natsu moved up towards the head of the bed and settled on his stomach, resting his head against a pillow and sighing happily. He knew it wasn't a cure all and would probably still need to take his meds, but it did wonders already.
"How do you know how to do that?" Natsu murmured into the pillow, skin still tingling pleasantly.
Lucy was quiet for a moment, fingers trailing along his back as she sat next to him on the bed. "My mom's joints and muscles used to ache pretty badly from all the chemo for a while, so I was able to help her in some small way with this," she explained softly.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, his heart hurting as he imagined how hard that must have been for her.
"It's okay." She gave him a warm reassuring smile. "I was happy to help then and I'm happy to now."
"Mm, thanks, Luce. That really helped so much…" He could feel his eyelids getting heavy as his voice trailed off.
"Get some rest." He heard Lucy whisper affectionately, Natsu humming as she pressed a warm kiss to his temple and quickly gave into the pull of sleep.
Natsu still felt so much better after he woke up, sleeping a bit longer than he thought and not even completely remembering having fallen asleep in the first place.
He gave Lucy a slow grateful kiss when he met her back downstairs after he freshened up. They eventually headed out to Rogue's for a little something to eat and drink and then decided to take a slow walk around town for a while, stopping to check out a few shops along the way before they got hungry again and wanted to head over to dinner.
"Natsuuu, where are we going?" Lucy pouted, looking out the passenger window.
Natsu laughed. "Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you now, would it?"
They'd just finished up having dinner over at Mira's, with dessert at the cook's insistence. The food really was worth the wait, never having doubted Mira's skills to begin with, and were now headed up to the last part of Natsu's plan for the day. A surprise of course.
Lucy hummed. "I think you've outdone yourself when it comes to surprises this time, commander," Lucy said, grinning. "It's gonna be hard to top your last one."
Natsu just laughed fully and gave her a wide toothy grin.
They finally made it up the slightly winding road, Natsu parking his truck in one of the empty spots in the lot.
Shutting off the engine, he turned to Lucy with a smile. "So I thought we could come up to the Celestial Observatory. Someone's told me it's pretty cool. It might be a little cold but it looks like a clear night."
"Really? Oh, it looks beautiful already," Natsu's heart swelled affection at the excitement in her eyes as she looked around them.
Chuckling, Natsu stepped out of the truck and met Lucy on her side. Of course he remembered that fact. How could he not. The summer nights they would spend on his back deck as he listened to the warm soothing tone of her voice as she told him about some of her favorite constellations and how there was a huge telescope at an observatory not too far from them.
He also thought it was the perfect opportunity after what she had shared with him yesterday and he wanted to stand by his word of doing all he could to support her dream of working with the stars.
"Shall we then?" Natsu grinned, extending his hand to her as she stepped out of the truck.
Lucy laughed brightly when he brought her hand up and pressed a playful kiss to the back of her gloved hand before throwing his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to his side as they made their way up to the entrance. Lucy's arm wrapped around his waist along the way, making him smile wider, placing another kiss to her temple.
He'd missed the little things like this so much.
It wasn't too crowded tonight, which Natsu was grateful for, not wanting to deal with too much of a crowd. The calm quiet around them was nice, Lucy's hand warm and comforting in his as they walked along the different displays and exhibits.
The building really was beautiful, though, Natsu was only really half paying attention. He much preferred to watch the way Lucy's eyes lit up and the way she would squeeze his hand or arm when she got excited about something, especially when they got to the huge telescope in the center. He burned every moment into his brain, wanting to hang onto every image of her radiant smile.
They decided to walk out along the railing that surrounded the building, taking in the clear crisp night sky. Several others were scattered around with the same idea, making use of the smaller telescopes along the rails.
"It really was the perfect night for this," Lucy sighed happily, leaning against the railing, "it's beautiful out."
Natsu couldn't help but think of that cliche line, but watching Lucy, glowing under the bright moonlight and softness of the lampposts beside them as she gazed up at the dark sky with a warm content smile, she easily outshone all of the thousands and millions of stars above them.
"Yeah… it is." His voice was soft, chest swelling with love for the woman who captured his heart.
Lucy turned to face him, a cute pink spreading over her cheeks when she realized he'd been looking at her. She smiled softly.
They settled into a few minutes of comfortable silence beside each other, taking in the view of moonlight sifting through the thick layers of trees surrounding them and below.
"Y'know… your letter really did mean so much to me, Luce," Natsu said, tugging his jacket tighter against him, turning towards her. "I was racking my brain after that trying to think of the best way to tell you I felt the same way but… nothin' felt like it would be good enough till I was able to come back and then it felt so simple." Natsu took her hands in his own gloved ones, stepping closer. "It'd been so simple all along. I love you… so much."
"Natsu…"
"You're everything to me… you have been for a long time, I was just too blind and dumb for too long before I could fully realize it what I was feeling," he laughed softly.
Lucy shared in the soft laugh, stepping closer and wrapping her arms around his waist loosely. "You're not dumb." She kissed his jaw. "It took me a while to see it too, so I guess we were both a little blind," Lucy grinned before her expression shifted a bit, her hands smoothing along his sides, "but when I did, I kept trying to figure out how or when to tell you too… I was waiting, until I couldn't help myself and ended up writing it… I hope it didn't feel like it meant anything less that I wrote it in a letter and even though it may have been in another language, the words didn't mean anything less for me." Some emotion made her voice quiver a little, her eyes bright and open.
"No, it was... so special and perfect," Natsu reassured softly, rubbing over her back, "and one of you're best surprises." They shared another light laugh. "I'm just sorry if it felt like I left you hanging for a bit after."
He was sure he still could have realized things and said told her but it happened in their own special way and it'll always mean so much that he could look back on that letter and experience those same emotions every time.
"Oh, it's okay," she smiled warmly, "I knew it would be a while but it was all worth it... you're everything to me too. I love you, Natsu."
Natsu breathed deeply, letting the words wash over him. They felt both familiar and new every time, and filled his heart with such strong warmth. How did he get so lucky?
Natsu's palms came up to cup her face, pads of his thumbs through his fingerless gloves brushing over her soft skin as he rested their foreheads together. Her amber eyes were warm and affectionate and he couldn't help but get lost in them for a moment before he leaned in and kissed her.
The kiss was unhurried and each press of her lips sent tingles up his spine. He felt Lucy melt into him with a soft sound, her arms tightening around him.
"Can you say it again?" Natsu rasped against her soft lips that he couldn't get enough of. His fingers sifted into her hair, thumb brushing along her jaw as his other hand settled at her back, keeping her close.
Lucy smiled and brushed her nose against his, a pretty flush spreading over her cheeks as her palms trailed lines up along his sides and his back.
"I love you, Natsu."
Natsu felt the backs of his eyes prick, his chest swelling with an overwhelming flow of emotions. All good, and all for the amazing woman in his arms.
He gave her a quick meaningful kiss before pulling her close for a tight hug. "I love you so much, Luce," he whispered into her hair, swallowing down the lump in his throat. Lucy hugged him back just as tightly and they held each other for several long moments.
Of course he'd always treasure the words she'd written, but every time he heard her say it in person did so many amazing things to his heart.
Natsu curled some of Lucy's hair behind her ear before he turned so his back was leaning against the railing, still holding her close.
He had tapped into all of the emotions that had been swirling in his heart all this time and now the words continued to pour out.
"I never… I never thought I would feel this way about anyone… let alone have someone feel that way about me," Natsu chuckled softly, "but with you I- things just felt right and being with you has just been… I can't thank you enough for everything. When I'm here, and when I'm away." Natsu took a slow breath. "I know it's not- probably not easy to be with someone who's always gone but-"
Natsu felt Lucy caress his scarred cheek, bringing his gaze back up to her from where it fell. "It may not always be easy, but you're worth everything to me," she breathed. "You always will, and I'll always be here for you. Through all the ups and downs, through all the 'who makes the best cookie' debates, and everything in between," she grinned brightly, making him breathe out a laugh as she smoothed her hands over his scarf and lapels of his coat before wrapping her arms back up around his neck. "You've given me so much good, Natsu… a space where I feel safe and at home, friends… a family, all when I needed it most and I'm just so grateful I met you."
There was such soft warmth and love in her eyes, for him, that Natsu had to take a steadying breath to calm his heart that wanted to leap out of his chest from joy.
He really was the luckiest guy in the world.
Natsu gave her an affectionate smile, holding her full curves under his palms. "I'm glad I did too, Luce. I... I dunno what I would do without you," he rasped between them before Lucy pulled him closer and captured his lips again.
Natsu moaned softly into the kiss and swallowed Lucy's soft sound as he traced his tongue over her bottom lip, heat sparking up his spine when it brushed against her own warm tongue. Her lips were too addicting, and he would never get enough.
Lucy rested her forehead against his when they broke the kiss, both wearing bright smiles as they caught their breath.
They stood out there admiring the stars for a while longer. Lucy's head rested on his shoulder, her hand warm in his through their gloves as she told him a few things about some of the visible constellations above them. Natsu was content to listen to the soothing tone of her voice until it started to get a little too cold and they decided to head out.
Natsu laced their fingers together as they walked back. "Y'know, between you and Gray, I just might take up learning French officially," he teased with a fanged grin.
Lucy gripped his hand, looking up at him with slightly wide eyes. "Did Gray read what I wrote? Oh god, that's embarrassing," she groaned, ducking her head onto his shoulder.
Natsu laughed softly, moving his arm up around her shoulders, hugging her to his side reassuringly. "He read a bit 'cause I wanted to be sure it said what I thought it did and I didn't wanna rely on google translations," he chuckled, "he says he's rooting for us though."
Lucy hummed, arm squeezing around his waist, twitch of a smile on her lips. "This is what happens when I try to be romantic in another language. Good thing it was only two classes to fill up units," she grinned.
Natsu laughed again. "Mm, actually, it just makes it that much hotter, mon cœur," he murmured by her ear.
He liked the flash of surprise that crossed her face and her bright smile and soft blush that followed. He'd have to thank Gray for that one too. Maybe he really should learn if it brought out that pretty flush on her skin.
"Thanks for today, Natsu… it was perfect," Lucy said softly when they got back inside his truck. "I love you."
Natsu gave her a happy wide grin, leaning over to give her a soft kiss. "Love you, too. Anything for you," he replied, truly meaning it with whole heart.
Translations: mon cœur = my heart
A/N: Yay! Natsu made it back home with the best surprise! Hope you all enjoyed their reunion! It was one of the initial scenes I thought about for this story and I've had it in my head for so long and it felt so good to get it all down!
I indulged in writing so much domestic fluff this time and I'm not even sorry, there will definitely be more soon ;) I wish I could live with them in Natsu's house, but unfortunately this is real life *sigh*
I loved writing the observatory scene (ಥ﹏ಥ) Thought I'd have both their POV's in this one and couldn't help but have there be an honest and vulnerable moment for them, just putting all their deep emotional soft feelings out there that they've held onto for a while. Opening up in a way they only do with each other. They love each other so much and I love their love. Thanks again to tehzeldamaster for your amazing art!
See you all soon!
Thanks for reading! As always, special thank you for all the amazing support from last time! : sevenlaila, MaraDragneel3113, CelestialLucyHeartfilia, Copperreign12, AthomeinFairytail, Guest, shayeh923, Celestial-Aphrodite, valerioux, itsxoi, KYAAAA, MillennialStargazer, missvarta1, stranger1999, rao hyuga 18, brick482, Hayitsmay363, Fic Writer From Texas, Tamora Marx, Kasie-elaine, zooeyandvincy, and Black Roses for Hades girl!