Hi! I'm sorry it's been a while! Life tends to never get easier ugh lol, but I try to cope through some writing and happy I was finally able to put this together. Hope you're all doing well and enjoy the chapter! Also watch out for another rather steamy moment ;)
Lucy's dealing with a whole lotta emotions this time around and it may seem a little angsty, but our boi Natsu is right there for her like he always is (how can I find one of my own? :( lol)
Lucy is the first to wake slowly, breathing in deeply with a soft groan as she stretches, her body a little more sore than usual.
Her eyes fluttered open as flashes from last night soon rushed back, the heated ones more than anything...
The way the same warm, toned arms had held her close as their flushed skin slid against each other had been addicting, rough warm palms tracing searing paths over her sensitive skin that had left her melting into his touch. The way those soft, full lips had kissed her deeply. The way she watched him melt under her own touch, deep green eyes reflecting so much desire and love. The moment they became one had left her breathless, and reaching that pinnacle of intense pleasure together had left her tingling down to the tips of her toes. Filled with all of Natsu's rather… large self, but most of all, filled her with so much love for the person who held her heart.
So, that really happened last night, she thought to herself as warmth quickly crawled up her neck, biting her bottom lip. She slowly turned over to face Natsu who was still deep asleep beside her, expression peaceful as half of his face was buried in his pillow, hair falling over his eyes cutely.
That same warm swell of affection filled her chest now as Lucy reached up and brushed his hair back and caressed his cheek, fingertips softly tracing over scars and colorful ink on his skin.
She was so lucky, in so many ways, to be with a partner like Natsu. Especially after they had shared such an intimate experience together like last night. Him being so considerate and kind, passionate, yet still able to make her laugh despite a bit of her fluttering nerves at a few moments, will always mean so much to her.
"Love you," she whispered, leaning in to press a soft, barely there kiss to the corner of his mouth.
Natsu stirred a bit at that, hugging her against him as he stretched and slowly blinked awake.
"Mm, mornin'," Natsu murmured with a sleepy smile, voice pleasantly raspy.
"Morning, handsome," Lucy grinned softly, trailing a finger over the sun-kissed freckles sprinkled along the bridge of his nose and cheekbones.
Natsu smiled wider at that, turning his head to nuzzle into her palm, pressing a kiss to it.
"Y'Sleep okay?"
"Perfect."
"M' glad. What time 's it?" he asked before a large yawn and another stretch.
"Hm, I'll check." Lucy turned back over, almost reaching over to check her phone, but Natsu stopped her.
"Noo, don't go," he whined, "Changed my mind. Don't need t'know."
Lucy giggled as he pulled her back against flush the warmth of his firm chest along her back, nosing into her hair and kissed the back of her neck.
"Natsu," she grinned happily, "we'll have to get up at some point," she tried to reprimand half-heartedly, allowing herself to relax into his touch, reaching behind her to thread her fingers through his soft hair.
Natsu hummed in disagreement. "It's okay. We can just stay like this all day," he murmured against her skin.
Lucy's soft laugh hitched a little as he trailed slow kisses with a warm tongue until he reached that sensitive spot below her ear, his hot, rough palm smoothing up along her thigh and under the hem of the long shirt she was wearing.
Lucy arched her hips back, feeling him already half hard against the curve of her bottom. She swallowed thickly, that familiar tingling of arousal sparking through her as she was reminded of how he felt in her palm and inside her. Heavy and hot, big and thick and how that quickly addicting stretch felt for the first time.
She had thought about how Natsu was in that way several time when he was gone this time, her imagination running with it a little more than she'd like to admit. Then that first night they'd started to be intimate and explore a little, she was surprised that he more than exceeded her daydreams when she saw all of him.
It had sparked a warm spark of want deep within her after that night. Something she never really thought about or craved with anyone else until Natsu. The same was true for last night.
She was glad they had talked about taking that next step a while back and Lucy had talked with her doctor and they helped her get an IUD. Natsu had told her that he wouldn't mind being the one to use condoms, but Lucy was sure. She also didn't want to put her body through all the ups and downs that came with regular birth control either, as she had already dealt with that years ago for other medical issues, and after doing some research with all Natsu's support of course, an IUD seemed like the safest choice for her.
Now, it allowed them to share all the intimate moments like this without that worry.
"Not… not even for food?" she tried breathlessly.
Natsu paused, obviously thinking hard about it. "Nope."
A loud rumble from his stomach disagreed with him.
Lucy laughed brightly, turning in his arms and kissing him sweetly. "C'mon, I could go for some food too."
"Guess we can get up," Natsu pouted playfully.
Lucy laughed again softly at that and managed to finally get up. "I'm gonna take a quick shower and freshen up," Lucy said, starting to gather some clothes from the dresser. "You're welcome to join me," she offered with a teasing smile over her shoulder as she stood in the doorway of their room.
Lucy giggled at Natsu's eagerness as he fumbled to untangle himself from the sheets and blankets while she went to get started in the bathroom.
She had just pulled up her hair and stepped under the warm water when she heard Natsu close the door on the way into the bathroom.
"I'll be there in a sec, beautiful."
She laughed at the obvious smirk in his voice, hearing him moving around for a few moments before he pulled back the curtain and stepped under the water with her.
"Mm, I was right. A gorgeous sight I couldn't miss out on."
Lucy rolled her eyes, but smiled brightly over her shoulder.
Natsu hummed as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back flush against his chest.
Lucy leaned back against warm toned muscle, sighing as he resumed his slow kisses along her neck.
"You really are though," he murmured along the shell of her ear, sending a tingle down her spine. "Always are, but even more last night."
Lucy leaned her head back against his shoulder and giving him more access to her skin. "Thank you. You were pretty gorgeous too, but you always are," she grinned.
She felt Natsu smile against her skin. "Always huh? That's high praise, babe."
Lucy turned in his arms to see his affectionate playful grin. "Well, it's true. All of you is gorgeous... especially like this."
She couldn't help but trail her fingertips over his golden skin along his collarbones, down his chest, over the dips of his abdomen and his v-line that she found was rather sensitive.
A hum rumbled in his chest, leaning in closer to brace a forearm against the shower wall beside her head. "All of me is yours after all."
The way his eyes reflected such love and warmth made Lucy's heart feel so full. She circled her arms up around his neck before whispering between them, "Me too."
Natsu closed the distance and kissed her deeply, making her melt against him when his hot tongue traced the seam of her bottom lip.
She groaned softly, pulling him closer and opening up the kiss to allow him entrance. A rough moan escaped Natsu when she gripped his hair tightly between her fingers and trailed her tongue over his.
A sudden roll of his hips against hers made her gasp and break the kiss, feeling him hot and thick against her hip.
They shared a meaningful look, catching their breath. Natsu curled some of the hair that was falling from her messy bun behind her ear.
"Love you, Lucy."
Lucy reached up to cup his jaw. "Love you too," Lucy said softly before she pulled him back in for a slow kiss while her other hand trailed lower until she gripped him in her palm. She gave him a light stroke, feeling every inch of the hard length of him. "Want you," she whispered hotly against his lips.
Natsu cursed, hips stuttering at her touch and resting his forehead against hers and nodding as they shared another meaningful before resuming the kiss roughly.
Lucy moaned against him when his fingers found her clit, rubbing over it the way she liked while he hooked one of her legs up around his hip with his other arm.
Her palms settled back up along his broad shoulders as he took himself in his own palm, thumbing the need dripping at the head before dragging it through her now slick arousal, positioning himself at her entrance.
They both broke the messy kiss with rough groans when he pushed into her tight heat, feeling him stretch her as he had last night and making her feel just as deliciously full with every thick inch of him, in all the right ways.
Natsu paused when he filled her to the hilt, pressing warm kisses along her jaw until he reached her ear. "Don't think I'll get over how amazing you feel," he rasped as his hips pulled back a little and pushed back in, wrapping his arms around her waist tightly.
Lucy breathed another high moan at that, walls tightening around him, eyes fluttering shut at the slow, deep drag of him inside her. "You feel so good too," she managed, grip still tight on his shoulders and heel at the small of his back, keeping him close.
It all still felt a little new, but she couldn't imagine sharing this feeling of becoming one, and all the emotions that came along with it with anyone else but Natsu.
She was happy that they went at their own pace until they were ready, making their first night crossing that full line of making love all that more meaningful with their deep connection and everything they'd built leading up to it.
With the warm humid steam clinging to their skin, several more rough needy kisses, heated words, and deep, full thrusts, they reached their peak together with groans of each other's name on their lips, holding each other tightly through that crest of pleasure until it settled and they were left sated and leaning fully against the wall to catch their breath.
Natsu pulled his head up from the crook of her neck where it fell, hair damp and mussed from her fingers, cheeks flushed, but green eyes full of affection as he gave her a slower, loving kiss that Lucy returned happily.
"Well, guess we should actually get clean now," Lucy said with a breathless laugh, thumbs brushing along his jaw.
Natsu chuckled with a bright grin. "It was worth it getting a little distracted."
He gave her another quick kiss before they untangled from each other, helping to wash off with their usual soaps with a couple more playful kisses along the way.
They finished up in the bathroom and getting ready, throwing on more comfy clothes since they didn't really have anything particular planned and finally making their way down to the kitchen. Lucy paused when she spotted Happy kneading over the familiar shirts still on the floor from the night before.
Warmth instantly rushed over her cheeks, remembering how she hadn't even really paid attention to where they'd thrown them when they were caught up in their moment. She got closer and Happy mrowled at her when she leaned down and tried to pray the material from the cat's grip.
"Give me those, you," Lucy murmured, finally managing to get the shirts back, Happy still trying to swipe up at them as she stood back up.
"I forgot we left those out here," Natsu chuckled as he came up beside her.
"Embarrassing," Lucy huffed, setting them down on the island, still feeling the warmth on her neck.
"Hm, really hot more like it."
Lucy looked up, catching Natsu's smirk and looking a little too good as he leaned back against the counter behind him.
She stuck out her tongue at him, her own smile breaking through. She couldn't really deny she did rather liked his display of strength when he set her on the island and seeing him all disheveled and shirtless as he stood between her legs. Something she wouldn't really say no to visiting again sometime... but she should save those thoughts for later.
Happy distracted her from said thoughts when he trotted up to Natsu with a loud meow, as if complaining.
Natsu chuckled, leaning down to give him some scratches. "Relax, bud. We were sleepin' in," he said, sharing a wink with her.
Happy just mrowled again lower, as if in reprimand. Natsu put some food out for him that he quickly devoured then flopped himself down on a beam of sunlight that was streaming in onto the hardwood from the window above the sink, kneading the soft mat under him.
"Spoiled brat." Natsu shook his head and laughed again as he got some coffee started, Lucy getting started on some breakfast. Or lunch? Since it was practically noon now, the sun high and bright and warming up the house.
They talked about anything and everything, comforting familiar conversation as she started on some omelets for them, chopping up some left over bacon they had.
"So, do you feel like doing anything today?"
Natsu hummed around a big bite of toast he was supposed to be making for both of them. "Think it feels like a perfect day to stay in?"
Lucy grinned, heart swelling with warmth and affection at the familiar domesticity that surrounded her life now and how lucky she felt to share it with her favorite person beside her.
Those kind eyes that looked at her with such love, and the way the light was making the shades of green in them shine made her feel a little breathless.
"That does sound perfect."
Natsu returned a bright grin of his own, walking over and pulling her close just as she set the food on some plates. "I am known to have some good ideas."
Lucy laughed, circling her arms up around his neck. "Hm, maybe here and there."
Natsu gasped. "You wound me so, Luce." His palm steady and warm the small of her back.
"Here, I'll make it better."
Lucy pulled him down and captured his lips. They smiled into the kiss for a moment before Natsu sighed and melted into it, deepening and holding her closer where she felt safe and at home.
"Hey, Natsu?"
"Yeah?" he called out from the couch, where he'd been watching something in the living room after they had come back from having some dinner at the small pub they liked a while ago.
"Have you seen that cute mug I was using the other day?" Lucy asked, pulling open some cupboards in the kitchen in her search.
Natsu looked over. "The one with the cats on it? I don't think so?"
"I thought I put it away in the usual spot… and I wanted to make some tea," she pouted.
"Well, you do have a lot of others to choose from, Luce," he grinned.
"I knooww, but I wanted to use that one. Guess I'll have to settle," Lucy sighed, making Natsu laugh.
Things had been going well since Natsu's birthday last month. Busy still, with work and school since she was finishing up the last of the prereq classes along with starting the more major ones she needed.
Natsu still had some off days from his recovery that took a lot out of him, so, by the end of the day most days, they just looked forward to simple domestic nights like these and just spending time together.
They had gotten into the tradition of having Igneel over for dinner on Sundays every other week or so and it was so nice to see them rebuilding things between them and be able to get to know Natsu's father figure better herself.
She could tell where Natsu got some of his humor and kind compassion, and mostly how much it meant to both of them with each smile and hug when they saw each other. She was happy Natsu was able to have a piece of his family back.
A sudden ringing broke her from her thoughts.
"Gettin' a call, Luce," Natsu called out, laughing as he was teasing Happy with one of his toys on a string in front of him.
Lucy shook her head and smiled, making her way back towards the coffee table where she'd left her phone.
Her brows drew in confusion as she read the number on the screen. She normally would let it go to voicemail with numbers she didn't know, but this one felt familiar… and something in her gut had her sliding her thumb on the screen to answer.
"Hello?"
"Hi, good evening. May I speak with Lucy Heartfilia please?"
"Yes, this is she?"
"This is Nichole, I'm a nurse here at Crocus Central Hospital, I'm calling to inform you that your father, Jude Heartfilia has been admitted this week and has been in and out of critical care."
Lucy stilled in her step. There was a long quiet moment before the nurse continued.
"You are listed as his next of kin on his records and we wanted to reach out to you in case you wanted to visit him."
The voice was kind and soothing, but Lucy was still quiet for what felt like a long time, trying to wrap her head around what she heard.
It'd been so long since she'd even seen her father…. Did she want to even see him now?
"Um, thank y-you. Is… is he stable?" Lucy managed to ask, slowly sitting onto the couch behind her, feeling Natsu shift beside her.
"Right now he is, yes. He just hasn't had enough strength to do much on his own lately, but he has some good days and where he feels stronger. He caught a bad case of pneumonia and has been in and out of the hospital with complications for the past few months and simply hasn't been able to fully recover. He'd been insistent that he handle things on his own and of course we respected his wishes, now that he's up in ICU again, we felt like it was time for his family to know since we worry he may not have a lot of time left."
Lucy nodded to herself, swallowing thickly. "Thank you. I appreciate it… I'll- I'll try to make it if I can."
"Of course. Great speaking with you, Lucy. If you have any other questions or need anything we can be reached at this number."
Lucy thanked her again quietly before the call ended. She slowly pulled her phone away, looking down at the now dark screen.
Memories of her father formed in her mind. Some simpler, happier ones when she was young and he would read stories to her, then more of the difficult ones where he couldn't be bothered to make time for her or Layla. The disappointment in her mom's eyes, the loud fights her parents would have that never resolved anything and just made her feel so alone in her room, the day he walked out the front door and didn't look back.
Her swirling mess of emotions made her chest tight, making it harder to breathe.
"Lucy?... Everything okay?"
Natsu's soft voice brought her out of her thoughts. His warm hand gentle on her shoulder.
Lucy gave him a small grateful smile, turning towards him before she took a steadying breath. "That was the hospital back in Crocus… my um... Jude, my father, has been in and out of the hospital recently and... and he might not have a lot of time left."
Natsu made a soft sound as he grasped her hand between them. "I'm sorry." Lucy's expression softened, shifting closer to his comforting warmth and lacing their fingers together. "How do you feel? I know you guys aren't all that close."
Lucy sighed, running her other hand through her hair and setting her phone back down on the coffee table in front of her. "I'm not sure yet, honestly... Is it bad if I don't feel anything right now?"
"No, it's not bad at all. These things take time sometimes and it's never easy."
She nodded softly. "It's just been such a… non-existent relationship for so long. Distant and empty." Lucy sighed again. "They said I could go see him if I wanted to while he's stable right now… and part of me does, but I- the more resentful part says, why should I after all this time? He never made an effort for my mom and I and it felt like we meant nothing to him for so long and it's just… I just don't-"
Lucy didn't realize tears had started falling until Natsu curled her hair around ear and softly brushed away the wet trail on her cheek with a rough thumb of his other hand.
"Shh, it's okay, Luce. Deep breaths."
Lucy breathed through another broken exhale, loosening the tight grip she didn't realize she'd made on Natsu's hand.
But now more memories that didn't all feel like a big blur came back and flickered through her mind.
She was ten and felt happy after her and her parents had come back from the movies together, but then hearing her parents arguing in their room that night as she hugged her comforter tighter to her chest alone in her room.
Fifteen and she'd just got home from school. Her mom hadn't heard her walk into the kitchen and Lucy watched her shoulders shake in silent tears as she gripped the sink. She tried to give Lucy a reassuring smile when she saw her and Lucy's heart broke a little bit more.
Eighteen and feeling disappointed that her father didn't show up to her high school graduation. Though, she wasn't surprised really all that surprised. Her mom's bright smile as she clapped along with everyone in the crowd and their nice dinner together after more than made up for it.
Twenty and happily sending Layla updates as she enjoyed more of her college life. Until one day her mom suddenly called her with news that was the start of everything changing.
Twenty-four and sad that her mom was gone and she was alone in their apartment. Frustrated and hurt that her father couldn't even offer his support during Layla's funeral after Lucy tried calling him and she had to hold it together on her own.
Twenty-six and surrounded by such warmth and love now, surrounded by the family she'd made for herself, but still carrying that ache in her heart at the thought of her parents.
Natsu wrapped his arms around her fully as quite broken sobs escaped her suddenly, tucking her under his chin.
"You're okay. I've got you," he whispered, pressing a warm kiss to her head. Lucy clung to his shirt and let herself feel the sudden rush of emotions.
Several long minutes passed and her sobs had mellowed to shaky breaths with Natsu's soft words and warm palm smoothing along her back and through her hair.
Lucy lifted her head a bit, rubbing her eyes with her sleeve. Her cheeks felt hot and tight now as she came back to herself. "I'm sorry, I must be a mess," she said with an empty laugh.
"Hey. You have nothing to be sorry for," he reassured softly with a squeeze to her shoulder. "It's a lot."
Lucy nodded with a steadier breath. "I hadn't thought about everything in a while and then it all just hits at once…"
Natsu hummed in understanding. "I know it does." He leaned in to press a kiss to her temple.
Lucy leaned into the comfort of his warmth, allowing it to melt the tight ball of emotions in her chest a little more with each steady beat of his heart under her ear and his scent of bright clean pine, comforting woodsy notes, and warm amber that surrounded her. Of home.
Happy had seemingly sensed her distress and was now curled up over their laps with loud soothing purrs.
Lucy inhaled deeply, feeling more grounded after some time. "Thank you," she said softly against his shirt.
"Don't gotta thank me. I'm always here for you," Natsu said warmly. He hugged her closer, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
The backs of her eyes pricked again, but this time from a swell of affection. He was always so caring and supportive.
"Do… do you think you want to see him?" he asked after a quiet moment, palm still rubbing along her arm, helping her pull her legs up over his lap, getting them more comfortable against the corner of the couch.
"Maybe," she murmured. "I put everything in that city behind me a long time ago… but, will you come with me if I do?" she whispered, hugging around his waist tighter.
For a moment she thought about going on her own, but Natsu's soothing warmth reminded her that she'd crave his support.
"Always and anywhere."
Lucy lifted her head from his shoulder, meeting Natsu's soft, fond expression that held never-ending kindness in those emerald eyes.
She reached up and cupped his cheek, smiling softly as he leaned into her touch. She tipped her head and Natsu met her half way for a soft kiss that had tears pricking the backs of her eyes, heart swelling with love.
The next few passed by slowly after Lucy decided she did want to go back to Crocus to visit her father after all.
Not for Jude's sake, but for her own sense of closure. Maybe. Hopefully. She wasn't really sure what to expect.
She let her work know she was going to take some time off to take some time off and luckily she was caught up on her classes right now.
Natsu had supported her in a heartbeat and suggested they make the drive there. Lucy liked the idea better than feeling overwhelmed in a busy airport. For him and for her.
"Alright. I think I got everything ready."
Lucy looked towards the kitchen after she brought their bags down from the bedroom and set them by the door.
She grinned at all the different kinds of snacks Natsu had bought at the store the day before that he was now packing in a large travel bag.
"Think you packed enough food?" she laughed, leaning against the counter beside him.
Natsu paused. "What? Do you think we need more?"
Lucy shook her head fondly. "It's hours, not days," she giggled, moving closer and circling her arms around his waist.
Natsu grinned that toothy smile that made her chest warm, his own arms wrapping around her. "Can never have enough road trip snacks, Luce. You know I'll need one at least every fifteen minutes."
They laughed together at that. "Thanks again for coming with me," Lucy said softly, reaching up with one hand to thread her fingers through his hair.
Natsu's expression softened, tilting his head into her palm and pulling her closer. "Of course. Anything for you, mon cœur ," he said, leaning in to press a warm kiss to her forehead.
He'd gotten into the habit of calling her that every so often and she would still melt a little every time. Of course he knew that too.
"You gotta help me eat all these snacks after all."
Lucy rolled her eyes with a laugh and an affectionate kiss to his jaw. "Sure, sure. Ready to head out?"
"Ready when you are."
They managed to get on the road after dropping Happy off at Sting and Rogue's so he could play with his new kitten friends. Levy had offered when Lucy told her where they were going, but she didn't want to bother them more since they had their hands full with Levy's pregnancy already, as her due date continued to get closer. Rogue also insisted that they 'could never have enough cats' and happily offered their help.
They took Natsu's truck since he'd just gotten it tuned up at Gajeel's last week and some new tires. Lucy had offered to share the driving, but Natsu just smiled and waved it off saying it was fine, but she could see the underlined concern and knew he just didn't want her to feel overwhelmed on the road or anything.
Kind and sweet like he always was.
"Hey, Luce. Can you pour me some more candy?"
Sure enough, Natsu had started asking for snacks at least thirty minutes into the drive. Lucy had laughed but filled up a cup for him. Some chips for something salty, chocolate for something sweet and everything in between.
"Again already? How about we just stop for lunch?" Lucy suggested teasingly. "You can have something sweet after."
They were almost three hours in and were probably due for a break anyway.
Natsu pouted a little but then brightened. "Hm, yeah that sounds good. You pick," he grinned.
They stopped at a small diner they came across that ended up having some surprisingly good sandwiches. Natsu stopped to put some more gas down the road while they were at it after they were done before they resumed the trip.
The time that wasn't spent singing along to their favorite songs or Natsu making Lucy laugh with his stories, the sounds of them eating their snacks, was filled by comfortable silence of the road with each other's company. It helped make her feel better about their choice to drive over fly. Able to just share that time with each other. Natsu occasionally gave her hand or thigh a squeeze to let her know he was still there with her, often giving her a break from her full thoughts. They would share a soft smile and she would return the gesture.
They were a little over eight hours in now and the day had started blending into the evening, trails of pinks and oranges lining the sky. The sights were also starting to look more familiar, pointing out some to Natsu with some small stories about them. Then after stopping for another quick bite and more gas, they finally managed to make it to the hotel they were staying at after a few more hours.
Natsu groaned with a stretch after dropping their bags in the arm chair in the corner, then flopping down onto the large plush bed. "We finally made it," he sighed.
Lucy grinned, setting her smaller bag over with the others before sitting beside him on the bed. "I forgot how long of a drive it is, and I made it last time on my own," she chuckled tiredly.
Natsu sat back up beside her. "How did your hunk of steel car make it all that way?"
Lucy rolled her eyes at his cackle and teasing smile, hitting his chest playfully with the back of her hand. "My ol' faithful car made it just fine then, and would have again thank you very much." They shared a laugh before Lucy continued. "How are you feeling after all that driving? Your back and shoulder okay?" Some concern entered her voice as she rubbed over Natsu's right shoulder beside her.
"I'm okay, Luce," Natsu reassured with a soft smile and a squeeze to her thigh. "We have to make longer drives sometimes overseas and in big, hot, loud, bumpy off-road trucks so this was much better don't worry," he chuckled.
Lucy still noticed the underlined tiredness in his eyes and along his shoulders, but she was sure she looked about the same and was just grateful she wasn't alone.
"Alright, well, I still brought that good cream for you that we can use after we eat something and freshen up?"
Natsu gave her a warm smile, leaning over to press a kiss to her temple. "Mm, sounds good. You think of everything."
The last time she was at this hospital was during Layla's last days. They were memories she didn't really want to think about right now, but her heart was already aching at the sight of familiar waiting rooms and hallways as they made their way through after checking in.
They fell asleep quickly after getting more settled and taking their showers last night and Lucy was able to feel a little more grounded when they woke up.
When Lucy thought about facing this during the drive it had felt okay, kind of a far away thing, but now that it fully set in that she was back in her hometown and actually here in the hospital, about to enter the moment she hadn't really thought would happen, had her more nervous than she liked to admit.
"I can wait outside if you wanna go in alone?" Natsu asked when they were heading down another long hallway, lacing their fingers together.
"It's okay… I want you there," Lucy said quietly.
Natsu smiled softly and nodded. Lucy squeezed Natsu's hand for strength once they got to the right room number.
"You got this."
She breathed deep, steady, before pushing the door open. An array of beeps from several machines was the first thing she heard, smell of clean and sterile chemicals. Her feet felt heavy as she stepped further into the room, past the drawn curtain and then finally seeing him.
Jude was deep asleep. The rise and fall of his chest, assisted by an oxygen tube on his nose, the only thing moving on him. He'd aged so much in the time since she last saw him and he looked so much thinner and fragile than she ever remembered seeing him. Small under the blankets. His hair had grown long and unkept, greying mostly. Grey also along his jaw in a rough beard. Under his eyes were dark, even as he slept.
Lucy took a shaky breath. It was a little unnerving to see him like this after so long. After always seeing him stand so tall and stern, like the world revolved around him. After all the years he carried himself with such arrogance, selfishness. After all the ways he wanted no one in his path other than himself. After all the years of hurt he'd caused their family.
All for him now to have reached this state. Alone.
What a sad life to live , Lucy thought.
She let go of Natsu's hand and took a few steps closer towards the bed. Her hand hovered over Jude's on the bed, but she pulled it back at the last second. Not yet.
Natsu smoothed a palm along her shoulders, then settled warm at the small of her back. "Wanna sit?"
Lucy followed his lead until they sat in the two chairs behind them near the windows, the rhythmic hum and beeps of the machines still carrying on in the background.
"It's… strange. To see him like this," Lucy admitted, running a hand through her hair. Natsu hummed in understanding, resting his arm on the back of her chair. Lucy leaned more into Natsu's warmth in the cold room. "I'm surprised he even let himself be admitted, with how stubborn I know he could be."
"Getting sick really must've humbled him some."
Lucy continued to stare at the bed in front of her. "Yeah. I think it really did."
They got to meet the nurse, Nichole, who had called Lucy when she came in to check Jude's vitals after a while who kindly greeted them and gave Lucy some updates about Jude's condition. Then Lucy was talking with Natsu quietly for a bit longer when there was some shuffling on the bed and a soft groan.
Lucy stilled, standing slowly as Jude started to wake up. Familiar brown eyes slowly blinked open, taking in the room before eventually settling on Lucy beside him. He paused, recognition coming to him as his eyes widened slightly.
"Lu… Lucy?" Jude whispered in a low rasp.
"Hi."
Jude cleared his throat, trying to rub the tired sleep from his face. "How… when did-" He paused to try and sit up more on the bed.
"The hospital called and told me you were here this time," Lucy said quietly.
Jude sighed heavily and nodded. "I figured that might happen. I wasn't expecting this, but I… I'm glad to see you." He rested his head back against the pillows behind him with a small smile.
Lucy swallowed thickly, gripping the handrail of the bed to keep a hold of the emotions swirling in her chest. "I wasn't expecting to do this either, honestly…" she admitted quietly, understanding flickering across Jude's expression. They were quiet for a few moments before Lucy continued. "S-So how're you feeling?"
"Today's felt better," he rasped, "but haven't been my best lately."
"Hm. They told me you haven't been doing well for a while, so we decided to make the drive after they called."
Jude hummed before his brows drew in. "We?"
Lucy turned and reached back for Natsu, who was quick to stand and move up beside her.
"This is Natsu, my partner. He came with me for support." Lucy gave him a soft grateful smile as she hugged his arm to her side.
He returned it with a warm one of his own before offering his other hand to Jude. "Hi, Mr. Heartfilia. Nice to meet you."
Jude reached out to grasp Natsu's hand in a light shake. "You too, Natsu. I apologize that we had to meet like this," Jude chuckled roughly.
"It's okay," Natsu reassured with a grin before looking back towards Lucy. "I can give you guys some time? I'll get us some food downstairs."
Lucy nodded with a soft squeeze to his arm. "Sounds good." As much as part of her didn't want him to leave, she knew it was something she had to start on her own.
"I'll be back. Call me if you need anything, okay?" Natsu leaned in and pressed a warm, comforting kiss to her temple. "Mr Heartfilia," he said with a nod and waved at them as he headed out.
"He seems like a good man. Like he makes you happy."
"He really does," Lucy smiled fondly, pulling up one of the chairs to sit closer to the bed.
"I'm glad." He gave Lucy a small tired smile. "How are you?" he asked before a fit of coughs caught him by surprise.
Lucy quickly tried to help him drink some water. Jude thanked her after they subsided and he breathed easier again, slumping back into the pillows.
"I can come back tomorrow if you're not feeling up for a visit right now?" Lucy asked, settling back in the chair.
"No… I'm okay," he rasped. "Please stay? If… if you want to, of course." His brown eyes were a little pleading.
"Okay," Lucy started with a small smile. "Well, I've been doing well. I'm living in Magnolia now, made some great friends."
"That's good to hear. Have you been there long?"
Lucy's expression shifted. "I've been there for about two years. I moved there a couple months after Mo-" her voice caught, swallowing thickly. "Um, a couple months after Mom died," she said quietly.
Jude's eyes pinched shut, gripping the blankets over him. It was quiet again for a few long moments before he spoke again.
"I'm sorry." His voice was just above a raspy, broken whisper but Lucy heard it clearly all the same. "I… I know it doesn't begin to make up for everything that's happened between us, but truly… I am."
Lucy looked up and met glossy brown eyes that held more hurt than she was used to seeing reflected in them.
Tears quickly started to prick the backs of hers, sensing the direction Jude was heading in. "We don't have to do this now if you're not-"
"N-No, It's… please? I'd like to try to while I still can," Jude pleaded, and he sighs when Lucy nods softly. "I became so… blind, to what really mattered over the years. Selfish, ignorant, and always so focused on money and how to make more of it for so long… all for it to end up-" Jude's voice caught, slumping back against the pillows behind him. "All to lose most of it in failures… but what hurt more was losing Layla… losing you… and I'm sorry."
Lucy met his gaze again, understanding the hurt there, but the frustrated ache in her chest pushed deeper words out.
"Just- but why did it take you getting this sick to realize all this or say anything? When it's so late and Mom's already- she was hurting for so long. We were hurting. You were distant and hardly ever there even when I was younger. Where were you when she was sick? Why couldn't you even be at her funeral when I called you? After you practically took everything in the divorce for your own business gambles?"
Lucy felt the tears on her cheeks, her voice shaking by the end. She didn't intend to let all of that out at once but when that gate opened, it was hard to close. Lucy swallowed thickly and running a hand through her hair and brushing off the wet trails on her face.
Jude's hand twitched on the bed, almost moving to maybe reach out to her but he pulled it back, instead gripping the blanket again. "I- you have every right to be upset with me. I definitely deserve it and there's a lot I want to make up to you… so much that I don't even know where to begin, or even have time for probably, I already lost all that time with your mother, but I never meant to bring you all that hurt. Both of you. I truly am sorry, Lucy." Jude brushed away his own tears from his face before continuing. "I know Layla never cared about the money. Neither of us did in the beginning, living in that small house when you were born... but somewhere along the line I got so wrapped up in working myself ragged and ignoring everything else. I know it starting causing issues between all of us, but I didn't want to see that I was the problem at the time." Jude swallowed thickly. "Then Layla wanted the divorce and in more of my ignorance, I didn't want to lose everything so I fought for the money and not even realizing I'd already lost what was important. So, I just buried myself in my work again and then I heard she was sick and in the hospital and by the time I felt like I could show my face again, she was gone and I just- I let so much time go to waste. I realized how stupid I'd been for so long. We had such distance between us by then I figured I'd be the last person you'd want to hear from so, I figured it was better to just keep myself out of the picture and instead tried to find ways to save up money again for you to have in the future but… what originally started as wanting a better life for all of us, turned into nothing working out how I planned and I have no one to blame but myself." He paused to take a few shaky breaths. "I did feel that, even though it may not have seemed like it, and I missed you both. I know all of this isn't an excuse for everything, but it's something I've been wanting to tell you for a long time."
There was a long, quiet moment between them before Lucy spoke. "I would have taken your call... and so would've Mom all those years you were distant and gone. She just wanted the best for all of us. Just wanted our family back… I missed what we all had when I was younger too. When things were simple and just us in that house... part of me felt like I had done something to push you away," Lucy admitted quietly, that ball of emotion was still tight in her chest. "We missed you… then I had to help her through all that pain from the divorce and everything from the cancer and chemo through those years… then dealing with everything on my own after she was gone… I was alone again and it was just could've used some support from my father. Not the money. We'd been struggling all that time anyway and it couldn't have brought her back if we had it."
Jude nodded, blinking back more of his own glossy tears as he glanced up at the ceiling with a shaky breath. "I know it probably sounds repetitive, and apologies don't begin to make up for all the years of hurt, but… I'm so sorry, Lucy." He turned his head and looked back at her. "I never put any blame on you and it was never your fault. That was all my own arrogance blinding me. I wish I could've made amends with Layla, but it's too late and that's on me. I'm sorry for neglecting my family, for never being there for you both when it mattered, for missing so much of your lives, for not being the man and father I should've been, for wasting so much time focusing on useless things, for this long overdue apology. For realizing things so late and not having the courage to reach out to you myself when I got sick and ended up here," Jude swallowed the thick emotion in his raspy voice. "I don't expect you to forgive me after all these years, and I completely understand. I just hope this little bit can be a start for us to move forward? In the time I probably have left anyway."
Lucy recognized that bit of hope in his eyes and while he was right that it felt too soon to forgive him completely, all the years of distance and hurt still too full in her chest, it eased some of it to hear that he acknowledged his part in everything and knowing it would've brought some comfort to her mom too.
"I think it can be," Lucy said quietly, with a steadying sigh. She knew this talk wouldn't solve everything right away and things wouldn't automatically be resolved between them, but it was a start and that tight ball of emotion was finally loosening in her chest after being able to let out a lot of the heavy words and feelings she'd been carrying with her all this time and she was tired of hanging onto all that negativity.
She saw some relief wash over Jude's face. There was content quiet between them for a while, Lucy just absorbing everything, then she heard a soft knock at the door after texting Natsu that he could come back up. She heard it open then saw Natsu peeking back around the curtain.
"Everything okay? I brought some snacks if you guys are hungry?"
Lucy's heart warmed and she smiled softly before sharing a meaningful look with Jude. "Yeah. I think we're going to be okay." His expression showed a bit of surprise before he relaxed and gave Lucy a small smile in return. "I think I'm up for a snack though," she said, turning back towards Natsu.
Natsu grinned, pulling up the other chair to sit beside her and opening his bag full of snacks. "Take your pick."
"You would get practically one of everything," Lucy laughed softly, settling for a bag of chips for now.
"Well, I wanted to be prepared. Oh, would you like something too, sir?"
Jude chuckled roughly. "No need for sir, Natsu. Jude is fine, But no, thank you. I haven't really been hungry much. You both feel free."
"Yes, sir- ah, sorry, Jude," Natsu grinned sheepishly. "Hard habit to break from work sometimes."
"Oh?"
"I'm in the Marines."
"He's really brave," Lucy added, grasping Natsu's hand with a loving smile. He returned one of his own, rubbing the back of his neck with his other hand.
"That's no small feat. A lot of sacrifices I'm sure. I really admire that," Jude said warmly.
"Yeah it's been rough most of the time, but thank you," Natsu grinned gratefully. "Lucy's been amazing and it's really helped me having all her support with everything the past few years too," he said, giving her hand a squeeze.
"That she is," Jude agreed.
Lucy felt her cheeks warm, but she smiled softly at them.
The nurse had came in to check in on her father again. Then they all talked for a while longer before Lucy noticed Jude's eyes getting heavier as the day turned to evening through the windows.
"We'll let you get some rest," Lucy said, starting to stand and gather their things. She saw Jude try to fight off his sleep so she added, "We can come back tomorrow?"
He relaxed a little at that and grinned. "Sounds good."
Natsu said his goodbyes, putting Lucy's bags over his shoulder before she could protest.
Lucy walked over closer to Jude's bed, hesitating for a moment before she reached to grasp over his hand. "It was good seeing you… Dad."
Jude took a shuddering breath and squeezed her hand. "You too, Lucy. Thank you for coming… see you soon?"
Lucy nodded, the words unable to get past the lump in her throat. She squeezed his hand back and waved before her and Natsu left the room.
She was on autopilot until they got to the parking structure and settled back in the truck. She thought back on the conversation with Jude and the rush of every emotion she'd been feeling all day caught up with her. Natsu was there to catch her against him as the dam broke.
"It's okay. Let it all out, I got you," Natsu said softly, wrapping his arms around her fully, pulling her closer along the seat until she was tucked under his chin.
Lucy allowed herself to take comfort in the warmth and safety his embrace brought, soothing the lingering tightness in her chest.
Her sobs settled after a few long minutes, helped by Natsu's palm along her back and soft words. "I didn't realize how much I was holding everything in until we talked," Lucy rasped, pulling herself up and rubbing her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater.
"It's hard when all those feelings comes up at once, but you're so strong, Luce," Natsu said warmly as he continued to hold her close.
"Doesn't really feel like it right now," Lucy chuckled tiredly, leaning her head back on Natsu's shoulder.
"I know. You took a huge step today and that's amazing."
Lucy grinned softly, tilting her head up to press a kiss to his jaw. "Thank you."
"Anytime," he said, kissing her temple in return. "Are you hungry? We can go somewhere or just go back to the room? It's been a while since you've eaten," Natsu asked, brushing away her lingering tears and tucking some of her hair behind her ear.
Lucy hummed in thought. "Maybe we can pick something up and head back to the room? Feeling pretty tired."
"Sure. Whatever you want," he grinned softly and the sight made her heart swell with affection and love, tears pricking the backs of her eyes again. He was so good to her.
Lucy cupped a hand around the back of his neck and pulled him in for a slow, tender kiss.
Natsu held her close and gently deepened the kiss, filling her chest with more warmth.
They managed to make it back to the hotel after getting some burgers. Not as good as their favorite spot back home, but it helped for now.
Natsu took a quick shower after they ate, walking back out and toweling off his hair and slipping on a shirt.
"It's all set for you, Luce."
Lucy thanked him and kissed his cheek before grabbing her clothes and heading into the bathroom. The warm pressure of the water soothed away the lingering tension in her shoulders as she took her time, sorting out all her thoughts from the day.
Natsu was sitting up against the headboard propped up with some pillows with his phone in his hand when she got out, seeming to be dozing off. She grinned, grabbing a small hand towel and tossing it at him.
Lucy giggled when Natsu yelped awake, eyes widening before narrowing at her playfully. "I just can't help it when you're all cute and asleep like that."
"So mean," he pouted, setting his phone on the nightstand before reaching out for her.
Lucy grinned wider, tossing her clothes by her bag and settling under the covers and sitting up beside him.
"Aw, so sorry, babe." She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Better?"
"Better," he grinned toothily before his expression softened. "How're you feeling about today?"
Lucy sighed, lacing their hands together between them on the bed. "At first it felt a bit overwhelming talking about everything, but... I do feel better after getting a lot of it off my chest and him acknowledging everything after all this time. It didn't solve everything yet of course, but it's a start and it's better than it was. I've spent too long carrying all that."
"Mm, I'm glad. You'll get there, and you know you always have all my support along the way."
Lucy took in the conviction in his voice and all the love reflecting in his eyes filled her heart so much it could burst. Just when she thought she was all cried out, tears pricked her eyes again. She reached up and cupped Natsu's cheek, thumb brushing along his cheekbone.
"I'm so lucky to have you in my life, and I love you. So much," she said softly.
Natsu sighed, leaning into her palm and pressing a kiss to the center of it. "I think I'm the lucky one. I love you more. Always."
Lucy swallowed past the lump of emotion in her throat, meeting Natsu in the middle when he leaned in to press his lips against hers in a tender kiss.
She really did feel like she could get through anything as long as they had each other.
Thanks for reading!
How was that nice morning after in the beginning, whew! I love me a good otp steamy shower scene in fics and had to throw that in here. They're in love and it's what they deserve ;)
I've had Natsu deal with and talk a lot about and deal with his past so far and I wanted to give Lucy some of that healing and closure too. Also an excuse to include my fave hurt/comfort fluff uwu
Healing is never easy, or dealing with distant/estranged parents, and hardly goes this smoothly. Not being ready to forgive someone is always ok too. I know I've had more than enough experience in that and you never have to do it for someone else's benefit unless you're ready, but in fic world anything can be resolved lol
Lucy wasn't quite ready to forgive Jude for everything yet, but I wanted to let her let go of some of the hurt she'd been carrying for so long, and she had Natsu there with all of his amazing support and love.
We all deserve that when we're going through rough times and all my support goes out to all of you!
Till next time and thank you for all the amazing support from last time too! : rao hyuga 18, FairyTailxFanGirl, AthomeinFairytail, stranger1999, valerioux, Copperreign12, Densolator, sevenlaila, MillennialStargazer, MaraDragneel3113, Jellal Frenandes, natsudragneelswh0re, Guest!