When Lucy awoke, the first thing she noticed was the smothering heat surrounding her. She was encased in it, but it wasn't overwhelming. It was comforting. Her throat ached and itched with thirst. She slowly opened her eyes, blinking blankly in the darkness. She was in a bed, but it wasn't her own. It was one of the guest rooms on the second floor of the guild, she could tell by the shadowed patterns on the comforter tucked around her. The guild's crest was emblazoned in brilliant gold embroidery on the fabric, though it looked muddy in the darkness. She turned, noticing a presence laying next to her.

Natsu.

He was sleeping, but he looked exhausted. He was sitting in a chair at the side of the bed, but had slumped over onto the bed, his cheek squished against the blankets. A line of drool dripped down his chin. His brows were pinched, even in sleep, and she could see dark worried circles under his closed eyes.

A wave of adoration swept through her when she noticed he was still holding her hand. She carefully rolled onto her side to face him, then squeezed his hand. Natsu jolted awake at the touch, bolting upwards with a sharp breath. Lucy bit her lip to keep from smiling too wide. Natsu calmed when he saw her watching him, his eyes nearly shining in the dim room.

"How are you feeling?" He asked, leaning closer and wrapping both of his hands around hers and bringing them to his face. Natsu placed her palm against his cheek and leaned into her touch, his eyes drifting closed.

"I feel tired and drained, but alright," she answered, her voice rough with sleep. Natsu nodded and his head slumped. "It was a stupid plan."

"I know," she said. She did feel guilty about making her friends worry, and there was still some fear within her over how close she got to dying from both of her explosions of magic. The first star powered explosion was accidental, but when her friends were in danger, she knew saving them mattered more than herself. Lucy knew that if she truly kept using her magic to that degree to fight their attackers that there was a chance she wouldn't wake up again, but she had to try. Especially when she knew her plan would work and throw off the speedster and give Natsu and Gray a chance to make their counterattack.

"What happened after?" She asked softly, curling slightly under the blankets. Though Natsu was exuding plenty of warmth, she still felt a chill that penetrated deep into her bones and her spirit. There wasn't even the barest trickle of magic in her blood, still wiped out even after being treated by Porlyusica.

"Me and Gray took out the speedster, thanks to you," he glanced up and smirked at her, pride in his dark eyes. "Then one of 'em said 'you know what we want' and they ran away. Then we came home with everyone in tow and Porlyusica's been on a healing trip for the past few hours."

Lucy hummed, another spike of fear shooting down her spine. "So, it was Oracion Seis after all."

Natsu grunted his agreement, still holding her hand against his skin. Lucy's thumb absentmindedly caressed his cheek. "They must be after me, again."

Natsu's eyes darted up to meet hers, a fierce fiery fury burning within them. "They won't get you."

"I know," she said with a gentle smile. "But it was because of me that everyone was put in danger and hurt."

Natsu scowled. He leaned in closer, his elbows propped up on the mattress. He moved her hand from his face, but kept it locked between both of his hands. "Luce, there is no way this is your fault. You didn't ask for your powers, and what other people want to do is their own fault." He paused, a glimmer of mischief shining in his eyes. "Besides, I thought you'd know all this already since you're supposed to be the smart one."

Lucy huffed, but didn't disagree. Her response was cut off by a violent shiver. Goosebumps rose across her flesh and she cursed under her breath.

"Magic depletion sickness really sucks," she whined. She peered at him from under her lashes and bit her lower lip. "Would you mind sleeping next to me?"

Natsu shook his head and quickly climbed under the blankets with her, turning on his side so they faced each other. Lucy scooched back far enough to make room for him on the small bed, but they were still extremely close to each other. Her face was a few inches from his and their knees knocked together. She curled her cold toes against the warmth of his legs and he hissed at the feeling.

"Natsu," she began. He met her gaze and gently wrapped his arms around her waist, his hands holding her sides with an unusual softness for the fire drakon. "I think the creature from my nightmare and the Oracion Seis are connected."

When he only stared at her in confusion, she shifted and continued. "It's just a hunch, but ever since my magic was returned to me, I've felt like something's been watching me. That nightmare only confirmed that something out there seriously wants my stardust, and not just me to use my magic for them like a puppet."

"You think there's some sicko out there that actually wants to eat your heart?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper. She nodded.

"The Oracion Seis are their own guild, but they're involved in a dark guild alliance that was started by someone. It's just a gut feeling, but I think we should keep our eyes open for that thing from my nightmare," she said.

"Don't' worry, Luce. I've got your back and you can definitely kick some ass now," Natsu said with a chuckle. She rolled her eyes. They stared at each other for a few silent moments, each relishing in the comfort of the other's presence. Natsu's warmth was pooling around her and she finally felt the chill inside of her begin to thaw.

"Thank you," she said. "For everything."

Natsu pulled her closer, his forehead brushing against hers. Lucy twined her arms around his chest and felt her eyes drift shut. She could barely believe how comforted and safe she felt in his arms. His hot breath fanned across her lips and she felt all the remaining tension coiled inside of her slowly relax and fade away. A purr rumbled from Natsu's chest and Lucy smiled in amusement. She'd only known Natsu for a couple months, but she couldn't imagine not having his presence in her life. He was a piece of her now, the two of them fitting together perfectly in a way she couldn't even begin to describe. She used to be completely and utterly alone, but now she was surrounded by precious friends and a new family. Her heart was so full it felt like it was bursting, but Lucy didn't mind at all.

She knew in her heart that together they would defeat the Oracion Seis and all enemies that followed. Her guild was her family, and family stayed together and fought for one another. Natsu was a part of that family, but he was also something more. Something she was scared to admit to herself. He was her best friend and her partner, but now her feelings were growing deeper and she wasn't sure what to do with them.

For now, they had bigger things to worry about, but maybe one day she would think about acting on her recent realizations. Maybe one day. Maybe.

But right at this moment in time she let herself enjoy being held by Natsu and being close to him. As his comforting warmth surrounded her and created a bubble around them, she let herself fall even more. When they woke tomorrow, there would be a million things to do and a million things to talk about.

Lucy chose not to worry about Oracion Seis or her lingering nightmare, and instead, for the first time in a couple days, fell into a deep and restful sleep.

-ooooo-

When Lucy woke up, sunlight streaming through the curtains, Natsu was curled around her back. His arms were still wrapped around her waist, keeping her tight against him. She hummed in pleasure, pressing against Natsu and placing her hands over his. She felt him purr against her, his nose nuzzling into her neck.

"Mornin,'" he grumbled, his voice rough with sleep. A huff of hot air blew against the nape of her neck, rustling her hair.

"How long have you been awake?" She asked, rolling over to face him. His eyes were cracked open, his pink hair a tangled mess. She didn't think she looked much better.

"Not long," he answered with a gentle smile.

"Have you been watching me sleep, you creep?" She asked teasingly. He chuckled.

"Maybe," he answered, nuzzling closer. Lucy giggled, feeling like a lovesick teenager again. Her heart was fluttering like little hummingbird's wings in her chest, heat flushing her cheeks. She was used to an affectionate Natsu, having been grabbed and lifted and hugged ever since they met. Hell, they've even already shared the same bed a couple of times, way more often than normal friends.

Yet, despite their history of always being physically affectionate with each other, she felt oddly nervous about their closeness. Because of her growing feelings for him, Lucy's nerves only intensified whenever he was near. She was sure he could hear her pounding heartbeat with his heightened senses.

"We should get up," she said. She didn't move to get up, however, and instead pressed her nose into his chest, heaving a tired sigh. Lucy wanted to check up on Erza and Wendy and the others, and talk to Levy, but she really did not want to leave this warm bubble of comfort. It seemed Natsu had the same idea because he only groaned and snuggled closer, his hands tightening around her waist.

"Do we have to?" He grumbled.

"Yes, we do. There's a lot we have to plan now, and we have to think about what to do about Oracion Seis," she answered, though she sounded equally as apathetic about their current predicament as he did. But, they had a job to do. A job that was critical to maintaining the secrecy of the magic world.

Lucy summoned all her energy and pulled away from Natsu's arms, wincing at the cold air when she tossed the blanket covering them aside and stepped out of the bed. Natsu only grumbled more nonsense and curled into the empty space she left behind with a deep sigh. Her lips twitched in amusement and she forced herself to trudge into the bathroom and shower.

Luckily, Levy had brought her a change of clothes, leaving them piled on the counter by the sink. Lucy took a quick shower and dressed. When she emerged from the connected bathroom, Natsu was gone. Though she felt a twinge of hurt and longing in her heart, Lucy smacked her cheeks and shook her head. She had to get it together. They were friends, and that was fine. Her friendship with Natsu was the most precious thing in her life, and she wouldn't do anything to risk that relationship no matter how strongly she felt.

Lucy plodded down to the main room of the guild, trying to hide her yawns. She still felt the residual effects of using too much magic. Her limbs were heavy and slow, her mind groggy, and now that Natsu was no longer next to her the constant chill had returned.

The tavern was filled with bustling guild members. Mira ran from table to table with drinks and food, Levy and Erza were talking to Porlyusica, Warren was relaying messages around the room and disappearing through the portal from time to time, Makarov was talking with the members of Lamia Scale and Hibiki from Blue Pegasus while the other men of Blue Pegasus flirted with Kinana and any other girl they laid eyes on.

Gray was the first to notice her entrance, the ice mage darting over and pulling her into a fierce hug.

"Don't ever pull that kind of stunt ever again," he said.

"I'm sorry for worrying you," Lucy said, returning his embrace. Together, they walked to the bar where Erza was perched, a thick bandage covering her entire wounded arm. Erza hugged Lucy, who winced at the Valkyrie's immense strength even when wounded.

"While admirable, your actions put you in severe danger," Erza reprimanded. Lucy bowed her head in shame and apologized.

"Lucy! I'm so glad you're okay!" Levy cried, pulling the blonde into another loving embrace. Lucy held her friend and felt tears pool in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry for causing you so much trouble," Lucy said, wiping the stray tears from her eyes and sitting at her usual barstool, Levy on one side and Gray taking the other. Levy clasped Lucy's hands in hers. "Lucy, I can't believe what happened."

"Neither can I. I never would have expected Oracion Seis to make the first move," Lucy said in disbelief. Levy nodded and even Erza agreed.

"We all thought we'd have to hunt those bastards down but instead they came to us," Gray said, banging his fist on the counter. Levy made an equally distressed grunt and scowled. Lucy frowned, still reeling from the sudden attack. She hated how her stardust was so coveted by dark guilds, and for a reason she still couldn't figure out. There was so much unknown about Starchildren, too much guesswork into the nature of her magic and it was incredibly frustrating.

"Hey Levy, we should summon Capricorn when I'm stronger and see if he can verify some of the stories we've read about Starchildren," Lucy said. Levy nodded her agreement. The two of them began talking about the folktales they'd read together about Starchildren, trying to piece together a history and catalog the powers of stardust.

"Lucy! You're awake!" Mira cried, reaching across the bar counter and pulling Lucy into a quick embrace.

"Hey, Mira," Lucy said, her smile growing wider when Mira pulled out a cold bottle of water and a plate of cheese and crackers from under the bar.

"Thank the heavens, I'm so hungry," Lucy whined, gulping down the refreshing water. She snacked on the crackers and cheese, grateful for the light meal with her delicate stomach still reeling from magical depletion.

"Gray, Erza," Lucy began, biting her lip nervously. "I just wanted to apologize for going all supernova yesterday. I hope I didn't hurt you too bad." Erza waved away her concern, citing the countless times she'd lost control herself and Gray just nodded in agreement.

"If I had a nickel for every time I've woken up to have my bed covered in a sheet of ice, I'd be so rich," Gray said. Lucy smiled and thanked her friends anyway. She knew her powers were hard to control sometimes, but she still hated losing control and hurting her friends like that. The image of Natsu, laying limp on the ground of that cottage covered in burns and barely breathing still haunted her. She did that to him. It didn't matter that she lost control, it was still her magic and her power that hurt him so severely. Her heart stung at the memory.

Soon Erza was dragged away to talk strategy with Makarov and Jura, Gray leaving a few moments after, so he could share what he gathered on the speedster during their bout. Lucy and Levy chatted about what contacts the Oracion Seis had and what they knew about the members.

"I mean we know they have someone who has some kind of speed power, and I believe I heard rumors about a drakon in their guild, but we'll have to wait and see," Levy said, pulling out a small notebook covered in her scribbled handwriting. Lucy couldn't even make out a single word, the writing was so messy.

"Here it talks about some of the crimes they've claimed credit for, mostly theft or public destruction," Levy began. "Sometimes they've teamed up with Grimoire Heart or used other smaller 0dark guilds to do their bidding, but the sources on those are less than trustworthy."

Lucy was so wrapped up in listening to Levy talk about the criminal exploits of Oracion Seis that she didn't even notice when Natsu appeared behind her. His arms looped around her waist and he dropped his head onto her shoulder as he draped his body over hers, a hot huff blowing from his mouth.

Squeaking in surprise, Lucy nearly fell off the barstool, only Natsu's body keeping her seated. "Gods, Natsu. You scared the life out of me," Lucy complained, reaching up to press a hand against her heart. She still leaned back into his touch and a smile still parted her lips when he grumbled against her skin.

"Not my fault you're so unaware of your surroundings," he said, hot air blowing from his lips and onto the sensitive skin of her neck, sending a delighted shiver down her spine. Natsu purred, the sound softly rumbling from his throat. He still seemed exhausted, almost as exhausted as she felt.

Levy cleared her throat, drawing Lucy's attention away from the man draped over her. She hadn't realized but she was gently petting his hair. Lucy felt a blush work its way up her neck.

"A-anyway, what were we talking about?" The blonde asked, a nervous laugh falling from her lips. Levy just smiled, a devilish gleam in her eyes. To be honest, Lucy didn't even realize right away how intimate her behavior with Natsu truly was. It just felt completely natural. Natsu was always extra affectionate and possessive, a consequence of his draconic instincts, and she'd just gotten used to it in the months of their friendship. Natsu didn't even seem to notice the amused looks shot their way from those in the guild. Lucy thanked the stars that Mira hadn't noticed yet, the barmaid too busy talking with Master Makarov.

"I guess we should go and meet up with Jura and the Master," Levy said after a pause, where she giggled at Natsu's actions. Lucy nodded her agreement and moved to hop off the barstool, only to have Natsu grumble and keep her perched on her seat.

"Natsu, we have to go help with the plan," she whined, grabbing at the arms around her waist to try and pry them off so she could stand. Natsu just dropped more of his weight on her shoulders and grumbled again. "Do we have to? I just wanna go back to sleep."

"Don't you want to beat up the assholes that attacked us?" She asked, smiling when he grunted in annoyance at her point.

"Natsu," Levy started, a creepily cheerful smile on the small mage's face. "Don't you want to go after the guys that hurt Lucy and want to take her magic away?" Levy finished, her smile only growing when a trickle of flame spilled from Natsu's mouth and his body started to heat.

"Now I'm all fired up!" He yelled, jumping off Lucy. He grabbed her arm and dragged her with him across the room to where Blue Pegasus and Lamia Scale were sitting with Mira and the Master. Natsu smacked a flaming fist down on the table, easily grabbing everyone's attention.

"So, Gramps, what's the plan?" Natsu's eyes burned with dangerous intent and smoke curled from his hands.

I hope y'all enjoyed all the fluffy goodness in this chapter! I'm hoping to update more frequently with slightly shorter chapters.

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to leave a review! 3

***I'm working on the formatting issues I'm experiencing**