Hey Guys!

This is my longest chapter so far and I will say as a Nalu fan, this was the arch that solidified my desire to see them as a couple. Lucy's part is definitely the longer of the two, but considering that the Phantom Lord arch was all about her and everyone else's response to her danger, it makes sense. Anyway, as always, I hope you enjoy and feel free to comment or review!

- Singed

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail.

Lucy

Lucy sat at her desk and tapped her fingers, thinking. It was barely 1:30 and she needed to get Mira the reception cards, but she was also in the mood to write some more. It was like the last letter had opened her up and she wanted to get through this next part, because it was a big one. In all honesty, she probably should split it into two letters, but whenever she thought about those events she couldn't really separate them.

Sighing, she stood and paced about for a minute or two, simply trying to clear her head. She needed to make a decision before she wrote. Okay, decision one, she'd go ahead and write her next letter now because she had promised Mira that she'd have the reception cards at the guildhall by three and she should have plenty of time to do both. Her second decision quickly followed and she took her seat.

It would remain one letter, though she might need two pieces of parchment for this one. That was fine. She had fifty-five pieces of parchment. Dipping her quill into the ink, she took a deep breath and began.

Piece 5 – Taking the Punishment.

Letter 5

Sometimes I wonder how we've come so far, Natsu.

Do you remember what we were like in those days? We both held so many secrets from each other and it seemed perfectly normal. Now, I can't imagine keeping anything from you. Well, anything important. I'm sure that I'll need to keep it to myself every time Loke chooses to hit on me, especially after the beating you gave him last time.

Anyway, I still cringe when I remember the secret that caused the most pain. The fact that I am a Heartfilia. Although, I guess in a few days that won't be true anymore. It doesn't mean much now that the Heartfilia fortune is gone, but back then, it could have saved me a lot of trouble. It was also my curse though, as we soon experienced.

You know, seeing the man my father because once he lost his wealth makes it hard to believe that he would go to such lengths to retrieve me. Of course, I still believe in my heart of hearts that he had no idea that Master Jose was that demented. Uh, that man still creeps me out. I've heard that he disappeared after he disbanded the guild all those years ago. It freaks me out a bit. I mean, he hated Fairy Tail so much. I wouldn't be shocked if he decided to come back for revenge at some point.

Of course, I'm sure you can see where this is going. Let me start though after Levy and the others are put in the medical wing. I still remember feeling hurt that all of you left without me. I know it was more the fact that I had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. As the decision was made in the spur of the moment and I was at the hospital, looking after Levy. But that is what I mean when I say that we have changed so much. You would never leave me behind now, at least when you aren't trying to protect me. If this had happened today, you would have sent Happy to fetch me, or you would have come yourself.

Still, I can't help wondering why, even then, it never crossed your mind. I know you have a horrible memory, but I don't think you forgot about me. I wonder if perhaps you thought it best I not come. I know I was much weaker back then, but I still feel I could have helped. And, I wouldn't have gotten captured then.

Still, there is no reason to complain about this now. What's done is done and in truth, I know you had your reasons and it really doesn't bother me anymore. But I needed to bring all these doubts up because I was dwelling on them when I was capture by Juvia (talk about coming a long way!) and Monsieur Sol. Fairy Tail was already my home, my family and I was beginning to worry that maybe it was more important to me than I was important to it.

These were the thoughts that kept me from realizing the danger I was in before it was too late. They were also the thoughts that almost kept me from diving out that window. I had just kicked Master Jose in that sensitive place where the sun don't shine and ran to the opening. He made some pretty dialogue about it being nothing more than an opening to the sky and that I was trapped. He thought that that was why I wasn't jumping. In truth, I wasn't jumping because I had my doubts. I knew I had heard you on the wind. I knew you were coming, but suddenly, I wondered. Perhaps it was all wishful thinking. Perhaps you weren't out looking for me. I mean, it's a pretty dream and hope, but those things never come true.

I was milliseconds away from stepping back inside, when I decided to go with hope. I would drop into my fairy tale head first, or die trying. I remember calling out your name and your desperate reply of mine. Then suddenly, your arms were around me and I was safe, though you did cut it awfully close.

When my heart stopped pounding and I could think again, I just remembered being relieved. You had rescued me, which meant that all my doubts were mostly unfounded. And if it was decided to not bring me because of my lack of strength, well that could be worked on. The other thing I became distinctly aware of was that your face was in a rather inappropriate place, but I was far too relieved to be offended and you didn't take advantage of the situation.

It was as my relief took over, that a great wave of sadness enveloped me. I had put the guild in great danger and it was all my fault! If I had just told you who I was, we could have prepared. If I could have been a realist about who my father was, I would have. Instead, I'd naively believed that he'd just leave me alone. I don't actually remember what I said when I couldn't hold the tears back anymore, but I do remember them shocking and terrifying you. Happy was actually the voice of reason and you carried me home. That was when I knew for sure that Fairy Tail was my home and even if the rest of the guild didn't treat me like family yet, you did. You were my family at that moment Natsu and I was determined to be strong for you.

Of course, everyone told me it wasn't my fault. Yes, I could never control my father, but I could have prepared us, so they were both right and wrong at the same time. I remember thinking I should just give myself up or take myself home, when the next thing I knew, a giant machine was trying to breakdown our doors down. The machine with Master Jose's voice was demanding my immediate return. I thought then that surely the guild would see reason and send me over. They didn't. Everyone was saying that they'd die before handing me over. I started crying again, so touched and relieved that my concerns were once again, apparently, unfounded.

I'm really not sure what happened with all of you once I was put in the safe house. All I know is that our safe house wasn't dragon slayer proof and Gajeel found us without breaking a sweat. Gajeel is another one who has come a long way. After the beating he gave me, I will admit that I was terrified of him for a while. I will also say that it did warm my heart a little after the Tower of Heaven incident that you became very angry and protective of me until master demanded that you respect Gajeel.

I'm getting ahead of myself though. Yes, Gajeel did his best to break me, physically, but he was nowhere near breaking me mentally. The entire guild had just proved their love for me and I knew I had somewhere where I belonged. So when he talked about destroying Fairy Tail, I just couldn't help but laugh and bait him. It was stupid of me I know, but I had learned to trust my friends with my life. I knew that you'd find me and find me you did. You came right through the floor and rescued me again.

I remember how hard it was to watch you get a beat down. A beat down you were taking in my place. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I think I realized that you were fighting and taking the beating for me. I had brought this mess to Fairy Tail's door, a place you love more than yourself, yet you were willing to protect me from as much of the consequences as possible. I knew then and there that if I let you do this all on your own, that I didn't deserve you or anyone at Fairy Tail. So I fought back with Sagittarius. He ended up being just what the doctor ordered and we won.

How that day wrapped up, I don't even remember. I remember being sore but happy, when all of us were reunited. I remember being slightly terrified of just how powerful master was and I remember hoping that the guild wouldn't be disbanded. The one thing I do remember for sure though, was that I went to bed that night, after you dropped me off safe and sound, and dreamed of all the adventures we were going to have as friends, as partners, as family.

Your Adventure Partner Forever,

Lucy

Lucy sighed, glad to get that off her chest. It had been the hardest one to write yet, because some of those memories still stung. Both Juvia, and surprisingly Gajeel, had apologized for their parts eventually, but she didn't forget the sensation of nearly drowning and she couldn't forget the feeling of being beaten black and blue simply for the sport. Still, if she had been forgiven by others, she could choose to forgive and they had changed once under better influence.

Sighing, Lucy sealed away the letter, which turned out to be two parchment pages long and stood, stretching. It was two-thirty. She needed to pack up the boxes and head out. She would probably stay at the guildhall for a while and see if there was anyone to chat with. She could socialize for an hour maybe two. After all, half of the letters for the day were already written and the others compared to this one weren't going to be nearly as long.

As she passed her window, heading for the door a large flash out of the corner of her eye caught her attention. Up in the sky a giant explosion was burning itself out and it left a lot of smoke. People in the streets cried out in concern, but Lucy just shook her head and went back to her chore. Whatever Natsu was up too, she was sure she'd hear about it eventually. Picking up the two boxes, she left her apartment with a smile. Glad to be heading to where she always knew family waited for her.

Natsu

Natsu chose to just amp up his body heat instead of changing outfits this time. He hated doing laundry but at least once he and Lucy were married, he could pawn the chore onto her. She actually liked doing the laundry, but he knew he'd get stuck with the dishes. Well, there were worst things. As he grew closer to his house, he heard Happy's voice. Natsu wasn't worried, until he heard the tone. It was the tone Happy always got when he was up to something.

Happy had arrived five minutes earlier, looking for Natsu. He'd been at the fight of course, but knew better than to follow the love birds. Happy had been feeling rather lonely ever since those two had finally gotten over … well he wasn't sure what exactly they had to get over to finally tell each other how they felt. They had been in love with each other for years. Everyone knew it. Everyone could tell, so why it had taken this long for them to finally say something, Happy would never know.

When Happy had realized that Natsu wasn't home, he decided to wait for him. Unfortunately, an idle Happy becomes a bored Happy. That was when he saw the waiting lacrima and decided to create a message of his own.

"Hey, Lucy is this thing on?" He saw himself and smiled. "Alright, hey listen. I just thought you should know somethings about Natsu. I mean, you're probably already married to the guy by the time you see this, but it's never too late to get out of it."

"First, Natsu likes to fart during baths. He thinks it's hilarious as the bubbles and steam rise to the surface. Unfortunately, the smell is awful. And I don't mean his normal awful, for whatever reason after they've passed through water, they smell like ten times worse! Freed absolutely refuses to go into the guild's baths with him anymore and one-time Laxus electrocuted him."

Happy stopped for a moment, thinking he heard something outside, but decided to continue. "Second, he says he loves your brownies, but actually he likes Lisanna's better and wishes you'd take baking lessons from her. I mean, it wouldn't kill you. A way to a man's heart is through his stomach, so his love for you must be a miracle because if that were true, he should have ended up with her. Though, I will say I think you two are made for each other, just not your baking or cooking."

Now he definitely heard running feet and he had one more thing to say. "And if you ever wondered if you made the right choice when it came to the bedroom, I will say that our Natsu might be impressive, but I've been in the baths enough time to know that you really should have snapped up Gray when you had the chance because …"

"Happy!" Natsu screamed, tearing in through the door.

"Natsu! You're back!" Happy cried, flying out of view. All Lucy would be able to see now was Natsu's kitchen window, but she'd be able to hear everything else.

"Don't you Natsu me. I heard what you were saying and I'll have you know that that is false! I am way larger than Gray!"

"You are not."

"Fine, but I swear we are the same."

"How would you know? Ever check?"

"Well no, why would we? That's just weird!"

"Then how are you going to make Lucy know she picked the right choice?"

"Because we love each other Happy. She isn't marrying me for the sex!"

"Yeah, but she might divorce you for it!"

"Why you little…" what happened next could never fully be understood. Natsu swears he just threw a few fireballs at the retreating Happy. But Happy's story claimed that Natsu actually became a fire breathing dragon and chased Happy threw the sky, nearly roasting him alive.

Neither story was very factual as there was no way now that Natsu could actually transform into a dragon and the damage done to Happy's fur was a bit more than just a few fireballs. Everyone simply came to the conclusion that Natsu shot after Happy by throwing fire from his feet and then sent one or two massive fireballs at the retreating exceed.

Regardless, the recording was still going when Natsu returned ten minutes later and sat down. He looked angry but also a little embarrassed. "Listen, Lucy," he started.

"I'm not sure what that no good trader told you exactly, but if you could just ignore it that would be great. I know how to erase from this lacrima, but unfortunately, it would erase everything I've already done, so I'll just keep going."

Natsu took a deep breath and began.

Piece 5 - Taking a Treasure

"So my next piece has to do with you actually begin taken. Yeah, I'm referring to that whole Phantom Lord incident. I remember being so angry at them for what they did to Levy, Jet, and Droy that I almost burnt down the guildhall myself. I kind of came out of my angry stupor on the train, while I was far too sick to be angry anymore and realized that you weren't there. I couldn't believe I left you behind. I actually felt horrible at first, but then I realized that maybe it was done on purpose. You and Levy were already good friends and so I figured that you had volunteered to stay behind with them."

"I didn't realize that it was actually my fault until much later. I still feel bad about that, by the way, and that is why I always told you about everything we were planning on doing after that. You know, until the S-Class trials. But even then, there was a small part of me that wondered if I was doing the right thing by leaving you behind. I even had a momentary faltering in saying that I was taking Happy as my partner. A part of me wanted to take you. But I'm getting away ahead of myself." Natsu took a deep breath and prepared himself for some memories that were still difficult for him to relive.

"Anyway, I had no idea you were kidnapped until the end of the fight when Master was struck down and we had to retreat. I heard Gajeel say something about taking you and I lost it. But it was weird. Up until then, whenever I had lost it, I usually black outed, just acting and not really thinking. But when I heard that you were taken, I actually thought faster and smarter."

"I found out where you were and then just went running. I knew I had to get to you. If you were where that guy said you'd be, I'd tear it all apart to rescue you. That was the plan anyway, until I saw you standing on the top of that tower. I don't know how I knew, but I knew you were planning on jumping. I yelled your name and started running even faster. Sure enough, you fell and I just remember your name and my name being yelled and me catching you." Natsu smirked and shook his head.

"You know, I had seen boobs before, but that was the first time actually touching any. Of course, this actually hit me much later. I was just too relieved that I'd saved you to really stop and realize where my face had landed. I just remember thinking later about how nice they felt, but it wasn't enough of a pull yet to make me go pervy." He took a big breath and counted to three. He needed to get off this train of thought before he was forced to go back to the stream.

"So I saved you and when it all came out, about who your dad was and why Phantom Lord wanted you, I never felt so protective. I also realized that a lot about you made sense once I heard how you'd grown up. You were a fighter, but you'd obviously been used to the nicer things in life. Still, you were Lucy of Fairy Tail now and I would beat anyone who tried to change that."

"When the walking guild hall showed up, I made sure to be the first there. No one was going to stop me. I was going to take the entire guild down! No one and I mean no one was going to hurt you! "

Natsu stopped and took a couple of deep breaths. Just the memories were causing his temper to flare and he might burn down his home if he wasn't careful. "I don't know. " He finally muttered. "Since I've been thinking so much, I almost wonder if that was when I first fell in love with you. Maybe not. I don't think it's ever just one moment but a lot of little ones. I will say though that that was the first time that I realized just how much of my family you were to me. You'd only been at the guild for a few months then, but you were already more important to me than many who had been there since the beginning." Natsu stopped for a moment, wondering if he should feel bad about this, but realized that'd be stupid. Lucy was just special and as such, growing close to her so quickly shouldn't have been something to be ashamed about.

"Anyway, I remember the next time I felt that clarity rage was when I realized that Gajeel was beating you to a pulp. Man, he was such a tool back then. One time Levy asked me if I felt bad for beating him that day, just like he felt bad for beating her and you up. I told her the truth, no. She wrote it off as some form of rival complex, and for the fights we've been in after he joined the guild, yeah, we're rivals. Beating each other up is all a part of it, but that fight, that fight I will never ever feel bad about. He'd bruised you and you were sore for weeks. I kept an eye on you and would see you twitch or hear you take a quick, shuttered inhale if you moved too quickly. No, I will never feel sorry for beating up Gajeel during that because I was protecting you. I think when Gramps told me that I had to accept him into the guild was the first time I almost physically snapped at the old man."

"I don't know how exactly this all builds up to where we are today, but I guess if I had to give a distinct answer, it'd be that it was that incident that triggered my instincts towards you. Obviously, not all of them and it started off very small, but my dragon side had claimed you as a treasure to protect at all costs. And if there is one thing about a dragon and his treasure, it's that the only way anyone is taking it or damaging it is over the dragon's dead body." Natsu had worked himself up again, but now he just needed to run or punch a few trees.

"I've got to go, Lucy but I'll record again later." He turned off the lacrima and went to his favorite punching tree at a sprint.