OMG yes I live :'D I know in my last story I said I was just taking August off, but life was crazy and then there was writer's block and then life was crazy… you get the idea :'D But I wanted to get a story up for Christmas so here yah go :D If there are any errors in this story forgive me, I didn't look it over and its almost 2 here and I've had a long day and I'm bushed, but I wanted to be sure to get this up and out on time :'D

Natsu looked down at the gift in his hand, he hoped that Lucy would like it. She was an important friend to him and he wanted to make her happy this Christmas. So he had listened in on conversations here and there when she was talking with Levy or Erza to see if he could find the perfect gift.

Finally one came to his ear, but it was a hard thing to secure, incredibly rare and not easy to find. But he put his mind to it and he was gonna get it for her, he was bound and determined to do so. So he took jobs near and far on his own except for Happy. Many hardships had he endured, his strength had been put to the test many times and not just physically, but doing things like restraining from eating some of his favorite food because it was delivery and other such near impossible tasks.

Then one day he finally secured it, the perfect gift! It had all been worth it in that moment, but he knew it would soon pale in comparison when Lucy opened the box. He tapped his foot anxiously, he had asked her to come out to his place to ensure their privacy as she opened her gift. It wasn't that he didn't love his guild mates, but he wanted to enjoy watching her open it and her reaction to it without remarks from their guild mates.

Then his ears caught the sound of her feet upon the path and he jumped to his own set and made his way to the door, opening it just as she was preparing to knock. Her surprise look quickly faded and was replaced with a smile as she said "Hey Natsu, Happy said you wanted me to come see you, said it couldn't wait until the party later tonight. What's up?"

"I have a gift for you, but I didn't want the others interrupting you opening it." Natsu said as he rubbed the back of his head, a sheepish expression on his face. Lucy laughed as he grabbed the small package off the table and handed it to her. Lucy didn't say another word, her smile still bright on her face as she carefully tore open the package, though to Natsu it felt like she was moving in slow motion, so excited was he to see her open it.

Finally she was lifting the lid of the box and a stunned expression filled her face as a gasp left her lips, followed by a soft "Oh Natsu." She settled onto a nearby chair as she continued to stare down at the gift, so precious she could hardly believe her eyes. As a tear slipped out, she asked "How did you find this?"

"It wasn't easy, that's why I went on so many jobs, following any lead no matter how small, until I finally lucked out." Natsu answered. Lucy lifted it out of the box, hugging it to her chest. Aquarius' key was finally back with her. "Thank you Natsu." Lucy said as tears fell from her cheeks. Natsu grinned and took her hand, bringing her to her feet as he said "Come on."

He took her down to the nearby stream, another reason he chose his house, and watched as Lucy summoned Aquarius. "Well finally, I was beginning to wonder if you would ever find my key." The snarky mermaid said as she appeared, though her eyes were filled with affection for Lucy. Lucy lunged at her friend, hugging her as she sobbed. Aquarius returned the hug, tears of her own sliding down her face.

After they had caught up and formed a new contract, Aquarius disappeared back to the Celestial Realm and Lucy turned her attention back to Natsu. Hugging him she said "Thank you Natsu." "You're welcome Lucy." He said with a grin as she pulled back from the hug. Her next move surprised him as she kissed him, but he soon returned it.

As they pulled back, they rested their foreheads against each other and Lucy said "I love you Natsu." "I love you too Lucy." Lucy grinned and said "Come on, let's go to the guild so I can show them my gifts from you."

Natsu looked confused as he asked "Gifts?" Lucy nodded and answered "Aquarius' key and your heart." Natsu grinned as Lucy took his hand, leading him for once on their way to the guild, to their family, to their home.