Why isn't he turning around, he must hear me coming! Lucy raged internally. Of course, the last place I think to check would be the place he was headed… Her throat was like sandpaper from sprinting to Natsu's house, then to her own apartment, then back to the guild to make sure she didn't miss him on his way there.

Just as she came up behind him, his pink hair fluttering with the breeze, doubt crept into her head. What if Mira is wrong? she worried, before remembering the resolve that sent her running after him in the first place. She wouldn't hide anymore.

When Natsu could feel Lucy just steps behind him, he sighed, calling out to the Exceed ahead of him, "Happy, go on. I'll meet you at the usual spot." He heard Lucy's steps halt as he spoke, and stopped where he stood as well.

Happy turned toward them, about to question Natsu, but stopped when he saw Lucy, and a sly smile crossed his face. "Ohhh, hey Lucy! I'll leave you two be," he replied, giggling, before flying off.

Guess we're doing this now, Natsu thought as he turned around. Lucy stood with her hands on her knees trying to catch her breath.

"Why are you so out of breath?" he asked.

"Because… I have been… running… all over… looking for you!" She said between pants, still looking at the ground.

"Oh, yeah. We haven't gone to the guild yet…" he trailed off. Man, this is awkward. Stupid sleeping Natsu, ruining it for the rest of us! he chastised himself.

When Lucy stood back up, he trained his eyes to her face, trying to pick apart her expression. The redness of her face was giving way to subtle flush, and the sheen of her skin reflected the late-morning sun. She clenched her fists at her sides before abruptly stepping toward Natsu so they were toe-to-toe. Even though he was used to being this close to her, hell, she let him cuddle her sometimes when it was especially cold out, his heart still picked up its pace, and he could feel his cheeks heating to match Lucy's. They stood that way for a moment before Lucy took a deep breath and looked up into his eyes. Natsu's mind was totally blank, he had no idea what to think or do.

"Natsu…" she started, "tell me the truth." She held his gaze, refusing to look away. Her face was inches from him, and her scent was as intoxicating as ever, but it was the hope he thought he saw in her eyes that pulled the words from his mouth before he could stop them.

"I dream about you almost every night" he blurted, before slapping his hand over his mouth. Shit, now you've really done it!

He expected her to slap him, or call him a weirdo, so he wasn't at all prepared her to close the remaining distance between them. Her soft lips pressed against his, light as a feather, gone again so quickly he wasn't sure if his mind was playing tricks on him. When he saw there shy smile, his heart nearly jumped out of his chest. Lucy kissed me!

Ahhh I kissed Natsu! Embarrassed as she was, she couldn't stop herself from smiling. She was still reveling in Natsu's words when a shadow came over her, and soft pink hair rested against her forehead. Before she could react, his lips met with hers again, his strong arms pulling her into him. The sensation felt foreign and familiar all at the same time, his usually warm skin scorching where it touched hers.

She withstood the heat for a few more seconds before pulling back, complaining "You're too hot Natsu! Don't burn me!" as she pushing him lightly on his chest. Natsu held her palm against his chest, allowing Lucy to feel the rapid pounding of his heart in tune with her own. Lucy felt a calm settle over her, as through the storm within her had finally dissipated.

"Let's go fishing, Natsu."

A/N: Thank you for reading! I greatly appreciate any feedback on my first story, I know it's a little short.