. Falling Hard .

He was pretty sure he knew way before she did. Scratch that, he was beyond positive. He would incinerate anyone who said otherwise...particularly that bastard Gray. Screw him. He didn't get a say in anything that had to do with his epiphany...that's what it was called, wasn't it? An epiphany? He'd have to ask Levy, because if he said anything to her, she'd know before he was certain of how she felt. And he didn't want to ruin what they had if she didn't feel the same way.

Point is: he knew he was in love with her, and had been for months.

I am in love with

How could he not be in love with her? He cracked a massive yawn, showing off those sharper than average canines without hesitation. There was so much about her...so much to her, he couldn't even begin to cover it all!

your smile,

Just look at her smile! ...which she was directing at that stupid Ice Princess. He'd said something that had amused her, and she'd smiled warmly at him for it. Her soft pink lips curved up into a massive smile, a grin, and he felt a flash of jealousy. Why wasn't it directed at him?

your voice,

Erza suddenly appeared, her armor clinking softly as the requip mage questioned her about her plans for the three day break they'd agreed to take off from their unending work. Her voice was soft, gentle, warm, full of an affection that lulled him into a trance as she explained how he'd agreed to take her somewhere fun. That earned him a suspicious glance, but he pretended not to notice.

your body,

He watched her, lost in thought. Nobody else seemed to notice, as they were all too busy with their own conversations. She just...she looked so soft! And she was so warm! He loved when she pretended to be asleep in the mornings, curled up against his side, her curves pressed tightly against him. There was a reason he sneaked into her bed at night.

your laugh,

Erza asked Gray something, and the ice-make mage gritted something out in return, a scowl appearing on his face as he risked a glance over his shoulder at the carefully watching Juvia. A look passed over his face, one of fear, and her gentle chiming laughter filled his ears. A grin spread across his face in response, gaze softening at the sound.

your eyes.

As if feeling her gaze on him, she glanced his way, locking her eyes on him. The warm chocolate color was sparkling with warmth and curiosity, silently questioning him. He only winked in response, and she jerked her head away, a soft blush appearing on her face. Erza and Gray didn't notice.

But most of all,

He could only snicker to himself, completely and utterly amused by her bashfulness. He pretended he wasn't though, instead shooting a taunt at Gray, who scowled at him in response. The stupid Ice Princess had somehow lost his shirt, and he didn't hesitate to alert him about it.

I am in love

Erza overheard and glowered viciously at Gray, who scrambled to find his clothes under the threat of an early demise. He gave a huge smirk that Gray glared at - and then glanced questioningly over at the girl who occupied his thoughts most of the time when she whined his name. She was pleading quietly for him to stop a certain blue Exceed's annoying teasing.

with you.

A sigh escaped him, and he reached up to swat Happy away, warning him to stop if he wanted more than a single fish for dinner tonight. She shot him a relieved smile, reaching over to gratefully pat his shoulder. Honestly, he'd rather she kissed him. But she didn't, and, in her usual way, she shot to her feet to snap something at Happy, who'd ignored his warnings and came back to taunt her.

She had her moments, when she was less than pleasant, but he could have cared less, because she was the woman he would fight to the death for. She was the woman he would risk everything for.

And while he wanted so desperately for her to know, he would wait until she was ready.

Because there was nobody he loved more than Lucy Heartfilia.

So...as requested, Natsu's side! I was originally going to do the exact same moment as Lucy's, but decided against it after finding this little poem thing (disclaimers). So I did Natsu's realization instead. Thank you SO much reviewers, favorite...ers, and followers! :D