~switching to third person, forgive meeee~

Natsu stared at her. And stared at her some more. And stared at her some more. And-

Morning had come. Lucy had let him take the bed because of his injuries. She told him: "I can handle the couch for a few days, I'm not a BRAT!" He sent her a sly smile at the comment, at which Lucy nearly ended his life. Yet, as his eyes adjusted to the light, she was there, curled neatly beside him. Across the room, the orb pulsated. Natsu's eyes slitted and sharpened as they quickly studied the object.

Did he imagine it? 'Couldn't have.

Seconds passed. At last Natsu decided whatever it was, it was no immediate danger. He let his gaze fall again to his partner, his heart swelling as gentle puffs of air escaped her.

"Got scared last night and needed ME to protect ya, huh?"

"Hell no."

"AEEEEEEE-" He released a high pitched scream and tumbled out of the bed.

"This is just comfier." Her head peaked over the side of the mattress, a carefree smile sent his way.

Lucy's playful mood, her damn smile. Ba-dump. A flash of light from the orb.

"Huh?" Lucy's head turned.

Breathing became difficult. An unbearably addictive scent took over his nose.

"Why are you breathing so-" As her eyes met his, her voice dropped in awe.

"Natsu..." His eyes were a beautiful blood red. His gaze held what felt like adoration and desire and... love? She was captivated. As if he was calling her like a siren with only his gaze. With a grunt, Natsu's hand gripped the edge of the mattress, rising slightly towards her. Their eyes were locked; his gaze did not faulter. Lucy's fingers twitched in anticipation: finally!

Wait.

This can't be right.

A growl snapped her attention back. Those eyes were furrowed with a look even more intense than the last. The needy, harsh gaze pierced her.

She was scared.

Of Natsu.

Recognition flashed crimson eyes to onyx and in a second Natsu distanced himself.

"Gomen." His voice was quiet, an audible whisper. "You shouldn't have had to see that."

"Natsu... What was that?" Lucy stood as if to move towards him, but Natsu stepped back. "Lucy. I really need to talk-"

"Oh, I know!" She exclaimed.

His expression dropped, dumbfounded. How did she...?! How could she?! Did Levy have some ugly ass book on him in her library? Those dragon books are disgustingly accurate...

Well, he thought, this is embarrassing.

"Oh, don't be embarrassed, Natsu! Everybody gets sick!" A cheeky grin, as if she were being understanding.

"Yeah! Everybody gets a lil'... s-s-s-s-sick?!" He sputtered.

"Yep! The orb flashed and then you got all weird. It only makes sense, right? That must be it." She hammered one fist into her flat hand like she just made the discovery of a lifetime.

Natsu's mind was racing. Should he use this to avoid telling her... It seemed like the easiest way out.

He gave her a nervous laugh. "Yeah, maybe you're right, Lucy, I think I'm sick."

She beamed. "Of course!" She seemed frantic. "I should really get you some medicine. Is your tummy hurting? I'll be back in a few!" She grabbed her purse and hustled out the apartment.

Natsu sighed as the door closed. He let his guard down. He knew better. Heat had come and he let himself stay so close to her. She was so close. So close. He winced. He can't let this happen again. Keeping away from her would only hurt them both. He'd just have to be more careful. Or I could tell her, a voice in the back of his mind called. His teeth clenched. That's what he really wanted. That's what would make him happy. In the end he knows he has to choose: to tell her or run. He knows he won't be able to last much longer around her. It'll become unbearable. He wants her.

His mind flashed. Back there. When he had lost control for those deliciously long seconds, he didn't have to hold back anymore. He looked at her with all the emotion he had bundled up inside of him and called out to her. He remembered. How she looked back at him. First shock. But then... she looked comfortable. Accepting. Would she accept him? Hope welled in him.

Lucy slid down her door. While laying in the hall of her apartment complex wasn't her favorite thing in the world, Lucy found herself just trying to catch her breath. Her heart was pounding. She felt... unnerved to say the least. What was wrong with Natsu? That was no common cold, that's for sure. Was he ok? What was with that look he was giving her? What's more: why did it make her feel so good. She put a hand to her chest, feeling her heart hammer uncontrollably. She was used to getting flustered around Natsu sometimes, let's be real, she was crazy about him. She'd never dropped the L-bomb before, but if it had been saved for anyone, it was him. She knew it was him. She had always thought his carefree density was charming, but what she just experienced in there was a whole new world. She'd never seen Natsu look at anything the way he'd just looked at her. Like he wanted to protect her using his own body as a shield but also rip her clothes off. She needed to talk to someone, and if there was anyone who'd have the resources she needed, it was Levy.