A.N.- ARIGATOU GOZAIMASSU! * bows *

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Disclaimer: Newsflash! Hiro Mashima owns Fairy Tail.

" Nursing "

3rd Chapter

Natsu Dragneel is laying on his blond partner's bed, gazing at the white ceiling trying hard to keep his heavy eye lids open. He can hear the Celestial mage humming in the kitchen, loud and clear as she cooks, and that sweet melody is lulling him back to sleep. He doesn't want to, because every time he drifts off, all he sees is her lifeless body, all he smells is her blood – a nasty scent, so strong that has clung to his nostrils ever since that dreadful day in Crocus, he can almost taste it in his mouth which sickens him –and all he can hear is her broken, strangled and fading voice. That is definitely not is Luce, in a way she wasn't, and he has to remind himself of that over and over again.

The Fire Dragon Slayer was feeling awfully bad, he couldn't remember ever being sick before, but this was the worst and the weakest that he has ever felt in his yet short life. Nope, that's not true. Nothing, not even the disappearance of his beloved father, can compare to the piercing, unbearable pain of watching someone so precious be taken away forever, right in front of you and be powerless to do something, anything. For the first time since they joined paths in Hargeon he failed to save her, if her future self hadn't leapt to shield Luce from the fatal blow that was intended for her, she would no longer be here with him.

" What if I can't protect you, when whatever it is comes " the weakened Salamander whispered to himself, fisting his hand on the sheets " What if I'm not strong enough ".

Day after Day, in and out of missions, with or without Lucy, from dusk till dawn, Natsu trained at every possible opportunity. He had to get stronger, he needed to be ready, so he could protect his nakama, so he could protect Her. No matter what, he was strictly forbidden to fail, to lose as he almost did at the Dragons Fest. It is still very fresh on all his senses, the way his heart had stopped beating, how he felt numb, dead. He had lost a nakama before, a dear friend he thought he would never see again, though as sad and revolted as he was when he heard of Lissana's death, he hadn't felt half the excruciating pain he did while watching future Lucy take that blast. Witnessing as she died, breathing her last breath and even so smile, that warm, reassuring and kind smile the one that only Lucy possesses, it was devastating.

" I can't live without you Luce " Natsu sighed closing his eyes, no longer capable to keep them open.

Had future Lucy been feeling like this for seven years? He hadn't actually lost his girl though this last three months had been hell, he felt lost, defeated. But she, she had lost them all, she was alone for so long, how could she bear with such pain. Natsu knows how, deep down, it doesn't matter which Lucy she may be, from whatever dimension she comes from. Lucy is Lucy and she is strong, so so strong – if only she could see what he sees - in mind, heart and soul. She won't ever give up – as much as she feels like to - nor cave in, as long as there is the slightest glimpse of hope, as long as her stars shine in the sky, casting their light at the shadows of her insecurities and doubts, they'll guide her faithfully forward. His Luce will always rise to her feet, battered, bruised, hurt, she'll stumble, she'll be brought to the edge, but she won't go down without a hell of a fight and he loves her for it, he loves Her.

" Na…, ..tsu " the Dragon Slayer could hear in the back of his mind, " Nat.., .ats. " slowly he followed this soft sound " Natsu, Natsu " he could hear clearly now, and feel as Luce tenderly whispered and slowly shook his arm.

" Gomen ne " she said as the Salamander stirred and flickered his eyes open, "You were sleeping so soundly now, but the food is done " she stated getting up from where she knelt beside the bed " Gomen ".

" Its okay " he mustered, feeling his throat sore and sticky, " I really don't feel like eating " he pointed out still drowsy.

" We have to put something in that bottomless pit of yours " she chuckled jokingly, " It will make you feel better, I promise " Lucy added more seriously watching him pout at her comment.

" But I don't want to " he replied turning his face to the side just like a little kid, " My throat feels like I ate needles, and I don't think my stomach can take food right now " he honestly told her.

" I understand, but you have to eat anyway " Lucy stood her ground, she was responsible for him right now and she'll do everything she can to make him feel better, even if it means by force " Please Natsu, for me! " she played the puppy eyes card on him.

" A-Aye! " Natsu responded in his best Happy impersonation, ' I'll do anything for you… ' he thought as she beamed the most beautiful smile his way, and turned away.

She had him on the palm of her hands, if only she knew. He's defenseless when it comes to this blond girl, there's an aura, a bright, pure, soothing aura around her that mesmerizes him from day one. Everything about her hypnotizes him, and as much as he tries to stay within appropriate boundaries, her whole being pulls him closer, she has strange effects over him. Natsu gravitates around her, he can no longer picture himself without her bright smile, her sparkling eyes, her soft features and plump lips – yes he has taken notice about her, anatomy – the care her voice carries and the sweet scent of her hair. Oh, boy! He may be hooked, he may play dumb most of the times. But hell, he is going to get the best out of this situation, if only this time he'll be the one taking the upper hand here.

" Luce, can you help me up. I feel really stiff " he called out, putting his plan in motion.

" Sure " Lucy replied putting down the tray she was picking up, " Here " she attempted to pass an arm around his shoulders, when Natsu crossed his around her neck.

" I'm a bit heavy, this way is better " he spoke to her ear, taking the opportunity to nuzzle in her hair.

" Hum " she muttered, crossing her arms around his torso and lifting him up, " Don't let go just yet " she said barely above a whisper as he loosened his hold, " I need to rearrange the pillows " Lucy falsely justified, deep inside desiring to remain in his embrace a while longer.

" Kay " Natsu shortly replied, resting his chin on her left shoulder, " I feel dizzy when I'm up " he shared as she fixed the pillows with only one arm.

" That's normal " Lucy informed supporting his weight, " But your temperature hasn't change again, that's good news " she said pulling him more to her, so she could better assess the pillows, " Done ".

" Thanks " Natsu thanked her as she was again helping him lean back, he did have enough strength to move a little but this is definitely better.

" At your service " she smiled, fixing the covers too " I'm your nurse remember " Lucy ruffled his hair and moved to her desk.

" Yup, the best one. Even without a uniform " he too smiled as Lucy placed a tray over his lap, " Chicken soup, huh " Natsu said as he watched the steaming bowl. Crispy meat was his thing, not flavored boiled water.

" I fear that you have a fetish for those " Lucy giggled to herself amused, " Though it could be much worse " she joked, her writers creativity creating several creepier scenarios on her mind.

" I don't fantasize of you wearing that, I just think that they suit you " the Salamander boldly said not really paying attention to what he spoke, as he plotted his next move. Grabbing the spoon, seemingly weakly, Natsu purposefully let it slip from his grip, " I think I need some more help miss nurse " he said locking eyes with a bewildered Lucy.

" H-Hai " sitting down at the edge of the bed and in front of a confused Dragon Slayer, ' He doesn't fantasize of me wearing that!?... Does that mean he does it in other ways!... Does Natsu even know what that sort of fantasy is?... He sounded so, understanding... ' Lucy's thoughts were running wild as she stirred the hot soup.

' Why was she looking at me like that?... Why's she with that weird, maniacal look on her face?... Did I said anything wrong?... I can't remem... Oh! OH! SHIMATTA!... ' Natsu's expression shifted as realization dawned on him.

" Okay, so... huh " Lucy muttered filling the spoon. " Right, well... s-say AAH " she voiced raising the spoon to his mouth, her cheeks flushed in the dim light from the bed side lamp.

' Sa-Say what now!... ' he screamed inside of his head as the spoon was coming closer, " A-AAH " he repeated constrained and flushing to his ears, taken by surprise.

" T-This is M-Momma's recipe " Lucy stuttered retracting and refilling the spoon, in an attempt to just say something and get rid of the embarrassment.

" Its tasty " Natsu replied before closing his mouth over the spoon again, ' Lucy if feeding me!... I'm being mouth fed by Luce!... '.

" It was the first time I used her recipes handbook " the blond continued to randomly speak.

" Its tasty " he responded the same as before, but both were so out of their wits that neither noticed.

" It's missing something though " the Celestial mage said pensive, automatically feeding the Dragon Slayer.

" The book? " the Salamander was regaining his sanity.

" The soup " she stated stirring the bowl again, " Like a motherly touch " she said a bit saddened.

" That's cause you're not a mom yet weirdo " Natsu observed, " But I can feel a Lucy's touch, you're a great cook " he meaningfully smiled ' And you'll be a great mom... '.

" I better be, I didn't slave over a stove all those years for nothing " she smiled, retaking her task " I miss Momma's food " Lucy added nostalgic.

" I wish I could have met her, she sounds awesome " Natsu voiced out of the blue, making Lucy lock her eyes on him, " All moms sound really nice, but I can't help to like yours the most ".

" She was a great woman " Lucy was shinning, " I wish that she could've met you too, I'm sure that she would have loved you " hearing Natsu compliment and speak of her dear mother this way was indescribable ' Just as much as I love you... ' Lucy thought contentedly, " Can I make you a question? ".

" Haven't you already? " the Dragon Slayer joked, starting to feel full, " That's not very smart of you Luce, how disappointing " he mocked.

" My, so witty! Didn't knew you had it in you Dragneel " Lucy mocked back, stopping the spoon mid-air " It seems that my patient is getting better, maybe he's already capable to eat on his own " Lucy implied amused, but also relieved that Natsu was showing clear signs of recovery.

" There is plenty about me that you don't know Luce " Natsu teasingly said, bending over the tray and taking the spoon Lucy had left hanging in there, in his mouth, ' THE HELL AM I DOING?... AM I SERIOUSLY HITTING ON LUCE!.. ' all the while holding her gaze on his.

" Well, it goes both ways " Lucy simply replied as her heartbeat raced wildly with his proximity, " I'm not an open book myself " she said feeding him one more spoon, carefully observing his expressions, ' Am I hallucinating!... Where's silly Natsu?... Is he, is he making a move on me?!... No, that's... That's impossible... '.

" I believe that it is about time we change that " the Salamander declared, feeling unusually bold around his favorite girl, " I usually don't read but I'm all fired up! " he finished saying his trademark quote.

" Last one Natsu, here comes the plane " Lucy said between giggles, much more at ease " Oh, sorry! " she exclaimed as she accidentally spilled some soup down Natsu's chin, automatically wiping it with the back of her pinkie finger and absentmindedly licking it clean, " See. It wasn't so hard, now was it? " the blond rhetorically asked.

" N-Not at all " the Fire mage responded still dazed by her sudden action, " Mouth watery really, and hot " Natsu gulped not exactly speaking of his meal, ' Oh man, what is going on with me today... ' he sighed leaning his head back on the bed's headboard and closing his eyes.

" I promised that it would make you feel better, didn't I " she reminded, getting up and taking the tray away " I never break my word, and I am usually always right " Lucy stated, walking back to the bed and sitting beside him " You scared me out there, you should've told me if you weren't feeling well " she let out, leaning her head on his left shoulder.

" Sorry, I didn't wanted to worry you " Natsu said leaning his head on Lucy's, and springing his left arm around her back " You tired? " he asked feeling her relax against his warmth.

" I had a tiring mission first thing in the morning, and after lunch I spent the day running around with Wendy to get things ready " Lucy closed her eyes and allowed his body to take some of her weight, " I'm exhausted ".

" Lets sleep together " Natsu announced with no second intentions, passing his right arm around her waist and pulling her down so her back was now flat on the mattress.

" N-NATSU! " Lucy gasped and squeaked at his sudden action, ' That's not what he meant you perverted mind... ' she scolded herself, " That's not the next step " she implied on her end, trying to get free from Natsu's vice like grip, ' First we need to go on dates and then, naturally we can... No, no, no!... Stop thinking about these things... '.

" I don't mind if you sing or tell a story while laying down " Natsu said matter of fact, letting her free " It's really late, and the only reason that you're still up is me, besides this is your bed " he argumented raising his upper body on his left elbow.

" Fine " Lucy was entranced by his handsome onyx orbs, " But no more funny businesses " she let him know straight ahead.

" What do ya mean? " Natsu said questioningly, comprehending full well what the Celestial mage meant.

" Why do you always answer the same thing when I'm talking about... Nothing " she muttered flustered, " Make some room Natsu " Lucy demanded, shaking off her slippers and pushing her legs up, and under the comforter.

" Now keep petting me, it feels good " Natsu replied draping his head on Lucy's lap just like that, ' Perfect... ' he smirked.

" Pet you! Who are you, Happy? " Lucy whole heartedly laughed, even so she complied with his odd request fondling his pink locks " I could stay in here forever, its so warm and comfortable " she expressed pleased, stretching her body on the mattress.

" Me too " Natsu agreed, feeling her belly move underneath his left cheek with every breath she took, " This is definitely the comfiest bed in the world " he declared.

" Because I'm in it, right " the blond bluntly stated looking down at him, " That's what you said before " she explained as he looked up at her surprised.

" Only when you're in it " he said it, confident and without the slightest hesitation.

" It makes me happy to hear you say that, you know " her heart was swelling, and a silly smile was plastered on her face, " It makes me happy that you trust me this much " Lucy sincerely replied not capable of maintaining the invisible walls she keeps up around Natsu.

" All I want is to make you happy Luce " Natsu spoke innocently but serious, ' Forever... ' he thought as her fingers draw patterns on his hair, " You're my nakama " he added the audacity of before, gone.

" Why else " was Lucy's shy and ironic response, the walls coming back up.

" Did I said something wrong Luce? " he asked as her fingers stopped.

" I am so lucky to call you my best friend, I don't know what my life would've been if I haven't met you that day " the blond mage spoke after a while, " Sometimes I still think that this is all just a big dream " she whispered knowing that he would hear her just fine.

" We're real " he responded pushing her closer to him, " But I'll gladly dream forever, if it means I get to stay by your side Luce " he hoarsely said, that dreadful feeling of losing her surfacing again.

" What if we don't have that long " Lucy whispered letting her right hand travel to the nape of his neck, unbeknownst to her, feeling exactly the same as Natsu.

" I won't let it happen again " he declared as he scrunched his head against Lucy's belly, " I won't fail you ever again, I promise you Luce I'll never let you die again " his voice broke.

" Fail me? " Lucy was bewildered with his words, " Na-Natsu, are you crying? " she softly asked as she felt her belly get warmer, " Natsu? ".

Sitting straight and bending over his form, Lucy lifted his bangs from his forehead and tried to look at him. To no avail as he was clinging to her stomach like it was the only thing keeping him from drowning, his life line. Unable to turn him to her, Lucy began to caress his back and kept stroking his hair. As she did so, and unexpectedly as it was, his body started to shake and soon some muffled sobs could be heard coming from the Dragon Slayer.

A.N.- So this is it for this week's update!

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murasakiana n.n