A.N.- Gomenasai *bows* for the delay. I really could not make it sooner. And I believe that I have strayed away from my goal with this chapter :s

So Minna:) how does everybody feel knowing that FT Anime will be back in April! I'm hyped :D Finally, neh? A year long without it was too hard, can't wait xDDD

Disclaimer: Hiro Mashima owns Fairy Tail, Mavis bless him! :D

" Nursing "

5th Chapter

Natsu felt the blonde's whole body tense up at his declaration, all her muscles appear to have been turned to stone as she tightened her hold on his neck and head, burying her face under his chin. Her heartbeat was frantic - was it a good sign? - trummering so hard against his own anxious one, that it was a miracle how it hadn't jumped off her chest. She was also breathing heavily, Natsu could hear every deep intake of air that she took and feel every out take as her hot breath grazed the sensitive skin of his neck.

A complete stranger - and a beautiful girl at that - that pays you lunch and asks nothing in return, is a keeper. Strangely this had been his first thought about the blond when she left the dinner, all those years back, in Hargeon. The Dragon Slayer never expected to see her again, but fate - that he now believes in because of her - proved him wrong, thankfully. It was obvious that Luce didn't thought of Fairy Tail to be so loud, so crazy, so eccentric when she joined the Guild, even to this day - despite blending in just fine - the Celestial summoner is still trying to find some balance, between the way she was raised to be and the individual she can become.

She used to complain so much in the beginning - which was later explained by the fact that she was once a pampered, rich Lady - annoying the hell out of the Salamander for the weirdest of reasons, or bug him to no end with her smartness. But at the same time she was also kind, gentle and fun to hang out with. Luce was special, unique in every aspect and soon she became irreplaceable, to the point that Natsu absently dropped his relentless quest to find his father simply because he couldn't be away from her too long. At first the fire mage didn't knew nor understood what was happening to him, but somehow, at some point in time being around Lucy felt different.

So once he figured out and realized the meaning behind these new sensations and feelings, he was all fired up! Being the kind of guy that simply speaks his mind with no hesitations he automatically decided that he had to step up and confess. But how should he do it? He had never been in Love before. Love, he loves his father, his nakama and Guild. Tough, there is something more about this Love he has for Luce. Where he cares about Igneel and his "extended " family, the Dragon Slayer yearns for the Celestial mage. Fire is his element, and he has lived constantly among flames - many assholes have been burnt to a crisp, never him - but the mere thought of his blond teammate is enough to burn him from the inside out. He has no idea of how can something like that be, but Natsu feels as if being engulfed in a blazing inferno.

He is shitlessly scared, not just about her reaction - which is taking too long - but what worries Natsu the most, are the repercussions his confession will most likely have on their present relationship. Rejection is the worst case scenario, can he take being friendzoned? Left with nothing else but the Best Friend role? Of course not, that's not what he wants, needs. But he will respect her decision and feelings above all else. But then there will definitely be a certain awkwardness between them, and knowing Luce she'll probably say that it will be for the best if they establish some boundaries, blaming herself for the whole situation in her nice, considerate way. And just like that they'll drift apart, severing this bond they share, and in time she'll find someone that really deserves her and he'll just watch from the sidelines as a friend.

These thoughts are the ones that have been poisoning his mind and prevent him from coming forth and spilling his guts out. He has tried so many times, but Natsu hasn't been capable to stand his ground. Every time he remotely attempted to let Luce know, the possibility of everything between them changing and the idea of losing the proximity he has with the Celestial mage, weight too much on his back and he always ended up comparing her to his other nakama. Honestly, ever since he learned, from a young age, that playing dumb would spare him from some troublesome situations the Salamander started to use it to his own advantage. And it seems to work perfectly on the blond, although it eventually backfires on him.

But here, he said it. For better or for worse, the secret is finally out in the open, and it felt so damned good to be able to say those words out loud, to Her. Words that the Dragon Slayer has kept to himself for quite some time now. The Salamander has been expecting the right moment, but he had no idea when that was supposed to be, so he waited and waited for what seemed like an eternity. Eternity that's what he's aiming for, that's what he has been dreaming about, a lifetime with Lucy by his side, a family of his own with Luce. And giving everything that has happened to them recently, Natsu can no longer postpone his heart desires.

While all these thoughts crossed the Salamander's mind, his body was well aware of the blond girl in his arms, keeping track of her reactions and alerting him to the moment of truth. Lucy had calmed down considerably. Her body had relaxed once again against his own and her hold on him had somewhat loosened. She moved back a bit, her cautious eyes locking with his expectant gaze.

" You shouldn't say things like these, just like that dummy " Lucy sighed, giving him a soft smile " Some people can get the wrong idea you know " she said poking the tip of Natsu's nose playfully.

' That's it... That's all... ' the Dragon Slayer shrunk, taken aback " It's the truth Luce " he said hesitantly in a low tone, was she rejecting him?

" I know, and I L.. like you too " the blond responded with a heavy heart, lifting her right hand to his face " Very, very much. We're nakama, right? " she said caressing Natsu's cheek with her thumb.

" No! " the pink haired declared in a strained voice, resting his hand over hers " You're more than just my nakama " Natsu stated, he had started this so he would settle it once and for all.

" I-I am? " the Celestial mage whispered surprised by the determination he's eyes were showing and allowing herself to hope ' Hold your horses Heartfilia… That doesn't mean he loves you that way… '.

" Didn't you hear what I just said? " Natsu murmured steeling his resolve and never breaking eye contact, he will not chicken out, not anymore.

" Hum " Lucy nodded, she was feeling so nervous that she was on the edge of an anxiety stroke " I always listen Natsu " she said her heart tightening, expecting the common words of nakama-ship to came from his lips once more, any time now.

" What did I say? " the Dragon Slayer sighed, his head coming closer to Lucy's, he needed to be sure that Luce had understood his words, he had to know if she was seriously avoiding to give him an answer.

" Y-You L-Love M-Me " Lucy stuttered, her heartbeat sky rocketing and some tears threatening to fall, " That ca-can't be, you're.. you're Natsu " she reasoned, speaking to herself.

" Oi. What's that supposed to mean? " the Salamander lift his body on his left elbow and hovered over the blond with a questioning and hurt expression on his face.

" Do you mean it? " Lucy whispered, her hand now covering her quivering lips and closing her eyes, so when the blow came it wouldn't somehow hurt so much.

" Whit all my heart " the fire user expressed each word with passion, leaning his forehead on the blonde's.

" But you're Natsu! " Lucy blurted out, her eyes wide open fixed on the handsome face so close to hers.

" The hell Luce! " the Salamander was seriously not getting what that was all about.

" S-Say it again " the blond pleaded, closing her eyes again and cupping Natsu's cheeks.

" I'm in Love with you Lucy Heartfilia " he spoke the words softly and proud, loud enough so not to be any more doubts.

" You Love me! " the dam to her tears broke free, and thick salty drops now streamed down her face " As in boyfriend/girlfriend love? As in forever and ever love? " she asked expectantly looking at the young man above her.

" Y-Yes " the Dragon Slayer confirmed trying to hide from view, blushing furiously.

" I'm dreaming, I'm dreaming " the Celestial mage lunged at Natsu's neck, shaking and crying from tremendous happiness, " I Love you too Natsu. I Love you will all my heart " the blond sing sang in his ear, nearly strangling the poor Dragon.

A.N.- Did you like it? Did I totally screw it up?

It is short again, and I think I didn't do that good :s

But I couldn't move past what it came up in the end, and I didn't to keep you waiting any longer.

Next week's installment will probably be the last one! I really enjoyed writing this fic xDD

Ja na!

murasakiana n.n