You're gonna love me for this one. Trust me.

Also, I wanted to thank you all for your sweet, encouraging messages and continued support and love for this story!:)

But I said this on tumblr so I'm also gonna say it here - in fact, here it's even worse:
However, I have one favour to ask. I have never updated anything as often and quickly as I have this fic, so please could some of you refrain from constantly bugging me to write faster and update more often? You get new chapters almost every day. Of course this goes to a very small part of the readers only, but please be aware that comments like 'update!' are not very nice and, frankly, quite discouraging. Thanks.
I really enjoy writing this fic and I want to continue to enjoy it.

Anyways, now enjoy this chapter, it was very fun to write!:

what's a smell

Lucy was worried.

Well, not outright worried; it was more of an uneasy feeling deep in her stomach, a nagging doubt that kept clawing at her insides.

He hadn't come for coffee break yesterday. Hadn't even texted her.

And for some reason, she had not asked him about it. Maybe he regretted the weekend after all. Maybe he felt bad about his intrusion.

They had spent such a great day on Sunday though, lazing on the couch and marathoning a new show they had picked out together.

Once Upon A Time. And so, they had filled their day with fairytales and adventure. And more food. Hell, Natsu could eat for a whole crew. She had known that before, but it had felt all the more painful as she had watched him nibble away at all her own precious groceries.

Oh how she craved her next paycheck.

But more so she craved to see him again. Really, could she not go a single day without him anymore? It just felt so unusal. He had become such an integral part of her daily life.

Then why had he not brought her her Latte Macchiato yesterday?!

Lucy huffed, slamming a flowerpot down onto her table.

And today, it was her turn to supply them both with caffeine.

What was she supposed to do?

She wanted to bring him his coffee, of course. But did he want her to?

Maybe his lack of appearance yesterday had been a signal?

With a groan, Lucy tipped her head back, inspecting the ceiling. The wallpaper was coming off in the corner. Her dismay only grew.

Yes, she was doing it again. Overthinking.

She could hear Levy scolding her, wagging a reprimanding finger at her in her mind.

Stop overthinking.

If only it were so easy.

The little bell chimed, signaling a new customer. Good. Distraction was just what she needed.

"Welcome!" she called, brushing her hands off on her apron like usual, careful not to stain her pretty white summer dress with the strawberry print.

But she received no answer.

There were footsteps though, she could hear the wooden planks creaking under someone's weight. Her heart skipped a beat, multiple scenarious straight out of every horror movie she had ever watched playing in her head at once.

"Hello?"

The curtains were pushed aside, and she jumped, grabbing the flower pot in case she needed to hurl it at someone's head.

"Holy sh- Natsu! Do you know how much you scared me right now?!"

But he barely noticed her distress, only mumbled a short apology that sounded not sorry at all. Concentration was written over his face, intensity radiating from his eyes.

"Hey."

"Hi..? Natsu, are you okay?"

"Just fine."

His voice was unnaturally dark, several octaves deeper than usual, almost hoarse. It sent shivers down her spine.

What was going on with him anyways?

She scrunched up her delicate eyebrows, giving him a rather doubting look. Really, she was about to burst into laughter with all the pent up silence in the little room, but then he finally spoke.

"Uh. I didn't bring you your coffee yesterday."

"I know."

"Yeah. I, uh, had to think. About something."

Lucy kept silent, determined to not say a single word until he explained his peculiar behaviour.

The smell of flowers hung thick in the air.

She could almost taste it.

"I have to do something."

Lucy sighed, brushing a loose strand of hair back behind her ear. Did she have to drag every single word out of his mouth today?

"What do you have to do, Natsu?"

Without ever answering her question, Natsu closed the distance between them. His hands were on her face before she could speak, his thumbs brushed over her cheeks before she could breathe, and then his mouth was on hers - and Lucy was home.

Her lips were answering his before her mind knew what she was doing. She could feel him smile against her when she reciprocated, but it was gone again in an instant, yielding to hunger.

His lips were soft yet rough, demanding yet gentle. Her body melted against his as their mouths claimed each other with ardour.

The air was sweet, scents of roses and tulips and daffodils battling for dominance. But none could compare to his.

Nothing could compare to the taste of his lips.

Lucy gasped when his hands left her cheeks in favour of her neck. He dragged his fingers along her skin on his way down, pushing her hair back. Shivers danced in her belly and cascaded down her spine, and she tangled her own hands in his thick hair, arms around his shoulders.

A low growl escaped him, and he sucked on her lower lip, beckoning entrance. Lucy welcomed him gladly. Her tongue traced along his lip before his own met hers, and she tilted her head as he pulled her closer still, chest pressing against chest.

Their kiss turned open-mouthed and needy as their hands gained confidence and roamed each others bodies in search of something to hold on to.

Lucy was trembling in his arms, desperate for his touch.

Oh, she had needed this. She had needed this so bad.

It was better than in any of her dreams.

His hands slid along her back, and she answered by flinging her arms around his neck while their mouths remained locked, noses squishing together occasionally. The only sound in the room was that of their kisses.

Lucy bumped against the table, ready to sit up on it. Her mind was clouded by a heavy haze. She couldn't think straight.

The bell chimed.

That stupid, annyoing, damned bell.

Pushing him away from her in a panic, Lucy gasped for breath. His own breathing was loud in the little chamber, and she knew his eyes were still on her face. She could feel their burn.

Without looking his way, she breathed a hasty excuse and walked towards the doorway, smoothing her hair on the way.

What had just happened?!

Focus, Lucy. Customer. Focus.

"Welcome," she called, praying that her voice did not sound like she had just been about to ravish a hot man in her flower chamber. "How can I he- eh?"

There was no one there. But she had been sure. The bell had chimed.

"Hello?" a squeaky voice asked , a little insecure.

"Oh! Hi!"

Lucy's tone changed from confusion to a surprised, soft singsong.

Curiously, Natsu peered past the curtains.

Lucy stood on her tippytoes, almost bending over the counter. He tried his damned best to not look at her behind. (He failed.) But then she swiftly moved to the front, smiling downwards.

"I need flowers."

It was the voice of a child. A boy, presumably. Natsu grinned as he understood why she had sounded so confused there for a second. He couldn't see anyone either, because the kid didn't even reach over the counter with his head. Must be a little dwarf still.

"Well then you've come to the right place," Lucy laughed warmly. "Any specific wishes?"

"What are good flowers for moms? Oh and -" his tone became rather serious, and Natsu raised his brows in anticipation, a smile much like Lucy's playing around his own lips. "They can't cost more than five pounds."

Natsu saw how she tried to hide her grin. He'd have to tease her about that later, he noted. Pensively, she put a finger on her lips.

"How about I fix you a red rose with some nice decorations? Simple, but beautiful, and I'm sure your mom will love it! And-" She winked conspiratiorally. "It's in your price range."

As the boy followed her for a few steps, he finally came into view. A happy smile was edged onto his features now that he had been reassured that he had come with enough money on him and his wish could be fulfilled. He looked quite cool in his red vest and shorts, and his black hair fell onto his forehead constantly. Natsu grinned. He knew the struggle.

Lucy glanced towards the curtains nervously, and he pulled away before she could spy him. Why had she looked so nervous? Did she not want to see him again? Natsu's expression came close to a pout, and he crossed his arms over his chest.

Maybe she hadn't liked the kiss?

Sure hadn't seemed like it…

A self-confident smirk settled on his face, but then he faltered.

What if she regretted it? What if she hadn't really wanted to kiss him at all?

His heartbeat quickened.

After all, he had stormed in like a madman. But he had been going insane. Ever since he had left her flat on Sunday, his thoughts had been circling around her and her alone. It was torture.

Natsu had arrived at a point where he just had to kiss her. Just once. He just had to try. If she slapped him, at least then he'd have some certainty. But not doing anything? He had done that for too long. There was no other way for his heart to ever give him any peace again. He hadn't planned to do it like this, of course, but when she stood there with that flower pot in her hands and a pleasantly surprised smile on her lips, he had suddenly panicked. Every thought and plan had left him.

She did that to him.

The curtains fluttered as she stepped back inside the chamber.

They glanced at each other for a split second, and Natsu sought reassurance in her eyes. This sudden uncertainty had made him squirmish. The ghost of a smile washed over her face, and he relaxed, feeling his confidence returning.

But she tore her gaze from his again quickly, nervously clearing her throat.

She didn't hate him, at least.

That was enough for now.

He remained quiet as she went about adding some pretty greenery and ribbons to the rose she had carried in with her. She dropped the scissors twice.

With a hissed curse, she simply grabbed all her necessities and marched back into the shop room, vehemently ignoring his eyes and the smirk playing around his lips. He figured it would be best to stay back here for the time being.

Lucy seemed so tense that she'd probably kick him into the wall as soon as he dared leave the chamber. But that didn't stop him from following the events from behind the curtains.

Never had time passed slower in his entire life.

Lucy's eyes were entirely focused on the flower and its adornments. The way her tongue poked out between her lips was a sign of her concentration, as Natsu knew. He had always enjoyed watching her fix bouquets.

But right now, he really wished she'd do it a little faster.

He had felt that tongue of hers against his own now, and concentrating suddenly became much harder as the fresh memories came crashing in without mercy. Natsu shuddered, desire rearing its head.

There was nothing he wanted to do more than kiss her again, preferably now.

But that was not how it worked, was it?

You couldn't just storm in and kiss a girl, and then go back to kissing her forever and ever without ever talking about it. Why not, anyways?

Natsu shifted uncomfortably on his feet.

What if she'd tell him she didn't want the same thing?

What if she didn't want to kiss him forever?

Or at all?

And why the hell was he so insecure? This had never happened. He had never felt like this. He almost felt the need to stomp his foot onto the ground.

Get a grip, Natsu.

She was almost done fixing the rose. He could have sworn an hour had past by now. In order to distract himself, he brought his attention to the boy who skittishly moved around the room.

The fairies seemed to have drawn his attention.

Hands in his pockets, he leaned forward, inspecting a rather tiny one sitting on the edge of a vase.

"Do fairies have tails?"

Lucy looked up with amusement. The single rose was done, from the looks of it. Natsu exhaled. But he, too, wanted to hear the answer to that peculiar question.

The boy pointed at the tiny fairy.

"'Cause this one doesn't have one, but the others had."

A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

"Well, that is a mystery. Some have tails, and some don't. Some stories say that they are born with them, but some lose theirs. Others say they have no tails at all, and just use them to trick humans. So it's a secret, I guess. It's one of life's eternal mysteries."

The boy had listened intently, and now cocked his head to one side.

"I think they have tails. It's probably useful. Like with cats."

Lucy blinked, seemingly unable to follow his train of thought. Natsu sure didn't get it. The boy shrugged.

"I bet they go on adventures."

Lucy was beside him now, crouching down to hand him the finished flower. She grinned, leaning in closer.

"They do."

The boy started rummaging through his right pocket, bringing to light a chewing gum wrapping and a stone. Natsu watched as he slowly - so slowly - took the rose into his other hand so he had his left free to comb through the other pocket.

By now Natsu was sure he'd starve in this chamber. He slumped against the doorframe, still hidden by the curtain.

"What's your name?"

"Romeo," the boy declared as he dropped the coins into Lucy's hand proudly. They looked sticky.

"Alright, Romeo, thank you very much for your purchase. If you visit again, tell me if your mom liked the rose."

"I will!" the boy called Romeo grinned. "Thanks, m'am."

With a last look at the small fairy, he started his short way to the entrance, dragging his feet over the wooden planks. He seemed to have all the time in the world.

Natsu wanted to bang his head against the doorframe.

Romeo reached the door and grabbed the handle, leaning backwards to pull it all the way open with his weight. The seconds ticked by.

The bell jingled, and a gust of fresh air filled the room.

"Bye!" he called.

"Bye! Have a nice day."

The door fell closed behind him. The bell jingled for the last time, and every tense muscle in Natsu's body relaxed. He thought the day would never come. With one movement of his arm, he pulled at the curtain and moved it behind him.

"Nice job, first mate Heartfilia."

He grinned, but then watched her back stiffen. Had he said something wrong?

Slowly, she turned, eyes wide.

"You… remember?"

"Eh?"

Natsu looked at her with lack of understanding.

"I- I thought you didn't remember. Cause you were drunk. I mean - you didn't say anything about, uh, you know, the evening…"

"Oh." Her flabbergasted expression remained, and Natsu snorted. "Of course I remember, silly! Why would I not?"

"Everything?!"

"Of course!"

"But - but that would mea-" He watched her head turn so red that the roses beside her paled in comparison. "What do you mean, silly?!"

Her hands moved to her hips, and he had to do his best to not break into another fit of laughter. He knew by now that that would mean certain annihilation.

"That was a perfectly logical assumption!" she continued, huffing and puffing. "You didn't seem to remember you spilled the gin, and you didn't say anything about th- uh, so I just assumed - I mean - I'm not silly!"

"I just didn't feel like talking about it, is all." he spoke, much quieter. "And I was kinda… ah, I had to figure something out."

"Figure what out?"

Silence settled in the shop room, and he nervously licked his lips, looking anywhere but Lucy. His eyes flickered to the counter. Ah, there it was. His rescue.

His demeanor changed in a heartbeat, and he was grinning carelessly again.

"Nevermind. Ah, look!" He pointed to the counter. "Left you something there. Kinda like a belated birthday present."

Lucy's curiosity was piqued, and with a questioning look she shuffled towards the counter, where the piece of paper lay exactly where he had left it.

"Didn't notice that before…" she mumbled.

She was almost close enough to reach it now, leaving the entrance door unblocked. His path was free.

"Hope you like it! I gotta go now anyways! See you soon!"

And with that, he bolted towards the door, not bothering to turn around once more. He knew what he would see. He almost ripped the handle off, leaving behind the smell of flowers and inhaling the hot summer air.

He could still taste her on his lips.

Natsu would forfeit any smell for a taste like that.

His skin felt hotter than the sun could ever turn it. Every part of him was tingling. Natsu understood the world no more.

He had went in there with some sort of plan, he was sure of it. But he couldn't remember the tiniest bit.

Her lips had been soft and sweet. Her eyes had been blazing and full of questions.

The force of his feelings had overwhelmed him.

And he had panicked like a schoolboy.

So he left her behind in her flower shop, where she stared at the open door in a mixture of disbelief and protest, the sketch still unstudied in her hands.

Both would be haunted by dreams tonight.

Of the smell of flowers, and the taste of bliss.