Then show me. I sigh, thinking back over the flames dancing in Natsu Dragneel's eyes as I'd mentioned keeping track of our friends.

We walk in silence with me in the lead, while Natsu and Happy trail behind. Buzzing with excitement.

Soon enough we're wedging awkwardly through the doorway to my bedroom; the boys' eagerness to explore has them rushing past me. I shake my head in mock annoyance, switch on the light and watch as their eyes' almost immediately spot it. Covering the expanse of one of the four walls in my room is a map. Notes, jottings and photographs splayed across it.

"What is this?" Natsu gasps, moving to stand in front of the crazy construction. I come closer and glance sideways at him.

"Just a little something I started about a year after Fairy Tail disbanded" I reply, rubbing my arms in order to keep the 5 o'clock chill at bay. Noticing this, Natsu removes Igneel's scarf from around his neck and offers it to me.

"Are- are you sure?" I ask, knowing how much the scarf means to him.

Rolling his eyes, the pink haired menace bumps his shoulder against mine. "It's fine. And in any case, I trust you." He smiles thoughtfully at me and then faces back towards the wall. "You call this little?" he laughs.

"It's nothing really. I mean, it's not even that good. I still don't know where-" I gasp at the feel of a warm pressure on my skin, looking down to catch my fire dragon's hand locking around mine. My cheeks burn. Whether from embarrassment or not, I don't know exactly.

"You've done good Luce" Natsu tells me firmly. Huh? I frown, meeting Natsu's deep raven eyes. He smiles softly. "You've done so good Lucy. For watching over everyone. Thank you."

My eyes automatically tear up. "Stop it" I laugh, rubbing my eyes. "Anyway, it's not like it'll help. I mean, with all the research I've done, I still haven't managed to get in contact with most of them-"

"We will" Natsu cuts in. He gives my hand a squeeze before releasing his hold and bringing it higher to rest against my cheek. "Before you told me I've changed. But so have you Lucy" he says.

I blink in shock. "What- I- I haven't-" I try to argue but I don't know how.

"I'm so sorry Lucy" he says suddenly, brushing away an escaping tear from my face. "I'm glad I left. I needed to get stronger. But I regret leaving you behind, I should have taken you with me." I sniffle at the sincerity and Natsu leans forward to press his lips to my forehead. "I promise. I'll make up for it" he grins.

"How?" I whimper. "Fairy Tail's-"

"Leave that to me. I'm going to bring Fairy Tail back" he declares. I stare at him in silent awe for what feels like forever, until I lean up and press my mouth against his. He responds, sliding his arms around my waist and bringing me closer. I sneak my hands over his chest, pressing them flat over the thrum of his heart. A soft mm escapes my lips and with it I can feel Natsu's hands inch lower down my hips.

"I don't know what's happening, but don't forget I'm here!" Happy shouts, jolting us back into the present. Natsu chuckles but keeps his eyes on me.

"We" I murmur.

"Huh?" he says.

"You said "I'm going to bring Fairy Tail back" but you're wrong. We're going to." I don't attempt to supress the smile wanting to form on my face.

Natsu beams the same pointed grin from years ago, drawing my breath up short. "Yeah. We're going to bring them back."

Many hours later, I find myself unable to sleep. I'm both completely wide awake and worn out from the past day's events, but for fear that it is all a dream, I remain awake.

Instead I find myself concentrating on the light snores bellow me. A few feet away from my bed are Natsu and Happy; comfortably resting on the spare futon. So defenceless I think and giggle aloud.

"Luce? Are you awake" Natsu whispers.

I take in a shuddering breath. "Yeah. Did I wake you?" I press, now feeling bad.

"No, I wasn't sleeping" he assures. He doesn't say anything after that so I assume he's fallen asleep or done talking. I don't expect to hear the floor creak or my bed to sigh with the weight of another body.

"What are you doing?" I whisper nervously, squinting into the dark.

This time Natsu's voice is much closer. "Do you want me to go back on the floor?"

I shiver, his hot breath wafting over my neck. "No" I answer. He lets out a throaty chuckle in response and I'm thankful the darkness is there to hide the blush it brings to my face.

"Roll over" Natsu commands, climbing beneath the cover. I do as he says, facing towards the window. His arm curls around my waist, pulling me back up against his chest. I relax easily into the circle of his arms. "You're so warm" he purrs, lips brushing my ear.

"Speak for yourself" I laugh.

"I guess you're right" he murmurs, dropping his head to my shoulder. "Luce?"

I sigh, my eye lids growing heavy. "I'm so tired all of a sudden. I must sleep better with you around huh?"

"Lucy" Natsu repeats.

"Mm?"

"I love you" he says and this time I can hear the smile in this voice.

"I love you too" I yawn, losing consciousness. "Never stopped."

"Let's get Fairy Tail back okay?" he asks. I snuggle farther against his chest, pleased when he releases a content sigh.

"Yeah."

Thank you all so much for following this story! I've loved every second of writing it :)

I can't wait to start writing again. Hopefully it will be soon!