A/N: Yeah, yeah, I know... I'm doing applications now, so that's a time-consumer. It is with sadness that I have to say, with the most recent manga chapters, I cannot keep up with the entire story-line (including a certain someone, more specifically). So, I'll have to put up a disclaimer stating that my story, from here on out, is PRE-CH194! It would just be too taxing to try to adjust to that shock, and manipulate my story around it. Besides, I'm hurling enough troubles for my main couple, here. I think I'll just go with that. So, please please PLEASE do not request me to include "someone" (I don't want to spoil it for others who aren't up-to-date with the manga!).
Much love and thanks to my readers/reviewers/new additions. Welcome and realize that every time you take the time to read and/or review, it pushes me to not give up on this story. I do apologize for the length between updates!
PS: Do not hate me, please. I write with intent and everything has a reason, even if it's not immediate ;) Trust!
Disclaimer: I do not own FT, only my OCs
~OoOoO~
"What? Her?" Lucy couldn't control her surprise, ignoring the creeping sogginess of her feet as she turned to glance at the pink-haired healer over her shoulder.
I guess she can be scary, Lucy admitted, though only to herself.
Her eyes returned to Adie's pale face, which revealed both illness and surprise. What could Porlyusica be to her that has her this worked up? Lucy wondered. It was rare for the blacksmith to be this disturbed by much. In fact, her reserved nature and ability to remain cool in stressful conditions was something Lucy envied. It was a trait shared by Natsu, Erza, and Gray—everyone but Lucy. Porlyusica sighed, interrupting Lucy's musings. The woman took a few steps forward, her feet padding over the hardwood floor as she reached to pick up the thick shards of earthenware. She shook her head at the spreading liquid as Lucy stepped backward, treading it across the floor.
"I suppose you can't clean up after yourself, can you?" the healer snapped.
"I-I didn't mean to!" Lucy responded, looking at the wet footprints she had tracked.
"Not you, girl," the elderly woman grunted.
"Huh?" Lucy's jaw dropped open. She glanced at Adie, who remained silent. Her face was ashen, and she looked as if she had seen a ghost.
"How do you know her?" Lucy recovered quickly, her curiosity piqued.
"She—" Adie's eyes remained on Porlyusica, who was now returning the gaze with a steely crimson one of her own.
Lucy once again looked at the healer. The older woman's expression slowly transformed from her normal disinterest into something akin to...amusement. An eyebrow flickered upward as the corner of her mouth twitched, a dimple appearing in her cheek. It was an odd display from the often stoic woman, Lucy had to admit.
"Last time I saw you, I think you had nearly destroyed your father's much loved shop, was it?" Porlyusica's voice was much softer than Lucy had expected, and the older woman's expression was alight with something that Lucy couldn't put her finger on...
"Y-You..." Adie flushed, seemingly aware of the particular incident. Her eyes grew round as her cheeks darkened. The blush crept to her ears in record time. Lucy noticed the plait of pale blond hair for the first time. Had someone taken the time to braid Adie's hair so carefully?
"Your mother's sword, I think," Porlyusica's eyes became more expressive as she reminisced, glancing at the ceiling as her demeanor crumbled, "Hmmph! I didn't know what to think of you and your sister. Such pains, kids are!"
Adie's mouth closed and her body relaxed somewhat. She looked at her hands, her lips spreading faintly, as she hid her trembling fingers under the thin blanket on her lap. She chewed her lower lip as all eyes waited expectantly on her. Lucy was on edge as she watched Adie's gaze shyly lift to meet the ancient red stare.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible as her pale eyes flickered back to her concealed hands. Lucy could tell she was wringing them under her blanket. It was a nervous habit, Lucy determined.
"Sorry?" Lucy echoed, unable to contain herself.
This was all moving too slow for her liking. She looked to Morpheus, who remained mum, his eyes staring past her. Levy silently noted the surprise on Porlyusica's face at Adie's sudden apology. She narrowed her eyes, taking in what was happening, her intuition keen.
"You two are old acquaintances aren't you?" her voice betrayed a suspicion she had been harboring.
Lucy looked between Levy and Adie. Then Adie and Porlyusica. Finally, she looked pleadingly at Morpheus, who easily ignored her best set of puppy eyes. What had provoked Levy's suspicions? she wondered.
"I...I never thought...I'd see you again," the pink-haired woman continued, ignoring Levy. Her voice was soft, a hint of sadness tinging it. Her lips pursed together in her familiar, stony expression, "Imagine my surprise...I thought, for a brief moment, that something had happened to...and you had come to find me..."
Crimson eyes became unfocused as Adie slowly shook her head. Her eyes were misty as she looked up at the healer.
"That wasn't it. I'm sorry to disappoint you," Adie's lips pressed together, blanching their rosy paleness as her eyes slowly trailed to the floor. Porlyusica stood there for some time, the room silently awaiting whatever revelation was swiftly approaching.
"How...how is he?" the older women asked, her face looking refreshed as Lucy had never seen her.
It was as if Porlyusica was a little girl who had seen her first shooting star. Or had found a new puppy to love. Adie must have sensed that attachment, as she quickly looked away, unable to hide the tears that rimmed her eyes. She said nothing as she pulled her hands from under the blankets. She clenched her fists, her knuckles white as she clasped them on her lap. She furiously blinked away the moisture, as she stared at the unforgiving wall to her right. Porlyusica's expression slowly passed through recognition, then realization. Something about the silent news quickly caused her usual, hard demeanor to return. Her face was stony as her posture stiffened. The change was not missed by Lucy or Levy, though Levy did not really understand what had been exchanged.
"Barsky? That's who you mean, isn't it?" Lucy whispered, realizing the subject of their conversation.
It was the only person who made sense in this entire nonsensical conversation. It was him that Porlyusica was talking of! It had to be! She knew him...somehow. Porlyusica's gaze became fixed on Lucy's face, and the spirit mage was unsure if it was out of annoyance or jealousy. Jealousy that Lucy had the opportunity to meet Barsky herself.
Porlyusica's face suddenly aged decades in the blink of an eye as she spoke to Adie, her voice barely audible, "I see."
The older woman cleared her throat, quickly turning to find a receptacle for the broken stoneware. Lucy could have almost sworn that she saw tears in Porlyusica's eyes as well.
"How...was it without pain?" the healer asked, her back to them as she fumbled with something unseen.
"He was sick for some time," Lucy answered for Adassandra, who was at a loss of words. The demi-spirit nodded her agreement, looking somewhat thankful for the spirit mage's help. Lucy knew it would be tough for Adie to speak of, as it wasn't long ago that Adie's foster father had passed on to a new life.
"I'm asking her," Porlyusica bit back sharply. Too sharply.
"I'm sorry, but I was hoping to save her some pain!" Lucy was becoming irritated with Porlyusica's attitude. It didn't help that she was exhausted from the day's events. She missed the surprised expression as it flashed across Adie's face.
"He..." the blacksmith attempted to speak, clearing her throat to do so, "He hid it from me. I had no idea."
"Just like him," the healer's voice lightened some.
"Hmmph," Adie agreed, smiling half-heartedly and nodding to no one. "He...still spoke about you. More than he'd admit. And I'm sure he thought about you even more than that."
Porlyusica said nothing, her body becoming rigid. She turned her head slightly, her shoulders trembling as she suddenly swept out of the room. Lucy stared after her, piecing together the puzzle. She met Levy's gaze, and she could tell the scholar was making some progress in this nonsense as well. Some moments later, Porlyusica returned, the whites of her eyes pinker than usual. She stood against the doorway, staring fixedly at Adie.
"He had loved you two more," her voice was hoarse; her expression showing signs of defeat, "And I was too young and foolish, to see why. I should have known better than to think I could outwit a magical pact as well as the love between family. I was selfish, I suppose. And for that, I am sorry."
Lucy was surprised this was all being shared so candidly—especially with Levy, Morpheus and her present. It was rare for Porlyusica to show concern for anyone besides Makarov. This odd exchange only proved that the woman was somewhat human, after all. She had cared about someone, and that someone happened to be the same man who raised Adie and her sister in Daylon and Freya's absence. Lucy may not understand the intricacies of what was being shared, but she knew something deeper was passing between the two women.
"We held him back; we took his happiness," Adie interrupted Lucy's thoughts, her eyes shining as she looked at the pink-haired mage, "I will never forgive myself for doing that to him."
"Bah!" the older woman replied, waving her hand dismissively at Adie's sudden display of regret,"If he'd have loved me enough, he would have left. Had I loved him enough, I'd have stayed. You knew his duties. Your father died, leaving him the only one capable of working in the village. So he became your father. He became the village's servant."
"A damned good one," Adie grinned, her smile lopsided.
"I bet he was," Porlyusica nodded, looking somewhat regretful as her hand rested on her stomach.
"He loved you. Even in the end," Adie replied, silent tears sliding down her cheeks as her voice grew raspy.
Porlyusica's lower lip trembled in a momentary revelation. Her eyes darted around the room and she quickly gathered her senses, "There is no use talking about what was never meant to be! I am glad to see that you have turned into something that would make him proud. Even if I did think you two were heathens!"
Lucy took notice at how neither woman said Barsky's name, as if it would evoke too much pain. It would make the memories real. She was interested in the duties to the village that the two women spoke of, though she wasn't sure it was the appropriate time to interject.
"I try," Adie sighed.
"Learn to control that sword of your mother's?" Porlyusica's lips were strained as she offered a foreign smile and somewhat polite conversation. Adie returned it with a smile of her own and a stiff nod.
"Always knew you would," the healer muttered, her face becoming its usual blank slate.
"What is going on here?" Lucy finally asked, growing increasingly frustrated and impatient. She was met with annoyed glances from the demi-spirit and healer, causing her to quickly slink back into the corner of the room.
"Well, I suppose I should prepare another pain potion, no, Dee-chan?" Levy smiled, cleverly changing the subject.
"I would like that," the pale-haired woman nodded.
"Good, I have to change your dressings," Porlyusica replied in her normal monotone, "but I'll wait until this...company leaves."
Levy speedily returned with a goblet, the fluid sloshing around in the cup. She chirped with a smile, "Here's a new batch of liquid wooziness."
"Uh...Adie?" Lucy began, the haunting question making its way to the tip of her tongue.
It had been bothering her since Makarov and Erza had discussed the Ten Wizard Saints. Since Natsu was now a part of that. She wouldn't admit it, but she felt almost jealous at his appointment. Sure, she was proud of him, as she knew his determination and loyalty were among his strongest traits. But, part of her felt...left out, as silly as it seemed. In her wallowing, Lucy had remembered Veleda's earlier words in regards to the prophesied Guardian of the Spirit World. She had brushed off the possibility of that person truly being her, but, given the current circumstances, she couldn't suppress her growing hope. Perhaps it was the current, dire situation had her wanting to feel as if she were more than a mere speck in this mess. She, too, wanted to feel needed and important. She, too, wanted to fight for the ones she cared about. She wanted to protect her spirits and those that had been imprisoned by Ultear. The more she thought about Adie's situation, as well as those suffering spirits, the more she wanted to be that person the Veleda had spoken of earlier.
"Hmm?" Adie raised an eyebrow as she winced when she reached for the goblet. She sniffed the liquid, making a sour face.
"I have a question..." Lucy could feel her courage leaving her. She was suddenly feeling silly for her earlier resolve. She was beginning to think it was just a bout of jealousy and feeling of being left out...
"Spit it out," Adie replied, setting down the liquid Levy had given her as pale eyes fixed on Lucy's face.
Lucy watched her wince from the movement, and she knew that Adie would become drowsy from the medication. The blacksmith knew it as well, which was why she would deal with the pain in order to hear Lucy out.
"Uh, well..." Lucy muttered, deciding she would ask at a later date. She was beginning to feel guilty for holding up Adie's pain relief.
"You want me to ask for you?" Morpheus grunted from the corner where he was leaning, his arms crossed over his chest, "Not sure how much she'll know."
"Hey!" Lucy spun around, glaring angrily and shaking a fist at him, "I said to stop that!"
Morpheus shrugged, finding his paw more interesting. He managed to grumble, "Fine."
"I'm still waiting," Adie grunted, disinterested in whatever was passing between the two.
Lucy cringed at the blacksmith's tone, and she avoided Levy's questioning look as she sighed her momentary defeat. Her shoulders slumped as she forced the words from her mouth, "I had a question about...something we talked about on the train. You know, when Veleda-"
"She has a question about the previous Guardian," Morpheus interjected.
"Dammit! You!" Lucy hissed, her chestnut eyes flashing their anger as she spun around.
"I..I really don't know much about it. Aside from what Veleda told you. History was not my, uh, thing," Adie answered simply.
"Huh?" Lucy's mouth fell open, "B-But..."
"I don't know what to tell you," Adie shrugged, grimacing at the movement. She reached down for the goblet.
"Wait! But, where will I find this information?" Lucy whined the question. She wanted to stomp her foot, but knew that was not the mature thing to do.
"I don't know," Adie replied carefully, studying Lucy's face. "Why?"
"Why?" Lucy echoed, realizing that she wasn't entirely sure, either.
"Do you think you are the Guardian, Lu-chan?" Levy whispered, carefully observing the interaction with muted interest.
"I-I...Ihavenoidea," Lucy mumbled, her cheeks burning. She had allowed herself to hope that, it as true, though she was currently feeling very foolish at the very thought. She dropped her gaze to the floor, fumbling with the the hem of her shirt as all eyes were on her.
"Well?" Adie asked, her voice soft as well.
Lucy glanced up. "I...maybe I had hoped! I mean, I considered it..." she blurted, her cheeks reddening more. She watched Adie's expression flicker through her surprise, though not as much as Lucy had anticipated. She avoided Morpheus' amused grin. She was really not in the mood for him to make fun of her now.
"I'm sorry, Lucy, but I really can't answer your questions," Adie shook her head, "I wish I could give you the answers you want."
"It's alright," Lucy sighed, "I had just wanted to feel useful for once."
"Useful?" Adie repeated the words, as if she couldn't fathom Lucy's feelings.
"But, Lu-Chan," Levy piped up, "You're on Fairy Tail's strongest team!"
"That doesn't mean I'm strong, by any means," Lucy replied darkly, her tone harsh. She immediately felt sorry for responding to Levy in such a manner, "Just lucky."
Levy said nothing, pursing her lips and pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. She nodded her head, softly. "I know that, but...but you underestimate yourself! I'd give anything to be in your shoes!"
It was Lucy's turn to be surprised. She was not expecting Levy's confession. The blue-haired mage blushed at her words, her expression serious, "You can access beings from a whole other realm, Lucy. Not many can claim that ability. And what's even more impressive is that you can do it without your keys!"
"But-" Lucy began to argue. It had only been flukes that she had summoned spirits without her keys.
But, Levy raised her hand, "I know you'll say it was not on purpose, but I think you are not realizing that it is rare for a spirit mage to have such an ability. In that, alone, you are underestimating your abilities, Lu-chan, and I won't let you do that! You are strong, and you need to see it!"
Lucy gaped at the woman, as Levy's gaze challenged her to argue. Lucy said nothing, feeling a sense of awe at Levy's words. She had never been praised like that, and it was an intoxicating feeling. She felt warm tears spring to her eyes at Levy's loyalty and confidence in her.
"Levy.."
"It's true, Lucy," Levy's brow knitted in thought, "Everything I said. I won't let you doubt yourself again, do you hear?"
Lucy's eyes widened as Levy thumped her fist against the wall, her eyes challenging Lucy to argue. Lucy almost felt fearful of this new, firm, Levy. It was as if something in the blue-haired scholar had metamorphosed in these past few months. Lucy nodded her head in understanding.
"I won't," she promised her friend.
"Good," Levy replied seriously, "Or next time, I'll kick your ass!"
Lucy smiled, enjoying Levy's more bad-ass side. Perhaps she was spending too much time around Adie...
"That was touching," Morpheus interrupted, tugging at a whisker. "But did it answer your question?"
Lucy met his golden gaze, though surprised to find that he wasn't goading her. He was serious. She angled her head, watching carefully through slitted lids.
"What are you getting at?"
His irises were round and dark as he met her unsure gaze. He sighed, "She's gonna kill me...but I think.."
Lucy waited for him to explain himself, but that was all he shared as he paced around, his paws behind his back as he padded along the floor, his tail flicking back and forth.
"Morpheus?" Lucy whispered in anticipation. It was odd to see him so anxious about anything.
"Veleda!" he grunted.
"Huh? What about her?" Lucy responded, perplexed by the change in his mannerisms. She glanced at Adie, who shrugged her lack of knowledge. Even Levy raised her brows in uncertainty.
"Just summon her, dammit!" Morpheus scratched an ear—something Lucy noticed he did when he was agitated.
"Tell me why, first?" Lucy nearly pleaded.
"Because, she's the one you want to talk to," Morpheus continued to pace a few more steps before turning to look at her once again. He glanced behind her, finding a baffled Adie as well.
He sighed, his golden gaze meeting Lucy's chocolate one, "The last Guardian? The one that battled Zeref? That was her mother."
~OoOoO~
Lucy had never felt so exhausted in her life. She ruminated on all she had learned in the past two hours at Porlyusica's cottage. Levy had diligently taken notes as Veleda shared what she knew with the mages. When it was all over, a very tired Lucy stumbled back through the doorway to the guild's main hall. She slowly hunkered down the large staircase, meeting Mirajane's eyes as the pale-haired barkeep was wiping down the tables.
"You look exhausted, Lucy! You need sleep!" she gasped, her face blanching at Lucy's wearied expression.
"Nah," Lucy smiled, "I'll be alright, but thanks, Mira!"
She felt intoxicated from lack of sleep, an odd giddiness taking over her. She almost felt as if she was capable of anything at that point. A dozen or so mages were still lingering around the hall, talking over beverages in hushed tones. Lucy had no doubt that Makarov's message had struck fear into the guild, and that the next few days would be unpredictable at Fairy Tail, especially with the villagers being escorted from Magnolia. Lucy's fingers trailed the railing as she stumbled off the last step. She caught herself on the banister, glancing around the massive hall.
She spotted Natsu's pink hair, though his back was to her as he sat with Gray and Happy. She could tell from how he held his shoulders that something was bothering him. She met Gray's eyes and she watched an exchange between the male comrades. Natsu glanced over his shoulder and Lucy smiled and waved, giggling from fatigue. Natsu turned, mumbling something to Happy and Gray. Lucy saw both nod, even hearing Happy's stout "Aye!"
Natsu stood slowly, his brow knitted in worry as he watched Lucy sway against the railing. Mirajane looked up from the bar as Natsu slowly approached.
"Natsu?" she called out. The pink-haired mage glanced at her in expectation. "Walk Lucy home, will you? She needs rest. See to it she gets it."
Her eyes lingered on Natsu longer than necessary, but it was missed by Lucy, who grinned from ear-to-ear as Natsu met her at the base of the stairs. His cheeks darkened as he avoided Mirajane's playful look. She went back to wiping the tables, a smile on her lips.
"Will do," Natsu nodded, his expression grave and his face flushed.
Lucy hooked her arm in Natsu's, nearly tugging him with her as she stumbled. "Sorry, oof!" she slurred.
"Were you drinking?" Natsu asked, his eyes betraying his concern.
"No," Lucy shook her head, "Just learned a lot tonight. I haven't slept in days."
"Yeah, I know," Natsu sighed, "Sorry."
"For what? Not your fault!" she led him to the main door, as she headed out into the chilly clear night. She waved to some mages near the exit, smiling broadly, "Night, guys!"
"Goodnight, Lucy-san! Natsu!" they replied, exchanging knowing smiles with one another. Natsu ignored their silent innuendo, allowing Lucy to lead him outside and toward her apartment.
"Anything good at Porlyusica's" Natsu asked her as he escorted her through the dimly lit streets. The night air chilled her skin. She shivered and Natsu quickly draped his prized scarf over her shoulders.
"Thanks!" she murmured, before answering his question, her eyes wide, "Oh lots! Did you know Veleda's mother was the last Stellar Spirit Guardian? Oh, of course you didn't!"
Natsu said nothing, though his face showed his interest. Lucy continued, "Yeah, her mother had just given birth right before all that stuff with Zeref. Apparently, Veleda's father was the Stellar Spirit King's closest friend and confidante. He also was the commander of the King's army—which Morpheus is now. That cat was his apprentice, believe it or not!"
Though she didn't get into it, she could tell that Morpheus had idolized Veleda's father. That idolization had now been passed onto the orphaned daughter he had promised to protect. Though, it seemed as if it were her who protected him...
"Wow," Natsu whistled at the news.
"Yup!" Lucy marched toward her apartment, happy that she could spend some time alone with Natsu. "He had sacrificed himself to seal Zeref in a dimension between here and the Spirit World, and Veleda's mother—the past Guardian—helped. It's sad she lost both parents. Tuns out, her mother was also gifted in sealing magic, and somehow sealed part of her soul in this ring."
She wriggled her finger so that Natsu could see the jeweled finger. He glanced at it, saying nothing while Lucy pondered aloud, "But...maybe that's why the Spirit King hates humans!"
"Huh? What's that, Luce?" Natsu looked at her in confusion. "I'm not following."
"Figures," Lucy grumbled, "His best friend—Veleda's father—sacrificed himself to safe humanity. He took a human woman as a lover, and had a half-human daughter. That attitude is probably what made the King bitter. He lost his best friend to humans and his sister to humans."
"But we don't know if Freya is dead, do we?" Natsu scratched his head with his free hand.
"True, but I'm saying, it would be reasonable to assume that may be the reason why he refused to step up and help the spirits that are being enslaved."
"Or maybe he can't," Natsu suggested.
"Maybe," Lucy chewed on her lip, though she didn't see how it was possible for a king to be unable to help his people...
"Could it be possible..." Natsu continued, "that his best friend's love of humans and his sister's two half-human daughters, are what keep him so stuck on those rules he has? Maybe they are his way of protecting humans like they would have wanted."
Lucy looked at Natsu, her eyes wide as he offered such a thoughtful explanation. She knew he was capable of it, but it was a rare occasion in which he did so. She smiled at him.
"What?" he blinked as Lucy flashed a lopsided grin.
"Nothing, my dear boy!" she reached up and stroked his cheek, dropping her door key.
"Oops," she said, as she reached to pick it up. Natsu had beaten her, holding her keys between long, calloused fingers.
"Thank you," she whispered as their fingertips touched. The contact made her heart race. It thudded in her chest as she quickly turned and unlocked her door, wondering how the walk had flown by. She pushed the door open, and heard him follow her inside.
"Do you want anything? Any tea?"she called as she kicked off her shoes.
"No..." he replied, clearing his throat in hesitation. "Uh, Luce?"
"Hmm?" she asked over her shoulder as she arranged the pillows on her bed, quickly pulling up the covers.
She was ashamed she had left her apartment in such a condition. She slumped down on her couch, her legs revolting against her. She glanced at Natsu, patting the seat beside her. It was the first time they had been alone since their last meeting, where they had shared the kiss Lucy never wanted to forget. She wondered what tonight would bring, her cheeks rosy at the naughty thoughts entering her mind.
You are sleep deprived, you idiot! Be strong! she told herself.
"Um, I, uh..." he scratched his neck, looking at the floor from where he was cemented in her doorway.
"What it is?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "You can sit, I don't bite."
Natsu didn't seem to hear her, his hands running through his hair, making the spiky strands stand on end. It was longer than Lucy remembered. "I thought maybe...maybe we should talk."
"Talk?" Lucy repeated, wondering what he meant? She was too tired to be upset by the serious expression he bore. "Oooo, what about?"
"Well..." he glanced up at her, his eyes serious and tortured, "About what happened last time I was here."
"You mean when you kissed me?" she teased.
His eyes grew round, "I-I-I did not!"
Lucy's smile grew more radiant as she watched him, "Did too. And yoooou liked it!"
Natsu's mouth fell open as if he were going to respond, He seemed to think better of it, his jaw snapping shut as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "Please? We need to talk."
"Yeah, yeah," Lucy waved her hand in the air, flopping backward on her futon. Her lids were growing heavy from sleep deprivation.
"I think it wasn't, er, appropriate," he offered, taking a step closer so that he could observe her reaction.
"Boys," Lucy sighed, her eyes closing. "You never know what you want."
"I don't want this to affect our friendship, Luce," Natsu looked hurt at her trivial dismissal, "I really don't. You're important to me."
"We'll be fine," she yawned, misinterpreting what he was saying. He couldn't be serious! Not after that kiss.
"Yeah?" he asked, his expression a mixture of relief and sadness. Was she truly accepting what he was saying this easily?
"Yeah, now kiss me, you fool!" she commanded, her lips raised and her eyes closed.
"Luce, are you listening to me?" he whispered, his voice filled with hurt as he realized her lack of concern.
"I heard you just fine, now kiss me, dammit!" she demanded, looking at him through one eye. He was staring at her floor, his face pale and his expression brooding. She smiled. "Idiot! You're cute when you're upset."
"Luce," he whispered, "I...I can't."
"Yesh you can!" she slurred, the sleepiness getting the best of her.
He watched her for some time, as her breathing became deeper and her body relaxed into the futon. He hoped that his words reached her, and that the conversation was not lost on her by the morning. She had taken it much better than he expected, though he wasn't sure how he was taking it. He stood there for nearly an hour, watching her smile as she slept. He quietly pulled back her bedsheets, scooping Lucy up from her tiny futon and tucking her under her covers. As he pulled up the blankets, he felt her hands clasp around his neck. He exhaled in surprise, somewhat relieved as her grip slackened. He peeled her hands from around his neck, gently draping over her stomach. His hands trembled as he did so, barely able to restrain himself. He had never been this close to her before, aside from when they kissed...
"Silly boy, won't even kiss me," she murmured in her sleep, an odd smile splayed across her face as she burrowed into her covers.
She never knew the look of pain that crossed Natsu's face at her words, nor did she register the soft touch that pressed against her forehead before the door quietly clicked as Natsu left her to her dreams.