Chapter 9

Theme: Insecure

Walking down the cobblestone road, Lucy's heels clicked with each quick step. The warm spring day did nothing to help improve her mood. She and her team had just gotten back from a mission and once again she had to be saved. It's not like she doesn't like Natsu protecting her, but she just wished that she wouldn't always need it. She wished she was stronger, to be able to help her team more.

She wondered at one point why she was even a part of the strongest team with her being so weak. She hastily unlocked the door to her apartment and slammed it shut. She was mad at herself for being so vulnerable all the time. What's the point in being a mage if you can't defend yourself? She took her boots off and threw them into the nearest corner. She didn't care at the moment if she was making a mess, she will tend to it later.

She was stressed and unhappy with the way things were turning out. She loved being at the guild and being with her friends. Especially Natsu. He meant everything to her, more then he knew. Sighing, she pulled the bow out of her hair and chucked it onto her dresser. Opening the drawer, she pulled out a random pair of pajamas, not caring if they matched.

She just wanted to fall asleep, to forget her problems. If only for the night. Laying down, she pressed her face into the pillow and screamed. She needed to let out some of her frustrations. Why couldn't she be strong like Erza? Even half of Erza's strength would be enough. There was a soft clicking sound from across the room, then the sound of her window sliding open could be heard.

She groaned when she realized what that noise meant. Natsu. The main reason for her frustrations. Why did he ever want such a weakling on his team anyway?

"Lucy? Are you alright?" Natsu asked softly as he slowly walked towards the bed. She flipped over onto her back to face him and put on the best smile she could manage.

"Yes, I'm fine Natsu. Sorry for worrying you."

"Your a bad liar." Lucy was surprised that he could read her so well, but then again, they are best friends. He knew her better then anyone. "What's wrong?"

His voice was stern, saying that he wouldn't leave her alone until she told him. Sighing, she knew that she had to come clean. But how does she word this without it sounding bad? He looked at her, patiently waiting for her to explain. He realized it must be serious if she was taking this long to tell him. They were always open with one another, never hiding anything. They could tell each other anything, they were just that close.

"Remembered when you saved me this past mission?" He nodded wondering where she was going with this. "And then the mission before that, you also had to save me. And the mission before that."

"Is there something wrong with me saving you?" Natsu felt confused. He thought that he was doing something good. He didn't want Lucy to get hurt, so it's natural for him to save her when she is in trouble.

"It's not that there is something wrong with you saving me. It's the fact that I need saving in the first place." She explained. Natsu rose a brow, he still didn't understand. Lucy sighed, she could see the confusion written on his face. "I just wish that I didn't need to be saved all the time. That I could defend myself better. I wish that I wasn't so weak."

"WEAK! Lucy you are not weak!" Natsu couldn't believe what he just heard her say. How could she think of herself as weak? That's not the Lucy he knows.

"You say that, but have you ever noticed how often I need to be rescued? How often I need help? I am barely any help to you guys." She lowered her head in shame. She hated this, she hated feeling like this. Why did things have to be this way?

"Lucy, you are a major part of our team and I wouldn't have asked you to be a part of it if you weren't strong. Stop talking about yourself like that. You are one of the strongest people I know. And what's wrong with needing help? That's what friends are for!" Natsu was now standing, fists clenched at his side. He hated the way she was speaking of herself. He really wanted her to go back to being the confident Lucy that he always knew.

"You really think so Natsu?" She felt good with what Natsu had said. He was a really good friend when he wanted to be.

"Of course Lucy. Your strong, smart, fun, brave and an amazing friend. I couldn't ask for a better partner." He exclaimed. Lucy stood up, staring at the floor. There was a light blush coating her cheeks.

"Thanks Natsu," Lucy reached forward and embraced him in a hug. She wanted to show how grateful she was of his kind words. He can be really smart when he wants to be. The body heat that this man emitted was comforting. She wrapped her arms around him as he immediately returned the gesture. His embrace was full of warmth and kindness.

His hands found the way up her back, rubbing back and forth in a comforting motion. She shivered slightly under his touch. The feel of his hands on her, ignited something in her that she couldn't explain. Natsu wasn't even sure what he was doing. He liked having the blond in his arms, her soft skin felt good against him, making him want to pull her in deeper.

They both felt confused at the feelings they received. Lucy pulled back some as she glanced into Natsu's eyes. The warmth that grew within Lucy intensified with the look she saw in Natsu's eyes. Lucy loved how this felt, she wanted to experience more of this. Make it last. Natsu shared her feelings but both were too afraid to express their thoughts.

Natsu's eyes closed as he leaned forward. Both of their hearts were pounding wildly. Lucy couldn't believe what she was seeing. Was Natsu actually going to kiss her? Natsu wasn't sure what he was doing. Something was telling him what to do and he was never one to deny his instincts. They have yet to fail him, so why stop now?

Their faces were inches from one another, as Lucy lets her eyes close. She prepared herself for the feeling of Natsu's kiss. Her mind was racing, trying to figure out what this meant. Natsu's lips were almost on hers, he was getting nervous but he kept going. He wanted to know what this would feel like as well. Their lips just barely brushed. Lucy officially felt like she was on fire. Every nerve in her was screaming at her in pleasure and all because his lips brushed against hers.

Natsu felt her warm lips gently on his, the feeling made his head spin. He wanted more, needed more. Before he had the chance there was a small sound out in the hall. His eyes opened but he did not move from his position. Is he hearing things? He closed his eyes once more when he heard nothing else and was about to continue when the door swung open.

"Lu-chan!" came Levy's voice from the doorway. Natsu and Lucy ripped from each others grasp as Levy looked at them with a smirk.

"So sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt, just returning your book. Okay bye now!" She sat the book down and ran out.

Natsu and Lucy glanced at each other quickly before turning away. What do they do now? An awkward silence filled the room, neither willing to make eye contact. Natsu wanted to do something to break the silence but what? Lucy's felt like she was going to faint. How did their conversation take a turn like that? What does she say, what should she do?

"Um, well I guess I'll be going back to the guild now."

Lucy felt like her heart stopped beating. He wanted to leave? Did he want to act like nothing ever happened? When she didn't answer Natsu took this as permission to go.

"I'll be back shortly, I just want to let Happy know where I am." He explained. Lucy thought that it was a good excuse to get out of what happened. But she couldn't tell him no and in all honesty, she was afraid to talk to him about it.

He turned towards the window but stopped just before jumping out.

"I want to continue where we left off when I return. I'm going to tell Happy to avoid coming here for tonight," he said shocking Lucy. He then winked before jumping out the window. Lucy felt dizzy. Natsu wanted to continue? And he is telling Happy not to come here? He isn't planning to...is he?

A/N: And here is another chapter for you all! Sorry that it was so short, but hopefully you like it anyway. I'm kind of ashamed to say that this was only 1,567 total word count. Please leave me a review, I would really appreciate it! Thanks so much! Love always, Angel! P.S. Next chapter is called 'Tears'. Can you guess what it will be about?