A/N: Hey everyone! So sorry for the late update again. I told myself that I should at least update once a week if I can't do it twice. Thanks to those who follow and review this story. I really appreciate it(:

Chapter 6

Lucy's POV

It felt as if I've been asleep for a really long time. I decided it was time for me to wake up already so slowly, I started to stir myself awake. Soon, I was fluttering my eyes open, eager in getting up quickly to stretch those aching muscles but my eyes wasn't used to the sudden light. I had to squint my eyes first, before I could finally open them up fully. The first sight that I took in my line of vision was the ceiling. I blinked a few times before I decided to tilt my head.

Am I back in my room? I confirmed my analysis once I briefly looked around and saw familiar items. I turned my gaze back to the ceiling and wondered how long I had been asleep. How did I even get back here? The soft snores at my side caught my attention and that was what drew me to face it. I immediately blushed when I saw Natsu was sleeping at the edge of my bed. His head was on his arms as he used it as a pillow to cushion the side of his face.

I couldn't help but to smile upon seeing him. I bet Natsu was the one who brought me here. I was so happy that I got to see him again, to be with him again. Unknowingly, I reached out to caress his soft pink locks. It certainly has been a long time since I have seen Natsu asleep at my side. Oh how I actually missed that cute face of his. Yes, I admitted it. I have all along been in love with my best friend but I didn't want to complicate things thus I kept pushing my feelings away.

That reminds me of what Gajeel shared earlier during Natsu's fight with my captor. He went into dragon force mode because he was on a protective mode for his mate. I didn't had time to dwell on this at that time but now since we're back home safe and sound, I couldn't contain my heart from beating so fast at knowing this. It meant that Natsu love me back too right? Or not why would he have gone into such a state? No, no. I lightly slapped my cheeks. Don't get ahead of yourself Lucy. You're not sure if it's true even.

"My, my. Why is my Lucy slapping herself?" I straight away turned towards to the source of the voice and it was none other than Loke.

"Loke!" I was quite delighted to see him well and himself. I immediately closed my mouth sheepishly when I remembered Natsu was soundly asleep beside me. "What are you doing here?" I whispered but loud enough so that he could hear me.

"It seems Natsu forgot to claim us so I decided to bring your keys back for you." My mouth immediately went to an O-shape as I reached for them from Loke's hand. I thanked him as I hugged my keys to my chest. "How are you feeling Lucy?" I looked up at him as I kneel down on my bed.

"I'm feeling fine now Loke. What about you? Could you also help me apologize to the rest for losing them?"

"It's fine Lucy. They knew what happened and they understand." Loke said as he took a seat at the end of my bed, away from where Natsu slept. "Though, Aquarius wasn't really taking it lightly." My sweat dropped as I pictured what she would be saying to me.

"I can imagine." But our conversation got interrupted when we felt Natsu started to stir awake. He blinked his eyes for a bit before finally opening them fully. He looked to his front but only to immediately sit up right with his eyes wide. He looked right and then left which only then he calm down when his eyes set on me.

"You're awake." I couldn't help but to blush when Natsu smiled at me so lovingly. I nodded back in reply while looking down. I was so embarrassed to look at Natsu in the eye. I think I will just explode from a heart attack. What made me dare to look up again though was when I heard growling.

"Woah, woah. Easy there Natsu. It's just me Loke remember?" Honestly, I was dumbfounded. Did Natsu forgotten my most trustworthy celestial spirit?

"Natsu." I reached out and grabbed his arm gently which made him look at me. His eyes were not the caring ones that I knew so well. "Natsu, it's just Loke. He's here because he brought my keys back." Soon, his eyes went back to normal.

"Lucy?" He said my name in question, as if confused on why I was at his side when I was away from him few minutes ago. I myself, was also blinking in confusion. Like what the hell just happened in that split second. Loke cleared his throat to earn our attention back.

"I guess I'll make my way back first. I think you two have a lot to talk about. See you Lucy, Natsu." Loke bid farewell before disappearing back to the celestial world.

"What the hell just happened?" Natsu said aloud as he stood up and scratched the back of his head. I looked at him in question too. He doesn't know himself too? "I'm hungry." He whined before looking down at me. "Shall we go and grab something to eat? I bet that tummy of yours is demanding for some food too." Natsu seems to be himself. Is this something we should talk about? I decided to pass on the thought for now when I heard my stomach growled. He's right about my tummy needing some food.

"Sounds good. Just let me go get ready."

I stared at Natsu as he gobbled down his food. Something was definitely up with him. When I wanted to wash up earlier, he kept asking if I could do it alone. Initially, I thought he was just being weird or maybe even a pervert but when I saw that sincere look on his face, I could tell he was actually being thoughtful and caring. Though, that didn't mean I allowed him to help me.

After I got dress, we left my apartment to head down towards the guild I supposed since that was where we usually go to have our meal if we were tight with money but Natsu grabbed my wrist and told me we were going the wrong way. I looked at him like he had grown a second head but he laughed it off and reassured me by saying that I deserved a good meal since I've woken up. I decided to let that slide and followed him as he led me to our designated place for lunch that afternoon.

I stood outside as I looked at the restaurant with wide eyes. It was definitely too fancy and most probably too expensive for Natsu and myself to afford. I quickly grabbed Natsu's arm to stop him from entering the place but he looked at me like I was crazy. He should be the one that's crazy and not me! He slipped out of my hold and continue his walk in. It looked like I had no choice so reluctantly, I followed him and the waiter greeted us before bringing us to a seat. What shocked me next was when I was about to pull my chair out but Natsu beat me to it. He pulled the chair out for me making me stared in surprise at him. He just gave me that oh so famous wide toothy grin of his.

The waiter cleared his throat which got me to sit down quickly and thanked him. Natsu then went over to his seat that was directly opposite of mine and the waiter passed us the menu. We decided water for our drinks, gourmet pasta for my food while Natsu gotten himself a huge ass burger. Natsu was still Natsu though but this time, there was something different. He was being such a gentleman towards me.

I was currently resting my cheek against my palm with my elbow placed on the table. I was done with my meal anyways so I decided to observe Natsu while he devoured his food. He was munching on his burger like his usual self though this time, I could tell he was trying not to be so messy. Usually when Natsu eats, the food would splatter all over the table but this time, I hardly see any speck of food.

"You want to try some Luce?" I managed to make up what he said even with food in his mouth.

"No thanks Natsu." I smiled back sweetly, hoping he would tell me what's with him today but he didn't, instead he just gave me his wide toothy grin. Argh, this conspicuous character of him is killing me. "Alright spill it Natsu." Natsu titled his head to the side and looked at me confusedly.

"Spill what?"

"Why are you not being the Natsu I know?" I pressed on. "You're being all too nice."

"Is that wrong?"

"Yes! For god sakes, why?"

"I just feel like to." He scoffed before looking away. "I don't see why I can't." Natsu pouted as he rested his chin on his palm. He just makes me want to go over to him and pinch his cheeks. Why is he so darn adorable? "Are you done?" Natsu stood up and started to walk off. I was surprised at his sudden departure so I quickly stood up and followed him.

He went to the counter and left a hefty amount of jewels for the both of us before exiting the restaurant. I thanked the cashier before catching up with him. He was walking pretty fast and I was trying my best to reach him.

"Natsu wait up!" I shouted but that didn't seem to stop him at all. He just continued on walking. Why he? "Natsu please wait up!" Still he didn't stop. All this fast walking was making me breathless. Guess I still haven't recovered my energy from my kidnap. I decided to stop and catch my breath as I held onto my knees for support. Once I felt better, I straighten myself to only face Natsu who was just inches away from me.

"You alright Luce?" I just nodded my head back in reply.

"Yeah I am. Sorry, I think I haven't gotten my stamina back yet." I giggled, hoping to ease up the situation a bit.

"You shouldn't stress yourself Luce." Suddenly my anger was back.

"Says the guy who stomped off suddenly." My lips pursed as I crossed my arms over my chest. His hands came to rest on my shoulders as he looked at me with that sincere smile of his.

"I'm sorry Luce, I guess I'm just angry at you for looking down on me." He lowered both of his hands, one going up to rub the back of his neck. "I wanted to do something nice for you." He then looked down, his bangs covering his eyes. "I almost lost you." He said it almost as a whisper but I managed to catch it. I couldn't help but to lean towards him to give him a kiss on the cheek. I think that startled him because he was looking down at me now with red cheeks.

"Thanks Natsu." I smiled back at him. What I didn't expect though was for him to lean towards me and kissed me on the lips.

A/N: Uh oh... Why did Natsu kiss Lucy? Hehe. Things are going to get interesting soon. I assure you. As for now, please don't forget to leave a review before you go peeps. Thanks!