Hey! Hope you're all doing well and having a good summer so far! Got a fun one with our faves getting closer and Natsu's deeper feelings bubbling to the surface a little bit more? ;)
Enjoy!
Summer really starts to fully set in as July rolls around. Meaning hot days out on jobs with the station for Natsu, and warm nights. Add dealing with fires and rescues on top of that, it leaves him pretty drained when he finally gets to be off.
Speaking of, he usually enjoys those days with Lucy and Kade when he can, making all days of exhaustion worth it. Fun days cooling off at the movies, running around at the baseball field playing catch, or just staying in at Lucy's house together or his apartment with the cats hanging out together.
They'd been thinking about something to do one hotter than usual day recently, and Natsu remembered the large indoor pool at the complex. Kade was immediately interested and excited as soon as they got their things together and Natsu showed them around, wanting to jump right in. Lucy reminded him he didn't know how to swim yet, which damped it a bit.
Hating seeing the boy with a frown, Natsu was more than happy to offer to help. Kade was equally excited at the promise of getting to swim and the warm, grateful smile Lucy gave him was more than enough encouragement. Kade was all smiles as soon as he and Natsu got started in the pool, bright laughs as the boy splashes around in his float jacket, Natsu holding him steady.
Natsu was eating his words of offering the pool the moment Lucy joined them from the bleachers, revealing her black two piece swim set under her summer dress...
Definitely hadn't been prepared for that and it was a miracle Natsu didn't slip and drown at the sight of the material hugging all her curves just right... but he tried not to let his gaze linger like some kinda creep.
He cleared his throat and did manage a 'wow' that cracked his voice when she padded through the water beside him, that resulted in a pretty flush and smile on her cheeks that he enjoyed. Kade conveniently distracted them with more splashing from his kicks, making them laugh. Although, Natsu also managed to notice Lucy's own not so subtle lingering glances along his own form, which made him smirk and pride swell up in his chest.
So, it wasn't just him, huh? A nice thought.
Several splashing wars later, bright laughs, they got through a fun first lesson and went back to Lucy's and enjoyed a nice lunch after washing off. The routine continued several times after that.
As fun as it is with the three of them, Natsu loves spending time with just him and Lucy. Deepening the new relationship whenever he talked to her on the phone, went out, met her at her work or she'd come to the station for a lunch date, at each other's place just enjoying their time together.
They'd gone out for their special date to celebrate their 'official' getting together after that night. Consisting of another good dinner by the lake, bright laughs, and a lot more making out than the first time. Which they both seemed happy about.
Each new thing he learned only had him falling for her more. Growing closer, learning how to navigate each other's lives, even on some of their rough days.
Lucy had suddenly been a little short with Natsu one day, which he'd been a little unprepared for and had him thinking it was something he did. She insisted she was fine when he asked her if everything was ok and if she needed anything, quickly hung up on him. It hurt a little, but figured she just needed some space. When Lucy called later the next night, she admitted she'd been having a particularly rough couple days with Kade recently, he'd even been acting up at his daycare, and it was getting to her more than usual, feeling like she wasn't doing enough or giving him what he needed.
It made Natsu's chest ache with the way the strain made her voice shake. He ended up stopping by her house on his way home after a late shift that night, happy she'd said yes, and more so just being able to hold her out on the porch for a while, heart feeling lighter that he was able to put a bit of a smile back on her face.
"I'm sorry I pushed you away yesterday," she'd murmured against his chest, Natsu holding her close.
"It's ok," he'd reassured, smoothing a hand up along her back. "Kids are a lotta work. I'm sorry for trying to fix it all. Still always here for you." Meaning it with a kiss pressed to her forehead.
"Things feel like a lot sometimes, and it gets overwhelming," Lucy'd sighed. "But thank you, I promise to communicate that better next time," she'd said softly, leaning up to kiss his jaw.
"Me too," Natsu'd smiled warmly.
They were still figuring this relationship thing out, especially with Kade, so there were of course some bumps, but made Natsu determined to be better for her.
In how close they'd gotten, Natsu loved how much they'd gotten comfortable with their intimacy too. Every warm, lingering touch of hands and lips was thrilling, making his heart sore and flutter every time. The fact that the amazing and beautiful woman he'd hold in his arms chose him, something he never thought would happen, made him infinitely happy.
Now, Lucy's birthday was already coming up quick next week and Natsu was still trying to figure out what to do for her. Kade's was in October though, giving Natsu some time to get him something good. But first, he wanted to do something special for Lucy. She was a little reluctant when he asked her if there was anything she wanted to do over dinner at her house the other day, giving him a cute shy smile.
"It doesn't have to be a big deal, Natsu. It never really has been," she said softly.
"C'mon, Luce. Even more reason you deserve it," Natsu grinned bright.
"Yeah, Mom!" Kade agreed. "It's a birthday!"
Lucy shook her head in amusement. "Well, that doesn't give me much of a choice does it," Lucy laughed, Natsu taking in the warm sound.
Which is how they settled on a BBQ at Natsu's parents and all their friends this afternoon. Didn't have to worry about a restaurant and it could be just with the ones they cared about. Igneel also insisted on cooking of course.
Natsu had gotten around to finally telling his parents about him and Lucy recently. But apparently Wendy had already let it slip and his parents didn't even have the decency to act surprised and had just been waiting for him to say something and just wore eager, knowing smiles. Even Wendy with that bright smile without an ounce of shame. He'd just rolled his eyes, with a laugh, palm rubbing his warm neck with how happy and supportive they were.
"Can't say we're surprised, kiddo," Igneel grinned, firm grip to Natsu's shoulder.
"Sorry, hun," his mom said in between a giggle. "But we could tell with the way you would look at Lucy from the beginning, how quick of a connection you had, especially with Kade too. They bring out a side of you we haven't seen in a long time." Her expression had softened, making Natsu's chest swell, neck warming again.
"T-Thank you," Natsu chuckled, scratching his cheek. "It's… um, it's the first time I've felt this way about anyone, so I just hope I don't mess it up."
"You won't! It's obvious how much you both care about each other, making each other happy, and that's what matters," Wendy had reassured brightly. "And Lucy's amazing. You'll be great together."
Natsu smiled wider. "Yeah, she is."
"Look at that smile, you'll be fine." Igneel had reached up to ruffle a hand through Natsu's hair. It pulled a laugh from him, heart feeling lighter.
Catching up to tonight, he was spending some time with Lucy and Kade at the complex. Natsu had met them there after work to play some catch when Lucy told him the boy had already been missing his regular baseball.
Natsu was more than happy to run around with him, as much as his energy would allow him to keep up with Kade. Even Lucy got into it a little after a while, catching a couple with her own glove he'd gotten her, making Natsu smile bright.
Igneel came out to join them for a bit too and turning catch into more of a game, giving his old man a run for his money with all of Kade's boundless energy. Natsu's running to catch a low ball Igneel hits at one point, doesn't realize how close he'd gotten to Lucy's position at first base and quickly tumbles into her. Too late to stop despite her warning shouts.
The dust clears and they're in a tangle of limbs and one look at each other had them erupting with bright laughter.
"Sorry, Luce," Natsu laughs, pushing himself up.
"You totally did that on purpose," Lucy teases in between bright giggles, pushing the hair from her face and to Natsu's shoulder just to prove her point.
"I didn't!" he laughs more.
Lucy hums and narrows her eyes playfully, pushing herself up too.
"Go for the home run, Kade!" Igneel cheers.
Kade giggles bright and quickly runs over where they are at first base. "I wanna slide too!" He crashes into Natsu's arms, making him fall back over.
"Oof!"
Kade's bright laughter, mixed in with Lucy's is infectious and Natsu can't help but join in too.
"Alright you crazy kids. Everyone wins, think that's enough home runs for the night," Igneel laughs, reaching over to help them up.
Natsu's still chuckling when he leans over and helps Lucy up, who's still wearing a bright smile that goes straight to his heart.
"Keep laughing it up, you."
"What? I said it was an accident!" He can't help but laugh again at Lucy's teasing pout. She gives his hand a squeeze and her smile returns as they head back to gather their stuff.
"You guys can put the gear away, I'll get Kade situated up front for ya," Igneel suggests.
"Ok, thank you!" Lucy grins.
Natsu opens up the storage room and lugs the heavy bag of bats and gear inside.
"Thanks for hanging out with us tonight, Natsu. Sorry it was a little last minute," Lucy says, leaning back against one of the shelves.
"Yeah, of course! It was no problem, a relief actually. This week was pretty crazy and was happy to end it on a good note," Natsu sighs with a wide smile.
"Sounded like it from what you were telling me. Holding up ok?" Lucy asks with some concern, getting closer to reach up and push up his hair that covered the bandage on hie temple.
He'd told her he'd gotten a little scraped up out on a tough call this week. Luckily it wasn't too bad, but of course it still made her worry, which warmed his heart.
"I'm ok, thank you," Natsu says warmly, wrapping his arms around her loosely. "But with such a busy week, I didn't get to see you at all till now. I missed you," he pouts playfully.
Lucy smiles brightly, palms smoothing over his chest. "You did, huh?"
"Mm, very much. To make up for it, how about we spend your actual birthday together tomorrow before I have to share you with everyone else this weekend?"
Lucy laughs warmly, arms winding up around his neck as he holds her against the shelf. "Mm, not good at sharing, are we?"
"Nope," Natsu smirks, leaning in for a lingering kiss that they smile into. "Somethin' dragons and I have in common actually."
"Is it?" Lucy laughs brighter, fingers threading through his hair, sending shivers down his spine. "Well, I did miss you too and did take the day off to start an early weekend so I think I can make that work."
"I just happen to have the day off too. It's a date then," Natsu smiles, bright and happy, pulling her in for a playful kiss that lingers warmly.
Lucy hums, leaning into him a little more. "Well, since we'll be spending the day together, did you want to stay the night?" she says after they break away, palms drifting along his shoulders. The tension melts there from the touch.
His chest swells. "Sure, sounds good," he grins. "I'll just go check on the cats, wash up and meet you back at your place."
"Yeah, can't have you bringing all your mess into the house." Lucy gives him a teasing smile, reaching up to ruffle through his hair and making more line chalk fall.
"Oi! As if you're one to talk," Natsu smirks, mussing her own hair. He cackles at her yelp, pushing his hands away.
"Get off," Lucy giggles brightly, and Natsu enjoys the sound. "So mean, let's go." She sticks her tongue out at him and starts making her way out to the main lobby.
His parents are already up there with Kade and some other kids who are excitedly showing him their pokemon cards on some of the chairs.
"Woah, these are awesome!"
Natsu laughs. "Hey, he's pretty good at making friends now, doesn't even notice us anymore."
"Right," Lucy chuckles, shaking her head affectionately.
"Careful for your wallet, Lucy. May unlock a whole new collection of stuff he'll want," Grace laughs. "Natsu would know."
"What? I never had expensive collections?" Natsu defends, crossing his arms.
"Oh yeah? The baseball card collections, your own pokemon cards, skateboards, video games-"
"Ok, ok," Natsu interrupts Igneel's teasing rambling with a shove to his shoulder, neck warming. "Think you've made your point. Let's all head home, yeah?" He wears a playful grin looking over at Lucy as she chuckles at them.
She wrangles up Kade as they say goodbye to his parents and heads over to the parking lot.
"Natsu! Do you have to go home now?" Kade asks, hazel eyes pleading innocently, holding onto his arm.
Natsu chuckles and shares a warm look with Lucy. "Well, since it's Mom's special birthday tomorrow, we were thinking, how about we have a sleepover at your house and we can all spend the day together?"
"Yeah!" Kade cheers, hugging Natsu's waist tight.
"Sounds like we're all on board then," Natsu laughs, turning to share an amused look with Lucy. "I gotta go back to my place real quick and I'll meet you back at your house ok?"
Kade agrees happily giving Natsu a hug before jumping into his seat. Lucy chuckles and gives Natsu a hug too.
He waves at them before getting into his truck too and heading back home, chest fluttering and light.
Natsu makes quick work of saying hi to the cats, getting them set up for a while, packing, and jumping in the shower.
Feeling refreshed when he gets out, changed into some comfier clothes, and tosses some clothes in the laundry closet before cleaning up a little.
He gives the cats some kisses and pets and heads out again along familiar roads back to see his favorite people.
By the time he gets there and Lucy greets him at the door, she'd just finished putting some plates of food on the dining table.
Natsu's stomach instantly growls at the sight and smells of savory pasta, loudly, she must've heard it when she turns and laughs.
"I take it you're hungry?"
"Can't help it, your cookin's amazing," Natsu smiles sheepishly.
She just gives him a warm smile, cute soft flush on her cheeks.
Kade runs over when Lucy calls him from his room for dinner, bright smile and still wearing his play jersey.
"Yay! You came, sleepover time!"
Natsu chuckles, sets down his bag and catches the boy's tight hug. "Of course! A promise is a promise, kiddo." He ruffles Kade's hair for good measure, making him giggle brightly.
"Ok, you boys. Kade, let's wash up for dinner," Lucy announces with a grin.
They get situated at the table after and quickly dig in.
"Mm, see told ya your stuff's amazin', Luce," Natsu murmurs around a large bite of flavorful pasta.
"I just threw something quick together, but glad you approve," Lucy smiles bright, tucking some of her hair behind her ear, making Natsu wish he'd done it first.
Kade keeps them entertained with questions about 'cool firefighter stuff' as they eat. Natsu happily answers, sharing some stories, and warm looks with Lucy in between.
He helps her clean up after they're full and she ushers Kade to go wash up and get changed for bed.
"Make yourself at home, we'll be right back!"
"Yeah, don't start the movie yet!"
"Sure thing," Natsu chuckles, waving.
He puts on a random show and gets comfy on the couch. He sighs as he sinks into the cushions, taking in everything around him. Smiling softly at all the cozy decor, he's happy they've made it into a warm home for themselves here.
"Ok, ready!" Kade cheers, bounding back over fresh in his matching pajamas, hopping onto the couch beside Natsu.
Natsu laughs, setting down his phone. "Finally! I was fallin' asleep waiting for you!"
"No you weren't!" Kade giggles, kneeling up to wrap his arms around Natsu's neck.
Lucy makes her way over to sit on Natsu's other side with some snacks, still looking pretty in her comfy clothes now, her warmth immediately making his skin tingle.
"Alright, you two. Which movie is it gonna be?"
They settle on 'how to train your dragon', mostly from Natsu and Kade's persuasion when they came across it. Cuddling in with a blanket tossed over them, Natsu can't imagine anywhere else he'd rather be.
By the time the sequel starts playing, Natsu realizes he dozed off and both Lucy and Kade were asleep on his shoulders too, making him smile softly. He closes his eyes and enjoys the content warmth swelling in his heart, leaning his head against Lucy's for a bit before reaching over to squeeze her knee.
"Hey, Luce," he whispers.
Lucy groans softly, nudging her head more into the crook of his neck, making his spine tingle, before she acknowledges him with a hum.
"Think we should call it a night, we're all dozin' off here," he breathes a laugh.
She shifts and eventually pulls herself up from him with another hum of question, looking over at Kade.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't even feel myself fall asleep," Lucy chuckles softly, squeezing his shoulder as she gets up to stretch. "But that's a good idea, we all must've been more tired than we thought."
"It's alright. I never mind being a pillow," Natsu teases. They share an amused look as he moves to slowly gather Kade in his arms so Lucy doesn't have to as she starts to turn off lamps and the tv for the night.
She meets him in Kade's room, tucking him in with a soft hand through the boy's hair from Natsu and Lucy flicks on his little nightlight in the corner.
They take turns freshening up for the night and while Lucy's in the bathroom, Natsu cackles as he makes a dash for her room and her plush bed, sighing deeply.
"Um, excuse me. Who said you could sleep in my bed?"
He turns to see those honeyed chocolate eyes narrow playfully at him, smile quirking the corner of her lips as she pulls down one side of her comforter. Natsu drinks in the sight of golden hair pulled up, showing off her brightening smile, in her oversized crewneck sleep sweatshirt. His heart really is always a mess around her.
"Aw, c'mon, you know your bed is way better than mine," Natsu defends, voice muffled from the pillow, breathing in her comforting scent lingering on it.
They'd slept over each other's a few times now, and after the first time he accidentally fell asleep in her bed from something they'd been watching, he's seriously thought about getting a new mattress just to compare to hers... but maybe it was being able to sleep beside her that makes him sleep so well.
Lucy hums. "Hm, so that's the real reason you always agree to sleepover so easily isn't it? Maybe I should kick you out to the couch," she says, teasing glint in her eyes.
"Nooo, please! I promise I come over for you, not your awesome bed," he pleads, kneeling up on the bed and scooting closer to her while using his bed puppy dog eyes with his hands clasped.
Lucy's stern expression breaks and she laughs brightly. "Ok, ok fine you can stay."
Natsu cheers, wide smile flashing across his face as he quickly wraps her up in his arms before she could say anything and pulls her down on the bed with him. He enjoys her flushed face from how much she's laughing and how happy it makes him just having her in his arms.
"Just stay off of my side," she says, sticking her tongue out at him.
Natsu just smiles bigger, pushing himself up on an elbow, pushing back some of her hair that had fallen, thumb brushing along her warm cheek.
"Mm, well that's hard with you being all beautiful over here like you are."
Pride wells up in his chest at the pretty flush that takes over her cheeks again.
"Don't use sweet talk to get out of it," Lucy huffs, smile quirking her lips again.
Natsu laughs bright, giving into the craving to lean in and kiss her like he'd been wanting to since he got here.
They smile into it before Lucy's hands come up to tangle in his hair again, making him breathe a soft sound against her and melt into the feeling and kissing her deeper.
He'll never get tired of that thrilling feeling.
Natsu gets up a little early the next day, let's Lucy get some more sleep with a soft kiss to her forehead before heading to the bathroom to freshen up and manage to start on making a little something for them to eat. He wasn't the best cook, but it's mostly for Lucy and he's been trying to get better at making stuff other than quick microwave food.
There's pancake mix in one of the cupboards and the directions seem like something he can do.
He's just finishing up the first few on the stove when he hears some little footsteps, smiling when he turns and sees who it is.
"Hi, Natsu," Kade says sleepily through a yawn, rubbing his eyes.
"Hey! Mornin, bud. If you're tired, you can go back to bed? It's still early." Natsu reaches over to run a hand through the boy's soft hair.
"But I'm hungry and the pancakes smelled good," Kade murmurs.
Natsu chuckles. "Yeah, me too. How's this, wanna help me put this breakfast together for Mom's birthday so we can surprise her."
"Yeah!"
"Shh," Natsu breathes between a laugh. "Let her sleep in a bit more. Can you get the strawberries from the fridge?"
Kade nods eagerly, and between the two of them, there's enough of a decent looking breakfast and soon enough there's movement down the hall and Lucy's walking over just as Natsu puts another plate down on the dining table.
"I thought I smelled food, what's all this?" Lucy asks, smile warm as she looks around.
"Surprise! Happy birthday!" He and Kade both cheer.
"Thought I'd try my hand at making somethin' this morning for you," Natsu grins.
"That's so sweet, thank you both!" She walks over the rest of the way and wraps Kade up in a tight hug, making him giggle.
She gives Natsu a warm hug too that lingers a little long, but he soaks up every part of it as he holds her close.
They get set up at the dining table and load up their plates. Natsu put some strawberries and sugar on hers to make it special and they dig in, eagerly waiting for her approval.
"Wow, you've really stepped up from your instant ramen noodles, Natsu," Lucy smiles after a few bites. "Good job, boys."
Natsu enjoys the happy look in those bright honeyed eyes. He gives a high five to Kade before sharing a bright smile with Lucy across the table. Worth it.
Lucy wears a happy expression as their friends start the birthday wishes in their text chat as she and Natsu enjoy a slow day for most of the day, keeping Kade with them since they were home. Watching some tv, playing some board games, playing some catch in the backyard, eating some snacks. Natsu loves the simple comfort of it all with his favorite people.
Early evening rolls around and with as much fun Kade said he was having, he lit up more when Lucy reminded him his friend Noah was coming over tonight. Claire offered to come over to watch Kade and let the boys have a playdate while they went to out for the night.
By the time they get all freshened up and changed, it's just in time when Claire gets there and Kade quickly pays them no mind once Noah's in the house and they bound over to Kade's room with bright laughs.
Lucy shakes her head in amusement. "Thanks again for this, Claire. I gave him the usual run down and reminded him to be good."
"Of course! It's no trouble, you always do the same for me and it's your birthday! You guys go and have a good time," Claire says warmly.
"Thank you, I always appreciate it." Lucy gives her a hug and Natsu gives her his thanks too before they gather their things and head out to his truck.
Natsu takes his time to appreciate the sight of her in faded jean shorts that hug her just right, midnight blue flowing blouse that highlights golden hair draped over her shoulder.
"I haven't said it yet today, but ookin' beautiful as ever, birthday girl," Natsu grins, holding her door open for her as she steps in.
Lucy huffs a soft laugh. "Why thank you, handsome." She pulls him in for a quick, warm kiss.
"Me? Thank you, I only put on the best for you," Natsu says, letting a prideful smirk grow, palm smoothing down the dark forest green soft button down he's glad he thought to bring.
She may have given it to him a while back as his own belated birthday gift after she found out it had already passed back in march, but he liked the approving look she gave him when he wore it all the same.
He kisses the edge of her bright smile before going around to jump into the truck too and head out.
They go to see this new funny movie that had came out and were just going to go to a resturant in town, when they come across a blocked street Natsu was going to take. Seeing it's some kind of summer night market that's going on in the main couple blocks of the town square, and how Lucy seems to like the idea more, Natsu has to stop.
Sure enough, once they get further inside, there's cute merch booths, some table games, and food trucks that immediately catch Natsu's eye and nose when they start walking around, making his stomach growl already, but Lucy distracts him first.
"Oh, look there's a photo booth! Let's try it."
Lucy's dragging his arm before he has a chance to reply. But he'd happily follow her anywhere so he doesn't mind and just smiles as she pulls him inside the booth with her.
Natsu manages to get the machine going. "Ok, get ready."
They make a serious pose, Natsu's arm around Lucy's shoulders as he tries not to laugh at their fake stern expressions. Snap.
He makes her laugh this time as he makes a dramatic crazy face with his tongue out. Snap.
She turns to kiss his cheek, arms around his neck, feeling a giddy smile across his face. Snap.
They both turn for a tender kiss, Natsu's palm at the back of her neck, thumb at her jaw as they melt into each other little. Snap.
Foreheads pressed against each other with bright smiles as they laugh. Snap.
The automatic voice ends the sequence on the screen and they step out to pick up the two strips that were printed, tucking them into his shirt pocket for safe keeping.
"Alright, let's get some food, yeah?" Natsu gives her one more kiss to her temple before throwing an arm around her shoulders to resume their walking around. Lucy chuckles and wraps her arm around his waist with a squeeze, filling his heart with warmth.
They walk past some merch booths before that and he can't help but buy her a few of the things she seems to like, even though she insisted she didn't need anything. He just used the birthday excuse and she just had to accept with a warm look.
Eventually they settle at an open picnic table after grabbing some food from a couple different vendors. Mostly because everything looked and smelled so good, Natsu couldn't make up his mind.
"Now we got our own little buffet," he grins wide, spreading his hands out.
Lucy giggles. "May have went a little overboard, but yeah we do."
They eagerly start to dig in and are happy when the food is just as good as it all looked.
"I have one more thing for you, Luce," Natsu grins, pulling out the wrapped gift he'd hidden in the bag they were carrying around after they finish and cleared off the table.
Lucy tries to give him another reprimanding look. "Natsu, all the stuff from earlier were more than enough."
"I know, I know," he chuckles. "But since those small things weren't planned on being your actual gift and I got this before, it doesn't really count."
Lucy hums but gives him a warm look as she opens the paper, expression softening when she recognizes what it was.
He'd remembered how much she'd liked the stationary from that bookstore in town when they first started hanging out, and she'd mentioned how she hadn't had a chance to go back to get more. So, he was in the area recently and couldn't help but get her some and a couple nice notebooks.
"Natsu... you remembered. This is so sweet of you," she says softly, fingers lightly brushing over the edges.
Natsu's neck warms, rubbing over it sheepishly. "It was no big deal, just knew how much you liked that store last time. Hope they were the right stuff," he breathes a laugh.
"They are, I love everything and I -" Lucy pauses to tuck some of her hair behind her ear, seeming to change her mind to what she was going to say before continuing. "Just, thank you. For everything."
Natsu's expression softens this time, reaching over to give her hand a squeeze. "Anything for you, Luce. Happy birthday," he says warmly, and she gives him a soft smile, deeper look in her eyes.
They talk for a while before enjoying some moments of quiet and Natsu uses them to just everything in, the sounds of other people enjoying themselves around them, Lucy's content expression as she takes in the end of the late setting sunset across the lake, her fingers laced with his on the table, warmth of her touch swelling all the way up to his heart It's... the best and happiest he's felt in a long time, and he thinks having Lucy in his life is the main reason why. He smiles softly at the thought.
"What are you thinking about?" Lucy asks softly, eyes back on him and propping up her face with her other palm.
Natsu chuckles, scratching his cheek. "Oh, it's nothin' much. Will probably sound cheesy and lame."
"C'mon, I highly doubt that," she smiles easily.
"Alright, it's just uh, just about how happy I am. Here with you right now," he admits with a squeeze to her hand. Her expression softens. "And how long it's been since been since I've felt that way 'cause... well, I don't wanna bum out your birthday," he breathes an airy laugh, chest tightening a little.
"Hey, it's ok. The day doesn't matter, you know you can talk to me any time…"
The open conviction in her eyes always makes his heart do flips, easing the tension in his chest a little. She hasn't been weirded out or judged him for anything he's told her about his past so far, which he probably wouldn't do, but was hard to shake off that feeling sometimes. He trusts her and decides to follow his heart and open it a little.
Natsu hums then breathes a deep sigh with another squeeze to her hand for support. "Well… I was always bouncing around from shitty home to shittier home when I was young. The foster 'parents' just cared about a paycheck, never all the kids they packed in there," he huffs, chest tightening again from the not so great memories resurfacing already just from that. "Think I was about Kade's age, I was already a mess after my birth parents died, and I guess I just internalized everything didn't know how to handle stuff like that, and adding shitty homes into it all just made me out to me being such a troublemaker of a kid," Natsu breathes a dry laugh, Lucy gripping his hand stronger this time, giving him the push to keep going.
"I wrecked stuff, had such a bad, quick temper as I grew up and just lashed out at everything and everyone. Hardly went to school, or couldn't even get it to stick with all the moving schools and stuff too, but not like I had anyone to have a stable enough routine with all that time either. Had trouble making friends the whole time too, or keeping friends, since I would close myself off and shut people out a lot. Figured everyone always ended up leaving anyway and I never stuck around long enough for anyone to care either so why try," Natsu sighs deeply, Lucy's open, warm expression keeping him grounded. "I was a pretty lonely kid honestly despite all that… Until I met Gray one year," Natsu smiles softly. "Think we were like ten by then, and I had just transferred to the same school as him. I forget exactly how we started talking, but I'd never been to this town before and he was kinda the first to put up with my shit," Natsu chuckles. "Would argue right back with me, roughhouse, and get into these contests about who was better at whatever sport or game and it kinda worked to keep me going to school. But we weren't friends yet of course."
Lucy laughs warmly with him at that and it eases the tension in his chest as the words continue to flow.
"I put up with the home I was in at the time for the sake of having some kind of routine with Gray. He kept me outta some trouble, when we weren't causin' it together. I spent a lot of time at his house after school most days. His parents were so nice to me, it felt weird 'cause I wasn't used to that, but I hated going back to my "home". Then... I met Igneel when I was twelve and it was… everything," Natsu swallows thickly, the moment everything changed coming back to him. "I remember talkin' to some social worker who came over the house and telling me someone wanted to meet me and something about possible adoption. There'd only been a handful of people over the years who I met, but nothing ever worked out. My bad file probably kept every family away, so I thought, yeah right. No one's gonna want a messed up older kid like me…"
Natsu's chest aches all over again, voice shaking his words as he remembers the empty feeling every time he didn't get picked. Disappointment, resentment, anger, sadness.
"Natsu…" Lucy says softly, hugging his arm to her side. They'd moved to a bench closer by the water at some point, putting their jackets on, but having her warmth flush against him helps more. "I'm so sorry you had to feel that way. You don't have to keep going if it's bringing up too much for you."
He feels the emotion for him in her voice and leans into her touch. "Thank you, but it's ok, Luce." He laces their fingers together again. "That time was all kind of a blur, but they took me down to the main office where I met Igneel and Grace that day, we talked a bit, or mostly they did since I didn't talk much around new people, but they were warm and kind the whole time… some of the first genuine people I'd met other than Gray's parents, so I had a bit of hope, but I didn't wanna let myself get my hopes up. Figured I'd gotten too old and it wouldn't work out again y'know?" he sighs. "Things went back to usual after a while. Got disappointed, but still kept thinking about them and couldn't shake off this feeling that I'd missed out on something good… then all of a sudden the worker's tellin' me things are official and that I was uh, adopted." He turns and shares a warm look with Lucy, feeling thick emotion in his throat.
"I um, I couldn't believe it y'know? I'd just known chaos and dysfunction my whole life up to that point and all of a sudden someone picked me and I'm moved into an actual home, with my own actual room, having a sister," he chuckles warmly, looking far off along the moonlit rippling water, almost seeing his memories reflected in it. "I'd like to say it was all happily ever after once they took me in, but I struggled with it all a little, well, a lot actually. I was happier and grateful of course, but I had a hard time adjusting to a normal life. Living somewhere safe . Having people who cared . I still struggled with feeling wanted, letting people in, and still had the habit of acting out. Especially once I started high school and uh…" It's hard to push back memories of that specific time of his life once he gets to thinking about it, but he doesn't really want to open that gate fully again right now. "And um, things got really messy and I made things hard for everyone for a long time…" Natsu swallows thickly before clearing his throat. "But we worked through it eventually to get to where we are now," he sighs deeply, breath shaking his chest.
"Oh, Natsu," Lucy whispers. He feels her palm come up, tip his chin over to look at her and thumb brush away tears on his cheek that he didn't even realize had slipped from his eyes.
Natsu huffs an airy laugh. "I'm sorry. Didn't even feel myself cryin', probably seem like a mess." He rubs over his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt.
"Far from it." The warm reassurance in those understanding honeyed eyes, no judgement or pity, makes him smile softly, tension slowly melting in his chest.
He shifts a little, putting his arm behind her over the back of the bench, holding her other hand on his lap. "Didn't mean to end up put all that out on you, but... it's been a long time since I talked about all that with anyone so thank you. For listening and everything." There's a little less weight on his his shoulders when he thinks about it, forgetting just how much everything can tend to weigh on his mind.
Lucy smiles warmly. "Of course. I know how hard it is to go back and talk about your past, and dealing with everything that comes along with it. Thank you for opening up like that. I'm sorry you had to suffer through so much being so young, but I'm glad your family found you in time."
Natsu hums and nods in agreement. He probably would've spiraled worse if they hadn't. "It is, and I still struggle with healing from parts of it, but I'm glad they did too." Natsu breathes a deep sigh, cupping her cheek. "This was all a kind of long, rambling way of saying, I've had so few genuine people in my life and I'm grateful for them. But I'm even more grateful that you and Kade are here and a part of my life now too and I'm happy to be here with you."
"You are wanted, deserve happiness, and I'm happier you're a part of ours." Lucy's own eyes get glossy this time, leaning in to give him a quick soft kiss. "You've been there for me whenever a part of my past comes up, so I'm happy to listen and be here for you. Always."
Natsu leans into the warmth of her touch as she reaches up to thread fingers through his hair. The last bit of ache eases in his chest and swells into something strong and affectionate. He really doesn't deserve her.
"Thank you," he hums and presses a kiss to her inner wrist, squeezing her hand over his cheek. "I'll always be here for you too."
Lucy's expression softens with that deeper look in her eyes again. Natsu secures his arm around her shoulders more, pulling her in for a tight hug, just needing to be close to her. She breathes a deep sigh, arms tightening around his neck.
The feeling gets stronger in his chest, unknown words bubbling from deep in his heart, but he can't seem to form them. He lets it go for the moment and breathes in a steadying breath of her comforting warm floral scent of her hair. They share a longing look when he pulls back, that same affection in her eyes. He tilts his head and closes the distance again, this time to kiss her deep.
They both moan softly into it, his other palm squeezing at her waist. She palms the back of his neck and keeps him close. He pours all the mess of emotions in his heart into it and hopes it's enough.
Calling it a night once the evening air gets colder, Natsu gets their things loaded in the truck, helps Lucy in and starts the familiar route back to Lucy's house.
"Thanks again for today. It's been my favorite birthday yet," Lucy smiles warmly, stepping off the truck and pulling Natsu closer to her by his jacket once he opens the door for her again.
"Even with my unplanned depressing backstory?" Natsu teases lightly, wrapping his arms around her and stepping close.
"Stop, of course I did," Lucy laughs. "Other than celebrating with my mom here and there when I was young, I never really did much and has always been like just another day."
"Well, I'm more than happy to celebrate with you now and give you all the things to make up for lost time."
Lucy hums, hugging around him tighter underneath his jacket, honeyed brown eyes shining bright in the moonlight. "Just you is perfect." She whispers, leaning up to press a soft kiss against him.
Natsu sighs into her with a low sound, letting himself melt into her addicting touch. He palms the back of her neck as he tilts his head to deepen the kiss. He follows his instincts with a warm tongue brushing along the seam of her bottom lip after a few lingering kisses and she lets him pass with a soft gasp.
The touch of hot, wet tongues is electric and sends a sharp tingle of pleasure down his spine. They'd heated up their kisses like a few times on occasion and each time makes everything other than her leave his brain. The feel of her and all her full curves pressed flush against him, her arms up around his neck now as his settled at her waist.
The kiss breaks to catch their breath and Natsu can't help but gravitate back with warm kisses along her jaw this time, slowly lower to her warm neck where he hadn't ventured too much yet, but with the soft breathless, needy sounds it's pulling from her, it fuels his pounding heart. He really likes that.
"Natsu..." Lucy whines, fingers tightening in his hair, keeping him close to where his tongue and lips found a soft, sensitive spot by at the crook of her neck. There's a shaky breath by his ear, feeling her teeth softly graze over the lobe there.
Natsu groans roughly into her skin, squeezing her waist with a sudden grind of his hips against hers that he wasn't expecting.
The feeling makes both of them gasp, Natsu pulling up from her neck, both of their chests huffing. He catches Lucy's wide eyes, and worry spreads through him.
"I-I'm sorry, I got a little carried away this time," he rasps, palm coming up to cup her cheek. "You okay? Didn't mean to push anything."
She takes a few deep breaths, expression shifting warmly. "It's ok, I um, I did too, but I'm just not ready to... y'know?" A shy flush spreads over her cheeks, and Natsu's equally when he gets where she's going.
Despite their heavier makeouts sometimes, they hadn't crossed that line yet, which they were content with right now.
"No, y-yeah I'm not either. Just happy to be like this and whatever your happy with," he says, thumb brushing along her cheekbone and brushing her hair behind her ear.
"Well, I'm happy with everything we were doing up to that point," Lucy admits, smile growing playful as her palms smooth down over his shoulders and chest.
"Yeah?" He searches her eyes for any discomfort, only finding affection and the ache of worry in his chest melts into something warm again from her touch as he grins wider.
Lucy just hums and closes the distance between them again for a slower, lingering kiss and Natsu sighs into her again. Just kissing her is amazing and he'd be content with that forever.
"Know you just planned to just stay over last night, but did you want to stay over tonight too? If you're too tired to drive back or anything," she asks softly when they break apart again after a few more, his face in her soft palms.
"Mm, you sure? I don't want to overstay or anything?" Natsu says, thumbs brushing over her hips.
Lucy smiles softly. "I am if you are. You know Kade will still be happy. We're going to the same place tomorrow too after all."
He hums. "True. I just gotta get to my parent's a bit early to help Dad finish cleaning and stuff before everyone gets there, but can come back and pick you guys up?"
"Sounds good to me."
"Good," Natsu grins, pressing a quick kiss to her nose. "I am gettin' tired and not quite ready to leave you or your bed yet to be honest."
Lucy's smile grows with a bright laugh and that's all the agreement he needs to kiss her again before they finish getting their things and head inside.
Despite how heavy his heart felt earlier, it's light as a feather right now and Natsu wants that to last as long as it can.
Kade was asleep by the time they went in to bed and was indeed happy to still have Natsu there when he woke up and found him and Lucy in the kitchen for some breakfast the next morning.
Natsu heads home for a quick check in with the cats, drops off his stuff, before heading out to his parents. His excitement must be obvious as soon as he greets Igneel at the door.
"Well, well. Look who's got a pep in their step this afternoon. Can't even get you here this early for regular family dinners," Igneel laughs, meeting Natsu for a tight hug.
"Now, hon. Give him a break, he's just happy to have a special someone lately," Grace smiles playfully, giving Natsu a hug too.
Natsu laughs and shakes his head in amusement. Ever since he told them about him and Lucy, they can't help but tease him like this any chance they get.
"Yeah! When are you gonna throw me a birthday party, Natsu?" Wendy chimes in, coming over from the kitchen with a teasing pout.
"Oh, c'mon. We always make a big thing for your birthday, kid," Natsu smirks, reaching up to ruffle her hair once she reaches him for good measure. He laughs at her whine before pulling her in for a warm hug too.
"But really, like we said before, we're really happy for you and Lucy, sweetheart," Grace adds warmly. "We love her and we're happy to help celebrate!"
Natsu's neck flushes, palm to the back of his neck sheepishly. "Thanks guys," he grins. "She mentioned she never really did much growing up, so I'm happy we can give her this too."
"Agreed! Let's get started shall we?" Igneel grins wide with a clap, and Natsu can't help but match him.
He and Igneel took care of most of the backyard cleaning, setting up some tables and chairs for whoever didn't fit on the seating on the deck, before heading back in to finish up inside.
It was never some grand house, but perfectly big enough. The warmth his family added to it made it special. Even though it took him a while to feel that way when they first brought him home here... Natsu's grateful he always has a home like this to come back to.
"Alright, gonna head home and clean up then come back with Luce and Kade before the rest of the gang gets here," Natsu says, munching on some of the snacks they put out after they finished cleaning.
"Sounds good, kiddo. Thanks for the help," Igneel grins, sinking down in his arm chair.
Natsu nods with a warm smile as he waves to his mom and Wendy and heading back over to his place, eager to rinse off the grass and dirt that was stuck to him. Feeling refreshed after, toweling off his hair in his room, he settles on some shorts and larger, loose olive green shirt, keeping the green theme this weekend, since he remembers it was already hot outside.
Deeming himself decent enough now, he gets the cat's food ready to hold them over for tonight. He feels a little bad he's been so in and out lately, but by the time they're done yelling at him and finished their food, they pay him no mind and are back up high in the tower.
"That's the love I get, huh? Thanks guys," Natsu chuckles with a shake of his head. Eh, they're fine, he doesn't feel as bad.
He cleans up again and grabs a jacket before heading out, smile already growing as he heads back to Lucy's. When he pulls into her driveway, he admires Lucy sitting out on the porch chairs, smiling at Kade catch the ball around with the glove Natsu gave him.
Natsu grins wide when Kade runs over to his open door when he steps out of his truck, tight hug around his waist.
"Miss me that much already, kiddo?" he chuckles, ruffling the boy's soft hair.
"Of course. He insisted on us waiting out here for you as soon as you told me you were on your way."
Natsu looks over to see Lucy had walked over too, and she's already a vision in her shorts again that highlight long, toned legs, causal t-shirt like him, bright happy smile. Even though he just saw her not too long ago, the sight makes him swallow thickly, butterflies in his stomach again.
"You did, huh?"
"Yup!"
Natsu shares a warm, amused laugh with Lucy. "Well then, let's hurry and head over to hang out and eat with Uncle Igneel and everyone." He makes Kade giggle brightly when he picks him up, tossing him up a little before getting him all buckled into the seat in the back.
"Oh, wait! Can I bring my ball and glove to play with them?" Kade asks, pleading eyes already making Natsu give in.
"Yeah, of course, bud. I got 'em right here," Natsu grins, placing them on the seat beside him.
"Maybe you can convince Uncle Gray to play catch with you. Looked like he really wanted to last time," Lucy says, getting settled in her seat after getting the rest of their stuff and locking up the house.
Natsu cackles, already picturing it. It took a lot of convincing to get his brooding friend to fill in on a game with the adult baseball team Natsu was a part of one year without some grumbling, but lets see him try to say no to sunshine Kade.
"Oh, he'd love that. Even Uncle Gajeel."
The boy cheers happily they all laugh brightly, Natsu's chest swelling when he looks over and catches warm honeyed eyes.
They chat happily on the way there, and when Natsu eventual turns the corner onto the familiar street, he's not the least bit surprised when he sees Erza's car already parked. Count on her to even beat the birthday girl to her own party.
Natsu pulls into the driveway, helps Lucy with Kade and their things and leads them inside where they're quickly met with happy greetings and hugs all around, especially from Igneel and Wendy who are more than happy to run and already start catch with Kade.
"He really is just a big kid," Grace laughs, shaking her head. "Make yourself at home as always, Lucy!" she says with a squeeze to her hand before going to take more things to the backyard.
Natsu catches Lucy's warm look as they catch up with Erza and Jellal a bit.
"Well, I hope Natsu treated you to a great birthday yesterday, Lucy," Erza says with a warm teasing smile, leaning against the dining table.
"Of course I did!" Natsu defends. "Pulled out all the stops."
Lucy laughs softly, reaching over to hug his arm to her side. "He really did. Went to a funny movie, had a good dinner after. Very sweet."
"Very good. I'm impressed, Natsu."
Natsu's neck warms as he waves Erza off. "Yeah, yeah." Her smile only grows knowingly.
The rest of the crew starts getting there soon after that and the house is quickly filled with warmth and bright laughs and Natsu's enjoying most of them from Lucy.
It's been a long time since the house was filled with everyone's joy like this and it makes Natsu's chest warm.
They all migrate outside where Kade pauses his catch game with Wendy and runs up to them where everyone gives the boy a big group hug.
"Hey, bud. Remember what we wanted to ask Uncle Gray?" Natsu smirks, patting his back.
Kade's eyes brighten, running over up to Gray. "Oh! Wanna play catch with me, Uncle Gray?"
Natsu and Lucy snicker as they watch Gray's conflicted thoughts flicker across his face from where they're standing, catching their eyes and narrowing his eyes.
Gray of course agrees the second Kade tugs on his arm with those pleading eyes, making them laugh brighter.
"Hey, hey what's so funny over here?" Levy asks eagerly, hugging Lucy's arm.
"Oh, just how cool and collected, not that into baseball, Gray over there can't say no to catch when Kade asks him," Natsu cackles. "How about you go join in too, Gajeel?"
Levy giggles brightly, pulling on Gajeel's arm beside her. "Aw, you should, honey!" Gajeel just grumbles, crossing his arms.
They laugh and Natsu eventually is able to convince Gajeel to join them and Kade's bright smile and laugh was worth it. Almost equal to Lucy's anyway.
Igneel announces the food's ready after a while and he loads up the patio table and everyone happily starts getting their fill.
The fun afternoon continues with more good food, music, bright laughs, some games until Wendy and his mom bring out a cake for dessert that she proudly declares she made.
"Happy birthday, Lucy!"
Their friends cheer after singing loudly, Kade especially, and a cute flush spreads across Lucy's cheeks, sheepish smile at the attention, but honeyed brown eyes happy as she thanks everyone. She gives Wendy a big hug for the cake, and Natsu's heart swells at the sight of both of them together with bright smiles.
Two slices later, Natsu deems Wendy's cake indeed very good and evening rolls around, they all migrate over to the middle of the yard where he and Igneel had built a fire pit a while back. Gravel circle path, blocks, and chairs and benches surrounding it.
They all get started on some s'mores once Natsu gets the fire going. Natsu helps Kade get one ready, toasting the marshmallows, and stacking up the thick chocolate.
He giggles and rushes over to show Lucy where she found her seat on one of the benches.
"Here's yours, Mom!"
Lucy chuckles. "Thank you, bug! Looks good. Only one for you, ok? You've had enough sugar today."
"Ok," Kade pouts, perking up once Natsu gives him his own.
Natsu makes his own stacked high and sits between Lucy and Kade on the bench.
"Think you made that one big enough?"
Natsu looks over at Lucy's playful shake of her head, chuckling.
"Nope. Think I can add more marshmallows actually," Natsu smirks, taking a large messy bite.
Lucy laughs brightly. "Natsu, you're such a mess."
"Who me?" He says, words muffled around graham crackers.
"Like this, Natsu?"
Kade takes his own big bite, the treat crumbling all over him.
"Hey, don't be teaching the kid your messy ways, Natsu," Gray teases with a smirk across from them.
They all share a laugh as Lucy gives Natsu a half-hearted stern look, enough to make him smile sheepishly.
"Alright, let's clean up, bud," Natsu chuckles, cleaning off both their hands after they're done.
Kade giggles when Natsu brushes over his cheeks and all over his face.
"All better now."
Lucy just hums, teasing glint in her eyes before she gives him a wide smile and knocking her shoulder with his that makes Natsu's heart flutter.
Warm comfort settles around them as the night goes on, Natsu content to just breathe in deep and take in all the happy laughs over the music around them, crackling fire, there's a blanket thrown over their laps, Lucy's hand laced with his underneath, Kade already dozing off on Natsu's shoulder, arm around his small shoulders holding him secure, having all the people he cares about together like this.
He turns to look over at Lucy's profile. She's laughing brightly at something Lisanna says beside her. The happy sight is beautiful and it makes the warmth that's swelling in his chest so strong, it almost aches. He thinks about this weekend, how much closer and good things felt between them, how his affection has only grown since they became friends, got together... but it feels like something deeper than that now, something more...
Maybe he loves-
Natsu's thoughts, and heart, halt sharply, breath catching in his throat…
Wait, l-love? Where did that come from?
Wasn't that too much? Is it really... love? That can't- What does, he of all people, know about love, really? Wasn't it too soon? What if he pushed these apparent deeper feelings on her and she wasn't ready?... He couldn't do that to her… What if he wasn't ready himself? Would this fuck everything up? Does he even deserve that? What if-
"Natsu?"
Natsu quickly turns at the sound of Lucy's soft voice and sudden touch on his arm, realizing she'd probably been trying to get his attention.
"S-Sorry, what?" He manages to breathe out past the thick lump in his throat, blinking away the sting in his eyes from his vision locking on the fire in front of him too long.
"I was trying to ask if you were ready to follow everyone back inside, but you seemed pretty out of it for a while," Lucy offers warmly, her smile making his chest ache with uncertainty for the first time… "Are you ok?"
There's worry and concern in her eyes that makes Natsu's heart hurt more. He doesn't want to be the cause of that for her.
"Oh, y-yeah," Natsu chuckles dryly. "Just uh, got lost in my head. Must'a zoned out, sorry." He runs a hand through his hair.
Lucy's expression shifts a little and he hopes it's reassuring enough, because his heart isn't fully convinced.
"Mm, alright. Well, let's head in," she says with a small smile. "Everyone's getting ready to head out."
Already? He must've really been distracted for a while.
Natsu looks around and sure enough, they're one of the last ones out here, the night getting chilly now. Taking a shaky breath, he follows her lead to stand, looking beside him and realizing someone was missing.
"Where's Kade?"
"You really must've been zoned out if you didn't notice Lisanna and Wendy took him inside with them a bit ago," Lucy laughs softly. "He was getting sleepy."
"Ah, got it." Natsu rubs the back of his warm neck, sheepish smile as he shuffles on his feet.
What was with him? He felt weird and like he didn't know how to act now.
"Guess we should head in too then?" he says after clearing his throat, stepping to the side to let Lucy walk up to the deck first.
She smiles softly, pausing a little as if she's going to say something… but then continues inside where Natsu's mom is already loading everyone up with leftovers to take home.
It's enough of a whirlwind of goodbyes and hugs with their friends to distract Natsu from his mess of emotions, until it's just his family and Lucy again, Kade still dozing off on the couch with Wendy.
"Thank you all again for having us. I really appreciate all your kindness to do all this for me," Lucy smiles warmly, fixing the strap of her bag on her shoulder.
"Aw, you're so welcome, Lucy!" Grace pulls Lucy in for a hug. "We always love having you and Kade over. Hope you had a great birthday! We also love seeing you and a certain someone happy together," she adds with a knowing smile.
Natsu looks over at the same time as Lucy with soft, sheepish smiles. He's still not used to that, and he feels more flush with everything swirling in his heart.
"Thank you," Lucy chuckles softly.
"Now, now. Let's not embarrass the kids shall we?" Igneel smirks, quickly wrapping them both up in a tight hug.
"C'mon, Dad. You're the worst one," Natsu huffs, words strained from the tight hold.
Lucy laughs a little brighter as Igneel lets them go and Wendy rushes over to give her a hug too. Natsu gives his family warm hugs too with promises to come back soon. He chuckles as his mom loads them up with leftovers too and kisses his cheek. They really cooked enough for a whole army today. He moves to pick up a sleepy Kade who gives everyone a tired smile and wave. Grace gives the boy a kiss on his cheek too, making him giggle.
Kade's of course fully knocked out now by the time they get back to Lucy's house where Natsu helps Lucy carry her bags in and get the boy tucked into bed, giving Natsu a sleepy goodnight when he comes to a little.
"Well, hope you had fun today," Natsu sighs, leaning against the back of the couch with a smile, back in the living room with Lucy.
"I really did, thank you," Lucy says warmly, moving beside him, looping her arm with his. "It was… the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me. Spending the day with you, your family, our friends was the most I could've asked for."
That strong, overwhelming feeling bubbles up in Natsu's chest again when he looks over and sees strong affection in those eyes.
Natsu swallows thickly. "Anytime, Luce," he smiles softly.
They share a quiet moment and her expression shifts. "Hey, um, I'm sure you were still dealing with troubling thoughts from what you shared yesterday, but you know if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here…" Lucy says, with a squeeze to his arm. "Always.
He assumes she's talking about him being distracted earlier, and there goes his heart all over again. Unable to seem to find the right words, Natsu turns and wraps Lucy up in a tight hug. He breathes in a shaky breath of her comforting scent as he feels her hug him back just as tightly.
"Thank you," he whispers, meaning it in so many other ways, voice shaking as he tries to hold onto his equally quivering heart a bit longer.
Thanks for reading!
Hoped you all liked the bit of a longer chapter! Word count kind of got away from me but we packed a whole lot into this one!
T_T Poor Natsu, getting overwhelmed by all his feelings with the big L word?!
More complicated feelings coming up! For both of them maybe ;) They're young and both falling hard and fast and I can't resist the bit of *drama*
Side note, I realized I made it seem like they were telling everyone about their dates for the first time last chapter, but I had already Levy and Gajeel find out before. Already forgetting what happens in my own story lmao. But I went back and edited a bit anyway haha
Thanks for the support, till next time!