Author's Notes:

Disclaimer: Trigger Warning for Attempted Suicide

Enjoy!

The Difference Between Us

Lucy

This is awkward.

I sat across from Happy in the booth of the ice cream parlor as he stared at me. His innocent eyes were watching, searching, and observing me as if he were studying me.

At one point in my life, I thought I would marry my prince charming and have two beautiful children three years apart. A daughter who was the spitting image of me, who loved reading and writing as much as I did. A son who was identical to his father through looks but had my personality.

Though, after all the traveling I have done with only one suitcase jam-packed with makeup and clothes; ones I found easy to switch up but humble enough to match together. A cross-shoulder bag filled with my notebook full of concepts for my next book, a laptop, and other high-tech devices, my life did not have time to date. Better yet, settle down to get married and have children.

Unless a certain pink-haired man asks me otherwise.

However, when he introduced me to Happy, the likelihood of that happening was slim to none.

Standing outside the gym after getting showered and changed, I waited patiently by Natsu's car.

The two walked up with smiles and were excited about getting ice cream. Natsu crouched down to look Happy in the eyes when they got close.

"Happy, I want to introduce you to Lucy. She's my best friend. We've known each other since high school and have been together throughout college."

He gave me a wary look before looking back at Natsu. "Best friend? I thought I was your best friend."

He laughed, rubbing Happy's blue mane. "You are, and so is she." I watched their exchange. Hearing him put me in the box of friendship hurt. This was the end result of everything I had done, and I had to accept it.

"I guess," Happy pouted.

"Lucy, this is my son," Natsu smiled warmly.

I extended my hand to the four-year-old. "Hello, Happy. It's really good to finally meet you."

He took it shyly. "Nice to meet you too."

"So… umm, how's school?" I asked to break the awkward silence. He blinked out of his curious searching and stared at me, contemplating how to answer a simple question.

Do I make him uncomfortable?

"It's okay. I rather be at the gym learning how to fight."

"Why?"

He started grinning while moving closer to the table. "Because it's fun and I can impress Carla." His face turned a shade of beet red at the mention of this girl.

"Who's Carla?" I leaned in close to whisper. "Is she your girlfriend?"

"I wish!" He sat back blushing and shyly pulling at the ears of his headband. "But I don't think she likes me very much."

"How so?"

Happy dropped his hand and stared at me. "I don't know. I gave her flowers I picked once when Natsu walked me to school. She didn't like them," he pouted, looking down at the table. "Maybe, if I show her how strong I am and that I can protect her from danger… she might like me."

I put my elbow on the table and my chin in the palm of my hand. "I'm sorry Happy, but that's not how you make someone like you." He glanced up at me waiting for me to explain. I smiled at his curiosity. "Just being yourself should suffice."

"Suf… surice?" He tilted his head confused at the word.

I chuckled, "Sorry. Being yourself should be enough. There's no telling what could happen in the long run when Carla knows you for you."

"Natsu told me the same thing. But it's taking too long." He folded his arms and leaned back pouting.

I laughed at how cute he was. "Only time will tell." Happy grumbled under his breath and nodded in agreement. "Hey, I was wondering. Why do you call Natsu by his name and not Dad or Papa?"

He shrugged. "Natsu said when I was little and learning to talk, everyone around him called him by his name and I picked up on it. It stuck since."

I nodded in understanding. Children are impressionable and learn from what goes on around them. I turned my eyes to watch Natsu order our ice cream. I still couldn't get over the fact he was a father. He tilted his head, looking over the selection of different ice cream flavors, before rubbing his head in frustration. The young teen behind the counter laughed nervously at Natsu's indecisiveness. I couldn't help but smile at his antics.

"Do you like Natsu?" I quickly turned my attention to Happy. He had this devilish smirk across his face.

"Wha… what?" I knew my face was red, so I pressed my cool palms against my flushed cheeks trying to hide the blush. "He's… he is my friend."

"So?" His eyes were wide with a child's innocence. "If you like him, you should tell him. Be his girlfriend."

I turned my face away, avoiding his gaze. "You already know I can't do that because of your mom Touka."

He didn't react, which made me look back at him. His face had fallen at my words, disappointment written all over his features. "But she's not my mom," he said softly.

"Wai-"

"I finally got everything," Natsu said plopping down in the booth next to Happy. He slid the tray in the center and grabbed the small cup with two scoops of two different flavors. "Here you go." He placed it in front of Happy, whose once disappointed look disappeared and was replaced with a large smile.

"Thank you!" He grabbed the little spoon, quickly started digging in and getting ice cream on his chin and nose. Natsu chuckled taking a napkin to wipe Happy's nose. He took up the next small cup when he was done, with two scoops of cookies 'n' crème.

"You still like this, right?" I reached for the cup, letting our fingers brush against each other. My eyes gaze into his, feeling the small electricity flow through me.

"Yes." He nodded before breaking eye contact.

No flirting in front of his son. I get it.

The conversation flowed easily with Happy in the mix. He told me his favorite subject in school was art and how much he enjoyed drawing different fishes from the sea. The way he talked about it, I thought he was a cat in his past life. We left the ice cream parlor to go to an arcade upon my request. Anything to spend more time with the two of them.

When we got there, Natsu and Happy were competing as if their life depended on winning. They battled to gather as many tickets as possible to earn the grand prize of a large stuffed animal. I laughed as they tried upping one another. Natsu took it easy since Happy was young, but he wanted the match to be fair.

When it was time for the air hockey competition, I helped Happy beat Natsu by holding him up to stay balanced on the high table. He grew more comfortable when I cheered him on. By the end of the night, he cuddled into my arms, sleeping soundly. Natsu smirked at us.

The drive back to the gym was quiet. Every few minutes, I could feel Natsu glancing over at me while my eyes were focused on Happy.

"What?" I asked softly when we stopped at a stoplight.

"Thanks for today," he slightly turned to the side to look at me fully.

I raised my eyebrows. "For what?"

"Being here, spending time with us, and making him laugh."

"Calling me weird throughout the night was kind of rude," I said, turning around to look in the back at the child sleeping in his booster seat. On his lap was a large stuffed sloth with his cat headband on its head which he won from the many tickets. He had drool sliding down the corner of his mouth landing on the stuffed animal. I smiled at his cuteness.

"Happy likes you." I dropped my smile to look at Natsu. The light had changed, and his eyes were back on the road. "When I adopted him a year after you left, I wanted to call you and tell you about it. You were the first person that came to mind when I had seen him."

"Adopted?" I fully turned my attention to him.

Natsu glanced at me and nodded. "One day after I was closing the gym, I heard a baby crying in the shower rooms."

"What? They abandoned him at the gym?" I shrieked. Closing my mouth quickly, I glanced back at Happy. He was still sleeping. "Sorry, but why?"

"I didn't care for the why. Once I saw him… I knew he was safe with me, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I took him to the hospital to get checked out. The doctor told me he was a healthy three-month-old baby. He was just a little underweight and anemic from the cold."

"You were able to take him home after?"

"No," Natsu shook his head. "It was a process. A hard grueling process that I almost gave up. But seeing him every day in the NICU… responding to me, I stuck through it. No one claimed him and he was considered an orphan. I immediately wanted to adopt him. There was a lot of pushback since I was unmarried and had no experience with children." I could hear the sadness in his voice. He continued, "But the judge saw my dedication, also with a great deal of help from Zeref and Mavis, they ruled in my favor."

We stopped at another stoplight. He shifted in his seat and was staring at me with seriousness. "When I was given the okay to take him home… I wanted to call and tell you." I opened my mouth to say something but looked away in shame. I had blocked him from my life and from my own eyes from seeing into his life.

"I'm sorry for not being there for you," I said apologetically.

"I'm not mad at you Lucy. It was difficult but you had your reasons for staying away. And partially it was my fault too for having you make that decision. I take responsibility for that."

"No… don't do that," I said looking at him now. "If I didn't run away and just talked to you none of this would have happened."

"Yeah," he said slowly leaning in close. His steady eyes were as mysterious as his next words. "If you want, we can become-"

A car behind us honked.

We both turned to see bright headlights flickering. I fully sat back in the seat to realize the light had turned green. Natsu sighed and pressed on the gas.

I peered at him from my peripherals reading his expressions. He only focused on the road not saying a word.

What was he going to ask me?

We can become what?

Friends? Family? More?

Pulling up to the gym, I unbuckled my seatbelt and reached behind to squeeze Happy's knee. He grumbled in his sleep snuggling the sloth but didn't wake up. I turned to face Natsu.

"Thanks for today. I had fun." I reached for the door when he didn't say anything.

He touched my arm, getting my attention. "When can I see you again?" He was looking at where he was touching me. His long eyelashes casting shadows on his cheeks, adding a touch of enigma to his expression in the streetlight filling the car.

"Umm…" I was taken aback by how handsome he looked. The vulnerability to asking a simple question. "I'm not sure. I have an event at the end of the week for a book signing." I bit my lip, deep in thought, thinking about Brandish's offer to invite him. "If you have time, would you and Happy like to come?"

"Yeah, I would… we would like that," he said as his smile reflected the crescent moon, illuminating my heart with unspeakable emotions. In the moment his lips were inviting but I knew my place.

Best friends don't kiss.

"Sure," I turned away. "Goodnight." I didn't wait for his response; I just jumped out of the car and softly closed the door. I turned away to go to my car parked nearby.

He didn't pull away until I was on the road going in the opposite direction.

Maybe inviting him was a bad idea. I still didn't know where he stood with Touka, and Happy's earlier remarks about her not being his mother struck a chord in me. How did she fit into Happy and Natsu's story?

What was their real history?

~s~

Natsu

The night should have ended beautifully. Lucy running out of my car threw me off, but I expected as much. It was who she was now. Pulling up to the last stoplight before turning into my neighborhood, I took out my phone from the cup holder. Opening the photo album, I enlarged the latest picture.

A photo of Lucy holding a sleeping Happy with a large sloth between them. She's effortlessly beautiful and I couldn't get her off my mind even if we just parted. Her arms wrapped around my son as if she was meant to be there. The soft smile on her lips as she stroked his head and sang a soothing song was a moment worth capturing. She didn't notice me taking the picture but when she did look up, I only smiled at her with approval.

This is what I wanted for us. Becoming more than friends. Being a family. A life together raising Happy and expanding together as one. A future worthy of love and happiness meant for us.

Locking my phone, I ran my fingers through my hair. Since she was here, and back in Magnolia, I will build up the courage to ask her out on an appropriate official date. If all goes well, I will finally ask her to be my better half.

Pressing the gas, I turned and drove thinking how I should plan this future date. When I pulled into my driveway with tangible ideas of the date, my headlights beamed on the woman I least expected to see at the end of my night. Looking through my rearview mirror, Happy was still sound asleep. I took a deep breath and exited my car after turning it off.

"What are you doing here so late?"

Touka stood up from my stoop. She approached me with tears falling. Her arms wrapped around her body while rubbing them together to keep herself warm. "Where have you been?" she asked.

"Out. Now why are you here?"

"With Lucy?" The sight of her tear-streaked face made me feel a twinge of guilt as if I had done something wrong. I ran a hand through my hair.

"Stop answering my question with a question. Why are you here Touka?"

"I was worried about Happy."

"Why? He's with me."

"Let me see him. To make sure he's okay," she said sniffling.

"I swear to…" I took a deep breath to calm my rising anger. "Touka, go home. He's sleeping."

"Let me just see him. He's my baby. Mine!" She moved to the car door, but I blocked her path.

"Touka!" I whispered harshly. "Not here. Not now. Go home."

"Natsu please don't do this. I can't live without you two." She took out a box cutter and pulled up the sleeves of her summer dress. The multitude of small cuts on her wrists were from her previous attempts at trying to end her life. "Please don't do this again. Don't leave me for her…" she sobbed placing the box cutter on top of her skin.

"Okay…" I raised my hands trying to calm her down. "…okay, Touka." I calmly spoke. "If you want to see him, you have to give me that. Remember Happy is a child and exposing him to this isn't healthy."

"He's our child," she emphasized. I nodded agreeing with whatever she said as long as she gave me the threatening device.

"Just give me the box cutter." I reached for her hand to retrieve the dangerous weapon. She was lifting her hand to give it to me when a small tap on the window distracted me. We both turned our heads to see Happy pressed to the window, eyes teary watching us.

"Shit!" I blocked his view when Touka lunged for the door handle. "No!"

~s~

Lucy

The first thing I saw at the bookstore was a large banner with my name on it. The shelves were covered with a thick fabric hiding the other books and only displayed my published works. I smiled, taking in the decoration celebrating me.

My eyes saw bright green hair moving to the other side of the room giving out orders to one of her assistants. I walked over to her.

"Brandish. I have to say you've always been amazing but… wow this is incredible." Her friend turned around and smiled.

"Why thank you. I am the best." She smirked, opening her arms and I walked into her hug. "Have you lost weight?" she said pulling me back to look me up and down. "You have."

"I don't think so." At least I don't think I did. Since working out with Natsu, I started a routine of waking up early and practicing combat with Caprico. He was known as the best guard of the Heartfilia household. This routine was on a few days in, so the weight loss couldn't contribute to my body that fast.

"Well, whatever you're doing keep it up. You look good, especially in that dress. Give me a twirl." I spun around giving her a show of my outfit. I decided to wear a plain short black dress with spaghetti straps and black open-toed wedged heels. My makeup was minimal, and my hair was in a bun with my bangs pinned back to show off my high cheekbones.

"I figured black makes my features stand out," I said striking a cute pose.

"Anything you wear makes you stand out." She patted my shoulder to quell my egotistic attitude. "So where is he? Mr. Eye Candy?" Brandish looked behind me searching.

I frowned at her question. My eyes moved to the door wondering if he would walk through it to surprise me. "I'm not sure. I invited him when we went out the other day, but I haven't heard from him to confirm. It's been five days."

"You sent him the address?" I nodded. "But nothing?" I shook my head. "Fine, I'll keep an eye out. You go in the back and get yourself settled. Your fans will be arriving soon," she looked down at her watch.

"Okay. Thanks, Brandish."

"Sedimental as always," she said pushing me toward the back of the bookstore.

I smiled for another photo with a fan. She grinned at me thanking me after I signed her book.

"You're welcome." Another person came up to the table handing me two books. My very first book and the latest. I looked up and smiled. "And who am I making this out for?"

As he told me, I wrote the name sneaking a glance at the door and listening to him relate to the main character. We were well into two hours of the book signing and there was no sign of Natsu or Happy. The fan raised his phone getting my attention again to snap a photo. I gave my usual smile and waved when he thanked me.

I turned to get my bottled water and took a sip. Brandish caught my eye as she was on the phone talking. Possibly booking another event. I sighed but puckered up with another warm smile for another fan as they approached.

During my small break, I walked around shaking hands with employees of Stella's publishing and talking to the bookstore owners. They were an older couple who greatly appreciated me being there. The couple heard of my books from their adult children and recommended that their store hold the event. They went on to brag about their grandchildren and how they couldn't wait to go on their retirement trip. It was a reliever listening to their stories.

The sound of the ringing bell when the door opened drew my attention. My eyes witnessed the man walking in. My stomach flipped dreading his eyes finding mine. I quickly turned to find Brandish, but she was nowhere to be seen. Giving a quick apology to the couple, I turned to walk towards the back hoping to run into Brandish.

Before I could make it, a strong hand grabbed my arm pulling me back. The short-lived escape died when he wrapped his arms around my body. My body locked up in panic.

"Lucy, I've missed you." He took a step back to turn me around and placed his large hands on my face. "Beautiful as I remember." He leaned in and kissed me. The burdening burst of excitement I once felt when we kissed was no longer there. It was instead replaced with loathing and repulsion.

Dan Straight was a man I thought I could come to love after my heartbreak. I dated him a few months after moving to Stella. It was a night I wanted to get to know the neighborhood I had moved to. At the end of the street was a pub where many locals hung around after work. Sneaking a peek inside, I fell in love with the aesthetics of the artwork hanging up.

Wanting to try their drinks because of the artwork, I sat at the bar. The bartender, sensing I was new to the neighborhood, slid me a cute cocktail that he recommended on the house. I asked him about the art on the walls, and he smiled.

The smile is what pulled me in. Dan hung around me for the rest of the night giving me drinks and telling me his story. He was an art major who had recently graduated college. Bartending was his main job since selling art was more challenging than making it. I grew more comfortable the more we talked and many drinks later, we hooked up back at his place.

From that time then, I have tried to move on since Dan was a nice guy. However, my mind always lingered on Natsu during our time together. After a few dates, I ended it because it was not fair for him to care for me so deeply while my heart was with another. He tried to propose when I tried to end it which I found odd. I quickly said no stating my reasons for being too young for marriage. He took my rejection well and stated we could remain friends. I agreed since he was always nice. Sadly, I was mistaken.

After our supposed breakup, my career as an author had taken off. It was the best distraction I could ever ask for. Dan was there cheering me on as a friend but after the second book was released, he became borderline possessive. My fanbase had grown expanding not only to young women, but young men. They got into reading my books because of their girlfriend's recommendations and they could easily relate to my characters.

Dan seeing me talk to male fans during signings took on a fictional job as my personal security guard. He began chasing away the fans, interrupting their set times when they would ask me questions, and stopping them from taking photos. He almost gave me a bad reputation among my slowly growing fanbase. Brandish was quick to step in and put a stop to the whole ordeal. Stella's publishing after hearing her demands, hired the very best security not only to guard me but to stop Dan from ever approaching any of my events.

It had been years since that incident and security measures weren't as heightened as before. For him to be here now was genuinely unexpected.

A whistle was heard and a few gasps from the crowd around us as he tried to deepen our kiss. Not wanting to make a scene, I tapped his wrists and pushed him back. His lips were no longer on me, but his thumbs traced my cheeks in a tender way.

"Dan, what are you doing here?" My eyes glanced around sheepishly, hiding my embarrassment, which was quickly replaced with a stupefied look. Onyx eyes were on me. His face was devoid of its usual playfulness and replaced by a solemn expression as he looked at me. "Natsu…?"

"Who?" Dan questioned hearing the unknown name. He turned his head to look through the crowd, but before his head could turn towards Natsu's direction, I grabbed him by the hand and led him to the back.

Brandish was leaving from there when she saw me. "Lucy, where are you going? The sign…" Her eyes landed on Dan. Her face turned serious as a mask of professionalism, and not a hint of emotion was visible when she locked eyes with him. "What are you doing here? This is a closed event."

"I couldn't miss the chance to see my Lu-Lu in action," he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I shivered from the convulsion to vomit hearing his nickname for me.

"That doesn't explain how you got in," she moved closer trying to step in between us.

"I told security I'm her fiancé," he didn't budge when Brandish tried to pull me away.

"I never said yes when you asked," I took a step back as his hand landed on my shoulder.

His hand squeezed it causing me to wince from the pain. "Oh Lu-Lu, I gave you time to think it over. It's about time you gave me a proper answer."

"Showing up here won't make me change my answer. I said no then and I'm saying no now."

"Can I get security back here?" Brandish said into her earpiece.

"I wouldn't do that," Dan threatened eyeing her.

"Dammit Dan, seriously today of all days you had to show up." I pushed Brandish back to block her from his threats. "Can we do this after this is over? Let me give my fans what they want, and we can talk after."

He was gazing at me with sickening affection in his eyes. "Promise?" I nodded. "Okay, I will be out there watching and waiting, Lu-Lu," he said softly turning to leave. I reached back to feel Brandish behind me. My fingers grasped her wrist as my legs were about to give out.

"Lucy!"

"I'm fine… I never thought he would be here."

"Agreed. I didn't put your location anywhere on social media and I vouched for each person the tickets were sold to."

"I know…" I inhaled slowly. "He's weird like that," I forced myself to laugh awkwardly. Suddenly I remembered. "Natsu!"

"He's here?" she asked concerned.

I nodded. "I think he might have misunderstood what happened back there."

"I'll handle it. What does he look like?"

"Pink hair and tan skin. He's wearing a red button-up with black slacks."

"Descriptive," Brandish snickered.

"Just find him," I snapped as I was straightening up. "I'll go back to the signing in the meantime."

"Fine."

Once everyone was given a signed copy of my latest book, I took the mic from the wife of the bookshop after her introduction.

"Thank you, everyone, for all being here and supporting me. It's been an honor, and I hope you stick with me for my next book which will be out by the end of the year."

The crowd cheered. One person shouted out.

"What's it going to be about?"

I smiled and placed a finger to my lips. "It's a secret," I gave a wink causing the crowd to groan and cheer with excitement. Dropping my hand, I looked over my fans. My eyes saw the familiar pink locks on the other side of the room near the wall. He had his arms folded staring at me. It was hard to read his expressions from the distance, but knowing he was looking at me gave me a sense of bravery. Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear without taking my eyes off him, I lifted the mic and spoke. "Our love is the stuff of fairy tales. Passionate, enduring, and the kind that sparks magic." The crowd was awed in fascination. Many fired off questions wanting more details, but I only grinned.

Brandish took the mic from me with her mouth gaping open in shock. She was not expecting me to give any details to my fans since I was still working on the manuscript. I smiled at her before she gathered her composure and started talking about the next stops of my upcoming book signings among other events. I made my way to Natsu from the small stage. I smiled when his eyes watched me move closer to him. Reaching him, I left a little space between us so I wouldn't draw any attention to him.

I shyly glanced at him. "Did Brandish tell you everything?" He nodded, unfolding his arms. Taking the chance, I asked the question bothering me. "Where's Happy?"

He looked me over before leaning off the wall. "With a relative." The calm, serene expression on his face reflected his patient demeanor.

"Oh… did something happen? I haven't heard from you in days. I texted you and called but nothing." He was quieter than usual. Had he decided I was more trouble than it was worth talking to me? Or maybe it was the kiss with Dan? That could be explained with time so conclusions wouldn't be drawn.

"I've been busy." His curtness made me look at him closely. His face seemed drained, and his usually bright eyes were clouded with exhaustion exhibited by the bookstore lighting. The bags under his eyes, the lack of a smile, and a bandage on his neck.

"What happened to your neck?" His whole body stiffened, and he averted his eyes from my gaze. No longer caring about what people might think, I moved closer to him and grabbed his chin. I tilted his head and focused on the bandage. "Natsu what happened?" I pleaded with him.

He pulled away from my touch. "Nothing you have to worry about."

"But I am worried. Is this why you wouldn't text me or call me back? Did something happen to Happy?" I grabbed him by the hand, but he flinched from my touch. Fear clenched at my heart seeing him become vulnerable. "Who hurt you?" I felt tears burning behind my eyes.

"Who is this, LuLu-chan?" Dan walked over, a smirk pulling at the corner of his lips. He draped an arm over my shoulders without asking, leaning into my personal space as though it was his right. Natsu glared at him, but Dan tightened his hold. I elbowed him hard causing him to bend over in pain.

"This is Natsu my best friend…" I swallowed slowly watching his reaction to my introduction. He didn't sway, his eyes were still on Dan as he gathered his bearings. "Natsu this is Dan, a friend who I can't seem to shake," I mumbled under my breath annoyed.

"Friend? Geesh I'm hurt. I'm more than a friend. I'm her fiancé." I pushed him back giving myself space when he tried to wrap his arm around me.

"We dated for a few damn weeks five years ago. We're definitely not engaged." I nervously looked at Natsu. His face hardened, eyes cold and unblinking, as he remained quiet. I turned to the side of the stage to see the husband of the bookstore there talking. In the corner of my eyes, I saw Brandish walking over to me with security. I sighed in relief. Dan hadn't noticed since he was concentrating on Natsu who had yet to say a word.

"So, you're that best friend I heard so much about. The one who ditched her for the cheating ex." I turned to face Dan. He held his face high, a sign of his arrogance and pride.

"I never told you that."

"Yes, you did my love." Dan took the chance to encircle his arms around my shoulders to pull me close. I gasped when his mouth was near my ear. His eyes trained on Natsu. "It was a quiet night in the fall when you got drunk on ale. You cried so beautifully as if you were an angel who fell out of heaven because you were in love with a mere mortal." I opened my mouth to deny his accusations, but that night came to me in flashes, and I quickly shut my mouth. I didn't want Natsu to know I slept with Dan the first night we had met.

"Truly an angel when you wrapped me in your arms begging for a chance at love." He glared at Natsu. "How could you let this beautiful goddess go for a deviant creature who spreads her legs in retaliation." I groaned at his overdramatic storytelling. My fingers tried to pry his arms off me, but he held on tighter.

Natsu finally did something I have come to recognize. Whenever he was challenged, a lazy smirk would spread across his face. It was as if the idea of someone questioning him was both amusing and absurd. His eyes turned steely grey when he was angry, like storm clouds ready to burst.

"You think I let her go?" He moved away from the wall and closer to us. I shivered seeing Natsu not once acknowledge my existence as he closed the distance. His eyes were trained on Dan who has yet to let me go.

"Natsu…" I softly whispered trying to get his attention. He glanced at me quickly before focusing back on Dan.

"Let her go," he said harshly.

"Like you did? I don't think so."

Natsu's sharp jawline, a chiseled stone, became more prominent when he clenched his teeth in anger. "I won't repeat my request."

"I would do what he says young man." Caprico stood behind Dan. Shades obscuring his own anger hidden behind his professionalism. Taking the message, he let me go and took a step back.

"Apologies," Dan laughed. Turning his attention to me, he smiled. "I'll see you soon, yes?"

"No," Caprico blocked his way. "Now get out on your own two feet before you won't have any to help you walk out.

He raised his hands in surrender. "Later Lu-Lu."

Brandish walked over to me when security escorted Dan out. My pale face caused her to ask, "Are you feeling alright?"

"Yeah." She nodded after checking me over. She turned to Natsu who was looking directly at me. His face was stern, eyes narrowed in concentration as he also looked me over.

"Can you take her home?" Brandish asked him. His eyes shifted to her before moving back to me. They were the color of a stormy sky, intense and unpredictable.

"Do you really need to ask?"

~s~

Natsu

The drive back was quiet.

I preferred it that way. The past week was tiring, and I was ready to crawl into bed and sleep off this ongoing nightmare. I thought going to this event to see Lucy in her element would help deprive me of the constant remorse wavering in my heart.

But seeing her lip lock with some random asshole sent my anger into overdrive. The digs he was throwing my way about how I let her go pissed me off. Judging me like he knew anything about me. It wasn't like I had a choice in the matter.

Yes, you did.

But I chose incorrectly.

My hands tightened on the steering wheel as I weaved through the other cars on the highway. Lucy grasped the door handle when I shifted lanes avoiding an approaching car. My eyes snuck a quick look at the speedometer and cursed under my breath.

120mph.

Slowing down, I reached for the radio and turned it on. I could tell her body was relaxing when I reduced my speed and turned on the music. Her house was off the next exit. Only a few more minutes and I can be alone with my thoughts.

"Natsu…?" her soft voice grabbed my attention from off the road.

"What?" I peered at her before focusing back on the road.

"Is everything okay? You've been awfully quiet," she asked concerned. When I didn't reply, she bit her lip, deep in thought. "Is it something I did?"

"Not everything is about you." I could see her whole body tense at my harsh words. Knowing what I said may have hurt her feelings, I backtracked. "I'm angry," I whispered. "I'm fucking furious with myself." Both of my hands on the steering wheel tightened. "This wasn't supposed to be my life."

Lucy slowly ran a hand through her now loose hair before tucking it behind her ear. I noticed it the first time we met – the way she tucked her hair behind her ear when she was nervous. I saw it again earlier after she gave the small synopsis of her next book. It always meant something between them was about to give way. "What life were you supposed to have?" she asked.

I pulled off at the exit leading to her estate and remained quiet for the rest of the ride. Her eyes burned a hole in the side of my face the whole time. She was waiting for me to answer her question, but I refused to open that Pandora's box. The gate opened when I turned the corner, and I drove up the drive to the front steps leading to her door.

"Thanks for the invite." My voice came out gruff and rushed as if I wanted her out of my car. "Sorry. I had a rough couple of days." I ran a hand down my face before looking at her. She nodded in understanding. Unbuckling her seatbelt, she opened the door and stepped out. She poked her head back in and reached in to grab my key fob from the cup holder. "Lucy wha-"

She took a few steps back and the car started beeping loudly, alerting me that the key was outside the car. "Come inside," Lucy smirked twirling the fob on her forefinger. I growled as I shut off the car already annoyed at the annoying beeping sound. Exiting, I slammed the car door and looked up to see her already up the stairs waiting. "Don't just stand there, come on." She turned and opened the front door.

Taking two steps at a time, I met her at the door. She glanced up at me smiling. "Not cool," I mumbled stepping past her.

"Yeah, yeah," she said as she passed me after giving me back the key fob. Grabbing an extra pair of slippers, she dropped them by my feet. I followed her further into the mansion, taking in the slight changes. I hadn't been here since high school. When Lucy's dad would take business trips out of Fiore, she would invite our friend group over to hang out at her place. She feared the judgment for living in such luxury, but we didn't care. If there was food and great company, we were happy.

She walked to the main area I had become accustomed to.

The kitchen.

Flickering on the lights, she moved to the sink, gathering her hair into a ponytail first and washing her hands after. Finding my usual spot, I hopped on the counter and watched her move from the refrigerator to the cabinets. The setup was the same. White tiles all around, stainless-steel appliances from the toaster to the fridge, and the not-so-homey feel.

"What are you doing?" I asked, watching her take out ingredients, such as lettuce and tomato from the vegetable container in the fridge. She closed the door and moved to the pantry retrieving a loaf of bread.

"Making you a sandwich." I arched an eyebrow. She continued as she stood on her tiptoes reaching into a cabinet to take out two plates. My eyes wandered down to the back of her upper thighs that were exposed under her short black dress. "When you're down, a sandwich was always a pick-me-up for you. Igneel told me that when I was by your house."

"True… but that's…" I stuttered trying to keep my eyes off her legs.

"I know it won't solve your problem." She turned to look at me unaware of my thoughts. "Hopefully eating will make you less… bitchy." I gawked at her stunned. "Don't look at me like that. You've been moody and I don't know why. You won't tell me right now, and that's okay."

I watched her put together two sandwiches with precision and grace. Her eyes glanced up at me occasionally but stayed focused on the task at hand. Once she was done, she slid the plate over to me.

"Eat." My sandwich was layered higher with extra ingredients, especially how I liked it. Lucy's own was minimal but perfect. She grabbed two bottles of water and placed them by me. Leaning against the counter close to me, she bit into her sandwich.

She hummed in satisfaction. I watched her tear at the bread and pop it into her mouth. Her tongue moved over her top lip after she swallowed. Watching her eat and lick her lips suddenly made me nervous with how close we were in this large kitchen.

I wanted to kiss her again. From inside the car. At the door. It was all I could think about watching her move around the kitchen. I wanted to press my lips to her softness. But that wasn't what I needed right now.

I looked away and continued to eat silently. We sat in silence, but it wasn't awkward. It was comfortable and intimate. We didn't need words to understand each other – that's what made us best friends.

Once we were done, she took our empty plates and placed them in the sink.

"Feel better?" she turned around and asked. I sipped my water calmly watching her lean against the sink with folded arms.

Corking the top back on, I placed it to the side. "It was good. Thanks."

She smiled but it instantly fell. "Now tell me, what happened to your neck?"

If I'm honest with her, would she stay or leave me again?

Will I have a chance at getting the life I want?

I won't know unless I try.

"Touka cut me with a box cutter," I said bluntly.

Her face, usually so calm, crumbled like a sandcastle when I said that. She leaned off the sink and moved toward me. "What? Why?" she reached her hand to touch me, but I pulled back out of her grasp.

"What your friend Dan said…" I abruptly changed the subject.

Lucy dropped her hand and sighed. "We met the first few months after I left Fiore five years ago. I was getting to know the area and stumbled into the bar near my flat. One drink turned into five shots, and a glass of ale. I was drunk flirting, and he was flirting back, it was nothing serious. Also, I was still processing… you and Touka being together..." her voice trailed off.

"There is no me and Touka," I growled. The severity of this known fact came as a surprise causing her to inhale sharply. I jumped off the counter and stepped toward Lucy initiating her to take a few steps back. "There was never a 'me and Touka'. We dated and broke up when she chose to sleep with another man the day my father died. After that nothing."

Lucy pressed her back into the fridge, but I slammed my fist against it to cage her in. "Touka was unstable since the breakup. Always on a mission to paint herself as the victim. Cutting herself, sending me pictures of the cuts, videos of her doing it, and voice recordings of her crying. Anything to keep me by her side. Do you think I was playing house with her when she made my life a living hell? The constant mood swings keeping me on my toes whenever I see her without warning. One day she's calm, and in a matter of hours, she's crying or in a rage. I had no other choice but to keep her calm and stable. Not only for her safety but mine and Happy's. His safety is my top priority."

I tore off the bandage on my neck showing her the deep red scar which was in the healing process. "That night we hung out with Happy, she was at my house waiting. With a box cutter in hand, prepared to cut herself again with my son in the fucking car!"

The sight of a tear slowly sliding down her face made me feel a pain of remorse at how harsh I was being. I dropped my hand and stepped back. "I was miserable these past five years without you here with me. The only person who kept me grounded on this earth was Happy."

Sensing the pain in my words, Lucy took a small step to stand in front of me. Her lips trembled as she tried to hold back her tears, the struggle visible in her face. The tips of her fingers started the examination of my neck. Her fingers were hesitant at first, a trembling movement when I flinched. She looked at me and I gave her the go-ahead to keep going. Her touch was gentle, like the appreciation of a lover. I wasn't prepared for how she traced the jagged scar on my neck like it was precious. Like I was a sacred piece of art. She whispered through a soft sob, "You didn't deserve this."

I raised my hand to run a thumb along her cheek wiping a fallen tear and nudged her chin higher until her eyes met mine. "What do I deserve then?" Her hand fell from my neck and landed on my arm, fingers tightening. We stared at each other as my question lingered in the air. The previous tension I pushed aside earlier had come back as we gazed into each other's eyes.

She broke eye contact and looked away, but not before I caught the flicker of yearning in her eyes. "You should go," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. But her hand remained on my arm tightening once again as a silent plea for me to stay.

It was like we were mirrors of each other, reflecting both of our deepest fears and greatest dreams. My eyes fell to her lips as they slightly parted. Taking the initiative, I leaned forward and captured her lips.

Our kiss was rough and greedy as if she'd be snatched away from me at any moment. Everything else retreated to the back of our minds until there was nothing but the wet glide of her tongue, the press of her fingers against my neck, and her warm breath against my lips. The taste of salty tears hit my taste buds as I caressed my tongue against hers. Lucy made the sweetest sounds, little gasping moans, that made me hard enough to get her to feel it. Blood rushed through me, plummeting so hard and fast that I felt high, drunk, or both. She broke the kiss to catch her breath, and the loss of her mouth made me dizzy.

Our eyes were locked searching for the answers to our newly formed questions. I just need her to say yes to the one permeating my mind.

The words left my lips in a soft whisper. "I want you."

Author's Notes:

Until Next Time.

Songs

Wanna Know – Sabrina Claudio

Callin' for You – Vicki Vox, King Sis

Say You Love Me – Nakala

Focus on You - Vedo

Where R U? – King Sis

Mad – Ayelle