Author's Notes:

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Disclaimer – Mature Content

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The Difference Between Us

Lucy

He stared at me trying to understand what we had just done.

I knew what I was going to do when I entered that restaurant, and I got what I wanted. Everything Touka told me earlier today will not stop me from getting more. Natsu has always been mine, and nothing, not time wasted with anger, heartache, or his engagement, has changed that fact.

"Lucy…" I moved my hips causing him to hiss which turned into a moan. He was going to say something to ruin the moment, so going again would allow us a chance to not have to think.

Slowly I grinded my hips over him. Feeling his dick inside of me turn hard again, I rolled my hips making us both moan in pleasure. His hands landed on my waist, and he pressed into me. His hands were scorching hot against my sweaty skin. We were making love, and I couldn't close my eyes to miss reading his emotions.

Natsu bit his lip feeling how wet I was, and how intoxicating it was to do this once again after we only finished. Our bodies had perfect chemistry with the overhaul of stamina. I leaned back anchoring my hands on top of his thighs to sink lower. His hands moved behind to grab my ass so he can angle himself to go deeper. My moans poured past my lips as I braced my waist to follow his lead.

He watched me move and I gazed at him taking every bit he could give me. Before we knew it, we were coming again. After the fifth orgasm of the night, my appetite was finally catching up to me. On cue, my stomach growled.

Natsu's laugh was low, deep, and sexy. It was downright erotic in my ears as I was still straddling him.

"I'm starving too," he moved his hand over my thighs to hold me. "That diner, the one Mr. Yajima owns should still be open." He turned his head to the alarm clock by his nightstand. It was close to one in the morning.

"Please yes," I pleaded.

I licked my lips when the waitress placed two plates of burgers and fries in front of us. My hands took the ketchup bottle and spurt it all over my fries. The only thing that was in my stomach was the smoothie from earlier, but that burned off from tears and other strenuous activities.

"Can I get you two anything else?"

"Milkshakes," we both said at the same time.

"You guys are a cute couple. What flavor?"

"Strawberry."

"Vanilla."

Natsu looked at me weirdly. "You don't like strawberry milkshakes anymore?" I did a curt nod and looked back at the waitress. The waitress' smile dropped looking at us awkwardly.

"Vanilla please."

"Two?"

"Yes." She gave a fake smile and walked away to the counter.

"I guess time changed your palate. Instead of vanilla, I thought you at least go for chocolate."

I cringed at the thought of tasting either flavor. "No, I just had a bad experience related to them."

"Chocolate and strawberry milkshakes gave you a bad experience?" I looked at Natsu who watched me closely. Bringing up Touka now would only make me lose my appetite, so I ignored his question.

Not wanting to bring down the mood, I popped a ketchup-laced fry in my mouth, and I moaned in happiness. This place hadn't changed and neither had the taste of the food. He chuckled at my playful nature.

"Glad you still like that at least," he said already biting into his own burger.

"Why wouldn't I? It tastes like home," I said opening the bun on my own burger to add some ketchup. A small bit splashed on my now wrinkled dress, but I didn't care. I was starving. "I'm surprised this place is opened so late. Mr. Yajima is pretty old."

"Wow. Are you discriminating against him because he's old?"

"Discriminating? Where have you learned such a big word?" I laughed. His face grew red from embarrassment.

"I'm not the same teenager you met in high school."

"I know… I know, but I can't help it." I closed the bun and picked up the burger. His face softened with tenderness when he looked at me, his eyes holding a warmth that melted my heart. "You're now a man with a child and engaged. Such phenomenal growth Mr. Dragneel." I closed my eyes and took a bite. The burst of salty flavor -not overpoweringly- filled my tastebuds. Delicious just like I remembered. I hummed in satisfaction.

"What are you talking about? I'm not getting married."

I opened my eyes and tilted my head. His face was no longer soft but confused. I placed the burger on the plate to gaze at him. The uncertainty engraved on his face made me second-guess my next words. The waitress appeared with our shakes placing them down. With her distraction, I tried to think what he meant.

Did Touka lie to me to get under my skin?

But the picture on the wall…

Think.

I reached for a piece of napkin in the steel holder on the table to clean any traces of crumbs from my lips. "What about your child?" I pushed my plate to the side to lean forward to take a sip of the shake. "I saw the picture by the foyer back at your place."

"You mean Happy?" Natsu's facial expressions softened. He smiled, reaching for his phone in his pants pocket. He pushed his now empty plate to the side. Unlocking it, he slid it to me with a picture of a child who looked about three or four years old with cat ears for a headband. Doing the math in my head, it adds up.

I picked up his phone to study the picture. The child's face was alive with joy, every feature radiating his excitement to have his picture taken. "He's cute," I said curtly zooming in. His face was angelic, round with rosy cheeks and bright, twinkling eyes. My eyes squinted. "Wait a minute… is…" Are you sure he's yours? The blue hair and dark brown eyes. I glanced up at Natsu studying his features I knew like the back of my hand.

He folded his arms over his chest watching me. "Touka lied to you, Lucy."

My heart filled with hope quelling the doubts when I looked back at the picture, but it swiftly dwindled. Something wasn't right. If Touka supposedly lied, what about the child? Who was it that gave birth to Happy for Natsu to become a father?

This was too confusing.

I handed him back the phone before sliding over my now warm food. "Okay," I said eating another fry.

"Is that all you have to say about it?" Natsu looked pissed.

"Did you want me to apologize for your girlfriend lying to me and causing a misunderstanding?"

"Dammit Lucy, stop making the problem bigger than it has to be."

I pushed my plate back to the side having now lost my appetite. "Me? I'm making the problem bigger?" I asked sarcastically. "You're blaming me again when you started this mess five years ago by choosing her over me!"

Even though the diner was practically empty except for a few waitresses and two other customers, I didn't want to make a scene. I lowered my voice. "You sat there as she degraded me after you told me you loved me. I was right there! Standing lost as you held her after she cheated on you on the day Igneel died." I took a deep breath. It was like I was going in circles retelling the series of events he was present for. "Then two years ago… we had sex and you left me again after you said, 'What the hell does this mean, Lucy?'. It always comes back to you pushing my feelings aside and leaving me stranded without a lifeline. Do you have any idea how it feels to be pushed aside by your best friend after sharing such a precious moment? To be betrayed and tossed to the wolves without a word? Not even a phone call after that night?"

My eyes blurred as tears fell down my cheeks onto the table. I didn't want to wipe them away. I needed him to see how hurt I was for being betrayed twice in one lifetime. "I've been with you since high school. The day you made me laugh for the first time after losing my mother. I knew since then how I felt. I didn't want to lose you as my trusted friend. I treasured you too much to lose or ruin our friendship." I placed my hand over my chest and tightened it into a fist. His eyes watched me move and then gazed back at me. "I remained by your side. It was okay because I had you in my life regardless of…" I bit the inside of my cheek trying to stop myself from blurting out those three words. "We knew each other in and out. The best of friends.

"Then that night in your room… you said it. I was scared because of the timing, but you said it again with such conviction… I believed you. I was ready to take that leap. To have the chance to call you mine. Then… Touka took you away and you never came back to me. Not even as a friend. So…" I whispered, "…did you really love me Natsu? Can you really sit there and tell me you still love me after all that you've done?"

He slowly reached for my trembling hand, but I snatched it off the table before he could touch me. Natsu's face twisted in pain at my rejection, but I ignored it. "Answer the question dammit!" I couldn't help but shout. The stragglers glanced over in our direction, but I didn't care. I needed to know his answer this time.

"I-"

"Hey, you two, is everything alright?" Our waitress stood by our table interrupting Natsu. "I know it's slow around this time, but we have other customers."

"No. we're done." I stood up, taking out cash from my clutch to pay for our meal and to tip. "I'm leaving," I mumbled wiping my tears. "Thanks for the meal," and I walked out.

~s~

Natsu

Goddammit!

I thanked the waitress and rushed after Lucy.

Not again.

Not again!

Please not again!

She was only a few feet away but stopped walking. Her figure shivered from the cool summer breeze. Without missing a beat, I wrapped my arms around her shoulders giving her as much warmth as my body would allow. Her tears dropped on my forearms and onto the gravel under her feet.

"I'm sorry, Lucy. Nothing and I mean nothing has ever stopped me from ever hating myself for letting you leave." Her body trembled as she sobbed from my words. I let her go to turn her around to look at her face. The sight of her tear-streaked cheeks made me feel a sting of guilt. "Holding back for so many years unable to express ourselves has taken its toll on both of us." She inhaled sharply as I used my thumbs to wipe away her falling tears, but they continued to drop. "Lucy, I'm so sorry for hurting you." She pushed me away with a hit, but she also held on to keep me close.

Her cheeks were puffy, her eyes red, and her lips bruised from holding in her sobs.

She's a beautiful, perfect entity who I love more than my next breath. With all of her secrets, truths, and worrying behavior, it only makes me want to erase all her problems and give her a sense of peace.

"Let me drive you home. It's getting late." She nodded in agreement. Taking hold of her hand, I pulled her to my car.

The drive back was silent, with her sniffling every few minutes. I gave quick peeks, but her frail body leaned against the door staring outside. The sun was peeping through the horizon signaling that dawn was approaching.

The Heartfilia estate was right ahead when she leaned away from the door. She glanced over to me nervously and down to her lap. "I'm sorry for snapping at you like that. Then crying like a toddler with a tantrum."

"It's okay. You've always been a crybaby." She turned her head to glare at me. I chuckled, turning into the opening gate to go down the long drive to the front of the mansion.

Lucy relaxed in the passenger seat facing the smooth road. "Do you have plans later on today? Or tomorrow? I want to see you again." Whenever she was excited, her whole face lit up like a child on Christmas morning. I didn't want to ruin that image, but I already had an appointment planned.

"I'm sorry Lucy. I have to get Happy in the afternoon from my brother's and tomorrow I have to teach a class at the gym." I glanced over at her when we pulled up to the large staircase leading to the front door. Her face, half-hidden in shadows, held an unreadable expression.

"Okay." Her voice came out in a whisper. "Thanks for the ride. I'll see you… later." Before I could say anything else, she hopped out and slammed the door. I put the car in park and jumped out too.

"Lucy wait!" I'm getting sick and tired of chasing after her. "Dammit Lucy, stop fucking running away from me!" I yelled out to her. She was halfway up the stairs but stopped moving. Slowly, she turned around to glare at me. In seconds, she was down the stairs and in my face.

"Are you out of your mind? Why are you cursing like a deranged lunatic?"

I wrapped my arm around her waist pulling her up and close to my lips. My lips turned up in a devilish grin. "It was the only way I could get you back down here to me." Before she could respond, I leaned in and kissed her. She instantly melted and let me devour her mouth. I slid my hand into her hair to angle her head so I could delve my tongue deeper into her mouth.

She wrapped her arms over my shoulders and moaned at the deep kiss.

"Eh hum," a person behind Lucy cleared their throat. We quickly parted to see Ms. Spetto – Heartfilia's trusted handmaid – glaring at the both of us from the front door. "That is not how a lady of the Heartfilia household should act. Get inside this instant."

I drew small circles on Lucy's back as I didn't let her go while grinning at Ms. Spetto. "Good morning, ma'am. I was just bidding Lucy goodnight."

"Sure, you were at four in the morning." She flickered her gaze back to Lucy. "Inside now, young lady." She turned to walk inside leaving the door open.

"Aren't you 26 years old? Why is she treating you like a child?" I whispered in her ear. Lucy turned to face me giggling.

"I have no idea."

~s~

Lucy

After parting with Natsu, I took a hot bath and fell asleep instantly when I got out. Later in the day, I woke up and saw that he texted me when he got home. He messaged me to let me know he wanted to see me tomorrow. He sent the address to the gym. I couldn't help but kick my duvet covers in excitement. I felt like a teenager.

Waking up late in the day, I got to work on my manuscript. With the excitement about what was to come, the words flowed easily from my fingers to the keyboard. When it was the dawn of the next day, after pulling an all-nighter, I sent the first three chapters to Brandish. She called me immediately despite the time difference rambling about how impressed she was.

"Damn, how good was the sex for you to write the opening chapter this hot and heavy." I giggled at her feedback. "So that means you're extending your stay in Fiore? Dating your best friend turned boyfriend? Do I hear wedding bells?" she laughed.

The smile on my face fell. "Boyfriend… wedding bells?"

Brandish paused too. "Yes! That's how relationships work, you naïve child. Anyway, since you're going to be there for the time being, I scheduled book signings at bookstores near your area. This will be your first appearance as an author in your hometown. I will need to fly up by the end of the week to help organize the final touches." She was typing something over the phone. "Okay, I also sent you the details to your email."

I tried to ignore her mention of 'boyfriend' and opened my email. "I got it." My eyes scanned the locations which happened to be my favorite bookstores.

"Good. I hope I can meet Natsu there too. He can be your own little arm candy when you walk in for the signings."

I got up from the loveseat in my room and walked out the door to stretch my legs. "We're not there yet."

"Huh?" She screeched into the phone. "You're telling me you didn't establish anything after all the sex you had? Didn't you tell him how you feel?"

I nodded as if she could see me, but I quickly cleared my throat. "I did… more like along those lines of it. He didn't say anything either. He only apologized." I walked into the kitchen and saw that Chef Ade was cutting up fresh fruits for breakfast. He smiled sliding a few pieces into a bowl for me. I mouthed 'thank you' as I took it.

She groaned into the phone, "Okay maybe this could work in your favor. Let's try to look at it from his perspective. The last time he dropped the love bomb, you kind of disappeared. The poor guy could be traumatized."

"Traumatized? Why are you making it seem like I pointed a gun to his head?" I opened the fridge to grab a bottle of water to go with the fruits.

Brandish chuckled, "Hey when a guy shares his feelings like that… it's not easy. Men are emotional creatures who hold their emotions in to show off their manliness."

I rolled my eyes sitting outside on the patio overlooking the large back area of the estate to watch the sunrise. "That's foolish."

"Foolish or not, use this chance to build together. Get to know each other."

"I know him already," I mumbled bringing the bottle to my lips to drink.

"But does he know you? Five years can change a person. I'm surprised he's still single and not engaged. Better yet isn't married with a kid yet." I choked on the water and started dry heaving. "Are you okay? Is Ms. Spetto around? Hey!"

I coughed and tried to gather my bearings. "I'm fine," I managed to wheeze out to soothe her panic.

"What was that about?"

I coughed again to clear my throat. "Nothing."

"Nothing my ass. Lucy, is he married with a kid?" she reiterated. I remained silent cleaning up the mess on my shirt. "Lucy!"

"Oh my god! I don't know. He told me he isn't married or engaged, but he has a kid."

"Tell me everything," Brandish said sternly.

As much as I didn't want to go over my ordeal, I told her everything from meeting Touka to my selfish plan to ruin their relationship, the argument in the diner, and the same amount of details of his child that I had knowledge of.

"Lucy… this sounds messy. This drama, if caught by a nosey journalist, can blow up your career, and not in a good way. Your good girl image would shatter, and you'll be plastered as a whore or a homewrecker."

"I know," I whispered sadly. "But being good has gotten me nowhere with him." I switched the phone to the other ear. "I took that step and look at me now. Going on date number two."

"But at what cost? You have built this perfect image of falling in love in your stories, but you have to remember this is reality. Not one of your books."

"I know, there's no such thing as perfect."

"Wrong," Brandish corrected. "There are perfect things in this world but love just happens to not be one of them. Familial love can sometimes be suffocating. Loving your pet can switch up when they shit in your favorite pair of shoes. Then there are couples who fall in love for the wrong reasons. Love has its flaws because of the people giving and taking that love. With those flaws comes the lack of control over your emotions."

I sat staring at the morning dew of the grassy plain concentrating on her words. I had learned while living in this house that control was an illusion. Tragedy was random and cruelly patient, waiting until you let your guard down to strike. I learned that from losing my mother and now with this situation dealing with Natsu. I refuse to let that happen again. "Let me see how it goes. I'm seeing him today in a few hours. I'll keep you posted."

"You have no other choice but to. This time keep your legs closed." I was about to curse at her, but she hung up.

DragonFist.

I read the dimly lit sign of the boxing gym. I couldn't remember the last time I was here except that one time in high school. Natsu invited me after that, but since that incident, I didn't have the courage to relive that embarrassing moment. I studied the structure, noticing the slight changes over the years.

The blinds were down obscuring the view inside and giving the attendees privacy. I reached for the glass door and walked in. The first thing I saw was a huge display filled with large trophies, silver and gold medals, certificates, and pictures of all ages holding their awards.

My eyes focused on the large photo in the center of a young man with one hand up in a boxing glove and in the other hand holding a gold medal that was around his neck. His fiery red hair and boisterous smile filled my heart.

A young Igneel stood proudly after winning in the final round of his last match. Natsu boasted about how strong and agile his father was in his younger days as a boxer before he had to run the family business. He craved to be like Igneel in the ring.

I bent down to gaze at the small photo next to the large one. My eyes burned with joyous tears, and I couldn't help but laugh. The picture had Igneel with his arms over his two sons' shoulders. Natsu wore the same energetic smile as his dad, while Zeref wore a simple smile, but his eyes told a different story. They were gazing up at Igneel filled with pride.

He raised two boys on his own -though they differ in personality- Natsu and Zeref were still held in high regard. My fingers traced the glass outlining Igneel's face.

"I'm back," I said softly to him. "I'll try to honor my promise this time and keep a watchful eye on him." A small tear slid down my cheek.

"Hey, glad you found this place so easily." Startled, I quickly wiped the tear and turned to smile. Natsu made his way to me wearing a tight black sleeveless shirt and shorts. I never got the chance to admire his fire tribunal tattoos on his lower left arm and an insignia on his upper right arm. If possible, I wanted him more than ever at that moment. Wrapped up or pinned down by those muscled arms and large hands.

Trying not to drool, I swallowed and quipped back at him to ignore my dirty thoughts. "You know I've been here before."

Natsu rolled his eyes. "Yeah, that one time. Don't remind me." I placed my hand on my hip when he got closer.

"What's your problem?"

"Nothing." He folded his arms to look at the trophies display. "Like it?"

I eyed him suspiciously but gazed back at the photo. "Yeah. You're honoring him the best way you know how."

"You could say that." He turned to me to look me up and down. His eyes narrowed into slits as he concentrated on my face. "Nice outfit."

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" I glanced down at my clothes. Since I was going to the gym, I threw on -desperately debated- the right outfit. I picked jeans shorts and a cute off-shoulder top with canvas sneakers. With the hot weather, I wore light makeup and little trinkets on my wrists which jingled from every movement.

He rubbed his chin. "Nothing wrong, but you might want to change. Good thing I picked up something before arriving here." He turned around, "This way Princess."

I frowned at the nickname I hated, "Seriously, what is your problem?"

~s~

Natsu

A vein throbbed in my forehead as I tried to keep my temperament in check. When I invited her to the gym, I was half-asleep and horny. My bed still smelled like her, and I wanted to see her sooner rather than later. When I woke up seeing her reply, I slapped my forehead at my stupidity. I haven't forgotten the reason she didn't come back to this place.

During high school, I found her and her then-boyfriend Sting Eucliffe in an awkward position in the locker rooms. His hand was up her shirt, and her face was red with post-orgasmic euphoria. Somehow, he had made her come from playing with her nipples.

I was pissed, not only from finding them but how much of a bastard I knew Sting was. He was dating Lucy publicly, but he had two other girls on the side. When I told Lucy about Sting's two-timing, she was angry and decided to confront him alone. Somehow, he twisted my words and sweet-talked little naïve Lucy into coming to the boxing gym since he was a member to mess around.

I broke his nose and kicked him out. Igneel was angry with me for fighting but also proud that I defended Lucy. She on the other hand was furious. She played it off as breakup sex, but the way she cried after and avoided this place like the plague… yeah okay, sure.

Now, as my eyes watched Lucy swing her wrapped fist in the air as if she was punching an opponent, it was like that event never happened. Her ever-smiling face mirrored her cheerful nature. Happiness was etched on her face, with eyes warm and inviting. I jumped over the ropes to join her.

"Ready?"

"Ready to kick your ass? Of course! Bring it on tough guy!" Her twinkling honey eyes were a shred of evidence of her mischievous nature. She whined her fist up ready to throw the first punch.

"Relax Lady Rocky," I moved closer to her. She stopped hopping and watched me closely. Taking her hand, I slid on pink boxing gloves over it. "I don't want these delicate hands to get injured. They keep food on your table."

Her smooth, delicate hands and well-maintained face revealed a life of luxury and freedom. I did not want to cause any type of destruction to that. I dropped the first hand and leaned in to grab the next one. Her skin smelled like sweet vanilla. The scent I associated with comfort and gentleness. Now also mind-blowing sex. I tapped her hand and took a step back trying to calm my arousal.

"Let's start." I reached for the pads by the edge and slid them on. "Give me your best shot."

Lucy switched her feet as if she were a pro and came down hard on the pad. She switched to jab a right hook. Color me impressed by how quickly she picked up on the basics. The plain white shirt and workout shorts I provided for her blew in the wind as she jumped to the left to throw another right hook. Her blonde hair pulled into two round buns and her bangs framing her face did not hinder her movements.

She threw her head back laughing when I stumbled from another forceful punch. Her laughter was music to my ears, a melody I could listen to in a constant loop. Her forehead began building sweat, but without a care in the world, she kept going. We didn't talk, and the atmosphere had no need for any exchange of words. We were building back our solace for one another.

Finally, she blew out a harsh breath and fell in the middle of the ring after twenty minutes. "That was exciting!" she huffed out in laughter. "Why haven't I done this back in high school again?"

"Your dad," I said sliding the pads off. I reached for her hands she left hanging in the air so I could help pull off the gloves.

Her nostrils flared in annoyance, "Oh yeah…"

"A young lady should not fight. I pay enough guards to do that for you." We said in unison. She snickered and I plopped down next to her laughing.

She turned to face me as she untwined the soft wrappings around her fingers. "So why did you tell me to come? I thought you were busy."

"Class ended early and Happy is with Zeref for an extra day. Plus, I wanted to see you." Her mouth made an o shape before twisting into a grin.

"Boredom made you want to see me?"

"Lucy…"

She shoved my arm. "Relax," she mocked laying back down on the canvas. "I was drawing a blank on the next chapter of my manuscript, so I didn't mind being out." She inhaled and picked up the collar of her shirt to blow air inside. "I'm surprised no one is here. It's usually busy around this time."

"I only had afternoon classes for the kids. Other than that, I'm home."

"Alone?"

I turned my head, to find her staring at me. Swallowing the lump in my throat from the intensity of her watching me, I answered. "Sometimes," I mumbled glancing away.

"I see," she whispered. From my peripheral, I could see her face was solemn, the corners of her mouth turned slightly downwards, lost in her thoughts. Feeling the mood had turned serious, I sat up and pulled myself up.

"I'm going to hit the showers. You know where the girl's locker room is right?"

She sat up and tucked her feet under her. "Why are you running away?" I opened my mouth, but no words came out. Her face lit up with a smile that reached her eyes, transforming her features. She untucked her legs and stood up to make her way toward me.

"What are you doing?" I moved backward keeping an equal distance.

"I know why you were mad earlier. So, let's replace one memory with another."

"Memory?" My back hit the rope as she approached me and stopped walking.

"Locker room." I frowned, but it was quickly wiped away when she trailed her hand up my shirt. "Give me a new memory to remember Natsu." Her hand moved down to cup my growing erection through my shorts.

"Right here… in the ring?"

"Do you have a better place in mind? Because I think right here is where you'll always remember me," her voice purred.

Fuck. Is Lucy talking dirty to me right now? Because that shit is working.

Unconsciously, my dick jumped from excitement.

"I guess that answers my question."

I groaned as she wrapped her hand around me to pull my dick free, then dropped to her knees in front of me and took me in her mouth without a prelude.

"Shit." I gripped the rope as she looked up, meeting my eyes as she gave what felt like her best attempt to swallow me whole.

The vibration of her throat as she laughed made me close my eyes. I leaned my head back and gripped the rope a little tighter, trying to keep my hands there instead of fisting her hair. One of her hands closed around my balls, gently massaging while she sucked, and I was convinced this moment was perfect.

"Natsuuuu!" A bubble voice called out.

"Oh shit!" I cursed loudly. Lucy hearing the same voice popped my dick out of her mouth and quickly stood up. I shoved my wet stiffy inside my shorts and turned around to see Happy… and Touka? Breathing heavily, I ducked under the rope I was clinging to moments ago and jumped down from the ring. I crouched down and opened my arms so Happy could run into my chest. "Hey there buddy. What are you doing here?" I asked calmly giving a quick glance to Touka.

She was not looking at me but at the woman who stood in the center of the ring. Her face was a mask of fury, eyes glaring, and lips curled in a snarl. "What is she doing here?"

Lucy's eyes flashed with enthusiasm, and her lips thinned into a tight line holding back a smirk. "Working out… among other adult things."

"Are you fucking kidding me Natsu?" Touka glared down at me. I closed my eyes trying to stay calm. Lucy's little joke was not necessary. Prying them open, I looked at Happy. His face, though young, held an expression of seriousness that contradicted his tender age.

"Can we not do this now Touka? Not in front of Happy." Her eyes glanced down at the young child and then back to me.

"I agree, but he's coming with me since you're busy."

"We're finished… working out. He's fine with me. Thanks for dropping him off." I stood up to my full height. I walked up to her blocking her view of Lucy. Happy held onto my shorts scared to let me go. "Please Touka. Leave it alone." She held my gaze. Her jaw was set, and her nostrils flared, a definite sign of her anger.

"Fine." She turned on her heels and left where she came from. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"Hey, you okay little buddy?" I brushed his blue hair back giving him as much comfort under the circumstances. He nodded slowly. "Why didn't you call me before leaving Uncle Zeref's?" I tried to remain calm. "Why didn't Zeref call me?" I whispered to myself.

"Uncle Zeref did, but…" his dark brown eyes welled up in tears. I grabbed him pulling him in for a hug.

"I'm sorry Happy. This won't happen again. I promise." He nodded and snuggled into my chest. Feeling a presence approach from behind, I gathered Happy in my arms and stood up. Lucy's face was filled with worry, her eyes reflecting the turmoil of her inner thoughts.

Desperate to lift the mood, I patted Happy's back. "How about some ice cream?" He sat up as his face lit up with a toothy grin, eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Yeah!"

Author's Notes:

Lucy meets Happy, and the mystery about Natsu and Touka's relationship continues.

Until Next Time.

Songs

Afterglow – Flores

Sugar - alayna

What Is Love? – Frances

GOOD GAME - LOONY

Poison Ivy – Hemi Moore

You Don't Know – Justin Park