Natsu laid in his bed, throwing his blankets off of him once again. Unaware of what time it actually was, the Dragon Slayer felt like he'd been trying to sleep for several hours.

Looking towards the clock on his nightstand, he noticed it had just barely passed midnight.

The group made it back to Magnolia just after night fell. Happy, Carla, Wendy and Natsu all had a wonderful time with the other Exceeds. Both Fairy Tail Exceeds were able to meet their parents for the second time. Natsu was ecstatic about how Happy it made his best friend. The look on his face was payment enough for the very long trip.

With Carla helping guide the rest of the group, finding the Exceeds took no time at all. They decided to settle in a remote place about twenty miles south-west of Magnolia. Large bags of fish in hand, the group descends on the village. The Exceeds that were outside looked up in confusion. It took them a moment to realize who was visiting them.

"Why, it's the Exceeds from Fairy Tail!" Charlotte beamed as she waved hello.

The multitude of cats began to cheer. Once the wizards landed, all of the Exceeds ran towards them with smiles radiating from their faces.

Pumping his arm in the air, Nadi was the first to speak. "What brings you wizards to our neck of the woods?"

"It's been so long since our last encounter, I almost forgot how delicious your parfum smelled!" Nichia was right behind his black furred friend. "It also smells like you've brought something with you?"

"Aye sir!" Happy mentions with a big smile.

"We had a major haul on our latest fishing trip. We thought it'd be a great idea to share it with you guys!" The Dragon Slayer gave a toothy grin

"That sounds like a wonderful idea!" Charlotte beamed as she had some of the exceeds take the fish from Natsu and Happy. "We'll cook them up and have a wonderful feast!"

"That sounds amazing!" Wendy beams, watching as Carla walked over to the Queen. The two begin to chat like old friends.

As Happy looked around, he noticed the two exceeds that helped him and Carla in Edolas. He quickly makes his way over to them. The blue woman grinned, her eyes bright with happiness. "It's good to see you again!"

The blue exceed nodded, feeling slightly nervous as he tried to speak. "It's good to see you too! I just wanted to say thanks again for helping us."

"It was nothing dear." Marl opened her arms to Happy. Tears were beginning to form as she felt her son's embrace for the second time.

"Aye! Family always helps each other!" Lucky yells, startling everyone

I'm glad Happy got to see his parents again. Natsu sighed deeply as he looked up at the ceiling. Seeing how happy he was, makes me hopeful I'll have my own reunion with my dad.

The pink haired wizard held onto the hope that his father was still alive. Seven years ago, Igneel left along with the other Dragons. This left Natsu to wonder where he went and why for so many years. While he's just now beginning to live his life for himself, the young man still had hope Igneel would come back.

Knowing his father could still be out there causes him to keep his ear to the ground. Any word about Dragons causes Natsu to go a little crazy.

As the Dragon Slayer continued to toss and turn, Natsu began to wonder if Lucy made it back from her mission. Did everything go okay? The young wizard had a knot in his stomach that wouldn't loosen. It won't take me long to get there. I just gotta check on her.. I should be home before sunrise!

While the pink haired wizard debated whether he should leave, something came to mind. On his visit to Fairy Tail yesterday, he saw a mission on the request board that would be perfect for Lucy! Along with reward money, a celestial key was given as a gift. Although it was a silver key, Natsu was confident it was one his friend didn't have.

If he could get a hold of the job posting, the Dragon Slayer could show it to Lucy. The two of them could go on a mission together once again! Natsu's body felt lighter all of a sudden, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

I have a reason to go see her! She's gonna love having another key. Plus, she's been going on mission after mission lately, maybe she needs the money also. Natsu quietly got out of his bed, getting dressed once again. He knew it was late, but the pink haired wizard needed to confirm his friend was okay.

Creeping through his own house, The Dragon Slayer did his best to remain as quiet as possible. He didn't want to wake Happy, who was sleeping on the couch. The young wizard tip-toed into his kitchen, writing a small note for his friend.

Happy,

I'm going on a walk, and should be home by morning! If not, I'll see you at the guild hall tomorrow. There's some of your favorite fish in the fridge for breakfast. Have a great morning, best buddy!

Once Natsu tip-toed outside, he began running at a pace that even surprised him. The trail of dust that was left behind him caused the Dragon Slayer to chuckle. Damn… I didn't even know I could run this fast..

Making it to the center of Magnolia in no time, the pink haired wizard walked down the street Lucy lived on. While it was pretty late, the night life in Magnolia was still going strong. Several food vendors were open, along with the bars in town. The Dragon Slayer never noticed how bustling their little city was in the late hours of the evening.

Knowing the guild hall was usually unlocked at night, Natsu quietly opened the entry door and crept inside. There was barely any light to see his hands in front of him. Lighting a small flame in his palm, the Dragon Slayer walked up to the request board.

It didn't take the young wizard long to find the job posting. Natsu grabbed it with his other hand. Letting the flame go out, he folded up the piece of paper and put it in his pocket. With his little mission complete, Natsu made his way to the exit. Once he was back outside, he continued on the path to Lucy's house.

I really hope she's home.. Natsu's excitement was beginning to build. She's been on so many different jobs, I'm sure she'll have a ton of stories to tell! The Dragon Slayer wished more than anything, he could've gone on these missions with her. Although his help was probably unneeded, the young wizard just wanted to be around his friend.

Before the adventure in Edolas, the Dragon Slayer would find the silliest reasons to come into Magnolia. After his escapades, he and his little cat friend would usually end their day at Lucy's apartment. The duo would sneak in unannounced, something the Celestial mage had gotten used to.

He couldn't explain the connection he had with Lucy. Over the last year or so, he's been trying to figure out what makes her different from all the other girls in Magnolia. Several of the ladies have asked him to take them on a date. However, the Dragon Slayer was never interested in any of the girls. Ever since he met Lucy, she's the only girl he's been able to think about.

As Natsu rounded the corner, the Celestial Mage's apartment came into view. From the moment he saw the lights on in her home, the pink haired wizard's heart began to quicken its pace. Natsu could hear the sound of blood pumping behind his ears, making it hard for him to concentrate. It's just right there! A few more steps and I'll have my answer.

Climbing the walls to the second story window, the Dragon Slayer was glad to find it open. Natsu flopped onto Lucy's bed. His ears listened for any noise in the home. Looking towards her bathroom, he noticed the light was on. A small hum was coming from there as well.

She is home and safe… Thank goodness.. A sigh of relief escaped Natsu's lips. Getting off the mattress, the pink haired wizard stepped inside her bedroom. As he looked around, he noticed the scent of her home was slightly different than before. Could it be because the Dragon Slayer hadn't been visiting as much?

Natsu began to pace around the room. Every part of the house smelled different than before. This really threw the Dragon Slayer off guard. A feeling of unease began to wash over him. Why is she up so late? It's not like her.. And everything smells different.

The pink haired wizard was so preoccupied with his own thoughts, he didn't notice the bathroom door opening.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" Lucy screamed, kicking the intruder inside her apartment.