back already lmao this never happens

casually was gonna update this yesterday and chose to finish Bleak instead

ENJOY

Natsu felt like his body was weighed down by his immense guilt, akin to a well overflowing from within his heart.

The blame he took on for failing to save Lucy became his uncomfortable reality, though he was unsure why the incident affected him so greatly.

He could rationalize that not every situation was in his control, that Lucy's encounter with the pirates was a sick joke that Belserion's crew had no trouble in conducting. But he should have known, he should have. If he went after Lucy that afternoon, he would've known something was wrong, that the barrier had been tampered with. He could have saved her.

Erza, Gray, and some of the others were quick to rush after Heine, hoping to stop her before she disappeared. The guild members were in a panic, worried there could be more of the Belserion crew hiding in town.

Laxus coordinated for the Raijinshuu to lead a search of the town, Freed finding out just who might have been the one to allow their entrance into town.

Then was where that sick, heavy feeling in his stomach began to form, a voice surfacing from the recesses of his mind, cursing him for failing to protect her.

He was overstimulated and verging on a state of shock, his movements rigid as he placed her carefully on the grass nearby for Wendy to properly look her over.

Natsu winced, looking at her dim light, watching as she twitched every other second. Her skin was red in some places as well; Juliette did a number on her. The anger he felt for the pair only momentarily subsided, his worry for Lucy too intense to ignore.

"Move it," Laxus pushed him aside as he knelt before Lucy, the voice returning to berate him for letting another dragon aid her sick state.

But what good would Natsu be in a situation like this? Fire was his territory, so it only made sense for Laxus to help her if he could. The sight of watching the other dragon carefully part her lips and match them against his stirred up the angry, sick feeling and tortured him even more.

His fingers trembled, Natsu itching to grab her and fly away as fast as he could. He wanted to be alone with her more than anything right now. To take her away from all this and watch over her in his home, where he knew it would be safe. To smother her in his scent so that no one would dare to think twice about approaching her. His sharp teeth dug into his bottom lip at the thought, resisting the building need. God, what was going on with him?

Carrying Lucy to the guild calmed him somewhat, the scent and sensation of her quieting the voice and settling the anxiety in his stomach. Looking down at her still reminded him that none of this needed to happen. If only he trusted himself earlier and gone to her side.

Master Makarov was adamant that he wanted Lucy to get a proper rest, limiting those who were allowed to see her on a constant basis; Wendy, Erza, and Mirajane.

Others like Juvia and Levy checked in on her from time to time, everyone around stopping in at least once to make sure she was okay.

Natsu kept his distance, uncomfortable with his own spiraling thoughts. He agreed that she needed her rest, and still blamed himself; she didn't need his negative energy hanging around.

Happy worried at his partner's side; he had never seen Natsu like this before. It worried him whenever his happy-go-lucky attitude took a break, the last couple of days concerning the exceed. Natsu didn't seem to understand it himself, still able to flash a semi-sad smile when he cozied to his side.

There was something going on with his adoptive father, and he knew Lucy's arrival was an unwitting catalyst. He wasn't exactly sure why, but the kiss those two shared had been the start of it.

Days later there was still no sign of Lucy waking. Everyone grew more and more worried as Wendy had to reach out to Prolyusica for help.

Natsu didn't eat or sleep much, dragging himself into the guild every day to keep an eye on the infirmary doors. Everyone was kind enough to give him space, though Lisanna made sure he at least had something to snack on throughout the day.

On the sixth day of Lucy's persisting lack of wellness, Laxus cockily approached Natsu's table to goad a fight.

"You couldn't save her," His smirk pulled widely at his lips, exposing his sharp teeth as he went on. "Must suck, hm?"

"Think I should go in there and make sure she's alright? At least I can do something for her," Natsu narrowed his eyes, feeling his magic begin to leak out on its own, scales crawling up his skin. The last thing he needed right now was someone testing his temper, and Laxus had already gone too far one too many times. "What do you think? Beats sitting around here like a good-for-nothing loser."

"I bet Lucy's looking forward to seeing me when she wakes up. After all, I was actually there for her. You let her get hurt."

The walls of the guild began to shake as Natsu let out a roar that forced most everyone to duck for cover. His fire spewed out in all directions, the near ear-shattering bellow cracking the glass of the windows and wood of the walls.

The voices in his head grew into a raging panic, fire surging from within the pit of his stomach. His dragon forced its way out, taking over his human form and growing him a hundred sizes bigger.

His head crashed into the high up wood beams, raining debris on the members who ran from their hiding places to avoid getting caught in the crosshairs.

Laxus cackled wildly as Natsu managed to knock down the entirety of the wall they stood in front of, lightning itching to clash with its counterpart. His smile was wide and excited; this was exactly what he was looking for. A real fucking fight for once.

Master Makarov quickly ran out of his office, Mirajane and Erza following as they burst through the infirmary door. They rightfully assumed they were under attack, not expecting to see a full-sized dragon raining flames upon those cowering underneath tables.

Gray was providing protection best he could, making sure Juvia was nowhere near his growing heat. It'd dry her out in a second if she got too close.

"What's going on?!" Makarov shouted as he clung to the railing of the second floor, Natsu's growling vibrating the floorboards.

"Natsu! What is the meaning of this?!" Erza donned her Flame Empress armor, making an attempt to approach the dragon before Laxus interrupted.

"We're finally going to have a real showdown around here!" The lightning dragon boasted as his magic crackled around him, scales flecking on his skin excitedly. "Don't get in the way!"

"Natsu's not in his right mind!" Happy alerted the red head as he flew behind her for protection. "Laxus did this on purpose! He wouldn't leave him alone!"

"How the hell are we supposed to get him to shrink down if he's not sane?!" Gray asked from his close proximity to the others, his hands held up as he cast a shield to keep the flames from spreading.

"It's Lucy, isn't it? He's been so stressed out, this was bound to happen!" Mirajane chimed in, squeezing her eyes shut and covering her ears as another roar barreled through the shattered building.

"Someone needs to talk sense into the bastard before the whole building comes down!"

Erza was quick to swap into her Lightning Empress armor and beeline for the dragon attempting to stir up trouble. Getting Laxus away from Natsu was a solution in her mind, Mirajane and Happy taking on the task of calming the overgrown beast.

Flying up to his line of sight, the pair braced themselves for the waves of heat rolling off of him. They winced as it stung their skin, trying their best to ignore the sensation.

"Natsu! You're going to hurt Lucy if you don't snap out of this!" Mira watched the reptilian-like slit squint as he focused one on her. "The guild is going to collapse if you don't shrink back down to size!"

Her words managed to break through his rage, the guild noticing as he dialed back his overwhelming aura. He pivoted his head in a motion to take a look at the damage, shouts and screams bursting as another high beam came crashing to the floor.

It took him a moment to find the control to regulate his appearance, a wave of relief washing over everyone as Natsu began to shrink back to size.

Erza held Laxus firmly by the ear, glaring at the blonde as he hissed for her to let go.

"Oi, oi! I said the idiot was mine to fight, what—ow!" Laxus was cut off by a rightful slap to the back of his head, Makarov's extended and enlarged hand the culprit.

"That's enough out of you! I raised you better than this," He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, waving for Erza to let him go. "Two week suspension from the guild; I want you to think about what you've done! And you better grab a job on your way out to pay for all of these repairs, because it's not coming out of our budget!"

Laxus rubbed his ear and muttered in frustration as he made a beeline for the door, knowing there was no way to argue himself out of this one.

"Don't people around here love a good fight? Geez, and it's all my fault, sure it is…bastard could've controlled himself," He complained to himself as the Raijinshuu ran to follow, Makarov turning his attention to the steaming dragon kneeling on the ground.

Natsu held his head, slightly delirious as the effects of his anger began to wear off. His shoulders slumped as he felt his mind clear up; maybe that expulsion of power was just what he needed. The silent anger that clouded him before was slowly subsiding, a clearer path being paved as he looked at the space around him.

"I…I didn't mean to, Gramps," The older gentleman nodded as he helped Natsu to his feet, letting out a relaxed sigh. "I'm so sorry…is everyone okay?"

"Just fine," A chorus of grumbles and sarcastic comments came from those as they dispersed from their hiding spots, some popping their ears and others picking splinters out of their hair. He offered a sympathetic smile to those around him, especially Happy as the exceed crashed against his chest.

"Natsu, you dummy! You said you were okay!" Happy sobbed, paws grasping at the cloth of his vest for purchase. Nodding, he held his best friend close, muttering apologies for making the exceed worry.

"I feel a lot better now," Natsu reassured him, his hand petting his head softly. "Sorry for scarin' you, lil buddy."

"I understand that Laxus provoked you, but I expect better from you by now, Natsu. You're not a young one anymore," The master spoke up, his eyes glancing around the massive hole now in the building. "One weeks suspension for you too, I can't let you off the hook this time,"

Erza looked upon him sympathetically as Gray puffed his chest smugly in the background, Makarov motioning his hand for Natsu to leave through the now secondary exit.

"I get it," He groaned, taking one last look at the infirmary doors before stepping over the rubble. "Just let me know when Luce wakes up."

Turning around to again assess the damage, Makarov sighed to himself, leaving it to Mira who'd enlist Laki to help with a majority of the framework.

"Gramps," Gajeel called out from the second floor, waving a thin book in the air as Levy stood beside him. "We found something."

Taking in a fresh breath of air, Natsu relaxed his body as he comforted the still weeping partner of his. The last week felt, well, unreal. He felt like he'd been trapped in a daze, a heavy weight bearing on his shoulders making it hard for him to do anything but brood.

It was hard to describe now that Nasu was feeling more like himself, the anger that was ruminating over Lucy's accident felt like a personality all on its own. As if it was a separate part of him that had manifested itself to the surface.

"Guess we'll just go home, huh?" Natsu sighed as Happy sniffled against him, nodding somewhat and mumbling about the salmon still in the ice box.

"Wait, Natsu," Mirajane called out to him as she rushed to catch his retreating form, the fire dragon stopping in his tracks.

"What is it?" He asked with a tilt of his head, waiting for her to catch her breath.

"I'm not supposed to tell anyone, but Master Makarov had Freed rewrite the barrier around Fairy Hills to allow the male members of Fairy Tail in, in case of emergency. It's only until the town is off high alert, which shouldn't be for a while. But you didn't hear that from me,"

~000~

Gasping awake once more, Lucy blinked her eyes open and shot upright with a start, panting as she took in the room around her.

It was no longer the odd parlor she'd been taken to by the little white dog, but the guild's infirmary.

She clasped a hand over her mouth and groaned a bit, feeling nauseous from sitting up so suddenly, and coughing from an overly dry throat.

The door was quick to swing open, Wendy rushing to pour her a glass of water, the small dragon frantic as she helped Lucy drink.

"Are you okay, Lucy?" Wendy asked with wide eyes as she watched her carefully drink through the strain on her throat. Lucy nodded with a slight smile, handing the cup back to her as she asked for more.

"A little…dizzy," She managed to say, bringing the second cup to her lips.

"Does it hurt anywhere? Are you sore?" Wendy asked again, a green light under her palm as she inspected Lucy's body for aches.

"Just my head, really," Lucy sighed in relief as she waved a hand over her forehead to ease any lasting pain. "But it feels like I just…overslept."

"That's quite the understatement," Makarov chuckled from where he suddenly appeared in the doorway. "You've been unconscious for a week, Lucy, dear. Wendy was beginning to think her magic failed you. But I'm sure it was more than Irene's squad that kept you asleep, hm?"

"I had a strange dream," Lucy nodded slowly, swallowing as a bit of guilt made her stomach churn. As much as she wanted it to be a dream, Lucy felt that the place she'd gone to was entirely too real. But the mention of Irene's name brought her back to the attack she suffered while walking around town. "Juliet and Heine…o-oh my gosh, d-did they—"

"Get away? Yes," Master Makarov nodded with a solemn smile as he stood beside her. "Unfortunately, we're not sure how they got into town in the first place. Something like this should have never happened, and I'm sorry you had to endure such pain."

"We're on high alert for the foreseeable future, and you'll have an escort from the guild whenever you go into town." He continued as Wendy finished her assessment. "We'll talk more once you're feeling better, Erza will walk you home when you're feeling up to it,"

Laki pushed open the door before Lucy could get a word in, the blonde turning to notice tables cracked in half and wood beams from above fallen and damaged the floor.

"I need some help moving one of the beams, Master," She hissed in a whisper before turning her gaze towards Lucy. "You're awake! Wonderful, I'll spread the news!"

"Did the Alvarez pirates attack the guild?" Lucy blanched, asking Wendy as anxiety began to shift in her stomach, Makarov following after Laki.

"O-Oh no! There's no way, the pirates never manage to get into town, what happened last week was—"

"Last week?" Lucy cut her off with wide eyes, running a nervous hand through her hair. "I've been asleep…for a week?"

"That's why we were all so worried," Wendy's expression faltered, her hand falling to cover the blonde's. "My exams showed that your body was healed, but you wouldn't wake up. But you've never experienced an attack like that before, so I thought your body might need to adjust more than others."

Lucy nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat as the information sunk in.

"But if the pirates didn't attack, what happened?"

"Ah…well, it's a bit of a long story, but…um, well, Laxus upset Natsu and it didn't end very well…"

"Give her the whole story, c'mon Wendy!" Cana burst through the door next, a sneaky grin and a deep chuckle on her voice. "Your kiss must've done something wicked to that man, I've never seen someone get so upset over a girl,"

"He was upset over me?" She tried to ignore the skipped beat her heart stuttered to pay attention to the conversation. Laxus had been a point of slight contention for the two, though the lightning dragon seemed overly eager to tease at the most.

"Upset doesn't begin to describe it," The brunette whistled, turning back to wave a hand over the damaged guild in the background. "He was suspended for a week for what he did, Gramps wasn't happy at all."

"Cana, don't stress her out," Erza interrupted, mistaking the nervous blush that began to spread on Lucy's cheeks. "Lucy shouldn't worry about anything but getting better. Laki cleared a path to the exit for us, it's better if you leave to rest in your room before construction begins."

The brunette left with a pout, Lucy silently itching for her to finish her story; just what had Natsu done to get suspended for a week?

The evidence was clear once Wendy gave her the all clear to leave with Erza, taking slow and shaky steps as she readjusted to moving the rest of her body.

It was hard to take in all of the debris when she was crowded by everyone happy to see that she was awake and no worse for wear. They shouted their well wishes and congratulated her for surviving her first encounter with the Alvarez pirates, letting her know there would be daily patrols in town from now on. There was no way she'd ever be caught in a situation like that again, they reassured her.

Greeting everyone all at once did exhaust her, if only slightly, Lucy taking in a deep breath as she finally escaped the threshold. Erza chuckled subtly and pat her on the back, keeping her hand placed at its center as she led Lucy toward Fairy Hills.

"Feeling alright?" Erza asked as the two walked along the dirt road, the sun setting in the nearby distance as the end of the day came upon them. "They mean well, we were all really worried about you."

"It was a little overwhelming," Lucy laughed a bit, smiling warmly to herself. "But it feels nice, I didn't have a lot of people around who looked in on my well-being back home."

"We'll always look out for you, even Laxus in his own way. He was one of the first to go after Juliet and Heine." A subtle blush tinged her features before she coughed and continued. "He was able to extract the remnants of Heine's magic before it did any further damage. I'm quite thankful we had him at that moment, regardless of…well, there's no need to discuss specifics."

Lucy observed her slight embarrassment but chose not to push the conversation further for now. There weren't a lot of things that seemed to be able to poke through the former pirate's exterior, but Lucy knew enough not to prod. She'd get answers from someone else later, she assumed.

"What about Natsu?" She felt antsy mentioning his name, sad that he couldn't have been there to see her wake up. His suspension came about at the worst time; she was dying to see him right about now. But there was no way she'd ask for an escort to his house, knowing Erza wouldn't let her go off alone.

Would he come to her balcony again? But Natsu didn't even know she was awake…it'd be pure coincidence if he managed to—

"Lucy?" Erza broke her train of thought, Lucy quickly turning towards the redhead as they stood in the Fairy Hills lobby. "Did you hear what I asked?"

"A-Ah, sorry, I was thinking about something else," She shook her head, sheepish about where her thoughts were attempting to go.

"I asked if you'd like some help taking a bath before you go to rest for the night," She said, gesturing toward the sauna down the opposite hall. "I think it'd be best if you conserve your energy for now,"

The mention of a bath forced Lucy to notice the slight heaviness of her hair and the small sensation of grime that built up during her time in the infirmary. Again trickled in the thoughts, what if Natsu found himself on her balcony again and she smelled like a week-old wet blanket?

"That's actually not a bad idea," Her smile matched her sigh of relief as Erza continued them toward the shared bath.

Lucy let out a breath as she finally closed her bedroom door, taking in the nostalgic layout. While it felt nice to be reminded of home, for a moment she would think there was never an Earthland to begin with. It stung in a lonely way, especially now that the sun was down and she was all alone.

Closing her eyes, reality reared its ugly head as it forced her to think about how much had happened since she arrived. She'd barely settled into life here and everything had already been turned upside down. Lucy knew it wasn't going to be anything like her life back home, but the worst thing that'd ever happened to her before was getting ignored. Being burned and electrocuted by pirates certainly wasn't on her list of things to do right out the gate.

And the strange tea room she'd been led to by the little white dog made her stomach twist in odd turns. There was much more about herself she had yet to understand, and was scared to face it alone.

But for once in her life, she had a gaggle of supporters. Those who would try their best to seek her success with her, and never leave her behind. And Natsu would always be there for her, there was no doubt about that.

As Lucy opened her eyes, there he stood in the doorway of her balcony.

~000~

Happy was understanding when Natsu left him to rest at home, the dragon still itching with slight desperation to have a part of Lucy close to him. Even with his rage subsided, his body was antsy and couldn't get Lucy out of his head.

Freed's barrier had blocked out Lucy's scent before, a scent that he'd never paid much attention to up until now. He liked the way she smelled, and when he went to Edolas to bring her home, he should have paid more attention. It was subtly sweet and warm, like cinnamon and vanilla, a perfect compliment to her energy.

Natsu wanted to go into her room, fit himself under her covers and nest in the sweet scent of her person. His heart thumped in his chest at the thought, but he wouldn't invade her privacy without her consent. Right now, Lucy was still lying unconscious in the guild, vulnerable even more so now that he went and destroyed half the building.

Even with a new barrier around town, he couldn't feel at ease until he saw her. But six days in and she was still unconscious; there was no telling when he might see her again. Especially with him on suspension.

With closed eyes he leaned against the open door, and breathed her in, settling himself as he tried to focus his thoughts.

There was so much he wanted to understand about her, about them. There was barely any time spent between them, but the kiss they shared there nights ago was the catalyst for something Natsu could feel was coming for him.

He wasn't sure how much time had passed when he heard the soft click of her bedroom door open. Natsu opened his eyes with a swiftness, narrowing them on the figure who slumped against the inside of her door. His heart skipped a beat when he noticed her soft blonde hair, Lucy's own eyes closed and her breathing deep.

It felt like ages since he'd last seen her, especially since he couldn't bring himself to visit her in the infirmary. He had no doubt that Wendy's magic would make her right as rain. He was selfish, at the end of the day. She deserved more than the pity he turned inward, more than the loathing he found himself previously trapped in.

He wasn't himself in front of her, a part of him he didn't know existed surfacing when they faced each other. Something inside him called out, reaching for a connection he craved so desperately, a madness right on the edge of his mentality ready to step in and guard her.

Natsu looked into her now open eyes, watching her back stiffen as she noticed him, a softened expression gracing her lips, followed by water beginning to well in her eyes.

"L-Luce?" He panicked and quickly moved to approach her, Lucy running without another thought into his arms.

"Oh, Natsu," The sound of her voice pierced his soul, the protective dragon within him stirring, wanting her tears to stop spilling. They dampened his vest as she buried her face against his chest, Natsu's arms carefully holding her close. "Natsu,"

"What's wrong? Why are you crying?" He frowned as she shook her head, keeping her gaze buried in his chest.

"Nothing's wrong," She sniffled, hands gently clutching the fabric of his vest. "Really. I just wanted to see you, and you're here."

His heart fluttered at her words, his hold tightening as he dipped his nose into her hair.

He smelled the soap most Fairy Hill girls used, the green tea scent subtle against her spiced vanilla aroma. Lucy. Lucy was warm, here, alive and well. She was safe, and finally by his side again,

"I wanted to see you too," He confessed, the words coming out as a gentle purr as he nuzzled against her, feeling the emptiness that settled in his heart fill up. "I'm so sorry, Lucy. I couldn't save you."

She shook her head again, pulling away to meet his eyes. "Please don't blame yourself, it wasn't your fault."

"I brought you here," He grimaced, a hand coming up to cup her cheek, his thumb skimming lightly against her skin. "I should have been there, either way. When I heard you scream, I—I couldn't…I wasn't…"

"I'm okay, aren't I?" She smiled softly, leaning into his touch. "And I'm with you, so I know I'm safe,"

Lucy leaned into his palm further, breathing him in before her eyes opened in a quick flash.

"W-Wait, what happened to the barrier?" She asked, looking behind him toward the outside world. "I thought…I thought men weren't allowed inside Fairy Hills…"

"Master had Freed take it down, in case of emergency," Natsu shrugged, a sheepish blush blooming on his cheeks. "I didn't want to leave you alone; I wanted to wait for you to come home."

Partial to Natsu's nature, he didn't sense the implication of the situation Lucy realized they were in. Alone in her room, at night, with her clad in nothing but a thin bath kimono she borrowed from downstairs. His thoughts, momentarily, were on making sure she was safe and settled; denseness was his forte, after all.

Lucy parted her lips in an attempt to speak, finding it hard to make a decision when there was only a thin layer of cloth between them.

Right about now would be when she'd ask him to leave; only because he was a boy in her room at night. She'd never been faced with this dilemma before.

The other part of her welled with a feverishness, she was alone with her greatest love, and he'd smother her in it if she asked.

She wouldn't ask him to leave, how could she? There was a couch just in front of her fireplace that he could sleep on, but is all that would happen?

.

.

.

Wouldn't he kiss her?

"Luce?" Natsu broke her train of thought, tilting his head curiously as she was stuck in her head. "Are you okay? Do you want to lie down?"

"I'll change into my pajamas first," Lucy said, turning toward her dresser without a second thought. But upon pulling the double wood doors open, she felt her embarrassment incline heavily. Most everything she had were replicates of what she wore in Edolas; everything bought

for her overly feminine and intensely romantic. Thin silk and cotton slips, with fills and lace, though most were long but did little to hide her shape.

Having Natsu look upon her in something even more revealing made her shudder, wondering if the golden shade of his eyes would return.

Her fingers brushed nervously over the white gown her eyes landed on, tentative before deciding to pull it out.

"J-Just make yourself comfortable," Lucy called before stepping into her bathroom, closing the door with a loud thudding in her chest.

It's not like she was expecting anything, maybe too hopeful as most of their encounters led to some intimacy. She liked receiving his attention, and wondered what kind of attention she might receive in the slip she chose.

Staring at herself in the mirror; thin straps and a v-shaped neckline that exposed her decolletage. The silk followed her hourglass shape, slightly loose and strained lightly against her hips.

Lucy took in an uneven breath as she recalled what Natsu said to her that night on her balcony.

He had no idea what a kiss was, even though he had given her one so…thoroughly. As someone who'd only read about such passionate embraces, she hoped her own skills would come naturally. But his lips led hers, Lucy remembering the subtle dominating aura that muddled her thoughts. The taste of his tongue against hers was warm and made her toes curl with just their memory. He held her so carefully as he held himself back, his eyes barely leaving her lips for a moment when they parted. The look he gave her told Lucy that he didn't want to leave, but they couldn't spend all night on her terrace.

And how desperately she wanted more of that. Lucy just didn't know how to ask for it.

Natsu stood in front of the now roaring fire, the patio door closed and her room now a comfortable cozy. His back faced her as he stared into the flames as Lucy was slow to approach, hoping he couldn't hear how nervous she was.

His focus seemed elsewhere as she reached out a hand, gripping the edge of his vest in her hand.

"...You'll stay the night, won't you?" The words felt thick in her throat as she spoke, the dragon stiffening at her words.

There was no way he planned to leave her alone, knowing somewhere deep inside that Lucy would want the same.

"'Course I will," He cleared his throat, turning around to face the doe eyes staring up at him with an incredible sweetness. Natsu felt his heart leap into his throat as the words he spoke slowly fell into a whisper, finding it near impossible to focus his eyes elsewhere but on her person.

He moved nervously behind her as she led them to bed, following every visible curve of her body. His blood began to rush, Natsu feeling the way he did that night they shared their second kiss.

Here they were, alone again, Lucy reaching her arms out for him to settle next to her. It was hard to focus now that her scent was so much stronger, almost suffocating him as he laid against her pillow.

Lucy tucked herself in against his side, nuzzling against his arm with a gentle sigh.

"Goodnight, Natsu."

yes is a cliffhanger yes the next chapter will pick up here yes I know they didn't kiss yet but moments gotta have purpose yk