The mission was for the most part a success. There was some damage done to the town, but the mayor was understanding, leaving them all taken aback. Someone actually understood that destruction was inevitable when there was a fight. He admitted to being there for the dragon attack after the Grand Magic Games. He was with the group that the two Fairy Tail women were helping get to safety and saw everything from the top of the hill. So, what if a few buildings in his town had to be replaced? It sure beats having to rebuild a whole city. There were also no injuries done to his people so that definitely counts as a win.
Since it was late, they took the rooms the mayor offered them at the only hotel in the town free of charge. Lucy immediately takes a shower and once in comfortable clothing, she excuses herself, letting Erza, Wendy, and Carla know she is going for a walk. They knew what she was up to. She never passed up the opportunity to gaze upon a starlit night, they only asked she be safe and cautious.
Natsu, with his awesome hearing, heard all of this and silently followed her. He really dislikes that Erza separated them. Does she not understand that he can't sleep without Lucy by his side? Hasn't she learned by now that no matter how many times she tries he and Gray simply cannot share a room? Not unless they're both so exhausted they pass right out.
He follows her until she finds a spot far enough away from town where the lights won't interfere with her stargazing. He leans against a tree and watches as she gets comfortable on the ground. He hears a content sigh escape her and he can't help but smile. She's always so at peace while looking up at her celestial friends. Amazingly, she can point out every single one as well as other constellations. He can make her out in the dark thanks to having amazing eyesight due to his draconic side. The shine she always gets in her eyes, the serene smile that graces her lips, hands clasped together holding them above her heart.
"Are you going to continue being a creeper staring or are you going to come over here and join me?" Lucy asks.
Natsu grins, heads in her direction, and plops down on the ground next to her. He lies down hands behind his head and studies the sky. She's pointed out the constellations to him before but hell if he can remember. It all looks the same to him, no matter the time of year.
They lie there in comfortable silence just staring at the sky. Years ago, Natsu would have found this activity extremely boring and complained. Now though, he finds it fun and enjoyable. That could be because of Lucy. Like she said, it's always more fun when they're together. His favorite time they spent the night stargazing was in Stella while they were on a mission for the royal family. He convinced her to climb up the tree to him and when he saw the look on her face seeing the star-filled sky in Stella for the first time it filled him with so much warmth. Lucy was as bright and beautiful as the night sky. He loves the look on her face when he gets her riled up, but he loves the look on her face when he does something to make her happy even more.
"So, which of our friends our out tonight?" He doesn't need to look at her to know she has a smile on her face from his question. His referring to her spirits as their friends is something that has always made her happy. How can he not consider them friends? He's laughed, cried, and fought alongside them as much as he has with his guildmates. Heck, Loke is still a guildmate. As far as he knows the pervy lion still has his guildmark.
As she chatters away his eyes get heavy and it's not because of boredom. Lucy has always had a way of making him feel relaxed and content. Listening to her soft voice as she talks about something she's passionate about always soothes him. He rolls onto his side facing Lucy and gets more comfortable. He wraps his arm around her abdomen, holding her tightly, and rests his head just below her collarbone but above her breast.
"Natsu, what are you doing?"
"Getting comfortable."
"We can't sleep out here."
"But Erza won't let us sleep in the same bed. You know I sleep better next to you." He nuzzles his face against her.
Lucy turns a bright red, "N-Natsu."
Natsu sighs in contentment, "Shhh Luce, I'm trying to sleep."
Lucy runs her fingers through his pink locks. She too has grown accustomed to falling asleep next to Natsu. The bed is cold and she's so lonely without him there. It's a cool night, the light wind sends a shiver through her body. Natsu, even asleep, knows she's a little cold and pulls her closer to him, making her lie on her side, arms wrapped tightly around her, holding them close together. This time it's Lucy's turn to nuzzle her face against him. It's not just his warmth that soothes her but his scent too. She lets out a yawn and falls asleep not too long after Natsu.