It was his pink hair tickling my chin that had greeted me as soon as I opened my eyes. His head was stuffed on my neck, his arms firmly wrapped around me. A moment after, I realized that we were in my own room and comfortably cuddling on my bed.

Was it all just a dream? I stared at the bunch of pink strands right in front of my face. No, definitely not.

I lifted the pink blanket a little when I felt myself wearing something. Natsu was already in his plain white t-shirt and ash grey sweatpants, while I was in my white night dress. He dressed me up.

Glancing at the digital clock next to my bed, I had confirmed that it was still late at night, exactly nine o'clock.

"Natsu." I called softly, running my fingers through his fluffy hair. "Natsu, wake up. It's already late."

He only hummed, bringing his face further into my neck as he inhaled deeply. My cheeks warmed when I felt the tip of his nose and slightly parted lips pressed against my skin.

"C-Come on, wake up. We haven't had our dinner and I'm starving." I only had pancakes for lunch!

"How are you feeling?" was his response after a while of silence, his voice still sounded groggy.

"A little sore…" I cleared my throat. "By the way, how are we here in my room?"

"I transferred you earlier. I had to change my sheets because of honey." I couldn't help the gasp that sounded from my lips, earning a low chuckle from him. He really had to remind me of that! "I also cleaned and dressed you up. I couldn't let you sleep without comfort."

I pouted, pinching strands of his hair between my fingers. My eyes darted up the ceiling as I thought of a lot of things. "How are we going to tell my parents about us?" How would they react? How would I even be able to tell them about us when…my father had his own issues, too? I probably should clear things up with them first before I let them know about Natsu.

"We can keep our relationship a secret for now if you think it's not the right time to let them know about it yet," Natsu said as if he had read my mind. "But I think they will understand."

"I hope so. They knew everything that happened years ago. They knew I…was angry at you." I told them he hated me too.

"They were the last ones I talked to before you left Tenrou, Lucy."

My eyebrows furrowed. He rose from my neck and stared at me with a gentle smile. He talked to them? I didn't know. I was too broken to care.

"What did you talk about?"

"I just…" He blinked once. The little quiver of his lip didn't escape my eyes. "I asked for their forgiveness."

My breathing hitched, my chest suddenly tightening as the image of it formed in my head. Now I couldn't stop thinking about how he faced them, apologizing for something he didn't want to happen. It wasn't even his fault. I was young and naive and I wanted to experience things I couldn't when I was surrounded by my bodyguards or the four walls of the manor. I wanted to…run away from the little pain of seeing him with another girl.

"You didn't have to." I swallowed hard, looking away. "I mean, I understand that you're entrusted to look after me, but it wasn't even your fault."

"I blamed myself every single day, Lucy. I blamed myself until now. Asking for forgiveness wasn't even enough."

"Nat—"

"Shh. Let me, okay?"

I only stared into his eyes, dark and mysterious. Since then, I had always wondered what could be running in his head. What were his thoughts about things? What was his opinion of me? What did he truly feel for me since we met until everything happened? When he shouted at me and told me he didn't want to see me again, and I should go back to Crocus because I never belonged here, what was he truly thinking? He had confessed he didn't mean any of it, leaving me curious of his real thoughts. I wanted to know everything, even when looking back in the past would only hurt us both.

However, before I could say anything, we were interrupted by a knock on the door and a guard's voice.

"Mr Dragneel, I apologize for the disturbance, but Mr Laxus Dreyar and Ms Mirajane Strauss has arrived and are waiting for you downstairs."

My eyes widened at the mention of names. Mirajane Strauss! Lisanna's older sister! What was she doing here and what was her connection with my cousin?

"Alright. Give us a minute," Natsu responded with a groan. As we heard the guard's footsteps fade, Natsu pulled himself up and let me get off the bed. I quickly went to my closet to prepare clothes. He only watched me as he sat there, scratching the corner of his eye with a yawn. "What are you doing? It's late. You don't have to be formal in front of them."

"I'll just take a quick bath. I still smell like honey."

The lazy smirk that appeared on his lips made me roll my eyes. "You smell sweet. What's wrong with it?"

"Oh, shut up."

I shut the closet close and ran into the bathroom. After a very quick shower and some evening skin care routine, I wore a pair of silky pale yellow shorts and sleeveless shirt, and a blue night robe with its length almost reaching my ankles, while the sleeves reached just above my elbow. I blew my hair dry and brushed it, letting it fall loosely on my back. When I was done, I found Natsu still in my bed, his upper body was lying on the mattress while his feet were on the carpeted floor. He raised himself up with his elbows to look at me.

"God, you took—"

"Ten minutes. Only ten minutes, Natsu!" I watched him stand up and walk towards me. My eyes squinted at him as we left my room. "You should have just greeted them by yourself while I was in the bathroom."

He shoved his hands into his pants' pockets, dragging his feet next to me with a scowl on his face. He didn't even bother fixing his messy hair. He still looked handsome, though. "Nah, let them wait. They came here unannounced late in the evening, so what do they expect?"

Before we could reach the stairs, he had suddenly pulled on my arm. "Wait, I have something to ask."

"What?"

"You're on pills, right?"

My face flushed as I glared at him. I pulled him further away into a wall because I felt like the people downstairs could hear us! I looked around, my voice in a harsh whisper.

"Are you seriously asking me this now?! We can talk about it later!"

Natsu showed me a smile, a spark in his eyes. "Well, I just remembered it and it'll surely bother me while talking to Laxus, so I thought I have to ask you right now."

"I…I am, alright! No more questions now. Behave yourself!"

"That's a relief." He ran his fingers through his hair, his tongue wetted his lower lip. "You have a brighter career ahead of you. And…you probably want to have a baby only after marriage. I don't wanna ruin that."

B-Baby? Marriage?!

He chuckled. "Come on. Time to face our uninvited visitors."

"W-Wait—" Before I could protest, he had already caught my wrist and pulled me downstairs. Laxus and Mirajane immediately looked up at us while I fanned my heated face with my hand. I just wished my cheeks weren't as red as I thought it was!

This brute! He didn't even give me time to process what he had just said!

"I'm sorry for the sudden visit," Laxus said, looking at my face first before dropping his eyes to Natsu's fingers that were now intertwined with mine. I watched his blonde eyebrows furrow, his jaw clenched, before lifting his sharp gaze on Natsu's face. Questions were visible in his eyes, but he didn't dare voice out those to my relief.

"We're here to discuss things regarding Sting Eucliffe," Mirajane continued with a smile, as my cousin had already lost his tongue.

I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She resembled Lisanna a lot…from their elegant silver hair, blue eyes, and soft features. Except that Mirajane was much mature, taller, and had a darker blue shade of irises. She was gorgeous and sophisticated. She was one of the senior models I admired the most! It was heartbreaking when I heard that she took a rest from modelling a few years ago.

"Hello, Lucy! It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Mirajane Strauss." She offered me a hand after finding my eyes, the sweetest smile plastered on her face. It's brighter than the chandelier, it's blinding!

I let go of Natsu and accepted her hand with a blush. I ignored his grunt.

"N-Nice to meet you, Mira-san! I'm a huge fan of yours!"

"Whoa, really? I feel honored to hear that coming from one of the greatest and most sought after models such as yourself!"

I smiled shyly after letting go of her, pinching the pad of my own fingers. There was no way I was getting compliments from the person I really admired!

Laxus soon cleared his throat. "Now that the introduction is done, let's get into business, shall we?"

I pursed my lips as I let Natsu pull me to a couch across from them. As soon as we settled, Mira slid an envelope to the center table, which Natsu immediately picked up. He pulled out multiple copies of photos of a man in different angles. He had dark hair, a portion was hiding his right eye. The other one revealed a red iris. But what caught my attention was the familiar black tattoo on his left shoulder. My eyes widened when I remembered the first time I saw it.

"I know that tattoo," I voiced out, getting their attention. "Sting also has it in the same location, only that his mark was white."

"Sabertooth," Laxus said. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "It's a brotherhood…just like Fairy Tail. A rival."

"What? What brotherhood? What do you mean?"

They exchanged glances. That's when I realized I was the only one who knew nothing about this.

"It's a private association, Lucy. The members share the same goals and objectives for the benefits of each of them," Mira began softly. "We offer security, business opportunities and growth, and any kind of support for every member. Not only they get the benefits, but the country as well, as most of the businesses run by Fairy Tail bring income from inside and outside of the borders. 30% of the overall earnings are being donated to different charities, the other 30% percent are distributed to the members, and the rest are used for Fairy Tail to maintain its operation."

I stared at her, dumbfounded. I thought Fairy Tail was just the name of a place! The heart of the island!

"Don't worry, it's not something illegal. We pay the right amount of taxes, we follow rules and regulations. However, the existence of Fairy Tail itself shall remain unknown to the civilians."

"Don't tell me…you three are part of Fairy Tail?"

"I've been meaning to tell you, but I never expected it to be this soon," Natsu said. He bit his lip when I raised an eyebrow at him, and reached for my hand to play with my fingers. He turned to Mira. "Anyway, what's the relevance of this man, whoever he is, to our problem with Sting Eucliffe?"

"He's Sting's watcher. Fairy Tail is sending out formal invitations to those families we think are worthy to be part of us, waiting for their confirmation first before we meet them. Sabertooth, on the other hand, is the opposite. They don't do invitations. They immediately send out people to meet their prospective members, which sometimes leads to using force or blackmailing or any harassment."

Laxus pointed to the photos Natsu had spread on the center table. "Apparently, Sting Eucliffe is tasked to recruit the Heartfilias, and Rogue Cheney is the one monitoring his progress."

My eyes widened as I was finally able to put the puzzles together. All of this happened not because Sting was attracted to me, but because he was targeting my family. It was part of his plan to destroy me as a threat.

I drew out a shaky breath, anger and disappointment bubbled up in my chest. I was mad and felt terrible when he ruined our friendship, but I guess there was no friendship between us to begin with. No, I wasn't disappointed because he wasn't truly attracted to me, but because of the thought that he might have never seen me as a friend at all when I viewed him that way since the day I thought we clicked.

I treasured people and friends I had gained so much. It hurt to find out that some of them never thought of me the same.

It felt like a deja vu.

I looked up at Natsu when he gently squeezed my hand. I forced a smile, staring at his face as his harsh words years ago echoed in my head. The younger Lucy was really heartbroken when she thought she was friends with him, yet he was only good to her merely because of responsibility. Now that I started to think about it, I wondered when he began growing feelings for me.

"I love you."

I heard him. It made my heart flutter to the point it hurt. But a part of me couldn't be entirely happy just yet because how? How and when did he realize he loved me? Was it because I was all grown up now? Was it because…of my body? Was it because he knew I was still madly in love with him?

I frowned as I scolded myself inwardly. Natsu wasn't that type of man. He was never that low and disgusting.

However, no matter how much I reminded myself of that, I couldn't stop overthinking.

I looked away when concern began to grow in his eyes.

"Now, the urgent reason why we're here is that we found out Rogue is on the island."

"What?" Natsu blurted out. From leaning against the couch, he leaned forward and put his elbows on his thighs as he watched our visitors intently. "I have stationed guards on the public port of Tenrou. There's no way he could easily slip past them."

"That's what we're investigating right now," Mira said. "We came here to inform you personally…and ask you to maybe investigate your own guards." She began looking around as if there was someone else listening to us. Shiver ran down my spine. "Who knows, there might be a mole around."

"Mira," Natsu had a sound of warning in his voice when he called her name. His hold on my hand tightened a bit. "This mansion is the safest place on this island."

She smiled. "I know. But let's do not fail to look at every possibility."

Natsu suddenly stood up, his narrowed eyes trained on Laxus. "Can we talk in the office?"

"Sure."

"Then while you guys are away, Lucy and I will prepare our dinner! I've heard you two haven't eaten yet." Mira clasped her hands together. She was so sparkly and excited that I couldn't help but nod in agreement despite being preoccupied by a lot of stuff.

Before the men left, Natsu pulled me to kiss my forehead. Laxus had thrown us a side-eye, shaking his head as he led the way upstairs. I heaved a sigh. I wondered how my cousin thought about this. He was not the type to meddle though, so I was kind of at ease.

"Let's go, Lucy."

I let Mirajane pull me to the kitchen. She made sure that I wouldn't be lost in thoughts as she told me lots of stories about Lisanna. The youngest Strauss had always been telling them about me whenever she got a chance, boasting that she finally got a friend and someone whom she considered as her younger sister, which she had been dreaming of having. Although she had never mentioned my name to them, the reason why Mira was surprised to learn recently that I was the friend Lisanna was talking about, especially the relationship I had with Natsu.

There was this smile on my face as I listened to her, but I couldn't ignore the pang of pain in my chest.

Lisanna was Natsu's ex. I became his present. We're friends. Wouldn't this be considered as betrayal? My cheeks heated in shame as I remembered that my younger self was very infatuated with Natsu before and was very jealous of them. I just wanted to bang my head on the table and disappear. I felt really, really bad.

"For sure she'll immediately fly back here once she hears that you're also in Tenrou, Lucy," Mira winked at me when our eyes met. She began working with vegetables and other ingredients, while I helped wash the seafood.

"I'm excited to see her, too. I'm so glad to know she's doing well." I swallowed thickly, biting my lip. "U-Uhm, h-how is her relationship with Natsu, though? Uh, I'm sorry for asking."

"They're good," Mira giggled. "I mean, they have their past, but they separated on good terms. Lisanna understands that Natsu can't give her the same intensity of love she's giving him. They both knew they wouldn't be happy in a relationship that would never be in its full bloom."

"She must have been so hurt…"

"Of course, he was her first love and boyfriend. But she values her peace and his happiness. She's moved on now."

I'm so proud of her.

The guilt I was feeling only worsened.

"Lucy, I know what you're thinking." My lips trembled, feet rooted on the ground, as Mira wrapped her arms around me from behind. I felt so much comfort that tears began to blur my vision. "I know I'm not in the right position to talk about this, but I want you to know that my sister has always been aware of how much Natsu cares for you. Maybe she'll be surprised once she learns about your relationship, but I'm sure she'll understand."

"I-It's just…I felt like I betrayed her."

"You never did." She made me face her, helping me wipe my tears away with her delicate fingers. "She knew from the beginning that you hold a special place in Natsu's life. Both of you, including Natsu, might have not understood it at first as you were way too young and they were busy with their studies and work, but you were one of his priorities, Lucy."

"W-Wasn't it because he felt responsible and pressured by my parents?"

"I don't think so. Do you really believe Natsu is the type of guy who would care and listen to other people's opinion of him when he never listened to his own parents?"

Mira chuckled when I gasped. I suddenly remembered that one morning after Mavis and Zeref's wedding. The way I viewed him as a rebellious son for not obeying his mother was still engraved in my head.

"I've known Natsu since childhood. He does whatever he wants, and he is not afraid to reject people no matter who they are. He's always been fiery and passionate that you can easily tell if he truly dislikes something. He never stays."

"But…he had clearly shown he disliked me."

She smiled. One more wipe of her finger on my cheek, she turned her back at me and continued what she was doing earlier.

"Only Natsu can explain himself when it comes to that matter. But please know that he was dumb when it comes to recognizing his own feelings," she looked at me over her shoulder, "but when he does, he can give you all of him."

Putting my compact powder back in my pouch, I looked up at our beautiful private flight attendant who's currently bringing down our meal on the table with her eyes glued to the man sitting next to me.

I pursed my lips and just looked out of the window to enjoy the breathtaking view below us.

I was always reminded that I wasn't the only one who found my boyfriend extremely attractive. He was always getting unnecessary attention wherever we went. If I was still the Lucy of seven years ago, I would have sent threatening glares to all the girls that would try to express their admiration for him. But I wasn't. Right now, I just sat there, pride swelling in my chest as he held my hand gently.

"Lucy."

My head snapped to his direction when he called my name. He was wearing shaded eyeglasses, his pink hair unruly with some strands curtaining his forehead. I tilted my head, my eyes trailing down his neck and the open buttons of his black shirt that exposed his collarbone and the upper part of his chest. He squeezed my hand.

"My eyes are up here."

I smiled cheekily. "Oh, sorry. I can't see them, that's why."

The corner of his lips rose up. Then he turned to the attendant who remained standing on the aisle and said, "Thanks for the service," which I understood as 'Leave us alone.'

Cheeks turning red, she nodded once and walked away. Natsu faced me again like nothing happened. I felt bad for her.

"Look at this." He turned the screen of his phone to me, making my eyes blink twice when I saw the photo of myself tanned and naked on the beach. It was the theme of the photoshoot. I was indeed naked, but my private parts were covered with leaves and other props like coconuts and flowers. Long necklaces made out of different sizes of seashells settled on my chest. My golden blonde hair was in small wavy curls, scattered around me as I laid down the white beach sand. It was for a summer pictorial.

"Why do you have this on your phone?"

He frowned. "Don't look at me like that. I'm not some weirdo." He clicked the screen off. "Mavis randomly sent me this at damn four o'clock in the morning earlier for whatever reason. If there's a weirdo here, that's your cousin."

Oh, gosh.

"Anyway, did you still do these kinds of shoots before the issue?"

I shook my head, a smile of amusement was on my lips. "No. A few months before that, I was modelling more clothing brands and was busy with some runaways I had to attend to. Why do you ask?"

He only pressed his lips together. I chuckled, getting an idea of what might be running in his head.

"Don't worry, Natsu. During preparation and after the photoshoot, only Aquarius, Aries, and other female staff were the ones helping me out."

"Why are you explaining?" Even trying to sound normal, bitterness was still dripping in his voice. "It's for your job. This is what you enjoy doing, so I have nothing against it. You don't have to explain. I'll support you in everything."

Oh, the things I'll be willing to give up for you.

It took about half an hour when our private jet finally reached our destination—Stella. It's the neighboring island of Tenroujima where our new clients lived, the Balsamicos. I had researched things about it, and not only their dishes and culture, but the everlasting beauty of the island itself captivated every tourist. I was more interested to Stellanium Park, which said to be reflecting the galaxy. I wanted to see it in person!

If I could just ditch the party and go to the park instead…

"How many days our stay will be?" I asked Natsu after we entered the car. We would be staying in one of Dragneels' private properties located in a coastal area, so I was expecting a nice view of the ocean every morning just like in our mansion in Tenrou.

"Hmm... I think three to four days."

"That's great. I'll have enough time to visit Stellanium Park." I raised an eyebrow at him. I was sure this reminded us both of what I used to say in the past. "You'll be coming with me, of course."

He chuckled. "It's a date, then."

"Let's break up."

I couldn't move. Natsu's voice kept echoing in my head as I stared at him with wide eyes. I was horrified. No, it's an understatement to describe what I was feeling right now. The way my chest tightened ruthlessly, and my stomach twisting in the most painful way give me nausea.

"D-Don't joke around like that…" my voice broke.

"I don't." I watched him drag his palms on his face. We were in his office, dark and cold. The moonlight was passing through the opened door of the balcony, cascaded across the floor until where I stood. On the corner of his table were two bottles of beer. Its strength was strong in my nose, telling me that he had been drinking before I came. "It's just…I don't think I loved you enough. I felt…I don't know. Tired. Caged, maybe?"

Anger slowly arose in my chest. "What do you mean? I never took your freedom away from you, Natsu! I've always been supporting you in whatever you do! I've been understanding! So why? How can you say you got tired of me?"

I attempted to step closer, but he raised his hand, halting me on my feet. His eyes looked at me and the love I used to see in them was no longer there. Nothing left but pity.

"I've just come to realize that I don't love you the way I thought I did. It was…" The exhaustion and regret on his face shattered me even more. I couldn't accept it. "It was all just my guilt. I'm sorry."

I slowly opened my eyes. My heartbeat was loud in my ears. I could feel my pillow wet with my tears. Slowly, I pulled myself up from lying on my bed and looked around the dark room. I was in my room in Stella.

Chilly breeze coming from the slightly opened window of my room hugged my skin, making me shiver as more tears welled in my eyes. There was this specific warmth I suddenly craved, but then I was reminded by my dream.

"It's just…a dream." A nightmare.

The pain was real. I brought my hand to my chest and fisted on my night dress, thinking that it would help me ease the sharp twist I was feeling. However, everything was still clear in my head. His words, the way he looked at me, and the expression on his face, it felt like it happened for real. I felt broken and lonely. I cried in silence.

It took me a long time to calm myself down. I had to constantly convince myself that it's just a dream and Natsu wouldn't do that to me. He wouldn't…do that. A bile formed in my throat.

I forced myself out of the bed, planning to go downstairs to get a glass of water, and to wake myselt up completely. I wore my slippers and night robe and left my room. The dark hallway greeted me. This vacation house wasn't as large as our manor back in Tenrou, but it was spacious enough to have three large bedrooms on this floor and an office. As I neared the stairs, a thought crossed my head that maybe Natsu was already asleep, or he could be in the office. And…I didn't want to cross paths with him at the moment.

I quickly went downstairs with that thought, planning to go back to my room as soon as I got to aid my dry throat. However, I was instantly frozen on my feet when our eyes met the moment I reached the kitchen. He was there at the countertop, peacefully eating his bowl of fruit salad. He wore a black sleeveless shirt and pants, giving me a view of the Fairy Tail mark on his right shoulder. It seemed like he had just also left his room as his bowl of salad was still full.

"Lucy? It's only eleven in the evening."

"Um…" I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to act normal. It was just a dream, damn it. It would be unreasonable to ignore him. "I felt thirsty. I'll just get a glass of water."

I looked away, going to the fridge. My knees and hands started to tremble as I felt his stares pierce the back of my head.

The cold liquid travelling down my throat somewhat soothed me. I looked over my shoulder and almost spat the water in my mouth when I caught Natsu still staring at me. It would be weird if I would just leave, so I walked towards where he was sitting and took a seat in front of him.

"You haven't slept yet?" I asked.

He swallowed before he answered, "I was working with a report Zeref had sent me."

"I see."

Natsu offered me a slice of strawberry in his fork, which I accepted with a little hesitation. The silence that enveloped us felt awkward and suffocating…at least for me. He was acting normal, but he didn't dare break the silence either.

He continued feeding me, giving me a small smile every time our eyes met. We ate his fruit salad together, and decided to go back to our rooms together. After he washed the bowl, fork, and the glasses we used, he led the way upstairs. I could feel the glances thrown my way.

"I'll have to get a file in the office," he suddenly said after we reached the last step. We stared at each other for a short moment before I nodded, forcing a smile.

"I'll go with you."

After we entered the room, Natsu clicked the lights dim and strode to the office table to get the folder and arrange some papers. My eyes caught the white curtain dancing on the other side of the room where the door to the balcony was open…just like in my dream. Before I realized it, I was already walking towards there, ignoring Natsu's eyes that quickly turned to me as soon as I moved.

The cold night breeze blew my hair upon stepping a foot outside, sending shivers all over my body. I tied my night robe and hugged myself, and just watched the crescent moon shone upon me. The sky was dark yet clear, giving me a full sight of countless stars scattered above.

"It's cold out here," Natsu's voice echoed behind me. I turned to face him and I noticed he had his distance from where I stood. The area was wide, a cold porcelain floor beneath our feet. He was by the door, facing the direction of the moonlight that gave me a clear sight of him.

"What's wrong?" he then asked.

"Hmm?"

"You seem distant. Did I do something that upset you? I've memorized your expressions enough, Lucy, that I know if something is bothering you."

I was taken aback because I didn't know he knew me this much. Even so, I managed to muster up a smile as I dared to step closer to him. He watched my feet with narrowed eyes, his eyebrows deeply furrowed. Now that I reached him with a little distance between us, he looked down at me and darkness in his eyes didn't falter despite my smile and a hand that rested on his arm. He brought his hand up, having his thumb running just below my left eye.

"It's swollen. Did you cry? What made you cry?"

"I was watching a drama before I fell asleep." I laughed, a forced one. Natsu examined every corner of my face. "Hmm, I'm wondering…what if we break up."

A deafening silence for a moment.

My lips parted as I watched his eyes get wider, fear, panic, and anger were quick to mirror them as his hand found my elbow. "What did you say?"

I immediately regretted it.

"Natsu—"

"You're breaking up with me?" The deep and strained sound in his voice made my lower lip quiver.

"N-No, no! I didn't mean it that way, I'm sorry."

"Then what? If you're just playing around, then it's not a funny joke!" His voice raised and I almost jumped in surprise. Still, I tried my best to calm him down as I felt him tremble. His hand on my elbow remained gentle though, and it melted my heart. "It's not funny, Lucy!"

"I know, I'm sorry."

I bit my lip, resting my hands on his heaving chest. He was breathing fast and deeply. The beat of his heart was so harsh against my palm, leaving me in awe. Gently, I ran my palms up to his strong shoulders, and down back to his warm chest. Regardless of the situation, I would always find myself admiring him. Natsu always stood out in the midst of the crowd. He had this proud stance that attracted people's attention. The way his chest and shoulders firmly held their right place reminded me of not a King, but a dignified warrior standing in the mountain of enemies after claiming the bittersweet victory.

I looked up and met his eyes that remained fiery. When I noticed that his jaw was tightly clenched, I brought my hands to rest just below them as my thumbs traced his defined jawline. This seemed to help him relax a bit, his eyes fluttering close as he leaned more into my touches.

"I'm sorry, okay? I didn't know you'd have this kind of reaction."

"Why? What do you think would be my damn reaction?" His voice sounded hoarse. When he opened his eyes to stare at me, the fire was still there, but it had turned very gentle, yet his fear was so visible that it made my heart ache. "You think I'd just agree?"

"I-It's not like that. I told you, you misunderstood it—"

"You think my love for you is a joke? You think my feelings are so shallow, huh, Lucy?"

"No. I'm really sorry."

I was about to drop my hands to his shoulders when he caught one of my wrists, pressing my palm more against his cheek. My heart began beating wilder, my stomach clenched in a pleasurable way.

"What made you think of trying that joke on me? It wouldn't even cross your mind without reason!"

"There's no reason, Natsu. It's just…a random thought. As I've said, I didn't mean it the way you understand it, like me breaking up with you. I was talking about what may happen in the future… What if we break up?" I tried to explain softly, but it appeared to irritate him more. I couldn't help the small smile that formed on my lips when he clicked his tongue as he rolled his eyes. "I know it sounds off and stupid, but if it were to happen—"

"I'll do my best so it won't happen."

"What if, Natsu. Just a what if."

"Stop it."

"Can…Can you listen to me, please?" Natsu only stared at me, his expression remained the same. The way his jaw repeatedly clenched with his lips in a tight line, I knew he was really upset but he was trying his best to be patient. I tiptoed and kissed him on the lips, and he didn't budge. I stuck my tongue out and licked his lower lip, yet there was still no response. I was like kissing a statue, but it didn't turn me off at all. If anything, his unresponsiveness made me smile wider and it only made his expression turn darker. He was annoyed, but he couldn't reject me.

"I've been wondering all this time…about when you probably have realized you loved me." Now, I was finally starting to see a crack in his anger, his eyes widening. "Natsu, while it's still early, I want you to realize if it's really a romantic love you felt for me, and not something merely fueled by the guilt you felt because of what happened seven years ago…or by the desire that has grown between us."

Natsu had cared for me ever since, truly. With everything that Mira had told me a few days ago, I had confirmed then that he really did. However, it wasn't enough to convince me that he loved me the same way I loved him.

I had been thinking about this the past days, and it was probably what triggered that dream.

"I…was afraid that you'd someday realize you really didn't love me the way you think you did."

Silence settled between us for a moment. I watched as confusion danced in his eyes, and it slowly broke me.

"I didn't know…" However, when he spoke as his eyes sparked under the moonlight, the small hope in my chest continued to burn and regain its life. "I didn't know when it began, when it grew, and when my love for you turned this intense. I have always cared for you, Lucy, the reason why I was broken when you were almost…"

Tears heated the corner of my eyes.

"It's true that I felt guilty when I wasn't able to protect you, but it's nothing compared to this weird burn in my chest I couldn't explain. Even when you left and I went to Alvarez, telling myself that I would never see you again, I didn't want this flame to fade."

His head moved a bit, bringing his lips against my palm that was pressed on his cheek, his eyes never leaving mine.

"I occupied myself with work all those years, but people around me couldn't just leave me at peace. Zeref or Mavis, or my parents, would barge in my office on a random day, telling me things about you when I never asked. Your dad would sometimes spare me a call at night, updating me about your progress and healing and it would put me in the greatest sleep I had ever had." A small smile tugged in the corner of his lips. I couldn't even return it. "Gray, Gajeel, or Loke would sometimes fly to visit me, but they ended up telling me how your face was all over the billboards and commercials that I had to kick them out. Lisanna would bother me too, early in the morning through a call, about your latest magazine interviews when I shouldn't care."

My cheeks heated. "Y-You know about my interviews?"

"Most of them, yeah? Oh, I have this favorite one."

"Stop." I pulled my hand from his hold and he let me go, watching me bury my face into my palms. His chuckles echoed, a music to my ears. The ache in my heart was taken over by a different feeling.

"What was your ideal boyfriend again, Lucy?"

"Stop! Oh my god!" Natsu held both of my wrists and tried to pull my hands away from my face, but I didn't let him! His laugh made it more embarrassing as he pulled me closer, wrapping his arms around me and shielded me from the cold.

"Rich, handsome, and a little snob, you say. Preferably with pink hair. You should have just said my name."

I just wished for the floor to eat me up and save me from embarrassment. I remembered that interview. The interviewer was a little playful and he asked me a few questions about my love life. It was known that I was single and I had no plans for a relationship, but of course, everyone had their own standards and ideals. I was asked about it. For a split second, a certain man appeared in my head, his pink hair fluttering in my memories. Before I knew it, I had already voiced it out with the sound of joking. It was late for me to find out that they really put every word I said in the magazine!

How did our conversation and the gloomy atmosphere a moment ago turn into this, anyway?

"So how? How would this flame ever fade? Every time I heared things about you, it only got brighter. I have admired how strong you've become. I have admired your kindness, your beauty. I'm so proud of all the achievements you've got. I know you'll reach higher, and I've always been rooting for you."

I slowly wrapped my arms around him and let my eyes close, my nose rested on his collarbone. His fingers ran through my hair, soothing me from all the worries I had with our relationship.

"When we met again, that's when I realized that I fell in love with you in those years we're apart, and have just fallen deeper when you appeared in front of me like I was in a dream."

It was the greatest feeling.

A/N: Hello, everyone! Thank you so much for the reviews, favorites, and follows! I appreciate it so much! I'm glad to know you're enjoying the story, even though there are probably errors here and there and I apologize for that.

Anyway, I was planning to finish it with 15 chapters excluding the Prologue and Epilogue, but with how things are going, I might add two or more chapters. Oh, Natsu's POV will be on Epilogue! Please look forward to it~!