Hi! Wasn't gonna keep Natsu away for too long, don't worry ;)
Lucy was currently in the middle of scrambling around her apartment cleaning.
She and the rest of the girls had gotten into the routine of each of them hosting a dinner every so often after they got together last month. With some good food, maybe some drinks, but mostly just enjoyed each other's company.
This week happened to be Lucy's turn. She hoped her apartment wouldn't be too small.
These nights had become something Lucy had come to look forward to. Her heart always warmed at the comfort and laughter they each brought into her life, but why does she always wait till the last minute to clean?! Lucy huffed as she put the vacuum back in the closet.
Her thoughts drifted to Natsu, wondering how he was doing. She thought back to their last letter with a flutter in her chest. She should go check her mail… just in case.
Lucy deemed things decent enough around the apartment and quickly made her way downstairs to the mailboxes, opening hers and grabbing the few pieces that were in there. She shuffled through them until she came across a small dusty pale envelope she'd been hoping for. A wide smile lit up her face, her thumb softly brushing over the familiar scrawl.
"Hey, Lu! What's got you looking so happy?"
Lucy startled, looking up to see Levy and Lisanna giving her knowing teasing smiles.
"H-hey guys!" Lucy greeted, stepping over to give them a hug, "I just came down to check the mail really quick."
"And? Was there a letter from Natsu?" Lisanna urged, blue eyes eager.
A flush quickly spread up the back of her neck. "M-maybe?"
Levy gasped. "Well, come on! You have to go read it! Don't leave us hanging!" she said, pushing Lucy back up the stairs, "The rest of the girls are coming in a bit, but we get first dibs on the goods!"
Lucy couldn't help but laugh brightly at their enthusiasm as they quickly made their way back up to her apartment. She was eager to read it too after all.
Hey Luce!
Glad you got to visit Happy again! He totally missed you, if your beautiful picture was anything to go by. Thanks for sending that by the way, it made my day too.
I'm also including my own picture. Nothin' as great as yours but hope it'll do! Sorry I look like such a mess, we'd just finished up a rough day but thought I'd return the favor.
Things are still a bit hectic and tiring here, but our letters really help get me through and I'm happy to have a little something to look forward to here, so thanks for that. I hope you're still doing well back home, Luce. I really miss you too. You're always on my mind and I can't wait to see you again.
Talk to you soon,
Natsu
Lucy smiled brightly, her cheeks warming as she read over his letter. Especially that 'beautiful' line. She pulled out the small photo that was tucked inside, laughing softly.
It captured Natsu sitting against what looked like stacks of crates. She could see some of the tired lines in his expression, but his toothy, wide smile lit up those emerald eyes she missed. His cheeks were a bit smudged with dirt, his hair a mess, but it still made him all the more handsome in her eyes.
"Aww, look at that smile! He's so sweet on you, Lucy!" Levy gushed over Lucy's shoulder.
There was a knock on the door. "Come in!" Lucy called out.
"Yo! What'd we miss?" Cana greeted with a wave. Juvia and Yukino right behind her as they made their way into Lucy's living room, exchanging hugs and greetings.
"Lucy here was so kindly showing us the photo that Natsu sent back to her," Lisanna teased.
"Really? I wanna see!" Yukino grinned, her brown eyes shining with excitement.
"Ok, ok!" Lucy giggled, shaking her head.
There was really no way out of this now.
Cana took the picture from Lucy's grasp. "Well look at that," she smirked. Juvia and Yukino looked over Cana's shoulder, squealing in their own delight.
"That's so cute!" Juvia said affectionately, "I can just picture his reaction when he finds out we all saw his picture."
The group laughed at that. "Oh, that's for sure," Lisanna chuckled as they settled onto Lucy's couch, armchair, and around her small coffee table.
"That smile is totally all for you, Lucy," Yukino said fondly, giving Lucy a warm smile.
"Girl, he's got it bad and probably doesn't even realize it," Cana grinned, giving Lucy back the photo.
Lucy gazed back at it fondly, thumb brushing over Natsu's smile.
He'd been on her mind more often than not lately, missing the way that same smile made her chest feel light, his laugh, the warmth and comfort he had quickly brought into her life.
It was something she didn't even realize she craved all this time till it was gone.
"I still miss him. Worry about if he's safe over there," Lucy admitted softly, pulling at a loose thread on her jeans.
"That feeling never really goes away when they're gone," Juvia said, placing her hand over Lucy's knee beside her, "but I'm sure Natsu knows and can feel how much you care through the letters."
"I really think it'd be worth it for you both to see if it can become something more when he gets back," Levy said, the rest of the girls agreeing and encouraging.
Lucy breathed a shaky laugh. Her friends' words had been lingering in Lucy's mind since the last time they got together, but some of her stubborn insecurities still made her chest a little tight.
"You guys really think so?"
"Yes!" Cana exclaimed. "You guys are obviously great friends, but he's never acted this way with anyone else and it's obvious he feels something more. It could be worth it for you both to find out what that is, and not just sayin' all this to tease you, as fun as that is," she smirked, making Lucy laugh.
"We can see how happy you are when you get to talk to him or talk about him, and the same goes for Natsu," Yukino said warmly.
"Your smile doesn't lie either, Lucy," Lisanna grinned.
Their words of encouragement spread warmth through her heart. Lucy still struggled with some self-doubt, that voice in the back of her head that annoyingly always warned her that things could go wrong, but there was a spark of hope in her heart that had her desperate to cling onto it.
"Thank you guys," Lucy smiled warmly.
Maybe her heart did need a little push sometimes.
"Anytime!" Levy grinned brightly. "Now, let's dig into all this amazing food!"
The girls cheered in agreement and Lucy laughed. The rest of the night was filled with warm laughter and friendship, her heart feeling a little more settled.
September quickly came, and with it, the cooler fall weather.
She was currently taking advantage of the colder temperatures and was curled into a corner of her couch with a soft blanket and a warm mug of tea and a random show in the background.
It'd been a bit if a long day at work today and while she had settled in there pretty well by now, sometimes everything she had to do in the day took a lot out of her.
Lucy hadn't even really had time to do much of the creative writing or reading she liked to do in her free time, but ultimately she was glad she was able to start to build a decent life here so far, with great people in her life.
A sudden ringing from her phone suddenly broke her from her thoughts, breath catching a little when she saw Natsu's name on the screen.
"Hello?" she breathed.
"Hey, Luce!"
Her heart suddenly leapt in her throat at the familiar warm, deep soft rasp of voice she'd missed so much.
"Natsu! Hey, you!"
"Hi, it's so good to hear your voice, Luce. How are you?"
Lucy couldn't help the bright smile that stretched across her face and the flutter in her stomach at the obvious smile in his voice. Warmth swelled in her chest as she pictured it.
"Yours too, Natsu," Lucy whispered with soft affection, holding the phone a little closer. "I've been good, thank you. Just a little busy, but that's nothing new," she laughed lightly. "How are you? Such a happy surprise to see you calling! I've thought about calling you too sometimes, but wasn't sure what things would be like on your end and I wouldn't want to interrupt anything," Lucy admitted, a soft ache in her chest.
"Hey, it's alright! It's been hard to know when I'm even gonna have a good signal most days," Natsu sighed. She could hear some of the tired tone in his voice and her heart went out to him. "But I've been wanting to give you a call lately too. I love our letters, but been missing talkin' to you for real," Natsu laughed softly. "I've been hanging in there though, but I'm better today 'cause I got some good news!"
"Oh?"
"We finished up this mission a little ahead of schedule and Captain Dreyar just told us that we're set to come home in about two months. We're all excited and I just had to call you."
She could tell he was smiling that brighter, fanged smile of his and warmth swelled in her chest again.
"That's so good to hear!" Lucy grinned brightly too. "Two months is still a while, but I'm sure it'll go by quick and will all be worth it."
"True. I can't wait to see you..." Natsu said softly, Lucy feeling that affection in his tone. "A-and everyone of course."
Lucy smiled softly. "I can't wait to see you again too, Natsu," Lucy admitted. A few warm, content moments passed before Lucy continued. "I know some good food is a must when you get back."
"You know me well, Luce. That's always first thing on the list," Natsu laughed warmly, the sound making that warm flutter in her chest return. "But I'm mostly looking forward to hanging out again. If it's not too cold when I get back, maybe we can go to this walking trail near my house. It has awesome views and I think you would really like it! … I- uh, if you want to go with me of course! Not that I-"
"That sounds great, Natsu," Lucy grinned, stopping his cute rambling, picturing his soft blush. "I'm looking forward to anywhere we go."
"Me too, Luce," he said warmly. Then there was some talking in the background on his end and he groaned. "I'm sorry. Guess I have to cut it short, but I'll call as soon as I know anything else and maybe... um, maybe we can meet at the base again?"
Lucy's smile widened at the thought. "Of course. Sounds perfect, stay safe out there, Natsu."
"Will do. Talk to you soon, Luce."
The comforting warmth in her chest lingered for the rest of the night, with a spark of excitement at the thought of seeing Natsu again. Soon.
Some of the next few weeks passed quickly, while others had dragged on, but after a few more letters between them, Natsu's arrival day was finally here. Lucy's stomach had been fluttering with butterflies since last night, making for a restless sleep. She was just too excited.
Yukino had texted Lucy in the morning, asking her if she wanted to meet her and Juvia for a little something to eat with Rogue at his shop before they all headed to the base since their flight was set to arrive in the early evening.
Lucy had eagerly agreed and gave them all a hug when she got there and they settled around one of the larger tables.
"So, that day is finally here! I missed them all so much," Yukino sighed, cradling her large mug of coffee. "But I'm glad the time went by pretty quickly. They deserve some good time off."
"Me too. They definitely deserve that," Lucy smiled softly.
"Alright, here's some more food, ladies." Rogue stepped between them and set down a couple plates of food and more drinks.
"Rogue, we have enough now," Juvia giggled.
"Yes! You've done enough, come sit down with us already," Yukino insisted, pulling his arm.
Rogue huffed a laugh, pushing back his bangs but following Yukino's lead and sitting in the seat beside her. "Ok, ok. Sorry, I just get nervous and anxious on the days they come back... Just looking forward to seeing him again... them again."
Lucy's expression softened, reaching over to give his forearm a reassuring squeeze. "I know. We all are. But all the waiting will be worth it when we see them safe soon."
Rouge nodded and gave them a warm smile. "Definitely."
They took their time enjoying each other's company at Rogue's before they eventually got into their cars and made the drive back down to the base. Thoughts of what she would say when she saw Natsu again occupied her mind on the drive, but now that the moment was actually here and the plane had just touched down, she was wringing her hands in anxious anticipation with strong flutters in her stomach as she overlooked the crowd of people awaiting their own special person too.
Would their friendship still be the same after all this time without seeing each other? Time could affect so much, what if-
She was so distracted by her thoughts, she almost missed when some of the other Marines started to make their way over to their respective families.
Then she saw him before he saw her.
Natsu squinted a bit from the bright sun, adjusting the bag on his shoulder with a slight wince and huff, and once he got a bit closer, she couldn't hold back anymore.
"Natsu!"
Natsu instantly looked up and when those emerald eyes met hers, she was weak all over again like it was the first time.
His face lit up brightly, melting away the tired lines with Lucy's favorite toothy smile growing wide on his lips.
They stepped through a few people and when they were close enough, Natsu dropped his bags to the floor and she was secured within his warm strong embrace in the next moment.
Natsu held her tightly and buried his face in her hair. Lucy could have sworn she felt him press a faint kiss to the side of her head, but that was probably just wishful thinking. Right?
Lucy returned the tight hug around him, enjoying the comfort of having him close again. He was safe and here with her again.
Tears pricked the backs of her eyes as she breathed in the smell of the earth and sand, but his signature comforting scent of clean pine and warmth still came through underneath, soothing her racing heart.
They held each other for a few long moments before Natsu pulled back a little.
"I missed you so much, Luce," Natsu whispered, making her heart skip at the soft affectionate tone in his voice that was reflected in those forest green eyes.
She forgot to breathe for a moment when his hand came up and pushed back a few long strands from her face, curling them around her ear. His expression warm and open.
"I missed you too, Natsu," she breathed out, fists tightening in the back of his jacket. More than you know.
Then, Natsu leaned in and she felt warm lips pressing a faint kiss to her forehead, making her body still.
Her eyes widened, already feeling the fierce blush quickly spreading up her neck onto her cheeks, but she couldn't help but lean into his warmth.
Natsu pulled back, gaze locking back on hers. Eyes reflecting something deeper she couldn't quite place as a warm palm settled at the small of her back.
Maybe... it wasn't all in her head after all?
"Yo, Natsu!" A voice called out nearby them, making them flinch and pulling them out of their trance.
"See you guys at Fairy Tail tonight?" Gray asked, suddenly across from them, a teasing glint in his eyes.
Scratch that. Gray, Sting, and the rest stood nearby, all with knowing, teasing smiles on their faces. Of course.
"Y-yeah, sure," Natsu grumbled, clearing his throat as he rubbed the back of his neck.
A cute flush appeared on his cheeks, Lucy feeling one of her own spreading up her neck.
They looked back at each other, light laughter bubbling between them.
"Let's get outta here, yeah?" Natsu grinned. She missed the sight so much.
"Yeah, sounds good," Lucy said, matching his bright smile.
Natsu picked up his bags and they started to make their way towards her car. The backs of their hands brushed against each other along the way, sending tingles up her arm. Lucy breathed and took a leap of bravery and grasped his rough, warm hand in hers, squeezing it gently.
Natsu looked over at their clasped hands, green eyes widening slightly before his expression softened up at her. He gave her hand a squeeze back, lacing their fingers together. Her heart swelled when the rough touch of his thumb brushed across her knuckles, smiling softly to herself at how right it felt.
They finally arrived back to the car, leaning against it and enjoying a few moments of content together.
"So, wanna grab something to eat first?" Lucy asked, already knowing his answer.
"Hell yeah," he agreed eagerly with a wide toothy smile, his stomach grumbling loudly in agreement.
Lucy rested her head on his shoulder for a moment as they laughed, patting the rough material over his belly with her other hand. "Alright, you pick," she said, giving his hand one more squeeze before they broke apart and settled into her car.
"Anywhere's good s'long as it's with you."
Their gazes met again. Lucy's expression softened at the fondness in those piercing emerald eyes. Comforting warmth settled in her chest, knowing in her heart that she would go anywhere as long as it was with him too.
She filled Natsu in on some things on the drive home and after a while, Lucy pulled up to that same hole in the wall spot they went to before Natsu left.
"Is this- it is! You remembered where it was! I taught you well, Luce," he grinned, amusement coloring his eyes.
"Well, how could I not? You had me thinking about it since the last time! Lucy laughed, "I hadn't been here since. It wouldn't have been the same without you anyway," Lucy admitted, warmth returning to her cheeks as she turned and caught his soft almost shy smile.
Natsu cleared his throat, running a hand through those short salmon locks. "Well, let's go have our fill shall we?" he smiled brightly.
"Absolutely."
They settled into a booth, catching up with each other's lives more with bright laughter, wide smiles, and good food. It almost felt as if the past six months hadn't even passed, picking up right where they left off until their bellies were full to content.
The sun was starting to set, blending the sky in a mix of pinks and reds when they headed back outside after they were done. That chilly, crisp fall air around them.
"You didn't have to pay, Luce," Natsu grumbled beside her by the car, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Hey, it was my treat!" Lucy grinned, nudging his shoulder with hers, "I'm just happy to have you back... I missed you," she added, voice softening. Warmth lingered on her cheeks despite the chill in the air.
Natsu's expression softened. "Glad to be back. I missed you too." He bumped her shoulder right back.
They shared a comfortable, quiet moment before Lucy asked, "So, did you want me to drop you off at home first? I'm sure you must want to shower and change into something more comfortable?"
"If you don't mind? Been craving to take a good, hot shower at home for a while, wanna wash the desert off me," Natsu chuckled, running a hand through his hair.
Lucy got a little lost in those kind, forest green eyes she missed so much for a moment. Then she blinked and her heart ached a little for him at the tired lines in his expression and soft smile.
"Of course I don't mind," Lucy reassured, giving into the urge to give his shoulder a soft squeeze and ignoring the flush that quickly spread up her neck.
"Thanks, Luce," Natsu grinned brightly.
Lucy remembered the way to his house and pulled into the driveway at his insistence.
"Did you wanna come in and hang out for a while? Everyone probably hasn't gotten to the bar yet so we got some time," Natsu asked.
"Are you sure? I understand if you want some time to yourself to decompress after all that traveling?"
"Yeah! 'Course I'm sure."
She never could say no to that bright smile after all.
He cheered happily when she agreed and they stepped out to get his bags from the trunk. He dug through them until he found his keys, pulling the duffels up on his own after waving off Lucy's offer to help.
"I got it, don't worry," he grinned over his shoulder as he unlocked the door. "After you, ma'am." He pushed the door open and extended his arm, smile turning playful.
Lucy laughed, shaking her head at his cackle and stepping inside.
"I'm not a ma'am yet thank you very much."
Her heart swelled with warmth at the sound of Natsu's full laugh. She'd missed hearing it so much.
He flicked on the lights and set his bags by the door, sighing in relief as he unlaced his boots and stepped out of them.
"Home, sweet home."
She smiled at the tension that seemed to melt from his shoulders, happy that seemed more relaxed and made it back home safely.
"Relax and make yourself at home, Luce," Natsu said. "I'll be back down soon."
"It's okay, take your time."
He grinned softly and headed upstairs.
Lucy turned and took another look around, admiring the living room and kitchen that she only got a quick look at last time.
She really liked the openness of the room. The cream colored walls, the stairs to her right, by the front door, dining table and spacious kitchen ahead of her with a wide window over the sink, living room to her left, what seemed to be a washroom to the left of the kitchen with a mud room attached and a door that led to the backyard, the rustic hardwood floors that spanned throughout the house.
The more she was here, the more content she felt. Comforted by the tangible, warm history here. A story that she was interested in learning more about.
She settled on the couch in the living room and turned the tv that was above a thick wood mantel and cute brick fireplace, settled between by two large windows. She smiled softly at Happy's large tower and scratching post in the corner, picturing how he must love sleeping up there.
I'm the middle of scrolling through some social media on her phone, Natsu came back downstairs looking much more refreshed.
"Hey, Luce. Think I'm gonna skip the bar and just stay in after all," he said through a large yawn. "That warm shower really made me realize how tired I am."
"Oh, that's ok. I'm sure you're exhausted."
"But, um, did you wanna stay and watch a movie or something?" Natsu asked before she made a move to stand from the couch.
"Are you sure? I can give you some space to sleep if you're tired?"
"It's ok!" He rushed out. "I mean, uh, if you still wanna meet up with everyone but… I'd love to hang out just us, if you want?"
Lucy caught the hopeful look in his eyes and how could she say no.
"That does sound fun actually," she grinned."
The bright, toothy smile he gave her made her chest flutter, definitely the right decision.
"Ok! Oh, think I have some popcorn left."
Luck chuckled softly as she watched him quickly look through the kitchen in his search of snacks.
Natsu sighed in content as he settled beside her on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn and some candy.
"So, what were you watching?" he asked, tossing a large handful of popcorn into his mouth and offering Lucy the bowl.
She grinned, taking a bit too. "Oh, I came across this program about blackholes… space stuff, nothing too exciting," she huffed a laugh, curling some of her hair behind her ear a little shyly.
"Hey, of course that's exciting! There's so much cool space stuff out there. And you love it right?"
Natsu's kind smile warmed her heart. It'd come up a few times that she was interested in astrology, horoscopes, and everything in between, but she didn't expect him to remember.
"Yeah, I do," she smiled. "It's kind of nerdy, but my… my mom and I would get really into these documentaries or specials sometimes back in our apartment. With some popcorn too," she said quietly with a fond smile.
"That sounds fun," Natsu grinned.
"I'm sure she'd still enjoy nights like these if she was still here…" she whispered, fingers fidgeting with a seam on her jeans.
The words had slipped out before she realized, but a warm hand gave her forearm a reassuring squeeze.
"I'm sorry, Luce. I know how hard that it."
Lucy's eyes found his understanding, kind ones and her heart warmed.
"Thank you," she smiled softly. They were quiet for a few moments then Lucy asked, "I was admiring your house while you were upstairs. It's so welcoming and warm."
"Oh, thanks," Natsu breathed a laugh. "I try to keep it up when I'm home."
"I meant to ask you last time, have you lived here long?" she asked, tucking up her legs underneath her.
Natsu set the bowl on the coffee table in front of them and ran a hand through his damp hair. "Yeah, pretty much. My family and I used to live in more in the main part of town, but then we moved out here when I was younger. My parents wanted to be near more nature and quiet I guess," Natsu laughed softly.
Lucy could see why, it was beautiful out here.
Natsu stood to move towards one of the bookshelves in the corner, bringing back a up a framed photo when he sat back beside her. "This is from one of the first winters we spent here I think."
Lucy's heart warmed at the sight. Natsu was so young and stood beside a large snowman he seemed very proud of with a wide toothy smile, missing a couple of them, that lit up the photo.
"Aww, look at you so small and adorable," she gushed, reaching up to squeeze his shoulder.
"Yeah yeah," he murmured with a smile. "Those were my parents there."
Lucy glanced up. His expression was fond as his thumb traced the edge of the frame but there was a hint of sadness and longing behind it as he gazed at the couple seated on the front porch, hands clasped together as they smiled at Natsu in front of them and another young boy with black hair, adoration in their eyes.
He had talked about his parents a little here and there in the time she'd known him. Enough for Lucy to understand that they had passed and were no longer in his life anymore but she never wanted to push him to talk about more if he wasn't ready.
Her chest ached for him. She understood that feeling all too well.
"They look like amazing parents," Lucy said softly, her palm still steady on his broad shoulder, thumb brushing over the material of his shirt.
"They were," he said quietly, leaning into the touch. "I... They had my name on the house too, but I was nine when they passed so it took me a long time to feel comfortable here again and feel like it was mine."
"I'm so sorry, Natsu," she said softly. Her hand found his, sliding their palms together slowly, feeling his warmth radiate up her arm. "I know it must've been hard for you too." Her chest tightened at the thought that they both had to experience such loss like that.
"It's okay. We'll always have the memories, right?" Natsu sighed and gave her a warm smile, setting the photo down too and holding her hand tighter, making her skin tingle.
"Of course," Lucy reassured. "They're important to you so if you ever want to talk more about them or anything, I'm always here."
Natsu's expression softened, something deeper reflecting in his eyes again. "Thank you, Luce. Really. I'm always here for you too."
The warm, kind smile he gave her made her chest swell with affection, feeling comfortable and safe by his side.
Lucy took a steadying breath. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up all this for you."
"No, it's okay," Natsu reassured, squeezing her hand. "I... I hardly talk about them anymore, so it feels good to remember them," he smiled softly.
She nodded and gave him a small smile back. "I'm glad, and even though my... my mom just passed last year and as hard as it is to remember her sometimes, it does help.
Natsu's eyes were sympathetic, thumb brushing over the back of her hand. "Doing our best is all we can do, really."
Lucy hummed, enjoying the ease of just being in each other's company for a couple minuets as the television filled the background noise, reminding her he mentioned wanting to watch something.
"Oh, did you want to put a movie on?"
"It's okay. I'm up for watching the rest of this," Natsu grinned a little brighter. Lucy already missed his warmth when he let go of her hand to grab the bowl again, making her laugh softly as he tossed another handful of popcorn into his mouth.
They talked about some lighter things as the show continued for a while, and Lucy was softly narrating some parts when she suddenly felt a head fall on her shoulder.
She paused, looking over to notice Natsu's deep, steady breaths.
Lucy smiled softly, leaning her head against his for a few moments. He must be exhausted.
She let him sleep for a bit longer before she shifted slowly, gathering the pillows to set them under his head as she lead him to lay down. Gathering the blanket hanging over the back of the couch, she draped it over him and kneeled to his level.
Lucy took a long moment to admired Natsu's handsome features. He'd been through so much, more so overseas the past few months probably and it was a comfort to see him so relaxed and he deserved everything good.
She gave into the urge to run her hand through his soft hair, smiling softly when Natsu sighed in his sleep at the touch. Her fingers drifted lower to brush along his jaw, glancing at his full lips for a long second, imagining how they would feel against hers…
She blinked the sudden thought away, a light warmth spreading up her neck as she stood, figuring she would let Natsu sleep.
At the sound of her keys from her purse, Natsu flinched awake.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," Lucy said softly.
"M' sorry, I didn't even feel when I fell asleep," Natsu murmured with a yawn as he sat back up slowly.
"It's okay, I know you're tired," she reassured, sitting back beside him and reaching out to rub over his shoulder. "I'll let you get some sleep, but I'm happy you made it home safe." she said softly.
The tired soft smile that curled his lips was so cute. They stood, Natsu walking her back towards the door.
"It was so great seeing you at the base today, and spend time with you… I really missed you, Luce," Natsu rasped.
Her heart swelled. "I missed you too, Natsu. So happy you're home."
He leaned in to pull her in for a warm hug and Lucy hugged him back tightly for a few long moments, breathing in comforting clean pine, warm cedarwood, and a little something sweet, feeling a content warmth spread through her that made her feel like she belonged.
"See you soon?" Lucy asked when they pulled back.
"Yeah absolutely," he grinned brightly.
The warmth in her chest lingered all the way home and even once she got settled in bed.
It really set in just how much she missed Natsu when she finally saw him again.
The flutter Lucy would feel in her stomach every time she got a letter from him came back at full force. That larger pull to want to be surrounded by his comforting warmth and infectious smile, to stay by his side.
Oh… maybe she really did feel more for him than just friendship?
She wasn't sure where this path would take them, but Lucy gladly let her heart lead the way.
Thanks for reading! Ah, more feelings and realizations! Got some good stuff coming up so hope you stick around!