Chapter 1. Dragon's Love
The sun had just begun its slow ascent, filling the skies of Fiore in hues of orange and gold. The soft glow of dawn reflected off the lazy river where Natsu Dragneel sat, fishing pole in hand, while Happy lounged beside him, tail flicking lazily. The early morning air was crisp, and the soft breeze tugged gently at his scarf. The Dragon Slayer let out a deep breath, his fingers lazily tapping the fishing pole. A smile crept onto his face as he watched the water shimmer in the early morning light, his body sinking further into the cool grass.
Still, he couldn't help but wish Lucy were beside him now, maybe even giving him a playful nudge. A small grin tugged at his lips. Yeah, it would have been nice if she were here. But then again, he snorted softly, knowing all too well how the blonde might react. He could already hear her voice in his head, reprimanding him for dragging her out of bed at sunrise for something as "boring" as fishing. Better not mess with Lucy this early in the morning. he thought, grinning to himself. The Dragon Slayer didn't know why the blonde preferred to sleep in, but he wouldn't question it.
As the peaceful morning stretched on, Natsu's thoughts drifted back to the day Lucy first joined Fairy Tail. He could still see her, standing in the guild hall with wide eyes, practically bouncing on her toes as she. The way her smile stretched wide like she'd just found the place where she belonged. He didn't know why, but it was at that moment, that he kept seeking her out again and again, whether it was going on missions together, hanging at her place, or just lounging in the guild hall. There was no real reason, just a feeling, that got stronger each day until the two were nearly inseparable.
Her infectious laughter, light, and carefree nature always sparked something in him, especially when she teased him about his antics. There was nothing quite like it. With her, it was as if the world clicked into place like everything made sense. But Natsu knew she wasn't perfect. She had her moments of doubt, times when she felt like she wasn't enough. He hated those moments. He hated seeing her upset because, deep down, he knew better. She was stronger than she realized.
The mere thought of Lucy doubting herself made the fire in his belly burn hotter. You're not weak, he thought fiercely. You're way stronger than anyone thinks... heck, maybe even stronger than me. It frustrated him that she couldn't see it—that she didn't know how brilliant she was. Her magic, spirit, and heart made their team so special.
A grin spread across Natsu's face as he remembered the times she'd yelled at him for doing something reckless. She would stomp her foot, and scold him with that fiery glare, and yet, beneath it all, there was always care in her voice. She worried about him, even when she was mad. And, as dense as he could be, he understood now how much that mattered. How much she matters to him. He felt it in her anger, anguish, happiness—their bond. She was his partner, his nakama, but more than that, Lucy was his anchor.
Every moment of their journey felt like part of a never-ending adventure he never wanted to end. More than anything, he wanted to keep making new memories, staying by the blonde's side forever and always. And now, as he thought about it, he realized just how much of his journey had been tied to her. Every moment of struggle and battle they had fought together felt intertwined as if it were given.
But then a dread passed over him. Natsu's brows furrowed as a gnawing uncertainty crept in. Natsu's grip on the fishing pole tightened as his thoughts shifted. His belly, which had been so full of warmth from his memories of Lucy, now twisted painfully.
Recently, something changed.
It started small, with Lucy and Gray going on a few missions together, just the two of them. At first, it didn't seem like a big deal. Natsu had been busy training, and preparing for the S-Class tests that were on the horizon. He couldn't go on every mission with her, which is why the blonde teamed up with Gray. He had grinned like he always did, slapped Gray on the back, and told them both to "kick some butt out there." After all, he trusted Lucy more than anyone. Gray, too. They were his teammates.
More often, Lucy and Gray would pair up and laugh about something Natsu didn't understand, or plan their next mission without asking him. The Dragon Slayer had waved it off, joking that Gray couldn't handle anything without him. And Lucy, she would laugh that sweet laugh, telling him that sometimes it was fun to mix things up. Natsu had nodded, forcing a grin, playing along like he always did.
Each time they walked out together, side by side, Natsu's foot would itch to move. His stomach twisted, heat rising in his chest as he watched their backs. He had tried to ignore it at first. Lucy was allowed to go on missions with other people. So what gives? Why is it that the more he saw the two together, the harder it became to ignore the growing pit in his stomach? Seeing Lucy smile at Gray and her eyes light up when she was with him was different. Different from the way she smiled at Natsu. It wasn't something he could put into words, but it felt wrong, and it made his insides burn in a way that had nothing to do with his flames.
Oi, Lucy! he had wanted to say so many times. What about us? Why are you ditching me? But he never said it. He couldn't. Instead, he forced himself to laugh and joke like nothing was wrong. Because that's who he was, right? Natsu Dragneel, the goofy guy who always smiled, who never let anything get him down. But inside, he wasn't sure if he could keep it up.
Natsu couldn't help but wish that things stayed the same, that he, Happy, and Lucy would always be together. Fighting, laughing, and going on crazy adventures with the three of them against the world. The Dragon Slayer's heart stirred, in realization. He couldn't stay silent anymore, he couldn't pretend. The fire in his chest flared up, burning hotter as he thought about what today meant. Today, he was going to tell her. He would confess how frustrated he felt, and how much he missed them being a team.
The sun had risen higher. Its golden light shimmered across the river. Natsu gazed at the water, his thoughts drifting deeper. But before he could lose himself in it, the fishing rod jerked violently, nearly slipping from his grip. His eyes widened in surprise as he tightened his hold, the pole bending under the weight of whatever had taken the bait.
"Whoa! Natsu! You've got one! You've got one!" Happy cried out, flapping his wings excitedly. His blue face lit up, and he hovered close to the edge of the water.
Natsu grinned, standing up and bracing himself as the line pulled harder. His grip tightened around the handle, and the flames ignited in his eyes. He heaved with all his might, the rod bending and creaking as he began to reel it in.
"Happy! It's a big one!"
"All-you-can-eat fish buffet, Aye!"
The fish on the other end fought fiercely, thrashing beneath the surface, sending ripples across the calm river. But Natsu wasn't one to back down from a challenge, big or small. He would meet it head-on and push beyond his limits. That was his way. The Fairy Tail way. And as such he strained as he pulled, his excitement growing with each yank of the line.
"Be careful!" Happy warned, his wings fluttered excitedly in the air.
Natsu only laughed harder, his heart raced with exhilaration. "The bigger, the better! We'll cook it up and—"
Suddenly, the fish made one last massive pull, nearly jerking Natsu into the water. His feet slid against the riverbank, but he held firm, digging in and gritting his teeth. "Oh, no ya don't!" he growled, pulling with everything he had.
The strain on the line grew unbearable, but then, with a loud splash, the fish broke the surface, flapping wildly as Natsu yanked it onto the bank. "Haha! Gotcha!" The pink-haired youth shouted triumphantly. He dropped the rod and pounced on the fish before it could flop back into the water. It was massive, easily bigger than any fish he'd ever caught. Its silver scales glistened in the morning light as it wriggled furiously, but Natsu held on tight, laughing like a kid who had just won the best prize.
"Whoa! It's HUGE!" Happy squealed, his eyes nearly popping out of his head.
Natsu grinned, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Told ya, Happy!" He sat back on the riverbank, still chuckling as he admired the fish. It was heavy, and his arms ached from the effort, but at this moment he could only feel the thrill of the catch. For a few blissful minutes, the weight on his heart was gone. It was just him, Happy, the river, and the ridiculous fish flopping on the grass.
"Let's get back to the guild and show everyone!" Natsu declared as he stood and hoisted the fish over his shoulder. "They're gonna be so jealous!"
"Aye, sir!" the blue exceed beamed. "We get the biggest share, right?" Happy, rubbed his paws together.
Natsu's grin widened as he stood tall. "Of course! But first..." His eyes drifted back to the river, where the morning sun shimmered on the surface, casting an orange glow over the peaceful scene. The soft rustle of the water and the gentle breeze made everything feel… calm. Too calm, maybe. His heart was still racing, but not from the earlier ache of disappointment. No, it was from something else—excitement, a rush of energy he couldn't quite explain.
With a quiet exhale, he turned his back to the river, taking one last glance at the shimmering water as if sealing the moment in his memory. Today. He'd tell her today. His hands clenched tighter, flames sparking at the thought. What was the worst that could happen?
Then, without another word, he began strolling down the cobblestone path that wound through Magnolia's streets. The familiar sights of the bustling town surrounded him. Shopkeepers were setting up their stands, townsfolk chatted as they went about their morning routines. Some stopped to watch the fire mage and his partner. It wasn't every day they saw Natsu Dragneel parading through town with a fish the size of a small boat slung over his shoulder. The excited Dragon Slayer waved back, as he and Happy continued down the familiar path with buzzing excitement.
As they neared the large wooden doors, familiar voices inside reached Natsu's ears. A sense of warmth settled over him. No doubt they were at Fairy Tail's door with the amount of ruckus they were making. Knowing that behind those doors was his family, the Dragon Slayer smirked, and pushed the doors open with a loud bang, striding in confidently. The guild was its usual lively self—familiar faces lounging around, chatting, laughing, some already arguing about the next mission. At the sight of Natsu and his massive catch, the entire hall fell silent for a beat.
"Yo!" Natsu shouted, grinning from ear to ear. "Check this out!"
The silence quickly broke as the guild members took in the sight of the huge fish. Gasps of surprise echoed through the hall, followed by a round of laughter and cheers.
"Look at the size of that thing!" Macao exclaimed, standing up from his chair and nearly knocking it over.
"Did you wrestle that thing to the ground, Natsu?" Wakaba joked, his pipe bobbing as he spoke.
Natsu gave a proud grin. "I might as well have!"
The guild gathered around to marvel at the fish. Natsu's heart swelled with a familiar warmth. He would never admit it, but these moments made him feel lucky to be part of something like Fairy Tail, and to have people who had his back no matter what, people who didn't just see him as a fighter or a fire mage, but as family.
"Hey, Mira!" Natsu called, turning toward the bar where Mirajane stood. "Think you can cook this up for everyone? Let's have a real feast today!"
Mira's eyes sparkled with excitement, clapping her hands together. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Natsu! I'll get everything started right away!"
The moment the words left her mouth, the guild erupted into cheers. It was as if a festival had suddenly begun, the noise of celebration growing louder by the second. Tables were quickly pushed together, barrels of ale rolled out, and everyone was already pulling up chairs, ready for what was sure to be a feast of epic proportions.
Natsu stood in the middle of it all, his grin wide as he took in the lively chaos around him. The guild was buzzing with laughter, playful arguments, and preparations for the feast that was about to unfold, all thanks to the fish he and Happy had hauled in. Everyone he cared about was here, scattered across the guild hall, their energy infectious. But his eyes were searching for someone else.
"Hey," he called out, his voice carrying above the noise, "Has anyone seen Lucy?"
Immediately, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations stuttered, and a visible tension swept across the room. Guild members exchanged uneasy glances, as if they were unsure how to respond, some nervously fidgeting while others avoided his gaze altogether. Natsu, oblivious to the sudden change, furrowed his brow in confusion.
Elfman stomped forward, his large hand scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. "Natsu, uh… about Lucy, there's something you need to—"
The heavy wooden doors of the guild creaked open. At first, Natsu didn't look up, his mind still lost in the excitement of his catch and the feast ahead. But then he heard a familiar voice—light, cheerful, and all too recognizable.
"Hey guys!"
Lucy.
Instinctively, Natsu's face lit up, his head turning toward the sound. He was ready to call her over, eager to show off the massive fish slung over his shoulder. But the words died in his throat.
They were standing in the doorway—Lucy and Gray—side by side, hands intertwined as they entered the guild hall together.
Natsu's heart stuttered in his chest, the world around him suddenly slowing down. The lively guild noise faded into a dull hum, the once-celebratory mood feeling strangely distant. His eyes locked onto Lucy's fingers lightly curling around Gray's, the easy smile on her lips, and Gray's casual, confident grip.
It was as if a fist had closed around Natsu's throat, squeezing tighter with every breath. He tried to swallow, but his throat felt dry, his mouth suddenly devoid of words. Heat surged in his belly—not the familiar warmth of fire magic, but something sharp, uncomfortable, like embers catching in his lungs.
What the hell is this? This can't be real, right? His grip on the fish slipped, and before he could stop it, the massive catch tumbled from his shoulder, hitting the floor with a loud, heavy thud. The sound echoed through the guild hall, but Natsu barely noticed. All he could focus on was the way Lucy leaned into Gray, the casual closeness between them. Her eyes—those same bright, lively eyes glinted in a way that twisted something deep in him. But it wasn't for him. It was for Gray. Not him. Gray.
Was this why Lucy had been spending so much time with Gray? Why she hadn't gone on missions with him like she used to?
The guild froze. Cups clattered to the tables, half-raised cheers caught in throats. Eyes darted between Natsu, Lucy, and Gray. Someone in the back coughed awkwardly, but no one dared to speak first. The tension hung in the air, and it seemed like time had stopped. The Dragon-slayer felt like his chest was on fire, the burning in his gut nearly unbearable, and the sudden urge to deck Gray—right then and there—nearly overtook him. But he couldn't. He wouldn't. Not now. So instead, he did what no one expected.
He threw his head back and burst into loud, boisterous laughter.
Natsu forced a grin, the smile tight on his face. "It was about time!" he shouted, slapping Gray on the back a little too hard.
The rest of the guild, caught off guard by Natsu's reaction, followed suit. Cheers erupted, glasses were raised, and congratulations echoed throughout the hall. It was as if a festival had just broken out. But behind Natsu's wide grin, behind the laughs and claps, something inside him simmered—a swirling mess of emotions he couldn't quite name. It was like a thread inside him was being pulled tighter and tighter, ready to snap. It was accompanied by heat beneath his skin, the bittersweet taste in his mouth, and mounting pressure. He desperately held it in, his fists were clenched tight and buried in his pockets. If he relented for a fraction of a moment, it would all be for naught, and Natsu Salamander Dragneel would not bring the mood down.
Yet, as much as he tried to deny what was true within him, he felt his grin strain. The laughter and excitement of his guildmates faded into a distant hum, replaced by the thunderous pounding of his heartbeat in his ears. His every action felt mechanical; the antics and the hearty laugh that escaped his lips only smothered the disgust, if only barely.
Mirajane, clapped her hands with a smile as she signaled for a few other guild members to help with the fish. "Let's get this thing into the kitchen," she said cheerfully. A group, including Macao and Wakaba, quickly gathered around, hoisting the massive fish, and carried it off as if nothing unusual had happened. The noise of chairs scraping and lively chatter soon filled the hall again as everyone started taking their seats.
Natsu, however, lagged, his usual excitement muted. Instead of joining the rowdier tables, where guildmates were already calling out for drinks and swapping stories, he quietly made his way to a smaller, more secluded spot. He found himself sitting with Elfman and Lisanna around a single round table in the corner, away from the main crowd. Lisanna gave him a soft, knowing smile as he sat down, while Elfman grunted in acknowledgment. It wasn't the usual high-energy company Natsu gravitated toward but now? He needed not to be in the middle of everything.
For a moment, it worked. Natsu found himself enjoying Elfman's and Lisanna's company. The elder brother was loud and boisterous as always, his deep laugh filling the air. He and the Strauss siblings had been best of friends for as long as he could remember, particularly the white-haired girl, who seemed concerned about something. He didn't ask. The Dragon Slayer thought she might just have an upset stomach or something.
"Natsu!" Elfman barked, slamming his large hand on the table with a grin. "Let's settle this once and for all. You and me—arm wrestle. Let's see who's the manliest!"
Natsu smirked, cracking his knuckles. "You're on!" he said, his competitive spirit flaring up. They quickly set up at the table, locking hands with fierce determination. Lisanna giggled softly from the side, shaking her head as she watched the two boys prepare for yet another one of their ridiculous contests.
Elfman's muscles bulged as he pushed with all his might, sweat beading on his forehead. "You won't win this time, Natsu! A real man doesn't back down!"
But Natsu was barely breaking a sweat. He grinned mischievously, flames flickering at the edges of his lips. "You're strong, but not this strong!"
With a final surge of power, Natsu slammed Elfman's hand down on the table with a resounding thud. The table creaked under the force, and Elfman blinked, stunned for a moment before laughing heartily. "Alright, alright, you got me! But next time, it'll be different!" he boomed, rubbing his sore arm.
"For the record," Natsu grinned, leaning back in his chair, "that makes me the manliest, right?"
Elfman waved him off, still chuckling. The playful banter between the two continued for a while, lightening the mood. It didn't really mean anything to either of them, just another friendly competition between close friends. But for that brief moment, Natsu forgot about the heaviness he'd been carrying.
Soon, though, the lightness faded, and the familiar restlessness crept back into his mind. His smile faltered as his thoughts began to drift, slipping away from the here and now. His mind wandered back to Lucy, and the emptiness in the guild hall where she would usually sit.
His foot started tapping anxiously against the floor, the energy inside him growing unsettled. He tried to focus on the conversation around him, but his gaze kept drifting back toward the window where Gray, sat hand-in-hand with Lucy, laughter spilling from his lips in a way that twisted Natsu's gut. He could only grit his teeth, and clench his fists hard, as the heat in him built to a point he couldn't ignore. Each shared glance and touch between them felt like someone had punched a hole through his chest.
Finally, unable to contain it any longer, he shot up abruptly, flames erupting around him in a brilliant blaze. The warm glow cast flickering shadows across the guild hall, drawing everyone's attention. At that moment, panic gripped him. What was he doing? The last thing he wanted was to be the center of attention, yet here he was, on the verge of everything threatening to spill over. He couldn't crack. Not here. Not now.
Anxiously, the pink-haired youth scanned the hall, until he spotted Erza, leaning casually against the bar. That's it, Natsu thought. I just need to punch this feelin' out.
"Hey, Erza!" His voice boomed louder than he intended, the grin spreading across his face like a mask, hiding the inner conflict. "I challenge you to a fight!"
The guild fell silent for a second before a wave of cheers rippled through the crowd. Natsu could see the amusement dancing in Erza's eyes, and he knew she was about to accept the challenge.
"Think you're better than me?" Erza taunted with a smirk.
Natsu laughed boisterously. "Of course! I've been training! Let's see what you've got!"
With that, he lunged at her, feigning an attack. Erza easily dodged, her reflexes sharp and precise, and Natsu found himself stumbling forward. The rest of the guild gathered around, to witness the imminent showdown.
The Dragon Slayer seized the moment, going all out with his antics. He exaggerated his movements, flailing his arms and making ridiculous faces as he pretended to battle Erza. "I'll show you the power of a dragon slayer!" he shouted, his voice booming.
Erza smirked again, clearly amused. "If you insist!"
Before he could react, the scarlet warrior flicked her wrist, and suddenly, Natsu found himself flying through the air—only to crash through the guild's window with a loud crash.
The guild erupted into laughter, the sound booming and echoing through the hall. Natsu lay there in a heap outside, his limbs splayed awkwardly, a goofy grin plastered on his face despite the ridiculousness of the situation. He couldn't help but laugh along, even while lying on the ground.
Gray huh? I'm happy for ya.
With a grunt, Natsu stood up, dusting himself off. His grin never wavered, but something inside felt heavier. Shaking it off, he strode back into the guild hall, his eyes landing on the request board. Without much thought, he snatched a low-ranking quest—something about gathering herbs, barely worth his time. It didn't matter. He just needed to be anywhere but here.
"Oi, Happy! Let's go," he called, his voice as loud and carefree as ever. "We'll kick the butt out of this herb-gatherin' quest!"
Happy fluttered to his side. "Okay!"
Natsu wasted no time, slipping out of the guild hall with quick, deliberate steps. The sounds of laughter and festivities behind him faded into the background, replaced by the quiet hum of Magnolia's peaceful streets. He strolled down the familiar cobblestone path, his steps a little heavier than usual, the weight of his thoughts dragging him down despite the cheerful face he wore. Above him, Happy rested peacefully on his head, as they made their way through the town.
The early morning light bathed the streets in a soft golden glow, the warmth of the sun doing little to thaw the knot of frustration in Natsu's chest. For a moment, he allowed himself to get lost in the quiet, just the sounds of his boots clicking on the stones beneath him. But then, a voice broke through the silence.
"Hey! Wait for me!"
Natsu blinked, momentarily confused, before turning his head. "Huh?"
There, jogging toward him with a determined expression on her face, was Lisanna. Her white hair bounced as she ran, and her eyes were filled with something that Natsu couldn't quite place—concern, maybe? As she caught up, her breathing was a little uneven. "Mind if I join you on that herb-gathering quest?"
Natsu stared at her for a second, his usual smile faltering for a heartbeat. He wasn't used to people asking to join him for something as simple as a D-rank quest, but there was no mistaking the warmth in Lisanna's eyes. She wasn't just asking because she wanted something to do. She was asking because she had already found him out. She knew him. Maybe more than most.
His lips curled into a smile, but the edges faltered, barely holding their shape."You betcha! I mean…" Natsu's hand drifted to the back of his neck, his fingers nervously ruffling his hair. "I'm probably too dumb to recognize the plants, so… having you with me would help."
Happy beamed with joy. "Aye, Lisanna!" he chirped, fluttering off Natsu's head and zipping around Lisanna in cheerful loops. His small wings buzzed as he flew circles around her in his childlike excitement. "You're coming with us! It'll be so much fun!"
Lisanna's soft smile brightened at Happy's infectious enthusiasm, but as she turned back to Natsu, her expression shifted. There it was again—that flicker of concern in her eyes. Natsu felt it like a weight on his chest, the warmth of her gaze pulling at him. She wasn't just watching; she was worried.
Is her stomach still upset? he wondered a fleeting thought that twisted in his mind. Why is she looking at me like that? He met her gaze for a brief moment, and in that instant, he saw the sincerity behind her eyes, her brow slightly furrowed.
Lisanna nodded as she fell into step beside him.
They walked side by side down the cobblestone path, the quiet rhythm of their footsteps blended with the soft hum of Magnolia's morning life. The distant chatter of shopkeepers and the flutter of birds in the early light filled the air. Neither said much, but there was a quiet, comfortable silence between them. Lisanna didn't need to ask what was on Natsu's mind; she already understood, and the Dragon Slayer, for once, was grateful for the silence.
After stopping by their houses and gathering the supplies they needed, Natsu, Lisanna, and Happy strolled away from the bustling streets of Magnolia. Their destination was the forest to the east, where the herbs requested for the job could be found. It wasn't far—close enough that they didn't need to take the train, which was a relief for Natsu. Even if it had been a longer journey, the train wasn't his favorite traveling method. Anything beat having to feel motion sickness for hours on end. Besides, this short walk gave him what he needed. Time away from the guild, away from everything.
The closer they got to the forest, the more the air seemed to change. The trees rose tall and thick, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze as sunlight filtered through the canopy, creating patterns of light and shadow along the ground. The path narrowed as they entered the forest, the soft crunch of leaves underfoot accompanying their steps. Even though the herbs they needed weren't far, Natsu didn't seem in any hurry. He strolled, his eyes scanning the surroundings with curiosity, his usual excitement for exploring reawakening.
"Look at that," Natsu muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else, as he watched a squirrel dart up a tree and disappear into the branches. He seemed far more interested in the forest creatures and the sounds of nature than in the task at hand. Every so often, he would stop and listen, as if trying to hear the distant calls of animals or the rustle of something hidden in the undergrowth.
Happy, too, flew in circles above, chasing butterflies and humming to himself, while Lisanna walked at Natsu's side, watching him with a knowing gaze. She could tell that gathering herbs wasn't on his mind. The forest, with its calm and quiet life, seemed to offer the Dragon Slayer a small reprieve, a distraction. After all, having to see someone you yearned for love someone else instead hurts. Lisanna understood because she had felt the same ache and longing. Only now when she had seen the blonde with Gray, and Natsu's heart torn in pieces, it had filled her with relief… Relief? How twisted was she to feel happy when someone else was hurt? She was a horrible person, and she felt so guilty and terrified of it.
The day had passed in a blur of laughter, playful banter, and the simple joy of spending time with friends. Natsu and Lisanna had wandered through the forest, gathering the herbs they needed but treating the task more like a game than a job. Natsu would occasionally challenge Lisanna to see who could find the most herbs, and Happy fluttered around them, chasing after butterflies. By the time the sun had begun to set, the three of them were exhausted, but content.
As the stars slowly blinked into the night sky, they made camp in a small clearing. Two tents were set up side by side, and a gentle fire crackled in the middle, casting a soft orange glow around them. Natsu leaned back, resting on his elbows as he gazed up at the stars, his usual grin present but more subdued. Lisanna sat close by, her lap now the resting place for a peacefully snoring Happy. His little blue body curled up, and his tail occasionally twitched in contentment as Lisanna absentmindedly stroked his fur.
For a while, neither spoke. The silence was calm, almost comforting. The night air was cool, the crackling of the fire and the occasional rustling of leaves were the only sounds around them.
Finally, he broke the silence. "Hey," he said quietly. "Thanks for, ya know… comin' with me."
Lisanna turned her head slightly. The firelight illuminated her soft features. "I had a lot of fun today, but it's hard not to feel guilty about it, knowing that you are putting on a brave front," she replied softly.
"Can't hide anything from ya, huh?"
Natsu released a small chuckle, though it didn't hold its usual energy. "Today… it kinda felt like when we were kids again, ya know? Like back in our little base. You, me, and Happy's egg." He reached over to pat the sleeping Exceed, his hand resting lightly on Happy's small form. "Back then I thought things wouldn't change, and that it would always be us three together," the Dragon Slayer paused and bit his lips. "When I thought you were gone, everything felt apart. I didn't know how to find my way back."
Lisanna bit her lips and nodded softly. "Yeah."
"But then Lucy crashed into my life like a tsunami… literally! HAHA!" Natsu chuckled, his eyes sparkling as he recalled a certain celestial spirit. "We went through a lot together. " His grin grew wider. "And made so many new friends after. Juvia, Gajeel…! Our family was growin' and then you came back, and suddenly, everything made sense again." For a brief moment, Natsu's smile radiated, but it quickly faded into down-turned lips.
Stars and fire were all that filled the space between them. Natsu took a deep breath, his hands clenching and unclenching against his lap as he struggled with the words boiling inside him. "I," he muttered, his voice trembling. "I thought we could be a team, forever and ever you know? But it feels like I'm missing something important, and I can't ignore it anymore."
Lisanna placed her hand over Natsu's clenched fist. "Natsu…" she murmured, squeezing lightly.
The heat within the Dragon Slayer stirred as tears slowly cascaded down his cheeks. "I don't get it…!" Natsu choked out, his voice trembling as his chest tightened painfully. He gritted his teeth, and slammed a fist against his heart, as his body shook. "Why does it burn so much? Why can't I make it stop?"
"Because you love Lucy," Lisanna said softly, her voice steady despite the lump forming in her throat. She swallowed, her eyes searching his tear-streaked face. "It burns because you care so much... because you let her into your life in a way no one else could. And now… it hurts because that love is still there. You don't know how to hold onto it, or how to let go." Her voice wavered slightly,
Natsu's eyes trembled as Lisanna's words settled in. Flames erupted around him, roaring to life and flickering wildly as the heat surged through the air. The fire enveloped him like a pulsating shell, expanding with each deep breath he took, while his tears evaporated in the searing heat.
Lisanna's eyes widened in astonishment, watching the fiery blaze ripple from him, flickering dangerously close to her skin. But not a single ember touched her, or Happy. Even now. Even like this. she thought, her chest clenched in realization. Natsu despite being lost in agony, was still strong enough to not let his flames hurt his friends. His flames bent around her and Happy like a shield. It was instinctive, unconscious, and utterly Natsu.
Without a word, Lisanna pulled the pink-haired youth close and wrapped her arms around his shaking form. "Let it out," she whispered firmly. "Please."
With those words, Natsu's walls came crumbling down. The flames around him smothered out and, his body trembled as he finally let go, sobs wracking through him. He clutched at Lisanna's shirt as the hurt finally spilled out. His tears soaked into her as she held him close. She just held him, her hand gently running through his hair, offering him the only thing he needed at that moment—comfort and understanding. And for the first time that day, Natsu allowed himself to feel everything, letting the hurt, the love, and the sorrow burn out under the sea of twinkling stars.
As the pink-haired youth shook in Lisanna's embrace, she felt a familiar ache in her chest. Memories flooded her mind, pulling her back to when Natsu had found her in Edolas, where everything had changed. She remembered the happiness, and the relief she felt seeing the Dragon Slayer again after so many years. He had his familiar carefree grin and warmth that felt like home. One that she wanted to embrace. But Lucy was standing beside him, and the way they looked at each other was unsettling. She felt the pang. The hurt. And yet she had tried to run away from her feelings, to convince herself that it was better this way. After all, Natsu had always been there for her; he was family. She thought she was protecting him, letting him have his happiness with Lucy while she kept her feelings hidden. But deep down, she knew the truth: it wasn't better for either of them. Hadn't she promised Natsu that they would always look after one another? That they would always be there for each other, no matter what?
She tightened her grip around him, feeling the warmth of his body against hers and wishing she could take away all of his hurt. Shield his heart when he needed it so his flames could burn brilliantly like they were always meant to. Was it wrong to feel relieved that he was leaning on her now? To hope for more, even in a moment like this? The guilt twisted in her, but she pushed it down for his sake.
I won't let you suffer like this again, Natsu she vowed silently, her arms tightening around him. I've stayed on the sidelines long enough. Watching her take you for granted. Watching her never really see you, and leave you behind like none of it was real! Her heart burned. Not anymore.