Hi! Hope you all have a great holiday season! See you with more content in the new year! Here's to hoping that 2022 (so weird to type out?) is better for all of us! uwu
It's Friday again the next week and Lucy sighs as she puts together her and Kade's things for the day and thinks of her list of things to do once she gets to work.
She's grateful though. Her job has been feeling more steady, doing work she can feel proud of, and Kade seems to be settling into their routine more.
"Kade, are you ready?" Lucy calls out from the small living room.
"Yeah, Mom!" Lucy hears him reply from his room. "Just need a toy!"
Lucy chuckles to herself, grabbing her keys. It was a bit of a chilly late winter day so she figured she should warm up the car a little first. It was older and has been needing a bit of a head start lately.
"I'll be right outside starting the car, ok? Be right back."
"Ok!"
Lucy steps out and over to her car in the driveway, stepping in and turning her keys in the ignition… only to hear sputtering instead of the usual hum of the engine.
Oh no.
This can't be happening right now!
Lucy tries to turn the key a few more times and nothing. She groans and leans back against the headrest, closing her eyes for a moment.
What was she going to do?
She locks her door again before heading back inside with a heavy sigh.
Maybe she could call Levy. Gajeel is a mechanic, maybe he could help look at it? She didn't really know any other reliable shops in town yet.
Lucy settles at the dining table, pulling her phone from her pocket and tapping Levy's name.
"Hey! Good morning, Lu!" A familiar voice greets happily.
"Hi, Levy. Have you left for work yet?" Lucy asks, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sweater.
"No, not yet? Something wrong?" Levy says, voice shifting into concern.
"It's just… well, my car wouldn't start this morning and I was trying to figure out what to do and thought, if you weren't too busy yet, if you wouldn't mind picking me up on your way this morning?"
"Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear that! Yeah of course we can! Gajeel was going to drop me off anyway, so we can head there first. He's heading to the shop after that so I'll ask him if he can take a look at your car too."
Lucy sighs in relief at Levy's warm reassuring tone. "Thanks so much, Levy. You're a lifesaver. Oh! And if it's not too out of your way, can drop Kade off at his daycare first?"
"Of course! No trouble at all, see you soon! Just text me your address."
"Sure. Thanks again, Lev."
"You're welcome!"
Lucy takes a deep steadying breath when they end the call, feeling a little of the worried nerves ease from the tight ball in her chest.
"Ready, Mom!"
Kade runs out from his room, his backpack surely full of more than one toy, with a bright smile as he meets her in the living room.
Lucy smiles softly. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. We're going to be a little late today. The car won't start," Lucy sighs.
Kade tilts his head, his brows bunching in cute confusion.
"Mommy's nice friends are going to give us a ride soon," Lucy continues.
"Oh… ok."
Kade seems curious and a little bit hesitant. Which is understandable since she'd never really introduced him to any of her other friends before. Not that there were very many to begin with.
Since they had a little time, she settles Kade on the couch and gives him a snack to hold him over. Then soon, Levy's texting her that they're outside.
Lucy gathers their things and a loud rumbling big truck is parked behind Lucy's car in the small driveway when they step out.
"Hi!" Levy greets cheerfully, hopping out of the passenger side.
Lucy feels Kade grab her jacket a little and stay close to her side.
Levy must notice when she turns back towards Gajeel through the open door.
"Gajeel! I told you we should've brought the other car today," Levy reprimands.
"What? I figured I'd bring tow her car to the shop, and I wanted to show it to the kid." Lucy hears him call out.
Levy rolls her eyes. "Well, turn it off for now. You're scaring the poor thing."
Gajeel grumbles but follows her command and steps out of the truck too.
They walk up to meet them on the porch and Kade clings to Lucy a little tighter.
"It's ok, sweetheart. These are my good friends. Can you say hi?" Lucy reassures softly, rubbing his back.
Kade eases a little and gives them a small wave.
"Hi, Kade!" Levy grins warmly, kneeling down to his level. "Your mommy has told us a lot about you. I'm really happy to meet you."
Kade looks up at Lucy and she gives him an encouraging smile and sifting a hand through his soft hair.
"Hi," Kade says softly, looking back at Levy.
"This big teddy bear here is Gajeel." Levy gestures towards the tall man beside her and Gajeel waves back.
"Hey, bud. Do you like cars and trucks and stuff?"
Kade brightens a little at that and nods. "Mmhm, I got my favoritest one in my pacpack"
"You do? Hm, well, you wanna see my old awesome one I brought today up close?"
Kade looks up at Lucy with bright eager hazel eyes and she can't help but laugh softly. "Let's go check out the big, awesome truck," Lucy nods, giving Kade an encouraging pat on his back.
Kade warms up to them quickly and bounds over to Gajeel's truck first with a loud shout of excitement. "Look! It's my other favorite color, Mom!" He jumps up and points.
"It is, huh," Lucy says after she and Levy followed them over. The truck is a little faded, but still a nice bright blue color. One of Kade's favorites.
"Alright, ready to hop in?" Gajeel opens the driver's side door and picks Kade up to put him on the seat with a bright giggle.
"See? He really is just a big softie who's surprisingly good with kids," Levy laughs softly. "He'll make a great dad one day." Levy's expression turns fond as she opens the passenger side to admire them.
A soft ache swells in Lucy's chest. Part of her wishing Kade was able to have that figure in his life. What if she wasn't doing enough? What if it would never be enough? What if-
"Mom look!"
Kade's voice brought her out of her swirling thoughts, Lucy turning to see her son's happy bright expression as he grips the steering wheel.
The tightness in her chest eased a little at that, a soft smile emerging.
While intrusive, negative thoughts often made her feel like she wasn't doing enough on her own, it was moments like this that Kade reminded her of how far they've come on their own so far and proving that the struggles were worth it as long as he was happy.
Lucy gasps softly. "Look at you, bug! You're practically big enough to drive it by yourself," she grins.
Kade brightens more at that. "Yeah!"
"Hey, now. Don't be givin' away my favorite truck just yet," Gajeel chuckles. "You wanna help me load up your mom's car? I gotta take it to my shop where I fix up cars that are a little broken."
"You can do that?" Kade looks up at him and asks, eyes bright and wondering.
"Yup," Gajeel says with a proud grin. "C'mon, I'll show you how."
"Be careful, Kade. Be sure to listen to Uncle Gajeel, okay?"
"Ok!" Kade giggles as Gajeel lifts him back down out of the truck.
Lucy shakes her head fondly. "He really is surprisingly good with kids," she says, watching as Gajeel gets his tools from the trunk bed, Kade following diligently.
"Right," Levy laughs fondly. "I definitely wouldn't have guessed that when we first met, but it was a happy surprise."
Lucy hums in agreement as she hears Kade laugh at something Gajeel says.
Her and Levy catch up for a while longer before Gajeel announces they're all set up.
Lucy looks behind them and sure enough, her car is all hitched up and ready to go. She remembers to pull out Kade's car seat, makes sure the house door is locked and they load up in the truck.
Kade rambles on happily about the "cool truck" all the way to his daycare and it makes them laugh.
"Bye, Kade! See you next time!" Levy gets off the truck too beside them and pulls Kade in for a hug when they get there.
"Bye!" he grins and hugs her back, Lucy smiling softly at the sight.
"Now, what do we say to our friends for giving us a ride?" Lucy asks, securing Kade's backpack over his shoulders.
"Thank you!"
"No problem, kiddo. I'll take you guys somewhere cool in the truck next time," Gajeel says.
Kade's expression brightens. "Really? Awesome!"
Lucy laughs at his eager bouncing. "Alright. Let's go, you."
He gives them another wave over his shoulder as Lucy walks him into the building where Aries greets them happily.
Kade eagerly runs off to Noah after Lucy gives him a hug and kiss to the top of his head.
"He has a bit more energy this morning doesn't he?" Aries says fondly with a warm smile.
"He does," Lucy chuckles, shaking her head. "I'm sorry we were a little late today. I was having some car issues," she sighs.
"Oh no, I'm sorry. I hope everything works out."
"Thank you," Lucy says gratefully. "Luckily I had help making it here and into work, so I'll see you later?"
"We'll be here, Lucy," Aries reassures softly. "Hope the rest of your day goes better."
Lucy thanks her again with a warm, kind smile before taking one more loving look at Kade playing with his friends and heading back to the truck.
They quickly make it to work after that, Lucy laughing at Levy and Gajeel's bantering back and forth, easing some of the worry she'd felt this morning.
They say their goodbyes to Gajeel and Lucy thanks him again for helping her with the car. He just waves her off with a grin and her and Levy head inside to start the day.
Now, it was well into the afternoon and Lucy had gotten so wrapped up in catching up with her work and now she realized her and Kade were going to need a ride home too.
Gajeel had called her earlier and said her car wouldn't be ready until tomorrow. Which was fine, she'd rather get it fixed as quickly as possible, but still left her without transportation.
He and Levy had already been so generous this morning, so Lucy didn't want to bother them again since Levy mentioned they had something to do tonight.
She could call for a taxi ride or something? Though, she didn't have a lot of money to spare for that right now.
A vision of pink hair and a bright smile came to her mind.
Maybe she could ask Natsu?...
They were set to go to the sporting store tomorrow for Kade anyway, but maybe he wouldn't mind going today after work?
Lucy bites her lip in hesitation for a moment. Her usual bad habit of avoiding asking others for help filling her chest, but the memory of kind green eyes eases it a bit and she hopes he'll say yes.
She still had some time on her lunch break, so she takes a steadying sigh and slides open her phone, pulling up Natsu's contact and tapping to call before she loses her nerve.
It rings a couple times before a familiar warm voice answers.
"Heya, Luce!"
The sound makes her smile a little. "Hi, Natsu. Sorry, to bother you. I'm sure you must be busy at work," Lucy starts, running a hand through her hair.
"Not busy at all. What's up?"
She relaxes a little at the smile in his voice. "Well, I was wondering if you'd be okay moving our shopping day to tonight after work instead of tomorrow?"
"Oh, sure! That's no problem. Is everything ok?"
"Yeah, it's mainly, um, my… my car wouldn't start this morning and I had to get a ride from Levy, which was why I was going to ask if you wouldn't mind picking me up from work and we stop to pick up Kade before we go? I-If you don't have any other plans of course," Lucy rushes out at the end.
"Aw, man, I'm sorry about your car, but yeah, of course, Luce. Like I said, I'm not too busy at all! Just finishing up some boring paperwork stuff so I'd be happy to."
Lucy breathes a deep sigh of relief. "Thank you, Natsu. I really appreciate it."
"Anytime, Lucy."
She could hear the smile in his voice again and it makes her chest warm, picturing how it makes his eyes brighter too.
"I get out at five. I can send you the address?"
"Oh, sure. It's been a while since I've been there for one of Levy's things," Natsu chuckles.
"Okay, sounds good. See you soon then?"
"I'll be there! See you soon, Luce."
Lucy thanks him again and they end the call. She feels some of the tension leave her shoulders that she didn't realize she was carrying and smiles softly.
The rest of her shift passes and soon enough, she's saying goodbye to Levy at the front doors of the office.
"I'm sorry we couldn't drop you off tonight," Levy stresses. "My parents have been wanting to schedule this dinner with Gajeel and I forever and they'll make it a big thing if I cancel again," she huffs.
"It's okay! I really appreciate everything this morning. You guys did so much already, really," Lucy reassures.
"Of course, Lucy! We're always happy to help anytime," Levy grins. "Are you gonna be okay getting home?"
"Oh! I meant to tell you earlier that Natsu's going to give me and Kade a ride. We had plans to go shopping for some things for Kade anyway so it worked out."
"Oh, that's good, I'm glad," Levy says, relieved.
"Me too. He's so kind and has been such a big help for us already," Lucy smiles warmly.
"He's a great guy, that's for sure," Levy grins too, this time with a bit of knowing something in her eyes, but then she changes the subject. "Oh! Gajeel says your car should be good to go first thing in the morning so he'll give you a call in the morning."
"Sounds great. Thanks again for everything, Lev."
"Of course! Have a good night!"
Levy steps in to pull Lucy in for a warm hug that Lucy returns tightly before they both step out. She sends Lucy one more wave before she walks over to where Gajeel was waiting in the parking lot by their smaller car than his truck this morning. Gajeel sends Lucy a wave too before they step into the car.
Then Lucy suddenly hears a call of her name. She turns and Natsu is waving a few spaces over next to his truck with that same bright grin she'd been picturing and she can't help the wide one that breaks across her face.
She quickly makes her way over. "Hi, Natsu!"
"Hey, Luce," he says, greeting her with that toothy smile. "Ready to head out?"
"Ugh, yes please," Lucy huffs playfully. "This week was too busy. I'm so ready for a break."
Natsu's full laugh brings back that weird, warm flutter in her chest.
"In that case, let's get going," he grins, opening the passenger door for her after a soft squeeze to her shoulder that sends a tingle down her arm.
Lucy swallows down the feeling. "Oh, do you mind helping me with Kade's car seat? I had to bring it from my car this morning." She lifts it up a bit for Natsu to see.
"Oh yeah, of course." Natsu picks it up from her and starts to get it secured in the back seat. Lucy goes around to try and help him from the other side, but Natsu seems to have it under control.
"Thanks, Natsu," Lucy says when they both get settled in the front seats after.
"No problem. Gotta keep the kiddo safe after all." He sends her another grin as he starts up the truck.
"Yeah, exactly," Lucy smiles softly at his consideration.
She gives him a few directions when Natsu asks where Kade's daycare is. He quickly knows where and they set off.
"So, having some car trouble, huh?"
"Yeah, you can say that," Lucy sighs. "It's an older car so it's been giving me some issues lately, but I hope this time it isn't anything too major."
She really couldn't afford that right now.
"Gajeel does pretty good work so I'm sure it won't be, but don't tell him I said that," Natsu says, sending her a grin.
"Your secret's safe with me."
"Thanks. I knew I could count on you."
"Of course."
They both share a couple more laughs after that thanks to the easy conversation between them and soon enough, Natsu pulls into the daycare parking lot.
"Did you want to walk in with me? Kade's going to be so surprised," Lucy grins as Natsu shuts off his truck. "He's been asking about you non-stop since I mentioned his baseball was starting soon."
"Has he?" Natsu laughs. "It'll be an awesome surprise then, let's go."
They're waiting by the lobby with some other parents as the daycare staff gets the kids ready to bring them out.
"So, were you working over at the complex earlier?" Lucy asks.
"Oh, I was finishing up a few things at my main job."
"Main job?"
"Yeah, I'm actually a-"
"Natsu!"
They quickly turn at the shout and see Kade running over with a bright smile across his face.
"Hey, Kade!" Natsu grins and kneels down to his level to catch him in a hug. "Surprised?" he asks when he pulls back and ruffles Kade's hair.
Lucy feels that familiar warm swell in her chest at the sight.
The boy giggles and nods happily. "Are you hanging out with us today?" Kade asks eagerly after giving Lucy a hug too.
"You bet! We're gonna go get some cool baseball stuff. You up for it?"
"Yeah!" Kade exclaims happily.
"Alright good," Natsu chuckles, sharing a kind look with Lucy and ruffling Kade's hair. "Let's go."
They say their goodbyes to Aries and head back out to the parking lot.
"Woah! Look, Mom, Natsu's got a cool truck too!" Kade hops up with a bright grin after they get closer to his truck and the lights flash when he unlocks it.
"Too?"
"Oh, Gajeel picked us up in his truck this morning and Kade loved it," Lucy chuckles.
"Ah, he did, huh?" Natsu grins. "Well, my newer one is wayyy cooler than that old piece of metal. Right, Kade?"
Lucy laughs and rolls her eyes as they start getting Kade's things loaded up.
"Yeah! It's awesome and red like a big fire truck. My top favoritest color."
Natsu barks out a loud laugh and smirks playfully towards Lucy. "It is like a firetruck, huh. Here, bud, let's get you buckled up." Kade giggles when Natsu lifts him up and sets him in his car seat, making sure he's secure before he and Lucy follow and get into their seats too. "You think I should get some big cool flames on the side of the truck to go with the red, kiddo?" Natsu turns towards the back grinning toothily, animating with his hands.
Kade eagerly agrees with him and Lucy rolls her eyes again, but can't help the smile that curls her lips at Natsu's infectious cackle.
"Let's not give him any ideas, Kade."
Natsu laughs brighter, the sound filling her with content warmth as he starts up the truck again and starts to head out to their next stop.
Lucy definitely wouldn't have known where to even start at the three story sporting store they ended up at. With walls and walls of everything from camping, to fishing gear, to everything in between, and somehow their cart was already full of things once they got to the baseball section. Kade eagerly taking in everything in wonder.
"Alright. Got him some good undershirts, socks, only needed field pants since we give them the uniform shirt, a belt," Natsu murmurs, hand to his chin, and brows pinched cutely in thought as he overlooks their cart, making a smile twitch on her lips. "Now, we can do some cleats over... here."
Lucy follows him towards a wall of children's sports shoes. She tells Natsu Kade's size and he's on the search.
"Ooh, look, Kade! These are pretty awesome." Natsu's wearing that bright, teasing smile again as he shows them a box of some black cleats... with red and orange flames on them of course.
Kade eagerly approves already and Lucy's attempting to give Natsu a stern look.
Natsu laughs. "Aw, c'mon. If I'm not gonna get flames on my truck, he can at least have them on his shoes."
"Yeah! Please, Mom? These will make me play super good!"
Lucy looks at the bright shoes and then back up at both of them pouting at her. "Fine," Lucy sighs, narrowing her eyes at Natsu playfully.
The boys cheer happily and Natsu raises a hand for Kade to give him a high five. Lucy chuckles and shakes her head.
What did she get herself into by putting these boys together.
"Now, the best part is over here," Natsu grins, tugging their cart and leading them to the next isle over. "Take your pick, bud." He gestures towards the tall racks full of baseball gloves.
"Woah! I can really pick out my own glove?" Kade asks, hazel eyes wide with awe as he looks up at all the different colors of gloves.
"Yup! And it'll be yours to play at all the games, practices, and to keep," Natsu says warmly. "Here, I'll help you."
He helps Kade try on several sizes and colors until Kade seemed to feel comfortable in a seemingly soft light brown one, his expression brightening as soon as he slipped it on his hand.
"You like that one, huh?" Natsu asks.
"Yeah! I'm gonna play super good with this too!"
Natsu and Lucy both share a laugh at that.
"Alright, that's the one then. Y'know, my first glove was that same color too," Natsu says, voice a little softer. "So you're definitely gonna play awesome with that."
Kade smiles wider up at Natsu as he holds the glove to his chest and it makes Lucy's heart melt a little that they could make him happy like this.
They get ready to head out and Natsu grabs a gear bag to hold everything in and puts it in the cart too before they head towards the registers at the front of the store.
They greet the cashier and the woman starts to scan the items the put up on the counter.
Lucy's stomach quickly drops as she watches the total amount increase after each one and she quickly tries to think about the funds she has right now. She'd just paid the rent. Then remembering the amount Gajeel had told her it would be for her car... Did she have enough? Maybe she would have time to transfer some money before-
"Lucy?"
She quickly looks over to see Natsu looking at her with some concern.
"You ok?"
"O-Oh, yeah, I um... how much is it?"
"It's ok, I got it," he grins, putting a card back in his wallet.
The cashier was already putting their things into bags and kindly asking Kade about baseball. She'd been so wrapped up in her anxious thoughts that she'd completely missed Natsu paying and her chest felt tight rather than the usual warmth she felt with him.
"Are... are you sure?"
"Yeah, it's on me this time! I got a couple things for myself too anyway so don't worry," he tries to reassure, but all she can do is worry.
"Thank you," she says quietly.
Natsu's grin falters, but she distracts herself by putting their bags back in the cart, thanking the cashier and ushering Kade to follow back out to the parking lot.
Lucy quickly gets absorbed into her thoughts again.
Maybe she wasn't doing better at all. Money was still one of her biggest stressors and now it was obvious that she was struggling and Natsu probably noticed that and felt bad for the 'new, struggling single mother' in town and probably felt forced to step in and pay for something she should've been able to afford for her own child.
Maybe she was just a failure like she'd always been... Like everyone probably thought she was. Like her father had always told her she was...
She swallows thickly past the quick build up of emotion in her throat.
Lucy gets Kade buckled back into the truck as Natsu puts the bags in the back seat and goes to put cart back.
Natsu settles back into his seat and starts the truck up. "Are you guys hungry? We can drive through somewhere and take it back to your house?" he asks a little hesitantly, glancing over at her.
Kade answers for both of them first and agrees happily.
"Sure. That's fine," Lucy says softly, shifting to look out the window as Natsu heads out of the lot, trying her best to sort out the mess of emotions swirling in her chest.
"Is... is everything ok, Lucy?" Natsu asks quietly after a few long moments between them.
Kade seems to be distracted by his new glove and one of his toys, but she hesitates telling him what's on her mind for a moment. Though, a glance at his worried expression had her taking a long sigh.
"It's... I just- I've still been struggling... with money, even after moving and it's frustrating that I still can't afford the things that he wants," Lucy finds herself admitting, playing with the strap of her purse, tightness still lingering in her chest. "Then you stepped in for me before I realized it and I guess it just hit me more than I was expecting."
It's quiet again for a few moments. Part of her prepares herself for the lecture of things she should be doing better but then Natsu says, "I'm so sorry, Lucy. I should've asked you first and it didn't even cross my mind how it could seem and-" He pauses to run a hand through his hair and sigh roughly. "I just thought I'd help out since it seemed like you were distracted so I figured it could be like a welcome to the town kinda gift for you both, but it was probably too much and I'm sorry."
He glances over and Lucy can see the deep guilt in his eyes. He's genuinely upset and it looks wrong there compared to the kind warmth she was used to seeing in those green depths, making her heart ache.
It pushes some of those incessant thoughts back. Of course Natsu wouldn't be the type to judge or pity her for something like money. It was just so easy to fall back into the negativity so many had put on her in the past. But not everyone was like that and it was something she still struggled with accepting at times, but so far, her friends continue to prove that they weren't part of that heavy past. In the best ways.
"I appreciate that, Natsu. I just got so wrapped up in my head before, but It's ok, " Lucy reassures.
"Are you sure? I promise I wouldn't-"
"I'm sure," Lucy insists. "I know you didn't mean anything hurtful by it," she says a little softer, warmer.
She does know, in her heart, that Natsu and her other new friends really were genuinely kind, good people and she desperately wanted to hang onto that. As much as her mind insisted that people were always destined to hurt her.
Natsu seems to relax a little and gives her a small smile.
"Just at least let me pay for dinner?"
Natsu breathes a soft laugh. "Deal."
Lucy feels a little better by the time they make it home with their bags of food. She tells Natsu he can pull into the driveway and they begin to get everything unloaded when he shuts off his truck.
Natsu helps her set some of the bags on the dining table as she gets Kade unbuckled and into the house.
"Go ahead and put your stuff away, Kade. We'll get dinner ready soon."
"Okay!" Kade echoes, already in his room.
Lucy smiles and turns back, just about to ask if Natsu wanted to come in when she notices him shifting and wringing his hands together by the open door.
"Hey, I was still thinking about it and I'm- I'm sorry again for earlier, Luce. I really didn't mean to put you in a bad spot about money and everything," Natsu rushes out before she has a chance to say anything, rubbing the back of his neck, gaze shifting on the ground below them. "I just wanted to help out, but I didn't think like I always do and I just-"
"Natsu," Lucy interrupts softly, stepping closer and placing a palm on his arm. Natsu blinks at her, green eyes a little wide. "Like I said earlier, I know you were just trying to help. It was so thoughtful of you and I really do appreciate everything you've done since we've gotten here." Lucy drops her hand in favor of fidgeting with her sweater. "If today has taught me anything, it's that I struggle with accepting help from people. Especially since I've been so used to trying to handle things on my own for so long, it's hard to let go a bit," she sighs, curling some of her hair behind her ear. "And it really has still been hard… even with this new job and now my car, it's hard not to feel like a failure… But now I realize, with genuine, kind friends like you… and the others, it's okay to accept help sometimes. I want to try working on being better at that."
The words had kept tumbling out, something she found happening the more they spent time together, but Natsu's expression softens warmly. Still no trace of judgment. "I totally get that. It is hard to accept help when you feel like it should be your issue to solve, I've been there, but I'll also always be here for you whenever you need anything… and the last thing you are is a failure, Lucy. I promise."
He reaches out and tentatively grasps one of her hands, giving it a reassuring squeeze when she allows him to.
The deeper look in his eyes told her that maybe he's been in a similar situation before too, and the conviction in his eyes makes her believe him a little bit.
"Thank you," Lucy grins gratefully, giving his hand a squeeze back, holding onto the rough, comforting warmth for probably a little longer than she needed to before letting go. "Do… do you want to stay for dinner?" she asks a little shyly, curling her hair around her ear gesturing to the food on the dining table.
"Oh, um, it's okay," Natsu waves off, scratching the back of his head. "You got that for you guys. I don't need anything. I wouldn't wanna mess up your night more by saying something dumb again," he chuckles, but Lucy could still see some of the lingering guilt in his eyes.
"You haven't messed up anything, Natsu," Lucy reassures. "And it's more than enough for all of us."
Kade runs back over then, jumping over to Lucy's side. "Natsu! Are you staying to eat with us? Can he, Mom?" he asks, looking up at her with pleading eyes.
"I was just asking him that, but maybe he'll say yes if you ask him nicely," Lucy grins and she can't resist giving Natsu a teasing look, knowing Kade would be the one to make him say yes.
Kade bounds over to Natsu and hugs his waist tightly. "Please stay and eat with us, Natsu! I don't want you to leave yet." He finishes with a big pout that makes both Natsu and Lucy laugh.
Natsu sighs in acceptance. "Well, there you have it. Guess it's decided I'm staying." He runs a hand through his hair before ruffling Kade's hair.
"Yay!"
"Alright you." Natsu leans over to pick Kade up, tossing him up a little before resting him on his hip, all with Kade giggling brightly. "Let's go get dinner set up."
The sight makes Lucy's chest warm pleasantly and she leads them inside, internally happy that they'll have more time with Natsu.
Natsu shuts the door behind him and takes Kade over to the sink to help him wash his hands, which she's grateful for, and then they settle at the table and dig into the bags of food.
Dinner passes quickly, filled with laughs and Kade bombarding Natsu with a whole book of baseball questions, but Natsu answers each one happily, even getting up and demonstrating a few dramatically, making all of them laugh.
Lucy's a little surprised at just how well he can keep up with Kade's energy. Though, when the boy starts yawning more, Lucy knows he's reached his limit for the day.
"Alright, let's get you ready for bed, bug."
"Aw, but I wanted to show Natsu all the stuff in my room," Kade groans a little.
"It's ok, bud. I'll be back soon. You gotta get some good rest if ya wanna show me everything."
Kade hums in sleepy agreement, rubbing his eyes.
"Say goodnight to Natsu, and what do we say for all your new things?"
Natsu turns in his chair and Kade quickly walks over and gives Natsu a hug. "Thank you, Natsu. You're the bestest."
Natsu laughs roughly and hugs him back. "You're welcome. Night, Kade, sleep tight."
Kade gives him a sleepy smile before turning back and letting Lucy lead him towards the hallway.
"I'll be right back," Lucy says to Natsu.
"Take your time," Natsu grins and waves off.
Lucy manages to help Kade brush his teeth, get him into his pajamas and into his bed before changing into some comfier clothes for herself then heading back out to the kitchen, where Natsu had already cleaned up from dinner.
"He's out like a light. You didn't have to clean up, Natsu."
"It's ok. It's the least I could do after you bought dinner," Natsu turns and grins, drying off his hands with one of the towels and leaning back against the counter.
"Well, thank you. For that and for everything today," Lucy thanks warmly.
"Anytime," Natsu says, that genuine, warm kindness reflecting in his eyes again that made her feel at ease. "This is a pretty nice place," he says, looking around them.
"Yeah, the owner said it's pretty old and still needs a lot of work, but it's more than enough for us right now and definitely a major step up from what I was renting back in Crocus for way more money then here," Lucy admits with an airy chuckle, moving to stand beside him against the counter.
"Hm, that's good. At least it's quiet, and you guys are safe and comfortable here. That's what matters."
Lucy hums in agreement, smiling softly as she looks around at the place that was slowly starting to feel more and more like a home for them. Of course it's a little small and wasn't perfect, but it's proven to be another testament to how far they've come.
Natsu shifts to his side to face her, leaning a hand on the counter. "So, um, originally, I had a whole day planned for all of us tomorrow. Show you guys around more, take you to some of my favorite food spots, a cool park. We could still make it happen if you're up for it?"
Lucy smiles softly at his hopeful, and a little nervous, expression. "Hm, that does sound fun, but I dunno, I think we've had our fill of hanging out with you for the week."
Natsu pauses, taking a moment to realize she's teasing when she feels her smile widen, then he gasps and clutches his chest dramatically. "I'm truly hurt, Lucy. Just when we were starting to have fun hanging out together and now it's over."
Lucy laughs and rolls her eyes at another one of his pouts. "I'm kidding, you big baby." She leans over to shove his shoulder playfully, making him cackle. "That does sound great though. I've still been wanting to see more of the town and everything."
"Alright cool," Natsu grins brightly. The corners of his eyes crinkle and his soft dimples appear on his cheeks, and it's enough to make Lucy's neck feel a little warm. Just a little. "Let me know when your car's gonna be ready and I can take you over and get it all sorted out and we can all head out after?"
"Oh, are you sure? I don't want you to be driving more than you have to?"
Natsu waves her off. "It's no problem, really. I don't mind."
"Alright then. Sounds like a plan," she chuckles, accepting his offer.
"Can't wait. You guys'll have fun." She can't really argue with that toothy smile after all. "I'll get going though, let you get some sleep."
Lucy nods, only a little disappointed that the day was coming to an end, but then brightens at the thought of seeing him again tomorrow. They head towards the door and Lucy follows her gut and offers Natsu a hug.
He looks a little surprised, but his expression shifts fondly and he easily steps into it. He's solid and warm against her as he holds her a little tighter, content affection swelling in her chest. She breathes in the comforting scent of clean cedar, sandalwood, and warm amber. The hug lingers for a few long moments before they pull back.
"Have a good night, Luce," he rasps.
"You too, Natsu," Lucy grins. "Drive safe and let me know when you're home."
"Will do." He returns her smile before pulling the door open. "See you tomorrow!" he calls out over his shoulder with a wave before getting into his truck.
Lucy leans back against the closed door behind her after watching him leave. The comfortable warmth lingers in her chest and along her skin as she finally settles in bed, smiling to herself at the thought of getting to see Natsu's happy smile again soon.
Which was… normal, right? Wanting to spend more time with a good friend?
Thanks for reading and for all your amazing support as always!