Hey there! Hope you're all doing well! Know it's been a while, but we all know how life can get ugh, but wanted to get this out for my birthday week at least! So, hope you enjoy some fluff!

It was already a hectic morning for Lucy.

The week had passed quickly and Kade had already been excitedly counting down the days since Natsu had told the kids about their first real game coming up soon after their last recent practice. She'd struggled a bit to get Kade settled enough to sleep last night, only for him to wake up earlier than her, bounding into her room bright and early now.

She takes a long sigh as she manages to get him washed up and dressed, now playing a little in his room as she got some breakfast together for them.

As much as Kade's hyper self could really tire her out, she smiles to herself at the happy, excited smile he's worn all week and it makes her happy that he could finally have something like this for himself.

A ringing from her phone distracts her from her thoughts, smile instantly growing when she sees it's Natsu calling. A warm voice greets her as soon as she answers.

"Mornin', Luce!"

"Hi, Natsu! What's up?"

"Well, I'm excited for today! And was thinking, since your house is on the way to the complex, I could pick you guys up if you want?"

Even though Lucy is in fact already familiar enough with the sports complex and the town, she wouldn't say no to a little more time with Natsu.

It would make Kade happy too, of course.

"Sure, I appreciate that, Natsu," Lucy grins.

"No problem! I'm just finishing up here then I'll be right over."

Lucy could hear the smile in his voice and it makes her chest feel light.

"No rush. Still have to get Kade's things packed too," Lucy chuckles. "But see you soon."

"Sure thing!"

Lucy calls Kade over to the kitchen after the call with Natsu and he quickly eats up his food and perks up more when she tells him Natsu was picking them up soon.

He rushes back to his room and starts bringing back all his baseball things into the living room.

"We don't need to bring everything today, bug," Lucy chuckles, tossing some of the more necessary things into his gear bag.

"Hmm, what about this favorite toy? For good luck!" He raises up one of his dinosaur toys with bright eyes that makes Lucy smile wider.

"Of course."

Lucy waits to put on his cleats, in case he scuffs up the floor running everywhere. She finishes buttoning up his uniform shirt and runs a hand through his hair.

"Alright. Ready for a fun day?"

"Yeah!"

Then there's a familiar sound of an engine in the driveway and then pattern of knocks at the door and Kade cheers and runs over towards the door to open it before Lucy even has a chance.

"Natsu!"

He knocks into Natsu's waist with a tight hug, Lucy smiles warmly at the sight.

"He's a little eager today," Lucy chuckles.

"It's okay, hey, bud!" Natsu laughs, hugging him back and ruffling his hair. "Woah, you look so cool in your uniform!"

Kade pulls back with a proud look as he looks down to admire his jersey. "I love it! Mom helped me put it on. Gonna make me play super good!"

"She did, huh?" Natsu looks over towards her, still wearing that bright smile. "Hi, Luce."

He steps over to give her a hug too. He's warm and comforting as always.

"Hi, Natsu. Thanks again for this," Lucy grins as she pulls back.

"Anytime," he waves off.

"Oh, we saved you some breakfast in case you didn't eat."

Lucy goes over to grab the plate she set in the microwave. The one with an extra breakfast sandwich she'd made just in case Natsu would want one. Just since he was coming over and all, of course.

"Ah, you didn't have to! But that looks really good and I didn't get a chance to eat yet, so I won't say no," Natsu chuckles, following Lucy's lead to sit at the dining table, already eyeing the food eagerly.

"Mom always makes yummy food," Kade adds, hanging onto the chair beside Natsu. "I ated all of mine too!"

"You did?" Natsu gasps around a large bite already. "That's really gonna give you good strength for today." Kade giggles brightly and bounds back into the living room. "Guess he's excited, huh?"

"Just a little." They share a laugh at that. "But he's definitely been excited all week and tiring me out."

"Don't worry, he'll be the one tired out after today," Natsu laughs fuller. "And he's right, your food really is yummy, thank you." He cleans his hands and pats his belly as he sits back, already finished with his food.

"You're welcome. It never fails to amaze me at how fast you can eat," Lucy shakes her head fondly, resting her cheek in her palm. "But glad to hear my cooking skills have improved."

"You're really good! I can hardly cook anything," Natsu sighs. "I throw together some instant spicy ramen noodles sometimes when I'm not at the firehouse."

"So nutritious, Natsu," Lucy giggles.

"It is! Keeps me fueled," he grins toothily.

"Natsu, look! Even got my hat!" Kade runs back over, shoving his bright blue hat into Natsu's hands.

"Oh, awesome, bud! Mine is getting old, think I need this new one." Natsu takes off the faded team hat he's wearing, setting Kade's smaller one on his head.

"That's too small for you!" Kade laughs brightly, trying to reach up to take it back.

"Really? Aw man, guess you get to keep it then." He pouts playfully, tugging on the hat onto Kade's head, low over his eyes, making the boy giggle. "Alright, guess we should head out?"

"Sounds good," Lucy says, standing from the table too. "Let me just clean these off." She was just stepping over to the sink to finish cleaning off the dishes from breakfast before they leave when Natsu steps in.

"It's okay, I got it, Luce."

Natsu cleans off the plate he was using and the rest of the dishes.

"Thank you, you didn't have to," Lucy smiles fondly, leaning against the counter.

"No problem," he grins brightly, cleaning off his hands when he's done. "C'mon, bud. Let's help mom get the stuff in the truck," he says, gather the gear bag and heading out to his truck.

"Okay!" Kade calls out, quick to grab his glove and run after Natsu.

Lucy locks up behind them after making sure Kade had all his things.

"Oh, let me just grab his seat from my car."

Natsu grasps her arm just when she was about to turn towards her car. "Wait! I have a surprise," he says excitedly, pulling open the back passenger door behind the passenger's seat.

Lucy's eyes widen a little when she realizes... it's a new car seat.

"I, uh, I figured since we've been hanging out more and we take the truck a lot, I should get one of my own. So you don't have to move yours around all the time when we go somewhere if… if that's okay?" Natsu reaches up to rub the back of his neck sheepishly.

"This… of course it's okay," Lucy breathes out, stepping closer to trail her fingers over the new seat. "It's so sweet and considerate of you, Natsu, really."

A strong swell of affection fills her heart as she turns to give his hand a squeeze before she could think about it too much.

"O-Of course," he beams. The flush on his cheeks definitely deepens this time, but he gives her hand a warm squeeze back that sends a tingle up her arm. "I was happy to do it."

They share a meaningful look before Kade runs over between them.

"Woah! Can I see too?"

Natsu chuckles, leaning over to pick him up and set him in the seat. "Look at that, perfect fit! 'Course I got red to match the awesome truck."

"Of course," Lucy chuckles.

"Look, Mom! My new favorite chair!" Kade exclaims happily as Natsu buckles him in.

"Hey, now. Our chair is still just as good," Lucy huffs, crossing her arms with a playful narrowed eye look at Natsu.

He laughs that full, warm laugh that makes her stomach flutter.

"Don't worry, Luce. Your stuff will always come first, but just not the best like mine."

"Yeah, yeah. Let's get going already," Lucy laughs and rolls her eyes at his teasing smirk.

She shoves his shoulder and he cackles as they all get into the truck and head off.

Kade keeps them entertained the whole way, listing off all the things he's excited about and to play with Noah and all his new friends.

Lucy smiles every time she catches Kade's bright, happy expression. It's everything he deserves.

Natsu makes them laugh when he sings along, very off tune, to some songs on the radio too and all too soon he pulls into a free spot in the lot by the baseball field at the complex.

There's several families and kids gathered by the bleachers, Igneel already laughing with some, animatedly with his hands that reminds Lucy so much of Natsu. They were definitely related, she chuckles to herself.

"The old man is early as always," Natsu grins fondly, shutting off the engine.

Lucy's gathering her things when Natsu opens her passenger door and holds out his hand for her.

"Ma'am," he says with a dramatic bow at the waist.

Lucy scoffs. "Ma'am who?" she grins, sliding her palm against his warm one anyway and it sends a tingle up her arm, but she tries not to put too much meaning into it.

"I dunno, sure you don't got any hidden gray hairs or anything?" he smirks, helping her from the truck.

"Quiet, you," Lucy laughs, ignoring his cackle as he goes to open Kade's door.

"Alright, ready?" He unbuckles Kade from his seat as the boy gives an excited cheer.

Natsu sets him down and gathers all their bags and leads the way toward the field.

"Noah!" Kade runs ahead of them as soon as he spots his friend by the bleachers with Claire who waves over to Lucy.

Lucy chuckles and shakes her head, giving her a waves back, watching the boys hug excitedly. "That boy and his endless energy."

"I think that's true for all these kids today," Natsu laughs.

"Hey, you two!"

Lucy looks over to see Igneel walking over once they get closer with a wide smile.

"Hey, Dad," Natsu grins, stepping into Igneel's hug.

"I had to keep your people entertained since you're late, but now I see why." He sends a teasing smile towards Lucy that makes her neck flush.

"Shut up," Natsu murmurs, scratching his cheek before moving to set the bags down. "Don't listen to this guy, Luce," he smiles sheepishly.

Igneel only laughs louder.

"Hey there, kiddo!" Igneel greets happily, pulling Kade into his side for a hug. "Ready to have some fun with Natsu and everyone?"

"Can't wait!" Kade jumps up eagerly. "Gonna hit the ball far!"

Igneel chuckles, patting the boy's back. "You sure are!"

"Hey, coach!"

A couple of the other younger boys ran up to them, pulling on Natsu's arms for his attention.

"Is it time yet?" One of them whines dramatically.

Natsu sighs, shaking his head, but his eyes are fond as he looks down at them before looking back over at her.

"You can get comfy on the bleachers, Luce. Gotta get all these rascals ready with no help from this old man," he grins with a huff.

"Hey, I'm the one who's the star here," Igneel teases. Natsu just waves him off.

Lucy nods and laughs at their familial banter and after giving Kade a good luck hug, goes to find a seat a couple benches up, setting her bag down.

She takes in the view around her. It's a warm, bright day and lots of families are out enjoying the park and in the bleachers surrounding her and it makes her smile.

Lucy watches Natsu gather the kids around once all of them are accounted for and he's explaining something while animating dramatically with his hands and soon they all cheer.

Kade turns and catches Lucy's eye from where she's at in the stands, sending her a bright smile and wave. She waves back and her heart swells with affection seeing Kade so happy.

All the kids also all look so cute in their uniforms, she has to take some pictures after.

Natsu and the coach from the other team make some announcements and then the game is underway.

"Morning, Lucy!"

Lucy smiles when she sees Claire make her way over to sit beside her on the bench.

"Hi, Claire! Always good to see you guys."

"You too. I can take a guess that Kade was just as excited as Noah has been all week?" Claire grins, looking over ahead at their boys in the bullpen chatting animatedly.

"Don't even get me started," Lucy laughs with a shake of her head. "But as long as they're happy that's what matters."

"Yes, absolutely! Noah's loved getting to play with his "bestest friend" more," Claire chuckles.

"I'm glad, Kade loves it too. Hopefully they burn off more energy now."

They share a laugh at that. "Natsu's a great coach too. Always makes sure they have fun more than anything," Claire says before cheering for Noah who was stepping up next.

Lucy smiles softly, admiring the way Natsu easily directs the boy's movements. She can see the care he has even from here.

After a couple more kids, Kade comes up to the plate next, shifting and gripping his bat a little nervously.

Lucy cheers some words of encouragement and Natsu's right there with a steady hand on his back and a pat to his head over his helmet, directing him how to hold the bat.

Kade laughs at something Natsu says and grins brighter. It warms Lucy's heart to see the trust that has already started to build between them.

Natsu sets the ball on the tee and the boy manages to get a decent hit on it after a few tries.

Lucy cheers, along with Natsu and everyone as the boy runs to first base and jumps on the plate excitedly, luckily capturing the moments on her phone.

Kade eagerly looks over to find her in the stands and jumps up and waves at her. Natsu looks over too and gives her a toothy smile over his shoulder and a thumbs up.

Lucy gives them an equally happy smile back, her heart feeling light and warm.

Claire leaves for some snacks after a while and Lucy sees Igneel walking over.

"Hey! Your boy is a natural out there, Lucy," he grins wide, sitting down beside her.

"Thank you," Lucy laughs. "They all look like they're having more fun than in practice."

"He's having loads of fun. Natsu always does too, as much as he likes to say it's a hassle," he chuckles. "I've actually noticed he's been enjoying himself more lately. Happier. I think you and Kade have a lot to do with that," Igneel says warmly with a fond smile.

Lucy feels the warmth on her neck return quickly. "I-I don't know if I've done anything to..."

"Not consciously I'm sure, but I can tell how much you both care about each other, friendship... or otherwise, and it's been a long time since Natsu's let himself be genuinely happy like this," Igneel sighs, expression shifting into something Lucy can't quite place as he looks ahead over at Natsu. "Pieces of his old self are coming back and that makes me happy."

Lucy senses a deeper history behind Igneel's words, but she doesn't press for more. Natsu could tell her in his own time, but to think he'd been pushing away the bright person she's come to know hurts her heart.

"He...He makes us happier too," Lucy smiles softly, glancing over at Natsu to see him laughing loudly.

"I'm glad. You all deserve the best," Igneel grins warmly. Lucy gives him a grateful smile and they watch the game for a moment before Igneel says, "While he's not here with us, I also got some good childhood stories if you wanna know," he grins playfully.

Lucy laughs brightly. "Maybe he should be here for that so I can see his reaction."

"I knew I liked you for a reason, Lucy," Igneel laughs fully with a couple pats to her shoulder.

Claire returns with the snacks and she and Igneel already know each other from when Noah started tee-ball last year, and they all happily enjoy the rest of the game.

Then soon enough, the kids are grabbing their things from the bullpen and are making their way back to their families.

Kade rushes over straight to Lucy, who wraps him in a tight hug.

"Did you see how many times I hit the ball, Mom!" Kade exclaims brightly.

"I did! So proud of you, sweetheart. You were even better than in practice!" Lucy leans down to his level to place a kiss to the boy's cheek that makes him giggle.

"I did a pretty good job too right?"

Lucy looks over and laughs at Natsu pouting beside her, that's breaking with the smile curling his lips.

"Yes, Natsu. You were the best coach ever," Lucy teases with a playful nudge to his shoulder.

"Thank you, thank you. Glad to be of service," he smirks.

"Good game, Kade!" Igneel gives Kade a high five.

"Yeah, you were awesome, bud! I told ya all our practice would pay off," Natsu grins, hugging Kade to his side, and the boy smiles brightly. "So, we usually go out for lunch after games, do you guys wanna join us today, Lucy?" he asks. "Can celebrate the start of the season?"

His eyes are hopeful and bright, and she knows she can't say no to them.

"Sure, that sounds good," Lucy says, and Kade agrees with a happy cheer too that makes them laugh. "Oh, wait! Let me get a photo of you all before we go."

Natsu chuckles. "Sure, come on, bud. Say cheese!" He wraps an arm around Kade's shoulders, and Igneel follows next to Natsu.

Her heart feels so full when she captures it.

"So, meet you there, Dad?"

"It's okay, you kids enjoy," Igneel waves off. "I gotta take care of some things at home for your mom, but you all should come over for dinner one day. It's been too long." He gives Natsu's shoulder a strong squeeze.

"Yeah, absolutely. See you soon." Natsu turns to give the taller man a hug.

Igneel smiles and gives Lucy and Kade hugs goodbye too.

They load up back in the truck and end up at a local pizza shop. The atmosphere is cozy and the food looks even better, with slices as big as the plate.

Natsu orders a whole one for them, and of course he and Kade inhaled most of it, but it was really good and they finish up their lunch with bright smiles and laughs.

They walk around town for a bit after, and it's already early evening by the time they get back to the house.

Natsu helps put the gear away in the washroom as Lucy gets Kade cleaned up and ready for bed since he was already nodding off during the ride home.

She changes into some of her own comfy clothes before heading back out to the living room.

"I knew it. He's already out like a light, thankfully," Lucy chuckles. "Thanks for helping clean up."

Natsu stands from the dining table. "Yeah, of course! I put the leftovers in the fridge, unless you wanna finish them off now," he grins.

"Ugh, no. I'm all stuffed for the day," she waves off, making him chuckle as he steps closer. "You sure you don't want to take them home?"

"Nah, it's okay. I'll be back there soon enough, don't worry."

They share a light laugh, and a content quiet moment follows. Lucy realizes the day is coming to an end and she doesn't really want it to, if she's being honest with herself.

"It's still a little early, did you want to watch a movie or something?" she finds herself asking, fingers fidgeting with the selves of her sweater.

"Oh, are you sure? It's okay if you want to relax on your own?"

The kind, consideration in his expression is so cute, and she smiles warmly.

"Of course, I'm sure. It's Sunday tomorrow anyway, so don't have to be up early either."

"True, I don't either," he grins. "Sounds good."

Lucy settles on her usual spot on the couch, turning on the tv. "I think there's popcorn in the cuboard if you want, since I'm sure you'll probably be hungry again soon," she grins knowingly.

"How did you guess, Luce," he laughs, helping himself to one of the packets in the cupboard.

"Hm, a lucky guess."

They settle on something funny as Natsu's almost finished with the bowl of popcorn already. Lucy has a couple handfuls, but is content to let him finish it, smiling to herself at how comfortable he seems.

Whenever Lucy laughs at the ridiculous parts of the movie and turns to see Natsu's reaction, she finds that he's already looking at her with a soft smile and something she can't really place in his eyes.

It makes her cheeks feel warm, but the movie continues, with their laughs as they point out more lame things in the movie and Lucy finds herself feeling so comfortable and at home with him here too.

All too soon, the credits start rolling and Lucy sighs, stretching her arms above her head with a yawn.

Natsu stands and stretches too, and Lucy can't help but admire the toned lines of his arms... just a little.

"Guess it's that time now," Natsu sighs, moving to slip on his jacket.

Lucy hums, following him towards the dining table where he set his things.

"Thanks for everything today, Natsu. Loved getting to see Kade have that much fun. And you trying to keep up with them," Lucy says with a teasing smile.

"Ha-ha, very funny." He sticks out his tongue at her, and she laughs a bit brighter.

A quiet moment passes and he looks at her with that something more again, but then he blinks and smiles softly.

"Thanks for today too. Always happy to happy to hang out with you... both of you." Natsu hesitates for a moment before stepping closer and pulling her in for a hug. "Night, Luce. Sleep well and see you soon."

Lucy hugs him back tightly, taking in the warmth and comfort of his embrace for a bit longer than she probably should have.

"Goodnight, Natsu. Drive safe. Maybe next time we can check out another one of the restaurants you rave about," Lucy grins when they pull back.

"Yeah! You know I'm always up for that." He gives her one more of those wide, toothy grins before heading out to his truck.

Lucy walks him back out and waves him off with a smile as drives off.

The light feeling in her heart from the whole day lingers on for the rest of the night.

Lucy's having lunch with Levy at work when Monday comes around and they talk about their weekends.

She tells Levy all about Natsu picking them up for the game, how he got his own car seat for Kade, how good Natsu is with him and the kids, and everything in between.

"So, you really like Natsu don't you?" Levy rests her head on her palm on the table, giving Lucy a knowing smile.

Lucy almost swallows her water the wrong way, neck instantly flushing. "Levy."

"What? The whole time you were telling me about your weekend, your face lit up almost as bright as when we work on a good story," she giggles.

Lucy feels the warmth on her neck traveling up steadily. She runs a hand through her hair with a sigh.

She thinks back to the strong feeling in her chest during Kade's game as she watched them and everything that's been building up since they met… maybe it wouldn't hurt to talk some of these feelings out.

"I don't- He's… Natsu's an amazing guy," Lucy starts. "He cares so much about both of us. He's kind, generous, and can make me laugh so hard," she grins. "Kade adores him so much already, and I- there's times when I feel… there's something more, but what if it's all in my head? I don't know what I feel sometimes," she sighs, fingers fidgeting with the label on her water bottle.

"I know how hard it is to figure out your heart and mess of feelings," Levy says softly, reaching over to place a reassuring hand over Lucy's. "But I also know that in these past couple months, you've both looked so happy whenever you're together. So, I think it could really be worth figuring out what those feelings are."

Lucy takes a steadying breath, feeling a little more grounded getting that little bit off her chest, and she gives Levy a grateful smile.

"Thanks for listening. I haven't really had much experience with all this…" Lucy chuckles lightly.

"Of course! I'm always here for you. That's what friends are for," Levy grins brightly.

The next day, after the house is settled and Kade is asleep for the night, Lucy's curled up on the couch in the living room, browsing through her phone as she caught up on some tv to unwind from the day.

She comes across the photos she took at Kade's game, landing on the one of Natsu, Igneel, and Kade. That familiar flutter of warmth in her chest returns as she admires Natsu's arm secured around Kade.

Levy's words had been on her mind since they talked and she'd really been trying to sort through all the mess of thoughts in her head. That mostly consisted of Natsu.

He'd quickly become such a big part of their lives since they got here, and she's been so grateful for all the ways he's been so kind and generous, especially with Kade. The thought made her heart swell.

That, along with those deep forest green eyes she has found herself getting a little lost in sometimes, the way his full lips would curl into that bright smile did things to her. The thought makes her mind drift back to what seemed like an almost kiss the other day at the park when he leaned in a little closer than usual and had been glancing at her lips?

How had she almost forgotten? Her neck instantly flushes at that, running her hand through her hair. Maybe it wasn't what he was trying to do, but they had a moment and she'd felt herself lean in a bit too, her heart picking up, and there had been a bit of disappointment she felt when Kade had conveniently interrupted.

Though, why should she feel disappointed? She shouldn't even be worried about things like that right now with everything going on. Maybe she was just overthinking and remembering things differently than they really happened, right?

Then again… that faint ache of longing for something more has been making it's way into her heart more often than not lately she realizes. As much as she's tried not to think about it.

But did she really feel something deeper, something more?

She hadn't even really thought about anything past friendship with anyone since Kade came into her life. But Natsu felt so different. In all the best ways. Nothing like the people from her past.

So many haven't even given her a second glance once they find out she's a young mother, and he's made her feel so special and genuinely cares about her as her own person. Not to mention, him buying his own car seat for Kade in his truck? The thought still makes her heart swell with affection.

A vibration from her phone distracts her and it's a text from the very guy on her mind.

Hey, Luce! Check out this little guy we saved today!

There's an image attached of Natsu holding a small calico colored tabby kitten in his arms and if that isn't the cutest thing ever.

Lucy smiles as the warmth in her heart grows. She takes in his toothy smile, messy ruffled hair, the firm line in his jaw and obvious strength in his arms with the way his station shirt is hugging him just right, and his kind heart shines through in those warm forest green eyes… and the answer to her own question finally dawns on her and she realizes she can't really deny it anymore.

Oh .

She really may have a bit of a crush on him after all.

Lucy looks at the photo again for a bit longer than she should have and sighs.

Ok. It may be more than a bit, she thinks as she saves the photo to her phone.

Thanks for reading! Ah, we got a bit of feeling realizations!

Of course you have a crush on the hot firefighter coach, Lucy, c'mon ;)

With maybe a hint of Natsu catching onto his feelings soon too? Hmm!