Hey guys! It's been a few years since I last posted here, but I promise I'm committed to finishing this new mini-series. It's a slow burn, so I hope you're ready to go for a ride! I already have multiple chapters in the works, so without further ado, I hope you enjoy the first of many chapters to come!

A brisk wind filled the air as the train doors opened. Lucy gently patted Natsu's back, signaling it was time to get up. He had spent most of the trip with his head resting in her lap—a common occurrence, as any form of transportation induced his motion sickness. She had grown accustomed, however, to his Dragon Slayer quirks. Slowly, Natsu's eyes fluttered open. He nuzzled deeper into her soft thighs, his stomach still in knots, reluctant to move.

"Natsu, we're home," she said softly.

Gray stood up and kicked Natsu's feet out of the way so he could get into the aisle to leave. "Come on, flame brain. Time to go, or you'll be taking a trip back."

Natsu did not want to take another trip on the train—not that Lucy would leave him there.

"Aye!" Happy agreed and swiftly flew up from his seat, accidentally knocking Natsu's bag from the overhead storage. The bag caused a loud thump as it hit the ground in front of Lucy.

"Oi!" Lucy snapped, shooting daggers at Happy. "Be careful where you're flying, cat!"

"Oops, sorry," Happy apologized nervously and dashed out the door behind Gray.

Natsu grabbed his bag with one arm, groaning as he finally lifted his head from Lucy's lap. He stood slowly, still queasy, and made his way down the aisle, Lucy following close behind.

Upon disembarking the train, Lucy hopped onto the platform and raised her arms in a satisfying stretch. Instantly, she felt goosebumps from the frigid weather outside. It felt good to be home, though she wished she had brought something warmer to wear. She swore it wasn't this cold when they had left for their mission. Of course, the boys didn't notice a thing. Gray thrived in this weather; meanwhile, Natsu was like a furnace that never went cold. And Happy? Well, he had fur.

"Let's go to the guild!" Happy exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. They were eager to reunite with their guildmates, but it was clear Happy was especially excited to see Carla. The three exchanged knowing glances. His little crush was so incredibly evident they found it amusing. Lucy couldn't help but think, 'He's quite adorable,' stifling a chuckle.

"Actually, I was hoping to head home quickly," Lucy replied. They had made good time, and it was still early afternoon, but she was freezing and could really use a hot bath.

"What'd ya need to go home for?" Natsu asked, glancing back at her as he walked, his hands behind his head.

"Just to grab a sweater. I know you two haven't noticed, but it's freezing!" Her arms were crossed in front of her, each hand holding the other arm tight as she shivered. She wore a low-rise black skirt that rested just below her hips, barely covering her upper thighs, paired with black stockings. Her blue and white bandeau top, accompanied by a matching cropped jacket and frilly arm warmers to complete her ensemble. Despite the revealing attire, it was her typical style, and the spare clothes she managed to stuff into Natsu's backpack were just as skimpy.

Without hesitation, Gray removed his jacket and offered it to her. "Here," he said simply.

Lucy thanked him and quickly donned his jacket. She would have preferred Natsu's, had he been wearing one that day, but was pleasantly surprised to find Gray's jacket warm despite his typically cold demeanor. The boys were too good to her.

"Can't let a lady go cold," Gray smiled down at her.

Natsu made an audible "tch," just loud enough for them to hear, before turning his head away with a slight jerk. His jaw tightened, fingers curling tighter in his hair, whitening his knuckles.

Lucy adjusted Gray's jacket on her shoulders as an uneasy silence fell upon them.

They walked through the streets together, the cool air nipping at Lucy's face as they made their way through town. Gray drew closer to Lucy, leaning down as he lightly tugged at the fold of his jacket she now wore over her frame.

"Try not to get too attached," he teased, smirking down at her.

Lucy scoffed, rolling her eyes but hugging the warmth of the jacket a little closer. "No promises," she shot back playfully.

Natsu let out a sharp exhale, his gaze fixed ahead.

As they reached the center of town, Gray finally broke off, stretching his arms behind his head. "See you guys later," he said, flashing Lucy a lazy grin before heading toward the guild hall.

The remaining three continued on, making their way to Lucy's apartment.

"You know you don't have to wait for me," Lucy said as she opened the building door.

Natsu grabbed the door to hold it open for her as she walked in.

"It's no big deal," he said. "Honestly, I was hoping maybe you'd have time to make me a snack before we went to the guild anyway." He smiled sheepishly, scratching his head and emitting a soft chuckle. Plus, any excuse to spend time in Lucy's presence was fine by him. There was something about Lucy that felt inexplicably comforting to Natsu, as if her presence resonated with a warmth from his childhood that he just couldn't quite place.

A growl rumbled behind them as they stepped inside. Lucy and Natsu's head snapped back to see Happy with a sad expression on his face "Aye. I'm hungry too, Natsu"

She let out a loud sigh. "Okay! Fine! We'll eat first," she exclaimed, a slight ring of annoyance behind her voice. Of course, they were hungry. They were always hungry.

"Yay! Lucy! Thank you!" the little blue cat cheered.

"Yeah, yeah," she replied with a small smile, shaking her head as they made their way up the stairs to her apartment.

When they reached her door she was surprised to find a little note tacked to it. "What is this?" She ripped it off to examine further.

Natsu chuckled behind her. "Forgot to pay your rent this month, Luce?" He leaned over her shoulder, curious to see what was written.

She groaned loudly, throwing her hands up in frustration before shoving the note toward Natsu. "The heat is out until they get a new lacrima on Thursday," she grumbled, digging out her keys. They jingled as she worked them into the lock, rattling it before the door finally gave way.

Natsu looked the note over. "Damn."

As soon as Lucy stepped inside, a stale frigidity wrapped around her. The apartment was freezing. Luckily, Gray had left her with his jacket—for now.

"Guess there's no taking a bath here tonight," Lucy mumbled.

"And no dinner?!" The cat cried.

"No, Happy, no dinner here tonight," Natsu said, patting the Exceed's head. "It's okay Lucy, we'll figure it out. Come on."

Tilting his head to the side, he gestured for her to leave. His hand rested on the door handle still, holding it open for her.

"Let's eat at the guild tonight."

Lucy glanced up at him, her frustration softening. He wasn't fazed by her dilemma, and Lucy couldn't help but feel reassured by his unwavering resolve. A small, appreciative smile tugged at her lips.

"Okay! Just let me pack a few things real quick," she said, grabbing a small crossbody bag from her desk chair. She stuffed her journal inside before yanking open a dresser drawer, rummaging for fresh underwear, pajamas, and a warm sweater. Luckily, she already had some travel essentials stashed in Natsu's bag, so she didn't need much.

Slinging the bag over her shoulder, she hurried back toward the boys, locking the door behind her as she left.