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Chapter Text

Day One: Baking 

Hair tied back, apron perfectly starched and hands on his hips, Natsu stood in the middle of Lucy's kitchen ready for another adventure. Except this one didn't involve magic and fighting or villainous dark guilds and monsters who got a little too frisky with his partner or were a little too annoying.

This adventure involved pans and mixers and flour up to his elbows.

He eyed the recipe, reading slowly.

Alright.

He would start on the batter first. 

Natsu had barely touched the first ingredient — the pack of flour — when a patter of little footsteps met his ears. 

"Mornin' Natsu."

"Hey, buddy."

Happy settled beside him on the counter. Curious brown eyes darting between all the utensils and ingredients. 

"What's all this?"

The Dragon Slayer emptied the flour into the sifter and began to shake it. "It's Lucy's birthday. I wanna bake her a cake."

Happy paused momentarily, obvious surprise in his eyes. 

Natsu didn't like that reaction. "What?" 

The Exceed shrugged. "I'm just shocked. You normally forget and make her sad."

Natsu scoffed, offended. "That was ages ago. Of course I won't forget every time. Besides, don't act like you haven't forgotten before either!"

Happy lifted his paws placatingly. "Hey, I'm just stating what I've seen." His paws dropped to his side as he peeked into the bowl. "What kind of cake?"

"Strawberry? She likes those right?"

The Exceed made a soft noise. "Okay, but weren't you supposed to make the strawberry bit first?"

Natsu stopped where he had been about to add sugar to the bowl. "What?"

Happy pointed to the recipe. "Right here. It says puree strawberries."

The Dragon Slayer snatched the paper, his eyes darting over the words then nearly cracked his neck as his head dropped back, a frustrated groan leaving him. How had he already managed to mess up and skip an entire step?

"Okay, we'll just put this aside and work on the puree. No big deal."

He and his cat spent the next four hours attempting to bake one little cake. Natsu sliced the tip of his finger while trying to cut the leaves off the strawberries before throwing it into the food processor. He swore loudly, dripping blood everywhere and desperately attempting not to get any on the food while Happy helpfully cleaned the mess and offered him a bandage.

The puree burnt twice before he got it somewhat right, which was good because he had run out of strawberries and uninjured fingers. 

The first time he dipped the cake mixer into the flour and turned it on, he somehow managed to cover the entire counter, himself and the Exceed in flour, butter and oil. 

He fought with Happy over the recipe, the temperatures, the baking times. The kitchen was a mess. His mind was a muddled battlefield. 

No, he decided. This was not for him. Baking wasn't for the weak and it certainly wasn't for a fire breathing dragon slayer and his talking cat. This was worse than having his bones broken in a fight or running empty on magic. This was quite literal torture.

He almost gave up. Muttered and swore and even shed a couple tears trying to get the damn cake right. How was he to know that baking a cake took so much work? Literal blood,  sweat and tears? But he was doing this for her. For Lucy. Because she was everything to him and he would be damned if he couldn't even make her one of her favourite desserts on her birthday of all days.

But he couldn't lie. He had definitely gained a new appreciation for all the chefs and bakers out there. Hell. He even saw Lucy in a new light as well. She went through this almost everyday. Making breakfast and dinner for his and Happy's ungrateful asses. 

He had to remember to thank her for that too.

With a sigh of utter relief, Natsu and Happy dropped themselves unto the couch, sinking into the soft cushions, exhausted from their escapade.

"Lucy will be home soon," Happy mumbled.

Natsu nodded. "Yeah."

"Should we clean up? I don't think she'll appreciate coming home to this today," Happy gestured to the absolute mess they'd made of her kitchen. All for one stupid cake.

Groaning, Natsu mentally prepared himself before pushing to his feet. "Fine. Let's do this."

______

Lucy walked in the door as Natsu and Happy were still wiping down the counter, the last thing they had to do before the kitchen was sparkly clean again.

"I'm home," she sounded cheerier than usual, a warmth in her voice that had his movements stuttering as she walked around the corner into sight.

"Welcome home," Natsu and Happy replied in unison. "What did you do today?"

Lucy kicked off her sandals. "Spent the day with the girls. They took me to some fancy restaurant—" Bright chocolate eyes landed on them and the Stellar Mage came to an abrupt halt, looking scandalized. "What the heck happened here?"

Panicked, Natsu glanced around, thinking that there must've been some part of the kitchen he had forgotten to clean. But no. Everything was as clean and tidy as it had ever been. A lick of pride actually ran through him at the sight of his handiwork. But then it took him a moment to remember that he and Happy must've looked like they were hit by a flour tornado.

"Oh," he chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "We baked a cake."

Lucy nodded slowly, her gaze lingering on his hair then moving down his body before darting away to the counter then back to his eyes in surprise as if his words had only just registered. "You baked?"

He and Happy bounced over to where the cake had been cooling on the counter. "Come see."

She cautiously approached, her familiar scent just as sweet as the cake he baked filling his nose as she stood beside him, eyeing his cake with wide eyes.

"You baked," she repeated, not a question this time.

"I helped," Happy quickly chimed in.

"Happy birthday." Natsu spoke softly.

Her gaze lifted to his, something akin to awe in her eyes. "You remembered?" He nodded. "And you baked me a cake, even though you hate cooking?" Another nod and Natsu's heart sped up as Lucy's eyes immediately watered, tears threatening to fall over. Always so damn emotional.

"Please don't cry," he instantly reached up to wipe her tears then stopped, remembering his hand was still dirty from cleaning. "It was nothing, really. I swear."

She sniffled, her cheeks reddening. "I can't believe you guys did this. Thank you." And despite their ridiculously filthy state, she pulled both of them in for a hug, her warmth enveloping them so deliciously that Natsu's breath hitched. "I love you both so much," she sobbed. 

His grip on her instantly tightened, pulling her closer, the Exceed caught between their bodies but that didn't stop him from nuzzling against her shoulder and breathing her in.

"We love you too," he sighed softly. Felt the way she stiffened slightly, her breath catching as his did before she quickly pulled back, a shy almost awkward smile curving her lips. She hastily wiped away her tears.

"Right. Um..." her gaze lowered to the cake on the counter. "It looks...good. Can I taste it?"

"Wait!" Natsu stopped her before she could touch it. He turned, rummaging through the drawers before finding what he was looking for. Returning to her, he stuck one measly rainbow colored candle on the cake and flicked the lighter. "Make a wish."

Lucy's eyes dropped closed, her fingers laced in front her chest, an amused crooked smile hooking her lips. Barely three seconds passed before she leaned down and blew out the candle.

"What'd you wish for?" Happy asked curiously.

Her gaze flicked to Natsu before darting away. "If I tell you then it won't come true."

The exceed's eyebrows furrowed. "That doesn't sound right."

She shrugged. "Well, that's how it works."

Natsu listened to her and the cat argue while he meticulously cut a slice of cake and plated it before turning to her. "Here," he handed her the plate. His breath automatically held as she bypassed using a fork, obviously having spent way too much time with him and subconsciously picked up his eating habits. She took a small bite and chewed. Her eyebrows shot upward.

"How is it?" He was practically leaning forward in anticipation, his nerves fluttering incessantly, the lump in his throat difficult to swallow. It was okay if she hated it, this was his first time baking after all. But in truth, he really wanted her to love it.

"It's actually...not bad," she commented then took another bite and the relief that flooded him was so sweet he almost toppled over.

"Really?"

"Absolutely! Here, taste it," Lucy held out the slice for him, her cheeks colouring that pretty pink when her leaned in and took a bite out of her hand instead of taking the cake from her. He chewed thoughtfully, examining the flavour. In truth, he couldn't really tell. As long as it wasn't poison, everything tasted good to him so all that mattered was that Lucy liked it. "See?"

He just shrugged.

"Me too. I want to taste it!" Happy opened his mouth for her to feed him a bite too and Natsu watched, his head empty and his heart full as his two favourite team members enjoyed something that he'd worked so hard on.

He couldn't wait for his birthday to roll around. Maybe Lucy would bake him a cake too. And maybe...maybe he would finally gain the courage to tell her how he felt about her.

Or maybe that was just wishful thinking.

Chapter Text

Day Two: Cozy Mornings 

Golden light spilled between the drapes and across the floors and walls, brightening the room significantly and bringing with it the sound of merrily chirping birds.

Natsu shifted in bed, eyes opening then shutting immediately against the light. Too bright. Too early. Yet despite his efforts, his mind would not relax enough to allow him to sink back into the sleep he so desperately craved. And with a sigh, he gave in, sitting up and abandoning the idea altogether.

The woman beside him shifted at his movement, a soft noise leaving her as she snuggled against his side, her silky golden hair fanning the pillow beneath her head, pale eyelashes fluttering against her cheeks in her sleep. But she wouldn't wake. Not for another hour at least. Yet even in the depths of slumber her delicately smaller fingers automatically searched for him, a frown tugging at plump pink lips when her hand failed to link with his.

Heart thumping loudly at the sight of pure, angellic heaven beside him, Natsu wrapped his large tanned hand around her fair one, his fingers squeezing gently. He remained there, until that frown smoothed out and her breaths evened themselves out again. And only once she was sleeping peacefully once more did he slowly remove his hand from hers.

Brushing aside her bangs, he leaned down and placed a delicate kiss on her forehead, his fingers sliding down and lingering against her cheek. His body moved down, his mouth automatically dropping a kiss against her shoulder then right against the swell of her belly with a mumbled 'I'll be right back, don't worry' to the second heartbeat within.

Finally, he allowed himself to rise off the bed and make his way out of the room, his body instantly heating up to ward off the chilly morning air. He lightened his footsteps as he passed Happy's room, not wanting to wake the Exceed as he made his way to the kitchen.

As had become a habit of the past seven months, the Dragon Slayer made himself a cup of coffee first. No cream. Just a sinful amount of sugar that he would surely be scolded for had his wife been awake. A content sigh left him as he took that first delicious sip, the scalding liquid sliding down his throat and warming him even more. Then he got to work gathering bowls and a pan and a few ingredients to prepare breakfast.

As he cracked another egg in a bowl, he couldn't help but quietly chuckle to himself. So much had changed. He remembered there was a time when he wouldn't be caught dead in a kitchen unless it was to raid Lucy's cabinets for snacks or pester her as she cooked. Now he was the one cooking their breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the past, he wouldn't wake with the rising of the sun either, always prefering to sleep in until the day had been bright for at least a couple hours. Now he had a hard time falling back asleep because he knew there was always something that needed to be done. Something he didn't want Lucy attempting to do herself.

Not right now. Not since that moment her scent changed seven months ago and it became clear to their little family that three would become four.

The moment he realized he had to change things. Things about himself that he never would've given a second thought to just a few years earlier.

"Natsu?"

The knife paused its movement where he was dutifully chopping chives when Lucy's soft, musical voice reached his ears. The utensil dropped from his hand as he turned, finding her waddling through the doorway, making her way to him.

He groaned disapprovingly. "Luce. Why did you come out?" Quickly, he made his way to her, grabbing her hand to steady her, the other settling against the small of her back. He turned her around, guiding her back into the living room.

"'S cold," she mumbled quietly, her voice still rough with sleep. "You were gone."

"I was coming back. Where are your slippers? You should've called me from the room." He helped her sit down on the couch, fluffing the cushion behind her while she frowned up at him.

"I'm completely capable of walking around the house by myself, Natsu."

He tsked. "Without your slippers on this cold floor? You could have gotten a stroke. And what if you'd tripped and fallen without me there to help you?"

She gave him a deadpan stare. "I'm pregnant, not handicapped. I haven't forgotten how to walk just because my belly is larger now."

"But you-"

"Natsu," she snapped sharply. making him swallow down the rest of his words. Her eyes softened when she saw the way he clenched his fists. "Hey," gently, she held his hand, intertwining their fingers. "I know you just want me to be safe. You want us to be safe," her hand settled on her belly.  "But worrying like this over every little thing isn't going to help either of us. I'm fine. I promise. I can still help you do things. You don't have to take on everything yourself all the time."

A soft exhale left him, "You're growing a whole person inside you, Luce. I don't want you to have to do anything else."

She smiled, soft. Fond. "I love that you see it that way. And don't think I don't appreciate everything you're doing for us. But I need you to trust me to be able to stand on my own as well."

He nodded. "I know you're strong."

"I am. Being pregnant doesn't change that."

His lips pursed as he met her large chocolate eyes, shining with love and devotion. His heart warmed at the sight. He still couldn't believe that she was really his. That they'd gotten this far. 

The last of his anxiety left him with another long breath and he allowed his lips to hook into a little teasing smirk.

"Does that mean you want to go make your hot chocolate yourself today?"

Lucy blinked up at him innocently. "Why would I deprive myself of your greatest work of art?"

He chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Work of art. Of course. Wait here." Shaking his head, he made his way back to the kitchen. In the years of being around all manner of looks, personalities and power, Natsu came to the conclusion that he wouldn't understand women no matter how hard he tried.

He returned to Lucy a few minutes later with a  blanket and cup of her favourite morning drink in her favourite mug that read 'Mrs. Always Right' in bright pink letters. 

"For you, my Lady."

She accepted the cup with an amused tip of her head. "Why, thank you, good sir."

While she sipped from the mug, moaning in a way that instantly heated his blood, Natsu draped the blanket over her legs and carefully placed himself behind her, his thighs bracketing her hips. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her against him, her back to his chest, her hair tickling his cheek as his chin rest on her shoulder.

"Good?" He breathed.

"Delicious as always."

He made a soft noise, his eyes dropping closed as his nose traced her skin and he breathed in her familiar scent. Lucy hummed approvingly, snuggling back against. Warm. Cozy in the chilly morning air. But it didn’t penetrate their little bubble. Not as long as he could help it.

"Thank you, Natsu," Lucy said quietly.

His head tilted, eyes remaining closed. "For what?"

"Everything."

His heart squeezed in his chest, his arms tightening as much as he dared. He wanted to tell her she didn’t need to thank him. He would walk through hell and back for her again and again if he had to. But he forced himself to accept her gratitude for what it was. 

Planting another soft kiss against her shoulder, he murmured. "You're welcome, Luce."

Chapter Text

Day Three: Vacation

Lucy tapped her fingers impatiently against the counter, her eyes dropping closed as she pulled in a controlled breath. Around her, voices escalated, filling the room. The deep, rising voices of Natsu and Gray arguing over the rooms they had been assigned to sleep in. A soft, almost timid tone of Wendy as she questioned the desk clerk about extra rooms. And, in the background, Erza getting sidetracked from dealing with the boys to argue with Juvia who wanted to room with her darling Gray.

"We're all adults! We don't need to split up according to gender anymore! Why are you separating Juvia from her beloved?!"

"Because it's inappropriate—"

"Bring it on, Flamebrain!"

"I'll fight you as soon as you put some damn clothes on!"

"Please, sir. Are you sure there are no more rooms available? As you can see..."

Lucy's eye twitched at the racket. Honestly. Her team couldn't even vacation right. This was supposed to be a nice, relaxing three day rest after a grueling S-Class quest. She had been beyond excited when Erza announced that the team would be spending their downtime at a hot spring resort and spa. Gods. How she had been longing for a spa day for months. She couldn't wait to soak in those hot springs and sink into those angel soft beds at the day. The team deserved it after all.

Except...

Well, except that this was Team Natsu and, as usual, they couldn't even make it past reception. 

The racket rose to near deafening decibels and Lucy finally couldn't stand it anymore. Slamming her hands down on the front desk, the thump echoed through the hall, momentarily stunning her teammates into silence.

"That's enough!" She snatched the keys from Natsu who had been childishly running around the whole damn hall with them while being chased by an almost completely stripped Gray. "If all of you don't stop acting like a bunch of ummature idiots I swear to the gods I'll take these keys and drop them in the river and you all can sleep on the ground outside! I've had enough out of all of you!" Stunned silence followed her threat, no one dare making a move to interrupt. Breathing harshly, she dropped a key in Juvia's hand. "You're with Gray. Ezra, you, Wendy and Charle can share a room. Natsu, Happy, you guys are with me!"

Erza blinked, clearly taken aback. "But Lucy, we should room according—"

In a temporary bout of insanity and adrenaline rushing through her veins, Lucy turned her hot glare unto the red head woman, effectively cutting off any protests as Erza's eyebrows lifted in surprise. Turning away. Lucy grabbed Natsu's hand where he was standing beside her, open mouthed. Maybe even a little impressed.

"Let's go," she snapped, dragging him down the hallway.

"Lucy's scary," Happy's mutter followed them to the stairs. Lucy marched up the steps, two at a time, the stomp of her footsteps echoing. She didn't look back to see if the others were following.

It was only when she was halfway to her room did she realize that she had just ordered Erza around like a dog and would surely be punished later. Not to mention, she'd outright chosen to room with Natsu in front of everyone. Which meant she had to prepare herself for the endless teasing she had just brought upon herself. And the gossip that she would surely return home to in a few days. Somehow gossip in Fairy Tail spread faster than a raging wildfire, especially a juicy topic like her and Natsu's forever unchanging situationship.

Were they together? 

Were they not?

Honestly, she had no clue. Sometimes it seemed like they were, whenever he did really sweet things like buying her surprise meals, books to read, taking her out randomly and sleeping in her bed like he owned it. He was always at her house, practically living there now. They were rarely apart these days and sometimes when he looked at her Lucy would swear that she would catch a glimpse of something that made her breath catch each time. They always seemed like they were teetering on the edge of something more.

But then when neither of them pushed the boundaries any further than they were both comfortable with, she would wonder if she was just imagining it all. The softening of his voice and gaze, the touches that sometimes lingered a second or two too long, the way his arm tightened around her on a morning when she attempted to roll away from their inevitable spooning.

Lucy aggressively shoved the key into the door and stepped into the room when it swung open. The room was as she expected. Small, precise, barely any extra furniture aside from a beds and nightstands. Two beds, yes, but that didn't matter anyway. Natsu would find himself in whichever bed she was sleeping in anyway. 

Grunting, she dropped her bag beside the more comfortable looking bed and made an about turn back out of the room.

"Where're you going?" Natsu called after her.

"Where do you think? The spa."

She met up with Erza, Juvia, Wendy and Charle, all wearing their fluffy white robes and nothing beneath it. And in their excitement to get explore everything this resort had to offer, it seemed that Erza had temporarily forgotten Lucy's outburst in the reception area, much her relief. But she couldn't let her guard down. Especially not around a monster like the Titania.

"Ready ladies?" Ezra stood at the front of their strange little group.

"Ready!" The team chorus.

Erza's eyes glittered with determination. Maybe a little mania. "Good. Let's get pampered. To the spa!" 

"To the spa!" The girls chorused following after their leader.

And spent the rest of the evening being pampered like the queens they were. 

"Would you like to try our special mud bath?" One soft spoken hostess asked them. 

"Yes!" The team cried and immediately indulged in a twenty minute session of soaking in literal mud.

"How about these facials. Techniques imported all the way from the continent of Alakitasia!"

"Yes!" The girls cheered, and spent the next half hour getting face masks and relaxing on the softest recliners their bodies had ever touched.

"Full body massages? Guaranteed to relieve any stress you may have in your bodies."

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" 

The girls' pleased moans and sighs filled the rooms as expert hands worked out knots and kneaded their flesh until they were absolutely boneless. Yes. This was it. If this wasn't heaven, Lucy didn't know what was.

And by the time the four women and one exceed made it to the highlight of their day, the actual hot spring, Lucy was half floating, half asleep as she slid off her robe and tied up her hair.

"I've never been so relaxed in my life," she sighed, blissfully.

"Juvia didn't think her body could be handled so well by another man. Juvia was wrong."

They both giggled as they made their way to the pool, steam wafting lazily into the air and Lucy broke into a light sweat at the heat. Dipping a toe into the water, her body instantly caved and she sank to her neck, sighing in absolutely bliss.

Heaven.

There was nothing that could ruin this moment for her.

"It's great right?"

"It's perfect," she responded, eyes closed, head tipped back. It took her all of three seconds to realize that the voice that had spoken to her had been to deep to be female. Her eyes snapped open, her gaze landing on familiar pink hair and a wide sharp toothed, goofy grin.

"Natsu?!"

His grin widened and he lifted his hand in a wave. "Yo, Lucy. Had a good spa—?"

"You pervert!" Her foot connected with his cheek, sending him flying across the water and smacking into the rocks on the other side of the pool. Flushed, breathing heavily, Lucy crossed her arms over her chest, watching him splash and sputter and then shoot her a glare once he'd regained his composure.

"What the hell was that for?!" He rubbed the red mark on his cheek.

"Why are you in the girls' bath?!"

His eyebrows furrowed. "Girls bath? What girls' bath?"

Lucy flicked her hand around, then quickly covered her chest again. "This bath you absolute...dolt... wait, what?!" Because it seemed for once the pyromaniac was onto something. This was, in fact not the girl's bath. Luckily she hadn't wandered into the boy's bath either. And as she looked around at the equal number of male bodies as there were female, the realization had her flushing an almighty shade of scarlet.

Uni...

Unisex bath...

Boys and girls...together...no clothes...

What kind of sick establishment was this?!

It took Lucy another five minutes to settle down and get used to the fact that she had to share such a relaxing, intimate time with members of the opposite gender. With Natsu. Her eyes kept darting over to him, kept admiring what bit of his sculpted body she could see above the water. Maybe she was the pervert.

Another five minutes before her body gave in to the what the hot spring was offering. Utter relaxation. Mind emptying, boneless bliss. This was what she needed. Her eyes drooped, a dopey smile on her lips. She was never leaving the water.

"C'mon, Luce."

Her head shook at the coaxing voice, her mind sluggish from the heat. 

"If you stay in any longer you'll faint. Come on. Let's get you out of here."

"No," she mumbled, her eyes remaining closed, her head lolling to the side. "Don't wanna. Too tired."

"You can't walk?" 

Another shake of her head.

A soft hum filled her ears, then a quiet 'I've got you.' She registered hands as hot as the spring sliding beneath her legs and back. Lifting her. The chill hitting her as her body left the water. She whined, snuggling against the warmth of the person carrying her.

"Where's our key?"

"Bag," she mumbled. Somewhere in her mind, the thoughts floated around in a haze. Was Natsu carrying her back to her room completely naked? Was he holding her, naked, in his arms? That was...definitely inappropriate right?

The door opened and closed and after a couple steps, Lucy's body touched something soft and bouncy. The bed? She registered something sliding against her body, covering her. The robe? Not the fluffy one she had been wearing all day, but one that melted against her skin liquid silk. So soft and smooth. So warm. 

She curled into herself, the smile never leaving her face.

"Thank you," she giggled a little once Natsu was done dressing her. Heard his mumbled reply then felt the dip of the bed as he slid in beside her, pulling the blanket over them both. She reached up blindly, already knowing that her furry companion would be asleep on the pillow beside her head. Lifting Happy off the pillow, she snuggled him against her chest, her cheek rubbing against the blue fur, his little vibrations rocking his body even in his sleep.

"So soft." She sighed.

Natsu's arm settled across her waist, tugging her closer until she was against his chest, the sleeping Exceed trapped between them. 

"Good day?" He asked softly.

"The best."

"Good. Get some sleep."

She was already snoring before he got the words out. Warm and at peace with her two favorite people in the world.

One day down. Two more to go.

Piece of cake. 

Chapter Text

Day Four: END/Angry Confession

This chapter contains swearing.

He waited.

His backside had been planted on this same spot on the couch for the past two hours, surrounded by nothing but his heart thumping to a dangerous tune in his chest, his uneven breaths and the incessant ticking of the wall clock. 

Four hours.

That's how long she had been gone. Out. On a date or 'just catching up with an old friend' or whatever the hell people called it these days. Either way she had chosen to spend her time with some glasses wearing, no magic using bookworm over going out on a mission with him and Happy. She'd chosen someone else over him. 

And his blood was boiling.

Natsu had seen the guy. Had been seeing him for months, hanging around the guild hall as he wrote his so called article on Fairy Tail Wizards. Saw the way those dark eyes followed Lucy around the hall. The way she lit up the first time she had seen the guy. How she had squealed and tackled him into a hug. How Natsu's body had rocked forward with the intention to physically haul her away from the guy and snarl and glare and mark his territory like an animal. The urge had only gotten worse when Lucy had returned, arm in arm with the stranger, and introduced him to her friends as an 'old friend' who she hadn't seen since she left her father's manor. 

She'd said his name. Will or William or Winnie the Pooh. Natsu couldn't care to remember. He could only recall the way his own thoughts and expression went completely dark when Will or Willam tugged Lucy close to his side and sent a territorial smirk Natsu's way. As if he knew how close his friendship was with Lucy or could sense the direction the Dragon Slayer's thoughts had taken. As if he actually thought he could challenge Natsu for what was already his.

Natsu had seen red. Would have jumped the guy right then and there if not for Lucy moving out of his space and entering Natsu’s, her warmth against his side enough to calm his raging thoughts. So, of course, he had to stake claim. Rest a hand on the small of her back and press a kiss to her temple that had her blushing to her toes all the while his hot glare remained on that new guy.

Mine.

Mine Mine Mine Mine Mine.

Or not so much it seemed. Because Natsu wasn't the one that Lucy had spent over an hour getting ready for. He wasn't the one she was currently on a date with. Instead he was here, away from her, his thoughts raging and festering the longer he remained on this damn couch.

How long did it usually take to eat dinner? What could the two of them possibly have to talk about for four hours?

Maybe I should burn him. Burn him to a crisp.

He allowed the dark thoughts to creep into his mind, infesting it. Trails of fire scorched his skin, though there was no sign of the flames. But it burned all the same, until it crept into the edges of his vision, setting his world aflame. Until all he wanted was to rage and burn.

Burn him to ashes until he was dust in the wind.

The door clicked open, a line of yellow light spilling across the living room floor. His gaze shifted to the figure that stepped into the room, her back to him as she closed the door quietly, a gentle click filling the silence.

Then she turned, flicked on the light and let out an almighty scream when their eyes clashed across the five feet of space between them.

"Natsu!" She held her hand to her heart, attempting to calm her breaths. "Why the heck are you lurking in the dark like...that...?" 

Her eyes widened as she looked at him properly for the first time, those chocolate irises darting all over his face and arms then back up to his head, lingering there for a second too long.

"Natsu, you're..."

He slowly unfolded himself from his position on the couch, bare feet hitting the cold tiles. "I'm what?" He prompted her to continue as he stood, his eyes never leaving her.

"Mid transformation. Can't you tell? What the heck happened?"

You did. You leaving me to be with him. That's what happened.

Find him. Burn him. 

Natsu took a step forward. "How was your date?" He asked quietly, swirveling around her question altogether.

"Natsu, we don't have time to talk about that. You're transforming into your Demon side. I thought it disappeared during Alvarez?"

He stopped a foot away from her as she stared up at him, half expectantly, half worried or maybe frightened. His gaze slid over her face. The impeccable makeup, red painted lips—seductive almost. Her golden hair in a deliberately messy updo, that fair neck on display. And her dress. Just the right side of short and figure hugging. Leaving nothing and too much to the imagination. She looked like she had been expecting to be looked at. Like she wanted to be.

And he had seen her like this. Looking like she wanted to be devoured. He had probably stared at her with the same filthy thoughts that were floating through Natsu's head right then. 

Find. Burn. Kill.

The pinch of his nails digging into his palms brought him back to the present. His gaze lifted back to Lucy's, voice deceptively quiet as he asked again. 

"Your date, Lucy. How was it?"

She huffed a disbelieving breath. "You stubborn Dragon. Something is clearly wrong with you and you seriously want to know about my date?"

He didn’t hesitate. "Yes."

Her eyes rolled and she waved a dismissive hand. "It was fine. Now come on, we need to get you to Porlyusica's."

Fine. Just fine? No gushing? No praising the dickhead for a first date that couldn't be rivalled? His spirit immediately began to lift. Maybe the date hadn't gone so well. Maybe things weren't going to change after all.

But then why did she take so long to get back? He had to know.

"Fine?" he asked, pulling his hand away when she tried to take hold of it. "What does that mean?"

Resting her hands on her hips, the Stellar Mage shot him an annoyed glare. "It means what I said. It was fine. He's taking me out again this weekend for drinks."

His lightening thoughts instantly came crashing down around him. What? Another date? So soon? And not dinner this time. Drinks. As in alcohol. As in this fucking guy was trying to get Lucy drunk and take advantage of her!

Over my dead body.

Natsu stepped forward, his arms crossing over his chest, his tone absolute. "No."

Lucy stilled for a second, her eyebrows shooting up an inch. "No? No what?"

"No, you're not going out again with that guy," he tried to keep the growl from his voice. Tried and completely failed.

His partner made a little disbelieving sound, mimicking his movements as she crossed her arms over her chest. "And why wouldn't I?"

He took another threatening step forward. She didn't budge, her face tilted up toward his, her eyes hard. 

"Because I said so, that's why," he snapped. Childish but convenient in this moment.

Pale eyebrows lifted another inch. "Say so? And since when do I do things just because you say so?"

"Since now. Since I'm telling you that if I so much as see that guy within even three feet of you, I'm going to drag him into the woods so no one can hear his screams when I burn his flesh from his fucking bones."

This had her pausing, had her eyes widening a little. "Wh-What? Natsu that's—"

"What?" He snarled, boring down on her. "Evil? Cruel? You don't believe me when I say I will do it?"

Her head shook "You're not okay. This is just because of the Demon influence—"

He closed the space between them within on breath and the next, the thud of her back hitting the door and the slap of his hands caging her between his body and the slab of wood evhoing through the room. He leaned down until they were only a breath apart. Until her breath hitched and she stared up at him with wide, confused eyes.

"Natsu—"

"This is me," He hissed, darkly. "This is me, not the demon, saying that I don't want you with that guy."

Her head tilted slightly, a lock of hair tickling her neck. "Why?" She breathed. "You've never had a problem with me going out on dates before."

His fingers curled against the door, heart pounding his ears as they glared at each other. "Is that what you think? You think I would ever be okay with someone else taking you away from me?"

"No one is taking—"

"Yes, he is!" He burst, making her mouth snap shut. He released a slow, shaky breath, trying to gather the fraying vestiges of his mind. Trying to command some semblance of control. "Yes, he is," he snarled, quieter this time.

Lucy's lips pursed. "If you had a problem with it before you could have just said so."

The chuckle that left him was high. Disbelieving. "Would me saying something have changed anything?"

Her glare darkened. "You idiot," she hissed shaking her head then released a frustrated sound, shoving at his chest and huffing when her push didn't move him like she was probably hoping it would have. "You stupid flames for brain Dragon boy!" She screeched. "Don't you get it? I wouldn't have gone anywhere if you had just said no!"

Natsu froze, her words penetrating his head again and again. What?

"You can be so dense sometimes! I just needed you to tell me not to go! To just give me one measly reason to stay, to show me that you care about me more than just a friend!"

His head shook. "That doesn't make any sense! Why the fuck would you do something you didn't want to do just because of me?"

Her small hands pushed at his chest again, harder this time. "Because I wanted to make you jealous, you idiot!"

"Well, I am!"

"Well, good!"

They remained there for a second, so close that they were breathing the same air, that he could make out each individual spec of gold in her eyes, could smell her floral sunshine scent that threatened to take over his very soul.

He moved first. Or she did. He wasn't sure. But he knew was that one second she was a few inches away and the next, her fingers were grabbing unto his horns and his mouth was on hers, moving wildly. Drunk. Furious. He kissed her hard, desperate and she returned his kisses with equal fervour. Until their minds whittled down to nothing but base desire and desperation.

"You're not going out with him again," he growled against her mouth.

She nodded quickly, pulling his lips back to hers. "Okay."

"Him or anyone else. Or I swear I'll make them regret having looked at you."

"Okay."

His fingers curled around the back of her neck, hauling her tightly against him. "You're mine. Mine alone. Got that, Lucy?"

Her head was tipped back, her neck baring itself automatically for his sharpened fangs that grazed her soft flesh. She whimpered, her fingers so tight in his hair that his scalp burn deliciously.

"Yes."

He nearly purred at the utter need in her voice. Nearly lost his entire mind as her fingertip traced a path down his horn, sending a spear of pleasure straight to his groin. A warning growl vibrated his chest, his grip on her tightening until there was no space left between their bodies. No room for anyone to come between them ever again. 

Natsu hummed appreciatively against her neck, the flames in his vision finally dimming somewhat, his lips moving against her skin.

"That's my good fucking girl."

Chapter Text

Day Five: Promises

Silvery beams of moonlight spilled past the fluttering pink curtains and illuminated the Dragon Slayer's striking features. Tanned skin taking on a pale pallor, the flesh disrupted by the the discoloured scar that bisected his left cheek. Cracked, pale lips slightly parted, soft breaths escaping them. Pink hair and eyelashes rustled by the cool night breeze, his eyelids twitching with the dreams that plagued him. Tear tracks stained his cheeks, lighter than his skin.

Abnormal. Not belonging.

Lucy's fingers gently carded through the thick locks of his hair, the soft strands spilling back into place as she passed them. Her gaze remained focused, soft, on the man resting against her belly, his strong arms wrapped around her back, keeping her close to him.

She wasn't going anywhere.

Not when his cries into the late hours of the night would forever haunt her. How he'd raged and screamed and tore at his hair, his chest, his throat in utter agony. Her heart had broken for him as she watched him sob. Watched him keep her at arms length, not allowing her to comfort him at first. 

He always kept up such a tough exterior. He would burn the world for the ones he loved but when it came to his own emotions, he always kept them hidden beneath the tightest lock and key, preferring to face everything with brute force and a savage grin. 

But not this. He couldn't hide this pain. Couldn't keep it shoved down inside him like he'd probably wanted to. No one could. Not after witnessing something so devastating. Especially when Lucy knew how much he had wanted it. How much he had dreamed and prayed and searched for years and years. And he'd finally had it in his grasp. Finally learned that he hadn't been left alone in the world, abandoned with nothing and no one. 

He had his father back with him.

Only to watch that almighty Dragon be struck from the sky within barely an hour of his return.

It was too cruel. Too evil.

And she could do nothing but cry with him on the floor of her bedroom until he finally allowed her into his space. A slide of her fingers against his shoulders. Gently turning him to face her. He wouldn't look at her but that was okay. She didn't know what to say to him anyway. What could she have possibly said to someone who had lost so much in such a short space of time? Somehow she found herself thinking that her sacrificing Aquarius couldn't compare to his pain. 

At least she'd always had the spirit by her side. Had their many memories to keep her company whenever she needed to remember her spirit. But Natsu...

She knew she shouldn't do it. Shouldn't compare their pains, their traumas but still did it anyway. Still chose not to tell him what she had sacrificed for them. For him. Instead, pulling him close to her, her arms wrapping around him as tightly as she could. Until his sobs rocked her body and his keening wails were at her ear. Until they were so close that his pain, his misery blended with hers and they both screamed into the night together.

Screamed and cried and raged until their voices were hoarse. Until they had nothing left to give. Only then did he sleep, his head resting just below her breasts, his arms around her tightly, as if he was afraid she would disappear too.

Her heart ached for this boy. How lonely he must have been all those years, even while surrounded by friends and family. But no one had believed him. That his father had been a fire breathing dragon who taught him magic. And he'd searched, all by himself for years, his only reprieve being the little blue Exceed who stayed by his side through it all.

Lucy watched the sleeping Dragon Slayer laying in her and instantly her resolve hardened. This was the last time she would see him suffer this way if she had anything to do about it. But even she knew she couldn't stop things that were meant to happen. Not fate or destiny or anything else beyond her power. Beyond anyone's power. 

And if Natsu was destined to be hurt again in the future, there was nothing she could do to change it.

Slowly, she inhaled in stuttered breath, the air cool and crisp entering her lungs.

"Natsu," she breathed. "I'll stay by your side no matter what. And I'll share your pain if you'll let me. I won't ever leave you alone in this world. I promise."

She leaned down, swept aside the sweaty hair from his forehead and touched her lips to the skin there, another tear making its way down her cheek and unto his face.

She couldn't have known.

Wouldn't have known.

That only a few days later, her promise to him would already be broken. Because how could she remain by his side when he'd chosen to leave her behind? When she had returned home to an empty apartment and gut wrenching note. 

He'd left. Vanished without a trace. Taking all the important pieces of her with him. 

He would never know.

And she wouldn't tell him.

Because now she was the one alone in the world. Forgotten. Left behind. 

Betrayed.