Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lucy hated moving.

Okay fine, she’d only done it once. But once was enough to know it was a nightmare she never wanted to repeat. The endless packing, the sorting, the lifting, the constant second-guessing over what to keep and what to throw away. She hated all of it.

For twenty-one years, she had lived in the same house. If things had been different, she probably would have stayed for another twenty-one. But things weren’t different. Her father was a complicated man. Too complicated, maybe; and with every passing year, their relationship had thinned and frayed. Bitter. Resentful. Suffocating.

Distance, she decided, was the only way to save whatever was left of their bond.

So she moved to a small city called Magnolia, settling on a street with an almost too-perfect name: Strawberry Street.

Her new place was part of a garden-style apartment complex she’d found online, just a ten-minute walk from Magnolia University, one of the most prestigious schools in the country, which had even earned a rare, albeit reluctant, nod of approval from her father. The apartment was tucked right next to South Gate Park and surrounded by little restaurants, corner shops, and tiny museums she couldn’t wait to explore.

When she was younger, she used to read about living out your college years in books. Stories about self-discovery, about late-night adventures, about meeting people who would change the course of your life. But she’d never thought she’d actually get the chance to have that kind of life for herself.

The building was unlike anything she’d grown up with. Back home, everything had been glass and steel, high-rises that scraped the clouds, elevators that carried her straight up to the penthouse where her father lived. But here, every building was only three stories high, four apartments to a floor, each door opening directly to the outside air. There was no doorman. No private lobby. No controlled entry.

That part made her nervous, at first.

But she’d researched the neighborhood thoroughly and learned Magnolia’s South Gate district was practically an extension of the university. It was lively and safe enough that she let herself breathe.

Lucy had lived a sheltered life. Even more so after her mother died. Almost everything she’d ever done had been chosen for her, from the summer programs she attended to the extracurriculars she never asked to join, to the private schools her father handpicked without asking what she wanted. Choice had never really been hers.

Moving here was her first real choice.

Part of getting away from her father was about gaining freedom. Figuring out who she was, who she wanted to be, without the constant weight of his harsh, judgmental opinions. And without the fear of disappointing him holding her back.

Surprisingly, when she finally told him about her plan of transferring out of the school he had picked for her, moving out to a whole new town, he agreed to support her. She didn’t know if he was proud of her, exactly. But he let her go. That was enough.

Now, she shared a two-bedroom apartment with her best friend in the world, Levy McGarden. The bluenette had her own share of family drama and had jumped at the chance to escape with her. They’d met back in third grade at private school, bonded instantly over a shared dislike of choir practice, specifically, when they both refused to sing like birds for a ridiculous spring recital. They’d been inseparable ever since.

Levy was determined to prove she wasn’t the spoiled brat her father insisted she was. But unlike Jude Heartfilia, Mr. McGarden wasn’t exactly supportive. If anything, his disappointment made her dig her heels in deeper, desperate to prove she could make it on her own.

And that brought them to today.

Lucy groaned, still half-asleep, as something wet dragged across her cheek again and again. She tried burrowing deeper into her pillow, only to realize it wasn’t a pillow at all but an old sweater she’d packed last-minute. The licking didn’t stop.

“Plue,” she mumbled hoarsely, shoving half-heartedly at the tiny dog resting on her chest. “Five more minutes.”

Plue ignored her completely, tail wagging furiously as his warm, sloppy tongue smeared across her jawline. She sighed, rolling onto her side in defeat, the morning sunlight spilling through the blinds and pooling across her tangled sheets.

Moving, it turned out, hadn’t been the hard part.

Waking up to a brand-new life? That was going to take some getting used to.

Sniffing filled her ears, followed by the cold nudge of a nose against her cheek. The dog barked twice, tail thumping like a drumroll, before launching another round of kisses on his blonde owner. Lucy cracked one eye open, glaring at the little white menace who only met her with giddy, excited eyes. 

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” she sighed.

Plue yipped in triumph, clearly taking that as permission, nudging her with his nose as she began to sit up slowly. The first thing her eyes landed on were the large windows that allowed the light of the sun to brighten her new home. The Magnolia skyline stretched beyond the window. It was different, unfamiliar, but hers. For the first time in a long time, Lucy felt like she had space to breathe.

She sat up slowly, grunting uncomfortably, realizing she had fallen asleep on top of a pink sherpa blanket in the center of her new living room. A dull ache pulsed between her shoulders, and she rolled them back, trying to shake it off. Plue, her little white dog, eagerly rolled onto his back, paws in the air, demanding her attention.

Lucy smiled faintly, reaching down to rub his belly. “You’re spoiled,” she mumbled, voice still scratchy with sleep. Her gaze swept across the chaos around her. Cardboard box after cardboard box scattered all over the hardwood.  Stacks of books, and bags of clothes everywhere. Her phone lay on the floor halfway across the room, and she vaguely remembered throwing it last night after rereading her drafts and hating every single word. “I really don’t want to unpack…” she muttered, rubbing at the corner of her eye with the heel of her palm.

“You can say that again.” A sleepy voice came from across the room, and Lucy turned to find Levy stirring on the half-built leather couch, tangled beneath a pile of clothes. The bluenette sat up slowly, yawning as she adjusted the straps of her yellow tank top that had slipped off her shoulders. “Could we just live here forever?” Levy groaned, brushing messy strands of hair from her face. “I don’t think I can ever pack up and move again.”

Lucy smirked faintly but didn’t say out loud what she was thinking. Most of the boxes in this room weren’t even hers. Jet and Droy had practically competed all day carrying Levy’s endless piles of books and clothes, while Levy supervised from the sidelines.

Despite the stress  from the move, the unpacking, the uncertainty of starting fresh, Lucy felt… happy. Levy was her anchor. Her other half. The thought of doing all this without her made her chest tighten.

The blonde stood and stretched her arms high over her head, shuffling barefoot across the floor to crack open a window. Fresh air drifted in, cool against her skin, and she closed her eyes for a moment longer than necessary.

“Levy, do you have a charger?” she asked, heading toward her phone.

“Maybe,” Levy called, already digging through one of the boxes. “I’ll let you know when I find it… if I find it.”

Lucy picked up her phone and frowned at the black screen. Her best friend was now kneeling on the floor, cutting open boxes and dumping their contents onto the hardwood without a second thought. Lucy leaned on the kitchen island, watching her work.

“What are you even looking for?” Lucy asked curiously.

“My headphones,” Levy murmured, pawing through another box. “I’m almost done with that audiobook I started. Figured I’d listen while unpacking.”

Lucy gave her a small, teasing smile. “I’m surprised you didn’t get Jet and Droy to do the unpacking for you, too.”

“Where are they, anyway?” Levy muttered, tilting her head. “I don’t remember them leaving last night.”

Lucy didn’t answer right away, twisting the cap off a water bottle and grabbing her vitamins from the island. She tipped them into her palm, hesitating briefly before swallowing them down. Levy noticed.

“Lu,” she said gently, “you did book your treatment appointments, right? That was part of the deal—”

“I’m gonna set one up soon,” Lucy cut in quickly, forcing a casual tone. “I’m just… adjusting first.”

Levy narrowed her eyes but let it slide… for now anyway. She wasn’t the best at letting things go. 

“Do you promise?”

“I swear.”

Plue waddled over, tail wagging furiously, and Levy froze when the tiny dog sat right in front of her, tongue lolling out.

“Lucy… your dog is staring at me,” Levy said flatly.

Lucy grinned, walking over and scooping Plue into her arms. “He likes you.”

“And I like chocolate and grapes…” Levy muttered dryly, “but we’re a grapes and chocolate free household now thanks to him.”

“Levy!” Lucy warned with a laugh, hugging Plue tighter.

She set the dog back down and turned toward the island again, and that’s when it hit her. A sudden rush of dizziness, quick but sharp, made her grip the countertop instinctively. It passed in seconds, leaving her chest tight and her pulse racing faster than it should have.

“Lu?” Levy called absently from the floor, still rummaging. “You good?”

Lucy inhaled slowly, forcing her voice steady. “Yeah… just… I spun around too fast.” 

Levy didn’t look up, and Lucy was grateful she didn’t. She waited until her heartbeat settled before sliding her phone charger into place, plastering on a smile neither of them questioned. With a sigh, Levy dug back through the boxes, triumphant when her headphones surfaced. She slipped them in, searching for her own phone now but the victory faded as a pang twisted in her stomach.

“Geez, I’m starving.” Levy groaned dramatically, clutching her stomach. “Think anything’s open right now?”

Lucy powered on her phone. Notifications exploded across the screen, but she zeroed in on the time.

“Considering it’s two in the afternoon? Yeah, probably.”

Levy blinked. “Wow. I thought it was like… seven a.m.” 

They’d been so focused on moving that neither of them had bothered to check the clock yesterday. She wasn’t even sure when they’d finally crashed. When she looked back, Lucy was staring at her phone, her expression tight.

“You okay?” Levy asked, frowning.

Lucy’s voice came out softer than expected. “Loke called me.”

Levy’s eyes widened. “Seriously?

“Yep.” Lucy popped the ‘p,’ locking her phone and setting it back on the charger. “Maybe I should call him back…”

“Not again, Lu.” Levy grimaced, rubbing her forehead as she stood. “Do you remember how it ended last time?”

“Yeah, I know, but…” Lucy dragged a hand through her blonde hair, sighing. “I feel bad.”

“You can’t get back together with him just because you feel bad.” Levy shook her head. “You told me to remind you—he’s the one who screwed it up, not you.”

Lucy exhaled sharply, nodding, though the words didn’t quiet the doubt. Talking about Loke always twisted her up. Four months since the breakup, two years together before that, and somehow he still found excuses to call. And every single time, she picked up.

She shoved the thought aside for the moment. She had bigger things to worry about than an ex she wasn’t even sure she wanted anymore. 

“Have you talked to your dad?” Lucy asked, changing the subject as she sipped her water.

“Nope.” Levy scoffed, tossing her phone aside, frustrated. “Do you know he still tried to set me up on that stupid blind date?!” She straightened, pointing a finger in the air and deepening her voice in imitation: ‘You’re my heiress, you have a responsibility… blah blah blah.’ She let her hands drop with a groan. “He just doesn’t listen. How many times do I have to say I’m not getting married unless I’m in love—real love, not whatever disaster he and my mom had.”

“I’m sorry.” Lucy sighed. Her dad had his flaws, but at least arranged marriages and blind dates weren’t on the list.

Levy shut her eyes. “Your parents were in love, right? That’s what I want. My mom bailed years ago, and I don’t even blame her because they were miserable together.”

Lucy slid closer, squeezing her friend’s shoulder. “Then you don’t have to follow their path.”

“He just doesn’t get it.” Levy shook her head. “If I ever do get married, I want to be stupidly in love. The kind of love where you’d do anything for the other person.”

Lucy laughed. “I’m sure your dream guy’s out there. In the meantime, you’ve got me.”

“And you’ve got me,” Levy grinned, pinching Lucy’s cheeks. “Which means don’t call him back.” Then her gaze flicked to the pile of law textbooks by the door. “Also… why keep those if you dropped the program?”

Lucy froze, eyes darting to the books. “What if my dad visits?”

“Right.” Levy snorted. “Because pretending you’re still in law school is so much better than telling him the truth.”

Lucy bit her lip. Levy never let this one go.

“You know my dad,” she said quietly. “He wouldn’t have supported the transfer if he knew I dropped out of law.”

Levy exhaled. Lying about something that big never ended well, especially when the man paying for it thought she was still following his plan for her life. 

“He’ll find out eventually,” she said. “Like when you’re traveling and writing instead of working on his legal team.”

“It’ll be fine.” Lucy tried to sound confident. “Once I finish the creative writing intensive and he sees what I can do—”

“I just don’t think hiding it is a good idea.” Levy groaned. “Your dad’s more supportive than you give him credit for.”

Lucy rubbed her forehead. “He’s told me no before. He won’t understand.”

Levy nodded, half frustrated, half sympathetic. “Sometimes I think parents just… never get it.”

Lucy laughed softly, glancing at Plue. Levy wasn’t wrong. But she also wasn’t right. With her father, lies felt dangerous, but so did honesty. 

“I’m gonna take Plue out.” She clipped her dog's black leash onto his collar, smiling at him as his tail wagged in excitement. 

Levy nodded and scrolled her phone, eyes skimming over takeout options, until they caught on the clutter spread across the island. Pens, coins, Lucy’s vitamins, a stray button—

She felt the entirety of the world go cold when the button moved.

Her heart seized in her chest, everything suddenly slowing down. “Oh my—Lucy…”

Lucy paused midway into slipping on her sneaker, frowning at Levy’s pale face as the girl backed away from the island, her hazel colored eyes locked on something. 

“Levy?”

“SPIDER! OH NO! NOPE! I FREAKING HATE THEM!” Levy shrieked, bolting for the front door.

Lucy gasped as her smaller friend shoved past her, the leash slipping from her hand. Plue barked and chased after Levy who swung the door wide open, probably thinking this was just another game. 

“Plue!” Lucy’s stomach dropped. His recall training was nonexistent.

Levy tore into the hallway, pulse slamming in her ears, the image of the eight-legged insect crawling through her things forever stained in her brain. She didn’t even think when her eyes landed on the first person in her path. She launched herself at him, arms around his neck, legs wrapped around his waist, clinging like her life depended on it.

The man seemingly caught her with ease. Crimson eyes flicked down, narrowing at the wild blur of blue hair in his arms.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to jump on you!” She squealed, shaking her head vigorously, eyes squeezed shut. “It’s just there’s a spider in my place and I really freaking hate them!” 

Barking began to fill the hall, and the tall stranger’s eyes widened when he spotted the small white dog running towards him. He quickly acted and stomped his leather boot on the leash, preventing the canine from running out of the building on his own.

“Plue!”

The little dog skidded to a halt just as a blonde burst out of the apartment, waving a squeaky bunny toy like it was a magic wand that would make the dog stop. The toy squealed loudly in the grip of her hand, and the dog’s ears perked up, full attention on his owner again. Lucy pressed a hand to her chest when she spotted them, exhaling in relief before flashing the tall stranger a sheepish smile. 

“Sorry about him.” Her gaze flicked to Levy still clinging onto him in a koala like manner. “…And her.”

“I’m really sorry,” Levy squeaked, finally daring to look at the man whose arms she jumped into without a second thought. The instant their eyes locked, her face went hot.

Whoa .

Long, wild black hair fell past his broad and muscular shoulders. Sharp crimson eyes. Piercings lining his brows, ears, even his nose that seemed to sparkle with the natural daylight. Black cargo pants, a plain black shirt, and a guitar case slung across one broad shoulder.

He looked like trouble. The good kind of trouble. Her type of trouble.

Levy sucked in a breath and scrambled down, only then realizing just how tall he was compared to her. Her hands immediately went to her bed head, trying to tame as much as she could but it was futile. She had already made her first impression. 

Oh wow, this guy is totally my type.

The man didn’t say a word, just glanced past them. His gaze lingered on the open apartment door, the same one that had stayed shut for so long until now.

“Someone finally moved into that place, huh?” 

He bent down to pick up the dog leash, handing it back to Lucy who continued to smile awkwardly. 

“I’m Lucy.” She gestured to her shorter friend, who managed only a nervous grin. “And this is Levy.”

The man gave a slow nod, eyes lingering on them before he answered. “Gajeel.”

“Sorry for the trouble.” Lucy dipped her head politely.

“It’s fine.” He scratched at the back of his neck, gaze drifting back to their door. “That place had been empty for a long time.”

“Really?” Lucy tilted her head. “Do you live here too?”

“Nah.” His answer came quickly. “But I’ve got friends in the building. My sister and her boyfriend live upstairs.” 

“Oh?” Lucy raised her brows. “That’s nice.”

“You’ll probably hear her by the way.” His red eyes flicked between the two of them.

“Hear her?” Lucy echoed, nervous as to what he meant. 

Relief came quickly when he clarified, “She’s a singer.”

“Ohhh.” Lucy smirked and nudged Levy in the side, amused by how stiff her friend had gone. “Anyway, I really need to take out my dog. Thanks again for catching him. See you around.” She brushed past, tossing Levy a mischievous grin before heading down the stairs with her dog.

“So…” Gajeel drawled, finally turning his full attention to the blue-haired girl still standing there. “A spider, huh?”

Levy groaned, rubbing her arm. “I swear I’m not a coward. But bugs are… just not my thing.” She risked another glance up at him. Tall, burly, piercings glinting in the light, and felt her cheeks burn. Her nose wrinkled as she gave him a small, shy smile. “I… I know we just met but…” She swallowed, fidgeting with her bracelet on her wrist. “Can I ask you a favor?” Levy twisted her fingers together, glancing toward the open apartment door like the eight-legged menace was lurking, waiting for her to return. “I, um… I know this is ridiculous, but… would you mind maybe… going in there and… you know…”

Gajeel raised a brow. “Killin’ a bug?”

Her face flushed deeper, teeth sinking into her bottom lip. “It’s not just a bug—it’s a spider .”

He snorted. “So you’re askin’ a guy you just met to go into your place and fight a spider for you?”

Levy winced at how dumb that sounded out loud. “When you put it like that…” She gave him a sheepish smile, hugging her arms to her chest. “Yes?”

For a second, he just stared at her. Then the corner of his mouth twitched, the tiniest hint of amusement breaking through his stoic expression.

“Alright.” He jerked his chin toward her door. “Point me at it.”

Levy blinked, surprised he’d agreed so easily. “R-really?”

“Don’t make me change my mind, shrimp.” Her cheeks went even hotter as he walked past her. “You coming?” 

“Y-yes.” She squeaked. Trailing behind him, her eyes scanning his back.

I’m in trouble. 

… 

The best advice he ever got, after the worst moment of his life, was that a busy mind, a busy body, can’t think about what it’s lost.

So he stayed busy. Too busy. Odd jobs, random hobbies, twelve-to-sixteen-hour shifts at the coffee shop. If there was a way to fill the silence, the emptiness, he took it.

It was the only way he knew how to keep moving after losing her.

Lisanna. She had been his everything for so long, in losing her he lost himself. 

People around him had tried to comfort him with words that were supposed to help. Cherish the memories. She’d want you to move on. Time heals all wounds. It takes as long as it takes. But the one phrase, the one he couldn’t stand, the one that made his chest burn, that made his blood boil, that made every step of progress feel worthless, was when someone would stupidly say: she’s in a better place.

Because how could that be true?

How could anywhere away from him, away from the people who loved her, possibly be better?

And how do you move on from someone who stopped loving you, not because they wanted to—but because they couldn’t ?

Natsu Dragneel eventually learned that one day you just wake up, and while the void is still there, it feels a little less heavy. The suffocating ache loosens its grip. You find ways to keep going, even if some days drag you back into that dark place you fight to stay out of. There were just some days he was too exhausted to fight, and he would allow himself to be pulled under.

The only reason he’d managed to get this far was because of the people around him. His friends, his found family.

He’d kept himself moving. He and Gray had taken over a coffee shop, He’d stepped up to raise his teenage sister while his dad was stationed overseas. He picked up whatever work he could find just to keep his hands from going idle, and his mind from traveling to that dark place his friends constantly had to pull him back from.

But most days, when the weight of everything threatened to catch up to him, he poured it all into the shop. Into building something that kept him… well busy. 

The Fairy Brew Coffee Shop sat at the heart of Magnolia’s busiest commercial strip. Right across from South Gate Park, just a short walk from the shopping center, seven minutes from the train station, and a quick drive from Kardia Cathedral. It had the kind of location most businesses dreamed about. But the real goldmine was the apartment complex on Strawberry Street just across the park. Packed with mostly Magnolia University students, it guaranteed a steady stream of sleep-deprived college students, or the over achievers in need of caffeine fixes.

The café itself was cozy but modern. Ten small tables, a row of barstools, three booths by the windows, and a cluster of sofa chairs around a fireplace. Local student art lined the dark gray walls, soft light from floor lamps balancing the glow of the overhead bulbs. Bright enough to study, warm enough to stay all day. It struck the exact vibe its owners had imagined when they reopened it.

Fairy Brew had started as a class project between Natsu Dragneel and his best friend, Gray Fullbuster. Create your own business, their professor had assigned. What began as a coffee cart on campus, funded by Gray’s restaurant-owning parents and Natsu’s father, Igneel, soon exploded in popularity and high demand. Thanks to the agricultural department of their university that connected them to local farmers, getting fresh ingredients for a very good price had come easy. By the time they graduated, they’d bought and reopened an old café that once belonged to Laxus Dreyar’s grandfather, keeping the name Fairy Brew alive. The carts still came out during finals weeks or festivals, but the shop was their pride.

Business was usually steady, sometimes overwhelming. They had worked hard to build a great team together, exceeding in quality of product and customer service, but tonight was slow. 

Unusually slow. 

Which left Natsu leaning against the bar, rag in hand, listening to his younger sister Wendy, who like always, was asking him for something. 

“Come on, please…” Wendy’s whine hit a pitch that made Natsu roll his dark eyes. “Everyone’s already at the festival.”

“Yeah,” he snorted, raising a brow. “Everyone except you.”

He dragged the sanitized towel across the counter while Wendy slumped in the barstool, spinning in slow, restless circles.

“But it’s sooo slow.”

Ignoring her, he crossed to the iPad POS, tapping until the daily sales report popped up. He pulled a pen from his black apron and scribbled the numbers onto a notepad. Decent sales. Not great, not terrible. They had projected this dip in sales when writing the schedule of the week, so he wasn’t too worried about it. Wendy’s impatient drumming on the counter got louder, followed by an exaggerated groan.

“Wendy,” he said without looking up, “you promised to help me close tonight. So you’re staying.”

“Ugh, Natsu!” She puffed her cheeks like a balloon, hopping off the stool. 

“You look like those creepy puffer fish when you make that face.” He teased her. 

She took a second to stick her tongue out at him. “Natsu, look around! The place is empty. And I already did everything! I swept, cleaned the tables, packed up the pastry case for donation, shut down the ovens—”

“Weren’t you the one begging for more hours?” he cut in, scratching his chin with mock seriousness. “Something about not wanting to ask me for money anymore? About how you’d rather make your own money so I can’t tell you what to do?”

“Awww…” she whined, stomping her boot against the tile floor. “I never ask to leave early!”

“Actually,” he said flatly, “you always want to leave early.”

“Want and ask are two very different things!” Wendy snapped, slapping her ring-covered hands on the counter. Natsu glanced down at the gleaming bands that covered every one of her fingers, shaking his head. He’d never understand why his little sister claimed that she needed a ring on every finger. 

Yes. Needed.

“Wendy, it’s one event you’ll miss.” Natsu leaned back against the counter, arms crossed. “You said you’d help me close, so you’re gonna help me close. You hardly ever pick up shifts anyway.”

Her jaw dropped. She took a dramatic step back, clutching her chest as if mortally wounded.

“I’ve been here for hours today!” she snapped.

“Four hours.”

Hands on her hips, she began pacing in front of him, muttering under her breath before throwing her arms out wide. “I mean… that’s gotta be against child labor laws, right? It has to.”

Natsu chuckled, shaking his head. Twelve hours on his feet compared to her four, and she was ready to collapse. He couldn’t help but envy her a little. Back when he was her age, four hours of work felt like enough to cover the world, especially when bills and rent weren’t his problem. He locked the iPad, rolling his eyes at her theatrics.

“Fine, you can go.” He heaved a loud, almost as dramatic as her sigh, feigning defeat. Truthfully, he never needed her to stay. He just liked watching her grovel sometimes. Ever since he’d taken over as her guardian a year ago, he was always struggling with the balance of letting her have her freedom without letting her just do whatever she wanted. “I’ll just close up here.. all by myself.”

“Seriously?” Her eyes lit up instantly. She untied her apron at the slowest pace imaginable, pretending to hesitate. “I mean… if you really need me, I guess I could stay…”

Natsu smirked, watching her hang the apron by the kitchen door, purse already slung over her shoulder as she speed-walked to the exit.

“I mean really,” she continued, hand already on the door handle. “Like, I’m serious. I’ll stay. I will.”

“I think I’ll survive,” he said dryly. “Go have fun.”

“You’re the best!” She threw him a wave, grin wide. “I’ll see you whenever!?”

“I’ll see you at 10:30,” he called back sternly.

She gave him a thumbs up before darting out. Natsu shook his head, turning back to his notes, only to hear the bell jingle again within seconds.

Wendy sprinted back to the counter, grinning sheepishly. “Can I borrow twenty bucks?”

“Borrow?” He raised a brow, already reaching into his back pocket. 

From the pocket, a pack of cigarettes, almost empty and his wallet came out. 

Wendy’s smile faded into a frown as she snatched the pack off the counter. “I thought you quit smoking?”

He glanced up from his wallet to her hands, plucking the carton back and slipping it into the pocket of his apron.

“I did. Those are just the old ones.”

Wendy chewed on her bottom lip, rocking side to side on her heels. “On second thought… maybe I’ll stay.”

“I’ll be fine, Wendy.” He softened his tone, deliberately avoiding her gaze. “Your friends are waiting. Go.”

“You know Gray, Cana, and some of your friends are gonna be there too…” She tugged on the sleeve of his shirt, trying to gain his attention. “Why don’t you come with me?”

“No thanks.” He shrugged her off gently, shaking his head. “I don’t want to go to that.”

“Natsu.” That tone in her voice. He froze. He knew what was coming. He shut his eyes, bracing himself. “Lisanna would want you to live your life,” she said quietly. “She’d want you to have fun.”

Silence hung between them. Natsu clenched his jaw, fighting down the instinct to snap. He knew she meant it sincerely. She was only worried, not trying to wound him. Still, the words dug deep. Festivals, laughter, music, those stupid festival games he would play again and again until he won her a prize. Those things that Lisanna used to love felt impossibly far away from the version of him that remained. Even now, every time he heard her name, it was like pressing on a bruise that wouldn’t heal.

“I’m fine,” he said at last, voice rougher than he intended.

“You sure?” She leaned forward, searching his face.

He sighed, pulling a twenty from his wallet and holding it out. “Do you want this or not?”

Her hesitation evaporated. She snatched the bill with a grin and threw her arms around him. “Thanks, love you!”

Before he could mutter your welcome, she bolted for the door, the bell jingling behind her.

And then, it was quiet.

The Fairy Brew always had background noises. Espresso machines hissing, the clink of porcelain mugs, chatter echoing under the soft music that spilled from the speakers. But now, with Wendy gone, the only sounds were the faint buzz of the cooler and the clock ticking above the door. The tables were empty, chairs neatly tucked, the lamplight spilling across polished wood like a stage waiting for an audience that never came.

Natsu leaned against the counter, staring out through the wide glass windows. Beyond them, the glow of the festival lights shimmered in the distance. He could almost hear the laughter carrying faintly across the park. Inside, the shop felt like a hollow shell, warm, cozy, inviting, but utterly empty without people to fill it.

He chuckled once, but it faded quickly. When he glanced back at the clock, it read 7:30. An hour left before closing.

…

The hour slipped by quickly. Only four customers had wandered in for late-night caffeine before their night shifts, leaving Natsu with little more than depositing the day’s cash and cleaning the last espresso machine. Wendy, true to her word, had already finished most of the closing tasks, which left him standing behind the counter at barely 9 p.m., staring at the empty café.

The thought of going home to silence pressed on him like a weight. 

He hadn’t liked being home alone. Not in two years.

His gaze drifted toward the wall where his apron hung. He reached into the pocket and pulled out the crumpled carton of cigarettes, turning it over in his hands. After a beat, he slipped one between his fingers and stepped outside, propping the café door open with a chair from one of the patio tables. The streets, usually busy at this hour, were unnervingly quiet. Most shops had closed early, their owners likely drawn toward the festival. Laughter and music floated faintly from Main Street, distant enough to feel like it belonged to another world. 

Natsu sat down, cigarette unlit, twirling it idly between his fingers. Wendy would kill him if she knew. He smirked faintly, remembering the way she had ranted about “black lungs” after health class. To her, smoking wasn’t just a bad habit, it was practically a death sentence.

The silence thickened around him, until…

Barking.

At first faint, then louder. Sharp, frantic barks, accompanied by a distant, flustered voice.

“Plue! Get back here now! I’m not playing a game!”

He blinked, sitting up straighter.

The first time he spotted her, all he caught was the flash of long, golden hair streaming behind her as she jogged, rather slowly, after a white, medium-sized dog. Mud clung to the dog’s paws and ears, its tongue lolling happily as it darted in circles just out of her reach.

Natsu couldn’t help but smirk. A pretty blonde girl chasing after her misbehaving dog in the middle of the night. It was like the setup for one of those cheesy rom-coms Wendy forced him to watch. 

He muttered under his breath, Glad I’m a cat person.

He never really saw the appeal in dogs. Too clingy, too messy. Before he could process it further, the dog veered sharply toward him. It skidded to a stop at his feet, nose twitching as it sniffed his shoes. Natsu crouched instinctively, reaching for its leash…

Only for the little menace to spin on its heel and bolt straight into his café.

“Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding me,” Natsu muttered, pushing himself up.

But before he could chase after it, something slammed into him. Hard.

The chair propping the door clattered to the ground as the blonde girl, breathless and flushed from the chase, tripped headlong into him. She hit the floor in a tangle of limbs, the chair pinning her arm awkwardly.

For a moment, Natsu froze. Then her eyes fluttered open wide, startled, framed by long lashes he had no business noticing. And when those eyes, those warm honeyed eyes, met his…

His heart stuttered in his chest.

For the first time in two years, Natsu Dragneel felt it skip a beat.

Chapter Text

“I’m so, so, so sorry!” She jumped to her feet faster than he could’ve offered her a hand to help her up. “My dog… I was trying to take a picture of him, but the leash slipped out of my hand and… and now—” Her words cut off as she peeked through the café’s wide front windows. Her face twisted in shame when she spotted what she could of the muddy pawprints streaked across the floor. “He’s… Plue is wrecking your clean floor.” She sucked in a sharp breath, smacking her forehead with her palm hard enough to make him flinch at the sound.

For a fleeting second, Natsu forgot about the mud, the mess, and the dog. He only noticed her. The sweep of long blonde hair, warm brown eyes, the way she worried her bottom lip between her teeth. Something inside his chest jolted. It was unexpected, unwelcome, but impossible to ignore. He blinked and forced his attention back to reality. There was a loose dog tearing through his café. A very muddy, very energetic dog. And a very pretty, very panicked girl trailing after him.

“It’s fine,” Natsu said, picking up the fallen chair and slipping his keys from his pocket. He unlocked the door and pushed it open, motioning for her to enter first. “C’mon.”

She darted inside without hesitation, making a beeline for the culprit. Dropping to her knees, she caught Plue by the collar and began scolding him, utterly ignoring the mud smearing across her dress and hands. Natsu flipped on the overhead lights when he stepped inside, watching the scene with reluctant amusement. The pup’s ears drooped under her sharp words, tail thumping weakly as if he knew he’d crossed a line.

Her nails caught his eyes. They were long, sharp, painted a pale pink that nearly matched the shade of his own hair. He shoved his hands into his pockets, glancing instead at the trail of muddy chaos stamped across the floor.

“Well…” he said with a crooked grin, “he’s really something, huh?”

“It’s all my fault.” She clutched Plue’s collar like a lifeline. “Please, let me help you clean this up. And if your manager’s going to be mad, I’ll explain everything, I’ll take full responsibility.” Her fingers fidgeted with the ends of her hair, twisting nervously.

He almost stepped forward to stop her before she pulled the strands out. Almost .

Instead, he chuckled. “Relax. You’re looking at the owner.”

Her head snapped toward him, wide-eyed. “You?”

“Me.” He shrugged, still half-smiling. “So unless you plan on telling on yourself to me, I think you’re in the clear.”

She ducked her head, her fingers still tangled nervously in her hair. The leash clinked as she shifted her grip, holding Plue firmly by her side. The little dog whined as if sensing his owner’s stress, but she kept her eyes lowered, staring at the muddy pawprints instead of him.

Natsu studied her in the silence that followed. Not just the mess on the floor, though yeah, that was going to take some scrubbing, but the way her shoulders curved inward. It was like she was a child, bracing herself to be yelled at. That made something stir in him. He wasn’t sure what, but it quieted the laugh that had been sitting in his chest.

“It’s fine,” he said again, softer this time.

Her head lifted just a little, enough for their eyes to meet. And there it was again, that quick, unexpected jolt that tugged hard at his chest. Two years had gone by without him feeling anything close to this. It was unsettling. Too sudden. Too… much .

She must have seen something in his expression, because she looked away almost immediately, cheeks coloring faintly as she murmured, “You’re being way too nice about this.”

Natsu shifted his weight, scratching at the back of his neck. He didn’t know how to explain that it wasn’t about being nice. That if it had been anyone else, he probably would’ve been annoyed, but with her…  for some reason he wasn’t.

When he thought about it, the only people he snapped at easily were probably Gray or Gajeel, but that was only because dumb was their default setting.

Instead, he just said, “It’s not the end of the world.” His voice came out a little rougher than he meant it to, so he tried for a smile to soften it.

Her lips pressed together, not quite a smile back, not quite a frown either. More like she was caught between relief and disbelief. Plue nudged at her side, and she reached down absentmindedly to stroke his ears. The quiet lingered, the sound of the café’s fridge humming in the background, the faint buzz of the street outside, yet somehow the space between them felt louder than all of it.

“Then…” His eyes went wide when she stepped closer, the faint sweetness of her vanilla perfume slipping into his lungs and clouding his head. Her hands wrapped firmly around his forearms, her gaze locking onto his. For a second, he forgot where he was. He forgot the dog, the mud, even the shop itself. “Let me at least help you clean up. Please.”

Her voice, soft but insistent, washed over him, and something inside him stirred. He realized, suddenly, that he really liked the sound of it. He froze, his pulse hammering in his ears. Her grip was warm, grounding, but it made his chest feel light, almost tingly. His face grew hot, and though it had been years since he’d felt it, he recognized the sensation immediately. Attraction . Interest . Maybe even excitement .

But right on its heels came the familiar weight in his stomach, a pang of guilt he couldn’t shove away.

“It’s… it’s really—” His words trailed off as his eyes dropped lower, catching sight of a darkening mark on her arm. His expression hardened slightly. “Hey. Maybe I should get you some ice.”

“Huh?” She blinked, then followed his gaze. Her eyes widened at the purplish bruise blooming against her skin. “Oh, man… I didn’t think I hit the ground that hard.”

Natsu pulled out a chair and guided her to sit. She didn’t resist, too preoccupied with staring at the injury. He turned away before she could catch the frown tugging at his lips, heading for the back. A plastic bag, a few scoops of ice, and he tried not to think about the way her perfume still clung to him. Or the way his stomach kept flipping, leaving him unsure if it was guilt, nerves, or maybe butterflies.

When he came back out, she was mid-scuffle with her dog again. Plue whined and tugged, determined to test her patience, while she pulled the leash back with a nervous smile.

“Plue, sit!” she hissed in a whisper-yell.

The dog obeyed after a beat, tail thumping against the floor. Natsu couldn’t stop the quiet chuckle that slipped from his throat. He liked watching her expressions. The twitch of her brow, the stubborn set of her mouth as if she refused to let herself look embarrassed.

“He seems like a good dog,” he offered, walking around the counter.

She let out a soft laugh and accepted the ice pack, pressing it to her arm with a wince. For a moment, her gaze lingered on his hand, trailing up the curve of his arm before darting back to her bruise. Color crept into her cheeks.

“I just adopted him,” she explained, stroking Plue’s head with her free hand. “My name’s Lucy. This is Plue. We just moved here.”

“Natsu,” he replied simply, leaning against the counter. He kept his tone casual, though his eyes kept sliding back to her whether he wanted them to or not. “What brings you to Magnolia?”

“I transferred to Magnolia University… for the writing program.”

His brows arched in quiet surprise. “A writer?”

“ Aspiring ,” she corrected with a shy grin. “It’s kind of my backup plan, though. If the whole dog training career doesn’t work out.” She gave Plue’s leash a tug just in time to keep him from lunging toward the door. “Which, judging by tonight… yeah, probably not cut out for that.”

Natsu chuckled low in his throat, his chest feeling lighter than it had in a long time. The butterflies came back, stronger this time, and he couldn’t quite bring himself to chase them off.

“Do you live around here?” Natsu asked, curiosity slipping into his tone. Only then did he notice her outfit. A simple, short pink dress that hugged her body nicely. He quickly looked away, hoping she hadn’t caught him staring.

“Yeah, pretty close by.” She tucked a loose strand of golden hair behind her ear. “Do you know those apartments on Strawberry Street?”

“Oh?” He nodded, turning toward the janitorial closet to grab the mop bucket. “I live there too.”

Her brows lifted, and she smiled in surprise. “I guess we’re practically neighbors then.” A beat later, she pressed her lips together, eyes slightly widening. “Though… maybe we shouldn’t go around telling strangers where we live.”

Natsu chuckled at that. “Well, we’re not complete strangers. I know your name’s Lucy, and you’re a writer.”

Her laugh bubbled out, light and musical, and she secured Plue before jumping to her feet. “Please, let me help.”

“It’s really not nece—” He stopped short when she appeared right beside him, reaching for the mop. Her hand brushed his, a fleeting touch, but it made him gasp and let go too quickly, retreating a step. She didn’t seem to notice. Or maybe she pretended not to as she tied Plue’s leash to the chair and set to work.

“So this place is pretty cool,” she said, scrunching her nose as she chased a trail of muddy pawprints.

Natsu couldn’t look away from her face. That little scrunch, the way her brow furrowed. It made him wonder what other expressions she pulled while she was going through her day. He really, really wanted to see them.

“It’s popular with the college crowd,” he managed with a shrug. “Study groups, meetings, mid-day hangs…”

“I can see why.” She wrung out the mop, then turned back to him with a raised brow. “You seem kind of young to own a place like this.”

“Twenty-five?” he answered with a crooked smirk.

“Young.” She nodded. “I always picture business owners being… you know, my dad’s age.”

Her playful bluntness made him chuckle. “I actually co-own it with my friend, Gray. The old owner retired, so we took it over.”

Her eyes widened, impressed. “You and a friend? That’s… wow.”

“His parents helped a lot.” He admitted. “They’ve got a lot of restaurant experience.”

“Ah, nepotism at its finest.” Her grin turned mischievous.

“That doesn’t count when we actually work the shifts,” he shot back, crossing his arms as she finished up. “I can’t tell you how many frozen coffees I made today.” He said, almost grimacing at the thought.

“It must be challenging, though.” She tapped a finger thoughtfully against her cheek. “Being in charge of… well everything .”

“It is, but…” His chest tightened when her full attention shifted back to him, her eyes catching his. The words tumbled out before he could stop them. “It’s beautiful .”

The second he said it, he looked away, heat prickling the back of his neck. Was that too much? Too awkward? He’d only just met her, and already his head was a mess.

But Lucy only smiled, tilting her head. “Well… if you’re doing something you love, I guess it can be beautiful.”

His throat felt dry as he cleared it, stepping forward to take the mop from her. She’d already cleaned most of the mess, and he offered her a small, almost sheepish smile. His heart gave a hard, fluttering jolt when she smiled back, but just as quickly, the familiar heaviness sank into his stomach again, swallowing the butterflies.

“Maybe you should get your dog home,” he said softly.

She nodded, though a hint of reluctance lingered in her eyes. Gathering Plue into her arms, she sneaked a few glances at Natsu as he tucked away the mop and gathered his own things.

They walked out together in silence. Lucy set Plue down just as Natsu locked up the door.

“Hey, Natsu—” His name in her voice made his chest tighten. “I’m really sorry again.”

“It’s fine,” he assured, in a gentle voice that made her heart tingle. He turned, slipping the keys into his pocket, “I’ll see you around, Lucy?”

He had been so kind, so understanding about this whole situation. Lucy felt her heart begin to flutter some more. There was something about him, something warm almost. Before she could answer him, their attention was stolen by a voice, unfamiliar to her, but all too familiar to Natsu.

“Natsu Dragneeeeel… ” A singsongy coo echoed down the street.

Lucy turned, blinking at the sight of a young woman striding toward them. She had long brown hair that spilled over a very cropped shirt, paired with tight white pants and impossibly tall heels. In one hand she waved excitedly, in the other she cradled a half-empty bottle of alcohol. Her flushed face and messy hair made her look both beautiful and unsteady, though she somehow managed a perfect line with each step.

“Natsu honey, we—we were waiting for you!”

Lucy’s stomach dropped. Honey? She looked from the stranger to Natsu, searching his face for a reaction. Of course… a guy like him must already have a girlfriend.

“Oh, shit,” Natsu muttered under his breath, smacking his lips together in frustration. He glanced back at Lucy with a small, apologetic smile. “I gotta go. Have a good night.”

“You too…” Lucy’s reply came out soft, almost reluctant, as she watched him jog toward the woman.

The brunette flung herself onto him the second he reached her, arms looping tight around his neck. “Let’s have a drink tonight?” she slurred against him.

Natsu caught her easily, steadying her as she swayed against his chest. “Man, Cana… how much did you already drink?”

“Ohhh, that doesn’t matter,” she laughed, nearly tripping over her heels. He was quick to catch her again, slipping an arm around her shoulders to guide her weight. Cana only laughed louder, clinging to him as though she’d done it a thousand times before. Natsu shook his head but didn’t pull away, leading her down the street without another word.

Lucy forced herself to turn in the opposite direction. She shook her head, smiling faintly down at Plue as he trotted at her side. He seemed like such a nice guy… and she couldn’t deny how handsome he was. It made sense he already had someone.

Pushing the thought aside, she focused on the excitement bubbling in her chest. Levy was never going to believe the story she had to tell her. 

…

When Natsu stepped into his apartment that night, the first thing that hit him wasn’t the sight of the chaos, but the smell of marinara sauce simmering on the stove, seasoned ground beef, and the unmistakable warmth of fresh bread.

His place was decent-sized, three bedrooms, two bathrooms. He lived in it with his little sister who had just moved in about a year before, though half the time it felt more like a community hangout. His friends had a habit of letting themselves in whether he was home or not.

“Oh wow… it smells amazing here!” Cana announced, untangling herself from his grasp only to trip over a pile of shoes and flop face-first onto the L-shaped couch.

Natsu shook his head, toeing off his sneakers and heading toward the kitchen, choosing to ignore her for the moment. He’d already dragged her back safely, and Cana could hold her liquor better than most. He wasn’t too worried about her wrecking the carpet with vomit or something. The large TV that hung on the wall was on, flashing images of a live pro wrestling show that he and his friends often watched, though right now, nobody was really paying attention.

“Hey, look at that… people who don’t live here.” He muttered dryly. 

It wasn’t unusual to find intruders in his apartment, considering the couple who lived upstairs treated his place like a second home. Sure enough, in the kitchen, Gray Fullbuster stood over the stove, shirtless as usual, stirring spaghetti and meatballs. Beside him, Juvia Lockser was tossing together a colorful salad with a bright smile.

“Welcome home.” Juvia said warmly, setting the bowl down. “Gray-sama thought you could use some company tonight, so we made dinner.”

“It’s almost 10 p.m. though.” Gray glanced at his watch before looking over. “You close late or something?”

“No, but…” Natsu jerked his thumb toward the couch, where Cana had already passed out, still hugging her bottle like a stuffed toy.

“Oh dear.” Juvia set the bowl down, and hurried over, immediately fussing as she slipped Cana’s heels off.

“I ran into some trouble.” Natsu explained, grabbing a chilled water bottle from the fridge.

“Juvia thought maybe you went to the festival,” she said while making sure Cana was comfortable, placing a couch pillow behind her head. “Wendy-san mentioned she wanted to go.”

“Yeah.” Natsu sighed, cracking open the bottle. “She bugged me all shift until I let her leave early.”

Gray snorted, flicking a cucumber slice from the salad bowl at him. “And you caved. Figures.”

“It’s not like I was slammed,” Natsu defended, then paused mid-sip as he took a closer look at his best friend. “Dude. Where’s your shirt?”

Gray shrugged. “Spilled sauce on it. Didn’t feel like ruining it more.”

“Of course you didn’t…” Natsu muttered, shaking his head. He was far too used to Gray’s habit of losing shirts for the dumbest reasons.

He leaned back against the counter, twisting the bottle cap in his hand, his mind drifting. “Something else happened today though… after I closed up.”

“Oh yeah?” Gray set the lid on the pot, dropped his ladle aside, and turned toward Natsu as he grabbed a kitchen towel and slung it casually over his shoulder.

“Well, there was this dog running loose in the street, and this girl chasing after him…” Natsu chuckled at the memory, his grin spreading. “He bolted into the shop, made a mess, and—” his voice softened just a touch, “—Lucy came running in after him. Said she was trying to take a picture and the leash slipped from her hand…” He went on, telling Gray about the bruise Lucy had gotten, how Lucy insisted on cleaning up the paw prints, how Lucy mentioned being a writer. By the time he finished, the smile hadn’t once left his face. “Lucy actually lives around here too.”

“Lucy, huh?” Gray arched a brow, his arms crossing as he eyed his best friend’s ridiculous grin. “So… did you get her number?”

“Whose number?” Juvia’s voice chimed in sweetly as she re-entered the kitchen, setting down the bottle of liquor Cana had been cuddling.

Natsu had been halfway to taking a sip of water when Gray’s question registered. He froze, blinked at his friend, then sputtered. “Wh—why would you even ask me that?” He dropped the bottle back on the counter so fast it nearly toppled.

Gray smirked. “Because this Lucy girl clearly made an impression on you.”

“What are you even talking about?” Natsu frowned, genuinely baffled, but Gray just tilted his head, amused.

“Every time you said her name, which you said a lot, you smiled like an idiot.”

“You’re an idiot!” Natsu shot back, childish as ever, making Gray roll his eyes.

With a huff, Natsu emptied his pockets onto the counter. Phone, wallet, a fresh pack of cigarettes. Gray noticed, but chose not to comment, instead leaning into the argument.

“Seriously, calling me an idiot? You’re such a kid.”

“And you’ve got ice for brains!”

“I’d rather have ice for brains than fire breath!”

Their bickering echoed through the kitchen, business as usual. Meanwhile, Juvia tapped a finger to her chin, brow furrowed in thought. That name. Lucy . It nagged at her. She was sure she’d heard it before.

“Lucy…” Juvia repeated slowly.

“I–I mean… it was just a funny situation, that’s all,” Natsu rushed to clarify, his words stumbling over each other. “Like, how many times can you say a dog ran into the shop and—”

“Are you talking about the girl who moved in across the hall?” Both men froze, turning toward the bluenette with wide eyes. Gray’s more curious, Natsu’s more shocked. Juvia narrowed her eyes slightly, then nodded. “Gajeel-kun met her and her roommate earlier. Juvia didn’t see them herself, but he mentioned a girl named Levy and another one… Juvia is pretty sure he said her name was… was it Lucy? Juvia is confused…” she trailed off, trying to remember exactly what Gajeel had told her.

“Wait, someone actually moved into that apartment?” Gray asked, brows furrowing. “It’s been empty for years.”

“Two years…” Natsu’s voice was almost a whisper. He looked away from them, down at the surface of the kitchen island. Gray’s mouth snapped shut, and Juvia’s worried gaze flicked between the two men. The silence that followed was thick, broken only by Cana’s faint snoring from the couch. Natsu took a sharp breath, rubbing the back of his neck. “Thanks for dinner, but I’m not really hungry.”

“Natsu-san…” Juvia pleaded softly, but he forced a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“I just want to shower and get to bed. Can you let me know if Wendy gets home after 10:30?”

“Alright, man.” Gray sighed. “We’ll leave the leftovers in the fridge.”

Natsu gave a quick wave and disappeared down the hall. A moment later, his bedroom door clicked shut.

Juvia let out a heavy, frustrated sigh, leaning against the island with her head in her hands. “Gray-sama… Juvia thought he was doing so much better.”

“He is,” Gray said gently. “But you know better than anyone… healing isn’t exactly linear.”

Her frown lingered, until he brushed a lock of hair from her face. She melted at the small, tender gesture and gave him a faint smile. “Has it really been two years?”

Gray nodded, his expression softening. “That’s why we just… keep being here for him. For each other. Especially for flame-brain though.”

Her lips curled into a small grin. “When did you become so profound, my darling? Have you been reading Juvia’s romance novels again?”

He scoffed, but couldn’t stop the smile tugging at his lips when she laughed. He bent down and kissed her forehead.

“Should we eat?” he suggested, though she was already wrapping her arms around his neck, propped up on her tippy toes, peppering his lips with playful kisses.

“Juvia will just have salad,” she mumbled between kisses.

He raised a brow at that. “Salad? That’s it?”

“Juvia has a show tomorrow…” 

“And?” Gray scoffed. “I’ve barely seen you eat anything today.”

“That’s not true, Gray-sama. Juvia ate lunch with Gajeel-kun and Totomaru-san today.”

Gray’s brows knit together, like he didn’t believe her for a second. “Just have a little more than salad.”

She gave him a reassuring smile, nodding in agreement. Together, they finally turned toward the food.

…

Natsu had long since recognized that he wouldn’t even know where he’d be if it weren’t for his friends.

He never blamed them. Never got angry. Even when they stumbled over what to say or how to act around him. After all, when someone you love more than anything dies… nobody knows what to say to you.

If anything, he was grateful. Grateful that they had stayed, orbiting his grief even when it made the air heavy. Grateful they didn’t leave him alone, even when it would’ve been easier to.

The shower was quick, more about rinsing the weight of the day off his skin than relaxing. Soon he was stretched out on his bed, one arm tucked behind his head, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Lisanna .

He lost his girlfriend, but he wasn’t the only one who had lost her. Mirajane and Elfman had lost their sister. Juvia and Cana had lost their best friend. She’d been close with Gray, with Gajeel, Erza with so many people woven into Natsu’s life.

But the difference was… she was his. The person he’d pictured his future with. The one he thought would always be there. And then, out of nowhere, she was gone.

Some days he was okay. Other days, the smallest thing could pull him straight back into the ache of missing her.

Today… today was somehow a mix of both.

His thoughts drifted, uninvited, to Lucy. He didn’t know why. Sure, she was pretty, he could admit that much. He liked her smile, the easy warmth of her voice. But he didn’t really know her. Not beyond the little scraps he’d gathered: she had just moved to Magnolia, she had a cute but reckless dog, she was an aspiring writer with a business-man father, and she wrinkled her nose when she cleaned. That was it.

Still… he hadn’t talked to anyone outside his circle for that long since Lisanna died. Maybe that was it. Maybe it was just the thrill of something unfamiliar. Or maybe… maybe it was something else. Because when he thought of Lucy, of her laugh, her golden hair, something in him felt lighter. Better. And he didn’t know why.

But almost as quickly, the guilt followed.

Lisanna wasn’t coming back. He knew that. So why did it feel so wrong to even consider the possibility of wanting to know someone else?

With a sharp exhale, he rolled onto his side and forced his eyes shut. He let the dark swallow the thoughts, and, eventually, sleep claimed him

…

“Oh my gosh, Levy, you’ll never believe what jus—are you okay?”

Lucy dropped Plue’s leash as soon as the front door clicked shut. Her eyes widened at the sight of her best friend sprawled out like a starfish in the middle of the living room, surrounded by unpacked piles of books. Levy was frozen in a dazed staring contest with the ceiling, not even twitching when Plue trotted over and started showering her with eager kisses.

“Lu…”

Lucy raised a brow and crouched down beside her. “Levy?”

“He… he cut me off.”

Lucy blinked. “Who cut you off?”

“I was trying to order food… and the card declined .” Her eyes went wider. “I didn’t even know a card could decline.”

The blonde bit her lip, laying a gentle hand on her friend’s head. “Your dad canceled your card?”

“Yeah. So I called him.”

Lucy’s eyes widened, almost in disbelief. “And?”

Levy’s gaze stayed glued to the ceiling, her voice dropping low as she imitated her father’s gravelly tone: “If you want to be independent, fine, go for it, but you won’t do it with my money. You have your trust, but that’s for school. True independence is living off money you earn yourself.”

Lucy pressed her lips together to hold back a laugh. Levy had his voice down. “I hate to admit it, but—”

“I know he’s right, Lu!” Levy finally squeezed her eyes shut, kicking her legs in frustration. “But canceling my card was so petty of him!”

“Hey, it’s not like you don’t have your trust, right? And that internship at RuneLogic? You’re basically a shoo-in. You’ll survive.”

“I hope he enjoys eating all his meals alone,” Levy huffed, sitting up with a fierce look in her eyes. “I’ll show him.”

Lucy smiled faintly. “I’m sure you will.”

But Levy’s determination wavered the moment she got a good look at her friend. Her eyes widened, almost in disgust. “Uh, why is your dress filthy? And what—” she gasped, grabbing Lucy’s arm to inspect the dark bruise blooming across her skin. “What the hell happened to you?”

“Uh… long story.” Lucy shrugged, glancing down at it herself.

Levy didn’t waste time dragging her to the bathroom, where most of her toiletries were already unpacked. She dug out the first aid kit, uncapping ointment while Lucy perched on the counter, recounting the chaos of her late-night walk with Plue. Said dog settled loyally in the doorway, tail wagging waiting for them to leave the bathroom.

Levy dabbed gently at the bruise, raising her brows. “So… he didn’t get mad? At all?”

Lucy winced but shook her head. “No. He was actually… nice.”

Levy smirked knowingly. “That’s because he thought you were pretty.”

Lucy rolled her eyes at the comment, her mind flashing to those instances their eyes met. “No way. He just… seemed like a good guy.”

“Lu.” Levy gave her the look, the don’t try to lie to me look . “Your mud-covered dog destroyed his freshly cleaned café, after hours. Any normal guy would’ve flipped. Trust me, he thought you were way too pretty to get mad at.”

Lucy opened her mouth to protest but faltered. Heat crept into her cheeks. “No… it wasn’t like that.”

Levy pounced. “So? Was he cute?”

Lucy tried for nonchalance and failed. “…Okay, yeah. He was kinda cute. Super toned. Spiky pink hair.”

“Pink?” Levy whistled low. “Bold choice. Hard to pull off.”

Lucy’s lips curved into a reluctant smile. “And his smile was just so…” She caught herself, snapping back to reality and shaking her head. “Not that it matters. He has a girlfriend.”

“What?!” Levy’s eyes went wide as she tossed the cotton pad into the trash.

“When we left, this gorgeous woman showed up,” Lucy sighed. “He ran straight to her and it looked like… I don’t know, like they were going home together.”

“Wait.” Levy lifted a finger like she was presenting evidence. “Did he actually say the words ‘this is my girlfriend’ ?”

Lucy hesitated, staring at the ceiling. “…Not exactly.”

Levy only chuckled, spinning on her heel as she returned to the half-finished unpacking project in the living room. Before her phone call with her father, she’d been knee-deep in arranging books along the apartment’s built-in shelf.

“These are our years, Lu,” she said matter-of-factly, stacking a pile against the shelf. “If he didn’t say she was his girlfriend, I don’t think you should assume anything.”

“I mean, it’s not like I’m in love with the guy or anything,” Lucy countered, flopping dramatically onto the couch. “I barely know Natsu. He was just… really cool about the whole mess.” She rested her hands on her stomach with a sigh. “Kind of like that other guy we met… Gajeel? He was super cool about you just, you know, jumping into his arms out of nowhere.”

The sound of books tumbling against the floor made Lucy glance over. Levy had dropped the stack mid-air, her cheeks flaming.

“Gajeel…” she muttered, furrowing her brows as if scolding herself for even saying his name. “Yeah, he’s hot. But he’s also kind of a jerk.”

Lucy raised a skeptical brow. “Really?”

“Maybe it’s the whole rockstar thing.” Levy crossed her arms, huffing. “But he came in, got rid of the spider, and then just… left.”

Lucy blinked, waiting. “ …And ?”

Levy’s nose wrinkled, her blush deepening. “It’s not that he left—it’s how he left.”

Lucy had to bite back a laugh, not entirely sure what her friend meant but enjoying her fluster all the same. “Right. Let’s just forget about guys for now, okay?” She pulled out her phone and scrolled through her apps. “I’m starving. Let’s order something?”

“Great idea!” Levy cheered, bouncing over and kneeling beside her. Plue perked up at their excitement, circling the coffee table as the girls huddled together, debating dinner options well into the night.

…

The next morning, Lucy woke on nothing but a mattress, still ignoring the pile of unassembled bedframe parts leaning against her door. Unpacking her clothes and setting up her bathroom had seemed far more urgent the night before.

Yawning, she peeled her pink duvet off her body and stretched until her joints popped. With her hair still a tangled mess, she shuffled barefoot toward the bathroom. A quick rinse, teeth brushed, face splashed, that was enough to shake off sleep. She decided a short walk with Plue would come before a proper shower.

The little dog practically launched off the mattress the moment she touched his leash. Lucy tugged an old sweatshirt over her head, shoved her feet halfway into sneakers, and clipped on the six-foot black lead she’d bought to curb his pulling. When she opened the apartment door, Plue darted out first, tail wagging furiously.

As Lucy stepped into the hall, the sound of a lock clicking open across from her made her pause.

Maybe I should introduce myself… she thought, nerves fluttering in her chest.

Her heart gave a startled jump when the door swung open and out stepped Natsu, the pink-haired man from last night. He wore a sweatshirt, shorts, and running shoes, earbuds tucked into his ears, his focus buried in the phone in his hand.

Plue decided for her, padding straight up to sniff his shoes.

Natsu glanced down at the sudden movement. His lips twitched upward when recognition hit. “Hey there, did you escape again?”

Lucy’s own smile bloomed, almost shy. “H-hi. I… I remember you said you lived here, but I didn’t think it’d be right across the hall.”

His grin widened, and for a moment it seemed to light his whole face. “Hey, Lucy.”

“I guess that makes us neighbors,” she chuckled, adjusting her grip on Plue’s leash as he tried to yank toward the stairwell.

“Guess so.” He tugged his earbuds out, stuffing them into his pocket as he leaned a little closer. “How are you liking it so far?”

“This is my first time living on my own, so it’s kind of nerve-wracking,” she admitted with a laugh. “But I really do like the apartment.”

“Yeah, it’s…” His smile faltered, his eyes slipping past her shoulder to the closed door behind her. For one fleeting heartbeat, he forgot who had lived there before. His chest tightened. “It’s a really good apartment .”

Lucy tilted her head, not noticing the change in his tone. She wound the leash shorter around her wrist. “Are you going out for a—”

“Sorry.” The word tumbled out too quickly. He stepped back, fumbling for his own doorknob, his gaze still locked on her door. “I… think I forgot something. I’ll see you around, Lucy.”

Her lips parted, but before she could reply, his door shut with a slam, the lock sliding into place.

Lucy blinked, startled, then exhaled a small shrug. Maybe he was just in a rush.

But inside his apartment, Natsu pressed a fist hard against his chest, gripping the fabric of his sweatshirt. His breaths came shallow, shaky. Seeing Lucy again, her smile, her warmth, it felt good. Too good. And then his gaze fell on that door.

The same door that had once opened to Lisanna.

The air turned heavy, his chest aching with the pressure. The world tilted, suffocating. His throat burned.

And just like that, the good feeling was gone, swallowed whole by grief.

Cana Alberona, who had spent the entire night sprawled across his couch, rose with a groan, her temples throbbing as she rubbed her eyes.

“Can you be any freaking louder?” she muttered, massaging her forehead as she sat up straighter. “Seriously, what’s a girl gotta do to get some peace and—”

She froze mid-complaint.

Her bleary gaze landed on Natsu, still standing by the slammed-shut door. His chest rose and fell in shallow bursts. His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles blanched, his whole frame trembling like he was a frightened child. His wide eyes brimmed with unshed tears, fixed on the floor as though the ground itself was threatening to give way.

Cana’s headache was instantly forgotten. 

Oh no. Not again.

“…Hey,” she said softly, her sarcasm fading into concern. “You alright there, hun?”

She pushed herself to her feet and crossed the short distance without hesitation. Over the last two years, she’d seen him like this more times than she cared to count. Raw, cracked open by grief and panic. Talking him through it never worked. What did was something simpler.

Without another word, she slipped her arms around his neck.

Natsu didn’t resist. The second she touched him, his body sagged against hers, the tension in his muscles giving way just enough for her to feel the weight he was carrying. He leaned into her, his breath hitching, his trembling worsening for a moment before slowly easing under the steadiness of her embrace.

“I’ve got you.” Cana rested her chin on his shoulder, one hand rubbing soothing circles against his back. “There you go, dummy.”

She’d known him forever, since before either of them could even remember. Thanks to their fathers’ friendship, they had never exactly met, they just always knew each other. Practically grew up like siblings. They even lived together for a while when Natsu’s dad had to move away and the pinkette didn’t want to leave his friends behind. Gildarts offered him the extra room in their home, and he didn’t even think about it, just said yes. They didn’t have to explain things to each other. She didn’t need him to talk, to tell her what triggered it this time. She already knew.

Physical touch from someone he trusted had always been his anchor.

So she held him, letting him be as long as he needed. Natsu wrestled with feelings he couldn’t untangle. This strange new excitement when he saw Lucy… confusion over why she mattered. But worst of all, the guilt that swallowed him whole every time Lisanna’s memory rose up to remind him of everything he’d lost.

Natsu’s chest heaved, the storm clawing at his body. For one fleeting second, seeing Lucy that morning had sparked something in him he hadn’t felt in two years. A flicker of light, a fragile thread of normal. But then he’d seen that door, her door , and the world had buckled beneath his feet.

Lisanna’s ghost was everywhere, waiting to remind him that moving forward felt like betrayal. The warmth in his chest when Lucy smiled had felt… good. Too good . And the guilt was merciless.

She was gone. Lisanna was gone. She was not going to come back. So why did these confusing feelings Lucy stirred up in him make him feel like he was cheating? 

His breath faltered, sharp and uneven. Cana’s grip firmed.

She hated this part. Hated watching him unravel, hated knowing she couldn’t actually fix what was broken. And worse, she hated that she sometimes felt the cracks too. Lisanna had been her friend as well. Her drinking buddy. Her sharp-tongued, soft-hearted confidante. Losing her had carved holes in all of them. But Cana had decided a long time ago to make sure Natsu didn’t drown. All of their friends had made this silent agreement, to allow him time, grace, and to be there for him in moments like these. 

So she held him tighter, rocking them ever so slightly, whispering against his shoulder, “Breathe. Just breathe. I’ve got you.”

Little by little, his shuddering began to ease, though the guilt, the grief, and the confusion still burned behind his eyes.

… 

Chapter Text

He was slouched deep into the couch, shoulders sinking as though the cushions could swallow him whole. Cana sat cross-legged beside him, pressing a warm, light blue mug into his hands.

“Why do you only have decaf?” she asked, lifting a brow in mild betrayal.

He accepted the drink, both hands wrapped around it, letting the heat soak into his palms. His gaze stayed locked on the coffee table, voice still low. “Wendy’s kind of on a kick right now… she likes drinking coffee at night, so…”

Cana hummed. “Right.” She sipped her own mug, stretching her legs across the cushions. “So… you wanna talk about what happened?”

“Not really.” He took a swallow from the cup, then set it down, eyes flicking to the glow of the television still humming in the background. “But I know that you’re gonna make me anyway.”

She grinned, nudging his knee with her bare foot. “How could I possibly make you?”

He exhaled slowly, hands clasped together, eyes shutting for a beat. When he spoke, his voice was quieter than before. 

“Someone moved into Lisanna’s apartment.”

Cana stilled, then blinked. “Someone finally moved in there?” The disbelief in her tone made him scoff. “It’s been what, like…” she trailed.

“Two years,” he said flatly.

“Yeah. Two years.” She nodded, taking another sip before her voice softened. “So what? You saw the new tenant and panicked? Bolted back in here?”

“I– I actually met her yesterday.” His reply was fast but shaky. 

“Her?”

“Her name’s Lucy.” He leaned back, coffee mug in hand. Cana swore she caught a flicker in his eyes when he said her name. “Her dog ran into Fairy Brew after I closed up for the night. That’s how I met her.”

Cana’s brow arched. “Uh-huh. We’ll circle back on that later. But Natsu, I mean c’mon… you didn’t think the place would stay empty forever, did you? Honestly, I’m shocked it took this long.”

“I never… thought about it.” His lips pressed together, eyes distant. “I mean, I knew. Of course I knew . But I never let myself think about it.”

“You’ve walked past that door every day since…” She gave him a gentle smile, leaving the end of that sentence unspoken. “And you’ll keep walking past it just fine, even if someone else lives there now.”

“Juvia even mentioned it last night,” he muttered, dragging a hand through his hair. “That Lucy had moved in. But actually seeing it—” He shook his head, frustrated. “It just hit me harder than I expected.”

“That’s okay.” She laid a hand on his shoulder, steady. “What happened? Was she rude or something?”

“No. No, not at all.” His voice softened, his thoughts inevitably drifting back to blonde hair, warm eyes, and the way she’d smiled at him in the hall. His lips curved before he could stop them. “Lucy… she seems great.”

Cana smirked knowingly, leaning in. “Lucy, huh? If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were interested,” she said almost sing-songy. “She pretty?”

“She’s more than—” He stopped short, catching himself before he gave too much away. He scrubbed at his jaw instead, face heating. “Geez, it’s not like that.”

“Like what?” she teased, eyebrows dancing.

“Like what you’re thinking.” He bit his lip, fighting the grin threatening to break through. But every time she crossed his mind, he couldn’t hold it back. “I mean—it can’t be.”

“Why not?” Cana’s playful edge dimmed, curiosity shifting toward concern. “Don’t you want to get to know her more?”

His chest tightened. He stared down at his hands, the words dragging out of him with a heavy sigh.

“I can’t—”

“Natsu… hun.” Cana set her mug down on the coffee table and rose to her feet. Her voice softened, completely losing its usual playful edge. “I can’t imagine going through what you went through. Lisanna was one of my best friends too… I miss her every day. But you… you’re doing so well. I just wish you wouldn’t shut yourself away so much.”

“I don’t.” He blinked up at her, caught off guard by the weight in her gaze. “I’ve been staying busy.”

“You know what I mean.” She crossed her arms, tilting her head. “I’m all for you taking your time. I know it’s hard. But Natsu, you haven’t even looked twice at anyone else. And now you’ve said this girl’s name, what, like ten times in the last five minutes?”

“Cana, it’s not gonna be anything.” He shook his head, too quickly, though his heart betrayed him, flooded with images of her bright smile and the way she’d said his name. “She’s just… I don’t know. When I look at her… when I was talking to her, it felt—”

“Special?” Cana offered, lips quirking.

He hesitated. “ …Different .”

“Well, okay!” she exclaimed, tossing her arms in the air with a grin. “Different can be good.”

“I don’t want to let it be anything… it can’t…” His eyes dropped to the floor, uncertainty tugging at every word. “ Right ?”

Cana’s smirk softened into something gentler. She dropped back onto the couch beside him, slinging an arm around his shoulders. “Are you seriously asking for permission? ’Cause the only one whose permission you need is your own.”

“I don’t know…”

She leaned in, voice quieter now. “Maybe you should think about going back to therapy.”

“No.” The answer was immediate, sharp. His jaw clenched. “I’m fine.”

“I know you’re fine .” She squeezed his shoulder, steady. “But just… consider it, okay?”

His mouth opened, then closed again, caught somewhere between defiance and exhaustion. He didn’t get the chance to respond.

The soft creak of a door pulled both their gazes to the hallway. Wendy shuffled out of her bedroom, already dressed in her school uniform, her long hair neatly tied back. She paused mid-step, eyes darting between the two adults on the couch, her brows knitting in confusion.

“Is everything okay?” The teenager asked, stepping closer.

Natsu gave her a small smile and nodded. “Everything’s fine.” He rose, grabbing the remote and switching off the television. “How was the festival?”

“It was fun.” Her face lit up, and she grinned as her eyes fell on the mug of coffee sitting on the table. She picked it up like it belonged to her. “You should’ve come with me.”

“Seriously?” Cana chuckled at the thought, shaking her head. “Wendy, you wouldn’t want this old man tagging along and cramping your style.”

Natsu narrowed his eyes at the brunette, tossing the remote onto the couch. “You’re two months older than me.”

The teenager giggled and slipped past them toward the kitchen. “Cramping your style?” She repeated with a shake of her head. “It’s giving boomer.”

That earned her a matching glare from both adults.

Cana stretched, draining the last of her mug before setting it down. “Well, I should get out of here. I promised my old man I’d help him load up equipment from his old classroom today.”

Natsu’s brow arched, his tone curious. “Right now?”

“Nah, around midday.” She bent to grab her heels, pulling on a sweater she’d found tossed over a chair. “But I should probably wash the smell of booze off before I meet him. You know how he gets when I don’t come home.”

“Need a hand?”

Cana smirked, already halfway out the door. “Even if I say no, you’ll show up anyway.” With a wave, she slipped out. “Later.”

The apartment felt quieter the second the door clicked shut. Natsu turned toward the kitchen, finding Wendy at the counter, a slice of toast in the toaster and a jar of strawberry jelly already out.

He frowned. “That’s all you’re having?”

“I ate a ton of street food at the festival.” She shrugged, fishing the toast out once it popped. “Not that hungry.”

“Well, alright.” He crossed his arms, unconvinced. “Want a ride to school?”

“No thanks, I’ll take the bus.” She spread jelly across the toast without bothering to put the jar or bread away. “Are you going to Gajeel and Juvia’s show tonight?”

He sighed, already picking up his phone. “It’s a warehouse show at midnight, Wendy. On a school night. You can’t go.”

She spun, eyes wide. “I wasn’t asking for me!” she exclaimed, pouting as she waved her toast for emphasis. “I was asking if you were going.”

“Probably not.” He answered too quickly, attention locked on his phone. Gray had just messaged him about interviewing a new girl for the coffee shop.

“I think you should go,” Wendy said, matter-of-fact, biting into her toast.

Natsu finally raised an eyebrow at her. “Why? You trying to get me out of the house for some reason?”

“No.” She scoffed, exasperated. “I just think you deserve to have some fun and hang out with your friends. Remember what fun is?” He smirked at her words. 

“I do hang out with my friends.” He said matter of factly, “They were here last night.”

She gave him an incredulous look, then walked up and placed her hand gently on his shoulder. “I’m serious. You should go. Show them some support.”

He studied her for a moment, her sincerity disarming him. Not wanting to argue, he gave her a nod. “Alright. I’ll think about it.”

“Good.” She stuffed a few things into her bag, he couldn’t tell what, but he caught the crinkle of bills. She slung it over her shoulder and with a quick smile, she patted his back. “See you later.”

“Have a good day.”

The apartment door shut behind her, leaving Natsu standing in the quiet, phone still in his hand, mind already drifting somewhere else.

…

“I ran into that jerk today,” Levy muttered, gripping her metal coffee tumbler tight. “In the package room. He’s so… he’s so…”

“What jerk?” Lucy asked, raising a brow.

“That jerk—Gajeel!” Levy practically screeched, making Lucy’s eyes widen at her tone. “Seriously. What is wrong with him?”

They had just stepped onto Magnolia University’s campus, which turned out to be even prettier than the pictures online. Students lounged on the grass, biked between buildings, or hurried to their morning classes. Levy clutched her printed schedule in one hand, while Lucy tapped at her phone, trying to download hers.

“What did he do?” Lucy pressed.

“I walked in, saw him, and apologized again for yesterday.” Levy blinked furiously, her disbelief still fresh. “And he just ignored me and walked right out. He doesn’t even live in our building, remember? So what the heck was he doing in the mailroom?”

“Maybe he was visiting his sister?” Lucy tilted her head, frowning. “But really? He didn’t say anything?”

“Not one thing.” Levy tipped her chin up dramatically. “He just… did this…” she jerked her chin once, sharp and dismissive. “And then walked out!”

Lucy stifled a laugh. “I don’t think you should take it too personally. Maybe he was in a rush or—”

“Lu.” Levy cut her off, pleading. “Just… agree with me.”

The blonde sighed, brows knitting as if in deep consideration. “You’re right. He’s the worst. The absolute worst.”

“Thank you.” Levy giggled, satisfied. “Are all the hot guys in this town jerks? Gajeel ignores me, that neighbor of ours practically slams a door in your face, and then, get this, I saw some other guy in the hall this morning unbuttoning his shirt. Not buttoning it up Lu, unbuttoning !”

“Hey, come on.” Lucy puffed her cheeks, half embarrassed, half defensive. “Natsu didn’t slam the door in my face. We just… ran into each other in the hall.”

“Well, he was acting weird, wasn’t he?” Levy hiked her bag higher on her shoulder. “You said he looked panicked or something?”

Lucy hesitated, scratching her chin. “Yeah… Do you think he’s avoiding me because of what happened with Plue?”

“I wouldn’t put it past him. He is a guy afterall.” Levy sighed, but then caught herself, softening. She didn’t want to plant the wrong idea in Lucy’s head. “But… I guess it’s also possible he just forgot something.”

Lucy smirked at the backpedal. “So it’s possible Gajeel was in a rush too?”

Levy scoffed, nose wrinkling. “Not the same thing.” She waved her schedule like it was suddenly the more pressing problem. Her brows furrowed as she scanned the page. “This semester is gonna be brutal.”

Lucy nodded, but her mind wandered back, just for a second, to the pink-haired neighbor. Natsu . She shook it off quickly, tucking her phone into her bag before Levy could notice the tiny smile tugging at her lips.

“I definitely won’t miss that.” Lucy chuckled. “I admire you for sticking it out.”

“Well, unlike you, I actually like the career I picked.” Levy smirked, her tone teasing enough to make Lucy roll her eyes.

“We can’t all be brilliant coders, you know.” Lucy pulled up the school map on her phone. “This writing intensive will be good for me. I know it.”

Levy lifted a brow, unconvinced. “So what’s the plan here Lu? You’re just gonna let your dad keep believing you’re still on track for law school?” She waved her hand dramatically. “You’re not even a little worried about what’ll happen when you finally tell him?”

“He’d probably have a heart attack if I told him I switched to writing.” Lucy shuddered at the thought, then tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

Levy shook her head, lips pressed tight. She didn’t agree, but she wasn’t about to push. At least not right now. 

“Fine. I’m gonna check out the library. Are you coming?”

“I actually wanted to get a feel for where this building is.” Lucy held up her phone, showing her the map with “English Studies” highlighted. “I’ll just meet you at home.”

“Alright.” Levy adjusted the strap of her bag and waved as she headed off.

Left alone, Lucy looked down at the glowing screen, then up at the path ahead. The English Studies building stood near the campus entrance, its tall brick walls and ivy-covered windows giving it an almost storybook feel. She drew in a steady breath and started toward it, her heart lighter with every step.

…

Levy couldn’t believe it. She just couldn’t. She knew the library would be big—she had done her research before transferring—but nothing had prepared her for the sheer size of it. So far, it was easily the largest building she had seen on campus.

“Oh wow… it’s so beautiful.” She whispered eagerly to herself, eyes sparkling with glee. 

Pressing her hands to her mouth, she giggled under her breath as she climbed the first step, ready to enter what she instantly decided would be her sanctuary for the semester. That blissful moment didn’t last long. She suddenly collided with a cardboard box someone was carrying, the impact knocking her backward until she landed on the ground with a soft thud.

“Sorry about that, shorty.”

Her eyes snapped open at the familiar voice. Turning her head, she found herself staring into piercing red eyes.

“Gajeel…”

He chuckled, setting the box down before offering her a hand. “You’re just so tiny I didn’t see you standing there.”

“Very funny,” she muttered, though she still took his hand. He pulled her up with ease, and she brushed the dust from her shorts with a huff. “Guess you didn’t see me this morning either?”

“This morning?” His brow furrowed as he watched her.

“In the package room.” She crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. “I was trying to talk to you, and you completely ignored me.”

“Talk to me?” He tilted his head, frown deepening.

“Yes.”

“‘Bout what?”

“I was apologizing… again! You know? For the spider incident,” she mumbled, heat rising to her cheeks. “And you just walked out.”

For a beat, he just stared at her, then smirked. “I had earphones on, shrimp.” Her eyes widened. “Yeah. If you said somethin’, I didn’t hear it.” 

“Oh.” She was always the smartest person in the room… so suddenly feeling dumbfounded was something she wasn't prepared for.  

“We listen to music uninterrupted for the first two hours of our morning on show days… part of the band’s… ritual .” He grinned, clearly amused by her stunned expression.

Thinking back, she realized his long, wild hair had hidden his ears. And when he turned around, that little tilt of his head must have been his version of a greeting.

“Headphones… right.”

He nodded, fishing a paper out of the box and handing it to her. “Flyer for tonight. My band’s playing, you should come.”

Levy blinked at the paper. “There are like four bands on here?”

“That’s because four bands are performing.” His smirk widened. “Aren’t you engineering students supposed to be smart or somethin’?”

She glared but ignored the jab. “Which one’s yours?”

“Phantom Lord.” His lips quirked when she raised an eyebrow at the name. Before she could ask he began to explain. “Started in high school just for fun. We just needed a name for a contest. My sister’s dad came up with it, and it stuck.”

Levy froze, processing his sentence. “Did you just say my sister’s dad ?”

“Yeah.” He looked unfazed. 

“You call your dad your sister's dad?” She questioned, pouting a bit. “Are you mad at him or something?”

“Same mom, different dads.” He told her quickly.

“Oh.” She nodded quickly, an awkward smile tugging at her lips. “Got it.”

“You should come,” he pressed. “Might not be your scene, but after the show there’ll be a DJ.”

Her brows knit together. “Why wouldn’t it be my scene? I’ll have you know I listen to all kinds of music.” She placed a finger in the air between them. “Good music is good music, no matter the genre.”

For the first time, his smirk softened, just slightly, as if impressed. “Whatever you say, shrimp. Guess I’ll see you tonight.”

“Uh… maybe,” she stammered, backing away. “I mean, I’m really busy these days, but I’ll… try.”

He only chuckled, walking past her with the box in his arms. “See you around, shorty.”

“My name is Levy!” she grumbled after him, but he was already gone.

…

Natsu grunted as he hefted another box onto the back of the truck, sweat starting to bead at his temples. He shot a glare at Cana, who was leaning lazily against the side of the truck, sipping from a paper cup while her thumbs swiped across her phone screen. She’d mentioned something earlier about a new guy she was seeing. After her messy breakup with their friend Laxus, Natsu was glad she was finally moving on. Still, he was on his fourth trip back and forth, while Cana had barely loaded a single box.

“You know,” he muttered, dusting his hands off, “I came to help, not to do all the loading.”

The brunette laughed, slapping him on the shoulder. “Relax, will you? I’m just taking a break.”

“A break?” His tone was incredulous.

“Yes, a break.” She raised her cup like a toast, then took another sip.

“Is that even coffee?”

Her lips curled around the rim, hiding a smirk. She didn’t answer, she didn’t need to. He already knew what was actually in the cup.

“Anyway this guy…” she groaned, lowering her phone. “He totally blew me off the other day, but now he’s apologizing. What do you think? Should I forgive him?”

“I think you should help me keep loading boxes,” Natsu muttered dryly, hoisting another one.

“Ah, geez, you’re no fun.” She ignored him, crossing her arms. “I mean, he’s letting the bands use his warehouse tonight for their show… maybe I should forgive him.”

Natsu paused, brow furrowing. “Wait. You’re only seeing this guy so you can help Gajeel out?”

“Yeah right.” She snorted, quirking an eyebrow. “I’m seeing this guy so I can get laid.”

Natsu shook his head, a laugh escaping before he could stop it. “Well… I guess it’s good for you. After what happened with you and Laxus…”

“You mean when he dumped me and moved away?” Her scowl was sharp, but it didn’t linger. She shook it off, leaning back against the truck. “Anyway if you’re interested, there’s probably gonna be a lot of cute, single girls at the show tonight.”

“Cana—”

“Before you say it—” she held out a hand to cut him off, “just think about it, okay? I promise we won’t try to set you up.”

He rolled his eyes. “It’d be a waste of time anyway. Setting me up.”

“You don’t know that for sure.” Her smirk was sly. “I mean, you’re not the ugliest guy.”

That earned her a reluctant grin.

“Thanks,” he said flatly, but the curve of his lips betrayed him.

As he glanced around the bustling campus, a wave of nostalgia hit. It hadn’t been long since he’d graduated, but the energy was the same. Students laughing, bikes weaving past, voices carrying on in the breeze.

And then his heart betrayed him when it jolted. His gaze landed on a familiar figure: a very pretty blonde girl weaving through the crowd, the afternoon sunlight catching her hair.

Lucy . The name bloomed in his mind before he could stop it.

Cana noticed immediately, following his line of sight. When she spotted Lucy, her eyebrows wiggled with wicked amusement. She nudged him with her elbow. 

“And would that be who I think it is?”

“Yeah,” he admitted, unable to help the smile tugging at his lips. “That’s Lucy.” He tugged off his work gloves, stuffing them into his back pocket. “I’ll… I’ll be right back.”

… 

Wendy stood at her locker, staring down at the pack of cigarettes she’d slipped inside her bag that morning. She’d found them sitting on the kitchen counter fresh, and unopened. They had to be Natsu’s. None of his other friends smoked. Gray had never picked up the habit, Juvia guarded her voice like the treasure it was, and Cana’s poison of choice had always been liquor. Gajeel was a maybe , but he hadn’t been over last night. There was no doubt in her mind. They had to be Natsu’s.

Her brows knit together as she stared at them, chewing her lip so hard she barely noticed when footsteps approached her.

“What’s up?”

Wendy gasped, nearly jumping out of her skin. The pack slipped from her hands, hitting the ground at her feet. When she looked up and saw who it was, she exhaled in relief.

“Sherria!”

Her best friend bent down, scooping up the pack with a raised brow. “I can see why you’re so jumpy.” She smirked, turning the box over in her hand. “Why do you even have these? I thought the picture of the black lungs traumatized you.”

“They’re not mine!” Wendy snatched them back, shoving them into her pocket before shutting her locker. “They’re Natsu’s.”

Sherria blinked, confused as they started walking down the hallway. “Wait. I thought you said he quit?”

“That’s what he told me,” Wendy muttered, shaking her head. “But I found him with an old pack yesterday. And this one’s brand new.”

The pinkette tilted her head. “So… you just took them?”

“He said he was gonna quit,” Wendy reasoned, clutching the strap of her bag. “So it’s not like he needs them.”

“Hmm…” Sherria tapped her chin thoughtfully, then grinned. “Weird though. Your brother doesn’t smell like he smokes.” Wendy’s brows pulled together, wondering where Sherria was going with this. “If he did, he wouldn’t be as hot.”

“Ew.” Wendy made a face. “You don’t really think Natsu is hot, do you?”

“Are you kidding?” Sherria rolled her eyes, practically swooning. “Your brother is sooo hot. So is your cousin Gajeel. Oh, and Gray , don’t even get me started…” She clasped her hands dramatically. “Every time he makes me an iced latte at Fairy Brew, I melt.”

Wendy groaned, laughing despite herself.

But Sherria wasn’t done. Her voice dropped to a reverent sigh. “Actually… The hottest one is Gray’s brother. You remember the Christmas party at his parents’ restaurant?”

“…Lyon?” Wendy guessed.

Sherria squealed, smacking her hand against a locker for emphasis. “Yes! Him. The hockey player. He’s like… my absolute dream man.”

Wendy raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t he, like, ten years older than you?”

“Details.” Sheria waved it off, her eyes sparkling. “I just need to be more mature, and he’ll totally fall for me.” Before Wendy could stop her, she plucked the cigarette pack from her pocket, tossing it lightly into the air. “Starting with these.”

“Sherria!” Wendy squeaked, lunging for them. “Give those back! We’re gonna get caught!”

“Relax, I’m kidding!” Sherria giggled, dancing backward down the hall as she flipped the pack between her palms. “You really should’ve just tossed these before school.”

“Don’t you think I know that?” Wendy hissed, trying to grab them again. “Seriously, give them back!”

Sherria pouted at her tone, finally tossing the pack back to her. “Fine, fine. You’re no fun.”

Wendy clutched the cigarettes to her chest with a sigh of relief. “I have to get rid of these before a teacher sees and—”

The late bell rang, echoing through the empty hallway. Both girls froze, realizing how deserted it had become. They exchanged wide-eyed glances when a voice cut through the silence.

“Wendy. Sherria.”

Their homeroom teacher stood at the end of the corridor, his eyes fixed squarely on the pack in Wendy’s hand.

“Sen-sensei…” Wendy’s voice cracked.

Sherria stepped forward first, panicked. “I-It’s not what it looks like!”

The teacher didn’t say a word. He simply motioned for them to follow.

The girls traded nervous looks before trailing him toward the main office.

“My mom is gonna kill me.” Sherria muttered. 

…

Lucy was staring at the map on her phone when the sound of footsteps drew her attention. She looked up, not sure what to expect, and nearly froze when she spotted Natsu jogging toward her.

Her heart fluttered violently.

He was in khakis and a white button-up, the sleeves rolled casually to his elbows, the buttons not done all the way up. Somehow the simple look made it even harder to breathe. He stopped right in front of her, smiling like it was the easiest thing in the world.

“Hi.” His voice was warm, neither too soft nor too eager, but the smile alone nearly made her chest burst.

Lucy returned it, a little breathless. “We… we keep running into each other.” She took a tiny step closer without even realizing it.

“Are you following me around or something?” he teased.

She laughed, shaking her head. “Before I moved here, I thought it’d feel like a big city… I mean Magnolia is a city… But honestly? This place almost feels like a small town.”

“That’s a good way of putting it.” He nodded, then noticed the papers clenched in her hands alongside her phone. “Finding your way around okay?”

She shifted uncomfortably, fidgeting with the edges of the papers. “The campus is bigger than I thought.”

“You’ll get used to it,” he said, shrugging easily. “Once you know the layout, it actually feels pretty small.”

“Maybe…” She gave a little half-smile, then shook her head quickly. “I mean, really, I only need to find the Literature building.” Her eyes lifted back to his, warm and searching. “I didn’t realize you were still a student here.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “No, not anymore. A friend’s dad teaches here and he asked for help moving some stuff out of his classroom.” He gestured over his shoulder toward his truck parked nearby.

Lucy’s gaze followed, and her stomach dropped just a little. Leaning against the side of his truck was the same brunette she’d seen last night. The girl caught Lucy’s eyes and waved, smiling. Lucy hesitated, then shyly returned it before turning back to Natsu.

The words slipped out before she could stop them. “Your girlfriend is really pretty.”

Natsu’s eyes widened. For a few seconds he just stared, then he smothered a laugh, covering his mouth with his hand as if to keep it in. His shoulders shook with sharp inhales.

“No, no, no, no, no.” His grin was impossible to hide now. “No, no, no, no, no, no, no. She’s not my girlfriend. She’s—no” He forced himself to calm down, lips pressed together in a crooked smile. “She’s practically my sister—.”

Lucy blinked, caught off guard by his laughter, but she couldn’t deny the quiet relief blooming in her chest.

“Really?” A voice cut in behind him, dripping with amusement. “Thirteen no’s… really ?”

Natsu rolled his eyes as the brunette strolled over, smirking. Lucy realized too late she was now standing right beside them.

“You must be Lucy.” She offered her hand. “I’m Cana.”

Lucy quickly shook it. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Cana’s smirk deepened, and Lucy felt heat rise in her cheeks under that knowing look. “Natsu’s already told me about you.” His eyes went wide, panic flickering across his face, until Cana added smoothly, “About your dog.”

Lucy laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. “Oh, right. I’m really sorry again…”

“It’s fine,” Natsu said gently. His tone carried enough warmth to ease her nerves instantly.

“Exactly.” Cana waved it off. “Water under the bridge.” She leaned in just slightly toward Lucy, her grin sly. “So, did Natsu already invite you to the show tonight?”

Lucy blinked. “The show?”

“Our friends are in a band.” Cana dug into her pocket, pulling out a folded flyer. She opened it and handed it over. “They’re playing tonight at a warehouse not too far from here.”

“A warehouse show?” Lucy tilted her head, intrigued. “That sounds… actually really cool.”

“It turns into more of a warehouse party after the set.” Cana smirked, then jabbed an elbow hard into Natsu’s side. “You should come. Right, Natsu?”

Lucy glanced up at him, her eyes bright with curiosity. “Are you going to be there, Natsu?”

The way she said his name sent sparks through his chest. He managed a simple nod, though words failed him.

Lucy waved the flyer lightly in her hand. “Then I’d love to come.”

“Perfect.” Cana grinned, punching Natsu on the shoulder. When he shoved her back gently, she only punched him again, harder this time. “Isn’t it great that Lucy’s coming… bro ?”

Lucy giggled at their antics, warmth in her chest. They really did feel more like siblings now that she had seen them together. She wouldn’t know for sure of course, being an only child herself, but it reminded her of the push-and-pull she sometimes shared with her cousins.

“I should get going,” Lucy said, tucking the flyer into her bag. “But… I’ll see you tonight, I guess.”

Natsu lifted his hand in a wave, unable to stop watching her until she disappeared around the corner. His smile lingered until he turned back, only to find Cana eyeing him knowingly.

“She seems nice,” Cana said as they walked back toward the truck. “And she makes you light up.”

He frowned, feigning ignorance. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m just saying… maybe getting to know her could be good for you.”

He shrugged, nonchalantly. “I am getting to know her.”

“You know what I mean.”

“I really don’t.” He tried to play dumb, though his ears were already burning.

“Natsu,” Cana said, slinging an arm around his shoulder. “You ran up to her. You smiled at her. You still smile just thinking about her. When’s the last time I saw you do that with anyone?”

“Geez, it’s not like that.” He shook his head. “I’ve only known her for a day.”

Cana raised a brow. “Okay, and?”

He groaned. “What do you mean okay , and ? I just met her and you’re already acting like…”

“Relax.” She let him go, hopping onto the open trunk of the truck. “I’m not telling you to marry her. I’m just saying… even if she’s just a friend, she could be good for you.”

He hesitated, scratching at the back of his neck. “It’s not that I like her like that… I mean, I do like her. But it’s just… when I look at her, everything else, everything I’m carrying, it just… disappears. Almost like I forget... I don’t even know how to explain it.”

Cana’s expression softened as she studied him. “That sounds like a good thing, Natsu.”

His head snapped toward her, almost defensive. “So I should just forget ?”

“No.” Her voice lowered, gentler now. “You’re never going to forget her. We both know that. But… it’s okay to let someone new in. To let yourself feel whatever Lucy makes you feel. That’s not betrayal, it’s just… life.”

Natsu went quiet, turning her words over in his head. For the first time, he didn’t immediately argue.

When his phone buzzed sharply in his pocket, it jolted him back. He pulled it out, Cana watching him press it to his ear.

“Hello? Yeah, this is he—” His face was drained of color, Cana almost flinching when he yelled into the phone. “She did what ?!”

…

“What were you thinking!?” Natsu scolded, his voice echoing through the busy hallway as Wendy tugged at the strap of her backpack.

The teen only rolled her eyes, walking quickly beside him as the two stepped out of the principal’s office. After she and Sherria had been caught, their guardians had been called, and now she was stuck with her older brother’s disappointment hanging heavy over her.

“I mean seriously,” Natsu pressed on, lowering his voice when students started glancing their way, “you gave me a whole lecture about me quitting smoking, and then you bring cigarettes to school?”

“No.” She muttered, eyes fixed on the floor tiles.

His brows furrowed. “What do you mean no, Wendy? You were caught red-handed. Where did you even get them?”

“I was trying to get rid of them!” she snapped, stopping abruptly to glare up at him. Her cheeks flushed pink with frustration.

Natsu blinked. “What?”

“They’re yours!” she accused, jabbing her finger at his chest. “I found them in the kitchen this morning… I didn’t want you to smoke them!”

The fight drained out of him all at once. He inhaled slowly, guilt settling heavy in his stomach. Last night… After Lucy and the whole dog fiasco, he’d gone back to the café office, grabbed the hidden pack he’d been saving. He hadn’t realized Wendy would find them.

“Wendy…” his voice softened.

Her anger wavered, eyes glistening. “I just— I don’t want you going back to that. I’m sorry, okay?” She fiddled nervously with her bag strap, avoiding his gaze.

Natsu sighed and placed his hand gently on her head, tilting it until she finally looked at him. Her tears threatened to spill over, so he pulled her into a quick hug. 

“I’m sorry too,” he murmured.

When he pulled away, he noticed her hands still trembling against her bag. He slipped it from her shoulder with one arm and slung the other around her, guiding her toward the exit. She leaned into him quietly, comforted.

“Are you mad?” She asked in a whisper. 

“No.” He sighed. “I’ll work on it. Promise.”

She sniffed and nodded. Then, after a beat, she whispered, “Any chance you won’t tell Dad I got suspended?”

A corner of his mouth tugged upward. “As long as you don’t tell him where you got the cigarettes when he calls.”

Her head bobbed in eager agreement. “Deal.”

They walked together down the hall, but Wendy froze when she noticed a cluster of students whispering and giggling behind their hands. She stiffened as one bold girl with short hair waved.

“Oh, hi there, Mr. Dragneel.”

Natsu recognized her instantly as one of Wendy’s classmates who stopped by the café often. He raised a brow, smirking down at his sister.

“Since when does your friend call me Mr. Dragneel?”

“Since you turned twenty-five and got ancient,” she teased, her tone feigning seriousness.

“Oof.” He clutched his chest dramatically, staggering a step. “Ancient? That hurts, kid.”

Wendy burst into laughter, but it faltered quickly when she noticed more girls along the hallway sneaking glances at her brother like he was some kind of celebrity. She rolled her eyes so hard they nearly spun.

“Ugh gross,” she muttered, scrunching her nose. “I hope in our next life you’re super ugly.”

…

Chapter Text

“Well, well, well.” Gray drawled, a smirk tugging at his lips as Natsu and Wendy stepped through the doors of Fairy Brew. “If it isn’t the troublemaker.”

Wendy narrowed her eyes at him. She didn’t know how Gray already knew she was in trouble, but she suspected her brother had something to do with it. 

“Go easy on her,” Natsu chuckled, ruffling her hair before pausing mid-step to help a server who was balancing a tray of drinks.

Wendy dropped her bag on the floor as she slid onto a stool at the bar, meeting Gray’s amused look. Across from her, the dark haired man was finishing a latte at the espresso machine, handing it off to the patiently waiting customer with a smile. Natsu disappeared behind the counter, washing his hands and tying on his apron while greeting a couple of regulars and heading back towards the kitchen to greet the staff who was on the clock today.

“So?” Gray leaned against the counter, arms crossed, as Wendy pulled out a thick packet of worksheets along with a textbook. She reached over the counter, grabbing a pen where she knew they were kept. “What happened?” 

She rolled her eyes. “I got caught with cigarettes at school.”

Gray blinked, his smirk faltering. “You what?”

“They weren’t mine.” She pressed her palms into her cheeks with a frustrated groan. “I was trying to get rid of them, but then Sherria and I started messing around and a teacher saw us before we could explain.”

Gray exhaled a laugh, shaking his head. “Not your brightest move kid.” She ignored him, slipping on her headphones and scrolling through her phone while her suspension work sat untouched in front of her. “Want something to eat?”

“No thanks.” She sighed, and he heard the music begin to blast.

Gray smirked again but let it drop, turning when Natsu reappeared stepping onto the floor. The pinkette looked paler than usual, still fumbling with the ties of his apron.

“You alright, man?” Gray asked, brows lifting.

“I’m fine.” Natsu waved him off, snatching a sticker from the online order printer. “Just a headache from the drive.”

Gray cocked his head. “What happened to that motion sickness medication you were taking?”

Natsu slipped a drink into a to-go bag after it was handed to him by the other barista, a college student named Kinana, who would help them manage shifts at the shop. 

“Running low. I’m saving the rest for longer trips.” 

Gray frowned, reaching for the roll of sealing stickers. “You do know there’s a thing called prescription refills, right?”

Natsu’s hands paused for the briefest second. “Yeah, but… then I’d have to call my aunt and—” He cut himself off, sealing the bag with a tamper evident sticker Gray handed him before walking it over to the pick up area. Gray didn’t push. He knew better. The maternal side of Natsu’s family was practically a minefield. “I’ll just deal.” 

“Whatever you say bro.” Gray’s eyes flicked to the wall clock above the door, then back to him. “Hey, you going to the show tonight?”

“Uh…” Natsu placed lids on the last of the drinks of the new order he was working on, his voice casual. “Yeah. I was actually planning on it.”

Gray froze, suspicion dawning in his expression. “Wait. Did you just say yes ?”

Natsu set the bag on the pickup shelf, but he could feel Gray’s stare drilling into the back of his head.

“It’s not like I don’t go to their shows,” Natsu muttered.

“You don’t,” Gray shot back instantly. Natsu rolled his eyes and ducked behind the counter to greet a new customer. “I mean, you haven’t gone in a while,” Gray reminded him.

“I know.” Natsu sighed, conceding the point. He honestly couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Gajeel and Juvia play live. “But I’ll be there tonight.” His lips pressed into a thin line before he turned to face his friend fully. “Cana kind of invited Lucy.”

Gray arched a brow. “ Lucy as in, dog girl Lucy ?”

Natsu only nodded. “Yep.”

Gray blinked. “When did that happen?”

“She was at the university today. I was helping Gildarts move some boxes around… we ran into her.”

“I see.” Gray smirked. “So… did you get her number?”

Natsu scoffed. “It’s not like that with Lucy.”

“Then what is it like?” Gray leaned in, tone teasing but edged with genuine curiosity. “You haven’t shut up about her since you met her. And you haven’t talked about a girl this much since—” He caught himself, words halting mid-sentence. Guilt flickered across his face. “Sorry, man. I just mean…”

“It’s fine,” Natsu interrupted, and Gray was taken aback by the calmness in his tone. Normally, his friend would flare up at even the suggestion of a sore subject. Instead, Natsu just scratched the back of his neck, searching for words. “She’s just… I dunno. I think we can be friends. Me and Lucy.”

Gray studied him for a long moment. “Well, she is the first girl you’ve talked about— or to— who isn’t someone you’ve known all your life.”

“Friends.” Natsu swallowed hard and busied himself with packing a drink order that Kinana handed him. “That’s it.”

Gray lifted his hands in mock surrender. “If you say so.” 

Still, the corner of his mouth tugged upward. For Natsu, even considering new connections was progress.

The shop door swung open with a jingle of the bells. Gray glanced over and his grin spread as Juvia walked in. His smile faltered quickly though when he saw the stormy scowl on her face. She didn’t greet anyone, just stomped straight to the counter and dropped onto the stool beside Wendy.

“I thought you were doing sound check all day,” Gray asked, rounding the counter standing behind her. “What happened?”

“Hi,” Juvia muttered to Wendy when the teenager paused her music, her voice unusually shaky. She leaned back into Gray as he slipped his hands onto her shoulders.

“Don’t you have a show tonight?” Wendy asked carefully. “Are you okay?”

“Juvia will not be singing tonight.” The words came out sharp, but her voice trembled.

“What?” All three of them, Gray, Natsu, and Wendy stared. 

Juvia never missed a performance. Not for anything. Gray turned her around gently, knowing something was very, seriously wrong. He grabbed her smaller hands in his, guiding her to stand. 

“Okay, we both know you’ll sing tonight. Whatever happened with Gajeel, just make up and—”

“No.” She shook her head, gripping his hands tighter.

Gray’s chest tightened. He knew her moods, her theatrics. She could be the most overly dramatic woman in the world at times. But this wasn’t that. This was something heavier.

“Alright.” He tried to keep his tone steady. “Do you want to go talk?”

The front door banged open again, rougher than when Juvia entered. Gajeel stormed in this time, scowling darker than usual, his heavy steps rattling the floor.

“Sprinkler…” he hissed, using the childhood nickname he’d given her. It had something to do about her crying all the damn time according to him.

“Calm down, metal face.” Natsu blocked him before he could reach his sister. “You’ll scare off the customers. Take it to the park if you wanna fight.”

“Or,” Gray added, standing protectively in front of Juvia, “you could talk it out. Like adults.”

“I vote not fighting at all,” Natsu muttered, exasperated. 

Wendy smirked from her seat, tugging off her headphones. “Wow. You guys act all mature when you’re in the café.” Both men shot her identical looks of confusion. “If we were home, there’d be yelling already. Gajeel would be swearing, Juvia would be crying, Natsu would have found a reason to punch Gray...” She slid her headphones back on with a shrug.

The air suddenly felt a bit lighter. 

Juvia sighed, breaking the silence first, stepping out from behind Gray. “Are you going to apologize, Gajeel-kun?”

“Me?” His eyes widened in disbelief. “If anyone’s gonna apologize it’s you!” Gajeel shot back.

Her left eye twitched but she nodded quickly. “Fine. Juvia is sorry you’re such an inconsiderate asshole.”

He chuckled dryly, “you know what sprinkler!? I’m sorry you take everything so fucking personally.” 

Natsu glanced at Gray, half shrugging. “ Technically , they apologized.”

The brother-sister bickering continued at a quieter volume, the staff unfazed, the regulars lost in their own chatter. Natsu let it fade into background noise as he scanned the shop. Almost every seat was full, even the patio tables.

But quickly, his mind wandered away from everything surrounding him.

Across the street, just beyond the café window, Lucy stood with Plue tugging impatiently at his leash, ready to enter the park.

Natsu’s lips curved before he could stop them.

“Hey… I’m gonna go…” Natsu muttered, glancing at the nearly empty trash can. He yanked out the liner and bundled it up as if it weighed a ton.

Everyone stopped what they were doing to stare at him. 

Gray raised an eyebrow, the first to speak up. “Bro, that can’s literally empty.”

Wendy caught the faint grin tugging at her brother’s lips and slowly pulled her headphones down.

Juvia and Gajeel even paused mid-bicker, watching with identical frowns as Natsu bolted for the door, mumbling something about taking out the trash.

Juvia tilted her head, confused. “But, Juvia thought the dumpster area was behind the café, my love?” She asked Gray.

“It is,” Gray confirmed flatly, following the pinkette with his eyes. 

Sure enough, Natsu stuffed the bag into the outside bin, then immediately darted across the street.

Gajeel’s brow furrowed as he peered out the window. “Wait a sec… is that—” He squinted, lips curling into a smirk. “That’s bunny girl.”

“Bunny girl?” Wendy echoed, hopping off her stool to press closer to the glass.

Gray joined them at the window, just in time to see Natsu scanning the sidewalk like he was searching for someone. A moment later, a blonde appeared with a small dog tugging her forward.

“So that’s her, huh?” Gray murmured.

“Gajeel-kun you said she was tiny,” Juvia whispered, studying the girl with open curiosity.

“Nah, you’re thinkin’ of the shrimp—Levy,” Gajeel corrected, pointing directly at Lucy without shame. “That one there, that’s bunny girl.”

“The dog seems to like Natsu,” Gray observed, watching as the pink-haired man crouched down to pet the pup, his grin stretching wide.

“Natsu doesn’t like dogs though...” Wendy muttered, head tilted.

The four of them stood shoulder to shoulder at the café window like it was prime-time television, watching their usually hot-headed friend light up in a way none of them had seen in a long time.

…

He didn’t even know why his feet were moving. All he knew was that his body had decided to move before his brain caught up. Maybe all he wanted was to see her again, just for a moment to get close enough to shake the strange pull she seemed to have on him. After that he could head back to work, wait for the show tonight, and pretend none of this meant anything.

But when he reached the park entrance, scanning the crowd, his chest tightened. 

She’s already gone? Damn, is she really that fast?

“Natsu?”

He froze. Her voice pulled his head around like a magnet. Lucy stood a few steps away, smiling at him like it was the most natural thing in the world. 

“Hey.” He greeted, practically breathless. 

She scratched her cheek, tilting her head. “We keep running into each other, huh?”

“It’s almost like you really are following me.” He teased, pulse kicking at the sound of her laugh.

“Yeah, right.” She poked him lightly in the chest, and for a second he almost caught her hand, wanting to hold it there. But she pulled back, and his gaze dropped when Plue nosed curiously at his sneakers.

“Plue, don’t—”

“It’s fine.” He crouched down, scratching the little dog behind the ears. “Hey there muddy boy.”

Lucy giggled at the nickname. Then her eyes drifted to his chest, tugging lightly at the apron string. “Wait… you’re working right now?”

“Hm? Oh. Yeah.” He blinked, suddenly aware he was still in uniform. 

“So… what are you doing out here?” she asked, curious.

He stood, but Plue stayed happily sniffing his shoes. Natsu wondered if it had anything to do with the smell of syrups or coffee that attracted the dog to his sneakers so much. “Uh, just wanted some fresh air.”

“Busy afternoon?”

“Not more than usual.” His lips tugged into a small grin. “I like your… pants.”

She glanced down at her blue pajama bottoms patterned with golden keys, paired with an oversized white t-shirt. He thought she looked ridiculously cute. But something else caught his attention. Her eyes. They looked… tired. 

“Thanks. I was too lazy to change back into real clothes,” she admitted with a sheepish smile. “I was in the middle of a nap but… well, I have a dog...”

“Fair.” He chuckled softly. “I’ve always been more of a cat person.”

Her nose wrinkled. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those cat people who hate dogs?”

“Only if you’re one of those dog people who hate cats,” he countered, smirking.

“No, no,” she waved her hand quickly. “Nothing like that. It’s just… my mom was allergic, so we never had cats around… she was obsessed with dogs though.”

Something in his chest pinched. His grin faded into a softer frown. “She was ?”

Lucy’s smile faltered. “She… passed away a couple of years ago.”

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, eyes dropping to the ground. Quickly a dark thought came but when he looked up at Lucy it went away, “It’s… hard. When someone you love is gone.”

“It is.” Her voice was quiet, then she tried to brighten it, lifting her chin. “Anyway, I’m really looking forward to the show tonight. My friend Levy was invited too. By Gajeel, actually. I don’t know if you know him but—”

“He’s… actually my cousin,” Natsu interrupted, almost relieved at the shift. “Our dads are brothers.”

Her eyes widened. “Really? Are you two close?”

He thought for a second, lips quirking. “More like an annoying, abrasive brother than a cousin.”

She touched her cheek, smiling at him. “You say that about a lot of people, don’t you?”

Natsu tilted his head, considering her words. “…I’ve just known them all my life. They’re… my family.”

“That’s nice.” She stepped closer to him, lifting her head a bit to look in his eyes. “I’ll look for you tonight.” 

His heart rate increased dramatically, just as it had been every time he spoke to her. “Sure, I’ll keep my eye out for you too.” He turned his head to glance back at the shop, noticing his friends all pressed against the glass watching him through the large windows. They didn’t seem aware that he noticed them though. He sighed at how invasive they were. “Well I should— I should get back…” 

“Yeah. I’ll see you later.” She smiled at him once more, the butterflies in his stomach betraying him as they fluttered. 

He watched as she walked away, her figure shrinking with every step toward their building across the park. The late afternoon light spilled through the trees, painting Lucy in soft gold until she finally disappeared around the bend.

Natsu dragged a hand down his face, muttering under his breath. “What the hell am I doing?”

When he turned back toward the shop, he immediately spotted four very guilty faces pressed against the window. Juvia was the first to notice him noticing them. Her eyes went wide before she practically dove out of view. Gray vanished a second later, Gajeel followed with a grunt, and even Wendy scrambled off the ledge like she’d been caught stealing something.

By the time Natsu pushed the door open, the shop was pretending to be normal. Wendy was perched back on the counter, oversized headphones snug around her ears, pretending to scroll through her phone. Juvia tapped her nails against the countertop, gaze fixed dramatically on the ceiling like it held the secrets of the universe, while Gajeel leaned against the counter, arms crossed, jaw tight, glaring at the wall as if it had wronged him. No sign of Gray though. The coward.

Natsu said nothing. Just scrubbed his hands, swapped his apron for a fresh one, and headed for the pastry display. He pulled out two warm chocolate chip cookies, still soft in the center, still fragrant with butter and caramelized sugar.

When he walked back toward the counter, Juvia’s lips curved into a knowing little smile.

“Have a nice trash run?” she asked sweetly, her tone so faux-innocent he almost rolled his eyes out of his skull.

“Have you two made up yet?” he shot back instead, ignoring the jab completely.

That got Gajeel’s attention. He made a low noise, almost like a growl, and turned slowly to face Natsu. “Stay out of it, Salamander.”

Juvia let out a loud, theatrical sigh, propping her chin in her hand. “Do you even understand what Juvia has to deal with?”

Gajeel’s head whipped toward her, his glare sharp. “What you have to deal with? Are you serious right now?”

Before the fight could ignite again, Natsu shoved a cookie into each of their faces.

“Eat,” he ordered flatly. They froze, both of them staring at him like he’d grown a second head. Wendy, watching from her seat, slapped a hand over her mouth to hide her laughter. Her music blared faintly from her headphones, a chaotic clash of drums and guitar filling the quiet tension in the room. “I know you idiots don’t eat before your shows,” Natsu muttered, still holding the cookies out. “You’re just hungry. So eat, go rehearse and I’ll see you tonight.”

Something shifted in their faces, like the tension draining out all at once. Gajeel grumbled something under his breath but took the cookie anyway. Juvia grabbed hers delicately, pouting half-heartedly as she followed him out. Neither said a word on their way to the door.

As soon as it clicked shut behind them, Wendy yanked her headphones down around her neck, a grin spreading wide across her face.

“You’re so babygirl .”

Natsu blinked. “I’m what ?”

“It’s a good thing,” she laughed and kicked her legs against the counter. “I wish you acted like that all the time.” 

“Whatever,” Natsu muttered, scowling as he turned his back to mess with the espresso machine. “Don’t you have homework or something?”

Before Wendy could answer, Gray finally emerged from the back, balancing a tray of freshly washed mugs like he hadn’t been hiding the entire time.

“So,” he drawled casually, “trash all taken care of?”

“Shut up, ice princess.”

Gray smirked, setting the mugs down with exaggerated care. “I didn’t say a word.”

Natsu grumbled something unintelligible, his focus drifting. His gaze slid back toward the window, to the same one he’d watched her disappear past not five minutes ago. Just like that, the restless flutter was back, deep in his chest, annoyingly insistent.

She’d said she’d look for him tonight.

Why did it suddenly feel like he was the one who would be standing under a spotlight?

…

“So…” Lucy entered her home, once again finding her friend sprawled out on the center of the floor, staring up at the ceiling. She had a couple of items of clothing scattered around her as well. “Is this going to be a regular thing?” 

“Sorry.” Levy sat up, smiling down at Plue when he ran up to greet her. She pet him a moment, as Lucy set down his leash into a basket they kept by the door for that specific purpose. “I don’t know what to wear tonight.” 

“I- I didn’t know we were dressing up…” Lucy mumbled, going to sit on the couch and Levy turned to face her. “I mean it’s kind of like a concert right?” 

“Gajeel said it’s not just them, a few bands are gonna play and afterwards it’s basically like… a party.” 

“So you’re stressing out on what to wear?” Lucy questioned. 

Levy blinked, finally acknowledging the pajama bottoms her blonde friend was wearing. “I hope you don’t think you’re going in pajamas?” 

Lucy laughed, shaking her head a bit. “Be serious.” The blonde laid back, and stared at the ceiling. “I don’t think it’s that big of a deal what to wear. He invited you because he wants to see you there…”

“ Nooo.” The bluenette emphasized, jumping to her feet but she only fell onto the couch beside Lucy. “He invited me because he wants to expose more people to his band.” 

“Maybe that too.” Lucy giggled, shutting her eyes. 

“Hey are you okay?” Levy leaned over to place a hand on Lucy’s forehead. “You look kinda tired.” 

“I’m fine…” Lucy waved the bluenette’s hand away. “I think it’s just adjusting to living somewhere new. I spent twenty-one years in the same room… and now... I guess I’m just not used to it.” 

Levy watched as Lucy covered her eyes with her arm. “Is that all?” 

“Yeah.” Lucy assured her. “That’s all.” 

“Okay so will you help me pick out an outfit now?” 

The blonde sighed. “Is there a specific reason you’re stressing so much?” 

“This is the first of many girls' nights out!” Levy waved her arms in exaggeration. “It needs to be memorable. This is what we wanted right? College life, our very own version of big city life!” 

Lucy snorted, “I keep running into the same person though…” a certain handsome pink haired coffee shop owner flashed in her brain. “It almost feels like this is a small town.” 

“Oh that’s right.” Levy wiggled her eyebrows, and leaned over, her hands on Lucy’s thighs. “Is Natsu going to be there tonight?” 

Lucy peeked an eye out from under her arm for a moment before hiding it again, “He said he would be…” 

“Then, you better wear something nice.” Levy smirked, jumping up to her feet once again and picking up the pieces of clothing she had thrown all over the place earlier. “I saw him. He’s cute.” 

“So what if he’s cute?” Lucy let her arm fall to her side and met Levy’s eyes. 

“Well you cleared up that he doesn’t have a girlfriend.” 

“That doesn’t mean I’m ready to jump into something new.” Lucy shook her head, sitting up slowly. “And I don’t think he’s interested in me like that… maybe he just wants to be friends. Or he’s being like, neighborly.” 

“Lu, this is the fourth or fifth time you’re coming to me talking about him.” Levy’s fists, bunched up with clothing between them, now rested on her hips. 

“Technically I wasn’t talking about him this time. You asked me.” 

“And you had a definite answer.”  

“Things are just complicated…” she rubbed up and down her arm. “Not because of Natsu… it’s just… I mean… I’m busy… I need to make my appointment soon…” 

“Do you like him?” She asked her promptly. 

Lucy froze, her mouth opening only to close again. “Levy…”

“That wasn’t a no,” Levy sing-songed, dropping the pile of clothes onto the couch and plopping beside her friend again.

“It wasn’t a yes either,” Lucy muttered, tugging at the hem of her oversized shirt as if it could make her invisible.

Levy tilted her head, eyes narrowing with mock seriousness. “You get this little smile when you say his name, you know that?”

“I do not.”

“You so do.” Levy grinned triumphantly. “And you just proved my point by denying it like a guilty teenager.”

Lucy groaned, pressing her hands over her face. “How could I possibly know if I like him? I’ve known him for what—two days?”

Levy chuckled, holding up and examining a purple dress she had discarded a little earlier. “I’ve seen you fall in love faster.”

“That’s different,” Lucy argued, peeking out between her fingers. “Those were just like… fleeting little crushes.”

“So you’re saying you couldn’t possibly have a fleeting little crush on Natsu?”

Lucy’s silence lingered a beat too long before she sighed. “I think he’s nice.”

“And I think you like him.”

“Levy, we aren’t sixteen.” Lucy shook her head, her voice caught somewhere between exasperation and embarrassment. “You’re acting like I’m some lovesick teenager or something.”

“That’s an excellent point.”

Lucy blinked at her, brow furrowing, only for Levy to smirk and continue, “We’re not sixteen, so we can do more than slip a note in a cute boy’s locker asking if he likes us back.”

Lucy gaped at her for a moment before laughing despite herself. “You are seriously so boy-crazy.”

“And you’re seriously so in denial.”

“Alright, enough.” Lucy stood quickly, trying to redirect before Levy could press further. She headed toward her roommate’s room, calling over her shoulder, “Let’s see these outfits before you drive me insane.”

Levy scrambled up with a mischievous grin, scooping clothes back into her arms. “Fine, but I’m picking one for you that is gonna make Natsu lose his mind.”

“Levy!”

…

Her jaw nearly dropped when she stepped inside the warehouse. She had never been to a place like this. Warehouse parties weren’t exactly on the itinerary of her carefully planned teenage years. Debutante balls had been more her world: gowns, heels, glittering jewelry, stiff smiles. At least she wasn’t a stranger to dressing up, or down. She felt relieved she’d gone with the short, backless red dress tonight. Among the sea of crop tops, cutoffs, and body glitter, she didn’t stand out for once.

Her best friend, however…

“I might’ve overdressed,” Levy muttered, glancing down at her long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder top and matching long skirt, the slit cutting high up her thigh.

She didn’t look wrong for the scene, but she definitely had more fabric than most of the room.

They wove their way deeper into the crowd. Music shook the walls, the beat vibrating up through the soles of their shoes. A band was already mid-set on a makeshift stage, though most people weren’t paying them much attention. Across from it, an elevated platform held a DJ, neon lights pulsing with every bass drop. People leaned over the railing to watch, others danced below, but most of the crowd was scattered in clusters, laughing, drinking, shouting to be heard over the music.

Lucy scanned the crowd, face after unfamiliar face.

“I don’t see Natsu anywhere.”

“Maybe he’s backstage,” Levy offered.

“It doesn’t look like there is a backstage.”

“Well, they’ve gotta stash their gear somewhere. Don’t worry.”

“Maybe…” Lucy chewed on her lip. “He said he’d find me, though.”

Levy started scanning the crowd too, then slipped her hand into Lucy’s, tugging her closer. “Then he will. For now, I want a good view of the stage. I can’t waste this outfit… I need it to be seen.”

“By… who exactly?” Lucy smirked knowingly.

“Gajee—no one!” Levy blurted, her cheeks burning. “Anyway, if you do see Natsu, just go hang out with him, okay?”

“W-what?!” Lucy nearly tripped at the suggestion, blinking at her friend in shock.

“I mean it. Don’t stick to me because you feel bad leaving me alone or something.” The bluenette smirked. “I’ve got my own plans tonight.”

“And that is…?” Lucy raised a brow.

“First, get a prime spot in the crowd.” Levy grinned mischievously, pulling her deeper into the sea of people.

Lucy let herself be tugged along, her smile breaking loose as the music washed over her. It wasn’t really her genre; she'd always preferred bright, bubbly pop, but she had to admit the band was good. The bass thrummed through her chest, the guitar biting sharp in the air.

She squeezed Levy’s hand tighter, suddenly spinning her roommate around. Levy yelped in surprise, but her shock melted into laughter when she saw Lucy bouncing to the beat. Before long they were both moving, hair flying, skirts twisting, their laughter threading into the music as the crowd around them erupted into dancing.

For the first time since stepping inside, Lucy didn’t feel out of place. She just felt alive.

…

“Alright, look at you.” Cana let out a low whistle as Natsu and Gray finally pushed their way into view.

The brunette stood tucked under the arm of a tall, broad-shouldered man with slicked-back hair tied in a bun. Handing off her drink to him, she sauntered forward to greet her friends as they made their way through the crowd.

“It’s… way more people than I thought it would be,” Natsu admitted, eyes roaming over the sea of bodies.

“They’ve been getting popular fast,” Gray said. “Juvia was telling me their follower count tripled after the last show.” 

He tilted his head toward Cana’s date, already making his way over to talk with the man.

Cana spun fully to face Natsu, catching the way he was scanning the crowd instead of paying attention. 

“So. Have you seen her yet?” She asked him with a mischievous grin.

“It’s kind of hard to spot anyone in this mess.” Her smirk widened, arms folding across her chest as she eyed her longtime friend up and down. “What are you looking at?” he asked, brow lifting when he noticed her staring at him.

“Don’t give me that. I can’t believe you’re actually here.” She reached up and flicked open a couple of the buttons on his black shirt. “And in the shirt I picked out for you, no less.”

He scoffed, though his lips twitched like he couldn’t argue. “Yeah, well… I can’t believe it either.”

Gray clasped hands with Cana’s date, and Natsu followed with a nod, recognizing him as Bacchus Groh. They weren’t close, but the guy had been around more since Cana started seeing him. He also knew Gray and Bacchus had hung out a couple times before, considering each other friends. He was pretty sure his best friend was the one who introduced him to Cana in the first place.

“Dragneel,” Bacchus greeted warmly. “Been a while.”

“As I keep hearing,” Natsu chuckled, but his gaze slid back to the restless crowd.

“Looking for someone?” Bacchus asked knowingly.

Cana leaned in against him, her grin wicked. “He is . Her name’s Lucy.”

Natsu rolled his eyes at her teasing. “She probably didn’t even come.”

“No way,” Cana said easily, grabbing her drink back from her date. “She’s here. Or will be soon.”

Gray checked the time on his watch, then looked toward the stage. “Band should be up soon.”

For a moment, they all focused on the music. The bass vibrating through the warehouse walls, the crowd clapping and singing along. Cana leaned back into Bacchus, his arms looping around her waist, while Gray and Natsu stood side by side. In the middle of it all, Natsu felt his lips curve just slightly. It was nice being here, being out, surrounded by friends. Still, his eyes kept drifting back to the crowd in front of the stage.

And then he saw her.

She was right in the center of the sea of bodies, her blonde hair flying around her shoulders as she jumped to the music with unrestrained joy. Natsu’s pulse kicked up instantly.

She spun with the short blue-haired girl beside her, the best friend she’d mentioned, and he could only stare. The red, backless dress she wore clung to her in all the right ways, but it wasn’t the dress that caught him. It was her. Her flushed cheeks, the few strands of hair plastered to her temple, the way she laughed as she moved to the beat. It was like the whole room had blurred, leaving only her in focus.

As the song wound down, the crowd roared its approval. Lucy and her friend clapped and cheered with everyone else, her laughter ringing above the noise as she fanned her face with her hands, still glowing from the dance. 

Then, her gaze drifted.

And she saw him.

Her whole body stilled. Their eyes locked across the crowd, and slowly, as if pulled by some invisible thread, her lips curved into a smile. His chest tightened, heat rushing through him at something so simple and yet so disarming.

“Natsu.” Reluctantly, he tore his eyes away, glancing at Gray who had called his name. “We’re grabbing drinks. You coming?”

The pink-haired man only shook his head, voice low but firm. “I’ll catch up.”

Without hesitation, he pushed into the crowd, eyes locked back onto Lucy so he wouldn’t lose her again. She spotted him moving, tapped her friend, and started weaving toward him too. For a heartbeat, it seemed easy, like they’d meet in the middle and that would be that.

But the moment the DJ’s speakers cut in, bass vibrating through the floor and multicolored lights flashing overhead, the floodgates opened. A new wave of dancers surged between them, drunk, laughing, loud. The sea swallowed her up, and suddenly, the space between them stretched wider.

Natsu pushed forward, shoulders bumping strangers, muttering apologies he didn’t mean. Every time he caught a flash of blonde in the chaos, it disappeared again in the storm of neon lights and thrashing bodies.

Lucy was trying too, he could see it. Her hand stretched upward for a second, fingers brushing through the air like she was reaching for him, before someone spun past her and blocked his view.

“Dammit,” he hissed under his breath, shoving past a group that smelled strongly of alcohol and cologne.

A ripple of cheers exploded as the DJ dropped the next track, bass rattling the walls. The crowd surged again, and suddenly Lucy was swept further left, her blue-haired friend tugging her out of the crush before they both got swept away further. Natsu’s jaw clenched. He tried to follow, but the tide of people shifted against him, pushing him back like an undertow. For one breathless moment, their eyes met again across the press of bodies, Lucy’s lips parting, her smile turning into something softer, almost relieved.

Then the crowd broke the line of sight, and she was gone.

Natsu tried circling around the edge of the dance floor, searching for even the smallest gap that would lead him back to her. He caught flashes of that red dress, but every time he thought he was closing in, the crowd swallowed her again.

Lucy was no better off. She stood on her toes, scanning the sea of heads and lights. She thought she spotted him once, that unmistakable pink hair cutting through the dark crowd, but then he vanished into the blur of strobe lights and strangers. Levy tugged at her hand, shouting something she couldn’t make out over the bass, and Lucy shook her head quickly, her eyes still searching, stubborn.

Natsu finally gave up on forcing his way through the swarm and ducked out toward the far side of the warehouse, climbing up the couple of steps near the wall just to get some height. He dragged a hand through his messy hair, squinting against the flashing lights.

And there, there she was. Laughing at something her friend yelled, fanning her flushed face with her hands again, that smile still radiant despite the chaos. She was so close and yet… untouchable. He exhaled hard, almost laughing at himself. He hadn’t chased anyone like this before. 

…

Lucy, on the other hand, caught sight of him for the briefest second. She froze, her breath hitching, before a group of dancers moved in between them again, and when she blinked, he was gone.

Her heart pounded. Had she imagined it?

…

Natsu jumped back down from the steps, determined to push his way into the crowd again, only to feel a firm grip on his shoulder.

“Yo.” Gray’s voice cut through the music as he leaned closer, trying to be heard. “Did you find her?” 

“She’s here…” Natsu told him, not taking his eyes away from the sea of people. “I just can’t seem to actually get to her.” 

Gray nodded. “Come with me to the bar, Cana’s threatening to drink all the shots.” Natsu opened his mouth to argue, but Gray didn’t wait for an answer. He shoved a drink ticket into his hand, smirking. “One drink. Then you can keep chasing Lucy around.”

He rolled his eyes, reluctantly letting himself be dragged toward the bar by his best friend. He figured one drink would probably help him loosen up before he actually could get to the blonde. 

…

Meanwhile, Levy tugged on Lucy’s arm, nearly making her stumble. “Come on! We’re never gonna see anything if we stay stuck back here.”

Lucy hesitated, craning her neck one last time, scanning for that spiky pink hair but Levy’s excitement was contagious. Her little blue-haired bestie was already weaving deeper into the crowd. With no choice but to follow, Lucy clutched her friend’s hand tighter, squeezing through until they ended up closer to the stage where the next band’s team was setting up. 

Lucy tried not to pout, but her eyes darted restlessly over the crowd anyway.

…

Natsu took the drink Gray shoved at him, downing it in one gulp before sliding the empty glass back across the counter. He barely heard Cana laughing behind him, too busy searching the crowd again, irritation prickling at him when he couldn’t spot that red dress anymore.

Lucy, at the same time, let her hair fall into her face, telling herself she was being ridiculous for looking so hard. She was here for the music, for Levy, for fun. Not to get lost chasing a boy she barely knew.

And yet… she couldn’t ignore the restless beating in her chest.

Natsu slammed the second empty glass down on the bar, ignoring Gray’s raised eyebrow, and shoved past a group of people swaying off-beat. His pulse was loud in his ears, thundering almost as loud as the bass from the DJ above. He didn’t care if it made him look crazy he had to find her again.

And then… there .

He caught the flash of red fabric just a few feet from the stage, a flick of blonde hair as Lucy leaned close to say something into her friend’s ear. 

Lucy was mid-laugh when she felt it. Someone’s gaze was heavy on her. She looked up, and her breath hitched when her eyes locked with his again. Somehow, even in this chaos, even in this storm of light and noise, she saw nothing but him.

Levy grinned knowingly, leaning close to whisper, “Go.”

Lucy blinked at her friend, but before she could argue, Levy gave her a little shove forward into the current of the crowd.

Natsu’s hand shot out instinctively, catching her wrist just as she stumbled, and suddenly she was pressed against him, the press of the crowd disappearing like it no longer existed. His grip loosened almost immediately, his fingers sliding down until they were barely touching, but he didn’t let go.

“Lucy.” He called out, and she eagerly met him with a warm smile. “You made it.” 

“Thanks to you and Cana for the invitation.” She told him, stepping closer so he could hear her better. The music from the speakers had been echoing all over the walls of the warehouse. She motioned over to the shorter girl with blue hair, who grinned upon seeing him. “Natsu, this is my best friend, Levy.” 

He offered the bluenette a quick smile, and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.” 

“So you’re Natsu.” The bluenette earned an elbow to the rib for the one but only shook it off as she examined the man her friend had kept running into. She had caught a glimpse of him earlier that day, but this was the first time she would actually speak to him. “Nice to meet you too.” 

His eyes were quick to travel back to the blonde, who had all of his attention whenever she was near him. “Are you two having fun?” 

“This place is great.” Lucy nodded, lifting her hand to fan herself again. “I never really listen to this kind of music so I was really surprised.” 

He noticed her hand, and looked at her closer realizing she had a layer of sweat on her forehead and chest. All the dancing plus the large crowd of people must have made it much hotter than it was. The music began to echo louder, the lights began to flash and bounce off of every wall. Levy smirked, turning away from the couple to continue dancing… and to give them a moment alone. The next stage was almost done with their preparations. 

Natsu leaned closer to her, placing a hand on her shoulder to get her attention. 

“Can I get you a drink?” She made a confused face, leaning closer to him so he could repeat what he had said right into her ear. His breath caught in his throat for a moment, before he leaned down closer to her. He was so close she could feel the warmth of his breath against her ear lobe. “Do you want to get a drink?”

Before she could answer, the crowd began to cheer loudly, almost as if they were at an actual rave. Lucy’s eyes widened, and she stepped closer to Natsu, gripping onto his arms as the crowd made their way to the stage, clearly excited to see the next band perform. Natsu placed his arm around her shoulder, somewhat holding her back from getting swept away in the crowd again. Everyone was practically fighting their way to the front, trying to get a good view of the main stage. Lucy looked back, noticing Levy was one of the people trying to get to the front. 

She figured it had something to do with making sure a certain guitarist would be able to spot her in the audience. 

She turned back to Natsu, nodding in agreement to his offer when suddenly she felt someone bump into her pushing her closer to the man. Natsu quickly caught her, looking up at a group of way too drunk girls. 

“Sorry about that.” A friend of the woman who had bumped into Lucy apologized, not able to say anything else because of the friend pulling her away closer to the crowd. 

Lucy laughed it off, smiling up at the man who only smiled back at her. 

“So… that drink?” She pulled herself away from his grasp.

“Yeah for sure.” 

He pressed his lips together for a moment looking down at her hand then back up to her face. The crowd only continued to make their way to the dance floor and he was almost afraid she would disappear into it again. He shyly lifted his hand, extending it towards her a bit hesitantly. She noticed right away, smiling softly and her heart raced when she placed her hand in his, and he gripped it carefully, turning to lead her towards the bar. 

They managed to get away from the crowd without any incident, still hand in hand as they approached the area which had been set up as a bar. He spotted Gray, Cana and Bacchus, all standing by, just where he had left them, not too close to the crowd but not too far from the stage either. The brunette was the first to acknowledge them, her eyes landing on their hands before giving Natsu a knowing look.

“Well hey there, blondie. Cana greeted, eyes sparkling as she took in Lucy’s dress. “You look amazing.”

The compliment pulled a shy little giggle out of Lucy, who tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “Thanks. You look great too.”

“Little old me?” Cana smirked, spinning dramatically to show off her tight white pants and black tube top that clung in all the right places. She winked over her shoulder. “I mean, I do clean up pretty well, don’t I?”

Lucy couldn’t help but laugh. “You really do.”

“What’s your drink?” Cana pressed, stepping closer, already scanning the bar like a woman with a mission.

“Uh… I guess… just a beer?” Lucy answered, sounding unsure.

“Perfect. We’ll get them for you.” Cana grabbed Bacchus by the wrist and tugged him toward the bar, throwing a grin back at Lucy like they’d already been friends for years.

Natsu glanced over to Gray, who’d stepped forward with his usual casual confidence, a half-empty beer already in his hand. “This is Gray. Gray—Lucy.”

Gray tipped his chin in greeting, then smirked as he extended his free hand. “So you’re the girl with the dog, huh?”

Lucy blinked, then laughed softly as she accepted his handshake. “That’s me.”

“Plue, right?” Gray’s grin widened. “Man, Natsu wouldn’t shut up about that.”

Her eyes flicked to Natsu, cheeks pink as she teased, “Are all of your friends going to call me the girl with the dog?”

Natsu let out a quiet chuckle, rubbing at the back of his neck. “I mean… yeah. You’ve basically met everyone who knows about the Plue incident… almost.”

Lucy laughed again, the sound slipping past her lips effortlessly this time, and Natsu’s chest tightened at how much lighter she seemed. She turned her attention back to the stage, her eyes bright with curiosity.

“This next band seems really popular.”

“That’s because they are.” Gray’s smirk shifted into something a little prouder. “My girlfriend’s the lead singer.”

Lucy’s brows shot up, surprised. “Hang on.” She tapped her chin, thinking. “Is your girlfriend Gajeel’s sister?”

Gray’s head tilted, confused for a beat before he shook it. “Yep. Her name’s Juvia.” He nodded toward the stage, his smirk softening into an unmistakably proud smile. “That’s her.”

Lucy’s lips parted slightly as her eyes landed on the stage, spotting the woman who would be stepping up to the mic. “Oh wow… She's beautiful.”

Gray’s grin only deepened. “Yeah. She really is.”

Lucy’s eyes drifted toward the stage as the lights dimmed, and there she was.

A girl with long blue curly hair stepped out, moving with a kind of quiet command. She looked like something out of a dream or maybe a nightmare , dressed in a short black dress that flared into ruffled layers like a dark tutu. Heavy, smokey makeup framed her sharp features, and atop her head sat a crown woven from wilted flowers, eerie yet striking.

The crowd erupted, their voices rising in unison, chanting Phantom Lord like a mantra. The energy shifted instantly. It  wasn’t just a performance anymore, it was a ritual. Unlike the earlier band, who had slowly gathered attention during their set, it was obvious these people had been waiting for this moment. For this band.

Lucy blinked, a hand unconsciously pressing to her chest as she watched Juvia sling a bass over her shoulder. Two more figures emerged behind her. One she recognized instantly, Gajeel, his guitar slung low, the stage lights catching on the metal piercings in his face. The other was a stranger with two-toned black and white hair, who settled himself behind the drum set. A jagged tattoo slashed across the bridge of his nose, giving him an even fiercer look.

“They—they look really cool,” Lucy breathed, her voice almost lost to the roar of the crowd. Her wide eyes followed Juvia’s every movement. “That girl… she’s so pretty.”

“Yeah, she is,” Gray said again, his chest puffed out with pride. Arms crossed, he didn’t look away from the stage for even a second.

Lucy smiled softly at his pride, then turned to Natsu. He wasn’t grinning or shouting like the crowd around them. He was just… watching. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were sharp, fixed on the stage.

“I—I actually haven’t been to one of their shows in a while,” he admitted when he caught her gaze.

“How come?” she asked curiously, tilting her head, genuinely wanting to know.

He opened his mouth to answer, but before he could, the crowd’s roar grew deafening.

Juvia had stepped up to the mic, her hands delicately catching a white rose tossed from the audience. She tied it to her microphone stand with a black ribbon, the gesture graceful but commanding.

“Hello, Magnolia!” her voice rang out, bright, loud, and confident. “We are Phantom Lord!”

The room exploded with cheers. Gajeel’s guitar ripped through the speakers in a gritty riff, the drums crashed in, and Juvia’s voice soared over it all as the crowd surged forward like a single living thing.

Lucy’s breath caught, the thrum of the music vibrating in her chest. She glanced at Natsu again, only to find him already looking at her. 

It wasn’t the band or the noise that left her breathless… 

It was the simple way he looked at her, as if nothing else in the room mattered.

Chapter Text

To say Phantom Lord lived up to the hype was an understatement. Lucy couldn’t believe how incredible their set had been. She had expected to be at least a little biased, after all, the invitation had come from people who were friends with the band… but from the music, to the stage presence, to the electric response of the crowd, it was more than she ever could have imagined.

“Oh my gosh.” She spun toward Natsu, who was still clapping and cheering along with the rest of the audience. He slowed when he caught her wide eyes, her fingers hovering against her lips. “They were awesome! I mean… I’m not really much of a rock girl… well, maybe I am now, but seriously, they were so good.”

He laughed at her flustered excitement, crossing his arms, his gaze steady on her.

“I think I want to join a band now! It looked like so much fun. But…” she broke off with a little laugh, “…I’m not actually musical at all.”

“Maybe you can get into songwriting,” he teased, reaching over to poke her shoulder. His eyes lingered on the grin spread across her face.

“That is actually not a bad idea.” She poked him back, mischief sparking in her warm brown eyes. “Maybe I’ll write a song about you .”

“I don’t think that one will sell much.” Gray’s voice cut in from the side, chuckling as he sipped his beer. 

He didn’t look away from the stage until the vocalist, his girlfriend Juvia, blew a final kiss to the crowd and disappeared behind it. Lucy had sworn he’d been the loudest voice in the room, and the way he lit up at every one of her high notes had been almost as entertaining as the performance itself. Watching him beam with pride had been… sweet.

But Natsu wasn’t watching the stage anymore. He hadn’t realized how long his gaze had been fixed on Lucy. How her energy seemed to buzz in the air between them as she spoke. Her hands animated, her voice light. How her pinky lingered against her bottom lip when she thought, or how her laugh tipped her head back just enough to send strands of gold tumbling over her shoulders like a waterfall.

The DJ’s set started up again, heavy bass flooding the warehouse as the lights shifted. A deep red glow bled over the walls, painting everything in a haze of warmth.

And in that light, with the crowd dissolving into motion around them, she felt like the only thing keeping him still.

Their attention shifted to Gray when the blue-haired woman who had just commanded the stage launched herself into his arms. He caught her with ease, spinning her slightly as she wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him deeply without hesitation.

“Gray-sama! What did you think?” she asked between kisses, her fingers tangling in his dark hair.

“You were amazing,” he said without missing a beat, grinning as he finally set her down but kept his arms snug around her. “I mean it, you’ve never sounded better.”

The bluenette’s smile was radiant as her eyes drifted past him, only to widen when she spotted who was standing nearby. “Natsu-san? You actually came?”

“Why is everyone so shocked?” Natsu groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yes, I came. Surprising, I know.”

“Sorry, it’s just—”

“—surprising. Yeah, yeah, I got it.” He snorted, though a faint smirk tugged at his lips as he lifted his beer in her direction. “For the record, you were great out there.”

Her brows arched playfully at the praise before she stole a sip from Gray’s bottle. Returning it, her gaze caught on the blonde lingering just behind Natsu. She waved warmly.

“You must be Lucy-san.”

Lucy blinked in surprise, though by now she should have expected it. Word about her had clearly traveled fast among Natsu’s friends… dog incident and all.

“And you must be Juvia.” Lucy stepped forward with a smile, nerves flickering as she took in the bluenette up close. Stage lights hadn’t done her justice. She was doll-like, ethereal. “You were… incredible.”

“Gajeel-kun writes and produces all the music,” Juvia said modestly, brushing a curl of blue hair behind her ear as she removed the wilted flower crown from her head. “Juvia is just the voice.”

“Well, your voice is incredible,” Lucy replied firmly.

The warmth in Juvia’s smile seemed genuine as she nodded in thanks.

Before Lucy could say more, a familiar sing-song voice cut through the moment.

“Alright, my loves—shots!” Cana came striding toward them with a tray piled high with shot glasses, Bacchus trailing after her with another just as full. Her grin was mischievous as her eyes glittered beneath the red glow of the lights. “Shall we get this party started?”

…

Thanks to Cana’s insistence, the group had completely lost track of how many drinks they’d downed. Natsu, reluctant at first, had caved quickly once Gray needled him about not being able to hold his liquor anymore. He’d fired back with his usual competitive streak, and before long they were both several shots in.

The music shifted from gritty pop-rock into a pulsing, danceable beat that shook the warehouse floor. Juvia was the first to succumb to it. With an airy laugh, she tugged her brooding boyfriend into the crowd, ignoring his protests that he was a terrible dancer. The way he spun her around, held her close against his swaying body, grinning ear to ear, told a different story.

Lucy, pleasantly buzzed but nowhere near out of control, felt the rhythm crawling under her skin. She set her drink aside, head bobbing lightly with the beat. Turning, she found Natsu still planted loyally at her side, just like he had been all night since he found her.

Her hand touched his shoulder, her lips brushing close to his ear so he could hear her. “Do you want to dance?”

Natsu froze. The question was simple, but the weight behind it hit harder than he expected. It had been so long since he’d let himself go like this, so long since a night out felt more like fun than an obligation. And it had been even longer since he’d wanted to be a part of the crowd and not just an observer. 

Lucy made him want to.

He didn’t understand it. How she could shake loose something he thought he’d buried deep. In just two days she had pulled him back into the thrill of the unknown. The racing heart. The sweaty palms. The flutter in his stomach that wasn't nerves, but something almost… electric. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed it until she was standing here, smiling at him like that, waiting for his answer.

So he gave her one.

Natsu took her hand, lacing his fingers carefully through hers as if it was the most natural thing in the world. His grin was a little shy, a little reckless. 

“Yeah. Let’s dance.”

Lucy tugged him toward the center of the crowd, weaving them into the thick of it until bodies pressed close on all sides. For Natsu, everything slowed. His mind wasn’t on the music or the flashing lights. It was only on her. Somehow, she had this pull on him, like a spell wrapping tight around his chest, lifting the weight of all the thoughts he usually carried.

Around them, the world blurred. Gray and Juvia moved together, tangled in their own rhythm. Cana and Bacchus were laughing, swaying, spinning like they were in their own orbit. Everyone was caught up in the same beat, but for Natsu, there was only Lucy.

She spun back toward him, sliding her arms up around his neck. Fingers threaded into his spiky hair, trailing down to brush along the side of his face. Her touch was featherlight, but it lit his skin like fire. He let her pull him closer, foreheads nearly touching, and his hands found her back. Warm. Bare. Smooth. The backless dress was a decision he was suddenly, deeply grateful for.

His palms slid down to her waist, where they settled with a weight that felt both careful and possessive. She swayed against him to the rhythm, hips rolling with the music, and he tightened his hold without thinking. Her hand traced down his chest, brushing exposed skin where his shirt hung open. He couldn’t look away, her lips, the flush on her cheeks, the way she mouthed the lyrics of the song with that grin tugging at her lips.

She leaned in until their noses brushed, breaths mingling. Her hands cupped his face, and she laughed softly, as though the intimacy of it all was too much to hold in. It felt surreal. Surrounded by hundreds of bodies, yet it felt like the two of them were alone in their own world.

“You’re a good dancer,” she teased, eyes sparkling.

“Dancing isn’t really my thing,” he admitted, grinning.

Her gaze dropped to his smile, and something in her chest skipped. “So what is your thing?” she asked, leaning closer still.

“Cats,” he deadpanned, earning a laugh that had her head tipping back.

The sound made him smile wider than he meant to. He tugged her against him again, brushing damp strands of hair off her forehead. Her cheeks were pink, her bangs sticking to her skin, and he swore he’d never seen anything prettier.

The song shifted, the beat pulsing to a more popular trending song that the crowd instantly began to chant along to. Juvia, Lucy and Cana all screamed, celebrating with each other as if they’d done this before, as if they had been friends for years. They turned back to their partners, arms in the air, hips rolling, body’s swaying. Lucy let go, hair flying as she bounced with the beat, laughing breathlessly. Natsu held her steady, hands on her waist, smiling like an idiot as he watched her dance so freely. A small, reckless part of him wondered if he’d ever be able to let her go.

It was the most alive he’d felt in two years.

But then his smile faltered.

Almost unwillingly, he forced himself to look away, to scan the crowd, half to keep her safe, half to remind himself the world still existed. At first, it was just familiar faces from Fairy Brew customers, to college students, to a sea of strangers, to his friends still lost in the music.

And then he froze.

His hands slipped from Lucy’s waist, the warmth between them cut abruptly. Confusion flickered across her face as she followed his gaze, trying to see what he was staring at.

But Natsu didn’t say a word.

Because there, not far from them, was his fifteen-year-old sister, Wendy jumping to the music with her partner in crime Sherria, laughing like the world was theirs.

…

Levy wondered if the person she’d taken that extra time getting ready for had even noticed her in the crush of bodies. The spotlights flooding the makeshift stage had been so bright she doubted the band could see anyone beyond the first row. Maybe he wasn’t even the type to notice the crowd. He’d looked so intensely focused on the guitar in his hands, fingers moving with a precision that kept him anchored in the music rather than in the sea of people before him.

The gorgeous singer, his sister, she assumed, had been the one to command the stage. From her striking outfit, to the way her voice wrapped around every lyric, to the sheer confidence in her presence, she demanded attention. Levy had to admit, the girl was mesmerizing; she had probably been a siren in her past life. Even the drummer, with his flashy solo, had stolen more than a few cheers. But Gajeel… he seemed to exist on the fringe of all that noise, powerful in his own right, yet never chasing the spotlight.

Still, Levy’s eyes had been drawn to him. Over and over again.

Now she lingered at the edge of the party, leaning lightly against a pillar with a drink in hand. The crowd swelled and pulsed on the dance floor, but she stood apart, wondering if all her effort had been wasted on an outfit no one had noticed.

Her gaze drifted until it found Lucy in the center of the chaos. Her best friend was wrapped up in the arms of their pink-haired neighbor, spinning and laughing like the world belonged to the two of them. Levy’s heart leapt, pure joy for Lucy, and maybe a touch of envy that at least one of them had found progress with the man they’d come for.

Part of her wanted to dive in after them, to lose herself in the music and maybe stumble into a stranger’s smile, a fleeting dance, a story worth telling in the morning.

But another part, her stronger part, kept her rooted where she was. Waiting. Hoping. Just in case.

And then, as if her patience had been rewarded, he stepped into her line of sight.

Gajeel.

She figured he wouldn’t be dancing. He definitely didn’t look like the dancing type. Sure enough, he stood on the other end of the bar, talking with the drummer he’d just shared the stage with and a giddy redhead who approached them like she already belonged there. Levy’s stomach dipped watching the exchange, though she wasn’t sure why. She didn’t even realize how long she’d been staring until the drummer slapped Gajeel’s hand and left with the woman tucked under his arm. Relief washed over her like cool water.

This was her chance.

Her heart thudded as she considered her options. She could play it off, bump into him like it was all coincidence. Anything, just so he’d see her. Because hadn’t she done all of this for that very reason?

The long shower where she scrubbed not once, but twice just to feel extra fresh. The careful attention to every single curl, coaxing her hair into perfect waves. The special and expensive mascara that made her hazel eyes pop in just the right way, the shimmer of golden body glitter dusting her collarbone, the perfume she’d practically drenched herself in until Lucy had rolled her eyes. And the hours, literal hours, spent debating her outfit, making sure tonight she’d be unforgettable.

Would it all mean nothing if she couldn’t even walk up to him?

She chewed at her lip, thankful for the lip stain that wouldn’t smudge, caught somewhere between resolve and hesitation when it happened.

Her gaze lifted, and collided head-on with a pair of crimson eyes across the room. Piercing, sharp, impossible to ignore.

Her breath hitched.

And then, he smirked. Just a faint curl of his lips, enough to make her pulse stutter. Almost like he’d caught her watching. Almost like he knew she wanted his attention only.

Slowly, deliberately, Gajeel pushed off the pillar he’d been leaning against, his eyes never leaving hers as he started toward her.

Levy’s throat tightened, her breath caught somewhere between her lungs and her lips. Every carefully rehearsed move scattering from her mind. All that was left was the thrum in her chest, and the heat of his gaze closing the space between them.

“So?” His voice broke through the music, low and rough, as he leaned in close. She still hadn’t exhaled the breath trapped in her throat, her fingers clinging to the cold glass bottle in her hand. “What’d you think, shrimp?”

Her stomach fluttered. Was he really asking her opinion? She tried to play it off, tilting her head slightly away with a shrug.

“I thought you sounded really great,” she admitted softly, sneaking a glance back at him before looking away again.

“Did you?” His tone sharpened, teasing, as he bent to her height. “‘Cause from where I was standing, you looked fuckin’ unimpressed.”

Her eyes widened, caught off guard, but then a smile tugged at her lips. She finally met his gaze, her eyes flickering down to his mouth and back up again.

“You saw me?”

“You’re hard to miss.” His smirk deepened, leaning even closer. “But seriously the worst audience member I’ve ever seen.”

She huffed out a laugh, smirking. “Like you could actually see me.” She pressed her hand lightly against his chest, nudging him back.

“You were standing front row. Every time I looked up, you were glaring at me.”

“Glaring?” she scoffed, shaking her head.

“Like you wanted to rip my eyes out or something.”

Her laugh bubbled out, head tilting back, and for a moment he just watched her. Almost like the sound did something to him.

“You must’ve confused me with someone else,” she said, brushing hair from her face. “I was not glaring at you.”

“You definitely weren’t smiling.”

“I was just surprised.” She confessed, her gaze flicking back toward the crowd. “Your songs were… almost romantically tragic.”

“What were you expecting?” He chuckled, raising his unopened bottle. “Songs about slaying dragons?”

“Something like that.” She giggled, her grip tightening on the sweating glass in her hand. Her tongue darted across her lips as her eyes lingered on his mouth again. “So, what does a rock star do after a performance like that?”

“Rock star, huh?” He echoed, arm braced above her head against the pillar. His grin was playful, but the weight of his presence made her pulse quicken.

“Is that not what you are?” she teased, running her fingers along the buttons of his half buttoned shirt that exposed the tattoo across his chest. Her eyes landed on the chain he wore around his neck, a guitar pick dangling at the end of it.

“I prefer musician,” he said after a beat. “And usually? The band I just grab food. We’re too wound up before a show to eat.”

She blinked, surprised by the normalcy. “You… get nervous ?”

“It’s not the stage. It’s the shit that can go wrong.” He smirked, as she listened to him closely. “Like today, my idiot sister and I got in a fight right in the middle of rehearsal.”

Levy’s lips parted. “I… I mean, I’m glad you worked it out. If you lost practice time, I couldn’t tell at all.”

“I appreciate that, shorty.” His eyes dragged slowly down her body and back up again, lingering. Her toes curled in her heels, heat rushing to her cheeks. This was the moment she’d been waiting for. “You look incredible.” His voice dipped lower, husky against her ear. “I might just stuff you in my pocket and take you home with me tonight.”

Her chest tightened. She hadn’t realized how badly she’d needed to hear it. That all her effort, every swipe, every curl and shimmer of gold, had caught his attention.

She always thought of herself as smart, level-headed, good at reading people. But with him? He was unreadable. Dark, magnetic. Impossible not to look at. His gaze seared into her, making her dizzy with how heavy it felt, like he carried something he wasn’t saying. Something that pressed down on him even as he smiled at her.

She almost told him then. That she had gotten ready just for him. That everything tonight was because of him. But instead, she lifted her bottle and took a slow sip. A droplet slid down her chin. His eyes tracked it, unblinking, as the music swelled around them.

She went to swipe it away, but his hand was quicker.

His thumb brushed softly against her skin, catching the drop before it reached her neck. The simple touch. Warm, deliberate. It sent a jolt all the way through her.

“You’re messy, shorty,” he murmured, his smirk tugging at one corner of his mouth.

She laughed nervously, her cheeks heating. “And you’re cocky.”

“Guilty.” His eyes didn’t leave hers. He still hadn’t pulled his hand away, his thumb grazing her jaw as if he were testing how long she’d let him touch her.

Her heart thudded in her chest. “Do you always pick on girls after a show?” she asked, her voice steadier than she felt.

“Only the ones who glare at me the whole time.”

“I wasn’t glaring.”

“Sure you weren’t.” His grin deepened, and for a moment she swore the world around them blurred. Just him, just his voice, just the heat pooling low in her stomach.

Levy shifted against the pillar, trying to remember how to breathe. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re blushing.”

“I am not—”

He leaned in, his mouth just a breath from her ear, his voice low enough to drown out the music pounding around them. “Don’t worry, shrimp. I like it.”

Her breath hitched. Her fingers tightened on the glass bottle, but all she could think about was the way he smelled. She swore it would cement into her for as long as she would live. His cologne mixed with smoke, leather, and something darker she couldn’t name.

When he pulled back, their faces were only inches apart. Her hazel eyes flickered down to his lips before darting back up. His grin told her he noticed.

He was a second away from breaking his own rules and asking the woman if she wanted to dance, when he noticed his longtime friend weaving through the crowd. Natsu wasn’t alone, his fifteen-year-old sister and her friend trailed in front of him, heads bowed, shoulders slumped, silent in their guilt.

“Salamander?” Gajeel called out once the pink-haired man was close enough. He glanced from Natsu to the teenager he’d known since the day she was born, his brows knitting. “Wendy? What the hell are you doing here, kid?”

Wendy’s frown deepened, her eyes fixed anywhere but on him. Shame clung to her like a shadow.

At the sight of that unmistakable spiky pink hair, Levy’s thoughts flickered back to Lucy. The last she’d seen, her best friend had been tangled up with him in the crowd, dancing, laughing, lost in their own little world.

Natsu dug a hand into his pocket, his face serious as he stopped in front of Gajeel. “I drove here. Can you take my truck home?”

Gajeel took the keys, concern sharpening his expression. “Want me to come with you?”

“No. This is your night.” Natsu’s tone was firm, his expression leaving no room for debate. “I’m getting these two out of here.”

“You’re drunk.” Gajeel caught his shoulder, his voice low and warning. “I’ll just drop you off.”

But Natsu shook him off without hesitation, following after the two teenagers toward the exit.

Left with no choice, Gajeel turned back. Levy was still there, though her eyes were flicking through the crowd as if already searching for an escape.

“Uh, I have to go,” he said, reluctant but resolute.

She nodded quickly, lifting her hands in a little wave. “Yeah—no, it’s fine. I’m… I’m gonna go find my friend.”

“Bunny girl?” he asked, and at her raised brow, his lips twitched.

“Bunny girl?” she echoed, her voice skeptical, almost teasing.

“I’ll see you later, shrimp.” His grin lingered for a moment before he turned and strode after Natsu.

Levy stood there watching his retreating form, the wild mane of dark hair and his tall, broad frame disappearing into the sea of people. The thought hit her hard and fast, curling low in her stomach.

She pressed her bottle against her chest with a soft, disbelieving laugh. He’s just my type. 

Her thoughts snapped back to Lucy, and she blinked herself out of her daze before slipping into the throng of dancers to look for her best friend.

It took some weaving through the crowd, but eventually she spotted the blonde. Lucy stood with that strange but admittedly hot guy Levy had seen in the hallway of their building, the one already halfway through unbuttoning his shirt. His arm was slung casually around the lovely blue-haired singer, Gajeel’s sister, and on Lucy’s other side leaned a long-haired gorgeous brunette with a taller man at her side.

“What is in the air here?” She mumbled to herself as she approached the attractive group.

Levy stepped closer, and Lucy noticed her first. Her golden eyes lit up before she rushed forward, wrapping her in a tight hug.

“Hey!” Lucy squealed. The scent of alcohol and a sweet manly cologne clung to her, and Levy stifled a laugh. Yep, she’s wasted. Lucy released her, still beaming, and tugged her hand. “Everyone, this is my best friend, Levy.”

The introductions came with smiles and small waves, all friendly enough, except from the singer, who studied her with a gaze just as piercing and unreadable as her brother’s.

“You are Levy-san?” she asked, eyes narrowing with curiosity. “Gajeel-kun told Juvia about you.”

“Did he?” Levy gave a nervous laugh, shifting under the weight of that stare. “What… exactly did he say?”

The bluenette placed a finger on her chin, eyes glued to the ceiling. “Something about a spider?”

“Oh. Yeah.” Levy’s nose scrunched faintly. “He helped me get rid of one in my apartment... Pretty nice guy.”

“He’s not,” Juvia said bluntly, her tone clipped as if warning her. “He is an asshole.”

Gray groaned, running a hand through his hair before muttering, pulling his girlfriend more into his chest, “She’s drunk. What she means is, it’s nice to meet you. ”

“Oh, of course!” Juvia’s seriousness vanished in an instant. She bounced forward and clasped Levy’s hands in hers. “It is very nice to meet you, Levy-san. Thank you for coming tonight!”

To ease the tension, Levy smiled warmly. “You were incredible out there.”

“Thank you.” Juvia giggled, eyes darting between the two new girls. “You should come eat with us.”

“That’s a great idea.” The brunette stepped in, slinging an arm around Lucy and nuzzling against her. “My treat blondie, since Natsu had to leave early.”

Levy thumbed toward the direction she’d last seen Gajeel and Natsu heading. “Yeah, what was that about?”

Lucy’s expression faltered.

“Natsu’s kid sister,” Cana supplied, still draped over Lucy. “She snuck in somehow, and she’s only fifteen.”

Levy blinked. How a teenager managed to slip past the bouncer at the entrance to a place like this was beyond her.

Meanwhile, Juvia had returned to Gray’s side, contentedly glued there as his arms wrapped around her waist. “We should probably find Gajeel-kun. And Totomaru-san too.”

“Oh, actually…” Levy interjected, drawing their attention. “Gajeel left with Natsu.”

“He did?” Gray asked, digging in his pocket and handing Juvia her phone when she held out her hand.

“Did he text you?” Cana leaned in after whispering something to her date Bacchus. The man only nodded at her before walking off.

“Yes.” Juvia scrolled, then glanced back at Levy, eyes bright. “He said to invite you to the restaurant with us, he is meeting us there.”

“Well, that settles it.” Cana shrugged, already heading for the door. “I’m starving.”

Gray lifted a brow following her stride, pulling Juvia along by the hand with him. “Don’t tell me you’re ditching Bacchus here.”

“Cana-san.” Juvia scolded. “He really likes you, be nice.”

“He’s getting us a car, relax ,” the brunette shot back with a roll of her eyes.

The group’s chatter carried them toward the exit. Lucy tugged Levy along, their arms entwined as they lagged just a few steps behind.

“I’m guessing he saw you,” Lucy teased, her smile practically glowing.

Levy sighed, cheeks warming. “Yeah. But honestly? I’m a little jealous of you.”

Lucy tilted her head, curious. “Of me?”

“You looked like you had fun,” Levy admitted, “dancing with Natsu.”

She nibbled on her lip, heat rising to her ears. “It was nice.” 

Color bloomed across Lucy’s face as the memory resurfaced. She could still feel the press of his body against hers, the way his hands found her waist like they’d belonged there all along. The brush of his fingers down her back, the heat of his forehead leaning into hers, the way he’d smiled at her like she was the only thing that mattered. Her pulse quickened just recalling it. His laughter, his touch, his gaze that felt like possession and promise all at once.

And for the first time in a long time, Lucy thought, maybe she wanted to let herself get lost in that feeling.

… 

After dropping off Sherria, Gajeel had driven Natsu and Wendy home before heading to meet the others at the restaurant.

The entire ride had been silent. Wendy hadn’t dared to speak, and even Natsu, who usually filled every quiet space with chatter, had stayed wordless. He didn’t look mad. Or maybe that was just her mind trying to trick her into thinking he wasn’t furious.

He punched in their code at the door and stepped inside without hesitation. Wendy trailed after him, hesitating at the threshold. He slipped off his black sneakers with ease, leaving them neatly by the door. Wendy, however, sank down onto the floor to wrestle with the laces of her knee-high leather stompers, every tug buying her a few more seconds before she had to face him.

Natsu disappeared into the kitchen. She heard the fridge door open, then close again. For a moment, it seemed like maybe he wasn’t going to say anything. Maybe she was in the clear. But then he stepped back into the living room, his frustration finally surfacing in his voice.

“Wendy, what the hell were you actually thinking?” His tone wasn’t loud, but it was heavy, stern enough to make her stomach twist. “Did you really think I wouldn’t notice you snuck out? How did you even get in? There was security at the door, checking IDs! It was eighteen and up—”

He stopped mid-sentence. His hand lifted to pinch the bridge of his nose, and with his other hand he motioned sharply at her, as if he already knew the answer.

Wendy rolled her eyes and dug into her pocket, pulling out a plastic ID. Her own face stared back at her from the card, paired with a falsified birthday that made her three years older. She exhaled hard and set it in his open hand.

Natsu didn’t even glance at it. He turned, walked straight into the kitchen again and yanked open a drawer. A moment later, he returned with the massive red-and-black scissors Juvia had once jokingly called his “murder shears.”

Wendy’s breath hitched as she followed him in. He didn’t hesitate, just slid the fake ID between the blades and snipped it into pieces, plastic cracking with each cut. Her chest sank lower with every snap of the scissors. She and Sherria had gone through so much trouble to get those. Weeks of planning, saving, and bargaining… gone in a matter of seconds.

Of course, she wouldn’t bring that up right now. 

“In my defense—” she tried weakly.

“Oh…” Natsu let out a sharp, humorless laugh as the last shard of plastic hit the counter. He turned his glare on her, voice dripping with sarcasm. “This ought to be good.”

She leaned against the island, guilt swimming in her eyes. “You did say I couldn’t go because it’s a school night.”

“I said you couldn’t go because it was a midnight show . In a warehouse .” He dumped the shredded remains of her fake ID into the trash, setting the scissors down with a heavy clatter.

“On a school night,” she pressed, lifting a finger like she’d scored a point. “ Technically , it’s not a school night for me. I’m suspended.”

“Wendy—” he warned, but she barreled on.

“And I’m surprised you even went. You said you weren’t gonna.”

His jaw tightened. “How does that make it okay for you to sneak out with a fake ID and use it to get into a midnight show at a fuc—” He cut himself short before the curse fully left his mouth. “At a warehouse!? Even if I hadn’t gone, you don’t think Gray, Juvia, Cana, or Gajeel would’ve seen you?”

She shrugged after a beat, twirling her thumbs like this was no big deal. “Well I mean they didn’t see me. You did.”

Natsu slapped his palm over his face, dragging it down in pure frustration. “Look, it’s not just about you sneaking out—well, actually, it is—but Wendy, there are people at those parties who don’t care about you. You could’ve been hurt. Roofied or something!”

She scoffed, half laughing. “Roofied or something? Please…” she shook her head. “We didn’t even try to drink alcohol. We just wanted to see the show!”

“I told you that you couldn’t go!” His voice edged sharper. “You can’t just do whatever the hell you want, you know that, right?!”

Wendy groaned, collapsing her head into her hands. “Jeez, okay! I didn’t think you’d get so mad!” 

“No.” He stepped closer, voice lowering into something heavier. “You didn’t think I’d find out.”

“YOU SAID YOU WEREN’T GOING!” she snapped, slamming her palms against the island.

Natsu’s restraint broke, his own voice rising. “AND WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING?!”

Her words tumbled out before she could stop them. “ITS NOT MY FAULT YOU DON’T WANT TO DO ANYTHING FUN ANYMORE!” His eyes narrowed, her stomach dropping instantly, but she lifted her chin, refusing to back down. She knew sneaking out was wrong. She knew. But this wasn’t just about that. This was about everything else she’d been holding in. “Seriously, all you ever do is stay at that stupid coffee shop. I never see you unless I’m working a shift there, too!” Her bottom lip wobbled, and she lowered her gaze, resting her chin on her hand. “When you asked me to live with you I thought it was because you wanted to spend time with me… but all you do is hide.” Her voice dropped to a mutter. “Whatever. I’m sorry I snuck out. Just ground me already and get it over with.”

Natsu’s glare faltered. Her words cut deeper than she knew. He hadn’t even realized how much time he’d been spending at the café, how little he’d actually been around. How long had it been since they’d spent real time together, just the two of them?

“Y-you’re grounded,” he said lamely, the words weak on his tongue.

She rolled her eyes, shoving off the counter. “You’re seriously worse than Dad.”

Her bedroom door slammed a moment later, the lock clicking into place. Natsu stood frozen in the kitchen, the silence pressing in heavier than her shouting had.

He inhaled a shaky breath through his nose and let it out just as unevenly. His hands wouldn’t stop trembling. He balled them into fists, opened them again, repeated the motion, but nothing settled the storm running through him. Pressing his palms flat against the cold surface of the island, he forced himself to count to ten.

It didn’t help. Not this time.

With a low curse under his breath, Natsu pushed off the counter and stalked toward his room, tugging open a few more buttons on the dark blue linen shirt that suddenly felt too tight against his chest. He went straight to the dresser. The top drawer slid open with a harsh pull, and there they were. His cigarettes. A pack he’d bought after Wendy had stolen the last one. His lighter sat waiting almost too patiently on top of the dresser. He didn’t think. He just grabbed both and headed for the front door.

Outside, the warm night air wrapped around him, sticky against his skin. He wasn’t even sure what time it was. Too late to be night, too early to be morning. His phone was still in his truck anyway— the one Gajeel had borrowed to meet their friends at their after-show ritual of eating at one of Gray’s parents' restaurants. Right now he didn’t care. He flipped the carton open, shook one out, and tucked it between his lips. The rest of the pack disappeared into his pocket as he dug out the lighter.

Metal scraped as his thumb hovered on the ignition. Just one flick. Just one drag. That was all he needed to cut through the noise in his chest.

But then—

Soft footsteps on the stairs.

His hand dropped before the spark came. His gaze snapped toward the sound, instinct sharp even through the haze.

And there she was.

Golden hair catching what little light touched the stairwell. Heels dangling from one hand, the other gripping the railing as she climbed. Her head was bowed, tired, till she reached the landing. 

Until her eyes lifted.

Until they found him.

The cigarette hung forgotten between his fingers.

“Natsu.” She breathed, slowly walking towards him and he only blinked, wondering if she was actually there or if his mind was playing tricks on him. 

“Lucy.” When she stepped closer to him he held his hand out and poked her on her cheek. She raised an eyebrow at the action before giggling softly. 

“Yes. It’s really me.” She placed her hand over his, his body tensing at the simple action. “See.”

She pulled his hand away from her face, slowly letting go, and he laughed a bit, shaking his head. “Sorry.” 

“It’s okay.” 

“No, I’m sorry about leaving like that tonight.” He took a breath, fidgeting with the lighter in his hand. 

“Don’t worry.” Her nose scrunched a bit, as she used her free hand to rub up and down her arm. “Cana and Gray told me about what happened with your sister.” 

He sighed at the mention of Wendy, their fight still fresh in his mind. “Yeah. She was the last person I expected to see tonight. She made a fake ID and everything.” 

Lucy let a small chuckle escape, “well she is just a teenager.” 

“We just got into it too.” He motioned back towards his door. “I’m not even sure what to do about this.” 

Lucy shrugged softly. “Maybe go easy on her.” She dropped her heels by her door, walking back over to the man to stand in front of him. “When Levy and I were sixteen we booked a flight to Alvarez to go see a Lyra concert.” 

His eyes widened slightly. “Booked a flight?” 

She laughed, shaking her head at the memory. “My dad had given me a credit card for emergencies only… and I guess it didn’t go through my mind that maybe he was able to see the charges of everything I would buy.” 

Natsu exhaled a breath through his nostrils, the corners of his lips curving slightly. “Was he mad?” 

“He pulled me out of school and made me get home-schooled for the rest of my sophomore year.” She crossed her arms over her chest, as his eyes widened at the extreme measure her father had taken. “My point is… I mean didn’t you do anything crazy at fifteen?” 

He thought back to that age, smirking to himself as he recalled the dumb things he used to do with Gray and Gajeel. But fifteen had actually been a life changing year for him. He stepped back, sliding down slowly against the wall. She watched him sink for beat, before walking over and taking the spot beside him. 

“Actually my mom took off when I turned fifteen.” 

Her blonde brows pulled together. “She just up and left you?” 

“Yup.” He nodded. “I haven’t seen or heard from her since. My dad has always been active in the military. So I lived with Cana and her dad cause I didn’t want to move around like that.” He leaned his head back against the wall.

Lucy frowned, eyes softening, “Was… was your sister with your dad that whole time?”

He nodded again slowly. “Yeah I mean, we kept in touch. We even visited each other a lot… but last year I asked her if she wanted to come live with me… you know so she wouldn't have to move around all the time.”

Her heart felt warm, and she smiled, placing her hand on his shoulder. “I think it’s nice that you take care of her.” 

“It’s… challenging.” He admitted, though he suddenly felt light again. “But I just want her to be okay.”

 A smile grazed his lips as the blonde glanced up at him again. His eyes fell to her lips, but he looked away quickly, shaking the thought away from his head. 

He hadn’t really opened up about his mother. Everyone in his life knew the gist of what happened, but he always avoided talking about it. There was something different about Lucy. Everything just felt… easy with her. 

“I’m glad we spent that time together.” She told him, pulling her golden hair over her shoulder, clearly trying to change the topic of conversation, which he was grateful for. “I had a lot of fun.” 

“So did I.” He nodded, then he raised a confused brow. Lucy had walked up the stairs alone a couple of minutes ago. “Wait… why didn’t you go with everyone to the restaurant?”

“Oh.” She laughed, rubbing the back of her head. “Uh… it’s gonna sound dumb but sometimes when I’m out I— I start to think about Plue and… I just don’t want to leave him alone for too long.” 

He felt his heart jump by just looking at her and hearing her speak. 

“That’s not dumb at all, Lucy.” He assured her. He stuffed the items he had in his hand into his pocket, forgotten already. He didn't need them anymore. “I— I’m also sorry about this morning. If I was acting weird.” 

She cocked her head slightly, a playful smirk appearing on her lips. “You’re actually always kind of weird, but like the good kind of weird.” 

His eyes widened at her words, but nonetheless he chuckled. “I usually walk every morning… I think you surprised me.” 

“Maybe I’ll see you in the morning then.” She suggested, “and I still need to check out this coffee shop I keep hearing about… I hear the owner is kinda cute.” She said with a wink, and he only laughed, shaking his head.

“Your first cup will be on me.” 

“And he suddenly just got cuter…” she smiled, eyeing him playfully.

“I really did— have a great night… because of you.” He told her, clearly, and honestly.

“We’ll have to do it again sometime.” She smirked. “Your friends did tell me you don’t go out much.” 

A quiet moment passed, or maybe time simply slowed down for him. This connection he felt to her, he knew it was special. He wanted to take care of it. He didn’t want to risk any chance of losing it. 

“So… are we… friends?” He asked her, unknowingly drawing a line that neither of them were ready to cross. 

The blonde shrugged, smiling softly and she stood up, turning towards her door. “Yeah. Friends sounds good.” When she did, his eyes landed on her back. That same back his fingers had been grazing all night.  She turned her head a bit, giving him a final smile as she opened her front door. “Goodnight Natsu.” 

“Goodnight Lucy.” 

When she closed the door, silence settled over the hallway.

Natsu stood up, and stayed there for a long moment, staring at the spot where she had been, the faint trace of her perfume lingering in the warm night air. 

He pulled out the loose cigarette from his pocket, and tucked it back into the pack without lighting it.

For the first time in a long time, his chest didn’t feel so heavy. For the first time in two years, he didn’t feel like he was standing in someone else’s shadow as he looked at that apartment door.

Tonight, it wasn’t about who used to live there.

It was about who was living there now. 

And as he finally stepped inside his own home, a small, quiet smile curved on his lips. 

…

Chapter Text

The next morning, Wendy stepped out of her bedroom. Still half-asleep, when the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon drifted through the hallway. It tugged her fully awake, coaxing her forward like a promise. The clock read a little past 6 a.m., way too early to be awake when she didn’t have to go to school, but it wasn’t like she’d gotten much sleep anyway.

She regretted sneaking out. She hadn’t meant to worry her brother.

She regretted even more yelling at him the way she did. She hated when they fought. 

Her bare feet brushed against the cool hardwood, as she padded toward the kitchen. Her gaze softened when she spotted Natsu standing over the stove, his messy hair sticking up in every direction as he flipped a way too dark pancake for her liking with exaggerated concentration.

“Good morning, kid,” he said, flashing her a small smile.

She raised a skeptical brow and slid onto a stool at the island, her arms crossing.

“What is this? I thought we were mad at each other.”

“Look…” He grabbed the stack of pancakes he’d just finished, turned off the stove, and set them on the counter between them. “I think I could’ve handled yesterday better.” Wendy’s fingers fidgeted against the edge of the island as he continued. “I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that,” he added, softer now. “I’m sorry.”

She chewed on her lower lip, gaze dropping to her hands landing on each ring settled on her fingers. She began to anxiously tug on her index finger ring. “I shouldn’t have snuck out,” she murmured. “It was stupid.”

“Yes, it was,” he admitted with a slow nod, pulling out a chair. “But I get it. At your age, it’s hard to imagine anything bad actually happening to you.”

She sighed, poking at her nails. “I just wanted to go to one stupid show. Everyone else gets to do stuff like that.”

“I know.” He sat down across from her, nudging the plate of pancakes closer. “But you’re not everyone else. You’re my little sister.”

She glanced away, hugging her knees to her chest. “Yeah…”

“I know I haven’t been my best self lately,” he went on, rubbing at the back of his neck. “It’s been… hard. But that’s not an excuse. I haven’t been the best brother.”

“No, don’t say that.” She wrapped her arms around herself, her voice dropping to almost a whisper. “I know I make things harder for you, and you still let me live here so I don’t have to keep moving around with Dad.”

“You don’t make things harder,” he said quickly, surprising her. He leaned forward, resting his arms on the island. “I make it hard on myself. I work too much, I get distracted, and… honestly, I forget sometimes that you’re still a kid.”

“I’m not a kid,” she muttered, lips curving into a small pout.

He huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “I just mean… it’s not fair to you. I should be here for you, you’re right.”

Her throat tightened, and she blinked fast to keep her tears from spilling. “I just… miss you. Like, before everything . It feels like the shop takes all your time now.”

Something in his chest ached at her words, and at Lucy’s voice from last night echoing faintly in his head to go easy on his sister.

“…Yeah,” he said after a beat, his voice low. “I miss that too.” Sliding the fork toward her with a crooked grin, he added, “So, how about this.., we try to spend more time together. Not at the shop. Just us.”

Wendy raised a brow, suspicion written all over her face. “Doing things like what? Watching you burn pancakes?”

He looked at the stack defensively, lifting a pancake up to examine it closer. “They’re not… burnt .”

She burst into laughter, shaking her head. “And I’m not against Fairy Brew, you know. I actually love it. But… I worry about you sometimes.”

“Geez, I’m the older brother, remember?”

“Whatever,” she teased, grabbing a pancake and drowning it in syrup. “And for the record, I don’t wanna spend all my time with you. I still have a life, you know.”

“Right,” he snorted, passing her the maple syrup. “Your very exciting, teenage social life.”

“It is exciting.” She smirked. “I went to a midnight warehouse show last night.” 

Natsu deadpanned but she only laughed. 

“You’re still grounded by the way.”

She swatted at him playfully, and for a few moments, they ate in silence. The kitchen filled only with the clink of forks and the distant trill of morning birds.

Then Wendy smirked, resting her chin in her hand. “Sooo…”

Natsu glanced up warily. “…What?”

“Who’s Lucy?”

He froze mid-bite, fork suspended halfway to his mouth. “What?”

“You know,” she said innocently, though her eyes glinted with mischief. “That blonde girl. The one you’ve been practically stalking… which by the way is creepy a.f.”

“I have not,” he protested, shoving the bite into his mouth way too quickly, his cheeks puffing like that would erase her accusation. “And I’m not creepy… a.f. ” His expression twisted in confusion when he repeated her words. “ A.f…? ”

“Yes, you are.” She leaned forward, relentless. “You ran out of the shop just to go talk to her. So who is she?”

“She’s—” he started, scratching at the back of his neck. “—just… a friend.”

“Uh-huh.” Wendy dragged the word out, grinning. “A friend who makes you smile like that?”

His ears flushed pink, and he reached for his coffee as if it could shield him. “Eat your pancakes, Wendy.”

“Oh my god,” she said between giggles. “You like her.”

“I do not.”

“You sooo do.” She pointed her fork at him triumphantly. “You cooked Natsu! You never cook!”

“That’s because I can’t cook,” he muttered.

“And you never go out…” The teenager's eyes widened in realization. “Wait! Was she there last night? Is that why you went?”

Natsu groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Can’t I just make breakfast for my sister without it turning into an interrogation?”

But the small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth betrayed him.

Wendy tilted her head, softening. “I think it’s nice. You deserve to smile like that.”

He didn’t respond right away, just let out a quiet exhale, his gaze flicking to her, then away. “…Eat your pancakes,” he said again, this time gentler.

She beamed, satisfied, and dug into her plate, humming under her breath. Natsu leaned back in his chair, pretending to ignore her smug expression, though his own smile gave him away.

…

By the time the plates were cleared, he’d already laced up his sneakers. Wendy knocked out on the couch, refusing to go walk with him after he invited her. Even with his lack of sleep the night before his body buzzed with restless energy, heat thrumming beneath his skin.

The streets were quiet this early, the sky a watercolor wash of lavender and gray. The crisp morning air stung his lungs with every breath, signaling summer was coming to its end. His hands disappeared into his hoodie pockets. Normally, these morning walks cleared his head.

Not today.

Today, it replayed on a loop. Her blonde hair catching hallway light, the easy laugh, the way she’d looked at him last night like she actually saw him.

He turned the corner, then stopped frozen.

There she was. Lucy Heartfilia. Hoodie, shorts, headphones dangling loosely around her neck, a leash in one hand and a tiny white dog tugging eagerly at the other end.

She blinked, surprised, before a slow smile curved her lips. “Hey…”

His pulse jumped, Wendy’s voice taunting him from earlier. 

A friend who makes you smile like that?

“…Hey,” he said, scratching the back of his neck, suddenly hyperaware of the early hour. “Didn’t think I’d run into you this soon.”

Plue barked once, bouncing toward him, and Lucy laughed, steadying the leash. “Guess we’re both morning people.”

He couldn’t help the grin pulling at his mouth. “So… you walk at seven a.m. every day too?”

“I like a routine,” she said with a tiny nod, proud of it. “And honestly? Plue’s basically my alarm clock.”

Natsu chuckled, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “Do you, uh… want to walk together?”

Her brows lifted slightly, surprise giving way to something warmer. The crisp breeze brushed her cheeks, and for reasons she couldn’t explain, her heartbeat stuttered.

“Sure.”

So they walked together. Slow steps in sync, winding around the park, talking about the town, the view, and everything in between. For the first time in a while, neither of them felt the need to rush back inside.

…

The walk with Natsu had been the perfect start to her morning.

Lucy leaned against the door after stepping back into her apartment, the faint click sealing her inside while her thoughts lingered somewhere across the hall… where he was. Their conversation had been easy, threaded with playful banter and quiet, unexpected moments that stuck like little sparks under her skin.

She felt like she’d gotten to know him just a little more.

And the thought of maybe walking together again tomorrow made something low in her stomach twist pleasantly. A flutter she didn’t want to acknowledge too much, not yet.

Plue padded in, tail wagging, nails clicking softly against the floor as she poured his breakfast into his bowl. He dug in without hesitation, ears flopping as his tiny body wriggled with excitement.

Lucy grabbed her oversized mug, the one she reserved for lazy mornings, and poured herself a mess of frosted flakes drowned in almond milk. Leaning against the counter, she tapped her spoon against the ceramic rim and let her mind drift to where she probably shouldn’t let it go.

Last night.

The memory came uninvited, warm and unruly. Natsu’s arms tightening around her as the crowd pressed close, steadying her without hesitation. The way his hand had slid against her lower back, rough from work but careful, grounding. The way his fingers had gently brushed damp strands of hair from her face, knuckles grazing her cheek in passing… and how her breath had caught before she could stop it.

She pressed the spoon to her lips, trying to chase the thought away, but the next memory came anyway. The dancing, the heat of the music, their foreheads touching, noses brushing, his breath against hers. In that moment, she’d felt something reckless and dangerous, like gravity tilting.

Like, for one moment, she belonged to him.

Her spoon clinked against the mug, snapping her back to the kitchen, her pulse skipping in embarrassment at herself.

It wasn’t just the memory of his hands, though. It was his eyes.

Sometimes they were soft, warm, unguarded, offering kindness so easily it made her chest ache. But she’d seen something else buried there too, something heavier. Shadows he didn’t talk about. Loneliness. A restlessness she couldn’t name but somehow understood.

She swallowed, forcing herself back to reality just as the keypad beeped, the apartment door unlocking.

“Oh hey there, party girl,” Lucy called out, straightening and setting her mug down. “Out all night on our second day as roommates, huh?”

But the smile slid from her face when she saw Levy’s expression.

The bluenette trudged in barefoot, heels dangling from her hand, eyeliner smudged and hair slightly tangled, like the night had chewed her up and spit her out. She dropped her shoes to the floor with a muted thud and made a beeline for the couch, collapsing face-first with a groan that rattled through the cushions.

“This… sucks…” she mumbled into the leather.

Lucy blinked, abandoning her cereal and padding over to kneel beside her. Plue trotted after her, tail wagging like he could fix whatever was wrong simply by existing.

“You… okay, Lev?” Lucy asked gently, brushing a loose strand of hair from Levy’s cheek.

Levy turned her head slightly, cracking one bloodshot eye open, then immediately groaned louder and buried herself deeper into the couch. “Lucy…” she mumbled, voice muffled by fabric. “…I did something really, really dumb.”

Lucy frowned, her curiosity instantly sharpening. “How dumb?”

Levy slammed her fist against the cushion. “I should’ve just come home when you did!”

“Levy,” Lucy said carefully, brows knitting. “What happened?”

The bluenette sat up slowly, as if even gravity was working against her, and dropped her face into her hands. She peeked through her fingers for half a second before blurting it out, fast, like ripping off a band-aid.

“I had sex with Gajeel.”

Lucy froze mid-breath, blinking once. “…Oh.”

Shock rippled through her, though not for the reason Levy expected. Lucy knew her friend liked Gajeel. It was fast, sure, but not… disastrous.

“…Okay,” Lucy said carefully, adjusting her tone, soft but steady. “That’s not necessarily bad. So you had sex with a guy you like… you’re allowed to do that.”

Levy groaned louder, throwing her head back so dramatically the couch squeaked beneath her weight. “Yeah, but that’s not the dumb part!”

Lucy tilted her head, brows pinched in confusion. “…Then what is?”

Levy’s voice dropped to barely above a whisper, shame curling the edges of the confession.

“I… I can’t remember it.”

Lucy blinked, her breath catching. “Wait… what?”

“I… can’t… remember…it.” Levy repeated, emphasizing each word carefully. 

Lucy sat back on her heels, blinking as Levy buried her face in her hands again.

“You… can’t remember it?” she repeated softly, careful not to sound judgmental.

Levy groaned into her palms, voice muffled. “Nope. Nothing. Zero. My stupid brain completely wiped the entire thing.” She dropped her hands suddenly, wild-eyed and miserable. “Lucy, I’m missing, like, hours of my life.”

Lucy hesitated, processing that. “Okay…” she said slowly, her voice gentle but steady, “but—if you can’t remember it… are you sure you guys…?”

“I…” Levy’s cheeks flushed crimson, heat rising up her neck. “I woke up in his bed.”

“Uh-huh?” Lucy blinked, cautious. “But that doesn’t exactly mean—”

“I didn’t have any underwear on… ” Levy’s voice cracked on the last word, and she buried her face in her hands. “I was so drunk, Lu. I can’t even remember it! I mean I remember kissing him and I mean, I wanted to do that with him, sure... but then…”

“Okay, hang on.” Lucy shook her head, clearing her thoughts, trying to anchor Levy before she spiraled. “It’s… really not that bad.”

Levy’s laugh was humorless. “And then instead of sticking around so we could talk about it, I just… left.”

Lucy frowned, brow furrowed. “Gajeel was in the bed with you, right?”

Levy groaned, collapsing deeper into the couch. “We left the restaurant together, and somehow I ended up at his place… we started drinking some more, and…” She hesitated, flashes of memory surfacing in fragments. Vinyl records spread across his loft apartment. The flickering of candles he decided to light as they lounged on his bed and listened to music. His voice low, warm, teasing. The cold bite of vodka, a bottle she’d found completely empty when she woke up. She remembered one part of the night, where she leaned over and pressed her lips against his. She remembered hovering over him, straddling him, as he gazed at her with a desire so powerful. She remembered the way his lips moved against her. The way his hands roamed her body and how much she wanted it… how much she wanted him. But after that… blank. She pressed her palms over her eyes. “It wasn’t supposed to happen like that. I’m so stupid.”

Lucy slid to the floor, crossing her legs as Levy slowly slid off the couch in slow motion, her cheek smushing into the yellow rug they had laid out.

“You’re allowed to want it to be special,” Lucy said after a beat, her voice quiet but steady. “That doesn’t make you stupid.”

Levy peeked up through messy strands of blue hair, her lips wobbling into the faintest pout. “I feel like I ruined it.”

“You didn’t.” Lucy tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, leaning against the couch. “You had one messy night, Levy. That doesn’t decide what happens next.”

The bluenette let out a long, shaky breath and rested her temple against Lucy’s shoulder, the way she used to back in high school during late-night cram sessions. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The quiet filled the space between them. Plue’s steady crunching on his kibble, the muffled hum of traffic outside, the distant sound of someone’s TV through the wall.

But Lucy’s mind didn’t stay quiet.

Her thoughts wandered where she didn’t want them to go. Last night replayed itself. Natsu’s hands steady at her waist, the warmth radiating off his body, the subtle graze of his thumb against the small of her back, so unintentional yet lingering. Her chest tightened at the memory, but then Levy’s earlier words echoed in her head like ice water:

I can’t remember it.

And suddenly, Lucy was uncomfortably aware of how different she wanted her story to be.

If — if — something ever happened between her and Natsu, she didn’t want blurred lines or fuzzy memories. She wanted to feel it all. Every second, every look, every touch, every word. 

Levy’s soft sniffle pulled her back, snapping her to the present before her silence stretched too long.

“You’re being way too calm about this,” Levy muttered, voice muffled into her knees. “You’re supposed to say something dramatic, like, ‘Oh my god, Levy, how could you! ’”

Lucy chuckled quietly, resting her chin on her knees. “Please. We made a pact, remember?”

Levy’s expression softened as she recalled their promise. “We listen and help, not judge.”

“Exactly.” Lucy brushed her thumb gently over Levy’s knuckles. “I’m sorry, though. I get why you’re upset.”

“Oh.” Levy groaned, flopping back on the floor like a starfish. “I’ll just avoid Gajeel for the rest of my life.”

“Or,” Lucy suggested carefully, “maybe you could talk to him?”

Levy threw an arm over her eyes. “It probably didn’t even mean anything to him. He’s a rockstar, Lu. This is probably… just another night for him.” Her voice was heavy, defeated. “I don’t want to think about this anymore. I’m going to bed.”

Lucy watched her slip away into her room, the door clicking softly shut.

Her mind drifted, unbidden, back to last night. To Natsu’s crooked grin. To their whispered agreement to just be friends.

Maybe they would stay friends. Maybe she could lie to herself and everyone else, pretend the flicker of something between them didn’t exist. Maybe it was just the atmosphere. Or maybe it was the alcohol.

But deep down, Lucy knew better.

There was something there.

Something real.

And sooner or later, she’d have to decide if she was ready to reach for it… or let it go.

…

They had fallen, subtly but quickly, into a comfortable routine.

Every morning, Lucy woke around seven. She’d brush her teeth, wash her face, throw on a sweatshirt, and gather Plue for his walk. Across the hall, Natsu woke around the same time, following a similar ritual, though he always included grabbing his headphones.

Some mornings, he’d linger by his door, pretending to fuss with his shoelaces until she stepped outside. Other mornings, she’d take her time twisting her hair into a bun, waiting until she heard his lock click.

By the time they met outside, it always looked like coincidence. Neither of them mentioned it.

The walks started simple. Talking about nothing and everything. Favorite colors, favorite animals, favorite foods. Dream vacations. Childhood heroes. Seasons they loved, sports they hated. Their words filled the quiet streets, spilling into the soft hum of early traffic and the crunch of gravel beneath their shoes.

Within a few days, the conversations deepened.

Lucy told him, in great detail, about the fantasy book she was devouring. Natsu countered with an equally detailed breakdown of how one of the greatest wrestlers of all time had suddenly turned heel and betrayed all his fans. She talked about her mountain of assignments; he ranted about new syrup flavor launches at work. She vented about a professor who she swore hated her; he complained about a customer who’d lost their mind over the color of a straw.

Piece by piece, they unfolded more of themselves.

Lucy told him about law school… how she dropped out. How terrifying but freeing it was to finally choose something she wanted.

Natsu told her about his father, stationed overseas, how he hated that his father moved around so much and how taking care of Wendy had become his anchor.

She told him about her mother, and the genetic illness that had taken her many years ago.

He told her about his mother, who had walked out when he was fifteen, and how he lashed out and got into a lot of trouble and a lot of fights because of it.

They swapped stories about their friends — Levy, who had been Lucy’s best friend since third grade when they got in trouble for refusing to sing in chorus practice. Gray, Gajeel, Juvia, and Cana, whom Natsu had known his entire life.

Lucy told him about her cousin, Brandish, who somehow managed to beat her at every hobby, subject, or game they’d ever shared. Natsu told her about Erza Scarlett, his best friend who was more of a sister. The one person alive he claimed to be scared of, though he insisted he could probably beat her in a fight.

There were things they didn’t share.

Lucy didn’t tell him about her father, who thought she was still in law school. She didn’t tell him about the hours she’d spent in hospitals, getting tested for an illness she wasn’t sure she’d ever face.

Natsu didn’t tell her about Lisanna, or about the unhealthy kinds of coping mechanisms he had developed after his mother left him. 

But still, the walks kept stretching longer. The streets blurred into memory, their conversations never running out. They never grew bored. There was always something new to learn, some new layer to peel back, some small detail to tuck away and hold onto.

And maybe neither of them said it out loud, but they both knew…

This was becoming the best part of their mornings.

… 

The first time Lucy stopped by Fairy Brew with the intention of buying something, he was there.

It was late evening, the shop half-full and steeped in a comfortable quiet. The mellow lo-fi track from the overhead speaker blended with the faint hiss of steaming milk from the back, matching the soft orange glow of the setting sun outside.

The door chimed as Lucy stepped in, her sweet vanilla perfume mixing instantly with the warm, rich scent of roasting coffee beans.

Wendy was leaning against the counter, chin propped on her palm, completely absorbed in her favorite fantasy novel. A forgotten glass of iced coffee with milk sat sweating beside her, rings of condensation pooling on the counter.

“Welcome,” she mumbled absently, eyes glued to the page.

Lucy drifted toward the counter, gaze flicking up to the bright digital menu board. She hummed softly under her breath, scanning the syrup flavors and latte names.

“Hello,” she greeted casually, finger scratching her chin in thought.

Wendy finally marked her page and closed the book, but the moment she looked up, her eyes widened.

“It’s… you.”

Lucy blinked, startled by the recognition. “Sorry… have we met?” she asked with a friendly tilt of her head, offering a smile.

“N-no.” Wendy shook her head quickly, smiling nervously. “We haven’t. But I’ve heard about you. I’m Wendy.”

Lucy’s eyebrows shot up, recognition dawning. “Natsu’s sister?”

“That’s me.” Wendy chuckled, leaning forward as if taking her in properly for the first time. 

Lucy was prettier than she’d expected. Natural, effortless, dressed simply in a dark red tank top and a short denim skirt. She had caught a brief glimpse of her that day Natsu had run out to greet her, but she was taking her in completely now.

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Lucy grinned. “I’ve heard a lot about you too.”

She laughed, somewhat dryly. “What terrible things has he said about me?”

“Terrible? No way.” She smiled with a faint shake of her head. “He’s really proud of you… even with your sneaking out.” Her gaze drifted to the book on the counter, and she gasped, covering her mouth dramatically. “Wait — are you reading A Kingdom of Blood and Sunflowers ?”

Wendy’s smile lit up instantly. “This is my third reread!” she exclaimed. “Did you hear it’s getting a TV series?”

“I know! Three months can’t pass soon enough,” Lucy squeaked, matching her excitement.

Wendy beamed, then murmured almost to herself, “I can see why he likes you so much.” Lucy blinked, caught off guard, but before she could ask, Wendy quickly waved it off with a small laugh. “The famous Lucy…”

“Famous?”

“Oh yeah… your name’s famous in my house,” Wendy teased lightly. “I mean that in a good way.”

Before Lucy could reply, a sudden thud echoed from the kitchen. Both girls turned just as Natsu appeared, almost bursting through the doorway. He stopped short when he saw her, startled and a little breathless, like he’d rushed to the counter the moment he registered her voice.

“Hi,” he managed, trying to sound casual.

Lucy’s lips curved into a soft smile, her heart skipping despite herself. “Hey,” she breathed.

Wendy, fighting a smirk, snapped her book closed again and gathered it up. “Natsu, why don’t you help Lucy out? I… need to take a break.”

Natsu blinked, furrowing his brows. Manager mode back on. “A break? What? No. You just took a break.”

“Ugh, I’ll do some dishes then.” She waved at Lucy and disappeared into the back without waiting for an answer.

“She’s cute,” Lucy said, smiling after her.

“She’s… something ,” Natsu muttered with a laugh, stepping closer until only the counter separated them. “What brings you in?”

“I’ve got a paper due tonight,” she tensed, “and we finally ran out of instant coffee.” He made a face like she’d just confessed a crime. “I know, I know,” she laughed, holding up her hands. “I need real caffeine if I’m gonna survive.”

“I see,” he said, leaning against the counter, his voice lower now, warmer. “Any drink in mind?”

“Not yet… but I remember you said your favorite flavor’s caramel.”

He raised a brow, chuckling softly. “Craving something sweet?”

“I could be.”

“I’ll make you something,” he said, maybe a little too eagerly.

She arched a playful brow, following him toward the espresso bar. “Why, Mr. Dragneel, your customer service skills are impeccable.”

He laughed, shaking his head, but his pulse quickened as he ducked behind the bar. Lucy slid onto a stool opposite him, resting her chin in her hand as she watched him work. Every time their eyes met, she smiled softly, and his heart thudded harder than he’d like to admit.

“Can I tell you a secret?” she said suddenly.

He glanced up mid-pour, intrigued. “Yeah?”

She crooked her finger, motioning for him to lean closer. Slowly, he bent toward her, and when she cupped her hand around his ear, her lips brushed just close enough that he felt her warm breath on his skin.

“I don’t really drink coffee,” she whispered.

Then she leaned back, covering her laugh with her hand, watching his reaction.

Natsu stared at her, a grin tugging at his lips despite himself. “That almost sounds illegal for a college student.”

He grabbed the milk carton, pouring it into a tin pitcher. It wasn’t until he set the carton down that he noticed it… his hands were shaking.

What the hell is wrong with me?

He’d made well over a thousand lattes before this. But this was the first one he’d ever make for her .

Natsu slid the steaming pitcher beneath the wand, the low hiss filling the silence between them. The warm scent of caramelized sugar and freshly ground espresso hung in the air, wrapping around them like a secret neither wanted to name.

Lucy rested her elbows on the counter, chin in her palm, watching him work with quiet curiosity. She noticed the way his forearms flexed as he tilted the pitcher, the soft furrow in his brow as he focused. For someone who teased her endlessly, he got serious when he made coffee… like it was personal.

“So,” she said softly, breaking the silence, “how many drinks have you made today?”

He glanced up briefly, catching her gaze. “At least fifty… and that’s just me… I’m not sure how much we’ve sold today,” he said, shrugging casually, though there was a slight curve to his mouth like he was fighting a smile. “I think you’ve been my favorite customer to walk in today though.” 

Lucy laughed quietly, her fingers curling against the counter. She didn’t know why those simple words sent warmth rising to her cheeks, but she ducked her head before he could see.

The milk began to whirl into a soft, creamy microfoam, and Natsu tapped the pitcher against the counter, letting the bubbles settle. “Alright,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Perfect.”

He grabbed a clean mug, carefully pulling the espresso shots into it. The rich, nutty scent bloomed instantly, weaving into the sweetness of caramel as he swirled syrup into the bottom. She watched, entranced, as he poured the steamed milk slowly, deliberately, until the crema curled into pale spirals on the surface.

“You make it look like art,” she said quietly, not realizing she’d spoken until his eyes lifted to hers.

Natsu tilted his head, a slow grin spreading across his lips. “Do… you want to try?”

Lucy blinked. “Huh?”

“To make a latte,” he clarified, watching her reaction.

Her mouth parted slightly, caught off guard. “I— wait. Me?”

He nodded, raising his brows with mock seriousness. “Sure. Why not?”

“Well… I mean…” She hesitated, glancing around the café as though someone might scold her at any second. “Won’t you, like… get in trouble?”

He smirked, leaning an elbow against the counter. “I’m the owner… remember?”

Her cheeks warmed as she laughed softly, shaking her head. “Right. Okay. Sure.”

Pushing off her stool, she followed him toward the narrow opening behind the counter. She hesitated for a beat at the edge, unsure if she was actually allowed back there. But Natsu didn’t give her much time to overthink.

“Come on,” he said, and before she could respond, his hand slid into hers.

Her breath caught at the contact. Warm, steady, casual, but somehow… not casual at all.

He led her past the counter, weaving between stools until they stopped at the espresso bar. The hum of the machine filled the quiet between them, its soft heat wrapping around her.

“Rule number one,” he said, glancing at her with a crooked smile, “don’t burn yourself. It ruins the whole ‘latte-making experience.’” He eyed her arm, still a faint trace of the bruise from the night they met. “You also seem to bruise easily.”

Lucy rolled her eyes, her grin tugging at the corner of her lips. “Noted.”

Natsu reached for a clean tin pitcher and set it in front of her, the stainless steel cool under her fingertips when she touched it.

“Step one,” he said, leaning close enough that she caught a faint trace of his cologne. Warm and clean, mixed with the underlying sweetness of caramel syrup clinging to the air. “Fill it about halfway with milk. Any more and you’ll drown the shot.”

She reached for the carton, hands steady until she felt his gaze on her. Then, suddenly, she nearly overfilled it.

“Whoa, careful.” He laughed softly, covering her hand with his to tilt the carton back. His palm was warm, rougher than she expected, and for a second, neither of them moved.

Lucy cleared her throat, glancing up at him through her lashes. “This is harder than it looks.”

“You haven’t even gotten to the fun part yet.” He shot her a crooked grin, grabbing the steam wand. “Step two — aerate the milk. The trick is to listen.”

“Listen?”

“Yeah.” He crouched slightly to line up with her, his voice dropping lower, almost conspiratorial. “When it sounds like paper tearing, you’re doing it right.”

He guided her hand onto the pitcher handle, his own wrapped lightly over hers, and eased the steam wand beneath the surface. The hiss of steam filled the quiet air, and she tensed when a warm mist brushed her wrist.

“Relax,” he murmured, his chest brushing lightly against her shoulder as he leaned in to adjust the angle. “You’ll get used to it.”

Her throat went dry, but she managed a laugh. “You’re way too comfortable being this close to boiling milk.”

He chuckled, the sound attractive and soft. “Occupational hazard.”

The milk swirled and thickened beneath their grip, the foam growing silky and smooth. When he finally shut off the steam, he eased the pitcher from her hands and tested the temperature against his palm.

“Perfect,” he said, flashing her a small, proud smile. “You’re a natural.”

Lucy scoffed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Right, because I totally did so much on my own.”

“You poured the milk,” he teased, rinsing the wand. “You didn’t burn yourself. That’s like… ninety percent of the job.”

She rolled her eyes but laughed, leaning against the counter as he reached for the waiting espresso shot. Her gaze followed his hands. Steady, practiced, confident as he tipped the pitcher and began pouring the milk in a slow, fluid motion.

“Okay,” she said softly, watching the white foam spiral and bloom into the rich coffee. “That’s definitely art.”

He slid the mug he had prepared earlier towards her, now cooled down enough to sip, his facial expression asking her to taste. 

Lucy hesitated for a moment before taking the warm cup he slid toward her, her fingers brushing his briefly as she wrapped them around the smooth ceramic. The first sip was tentative, cautious… and then her eyes lit up.

“…This is really good,” she murmured, almost surprised.

He leaned against the counter, arms folded, watching her reaction like it was the only thing that mattered in the room. “Yeah?”

She nodded, lowering the cup slowly, her smile soft and unguarded. “It tastes… different. Sweeter, but not too sweet. Smooth.”

His lips curved into a quiet smile, pride flashing briefly across his face. “Good. I, uh… I wanted to get it right for you.”

Lucy blinked at him, caught off guard by the softness in his tone. Something in her chest tightened, and she looked down at the swirling foam in her cup just to steady herself. “Well… you did,” she said quietly, almost shyly.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The espresso machine hummed softly in the background, and the faint lofi track overhead drifted lazily between them, filling the silence without really touching it.

Natsu shifted slightly, leaning one hand against the counter near her, close but not touching. “You know,” he said after a beat, his voice lower now, “I didn’t think you’d actually come by tonight.”

Lucy glanced up at him, her lashes fluttering. “Why not?”

He shrugged, trying for casualness but not quite pulling it off. “I don’t know… just didn’t think you’d want to.”

Her brows furrowed slightly. “I… I guess I wanted to see you.”

That made him smile. Not his usual teasing grin, but something softer, like it belonged only to her.

“Good,” he said, almost under his breath.

The air between them felt heavier now, though not in a way that made her want to step back. If anything, it pulled her closer. She set the cup down gently, resting her palms on the edge of the counter, and for the first time that night, their eyes met and neither of them looked away.

There was no rush. No nervous laughter. Just a quiet, unspoken understanding settling between them.

…

After her classes and when his shifts were over, they would meet up. Sometimes it was just a quick walk, other nights it turned into hours together. A few times a week, Lucy even stayed for dinner with him and his sister. She and Wendy had bonded quickly over A Kingdom of Blood and Sunflowers, their obsession cemented when the series was announced to be adapted for television.

It took three months. But the day was finally here.

“I’m so excited!” Wendy buzzed, collapsing dramatically onto the couch.

“Seriously,” Lucy agreed, sliding in beside her with a grin. “I’ve been waiting for this moment since I was your age.”

Wendy laughed, playful and sharp. “Must have been waiting a really long time then.”

Lucy stuck her tongue out at her, and Wendy only smirked. The two were in their pajamas, bundled under a warm blanket while an assortment of popcorn, chips, candy, chocolate, and sodas crowded the coffee table in front of them.

Natsu flopped down onto the couch beside Lucy, a little too close but he didn’t move. Instead, he tugged at the blanket draped over the girls’ legs, pulling it across his lap as well, with a casualness that wasn’t fooling anyone.

“So,” he started, reaching for the massive bowl of chips on the coffee table, “what the heck is this thing even about again?”

Wendy rolled her eyes so hard Lucy thought they might get stuck. “I’ve told you a million times. After her kingdom is destroyed, a princess disguises herself as a servant and infiltrates the enemy’s castle.”

“Scandalous,” he muttered, deadpan, grabbing a handful of chips.

“You don’t get it,” Lucy said, leaning forward with a little exasperation in her voice, her messy bun bobbing with the movement. “She falls in love with the prince — who, by the way, had nothing to do with destroying her kingdom. But then…” She paused for dramatic effect, waving a chip in the air like a sword. “She meets the duchess who is supposed to marry the prince and becomes her handmaiden… and not to mention the brother of the prince, the illegitimate one, is plotting to take the kingdom and he falls in love with the princess, and meanwhile she’s still plotting a way to get revenge!”

Natsu gave an exaggerated yawn, earning a sharp glare from both women.

“Fine, fine,” he mumbled, hiding a grin as he reached for the chip bowl again. Before his hand made it, though, Lucy’s smaller one slipped in first. Her black polished nails tapped against the ceramic edge as she searched the bowl, humming softly. Her hair brushed against his shoulder as she leaned closer, and he caught a faint whiff of her vanilla perfume. The same one she’d worn since the day they met. “What are you doing, weirdo?” he asked, watching her sift through the chips like she was studying them for a science project.

She looked up at him, giggling under her breath. “Folded chips taste superior.”

“Folded chips?” he repeated, like she’d just invented a new language.

Lucy grinned, holding up her prize: a perfectly folded barbecue chip, edges crisp and shiny with seasoning. “The best ever.”

Natsu leaned in, eyes on the chip, and before she could react, he took a bite out of it, his lips brushing lightly against her fingertips.

For a moment, everything went still.

Her breath caught before she frowned, pulling her hand back. “H-hey! That was my chip.”

He smirked, chewing slowly, enjoying himself far too much. “I just wanted to see what you were going on about.”

Before Lucy could argue, Wendy suddenly bounced on the couch, her voice high with excitement. “Oh my god! Here we go!” She pointed at the TV as the opening credits started rolling.

Natsu draped an arm lazily over the back of the couch, his fingers brushing against Lucy’s shoulder without thought. She didn’t seem to notice, or maybe she just didn’t mind, because she leaned in a little closer, her smile soft as her eyes lit up at the screen.

And he didn’t move away.

After tears, laughter, and unfiltered screaming over the perfectly cast actors, the first episode finally ended, leaving the three of them buzzing with excitement.

“You liked it,” Wendy teased, grabbing a pillow and launching it at Natsu.

He caught it with one hand and smirked, stuffing an obnoxiously large handful of popcorn into his mouth. Lucy laughed, shaking her head as she stretched her arms overhead, the hem of her pajama shirt riding up just slightly.

“It was everything I wanted and more,” she sighed, almost dreamily, collapsing back onto the couch beside him.

Natsu’s eyes lingered on her for a second too long before shifting away, hiding the smile tugging at his lips. Wendy wandered off to the bathroom, phone in hand, already typing furiously, probably messaging Sherria or her other friends about the show.

“Aww,” Lucy groaned, snatching the remote. “I can’t believe we have to wait a whole week for the next episode.”

He shrugged, leaning back. “We could just wait until all the episodes are out and binge them.”

“No, that’s worse!” She smacked his shoulder lightly, and he chuckled at her pout.

“Didn’t you already read the entire book series, Luce?” he teased, raising a brow. “You know what happens.”

Lucy shot him a mock glare. “Natsu. TV and movies always change things up, plus you have to think about online spoilers!” She shook her head, the corners of her lips twitching up. “Seriously… don’t you get it?”

“Well,” he said, pretending to surrender, “week by week it is, then.” He glanced at the mountain of snacks on the table, shaking his head. “But next time, I’m picking the food. This...” He motioned over the mountain of treats that had barely been dug into. “…doesn’t count as dinner.”

Lucy giggled softly, tucking her legs beneath her. “Fair enough. I’ll give you that one. Can you pass the chips, though? I’m starving.”

“Starving, and you want chips?” he asked, giving her an incredulous look.

“I’m too tired to cook,” she murmured, leaning into the couch. “Chips will do.”

He hesitated for a moment, then glanced toward the kitchen. “Do you… want a sandwich instead?”

Lucy blinked up at him, and for some reason, her expression softened. “You’d make me one?”

Natsu scoffed, grabbing the bowl of chips to hand her first. “You act like I’m offering you a million dollars.”

“You are,” she said, grinning as she hugged the bowl dramatically.

Shaking his head, he pushed himself off the couch and padded into the kitchen, the faint creak of the floorboards under his feet grounding the quiet between them. She stayed curled up beneath the blanket, scrolling through shows on his TV, the soft glow from the screen casting gentle highlights across her cheekbones.

From the kitchen, he called out, “Turkey or ham?”

“Turkey!” she shouted back without hesitation.

He smiled to himself, pulling open the fridge and gathering what he needed. The scent of fresh sourdough filled the air as he sliced the bread, the hum of the fridge blending with the muted sound of the next show Lucy had queued up. He layered turkey, lettuce, and a little cheese, Just how he remembered her liking it from the one time she’d ordered one at the shop.

“Want mustard?” he asked.

“Yes, please!”

When he returned, he handed her the plate like it was an unspoken ritual, and Lucy’s face lit up instantly, her grin soft and grateful.

“You’re my hero,” she said around her first bite, her voice muffled by the bread.

Natsu chuckled, shaking his head as he sat back down. “Hero? That’s pushing it…”

She nudged his shoulder with hers, swallowing before answering softly, “You’re still mine.”

For a moment, neither of them moved, the noise of the TV filling the quiet between them. Until Lucy looked down and realized there were only folded chips left in the chip bowl Natsu had been snacking on through the whole episode. 

She didn’t say anything, but her heart practically exploded.

Natsu didn’t look at her either, didn’t comment, but the smile on his face said everything.

…

She fit in well with his friends, keeping up effortlessly with their rowdiness and constant invasiveness. So when Gray and Juvia insisted on having dinner at Natsu’s place — dragging Lucy and Gajeel along — Natsu wasn’t even surprised.

The moment he stepped into his apartment, the air was thick with the scent of melted cheese, warm tomato sauce, and cheap beer. The sound of screaming from the living room hit him next.

Lucy, Juvia, and Gray were crammed together on the couch, locked into a live wrestling match on TV, yelling so loudly it felt like the walls might rattle.

“One… two… three… YEAH!” the trio exploded in unison. Juvia bounced on the cushions, Gray’s fist punched the air, and Lucy sprang to her feet, clapping, laughing breathlessly as she mirrored his energy. 

Gajeel sat in the single sofa chair, one leg crossed over the other, lazily chewing a breadstick and watching the chaos with glazed-over eyes. A breadcrumb clung stubbornly to the corner of his lip, but he didn’t seem to care.

The TV blared as the bell rang, announcing the victory of the wrestler they’d been rooting for.

“You do know it’s fake, right?” Gajeel muttered around a bite.

Three sharp glares whipped his way instantly, and he stiffened into the chair, stuffing more breadstick into his mouth to avoid further judgment.

Gajeel had only agreed to come to this stupid watch party when he heard Lucy was gonna be there.

Because if Lucy was there… The shrimp might be too.

Not that he cared.

Because he didn’t.

He told himself that on the drive over. Told himself again walking up the stairs. Hell, he was still telling himself now, slumped into the seat like he hadn’t scanned the room twice already looking for her.

But the truth was, he hadn’t talked to her in months.

Not since that night. And she’d made damn sure of it.

One night, and she was gone the next morning. No text. No call. Not even a sarcastic comment. Nothing . If he would run into her at Fairy Brew or on campus she would quickly turn the other way, almost like she was avoiding him on purpose.

So no, he didn’t care.

Except maybe he did. Not that anyone needed to know.

Natsu only chuckled under his breath. He kicked off his sneakers with a dull thud, shrugged out of his sweater, and tossed it carelessly onto the other couch. The fabric hit the cushions with a soft thump, still warm from his body heat.

“Great,” he said dryly, “people who don’t even live here.”

“Aww, don’t be like that, Natsu-san.” Juvia hopped off the couch, still grinning, and grabbed a slice of pizza from the box. She held it out to him like a peace offering, the greasy edge dripping dangerously close to her wrist.

He rolled his eyes but smirked as he took it. “Guess you can stay.”

“Yeah, man, you’ve got the best TV,” Gray added, leaning back pulling Juvia to comfortably curl into his lap. He cracked open his beer, the pshhht slicing through the background noise, and took a long sip before grimacing. “But you’ve got the worst beer.”

“You’re welcome to buy your own,” Natsu shot back, already heading for the fridge. 

And that’s when she leaned back into the cushions, her chest still rising and falling from all the yelling, cheeks flushed a pretty pink. A few strands of her hair had slipped free from her messy bun, sticking slightly to her temples.

She caught his eye — and smiled.

It wasn’t big or showy, just this quick, triumphant grin that said, Told you our guy would win.

Natsu slowed, grabbing a beer and stepping back out closer to her.

The sound of the TV faded somewhere behind him, the noise blurring into static. The grin hooked something deep in his chest, and his fingers flexed at his sides like he had to stop himself from reaching for something he couldn’t name. He didn’t smile back, not fully, but the corner of his mouth twitched, betraying him.

Then, casually, too casually, he reached down and plucked a folded chip from the bowl balanced in her lap. His fingers brushed against hers, barely there, just enough to make her pulse jump.

“Hey,” she whispered, swatting weakly at his hand, though her voice lacked conviction.

He leaned in slightly, close enough that she caught the faint scent of his cologne. Clean, warm, edged with a hint of coffee from his closing shift. His voice was pitched low, meant only for her.

“Relax, you big baby,” he murmured. “You’ve still got plenty.”

For a second, he didn’t move.

Just hovered there, like the air between them had thickened somehow, heavy with something unsaid.

Gajeel leaned over, snatching the bowl from Lucy ignoring her protests when he did so. "Salamander, are you seriously still paying for cable?"

Natsu shook his head with a short laugh. "It... there was a deal on it."

And then he was gone, heading into his room without looking back, leaving Lucy staring at the empty space he’d left behind.

Her ears buzzed. Her heart stumbled out of rhythm.

The TV roared again as Gray and Juvia broke into an argument over the next match, but Lucy barely heard them. She forced her attention back to the flashing highlights on the screen, but the warmth of him, the faint brush of his fingers lingered like static against her skin.

…

Natsu never really had a problem when his friends decided to invade his apartment unannounced. He actually welcomed the feeling of warmth that came from being surrounded by people he loved. A part of him knew they were checking in on him, making sure he never felt lonely, but Lucy… Lucy didn’t know that part of him yet.

She just knew she liked being there.

She had already made herself comfortable in his space, falling into his routine like she’d been there for years. She knew where the mugs were, where he kept the extra blankets, she didn’t even knock anymore she would just walk in, and somehow she had claimed the corner of his couch like it belonged to her .

By the time Natsu stepped inside his apartment, he was greeted by an explosion of color and chaos.

The scent of nail polish was so strong it hit him before the sight of his living room did. He kicked off his shoes and yanked off his hoodie, wrinkling his nose as he took in the scene.

“Seriously,” he muttered, stepping over a discarded pillow, one that belonged to his bedroom, he noticed. “Why did your sleepover have to be here?” Plue darted toward him immediately, tail wagging furiously, sock in his mouth, and Natsu glanced down with a sigh. “And you’re here too… awesome .” He bent to scratch behind the pup’s ears anyway.

“You’ve got the best TV Natsu…” Cana said lazily from the couch, sprawled out in her nightwear with a glass of wine in hand. It was the excuse all his friends used when they invaded. “And for some reason you still pay for cable…” 

Natsu scratched the back of his head, watching her flip through the channels. “It… it comes with the phone plan…”

Her hair was clipped back, her face covered in some kind of green mask, and she looked far too relaxed for someone trespassing. Levy sat cross-legged on the floor near the coffee table, focused on getting her fingernails painted by Wendy, who had her tongue sticking out in concentration. Juvia perched behind them on the armchair, swirling her wine as she made occasional, overly dramatic commentary on Wendy’s brush strokes.

It looked like a spa had exploded in his living room. But truthfully, he didn’t mind. 

“Alright, I got everything you asked for.” 

Natsu set a bag of takeout down on the kitchen island and tried for a glare, but it faltered when Lucy bounced up from the couch, grinning at him like he’d just hung the moon. She was dressed in soft cotton pajama bottoms, her hair tied back messily, a faint green sheen on her skin from the avocado mask the girls had made. He couldn’t hold back his smirk when he noticed she was wearing his red sweater, one that she probably wouldn’t give back anytime soon. 

She padded toward him barefoot, cheeks flushed from laughter and wine.

“Oh, you’re the best,” she said, throwing her arms around him without hesitation. 

His chest tightened, heat rushing through him, but she released him just as quickly to dig through the bag of takeout food.

Natsu leaned forward, dragging his pinky lightly along her cheek where a smear of avocado clung. “You missed a spot,” he teased, popping his finger into his mouth before she could stop him. “Huh. Needs salt.”

Lucy swatted his hand away, laughing. “Gross! And we’re not making guac with it afterwards, so stop tasting it!”

“Seems like a waste of food to me, Luce.”

“It’s supposed to be hydrating,” she said, rolling her eyes as she sorted containers of food on the counter. “Makes our faces glow.”

“But your face is always glowing,” he said without thinking and froze when she blinked at him. He smirked a beat later, leaning on the counter. “’Cause you get all sweaty just walking over here from your place.”

Her jaw dropped, and she shoved at his arm. “Okay, that’s it.” She hooked her fingers around his wrist and tugged him toward the hallway. “This is girls’ night. No boys allowed. Go hide in your room before we paint your nails.”

Natsu grinned as she pushed him down the hall. “Kicking me out of a party at my own house, huh?”

“We’ll save you food for later!” she called over her shoulder, laughing as she disappeared back into the chaos of the living room.

He peeked his head back out a second later, locking eyes with Wendy. “No alcohol for you.”

The teen stuck her tongue out at him, and he let the door fall shut behind him.

Alone in his room, Natsu sank onto the edge of his bed, the muffled sound of laughter carrying through the walls. He stared at the ceiling for a moment, letting the warmth of it all settle into his chest.

The way she fit here.

The way she made him feel like he belonged, too.

He could hear Cana’s loud laugh, Levy’s quick little bursts, Juvia’s dramatic shouts, Wendy’s softer giggles… but Lucy’s laughter stood out most.

Light. Unrestrained. Happy.

He shut his eyes, listening.

For a long time, the sound was enough to make the apartment feel warmer than it already was. There was something about it, about her, that made the walls feel less empty, the nights less heavy.

He didn’t know when his space had stopped being his and started feeling like theirs .

And honestly, he didn’t care.

When Natsu opened his eyes again, hours had passed. The muffled chaos of laughter and clinking glasses was gone; only the low hum of the TV filled the apartment.

He glanced over at the clock, frowning when the red digits glared back at him — 2:47 a.m.

“Damn…” he muttered under his breath, dragging a hand through his messy hair as he swung his legs off the bed. His throat felt dry, and he figured he’d grab some water on the way to the bathroom. But the moment he flipped on the bathroom light, his heart nearly stopped. “Oh shit—!”

Lucy was slumped halfway over the toilet, her cheek resting against her forearm, eyes shut tight like she’d fallen asleep mid-collapse. Her hair had come loose from whatever braid or bun she’d worn earlier, soft strands sticking to the damp curve of her neck.

“Seriously, Lucy…” he whispered, kneeling down beside her, unzipping his sweater a bit to give her some space to breathe. At the sound of his voice, her brows pulled together, face scrunching against the brightness of the light. Slowly, her lashes fluttered, and her bleary brown eyes met his for just a second, confused, unfocused. Before she could get a word out, her expression shifted, and Natsu reacted instantly, sweeping her hair into his hand as she lurched forward. “I got you, I got you,” he murmured, rubbing small, steady circles along her back as she emptied her stomach.

It felt like forever before the worst of it passed. When she finally sagged against the cool tile, groaning softly, her voice came out hoarse and small. 

“Natsu… Bed. Please… take me to bed.”

He smirked faintly, reaching for a clean towel to wipe her face. “Yeah, yeah. Let’s get you to bed.”

Sliding an arm beneath her knees and the other around her back, he lifted her effortlessly, feeling how her head lolled sleepily against his chest. By the time he stepped out of the bathroom, she was practically asleep in his arms.

He glanced toward the living room as he walked past to check on everyone else. Cana was sprawled out on the couch with an empty bottle clutched in her hand, Levy curled like a cat in the sofa chair, Wendy and Juvia knocked out opposite each other under a shared blanket on the floor. Even Plue had found a comfortable spot by the entrance, out cold like he had partied just as hard as the girls did. A soft snore from Cana made him shake his head, half amused, half exasperated.

“Disasters,” he muttered under his breath, shifting Lucy’s weight gently as he nudged his bedroom door open with his foot.

He set her down carefully on his bed, pulling the blanket over her. Just as he started to stand, her fingers curled into his shirt, tugging weakly.

Her voice was barely more than a whisper, soft and slurred from exhaustion.

“No… don’t go.”

He froze for half a second, breath caught in his throat. Slowly, he lowered himself down onto the mattress beside her, letting her hand stay where it rested, tangled in the fabric of his shirt.

“I won’t,” he said quietly, more to himself than to her.

And for a while, he just sat there, listening to the steady rhythm of her breathing as she drifted off. Natsu leaned back against the headboard slowly, careful not to jostle her. Lucy’s hand was still curled into his shirt, soft and warm even in sleep, and for some reason that tiny bit of contact felt heavier than anything else in the room.

He stared at the ceiling, his jaw tight, trying to will his heartbeat to slow down.

It wasn’t like this was new. Lucy falling asleep near him, touching him without thinking twice about it. She’d done it before, in little ways: leaning against his shoulder on the couch, resting her hand on his arm when she laughed too hard, even making him carry her up the stairs when she was too tired from school work. But this… this was different.

She wasn’t awake to pull away.

And he wasn’t strong enough to make himself move.

His eyes drifted down to her face, strands of hair still messy, lips parted slightly as she breathed. The soft rise and fall of her chest was steady now, and the sight of her finally looking peaceful should’ve made him relax too.

It didn’t.

Because beneath all of it, the laughter from earlier, the warmth of her hug when he came in with food, the useless avocado mask that smudged on her temple, there was this gnawing truth he couldn’t shake.

She wasn’t his. And she never had to be.

But somehow, deep in his chest, he felt this sharp, stubborn thread tying him to her anyway.

His Lucy.

The thought made his stomach twist, and he scrubbed a hand over his face like he could wipe it away. It wasn’t fair not to her, not to him. He wasn’t supposed to want this, not again, not after everything.

Because feelings like this had destroyed him once.

And no matter how hard he tried, no matter how many times he told himself she was just his friend… the fear was always there. That if he let himself want her too much, care too much, he’d lose her too.

He glanced at her again. The slight crease in her brows had softened, her breathing quiet, steady, almost fragile in the silence between them. He swallowed hard, forcing his thoughts to still, to push everything down where it couldn’t touch him.

He’d promised himself he wouldn’t cross that line.

He’d protect her. Stay beside her.

And if that meant keeping his heart locked up, then fine.

But as her fingers twitched lightly in his shirt, holding him there even in her sleep, Natsu let his eyes close… just for a moment.

Just for tonight, he could pretend it was simple.

…

He knew her first class every Wednesday was at noon. Without fail, she walked into the shop around 11:40 a.m. every week,  hair slightly messy, bag slung carelessly over her shoulder, always a little out of breath, like she’d sprinted the last block.

Natsu had her drink ready by 11:35. Always.

Just hot enough to savor. Cool enough to chug.

Sometimes, he’d throw in a sandwich. Other times, a pastry she hadn’t asked for but would pretend not to be delighted by. On their morning walks, he’d ask what she was having for breakfast, and nine times out of ten, she’d give him the same answer:

“Coffee,” she’d say with a straight face, like that counted.

It drove him insane. How someone as smart, organized, and annoyingly capable as Lucy could have such a terrible diet was beyond him. He thought about it every time he watched her rush in, her bag half-zipped, pen probably still uncapped inside, hair slightly frizzed from the humidity outside.

Across the counter, Gray leaned against the espresso machine, sipping lazily from his mug while watching Natsu swirl caramel syrup into the latte.

“Dude, you are so whipped,” he said, smirking into his cup.

Natsu froze mid-drizzle, the caramel bottle hovering over the whipped cream. “Whipped?”

Gray snorted, reaching for a sticker off the online order printer and handing it to a passing barista. “I’ve been working with you for years, and not once have you ever had my coffee ready when I come in. Not once.” He gestured toward the latte like it was Exhibit A. “And yet, Lucy Heartfilia receives the royal treatment.”

“Fuck off,” Natsu muttered with a laugh, shoving Gray’s shoulder as he slid the drink onto the counter.

Gray only grinned knowingly, like he’d been waiting for that reaction. He’d noticed Natsu’s moods lately. Lighter, easier somehow. Less sharp around the edges. The shift wasn’t subtle. It was the Lucy effect, and Gray was definitely enjoying pointing it out.

“She looked kind of sick today, though,” Natsu said suddenly, almost to himself as he started wiping the counter. “We only took a short walk this morning.”

Gray raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the machine. “Cute,” he drawled, dragging the word out just to make it sting.

Natsu scoffed, shoving him again, harder this time. “Shut up.”

Across the bar, Gajeel sat hunched over a notepad. Headphones clamped tight over his ears. His pen scratched aggressively across the page, the sound audible even over the low hum of conversation in the shop. Seconds later, he cursed under his breath, scrawled out the entire line so violently the paper nearly tore, then ripped the headphones off and slammed them onto the counter hard enough to make his mug of black coffee slosh.

“I suck,” he announced flatly to no one in particular.

Natsu and Gray exchanged a look.

“What’s wrong now?” Natsu asked, sliding a finished order onto the pickup shelf and flicking the bell with his knuckle.

“It’s these fucking lyrics,” Gajeel growled, leaning back in his chair until it creaked. “Track, perfect. Lyrics? Shit.”

“Go easy on yourself,” Gray said, lifting his mug again. “You’ll figure it out… just get out of your head.”

Gajeel jabbed a finger at his notepad like it had personally betrayed him. “I’d figure it out faster if Juvia would make time to help me record some stuff.”

Gray’s expression faltered slightly, and he cleared his throat. His girlfriend had been out of town for nearly a week, a girls’ trip with his stepsister and stepmother, and Natsu didn’t miss the way his jaw flexed when Gajeel mentioned her.

“She’ll be back tonight,” Gray muttered.

Gajeel grunted in response, then let his gaze drift lazily to the untouched caramel latte on the counter. Perfectly topped, perfectly timed, perfectly made. He arched an eyebrow, smirking faintly.

“So what,” he said slowly, trying to distract himself, “you and Bunny Girl?”

Natsu looked up from wiping down the counter, brows knitting together like the words didn’t compute.

“I don’t get it.”

Gajeel’s smirk deepened as he leaned back in his chair, folding his arms.

“Sure you don’t.” He hesitated like he wanted to push further, then shifted uncomfortably and changed the subject. “Have you seen the shrimp lately?”

“You mean Levy?” Natsu scratched at his cheek. “She comes by sometimes, but she’s been busy with that internship Lucy told me about.”

Gajeel clicked his tongue and dropped it there, resting his chin in his palm. He didn’t want to talk about it anyway. Natsu didn’t press, either. His own thoughts were already drifting elsewhere.

His gaze flicked to the wall clock above the door. The thin black hands pointed three minutes past 11:40.

Lucy was late.

She was never late.

She was always in a rush, but never late.

He frowned. Lately she had even been coming in early, sometimes showing up just to talk before her latte cooled. He thought back to the morning, how bundled up she’d been, scarf pulled high, cheeks red from the early chill. The bags under her eyes had been heavy, and she’d admitted she barely slept. He’d offered to walk Plue for her, told her she should crawl back into bed and rest, but she’d brushed it off with that soft smile and said if she couldn’t sleep all night, nothing would change now.

Even so, she hadn’t talked much during their walk. And for Lucy, that was unusual.

Another five minutes passed. Then ten. That sinking feeling settled heavy in his stomach.

“Guess she’s not coming today,” Gray said finally, nodding toward the untouched latte and croissant Natsu had set aside.

“Maybe she’s just running late,” Natsu muttered, though the words sounded weak even to him.

His chest felt tight. He wished he’d insisted she go back inside this morning. Wished he’d taken Plue’s leash from her hand, picked her up and thrown her into bed if he had to. The bell over the door chimed, drawing his attention as a couple stepped inside, requesting menus and settling in at the corner table. He served them quickly, forcing himself to focus, but his gaze kept drifting back to the small latte sitting cold and unwanted at the end of the counter.

Maybe she was sick. Maybe she’d finally collapsed from exhaustion. He thought about calling her, just to check, maybe dropping off soup later if she really wasn’t feeling well. Just as a friend.

He was pulling his phone from his pocket when it happened —

The bark.

That familiar, high-pitched yip he could pick out anywhere at this point.

Natsu’s head snapped toward the window, his stomach dropping when he spotted Plue tearing down the sidewalk, leash trailing wildly behind him. No Lucy. No one chasing him.

“Shit,” Natsu breathed.

A few customers glanced outside, murmuring in confusion, but Natsu didn’t think. He vaulted over the counter, ripped off his apron mid-air, and tossed it onto an empty table before shoving the door open. Behind him, chairs scraped as Gajeel turned sharply in his seat and Gray yelled quick orders to one of the cooks to watch the register before sprinting after him.

“That stupid girl,” Gajeel muttered as they ran after Natsu, though his tone lacked bite. “Always lettin’ that damn dog get loose.” 

The musician made a mental note to get the bunny girl a hands free leash. 

Natsu’s pulse thundered in his ears.

If Plue was out here, then where the hell was Lucy?

His feet pounded against the pavement as he hit the park, scanning frantically until he spotted the little dog digging eagerly at the mud near the fountain.

“Plue! Here, boy!” The pup jerked his head up at the familiar voice. “C’mon, buddy.” Natsu crouched, whistling softly and making quick kissy noises. Plue’s tail wagged wildly, his paws sinking in the wet grass as he bounded straight toward Natsu’s open arms. He scooped the dog up, holding him against his chest, breath ragged. “You gave me a heart attack,” he muttered, stroking the pup’s head. “Lucy’s probably worried sick about you, huh?”

Plue licked his chin in reply, oblivious.

Gray and Gajeel caught up seconds later, bent over and panting.

“You got him,” Gray said, relief bleeding into his voice.

“Yeah,” Natsu answered, standing, “but I don’t see any sign of Lucy.”

Gajeel swore under his breath, his panting finally calming down. “Want me to take the damn dog back to Bunny Girl?”

Natsu hesitated, his stomach twisting, but Gray spoke first, looking straight at him. “You should do it. Take him back. Check on her while you’re at it.”

He hated that he needed the push, but he nodded, grateful all the same.

The walk back to their building was short but tense. Plue’s tiny nails clicked against the stone steps, each sound sharp in the quiet, mingling with distant traffic and the low hum of passing cars.

When Natsu reached the second-floor landing, his eyes found Lucy’s door instantly.

It was cracked open.

He froze.

A slow, cold ripple ran down his spine.

Lucy never left her door unlocked.

For a second, he didn’t move. Just stared at it, heart hammering harder than it had during the entire sprint through the park.

In the months since she’d moved in, he’d never once stepped inside that apartment. Not once. Not when she’d first moved in, struggling with boxes of furniture that had been delivered. Not when she’d offered to show him how she decorated. Not when she’d invited him in for dinner more than once.

Because before Lucy… that door had belonged to Lisanna.

And he couldn’t do it.

He couldn’t cross that threshold.

For almost a year after her death, he couldn’t even look at the place without feeling his chest cave in. The door had been closed, silent, untouched, like a gravestone standing in the middle of the hallway. Then Lucy came along, filling it with life and warmth and laughter, and somehow… he’d convinced himself he could live right across from it, he could be close to Lucy, without ever going in.

And now it stood open.

His throat went dry, breath stuttering out unevenly as dread coiled in his gut.

He swallowed hard and stepped forward, forcing his legs to move when every instinct screamed at him to turn back.

“Lucy?” His voice came out rough, low, barely more than a rasp.

He knocked once, knuckles soft against the wood, and pushed the door open inch by inch. The hinges groaned in protest, like the sound itself didn’t want to break the silence inside.

For half a heartbeat, he hesitated on the threshold — because crossing it now felt like tearing open an old wound he’d buried deep.

But… he had to. 

So he did.

And that’s when he saw her.

Collapsed just inside the doorway, one sneaker halfway on, body limp and still.

“Lucy!” The name ripped out of him, hoarse and cracked, before he even realized he’d said it.

Natsu dropped to his knees beside her, heart hammering so violently it drowned out every other sound. His hands hovered, shaking, unsure where to touch first. Her shoulder, her face, anywhere that could reassure him she was still warm, still breathing, still here.

“Luce, hey—hey, come on.” 

His voice trembled as he leaned over, pressing two fingers gently against the side of her neck. Relief washed through him when he found the faint flutter of a pulse, but it did nothing to steady his breathing. His throat was dry, every swallow tight and rough. Plue whined softly, pawing at Lucy’s arm, and Natsu’s chest constricted at the sound.

“You’re okay,” he muttered under his breath, to her, to himself, to the ghosts creeping up on him from behind. “You’re fine, you’re okay.”

But it wasn’t Lucy’s door he saw anymore.

It wasn’t Lucy lying on the floor.

For a split second, his mind betrayed him, flashing back to that night. Lisanna’s pale skin, her stillness under harsh hospital lights, the beeping machines that had stopped when he hadn’t been ready. The memory hit him like a bat to the face, and he shoved it away violently, almost choking on the breath he dragged into his lungs.

No. Not again. Not now.

He blinked hard, forcing himself to stay in the moment. Stay here. Stay with Lucy.

He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his thumb grazing the dampness along her temple. Her skin was too warm. Feverish.

“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. “Why didn’t you call me? Why didn’t you call—” His voice cracked, breaking off as he sucked in a sharp breath.

Plue barked once, sharp and impatient, as if scolding him for sitting frozen when he should be moving.

Natsu jolted into action, one hand fumbling for his phone, the other still holding onto hers like a lifeline. His thumb hovered over Gray’s number for a second before switching to emergency services, but he hesitated, panic clawing up his throat.

He hated hospitals. He hated sterile white rooms, cold machines and clipped voices saying words like “ time of death.”

But this wasn’t Lisanna.

This wasn’t two years ago.

This was Lucy.

This was now. 

And she needed him.

…

Chapter Text

Natsu exhaled a shaky breath, the sound ragged in his throat. The air felt thin, poisoned almost, burning as it dragged into his lungs. His shirt clung to his chest, suffocating him, and he yanked at the top button like it might give him air but nothing helped.

The smell hit him next. Bleach. Sterilizer. Stale coffee. It crawled up his throat and sat there, sour and choking.

The waiting. The fucking waiting was going to kill him.

He sat stiffly in the hard plastic chair, one leg bouncing so violently the whole row rattled. His fingers hovered near his mouth, nails grazing his lips, but he couldn’t bite down, couldn’t anchor himself to anything. Everything blurred in and out, the walls, the buzzing overhead lights, the muffled voices of nurses rushing past.

Lucy was here. Somewhere behind those double doors he wasn’t allowed to go through.

She was being examined. And he couldn’t even know why.

One moment they were fine, laughing, teasing, walking. One moment he was waiting for her to come pick up her coffee and it would be a normal day. But the next he was in the back of an ambulance, her hand icy in his, gripping so weakly like she might slip away if he let go.

They told him she was alive. They told him she’d be fine. But the words wouldn’t stick.

Because two and a half years ago, Lisanna had been alive too.

She’ll be okay, Mr. Dragneel

We just need to run some tests.

It’s routine.

Routine. The words kept circling back, jagged and unwelcome, like broken glass grinding in his chest. Lucy hadn’t woken up. Not once. Not for the entire ride here.

He cursed himself for not lying, for not saying he was her husband or boyfriend, hell, even her brother. He should have said something, anything that would’ve let him stay by her side instead of being forced to sit out here, useless, rotting in this chair while strangers touched her, tested her, decided things for her.

His pulse thundered, loud in his ears, each beat making his chest tighter, his breaths shorter. The walls seemed to close in, suffocating him, until the whole waiting room felt too small.

He tried to anchor himself, forcing his gaze anywhere else.

The scuffed tile floor. The faint buzzing of the fluorescent lights overhead.The receptionist clicking steadily at her keyboard, glancing at him now and then like she was already bracing for him to fall apart. None of it helped.

And then came the sound.

A faint, distant beep… beep… beep of a monitor down the hall.

And suddenly—

—he wasn’t here anymore.

Flatline.

That endless, hollow ringing.

Hands on his shoulders, dragging him back, holding him down as he screamed her name until his throat tore…

Lisanna.

Natsu dug his nails into his palms so hard his knuckles burned white, grounding himself in the sting, dragging himself back to now.

Focus. Lucy.

But the noise around him blurred again, fading into something dull and far. The TV in the corner blaring Magnolia News. The overlapping chatter of the overworked nurses. The soft muttering of families whispering prayers over their loved ones. It all bled into static until the only sound left was his own shallow breathing and the shrill, high-pitched ringing in his ears.

And then he heard her name.

“Lucy. Lucy Heartfilia.”

His head snapped up so fast his neck cracked.

At the reception desk stood a man with messy orange hair, a heavy green coat trimmed with fur, and glasses shoved carelessly into his pocket like he’d forgotten them entirely.

“Relationship to the patient?” the receptionist asked.

“I’m her boyfriend!” he said breathlessly. “Check the forms… I’m her emergency contact.”

Natsu froze.

I’m her boyfriend.

The words landed like a punch to the chest. Sharp. Deep. Splintering something raw and fragile inside him he didn’t even know was there until now.

Months of walking with her every morning with the frost crunching under their shoes as they traded sleepy jokes. Months of late-night movies and greasy takeout sprawled on his couch. Bowling alleys and stupid bets. Conversations about nothing and everything until the sun started bleeding into the sky. Dropping her off at campus in his truck, which he hated driving, just to steal a few extra minutes with her.

Not once, not once, had Lucy ever mentioned a boyfriend.

But then again… he’d never asked.

He forced his heart down and shoved it somewhere quiet, somewhere unreachable. It didn’t matter. It couldn’t matter. He was the one who drew the line after that night they danced together at the warehouse party. He was the one who over and over again would say they were just friends.

Because wanting more was dangerous. Loving someone like that was dangerous. He’d already learned that lesson the hard way.

Lisanna’s pale hand slipping limp against the sheets.

The endless, hollow ringing of the monitor.

That cold, steady voice that told him:

We’re sorry Mr. Dragneel. We did everything we can…

The memory clawed at his brain, sharp and merciless, stealing the breath straight from his lungs. He blinked hard, dragging himself back to now, gripping the edge of his chair until his mind would focus… when suddenly something else brought him back.

Waving a hand right in front of his face was the orange haired man who had been at reception not even a full minute ago.

Natsu flinched.

“You’re Natsu Dragneel, right?” The man’s voice was sharp but casual, like he’d said it a thousand times today. “That receptionist lady said you were the one who brought Lucy in.”

Natsu nodded stiffly. “Yeah.”

“Loke.” The man extended his hand, too energetic, too easy, like they weren’t sitting in a hospital waiting room. Natsu hesitated before taking it, Loke’s grip firm, almost like they were already friends. “Man, I can’t thank you enough,” Loke said, relief spilling out of him. “Who knows how long she would’ve been there if you hadn’t found her.”

Natsu shook his head, voice low and rough. “Have they said anything yet?”

“Not really,” Loke sighed, shifting his weight, trying for a reassuring smile. “But since I’m her emergency contact, they’ll let me in to see her.” He gave a short laugh, like it was no big deal.

Natsu didn’t laugh. Didn’t even blink.

“Are you…” He swallowed hard, forcing the words out. “Are you…?”

“I’m her boyfriend,” Loke said easily, clapping a hand on Natsu’s shoulder like it was some casual introduction. “I’ll let her know you stuck around, but I can handle it from here. Thanks man.”

Natsu froze, the words detonating in his chest.

I’m her boyfriend.

It echoed, rattling through his head until it felt like the air itself had turned heavy. Months. Months of mornings and movies and the little pieces of her life she’d let him have. And she’d never mentioned him. She never mentioned someone named Loke. Not once.

But then again… he’d never asked.

He forced himself to nod, jaw tight enough to ache. “Can you…” His voice cracked, and he cleared his throat. “Can you tell her Plue’s okay? I’m gonna keep him with me tonight.”

Loke frowned, confused for a moment, before his face lit up with recognition. “Plue… right. The dog. Yeah, I’ll tell her.”

The response didn’t sit right. Loke didn’t even remember her dog. Natsu had never seen him around the apartment complex. Never heard Lucy say his name.

And yet, here he was, the one being let through those doors while Natsu sat stuck in the sterile hallways, choking on bleach and fear.

He thought about it for a long moment, numb fingers gripping the edge of his chair. He should call someone. He needed to. He needed to call the one person Lucy would definitely want here, Levy McGarden.

Natsu’s thumb hovered over her contact, her name glowing bright against the dark of his phone screen.

But he couldn’t press it. Not yet. Not when his chest still felt like it was collapsing. Not when every breath burned like glass in his throat. Not when he didn’t even know if Lucy was okay.

He cursed under his breath, dragging his palm down his face before forcing his eyes past Levy’s name, scrolling fast, desperate, until he landed on one person he could always rely on when the walls started closing in.

His heart thudded, sharp and uneven.

The crazy part was, if anyone else was in that hospital room, the person he would’ve wanted to call first for comfort… it would have been Lucy.

The thought hollowed him out. But he shoved it down, thumb shaking as he hit the call button anyway.

The line barely rang twice before she picked up.

“What’s up, loser?” Cana’s voice spilled through the speaker, light and teasing like always, grounding him in a way she probably didn’t even realize.

Natsu opened his mouth, but nothing came out at first. Just a sharp inhale, shaky and uneven.

“Natsu?” Cana’s tone shifted immediately, softening, the humor fading into concern. “Hey, you alright?”

He dragged a hand down his face, the heel of his palm pressing hard against his eyes until little bursts of light danced behind them. “I’m at the hospital,” he muttered finally, his voice rough. “With Lucy.”

There was a beat of silence on her end, then a quiet, “What happened?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted, leaning his head back against the cold wall. “She fainted or… something. I found her on the floor. She wasn’t waking up, Cana.” His chest rose and fell too quickly, the pressure building until his throat ached. “I rode in the ambulance with her but—” He broke off, swallowing hard. “They won’t tell me anything yet.”

Another pause. Softer this time. “Is she… okay?”

“They said she’s alive,” he said, the words coming out flat, almost hollow. “But they didn’t tell me anything else.”

For a while, there was only the faint static of the line, until Cana finally spoke, her voice steady and warm. “Natsu, breathe. You’re there. That’s what matters.”

He tried, he really did, but his lungs felt too tight, the air in the waiting room heavy and stale.

“Her boyfriend is here,” he added, his voice dropping lower, like the words were too sharp to speak aloud.

“What?” Cana’s voice sharpened instantly. “Boyfriend? What the hell are you talking about?”

“Yeah.” His hand dragged down the back of his neck, nails scraping lightly against his skin, grounding himself in the sting. “He’s her emergency contact.”

There was a beat, and then Cana let out a low whistle. “…Oh…”

Natsu didn’t respond. Couldn’t.

Because beneath the chaos, beneath the fear, beneath the ache clawing up his throat… there was something else. Something he didn’t want to name.

Something he didn’t have the right to name.

Jealousy.

…

Lucy woke to the sharp sting of antiseptic in her nose.

Her eyes opened to a ceiling washed in harsh white light, but the brightness blurred and doubled, stabbing into her skull like glass splinters. The slow, mechanical beep… beep… beep of a monitor pulsed somewhere beside her, syncing perfectly with the thud of her heartbeat.

Her throat burned. Her tongue felt like sandpaper.

And then it hit her… 

The sterile air. The faint hum of the vents. The muffled voices just beyond a thin curtain. This was familiar. She knew what this was.

Her chest tightened instantly, like invisible hands pressing down, hard. She sucked in a shaky breath, but it didn’t feel like it reached her lungs. Her pulse spiked, a drumbeat in her ears.

No. No, no, no—

She tried to sit up, but a tangle of wires and IV lines dragged against her skin, pinning her down. The movement made her dizzy, dark spots dancing at the edges of her vision.

“—Lucy? Hey, hey, you’re okay—”

A voice broke through, but it was distant, muffled, like she was underwater.

Her nails dug into the thin hospital blanket. Get out. Get out. Get out. The smell of antiseptic was everywhere, clinging to her, seeping into her hair and skin.

Her breaths came too fast now, shallow and ragged. Every sound sharpened. The shuffle of shoes in the hallway, a metallic clink, someone laughing far away, and each one sliced into her chest.

Last time, you didn’t make it out whole.

When your mom was here, you lost everything.

The thought slammed into her without permission, and her body trembled with it.

The voice came again, closer this time, warm but strained.

“Lucy. Hey—look at me. Look at me.”

Her gaze darted toward the sound, and through the blur she found a nurse, young, probably just a few years older than her, leaning over her, looking down with concern and compassion. 

Her mind blurred, thoughts splintering like light through cracked glass.

The last thing she remembered was slipping on her shoes. The laces hadn’t even been tied properly. She had felt drained all day, her body aching with a fatigue she couldn’t shake, yet no amount of tossing or turning brought her rest. When she came home from her morning stroll with Natsu, she’d been too weak to even remove Plue’s leash, fingers trembling around the clasp. Hours passed and she didn’t feel better until she started to get up to get ready for class and darkness swallowed her whole.

“Why am I…” Her throat scratched as she forced the words out, barely above a whisper. “What happened?”

“Looks like a fainting episode,” the nurse said softly, eyes flicking from Lucy to the monitor as her fingers danced across the keyboard. Her tone was clinical but careful, like she’d said these words a thousand times before. “But the doctor will be in soon to talk with you.”

Lucy tried to focus on her voice, but the sounds around her tangled into static. 

“In the meantime,” the nurse asked gently, “can I grab you anything? Water? Maybe an extra blanket?”

Lucy shook her head, slow, deliberate. Even that small motion made her vision tilt sideways. Her lips parted to breathe, but the air felt wrong. It was too cold, too sharp, laced with the scent of bleach and faint latex.

She hated that smell.

Her chest squeezed, a rush of memory pressing against her ribs, white walls, monitors screaming, voices she couldn’t make out. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to stay anchored, but her pulse stuttered anyway.

“No… no, I’m okay,” she managed, voice rough.

The nurse gave a small nod, scribbling something on her clipboard before slipping out of the room.

Lucy let her eyes fall shut again, not from comfort but surrender. The weight in her limbs was too much, the sterile hum of the hospital pulling her under once more.

The second time Lucy woke, it wasn’t quiet.

Muffled voices seeped through the door, clipped and urgent, words she couldn’t piece together. Her head pounded in rhythm with her heartbeat, and the fluorescent light overhead burned sharp against her half-open eyes.

She tried to move her hand and froze. An IV tugged at her skin. Her breath hitched instantly. The thin tubing coiled from her arm like a tether, keeping her here. Trapped. Suddenly the air in the room wasn’t enough.

Not here. Not again.

Her chest squeezed tight, lungs refusing to draw in more than shallow gasps. Every inhale felt wrong, jagged, as if the walls themselves were closing in on her. The distant beeping of the monitor sped up with her pulse, almost as if it was mocking her panic.

“Okay… okay, you’re fine, it’s fine, you’re fine—” she whispered to herself, but the words tangled on her tongue. Her fingers trembled as she tried to grip the blanket, grounding herself, but even the coarse hospital fabric made her stomach lurch.

White walls. Harsh lights. Machines humming. A memory slipped through before she could shove it back. Her mother’s pale face under the same unforgiving lights, the smell of antiseptic so sharp it burned, the hollow silence after the monitors stopped.

“Stop,” she choked out, dragging a shaky hand over her face as if she could push the images away. But they kept coming, and so did the panic.

She ripped the blanket back, desperate to get out of the bed, out of this room, out of this hospital. The monitor screamed at her sudden movement, lines spiking wildly across the screen.

“Lucy?”

Her name. That voice.

She blinked through blurred vision, barely registering the messy orange hair and wide, worried eyes. Loke crossed the room in seconds, crouching down by the bed as her breathing came in sharp, broken pulls.

“L-lo…”

“Hey, hey—look at me,” he said quickly, his voice low, steady, pulling her out of the spiral. His hands hovered like he wanted to grab hers but was afraid to push too fast. “You’re alright. Can you hear me? You’re okay.”

She clung to his voice, focusing on it, letting it drown out the beeping, the voices in the hallway, the memories clawing at the edges of her mind. Her breaths stuttered, then slowed, falling into sync with his until the room stopped spinning.

Finally, she collapsed back against the pillow, chest rising and falling unevenly. Her lashes were damp, sticking together as she tried to steady her breathing. That’s when she finally registered it. The figure that had been lingering near the foot of her bed, half-shadowed by the doorframe.

Her ex-boyfriend.

Lucy’s lips parted, a weak rasp leaving her throat. “Why—” She swallowed hard, her voice splintering as her gaze locked on him. “Why are you here?”

Loke stepped back fully into the light, running a hand through his messy orange hair like he’d rehearsed this moment on the way in. He shoved his glasses into his coat pocket, his familiar smirk faltering when he caught the strain in her voice.

“You scared the shit out of me, Lucy.” he said softly, but the way he said her name, so casually, so easily, made her chest tighten for a different reason. “I’m your emergency contact, remember? The hospital called me.”

Lucy blinked, trying to process, her thoughts slow and clumsy, still foggy from exhaustion and panic. 

“N-no.” It was barely a whisper, her voice catching on the edge of her breath. “L-Levy is…”

She couldn’t finish the sentence. Her throat tightened, the words dissolving into the sterile, suffocating air of the hospital room.

Loke gave a quiet, nervous laugh. A sound that didn’t reach his eyes. “Just like you,” he said, trying for lightness that fell flat, “to get so caught up in everything you forget to take me off your emergency contact list.”

The attempt at humor hung between them like static, unanswered. Lucy stared at her hands, fingers curling into the stiff sheets, and the silence stretched until it was deafening.

“When I got the call I had to come make sure you were okay but…” He cleared his throat and shifted, motioning his thumb toward the door. “…I can leave if you want me to.”

She turned her face away from him, her gaze fixing on the wall where a faint crack trailed down toward the floor. Anything but his eyes. Her chest felt tight, her breathing shallow as the realization of where she was began to press in on her all over again.

Trapped.

The steady beep of the heart monitor only made it worse. Too loud, too steady, like it belonged to someone else entirely.

And then the memories came uninvited, slipping past her foggy thoughts: Loke sitting beside her in another hospital room, years ago, leaning back in a chair that squeaked every time he shifted. His voice was low and soft, promising her she’d be okay. Fingers brushing hers when she’d been too scared to reach for anyone else.

But she couldn’t decide if that memory was a comfort or another scar.

Fragments blurred together. His hand on hers, the tremor in his voice he’d tried to hide. She couldn’t tell if she wanted to hold onto those moments or rip them from her mind entirely.

When she finally dared a glance at him, his expression was unreadable, a quiet mix of guilt and something she couldn’t name.

“Can you… can you please call Levy?” It was all Lucy could manage, her voice brittle, like it might splinter if she spoke any louder.

“That other guy already did, I think,” Loke said, his tone calm, too calm, as he fiddled with the zipper of his coat. “Your neighbor. The one who brought you here.”

Her breath caught. “Natsu?”

Loke nodded. “Yeah. Seems like a good guy.” He said it casually, like it meant nothing, leaning back in the stiff chair beside her bed. “But I told him to take off.”

The words landed like a weight in her chest.

Her fingers tightened around the blanket, knuckles paling as her mind scrambled to process it. “Natsu… brought me here?”

There was a tremor beneath the question, one she couldn’t hide. The thought of him in this room, sitting where Loke sat now, maybe pacing the floor, maybe worried about her, made her chest ache in a way she didn’t expect.

“Yeah,” Loke replied, still casual, as if her reaction surprised him. “I figured you wouldn’t want a crowd when you woke up, besides no one can really come up to see you right now anyway. You were out cold. I thought I was doing you a favor.”

But it didn’t feel like a favor.

The monitor at her bedside beeped steadily, far too loud in the silence that followed. She forced her gaze away from Loke, focusing instead on the faint shadow of movement beneath the door, the muffled sounds of voices and footsteps beyond it. Natsu had been here. He’d ridden with her. He’d waited.

And then he’d left because Loke told him to.

Something in her chest twisted tight, her stomach sinking as she replayed the thought again and again.

…

Levy slid her hand down the side of her face, pulling at the delicate skin beneath her eyes as if it would somehow force them to stay open. She sat buried in her usual corner of the library, the kind of quiet that settled here always feeling heavier than silence, like the world outside didn’t exist.

She wasn’t alone, not technically. The soft clicks of keyboards, the faint scratching of pens against paper, and the gentle flutter of pages being turned reminded her she was surrounded by others. Still, the solitude wrapped around her shoulders like a blanket. This place had always been her sanctuary.

Her gaze drifted back to the blinding white glow of her laptop screen, but the lines of code blurred together, refusing to form anything coherent. It had been a brutal semester, and she wasn’t even halfway through. Free time was a relic of another life. Sometimes she managed to join her new friends, a movie night here, a late dinner there, but lately, even those rare escapes had been replaced by deadlines and debugging sessions. The last time she’d gone out for drinks with Cana and Lucy felt like another lifetime ago; she could barely remember the taste of alcohol. 

Her mind drifted somewhere it hadn’t in months, back to that night with Gajeel. Just for a second. The memory stung, sharp and uninvited. True to her word, she’d steered clear of him ever since, never explaining why, simply letting the whole thing dissolve into silence. What she once thought was a harmless crush had slipped into something messier, something she didn’t have the energy to face. And when he didn’t reach out either, she’d decided it was easier to believe he’d gotten what he wanted and moved on.

Levy exhaled through her nose, shoving the thought down like she had every other time it tried to surface. No use going there. Not tonight.

She sighed, giving her head a firm shake, silently scolding herself for wandering down memory lane when her assignment was staring her dead in the face, not to mention her teammates were waiting for her to complete her portion of the project. She flexed her fingers over the keyboard, about to force herself back into her code when a sudden, low vibration from her back pocket pulled her out of the trance.

Her brow furrowed. Her phone was on mute. Do Not Disturb mode on.

She slipped it out, welcoming the distraction, but her relief evaporated instantly.

Three missed calls. Two from Cana. One from Loke, of all people.

Levy blinked at the screen, her heart lurching into her throat.

Cana never really called, she would just show up or text her. 

And as for Loke, well, the last time she saw him she had thrown a drink in his face. 

Her chest tightened, dread crawling its way up her spine as she unlocked the phone. A single unread message from Cana sat at the top of her notifications, the preview blurred by her shaking thumb.

She tapped it open.

Cana

3:32 p.m

Levy you need to call me asap. Idk what is happening but Lucy’s in the hospital.

The words on the screen refused to make sense the first time she read them. Or the second. By the third, her vision had begun to blur.

Her breath hitched, the sound harsh in the quiet library. She shoved her papers into her laptop with shaky hands, not bothering to organize them, the edges bending and crumpling. She slammed the device shut and stuffed everything into her bag without thought. Her chair screeched loudly against the polished floor as she jumped to her feet.

A few students looked up from their books, startled by the sudden noise, but she didn’t notice. Couldn’t. Her chest was too tight, her heartbeat too loud. The only thing she could hear was Lucy’s name ricocheting inside her skull like an alarm.

By the time she reached the library doors, she was already moving faster than her body could handle, eyes glued to her phone, scrolling through missed calls, rereading Cana’s message over and over again like it would magically change.

So naturally, she crashed into someone.

Her bag slipped off her shoulder, the laptop inside thudding against the floor. She gasped, stumbling back two steps, her already unsteady balance wobbling dangerously.

“Sorry,” she breathed, her voice cracking on the single word. It was like fate had stacked everything against her today, waiting for the perfect moment to shove her over the edge.

“Shrimp?” The low voice cut through the chaos in her head, deep and rough around the edges. She blinked up at him, breath ragged, her chest still rising and falling too quickly. Gajeel. Of all people. His brows furrowed, sharp red eyes narrowing as he took in her pale face, the tears threatening to spill, the way her hands trembled against her body. “What’s the matter?” he asked, voice low but steady, almost grounding.

She hated that it worked. That just hearing him made the air feel a little less suffocating.

“I—” she choked out, clutching her phone tighter, like it might slip from her hand if she didn’t. Her throat felt raw, like every word scraped on the way up. “Gajeel— I… I need to get to the hospital.”

For a split second, his expression hardened, but not at her. He stepped closer, his shadow casting over her smaller frame, his voice dropping even lower.

“What happened?”

Her lip trembled. “Lucy. She’s— I don’t— Cana texted—hospital and I—” Her breath came out ragged, sentence broken, hardly making any sense.

He stared at her, unreadable, and she hated that she couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

Without a word, he crouched to grab her bag off the floor, slinging it over his shoulder.

“C’mon.” His voice was gruff but steady, like steel. “I’ll get you there.”

Levy blinked at him, her mind still trying to catch up. “W-what? No, you don’t have to—”

“Shrimp,” he cut her off, leveling her with a look sharp enough to slice through her panic. “You’re shaking so bad you’re gonna walk into traffic if I let you go alone.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but nothing came out. He was right.

As he started leading her toward the exit, she followed without thinking, her hand gripping the edge of his sleeve like it would steady her. The silence between them wasn’t awkward, it was heavy, thick with unspoken things.

Every step she took made her heart pound harder. Every thought kept circling back to Lucy. It circled back to middle school, and high school, those times where Lucy would suddenly be in the hospital and no one would tell her why. Yet, a small, traitorous part of her was aware of the man beside her, the one she’d spent months avoiding, the one she wasn’t supposed to talk to, the one she wasn’t supposed to need.

But right now, she did.

…

The unfamiliarity of this feeling made Natsu’s stomach twist painfully.

It wasn’t just worry.

It was guilt. Jealousy. Fear.

All tangled up in a knot so tight it felt like his ribs were splintering with every breath.

Lucy was lying in a hospital bed somewhere beyond those sterile walls, probably scared out of her mind, and all he could think about was how much he hated being here.

How much he hated that she needed someone… and it couldn’t be him. The waiting room felt like a trap, every second stretching into hours. The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead, white and relentless, searing into his already pounding head. The stench of antiseptic clung to his clothes, sharp and sour in his nose, dredging up memories he’d buried so deep he thought they were gone.

Lisanna.

The name cracked through him like glass shattering.

He clenched his fists until his nails bit deep into his palms, forcing pain sharp enough to keep him here, in this moment, in this reality. But it didn’t last. The beeping of monitors behind closed doors bled into his ears, and suddenly he was back there.

The flatline.

That endless ringing.

Hands pulling him away as he screamed her name.

We did everything we could, Mr. Dragneel. I’m so sorry.

He couldn’t sit there.

Not with those ghosts clawing at his chest.

Pushing up from the chair, Natsu shoved his way out of the waiting room, his breaths ragged and uneven. He needed air.

The evening breeze hit him like a wave. Clouds smothered the stars, and even the streetlights felt distant, hazy through the fog gathering in his head. He leaned hard against a pillar near the sliding doors, gripping the cold concrete until his knuckles ached, dragging air into his lungs like it might drown him if he stopped.

Traffic hummed faintly in the distance. A branch creaked. Leaves whispered against the pavement. He clung to those sounds, anything to drown out the ghosts, anything to remind himself this wasn’t then.

But it was so hard, so hard to be here. 

Headlights cut across the parking lot, blinding him for a moment. He blinked, squinting as a familar black car screeched into a space. Before it had even fully stopped, he saw Levy who threw the door open and bolted out, nearly tripping over her own bag as papers fluttered to the ground.

Levy was here.

Levy could help.

Levy would know what to do.

“Natsu!” Her voice cracked as she sprinted toward him, chest heaving. “What happened?!”

He pushed off the pillar, forcing the words out even though his throat felt tight. He told her everything. The morning walk, the fainting, the ambulance ride, the way the doctors shut him out the second they arrived. Every detail scraped his throat raw until, by the time he stopped, his chest was heaving and his hands were trembling at his sides.

Levy reached for his wrist instinctively, grounding him, but before she could speak, Gajeel’s shadow fell over them. He stood behind her, arms crossed, jaw set tight, silent but solid in a way that made Natsu’s chest ache.

“They wouldn’t let me see her,” Natsu muttered finally, voice hoarse, like the words were carved out of him. “But her boyfriend’s in there.”

Boyfriend.

The word tasted like acid, bitter and ugly on his tongue.

Levy’s eyes widened instantly. “Boyfriend? You mean—” She stopped herself, groaning when his silence said enough. “Loke.” Her frustration bled into her voice, dragging a hand through her hair. “Of course it’s Loke.”

She let out a long, steadying breath and grabbed both of his shoulders, firm but gentle. “Listen to me, Natsu. I’ll call you the second I get in to see her, okay? But you should go home.”

His head jerked up, panic flashing across his face. “I’m not leaving her—”

“Salamander.” The single word cut through his protest like a blade. Gajeel’s voice was low but unyielding, his stare steady and sharp. “There ain’t anything you can do for her,” he said, softer this time, but no less certain. “Not like this.”

Natsu froze, his chest tight, his lungs refusing to work properly. Gajeel didn’t need to explain. He’d seen it before. The way hospitals strangled Natsu, how his breathing turned shallow the longer he stayed, how the walls closed in until he couldn’t tell the past from the present.

He knew why.

And Natsu hated that he was right.

He swallowed hard, throat dry and aching, then finally gave a stiff nod, his jaw clenched so tight it hurt.

“Shrimp,” Gajeel said then, turning to Levy without missing a beat, “call me if you need anything, alright?”

Levy nodded quickly, squeezing Natsu’s hand once before bolting for the sliding doors, disappearing inside without another word.

Natsu slowly, reluctantly followed Gajeel toward the parking lot, fists trembling, fighting the instinct to turn back but his legs wouldn’t move.

His chest felt too tight, every breath thin and sharp as he slid into the passenger seat.

The silence in the car was suffocating, but Gajeel didn’t fill it. He just started the engine and drove the familiar road back home.

The hum of the engine was the only sound between them.

Natsu sat slouched in the seat, arms folded so tight across his chest it almost hurt, like if he held himself together hard enough, he wouldn’t come apart. His forehead pressed against the cool glass of the window, but it didn’t help. Sweat gathered along his hairline, dampening the back of his neck, sticking his shirt to his skin like the hospital walls were still clinging to him even though he’d left.

He hated that place.

That disgustingly strong smell of antiseptic still clung to his skin, thick in his lungs, making him want to gag. The beeping monitors, the muffled footsteps, the soft, pitying voices… it all tangled with old memories he’d spent the last two years burying.

The last time he’d been in a hospital, just waiting, Lisanna hadn’t made it out.

He squeezed his eyes shut, nails digging into his palms until it hurt.

He couldn’t let himself see the flash of white sheets.

Couldn’t hear the doctor’s voice breaking on his name.

Couldn’t feel Mirajane shaking against him while the world cracked open beneath them.

And now… Lucy.

His chest burned. His throat felt raw, like breathing alone hurt.

He hated that she was there. She was probably hooked up to machines. Pale and fragile and unreachable. He hated not knowing if she was okay. He hated that he wasn’t allowed back there. And he hated that Loke was.

Just thinking the name made his jaw tighten, teeth grinding until it ached.

Loke. Her boyfriend. The word tasted bitter, sour in his mouth.

He didn’t even know why it bothered him this much.

It wasn’t like he and Lucy were…

…anything more than friends.

Right?

Then why did it feel like someone had shoved a blade between his ribs and twisted?

He dragged in a shaky breath, but it caught halfway, coming out broken.

From the driver’s seat, Gajeel flicked a glance his way but said nothing, hands steady on the wheel. He’d known Natsu long enough to recognize when silence was better than words. The guy could handle a fight, a broken nose, hell, probably even a knife to the ribs, but hospitals?

Hospitals made him unravel.

“You’re gonna give yourself a migraine,” Gajeel muttered finally, voice low, eyes fixed on the road. “Relax, Salamander.”

“I’m fine,” Natsu rasped, the lie rough in his throat.

“Could’ve fooled me.”

That earned a weak huff, almost a laugh, but it died fast.

The silence returned, heavier this time.

Natsu popped open the glove compartment without asking, knowing where Gajeel kept his cigarettes. He grabbed one, placing it between his lips with hands that wouldn’t stop shaking. He rolled down the window, the first inhale burned, grounding him just enough to keep breathing.

“I should be there…” His voice cracked halfway through.

Gajeel didn’t answer immediately. When he did, his tone was low, deliberate. “You were there… You got her there. Bunny girl’s gonna be…”

His jaw flexed and he didn’t finish the thought.

Last time he’d tried to say those same words, he’d been dead wrong.

Natsu didn’t respond. Couldn’t. His throat was too tight, his chest too heavy, his voice gone somewhere he couldn’t reach it.

He was grateful Gajeel didn’t push.

Outside, the city lights blurred into streaks of gold and red, but all Natsu could see was the hospital doors fading behind them—and all he could think about was Lucy, small and scared under white sheets, and how much he hated that he couldn’t get to her.

…

Levy’s boots squeaked softly against the polished tiles as she moved quickly, clutching her bag like it could hold her together. Her chest was tight, breath shallow, every step making the pounding in her ears worse.

It wasn’t until she reached the right door, pale gray, with Lucy’s name scrawled on a flimsy paper tag, that her body stalled.

For a second, she couldn’t make her hand move. Couldn’t twist the handle. Her legs felt heavy, like her body knew something her heart didn’t want to face.

She forced her fingers to move.

The door creaked softly as she stepped inside, and the world seemed to fall silent.

Lucy lay curled slightly on the bed, an IV taped to the back of her hand. Her hair fanned across the pillow in soft tangles, strands catching the light from the monitors, and her chest rose and fell in slow, uneven breaths.

Levy’s throat burned.

“Lu…” Her voice cracked, barely a whisper. She swallowed hard, trying again. “Lucy.”

Lucy’s lashes fluttered at the sound, a faint crease forming between her brows. Her lips parted like she wanted to say something, but no words came out — just a shaky exhale.

Levy moved to her side, fingers hovering above Lucy’s hand before finally brushing against it. Her skin was so warm, so clammy.

“Do…” Lucy swallowed, her throat dry, lashes fluttering as she fought to focus on Levy’s face. A small smirk appeared on her lips when her eyes landed on her best friend. “How bad do I look?”

Levy froze, blinking, before letting out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. A shaky laugh slipped through her chest, muffled and watery.

“God, Lu,” she whispered, brushing at the corner of her eye with the heel of her hand. “You should see yourself… I told you to let me do your makeup this morning.”

Lucy’s lips curved faintly, the ghost of a smile, barely there but enough to unravel Levy’s chest.

Everything would be fine. Levy was here now. 

That thought grounded her, the only solid thing in a haze of too-bright lights and muted beeps. The panic clawing at her chest eased, just a fraction, as she focused on the familiar warmth of Levy’s hand wrapped around hers.

Her vision was still blurry, shapes bleeding into one another, but she didn’t need to see clearly to know it was Levy. She could tell by the faint trace of her scent, soft notes of vanilla and lavender, and the way her thumb brushed rhythmically over her knuckles, like she was trying to soothe them both.

And for the first time since Lucy woke up, she felt like maybe she would be okay.

Everything wasn’t fixed. Her chest still ached, her body felt heavy, and her mind kept circling back to why she’d collapsed in the first place. But none of that mattered right now.

Levy was here. And as long as Levy was here, she wasn’t alone.

“Levy… Loke is here.”

“I know,” Levy whispered, noticing the tension in her shoulders. She leaned closer, squeezing her hand. “You don’t have to deal with him right now, okay? I’ll handle it. Just… focus on breathing for me.”

Lucy nodded, even though her throat burned.

Then, quieter. “Is… is Natsu still here?”

Levy hesitated again, a tiny pause, but enough to make Lucy’s stomach twist.

“He waited,” Levy said finally. “Outside the whole time. But… he left about ten minutes ago. He wanted to stay Lu, but they wouldn’t let him in anyway...”

Lucy’s breath caught in her chest, sharp and unsteady. “Oh,” she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady and failing.

Levy studied her for a moment, then brushed damp strands of hair off her forehead. “I’ll call him if you want,” she said softly. “Or you can rest first. It’s your choice.”

Lucy didn’t answer. She just stared at the ceiling, fighting to hold herself together, even as her chest rose and fell unevenly.

Because she suddenly realized something she wasn’t ready to admit to anyone.

The thought of Natsu leaving hurt more than any pounding she felt in her body and head.

…

His phone buzzed in his hand. One glance at the screen, and his throat tightened.

Levy McGarden

Today 4:23 p.m

I’m with her. She’s okay. 

Natsu stared at the words, frozen. His chest rose and fell unevenly, and he felt Gajeel glance at him out of the corner of his eye. He said nothing. He couldn’t.

He turned his face toward the window, jaw clenched, because he wasn’t sure if he was relieved… or if the thought of seeing her like this would shatter him completely.

Every instinct he had screamed at him to run back. To push past the rules, past everyone, and just be there for her. But he couldn’t. His hands shook, fingers tightening around the phone as if crushing it could keep him here in the moment.

Chapter Text

He laid flat on his bed after a long shower, eyes glued to the ceiling, hardly breathing, swallowed whole by the darkness. The silence around him was deafening, but inside, his head was in complete chaos.

Natsu’s thoughts tangled into an endless knot, a sea of emotions crashing into one another like waves. Worry. Anger. Fear. Jealousy.

And beneath it all, the bone-deep terror of losing her.

He squeezed his eyes shut, but that only made it worse. The image came back to him relentlessly. Lucy’s still body on the ground, pale and unmoving. That moment had carved itself into his mind, looping over and over until his chest ached with the pressure of it.

Lucy. Lucy. Lucy. Lucy.

Her name was everywhere, in every thought, in every breath, every beat of his heart. She was all he could think about.

Leaving the hospital had felt like ripping himself in half, but staying had been unbearable too. They wouldn’t let him see her. Wouldn’t even let him try. He’d spent nearly every day with her these past few months, spent every passing holiday together, and suddenly he was supposed to sit on the sidelines while someone else held her hand?

Someone like Loke.

Natsu’s jaw tightened at the thought, his hands curling into fists against the sheets. Who the hell was this guy? He didn’t even know her dog’s name. He probably didn’t know that she ordered her coffee piping hot, but waited until it cooled down so she could chug it, or that she loved gummy bears but only the red ones that came in the gold packages, or that she hated being cold but refused to wear big or bulky jackets because she would feel constricted in them, or that she hated the current world wrestling champion more than anything at the moment… Yet Loke, he was the one allowed in, probably sitting beside her, probably holding her hand, probably whispering gently to her that everything was going to be okay.

His stomach churned, the ugly mix of jealousy and helplessness sour on his tongue.

At least Levy had made it inside. That thought was the only thing keeping him together. As long as Lucy wasn’t alone, as long as someone she trusted was with her, maybe he could breathe, maybe she wouldn’t be scared. The idea of her laying there, scared, confused, in pain, without anyone by her side… that was what broke him. That was what kept him awake.

A soft knock at his bedroom door pulled him out of his spiral.

He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes as the door cracked open and Wendy peeked her head inside. Before she could even say anything, Plue bolted into the room, scrambling onto the bed in a flurry of white fur and excited snorts.

“Plue—hey—” Natsu started, but stopped himself.

Normally, there was no way in hell he’d let the familiar dog touch his bed. But tonight, he didn’t care. He just reached out, absently scratching behind the little pup’s ears, letting the familiar motion ground him.

Plue pressed close to his side, warm and soft, tail thumping gently against the red blanket. Maybe he was just as confused as everyone else.

Wendy slipped into the room, quiet for once, closing the door behind her, blocking out the faint noises of the tv from the living room. The fact that she had knocked, instead of just barging in like she would usually do, felt strange, like everything was suddenly changing. She hesitated for a moment, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her oversized hoodie before she stepped closer to the bed.

“Do you want something to eat?” she said softly, almost like she was afraid to disturb him. Natsu didn’t look up. His hand stilled on Plue’s head, but he didn’t answer. Wendy sat down on the edge of the mattress, small enough that the bed barely dipped under her weight. She studied him carefully, her sharp and dark eyes seeing far more than he wanted her to. “You know… this isn’t gonna be like last time, right?”

He let out a humorless laugh, the sound flat and bitter. “Yeah?”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The only sound was Plue’s soft panting and the faint hum of traffic outside the bedroom window.

“She is going to be okay, you know that right?” Wendy said finally, her voice gentle but firm, like she was trying to convince herself as much as him.

He dragged a hand down his face, fingers digging into his hair as if he could physically tear the worry out of his head. “I don’t know that.” His voice cracked on the last word, and it startled them both.

Wendy shifted closer, laying a careful hand on his knee. “Levy’s with her,” she reminded him softly. “And the doctors are… they’re doing everything they can to help her. You have to trust that.”

But Natsu couldn’t. Not when the image kept replaying in his head. Lucy that morning, tired and quiet over their walk. She had smiled at him, soft and exhausted, swearing she was fine, but he’d seen the way her hands shook when she thought he wasn’t looking. He’d noticed the way her laughter had felt forced, how her usual spark was dulled, how her energy had been fading for a few days if he actually thought about it.

He could’ve said something. Should’ve said something.

Instead, he’d believed her.

And now she was lying in a hospital bed because he hadn’t pushed, hadn’t made her rest, hadn’t made her tell him what was wrong. The guilt gnawed at him, hollow and relentless.

He could have laughed at Wendy’s reassurance. He had heard those words before.

Natsu shook his head, staring up at the ceiling once more. “I should’ve been there,” he muttered. “I should’ve—”

“There’s nothing you could’ve done,” Wendy interrupted softly but firmly. “And… you were there when she needed it the most. You got her to help.”

Her words landed somewhere deep, but they didn’t soothe the ache clawing at his chest.

He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and exhaled shakily, fighting the urge to break something just to release the pressure building inside him.

“I just…” His voice dropped to a whisper. “I just can’t stop seeing her like that.”

Wendy’s hand tightened gently around his. “So… think about the way you want to see her,” she said, glancing down at Plue, who had curled up between them, ears twitching as if he understood. “Remember that day that she came over and insisted on making breakfast but she totally messed up the recipe and added salt to the pancake mix”. 

Natsu let out a breath that was almost, almost a laugh. The memory played vividly in his head, easing some of the tightness in his chest whether he wanted it to or not.

He could still see it so clearly: Lucy standing in his kitchen, hair a little messy from sleep, cheeks pink from the heat of the stove. She’d been so determined, flipping pancakes with all the confidence in the world… right up until she took the first bite.

Her entire expression had crumpled in slow motion, like she couldn’t quite believe she’d betrayed herself like that. 

“Why is this… salty?!” she’d cried, staring at the pancake like it had personally wronged her. He’d nearly choked trying to hold back his laughter, leaning against the counter as she shoved the plate at him. “Try it,” she’d demanded, completely serious, and of course he had — and of course it was awful.

For the first time since he got home, his shoulders eased, barely, but enough for Wendy to notice.

“I remember,” he muttered, his voice rough but lighter than before. “She was so mad when I couldn’t stop laughing at her...”

Wendy smiled faintly, watching him. “Then keep thinking about that okay?” 

Natsu swallowed hard, nodding. And even though the ache in his chest didn’t vanish. It dulled. Just a little.

She squeezed his hand once, then stood, heading for the door without another word. Before she left, she glanced back at him, her expression soft but certain.

“She’s going to need you when she comes home.” Wendy said quietly. “Think about that too…”

And then she was gone, leaving Natsu alone with Plue and the silence.

Time blurred after that. Minutes, maybe hours, he couldn’t tell. Plue had curled up at his side, his tiny body warm and steady against Natsu’s thigh, but even that small comfort couldn’t quiet his restless mind. His fingers drummed against the blanket, his knee bouncing, every thought circling back to the same place.

Lucy.

He wondered if Plue ever curled up next to her like this at night, if she buried her face in his fur when she couldn’t sleep. The thought made his chest ache so hard it physically hurt.

Wendy’s words had eased him for a moment, but they didn’t last. He knew she was right, Levy had confirmed Lucy was fine, but that didn’t stop the gnawing weight in his stomach, the helplessness clawing at his ribs.

Before he knew it, she’d be home. She’d be okay. That’s what everyone kept saying.

But he didn’t want to wait for her at home. He wanted to be there. He wanted to sit outside the hospital all night if he had to, to be close enough that if she needed him, he could come running and be by her side in seconds.

But Gajeel’s words came back to him, sharp and bitter.

There was nothing he could do for her.

Natsu scrubbed a hand over his face, frustration burning deeper in his chest. “I should be there,” he muttered to no one. Plue only stirred, letting out a soft, confused whine.

The sudden vibration on his nightstand made him flinch. He scrambled, nearly knocking the lamp over, and reached for his phone, but his hand slipped. The device clattered to the floor, skidding just out of reach.

“Dammit!” He practically launched himself out of bed, hitting the ground with a thud that made Plue yelp and leap to his feet. Natsu snatched up the phone, his pulse racing so hard it made his vision swim.

Levy’s name lit up the screen.

His throat went dry. He hesitated for half a second, and then answered, sliding his finger across the glass with trembling hands.

“Levy?!” His voice cracked, rough and panicked. “Hello? Is Lucy okay? What happened?!”

For a moment, there was nothing but silence… and then a soft, shaky breath. But it didn’t belong to Levy.

“Natsu…” Her voice was fragile, hoarse, like it had been pulled from somewhere deep and broken inside her. He froze where he knelt on the floor, Plue pressed against his knee as if sensing his panic.

“Lucy,” he breathed, almost pleading. Desperate for her to keep talking.

There was another tremble, and then, barely above a whisper:

“Why… why aren’t you here?”

The words gutted him.

Everything in him surged at once. Fear, guilt, longing — so violent it stole the air from his lungs. His grip on the phone tightened until his knuckles ached, his chest burning like it might cave in

For a second, Natsu couldn’t breathe.

Her voice. Her voice.

It was cracked and thin, like every syllable was a struggle. Like saying his name cost her more than she had to give.

“Lucy…” His own voice came out hoarse, strained. “I— I wanted to be there. I tried, but—” His throat closed, and the words tangled uselessly on his tongue.

Why aren’t you here?

The question kept echoing in his head, tearing through him in waves, louder every time.

He squeezed his eyes shut, digging his free hand into his thigh like the pain might ground him, but it didn’t. All he could hear was the shaky tremor in her breath, the exhaustion in her tone. She sounded small. So small.

And he hated himself for not being there.

“I’m sorry,” he rasped and repeated more times than he could count, the words breaking apart in his throat. “Luce, I’m so—” His breath hitched, and he bit down hard, forcing himself to stay quiet when everything inside him was screaming.

There was a muffled sound on the other end, a shuffling, maybe a voice in the background, but he could still hear Lucy, faint and strained.

“I… I’m scared…” she whispered softly. “I’m scared, Natsu...”

That was it. That was all it took.

He shot to his feet so fast Plue yelped, the phone nearly slipping from his grasp. His chest burned, his hands shook, and his legs moved before his brain could even catch up.

“I’m coming,” he said, the promise tearing out of him like a growl. “I don’t care what they say, I’m coming to you.”

“Natsu—” She sounded like she wanted to argue, but it was too weak, barely a breath.

“Just hold on,” he choked out, grabbing his keys from the nightstand with shaking hands. “I’ll be there. I swear.”

He didn’t care about visiting rules. Didn’t care if they threw him out.

Didn’t care if Loke was there, sitting next to her bed, holding her hand.

Lucy had asked for him.

That was all that mattered.

…

The hospital felt too quiet.

Too still.

Lucy slipped out of the room on unsteady legs, the thin hospital socks whispering against the cold tile. The faint scent of sterile materials and cleaning supplies clung to the air, sharp enough to stay in her nose, and somewhere down the hall, a monitor beeped steadily, but it was way loud, way too constant.

They’d finally untangled her from most of the wires, freeing her from the machines that had made her feel more like a diagnosis than a person. But without them, she felt strangely untethered, fragile, like she might float apart if she didn’t hold herself together.

Loke had left hours ago. Levy was curled up in the recliner, phone dangling loosely from her hand which made it easier for Lucy to take as soft snores slipped past her lips.

Lucy needed air.

She needed to breathe.

She padded down the hallway, careful to avoid the squeaky tiles, until she found a small alcove tucked away at the end of the wing. It was dimly lit, shadow pooling in the corners, and mercifully empty. With trembling fingers, she lowered herself to the floor, her back pressing against the cold wall. The chill seeped through the thin fabric of her gown, grounding her, but not enough to quiet the storm in her head.

Her knees drew up to her chest, arms wrapping tightly around them. Her breaths came shallow, every inhale catching somewhere in her throat.

She hated this.

The stillness. The hum of the fluorescent lights. The weight pressing against her and crushing her body.

Levy’s phone sat heavy in her palm, screen dark, but her thumb hovered above it anyway. She knew she could call anyone. Loke would answer and turn around in a heartbeat. Levy would wake if she had just nudged her. Even Juvia or Cana or Gray would come running without a second thought.

But she didn’t want any of them.

There was only one person she wanted and just thinking his name made her throat tighten, a single shaky breath escaping her lips.

He was chaos and comfort all at once. He was warmth when the world felt cold. He made her laugh when she couldn’t find it in herself. He looked at her like she was more, more than the bad days, more than her mistakes, more than the version of herself she struggled to love.

And she wanted that right now. She needed it.

But her thumb wouldn’t move.

What if he was mad at her? What if he didn’t pick up? What if she was being selfish, pulling him into this when he’d already done so much? Her stomach twisted with doubt, her chest tight with something that felt dangerously close to fear. Her stomach churned, her palms clammy against the smooth glass of the phone. The sterile air tasted heavy, bitter, and for a moment, she thought she might be sick.

She buried her face against her knees, biting down on her trembling lip until it stung.

“Get it together,” she whispered, voice cracking on the words.

Her breath trembled as she scrolled to his name. The letters blurred as her vision wavered, a sheen of tears making the screen shimmer. Her thumb hovered for a heartbeat, one, two, before she tapped the button.

She held the phone to her ear, her hands shaking so badly she almost dropped it. Each ring was a knife, slicing through the silence, and her heart pounded so violently she swore it might burst.

The fourth ring barely finished before he answered.

“Levy?!” His voice cracked, rough and panicked. “Hello? Is Lucy okay? What happened?!”

Her throat tightened instantly, the words catching like splinters. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out, only a shaky breath that burned on its way up.

“Natsu…” Her voice came out fragile, hoarse, like it had been dragged from somewhere deep and broken inside her.

There was silence on his end for a moment, and then she heard it. His breath hitching, the rustle of movement, the quiet panic threading through the space between them.

“Lucy,” he breathed, low and pleading, like the sound of her voice was the only thing holding him together. 

Her eyes squeezed shut, and before she could stop herself, the words slipped out, quiet, broken, honest:

“Why… why aren’t you here?”

It was barely a whisper, but saying it felt like shattering.

For a moment, there was no sound, just the faint static on the line and the rush of her own blood in her ears. And then his breath came sharp, almost pained, like she’d knocked the air out of him.

“Lucy…” He sounded wrecked, his voice rough, strained. “I— I wanted to be there. I tried, but—” He stopped, like the words themselves were too heavy to push out. He began to apologize, over and over, but just stopped like he was trying to hold himself back from screaming. 

Her throat burned, her chest aching like it was too small to hold everything inside. She curled her fingers tighter around the phone, knuckles white, trying to hold herself together. But she couldn’t lie to him, not after hearing his voice. 

“I’m scared,” she whispered, so softly she wasn’t even sure he’d hear her. “Natsu… I’m scared.”

Something shifted instantly. She heard the sharp scrape of movement on his end, a muffled yelp, definitely Plue, and then his voice came back, fierce and unyielding, tearing through the static.

“I’m coming.”

Her lips parted, breath stalling in her lungs. “Natsu—”

“I don’t care what they say,” he cut her off, his voice low and rough like a promise carved in stone. “I’m coming to you.”

A shaky sound escaped her throat, half relief, half something she couldn’t name.

“Just hold on,” he said, his breath ragged, hurried. “I’ll be there, Lucy. I swear.”

The line went quiet except for his breathing. She pressed the phone to her chest, curling in on herself, holding onto those words like they were the only thing keeping her together.

…

The drive back to the hospital was hell.

Natsu didn’t even remember locking his apartment door or pulling out of the parking lot — all he knew was the roar of the engine, the scream of tires against road, and Lucy’s broken voice playing on an endless loop in his head.

I’m scared...

Normally, driving wrecked him. His stomach always flipped, his head spun, motion sickness clawed at him the second the car picked up speed. But tonight? He didn’t care.

Every time nausea crept in, he shoved it down and pressed harder on the gas. The wind whipped through the open windows, biting cold against his overheated skin. Streetlights blurred into streaks of gold and shadow as he wove through traffic, knuckles bone-white on the steering wheel.

Hang on, Lucy. Please. Just hang on.

By the time the hospital came into view, his chest was a vice, his throat dry and raw from shallow breaths. He didn’t even remember stopping the car. One second, he was turning into the lot, and the next, he was already out, slamming the door so hard it rattled, sprinting toward the sliding doors like the ground was falling out from under him.

The warm blast of indoor heating hit him the moment he stepped inside. The lights were too bright, the hum of machines too loud, the sharp tang of antiseptic clawing at the back of his throat. Every sound made his chest squeeze tighter.

He headed straight for the reception desk, sneakers scuffing against the floor, his whole body thrumming like it was running on adrenaline and panic alone.

The woman behind the desk looked up from her computer, her gaze flicking up and down his flushed, wrecked face. Recognition softened her expression instantly. She remembered him from earlier.

“Back again?” she asked quietly, voice low and measured, like she already knew why he was there.

“Lucy Heartfilia,” Natsu rasped, leaning on the counter with both palms like he needed it to hold him up. “Please. I need to see her. I have to—” His voice cracked, and he bit it back, forcing the words through clenched teeth. “Just… please.”

Her brows pinched, sympathy tugging at the corners of her mouth, but she shook her head just slightly. “I told you earlier… only immediate family, or someone listed on her emergency contact sheet, can go back.”

His stomach dropped, breath stuttering out of him like a punch to the gut. “But—” His hands curled into fists, nails digging into his palms. “She needs me—”

The receptionist glanced around, checking over her shoulder before leaning in slightly, lowering her voice so no one else could hear. “Look, I’m… not supposed to do this, but…” Her eyes met his, steady and kind. “What’s your relationship to the patient?”

The question landed heavy.

For a second, Natsu froze, chest heaving, lungs burning as if the air had turned too thick to breathe.

What was he supposed to say? Friend? Neighbor? None of those words came close. None of them explained the way his entire world tilted when he heard her cry. None of them made sense of the way his heart wouldn’t stop clawing at his ribs, screaming at him to get to her. None of those titles would be able to get him back to her.

He swallowed hard, throat tight, and forced the words out.

“…I’m her boyfriend.”

The receptionist didn’t even blink. No questioning look, no pause, just a faint, knowing smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, like she’d seen this before, like she knew.

“Alright,” she said softly. “ID, please.”

His hands shook as he dug out his wallet and slid his license across the counter. She typed something quickly, discreetly, and slipped him a visitor’s badge.

When she leaned in one last time, her voice was barely above a whisper. “Sixth floor. End of the hall. Don’t waste time.”

“Thank you.” He grabbed the badge with trembling fingers and shoved it over his head without another word.

The hallway stretched endlessly ahead of him, buzzing with faint hospital noises, distant beeps, muffled voices, footsteps squeaking against tile. The elevator doors closed around him, sealing him in a too-small box that smelled faintly of bleach and steel.

Natsu pressed his palms into the cool metal wall, forcing in one shaky breath after another, but Lucy’s voice wouldn’t stop playing in his head.

Why aren’t you here?

His eyes burned, his jaw tight, every muscle in his body vibrating with the need to move.

“Hang on, Luce,” he whispered, voice breaking on the words as the elevator climbed floor after floor, far too slow for his racing heart. “I’m here… I swear I’m here.”

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, but to Natsu it was deafening.

He shot out into the hallway, lungs burning, heart hammering so violently it felt like it might rip straight out of his chest. The lights overhead were too bright, the white walls blurring past him as his feet pounded against the tile floor. Everything… the machines, the chatter, the squeak of shoes, faded into nothing but a dull roar in his ears.

Tunnel vision. One thought. One goal. Find Lucy.

He didn’t have to look at the room numbers; his body just knew where to go. Every step dragged him closer until he reached her room and shoved the door open so hard it hit the wall with a hollow bang.

But the bed was empty.

Natsu froze in the doorway, the sight gutting him so fast his breath stuttered. The sheets were half-tossed aside, wires dangling loose from the machines. Panic surged, hot and sharp, drowning everything else.

“Lucy?!” His voice cracked, rough and desperate, tearing out of him before he could stop it.

Movement to his right, Levy, curled up in a chair, stirred at the sound. She blinked awake, confused. 

“Natsu?!” Her voice was hoarse, her eyes wide with surprise. “How— how did you even—”

But he wasn’t listening.

He crossed the room in three strides, grabbing her shoulders gently but firmly, shaking her just enough to jolt her fully awake. “Where is she, Levy?” His voice was ragged, trembling with panic. “Where’s Lucy?”

Levy frowned, bleary and startled. “I— I don’t— she was here—”

But he was already moving, already out the door before she could finish.

His chest heaved as he tore down the hallway, eyes darting from room to room, searching every corner like his body was running ahead of his mind. His pulse thundered in his ears, so loud it drowned out everything else.

And then — he saw her.

In the quiet alcove at the end of the hall, tucked beneath a muted emergency light, Lucy sat slumped against the wall. Her knees were pulled up, one arm wrapped around herself like she was holding the pieces together, her other hand limp at her side, phone forgotten on the floor. Her hair was a tangled mess, her face pale, streaked with tear tracks that caught the harsh light.

She looked up at him when she heard his footsteps.

And time stopped.

Natsu froze in place, his chest tightening so violently it hurt. He couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. All he could do was see her, small and fragile, shaking and terrified, and feel the crushing weight of the fact that he hadn’t been there when she needed him.

“Luce…” His voice cracked, barely above a whisper.

The sound of her name on his lips was all it took. Her breath hitched, fresh tears spilling as she tried to push herself to her feet. But her body betrayed her. It was too weak, too unsteady.

She swayed once before her knees buckled, but he was there in an instant.

“Don’t,” he said quickly, his voice breaking as he dropped to his knees in front of her. “Don’t, Lucy… don’t try to stand. I’ve got you. I’m here.”

For a second, she just stared at him through blurry, tear-soaked lashes, like she wasn’t sure if he was real, like maybe she’d dreamed him. But then, slowly, shakily, she moved toward him.

Using what little strength she had left, Lucy crawled into his lap, trembling, tucking herself against his chest like she was afraid he might disappear if she let go. Her arms wound tight around his neck, clinging to him with everything she had.

The moment her weight settled against him, Natsu’s entire body caved.

He wrapped his arms around her, crushing her close, burying his face in her hair. She was warm. She was here. He could feel the faint tremor in her shoulders, the uneven hitch of her breath against his neck, the rapid flutter of her heart against his chest.

“I’m here,” he whispered, voice wrecked, shaking as hard as she was. “I’ve got you, Luce. I’m not going anywhere.”

Her fingers fisted into the back of his shirt, and she let out a soft, broken sound. Half a sob, half a breath.

And in that moment, with Lucy curled into his lap, clinging to him like he was the only thing tethering her to the world, Natsu swore to himself he’d never let her feel this scared again.

Not while he was breathing.

He didn’t know how long they sat there.

Lucy was curled up in his lap, her arms locked around his neck, her face buried against his shoulder like she was afraid he’d vanish if she let go. His back was pressed against the cold wall, but he barely felt it. All he could feel was her. The fragile rise and fall of her chest, the tremor in her limbs, the uneven warmth of her breath against his collar.

Her tears had soaked through his shirt. He didn’t care.

He kept one arm wrapped firmly around her waist, the other splayed protectively between her shoulder blades, as if he could shield her from everything. From the hospital, from the memories, from her own fear.

Minutes passed. Neither of them spoke.

Finally, he tilted his head just enough to rest his cheek against the top of her hair, closing his eyes. “You scared me,” he whispered, voice raw and hoarse, like gravel dragged across stone.

Lucy shifted faintly in his arms but didn’t pull back. Her fingers tightened against his shirt, twisting the fabric like she needed something solid to hold on to. “…I scared myself,” she admitted softly, her voice muffled, shaky.

That made his chest ache even more.

He pulled back slightly, just enough to see her face. She tried to turn away, but he caught her chin gently, forcing her to look at him. Her cheeks were damp, lashes clumped together, lips trembling from holding back more tears.

“I got you,” he said, quiet but firm, his thumb brushing a tear from her cheek. “Okay? Don’t be scared.”

Her throat bobbed, her eyes glassy as they searched his. “…I’m sorry… I know you were here all day… and I made you come back…I just… I’m sorry…” she breathed, the words so fragile he almost didn’t hear them.

Something in him broke.

“Don’t be sorry. I want to be here.” he said immediately, fiercely, like it was a vow. “Okay?”

Her lower lip trembled, and she ducked her head, pressing her forehead into his shoulder again. “Okay… I… just wanted you… here with me…” she admitted in a whisper, the confession so small, so quiet, he almost thought he imagined it.

But he heard it. And it undid him.

His throat tightened painfully, his hand sliding up to cradle the back of her head, fingers threading through her tangled hair. “I’m here now,” he murmured into her hair, his voice breaking on the words. “You have me, you big baby...”

For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of her shaky breathing and the distant hum of hospital machines down the hall.

Then Lucy whispered, barely audible, “Thanks for coming.”

Natsu shut his eyes tight, swallowing hard. “…Always.”

He felt her soften against him then, like the weight she’d been carrying had loosened, just enough for her to breathe again. Her trembling slowed, her grip around his neck easing only when she was sure he wasn’t going to let go.

He wasn’t. He couldn’t.

She pulled back just enough to look at him, her face so close he could see every fleck of gold in her tear-bright eyes. “Don’t let me go,” she said softly, like a plea.

“I couldn’t if I tried,” he breathed, and for the first time that night, a faint, broken smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

Natsu brushed the damp strands of hair from her cheek, his thumb lingering just beneath her eye, memorizing the warmth of her against him. The hallway around them faded until there was only her heartbeat, his breath, and the unspoken promise hanging between them.

Neither of them said it.

Neither of them had to.

… 

The drive back felt longer than it should have.

Natsu kept one hand on the steering wheel and the other curled tightly around his thigh, forcing himself to breathe through the lingering waves of nausea. Normally, he would’ve flat-out refused to drive, but today wasn’t about him. Every time Lucy shifted in the seat beside him, every soft exhale she made, he gripped the wheel tighter and told himself he could handle it. And he would, for her.

Levy sat in the back, her voice quiet as she scrolled through something on her phone, giving them space without really meaning to. The silence in the truck wasn’t awkward, but heavy, like every one of them was holding their breath until they got home.

Lucy looked better now. Not perfect, but better. Her color had returned, the sheen of sweat gone from her forehead, and though her movements were slower, she was steady. She clutched the little pharmacy bag in her lap like it was some fragile lifeline, new meds for the dizziness, instructions scrawled in Levy’s handwriting since Lucy had been too out of it to listen.

When they finally pulled up in front of their complex, Natsu threw the truck in park and jumped out before the engine even stopped rumbling.

He was at her door in seconds, opening it carefully and offering his hand. “C’mon,” he said softly. “I got you.”

Lucy frowned at him, shaking her head as she tried to slide out on her own. “Natsu, I can walk—”

“Not taking the chance,” he interrupted, his voice gentle but firm. He scooped her up like she weighed nothing, ignoring the way she made an indignant sound and swatted at his shoulder.

Levy, climbing out behind them, only smiled knowingly and shook her head. “Don’t bother fighting him, Lucy,” she teased, marching ahead toward the front door. “We’re all taking care of you, whether you like it or not.”

Lucy groaned, crossing her arms in mock defeat, but when Natsu glanced down at her, he caught the faint blush warming her cheeks.

He didn’t say anything about it.

Because he was too busy fighting his own battle. 

He tried to lighten the mood. “Besides you make me carry you around all the time.” 

“What?” Lucy squeaked. “I do not.” 

“Yes you do, Lu.” Levy sighed, shaking her head with a small laugh. 

As they reached the apartment complex, Natsu’s chest tightened. It hit him the moment he saw Lucy’s door, that subtle shift inside him, like stepping onto unsteady ground. Her apartment. Her world. A place that wasn’t his.

For a moment, his feet stalled — barely noticeable, but enough to make his pulse skip.

This wasn’t about him.

He forced the thought down hard, burying it deep beneath everything else. Lucy came first right now. 

He adjusted his grip on her and stepped inside.

The smell hit him instantly. Warm, savory, something familiar and comforting. Chicken soup. The kind Wendy made when anyone was sick, her soft little magic touch in every batch.

Everything was still. Everyone silent.

And then chaos exploded.

Juvia lunged forward so fast he thought she might tackle Lucy right out of his arms, tears streaming down her face. 

“LUCY-SAN!” she wailed, clutching at her hands. “Juvia was so worried! So terribly, terribly worried—”

“Whoa, whoa, give her space, Juvia,” Gray said from the kitchen doorway, somehow shirtless but wearing an apron, holding a ladle in one hand.

Levy blinked at him. “…Are you cooking… with no clothes on?”

“Wendy’s cooking,” Gray corrected flatly, though everyone knew he could hold his own in the kitchen. “I’m just cutting stuff.”

“Without a shirt?” Lucy asked, faintly horrified.

Before he could answer, Cana spoke from the couch, one leg crossed over the other, a bottle dangling lazily from her hand. “For the record,” she drawled, “they did not have sex in your apartment.” There was a beat of silence as she smirked, always the one to lighten the mood. “Probably.”

“Cana-san!” Juvia snapped from the doorway. She gasped like someone had insulted her entire lineage. “Cana-san is spreading slander! Juvia and Gray-sama would never—”

Gray groaned without looking up. “Don’t. Just… don’t respond to that.”

Juvia ignored them entirely, running to his side, clutching the edge of the kitchen counter for dramatic effect as she went on about Cana lying. 

Plue barked happily from where he sat curled next to Cana, tail thumping against the cushions.

Through all of it, the noise, the movement, the smell of food, Natsu didn’t look around. Didn’t let himself take in the apartment, or the colors, or the little pieces of Lucy scattered everywhere in this place. 

He didn’t need to.

His focus was on Lucy, and Lucy alone.

“Let me set you down,” he murmured, carrying her past Juvia’s sobbing apologies and Gray’s protests about the accusations. He lowered her gently onto the soft couch by the window, his hand lingering at her back until he was sure she was steady.

Plue ran up to her excitedly, his tiny paws skidding against the hardwood as he bounded forward. Lucy barely had time to settle on the couch before he jumped up, wiggling and whining in delight like he hadn’t seen her in years.

“Plue,” she laughed softly, her hand immediately sinking into his soft fur. “I was gone for one night.”

The little dog licked her chin anyway, tail wagging so hard his entire body shook with it.

The front door creaked open, the sound cutting through the soft hum of voices and clinking spoons. Heavy footsteps followed, deliberate and slow, and when Lucy glanced up, Gajeel filled the doorway like a stormcloud dressed in leather.

Levy, perched on the arm of the couch with her phone in hand, stiffened instantly. Her shoulders hunched, her attention snapping down to the screen like it suddenly held the secrets of the universe.

“Yo,” he grunted, his voice rough but quieter than usual, like even he understood he’d walked into something fragile. His sharp crimson eyes flicked over Lucy quickly, scanning her like he was assessing battle damage, but he didn’t say anything about it.

Levy mumbled something under her breath, too soft to hear, and slid off the arm of the couch, ducking toward the kitchen without looking at him. Her fingers twisted around the hem of her shirt as she passed, clearly avoiding his gaze.

Gajeel’s jaw flexed, but he said nothing, just grumbled under his breath and crossed the room. He dropped down onto the couch beside Lucy with a weighty thud, folding his arms across his chest like he was barricading himself there.

After a beat of silence, he muttered, low and gravelly, “Ordered you a hands-free leash.”

Lucy blinked, turning her head toward him, confused. “…What?”

His mouth twitched, the faintest ghost of a smirk. “So next time, Bunny Girl,” he said, jerking his chin at her, “I ain’t chasin’ after that damn dog again.”

Lucy’s lips parted like she was about to argue, but she caught the way his gaze shifted — not meeting hers, sharp and restless. It wasn’t teasing, not really. It was worry, wrapped up in Gajeel’s brand of rough edges and bad humor.

“Thanks… I guess?” she said softly, the corners of her mouth twitching into a faint smile.

He just grunted again, leaning back into the couch, arms still crossed.

Across the room, Levy peeked out from the kitchen doorway, eyes flicking to Gajeel for half a second before darting away again. She busied herself unnecessarily with rearranging mugs on the counter, her cheeks faintly pink.

Lucy glanced between them but said nothing. Natsu, perched on the coffee table beside her, clearly noticed too, the faint smirk pulling at his lips gave him away.

Wendy came over immediately, holding a steaming mug between her small hands. The scent of chicken broth and herbs drifted up, comforting and familiar. 

“Drink this,” she said gently, her voice soft but firm. “It’ll help with the dizziness.”

Lucy smiled as bright as she could and reached for it, fingers still unsteady, but before she could take it, Natsu’s hand slid in, firm and sure, curling around the handle.

“I got it,” he said quietly, almost gruffly, but his tone carried something else beneath it. Something softer, something protective. He crouched in front of her, setting the spoon into the mug before blowing lightly on it to cool the steam. “Open,” he murmured, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Lucy blinked at him, her cheeks coloring faintly. “Natsu… I can feed myself.”

“Yeah,” he said without looking up, stirring the spoon carefully. “But I’m gonna do it anyway.”

Something in his voice, low, steady, unyielding, made it impossible for her to argue. So she sighed, giving in, and let him offer the spoon.

Their eyes met as she leaned forward slightly, her lips brushing the edge of the metal before pulling the broth in. Warmth spread across her tongue, the rich flavor soothing against her throat, but it was nothing compared to the quiet intensity in his gaze.

Wendy smiled faintly at the exchange and drifted back toward the kitchen without saying a word.

Natsu stayed crouched there, one hand braced on the edge of the couch, the other steadying the mug. 

Lucy swallowed, the heat lingering on her lips, and whispered, “…Thank you.”

He only nodded, jaw tight, not trusting himself to speak.

…

Natsu lingered in the kitchen, hands gripping the counter just enough to keep from fidgeting. From the corner of his eye, he watched Lucy laugh with Juvia, Cana, Wendy, and Levy on the couch. Her pale cheeks were flushed with warmth, her smile lighting up the space in a way that made his chest tighten. She was home. Safe. And he was still here, breathing in the familiar air, forcing himself to focus on that.

Gray stepped in behind him, leaning against the doorway. There was a hesitation in his posture, something unspoken, before he finally asked, “You… okay?” His tone was casual, but Natsu felt the weight of concern behind it.

“I’m fine,” Natsu muttered, voice rough, keeping his gaze on Lucy. But Gray’s eyes narrowed slightly. He knew better.

“You’re not,” Gray said softly, shaking his head. “Look… I get it. You don’t want to leave her side. I wouldn’t either. But if being here… in this apartment—if it’s… too much for you… we can ask one of the girls to stay with her.”

Natsu’s jaw clenched. His fingers tightened around the edge of the counter, nails grazing the surface. The memories came in waves, the laughter, the late nights, Lisanna’s smile, the moments that used to make this space feel comforting. And yet, seeing Lucy there, so alive, so whole… he couldn’t. He wouldn’t step away.

“No,” he said finally, voice low, firm. “I can handle it. I need to be here.”

Gray studied him for a moment, eyes softening with understanding. “Alright,” he said quietly. 

Natsu gave a short nod, letting himself exhale. His eyes flicked back toward Lucy on the couch, the way her hair caught the light, and a pang shot through him. Fear, relief, longing it all tangled together. He pushed it down, shoved it into the corners of his chest where it wouldn’t leak. He couldn’t leave, not now. Not while Lucy needed him, even if every corner of the apartment whispered memories he wasn’t sure he could face.

…

The apartment had grown quiet, the chaos of earlier finally fading. Wendy had gone home to hang out with Sherria who had come over, Cana had wandered off muttering something about refilling her stash and meeting up with Bacchus, and even Juvia had let Gray drag her out after promising Lucy she’d stop by first thing in the morning to help her with anything she needed.

Levy was the last to go, hovering by the door with her bag slung over one shoulder, looking torn.

“You’re sure you’ll be okay without me?” she asked for the third time, her voice pitched low like she didn’t want to disturb the fragile calm in the room.

Lucy nodded, smiling softly from her spot curled up on the couch. “Go, Levy. Your group project isn’t gonna finish itself.”

Levy hesitated, glancing at Natsu, sprawled on the far end of the couch, elbows on his knees, gaze locked on his phone like it was the only thing keeping his hands busy. He didn’t look up, but he didn’t need to. The tension in his shoulders said everything. He would not be leaving her side anytime soon.

Levy finally sighed and adjusted the strap of her bag. “Fine. But if you so much as look dizzy, you call me.”

Lucy rolled her eyes, playful. “Yes, I will.”

When the door shut behind her, the silence felt different, heavier, but not uncomfortable. Just quiet.

Natsu didn’t move, thumb scrolling absently across his phone screen, though it was obvious he wasn’t really seeing it. He was listening. Listening to the sound of the shower running down the hall, for her footsteps, for anything at all that might hint she wasn’t okay.

Eventually, the soft click of the bathroom door opening broke the silence, followed by the faint shuffle of bare feet on hardwood.

Lucy appeared in the doorway, steam curling lazily around her from the hall. Her damp hair clung to her shoulders, a loose hoodie swallowing her frame, sleeves brushing her hands. Her cheeks still carried that faint warmth from the shower, and for the first time all day, she didn’t look pale.

Natsu finally let himself breathe.

“You keep looking at me like I’m gonna fall over any second,” she teased gently, padding across the room toward him.

His gaze softened, though he didn’t deny it. “’Cause you might,” he said simply, leaning back against the couch cushions.

She settled beside him, pulling her legs up under herself. For a moment, neither of them said anything, just sat in that easy quiet, the hum of the fridge and faint city sounds outside the window filling the space between them.

“I’m okay, Natsu,” she murmured after a while, turning to look at him. Her voice was steady, but her hand twisted absently at the hem of her sleeve. Small, nervous motions she probably didn’t even notice. 

He stared at her for a long beat, his jaw working like he wanted to believe her. “Yeah,” he said finally, low and rough.

She smiled at that. Small, soft, but real.

A few minutes passed like that. Easy and unspoken, until Natsu glanced at the clock and muttered, “You should go to bed.” Lucy hummed but didn’t move, leaning against the couch arm with a stubborn tilt of her head. He arched a brow. “C’mon, Luce.”

She shifted, lifting her arms toward him with mock innocence. “Then carry me.”

He blinked at her, caught off guard, before a quiet laugh slipped out, “You’re serious?”

She nodded, biting back a grin.

“Alright then,” he said, and before she could rethink it, he slid an arm under her knees and the other behind her back, scooping her up once again like she weighed nothing.

She let out a delighted little squeak, instinctively looping her arms around his neck. Her cheek brushed against his shoulder, the heat of him seeping through the fabric of his hoodie.

He didn’t think about it. Didn’t think about where they were, or the memories tied to these walls, or the pieces of himself he usually kept buried when he stepped anywhere near her apartment. None of that existed right now.

It was just her.

Lucy.

He carried her down the hall, steady and sure, nudging the door open with his foot before lowering her gently onto the bed. The soft lamp glow spilled over her as she settled into the blankets, her damp hair fanning out over the pillow.

For a moment, he just stood there, staring down at her. Studying the soft rise and fall of her chest, at how small she looked against the bed, and at the quiet exhaustion finally tugging at her features.

“You okay?” he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

When she nodded, he stepped back. 

Natsu lingered by the doorway longer than he meant to, his hand braced against the frame like it was the only thing keeping him steady.

Lucy shifted under the blankets, turning onto her side so she could face him, her hair tumbling softly across the pillow. The lamplight washed her in gold, but there were still faint shadows under her eyes, reminders of everything she’d been through these past few days.

“You don’t have to hover, you know,” she said quietly, a ghost of a smile on her lips.

He shoved his hands in his pockets, leaning a shoulder against the doorframe. “I’m not hovering.” She raised an eyebrow. “…Okay, maybe I’m hovering,” he admitted, scratching the back of his neck.

That soft laugh of hers, warm, even tired as she was, filled the silence between them. But it faded quickly, replaced by something heavier, something she couldn’t quite swallow down. Her gaze drifted past him, toward the window where faint city lights blinked through the curtains.

“Do you… want to stay?”

The question hung between them, fragile and uncertain, like she wasn’t sure she was allowed to ask it.

Natsu froze.

He hadn’t expected her to say that, not in that quiet, unsteady tone. For a second, he didn’t trust himself to breathe, let alone speak.

Her fingers twisted in the blanket, knuckles pale, like she was already regretting saying anything at all. “You don’t have to,” she added quickly, her voice soft, almost apologetic. “I just… you make me feel better.”

That was all it took.

Natsu’s chest tightened in a way he didn’t have words for, and he reached up, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “Yeah,” he said, his voice rougher than he meant it to be. “’Course I’ll stay.”

When she finally looked back at him, her relief was subtle but there was a small flicker of light in her tired eyes.

He shifted a little, sitting cross-legged on top of the covers while she tucked herself deeper beneath them. He didn’t press closer, didn’t reach out, just sat there, steady, solid, unmoving, like some unspoken promise that she wasn’t alone.

For a while, neither of them said anything. The faint hum of the city outside filtered through the window, muffled and distant. Her breaths came slow, uneven at first, then steadier as the quiet wrapped around them.

But then Lucy turned her head on the pillow, her voice faint in the darkness. “I thought… I thought I’d be okay, you know? But every time I close my eyes, it feels like I’m back there again.”

Natsu’s jaw tensed, his hand curling into the blanket, and he had to bite back the instinct to ask for every detail, to hunt down every shadow that still haunted her. But he didn’t. He couldn’t do that for her.

Instead, he only whispered, “you’re not, you’re home. Just need to close your eyes and get some rest.”

Her lips curved, just barely, as though she wanted to believe him. “You make it sound so simple.”

“’Cause it is,” Natsu said without missing a beat, “Tomorrow, you’re gonna wake up and feel better. I’ll bring you coffee, and we’ll go for a walk. Things’ll feel normal again.”

Lucy’s laugh was quiet, slipping out before she could stop it. “Normal, huh? After everything?”

He tilted his head, thinking for half a second before grinning. “Then we’ll make a new normal. Maybe this time you’ll rest when I tell you to…”

She gave him a look, the one she saved for when he was being ridiculous, but there was warmth in her eyes this time. “You’re never gonna let me live that down huh.”

“Nope,” he said with a little shrug, “but I’m not wrong.”

She shook her head, fighting another smile, but the silence that followed wasn’t awkward…it was… comfortable. Like the room finally felt settled. The weight in her chest wasn’t gone, but it was lighter with him sitting there, like he’d somehow taken half of it without asking.

Lucy pulled her knees up slightly. “Thank you… for staying with me.”

Natsu didn’t hesitate. “I want to be here…”

Something in his tone made her believe him, maybe she just wanted to.

“Okay,” she whispered, letting her head sink back into the pillows. A tiny yawn caught her off guard, and she covered it with the back of her hand. “But… you better bring me good coffee. None of that burnt espresso water stuff you like.”

“Geez.” He smirked, leaning back on his hands. “You wound me, Luce. My coffee's are amazing.”

She gave him a lazy smile, the kind that always made his chest tighten, though he’d never say it. 

“Debatable.”

He chuckled under his breath, letting the quiet stretch between them again. Soft and easy, like the air had finally shifted.

“Get some rest… I’ll be here.”

And she did. Slowly, her breathing evened out, lashes fluttering against her cheeks as she sank into the mattress. Natsu stayed exactly where he was, leaning back against the headboard, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest like it was the only thing in the world worth paying attention to.

…

Chapter Text

Natsu woke to the faintest sound of a soft whine. One that he’d heard hundreds of times before. At first, he tried to ignore it, curling deeper into his folded arms, but the whine sharpened into a frustrated growl, followed by a quick repetition of scratches from tiny nails against wood. He cracked his eyes open, vision sluggish and grainy, and blinked until the blur resolved into a white figure planted firmly in front of Lucy’s bedroom door. 

Plue, the little dog sat perfectly still, except for his tail flicking impatiently. 

Natsu sighed quietly, dragging himself upright from the desk where he’d passed out last night after he got up to shut the door. His shoulders ached, his neck was stiff, and a tingling numbness crept down his leg from the hours curled awkwardly in the chair. He scrubbed a hand over his face, forcing himself awake, and let his gaze sweep across the quiet, pink bedroom.

Finally, Lucy was okay. Breathing softly and sleeping soundly. That was the only reason he’d let his eyes close last night. He would have been ready to spring up though, if she so much as stirred or mumbled for a glass of water.

For a moment, he sat still, thinking, an old ache surfacing deep inside of him. 

Lisanna. The name crept up slowly, forcefully, but he quickly shoved it down and away. It had been just a little bit easier to do that lately. 

Lucy’s room helped, in its own way. It didn’t belong to old ghosts. He’d never been in here before, back when the Strauss sisters had lived here, back when this room had been Mirajane’s.

Now, it was all Lucy.

Soft pinks and warm whites wrapped the room in a quiet comfort. Her bed, full-sized, blanketed by a fluffy duvet was buried beneath too many pillows, half of which had already rolled onto the floor overnight. A white bookshelf sat across from it, crammed with well-loved novels, one whole row devoted to her beloved A Kingdom of Blood and Sunflowers collection, their glossy spines lined up like the knights from the story. A delicate figurine of the series’ heroine, the figure he had gifted her at Christmas, stood on display like it was her most prized position. On the other hand her desk was chaos incarnate. Journals, poetry books, open notepads, and loose sheets stacked precariously beneath a half-closed laptop. 

The air smelled faintly sweet, like cinnamon buns fresh from the oven. It took him a second to trace the scent to the three candles clustered on her bedside table, their wax burning dangerously low. The steady hum of her Himalayan salt lamp glowed faintly as it cycled through rose, amber, and soft violet.

Plue whined again, lower this time. Urgent.

“Yeah, yeah,” Natsu muttered under his breath, pushing to his feet. “I heard you.”

He glanced at the clock which read 6:30 a.m, and he was no stranger to waking up at that time. Sometimes for work, anytime for Lucy, but never because of a dog. 

But this was Plue. Plue was her dog and he really didn’t want her to wake up to the sound of his whining.

He crossed to the side of the bed and froze for a second, just… looking. Lucy laid curled on her side, face half-buried in the pillow, golden hair tangled across her cheek. Her breathing was soft and even, as steady as his heart was beating. Relief washed over him when he saw the color had returned to her skin, but beneath that relief was something else, something heavier. She looked so fragile like this…

Just like— He cut the thought off sharply. 

Careful not to wake her, he brushed a stray lock of hair away from her temple, fingertips ghosting lightly against her skin, checking for warmth. 

Normal. Finally normal. And yet… the pressure in his chest didn’t lift.

With Plue tucked under his arm, he eased the door open and slipped out, holding his breath until the latch clicked silently. If she woke, she’d insist on taking Plue out herself, and there was no way in hell he was letting her. The living room met him in muted gray, early morning light bleeding through the blinds. He took one step, then another, and another, and that was when it hit him — the shift.

This space, that didn’t belong to Lucy. The space that belonged to a ghost. 

A ghost that could haunt him forever. 

The leather sofa. The wooden coffee table. The framed posters of book covers on the far wall. Harmless on their own, but together they became landmines, detonating memory after memory: Lisanna curled on a couch similar to that one, laughing until her face turned red; Lisanna leaning barefoot against that wall, rainwater dripping from her hair; Lisanna sprawled on the rug, teasing him until his ears burned.

Everywhere. She was everywhere.

His breaths became shallow and sharp, and suddenly the quiet of the apartment was too loud, closing him in from every corner. His grip on Plue faltered, fingers clenching hard against the little dog’s fur.

Then, without meaning to, the memories bled like paint mixing together. Lucy on the ground, stiff and motionless. She looked just like Lisanna, minus the bandages, when the doctors had finally let him see her.

For one dizzying second, the edges blurred. Past and present tangling, threatening to swallow him whole. His throat closed. His chest burned.

Not again. Not here. Not now.

He forced the thoughts back down, jaw clenching until it hurt, every muscle locked against the swell of guilt. Lucy was home and she was safe. That was all that mattered. 

That had to be all that mattered.

By the time his hand brushed the front door, his breathing had steadied, but his chest still ached like he’d been holding his breath the entire way, just to survive it. 

When he stepped outside, leash secured and all, Plue bolted for the stairwell, tail wagging furiously, eager to breathe in the crisp morning air. Natsu shook his head with a faint smirk, feeling more at ease, eyes down on the overly excited dog. Then his gaze snagged on a pair of pristine, expensive-looking sneakers planted at the edge of the hall.

He looked up slowly, eyes locking on a pair he had met before, framed behind glasses.

And he froze.

Loke.

Lucy’s boyfriend.

It was like his brain lagged for a second, catching up to the sight of him standing there, perfectly casual like he belonged. The man had vacated Natsu’s thoughts entirely the moment Lucy had called him. The moment she curled up in his lap holding onto him like he was the only person in the world. 

But as he watched him, standing there, all polished edges and effortless confidence, the questions started to flood in his mind.

If Loke was here, why hadn’t he been there?

Why wasn’t he the one sitting by her bed when she was scared and confused?

Why wasn’t he the one carrying her inside her home and making sure she ate properly?

Why hadn’t he been the one guarding her all night?

That ugly, uninvited thought burned its way down, and Natsu crushed it before it could show on his face.

Loke blinked, pushing his glasses higher on his nose, and tilted his head like he was piecing something together. 

“Huh. Guess I got the door number wrong.” He smirked faintly but not in a villainous way, more like he’d caught himself in an awkward mistake. He nodded toward Natsu. “What’s going on, neighbor guy? Sorry, what was your name again?”

“…Natsu Dragneel,” he said flatly, forcing his voice steady, locking away every messy emotion this man stirred up.

Loke’s brows lifted slightly, but his tone stayed easy. “Right, Natsu.” He glanced at his phone, thumb swiping quickly, before turning toward Natsu’s door with his hand raised to knock.

Natsu stopped him before he touched the door. “Wait a second… are you looking for Lucy?”

Loke paused, brows quirking, and turned back to him. “Yeah. Told her I’d check in, but she hasn’t been answering my texts… unless she finally blocked me or something.” He chuckled, light and joking, like it didn’t bother him either way.

Something in Natsu twisted. “Actually… this is Lucy’s place.” He hesitated, choosing his next words carefully. “I was just… gonna walk her dog for her.”

He left it there. No need to add that he’d spent the night by her side, sitting guard at her desk. No need to give Loke the wrong impression. Not when Lucy didn’t need any extra stress from accusations that weren’t true.

Still… the thought wormed in anyway. Why hadn’t he been there?

Loke crouched down when Plue waddled closer, scratching the pup under his chin with an easy laugh. “She finally got that dog she always wanted huh.”

Plue’s tail thumped happily, leaning into the touch without hesitation, and Natsu frowned.

Traitor, he thought bitterly, resisting the urge to pry Plue back just to prove a point.

Shoving that ridiculous thought aside, Natsu cleared his throat and shifted his weight, shoulders tense. “Hey, man… don’t mean to overstep, but she’s, uh… out cold right now…” Loke straightened slowly, adjusting his glasses, his gaze curious but unreadable. Natsu kept going before he could respond. “Maybe… Right now isn’t the best time to check in. She was having a lot of trouble sleeping so I think it’s best to let her stay asleep if we can help it.”

The words hung in the air like a silent challenge, and for a second neither of them moved. Natsu planted between Loke and Lucy’s door, shoulders squared, refusing to budge. Loke studied him, and for the briefest moment, Natsu thought the guy would push back. But Loke nodded once, thoughtful and surprisingly calm. 

“You’re right man. I didn’t even think about that.” He slipped his phone back into his pocket, sighing lightly. “When she wakes up, can you tell her to call me? I’m in town for a few days if she needs anything.”

Natsu’s jaw flexed, but he nodded. Fighting the urge to say no. Fighting the even stronger urge to say she doesn’t need you. But Loke wasn’t being an asshole, and that made it worse.

If Loke had been cold, or arrogant, or dismissive, it would’ve been easier to hate him. But he wasn’t. He was level-headed. Chill. Almost… likable. And somehow, that irritated him more than anything.

Soft footsteps padded up the stairwell, pulling both men’s attention as Wendy appeared, smiling when she spotted her brother, balancing two oversized grocery bags in her arms.

Before either sibling spoke to each other, Loke extended his hand out again toward Natsu. “Hey. Thanks, man. I’ll see you around.”

Natsu hesitated before gripping his hand briefly, the shake firm but quick. Loke flashed Wendy a warm grin on his way past her, and she returned a polite smile, cheeks faintly pink.

Natsu stared after them, eyes narrowing, feeling oddly betrayed for the second time that morning. 

“Who was that guy?” She asked as she stepped closer to her brother. Plue ran up towards her feet, excitedly greeting her.

“Uh, I don’t really know him.” He grabbed one grocery bag from her before she dropped it, taking Plue’s leash back, and he frowned. “Why’d you get groceries? I thought we stocked up Monday.”

“They’re not for us,” Wendy chirped, brushing past him into Lucy’s apartment. He followed, trailing her into the kitchen. “Yesterday I had Gray bring over everything I used for the soup,” she explained with a giggle, setting the bag on the counter. “She has, like, zero real food here, Natsu. Seriously, isn’t she your like best friend? How do you let her live off ramen and frozen food?”

Her words landed heavier than she meant them to. Natsu froze for a beat, his mind spinning. He didn’t come over to her place… ever. So on the nights they didn’t eat together, when they weren’t with Gray and Juvia who would insist on cooking dinner, all Lucy probably ate were instant noodles. If she ate anything at all. 

A sharp pang hit his chest. What if those were the nights she’d been feeling sick? Dizzy? Too tired to cook?

“I… didn’t know,” he said, his voice dropping lower, more serious than he intended.

Wendy blinked, startled by the weight in his tone, and scrambled to recover. “I was just joking,” she said softly, smiling a little to lighten it up. “Anyway, I’ll make breakfast. You take Plue out.” 

He nodded slowly, pride flickering when he noticed the thoughtfulness behind her words. “That was nice of you, getting up early for her.”

“Yup.” She grinned, then dug into her pocket and held out a plastic card. “Oh, by the way, here’s your credit card back.”

Natsu deadpanned, ready to scold her, but he sighed instead, letting it slide since it was for Lucy.

“I’ll help you with breakfast when I get back.”

Wendy cringed playfully. “Thanks, but… she doesn’t need burnt food right now.” She made a face then. “And go shower, you look gross.”

He deadpanned, but couldn’t argue. “Wow. Thanks.”

She laughed, shaking her head, and he grabbed Plue’s leash again, feeling a little lighter than before as he stepped back toward the door.

…

The smell of bacon and cinnamon sugar pulled Lucy out of sleep before she even opened her eyes. Her stomach grumbled softly, and for the first time in days, she felt… good. Comfortable. Safe.

She blinked awake, sunlight spilling across her room, and slowly sat up against the headboard just as Natsu walked in, balancing a tray stacked with eggs, bacon, and a perfect little tower of French toast drizzled in syrup.

“What’s this?” she asked, eyebrows shooting up.

“Wendy did the French toast,” he began, setting the tray carefully on her lap, “but I did the rest. Thought you could use a little protein you know. Try to contain your applause.” He told her, rather smugly but she knew he was only teasing.

Lucy giggled, picking up her fork. Plue trotted over and hopped onto the edge of her bed, curling against her hip like he had every right to be there.

“This new princess treatment from you is… weird,” she teased, scratching Plue absently behind the ears as she stole a piece of bacon. “But I could get used to it.”

“New?” he scoffed, pretending to be offended. “I always do things for you... Honestly, I feel like your personal assistant half the time.”

Her laughter warmed the room, soft and unguarded in a way that tugged at his chest. Even Plue made a happy noise, his tail thumping against the comforter like he agreed. Natsu smiled faintly, leaning against the edge of her desk, arms crossed like it was no big deal. But inside, his thoughts were nowhere near light.

Because yeah, she wasn’t his girlfriend. He knew that.

But she was his. 

And there wasn’t a clear way to explain it. Not to himself. Not to her. It wasn’t about claiming her like she was some possession. It was deeper, older, like something carved into his bones. The instinct to protect her, to be the one she trusted, to stay close enough to catch her before she fell.

Was that toxic? He didn’t know.

He just knew the thought of stepping back, of anyone else being the one she leaned on, made something sharp coil inside of him. 

She took another bite of French toast, letting out a little happy hum that tugged him back into the moment. He forced a grin, hoping she couldn’t see the storm behind it.

“This is amazing,” she said, grabbing a napkin to dab at her lips. “I’m keeping you around permanently. You’ve officially been promoted from assistant to… I don’t know, personal chef-slash-butler.”

“Oh great,” he muttered dryly, pretending to sulk. “Next thing I know, you’ll make me wear a uniform or something.”

Her laugh bubbled out again soft but real. And for a moment, the heaviness in his chest loosened.

But then her phone lit up on the nightstand.

A name flashed across the screen and he cursed his own curiosity, and his perfect vision. 

Loke.

Natsu froze, barely perceptible, keeping his expression neutral as Lucy reached for the phone. She glanced at it, hesitated, then set it back down without opening the message. His jaw tightened before he could stop it. He debated ignoring it, letting the moment stay light, but the thought gnawed at him until the words left his mouth anyway.

“I—” His voice caught slightly, so he cleared his throat and tried again. “I met Loke.”

Lucy’s hand stilled over her fork, her head snapping up to look at him. Her wide eyes were unreadable, but there was something sharp and cautious in them. 

“What?” She blinked, “at… the hospital right?”

“He… actually came by this morning,” Natsu said carefully, rubbing the back of his neck. “He was looking for you. But you were sleeping, and I didn’t want to… disturb you with anything. Sorry.”

For a moment, her expression didn’t change. But in a flash her shoulders eased, her fork lowering to the plate. 

“It’s okay,” she said softly, almost to herself. “I don’t even know if I want to see him.”

Natsu frowned, confusion knitting between his brows. “You… don’t want to see your boyfriend?”

Her gaze flicked to his, brows furrowed with confusion. “He’s not my boyfriend,” she said almost like a declaration. “Not anymore. We broke up months ago.”

Relief hit him like a punch he hadn’t braced for. It ran through him sharp and deep, a rush so strong it almost made him dizzy. But tangled in that relief was a realization that made the moment darker.

Because even with the door open, even with her saying the words, he couldn’t shake the weight pressing down on him. Her words had just been a gnawing reminder that it didn’t matter if Loke was out of the picture.

It didn’t change the fact that he didn’t deserve it. Didn’t deserve her. Or anyone for that matter. 

To love someone that way, that deeply again… to give his heart away knowing how easily it could be torn from him. He wasn’t strong enough for that. 

He had known, from the moment he saw her… 

A memory stirred at the edges of his mind. Soft laughter, sunsets, a promise he couldn’t keep. Lisanna’s face flickered there for only a moment before he forced it away, locking the thought down tight where it couldn’t burn him.

He looked at Lucy, who had set the tray aside now, her hands folded loosely in her lap. She seemed anxious, shoulders drawn in, like she was holding something heavy inside. Without thinking, he moved closer, sitting cross-legged in front of her on the bed, his eyes never leaving her face.

“What happened?” he asked softly. “Do you feel sick again?”

“N-no.” She shook her head quickly and met his gaze. For a moment, she just stared, like she was searching his face for something she was desperate to find. Maybe permission, maybe strength? And when she finally spoke, her voice was quiet, but steady. “Loke and I were together for two years.” Natsu braced himself, forcing his expression neutral. A part of him would rather have swallowed glass or hit himself over the head with a hammer than sit here and listen to her talk about another man, that possessive part of him that he hated admitting even existed. But the other part, the better part, the one that put her first, leaned in because he knew she needed him to hear this. “He would… go with me… to appointments. When I was getting treatment for this stupid disease I might get one day.”

Natsu’s brows pulled together. “What, like… a pretreatment?”

“They said it’s better to be proactive than reactive…” she said, fidgeting with the hem of her blanket. “But I was scared. And he helped me. He was there for me.”

Natsu nodded slowly, trying to piece it together, wondering what could’ve gone so wrong. What could have happened that the man outside this morning had looked almost relieved at the idea she might’ve blocked him.

“So…” he hesitated, “why did you break up?”

She let out a dry, humorless laugh. “He cheated on me.” The words hit harder than he expected, settling like stones in his chest. “All the time,” she added, her voice breaking around the edges.

Natsu’s jaw tightened, but his gaze softened. “D-Damn.” Was all he stupidly managed. 

“I knew though… and it’s not like I wouldn’t push him away all the time…” she said quickly, shutting her eyes like she was bracing herself for judgment. But when she opened them again, he wasn’t looking at her with pity or disappointment. He was quiet, his eyes comforting her with unwavering gentleness. “I thought being with him was better than being alone,” she whispered. “But the truth was… everywhere outside the hospital, I was alone.”

His chest constricted, breath caught somewhere between sadness and anger but not for Loke, for her. For every night she must’ve sat there, scared, waiting for someone who didn’t choose her the way she deserved.

He wanted badly to pull her into his arms, to bury her against his chest and promise her she would never be alone again.

He wanted to tell her she didn’t need Loke, didn’t need anyone who made her feel unwanted or unworthy.

He wanted to promise her that he would stay. Always.

But he didn’t. He couldn’t. Because he had made those exact promises once before. To someone else.

And he hadn’t kept them.

So he didn’t get to say those words to her. Not when they were already stained with the memory of Lisanna, and the way it had slipped away from him like light through his fingers.

The silence between them stretched, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Just heavy. Thick with the kind of words neither of them could bring themselves to speak. Lucy stared down at her hands, twisting the edge of the blanket between her fingers. Her breathing was steady, but her shoulders trembled like she was fighting to keep herself together.

Natsu watched her carefully, every instinct in him screaming to reach for her. To close the distance, to hold her until she believed she wasn’t alone. But his body stayed frozen, muscles tight beneath his skin, as though touching her would tip something fragile between them that he couldn’t take back.

Lucy moved first.

Her hand slid across the blanket, hesitating for just a second before resting gently over his.

It was small, tentative. Almost like she was testing the waters, seeing if he’d pull away.

But he didn’t. Despite everything his head was saying he couldn’t.

The warmth of her palm against his skin was grounding and dizzying all at once. He didn’t dare look at her right away, afraid that if he did, she’d see everything he was trying so hard to hide. When he finally glanced up, she was already watching him. Her gaze was steady, soft in a way that made his heart yearn.

“I’m okay, you know,” she whispered. “You don’t have to… carry all this for me.”

Natsu swallowed hard, forcing a crooked grin he didn’t feel. “Too late,” he said, his voice rougher than he intended. 

A faint smile tugged at her lips, though her eyes still shone with unspoken things.

For a moment, neither of them moved. The world outside her window was waking, sunlight stretching across the floor, the distant hum of morning traffic breaking the quiet. 

But here, in this small slice of morning, it felt like time had slowed just for them.

And Natsu knew… this was dangerous.

Because no matter how hard he fought it, no matter how many reasons he gave himself to stay guarded…

Every day, every hour, every minute, every second, he was thinking about Lucy. 

…

It was midday when the knock on Lucy’s door was soft. When she opened it, Juvia stood there holding a small paper bag, her knuckles pale from gripping onto the handles too tightly.

“Juvia brought snacks,” she said quietly, her voice almost abnormally shy.

Lucy smiled warmly and stepped aside. “You didn’t have to, but thanks. Come in.”

Juvia slipped off her shoes and walked in, glancing curiously around the small apartment. 

“Is Natsu-san still here?” 

Lucy shook her head. “No. He went out to get something to eat.”

“Oh.” Juvia said simply, then almost quietly. “It… must be hard for him.” She blinked, placing her hand over her mouth as if she caught herself saying something she shouldn’t have. “Juvia… meant for both of you…”

“I’m okay, Juvia.” Lucy assured her, watching the bluenette step deeper inside. 

Juvia hadn’t spent much time here either, since Lucy and Levy had moved in. Her gaze landed on a shelf near the kitchen, where she paused in front of a framed photo.

“Yesterday Juvia was so worried about you Lucy-san… everyone was.” 

Lucy smiled softly at the gentleness in her voice. “I think that was the first time everyone stepped into my place.” She noticed Juvia’s shoulders tense up. “You know we spend so much time at Natsu’s…”

“It’s because Natsu-san has the best tv… and he still pays for cable.” Juvia mumbled lightly, almost like an excuse she had rehearsed. Her expression shifted, and she tilted the framed picture toward the light. “Juvia saw this yesterday. It's very lovely.”

Lucy walked over and joined her, her expression softening as she looked at the photo. Her mom’s warm smile, her dad’s protective hand resting on her shoulder, and a much younger Lucy squeezed between them.

“Yeah,” she said quietly, her thumb brushing over the frame. “That was… before my mom passed.”

“She looks very kind,” Juvia murmured, setting the photo back down gently.

“She was,” Lucy said softly, though her smile faded quickly. “Things with my dad… got complicated after she died.”

Juvia hesitated, her voice quiet when she asked, “Have you… spoken to your father since the hospital?”

Lucy shook her head. “No. I haven’t even told him I was there.”

Juvia blinked, surprised, setting the photo back down. “Why not?”

Lucy sighed, fiddling with the hem of her sweater. “I just don’t want to bother him… He went through so much when my mom got sick… I… I don’t want to bring all of that back.”

Juvia was silent for a moment, then asked her gently, “Do you think you’ll call him soon?”

Lucy hesitated before nodding faintly. “Yeah… probably.” She shifted the topic, offering Juvia a small smile. “What about your parents? Do they live in Magnolia?”

Juvia’s hands clasped in front of her. “…Juvia’s mother died right after she was born,” she said softly, her voice steady as if she was used to explaining it. “And… Juvia’s father has been in prison since she was a teenager.”

Lucy’s face softened instantly. “Juvia… I’m so sorry… do- do you still talk to him?”

“It’s okay,” Juvia replied normally, like it didn’t bother her at all, though her fingers twisted together. “And no… he stopped replying to Juvia’s letters a long time ago.” 

“Oh…” Lucy frowned, unsure at how to respond.

“After he went away, Gajeel-kun and his father… took care of Juvia.” 

Lucy tilted her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. “So you two got to grow up together, at least for while?”

“Yes.” Juvia nodded faintly. “When Juvia was thirteen, Gajeel-kun caught her singing in Metalicana-sama’s auto shop… the echoes in there were magic when there were no cars…” Lucy laughed softly, the image of a young Juvia singing in an empty garage brought a comforting warmth to her. “Juvia thought he was going to tease her, but instead… he gave her his guitar the next day.” 

Lucy smiled at the memory. “That’s sweet.”

“It was.” Juvia’s smile lingered for only a moment before fading. “Gajeel-kun is the reason Juvia even loves to sing. He always says Juvia’s voice is special and that no one else could sing the songs he writes the way Juvia does. He doesn’t want anyone else singing them.” Her gaze lowered, guilt flickering behind her eyes. “That’s why Juvia hasn’t left Phantom Lord… even when she wants to.”

Lucy’s brows knitted. “Oh?”

“Gajeel-kun sometimes talks about trying to find more opportunities in other places with more exposure… Juvia doesn’t think he cares about fame… Juvia thinks he wants people to listen to him…” 

The blonde crossed her arms, frowning a bit. “And you don’t want to leave Magnolia do you?”

Juvia hesitated, her cheeks warming faintly as she nodded. “…Yes. Juvia doesn’t want to leave Magnolia.”

Lucy leaned against the counter, watching her carefully. “Because of Gray?”

Juvia pressed her lips together, as though she didn’t want to admit it — but finally, she nodded again, quiet and soft. “…Because of Gray-sama.”

Lucy’s expression softened. “That’s… complicated.”

“Very,” Juvia whispered. She fiddled with the edge of her sleeve, her voice low and conflicted. “Gajeel-kun believes in the band so much. He gave Juvia music, a home, and he is her family… Juvia feels like walking away would betray him. But at the same time… Magnolia feels like home now, too. Gray-sama feels like home.”

Lucy reached out and gently touched Juvia’s arm, offering her the smallest smile. “I think you should do what you think is best for you.” 

For a moment, Juvia didn’t answer. Her gaze stayed fixed on her hands, her expression heavy and uncertain. Finally, she whispered, “…Juvia doesn’t know what she wants yet.”

Lucy squeezed her arm lightly. “That’s okay. You don’t have to know right now.”

Juvia looked up at her then, her blue eyes soft and shimmering, and for the first time since stepping into Lucy’s apartment, she smiled, small and fragile, but real.

“Oh gosh.” The bluenette shook her head with a laugh. “Juvia wanted to come here and check on you, or help you with something, Lucy-san… not talk your ear off about personal history.” 

“No, no.” Lucy laughed, pulling her by the arm to sit on the couch. “This is helping.” She grabbed the bag of snacks Juvia had brought and began to dig through it. “So we’ve been friends for months and I’ve never heard about how you and Gray started dating…” 

…

After Juvia left and Lucy closed the door, the apartment felt suddenly too quiet. She leaned against it for a moment, letting out a slow breath. Juvia’s words kept replaying in her mind. About family, about growing up without ever meeting her mom, about having Gajeel and his father step in when her own father couldn’t.

Lucy’s gaze drifted to the photo on the shelf. Her fingers brushed over the frame, tracing the outline of her parents’ faces, her throat tightening. Her mom’s smile felt like sunlight captured on paper. Her dad’s hand rested on her small shoulder, steady, protective… but so far away now.

She stood there for a long moment, debating with herself, before finally sighing and reaching for her phone.

Her thumb hovered over the screen for several seconds before she tapped on her dad’s contact.

It rang twice before his voice came through — deep, familiar, but tired.

“Lucy?”

She froze for a heartbeat, her grip tightening on the phone. “…Hey, Dad.”

There was a pause, like he wasn’t sure if he’d heard her right. “…Is… everything okay?”

She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, pacing absently around the living room. “I… I’m sorry, I know you must be busy. I just… wanted to see how you were doing.”

Another pause. “I’m… fine. Work’s been busy.”

“That sounds like you,” she said softly, forcing a small laugh. “Always busy.”

“And you?” His tone shifted, measured and careful, but still edged with expectation. “How is the law program going? I imagine you’ve been busy with work as well?” Lucy hesitated, her gaze lowering to the floor. A wave of guilt surged through her chest, heavy and hot. She should tell him, that she dropped out, that she was no longer chasing the path he’d spent years pushing her toward — but the words wouldn’t come. He didn’t wait long before continuing, his voice steady and certain: “I’ve already spoken with a federal judge. They’re going to take you on for your clerkship when your program is complete. After that, you can join the firm.”

Her stomach twisted. There it was again. The way he planned her life as if nothing had changed. She couldn’t completely blame him. After all, he still believed she was following the blueprint he’d mapped out for her.

She nibbled on her bottom lip, pressing her free hand to her forehead. “…That… sounds great,” she said, her voice light and unconvincing.

A quiet hum came through the line, and she could hear the faint rustle of papers in the background. An old habit of his, keeping his hands busy even during calls.

“Lucy,” he said after a beat, his tone softening in a way that made her chest ache. “This is the best path for you. You know that.”

Her throat went dry. The words lodged somewhere deep, bitter and warm all at once. “…Yeah,” she whispered, fiddling with the hem of her sweater. “I know.”

There was so much she wanted to say. So much she wanted to confess. About how she wasn’t in law school anymore, about how she didn’t know who she was trying to become, about the hospital, about everything… but her lips stayed pressed shut.

Instead, they talked about safer things, shallow and harmless. He mentioned some work he was getting done around the penthouse. She mentioned the weather, and mentioned a new book she was interested in reading. The words felt careful, rehearsed, as if neither of them dared get too close to the cracks between them.

When they finally said goodbye, Lucy stayed standing in the middle of her apartment, staring at the quiet phone in her hand.

Her chest felt both heavier and lighter at the same time.

After a long pause, she set the phone down on the counter and went to get Plue’s leash. She didn’t want to think anymore. Not about the hospital, not about her dad, and especially not about the lies sitting heavy on her tongue.

…

After a few days, everyone had more or less fallen back into their usual routines.

Fairy Brew was buzzing. The online order printer spat out tickets nonstop, espresso machines hissed, and the blender roared like it was fighting for its life. Customers crowded the tables, while a steady stream lined up for their to-go drinks.

Natsu knew it was going to be one of those days the second Wendy’s friend Sherria burst through the doors with a herd of teenage girls fresh out of cheerleading practice. They stormed the counter, ordering the most absurdly over-the-top drinks on the menu — a blended monstrosity of milk, chocolate syrup, caramel drizzle around the cup, crushed cookies buried under a swirl of whip cream, a marshmallow drizzle through the middle, and more caramel on top for good measure.

A drink Gray had insisted they add to the menu.

A drink that was basically a sugar rush disguised as coffee.

Natsu dropped the blender into the soapy sink after finishing the twelfth and final drink for the rowdy cheerleading squad that had invaded his coffee shop. His forearms sticky with syrup, he topped the last cup with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles as requested.

He grabbed a towel and wiped at his arms, scowling at the gooey mess.

“This is your fault,” he muttered, glaring at Gray, who was busy packing up and handing out online orders to the impatient delivery drivers. “Every time I make that drink, I feel like I need a shower.”

Gray smirked without looking up. “Well, that drink you hate so much? It’s the reason our sales are climbing. So yeah—” he glanced up, smug “—you’re welcome.”

Rolling his eyes, Natsu turned back toward the espresso bar, helping Kinana tackle the continuous stream of orders coming in.

At around 3 p.m., the chaos finally started to ease. Most of the morning staff, their baker, and breakfast line cooks, had clocked out, leaving behind the quiet conversations and the steady taps of keyboards from people working on their laptops.

Natsu stood behind the counter, laptop open, a sweating glass of iced tea beside him, checking the day’s numbers and projecting sales for the weeks ahead. He’d shown up around midday after dropping Lucy off at campus. She'd insisted on returning to classes. He’d tried convincing her to take a few more days off, but she refused, saying she didn’t want to fall behind even more so than she was.

Levy sat perched at the counter, hands wrapped around the largest, strongest coffee the shop offered, her face buried in her laptop. Her hair was in a messy bun, half a pencil stuck in it like she’d forgotten where it went.

The silence was comfortable, the only noise coming from Kinana and a server who were chatting at the end of the bar.

Gray came out of the backroom tying his apron, his expression unusually nervous. He walked over to Natsu, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Uh…”

“What?” Natsu asked, distracted with his laptop, and Gray just sighed, lowering his voice.

“She’s gonna ask you to taste them,” he muttered, eyes darting toward the kitchen then back out to his friends. “Even you, Levy.”

Natsu froze, eyebrows furrowed, while Kinana who was mid-sentence with one of the servers nearby perked up instantly when she heard his words. Levy finally looked up from her screen, blinking in confusion.

“What are you talking about, Gray?”

He grimaced. “Just… brace yourselves. She’s sensitive about this, okay? She’s been blocked on a song Gajeel’s working on, and when she gets stressed… well she—”

Before he could finish, Juvia skipped onto the floor, beaming like the sun itself, a tray balanced in her hands. On it sat several neatly sliced pieces of something that might’ve once resembled coffee cake. 

Gray shuddered. Natsu groaned under his breath. One of the servers immediately grabbed a broom and bolted outside, pretending to sweep the sidewalk, a task nobody had ever assigned them.

“Okay! They’re ready!” Juvia announced cheerfully, setting the tray down on the counter like she’d just unveiled a masterpiece.

Natsu stared at the cake, eyes wide and Levy visibly cringed.

“Why… why do they look like that?” Levy asked carefully. 

Coffee cake was usually golden brown, with swirls of cinnamon sugar decorating the edges. Juvia’s cake did not look like that. 

Juvia giggled, undeterred, sliding a plate toward her. “They have a secret ingredient,” she said proudly. “Juvia tried a new recipe!”

Levy forced a nervous smile and glanced at both Natsu and Gray for backup, but neither offered any help. Juvia quickly plated slices for all of them, humming the tune to the new song Gajeel had been working under her breath.

“So…” Levy stalled, holding the fork like it might bite her back. “W-what’s in here exactly?”

“Just try it!” Juvia insisted, flour dusting her apron, strapless shirt and cheek. Her entire aura buzzing with excitement. “Juvia uses whole milk, cinnamon sugar, vanilla…”

Levy hesitated, fork hovering. Natsu, wanting to get this over with and get back to his schedule, picked up his slice and bit into it, his expression freezing mid-chew. He stopped, slowly lowering the cake back to the plate.

“…Seaweed,” he muttered dryly. 

Levy’s eyes widened. Juvia gasped, lighting up like someone had complimented her on national television.

“Natsu-san, your palate is incredible!” she squealed, completely ignoring the horror on his face.

He forced a swallow and smiled weakly while setting the rest of the cake down like it might explode. Juvia rushed off towards Kinana next, leaving Levy free to wrap her slice in a napkin and discreetly shove it into her bag.

“Kinana-san!” Juvia chirped to the barista. “You must try this one, too!”

Natsu turned to Gray, eyes serious. “You have to tell her the truth.”

Gray ran a hand through his hair, glancing over at his girlfriend’s glowing face while she attempted to shove the cake into poor Kinana’s mouth. 

“You try looking into those eyes and breaking her heart.”

Levy snorted, shaking her head at the man. “If my boyfriend lied about liking my baking, I’d seriously reconsider the entire relationship.”

“Oh, come on,” Gray groaned, his own slice untouched. “It’s not that bad.”

“Then you finish it,” Natsu challenged, earning an amused laugh from Levy.

The door chimed, pulling their attention to the entrance.

Levy’s heart stuttered when Gajeel stepped inside, scanning the café clearly searching for someone.

“Is the Sprinkler here?” he asked bluntly.

He froze when he spotted Levy at the counter. She met his gaze for half a second before quickly looking away, pretending she hadn’t even seen him. Her cheeks flushed pink, and she fumbled with her coffee cup.

Gajeel scoffed and looked away too, masking his own hesitation behind his usual roughness.

Juvia brightened at the sight of her brother and rushed over, tray in hand. Gajeel shot a glare toward Gray who smiled nervously, a silent reminder of their earlier conversation about discouraging Juvia’s baking experiments.

“Gajeel-kun, guess what—”

“Not now,” he grumbled, pulling a pair of headphones from his pocket and settling them over her ears. “Take a listen.”

Without another word, he took her wrist and led her outside to one of the patio tables without bothering to let her grab a jacket.

“I guess he’s not blocked anymore,” Gray muttered, turning back toward the counter just as the online order printer screamed again.

Natsu went back to his laptop, only half paying attention when the door chimed again.

Then he looked up.

His eyes widened instantly, a flicker of worry crossing his face. Lucy practically ran to the counter after she entered, cheeks flushed, hair frizzy from the wind, and a smile so wide it made his chest tighten.

“I— I said I’d pick you up when your class was done,” he stammered, scrambling for his phone to check the time. “Shit, did you wait for me? Was I late? I could’ve sworn you said five-thirty—”

“No, Natsu!” she interrupted, grabbing his hand to focus his attention. “I have a surprise for you!”

He blinked, confused. “Why didn’t you wait for me to pick you up, then?”

She groaned dramatically. “Because my lecture ended at two, but I told you five-thirty since I would be busy with something.”

“Busy doing what Lucy?” he asked warily.

Instead of answering, Lucy pulled two glossy tickets from her bag and waved them in front of his face. It took him a second, but then he recognized the logo. The familiar pro wrestling insignia they watched together every single week.

His jaw dropped. “No… fucking… way.”

“Oh my god — no fucking way.” Gray dropped the plastic cup he was holding, ice clattering across the counter as he lunged forward. In a single blur of motion, he shoved Natsu straight to the floor, snatched the tickets out of Lucy’s hand, and held them up like they were made of solid gold. “Lucy,” he breathed, wide-eyed, like she’d just handed him the key to eternal happiness. “I will give you two thousand dollars for these tickets.”

The blonde giggled, covering her mouth as Natsu scrambled back to his feet, glaring daggers at his best friend. Without hesitation, he snatched the tickets right back, cradling them against his chest like a dragon hoarding treasure.

“Back off you bastard.” He shoved Gray back in a childlike manner. “These are mine.”

Gray groaned, dragging his hands down his face. “How the hell did you even get those?! The show is tomorrow!” he demanded, sounding more betrayed than curious. “When I heard Oaktown was hosting the next live event show, I set alarms, opened four tabs, had my credit card ready, and they still sold out in seconds!”

Lucy smirked, flipping her hair just slightly as if she’d been waiting for this exact moment. “Well… let’s just say,” she said casually, “I have my ways.”

Gray groaned like he’d just been personally wronged. “You have ways? Seriously?” He threw his head back with a groan. “You guys aren’t even into wrestling like that.”

“That’s funny,” Natsu cut in with a smug grin, “’cause I don’t see you holding tickets.”

Before Gray could argue, Levy finally looked up from her laptop, one eyebrow raised. “You guys do realize it’s fake, right?” she said dryly, stirring her coffee like she was above all of this.

Three heads whipped toward her at once.

Lucy’s expression went flat. “And that,” she said, pointing a finger at Levy, “is one of the reasons Natsu gets the extra ticket and not you.”  

Levy gasped, throwing a hand over her heart like she’d been pierced with an arrow. “Wow. How will I ever survive?” She slumped dramatically against the counter, as though the pain was simply too much to bear.

Natsu snorted into his sleeve, Gray muttered something about “fake fans,” and Lucy rolled her eyes, clearly enjoying every second of this.

She caught Natsu’s attention again, her voice gentle but steady.

“It’s a thank-you gift.” Natsu frowned slightly, confused, and Lucy only offered him a small, warm smile. “For that day,” she clarified softly.

Understanding finally clicked, and his shoulders relaxed. A slow grin tugged at his lips as he leaned toward her.

“You don’t have to thank me.”

“I know,” she said, her voice lighter this time, “but I want to. So… you’ll come?” Her fingers tightened around the tickets as she hesitated. “With me?”

For a moment, he just looked at her, a flicker of surprise, then something softer settling in his expression.

“I wouldn’t want to go with anyone else,” he said, his tone easy but sincere.

“I can hear you,” Gray grumbled from behind the bar, his jealousy not even remotely subtle.

Lucy laughed, glancing at him with an apologetic little pout. “Sorry, Gray,” she teased, sing-songing the words causing his eyes to roll.

“I’ll get you a T-shirt.” Natsu laughed.

Gray muttered something under his breath, but Lucy was already distracted. Her eyes landed on the once bitten, slice of coffee cake sitting beside Natsu’s laptop, curiosity sparking immediately.

“Oh… what’s this?”

“Lucy, wait—” Natsu tried to warn her, but it was too late.

Before anyone could stop her, she reached for it and took a big bite.

Her expression shifted instantly, going from satisfied to horrified in the span of a heartbeat.

“What— what the hell is that?!” she gasped, covering her mouth as the strange taste hit.

“Seaweed coffee cake,” Natsu said flatly, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed like he’d warned her and she hadn’t listened. “Juvia made it.”

Lucy gagged dramatically, shoving the plate away while Natsu snorted, handing her a napkin. 

“Are you hungry?” 

“Not really.” She muttered. “At least not anymore…” 

Her eyes landed on the tea beside Natsu's laptop, not even asking him when she reached over and taking a sip from it to try to wash away the taste of Juvia’s disastrous coffee cake. He only laughed, as Lucy took the seat beside Levy still frowning, and still holding onto his cup.

“We’re all in agreement that Gray needs to be honest with her.” Levy laughed, picking her mug up again.

“I’ll talk to her about it okay!” Gray shouted, frustrated. He glanced outside and his gaze caught on both Juvia and Gajeel. “What the hell…” he drawled in a mutter.

Everyone’s eyes followed his line of sight. Outside, Juvia sat hunched over at one of the patio tables, headphones on, shoulders trembling. Without a word, Gray pushed through the door, headed straight to her. He gently pulled the headphones off her ears and pulled her up to stand.

“We’re busy here, stripper!” Gajeel yelled, but Gray only shot him a glare as Juvia threw her arms around his neck, now openly bawling.

From inside, they could see her face buried against his chest, heavy tears staining his shirt. Gray’s hand rested lightly on her back, his voice low and careful. He’d seen her cry plenty of times. Juvia was softhearted, overly sensitive, prone to sobbing over everything from romantic dramas to those gut-wrenching animal shelter videos. But this… this seemed different.

“What happened?” he murmured.

She hiccupped against him, balling her hands onto his apron as if she would crumble if she didn’t hold on. 

“Gray-sama… the lyrics… that Gajeel-kun wrote…” She lifted her head just enough to look at him, mascara smudging beneath her long lashes. “It’s so… it’s so heartbreaking.”

Gray blinked, caught off guard, “seriously?” 

Juvia turned her teary gaze to her brother. “Gajeel-kun… who… who hurt you that badly!?” she wailed.

Gajeel scoffed, arms crossed, leaning back like her crying was just nothing. “Tch. It ain’t what you think,” he muttered, rolling his eyes.

Gray exhaled heavily, “okay… okay… come here.” holding Juvia close while she clung to him, still wailing. 

He shook his head, but continued to hold her, rubbing the back of her head until she would calm down.

Gajeel stayed seated, red eyes rolling until he wasn’t watching them.

His gaze had drifted, through the café windows, straight to the bar where Levy sat with her laptop, fingers tapping at her large coffee mug, probably pretending to read her screen as the bunny girl sat beside her chattering on. He also noticed Salamander looking at the bunny girl smiling with that stupid look on his face, but his gaze was pulled back to Levy.

She didn’t look up. Didn’t glance his way. Didn’t even acknowledge him when he stepped into the shop.

The same woman who’d spent an entire night with him. The one who’d been haunting his head for some reason, refusing to leave his thoughts long enough for him to focus on anything else.

It was just one night, months ago at that, they talked, they kissed. 

So why did it bother him so much when she pretended he was someone she never met?

…

Chapter Text

“I’m okay, you know,” Lucy said softly as Natsu eased his truck to a stop in front of the building. She glanced at him, meeting his dark eyes with a small, tentative smile. “You really didn’t have to drop me off.”

“It’s… more for me,” he admitted after a beat, his voice low and rough around the edges. “I just wanted to make sure you got home okay.”

“I feel bad,” she murmured, tugging at the strap of her bag.

He frowned at her tone, leaning just slightly toward her. “Why?”

“I’m sorry you had to see me like that,” she whispered, and her gaze dropped.

“Lucy…” He shook his head gently, placing his hand over hers without thinking. His fingers gave a reassuring squeeze before letting go slowly. “I’m… just glad you’re okay.”

“I am.” She nodded, giving a small, steady smile. “So don’t worry too much about me, okay?”

Her lips softened, and she let herself take a quiet breath. They never really talked about the moment he found her, and she didn’t want to think about the moment. He was probably so worried, so panicked. She knew that if the roles were reversed— if he had collapsed and she had been the one to find him—it would have haunted her too.

“I’m sorry if I’m hovering over you or something,” he said, a soft chuckle escaping. “Can you… just bear with me… a little longer?”

“Okay,” she replied, her voice lightening as she grabbed her bag and turned towards the door, her hand resting over the handle. “I’ll see you later.”

“Wait.” She paused, turning back to him, and he met her gaze without flinching. “What do you want for dinner?”

“Anything’s fine,” she said with a small shrug, the corners of her lips lifting slightly. It seemed so normal, dinner together, everyday. “Maybe ask Wendy if she’s craving something specific?”

He nodded once, a quiet smile flickering across his face before he leaned back in his seat. She stepped out of the truck, closing the door gently behind her. He stayed parked until she reached the steps, watching her carefully. Only then did he pull away and head back to the Fairy Brew. There were still schedules to manage, orders to finalize, work to finish, and honestly, he preferred doing them at work so he could be fully present with her later.

Lucy climbed the steps slowly, her thoughts tangled around the mountain of assignments waiting for her inside. But the second she reached the top, her eyes landed on someone, everything else slipped from her mind.

“Loke…”

He was standing at her door, leaning casually against the frame. Orange hair messy, expression calm and confident, like he belonged there.

Before she could speak, he was already moving toward her, his arms wrapping around her and she froze. The touch of him was familiar, a muscle memory buried deep into her body, but several months had passed since he’d held her like this. He rested his head against her shoulder, his grip firm, strong around her waist.

“Damn it, Lucy,” he whispered, one hand sliding up to cradle the back of her head. “You said you’d call me. It’s been days.” She didn’t answer, didn’t trust her voice, and when she stayed silent, he pulled back just enough to study her face. His hands stayed anchored on her shoulders, his gaze scanning her like he was searching for cracks. “How do you feel?” he asked quietly.

Lucy hesitated, caught in the familiarity of those eyes behind his glasses, eyes that used to bring her comfort once, back when she believed they were hers alone. But they never were. They never would be. 

“I’m fine,” she said softly, reaching up slowly to remove his hands from her shoulders.

His touch was familiar… but it wasn’t warm. Not like Natsu’s.

And she hated herself for comparing the two.

“Why haven’t you called me back?” he pressed, his tone gentle at first, but faltering when she stayed silent. He shook his head, answering his own question. “Actually… I think I know why.”

“Sorry,” she whispered, her gaze dropping to the floor. “I’ve been trying to get back to normal… I just forgot to let you know I was okay.” She swallowed a lump. “Thank you for coming all the way here… and I’m sorry I worried you.”

“You look good, Luce.” His voice softened, but his eyes lingered on her longer than she wanted. 

There was something else behind them, words he was holding himself back from saying. But she knew him well. All too well. 

She sighed, preparing her mind to hear it. “Just say it.”

He blinked, almost caught off guard. “What?”

“What you’re here to say.” She met his eyes with hers, steady and focused, perhaps trying to prove he didn’t have any kind of affect on her. 

He adjusted his glasses, jaw tightening, and then he said it without stuttering. “You need to go back home.”

Her brows pulled together as soon as he finished. “That’s why I didn’t call you.” She stepped past him, fidgeting with the strap from her bag. 

He followed her, his pace steady.

“Lucy, listen to me.” His voice was low but insistent now. “After everything that happened, the hospital, the exhaustion, the fainting… you shouldn’t be living alone. You need rest, real rest, real care! Not all late nights at rock shows and… and whatever’s happening next door.”

Her shoulders tensed, and she slowly turned to face him. “Whatever’s happening next door?”

He hesitated for half a beat, then folded his arms, expression hardening. “Your neighbor. Natsu, right? He’s the one who found you. The one who called the ambulance. The one who’s been driving you around and… checking up on you.”

Lucy’s grip on her strap tightened, but she kept her voice calm. “He’s just been helping me. He’s my friend. That’s all.”

“Helping?” Loke repeated, and though his tone was quiet, there was an edge under it. “Luce, do you even hear yourself? You’re leaning on him like—” He stopped short, exhaling sharply, dragging a hand through his hair. “You barely know him, Lucy.”

“I do know him,” she shot back before she could stop herself.

The silence between them stretched. Loke’s jaw flexed, his composure slipping just slightly. “And what happens next time? When he doesn’t get to you in time huh?” he asked softly, almost bitterly. “It’s dangerous Lucy, and you were lucky he found you but trust me, you really don’t know this guy. Just think about it?”

Her chest tightened, and she hated that his words stung more than she wanted them to. He was wrong. Loke was wrong. She knew Natsu. She was taking care of herself. This wasn’t going to happen again.

“Loke,” she said finally, forcing her tone steady, “I’m not moving back home.”

His expression hardened, the familiar calm in his face giving way to something colder. “Your father has the resources you need right now… doctors, help, stability. You could have died, Lucy. Doesn’t that scare you? Because it scares the hell out of me.”

She hesitated, caught between defensiveness and guilt, her voice soft when she finally replied, “It’s my choice.”

He searched her face for a long moment, his frustration cracking under the weight of something heavier, something almost pleading.

“I figured you would be like this.” Loke’s voice dropped, quieter now but still tight, “be careful with him, Lucy. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

Her breath caught, a bitter laugh slipping past her lips before she could stop it. “Right,” she said flatly, her gaze cutting into him. “So as long as you’re the one who does it, you don’t want to see me get hurt?”

His jaw tensed at her tone. “That’s not fair.”

“What’s not fair,” she shot back, “is you standing here acting like you care after everything you did to me.”

“I do care, Lucy…” He stepped closer, placing a careful hand on her waist, his voice low, almost desperate. “I care about you so much, I still love you.” 

“Stop…” she whispered, stepping back.

“Lucy it— it never meant anything with the other girls” He tried again, stepping towards her. “It was a mistake…”

Her body went rigid, and she shoved him back, harder than she meant to. “No!” Her voice cracked but stayed sharp. “It could’ve been a mistake the first time, Loke, one time, but you did it over and over and over again!”

He swallowed hard, guilt flashing across his face, but instead of backing down, he steadied himself. “I messed up,” he admitted, voice rough. “But I’m not the only one to blame. You’re the one who kept pushing me away.”

“That makes it okay for you to cheat on me?” She asked him, brows pulled together.

“No it doesn’t but,” he sighed, trying to calm himself. “It doesn’t Lucy. I fucked up— but it’s you. I love you.”

“Stop.” Her voice shook.

“—and this guy, you don’t know him!”

Her heart felt tight but her stare didn’t waver. “I do know him. He’s my friend. And you don’t get to show up here, months later, and say all this to me.” 

“You ignored my calls for months Lucy.” He stepped closer but she only backed away from him. “What was I supposed to do?”

“Loke, you don’t get a say in my life…” she shook her head. “That’s why I left home—”

“I’m not trying to control you,” Loke interjected, frustration edging each word. “I’m trying to protect you… really protect you…” 

Her eyes narrowed. “You don’t get to say that either.”

“Lucy,” he snapped, stepping closer, his hands balling into fists at his sides. “This Natsu guy… He’s reckless and dark. He gets into fights, he doesn’t think things through— do you even know about his ex? About the people around him? Clearly this guy is—”

She froze, his words slicing through her like ice. Natsu’s ex? Her breath hitched, but instead of backing down, she forced her shoulders straight.

“How—” her voice wavered before sharpening, “you don’t even know him… why are you saying things like that?” Her gaze searched his face, piecing it together as realization slammed into her like a moving train. “Did… did you hire someone to look into him?”

The silence that fell was suffocating, sharp enough to make her chest ache. Loke’s expression faltered — shock first, then guilt, then something darker that twisted his jaw tight.

“Lucy,” he started, softer now, but she stepped back like he’d burned her.

“You did,” she whispered, her voice breaking before it hardened into steel. “You actually had someone look into him.”

“I had to,” he snapped, his voice low and strained, like he was trying not to lose control. “You don’t see what I see. You don’t know the kind of trouble you’re getting into— this guy, he’s got serious issues. Along with all the people he surrounds himself with!”

“No, you don’t get to do this!” she shot back, her voice rising, raw with anger. “You don’t get to dig through his life just because you think you know what’s best for me!”

His jaw clenched. “I’m trying to keep you safe.”

Her laugh came out sharp and bitter. “Safe?”

“Luce—”

“You hurt me, Loke. Over and over. You looked at me and lied to me every single day. And you think you’re the one who gets to decide what’s safe for me?” He flinched like she’d hit him, but she wasn’t done. “Do you think knowing about his past changes anything?” She shook her head, tears burning behind her eyes. “I trust him. I know him. I feel safer with him than I ever did with you!”

That landed like a blade between them.

Loke’s breathing grew uneven, his knuckles white at his sides. “You’re making a mistake,” he said quietly, but his voice trembled with anger he couldn’t swallow.

“I’m not," she whispered, turning toward her door, “I know who he is.” 

She reached for the handle, but his voice stopped her cold.

“I just want you to know,” he said low, almost bitter, “that when he hurts you… I’ll still be around and I’ll come pick up the pieces.”

Lucy froze, her back to him, her grip tightening on the doorknob. But she didn’t turn around.

“Go home, Loke,” she said softly, before stepping inside and shutting the door between them.

Lucy leaned back against the door the second it clicked shut, her chest rising and falling like she’d just run a marathon.

Her fingers were trembling, still clenched tight around the doorknob, but she forced them open, pressing both palms flat against the wood as if she could somehow hold back everything on the other side.

Loke’s words wouldn’t stop echoing.

He’s reckless and dark. Do you even know about his ex?

Her stomach twisted.

She closed her eyes, drawing in a slow breath, but it didn’t steady her. If anything, it made the knot in her chest tighten. She hated that he’d gotten to her, hated that even for a split second she’d hesitated.

Because she trusted Natsu.

She did.

…didn’t she?

Lucy slid down until she was sitting on the floor, hugging her knees against her chest. Around her, the apartment was quiet, the soft hum of the fridge, the muffled voices of traffic outside, and Plue trying to get her attention with sniffles. But the silence only made her thoughts louder.

The fact that Loke knew anything about Natsu’s past made her uneasy.

How much did he know? How far had he gone? Had he hired someone to follow him, or worse, follow her?

She rubbed her palms over her face, trying to chase away the sting in her eyes.

“I trust him… I trust him.” Lucy glanced toward the couch where Plue was curled up in a little ball, whining softly, almost as if he knew she needed a minute to herself to process what had happened. She stood and walked over, scooping him up like he was a lifeline. “Don’t listen to him,” she whispered against the top of his head, her voice shaking despite herself. “Natsu’s… Natsu’s… I know him.”

Plue yipped softly, tail wagging, and she buried her face in his fur for just a moment before setting him down. Her bag slid off her shoulder and hit the floor with a dull thud. She didn’t bother picking it up. Instead, she moved toward the kitchen, needing to do something, anything to keep her hands busy. She grabbed a glass and filled it with water, but when she lifted it to her lips, her reflection in the window above the sink stopped her cold.

She looked pale. Shaken. And Loke’s voice crept back in.

When he hurts you… I’ll pick up the pieces.

Her grip tightened on the glass until her knuckles went white. She set it down carefully, forcing a slow breath out through her nose. She reached for her phone, hovering over Natsu’s contact for a long moment before locking the screen without calling him. She couldn’t bring herself to drag him into this. Not yet.

Instead, she grabbed her bag, retreated to her bedroom with Plue loyally following her, and shut the door softly behind her, leaning against it like she had the front door.

…

Levy leaned her cheek against her palm, eyelids heavy as she stared blankly at the glowing computer screen in front of her. The endless stream of code and data blurred together until it looked more like ancient runes than anything she could actually comprehend. She sighed, tilting her head just enough to glance at the digital clock on the wall.

Almost midnight.

Not that it mattered. She couldn’t leave until her work was done, and judging by the mess of flagged reports on her screen, she was nowhere close.

“Intern.”

Her head shot up, blinking rapidly as she straightened in her chair. Wide awake now, she found her team leader standing there with a fresh stack of files in his hand and a look that could only be described as merciless. Levy managed a polite smile, though internally she was groaning loud enough to shake the entire building.

“Hi Freed…” she said, her voice almost too sweet.

He dropped the files on her desk with a heavy thud. “These need to be cross-referenced with the EtherLink logs by morning. And make sure the anomalies are flagged this time. The last report was sloppy.”

Her forced smile twitched, but she nodded anyway. “Got it.” As he walked away, Levy muttered under her breath, “Sloppy my ass…” before reaching for the files.

She loved her career path, loved it. She had always preferred math, robotics, sciences. So a career where she hardly had to speak with anyone and surround herself with the highest forms of tech was exactly what she wanted. But nights like this had her seriously questioning if RuneLogic’s reputation for being “cutting-edge” was just a polite way of saying we will work you until you die. She wondered how different her life would be if she had gotten the internship at the tech company EtherLink like she originally wanted. 

About two hours later, Levy finally gathered up her things and shoved them into her tote bag, shoulders aching from hunching over her desk for so long. Her head was buzzing with logs, flagged reports, and far too many coffee refills that hadn’t helped her at all.

She paused at the exit, pulling her phone out to debate calling an Uber. It was late, really late, but the campus was still buzzing faintly with signs of life: a few stragglers leaving the labs, distant laughter from a nearby dorm, the hum of vending machines under flickering lampposts.

Deciding the walk wasn’t too long, she zipped up her jacket and stuffed her hands into her pockets, setting off down the quiet pathway. The air was crisp, cool against her cheeks. Winter had gone easy on Magnolia, but nights like this she missed the comforting warmth of summer nights.

Her mind wandered back to the past few days, unspooling in thought the way it always did when she was alone. She was still worried about Lucy, always worried about Lucy, but at least now their little makeshift friend group knew enough about her treatments that it wasn’t just her burden to carry anymore. Natsu especially had stepped up, practically hovering over her best friend, staying glued to her side, making sure Lucy kept her appointments and remembered her meds.

Levy smiled faintly to herself, relieved that Lucy had found someone like that. Someone like Natsu who looked at her like she was his absolute favorite person… 

It was sweet. And she really liked the way he treated her. 

She was knocked out of her thoughts at the sound of a door swinging open.

She looked up and spotted a tall figure exiting one of the engineering buildings, his head tilted slightly as he tugged his headphones up from around his neck to his ears. 

Even with the lack of sleep, it was unmistakable. 

Gajeel. 

Even from this distance, he looked exhausted, dark circles sitting heavy beneath his crimson eyes. She wondered why she always had to run into him. It was almost three in the morning, and she was running into him.

Levy froze mid-step, instantly torn between ducking behind a tree and bolting the other way. He wouldn’t hear her anyway, she knew he blasted his music loud enough to rupture eardrums. Before she could decide, his gaze slid toward her like he had sensed her there. The lamppost light caught the metallic piercings along his face as his brows drew together in confusion. He checked the time on his phone, then didn’t hesitate to stride straight toward her.

“Shrimp? What the hell are you doing out here at this time?” he asked, voice rough but low enough not to draw attention.

Levy blinked rapidly, her mouth going dry under his scrutiny. She raised her hand weakly and thumbed over her shoulder. “Internship…” was all she managed, her voice small.

Gajeel raised an eyebrow, looking her up and down like he was evaluating every reckless decision she’d ever made.

“It’s too damn late to be wandering around alone, shorty,” he muttered, adjusting the strap of his bag over his shoulder. “I’ll give you a lift.”

Levy shook her head quickly, holding her bag tighter to her chest. “No, it’s okay. I can walk.”

He stared at her flatly for a moment, unamused, and crossed his arms. “Don’t be stupid.”

“I’m not—”

“You are,” he cut her off, voice sharp enough to make her flinch. Then his tone softened just slightly, almost begrudgingly. “C’mon. You think I’m gonna just leave you out here so some creep can snatch you up? Get in the damn car.”

Levy hesitated, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve, but there was something in his expression. Something stubborn and maybe just a little protective, that made it hard to argue.

“Fine,” she muttered, brushing past him. “But only because you’d probably follow me if I said no.”

He smirked faintly, stuffing his hands into his pockets as he followed. “Damn right.”

When she climbed into his truck, Levy decided silence was safer. The low rumble of the engine filled the space between them, and she kept her gaze fixed on the blur of streetlights passing by the window.

They hadn’t talked in months. Not really. So why start now?

But as she sat there, hands knotted in her lap, the memory of that day crept in. The chaos. The panic. The way Gajeel had appeared out of nowhere, scooped her up without hesitation, and got her to the hospital when Lucy collapsed.

Guilt pressed down on her chest. She’d never even thanked him for that.

“Gajeel,” she started softly, her voice almost drowned out by the hum of the engine. He glanced at her briefly, one brow quirking before returning his focus to the road. “I… thank you,” she said carefully, like the words were fragile glass she wasn’t sure would land right. “For the other day. Getting me to the hospital and all.”

His expression didn’t change, jaw set and unreadable. “Wasn’t anything.”

“It was,” she pressed gently, twisting her fingers together. “I don’t think I would’ve gotten there without you.”

He hummed low under his breath, a noncommittal sound, his hands tightening slightly on the steering wheel. The silence stretched again, heavier this time.

Then, without looking at her, he muttered, “Shrimp.”

She kept her eyes on the passing lights. “Yeah?”

“Why’ve you been avoiding me?” His voice was steady, but there was a rough edge to it. Sharp, like he’d been holding the question back for a while. “All these damn months… nothing. Not even a fucking glance...”

Levy stiffened, her grip on her bag tightening. She hadn’t expected him to bring it up. Not like this.

“I haven’t been—”

“Don’t,” he cut her off, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. “You have. And you know it.”

Levy swallowed hard, her heart thudding louder than the truck’s engine. There were a dozen excuses she could give about work, school, life in general, but none of them felt honest enough to say out loud.

So instead, she said quietly, “I didn’t think you cared.”

Gajeel scoffed, a sound low and humorless, shaking his head. “Tch. Figures.” 

Her brows furrowed at his tone. She turned to him, her expression shadowed by the faint glow from the dashboard. “Oh, like you’re one to talk though.”

His crimson eyes flicked toward her briefly, narrowing. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Levy’s grip tightened on the strap of her bag. “Don’t act like I’ve been the only one avoiding someone. You haven’t said a word to me either, Gajeel. Not once in months.”

He tightened his hold on the steering wheel, the leather creaking under his grip. “Yeah, maybe ‘cause I figured you didn’t want me to.”

She blinked at him, startled by the sharp edge in his voice. “That’s not—”

“Don’t,” he snapped, his tone rough but quieter now, controlled. “You think I didn’t notice? You think I didn’t know the second you decided I wasn’t worth even a damn text?” Levy opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Her throat felt tight, clogged with all the words she hadn’t said, and then he dropped it. “Funny thing is,” he muttered, gaze fixed hard on the road, “you’re the one who walked out on me.”

Her stomach dropped. “…What?”

“That night,” he said, jaw tight, voice flat, but his fingers drummed once against the steering wheel like he couldn’t quite stay still. “You were the one who left before sunrise. No note. No call. And when I tried to talk to you… well not a damn word since.”

Levy froze, her pulse thrumming in her ears as flashes of memory hit her. The low thrum of his speakers, shelves lined with worn CDs, the way his rough laugh had filled his spacious loft, the way she leaned over and kissed him first... But after that? Nothing. It was all a haze.

Her voice came out barely above a whisper, almost ashamed. “I… I don’t even remember that night completely.”

That made him glance at her, eyes narrowing as he searched her expression. “What?”

“I mean I remember… going home with you. I remember your place. Your music collection. We were drinking and talking and…” she hesitated, her cheeks burning as she forced the words out. “But I don’t… I don’t remember the rest.”

Gajeel’s jaw flexed, his knuckles pale where they gripped the wheel. “You don’t remember,” he repeated flatly, like he was testing the weight of the words.

Her shoulders tensed. “…Did we… have sex?”

A beat of silence passed, and then he started to chuckle. 

His laugh was low, humorless, but it wasn’t cruel. “No, Shrimp.”

Levy blinked, whipping her head toward him. “We… didn’t?”

He shot her a quick side glance, crimson eyes glinting under the streetlights. “Nah, you were wasted that night. It ain't really my style to take advantage of girls like that.” He leaned back in his seat slightly, his voice rough but steady now. “We kissed, and then you went to the bathroom, didn’t come out… and I found you asleep against the counter.”

Her breath caught, both in relief and something she couldn’t name. “…Oh… B-but…” she placed her head in her hands. “Um… I was missing…” 

“Yeah…” he drawled, knowing she was too embarrassed to ask about her missing panties. “You left them in my bathroom… said you wanted me to see them cause you and bunny girl spent a good amount of money on em’” he chuckled slowly, and her face flushed brighter. “I never got the chance to tell you that though.”

“Oh my god.” She leaned her head back against the headrest, hiding her face with her hands. “Gajeel… I’m so sorry I assumed… oh god.” 

But before she could find something else to say, his voice dropped lower, huskier, rougher… It reminded her of the part of that night she did remember. It was exactly how his voice sounded before she leaned over and kissed him, and it sent a shiver straight down her spine.

“If we ever do,” he said, leaning just enough for his words to hit her ear, “you’re gonna remember it, Shrimp.” Levy’s breath hitched, frozen under the weight of his voice. He straightened again, one hand casually drumming against the wheel like he hadn’t just set her entire nervous system on fire. “I’ll make sure of that.”

The rest of the ride was quiet, but not the comfortable kind. The air felt heavier, thick with everything unsaid, the sound of the engine humming low beneath it. Levy kept her gaze fixed on the window, but every streetlight that they streaked past only made the heat in her cheeks worse.

When the truck slowed to a stop in front of her building, she finally exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

“Thanks for the ride,” she said softly, her hand already on the door handle. 

Gajeel didn’t answer right away. His hand was still on the steering wheel, jaw set like he was chewing on something unsaid.

“Levy,” he muttered finally, his voice low, not sharp, not teasing, just… rough in a way that made her stomach flip.

She hesitated, turning to look at him. “Yeah?”

His crimson eyes found hers in the dim glow of the dashboard. There was something there she couldn’t place, something he wasn’t saying, something maybe he couldn’t say. But instead of laying it out, he leaned back against his seat, giving her the smallest, almost careless shrug.

“Just… don’t walk home this late again,” he said, gruff but quiet. “It’s not safe.”

She blinked, caught off guard by how soft it sounded under all his rough edges. “…Okay,” she whispered.

For a moment, neither of them moved. Neither of them breathed.

Then Gajeel leaned forward, resting his arm on the top of the steering wheel, and his voice dropped again, that same husky tone that had been haunting her since he whispered in her ear minutes ago.

“And Shrimp,” he added without looking at her, his gaze fixed out the windshield. “I should have reached out to you and I didn’t…”

“It’s fine. I should have too.” She nibbled on her lip. “Maybe we can start over?”

“Yeah, let’s just start over shorty.” He smirked and tapped his fingers against the wheel. “Go on,” he said lowly. “Get inside.”

Levy hesitated for just a second longer, then nodded and stepped out, closing the door softly behind her.

She walked up the path toward her building, hyper-aware of the way his headlights stayed on. The hum of his engine rumbled low, steady, almost grounding, and she couldn’t stop herself from glancing back once.

He was still there. Still watching.

When she reached the top of the steps and unlocked the door, the truck finally pulled away, tires crunching against gravel as he disappeared into the night. Levy leaned against the closed door, hand pressed over her racing heart. She couldn’t tell if she was relieved or disappointed he hadn’t said more.

All she knew was one thing for certain… she wasn’t going to sleep tonight.

…

The next day, Lucy sat on the edge of a stone bench outside the main campus building, her notebook open in her lap but untouched. The words Loke had thrown at her last night kept looping in her head, louder than the chatter of passing students.

He’s reckless and dark… do you even know about his ex—

She hated how it got to her. How it wormed its way under her skin, making her chest feel tight. She had barely gotten sleep the night before and she knew it showed in her face.

“Luce!” She blinked up to see Cana strolling toward her, iced coffee in hand, sunglasses perched lazily on her head. She dropped down beside her, crossing one leg over the other examining her blonde friend up and down. “Babe, I'm not trying to be funny but you look like shit,” Cana said, taking a sip from her cup. “What’s up?”

Lucy hesitated, chewing her lip. She had to ask. She just had to. She twirled her fingers together before simply blurting it out, “Cana… did Natsu… have someone? Like… before?”

Cana froze mid-sip, lowering her cup slowly as her brows rose. “Who… who told you?” She dragged out the sound, leaning back on the bench. 

“No… one…” Lucy frowned, her tired eyes looking everywhere and nowhere. “Just… wondering...”

Cana tilted her head, studying her for a long moment before sighing. “Lucy… you’re my friend… and I want to be honest with you but Natsu should really be the one to tell you.”

“Tell me what?” Lucy whispered. “What is it?”

Cana suddenly looked down. “It’s… hard to talk about…” she let out a breath, hand balling tight. “Look… I really think that you should ask Natsu about his past.”

Lucy’s shoulders slumped a little, but Cana’s gaze softened. “Cana—”

“What I will tell you,” she continued, jabbing a finger in Lucy’s direction as if she was trying to ease the tension in the air, “Is that he really likes you.” 

Lucy felt her face heat up instantly. “He does not… we’re… we’re just friends—”

“Luce.” Cana leaned closer, lowering her voice like she was sharing a secret. “Trust me babe, he likes you. I know he does.”

Lucy’s throat tightened, head shaking. “Even if he did… that doesn’t mean I—”

“What? You don’t like him back?” Cana cut in, eyebrows raised. “My poor Natsu. You’re gonna break his little heart?” Lucy blinked, face burning, fumbling for words that wouldn’t come. Cana smirked knowingly when Lucy didn’t say anything. “That’s what I thought.” She leaned back, sipping her coffee again before adding casually, “Speaking of, I heard about your little… date.”

“It’s not a date,” Lucy said quickly.

“Mhm.” Cana tilted her head, giving her a sly side-eye. “You sure about that?”

Lucy fiddled with her notebook, staring down at the blank page. “Yes. Probably. I think.”

“Uh-huh.” Cana grinned, giving her shoulder a playful nudge. “Well, anyways, I have to meet my old man, but… have fun on your not-date.”

Lucy groaned, burying her face in her hands, and Cana just laughed, leaning back against the bench, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

After Cana left to meet her father, Lucy lingered on the bench, staring at the blank page in her notebook. The words she wanted to write wouldn’t come. Her thoughts were tangled up in everything Cana didn’t say.

If there wasn’t anything to hide… why did Cana refuse to answer? Refuse to give her any tiny detail…

She zipped up her bag, slinging it over her shoulder as she stood, trying to shake the unease building in her chest. Students flowed around her, laughter and conversation filling the courtyard, but Lucy felt like she was moving through a bubble, separated from the noise.

Natsu liked her. Cana was so sure of it. And Lucy…

She wasn’t sure what it was that she felt. Attraction, sure? Safety? Absolutely. But it was something more. Something different than she had ever felt for anyone before. 

Her boots clicked softly against the pavement as she made her way across campus, the winter air sharp against her skin.

But then Loke’s voice crept back in, uninvited.

Do you even know about his ex—

She frowned, hugging her bag tighter against her chest.

She’d known Natsu for months now, spent countless hours with him at the shop, at campus, in restaurants and shops all over Magnolia, at his apartment, around their friends… but there were pieces of him she’d never touched. Entire chapters of his life she knew nothing about.

Cana’s reaction told her enough, there had been someone before. Someone important.

Do you even know about his ex?

And the thought of that someone made her stomach twist.

Lucy stopped at the edge of the quad, biting her lip. She wanted to ask Natsu. She wanted to hear it from him. But the words tangled up in her throat every time she imagined it. What if she didn’t like the answer?

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, snapping her out of her thoughts. A text from Natsu himself lit up her screen:

Natsu

Today: 12:13 p.m

Are we getting food before or after the show? 

She stared at it for a long moment, her thumb hovering over the keyboard, internally laughing at the way he always thought about food. 

Finally, she simply typed back:

Today: 12:16 p.m

After…

Today: 12:17 p.m 

:( 

She giggled, and began to type back once more. 

Today: 12:18 p.m 

Relax you big baby. There’s gonna be food at the show… I think.

Today: 12:19 p.m

:( 

She slid her phone away, smiling to herself before once again her mind wandered back to where she didn’t want it to be. 

Cana was right. If she wanted answers, she should just ask him. But the idea of sitting across from Natsu, looking into those bright, unguarded eyes, and asking him about a person he used to love…

Her stomach knotted instantly.

Lucy pressed her lips together and sighed, dragging herself toward her next lecture, already counting down the minutes until she could leave campus.

 A part of her knew as soon as she saw him she would melt. Every feeling of anxiety and hesitation would slip away from her body the moment she looked into his eyes. She knew she could probably let this go. 

But another part of her knew she wouldn’t be able to.

Not until she knew the truth.

…

Lucy stood in front of the mirror, tugging at the hem of her jersey for the fifth time. It was a little big on her, the name of one of Natsu’s favorite wrestlers stretched across the back in bold letters. She paired it with loose cargo pants and sneakers, telling herself it was casual, simple, not trying too hard. She was used to much tighter, maybe even more revealing clothing. So this would be the perfect not-date outfit. 

When she caught herself brushing her hair a bit too much, she dropped her comb with a thud, and flipped her hair back and forth with her hands to give the impression she wasn’t trying too hard— or at all. This was casual, not a date, she was just going to a live wrestling show with a friend. 

A friend she really, really cared about. 

From the couch, Levy watched her with an amused smirk, flipping lazily through the pages of a magazine as Plue chewed furiously on a bone the bluenette had given him. 

“You know, for someone who keeps insisting this isn’t a date, you’ve changed outfits… what, three times?”

Lucy groaned, grabbing a throw pillow and chucking it in Levy’s direction. “It’s not a date. It’s just a… thank-you gift.”

“Mhm.” Levy caught the pillow, hugging it to her chest, eyes narrowing playfully. “You bought him tickets, Luce. To something he loves. And you’re going with him. Alone. Sounds date-adjacent to me.”

Lucy shot her a glare, grabbing her bag off the island. “It’s wrestling, Levy. Not a candlelit dinner.”

The bluenette shrugged, looking back down to her magazine slowly flipping the page. “Yeah but… maybe put that sexy red crop top back on… you could light candles for a different reason afterward…”

Her cheeks turned pink at the suggestion. “Seriously, it’s not a date.” She scoffed. “Natsu and I are just friends.”

“Whatever you say…” Levy suddenly snapped up, jumping to her feet and running towards Lucy. “Wait!”

“What?!” The blonde yelled, stunned as Levy didn’t hesitate to lift the jersey and examine the lacy black bra Lucy was wearing. “Levy!”

“Oh you better be wearing the matching set we got at the mall!” 

Lucy smacked her hands away, laughing slightly. “You’re impossible.”

Before Levy could respond, there was a knock at the door. Lucy froze for a split second, checking her reflection once more before moving to open it.

Natsu stood there, leaning casually against the doorframe, hands stuffed in the pockets of his black jacket. When he met her gaze he couldn’t help but smile. 

“Ready to go?” he asked, holding out a hand to her without hesitation.

For some reason, Lucy’s breath caught for half a beat before she slipped her hand into his. Back on the couch now, Levy made a quiet, exaggerated swooning noise but mercifully kept any teasing to herself.

“See you later,” Lucy called over her shoulder, grabbing a sweater as Natsu led her toward the hallway.

“You two have fun,” Levy sing-songed, her voice dripping with implication. “Keep her all night if you have to… love you!” 

Lucy grinned, waving back at her best friend, but she could feel her ears heating.  Natsu only chuckled, pulling her closer when a crisp breeze blew by them.

They walked hand in hand down the steps toward Natsu’s truck, the cool night air brushing against her cheeks. Everything Loke had said yesterday about Natsu, about his recklessness, about his past faded from her mind, replaced by the warmth of his palm against hers.

Once they reached the truck, he helped her up before hopping in himself.

“I still can’t believe you got these,” he said as he started the engine, glancing at her with a small grin. “Been trying to catch this event for years.”

Lucy smiled, tugging at her jersey before she pulled on her sweater. “Have you ever been before? To a live event.” 

He nodded, turning the heat on high knowing she would start complaining about how cold she was soon. “Gray’s dad used to take us when we were kids. But I haven’t gone in a while.”

“Aww.” She smiled softly, leaning towards him. “That’s so cute… no wonder he was so hurt by you not going with him.” 

“Eh.” He waved his hand. “He goes to plenty of these with Juvia now but still…” He grinned, pulling onto the road, “it was fun seeing him so jealous.”

She laughed softly, shaking her head in agreement. “Okay, maybe a little.” She clasped her hands. “I’m excited. My first live wrestling show…”

“Good,” he said with a satisfied smirk. “Means I’ve done my job.”

She arched her brow. “Your job?”

“Converting you,” he said matter-of-factly, turning up the radio. “One wrestling match at a time.”

Lucy rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile.

This was a perfect start to their non-date.

…

The drive to the show had been smooth, the kind of easy silence and laughter that came naturally with him. Lucy had taken control of the playlist, blasting her favorite pop songs loud enough to make the windows tremble, and halfway through, she’d turned her phone into a pretend microphone. She sang dramatically and completely off-key, leaning into every wrong note just to drag laughs out of him, and it worked.

Natsu had laughed so hard his shoulders shook, eventually caving and singing along when he recognized the choruses of some of the songs. After months of her forcing her playlists on him, he knew half the words by heart anyway.

By the time they reached the arena, the entire place was alive.

It buzzed with energy. The packed parking lots, buses unloading fans, the station nearby overflowing with people decked out in jerseys and face paint. The low hum of thousands of voices melted together into something like a roar, pulsing with excitement.

Lucy climbed out of the truck and slung her bag over her shoulder, grinning at the chaos. “I still can’t believe we’re actually here.”

Natsu shoved his hands into his pockets, glancing at the massive LED screens flashing outside the arena. “Yeah, well, I still can’t believe you managed to get tickets. Front row, too. That’s insane.”

She shrugged, pretending nonchalance even as his awe warmed her chest. “I knew the second my classmate had offered them up I had to get them.” She smiled at him. “I thought it would be a perfect thank you gift.”

For a moment, his grin softened into something quieter. Something private. “Yeah.”

Lucy looked away before the weight in his gaze got to her, fiddling with the strap of her bag like it was suddenly fascinating.

Inside, the arena swallowed them whole.

The air was thick with the scent of fresh popcorn, salty pretzels and cold beer. Vendors shouted over the rush of the crowd. Giant banners lined the walls as fans buzzed with chatter, and neon lights spilled across the polished floors. The space pulsed with life, and Lucy barely had time to take it all in before Natsu’s hand brushed against hers once, twice, then, without warning, he just took it entirely.

Her breath caught. “What—”

“You’ll get lost,” he said simply, interlacing their fingers, tugging her through the press of people without hesitation. “Stay close.”

Lucy blinked up at him, heart skipping, but decided not to argue. She told herself it was practical. Just casual hand holding. Like they had done many, many times. 

They finally broke through the crowd, the arena floor stretching out beneath them. The massive ring glowed beneath the overhead lights, screens towering above it. Lucy leaned against the railing, honeyed eyes wide taking it all in for a moment.

“Wow…” she breathed, her voice barely carrying over the noise. “Natsu, look at this. We’re so close.”

He smiled faintly, but his gaze wasn’t on the ring. “Yeah. This is awesome, Luce.”

Her cheeks burned, and she quickly turned away, pretending to check their seat numbers. “We should, uh… go find our spots.”

They made their way to the front row, weaving between the clusters of excited fans until they finally reached their seats. Before she could even sit down, Natsu launched into a full explanation of the lineup, which wrestlers were legends, which moves to watch for, and which rivalries were storylined all the way to the grand stage before them. His voice was animated, his hands gesturing wildly, and Lucy found herself smiling without even realizing it.

“Okay, okay,” she interrupted finally, tugging on his sleeve. “Before you keep giving me the entire wrestling history lesson, we need a picture.”

He blinked. “A what?”

“A picture.” She lifted her phone like it was obvious.

Natsu frowned like she’d just asked him to wrestle one of the fighters in the ring. “Luce, I don’t really do pictures.”

“Please?” she begged, clasping her hands together dramatically. “Just one.” She frowned when he didn’t respond. “Oh come on, we need a reminder so we can look back one day and remember being young and in l— being here…” she caught herself, cheeks turning red but he didn’t seem to notice. 

He groaned, dragging a hand down his face, but the corners of his mouth betrayed him with a soft smile. “Fine.”

Lucy lit up, spinning around to flag down a man nearby. “Excuse me! Could you take our picture real quick?”

Within seconds, she was posed right in front of him, Natsu’s arm draped loosely over her shoulder, pulling her towards him like it belonged there. She smiled brightly at the camera, barely noticing the way his chest brushed against her back or the way his thumb tapped absently against her upper arm, like he wasn’t even aware of it.

When the stranger handed the phone back, she immediately scrolled through the pictures, ready to tease him over whatever awkward face he’d made, but her breath caught instead.

She’d been so focused on the camera that she hadn’t noticed him looking at her.

That soft, unguarded gaze… like she was his absolute favorite person in the world. It made her chest ache, warmth pooling low and spreading fast.

“Lucy?”

She locked her phone instantly, turning toward him too quickly. “What?”

“You okay?” he asked, brows drawn together slightly.

“Yeah,” she said quickly, shoving her phone into her pocket before her face betrayed her. “I’m fine. Totally fine. Let’s, um… get food.”

Natsu shrugged, grabbing her hand again without hesitation. “C’mon then. If I remember correctly, pretzels here are the best.”

And just like that, every single thing Loke had said slipped from her mind. There was no space for doubt here, not when Natsu’s smile was this close and the entire arena buzzed with life around them.

…

The matches had been wild.

Every single wrestler who stepped into that ring gave it everything they had, throwing themselves into insane flips, slams, and submissions that made Lucy’s jaw drop over and over again. The crowd around them roared like thunder, an endless wave of cheers and chants that rattled the arena walls, and Lucy… well, Lucy got caught up in it.

Somewhere along the way, she’d stopped just watching and started living it.

She was on her feet constantly, screaming and cheering alongside strangers who threw their arms in the air and raised their beers when their favorites won. At one point, she even found herself chanting along with the crowd, her voice hoarse and unrestrained in a way she didn’t even recognize.

Natsu, of course, was right there with her, yelling louder than anyone around them, completely unbothered by the ringing in his ears. Every time she’d start laughing at how ridiculously into it he got, he’d just grin and scream louder, like he had to outdo her somehow.

By the time the main event rolled around, the championship match, Lucy was so wound up with adrenaline that her heart was pounding like she was in the match herself instead of just watching from the front row.

“Come on, come on!” she yelled, clutching Natsu’s hand without even realizing she’d done it.

He didn’t point it out either, just squeezed back, their palms clammy with sweat but neither caring as they shouted themselves hoarse. Every slam of the mat, every close call, every single two-count made her heart drop into her stomach and bounce right back up again.

When the challenger finally landed his finisher and pinned his opponent, the referee counted one-two-three, and the entire arena exploded.

Lucy screamed with everyone else, throwing her arms up, laughing breathlessly. She didn’t even realize throwing her arms around Natsu and jumping into his arms as the crowd roared in celebration, shaking the entire arena. The brand new world champion leapt out of the ring to celebrate, and when he came barreling toward their section of the crowd, she barely managed to fumble her phone up in time to snag the perfect picture. Her, Natsu, and the reigning champ all grinning wildly, the massive gold title front and center.

By the time the show ended, her cheeks hurt from smiling.

It took forever to get out of the arena, and even longer to find where they’d parked his truck, but neither of them cared. The night was awesome, the crowd buzzing around them with leftover excitement, and Lucy still felt like her veins were thrumming with adrenaline.

They finally climbed into the truck, doors slamming shut, and sat there for a beat, both of them catching their breath like they’d been the ones fighting in the ring.

“Man…” Natsu said finally, holding up his phone to show her his new Lock Screen. The picture of the two of them with the heavyweight champion, grinning ear to ear. “Gray is gonna be so jealous of this picture.”

Lucy laughed, tilting her head to look at him. “Oh, totally. He’s never gonna let you live it down.”

“Oh, I’m framing it,” he declared, already scrolling through his phone to find the actual selfie. “Hanging it right up at Fairy Brew so he sees it every single day.”

Lucy giggled, leaning back against the seat, letting the sound of his excitement wash over her. “You’re so mean to him, you know that?”

“Yup,” he said without missing a beat, proud of himself. “But now I’ve got proof I’m cooler than Gray. Best. Night. Ever.”

Lucy smiled softly, tucking her legs onto the seat and glancing out at the glowing city streets.

…

The burger joint smelled like heaven.

After hours of screaming, cheering, and laughing, greasy food and cold milkshakes were exactly what they needed to end the night. They snagged a booth in the corner, sitting side by side, both of them still buzzing, faces warm from leftover adrenaline and laughter.

Natsu talked the entire time.

He couldn’t help it, rambling on about his favorite matches, pointing out subtle moves the wrestlers had done, reliving every flip and slam like he was still there. He even started telling her about the shows Silver Fullbuster, Gray’s father, used to take them to as kids. How they’d get the best seats and eat way too much junk food until Silver carried them both out, half-asleep on his shoulders.

Lucy didn’t say much. She didn’t need to.

She just listened, chin propped in her hand, sipping at her milkshake as her heart fluttered uncontrollably. There was something unguarded about him like this, something soft beneath all that chaotic energy. He was comfortable. Safe. And she clung to every word he shared with her.

By the time they made it back to the truck, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d smiled so much in one night.

The drive home was quieter.

The high-energy chaos of the arena and the restaurant melted into something softer as calm, slow pop music drifted low from the speakers. Lucy rested her head against the window, rolling it down for a moment, eyes half-lidded, feeling the cool winter air roll in. Every so often, she stretched her hand out into the chill, fingers trailing through the night like she could catch it. 

The stars were brighter than usual, scattered endlessly across the sky. She wondered if they’d come out like this, on this special night just for them.

By the time they pulled onto Strawberry Street, Magnolia was deep in its midnight quiet. Neither of them rushed to leave the truck, and when they finally did, their footsteps up the stairs were slow, like they were both avoiding the part of the night where they had to say goodbye.

“This was the best night ever,” Natsu said suddenly, his voice soft but sure.

Lucy turned, smiling at him as they reached the top of the stairs. She clutched the oversized beer mug he’d insisted on buying her, the one with the wrestling logo, while he carried the bag stuffed with T-shirts they’d picked out for Juvia and Gray.

“It really was,” she said quietly, meeting his gaze. “And… I really do mean it, Natsu. Thank you.”

He tilted his head. “For what?”

“For this. For you. For…” She hesitated, chewing her lip. “…for everything. I feel like you’ve done so much for me since the day we met, and I never… I don’t know. I never get to help you back.”

He blinked, like he wasn’t expecting her to say that, and his voice softened in a way that made her chest ache.

“What do you mean, Luce? You…” He trailed off, his hand flexing against the bag. “…you have no idea in how many ways you’ve helped me.”

She scoffed, rolling her eyes as if brushing it off, but her shove to his chest was gentle, playful. “Yeah, right. You’re just saying that.”

“I’m serious,” he murmured, leaning into her touch, refusing to back away.

The world seemingly slowed.

She looked up at him, breath catching, and suddenly the space between them felt unbearably small. Inches. Just inches, and yet something invisible held her back. Held both of them back.

But his eyes, god, the way he was looking at her.

“Natsu… I…”

Natsu knew from the moment he’d met her that he was in trouble. From the second she’d crashed into him, literally, and he’d looked into those big, bright, honeyed eyes, something in him had shifted. And now, standing here, her hand pressed against his chest, he felt it again. Stronger than ever.

“I’m serious, Lucy…” he said, almost whispering, his voice rough around the edges. “For a long time… I thought… I thought I’d never be able to feel like this again. But tonight…” He swallowed hard. “Every night… You’ve made everything easier. You make me feel alive again.”

Cana’s voice drifted through her mind like a whisper carried in the wind. She shifted her eyes from his own, to his lips.

He likes you. I know he does.

Without a thought, without a flinch, Lucy stepped forward and crossed the line he had drawn between them all those months ago.

The instant her lips brushed against his, the world stopped.

Natsu froze for a second, breath caught somewhere between shock and surrender, before instinct, months of buried need and silent longing ripped through him like fire.

The bag in his hand hit the floor with a soft thud he didn’t hear. His hands were on her in an instant, sliding around her waist, pulling her flush against him like they were made to fit this way. He backed her gently into the wall, caging her in without trapping her, his chest trembling against hers in sync with the frantic rhythm of their hearts.

She let out the faintest sound, a half gasp, half sigh, and it undid him. His lips moved against hers with growing urgency, slow but hungry, every second feeding the heat coiling between them.

Her hands threaded into his hair, fingertips grazing the back of his neck and he shuddered at how much he loved it. A low, unsteady sound escaped his throat, and she swore she felt it vibrate against her lips. That sound made her press closer, deepening the kiss, tasting his warmth, his breath, the ache and want he’d been holding back all this time.

She couldn’t think. Couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t do anything but feel. Feel the drag of his thumb against the curve of her hip, the press of his chest against hers, the heat rolling off him like a second heartbeat. His fingers flexed where they gripped her waist, his other sliding up to cup her face and pull her closer as if that was possible. Like if he let go, she might disappear.

She broke the kiss for only a split second to breathe, her lips brushing his, and his nose skimmed the curve of her cheek, sending a shiver shooting down her spine. Their foreheads touched, their breaths mingling, ragged and uneven.

“Lucy…” he rasped, so softly it was almost a plea, tracing his thumb against her bottom lip. Before she could answer, his mouth was on hers again, rougher this time, like he’d stopped thinking altogether.

It was everything.

Everything they’d both been holding back.

Everything they knew they wanted but were too afraid to have.

He wanted her desperately, more than anything.

But then—

Lisanna.

The thought of her hit him like ice water, slicing through the haze of heat.

His eyes flew open, breath sharp and uneven, and he tore himself away like he’d been burned. He stumbled back a step, hand clamped over his mouth, chest heaving.

Lucy stayed frozen against the wall, lips parted, breathing hard, her wide eyes searching his face for answers he couldn’t give.

“S-sorry…” she whispered first, her voice fragile, breaking under the weight of it. “I—I didn’t—” Her throat tightened. “I’m sorry.”

No.

The word screamed in his head, but it refused to leave his lips. He wanted to tell her it wasn’t her, that it was him, that this wasn’t rejection. But the words caught somewhere deep and jagged in his throat.

“I—Lucy, I…”

He couldn’t say it. Couldn’t move.

She swallowed hard, looking away, her voice trembling like she was piecing together a goodbye she didn’t want to say. “I just thought… maybe…”

She didn’t finish the sentence. She didn’t have to. The unsaid words hung between them, heavy and suffocating, louder than anything either of them could have spoken.

Natsu’s hands shook, every instinct in him screaming to close the distance, to take it back, to pull her in and never let her go.

But he didn’t.

He couldn’t.

And the space between them stayed.

Her hand hovered over her lips, fingertips grazing where his had just been, and she couldn’t hide the fear blooming in her chest. The quiet, gnawing thought that maybe she had done something wrong.

But it wasn’t her.

It wasn’t her at all.

It was him.

“Lucy— I… I’m sorry Lucy…”

“No, don’t!” she cut him off quickly, shaking her head as though she couldn’t bear to hear whatever came next. He blinked at her, startled, but she didn’t let him speak. She looked down, pulling her arms close to her chest, holding herself together in the silence. Her voice cracked softly when she finally spoke, quiet and pleading: “Can we just… forget that happened please?”

Her words landed heavier than any punch Natsu had ever taken.

The softness in her voice broke something in him.

Natsu wanted to reach for her. To tell her she was wrong, that it wasn’t her fault, that he wanted her so tremendously it terrified him. He wanted to tell her what he had denied this whole time. 

I’m so in love with you, Lucy.

But the guilt weighed too heavy, pressing into his chest, stealing the words from his mouth.

He clenched his fists at his sides, trying to breathe, trying to speak, but nothing came out except a choked, quiet, “Lucy…”

She only shook her head, backing toward her door without another word.

And he let her.

Because he couldn’t move.

…

Chapter Text

Lucy shut the door to her apartment as quietly as she could, her back pressing against it for support the moment she heard it click shut. For just a second, she didn’t breathe, she felt like she couldn’t. She bit the inside of her cheek, the only thing she could think to do to stop the sobs that threatened to escape. 

Her lips still tingled.

Her heart still raced.

And yet… she felt cold.

She told herself she shouldn’t have kissed him. She shouldn’t have crossed that line. But as much as she tried to convince herself of that, deep down she knew the truth. She’d wanted to. She’d wanted to kiss Natsu for so long it scared her to admit it, even to herself.

Her fingertips brushed against her lips before she dropped her hand, shutting her eyes tightly, forcing the memory out of her head before it consumed her completely.

She took slow, careful steps down the hall, the quiet of the apartment wrapping around her like a fragile shell. When she peeked into Levy’s room, she found her best friend asleep, curled up awkwardly in her desk chair, an open book still resting in her lap. It almost looked like she had been waiting for Lucy to come home.

Lucy’s chest tightened even harder.

Even Plue, who usually bounded out to greet her, was curled up on a rug near Levy’s feet, sleeping soundly. She realized then just how quietly she must’ve come in — how much she didn’t want anyone to see her like this.

With a shaky breath, she slipped into her own room and shut the door gently behind her. The silence there was suffocating, pressing on her ears until she felt like she couldn’t breathe.

She stripped off her clothes and stepped into the shower, hoping the water would wash away the mess of emotions clinging to her skin. The moment the hot stream hit her, the tears she’d been holding back finally broke free, sliding down her cheeks and mixing with the water.

Lucy leaned her forehead against the cool tile wall, shutting her eyes tightly as her thoughts spiraled.

The rejection stung. More than she wanted to admit.

She tried to tell herself it was better this way, better to bury whatever she was feeling before it ruined everything. She couldn’t lose him. She wouldn’t lose him. But tonight made her question everything. Could they really go back to being just friends after this? Could she keep pretending she didn’t want him when every part of her heart screamed that she did?

Her tears slowed, but the ache stayed.

When she finally shut the water off and wrapped herself in a towel, she caught her reflection in the mirror — red, puffy eyes, flushed cheeks, wet hair sticking to her neck — and it hit her all over again.

She was hopelessly in love with him.

And she had no idea what to do about it now.

…

The door to his apartment shut harder than he meant it to, the sound echoing through the quiet space. He took a breath, trying to ease the ache in his heart but it only pressed harder and harder the more he tried to forget. 

Her hands were still in his hair.

Her kiss was still on his lips.

Her scent was still clinging to his hoodie.

And all he could think about was her.

Natsu dragged a hand down his face and cursed under his breath, kicking his sneakers off without caring where they landed. He dropped the bag with Gray and Juvia’s T-shirts onto the counter, staring at it like it was supposed to distract him from the chaos in his head. But nothing could.

He walked to the sink, turning the faucet on just to hear something fill the silence, splashing cold water onto his face. He gripped the edge of the counter, knuckles turning white, and stared down into the drain.

He wanted that kiss. He wanted her. He wanted her so badly it physically hurt.

The feel of Lucy’s hands on his neck, the way her lips had moved against his like they’d been waiting for this — like he’d been waiting for this. And maybe he had.

But when her warmth was right there, when her heartbeat pressed against his chest, another face crashed into his mind.

Lisanna.

He clenched his jaw, hard enough that it hurt. The weight of her name slammed into him again, ripping him out of the moment he’d wanted more than anything in all these months of getting to know Lucy. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair to Lucy, it wasn’t even fair to him, but the guilt wouldn’t let him breathe.

He dropped onto the couch, running both hands through his hair until it stood on end, elbows digging into his knees as he stared at the floor.

“Damn it…” he muttered, his voice breaking on the edges.

He wanted to chase after Lucy, to tell her it wasn’t her fault, that she didn’t do anything wrong, that she was the best thing to happen to him in years. He wanted to tell her again, that she made him feel alive. That every second he spent with her was like remembering how to breathe. He wanted to tell her that he was scared. He was so fucking scared.

He wanted to tell her he was in love with her.

But he couldn’t.

Not when Lisanna’s ghost was still in the room with him. Not when the past he’d buried clawed its way up every time he got too close to happiness.

Because, why should he be allowed to be happy?

Natsu leaned back against the couch, the springs groaning under him as he threw an arm over his eyes. The apartment was still, but his head wasn’t. His thoughts screamed louder with every heartbeat, no matter how hard he tried to drown them.

He could still hear Lucy’s laugh echoing. Still see her smile, bright enough to burn. Still feel the imprint of her lips on his like fire he’d never forget.

His chest tightened, breath shuddering out of him, frustration tangling with longing until he thought he might break apart. And before he could stop himself, the words spilled into the dark, fractured and trembling.

“I’m so fucking sorry, Lucy.”

It came out broken.

He didn’t sleep that night.

…

Natsu’s eyes snapped open when he felt a soft tug at his shirt. Blinking against the morning light, he saw Wendy hovering over him, her small brows knit together in worry.

“What’s the matter?” she asked, her voice quiet as she reached out, pressing the back of her hand to his forehead. “Do you feel sick?”

He caught her wrist gently, moving her hand away as he sat up. His body felt heavy, his muscles sore like he’d been fighting all night instead of sleeping. Wendy’s frown deepened when she noticed the redness in his eyes and the shadows under them.

“No,” he rasped, his voice low and hoarse, sounding like it didn’t even belong to him.

She hesitated, sitting on the ground before him as she studied his face. “Natsu…” she whispered, softly and cautiously, “what happened? I thought you went out with Lucy yesterday.”

He dragged a hand over his face, forcing himself to sit straighter, trying to shake off the fog clouding his head. He didn’t want Wendy to worry. He didn’t want her to see the storm still raging inside him.

“No… we did,” he said after a moment, his voice quiet. “It was a lot of fun.”

The corners of his lips lifted for a split second, a faint smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He tried to hold on to the earlier parts of the night: Lucy laughing next to him, her hand gripping his during the matches, the way she lit up like the whole arena existed just for her.

But then the memory of the hallway crept in, and the smile slipped.

“I—” He hesitated, glancing down at his hands, curling them into fists as if he could hold himself together. “I think I am feeling a little sick actually.”

Wendy tilted her head, clearly unconvinced. She wanted to ask more, but she knew her brother well enough to recognize when he wasn’t ready to talk. Instead, she reached over, brushing a piece of his messy pink hair out of his face.

“You should rest, then,” she said softly. “I’ll make breakfast.”

He nodded, grateful for the out, though his chest felt tighter with every breath.

As Wendy padded out towards the kitchen, Natsu collapsed back onto the couch, draping an arm over his eyes. The image of Lucy’s hurt expression refused to leave his mind, her soft whisper still ringing in his ears:

Can we just… forget that happened?

But he couldn’t forget.

He didn’t want to.

He hated himself in that moment, the bitterness twisting in his chest. Why couldn’t he just think about Lucy last night, when her lips had brushed his? Why did her face, her laugh, her every little movement she did haunt him at every other moment, except the one time he had desperately wanted her there?

Wendy paused in the hallway, glancing back at his motionless figure. She bit her lip, hesitating for only a moment before slipping her phone out of her pocket. Her thumbs moved quickly over the screen. 

Gray

Now

I need help. Can you come here? I think something bad happened with Natsu and Lucy last night…

She stared at the message for a second before hitting send.

… 

Lucy woke late, the weak midday sunlight slipping through the curtains, tracing pale lines across the wooden floor. Her body felt heavy, pinned beneath the weight of last night’s memories, but she forced herself to try and sit upright anyway.

Levy was perched at the edge of her desk, notebook open, balancing a pencil between her fingers. The moment she noticed Lucy stirring, her lips quickly turned into a smirk. 

“And here I thought I would waking up alone here this morning.” She teased as Lucy continued to stir. “Lu come on I’m gonna be late for a study group but I want every juicy detail fir—” her eyebrows knit with concern when Lucy sat up and she got a clear view of her face. “Have you been crying?” Levy said softly.

Lucy froze for only a moment before the sting hit again, tears threatening to rise, and Levy was already climbing onto the bed, wrapping her arms around her. No questions, no hesitation. Lucy buried her face in her friend’s shoulder, letting herself break for just a little while.

When she finally pulled away, Levy brushed Lucy’s damp hair from her face. “Do you wanna talk about it?”

Lucy hesitated, swallowing hard. “I kissed him.”

Levy blinked, piecing it together instantly. “…Natsu?” A miserable nod. “And?” Levy pressed carefully. “That should be a good thing?” 

Lucy dropped her gaze to her lap, fingers tightening around the blanket. “He pulled away. Didn’t say anything. I—” her voice cracked, “—I ruined everything, Levy. I shouldn’t have done it.”

Levy’s expression softened, but her voice was steady, firm. “Lu… no. Something else had to have happened. Anyone with eyes can see how much Natsu likes you.”

Lucy shook her head quickly, wiping at her face. “I can’t. I don’t want to lose him, Levy. He’s like my best friend. I can’t make this weird.”

“Hey come on, you won’t.” Levy assured her. “Just talk to him. I’m sure this is just… something else Lu.” 

“No.” Lucy shook her head, “you should have seen the look on his face…”

Before Levy could respond, a gentle knock echoed from the front door. They both stilled, exchanging looks.

Levy gave Lucy’s hand a squeeze, silently telling her to stay put, and slipped out of the room. Lucy sat frozen, trying to wipe away any evidence of crying, fixing her hair quickly with shaky hands.

“Uh… Juvia?” Levy’s voice carried faint surprise from the front door.

Lucy blinked and slowly pushed herself off the bed, poking her head into the hallway. Sure enough, Juvia stood there, holding a neatly arranged tray covered in warm cookies. The smell drifted in sweet and buttery, making Lucy’s stomach grumble despite the heavy pit in it. 

Levy, however, eyed the tray suspiciously. “These aren’t… seaweed coffee cake 2.0, right?”

Juvia flushed crimson, puffing her cheeks slightly. “No! Juvia learned from that mistake.” 

She glanced past Levy, spotting Lucy, her gaze softening. “Juvia brought these for you.”

Lucy hesitated, forcing a small smile. “Thanks, Juvia. That’s… really sweet of you.”

Levy glanced between them, then gave Lucy a quick squeeze on the arm. “I have to go for a bit,” she said softly, almost like a quiet nudge for Lucy to breathe. “Call me if you need me, okay?”

Lucy forced the smallest smile and nodded again. “Yeah. Go. I’ll be fine.”

Levy didn’t look convinced, but she left anyway, grabbing her bag and heading out.

Lucy padded fully to the living room, tucking loose strands of hair behind her ear, and found Juvia still standing nervously by the door, clutching the tray of cookies a bit too tightly.

“Hey,” Lucy greeted lightly, forcing brightness into her voice. “So what’s all this?”

Juvia hesitated, glancing down at the tray, fiddling with the ribbon around it. “Juvia… made these for you… because… uh—”

“They smell amazing,” Lucy said softly, though her stomach twisted painfully. “Thanks, Juvia.”

Juvia nodded but didn’t move, her fingers gripping the edge of the tray tighter. “Actually… Juvia came because—” she stopped, shifted her weight, and tried again, “—because Gray-sama asked to check in.”

Lucy blinked, masking her expression instantly. “Gray asked you to?”

Juvia nodded quickly, speaking fast, almost tripping over her words. “Wendy-san mentioned to him something about last night… she wasn’t very specific, but Gray-sama thought maybe Juvia could… keep you company? Make sure everything is okay?”

Lucy forced the smallest, fakest laugh she could muster and shook her head. “I’m fine. Seriously.”

Juvia’s brows pinched, clearly unconvinced. “Are you sure, Lucy-san?”

“Actually,” Lucy added, grasping at the thought as it formed, “I was thinking… we should go out. Just you and me.”

Juvia’s eyes widened slightly. “Go… out?”

“Yeah,” Lucy said, making her voice lighter than she felt. “I have a little break from school, one of my classmates invited me to a party at this bar, and I kind of want to… let loose.” She wiggled her eyebrows playfully. “What do you say? Should we have some fun?”

Juvia hesitated for only a second before her whole face lit up. “Juvia would love that! But—” her gaze flicked down to Lucy’s pajamas, a plain white t-shirt with rainbow shorts. “—First, we must go shopping.”

Lucy smiled faintly, some genuine warmth seeping through despite the heaviness in her chest. “Fine. Give me a few minutes to get ready.”

“Take your time.” Juvia smiled, leaning down to play with Plue who had been whining for attention. 

When she slipped back into her room and shut the door, silence swallowed her whole.

She leaned against the door, chest rising and falling unevenly, and it hit her again. The memory of last night.

The press of his lips against hers. The heat of his hands at her waist. The way, for a moment, he kissed her back like he’d wanted her just as badly.

And then… him pulling away. The regretful look in his eyes.

Her chest ached so deeply it hurt to breathe. She shook her head violently, refusing to let it swallow her whole.

Distraction. She needed distraction.

Lucy straightened, pulling herself away from the door, and headed toward her dresser. Makeup, clothes, shoes, anything to make her feel lighter, freer, anything that didn’t remind her of the way he pulled away from her last night.

Today, she decided, she wouldn’t think about Natsu.

She couldn’t.

…

Gray punched the code in Natsu and Wendy’s door, stepping into the silent apartment without a sound.

The moment he entered, the quiet hit him. Heavy. Suffocating. Familiar. The blinds were drawn, the lights off, the air thick with stillness. It pulled him back to another time… another place.

He’d walked into scenes like this before. Back then, it was after Lisanna. Nights where Natsu shut the world out, curling in on himself like he could fold away the hurt if he just stayed small enough.

But this wasn’t the same.

Gray felt it instantly. This wasn’t loss carved by death… was something closer, rawer. Like watching someone build up walls they didn’t want to build but didn’t know how to stop.

He shut the door softly behind him.

“Natsu?” Gray called, keeping his voice low.

No answer.

Gray crossed the living room, passed the kitchen, went down the hall, his eyes adjusting to the dimness, until he spotted him: sprawled on his bed, back turned toward the door. He wasn’t asleep. Gray could tell.

“Wendy texted me,” Gray said, stepping closer. “Said you weren’t doing too good.” Still nothing. Gray dragged a chair from the corner and sat next to the bed, resting his arms on his knees. “Gonna make me guess, huh?”

Silence stretched. Seconds blurred into minutes.

Finally, Natsu muttered, voice hoarse and low, “I shouldn’t have gotten close to her.”

Gray’s eyes widened for a moment. He didn’t have to ask who her was.

For a minute, he considered saying something, anything. But he stopped himself. If there was one thing he’d learned after a lifetime of friendship, it was this: pushing Natsu before he was ready only made him retreat further.

Gray leaned back in the chair, arms folded. “Alright,” he said simply. “You don’t have to talk about it. Not until you’re ready.”

He glanced around the room, half-expecting Natsu to argue, to deflect, to snarl something sarcastic, but he didn’t. He just lay there, staring at nothing.

Gray sighed softly, running a hand through his hair. “Kinana’s got the Brew covered today. I’ll stick around for a while.”

Still no response.

Natsu didn’t say thanks. Didn’t tell him to leave, either. He just pulled the blanket tighter around his shoulders, shutting out what little light seeped through the blinds.

Gray settled into the silence beside him, the unspoken weight between them saying more than words ever could.

… 

When they stepped into the party hours later, the world exploded around them.

Heat and color clung to their skin immediately. Flashing lights in pinks and purple across the packed room, making everyone look like fragments of a painting. The bass rattled through the floor, heavy enough to vibrate in Lucy’s chest, every pulse syncing with the electronic beat and distorted autotuned vocals blaring overhead. Voices overlapped in a constant roar, drunken shouts, laughter, the clinking of glasses, so loud it was like the music itself was swallowing them whole.

Lucy’s fingers brushed the hem of her new dress as her gaze roamed over the chaos: pink, short, backless, cut low in the front. Something bold and a little reckless. Juvia, next to her, was striking in a strapless black dress, curls perfectly framing her face, but her wide blue eyes gave her away. She was already overwhelmed.

“This is exactly what I needed,” Lucy yelled over the music, leaning close to Juvia’s ear. 

The bluenette only gave her a smile and they made their way deeper inside, weaving through swaying bodies and glittering drink trays toward the bar. As they pushed past a cluster of laughing girls, Lucy leaned into Juvia’s shoulder for balance, the warmth of her hand gripping the bluenette’s wrist tight.

Juvia’s mind drifted back to earlier while they were shopping, when she’d hesitantly asked Lucy how her night with Natsu had gone. Lucy had only smiled, soft and small, saying she’d had fun, and maybe next time Juvia and Gray should come along. No details. No jokes. No blush. Just a simple smile.

Juvia hadn’t pressed, but now… she wondered if maybe she should have.

Lucy slid onto a stool and flagged down the bartender, leaning across the counter with a teasing grin. “Eight shots, please!”

The man blinked but didn’t question her, quickly lining up eight tiny glasses.

“Uhh… Lucy-san…” Juvia stared, wide-eyed, watching Lucy tip the first shot back like it was water. “Maybe we should pace ourselves.”

“No way!” Lucy’s laugh was bright and reckless, already tinged with tipsiness as she shoved another glass into Juvia’s hand. “We’re not driving, and we said we’d have fun tonight!” She downed her second, her throat burning, her eyes glassy but shining. “If you don’t help me, I’ll drink them all.”

Juvia sighed but lifted her glass, grimacing as the tequila burned down her throat.

“That’s the spirit.” Lucy winked, tossing back her third shot without hesitation. Then a fourth. Then a fifth.

“Okay, okay!” Juvia finally wrestled the tray away before Lucy could finish the rest. “We can’t have fun if you get that trashed right away Lucy-san!.” She set the remaining glasses aside, grabbing Lucy’s hand tightly. “You wanted to dance, right?” Lucy beamed, cheeks flushed, her blonde hair falling in soft waves against her shoulders. “Let’s dance!”

She cheered loudly, spinning on her heel and already moving with the beat, arms raised as the music swallowed her whole. Juvia smiled despite herself, ready to follow, until a hand landed firmly on her shoulder.

“Juvia?”

She turned, blinking rapidly when she found herself staring into an all-too-familiar smirk.

“L-Lyon-sama?”

Lyon Vastia, Gray’s step brother, leaned against the bar casually, sleeves rolled up on a black button-down that clung just right to his athletic body. His pale hair was perfectly tousled like always. Behind him, a few of his teammates lounged with beers in hand, sizing up the room. He looked effortlessly confident and put together, the opposite of Gray’s messy, unbothered energy.

“I thought that was you,” he said smoothly, lifting his glass in a mock toast.

“Juvia… didn’t expect to see you here,” she managed, forcing a polite smile even as her pulse quickened. “What brings you to town?”

“Game tomorrow night,” Lyon said with a shrug, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “I sent Gray tickets for the two of you, but of course the bastard didn’t bother telling you.”

Juvia furrowed her brows slightly. “You… you know Gray-sama wouldn’t be too happy about that.”

He smirked, leaning closer to her. “I actually wouldn’t know. He hasn’t talked to me in about a year.”

“But you know why he wouldn’t want to go, Lyon-sama…” she told him. “Gray-sama doesn’t really watch hockey games anymore…”

Lucy, leaning lazily against the counter, caught the exchange with half-lidded, tipsy eyes. Her brows arched, her lips quirking.

“Ohhh,” she hummed teasingly, nudging Juvia’s side. “This is Gray’s brother, isn’t he?”

“Uh yes, Lucy-san, this is Lyon-sama…” Juvia started, but before she could say more, Lyon stepped forward to shake Lucy’s hand.

She lifted her empty shot glass instead, gaze sharp despite her haze. “I heard you’re in love with her.”

Juvia’s stomach dropped.

Lyon froze for a beat, then laughed softly, taking it in stride. “I was,” he corrected with a lazy sip of his drink. “Before my idiot brother decided he wanted her and stole her from me.”

“Lyon-sama!” Juvia’s voice pitched nervously, cheeks burning. “Juvia was always Gray-sama’s! Never yours!”

He only chuckled, unfazed, while Lucy leaned her chin on her hand, watching him carefully.

“How’d you get over her then?” The blonde asked suddenly, voice smooth but quiet, the question slipping out before she could stop it.

Lyon raised an eyebrow at her bluntness but answered anyway. “Time,” he said simply. “And meeting new people… it’s not like I could pine after someone who clearly didn’t want me...”

Juvia frowned slightly, glancing at Lucy, who seemed oddly intent, like she was filing his words away for later.

Before she could ask, one of Lyon’s teammates slung an arm around him.

“I see what you mean about girls from Magnolia,” the guy drawled.

Lyon gestured casually. “Ladies, meet Hibiki Lates — our newest draft pick.”

Hibiki’s smirk was effortless. Almost like he knew he was good-looking with his messy brown hair falling over his forehead, pale blue shirt half unbuttoned, lashes long enough to frame sharp, confident eyes. He glanced Lucy’s way, already sizing her up.

“So,” Hibiki drawled smoothly, leaning one elbow against the bar, “what’s your story, blondie? You wanna have some fun?”

Lucy blinked at him, no smile, no frown. Just a shrug, almost unintentionally uninterested. “Sure.”

“Uh—wait, Lucy-san—” Juvia started, but Lucy was already sliding off the stool.

“I’ll be fiiiineee, Juvia,” she said with a little laugh, snatching another abandoned drink off the bar. 

Juvia’s chest tightened, worry coiling in her stomach. Something was clearly wrong, more wrong than she’d realized earlier. She watched as Lucy trailed Hibiki toward the dance floor, her movements looser, more detached, like she was trying to get lost on purpose. 

With a sigh, Juvia pulled out her phone, fingers fumbling before she found Gray’s name. She typed a message quickly. Sliding the phone back into her bag, she refocused when Lyon spoke again.

“So,” he drawled casually, leaning closer to the woman, sliding her a drink he had ordered her. "How's Gray anyway?”

Juvia blinked, caught off guard by the question when she shouldn’t have been. “Gray-sama has been… busy.” She knew the two didn’t have the best relationship, so didn’t want to admit he’d been ignoring Lyon’s calls on purpose. 

“Busy, huh?” Lyon snorted, swirling his drink. “Figures. Too busy to call me back, as usual.”

“You know how he is,” Juvia said softly. “Gray-sama is focused on work these days.”

Lyon gave her a sidelong glance, lips tugging into a sly smirk. “He should focus on you instead.”

Juvia flushed, hands tightening around the glass he had slid her earlier. “Juvia didn’t mean—”

He laughed, holding up a hand to stop her. “Relax. I’m simply teasing you.” Leaning against the bar, he took another slow sip. “I was serious about one thing, though. I am seeing someone now.”

Juvia blinked, smiling softly. “Oh… that’s wonderful, Lyon-sama.”

“Its still new, her name is Meredy,” he said, smiling faintly. “She’s gorgeous. My sister actually likes her. She’s a music producer, you know.”

Juvia’s brows lifted slightly. “Wow… she sounds very special.”

“She is,” Lyon said, then reached into his pocket. “I told her about you.”

Juvia froze, startled, but he continued, handing her a sleek black business card, almost too casually like he had known he would run into her. “Huh?”

“She wants to meet you,” he said simply. “The whole band.”

Juvia stared down at the glossy card in her hand, the neon lights from the bar flickering against the silver lettering: Sorcerer Records. Her throat went dry as she read the words. 

She had heard of this record company before. It housed many popular music artists. It was located  in a whole different side of the country, Crocus.

Her fingers curled tighter around the card until the edges bent.

“You’re serious?” Her voice barely carried over the bass vibrating through the walls. “It’s so far though…”

Lyon only smirked and sipped his drink. “She wants to meet you. All of you. Just a conversation. Nothing more… yet, anyway.”

Juvia swallowed, her chest tightening. “Juvia couldn’t…” Her voice faltered, the words tangling in her throat.

Her eyes stayed on the card. Every time she thought about Crocus, she imagined Gray’s face, his quiet frown, the weight of his hand in hers. The way they held each other every night. Magnolia wasn’t just her home; it was his, and the idea of putting distance between them, even for a dream, made her stomach twist.

Lyon tilted his head, studying her. “Juvia… if this is about Gray…” He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “You think he wouldn’t want you to follow your dreams?”

“J-Juvia isn’t sure that this is her dream…” 

He took a long sip. “Juvia… if Gray was still playing hockey—” her eyes widened. “Do you think he would have hesitated to travel, leave you when he had to, because of the distance?” 

Her grip on the card trembled. She couldn’t answer that.

…

Gray had managed to get Natsu out of bed. He’d managed to get the man to shower, even managed to coax him into the living room. Small victories like that felt monumental today. Now, they sat on opposite ends of the couch, a game show flickering across the television that they weren’t really paying attention to.

Natsu hadn’t said more than two words all day. He hadn’t eaten more than half a sandwich, but he had drank more than a few beers.

His expression was blank, his shoulders slouched, his body heavy in the cushions as if gravity had him pinned there. The sound of canned laughter from the TV barely registered. He stared at the screen without seeing it, lost somewhere deeper, somewhere darker.

“Still not up for talking, huh?” Gray’s voice was low but careful, testing.

No answer.

Gray sighed, setting the remote down on the coffee table beside his phone before heading into the kitchen for another drink.

Natsu didn’t move. He couldn’t. His chest ached, a dull, constant throb he couldn’t quiet. Lucy. Her name lived there, twisting like a knife he couldn’t pull out. Guilt gnawed at him, relentless, for hurting her, for letting things get this far, for not even saying anything to her to clear everything up. It wasn’t her. It really wasn’t her. It was all him.

He kept replaying their night together. The way she’d smiled at him, like he was the best person in the world. The way she looked at him right before she kissed him, like there was a chance she felt the exact same way he did. The way it shattered when he pushed her away. He hated himself for it.

Somewhere deep down, he decided he was done. Done trying. Done loving. He’d had his chance, and he ruined it. Whatever version of himself Lucy deserved… it wasn’t this one.

But no matter how many times he told himself that, his chest still burned when he thought of her.

The sharp buzz of Gray’s phone against the wooden coffee table snapped him out of his spiral. Natsu glanced at the screen without meaning to, his brows pulling together when he saw the name:

Juvia.

His tired eyes flicked over the message:

Juvia

Now

Gray-sama, Juvia doesn’t think that Lucy-san is actually okay. She seems to be… really sad… Juvia doesn’t know but she isn’t okay at all. Can you come help please?

His stomach dropped. The words blurred for a moment before he snatched the phone up, rereading them over and over like they might change the more he looked.

By the time Gray walked back in, brows furrowed, Natsu was already on his feet.

“Lost your own phone?” Gray asked, trying for casual, but his voice had a faint edge to it.

“Where are they?” Natsu’s tone was sharp, his face serious, but his eyes, half-lidded and rimmed red, gave away just how drained he really was.

Gray stopped, glanced at the message, then back at him. His jaw clenched. The look in his eyes told him that right now was not the moment to lie. 

“They went to a party.”

Natsu grabbed the gray hoodie draped over the couch and yanked it on in one motion.

“Hang on, Natsu—”

“Gray.” His voice was low, warning. “If you don’t get me to that fucking party, I’ll find it myself.”

Gray exhaled through his nose, shoving a hand into his pocket as his own shoulders sagged. “…Fine,” he muttered finally, grabbing his keys. “But I’m driving.”

…

Lucy was lost in her own mind.

Bodies pressed against her from every direction, heat clinging to her skin, the heavy bass thrumming through her chest like a second heartbeat. The music wrapped around her, drowning out thought, drowning out the pain and confusion. It was exactly what she wanted to feel, absolutely nothing. She wanted to let the noise swallow her.

The DJ turned the volume up, and the track shifted, louder, rougher, almost pounding inside her skull. She welcomed the ache blooming at her temples. Better a headache she could name than the heartache she couldn’t touch.

She blinked, refocusing when the hockey player, Hibiki, if was that his name… danced closer. He was smiling, saying something she couldn’t hear, but she didn’t care enough to ask. She didn’t return the smile. She just let him move around her, allowing his presence without inviting it.

It wasn’t until his hands settled on her waist that her breath caught, the fog breaking, and suddenly she wasn’t here anymore.

She was back in the coffee shop, the day she met Natsu, when Plue had knocked over chairs and traced his muddy pawprints along the clean floor. She remembered the way Natsu had smiled at her, warm and unbothered, assuring her over and over that it was fine. 

Her head was spinning now. 

Another memory crashed into her. That night after the Phantom Lord show, how they danced together, laughing, breathless, like the whole world disappeared except for them.

Stop thinking about him.

She shook her head hard, willing the images away, but they came faster. The way he found her in the hospital, and held her in his lap as she cried. The way he carried her on his back without complaint when she was exhausted from classes. The way he made her coffee every single morning, exactly how she liked it. The way he would keep all her favorite snacks stocked in his apartment because he knew she’d get moody without them. The way he’d walk Plue for her if she was drowning in assignments, even though he didn’t like dogs.

But worst of all, the way he kissed her last night. The way he dropped the bag as soon as their lips met so he could pull her closer. The way he pushed her back against the wall. The way he smiled into it, and made it deeper, crashing his lips onto hers over and over. The faint trace of his tongue against her own, kissing her back like he had been dying to do it.

Everything he did for her spoke louder than words could ever say. 

So why did he push her away? Why did he look at her with regret?

Guilt hit her like a wave, drowning her. Her body kept swaying with the music, but it wasn’t conscious anymore. She was splintering apart inside, every beat of the bass pulling her deeper into her own spiral.

She flinched when Hibiki’s hands squeezed at her waist again.

“Stop—” Lucy’s voice came out hoarse, barely audible over the pounding music. She stepped back. “Don’t—”

Hibiki grinned, leaning in closer. “C’mon,” he shouted over the beat, “you came here to have fun, right? Let me help you.”

She shook her head, pulling away from him harder this time. “I… no I don’t want to.”

But he didn’t let go, making a face like he couldn’t hear her or maybe he didn’t want to hear her.

Before she could react, someone else did.

…

Hibiki hit the ground hard, clutching his jaw as a ripple of shouts tore through the crowd. The music thundered on, lights flashing wildly, but it all felt muted compared to the storm raging inside of Lucy.

Her breath came shallow and uneven, her heart pounding in her ears, trying to register everything that just happened. Natsu stood there in front of her, chest heaving, fists clenched, his hoodie pulled tight around his shoulders. The fury in his eyes was sharp, unrelenting, but beneath it, she saw something else. Something raw. Something broken.

“Natsu—” she started, but the words barely made it past her lips.

Hibiki groaned, trying to push himself up from the sticky floor, and the movement snapped Natsu’s gaze away from her. His jaw tensed, muscles coiling as he stepped forward again.

Before he could get another swing in, arms wrapped tightly around him from behind.

“Natsu-san! Stop!” Juvia’s voice trembled as she struggled to hold him back, her blue curls bouncing wildly as she braced her weight against him. “Please! This isn’t the place!”

Natsu tried to shake her off, but her grip only tightened, small and stubborn.

“Juvia… get off,” he warned, his voice low, dangerous in a way she rarely heard.

Gray pushed through the crowd, grabbing Natsu by the front of his hoodie and shoving him back a step. Juvia let go of him, running towards Lucy who remained frozen in place since the punch happened. 

“Hey! Enough! You can’t do this here, flame-brain. Not now.”

“Get off me, Gray,” Natsu growled, but Gray didn’t budge.

“I said enough.” Gray’s tone was sharp, commanding in a way that made Natsu hesitate and look at his best friend for the first time. “You want to get arrested tonight or something!? ’Cause that’s where this is headed! We got to Lucy now let’s go!”

Lucy flinched at the sound of her name, her throat tight, hands frozen at her sides. She couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. She felt Juvia in front of her, her soft hands cupping her face trying to bring her back but her gaze kept flicking between the two men, her chest aching with every second that passed.

Before anyone could react, another voice cut through the chaos.

“Well, isn’t this a mess.”

Gray turned, his jaw tightening when he spotted Lyon standing a few feet away, a lazy smirk curling his lips. 

“Of course this guy is a friend of yours.” Gray muttered with a roll of his eyes.

He had two of their other teammates behind him, their arms hooked under Hibiki’s shoulders, hauling him upright. Blood smeared the corner of Hibiki’s mouth, his glare sharp but unfocused.

Lyon’s gaze shifted from Gray to Natsu, taking in the tension and not pushing forward. “I’ll get him out of here,” Lyon said, jerking his chin toward Hibiki. “Before he gets any bright ideas about payback.”

Gray hesitated for a moment, scanning his brother’s expression, but finally nodded. “Fine. Handle it.”

“Already on it,” Lyon replied smoothly, turning Hibiki toward the door. “C’mon, pretty boy. Let’s not make this uglier than it already is.”

Hibiki muttered something under his breath, but Lyon’s grip tightened, dragging him away before the situation exploded again without sparing the group a final glance.

Natsu was still tense, shoulders tight, eyes locked on Hibiki and Lyon until they disappeared into the crowd. Only then did his fists slowly unclench, his chest rising and falling in heavy breaths. He felt Juvia’s hands back on his arm, hesitant, as if she was scared to let go too soon.

“Natsu…” Lucy finally said, her voice quiet, unsure.

His head turned instantly, his dark eyes locking with hers, and it was like the entire party faded into silence. The people surrounding them had gone back to their own conversations, definitely talking about the altercation that had just occurred. For a brief, unbearable moment, it was just the two of them, standing on opposite sides of something neither of them knew how to cross.

Gray broke the silence first, shoving Natsu toward the door. “We’re leaving. Now.”

Natsu didn’t resist this time, but his gaze stayed on Lucy until the very last second, like tearing himself away cost him something.

And Lucy… she just stood there, her body numb, trying to steady her breathing as the music swallowed her again.

… 

The ride home was suffocatingly silent.

The low hum of the car’s engine filled the space where words should’ve been, but no one dared speak. Natsu sat rigid in the passenger seat, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, staring blankly out the window. Gray’s knuckles were white on the steering wheel, his jaw set in quiet frustration.

In the backseat, Juvia kept stealing glances at Lucy who had her temple pressed against Juvia’s shoulder, her chest tight with guilt. She should’ve noticed sooner. She should’ve realized Lucy wasn’t okay. Instead, she’d let her drink too much, dance too hard, pretend too well.

By the time they reached the apartment complex, the weight between them was crushing.

The four climbed the stairs in silence. Lucy stumbled once, her vision swimming from the alcohol, and before she could fall, Natsu’s hand shot out on instinct. But he didn’t hold her hand, not like before. Instead, his fingers wrapped loosely around her wrist, steadying her just enough to keep her upright.

The distance in that touch made something inside Lucy ache.

Gray was the first to speak, his voice low but firm. “Look… tonight’s been messy enough. Let’s just get inside and sleep it off, alright?”

Lucy nodded absently, though shame burned hot beneath her skin. Her chest felt tight, her throat closing, and she hated herself for the tears threatening to spill. But the question clawed its way out anyway. Too sharp, too heavy to swallow.

“Why did you pull away?”

The words dropped like a stone, cutting through the silence.

Natsu froze mid-step. He didn’t need to ask what she meant. His shoulders tensed as he slowly turned toward her, and the moment their eyes met, the fragile dam inside her cracked wide open.

Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was the storm of emotions she’d been holding back all day, or maybe it was just him.

“Lucy…” his voice was rough, low, and unbearably soft. “I didn’t— want to hurt you.”

He stepped closer, hesitant but drawn to her like gravity itself.

“But you did.”

Her voice broke on the last word. The sound cracked, fragile and raw, and before she could stop herself, her palms shoved against his chest. Harder than she meant to. Hard enough that he stumbled back a step, wide-eyed. It was the first time since they had met, that she was pushing him away. 

And he hated every second of it.

Juvia reacted instantly, rushing forward to grab Lucy’s arm, her own expression tight with panic.

“Lucy-san… you’re drunk,” she said softly, her voice pleading. “Please… let’s just get you inside.”

But Lucy didn’t move. She stood there, her chest rising and falling in uneven bursts, her hand trembling where it hovered between them. Her lips parted like she wanted to say more, but no sound came.

Natsu swallowed hard, his fists clenching at his sides. He wanted to reach for her, wanted to tell her everything he couldn’t, but his feet felt like they were rooted to the floor. The silence between them screamed louder than any words could.

Gray sighed heavily, stepping in like a reluctant referee. “C’mon, you two,” he muttered, his voice low but edged with frustration. “Neither of you are in the right mind. This isn’t the time.”

Still, neither of them moved.

For just a moment, it was like the world had narrowed to the space between them, thick with all the things they weren’t saying.

Lucy didn’t even remember walking into the apartment.

The lights were dim, soft shadows stretching across the walls, but her head was pounding too hard to focus on anything. Juvia guided her toward the couch, her hands firm on Lucy’s shoulders, murmuring soft reassurances that barely made it past the ringing in her ears.

Her body felt heavy, sluggish, like she was moving through water. But her mind wouldn’t stop spinning, clawing, tearing itself apart.

She collapsed onto the couch, elbows on her knees and face buried in her hands. Her breathing came out shaky, uneven. Plue ran up to her side, pawing at her thigh in his own way of comforting her.

“Lucy-san…” Juvia knelt in front of her, her hands gently resting on Lucy’s knees. “You drank too much, okay? You’re tired… you just need to sleep.”

Lucy shook her head, her throat tight, voice raw when it finally came out. “It’s not okay, Juvia.” Juvia blinked, startled, her lips parting like she wanted to respond, but Lucy didn’t give her the chance. “It’s— I thought he— I mean I love—,” she whispered, the words splintering as soon as they left her mouth. “I’m sorry Juvia…” 

“Lucy-san… please… Juvia can promise that everything is okay.”

The images slammed into her one after another. Natsu’s smile, the first night they danced, the warmth of his hand on hers, the way he kissed her back so desperately… only to pull away. Her chest tightened until it hurt, the ache so sharp she almost doubled over.

“I… he… everything…” Her voice broke again, and she swallowed hard, forcing the words out. “I thought he… he felt the same way.”

Juvia’s face softened, her usual romantic optimism faltering beneath the weight of Lucy’s pain. She reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind Lucy’s ear, her voice barely above a whisper. 

“Lucy-san… he does. He is just… it’s complicated.”

Lucy laughed. Bitter, quiet, almost hollow. “Complicated?” 

Her hands curled into fists against her knees, nails digging crescents into her skin. She hated how fragile her voice sounded. She hated that she couldn’t stop shaking. Juvia didn’t know what to say. Instead, she sat beside her and pulled her into a slow, gentle hug, resting Lucy’s head against her shoulder.

“You’re gonna be okay,” she murmured, steady and certain. “You both are… everything is okay, Lucy-san.”

Lucy’s chest trembled with uneven breaths, and for a second she let herself lean into the comfort. But then she heard it — the faint creak of the floorboards near the front door that hadn’t shut completely.

She knew it was Natsu.

She didn’t have to see him to know he was there, standing just out of sight, listening.

Her whole body went rigid.

Juvia noticed instantly, following her gaze toward the doorway. Her brows knit together, but she didn’t say anything. She just tightened her hold on Lucy, as though shielding her from the weight of the moment.

Lucy clenched her jaw, forcing herself upright, away from Juvia’s shoulder. She wouldn’t let him hear her like this. Wouldn’t let him see her falling apart.

“I’m fine,” she lied, voice sharper than she meant. “I just need to change and… and sleep.”

Juvia hesitated but nodded, knowing better than to push. “Juvia can stay with you until Levy-san gets home…”

Lucy managed a small nod before retreating down the hall, closing the bedroom door behind her with trembling hands.

The moment it clicked shut, she pressed her back against it, sliding down until she was sitting on the floor. Her chest heaved, silent sobs escaping in ragged bursts she couldn’t control.

He had hurt her, and she tried to hurt him back. It wasn’t supposed to be like this between the two of them. 

She wasn’t even sure they could be friends anymore.

And somehow, that hurt worse than anything else.

…

By the time he reached his apartment, the silence followed him like a shadow.

He shut the door behind him and leaned back against it, head tipping against the wood, exhaling through his nose. Gray tried to follow him, but he said he wanted to— needed to be alone. The faint hum of the fridge was the only sound in the entire place. Usually, he hated the noise of the city outside his window, but tonight, even the streets of Magnolia felt muted.

Everything felt muted.

He moved through the dark apartment, not bothering with the lights, letting muscle memory guide him to the couch. The same couch where Lucy had once curled up with Plue after staying up too late helping him test new brews.

The same couch she would where they would sit together and talk for hours on end.

The same couch where she would fall asleep in the middle of every movie he picked, head tipped against his shoulder, warm and soft and safe.

He dropped onto it, elbows on his knees, dragging his hands down his face.

He could still taste her kiss. Still feel the way she’d clung to him, the soft tremor of her breath, the way her hands had curled into his hair, soft but firm like she was holding on.

And he’d kissed her back.

He wanted her. He wanted her more than anything. 

But he had pulled away.

Because he couldn’t give her what she deserved.

Not when every piece of him still carried the weight of his past. Not when Lisanna’s death still carved shadows through him, scars deeper than he wanted to admit. Not when the kind of happiness Lucy deserved felt so far from the man he’d become.

He wanted to tell himself it was better this way. To keep his distance, to let her hate him, to make it easier for her to move on… but all he could hear was her voice echoing in his head.

But you did!

He swallowed hard, the guilt twisting sharp in his chest, and ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the strands until his scalp stung.

Across the room, his phone buzzed faintly against the counter. He ignored it. Couldn’t handle another reminder that the world was moving forward while he sat here stuck, drowning.

The silence stretched, thick and suffocating, and for the first time in months he thought about Lisanna. He really thought about her. About how he spiraled after she died. How he believed he never would really be able to move on from her death. Shutting himself out, letting the days blur together until all his friends dragged him back into the world.

And now here he was again. It felt like he was back in that dark place.

Only this time, it wasn’t death keeping him there.

It was losing her. Hurting Lucy.

He buried his face in his hands, his chest aching, and finally let himself break. Quiet, raw, and alone.

…

Gray dropped down onto the edge of his bed with a heavy sigh, raking a hand through his damp hair. His shirt clung faintly from the shower, but it wasn’t the heat making him feel suffocated, it was the day. The silence from Natsu, the shouting, the fighting, the mess at the party. He leaned forward, elbows resting just above the scar on his knee that never fully faded, a reminder of his past. But also a reminder of what his life could have been.

“What a damn night.”

Juvia lingered by the dresser, fiddling with the zipper of her dress, guilt weighing down her shoulders. Her voice was soft when she spoke.

“Juvia should have noticed, Gray-sama… Juvia should have realized Lucy-san wasn’t okay.”

Gray lifted his head, his tired eyes finding hers in the reflection of the mirror. “Juvia…” he said gently, shaking his head. “Don’t do that. It’s not your fault. We both tried to help. It was just… too much for us to handle tonight.”

Her shoulders sagged, but she nodded, forcing a small breath out. “Still…” she whispered.

He stood, walking over to her, and rested his hands lightly on her shoulders. “C’mere,” he muttered softly. “Turn around. I got it.” She obeyed, facing the mirror again as he slowly unzipped the back of her dress. His knuckles brushed her skin, and even through the exhaustion, he tried to lighten the mood. “You looked good tonight,” he said casually, lips quirking up faintly. 

Color bloomed across her cheeks instantly, and she ducked her head. “Gray-sama… stop teasing Juvia,” she murmured, her voice shy but warm.

He smirked, but his tone shifted when he asked, “Lyon didn’t say anything to make you uncomfortable, right?”

She turned slightly to face him, letting his hands slide down the curve of her body as the dress fell to the floor, shaking her head quickly. “No… Lyon-sama behaved. Perfectly.”

Gray exhaled in relief and stepped back, flexing his shoulders slightly as if to shake off an old stiffness. “Good. I should probably call him anyway… thank him for helping me deescalate before Natsu broke that other guy’s jaw.”

“Maybe… if you’re up for it… we should go to his game,” she suggested carefully, tossing the dress and the rest of her clothing into the hamper. “Lyon-sama said that he sent you the tickets.”

Gray only frowned, rubbing the side of his rib subtly, a ghost of the past tugging at his muscles. “I’ll think about it.”

Juvia nodded faintly, watching him leave the room after pulling off his shirt and leaving it on the bed. She wrapped her towel around her body, ready to jump into the shower to wash the night away but she stopped. Her fingers slipped into the small pocket of her discarded clutch, pulling out the small black card with Meredy’s name, number, and email neatly printed in pale silver ink.

She stared at it for a moment, chewing on her lip, debating.

Then she heard Gray’s footsteps returning to the bedroom. Startled, she quickly tucked the card into the top drawer of her dresser and shut it softly before turning back toward the door, composing her face. He re-entered the room, carrying a glass of water, and paused when he caught her looking thoughtful.

“What’s on your mind?” he asked, sipping slowly.

She hesitated, then shook her head. “Nothing… just… Do you think Natsu-san and Lucy-san will be okay?”

Gray was quiet for a moment, setting the glass down on the nightstand. He walked towards her, his arms wrapping around her without thinking. 

“They have to be,” he said finally, the certainty in his voice sounding more like hope than truth.

Juvia leaned her head against his shoulder, letting the silence settle between them. The weight of the night still clung to both of them. The argument, the broken looks on Natsu and Lucy’s faces, the fear that maybe this wasn’t something they could fix.

“Okay…” she agreed. “Maybe they will feel better and can talk tomorrow.”

But for three weeks, they wouldn’t even see each other.

…

Chapter Text

Kinana shivered as the early-morning chill slipped beneath her jacket, nipping at her arms despite the thick fabric of her purple coat. The street was quiet at this hour, practically frozen from last night’s mix of rain and snowfall that had hit Magnolia. The pale blue light of dawn washed over their city like watercolor bleeding over wet paper. It was early. Way too early. Not even the birds had started singing yet.

She muffled a yawn into her sleeve, her breath fogging faintly in the cold air, and dug her phone from her pocket. Her shoulders slumped when she saw the time, wishing she’d stolen those extra five minutes of sleep her alarm begged her to take.

Footsteps crunched faintly over icy pavement, and her head snapped up. Relief flickered across her face when she spotted Gray approaching, his shoulders hunched, hair damp and messy, keys dangling lazily from his hand.

“I’m sorry you had to come this early,” she said softly, hugging her arms tight around herself.

Gray gave a quiet groan, scrubbing a hand over his face as he reached the door to Fairy Brew. “Not your fault,” he muttered, voice low and gravelly from lack of sleep. He swung the keys around his finger absently. “Thought that idiot Natsu gave you the keys last night?”

“He said he’d be here to help me open.” Kinana frowned slightly, pressing a finger to her chin as she thought about it. “Is he doing okay? He seems like he’s been… I don’t know… down lately.”

Gray’s jaw tightened, though his voice stayed casual. “Yeah… He’s… going through some stuff.”

The door chimed softly as he unlocked it, and the two stepped inside. The faint, lingering scent of espresso and burnt sugar clung to the air, mixed with the faint sharpness of the cleaning solution. It was warmer inside, but the kind of stale warmth that clung to your clothes. Kinana set her bag down on the counter while Gray flipped on the lights, their dull hum filling the silence.

“Well, I hope he’s okay,” she said gently. “I told him I’d be fine opening on my own and that he should come around six or seven for the morning rush, but he insisted on helping with the delivery today.”

Gray stopped halfway through pulling the blinds open. “Wait.” His brows furrowed. “Did you close last night?”

Kinana shook her head, tying her apron loosely around her waist. “Nope. I left a little after seven. Natsu was still here, though.”

Gray’s frown deepened, irritation flashing behind his eyes. “That moron…” He rubbed the bridge of his nose as his gaze swept the café. “He didn’t even set the alarm last night.”

“That’s weird,” Kinana admitted, glancing around too. Nothing looked out of place, but there was something subtly off. An energy lingering in the shop like it hadn’t been properly closed up. “He’s usually careful about that stuff.”

Gray grunted something noncommittal and headed for the back, his boots scuffing softly against the worn tile floor. Kinana stayed behind the counter, switching on the machines one by one, filling the air with the comforting hiss and gurgle of the espresso steamer.

The office door creaked softly as Gray unlocked it and pushed it open with his shoulder. He reached for the light switch—

—and froze.

“What the fuck,” Gray muttered under his breath.

Natsu was slumped over the desk, his face half-buried in his folded arms, an open laptop bathing his skin in cold, bluish light. The blinds were drawn, leaving the room dim and suffocating, and the stale smell of cold coffee hit Gray immediately. Four mugs cluttered the desk, two still with dried rings of espresso at the bottom. Crumpled napkins and scratch paper littered the floor.

“Hey!” Gray barked, kicking the leg of the chair hard enough to jolt it.

Natsu stirred with a groggy grunt, jerking upright so fast he nearly knocked the laptop onto the floor. His bloodshot eyes blinked rapidly against the sudden glare of the ceiling light, his breath ragged and shallow.

“What the hell is your problem?” Natsu rasped, rubbing his face with both hands. His voice was rough, strained, like someone who hadn’t used it in days.

“My problem,” Gray snapped, “is finding you passed out like a damn corpse in here.” He grabbed one of the mugs, holding it up before tossing it back onto the desk with a sharp clatter. “You seriously stayed here all night?!”

Natsu yawned loudly, stretching his neck until it popped, and muttered something incoherent before leaning back in the chair with a loud creak. 

“Guess so.” He muttered casually, like it was a normal thing for him to do.

Gray planted his hands on his hips, irritation warring with concern. “And you didn’t think your little sister was worried, waiting for you to get home?”

Natsu glanced vaguely toward his crumpled jacket in the corner, mumbling, “She’s been sleeping over at Sherria’s… something about a project… or an event… or… something.”

Gray stared at him, stunned at the nonchalance. “Are you out of your goddamn mind?!”

“Seriously, get off my back,” Natsu muttered, rubbing his eyes with the heel of his hand. “I just fell asleep, so what? I was stuck on this schedule…”

There was something in his tone, hollow, detached, that made Gray pause. The Natsu he had been for the last few months, the one who filled every room with noise and restless energy, was… gone. In his place was this withdrawn, quiet version of him that Gray didn’t quite recognize anymore.

“This is about Lucy, isn’t it?” Gray said finally. At her name, Natsu froze, his hand stilled in his messy hair. The silence that followed said more than words could. Gray exhaled slowly, leaning against the desk and crossing his arms. “You’re an idiot.”

“Wow, thanks,” Natsu muttered, his voice sharp but weak. 

“It’s been three weeks, man. I thought you guys would have figured it out by now,” Gray said, tone leveling out. “You’re sitting here driving yourself into the ground instead of just talking to her.”

“I just can’t,” Natsu said quietly, his voice cracking at the edges.

Gray frowned, straightening. “Can’t? What the hell does that mean?”

Natsu dragged both hands down his face, gripping his jaw like he was trying to keep himself together. “I fucked everything up. Everything.”

The words hung heavy in the air.

Natsu leaned forward, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor like it might swallow him whole. His fingers dug into his hair, pulling slightly at the roots, and the shallow rise and fall of his shoulders made him look smaller somehow. Like he was caged in his own guilt.

“You didn’t fuck everything up,” Gray said after a moment, his voice softer now. “It was just a fight, a drunken fight at that. It’s not the end of the world.”

Natsu let out a bitter, humorless laugh. “You don’t get it.”

“Really? Because it’s not like I haven’t had a girlfriend for four years,” Gray deadpanned, earning the faintest flicker of a look from Natsu. “What would I know about women?”

“Gray…”

“Dude, seriously. It’s so obvious you’re in love with her.” Gray shook his head, as if he didn’t understand what Natsu was saying. “Just let yourself fucking be with her.”

“I just can’t.”

“Natsu—”

“Gray!” Natsu’s breath stuttered before he finally said it: “…We kissed.”

Gray blinked, caught off guard. He knew something must’ve happened between them, but hearing it out loud landed differently.

“Wait. You kissed her?”

“She kissed me first,” Natsu corrected quickly, like the distinction somehow mattered. “And… I pushed her away.”

Gray stared at him, thinking back to that messy and chaotic night. The way Lucy had pushed him away, the way Natsu kept saying the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. He furrowed his brows, but Natsu wouldn’t meet his gaze. His eyes were now locked on the laptop screen, unfocused and haunted.

“Why would you do that?” Gray’s voice was careful.

“It felt like I was…” Natsu’s throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, “…betraying Lisanna or something.” He said her name quietly, like the sound itself hurt. “I panicked.”

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The faint clatter of Kinana starting the ovens in the kitchen, the low hum of the machines, the soft creak of Natsu’s chair, everything seemed louder in the silence.

Gray rubbed the back of his neck, sighing deeply. For the past few months Natsu seemed so… happy. Gray had almost forgotten that Lucy was the first person who had been able to bring his old obnoxious friend back. That she was the first girl since Lisanna, that Natsu had looked at in that way. 

“…I get why you froze,” he said finally. “I do. But Lisanna’s gone, man. She’s been gone for a long time now. You’re not betraying her.”

Natsu’s jaw clenched, his knuckles whitening around the edge of the chair. “I just… It felt like… I know it’s ridiculous and you’re right, she’s gone, I know that. I know she’s not coming back but—”

“So you’re gonna hurt Lucy, and stay miserable like this?” Gray pressed, sharp enough to make Natsu finally look up.

Natsu ran a hand through his tangled hair, frustration tightening every line in his face. “She doesn’t even want to talk to me anyway.”

“She probably thinks you don’t want to talk to her,” Gray shot back. “And you haven’t done a damn thing to prove her wrong.”

Natsu didn’t answer. He just stared at the desk like the fight had drained out of him completely.

“Look. We’ve all seen how you look at her. I’ve seen it. Don’t you think she’s worth it?”

“Of course she is!” Natsu snapped. “It’s Lucy. But—“

“Then fucking act like it, man!” Gray sighed, stepping toward the door, pausing just before leaving the office. “…don’t let her go because you’re too much of a fucking coward to try.” 

…

The quiet hum of the apartment hallway was broken by the soft jingle of keys and the steady thud of boots against the floor. Gajeel’s steps were unhurried, his broad shoulders loose, his breath puffing faintly in the chill.

A door creaked open ahead of him.

Levy stepped out, her arms stacked high with thick textbooks, her bag slipping dangerously off one shoulder. She froze when she spotted him, lips parting slightly, like she hadn’t expected anyone to be there, least of all him.

“Oh Gajeel,” she murmured, shifting the books before one nearly slid free.

“Shrimp.” His reply was rough but not unkind, as he slouched against the wall and shoved his hands into his pockets.

Silence stretched between them, not exactly uncomfortable, but laced with that fragile awareness that always seemed to linger, a residue of things unsaid.

Finally, Gajeel broke it, his voice low, edged with irritation.

“How’s bunny girl? Tried talkin’ to salamander the other day but… he’s just being ridiculous.”

Levy swallowed, her chest tightening. Her mind flickered back to the night Juvia told her what had happened, to Lucy’s muffled sobs through the wall, to the way she’d cried herself to sleep more nights than she could count.

“She’s… okay,” she managed, though her voice wavered. “But you’re right. This whole thing is… absurd.”

“Yeah.” He jerked his chin down the hall, as if the idiot in question was hiding behind one of the doors. “He’s been moppin’ around like some damn puppy instead of just talkin’ to her.”

Levy blinked, startled. “…Natsu?” She shifted her weight, fingers tightening around the spines of her books. “I don’t get why he won’t just… talk to her.”

That earned a sharp click of Gajeel’s jaw. He muttered something under his breath, too low to catch, before saying louder, “Guess a part of me understands him.”

Her brows knit. “What do you mean?”

“After everything he’s been through.” Gajeel shook his head. “It’s probably a lot.”

Levy bit her lip. She knew a little, about the sore subject of his mother, about his father who was always gone, but not enough. Not enough to make sense of this.

“Well, I guess but—”

Gajeel cleared his throat abruptly, like he’d already said too much. “That idiot’s just moody lately. Like he’s got a stick up his ass all the time.”

Despite herself, Levy stifled a laugh, pressing her hand to her mouth. “Don’t say things like that.”

“It’s true,” he said, smirking faintly, teeth flashing before it disappeared. His tone softened then, almost thoughtful. “For what it’s worth… he does… he cares about her.”

Levy’s lips curved into the smallest smile, but it faded just as quickly, the ache in her chest returning. “…They should just talk,” she whispered, almost to herself. “Clear everything up. It’s obvious they hate being apart.”

“It’s that simple, ain’t it?” He cut her a glance from the corner of his eye, unreadable.

She smiled faintly. “I guess?”

He shrugged, jangling his keys lazily in one hand. “Took us months to stop avoidin’ each other ‘cause of one stupid misunderstanding.”

Her cheeks warmed instantly. She ducked her head, hitching her bag higher. “That was… different.”

“Sure,” he muttered, smirk widening just enough to irritate her. Then, softer, softer than she’d ever heard from him: “Don’t think he’d be able to handle it, though. If he lost her too.”

Levy stilled, hugging her books tighter. “Too?”

His shoulders shifted in a shrug, but his eyes slid away, focusing on nothing. “Nevermind.”

She caught the change in his tone, the way his jaw tightened like he’d tripped over something he didn’t mean to say. But she didn’t push.

“I think…” Her voice came out small at first, then steadier. “I think maybe I should try talking to him.”

Gajeel’s answer was a noncommittal shrug. “I think you got a way of making people listen to you.” They reached the stairwell, and he dug out his keys fully. “Headin’ home. Came by to grab my sister’s guitar.” He paused, then jerked his chin toward the lot. “You need a ride?”

Levy blinked, caught off guard, then felt the corner of her mouth curve before she could stop it. “I—yeah. That’d be great, actually.”

“Then c’mon.” He started forward, keys twirling lazily around his finger.

Levy followed a few steps behind, a small, unguarded smile tugging at her lips.

…

Lucy walked across campus with her notebook hugged tightly against her chest, her thumb absently worrying the worn edge of the cover. The late-morning sun poured down in soft golden streaks, but she barely felt its warmth. A breeze carried the faint scent of damp grass and coffee from the nearby quad, tugging at the loose strands of her hair.

Students moved around her in a steady stream, their laughter and chatter swelling and dipping like waves, too loud and too far away all at once. Someone’s speaker thumped low bass from a bench, a burst of lyrics cutting sharply through the noise before fading again.

Lucy kept her head down, her steps slow, eyes locked on the uneven cracks in the pavement.

Her mind hadn’t stopped replaying that night.

The fight.

The way her hands shoved at his chest before she even realized what she was doing.

And the kiss.

Every time she thought about it, it was like she could still feel it. The heat of it, the exact moment where it felt right and terrifying at once. Until it all fell apart seconds later. Until he pushed her away.

Her stomach twisted. She wanted to forget it, but she couldn’t. Three weeks without even catching a glimpse of him, without finding the courage to pick up her phone and call him, and she hadn’t stopped thinking about him for more than five minutes at a time.

She didn’t realize someone was calling her name until she heard it a second time, louder:

“Blondie!”

Lucy blinked, startled, lifting her head just as Cana jogged toward her, waving one hand lazily.

“Oh—hey,” Lucy said, adjusting her grip on the notebook like it might shield her from the conversation she knew was coming.

Cana fell into step beside her, the heel of her boot scuffing against the path as she reached up to push her sunglasses onto her head. “What are you doing here?”

Lucy blinked, confused. “I’m walking to class?”

“Mm.” Cana gave her a slow, knowing look, sipping from the iced latte in her hand. “Sure you are.”

Lucy frowned. “What are you doing here?”

“Breakfast with my dad.” Cana said it casually, brushing it off, but then tilted her straw toward Lucy accusingly. “I could have had breakfast with my besties instead of my old man but— one of them has been ignoring my calls and texts for the past three weeks.” 

Lucy looked away, guilt falling on her features. “I’m sorry… I haven’t been ignoring you.” 

“You have.” Cana sighed, throwing her arm around her shoulder. “But you’re lucky I love you, and I’m soooo forgiving.”

Lucy rolled her eyes playfully, a smile falling onto her lips despite herself. “I’m guessing you know what happened,” Lucy said softly.

“Bits and pieces,” Cana admitted. “Juvia called me crying the next morning, but she was… you know. Juvia. Half sentences, all tears, no actual details.”

Lucy winced at the reminder, the guilt falling deeper as she thought of what she must have put the emotional bluenette through. “I actually haven’t talked to her in a while.”

“You haven’t talked to any of us,” Cana said flatly, shoving one hand into the pocket of her jacket. “Seriously blondie. I thought we were friends, I actually like hanging out with you more than those damn meatheads—”

Lucy frowned. “I’m not avoiding anyone—”

“You haven’t been around, Lucy,” Cana interrupted smoothly, raising a brow. “You’re one of us now. We’re your people. I miss you.”

“I'm such a shitty friend…” Lucy muttered, with a shake of her head. 

“Nah, I know who you are.” The brunette smiled assuringly, “but I guess I want to make sure you’re okay…”

“I’m really sorry, Cana.” Lucy sighed, hugging her notebook tighter. “I guess… I just needed space.”

“And that’s okay.” Cana slurped her latte loudly, clearly unconvinced. “You know… Natsu isn’t looking too well either…”

Lucy froze mid-step before forcing herself to keep moving, swallowing the sudden lump in her throat. “…He’s okay though? I mean… he’s fine?”

“Define fine.” Cana glanced at her, assessing, then softened her tone. “Lucy… he’s a damn mess. He hasn’t been sleeping properly, hasn’t been hanging out with anyone. I think he’s thrown himself into work just so he doesn’t think about you and whatever the hell could have happened!”

Her grip on the notebook tightened until her knuckles went pale.

“I’m not avoiding him,” Lucy said finally, but her voice lacked conviction.

Cana gave her a side-eye, the silence damning enough. “Look, I love you both. But seriously, what happened? One day you two are practically inseparable the next you can’t even look at each other?” 

They turned onto a quieter path lined with old oak trees, the noise of campus fading behind them. Leaves whispered overhead, sunlight scattering through the branches in shifting patterns.

“I’m just…” Lucy hesitated, chewing at the inside of her cheek. “I’m so…embarrassed.”

Cana slowed her pace, brows lifting. “Embarrassed?”

Lucy nodded faintly, her gaze fixed on the cracks in the sidewalk. “Because of how I acted that night. I yelled at him. I shoved him… I was so drunk and stupid… all because of—” She trailed off, exhaling shakily.

Cana stopped walking, forcing Lucy to pause too. “You’re making me drag it out of you, huh?”

Lucy hesitated, her fingers tightening around her notebook. Finally, she whispered, “…I kissed him.”

For a second, Cana said nothing. Then, loud enough to make passing students turn their heads: “You what?!”

“The day we went to the wrestling show…”

“THE WRESTLING SHOW?!”

Lucy’s face flushed crimson, and she slapped a hand over Cana’s mouth. “Don’t repeat it, geez!”

Cana pulled back, eyes wide and delighted. “You kissed him,” she repeated, whispering now, but barely. “Holy shit, Lucy Heartfilia.”

Lucy groaned, covering her face. “Yes we kissed. But— I don’t even know how to explain…”

“No, no, you’re not getting out of this,” Cana said, grabbing her wrist and tugging her hand down. “You kissed him and then ghosted him for three weeks? You’re brutal.”

Lucy shot her a wounded look. “I didn’t ghost him! He didn’t call me either! I thought…” Her voice cracked slightly, her next words breaking smaller and softer. “…I thought he liked me. It felt like he did. And then he pushed me away.”

Cana’s expression softened, her teasing fading. “Lucy…”

Lucy bit her lip, staring down at the sunlight-dappled pavement. “He… he looked like he regretted it or something.”

After a moment, Cana said gently, “Natsu hasn’t… it's just been so long since he’s… let himself get close to someone.” She ran a hand through her hair, choosing her words carefully. “He’s… complicated. More than he lets on.”

“But why?" Lucy glanced at her sharply, confused. “He’s never said anything.”

“He wouldn’t. He even begged all of us not to tell you,” Cana said, hesitating briefly before lowering her voice. “I mean trust me, we’ve all tried to convince him to tell you but… it’s hard for him… and actually now that I think about it— it’s hard for all of us… maybe we didn’t push him as much as we should have.” 

“Tell me what?” Lucy tilted her head, heart pounding as if she was nervous for what Cana would say next. “What is it?”

“It’s about his old girlfriend, Lisanna...” Cana’s voice broke softly at the name.

Lucy froze mid-step, the name unfamiliar but heavy somehow. Suddenly Loke’s warning started to ring in her head again. “His ex?”

Cana shook her head quickly, lifting both palms. “Lucy just… talk to him please.” She pressed her lips together for a moment before continuing. “I know he wouldn’t hurt you deliberately, but that guy— he’s just gone through so much…” Lucy stayed quiet, but her stomach felt hollow, her heartbeat loud in her ears. 

“But why hasn’t he told me?” Lucy shook her head. “I don’t even know what to say to him… but I do miss him.”

Cana hooked an arm around her shoulders, steering her back toward the main walkway. “You don’t have to have the right words yet. Just… talk to him… I think you two need each other more than you let on…”

Lucy gave a weak smile, leaning slightly into her, but the ache in her chest stayed.

…

The hallways of Mavis Vermillion High School buzzed with lunchtime chaos. The clatter of trays mixed with the low roar of voices, punctuated by bursts of laughter that echoed off the walls. Students leaned against lockers trading snacks or scrolling their phones, while others rushed past to grab a spot in line before the food ran out.

“Alright, girls, here’s the material you’ll need to promote the 10k run.” Mr. Neekis handed over two heavy stacks of flyers, nodding approvingly. “Thanks so much for your help.”

“Of course, sir,” Wendy said with a polite smile, hugging the papers close to her chest.

Sherria accepted the other stack with ease, balancing it effortlessly under one arm. “We’ll take care of it,” she chirped.

They stepped back into the main hallway, carefully weaving through the rowdy crowd.

“I really need this to work out the way I planned,” Wendy murmured, adjusting her grip as they passed a group of juniors clustered around the vending machine.

“It’ll be fine,” Sherria said, bouncing lightly on her heels. “Once we get these flyers up, you’ll see. Runners, sponsors, volunteers—everyone’s gonna be on board.”

“I’m just worried—”

“You’re always worried, Wendy.” Sherria smirked, nudging her gently with her elbow. “Everything’s been on track so far. Plus, you said you’d put some flyers up at Fairy Brew and at Gray’s parents’ restaurant. That’s gonna spread the word outside of school.”

“Yeah… I just hope Natsu’s feeling better so he can help me.”

Sherria blinked. “He’s still acting weird?”

“I don’t know exactly what happened,” Wendy admitted softly. “But Lucy hasn’t been around much either.”

Sherria furrowed her brow. “You know, I thought relationships were supposed to get easier when you’re older.” She shook her head with a sigh. “We should head to Fairy Brew after school. I’ll help you put some flyers up.”

Before Wendy could answer, a voice cut in behind them.

“Fairy Brew?” The boy’s tone carried a lazy edge of mockery. “I heard some pink-haired guy who works there almost burned the place down.”

Wendy spun around, clutching the flyers tighter. “That was an accident!” she blurted, her cheeks puffing in frustration.

The boy leaned against a locker, one brow raised like he wasn’t convinced. “Sure. Totally normal to nearly set your workplace on fire.”

Sherria leaned closer, whispering just loud enough for Wendy to hear. “…He’s kinda cute.”

“Not now, Sherria,” Wendy hissed, shooting her a look.

The stranger finally pushed off the locker and plucked a flyer from the top of Sherria’s stack, scanning it with a smirk. “A 10k run? Outside? In winter? Yeah, sounds like a blast.”

“It’s for the children’s hospital,” Wendy snapped, bristling as she hugged the papers to her chest. “And it’s in a month. It won’t even be that cold.”

He shrugged, unbothered. “Cool. ‘Cause otherwise, nobody’s lining up to freeze their asses off and run.”

Sherria tilted her head, smiling faintly. “Okay… but he kinda has a point.”

“Whose side are you on?” Wendy muttered, glaring at her best friend.

The boy smirked deeper. “Romeo Conbolt. I’m new.” He shoved his hands into his hoodie pocket, casual as ever.

“Wendy,” she said curtly, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.

“Sherria,” the pinkette added brightly, leaning in just a little closer.

Romeo nodded lazily. “Well, Wendy, if you manage to trick people into running this thing, good on you.”

“Trick people?!” she scoffed.

“Just saying,” he went on smoothly, ignoring her protest. “If you’re planning on hanging around Fairy Brew, maybe bring a fire extinguisher.”

Wendy opened her mouth but only managed a frustrated squeak.

Sherria tried not to laugh and failed, covering her mouth. “Lighten up, Wendy, he’s kidding.” She fluttered her lashes at Romeo. “Right?”

“Yeah,” Romeo said with a smirk. “Just kidding.”

“Come on,” Wendy huffed, grabbing Sherria by the wrist and tugging her down the hall. “We need to get some of these flyers up before lunch is over.”

As they disappeared into the crowd, Sherria glanced back over her shoulder, her cheeks faintly flushed. “I don’t care what you say… he’s cute.”

“He’s rude,” Wendy muttered under her breath.

Romeo leaned back against the locker, watching them go with a crooked grin. He twirled the flyer once between his fingers before tucking it neatly into his pocket.

…

Levy drew a steadying breath before pushing open the doors to Fairy Brew. The usual chatter and hum of the café wrapped around her, warm and familiar, like a place she’d slowly come to belong in. The scent of roasted beans mixed with sweet pastries, and the sound of laughter floated from the corner tables.

She always liked all the little constants she’d grown to expect here, Cana slumped with sunglasses on, nursing a latte and grumbling about her boyfriend or her dad; Wendy bent over homework asking for her help, her hot chocolate long forgotten; Juvia bustling in and out of the kitchen, no doubt testing another overly ambitious pastry recipe while Gray endured taste-testing duties; Gajeel usually sitting outside, headphones clamped on, cigarette dangling as he scribbled lyrics on a napkin or piece of paper. 

Life here was messy, loud, unpredictable.

But god, it was so much fun. 

And it had made her realize just how sheltered she’d been before, how quiet and small her world with Lucy had felt despite having every materialistic thing they’ve ever wanted.

Gray was the first to notice her, leaning on the counter with his laptop open, eyes flicking up as she approached.

“Hey,” he said, already reaching for the largest to-go cup without needing to ask. “For here or to-go?”

“To-go…” Levy replied, though her gaze darted past him, scanning the café. Her brows knit, and she shifted the strap of her tote restlessly. “Actually… Is… Natsu here?”

Gray paused mid-scribble, one brow lifting. “Yeah. He’s, uh—having a Juvia-baking moment.”

Levy crossed her arms, unimpressed. “Great. That sounds… productive.” Gray set the cup down, and before he could say more, Levy leaned closer across the counter. “Can I talk to him?”

His mouth pressed into a thin line. “I don’t think right now is a good time—”

“Gray.” Her voice sharpened, her patience gone in an instant. “I know he’s your best friend, and you want to protect him or whatever—but Lucy is mine. And this?” Her voice rose, her hands gesturing sharply before she forced them back down. “This is ridiculous.”

Gray didn’t flinch. He just stared back at her, the weight of his silence heavier than any protest. “Levy—” he tried but was interrupted.

“Lucy’s being ridiculous too, don’t get me wrong,” Levy added, softer but no less firm. “But this? This is on him. He’s the one who— who pulled her in and then pushed her away. That’s not on her.”

Gray sighed, his shoulders sinking as though her words had chipped through something. “I know it looks that way. But, Levy—you don’t—” He stopped, the words stalling in his throat. For a moment, his jaw worked, like he was fighting with himself. Finally, he just let out a long breath and gave a small nod toward the back. “You know what? He’s back there. Go ahead.”

Levy exhaled, steadying herself. “Thank you.”

She stepped behind the counter slowly, her palm brushing the edge as though preparing herself, and slipped into the kitchen.

She froze.

Flour streaked across the counters like dust from a storm, butter wrappers curled open, bowls stacked haphazardly. The air was thick with the smell of sugar and something faintly burnt. And there, in the center of it all, was Natsu.

Her eyes narrowed instinctively, words on the tip of her tongue, sharp and ready, until she really looked at him.

This wasn’t the Natsu she had come to know. Not the one who could make Lucy laugh until her stomach hurt, or the one who’d show up with bags of takeout just to make sure they didn’t live off ramen or frozen food. Not the Natsu who’d spent a whole night in a stiff hospital chair, Lucy’s hand tucked firmly in his, refusing to leave her side. That Natsu had made them feel safe, welcome, like his world had room for them in it.

But this one…

This Natsu looked hollow. His shoulders sagged under some invisible weight, his apron and hands smeared white with flour, his movements jerky and restless like he was trying to outrun something inside himself. His face, usually so alive, was tired, drawn, broken in ways that made her chest ache despite herself.

Levy exhaled, the sound slipping out sharper than she meant it to, before she cleared her throat deliberately, breaking his spiral.

“Don’t tell me there’s like… vegetables or something in that cake?” she quipped, the words more brittle than playful.

Natsu’s head snapped up at once. His eyes widened when he saw her, but they were rimmed with exhaustion, dulled at the edges. “Levy…”

He stepped around the prep table toward her, flour scattering off his apron, smudging faintly across his cheek like war paint he hadn’t meant to wear.

Levy didn’t move, didn’t give him the relief of softening. Her arms folded tight across her chest, anchoring her resolve.

“So? You’re baking?” Her tone was cool, skeptical.

He swallowed, like he was almost scared of the reason Levy could be standing here. His face twisted like he was reaching for words that wouldn’t come. A shudder of breath left him, raw and unsteady. “How… how is she?”

Levy’s eyes sharpened, a fresh sting in her chest. “You’re seriously asking?”

The question cracked in the air, sharper than she intended, but the memory of Lucy breaking down in her arms was still too fresh to soften it.

“Please…” Natsu breathed, the word fragile, almost pleading. For a split second, guilt flickered through her, but she crushed it down. Lucy mattered more.

“You know what…” Levy scoffed, shaking her head as though his plea was too little, too late. “She’s barely talking to me— barely talking to anyone right now.”

Natsu shut his eyes, his palms dragging down his face until the heels of his hands pressed into his sockets. The motion wasn’t frustration, it was self-punishment, like he could scrub himself raw and still not erase what he’d done.

“Why!?” The word ripped out of Levy before she could stop it. He blinked, startled, meeting her stare head-on. She took a step forward, her chest tight, words shaking free. “Why did you do that to her? How could you do that to her!?”

His throat bobbed again. He swallowed hard, voice rough when it finally came. “Please… hear me out.”

“Natsu, you—” Her jaw clenched, teeth grinding as she fought for control. Her anger boiled up anyway, spilling over as she jabbed a finger hard into his chest. “You know I’ve always been rooting for you. I have been on your side since the day I saw you with her at the Phantom Lord show, the way you looked at her while you danced with her. You—” Her voice trembled, but she pushed through it. “You were supposed to deserve her.” Her hand pressed harder against his chest, her eyes blazing up at him. “I thought your feelings for her were real— that you would take care of her. That you actually wanted her.”

Natsu flinched. The words cut deeper than any blade could. His arms fell limp at his sides, flour clinging to his palms, ghostly reminders of how messy and useless his efforts had become.

“I do,” he whispered, almost desperate, the words spilling out broken. “Levy, I do. I— I want her more than anything.”

“Then why?” Levy’s voice cracked, raw with something heavier than anger. “Why would you pull her in— make her feel safe, make her believe in someone… and then just…” Her throat closed up, but she forced the words out like they were glass tearing her on the way up. “Rip it away?”

Natsu’s lips parted, then pressed shut again. His jaw flexed tight, the muscle twitching like he was holding something back. His chest rose and fell too fast, too heavy, like whatever sat inside him might crush him if he let it loose. Finally, his voice slipped out rough and low. “I thought… I thought I was protecting her.”

Levy’s eyes widened, disbelief flickering before narrowing into something sharper. “Protecting her? From what?” Her hands balled at her sides, nails biting into her palms. “Lucy’s had her whole life decided for her by people who swore they were protecting her. That’s just another word for controlling. She doesn’t need you to decide what she can handle—” Her voice broke, and she pressed a hand hard against her chest, grounding herself before her fury overtook her. “She needs honesty. She needs you.”

He couldn’t meet her eyes. His gaze fell to the counter instead, to the flour-scattered mess, the half-mixed cake, as if the ruined thing could carry his guilt for him. His fingers curled tight around the edge of the counter, knuckles whitening until they looked ready to snap.

“You don’t understand,” he rasped, the words dragging rough out of his throat.

“You’re right, I fucking don’t!” Levy snapped, her whole body trembling now, shoulders rising and falling with the force of her breath. “Because I watched her fall apart in my arms because of that night. I held her while she cried… over you! Do you have any idea what that felt like? To see my best friend—who finally, finally let herself believe someone could love her the way she deserves—only for you to…” Her voice cracked and died in her throat. She looked away, blinking hard.

Natsu’s head shot up. His eyes were rimmed red, guilt carved into every line of his face. He took a step toward her, voice raw. “Levy, I never wanted to hurt her. I—” His words snagged, his throat tightening. He forced them out anyway, trembling at the edges. “I care about her. More than anything.”

The admission hung heavy, fragile between them, but Levy didn’t yield. She blinked hard, grounding herself, then jabbed her finger into his chest with sharp force. 

“Then fix it,” she demanded, her voice splitting between steel and heartbreak. “If you really care about her, stop hiding behind whatever excuse you’ve built. Because Lucy deserves more than this.”

Natsu’s breath stuttered, his chest hitching with the weight of her words. “I—don’t know how…”

For a second, Levy’s anger faltered. Her pulse roared in her ears, and pity almost stirred at the broken look in his eyes—almost. But then the image of Lucy’s tear-streaked face burned hotter, shoving the softness away.

“Well, you better figure it out.” Her tone quieted, but the conviction in it was heavier, like every word carried a stone she was laying on his shoulders. “Because she cares about you too. And she should be with you… but not this version of you.”

Natsu stilled, his gaze snapping back to hers, a flicker of panic breaking through the exhaustion in his eyes.

Levy took a step back, giving him space but not an inch of mercy. Her voice softened, gentler but no less cutting. “The one she deserves is the Natsu who made her laugh. The one who stayed at the hospital all night without letting go of her hand. The one who let her believe you’d be there.” She let the silence settle, weighted and sharp, before she turned toward the doorway. Her hand lingered on the frame, her back to him. “If you can’t be that guy… then let her go.”

…

The steady hum of Gajeel’s old record player filled the loft, low rock spilling softly into the background. Juvia was sprawled across his couch like she owned it, legs tucked beneath her, hair spilling over the armrest. Her guitar rested against the cushions nearby, untouched despite being tuned an hour ago.

Gajeel leaned against the kitchen counter, nursing his mug of coffee as his sharp red eyes drifted toward her. He would never say anything when she spent most of her time at his place, she was his sister after all. But he knew her, and knew her well. Her spending hours of her days at his loft was a sure sign that something was wrong.

“You gonna tell me what the hell’s goin’ on with you,” he said finally, voice low and even, “or am I supposed to guess?”

Juvia blinked up at him, feigning innocence. “Juvia doesn’t know what you mean.”

“Bullshit,” he muttered, setting the mug down with a soft clink. “You’ve been campin’ on my couch more than your own. Barely talkin’. You sit here starin’ at that guitar like it’s gonna play itself. So…” He tilted his head, watching her carefully. “What’re you not tellin’ me?”

She straightened a little, smoothing her skirt, her voice calm but clipped. “Juvia is not hiding anything.”

He didn’t reply right away, just arched an eyebrow, unconvinced.

“Did Gray do something to you?”

She gasped, shooting him a glare in disbelief, “Gray-sama would never hurt Juvia!” 

“Alright.” He crossed his arms. “You did something then? Feeling guilty?”

Before he could push further, the loft door creaked open without warning.

“Yo!” Totomaru’s voice rang out as he stepped inside, scarf loose around his neck, cheeks red from the day's chill. “Man, you would not believe my night.”

“Ever heard of knockin’?” Gajeel grunted, not looking away from Juvia.

Totomaru ignored him completely, dropping into the armchair across from the couch. “So, I went to that hockey game last night— insane fight on the ice, crowd went nuts, the whole thing! And I went with that cute blonde girl I’ve been talking to…”

“Get to the point.” Gajeel hissed. 

Totomaru rolled his eyes but continued, “you’ll never guess who I ran into.”

“Don’t care,” Gajeel muttered, sipping his coffee.

“Lyon Vastia.”

Juvia froze. Her fingers tightened against the hem of her skirt, knuckles going pale. She was sure Lyon had left town by that point.

Totomaru kept talking, oblivious. “Guy’s smooth as hell, by the way,” he glanced teasingly at Juvia. “Don’t know why you picked his grumpy ass brother—”

“Shut up.” She hissed but he only chuckled and continued.

“But anyway— we got to talkin’, and he gave me this.” He held out a familiar black business card. “Said the woman he’s seeing works for Sorcerer Records and she’s interested in meeting us.”

The mug in Gajeel’s hand hit the counter harder than intended, the dull thunk echoing in the loft. His gaze flicked sharply to Juvia, catching the way she avoided looking at either of them before he turned towards his bandmate.

“Are you talking about the real Sorcerer Records?” Gajeel repeated, his voice low but sharp.

Totomaru grinned like he’d just found buried treasure and tossed the black card onto the coffee table. “Hell yeah I am. Apparently Lyon’s girl saw a video of us performing and she really wants us to meet for her.”

Gajeel picked up the card, running his thumb along the embossed lettering. “That’s… huge,” he muttered, almost to himself.

Across the couch, Juvia’s clenched hands around the hem of her skirt twisted the soft fabric until it wrinkled. She kept her gaze fixed firmly on her guitar, throat tight, trying to steady her breathing.

“Juvia… supposes that is good,” she said finally, her voice carefully neutral.

“Good?” Totomaru barked out a laugh, dropping into the armchair. “This is massive! Crocus is, like, the place. Big stages, real exposure. If Sorcerer’s even willing to talk to us, we’d be stupid not to go for it.”

Gajeel nodded slightly, still turning the card between his fingers. “Could be what we’ve been waitin’ for.”

Juvia swallowed hard, words bubbling up before she could stop them. “Crocus is… very far.”

Totomaru blinked, leaning forward. “So? It’s not like we’d have to move there tomorrow. We’d just go for the meeting, maybe play a small set if they want it. Totally worth the trip.”

“Yeah,” Gajeel said, crossing his arms as he leaned against the counter again. “What’s your point, sprinkler?”

She hesitated, her tongue heavy in her mouth. She couldn’t exactly admit the truth. Couldn’t say that the thought of leaving Magnolia, leaving Gray, made her chest ache. Couldn’t explain that taking Lyon’s help, of all people, felt like a betrayal she couldn’t bring herself to stomach.

“Juvia just thinks… it is risky,” she said carefully instead, forcing a small shrug. “Not guaranteed. Perhaps… there are other opportunities.”

Totomaru stared like she’d grown two heads. “You’re seriously worried about ‘guarantees’? This is Sorcerer fucking Records.”

“Juvia only means… Crocus is competitive,” she tried carefully, her voice light, neutral. “and we should… consider other options first.”

Totomaru's jaw dropped. “What? That’s insane! You’re acting like we’re too small-time to even try.”

“We are small-time,” she snapped before catching herself, pressing her lips into a thin line.

Gajeel’s brows shot up, his mug halfway to his mouth. “The hell’s that supposed to mean?”

She straightened on the couch, defensive now without meaning to be. “Juvia only means… we don’t even have a polished set yet. No real studio time, no real following outside this city. Crocus will expect more.”

Gajeel slammed the mug down hard enough to make Totomaru flinch. “Then we make more! You think I been bustin’ my ass writin’, practicin’, runnin’ these late-night sets just to sit around and wait for some ‘perfect’ opportunity that ain’t comin’?”

Her chest tightened at the sharp edge in his voice, but she matched his glare anyway. “Juvia is only trying to be realistic!”

Totomaru’s gaze ping-ponged between them, wide-eyed and nervous, sensing the argument about to spiral. “Okay, okay, can we all, like… breathe? Please?”

But Gajeel didn’t even glance at him. He took a step closer to the couch, red eyes locked on Juvia.

“You’re hidin’ somethin’,” he said lowly, voice steady but dangerous. “I don’t know what it is, but you’re actin’ like Crocus is a damn death sentence.”

Juvia’s breath hitched, but she forced a tight, practiced smile, shaking her head. “Juvia… is not hiding anything.”

He didn’t believe her. She could see it in the set of his jaw, the way his shoulders squared, like he was two seconds from pressing harder, really pressing, the way only Gajeel could when he smelled a lie.

Before he could push, she shot to her feet, grabbing her guitar without looking at him.

“Juvia needs air,” she muttered quickly, heading for the door.

“Sprinkler—”

The door slammed behind her before he could finish, leaving only the soft crackle of the record player and the faint hiss of static in the quiet loft.

Totomaru shifted awkwardly, glancing at the door and then at Gajeel. “…Dude. What the hell was that?”

Gajeel didn’t answer. He just stared at the crumpled edge of the Sorcerer Records card between his fingers, his jaw locked tight.

…

Lucy sat in the middle row of the lecture hall, elbows braced on the desk, her laptop open to a single blank page. The low murmur of students settling in buzzed around her, laptops opening, pens clicking, coffee cups clattering against desktops, but she felt far away from all of it.

She twirled her pen between her fingers, staring at the emptiness in front of her. Her mind kept circling back to the wrestling show, to the kiss, to the way Natsu had pushed her away as if it meant nothing… and how she pushed him away the night after. She tried to shake it off, bury herself in routine, but the silence in her chest was louder than the chatter around her.

“Lucy?”

She blinked, pulled back into the moment as her classmate Bisca slid into the seat beside her, hugging her notebook to her chest. Her green hair caught the fluorescent light, making her look sharp and put-together in a way Lucy definitely didn’t feel.

“Hey,” Lucy said, summoning a smile she didn’t feel. “What’s up?”

She leaned in a little, her voice quiet. “I just…wanted to see how you’re doing. You’ve seemed a little…distracted lately.”

Lucy’s throat tightened. She forced a small laugh, brushing it off. “I’m fine. Just… long week. You know how it is.”

Bisca studied her a moment longer, not fully convinced, but she let it go. She flipped open her notebook. “Well, about our peer review… I wanted to tell you, I think your fantasy piece had some cool ideas, but it felt like you were holding back. Like you didn’t quite trust the story yet.”

Lucy bit the inside of her cheek, nodding. “Yeah… fair enough.”

“But,” she added quickly, eyes brightening, “your article— the one about campus rules and how students don’t really get a say in their own housing decisions? That was incredible. Seriously, Lucy, it read like something professional. You should think about submitting it to the school’s web paper. I think they’d publish it right away.”

Lucy blinked, caught off guard. “Wait… really?”

“Yes.” Her smile was earnest now. “The way you wrote about control, how institutions treat students like children instead of adults making their own choices, it was powerful. You weren’t just writing for a grade. You were saying something. And people would listen to that.”

Lucy lowered her gaze, heart thudding. Her dad’s voice rose unbidden in her head, sharp and commanding, reminding her of every decision he’d mapped out for her, every piece of her life that wasn’t hers. For a second, she couldn’t breathe. But Bisca’s words cut through the noise. She had heard her… she heard her voice through her writing.

She swallowed, her pen suddenly feeling lighter in her hand. “…Thanks, Bisca,” she murmured, and this time her smile, though small, felt genuine.

Bisca grinned, settling into her seat just as the professor walked in.

Lucy stared down at her laptop screen again. The page was still blank, the cursor still blinking in the same place as before… but now it didn’t feel empty. 

Despite the chaos of everything else, she really needed this win.

…

Natsu exhaled a long, weary breath as he eased into his designated parking spot. The engine ticked down, leaving him in silence broken only by the faint rattle of the dashboard. He unbuckled his seatbelt but didn’t move. His head fell back against the headrest, eyelids heavy, the quiet of the truck wrapping around him like a suffocating blanket.

He just needed to get out.

Walk up to her door.

Knock.

Say the words he’d been rehearsing for days.

Apologize.

And maybe… maybe things would be okay.

But his body stayed rooted to the seat, hands loose on the wheel.

The cold air outside whispered through the slightly cracked window, brushing against his fingers and cheeks, reminding him he wasn’t in the warmth of his home. He wanted to see her. Needed to. The distance had been gnawing at him relentlessly, a constant pressure against his ribs, keeping him restless through sleepless nights. He didn’t want distance. He didn’t want quiet. He wanted Lucy. 

So why couldn’t he move?

His throat felt dry, as though swallowing would scrape it raw. His chest tightened with every thought of that night, when they kissed, and for one fleeting second, everything else disappeared. No noise. No fear. No weight crushing his lungs.

And then reality came crashing back.

Natsu dragged a hand over his face, groaning low. He reached over, opening the glove compartment. An open box of cigarettes stared back at him, tucked in the corner. He hadn’t touched one since Lucy’s hospital stay. Not once.

Yet, his fingers closed around the pack anyway.

“Just one,” he muttered, pulling a single cigarette free.

He stepped out of the truck, the metal door cold against his palm. He leaned back, letting the chill bite at him, his lungs filling with the crisp winter air. He placed the cigarette between his lips, flicked the lighter —

“Now, Natsu… I thought you kicked that disgusting habit.”

The voice struck him like a jolt of lightning. He froze, eyes snapping to the side. The cigarette slipped from his lips, clattering to the ground. The lighter clicked uselessly in his trembling hand.

She stood there, framed by the bright midday light, her long brown trench coat brushing at her ankles, red hair cascading over her shoulders. Her bag rested at her side, neat and packed for travel, the faint scent of her strawberry perfume mingling with the cold air.

“Erza…” he breathed, barely above a whisper.

“Seriously? Smoking again?” Her tone was sharp, tinged with disbelief, but not without care. “Do you not listen to a damn thing I say?”

“N-no…” His voice cracked slightly. “I-it’s not lit… see.”

Her eyes softened just a fraction as she stepped closer. Her presence was grounding, almost too comforting, but also unnervingly assertive. Without a word, she wrapped him in a firm, warm embrace. Natsu’s body tensed for a heartbeat before he let himself lean into it, inhaling the faint scent of strawberries in her coat and hair.

“Hello, old friend,” she murmured, patting his back, slow and steady, like she was letting him know she wasn’t going anywhere.

…

Erza stepped fully into Natsu’s apartment, maneuvering her luggage through the narrow doorway. The faint click of the wheels against the tile echoed in the otherwise quiet space. 

“Uh… Are you moving in or something?” Natsu asked, eyebrows rising as he watched her expertly balance two of the four bags as he set down the other two. 

“No.” She smiled, effortlessly setting a bag down without breaking stride. “In fact, I’m only going to be here for seven days.”

Natsu blinked, staring at her in disbelief. “Why the hell do you need four luggage bags for a week?!”

She pressed a finger to her chin, tilting her head thoughtfully. “I need options.”

He groaned, dragging the last suitcase over to the corner. “Options. Right.” His voice carried equal parts irritation and disbelief.

Erza followed him into the kitchen, eyes scanning every shelf and cupboard. Her brows rose as she took in the chaotic assortment of snacks, cereal boxes, and what looked like a small mountain of instant ramen stacked near the counter.

“Uh—” Natsu cleared his throat, scratching the back of his neck. “Lucy… she—I have to keep snacks for her, or she gets moody when you know… it’s that time of the month…” He faltered, suddenly aware of how ridiculous it sounded, even to himself. “I have to do that for Wendy too now…”

Erza gave him a pointed look, the corner of her mouth tilting in a half-smile. “Ah, I’ve heard about this Lucy,” she said slowly, her tone curious but not unkind. “I heard you’re very close with her.”

Natsu shifted awkwardly, hands tugging at his hoodie as he avoided her gaze. “Yeah… I guess you could say that.” His stomach tightened. 

Erza leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching him with those piercing eyes of hers. “You seem… distracted,” she said, tilting her head slightly. “Something going on?”

Natsu’s jaw clenched. He didn’t want to admit how much the past few weeks had eaten at him. He didn’t want her to look at him, and scold him, and make him open up so easily, as only she could. “It’s… complicated,” he muttered, glancing down at the counter. 

The faint hum of the fridge and the smell of leftover coffee filled the kitchen, grounding him slightly as he tried to think of what to say.

Erza’s expression softened just a fraction, though her gaze didn’t waver. “Complicated, huh? That doesn’t sound like the Natsu I know.”

He looked up, and for a moment, the stubbornness in his chest wavered under her steady gaze. “It’s… nothing,” he said quickly, but the word sounded hollow even to his own ears.

She gave a small nod, letting the subject linger in the air between them. “Well, I’m here now,” she said simply. “You want to tell me why Gray sounded very concerned.”

Natsu stiffened. “Gray… called you?”

“Of course,” Erza replied, tilting her head with a wry smile. “He said you’ve been… feeling down again...”

The words landed heavier than he expected, and Natsu felt a flush rise to his cheeks. “Yeah… well…” He trailed off, unsure how to explain everything— how to admit he was miserable without Lucy, how he’d spent weeks trapped in his own head. “Stupid Gray should mind his own damn business.”

“Maybe so,” Erza said, her voice calm but firm. She walked over to the island and eased onto a stool, the soft scrape of its legs against the tile echoing lightly in the quiet apartment. “However, he did stop you from possibly getting an assault charge, so…” She gave him a pointed look. “Want to tell me what’s going on?”

Natsu exhaled, a long, rattling breath that carried weeks of guilt and restless nights. He slid onto the stool beside her, his fingers twisting a random pen left on the counter. The small metallic click against the tile felt grounding, but his chest still tightened like he was holding something too big to contain.

“It’s about Lucy.” He finally admitted, though everyone who surrounded him already knew. Somehow, talking to Erza was always easy though. Like she could drag the truth out of him without trying. 

“I figured.” Erza tilted her head, pout on her lips. “What about her?”

“I think… I’m in love with her.”

Erza’s eyes widened slightly at the rawness of his confession. “You think you’re in love with her?”

He shook his head, disbelief etched into every movement. “No I don’t just think. I know I am.”

It wasn’t fear of her judgment, it was that he simply couldn’t lie to her. The words were heavy, real, and saying it out loud was absolutely terrifying.

“Ever since I met her… she’s just… she makes me feel like everything is gonna be okay,” he admitted quietly, almost to himself. “Like… there’s a future you know? That I could see… with her.”

Her gaze softened, and she leaned forward just a fraction, letting the stillness of her presence press gently against him. “So what’s the problem?”

“We kissed… and it was great… but—” He closed his mouth, fiddling with the pen like it could somehow untangle his thoughts. “I just… I can’t love someone like that again…”

Erza reached over, placing a hand lightly on his shoulder. “Natsu, you deserve to be happy.”

“No.” He shook her hand away, a sharp motion that betrayed the storm inside him. “I can’t do that to her.” 

“You can’t love her?” Erza asked

“Erza… you don’t get it… when she’s not around I— I feel like drowning.” Erza stayed silent, letting him continue. “I— it’s like I can’t breathe without her… and if I lost her… I mean that can’t be healthy… thinking like that all the fucking time.”

“Okay, let me ask you this.” Her voice was steady, patient. “What did she say when you told her about Lisanna?”

Natsu swallowed hard, the lump in his throat thick enough to taste. “I… haven’t told her.”

Her eyes went wide, the surprise brief but clear. “What?”

“It’s just… having someone who doesn’t treat me like I’m made of glass,” he admitted, the words heavy on his tongue. “But it’s stupid, because I am.”

“No, Natsu.” Erza shook her head gently, her hand lingering on his shoulder. “I know how strong you are.”

“I’m not.” His voice cracked, raw and unguarded. He ran a hand through his hair, shoulders slumped, eyes staring at nothing. “I’m so jealous… of people who can truly move on after something like that happens. I thought I could… Lucy even made me feel like I wanted to… like it would be okay. But every time I get too close, it feels like I’m… Lisanna pops into my head… and I feel like I’m betraying her.”

“You are not betraying her,” Erza said softly, her tone steady, deliberate. “You’re just scared.”

He shook his head, sharp, almost violently. “It’s not that… No…”

“Natsu. You’re using Lisanna as an excuse because you’re scared.”

His eyes widened, and for a moment, the storm inside him faltered. Erza could read him like a book. She always could.

“I-I…” His words stumbled, caught somewhere in his chest.

“You know I’m right,” she said firmly, squeezing his shoulder gently. He stayed silent, eyes downcast. “If you truly love her… you can’t hide behind Lisanna anymore. You should tell her what happened.” He pressed his lips together as his hands began to tremble. She placed her hand over his in an attempt to comfort him. “I know just how awful losing her was and how… how scary it is showing that part of yourself, that heartbroken part to someone you love can be.”

“It’s not just that—” he pulled his hand away, hiding his face slightly. “Even if I tell Lucy that I pulled away because of Lisanna how— how would that change anything?” 

“Natsu—”

“I feel guilty… Everytime I think about Lisanna.” He ran his hands through his hair, tugging slightly. “How can I be with Lucy, really be with her if I feel like that.”

Telling Lucy about Lisanna was something he had planned eventually, but it wasn’t easy. When Natsu spent time with Lucy, his grief was always the last thing on his mind. All he wanted in those moments was to make her happy, make her laugh, see her smile, feel light and safe.

He wished, painfully, that during the moment they had kissed he had focused on that instead letting his mind wander somewhere dark.

“I already fucked everything up,” he muttered, voice low and rough, as if saying it aloud made it heavier.

“You need to give yourself a chance,” Erza said softly, her eyes steady on his. “You need to tell her about Lisanna. You need to explain it so she understands.”

Natsu’s fists tightened against the table, the wood pressing into his skin. His mind spiraled through the ‘what ifs,’ the potential heartbreak, the fear of losing her. “I don’t know if I can,” he admitted, his voice cracking. “…What if it ruins everything?”

Erza leaned back slightly, calm but firm. “You’re already letting fear ruin everything, Natsu. You love her, don’t you?”

His throat tightened, and he whispered, “…Yeah… I do.”

“Then you have to trust that telling her the truth won’t destroy that,” she said. “You owe her honesty. You owe yourself the chance to be happy.”

He let out a shaky breath, leaning forward and resting his forehead against his hands. His heart hammered against his ribs, thoughts tangled with longing and guilt. Every memory of her—the tilt of her head when she laughed, the way her eyes lit up at something small—pulled at him like a magnet.

“I… I just want to make her happy,” he whispered, almost to himself. “…I don’t want to ruin it.”

Erza placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Then don’t overthink it.”

“Erza I just…”

“Natsu.” She was sharp, and said it faster than he could have covered his ears. “Lucy is still here. You’d think you of all people would never let go of someone you say you love.”

…

He sat in his car again. Alone. Wondering what his next move would be.

The silence pressed in on him, heavy and suffocating, his fingers tapping anxiously against the leather steering wheel. Every time he thought of Lucy, his chest tightened until it hurt. He hated the distance between them. Hated not hearing her laugh. Hated knowing she was avoiding him, shutting him out.

It made his stomach flip violently in ways similar to when he was driving too fast, like losing control but refusing to slow down.

He wasn’t even sure what he would say to her if he saw her. How could he explain everything when he didn’t even understand it himself? How could he tell her about Lisanna without breaking something between them? And worse, what if she didn’t want to hear it? He sighed, leaning his forehead against the steering wheel, ready to leave and give up for the day, until the universe decided for him.

There she was.

Walking across the icy pavement with her head down, her blonde hair peeking out from under her hood, bundled up in nothing but a thin sweater. She hugged her books close to her chest, lost in thought, oblivious to the world around her.

He froze, his hand hovering over the keys, unable to move. His chest tightened just from the sight of her. Weeks of silence stretched between them, but right now, it felt like no time had passed at all.

And then, before he could call out to her, it happened.

Lucy’s foot slid on a patch of ice, and she let out a sharp cry, arms flailing before she fell hard onto her back.

He didn’t think. He didn’t breathe. He was out of the truck in an instant, his boots crunching against the snow as he bolted toward her.

“Lucy!”

Her wide eyes snapped open at the sound of his voice. And there he was, hovering over her, his breath clouding in the freezing air, concern carved into every line of his face.

“Natsu…” she whispered, his name trembling on her lips.

For a moment, neither of them moved. The cold bit at his skin, but he barely felt it. All those weeks, the anger, the confusion, the silence, it melted away under the weight of her gaze.

Almost on instinct, Lucy’s lips curved upward, the smallest, softest smile slipping through. She hated herself for it, hated how easily he could still unravel her walls with nothing but his presence.

“H-hi,” she breathed, the word fragile, like it might shatter between them.

His throat tightened, heart fluttered. God, he missed her more than he even knew.

“Hey…” 

…

Chapter Text

The silence that followed was loud, charged, alive with everything they weren’t saying.

Natsu wanted to reach for her, to help her up, to brush the ice from her sweater, to pull her into his arms and never let her go… but his hand only stalled halfway. Fingers trembling, hovering just inches from her.

Was he allowed to do this? After everything?

Lucy noticed the hesitation and swallowed hard, clutching her arms tighter against her chest. Her throat tightened with words she wanted to say: where have you been? Why did you let me walk away that night? Why didn’t you fight for me? But they tangled together and refused to come out. It wouldn’t be fair of her to say that. 

She hadn’t done anything to reach out to him either. 

Everything between them felt fragile. Like one wrong move could shatter everything, one wrong word could break them both.

Her breath caught. Her eyes flicked down to his hand, then back up to his face. Slowly, cautiously, she lifted her own, fingers hesitating in the cold air, drawn to him so easily like gravity.

For one suspended heartbeat, they hovered there, both of them reaching, both of them wanting.

And then, as if on cue, they stopped.

Lucy’s fingers curled tight against her palm as she pulled back, tucking her hand deep into the sleeve of her sweater. Her eyes shut, body still dropped on the icy pavement, a flicker of guilt flashing across her face like she’d stolen something from him without meaning to. 

Natsu saw it. 

Felt it. 

The rejection, it wasn’t intentional, but it hit him anyway, hollow and sharp. A reminder of how far apart they’d let themselves drift.

His hand slowly fell back to his side, curling into a fist.

“Are you okay?” His voice came out softer than he meant, roughened at the edges, like he’d been swallowing down too many words for too long. “Can you get up?”

Lucy nodded quickly, pushing at the ground with her palms—only to groan and fall back against the slick pavement with an exaggerated whimper.

“O-ow…”

The corner of Natsu’s mouth twitched despite himself. “Seriously?” he muttered, crouching lower, his tone caught somewhere between concern and reluctant amusement.

“Nooo…” she groaned again, squeezing her eyes shut like a child who wanted sympathy more than help. “It hurts too bad.”

“Drama queen,” he teased under his breath, but there was no bite in it. His voice was low, careful, as though he was testing how far he could reach without breaking the moment. For a heartbeat, his hand hovered near her face, the urge to brush her bangs away pulling at him the way it always did when she was close. But he stopped himself, curling his fingers into a fist. “C’mon, I’ll help you up.”

“No.” The word was sharper than she intended, making his heart sink—until she kept going, her voice softening, hesitant. “I mean… yes, please. Just…” she winced, shifting against the cold ground. “Give me a minute. I’m too scared to move right now.”

A short, shaky laugh escaped him, warming the air between them. “Seriously, you big baby… your hair’s getting wet. You’re gonna get sick.”

“Natsu…” she whispered, her voice breaking somewhere between a whine and a plea. “It really hurts…”

Something inside him unraveled at the sound. The teasing drained from his expression, replaced by the quiet protectiveness he couldn’t hold back, not when it came to her.

“I know,” he murmured, steady this time. “I’m gonna help you up now, okay?”

She gave a small nod, still keeping her eyes shut, bracing herself.

And then she felt it, the familiar, unshakable warmth of him as he lifted her slowly, carefully. She expected him to just set her on her feet, to step back and give her space like they had been doing all these weeks. But instead, without hesitation, he gathered her up against him the way he always used to, like it was muscle memory, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

For a moment, Lucy didn’t fight it. Didn’t think. Her arms curled instinctively around his neck, her face burying into the faint scent of him—coffee, smoke, something warm she could never name but always recognized.

She told herself she should pull away. She didn’t want to.

Neither of them spoke. Neither of them let go.

When he finally eased her into the passenger seat of his car, he lingered for a second, his hand braced against the doorframe as if tearing himself away cost him something. Their gazes met, locking for the first time in weeks.

Her features were as familiar as home, but her expression unreadable, a quiet mask she’d perfected.

“Are you heading home?” His voice was too casual, almost jarring against the gravity pressing down between them.

She hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah.”

He gave a single nod back. “Okay.”

The door shut with a gentleness that didn’t match the storm inside him. He rounded the hood, slid into the driver’s seat, and for a second, just one, let himself look at her.

The engine hummed to life, and the heater roared, filling the silence with rushing warmth. Lucy leaned back, eyes fluttering shut as the chill melted from her skin. When she opened them again, a faint smile tugged at her lips. Small. Fleeting. Like sunlight slipping through the cracks of a storm.

It was the first smile he’d seen from her since everything shattered.

His hands tightened around the steering wheel, his breath caught somewhere in his chest, fighting the instinct to reach across the console and hold her hand until the ache quieted.

The silence was heavy, but not cruel. The hum of the heater, the faint crunch of ice beneath the tires—it all wrapped around them, fragile and unspoken.

Three weeks without her.

Three weeks of silence.

Three weeks of wanting to call but never finding the courage.

And now, sitting side by side, the air felt too thin.

He risked a glance at her out of the corner of his eye, the way her damp hair clung to her sweater, how her fingers curled against her lap, how she chewed faintly at her lower lip, lost in thought.

He wondered if she was thinking about him, too.

The drive wasn’t long, barely five minutes, and for that, they were both grateful. Neither of them were ready to face everything that needed to be said.

Not just yet, but they both knew it was coming. 

When he pulled into the parking space, Natsu left the car running, the low rumble of the engine filling the silence between them. His fingers gripped the steering wheel, knuckles pale, and he stared straight ahead for a moment, steadying his breath.

It was unavoidable now.

They were here.

Together.

So ready or not—

“Lucy,” he started slowly, his voice rough, uncertain. She didn’t look at him. Instead, she kept her gaze fixed on her lap, twisting the edge of her sweater between her fingers. She was afraid of what was coming. “I’m… I’m so sorry,” he said, barely above a whisper.

Her brows furrowed, and finally, she glanced at him. “No— it was all me,” she said quickly, shaking her head. “I acted like a drunk idiot that night and I just shouldn’t have—”

“It wasn’t you,” he said firmly, his grip tightening on the wheel as if the leather could anchor him. “Not at all.”

Lucy bit her lip, unsure how to respond, and when she finally spoke, her voice was small, almost fragile. “I shouldn’t have assumed… I mean I just thought that you liked me… and I guess I was hurt but I shouldn’t have assumed…”

“I do.” He exhaled a breath. “I like you, Lucy so much… you have no idea how much.” The words came out fast, unpolished, but there was no mistaking the weight behind them. Her eyes widened, startled by his blunt confession. “But… I need to tell you something,” he added, his voice steadier now, though his heart was hammering in his chest.

Lucy hesitated, her teeth worrying her bottom lip as she searched his face. “…Okay. What?”

He took a deep breath, forcing the words past the lump in his throat. It was now or never. He had to decide whether to keep running or finally let her in.

But the thought of losing her, of never hearing her laugh again, never seeing her smile, was enough to push him forward.

“I had a girlfriend…” His voice cracked slightly. “Her name was Lisanna.”

Lucy froze, her chest tightening. Cana’s words… Loke’s words… they crashed into her together, mixing like cement inside of her mind. She felt her body begin to tremble ever so slightly. As if she was holding herself together because she was so scared of any words he could say next. He had never talked about his ex. Never mentioned her once, and yet here it was. An answer to a question she had never dared to ask.

“Okay…” she whispered, her voice tentative, inviting him to go on.

“And…” He paused, pressing his lips together, his hand curling into a fist against the wheel. “She died two years ago...”

The words hung in the air, heavy and unrelenting.

Lucy’s breath caught. Her heart ached for him, but she stayed quiet, afraid to break the moment. Afraid that if she said the wrong thing, he would retreat back behind his walls. He finally turned his head, meeting her gaze for the first time since they’d parked. His eyes were glassy, but his expression was carefully guarded, unreadable. Almost like he was forcing himself to stay composed when every word threatened to break him.

“I loved her,” he said softly, his voice rough and unsteady. “I loved her… so much.”

Lucy’s throat tightened. Her fingers curled into the fabric of her sweater, nails digging in as if she could ground herself. She wanted to reach for him, to take his hand, to say something, anything… but the words wouldn’t come. So she stayed quiet, letting him lead.

“And after she was gone…” He swallowed hard, his jaw working as he tried to force the words out. “I told myself I’d never let it happen again. That I’d never let myself… feel that way about anyone ever again. Because if I did, and I lost them too…” He shook his head, breath hitching. “I didn’t think I’d survive it a second time.”

Lucy’s chest ached. She could feel his pain sitting heavy between them, could hear it in the quiet tremor of his voice. Her lips parted, but the apology barely escaped, so soft it was almost swallowed by the hum of the heater.

“I-I’m so sorry…”

Natsu’s head dipped slightly, his messy hair falling into his eyes, but he didn’t look away. He stared at her like he was trying to memorize her face, as if afraid she might vanish too.

“Lucy…”

Her name was a whisper, fragile and raw, and it undid her completely. A single tear slipped down her cheek, hot against the air of the car. She didn’t even notice her hands moving, didn’t think, just reached across the small space between them, fingertips brushing his. For a suspended heartbeat, he froze, staring down at the tiny point of contact like it was something dangerous.

Then, slowly, carefully, he turned his hand over and laced his fingers with hers.

“Before I met you it kind of felt like everyone was moving forward and I was just stuck. Then you came along...” He exhaled slowly, eyes tracing the lines of her face as if memorizing them. “Everything was easy again… living was… exciting again… like I could feel it all again. Like I wasn’t just surviving.” Her chest felt like it was being squeezed, each heartbeat echoing in her ears. His words landed in her like soft fire, burning away the weeks of silence and distance. She wanted to speak, to throw herself into him and beg for all the lost time back, but her throat felt thick, clogged with tears she couldn’t release. “And…” His voice dropped to a near whisper, fragile and trembling, “I don’t want to lose that. Not with you. Not ever.”

Her breath caught sharply, and for a moment the world narrowed to just the two of them. The soft press of his hand in hers, the warmth radiating from his body, the ache in her chest that had never quite left her. Every fiber of her wanted to lean in, to bridge the gap of these endless weeks, but the fear of rejection, the fear of hurting him, it held her frozen.

“I… I don’t want to lose that either,” she whispered, her voice quivering with both relief and longing. “That day… when you pushed me away… was it because—”

“It wasn’t you.” He shook his head slowly, eyes locked on hers, voice low and raw with something she couldn’t name. Regret, fear, desire, all at once. “It was incredible. You’re incredible… but…” His thumb brushed nervously along her hand, and she felt the storm behind his restraint. “…I’d never forgive myself if I hurt you.”

Her hands trembled slightly in his, and she let out a shuddering breath. “Okay…” Her voice was fragile, like a thread about to snap, yet each word carried all the longing she had buried for weeks.

“I’m not asking you to wait…” His gaze dropped briefly, then found hers again, heavy with urgency and emotion. “I just… I want to be someone who can be here for you. Someone who can really be here, not just half-heartedly.”

“Natsu…” Her voice cracked, soft and pleading, drawing him in closer even as the space between them remained.

“I want to be with you, Lucy.” The confession came out in a rush, urgent, desperate, filled with all the longing he’d kept locked away. “But I can’t promise I won’t hurt you with the way I am now— and I can’t… I don’t… I don’t ever want you to be in pain because of me.”

She nodded slowly, as if anchoring herself against the storm of her own feelings. “Okay…”

“I know it’s not fair of me to say this…” His voice was low, trembling slightly, weighted with the last three weeks of silence. “…I just… I miss you. Every single day I’ve been away from you.”

Her lips quivered. She blinked, and a single tear slid down her cheek, glinting in the dim light. “Yeah… I miss you too.” She swallowed hard, her fingers brushing against the edge of his hand before pulling them back, careful not to linger too long. “…We should be friends.”

He felt the words like a punch to the gut, even though he knew those words were the best case scenario outcome for this situation. 

“Friends,” he echoed, barely above a whisper, but his eyes stayed locked on hers, tracing the lines of her face, memorizing her expression as though it could keep him alive. 

His fingers itched to reach out, to touch her, to hold her close and never let go… but he stayed still, frozen by his own guilt and fear. The air between them thrummed with unspoken desire. Every inhale tasted of longing, every exhale was heavy with the things they couldn’t say. Their knees brushed accidentally, and it sent sparks up his spine; her gaze softened for the barest moment, and it was enough to nearly undo him. He pressed his lips together, biting back a groan that would betray him. 

“I— I think it’s for the best…” she said, almost as though her heart was breaking. 

“Friends…” he repeated again, letting the word hang like a fragile promise.

She gave a small, shaky nod, but her eyes didn’t leave his. There was a storm behind them… hope, regret, yearning… and he knew, without a doubt, that friends was only the surface. A way to justify proximity as he figured out how to be whole, and a way for her to stay near what she loved without risking everything.

Beneath that fragile pact they were both aching, desperate for a future neither dared to speak aloud.

…

They sat side by side, crammed into the same booth of the little burger place they’d eaten at after the wrestling show. The restaurant buzzed with life, clinking silverware, bursts of laughter, conversations bleeding into one another, but all of it felt far away. Their corner was a bubble, hushed and fragile, where the noise couldn’t touch them.

Lucy stared down at her untouched plate, absently twisting a cold fry between her fingers before setting it back down. Her chest felt tight, the question pressing against her tongue like a stone she couldn’t swallow. She took a long sip of her diet cola, hoping the fizz would ease the lump in her throat. It didn’t.

“Natsu…”

He wasn’t eating either. His milkshake sat half-melted in front of him, the straw still wrapped in its paper sleeve. He’d been staring blankly at the tabletop, but at the sound of her voice he turned, his eyes softening the second they found hers.

“Yeah?”

Her fingers curled into the napkin in her lap. “Can I… ask you something?” Her voice was barely above the hum of the diner, careful and uncertain. “If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s okay. I just—”

He offered her the smallest smile. It was soft, patient, familiar, the kind of smile that made her chest tighten with guilt because she needed it so badly. Because she wondered if she had ever given him that same unintentional comfort in return.

“You can ask me anything.”

She exhaled slowly, gathering the courage, but her gaze dropped back to the table. “How… how did she die?”

The smile slipped from his face like someone had wiped it away. His jaw clenched, the faintest tic in his cheek, and his fingers curled against the tabletop. He looked toward the window as though the question had pulled him somewhere she couldn’t follow.

Lucy’s stomach twisted. “No—I’m sorry,” she rushed out, panic lacing her words. Her hand shot out instinctively, settling on his shoulder. “You don’t have to tell me. Forget I even—”

“It’s okay,” he murmured, rough but steady. Slowly, deliberately, he turned back to her, his gaze meeting hers head-on. “I… want to tell you.”

Her hand hesitated on his shoulder. When he didn’t pull away, she slid it down to cover his hand instead, curling her fingers gently around his. A soft squeeze, tentative but sure. She wasn’t certain she had the right to hold him like this, but the warmth of his skin under her palm made her chest ache.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. He stared at their joined hands like they were the only thing keeping him tethered here, his thumb brushing absentmindedly across her knuckle. The touch was small, almost unconscious, but it made her breath catch.

When he finally spoke, his voice was low, fragile, like the words had to be coaxed past the break in his throat.

“There was an accident.”

Lucy’s grip tightened instinctively, her free hand coming to rest over theirs, as if she could shield him from his own memories. His lips parted like he wanted to go on, but no words came, just the slow, uneven sound of him exhaling through his nose, steadying himself beneath the weight of it.

She didn’t rush him. She stayed quiet, close, holding on, reminding him without words that he wasn’t alone.

“A car crash…”

Lucy froze. Her hands slipped back to her lap slowly, almost reverently, afraid that if she moved too quickly, he’d close off again. She didn’t speak, didn’t even breathe.

His gaze stayed on the milkshake in front of him, thumb tracing the sweating glass like it could hold him together. “The night it happened… we were fighting.”

Lucy’s fingers clenched around her own glass, but she stayed silent, letting him lead.

“It was stupid. Something dumb. I wish I could tell you what it was, but I… I don’t even remember what it was about.” His lips pressed into a thin line, shoulders sagging under the memory. “The last thing I remember is her face when she walked out. She was so mad, I was mad, and I— can’t remember why… sometimes it feels like that day blocks itself out.” He stopped, breath hitching as though the next words clawed his throat raw. “I just let her go.”

Lucy’s chest constricted, thick with sympathy she didn’t know how to give voice to. Her hand twitched against the table, aching to reach for him, but she hesitated, afraid of breaking the fragile thread of his confession.

He laughed then, short, bitter, a sound that carried no warmth. His head shook faintly. “And an hour later, I got the call.”

The words landed like a blow. Lucy’s lips parted, but nothing came.

Natsu exhaled hard, leaning back against the booth as if the air had left his lungs entirely. His palms pressed flat to the table, fingers splayed like he was holding himself to this moment by force. 

“Car accident. That’s all they told me at first. One second she was there, yelling at me about something I can’t even remember, and the next—” His voice cracked, quiet, breaking against the background hum of the diner.

Lucy couldn’t hold back anymore. Her hand slid forward, hesitating only a breath before settling gently over his. Her thumb brushed once, soft, careful.

“Natsu…” she whispered, the single word breaking under the weight of everything she couldn’t say.

“I still get nauseous sometimes when I’m in a car and I think about it.”

He didn’t look at her, but he didn’t pull away either. The silence between them was thick, sharp, like it might cut them both if they breathed too hard.

After a long moment, he spoke again, quieter this time.

“That’s also why,” he said slowly, like each word weighed a hundred pounds, “I was always so weird about your apartment.”

Lucy blinked, brows knitting. “…My apartment?”

He nodded once, thumb tapping nervously against the table. “It was hers, Lucy.”

At first, the words didn’t land.

Then they did—like glass shattering in her chest.

She sat back slightly, her hand still on his, but her breath hitched sharp and shallow. “Wait—” Her voice cracked as the pieces fell into place on their own. “You mean… Lisanna lived there?”

“Yeah.” His voice was soft, resigned, and finally, he lifted his eyes to hers. They were glassy, brimming, and the sight made her stomach twist. “Before you. That was her place. I used to stay there with her almost every night.”

Lucy’s pulse roared in her ears. She remembered the day she moved in, Gajeel staring at her door like it was haunted. His casual, offhand remark: Place has been empty a long time. She remembered being confused, but she never pressed.

But it hadn’t been empty. Not really.

“Oh my god…” The words scraped out of her in a whisper, her hand flying to her mouth as her chest heaved unevenly.

Natsu nodded faintly, gaze dropping back to their joined hands. “I thought I could handle it. Thought I could walk in there with you and it wouldn’t… wouldn’t hit me like that.” His lips curved into a humorless half-smile. “But it did. Hard. Every room, every corner… I could see her there.”

Lucy’s mind was racing, but her body felt frozen. The apartment, her apartment, suddenly didn’t feel like hers at all. She thought of all the nights she’d fallen asleep there, curled up under her blankets, Plue resting his head at her feet, blissfully unaware of the history pressed into those walls. Blissfully unaware of her.

“I didn’t know,” Lucy whispered, voice cracking, her throat tightening around the words. “Natsu, I— I didn’t know.”

“I know.” His voice softened, his thumb brushing over her knuckles like he was the one trying to soothe her. “I never told you.”

She blinked quickly, trying to swallow down the sting in her eyes. “Gajeel said something when I moved in,” she murmured, almost to herself. “He told me nobody had lived there in years but he never said…”

Natsu huffed out a short breath, shaking his head faintly. “He probably thought it was easier not to. I begged them not to tell you when I realized I couldn’t—” His jaw worked. “That I didn’t want to stay away from you.”

Lucy finally looked at him, really looked, and her chest ached. He looked so tired. Not just physically—tired in his bones, worn down from carrying a weight that had no end.

For a fleeting, ugly moment, she was angry at him for not telling her sooner. But the anger dissolved instantly under the pull of something heavier: regret.

“I wouldn’t have asked you,” she whispered, her voice trembling, almost pleading, as if the words could rewrite the past. “That night after the hospital… when I asked you to stay… I didn’t know.”

Her mind flickered with every odd silence, every strange tension she’d ignored. Her friends’ stiff smiles, the way they never lingered long when they stepped inside her apartment. Hindsight really was cruel.

Natsu’s hand tightened around hers instantly, firm and certain, like he needed to erase that thought from existence.

“It’s okay,” he said, voice low, rough. His thumb brushed over her hand again, steadier this time. “I wanted to stay with you.”

Her breath caught at the way he said it, quiet but sharp, the kind of honesty that stripped her bare.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, neither breathing too deeply, afraid the smallest shift would shatter the fragile stillness holding them together.

Lucy exhaled unevenly, her pulse pounding in her ears. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want you to feel like you had to act different around me,” he admitted, his voice hoarse. His thumb traced along the side of her hand, restless, like he needed the motion, like he needed to keep touching her or he’d fall apart. “I didn’t want to ruin what we had.”

Her eyes stung again, not just with sadness, but something deeper, something she couldn’t name. “You wouldn’t have ruined it,” she whispered.

He looked at her then. Really looked. And in his gaze was something unspoken, raw and desperate, something that sat heavy between them but neither dared to reach for.

“Lucy…” His voice cracked around her name, his grip tightening on her hand before he forced himself to ease it. “I don’t want to keep screwing this up with you.”

Her breath hitched. Without meaning to, she leaned in just a little, close enough to feel the faint warmth radiating from him.

“You’re not screwing it up,” she murmured. But the tears in her eyes betrayed her, revealed her doubt, her fear.

For a long moment, they didn’t speak. Didn’t move.

Just two people in a worn diner booth, holding onto each other’s hands like they were the only solid thing in a world that wouldn’t stop spinning.

Finally, Natsu let out a shaky breath, his forehead lowering until it hovered just above their joined hands. His voice was a whisper, fragile as glass. “I just… don’t want to lose this.”

“You won’t,” Lucy said softly, though her voice trembled like a vow that might break. “Not if we don’t let go.”

Their fingers tightened together at the same time, both clutching harder, both silently admitting what neither dared to put into words.

…

The ride back to their apartment complex was silent, but not empty.

Every second felt stretched thin, thick with words neither of them could bring themselves to say. The hum of the engine filled the quiet, steady and constant, while Lucy sat curled against the passenger-side door, staring at the blur of passing streetlights.

Her hands rested in her lap, fingers twisting together nervously, though she kept sneaking glances at him. The soft glow from the dashboard caught the curve of Natsu’s jaw, the furrow between his brows. He looked tense, not angry, but wound tight, as if holding himself together cost him something.

Lucy’s heart broke watching him.

She wanted to ask more. About Lisanna. About that night. About what he had meant when he said he didn’t want to lose this. But every time she opened her mouth, the words lodged in her throat.

Instead, she let the weight of it settle deep in her chest.

When he finally turned into the parking lot, he slowed to a crawl, as though neither of them was ready for the ride to end. The engine idled quietly beneath them, a soft, insistent hum.

Lucy’s gaze flicked toward her apartment floor, and for the first time, the weight of the space behind it pressed heavy against her lungs.

She thought of Lisanna.

How many times had she stood in that kitchen? Cooked in that space? How many times had she curled up against Natsu on a couch that wasn’t there anymore? How many times had her laughter filled those walls with echoes Lucy would never hear—but Natsu probably never stopped hearing?

A shiver ran through her, unbidden.

You okay?” Natsu’s voice was quiet, almost tentative, as if asking might break the fragile space around them.

Lucy nodded automatically, but her throat burned. “I just… I didn’t know,” she whispered, eyes fixed on the building outside.

He followed her gaze, fingers tightening on the steering wheel. “I should’ve told you sooner,” he admitted softly. “I just… couldn’t make myself say it. Every time I tried, the words got stuck.”

She finally turned to look at him. He met her stare, expression unreadable, but his eyes raw, unguarded, a look she rarely got to see.

“It’s not just an apartment to you,” she said gently.

He nodded slowly.

“It was her place,” he murmured, voice cracking on the word her. “We fought there. We laughed there. That’s where she…” He cut off abruptly, breathing sharply, like finishing the sentence would physically hurt.

Lucy’s chest tightened. Before she could think better of it, she reached for him. Her hand rested lightly over his on the gearshift… tentative, but steady.

He froze, glancing down at her hand. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he curled his fingers beneath hers, like touching her was both dangerous and inevitable.

The silence stretched, thick and fragile, broken only by the soft whir of the heater and the muffled city beyond the glass.

“It doesn’t feel wrong?” she asked finally, voice trembling. “Me… living there?”

Natsu shook his head immediately, eyes locking onto hers with startling intensity. “No. You brought that place back to life.”

“Then why does it still hurt?” she whispered, tears spilling over, hot and unrestrained.

His throat worked as if swallowing around his own answer. For a long moment, he said nothing. Then, carefully, he reached across the console, brushing his thumb along the edge of her jaw, catching a tear before it fell. The touch was fleeting, almost shy, yet it made her entire body still.

“I don’t know,” he finally admitted, voice low, rough, and uncertain.

Neither moved after that. Her hand stayed over his, his thumb brushing faintly against her skin. Neither dared pull away first, because to do so would mean letting go, and neither of them was ready for that.

…

Lucy hesitated when they stepped out of the car, clutching her bag strap like it might hold her upright. The stairwell that led to her apartment seemed to loom darker than usual, her front door like a weight pressing down on her chest.

She looked at Natsu, then back at the familiar door, and felt her stomach twist. 

She lived there. She laughed there. She died… and now I live there.

Her fingers tightened around the strap. “Um… would it be okay if I…” she trailed off, not sure how to say it without sounding weak. Natsu’s brow furrowed, but he didn’t push. He just waited. “…can I come over?” 

The relief that flickered across his face was subtle, but she caught it. He nodded quickly, as if the thought of her being anywhere else was the wrong answer. 

“You don’t even have to ask weirdo.”

Her chest loosened at the familiar tone in his voice, and a small flutter stirred in her stomach. Even now, especially now, he was trying to make the air lighter, like tossing her a rope while he was probably drowning himself.

They crossed the hall together, Lucy pausing only to duck into her apartment long enough to scoop Plue from his bed. She didn’t let herself look around too much; the air already felt too heavy. When she came back out, Natsu was leaning against his own doorway, waiting for her.

Inside his apartment, the warmth hit her immediately. The faint scent of coffee, the clutter of his living room that always made her feel oddly safe. But this time, something different caught her eye.

A couple of bags sat by the couch, half-unpacked, one with the corner of scarlet fabric peeking out.

Lucy tilted her head. “Um… did someone move in?”

“Oh—” Natsu rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at the bags. “No. My friend Erza just came into town. She’s staying for a couple days, but she’s not here right now.”

Lucy nodded slowly, though something about it made her throat tighten. Erza. A friend. Someone he trusted enough to let stay here.

She sank onto the edge of his couch, setting Plue down beside her, and picked at the hem of her sleeve. Her chest felt restless, like she had questions crawling up her ribs, begging to be asked. 

But when she finally spoke, her voice was quiet. Fragile. “Natsu?”

He sat down beside her, elbows resting on his knees, watching her with those steady, unreadable eyes. “Yeah?”

She hesitated, chewing on her lip. She didn’t want to hurt him. Didn’t want to rip open something raw just because she was curious. But the silence between them had weight, pressing down until the words slipped out anyway.

“I… I remember when my mom died,” she whispered, her voice trembling at the edges. “Everything was so dark back then…” Her arms wrapped around herself, as if holding her chest together. “And sometimes… if I think about her too much— about how much she suffered in her final days— about what life would’ve been like if she were still here—it gets dark all over again.”

Natsu’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping to his hands. His thumb dragged over a faint scar on his knuckle, a nervous habit he didn’t even notice anymore. “…Yeah,” he murmured after a moment, his voice low, almost rough. “I feel that too… sometimes.”

Lucy’s eyes flicked up to him, searching his face, but his expression was unreadable, like he was somewhere far away.

And he was.

Because for just a second—one treacherous, uninvited second—his mind betrayed him.

Lisanna.

The memory hit like a flash of lightning, too bright and too fast. Her laugh. Her hand in his. The way she used to rest her head against his shoulder on quiet afternoons, just like Lucy had many times before. It was there and gone in the space of a heartbeat, but the guilt came crashing after it, heavy and suffocating.

He hated himself for it. Hated that Lucy was right here, trusting him, baring her heart, and he couldn’t control the way the past clawed its way in.

“Sometimes,” Lucy whispered, breaking through his spiral, “it’s too much.”

His chest tightened. He nodded once, sharp, grounding himself in her voice, her presence, her warmth. “…Yeah,” he said finally, quieter than before. “For a long time… all I could feel was this… emptiness.” His fingers curled tightly together, knuckles pale. “I thought the only way to make it stop… would be to not feel anything at all.”

Lucy’s breath caught, her gaze softening instantly, but she didn’t speak. She just let the silence hold him, giving him space.

Natsu swallowed hard, jaw flexing as if the words were scraping their way out. “I… never told anyone that,” he admitted, his voice rough, uneven. “Back then… after Lisanna was gone… it got so bad that I… I thought about ending it.”

Lucy’s heart stopped. Her throat closed around the sudden swell of emotion, her lips parting but no sound came out.

He glanced up at her briefly, saw the worry in her eyes, and forced himself to keep talking before he lost the nerve. “I didn’t… I didn’t go through with it… clearly.” His chest rose and fell, breath shaky. “But I wanted to.” The silence between them grew unbearably heavy until he added, softly, almost ashamed, “but …I kept thinking about who would find me. What if it was Cana… or Gray, you know, ‘cause they don’t knock and just barge in here.” He laughed, a dry, broken sound that wasn’t really a laugh at all. “And when I thought about that… when I pictured them finding me like that… when I thought about my dad getting a call… when I thought about my dad telling Wendy that I did that… I just couldn’t do it.”

Lucy finally moved, sliding closer until their knees brushed, her hand trembling slightly as she placed it gently over his. Her chest ached with the weight of his words, with the image of him carrying this alone for so long. “Natsu…” she whispered, her voice unsteady.

He didn’t look at her at first, staring instead at the way her fingers curled around his. Her warmth seeped into him slowly, grounding him, tugging him back from a place he rarely let himself go.

When his eyes finally lifted, they were glassy but steady. “I’m still here,” he murmured, the words sounding more like a reminder to himself than to her.

Lucy’s throat tightened. She lifted her other hand, cupping his cheek tenderly. “I know,” she whispered softly. “And I’m so… so glad you are.”

Something flickered in his gaze, relief, tangled with guilt. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice frayed.

Her chest ached at the question. “I can’t believe you’re asking me that.”

“It’s a lot… I know it is.” His words came low, hoarse. “I don’t want to drag you into my darkness. That’s why I thought that pushing you away was better… but I can’t… I can’t stay away from you.”

“You’re not dragging me anywhere,” she said, soft but fierce. “I’m choosing this. I’m choosing you. Always.”

Her words hung in the space between them, heavy but steady, pulling him closer without either of them moving. For the first time in what felt like forever, Natsu exhaled, really exhaled, like her presence gave him something solid to hold onto.

“I’m sorry,” Lucy whispered again, rubbing at her arm, her voice unsteady. “I don’t want to be the reason you’re hurting either. I don’t want to make things harder on you.”

For a moment, silence. The only sound came from Plue shifting on the cushion, letting out a tiny huff as if he too felt the weight between them.

Natsu moved. He slid closer, his knee brushing hers, and reached down to scratch absently behind Plue’s ear. The dog’s tail thumped once before stilling, the sound strangely grounding.

His hand froze, though, lingering on Plue’s fur, like even that small familiarity was heavier than it should’ve been. 

Then his voice came, quiet but certain. “You don’t, Luce. You make everything… easier.”

Her breath caught. The words were so simple, but they struck her like a force she hadn’t been braced for. 

She clenched her sleeve in her fingers to steady herself, her voice trembling when she whispered back, “So do you.”

He turned his head just enough to meet her gaze, and in his eyes there was no hesitation, no distance, only a raw honesty that made her want to reach for him even more than she already had.

He shifted beside her, his arm lifting, then settling along the back of the couch. For a heartbeat she hesitated, caught between doubt and instinct. But the pull toward him was stronger than thought.

Without a word, she leaned in, resting her head against his shoulder.

His body stilled, almost startled, before the tension melted out of him in a quiet exhale.

Lucy’s lips curved in a small, almost shy smile. She didn’t speak. Some moments didn’t need words.

They stayed like that, un-moving, wrapped in a silence that wasn’t heavy but whole. For the first time in weeks, it felt like peace. Not perfect, not finished, but real, like something fragile was slowly stitching itself back together, thread by thread, in the soft space between them.

…

Chapter Text

A few days later, things felt… different.

Not fixed. Not completely. But things were better.

There was a quiet relief in having the truth about Lisanna now out in the open now, in finally seeing the part of Natsu he had kept locked away for so long. It was messy, it was painful, but at least Lucy understood. She knew now, without a shadow of doubt: it wasn’t her. It was him.

And somehow, there was comfort in that. Comfort in the fact that he was finally letting her in, completely.

They’d slipped back into something resembling normal, but there was a shift in the air between them, softer edges where there used to be walls. Morning walks stretched longer, the kind where neither of them said much, but the silence was steady, not strained. Late-night dinners carried on into hours at the table, conversations meandering from nothing to everything.

Lucy didn’t ask about Lisanna though—not really. Not since that night. She wasn’t ready to prod at old wounds unless Natsu was the one who opened the door to do so.

And then there was this thing. Natsu showing up to take her to her appointments again. He never made a fuss about it, never explained why, never even asked her. He would just appear at her door on time, hands shoved into his hoodie pockets, leaning against the frame like it was the most natural thing in the world.

No arguments. No hesitation. Just quiet, steady support.

Like he was saying I’m here without ever needing to say it.

And for Lucy, that was enough.

“You’ve been quiet the whole ride,” Natsu said as he pulled into his usual spot behind the back entrance of the Fairy Brew. His tone was light, but the faint flex in his grip on the wheel betrayed him. “C’mon, Luce… talk to me.”

Her arms stayed crossed tightly over her chest, shoulders wound up like a spring. She stared out the window at nothing in particular, jaw set tight, but she hadn’t said a word since they had stepped out of the hospital.

“It’s just so stupid,” she muttered finally. “All these stupid appointments again… for something I don’t even have.”

The leather creaked under Natsu’s fingers as his hold on the wheel tightened. He exhaled slowly, then reached across the small space between them, his palm settling lightly on her thigh. The warmth seeped through her jeans, a grounding weight she hadn’t realized she needed. Her heart skipped, her throat tightening, but she didn’t dare turn to him. Instead, she tugged absently at the cuff of her sleeve, as though the fabric could hide her unraveling.

“You know…” his voice softened, gentle as the pad of his thumb tracing the seam of her jeans, “…they say no news is good news.” His hand lingered only a moment longer before he pulled it back, reluctant. “This is just a precaution. That’s all.”

Her laugh came out small, bitter. “My whole life has been a fucking precaution.”

The words landed sharp in the small space between them. Silence followed, heavy and fragile. She bit her lip the second she heard them out loud, guilt already churning. When she risked a glance, his brow was furrowed, his expression tense.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered quickly, shrinking into herself. “I didn’t mean—”

But his frown had already eased, replaced by that soft smile. That maddeningly steady, quiet smile of his that disarmed her every time.

“I know it’s not easy,” he said, voice low, certain. “But… I’m proud of you for going.”

Her throat constricted. Of all the things he could have said, those words unraveled her most. Proud of you. She didn’t know what to do with the warmth blooming in her chest at the sound of it.

Friends. They had agreed to be friends. But sitting here beside him, with the ghost of his touch still on her thigh and those words echoing in her ears, she wondered how much longer she could keep pretending friendship was enough.

She toyed with the zipper of her jacket, a nervous distraction. “Thanks… for coming with me,” she murmured, her voice small but genuine.

“Of course,” he answered without hesitation, though it came out quieter than he meant. He held her gaze for a beat longer than necessary, then cleared his throat. “Let’s go in.”

Lucy nodded, forcing a small smile as she leaned down for her bag. Natsu didn’t move, just watched her quietly, like he was memorizing something about the way she was in this moment. Only when she straightened did he push his door open.

The cold air hit them instantly, sharp and biting any exposed skin. Lucy shoved her hands deep into her coat pockets, shoulders hunching against the wind as she followed him around the truck. His stride was easy, casual as ever, and she fell in step beside him, the heat of his presence enough to keep her moving forward.

He unlocked the back door, holding it open without a word. She slipped inside first, exhaling softly as the shop’s warmth wrapped around her like a blanket. The air smelled faintly of butter, coffee, and cinnamon sugar, comforting in a way she hadn’t realized she’d missed until that moment.

Lucy unzipped her coat, shaking off the last of the cold, before stepping further into the kitchen. The clink of utensils and low laughter from the staff greeted her, familiar and grounding. A few heads lifted, warm smiles offered her way, and she returned them with a softer one of her own.

Natsu trailed in after her, quiet but close, so close she could feel the weight of him at her back. He moved with the ease of muscle memory, tugging off his hoodie and tossing it into the office before snagging an apron on his way toward the floor.

She paused, lingering in the kitchen doorway, just… watching him. The way he belonged here. How naturally he fit into this world, slipping into the rhythm he’d built for himself. 

She wondered if maybe this was why he loved the Fairy Brew so much; because it was untouched by ghosts. Because here, Lisanna wasn’t threaded into every corner.

Out front, the shop buzzed with its usual energy. Customers hunched over mugs of cocoa and holiday drinks, the smell of marshmallows and chocolate thick in the air, conversation rising and falling in an easy hum.

Her gaze caught on a familiar head of blue hair in the corner booth. Levy sat curled over her laptop, glasses sliding down her nose, a giant mug cupped between her hands like it was the only thing tethering her to reality.

“Want anything?” Natsu’s voice came from behind her as she stepped past the counter.

Lucy glanced back at him, smile tugging faintly at her lips, and shook her head before heading toward her friend. She slid into the booth beside Levy, waiting for the tiniest flicker of acknowledgment.

She got nothing. Not even a blink.

“Wow,” Lucy mumbled after a minute of silence, propping her chin on her hand. “You’re really into it, huh?”

Levy startled, blinking rapidly before snapping her head toward Lucy, wide-eyed. “Hey!” she breathed out, completely disoriented. “When did you get here?”

Lucy laughed softly, leaning back against the red leather of the booth. “A whole minute ago. Guess I should’ve tapped you or something.”

Levy groaned and dropped her face into her hands before dragging them down slowly, exhaustion etched into every line of her expression. She nudged her laptop forward on the table like it had personally wronged her.

“I’ve been stuck on this stupid project for the last six hours.”

Lucy frowned, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Six hours?”

“Seriously. All I’ve consumed today is coffee.” She whined, her fingers trailing back to her keyboard.

“Levy, maybe you need to, like… drink some water or something.”

“Water’s overrated,” Levy muttered, leaning back dramatically. “I’ll take another coffee if you’re going up there.”

Lucy smirked, resting her elbow on the table. “I’ll go in a bit… they’re kind of busy right now.” She peeked over at the long line forming. “You could use a break though.”

Levy gave her a flat look, then sighed heavily. “It’s due tonight. I can’t stop now.”

Lucy opened her mouth to tease her again, but her gaze drifted, just for a moment, over her shoulder toward the counter. Natsu was there, tying his apron, sleeves pushed up to his elbows, head bent slightly as he greeted a regular customer with that easy smile of his.

Her stomach twisted in tight knots.

She blinked quickly and looked back at Levy, hoping the heat in her cheeks wasn’t obvious.

Levy squinted at her, clearly noticing what had just happened. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at the blonde beside her. 

“What was that?”

“What was what?” Lucy repeated, far too quickly.

“That look.” Levy’s smirk turned sharp, leaning her chin into her hand. “Actually, I could stop working for maybe… two minutes…” Her brows rose, playful but probing. “How’s the friendship going?”

“It’s fine,” Lucy mumbled, pulling out her own laptop as if she could hide behind the screen.

“Mhm…” Levy rubbed her chin like she was deep in thought. “Is it really though?”

“Levy—”

“Lu.” Levy tilted her head, giving her a pointed look. “You two practically confessed your undying love for each other… Yet you decided to stay friends?”

“It wasn’t… confessing undying love…” Lucy nibbled on her lip, keeping her eyes glued to the blank document on her screen. “It was just… us clarifying that maybe we should just be friends… for both our sakes...” 

Levy blinked. “What?” 

“It’s complicated…”

“Right… complicated,” Levy repeated slowly, her smirk returning. “Dinner every night, driving you to appointments, late night movies, make out sessio—”

“It was one kiss!” Lucy hissed, louder than she meant to, before quickly glancing around the café. She lowered her voice, leaning in. “One kiss that almost ruined everything…”

Levy arched a brow, completely unfazed. “So you’re telling me pretending you aren’t in love with him won’t ruin it?”

Lucy hesitated, her throat tightening. “…Look, we both agreed that friends is all we should be.” She swallowed the lump in her throat, feeling it burn her chest. “He still needs time… I’m okay with that. After what happened I mean I need time too.”

“Okay no one is saying to rush into things but—” Levy furrowed her brows, careful with her words. “The important thing is what you do with that time.”

“I just don’t want to lose him.” Lucy whispered, eyes glued to her screen.

“Lucy…” Levy tried gently this time, her teasing fading when she caught the sadness behind Lucy’s words. “Are you sure about what you’re doing?”

“I’m fine.” Lucy forced a small smile, shaking her head like she could will it into truth. “Besides, you and Gajeel are making this just friends thing work after that whole misunderstanding— why can’t you believe that Natsu and I can?”

Levy scoffed, though she felt her face heat up. “Well there’s a big difference Lu.” 

Lucy blinked. “Mhm… which would be?”

“That Gajeel and I weren’t desperately in love with each other when it happened.” 

“It’s… not like that.” Lucy pressed her lips together, her voice barely audible. “We’re fine,” she whispered, as if repeating it enough times would make it true.

Levy didn’t push, but the flicker of doubt in her eyes said enough. She didn’t believe her, not really. Still, she leaned back in her seat, giving Lucy the grace of silence.

Across the café, a burst of laughter broke out by the counter. Lucy didn’t need to look to know who it belonged to. The sound reached her anyway, warm, unguarded, the kind of laugh that lived under her skin and refused to leave. Her pulse stumbled, and she gripped the edge of her laptop tighter, knuckles pale.

Friends.

They were supposed to be friends.

She told herself that again and again, each time heavier than the last.

But with every breath, every laugh, every look that drew her in without trying, it felt less like truth and more like a lie she couldn’t stop telling.

“How was the appointment?” Levy asked, gently steering the conversation away from whatever storm had been brewing behind Lucy’s eyes.

The blonde sighed, her fingers tracing the edge of her screen. “Once again… nothing showed up.”

“Oh…” Levy offered her a small, encouraging smile. “But Lucy, that’s good…”

“Not really,” Lucy groaned, slumping against the booth. “I mean, seriously… all these meds, all these treatments, all these appointments… just because I might have some stupid disease one day. It’s exhausting.”

Levy shrugged, sipping from her cup. “Well… no news is good news, right?”

Before Lucy could answer, another voice cut in.

“Thank you, Levy,” Natsu said, his tone light, casual as ever, but somehow carrying a warmth that made her chest ache. They both looked up to find him approaching the table, a mug in hand, his apron slung loosely around his waist. He placed the drink down in front of Lucy with an easy smile. “That’s what I told her earlier.”

Lucy blinked, startled, her heart stuttering just a little. “You didn’t have to…” she said softly, fingers curling around the mug before she’d even realized it.

Natsu shrugged like it was nothing, leaning one hand against the edge of the booth. “Yeah, well… figured you could use it after today.”

The smell of cinnamon and chocolate drifted up between them, but all Lucy could focus on was the warmth in his voice. The way it wrapped around her as easily as the steam from the drink.

She smiled up at him, and he smiled back, that familiar, easy grin that always managed to knock the breath out of her. Her gaze darted away quickly, landing on the long line still forming at the counter. She jumped to her feet, placing her hands lightly on his chest, nudging him back a step.

“Okay, go back,” she said softly, trying to be stern but it came out more playful than anything. “You’re busy.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He lifted his hands in mock surrender, though his smirk didn’t fade. “I just wanted to give that to you.”

“And that’s very sweet of you,” she teased, hands still pressed against his chest, trying to sound lighter than she felt, “but you shouldn’t get so distracted especially when you’re so busy.”

He leaned back a little, but close enough that she could still feel the heat radiating off him. 

“Guess I can’t help it,” he said, but his voice had dropped lower, softer.

And then his eyes lingered on her. Just a second too long.

Lucy felt her breath catch, her fingers curling slightly against the fabric of his shirt before she forced herself to pull them back.“Go,” she murmured, turning quickly so he wouldn’t see the flush rising in her cheeks.

“Yeah,” he said, but his feet didn’t move right away. His gaze lingered, heavy with unspoken words, before he finally sighed and shook his head, retreating toward the counter.

Levy raised an eyebrow, her lips curving as she brought her mug to her mouth. “Just friends, huh?” she muttered, the words muffled by ceramic but sharp all the same.

Lucy slid back into the booth, gripping her mug like it was the only thing keeping her steady. The heat seeped into her palms, but it did nothing to chase the chill that had settled in her chest.

“We’re fine,” she said quickly, too quickly.

Levy only hummed, a knowing sound, as if she could see straight through the cracks Lucy kept trying to patch over.

…

The sound of the guitar riff filled the air of the loft. Usually, it was comforting, the familiar vibration of strings, the steady rhythm of Totomaru’s drums, the kind of music that usually wrapped around Juvia and drowned out everything else.

Normally, this was her favorite place in the world.

Normally, these sounds filled her heart with something she couldn’t even put into words.

But today… lately, even… it felt different.

Juvia’s hands clenched tighter around the mic stand, waiting for her cue as Totomaru launched into the intro he’d written. Gajeel’s guitar bled into the melody, and she opened her mouth to sing—

—and froze.

“God damn it,” Totomaru snapped, the sharp clatter of his dropped drumsticks cutting through the silence. “Juvia, come on!”

She flinched at his tone, squeezing her eyes shut and leaning her forehead against the mic.

“Sorry…” she whispered, voice barely carrying over the amps.

Gajeel let out a long sigh, loosening the strap on his guitar. “Let’s take five,” he said, calm but firm.

Totomaru rolled his eyes, hopping up from his stool. “Fine. I’m running out to get some smokes. You two want anything?”

Gajeel shook his head without looking at him. Totomaru turned to Juvia, waiting for her answer, but she stayed still, forehead against the mic, silent. He left with a shrug, muttering something under his breath.

The loft went quiet except for the faint buzz of the amps.

Gajeel turned to her, jaw tight, his frustration finally seeping through. “Alright, what’s going on with you?” Juvia didn’t move. “Sprinkler.” His voice dropped lower, rougher now. “If you’re not gonna sing, fine. But you’re gonna fucking talk.”

Her throat bobbed as she swallowed, but the words tangled up inside her. “…Juvia’s sorry.”

“Sorry doesn’t help me,” he shot back, running a hand through his hair. “If you’re sick, why the hell didn’t you say anything? We could’ve pushed rehearsal.”

“No…” she finally lifted her head, though her eyes stayed fixed on the floor. “Juvia isn’t sick. It’s just…” Her grip on the mic tightened, knuckles paling. “Juvia thinks maybe… maybe she…”

Gajeel’s gaze hardened, reading her hesitation instantly. “…This about the meeting at Sorcerer?”

Juvia’s silence was answer enough.

He leaned back, crossing his arms, exhaling a deep breath, the kind he only used when he was trying not to blow up.

“Juvia can’t…” Her voice cracked before she steadied it, forcing the words out. “…Juvia can’t leave Magnolia, Gajeel-kun.”

The pause stretched between them.

“…Because of Fullbuster?”

Juvia’s fingers curled around the mic stand, trembling. She still couldn’t bring herself to look at him.

“Yes.”

Gajeel sighed, dragging a hand through his hair, frustration etched deep into his face. “Look… I ain’t gonna lie to you, sprinkler. We don’t even know if this thing’s gonna go anywhere.” His voice dropped, quieter but firm. “Could be Crocus changes everything. Could be it doesn’t do jack for us.”

Juvia stared at the floor, fingers twisting in the cord of her mic.

Her chest tightened. She couldn’t look at him. She couldn’t bear to see the disappointment in his eyes especially if she was the one causing it.

“It’s not just that…” she whispered, fingers curling around the mic. “Gray-sama… he never got to…” Her voice cracked, soft and broken. “…He wanted hockey so badly, Gajeel-kun. That was his dream, he worked his whole life, and it was taken from him just like that.” She took a shaky breath. “Juvia feels… wrong… chasing her dream when he never got the chance.”

For a moment, Gajeel didn’t say anything, his face unreadable. He set his guitar down carefully and stepped closer, his voice low and rough.

“Sprinkler… you really think he’d want you to quit over him?”

Her throat burned as she shook her head weakly. “No…” 

“Tch.” He rubbed the back of his neck, frustration slipping into his tone. “I get it. I do. What happened to Gray sucks, but this ain’t the same thing.”

“Gajeel-kun…” she tried but he interjected.

“Listen to me— I’ll tell you this,” he continued, stepping closer, his tone rough but steady, “I’m not letting you walk away without even trying.” She met his gaze when he placed a hand on her head. “You got the kind of voice people remember. And I… I wrote these songs for you and only you to sing. So we’re gonna take our shot. You hear me?”

Her throat tightened, and she nodded faintly, though doubt still clouded her features.

“Okay…”

“Good,” he said simply, grabbing his guitar strap off the stool. “’Cause I’m gonna push you, sprinkler. Even if you hate me for it. We ain’t quitting before we even get a fucking chance.”

He slung the guitar over his shoulder, giving her one last look, softer this time, almost pleading, before turning away to retune his strings.

Juvia stayed rooted to the spot, her chest aching, knowing he was right.

But still…

She wasn’t sure if her heart was ready to follow him out of Magnolia. Away from Gray. Away from home.

…

Lucy made her way up the stairwell, Plue, as always, bounding ahead of her like he owned the place. She sighed, wondering if he’d ever be the kind of dog who walked calmly at her side instead of tugging her arm nearly out of its socket. Stopping halfway up, she crouched to scratch behind his ears. Plue whined at the attention happily, his tail thumping against the stairs.

“Yo, Lucy.”

The voice made her look up. Gray was descending the stairs, hands shoved deep in his jacket pockets, his dark hair falling into his eyes. He looked casual, but there was something in his posture, brooding, restless, that made her blink.

She smiled as she stood, brushing her hands against her jeans. “Oh, hey. What’s up, Gray?”

He slowed in front of her, brow furrowing slightly. “Aren’t you coming to dinner? I ordered enough food for everyone.”

“Yeah, I was,” she said with a small laugh, holding up Plue’s leash as if to explain. “Just thought I’d take him out first before heading back to the shop.”

“Right.” Gray shifted his weight, gaze dropping briefly to the steps. The way he lingered, shoulders tight, made Lucy tilt her head in concern.

“Is… everything okay?” she asked softly.

He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck like he wanted to be anywhere but here. “Listen… I, uh—I feel like maybe I owe you an apology.”

Her brows lifted, surprise flickering across her face. “W-why?”

Her pulse picked up. The air between them seemed heavier, like she was bracing for another secret to drop.

Gray exhaled hard, scratching at his cheek. “I just… I feel like maybe we didn’t push Natsu hard enough to tell you the truth. We should’ve made him say something sooner.” His voice was quiet, almost reluctant. “I mean—I’m glad he finally did, but still…”

Relief washed over her, loosening the tension in her chest. She smiled faintly and shook her head. “Oh. Gray… no. It’s okay. I get it.”

He gave a short nod, awkward but earnest. “You know, you’re our friend too. My friend.” His eyes flicked to hers, then away again. “I guess I’m just trying to say I’m glad you two worked things out.”

“Thanks,” she said warmly. “I am too.”

Gray smirked, though it was brief, almost tired. “He’s stubborn sometimes, hard headed actually, annoying and obnoxiously loud when he wants to be….” He huffed a dry laugh through his nose. “But he does care about you. A lot.”

“I know,” she murmured, her smile softening.

Something in his expression shifted, his smirk fading into something thoughtful, almost fragile. His shoulders hunched slightly as if the words weighed more than he wanted to admit. “Honestly… I haven’t seen him act like that since…” His voice roughened, and he shoved his hands deeper into his pockets. “Since Lisanna.”

The name struck Lucy like a blow. She looked away quickly, pressing her lips together as a dull ache tugged in her chest. Lisanna. She thought of Natsu’s grief, of the way her absence lingered like a shadow over so many lives, lives of people she really cared about. 

Her grip on Plue’s leash tightened. “Gray… can I ask you something?”

His brow quirked, cautious. “Yeah. Go ahead.”

“After it happened—after Lisanna died…” She hesitated, the words tangling in her throat. “How… how were you able to be there for him?”

Gray stilled, his jaw tightening. For a second, she thought he might shrug her off. But then he leaned against the wall of the stairwell, exhaling slowly like it cost him something.

“It wasn’t easy,” he admitted, voice low. “Hell, most of the time I didn’t even know what to say. Natsu… he’s loud, reckless, always moving. But after Lisanna—he just stopped. Like the fire was still there, but it couldn’t reach him anymore.”

Lucy swallowed hard, her throat tightening at the image. She could almost see it, Natsu hollowed out by grief, carrying silence like a weight.

“I didn’t do anything special,” Gray went on, his tone gruff, almost defensive. “I just… stayed. Let him sit in silence if that’s what he needed. Let him scream at me when he couldn’t hold it in. I figured if I kept showing up, maybe he wouldn’t feel like the whole damn world left him behind.”

Lucy blinked quickly, fighting the sting in her eyes. “That sounds like something special.”

He shook his head, mouth pressing into a thin line. “It wasn’t enough though. Nothing really was. But… over time, he found his way back. We opened the shop together, he took in Wendy… then he met you. He let himself get close to you.” Gray’s voice softened, though his gaze stayed fixed on the floor. “That’s just who he is. No matter how much it hurts, he always finds his way back.”

Her chest ached with the weight of his words. She dropped her gaze, whispering, “I’m just… worried. That being around me could hurt him. Make him think about things he’s not ready for.”

Gray’s eyes lifted to her, guarded as always, but softened in a way that almost startled her. “Lucy… you’re not hurting him. You’re giving him something to fight for.”

Her breath caught, eyes widening as the words sank in.

Gray quickly looked away, shoving his hands even deeper into his pockets like he regretted saying it at all. “Anyway,” he muttered, clearing his throat, “don’t make me talk like that again. Kinda ruins my image.”

The heaviness cracked, and Lucy let out a small, shaky laugh.

“Mm, Juvia has mentioned how profound you can get…” 

He snorted, a short, rough sound, but the corner of his mouth tugged upward despite himself. At the mention of his girlfriend’s name, something eased in his shoulders. “Yeah, well… she thinks everything I say is profound.”

Lucy tilted her head, smiling knowingly. “Maybe because she sees more in you than you let everyone else see.”

Gray made a face, half-annoyed, half-embarrassed. He shifted his weight like he wanted to argue, but all he did was rub at the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes. “Maybe. Don’t tell her that though, she’ll never let me live it down.”

Lucy giggled, tugging gently on Plue’s leash as the little dog circled her feet. “I think she might already know that.”

He was quiet for a beat, his gaze fixed on the stairwell railing. Then, almost grudgingly, his voice dropped low. “Wasn’t always like that, you know. With me and her.”

Lucy blinked, surprised by the confession. “What do you mean?”

Gray exhaled through his nose, his breath misting faintly in the cool air. “I spent years… pretending I didn’t feel anything. Kept telling myself it’d be easier if I stayed away. She deserved better than some screwed-up guy who didn’t know how to—” He cut himself off with a shake of his head. “Didn’t know how to show her that I actually cared about her.”

Lucy’s chest tightened. She’d never heard him talk like this, not even in passing. “What changed?” she asked softly.

He shifted uncomfortably, his jaw flexing before he finally admitted, “She never gave up on me. No matter how many times I pushed her away. Guess at some point I realized… I didn’t want to lose her. I wanted her around all the time. I didn’t even care if I was happy, I just wanted her to be happy.”

Lucy’s smile was faint, bittersweet. “But… you are happy, aren’t you?”

Gray let out a small laugh, nodding his head. “I am.” Gray cleared his throat, straightening a little too quickly. “Seriously. Don’t make me get all deep again. It will really ruin my image.”

Lucy laughed, the heaviness lifting just enough. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

…

The last customer had left twenty minutes ago, but the café still hummed with energy. Outside, the streetlamps painted soft halos across the wet pavement, and inside, the smell of chocolate and cinnamon lingered thick in the air even though all the machines had been cleaned and shut down for the day.

Natsu balanced on a chair near the front entrance, a poster pinched between his fingers and a thumbtack pressed between his teeth.

“Little higher,” Wendy instructed from below, rocking back on her heels with her hands clasped behind her back. She tilted her head, squinting up at the bare space above the community board with a critic’s eye.

Natsu muffled something around the tack, his arms straining as he stretched. “Wendy, if I go any higher, nobody’s gonna see it.”

“But…” her voice pitched upward in that soft whine she used whenever she wanted something just so. “This is for the kids in the hospital, so it needs to stand out.”

“Trust me,” Natsu said after pressing the tack firmly into the wall. He dropped down from the chair with a heavy thud, brushing his palms together. “Looks perfect from here.”

Wendy didn’t answer right away. She stepped closer, craning her neck, tiptoeing a little as if testing different angles. She leaned to the left, then to the right, lips pursed in concentration.

Lucy came up quietly behind her, peeking over Wendy’s shoulder at the freshly pinned flyer. The bold lettering gleamed under the warm café lights:

Magnolia Children’s Hospital 10K Fun Run & Fundraiser

Lucy smiled faintly. “Honestly, Wendy, I think it stands out just fine.” She picked up one of the extra flyers, flipping it over in her hands. “You really went all out with these.”

“I had to,” Wendy said with a small, proud shrug. “I’m helping my guidance counselor organize the event.”

“I’m sure they appreciate that.” Lucy placed a hand briefly on Wendy’s shoulder, a small, encouraging gesture. “I sent the link to my dad… he said he’ll send a donation.”

“Yeah, mine did too.” Levy rolled her eyes, though her voice was light, almost conspiratorial. “Anything that can get him a tax write-off…”

“Anything helps.” Wendy smiled, glancing at Natsu, who seemed to be waiting for her to say something. “Thanks for letting me put it up there, Natsu.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he said nonchalantly, planting his hands on his hips, though his gaze stayed critically locked on the poster. He tilted his head one way, then the other, frowning. “Actually… does it look crooked to you?”

Lucy stepped up beside him, mirroring his stance, her gaze following the bold lettering. “Um…”

Levy leaned over, tilting her head the same way. “Not if you look at it like this,” she said, voice dripping with mock certainty.

Natsu groaned, running a hand down his face. “Fine, fine. I’ll fix it.” He hopped back onto the chair with a slight squeak of the floorboard, muttering under his breath as he adjusted the sign. 

“You’re kind of a perfectionist,” Lucy teased softly, leaning on the edge of the counter.

“Not true,” he said flatly, though his focus didn’t shift from the poster as he adjusted it. “But it’s for a good cause…”

Levy smirked but didn’t comment, pulling out her phone. “Anyway, Wendy, are you really organizing this whole thing yourself? I couldn’t imagine doing something like that at your age.” She scrolled for a moment before glancing up at the flyer taped to the counter.

Wendy’s face lit up instantly. “Well… my school does an event like this every year; this year I just suggested partnering with the children’s hospital.” She dug into her bag, producing a small stack of different flyers and handing them out to whoever would take them. “I’m also helping organize sign-ups for the runners.”

Lucy accepted one, her fingers brushing the glossy paper as she studied the cheerful design. “That’s really cool of you, kiddo.”

“We’re hoping for a big turnout,” Wendy said proudly. “Do you guys think you could hang these up around your campus?”

“Of course,” Lucy nodded, slipping a few into her tote. Levy did the same, tucking hers neatly into a folder.

“I doubt any tech guys I work with will want to actually run, but they might be into donating, you know so they can get a picture proving their good deeds,” Levy said with a groan, glancing at her phone. “Speaking of, I have to get going. Internship.”

“What would they do without you?” Lucy teased, watching her friend grab her umbrella.

Levy pointed at herself in mock frustration, giving a little dramatic spin before opening the door. “Exactly.” She waved, her laughter carrying as she disappeared into the night. The soft tap of her umbrella on the wet pavement faded as the café door clicked shut.

A while after Levy had gone, the café grew quieter. The sound of rain restarted outside, tapping softly against the large windows, mingling with the lingering scent of cinnamon and cocoa. Natsu adjusted another poster on the wall, his movements careful but tense. Wendy perched behind the counter, stacking the remaining flyers into neat, orderly piles.

Lucy’s eyes traced the bold letters of the paper in her hand, her thumb brushing the glossy edge. “So… can anyone sign up?” she asked casually, though the hint of hesitation in her voice made Natsu stiffen immediately.

Wendy looked up, curious. “You want to run?”

Lucy shrugged, setting the flyer down. “Yeah. Why not?”

From above, Natsu froze mid-adjustment, one hand braced against the wall. “Run… as in run ten kilometers?” His voice was sharp, the edge unmistakable.

Lucy lifted her gaze to meet his, soft but firm. “Natsu,” she said gently, “it’s fine.”

He jumped down from the chair, arms crossing as his frown deepened. “I don’t know if I’d call running ten miles ‘fine.’”

“It’s actually six,” Wendy interjected quietly, though her correction went unnoticed by the tension hanging between them.

Lucy drifted closer to him, lowering her voice so only he could hear. “My doctor said regular exercise might help. Keeping my body healthy now could make a difference later.”

Natsu’s dark eyes locked on hers, jaw tightening. He looked like he wanted to argue, to say no outright, but he didn’t. After a long moment, he exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck as if the simple act took effort. “…Then I’ll train you.”

Her brows lifted, a quiet laugh escaping despite the tension. “You don’t even like running. How exactly are you going to train me?”

“Coaches don’t play in the games, do they?” His lips curved into a faint, teasing smirk. “But I want to make sure you’re okay doing this.”

Something tightened in her chest at the quiet, unspoken weight of his words. His concern was effortless, natural, yet fiercely protective. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, trying not to let her smile betray the flutter in her chest. Turning toward Wendy, she pretended not to notice how Natsu’s gaze lingered on her a moment longer than necessary, a quiet reassurance and a silent promise all at once.

The bell above the door jingled, letting in a gust of cool, damp air. Gajeel stomped in first, shoulders slick with rain, Juvia close behind, closing her umbrella with a soft click. Water dripped from the ends of their hair onto the tile, leaving faint puddles at their feet.

“’Bout time you put that poster up,” Gajeel muttered, shoving his hands deep into his pockets. “I’ve been hearing about that thing for a week straight now.”

Wendy’s face brightened instantly, and she lifted her arm toward the poster like it was a trophy. “Juvia! Doesn’t it look amazing?”

Juvia’s eyes lit up as she crossed to the counter, holding her phone proudly. “Gray-sama just sent this. Silver-sama hung one up at his restaurant too.”

“Is that why he’s taking so long to get the damn food?” Gajeel grumbled, sliding into a chair across from Wendy.

Wendy tilted her head, watching him, handing him a flyer with a small, amused smile. “You should sign up to run. Lucy said she’s going to.”

Gajeel leaned back, squinting at the flyer. “You are, huh? I guess you’ve already got enough experience chasing that damn dog all over town.”

Lucy shot him a flat glare, lips pressing into a thin line. “You’re hilarious. Truly.”

“Hey, don’t listen to metal-face,” Natsu said, hands landing lightly on her shoulders, giving a teasing squeeze. “You got the best trainer in town.”

“Maybe in the room…” Lucy teased, glancing at him as Gajeel shook his head with a low chuckle, his eyes flicking toward the door as if expecting someone to appear.

“She’s not here, internship,” Lucy added, sipping from her water bottle with a teasing smile, clearly aware of his little search.

“I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about, bunny girl,” Gajeel muttered.

Lucy only smirked knowingly before sliding into the seat beside Natsu as Juvia settled across from them.

“You should run with me, Juvia,” Lucy suggested brightly.

“Ah… Juvia would love to,” the bluenette said, smiling faintly as she tucked a strand of damp hair behind her ear, “but Juvia will be hosting. She will be cheering the runners on from the sidelines.”

Wendy fiddled with one of the flyers, hesitating before glancing up. “Do you… think Gray will want to help? Maybe just as a volunteer?” she asked softly. “I mean… is he even able to?”

For the briefest moment, Juvia’s smile faltered, just slightly, before she quickly smoothed it over.

Lucy didn’t notice, but Natsu did. His hand, resting lazily along the back of her chair, flexed once before relaxing again. “…If he’s running,” he said evenly, “then I’m running too.”

Lucy turned toward him, lips quirking into a smirk. “So now you’re going from training me to actually running it yourself?”

He smiled, though there was something about it that was almost hesitant. “If it’s a chance to beat Gray at something I have to do it.”

She shoved him playfully with a soft laugh.

“Gray-sama didn’t say anything…” Juvia admitted softly, tracing the edge of her phone case with her thumb. “But Juvia doesn’t think he will.”

Lucy glanced at her, frowning faintly. “Why not?”

Juvia hesitated, twisting the edge of her phone case between her fingers as if weighing her words. Finally, she spoke quietly. “Gray-sama hasn’t really done… sporty things since his hockey injury,” she said carefully. “He says he is fine but… Juvia thinks he doesn’t like being reminded of it.”

Lucy blinked, her brows knitting slightly. “Hockey?” she repeated, surprised. “He played hockey?”

Juvia nodded once but didn’t elaborate, her gaze dropping back to her phone like she regretted bringing it up at all.

Before Lucy could ask more, Natsu brushed her shoulder with his arm, his voice quieter than usual. “He probably would’ve gone pro,” he said offhandedly, not looking at her. “He was getting scouted and everything.”

Lucy’s lips parted slightly, but she didn’t say anything. There was something in Natsu’s tone, proud, but also heavy, that told her not to push the topic. 

Still, the thought lingered, tugging at the edges of her mind. She didn’t know her friends as well as she thought she did.

…

“So… is there anything else I don’t know about?” Lucy mumbled as she climbed into Natsu’s truck, pulling the seatbelt across her chest.

Natsu glanced at her out of the corner of his eye as he started the engine, his brows knitting faintly. “What do you mean?”

She hesitated, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear before fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. “I mean… I had no idea… about a lot of things,” she admitted softly.

His grip tightened just slightly on the steering wheel, though his voice stayed casual. “You mean Gray?”

“Not just Gray,” she said quickly, shaking her head. “I didn’t know about his injury or until recently I didn’t know about

 Juvia’s father… or about… half the stuff you guys have been through, really.” She sighed, sinking into her seat. “I don’t know, it just makes me realize how much I don’t know about my own friends.”

Natsu didn’t answer right away, his jaw shifting as he watched the road. He knew exactly what she meant, even if she was careful not to dig too deep.

“I’m really sorry, Luce,” he said quietly after a beat. 

Her head whipped toward him, startled. “Wha—? No. No, you don’t have to apologize.” She waved her hands quickly, stumbling over her words. “I mean, I get why you didn’t tell me things like that. It’s not like you owe me every detail of your life, I just… I don’t know what I’m even trying to say.” She turned her gaze toward the passing streetlights outside the window, cheeks warming. “Just forget I said anything.”

For a while, the only sound in the truck was the low rumble of the engine and the soft hum of the radio in the background. Then, Natsu’s voice came low and steady, breaking the silence.

“Lucy.” She didn’t look at him. “Luce—” he tried again, his voice firmer this time. “You can ask me.” Her eyes widened slightly, startled by the weight in his tone, and she finally turned her head to look at him. He kept his gaze on the road, his knuckles pale on the wheel. After a pause, he added, softer than before: “You can ask me about Lisanna.”

Lucy’s chest tightened at the words, and she hesitated, fingers curling into her lap. She knew. She could see it in the way his jaw tensed, the slight tremor in his hands on the wheel. She knew this still hurt him. She also knew he wasn’t offering to talk about Lisanna for his own sake, but for hers. To give her clarity, to keep her from worrying.

“Okay…” she whispered finally, her voice soft, careful, but nothing, not one question popped into her mind. 

He gave her a brief glance, eyes flicking to hers, searching for any hint that she wasn’t okay. When he didn’t see it, his shoulders relaxed fractionally, though the tension never fully left him.

They drove the rest of the way home in silence, the quiet of the truck wrapping around them like a fragile cocoon. Outside, the streetlights passed by in a steady rhythm, and though nothing was said, the weight of what had been shared, and what hadn’t, hung between them, unspoken but understood.

Her mind drifted to her own life, to the half-truths and careful omissions she kept from her father. The pills she sometimes skipped, the doctor’s appointments she downplayed, the fears she tucked into the back of her mind so that nobody would worry about her. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust anyone; it was that she wanted to protect everyone around her, the same way Natsu protected the people he cared about. 

A quiet ache settled in her chest, part longing, part frustration. She realized that everyone carried their shadows with them, secrets they weren’t ready to let go of. And yet, the moments when someone let you in, even a little, felt like sunlight breaking through a long winter.

She glanced over at Natsu, the soft lines of his face illuminated by passing streetlamps, and she felt a rush of gratitude she couldn’t quite put into words. He didn’t have to offer her clarity, didn’t have to keep letting her in, and yet he did. Silently. Steadily.

By the time they pulled into his spot, neither of them had said another word, but the shared quiet carried more meaning than any conversation could. 

…

Lucy’s boots crunched softly on the gravel as they walked up the narrow path toward their second-floor apartments. The air was crisp, carrying faint echoes of the city that never fully quieted, but for once, all Lucy could focus on was the small distance between them. Each step seemed heavier, loaded with memory. The night they kissed, the night she yelled at him.

She hesitated near her door, fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. Natsu noticed immediately.

“You okay?” he asked, voice low, gentle, his gaze tracking hers.

Lucy swallowed, forcing her gaze forward. “Yeah… I’m fine.” But the lie felt thin even to her own ears.

Natsu’s hand hovered for a moment in the cold air before he rested it on her shoulder. “Luce… I’m sorry,” 

“Please…” she whispered. “Don’t apologize to me.”

“But I am sorry.” He murmured. “I’m… glad we’re talking again. But… I feel… selfish .”

She looked at him, unease twisting her stomach. “Why?”

“Because…” His eyes held hers, earnest and raw. “We both know how we feel. And I’m not… I’m not ready to be the man you deserve.”

She didn’t know why, but the words hurt more than they should’ve.

“Maybe we shouldn’t—”

“Being around you… it’s hard. Not because I don’t want to, but because all I want is to make you happy.”

Her chest tightened, and she pressed her lips together. “Natsu… you can’t say things like that and expect me to be okay with… being just friends.”

He winced, the words lingering between them, unspoken yet heavy. “I know… I just…” His voice faltered, rough with emotion. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

Lucy’s hands clenched at her sides. She could feel the ache of wanting him closer, the pull that had never left, and the ghost of Lisanna in the back of her mind made her chest twist with guilt. 

“Then… don’t say it. Not like that.” 

He nodded slowly, shoulders heavy, eyes soft. “I’m trying, Luce. I am… for both of us.”

She took a tentative step forward, closing the space between them just slightly, her eyes not leaving his. Her voice was barely audible, trembling. She wanted to say it. Just once. Part of her ached to reach for him, to let the tension break, to feel what she’d been holding back for so long, but another part of her recoiled, afraid that wanting him this badly would make the hurt inevitable.

“I… don’t know if we can really do this just friends thing…”

Natsu’s breath caught in his throat. Her words, her nearness, her scent everything tugged at him. He found himself staring at her lips, drawn in despite every rational thought. It was him. He was the one who needed time to process everything. He was the one who needed to learn how to love her without feeling guilty. But every time he was near her, it was like he couldn’t think straight.

He leaned closer, hand grazing her shoulder, ready to close the distance and deal with the fallout…

The sudden creak of a door made both of them jump slightly. Natsu’s head snapped toward the sound, and there she was: Erza Scarlet, standing in the doorway with a slice of strawberry cake in one hand, dressed in her silk purple pajama set. The soft glow from the hallway light framed her, and Lucy instinctively stepped back, caught off guard.

“I’m sorry,” Erza said, her voice warm, almost teasing. “I heard some noises out here and… well, I’m a little nosey.”

“More like a lot,” Natsu muttered, raising an eyebrow as he tried to hide the tension in his shoulders. “Where the hell have you been? You said you’d be staying a week, but I haven’t seen you in three damn days!”

Lucy shifted on her feet, feeling slightly awkward. She glanced at Natsu, then at Erza, and realized just how different their energies were. Natsu was always a storm of movement and energy; Erza was calm, deliberate, quietly confident.

Erza’s lips curved into a small smile as she turned her gaze to Lucy for the first time. “You must be Lucy. My name is Erza Scarlet.”

Recognition flashed across Lucy’s face. “Wait… this is your friend Erza?” She smiled a little nervously and gave Natsu a soft nudge. “I’ve heard so much about you. Natsu told me you were visiting a few days ago, but—”

“She kind of dropped off her stuff and left,” Natsu said, rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassed. “I was going to introduce you if she ever came back.”

Erza tilted her head, looking between the two of them with a knowing glint in her eye. “Now, Natsu,” she said, teasing but firm, “you know there’s only one place in Magnolia that makes this cake the way I like it.”

“It took you three days to get a cake?” Natsu asked, incredulous.

“Nonsense.” She laughed softly, taking a small bite. “Cana and I went to a spa.”

Natsu muttered under his breath, half to himself, though a smile did tug at his lips, “No wonder I haven’t heard from her either…”

Lucy’s attention flicked between them, curiosity sparking. She let herself enjoy the levity, the way Natsu’s storm seemed to settle in Erza’s presence. It was nice to see him smile without that tension hanging over him. 

She gave Erza a tentative smile. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Erza.”

“Yes, I’ll say the same to you.” Erza’s eyes softened, the edge of her usual confidence melting into warmth. “Natsu here has told me so much about you, but I would like to get to know you myself.”

“That would be nice.” Lucy smiled shyly, feeling her chest lighten a bit.

“Excellent!” Erza started. “I’ve got a bottle of sake with our name on it.”

Lucy let out a quiet laugh, feeling a little lighter than she had in days. “I think I’d like that,” she said, her gaze drifting toward Natsu. “I should probably go check on Plue, though,” she added, trying to hide the flutter in her chest.

Natsu’s hand brushed the back of her jacket as he leaned slightly toward her. “Just bring him over,” he said quietly. “She’s not going to let this go.”

Erza’s grin widened. “I’ll be waiting, then. Oh, Natsu, I ordered some food from that little shop near the dry cleaners… be a dear and go grab it for me, would you?”

“Are you kidding?” He muttered, though the corners of his lips twitched.

She stepped fully into the apartment, and Natsu watched her, a small, apologetic smile tugging at his lips.

Lucy met his gaze, feeling the warmth of his eyes settle over her, and tilted her head slightly. “Hm… I think I like her,” she whispered softly, a small laugh in her chest at how different yet oddly comforting Erza’s presence was. For a moment, the tension between them eased, replaced with a quiet understanding.

…

The sake bottle cracked open with a soft pop, and Natsu recognized Erza’s already mischievous grin. 

Lucy sat cross-legged on the floor, knees pulled to her chest, a cautious smile tugging at her lips. “I… don’t usually drink much sake,” she admitted softly, watching as Erza poured out two small cups with deadly precision.

Erza slid one toward Lucy, a glint in her eye. “Then tonight, you will learn,” she said matter-of-factly.

Lucy laughed nervously, glancing at Natsu over her shoulder as he lingered near the kitchen doorway, arms crossed and eyebrows raised. He looked… worried.

“Lucy’s kind of a lightweight,” Natsu muttered under his breath, and the blonde scoffed but didn’t answer. “And… Erza turns into a monster after a few cups…”

Erza’s head snapped toward him instantly, eyes narrowing. “Do you doubt us, Natsu Dragneel?”

He raised his hands in surrender, backing away. “I’m just saying…”

Lucy rolled her eyes, cheeks warming, and took her first sip. The sake burned, hot and smooth, settling deep in her chest.

Later — two cups in.

Lucy’s cheeks were pink, her giggle soft and hesitant, like she wasn’t used to letting herself relax this much. Erza, by contrast, looked like she’d just found her new favorite hobby: teasing Lucy mercilessly.

“I have to say,” Erza started, resting her chin in her hand, “you’re much prettier than Natsu described.”

Lucy almost choked on her drink. “W-what?!”

“He was very vague,” Erza continued with a knowing smile, swirling the sake in her cup. “But I see now he was simply underselling you.”

Lucy buried her face in her hands, groaning softly while Natsu muttered something unintelligible from the kitchen, clearly regretting leaving them alone.

Three cups in.

Lucy was talking more freely now, leaning back against the couch while Plue waddled happily in circles around them. Erza listened intently, nodding with an approving smile as Lucy shared how she moved to Magnolia.

“…and I really don’t give my dad enough credit… I mean he supported my move, but I’m just worried he’ll never be okay with me trying to follow my dreams.” Lucy sighed, eyes sparkling.

“That sounds exactly like my mother,” Erza agreed before pausing thoughtfully. “I admire you, though.”

Lucy blinked, caught off guard. “…Me?”

“You left behind what everyone expected of you,” Erza said simply, her voice softer now, genuine. “That takes strength.”

For a moment, Lucy couldn’t find words. No one had ever said that to her before.

Four cups in.

The girls were slouching on the floor now, backs against the couch, shoulder to shoulder. Their laughter filled the apartment, spilling into the late-night quiet.

“Okay, but hear me out,” Lucy slurred slightly, cheeks redder than tomatoes, pointing her chopsticks at Erza’s face. “Ice cream is—is better than cake. It’s just… it is.”

Erza gasped dramatically, face just as red. “Blasphemy.”

“No, listen!” Lucy insisted, nearly tipping over. “Ice cream never disappoints you. Ice cream is there for you no matter what.”

“Cake has layers,” Erza countered, face twisting like she was actually outraged, raising her cup like it was a weapon. “Strawberry cake won’t melt if you forget about it.”

Somewhere in the kitchen, Natsu only shook his head. 

Sometime past midnight.

The sake bottle was empty. Erza was half-sprawled across the couch, one arm dangling off the side, snoring faintly. Lucy sat on the floor beside her, head tipped back against the cushions, eyes closed and cheeks flushed, Plue curled up by her lap like a tiny puffball.

Natsu sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he surveyed the wreckage. Empty cups, snack wrappers, leftover dumplings, a war zone of a calm night. And two very drunk girls completely knocked out.

He got a blanket and tossed it over Erza without hesitation. Then he paused, glancing at Lucy. She felt impossibly small, impossibly soft, and impossibly… his.

He stepped carefully over Plue and lifted her onto the other couch, laying her gently so he wouldn’t wake her. His fingers brushed a few strands of hair out of her face, and the simple act made his chest tighten. He could feel the warmth of her skin, the faint scent of vanilla and sake lingering in her hair.

He thought back to the hallway earlier, when she’d leaned into him with that quiet, pretty look and whispered things that neither of them had been able to say all week. The words, the look in her eyes, they were still there, buried under layers of unspoken feelings.

Maybe they couldn’t ever be just friends. 

A part of him had known for a very long time that they hadn’t ever been just friends. 

Not really. 

Finally, he grabbed a pillow and slid it under her head, quiet and precise, watching her settle against it with a faint sigh.

Plue, sensing his human was safe, waddled off toward Natsu’s room and disappeared under the covers of his bed. Natsu sighed, though he had long forgotten when he had stopped fighting the small white dog on that.

His eyes shifted back to Lucy, sleeping calmly on his couch. He didn’t realize how long he had been watching her until the door creaked open behind him.

Natsu turned, half-startled, to see Wendy step inside, closing it softly behind her. She offered him a small smile, her gaze flicking briefly toward Lucy and then Erza before meeting his again.

“Hey.” Natsu stood up and walked toward her. “How’d the late-night scouting go?” He whispered, keeping his voice low so he wouldn’t wake them.

“Good,” Wendy said, walking further inside after taking off her boots. “Gray and Juvia were actually amazing. They talked to a few people at the grocery store and the movie theater about signing up.” Her smile widened faintly as she looked at him again. “If more people follow through, the turnout could be better than we hoped.”

“That’s good,” Natsu said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, glancing at Lucy once more before shifting his gaze away. “I’ll help you scout some more tomorrow. How was the movie?”

“Ah, it was only okay…” Wendy tilted her head, her voice softer now. “I’m glad you and Lucy made up,” she said gently. “You… always seem happier when you’re near her.”

Natsu froze for a beat, blinking at her. Then he scoffed lightly, waving her off. “That’s true about all my friends.”

Wendy didn’t argue right away. She just stood there for a moment, watching him carefully, her expression patient and a little knowing.

Finally, she smiled, a small, almost secretive curve of her lips. “You know she’s different,” she murmured. “She’s precious to you.”

He glanced back over, deciding to change the subject as he tossed a blanket over Lucy’s frame. “You should get some sleep.”

“Yeah,” she nodded, dropping her things on the counter. “So should you.”

He offered her a small smile as she disappeared into her room. For a long moment, he just watched Lucy, the warmth of the room and the faint scent of sake lingering in the air. He didn’t move, he just let himself feel the ache of wanting something he wasn’t sure he could ever have.

…

Chapter Text

Natsu’s feet carried him at a steady pace, pounding against the pavement in an easy, effortless rhythm. The sun was barely up, painting the horizon in soft gold and pale pink, and the morning air held a faint chill that bit at his cheeks. He didn’t mind. The cool kept him sharp, awake even.

His hoodie hung open, windbreaker flapping lightly as he moved, his earbuds blasting music loud enough that he felt the bass thrumming in his chest. He inhaled deep, exhaled slow, and for a brief moment, it felt good, familiar. The quiet Magnolia streets, the stillness of the world, the warmth in his muscles building with each stride.

Then as the song came to its end, transitioning into the next, came the sound.

A ragged, breathless, dying-animal sort of sound.

He pulled one earbud out and glanced over his shoulder.

Lucy’s sneakers slapped unevenly against the pavement, each step heavier than the last. Her blonde ponytail was already half undone, strands sticking to her damp cheeks, and her face was so flushed she looked seconds away from collapsing.

“Come on, you big baby!” Natsu called over his shoulder, jogging backward without breaking a sweat. His voice was bright and annoyingly carefree, and his grin just shy of smug. “You wanted to run this thing, right? So let’s keep it moving!”

Lucy groaned, clutching at the stitch in her side as she glared daggers at him. “I am moving!”

“Like a turtle…” Natsu laughed, the sound deep and warm, almost boyish. He slowed just enough to nudge her lightly with his elbow, the brief touch sparking heat across her skin. “Seriously, Lucy. Didn’t you have gym class?”

“I went to an all-girls… private school,” she wheezed between heavy breaths, shaking her head. “Gym… class wasn’t running… miles!”

He laughed again. Unrestrained, sharp, and full, the sound spilling into the crisp morning air and making something traitorous stir in her chest.

“I told you already Luce,” he said, spinning back around effortlessly, “you’ve just gotta find your rhythm. Breathe with the run.”

“I am… breathing!” she snapped, though it came out as more of a wheeze halfway through the sentence. “How… how are you so… good at this? You… don’t even… like running!”

“I don’t like running,” he said casually, crossing his arms as if he weren’t even winded. “But I just don’t suck at it.”

Lucy groaned dramatically, dragging her feet like she was already halfway to collapsing. “Wow… thanks. That’s… super helpful.”

“Alright, alright.” Natsu finally slowed to a stop, and she nearly cried from relief. 

The second her sneakers stilled, Lucy doubled over, palms braced on her knees, dragging in air like she’d been underwater for minutes. Her chest rose and fell in uneven bursts, sweat dripping from her temple down her neck despite the weather.

“I… I don’t think… I thought this through.”

Natsu watched her, his grin softening as he stepped closer. “Hey,” he murmured, tilting his head slightly. “You’ll be fine.”

She glanced up, cheeks flushed and lips parted as she tried to catch her breath. Without thinking, she reached out, placing her hands on the curve of his neck to steady herself. His shirt was warm and damp from his own run, and she could feel the solid muscle beneath the thin fabric.

“I… seriously hate this,” she wheezed, eyes closing briefly. “And I kind of hate you right now…”

He snorted, covering a laugh, and without warning, his hands slid gently over hers, steadying them where they rested against him. The simple gesture stole her breath faster than a run ever could.

“Seriously,” he said, his voice softer now, more careful. “You’re doing great.”

Lucy blinked, caught off guard by the gentleness in his tone. His dark eyes held hers for a moment too long, and the rest of the world seemed to blur at the edges. She forgot about the wind, the distant sounds of Magnolia waking up, the faint thrum of her music still playing in one earbud. Her throat felt tight, and she quickly glanced away, fumbling to fix her ponytail just to have something to do with her hands. 

“You… you’re just saying that.”

“Nope,” he said simply, shoving his hands into his pockets, though there was the faintest twitch of a smile on his lips. “I wouldn’t waste my breath lying to you.”

Her chest tightened, and this time, it had nothing to do with the run.

They stood there for a beat, neither of them moving, the quiet between them stretching soft and tense all at once.

Finally, Natsu broke it with a crooked grin. “Alright. We’ll walk the next stretch. Gotta build up your lungs before we start pacing again.”

Lucy shot him a side-eye but sighed in relief. “Fine… but if I pass out, you’re carrying me back.”

He smirked, his eyes glinting. “Deal. Though if you do pass out, I’m telling everyone you bailed after two miles.”

Her jaw dropped. “Natsu!”

He laughed, full, bright, in a way that made her heart flutter, and before Lucy could think better of it, she laughed too.

Their shoulders brushed as they started walking again, and neither of them moved away. 

…

“Thanks for the ride.” Wendy smiled as she unbuckled her seatbelt, hugging her book close. 

Cana was slouched in the driver’s seat with oversized sunglasses hiding most of her face. She yawned loudly, like she hadn’t slept in days. “No problem kiddo.”

“I would’ve asked Natsu,” Wendy added, pushing open the door, “but he’s training with Lucy right now for the 10k.”

“Right,” Cana muttered, voice hoarse from sleep or lack thereof. “I forgot she’s doing that.”

Wendy grinned as she grabbed her bag from the back seat. “I was looking through the list of people who signed up for the run… I’m pretty sure your dads name was on it.”

“Ah, that old geezer.” Cana shook her head, rubbing her temple. “I seriously doubt he’ll make it three miles without collapsing.” The brunette then tilted her head in confusion. “Hang on, you can actually see who signed up and not just how many people did?” 

“Only yesterday…” Wendy clarified. “My guidance counselor let me look through the list.”

“I see.” Cana gave the younger girl a lazy smile. “Well, have a good day.”

Wendy laughed, waving as Cana drove off, the car disappearing down the nearly empty street. The crisp morning air clung to her skin, smelling faintly of damp grass and fresh pavement.

Sliding her headphones on, she scrolled through her playlist until soft music filled her ears. The halls of Magnolia High were mostly empty when she walked inside, the fluorescent lights humming quietly overhead. A few teachers floated past, carrying stacks of papers and mugs of steaming coffee, their voices murmuring low against the stillness.

As she walked by a few doors her eyes wandered to the walls, glancing over the artwork, student motivational posters, and a sign up sheet for a trip that caught her attention. 

Wendy stopped at her locker, setting her bag down with a quiet thud, and started humming along to the song playing. Before long, the hum turned into actual singing, her voice light and airy, lifting softly in the quiet hallway. She didn’t even notice how loud she’d gotten until the song was over and a voice broke the spell.

“Didn’t know we were getting a concert this morning.” The voice began. “Who knew? You’re not half bad at singing, fairy-girl.”

She jumped so hard she dropped her phone, letting out a sharp, high-pitched yelp as she spun around. Romeo leaned lazily against the locker beside hers, arms crossed, his expression halfway between amused and smug.

“Why— why are you here so early?” she stammered, pressing a hand over her racing heart, heat crawling up her neck.

Romeo bent down smoothly, picking up the phone she’d fumbled and held it out to her. “Why are you here so early?”

“I asked you first,” she said quickly, snatching the phone back and shoving it into her pocket before he could tease her about it.

He smirked, tilting his head like he was fighting a laugh. “Hmm, but I was here first.”

Wendy rolled her eyes hard enough to hurt. “Congratulations but it doesn’t matter because I’m leaving this conversation first.”

“Oh.” He sounded mock-offended, but his grin didn’t budge. 

She slammed her locker shut, the metal door rattling, and started walking away quickly, hoping he’d stay behind. He didn’t. She frowned when his footsteps matched hers, keeping pace easily.

“What are you doing?” she asked, clutching the strap of her bag.

Romeo glanced sideways at her, completely unbothered, hands sliding into his hoodie pockets. “Just walking.” She stayed silent for a moment, but he smirked and continued. “So? How’s that scam-run going?”

“It’s a fundraiser.” She muttered, eyes glued to the ground. 

“Right.” He moved his hands to stuff them in the pocket of his hoodie. “So did people sign up? I guess they don’t care about the weather?”

She groaned, her hand gripping tighter on the strap of her bag, “Why are you following me?” 

He smirked, lacing his fingers behind his head, his tone lazy and teasing. “Relax. My class is that way.”

“Great.” Wendy stopped abruptly and spun around, pointing in the opposite direction. “I’ll just go the other way then.”

He laughed, low and warm, falling into step beside her anyway. “We have the same class, fairy-girl.”

She groaned, dragging a hand down her face. “Then I’m going the longer way. And stop calling me that.”

His laugh followed her all the way down the hall.

…

The next training day wasn’t any easier for Lucy. Levy had decided to tag along this time, claiming she needed a break from staring at her laptop after an all-nighter. A dull ache lingered in Lucy’s body, the kind that settled deep in her thighs and shoulders, but she chalked it up to the transition from easy morning walks to actual runs.

“I was doing some research,” Levy said, stretching her legs deliberately, the soft fabric of her brown hoodie and leggings flexing with every movement. “Apparently, running helps reduce stress.”

“Is that so?” Lucy muttered, rolling her shoulders as if to shake out the soreness that refused to leave. Her ponytail had already started to fray, wisps of hair sticking to her flushed cheeks.

Levy smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “It increases endorphins, you know the feel-good chemicals your body produces.”

Lucy raised an eyebrow, adjusting the zipper on her gray-and-white windbreaker. “Did it mention when it was supposed to reduce stress?”

Levy laughed, glancing over her shoulder as Natsu appeared, earbuds dangling, a grin on his face. 

“Oh, come on, Lu. You’re just making excuses.”

“I didn’t know you were joining our training, Levy.” Natsu said, removing his headphones, tilting his head in mild surprise.

“More like your bootcamp,” Lucy muttered, earning a laugh from him.

“Well,” Levy said with a smirk, sliding on a pair of sunglasses, “I figured I could use a distraction from my archive project. Let’s do this!”

Natsu shrugged, scanning the two of them. “You ready?” His gaze lingered on Lucy, and she felt her stomach tighten.

She nodded, trying to act casual. Levy, however, shot ahead immediately, jogging like she owned the morning.

Natsu tapped Lucy on her back. “She seems oddly into this.”

“Oh, give it a few minutes,” Lucy groaned, forcing herself to keep pace. “She went to the same private school I did.”

Ten minutes in, she regretted every life choice.

The pavement blurred beneath Levy’s feet, her chest tight with each breath. Magnolia’s streets were anything but flat, she reminded herself with every incline. 

“This… was… a mistake,” Levy wheezed behind her, leaning heavily on a lamp post. “Why did… I come?”

Lucy, equally miserable but secretly thrilled at not being the slowest, patted her on her shoulder. “You’re doing great, Lev.”

Natsu jogged effortlessly beside them, hands behind his head, the sun glinting off his pink hair. “You know, for someone who literally alphabetizes and organizes codes for a living, your lung capacity sucks.”

“Say that… again, latte boy” Levy gasped, “and I’m alphabetizing… you under A for… annoying.”

“Annoying?” Natsu’s eyebrows raised but the humored smirk never left his face. 

“I could have used a… different a-word…” Levy muttered.

Lucy couldn’t hold back her laugh, though her pained expression didn’t change. “You had that one coming.”

Natsu smirked, giving his head a soft shake, stray strands of pink hair clinging to his damp forehead. “I didn’t know she had it in her.”

They kept running, the cool morning air sharp in their lungs, each breath misting faintly in the chill. Lucy’s sneakers slapped against the pavement, the rhythm uneven now, each stride heavier than the last. Her calves ached with a dull, nagging throb she tried to ignore.

Natsu stayed by her side, his long stride shortened to match hers. He could’ve run twice this speed without blinking, but he stayed close, his shoulder brushing hers every few paces. Each accidental touch sent Lucy’s heart stumbling, wild and unsteady, the beat too loud in her ears.

At the next turn, Natsu slowed, glancing back over his shoulder before lifting a hand. “Alright, catch your breath.”

Lucy collapsed onto the nearest curb without hesitation, bracing her palms on her knees as her chest heaved. Her lungs burned like fire, each inhale scraping against her throat. A faint, needling tingle shot up her spine, and she winced, shaking her head quickly as though she could clear it. Just sore, she told herself. Just sore.

Beside her, Levy plopped down dramatically, sprawling back with an exaggerated sigh and fanning herself weakly.

“Oh… my god…” Levy wheezed, tilting her head back to stare at the sky like she was accepting her fate. “I… I think… I’m gonna die.”

Natsu crouched in front of them, resting his elbows on his knees, a crooked grin playing on his lips. “Nah, you’ll survive.”

“No,” Levy muttered between ragged breaths, turning just enough to glare at Lucy, who was hunched forward, gasping. “You… actually… want to do this… for fun?!”

Lucy could barely lift her head, her ponytail sticking damply to the back of her neck. “Does it count… if I say it’s for… the children’s hospital?” she managed, voice muffled between panting breaths.

Natsu chuckled softly, his voice low and annoyingly steady compared to their wheezes. He reached out, his warm hand covering hers where it rested on her knee, grounding her. “C’mon,” he said gently, his thumb brushing her knuckles without him realizing. “You’re doing better everyday.”

“L-liar,” Lucy groaned, peeking up at him through strands of sweat-stuck blonde hair. “I… I wish I could… summon some sort of magical being… to carry me the rest of the way.”

Levy snorted weakly, rolling her head to the side without opening her eyes. “Maybe… like a grandfather clock…” she panted. “You could just… climb inside of it… and he would start running for you…”

Lucy let out a breathless laugh, while Natsu shook his head, standing and stretching his arms above him. 

“Geez, maybe I should just start blasting fire from my hands and drag you two,” he teased, his grin wide.

He offered Lucy his hand. She hesitated, cheeks heating, but finally slipped her fingers into his. His grip was strong, steady, and he pulled her effortlessly to her feet, so close that the faint warmth radiating off him made her already overheated skin worse. She quickly stepped back, hiding her face as she brushed sweat from her cheek.

“Alright,” Natsu said casually, tightening the strap of his windbreaker. “Two more miles.”

Levy’s eyes snapped open, horrified. “You’re joking!”

“I’m serious, Levy,” he replied, already jogging in place like he hadn’t even broken a sweat.

Lucy extended her arm out toward Levy without looking at her. “Come on, partner in misery.”

Levy groaned but clasped her hand dramatically. “This is it,” she muttered as Lucy helped her up. “Tell my books I love them.”

Lucy laughed under her breath, shaking her head. “You’re fine.”

“No,” Levy panted, wiping her forehead as she leaned on Lucy’s shoulder for balance. “I’m seriously not gonna make it.”

…

Natsu glanced toward the door when the bell above Fairy Brew jingled softly. It was another busy day, though the peak rush had finally died down. A few students lingered at the tables, laptops glowing faintly, the low hum of conversation filling the café.

Cana sat across from him, lazily swirling her mug as she scrolled on her phone. She didn’t even look up when she asked, “So you’re just… friends?” Her tone was casual, but her sharp glance over the rim of her coffee said otherwise.

“Yes,” Natsu said flatly, pen scratching against his clipboard. He didn’t meet her eyes, focusing on the inventory list like it held all the answers.

Cana snorted softly, setting her mug down with a dull thunk. “Isn’t that… I don’t know… complicated?”

His pen stilled mid-mark. Natsu’s jaw flexed, lips pressing into a thin line. “…It’s fine,” he muttered, forcing the words out.

She tilted her head, arching a brow at him. “Fine,” she repeated slowly, drawing out the word like she didn’t believe it. “Alright, if you say so. Just… be careful.”

He glanced up finally, narrowing his eyes. “Careful of what?”

“If you have to keep reminding yourself that you’re just friends,” Cana said, gesturing vaguely between him and his clipboard, “you probably aren’t just friends.”

Natsu dragged a hand over his mouth, exhaling a quiet, frustrated breath. “I don’t know what else to do, Cana.”

“Okay, but think about her,” she pressed, leaning forward now, elbows on the counter. “She might say she’s fine with just being friends, but what if she’s not? What if it hurts her more than she lets on?” He froze, pen tapping anxiously against the clipboard, but didn’t answer. Cana’s gaze softened, though her tone stayed blunt. “And what about you? You’re telling me this isn’t hurting you even a little?”

Natsu hesitated, chest tightening as if her words were physically pressing against him. “Has she said anything like that—”

“No.” Cana rolled her eyes, but she jabbed the spoon at him anyway. “You’re both in denial. Living in this cute little deluded friendship bubble.” She lifted her mug again, pausing just long enough to meet his eyes meaningfully. “But guess what, Natsu…the thing about bubbles is that they pop!”

He stayed silent, lips parted but no words coming out.

Cana sighed, leaning back against her chair. “Look,” she said more gently now, “if you’re not gonna be serious with her, or if you really think you aren’t ready or going to be ready anytime soon, maybe let her move on—”

“I am serious about her—” he snapped, voice louder than he intended. His grip on the clipboard tightened until his knuckles whitened. “—It’s not like that.”

Cana blinked at him, unbothered but firm. “Really? It’s not?”

Natsu’s throat worked, his voice low now, rough around the edges. “Cana, I— I want to be with her okay. I’m trying okay… I’m in lo—”

The bell above the door jingled again, stopping him before he could say it out loud again.

Wendy stepped in, still in her school uniform, clutching her bag by the strap. She spotted them immediately and walked straight to the counter, sliding into the seat across from Natsu. She let out a dramatic sigh, dropping her bag beside her stool.

Natsu blinked, trying to shake the weight from his chest, noticing her mood instantly. “…Hey,” he said after a moment, setting his clipboard aside. “How was school today?”

“Terrible,” she muttered, resting her chin in her hand.

He frowned, pushing away from the counter to sit beside her. “What happened?”

Wendy hesitated, her fingers twisting the little ring on her index finger. A nervous habit Natsu recognized immediately. “…There was this trip I wanted to sign up for,” she mumbled, “but Mr. Neekis said I can’t go because I’m… too stupid.”

Natsu’s brows shot up, a small amused smirk at her dramaticness. “…And what did he really say?”

Wendy’s pout deepened as she sighed. “…It’s for eleventh and twelfth graders only. But the spots aren’t even full yet.”

“Aw, kid.” Cana patted her shoulder from the seat next to her. “Guess you’re stuck waiting till next year.”

“But I don’t want to wait till next year!” Wendy whined, her voice pitching up. “I have to know by the beginning of next year if—” She cut herself short, her words stalling on her tongue.

Natsu tilted his head. “If what?”

Wendy hesitated, then drew in a shaky breath. “…I’ve been thinking about college,” she said softly.

Cana raised her brows. “Well, look at you.” She gave a low chuckle and pointed at Natsu. “She’s already more responsible than you.”

“Ha-ha,” he deadpanned before turning his full attention back to Wendy, who was still fiddling with her ring. “Alright, so it’s a college visit? That’s what this is about?” Wendy nodded faintly. “I’ve got free time this weekend,” Natsu said carefully. “I can take you if you want.”

She shook her head quickly. “Natsu…” Her voice wavered, and she still wouldn’t meet his eyes.

His chest tightened. “Wendy?”

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

Cana watched the exchange quietly, then straightened, sensing the shift in energy. “…Alright,” she said softly, sliding off her stool. “I’ll let you two talk.” She snagged the clipboard from the counter with a small smirk. “I’ll finish your inventory — guess that makes me employee of the month… Wait, I don’t work here anymore...”

Natsu managed a faint huff of amusement, though the knot in his chest didn’t loosen. Cana walked toward the back, leaving the siblings in a fragile silence.

“I’ve been thinking about medical school,” Wendy admitted softly, still not meeting Natsu’s eyes.

His brows shot up, his lips twitching faintly. “Oh… wow, that’s… that’s amazing, kid.”

She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “But… the best medical school is Vistarion University.” She paused, hesitating before finishing quietly, “…in Alvarez.”

The name hit him like a sucker punch.

Natsu’s stomach churned violently, the taste of ash bitter on his tongue. His hand curled into a fist against his thigh, nails digging in just to feel something tangible.

“Oh,” he said finally, forcing his voice into something resembling steady. “That’s… great, Wendy.”

She glanced up at him, guilt shadowing her features. “I know that’s where Mom went to college… I didn’t know how you’d—”

“Wendy,” he interrupted softly, though his throat felt tight, “don’t feel guilty. Not because of me.”

She hesitated, chewing her lip before whispering, “I just—”

“Hey.” His voice cracked slightly, and he covered it with a small cough. He reached out, placing his hand over hers, his palm faintly trembling. “You’re right. It is the best school for medicine. You deserve the best.”

Her shoulders relaxed, a tiny smile forming. “You’re sure?”

“Positive,” he said, nodding quickly, forcing the smile to stay. “Only problem is… you’ll be so far away. Guess I’ll have to… kind of miss you.”

She laughed softly, and for a second, he almost joined her, but the sound felt distant, muffled.

When she turned to pick up and dig through her bag, his smile faded. The pressure he’d been keeping down surged back suddenly, crashing into him like a wave. His throat constricted. His heartbeat thundered.

He recognized what this was.

Not now.

“Shit…” he muttered under his breath, shoving quickly out of the stool. The café blurred at the edges, too bright, too loud. He stumbled into the hallway, nearly knocking into a chair as he pushed himself into the bathroom and slammed the door harder than he intended to, sliding the lock into place.

He pressed his back against the door, sucking in sharp, ragged breaths. His chest wouldn’t expand. The air wouldn’t come. He clawed at the collar of his shirt, yanking it down to loosen it, but it didn’t help.

“Fuck… fuck…” he whispered, curling his fists into his hair as the walls seemed to close in.

His vision blurred. His skin burned. His throat felt too suffocatingly dry.

Breathe… breathe… just fucking breathe…

He couldn’t. 

He clawed at his collar, tugging hard as though he could rip the panic out of his chest. His nails dug into his scalp, tugging at his hair until his eyes watered. He needed to feel something else, anything else.

His vision swam, his muscles locking painfully. 

His trembling hands flew to the buttons of his shirt, fingers shaking as he undid them as fast as he could. 

He got a flash to the past of his mother, who left him one day, without even saying goodbye. 

His mind flashed to Lisanna, storming out of his front door with car keys in her hand; before he never saw her alive again. 

Desperate, his eyes landed on his exposed shoulder, and without flinching he sank his teeth down into his skin right above the tattoo that rested on the curve of his muscles. The pain was sharp enough to sting, enough to ground himself, and it hurt a lot less than years ago when he would use lighters to burn his skin as a way to distract himself from the loneliness he felt.

Slowly, slowly, his breath steadied.

Finally, Natsu opened his eyes, chest rising and falling unevenly. He stumbled to the sink and stared at his reflection for a moment. His red-rimmed eyes, damp hair clinging to his forehead, jaw tight with exhaustion. His gaze fell to his shoulder, to the violent, bloody mark he’d left on himself there. It made him nauseous. 

It reminded himself of every reason why he wasn’t worthy.

He cursed softly under his breath.

It had been years since he’d relapsed.

And now… he had to start that clock over again.

…

The ache in her legs made Lucy question every life choice that had led her to this moment. With each stubborn step, she discovered a new depth of hatred for running. Every muscle in her calves screamed, every breath of cold air seared down her throat like smoke, but she wasn’t a quitter. Not for this, at least.

She lifted one leg, bending it into a stretch, and winced as soreness radiated up through her thighs. The ache wasn’t just physical anymore, it felt like it had burrowed deeper, into her chest, into the quiet parts of her that still didn’t feel steady.

Music blasted in her ears, the bass rattling her ribs while a sharp treble sliced through the morning air. She zipped her windbreaker all the way up, trying to trap in whatever warmth she could, and maybe, if she was lucky, some of the calm she kept chasing but never quite caught

But then she saw him.

Natsu was walking, slow and deliberate, his usual spring replaced with a careful, measured pace. He wasn’t jogging toward her, not the way he always did, and her frown deepened. Something was off. She couldn’t put her finger on, but her stomach twisted in warning.

“Hi…” she said, forcing a soft smile. He didn’t respond right away. He bent down, adjusting his laces with deliberate care, and the pause made her heart thump unevenly.

“You ready?” His voice was low, quiet, almost sad. The curve of his lips hinted at a smile, but it was a fragile thing, as though he were holding something back.

“Natsu… are you okay?”

He straightened slowly, brushing at invisible dust on his jacket, and finally met her eyes. And there it was: a weight behind them she hadn’t seen before. Something that made her chest tighten and her stomach curl.

“Yeah… I’m fine,” he murmured, but she caught the hesitation, the shadow behind his grin.

Lucy stepped closer, lowering her voice, softer now. “You don’t seem fine. Did something happen?”

He shook his head, hand running through messy strands of hair, fingers tangling as though he could untangle the heaviness in his chest. “It’s nothing.” His smile faltered, fragile. “I just… want to focus on you right now.”

Usually, those words would have made her chest ache with longing. Today, though, they felt distant, like he was reciting a line he’d practiced in a mirror.

“Hey… come on…” She reached for his hand, brushing her fingers against his, a gentle tether. “Talk to me.”

He finally looked at her. Really looked. And the worry, the fatigue, the hesitation in his gaze hit her in a physical way, like a weight pressing against her ribs. When he didn’t speak, she guided him toward a nearby bench, patting the empty spot. He followed silently, sitting down beside her.

“Lucy, I’m serious. I’m fine…” His eyes stayed fixed on the ground.

She pressed her hands to his cheeks, tilting his face toward hers so their eyes could meet. “You’re not,” she whispered, firm but tender. “Don’t shut me out.”

His brow twitched. He exhaled shakily, gaze dropping again. Somehow being with her made him want to talk. “I just… I don’t know how to say it.” His voice cracked, a subtle tremor beneath the calm. “Wendy… Wendy told me she’s thinking about her college plans, and she wants to go where my mom went.”

“Oh.” Lucy frowned, scooting closer, the cold air brushing against their arms as they almost touched. 

He didn’t really talk about his mom. Not really. The only time she really remembered it was one morning while they were walking he brought it up again. How he lashed out by fighting, getting in trouble, and he mentioned he didn’t really know how to cope with the confusion of her abandonment. The tight knot in her stomach deepened.

“It just… brought back some thoughts. Stuff I… wasn’t ready for.” He clenched his fists in his lap, restless, the shadow in his expression heavier than before.

Her thumb brushed his cheek. “Natsu—”

He covered her hand with his, squeezing it briefly before tucking it into his own. “I’m fine,” he repeated, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed him.

“It’s okay if you’re not,” she said softly.

“I am.” He forced a smile, a little steadier this time. “Don’t worry about me, okay?”

“I can’t not worry…” she admitted, shaking her head gently. “You’re my coach… if you’re not full of energy, how am I supposed to run up that hill today?”

A laugh escaped her lips, light, musical. It tugged something from him, coaxing a flicker of warmth back into his eyes.

Natsu shook his head, chuckling softly. “You know how to bring me back, don’t you?”

Lucy grinned, though concern lingered at the edges. “I’m here for you… always.”

Finally, a real smile broke through, shadow softening. “Alright… alright. Let’s do this.” He stood, offering her his hand.

She took it, and the warmth of his grip lingered longer than necessary. A flutter stirred in her chest, sharp and insistent. She furrowed her brows, shaking her head at herself.

“You know what… what if we did something else today?”

His brows furrowed. “But—”

“Too late.”

She dragged him toward an empty playground, wood chips crunching under their sneakers, mischief sparkling in her eyes, tugging him towards the orange-and-green merry-go-round.

“Lucy…” he warned, his voice low, caution threading amusement.

“Hang on!” Her laughter rang bright and free as she twisted the handles, sending him spinning.

From a distance, Juvia smiled softly, watching Gray roll his eyes at Natsu and Lucy’s chaotic antics.

“I knew they wouldn’t actually be training,” he muttered, though there was warmth beneath the irritation.

“Juvia thinks… it’s nice,” she said quietly, a wistful note in her voice. “They make each other very happy.”

She glanced away from the playground, toward the ice rink on the other side of the park when Gray’s hand slipped from hers, and he began walking toward it. The scrape of a puck against ice and the burst of laughter drew him in, and she followed silently, letting him lead.

He leaned against the railing, arms crossed, eyes fixed on two boys celebrating with their father after scoring a goal. A faint smile tugged at his lips, though there was a shadow in his gaze.

“Are you okay, my love?” Juvia asked softly, stepping closer.

He looked at her, and her heart stuttered at the mix of thought and amusement in his eyes. “Just thinking,” he said, voice low. “Sometimes… I think about what could have been.” A faint scoff, then a soft chuckle, escaped him.

She took a breath, just watching him for a moment, and she decided.

“Gray-sama… Juvia… needs to tell you something.” Juvia lifted a hand, tracing the faint scar above his eyebrow as if memorizing it.

Gray’s eyes met hers, furrowing slightly at her serious tone. “What is it?”

She opened her mouth, but the cheering from the two boys broke her focus. She glanced over smiling faintly and then peeked at her boyfriend.

“You know… if I still had hockey, I would have had to be away from you all the time,” he said, leaning against the railing. “Practices, games, travel… I wouldn't have the shop. I wouldn’t get to be here. With you. Every day.”

Juvia’s hand froze mid-air, her words about Crocus about Sorcerer Records lodged in her throat. The truth she had rehearsed countless times now seemed impossible to voice. How could she shatter the fragile life with her he cherished so dearly?

She swallowed, biting back the confession. Instead, she let her fingers rest lightly on his arm, the warmth of his presence a bittersweet anchor.

Gray noticed the hesitation, his gaze softening. “Sorry… what did you want to say?” he murmured, not pressing, just being there. 

Echoes of laughter from the merry-go-round caught their attention again. This time Lucy was screaming as though her life was flashing before her eyes. 

“NATSU PLEASE DON’T!!” Somehow Natsu had managed to swap places with her, laughing almost maniacally as he spun her mercilessly.

“YOU STARTED THIS LUCY!” He shouted back through his laughs.

Juvia shook her head, looking back at Gray smiling a bit.

“Nevermind.” She tiptoed, pressing her lips over his. “It’s nothing.”

Across the park, Natsu’s laughter erupted again, causing Gray to roll his eyes at the loud and obnoxious but familiar sound.

It almost sounded like the laugh he always heard from his best friend when they were growing up.

“NATSU! I’M SERIOUSLY GONNA THROW UP!” Lucy’s shriek cut through the cold air, and Gray smirked, shaking his head at the chaos.

Juvia pressed a hand to her lips, exhaling softly. Some truths would have to wait. 

…

It was another busy day at the Fairy Brew. Every table was taken, the line snaked out the door, and the air buzzed with the clatter of mugs, the hiss of steaming milk, and the low hum of conversation. Espresso scented the air so heavily it practically stuck to the skin. 

Chaos, as usual.

By the time the rush thinned out, Wendy leaned against the register, hair loosely clipped back, her laptop open beside her. Levy sat perched on the stool across the counter, hands wrapped around a warm mug, smiling at the younger girl’s excitement.

“With the sign-up fees and donations alone, we’re already close to hitting the goal,” Wendy said, tapping a number into her spreadsheet with barely contained pride.

“That’s amazing, Wendy.” Levy grinned, setting her mug down. “Seriously, I don’t know how you’re keeping all this organized.”

“Organized is one thing,” a playful voice chimed in. Both girls glanced over to see Sherria leaning dramatically across the counter, chin in her hands and a teasing grin on her face. “But Wendy,” Sherria said sweetly, “can be a real micromanager.”

Wendy sighed, crossing her arms. “If I didn’t micromanage, nothing would get done.”

“I’ll give you that one.” Sherria giggled, sliding onto a nearby stool.

The three of them chatted as Wendy launched into a detailed, very detailed, rundown of her plan for the upcoming event, complete with backup schedules and emergency protocols. Levy nodded along, amused, when the door jingled open again.

She turned instinctively, smiling when she spotted Gajeel stomping in, a beat-up backpack slung over his shoulder and a scowl carved deep into his face.

“Hey,” Levy greeted, raising a brow as he headed straight for her. “Uh… why did you text me saying it was urgent?”

“Because of this.”

He yanked his laptop out of the bag and set it down on the counter with a heavy thunk. Levy blinked at it… and then blinked again.

The screen was spiderwebbed with cracks, the keyboard hung at a crooked angle, and, unless her eyes were deceiving her, there was liquid dripping from one corner.

“G-Gajeel.” Her jaw dropped as she slid off her stool and approached him like he’d just brought home a crime scene. “What did you do?! Did you run over it?!”

“Oh no,” he said, voice flat with the dryest sarcasm she’d ever heard. “I didn’t run over it.”

He jerked a thumb toward the café window, where Totomaru stood outside waving sheepishly… and covered in what looked suspiciously like iced coffee. Wendy and Sherria exchanged amused looks, waving back softly. 

Levy’s eyes widened. “H-how—”

“Well I asked the moron to take it to the car,” Gajeel growled, dragging a hand down his face, “and it slipped off the roof where he placed it and then forgot about it before backing out.” With a loud clank, he set what remained of the laptop onto an empty table. “What d’you think, Shorty? Fixable?”

Levy crouched down to get a better look, poking at one dangling key. “…Honestly?” She looked up at him, her expression deadpan. “I think there’s no way to save it.”

Gajeel let out a low, frustrated groan and dropped into a chair, burying his face in his hands. “All my new fucking tracks were on there…”

“Hey, hey, relax.” Levy circled around the table and patted his shoulder gently before taking the seat in front of him. “The laptop’s definitely dead, yeah, but I might know a way to get your files back.”

His head shot up instantly, hope sparking behind his glare. “Oh yeah?”

Levy shrugged with an easy smile. “I’ll try, okay?”

For the first time since walking in, Gajeel leaned back with a low sigh, muttering under his breath, “I’ll buy you a whole damn library if you can pull this off…” 

Before Levy could fire back, the door jingled again, letting in a rush of cold air and the loud, and chaotic laughter of a group of teenage boys. The energy in the café shifted instantly, louder, rowdier, more restless. And sure enough, right in the middle of the chaos, Vermillion High’s hockey team stormed in, still in their jerseys, cheeks red from the cold, smelling faintly of sweat and winter air.

Sherria perked up like a sunflower toward the sun, sitting straighter on her stool as her lips curved in a slow smile. Wendy, on the other hand, froze where she stood, her shoulders stiffening the second she spotted Romeo Conbolt in the middle of the pack, laughing like he owned the place.

“Ohhh,” Sherria whispered under her breath, quickly grabbing a spoon to check her reflection. “Boogie check?”

Wendy smirked faintly, scanning her friend. “You’re clear.”

Before Sherria could even turn around, Romeo had already peeled away from his teammates, his footsteps lazy, calculated, until he stopped right in front of the counter where Wendy stood.

“Fairy-girl,” he greeted, voice low and smooth, the kind of teasing tone that always sounded like he was keeping some secret from her. His smirk was just as irritating as she remembered, smug, sharp, and far too confident.

Wendy’s brows drew together as her grip tightened on the edge of the counter. “Why are you here? I thought you hated this place.”

“I never said that,” he countered casually, leaning an elbow on the counter like he belonged there. “I just… heard the owner likes to set things on fire.”

She tilted her head, instantly defensive. “That ‘owner’ happens to be my brother.”

Romeo hummed softly, gaze flicking down and back up again, deliberately slow, like he was baiting her. “Huh. So does arson run in the family, then?”

Wendy felt her blood boil instantly. She grit her teeth behind a polite, forced smile, refusing to give him the reaction he clearly wanted.

Romeo’s smirk widened just slightly, victory flashing in his eyes. “Relax, fairy-girl. I’m joking.”

Wendy muttered under her breath, bone-dry, “Wow. You’re hilarious.”

He chuckled like she’d just complimented him and straightened lazily. “We’re ordering, actually. Do we… do that here?”

“Hm,” Wendy said flatly, forcing her voice into the fake, overly sweet tone she used for customers. “Will you be dining in or taking out?”

“Oh, definitely dining in.” His tone was smooth, a little too smooth, and Wendy clenched her fist behind the counter steadying herself to keep her smile bright.

She took a slow inhale through her nose, willing herself to stay calm. “Great. Find a table, and a server will be right with you.”

As Romeo walked back toward his team, Sherria leaned across the counter, whispering like it was a confession, “I still think he’s cute.”

“He’s annoying,” Wendy muttered, her jaw tightening as she watched him slide effortlessly into a booth, laughing like he owned every inch of space around him.

“So…” Sherria prodded carefully, eyes twinkling. “You don’t like him at all, right?”

“No.” Wendy snapped her head at her, practically offended.

“Really Wendy?” Sherria leaned closer. “Not even a little?”

“Not. Even. A little.”

“Good,” Sherria said brightly, hopping off her stool and smoothing the hem of her skirt. “Because I think I do, and since you don’t…”

Before Wendy could respond, Sherria sauntered toward Romeo’s table like she’d been waiting her whole life for this exact moment. She didn’t hesitate one bit, just slid right into the seat beside him, leaning close, laughing softly at something one of his teammates said. He seemed to welcome her easily, that playful smile on his face as she fluttered her eyes at him leaning in.

Wendy’s jaw clenched so tightly it ached. She forced herself to grab a damp rag and focus on wiping the counter, pretending the table full of jocks didn’t exist. But her ears betrayed her, picking up Romeo’s laugh, low and unbothered, paired with Sherria’s softer, higher one. The one Wendy knew Sherria practiced when she was flirting with a boy she liked.

Wendy, too distracted, didn’t even notice Gajeel and Levy returning until the bluenette slid onto the stool across her, mug in hand.

“Okay, who’s the boy?” Levy teased, eyes darting toward the hockey team, her tone warm and playful all at once.

Wendy blinked, cheeks heating instantly as she shook her head too fast. “He’s… he’s no one. Just an annoying new classmate.”

“Annoying?” Levy frowned, taking a brief peek over at the table.

Wendy grumbled something, dumping the towel down on the counter before she crossed her arms. “Yeah he just keeps like… bugging me.”

Gajeel followed her gaze, his expression darkening like a storm rolling in. The entire table of loud, laughing hockey players came into focus, especially the one sitting just close enough to Sherria. The one Gajeel noticed had gone up to Wendy just minutes ago.

“That little punk is bothering ya?” Gajeel’s voice dropped lower, quiet but dangerous, the kind of tone that could clear a room if he wanted it to.

Wendy startled, eyes wide, shaking her head quickly. “N-no, not like bothering, bothering—,” she rushed out, forcing a shaky laugh trying to calm him. “He’s just… annoying.”

Levy snorted softly, rolling her eyes. “You sound like a broken record, Wendy.”

“Well, just let me know if that little punk tries messin’ with ya.” Gajeel hissed, turning his attention back to Levy who was working on her laptop trying to resolve his issue. “I’ll handle him not a problem…”

Levy scoffed. “He’s a kid…”

Gajeel only chuckled at her tone.

Across the café, Romeo leaned back in his seat, laughing at something Sherria whispered in his ear, but his gaze drifted, unhurried, almost careless, back to the counter. His eyes found Wendy’s for less than a heartbeat, but it was enough to send her pulse stuttering.

She panicked, tearing her gaze away so quickly it almost hurt, clutching the rag in her hand like it was a lifeline. Her movements grew frantic as she scrubbed at a perfectly clean spot on the counter, pretending the small circle of wood beneath her rag was the single most fascinating thing in the entire café. She could barely hear the conversation between Levy and Gajeel, as she mentioned Natsu and Lucy running in the park every day this week.

Sherria, from her seat beside Romeo, noticed how he glanced back at her.

Her laughter didn’t falter, not exactly, but her smile tightened at the edges. She placed a casual hand on Romeo’s shoulder, leaning in just enough to reclaim his attention.

Romeo’s smirk deepened, slow and deliberate, as if he’d caught her intent. Without missing a beat, he turned his full attention back to Sherria, nodding in agreement to what she was saying as if he had been paying attention the entire time. But even then, his gaze flicked back to the counter, just for a moment.

Wendy didn’t see it.

But Sherria did.

…

The wind bit at Lucy’s cheeks as she jogged in place, rubbing her gloved hands together for warmth. Her breath puffed out in soft, white clouds, each one vanishing almost as quickly as it formed. The grass beneath her sneakers was stiff with frost, crunching faintly under every bounce of her heels.

“It’s freezing,” she muttered, tugging her windbreaker tighter. A faint ache still hummed in her arms, something she’d blamed on the last training day, but she rubbed up and down her sleeves anyway, trying to soothe it away.

Natsu crouched a few feet away, pretending to retie his laces though his eyes kept flicking toward her. His breath fogged the air between them, brows drawing together as if he could will her into being careful.

“You sure you’re good to train today?” he asked for the third time in ten minutes. “It’s way colder than yesterday. You’re gonna get sick.”

Lucy rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the tug of a smile. “I told you, I’m fine. It’s just a little cold, Natsu, not the end of the world.”

“Cold leads to colds,” he countered, straightening up and pointing at her like he’d just uncovered some law of the universe. “Science.”

She snorted. “Science,” she echoed flatly, stretching her arms high above her head until her spine gave a satisfying crack. “You watch one movie about the human immune system and now you’re practically a doctor, huh?”

Before Natsu could come back with something equally ridiculous, a gruff voice cut through the quiet. 

“Yo, Salamander! Ya ready!?”

Lucy turned just in time to see Gajeel calling out, dressed head to toe in sleek black running gear, stomping across the path like he owned it. His hair was tied back messily, and his earbuds dangled from around his neck.

Trailing behind him, or rather, being dragged, was Levy, wearing an oversized hoodie, leggings, and the most unimpressed scowl Lucy had ever seen.

“I told you,” Levy muttered between yawns, “I’m not running ever again.”

“Then it’s a good thing today ain’t about you shrimp,” Gajeel grinned, giving her ponytail a gentle tug.

Levy shot him a glare but didn’t protest when he guided her toward a nearby bench, where Wendy was stretching quietly, earbuds in, her ponytail bouncing as she leaned into her hamstrings.

Levy flopped down beside her and groaned dramatically. “Please tell me you’re not here because he dragged you too?”

Wendy blinked, pulling an earbud out. “Um… no, I signed up for the run, actually… and I figured I could use some extra training too.”

“You what?” Lucy’s head shot up, nearly losing balance mid-stretch. Natsu caught her by the arm easily. “Hang on, I thought you were too busy with all the actual organizing of the event to actually run it!?” 

Wendy smiled sheepishly, brushing her bangs from her face. “I… kind of wanted to surprise you. I signed up with a few of my classmates, so I’ve been training at school.”

Lucy gawked, mouth falling open. “You—?! You’ve been training this whole time and didn’t tell me?!” She stomped closer to the younger girl. “You let me go through running Natsu’s boot camp alone?! He probably would have gone a lot easier on me if you were training with us.”

Before Wendy could answer, Cana strolled up holding a giant travel mug, Gray trudging beside her with his hands shoved in his pockets, and Juvia sticking close at his side, arms locked on one of his.

“Alright,” Cana announced casually, sipping her drink. “What’s the emergency? Gajeel said we needed to ‘witness greatness’ or something.”

“Damn right!” Gajeel cracked his knuckles and nodded toward Natsu. “Today’s the day I smoke Salamander in a race.”

Lucy blinked. “…Wait. What?”

“You heard him,” Natsu said, already stretching out his legs. “Gajeel’s just mad ‘cause I’ve been training Lucy and she’s faster than him now.”

“That’s not…” Lucy froze. “Hold on. A race? I thought today was supposed to be training. My training.”

Gajeel ignored her, playfully shoving her aside so he could step in Natsu’s face. “First to the big oak tree past the hill,” he announced, pointing like a general declaring war.

“I’m in,” Natsu said instantly, tugging off his jacket and tossing it to Lucy who wasn’t ready to catch it.

Lucy groaned into his jacket. “This is NOT what I signed up for…”

“Just come sit with me, blondie,” Cana smirked, taking a seat on the bench beside Levy. “They’ve always been like this… there’s no talking them out of it.”

“Sometimes… I think they’re just overgrown toddlers…” Levy muttered, earning a laugh from everyone.

…

“Three… two… one—”

“GO!”

Wendy yelped, stumbling back as Natsu and Gajeel exploded off the line before she’d even finished the countdown, sneakers pounding against the frost-bitten grass. Their shoulders slammed together, curses cutting through the sharp winter air as they tore up the hill.

From the bench, Lucy, Levy, and Cana watched them, breath puffing out in small clouds.

“They’re actually gonna kill each other one of these days,” Levy muttered, resting her chin in her hand and shaking her head.

“They never grow up,” Cana replied lazily, blowing across the lid of her coffee cup.

By the time Natsu and Gajeel came sliding back to the starting point, both were red-faced, panting, and glaring daggers at each other with Gray and Juvia trailing not too far behind them.

“I won,” Natsu declared between breaths, jabbing a finger at Gajeel’s chest.

“The hell you did, Salamander!” Gajeel shot back, his hands balled into fists. “I crossed first!”

“You tripped over your own big ass feet!” Natsu barked, stepping closer.

“You wish, you overcooked fire hazard—”

“You know I won, and it wasn’t even close!” Natsu yelled, his voice cracking from how hard he was pushing it.

Before the shouting match could turn into a full-on brawl, a voice spoke behind Wendy, smooth and almost bored:

“You know… this is way too much noise for a Saturday morning.”

She turned instantly, startled, and blinked when she saw him, instantly forgetting the screaming match taking place between her brother and cousin.

“Romeo?” she asked softly, her brows lifting.

He stood there in a Vermillion High hockey gear, skates slung over his shoulder, his expression calm in stark contrast to the chaos behind her.

“I didn’t know you were on the hockey team,” Wendy said, shifting her weight slightly, her voice quieter than intended.

Romeo shrugged easily, his lips tugging up into the faintest smirk. “I played at my old school,” he explained, casually tossing the skates higher on his shoulder. “Thought I’d check out the team here.” Then, tilting his head just slightly, he added, “I heard they’re not that good, though.”

Wendy blinked, caught off guard by his tone, and then narrowed her eyes playfully. “Maybe you should’ve stayed at your old school, then,” she shot back, crossing her arms.

He pressed a hand to his chest dramatically, staggering back a step. “Ouch,” he said, mock wounded. But then he laughed softly, the sound warm against the sharp cold air. “I came over here just to say hi, and this is what I get?”

Her lips curved despite herself, and she shook her head, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “Alright… sorry,” she said with a small, reluctant laugh.

Romeo dropped onto the bench nearest the rink, leaning forward as he started lacing his skates. “The team’s probably toast this year anyway,” he said, his voice low and dry. “Our coach is the old art teacher. Pretty sure he thinks icing is only something you put on a cake.”

That pulled a real laugh from Wendy, and when he glanced up briefly, his smirk deepened like he’d been waiting for it. 

“Are you skating here?” she asked, crouching slightly to watch his fingers work the laces.

“Yeah.” He nodded toward the playground where a few of his teammates were gathering together. “You running?”

She nodded quickly, tugging at the hem of her hoodie as if grounding herself. “Training for the 10k,” she said, glancing over at her brother, who was still in a shouting match with Gajeel while Juvia was half-heartedly playing referee. “Well… trying to, at least.”

Romeo leaned back slightly, resting one arm across the back of the bench, his gaze sliding over to her. “So… why do you care so much about this thing, anyway?” he asked, voice casual but eyes intent.

The question made her pause. She stared at her gloves for a second, picking at the seam. “The money goes to the children’s hospital,” she said softly. “I volunteer there sometimes. And my aunt works there, so… I just…” Her voice faltered briefly before she forced a small shrug. “…I just want the kids to feel like people care about them.”

Romeo didn’t say anything right away, his expression unreadable as his fingers stilled on the lace knot. For a moment, it seemed like he might ask something else, but then he only hummed faintly and leaned back.

“Well…” he said, his tone deliberately light, “…you managed to get people to sign up knowing it’d be freezing out. That’s something.”

She tilted her head, smirking faintly as she stood. “You know, for a hockey player, you complain a lot about the cold.”

He snorted under his breath, leaning back on the bench and resting his hands behind his head. “It’s different when it’s hockey… you can’t really feel the cold… at least I can’t.”

Wendy shook her head, finally pulling one earbud in. “Hopefully I can get the last few people to sign up… I’m so close to the goal, but I don’t know. I might be out of time.”

Romeo glanced up briefly, his brows furrowing for just a moment before he masked it with another smirk. “How many more runners?”

“Maybe… ten?” she admitted, letting out a quiet sigh. “I’ll figure it out after training.”

His smirk softened into something almost subtle, but he hid it quickly, looking back down at his skates. “Good luck, fairy-girl.”

Wendy hesitated just a second at the nickname, then jogged off, ponytail swaying behind her. Romeo tied his last knot and watched her go, his gaze lingering a little longer than he probably meant to.

…

Lucy sat on the grass, tugging off her gloves and stretching her legs, the frost-kissed ground biting through her leggings. Her breath puffed out in soft clouds while Natsu knelt beside her, still mid-rant, his hands moving wildly as he relived the race for the tenth time.

“And then — THEN — I pulled ahead right at the end. Totally smoked him.”

“In your dreams, Salamander!” Gajeel barked from a nearby bench, slumping beside Levy, who only shook her head at the childishness of it all.

Natsu whipped around, sparks practically flying from his glare. “Say that again, bolts-for-brains!”

Before he could launch himself across the path, Levy and Cana grabbed Gajeel by his hoodie, tugging him backward before a rematch could break out.

“This is all stupid Gray’s fault,” Natsu grumbled, arms crossed tight over his chest. “Can you believe he said it was a tie?! A tie, Luce! He’s gotta be blind!”

“Oh,” Gray shot back flatly, hands shoved in his pockets, “you wanna pick a fight with me now, you loser?”

“Gray-sama, not you too!” Juvia cried, clinging to his arm as she dragged him off before chaos could escalate.

Finally, Lucy smiled softly at Natsu, shaking her head at the ridiculousness of it all. “For what it’s worth… I think you totally won.”

He blinked, caught off guard, and the fire in his expression dimmed, replaced with something softer, almost boyish.

“I totally did,” he said quietly, his grin curling lazily as he crouched beside her again, helping stretch her legs.

For a moment, Lucy just watched him, his pink hair falling into his face, the tips of his ears flushed red from the cold, his breath curling white in the chilled air. There was something steady about him that made her chest warm unexpectedly.

Her voice came out quieter than she meant it to.

“Is it bad… that I feel like I haven’t made any progress?”

Natsu frowned instantly, the playfulness draining from his expression as he leaned closer, scanning her face like he was trying to read her thoughts. “What do you mean?”

“I guess I’m worried I won’t actually be able to finish the entire six miles…” she admitted, her voice almost swallowed by the cold wind. She fiddled with the drawstring of her jacket, trying to hide the slight tremble in her hands.

“You’re gonna be fine, Lucy,” he said, his voice unusually steady, grounding. His hand brushed against hers for a fleeting moment, deliberate but gentle. “You’ve been working hard. No way you won’t finish this thing.”

Her chest loosened a little at his certainty, but doubt still gnawed at the edges of her confidence. “It kind of helps now that I know Wendy is running.” She nodded toward the teenager jogging across the path, her ponytail bouncing with every effortless stride. “But… she’s definitely gonna be ahead of me.”

Natsu followed her gaze, then scoffed lightly, leaning back on his palms. “It’s not a race you know.”

She turned to look at him, startled by his calmness. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“I still have time to sign up if you want me to,” he added casually, though his tone carried an undercurrent of quiet seriousness. “We could do it together.”

Her breath hitched just slightly, but she smiled faintly and shook her head. “It’s okay… I’ll probably slow you down if you tried to run it with me… besides you’re already volunteering.”

His mouth curved into the smallest frown, but he didn’t push. Instead, he nudged her shoulder with his, warm even through the layers of clothing.

“Well,” he said, leaning close enough that his breath brushed her cheek, “I’ll be there when you cross the finish line, alright?”

Her gaze met his, and for a fleeting second, the noise of their friends faded, the cold biting wind forgotten. It was just his voice, his warmth, his steady presence anchoring her against the doubt gnawing at her chest.

“Alright,” she whispered.

The moment hung there between them, delicate and unspoken, until—

“ROUND TWO, SALAMANDER!”

Gajeel’s booming voice shattered it instantly as he came stomping back into view, carrying Levy under his arm like a sack of flour, her legs kicking uselessly in protest.

Natsu’s grin snapped back into place in an instant. “You’re on!”

Before Lucy could even protest, Natsu scooped her up over his shoulder without warning and bolted down the path, laughing as wildly as Gajeel, Levy shrieking curses the whole way.

From the bench, Cana watched, entirely unbothered, sipping her coffee like it was a spectator sport.

“Think they’ll tire out eventually?”

Gray shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, sighing like an exhausted babysitter. “…Doubt it.”

…

Levy hesitated at the top of the narrow staircase, knuckles hovering just above the heavy metal door to Gajeel’s loft. It wasn’t like she hadn’t been here before, but this felt… different.

They’d only been talking more these past few weeks, getting closer each passing day. Even though months had passed since the night of the first show she went to, it wasn’t long enough to erase the memory of that night where they’d almost… no, not almost. Nothing had happened. But still.

She knocked softly. No answer.

Levy frowned, leaning closer to listen and that’s when she heard it.

Music.

Low and deep, muffled guitar chords pulsing faintly through the door. She frowned. If he was blasting music, why wasn’t he answering?

She knocked again, louder this time. “Gajeel?”

Nothing.

Her stomach tightened. The silence suddenly felt heavier than it should’ve. For a split second, her brain jumped somewhere it shouldn’t. To Lucy, to that awful day, to a  door that luckily had remained open.

Her fingers hovered over the handle. She knew she shouldn’t just barge in… but her chest wouldn’t stop squeezing.

She tried the knob. It turned easily. Unlocked.

“…Gajeel?” she called softly as she stepped inside.

The loft smelled faintly like metal and cedar, music spilling louder now as she crossed the threshold. Cables snaked across the floor, notebooks stacked in messy piles, and the winter light stretched in through the wide windows, pale and cold.

And then she saw him.

Gajeel was sprawled across the worn leather couch, boots kicked off, one arm draped lazily over his face. 

He was deep in his sleep.

Levy froze, then let out a shaky breath she didn’t realize she was holding. Relief bloomed warm and fast in her chest, leaving her knees a little weak.

“Idiot,” she muttered under her breath, pressing a hand briefly over her heart before glancing at the time on her phone. She really didn’t have long before she had to head back to campus.

She crept closer, keeping her voice soft. “Gajeel… hey.”

Nothing.

“Gajeel.” She reached out, giving his shoulder the lightest nudge.

His reaction was instant.

His hand shot up, catching her wrist in a grip so quick and firm it made her gasp.

His dark eyes snapped open, sharp and ready, until recognition softened them, the tension draining from his shoulders. “Damn it… shrimp?” His voice was rough from sleep, low and gravelly. He released her immediately, rubbing a hand over his face. “Tch. Thought I had to clock someone.”

Levy blinked at him, startled but managing a small smile. “That’s your first instinct?” She laughed. “Actually, it’s pretty fitting…”

He gave a faint, tired smirk, leaning back against the couch. “You shoulda called first, shrimp.”

“You weren’t answering your phone,” she said, crossing her arms but keeping her voice light. “And your music was blasting, so… I was worried.”

Gajeel glanced at her, expression unreadable, then looked away with a shrug. “Well next time don’t go sneakin’ in here like that. Coulda been ugly.”

“Next time answer your phone…” she furrowed her brows. “How could you sleep with the music blasting like that…” 

He only shrugged casually, lowering the volume of the speakers. “Guess it helps me relax.”

The silence stretched, heavier than she wanted, so she reached into her bag and pulled out her laptop with a little flourish. “Anyway, I came to tell you that I managed to recover all your files.”

That got his attention. He sat up straighter, resting his forearms on his knees. “You’re kiddin’.”

She shook her head, a small smile forming. “Every single one. Lyrics, demos, riffs… even that folder labeled ‘don’t touch.’”

Gajeel let out a low whistle, shaking his head. “Damn, Shorty. Didn’t think you could actually pull that off.”

Levy tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, cheeks warming faintly at the compliment. “I guess I’m just the smartest person you know. You’re welcome.”

He studied her for a beat, leaning forward slightly. “…Thanks,” he said simply, but there was weight in it, heavier than she expected.

She cleared her throat, shifting her bag higher on her shoulder. “You can hold onto my laptop until you get a new one, if you want. Just… don’t break it, okay?”

One corner of his mouth curved up, just barely. “…No promises.”

Levy smiled despite herself, shaking her head. “At least keep it away from your drummer.”

He snorted, shaking his head. “Relax. If Totomaru even looks at it funny, I’ll sell his car and get you a new one. Somethin’ real fancy.”

“I’ll keep you to that.” She shook her head and walked off, not noticing how long his eyes lingered on her.

He muttered under his breath, smirk tugging at his lips, “Fanciest laptop in Fiore… just for you, shrimp.”

…

Chapter Text

“NAATSUUUU!”

His bedroom door bursted open so hard it practically bounced off the wall, and Natsu bolted upright instantly, pink hair sticking up in every direction.

“What?! What’s going on?!” he yelled, already halfway tangled in his bedcovers, looking wildly around for a reason Wendy would be yelling. “IS SOMETHING ON FIRE!”

“There’s no fire, you dummy!” Wendy groaned, marching into his bedroom with her tablet clutched to her chest. “We did it!”

“Did what?” he mumbled, collapsing back onto his pillow and shoving the blanket over his head. “If this isn’t about food, I’m going back to sleep.”

Wendy yanked the blanket straight off him, and he groaned when the cold air hit his skin.

“Wake up!”

“It’s my only day off, Wendy,” he muttered, squinting at the clock. “It’s literally five in the morning.”

“Natsu!” She grabbed one of his pillows and smacked him over the head with it. “We broke the record for sign-ups! Over a hundred runners! And we surpassed the fundraising goal!”

That made him pause. One eye cracked open, then the other, until a lazy grin crept across his face. “Well look at you… Not bad, kid.”

“Not bad?!” Wendy huffed, hands on her hips. “It’s amazing! I couldn’t wait to call dad and tell him so I did. He said to tell you he wants you to call him back today…”

Before Natsu could reply, a soft jingling came from the hallway. A small white blur shot into the room, wobbling on tiny legs, long pink tongue lolling wildly. Before Natsu could even react, Plue leapt onto his bed, leaping above his chest and started licking his face over and over again.

“Plue?!” Natsu blinked, sitting up straighter, gently shoving the dog away. “What the— why’s he here?!”

“Oh.” Wendy shrugged casually, eyes back on her tablet screen, like this was the most normal thing in the world. “Lucy’s in the kitchen.”

Those words woke him up completely. “Lucy’s what?”

“Making breakfast.” Wendy skipped toward the door, looking far too energized for the early time. “Get up! We have a lot to do today, starting with your daily training with Lucy so she can actually complete the run! I’m taking your credit card, by the way, okay!” 

“My credit card— Wendy, wait hang on!?” 

But she had run off already, too eager to listen to his protest. 

By the time Natsu wandered into the hall, hair still a disaster from sleep, but feeling awake from splashing water on his face, the soft clink of a spoon reached his ears. And there she was.

Lucy.

Standing at the counter, setting a bowl down carefully while Plue sat loyally at her feet as if he was waiting too, tail wagging.

“Good morning coach,” she greeted, her voice soft but cheery. “I made you breakfast.”

Natsu blinked at the bowl, then at her, before a laugh slipped out. “You… made cereal.”

She raised an eyebrow, lips twitching like she was fighting a smile. “Excuse you.” She held up the box pointing bright orange lettering sprawled across the front. “This is elite athlete fuel, thank you very much.”

“Elite, huh?” he teased, leaning against the counter. “You can run a few miles and now you’re a pro?”

Lucy grinned, grabbing her own bowl and hopping onto a stool. “Well, someone has been yelling at me to ‘run faster’ every morning for three weeks straight, so yeah, I’d say I’m surviving pretty well.”

He sat beside her, nudging her shoulder. “Please. I’ve basically been carrying you home after every run.”

“Carrying me?!” Lucy scoffed, pointing her spoon at him. “I’ll have you know I’ve shaved almost a full minute off my mile, thank you very much!”

Natsu leaned back slightly, watching the way her cheeks flushed with excitement as she talked, hands animated and eyes bright. She was glowing with confidence. The nervousness from when they’d first started training completely gone, and he found himself smiling without meaning to.

“You’ve been killing it lately,” he admitted quietly, softer than usual.

Her expression softened too, lips twitching into a small smile. “Yeah,” she said, almost shyly. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I still feel like I’m gonna pass out by mile four, but—”

“You won’t,” he cut in firmly, his voice steady in that rare way it was. “You’ve worked hard for this, Luce. Remember it’s not a race, so it doesn't matter how fast or slow you go. Just focus on finishing it.”

Lucy hesitated, her breath catching slightly as she held his gaze. “…You really think so?”

“I know so,” he replied simply. His eyes flicked down when she rolled her shoulders, fingertips brushing the side of her neck. The motion was slow, careful, the kind that came from days of lingering soreness. “You’re still sore?” he asked, voice dipping lower, softer.

“Just a little,” she admitted with a small wince, pressing her thumb into the base of her neck. “Guess I shouldn’t have tried to sprint that last stretch yesterday.”

“Yeah, probably not,” he said with a faint smirk, but his tone stayed gentle, almost protective. Without even thinking about it, he reached over and rubbed at the spot between her shoulder and neck, slow circles, firm enough to ease the tension but light enough to make her shiver.

Her breath hitched. “That actually… helps,” she murmured, eyes fluttering shut for a second before she forced a smile. “Don’t worry. Let’s eat.”

He drew his hand back reluctantly, fingers brushing the edge of her collar as he did.

The air shifted, warmer, heavier, yet softer. The smell of cereal and coffee hung between them, and for a moment neither moved.

They finished eating quickly after that and stepped outside together while Wendy got ready for school. Lucy clipped Plue into the hands-free leash Gajeel had given her, and the little pup immediately bolted toward the stairs.

“Plue, wait!” Lucy stumbled forward, laughing, trying to rein him in. “He’s never not gonna do this, is he?”

Natsu reached out instinctively, steadying her by the elbow. “Careful.”

“I’m fine,” she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, but she didn’t step back.

They lingered there, close in the quiet hallway. The morning light pooled around them, soft and golden, and when Lucy glanced up, her breath hitched just slightly.

For a second, Natsu forgot everything. Forgot that they weren’t together. Forgot why he shouldn’t cross this line. He forgot why he shouldn’t just lean in—

—So he did anyway.

Slowly, hesitantly, leaning closer, just enough for her to notice, for her to lean too.

Inches. That’s all there was between them. Her nose brushed his, soft and fleeting—

—And then

“Wow.”

The monotone voice sliced through the air like glass shattering.

Lucy froze, heart stuttering, eyes snapping wide as she jerked toward the sound.

“I got the building right on the first try,” the girl said flatly, sucking on a cherry lollipop like she hadn’t just demolished the moment. “Lucky me.”

Lucy blinked, stunned. “…B-B-Brandish?”

Her green-haired cousin leaned casually against the doorway, blank expression unchanging, green eyes flicking lazily between Lucy and Natsu.

Natsu straightened like he’d been electrocuted, scratching the back of his neck with a forced laugh. He’d heard enough stories about Brandish from Lucy to know she wasn’t someone she was probably too excited to see.

“Uh… hey?” he offered weakly, cheeks burning almost as red as Lucy’s. “Nice to meet you.”

Brandish crunched down on her lollipop, unbothered. “Cute,” she said flatly. “But maybe don’t make out in the hallway. It’s way too early for that.”

Lucy’s entire face went scarlet, stumbling back a step. “We were not—”

Brandish hummed like she didn’t believe her, brushing past them toward Lucy’s door. The faintest smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.

“Anyway,” she said casually, voice still bored as ever, “I’m glad I found you.” She paused, glancing at Lucy. “We need to talk.”

…

The soft winter light slipped through the blinds, painting pale lines across the living room. Gray sat on the couch, lounging back with one arm stretched lazily across the backrest, his damp hair still tousled from his morning shower. A fitted charcoal sweater clung to him, sleeves shoved up his forearms, and his legs were sprawled just enough to look relaxed but ready to move.

Across the room, Juvia leaned against the counter, sipping her tea slowly, her silk robe slipping slightly off one shoulder. Beneath it, her dark blue satin nightgown shimmered faintly in the light, brushing mid-thigh whenever she shifted. She didn’t miss the way Gray’s gaze flicked toward her every so often, and she liked that he was trying not to make it obvious.

“You woke up very early today darling,” she said softly, tracing the rim of her mug with a fingertip.

Gray glanced over, raising a brow. “Couldn’t sleep.”

Juvia tilted her head, her blue hair falling over one shoulder. “Juvia noticed… you were moving all night.”

He scratched the back of his neck, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Sorry about that. Guess I had a lot on my mind.”

She hesitated, chewing the inside of her cheek. The words about Crocus, about Sorcerer Records hovered at the tip of her tongue… but when she saw him sitting there, his dark lashes low over his eyes and the quiet calm wrapped around the morning, their morning, the thought slipped away. She didn’t want to ruin this moment.

Instead, she set her mug down gently and padded toward him, her bare feet silent against the floor.

Gray watched her approach, his head tilting slightly, smirk deepening. “You’ve got that look,” he said, leaning back a little, his arm tightening casually along the back of the couch.

Juvia stopped right in front of him, her lips curving faintly. “What look?”

“You know what look I’m talking about,” he murmured, voice low and teasing.

She didn’t answer. Instead, she slid onto the couch, and into his lap in one fluid motion, her body settling flush against him.

Gray blinked, caught off guard for only half a second before his hands instinctively settled on her hips. “A very good morning to me, huh?” he muttered, his smirk growing crooked.

“Juvia thought that you might… need a distraction, my love…” she said softly, leaning in until her lips brushed just shy of his jaw. “There’s a lot on your mind you said…”

Gray huffed a quiet laugh, his voice dropping as he tipped his head back slightly. “Well, you’re doing a damn good job distracting me.”

She smiled faintly, her hands sliding up his chest as she pressed her lips softly to his. “Good.”

She kissed him again, slower, deeper, losing herself in the pull of his mouth.

Gray kissed her back, just as deliberate, one hand gliding from her hip up to the small of her back. He broke the kiss just long enough to murmur against her lips, “Y’know, I’m supposed to be going to work right now.”

Juvia hummed softly, kissing him again, her voice slipping between breaths. “Then be late.”

He chuckled low in his throat, letting his forehead rest briefly against hers. “Mmm… you’re not playing fair right now…”

“Juvia doesn’t want to play fair right now,” she whispered, tilting her head to press her lips along his jaw, trailing kisses down the curve of his neck.

Gray inhaled sharply, his grip tightening, one hand slid up her back, fingers threading into her hair, the other roaming lower, gripping her thigh through the loose folds of her robe, thumb brushing the edge where silk gave way to skin.

“Gray-sama…” she murmured, her breath warm against his skin, voice lilting with a faint smile she knew he could feel.

He laughed softly, a low, rough, attractive sound, before tugging her closer, his hand slipping beneath the edge of her robe to rest against the silk of her nightgown. “…I could probably be a little late,” he admitted finally, eyes half-lidded now, smirk deepening.

Her heart pounded, all thoughts of Crocus dissolving beneath the heat curling between them. She only hummed in reply, trailing kisses along his throat, tasting the heat of his skin, her breath shuddering between them.

He swore softly under his breath, head tipping back against the couch, exposing more of his neck to her lips, his control fraying with every passing second. His hand slipped beneath her robe completely now, palm smoothing over the curve of her waist, fingers grazing bare skin like he couldn’t stop himself.

A sharp knock rattled the door.

Both froze, lips just barely apart.

“…Ignore it,” Juvia whispered quickly, tugging lightly at his sweater to bring him back.

The knock came again, louder this time.

“Yo, Stripper, Sprinkler,” a familiar voice barked from the hall. “I know you’re in there. Open up.”

Gray groaned, tipping his head back against the couch with a frustrated sigh. “…Fantastic timing.”

“Juvia doesn’t care,” she muttered, still clinging to him, pressing another quick kiss against his jaw.

But the knocking didn’t stop.

With a reluctant growl, Gray eased her gently off his lap despite her soft whine of protest. He stood, running a hand through his messy hair before yanking open the door. “What is it, metal face? This better be good.”

Gajeel’s gaze swept immediately over the scene, Gray’s rumpled sweater, Juvia’s flushed cheeks, her loose robe, and the roll of his eyes was instant. 

“Disgusting.” He cringed, clearly annoyed.

“Shut it,” Gray muttered darkly, noticing the look on his face.

Juvia tightened her robe quickly, glaring at Gajeel from the couch. “What do you want?”

“You tell him yet?” Gajeel asked bluntly, jerking his chin toward Gray.

Juvia stiffened, her voice faltering. “…No,” she admitted softly.

Gray frowned, turning toward her. “Tell me what?”

“Nothing!” She blurted instantly, far too quick to sound convincing.

“God damn it, Sprinkler!” Gajeel rubbed his face. “Fine, I’ll tell him—”

“Gajeel-kun!” 

Gray looked between the two, brows pulled together in frustration. “Will someone tell me what is going on already?!”

There was a silence in the room. Juvia looked down at her hands in her lap, lips pulled tightly together as Gajeel exhaled a frustrated breath. 

Gray stood there, frowning slightly, clearly sensing he was missing something, but he finally sighed and reached for his jacket. “Alright, whatever this is, we’ll talk about it later. I’ve gotta go.” He moved towards Juvia and kissed her temple quickly, murmuring, “I’ll see you later, don’t let him stress you out.”

Juvia swallowed hard, forcing a small nod. “…Okay.”

Gray slipped out the door, the quiet click sounding far louder than it should’ve. Juvia sat frozen for a moment, her fingers still clutching the edge of her robe, while Gajeel leaned against the wall, arms crossed and gaze sharp.

“We talked about this…” he said finally, his tone low but edged with impatience. “The meeting’s in a week.”

Juvia shut her eyes tight, her hand running through her blue hair as if she could smooth out the storm brewing in her chest. “Gajeel-kun… Juvia can’t do it…”

Gajeel’s jaw tightened. “Can’t, or won’t?”

She flinched at the weight in his voice, staring down at her hands in her lap. “If Juvia tells Gray-sama about it then everything changes,” she whispered, her voice barely carrying across the room. “Things are good right now. Juvia doesn’t want to ruin it.”

Gajeel blew out a heavy breath, dragging a hand down his face. “Damn it, Juvia… You’ve got a right to know what they’re gonna tell us at that meeting, and he’s got a right to know why you’re going.”

Her throat tightened, her chest rising and falling unevenly. “But what if Gray-sama thinks Juvia kept secrets from him?”

He scoffed, shaking his head. “You are keepin’ secrets from him. That’s the fucking problem.”

Her lips trembled faintly, her hands twisting together in her lap. “…Juvia doesn’t want to hurt him.”

Gajeel’s voice came low, almost cold. “Sprinkler, this ain’t about his feelings at all, is it?”

Her eyes widened, something in her chest jumping sharply. “…What?”

“This is about you,” he said, his tone sharp enough to cut. “And your goddamn codependency with him.”

Her brows furrowed, nails digging into the soft silk of her robe. “That’s not—”

“Don’t,” he snapped, stepping closer. “Look, when you chose to stay here in Magnolia instead of goin’ to that music school you really wanted? I didn’t say a damn word about it. Didn’t judge you, didn’t get in your business.” He jabbed a finger toward her chest. “But this? This is different. I ain’t gonna let you bury your head in the sand on this one.”

Juvia swallowed hard, her chest tight as her eyes flickered briefly toward the door Gray had just walked through. She wanted to argue, to tell him he didn’t understand, but her voice caught in her throat.

She hated that he was right. Hated that he could see straight through her when she was doing everything she could to keep herself together. Her heart ached with the weight of unspoken words, hammering harder with each second of silence. 

“…Juvia just needs more time,” she whispered finally, her voice breaking despite her best efforts to steady it.

Gajeel stared at her for a long, tense moment before exhaling sharply, muttering under his breath. “Time’s one thing you ain’t got.”

And with that, he pushed off the wall and headed for the door, leaving her sitting there on the couch. The door clicked softly behind him, but to Juvia, the sound was deafening.

The silence that followed settled heavy over the room.

Juvia lowered herself onto the couch slowly, pulling her knees up beneath her robe, fingers twisting the hem as she stared blankly at the floor. Gajeel’s words wouldn’t stop echoing in her head, sharp and unrelenting, cutting straight to the core of her fear.

“This ain’t about his feelings at all. It’s about you.”

She wanted to be angry at him for saying it. Wanted to brush it off, to pretend he didn’t know what he was talking about. But deep down, she knew he was right.

Her chest tightened, a slow, aching pressure pressing up beneath her ribs. She had been telling herself for days that she was keeping quiet for Gray’s sake. That she didn’t want to bother him, or hurt him, or make him worry. It was easier to believe that lie than admit the truth.

Because the truth was… Gray would support her. He always had.

If she told him about the meeting in Crocus, he’d encourage her to go. He’d tell her she was talented, that she deserved it, that it was okay to want something for herself.

And maybe that was the problem.

Because Juvia didn’t know if she wanted it anymore. Not if it meant leaving him. Not if it meant she was able to chase her biggest dream, something he wouldn’t ever get to do.

Her gaze drifted unconsciously toward the door, her mind to where he’d kissed her temple before leaving for work. That tiny, simple gesture had rooted itself in her chest, warm and grounding in a way she couldn’t shake. The thought of being away from him felt like tearing a seam; she wasn’t sure she could stitch back together. She hardly lasted a week away from him when she went on the girls trip with his stepmother and stepsister. 

Gajeel was right. It wasn’t about Gray’s feelings.

It was about her.

It was about the way her world had quietly shifted to orbit around him, and the terrifying thought of what it would feel like to step outside of it. The feeling of betrayal since she had promised to stay by his side the day his hockey dreams shattered.

Her fingers curled tightly into the fabric of her robe, her voice barely a whisper in the quiet apartment.

“…Juvia can’t do it…” she admitted to no one, the confession breaking into the silence like glass.

But even as the words left her, she knew time was slipping through her fingers, and eventually, she wouldn’t have a choice.

…

Lucy shut the door behind them, brushing a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear as Brandish wandered in like she owned the place. Her cousin didn’t just walk into rooms, she absorbed them, cataloging every inch without ever looking like she cared. Her green eyes swept lazily over the living room, pausing on details Lucy didn’t even realize were noticeable. The stacked mail on the counter, the unevenly folded throw blanket, the faint scuff marks on the floor.

“Small,” Brandish observed, voice flat as stone.

Lucy blinked, trying to decide if that was meant as an insult or simply… an observation. With Brandish, it was impossible to tell.

“It’s cozy,” she offered lightly, forcing a little laugh to fill the silence.

Brandish’s gaze flicked toward the hallway where Levy’s bedroom door sat half-closed. “I remember when we were little,” she said, voice soft but still unreadable, “and Aunt Layla would force you to take me to Levy’s house when you had a sleepover.”

Lucy’s brows furrowed. “I wouldn’t say… forced…”

Brandish turned her head slowly, expression blank and unblinking. “This entire place is smaller than her room at her father’s estate.”

Lucy rolled her eyes, hiding the slight pinch of irritation behind a smile. “Thanks for the comparison.”

Brandish hummed faintly, ignoring her, fingers grazing the edge of the couch as though testing the texture. “I heard her father cut her off completely.” She smacked her lips softly, like she’d just tasted something bitter. “Poor girl.”

Lucy froze mid-step, frowning. “How did you even hear about that?”

“Mmm.” Brandish tilted her head, still surveying the room. “Financially, I mean.”

“She’s fine,” Lucy said quickly, sharper than intended. She softened her tone, crossing her arms. “She’s proving she doesn’t need his money.”

Brandish’s lips curved, but only faintly, a ghost of a smirk. “Hard to believe… she’s always been so… spoiled…” 

There it was, that pointed, casual cruelty Brandish had perfected since childhood. 

Lucy felt her jaw tighten. “On second thought,” she muttered, “now I remember why Mom forced me to bring you along to those sleepovers…”

Brandish shrugged, unbothered as always, drifting further into the room. “Is she here? Levy, I mean.”

“No,” Lucy said flatly.

“Good.” Brandish’s voice didn’t even change pitch as she trailed her fingers along the couch cushions, then crossed to the bookshelf. “I plan on not running into her while I’m here.” Her gaze landed on the row of thick textbooks lining the shelves, and she stopped. “These.” She tapped a pale finger against one spine. “You should’ve finished them by now.”

Lucy stiffened, straightening instinctively. “…Oh. Yeah. I’m a… slow reader.”

Brandish turned, blinking once. “…No. You’re lying. You got an award for reading.”

Lucy blinked back, thrown off. “Uh, yeah, when I was twelve.”

Brandish tilted her head, green eyes sharp now despite her otherwise lazy expression. “Are you behind?” she asked, smirking faintly. “Couldn’t keep up?”

Lucy inhaled slowly, refusing to flinch. “Actually,” she said evenly, “I dropped out of law school.”

Brandish stared at her for a long, unnervingly silent moment. No widening of the eyes, no sharp intake of breath, nothing. Just that same unreadable mask she always wore.

“Does your father know?” Brandish asked finally, voice soft but flat.

Lucy’s throat tightened. She shook her head, fingers twisting into the hem of her sweater. “No.”

The pause that followed was heavier this time. Brandish leaned her shoulder against the bookshelf, crossing her arms like she had settled in for something she’d been expecting all along.

“You should tell him,” she said plainly.

Lucy snorted, a bitter edge slipping through. “Yeah, because that conversation will go so well.” 

Brandish didn’t react— not a single twitch of her expression. “…Lies never end well, Lucy,” she said finally, tone light as a shrug, but the words landed heavier than Lucy expected.

She glanced away, heat blooming on her cheeks, wishing she could read her cousin for once in her life. “…I know.”

Brandish moved on, wandering the room like it was a museum, opening drawers without permission, flipping through books without asking. Lucy watched her for a moment, frustration curling tight in her chest. Brandish had this infuriating way of pushing every button without even seeming to try.

“Why are you really here?” Lucy asked finally, sharper than she intended.

“I talked to Loke.” Brandish’s voice was blunt, matter-of-fact, like she was reporting the weather. “He seemed… worried about you…”

Lucy blinked, caught off guard. She hadn’t spoken to him since she found out he had Natsu investigated. Her stomach tightened. “Did… did he tell you why?”

“Yes.” Brandish tugged a book off the shelf, flipped a few pages, and shoved it back without looking at her. “He wants me to convince you to move back home.” She paused, turning slightly, green eyes landing on her. “You’re sick.”

“I’m not,” Lucy said quickly.

“You could be.”

“But I’m not.” Her voice was firmer this time, steadier than she felt.

“You could have died.”

Lucy forced a tight smile, trying to deflect, even though her chest ached at the reminder. “Less competition for you.”

Brandish blinked, utterly unfazed. “…I suppose.” She paused, and for the first time since she walked in, her expression softened, barely. “However,” she added, clearing her throat, “I wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

The honesty cracked something in Lucy. She blinked at her cousin, searching her face, but Brandish gave her nothing to work with, no smile, no shift in tone, just that blank, steady voice. It almost made it harder to believe her.

“I’m fine,” Lucy said quietly, even though part of her wanted to ask if Brandish actually cared. “You won’t tell my dad, right?”

“No.” Brandish wandered to the far side of the room, pulling open a drawer and closing it without comment. “But—”

“Here we go…” Lucy sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, bracing herself for her cousin’s inevitable conditions for keeping her secrets.

“I want you to put me on your emergency contact list for the hospital.” Brandish said it flatly, almost like it was a mundane errand.

Lucy froze, blinking in surprise. “…Seriously?”

Brandish’s gaze finally met hers, unwavering, unflinching. “If you get sick again… or worse… I need to know I can be contacted.”

“Uh…” Lucy didn’t give it much thought. “Okay sure.”

“Good.” Her gaze slid back to Lucy like the conversation had already shifted. “So… a 10K for a children’s hospital,” she said, unwrapping a lollipop with slow precision. “Uncle Jude told me. Sounds like you’ve been… busy.”

Lucy hesitated, narrowing her eyes a little. “…Yeah. Trying.”

Brandish popped the candy in her mouth. “I signed up too.”

Lucy’s head snapped up. “…You did what?”

Brandish twirled the lollipop between her fingers, gaze lazy and detached. “Figured beating you at something athletic rather than academic might be… refreshing.”

Lucy’s jaw tightened. “You really like rubbing that in, don’t you?”

Brandish looked at her, blank-eyed, and for the tiniest moment, Lucy thought she saw something flicker there, something sharper, personal. Then it was gone. “…It’s amusing,” she said simply.

Lucy groaned, dragging her hands down her face, but she couldn’t stop the small, reluctant smile tugging at her lips. “You’re impossible.”

Brandish smirked faintly, finally letting it show. “Touché.” Brandish tossed the lollipop stick into the trash can and hummed. “…I’ll be running, obviously. Try not to embarrass yourself too badly.”

Lucy smirked back. “It’s not a race, you know.”

Brandish’s lips curved in the faintest, knowing smile. “…We’ll see.”

A silence settled between them. Not awkward exactly, but heavy, like neither of them wanted to give the other the last word. Brandish broke it first, standing smoothly, coat falling back into place as she headed for the door.

“I’ll be in town until tomorrow,” she said casually, adjusting her bag strap.

Lucy blinked, surprised. “Oh. Where are you staying?”

“Hotel,” Brandish replied simply, pausing at the threshold but not looking back. 

Lucy hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip before blurting, “You… could stay here, you know. With us. If you want.”

For a moment, Brandish actually stopped, her gaze sliding around the apartment one last time. Her expression didn’t change, not a smile, not a frown, just that cool, detached stare that gave Lucy nothing. Finally, Brandish’s lips curved ever so faintly, but it wasn’t kindness.

“No.”

She said it like a fact, not an insult, before opening the door and stepping into the hall without another word.

Lucy exhaled, slumping against the couch with a sigh she didn’t realize she was holding. Her cousin hadn’t changed at all. Still impossible to read, impossible to predict, and impossible to shake.

…

The soft hum of chatter filled Fairy Brew, blending with the steady hiss of the espresso machine and the warm, sweet scent of cocoa powder. Frost clung to the corners of the café’s windows, blurring the gray streets outside. An occasional rush of cold air swept in whenever the door opened.

Wendy slid into the corner booth by the window, tugging off her scarf and rubbing her hands together to warm them. Her bag slipped to the floor, boots leaving faint wet marks beneath the table.

Sherria dropped into the seat across from her, setting down two steaming mugs with a satisfied grin. “Hot chocolate,” she announced. “With extra whipped cream. You’re welcome.”

“Thanks,” Wendy said with a smile, wrapping both hands around the mug to thaw her fingers. “We finally hit the fundraising goal for the 10K! Over a hundred and fifty runners signed up.” Her voice carried quiet excitement, cheeks flushing with pride. “It’s the biggest turnout they’ve ever had.”

“Mhm,” Sherria hummed vaguely, blowing on her drink before sipping it. She didn’t even glance up. “That’s nice.”

Wendy blinked, tilting her head. “…Just nice?”

Finally, Sherria looked up, her expression brightening instantly. “Oh! Speaking of nice… I had lunch with Romeo yesterday.”

Wendy froze, mid-sip, lowering her mug slowly. “…Oh.” She fiddled with the napkin on the table, keeping her expression neutral. “That’s why I couldn’t find you...”

Sherria leaned in, eyes sparkling. “We were paired up for the chem lab, so we grabbed food during lunch. He’s actually funny, you know? Like, not just kind of funny… he’s actually funny.”

“Uh-huh,” Wendy murmured, forcing a small smile while staring into her mug. The whipped cream was already melting into the chocolate, little bubbles forming on the surface. “Glad you had fun.”

“And,” Sherria continued, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret, “he paid for me. Like, without me even asking.”

“That’s… nice of him,” Wendy said softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She straightened and gestured toward the flyers stacked on the counter, desperate to shift the conversation. “Anyway, speaking of nice, Gray said that he would—”

“Oh! And he said he might come cheer us on,” Sherria interrupted, dreamy and unbothered. “He said he might bring the hockey guys, too.”

Wendy hesitated, fingers tightening around her mug before she caught herself. “Cool,” she said after a beat, trying to keep her tone light. “That’ll… be fun.” She forced a laugh and tried again, “So, about our pacing for the run—”

Sherria waved a hand, sipping her drink like she hadn’t heard her. “We’ll be fine, we’ve been training every gym class, remember?”

Wendy smiled faintly. “Yeah I’m really glad coach said it would be extra credit if students signed up for the ru—”

“By the way,” Sherria interrupted again. “Romeo said he thinks I’d beat him in a sprint.”

Wendy’s grip faltered slightly, hot chocolate sloshing close to the rim. “Right,” she murmured, lowering her gaze to hide the flicker of something on her face. “Sounds like you two… talked a lot.”

“We did!” Sherria leaned forward, elbows on the table, completely oblivious to Wendy’s clipped tone. “I think he likes me.”

Wendy’s chest tightened, though her smile didn’t falter. “…Maybe,” she said, trying to sound casual. “Or maybe he was just… being annoying like usual.”

Sherria scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Annoying? No! I mean he teased me the entire time, ugh — but he's my type.” She paused mid-sip, then raised a brow, curious. “By the way… when did he see you run?”

Wendy blinked, caught off guard. “Huh?”

“He was seriously teasing me so much,” Sherria said, mimicking him with a grin. “‘Sherria, you eat slower than Wendy runs.’”

Wendy let out a small, forced laugh to match hers. “Hilarious,” she murmured, hiding behind another sip of her drink.

Completely oblivious, Sherria leaned back in her seat, twirling her straw like it was the most important part of the conversation. “We’re all hanging out tonight. We’re gonna go see that new horror movie…”

Wendy blinked. “You hate scary movies.”

“Yeah.” Sherria giggled, leaning forward like she was telling her a secret. “But it’s the perfect excuse to hold onto him while I scream. You should come with.”

Wendy hesitated, staring down into the creamy swirl of her hot chocolate. “…Yeah,” she said finally, soft but polite. “Maybe.”

Outside the window, leaves swirled past the glass, bright flashes of amber and gold in the wind. The café felt warm, almost stifling, but Sherria kept sipping her drink with a dreamy little hum, completely unaware of the tension curling tight beneath Wendy’s skin.

For the first time since sitting down, Wendy didn’t know what to say.

…

Natsu lingered at Lucy’s door, fingers hovering over the wood. He had just returned from walking Plue, giving her a few quiet minutes with Brandish, but now the stillness outside her apartment felt heavy. He paused, taking a slow breath, trying to push down the fluttering in his chest. Lately, things had been… easier. The panic, the guilt, the weight he’d carried for weeks, it had loosened. Except for Wendy’s news about college, he hadn’t felt that familiar sting of inadequacy, and he couldn’t remember the last time Lisanna had crossed his mind. 

Not really.

Lucy had a way of making the world seem lighter, and he hated how much he depended on it, and hated even more that he had let fear of the past keep him from being closer to her. He thought about the moment he almost kissed her again, right before Brandish interrupted them, but he had shaken the thought away. 

Last time, letting his mind wander to dark places had completely destroyed the moment, a moment that could have been their moment. A moment that should have ended differently. And he couldn’t bring himself to hurt her like that. 

Not again.

Slowly, deliberately, he knocked. The single tap echoed in the quiet hallway, heavy with all the words he couldn’t voice.

The door swung open. Lucy appeared, her smile soft, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of unease. Plue darted inside, tail wagging furiously, and Natsu’s lips quirked into a small smile. But he noticed the subtle tension in her posture, the way her shoulders stiffened the instant she caught his gaze.

“You okay?” he asked, stepping closer, voice low, threaded with concern.

Lucy’s gaze fell immediately, fingers brushing nervously along the hem of her sweater. Before he could press, she reached for his hand, tugging him gently inside. The door clicked shut behind them, muffling the world outside, leaving just the two of them in a fragile bubble of quiet.

“I… haven’t told you something,” she said, her voice barely a whisper, weighted with guilt.

Natsu tilted his head, a flicker of worry in his eyes. “What is it?”

She let go of his hand and began pacing, small steps across the carpet, shoulders tense, fingers twisting in and out of each other. Almost as if confessing this would be embarrassing, shameful even.

“My dad thinks I’m still in law school,” she admitted quickly, eyes downcast, voice barely steady.

Natsu froze, brow knitting in confusion. “Wait… what?”

“I lied to him,” she said, the words tumbling out in a rush as she stopped pacing, her shoulders slumping. “He doesn’t know I dropped out. That’s… that’s why he even let me come here.” Her hands twisted nervously in her lap, betraying the calm she tried to wear as she sank onto the couch. “He thinks my college fund is being used towards a professional law degree.”

He followed her to the couch, settling beside her. The quiet of the room felt heavier now, the soft creak of the cushions under their weight filling the space. “And Brandish? She gonna tell him?”

Lucy shook her head, a faint tremor in her shoulders. “No… but it’s eating at me. I’ve been trying to talk more to him, to connect, and… I just…” Her voice faltered, lips pressing into a thin line. “I can’t lie forever, Natsu.”

He reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face, his thumb grazing her cheek. She leaned just slightly into the touch, a subconscious gesture of relief, and he let his hand linger, steadying her without saying a word. “Lucy… you’ll figure it out. And he’ll understand.”

“No.” She shook her head, voice tight, fingers pressing into the fabric of her sweater. “He won’t. When I was a kid and I mentioned that I wanted to take creative writing instead of mock debate, he practically told me writing is a useless hobby.”

“Harsh,” Natsu muttered, a soft frown tugging at his features.

“He’s already lining up federal judges for me to choose from so I can complete a clerkship I’m not even going to be qualified to do!” She exhaled sharply, brushing her hair from her face. Natsu’s hand moved to rest gently on her thigh, his presence grounding her without pushing, warm and firm. She let a few seconds pass before continuing, words spilling faster now. “He… he always makes decisions for me… I don’t know how to say no without disappointing him.”

Natsu gave a small, soft smirk, attempting to ease the tension pressing down on her chest. “It’s gonna be okay, Luce. It’s not like he can ground you or anything.”

She let out a tired laugh, the sound soft and raw, eyes flicking up to meet his. “Yeah… I just…” She inhaled deeply, shoulders rising and falling in a rhythm that made him aware of how tense she’d been. “I’m so tired of disappointing him.”

“You won’t.” His voice was soft, almost a vow. “You couldn’t disappoint anyone…”

She rolled her eyes at the cheesiness but leaned her head onto his shoulder anyway. The movement was small, hesitant, but it spoke volumes. “Thank you for that.”

“Don’t thank me—” He exhaled, amused despite the weight in the room.

“I’m just a mess,” she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her fingers idly twisted the edge of her sweater as she settled against him.

Natsu shifted slightly, adjusting so she was more comfortable, letting his hand slide over her back in a slow, absentminded rub. The gesture was small, almost protective, and she leaned further into it, the warmth seeping into her. “Kind of,” he snorted, earning a small, genuine laugh from her. “But you’re Lucy. You’ll figure everything out.”

For a moment, calm settled between them, the kind of quiet that felt warm and safe, heavy with unspoken words, yet comforting.

Then, unexpectedly, Natsu’s mind flickered to a memory he had buried, a brief, almost painful recollection of Lisanna lying against him like this. It hit harder than he expected, the contrast between past and present sharp, yet Lucy’s soft weight against him reminded him that this moment was different.

Lucy felt it, almost instinctively. She lifted her head just enough to glance at him, noticing the subtle tension tightening his jaw, the faint crease between his brows. Her stomach twisted, her mind piecing together what he could have been thinking, not with jealousy, but concern. 

She hadn’t considered it when she pulled him into her apartment, just how uncomfortable he must feel here… how heartbreaking it must be… but now she wanted to steady him, anchor him in the present.

Gently, she reached for his hand, her fingers brushing over his knuckles, and tugged them both toward the door. “Come on,” she said softly, her voice warm and steady. “Can we get real breakfast? I’m starving.”

Natsu blinked, caught off guard, a shadow of the old memory flickering behind his eyes. He blinked it away and allowed himself a small, genuine smile. “The cereal wasn’t enough, huh?”

“Well, you practically ate my entire bowl when I looked away for a second!” she feigned annoyance, nudging his shoulder lightly. But her laughter after was bright, musical, and it fully eased the weight he’d been carrying.

“C’mon, Lucy… you know you can’t leave your unattended food around me,” he said with a grin, squeezing her hand briefly, fingers curling around hers as if to silently say, thank you for bringing me back. 

Lucy laughed again, the tension slipping from her shoulders like sunlight breaking through clouds. Relief washed over her as they stepped outside together, the morning sunlight warm on their skin, the crisp air surrounding them. Pancakes and orange juice waited, mundane and comforting, pulling them fully into the present…

In this place, in this moment, that belonged only to them.

…

Natsu’s living room buzzed with noise, laughter, and the rumble of the wrestling match on TV. Takeout boxes covered every inch of the coffee table, noodles, dumplings, spicy wings, fries, a glorious mess that screamed Friday night.

He sat on his couch, Lucy by his side like usual anytime they had dinner, Levy on the other side of her. Cana and Gajeel took over the other couch while Gray was sprawled out on the sofa chair with Juvia on the ground right in front of him. 

For a moment, he just watched. The chaos, the laughter, the way Lucy leaned into him when she laughed too hard. The easy, familiar warmth that filled the space.

He wanted this happiness. He wanted to grasp it, hold it tight, and never let it go.

And then it hit him, sudden, unexpected.

For the first time in a long time, his life didn’t feel like survival anymore. It felt like living.

“Did you see that?!” Gajeel barked, waving a fry dangerously close to the screen. “That’s fake as hell. Look at that! The dude didn’t even hit him!”

Levy immediately perked up, tossing her chopsticks onto the table with an exaggerated flourish. “Finally! Someone else who sees it!”

“Quiet!” Natsu and Cana barked in unison, neither looking away from the TV.

“It’s entertainment,” Cana shot back, pointing a saucy wing at Levy like a prosecutor in court. “They’re storytelling with their bodies!”

“Storytelling my ass,” Gajeel muttered, leaning back with a smug grin. “He didn’t even connect that kick.”

“Gajeel-kun!” Juvia snapped, glaring at him from the floor where she sat between Gray’s legs. “Shut. Up.”

Levy snorted at her outburst, leaned against the arm of the couch, boredly gnawing on a chicken wing. “He’s right, though.”

A collective groan rolled through the rest of the group.

“Unbelievable,” Lucy muttered, shaking her head as she reached for another dumpling from Natsu’s plate. He only smirked, not saying anything to her when she did. “You two are such… fun-sponges.”

Before Gajeel could fire back, the door creaked open and Wendy stepped inside, hugging her bag to her chest like a shield. She froze when everyone turned toward her.

“Wendy?” Natsu blinked, chopsticks paused midair. “Thought you were hanging out with Sherria?”

“Yeah, didn't you say something about a movie?” Cana chimed in, reaching for her drink. “Bacchus was counting on you to let us know if it’s worth the watch or not.”

Wendy hesitated, her fingers tightening on the strap of her bag. “…I was, but… I don’t know… I’m just tired.”

There was something in her tone. Soft, uneasy, that made Lucy glance up from her plate.

“You okay, kid?” Gray asked first, leaning forward in the sofa chair.

“I’m fine,” she squeaked, a little too quickly. “Just wanna get some rest before tomorrow. Big day…”

Cana groaned loudly, slumping against the couch dramatically. “Ugh, don’t remind me about the damn running part. My dad tricked me into signing up. Said it was father-daughter bonding, but this sounds more like father-daughter cardiac arrest.”

That earned a round of laughter, even from Wendy, though she tried to hide it behind her hand. She relaxed slightly, dropping her bag by the couch.

“Do you need anything for tomorrow, Juvia?” Wendy asked gently, sliding her coat off. “Mr. Neekis said everything should be ready for you when you get there but if...”

“Don’t worry about Juvia, Wendy-san.” Juvia brightened instantly, her whole face glowing. “Juvia is fully prepared to host!”

Gray smirked, tugging her up off the ground into his lap. “Should it really be called hosting when all you’re doing is standing there and smiling?”

She wiggled a finger in his face, mock stern. “Yes… because Juvia will have a microphone.”

Before Wendy could escape, Lucy grabbed her wrist and tugged her down onto the couch between her and Levy. “Eat first,” she said firmly, shoving a takeout box of noodles into her lap. “Cana ordered enough to feed a small army.”

“Have you seen how these pigs eat?!” Cana shouted, earning a glare from the men in the room as they knew she was referring to them.

“I’m not really hungry…” Wendy mumbled, barely poking at the food.

That caught Natsu’s attention. He set his chopsticks down, watching her closely. “You sure nothing’s bugging you?”

Wendy forced a small, practiced smile. The kind she used when she wanted everyone to stop worrying. “I’m fine.”

Gajeel frowned, hand practically crushing the empty beer can he was holding, leaning forward. “Did that little jock punk try somethin’ again?”

“What?” Gray straightened immediately, his entire posture sharpening. “Is someone bothering you, Wendy?”

“What punk?!” Natsu practically leapt to his feet, all protective energy and no plan. “Who’s messing with you?!”

“Nobody!” she squeaked, cheeks pink. “Sherria’s just… on a date, that’s all. I didn’t feel like third-wheeling, so I came home.”

Everyone slowly settled back down, though Natsu’s suspicious squint lingered a little too long. Levy nudged Wendy softly, leaning close so only she could hear.

“Is it that boy again?” Levy whispered. “Hockey player?”

“Yeah…” Wendy mumbled, eyes downcast.

Levy frowned at her tone. “You want to talk about it?”

“I don’t care,” Wendy said quickly, stabbing at her noodles. “Because I don’t care. I don’t even like him…”

From the other side of Lucy, Natsu leaned forward, smirking. “Y’know, kid… you really gotta make more than one friend your age. Otherwise, you’re stuck hanging out with us ‘ancient folk,’… that’s what you called it right?”

Wendy rolled her eyes but cracked the smallest smile. “Ha-Ha.”

The room filled with easy chatter again, the commentary on the TV competing with laughter, until a sudden, sharp knock rattled the door.

Everyone froze mid-bite, mid-sip, mid-laugh, mid-sentence.

The sound was so out of place it felt… wrong. Nobody in this group knocked.

Natsu slowly turned in his seat, brows furrowed. “…Who the hell knocks on my door? Did anyone invite someone else?”

Levy shook her head slowly. “Nope.”

Lucy pointed at Cana. “Did you invite Bacchus?”

Cana looked genuinely offended, clutching her drink. “Excuse me, when have I ever had a boyfriend who actually knocked on this door?”

“She’s got a point,” Gajeel muttered, leaning back with his arms crossed. “You bunch of freeloaders just barge in here like you own the place.”

“You’re one to talk…” Natsu muttered.

Juvia tilted her head, confused. “Then… who…?”

Another knock. Louder this time.

Everyone exchanged uneasy glances.

“…Okay, that’s creepy,” Cana whispered, clutching her drink like a weapon.

Levy leaned in, whispering low. “Is anyone else getting… like major serial killer vibes?”

“Maybe it’s just a neighbor,” Wendy suggested softly, but even she didn’t sound convinced.

Natsu stood up abruptly, cracking his knuckles. “Alright. If it’s a murderer, we jump ‘em’.”

Lucy blinked at him. “…With what? Your bare hands?”

“Yeah,” he said seriously. “And your chopsticks, Luce. Come on back me up...”

Before anyone could respond, the knock came one more time, sharp and impatient, echoing through the apartment.

“Everyone relax. I got it,” Gray said finally, easing Juvia off his lap and pushing off the chair. The room stayed silent as he crossed to the door, each step oddly loud in the quiet. He twisted the lock, pulled it open—

And then froze.

For a heartbeat, nobody moved.

“Dad?”

Then the room exploded.

“Mr. Fullbuster?!” Cana practically launched herself off the couch, setting her drink down so fast it sloshed over the rim. She smoothed her hair down quickly, tugged at her tank top, and gave the man her brightest, most dazzling smile. “H-hi! Wow, uh—you look great!”

Lucy and Levy both turned at the same time, mouths falling open as their gazes locked on the tall, broad-shouldered, ruggedly handsome man leaning casually against the doorframe.

“Oh my god,” Levy whispered under her breath, unable to look away.

Lucy smacked her thigh, stunned. “Why didn’t anyone tell us that Gray’s dad looks like… that?”

Gajeel leaned forward between them, wearing the smuggest grin imaginable. “Shrimp. Bunny girl. You’re droolin’ all over my fries.”

Both girls jolted upright, cheeks flaming red. “Shut up!” they hissed in unison, glaring at him.

Silver chuckled warmly, stepping just far enough into the doorway to greet Juvia, who immediately rose and wrapped her arms around him.

“Silver-sama!” she greeted sweetly. “Juvia is so happy to see you!”

“You too, my precious daughter in law,” Silver said with a soft smile before Natsu bounded over clasping his hand tightly. 

“Man, it’s been forever!” Natsu grinned, clearly glad to see him.

“I was knocking on Gray’s door for ten minutes,” Silver explained, glancing around at everyone. “Figured you were all here when no one answered. I tried calling them, too.”

“Shit, sorry Dad,” Gray muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “Left our phones upstairs.”

Cana, with zero shame, still perched on the edge of the couch like she was posing for a magazine cover, patted the seat beside her. “You should stay and eat with us!”

Silver chuckled, gaze sweeping over the chaotic spread on the coffee table. “I’d love to, but I just had dinner with my wife.” He smiled faintly, emphasizing the word. “Came by to crash at your place, son.”

That got everyone’s attention.

“My place? …Why?” Gray asked warily.

“Oh.” Silver smirked, rubbing his chin. “Signed up for the 10K.”

“You what?” Gray blinked at him, deadpan.

“After hearing Gildarts was running, figured I’d join in,” Silver said casually, leaning against the doorframe with a grin sharp enough to cut glass. “Can’t let that old bastard have all the fun.”

Wendy’s entire face lit up. She practically launched herself off the couch. “Thank you, Mr. Fullbuster!”

“Anything for a good cause, kid.” He reached out and ruffled her hair gently before glancing toward the TV. A wrestling match was on, flashing bright lights across the room. Silver chuckled faintly, shaking his head. “You kids and your wrestling… you never did stop watching that, huh?” His gaze flicked toward Natsu, one brow quirking. “Wait. Natsu. Are you seriously still paying for cable, son?”

The pinkette stiffened instantly, shoulders curling defensively. “…It—it came with the phone plan,” he muttered, cheeks warming.

Cana shoved Gajeel off the couch beside her without shame, patting the empty cushion once more invitingly. “Join us for a drink then?”

Gajeel grumbled, not saying a word as he moved to sit beside Levy.

“Tempting but I can't. Gotta be at my best tomorrow when I beat your father.” 

“You know it’s for charity, right?” Cana mentioned, twirling her hair and batting her lashes.

Silver winked at her. “Doesn’t mean I won’t win.”

Lucy nearly choked on her dumpling, while Levy muttered something that sounded suspiciously like unfair genetics.

Gray groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “For the love of— just… take the guest room tonight, Dad. The code is mom’s birthday…”

Silver chuckled, stepping back toward the hallway. “I’ll be upstairs if you need me.” He glanced over at Lucy and Levy who were still staring. “Nice meeting you ladies. Enjoy your night, kids.”

The door clicked shut behind him, and silence descended like a dropped curtain.

Gray turned slowly, his expression flat, voice dangerously calm. “…Levy. Lucy. Cana.”

The three women stiffened instantly, as if caught red-handed.

“Yes?” they chimed in unison, batting the world’s most innocent expressions.

Gray narrowed his eyes. “Stop fantasizing about my dad.”

Cana smirked, absolutely unrepentant. “No promises.” She leaned back against the couch with a lazy stretch, adding with a wink, “Sorry, Gray, but your daddy is sexy.”

“It’s why you’re so handsome, my love,” Juvia sighed dreamily, latching onto Gray’s arm with stars in her eyes.

From the other end of the couch, Natsu frowned, his expression twisting in mild confusion. “Wait, wait, hold up. Mr. Fullbuster is… sexy?”

The girls all nodded. Too quickly. Way too eagerly.

Wendy giggled softly, patting Natsu and Gray on the back as she stood. “This is exactly why I don’t have any friends my age by the way.”

Natsu blinked. “…Huh?”

She shrugged. “That’s how my classmates talk about you guys.” She peeked over at Gajeel, who raised his brow when she cringed. “You too for some reason.” 

Natsu and Gray just stared at her, speechless, as the girls burst into laughter.

…

The winter sun hung low in the late afternoon sky, casting long, slanted shadows across the streets where runners and volunteers moved in organized chaos. The air was sharp enough to sting, every exhale curling into a fleeting ghost of vapor before dissolving into the chill. The world smelled faintly of coffee, asphalt, and that electric mix of nerves and adrenaline that seemed to cling to every runner there.

Lucy tugged at the sleeves of her white windbreaker, her fingers brushing the cold metal of the zipper as she fidgeted with it. The fabric whispered with each movement, restless, mirroring the unease coiled tight in her chest. The anxiety pricked beneath her skin like static. Constant, invisible, impossible to shake.

Her muscles still ached, though the sharpness had dulled thanks to the muscle relaxant she’d been using each night. A faint stiffness pulsed through her calves and shoulders, not enough to stop her, but enough to remind her of how much she’d pushed her body lately. She rolled her neck, exhaled slowly, and tried to convince herself the heaviness in her chest was just pre-race nerves

She was far from alone, participants huddled in layers, stretching or jogging in place, checking race numbers and warming up, but it didn’t make her feel any less exposed. Her gaze flicked toward the starting line, where Juvia was chatting with Wendy’s guidance counselor, Mr. Neekis, going over what she would say once the run began. Lucy bit her lip, adjusting her hair for the third time, when a familiar shadow fell beside her.

“Oh my—“ Lucy’s arm dropped to her side when Brandish appeared next to her, expression as blank as ever. “I can’t believe you’re actually doing this, Brandish.”

Brandish blinked lazily, glancing at her. “Oh… it’s you.”

“What do you mean, ‘oh it’s you!?’” Lucy exclaimed, a twitch in her eye betraying her irritation.

Brandish only sighed, pulling a pair of headphones from her pocket and slipping them in. “Totally forgot you were gonna be here… whoops.”

“Very funny,” Lucy muttered, rolling her eyes as she resumed stretching.

“Where’s your new boyfriend?” Brandish asked, still not looking at her.

Lucy’s cheeks flushed. “W-what do you mean?”

Brandish finally gave her a single, bored look. “Your boyfriend… that man you were kissing outside your home?”

“We weren’t!” Lucy snapped.

“Uh-huh,” Brandish murmured. “So he’s just your dog walker then?”

“Natsu’s my friend,” Lucy huffed. “I know the idea of me having friends seems like a foreign concept to you, but—”

“Whatever.” Brandish waved her off, pulling out her phone. “I’m walking away from you now.”

Lucy let out a dry laugh, half-amused, half-exasperated. Before she could dwell on Brandish any further, another voice cut through the cold afternoon air.

“Blondie!” Cana bounded up, bundled against the chill, her hair tied in a high ponytail. She took a long swig from a plastic water bottle as she approached Lucy. “I can’t believe we’re the only ones actually roped into running this thing.”

Lucy raised an eyebrow, eyes landing on the bottle. “Tell me you’re actually drinking water?”

Cana smirked, suddenly chugging the bottle as though she was dying of thirst.

“You don’t expect me to run on an empty stomach, do you?” She grinned, wiping the corner of her mouth. “Hell yeah. Now I’m ready…”

“You downed it?!” Lucy shrieked, snatching the bottle from her to sniff it. “How the heck are you going to run?”

Cana smirked, adjusting her number tag with casual confidence. “What can I say? I have my own training rituals… Speaking of training… I don’t see Natsu anywhere.”

“Oh.” Lucy’s lips curved into a small smile. “He’s around… helping Wendy with last-minute setups or something. Gray and Gajeel are here too.”

A sudden shadow fell over Lucy and Cana, and the blonde glanced up to see a tall, broad-shouldered man grinning from ear to ear.

“My Cana!” he bellowed, sweeping the brunette up in a tight hug before she could even protest.

“Hey! Put me down you old geezer!” Cana squealed, elbowing him sharply in the side of the neck. He chuckled, loosening his grip just enough to let her wiggle free, still grinning like he hadn’t heard a word of protest.

Lucy couldn’t help but smile faintly at the scene. Cana’s father was impossibly larger than life, the kind of presence that made everything else feel smaller, lighter. And yet, a pang of sadness settled in her chest. She would never have that, her own father had always been distant in ways that made moments like this feel foreign and unattainable.

Cana rolled her eyes, brushing herself off. “Seriously, dad… not everyone wants to be squashed like that.”

“I know, I know,” Gildarts laughed, ruffling her hair anyway. “But I missed you, so I’m making up for lost time.”

“Dad, we literally drove here together.” She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Quit being so damn clingy.”

Gildarts’ laughter softened, and his gaze drifted to Lucy, he took to patting her head kindly. “Lucy. It’s so good to see you. Cana told me you were running.”

“Oh yeah…” Lucy chuckled faintly, tugging at the hem of her windbreaker. “I’m gonna try…”

Gildarts’ smile lingered on Lucy for a moment before his gaze drifted across the crowd. His eyes landed on a familiar figure. The man stretching with the precision of a professional athlete.

“Silver Fullbuster!?” Gildarts’ voice carried a mix of surprise and amusement. “What the hell are you doing here, old timer?”

Silver looked up, catching Gildarts’ eye, and grinned. “Gildarts. Didn’t expect to see you here this early.”

“And I didn’t expect to see you here at all buddy,” Gildarts replied with a chuckle, brushing off his coat. “Though I see you’ve been training like a man possessed.”

Silver smirked, rolling his shoulders. “Can’t let you have all the fun, old man. You might think you’ve got me beat, but…” He paused dramatically, shooting Gildarts a teasing glance. “We’ll finally see who is really the faster man...”

Gildarts laughed heartily, clapping a hand on Silver’s shoulder. “Oh, it’s on. Don’t think your fancy stretches are gonna save you this time.”

“This time?” Silver scoffed. “I beat you last time, you just couldn’t accept it.” 

“Ha, that was over three decades ago and you still haven’t let it go, eh?” Gildarts pressed, “you haven’t changed a bit.”

As their banter continued, Lucy and Cana watched, smiles tugging at their lips as the two men argued over who had really won a race between them thirty years ago.

Cana shook her head, letting out a small sigh. “I know I mainly said it to bug Gray, but… his dad is actually really hot.”

Lucy’s lips twitched with amusement, nudging Cana softly. “You know…” she began, her voice teasing. “Your dad is also kinda—”

“Oh, don’t start with that, Lucy Heartfilia,” Cana shut her down immediately.

Lucy laughed, shaking her head, and the two of them stepped closer toward the starting line, the excitement of the run mingling with the warmth of their teasing energy.

…

Wendy stepped back from the registration table, brushing her hands on her jacket as she took a deep breath. The afternoon sun glinted off the winter air, and the energy of the crowd buzzing around her filled her chest with a strange warmth. Volunteers bustled about, arranging water stations along the route, and Natsu, Gajeel, and Gray were already rounding up the last of the tables, hauling them to the corners of the park.

She smiled to herself. The turnout was incredible. Families, neighbors, and local runners alike were here to support the children’s hospital, and she felt a flutter of pride. She had helped organize this, and now seeing it all come together made her pulse quicken.

“Fairy-girl.” 

Wendy busied herself with the last few clipboards, pretending she didn’t notice the slight movement out of the corner of her eye. She didn’t want to look, didn’t want to acknowledge the voice she knew all too well.

“Hi.” She said too quickly, not looking up.

“Impressive,” his familiar drawl cut through the air. “Getting all these people to actually run in this weather.” He smirked when he noticed she hadn’t once glanced up at him. “What are you reading?”

Wendy froze, glancing down at her clipboard as if it suddenly held the world’s most fascinating stats. “I-I’m… just… making sure everyone has what they need,” she stammered, hoping her tone sounded more confident than it felt.

“Oh yeah?” He asked with a smirk, “by the way we missed you at the movies yesterday…”

“Yeah right.” She snorted, however her gaze refused to leave the page. “Romeo, I'm busy…”

“I can see that.” She felt him step closer. “Guess I’ll go to the starting line then.” 

Once she registered what he had said, her eyes widened and she looked up at him. Her heart skipped a beat, not with fear, but with that inexplicable mix of exasperation and surprise. Romeo stood before her, a race number pinned neatly to his chest. Her eyes widened as she followed his gaze behind him: the rest of the hockey team, all in matching Vermilion High School track jackets and numbers, had signed up too. She had a feeling he had something to do with that.

“You… you got them all to sign up?” she asked, incredulous.

He shrugged casually, like it was no big deal. “You said you needed, like, ten more runners…”

For a moment, the teasing smirk she expected to see softened into a genuine smile, subtle but unmistakable. He didn’t say anything, and yet it was enough. Wendy felt herself relaxing, a small warmth spreading through her.

“I- I can’t believe you did that…” 

“Well…” he shrugged. “I’m not evil, I want those kids to get this money too.” 

Before they could exchange more, Sherria appeared, her eyes immediately locking on Romeo. 

“Hey! Why didn’t you tell me that you're running?” She said sharply, tugging at his sleeve. “Wendy, this place looks awesome! You really pulled it off, huh?!”

Wendy frowned, caught between watching them and the flurry of volunteers around her. “Yeah.”

“Sherria, hey what’s up?” He mentioned casually, glancing briefly at her before his eyes went back to Wendy. 

“So why didn’t you come last night?” He stepped closer causing Wendy to step back subtly. 

“I—I… I didn’t—”

“Why didn’t you tell me that you were running?!” Sherria repeated, interrupting abruptly, wrapping her arms around his, pulling him away slowly. 

“I…” he shrugged casually. “Guess I was trying to surprise someone…” 

“I’ll see you later, Wendy,” Sherria said over her shoulder as she guided Romeo away. 

Wendy watched them go, noticing Romeo glance back briefly, his expression flickering toward her before he turned back to Sherria.

Natsu was back to her side as soon as Sherria and Romeo were stepping out of sight. He followed her line of vision, frowning a bit as he rested his elbow on top of her head. 

“Wanna talk about it?” 

“No.” She snapped, shaking her head. “There’s nothing at all to talk about.” 

“But…” he narrowed his eyes a bit. “That’s that jock punk Gajeel mentioned right?” 

Wendy sighed, removing his arm from her head. “His name is Romeo.” 

“I see.” Natsu nudged her softly, eyes narrowing slightly. “Want me to—”

“Natsu I’m fine.” She gave him a small smile. “I’m serious.”

Natsu raised an eyebrow but nodded. “Alright, then… you ready?”

Wendy shoved the moment aside and returned her focus to the bustling scene, the energy of the crowd, and the looming excitement of the run.

… 

Gray was at one of the water station tables, handing out bottles with a practiced, steady smile. The sun glinted off the frost still clinging to the edges of the street, and the excitement of the day buzzed faintly in the air. He kept glancing toward the starting line, where Juvia was energetically wishing the runners luck over the microphone. Her laughter, her bright enthusiasm, it always made him smile no matter how hard he tried to contain it. 

“So.” Gajeel’s voice cut through the din of the volunteers and runners, low and casual, but carrying an edge Gray immediately felt. The man settled into the steel chair next to him, eyes forward, arms crossed. “She talk to you yet?”

Gray’s jaw tightened. “Do you wanna tell me what the hell you two are fighting about now?” His voice was sharper than he intended, a mix of frustration and anxiety he could barely contain.

Gajeel’s gaze shifted toward the starting line, following Juvia’s movements, before he met Gray’s eyes. “She doesn’t want to tell you.”

Gray froze. He felt something off with Gajeel’s tone. He had known the man for his entire life, yet there was something different in the way he was speaking today. 

“…Then you tell me,” he said, voice tight, almost brittle.

Gajeel leaned back, thinking about it for a moment. It wasn’t his place, he knew it wasn’t. But he also knew his sister, and the way she would swallow shards of broken glass if she knew it would make her boyfriend happy. His jaw set, taking a moment to choose his words very carefully. 

“We got a meeting with a music executive.”

Gray’s chest tightened, a wave of disbelief yet proudness washing over him. “…What?” His hands dug into the edge of the table, trying to anchor himself. “Are you serious?”

“Yep. She’s legit. Sorcerer Records in Crocus. One week from now.”

Gray’s eyes involuntarily flicked to Juvia. She was still laughing softly with a runner, radiant and entirely unaware of the storm in his chest. Why wasn’t she telling him herself? The thought twisted something raw in his stomach. A mix of fear, hurt, and longing coiled inside him.

“Crocus?” he whispered, each syllable heavier than it should be.

Gajeel’s tone softened but remained firm. “I told her… that we don't know what could happen.” He took a moment, almost like he was letting Gray process the words. “But you know as well as I do…With her voice, we’re gonna get a record deal, even if Phantom doesn’t… she will.”

Gray’s chest constricted. Too many thoughts and emotions flooding his mind right now. Crocus. A meeting. A meeting he knew could change her life forever.

But something inside him twisted. Just the idea of her living anywhere without him near, made his stomach drop. He hated that she hadn’t confided in him yet, hated that he was hearing it secondhand, hated the helpless pull of wanting to both selfishly hold her back yet push her to discover what he knew she could accomplish. 

“And when we do… you can’t hold her back, Fullbuster… not again…” Gajeel added, eyes locking on Gray.

Gray’s hands curled into fists at his sides, nails pressing into his palms. His mind raced, torn between pride for her talent and selfish dread for himself.

“Why didn’t she tell me…” he muttered, voice barely audible. 

His gaze shifted back to Juvia, heart hammering. How could she leave? How could she leave him? He couldn’t even fall asleep properly if she wasn’t there beside him.

Gajeel’s eyes softened slightly, sensing the struggle within Gray. He leaned back in the chair, arms crossed once again. 

“The only reason I’m telling you is because it’s too hard for her. You know she’s not hiding it to hurt you… and you know as well as I do, she ain’t the only codependent one in your relationship.”

Gray exhaled slowly, trying to steady the storm in his chest. He watched Juvia, her radiant smile, the ease with which she moved, and he felt both pride and a pinch of something sharper, fear, longing, the sting of being left behind. The noise buzzed around him, the crowd growing, volunteers hustling, but all he could focus on was her.

For a long moment, he just stared, heart twisting, knowing he had to find a way to support her… even if it meant swallowing the ache of letting her go.

…

Lucy stood at the starting line, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her windbreaker, heart thudding in her chest as the crowd around her buzzed with energy. Her nerves had been building all morning, and now, standing here, she felt every second stretch longer.

Wendy jogged up to the group, cheeks pink from the cold and her long dark braid swinging against her shoulder. She bounced lightly on the balls of her feet, adjusting the number tag pinned to her hoodie.

Cana blinked, surprised. “Wait — weren’t you gonna run with your school friends?”

Wendy hesitated for a beat, then just shrugged lightly, a faint smile playing at her lips. “I was… but I wanna run with you and Lucy instead.”

Lucy’s chest warmed at that, her own nerves easing just a little. “You sure? We’re probably not gonna be that fast.”

“That’s okay,” Wendy said simply, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s more fun with you guys.”

A familiar shadow fell over her, and she looked up to see Natsu jogging up, cheeks slightly flushed, his usual grin lighting up his face. “Hey!” he called, a little out of breath from running over. “You ready for this?”

Lucy managed a small smile, though her stomach still twisted. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Natsu crouched slightly, bringing himself down to her level, his hand resting briefly on her shoulder. “Hey,” he said softly, the edge of his voice gentler than usual. “Don’t stress. Remember, this isn’t a race. It’s just about finishing. Doesn’t matter if you don’t come in first, alright?”

Lucy opened her mouth to answer, but before she could, he reached up without thinking and brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The touch was feather-light, casual enough that he probably didn’t think twice about it, but her breath still caught.

For a moment, her eyes lingered on him longer than they should have, drawn to the warmth in his gaze and the quiet steadiness he always carried when she needed it most.

“Yo, Natsu!” a voice cut in, snapping the moment in two. Natsu straightened and turned, smirk tugging at his lips when he spotted Gildarts striding over, Silver Fullbuster trailing behind him with a calm, practiced stride.

“I’m surprised you’re not running,” Gildarts called out, stretching his arms like he was warming up for a boxing match instead of a run. “Scared you’ll be outdone by us old timers huh?”

“Yeah right pops…” Natsu shot back without missing a beat, “I figured I should be sidelined in case you pass out, old man.”

Gildarts barked out a laugh, clapping Natsu on the back hard enough to make him stumble forward. “Ha! You wish. I’ve still got plenty of fire in me, kid.”

“Sure,” Natsu drawled, rubbing the back of his neck with exaggerated nonchalance. “Try not to break a hip out there.”

Silver, who had been stretching nearby like an Olympic athlete preparing for a gold medal run, chuckled low in his throat. “You’re right to worry about Gildarts,” he said coolly, straightening with an easy smirk. “He never could keep up with me. Even when he, your old man, and I were in high school. He was always dead last.”

That earned him an incredulous snort from Gildarts. “Oh, here we go again,” he groaned, tossing his head back dramatically. “It’s been thirty years, and you’re still holding onto that one time you think you and Igneel beat me in that race.”

“Think?” Silver arched a brow, a teasing glint lighting up his gaze. “I lapped you.”

“Lapped me, my ass—”

“Please,” Cana’s voice cut in as she wandered up behind them, adjusting her number tag and rolling her eyes. “Don’t start arguing about ancient history before the run even starts.”

Wendy stepped forwards, smiling brightly. “You know… My dad said he’s the one that really won that race…”

“Oh did he?” Gildarts made a face, eyes widening in mock outrage. “That filthy liar.” 

“Igneel beat Gildarts, that’s for sure.” Silver added, earning a playful shove from his life long friend as the bickering continued. 

Lucy stood back a little, watching the two men bicker like teenagers, and a small smile tugged at her lips despite the nerves twisting in her stomach. The tension she’d been carrying all morning eased just a little.

“I can’t believe they’ve been friends for more than thirty years…” she said softly, almost to herself, her gaze lingering on Gildarts and Silver laughing like they hadn’t aged a day. “I don’t even think I’ve ever met one of my dad’s friends. It’s… nice. That they’re still so close after all this time.”

Natsu glanced sideways at her, his expression softening slightly as he placed a steady hand on her shoulder. “Give it thirty years,” he said lightly. “That’ll be you and Levy arguing.”

Lucy’s laugh came easier this time, the knot in her chest loosening. “Probably not running a marathon though.”

“Who knows, you might love it,” Natsu teased, flashing her a grin that made something flutter traitorously in her chest. “But if you don't, well, I’ll try to get you to sign up for another one thirty years from now.”

She froze for a beat, her breath catching faintly at the thought, the idea in his head, that thirty years from now, they’d still be… this. Still side by side. Still tethered.

Before she could find words for that quiet rush of warmth, Natsu turned back to her fully, catching the way her hands twisted the hem of her jacket again. His grin softened, melting into something gentler as he leaned in slightly, his voice pitched lower, meant for her alone.

“You’ve got this,” he murmured, warm and certain in a way that made her chest ache. “Just… breathe. Pace yourself.”

Lucy blinked up at him, her heartbeat stuttering, but this time it wasn’t from nerves, it was him. Always him. 

“…Thanks, coach,” she said, her voice steadier than before.

He lingered there for a heartbeat longer than he needed to, fingers brushing down her arm before giving it a soft, grounding squeeze. 

“I’ll be waiting for you at the finish line,” he said, his grin returning, lighter now, teasing as ever. “Try not to trip in the first five minutes, yeah?”

“Very funny,” she shot back, rolling her eyes, but there was warmth there she couldn’t quite hide, no matter how she tried.

Natsu chuckled, stepping back as the announcer’s voice boomed faintly over the speakers. Then he turned, weaving through the crowd toward the sidelines.

Lucy’s eyes followed him without meaning to, watching the easy sway of his stride, the sunlight glinting against his messy hair. He didn’t glance back.

But she kept watching anyway.

Her heart fluttered, restless and uncertain, the feeling unnameable and far too big for the moment.

It wasn’t until Juvia’s voice rang through the speakers, calling for runners to get into position, that Lucy finally tore her gaze away and forced herself to finally breathe.

…