Lucy almost sobbed at the familiar feel of the heat radiating throughout the arena. It is really him.

"Natsu" Lucy breathed and she knew he would hear even if it was barely above a whisper. She hoped that he would hear the rapid fluttering of her heart and how it began to race faster when he smiled at her. His hair was long and falling into his eyes and his face, that had still been soft from the remnance of boy hood that last time she had seen him, was harder and more chiseled. She didn't expects to say what she did to him but the words just flowed so naturally from her lips.

"Your hair is too long, you look like a hobo. I'll have cancer fix it up for you and look at your pants! It looks like you haven't changed since you left. Really Natsu how did you managed to get by without me for a year. No one to control your explosiveness. Look how you destroyed this arena." She scolded with one arm still wrapped around her bare torso and the other wagged a finger at him. He had to take a moment to process what she said before he grinned knowingly at her. He knew it was all an elaborate act to hide how she really felt.

"And look at Happy" She said wheeling around to face the cat.

"He looks thin, have you both been eating enough?" She asked and Happy gave into his sentiments and wrapped his little arms around her neck in a hug as he sobbed.

"Oh, Lushi it was HORRIBLE. There were hardly any fish in that jungle and we kept moving for months. Natsu and I even had to eat bugs once. I missed you and your refrigerator." He cried and Lucy giggled and the cats words. Her eyes softened and she held the cat close while stroking his fur. She had missed him. Both of them and her chest heaved with a lingering ache. Natsu could smell the salt of her tears as they welled in her eyes.

"Well don't just stand there come down and welcome me back." He said with his arms opening wide. Lucy smirked and was about to move when she realized she still didn't have a full shirt on.

"I can't you melted my shirt, you hot head!" She yelled and Happy took off his little vest.

"Here Lucy you can use mine. Though it probably won't fit right on account of your chest being so fat." He giggled and Lucy snatched the fabric away from him. She buttoned it up so it at least concealed most of her bust.

"My chest is not fat, you stupid cat! I have a normal figure for a woman. Jason-senpai even wanted me to be a model." She stated proudly. Natsu rolled his eyes.

"Oi, I'm growing old here." He said impatiently and Lucy looked to the stairs. They were 12 flights down and probably crowded with panicking people. So, instead she climbed on top of the railing.

"Promise you'll catch me?" She questioned and he moved closer.

"Always." He assured. She leaped and Natsu caught her easily enough with a grunt. Lucy wrapped her arms around his neck nuzzled close to his muffler. His strong arms snaked around her waist and he inhaled deeply the sweet scent that was Lucy. He gently placed her down on the ground and closed his eyes as she touched his face gently as if he was a fragile glass figurine.

"It's really you" She said and it was supposed to come out as a laugh but it came out strangled and a few tears slipped from her eyes. Natsu's heart clenched and he brought her close to his chest.

"Of course it's me, weirdo. I'm sorry I left like I did." He said and he felt her shaking her head.

"No, I understand why you did. I'm sorry I failed you." She sobbed and covered her face in her hands. Natsu was confused.

"What are you talking about, Luce. You could never-"He was cut off buy a few angry shouts.

"Get away from the pretty girl, monster." The winning guild of the grand magic games calls out. Lucy is so fed up with their stupidity and arrogance that she snaps at them.

"He isn't a monster, you idiot. He's just Natsu Dragoneel. Destruction comes with the package." Natsu grinned at this but the guild wasn't impressed and charged forward. Natsu went to push Luc behind him but she stood protectively in front of Natsu. With whip at hand she summoned Taurus and Scorpio. Natsu noticed a markings appearing on her collarbone. It can't be.

"Take another step and you'll have me to deal with." She threated and the guild of men laughed, one shot some green acid at her and before it could reach its target, a wall of water appeared in front of her face and absorbed the hit. She smirked and charged with Taurus close by. Scorpio blew the last three away with a sand tornado. Natsu and Happy looked to each other both opened mouthed and then back to their friend who had also become more powerful in this past year.

In a few minutes she had three tied securely with her whip and the remaining four men ran away shrieking of the 'sea witch'. Lucy wiped her brow and thanked her spirits before turning to the boys who were still not sure if they were seeing everything correctly.

"Now I'm really confused in why you think you failed me. You kicked their asses and what is with the new water powers that was awesome!" He congratulated. Lucy's gaze shifted to the ground.

"It's not me. It's Aquarius, she sacrificed herself a year ago when we were at Tartarus. Her powers were a sick consolation prize." She stated bitterly and she breathed in deeply.

"I failed because you told me to take care of everyone and the guild disbanded. Everyone left, I didn't keep everyone together." She said sadly and Natsu lifted her chin so she'd look up at him.

"You had no control of that and I saw your wall. You have been looking after all of them like I knew you would." He said and he stopped her questioning look by putting his hand on her mouth.

"We tried finding you first but we didn't any of your stuff at your apartment so I sniffed you out. I found that shoe box you are living in and saw the wall. You did everything you could and more." He said and she trembled and prayed to Mavis this wasn't all just a dream. Even after all this time he still had an unyielding faith in her. Natsu didn't plan on leaning in a capturing her lips with his was about to regret it till her felt her kiss him back. There were small cheers erupting throughout the arena from the people that were still there.

"THEY LIIIIIIIIKE EACH OTHER!" Somehow Happy had gotten his hands on a microphone. Nastu smiled against Lucy's lips and she laughed when they parted. She waved the cat over and her launched himself at the pair.

"Come on, I'll make you guys some food in my shoebox. How does fried fish sound?" She winked and Happy cheered.

"I love you Lucy!" He cried out in joy. Nastu tucked Lucy under his arm and whispered to her.

"That makes two of us." He said and she beamed up at him. Her boys were home and he'd be damned if they'd leave again without her.