A/N: Okay this is my second NatsuxLucy fanfic & although I didn't plan on writing another one—well we all know that writer's inspiration comes to us whenever it chooses. So! Here we go! This one's gonna be unique, focusing a bit more on Natsu's growth into an S-Class wizard! Hope you all enjoy and please bear with me; I know some characters will seem a tiny bit OOC but that's how it's supposed to be. Don't worry, I'll keep characters mostly cannon. And this is going to be post-Edolas so Lisanna is back BUT Lucy is NOT getting kicked off the team! …I honestly kind of hate that plot. Also, she's not gonna be 'suddenly forgotten' by everyone—she's just gonna feel a bit left out with everyone celebrating Lisanna's return. Anywho, on with the story!

She understood how happy everyone must have been; They'd all thought Lisanna was dead and now she was back; who could blame them for being overjoyed and wanting to celebrate for weeks on end?

Still—it was hard for Lucy not to feel a little left out. Afterall, she didn't know anything about the youngest Strauss sister—no one had ever really talked about her—and even with her being back, there really wasn't a chance for Lucy to even have a proper introduction with everyone else constantly swarming her!

….Not to mention that Team Natsu now had six members instead of five (if you were counting Happy) and for herself, Lucy almost felt like she was imposing, considering she had taken over Lisanna's original place to start with.

She was adept however at not letting on to anyone in her team or at the guild, that she was feeling discomfited and left out and for that, she was quite proud of herself.

…But all that changed the day she wandered into the guild and ambled over to the bar for a strawberry milkshake.

She spotted Lisanna and Cana at the other end of the Bar and was just about to greet them until she heard Natsu's name mentioned by the young Strauss sister.

Her curiosity piqued, she decided to discreetly overhear the conversation instead.

"I don't get it, Lisanna; everyone couldn't be happier that you're back but you act like it's some kind of curse to be alive again!"

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to it's just that—well Natsu and—"

"Ohhhh….so it's about Natsu, huh?" Cana winked at the younger woman suggestively, causing Lisanna to blush furiously.

"I know it's rather absurd I mean we were just kids and—well and—"

She struggled to put her feelings into words but failed miserably as Cana patted her shoulder gently.

"You still have feelings for him, I get it trust me! I mean just because you haven't seen someone for years, doesn't mean that those feelings are just gonna magically vanish; especially when you've spent so long in a parallel universe…with someone that is identical to that person in every way!"

Lisanna laughed. "Well not quite—Edolas Natsu was—well rather pathetic unless he was driving around in one of his crazy inventions…but I mean he looked exactly like Natsu so yeah…it was odd for me."

"You never let go of those memories you had with Natsu, here. It makes sense that the feelings you had for him would also still be there."

Lucy listened intently and with each passing word, her heart sank further and further.

"Yes but I don't know if Natsu could or would feel the same…?"

Cana knocked back a mug of beer and let out a satisfying sigh before slamming the mug down on the bar.

"Well you'll never know unless you ask, right?"

Lucy's face paled and she felt sick as she finished the last bit of her shake and set it down with shaking hands.

"But I—I mean I've been gone for so long and—besides him and—L-Lucy well—well they seem—"

Cana burst out laughing. "Are you kidding me?! Natsu and Lucy?! Honey, you have nothing to worry about—I doubt Natsu even knows what it would mean to have feelings for her and even if he did, Lucy is very adamant that she could never see Natsu as anything more than a friend and partner."

Lisanna seemed to visibly relax at this and thanked Cana for listening to her worries.

"Anytime, Kiddo—now what are you still doin' here? I think you have a certain question to ask a certain boy?"

With that, Lisanna beamed and leapt off her stool, hurrying away in search of a certain pink-haired Pyro.

As for Lucy, she could barely contain the torrent of emotions raging inside of her. There was shock, confusion hurt and anger which were the two that confused her the most but there was also a sharp streak of jealousy that cut into her deeper than she would've expected.

"Hey Lucy? You don't look so good, are you okay hun?"

Lucy glanced up to see Mira leaning over the bar, gazing at her with worry lines creasing her forehead.

"It's—nothing Mira I'm fine I just—"She touched her forehead, feeling a headache coming on and the slight feeling of nausea began to set in.

"I'm just feeling tired and I—I have a headache coming on I think."

"Whoa! You don't look good, Lucy." Cana chimed in, noticing her blonde friend's pale appearance.

"Yeah I—I guess maybe I need to lay down—or something."

She stood on shaky legs just as the front doors burst open and in walked Natsu with none other than Lisanna at his side, followed by Gajeel.

"Alright! I'm all fired up now!" The pyro exclaimed as he walked to the mission board and scanned it carefully.

Hearing his voice, Lucy groaned.

"Hey Lucy…what's wrong?" Cana asked, noticing how Lucy's eyes strayed to Natsu, looking pained the moment they landed on him.

"It's nothing, Cana." Lucy snapped, surprising both women who stared at her in shock.

"I'm—I'm sorry Cana I—I didn't mean to snap I just—"

"Hey there Luce! Guess what?!"

Another groan sounded from Lucy but she had no way to avoid him as his wide grin and bright onyx eyes were already in her face.

"Gramps finally cleared me for my very first S-Class mission!"

This news somehow snapped Lucy out of her nauseated stupor and she perked up. "What?!"

"Yeah! I mean I passed the exams last week but Gramps wanted to make sure that I had just the right mission and we had to wait for Gajeel here to get back from his."

"Why Gajeel?" Lucy questioned, peaking around Natsu and staring at the Iron Dragon Slayer.

Gajeel grunted. "Because Master thought it'd be a good idea for Flame brain here to have another S-Class Mage along for his first time—you know, in case he screws up and gets himself killed."

Natu's face twisted into a scowl. "What did you say to me?!"

"You heard me, short stack."

"SHORT STACK! WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA, GAJEEL?!" Natsu shook his fist in the air, indignant by Gajeel's jab at his stature—but everyone else merely looked on and laughed knowingly to themselves; Fairy Tail just wasn't the same unless Natsu was picking a fight with someone!

"Well that's really incredible, Natsu I'm really proud of you!" Lucy rejoined the conversation, causing her partner to forget his anger at Gajeel and turn a wide grin on her.

"Thanks a bunch, Luce! I wish you could be there!" He picked her up and spun her around—causing an odd tingly feeling to bubble up in the blonde's belly as she looked down at him.

"Well I'll be there in spirit."

"Oh! And another thing, Lisanna is coming along for the first few days to get in some training too! So I get to work up to it before our actual mission which is awesome!" He fist pumped, not noticing how his partner's face obviously fell at the mention of Lisanna.

"W-well that's good—I'm glad you are getting this chance, all of you. I'll be cheering you on from here." And with that, Lucy turned away from her partner and walked towards the door.

"Oi Luce!" Natsu called after her and when she turned around, He had his hand up in the air, making the famous Fairy Tail sign with the most brilliant smile on his face.

Lucy's heart constricted painfully…

Damn it, how she loved that insufferable Dragon Slayer….

Biting back the tears, she forced a smile and returned the gesture with as much enthusiasm as she could manage…whatever happened, she couldn't let him know he was the reason for her tears.

# # # #

Three Months Later…

MiraJane Strauss was at a complete loss—she'd never felt so completely torn in all her life!

On the one hand, she had her darling little sister who still harbored very obvious feelings for Fairy Tail's beloved Fire Dragon Slayer, but on the other hand, she had one of her best and most dearest friends who's heart was breaking as a result of being madly, hopelessly head-over-heels-in love with said Dragon Slayer!

What to do, what to do?!

MiraJane hadn't the faintest idea. She felt loyalty towards her sister—but Lisanna had been gone for so long and everyone had changed—Lucy came in two years ago and during that time, she'd formed very deep and permenant bonds with everyone here…especially Natsu.

When Mira looked at it from a completely logical perspective, it was obvious that Lucy really had the upper hand; she knew the Natsu that was here and now—and she knew him better than anyone did.

Lisanna may have more history with Natsu but she knew the Natsu of the past—the Natsu that no longer existed and if Mira was being honest, her sister was holding onto a very impractical and mythical dream; her feelings may be sincere but they were superficial at best because she didn't hardly know anything about Natsu now…Natsu had been through so much and as painful as it may be, Lisanna hadn't been there, Lucy had.

"Ugh!" MiraJane groaned, massaging her temple as she picked up another glass jar and wiped it out.

"You alright there, Mira?" It was Gray who strolled up the bar and seated himself on a stool right across from the barmaid.

"Honestly? No not really."

Gray's brows furrowed. "Anything I can do?"

"I don't know, Gray—I've got myself in a perfect pickle; on the one hand, I have my sweet—but very naïve—little sister who thinks that just because she still has feelings for Natsu, they can just pick up where they left off—and on the other, I have Lucy who in spite of how heatedly she would deny it, is obviously hopelessly head-over-heels in love with Natsu but her heart is breaking because she thinks she doesn't have a chance because my sister stands between them!"

Gray's eyes widened. "Whoa. Okay yeah that's uh—that's worse than being caught in a standoff with Laxus or Guildarts."

"Exactly! I just don't know what to do, Gray I mean if I was completely honest? Lisanna is being ridiculously naïve because we've all changed, including Natsu and he's nothing like the "boy" she loved back then. Whereas Lucy's been with us for two years and she knows Natsu better than anyone! She gets him!"

"She sure does—it's kinda freaky sometimes how in tuned those two are with each other."

Mira nodded. "I just wish I knew what to tell my sister because I really feel like she's standing in the way of something that's meant to be."

"Well hold on a second, I mean you and I both know that Lucy's nuts for Natsu but Natsu? I mean the guy doesn't even know what manners are, much less how to properly treat a girl I mean he may not have the same feelings for Lucy that she had for him and well that could cause issues."

"I've thought of that—and it is a valid point—but at the same time, I definitely think there's something special in Natsu when it comes to Lucy and it always strikes me as something other than just nakama…I don't know I just want him and Lucy to have a fair chance at discovering it and I don't see that happening as long as Lisanna feels she has a right to Natsu's heart; she'll confuse him and scare Lucy out of ever taking the chance."

Gray mulled over her words for a long moment. "Well, what d'you wanna do? If there's any way I can help, I'll do what I can."

Mira thought for a long moment. "I don't know—maybe—if I talked to Lisanna—no, that wouldn't work, she'd get all shy and defensive; she's always been defensive when it comes to boys, especially Natsu. Maybe it would be better to wait until Natsu gets back—then I could see how he behaves around Lisanna and go from there. Yes, yes I'll just wait until—"

Just then, the front doors to the guild opened and Gray turned to see Gajeel and Natsu walking in. His eyes widened to the size of saucers. "Uh yeah or you know, you could do it now."

Mira's eyes snapped to the front of the guildhall and her mouth dropped open when she spotted the topic of their discussion.

"Oi everybody! The two manliest men are back!" Elfman called from the other side of the hall and pretty soon, everyone was crowding around the two Dragon Slayers to welcome them home.

"Is that—Natsu?!" Mira breathed in disbelief.

Gray's eyes never left his pink-haired teammate. "Yeeeah…at least I think so; but holy cow, he's as tall as Gajeel now—and—he's freakin' HUGE!"

"Yeah! Natsu's the man!" Elfman exclaimed.

They were right—and the rest of the Guild seemed just as stunned as they crowded around their beloved Pyro.

The boy had left and a man had returned—Natsu must have hit a major growth spurt as he now stood just as tall as Gajeel and though he'd always had a well-developed physique, it couldn't compare to how he looked now. The Fire Dragon Slayer had filled out twice over; his shoulders were broader, tight corded muscles ran down the full length of his arms, constricting and pulling taught with every movement and his torso was packed front-to-back with powerful and hard-as-steel muscles.

There was really only one way to describe Natsu's stunning transformation—Damn!

His face was different too. Although the look of pure ecstasy and excitement was still visibly showing in his eyes, his features were more solid and stronger in their curvature; his jawline was very pronounced and the subtle curve of his mouth into the faintest of smiles, seemed foreign in the place of his usual youthful wide toothy grin.

There were some new scars as well but that was to be expected; he'd just returned from his very first S-Class mission and from the traces of battle lust and sated victory lingering on both their expressions, it must have been the fight of the century.

"Well I must say Natsu you've left all of us quite—impressed." Erza walked up to her teammate—and literally looked up at him.

Natsu grinned devilishly. "Hey there, Erza.

Her lips parted a little, surprised by his voice which sounded deeper than the last time they'd spoken.

Noticing her surprise, Natsu just rolled his eyes and threw an arm around her shoulders. "Awh don't look at me like that, Erza, it's just weird!"

Erza returned his hug—albeit awkwardly—and smiled. "I'm sorry it's just—well you've really grown up, Natsu and I am very proud."

He looked down at her, marveling at how almost-delicate she looked now that he was taller but it made no difference; even though he was S-Class now, Erza still scared him and she could probably still kick his ass.

Just then, his eyes caught sight of something white in his peripheral vision and his head snapped towards the bar. Spotting Mira, his mouth watered and his stomach rumbled. Loudly.

"Oh thank the heavens, Mira!" And just like that, a bit of the old Natsu returned as he bounded over to the bar and pinned Mira with his best puppy dog stare. "Please tell me you have something to eat?"

Mira rolled her eyes and laughed outright. "Well I guess some things will never change, Natsu; although I'm glad to see that you're still you."

"Of course I'm still me, who else would I be?"

"Just hang on a sec—I'll be back." She disappeared into the back room and Natsu picked up another female voice joining hers.

His ears perked up. That voice sounded familiar—insanely familiar—but there was something different about it too.

He didn't have long to figure out who's it was however because in the next second, the door to the kitchen was swinging open and out walked a gorgeous blonde with a fishtail braid slung over one shoulder and a blue cat perched on the other.

"L-Lucy?"

Lucy's head snapped up and her eyes widened to the size of saucers when she saw him. The tray of drinks slipped out of her hands and crashed to the floor, leaving beer, milkshake and juice splattering all over her feet.

The blue cat on her shoulder took one look at Natsu and practically crashed into his chest, crying. "Natsuuuuuuuuu!"

"Happyeeeeeee!" Natsu cried back, hugging the cat so tightly, Happy started to gag but the Dragon Slayer didn't' seem to notice.

Lucy just stood there in total shock. She hadn't expected to see him—clearly she'd lost track of time—had it already been three months?!

"Natsu, I missed youuuuuu!" Happy continued to cry hysterically into his master's arms but Natsu didn't seem to mind; he was just as happy to see his best buddy.

Mira reappeared and seeing Happy and Natsu—not to mention a stunned, speechless Lucy, she smiled.

"Oh! I see you've found Happy and Lucy."

At the mention of his partner's name, Natsu's head snapped up and his eyes locked onto hers again. "Yeah, hey there, Luce. How have you—"

The blonde's hands flew to her mouth and whirling around she dashed back into the kitchen, letting the door swing closed behind her.

"Uh…."

Mira looked over her shoulder towards the kitchen, a worried expression marring her beautiful features.

She was afraid this might happen.

"Hey what—what did I do? Lucy? Why'd you run for?" He was making his way behind the bar before Mira stopped him.

"Why don't you let me go in first?"

Hesitating for a moment, he finally nodded and reluctantly returned to his seat.

Back in the kitchen…

"Lucy?"

Mira rounded a corner to find Lucy with her back against the wall and one hand covering her mouth as she stifled a sob.

"Oh sweetie…" Mira was at her side and laying a gentle hand on the young woman's shoulder.

"Is there anything I can do?"

Just then, the barmaid was stunned when she heard the sound of laughter coming from Lucy and crazier still was the fact that she was still crying.

Laughing and crying at the same time.

"I—I I'm sorry M-Mira!—I just—I don't know what's w-w-wrong with me!" Another bout of laughter mixed with tears, followed until finally, Lucy managed to pull herself together until only occasional tears fell.

"I've never felt so—happy and so upset all at the same time!" She scoffed a little, brushing away the last few tears.

"I've never seen someone laugh and cry at the same time, Lucy are you sure you're alright?"

"Oh Mira—I don't know. I really don't. I mean here I thought it would just be 'another day at the guild' and then…..poof. In he walks and I don't even have time to register that three months have indeed already gone by, before I'm—literally face-to-face with him…and it's him like…two, three times over!"

Mira snorted softly. "He has changed, hasn't he?"

"I don't know if…'changed' is really an adequate word to describe…all of that." Lucy made large sweeping gestures with her hands, causing Mira to giggle in response.

"Oh for sure—I mean Natsu was always in good shape but…damn! He's as tall as Gajeel and—those muscles!"

MiraJane oooo'd and ahhh'd, causing Lucy's cheeks to flame a bright red as she thought back to the brief moment she had seen her partner; she shook her head in disbelief.

"Oi Mira! You done back there, yet?" It was Natsu.

Both women shared a look and an eye roll—one thing's for sure, the boy may longer remain but the man was still just as impatient as ever.

"Do you need a minute?" Mira asked.

Lucy let out a breath, her cheeks puffed but shook her head. "No, I'm fine I just—I guess I just thought I would be better prepared, you know? I thought maybe I'd be—"

"Over him?" Mira finished gently.

Lucy deadpanned. "Lucy it's okay, I know—and believe me when I say that I understand."

Lucy nodded gratefully as the two women took each other's hand and with deep, calming breaths, finally emerged.

# # # #

"Lucyyyyyy!" At the sight of her, Natsu literally hauled Lucy over the bar and spun her around, crushing her in a big bear hug as he did so.

Lucy went breathless at the new level of strength as he lifted her up in the air without even a grunt and spun her around.

What was even more staggering was how solid his arms felt as they encircled her waist and the steel hardness of his chest that she was currently being crushed against, had her quite literally out of breath.

"N-Na-tsu! A-air!" She rasped as her partner spun her around once more.

"Oh! My bad, Luce…here." He set her on the ground again and the vice-like grip finally loosened, letting oh so much glorious air rush into her lungs.

"Okay! That was a little bit—m-much Natsu I could hardly breathe!" She gasped looking—up into her partner's onyx eyes.

That's funny, she wasn't sure if she'd ever get used to looking up at him.

The man was so—tall.

And that's another thing; she doubted she'd ever get used to the boy in front of her, being a man.

"Hey you okay, Luce?" His voice was deeper than the last time—it sounded richer—more baratone.

"Sorry I just—I don't think I'll ever get used to having to look up at you now—and that voice of yours. Hmm…deeper than the last time I saw you, for sure."

At this, Natsu grinned sheepishly and a bit of pink dusted across his cheek bones. "Awh well I guess I'm just a late bloomer."

Lucy laughed a little at that, trying to keep her eyes focused up at his face and not down to his muscular chest. "Oh don't worry, you—you've more than made up for it." She muttered under her breath but Natsu picked it up and he smirked at her.

"Why Lucy Heartfilia…are you flirting with me?"

Lucy's mouth dropped—and her face turned red as a cherry.

"Wha-?! I—y-you didn't—I would never—! Y-you must be out of your mind!" She sputtered before pushing away from him and whirling around. "Ugh, I have work to do!"

She was thankful for the escape her job afforded her; after a month of Natsu being gone, she'd gone to Mira and begged for a job which had the Lovely Strauss more than pleased to hire her on as a secondary Barmaid. Lisanna hadn't been able to put in as much time as she was busy training for her S-Class exams so Mira had been rather short-staffed to say the least!

Lucy had been thrilled with the opportunity and not only that, she caught on fast and proved to be invaluable.

Three months in and Lucy wasn't sure how she'd ever managed day after day without this job! Not only did she love to serve but it also gave her a 100% steady income which wasn't as guaranteed when she took missions—considering a portion of the reward always had to go towards repairs after Natsu and Gray had been through the place.

The blonde smiled at the antics of her teammates, her cheeks reddening just slightly when her thoughts were brought back to the pink-haired Pyro who still sat lazily at the bar, nursing his umpteenth serving of Fire whiskey.

Natsu knocked back his tenth glass before sliding it over to Mira and turning his attention back to the guildhall…specifically to a certain blonde who was making her way through the crowd with a tray in both hands and a brilliant smile.

For the millionth time that day, Natsu's stomach did a series of crazy flipps before his heart leapt into his throat before dropping to the pit of his belly where now the notorious butterflies were wreaking havoc.

"You need a minute there, Natsu?"

"Huh?"

Mira laughed. "You're just about to fall off your stool, do you need a minute?"

Just like that, the Dragon Slayer slipped and had to make a mad scramble for a second before regaining his balance and returning to his seat.

"Sorry, Mira I—maybe I'm getting a little tipsy."

"Hm, maybe. But I don't think it's the Fire Whiskey." She said with a wand smile and nodded in Lucy's direction.

Catching the hint, Natsu's cheeks reddened and he looked away. "I'm just, happy to see her, is all—not a big deal."

"Mmmhm. Sureeeee it's not."

"Mira…." Natsu whined, making her throw her head back and laugh.

"Oh com'on Natsu, get off it already; three months away and you're gonna tell me you're not starved for Lucy? I can see it in your eyes, Hun—those are some hungry, hungry eyes, whether you admit it or not. You've more than just 'missed' her."

"…I've been lost without her." He uttered softly, though not taking his eyes off the beautiful blonde who was chatting with Levy and Gajeel at a table near the bar.

Mira's eyes widened and she stared at Natsu. "Well—I wasn't expecting that."

Natsu sighed, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, I know it sounds ridiculous—hell, if Gray was here right now, he'd say it was more like stupid." Natsu scoffed.

"Well he's not here right now so you can talk freely with me, Natsu; you know I wouldn't tell."

"I just don't know how to put it, Mira—I mean I—I spent two years fighting, eating and practically sleeping, with Lucy—"

"Ack!" Mira reared back.

"Gah! Not like that!" Natsu exclaimed between gritted teeth. "I mean we've practically spent nearly every moment together and then all of a sudden, I'm going off on a mission without her and not just a few days without her—three. Whole. Months. No Lucy."

Mira's eyes softened. "I can only imagine how weird that must have been for you—it must've been hard."

"It was the hardest part of my entire trial, Mira. Don't get me wrong, the S-Class mission in and of itself, was definitely a challenge but—compared to being there without Lucy? It was nothing. I had NO idea what the hell I was getting myself into when it came to that—I never realized how much—I depend on her. How much I need her and—really, how much I just want her around; I didn't know it until then."

"You are so in love with her." Mira stated plainly, a smile on her lips as she looked at him.

"I'm lost in love with her, Mira."

This confession had Mira once again, staring at him in shock.

"Okay. Who are you? And what have you done with the impossibly dense and clueless Natsu Dragneel?!"

Natsu threw his head back and howled with laughter. After he'd sobered somewhat, he flashed Mira a somewhat devious grin. "Yeah, yeah, I only had y'all thinkin' I was dense and clueless; that was all a part of my plan." And he rubbed his hands together conspiratorially, cackling evilly.

"O—kay whatever it is, I don't want to know." Mira waved her hands dismissively and picked up another glass jar.

Natsu snickered at her before his eyes strayed again to his blonde beauty.

Wait. 'his' blonde beauty?

"So? What are you thinkin? You gonna tell her?"

His eyes never left Lucy as he contemplated Mira's question. She really was something stunning in that cream-colored soft cotton backless blouse she was wearing and the baby blue knee length tulle skirt was definitely something new—she wasn't showing nearly as much flesh as before yet somehow, her figure was ten times more alluring to him.

"I don't know. I mean…I don't think Lucy could ever look at me like that, you know?"

At this, Mira nearly choked on the water she'd been sipping and after sputtering and coughing, she looked at Natsu. "Trust me, She definitely could."

She eyed him up and down, as if making a point and Natsu narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously. "What have you been up to, Ms. MiraJane? You know something I don't?"

Mira only pursed her lips, hiding a smile. "One never reveals their secrets, Natsu." And with that, she sashayed away, tossing a wink over her shoulder.

Two seconds later, Lucy was hurrying up to the bar with empty mugs and more drink orders. The trays clattered on the counter top and she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. "Mira? We have six more orders for beer and three orders for Lightening Lava, Frigid Ice and Rainwater."

"Alright, thanks Lucy! Why don't you take your break now and I'll handle it."

Lucy sagged against the bar, groaning. "Oh thank the gods." She rolled her shoulders and massaged the places that ached as she took a minute to catch her breath.

She let out a startled, 'eep!' when she felt warm calloused hands replace hers and begin to gently massage the aching muscles.

She had knots in her neck as well but she didn't have to worry because soon, said hands began to work their way up the back of her neck, putting pressure on the areas that were tight.

"You're pretty tense there, Luce."

She stiffened, turned her head to the side and looked up.

Natsu stood over her, a light grin on his face as he continued to rub her shoulders and neck, applying the perfect pressure with the pads of his fingers.

"Your shoulders hurt a lot?"

She gave a little shrug. "A little bit more than usual—you know with the new job and all."

"Yeah I bet—wow, I can't believe you're workin' with Mira—that's pretty cool!" At this, Natsu flashed one of his signature grins and Lucy warmed at the familiarity.

She touched his hand and tilted back to look up at him. "You know, I've really missed—"

"Natsu!" Out of nowhere, Lisanna came barreling into Natsu's chest, knocking him several paces backwards.

"Oh Natsu you're back! I'm so glad, I was so so worried about you!" She nuzzled his chest then looked up at him. "And you've grown taller—I can't believe it!"

"O-Oh uh—yeah hey there, Lisanna, heh." He grinned, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

All the while, Lucy looked on and she felt that familiar ache in her chest and lurching in the pit of her belly.

This is what she'd been afraid of; she'd hoped three months of him being away would help her put things back into perspective but seeing him again—so much stronger and changed—just brought all those feelings back full force and then seeing him with Lisanna? Well, Jealousy burned like a bitch.

Lucy shook her head and turned away from the pair painfully.

Just then, Mira walked out of the back room and seeing a distressed Lucy sitting at the bar, her eyes darted to where Natsu stood still trapped by an overly-excited Lisanna.

Her face fell and she shook her head sadly.

Walking up to the blonde, she gently laid a hand on her arm. "Lucy? Why don't you take the rest of the day off; Lisanna's here and she's due on the clock in about half an hour anyways."

Lucy looked up into Mira's face and seeing the older woman's sympathetic look, only hurt more—but she smiled in spite of it and thanked her.

"Thanks Mira—I'm sorry, I'm being ridiculous, I just—"

Mira shook her head. "No. No you're not—I completely understand and you have every right to feel the way you do."

She nodded once more in thanks before removing her apron and hanging it up in the back. Fetching her clutch purse and keys she slowly walked out from behind the bar.

She was heading for the door when a voice called from behind her. "H-Hey Luce, wait up!"

She flinched at the obvious exuberance emanating from his voice and walked a little faster in hopes that he'd just give up.

But that wasn't Natsu—he never gave up and sure enough he caught up to her in three long strides before catching her by the hand.

"Hey I—"

"My shift is over. I'd—I'd really just like to go home and take a shower."

Her voice was small and she didn't look him in the eyes which was always a bad sign—something was wrong.

It had always been her tell and he smirked a little, proud that he still knew her so well.

"Hey…"

She turned around, putting on a brave face as she looked at him.

He just stared at her for a moment—she really was beautiful. Gorgeous even. No, stunning didn't even come close to accurately describing her. He'd always thought she was beautiful but back then—he never really dwelled on it. It just wasn't as important to him as other things like eating and fighting.

But now…he'd been away for three months. Maybe that was just what he needed to finally open his eyes and really see what was right in front of him all this time—her.

He grinned down at her but it faded when she looked away without returning it.

Worry set in and without a word, he pulled her into his arms and held her close.

Lucy squeaked in surprise when she thudded against his chest and her arms hung limply at her sides.

"Are you okay?" He half-whispered into her hair, his arms tightening around her waist and shoulders.

Lucy smiled sadly. It would never matter how long they were apart, he'd always know her better than anyone ever could.

Slipping her arms around his waist, she hugged him back, closing her eyes and letting his intense warmth envelope her.

"Yeah…" She answered back softly.

"You sure? You seem not like yourself—like you're hurting." His voice sounded pained and she knew it was because he hated seeing her hurting.

"Natsu…really I'm just—I'm just tired."

He wasn't convinced but he let it go and his arms tightened around her.

"I missed you, Luce." He buried his face in her hair—gods, he always loved the way she smelled.

Like fresh strawberries and vanilla.

Lucy hugged him tighter. "I missed you too, Natsu."

"Not as much as I missed you."

"Really? I highly doubt that; at least you had Gajeel to keep you occupied."

"Are you kidding? That metal head's nothin' but a pain in the ass!"

Lucy giggled—still the same old Natsu.

"Yeah well I'm sure he's telling Levy the exact same thing about you." She pulled back just a bit to look in his eyes.

The Dragon Slayer's onyx eyes softened and warmed as he looked down at her.

"Oh you think so, huh?"

"I know so, Natsu. You forget I'm your partner and I know these things better than anyone."

He smirked at this. "That's sure true—heh!" And the wide toothy grin reappeared.