The crisp ocean air greeted Lucy under the twinkling sky. Though the white crests and faint glow of the stars was distant, it was the closest she'd ever been to the ocean. The size of it teased her senses and pushed her to meet it . If not for the exertion that came from her hobbled steps, she'd have reached the beach a long time ago. The trail was short but, without her cane, each step jolted her nerves and stretched the distance further.

It gave her time to admire the village as they passed it.

"Maybe I should have carried you," Natsu said , the concern in his voice broke through her awe. He was taking it upon himself to keep her balance, keeping an arm around her waist to hold her upright as they walked. "Do you need a break?

Yes, she did, but Lucy denied it. "Not yet." She said, ignoring his disbelieving stare. "If I'm getting a tour, then I need to last a little longer," She compromised, "I'll tell you when I absolutely need one. Is that fair?"

"If you say so," He replied, uncertain. His weight shifted and Natsu tightened his arm, pulling her close enough to step on his toes.

"Uhm-" Thankful for the sudden redistribution of weight, Lucy struggled with a flare of embarrassment that sizzled through her face and lungs. It wasn't the first time she had been this close to Natsu, but her body reacted every time. The beating of her heart thumped in Lucy's ears and her mouth ran dry. Natsu's body was unnaturally warm: something she had noticed many times, but was now fully aware of. It seeped through the fabric of their clothes and caused a tingle to run up her spine, "You know, my knee probably shouldn't be babied like this. Maybe you should-"

"Shhht!" He hissed, silencing her and he gestured his head in the direction of a few cottages nearby, "We'll be caught if you wake 'em!"

She was tempted to remind him that his voice was louder than most on a normal day. But she closed her mouth and pouted. He was right. She didn't wish to be caught. Though she couldn't escape the feeling that he'd interrupted her on purpose.

With hushed tones that couldn't match her own, Natsu continued down the road, pointing to the homes they passed while whispering details about each one with every step. He told her of the villagers who worked all year-round, how they kept everything running, why their homes were on stilts to avoid high tides and flooding. He pointed to an open field full of wagons- now opened and set up like homes. Those were for Clan-Members, set in place until winter's end. Come summer, they would set out to travel once again.

It marveled her how so many people, separated from their home towns or tribes, had converged together into a functioning, hidden life - protected by mountains and coastal bluffs. The old fortress, crumbling with age, still loomed intimidatingly, nestled closely in the hills and craggs: both part of the cliffs and separate. Lucy had seen some while delirious, and the view from her room gave her bits and pieces of the layout, but experience it for herself was far better than from her window.

Natsu proudly pointed to a wagon Lucy recognized. The attached tent and scorch marks on it's side gave it away as his very own, "And since I'm one of the warriors, mine's right on the edge with the others, so we can get to the entry gate faster!"

"... I see." Her attention was drawn towards the scenery and not so much the nooks and crannies of every building, but she gave a humoring smile, listening to Natsu's every word nonetheless. "You all have built such a nice place- it almost feels… like a dream, you know? Like it's hidden from the rest of the world ..."

"That's the point!" Natsu cheered as he turned them down the path that lead further from the settlement. "It's more fun that way!"

Lucy agreed. Hidden meant less attacks, less issues from neighbors and bandits. Less… she frowned, "My clan moved so often on a route that never changed. It felt safe but…"

Too predictable a target, she realized.

Her words dropped, but the shared look between them spoke what Lucy couldn't say. The memory of her lost family soured the air and Natsu ushered her forward. Lucy's melancholy was like an invisible blanket, never seen until she poked the fabric. He didn't care for it. His eyes gleamed and Natsu's steps quicked, pulling Lucy into his arms before she could voice a complaint.

"Break time!" He answered her questioning sputter as feet crunched into the mix of dirt and sand. Small lamps of crystallized fire outlined the path he followed. Natsu assumed Lucy would argue, but was surprised when her shoulders shook with a giggle. It was quiet, but growing louder. She didn't look at him as her gaze flicked from lamp to lamp, but the amusement that unfurled was for him.

"... what?" He asked quizzically.

"Huh?" Pulled from her own mind, Lucy blinked and her cheeks turned red at being caught daydreaming. Her teeth pulled against her bottom lip to stifle her laugh. "Oh, it's nothing, not really. It's just… ," Another giggle and she tapped his nose, "You've been carrying me a lot recently, that's all."

He squawked and scrunched his brow. With a teasing grin, he jostled her in his arms and pouted. "I haven't done it that much!"

"Oh yes," Lucy argued, voice raising, "You have."

"Prove it."

"Do I need to remind you about the woods?"

She had a point. "No!" He exclaimed indignantly. Lucy's amusement grew as her giggles continued. It was a nice laugh. The kind that made your heart swell and body feel unnaturally warm. Natsu realized how little she had laughed lately. He puzzled over his reaction to hearing it again.

Shelving the thought for later, they continued on, bickering back and forth over things that were as random as unnecessary. It filled the open air, the empty spaces and unsaid thoughts between them. Only when the crunch of his steps sank into the soft patter of sand did they fall quiet. Lucy wondered if he'd set her back down, but Natsu's grip held firm as he moved with a purpose.

Their weight together made the sifting sands hard to step through, but he continued despite that, stopping only when the lamps of light ended. "There." Natsu spoke, voice full of finality.

She glanced this way and that, confused. "There what?"

"Look out there," He said, a smile growing wide to reveal the gleam of his teeth, "This is what I wanted you to see!"

"I don't see anything," She began to think he was teasing her, until she noticed the reflection in his eyes, bright and glittering. Her back straightened and she spun to look towards the coast, where the beach met the sea. And there she felt a strange sense of home settle inside.

The salty sea air was strong and the sand dark- almost ominous as it faded into the crystalline waters that reflected a thousand stars. The moon, high and full, shown with a brilliance that soothed her. It felt closer than ever with no trees or mountains to block it. With every crash of waves on the shore, Lucy felt as if her ribcage would explode from a multitude of sensations It was beautiful. She tried to voice it. Tried to explain the effects of shadow and moonlight brought a mysterious glow to the water, but there were words. Lucy couldn't find any.

There was only Lucy, the arms that held her, and the night sky shining overhead.

"I knew you'd like it," Natsu's whispered, his voice hoarse, but his gaze was not on the sea. This was a scene he had witnessed many times and his true intentions were fulfilled as he watched the expression on Lucy's face.

He memorized it. Carefully placing it into the realms of his memory where all her expressions lay A few seconds more and Natsu set Lucy to her feet. Her feet sank into the sand as he looked to her knee. Natsu prepared to lift her again if she stumbled. But rather than walk, she grasped his hand tight and tugged. A silent suggestion to move forward as their steps left shifting tracks through the sand.

Her desire was clear on her face despite their slow approach. Step by step, a shuffle or two - one stumble from Lucy before he caught and adjusted her back against his side - and onward they went, right until they met the shore. The tide was low and revealed the smoothly packed sand. When the gentle waves crested and broke, the chilled water brushed against their toes.

Lucy was mesmerized. She drank in sight, felt the wind and cold air bite against her cheeks and felt so tiny compared to what lay before her. The size of the world did not intimidate her but gave her a feeling of comfort and security: it felt like a home long lost. A pang of emotion swelled within her, her lips trembled as it bubbled up through her stomach and escaped. It made a sound much like loneliness.

Natsu turned her face to him, eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, are you… Lucy, are you crying?"

"No," She lied. The wet tears made hot trails down her cheeks, "I'm not. I'm.. I'm ..."

Natsu's boyish excitement faded and he cupped Lucy's face. The palm of his hands were warm, surprisingly gentle, but rough with callouses. Wiping tracks of tears away with his thumbs, he spoke through clenched teeth. "I didn't mean to make you sad," He admitted, voice wavering, "Did… did I do something? I don't think I did, but that doesn't mean much. Hit me if I did!"

Natsu's outburst caused Lucy to laugh through the tears. A strange feeling. Grabbing his hands, she lowered them to their sides and sighed. "No," She said, voice low as she looked back to the moon. Her expression was somber, distant, "You did everything right. I just… I'm… well-"

"I miss them. M-my family." Her admittance left her feeling empty and her voice cracked. "I miss them so much!"

There were many words he could have said just then. 'We can be your family,' Or, 'you can find a new one,' but Natsu knew they weren't enough. The words would ring hollow. Dismissive even. There were many things he misunderstood, but he knew this much. Lucy didn't need those words.

"It's okay." He spoke without thinking and Lucy's eyes gleamed with overflowing tears. Confusion swam in their depths. Clearing his throat, Natsu added, "It's okay to be that way. To miss them, you know? They were your family, after all. It's okay to be sad."

Understanding dawned and Lucy's smile peeked through her tears. Sniffling, she wiped at her eyes and nodded. "I suppose… I just haven't had the time to really mourn them. The stars just matched the open skies of my tribe when we would… tell stories and have dinner together. It … it just…"

It just hit me. She wanted to say.. Lucy's voice was muffled when Natsu made his move. He pulled her into his embrace- his hold tight. It was okay. It was all okay, but there was no point in repeating words already said. There was nothing else to be said. Burying her face into his chest, Lucy accepted the comfort offered and sobbed. The emotions she'd burrowed deep inside herself spilled forth until nothing was left.

When the tears stopped, she grimaced at the stains left on his vest. "Sorry."

"For what?" He asked, indifferent to the wetness on his clothes. He was more keen to tears tapering off as the dark mood ebbed away. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing to apologize for.

What else could she say? Thank him? He'd already done so much for her. Natsu and the rest of them. Despite the bitterness she felt towards her imprisonment - it was all a bump in the road, she could handle it and move on. - she was grateful. To Natsu, to Mirajane- to Makarov even. They had given her a place to heal, a chance to move on in safety and yet...

Lucy looked to Natsu and Natsu looked to Lucy. Their gazes held firm as the deluge of emotions that wracked her body left her. Her body shook either from the cold wind or something more, Lucy couldn't say. There was something between them that didn't require words. A quiet understanding that bridged the gaps of her emotions. Natsu responded in the only way he knew how. He leaned his forehead against hers and grinned. His smile was filled with warmth and security. A quiet vow to stay beside her.

Lucy wasn't alone. Not now. Not anymore. He was here, and so many others were welcoming too. Lucy hiccuped, touching her nose to his. She wanted to thank him. To tell him all the things she was grateful for, but the words wouldn't come. Instead their bodies moved on instinct. Closer and closer still until -

"Natsu!" A voice struck through the air and the moment shattered, both Roma and Romni jolting from whatever power that had pulled them. Cheeks flared red and gazes turned down the shore towards a hint of flickering lights: a fire, "Weren't you supposed to be bringing Lucy? What's taking so long?!"

It took a few, flustered seconds as Lucy fumbled to create distance between herself and Natsu. Her leg crumbled in the sand and she yelped, slipping onto the sand. Natsu's reflexes were faster, hands shooting out to grasp her, failing and tumbling right along with her. In a tangle of limbs and startled shouts, they struggled to regain their footing and Lucy gasped.

"Was that," She panted under the strain, tears stinging her eyes from her knee throbbing, "Was that Gray?!"

And it was. The familiar Roma came upon them, feet kicking up sand as he moved, expression difficult to read as he looked upon them. One look at their skewed, sand-infested hair and rumbled clothes gave him all the information needed to a well-built assumption. Pale cheeks turned red and he awkwardly cleared his throat.

"Uh, so," He said, eyes looking everywhere but at them, "You didn't tell us you were trying to uhm... Didn't know you had it in you, Natsu."

The implication did not fly over Lucy's head and her face flushed with heat. "That's not what - Gray!" Her claims would have been easier to prove if she hadn't been grasping Natsu's arm with enough force to cause white indentations around her nails, holding herself up.

Natsu's own grip on her shoulders sealed the look, but his nose scrunched up in consternation as he hissed, "Shut it, frost-breath! What are you even talkin' about? We couldn't bring the cane and it sucks walking through sand with a busted leg!"

"You shut it!" Gray snapped, scratching his scalp indignantly as he watched the two of them. He clicked his tongue and pointed his thumb over his shoulder, his scowl mirroring Natsu's. "We've been waiting for most of the night, ash head. Don't tell us we're gonna give Lucy a late welcome party and not even bring her to the damn thing!"

Multiple reactions came at once. Lucy's mouth fell open, stunned as she looked between both boys. Her puzzled expression spoke to the question she didn't have the time to ask. What welcome party?

"Damnit," Natsu cursed. He took a step forward, preparing to strike his fellow Roma, but stopped in time to keep from knocking Lucy over. Her fingers gripped into his arm on instinct while he voiced his distaste, "You just spoiled the surprise!"

"And you almost sent her tumbling into the sand again, idiot! Watch what you're doing!" Gray spat, leaping towards them to grasp Lucy's other side, cool fingers steadying her as he glared furiously. "Geez, stop getting emotional so we can bring her over, would you?"

Lucy's hairs stood on the back of her neck when a sudden, chilling snarl erupted from Natsu's throat. His presence grew larger as he turned to face Gray, eyes blazing at the new pair of hands supporting her. "Back. off, Gray. N o w!"

The demand stunned both Gray and Lucy and their jaws dropped. The temperature that often kept his body heated began to almost simmer, heat waves wafting off his shoulders in the dim-light. The anger that fueled him was reminiscent of another night: A night of fire and screams, of jeering men and pawing hands that had been silenced by a sudden attack of flame and spears. Lucy had been in so much pain and shock, but could still remember the cold chill of rage that suffused Natsu's face on the night they had met.

Alarm bells chimed and Lucy reacted, "Natsu, calm down and tell me what you two are talking about!" Her voice echoed into the night and Natsu's expression melted to soft confusion, eyes blinking as if seeing them both for the first time.

"Huh-?" He said, voice hollow, "Oh- oh yeah," the world sped back up to meet him and a sheepish grin replaced his fury, "I kinda had an ulterior motive for sneakin' you out here."

Lucy relaxed, unaware of how tense she had become and Gray snorted. His gaze narrowed as he watched Natsu., uncertain towards the reaction Lucy managed to stifle. Grunting, he shifted his weight to support Lucy and nudged his head towards the way he came.

"Come on, we'll explain on the way," He muttered and to both his and Lucy's relief, Natsu nodded and they began shuffling along the trail of Gray's footsteps in the sand.

Lucy couldn't believe the amount of trickery Natsu managed to hide during their entire stroll through the village. Not only had he kept her unaware of his true intentions, he had managed to distract her gaze from the bonfire that blazed further down the beach. It flickered bright like a beacon, surrounded by logs and stones circled around it for places to sit. Seats that were currently filled by familiar faces she had barely seen since arriving:

Romeo and Wendy sat by the flames, both filled with exhausted expressions as they fought to keep their heads up, waiting anxiously to see her. Cana shuffled cards against her knee, laughing at jokes Lucy couldn't catch from the older adults, Macao and Wakaba. Faces upon faces of those who had been at the camp before their journey had started and all their attention turned to the trio the moment they came upon the group.

"Took you long enough!" Macao shouted over the fire, "I was worried lil Romeo wouldn't make it any longer. The tyke's all tuckered out!"

"Daaad, I'm fine!" Romeo pouted, arms crossing together as he fought back another yawn, "But I guess Natsu could have been a little quicker."

"It's like my cards said," Cana interjected, smiling slyly, "They'd show up after our little Natsu had a bit of fun-" A nudge from Romeo's elbow into her ribcage cut her off as the boy rolled his eyes.

"I doubt Natsu was doing any of THAT gross stuff you were talking about," He complained, standing to his feet to wave at them, "and I bet Lucy wouldn't let him five feet near her if he tried!"

The implication and memory of their earlier embrace set Natsu and Lucy's faces to a heated flush that was hurriedly brushed aside and ignored. The heat of the fire obviously caused it, Lucy thought, but the sidelong look Gray gave as he stepped away made her mouth run dry as embarrassment settled into her stomach. It was a lot to take in. Almost too much, but the smile never left her face.

They were all here. Every last one of them - and while Romeo denied his exhaustion, Wendy sleepily waved from her seat, shy smile peeking out despite her yawns. Moving through the crowd of all her new friends, Natsu eventually settled her into a seat while he barked complaints at any who jeered at him for taking his sweet time. She sighed when the blissful heat of the flames seeped into her throbbing knee and settled into her seat with pleasure. It was hard to respond to so many voices talking at once, the emotion that filled her lungs made it hard to speak, like a ball lodged into her throat.

When she turned to see Mirajane, seated comfortably a few paces away, the dam broke and Lucy's eyes pricked with tears all over again. Not of loneliness and mourning, but of sheer happiness.

"It's good to see you, Lucy." She said sweetly and the dam burst.

She would complain later of puffy eyes from the amount of tears Lucy shed that day, but the comforting smile and warmth she felt from the other woman- the feeling of safety and understanding that came from their days back at the camp. It all came flooding back to her until the warmth in her chest was too much to contain. She had missed them all so much and had barely been conscious enough to see them when they arrived. Lucy choked on her own sniffling and launched herself towards Mirajne, arms wrapping around her like a small lifeline.

Somehow, the returning embrace felt reminiscent of a sister, or even a mother, welcoming her home, and the tears flowed down, dripping from her chin, "Mirajane! I missed you all so much!"

Mirajane's smile grew wider, a touch of relief gleamed in her eyes while she stroked the back of Lucy's head. Her tongue clicked lowly as she soothed Lucy, rocking them back and forth. "We were all very worried about you and Natsu," She admitted, pulling back to wipe at Lucy's eyes, "try not to scare us like that, again, would you?"

Lucy hiccuped through a strangled laugh and shook her head, "-but… why did you all plan this? I thought Makarov ordered me not to be released?"

"Oh, that man!" Mirajane's exasperation surprised Lucy and her eyes narrowed while her expression changed to anger. "He's got his heart in the right place like all of us, but he always has to be so dramatic about it! I swear… next time I see him AND Laxus, I'll be tempted to smack them both around!"

Months ago, Lucy could never see Mirajane capable of attacking anyone. She was just too sweet a woman, but the look on her face then made Lucy wonder if her original assessment was accurate at all. Even the others sitting nearby, scooched in their seats to create distance, eyeing them warily.

But imagining Mirajane smacking that bear around? Lucy couldn't see it and she bit her lip to keep from laughing, "Uhh, I'm still a bit confused, but it sounds like you and he aren't really seeing eye to eye right now. He is your partner… right?"

Mirajanes expression grew solemn and she tsked. "Being partners doesn't mean we agree on everything, Lucy. I haven't seen him in months and while I was excited to see him again,... Let's just say he's not allowed in the wagon for a few days!"

Anything else that could be said about that was interrupted by Mirajane casting her gaze off towards the old keep, peaceful calm covering her like a shield once more.

"- the point is," She said, changing the subject, "We all agreed that it didn't matter what Makarov ordered. We still wanted to see you. So when Natsu offered to sneak you out, we all jumped at the idea!"

Lucy felt as if the wind was knocked from her, "So, this really was all Natsu's idea from the start?"

"Well, of course, silly!" She winked, "He was the loudest complainer. The rest of us just plotted quietly so no one would notice."

Lucy couldn't believe it, but at the same time, knew it had to be true. Natsu was far sneakier than she often gave him credit for, and the nods of agreement that circled them only confirmed the claims. He wanted her to see their world- and likewise, they wanted her with them. It was such a large contrast from the empty prison she slept in earlier that day.

And somehow, it made the thought of going back into it, both dreadful and bearable all at once. The time for serious talk and explanation fell to the wayside as the group chatted and joked around the fire - and Natsu often had to blast a flash of flame into the bonfire to keep it running. The moon rolled over their heads, passing through the time as many slowly dropped off to sleep - dropping into the sands as if it were a natural place to call their bed.

Lucy spied many of them piled against each other, or pushed to the side to keep their sleeping bodies far from the fire and soon, Lucy felt the need for sleep creep up behind her eyes. She moved in and out of conversation, her smile so wide her cheeks hurt, but at some point, Lucy blinked and the fire was dead. Only the glowing embers were left behind, illuminated by the soft, creeping light of the sun, poking over the edge of the world.

"It's really late," She mumbled, blinking back the sleep from her eyes only to stiffen when a gruff voice roused from her side.

"Hmm - whazzat?" Natsu grunted, his back pressed against hers, holding her up even as she dozed, "- so late it's early ya' mean."

"Yeah… that," Her body sagged against his own, eyes fluttering shut once again ready to succumb to the sleep that the others had already succumbed to. A few, tired moments passed and the creak in her back made her realize the time, sitting up with an anxious jolt. "Natsu! Natsu, this is bad! Wake up!"

"... huh? Go to sleep, weirdo - everything's fi-" His eyes flared open as she shook him, voice tinted with a frantic edge as she called his name, "Luuucy! What was that for?!"

Any other day, she may have found the petulant whine he gave, oddly endearing, but at that moment, Lucy paid it no mind. "The sun is almost up!" She hissed, frustration fueling her when he didn't get the implication. "Natsu, you said you'd bring me back!"

That roused him. "Oh- oh shit!" Stumbling to his feet, he quickly turned to pull her up, thought better of it and pulled her into his arms instead. Lucy didn't bother complaining. Her arms wrapped around him and she glanced around the lot of them, all fast asleep and unaware of their clumsy movements to get around their unconscious bodies.

The trip back to her 'room' was a quick one, but every second felt like a lifetime and Lucy could hardly think of how he was going to get her back in through the window. Natsu's speed was admirable despite his weariness and in no time at all, the beach was left far behind them.

Not a single member of the tribe stirred at that departure, but one peeked open her eyes as the sound of Natsu's footsteps faded and she smiled. " - I hope you don't punish Natsu for this." Mirajane said, voice tinged with a hint of warning. "We all needed this."

A figure, shorter than most and unseen for most of the party, chuckled from inside his cowl and yawned. "I'm getting too old for this sneaking around- I'm certain my eyes only imagined Natsu bringing Lucy here, nothing more."

Makarov groaned with the effort to stand rolling his shoulders to crack his old bones. Giving one last look to his in-law, he winked and shuffled off the way he'd come. He'd let his children sleep for now.

After all, Mirajane hadn't lied. They all really needed it.

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