Hello again everyone!

I got a few requests for the epilogue, so here it is! I spent a good amount of time working on it because I wanted it to be well done, so that's the main reason it didn't come out with the final two chapters.

But it's done now so read and enjoy :)

A few things to note: In this, Natsu is not a virgin (I know this is highly unlikely but I kind of like the idea of him not being a virgin, so I rolled with it). His house is not exactly as it is in the manga/anime; it's as similar as I could make it, but not exactly the same. I think that's all, but if I forgot anything I'll add it at the end.

*********LEMON WARNING*********

This is NOT a necessary addition to the story. If you don't like smut then you don't need to read this one!

Epilogue

"I think we should stay at my place tonight,"

Natsu's statement took Lucy a bit off guard, startling her so much that she dropped her laundry. She turned, quirking an eyebrow at him. Natsu's expression was indifferent, too indifferent in her opinion.

It was late evening in Magnolia, the sun having disappeared below the horizon. Lucy was having a lazy day, catching up on chores and settling back into the swing of every day life. She and Natsu hadn't gone on a mission since the ordeal with Kale and the twins, and she was enjoying the peace but quickly becoming antsy for work.

"What about Happy?" Lucy asked, eying Natsu suspiciously. The little blue cat had complained frequently about his newly acquired status as third wheel. Despite this, he didn't keep his distance. She often felt like rolling her eyes, but for the most part resisted. She still loved the little fuzz ball after all. "Won't he be upset?"

Natsu shrugged his shoulders, examining a nail in the wall with too much intensity. "Happy is staying with Wendy tonight, he won't be home."

Lucy continued to eye him, her intuition telling her there was more to this story, but she decided to drop it for the time being. "Sure," She shrugged, grabbing a pair of pajamas from the laundry basket before her. "Give me a second to grab some things and change."

Natsu's mouth twitched ever so slightly before he managed to compose himself. "I'll meet you outside then," He nodded, stepping outside the door a bit too formally. Lucy shook her head, smiling to herself. When Natsu had something planned he was like a child, he thought he was being sneaky but really it was plain to her something was up. She shoved her pajamas into a bag, sealed it, and started rummaging through the basket yet again for something she could wear now.

Deciding that if Natsu had something planned at his house she should dress up at least a little, she picked out a soft blouse, colored a deep red, and dark jeans. Sure, maybe Natsu's idea of 'something' was an impromptu fishing trip, but Lucy loved to dress up, and she almost never got to anymore.

She paused as she reached for a hair clip on her dresser. This would be the first time her and Natsu would really be alone since the business in Fernhold. What exactly was Natsu expecting-?

"Stop it, Lucy," She chided, pulling her hair away from her face and pinning it in a messy bun low on her scalp. She was overthinking things. Smiling to herself, she grabbed her bag and rushed to meet Natsu at the door.

.

Lucy sighed. What was taking that boy so long?

They'd arrived at Natsu's promptly, but he'd left her outside the door as soon as they'd gotten there.

"Just hang on a second," He'd insisted, opening the door behind his back and slipping soundlessly inside. Lucy held out a hand to stop him, it was cold outside and she hadn't brought a jacket, but he was already gone.

She leaned against the wooden door behind her, jumping as the cold assaulted her skin. Natsu's house was truly a nice little place, if only he kept on top of the upkeep. She tilted her head back, gazing at the stars above her. She smiled.

"Ok, you can come-"

Lucy stumbled back with a yelp.

Natsu had opened the door behind her, making her lose her balance and collapse backward.

She reached out wildly, trying to catch herself, but she missed everything she grasped for, falling against Natsu's chest. He chuckled behind her, wrapping his arms around her to steady her. Lucy flushed, embarrassed and annoyed, as Natsu laughed.

"Maybe you should give me some warning before you do that," She grumbled, casting her eyes downward. Natsu laughed harder, tightening his grip on her. She couldn't help but smile a little herself; Natsu's laugh was so infectious.

"Alright, alright," She mumbled, "Let me up." Lucy pushed against Natsu's arms, suddenly noticing they weren't bare. "What?" She questioned, looking down in confusion. "What the hell…?"

Turning, Lucy nearly stumbled yet again. Natsu was standing before her… at least she thought it was Natsu…

"What do you think?" He winked, striking a 'manly' pose. "Got Gajeel to help me buy new clothes- oh wait. I wasn't supposed to tell you that."

Lucy was too busy ogling at her boyfriend to appreciate the little morsel of gossip he'd just let slip. Natsu looked completely different; he was wearing dark-wash jeans, a fitted white dress shirt (that he filled out marvellously, she may add), and a black leather vest over top. His scarf, of course, still sat loosely around his neck, but Natsu wouldn't be Natsu without that.

Lucy's eyes were wide with surprise. Natsu grinned at her, clearly pleased with her reaction.

"Wait til you see inside," He insisted, tugging on her arm. Lucy followed without protest, her curiosity nagging at her brain.

The house was dark beyond the entrance, so Lucy couldn't see much initially. She thought she could make out some shapes that were unfamiliar to her, but she wasn't positive as to what they might be.

Natsu let her hand drop from his and approached the fireplace in the far end of the living room. Lucy knew it was in that general direction, but she didn't know he was planning to light it until a jet of flame sprang from Natsu's throat and ignited a piece of dry wood in the fireplace bed.

Lucy blinked in surprise. Natsu's house was still Natsu's house, but it was vastly different than she remembered. The room was clean, for starters, with everything in its place and not a speck of dust on any surface. The low table in the corner of the room had a bottle of deep red wine sitting in some ice, with two plastic tumblers next to the bottle. Lucy stifled a giggle.

"I couldn't find any actual wine glasses," Natsu pouted, following her gaze. "I had to make due."

Lucy nodded, but largely ignored him as she studied the biggest change to the little house.

In the corner of the room, nearest to the fireplace, there was a large bed. It was clearly built for two people; made of thick oak panels and stained a dark chocolate brown. She couldn't see the sheets because the bed was made, but the comforter was a rich navy blue with gold accent pillows and what looked like a grey throw at the foot.

Lucy blinked at it, opening her mouth to say something but finding her words were lost. Why had Natsu gotten a bed? He was usually perfectly comfortable on his hammock or the worn couch below the window.

"Isn't it great?" Natsu asked proudly, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. "I felt bad that Happy and I always crash at your apartment, so now you can stay here sometimes!" He walked over to the bed, glancing back at her for a reaction. "Levy helped me pick it out. That's what I was supposed to say, not Gajeel."

Lucy continued to blink, slightly open-mouthed.

"And besides," Natsu hurried, thinking Lucy was less than impressed by his gesture. "If you ever wanted to move in then we have somewhere to sleep!"

Natsu watched as Lucy processed everything. She was beginning to smile, a slow smile that lit her face like a candle on a cold night. She could feel the tingle of tears forming in her eyes, happy tears as she watched Natsu's face shift from hopeful to panicked in the span of 2 seconds.

"What's wrong? You don't like it?" He asked worriedly. "I can undo it all, it's no big deal, I can just-"

"Stop it," Lucy shushed him, taking his hand in hers. He looked down at her, his eyes wide and soft. She smiled. "I love it. I love everything about it."

Natsu watched her for a moment longer, making sure she wasn't lying to him, and burst into another proud grin. He hugged her, letting her go a moment later to grab the bottle of wine and the cups.

"Cana says it's good," He said with a shrug, handing her the tumbler. Lucy took it and swirled the liquid for observation. "I think I just want to have a quiet night," Natsu explained, nodding his head towards the fireplace. It was the only source of light in the room, and the semi-dark was incredibly relaxing.

"That's a great idea," Lucy agreed, thinking about the jobs she was hoping to start picking up soon. She took a few steps forward until she was close enough to the fire to feel the heat on her skin. She sighed.

Lucy felt so at home here, like she could be in her living room, yet she also felt exotic, like she was in some faraway place where only she and Natsu existed.

She touched her finger to her glass, wiping away the condensation that had built up around the rim. Natsu had done a wonderful job, she thought, and it warmed her to think it had all been for her.

Suddenly Lucy felt Natsu's heated lips against the back of her neck. She jumped a little, surprised at his touch, but quickly sank into the warmth of him. She smiled fondly. Natsu's breath caressed the nape of her neck, her skin tingling deliciously.

The night was quiet outside of Natsu's house. Lucy listened for any signs of life, but all she could hear was Natsu's soft breathing as he explored her.

His hands encircled her waist, moving slowly over her stomach and hips. Lucy shivered as one of his fingers slipped underneath the hem of her shirt. Natsu's skin had always fascinated her; it was so soft and yet it wasn't smooth. He had rough hands, but they moved soothingly against her skin.

His finger swirled in experimental circles, slowly widening to a full massage of her waist. Her flesh exploded with goose bumps, her chest and face blushing furiously. He hadn't explored her body much since they'd defined their relationship, but it was mostly because of Happy. Lucy closed her eyes contently.

"Is this ok?" He asked quietly, his mouth still pressed against her skin. The warmth of his body and the heat from the fire collided to form a wave of lush relaxation that washed over Lucy. She nodded and pressed back against him, leaning the back of her head against his shoulder. She was very aware of him, of his large frame against her back, and of his equally large hands moving over her.

Lucy relished in the feeling of his hands against her skin; it was perfect, the flow of his movements. Natsu seemed to have precise control of his body; he was aware of every touch, every twitch, everything. Lucy supposed it was to be expected of a fighter like Natsu, one who used his body to accomplish such magnificent feats.

Her mind began to drift to the other things he may be able to accomplish with his body.

She flushed as her brain wandered to less innocent thoughts, tightening the depths of her stomach into a nagging need. Lucy shook her head, attempting to relieve herself of the internal embarrassment she was feeling.

Natsu had become more comfortable with his exploration as he began to kiss behind her ear, his hands at her ribcage. He was enticed by Lucy's body. Everything about it called to him, beckoned him to learn all he could, to memorize every sweet detail of the woman he loved. He softened his kisses to a light touch; Lucy's stomach lurched in a wonderful way, setting her heart aflutter.

Her thoughts were beginning to go wild. Natsu was walking a thin line between sweet and sensual, and it was driving her crazy. The tantalizing feel of his lips against her skin had sent her into a downward spiral that she was having trouble pulling up out of. She was new to these feelings, new to these experiences, and still she was picturing Natsu, his toned figure, his devilish smirk, his rippling biceps hovering over her…

She shook her head, her stomach twisting deliciously. She wouldn't say anything, she couldn't. Not yet. Natsu felt her stiffen and pulled away from her, his hands freezing in place.

"You ok?" He mumbled, sweetness coating his voice. His biggest fear with Lucy was that he'd accidentally make her uncomfortable or, worse, hurt her. He lightened his touch on her, giving her ample space to move away from him if she felt the need. He prayed she wouldn't. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No," Lucy assured him, trying to pull herself together. Natsu's presence was unravelling her. She hadn't pictured him before as the strong, heated, wonderfully sexy man he could be. Now that she'd noticed it, she couldn't stop thinking about it. The dress shirt he'd donned for the occasion suddenly fit him too well, his biceps straining against the soft white fabric, his shoulders wide and rounded beneath the surface. Lucy's heart skipped a beat. "I'm sorry," She laughed nervously, "It's not your fault."

Natsu tilted his head to the side. He had hoped tonight would help to alleviate some of the stress Lucy had been feeling since Kale. She was hiding it well, but Natsu knew she was still feeling the guilt of the situation and it was a large part of the reason he'd refused returning to work. Maybe he was pushing her too far? He turned her to face him, examining her flustered face. No, that wasn't the problem. So then what?

"Hey," Natsu smiled, lifting her chin with his finger. She met his eyes and the stars shone back at him, drawing him in to their twinkling depths. He brushed his thumb over Lucy's jaw, leaning down to capture her lips with his.

Lucy held herself back, afraid she'd give something away by moving, but Natsu's kiss was so addictive that she sunk into it with a nip from his teeth. He pulled her bottom lip into his mouth, dancing over it with his tongue. She reached up to grip his hair tightly with her free hand, meeting his kiss with a passionate one of her own.

Natsu's mouth was so hot, the warmth pressed against her tongue and lips like a wall, teasing her with promises of the way it would feel other parts of her body. She steeled herself again, her blush returning.

His hands slipped to the smooth curve of Lucy's rear. Natsu hadn't meant them to, but the seamless way her silk blouse fell against her figure had tricked him into caressing her lower than he'd intended. He was so lost in her, in the way she felt against him; God he loved this woman.

Lucy whimpered at Natsu's hands against her. She didn't bother to wonder where his wine had gone, involuntarily pressing into him, a heat pooling in the soft fabric between her thighs. She could picture his hands everywhere on her, feeling her, learning her, driving her. For a moment she let herself be consumed by the image, forgetting herself. Natsu chuckled against her lips and she froze, the realisation of how she was acting hitting her all at once. She began to shake with the magnitude of her blush.

"Lucy?" Natsu whispered, his voice light and airy, "What's-?"

He stopped. Lucy heard him inhaling deeply once- twice- three times. The blush hadn't faded from her features. His stomach clenched suddenly, his muscles taut with self-restraint. The scent of her arousal hit him hard, momentarily dazing him.

Lucy couldn't bring herself to look at him. She was confused, but more than that she was afraid that, somehow, he'd figured out what she'd been thinking. She shuddered, good or bad she didn't know, at the thought.

"Lucy…" He whispered then, capturing her divided attention; she noticed his voice had changed. It was deep and husky; her name had left his lips with a smoky, sultry twang.

She lifted her eyes to look at him then, cradling a hand against her chest. She was hit with a sudden paralysis when she met his gaze; Natsu's eyes were black with lust, his expression hazy with it. Lucy blinked up at him, watching as he continued to inhale sharply, his shoulders quivering. His features were half in shadow from the flickering firelight, and it added intensity to him that she couldn't shake. Lucy felt her heart constrict under his wanting eyes and it wasn't long before her brain pieced together what had come over him so suddenly.

She was aroused… and Natsu could smell it.

Embarrassment clouded Lucy's mind. She ducked her head down, hiding behind a veil of golden hair.

"I- I-" She stuttered. Her thoughts had gotten away from her, and her vivid imagination had taken over. In that moment, she cursed Natsu's heightened senses.

Before she could stutter out some sort of explanation, Natsu's hands were on her hips, his fingers pressed firmly into the soft flesh there. She was still talking, but gasped as he jerked her forward, his lips crashing into hers, her cup of wine falling to the floor beside her.

She heard the smash, felt the liquid pool around her feet, heard Natsu kick the tumbler away, and then she was swept up in him. She moaned quietly, her self-control shaken by Natsu's ferocity. Her fingers gripped his shoulders tightly, securing him to her. It was so satisfying, her nails digging into the soft fabric and flesh beneath that she'd been admiring before.

Natsu pushed her across the room, guiding her with his large steps, until the back of her knees collided with the low slung bed. Lucy fell then, her back bouncing off of the satin fabric. Natsu landed on top of her, bracing himself on his arms so he wouldn't crush her. He kissed her feverishly, caught up in the intoxicating scent of her. Every nerve in his body was on fire, drawing him into the exotic pleasure that was Lucy. They were only kissing and yet he was completely and utterly lost in her.

"Natsu," Lucy breathed, his name a whisper on her lips. Natsu struggled to pull himself away from her, calming his pounding heart.

"Sorry," he ground out, catching his breath. "Got a bit carried away."

"It's ok," Lucy whispered, "I don't want to stop you."

Natsu blinked at her, his pupils large with his own desires. Lucy's hands slipped from his shoulder to the front of his vest, slowly peeling the fabric loose. She'd heard from Levy how possessive dragons could be, but she'd never seen the dominance first hand before. Now, as she was absorbed into Natsu's enticing gaze, the implications of that look excited her beyond measure.

The edges of Natsu's vest fell away from his chest, followed by the flaps of his shirt, revealing his hard muscles for Lucy's viewing. She admired them for a few seconds, raking her fingers across his abdomen. Natsu growled, dipping his head to resume their kiss.

He became a living fire, his movements heated and powerful. Lucy whined as he ground against her hips, pulling restlessly at the fabric covering her body. He was always gentle with her, always so careful; feeling as his control began to quickly unravel was new and exciting.

Lucy reached up and took one his hands, guiding it to her breast. She placed it there, watching as his expression shifted from shock to hunger in a matter of seconds. He began to squeeze, but she stopped him, reaching up to grab a fistful of his soft, pink hair.

She pulled, bringing his face down to hers. She gazed up at him, their chests rising in sync with each other, their breath ragged, and their skin flushed. Lucy parted her lips just enough to capture Natsu's bottom lip between her teeth. She pulled lightly, earning a satisfying moan from him.

"I love you," She insisted, her tongue darting out to sooth his swollen lip. "I've never done this before. But," She put her mouth next to his ear. "Don't be too gentle. I… I want my dragon."

She hoped that wasn't as lame as she thought it sounded, but was delighted to see Natsu grinning; his eyes alight with devilish excitement. "Do you now?" He whispered, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down Lucy's front. She shivered, watching as he made his way from her neck, to her navel, and back again. He opened his lips to whisper against her skin, letting his heated breath wash over her. "Baby, you got him."

Placing his closed lips against her skin, Natsu caressed her body, stopping where the edge of her bra gave way to exposed cleavage. He turned his head, using his canine to hook the fabric into his jaw, tugging sharply.

Lucy heard a soft rip, watching with baited breath as her newly ruined bra fell to her sides, exposing her. She inhaled suddenly, impressed and aroused by the glint in Natsu's eyes as he dipped his nose, grazing it over the sensitive skin of her breasts.

"You're awful pink, Lucy," He whispered, admiring the deep blush that colored her skin. "Are you sure you want the full dragon slayer experience?"

His tongue pushed through his lips, touching the tip of one of Lucy's breasts. She gasped, a sound that quickly turned into a moan as Natsu's tongue slipped to curve around the sensitive bud, caressing it with heat. Lucy nodded, her chest heaving as Natsu began to suckle lightly. She'd never thought of it before, but Natsu's movements felt practised. Was he just naturally gifted, or was she the only virgin in the room?

It was difficult to be bothered by the thought, Natsu's hand had moved to stimulate her other breast, brushing over her skin in gentle touches and stealing her concentration.

Natsu leaned up until his lips could reach Lucy's once again, sinking into a full-body kiss that sent Lucy's heart into a frenzy. She relished in the taste of his mouth, tangling her fingers in his soft hair, pulling at it and loving the satisfaction she felt when he moaned. When had Natsu undone her jeans? She felt the fabric at her waist loosen, and then tighten again, as his hand slid beneath the edge of her panties, travelling further still at a painstakingly slow pace.

She inhaled sharply as one of his fingers pressed against her, stroking her in gentle, slow repetition. He was deliberately avoiding giving her what she clearly wanted, she could tell by the way he chuckled at her frustrated groans.

"This doesn't feel very dragon-y," Lucy tried, squirming against his body. She couldn't take much more teasing. Heat was pooling between her thighs, begging to be attended to. But Natsu insisted on taking his time, circling her with tantalizing touches.

"That comes after," Natsu assured her, smirking devilishly against the skin of her jaw. He trailed kisses over her neck, pausing only to nibble at her ear. "You need to be dripping before I can ravage you."

He had a way of making her heart stop, Lucy was learning quickly. His voice met her ears, low and seductive, just as one of his fingers slipped easily inside her.

Natsu reveled in the feel of Lucy wrapped around his finger. She was warm, even to him, and slick with arousal. It was driving his instincts wild, and he had to fight to keep them in check. He would pleasure her until she couldn't take any more, and that didn't happen with him losing control.

He swirled his finger in little circles, drawing heated breaths and moans from Lucy. She kissed him with every ounce of concentration she could muster, digging her nails frantically into his warm skin. Natsu groaned as she squirmed beneath him, moving his fingers with increasing speed and area, brushing the most sensitive part of her body with his thumb on every second stroke.

Natsu had been with other girls. Not many, and none that he particularly cared for, but he'd been with others. That was before he knew Lucy, before he'd pictured the beautiful blonde mess of pleasure beneath him now as the woman he would eventually fall in love with. Natsu moved his lips to her neck, just under her jaw, as Lucy was overwhelmed, throwing her head back with heated moans. He felt a deep satisfaction knowing he was the first man to do this to her.

Lucy watched with hooded lids as Natsu removed her jeans and panties, kissing along the length of her legs. Her nerves were on fire, her stomach twisted in glorious anticipation. Natsu was everything she'd pictured he'd be; his muscled body hovering over hers with strength and passion, his lips firm and tantalizing against her skin, his hands hot against her body.

With deliberate hesitation, Natsu's hands slipped around Lucy's thighs, trailed over the swell of her cheeks, and settled with one palm at the deepest curve of her spine and one placed firmly between her shoulder blades. There was only a moment for Lucy's features to register confusion before she was lifted into Natsu's lap, straddling him as he knelt.

He kissed her deeply, his erection brushing against her core with teasing intentions. Lucy moaned into the kiss, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.

"This way," Natsu mumbled against her lips, his grip tightening on her body. "You can control the pace. I don't want to go too fast for you." She knew he meant it to be sincere, but she caught the playful wink in his voice. "Once you're ready, I'll take over from there." There was no figurative wink this time, he pulled away from her and slipped into a seductive smirk that made her heart flutter.

Sinking into another sensual kiss, Lucy began to lower herself slowly onto Natsu. It was tight, and uncomfortable, but she couldn't stop the moan of relief that escaped her as she inched her way down, settling so that he was snugly sheathed inside her.

Natsu's shoulders had tensed with restraint. He was struggling to remain still as Lucy slid over him, her warmth and wetness coating him deliciously. Slowly, she began to rock her hips back and forth and he nearly came undone.

Using her knees, Lucy began to raise herself and drop again, discomfort fading and being replaced by a roaring need that built and built inside her, begging her to go faster and harder. She moaned, gripping Natsu's shoulders tightly and using him for balance as she rubbed herself against him desperately. Her thoughts were jumbled, tangled in the mess of desire rolling inside the pit of her stomach.

"Natsu…" Lucy breathed, her fingers tangling in his hair. She gripped him tightly, using him for balance as she became lost in the sensations. She was moving faster, trying to reach the rhythm her body ached for.

"Hmm?" Natsu groaned, opening one eye lazily to look at her. Her face was flushed, her eyes glazed, her pink lips parted ever so slightly. She was tantalizingly beautiful.

"Take over, please," Lucy panted, grinding against him in wanting. There was a pestering need growing in the pit of her stomach, one she wasn't satisfying on her own.

Natsu grinned at her devilishly, trailing his hands teasingly over her thighs and hips. She shivered beneath his touch, praying that he would suddenly grab her and force her down so he could ravage her.

He did no such thing as he watched her, gently pumping his hips into her and making her whimper. "I don't know, Luce…" He trailed, letting the words slip from his tongue slowly so she couldn't hear the hunger in his voice. "That wasn't very convincing. I don't know if that's what you really want."

Lucy bristled. Natsu was deliberately toying with her, and she was not going to put up with it. If he wanted to test her, she would bite back tenfold. Furrowing her brow in determination, Lucy dug her fingers into the short hairs at the base of Natsu's neck, pulling so his head tilted back. In one fluid movement, her lips crashed onto his, channeling the magnitude of her need into a lustful kiss. She moaned, rocking her hips sharply as Natsu gasped against her lips.

"Natsu…" She whispered huskily, breaking their kiss to stare heatedly into his eyes. "Take. Me."

And then she was falling.

Lucy's back hit the mattress below her with a solid thump, the edge of it resting just below her shoulder blades. Her upper half bent dangerously over the bed and for a breathless minute she thought she would fall, but Natsu was on top of her, securing her body in place below him.

Lucy yelped, wrapping her legs tightly around Natsu's torso in reflex. She reached up and snaked her arms around his shoulders, balancing herself as she lay half-suspended. He smirked down at her, eying her wickedly before beginning to thrust.

Each pump of his hips was jarring, threatening to set Lucy off balance and them both tumbling to the floor, but the possibility only excited her. Natsu's hands were digging nearly painfully into her hips, bracing them against the powerful, desperate thrusts he bestowed upon her.

"N-Natsu…!" Lucy's cry was muffled by a deeply satisfied moan escaping her throat. Finally that place inside her was being met with waves of pleasure, the need in the pit of her stomach flaring with every grunt from Natsu's chest.

He was allowing himself to lose control, to let his body take over, and the feeling was incredible. He felt like he could do this for the rest of his life, but he could feel his release gaining on him quickly.

Lucy's moans were driving him crazy, making him go faster and harder until suddenly she was screaming his name. Natsu continued to thrust until her screams were followed by a delighted gasp that rippled through him and triggered an explosion of pleasure in the pit of his own stomach.

The two remained suspended for a moment, catching their breath, until Natsu rolled them over. Lucy yelped, clinging to him until they were safely nestled in the center of the bed.

She listened to the rapid beating of Natsu's heart as he held her, his arms wrapped tightly around her quivering body. Lucy closed her eyes, noticing the pounding of her own heart ringing loudly in her ears.

"Sorry," Natsu whispered sheepishly, tightening his hold on her. "I meant to just sleep in this bed, honest."

Lucy stifled a laugh. She tilted her head back to look at his face; his cheeks were flushed with excitement, his eyes warm and loving. "I don't mind," She reassured him, placing a gentle kiss on his lips. Natsu sighed contentedly, twisting her golden hair between his fingers.

"Maybe Happy should stay with Wendy more often," He mused, a suspicious smirk on his face. "I like this whole 'quiet night' thing."

"There wasn't much quiet about it," Lucy giggled. "I love you."

"I love you too," Natsu gestured for her to get up long enough for him to pull the comforter away from the bed. The sheets were the same navy blue as the ret of the bed set, like she'd suspected. After it was settled, he invited her back into bed and into his arms.

Lucy snuggled in happily, paying careful attention to Natsu and the way his eyes were beginning to droop. She knew it wouldn't be long before he was asleep, and although there had been several things she wanted to do that night Lucy kept quiet and watched as his breathing deepened. She couldn't think of a better way to welcome the return of their old routine than with something entirely new.

The End!

A big thank you once again to everyone who read, reviewed, favorited, followed, etc. this story! I love each and every one of you : ) Be sure to keep an eye out for future stories if you like my writing style! I'd appreciate the love!