A Walk in the Woods

Chapter 10

"Hello? Anyone home" Lucy called, peeking through the entrance of the small cabin. It was quiet. Not even Happy was there to meet her. Lucy shrugged and took the liberty to let herself in. She shut the door softly behind her and placed the bag of groceries she'd brought onto the countertop, just some pre-made noodle dishes and herbs for tea.

It was mid afternoon and the sun illuminated the kitchen in a warm glow that scattered little boxes of gold all over the floor. Quietly, Lucy crept towards Natsu's room, bypassing Happy's empty hammock and their tiny bathroom to the right.

"Hmm, just as I thought," Lucy said, smiling fondly from the doorway. Natsu was sprawled out on the bed, chest moving up and down with each level breath. He was fast asleep.

Sure to avoid the creaky floor board, Lucy tiptoed towards the sleeping dragon slayer. She paused when she reached the cracked vanity, catching a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. She'd left her hair down that day and had dressed in a simple white T. If she looked quickly, she could hardly see the fading cuts and bruises on her arms and legs. Nothing like how she'd looked when she'd returned to the guild hall with Natsu nearly two weeks ago. That battered girl had gotten numerous baths and treatments from Wendy since the terrible stint.

She frowned as she noticed a little cut still lingering on her cheek and leaned in close to examine it. Only then did she see the slip of parchment shoved into the bottom corner of the vanity mirror. Curious, Lucy wiggled it free. It was speckle stained and white lines ran with the creases where it had been folded, but a smile came to her lips as she studied the photograph. It was of the guild hall, a staged shot with everyone, form the Thunder league to Porlyusica, even Gildarts was present.

She found herself in the bunch quickly. Next to Natsu, of course. A blush rose to her cheeks at the way she hung off him in the photo, though Natsu didn't look to mind. He wore a wide, toothy grin and had his arm around her in return.

She sighed and traced her finger over the miniature version of herself and Natsu. Ii looks like I had feelings for him even back then. I just didn't know it yet.

Smiling, she folded the picture back up and placed it in the mirror like she'd found it.

Natsu hadn't woken yet. She could still hear his soft snores as she rounded the bed. She placed a hand on his shoulder and shook him gently.

"Natsu," She said. The dragon slayer hummed. She shook him again before he finally woke in earnest.

"Hey Lucy," Natsu rubbed at his eyes and sat up, yawning. "When'd you get here?"

"Just a minute ago. I brought you a few things from the store. I thought we could have lunch together. Plus I found you some herbal tea that's supposed to be really good for wound healing,"

"Lunch sounds awesome! Thanks Luce! I hope the tea doesn't taste as bad as the last stuff you brought me, though" He rubbed at the nap of his neck and tussled through his bed mussed locks while stretching.

Lucy rolled her eyes at the last comment and looked over to the little jar of antibiotic paste resting on Natsu's bedside table. "Have you put on Porlyusica's salve yet today?" Lucy asked as she settled down on the bed beside him.

Natsu gave her a guilty look out of the corner of his eye. "Uhhh,"

"Natsu, Porlyusica was very strict that you finish the jar," She pursed her lips and unscrewed the lid. "Here, I'll help you do it. Take off your shirt,"

Natsu raised his eyebrows with a sly smile, "You want me to undress for you, huh?"

"Oh knock it off, you know what I meant!" She slapped him lightly in the shoulder though still grinned at the joke. Natsu laughed and conceded. He was ginger with his left arm he as pulled his shirt over his head. Wendy had healed the bone in a pinch, but the spot where the break had been was still a little discolored with yellow-red bruising. If only Wendy's magic could have healed these wounds. Lucy thought wistfully as his chest came into view.

She felt Natsu's eyes on her as she wadded the ointment in her fingers and began working it into the area. The wounds were practically closed, just thick, reddened streaks where the gouges had been. The mere shadow of their extent still made Lucy feel queasy. She had been so close to losing him because of those wounds.

Lucy carefully rubbed the medicine over every inch of healing skin, thinking on just how lucky she was to have her best friend still sitting beside her. It wasn't until Natsu took her hand in his that she realized she was lingering. The salve was spread and her fingers were frozen against the place above his heart. She could feel it's rhythmic thrum rising up to meet her. Natsu's onyx eyes bore into hers.

"Thanks Lucy," He gave her hand a gentle squeeze as he said it.

Lucy blushed and took her hand back. "It's not a problem. I'm glad to help you get better,"

She looked back to his chest and shook her head sadly. "It's going to scar. I'm sure of it," She ran her finger over the pocked skin. Even the faint stitch lines where she'd sewn him back together were visible. "You're going to have these marks forever,"

Natsu shrugged at that. "Probably. I don't mind though. I think they're kind of badass,"

Lucy smiled halfheartedly, "But you can see where I butchered the suturing, look here," Lucy said, pointing to a particularly obvious spot, "I'm sorry-,"

"Hey! Don't even say it! We talked about this, remember? I don't want you feeling bad for no good reason. Honestly Lucy, I'm happy I'm going to have these scars,"

"You're happy?"

"Well, yeah. They're a part of our story, you know?"

Lucy looked up at him with bright, questioning eyes.

"Everyone's got a story, Luce. Ours is super action packed and awesome of course! It started when we first met in Hargeon and each adventure we've been on is just another chapter for the books. This most recent chapter just happened to be really important, uh, since it's the one where I told you I like you and all,"

Natsu shrugged again. "These scars are a good reminder of it. Plus if I hadn't gotten them, I don't know if I would've worked up the courage to tell you how I felt...no pain no gain as, I always say!"

Natsu slapped his chest in example but managed to hit a tender spot. He jumped dramatically and cursed while Lucy snorted with laughter.

"You're right, Natsu. Thanks for making me feel better," Lucy leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. She used to think he was an emotionally incompetent tree stump but in reality that never was the case. He always knew just what to say when she needed him.

She rested there until Natsu took her chin with his thumb and first finger. She blushed as he turned her face up to his. With a determined look in his eyes, he placed his lips over hers. The kiss was soft and sweet and made Lucy's heart flutter.

Natsu pulled away after a breath, looking flustered, his cheeks just as red as hers. They were both still getting used to the intimacy. It was so new to them.

Initially after their kiss in the hospital bed, they'd fallen into an awkward lull, though it wasn't fair to say it was completely their fault. Natsu had spent nearly a week in the infirmary and the chance to discuss what their exchange really meant was practically non-existent. Between the well wishing guilders, Porlyusica's hovering, and Happy's excessive clinginess and confession that he would 'never let Natsu out of his sight again,' there simply wasn't any opportunity to sort out their relationship.

It had been four nights after Natsu was discharged from the infirmary that they'd finally been granted a private moment. In fact, Natsu had forced the issue. He'd come toppling through her window at one in the morning, scaring her half to death, first in surprise at crashing into her apartment and then for nearly fainting from over exerting himself in the climb to her second story window. She'd yelled at him for that but she couldn't stay mad.

They'd laid in her bed and talked all night about everything and anything until the birds started singing and the sun breeched the skyline. They talked about what happened on their mission, and how they'd felt. Lucy had cried and she was pretty sure Natsu had teared up at one point too, though he didn't admit it out loud. When they were finally satisfied with words, they were both in agreement. It was time to act on their emotions, even if only they knew about it for the time being.

"Hey Natsu?" Lucy asked, resting her head back against Natsu's shoulder and gently gripping his arm.

"Yeah, Lucy?" He in turn set his head on hers, bowing into her blonde locks.

She smiled at the gesture and snuggled in closer, toying with a loose string on the bedspread. "I've noticed something lately. You're pretty forgetful most of the time, but whenever it comes to something we've done together, you always seem to remember the details. You even remembered the name of the town we met in,"

Even she'd forgotten. Hargeon. The little seaside city where Natsu had inadvertently saved her. He'd guided her to the path she'd always wanted to walk, and as it turned out, even been the one she'd always wanted to walk it with. She never would have guessed.

"Why is that?" She asked, looking up for his response.

Natsu stared down at her and paused, never having considered the phenomenon before. She could tell by his puzzled expression that he had no idea himself, but soon a wide grin spread across his face. "I guess I just remember the important stuff,"

She beamed up at him before tucking herself into his arms, hiding her face in the crook of his neck. He hugged her tight in return and pressed his lips against the top of her head as they fell back amongst the pillows, laughing.

Lucy smiled as they lay tangled in each other's arms.

All in all, Natsu was right. It had been a painful chapter, their walk in the woods, but she'd never regret what had come of it in the end.

Fin~

I felt like this story needed a final section to fully lay it to rest, even if it was just a short fluffy thing. Plus, 10 is a good even number of chapters to end on, I think! I've been watching the new season of Fairy Tail and it's gotten me interested in writing again -part of the reason I revisited this story after so long.

Anyway, its been great! Thank you for all the love I've gotten through reviews/follows/favorites! Always love the inspiration and feedback!

Happy New Year!