"So, I'm just a replacement?"

After that sentence, realization slowly dawned upon him that he had hurt her. But still, all he could do right now was sit and look dumb.

He realized how many times he left her for Lisanna.

He realized how many nights her bed had stood cold.

He realized how many times she had looked at him sorrowfully and he finally realized why.

He realized.

He realized just what he had done.

It surprised everyone around the table when Natsu abruptly stood up, a good five minutes after Lucy had left, and ran out of the main doors, but all he could think of was her.

Natsu ran. He had never run this fast in his entire life. But he had to, or he wouldn't make it. And Natsu just knew Lucy would do something crazy.

Suddenly, he saw her. She looked like an angel.

With snowflakes falling around her, hair dancing wildly and herself balancing on the edge-

She fell. Into the water.

Natsu wasted no time in jumping in after Lucy. Desperately, he clawed at the water keeping him from reaching Lucy, but to him it seemed as though it was deliberately keeping them apart.

A thought occurred to him. He couldn't lose her now! Not now, when he had just found her.

With renewed spirit, he finally reached her. Natsu held her to his chest as he swam to the surface, but he was worried since she was so still and cold.

After getting her up on the street, he held her in his arms, cradling her. He rocked back and forth, crying out her name, whispering it like a mantra.

His hand found its way onto her cheek. It was so cold. Trembling fingers touched her lips, blue and purple. He didn't feel a breath on his hand.

As a last-ditch effort, he kissed her. Natsu kissed Lucy.

He poured every single ounce of passion, love and warmth into it.

Natsu had closed his eyes, and when he opened them, he found himself staring into chocolate-coloured eyes. Lucy had a slight blush on her nose and was staring at him.

Then, she smiled.

She smiled that bright, joyful smile he had always…

Always … Loved.

Natsu tasted the word. Love.

It felt right.

He smiled back at her and scooped her up in his strong arms while beginning the walk to her apartment, all the while as he whispered sweet words into her ear.

Sweet words of love.

A/N: Yeah, yeah, I know. You guys might not be satisfied with how fast Natsu was forgiven, but I couldn't come up with anything better…

Hope I get to see ya in my other fic, 'Dangerous times, dangerous minds'! R&R!