Forever by his side (nalu)

Into town

Lucy pov

When I feel calm again, I slowly let Natsu go. Face more red than a tomato, I can't look him in the eyes. Again. How many times am I going to embarrass myself in front of him? After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, I decide I have enough.

"I'm going to sleep," I say.

To that, he nods. "Good idea. We have a long way to walk for the next few days, so we should get plenty of rest."

"Are we going somewhere in particular?" I inquire.

"Into the closest town we can find. I need more supply, and you need more clothes."

"You have money?" I'm surprised. I didn't think he would have money, raised by a dragon and living in the forest like he was.

"No, I don't, but I can easily rob a few people in town."

Ah, that makes more sense. I probably should have some reluctance at the idea of robbing people, but they would do worse to me if I gave them the chance to, so I couldn't find it in me to care. Not asking any more questions, I lie down close to the fire, my keys back into their leather pouch, in my hands tucked under my head. Feeling safe for the first time, I fall into a deep sleep.

I wake up late in the morning. I was more exhausted than I thought. In front of me, the fire is dead and cold should have taken hold of me by now, but I only feel warmth. Mostly against my back and around my waist. When the fact that it's another person that's against my back registers in my mind, I let out a small scream and hastily get away from Natsu. My sudden action wake him up with a start, and immediately, he is on guard and scanning around, looking for a threat. When he doesn't find anything, he focuses on me, a questioning look on his face.

"What's wrong?"

I feel my face burn, and I look away from him. "Nothing. It's just, you were sleeping so close to me, and I was surprised when I woke up."

"Ah, that." He also starts to blush and scratch his head, looking away in embarrassement. "In the middle of the night, I was woken up by your shivering, so before you died or something, I came close to keep you warm."

"Oh. Thank you." I really don't know what to do with his kindness. It's just so much. It's like a warmth inside, and I will never take it for granted. I know how easily someone can turn cruel.

Getting into motion, Natsu searches inside his bag and take out some bread and dried meat. He gives me some, and we eat in awkward silence. I want to engage in a conversation with him, but I don't know what to say. And I was still embarrassed by this morning.

"How are your feet?" he finally inquires.

"Better than yesterday, but still painful. I won't be able to walk," I say with shame. He doesn't show anything on his face, but I know that somewhere inside, my weakness must disgust him. I swear to myself that I will get better soon and walk on my own.

When we are done eating, Natsu stands up and begins to pack his belongings. Without warning, fear strikes me. Is he going to leave me behind? After all, I can't follow him with my feet in such conditions. He could abandon me easily. He didn't owe me anything, and even if we said we were friends, it didn't mean anything. We just met after all. Panic rising, my breath becomes quicker, and my vision blackens. That is until I feel a hand on my shoulder. It startles me, and I whip my head up in Natsu's direction.

"Are you okay?" he asks worriedly.

With that simple question, my breath calms down, my panic disappears, and the black dots go away. If he didn't care, if he was going to abandon me, he wouldn't be worried.