Soul Ties

I'm Home

It had been 3 years since Lucy had left on that mission. Why hadn't Natsu gone with her. He blamed himself constantly for her death.. if it wasn't for him being so selfish then- she might still be here.

Happy, Erza, Gray, Wendy and Carla had also been deeply affected by her loss but none could compare to the depressive state Natsu had been in. The guild as a whole missed her deeply but they were worried about Natsu. After Lisanna's loss it had taken him months to go back to his usual cheerful self but.. it had been almost 3 years since she has been pronounced dead and Natsu was still unable to regain his sense of self. He was lost without her.
Every day his mind flashed back to that morning.

"Natsu! I'm going on a job, wanna come?" She was excited, he could hear it in her voice as she lifted up the job request to show him. "Not this time Luce, Gildarts already invited me on a job! It's been so long since I went on one with him..sorry." He was sincere but couldn't hide his smile thinking about the upcoming job. "Oh..well that's ok! I'll try this one in my own, I don't think I've ever tried going on a solo mission before so I guess it could be fun!" She was disappointed but didn't blame Natsu for turning her down.

If only he had just gone with her, or even told her to wait until he was back with gildarts. Natsu had been inconsolable ever since she disappeared. He tried taking jobs to earn a living but had failed every single one. Gray and Juvia helped him out by giving some of their earnings to him so he could pay for rent and food. He was living in Lucy's apartment. He was afraid that if he didn't keep all her stuff and live in her old place that she would truly be gone. He knew it was delusional but that wasn't going to change his mind.

One morning Natsu was slumped on one of the leathery green couches in the guild hall, his head resting on the table in his arms. Happy sat beside him comfortingly. "Hey Natsu.." Happy muttered "mhm."
"We're running out of money again.. d'ya think we could take a job?" He was nervous to ask as he didn't want to make Natsu upset. "I..I just can't. Sorry Happy." Natsu replied weakly. It was killing Happy to see him like this. His once energetic, obnoxious yet loveable personality just want there anymore..

All of a sudden Natsu lifted his head. He sniffed around. What was that scent? It was..so familiar..why? Looking around frantically he stood up. He knew that scent. His head whipped around to face the door. Catching a glimpse of that shiny golden hair, he froze.

Lucy limped round the corner, she was covered in bruises and small wounds, her clothes were ripped and disheveled but there she was none the less. "Natsu.." She stared at him smiling softly, all of the guild was staring at her now their faces a mix of shock and confusion. "I'm home!" Her voice was cheerful although quiet and slightly hoarse.

Cheers and joyful tears could be heard from every corner of the guild hall. Natsu still stood frozen staring at her, his eyes blurry with tears. "Lucy.." Before he could think properly he ran directly towards her pulling her into a tight hug and burying his face in her chest. He let out his sobs as she returned the strong embrace. "I missed you..so so much" she giggled through her own tears.

A/N: This was kinda a short chapter I'm planning on making the rest longer but the story isn't going to be too long anyway hope you enjoy!