Soul Ties

That strange feeling

It had been a couple hours since Lucy had arrived back at the guild and after a long questioning from her guild mates she could finally relax. Natsu still clung to her although only by holding her hand whilst the little blue cat was snuggled in her lap.

Lucy described in detail how she had been captured by a dark guild and finding herself unable to escape, she had contacted the magic council through her last remaining communication lacrima. After which they had requested her service as a spy until they could figure out what was truly behind the guild.

"I mean I couldn't turn them down.. I wanted to talk to you guys but even if I had the chance, the council forbade it cus they didn't want anyone from the outside finding out. I'm so sorry everyone" Her blonde hair curtained her face as she stared at the ground, her eyes tearing up again.

"We're so sorry you were forced to endure that Lucy. I blame myself for not trying hard enough to find you. What baffles me, however is that the council didn't tell us even after you were assumed killed.." Erza's face was puzzled a look of regret and guilt in her eyes.

"Beats me..but hey, I'm here now! That's all I care about" she beamed up at the group. "Good to have ya back Lucy" Gray smiled, it was the first time she could think of that he had truly smiled at her.. the (for lack of a better phrase) stone cold ice wizard barley bore his teeth in a grin, but it made her happy. Happy to see all her friends again, happy to be home. In Fairy Tail.

Natsu had been quiet for a while but after a while, finally spoke up. "Hey Lucy." His voice was stern, but his eyes were locked onto hers, as he stared seriously at the girl. "Don't leave again k? Not..not without me." Her eyes widened slightly, and tilting her head she responded with a bubbly "Promise" as she held out her pinky. Natsu's expression softened as her gripped his pinky with hers. "Cool" a goofy smile appearing on his face. She had missed that smile.

Natsu pondered to himself for a moment. Why did he feel the need to be around her constantly? And why could he not stand the idea of her being out of his sight? He brushed these feelings off, coming to the conclusion that he was likely being overprotective due to the current situation.

Lucy was rested at the bar side laughing and sharing a toast with Mira-Jane and Levy. Natsu watched from a distance, unconsciously smiling as he stared. The red-headed knight approached him, noticing his gaze. "Lost in thought are we?"

He flinched at her voice, snapping out of his self inflicted trance. "Huh?" He replied lifting his eyes to her, "It's nothing" Erza chuckled. "He loooves her" a whispered giggle came from happy over Erzas shoulder.

"I can't believe she's back after so long, the guild really didn't feel complete with out her did it.." She sighed slumping in the couch opposite Natsu, resting her head in her hand. "Mhm.." Natsu responded under his breath, his eyes drifting back to the bar.

He couldn't keep his eyes off her, and he had no idea why. It was a strange feeling, his stomach felt like a shaking cave, but if he was being honest with himself he didn't care. He just wanted to watch her being happy. He wanted to be the one making her laugh and smile in that familiar way that felt so comforting to him.

That evening Natsu woke to the sound of Lucy's soft voice "Come on now ya big dummy, you can't sleep here." His eyes fluttered open as he strained his neck to see her face. "You can stay at mine, guess I kinda owe you that for keeping the place warm while I was gone."

Natsu felt his face heating up, feeling a pink flush in his cheeks. "W-WHO.. who told ya?" He lowered his raised voice, standing up. He didn't want to yell at her.
She giggled in response as Natsu caught a glimpse of Mira winking at him from across the hall. His ears were turning red now to match the bright pigment of his face.

"Alright. Watcha waiting for then Luce?" Passing her, he held out his hand to her. She couldn't resist that signature grin of his. And so, smiling gently, she took his hand. It reminded her of the time when he had first invited her to join the guild. "Kay!"

A/N: okok this story is gonna have a lot of just NALU fluff because it's adorable and fun to write, but it will have an actual plot I have something fun planned. Pls keep in mind tho that this is a short story so I'm not planning on having more that about 10 chapters :3