Bound by Fire and Stars [Rewritten NaLu Fanfic]

1.5 Under the Stars

BONUS SCENE

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, Lucy, Natsu, and Happy settled in at home. The soft glow of the lanterns illuminated their small living space, casting cosy shadows on the walls. It was a sanctuary away from the chaos of the guild, a place where laughter and warmth thrived.

Lucy moved about the kitchen, preparing dinner. The aroma of sizzling vegetables and rice filled the air, blending with the comforting scent of home. She wore a cheerful apron, its fabric dotted with stars, and her hair was loosely tied back, a few strands escaping to frame her face as she chopped ingredients. Each slice of the knife felt rhythmic, a soothing reminder of the simple joys in life.

Happy flitted in, his tiny wings buzzing like a hummingbird as he darted toward a piece of fish Lucy had set aside for him. "Thanks, Lucy!" he chirped, his big eyes shining with gratitude as he grabbed the morsel. He savoured it dramatically, licking his lips as if it were the most delectable feast in the world.

"Just don't spoil your dinner!" she teased, a warm smile spreading across her face. Her heart swelled at the little cat's enthusiasm; it was these small moments that made everything worthwhile.

Natsu soon followed, his hair even more tousled than usual, a hint of mischief dancing in his emerald eyes. His signature scarf draped around his neck, fluttering with each movement. "What's cooking, Lucy? It smells amazing!" he exclaimed, his stomach growling in agreement, which made Lucy laugh.

"Just a little something I whipped up," she replied, a playful grin tugging at her lips. "Hope you're hungry!"

As they sat down to eat, the atmosphere felt electric, filled with laughter and easy conversation. Lucy watched as Natsu animatedly described a job he had done with Gray, his hands flying in the air as he re-enacted the scene. His passion was infectious, and Lucy found herself captivated, hanging on his every word.

"...and then I blasted the monster right into the sky!" Natsu exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement. "You should have seen Gray's face! He was all like—" He contorted his expression into a comical frown, causing Lucy and Happy to burst into laughter.

"Sounds like you had a blast!" Lucy replied, her heart light. She loved these moments when the weight of the world felt miles away.

After dinner, they moved to the living area. Happy quickly settled onto his pillow, his eyes drooping with sleep, a tiny purring sound escaping him. Lucy and Natsu exchanged smiles, a comfortable silence enveloping them, filled with the remnants of laughter and shared stories.

"Thanks for dinner, Lucy. It was awesome," Natsu said, leaning back with a contented sigh, his gaze drifting toward the window where the last rays of sunlight were fading.

"Glad you liked it!" she replied, her cheeks warming at his compliment. "I always enjoy cooking for you guys."

As she turned off the lanterns, the gentle light faded, casting the room in shadows. "Night," she whispered, her heart racing at the thought of the day ahead—just her, Natsu, and Happy on another adventure.

"Night, Lucy," he mumbled back, his voice heavy with sleep.

As she lay in bed, the anticipation of tomorrow swirled in her mind. She couldn't help but steal glances at Natsu, who was sprawled comfortably on the couch, his breathing steady and peaceful. The way the soft glow from the streetlight outside danced across his features made him look almost serene, a side of him she didn't often see. With a contented sigh, Lucy closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the day wash over her.