The CEO & The Doctor | Nalu [Slow Updates]

• Family Outing •

Thank you for being patient ♡

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As Lucy ended the call, she felt a surge of warmth lingering in her heart. The gentle way Natsu had said "sweetie" echoed softly in her mind. She laid her phone on the nightstand and closed her eyes, allowing the comforting memory of the evening to lull her into sleep.

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The following morning, Lucy woke up early to the sound of her alarm, feeling surprisingly refreshed despite her late night. She showered, dressed, and grabbed her things for her shift. She paused briefly, taking a glance at her phone, and noticed a message from Natsu: a good morning text accompanied by a picture of Elias giving a thumbs-up, his messy hair and bright grin lighting up the screen. Lucy chuckled, her heart warmed by the sweet gesture.

She replied with a quick thank-you and a smiley face before heading out the door, ready to take on her long shift. Thoughts of Natsu and Elias lingered as she worked, providing a gentle sense of motivation that pushed her through the challenges of the day.

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As Saturday approached, Lucy's excitement grew, and she found herself mentally counting down the hours until she’d see Elias and Natsu again. When the weekend finally arrived, she woke up with a feeling of anticipation fluttering in her chest.

Natsu had messaged her the details of their outing—a local botanical garden with vibrant, scenic landscapes perfect for Elias to explore and Lucy to relax. Arriving at the meeting spot, Lucy spotted Natsu and Elias waiting for her near the entrance. Elias's face lit up as he saw her approaching, and he ran over, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug. Lucy returned the hug warmly, gently smoothing down his hair.

“Hey there, Elias. I missed you,” she said softly. He beamed up at her, his enthusiasm evident in his big, excited eyes.

“Glad you could make it,” Natsu greeted her with a warm smile, hands in his pockets as he took her in with a gentle gaze.

“I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” she replied, her heart fluttering at the way he looked at her.

They entered the garden together, the lush greenery and vibrant blooms surrounding them, creating a peaceful atmosphere. As they walked along the winding paths, Elias ran ahead, pausing occasionally to marvel at flowers or examine the various insects flitting about. Lucy watched him with fond amusement, her own heart filling with a similar childlike wonder at the beauty of the garden.

Natsu stayed beside her, occasionally sharing a smile or a quiet comment about Elias's reactions. At one point, he brushed his hand against hers, a gesture so subtle yet electric that it sent a warm tingle through her arm.

As they reached a small pond with koi fish swimming lazily in the water, Elias stopped and watched in fascination, his eyes widening as he observed the colorful fish gliding through the clear water.

“They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” Lucy said, crouching down beside him.

Elias nodded, looking up at her with wide eyes before pointing to a bright orange fish that swam close to the surface. He reached for his iPad and began typing, showing her a message that read, “Can we get a fish like this one?”

Lucy chuckled softly, glancing over at Natsu, who gave a playful roll of his eyes. “You never know with this kid. If he could, he’d fill the house with animals,” Natsu said, shaking his head fondly.

“Maybe one day,” Lucy suggested to Elias with a wink. “But for now, we can just enjoy watching them here.”

Elias nodded in understanding, seeming content as he continued to watch the fish.

After spending a few hours wandering through the garden, they found a shaded spot under a tree to sit and enjoy a small picnic. Natsu had packed a light lunch with sandwiches, fruit, and a few of Elias’s favorite snacks. As they ate, they shared a few quiet moments and comfortable silence.

Lucy felt herself growing more at ease with Natsu, their shared laughter and small touches gradually breaking down the lingering formality between them. She felt as though she could be herself around him, and he seemed to respond in kind, opening up in ways that surprised and delighted her.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the garden, Natsu suggested they take one last walk before leaving. Elias eagerly ran ahead, his energy seemingly boundless even after the long day.

Lucy and Natsu walked together, their steps naturally aligning as they strolled through the soft light of the setting sun. The quiet between them was comfortable, filled with a shared understanding that didn’t need words. Eventually, Natsu stopped, turning to face her with an expression that held something deeper.

“Lucy, I know this is all still new for you,” he began, his tone gentle yet sincere. “But I want you to know… I’m really glad you’re here with us. Elias hasn’t been this happy in a long time. And… neither have I.”

Lucy’s heart fluttered, her cheeks warming under his gaze. “I'm glad you both feel that way. Being with you and Elias… it just....I didn’t expect to feel this way, but now that I’m here, I don’t want it to end.”

He smiled, his eyes softening as he reached out, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. “Then let’s take things one day at a time. No pressure, just… us.”

Lucy nodded, her smile mirroring his as they held each other’s gaze, the moment stretching between them in the golden glow of the sunset.

They walked back to find Elias, who was perched on a nearby bench, happily munching on a snack Natsu had given him earlier. His innocent smile and bright eyes completed the peaceful scene, and Lucy felt a profound sense of contentment as she stood there with them.

As they headed back to the car, Lucy knew that this was more than just a day out—it was the beginning of something truly special, a new chapter in her life that she hadn’t anticipated but welcomed with her whole heart.