Accidental Love - Nalu

>> Chapter 3 - Accidental Love - The confession <<

"Please Natsu...Let him go." Lucy breathed, placing her delicate hand on Natsu's shoulder. The salamander sighed deeply before hesitantly stepping away from the spluttering bandit. Still holding onto him, Lucy smiled warmly up at Natsu, indicating that she was proud of him.

NATSU'S POV:

{{What have I done?}} I gently take Lucy's hand, returning her loving grin. Turning my attention back to the bandit, I notice that he was back on his feet but in some way, he seemed less threatening than before.

"I trust you will not give us more trouble?" I ask, frowning at the mortified outlaw. He simply stared.

"For now, I will walk away and leave your precious guild in peace. But mark my words, we will get what we came for." The bandit declared, a malicious smirk on his grotesque face. I sense the rage begin to build up inside me once again but Lucy's comfort seemed to be able to tame it. Smirking, I crack my knuckles.

"We'll be ready." I muttered as the bandit retreated into the thicket.

LUCY'S POV:

{{Thank goodness he's calmed down. He came too close to murdering that guy}} I give Natsu a concerned look.

"Are you okay?" I question, checking for any wounds on Natsu's muscular arms. He stared deeply into my eyes as if he could see my very soul and grinned once again, causing me to blush a little so I start scratching the back of my head trying to conceal it.

"The most important thing right now is that you're okay," he suddenly frowns and hastily checks me over "you're not hurt are ya?" My blush grows more obvious. Placing my hand back on his bruised shoulder, I beam shyly at him.

"I'm fine. These minor cuts and bruises aren't enough to break us, are they?" I laughed. Natsu grinned widely once again, placing his hand on my hand which rested on his shoulder.

YOUR POV:

Our two heroes gradually made there way through the willow forest, heading back to their guild with excitement. Well - except for one of them. Natsu seemed unusually composed and relaxed while Lucy couldn't stop skipping around him cheerfully, enthusing him about their latest accomplishment.

"I can't wait to tell everyone about that battle! You were so brave Natsu." Lucy smiled, glancing over her shoulder at him. He appeared to be troubled despite their victory.

"You were too Lucy. I'm just glad you aren't too hurt, that was a close call back there. Are you positive that you're not wounded or anything?" Natsu asked persistently. Lucy came to a halt and just glared back at Natsu with confusion written all over her expression. With silver moonlight showering across his face, Natsu suddenly looked like he was going to burst into tears.

"I appreciate your concern Natsu, I really do but you need to focus on your own health for once. A lot of people care about you and if something were to happen-" Lucy held back tears "I don't know what I'd do!"

NATSU'S POV:

{{Don't cry, whatever you do Natsu, don't cry}} I stare down at the forest floor as Lucy slowly approaches me with open arms.

"You know that I can't help it Lucy," Lucy suddenly embraces me, her pale face buried in my chequered scarf "I could never let anything happen to you."

I wanted this moment to last forever. It was perfect. With Lucy by my side, I felt like I had everything I ever wanted. The night sky above us shone with millions of dazzling stars and an enormous full moon. It's funny how the things you see every night amplify such beautiful moments.

Then, without even thinking, I blurted out with something that changed my life.

"I'm persistent with these things because I lo-" I freeze.

You idiot.

LUCY'S POV:

{{D-did he just almost say...}} My cheeks were flushed pure red as I raised my head only to see Natsu with the same shade smothered all over his face.