Of Keys and Flames

Chapter 3

Natsu's P.O.V

There are two problems here: That bastard Sting is here, and Lucy looks stressed... I don't like it when she's stressed. To everyone else her relaxed presence assures everyone that she has the situation handled, but I see right through her facade, because that's all it was, a facade. I knew this girl better than she knew herself so if she thinks that she can fool me with her fake smiles and phony conversations than she's funny. Hilarious. Comical.

I finally had enough with her distant attitude so as soon as she got up I followed her and cornered her outside in a place long forgotten by the guild. The day was slow and lazy but it was already late in the afternoon where the shades of the sunset would do her beauty justice. The hues of red, orange, yellows and even various tones of purple enveloped her face and left her blond hair glowing in its presence. My mind was in shambles trying to come up with the right words to describe her beauty but it left me short of ideas. The closest I can come up with is an luminescent goddess. Her glow left you in awe not because of its power but the grace and elegance she radiates as it sensuously wraps her skin.

I realized I've been staring at her for a while and shoved my hands into my pockets and cleared my throat to dilute the tension. She turned her head to the side with a soft blush, revealing her delicious neck to my sight. I gulped and bit back any thoughts that threatened to sneak out my mouth. "Luce you can stop pretending." I finally managed to say. Her wide eyes shoot up at me and she opened her mouth ready to say anything to get me off her case. "I'm actually offended that you can't tell me," I walked over and placed my hand under her neck and gently moved it up towards me, "After all we've been through." It true in every essence of the word. She lifted me out of my darkest moments, became my strength when I am weak and is always by my side no matter no situation we were put through. I am darkness, and she is my light.

From the day I met her I knew she was someone I would need for the rest of my left. People think I'm dense and dumb and maybe I was a little before but I know I lot more than I let on. I always push myself to be the strongest I can be to protect those that I love, and two years ago, to be the mage and dragon slayer my father always wanted me to be. I was too young and too lazy to handle any expectations and responsibilities handed to me. So I dumb myself down a little to save me some trouble. The moment she was added to the guild, I asked her to join my team so I could spend more time with her. And time we did spend. Over the course of these years the feelings that had me curious is festering into something dark, deeper. Could it be called desire? Longing? With Dragon Season coming up I would have plenty of time to think this over in the forest, with a nice little cage that will stop me from relishing in my dragonistic instincts. The only thing stopping me from leaving is the fact that she's worried. Naturally her worries become my worries.

Ashamed she looked down and hugged me wrapping me arms around my waist. I embraced her and felt her bury herself in my chest. We enjoyed each others comfort for a while in silence before she spoke up. "I don't have a problem with helping Sabertooth, but the person I'm going to talk to is doing business with someone I know," I frowned and let my silence leave room for her elaboration, "Someone from my old life." What's another weak brat to threaten?

"Our relationship," she continued, "is very complicated and best left in the dark. We haven't seen each other in a decade and I just don't want old feelings coming up and messing up what I have." Feelings?

"What type of feelings are we talking 'bout?" I prodded.

"Feelings that are going to make sleeping a lot harder for me." she answered. Well, if you can call that an answer. I decided to drop the topic not because I wanted to, but because it was making her upset. The frown on her face lets me know that I'm already failing at my job.

"Wanna get out of here?" I offered.

"Where are we gonna go?" she asked distractedly. I tugged lightly at her arm and started walking down the streets we normally take in the morning. She didn't question it but what surprised me is when she held my hand and leaned her head on my shoulder. A smirked graced my face as we continued walking, savoring our surroundings because something told me this was the calm before the storm. As long as I had my girl by my side and the guild behind me then whatever hell is in ahead of me I can face head on. But hey I'm E.N.D, I'm practically hell on wheels.