Solitary Princess - Nalu ✔️

Chapter 15

Lucy sat inside the castle gardens, allowing the breeze to softly play with her golden hair. The moon had just come out and she fiddled with her dress as she sadly watched her fingers.

She didn't know why she felt so alone. This was just another day in the castle. And now, she'd even been reunited with Natsu. He made her more happy than she had ever hoped to be again. She should be content and enjoying the moment while she still had it.

So why, of all times, did she feel especially lonely today?

Lucy bitterly told herself that this was what happened when she was happy. She got a taste and now felt the need for more. Now that she'd had company for a few days, she almost expected it. She would have to teach herself all over again that life was lonely and there was no hope for someone like her.

Her mind drifted sluggishly to Natsu. She wondered if they all were still laughing together. She wondered if anyone had even noticed she was missing.

Lucy sighed and stood.

As long as Natsu was happy, she would be too. She wanted him to heal quickly so he could get out and train as a general. Maybe she should seperate herself from him so he could concentrate more. The last thing Lucy wanted was to be a burden. She shouldn't have gotten so hopeful. She didn't deserve the hope he gave her.

Even while talking down to herself, Lucy could not shake the desire to see Natsu. She walked on the garden path, trying to convince herself that he was better off without her, but his words kept replaying in her head.

He had missed her. He became a general just to be able to see her again.

Lucy almost feared the warmth Natsu gave her. She hadn't felt the happiness he effortlessly gave her in so long. It was addicting. Natsu was addicting.

Lucy stood and wandered back inside the castle. Once again, she found herself in front of the hospital doors, holding her breath.

Lucy heard no voices and the desire to push open the door was overwhelming.

She would just check on him and leave. He was probably sleeping anyways.

Lucy pushed open the door silently and peeked in the hospital to see the candles blown out in the big room and Natsu sleeping soundlessly in his bed.

Lucy crept in, making sure to be quiet, straining her eyes to watch Natsu for signs of movement. He stayed still, his breath steady.

Lucy found herself smiling softly as the moonlight shone through the curtains of the big room dancing along Natsu's content face.

The princess looked around and found a chair. She silently pulled it up beside Natsu's bed, telling herself she would stay for a few minutes to make sure he was sleeping peacefully.

She sat quietly, trying not to watch Natsu's face. Being in his presence calmed Lucy unlike anything else. Her restless night was calmed by him and she leaned onto the bedside, playing absentmindedly with the sheets.

Lucy felt no sadness when she was around him. After all, Natsu was her hope.

Natsu's pov:

When Lucy brought Natsu's friends, he was already half-asleep. He welcomed them in though, and they greeted him and congratulated him on the win and teased him about the forfeit. He faked a scowl once or twice, but enjoyed their presence.

She was so quiet, that Natsu almost didn't notice that Lucy followed the group when they came in. But since it was Lucy, Natsu noticed her. He let her be alone while he talked to his friends, and she stayed silent, standing off to the side.

When Natsu glanced over, he could see Lucy staring at the floor, a strange expression on her face. He let it go as his friends laughed around him, but he kept an eye on Lucy, watching her stand alone.

So, when she left without a word, of course Natsu noticed. But he obeyed her orders and stayed in bed, promising himself that he would ask her what was wrong later.

After a while, Natsu saw no sign of Lucy returning and he couldn't stop worrying about her.

He let out huge yawn that, of course, everyone picked up on.

Erza spoke, "See you later, Natsu. You need to rest and heal."

Natsu smiled sheepishly and bid them goodbye as they all roughed him up one last time.

When they were gone, Natsu layed in silence, waiting for Lucy. But that yawn he exaggerated wasn't fake. Natsu really was drained from a day of hard fighting. So, as he waited, his eyes fell closed and he drifted off into a surprisingly peaceful sleep.

...

Natsu woke slightly but felt he still needed sleep. His eyes were heavy and his body was content. So he shifted his arm to get into a more comfortable position to drift off again.

Or... Tried to shift his arm. Natsu froze as he felt a weight on his right arm. They didn't restrain him did they? But he was able to move his other arm freely. Natsu cracked open one of his eyes. His breath caught in his throat as he spotted a mop of silky blonde hair.

Natsu had waited so long for Lucy, only for her to show up after he fell asleep. Natsu would've cursed himself if he hadn't felt butterflies of happiness in his stomach. Lucy actually showed up for him. And now, she slept peacefully on his arm. Natsu was glad he hadn't woken her up.

He smiled softly as she murmured in her sleep. Natsu observed how the moonlight played with her hair and how her soft hand gripped his battle- worn arm.

He realized his arm was tingling rather painfully. The weight Lucy had on his arm had caused the limb to fall asleep. He considered gently easing his arm from her grasp, but he didn't want to wake Lucy up. Who knows when her last peaceful sleep was. The poor girl had been through a lot while they were apart. The least Natsu could do was sacrifice his comfort for a bit.

Natsu closed his eyes again, smiling. His mind was only filled with thoughts of the princess as he drifted off to sleep again.