Hurt so good •Nalu•

10

I didn't realize how much later it was now, as I started my walk home.

"Hey Lucy! Wait up! Luce!"

But Natsu's voice was the last thing I thought I'd hear. 'Maybe I didn't get out unnoticed after all..' But I played it cool, just Incase. "Oh hey Natsu." I reply as I turn to face him.

"You on your way home from shopping?" He smirks, while pointing at my coffee cup.

"Uh, Yeah. A little window shopping is all. You know checking out the shopping area."

"Well if your heading home, want to walk back together?"

"Sure."

~•~

After taking our time walking home, we finally make it through the doors. Unfortunately the last person I'd hoped to see, stood talking to his older brother Zeref. My body froze, Natsu seemed to stiffen as well. But luckily the two already had their backs towards our direction. We stood in silence, until the two disappeared up the stairs and down the hall.

"Grumble!!!"

Natsu's stomach growled loudly and we both quickly glanced at one another, busting into laughter.

"Haha, sorry, I haven't had dinner yet." He said with slightly tinted cheeks and rubbing the back of his neck.

"Haha, that's alright, I'm kind of hungry myself."

At my reply, it was as if a light bulb went off. "Ha! Alright! Then let me make you something!?"

"You can cook?"

"Yeah! Well I mean if you like steak." He explained while pulling me to the kitchen by my hand. "You do like steak, right?"

"Haha, Yes. But shouldn't we ask Mira first?" I questioned him with a playful raise to my eyebrow.

"Nah! It's cool, I'll leave her a tip." Natsu said with a wink.

Natsu begins cooking as I sit on the counter near by watching him. He's showing off making jokes and teasing me.

"Can I help with anything?" I say sliding off the counter on to my feet.

"Yeah, if you don't mind get the tinfoil and-" And so we're standing together in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

I'm standing a bit away from Natsu and the stove, making cookies for desert. Suddenly a deep voice sings in my ear. "You have flour all over your face."

I turn to see Natsu pointing at his nose. "Seriously? Haha." I reach up to wipe my face, forgetting I still have flour on my hands as well.

"Heh, let me do it." Natsu reaches over with a towel and brushes the flour from my nose.

"T-that tickles."

"Hold still Lucy, Ah, you got more over here too." He chuckles, as his warm fingers brush against my jaw line.

"Really, where?"

"Your left cheek, so don't move."

"Alright." Still smiling, I turn the other way so he can reach the rest of the flour easier. Only then when I've stopped squirming, I notice how close Natsu is to me.

"Luce..." Natsu whispers my name in a low, deep, and smooth inviting voice. Our eyes lock and we instantly feel awkward.

"O-okay, that's enough, I'm clean. Thanks..." I nervously stutter, trying to block the cluster of rushed thoughts.

Natsu springs away, "Right.."

My hearts pounding so quickly, I can't even look in his direction with out blushing. I focus on finishing rolling the cookies and placing them on a baking sheet, then placing them in the oven.

"I'll catch up the dishes."

"Alright."

Was his only reply, however a few moments later he appears next to me and leans in close. Natsu's rinsing the soap off dishes I'd just finished scrubbing, his sleeveless arm brushes against mine. His skins so hot even from such a light touch. My pulse elevates and my cheeks heat up. I'm praying Natsu doesn't notice. 'Oh god that'd be so embarrassing!'

I lean to the side, slightly pressing myself against him to place a dish in his sink of running water. I peek up at him out of the corner of my eye. He seems focused and unfazed by my actions. But for some reason, I'm craving more of his warmth. So I press myself against him a little more.

This time I hear a low, almost growl of a groan in my ear, followed by the heat of Natsu's breath on the side of my neck.

"Beep beep beep."

At that moment the timer for the steaks went off. "Heh, foods ready!" Natsu cheered and only then as I felt my skin grow cold where his warmth had just been, did I look. Natsu had a wide smile across his face, but for a split second I caught the glimpse of the fire in his eyes..