Hurt so good •Nalu•

16

I'm running alongside Natsu as the dazzling morning sun shines upon us. Or to be more accurate, I'm frantically trying to keep up with him..

I'm panting trying to keep oxygen going to my brain, occasionally Natsu looks back to make sure I'm still there.

"You alright, Lucy? Don't push yourself to hard, do you want to slow down?"

"*pant* I'm okay! Don't worry about me, go on ahead!"

"Heh, no way, Luce! I ain't going to ditch you like that."

I think back to last night and how I ended up in this situation..

Natsu and I were talking in the cafe after our little dance lesson. He said dancing like that was not his style. Mainly due him not knowing how, but I tried to encourage him and then exercising was mentioned..

"Other than the gym do you do any other exercises?"

"Yeah, I run in the mornings."

And that's when I opened my big mouth.. "Oh, really? I've been thinking about taking up jogging to help stay in shape."

"Well, I always enjoy a good morning run, one of the best ways to start the day! Maybe you'll join me some time?"

"Haha, sure as long as you don't mind a beginner like me. You sure I won't get in the way of your training?"

"Nah, no way! How about tomorrow?"

And so, here I am running with Natsu.. But unlike yesterday, our roles are reversed and Natsu's the one leading. 'I can't keep going! My heart's gonna bust.'

"S-sorry, Natsu, but could we take a break?"

"Haha, sure. I wouldn't want you to get a sprain."

Natsu supports my ragged body and takes me to a bench by the boardwalk where I sit down and catch my breath. We're talking casually, when a young girl passing by calls out to Natsu.

"Natsu, good morning!"

"Hey, Asuka! How are ya?"

"I'm goo~d! When are you going to come baby sit me again?"

'Huh? Baby sit?? How cute!' I think, while watching the two of them enter act.

"Natsu~ is she your girlfriend?"

"Ah, Wha-"

I immediately look up at Natsu with slight shock. He quickly glances to me, then back to the little girl. "Ha, that's a story for another time Asuka!" He says quickly as a couple calls for the little girl, waving. She's rapidly waving her little hand goodbye, as she  joins her parents.

"Baby sitting, huh?" I say with a little giggle.

"Heh, Yeah. Her parents work with Jellal. Their snipers for the bomb squad. Asuka's a great kid."

'Note to self, good with kids! Haha!' "So Mr. Jack of all trades, what got you started in your career?"

"Heh, My father Igneel. He was a firefighter too. I always wanted to be just like him. So here I am, following his foot steps."

What he said hit home for me, though it was my mother's. "I can relate, my mother was a writer, who dreamed of the Stars. So I became an astronomer, who writes articles."

"I've read some of your mother's and your work. Your both amazing writers."

"Thank you! I truly respect what you do everyday." Our eyes meet and I smile, fighting back a little blush.

Natsu smiles at me friendly. "Ready to run home? Or rather walk?"

I take his stretched hand and pull up my exhausted, heavy body up. "Let's do this."

We headed back to Fairy Hills, walking side by side at a brisk pace.