Hurt so good •Nalu•

21

I ended up leaving the bar earlier than the others. Our conversation still fresh on my mind. By the time I return to Fairy Hills, about half of all the lights are off. Most of everyone's probably in bed.

As I'm about to enter the front entrance, 'Is someone there?'

In the moon light, I spot a lone figure standing in the side garden. I squint, trying to get a glimpse of the darkened figure. But with no luck I make my way inside.

As expected, there's no one in the lobby. It's an almost eerie silence, making my way to my apartment.

Once I've shut my door behind me I huff a big sigh, 'It's a good thing he wasn't there.. I mean what would I've even said to him!' Natsu was on my mind still. But, at this point there was something that I had to do. Something that won't hide from me on its own..

Looking towards my desk, I hang my keys up and remove my shoes. I decide to open the letter that holds my father's last thoughts.

It reads:

My Dearest Daughter,

Words can not describe how proud I am of you. You were always worth it! You resemble Layla so much.. you really were a blessed child, I think of you and your mother every day.. you're mine and Layla's pride. All I want is that you live strong on the path you choose. I know you will succeed, your life is yours to do with as you please. My sweet girl, please find a man that's worth your strong willed heart.
I've always loved you,
Dad.

It was at this moment I realized I hadn't shed a single tear for him. There I crumbled to my knees, gripping the letter tightly to my chest, and bawled, uncontrollably.

After a while with, swore eyes, and a horse throat, I'd finally calmed down. I picked myself up off the floor and went to take a shower.

30 minuets of soaking..

I stepped out of the bathroom and changed clothes, a low cut tank top with spandex short shorts. I plopped down onto my bed and glanced at the clock.. 3:00am.

"*knock, Knock"

Suddenly there was a knock at my door. 'Hm, that's odd..'

I peeked through the peep whole, there stood Natsu, looking nervous. 'Ehh, I still need to talk to him.. but I'm emotionally drained..'

Thinking this while still looking at him, I unconsciously unlock and crack open my door.

"It's late, can I help you?"

"Yeah, Sorry. I uh, couldn't sleep.. can we talk. Please."

"Come in."

Natsu enters and I close the door behind him. He hesitates for a moment, as if thinking.

"Care to take a seat?"

He nods in response, Natsu and I sit down side by side on the couch.

"Tea-?"

Natsu shakes his head no, as he begins to speak.

"So, earlier.. that girl, you seen me hugging-" Natsu starts to explain the blonde girl I now know to be Lisanna, so I cut him off.

"Yeah, I know she's Mira's younger sister."

He breathes a sigh of relief, "Heh, good, because for a moment.. I thought you were mad."

"Nope, I'm good."

Natsu leans forward a bit, peering into my eyes. "Are you sure? I-I heard about what happened. Honestly, I've been worried, pIus.. Came by earlier, but um.."

Our gazes lock for the first time in a long while.

"Oh.. I uh, read a letter my father left me.."

"Well, next time.. Don't cry alone."

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."

I'm still looking him straight in the eyes. But at this point, I'm done beating around the bush. So, I bring up the subject we've both been avoiding.

"Natsu, the other night-"

Natsu moves all of sudden catching me off guard. He swiftly seals my lips shut, with his warm and soft ones.

"Mm!?"

He's holding the back of my neck with one hand, as his other hand holds my arm, pulling me into him. I don't fight, I return his fiery passion with my own. I wrap my arms around the back of his neck.

Natsu soon loosens his grip and slowly pulls away, "I couldn't do it anymore.. I couldn't deceive myself any longer.."

He's still close enough to me, that I can feel his whispered words on my lips. Its like those words are meant for himself rather than me.

While I'm hesitating how to respond, Natsu gently embraces me. He strokes my hair, "To be honest Luce, I love you."

'Wha~t!'

"Then why-?"

Natsu hangs his head.

"My father, well actually he was our adoptive father. Once he married our mother. But remember I told you he was a firemen too? Well, he died saving us. Our house caught fire while we slept, Dad dragged us all to safety. He went back in for Happy.. and well, Happy made it out the front door. Dad wasn't as lucky."

"So that's who the flowers where for?"

Natsu raises his head, "Huh? Oh yeah, I guess you've seen me. That was the anniversary of his death."

I fiddle with the hem of my shirt, "I'm so sorry Natsu, I had no idea."

"Growing up and being influenced by his death, that's why when I chose this career I made a promise with myself. That I wouldn't put anyone through the same pain."

The reason he stopped my confession that night, finally starts to sink in. Natsu stares into my eyes. I want nothing more then to say that I love him too, but something in his gaze holds me back. He looks so torn as he starts saying something, right as I stop him.

"I understand, you don't have to apologize. Either way, thank you for telling me."

I'm hardly holding back my own swelling emotions. Pretending not to hurt inside, but I'm sure Natsu knows that I am. Carrying on the bluffing, trying to convince myself as much as him.

"So, Let's be friends?"

'At least I know he feels something for me..'

"Luce.."

"Huh?"

Natsu's voice was but a whisper. When I raised my head up to look at him I once again feel his soft, warm lips on mine. He pulls away for a moment but soon comes back with deeper and more passionate kiss.