Her Protector ~NaLu~

~Chapter thirty seven~

Life isn't promised to us. We are blessed everyday by simply being able to rise in the morning.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~Lucy's POV

I am physically drained. How do people train so much and not break a sweat? But it was totally worth it. I got to see Natsu pouting, smiling, laughing and tired. That tiredness on him was good, he finally learnt what he made me go through.

"We're done," I said, grinning at his relieved face. I made him do everything what I did, only three times more.

He took his towel and wiped off his sweat. "You were totally being unfair, Luce," he pouted. "I didn't put you in so much exercising."

I patted his shoulder. "I'm unfair, deal with it." Even though we both had a hard time completing the exercise, we had fun. And I'm sure that my stamina developed.

We walked alongside the road, talking nonsense and teasing each other.

"When you sweat, Lucy, it looks like you are melting because of the sun. Your hair is soaked and stuck on your body, you look like a monster," Natsu teased, throwing back a laugh.

"Oh yeah? I know at least how to use my brain," I countered. I need to better my comebacks... He gave me a dirty look when I implied he's dumb. He put out his fist in front of my face. Ever so slowly he playfully stuck up his middle finger.

I brushed his hand away, my breath hitching when I touched his arm. I played it off casually, though.

"I know how to make sand castles," Natsu said, crossing his arms.

"Oh yeah, cause that's so difficult." I rolled my eyes. I mean, how hard could it be?

"I want to see you try to make a sand castle with great details like a real one," he challenged. I gave him a lazy smile. "Nope, not gonna waste my time."

"Chick—" before Natsu could finish his sentence, he crashed into someone. He rubbed his head and looked at the guy. Now I noticed once again that I didn't even see the guy. I was too busy focusing about Natsu to even glance at the guy.

My eyes travalled to the stranger, narrowing when he looked suspicious. His attire was completely black, a big cap covering most of his eyes. He had a cigarette in his hand. Even though I almost couldn't see him, I know he was glaring at us.

"Sorry," Natsu said sheepishly.

He brushed past us, knocking his shoulder against mine. I stumbled a little bit back, watching how he just rudely walked away. What's his problem?

"Hey! Apologize," Natsu called out. He had his hands clenched as he looked at me in his eye corners.

The stranger looked over his shoulders. "Why should I? Watch where you're going, moron," the man snarled, venom in his voice. He doesn't even know us. How dare he just insult us like he was better.

"Watch where you're going, piece of shit," Natsu said angrily. He gestured with wide circles to me. "You pushed her away. I had at least the decency to apologize." It was okay, not like it hasn't happened before. Though him showing he cares is heartwarming. Everybody needs someone who cares about them.

"Sorry," he said, mocking in his voice. He didn't even mean it. I'm sure Natsu did. For a guy who was probably older than us, he was way more immature. Natsu's nostils flared, stepping forward.