The Distance We Create(Nalu)

12- By My Side

~Lucy~

Natsu's back disappears as the guild doors shut behind him.

I stare at the doors of the guild dumbfounded.

What...just happened?

My mouth opens slightly at the spot he was standing just a moment ago as my mind starts to click together the pieces of that abrupt conversation.

My eyebrows furrow into a glare.

Natsu just blew me off!

I can't believe him!

I haven't seen him in two days and he can't even spare a few minutes of his time to talk to me?

My glare loosens and my eyes drop to the floor.

Did he not want to talk to me?

I've been waiting for him for hours the past couple of days and it seems like he didn't even care to even acknowledge I existed...he basically ran away from me.

I bite my lip as hundreds of thoughts enter my head, clouding my mind so all my thoughts are covered in shadow.

"Lucy?"

My thoughts get dragged out of the darkness and my head lifts up to the person beside me.

"Are you alright?"

Wendy stands next to me with a concerned look on her face.

I smile.

"Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking and kind of got lost in thought."

She nods a little apprehensively.

"Okay, Lucy. I heard you went on a job? I was just making sure nothing happened, you look a little worn out."

I rub the back of my head sheepishly.

"Yeah it took a lot more out of me than I thought. I should probably head back and get some rest so I'm all good for tomorrow."

Wendy grabs my hand and pulls me over to a table much to my surprise. She coaxes me to a seat and I raise an eyebrow at her.

"You can't go home yet. Let me heal that nasty scratch on your cheek and your knees. I don't want it to leave a scar."

I smile and nod.

"Thanks, Wendy. I really appreciate it."

She nods and rests her hand a few inches from my cheek, a hazy blue glow emitting from it. Warmth spreads throughout my cheek, completing overtaking the throb from earlier.

I close my eyes and let myself drift into the relaxing feeling. Not only is my body tired and exhausted, so is my mind.

"Hey, Lucy?"

"Hmm?"

I don't open my eyes while Wendy finishes with the cut on my face.

"If you ever need help...with anything...please just ask."

I smile at her.

"I know, Wendy. Thank you."

She frowns and averts her eyes.

"You say that, Lucy, but I feel like you don't. You were about to leave today with these scrapes all over you."

"They're just little scrapes-"

"I know...but I was right there. It doesn't take much to just help you even a little bit, Lucy. It's just...I hate seeing you do everything on your own."

Her voice is quiet but her tone is stern. I look down at the table.

"I'm just trying to get back on my feet on my own..."

Wendy rests a hand on my shoulder.

"Lucy we're here for you when you need it."

"Thanks, Wendy."

She nods and kneels down so she can heal my knees.

"You may not have really let any of us help you recently but at least you let Natsu help. He was certainly always there for you."

I nod.

"I can't think of a single moment there in the past few months."

My eyes drift away from Wendy as she works on my knees in silence.

He was always there for the last few months...

Except for the last few days...

He was there non stop, even when I didn't want him there. The last few weeks especially I was pushing him to go home and assuring him that I was fine on my own.

That must be it.

He's devoted so much time to me recently that he just needs some space right now.

I can't believe I didn't think of that sooner.

"Alright, all done!"

My head tilts in Wendy's direction as she stands up and brushes off her knees with her hands.

"Thanks, Wendy!"

She smiles sweetly.

"Your welcome, Lucy. Now you should go home and rest."

I nod and say goodnight to Wendy, walking towards the doors as she responds.

As soon as I step outside a cool breeze flows past me and sends a shiver down my spine.

I cross my arms in front of me and look up at the darkening sky.

It wasn't that bad earlier because of the sun so all I had worn was a light jacket. Now that the sun is setting it's much colder.

I start walking along the path, the sound of my footsteps traveling all around me to fill the silence of night.

It's been really warm outside these past few days. The snow that had been piled all over the town for months has finally disappeared save for a few small piles here and there.

I'm glad the snow is gone. I like it better when it's warm. Now that the snow is gone the ground is no longer being suffocated beneath it and spring can hopefully come knocking soon.

Things are finally starting to look up...I can feel it.

The snow is melting. I'm finally able to start going on jobs again...regardless of how easy they may be...

Natsu can finally relax and have some time to himself...

I shake the thought out of my head and continue walking towards my apartment.

Things are looking up...they have to be.