Falling for the Hot-Head [NaLu]

Chapter 13 ♡: Love?

"You almost did what?!"

Levy shouted as Lucy put a finger to her lips, signaling for her to be quiet. It was Sunday, two days after the double date, and Lucy and Levy were out for coffee at a local café.

"Levy! Shhh!"

"Oh right...so...you almost did it, with Natsu?" Levy took a sip of her coffee. "What happened...? Tell me everything!"

"Okay, okay. So we got back from the date with Gray and Juvia, and I don't know...one thing just led to another..." Lucy blushed as she stared into her coffee cup. "But before things went too far, Natsu stopped us because he said he didn't want to rush things with me."

"Awe well, that's sweet. He really has grown up a lot." Levy said, resting her elbow on the table as she leaned into her palm.

"Yeah, I appreciate it. I can't help but be a little...insecure about my lack of experience compared to his...so I was scared that maybe I did something wrong, and that's why he didn't want to have sex with me. I know I'm just overthinking though..." Lucy explained as she took a sip.

"Seriously, Lu. Natsu isn't the type of guy to worry about that kind of thing, just be yourself. I can tell he cares for you, a lot." Levy gave the blonde a reassuring smile.

"Thanks Lev." Lucy smiled back. "Also, you just reminded me...about something. I think I messed up, Lev." She buried her face in her hands. "Natsu also told me that...he loved me..."

"Oh my god! Lu! What did you say?" Levy exclaimed with a grin.

"I-I didn't say anything back..." The blonde looked down. "I just kind of froze up. I didn't know what to say back...because...well, I'm not 100% sure I feel the same yet. I was always taught to never throw that word around unless you're sure you feel the same. But...how am I supposed to know what love feels like if I've never experienced it before? I know I care about him...so much it hurts but I just don't know about...love..."

"Lu, I really think you're over-analyzing the situation. I think I know how you feel better than you do, honestly..." Levy let out a small giggle.

"W-what do you mean by that?" Lucy stumbled to get her words out.

"Lucy, come on. You kind of answered your own question. You care about him so deeply, it hurts?" Levy took a sip. "I mean, I'm no love expert but if you ask me...I think you do love him. You're just too scared to say it out loud, and especially to him. Since deep down, you're scared he'll hurt you or let you down. It's a common defense mechanism."

"Wow Lev, you're good..." Lucy whispered before Levy could continue.

"I think, when it comes to love, sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. He's trusting you with his heart and from what I can tell, has been very open with you. You need to do the same, he's shown you multiple times that you can trust and count on him. As your best friend, I think you need to take the risk." Levy finished as she took another sip of coffee.

Lucy sat for a moment in silence to take everything Levy said in. "Hmm. Okay, I think I get it. He does deserve more honesty and openness from me, now that I think about it. I really do need to stop thinking so hard about everything..." She took one last sip of her coffee. "Thanks Lev, that helped me out a lot."

The two finished up their chat and headed their separate ways, since Lucy had to get back to her apartment quickly to finish up an essay for her writing class. The walk was only about five minutes back, and Lucy couldn't help but think about the advice Levy had given her.

What should I do? I mean, I think Levy's right, maybe I'm just scared. I've never let anyone in so close before...not even my own father, of course I'm scared...