L U C Y
Have you ever got that feeling when time slows down? And your just frozen almost as if your body isn't your own. You have no control?

Yeah that's me at this exact moment. The brutes face was inching closer to mine very slowly, everyone around us quieted down- either that or else I just can't hear them.

Which is pretty understandable considering I'm about to faint.

Oh god I'm shaking I feel it. Then all of a sudden time sped up again and Natsu is right in front of me.

What the hell is this heat I'm feeling?

I didn't even bother with that thought. He was always a warm person, I took my chance and backed away from both gajeel and Natsu.

"What the hell man?!" He snarled at Natsu but that didn't faze him one bit.

"You need to watch what your doing, blacksteel. She isn't a toy for you to just fool around with!" I was staring at Natsu with wide eyes.

He's standing up for me...

He's protecting me... I felt my heart start to beat a little bit faster. I no longer had my doubts, Natsu really does care for me and if I wasn't shaking so bad right now I would go up and hug him.

Actually I wouldn't because that's a very bold move. I may have gained a little confidence...but not all that much.

"Fool around? You really think I would wanna fool around with someone as scrawny as that bimbo, would ya? Maybe bully. But fool around? Never." Gajeel pushed Natsu but he didn't move.

I feel sick.

"I'm going to make an announcement to everyone here." He started as he turned to face the whole tavern, a fire burning in those onyx eyes.

"Lucy is staying. Lucy is special to me. I trust her and she has given me no reason not to trust her! If any one of you guys have a problem with her or you hurt her; let's just say, you will be begging for mercy!" I blushed at his words but then that sick feeling imbedded itself into my stomach.

'You will be begging for mercy!' What exactly did that mean Natsu?

The tavern all looked like they seen a ghost. Suddenly I couldn't hold it in anymore, I ran out of the tavern and to a few bushes I seen when I arrived, throwing up all my 'meals'.

~*~
Erza and lisanna both rushes out to me not even ten minutes later.

Oh no... my job!

I was supposed to keep a smile on my face!

I suddenly felt sick again and let it all out, well what was left anyway. I ignored the burning in my eyes - tears wanting to be shed but I can't let them go right now.

Erza patted my back while lisanna grabbed my hair and pulled it back so it would be easier for me to let the rest go.

"Are you alright?" I nodded with a thumbs up as I wiped my mouth off.

"Here have a water! " I smiled to lisanna in appreciation.

"Are you alright now?" Erza asked and when I didn't say anything for a moment she understood what I needed.

"Lisanna, let's go see if Mira needs any help with the boys." She nodded and they both took their leave. Leaving me alone to my thoughts, until Natsu came running out.

He didn't even stop running until he came to me and wrapped his arms around me. What ever wall I had over my emotions just came tumbling down, tears start to pour out of my eyes.

"Shh, they won't bother you anymore. Not while I'm around." I let out a short sob as I pressed myself Into him seeking his comfort.

"I-I was so scared..." my shaking never stopped but it slowed. We stood there for a few more minutes, before I pulled myself together.

I pulled away and put on a fake smile. "Thank you, Natsu. For caring." He connected his forehead to mine- his arms still hung around my waist.

"Please don't fake your smile with me, lucy." He begged and I nodded.

"You hide your pain so well, it's almost scary how your smile looks so real. Who knows what's going on in your head." I sent him a sad smile.

"It was necessary when you were not allowed to let people find out." All of a sudden I felt that same flare of anger light up inside of me but it was gone as soon as it had come.

The most weird part of it was at that exact same moment I could practically feel the anger in Natsu at that exact moment.

My heart was hammering when I realized he still had his forehead connected to mine.

He smirked "that blush..." I laughed and hid my face in his chest, hoping our moment would last.

He so warm...

~*~

"Well your not going back in that place tonight. So let's go home." He pulled away from me and grabbed my hand then started pulling me towards the direction of his house.

I chuckled at him and followed after him. My heart hadn't stopped being crazy, oh god I'm love sick.

That's another scary thing. Loving again, I know I have said it before and I will most definitely say it again.

Me and Natsu's bond is unlike somthing I have never experienced before. Unnatural. My trust in him is unbelievable to be honest, I feel like we won't ever do me wrong.

Willingly.

That ignited that same spark of hope inside my chest, making it burn a little brighter. As I'm following after him while he's pulling me, I put a little bit more pride into my footsteps.

A brave smile crosses my face, I knew it wasn't an immediate change, but definitely Something in me shifted.

Something that made me glow a little brighter, something that I was seeking my whole life had finally been brought back to me.

Something that is much needed.

My happiness...

{A/N: SO sorry for the long wait! I kinda took a little break because it's been pretty stressful for me these past few days but don't worry! We're doing better! :)

Hope you enjoyed the chapter! ❤️