He just laid there quietly, keeping his eyes closed, his breaths matching to the beeping of the machines that surrounded the bed, the only indications of his heartbeat, his existence.

Blonde girl lied asleep next to his injured body, her breathing soft and light, her cheeks stained with tears she cried for him.

Curiosity slowly pried open his swollen eyes to meet a dismal view of a white colored hospital room, the door a navy blue. His legs were numb. He slid his eyes sideways, looking at the Celestial mage beside him.

His arm slowly made its way to caress her hair. With single touch she shot awake. Her eyes locking with his.

There was a desperation and guilt in her eyes while there was only confusion in Natsu's.

"Why are you crying..?" He asked as he placed his palm on her tearstained cheek, wiping the tears with his thumb. She slowly put her hand on top of his as she held back a sob.

"You're awake.. thank god.." she cried out while she managed to smile through the tears.

"You're an idiot!" Suddenly the blonde yelled out.

"What?!" He yelled back.

"How could you go on such a dangerous job alone?! Why didn't you bring me along?!"

"It was too dangerous.." he whispered to himself.

"Well if I hadn't showed up you would be dead right now! You scared me to death! I was so worried for the past week!" The tears started running down her face faster as Natsu didn't respond.

"Why, Natsu? Why do you always do this?"

"Do what?" They locked eyes once more.

"Don't trust me.."

"Huh?"

"You don't trust me! I'm capable of protecting you and myself. I'm not the scared little girl you met in Hargeon anymore! I... I don't need to be protected by you anymore!" Lucy's gaze met the ground as her hand covered her mouth.

"Luce.. I do trust you, and I don't think you're weak. I never did.."

"Then why..? Why not bring me along?"

"Because.. even though I know you're strong I still don't want to risk you getting hurt." He said, his voice tight.

"Natsu.. I want to protect you too.." she stood on her feet and gently embraced the boy. She tightened her grip around his head making it press harder against her soft chest.

Before he could put his hand on her caring arms, she let go.

"I'll check up on you later.. Gray said he wanted to talk to you when you wake up." Her voice sounded sad, and it was so obvious to Natsu.

He didn't even have time to decline her going anywhere but she was already out of the sight. And few moments after, black haired wizard walked in.

"Hey.." he spoke, not glancing at the pinkette.

"Hey."

"I assume Lucy already told you how much of an idiot you are." He sat down on the same spot the blonde sat moments before.

"She did."

"Then you should probably know what you missed.. or what you caused."

"Eh?"

"You hurt her, Natsu. You hurt her bad. She didn't eat, sleep or even talk to anyone for the last week. She only cried and blamed herself for being weak, for not being good enough. You have no idea how much this hurt her, I hope you realize this.." his words caused Natsu to glare at his hands. His mind a complete mess.

"I.. I didn't mean to.." he whispered as he blinked away the tears that blurred his sight.

"I know you didn't, you never do. I thought you should know this. And next time you see her, be sure to apologize." The man said as he got up and walked to the door.

"You're lucky to have her, man.. she saved your life." and with that, he walked out.

-

"How are you feeling?" Lucy walked inside after an hour. As soon as she stepped inside, she found the boy lying on his side.

Blonde walked closer to see if he was asleep. He then grabbed her wrist and pulled her in the bed beside him. It took the blonde by surprise so she let out a yelp.

"Luce.."

"I'm sorry.." he hugged her closer.

"It's okay, don't worry.."

"No! It's not okay! I'm not worthy of you! I thought I was doing the good thing when I went on the job alone! I thought I was protecting you, but I was only causing you pain.. I'm truly sorry, Luce." His words held so much emotion, going from sadness to regret.

Lucy slowly wiggled up to face him, when she did she saw the tears running down his face.

"Oh Natsu, don't shred tears for me.."

She wiped the tears away before placing a soft kiss on his lips.

"I love you, the only thing that matters is that you're alive.."

———————————————————————