400 years

73

'Mmm, time to get up?'

The sun was already high in the sky when I woke up the next morning. 'I really slept in! Then again, that party went on really late into the night.'

Of course, after the party, Natsu and I returned to the tenshu, where we made love until nearly dawn. We couldn't keep our hands off each other. Kissing, embracing, bodies entwined. Our "honeymoon" lasted until we both fell asleep.

'Speaking of sleep, Natsu is sleeping in. That's unusual for him.' Lying next to me in the futon, he was breathing softly, but restfully.

There was something miraculous about waking up to the love of my life asleep beside me. After all we'd been through, this little moment was precious beyond belief.

'I'm so happy! It feels unreal!'

I felt the little warmth gather in my eyes. I brushed it away and quietly slipped out of the futon. I changed out of my night clothes and stood by the railing, gazing out over the castle town of Dragnof. 'I think this is the first time I've seen this sight in the day time. How beautiful.'

"You got of bed without me."

To the sound of Natsu's groggy yawn, I greeted him. "Good morning, sleepy head."

Warm arms wrapped around me from behind. 'He rose quietly.'

"Did I wake you?"

"Yes, without you there I was cold."

"Ha, you cold? Yeah right-."

Natsu kissed the back of my neck, causing my laugh and teasing words to fade.

"What were you doing? Looking out at the town?"

"Yes, I was taking in my new life." I turned my head. Natsu was looking at me solemnly.

"Do you miss your original time?"

"If I said 'yes' would you let me go? Would you send me back?"

"....No. I couldn't." Natsu's toothy grin flashed. "I would simply do whatever it took to change your mind. I need you, Lucy."

"That's exactly the answer I wanted to hear."

"I let you go once. I thought it was right. That I didn't deserve your warmth in the first place." Natsu's grin faded into a seriously intent gaze. "But you come back to me."

Natsu slipped his fingers into my hair, catching loose locks and brushing them aside. "You defied heaven and crossed time to be with me, and so I swore to never be indecisive again. Your the only one for me."

"Natsu-!"

Peering into those gorgeous, depthless eyes, my heart stirred. 'Waking up with this man every morning is going to make my heart beat as wildly as the first time.'

"Now, back to you leaving me alone in bed."

"I'm sorry you got 'cold', how can I make it up to you?" A note of coquettish desire trickled into my voice from the back of my throat. As I threaded my arms in his. Natsu brushed his fingers across my collarbone. I followed every movement of his hand with my own.

Natsu's handsome smirk returned, "You can start by joining me as we open this morning the right way."

"Is this a good place to start?"

I offered my neck to him, following his hand with my own as he drew my kimono down. I felt his hot breathe on my skin, warmer than the daylight that illuminated us both.

As he touched his lips to the nape of my neck, caressing me with half- kisses, we became like fire. A low moan slipped through my opened lips.

"We made love so many times last night. But it's not enough. I can't get my fill of you."

I listened in rapture to every word. A treat to my ears and mind.

"No matter how many times I have you, Luce. It'll never be enough. I could spend my entire life making love to you and it would never capture how much I need you."

"Personally.. I'm willing to try that-!" My voice, hot and heavy with desire, matched the tone of his.

"Then let me love you. Spend your life letting me love you and only you."

"Oh, I will. I'm all yours, Lord Natsu-."

It was the same demanding attitude he'd had when I first met him. But combined with the gentle way he held me and the soft, persistent touch of his kisses, I was entranced.

'Every word, every action makes me fall deeper in love.'