~After that moment she knew that, no matter what happened, he'd always be there for her.~

Leap of Faith

Lucy had considered herself to have taken many leaps of faith in her lifetime. However, the most literal leap, and the only one she remembered with a sharp, crystal clear image was when she'd taken a deep breath and fallen backwards off that ledge.

Looking back on when she'd tipped backwards she realized it wasn't the most nerve-wracking thing she'd do by a long shot. Since then she'd been involved in many Fairy Tail conflicts, each one seemingly getting more and more dangerous. Even so, that one leap of faith was what she remembered the most, and one she… treasured.

She'd fallen, her heart praying that she was right. He'd be there. He'd be there to catch her; she just knew it. She hadn't seen him, heard him, anything, but she knew he'd be there. She hadn't known him for long but… she could trust him.

He'd be that one person if he caught her. That one person she could trust no matter what. That one person she could lean on and help carry. That one person that she would be satisfied being partners, and maybe a little more, with for the rest of her life.

She'd shut her eyes, praying to whatever gods were out there as she felt the wind whipping past her face, her stomach lurching into her throat as she fell. Where would she land?

And with a yell he was there. Like a sack of potatoes he caught her, using himself as a shield and landing pad as they both skidded to a halt, gravel flying in their wake.

She'd remember that moment for the rest of her life in perfect resolution. Coming to a halt, the dust clearing, and looking down to see him. He'd been there. He'd probably run for miles. He was probably nearly dead-tired and yet he was there, panting and looking just about as relieved as she felt.

She treasured that leap of faith because it was the one true moment when she realized that Natsu was something much more than just a close guild mate to her. He would be there for her, even if she couldn't see or hear him. No matter what, he'd always be there.

The Number Sequence and Lots of Prompts Challenge - #2 - land & The Leap Year Calendar Challenge - July 2nd - write your first entry for a challenge

No matter where Fairy Tail goes and what NaLu moments there are, the ones from the beginning of the series like this one will always be my favorite. XD

~Foxtail-chan