Juvia took a deep, calm breath. Her eyes narrowed in a way that let her opponent know she took him seriously, and her stance showed him that she also respected her own strength.

It made him grin; her spirit. He discovered that she was the kind of person that fought with everything she had, but was still very careful as to not overexert herself.

She was smart, quick-witted, and knew what she was up against, making this sparring match all the more desirable. His grin never faltered, even in the constant drizzling rain, standing under darkened skies, his gut stirred in excitement.

"I'm all fired up!"

That was her cue to dodge his incoming scaled fist. Using her momentum, not wasting any time, she sent a roundhouse kick, which he avoided by falling back on all fours, his wings stretching out in a way so they didn't touch the ground. Juvia returned back to her original stance as he jolted back up.

Rain ran down both of their faces, but neither had reached the point yet to begin sweating.

He laughed in a joyful way. "Nice counter! Now try to come at me this time."

She nodded, moving slightly to be lower to the ground. Then, she sprinted. She went for an uppercut, and Natsu bent his back to dodge, his smirk growing at her speed. She left him no openings as she went for jabs, punches, and kicks, careful to cover her weaker areas of defense, keeping him on his toes.

She was fast, but he wasn't anything to sneeze at himself. Their fighting styles were as different as they were, but together they blended into the rain around them.

She was collected, focused, and straightforward. He was free-spirited, instinctive, and determined.

Because of this, she knew she was at a disadvantage. She was always easily lost in her moves, overthinking calculations of trying to figure Natsu out, when she knew it was no use. He didn't think his moves through, and has no pattern, only doing what his instincts tell his body to do. She could never figure him out in battle, and that always ended up being her downfall.

Today was no different.

She went to dodge what she thought would be a kick but then didn't see the fist that was heading towards her face. She gasped as the blow came to a halt inches from her nose, feeling the force of its power blow her hair out of her damp face. She blinked as he took back his scaled hand and placed it back to his side, revealing his large happy grin to her. "Look at you! We've only been sparing a week and already you're faster than me."

She couldn't help but give him a small smile of her own when he was being so kind to her. "Natsu says that, but Juvia has yet to land a hit yet." She had started speaking in the third person not long after she met the Dragon, but it was mostly because he kept forgetting her name and saying it wrong. Slowly but surely he was getting better, although she had to admit she liked to speak that way as well. It almost felt natural, even though she spent many years without using her voice.

He only laughed. "Nah, you'll get to that at some point. Hitting me is not somethin' easy to do!" Juvia wanted to be irritated or offended by the comment but only managed to roll her eyes. She knew that even when he sounded like he was underestimating her, that really he wasn't and that he was just being honest. There was a reason after all as to why she couldn't hit him, and it was not because she was weak. It was merely because he was so strong.

She let out a small laugh. "Even Natsu is a little arrogant."

He pouted. "Hey, don't be mean." Then that playful smirk returned. "You're just jealous that I can fly!" He opened and closed his wings as a good measure.

She raised an amused brow, wondering how he had gotten to such an accusation. "Is that so?"

"Yup!" He laughed, popping the 'p'.

They had walked over to a fallen tree to sit on while they talked, a normal part of their routine after a morning sparring match. They both preferred to sit out in the soft drizzle than inside the musky cave most days.

Juvia glanced over at Natsu as she sat down, her voice outlined with playfulness. The Dragon seemed to have an effect on her. "If Juvia is jealous that Natsu can fly, then Natsu must be jealous that Juvia can regenerate."

He grinned. "You bet I am! I mean, I heal pretty fast myself, but you're something else. Like seriously, when you fell the other day and sliced your hand on that rock. It freaked me out when it healed almost as fast as it had cut."

The Vampire chuckled at the memory. "Juvia thought Natsu was going to faint he was so pale!"

The little red on his cheeks was the only thing showing his embarrassment as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well yeah, you had me worried!"

Her brow rose again, though she still smiled. "It was just a small cut, even if it hadn't healed quickly, Juvia wouldn't have been in any danger."

He crossed his arms and snorted, a small amount of smoke coming out of his nose from the action. "Well if it was up ta me you wouldn't ever get hurt again."

Juvia wanted to cry those words made her heart so warm. She gave him a grateful smile, knowing he would never understand just how much they meant to her. "Thank you, Natsu."

Natsu actually rolled his eyes at her, making her blink. She must be rubbing off on him too. "You need to stop thanking me for stuff. You don't owe me or anything like that."

She glanced down. "But-"

He grinned, leaning in and placing a hand on her chin, successfully keeping her from speaking. "No 'buts'!"

She blushed at their proximity, his face merely inches from hers, and only managed a nod. He leaned back, victory written all over his face. "Good!"

She gave a soft smile, fighting the urge to shake her head back and forth at his child-like behavior.

Suddenly Natsu's stomach decided to voice it's opinion, making Juvia giggle. "Suppose it's time for some lunch?"

"Yeah! I'm feeling like some fish, how 'bout you?" He stood, reaching out his hand to help her up. She smiled, taking it before nodding.

He let go of her hand and she was sad to lose its warmth. So she stayed close to his side as they walked into the damp forest, the trees keeping them partially covered from the drizzling rain.

They reached a small creek not long after entering the woods and both took up their own home-crafted fishing rods. Natsu had taught Juvia how to make her own a few days before, telling her how his father Igneel had taught him. Juvia was especially good at fishing and usually caught way more fish than Natsu.

The Dragon threw his rod down after Juvia got her sixth fish and he had yet to catch any. "Ugh! How are you so good at this!?" He turned to her with a skeptical look, as if trying to read her mind. "You're like the fish whisperer..."

She only giggled. "Juvia can't talk to fish, Natsu."

He didn't look convinced but accepted it anyway and turned around. "I'm gonna start the fire." She heard him grumble as he walked. "That's something only I can do..."

She smiled as she watched him start the fire by simply breathing some flames. He truly was a Dragon. Everything he did that showed that fact never ceased to amaze her. She thought he was amazing.

Juvia stood from the edge of the bank, setting down her rod and stepping onto the grass before making her way over to sit by the fire so her feet would warm up. Natsu adjusted his sitting position so that he was sitting next to her while the fish she caught cooked against the fire. She glanced at him, but he was only looking at the fire. He often got lost in thought when he looked into flames. She wondered why.

"Natsu?"

The young Dragon blinked out of his thoughts, looking to his Vampire companion with a raised brow. "What's up?"

She looked into his warm coal eyes, hoping she didn't cross any lines by asking some questions. "Are you worried about something..?" His eyes softened at her concern, so she elaborated. "Can Juvia help you in any way?" After all, he had saved her from the darkness that most definitely could have taken her if he hadn't stepped into her life. The least she could do was try to ease his worries.

He broke eye contact with her, unable to look directly into her honest gaze. He leaned forward a bit, running a hand on the back of his neck. Then he looked at her again, his gaze was determined, and maybe a bit concerned. It caught her by surprise. "Juvia...If I...If I left from here, would you come with me?"

She took a moment to keep herself from crying tears of happiness at his words. Her smile was bright and warm as she put her hand on his own. "I would go anywhere as long as you are with me, Natsu."

He breathed a sigh of relief, lying back against the log in defeat. "Thank goodness! I don't know what I would have done if you had said no!" Before she could even think about replying, he jumped back into a sitting position, a wide grin of joy on his face. "I probably would have just taken you anyway." He laughed. "After all, if I want to protect you, you need to stay close!"

Her hands tightened in her lap, and they shook slightly. It took her every last ounce of self-control she had not to cry. Anything he said has always had the ability to make her happy beyond words, but how was she supposed to respond to that? A week of his company has proven he was easily the most precious thing in her life, and yet, she struggled with how to express that.

Natsu took her nervous actions as a sign that she was worried about something. "What's the matter?" He took her hand in his own, and the warmth from it caused her shaking to stop.

Meeting his worried gaze, she held his hand back. Then she smiled, making him catch his breath. "Don't worry." She brought his scaled hand to her cheek, closing her eyes at their smoothness. "I am only happy, knowing that I will be with you always."

She couldn't see the redness on his face, or know how much her words meant to him. Unable to stop himself, he adjusted his hand to cup her pale cheek. Her eyes opened at the movement but fluttered closed again as she leaned into his touch. The Dragon gulped at the feeling of his heart rate increasing. He was unsure of how to respond but stoked her cheek with his thumb, just enjoying that she let him touch her so willingly.

He was so used to being feared by other people. Every village, town, any stranger he met really, they were all afraid of him. Even if he helped them. He didn't mind too much, letting off steam during training and telling himself that Igneel would want him to stay kind towards others. That did not mean it didn't bother him. Because he was a Dragon, people did not usually appreciate his touch.

But she was different. Actually, she had been different from the moment he saw her. When he first came across the circus tent during his journey, he had no idea what he would find. What a precious thing he would find. He saved her on a whim, setting the tent on fire not even knowing if she wanted to be rescued. Yet he couldn't stand there and do nothing either. He thought she didn't deserve such cruel treatment. When she had told him 'thank you' for the first time, he knew he had done the right thing. Quickly, he learned that she was like a diamond that had been taken and repeatedly beaten with a hammer just to show she wouldn't break. Her will kept her from breaking, and he was so glad that he had found her before it could crumble.

He took a slow, shaky breath before asking in a soft voice. "Could I hold you?"

Juvia slowly opened her eyes, meeting his own. There were so many emotions in them, she couldn't name them all if she tried. Placing her hand over the one he held her cheek with, she closed her eyes again and nodded.

Gently, as if she might need him to be, he moved his arms around her and embraced her. When she put her arms around him as well, careful of his wings, he tightened his grip. He took a deep breath through the nose, taking in her smell as he brought a hand up to her head, his fingers tangled in her silk-like hair. Closing his eyes, he turned his face to rest in the crook of her neck. In a small voice, he managed to say what he wanted to tell her since the day she smiled at him. "Thank you..."

She blinked, unable to understand why he felt the need to hold her or tell her thank you. She couldn't imagine why he seemed to be suffering, and that he needed her support because of it. But if an embrace from her could help ease his pain, even a little, she would gladly do so. His touch also brought her comfort, so it wasn't as if she didn't enjoy being in his arms. She knew if she could, she would stay in them forever.

The smell of burnt food caught her attention, and as much as she wanted to stay in their current position, she also didn't want their lunch to be burnt to a crisp. "Natsu...Our lunch-"

His grip tightened slightly in protest, mumbling into her neck. "It's fine." Her cheeks flushed at the feeling of his lips close to her skin. Clearly he didn't want to let go either.

She sighed, a smile spreading on her face as she brought a hand to run through his damp pink hair, fingertips brushing his horns. She tried to ignore the feelings rising within her as her heart swelled. After a moment she tried again, her voice gentle. "We need to eat." He didn't move. "Please?"

Reluctantly, he finally pulled away from her. He didn't look happy at first but then he smiled at her. "Next time, I might not let go."

She blinked before her face turned a bright red at his warning. If he had been grinning like usual, she probably wouldn't have taken him seriously. However, his genuine smile indicated his reply was genuine too.

He grinned at her reaction and she puffed her cheeks out slightly in embarrassment. She tried to change the subject as quickly as possible. "T-The fish."

He chuckled. "Yes, ma'am." Then he leaned over the flames to retrieve the sticks on the other side. He inspected which one was less burnt and handed it to Juvia. "This one isn't too bad."

She smiled in thanks before nibbling on the fish, giving Natsu a sideways glance. She was three bites in and he was already using the bones to pick at his teeth. He patiently waited for her to finish and she raised a brow at him since he looked like he wanted to say something. "What is it?" It was unlike him to hesitate.

He shook it off, standing and offering his hand to help her up. "It's nothing. Wanna go back?"

She nodded and decided to ask about it later, taking his hand. When she stood he didn't let go right away like he usually did. She blinked when he started walking, his hand still wrapped around her own.

She smiled even as he avoided her gaze. The warmth he gave her never seemed to end, so she gripped his hand back and followed him out of the rain into their cozy cave.

Once inside, he sat in his usual spot, taking her down with him. His thumb stroked her hand softly and she leaned onto his shoulder.

Glancing up at his face, his bangs covered his eyes. As happy as his actions made her, she still couldn't help but worry. Closing her eyes, she asked in a gentle voice. "Please, tell me what's on your mind."

He tensed slightly, then gave a small defeated chuckle, relaxing against her again. "I should've known I can't hide anything from you."

She smiled. "Yes, you should've."

His chuckle lifted at the remark and she was patient as silence followed. It took a few moments, but then he answered, still stroking her hand with his thumb. "The reason I want to leave...You didn't ask about it, but I should still tell you."

She glanced up at him again curiously as he continued. He sounded a little sad, and it made her frown. "My dad... Igneel, disappeared about seven years ago, and I've been traveling everywhere trying to find 'em, but I haven't found anything yet."

The Vampire woman tried to meet his eyes but he only looked at the fire. She had never seen him look so lost, or so sad. Unable to take that look on his face any longer, she gently took her hand out of his grasp and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You found Juvia."

He inhaled sharply at her words, her voice sounding like they were on the verge of tears. Natsu bit his lip to try and keep them from quivering. Then he practically tackled her to get her closer and into his arms. She had jumped slightly at the quick action but relaxed back into his hold when she realized his shoulders were shaking. She started stroking his hair as he quietly cried.

His emotions were everywhere, thinking about her, and thinking about his missing father. So much joy had coursed through his heart the past week just with her by his side, he had almost forgotten about the pain, anger, and loneliness built up by his father's long-term absence. He talked about his father, happily told her stories of what he had taught him growing up or about the adventures they had. And by focusing on the positives, he ignored the negatives. He only let his mind wander when he caught sight of the fire, watching the wood burn and wanting his memories to do the same. Sometimes he wondered why he had found someone like her, while his dad was off somewhere doing something without him, he had come across what he needed most.

He wanted to stay angry at his father for leaving so suddenly without a trace. For so long he was angry and hurt, scared even that he had been abandoned in this world. But now, he could let all of that go for her sake. All he could feel while she was in his embrace this very moment was gratitude. He no longer wanted to find his father to yell at him or punch him in the face for leaving him behind. No, he wanted to thank him. Because of his father's decision, he went on a journey, and that journey was what brought him to this small, kind, beautiful vampire.

Whether they found his dad or not, if she stayed by his side, that would be enough for him.

She wasn't sure how long they stayed in that position, even after he had calmed down. His clinging arms had stopped shaking and he took deep breaths into her long blue locks. She continued to gently brush her fingers through his hair.

Eventually, Juvia fell asleep. When Natsu had realized this, he debated on placing her back on her blanket, on the other side of the fire. He frowned at the thought of having to let go of her. Instead, he selfishly lied down with her still sleeping in his arms, using his wing to shield them from the cold drafts of the cave.

He grinned at the thought of seeing her embarrassed face in the morning. It's not like he didn't warn her. He meant it when he said he may not let go.

Curiously, he glanced down to look at her sleeping face. He had perfect vision in the dark, but he still wished he could see the moonlight reflect off of her skin one day. Of course, he knew that wouldn't happen until the rain stopped following her around. He sighed, still wanting to dream.

He smiled warmly at her, moving his hand from behind her head to move a strand of a loose curl from her cheek. "Well..." He whispered to her. "It's not like you need the moonlight in order to be beautiful."

Closing his own eyes, he let himself finally fall into a long-needed good night's sleep. Now that she was strong enough, and he was brave enough, they would leave their cozy little cave in search of his father. The young dragon wasn't sure if they would ever actually find him, but if he did... he would tell him thank you.