Natsu knew he'd have to make good on that promise or else he would never forgive himself let alone Lucy. One year away had changed her quite a bit after all and not all of it was good even if she was strong and daring enough to challenge him to a spar now.

When she pulled her hand up to his cheek, he didn't flinch or pull away, instead just letting her hand do whatever Lucy wanted while his eyes slowly met Lucy's trying to figure out the extent of her thoughts at that point in time.