"Do you think he's okay?" She asked, her stomach twisting into knots.
"He has his own improvements to make." Her eyes narrowed, knowing a diplomatic reply when she heard one.
"Guess I'll go see for myself," bitterness sullied her tone as she strode to the door, hand flattening against it as she pushed it open.
At the same time, Natsu's angered shout burst through the air, more growl than words and the sound of splintering wood echoed. As Lucy stepped out, a rush of pressured air flew by her, striking into the door frame as bits of debris scattered into her hair.
"There's no way this is gonna work!" Natsu's voice echoed over Lucy's ringing ears. He choked a second later, turning to the door at Jellal's sudden shout as he wrapped an arm around Lucy's shoulders and pulled her away from the door. Stunned, Lucy stared blankly from the large wood pile— registering the horrified expression on Natsu's face — back to the door frame where a splintered chunk of wood penetrated through the cracked grain. It struck inches from her face.
"... "
A terrible silence followed, with Jellal and Porylusica staring between the two. Lucy felt a chill down her spine as Natsu's breathing grew short and ragged, his entire frame trembling with panic.
"… I- … fuck!"
He took off into the forest without a second glance, Lucy reacted instantly, shoving Jellal from her as she shouted frantically for the Draconis to return.
So much for progress.