Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail; it remains the property of Hiro Mashima.
A/N: Hello! This is my first attempt at a Fairy Tail fanfic, so it’s only a one-shot to begin with. I absolutely love Fairy Tail and have wanted to write fanfics for it for a long time, but I wasn’t sure where to start. I mainly ship NaLu, so that will be the only pairing I focus on, with background ships like Jerza, Gruvia, GaLe, etc.
This one-shot was inspired by the Side Story “Special Mission: Beware of Guys Who Show a Keen Interest” and the OVA episode “Special Request: Watch Out for the Guy You Like,” so it won’t be exactly the same, but some parts are similar. I hope you all enjoy it, and please share your thoughts!
Lucy sighed in frustration, pressing her cheek against the cool wood of the bar as she complained about her boredom to the empty air, ‘Aww!!! I’ve got nothing to do!!!’ With a pout, she absent-mindedly picked up her drink and sipped it slowly, hoping the taste would distract her from her restlessness.
Mirajane glanced at Lucy and smiled warmly. ‘You should take on a job, then!’ she suggested encouragingly, her cheerful tone matched by the gentle pat she gave Lucy on the head.
Lucy lifted her head and gave Mirajane a small, apologetic smile. ‘I would, but Natsu and Happy told me they want to take a break,’ she explained, glancing at her teammates. Her gaze lingered on Natsu and Happy, who were relaxing nearby, showing that her hesitation wasn’t due to a lack of motivation, but because her regular partners had chosen to rest at the moment.
Mirajane smiled at Lucy, her expression gentle and encouraging. ‘You don’t have to go with them,’ she said, as she carefully cleaned a glass, wiping it thoroughly before placing it neatly on the shelf behind her. ‘You could go alone or join different people. Many guild members would be glad to accompany you.’
Lucy straightened up and pondered her choices, thinking about whether to accept a job alone instead of with her usual friends. Although she didn’t really want a break, Natsu had been insistent on needing one. As she reflected, Lucy looked around the bustling Guild Hall, observing the many members with whom she might work.
When her eyes naturally shifted back to Natsu, she was hit by a wave of guilt for considering a mission without him and Happy. After a brief pause, Lucy made a firm decision. ‘I don’t think I could go on a job without them. It just wouldn’t feel right,’ she said, refocusing her attention on Mirajane.
Mirajane glanced at Natsu briefly before focusing again on Lucy, a playful sparkle in her eyes. ‘Aww, you two make such a cute couple,’ she teased, her tone light and affectionate as she reached for the drinks. ‘Honestly, I don’t think Natsu would mind if you went on a mission alone,’ she added softly, topping off Lucy’s glass. Her words sounded reassuring, subtly letting Lucy know that her teammate would understand if she decided to take on a solo job.
Lucy’s response was swift and intense. ‘What do you mean by “couple”!?’ she asked, alarm evident as she rose from her stool. Her wide eyes stayed on Mirajane, as if the other woman had suddenly grown a second head. The shock and bewilderment on Lucy’s face were clear, her body stiff with disbelief at Mirajane’s teasing remark.
Mirajane looked back at Lucy with slight confusion, not quite grasping why Lucy was alarmed. ‘You and Natsu,’ she said, tilting her head as if the answer were clear, ‘You’re always together, so everyone just assumed you’re a couple.’ She chuckled softly, scratching the back of her head, to ease the mood and reassure Lucy that such assumptions are common among their guildmates.
‘It’s nothing like that!’ Lucy snapped, her cheeks still burning with embarrassment. She defensively crossed her arms, visibly flustered by Mirajane’s teasing remark about her and Natsu. Her gaze avoided Mirajane’s amused stare as she struggled to compose herself amidst the laughter and chatter in the Guild Hall.
Mirajane rested her chin on her hand, offering Lucy a gentle smile. ‘Aww, that’s a shame. I think Natsu may really like you!’ she said, her tone soft yet teasing. Her eyes shimmered with warmth and playful encouragement, aiming to reassure Lucy and perhaps nudge her into considering that Natsu’s feelings might be deeper than she realised.
Lucy’s eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Natsu, who was perched on a table with Happy, both acting out ninja scenes with enthusiasm. From the snippets of their conversation, it was clear that Natsu was passionately describing their mission to break into Everlue Mansion and retrieve the book, Daybreak. She watched Natsu closely for a moment, captivated by his lively energy and excitement as he shared their story. Suddenly, she felt her cheeks flush and blushed deeply without realising it.
Lucy turned back to Mirajane, noticing a knowing smirk on her lips. Still embarrassed from their earlier talk, she hesitated briefly before softly saying, ‘I think I’m just going to go home for the rest of the day, Mira.’ Her words came out quietly, revealing her subdued mood. Giving a small, half-hearted wave, Lucy made her way to the exit, her steps slow and shoulders drooping, feeling the weight of the conversation as she left the Guild Hall.
Unbeknownst to Lucy, a pair of black eyes watched her as she left the Guild Hall. After she went through the front door, the person behind those eyes came to the bar. Natsu, still staring at the door through which Lucy had just exited, spoke to Mirajane without shifting his gaze. ‘Hey, Mira. What’s up with Lucy?’ he asked, his eyes still fixed on the door.
Mirajane smiled brightly at Natsu, a playful sparkle in her eyes as she thoughtfully watched him. After a brief pause, she softly suggested, her tone warm and encouraging, ‘I think Lucy might be a little bored, Natsu. Maybe you two could go on a job together?’
Natsu’s face showed uncertainty as he paused before turning to Mirajane. ‘Nah, I need a day off,’ he said, trying to sound casual. ‘Nothing stopping Lucy from going on a job, though.’ However, Mirajane quickly noticed the faint disappointment in his voice, indicating he wasn’t as indifferent as he seemed.
Mirajane contemplated the situation, her gaze lingering on Natsu as he left the Guild Hall with Happy trailing behind him. It was apparent to her that, although Natsu might try to hide his emotions, he would be disappointed if Lucy decided to take a job without him. Still, he would probably keep those feelings to himself and not complain, preferring to let Lucy make her own decisions. Mirajane couldn’t help but smile, her grin growing wider as she saw the two leave. If only Natsu and Lucy could see what everyone else noticed easily, she thought quietly, gently shaking her head with an amused smile.
Lucy shook her head as she headed home, ignoring the men in boats who called out, warning her she might fall if she wasn’t careful. Despite their concern, she paid them little mind, lost in her own thoughts. ‘Aww man, why does Mira have to say such weird things like that?’ Lucy muttered, clearly annoyed, struggling to push Natsu out of her mind. Mirajane’s words still echoed, making it hard for Lucy to concentrate on anything else as she walked quickly and purposefully, eager to leave the awkwardness of the Guild Hall behind.
Lucy reached her apartment door, her steps slow as she heard voices inside. She was about to enter, but paused when she recognised Natsu and Happy’s voices. Standing in the hallway, she listened carefully, feeling uncertain and curious.
Inside Lucy’s apartment, Natsu paced anxiously, his face showing unusual concern. He looked at Happy, who was sitting close by, then hesitated before speaking. ‘What do you think, Happy? Should I tell Lucy?’ he asked, voice nervous. The typically lively Natsu seemed uncertain now, as if struggling with a difficult decision. His eyes briefly looked at the door, revealing his nervousness about whether to tell Lucy or not.
‘Aye!’ exclaimed the small blue Exceed, cheerfully chiming in.
Lucy’s heart started pounding quickly, its rapid beat revealing her anxiety as Natsu suggested he had something important to share. A rush of thoughts flooded her mind, leaving her feeling a blend of uncertainty and anticipation. What could he possibly want to tell me? Lucy silently wondered, her nerves intensifying with each second as she awaited his words.
Suddenly, Mirajane’s voice echoed in Lucy’s mind, lingering from their earlier talk at the Guild Hall. ‘I think Natsu may really like you!’ Her words kept replaying, prompting Lucy to think more about it as she hesitated outside her apartment door. The reminder of Mirajane’s encouragement made Lucy almost unable to ignore the possibility, heightening her anxiety and making her hyper-aware of every word and move involving Natsu.
Lucy’s eyes widened in shock, her mind overwhelmed. This can’t be real. Mira can’t be right... can she? Dammit, Mira! Lucy thought, cheeks flushing with embarrassment due to her stubborn suspicion. She forced herself to calm down, took a deep, steady breath, and reached for the doorknob. Aspiring to appear composed, she pushed the door open and stepped inside, masking her nervousness with a look of anger. Seeing Natsu and Happy, her frustration spilt over. ‘What’s with you breaking into my apartment!!!?’ she yelled, her voice tinged with annoyance and a desperate need to regain control.
Natsu welcomed Lucy with a bright smile as she entered, maintaining his usual energy despite the tense atmosphere. ‘Yo!!’ he cheerfully exclaimed, his lively attitude standing out amid the unease and nerves in the room. His attempt to lighten the mood was particularly noticeable given Lucy’s underlying frustration.
Lucy shook her head, frustration visible as she confronted Natsu. ‘What do you want?’ she asked reluctantly, crossing her arms to stay composed. The room was thick with tension, with Lucy masking her anxiety behind a look of annoyance. Her defensive stance showed she was hesitant to engage, and it was obvious the awkwardness from earlier at the Guild Hall still affected her.
Natsu smiled at Lucy, his expression lively yet a bit unsettling amidst the tense atmosphere. With his arms crossed, he looked at her intently. ‘I need to tell you something very important,’ he said. His serious tone was clear, and for a moment, his usual playful demeanour shifted to a more sincere one.
Lucy looked at Natsu, her face quickly changing as fear set in. Her eyes widened, showing her growing anxiety about what Natsu was about to say. Feeling uncomfortable, she pointed firmly at the door, her voice shaky and tense. ‘No… go home,’ she said firmly, indicating she didn’t want to hear any more.
Natsu frowned and looked at Lucy with a mix of confusion and concern. ‘Hm? You okay, Lucy?’ he asked, tilting his head slightly to assess her mood. His tone showed surprise at her sudden reaction, and his eyes searched her face for clues about what might be wrong.
Lucy struggled to maintain her composure, managing a response despite her inner tension. ‘I’m fine… j-just…’ she stammered, her voice trembling as she avoided Natsu’s gaze.
Natsu was clearly not convinced by Lucy’s persistence, exchanging a meaningful glance with Happy before turning his focus back to her. Resolute in making his point despite her reluctance, Natsu started to speak, ‘What I have to say—’
Lucy lost her patience and yelled, ‘GO HOME!!!’ cutting off Natsu with a loud, sharp command. Her urgent tone and sudden outburst made it clear she was overwhelmed, leaving little room for further discussion as she attempted to establish her boundaries.
Natsu recoiled, surprised by Lucy’s sudden outburst. His eyes widened with genuine alarm, a flicker of fear crossing his face as he tried to understand what had caused such a strong reaction. ‘Whoa!! Wh-What’s with you!?’ he stammered, his voice tinged with confusion as he struggled to comprehend Lucy’s behaviour. For a moment, Natsu looked at her, searching for any clue about what went wrong. Seeing that Lucy wasn’t going to explain, he let out a resigned sigh and shrugged. ‘Geez, I guess you’re in a bad mood then,’ he muttered quietly, turning away. Without another word, Natsu headed to the window, stepped onto the sill, and prepared to leave the apartment the same way as he had come in.
Lucy looked at Natsu in utter disbelief, her eyes wide as she struggled to understand his behaviour. ‘Why do you never use the door!?’ she shouted, frustration clear in her voice as she saw him shake his head.
Without warning, Natsu leapt off the windowsill and landed below with the confidence of someone who had done it many times. Lucy hurried to the window, leaning out to watch him walk away down the street, acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary. His relaxed departure only made Lucy more frustrated, and she stayed by the window, feeling both annoyed and confused by his calm attitude.
Outside, Natsu stopped and looked back at Lucy’s window. Uncertainty flickered on his face as he hesitated, contemplating what had just occurred. ‘Maybe telling her will be a bad idea…’ he muttered, doubt clear in his voice. After shaking his head, Natsu stayed for a moment longer, battling whether he should have spoken to Lucy. Eventually, he turned and walked away, leaving the conversation incomplete and his important words unspoken.
Happy hovered beside Natsu, a worried look on his feline face as he thought about the situation. He looked at Natsu, his small wings fluttering nervously. ‘Aye, she’ll probably freak out even worse,’ Happy said, his voice full of concern for Lucy’s feelings.
The next day, Lucy returned to the Guild Hall, where the lively buzz did little to ease her boredom. She looked around the busy room, trying to spot Natsu. Despite the energetic environment, she hadn’t seen him so far and wondered where he could be.
Lucy sighed, fighting her own thoughts. Why does it even matter? She wondered, trying to dismiss the nagging feelings inside her. It’s not like we’re joined at the hip or anything, she told herself, attempting to convince herself that Natsu’s absence shouldn’t bother her. But despite her efforts, she couldn’t shake her unease. Frowning, Lucy turned a page in her book, though her mind drifted from the words. She absentmindedly broke a piece of chocolate; her eyes fixed on the bar as she tried to distract herself from her growing uncertainty. Still, reading and snacking offered little relief, leaving Lucy feeling quietly uneasy as she sat in the busy Guild Hall.
Although Lucy tried to seem indifferent, she couldn’t resist glancing eagerly each time the Guild Hall doors opened, her heart racing at the chance Natsu might enter. Every time it was someone else, she felt a wave of disappointment, highlighting how much his absence influenced her mood and concentration.
Lucy let out a deep sigh, unable to hide the turmoil inside her. Frustration flooded over her as she silently questioned, what’s wrong with me? The question echoed in her mind as she shook her head, trying to dispel the confusion and self-doubt that were taking hold. Despite her efforts to rationalise her feelings, Lucy was caught between annoyance, bewilderment, and a persistent restlessness that she couldn’t easily explain.
‘Yo!!!’ Natsu’s familiar voice called out from just behind Lucy, causing her eyes to widen in surprise. Suddenly, Natsu appeared beside her, his usual energetic spirit back as he casually draped his arm around her shoulders. Leaning in with his typical confidence, he grinned widely and asked, ‘Are you in a better mood today!?’ His upbeat tone indicated he was eager to leave the tension of the previous day behind, hoping Lucy was feeling more like herself.
Lucy’s cheeks flushed crimson as she felt Natsu’s arm drape over her shoulders. Overwhelmed by the sudden closeness and his casual touch, she quickly stood up, barely containing her embarrassment. ‘Don’t paw at me!!!’ she shouted, her voice echoing through the busy Guild Hall and attracting several curious onlookers. Flustered and eager to escape, Lucy hurried away from Natsu, her heart pounding wildly as she tried to regain her composure.
Natsu frowned as Lucy walked away, frustration clear on his face. ‘Hey!!! Lucy!!!’ he shouted across the Guild Hall, but she kept walking without pausing or turning back. She was intent on creating some space between them, leaving Natsu behind. His hand, which had been reaching out, slowly lowered as he understood she wouldn’t respond.
Lucy pressed her hand against her chest, desperately trying to steady her pounding heart. Her mind was flooded with confusion and self-reproach. What is happening to me? she wondered, trying to calm the internal chaos. This is a disaster! she thought, clenching her teeth in frustration. She silently cursed Mira for planting these troubling thoughts, which left her more flustered and unsettled than before.
As Lucy passed a group of Guild members, their conversation suddenly grabbed her attention. ‘Hey, you hear about Natsu?’ one of them said, causing Lucy to stop immediately. The Guild member added, ‘Word is he’s totally got the hots for a girl!’ The news stunned Lucy, and she froze in place, a look of dismay appearing as she instinctively listened to their talk.
One Guild member scoffed at the idea; his voice was tinged with disbelief. ‘What, Natsu? Surely, you’re joking!’ he said, chuckling at the thought. The idea was so outlandish that he dismissed it immediately, causing a few others nearby to laugh with him. Their laughter rang out through the Guild Hall, contributing to the lively hum of voices that filled the room.
‘Nah, I overheard him chatting with Happy about how he “wants her”,’ the other Guild member said, still laughing at the rumour. ‘Not sure which of our ladies he meant, though,’ he added, a mischievous grin on his face as a few others joined in the laughter.
Lucy’s body tensed as she overheard the Guild members’ conversation. Fear flooded her as she wondered, Are they talking about me? Her palms grew sweaty from anxiety. The thought disturbed her greatly. It’s not that I don’t like Natsu, she thought, but she had never seen him romantically before. Her focus faltered as she looked at Natsu, who was sitting alone in the seat she had hurriedly left. She paused, noticing his slumped shoulders and the sadness on his face, which unexpectedly made her heart feel heavy for him.
Lucy exhaled another sigh, her thoughts clouded with doubt. Would a relationship with Natsu really be so bad? She examined his qualities—he was undeniably attractive, fiercely loyal, and constantly brought fun and adventure into her life. As she reflected, she suddenly stopped herself, eyes widening in surprise. AM I SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING THIS!!!? The realisation stunned her, leaving her momentarily speechless as she wrestled with the idea that her feelings might be changing unexpectedly.
Suddenly, Lucy’s mind spiralled out of control, flooding her with vivid images of herself and Natsu as a couple. She envisioned them laughing on carefree afternoons, sharing quiet moments under the stars, and going on grand adventures together. Every small gesture between them took on new meaning—Natsu’s spontaneous grin, the way he always looked out for her, even their frequent squabbles. Her mind raced with questions: Would they hold hands as they walked through Magnolia’s busy streets? Would Natsu tease her mischievously only to soften with genuine affection? These scenes played vividly in her mind, making her feel flustered and breathless with shock. Overwhelmed, she hid her face in her hands, feeling mortified. AND NOW I’M FANTASISING ABOUT IT!!!
Lucy heard Natsu’s voice calling out, ‘Hey, Lucy...’ from behind her.
Lucy inhaled deeply, gathering her courage as she slowly turned to look at Natsu. Her heart pounded loudly, and her nerves almost overwhelmed her, but she remained composed. ‘Y-Yes?’ she stammered softly, her voice nearly a whisper, meeting his serious gaze.
Natsu tilted his head to look at Lucy, his eyes sincere and his voice calm. ‘There’s something important I want to talk to you about tonight, okay?’ he said, his tone filled with determination that made Lucy’s heart race. Without waiting for her answer, Natsu’s face lit up with a genuine smile that reached his eyes. ‘Will you meet me at the tree in Southgate Park?’ he asked, his hopeful look showing how much this meeting meant to him.
Lucy’s eyes widened in shock as she stammered, ‘W-W-W-Why?’ Her words rushed out in a jumble as she struggled to maintain her composure. She felt her entire body trembling, and despite her best attempts, she couldn’t stop herself from shaking.
Natsu looked at Lucy with a serious expression. He took a deep breath and said, ‘I need to talk to you about something really important. Please come alone.’ His genuine tone surprised Lucy, and before she could respond, he gave her a warm, comforting smile that made her feel weak in the knees. For a moment, his confident look faltered as a slight blush appeared on his cheeks. With a quick wink, he swiftly left the Guild Hall, leaving Lucy surprised by the encounter. As he passed through the doorway, he called out, ‘Later!!!’ over his shoulder.
Lucy watched him go in amazement, standing frozen as her mind spun from Natsu’s sudden actions. Bl-Bl-Blushing!? Natsu was actually blushing!!!?
Later that evening, Lucy prepared herself to meet Natsu at the tree, her mind swirling with nerves and doubt. After stepping out of the bath, she steadied herself, her legs trembling so much she was worried they might give out. As she wrapped a towel around herself, her thoughts bounced between possible reasons Natsu might have called her to the park. Even though he looked serious and blushed earlier, she wondered if this meeting might be something entirely normal and not romantic. The uncertainty made her feel both anxious and hopeful as she got ready for the evening.
Lucy tried to rationalise the situation as she towel-dried herself, desperately seeking a logical explanation. Maybe it’s a job? She wondered, holding onto the hope that his invitation was completely innocent. However, the memory of his flushed cheeks stubbornly remained in her mind, conflicting with her attempts to dismiss the encounter. But then, what was with the blushing? There’s no other explanation!!! She told herself, heart pounding with excitement. The sudden thought overwhelmed her—Natsu’s about to tell me he loves me!!! The idea made her mind spin, and a silent scream inside her struggled to contain her emotions.
Lucy dropped the towel to the floor and moved to her underwear drawer, her mind filled with anxious thoughts. Would a relationship work if we’re on the same team? What if one of us gets hurt and the other gets distracted, and something worse happens!!!? These possibilities made Lucy uneasy, and she grimaced, noticing her thoughts spiralling. She thought, Wow, I am really overthinking this. She then reassured herself, That’s never going to happen. After all, she reminded herself, Natsu’s like that anyway when anyone gets hurt. She reasoned that her worries were unlikely and tried to dismiss her concerns as overthinking.
Lucy opened her underwear drawer and, after hesitating for a moment, chose the sexiest set she owned. ‘Is it time to wear this?’ she wondered aloud, only to immediately fall back onto the floor in shock. ‘You idiot! What am I thinking?’ she chastised herself, her cheeks burning with shame.
Lucy, still flustered, saw her reflection in the mirror, and was surprised to realise she had already slipped into the lingerie without noticing. She face-palmed and groaned, resigning herself. ‘What is wrong with me?’ she muttered, struggling to believe how overwhelmed her nerves had become.
Taking a deep breath, Lucy put on a t-shirt and shorts, trying to focus on something practical. She approached her dresser, her fingers pausing momentarily before reaching for Cancer’s key. Calling forth her Celestial Spirit, she sat before the mirror, hoping that some help would soothe her nerves.
‘Can you do my hair and makeup in the cutest style?’ she asked, struggling to keep her voice steady. For a moment, Lucy envisioned how she might look if Cancer worked his magic, possibly hoping it would boost her confidence for the upcoming evening. However, as her words escaped, panic immediately took over. Her eyes widened in shock at her own actions, and she was overwhelmed by a deep sense of mortification. ‘NO! STOP IT!’ she yelled, her anxiety overcoming her as she swung and struck Cancer hard in the face. Her sudden reaction was driven by a combination of embarrassment and nerves, leaving Lucy flustered and more unsettled than she had been earlier.
After finally choosing her cutest dress, Lucy spent ten frustrating minutes staring at her reflection, torn between exasperation and self-consciousness. Each glance seemed to increase her irritation as she scrutinised every detail of her appearance, questioning if she had made the right choice. Eventually, unable to wait any longer, she left her apartment and headed toward the tree in Southgate Park. With each step, Lucy tried to reassure herself that her meeting with Natsu would be ordinary—just a regular chat between friends—despite the nervousness and hope inside her.
Natsu rested against a sturdy tree trunk in Southgate Park, his brow creased with frustration and doubt. ‘She’s late,’ he quietly murmured, glancing nervously around the still park. The lack of Lucy made him uneasy, and he wondered if she might have decided not to come after all. To ensure privacy for their talk, he specifically asked Happy not to come this time. The blue Exceed, usually eager to join, had reluctantly agreed and promised to wait for Natsu back at the Guild Hall.
The salmon-haired Dragon Slayer glanced around the empty park, observing the peaceful scenery. As time passed, his excitement gradually gave way to disappointment. After ten minutes, Lucy still hadn’t shown up, leaving him alone under the tree with a worried look forming on his face.
Natsu let out a deep sigh, frustration evident as he folded his arms and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. ‘Guess she’s not coming,’ he muttered almost silently in the quiet park. He then kicked a small stone, making it skitter across the ground, revealing his growing disappointment and impatience with each passing minute.
Natsu was caught off guard by a sudden cry of pain. He turned around to find Lucy, rubbing her leg where the stone he had kicked had hit her. ‘Ouch!’ she exclaimed, glaring at him in irritation. ‘What’s the big idea!?’ Lucy demanded, poking Natsu firmly in the chest as she confronted him.
Natsu blinked in surprise, his earlier disappointment fading as a bright smile spread across his face. He reached out and gently took Lucy’s hand to prevent her from poking his chest. His face showed relief and genuine happiness as he exclaimed, ‘You came!’
Lucy, recalling why she was there, abruptly pulled back from Natsu, her motions unsure and hesitant. Clearly nervous, she fumbled for words, her cheeks flushing with a blush that revealed her embarrassment. ‘Y-Yeah,’ she muttered, her voice shaky as she attempted to steady herself.
Summoning her courage, Lucy continued, determined to confront the issue. ‘You said you had… this important thing to discuss with me…’ she managed to say, her voice tense and awkward, mirroring the tension she experienced.
Natsu’s eyes brightened with excitement as he leaned toward Lucy, his eager expression and body language revealing his enthusiasm. ‘I heard someone mention there’s treasure buried here!’ he whispered as if telling a secret of great importance. The sudden news startled Lucy, making her feel as though she had been doused with a bucket of cold water. For a moment, Natsu’s excited tone sharply contrasted with Lucy’s confused response, emphasising the surprising twist in their conversation.
Natsu’s eyes lit up with mischief. ‘It’s a huge photo album of the most embarrassing pictures ever taken of the Fairy Tail members!’ he said, unable to hide a snicker as he spoke. The excitement in his voice was evident. ‘The old man hid it here a long time ago!!! Won’t it be a blast to see it!!!?’ Natsu said enthusiastically, turning to Lucy with wide eyes that showed just how eager he was to find it.
Lucy experienced a sudden icy chill, as if Gray had suddenly appeared and frozen her blood. The shock from Natsu’s words left her breathless, reminiscent of being hit by Gajeel’s iron fist, which knocked the air out of her lungs instantly. She was stunned by the revelation, momentarily speechless as she struggled to understand what had just occurred.
Lucy stared in shock at Natsu, her eyes filled with disbelief and a flicker of pain. His words weighed heavily on her, making her feel hurt and rejected. She tried to steady herself, her voice trembling as she spoke. ‘T-That was… what you wanted t-to… tell m-me?’ she asked, her voice wavering as she struggled to control her emotions. Her hands trembled just a little, revealing her vulnerability at that moment.
Natsu observed Lucy’s face, noticing her disappointment, and fell silent, studying her closely. The sadness on her features made him feel a tightness in his chest, and he sighed inwardly, thinking, Ah man… I thought she knew me better than that. Despite their shared history, he had hoped Lucy would see past his antics and recognise what truly mattered. In that moment, he realised how deeply his words had affected her, a pang of regret shining in his eyes as he looked at her with unexpected tenderness.
Lucy’s hands shook and her voice wavered as she struggled to contain her emotions. ‘R-Rumour has it that…’ she started, faltering while trying to regain her composure. Her cheeks reddened, and she looked down, avoiding Natsu’s gaze. ‘Y-You like a g-girl and…’ Lucy’s speech faltered, her voice trembling with nervousness. The effort to share her suspicions made her feel exposed, and she hesitated, unable to continue, her uncertainty filling the space between them.
Natsu looked at her in surprise, his eyes widening briefly before a cheerful smile appeared on his face. ‘Well yeah, course there is,’ he said, his tone casual as he gave her an encouraging smile.
Lucy’s voice rang out sharply and incredulously. ‘Wh-Wh-What!!!?’ she exclaimed, her disbelief evident as she looked at Natsu, trying to comprehend what she had just heard.
Natsu chuckled softly, a playful grin forming at the corners of his mouth. ‘I was planning to save that for another day,’ he admitted, casually shrugging as if it was an ordinary moment. But now that the truth was out, he met Lucy’s gaze head-on, his eyes gleaming with gentle honesty. ‘Since the cat’s outta the bag,’ he continued, keeping his smile, ‘I like you, Lucy. It’s hardly a secret.’ Natsu’s tone was simple, and his words carried a hint of confusion, as if he couldn’t quite understand why Lucy seemed so surprised by his confession.
Lucy’s voice wavered, her heartbeat pounding in her chest. ‘So… you do like me?’ she asked, her eyes searching Natsu’s face for any sign of doubt. The realisation sparked confusion in her mind. Wait… how do I feel about this? Lucy wondered, her thoughts swirling as she tried to understand her emotions. Do I like him too? Is this the reason I’ve been overdramatising everything he’s been saying and doing? As she reflected, Lucy became increasingly aware of how much Natsu’s words and actions had influenced her, making her confront feelings she hadn’t fully recognised before.
Natsu paused, uncertainty flickering in his eyes as he tilted his head thoughtfully, clearly contemplating his next words. ‘Sure, we’re partners…’ he started, his voice trailing off. For a moment, he blinked rapidly, as if searching for the right way to express his true feelings; the hesitation in his manner indicated that there was more he wanted to say, but he was struggling to find the words.
Not realising this, Lucy hesitated and narrowed her eyes as she looked at Natsu with a questioning gaze. ‘So… wait,’ she said, voice uncertain. She paused, scrutinising his face for any sign of emotion before continuing. ‘You only see me as a partner? You like me as part of the team?’ Her words quivered, and her tone revealed her vulnerability, showing how deeply she felt.
Natsu tilted his head at her and gave a gentle, reassuring smile. ‘No, not just that,’ he replied, his voice warm and calming, easing some of the tension between them. Lucy looked up, seeking clarity in his face, her eyes showing hope and uncertainty.
Lucy’s mind started to envision what could be; her thoughts swirling with potential moments she might share with Natsu. Unlike before, these scenarios no longer caused her anxiety or fear. Instead, she felt unexpectedly calm and even hopeful about the idea of getting closer to him. As she gazed up at Natsu, a gentle realisation dawned on her: Oh… I guess I do like him, I just hadn’t realised it before, she thought, her heart fluttering with newfound clarity.
Natsu’s expression softened as he gazed at Lucy, his eyes sincere and genuine. He gave her a heartwarming smile, his typical playful nature replaced by a hint of honesty and vulnerability. ‘You’re way more than just my partner and a member of the team, Lucy,’ he said softly, his voice full of emotion that surprised her. As he spoke, his smile dimmed slightly, replaced by a sincere look that made her heart flutter. Meeting her gaze and holding it, Natsu added, ‘You’re my everything.’
Lucy’s eyes widened in surprise, momentarily at a loss for words. ‘Y-You’re…’ she began to say, but she couldn’t finish her sentence as Natsu suddenly closed the gap between them, his lips capturing hers in a swift, heartfelt kiss. The sudden contact left Lucy briefly breathless, but she soon became aware of the gentle warmth and softness of Natsu’s lips pressing against hers. Quietly surrendering, she relaxed and melted into his embrace, feeling both safe and cherished as his arms wrapped around her tightly, pulling her even closer.
When Natsu finally pulled away from the kiss, he gently pressed his forehead to Lucy’s, their breaths mingling in the quiet space between them. His voice became a whisper as he completed her unfinished sentence with gentle certainty. ‘My everything,’ he whispered, infusing those words with all his emotion. His confession, layered with vulnerability, made the moment even more heartfelt. With his eyes shut and a tender smile on his face, he finally shared the truth he had kept inside for so long. ‘I’ve loved you for a while, Lucy,’ he confessed, his tone full of sincerity, clearly expressing the depth of his feelings.
Lucy’s eyes widened in surprise as realisation hit her. ‘I… I think I have too…’ she whispered, voice trembling with emotion. Tears welled up in her eyes, overwhelmed by her feelings. Natsu watched her with a gentle, understanding smile. He leaned in softly and kissed her tenderly. The moment was filled with unspoken emotions and mutual understanding, solidifying the bond that had just been revealed between them.
A/N: Just a little NaLu one-shot. I hope you all enjoyed it. Please let me know your thoughts!
and then Add to home screen.