#we need more Natsu blushing moments

[shiiro-arts]

A minute of silence for all Nalu fans because we will never get this animated (the rest of the manga is way too freaky lmao)

[fairiesheart]

Kind of want to weight in my opinion on the whole “Natsu got dummer in a 100 year quest” subject. I kind of feel like some people are confusing some of Natsu’s moments whenever he acts dense or ends up lacking social cues as automatically meaning he is stupid.

For example there was a moment in 100 year quest where the situation made it clear that Erza and Jellal were blushing around each other and needed to have a moment alone but Natsu acts confused. I feel like some people kind of forget that Natsu was raised by dragons so everything he does or behaves is a hundred percent instinctual it’s a moment where he’s clearly just being dense but this often gets mixed up with referring to a character as being completely dumb.

Honeslty as I am watching 100 year quest so far I do notice more of Natsu’s playful and oblivious nature is played up more then in the original series but at the same time I think it’s good to remember that when the Alvarez arc happened Natsu himself was battling against his own brother Zeref, learned about his true identify as a demon of the book of Zeref, and trying his hardest to save the guild he grew up in by protecting the first master (in other words there were more personal conflicts for him during that time hence why he written more in a serious manner then he is during 100 year quest)

It’s not that Natsu as a character is no longer the character we all know and love; I think it’s just that Hiro Mashima is simply taking a different angle with his character. Whenever there are serious moments that do occur in 100 year quest Natsu is still able to snap right into that headspace that there are no times for jokes.

[sweetasmiele]

NALU WEEK - DAY #4

SCARS

“For once, you had a great idea, Natsu! The water is amazing.” Lucy squeezed her hair to let the water out and lay down. A nice cold swim was exactly what they needed. The last quest had left them covered in dirt and ashes, but that was to be expected when your partner was the Fire Dragon Slayer.

“Fish!” Happy yelled, diving once again into the natural pool they had found in the depths of the forest.

It was beautiful. The water shimmered under the sun, and the sound of the waterfall and of the birds singing was therapeutic. Lucy closed her eyes and sighed, her skin drying under the hot summer sun.

Her moment of peace was short-lived. She was showered with droplets of water as Natsu shook himself like a dog next to her.

“Natsu!” she yelled as he plopped down on his stomach just beside her. 

“Ah, this is the life!” he commented lifting his chest to rest on his elbows.

She closed her eyes again, and only to open them a few seconds later. Natsu wasn’t speaking but she could feel his attention on her and his hand was tracing abstract shapes on her arm. 

It took her a second to realize he was following with his fingers one of her old scars. Feeling her gaze, Natsu raised his eyes. He didn’t say anything, but Lucy knew he was asking for permission to continue, and she nodded.

“That one is old. It’s from when we were looking for Macao, remember?”

Natsu's eyes were back on her scar, his eyebrows furrowed and his lips pursed. He looked so focused Lucy was almost afraid to talk. She felt his hand move from her bicep to her elbow, his fingers touching the sensitive skin of another small scar.

“Tenrou Island,” she said immediately without him asking. She felt his hot touch linger a moment longer before his fingers moved down to her forearm. 

“That’s actually from when we got stuck in that bell after the Grand Magic Games.” she chuckled and saw his cheeks and ears coloring. 

“When you decided to get naked right in the middle of a fight?” he teased tapping his fingers on her skin, his smile turning into a smirk. 

It was Lucy's turn to blush. She squirmed under his touch, but he didn’t move his hand.

“It wasn’t my fault!” she whined, but before she could defend herself more Natsu’s smirk disappeared. His hand had reached her wrist. 

The marks from Virgo’s Fleuve d'étoiles had left a mark that went all around her wrist. It wasn’t a dark scar, it was barely there, but Natsu had seen it. 

Among all the memories she had cited, that was the most painful to revisit, so she remained silent. Natsu seemed to sense her tensing up because he moved on without waiting for her explanation.

His hands reached her waist, and Lucy’s breath caught in her throat. She felt his fingers push against her skin, suddenly much warmer than a second before. 

“That’s also from the Grand Magic Games,” she whispered, worried she would disturb his meticulous search.

“Minerva,” he growled, his expression darkening. Lucy wasn’t ready for that sudden change of mood, and she observed him quietly as his expression hardened and his eyes narrowed. 

His hand descended to her bikini, where a long scar started from her navel and disappeared under the fabric. His hand stopped right there, where the skin met the swimsuit. 

She blushed, but he didn't seem to realize where his hand was, his gaze dark and intense. 

She didn’t know if it was because it was a sensitive spot or because that touch belonged to Natsu, but each little movement, even her abdomen moving up and down, was enough to make her shiver.

“Natsu, it’s okay,” she said softly, a smile in her words. 

“No, it’s not. I don’t like it.” His gaze was fixed on his hand, still burning against her skin.

“Oh, I know they’re not pretty, but—” she suddenly felt self-conscious and tried to move away, but Natsu’s hand kept her still.

“I wasn’t able to protect you,” he interrupted her, averting his gaze, his cheeks coloring once more. 

Lucy sighed, feeling silly for having doubted him, her body relaxing under his touch. 

“Natsu, I’m a mage,” she said, “you’re also full of scars.” To prove her point, she playfully tapped a scar on his shoulder.

“It’s different,” he pouted.

“How is it different?”

“It just is.”

She gently cupped his chin and turned his head to face her, and Natsu grudgingly obliged.

“Look,” she said, pointing to a scar on her knee. “This reminds me of the first time we met. Remember? When that guy was pretending to be you?” he rolled his eyes, but she continued. 

“And this? This is from that time we ended up in Edolas.”

“And this is from when I made you and Happy those cookies and burned myself with the pan!”

Natsu finally met her eyes, a smile fighting his way out. 

“They all tell a story,” she said. “A story about me and you.”

He finally allowed himself to smile, and, for a moment, Lucy thought he looked beautiful. With his cheeks red from the sun, his cherry pink hair still wet from their swim, and his golden skin shining under the sun.

“Want to know which is my favorite?” she asked, leaning toward him, their noses almost touching.

He nodded, his eyes wide with curiosity, and for a second, Lucy could have sworn he was holding his breath.

“This one,” she pointed to her shoulder, where a series of little dots formed an arc.

“Where is it from?” he asked, furrowing his brows.

“You idiot! You bit me last month!” she smacked him on the head and jumped on her feet ready to run. Natsu was soon at her tail. 

She kept laughing and tripping, and it wasn’t hard for Natsu to catch her and throw her in the water, but she didn’t care. Her heart was full. 

Those scars were part of her and she cherished each of them, just like every moment she had shared with Natsu.

(Needless to say, she added a new scar on her knee, tripping during her run.)

[fandomcreatorsguild]

Prompt Activity

Since one of the big things I have always wanted to do with a space like this is help creators to learn and grow together, we are getting started on testing out some of the community activity ideas we have been given and/or have come up with.

We asked out creators to choose a fandom, and pick one of the prompts offered! We will have different length of creation times base on interest and requests later.

Activity: Community Prompt Share 1-19-24 Prompt Options:

"Since when did you hate to interfere?"

Alt prompt: “I’m sorry I’m so much trouble, really.” “Shhh, stop it. Your no trouble at all, zero.”

Due by: 1-21-24, 11 pm Central Time. For this prompt, the only length limit is what you can get done by Sunday!

==================

Creator: @teleiapotami

Fandom: Fairy Tail

Prompt: "Since when do you hate to interfere?"

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Natsu had never seen his brother look more flustered in his life. He stifled a snicker, watching Zeref rub the back of his head nervously, while his other hand fiddled with the pin on his tie nervously. Before him stood a petite girl with a mass of blonde hair that nearly brushed the floor.

Zeref looked around suddenly, and Natsu ducked back around the corner of the bookshelf he was hiding behind, holding his breath. There was no way he was interrupting this! Not when his big brother was practically blushing! He poked his head back out after a slow ten count and scanned the area, frowning.

“Looking for something?”

Natsu bit back a yelp, scrambling to catch the books he'd knocked off the shelf in his startled reaction. “Wha— Hey Zeref! I thought you were…uh…busy with…” he trailed off, swallowing at the irritated glint in his brother's dark eyes.

“Busy with Mavis? Yes, I was. No thanks to you. She said that YOU told her sister she should ask me out?” he demanded, his hands automatically moving to reorganize the upset shelf properly. Natsu shrugged slightly. “I….might have mentioned it to Lucy, yeah. But so what? Why are you mad about it? You TOLD me you liked her, remember?” He poked one of the books further back into the shelf, grinning mischievously. Zeref instantly tugged it back into line with an annoyed huff.

“I also said I wasn't ready to do anything about it, and that I wanted to talk to her on my own terms and timing. And you promised you would make sure I got to do that,“ he said, pushing Natsu out of the library.

Natsu grinned sheepishly. ”O-Oh yeah…I did say that, huh?” “Yes. You did Natsu. So why didn't you come interrupt when you saw her waylay me?”

“W-Well, y'know….I would have hated to interfere in your—”

Zeref let out a rare snort, stopping their walk to give his brother a disbelieving look. “Since when do you hate to interfere? You are the KING of interfering!”

“Prince,” Natsu grinned. “You hold that crown, big brother.”

Zeref opened his mouth to argue, but his eyes fell on the scar on Natsu's neck, and he looked away. “Fair enough,” he grunted.

The pair walked in silence for a few minutes again before Natsu stretched his arms out behind his head. “So…did you get a date?”

The bright blush on his brother's cheeks was the only confirmation Natsu needed.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Creator: @dawnwynters

Fandom: Fairy Tail

Prompt: “I’m sorry I’m so much trouble, really.” “Shhh, stop it. Your no trouble at all, none.”

TW: Mention of Attempted Assault

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Natsu groaned as he rolled over, his hand searching blindly for his phone as the loud ringing pulled him further out of sleep. He had no idea what time it was, but he knew that it was nowhere near time for him to wake up. Cracking open a green eye as he grasped his phone, he pressed the green circle to answer before holding it to his ear, not bothering to check the name or number. “What?” He growled, irritated at being woken up.

There was an odd silence for a moment, the person on the other end sniffling as if they were crying. “Natsu?”

He sat upright, his eyes wide as he fully woke up at the sound of that broken voice, a voice he hadn’t heard in years but knew better than his own. “Lucy?” He shoved the blankets off him as he shifted to sit on the edge of his bed. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m s-sorry,” Her voice was dazed and thick with tears. “I-I didn’t know who-“ She trailed off, another sob escaping her. “I-I’m lost?”

He was up, his phone pressed between his shoulder and his ear as he yanked on his pants. “What do you mean you’re lost? Lucy, what’s wrong?” “Th-There was a p-party?” There was another choked sob. “Dan t-tried-“

“Where are you, Lucy?” He interrupted her as he tugged a shirt on. “Tell me where you are and I’ll come get you.”

“I-I don’t kn-know.” She took a shuddering breath. “D-Dan d-drove us there and I-I r-ran.”

“Are you hurt?” He pulled his boots on before grabbing his car keys and heading out the door, his heart racing as he waited for her answer and cursing the current downpour of rain. “I f-fell a few times. H-Hit my head.” She sniffled again. “It’s raining and it’s s-slippery.”

“I know.” He kept his voice soft to try and soothe her. “Can you focus enough to share your location with me so I can find you?” He started his car, his phone automatically connecting to the Bluetooth as he waited, relief flooding him when her location popped up. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

He kept her talking as he sped through the streets, ignoring almost every traffic law there was until he was pulling up to a curb, his heart breaking at the sight of her huddled up under the awning of a store. “Lucy,” He spoke her name softly as he picked her up and carried her to his car, carefully buckling her in.

She didn’t speak, her face turned away from him to stare at the passing scenery as he drove, her hands clutching the edge of her short dress tightly. “I-I’m sorry.” She finally whispered. “I know I’m the l-last person you w-want to-“

“Shut up, Lucy.” He made sure to keep the frustration out of his voice as he parked outside of his apartment building. “Sit still for a moment.”

She nodded, listening to him getting out of the car and waiting silently until the door opened and he was getting her out of the car and carrying her inside, her body shuddering at the warmth of him and his apartment. “I-I’m-“

“Cold. I know.” He carried her to the bathroom and set her down on the toilet. “Don’t move.” He watched her nod in agreement before he left her alone for a moment to retrieve a pair of his sweatpants, a t-shirt, and the first-aid kit he kept. “Okay,” He knelt in front of her, his eyes moving over her body to assess where she was hurt. The gash on her forehead looked superficial, as did the cuts scrapes on her hands, knees, and bare feet, but it was the finger print bruises on her upper arms and thighs that had him biting back his rage. “Tell me what happened.��� He kept his voice calm as he started treating the cuts and scrapes on her feet and knees.

She watched him as he treated her cuts, her eyes finally dry as she took a deep breath. “Dan took us to a party at one of his old Fraternity brother’s house and he got stupid drunk. He-“ She swallowed and looked away, closing her eyes tightly. “He told his friends to ‘go for it’ and they grabbed me-“

His hands stilled, the fingers that were gently curled around her leg tightened as his eyes flew up to her face. “Lucy, how far did they get?”

“Not very. I struggled and managed to get away. I just ran.” She let out a shaky breath and opened her eyes to look at him. “I didn’t know who else to call, Natsu, I’m sorry.”

He pulled out more supplies from the kit and started to clean the gash on her forehead. “What happened to your shoes?”

“I kicked them off the second time I fell.” She whispered, her eyes closing as she let him treat her wound. “Natsu, I’m sorry I’m so much trouble, really.”

He gently gripped her chin, his eyes locking on hers when she opened them in surprise. “Shh, stop it. You're no trouble at all, Luce, none.” He held her gaze until she nodded before he released her chin and finished cleaning the cut. “Okay, take a shower and I’ll put a bandage on that. You can wear these.” He gestured to the clothes he had brought in for her.

“Okay.” She whispered. “Thank you.” He nodded and left the bathroom, moving to put the first aid kit away before pulling out his phone and scrolling through until he found the number he was looking for and clicked on it. “Hey,” He sighed when the man on the other end answered. “Sorry to wake you, Laxus, but there’s something you need to know.” He quickly filled him in on what had happened and what Lucy told him. “I’ll keep her here tonight, but she might feel better if you come get her in the morning.”

“But she’s safe? She wasn’t hurt too badly?” Laxus’s voice was filled with anger.

“She’s perfectly safe with me, I promise.” Natsu listened to the shower shut off and sighed. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Take care of my sister this time, Natsu or I’ll fucking kill you.”

Natsu rolled his eyes as Laxus hung up, his head turning towards the bathroom door when it opened and Lucy stepped out. He noticed how red her skin was and held back a growl, knowing she probably tried to scrub herself raw. “Lay down.” He gestured towards the bed.

“I can lay on the couch, Natsu.” She bit her lip. “I don’t want to kick you out of your-Hey!” She gasped in surprise when he picked her up and laid her down on the bed. “Really! I can take the-“

“Shut up, Luce.” He rolled his eyes and grabbed the bandage he left out of the kit to put it over the cut on her head. “Get some rest.” He waited for her to nod before he stood up and headed for his bedroom door so he could take the couch.

“Natsu?” She whispered, her eyes on him. “Thank you.”

“Always, Luce.” He gave her a weak smile before leaving her alone to sleep.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Thank you to those who participated in this weeks prompt, and to those who couldn't but expressed an interest! We are so excited to continue this activity and see where it goes!!

If you are interested in joining our discord, we would LOVE to have you!

[moongirlcleo]

headcanons for sting eucliffe with a professional ice (figure) skating fem s/o or crush? how does the blondie behave in that scenario.. cause i’m picturing him calling it easy and then falling on his ass and embarrassing himself on the first date 😭. and also how her friends (fairytail) and his friends would react to the whole thing. by the way, friendly reminder that you are SPECTACULAR!!!

awww bby YOU are spectacular <3 I got you ! This blonde dumb dumb would totally do something like that lol !

Sting x Fem Skater Crush:

"Hey, what do you say you and I go on a little date after the matches today?" The blonde dragon slayer smirked at you, leaning back and awaiting your answer.

Truth be told, you'd had your eye on him since you first saw him a few days ago. Determined to play coy, you smirked back and gave him a sly smile.

"If you can convince me, I may be willing to say yes."

The smirk on Sting's face faltered for a moment, before recovering.

“I don’t need to convince you, princess. By the end of the day, you’ll be wanting that date.”

You eyed the blonde up and down, tempted to give in. But the attitude Sting was displaying was more than displeasing. No, you decided. Two can play this game.

“Win against my guild mate later and I may even let you take me on a second.”

Sting’s eyes lit up at the taunt, knowing he’d be fighting against Natsu.

“You got it, babe. What’s your favorite food?”

…

…

Needless to say, the match between the two dragon slayers ended in a massive W for the Fairy Tail guild. You were sat at the bar with your friends the next day, when you remembered your exchange with Sting. Guilt flooded through your system. You’d only wanted to give back some attitude, not outright turn the blonde down.

Before long, you were walking down the roads in search of the Sabertooth guild residence. 

A downcast Sting sat outside the motel, covered in bandages. Quietly, you sat next to him and gave him a playful nudge.

“So, where are we going?” You asked, giggling as Sting jumped in fright. He gave you a scowl.

“Jesus, a ‘hey, it’s me’ would’ve been nice,” he grumbled. “Here to rub it in you all won?” 

You frowned. “No, I was coming to see if that date was still on the table.” 

A small rosy tint crossed Sting’s visage. 

“Thought you’d only go on a date with me if I won.”

“Hey now, I only said I’d consider a second date if you won.” You gave him a wink.

Sting’s face perked up. 

“Wait, you were joking? No way.” 

His outburst caused you to laugh. “Of course, I’d already planned on accepting, but you were acting a little too cocky so I figured I’d mess with you. Have you ever gone ice skating before?”

“No, why do you ask?” 

You blinked a moment before gesturing to your left.

“Well, on the way here, I passed an ice skating rink and I love ice skating, so let’s go!” You pulled Sting up and rushed toward the slab of ice, trying not to chuckle at the confused look on the dragon slayer’s face.

Once you arrived to the rink, you stole a glance at the blonde. His features were unreadable as he realized you two weren’t alone. It had seemed as if team Natsu were already here, making themselves quite at home, much to your disbelief.

“This can’t be that hard,” he muttered to himself. “It’s just ice. I got this in the bag.” Sting looked toward Natsu, the remnants of the match still fresh on his mind. You took that moment to grab his hand and pull him toward the ice. 

“It’s really not that hard, Sting. Watch me!” You requipped some ice skates on your feet and began pushing off, twirling around in circles. He watched you as you moved, nodding in amazement.

“Do you do this shit often?” He called out to you.

“Yeah, man, didn’t you know yn is a professional figure skater?” Gray Fullbuster replied for you. 

A blush bloomed across your cheeks. “It��s not that serious ice boy, shut up.” 

Motioning for Sting to follow, you pushed off the ice once again and made your way back toward the other end of the ice. 

He hesitated only slightly, stepping onto the ice. Sting gave you a small smile, concentrating on remaining upright. 

You nodded in encouragement. “Come on, push your right foot back and coast forward.” 

Sting did as you’d told, and he began coasting. He gave you a wide smile.

“Look, I totally got this!” He moved faster, and in an instant both of your smiles turned to fear as he steadily moved faster until a loud thud could be heard. 

Sting had crashed headfirst into the boards.

You covered your mouth in surprise, while your friends looked on and howled with laughter.

Sting’s face was beet red, a mix from the cold ice and humiliation. Skating over to him, you knelt down and gave him a small peck on the cheek.

“Hey,” you murmured. “Don’t worry about it. Everyone falls, sometimes. Wanna just grab something to eat?” 

The blonde gave you a smile and shook his head. “Are you kidding? Yn, that was so much fun. I may not be able to beat Natsu in a fight yet, but I’ll be damned if he can beat me at ice skating. Show me how to get better.” 

You stifled a groan and helped your crush up. With a smile, you taught him the ropes of skating, the promise of a second date in the air. 

[warlordgab]

NaLu analysis: tension and shipping

A few months ago, shippers brought up an interesting concept: "Tension." Which led to the question, what does "tension" mean in the context of relationships? Doesn't NaLu have this element in their bonding?

Let's start by answering, what's Tension?

It seems some people deliberately leave it vague as they don't specify if it is "romantic tension" or "sexual tension." So, we're going to briefly explore both concepts to see if we find either something from other premises that doesn't belong in NaLu, or something that fits their relationship and growth as seen in Mashima's works.

Let's start by assuming shippers use the term as Romantic Tension

There are a lot of concepts and factors involved, but to make it simple we can define "romantic tension" as the anticipation produced by the way two characters gravitate towards each other before their eventual relationship upgrade. Such interactions usually have some uniqueness to them, and depending on the writer and the characters, it may include a mix of both nervousness and excitement.

We have to make clear appearing in the panel/frame or having the same reaction to certain things or events is not 'gravitating toward each other,' so those scenes don't count as "tension."

What does count as romantic tension?

So, which girl does Natsu gravitate towards the most?

It's kinda hard to miss that since the story started Natsu, slowly but surely, developed a strong attachment to Lucy. It started with Natsu doing what he never did during his whole life in the guild: form a team

They kept growing so close they eventually got the point that he sticks to her a lot more often, even when having the choice to make up for the lost time with his childhood friend by the time of the GMG arc...

...to the point when having to choose between the thrill of battle in the magic games or going on a secret mission to rescue Lucy, he easily chose Lucy.

Bonus points for Lucy getting a little blushed and clearly overjoyed when she got to know about it.

The story also highlights who, more often than not, stays in Lucy's house eagerly waiting for her return...

He tends to go to Lucy's home more often that anyone else, and that special chapter revealed he just does it because he wants to be her.

Also, who was the first person he wanted to go with him to battle Hades?

...and as Lisanna predicted, Natsu drew strength from the fact Lucy was by his side even when everyone else was losing hope

Before the Alvarez battle started, who did Natsu choose to spend the night with?

The one who actually got him to talk about the future and rationalize the thrill he feels in battle was Lucy. More often than not, Natsu tends to gravitate towards her, and that's part of the reason why some of the most meaningful moments come up naturally without any of them being out of character. So, we can say there's some sort of tension there

But, what about Lucy?

Well, after sharing so much with Natsu she began to feel attached to him too. But, the most notable showings are the ones who showcase the emotional chemistry between the characters. Think about this: who did she turned when needing relief...

At the finale of the GMG arc, who did she run to when overwhelmed by, according to the narrative, a warm feeling dwelling in her chest?

Her first impulse was going to Natsu, and it doesn't feel forced at all given the context around the moment; feelings trascending space and time, but ultimately Lucy's own feelings, draw her to Natsu. Before the guild disbanded, who did Lucy run after?

Notice that despite having many guildmates, who are practically her family, it's the prospect of Natsu's absence what would make her feel lonely even if the guild were to be there for her. Still, after the disbandment was announced, she didn't run after any other guild member.

Who did she stick to after the events of HEROs? Who did she seek to prank her new friend? And who did she stay with the rest of their time?

It should be clear by now that the one person Lucy gravitates towards the most is Natsu. So, it's only logical to conclude there's "tension" between them as these unique interactions create some sort of suspense or hype around their bond and its potential to grow and evolve into something stronger.

Still, we have another term to cover: Sexual Tension

It's not the first time we tackled this subject in blogs or forums. Sexual tension occurs when two characters have sexual desires for each other, but they either hold back or never act on those urges. It's also used to create anticipation, since the only resolve that tension is for the character to get "intimate" with the person they desire.

It sounds crazy when you think about how the manga already told us that neither Natsu or Lucy have much experience with love, and take a look at how they respond to the subject. E.g. recall how Lucy reacts to the prospect of having a child with Natsu?

But, we can use a loophole: Drunk Lucy. It started in a OVA, made it into the manga, and stayed with us ever since

When Lucy gets drunk, the only target of her rather suggestive "affection" is Natsu

As for Natsu. Oddly enough, it's difficult to find Natsu "horny" even during fanservice involving NaLu. Some omakes may do the trick. But, the closest thing we got in the main storyline is feeling "good" when having Yokai Lucy firmly wrapped around him:

If we were to use those rare moments, we could say Natsu may be attracted to Lucy in more ways than one. So, despite how oblivious Natsu is, and how shy Lucy gets with the subject at hand, it's possible to argue there's some sort of "tension" in this regard

But, this is merely a small bonus. The true strength of NaLu is in the first kind of tension mentioned here, which is further enhanced by the solid chemistry they haveA lively and exciting dynamic made even more special due to the emotional attachment they cultivated for one another

Bonus:

Still, it's pretty interesting seeing shippers use similar arguments to promote premises that contradict NaLu. It's not uncommon to find fans claiming that NaLu will be canon only because Mashima said so, and because Juvia survived the Alvarez arc, while stating Lucy has "tension" with other guy(s).

So, if Mashima hadn't commented on Natsu and Lucy being the most "suitable" paring, and/or had Juvia died on the Alvarez arc, then NaLu wouldn't have a chance? Does the pairing depends on author's commentary and Juvia's well-being? That makes NaLu sound forced

And when it comes to the claims of tension, remember the definition(s)? So, according to shippers, Lucy will end up with Natsu, but she gravitates towards someone else, probably because she feels sexual desire for this person, and the only way to resolve that kind of tension is having sex with the other guy... That doesn't make any sense

The issue is that Natsu doesn't fit the romantic cliché several shippers want. He's too quirky and dorky, he’s not sexy enough, he doesn't throw corny or cheesy one-liners, and he's not actively seeking romance for he's inexperienced in that particular field. But, even without clichés, he bonded with Lucy to the point of being completely comfortable with the child he could potentially have with Lucy: Nasha

To the point of offering most of what a relationship needs to grow into something stronger and deeper, as explained in another analysis, Natsu provides Lucy with a sense of adventure that brings her joy and excitment as well as giving her both emotional and practical support

All of these are traits that make romantic relationships prosper. The more you break down the reasoning shippers present, the less sense it makes. For example, did Natsu's meaningful gestures to Lucy depended on Mashima's commentary?

Did their most powerful moments happened only because Juvia served as some sort of deterrent to other premises?

Shippers may say or imply that's case. But, what the author's works convey is something entirely different. Their bond is stronger, not because of Juvia or interviews, its strength comes from the chemistry they built through the profound effect the had on each other. The tension they have, it's only there to keep us waiting for their eventual relationship upgrade.

[willowfolksong]

Introducing: the family

- Ushijima Wakatoshi x Reader

- SFW

a/n: omg anon I'm so sorry, but I don't know what happened to your request. Everytime I tried to answer it I got an error??? and I don't really know why? so I took a screenshot and now here it is! that's why please, if you see this, pretty please let me know, so I can rest and know that you saw it 🥺❤ and thank you so much for your words!!! I enjoyed writing this a lot ✨

Love,

Willow ❄

Requests are open! ❄

You turn around so fast that Ushijima actually has to take a step back, to avoid the cake on his hands to slip and fall to the ground.

He looks at you curiously, as you chew on the edge of your own scarf "Is there something wrong?"

"No, not really"

"Then why are we standing here?"

You look back at the door. The Hinata's entrance door, decorated with a sparkly 'Happy birthday' sign in pink and yellow letters.

You grimace, and look back at your unperturbed boyfriend.

No. Fiancee. You're getting married.

The butterflies that flutter around in your stomach at the thought are not enough to ease your nerves.

"Okay, let's rehearse this one more time" you say, and after changing his weight from one foot to another, Ushijima nods obediently "When you see Shoyo, you'll say..."

"Hello" Ushijima chants, knowing the words by heart now "It's good to see you"

You nod enthusiastically "Very well. And when you see his boyfriend?"

At that, Ushijima's right eye twitches slightly, but he still complies "Hello, Kageyama. How are you?"

You picture Kageyama's scowl in your mind, and shake your head wildly "I think is safer if you don't ask him anything"

"Why not?"

"Just... stick with saying that it's nice to see him again too"

Ushijima looks like he really, really, doesn't wants to say that, but after a pause, he speaks again "Hello, Kageyama. It's good to see you again"

Now comes the hard part.

You take a breath, and push some strands of your hair behind your ears "Alright. Now. Let's go over the topics we need to avoid"

"I won't bring up that Shiratorizawa is doing better than Karasuno" your boyfriend repeats, and you suppress the urge to contradict him, your Karasuno spirit almost betraying you. You might be a college student now, but you're still flying high in your heart "I will not talk about any match, or refer to any mistake in their games. I will also not antagonize them as players, and won't bring any volleyball discussion in general at the table"

You smile, proud, and step on your tiptoes to kiss him on the lips. Ushijima meets you halfway, smiling against your lips.

"That's perfect"

"I want you to be comfortable. And I want to make a good first impression in front of your parents, so I won't forget any of this"

"Oh, shit!" you gasp, sudenly panicking "My parents! We need to practice for that too! I've been so focused on you and the boys that I forgot..."

The door behind you opens in that exact same moment, cutting you off and making you take a step back closer to your boyfriend.

Natsu blinks at the two of you, confused, before her eyes light up at the sigh of Ushijima.

"You must be the boyfriend!" she squeals, and looks about ready to jump in his arms, cake be damned.

Ushijima looks at you for a moment, before his eyes go back to your little cousin "Hello, my name is Ushijima Wakatoshi. I'm very pleased to meet you"

Natsu's face erupts in a furious blush, and she covers her mouth with her hand to try and muffle her giggles "So polite! Like a knight!"

"Hi, little Natsu!" you say, amused at the fact that she's paying zero attention to her actual cousin "Good to see you again!"

The little girl finally looks at you, and smiles awkwardly before stepping aside "Hi! Come on in!"

Once inside, Ushijima turns to present the cake to her, small smile in place.

"Happy birthday. I hope it's of your liking"

Natsu quickly snatches the box out of his hands and runs to the kitchen, laughing in delight.

You sigh, and yell "Happy birthday!" to her before turning back to your boyfriend.

He has taken off his scarf to hang it on the coat rake by the door, and it's looking around curiously, hands behind his back.

It's time.

"Come on" you say, offering him your hand. "Time to face battle"

"I dont think this will be a battle at all"

You're two steps into the living room when you hear Shoyo running down the stairs and stopping a few feet away from you, huffing.

And, not a second later, Kageyama appears righ behind him, scowl in place.

Well, that was fast

"Hi Shoyo!" you great him, and he waves at you with a little smile before his eyes slide over Ushijima.

Your boyfriend nods "Hello. It's nice to see you"

Kageyama snorts, and Shoyo discretely elbows him before answering, still smiling "Same. Thanks for coming to my little sister birthday"

Ushijima nods again, and looks at Kageyama, still hiding behind the much more shorter Shoyo "Hello, Kageyama. It's good to see you again" he repeats, exactly the same words you practiced it.

When he looks at you for approval, you squeeze his hand proudly.

"Whatever" Kageyama deadpans, and turns around to run back up the stairs.

Shoyo blushes profusely, bowing in apology "I'm so sorry! He's just... I'll talk to him!" he says, and rushes behind his boyfriend.

You puff your cheeks, and look up at Ushijima. He's looking for something around the kitchen "Well, that was better than what I expected"

"Where are your parents?" he asks, and you scratch your chin in thought.

"Probably in the backyard. Why?"

Ushijima looks down at you, raising an eyebrow at your question "I want to meet them, and introduce myself"

"Right"

"As your future husband and father of your children"

Your face burst into flames, and you softly smack his chest "Yeah, well... don't say that. Unless you're alone with my mom"

"Why? You don't want to have children with me?"

"Oh my god" you whine, pulling him with you to the place where you think your parents are "We're not having this conversation at my little cousin's birthday"

Your parents are, indeed, gathered around a table with the cake and the rest of the food on the backyard. Shoyo's parents are also there, as well as most of your family. Natsu stops jumping around as soon as she sees you, and rushes to your side to grab Ushijima by his free hand and pull him and you towards her parents

You don't miss your mom squeal of delight.

"Look! It's cousin's boyfriend! He's so tall!" Natsu says, and looks up at Ushijima with the biggest smile ever.

You clear your throat, amused at her evident crush "I'm here too, you know"

Your mom cuts everyone off, rushing to stand in front of you, with your father in town.

"Well, well! If it isn't the famous Ushijima? We've heard so much about you!"

Ushijima bows "Please, you can call me Wakatoshi"

Your mom literally swoons. Your father, however, doesn't seems that enthusiastic. He glances at Shoyo's father and nods, before looking back at Ushijima and crossing his arms over his chest.

"Say, Wakatoshi" he says, putting an exaggerated amount of emphasis in the name. Your roll your eyes "You play volleyball, right?"

"Dad..." you whine, but he only raises a hand at you, before talking again.

"Yes, I do" answers Ushijima.

Your father grins "Then tell me, quick. Addlers or MSBY Jackals?"

"Actually" Ushijima says, not missing a beat "The Addlers are interested in having me join their team when I finish college next year"

Silence.

You gulp.

Your father's grin slowly morphs into a big smile, and he pats Ushijima on the shoulder "Good answer, son! Tell me more about that!"

Shoyo's father huffs from behind, glaring at the two of you— clearly displeased by the choice of team— but your father ignores him in favor of dragging your boyfriend with him to the table.

The rest of the day passes by quickly and without any incidents, until dinner time comes, and Natsu blows the candles and makes her wish before you can all start eating.

Hinata sighs, and aggressively whispers something in Kageyama's ear.

His boyfriend doesn't bulges, and instead cuts a big chomp of meat and stuffs his mouth before pointing at Ushijima with his fork "Hey!"

You whisper "Oh my god no", and place a hand over your boyfriend's thigh under the table.

Ushijima swallows his food before answering "Yes?"

Kageyama seems a bit taken a back by the acknowledgment, but is soon frowning again "What's that that you're signing with the Addlers?"

"They want me in their team"

"Really?"

"Yes. Why?"

Kageyama chews in thought before answering, while cutting another chunk of meat and this time glaring at his plate instead "The Addlers are the best team there is right now" he says.

Shoyo's smile freezes in his face "You mean the MSBY Jackals are, right?"

"What?" Kageyama asks, raising an eyebrow at his boyfriend "That's dumb. Of course not"

"Statistically speaking" Ushijima intervenes, taking a sip of his drink "The Addlers had a much better performance this year. They are, indeed, the superior team"

Kageyama grins maniacally and turns to look at his boyfriend. Shoyo only squints his eyes at Ushijima.

"Is that so?"

"They're known for having much better reflexes, and the most successful serves as well" Ushijima keeps going, before you squeeze his thigh while trying to maintain your smile, and he turns to you, apologetically "I'm sorry. You did said no volleyball talk"

"Right"

Shoyo and Natsu's mom stands up then, clapping excitedly "Now, now! Presents time! Let's all clean the table up so we can start!"

Natsu is the first to follow, laughing in delight and rushing past everyone. Ushijima diligently gathers both of your plates and glasses, while Shoyo also does the same, ignoring Kageyama's complains about not having finished yet.

In the haste of everyone standing up and trying to clean as soon as possible to leave room for the presents for the overly excited Natsu, you lose sight of your boyfriend, until you hear a loud 'clash' and one of your aunts horrified gasp.

You run to the source of the noise to find Ushijima laying on the ground, broken plates all around him— his own glass of juice apparently intact in his hand.

Shoyo snickers quietly besides him "Ups! Sorry, my bad!"

"Shoyo!" her mother chastises him, but your cousin only shrugs unbothered, his own dishes tightly clasped between his arms.

"I just thought he would have better reflexes and all"

You come near your boyfriend when he's already back on his feet, eyes on his stained t-shirt "Are you okay?"

He nods, and turns towards where your mom and dad watch the scene unfold, bowing his head in apology "I'm deeply sorry"

"Oh, honey. It's okay! Really"

"I promise I'll be more careful with the dishes in our engagement dinner party"

Once again, the deafening silence.

Your mother gasps, covering her mouth with both of her hands, while tears of joy rush to her eyes. Your father gapes.

Kageyama whistles from somewhere behind. Shoyo's mouth hangs in shock.

You blanche "Toshi..."

Ushijima seems slightly worried, glancing down at you "I assumed they knew?"

"YOU'RE MARRYING HIM?" Shoyo screams.

'Well— you think, while watching your family gush over your soon to be husband— At least no one is talking about volleyball anymore'

[tangerinemoon]

Natsu SFW & NSFW HCs

Anon: Heyyy, can I request sfw and nsfw relationship headcanons about natsu with a fem s/o pls? Thank you!

warnings: f!reader, smut (18+ DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE UNDER 18), oral (f & m receiving), overstimulation, cursing, uhhh mentioned violence?

Ooooof thank you nonnie for requesting my husband

SFW

First and foremost: natsu is a hothead (literally) so be prepared to pull him out of a lot of fights

You guys will probably be in the middle of a nice lunch or rare relaxing moment in the guild hall and the next thing you know he’s gonna be challenging Gray to a fight.

“Natsu!”

“Gimme a sec! I’m gonna beat Gray and then we can go back to eating!”

Y’all are probably not gonna get back to eating

You’re either his moral compass or his biggest cheerleader there’s no in between

Help Happy run betting pools it’ll be fun

Speaking of Happy

That little exceed loves you

So much that Natsu gets jealous

“Y/N! Stop stealing Happy from me!” 

“Not my fault you don’t cuddle him enough!” “Aye!”

“Happy stop stealing my girlfriend”

PDA

Natsu probably didn’t understand it at first

Sometimes he wouldn’t touch you at all in public, like hold your hand or put an arm around you.

When you told him you wanted him to touch you more he probably didn’t really get it and would just like? Grab your ass IN FRONT OF EVERYONE

You’re gonna have to sit him down and explain what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not because let’s be real the boy is oblivious 

Cuddles

Behind closed doors Natsu is a monster

Needs to be curled up with you on the couch/in bed at all times

Expect a lot of Natsu/Happy cuddles 

Expect to get really hot too the boy is a living furnace 

Loves sleeping on your chest. Boobs make the best pillows 

“Natsu stop” you’ll whine and try to push him off but he’ll just grin and bury his face  deeper into your chest

“No, they’re comfy!” 

Doesn’t really matter the size. Boobs = Pillows

Ok back to the family friendly broadcasting

forehead/head kisses

Natsu’s favorite place to kiss you is either your forehead or the top of your head 

You could be a foot taller than him or shorter than him, it doesn’t matter, that’s where he’s gonna kiss you

Especially after an intense battle or if you got badly hurt. He’s going to pull you in his arms and kiss the top of your head. 

It’s his way of letting you know that he’s always here. 

NSFW

tbh natsu was probably a virgin when you met

That boy had a one track mind until he met you

You’re going to have to show him the ropes but he’s an eager student

If you’re also a virgin then he’s going to be extra sure your ready before taking that step

Biting/Marking and lots of it. His favorite place to mark you is the inside of your thighs. 

He’ll pin you to the bed and lay between your legs forever, nibbling and sucking at the soft skin of your thighs until finally moving to your center. 

Natsu loves going down on you. He will grip your thighs until he leaves bruises and lick at your core until you’re sobbing mess

Overstimulation 

Sex with Natsu is a lot, quickies aren’t really an option. He has too much stamina and wants to take as much time as possible with you. The more he can make you cum the better. 

“Natsu! It’s too much” he’ll look up from in between your legs, licking his lips and pressing a soft kiss to your thigh “C’mon baby, you can give me one more. Just one more before I fuck you ok?”

As much as he loves giving, the boy loves receiving too

If you truly want natsu to shut up: suck his dick

You can literally see his brain short circuit and his cheeks blush and adorable shade of pink whenever you take him into your mouth.

Yes the carpet matches the drapes 

He’ll grip the back of your head and thrust into your mouth all while letting out the most sinful moans you’ve ever heard. Until he can’t take it anymore and a)  spill down the back of your throat or b) pull you off and throw you down onto the bed 

Natsu prefers missionary most just because he feels like he’s closest with you there, but also really likes taking you from behind while you both lay down on your sides

From this position he can hold you against his chest and whisper in your ear about how good you feel clenched around his cock.

Likes cumming inside you the most,but will cum anywhere else if you ask him to

Cockwarming

Like i said the boy has stamina, he can go for hours and by the time you’re done, the two of you are so spent and satisfied he’s just going to stay inside for a while. 

“You feel so good, i don’t wanna pull out yet”

He will fall asleep there though, so be sure to shake him off eventually (please remember to pee after sex)

In addition to his never ending stamina, Natsu loves morning sex.

If he had it his way the first thing and last thing he’d do everyday is you

its one of the few times you guys fuck nice and slow. Both of you still a little groggy, he’ll just bury his face is your neck and roll his hips softly against yours until you both find your release, murmuring about how much he loves you

It was probably the first time he said it too. 

In conclusion: Natsu Dragneel is husband

[justauthoring]

The Long Wait

Prompt: Eventually, the hoping became too much to bare. Requested by: no one.

A/N: This is basically a remake of this fic -- upon re-watching the GMG arc with my mom, I couldn’t help but look back at this fic and realize how much more I could’ve done with it. Thus, this was born. Pairing: Gray Fullbuster x F!Reader

“What do you mean you’re leaving?”

Keeping your gaze trained to the ground, you absolutely refuse to look up -- because you know that if you did, your heart would break all over again.

“I’m sorry,” you mumble, words jumbled together, voice quiet that if the guild hall was so completely silent, they definitely wouldn’t have heard you. But they do, and they falter at the way you sound so absolutely broken. And of course, all of them were, but there was something different about the way you sounded -- it was like you were defeated. 

Macao steps towards her, you hear it rather then see it, and can imagine his hand stretched out towards you, trying to placate you. “Y/N, we understand--” and he halts, voice catching in the back of his throat. “We understand more then anyone how you feel, but--”

“It’s different.” You find yourself cutting in, voice sharp, and you wince at yourself because you sound so incredibly selfish and rude. Who were you to say that your pain was any different from theirs? Any worse? But, still, you continue, your emotions getting the better of you. “It’s just... different. I... I can’t be here knowing they’re... he’s gone.”

“Y/N-nee, we don’t know that they’re gone!”

Your eyes fall shut at the sound of Romeo’s voice.

“We have to keep searching for them,” he argues, defiant, adamantly shaking his head. “They’re somewhere out there, I know that. And Gray wouldn’t--”

“They’re gone,” you hiss, interrupting him and finally glancing up to regard your friends, your family. They rear back at your harsh words, and that guilt festers even deeper inside of your chest, with the way they’re looking at you. Jet and Droy look near tears, and you know they’re thinking of Levy. And Bisca and Alzack look in shock at your outburst, you’re usually so quiet and calm. Macao looks angry, and the rest just stare at you, varying reactions that all mesh together.

Because really, it’s the way Romeo looks at you, still so young, so full hope as your words basically slap him in the face.

But you’re too far gone now, and there’s no stopping you.

“It’s been two years,” you continue, voice softer but still cutting, still hurtful. “They’re not coming back. They’re never coming back.”

He’s never coming back.

They don’t respond. No one argues, even if some look like they might. Maybe they’re understanding, maybe they’re finally getting it -- it’s been too long now and no one from the island is coming back. You’d been hopeful at first, you’d been like Romeo -- you’d refused to lose hope. But your heart is broken and there’s no mending it and you can’t keep staring at those doors all day expecting, hoping, praying that he’ll walk through them only for him never to.

So, you turn, nothing but a soft, sorrowful, pathetic apology leaving your lips as you turn your backs on your friends and leave them.

And as you turn, you see his familiar face, the dark black of his hair, that drawling smirk on his lips, and his cold, but always soft when directed at you eyes looking at you, but when you blink, he’s gone.

-

You huff at the weight dropped around your shoulders, inhaling deeply when you see a familiar puff of blonde hair.

“Did you hear?”

You don’t need to ask what he means. It’s pretty obvious.

“Fairy Tail will be competing again this year.”

When you turn to look at Sting, he’s smirking -- all bright eyed and giddy, and you hold back your own snark as you regard him with a small nod. Sting was one of the few to know of the fact that you used to be part of Fairy Tail -- him and Rogue, given that they were the ones who recruited you, and then the master as well.

It wasn’t news you were eager for everyone to know. Fairy Tail was a laughing stock in all respects now, but Sabertooth seemed to have a particular fondness of mocking the way the guild had fallen. And it was easy to hide you’d ever been apart of it given you hadn’t been a particularly well-known mage back when you’d been a member. Your powers were relatively new, and with, regrettably, the help of the Twin Dragon slayers you’d definitely grown in aspects of strength.

Three years since you’d joined Sabertooth -- two years of training on your own, and three of being surrounded by much stronger mages had you adapting and constantly changing. You were practically unrecognizable.

You were known at Y/N of Sabertooth now, and it was like the Y/N of Fairy Tail never even existed at all.

“I’m surprised,” you hum, shifting as Sting moves to take a seat next to you, still whilst having an arm draped over your arm. You blink at the sudden arrival of Rogue, not having heard him, as he takes a seat in front of you, before continuing. “They weren’t in it last year, or the year before if I remember. After finishing last every year before.”

You hadn’t been apart of Sabertooth’s team, but you do remember watching.

It had been... hard, to say the least.

“Ah, well, this year they have a new team.” Rogue explains blandly.

“New members, you should say,” Sting smirks.

Brows furrowed, you shake your head at their words, confusion flooding at you at the particular gleefulness of Sting’s expression. He always got a kick out of embarrassing other teams, not even just Fairy Tail, but there was something different about the way his eyes sparkled.

Sting meets your gaze, and without wavering, adds; “or should I say, old?”

Your breath catches, and even as your mind starts spinning, you’re all too aware of the way both Sting and Rogue are watching you carefully.

You turn from Rogue to Sting, and absolutely hate the gleam in the latter’s eyes as he smirks down at you. Keeping a tight hold on you, he pulls you closer, leaning until he’s a breaths away; “it’s a good thing I managed to convince the Master to let you on the team this year, Y/N,” he grins widely, “you’ll get to reunite with your old pales.”

That... that couldn’t be possible.

They were--They were dead. They are dead.

“I... I need some fresh air.” Shoving Sting’s arm off of you, you ignore his calls and his merciless laughter as you stock out the guild doors, bypassing Minerva which you know will get you in shit later. You don’t really care in that moment, you can’t even think straight, you need air. 

You need to breathe.

Sting must be lying. He has to be lying. There’s... they were dead, it’s been seven years.

Seven years.

How... why now? Why after all this time?

And you convince yourself he isn’t lying. You ignore Sting every time he tries to talk to you, and focus on training. It would be no good if you failed since you were on the roster this year -- Master would kill you if you failed to impress him and keep Sabertooth at the very top. And it’s easy enough to do, spend all your time training, pushing yourself to the brink, until it’s a few days before the games and you realize, Sting wasn’t lying.

You’d been trying to ignore it, ignore the urge, but eventually you give in and find yourself in the city of Magnolia. A place you haven’t been in a long time.

Fairy Tail’s location had changed, but you’d made sure to keep tabs on them. You never showed your face, mainly because you knew that in the end, you’d betrayed your friends. In their eyes, you assumed, you were the enemy, a traitor. You’d left them, left your guild in a time they’d needed you most, and almost instantly regretted it.

But every time you tried to go back, every time you made your way towards those doors, you’d remember the words you’d said -- “They’re not coming back. They’re never coming back.” -- and, like a coward, you were never able to face them.

From the moment you’d left, all you’d wanted to do was go back but it was too late for that now. And so you settled for keeping tabs, helping them where you could, always in secret -- you knew how they owed money, and you didn’t have a lot, but you always anonymously send some the guild’s way in hopes of helping. Sabertooth would kill you if they found out, specifically Sting, but it was your way of repaying all the hurt you must’ve caused them.

It’s why you know their new location. And, without even being there for more then five minutes, you see them.

A blue flying cat, followed by a white one, a tuff of pink hair, red hair, blue hair, blonde and most importantly, him. His dark hair, the fact that nothing’s changed and he looks exactly like he had those seven years ago when you’d wished him good luck on the S Class competition, and pressed a shy, chaste kiss to his cheek, the two of you blushing madly as he left, waving you goodbye.

But, they were there. He was there.

-

“And last but certainly not least, is the team that came first in the preliminaries... that’s right, you know them, you love them! Now, get on your feet and scream for the most powerful guild in all Fiore! The one and only, Sabertooth!”

You wince at the cheering, two steps behind everyone else as Sting makes his grand entrance, looking thoroughly most pleased and proud of himself then anyone else. However, even you can see the smirk on Rufus’ and Orga’s face. 

If anything, it’s you and Rogue that don’t look all that excited.

And you, for a specific reason. One that stares you right in the face the second you walk into the arena.

Elfman, Erza, Lucy, Natsu, but more importantly, Gray all look at you the second your team arrives. You can even feel Fairy Tail team B, and the rest of the guild up in the stands watching you and only you. You also notice with disdain that Sting had purposefully made way for you to be seen, even if you hadn’t been that hidden, you would’ve rather remained in the shadows.

That, and you’re not exactly sure what to say as they all stare at you.

“Y/N?!”

It’s Natsu who yells it, but it’s Lucy who steps towards you, baffled and confused; “Y/N, what’re you...”

But you only lower your gaze, eyes falling shut as Sting pulls you into his side, laughing loudly. “What a reunion!” He cheers, pumping his fist in the air, before turning to you. “Isn’t it so great to see all your old guildmates, Y/N?”

You meet their eyes, just as the announcer calls out;

“What’s this? A reunion? Could it be perhaps that Sabertooth’s own Y/N Y/L/N was once a member of Fairy Tail? What a twist on her debut in the Grand Magic Games!”

“This is so not man...”

Turning your head at the sound of Elfman’s voice, your breath catches in the back of your throat.

“Elfman,” Erza says sharply, pulling your eyes back on her and thus the rest of them, noticing with a thick swallow the way her eyes have never left your own. “I’m sure Y/N has her reasons.”

But as she stares at you, waiting for you to say something, you simply turn, walking off.

“I didn’t know you used to be in Fairy Tail,” Rufus drawls to you when you pass him, and your shoulders tighten.

That’s right... now, everyone knew.

“You never needed to know,” you say simply.

“Y/N.”

“It seems Fairy Tail’s Team A Gray Fullbuster approaches Sabertooth’s own Y/N Y/L/N, and the crowd watches in anticipation at the clear tension amongst the two of them--.”

Everything freezes. Shoulders tensing, you slowly turn, meeting Gray’s eyes -- the one you’d been specifically avoiding.

“We won’t lose.”

I know, you want to say. I don’t want you to, you want to tell him. I want Fairy Tail to win, you want to plead. But instead, knowing the eyes that watch you, you simply say; “neither will Sabertooth.”

-

This had to be some cruel joke.

Your punishment, maybe.

Sabertooth’s Y/N Y/L/N versus Fairy Tail’s Team A Gray Fullbuster

That’s what the board said, that what that God awful announcer calls with clear joy in his voice -- your first battle, the second day of the Games, and this way the turn out.

There was no way you’d win. 

Ignoring the fact that you had no doubt Gray was stronger then you -- you simply just couldn’t. You wouldn’t. Not against Fairy Tail and certainly not against Gray.

“Good luck, Y/N,” Sting calls as you move to make your way towards the arena. “Though I doubt you’ll need it.”

You hate his words, hate the way he knows, hate the way he seems to get such joy out of everything that had happened. This was his fault. His fucking fault that you were here, and that this was happening.

Though, of course, even you knew that was true.

“Sabertooth’s Y/N Y/L/N has never been apart of Sabertooth’s team, but we can expect something great from Fiore’s strongest guild, needless to say. Do you know anything about Y/N Y/L/N, Yajima-san?”

“I don’t know much about Y/’N now, but in her Fairy Tail days, she never really made a name for herself, but I do distinctly remember her powers being incredibly unique.”

“Ah! A mystery then. And of course, Fairy Tail’s Gray Fullbuster is a Ice Wizard, but after his performance in day one’s Hidden Competition, the crowd’s not too sure what to expect. Nonetheless, it should be an intense match between old guildmates now turned enemy’s.”

“Shut up,” you hiss to yourself, nails digging into the palm of your hands.

“Ah, I see you’re just as chipper as you used to be.”

Swallowing thickly, you inhale sharply as Gray comes to a stop a few feet before you. It’s closest you’ve been to him since that first day, and more importantly, then in seven years. You’d already known since that day, but he really does look exactly like he had that day. Hasn’t aged a day. You don’t know the story, you don’t know how he’s back, but you know you’ve heard the term ‘seven year blank’ echoing around.

That makes more sense as you stare at him now.

Still eighteen, you’re now older then him then a year younger like you had been before. 

Remaining silent, your head tilts back, where you know Sabertooth is, chest tightening.

“Y/N.”

Turning to Gray at the sound of your name, your lips part when you noticed the way his eyes have softened, even if only a little, like he caught something in the past moment you’d turned away from him. He looks so much more... concerned then he had the first day, and that was only yesterday. When he’d called for you, he’d looked so angry...

Now, he only looked worried.

“What happened?”

Swallowing thickly, you try to appear unbothered. “I left.”

“There’s more to it, I know there is,” Gray shakes his head, “the others told us about the day--”

Eyes clenching shut, a simply jerk of your head has Gray flying back. It causes a roar of gasps, surprise and anticipation in the thought that the fight is finally starting. But you know, unlike them, that it won’t get farther then that -- at least not from your end.

Gray hisses, slowly crawling to his feet, before he smirks at you; “you’ve gotten strong.”

“It’s been seven years.”

“Still,” he shrugs, stopping before you once again. “You have control now.”

You shrug, mimicking him with a smirk, “it’s been seven years.”

However, the facade falls all too quick when he takes a step towards you. Your body tenses, fists clenching as he continues to make his way towards you until he’s directly before you. He eyes you for a moment, quiet, carefully, and you nearly break then and there.

“It may have been seven years, but I know you best,” he whispers, voice low, “I know you’re lying.”

You shake your head, pushing his words away from your thoughts; “attack me.”

And he blinks, surprised; “what?”

“I need you to attack me,” you repeat, keeping your eyes trained downwards, refusing to meet his eyes. “I... I just need you to.”

And part of you expects him to -- you deserve it, you know, after all you’d done.

But, a second later, Gray’s stepping back, pulling your wide eyes on him as he shakes his head; “Fairy Tail doesn’t attack their own friends, Y/N. You know that.” And your breath hitches when his hand moves to raise.

“No!” You yell, before you can help yourself, eyes flashing a bright gold, like they had seconds before, holding Gray’s arm in place as he blinks back at you. Letting out a soft whimper, one you hope he doesn’t hear, you hold his arm in place, eyes falling shut as your own arm raises, the crowd falling eerily silent.

“I give up.”

And you knew, even as you feel the glares on your back, that there really wasn’t any other outcome that could’ve happened. You’d never hurt Gray, you knew, and you refused to hurt Fairy Tail anymore.

You were destined to lose this match.

-

“What’s so special about those fairies, huh?”

Wincing, you gasp at the squeeze on your throat, trying to suck in air that won’t come as your eyes fall on Sting’s own narrowed ones, glaring down at you. The brick of the wall behind you bites into your skin, and you know his grip will leave bruises, but even as you gasp for air and it feels like your vision is closing in on you, you have no regrets.

You never would, even if it’ll get you killed.

“What’s so fucking special about them?”

You refuse to respond, even if Sting wasn’t blocking off your air way you wouldn’t. Even if you could easily knock him away, send him flying, you don’t -- you’ll only pay for it more later.

“What’s so special about him?!”

He drops you then, and you fall to your knees with a thud, a cry leaving your lips as he sends a sharp kick to your gut, causing you to double over. It takes you a moment, a solid minute to catch your breath, and even then you’re still gasping, voice raspy as you raise your chin, eyes narrowing as you say the words you’ve been wanting to say to Sting for years.

“Fairy Tail is the guild Sabertooth could never be,” you hiss, your voice pathetic but your gaze menacing. “And Gray is a better man than you’ll ever be. All of them are. You’ll never be as good as Natsu.” You hit him where you know it hurts, the words having been on the tip of your tongue for years but you’d always held back in fear of what would happen.

Well, you’re no longer afraid. You’re too far gone now.

Sting’s eyes narrow and his face twists, ready to explode, before he breathes, and a smirk curls onto his lips. “You’ll never be apart of your pathetic guild again,” he hisses, “you’ll be stuck in Sabertooth for the rest of your life. Only, Master will make sure your life is a living hell.”

He sends another sharp kick at your side, but says nothing more as he turns, walking off with a huff.

It takes you a moment to gather yourself, slowly pushing yourself up to your knees where you stay, chest heaving, the pain radiating across your entire body, fingers finding your neck and touching the offended skin gently as you hiss in response.

You didn’t regret surrendering, but you couldn’t help but be terrified of what would happen when you walked into the inn that night.

You never should’ve left Fairy Tail. It was a regret you’d probably take to your grave.

“We actually have points thanks to you.”

Blinking at the sound of Gray’s voice, you slowly glance up at him, arm still wrapped tightly around your stomach as you stare up at him.

“I’m glad,” you whisper, smiling gently, “Fairy Tail deserves to win.”

Gray sighs, and stepping towards you, he reaches a hand out; “here,” he says softly, voice a mere whisper. You meet his eyes, before glancing at his hand for a moment, slowly slipping your own in it. He helps you to your feet, holding you up as you waver, hissing in pain, and then, before you know it, before you can even help yourself, you fall against him, forehead pressing against his shoulder as you let out a whimper.

“You know,” Gray says after a moment, “I still remember that kiss.”

Shaking your head, you let out a quiet, somewhat forced laugh.

“What happened, Y/N?”

“You were gone,” you whisper, finally answering. “You all were, but you were too. And... And I couldn’t handle staring at those doors everyday waiting for you to walk through them, only for you never to.” Pulling back, you meet his eyes, “I love you, I wanted to tell you that day, and it crushed me that I never did.”

Hands falling on your waist, Gray shakes his head; “no one would tell me where you were when we came back. It’s like every time I asked, this look would come over them and everyone would fall silent. When I learned it had been seven years, I wanted to see you first and tell you... tell you, I love you too.”

Biting your lip, “it’s too late,” you whisper. “The others must hate me and I... Sting will never let me leave.”

Gray’s grip tightens. “They don’t hate you, Y/N. Everyone misses you. I miss you,” and then, he shifts, cupping your cheek to pull your eyes on his own again. “I need you to come back.”

“But... Sting--”

“We’ll figure it out, Master will figure it out,” Gray argues, shaking his head. “The Guild needs you. I need you.”

Lips parting, you try to find the words, only to realize there are none. So, instead, you simply fall into his arms, holding him tight against you and hold on to his promise.

[juviaafullbuster]

IN EVERY UNIVERSE

"JUVIAAAA"

He should have known. He should have seen it coming the moment he heard that blue cat call out her name. Of course nothing good would come from this. That stupid cat, exceed, whatever he is, was raised by Natsu after all.  But he didn't think much of it when he saw him flying towards Juvia, who was currently sitting with the other girls and landing in the middle of their table.

"Yes Happy?"

"Remember what I told you when we came back from Edolas?"

Happy was wiggling his tail excitedly, while trying to hold back from spilling the information immediately. After all, he lives for the drama. Juvia on the other hand was just looking at him, confusion written all over her face.

"Juvia isn't following.."

"You know, about the Juvia in Edolas and how the Gray there is obsessed with her.."

"Oh yes! Of course Juvia remembers that! The other Juvia is very lucky.."

"Yeah, and guess what? She got even luckier. Turns out they've got-"

"HAPPY!"

Gray had to stop him before he spilled too much. Why were they on the other side of the hall anyways? Juvia was always stuck to him whenever he came back from a mission. Why did she have to abandon him now of all times?

"What is it Gray? I'm busy delivering information."

"If you don't shut it that's the last information you'll ever deliver."

At that Happy visibly gulped. Gray was sure he was considering whether it was worth taking the risk. He probably still remembered the incident where Gray had declared him his enemy. Gray himself didn't remember much of what happened, just that it wasn't his proudest moment when he woke up half naked on an island surrounded by strangers. Now however, he was glad it had happened. At least that cat knew what he was dealing with and wouldn't dare to finish that sentence.

"Hey popsicle, are you threatening Happy?"

This just keeps getting better. Of course Natsu had to get involved as well. All he wanted was to enjoy being back home and spending some time with Juvia. And he wasn't doing either. Really, the last thing he needed was Natsu and his damn cat to ruin things for him.

"I don't threaten anyone unless necessary. So if you want to save him from trouble, tell your cat to back off."

"I'M AN EXCEED!"

"Like I care. Point is, shut up."

"HEY, DON'T TALK TO HAPPY LIKE THAT!"

"Stay out of it, flamebrain!"

"IF HAPPY IS INVOLVED, I'M INVOLVED."

"Whatever.."

He just needed to get to Juvia. There was no need to participate in the conversation with Natsu. Not that you could actually hold one. It would always end in a fight and if that idiot doesn't shut up soon, Gray was sure that this will be the case today as well. So he decided to be the bigger person and ignore Natsu, no matter how much he was provoked. However Natsu didn't get the message.

"What's up with you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You're being weird lately. Happy noticed too, right Happy?"

"Aye!"

"I'm not being weird, what the hell are you talking about?"

"I think it's because he's jealous of you!"

"WHY WOULD I BE JEALOUS OF NATSU?"

"He did tell me what happened.. is it because he has more woman than you?"

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"You know, that snow woman. He had quite a lot on his side, you however just had-"

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?"

Like it wasn't bad enough that he was going to tell Juvia about their Edolas counterparts, she really didn't need to know about that whole woman in the depth of his heart thing.

"You're jealous of me?"

"Who's jealous of who?

"Gray is jealous of Natsu."

"Seriously?"

"NO!"

That's it. He's going to kill that cat. But first he'll have to deal with Natsu because he was costing him his nerves as well. So next thing he knew, they were throwing fists at each other until Erza forcefully stopped them.

"What is this about? Explain yourself before I pull out my sword."

"Grays being mean to Happy."

"That's because Happy is stupid! Probably got it from you.."

"SILENCE! Happy!"

"Yes?"

"Explain!"

"Well, Gray is being mean to me just because I wanted to tell Juvia about what we saw in Edolas. I don't see why he's so worked up over it, I mean I was just going to say that they're married."

"Who's married?"

"Gray and Juvia!"

Silence. The whole guild went silent. Well, except for Happys snickering. Gray could swear he felt his soul leave his body. He was certain he would never hear the end of it. After all, he could already feel the eyes on him.

"Gray and Juvia are married in Edolas?" It was Juvia who decided to break the awful silence. Happy nodded eagerly in response to her question.

More silence. Or as Gray would say, the calm before the storm.

"Is that true?" Juvia was looking at him with wide eyes. He knows her well enough by now to know exactly what was currently going on in her head. He could tell her imagination was going wild with wedding pictures. But she was clearly holding back from squealing, instead she kept staring at him, desperately waiting for an answer. Gray sighed.

"Yes.."

And then all hell broke loss. Mira was cornering him trying to find out as much as possible, while Cana kept adding her inappropriate comments. Elfman starting shouting something about marriage being manly, whatever that meant. By the time Gray had managed to escape from them Juvia was no longer in sight.

"Juvia?"

"She went outside, said she needed to cool down."  Lucy smirked proudly, making Gray fear her next sentence. "Good thing you're an ice wizard. Who else could cool her down?"

"Hilarious. I'm going outside."

"Of course you are."

Gray didn't bother reacting anymore. Instead he went to search for Juvia. The cold air outside hit him in the face. It wasn't until now that he realized how stuffy it was in there.

He distanced himself from the guild hall while keeping an eye out for his bluenette. He really had missed her during his mission and now that he was back, he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. After all, he had finally acknowledged his feelings for her and after seeing their counterparts in Edolas and that vision he had been trapped in, it just made him long for her more.

Those feelings still freaked him out somehow. He wasn't aware that he was capable of feeling this much for someone. But Juvia had really broken down every single one of his walls. And he was really grateful for that. She was the one who kept pulling him back whenever he was close to the edge. She's his power to live, even though having admitted that so bluntly in front of her still got him all embarrassed. And her teasing didn't help one bit.

"Juvia!" He spotted her on a bench near the lake. She seemed lost in thought. When she heard his voice however, she immediately spun around.

"Graysama! Juvia is sorry for leaving so abruptly.."

"Don't worry about that. Are you okay?"

He sat down next to her. Usually he would leave a space between them, not wanting to give her any ideas. But things changed. And now here he was, sitting as close to her as possible, longing for her touch. Juvia smiled at him.

"Juvia is very happy that you're back."

"I'm happy to be back too. I.." He cleared his throat and looked away shyly. "I missed you."

"Juvia missed you too. Juvia was wondering whether you were doing alright, if you manged to stay dressed and whether the others bothered to pick up the clothes you discarded.." she kept talking but Gray was too focused on her beauty, wondering how he'd gotten so lucky having someone like her in his life.

"I want what they have as well." Gray had blurted out the thought before he could realize it.

"What who has?" Juvia questioned him. He could go back on his word, pretend he never said it. But what's the point? He was just making himself suffer by prolonging it. And he had promised her to be clear with his intentions once he got back, not that he got to finish that promise before he was swept back to Elentir. Point is, it was time for him to be honest.

"I want what Edolas Gray and Juvia have.."

"You want.. you want to marry Juvia!?"

"What? No!"

"No?"

This wasn't going the way he wanted it all. Gray sighed.

"One day."

"One day?"

"Yes, one day I'm going to marry you. But I think it's still a little early for that. To be fair, our counterparts in Edolas are older.."

Juvia just kept looking at him in disbelief. He couldn't blame her. It wasn't exactly his style to be so open and honest. They didn't start dating yet and he was already talking about marriage. Juvia had really impacted him..

"Listen. I want to be with you. Like Edo Gray is with Edo Juvia, like Fairy Nail Glen is with Fairy Nail Juvina.. I want Earthland Gray to be with Earthland Juvia as well."

"What's Fairy Nail? And who is Juvina?"

"That's a long story.. point is I want to be with you. I'm sorry I'm not as clear with my intentions as the other me. But that doesn't mean I want you less than he wants his Juvia.."

By this point Gray was a blushing mess. He couldn't bring himself to look at her, too afraid to see her reaction. He had literally just run her over with emotions.

"Graysama doesn't have to be sorry."

"Huh?"

"For not being as clear with his feelings. I feel in love with this version of Gray, the Earthland version. Juvia wouldn't change a thing about you."

Gray smiled at her. She was truly too perfect. How did she always know what to say? She seemed so calm and collected while he was literally trying his best not to freak out.

"And Juvia would like that very much as well. Earthland Gray and Earthland Juvia being together.." she was looking at Gray sweetly and he couldn't help the smile that took over his face.

"I promise to be the best version of myself for you."

"You already are."

They smiled at each other and Gray tucked behind the hair that had fallen into her face. He found himself leaning closer and he saw Juvia doing the same. He had just closed his eyes, just a little away from finally kissing her after thinking about it for so long, when a voice interrupted them, making them jump apart.

"Gray loves Juvia!"

"Quiet Happy!

"They are so cute together."

"About time he made a move."

How had he not seen them hiding behind that bush. He'll admit Lucy, Wendy and Charles were hidden pretty well, but Natsus pink hair and Happys blue fur were visible to everyone. And Erza hadn't even bothered hiding. He must have been too focused on the girl in front of him to notice. Said girl was now blushing furiously.

"I'm going to kick their asses.."

"Juvia thinks it's sweet that they're so supportive of you. You have a great team."

"How are they a great team? They literally interrupted a very important moment."

"Juvia knows.. but Juvia is very happy already."

"So you don't want me to kiss you?"

"Juvia didn't say that!"

He was truly enjoying teasing her. So much, he was able to ignore his friends presence. So instead of letting them ruin their moment, he leaned in and finally, after so long, kissed her. It took her a moment to react, but once she did, Gray felt like the luckiest person in the universe. He was never going to let her go.

"Juvia loves you very much."

"And I love Juvia very much."

He kissed her again, already addicted. His friends were cheering, probably happy that he finally made a move. He couldn't blame them, it took him long enough.

"All that because I told her about Edolas Gray and Juvias marriage. Imagine what she'll do when she hears about Greige.."

"Who's Greige?"

"HAPPY!"

♡♡♡

Here you have it, my contribution to Gruvia day! I hope you like it, let me know what you think :)

Also, I'm still fangirling over the drawing we got today. Maybe I'll write something about that too one day..

Anyways, happy Gruvia day! ♡

[needsnalu]

417: Lone Journey 2

There are a lot of debates regarding this chapter about being a NALU moment or not. But it's safe to assume that it's something reagrding incidents which happened in Tartarus Arc.

I wanna point out that, Natsu's behaviour in this panel is quite cheerful. Like he usually acts around. He met Gildarts in the middle of the forest and had a good time with him.

They had a fun battle as usual lol, Natsu didn't show a single sign of sadness. He was continuing his usual antics.

We even saw Happy acting pretty normal. Doing what they'd do if they were in the guild. Nothing new...

It was clear that they were slowly moving on from Igneel's death and Natsu was looking forward to the future just as Igneel said.

And then at night, Gildarts woke up and saw Natsu wasn't there. Which was pretty much surprising as Natsu is someone who loves to sleep. Him, not being in his "bed" in the middle of the night is not normal.

What I think is, in this panel Natsu was conflicted about something and he was surprised to see Gildarts. The look on Gildarts's face was as if he was telling Natsu that he should share what was bothering him and that Gildarts will be there to listen to him and he'll help him if needed. It's natural for him as he has always been a father-figure to Natsu.

When Igneel died right before Natsu's eyes, he told him to look forward to the future. And Natsu instantly made the decision to train for 1 year.

He wasn't in the right mind to talk to anybody about how that affected him. We don't even see him interacting to anybody after Igneel appeared. He didn't tell his decision to anybody, let alone Lucy. But he left a note only for her. Which means he wanted others to know that he'll be back within a year, especially her. He didn't want her to feel like he left her(and the guild members). He even considered that note as an important will which he gave only to her. It shows who Natsu values more in his life.

Now I would've surely said that it was something about Igneel's death if Natsu's expressions weren't like this. I mean in the first panel, he looks conflicted and it's almost like he doesn't know what to say next. And then he blushes and we all can tell from his facial expression that he's a bit embarassed and guilty.

If we see this from a normal perspective, it felt like(to me genuinely) that he was feeling guilty about leaving to train without confronting anyone, especially Lucy. He was trying to come up with excuses as to why he did that or maybe he was trying to say how he felt about that but then ultimately he couldn't hold back his guilt. It also may be that he didn't wanna talk to anybody about what happened or didn't wanna face anyone so he left without saying a single word. Because I honestly don't think it was about Igneel's death, I mean it's related to that but not exactly the same.Gildarts might've asked him about his sudden training which led to that.

Again, we can assume that he was particularly thinking about leaving Lucy despite there's no solid proof about this claim. But Lucy was obviously a part of this convo(he's the closest to her as I said earlier) if my assumption is correct about his guilt(leaving without a single word).

Although I don't think it's gonna happen but it would be great if Mashima decides to remember this chapter and Natsu's alone time with Gildarts in 100 Years Quest. It can be used as a good development point for NaLu. He can do that even after making them canon- like after getting together with Lucy, Natsu somehow remembers what Gildarts told him about his feelings that time(only if Mashima plans it lol).

Anyways! I'm sorry for taking so long to post this👀

And guyssssss make ナツルー Natsurū tag alive again!!!!

[tamibae]

Theory : When did Natsu start having feelings for Lucy?

It's a really critical question XD. But it's safe to assume that Natsu was developing feelings for Lucy from the GMG arc.

Well, I see many people saying that Natsu & Lucy's fight with Kain Hikaru was the moment which led him to believe that he loves Lucy.

But for me, it wasn't that early. Yeah, the moment where Lucy refused to run without Natsu at the cost of her life because she wanted them to be together was really a major amount of development from Lucy's side who doesn't like being in a battlefield much. I think it's the phase when Natsu realised that Lucy was indeed a precious part of his life.

Let's jump to the GMG Arc!

We saw Natsu(and only Natsu) went to pick her up from the battlefield providing her emotional comfort. She was literally humiliated and was lying on the ground crying because she lost an easy match due to Raven Tail's cheating. She was capable of winning 10 points for the guild but she couldn't. It was Natsu who took care of her, even kept checking up on her from time to time.

And then Minerva treated Lucy brutally in the naval battle. It was Natsu who was by her side in the infirmatory. He assured her that he'll win definitely and when he won, his first thought was to inform Lucy that he won just as he said.

We see Lucy saying that she knew he'd win at any cost so she didn't feel the need to ask the result of the match, which makes Natsu blush a little at her unwavering faith in him.

The night before the final match, Gajeel took them underground and the whole Eclipse project was explained. Then we see Arcadios saying something about celestial wizards and Natsu freaked out right away. He got over cautious because it was something regarding Lucy's magic. Then the celestial mages got arrested by the Royal Guards.

Natsu faced same kind of situation when the council arrested Erza once. That time he was way calmer, he literally hatched a plan and went to save Erza. But in this case, they had to tie him up to stop him from barging in the palace. He didn't even think about the very consequences of his actions and was about to rush to save Lucy until Makarov stopped him again.

It makes me think that he started becoming more protective of her from that particular time, he became more conscious of everything related to her.

He literally threw away the chance to have an exciting fight and went to save Lucy. Even after seeing she was okay with Yukino in the cell, he wanted to be with her till they got back to the rest of the guild members safely.

Then F. Lucy died right before his eyes trying to protect their future. It's when he truely felt heartbroken because he couldn't do anything to stop F. Rogue. He remembered the time she got her guildmark and in his flashback, Lucy was glowing bright like a star.

Natsu was so much devastated that he stood still, just processing what happened there for a few minutes. He stated that Lucy was very precious to him, which was taken away from him right before his eyes. He promised to protect her future and he was thinking about that promise while fighting F. Rogue.

At the end when Natsu managed to destroy the Eclipse gate, Lucy could feel her future self being happy in her afterlife. And when she hugged him from back and stood there in silence, Natsu became worried about something being wrong with her, but didn't say anything when she simply thanked him and still clinged to him. It was because he understood how she felt after all that happened.

According to me, Natsu started having feelings for Lucy from this arc. His protective gear kicked in hard after all that happened, we see in the later arcs that in any serious situation his first instinct is to protect Lucy and keep her away from any harm. He became more careful about her emotions, about comforting her from time to time.

Well, tbh this isn't something which started from a certain moment. They were getting close to each other from a very early point. I think GMG arc was the phase when Natsu's feelings, his care for Lucy, protectiveness increased. And after losing a version of her right before his eyes, feelings got developed further.

But having feelings for someone and realising those feelings is different lol. Natsu has yet to realise that. I explained his take on their relationship in another post. If you want, you can read it here!

[kaleidoscope77]

Amazing (NaLu One-shot)

Summary: Natsu and Lucy's monthly routine is interrupted by a seemingly harmless question.

Rated: T

Words: 1998

----------------------------------------------------------

"Lucy?" Natsu scanned the room for his blonde teammate, a little hint of worry on his face. 

Mira had told him about how she came into the guildhall incredibly grumpy that morning, and she's been cooped up in her apartment for the rest of the day. 

The girls advised him to give her space for a bit, and while Happy decided to heed their warnings and lay low, Natsu knew good and well what was going on. 

"I'm in the kitchen!" The sound of Lucy's voice was enough to prove that his suspicions were correct, she sounded so out of it right now. 

Natsu poked his head into the kitchen, and gave a sad smile at the sight of Lucy hunched over on the counter. "You okay?"

"Do I look okay?" Lucy grumbled, "Where have you been?"

"We just got back from a job yesterday," Natsu rolled his eyes, "I was sleepin'."

"...Well, I need you. Now."

"Hm… It's early."

"I know it's early. Just be glad it's not while we were on the job. Now c'mon," Lucy held her arms up, Natsu quickly getting the hint and scooping her up to carry her.

"Bed or couch?" 

"Bed, please."

Just as she requested, Natsu brought her to the comfort of her bed and gave her a moment to get situated amongst the pillows before he joined her in laying down. 

The two wrestled with the comforter for a bit before ultimately deciding to go without it, and as patience began to run thin, Lucy pulled Natsu closer by his scarf, bringing his body flush against hers. 

"You know what to do," She mumbled, earning a quiet growl in response. 

"Yeah, I know," Natsu didn't like being rushed, but he knew she had good reason to be impatient. He wrapped his arms around her abdomen and warmed up his hands, Lucy immediately sighing in pure bliss from the feeling. 

"Ah, yes…" She snuggled back into him, leaving no space between their bodies, "I've been waiting… all day for this."

Natsu frowned, had he known she was in pain, he would've came over sooner. "Sorry."

"Don't be. Like you said, it came early this month. Hit me like a ton of bricks, though."

"Then you should get something to warm your belly up when I'm not around…"

"I actually do have a heating pad," Lucy turned around to face him, making sure his hands didn't lose their place over the source of her pain, "But your hands are so much better."

Natsu couldn't deny that he really liked hearing her prefer his magic over something else, but a part of him still felt bad. He didn't mind doing this every month, it was the only time Lucy allowed him to not only be in her bed, but to also be this close to her while doing so. 

It's nice to feel like she depends on him, and to be able to do something for her that no one else can. And their alone time during these days are always nice, sometimes she'll fall asleep in his arms, and other times they'll pass the time by just talking about any and everything. 

But, he still hated that she had to be in pain for them to get this… close.

"Thanks for always doing this for me, Natsu," Lucy smiled. He couldn't help but smile back at her.

"'S not like I got something better to do."

"Mhm," She wrapped her arms around his middle, now each of them holding the other tightly, "You're the best. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Me too."

"Really?"

"Yeah…"

"Aw, that's sweet," Lucy laid her head against Natsu's chest, closed her eyes and took in the peaceful moment. It was amazing to think about how she'd been in so much agony this morning, only for him to show up and relieve so much of the pain in seconds. She considers herself quite fortunate to be close with a fire mage like this. "...Do you think you could do this for me forever?"

"Of course," Natsu couldn't see how that could even be a question. He'll always be here for her when she needs him.

"You sure? Forever is a long time…"

"Yeah, it's not like it's hard to lay here with my hand on your stomach."

Lucy let out a quiet giggle, "That's not just it, though. Like, would you do it even in the distant future? When we're older?"

"...I don't see why not."

"Okay, and even when we go off and get married?"

"Uh, obviously… C'mon, I thought you were smarter than this, Luce."

"What? Don't start with that," She rolled her eyes, "Do you actually think our future spouses would be okay with us cuddling once month?"

Natsu stared at her, and when she didn't get a response, Lucy pulled away from his embrace to look into his eyes. He seemed genuinely confused, like there was something he was silently trying to wrap his head around. 

"...Lucy."

"Yeah? You're thinking pretty hard there-"

"Why wouldn't it be okay for us to cuddle once a month?"

"Oh, c'mon. You know why," Lucy's face began to flush. It was obvious that these moments were pretty intimate, she'd only been ignoring it because her cramps are too ruthless for her to be worrying about that sort of thing. 

But for him to be so confused, it was like he hadn't even noticed how close they are, and how close they've been since he started being her personal heating pad not too long after they met. Lucy assumed being able to lay with him like this was great progress in the direction she wished to go with him, but perhaps it's not reciprocated.

"Actually, nevermind. Just forget I asked-"

"Wait, I don't get why you think I'll stop doing this for you when we're married…"

"When we're-" Lucy shook her head, choosing to ignore his choice of words and the way they sounded, "Look, my future husband may not like you in my bed, holding me like this."

"...Yes I would, though? And you just asked me to do this for you forever, why would that change when you're my wife?"

It took a full minute for Lucy to process what he just said, and then another minute for her to replay it over and over in her head to make sure he really just said that. 

Her face was bright red, burning nearly as hot as his hands on her stomach. "N-Natsu…" She willed herself not to stutter, but it was impossible with the way he looked at her. 

"Yeah?"

"I didn't mean we'd be married to each other..!"

"What? Why?" Natsu's face broke out into a pout, and it was just the cutest thing. 

Now, Lucy's heart felt like it'd just explode. "Oh my gosh! You seriously- I- I don't even-" She was at a lost, she'd been harboring these feelings for so long, just for him to blatantly admit something like that. "You… you'd wanna marry me?"

"Uh, duh?" This whole conversation had Natsu so confused, "We're basically already married anyway."

"W-what!? No we are not..!"

"We're not..?"

"No!"

"Oh…" Now the sadness on his face doubled, causing Lucy's heart to get tight.

"But…" She took in a deep breath. If he could say it so casually, she need to be upfront with him too, "I mean… I'm not opposed to being l-like… that with you…"

"Oh, so you're cool with it?"

"...Yeah, I'm c-cool with it."

"Cool. Now let's get married so you won't have to ask stupid questions like that!"

"Huh!?" Lucy squeaked when he began to sit up, stopping him before he could start carrying her, "Wait, lay back down!"

"Oh, right," He almost forgot about her current predicament, laying right back down and warming up his hands to offer her comfort. "We'll do it once you're done."

"Oh my gosh…" Lucy still wasn't convinced that this was real life right now, and that he was actually serious about this, "...We can't just go off and get married, Natsu."

"Huh? Says who?" Now he seemed to assume there was something coming in between them, the angry look on his face nearly making Lucy laugh.

"We aren't even dating yet…"

"...So?"

"So, we can't just get married when you haven't even… asked me on a date yet…" Lucy played with the loose ends of her hair, now refusing to look him in his eyes. It was easier to say these things knowing that he wants something like this, but it's still incredibly embarrassing. 

"Oh."

"Y-yeah…"

The room fell back into silence, and Lucy let out an awkward cough when she realized he wasn't going to say anything more on the subject. "Uh, Natsu?"

"Hm?"

"...We can't get married before we start dating…"

"Yeah, I heard ya."

"...So, ask me on a date, silly!"

"Oh," Natsu had just assumed that was a rejection, he didn't know he could just ask like that, "Okay, uh, wanna go on a date?"

"I do!" As Lucy engulfed him in a big hug, Natsu's own heart began to flutter. She could be pretty confusing at times, but he was glad to have her right here. 

"We can get married now, right?"

"Ugh," Lucy tightened the hug so she could hide her flushed face, "I don't know if you're doing this on purpose…"

He wasn't, but if it got her to react like this, he'd be sure to keep it up. "You're so weird."

"Me? You literally just assumed we'd get married! Imagine if I didn't feel the same…"

Natsu growled, he did not like imagining that. Besides, it was pretty obvious to him at this point, it's not like Lucy just let's anyone cuddle with her. 

"And to answer your question- we can't get married now, that commitment takes time to think about."

"Eh? But I've had plenty of time…"

"...You've been thinking about it for that long?" Lucy's eyes sparkled, but she quickly brought herself back to reality, "I mean, no. That's something we'd need to discuss together in due time."

Still, Natsu couldn't understand why she'd want to wait so long, but if all she wants is time, he was willing to be patient. "Alright."

"Mhm. Leave it to you to wanna get married before we've even…"

"Hm? 'Before we've even' what?"

"...N-no, nevermind."

"C'mon, Lucy, I wanna know what else I gotta do."

"We, uh, we haven't had our first kiss…" 

At the same time, they leaned back to gouge the other's expression, their eyes darting to each other's lips. 

Lucy stifled an awkward laugh as she saw the look on Natsu's face, "Oh my gosh, are you blushing?"

He huffed, she was acting like her face isn't bright red right now. Before Lucy could convince herself that she shouldn't have said that, Natsu cupped her cheek and inched closer, her face heating up with each second. 

Lucy knew he'd go for it as soon as she said that, and she fought the urge to cowar away when his lips came down to meet hers. 

The kiss was quick and clumsy, but it had Natsu grinning against her lips and puffing out his chest in pride. 

Lucy let herself giggle once they separated, she was overcome with giddiness and excitement. In her head, things would've been more romantic than an awkward confession in her bed while she's battling period cramps, but that doesn't matter right now. 

"Can we kiss again?" Natsu mumbled, already leaning towards her lips.

Lucy answered by closing in the space between them, crashing her lips onto his and deepening the kiss. 

Her hands ran along his body, feeling him up and down and enjoying every second before they had to separate for air. 

"...Amazing," Lucy mumbled, though it wasn't like she had anything to base the kiss on. 

Natsu was in the same boat, and he was actually more concerned about kissing her some more. "Yeah… Amazing."

[nalu4emily]

Sickly Sweet

This little short came about while I was looking for writing prompts. The ones I used for this were "I feel thoroughly disgusting." "We need to get you into a different shirt, you've sweat through that one." and "Is that my shirt? Looks like I'm gonna have to burn it now that you've contaminated it!"

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the NALU fluffiness!

x

She was dying.

Well, not exactly... But damn, did she feel terrible.

She wasn't sure when it'd happened; in the guild? Out on a mission? Who knows?

Whatever sickness this was, it was bad. Her body ached like she'd been beaten with a stick over and over again, and her heart pounded so loudly it felt like it might blow through her rib cage. The throbbing headache that travelled from her face to the back of her neck, that burned her eyes like a really bad hangover, seemed to only get worse if she tried to move. And that wasn't even the start of it.

She lay there, under thick blankets piled high on top of her shivering self in a bid to warm up, or 'sweat it out' as she'd heard others say, but it was no use. Hours she'd laid there feeling too hot and then too cold; too sleepy but too restless to allow herself the rest she so desperately needed.

What she wouldn't give for just a bit of respite? To be able to fall asleep and give her body that extra time to recuperate.

No… the girl knew what she needed, there was only one thing for it, and that was Wendy.

The young mage could heal her in a heartbeat, then she'd be free to go about her day—probably find Natsu, and go on another mission or whatever.

"Lucy?"

Speak of the devil.

"Luce… Whatcha doing under all that? You tryna hide from someone?"

When had he sneaked in? She hadn't heard the window go. Then again, she could hear barely anything under the thumping of her own pulse in her ears.

This was so bothersome. She really didn't have the strength to entertain guests today, let alone one like Natsu. Sleep was her main objective right now.

"Lucy, I-" He gasped suddenly, whipping back the covers without warning, "Whoa-!"

"H-Hey! Give them back!" Trying to shout, her throat simply wouldn't allow the sound to come out. She'd croaked instead, using the tiny amount of strength she had left to yank the duvets back over her form, shuddering from the gust it'd created.

Shocked by just how sickly his partner was, Natsu stared wide eyed for a moment at the heap of shaking blankets in front of him. He'd only popped in to see why she hadn't been to the guild, and now it was all too clear, "Luce, you look awful…"

"G-Gee, thanks Natsu. Maybe it's because I feel awful?" She bit back, feeling irritable as well as everything else now.

Placing his hands on his hips, with eyes never leaving the bed, he listened in to the soft whimpers and grunts escaping her every breath, "Ya know, if you've got a fever, covering yourself like that is only going to make it worse." He knew he was treading a thin line, but he didn't care.

"I-I'm cold…"

"But your body isn't, I can feel the heat from here. You're probably sweating up a storm in there." He wanted to help, really, only Lucy had to let him first, and she could be pretty darn stubborn when she wanted, "And that's not good for anybody that's sick."

He was right, she knew that, but the mere thought of exposing her goose pimpled flesh to the open air made her teeth chatter even harder.

"Come on, Luce, let me help. You wanna feel better right?" Ever so carefully, he hooked his fingers under the blankets again, and slowly eased them upwards, his voice going from muffled to clear as he peeked in on the jittery girl. Meeting no resistance, he continued to peel it back, revealing the blonde that'd huddled in like a foetus to save some of the warmth she'd built up, "You're drenched!"

Opening her dry eyes for the first time since he'd got there, she blearily looked up at him, the concern etched into his face making her feel even more vulnerable, "I… I don't feel well, Natsu."

"I know you don't, Luce. But it's gonna be alright, because I'll look after you." He smiled at her, with that warm, comforting grin she'd seen so many times, and it filled her with reassurance, "Can you sit up? I'm sure laying in a wet bed is no fun…"

It wasn't, now that Lucy thought about it. In fact, it was incredibly uncomfortable and that only made her feel worse. Holding onto her throbbing head, she eased herself up onto her butt, her body feeling weaker than it had done in some time and leant herself against the headboard.

Taking a few sips of the water that Natsu had given her, she let the cool liquid glide down her pin-like throat, soothing it's painful prickle.

"Thanks Natsu." She breathed heavily, "Ugh… I feel thoroughly disgusting..." She wasn't exaggerating either, her body was soaked through, having seeped onto her clothes, keeping her skin damp and unbearably cold.

"We need to get you into a different shirt, you've sweat through that one." The fire mage said, walking over to the dresser, and pulling a random top from it to give to her, "Here, at least it'll be dry."

She took it from him and grimaced, barely believing what she was about to ask of her best friend, "I-I, um… C-Can you help me put it on? I don't have the energy…" Her blush reached the tips of her ears, unable to look at the boy, who, seemed more than willing to assist.

"Sure thing! Only, you can't hit me for looking." A 'Lucy punch' hurt, and this time it wouldn't be his fault.

"I-I won't…" Her eyes never quite meeting his, too shy, too embarrassed by what she'd asked him to do… Drunk Lucy never seemed to have this problem.

Satisfied that he wouldn't be getting a foot to the face, he gently lifted her saturated top above her head, careful to keep his eyes anywhere but her chest. Not that he even got a chance—her hands quickly came up to shield them from his view, and a pang of disappointment hit him straight in the gut.

"I dunno why you're covering yourself. It's not like I ain't seen it before." He murmured, grabbing the clean shirt to pull over her head, "Don't you trust me?"

"O-Of course… I just- I guess it's just a habit." She shrugged, releasing herself to push her arms through the sleeves, his eyes now focused solely on hers, making her heart beat for an entirely different reason this time.

"If you say so." He glanced down, glad to see Lucy in something loose and dry, when he paused, head tilting to the side, "Wait, isn't that-?" Cocking his brow, he marvelled at the shirt sitting so nicely around the blonde's body, smirking up at her with that daring face of his.

"What? What is it?"

"Isn't that my shirt?" He asked, wondering what the hell it was doing folded so neatly in Lucy's drawers—her pyjama drawer to be exact, "Care to explain, Lucy?" Her name drooled off his tongue, his voice laced with tease.

"O-Oh, um… w-well, it kinda… ya know…" Her face grew redder by the second, with his eyes piercing into her very soul.

Busted!

He'd wondered where that'd gone.

"Looks like I'm gonna have to burn it now that you've contaminated it!" He sniggered, earning a very unimpressed glare from the celestial mage.

"That's a big word coming from a guy that leaves his clothes in other people's houses!" She retorted, the corners of her lips raising as they both broke out into laughter.

"Fine, I guess you can keep it…" He said, placing a wet cloth on her forehead to cool her flushed face down.

"Like I was gonna give it back!" She chuckled again, feeling a new warmth seeping into her rattling bones, a warmth that always accompanied the dragon slayer. Pulling the boy up onto the bed, she laid herself down onto his chest and finally sighed in relief, "Thanks, Natsu. You always know how to make me feel… better..."

He cuddled close, smiling as she began to drift off, glad he'd been able to make her feel more comfortable at least, "Anytime, Luce!"

Her aches and pains were forgotten, and her shivers began to ease as she let the familiarity of Natsu's comforting presence take her to a place of peace and calm.

Maybe, she didn't need Wendy after all?

Thanks for reading! 

[helpistolethesecharacters]

Accidentally on Purpose

Gray Fullbuster x Male Reader

Word Count: 1417

-----------

Y/n sighed for the eighth time that morning. He was regretting ever deciding to take up magic. His family had pressured him into learning fire magic when he was younger. They had wanted him to be able to join a guild and make enough money to live comfortably, and while there was nothing wrong with the sentiment, it hadn't been what Y/n had wanted to do.

In fact, it had been nothing but trouble since then. As a fire wizard his body temperature was naturally higher than other peoples, which made it difficult to pursue his dreams.

Y/n had been to see a performance by figure skaters with a friend when he had been about to start his magic training, and from the first moment the performers had stepped out onto the ice he had been gone. It was just so beautiful. The movements of the skaters, the ambience of the arena and the awe of the crowd had taken hold of his heart and never let go.

So here he was, sitting on the stands at his local rink listening to his coach tell him for the umpteenth time that he had to either find a way to control his magic and body temperature or find another career.

"It just isn't sustainable. The harder you practice, the hotter your body gets. It's getting to the point that the ice isn't safe to be on. There has to be a way to keep your body temperature down. If there isn't, well, maybe think about joining a wizards guild and doing that instead."

His coach stood up with a sigh.

"Think on it over the weekend, okay?"

Y/n let out a heavy breath and sat back. He had no idea what he could do to fix this. He didn't want to work as a wizard. All he wanted to do was skate. He wanted to bring a little beauty and art to other people with his movement out on the ice.

Eventually the pitying looks from his friends at the rink got to be too much for Y/n and he gathered his things and left.

-------

The communication lacrima that the skaters each had in order to keep in contact lit up on Y/n's bedside table. He groaned as he was woken by the glow. Who would think it was a good idea to wake him up in the middle of the night?

He activated it with a glare and bit out a particularly terse response.

"What!"

"Wow, nice."

Y/n glared his bleary eyes at the lacrima. One of his friends came into view slowly as his vision cleared.

"Why are you calling me so late?"

"Nice. You should be nicer. I might not tell you the idea I had."

Y/n could tell that his friend wanted him to take the hint and ask him, but he was feeling tired and very sorry for himself after the talk with his coach that afternoon. He had come to the awful conclusion that he would have to give up on that particular dream, so to be woken up at stupid o'clock by one of his friends who wasn't going to have to give up skating, well, Y/n wasn't feeling very charitable just then.

"Good."

He closed down the connection and rolled back over to go back to sleep.

His friend was not giving up apparently, because the lacrima lit up once again.

Y/n rolled back toward it and activated it with a vicious swear.

"Just tell me what you want so I can wallow in my misery properly!"

He could see his friend shaking his head at him.

"I figured out how to solve your problem. We'll just hire an ice wizard."

Y/n stopped glaring.

"What?"

"We'll just hire an ice wizard to come in and keep the ice in tact while you're practicing. There have to be lots out there, and if you pay them enough they probably won't mind. Not to mention, there isn't any fighting or danger involved, so that's a plus!"

Y/n sat there, mind entirely blank. Why hadn't he thought of that?

His friend gave him the biggest smirk he had ever seen before.

"You're welcome!"

-----------

Gray was confused. When he had gotten to the guild that morning he had expected to have to sit around waiting for the rest of their team to show up before having to do anything. He and Natsu would fight, get yelled at by Erza, and then, finally, decide on a job and head out to wherever it was that they needed to go.

That had not happened. He had gotten to the guild and immediately been called over to the bar by their Master, Makarov.

"Gray my boy!"

"Hey Gramps, what's up?"

"There's a job that's been posted that would be perfect for you."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yes, it specifically needs an ice wizard to solve their problem. I think it's something you should look into."

"Uh, alright then."

And just like that, he had been heading out to a job that he hadn't even thought to read about first. Gramps had told him the location and he had just headed out, no questions asked.

He was regretting it now, however. He was standing in the building that had been on the piece of paper that Makarov had handed him, which was notably not the job request.

Gray was starting to wish he had asked for the original job request, because he had no idea what he was supposed to be doing at an ice rink. He had a sneaking suspicion that Gramps had been drunk, or maybe he was pulling a prank on him by sending an ice wizard to an ice rink.

"Hi! Can I help you with something?"

Gray turned toward the person talking to him and took in the uniform they were wearing.

'Huh, she must work here. Maybe she knows what's going on.'

"Uh, yeah. Did you happen to request an ice wizard for something? Or know who might have?"

Her eyes lit up with understanding, and, Gray was disconcerted to notice, a little mischief.

"No, I don't think it was anyone on the staff, but I might know who would have. Follow me."

They walked out of the reception area and into the stands looking out over the rink.

The girl Gray was following headed over to a couple of people sitting in the stands.

"Did someone order an ice wizard?"

Gray was sure nothing good could come from that tone.

The two people sitting down turned to them as one, and Gray was hit with the sudden realisation that he might be in trouble. One of them was gorgeous. He had y/c/h hair and the most amazing y/e/c eyes.

Gray swallowed.

'Well, that was unexpected.'

He had gotten through jobs with people who were attractive before and he knew he would have to do it again after this, so he shoved those thoughts to the back of his head.

Gray tore his eyes off the first guy and glanced at the other one. He was giving the first guy a particularly smug look before turning to meet Gray's gaze.

"Hi, I'm Sam, and this is Y/n. We asked for an ice wizard specifically because of him. He's a fire wizard, which is messing with his ability to practice his skating. So basically, what we need is to borrow your abilities for a few hours a day while he practices for the next week. We are working on a longer term fix, but in the mean time, we only have one more week until the qualifying events start."

Gray looked at the other guy. He could sense the heat coming off of him so it made sense that he was a fire wizard.

"Man, that must suck if it affects your skating so much."

Y/n snorted.

"Yeah, no kidding."

------------

The first day had gone really well, Y/n reflected silently. Whatever it was that Gray had done to fix his ice-melting problem, it seemed to have held while Y/n was practicing.

He was sitting on one of the benches, working his skates off when he felt someones presence nearby. Y/n looked up briefly and met the curious eyes of his friend.

"What?"

"You where hotter today."

Y/n couldn't help it. He blushed.

His friend burst out laughing.

"Oh that poor guy! He's having to work harder than you already needed him to just because you have a crush on him!"

"Shut UP!"

[kiliinstinct]

If you’re still doing the prompts, 3 for nalu❤️

Touch Prompt 3: hiding face in neck

---

Everything was loud.

Too loud.

For Natsu Dragneel, this was a strange complaint to have. One that not many knew he could feel. He knew the reputation he held around the Guild. The most disruptive, the loudest, the one who over does it the most. Most days, he reveled in it. After all, why deny the truth?

Today wasn't one of those days. Everything was irritating: stressful. Gray's voice felt like nails on a chalkboard to him, Gajeel's laughter and song made his body tense and even Erza's excited exclamations towards her newly acquired slice of cake, burned him out. He was tired, over worked, desperately in need of a recharge. Generally, starting a fight or a loud-mouth party full of drinking and joking around, could re-energize him, but the rare occurrence was coupled with indifference.

"Are you okay, Natsu?" It was a well-aimed question, and he slouched against the Guild Hall table with a grown, barely tilting his head to face Happy's curious stare. "You're not yourself today."

"eh, m'fine," He drawled, barely separating the words before further slumping into his own arms. Was he getting sick? No, couldn't be. All things considered, he felt fine. He was just... he couldn't put a word to it asides from tired, but that didn't fit quite right.

Oh well, he wasn't good with words, why worry about it?

"I know!" Happy prodded his cheek, voice cheerful as he tried to pull Natsu from the funk he'd settled into, "We should go fishing! Since we're taking some time off after all those big jobs we did. Yeah! You can catch a big fish and I can eat it!"

"... what if I wanna eat it?"

"You have to catch one for me first," Happy insisted.

"Pfft." A small chuckle rumbled through him and he gave Happy a tired grin, one fang poking out from over his scarf. "Maybe later, buddy. When I'm more awake."

The small silence that rose between them was both a welcome and strange one. Happy considered his options, more than willing to accept the promise of a Fishing Trip for later, but it was too strange. How could Natsu deny fish? It was food! With a worried paw, he tapped Natsu's shoulder. "You sure you're okay? Do you want me to bring Gray over so you can fight him? Or, or, I can get Lisanna to make you something hot to drink! Or maybe I should ask Mira..."

Natsu considered telling Happy that he was starting to sound like Lucy, what with her penchant for rambling, but before the words could tumblr from his mouth, the Guild Doors opened and Happy's brainstorming of ideas came to an end. Lucy came strolling in with one hand in the air, waving to everyone she could. Natsu visibly stiffened, catching her scent immediately. He didn't bother to move, but his attention turned to her approaching steps as Happy took to the air.

A few more hello's and she was finally upon them, wide awake and very excited. "Hey guys! I had the best morning today. I finished another chapter in my book and I slept in for once and... what's wrong with Natsu?"

"Lucy!" Happy cried, flying into her arms. Natsu twitched again, but continued his attempts to hide his face into the table. "Natsu's acting weird today! He's all tired and wont do anything he usually does. Not even go and catch me fish!"

"Well that doesn't sound right." She pursed her lips together, looking from the exceed in her arms and back to her best friend at the table. His broad back was all she could see, but the slump reminded her of the few times he'd lacked energy after their larger jobs. (The time he'd ate Etherion came to mind...) Was he burned out from their constant adventures lately? Did he not sleep it off yet? Lucy sat down beside him, smoothly opening her arms for Happy to hop back onto the table.

"Do you need anything?" She asked, the tones of her voice slid into his ears and suddenly, Natsu had a good idea what he wanted. Happy's ideas had all been stellar, right on the mark on any given day, but that moment gave him a new urge. One he listened to without further though.

He sat up, eyes meeting hers for a second before he completely leaned against her. Her blonde hair was in the way, but he didn't care. her shoulder provided the perfect place to rest and he unceremoniously nuzzled his face into her neck without a single consideration to her own reaction.

Judging by the way she turned to stone and her body temperature increased, Natsu decided she was blushing. A perfectly normal reaction for Lucy to have.

"Uhm, excuse me?" Lucy asked, voice a little shaky. Her fingers wavered between shoving him off and patting his back, uncertain what action to take. "Natsu, what are you-"

"Just-" Natsu interjected, voice low and quiet, never-minding the way his breath across her skin made her squirm in her seat. It was a slight movement, and he used it as an opportunity to get more comfortable, nose nuzzling against her as he took in a deep breath.

"Natsu I am five seconds away from shoving you to the floor if you don't tell me what you think you're doing."

"Give me a few minutes, please?" The please did it. Her hand landed on his back instead as Lucy sighed, accepting his weight against her finally.

"All right, just a few."

Happy, took this as an opportunity.

"Kehe, he likes you!"

"Oh, shut it!"

Natsu didn't both denying it. His eyes closed and his body slowly began to recharge. That's better.