Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hands clenched together. 

Brown eyes holding strong and steady.

A bond forged by countless battles fought side by side, stronger than an iron dragon. The warmth of their friendship curled around them, separating them from the rambunctious family they shared. A truly intimate space in the guild hall they called home. 

“Gajeel and I want to keep it on the down-low, ya know?” Levy winked from across the table, “so try not to tell too many people.” 

Lucy squeezed her best friend’s hand, the support clear in her smile, “I promise, I’ll be as discreet as possible.” 

—

Startled flames sputtered off of Natsu when Lucy threw his door open. 

“Natsu, I have something to tell you!” Lucy exclaimed. Happy yelped in alarm, dropping his fish and shouting complaints. Natsu blinked from the floor, sitting cross legged as he tried to gut a portion of that morning's hunt. It must have been Lucy’s share.

No wonder he didn't smell her coming. 

“Ooo! What is it?” Natsu grinned. He hoped it was a mission. 

Lucy immediately marched to his kitchen, stepping over dirty laundry, monster horns, and who-knew what else. She was pleased to find the mugs she left still in tact and started searching for her tea. He had yet to throw out the empty containers but she finally popped one open that had leaves. Dragons were such hoarders, Lucy made a mental note to clean them out later. Kettle filled with water, Lucy gestured at Natsu who gave a quick puff in her direction. The fire was lit and the water was boiling. As Happy tried his best to clean off their table and chairs, Natsu scampered over, his hands burning off any fish guts. 

“So, what’s the job?” Natsu leaned on the counter, close enough for Lucy to trace his canines. Normally the invasion of space would make Lucy push him back, or at least grow embarrassed, but she was too giddy to care and Natsu was all the more intrigued. 

“It’s not a job,” Lucy beamed, “it’s a secret!” 

“A secret?” He repeated, brows rising.

Lucy pointed in his face, “yes, a secret. Like a ninja. You have to keep this between us.” 

“If it’s a secret, then why are you telling us?” Happy teased. He was carefully putting the fish away in a freezer full of Gray’s ice magic. 

“Because-” Heat rose to Lucy’s face when she realized she didn't have a reason. She practically ran all the way here without thinking and was about to tell the two least discrete people in the entire guild. 

“I know why,” Natsu’s smile was big, “cause we’re a team!” 

Lucy stalled, then smiled in return, “that’s right.” She couldn’t help but agree. 

The dragon slayer playfully held up two fingers in front of his face, “and ninjas always keep their secrets. That’s the ninja code!” 

Lucy sighed in relief, grateful that worked.

Happy hummed, already loosing interest in the conversation, “hey, Lucy, are you sure you don’t want these fish heads? What about the fins? They’re really yummy- but, uh- if you don’t want them…” 

“Take them.” 

She snapped when Happy attempted to hide fish guts around the house, “outside! Don’t keep that in here!” 

The blonde’s temper steamed with the keddle. 

“Aye…” Happy unfolded his wings and lifted the bowl. 

“You know it might, uh, take me a while to get rid of all these…heh heh.” Happy slinked out of the window. 

“Hey! Save some for me!” Natsu yelled after him, grumbling when he realized it was a lost cause. 

Tea set, Lucy ushered Natsu to the table. He took a curious sniff of the beverage then left it alone. The boy’s attention was quickly stolen by Lucy as she leaned across the table. 

“I have a secret to tell you,” she started, “and you absolutely have to promise not to tell anyone else.”

Already wrapped up in the seriousness of it all, Natsu nodded, burying his nose in his scarf to mask his mouth. A symbolic ninja gesture. 

“Gajeel and Levy…are…pregnant.” 

A pause. 

“They’re gonna have an egg?” Natsu exclaimed. 

“Wha-no. Well, I guess to you…” Lucy kneaded her forehead and sighed, “not an egg. A baby.” 

“Both of them?” Natsu asked like a conspiracy, leaning closer. 

“Just Levy is pregnant!” She considered this to be a bad idea until Natsu's scarf fell down and he gave his charming grin. 

“I know, I’m just kidding.” The dragon slayer sat back. 

“A baby, huh? That’s amazing.” Natsu looked off to the side. His expression was hard to pinpoint but he looked happy. 

“It is.” Lucy agreed with a pleased smile. 

A beat of content silence rested between them. As the giddy adrenaline of holding and telling such a big secret started to fade, she found herself warmed by his response. 

“I’m kinda surprised, I didn’t think you’d care.” Lucy said. She meant it lightly, she didn’t expect the news to capture his interest enough for such an honest response. 

Natsu blinked, “of course I care! We’re going to have a new member of our guild!”

Lucy laughed behind her hand, “you’re right!”

“Besides, I like kids,” Natsu said, “don’t you?”

“Y-yeah, I do!” She quickly took a sip of her tea and hid her warm cheeks behind her cup. He sent a few more teasing remarks her way, met with quick rebuttals, the conversation flowing from there. Natsu played with his drink - dipping his finger in till the liquid boiled then pulling it out until it settled and back in again - while Lucy looked out the window. Her bangs were brushed by the wind while the sun warmed her shoulders. 

Natsu’s house was nice this time of year. Well, it was cozy all year round, but especially so in warmer weather. Each of his too-many windows were open, along with singed holes in the wall, allowing for a nice cross breeze. Plants with flowers of all kinds tried to crawl in, giving the room some color. The fireplace was not in use, but the campfire smell still lingered which made Natsu’s house more his. All of this kept the messy house smelling fresh. Cats and dragons had sensitive noses, after all.

Plus, the more Lucy looked, the more trinkets she could pick out from their journeys. She could probably find every gift she gave him and then some. (The ones he gave her were hidden in her apartment for safe keeping). Lucy could probably even track down all the things she left here over the years, never thrown away or returned like the tea canisters. 

She was sure her least-fragrant shampoo and soaps were still in the bathroom; along with a few outfits from all the times she stayed while her apartment was under construction. In the corner, covered in papers and pens, was a table Lucy had yet to take back (he was just storing it for her until she could find room. Just like her holiday decorations in the attic they now shared). There were definitely some hair ties and Bobby pins scattered about and her favorite cookies in the pantry (never completely eaten). 

What looked more like a goblin’s home than a fairy’s, was actually a dragon's hoard of every memory the young man cherished. Lucy liked it here. Sure, she liked when they crashed at her place, even though she pretended not to, but his house made her feel at home in a different way. It was more lived in, a woodland cabin that was always warm and welcoming…quiet and secluded too... 

“Still, I’m kinda surprised.” Natsu’s voice startled Lucy off a train of thought that was going somewhere too fast. 

“Well, they were living together!” Lucy sputtered, face suddenly burning in the sunlight. She scooted her chair into the shade. 

Natsu’s head cocked, “no, I mean, I’m surprised they’re keeping it a secret. The guild would be excited! We should be havin’ a party!” He seemed a little disappointed at the idea, pouting in that cute way of his. 

That was Natsu, always so guild and family centered, to the point where there wasn’t room for anything else. The feeling was bittersweet and tugged at Lucy’s heart. Still, there were more important things at stake. 

At some point, the dragon slayer had stopped playing with his tea - now evaporated away - and laid his arms across the table. Lucy reached out to gently grab his hands, getting his full attention.

“It needs to be a secret,” Lucy reiterated, “first off, this is not our news to spread. Only Levy and Gajeel can pick how, and when, they announce it.” 

Sharp charcoal eyes held hers as Lucy grappled with the next part.

“And second…its bad luck.” 

“Bad luck?” Natsu’s nose wrinkled, not buying it. 

“Y-yeah…bad luck.” Lucy tried to stick to the lie, her gaze drifting off towards the floor. 

Natsu, surprisingly, didn’t say anything. He didn’t complain about how lame of a secret that was for them to keep, mock such a belief, nor whine about the lack of party. Natsu just watched her.

He knew she was lying.

Well, not lying, but he knew there was more she wasn’t telling him. That trick might have worked when they first met, when Natsu didn’t know her enough to press it. But not anymore, not when she was the person he held closest to his heart and vice versa.

It always surprised Lucy when Natsu was intuitive in that way, yet it really shouldn’t. They had been through so much together, tied at the hip through thick and thin. At this point, they read each other’s silence like an open book. Natsu knew it was best to be patient to get the truth and Lucy was much quicker at telling him. 

“It’s just…in case something happens…” 

The meaning was heavy and filled with possibilities. 

Natsu’s hand twitched under her palm. 

“Is it…cause he’s a dragon slayer?” Natsu asked as lightly as he could with his throat suddenly tightening up. 

“What? Oh, no.” Lucy’s head popped up to reassure him but soon slumped again. He hated when she wore such a sad smile, like she had already acknowledged defeat. The Lucy he knew was too strong for that. 

“It’s just…like my mother for example…I had made her weak…then she had exerted too much magic energy…” Lucy took a deep breath, “Things can happen, so…” 

Lucy’s fingers subconsciously curled just a little bit tighter around his palm. She didn’t seem to notice, eyes downcast at the thought, but Natsu certainly did. He, too, held her hands just a little bit tighter, the action startling her back out of her slump once again.

“But! It really is bad luck to talk about it and I’m sure they’ll be just fine! The guild will support them in due time!” She smiled so beautifully and waved off the conversation. Despite the heavy topic, Natsu grinned at the shift and ran with it. Whenever Lucy talked fondly about their guild it made Natsu want to purr like an exceed. 

“Plus Gajeel and Lily have been going on a ton of jobs lately, I doubt they’re even letting her lift a finger!” Natsu praised. 

This new piece of information made sense, Natsu was starting to feel challenged by how many jobs Gajeel was going on. He’d let the other dragon-slayer off the hook just this once.

“He’s probably started hunting more for her too, getting her whatever she needs.” Natsu tacked on. 

“That’s true,” Lucy finished her tea. She would have another. 

“I wonder if Levy’s magic can make food? That way he doesn’t have to worry about her cravings.” Lucy playfully mused. 

Natsu almost launched across the table, shaking the thick wood and causing their empty cups to topple over. Lucy glared when the dragon-slayer came nose to nose with her.

“Do you really think she can make any food? Out of thin air? Forever and ever?” Natsu burst, practically drooling at the thought. 

“I don’t know! Sit down!” Lucy shoved him back, fighting her smile. The bickering started and quickly shifted back to playful banter. 

Soon Lucy would swoon, “I can’t believe it! Their first baby! My first friend with a baby! I’ll be an aunty!”

Natsu would snicker, “do you think it’ll come out lookin’ like Gajeel? With metal stuck to its face?” 

They continued to giggle about a gothic-looking Levy or a book-smart Gajeel, a metal word mage or a language dragon slayer. Silly, nonsense conversations that made Lucy’s heart warm and her laugh bright. 

Another cup of tea was poured just for her by the time Happy floated back in. Before the blonde could fill their teammate in on the news, Natsu cut-in with some made-up nonsense about Lexus and Mirajane. Lucy didn’t say anything and the team continued to chatter as the sun grew lazy and the sky matched Natsu’s hair. 

It wasn’t until Lucy walked home that she realized she had held hands with Natsu for most of the conversation. Her face felt as warm as it did in the daylight, despite the stars starting to appear. Natsu's hands were barely longer than hers, but they were certainly wider and made of thick skin. Hands that were meant to support his weight in gymnastics, punch through walls, and hold his friends tight. Lucy could practically feel each round knuckle and calluses earned from hard work. What’s more, her hands still warmed by their high temperature. 

They’ve held hands before - sort of - leading each other quickly from place to place, grabbing each other in fear, or trying to hold on for dear life. But never like that, never so gently, for so long, in such a domestic way. Neither of them had pulled away and neither of them felt awkward. It just happened and it was so sweet. 

Their first time holding hands. 

Even if it amounted to nothing, Lucy held her red cheeks all the way home, beaming.

—----

“Lucy!” Natsu roared, bursting through Lucy’s window. 

“Ah!” Lucy startled, spilling ink all over her latest diary entry. She didn’t notice, too caught up in the urgency of Natsu clambering into her apartment and over her bed. Happy wasn’t with him this time, meaning the dragon-slayer was left to tumble ungracefully onto the floor.

“What? What is it?” Lucy jumped to her feet. Were they under attack? Was a country in parrel? The world? Did somebody die?

She waited for Natsu to stand, his hackles up, staring at her intensely. 

“Gray is moving out the dorms!” He exclaimed. 

Lucy blinked. 

She waited one second.

Two.

Then she sighed her friend’s name, “how is that an emergency?” Lucy put a hand to her head, not wanting to turn around to see the ink staining everything. Magic cleaner was not cheap. 

Natsu, on the other hand, frowned. His arms were still out wide like he was preparing for something, everything about him tightly wound. After a few seconds, steam huffed from his nose before he stomped into her kitchen.

“Wha-hey!” 

That whole performance was just a distraction to get into her food! Lucy’s fists balled at her sides and she prepared to give the man a good whack only to pause at his actions. Natsu had thrown open her dish cabinets, finding two water glasses and filling them up to brim. Then he yanked at the herb plants sitting on the counter and stuffed them into the cups. As he matched past her, he fisted them both, causing the glass between his fingers to glow orange and the water to boil over. He slammed them on her table, whirling around to glare at her. Then, Lucy was nudged into one chair and Natsu dove into the chair across from her. 

The pink-haired fire-breather was a brute for sure but Lucy was nothing if not a sleuth. All the clues clicked into place by the time Natsu was leaning across the table. 

“Gray is moving out of the dorms,” he repeated, just as serious. 

“Oh?” Lucy questioned with more interest than she felt. Gray was a dear friend after all, she was happy for him, and Natsu seemed to want to be the first to tell her. Frowning, he didn’t seem fully satisfied with her reaction; his hands across the table, tapping on the smooth wood. 

“Well he’s been living in the dorms for a long time, right? Since you guys were young?” 

Natsu sighed and leaned back, “yeah…” he grumbled. The man was already bored with his own conversation, glaring out the window like he was annoyed or disappointed. Lucy felt a little bad, but one glance at her newly shaped water glasses and the boiled cooking herbs she spent months growing, the feeling didn’t last. 

“Did he say why?” Lucy offered. Not that Natsu lived in the dorms, but maybe finding the answer would give him something to do. 

“No,” Natsu muttered, “the guys said he won’t say at all.” 

“Huh, that’s strange.” Lucy knew Gray was a more private person, but to not say any reason at all when directly asked was odd. 

Natsu puffed out air, leaning his cheek on a hand. “Yeah, I mean, when Cana pointed out how weird Gray was after he stormed off, Lisanna and Mira just smiled and said Juvia was moving out of her dorm too.” 

Lucy sat up straight. 

“Oh?” She asked, eyes twinkling like stars. Natsu stopped scratching at her table and raised a brow. 

Lucy’s grin curled, “do you think they’re going to live together?” 

“Oh?” Natsu sat up, then matched her smirk, “oh!” Onyx eyes sparked like flints as Natsu quickly caught on to her idea. 

“I knew you were the person to tell, Lucy!” Natsu praised. 

She rubbed a finger under her growing nose, “well, I was a reporter.” The blond couldn’t help reveling in such genuine flattery. As the dragon-slayer snickered at her, said reporter’s train of thought was running off the rails. Lucy was already leaning across the table, diary and melted glass forgotten. 

“I mean, they were living together when the guild split up.” Lucy continued. 

“How long were they livin’ like that anyway?”

“Erza said Gray was already living with her before they started working together.” 

“So, kinda a while…and they have been gettin’ closer. Remember how he freaked out during our battle?”

“Well, you know how Juvia is, what’s different is that Gray let her stay.” 

“In separate beds.” Natsu cheekily pointed out. 

“If that’s even still the case.” Lucy intoned. 

Leaning back, Natsu crossed his arms and shrugged, “I don’t see what the big deal is, we sleep together all the time.” 

Heat shot from Lucy’s stomach so fast her mouth fell open and Lucy wondered if she was a fire dragon-slayer too. 

“Wha-what-? We- we do not sleep together!” 

Natsu’s brows furrowed, “I’ve slept in your bed loads of times!” He thumbed over his shoulder at the furniture in question, as if bringing it to her attention would clear up any confusion. 

“Plus we camp!” 

“You sneak into my bed without my permission!” Lucy loudly corrected, gritting her teeth against all the embarrassing memories of a shirtless - well toned - cute boy beside her in the morning. As well as the few nights spent curled up in Horologium with a certain dragon-slayer. 

“And I- get cold!” She sputtered. 

Unbothered, Natsu shrugged again, “same thing.” 

“No. It’s not.” 

“How is it not?” Natsu seemed annoyed at the notion, like she was the one not understanding. 

“Because!” Lucy frantically searched the white of her table for the answer. 

“Because it means they’re dating! They’re- intimate with each other and only each other! They both agreed to share the same bed!” Lucy forced out. Why did it fall on her to teach Natsu of all people about the one thing she daydreamed for them?

“So what? You wouldn’t share a bed with me?” 

“N-” Lucy bit back the ‘not on your life’ retort and took a deep breath. Her hands were starting to shake. 

“It’s different when you get a house together and agree to sleep in one bed. Together,” Lucy tried to explain, “and just because they’re sharing a house doesn’t necessarily mean they’re sh-sharing a bed! And sometimes, you can do that and not share a house, so-!” She lost it towards the end and almost grabbed the molten glass out of desperation. Drinking hot cooking-herb juice would surely be better than having these words leave her mouth.

She avoided Natsu’s hard stare as he leaned back and crossed his arms once more, scowling. The air between them buzzed with something neither could name. 

“I don’t buy it.” Natsu suddenly stated, “there’s definitely more goin’ on.” He turned in his chair but fixed her with a look, “You wouldn’t light up like that if it wasn’t.” 

“Only because I think they would be good together! But for them it’s more complicated than that!” Lucy insisted. 

“How is it complicated? They clearly like each other, they go on missions together, they fight together, and they share a den- again! Everyone already thinks they’re together anyway so what’s the difference?”

Lucy’s brows furrowed, this was striking a cord with her and she was starting to forget who they were talking about. 

“It’s more than that, Natsu. You can have that connection with others and you can still date someone you don’t do those with!” 

“Well, yeah, but it’s special cause it’s them! They both feel it!” Natsu argued. 

“M-maybe they do but-!” Lucy sputtered, “but there’s still a distinction there…they have to decide that among themselves and maybe they both…don’t know yet…” 

“…So you’re telling me you don’t think there’s something there?” Natsu's voice dropped to a controlled volume. 

“I didn’t say that.” Lucy immediately replied. It came out almost primly, almost huffy, like she was more mad about him putting words in her mouth than anything else. 

There was a sudden understanding that settled between them, one the two of them faced occasionally. It was common when you spent so much time with someone and only came about during these types of conversations. It was the understanding that neither of them were confused - nor really missing the point - but instead had fundamentally different outlooks on the topic. 

Lucy crossed her own arms, copying his posture and his pout. 

“Living together is a step for sure - if they even are - but I wouldn’t say they’re dating yet. I bet they’re just in that grey area.”

“Well if they’re in his area then that means they’re mating!” Natsu argued. 

“Not like that!” Lucy snapped, “I mean they’re kinda-like dating but not official yet! No announcement!” 

Natsu hummed, “ah…it’s one of those things…” 

The tension around them relaxed as Natsu picked up his cup and tossed the ‘tea’ out the window, apologizing at whoever shouted from the street. He then started fixing the glass as best he could. 

“Nah…I still don’t buy it,” Natsu decided after some time, “I think they’re mates for sure, it’s not something that needs words.” The dragon-slayer flashed her a smile that made all of Lucy’s turbulent emotions settle and in a matter of moments. She huffed a smile and let her elbow rest on the table. 

“The heart just knows?” Lucy mused with her head in her hand. She had always been a sucker for romance, reading such things in storybooks ever since she was a little girl. Maybe that’s what Natsu was trying to say. The man was driven by his emotions, if nothing else. 

What a sweet thought. Maybe their fundamentals weren’t so different after all. 

His grin was bright and honest, “Well duh! If you feel it, then it has to be true! Just like everything else!” 

Both her glasses were now tall and twisted in an almost artistic way. She would wait for them to cool, then use them as small vases. 

“I still say they’re not sharing a bed,” Lucy smirked, “I don’t think Gray is ready for that yet.” 

“Oh please,” Natsu rolled his eyes, “that drama ice-queen loves the attention. Besides, it’s not like he can stop her.” 

“Can’t imagine what that’s like.” Lucy grumbled. 

“…”

“…”

“…”

“I bet you my next month's rent it’s a two-bedroom place.”

“Deal.” 

She found a large hat and glasses to cover herself, grabbing a blanket for Natsu to wear as a hood and cape. They flew out the door. 

After trapezing around town, pretending to be a fake-couple when speaking to real estate agents, they were hot on their friends' tails. 

“Wendy and Carla said they weren’t at the guild,” Natsu grinned, “I know they’re living together!”

“We don’t know that for sure yet!” Lucy shot as she read over her data, “and the bet is only if they’re sharing a bed!”

“Well, they definitely came this way.” Natsu sniffed the air again just to make sure. 

“After considering their budget, distance from the guild, and overall size, I’d say we only have two choices left.” Lucy concluded. 

“Why do they have to live so far from the guild anyway? Your place is much closer.” Natsu griped with his arms tucked behind his head. 

“Clearly cause everyone gossips about them.” Lucy felt slight guilt, even if Juvia would flourish at the rumors. 

Natsu made a noise of understanding, “Right, they want to be discount.”

“Discreet.” Lucy corrected. 

The celestial mage taught him so many words it was hard for Natsu to keep them all straight. It was nice she always understood anyway. 

Lucy’s eyes snapped to straight ahead just as Natsu’s noise pointed in the same direction. 

“There!” Natsu pointed. Quickly, the blonde tackled him into an alley. 

They pressed themselves to the wall, backs towards their friends. 

“We found them!” Lucy whispered, thrilled. Natsu grinned and together the two peeked around the corner. 

“Let’s catch them in the act! Well charge into that house and see for ourselves how many nests it has!”

“Absolutely not!” Lucy immediately grabbed the back of his collar, “we’ll just wait for them to leave and ask the agent!” 

Gray and Juvia were talking to a kind real estate agent in front of a townhouse, one of many lined up on this street. Slowly, Lucy released the breath she was holding as she took in the scene. Even though the ice mage undressed as he spoke, and the water mage clung to his arm like she would die if she didn’t, they looked content. The three chatted easily, all wearing eager smiles on their faces. A young couple in front of a possible place to call home, one they might get together and call their own. Surely they would have things they wanted, what worked for them and what didn’t, what fit in the picture they painted together. It seemed like such a big step yet one that they were taking so easily. Their first home. Together they walked in. 

With a sigh, Lucy let go of Natsu's shoulders, sitting back against the wall. The excitement of their escapade faded slightly, leaving the cool from used adrenaline. Lucy’s knees rose and she loosely hugged her thighs, only a small smile remaining on her face. 

She was happy for them, whatever they were, but…she couldn’t help the feeling of being left behind in some way. It had been fun when Juvia was doing nothing but pouring her undying love on a man that could only bring himself to risk his life for her, and not say more. When Lucy had someone she could share an exasperated look with, help put a stop to bar-fights, and who understood constantly fretting over someone who always ran ahead without them. Because even though they were never rivals, never even in the same league, Lucy couldn’t help feeling like she lost. 

Suddenly, the all-too familar heat shot up her side as Natsu leaned in close enough to press their bodies together. If she were Juvia, Lucy would be boiling right now.  

“What’s wrong?” Natsu’s face was so close, head cocked so he could better see her expression. He asked the question so genuinely- as he always did - but it barely sank in. Lucy could make out the slice of black pupil that cut through dapples of green and greys, so focused on her it ironically make it hard for her to concentrate. 

He wanted to know if she was having fun. If Lucy was enjoying their day together just as much as he was, hurt at the thought she wasn’t. He was simple, almost childlike, in that way. 

But she was. Lucy always had the most fun when he was with her. Even among her messy thoughts and swirling feelings, that one rang the loudest. While it wasn’t as if Natsu was immune to complicated emotions, the ones he acted on were so clear. It made sense how easily he acted based on his own heart. So, Lucy took a page out of his book, grabbed ahold of that feeling, and held on tight. 

“Nothing,” she smiled honestly, not noticing how she leaned back against him ever so slightly. 

Because today was a fun day and a memory she would think of when she needed a laugh, all because she spent it with Natsu. 

Her arms relaxed and Natsu grinned wider. “Good. Cause now we know ice-prick’s little secret! Next time he calls me names I’m really gonna let him have it!” 

Lucy laughed, “is that so?”

“Yeah! So you’ll have to be there! To see his face!” 

The image made her laugh harder and Lucy had to cover her mouth to stifle it. Poor Gray, there’s no way Natsu won’t spill the beans soon. By the end of the day, at least. Lucy would have to confess to knowing too, owning-up to stalking her friend and apologizing to his look of betrayal. 

“Ooo! What are you guys doin’?” The purr of a cat said from on-high. 

“N-nothing!” Lucy jolted away from her teammate, pulling her hand away from his. When did their pinkies wrap together? Natsu glared at his furry companion only to be met with a smirk.

“Sorry buddy, am I interrupting?” 

“You’re gonna blow our cover!” Natsu hissed. Happy floated down to meet them, the two quickly filling their teammate in on the scoop. 

“Oh it’s a two bedroom for sure,” Happy intoned, shrugging. 

Lucy gasped and leaned in, she could practically taste the free rent.

“Really? Are you sure?” 

“Pretty sure,” the cat grinned. 

“How do you know?” Natsu asked, skeptical. The blue feline crossed his arms proudly. 

“It’s a guess!” 

Lucy groaned while Natsu snickered. 

“So what are you doing here anyway?” The dragon-slayer asked. 

“Oh!” Happy took off his pouch and dug through it, “actually, Gray and Juvia left their papers at the guild hall! So Mira asked me to bring it to them.” 

“Let me see those!” Lucy snatched the documents and scanned them, groaning when she read them all. 

“This is just a budget sheet!” 

Natsu grinned, “so it’s still anyone’s game!” 

The exceed returned the papers to the safety to their carrier. Lucy leaned back against the wall.

“That explains how the others found out,” she mused, “though I can see Juvia leaving them behind on purpose.” 

“Did you guys place a bet or something?” Happy guessed. 

“Sure did!” Natsu confirmed, “and I’m gonna win! Happy, you lead them away so Lucy and I can see for ourselves who’s right!” 

Happy saluted, “aye sir!” 

The exceed did as promised, floating high above the ice and water mages, dangling the papers over their heads like they were the cats with string. Gray, horrified at the idea of their papers falling into the wrong hands, took off after the exceed, with Juvia close behind. Lucy and Natsu sighed as her declarations of love and future fantasies rang through the streets. It was a wonder they thought they could hide at all. 

“Alright!” Natsu jumped out of hiding, “you ready?” He held out his hand to her and the excitement of the gamble blew Lucy’s embarrassment out of the water. 

“Let’s do this.” She took his hand. Together they marched up to the real estate agent who took one look at their joined limbs and brightened up.

“Ah! You must be the other young couple that started looking for a place today!”

The entire ordeal took an all of five minutes. Once the poor man unlocked the door for them, Natsu was up the stairs while Lucy insisted on a floor plan. The agent was silenced as the two argued over whether or not a former-office-now-bedroom counted, but the dimensions in Lucy’s documents proved her to be right. As she celebrated, the two left without another word to the stammering agent. 

The celestial mage practically danced down the street, on cloud nine.

Behind her, Natsu grumbled, “I guess I better pick up a quick monster-slaying gig. When’s your rent due again?”

“Two weeks!” Lucy chirped.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Natsu’s muttering lacked any sort of bite. Ahead of him, Lucy stopped to look at him, bent from the waist, a hand covering her coy smirk. 

“Someone’s a sore loser.” She sang. Natsu flinched and looked away, scowling at the buildings. She skipped up to him, coming in close enough to force him to lean back. Only slightly. 

“Say it.” 

“Mmmph.” His gaze stubbornly remained off to the side.

“Say I was right.” 

The dragon-slayer growled but quickly grumbled, “you were right…” 

“I was right!” Lucy cheered, spinning on her toes to walk ahead again, “I knew it! There was no way they were taking such a huge step right away!” 

“How is it right away? It’s been years!” 

Lucy choked when the statement sunk in, stumbling to a stop. She deflated, but only slightly. 

“Yeah I guess…” The celestial mage crossed her arms as she fell in step with Natsu, “honestly…we don’t even know if they’re actually living together for sure. Those rumors of them moving out of the dorms are just that: rumors. Even if they’re true, they could be getting separate places.” 

Natsu watched her as she mused. 

“I am happy for them though,” she offered, “I hope they start dating soon…” 

Natsu hummed in a light tone. 

They walked along the river aimlessly, Lucy waving to the men in the river boat only to be ignored when Natsu glared at them. She treated him to an ice cream stall they passed, jeering that he’ll be paying her later anyway and should save his money. He finished his in three bites and ate the rest of hers when she took too long and didn’t want a soggy cone. 

“So…” Natsu started, “do you really think it’s too soon for them to be livin’ together?” 

Lucy took the question in, “well…I guess not…like I said everyone is different.”

She sighed through her nose, “like me for example, I wouldn’t live with a guy unless we were engaged.” 

“Engaged?” Natsu exclaimed. Lucy felt heat rise to her cheeks, reminded of her upbringing. Just before she could defend and deflect with a ‘yeah, you got a problem with that?’ Natsu jumped in front of her looking very excited. 

“Engaged? Like in combat?” Natsu gushed, “I totally get that! Dragons are the same! You have to prove your strength before you can share a nest!”

The man suddenly burst into flames, the fire swirling to his fists as he started punching the air. 

“Let’s do this Lucy! Now you can’t ever kick me out of your bed!” His grin was sharp as he gave the open air the ol’ one-two. The celestial mage snorted and walked past him - ignoring her blush - as she corrected him. 

“Engaged to be married, ya dummy.” She teased like they were two children on the playground. 

“First a boy has to ask me on a date. Then, when we’ve been dating for a while, he proposes, and then - and only then - would I consider living with him.” Lucy playfully lectured. 

In true boyish fashion, Natsu short circuited as the memory of a white tux at the grand magic games clearly flashed across his mind. When the flames of his excitement sputtered out, Lucy tried not to let her smile fizzle with it. 

“Oh,” Natsu simmered down, “well that’s a lot less fun.” 

Lucy sighed, “Right-”

“But,” Natsu thought out loud, “a wedding is just a big party, right? With food and music and everyone?” 

Something thudded in Lucy’s chest when Natsu caught up to her. He grinned at her and she couldn't help but smile back. The backs of their hands brushed against each other.

“It’s a special promise between life-long friends.” She told him. 

“And celestial wizards never go back on their promises,” Natsu tacked on, “right?” 

His pinky almost wrapped around hers. 

“That’s right!” Lucy declared, “that’s why it isn’t something I would take lightly! It's a big decision and I would need to be absolutely sure. I would at least need to talk it over, thoroughly!”

Her and Natsu were the same in many ways. She knew how much he feared change just as he knew how much she feared being left behind. 

Yet…if there was one person that helped conquer their fears…

“...I get worrying about change…” Natsu looked ahead, “…but promises between family are more important.” 

“Right.” Lucy felt as though she was finally fitting into a puzzle, her edges and pieces matching perfectly with the one beside her, fitting like no one else. It matched the feeling of Lucy’s hand sliding into his and their fingers lacing together as they walked. 

“It’s okay to take things slow…for Gray and Juvia I mean…” 

“Yeah…” Natsu responded, his smile was just as confident as hers. 

“By the way, I think I’m starting to burn a hole in your pillow.”

“Then stop going in my bed!” 

It was only later when Lucy was - thankfully alone - in her bed that she would toss and turn well into the night. With her face ablaze, Lucy tried using her hands to pat down the heat to no avail as she realized that was the very thing she had wanted. 

Their first real conversation about a future together. 

—---

It caught her eye across the street. 

“Oh my gosh!” Lucy dashed from Natsu’s side. She ducked around a few pedestrains, apologizing to a young couple that she nearly ran into. Pinned along the stone wall of a building in the next town over, was the unmistakable poster of her favorite opera. Just seeing the familiar costumes on such a grand stage immediately put Lucy back in her childhood days, sitting in a grand red-velvet chair from high up in a loge. The beautiful songs and dazzling lights, the music playing over and over from her mother’s records. 

“What is it?” Natsu came to stand beside her, his face scrunching at the title and quotes written in an older tongue. Happy floated above to see what was so interesting.

“It’s Lunamera! My favorite opera from when I was just a little girl!” Lucy exclaimed, “The story is about the princess of the moon, Lunamera, who sneaks down to earth against the wishes of her father, the Sun King. There, she falls in love with a knight, and sneaks out to see him every night when her father is away! But, the earth knight turns out to be a knight of the sun! Their love destined to be!” Lucy swooned, “I used to beg to go all the time! I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen it but it stopped being performed years ago!” 

“He’s from the sun too? Does that mean they’re related?” Happy asked. 

Ignoring the feline, Lucy quickly spun around to read the rest of the flier. 

“It looks like they’re celebrating its anniversary! They’re playing for only a few nights,” Lucy read aloud. 

She squealed, “how exciting!” 

The volume drew attention from onlookers.

“Why don’t we go see it?” Natsu suggested. When Lucy turned to him, her eyes were so star-struck they put her zodiacs to shame. But, as his partner's logic started to sink in, they were soon snuffed out. Natsu didn’t like that.

“No, I don’t think we can,” Lucy sighed, “we aren’t in town for that long. If we did stay, we’d have to keep our rooms and I’d have to get a dress…” Quickly doing the calculations in her head, Lucy knew she wouldn’t be able to swing this one night of luxury and afford all her bills. 

“When’s the last show? You could always come back,” Happy offered. 

“Yeah! Plus, I’m sure Erza would let you borrow a dress.” Natsu added. 

Lucy took the ideas into consideration, glancing towards the bottom of the poster. 

“The last show is at the end of the week...”

“That’s plenty of time!” Natsu assured her. 

One more glance at the poster and the little dragon on her shoulder won out, with Lucy deciding to spoil herself. The team found the opera house on the nicer side of town and marched up to the ticket booth - Lucy ignoring the look the man gave behind the glass - and proudly asked for a ticket to the last showing. 

“That much?” Lucy shrilled. Faced with the pricetag now, Lucy was reminded at how easily - and frequently - she used to spend that kind of cash. The ticket man fought against a smirk, his voice taking on a snotty undertone. 

“Yes, this is a very high-class opera. One of the last still performed in the old language. It needs to be selective…as a rare piece of art.”

Happy’s ears flattened at the notion, “forget it, who wants to spend that much on something no one can understand.” 

The man flinched but pressed his mouth shut. Just as Lucy decided to cut her losses, Natsu pulled out his small satchel of jewels. 

“Hey Lucy, don’t I have enough for two tickets?” He held the worn bag out to her, with his cut of their most recent job. 

“Wh-what?” Lucy asked, “well, yeah I guess, but why would you? I mean, you shouldn’t! What about your invoices?” 

Natsu’s head cocked to the side, “my in-whats? Look, if I buy the tickets, that means you’ll have enough for a room and whatever else, right?” 

Face warm, Lucy’s jaw snapped shut. The man rolled his eyes at the display as she made a small noise of confirmation.

“How ‘bout you Happy?” Natsu asked his companion. 

Happy waved a paw, “count me out. I ain’t spending that kinda cash.”

“There are no pets allowed.” The man cut in. 

“Who are you callin’ a pet?” Happy fumed at the attendant, then soured, “and it sounds boring anyway.” 

Natsu beamed at Lucy, “that settles it then! You and me!”

Lucy could only nod. 

Suddenly, the small opening at the bottom of the glass snapped shut. 

“Oh dear, it seems my little window is jammed and I can’t get it open. I can’t give you a ticket unless you pay, perhaps you should come back and try again after- eeiii!” 

The man shrank back in his chair, suit wrinkled and toupee falling, as Natsu’s bag of money was dropped in his lap. Lucy smirked at the trembling ticket attendant, watching the tears build in his eyes. His words had gone one ear and out the other for the dragon-slayer. Natsu’s knuckles barely grazed the glass pane before the barrier started melting away, clearing a large hole for the mage to stick the money in. As the well-dressed employee trembled, Lucy’s sly grin came into view, matching Happy’s on her shoulder.

“We’ll take two tickets please,” she asked in her most good-girl voice. 

There were a few more hiccups along the way but soon Lucy was at an inn across town from the opera house by the end of the week. It was definitely in the more rugged part of town, to ease the strain on both their wallets, but she found she didn’t mind. Erza was unfortunately on a job - a favor to Jellal - so Lucy couldn’t bother her for an outfit. Besides, how often did Lucy treat herself? It had been ages since she’s gone dress shopping for a nice gown, and the dress she wore to her novel celebration was from too many seasons ago. 

Instead she found a dark blue ball gown that glittered like stars against the night sky. It wasn’t as poofy as it could be, but the fabric gradually grew darker towards the hem until it matched her black heels. For accessories, she dug out her long white gloves to match the ribbon in her hair, tied in a bow on the back of her head to keep the braids in. It was certainly clashing with her golden star earrings but Lucy wanted to match the celestial theme of the show. 

Natsu knocked on her door just as she was patting herself down. 

She had convinced him to wear the outfit he wore to that dance in the Capitol. The dark blue vest and pants with a white undershirt. It was a classic look, one that was comfortable enough for him to stand for more than a few hours. The ensemble had been neatly folded in the back of her closet for ages to prevent it from getting ruined. This went unbeknownst to Natsu, who was shoved into his room with the clothes and had the door slammed on him before any questions could leave his mouth. When she opened the door to her room, he was tugging on it awkwardly and she realized it no longer fit as well as it once did. Quite the opposite, actually, the strain on the buttons and tight folds on his arms proved it might fit a bit too well. It had been a while since he’d worn it, growing since then, but…he looked good. More than that, Lucy realized:

They matched. 

“Ooo Lucy!” Natsu greeted, looking her up and down. It snapped her out of her own scanning and the heat of her cheeks were obvious. 

“You ready?” He smiled. Of course whatever compliment she was expecting didn’t come but she found she didn’t mind. One nod and they were off. 

There was thankfully a different ticket person at the entrance, a young woman that wished them a good time. The atmosphere was exactly how she remembered it. As they walked in, Lucy naturally slipped an arm through Natsu’s. If he glanced at her, she didn’t notice, but bent his arm so her hand remained tucked in his elbow. Something he noticed other pairs were doing. 

It wasn’t until she saw the way Natsu glanced around that she realized smooth sailing was not in the cards. As she babbled about the different pieces of artwork, or statues, or the songs they were about to listen to, Natsu kept flinching. Rather, he would suddenly - ever so slightly - look in certain directions, as if someone only he could hear was calling him from all directions. Only when Lucy came back down to Earthland did an all too familiar feeling settle over her shoulders as naturally as a fur coat on her mother. 

The gossip. 

The hushed whispers and sly glances in their direction. It took a moment for Lucy to focus - knowing better than to stare - for her to pick up on words ‘Heartfelia’ and ‘ruffian.’ Their words soaked in questions and assumed answers. 

“What is she thinking?”

“How could this be?”

“Must be because her family…”

When Lucy unconsciously shifted closer to Natsu, she could better feel his arms moving around. Before she could look, Natsu was already standing in front of her with his arms out, grinning proudly. 

“Lucy, look! Like this right?” 

He had tied his scarf and tucked it into his front, mimicking the cravat of a large, balding man in the corner of the room. The celestial mage heard some snickering, but if her hot-headed teammate wasn’t going to let his anger get the better of him, then neither would she. 

She closed the distance between them and treated his scarf with care. 

“Stop that,” she lightly chided. Lucy untucked the scaly fabric from the confines of his shirt and unfolded it from its restraining knot. 

“I don’t miss this world. Not one bit, you hear me?” Lucy spoke low for only his ears, “and I certainly don’t want you to change yourself for it.” 

Wrapping the scarf around him, she let one end hang proudly down his front; and once it was set properly on Natsu’s shoulders, gave it a light pat. 

“My Natsu doesn’t change for anything, and I’d like to keep it that way.” 

The wink Lucy gave him made his chest visibly swell with pride. His grin was as beaming as ever but something new swirled in his eyes. 

“Is that so? Well, if that’s what makes you happy, I think I can manage that.” 

When she turned and walked proudly - head held high - through the crowd of aristocrats, her hand reached back and grabbed the one that was already waiting for her. 

Natsu only burst into flames twice before getting to their seats, once when the bartender didn’t have any food and another when the lights flickered. 

“It’s not an enemy attack,” though Lucy could understand, “they’re telling us to get to our seats.” 

Pushing his flaming fist down, she pulled him by the arm longer than necessary into the theater and switched to pushing him down the row of seats. The theater itself was small, meaning even their low-end tickets put them smack in the middle of the room. Once they were settled, Natsu immediately took over the armrest between them and of course Lucy had to try and fight him for it. After a few moments of their snickering as they pushed each other’s arms back and forth, Lucy laid her arm over his and laced their fingers just as the lights began to dim.

Natsu naturally leaned against her as the others around them started to applaud and the curtain rose. The first song and dance was in some other language but Natsu paid it no mind, letting his eyes stray down to their entwined fingers. 

Lucy was enthralled. They had found a fantastic actress to play Lunamera! A tall woman with fair skin and long strawberry blonde hair, fitted in a glittery, silver ball gown. Lucy swooned when she fled her castle and met with her rugged beloved. The woman stepped to center stage and opened her mouth wide, prepared to sing her love to the world. When she did, it was heavenly, her voice hitting every note cleanly and perfectly. Lucy was so moved she couldn’t help but squeeze Natsu’s hand. He did as well, squeezing her hand…tighter…and tighter…

When Lucy turned to hiss at him, she saw his whole body was tense. The dragon-slayer's eyes were squinting in an uncomfortable way, mouth pressed, and he was leaning back in his chair like he was in a vehicle going too fast. It wasn’t until Lunamera took a breath and hit a note high enough to shatter glass that Natsu looked like he was about to pass out. 

“Ah! I’m sorry!” Lucy whispered. She let go of his hand to plug his ears, realizing how dog-whistle-like this song was to a dragon. 

“No, it’s fine,” Natsu sounded like he was in extreme pain, “just tell me when the scary lady goes away, please.” 

Quick thinking took over and Lucy knew just the right moment. She waited until the next chorus came and the two lovers joined hands for their first dance, an ensemble of dancers in all different planet-masks coming out to join them. When they did, stage lights flashed brightly at the audience and Lucy cast a spell under her breath.

“Star Dress: Aries.” Her transformation was covered by the special effects and, other than her revealing outfit, blended in perfectly. Celestial wool was quickly patted on Natsu’s ears and the dragon-slayer snapped back into focus. 

“Ooo!” He hummed appreciatively. Natsu’s grin made her forget her attire for just a moment.

“Thanks Lucy!” He said quieter than she expected him too. 

“No problem.” Lucy muttered back. Unfortunately, there wasn't a moment for Lucy to transform back until the intermission so she mostly kept her head down. When the lights flicked back on, Lucy was back in her blue gown. 

“Sorry about that, I didn’t realize…” 

“Huh?” Natsu blinked out of his trance, “oh, uh, that’s okay. I just thought I saw…never mind.” 

They chatted and teased throughout intermission, Lucy answering all his questions and explaining what he missed from the dialogue, and soon the show began once more. Lucy mourned the inability to lace their hands - her gaze darting to the empty armrest now and again - but was pleased to see Natsu taking his new ear muffs on and off throughout the performance. 

For the final scene, the solar system united in matrimony, everyone came out for their last song and dance. Lucy sighed happily at the classic sight. Everyone from all reaches putting aside their differences and joining together as one big family. It reminded her of her guildmates, a ragtag family of all kinds. She had meant what she said to Natsu before, despite her background she was happy he had found her, and happy she was a part of an amazing group of people. She, too, felt like she had tossed aside her moon-mask to join in the fun. 

Beside her, Natsu let out a short gasp and started hitting her shoulder. 

“O-Ow! What is it-” Lucy’s hiss was cut off when Natsu leaned in so close his nose brushed her cheek. Her poor heart jolted when his skin ghosted her own and his breath fanned her ear.

“Look, look, look, look! Stage right! No, left!” His knuckles kept thudding against her and she had to wrestle to grab him. Natsu wasn’t even looking at her, just smirking at the stage. When Lucy followed his eyeline, her body froze up for a new reason. Soon, she was the one whacking him, Natsu returning the favor with more vigor. Their arms waved back and forth so fast and eventually their hands clasped together in glee. They leaned in even closer, cheeks smooshed together, eyes dazzling like the stars on stage.

“No…freakin…way!” Lucy whisper-yelled. 

There on stage, serving as a background dancer and a member of the sun court, was none other than Erza Scarlet. 

The Erza Scarlet. 

Sporting a girlishly short golden dress, bold makeup, and sun-like accessories donning her crimson hair. 

What’s more, she was dancing with Jellal Fernandez, a clear member of the court of the moon. 

“It’s her!” Lucy grinned, squeezing his hand.

“It is!” He squeezed back.

“Look at her!” 

“I can’t!” Natsu snickered, burying his face in her neck, “I’m gonna pee!”

The two did their best to temper their glee for the rest of the performance, only letting a few snorts escape until the curtain closed. Like two classmates trying not to let their teacher catch their laughter. They were able to calm down enough for their arms to remain still on the arm rest, holding hands once more. 

“Man, I can’t wait to tell Gray about this, Elfman and Gajeel too!” Natsu said with sadistic pleasure. Lucy couldn’t stop herself from grinning at the idea of Erza’s face. Blackmail could be a beautiful thing, especially for the next time they got in trouble. 

The last dance came to an end - their friends finishing with a bow - and the brown-eyes of the fairy queen locked onto them. 

Lucy froze.

Erza froze.

Jellal turned to smile at Erza only to follow where she was looking and then froze as well. 

Natsu’s grin was clear as day.

Red soon spread across the cheeks of Lucy, Erza, and Jellal, Natsu remaining completely ignorant of the situation and immune to the embarrassment of being caught. Despite all her efforts in fighting it, Lucy’s eyes wandered down to her hand, clearly entwined with Natsu’s, as they sat side by side in matching outfits at a very expensive opera. 

The evidence was damning. 

“This is going to be so good, we have to get back before Erza does so she can’t deny-” 

“Natsu,” Lucy interrupted. 

“Yeah, what?” When Natsu’s smile turned to her, he noticed how her blush had spread down to her collarbones, just as Erza’s did. Sweating, Lucy’s trembling eyes held his for a moment before they wandered down. She squeezed his hand for emphasis. 

“They can see us, you know.” 

Natsu froze. 

When the couple looked back at the stage, the final lines were being said. Erza and Jellal, clearly playing some background couple, were forced to stand side by side, embracing, as ballads of love and romance filled the space around them. Titania was clearly trying hard not to look, Jellal as well, both groups having their gaze flutter around in embarrassment. But when the two couples inevitably locked eyes again, no words needed to be said.

Lucy and Jellal gave each other an awkward sort of apology.

Natsu and Erza came to solid agreement between pseudo-siblings; Gray would never know of this day. 

“Not a word.” Lucy warned Natsu.

“A-aye…”

Their faces were still hot when the curtain finally dropped and the lights came on. Lucy pulled Natsu to his feet.

“We should applaud them,” she found it hard to look at him, “they did good right?” 

Natsu blinked but his smile did what it did best and washed any self consciousness away.

“Yeah! They did great!” 

The two were able to give honest and supportive smiles to their friends once they came out to give their final bow. That seemed to be enough to relax the blue and red haired mages as they held their hands up and gave a grand bow. Natsu and Lucy returned the small wave Erza and Jellal gave them, before the two disappeared backstage. The celestial mage was easily able to convince Natsu to hang around town a bit longer, with the promise of sweets and fun sights to see. All too soon, they were back at the inn, walking to their rooms. What Lucy would one day consider their first date, coming to an end.

“Thank you again, for coming with me,” Lucy said, “I know that’s not really your thing, but I hoped you at least enjoyed it a little bit?” 

Natsu shrugged, “Yeah, I did, don’t worry. I got the gist of it. The costumes and dancing were cool, plus they used magic for some of the special effects and stuff, right?” 

“They did! It was one of the first operas to do so!” Lucy confirmed.

“Those sword fights were pretty lame though, they didn’t even make contact!” 

“It’s not an actual battle, Natsu,” Lucy huffed, “it's about the emotion.” She stressed the last word and when he peeked at her from the corner of his eye, heat burst across her face. Their steps patted in time for a minute, Lucy stopping at her door. She watched Natsu reach his room across the hall, two doors down. 

“Hey,” Lucy peeked out from behind her door. Natsu looked at her, a silent question, as she frowned at him.

“Aren’t you coming in here for the night?” Lucy’s pout was painting a light pink, “but you have to stay on the floor!” 

Natsu blinked at her once, shut his door, and followed her wordlessly into her room.

They both knew he wasn’t going to do that.

—--

The Fairy Tail Guild was abuzz on such hot summer day. Cheerful singing and dancing, heated discussions by the job board, and stories of grandeur filled the walls. The background noise was easily overshadowed by the brawl happening in the middle of the floor. 

From their spot at a non-broken table, Levy, Cana, Lisanna, Juvia, and Erza sat with the exceeds and watched the brawl with a critical eye. Natsu had Gray in a headlock while he kicked Elfman with all his might. Soon Gray managed to throw him off, right into Gajeel. The two dragon-slayers pumbling each other instead. Lucy was close by, pleading for Natsu to stop so they could leave on a job.  

“Are you sure she hasn’t said anything?” Cana asked over her bottle. 

“She hasn’t but, when it comes to Lucy she doesn’t have to,” Levy grinned back, “she can barely take her eyes off him.”

“Well, we all know about her feelings but what about his? Does he even process romance in that muscle-brained head of his?” Cana teased. 

“I think so,” Lisanna leaned her head in her hands, “Natsu has always been perceptive of others' feelings. He knows when he’s special to someone and when someone is special to him.” 

“That’s true,” Levy said, “Lucy said something similar once.”

“My Gray darling did as well!” Juvia added. 

“What about you, Erza?” Cana asked. 

The re-quip mage flinched, “h-huh? Me?” Her face turned rosy. 

“Yeah, you hang out with the two of them the most. Have you noticed anything special between them?” Levy elaborated. 

“N-no! I didn’t see them! Have! Haven’t seen them! When would I even see them? I was out on a job- a-a monster-slaying job!” Erza ducked her head, letting her hair cover her matching red face, her hands clenched in her lap. 

“Umm.” The table blinked at her. 

“Well that confirms it!” Levy hit the table. 

“I knew it!” Lisanna agreed. 

“It’s so obvious!” Gushed Juvia. 

“He follows her around like a lost puppy!” Cana said a bit too loud. 

“Personally, I’m surprised they’re not living together.” Levy hummed. 

“Yeah, well, how long until you and Gajeel started living together, hmm?” Cana leaned in with a Cheshire grin. 

The word mage’s eyes fluttered around, “uh, well, you know, it’s hard to say…”

“I’d say eight months.” Lily answered from his spot on the table. 

“Lily!” Levy exclaimed. The table giggled at her flushed face. 

“Dragons take what they want,” the black cat shrugged. The table squealed and Erza was quick to march away, unable to feel her face. 

“Personally, I think they are already living together,” Juvia offered. 

“No way!” The table said together. 

“How can they not be?” Juvia leaned in, “Even though she has yet to confess her undying love to him…I happened to hear from a real estate agent that a couple with their exact descriptions were asking about a house!”

Levy squealed, “ah! If that’s the case, it’s only a matter of time!”

“I know!” Cana slammed her bottle on the table, “what’s taking them so long?”

“Hmm,” Lisanna hummed, leaning towards the blue cat beside Lily, “what’s say you, Happy?” 

The blue exceed took a moment to chew and lick his mouth clean of fish. 

“They’re not living together.” He stated. The table flopped over with a groan. 

“Bummer,” Levy said, “sounds like they’re making no progress at all!”

“That still makes her a love rival…” Juvia mutters to herself. 

“But you know…” Happy thought out loud, paw on chin and eyes to the ceiling, “now that I think about it, Natsu’s been sleeping at Lucy’s more often than not. Even if I’m not there! Plus, our house is full of all her weird stuff.”

The girls blinked once. 

Then twice. 

A squeal echoed through the guild hall so ear-splitting it stopped the fight for just a moment. It signaled Mirajane to pop out of nowhere and for her sister to fill her in. Juvia took the pause in the fight to seek out her own man. The blue exceed uncovered his ears just in time to hear Lucy calling for him, a swollen-faced Natsu dragged by his scarf behind her. 

“Wait, Happy!” Lisanna reached out to the flying feline. 

“Details!” Levy whined. 

Happy shrugged, rolling over in the air, “sorry ladies, but my heart already belongs to Carla!” He purred. 

The table groaned, opting instead to watch the objects of their gossip walk away from the guild. 

“Mmm, they’re walkin kinda close together,” Cana hummed. 

“I saw their hands brush! Did you see that?” Lisanna pointed. 

“I wonder how long this mission of theirs is…Lucy’s been picking kinda far ones lately…” Levy’s intonation was interrupted by Erza marching back over and slamming her hands on the table. 

“J-j-just because two people care for each other and spend a lot of time together does not necessarily mean they have feelings for each other! And…”

Her frown grew, “it isn’t right to spread gossip. Even if they both share feelings, it would be cruel to drag it out in the open and force their hands. Especially if…especially if only one of them holds those feelings, it could force the other to be rejected and create a rift of hurt feelings in their friendship…” Erza solemnly gazed down at the wood. The other girls at the table hummed.

Levy was the first to speak. “I suppose that’s true…we don’t want to make things awkward between them.” 

“Yeah, you’re right,” Cana agreed, “sorry about that, Erza.” 

The re-quip mage’s head popped up and some color returned to her cheeks. 

“R-right! Well-” Erza rigidly gathered herself, clearing her throat behind her hand.

“So long as it’s harmless gossip I suppose there’s no real malice. Th-thank you.” The fairy queen made a hasty retreat once more. 

“...She’s totally talking from experience.” Lisanna muttered.

“I’ll say.” Mirajane giggled.

“But…” Levy placed her head in her hands and sighed towards the ceiling, “I guess if Erza and Happy say so, their teammates aren’t together.” 

Later, Erza returned with the Master at her side. They approached Gray, explaining that the mission Natsu and Lucy took might have been the tip of an iceberg too big for them to handle. Gajeel repeated as such to Levy, who now sat alone with Lily at the table. 

“Aww, poor Lu-lu won’t have any more alone time with Natsu.” Levy grinned, “I guess our little bundle of joy won’t have a playmate any time soon.” 

“Yeah…” Gajeel grinned at the mention of their baby, the rest of the sentence taking a few moments to sink in.

“Wait? That dim-witted salamander and the blonde are an item?” 

Levy sent a silent apology to her best friend, as Gajeel’s shout echoed throughout Fairy Tail.

Chapter Text

A cold mountain, a city saved from a corrupt upper class, and all monsters disposed of. The group had caught up to join Team Natsu once Erza caught wind there was a deeper meaning to the job they had accepted. Now, Happy was passed out, belly-up. Gray was sticking out of his ice-tent in a similar position while he chatted quietly to Juvia on his communicator. Erza was the only one to come prepared, sitting in a magically heated tent with Wendy and Carla at her side. 

No one had noticed Natsu slither towards the clock spirit on the ground, housing a celestial wizard who insisted she would be fine with her own sleeping arrangements. None of the others heard the clock door open and shut with a soft click, and their attention was not yet captured as Horologium narrated Lucy’s sputtering at Natsu’s intrusion and his cheeky rebuttal. 

However, all of the forest heard Horologium screech with nearly half the volume Lucy must have. 

“‘Do you always have to crawl into my bed?’ Lucy shouts, annoyed.” Horologium announced. 

The rest of the team stopped, they all sat up and looked to see Natsu was, indeed, missing. As the celestial spirit continued to translate the conversation happening inside him, the other mages gaped at each other from across a dying fire. Wendy covered her ears and buried deeper into the tent, Erza’s face grew a healthy shade of red while Gray hissed to Juvia everything that was happening and pleaded to hang up. 

The mages made uncomfortable eye contact once again. Clearly communicating that, while neither of them could comprehend what was possibly happening, and with who, it clearly was. Gray’s hands swung around, gesturing to Erza it was obviously one of those wacky misunderstandings. It meant nothing, it was nothing that they were possibly thinking, and - if it was - Natsu had no idea what he was doing. Erza, with her hands clenched in her lap, only whipped her head back and forth, her eyes responding that Natsu was still a human being who cared deeply for Lucy. She refused to say anything more when Gray questioned it, as if cursed. 

“‘Hey…you warmed up yet?’ Natsu asks. ‘Huh-? Well I…’ Lucy stammers.’” Horologium continued to narrate. There was a pause, and then. 

“Oh-oh my!” The clock spirit tried fanning himself as he began to sweat. There was some thudding. 

Erza’s arms started swinging, her head shaking back and forth so fast she grew dizzy. Natsu was just keeping her warm, they knew that, surely that was all it was. The ice mage responded with his own rapid sign language, the kind only those who shared childhood bathtime with could understand. But why did he need to be in there when the spirit supposedly kept out the cold? And what was with that comment earlier? How long had this been going on? Finally, Erza sent her friend a glare that confirmed they didn’t hear or see anything and they would never speak of this again. 

“Well, what do you expect?” Happy suddenly said far too loud. His grin was beaming, his hands holding up his chin as his tail curled this way and that in a coy manner. 

“They love each other,” He sang, “their first night away together!” 

The fire Natsu had lit for them paled in comparison to the heat that flooded Erza and Gray’s cheeks. The re-quip mage went to bed with earmuffs, with matching ones made of ice on the ice-maker mage. 

When Natsu and Lucy were already awake the next morning, chatting away as they normally did, the rest of the team did not comment on it. 

Afterall, some things were meant to be kept private.