Work Text:
It’s not like they tried to hide it. Or keep it a secret. They simply didn’t say anything. The guild just thought they were too dense to realize their feelings. Or that since the two continue to go through so many life changing events, they felt that this was one thing they could control the outcome of… if they just don’t say anything.
To be fair, it all happened so fast. They took the day off, relaxing at Lucy’s house instead of at the guild. The mages just weren’t in the mood to be lively or be in the middle of all that noise. Don’t get them wrong, they love their Fairy Tail family… they just want a quiet day to do absolutely nothing. With eachother. And of course with Happy.
They just finished a very gruelling job that, in true Team Natsu fashion, turned into a serious situation in which they had to save a city. So, in turn, the job took a week longer than it should have. Luckily they got to keep their reward money and Lucy doesn’t have to stress about rent for another month.
All they intended to do today was lay in Lucy’s bed, soaking in the warmth of the sunshine streaming through her window in beautiful sparkles of light. They were laying side by side with Happy napping on the pillows beside them. They were talking about nothing in particular.
After a long content silence filled with smiles and shared looks, they both said it at the same time. “I love you”. It was simple. When it comes to their partnership it’s always simple.
The smile Natsu let out was so wide and so happy, Lucy felt her heart squeeze at the sight. Natsu couldn’t stop looking in her eyes, the way the sun made them sparkle a unique Carmel colour. Her eyes had a look that sent his heart into a flutter, and for once the dragon slayer felt warm. They were happy.
“This doesn’t change anything. All that changes is what we call our little Team. Our dinners are now called dates.” And it was as simple as Lucy said. For them, nothing is different.
“Aye Luce. Together forever.” Something he’s said from the moment they took their first job as a team. And of course Happy takes that moment to wake up and say “oooh~ you loooove each other.” For once, Lucy just giggled instead of shooing him away with a blush so red, that it could rival Erzas hair.
Soon night fell and they went to Natsus favourite spot in the woods to go stargazing. Stargazing was something the two of them have done whenever they had the time. Natsu knew Lucy loved the stars, so he took her to his spot in the woods where no light could outshine the beauty of the stars - and the beauty of her smile when she she’s them. To him, they almost shine as bright as her. She would sit and point out the constellations of her celestial spirits and he would say that they look nothing like they do when she summons them. And she’d laugh at his antics and continue on looking.
Unknown to them a fellow guild mate was walking back to their home from a job and happened to walk by them. Seeing them sitting side by side as they usually do, Lucy gushing about the stars and Natsu following along the best he could. It made them smile. They laughed then shook their head, wondering when the pair would just get together.
————————
Today was the Fantasia Parade. The first one the Fairy Tail guild has been able to celebrate in almost 10 years. Since the first one Lucy was there to attend, there have been too many interruptions for the guild and the city to hold the Parade.
So of course the guild was loud and partying for the full week. Everyone who could drink, was drunk. Today, Grays drunken state lead him to try and pick a fight with Natsu. Well, that’s him stone cold sober. So it was the words he chose to confront Natsu with that made it apparent that he had been drinking quite a bit…
“Hey flame brain ! When are you gunna stop bein stupid and just tell Lucy how you feel. Or are you so dense you don’t know it yourself?”
From his spot beside Lucy, his arm around her as they’re talking and drinking, he laughs. He laughs so loud that it catches the attention of the whole guild.
“Yo stripper. If you couldn’t already tell, we are dating. Tomorrows actually our 6 month anniversary.” He said with a smirk. He found it funny that they all still underestimate him.
…
“WHAT”
The collective scream from every guild member could be heard all the way to Cardia Cathedral. This was followed by at least a minute of silence. You could hear the nails Gajeel was eating falling and hitting the floor.
“Gehe I told ya shrimp. I could smell it on ‘em.”
“I never denied it. I just hoped that Lu woulda told me”
Instantly the not-so-new couple was bombarded with questions of how, when, where, and some blank stares of shock.
“ENOUGH” Erza shouted. That definitely got the attention of everyone. Drunk Erza is even more terrifying than her sober. “How could you Lucy! You didn’t tell me!”
Maybe Erza was just in the mood to play the punishment game and found the perfect excuse with the perfect victims. Or Erza was in disbelief that Lucy could keep this from her. She was upset because she thought Lucy, who she deemed her closest friend, did not see her in the same way. That Lucy did not trust her in the same way. How could she not tell her ?
“Relax Erza,” Lucy got up and approached her, putting an arm on her armer clad shoulder after noticing how upset she’d gotten. “We just didn’t say anything.” She said in the direction of Levy, realizing she might be feeling the same way as Erza. “Nothing has really changed for us. We don’t feel any different than usual.”
“It’s true Erza please don’t hurt us! We don’t want to be punished!” Natsu cried out in fear, bowing to her from the floor. You could hear Grays quiet “aye sir” in agreement, even though he was not the one being chastised.
“Awe you two are so cute!” Mira stepped forward and gave Lucy a giant hug. “I called it hehehe NaLu. My OTP” she thought while letting out a small laugh.
After some - a lot - of questions they were finally left alone to enjoy the party, both of them letting out a heavy sigh. Or so they thought as Mira approached them.
“Hey Lucy ! Could you help me get some more barrels from the storage closet? Sorry to steal her Natsu but I could use her help!”
“Of course Mira. Lead the way.” And Lucy followed her. As soon as they got in the storage room and the door closed she turned to Mira “Okay Mira which ones am I grab-“
She was cut off by Mira transforming into her demon soul. “If you get pregnant or he proposes and you don’t tell me, I will make you and Natsu play the punishment game for 100 years. Am I clear?”
“Aye sir”