FlashBackkk
Natsu kicked a small pebble absentmindedly while walking alongside Happy towards the guild. His thoughts were consumed by his partner, Lucy. It had been two weeks since the guild's victory over the Tartaros demons, and Natsu hadn't seen Lucy since the celebration party that followed. However, even that memory seemed hazy to him. He deeply missed her presence in his life.
The intensity of his feelings for Lucy was unlike anything he had ever experienced before. She occupied his every thought, and he couldn't help but admire her in every way possible: her beauty, her intelligence, and the strength that she possessed, even if she failed to see it herself. A tender smile graced Natsu's face as he reflected on his celestial spirit mage. Happy's giggles brought him back to the present, and he turned to his blue exceed companion.
"What's so funny?" Natsu asked, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"You're making this really weird face," Happy chuckled, "you're becoming an even bigger weirdo than Lushi!" Natsu joined in the laughter with his loyal friend.
"Happy, no one can surpass Luce when it comes to being a weirdo."
"Aye, Sir!" Happy cheerfully agreed. Natsu pushed open the doors of the newly rebuilt guildhall, finally arriving at their destination.
"Hey everyone!" Natsu called out with his usual enthusiasm, receiving a few scattered replies as he approached the bar. Taking a seat next to his friend and rival, Gray Fullbuster, Natsu noticed Gray engaged in conversation with Mirajane about the recent renovations to the guildhall.
"Mira, are there any job requests yet?" Natsu leaned in closer to the white-haired barmaid, curious about potential missions. Mira smirked, subtly hinting at something. Oblivious as ever, Natsu failed to grasp her implication and simply shook his head.
"I was just planning to go on a solo mission. Lucy is still cooped up at home." Gray, who had overheard the conversation, grumbled in response.
"She's probably tired of seeing your stupid face every day." Natsu shot Gray a glare and playfully bumped his forehead against his rival's.
"Are you trying to start a fight, Droopy Eyes?" Gray retaliated, pushing Natsu back with equal force. Mira intervened, sensing the escalating tension.
"Guys, Erza is in the guildhall." At the mention of Erza's name, the two rivals let their built-up anger dissipate and returned their focus to their respective activities.
Mira then turned her attention to the pink-haired Dragon Slayer. "Natsu, there are some items in storage that I was wondering if you could move. Elfman hasn't shown up yet." Natsu nodded, standing up from his seat and making his way to the guild's storage room. He located the items Mira mentioned and proceeded to organize them in their proper places. Just as he was about to leave, he noticed Lisanna standing in the doorway of the storage room. Lisanna, his childhood friend, seemed visibly nervous, fidgeting with her orange shirt.
"Yo, Lisanna, what's up?" Natsu asked, flashing his signature fanged smile. He could sense her uneasiness and wondered if something was amiss. Lisanna gulped, her gaze fixed on the floor before her.
"N-Natsu, can I talk to you f-for a m-minute? It won't t-take very long," she stammered. Natsu raised an eyebrow, nodding in agreement. Lisanna inched closer, still avoiding eye contact.
"So, what did you want to talk about? And did we have to talk in the storage room?" Natsu inquired, feeling a slight discomfort due to the strong scents in the room. He couldn't even detect Lisanna's scent despite her proximity.
"W-Well, yes, we do," Lisanna replied, her face turning a deep shade of blush. Natsu patiently waited for her to continue, curiosity piqued.
"Well, Natsu, there's something I wanted to tell you since we were young," Lisanna began, her eyes finally meeting Natsu's as determination filled her gaze. "I-I, I love you!"
