Nashira Dragneel likes Arcelio Fullbuster. She might like-like him. She isn't afraid to admit that, and that isn't the issue.
When she realized she felt a greater sense of emotions for this boy, than with others, she pondered about her affection, which would lead to a conclusion of some sort. She felt the need to think about whether she was convincing herself to believe into a delusion...that her feelings were caused by infatuation. She wanted her feelings to be genuine, heartfelt love.
What Nashira feels for her family is warm, familial love. What she feels for her friends is kind, platonic love. What she feels for Arcelio, at the moment, is confusion and frustration.
She believes she's doing a good job on not showing it though. She treats Arcelio the same as everyone else, but with some differences. Her family and friends would receive gifts and quality time from her, and Arcelio, he would receive tender words and brisk touches. Sometimes, Nashira wonders if anyone notices the unusual treatment. She doubts her stony, pretty man has noticed.
Maybe he has noticed. Maybe he doesn't want to comment on it. Maybe he doesn't feel the same. Maybe he's rejecting her in his own way.
That hurts, Nashira thought. I should stop thinking about this stupid problem.
She threw herself onto her unfolded laundry, groaning into the warmth radiating from the clothing. "Why me?" she whined, rolling onto her back and bringing her hands to her face, "I never thought I'd be in this position. I was never into this lovey dovey bullshit before, why now?" Nashira sat up and shook off the heat from her body. She stood up straight, clasping her hands together, "No way I'm going to let some guy ruin my days!"
"Guy? What guy?"
Nashira twisted her body around to face her father, Natsu Dragneel. He glared at his daughter with confusion and concern. Nashira stumbled back a few steps and laughed with uncertainty. "Ha! There is no guy!" she blurted, placing her hands on her chest, "I swear—"
"Nash," Natsu began, crossing his arms over his chest and raising his chin up, "Don't lie to me." Whenever his daughter was hiding something, Natsu and Lucy would know right away. Their daughter had never been good at keeping secrets or masking her true emotions. Seeing his daughter in distress makes Natsu ache in pain. Arcelio will meet his fuming wrath, if warranted, so he grunted, "That Fullbuster boy is waiting for you downstairs."
Even the concept of speaking to that man fills Nashira with anxiety...and excitement. She smiled a bit. "Okay," she whispered, "Give me a moment."
Natsu hummed in acknowledgment, "Take your time." He left the room and widened the entrance of the door. "I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything," he commented, "I promise I won't be listening!" Natsu grinned, showing a thumbs up.
His daughter smiled back. "Thank you, papa."
After a few moments of composing herself, Nashira walked to the stairway and gripped the railing. Why is he here without telling me before? she wondered, pacing her steps to seem at ease. Once she made it to the bottom, she noted that Arcelio sat uncomfortably on the couch with an empty glaze over his eyes. Nashira furrowed her brows, clearing her throat to make her presence known, "Hey!"
The man snapped his head towards her, "Hey." He stood up, his limbs ridgid, "Uhm...I want to go to 8 Island...with you." He cracked his neck and started to fidget with the fluff in his vest. "I'd be paying for whatever you get, so don't worry about the bill," his voice cracked, "You don't have to join me. I want you to though."
A date? Is he asking me out on a date? Nashira thought. I must be overthinking this. She remained silent, wanting to know whether he wanted to add anything else.
Arcelio glanced around his surroundings, waiting for a response from his special someone. He sighed deeply and stared down at his feet. "Like a date," he blurted out, "I want to go on a date with you." He took a few steps towards Nashira. "I know this is unexpected, but I hope you're able to join me...even once...at least once."
A soft murmur was heard from the kitchen. "Luce, are we really about to let this happen?" A smack echoed through the room, soon followed by hushing. "Fine, fine."
"I'd like that, Arcelio," Nashira said, attempting to hide her infectious grin, "Let me get changed." She sprinted towards her room.
Well, now I know...that I like him...like-like him.
