Special Seasonings

Introducing the New Couple!

Finally they broke free, both panting as they drew in short breaths of air. He leaned his forehead against hers and she could almost feel that the pounding of his heart matched the intensity of hers.

"Why?" Lucy whispered, her head slowly clearing enough to ask the question.

"Don't you know, Luce? Haven't you guessed how I feel about you?" Natsu replied in a husky whisper that sent pleasant shivers throughout Lucy's body.

"Why now?" Lucy persisted, although part of her brain was telling her to just shut up and enjoy the moment.

"I don't know. It's like I had this overwhelming urge to get you alone and do this." He shrugged, then gave her a sheepish smile. "It seemed like you enjoyed it too."

Lucy felt her cheeks grow hot again. She found herself sitting on the bed with Natsu, holding hands with him as they talked. Her eyes stared at his lips as he talked and she knew she wanted another taste. Leaning forward, she gave in to her desire.

At the Guild Hall, Next Morning:

Juvia was wringing her hands, obviously upset. Mira was trying to comfort her and to find out what had upset the blue-haired mage.

"Did dinner not go so well with Gray last night?" Mira asked hesitantly, not sure if it was the right time to ask.

"Juvia enjoyed dinner with Gray-sama. He was very polite and a gentleman. The meal you cooked was very satisfying," she told Mira, who flinched at emphasis. She had told Gray to pass it off as his own to impress her. Despite Gray's seemed indifference to Juvia, he had been nervous about last night and had asked for Mira's help with dinner.

"Then what seems to be the problem?" Mira asked gently.

"Oh Mira-san, Gray did not eat any of Juvia's apples she gave him!"

'Um, maybe he was waiting until another time to eat them?" Mira frowned. "Why, are the apples important?"

To her surprise, Juvia blushed. "Um, yes, and it seems that Gray-sama has lost them since they were not at his house!"

Mira sighed. "They were just apples, right? I mean, I know you picked them for him, but . . . "

Juvia shook her head. "These were, um, special apples. They were meant for Gray-sama only!"

Mira rubbed Juvia's back, hoping to comfort her. "I'm sure we'll find them. He was pretty nervous about last night. Maybe he left them here at the hall?" Juvia brightened at her suggestion, and the two began looking for the box of apples.

Around noon, a giggling Lucy and Natsu strolled into the hall. Mira nearly fainted when she noticed the two were holding hands! They made their way over to the job board and while they looked, Natsu pulled Lucy closer, leaving his hand resting on her waist.

"We'll take this one," Lucy said, handing Mira the paper. Mira just stared at the two of them.

"What?" asked Natsu, confused, looking behind him to see what Mira looked so freaked out about.

"I think it's us," Lucy whispered to him. Natsu chuckled, then added, "Then let's give her a show!" He pulled her to him and kissed her until they had to break apart to breathe.

Mira was fanning herself, but grinning ear to ear.

"It's about time!" a voice yelled and laughter and clapping filled the hall. Lucy blushed, but Natsu's grin just widened. "Let's go, Luce!" he told her, squeezing her hand.

Mira waved at them as they left the hall, then turned as she heard a small gasp. Juvia stood nearby, staring at the now departed couple. Mira wondered if she was jealous of the new couple.

"Oh dear," Juvia muttered to Mira's surprise. Then she turned and left the hall.