Countdown [Natsu x Reader x Gray]

🎓 Chapter 17 🎓

New Years Festival

"C'mon, (Y/N)!" Natsu grinned as he contined to pull you through the massive crowd of people.

Natsu had taken you to the annual New Year's Festival where there were games, food, and music.

And at midnight ↪ fireworks.

Your friend was like a kid in a candy store, smiling and grinning as his eyes scanned the different stations and booths.

You simply followed along, finding it adorable that he was so excited.

"Oh, let's try this game!" Natsu exclaimed, tugging your arm and dragging you toward a wack-a-mole booth.

"Wack-a-mole?" You questioned, "Are you sure, Natsu?"

"Of course, I'm sure. Why wouldn't I be sure?"

"It's just that you get frustrated easily."

"Not a problem, (Y/N)!" He smiled, raising the mallet that he was given.

Once the game began, you noticed that Natsu was the most quiet and concentrated that you have ever seen him. His eyes were settled on the various holes, waiting for a mole to sprout so he could wack it.

Despite the concentration, however, Natsu was not doing very well. He started off well, but then the moles began sprouting at a faster rate. And despite his best attempt to hide it, you could tell that he was getting frustrated.

Losing once just wasn't enough -- his pride as a young man wouldn't allow it.

So, he played a second time.

And a third.

But you stopped him after the fourth. You didn't want him spending all of his money on one game.

"Sorry, (Y/N)." Natsu apologized once you two left wack-a-mole. "But next time I'll win!"

"And would you mind telling me why you wanted to win so badly?" You inquired. "Is it your pride? Ego? Or the fact that you don't like to lose?"

Your pink haired friend scoffed at your question. He turned his head to look away from you, but you swear you can see a blush on his face.

"No!" He said, "It wasn't about that. I just wanted to win you something. That's all."

"Oh?" You smirked, but on the inside you were very touched. You almost didn't know how to process these emotions.

Almost.

"In that case, take me to the eating contest. You can win something for me there."

At you suggestion, Natsu's face lit up -- both at the chance to eat and the chance to impress/win a prize for you.

"Welcome, everyone, to the annual New Years Festival eating contest!" The announcer's voice boomed throughout the area. "This year's food for the eating contest is five cheese lasagna!"

The crowd hummed and clapped at the announcement.

"Will each contestent please have a seat at the table?"

"Good luck, Natsu!" You said, giving him a thumbs up.

He responded by smiling and returning you gesture.

"Ok, folks. We have 20 contestents this year who will eat lasagna until their guts rot! Is everybody ready?"

The crowd erupted in cheers. Cameras and cellphones were taken out to record the event.

"Alright, contestants. On your mark, get set, EAT!"

60 MINUTES LATER. . . .

"And we have a winner!" The announcer shouted excitedly. "After lasting the longest in this competition and successfully eating 5 whole lasagnas, our winner this year is-" The announcer put a hand over the microphone and leaned down.

"What's your name, kid?"

"Natsu. Natsu Dragneel."

"NATSU DRAGNEEL!" He returned to the mic. "Congratulations, Natsu! Not only will you get your photo taken and be in the newspaper, you will also get a chance to pick from a selection of prizes! Let's give Natsu a round of applause, everyone."

You, of course, clapped and cheered along with everyone.

Part of you was jealous though because that lasagna looked really good.

Anywho, Natsu was taken away to get his picture taken with the mayor and pick out his prize. So, you waited for him patiently while looking through your phone.

"Hey, (Y/N)!" You recognized the sound of Natsu's voice and lifted your head from your phone. "Look!" He lifted a video game for you to see. "It's the latest game to come out and I thought we could play together!"

You looked at the cover of the game. Defenders, Assemble. You know the concept of the game well, considering that you watched the movies.

"Sure!" You nodded.

"Great!" Natsu grinned, "I can't wait to fight you!"

You chuckled at the words that were so Natsu. Then you were startled by the sound of fireworks, signaling that it was midnight.

"C'mon, (Y/N). I know a place where we can get a better look at the fireworks!" Natsu smiled and held out his hand for you to grab (which you did).

You should have known better, but at least no one was hurt.

Natsu insisted that you two climb the tree and sit at the top.

"It'll be fun." He said.

"I'll help you." He said.

"I promise you won't get a rash." He said.

Despite your initial complaining, Natsu was right. This was a nice view.

"Happy New Years, (Y/N)."

"Happy New Years, Natsu."