Kon'nichiwa minna! TheSoulDragonSlayer here! This is going to be a series of Fairy Tail one shots. Most of them will be ships, and some will be inspired by songs. My OTP is Gale (I have a fic of them if y'all are interested) but a close second in Nalu. So enjoy this lovely Natsu x Lucy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or any of it's characters. They all belong to Hiro Mashima.
Look at the Stars...
Lucy woke up bright and early on her twenty-fifth birthday. She didn't have any special plans for the day and didn't really want to make any. If her father was still alive she probably would have spent the day with him, but she didn't want to think about that now. Today was just going to be a normal day. She showered and dressed like usual and made her way to the guild. As soon as she walked inside she was tackle-hugged by a short, blue blur.
"Happy Birthday, Lu-chan!" Levy stood back and beamed at her friend.
"Thanks Levy-chan." Lucy smiled gratefully at her. She didn't want anyone to make a big deal about today, but it was nice to have someone remember.
"I hope you don't have plans tonight because I'm taking you out." the solid script mage said briskly.
"I don't wan-"
"No excuses! We're going to celebrate your birthday whether you like it or not! Meet me at the park at 8 o'clock." With that statement she turned sharply and walked away, barely hiding her mischievous smirk.
Lucy sighed but smiled anyway. It would be nice to hang out with Levy just one on one. Maybe they could talk about girl things without somebody butting in for a change. Speaking of people butting in,,, Lucy saw the usual culprit standing in front of the request board. She made her way over to him to see what he had found. It was her turn to pick the job anyway.
"Morning Natsu."
"Hey Luce."
"Hiya Lucy!"
She looked sideways at Natsu and Happy, wondering if they had remembered her birthday. Natsu turned and beamed at her and her heart became hopeful. "It's your turn to pick, isn't it Luce?"
It was a bit difficult to hide her dissapointment. She really shouldn't have expected him to remember; it was quite common for Natsu to forget what he had eaten for breakfast, let alone birthdays. She nodded and hummed her agreement, looking at the board for a job that would be quick. One flyer requested someone to capture a rampaging boar in the next town over. That sounded perfect! She would be back with plenty of time before her meeting with Levy.
"This one." Lucy said, pulling it down. "That way we can be back before dark. I have plans with Levy." she explained when Natsu looked puzzled.
"Really? What for?" he asked quizzically.
"No reason." she shrugged, handing the flyer to him.
Natsu took the request to Mirajane behind the bar. "Lucy and me are goin' on this job."
"Gotcha! Hey, tell Lucy I said Happy Birthday!" The barmaid smiled sweetly.
Natsu was shocked and distressed. "Today is Lucy's birthday? How could I have forgotten?!"
"It's because you're an idiot, Natsu." said Happy matter-of-factly.
"Shaddup Happy!"
Natsu was angry at himself for neglecting his best friend. She was probably really angry at him too. What could he do to make it up to her? These thought swimming through his mind made his head ache.
The wheels in Mira's devious mind were already turning. This would fit in perfectly with her and Levy's plan. She leaned over the bar and beckoned Natsu closer. "I know exactly what you need to do..."
That evening Lucy was putting the finishing touches on her outfit. She had done her makeup and put on a really pretty emerald green dress. She slipped her feet into some black flats before grabbing her purse and heading out the door. Her excitement about meeting Levy had grown throughout the day, so much, in fact, that she hadn't even noticed how distracted Natsu had been. The Dragon Slayer had spent all day thinking about what Mira had told him.
Lucy reached the park and looked around for Levy. She didn't see her, but somebody taller was standing at the base of the tree in the center of the park. She made her way over, curious as to who would be there that late at night. Her jaw dropped when she realized who it was.
Natsu turned around when he heard her coming. He grinned, thinking how pretty she looked. "Sup, Luce?"
"Hi." she said shyly. Lucy would normally never be shy in Natsu's presence. however, his appearance flustered her. He was wearing nice jeans and a pink button down shirt. It was very rare to see him so... neat.
When he noticed Lucy was staring at him he looked down in confusion. "What? Do I look alright? This is what Mira told me to wear."
"Mira? Did she tell you to come here?" Lucy was suspicious now. Levy was nowhere to be found and Natsu was in her place. She smelled a set-up by the Demon Queen of Matchmaking herself.
"Yeah," Natsu replied. "She said there was a suprise party here for you tonight. But when I got here all I found was this." He stepped to the side to reveal a picnic basket on the ground. On top of it was a note. "It's addressed to you."
Lucy retrieved the letter which was written in Levy's elegant script.
Dear Lu-chan,
In this basket is a picnic for you and Natsu. The two of you need some quality alone time together. Don't even think about trying to leave. Have a good time and Happy Birthday!
Love,
Levy and Mirajane
Her cheeks were burning when she looked up. Natsu looked at her, puzzled, and she thrust the paper into his hands. His cheeks also turned red and he cleared his throat nervously. "I guess we don't have a choice, huh?"
"I guess not." Lucy giggled nervously.
Natsu opened the basket and found a blanket inside. He spread it on the grass while Lucy unpacked the food. Mira had cooked it all so if course it was delicious. As they ate and chatted Lucy felt the awkwardness and tension melt away. Why should she feel weird being around Natsu? It was nice sharing a meal with the person she cared most about.
As they were finishing up Natsu started to frown. "I'm sorry I forgot to tell you Happy Birthday this morning Lucy."
She smiled to make him feel better. "It's fine, Natsu. I don't really care about my birthday anyway."
"But birthdays are important!" he insisted.
Lucy realized something. "Now that you mention it we've never celebrated your birthday, Natsu! When is it?"
"I dunno," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "I've never celebrated my birthday."
She stared at him open-mouthed. He doesn't know his own birthday? "Not even with Igneel?"
Natsu shook his head. "Igneel didn't know either. And dragons don't really celebrate birthdays. It gets kinda boring after hundreds of years."
She giggled in spite of herself. "Why don't you pick a date then?"
He looked at her wide-eyed. "You can do that?"
"Mmmhhmmm. When people don't know the exact date of their birth they usually pick a date to celebrate it on."
Natsu laid back on the grass thoughtfully. What day should he pick? July 7th had a lot of meaning to him, but it brought back so many hurtful memories. He should pick a day with happy memories... After a few moments he spoke again. "Is it ok if I pick today? That way I would never forget either of our birthdays."
Lucy felt happy tears pricking at the back of her eyes. Of all the dates... she had been sure he would pick July 7th. Therefore she was suprised when he chose her birthday; it was like he was creating a special link between them. "Of course you can. I'd really like that."
"Well that's settled," Natsu sat up again. "Before I forget..." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. "This is for you. Happy Birthday, Lucy."
Lucy accepted the gift and unwrapped it carefully. Inside was one of the most wonderful gifts she had ever recieved. It was a hand-carved wooden pendant on a silver chain. The pendant was in the shape of a heart with the Fairy Tail symbol burned into the surface. Tears began to pour down her cheeks. She hugged Natsu tightly, burying her face in his neck. "Thank you." she whispered into his ear.
Those meaningful words sent chills down his spine. They contained gratitude for not just the necklace, but for their friendship, their guild, and for him. The two words contained indescribable amounts of love. He pushed her away and looked her in the eyes. "I'm always here for ya Luce."
"I know." she smiled.
Together they laid back on the blanket to look at the sky.
"Look at the stars..." Lucy said quietly, her voice full of wonder and awe.
Natsu saw what she saw and was just as amazed. "It looks like they're dancing. Your friends are saying Happy Birthday from the Celestial Spirit World, Lucy!"
Indeed the stars were dancing. Lucy's Celestial Spirits were having a celebration in her honor, dancing the night away.
"I think they're dancing for you too. Old Beardie took a liking to you, remember?"
Natsu chuckled and pulled her into a hug. "Happy Birthday, Lucy."
She snuggled close into his warm chest. "Happy Birthday, Natsu."
Hearing those words for the first time made Natsu's heart sing. He kissed Lucy's hair and closed his eyes.
Mira watched the couple fall asleep in each other's arms from neaby bushes. She could hardly contain her sqeals of joy as she snuck away quietly to go tell Levy the news. The rest of the girls were going to be so excited...
I hope you liked it. Feel free to review! Til next time!