Chapter One - An Accidental Outburst

I do NOT own Fairy Tail

A/N - This is NOT an *all the sudden* Natsu/Lucy fall in love story. This story is a slow development that happens over the course of time and events. So please be patient, no need to rush the inevitable:)

(Chapter Five is sorta a one-shot if that's what you are looking for - go give it a read!)

(The first 6 chapters will be in 3rd person - the rest will be in 1st!)

Lucy slid her fingers through the ribbon, pulling it tightly to form a perfect bow.

"Done!" Brimming with pride she stared at all the chocolates she had finally finished wrapping. She began putting the boxes into her canvas bag.

The handmade wrapping papers were all unique and identified with the person who was receiving it. "Okay - swords for Erza, snowflakes for Gray, books for Levy.." This continued until she reached the final, and biggest box. "And flames for Natsu!" Lucy bent over and put her elbow on her kitchen table, resting her forehead in her hand. What if he doesn't even like Valentine's Day? Or chocolates? I got him the biggest one because he acts like he's hungry all the time...but what if I insult him? She quickly stood up straight and rolled her eyes, dismissing the thought.

Lucy walked slowly towards the guild hall letting her mind wander. She thought about Valentine's Day, and not having a date. "Who can I get to take me out?" she groaned. Her cheeks flushed as she suddenly remembered how she once thought Natsu liked her, and how wonderful it made her feel.

"No no no!" she yelled, stomping her foot. "No way in hell will I ever admit to that!"
"Hey, weirdo.. You okay?" A familiar voice caused Lucy's ears to burn with embarrassment. Lucy hadn't noticed that she was already in front of the guild hall and panicked as she glared at the pink haired boy she was just so fondly thinking about.
"I'm fine - wait, what are you wearing?" Instead of the one sleeved, yellow and black coat he always wore, he adorned a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a black skinny tie, a black tight fitting vest and black pants.

Wow, Lucy thought. He looks really good.

Natsu raised an eyebrow. "More like what are you wearing. Everyone in the guild is supposed to dress up today - we have that stupid dance thing tonight."
"WHAT!?" Lucy's jaw dropped "No one told me about this!"
"Yeah, huh. Mirajane was screaming about it all day yesterday like a town cryer."

Lucy briskly walked past Natsu and into the guild hall. Sure enough everyone was dressed to the nines. Lucy instantly turned on her heels. "I am going home!" Natsu gave her a little wave as she stormed out of sight.

"Lucy's weird." Happy giggled putting his paws in front of his mouth, as he flew off to flirt with Carla.

"You've got that right, man!" Natsu waded through the crowd over to the bar where Gray and Erza were sitting and grabbed the stool next to Gray.

"Where's your stalker?" Natsu asked Gray attempting to irritate him, but in turn received a relieved look.

"She came in yelling about how she didn't look good enough and then ran out. I am guessing I have about an hour before she comes back." He shuddered, slumping down into his seat.

Mirajane, who was behind the counter, glided over to where they were seated.

"Hello Natsu! I didn't see you come in!" She grinned warmly, Natsu nodded coolly and replied in the same manner.

Mira turned her head to Erza, her long white hair fanning out with the sudden movement.

"So, Miss Titania. Do you have a date tonight?" Mira put her hands on her hips to appear more innocent.

"No, Mira." Erza sighed, her eyes fixed on the uneaten strawberry cake in front of her.

The takeover wizard frowned then turned to Gray.

"Well, we all know who your date is, Gray," she smiled sweetly, letting a few giggles escape her lips.

"Yeah, unwillingly," Gray whimpered.

"Gray, you should be thankful that you have someone that looks your way, let alone love you unconditionally. That itself is an amazing feat," Erza said dryly and gave him a dark sideways glance. Gray looked away so he didn't meet her eyes.
Mira cleared her throat with two quick coughs, as if by doing so they would cut through the awkward tension. "Natsu, are you taking Lucy?" Natsu jumped by the sudden inclusion of his name, he hadn't been paying any mind to his guild mates.

"What?" He asked with a mouth full of chicken that he had acquired some time ago and had been absentmindedly gnawing on the same piece.

"Are YOU taking LUCY," Mira asked pointedly, annoyed that she had to repeat herself.

"Taking her… Where? On a job?" Natsu raised his eyebrow, not grasping what she was trying to say.

"TO THE DANCE!" She snapped, shaking her head vigorously. She had been a fan of the Natsu/Lucy team since the beginning, and she was frustrated that the dragon slayer was this dense.
"Oh," Natsu said quietly

Take Lucy to the dance? he thought. Would she want to go with me? His cheeks turned the same shade as his hair. He quickly bounced back, and not to further embarrass himself - he shook his head and spat out "No way! I don't want to go to the stupid dance anyway! I hate Valentine's Day!"

"What about chocolate?" A small voice piped up behind him.

"I HATE chocolate!" He yelled as he turned around sharply.

Annnd that was the first chapter to the first fanfiction I've ever written! I have twelve chapter written so far, so review so I know what I am writing is worthwhile:)

Thanks for reading!