NaLu Week, Day 1: Gifts

Lucy blushed as yet another gift was placed on the pile in front of her. Jet and Droy smiled and wished her many happy returns. Levy fidgeted in her seat, drumming her nails on the tabletop. "How can you wait so long to open a present?!"

The blonde mage shrugged, "I outgrew that childish phase a long time ago." She sighed and toyed with the straw in her drink. "My mother would make everything so exciting for me on my birthday, I couldn't help but attack anything wrapped. After she passed, it seemed like only the servants remembered I still existed. I think I felt guilty that I had so much and they still gave me gifts on my birthday. I always slowly unwrapped them to show my appreciation."

Levy patted Lucy on the shoulder, "That's sweet, but I really want to see if you like what team Shadow Gear got you!"

"Well, okay." Lucy carefully untied the ribbon and eased the lid off the box. Nestled amidst layers of tissue paper, was a silver key. She gasped and reached out a trembling finger to touch the shining object. "You guys shouldn't have! This is too dear an item! Thank you so much!" Impulsively Lucy jumped up and hugged each member of team Shadow Gear.

Both Jet and Droy stammered, "Y-y-you're welcome!" Blushing furiously, they turned and headed toward their usual table - within direct line of sight of Levy.

"You really like it?" Levy smiled, her hazel eyes shining bright. "Gajeel spotted it on a scrap iron search and told me about it."

Lucy slowly reached out and picked it up, examining it closely. On the head of the key was an embossed animal resembling a rabbit. "This must be Lepus, the hare."

"What do you need with a celestial key for hair?" Natsu guffawed loudly. "Does it make it grow or change colour?"

Happy snickered, "Maybe it can wash your greasy hair!" He used his wings to evade Lucy's back handed swat, and perched overhead on a rafter still giggling.

Lucy gave the blue exceed a sour look and both girls swung their heads around to glare at Natsu. Lucy held her palm up at Levy, "I've got this Levy. It's spelt h-a-r-e. It's an animal kinda like a rabbit, but with bigger feet and longer ears. They're actually faster than rabbits but very similar."

"Oh, okay Luce. I think it's time we go back to your apartment so I can give you my gift." Natsu chugged his beer and slammed the empty stein down. "C'mon! I've been waiting and waiting! You're gonna love it!"

Mira and Lisanna giggled to each other behind the bar. Cana whispered to the Strauss sisters, "We've all been waiting for him to give it to Lucy!" The ridiculously drunk mage hooted with laughter and almost fell off her barstool. Cana ignored the heated stare from Lucy and Natsu's look of confusion. Levy's giggle petered off with one sharp glance from Lucy.

The pinkette grabbed Lucy's hand and started pulling her off her chair. "C'mon!" He turned to Levy and smiled. "Can you pack up her presents and bring'em over tomorrow? We're gonna be busy!"

"Uh, okay." Levy waved goodbye to her friends as Natsu dragged the busty blonde out of the guild.

Cana snorted to the barmaids, "They're gonna get 'busy', heh heh!"

The petite solid script mage made her way over to the bar. "You know it's not like that, guys!"

"Oi! Shrimp! Never mind those gossipmongers. C'mere and show your appreciation for my help with the gift for Bunny Girl. Gi hi hi!" Gajeel patted his knee and beckoned her closer. Levy's jaw dropped open and she blushed beet red.

Mira glared at the unusual bottle in the iron dragon slayer's hand. "Did Lucy give you that drink?"

"So what if she did?" Gajeel shrugged. "She said she wanted to share the wealth." Turning his attention back to Levy, he smiled and jerked his head. "M'not kidding, c'mere."

"That was a special gift for Lucy, I specifically wanted her to drink that...thirty babies don't happen by themselves you know!" Mira pouted at her thwarted plan, then shrugged. "Levy, why don't you see what Gajeel wants?"

Cana cackled at Lisanna, "Oh yeah, children! That's nature's gifts that just keep giving!"

Master Makarov grumbled in agreement, "Yah, you brats gifted me with gray hair and then gave me male pattern baldness."

Halfway to Strawberry Street, Lucy pulled back from Natsu's headlong rush towards her apartment. "Slow down! Let's walk, it's a nice night for a stroll. I'm not really in a hurry to get back to that morning mess you made."

"Don't worry about it. I wanna give you my gifts!" Natsu grinned proudly. "Me and Happy found the coolest things!"

"Oh, that's..." Lucy thought furiously, I'd say 'sweet', but he'd get embarrassed. Heck, I think I'm blushing right now! "That's nice!" Inside her head she screamed 'Arrgghh!' and blushed anyway.

Shaking his head, Natsu ruefully smiled. "You're the biggest weirdo I know Luce." He gave her hand a soft squeeze and slowed to an ambling walk. "I know you're going to love these gifts!"

"You don't need to give me gifts!" Lucy protested, "I already have so much!" She looked over at her best friend who was innocently smiling toward her. Quickly Lucy shifted her gaze to the path in front of them, staring down at the cobblestones. Struck with a sudden dry mouth, Lucy kept quiet the rest of the way to her house.

She paused in front of her building, expecting Natsu to let go of her hand and enter through the window. He shook his head and practically towed her up the stairs. Bemused, she giggled. How odd, how many times has he ever used the front door like I yell at him to? He allowed her to unlock the door, but pulled her back from going through the door immediately.

"Got a surprise for you, close your eyes and stand still, okay?" Lucy complied and Natsu quickly blindfolded her using his scarf. He took hold of her elbow and guided her inside and manoeuvred her onto the couch. "One! Two! Three!" Natsu slipped the material off Lucy's head and smiled brightly at his friend. "You like it?"

Lost in wonderment, Lucy had no words to respond to Natsu's surprise gifts. Her apartment was clean. All signs of the breakfast fiasco had been erased, and there were decorations. Lucy blinked rapidly, trying to keep tears at bay. A hand (and paw) made birthday banner was tacked to her bedroom door, paper stars and colourful paper chains were hanging scattered around the whole apartment. On the coffee table in front of them was a tray of delicacies.

"Happy birthday Luce!"

Abruptly Lucy started crying.

"What the hell?" Natsu was attacked by the sobbing blonde, clinging to him and burrowing into his arms. He patted her softly on the back. "Calm down. I didn't do this to make you cry... Don't cry Luce. I wanted to show you how important you are to me, and important to Happy too. We both made the decorations - and cleaned up the mess we made." Natsu leaned back into the couch and drew Lucy into his side, her tears slowing. "I used the door just for you!"

A bark of laughter escaped from the blonde. "I didn't mean to cry on you." Lucy wouldn't look at her partner. She kept her head averted and curled her legs up on the couch.

"Hey, don't be embarrassed."

"I can't help it, this might be the sweetest thing anyone has done for me."

"Weirdo."

"Thank you for being you Natsu." Lucy smiled, "Best gifts, ever!"