Lucy relaxed in her bathtub, only her nose on up exposed to the steam air. She hoped the bath would make her forget about the sting she felt when she realized she couldn't afford the book. She could also tell that her behavior also affected Natsu and Happy. Although Happy spoke to her about what happened, she didn't really want to talk Natsu about it. She knew he was worried, but she didn't want to project her negative emotions on to him. She'd rather deal with them alone.

"It would've been kind of nice if Natsu bought the book for me," she said quietly to herself, but she felt bad immediately. She doesn't really know what Natsu spends his money on, but she doesn't want him to spend it on her.

"Its not like I'm his girlfriend," she whispered again, "He makes his own money and I make mine. He's not obligated to buy me anything." Lucy may not admit it, but she was slightly upset that Natsu didn't offer to buy it for her, or loan her the money. She probably would have rejected the offer, but its the thought that counts, right?

"I'm terrible… He would hate me if he knew what I was thinking" Lucy continued to ramble quietly to herself as she got out the tub. She threw on something quick and comfortable, then sat on her floor in front of her bookshelf while she towel dried her hair.

"I don't need that silly old book, right now," she told herself, "I could just buy cheaper books and enjoy them until I get the money for anything new or fancy." Lucy was attempting to reassure herself. She was hoping that she would get over the book.

Lucy suddenly heard her window creak open. This would have terrified a normal person, but Lucy was used to it.

"Natsu, how many times do I have to tell you to use the door?" she didn't bother turning around.

"But where's the fun in that, Lucy?" Natsu sat beside her on the floor. From the way his nose moved, Lucy could tell he knew that she just got out of the bath.

"So, how are you feeling, Lucy?" He asked, looking her straight in the eyes. Again, Lucy felt guilty for making her friends worry over her small problems.

"You don't have to worry about me, Natsu. I'm over the book thing. I should've gone in and checked the price before I made that big scene," the words were just falling out of Lucy's mouth. Natsu looked as though he was taking in every word that came out of her mouth. Lucy was taken by surprise when he smiled his usual toothy grin.

"Don't feel sorry for being happy," Natsu's smile dropped slightly to be serious, "I like it when you're happy, Lucy." Lucy's cheeks began turning pink. It felt like Natsu was confessing, but she knew better than to think that. She knew better…

"Umm, I like it when you're happy, too, Natsu… Natsu?" Lucy noticed he was staring at her, looking in her eyes. She began to squirm under his gaze and decided to get up and put her damp towel in the hamper. From the corner of her eye, she could see Natsu messing with a bag he probably dropped when he walked in. He sat on her bed and Lucy joined him. Lucy, feeling kind of awkward sat as far from as she could. Natsu appeared to be struggling to get something off his chest. Lucy grew more and more anxious.

"Um, Natsu? Is there a reason why you came here tonight?" Lucy could feel the tension between them. Natsu turned to face her. To her, it seemed as though he was battling within himself; Like he was struggling to find the right words.

"I," he started, "I, um, I got you a gift?" Lucy looked at the shopping bag in his hand. She didn't know what to do, or what to say.

"A… A gift, huh? What kind of gift?" Was all she spit out. Natsu shoved the bag in her direction.

"Just take it, and see," Natsu turned his head, attempting to hide what Lucy thought was blushing.

A/N: Again, I apologize for any inconsistencies, and I apologize for any grammatical errors. I hope you continue to enjoy!