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The Spring Collection

Prompt: Inspire

"Why exactly do I have to do this?"

"Because Master said so. That and the fact you actually volunteered for it."

"That's only because Gray was saying he could do it better! How was I supposed to know I'd get stuck with the job?"

"That's your fault there, Natsu."

Natsu continued his mumbling, watching enviously as Lucy sat beneath the shade of a tree, leaning against the trunk and peacefully reading her new book.

He sighed as he stared back at the job he was supposed to be working on.

"A bird feeder. Honestly. Couldn't we help the town out some other way?"

"We could. But the mayor heard you boast about getting the job done, so…" She trailed off.

Natsu grunted in reply. "Whatever." He groaned out as he prepared once again start working on the half done creation.

Lucy was quiet as she watched him. A slow blush crept up her cheeks as she watched him bend over.

What do you expect? She told herself. The guy's shirtless, and it is really… hot… Her thoughts seemed to melt as she watched him from behind her book.

Natsu grunted as he lifted a load of wood, unaware of Lucy's intent gaze on him.

That was, until he turned around to ask her something and saw her honey brown eyes had darkened to a dark cinnamon and were currently… watching him?

"Lucy?" He called. "Are you okay?"

Lucy snapped out of the daze she was in. "I- I'm fine!" She stammered out as her book slipped from her fingers.

Natsu walked closer. "Are you sure? You're looking really red. Do you have a fever?" He asked her as he crouched at her feet.

Lucy stiffened as he reached a hand forward. "I told you! I'm okay!" She told him as she swatted at his hand.

Natsu narrowed his eyes. "Luce, I've known you for two years already." He told her indignantly. "You shouldn't be keeping secrets from me, you know? It's not good for a partnership."

"It's just hot, Natsu." She told him, avoiding his searching amber eyes.

"Hmm…" Natsu mumbled as he leaned back on his feet.

Lucy fidgeted as he studied her. She jumped slightly as he suddenly smirked at her impishly.

"Alright!" He told her with glee. "You have to tell me! Or else…"

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Or else what?"

"… I'm not finishing the feeder."

Lucy cocked her head. "That's it?"

"No, because in case you forgot, we're still getting paid for this."

Lucy was quiet as she listened to him speak. Her face gradually paled as she realized where he was heading with his 'blackmail'.

"And isn't your rent due tomorrow?"

"…you wouldn't dare…"

Natsu smirked. "Oh wouldn't I?"

Lucy glared at him.

I don't tell him the truth, we don't get paid and I get kicked out. I tell him the truth; he laughs at me and says he doesn't like me that way. Or… I tell a lie and pray he doesn't find out.

Decision made, not that I had a choice, Lucy told him.

"I'll tell you when you finish it." She told him as she gestured with a wave over to the feeder.

Natsu stared at her. "Promise?"

Lucy twitched. Uh oh. "Of course."

"You'll tell me the truth?"

Damn. "Yes Natsu."

"…Say it."

"Natsu, your being ridiculous."

"I don't care. You're being sneaky. Say it. In a complete sentence."

Lucy glared. Natsu started "I…"

Lucy pursed her lips at him. Natsu smirked. "Come on, Luce. It's not that hard. Just repeat after me." He told her.

"I…?"

Lucy stared at him before her lips slowly opened. "I…"

Natsu grinned. "Lucy Heartfilia…"

"Lucy Heartfilia…"

"Mage of Fairy Tail…"

Lucy gave him a What The Heck look before carefully repeating his words.

"Promise to…"

Lucy stiffened. "Promise to…"

"Tell Natsu Dragoneel the reason as to why I was so red earlier." Natsu finished in a rush.

Lucy literally looked pained to repeat the words.

"And tell the truth when I do it." Natsu added at the end.

"And tell the truth when I do it." Lucy spoke resignedly. "There? Happy now?"

"Yup!" He told her as he gave her a quick hug.

He let go and turned around, not noticing how red Lucy had turned.

"Now then, let's finish this!" He cried as he felt much more energized at the project at hand.

He never noticed Lucy quietly slipping away in the background.

He worked harder than ever so he could get his reward faster. Lucy couldn't keep it from him for long.

Oh My Gosh! I feel so guilty right now! My internet was wacky and saying it was on when it was really off and I could not upload a single thing! I've used the inetrnet for a bit but it would be the mere five minutes I have at the school Lab. That and the fact I somehow got myself involved in the Prom Committee. Cue the many jobs to do. I feel bad I couldnt finish my Beta Authors story either! Sorry Gichacute! :(

I hope you guys like one though!

Luminous Snow- We shall wait and see. :) I hope you like this and I am very sorry for the long wait!

Mais: You won the contest! There was a problem with your name coming out but I told Fawndapple and she said she'd fix it! Congrats! :) Hope you had awesome Holidays!

Animefan111: So sorry for the very long wait! I hope you like this!

ayame028- Yup! I hope you like it!

Darkmaiden- Thanks so much! Hope you like!

kpopgurl88- I'm so glad you think that way! I hope you like this one!

-Pannacotta- Thanks so much! Hope you like one!

logicat - Hope you like!

gizelle-chan- My job is accomplished! Thankies!

animelover199514- Me too! Hopefully one day!

HandsomeAngel- I'm like that as well! Hope you like this one!

BlackRabbit- Yey! Glad you liked!

Puma- I know! I hope this one better!

DayDreamerJxD- Glad you did! Hope this one is good too!

Marina Rose- Here you go! Hope you like!

Fedski- Me too! :)

H A R U K Y A ' - Not many people find him. Glad to see you agree!

Once again! Sorry and I hope to see you all again soon! Love you guys!

Sorry and please review!