This one-shot is inspired by Hiro Mashima's picture he drew for Pocky Day 2017. If you haven't checked it out, I suggest you do. I do not own Fairy tail, Hiro Mashima does.

Summary: Some people can't seem to grasp the concept of staying in their lane. Erza finds out the hard way that sometimes it's better to leave things alone. Canonverse.

Rated T for foul language, blood, mild violence, and adult situations.

Genre: Humor, Romance

Pairing: Natsu/Lucy (Nalu)

Word Count: 3.5K

Pocky Day

"We need to figure out which guy Lucy likes."

Cana and Mira looked over, giving Erza a questioning glance. They looked over to Lucy, seeing her sitting at one of the tables. A book was in her hand while her spirit, Plue, wobbled about the table. Their gazes turned to Erza, Cana choosing to ask, "How do you plan on doing that?"

"Let's do a pocky test!"

"A pocky test?" Mira asked, her tone skeptical. "What's that?"

Erza's eyes gleamed as she explained. "We make her and a guy eat a stick of pocky together to see who makes Lucy blush the most!"

Cana and Mira shared a look before shaking their heads. "That's... that's not a real test," Cana said, but it was too late.

The requip mage was heading from table to table, asking if anyone had any pocky. When she found a pack of chocolate pocky in Levy's possession, she snatched it away, ensuring the girl it was for a good cause. By the time Erza returned to the bar, a small crowd had gathered, Cana and Mira filling them in to Erza's shenanigans.

"It's not gonna work," Macao said, shaking his head. "That girl blushes at everything."

"Shhh," Kinana swatted at the old drunk, "it might work."

Erza grabbed a few sticks of pocky, waving them for everyone to see before heading to Lucy's table. The celestial mage looked up when she saw someone approaching, offering Erza a smile.

"Hey Erza. How are you— What are you doing?!"

Erza dragged Lucy to the center of the room, looking around for her first victim. She found him sitting at the bar, a piece of chicken in his hand. "Natsu!"

The fire dragon slayer paused his chewing to look over his shoulder. "Yeah?"

"Come here please."

Natsu was about to say he was busy eating, but before he could, Erza narrowed her eyes at him. He shivered as he wiped his face with one sleeve, making his way to the two females. "What's up?"

"Eat this pocky with Lucy." Erza handed him one stick, gesturing towards Lucy.

His pink brows knitted together as he stared at the pocky. "Why?"

"Just do it," Erza demanded, her patience running thin. She put a hand on both of their backs, careful not to let the excess pocky touch Lucy's hair. It wasn't too hard considering her hair was pulled up. "You eat one end while she eats the other."

Lucy's eyes widened in panic as she tried pulling away. "I don't want to do this!"

Erza shook her head, applying more pressure to Lucy's back. "You have no choice."

"What's this for?" Natsu asked, inspecting the pocky before sniffing it.

"Research." Erza studied Natsu's expression, seeing she hadn't won him over yet. "It's a challenge."

Fire burned in his eyes as he nodded. "Alright! Come on Lucy! Let's do this!" He stuck one end in his mouth, leaning in towards the flustered girl.

She looked at Natsu, then turned her gaze to Erza. When the redhead didn't budge, she looked around, seeing no one was trying to help her. Sighing, Lucy accepted defeat, taking the other end of the pocky between her teeth. "Whatever. I guess it's not going to hurt me."

"That's the spirit!" Erza said, standing back so she could observe. "Now, each of you takes a bite until there's none left." She rejoined her earlier group, nodding towards the two wizards in the center of the guild. "What do you think? She's blushing a lot."

"She was blushing before you started," Cana pointed out.

Mira tilted her head back and forth before smiling. "But now she's sweating. You can see a few drops on her face. Maybe that means she likes Natsu?"

"I don't think you can tell much off this test," Happy said, floating overhead. If he hadn't spoke, they wouldn't have known he was there.

They watched as Natsu took big bites of his end, Lucy counteracting that by taking tiny bites. She leaned back an inch when he started getting closer, but before their lips could touch, Erza's booming voice made them freeze.

"Okay, that's a pretty good reaction. Let's see if we can get a better one! Lucy, you can let go of that pocky."

As soon as she released her end, Natsu scarfed down the rest, grinning as he made his way back to his food. Lucy tried sneaking away, but Erza grabbed her arm, her grip loose but firm. "Who's next? Hmm... Oh, I know! Gray! Get over here!"

"Wait! No!" Lucy shook her head, but she didn't budge. She looked over, seeing Gray's eyes were huge.

"I didn't agree to be a guinea pig!"

Erza narrowed her eyes at him, her tone lowering. "Are we going to have a problem?"

Gray cringed, his body going tense before he slowly shook his head. "N-no." Without another command, Gray walked towards Lucy, accepting the stick of pocky when offered. He stuck his end in his mouth, leaning towards her.

Lucy leaned back, her head shaking as she held her hands up. "No way!"

"Come on, Lucy," Gray muttered. "It'll only be a few seconds."

With that logic, Lucy reluctantly agreed, biting at the end of the stick. She leaned further away than she had with Natsu, her eyes squinting as they took their bites.

Back at the group, the wizards were discussing what they saw, debating Lucy's reactions. "She looks more flustered, but I dunno. That body language looks like she's uncomfortable," Erza said, not noticing the several eyes that rolled around her.

Levy was the only one to say what everyone else was thinking. "She looks uncomfortable because she doesn't want to do it."

"Gray's expression is pretty calm and collected. I don't think he likes her in a romantic way," Erza observed, ignoring Levy's words. "I don't know, it's still hard to tell."

Erza marched up to the two wizards, pulling Gray away before they could accidentally kiss. "Gray, you're out."

Lucy sighed in relief, thinking it was over. "Can I go back to my book now?"

"Almost. There's another guy I want to try." Erza fumbled with the pouch on Lucy's belt, causing the celestial mage to jolt.

"What are you doing?!"

Erza found the key she was looking for, but she didn't have the magic or contract needed to summon him. However, she knew she could get his attention one way. Bending over, Erza spoke at the key while tapping it. "Hey Loke! Come out so you can kiss Lucy!"

"What?!" Lucy's question fell on deaf ears, a blinding light appearing a second later. When it vanished, Loke was standing in front of her, his orange hair short and his old green jacket hanging off his chest. She blinked, eyes growing wide. "Why are you dressed like that?"

"I thought you might like it better," Loke offered, shrugging. He happily took a piece of pocky from Erza, popping more of it into his mouth than Natsu or Gray had. He was more than willing, smirking as he leaned in. "Your turn, Princess."

Lucy leaned back, her brows furrowing as she accepted the end of the pocky. In her mind, it was going to end just as quickly as the others had, meaning she wouldn't have to kiss one of her spirits. However, that didn't mean she had to enjoy it.

She closed her eyes as more sweat beaded on her face, her blush spreading. Erza shook her head from where she stood, mumbling to herself. "She's blushing and sweating with all of them." Frustrated, she yelled, "I can't tell!"

"This was a bad idea," Levy, the voice of reason, said, but she was once again ignored.

Erza slammed a fist into her palm, her eyes shining. "I know! We need a control group!"

"A what?" Cana asked, watching as Erza smiled.

"Someone who Lucy's not gong to be affected by at all."

Mira scratched at her cheek with a finger, a forced smile on her face. "I think you're using that term wrong."

Erza wasn't listening. She walked to Lucy's table, grabbing the shaking dog spirit. Lucy's eyes opened when she heard movement, seeing Erza heading towards her. She pulled away from the pocky seconds before Loke was going to kiss her. "Erza, what are you—"

"Loke, get back!" Erza demanded, sticking a piece of pocky in Plue's mouth. "Here! Try him!" She lifted Plue to Lucy's face, not realizing her dangerous mistake.

Lucy didn't have time to register what was happening, the blinding pain taking over as something sharp hit her face. She was stunned for a second before jerking back, a bloodcurdling scream filling the guild as blood dripped down her face. Her hand covered her injury, but it was no help. The damage was already done.

Erza dropped Plue, her eyes widening as she saw Lucy crumple on the floor, crying out in pain. "SHIT!"

"ERZA! WHAT THE HELL?!" Natsu roared, running past the requip mage to wrap his arms around Lucy. He pulled her against his chest, hand trying to push her bloody hair out of her face.

Erza shook her head, her voice caught in her throat as she looked for someone's help. However, everyone was too busy focusing on Lucy to lend her any.

"WENDY! Get over here!"

"Where is she?!"

"She was outside! Go find her!"

"Fuck! That's a lot of blood!"

"Someone needs to alert Porlyusica!"

"Lucy! How bad is it?"

"That's a stupid fucking question! Can't you see it's fucking bad!"

"Don't yell at me! I'm just tryin' to help!"

"Get back! Wendy's coming!"

Erza watched as Wendy ran to Lucy's side, holding up her hands to instantly cast a healing spell. When everyone saw the girl working, they turned to the scene around them, taking everything in.

"Someone clean up Plue! Poor thing's scared to death!"

"Why's there so much blood?"

"ERZA!"

The said woman flinched, looking down to see Levy's glare. Before she could get a word out, Levy was shouting.

"Did you really think that was smart?! What if Wendy wasn't here?! What then?!"

"I-I—" She was left speechless, her head turning so she could look at Lucy.

Lucy pulled her hand back as the wound started healing, Wendy's magic being better than most medicines. Judging by the wound, Plue's nose hit Lucy between her cheek and eye. Erza cringed at the injury, imagining the pain Lucy was in. Guilt flooded her when Lucy turned her good eye on Erza, holding her stare for a few seconds before narrowing her eye.

Erza had to look away, her stomach churning at the sight.

Wendy pulled away after a while, saying that was all she could do for now. She asked how Lucy was feeling, but the answer broke her heart.

"It hurts," she mumbled, tears mixing with her blood.

Natsu wrapped his arms tightly around her before picking her up, his voice rough as he growled. "I'm bringing her to Porlyusica." He left without saying another word or sparing anyone a glance, needing to get Lucy more help so she could heal.

The guild hall was silent for a moment, Erza's heart hammering as she looked at the door where the two wizards disappeared through. "Fuck," she whispered, throat tight. "I messed up."

"Yeah, you did."

She didn't bother looking to see who spoke, knowing they were right. "I'm... I'm sorry."

Footsteps sounded until someone stood next to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. She looked over, locking eyes with Cana. "We're not the ones you need to apologize too."

Erza's eyes fell to the ground, seeing all the blood. She tried to find Plue, realizing the spirit had gone back to his world during the commotion. She swallowed, hands balling into fists as she walked towards the back of the guild, grabbing a mop to clean up the blood.

Erza would clean, then she would go face Lucy and tell her how sorry she was. Not only did she realize using Plue was a mistake, she shouldn't have pressured Lucy to play her game when it was obvious she didn't want to play.

"I took it too far," she mumbled, wetting the mop before heading to the center of the guild, the place where she hurt one of her closest friends. She vowed she would make it right, even if she didn't know how to do that.

Erza hesitated before knocking on the door to Natsu's house. She went to Porlyusica first, but she was chased away after the old lady tried hitting her with a broom. During the yelling to get off her property, Porlyusica told her Lucy left a while ago, her destination unknown to her.

Erza guessed she was at Natsu's since she wasn't at her apartment, her suspicions confirmed when he opened the door, revealing Lucy sitting on his couch. She gulped, that guilt striking her again. "May I talk to her?"

Natsu glared at Erza for a few seconds before looking over his shoulder, doing something Erza should have done in the beginning.

Ask permission.

"Is it okay if Erza talks to ya?"

Lucy nodded, her eye focused on the floor. Part of Lucy's face was bandaged. Erza recognized the work Porlyusica did. Not only was the woman one of the best healers in Fiore, she was a professional when it came to wrapping bandages.

Deciding not to beat around the bush, Erza walked up to Lucy, taking a seat beside her before saying, "I am so sorry, Lucy. It wasn't my place to pry..." She suppressed a cringe as she added, "And I shouldn't have stuck Plue in your face."

When Lucy didn't reply, Erza said, "I didn't realize his nose was so sharp, not that that's an excuse or anything. I just, I didn't realize the consequences of my actions."

Natsu took a seat on the couch, occupying Lucy's other side. He grabbed her hand, thumb brushing over the back of it with gentle strokes. He remained silent, offering Lucy moral support.

"How's your eye?" Erza asked, heart dropping when Lucy finally looked at her. She could see the pain in her good eye before she turned away from her.

"Porlyusica said I'll be fine in a day or two. Wendy fixed most of it." Lucy took a deep, shaky breath before slowly exhaling. "From what she can tell, there's not going to be any lasting damage. The worst she thinks is maybe a scar, but Wendy can fix those."

Erza nodded, her stomach twisting despite the relatively good news. "I'm very sorry."

Lucy moved her head up, but she didn't look at Erza. "What were you trying to do?"

Erza closed her eyes, knowing her excuse wasn't good. She shook her head, groaning at her own stupidity. "I was trying to see who you liked."

"How?"

"By seeing what guy made you react the most. I know, it was dumb."

"It was," Natsu muttered, squeezing Lucy's hand before resuming his soft strokes.

Erza let him have his jab at her, knowing she deserved it. She injured one of their teammates and friends. She should have known better than to interfere like that.

"I hope you take this as a lesson," Lucy said, training her gaze on Erza. "Don't meddle with people's personal lives like that. I have a right to my privacy."

Erza nodded. "Absolutely. It won't happen again."

"Good." Lucy took a deep breath, squeezing Natsu's hand.

Erza couldn't shake the guilt she felt. It was as if it were clinging to her skin, not letting her have a chance to breathe. "I'm sorry again for my behavior."

Lucy nodded. "It's fine, as long as it really doesn't happen again. I mean it."

"I know you do." Erza paused, wondering what else she could say. "Do you need me to do something? Get you anything?"

Lucy shook her head. "No, I'm fine. Natsu's going to help me until I'm better. If anyone needs me I'll be here, but I'd rather not see anyone right now." She snorted at her poor choice of words. "Well, I'd like to see people, but not now. Do you think you can tell people to give me some space until I recover?"

"Yes, I'll make sure no one disturbs you." Erza stood, offering Lucy a bow. "I'm sorry again. If you need anything, and I mean anything, let me know. I will do whatever it takes to make up for this."

Lucy nodded, her tone reflecting how tired she felt. "Don't beat yourself up too much. Accidents happen. I'm more concerned with the meddling than the Plue thing. Okay?"

"I understand."

Lucy allowed herself a small smile. "Thanks." She yawned, a hand coming up to cover her mouth. "I think I'm going to take a nap. The pain killers Porlyusica gave me are making me sleepy."

"I'll give you your space." Erza walked towards the door, giving the two wizards another glance before saying, "Get well soon. Our team wouldn't be the same without you."

Lucy's smile grew a little bright as she nodded. "Thank you for saying that."

She watched as Erza left, waiting a moment before turning to Natsu. "Is she gone?"

He sniffed the air, smiling when her scent faded, letting him know she was walking away. "Yeah, she's gone."

Lucy leaned back in the couch, Natsu letting go of her hand so he could wrap an arm around her. She tucked her feet underneath her before nuzzling against Natsu's chest, making sure her injury didn't touch him. "I thought she'd never leave."

Natsu leaned in, pressing a kiss to her forehead before she tilted her head. They shared a slow kiss to the lips, Lucy lifting a hand to cup his cheek. She whimpered when he tugged on her lower lip with his teeth, the sound getting him fired up.

When the kiss ended, Lucy went back to snuggling against him, her arm wrapped around his middle. "I can't believe they still don't know. I thought it was obvious."

"Guess they're more dense than we thought." Natsu chuckled, his fingers playing with Lucy's hair. "I thought for sure we were gonna get caught today."

"Me too." She sighed. "I thought that pocky thing was just to get proof we were dating, but then she asked Gray and Loke."

Natsu huffed. "They're lucky I didn't knock 'em out. Especially Loke."

Her spirits and Happy were the only people who knew about her secret relationship with Natsu. They were waiting to tell people they got together, but after seeing how meddlesome their friends could be, they both decided to wait a while until revealing it. That was months ago, the two deciding they could wait a little longer. There was no rush, the two enjoying their little secret.

Lucy giggled, her eye sliding shut as she listened to Natsu's heartbeat. "Yeah. Maybe he was just trying to throw them off our trail?"

Natsu grumbled to himself. "Or he was seizing his chance to kiss ya."

Lucy gave him a squeeze, hearing the low growl rumbling in his chest. Her heart warmed, loving the sound. "You're ridiculous."

"Yeah," he said, grinning. "But that's why you like me."

She couldn't help but smile as she looked up, her one eye staring at his two. Her cheeks filled with a soft blush, her lips parting as she whispered, "Yeah."

They shared another kiss, Natsu humming at the feeling of her lips against his. When they separated, he pressed his forehead to hers, his voice husky and low as he mumbled. "Hey, Lucy?"

Her heart pounded, wondering what he was going to say. His green eyes held a seriousness she wasn't used to, anticipation thrumming through her body. She thought this was going to be the moment she was waiting for, wanting to hear those three words. She loved him, but she was too scared to tell him, hoping he would be the one to say them first.

He opened his mouth, pausing before he whispered, "You'd make a cute pirate."

She jerked back, laughing as she shook her head. "Oh my gosh!"

Natsu laughed with her, pulling her in for another hug before kissing the top of her head. "Sorry, couldn't resist!"

Lucy hugged him back, her chest filling with warmth and happiness. Natsu wasn't the most romantic guy she had ever met, but he still stole her breath away and made her heart race. She loved him, and she was happy he was hers.

Her yawn cut off her laughter, Lucy's eye sliding shut as she snuggled against him. "Can I go to sleep here?"

Natsu's chuckle died down as he started stroking her cheek with his knuckles, admiring the beautiful goddess in his arms. "Of course," he whispered, shifting so she could set her face against his lap. She fell asleep within minutes, Natsu's eyes staying on her for a moment afterwards.

He sighed, thumb brushing over her cheek. His voice was heard by him alone, but he didn't mind. He wasn't ready to tell Lucy the truth yet, wanting to give them more time to grow closer. However, despite that, he felt it deep in his heart, the feeling driving him to do better every day.

"I love you," he whispered, smiling at the woman who held his heart.

Let me know what you thought! I'm not sure why I was inspired by the picture so much, but I was. :P Check it out if you have time. Mashima posted it on his Twitter on November 11th, 2017. Let me know your thoughts! Thank you for reading!