My Flufftober 2021 contribution for the prompt : Sneaking Out Together.

I'm sorry for the mistakes, English is not my native language. I hope you like it.

Disclaimer : Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima.

The Birthday Party

Lucy slowly opened her eyes. The sun was rising, a new day was beginning. This day was special. It was Natsu's birthday. She got up, she got ready and she left her apartment, humming. Natsu had been on a mission with Happy for a few days and Lucy had wanted to throw a birthday party for his return. The whole guild had been excited about her idea and they wanted to help her.

She arrived at the guild and saw that the preparations for the party were progressing. Mirajane oversaw the decorations, Erza had offered to buy the cake, Gajeel took care of the music. Everyone was helping to give an unforgettable birthday to Natsu. Perfect, Lucy thought. If they continued, they would be ready in time for Natsu and Happy's return.

Everything was going fine. But as usual in the guild, it never lasted long. Gajeel had been annoyed by a comment from Gray. The argued and it quickly turned into a fight. Elfman had been hit and a free-for-all started.

'Stop !' Lucy screamed.

She sighed. It did not matter what she tried, if they were all fighting, nothing could stop them. They're going to ruin everything, she thought desperately.

'What's going on ?'

Lucy turned around and saw Natsu and Happy. She opened her eyes wide, surprised to see them.

'You are already here ? You were supposed to return this evening !'

'We finished the mission earlier,' Happy answered. 'Lucy, do you know where Carla is ? I brought her something.'

Lucy saw that he was holding a fish in his paws, surrounded by a pretty blue ribbon. She pointed to Carla and Wendy who were standing far from the fight. Happy smiled.

'Carla,' he called, flying towards her.

Lucy looked at Natsu, he was holding a garland which had come off the wall. He frowned, puzzled.

'What is all of this ?' He asked.

'We wanted to throw you a birthday party and surprise you when you return. But nothing went as planned.'

She looked at the guild members who were still fighting. Neither of them noticed that Natsu and Happy had returned. Suddenly, Natsu grabbed her arm and took her in his arm. They bent down before a stool was thrown against the wall behind them.

'Come !' Natsu said.

They stood up. Natsu took her hand and they left the guild.

'I'm sorry,' Lucy said. 'This shouldn't happen. Your party is ruined.'

Natsu burst out laughing.

'It's not funny,' Lucy said angrily.

'That's just how I wanted to spend my birthday.'

Natsu had not let go of her hand and he pulled her towards him.

'I wanted to spend it with you.'

Lucy smiled. She got on her tiptoes and gently kissed Natsu's lips. They both blushed.

'Happy birthday Natsu.'

A huge smile lit up the dragon slayer's face.

'How about we spend the day together ?' He asked.

Lucy nodded and they walked away from the guild, hand in hand.

The end