"Wh-Wh-why would you think that?" she asked.

The way you two are, if I didn't know better I would say you are having a lover's quarrel" Arashi said.

"Huh?" Natsu raised her eyebrows.

"It is just the way you two looked at each other and acted just now, and also the look on your face when you saw him."

"I don't know what you are talking about." Natsu nervously bent down to pick up to her bucket. She didn't think she looked at him in a certain way and the only look Semimaru has been giving her these days, there's nothing friendly there. It is either a frown or a glare and the other one she just couldn't comprehend.

"I don't know what happened and I know you have no intention of saying anything, but anyways you two should talk it over instead of avoiding and ignoring each other like that." He smiled, patted her shoulder and continued walking on.

"I know, but whenever I try to say some he either ignores me or leaves," she mumbled, mostly to herself since Arashi was now far ahead. "I don't even know what I want to say to him." She sighed exasperatedly.

After carrying all those buckets filled with water to the boat her hands felt like they were coming off. She went to lie down next to Matsuri's tired form. "We should leave this bucket carrying to the guys." Matsuri stretched. "I'm so tired! And hungry!"

"Matsuri, can I talk to you about something?" She said. She hadn't plan on talking to her about this but she needed someone talk to.

"Sure, what is it about?" Matsuri smiled. " Is it about you know who?"

"Huh? Who?" Natsu asked not sure who she meant with that.

"Nevermind, just tell me." She said excitingly.

"Erm you know I wasn't very sociabe before."

"Not very sociable?" Matsuri said with a humorous tone to her voice. "You were the most awkward and quiet person I had ever met."

"You don't need to make it sound that bad. I've gotten a little better." Her lips quirked upwards remembering how Semimaru always teased her about her awkwardness and advising her and pushing her forward when she needed someone to do so even if it wasn't in the most gentle way.

"Who would believe this? Natsu grinning?" Matsuri beamed. "If only we had cameras here. You've certainly gotten better."

"Matsuri, quiet down."

"Oh yea, let us get back on topic," She said still beaming.

"Erm I don't know how to approach him. He hasn't talked to me in three days and whenever I muster just about enough courage to say something he leaves." She raised her hands to put her hand on her forehead and took a deep breath in.

"We are talking about Semimaru right?"

"Yes."

"I knew it!" She shouted. "I knew you two had something going on!"

"Matsuri." Natsu slapped her arm.

"Ow, that hurts." She groaned."When did you become this violent? Semimaru is rubbing off on you." She rubbed the spot Natsu had slapped.

"I'm sorry, but quiet down," Natsu said. "And no we have nothing going. We just had a misunderstanding."

"Are you sure? Because the way you two look at each other could have fooled me."

"Again with the looks," she murmured.

"Wow Natsu, you really are oblivious about these things. If the sparkle in your eyes and the way your lips quirks up into a smile, and the way glances he gives you aren't looking enough to tell you something then I don't know what is." Matsuri smiled.

Her eyes widened at the she said. She was completely speechless. She knew she sometimes gets tongue tied and nervous she around him,how hearing his teasing voice alone affects her, and how fast her heart beats when she sees him, but not about the sparkles and smile and especially not the supposed glances he gives her.

"Wait a moment, I have an idea. I'll make the opportunity for you two to be alone," Matsuri said, jumped on her feet and ran off before Natsu could even say a word.

Natsu went to sit under a tree and leaned against the trunk going through her notebook trying to memorize all the plants she's written up so far when a shadow loomed over her. She immediately knew who it was and surprise couldn't explain her expression; her book even dropped from her hand. She couldn't believe that he was actually going to talk to her. A mile tugged the corners of her mouth and she unsuccessfully tried to calm her pounding heart.

"Botan said we should go gather some plants, since I'm the cook and you are the plant expert," he said.

Her shoulders slumped at hearing that. Of course, he wouldn't talk to her unless he had to. "Okay," she said and grabbed her book to follow him.

They had gathered about 4 different edible plants and vegetables and he still hadn't said a word apart from the occasional yes and okays. She let out a sigh. She couldn't stand this awkward silence anymore. "Semimaru," she said. He obviously heard her, but still continued walking and at a faster pace, more like stride.

"Semimaru," she called out, running after him to keep up,"Semimaru". He still didn't turn around or seem to have any intention of slowing down. She exhaled and bit her lower lip trying to calm herself down. Finally she couldn't take it anymore. "Semimaru!" she yelled.

He suddenly stopped and turned around, causing her to stumble into him. The next thing she felt was her hand hitting a soft but hard surface.