Prompt #2: Gratitude
Summary: When her gratitude gets the better of her.
"She's coming!" Happy shouted, flying under the table to hide.
"Shush, everyone! Quiet down!" Natsu ordered, turning the lights off and ducking underneath the table with Happy.
The other members of the guild found hiding spots in the dark, occasionally tripping over chairs or other people because they weren't able to see anything. The doors opened, and a red head came in first. Erza. She was tasked with the job of bringing Lucy to the guild at this time.
"Hurry up Lucy! They're waiting!" Erza screamed behind her. She had told Lucy that Gray, Natsu, Happy, and Erza and herself were going to go on a much needed job. She didn't bring up Lucy's birthday once.
Lucy dragged her feet into the guild, upset that she hadn't gotten a "Happy birthday!" from anyone. "I'm coming!" Lucy whined, speeding her pace up. She walked into the guild, glancing around. "Why're the lights off?" She asked, walking toward the light switch. Just before she got there, all the members jumped out.
"Surprise!" Everyone shouted.
Lucy jumped at the surprise, unsure of what was happening. She looked around to see everyone smiling and cheering. There were decorations all over. Streamers from the ceiling, balloons tied to chairs, banners hung, and tables were set up with food for the party. Food like chicken, pasta, slices of bread, and pizza. There were desserts out too. Such as cake, cookies, and brownies. Of course, there was also the much needed strawberry cake that a certain red head loves.
Tears came to Lucy's eyes. She couldn't believe they had set this up all for her.
"This is for me? Am I dreaming?" Lucy asked, to make sure.
"No, Lucy. This is all for you." Erza told her.
Lucy rushed into Erza, hugging her hard. "Thanks, Erza!" Lucy said happily.
"You shouldn't thank me. Natsu was the one who organized everything." Erza told Lucy. Lucy looked at her in surprise.
"Natsu? Organize? Are we talking about the same Natsu?" Lucy asked, not believing what she was told. Erza nodded, confirming what she herself had said. Erza knew it would be hard to believe.
Lucy looked around the guild, searching for her pink haired partner. She saw Juvia stalking her beloved Gray-sama. She saw Jellal, dressed as Mystogen, staring at the Red haired Mage she was speaking to. She saw Lisanna walking around with drinks on her tray, helping her older sister Mira out. Lucy finally found Natsu eating off a plate while sitting at a table.
Lucy started to walk to him, getting a few "Happy birthday"'s during her short journey to the Mage. Happy was sitting with him, but when he noticed her coming toward them, he got up and flew over to Charla, where he started a conversation. Natsu glanced up at that, wondering why his best friend and exceed left him. "Lucy!" He shouted, smiling hugely at her.
"Natsu..." She trailed off softly. Natsu stared at her confused, not sure why she seemed sad. Tears started to fall down her cheeks, falling to the floor.
"L-Lucy! What's wrong?" He asked, very concerned. Lucy stood in front of him shaking. "Why are you crying?"
"I'm crying of joy, Natsu. I couldn't believe you went through all this just for me." Lucy told him. Natsu got up from his seat.
"Aw Lucy. I had help. Mira cooked the food and everyone decorated the guild. I was just the one who suggested it." Natsu said, scratching the back of his neck. Lucy looked up, smiling through the tears.
Lucy felt gratitude for Natsu and all he did for her. All of his help and when he saved her, all of his moments with her, she has no nothing but thank him. The gratitude she felt overwhelmed her.
"Lucy?" Natsu called her name our, trying to get her attention. She shook her head, coming out of her thoughts.
"Yeah?" She replied.
"Happy birthday!" Natsu told her, his fangs coming out when he smiled. That was it for Lucy. The gratitude she felt, the happiness, it pulsed through her. She ran into Natsu, wrapping her arms around his waist. Natsu wasn't prepared for it and he tipped over, bringing Lucy, who was clinging to him, down with him.
Lucy fell right on top of Natsu. They paused, staring straight into each others' eyes.
The guild members noticed them on the floor, looking as though they were about to kiss. Many of the men wolf whistles at them, resulting in a bright blush from both mages on the ground. Both of them stared wide eyed at each other. Lucy quickly pushed herself up, trying to get up too quickly. She slipped and fell back on top of Natsu, who let out a small groan.
"Sorry Natsu." Lucy said embarassed. She tried pushing herself up again, but this time didn't get far. In the time she was apologizing, Natsu snaked his arms around her waist. When she tried to get up, he tightened his hold on her waist, pulling her closer. "N-Natsu...?" Lucy trailed off, not sure what to ask.
"Can we stay like this?" Natsu asked. The guild members cheered at Natsu's bold move and question.
"W-we r-really have to get u-up." Lucy said, trying to get up.
"Then can I at least give you your present here?" Natsu asked, looking at her with puppy dog eyes. Lucy sighed and nodded a yes. "Close your eyes then." Natsu whispered to her. Lucy rolled her eyes and followed the instructions. If she had left them open, she would have noticed a blushing Natsu getting closer to her face and the members getting excited. Her eyes snapped open when their lips met. Natsu broke apart and whispered "I love you, Lucy."
Lucy stared at him in shock. "I-I... I love you, too..." Lucy whispered. The guild members stared at them, cheering them on.
Lucy burrowed her head into Natsu's chest. She really shouldn't have let the gratitude win over her.