Blind Denial

by Madabelle

Natsu and Lucy are always together, but rarely alone. Their feelings for each other have been growing stronger but they are too scared to act on them. They both think the other doesn't feel the same way so they are denying their own hearts. But what will happen when Happy leaves them alone one night? Will they finally reveal their feelings? Or will they continue to blindly deny?

11. Cold

Lucy was starting to get worried. She had been at the guild hall for several hours and still there had been no sign of Natsu. Nobody had seen him all day. Except her of course, but only for that brief moment before he'd disappeared. She looked down at the mission request in her lap. It really was perfect. "Motion Sick Mother in need of Escort to Fiore Capital: 10,000 Jewel" Lucy laughed at the irony of the request. Natsu would love this job because he wouldn't have to ride on anything. She loved it because it meant she would get to be with him. She couldn't wait to show him the job. She knew Happy and Natsu were short on food money, and her rent was coming up soon. The doors to the guild hall suddenly burst open, and there he stood.

She jumped off her stool and started to run forward. To her surprise Natsu wasn't wearing a shirt.

"Hey! Looks like Grey is not the only stripper in fairy tail!" a voice shouted from behind her.

Lucy was close enough to see Natsu blush.

"Shut up, Jet," was all Natsu said in response.

Lucy smiled as she got closer, "Hey, Natsu!" She began,

"Oh, hey Lucy," he said all nonchalant. She hesitated a moment before continuing, confused by his coldness.

"I found us a job!" she beamed holding out the paper. "It's perfect for us! Both in description and price!"

Natsu's expression was vacant as he looked over the description. "Sounds good," He mumbled, and then walked away.

Lucy stared after him confused. He hadn't turned down the mission, but he certainly didn't appear excited. Natsu went over to the bar and called out, "Hey Mira," she appeared immediately, "Can you get me a drink?" Lucy's eyes went wider at his request. It usually took Natsu a lot longer and later in the day to start drinking. She was growing more and more concerned for him by the minute.

"Natsu," she began, sitting by him at the bar, "is everything all right?"

"Fine." He stated, without looking at her.

"Oookay." She said, drawing out her response with her confusion. "So, we need to leave pretty soon for the jo-"

"Lucy," he snapped, "just let me drink this in peace." Lucy was seriously ticked. She didn't understand the idiot. What was his deal? Part of her wanted to hit him, another part wanted to cry. She opted for neither.

"All right. Enjoy your drink Natsu."