louder | natsu x reader

chapter 22

the next day, you approached the bar where mirajane was cleaning glasses with a feigned nonchalance.

"hey Mira! what's the hot gossip of today?" you asked.

mirajane paused for a moment, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "actually... there's something I have to tell you about."

you raise your brow and tilt your head to the side. mirajane puts a glass in front of you and pours your usual drink.

"natsu and lucy got a job where they have to undercover as a couple."

your eyebrows shot up in surprise, your frustration growing slightly. "undercover as a couple? what kind of job is that?"

mirajane grinned, "it's a mission involving bodyguarding a high society event. they need to blend in, and the client specifically requested a pair that looks like they're romantically involved."

you couldn't help but chuckle, but you were filled with annoyance. "natsu and Lucy, a couple? this should be interesting."

mirajane winked. "oh, i'm sure it will be. keep an eye on those two."

y/n raised an eyebrow, your curiosity piqued. "what exactly is this high-society event they're protecting?"

mirajane leaned forward. "it's a fancy masquerade ball hosted by a wealthy client. they suspect a rival company is gonna attack, and the client wants natsu and Lucy to go undercover and just keep an eye out."

you chuckled, "a masquerade ball? that's cliche but also kind of exciting. what are they supposed to do once they're in?"

mirajane grinned. "they need to mingle with the guests, act like a couple, and discreetly investigate anything suspicious. of course, they'll be on standby for any unexpected developments."

you can just imagine natsu and Lucy attempting to navigate the complexities of a high society event. "this is going to be amusing. do they know what they're getting into?"

Mira chuckled. "not entirely. they just found out about the job, and I could practically feel the tension between them. it's like they're walking on eggshells. i'm sure they'll be fine, but who knows maybe you'll get to witness some unexpected developments during their mission."

"knowing those two, 'unexpected' is an understatement. anyway, thanks for the info, Mira. I'll keep an eye out for the drama." you say and walk away from the bar. you turn quickly on your heel, "and where exactly is this masquerade ball?"

mira thinks then replies. "sunshine valley! just about two train rides." you pat the bar table, "thanks mira!"

you strolled over to gray's table. you had a mischievous grin on your face. "guess what, gray? we're crashing natsu and lucy's undercover job, but here's a twist - we're playing a couple this time."

gray raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "crashing their job? what's the plan here?"

you leaned in, your voice low and conspiratorial. "we'll act like an adorable couple, throw them off their game a bit. it'll be fun, and who knows, we might actually help them out."

gray smirked, a playful glint in his eyes. "sure, why not? but how do we make it convincing?"

you chuckled, leaning back in your chair. "well, we need to be just convincing enough to make them question things, but not too over-the-top. a touch of flirtation, a bit of banter, you know the drill."

gray nodded thoughtfully. "got it. this should be interesting."

as you continued plotting the impromptu mission, little did you know this decision to intervene in natsu and lucy's mission would set off a chaotic chain of events. 

you and gray are getting into elegant attire for the masquerade ball. you stood in front of the mirror in your bra and spandex applying makeup.

gray couldn't help but notice the intricate tattoo adorning your hip. he frowned slightly, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"hey y/n," gray began, his tone gentle yet probing. "i've always wondered, why haven't you gotten rid of that tattoo from malachor?"

you paused in your makeup, your fingers lingering over the delicate lines of the tattoo. you took a moment to collect your thoughts before responding. "it's a reminder," you explained quietly, your voice carrying a weight of significance. "a reminder of the struggles i've faced and the strength i've found within myself to overcome them."

gray slowly nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "I see," he murmured, a newfound respect evident in his voice. "it's a symbol of your resilience."

you smiled faintly, a mixture of emotions flickering in your eyes. "exactly," you agreed softly. "and it's a part of who I am now."

your playful demeanor returned as you looked at gray. "well, at least it makes for a good conversation starter, right?" you quipped, a playful grin tugging at the corners of your lips.

gray chuckled, appreciating your light-hearted approach. "yeah, I guess you could say that," he replied, a small smile playing on his lips. "just remember, you're more than just a tattoo."

you grin widened, a warm glow spreading through your chest at gray's words. "thanks, gray." you said sincerely, grateful for his support. "you always know how to lift my spirits."

with a shared smile, you both finished getting ready.

you twirled in your elegant gown, the soft fabric billowing around you as you admired yourself in the mirror. "what do you think, gray?" you asked, turning to him with a playful grin.

gray's eyes widened slightly as he took in your appearance, impressed by your beauty. "you look stunning, y/n," he replied, a faint blush dusting his cheeks.

your grin widened at his compliment, feeling a surge of confidence. "why, thank you, gray," you said with a playful wink. "not too shabby yourself."

gray chuckled, his cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink at your teasing. "thanks," he mumbled, scratching the back of his head bashfully.

you and gray stepped into the grand hall of the masquerade ball, your eyes scanning the room for any sign of natsu and Lucy. the atmosphere was alive with music and laughter, the dance floor crowded with masked figures twirling gracefully.

"there they are," you whispered excitedly, spotting natsu and Lucy across the room. natsu looked dashing in his suit, while Lucy was stunning in her elegant gown. they were deep in conversation, their masks adding an air of mystery to their appearance.

gray followed your gaze, his expression unreadable. "yeah, I see them," he replied quietly, his tone neutral.

you turned to gray, noticing the subtle tension in his demeanor. "are you okay, gray?" you asked, a hint of concern in your voice.

gray forced a smile, masking his true feelings. "yeah, i'm fine," he replied, his gaze lingering on natsu and Lucy. "let's go say hi."