Nalu Development: Natsu’s change in attitude towards Lucy

Original post: July, 2014

Made by jhayni-in-the-rain

From the start, Natsu has appreciated Lucy. When she fed him and Happy at Hargeon, he thought she was kind. When Taurus saved them all from plummeting to their doom at Mt. Hakobe, he realized she was trustworthy and useful. When Gajeel was astounded that the bunny girl could fight, Natsu was unsurprised.

However, Natsu used to interact with Lucy in ways he wouldn’t now. Both used to be rougher with each other.

Natsu’s recognition of Lucy as a good partner did not prevent him from calling her useless when she failed to get a job as a maid in Everlue’s mansion:

And in Edolas he pointed out that she wasn’t the most reliable of mages.

More recently, though, Natsu has shown nothing but appreciation for Lucy as a combatant.

In Tenrou, he did not complain when her magic failed during their fight with Kain.

At the GMG, he told her she’d been incredible even though she lost to Flare.

And his FACE when Minerva called Lucy “useless trash”.

Natsu–nor any one else on her team–did not blame Lucy for losing to Minerva. It was Lucy herself who felt badly about it, and the others who provided reassurance.

And Natsu’s been very considerate of Lucy since Alegria, acknowledging her awesomeness and telling her to rest while he and others took care of the Gates.

In Fantasia, Natsu had no problems sparring with Lucy (she refused):

And, after Edolas, he punched her in his sleep (he was dreaming about fighting Gray).

I can’t imagine that happening now, even accidentally. Natsu’s more careful with Lucy in general since the timeskip. Erza’s the one who’s borne the brunt of accidental punching (beginning AND end of the Sun Village arc).

Natsu’s a physical guy, and physical comedy is a part of Nalu. It’s taken a slightly different form post-timeskip. You’ll get boob squashes and tumbling around in a bell and Natsu picking Lucy playfully up in the pool. But I don’t think he’d want to fight her.

If Natsu ever hurt Lucy, I think it would a serious, “he’s taken leave of his senses” scene, not a comedic one.

During Fantasia, when Laxus threatened a petrified Lucy with a lightning bolt, Natsu didn’t even comment on it. (I’ve always thought Fantasia to be one of the lowest points of Nalu development).

Granted, Natsu thought Laxus was bluffing, but I can’t imagine him being so chill about it now. Here’s his reaction when Arcadios mentioned needing a Celestial Spirit mage for the Eclipse project:

When the minister arrested Lucy, Natsu had to be tied up to prevent him from rushing off to rescue her. The Kingdom wasn’t threatening to execute her. Compared to Laxus throwing lightning around, this was a lesser threat to Lucy’s personal safety. Yet Natsu took it more seriously.

In the past, Mashima has brought Natsu and Lucy together in some improbable ways. But recently I have the feeling that Natsu is intentionally tracking with Lucy. He’s not obvious about it. He won’t cling to her, and he’s fine leaving her in a safe place. But he’s showing more concern for her welfare, and wants to be near her.

At Mt. Hakobe, Natsu was perfectly happy for Lucy to return home instead of accompanying him on his rescue mission.

But soon after that, he invited her to team up with him and Happy, and has reaffirmed their partnership several times.

His attitude has gone from “Go on home” to this:

Let’s also consider the Nalu omakes.

The earliest one, Watch Out for That Guy, was more of an anti-Nalu one. Lucy thought Natsu was all set to confess his love to her, but it turned out all he wanted was her help in pulling a prank.

But since that time, we’ve had a string of Nalu omakes where Natsu has made thoughtful, even romantic, gestures towards Lucy.

He gave her flowers (still attached to the tree); remembered the anniversary of her joining the guild, which she herself didn’t remember; and was shown to be treasuring keepsakes from their missions together. And in the latest one, Natsu was willing to kiss her, even leaning in for one, although Lucy put up a Happy-barrier between them at the last moment.

One last comparison:

Remember how at Mt. Hakobe, Lucy was freezing and Natsu wouldn’t give her his scarf/blanket (the Kodansha translation says scarf, btw)?

When they return from Edolas and it’s cold and raining, you see Lucy wearing the cloak Natsu had worn as Demon Lord Dragneel.

I don’t think she had to beg him for it this time.

Likewise, Lucy’s attitude towards Natsu has changed for the better. I love the way they’ve subtly, slowly gotten closer.