The chemistry between Natsu and Lucy part II

 Original post: January, 2019

Just like the previous post, we’re making a contrast between shippers’ definition of “chemistry” or “almost canon,” and what chemistry truly is.

I often mentioned this but many shippers believe that “saving the girl” should result in romance. However, when writing chemistry between characters it should never be implied one character owes the other a relationship because of favors done…

We all know Natsu saved and protected Lucy multiple times throughout the series…

…and even though such moments are not as hyped as similar scenes involving other characters, “saving the girl” is not representative of chemistry between characters. In fact, other elements must be involved in any kind of scene to qualify as an actual “moment.”

But, if “saving the girl” isn’t enough to build a solid chemistry, what kind of moments showcase that particular aspect of the bond between Natsu and Lucy?

Do you recall the battle against Hades? The bad guy easily recovered from Natsu’s LFD roar and was ready to attack once again, leading Team Natsu, which includes Lucy, to the brink of despair. Lucy held onto Natsu begging for someone to give them hope…

…and then Natsu reacts to Lucy’s desperate embrace. Realizing someone dear to him was right beside him gave him enough strength to inspire Lucy and the rest to overcome fear and keep going.

An essential factor of emotional chemistry is both characters being capable of affecting each other, leaving an impact in one another. Still, some people may remain skeptical about this argument, luckily for us we have similar moments in the author’s works:

Natsu providing Lucy with emotional support from time to time, leading to memorable moments:

…and whether she realizes it or not, Lucy also leaves her mark on Natsu’s character and can even motivate him to take action…

Chemistry is not something as shallow as getting excited for how cool or hot someone is, and it’s not what shippers try to sell when they promote uber-cuteness or sexyness over bonding and actual substance. Chemistry is leaving an impact powerful enough to move lives and hearts.