tbh i think we’ll get nalu confirmed by the end of this series bc making them canon during an arc would completely change the dynamics of their team (which im thinking mashima wants to avoid). the other relationships work so well bc they’re not always together and one or both parties are pretty open abt how they feel; whereas in nalu’s case, they’re together almost 24/7 and it’s nearly impossible to determine what natsu’s feelings are. lucy’s feelings have been pretty heavily implied, the only thing holding her back is the fact that she doesn’t believe natsu to be into anything romantic. so if by the end of the series either natsu finally verbalizes how he feels or lucy straight up confesses, i think there’s a pretty good chance for nalu to become canon.
tbh i think we’ll get nalu confirmed by the end of this series bc making them canon during an arc would completely change the dynamics of their team (which im thinking mashima wants to avoid). the other relationships work so well bc they’re not always together and one or both parties are pretty open abt how they feel; whereas in nalu’s case, they’re together almost 24/7 and it’s nearly impossible to determine what natsu’s feelings are. lucy’s feelings have been pretty heavily implied, the only thing holding her back is the fact that she doesn’t believe natsu to be into anything romantic. so if by the end of the series either natsu finally verbalizes how he feels or lucy straight up confesses, i think there’s a pretty good chance for nalu to become canon.
sorry for the rant lolol