Friday. The most anticipated day of the week. Work is done. School is out. And the weekend beckons. But before Saturday can make its grand appearance, Friday night calls for all those willing to hear its call. Magnolia and its citizens are no exception to this unspoken law of the town. Known as one of the most bustling cities in the country, Magnolia's night life is second to none. The capital of Crocus only wishes it had half the life of Magnolia when the sun went down.

"Where are we going tonight?"

"Fairy Tail. Where else?"

"Do you ever get tired of that place?"

"Do you?"

"Touché'."

"Just try and be more careful tonight, ok? My arm is still sore from last week."

"Yeah that guy got you pretty good didn't he?"

"That's what happens when you steal someone's girlfriend."

"She approached me."

"Pass me that cologne would ya?"

It was another Friday night for Natsu Dragneel and company. No matter what mood they were in, when the sun set on Friday they were the first ones on the street and in the clubs. They had gained somewhat of a following throughout the city when it came to their exploits. Whether it be wooing the girls, or fighting the guys: Natsu Dragneel, Gray Fullbuster, Gajeel Redfox, and Jellal Fernandes always managed to make Friday nights a memorable one.

Natsu looked intently at his reflection in the bathroom mirror as he meticulously combed through his pink locks.

Gajeel leaned against the doorway, a smirk on his lips. "You gonna be all night, pink princess?"

"It's not my fault I like to look good. You should try it sometime." Natsu retorted with a smirk of his own.

Gajeel huffed in amusement. "If you were anybody else I woulda decked you for that."

"Lucky me then right?"

"Natsu, hurry up!" Gray called as he tied his shoes on the end of the bed frame. When he was finished he wiped the specks of dust off the tips and popped the collar of his blazer. "We don't have all night."

"Alright. Alright. I'm done." Natsu stepped out of the bathroom. He was wearing a white checkered button up shirt with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows under an open black suit vest. His black pants were finely ironed as they created a perfect crease down to his white and black dress shoes. Completing the ensemble was a white checkered scarf that hung around his neck.

"You still wearing that thing?" Gajeel mocked. He was wearing a simple gray button up that was tucked into his dark blue jeans. His brown shoes shined in the lamp light. As were the many silver studs in both of his ears. He also wore a black bandana with a gray diamond pattern on his head.

"Of course I am." Natsu retorted, mocking offense. "This is my lucky scarf. Remember that girl I met last time I wore it?"

"The brunette?" Gray questioned as he walked to his friends. "She was pretty cute." His outfit for the night consisted of a white blazer over a navy blue V-neck. His pants were the same color as Gajeels, but were better ironed and had a slightly more casual look to them. The most eye catching feature on his person was the small silver cross necklace around his neck. "What happened to her?"

"What happened to Ultear?" Natsu asked with a sly grin. Gray however was not amused.

"I thought I said don't bring her up."

Gajeel couldn't help but laugh at his friend's irritation. Which - none too surprisingly - upset Gray even more.

"Are you guys ready? It's almost eleven." Jellal stood up and walked to the door, looking down at his watch. He sported an outfit similar to Natsu's though his shirt was a wine red with no pattern and his vest was gray. His shoes were also a shined black.

"Don't get your panties in a wad." Gajeel mocked as he walked towards the door with Natsu and Gray in tow.

"The good stuff doesn't happen till midnight anyway." Gray added.

"Don't wait up, Happy." Natsu teased as he pet the blue cat that slept next to the front door of his apartment. The cat softly meowed in response.

The four men walked out of the door, eager to get another Friday started.

"I hope there are some cute girls tonight." Natsu laughed.

…

"Are you guys sure about this? I'm still on the fence."

"You have to learn to loosen up a little, Lu."

"Levy is right, Lucy, you've been here for how long now?"

"Eight months."

"And you have yet to go out once."

"It's not that I didn't want to…it's just I haven't had much time. Between writing articles and-"

"Excuses. You're going out tonight and that's that."

"Fine."

Lucy Heartfilia was never one for the night life. Every time her friends asked her to take a night on the town, she always refused. Citing either needing to write an article for the paper or some other excuse she could think of on the spot. Her most famous one on record was having to meet the King of Fiore for an exclusive. She was content most nights by staying inside, but that all changed when she was hired by Sorcerer Weekly. It was a huge opportunity. The chance to write for the biggest magazine in the entire country - she nearly fainted when she received the letter about their interest in her - the only trade off was she had to move to Magnolia. She had no problem with the city itself. In fact it was rather beautiful…in the day time. Night time however was a different beast. Every night she heard the screams of elation and joy emanating from the city's citizens taking in everything it had to offer from outside her apartment window. It frustrated, but at the same time intrigued her. Soon she began to yearn for the adventures that night provided, but she was also much too shy to go on her own. That all changed when she met Levy McGarden.

By day the petite blue-haired girl was a quiet library worker – if a bit feisty - but by night she was one of the biggest party goers in all of Magnolia. That was when Lucy's odyssey began. Through Levy she met Erza, the seemingly unassuming owner of a local cake shop but in reality was one of the town's sexiest women – according to polls in the night life section of sorcerer weekly, and even then it was under her last name and moniker "Scarlet"- and Juvia Lockser, a a meek florist who, like Lucy, was also a bit shy about going out at night. Tonight was Lucy's first time going out. She had refused for weeks, but eventually Levy had worn her down with her rather persistent prodding during their various lunch dates and girl days.

"Where are we going tonight?" Erza asked as she sprayed on a light mist of perfume.

Levy grinned. She was in the bathroom, standing behind a sitting Lucy as she fixed her hair. "Fairy Tail."

"Fairy Tail?!" Lucy squealed.

"Stop moving so much." Levy chided.

"Sorry."

"I don't think I've ever been to Fairy Tail before." Juvia commented as she fixed her own hair next to the pair.

"I have." Erza said. She reached into her purse and pulled out her lipstick. "I'm assuming my name was the reason you were able to get in, right, Levy?" She looked into her hand mirror, blotting her lips.

"And I love you for it." Levy winked to Erza. "There, you're all done." Levy turned Lucy to the mirror. The librarian had fixed the girl's long blonde hair into a single long ponytail that flowed down the right side of her head. A black bow tied for good measure.

"Thank you." Lucy said as she stood up from her chair.

"You're welcome. Now hurry up and get dressed, we're burning night light." Levy gave Lucy a playful slap on the butt, causing the blonde to bounce just a bit.

Lucy walked over to the bed and grabbed her dress. It was a blue shoulder-less dress, a gold heart in the center. Lucy sighed as she stepped in the dress and pulled it up. It was a bit tight around her chest, but it otherwise fit. She saw Levy grinning at her from the bathroom doorway, giving her a thumbs up.

"Looking good, Lu." Levy was wearing a less daring ensemble. A yellow frilled shirt with a multi colored skirt. Completing her look was a small purse – with the thin strap crossing over her chest – a yellow bandana tied over the top of her head.

"That's easy for you to say." Lucy sighed.

"I think you look nice too." Juvia smiled as she stepped from behind Levy. She was wearing a dark blue dress complete with a few bracelets on her wrists. Her hair was curled to perfection as it all sat neatly under a black slouch beanie.

"Thanks, Juvia. You look good too."

The florist blushed. "T-thank you."

"Are we ready to go?" Erza asked as she stepped towards the others. They looked at her in awe, Levy soon sighing in defeat.

"And once again the winner is Erza."

Erza titled her head in confusion in response to Levy's remark. The redhead wore a black dress with white accents that opened on her very generous cleavage. Her hair was laying over the left side of her head, covering her eye in the process. She wore a diamond necklace, with a matching bracelet. The piece de résistance was her dark red lipstick, or maybe it was her black, open-toed, high heels. "What is it?"

"The worst part of it all is she doesn't even know how good she looks." Levy shook her head. "Come on, guys, let's get going. Who knows? We may meet Mr. Right tonight." She winked and coquettishly stuck out her tongue.

"I doubt it." Lucy mumbled as she followed her friends out of the door.

…

Fairy Tail, the biggest night club in all of Magnolia. Some would argue it was the best club in the country if not for Sabertooth and Lamia Scale also being worthy of the title. The main area of the building was massive, easily being able to hold two smaller clubs in it. The bar was stocked with every alcoholic drink known to man – and even some unknown to them – there was also the stage, where the most famous bands in the country would come and play for the patrons. Tonight's attraction was "Laxus and the Thunder Legion". They were a relatively new, but still popular band, even if its main singer, Laxus Dreyar, was rumored to have a bit of a temper. But even more impressive than the main area was the second floor S-Class lounge. It was easy enough to get into the main area, but the real treat was in the S-Class Lounge. That was where the most elite people from ll over congregated and anybody who was anybody had clearance to go there. Erza herself had been up there a few times, but she commented that people were less than stellar.

Lucy couldn't hold in her surprise when she walked through the massive doors of Fairy Tail. Everywhere she looked there were people dancing, singing, and talking. Some even doing all three. She looked up at the bright lights, then to the band playing on the stage, and finally to the dancing taking place in the middle of it all. Levy grinned at her friend, bringing her back to reality with a light poke of her elbow.

"Stuck in the stars again?"

"Sorry, this is just all so…overwhelming."

"Don't worry, that's usually everyone's reaction the first time they come here. See? You're not the only one." Levy guided Lucy's gaze to Juvia. The pale girl was just as stunned as she was. "Come on, let's go to the bar."

"But I'm not drinking tonight."

"None of us are. We're just going to say hi to someone." Levy guided her friends through the crowd. A good majority of them recognizing Erza. Eventually the girls arrived at the bar, where a girl in a shimmering black dress greeted them with a smile.

"Welcome to Fairy Tail." She had long white hair, her bangs tied in a ponytail that extended upward.

"Lucy Heartfilia, Juvia Lockser, meet Mirajane Strauss. The best bartender in all of Fiore." Levy introduced.

Mirajane blushed slightly. "You're embarrassing me."

"Hello." Lucy bowed.

"It's nice to meet you." Juvia greeted, following Lucy's lead.

"Is this your first time here?" Mirajane asked Lucy, noticing the hesitation in her response.

"It's my first time anywhere actually."

The bartender giggled at the girl's honest answer. "I can tell. Would you like some water?"

"Please."

"Coming right up." Mirajane pulled out two bottles of water from the refrigerator under the bar and handed one to Lucy. "Here you go. On the house. Think of it as a congratulations for this being your first night. And one for you too Juvia."

"Thanks."

"Thank you."

Levy looked around the bar. "So where's Kinana?"

"She's serving upstairs right now. You should have seen her face when I told her that she was working there tonight. She was so excited. It was downright adorable." Mirajane giggled.

"She's never been upstairs?"

Mirajane shook her head. "Nope tonight is her first night."

"Is Elfman around?"

"No, he has the night off."

"Elfman?" Juvia questioned.

"My younger brother." Mirajane answered with a smile. "He works as a bouncer here. Would you like something to drink, Erza?" Mirajane asked the redhead.

"No thank you." Erza replied. She was leaning against the bar top, looking out at all of the people on the dance floor.

"You two know each other?" Lucy asked.

"Since we were kids." Mirajane nodded.

"Mirajane was much more rowdy back then." Erza informed. "They used to call her 'The Demon'."

"Oh stop." Mirajane blushed. "I would much rather forget about those days."

Lucy looked at Mirajane analytically. There was no way the sweet bartender in front of her could have been a demon, it just didn't add up with any picture Lucy had in her mind.

"Heads up, Levy." Mirajane warned with a playful smile. "It looks like your fans are here."

"What?" Levy yelped in disbelief. She hid behind Lucy.

"What's wrong?" Lucy asked, confused by her friends behavior.

"Those two guys." Levy pointed. Lucy turned her head to look at them. "Don't make eye contact." Lucy quickly averted her gaze.

For the briefest moment she saw two men. One of them had light brown hair that was tied in a ponytail while the other had black hair. Most notable about the latter was his odd cowlick at the top of his head. It looked to be shaped like a growing seedpod.

"Who are they?"

"Jet and Droy." Levy answered. Her annoyance was coating her words. "I met them a couple months ago. We went to a few parties and now they won't leave me alone. They even show up to my job."

"Have you told them to leave you alone?"

"They can't take a hint."

Jet looked over to the girls, a wide smile on his face when he saw who he was looking for. "Hey, Levy!" he called with a wave.

"Crap! They saw me! I'll see you later, Lu! Try and have fun tonight, ok?" Levy winked at her before dashing into the crowd, Jet and Droy not too far behind.

"Wait! Levy!" Lucy shouted, but it was too late, she was gone.

"I'll be back. I have to use the restroom." Erza said. She too left the bar.

"I have to get back to work. But you too enjoy yourselves, ok? If you need anything to drink just call me." Mirajane smiled before returning to work. Soon the only ones at the bar were Lucy and Juvia, both of them less than comfortable about their situation.

"Great." Lucy sighed. "What now?"

…

"Things seem a bit slow tonight." Natsu huffed as he looked down at the dance floor from the S-Class lounge.

"That's just your imagination." Gray retorted. "You don't always have to break something to have fun."

"But that's the best time." Natsu whined. He turned around and plopped back on the sofa he was sitting on. He noticed two people missing from his party. "Where did Gajeel and Jellal go?"

"Gajeel went to smoke, and Jellal went to the bathroom."

"Those guys are always ditching us." Natsu said deflated.

"I think it's usually the other way around." Gray smirked.

Natsu suddenly stood up, his fire having been renewed by some unknown force. "Let's get out there and dance, Gray. I'm feeling lucky tonight!"

"Famous last words." Gray mumbled.

"What?"

"Nothing. Let's go."

Natsu smiled wide. "Right."

…

"You would think a place so big would have more than restroom." Jellal grumbled as he waded through the many bodies standing through the building. He reached his destination much to his relief. He reached his hand to the knob but soon retracted it when he felt someone touch it. "My apologies."

"No I was at fault. Please after you."

"No, you go first."

"If you insist."

The voice belonged to a woman that was plain to see. But the more Jellal replayed the voice the wider his eyes went. He recognized it. It was one he hadn't heard in a long time. Without thinking he reached out and grabbed the woman's arm.

"Unhand me you-"

"Erza?"

The redhead's eyes widened as the voice entered her ears. She looked up at the man gripping her, her suspicions confirmed and her heart racing. "Jellal?"

…

Gajeel took a long drag of his cigarette before blowing the smoke into the night air. He liked being out on the town, but it was quiet moments like this that really made him appreciate what he had in his life. Now if only he could quit smoking he'd be on a better track. He looked up at the moon for a few more seconds before quietly deciding it was time to go back in. He turned around towards the back door. But just as he turned the knob the door flew open and hit him on the nose. He grumbled curses as he fell to one knee, holding his aching face.

"Are you alright? I'm really sorry."

His eyes stinging with tears he looked up to see a girl with shoulder length blue hair. She was bent over, her face showing her concern.

"Watch where the hell you're going." Gajeel grumbled in irritation.

"Well someone's rude. I said sorry." The girl replied with a pout. She reached into her purse pulling out a handkerchief and holding it Gajeel. "Here."

Gajeel snatched it and stood up, wiping the tears from his eyes and handing it back.

"You can keep it." The girl said. "I'm Levy by the way."

"Gajeel."

"That's a pretty cool name." Levy smiled.

"Thanks." Gajeel replied, still annoyed. "What the hell were you running from anyway?"

"Could work on the attitude though." Levy teased.

"You're starting to annoy me, shrimp."

"Levy. And the reason I was running? Well…"

Jet and Droy burst through the backdoor. "Levy? Where'd ya go?" Droy called.

"Friends of yours?" Gajeel asked. He and Levy had hid themselves around the corner of the building just before the two showed up.

"Not really." The bluenette laughed nervously.

"Well, good luck with those two idiots." Gajeel began to walk away but was stopped when Levy grabbed the back of his shirt. "Hey! Let go of me!"

"I need your help. Could you pretend to be my boyfriend?"

"What? Why the hell would I…"

"Pretty please?" Levy clasped her hands together. "Just until they leave? I'd be really grateful."

"No deal."

"Come on. You wouldn't abandon a damsel in distress would you?"

Gajeel looked at Levy's pleading stare and sighed in defeat. "Fine, but just until their gone. Got it?"

Levy nodded happily. "Got it. Thanks so much."

The two stepped out from the corner and walked to Jet and Droy.

"There you are!" Jet called.

"We were looking everywhere." Droy smiled.

"Sorry for running off like that, I just wanted you guys to meet someone. This is my boyfriend, Gajeel." Levy smiled. She held out her hand to him, but his annoyed look didn't seem to convince the persistent pair.

"Boyfriend?" Jet raised an eyebrow.

"Yep." Levy nodded.

"We don't believe you." Droy said.

"Why would I lie?" She began to sweat nervously as Jet and Droy's stares intensified. "You're not helping." Levy mumbled to Gajeel.

Gajeel sighed. "You heard her boys. I'm her boyfriend. Now buzz off."

"Prove it." Jet said.

"Prove what?" Levy questioned.

"Prove you guys are dating, if you do that we'll leave you alone." Droy explained.

"What do you want us to do, kiss?!" Gajeel shouted.

Jet and Droy looked at one another, superior smirks on their face before they looked back at Gajeel and Levy. Gajeel began to blush. "Well I…"

Levy let out an annoyed sigh. "Come here." She pulled Gajeel down to her level by his collar and kissed him deeply on the lips. Gajeel's eyes went wide at the contact. Levy's lips were so soft, and he could taste the slightest hint of mint from her breath colliding with his. Jet and Droy stared in disbelief. If they weren't convinced earlier, they certainly were now.

After what seemed like an eternity. Levy let go of Gajeel. All three men stared at her in shock, Gajeel's face still bright red. "There." Levy said. "Convinced?"

Jet and Droy frowned sadly before nodding and going back inside. Once they were gone Levy looked back at Gajeel with a smile. "Thanks for that."

Gajeel could only nod in response.

"I think I owe you something for saving me. How about a drink?"

Gajeel gave no reply once again, causing Levy to giggle at his expense. She grabbed his arm and led him back into the club with a wink and a smile. "Come on, the nights still young and I'm far from tired."

…

"How long has it been?" Jellal asked.

"About 2 years." Erza answered, swirling her straw around in her drink.

After they both finished using the restroom, Erza and Jellal headed up stairs to the lounge. Finding an open table they sat down, reflecting on times both old and new.

"How have you been since then?" Jellal asked, trying his best to hide how nervous he felt.

"I've been well. I own a cake shop now." Erza took a sip of her drink.

"I've heard about it from Natsu. He says it's quite good."

"Well I should thank him when I see him. I didn't know you and he were friends. The way your personalities are I honestly find it hard to imagine you two getting along."

"Yeah." Jellal grinned. "He has a habit of infecting you with his positivity."

"It seems to be working." Erza smiled softly. "You look much happier than you did back then."

"I guess I am. You seem to have a group of friends of your own. I saw you all walk in."

"Tonight is Lucy's first night out."

"And you brought her here?" Jellal chuckled. "Talk about throwing someone in the deep end."

Erza softly laughed at Jellal's joke. "It was Levy's idea. Besides this place isn't so bad…this is where you and I met."

Jellal's smile slowly faded. "It's where we broke up too."

Erza looked up from her glass to the man in front of her. His shoulders were slumped, his eyes filled with regret and torment from a time she had buried deep down into her being. "Jellal I never wanted…"

"I know." Jellal sullenly smiled. "It's alright, I'm just brooding for no reason. I apologize."

Erza smiled at him. "Would you like to get out of here? It's been awhile since you and I have seen one another."

Jellal's eyes widened. "What about your friends?"

"I'll relay the message to Mirajane. So are you coming or not?" Her challenging smirk made the brooding blur hair smile.

"I never could say no to you." He smirked. "Let's go."

…

"This floor sure is crowded." Lucy groaned as she walked through the dance floor. "Are you still there Juvia?"

The bluenette was following behind Lucy, her shoulders bumping against the other club patrons. "Y-yes! I'm here! Sorry! I'm sorry!"

"Stay close. We don't want to get separated."

"R-right!"

"Hurry up, Gray!" Natsu called.

"Hold on, Natsu!"

"What do you mean hold on, man?! It's Friday and I…oof!" Natsu stumbled back when he ran into something. He heard a small yelp emit from whoever he hit. Gray popped up behind him.

"I told you to slow down, you idiot." Gray sighed.

"Sorry." Natsu apologized with a wide smile.

"Yeah. Yeah." Gray walked past his friend and reached down his hand to the downed girl. "Sorry about him. Are you alright?"

"Yes." Juvia nodded as she rubbed her sore bottom. She reached her hand to Gray. "Thank…you…" her heart skipped a beat when she saw his face. Despite the low lighting she could make out his features perfectly. From his blue-black hair to his firm chin, his necklace lightly obscuring her vision.

Gray pulled her to her feet. He too was spellbound by Juvia, but he hid it much better. "I'm Gray."

The bluenette blushed even harder. "I…I'm…I…"

"Juvia!" Lucy called as she made her way to the others. "Are you ok? I'm sorry I lost track of you." Juvia hadn't even noticed Lucy's presence. She was too overtaken by Gray in front of her.

"Juvia. That's a nice name." Gray smiled.

"T-thank you…" She stammered.

"Do you want to dance?"

"There is nothing more in this world I want more." Her tone was low and breathy. It was if she would die if she didn't dance with this man.

Gray was slightly taken aback by the answer but he powered through. "Alright then." He walked past Juvia, pulling her along as they made their way through the crowd.

Lucy was confused to say the least.

"Well I guess that just leaves us, huh?"

Lucy turned her head, seeing a guy with spiky pink hair smiling at her. Pink hair. Who has pink hair? She couldn't focus on anything else about him. Was it natural? Did he dye it that color? If so, then why? These were questions she felt she needed answered.

"Name's Natsu. What's yours?"

"Huh?" the blonde asked, having been brought back to reality. "Oh, I'm Lucy."

"Well, Lucy. Since my friend left to dance with your friend, do you want to dance with me?" His toothy smile was so innocent that the blonde couldn't help but emulate it.

"Sure."

"Great." Natsu grabbed Lucy's wrist suddenly, causing her to blush as he followed where Gray and Juvia walked. "Come on!"

"Wait! Natsu!"

Natsu stopped and let go of Lucy. He began tapping his foot to the beat of the band. "Come on, Lucy! You know to dance right?"

Following her companion's example, Lucy began to feel her hips sway to and fro the rhythm. She turned and twisted, her body no longer listening to her brain as she flowed along with the beat. Natsu watched her with a smile on his face, she was way better than he thought. The two danced close, grins on their faces as they followed the songs tempo to perfection. Lucy felt all of her insecurities draining away, her fear fading as she became one with the moment. She looked out of the corner of her eye and saw Levy dancing with a man with long black hair. Her movements were much wider than Lucy's – clearly a result of her previous experience - her partner was trying his best to keep up with her. To her left she saw Juvia, who was so close to Gray one would think they were joined at the hip. Their proximity matched a much slower song than the one that was currently playing. Finally she looked back to Natsu. He was right along with her, still matching her move for move.

…

The sunlight stung Lucy's eyes. She turned around, groaning intelligibly to herself as she fought with everything she had to keep from waking up. She felt the bed bounce slightly and she opened one eye, her vision clearing. She saw the back of someone, a man, facing her. He had no shirt on. He was pretty muscular despite being so lean. As Lucy tried to figure whether or not she was still dreaming, the mystery man called to her.

"Coffee?"

She groaned once more, before sitting up and taking the warm beverage. Her hair was a mess, but she couldn't find the strength to care. She was just grateful to soothe the dry taste in her mouth. "Thank you." She rasped before taking a sip.

"You're welcome."

Lucy looked over to her mystery man. Once she recognized him, she spit out her coffee in surprise.

"Great." He sighed. "Now I have to clean that up."

"N-Natsu?!"

"Yep that's me." He smiled. "Nice of you to remember."

Lucy looked around the room. She wasn't in her apartment. "Where am I?"

"My place."

Lucy looked down, her face turning bright red when she noticed she was in her bra and panties. She quickly used the covers of the bed to conceal herself. She narrowed her gaze in accusation. "W-what did you do to me, you creep?"

Natsu quickly shook his head. He immediately knew what the blonde was implying. "I didn't do anything! We had a few drinks and came back here after leaving Fairy Tail. You told me something about writing some kind of article before taking off your dress and passing out. All I did was put you in the bed."

Lucy's eyes remained fixed in their accusatory stare.

"Honest!"

"You're positive we didn't do anything?"

Natsu nodded fiercely. "I swear."

"Ok." Lucy relaxed some and resumed to drinking her coffee, much to Natsu's relief. She handed them mug once she finished. "Thanks for the coffee."

"No problem. Being hung-over sucks" Natsu stood up and walked back to the kitchen and placed the mugs in the sink. As he washed them. Lucy took a closer look at his bedroom. It was smaller than hers, but still had a comfortable atmosphere to it. There was only one picture on his nightstand, the one of him and his friends. They were standing in front of the Magnolia town sign, smiles on their faces. Lucy recognized Gray and Gajeel from last night, but the fourth man – the one with blue hair – eluded her.

"I forgot to mention…" Natsu called from the kitchen. "Nice tattoos."

"Huh?" Lucy looked down, hers eyes fixed on the zodiac symbols on her collarbone. "Oh, thank you."

"They mean anything?"

"Yeah. I was really into the zodiac as a kid. I still kind of am actually, I studied astrology in college. I guess I picked it up from my mom." A sad smile unrolled on Lucy's lips. "She...passed away when I was young."

"I'm sorry." Natsu consoled. Even though she couldn't see him, Lucy could hear the empathy in his voice. In all honesty she didn't know why she told him this, she hadn't even told Levy about her home life. "My dad left when I was a kid." Natsu said.

"I'm sorry to hear that." It was Lucy's turn to console.

"It's fine." Natsu replied. "I studied mythology in college by the way."

"Mythology?" Lucy was grateful he shifted the conversation back to the original topic.

"Yeah. Dragons are the most awesome thing ever."

Lucy giggled.

"What?"

"Nothing, I just wasn't expecting you to say something like that."

"Well I'm full of surprises."

"It looks like it." Lucy rose out of Natsu's bed, the blanket still wrapped around her. "May I use your bathroom? I want to freshen up a bit before I head home."

"Go ahead."

"Thanks."

…

About an hour later, Natsu and Lucy were making their way down the stone paved streets of town towards Lucy's apartment, the blonde dressed in her attire from the previous night. Despite her initial hesitance at being escorted, Lucy relented as she surmised that Natsu wasn't a bad guy to be around. Despite being a bit odd, even a tad air-headed, he was still nice enough where she wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen in public with him.

"So was last night your first time out?" Natsu asked.

"Yep." Lucy nodded.

"How was it?"

"It was certainly an eye-opener. Much wilder than I expected."

Natsu laughed. "Yeah, that'll usually happen. But you had fun, right?"

"I did." Lucy nodded. "Although I wish my head would stop throbbing."

Natsu laughed again. "That should wear off in a couple hours."

As the pair reached a four way intersection they heard footsteps approaching from each of the three other directions. When they noticed just who was coming their eyes widened in surprise. From the north came Jellal and Erza, the latter with the formers coat draped over her shoulders. From the east came Gray and Juvia, the bluenette lovingly clinging to the embarrassed boy's arm. And finally from the west came Gajeel and Levy, bickering over some trivial matter that seemed only important to them. Lucy believed it had to do with something about breakfast.

All four couples stopped and faced one another, looks of surprise and embarrassment on their faces. Save for Levy who was grinning from ear to ear. Reading the situation, they began to switch positions. Levy walked to Lucy. Natsu walked to Gajeel. This in turn caused Erza to walk to Levy, and Jellal to join Natsu. Finally Lucy had to pry away a love-struck Juvia from Gray. At the end of the dance the two groups faced one another, each person facing their respective partner from last night. Natsu and Lucy stood in the middle, the former giving another one of his now famous toothy smiles.

"Same time next week?"

Lucy nodded with a smile of her own. "You bet."

...

Another random one shot. This one spurned out of me listening to random songs last night. Most specifically "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson, "2 On" by Tinashe, "Latch" by Disclosure, and a couple of Calvin Harris songs.

I was expanding a bit of character on, trying to get a feel for characters and how to write them since I still feel I lack in that area a bit. Either way I did have fun writing this piece and hopefully you have reading it. Thanks for reading :). Leave your thoughts.

Author's Note: It (figuratively) killed me to write Jerza (Not a terrible pairing by any stretchm just not the biggest fan of it lol) but I'm being overdramatic and I think those sections came out well, and I don't think this story would have worked without them. Favorite section to write was Levy's lines though if you couldn't tell. She's a bit OOC but I had fun with her. Also my first time writing Nalu, even if it wasn't super overt in the story as far as romance goes.