No Regrets

Chapter 1

Hidden

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail. No copyright intended. I do own the story line, because I made that all up with my brain.

The first rays of morning shine through my window and I stretch as I awake. Rolling over I feel something soft and stringy, I grab it and find the familiar white scarf of Natsu's. I inwardly groan as I get up and pull it out of my bed, a sleeping Natsu attached to it.

"Natsu! Wake up!" I yell getting irritated.

He sits cross legged on the floor and rubs his eyes awake.

"Oi! Hey Luce, morning." He says all bright and chipper while stretching.

"What are you doing in my bed again Natsu?! I thought I told you to stop doing that."

"I'm sorry Luce, but your bed is just so comfortable and your so huggable, I can't resist." He said shrugging nonchalantly.

I pouted trying not to show my blush as I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Well too bad. I have a couch for a reason, Natsu. If you insist on breaking in my apartment every night the least you can do is just take the couch."

"Alright Luce, I will. Maybe." He said smirking.

I shake my head and giggle, "Whatever, now get out. I've gotta get ready for today."

"Oooh are you going on a special date?" Happy said chiming in, smirking.

I threw a pillow at him, "Shut it, cat! And no, Levy and I made plans today. We're going to the new book store in town, Bookies."

"Sounds fun, can I tag a long?" Natsu asks.

"Normally I wouldn't care but today is strictly girls day. Sorry."

"Bummer." He said pouting.

"Don't be like that, I'm sure you'll find something to do today." I encouraged as I grabbed the clothes for today and headed for the bathroom.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I'll go see if Lisanna wants to do something, but first I'm gonna get me some grub. Coming Happy?"

"Aye, Sir!"

"See ya, Luce."

And with that I hear him leave. My hand resting over the shower knobs, my breath caught in my throat as my heart feels like it's tightening. The mere mentioning of her name sets my heart to plummet, but I sigh anyways and turn on the hot shower and step in. There is no way that he would be into me like that. He only sees me as his best friend, I've come to that conclusion a long time ago. Yes, I realize how utterly pathetic it is to fall in love with your best friend, too many tales of woe and doom to even try to act on it. He's my best friend, I wouldn't know what to do without him in my life, so if having to hide my feelings for him is what I have to do so I keep this friendship then that is what I will do. Easier said than done but over time, I've become a pro at hiding my feelings for the fire dragon slayer. I didn't expect it, this love I feel and have for him, it just hit me out of nowhere. It started out slowly, as if trying to take your first steps, slowly and then all at once it hits you. Crashing realization, I suppose the moment I knew in my heart that I loved him was when we were back on Tenrou Island, all around us, was impending doom due do the Dragon King himself, Acnologia.

I was crying uncontrollably, I couldn't stop the tears, I was facing death, everyone I care about was facing death. Our lives so young, we've barely begun to live this life and it's over? Just like that? It was a fate I couldn't accept yet found myself trying to make peace with the end. Natsu took my hand, looking me in the eyes and spoke those words that encouraged me to not give up and keep fighting, not backing down that easily. His words and utter faith in me made that heavy weight lift from my heart and I found myself admiring and loving his determination to never give in, never give up. Though, I'd be lying if I said that moment was the only one that I knew that I was in love with him, it's just that memory that I decided to not ignore my heart and come that hasn't happened yet, I keep backing out. I guess what I fear the most is rejection and honestly, I fear that is exactly what I am going to get from him. Ever since the events of Edolas where Lisanna came back, he's been distant.

Part of me thinks he has unresolved feelings for her, from back when they were kids, childhood crushes and all that. Of course I'm not going to get all petty and jealous over her, there isn't any point and I am not like that. But the other part of me thinks that he is just confused by all of this, the recent events are crazy to say the least, but having a close friend from the past that you might have loved comes back from the dead?! Yeah, that is just too much to take in or handle on your own. A lot of crazy things happen in this life, but that's what makes it worth living. I just seriously wish that time wouldn't have kept passing us by while we were in our 7 year long slumber on the island, I'd do anything to spend one more day with my father. Given that the relationship with my father had been on the rocks for years, I had thought that it could have been mended after the incident at the Love & Lucky with the Naked Mummy dark guild. Just one more day, unfortunately I do not have that luxury. Natsu was the only one truly there for me when my father died, he made me feel better when all I felt was utter loss. I couldn't cry, I couldn't think, all I felt was this steel cage around my heart that didn't want to give way. I didn't understand it at the time but Natsu being there, that steal cage began to melt.

Honestly a lot has happened, it's crazy how so much has happened in such short amount of time. I find it ironic how of course when we get back from Tenrou Island, the world goes into chaos. Just our luck, I suppose. Between all the events of the Infinity Castle debacle, Grand Magic Games, Eclipse Project and the Celestial Spirits going absolute crazy it's no wonder no body has had a break enough to think about themselves and what they want to do in this life. But things have been quiet for a while so hopefully everything will settle down and we all can have a chance to just breathe. After a while I turn the shower off and get out, rinsing my hair in the tub before grabbing my towel. Hot steam rolling off my nude body, I walk over to the mirror, wipe the fog from it and look at myself. Lucy, you look like a mess. I sigh and dry off then get dressed. Today I picked out my black lace bra and plain black panties, red wedges, a tan skirt and pink tank top. I blow dried and brushed my hair then decided to put it up in a ponytail with a pink ribbon, sprayed some cherry blossom scent perfume on me, grabbed my belt that has my whip and keys attached, then left my apartment, locking the door behind me.

"Hey! Be careful Lucy!" A man yells from the boat as I walk along the sidewalk.

It's the same man as always telling me to watch my step so I don't fall in the water below, I wave at them to assure my safety and continue down the street. Looking up at the bright blue sky puts a smile on my face, yes, today will be a good day. Soon after I hear my name being called and a certain light blue-haired girl waving at me. I smile and wave back.

"Lu! Hey!"

I giggle a bit, "Hey Levy."

We hug each other as we meet up, then head into the store together. After a while of geeking out over books and looking around the store, leaving no book unturned we head over to the little sweets shop called, Sweets and Things, and settle down for a bite to eat, setting our shopping bags next to us on the booth. I got a few romance and adventure novels while Levy bought some books on the ancient civilization. Ever since the Celestial events where all the Spirits and King were corrupted, Levy's interest had been pipqueakes and she wants to delve into more about the subject. Probably to see if there is anything else we may need to know in the future.

"Here you are girls. One chocolate cake for you and a strawberry cheesecake for you, enjoy!"

The waitress left and we began to enjoy our snacks. I got the strawberry cheesecake and Levy got the chocolate, we also just got water to go with.

"Well she was nice, we should totally leave her a nice tip." Levy said with a smile.

I nodded and took a bite. "Sure thing."

"So, Lu. Did you confess to Natsu yet?" She asks with a bright smile on her face.

I nearly choke on my water and look at her like she's lost her mind for being so open about that. Levy is my most trusted girl friend, the closest I have to a sister so of course I confided in her. Just as she has confided in me, we've sworn to keep each other's secrets to the grave. She is the only one how I feel about Natsu, she got it out of me one day. The day Lisanna came back from Edolas and hugged Natsu, the guild had thrown that welcome home party for her. On the outside I was all smiles and so happy for everyone and I honestly was. I was happy for Mira and Elfman having another chance with their sister but at the same time she was all over Natsu and it kinda hurt. On the inside I felt my heart clench at the sight of them close like that, and Levy? Levy saw right through me.

"Levy! Are you crazy?! You know not to talk about that in public."

She just play hit my arm and giggled, "Oh calm down Lucy. It's not like anyone heard me, plus no one from the guild is here so what is the problem?"

I looked down and fiddled with my cake, "I just don't want to take any chances."

She sighed, "You're going to have to tell him eventually Lu. You can't hide your heart away forever."

I sighed a bit annoyed, "Like you should talk Lev. Have you talked to Gajeel lately?"

Her face flushed red and I nodded, smirking. "Thought so. So how about next time you handle your own love life before you lecture me on mine."

She groaned annoyed, "I am not Lucy! I am just simply stating that it's not good for you to keep going on like this, it's just torturing yourself. I am tired of seeing you hurt, everyone else may not pay attention or notice but I do. You're my best friend Lu and you deserve to be happy. Especially given all you've been through in such a short amount of time."

She then held my hand and squeezed it, trying to give me comfort. I smile a little and squeeze back.

"Thanks Lev, sorry for snapping."

She shrugs it off, "No problem Lu."

We both go back to our food and eat in happy silence, and get up to leave after paying the bill and leaving a tip. I look back for a second at our table to see if I might have left anything behind, instead of books I spot a back of a head, their hair dark blue-black, and the bareness of their back. I only know one person with hair like that and who randomly strips in public. A weight falls on my shoulders, what the heck is Gray doing here and did he hear me and Levy talking? Shaking my head to be clear of thoughts, I leave with Levy. Outside Levy turns to me, takes my hands and is about to speak.

"How about we both agree to stop being afraid of the what if's and confess to them together. You tell Natsu and I will tell Gajeel. Both of us get a month to tell them before the other tells them."

I considered her proposition. "So you're saying that I have a month to tell Natsu how I feel and if I don't you will tell him. And if you don't tell Gajeel how you feel within a month then I have to tell him for you?"

She nodded and smile, "Exactly. Sooo, do we have a deal?"

I smiled and nodded, "Yeah, we have a deal."

With that we decide to part ways to drop off our books at home then meet up again and walk to the guild together. Some time passes and Levy and I meet up once again then enter the guild together, getting greeted by the usual rowdiness. A little more rowdy than usual as Levy and I witness Gajeel fly across the room, sent by Laxus.

"Thought you said you were the better dragon slayer, Ironhead!" Laxus taunts.

Which brings Gajeel to retaliate. Gray and Natsu are in a usual spat over nothing only to get stopped by Erza. Levy and I walk over to the bar where Kana is passed out over the bar stool hugging a barrel of alcohol.

"What's going on Mira?" I asked her.

Mira was cleaning some mugs as we approached the bar. "Oh the usual, Lucy."

I nodded and asked her for a strawberry smoothie, Jet and Droy came running over and swept Levy up before she had a chance to react.

"Oh shoot I forgot. Did you know about tomorrow nights party?"

"Party?" I asked.

"Yeah, the whole guild is throwing a party tomorrow night to celebrate the past few months of peace. It's been a while since some catastrophe happened, that's enough reason to celebrate."

I giggled along with her, "That's awesome."

"Yeah, Master is going to have everything. Music, dancing, drinking obviously." She said with a smile.

"Sounds fun Mira. I'll definitely be there."

Mira smiled at me, handed me my drink and went back to work. I bend the draw a little to take a sip, not even get a little cause next thing I know I'm wearing the smoothie, and a pink haired hothead is laying on top of me.

"Sorry Luce." Natsu said on his knees, laying over me.

Natsu was thrown into me by Gray. Gray comes running over to me to help me up but I just sit up and clump the smoothie in my hand that got all over my breasts. I can feel the cold drink slide into my bra, it's so nasty and sticky.

"Oh it's totally fine, Natsu. Here have some yourself!"

I then threw the clump at him, it hit his chest, laughing as I saw the look on his face.

"Oh you wanna play now do you?" He said, smirking mischievously.

I held my arm up in surrender scooting away on the floor, "No, no no no."

Natsu picked me up and threw me over his shoulder.

"Ah! Natsu put me down! I give. I give! Just wanted to show you it's not nice ruining a girl's top!"

"It wasn't just me Luce, IcePop over here is the one that threw me into you!"

"Oh don't even blame this on me FireBreath!" Gray retaliated.

I just sighed and slumped against Natsu, my stomach over his shoulder, trying not to get embarrassed because my ass is literally near his face. The sound of a sword slamming on the ground silenced the two in a millisecond. I was relieved that Erza is now involved.

"Natsu! Put poor Lucy down this instant!"

"Yes Ma'am!" Natsu said, putting me down.

"Thanks Erza." I said straightening out my clothes.

"You two owe Lucy an apology for dumping her drink all over her and slamming into her. And next time I expect you two should watch what your doing before someone gets hurt!"

"I'm really sorry Lucy, promise I'll make it up to you okay?" Natsu said smiling.

"Yeah, me too Lucy. I'm sorry." Gray said.

I sighed and hugged them, then let go. "It's fine guys. I guess I should go home anyways, it's getting late and I need to take a shower now too."

I said tugging at my now ruined top, this was one of my favorites too. This sucks now I've gotta go clothes shopping on top of paying my rent. Looks like I'm gonna have to go on another job soon.

"I could use a shower too, you did splat me with some smoothie." Natsu said smirking.

"Then go home and take one, silly. I'll see you around."

I then sighed and started toward the exit, Natsu looked like he was going to talk to me about something but decided against it, he and Happy then went home. I was about halfway down the street from the guild when I heard someone call out my name. I look back and see Gray running to catch up to me.

"What's up?" I ask.

"Mind if I walk you home?"

I shook my head. He put his hands in his pockets and walked beside me. The walk for the most part is silent until we get to my buildings front door.

"Hey Lucy, I am really sorry about that. I should've looked to where Natsu was gonna land. I swear I'll try to make it up to you somehow."

"I told you to not worry about it but if your persistant to make it up to me. Just buy me another smoothie sometime, I was looking forward to drinking it, not wearing it." I said laughing.

"So, like a date?" He asked.

I stop in my tracks to look at him, raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What?"

He bit his bottom lip and looked down, I find that kind of cute actually. "I um, I kinda over heard you and Levy today at Sweets and Things."

Realization dawned on me and I inwardly face palmed. You've got to be joking.

"Okay and? Your not gonna tell anybody are you?" I asked a little scared that he'd spill my biggest secret.

He shook his head, "Nah Lucy, I'm not like that. I wouldn't do that to you. Reason I bring it up is cause I thought maybe before you make your decision about Natsu, you'd give me a chance."

I blinked, did I just hear him right. "Wait, what? Are you saying what I think you're saying?" I asked.

He nodded. "But I thought you were starting to give Juvia a chance." I asked confused.

"I was, up until Lyon asked her out and she accepted."

"Seriously? But she was so head over heels for you."

He shrugged, "I guess she didn't want to hurt his feelings and is trying to give him a chance. I blew mine with that."

I sighed and rested my hand on his shoulder, "I'm sorry Gray. I really am, going through that sucks but I don't want to go on a date with you if all I am is a rebound. Plus you already know how I feel for someone else."

"No Lucy that isn't what I meant at all. You wouldn't be a rebound."

"I'm sorry, I'm lost here."

I raised an eyebrow as he struggled for the words, noticing the chill of evening and the fact that this is going to be a long conversation I interrupt him.

"Do you wanna come in? We can talk about this where it's warm." I ask.

Noticing the goosebumps on my arms he nods. As soon as we get inside I put on some tea and make my way to the bathroom.

"Just let me change and get cleaned up first okay?" I called back out to him.

"Alright, I'll just sit on the couch." He called back.

I grab my pajama shirt and shorts and a washcloth from the cabinet. I take off my shoes then strip off my bra, tank top and skirt and get the washcloth wet with hot soapy water from the bathroom sink. I clean the smoothie off my chest as quickly and neatly as I can then dry it with a different washcloth. Satisfied that I'm not as sticky anymore, I put on my pajama shirt. It's just a blue cami tank that have white stars on them and matching shorts. I walk back out into the living room/kitchen, moving towards the kitchen to get the tea kettle off the stove.

"Do you want some tea, Gray?"

"Sure, thanks Lucy."

I prepare the tea cups and bring them out to the living room and sit on the couch next to Gray, handing him his tea.

"Okay, so what's really going on." I asked after taking a sip and setting it on the coffee table.

"Truth is the reason I couldn't give Juvia a straight answer after all this time and why I was putting it off is because I have feelings for someone else. That someone else is you, Lucy."

"Me? Are you sure?"

He chuckled, "Yeah you. Why do you find that so hard to believe?"

I shrug, "I dunno, maybe because I've never had a guy like me in that way before."

"Well believe it Luce, I've felt something for you since I met you, I just didn't know it yet."

"If you've loved me for all this time then why haven't you said anything to me?"

He sips his tea, "Same reasons why you won't tell Natsu."

"Fair enough."

I drank more of my tea, having this new information run around through my mind. I understand everything he's saying and I feel for him, I really do but I'm not going to lead him on, that's just wrong. I'm in love with Natsu, that will never change. I just don't know how to let him down without totally crushing his feelings. Plus he is one of my greatest friends, I don't want to lose his friendship.

"Gray-"

He cuts me off, "Look I know what your gonna say, just please hear me out first."

I sighed and nodded.

"Just give me tomorrow, I'll take you on a date and then to the guild party and if by the end of the night you don't feel any spark between us, I will leave it alone and respect your decision with Natsu. That's all I'm asking, is one day."

I sighed thinking it over, and after thinking for a while I decide to do it. It's only one day. My heart won't be changed all that easily and if that's all he wants and he will respect my choice after then what could it hurt.

"Alright Gray. One day."