Author's Note: I don't own Fairy Tail. Chapter 2 will introduce Natsu and the boys. It got too long to put in one chapter.

Even with her combat training lessons, Lucy found herself huffing in exertion – the wall surrounding the Heartfilia estate was, indeed, taxing. Damn, I thought I was in better shape than this… Lucy bit her bottom lip in frustration and pain. The two weeks of house arrest really took their toll… The black fingerless gloves helped with the friction of the brick wall, but she knew she would have to purchase new ones once she was out…if she made it out. Lucy shook her head; she had to remain positive – not to mention focused. The sudden surge of activity and sound alerted Lucy that she had a few minutes before she would be found. Her father's bloody hounds would find her in no time once they were released; she renewed her efforts to scale the wall. Her raw fingers and broken nails were bleeding but she dismissed the thought – it wasn't life-threatening. It did make the scaling harder since the hot liquid acted as a lubricant. The howls of the hounds filled the estate as Lucy finally threw a leg over the wall. She glanced at her home – no, her prison – and sent a private thanks to her loyal servants who had stalled and created diversions for her escape. She stared at the large window on the first floor of the building; a cold hand of terror gripped at her throat as her mind insisted on seeing her father's shadow in the window. Were it not for her steady breathing, Lucy might have remained frozen with fear. Breathe in and out: In…out…In…out. Finally getting a hold of herself again, Lucy jumped to the other side – to life beyond the walls of her prison, to freedom, to adventure.

XX

Lucy sighed and tied her work apron around her waist. She had been rejected from her last internship application and it…well, to put it simply, sucked. It was difficult to land the internships because she lacked any previous work and educational experience. She had no high school transcripts and she was attending the local community college. She collected her long blonde hair into a ponytail and put on her blue visor. Lucy shook her head and smacked her cheeks, "You're Lucy Philia. You will be a successful writer and professor."

She balled her hand into a fist and whispered, "You've got this," only to have her head drop in defeat a few seconds later.

Her pride and soul had taken a hit with her recent failures, but Lucy believed that what was meant to happen would happen…or at least that's what she told herself during her pity parties. She only wished they would take a chance on her – she would learn quickly and be the best hard worker they had ever seen. There was no time to mope on it – her shift began in two minutes and she couldn't afford to lose her job.

Lucy worked at a café in downtown Magnolia called Starry Nights. It was named after the famous Van Gogh painting. Rumor had it that the owner of the café also owned the original painting itself. Overall, Lucy had to compliment the simplistic style of the café. It's color palette was, of course, inspired by the Starry Night's palette. It was a very modern café – with its high tables, outlets, and free wi-fi service. However, Lucy would argue it was the menu that retained customers. The highly affordable items were quality at its finest (for their price).

Lucy waved at Levy who was rushing to the staff room, "Stuck on a good chapter?"

Levy sent her the middle finger, "You know it."

Lucy's laughter was cut short by the bell ringing as the door opened, "Good morning and welcome to Starry Nights!" She automatically spit out, "What may I get you?"

The three males – rather handsome if Lucy admitted – approached the counter. The orange-haired male opened his mouth, "As beautiful as ever, Lucy! You remember me, of course, I was gone for a few months studying abroad in Europe and Africa," and Lucy wished his mouth had remained closed.

Nodding, Lucy brushed aside his flirtations, "Of course, Loke. How were the animals? Are you still determined to be a veterinarian?"

"More than ever. I have an internship opportunity for this upcoming summer – shadowing and working at an animal reserve in Africa. You know I'm such a sap for the big cats," Loke glowed, a small blush animating his face as he rambled about his passion and Lucy thought if it weren't for his shameless flirtations she would have been charmed by him.

Lucy's smile faltered for a moment at the mention of an internship, but she quickly hid it, saying, "I'm glad. When do you leave?"

"June twelfth." He grinned and extended his arms towards his company, "This is Gray and Lyon. They're friends from uni."

"Hi there," Lucy greeted them as they introduced themselves.

The raven-haired one sent a smirk and helpfully deflected Loke's flirtations, "Loke, let's order. We'll be late to class."

Lucy sent him a relieved smile and added, "You should try our sweet strawberry shakes. They're delicious – even more so when I prepare them!"

Loke vigorously agreed, "Yes! Lucy is the best," and with that they sat down to wait for their three strawberry shakes.

Levy finally walked in, whispering, "I didn't want to intrude. The raven-haired boy was definitely checking you out!"

Lucy laughed, "Levy, you think every guy is checking me out."

"They do! How could they not if you're so pretty, Lu?!" she huffed as she prepared coffee

Lucy patted Levy on the shoulder, "Well, I wish they'd do more than stare lewdly at my body. I prefer men who are interested in my thoughts and who I am as a person, you know?"

Levy made no comment and Lucy took the drinks out to Loke and his friends. Contradictory to Levy's observances and conjectures, Gray made no further comment directly towards Lucy. He indicated no interest beyond that of a customer and employee. There was a smidgen of disappointment, but Lucy accredited it because of Levy's comments not because she had any interest in him.

They left and that was the end of another possible "love interest" as Levy put it.

XX

It was a quiet morning at the café – not that Lucy was surprised. She had just unlocked the door a few minutes ago. Levy was late per usual – not that Lucy minded signing her in – and was rushing to work at the very moment with her wet hair flying behind her. Lucy chuckled at the image and continued frosting the strawberry and lemon pastries. Assuming it was Levy, he didn't turn to face the counter when she heard the bell ring saying, "I already clocked you in."

"I must have forgotten I work here, because I didn't know I was working today," a male voice rang in the small café

Lucy smiled, a blush creeping along her face, "Can't say I'm surprised, Fullbuster."

Gray laughed, "Damn, Lucy. You really don't hold much regard for me, huh?"

"It's not – damn," Lucy stared at the foiled pastry, "I messed up frosting – Look." Lucy held out the lemon pastry towards Gray – the frosting dripping onto the counter below.

Gray frowned, "It looks fine to me. Overdid the frosting, but nonetheless edible."

"Edible but not acceptable for sale," Lucy countered, swiping it away from Gray's watering mouth and popping the pastry in her mouth. She giggled at Gray's disgruntled expression and handed him an extra lemon pastry, "It would be too cliché if you ate the pastry from my hand. I expect more from you."

"Fair enough."

Lucy moved to prepare Gray's usual; he had been coming every day at exactly 8:07 A.M. after she had teased him and accused him of being inconsistent. It had been seven weeks since he had first came to Starry Nights with Loke and Lyon. Lucy had forgotten about the raven-haired man until he came back a few days later at 8 A.M. He had a class at nine at the private university and he claimed he just couldn't get through the day without having a strawberry shake with extra ice in the morning so Lucy complied and awaited his visit although she wouldn't admit it. She enjoyed their times together – he had recently asked for her number and they had been texting frequently. He had quickly become her best friend (along with Levy), and she welcomed the support he always seemed to provide. It seemed both were happy where their relationship was now, so Lucy ignored the jabs from Levy poking fun at their "friendship".

After all, Lucy couldn't afford to forget her past. Getting involved with anyone was dangerous –if her father found her, her significant other would be threatened, and Lucy could not subject anyone to that.

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