Chapter 1: A chance

Sleep just wouldn't come no matter hard he tried. Natsu laid awake with his digital clock reading half passed twelve, his thoughts filled with nothing and no one but Lucy. She consumed him. Ate at him. Absentmindedly he itched his nose, shutting his eyes as he pictured her; her long, beautiful hair, wondrous body, that sweet angelic voice and lovely smile. Already he was at attention. A thought of watching television or just rubbing one off crossed his mind every now and again but he just didn't feel like moving. Maybe he could just text Erza or Gray and see if they're up? Knowing Erza she's probably reading more of her erotic novels and Gray's either snoring away or sexting Juvia. Natsu growled at the thought. He could confess to a girl but he couldn't? To Natsu, it was like Gray could do something he couldn't and it pissed him off more than anything. Natsu cursed his fear and doubt. To think him—someone not afraid of anything, was so scared to just tell some girl he liked her, but… Lucy wasn't just some girl.

So many times he's wanted to tell her. He's had so many opportunities—so many times he had her alone and yet he could say nothing. It was pathetic. Each time he missed his chance he'd always just sit and think and curse out his inability to convey his feelings. Why the hell were three words so damn hard? He could always say what was on his mind to just about anyone, but her… Maybe because he just didn't want to ruin his relationship. Once she said no, it was over. They couldn't be friends. It wouldn't be the same. Then, what would he do? Pretend it never happened and go back to being friends? Natsu laid the back of his hand over his eyes and gave out a sigh.

"What the hell am I going to do...?"

Almost as if his mind was read his phone vibrated on his bedside table. He took his phone and read the text.

Hey, Natsu, are you awake?

It was Lucy... There was a pause before Natsu texted back.

Yeah, I'm awake. Is there something wrong?

No… Not really. I just…felt like talking to you. Well, actually, the truth is there's something I've been meaning to ask you.

What is it?

Natsu couldn't help but gulp, his eyes focused solely on his phone, caring little of anything else.

Loke's throwing one of his usual weekend parties and I wanted to know if you wanted to come? Erza, Gray, Gajeel, Cana, and even Levy are showing up. I haven't asked you yet so… Do you want too?

Loke, huh? Natsu bit his lip and internally cursed the pretty boy's name. There was nobody in Magnolia who hasn't heard his name through either social media or the girls talking about how amazing he was. Loke was the king when it came to throwing parties. Every Saturday he threw one that outshined the last, each having some kind of theme. If he recalled correctly, the last one was swimsuits and the one before that was costumes. Natsu considered him like a brother; he always had advice when he was down and never left him down, however, he always tried to make a move on Lucy. Always hitting on her and pulling her away. So many times he's wanted to punch that smile right off his face…

Natsu simply rolled his eyes and texted back, not wanting to leave her hanging. Not like he mattered. Only one thing mattered…

Are you going?

I'm thinking about it… I'll go if you go.

"Wait, seriously?" There was a pause as Natsu mulled it over.

…What's the theme?

I think it's formal wear… If Grey's correct, it's going to be at some dining hall.

"A dining hall!?" Natsu couldn't help but choke a bit before quickly texting back.

Seriously!?

Yes, seriously. I know how much you like food. But there's…one condition to going.

Condition?

A pause.

…You need a date.

A date?

"A date…" Natsu read the text over several times, huffing to release some anger. Where the hell, if he wanted to EVEN go, find a date? Not like she was going to go with him since Loke probably already snatched her up. Damn him.

Yes, so do—

Natsu arched a brow to her unfinished text, his eyes stretching at their seams when she sent the rest.

Do you want to go with me!?

"Seriously!?" Natsu gasped, almost dropping his phone, fumbling around with it before finally stabilizing it in his hands and texting her back.

Yeah, of course. Um, what time?

8:30. I'll meet you there ok?

Sure. Well, g'nite.

Nite!

Natsu waited a moment, putting his phone back down on his bedstand once Lucy's texts stopped coming in. The pink haired man placed his phone on his bedside and laid his hand on his chest, his eyes glued to the ceiling. He couldn't believe it… It took him a minute to process it before he jumped up off his bed and screamed in victory. Now, just maybe, he had a chance. A chance to finally tell her. Natsu took a look at himself in the mirror and nodded, his expression brimming with confidence.

"Now I'm all fired up."

This idea popped into my head, so I started it. Sorry it was short if anyone happened to enjoy this, but there wasn't much going for this chapter. I'm at odds whether or not to do the next chapter on Lucy's side or just continue with Natsu... If I do that it may be short, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there. See ya later! : )