It was probably a very bad idea me starting this story now. I'm still in the middle of a Supernatural/NCIS crossover fic - called Mixed Priorities, in case you're interested ;) - and the last time I tried doing a Fairy Tail fic I didn't finish it. Whoops. However, I really wanted to start this one, and I have a good feeling this will go better then last time. This is kind of like a prologue, so I hope it gains your interest :)

Based before the Acnologia attack.

Erza smiled fondly at the sight before her as she and her friends walked through Magnolia towards their guild. It had been a successful mission, with the team easily retrieving the lost treasure of a struggling village, and being offered half of said treasure as a reward. Natsu even managed to hold off on destroying any houses or hundred-year-old monuments. Of course Erza decided they couldn't accept the proffered reward, when the village so obviously needed the financial support. Unfortunately it meant the group of four mages and one flying cat were just as low on money as before - even more so now because of the dragon slayer's unbeatable appetite and an all you can eat buffet they discovered on the way back. This was what had begun the debacle unravelling before her eyes presently. Gray had begun lecturing Natsu on wasting jewels, and the lecture had continued right on until the ice mage was marching ahead in only his boxers. This of course encouraged nothing but smart ass retorts from Natsu, and so begun the usual argument between the long time friends. Erza knew they were friends, deep down. It only made their constant fights all the more amusing. Erza had learnt to give up on mediating between them long ago, and was now content to just stay out of the way until the mages let off enough steam. The truly amusing sight to Erza at that moment however was Lucy. The blonde celestial spirit mage was dragging her feet, her arms hanging in front of her and her head hanging low. She was mumbling almost incoherently about rent money and 'stupid nobility', with the occasional comment about 'hotheads who can't give it a rest'. Erza laughed and rested an armour clad hand on Lucy's shoulder comfortingly.

"Don't worry, Lucy. We'll find another job to pay for your rent." Lucy looked up at Erza and smiled weakly.

"Yeah, I know."

"All I'm saying is you didn't have to eat the entire restaurant to the ground!" yelled Gray, subconsciously leaving his trousers on the path behind him.

"Oh come on, it was all you can eat! I ate all that I could!" Natsu growled back. "And at least I was wearing pants!"

Gray automatically looked down at his almost nude body. "Ah crap!" The boys were completely oblivious to Lucy and Erza's exchange of words, but Erza doubted that would matter. They were always ready to go on another adventure - especially if it meant helping their nakama out with her rent.

Erza walked slightly faster, dragging her enormous mountain of luggage behind her as if it was nothing, as the Fairy Tail guild came into view. Titania always enjoyed the jobs she did with her team, but it was always exciting to return home. No matter how good or bad a mission went, her day was always brightened by the smiling faces that filled the hall.

As they got closer it seemed there was one more smiling face then usual. A tall man stood outside Fairy Tail, leaning against the wall alone. He had red hair slightly darker then Erza's, spiked all over the place with one long strand hanging partially over his face. The man was adorned in a rich blue vest that showed his well toned stomach and chest, as well as long, baggy white pants. He was handsome and looked to be about Natsu's age, though he was taller. An excited grin was plastered on his face and his whole body seemed tense in anticipation. This strange stillness changed dramatically as Fairy Tail's strongest team came into view. He bounded off the wall and came speeding towards them, waving his hand in the air.

"Yo! How's it going?" he called out as he ran.

"Who's this guy?" asked Gray, confused. Erza shrugged and Natsu suggested,

"Maybe he's a fan! Come to talk to the best mages of Fiore!" Gray just rolled his eyes at Natsu's idiocy. This all happened as the young guy closed the gap between them, and Lucy… She hadn't said a word. As Natsu turned back to the oncoming bullet of enthusiasm, he noticed Lucy's strange behaviour out of the corner of his eye.

What's she trembling for? He wondered.

Suddenly the man had reached them. Or, more specifically, reached Lucy. He picked her up and hugged her intimately, spinning her around in excitement.

"What's up Luce? You miss me?" he placed the dizzy mage back on the ground. Lucy raised a hand shakily to her head, steadying herself.

"Damon. I - I can't believe you're here." Lucy's voice was wavering and small. She had hardly moved a muscle and was looking at the ground in shock.

"What's the matter?" Damon put a hand underneath Lucy's chin and lifted her face to look at his. His shining green eyes were serious as he studied her chocolate brown ones. "Aren't you glad I'm here?"

Lucy took in a deep breath before giving a bright smile, her whole face lighting up. "Of course I'm glad! It was just a bit of a surprise, that's all. I had no idea you were coming!" Lucy hugged the rugged man before turning to face the rest of her team, who had been watching on with intense interest. "Guys, this is my friend Damon. We were really close when I was still at the Heartfilia estate. Damon meet Natsu, Gray, Erza and Happy." Erza smiled warmly and reached out to shake his hand, which he accepted. He had a strong, aggressive grip. Gray lifted a hand in a wave and Natsu looked from Lucy to Damon then back again. After a moment's consideration, he stepped forward and grinned welcomingly. Happy hovered by his shoulder uncertainly.

"Hey, any nakama of Lucy's is a nakama of mine! Nice to meetcha!"

Damon smiled. It was a smile that put Natsu's teeth on edge. It was cold. "Likewise." He turned to Lucy who was standing by his side, his arm draped around Lucy's shoulder in a way that had both Natsu and Gray studying him suspiciously. "So, are you going to introduce me to the rest of your friends?" He gestured back to the hall where yelling and laughter could be heard from out on the street.

Natsu could swear he saw Lucy flinch slightly before she answered, "sure! They're all going to love you!" She and Damon led the way to the impressive building, Erza walking along side them asking questions about how they met. Gray followed just behind them quietly, with a look of mild interest on his face, listening to Lucy and Damon's answers. Natsu stood where he was a moment longer. He wasn't so sure about this Damon guy. He was certain he'd seen Lucy shiver, and he was positive he'd seen her flinch. Natsu got the impression Lucy was scared, and this worried him.

"What's wrong Natsu?" asked Happy nervously, hoping his best friend was ok.

"I don't know about Damon," muttered the pink haired boy quietly. "He doesn't smell right."

"But you only just met him! He seems nice enough," reasoned the furry exceed. His eyes got a mischievous look to them. "Are you jeeeaaaalous? Because he's so close to Lucy?"

Natsu glanced at the muscular arm resting on the petite girl before hissing slightly and following after them. "Of course not, Happy! I just don't think he's very good news."

The team of mages entered the guild to a loud, warm hearted welcome, with Levy immediately appearing to ask all about the 'total hunk' as she put it. "Well you're going to have to give him a chance," said Happy wisely, glancing over to Charle. "Just like the rest of the guild." He turned to Natsu and smiled. "Do it for Lucy!"

Natsu sighed. "Yeah, I will." He watched as Damon sat down at the bar next to Lucy, his arm never leaving her shoulder. He would give the guy a chance.

Just, not yet.

He was going to have a talk with Lucy first.

So, opinions? Let me know :)