Hello! Thank you for those who have already jumped onto the wagon and read the first chapter of my story! Special thanks for those who have reviewed, favourited and followed! Anyways, let's get to the story. Enjoy!

Disclaimer - I do not own Fairy Tail.


A few months later, Lucy said her farewells to her friends and Mike, who had become one of her closest buddies. She had decided that a new start was in order after high school ended. Magnolia was her destination.

Once arriving, the blonde instantly felt at home. Though she was born there, her memories were hazy. The only thing to go off by were her mother's fond words. After settling into a cosy home, that she had found for a pretty price, Lucy went out in search for a job.

Walking around for only a few minutes, the blonde stumbled upon a large mall. It seemed out of place compared to the rustic looking town. At the front of the doors, there were many people handing out flyers for the products that were being sold or for, to Lucy's luck, recruitment opportunities.

Skipping up to the front, Lucy put on her best smile and greeted a random group, who looked nice enough.

"Hi! Um, I noticed you needed employees. What does the job entitle?"

The pair of girls looked at each other and shrugged. The red-haired woman began speaking. "Our store just recently opened up so there's not many people working there yet. It's a beauty boutique but we also sell our own line of clothes. Do you have any experience with this industry?"

"Well… I don't know much about makeup, although I am a fast learner! I'm very organised so I can do your records and I'm pretty good at stocking shelves and I'm a fast clothes folder. Is that a good enough resume?" Lucy gave them a lopsided grin, feeling the pressure of failure collapse on her.

"I like you, you seem cool. We can get other workers to do the makeup side of things but we definitely need some hands on deck." The blunette smiled sweetly and handed her a business card and a pamphlet with directions.

"So… I'm hired?"

"For sure! Come meet us after hours today for the specifics. I'm assuming that you're new around here, so go explore." The blue-haired female's face dropped as she suddenly remembered something. Fumbling with all the flyers, brochures and cards in her hands, she extended one for Lucy to shake. "I'm sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Levy McGarden, in charge of the finance and recruitment side of things. You'll meet the other's later."

"Oh! Well I'm Lucy Heartfilia." Feeling a strong gaze, Lucy turned her head to look at the other female standing beside Levy. "H-hi!"

"I'm Erza, Erza Scarlet. I'm in charge of maintaining the business." She shook Lucy's hand like she was shaking a pancake mix.

Levy leaned up to her and whispered, "well she's really in charge of everything 'cause she's quite bossy. Don't get on her bad side." The two giggled.

"It was nice meeting you two and thank you for the opportunity of letting me work with each of you. I'm going to excuse myself to go check everything out." Lucy bowed politely and hurried off.


After a lot of exploring, while also finding the boutique, Lucy felt her legs drag behind her. She had been there for hours but the mall seemed to go on forever. Lucy liked shopping as much as the next person but she didn't ask for a marathon. Although the place was confusing and had way too many shops for one area, Lucy loved the variety and how welcomed she felt.

Finally nearing the last section of the shopping centre, something caught her eye. Lucy stopped walking and stared at the small store, which was hidden in between a large shoe shop and a pharmacy. Lucy scrummaged through her bag and whipped on a black cap. Topping the look off, she flipped on the hood of her jacket, keeping her head down as she neared the store.

As she entered it, her body felt drawn to it, like nothing she's felt before.

"How… strange…" Lucy mumbled.

It was a comic, games and book store. There were quite a few people bustling here and there, buying merchandise or browsing the wide selection. There were children over at a couched area playing games at a TV, screaming and giggling.

"Hi! Can I help you with anything?" A male worker skipped over to her.

She shuffled uncomfortably in her spot and shook her head. Quickly, Lucy waddled to the back of the shop, hiding behind one of the shelves. Lucy had always loved games and comics and all that good stuff. Her mother and father would always spend their weekends playing with her on the big screen at their mansion. She was constantly being bullied by both the girls and boys at her school for always being over-excited and passionate about everything, especially games and comics.

Lucy never understood their logic but her mother said they were just jealous that she was different. So, as time went on, Lucy started hiding her passions and she became closed in.

Breathing in and out deeply, Lucy collected herself and began searching through the place. Running her fingers across the many books, she felt calm. Half an hour passed and Lucy was still in there, going through every nook and cranny, exhaustion leaving her.

For the whole time she was there, the worker kept his eye on her. He picked up the phone and dialled a number as he leaned on the counter, watching the mysterious person's every move.

"Hey dude. There's this guy at the store and he's been here for ages. I feel like he's stolen something and is gonna make a run for it." He listened into the phone and loudly whispered, "no! I haven't confronted them yet! I don't want to start trouble again. Last time was already bad enough! I still haven't paid for all the damage and you know I've been working my ass off!"

Squinting his eyes at the figure, he covered his mouth and spoke even quieter. "They're wearing a black hood, black cap and track pants… suspicious, I know! Ok, ok. I'll go over to him but I'm telling boss that it's your fault if anything happens. Hey! I'm not reckless! I can be cool about it! If you don't believe me, then come over here and you'll see that the criminal will be gone and nothing will be damaged. Fine! I'll bet you 15 bucks." He hung up the phone and jumped over the counter in a swift motion, making his way to the hooded figure.

Lucy immediately felt someone coming towards her so she faced the corner, pretending to be intrigued in something on the bottom shelf. Crouching down, she pulled her cap lower. Her heart beat quickened and her breathing hitched in her throat, making her feel light-headed. Suddenly, someone tapped her on the shoulder.

"Um… could I ask you to take off your hood and hat? I'm not being a weirdo or anything but it's just in case you try to steal something, I know what you look like. Just so you know, I'm just doing my job."

Lucy had no control over her body and she shook her head, making her look even more suspicious.

"Then could you at least stand up. It looks like you're taking a dump or you're hiding something."

"A dump…?" Lucy furrowed her eyebrows as she giggled quietly.

"What? You do look like you're taking a dump!"

Lucy jolted slightly as she realised he had heard her.

"So… could you let me see your face?" Natsu placed his hand on her shoulder and Lucy immediately snapped around, slapping it off.

As she was doing so, one of her flailing arms knocked into the bill of her cap, her hood and hat falling off. Her blonde hair fell out of the hat, flowing onto her shoulders and down her back. Lucy felt her heart stop as she realised what had happened, her eyes growing wide.

The male let his hand fall to his side as he stood there, completely frozen. Her eyes captivated him, as if they were staring into his soul, reading his past and his future. His palms started to sweat and his hand found its way to his scarf.

Lucy felt her eyes relax as she stared into his, her breathing now shallower than before, if that was even possible. However, she no longer felt nauseous. Snapping out of her daze, Lucy bowed, her hair coming off her shoulders and to her face.

"I'm sorry for causing any trouble, I'm new here and just wanted to look around. I wasn't planning on taking anything and I know I look suspicious but I don't feel comfortable." Lucy straightened her back and avoided eye contact with him. "I wasn't going to commit a crime."

"Well, I know that now. But next time, just come as you are, no need for the creepy getup. You can be comfortable here. No-one's going to judge you if that's what you're worried about." The boy smiled with his teeth showing.

"Thank you…"

"No problem! Since you said you're new, how about making your first friend? I'm Natsu, your neighbourhood maniac." He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly and extended his other hand for her to shake.

"I'm Lucy the... neighbourhood newbie?" She shrugged her shoulders and laughed at herself. Lucy stopped as she noticed Natsu laughing too, his eyes closed and his canines showing. Pink hair? He probably dyed it… Lucy looked at her watch and gasped. "Oh no! I better get going. It was nice meeting you, Natsu." Lucy walked around him after picking up her hat from the ground.

Natsu grabbed her arm, stopping her from going any further. "Are we going to see each other again? You're weird…"

Feeling slightly offended, the blonde responded cautiously. "Um… sure. I live here now and I have a potential job at a shop here too. You'll probably see my face around. I've really got to get going, so, I'll catch you later?" Lucy smiled, her head tilted slightly.

"For sure."

"Hey! Natsu! Have ya trashed the plac-" A raven-haired boy ran into the store, stopping at the counter. He halted in his tracks as Lucy jogged passed him. He followed where she had come from and saw his friend standing in the middle of the aisle, running a hand through his hair. "What. Did. I. Miss."

Natsu sighed, a smile gracing his lips. "Well, you missed something alright."


So, they've finally met, eh? Perhaps... there was a spark?

Next time, on Unlikely Match:

"Natsu... Yesterday, something... happened." Lucy stopped walking and twiddled her thumbs as she bit her lower lip.

OHHHHHH what's Lucy gotta say to Natsu? What the heck happened? A lot of things are going to be progressing on the next chapter so keep an eye out for it the day after tomorrow!