Authors Note: Hello again! A big thank you to everybody that reviewed, favourited or followed. I got more favs on the first chapter than I did on my entire last fic which was 6 chapters long. If you have any compliments or questions, or maybe something you want to ask me (whether it's about myself or the story), don't hesitate to leave a review or PM me. I like the direction the story is going so far, how do you guys like jealous-Lucy? I think it's a nice change of character as opposed to some other fics you might read. I won't promise daily updates for this story, because I'm trying to make each chapter a bare minimum of like 5k words, but you should have a chapter every few days unless I get a spark of inspiration and smash out an entire chapter in one sitting. Anyways, enjoy!

Chapter 2: A Day At The Beach

Yukino's eyes fluttered open at the sounds of loud crashes coming from outside her friend's house. Feeling for Natsu under the covers, she noticed that he had gotten up some time before she had awoken. Slightly disappointed that he had left without saying a word, she sat up in his bed and let out a long yawn. I can't remember the last time that I slept that well. she thought. Looking around the tiny stone house, she didn't see her friend Natsu anywhere. Now worrying he had left her intentionally, or that he didn't want to be around her, she wrapped a blanket around herself and walked outside to investigate the crashes that she had heard a minute before. Behind his house, Yukino saw that Natsu was training, using his magic to knock down trees and destroy makeshift targets.

Fire Dragon's Talon!

Natsu shouted, bringing his blazing foot down and destroying a group of trees, splintering them and leaving a large crater in the earth.He's so strong. she thought to herself. No wonder Sting-sama and Rogue-sama didn't stand a chance against him. Sniffing the air like he had done at the GMG ball, he spun around and waved to her. How did he know I was there? she wondered. She chalked it up to enhanced Dragon Slayer senses and walked over to greet him.

"Ohayou, Natsu-sama." she said.

"Ohayou, Yu. Sorry I left without saying anything, it was early and I didn't want to wake you up." he said, rubbing the back of his head with a nervous smile.

"I don't mind. Say, Natsu-sama, is this how you train every morning?" she asked.

"Aye. Sometimes I go and beat up Gray first thing in the morning, other times I might spar with another guild member or usually I just destroy stuff in the forest." he said.

"Natsu-sama, why are you and Gray always fighting? I figured if everyone in Fairy Tail are such good friends, you would never fight." she asked out of curiosity.

"Well, in my opinion, it really isn't even fighting. We both kind of see it as just playing together. If we had a real fight in the guild, it would probably be completely destroyed by the time we were done. Now that you mention it, I know you're not really supposed to, but I've never had a serious fight against anybody in the guild, unless you count Laxus. Gray and I have been rivals since I joined the guild many years ago. Even if he or I doesn't admit it, we're as close as brothers, and we'd do anything for eachother. Play fighting doesn't mean we don't like eachother, it's just a game that we play." he said.

"I never dared pick a fight with any of my...guildmates (she couldn't really call them friends) since I was the weakest of the bunch. I couldn't do a thing to Rufus-sama or Orga-sama, let alone Sting-sama, Rogue-sama or Minerva-sama." she said with a sad expression, looking down at her feet.

Putting a hand under her chin, and bringing her face up to meet his onyx-coloured eyes.

"Hey, don't badmouth yourself, Yu. I already told you I'd beat up anybody that did that, and I can't hit you of all people, so I'd have to hit myself. You're just as strong as any of your old teammates, you just have a different style of magic than they do. Rufus, Orga, Sting, Rogue, Minerva...their magic is more suited to one-on-one combat than yours is, and Celestial Spirit Mages rely on the spirits to do all of the attacking. Whether you do or don't regret learning Celestial Spirit Magic, it's a part of who you are, and it makes you strong in different ways than them. Just because I could beat Lucy in a fight doesn't mean she's weak, we just have different fighting styles, and mine might happen to be better. You are strong, Yukino, in more ways than just physical or magical strength. It takes a strong mage to get back up after being kicked when they're down, and an even stronger one to start anew in a new guild with new people. Don't belittle yourself, because you'll never get stronger if you don't believe in your own abilities."

"You...really think so?" she asked in disbelief.

Ruffling her hair affectionately, he said,

"I know so. What do you say we go to the guild? I'm starting to get pretty hungry."

Breakfast does sound nice right about now. she thought, hearing her stomach grumble. She agreed with him and they both set off for the guild. On the way, she felt their hands brush up against one another, and he grabbed hers and intertwined his fingers with her hand. She looked up at him with a smile, who beamed back down at her.

"So, Natsu-sama, Mira said that I should go on a mission to make some money to pay for rent at Fairy Hills, and I was wondering if you could help me find a job on the board." she said.

"Of course. Team Natsu was planning on going on a mission already today, why don't you join us? We can always use another strong member." he replied.

"You want me on your team?" she asked.

"Why wouldn't I? If you don't want to, that's fine, I was just offering..." he began, but she interrupted.

"N-no, Natsu-sama! I would love to be on your team. I was just a bit nervous, that's all."

"Then it's settled! Come on, Yu!" he shouted, pulling her with him as he ran up the road that led to the guild. She laughed with him as they both ran up the road and into the guild, stopping at the door as Natsu turned around with a confused look on his face.

"What's the matter, Yu?" he asked.

"Um..." she began, looking down at their still intertwined hands, "is this really alright...people might get the wrong idea..."

"I wouldn't be holding your hand if I was afraid of being seen, Yukino." he said with a serious tone.

He's...proud to be seen holding hands with me? What if people think that we're...a couple!? All of the scenarios running through her head, he didn't give her time to finish thinking as he pushed open the guild doors and led her inside, still connected at their hands. Where they would normally be met with a "NATSU! YUKINO!", they were met with a chorus of "Awww"s from the girls and "HAREM!" from the men. Natsu, now blushing himself, waved back as he led Yukino over to the job request board. Now that the GMG was over, their guild had apparently been getting many more requests for jobs after winning. Before he had time to select a job, Gray, Erza and Lucy came over to the two as Gray said,

"Oi Natsu. Is Yukino coming with us on today's job?"

"Of course. I invited her to join the team, so it's only natural that she would come with us Gray." he replied.

Lucy felt herself getting visibly angrier when she heard that Natsu had invited Yukino to join their team. First, he has the audacity to sleep with her in his bed AND on her lap, but now he's gone and invited her to OUR team? What is he thinking?

"Natsu," Lucy began, "I don't think we need any more members on Team Natsu. If we get too many people, the reward will be spread much too thin, and I won't be able to pay my rent."

"It's okay Luce, you and Yukino can split my reward. I don't really need money anyways."

Lucy felt like she was going to explode. She was really losing patience with Natsu, and was going to have to take drastic measures if she was going to combat Yukino's charm.

"No, Natsu-sama! I couldn't just take your money like that, it's not fair." Yukino said.

Maybe it'll solve itself. Lucy thought.

"I insist, Yu. I don't pay rent and I can eat at the guild, so I have no use for money, not to mention I have quite a bit saved up from our previous missions. If you won't take it, we'll go on a mission with just the two of us." he replied, countering her argument.

THAT IS NOT AN OPTION! Lucy screamed internally. Hold on...YU? A CUTE NICKNAME?

Lucy was fanning herself with her hands, trying to cool off her brain at all of the fantasies of seduction and cute dates and nicknames and-

Noticing her odd behaviour, Natsu spoke up and asked,

"Hey, Luce, are you feeling all right? Maybe you should stay home today."

"N-n-no no no! I'm fine, just fine, I...I just uh..." she stuttered, trying to find words to excuse her actions.

Walking over and putting his hand on her forehead, he said,

"You seem kinda warm, Luce. Do you want me to look after you today?"

YES! she thought. As she was about to accept the offer she has been hoping for, Gray spoke up and said,

"Hold on Natsu, that's not necessary. Juvia!" he yelled, calling out to the Water mage who instantly appeared at his side.

"Yes, Gray-sama? Do you need a massage? A hot bath with Juvia? A date?" she chirped.

"No, Juvia," he began, sweat dropping, "but Lucy isn't feeling well, can you take care of her and make sure she doesn't go anywhere?"

Saluting the Ice Make mage, she responded,

"Juvia will make sure Lucy does not leave her house until Gray-sama returns!"

"Great, Juvia. Make sure she stays out and maybe I'll take you out to dinner when we get back." he said, getting her hopes up.

Juvia beamed back at Gray, and then took Lucy by the arm and yelled,

"Oh GRAAAY-SAMA, JUVIA WILL DO ANYTHING FOR THAT! COME ON LUCY!" she yelled as she dragged Lucy away and off to her house.

"Nooooo! Natsu, save me!" she called.

"Sorry Luce, I'll take you out to dinner to make it up to you!" he called back.

"Oh...OK then! Bye Natsu, have a good time!" Lucy called back, her spirits feelings much more uplifted now that he offered to spend time with her and only her.

"Get better soon, Luce!" he called for the last time, waving his hand and flashing his smile as Juvia turned the corner and Lucy was out of sight. Turning back to his group, he took a deep breath and said,

"Now that that's taken care of, are we ready to leave?"

They all nodded, and Natsu looked over at Erza and asked,

"Have you already picked out a job, Erza?"

"Yes, the reward is 500,000 Jewels and it requires us to spend the day as lifeguards, protecting the beachgoers from the various aquatic monsters that seem to be washing up on the shores." she said.

"What, like, crabs and shit?" Gray asked.

"Something like that. Bring your swimsuits and anything else you might need, and we'll regroup at the train station in one hour." Erza said.

"Aye!" they said in unison, as Gray departed for his apartment and Erza set off for Fairy Hills. Natsu and Yukino, being the only ones still standing around, stood there for a moment until Natsu asked her,

"Well, let's get going back to my house. I've already gotten your luggage dropped off so your swimsuit should be there too. Ready to go?"

She nodded and they set off, hands intertwined once again, on the way to Natsu's home. It feels natural holding his hand now, it's kind of nice. I feel safe whenever our fingers are laced together. she thought as they walked.

"Oi, Yu, have you been to the beach before?" Natsu asked her as they walked.

"I believe so, when I was much younger, but not recently, no. I've always wanted to go though, I love the smell of the ocean breeze. It's the only thing that I recall about the beach." she replied.

"I'm glad we get to go there together, Yu. It seems like a cool place for a date." he said nonchalantly.

DATE?! she thought with a great surprise. Are we...going on a date? Not...not that I mind, really. It does sound like fun. Gripping her friend's hand tighter, she replied in a much calmer tone than her thoughts,

"It really does, Natsu-sama. Then, does that mean...we're going on a date?" she asked shyly.

Flashing his famous grin at her, he replied with a cheery tone,

"I guess so. I hope you don't mind."

"I don't, I'm actually really glad, Natsu-sama. I didn't know you felt that way about me, that you would want to spend time with me like that." she said.

"Of course I want to spend time with you, why do you think I sent Lucy home? You're the only Celestial Spirit mage I have eyes for." he replied with a small grin, looking ahead.

He...doesn't like Lucy-sama? Then, that means...

"Natsu-sama..." she begun.

"Hmm?" he said, looking down at her.

"I think that I...like you too..." she said, getting quieter with each word that escaped her mouth.

Natsu looked surprised when she said that. Did she just say what I think she said? he thought. But...I was supposed to confess to her first, at the beach today.

"Well, you must know what two people do when they like each other, right?" he said with a grin.

Before she could ask him what he meant by "two people", she felt his lips pressed up against hers, the taste of smoke and ash very apparent in her mouth. She was shocked initially, she had no idea that he was going to do it, but by no means did it feel wrong or unenjoyable, so she closed her eyes and kissed him back, relishing in the smoky flavour of his lips. Wrapping his strong arms around her waist, he pulled her closer to him as they shared a passionate kiss on the trail that led to Natsu's home in the forest. She ran her fingers through his pink locks like she had done the day before, eager to explore his body as the two released all of their pent-up feelings for one another in that one moment. Separating for air, they looked deeply into each other's eyes, Natsu gazing on her blushing features as she looked at his handsome face, both of them panting and foreheads touching.

"I think I'm...falling for you, Yukino." he whispered, only audible due to their close proximity.

"...Me too, Natsu-sama, I wanted you to be happy no matter what but...I'm so glad that you want to be with me and nother." she whispered back.

Brushing a stray lock of her silver hair behind her ear, he chuckled and said,

"You're the most beautiful girl that I've ever seen, Yukino. Lucy can't compare. You're strong, brave, compassionate and loyal. Everything I could ask for from a mate...you fulfil. Before I met you, I might have said the same thing about Lucy, but now I understand just how different the two of you really are. Now that you're here, with me, and the guild...I can't do without you. Please...don't ever leave." he said, and he sounded in pain at the last part, like it really took him a lot of willpower to ask her not to leave the guild and return to Sabertooth.

Putting her soft and delicate hand against the tanned skin of his face, she said with her eyes glimmering from tears of happiness,

"I would never leave your side, Natsu-sama. You showed me what it was like to truly be strong, and to live for other people. You're the light to my darkness, the first thing that I want to see when I wake up in the morning and the last voice I want to hear telling me 'goodnight'. You showed me a piece of Heaven, and now I can't go back to where I came from, not without you. I really am..." she said, bursting into tears at the end of her sentence,

"...so glad that I met you! Don't leave me either, please Natsu-sama. I've never felt this way about anyone before."

She fell to her knees as she sobbed uncontrollably, and he dropped down to her height and wrapped one arm around her back, another behind her head resting her face against his chest and letting her cry into his vest.

"Let it out, Yu-chan. It'll all feel better when you're done, I promise. We won't hide our feelings from each other any longer, understand? I hate to see you cry." he said soothingly, stroking her hair and cooing into her ear.

I'm such a mess, she thought. But I'm also...so happy. I think I...really do love him. Pulling away and wiping away the last of her tears, she smiled up at the young man that had comforted and confessed to her and said,

"Th-thank you, Natsu-sama. But, what about Lucy-san? She's going to be sad to learn that you don't reciprocate her feelings."

Sighing and looking off into the distance, he said with a much drearier tone,

"I don't know how I'm going to tell her. I can't lie to her, but...I don't think she can handle hearing aboutus."

"Us?" she asked with a confused tone.

"Well, it seems natural for us to be a couple after what we just said to each other, right? I mean, I don't want to force a relationship that you don't wa-" he began, but was interrupted by Yukino uncharacteristically leaning forward and pressing her lips against his, less passionate but still with emotion like their previous kiss. Before he could kiss her back, she pulled away and said,

"I would love to be your girlfriend, Natsu-sama. Only if you'll have me though, I'm not very good at this dating thing." she said with a giggle.

"Of course, Yu-chan." he said, standing up and extending his hand to her. "Ready, Princess?" he asked, comically bowing as he held out his hand. Giggling like a schoolgirl, Yukino accepted his hand, saying

"Thank you, Prince Natsu."

Flashing his million-Jewel smile at her, he put his arm around her as they walked the short distance back to his house. When they arrived, Natsu grabbed his swimsuit from his small closet while Yukino sifted through her suitcase, grabbing her swimsuit and asking if it was alright to change in his house. After Natsu had promised not to look, she quickly undressed and threw on her swimsuit. It was a good thing she was quick too, because she noticed Natsu lose control of himself and spin around on an impulse, only to be met by Yukino in her bikini. Smilling back at him, she showed herself off, asking,

"Well, what do you think Natsu-sama?"

Natsu was met by an awful nosebleed and the sight of Yukino's "assets" squeezed into her bikini top, which was enough to knock him off of his feet (literally). Rushing over to his side, she helped him up and to keep him from falling over again, threw on a large t-shirt over her bikini. Now that he had regained control, Natsu notified her that he was going to change as well and not to look 'unless she wanted to,' which earned him a whack upside the head. Quickly changing into his swimsuit, he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her out the door, saying,

"Hurry up, Yu-chan! We're gonna be late!"

Running hand in hand, the couple raced down to the train station to meet up with their team. Dodging pedestrians and running at a breakneck pace, they finally made it to the train station, panting and bent over at the knees. Gray and Erza ran over to them, Gray exclaiming,

"What took you two so long? We thought we were going to have to leave without you."

"Sorry...just...girlfriend...swimsuit...breasts...tired." Natsu said incoherently between breaths.

"Girlfriend? Breasts? What are you talking about, flame-brain?" he said with an irritated tone.

Regaining his breath and able to speak clearly now, Natsu said to the two,

"Gray, Erza, meet my girlfriend, Yukino." he said with his famous grin, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" Gray and Erza shouted in unison. "IT HASN'T EVEN BEEN AN HOUR! HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!"

Speaking up, Yukino said,

"We'll tell you on the train ride there, Gray-san. Let's get going." she said, the first to take Natsu's hand and led him onto the train. Gray and Erza, still in shock, stumbled after them to their compartment. Upon entering their compartment, Natsu automatically laid down on Yukino's lap as Gray and Erza took the seat across from them, still in shock at Natsu's revelation.

"So...were you going to tell us how this all happened?" Erza asked.

"Aye," Yukino began, Gray raising his eyebrow at her use of Natsu's word, "well, where to begin. We were walking back to Natsu-sama's house, when he asked me about if I had ever been to the beach before. I said that I remembered the ocean breeze, and he said that the beach was a nice place for a date. I was shocked at first, at the idea of the two of us going on a date together. But it sounded nice, you know? Just the two of us...anyways, he then told me that he only had eyes for me and not Lucy-san. I was so happy, and then he...kissed me." she said, blushing at the end.

Gray and Erza didn't say anything but just looked dumbfounded, and Yukino figured she should continue,

"After that, he confessed his...feelings (she almost said 'love') for me, and I was so happy to know that he felt the same as I did. That's when he asked me to be his girlfriend." she said, ending her story with a big smile.

"I never would've guessed Natsu was so romantic. Nevertheless, I'm happy for you two. I was hoping Natsu would find love eventually." Erza said with a smile.

"Thank you, Erza-san. What about you, have you found love yet?" Yukino asked.

"Eh...I, uh...maybe." she stuttered, her face going red. "I don't think he returns my feelings, though."

"Nonsense..." Natsu muttered from Yukino's lap, "Jellal is totally in love with you, Erza. You just need to tell him how you feel is all. The worst thing he could do is lie about a fiancée that isn't real again."

"Hmm...maybe you're right, Natsu. I'll tell him how I feel the next time he comes around." she said eagerly with a twinkle in her eye.

"Jeez...it's like all you guys do is talk about love." Gray mumbled, looking out the window at the passing countryside.

"What about you, Gray-san? I think Juvia-san has a crush on you, too." Yukino said.

"As if I didn't know that already, she's just too clingy for me. I need a woman that doesn't stalk me around and offer to give me a full-body massage whenever I say her name." he said.

"Have you ever thought that she does all that because she's just trying to get your attention, Gray? You're the reason she joined the guild in the first place, after all." Erza replied.

"I know that, and I'm glad she was able to join the guild after being in Phantom and being unhappy for so long, but...I just need a little space is all." he said, looking back out the window.

I'll make sure to give Juvia-san a heads up when we get back from the mission,Yukino thought to herself, absent mindedly running her fingers through her boyfriend's hair as he purred affectionately with his eyes closed. He's like a cat, she thought to herself, giggling.

"I'm sure you'll come around eventually," Erza said, "but let's try to sleep now while we still can."

Yukino didn't find that very difficult with her own personal body heater snoring away already on her lap. She felt her eyelids growing heavier as she leaned her head against the wall and fell off into a deep sleep.

Now that the couple were asleep, Gray looked over at Erza and asked,

"How do you think Lucy is gonna take this? Everyone knows how she feels about Natsu."

"I don't know, Gray. I just want everyone to be happy, but I don't think such a thing is possible in this situation. Someone is going to get their heart broken, and it's most likely going to be Lucy. I just hope she doesn't take it too hard." she replied.

Yawning, Gray said,

"We'll figure it out when we get back..." and laid his head against the wall and began to fall asleep. Erza nodded and she too began to nod off, trying to keep Jellal off her mind but failing miserably.

Some time later

"Yu-chan, wake up!" Natsu shouted into her ear as she jolted awake to meet his face only inches from hers.

"Waaah, so close!" she shouted as she instinctively pushed him away from her and knocking him to the ground.

"What's the big idea, Yu-chan?! I was just trying to wake you up since we just arrived." he said with a confused tone.

"You don't have to be so close to me when I first wake up silly. I'm sorry." she replied with a sigh.

"Don't be sorry. Come on, let's get going." he said, scooping her up in his arms and carrying her out of the train like he had when they first arrived at Magnolia. As they walked off the platform and set off towards the beach, Yukino said,

"You know, Natsu-sama, I can walk on my own."

"Oh..." he said, looking a bit sad and his ears drooping a little, "I thought that girls liked being carried because it makes them feel like a princess and that's how I think of you. I'm sorry." he said, letting her down. Oh no, I hurt his feelings, Yukino thought. As he kept walking on ahead of her, she ran up behind him and jumped onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck, saying,

"You can still carry me, silly. I just didn't want to feel like a burden, that's all."

"Yay, I'm not an idiot!" he shouted, putting his arms under her legs and running full speed ahead. She laughed at his antics and held on tight as he sprinted off towards the beach.

"Hey, idiot, wait for us!" Gray shouted, a vein popping out from his forehead. "Those two...they'll be the death of me, I swear."

"Try to appreciate young love, Gray." Erza said, smiling at the happy and wild couple barrelling down the street and off towards the beach.

"You're right, Erza. As annoying as he can be, it's tough to stay mad at that guy." Gray said, returning the smile.

After Gray and Erza caught up with the two who were happily running around the beach, they met up with another lifeguard who was the one who had employed them to the job of protecting the beachgoers.

"Ah, great, you're all here! The job is simple enough: Just relax and enjoy yourselves, but keep a lookout for any large aquatic monsters that might wash up from the ocean. Otherwise, just think of it as a day off at the beach, with a little work to do on the side. Thanks for coming, and let me know if you need anything." the lifeguard said, leaving them to return to his tower.

"Wow, a day off at the beach! That sounds amazing!" Yukino exclaimed, holding onto her boyfriend's hand and smiling up at him.

"Yeah! Come on Yu-chan, let's go swim in the ocean!" he shouted, pulling her off to the sea as she giggled and followed him, shouting "Aye!" in return.

Smiling at the happy couple, Erza said to Gray,

"Well, we should enjoy ourselves too then. Keep a lookout for crabs and the like, Gray." she said.

Nodding, they followed in Natsu and Yukino's direction as they laid down on a beach towel and forget all about their job of peacekeeping for the time being.

Not far away from our members of Fairy Tail...

"Sting, why are you dragging us to the beach? It's pointless." Rogue said, a frown on his face.

"Because it's fun, Rogue, you ought to learn to have some fun now and then. You're always so gloomy." he said, waving off Rogue's complaint.

"I have to admit though, the feeling of the warm sun and the sand on my feet is one sensation I'll never fully memorise unless we go to the beach, Rogue. Try to enjoy yourself." Rufus said, who, for the first time in a long time, was not wearing his exquisite hat.

"Yeah, Rogue, try to live a little," Orga said, "try to enjoy the sun and all the beautiful women!"

"Tch," Rogue said, "Whatever you say."

"Tomorrow, you can go on as many boring missions as your heart desires, OK?" Sting said, slapping his friend on the back. "Today, we have fun!" he exclaimed, rushing down the beach and towards the ocean. As Sting went barrelling into the water, he heard a familiar voice from a ways away in the water. Being a Dragon Slayer and having enhanced hearing, he could faintly hear a voice that sounded a lot like... Natsu-san? What is he doing here? Sting thought to himself. Wading through the water towards the sound of the voice, he saw exactly what he had heard: Natsu Dragneel, playing around in the water with...Yukino!? So they're both here, he thought. I wonder how many other Fairy Tail members are here as well. Also having enhanced sight, he could see from far away the pink Fairy Tail guild mark on Yukino's arm.Tch, so she did join his guild after all. Sting felt his blood boiling along with a sense of betrayal. How could she betray him like that, her old teammate? What did she see in him? As he was about to confront the two, he saw a sight that made him completely lose control: Natsu planting a chaste kiss on her lips, and Yukino blushing back at him.Oh no, oh no, no, no, no. This is not happening, he shouted in his head. I'll show those two, I'll show her how strong I've become, by beating the shit out of Natsu-san, right in front of her!

Now wading at top speed towards the two, Sting shouted,

"NATSU-SAN!"

Hearing his name called, he spun around at top speed, he saw none other than Sting of Sabertooth looking at him with a seemingly angry expression on his face.

"Oh, hey Sting, what's up?" he asked nonchalantly.

Ignoring his question, Sting looked at Yukino, saying,

"Yukino...I see you've adapted to Fairy Tail quite well." he said, rage very audible in his voice.

"Yes, I have, Sting-san. I'm very happy here." she said quietly, hiding behind Natsu.

"Oh, I bet you are. But I didn't come here to beg for you to come back to Saber, because even I know that won't work. I came here to teach Natsu-san a lesson!" he said, pointing a finger at the pink-haired Dragon Slayer.

"Teach me a lesson...for what? Bringing Yu-chan to Fairy Tail? Kissing my girlfriend? Beating you in the GMG? Be a little specific, Blondie." he said with a much more displeased tone than before. He didn't like it when people bothered his girlfriend.

"How about all of the above? If I win, then Yukino comes back to Sabertooth!" Sting shouted.

Natsu pondered this for a second, and let out a hearty laugh, saying,

"Damn Sting, I didn't know you were that funny, honestly. But in all seriousness, not even I'm that dumb to make a bet like that. Besides, Yu-chan isn't some piece of property that I can throw in the pot as some kind of wager, she has her own feelings and if she wanted to join your guild, I'm sure we wouldn't be having this arguement right now. I'm more than happy to rough you up a bit, since you had the audacity to use that tone with my girlfriend." he said, igniting his fists.

"Natsu-sama, no! We're here on a job, remember?" Yukino reminded him.

"This will only take a minute, Yu-chan. The whole beach will be safer without pricks like this guy walking around."

Gray and Erza, who had been silently watching the two stare eachother down and predicting a fight, began to shoo away all of the beachgoers to prevent any casualties from the ensuing fight. Once everyone had been evacuated, Erza called out to Natsu,

"Natsu! The beach is clear! Go all out!"

"Good to know, Erza!" he called back, "Thanks!"

Looking back at Sting, he said to him,

"Let's not waste any time, shall we?"

"Sounds good to me!" Sting shouted, back, releasing a white aura of magic which suddenly amplified, sending a feel of strong magic through the air. Scales forming around his face and along his arms, he wasted no time entering Dragon Force, an ability that could be activated at will that greatly amplified his own magic power, Third Generation Dragon Slayers being the only known ones of being able to enter Dragon Force without consuming their respective element. Noticing that Sting was wasting no time sizing him up, Natsu laughed to himself and said,

"Guess I'm going all out too. I've still got a couple tricks up my sleeve that didn't get shown at the GMG."

Slamming his hand against the sand, a red magic circle appeared as he shouted,

Second Origin: Release! Primal Dragon Force!

Primal Dragon Force? Sting thought. I've never heard of such a thing. A bright red light emanating from Natsu's body, he burst into a large tower of flames, his features becoming very different and the magical power in the air being amplified immensely. His skin seemed to be falling off his body, revealing shiny red scales that covered not just his face and arms but his entire body. Horns, similar to that of a ram, burst from his temples, giving him a very inhuman appearance. His pupils had become reptilian, like that of a lizard or a dragon. As if the scales and horns weren't enough, a large, dragon-like tail protruded from his lower back, covered in the same scales as the rest of his body. Sting had never seen this ability from Natsu before, when he had beat him and Rogue in the GMG, he had thought that was the peak of his power. He couldn't put into words the feeling of sheer terror that he felt standing before this...creature. Yukino was just as surprised as Sting was. Is that really...my Natsu-sama? she thought. His flames calming down, he ceased his transformation and looked up at Sting, speaking to him in a very calm but much deeper tone than what he normally sounded like,

"This gift is one given to me by none other than my "uncle", Atlas Flame. Before he left to return to his time from when he came, he gave me this power and told me to use it to protect the future, just as the Future Lucy had told me earlier. My future is with Yukino, and I will destroy anyone that stands in my way of that. I will not hold back, Sting. Prepare yourself."

Well, what did you guys think? Not bad? I hope so, I worked on this chapter for about 2 days, trying to figure out where I wanted to go with it when I had the idea of a fight at the beach when I was listening to a Fairy Tail OST while I was typing this out. A few things to just point out with this chapter: Yes, I know that I stopped having Yukino use "-sama" with everyone but Natsu halfway through the chapter, I wanted it to be sort of like how Juvia only uses "-sama" with Gray's name and nobody else. Second, a thing that I like to do which I did in my previous fic (shameless plug, go read it) was I like to develop the relationship early and build from there until the finale, I don't want to have like 4 chapters of fluff and then the confession. Finally, if you enjoyed it or want to continue reading, please please please favourite and follow the story. Also, if you enjoyed, please do not hesitate to leave a review, all of the kind reviews put a big smile on my face and encourage me to work harder to crank out chapters for you guys, and I'm also a sucker for compliments. Thanks for reading!

-Cameron