The Journey Begins

Lucy had half a mind to summon Horologium several times over. They were a day and a half's walk away from the border to Silver. Luckily, they were planning to take a train from Limesburg, Fiore to a city right outside Silver's capitol.

The rough soil was really taking its toll on her feet. Happy had packed the wrong boots for her. All she had was her knee high fashion boots. They were several hours away from Limesburg. Surely they would have a decent shoe store that could sell her something comfortable. As for now she decided to tough it out.

"Carry me, Lucy." Happy collaped onto her chest, she instinctively caught him.

"Tired already?" Lucy asked him. They had only left their campsite an hour and a half ago.

Happy laid limp in her arms. "Mhmm."

"It's too soon to be taking breaks." Erza said, effortlessly pulling her cart behind.

"It's fine." Lucy smiled. "I guess I owe you, you've carried me quite a bit."

"And I'm nowhere near as heavy as you are." Happy sighed.

"Don't push it, fleabag."

"It's incredibly rude to mention a lady's weight." Carla sniffed. "Have some manners, Tomcat."

"I was just teasing."

"We're on our way to the border." Gray was talking to Juvia through his communication lacrima. "No, we won't make it today. We are going to stay in Limesburg tonight. Lucy needs new shoes. No Juvia, we aren't sharing a bed."

Lucy sighed. When would Juvia cease to see her as a rival?

"We can stop at the Yellow River," Happy told her. "Remember all the fishies we caught down there Natsu?"

"Atleast twenty." Natsu nodded.

"Huge, juicy fishies." Happy closed his eyes and fantasized about eating them.

"We had fish last night." Lucy complained. "If I would have had time, I could have bought some groceries."

"I brought plenty of snacks." Erza piped in.

"I still have some snacks too." Wendy said, patting her backpack.

"I'll get some more in Limesburg." Lucy told her.

"We can pick some apples in Orchard Valley." Erza said in a dreamy tone. "The reddest, sweetest, juiciest apples grow there."

"They sell apple pies too." Gray added. "We're talking about Orchard Valley, there's apples."

"I can't wait to take a real shower." Lucy smiled. Last night she bathed in the river and it left her chilly all night.

"And a bath." Wendy added.

"Nah," Natsu disagreed. "Any good ol running river suits me just fine."

"Speak for yourself." Erza shook her head.

"Once we split up the treasure," Lucy dreamed. "I'll finally be able to buy back my childhood home."

The group was headed to the Grand Inez Mountain Range bordering the Country of Bellum and the Pergrande Kingdom. Legend said that a hoard of dragon's treasure remained stashed there. The quest itself was to retrieve the Diamond of the Depths. The legendary Diamond was rumored to be over worth over fifty Billion Jewel. A retired treasure hunter had offered to pay double to whoever could retrieve the diamond...he cared nothing about the remaining treasure.

"I'm going to build my own personal river and stock it with tuna." Happy added.

"I think I'll open my own bakery." Erza said.

"That sounds nice." Wendy commented. "I don't have a clue what I'd buy."

"That's more Jewel than I'd know what to do with for sure." Carla sighed.

"I'm just going to put the money into savings." Gray said.

"That's boring." Natsu shook his head.

"Oh yeah flame brain," Gray smirked. "What's your big plan?"

"I don't know yet."

"Pch, you don't even know?" Gray exclaimed.

"You could open a pizza parlor," Happy suggested. "Or start your own circus."

"There's an idea," Gray said, the same smirk on his face. "You've already got the clown act down."

Natsu opened his mouth to say something, but Erza spoke first.

"That is an excellent idea, Happy. I had once dreamt of taming wild animals..." Erza zoned out with a dreamy look on her face.

"I wouldn't mind having an act too." Lucy played along. "Maybe as an acrobatic dancer. Wendy could walk across a tightrope."

"I don't like heights." Wendy disagreed. "But I could make balloon animals for the kids."

"Oh!" Happy exclaimed. "I could have a magic act and Carla could be my assistant."

Carla thought for a moment. "That...doesn't sound like a bad idea at all."

"I knew I was irristable." Happy smiled.

"I don't know where you're getting that idea." Carla mumbled.

"You guys are really running with this circus idea," Natsu grinned. "We've got to have some killer food options."

"Popcorn and cotton candy!" Happy cheered.

"Burgers and ice cream." Natsu added. "Gray, I'll let you sell snow cones."

"There's an idea." Gray said in a sarcastic tone.

"Glorious" Erza grinned.

"Cotton candy snowcones." Wendy drooled.

"We're talking about Natsu opening up a circus." Gray filled Juvia in. "I'm not gonna be a clown. Nope...no way...I- uh. No, not even then."

"Gray's blushing!" Happy pointed out.

"Hey," Lucy said playfully. "Keep it P.G."

"I'll call you tonight when I make it to my room." Gray promised Juvia.

"Oooooh, won't be P.G. then!" Happy chuckled.

Gray gritted his teeth. "Alright, you too. Bye."

-o-

It wasn't until a little after high noon when they had arrived at the Yellow River. It was really only yellow in mid-may during the rainy season. Yellow dirt would wash in with the runoff from the hills North-West of Fiore. Right now the river was a bit green, but they were able to find an area where the bottom was visible. They planned to cross after a thirty minute break.

Lucy practically peeled her boots off.

"Ugh.' She groaned, laying back onto the green grass that covered the riverbank. She alternated lifting her feet up so the cool breeze could ease the pain that miles of walking had brought upon them.

Happy and Natsu were already splashing in the River, supposedly trying to catch fish.

Erza had spread out a blanket, she and the others were passing around food.

"Hiya Princess!"

"Virgo?" Lucy sat up and shot her punishment loving celestial spirit a questioning look. "What's the matter."

Virgo sat at Lucy's feet. "I sensed you were in pain, I came to offer my services."

"It's just sore feet." Lucy laughed nervously. "Nothing I can't handle."

Virgo tickled Lucy's feet.

"Haha, stop it!"

"You haven't summoned me in a while. I thought I'd pop in to check up on you."

"Well, alright." Lucy laid back on the grass.

Virgo went to work massaging her feet.

"Hey Virgo?" Lucy asked tentatively.

"Yes, Princess?"

"Have you heard anything about Aquarius...has she come back yet?"

"I'm afraid not."

Lucy sighed. "It's been over two years."

"My words have made you sad." Virgo said in a hopeful tone. "Perhaps it'd cheer you up if you punished me?"

"No, thanks."

"Aquarius is a very powerful celestial spirit." Loke told Lucy.

"Loke..." Lucy was surprised to see him out as well.

"It makes sense that her key would take a few years to reform again."

"Especially considering that one day in the spirit world is equal to nearly three months in the human world."

"How many more years then?"

"My guess is three or more years."

"Aw, man." Lucy sighed.

Loke sat in the grass beside Lucy. "If I hear anything, you'll be the first to know."

"Thanks Loke."

"No problem, beautiful." Loke pulled out a fan. "You look like you're overheating." He began to fan her.

Lucy grinned. She purposely avoided summoning Horologium so she wouldn't fell high maintenance...and here her other spirits were...making her feel high maintenance.

"You guys are the best." Lucy sighed, drifting off.

When she opened her eyes again she was face to face with a silver mackarel, gasping for air.

"Ah!" Lucy pushed herself back a foot.

Happy burst into a fit of laughter.

Her spirits had gone back to the celestial world.

"That's disgusting!" She shivered.

"Eat me, eat me!" Happy spoke for the fish.

Lucy grabbed her shoes and stormed off to where her friends were sitting.

"We caught thirteen fish." Natsu beamed, he was soaking wet.

"Awesome." Lucy said, not putting any effort into sounding enthusiastic.

"What was Loke saying?" Natsu asked her.

"Oh...he promised to tell me of any news regarding Aquarius's key." Lucy slipped her boots back on.

"Neat," Natsu said, patting Lucy on the back. "Once we hear she's out there, we'll track her down."

Lucy saw the look in Natsu's eye, the hunger for adventure. In this case, a quest to find Aquarius...something he knew mattered dearly to her. Lucy couldn't help the butterflies in her stomach. Her feelings for him had gone on a rampage ever since the morning after her Gala. She exhaled and focused on zipping up her boots.

There's no point in having feelings. She told herself. He clearly doesn't care for me in the same way. I need to move on, I need to move on.

"I saved you some granola bars." Wendy handed Lucy three packaged bars.

Lucy put two in her lap and opened the third. "Thanks Wendy."

The bar was gone in six bites.

"We should leave in ten minutes." Erza said, twisting the lid to her canteen back on.

Lucy felt incredibly groggy from her short snooze. She leaned back against the wheel of Erza's cart and closed her eyes. It felt so good to rest.

"Hey Gray," Wendy asked. "Could you cool this for me?"

"Sure, kid."

"Thank you."

"We're set to arrive in Limesburg before nightfall." Erza stated. "Tomorrow afternoon we can board the next train to the border."

"Yay..." Natsu and Wendy moped.

-o-

"Lucy, wake up." Natsu called.

"Okay," Lucy mumbled. She couldn't find her strength. She just sat there for a moment, rubbing her eyes.

"Come on," Natsu reached out a hand.

"Thanks." She said as she was effortlessly pulled to her feet.

He's so strong. Her face warmed up. I can't believe I just thought that. Lucy quickly walked away from Natsu before she could have anymore thoughts.

"There is a Pub in Limesburg, rumored to have the best pie in Fiore!" Erza chattered. "We must put that rumor to the test!"

"Can children go in there?" Wendy asked.

"You're a teenager." Lucy pointed out. "It shouldn't be a problem."

"There is a dance floor too." Erza beamed. "It would seem the Dancing Demon may make a return."

"How exciting!" Wendy beamed.

"I'll have a chance to show Carla my dance moves." Happy told Natsu.

"What dance moves?" He asked.

"Wait and see."

"I'll stay at the hotel." Carla muttered.

"The landscape is so beautiful!" Lucy said in awe.

Far off, right before the horizon, the Yellow river disappeared into a thick Forrest on their right. To the left were rolling hills at least twenty different shades of green. Straight ahead was a worn path cutting through tall prairie grass with pops of color from the scattered clusters of wild flowers. Bees and butterflies floated busily from one flower to another. Lucy was pleased that they got to walk through this. The sun was beating down on them, but the steady breeze was enough to keep them cool.
All too soon the buildings belonging to Limesburg appeared on the horizon. They had finally made it to their last stop in Fiore.

Limesburg was just about as busy as Magnolia. The streets were slightly crowded with it's citizens preparing for the evening. Various aromas such as baked bread and cakes tangled in the air. The money in Lucy's pocket burned for the raspberry fruit tart she saw in a window. Before she could convince herself to buy it, a hand had already reached for it and took it out of the window display.

"Damn."

"My father's pastries are to die for." Lucy heard a voice say. "They go quick, and was the last batch of the night."

Lucy looked up at the tall baker's boy standing beside her. "Does he bake them himself?"

"Yeah." He said with a smile. "He grew up in Bellum, and brought the family recipe over with him. He's kept it secret though, I won't even know it until he passes the store on to me."

"I'll have to try again tomorrow then." Lucy took a step away, aiming to catch back up with her friends.

"Are you from out of town?" He asked, probably taking note of her backpack.

"We're from Magnolia, We're actually on our way through Bellum."

"That's a ways away. What brings you out this far?"

Lucy looked through the crowd, she could see the top of Erza's cart getting smaller and smaller as it got farther away. "Uh, we're on a quest. It was nice to meet you." Lucy tried to back away, but he reached out a hand to stop her.

"Wait, are you staying the night?"

"Lucy." Natsu's appeared beside her, glaring at the guys hand touching her shoulder. "Is he bothering you?"

"No, uh Natsu this is..."

"Gerrod, I was just going to say if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask." Gerrod stood taller and talked in a deeper voice. Lucy could sense a testosterone boost in the air as both guys sized each other up.

"Actually, do you know where I could find some good hiking boots?"

"I'd go to Wizard and Co. Tell them Gerrod Cole sent you, they should give you a discount..."

"Thanks." Lucy smiled.

"It's the weekend," Gerrod pointed out. "You should check out the Lime Tree Pub. It sounds silly, but it's number one for nightlife. Plus, they're the only place that comes close to my dad's baking with their pies."

"That might be where a friend of ours wanted to go tonight." Lucy looked at Natsu and then back at Gerrod.

"I might see you there then."

Lucy nodded and started off towards Erza. "Thanks for your help."

"Anytime." He grinned, then turned back to finish washing the store's windows.

"This place is great." Natsu commented. "I feel like I'm in Magnolia."

"It feels like North Magnolia." Lucy agreed.

"I wonder where this Wizard and Co. place is at." Natsu said, scoping out the shops. "I need a new sleeping mat."

Lucy looked at the rolled mat tucked into his backpack. It looked filthy.

"Gerrod said we might get a discount."

"Hell yeah." Natsu said. "I'm running low on jewel, We need to hurry up and find this diamond."

"The Diamond of the Depths." Lucy stated. "Did you do any research on this Diamond?"

"Not really, 'sept there's a legend that it's possessed by an angry sea witch who's soul was shoved into it to by some wizard."

"Where did you hear that?"

"Happy read it somewhere."

"...Just how dangerous is this mission?" Lucy asked.

"So dangerous that none of the wizards who went looking for it before us have ever returned."

"Great." Lucy sighed.

"Hey," Natsu nudged her. "Between you, me and Happy, this will be a piece of cake."

"What about the others?"

"I figured an entire hoard of treasure was too much for three people to split...so I got them in on it too."

"Sure, sure." Lucy grinned.

They asked a few passing citizens for directions and after walking a few more blocks Lucy was able to find the door to the shop.

"This place is huge!" Natsu said, turning in a circle. There were various types of hiking gear and tents on display.

Lucy looked around and spotted a sign that read 'Ladies footwear'. "I'll catch up with you."

Lucy was able to find several pairs of shoes that seemed more appropriate for walking in than faux leather fashion boots. She sat down and tried a few pairs on. She had to maneuver around several bandages covering her blisters. She took a peek at her sores, they were looking pretty bad. After trying on six pairs of boots, it was a tie between a pair of cute black knee high hiking boots and a pair of practical hiking boots that were not quite her style, but they did come with foam soles that cushioned her feet.

"I'll just get them both." She decided...but then had second thoughts. "I don't want to have extra weight to carry though..."

She held them up again and thought on it for a bit longer.

"I found a mat." Natsu said, joining back up with her. "I've had my old one for so long, I forgot they could be so cushy."

"That's great." Lucy looked over to see the mat Natsu was holding, it looked like a newer version of the one he already had.

"Down to two choices?" Natsu asked.

"Yeah, I like knee high boots...but these other boots have cushions in them."

"Get them both."

Lucy looked at the price tag. Together it'd be eight-hundred jewel. "It's too expensive to buy both pairs...plus, I don't have room to carry an extra pair."

Natsu took the black boots from Lucy and looked at the price tag. "Well, you can throw out the boots you brought with ya right?"

"I like these boots." Lucy sighed, they were actually looking kind of rough. "You're right."

"Buy those." Natsu nodded toward the cushioned boots. "I'll buy these."

"I can get them." Lucy insisted. "I have enough."

"Nah, you need to save your jewel. We have a long ways to go."

"What about you? You said you were running low on the way here."

"I have more than enough Jewel actually. Besides you can pay me back once we get our reward money."

"Thanks Natsu."

How sweet!

They made their way to the register. They had decided to pay together so they could get the discount on the entire ticket.

"Twelve hundred jewel please." The girl said.

"Gerrod Cole told me to mention he sent us." Lucy told her.

"Oh." Lucy watched the girls face turn pink. "He's the sweetest guy ever. In that case, one thousand jewel."

Natsu handed over the money.

"Would you happen to know how to get to the Poppy Hotel?" Lucy asked her.

"When you walk outside, turn left and keep walking until you get to the fountain shaped like a mermaid. She should be pointing east, follow that direction and continue walking until you see the hotel. It's a ten minute walk from the fountain"

"Thank you." Lucy waved goodbye.

They walked outside and turned left. Before long Lucy's foot sores were becoming borderline unbearable.

"Ow." She sighed. "I'm gonna put the cushy boots on."

"There's a bench." Natsu pointed out.

Lucy sat a space away from a mother holding her baby.

"Good evening." The lady greeted.

"Hello." Lucy answered.

Natsu threw out his old mat and fixed the new one in its place as Lucy tentatively unzipped her boots and kicked them off.

She wasn't surprised to see her sock partly soaked with blood, but disgusted all the same.

"Yuck!" Natsu frowned.

"I have some stuff you can put on those sores." The lady said. She handed Natsu a small bag. "There are sanitized wipes and bandages."

Natsu dropped his gear and got down next to her feet. Lucy peeled the socks and old bandages off her feet. There wasn't too much blood, but her ankles looked pretty raw. It felt strange for Natsu to doctor her, but part of her was pleased with his initiative. He wiped around the raw skin and then patted it dry with some clean gauze. Then he put a piece of gauze on the raw part and wrapped her foot up with the bandage. Some of the santizer got into the sore, Lucy gritted her teeth.

"When did you learn wound care." She grimaced.

"I watched Erza fix me up enough times to pick up on a few things."

Lucy slipped her socks over the bandages and then put on her new shoes.

"Ah..." She sighed. "These are great." Natsu handed the bag back to the Lady.

"Thank you." Lucy said to the lady.

"He's a catch." The woman winked at Lucy.

"Yep." Natsu stretched.

Lucy rolled her eyes and headed towards the fountain. Natsu followed a pace behind her.

I could get used to this. Lucy thought. The two of them traveling together, hearing people say how cute of a couple they were. They were even beginning to act like a couple, the past year Natsu had spent a lot of time at Lucy's apartment while she finished her novel... they ate nearly every meal together and he even kept a few of his things at her place. She allowed him to crash on her couch from time to time.

In addition, Natsu was being really sweet to her today. Maybe she could finally begin to hope...

They had just made it to the fountain when a boy around Wendy's age bumped into Lucy.

"Sorry miss." He said, spinning around her in a hurry.

Lucy had barely heard the sound of keys jingling when Natsu dropped his gear and gave chase to the kid.

"Hey!" He shouted after the kid, who was effortlessly dodging unsuspecting pedestrians.

Lucy reached for her keys and was startled when she realized they were missing. She was about to run after them too, but she didn't want to leave Natsu's things unguarded. She watched helplessly as Natsu confronted the kid who quickly turned on Natsu. She could see them fighting in the street. He was a pretty good fighter...but nothing compared to Natsu. In a blink of an eye Natsu had the kid cornered with one hand stretched out towards the kid while the other hand was sporting a fireball.

"Give me the keys, Thief." Natsu ordered.

The kid stood still, sizing Natsu up.

"I don't have any keys."

"I saw you take them." The flame in his hand intensified.

The kid didn't even flinch. With a scowl he reached into his pocket and pulled out Lucy's keys.

"Here." He began to hand them over, but dropped them before Natsu could grab them. Lucy watched in anger as they fell towards the ground.

In a blur Natsu knocked the kids feet out from under him. He hit the ground before the keys did. Natsu picked them up and headed towards Lucy. Laughter erupted all around them. Natsu dusted them off before handing them back.

"That was over fast" Lucy said, clipping them back onto her belt.

"Bastard." The boy spat.

"You're a pretty good fighter." Natsu complimented over his shoulder. "But if I catch you stealing from my friends again, I'll burn your eyebrows off!"

The boy stood and shoved himself through the laughing crowd.

Lucy tried not to laugh, causing air to noisily go out her nose.

"What?" Natsu asked with a satisfied grin.

"I'll burn your eyebrows off?"

Natsu cracked his knuckles. "Someone's gotta teach him a lesson."

Lucy bumped into Natsu playfully. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

Natsu avenging her would never get old.

The sun was getting closer and closer to the horizon. It'd be getting dark soon. Lucy thought wistfully of the mermaid fountain.

"If Aquarius were here," Lucy sighed. "She would threaten my life for letting my keys get stolen."

"Probably."

"I really should find a better way to keep them safe...I'm practically helpless without them."

"I wouldn't say helpless." Natsu jested.

"Gee, thanks...no, you're right."

"You could always pick up some makers magic." He suggested.

"Yeah..."

"Maybe I could teach you a thing or two...maybe even Gray or Wendy."

"I would be down for that"

"I forgot I learned some of Mira's transformation magic ..." Natsu said with a cheeky grin. "I wonder if I can still..."

Poof.

Lucy looked herself in the eye and then gawked at the exact copy of her chest, his vest wasn't enough to cover her assets properly.

"Natsu!" Lucy lept over and pulled his vest together. "We are in public, damn it!"

Lucy watched as Natsu misused Lucy's facial muscles to laugh in the most obnoxious, un-Lucylike way. She had to move with him in order to keep his vest steady enough so she could button him up.

"Please change back." She failed to get the top buttons to latch so her last resort was to press up against him.

"There you are!" Gray's voice made it's way to their ears. Happy flew in too.

Natsu turned back into himself, he was still laughing.

"Oh," Happy chuckled. "I think we're interrupting something."

Lucy was still holding on to Natsu, she let go and gave him a shove.

"You just flashed the entire town!" She scolded. "With my body!"

"Ah, it's not the first time you've been naked in public." Natsu shrugged, rubbing his chest. "Boobs seem like such a pain, like carrying another backpack."

"It's not the second time either." Gray pointed out.

"Or the third." Happy piped in.

"That doesn't mean I care for it." Lucy argued. "Don't ever do that again." She turned on her heels and marched in the direction of the hotel.

The boys followed behind her, eventually matching her pace. She didn't pay attention to what they were saying, they seemed to be getting along. They made it back to the hotel without any further distractions. She met up with the other girls and took turns taking their showers. Lucy laid out her bag on the bed and dug through to find some clothes for dinner. Happy had packed her entire dresser. She decided wistfully to leave some things behind to make room...but she figured that could wait for the morning. Lucy put on denim shorts over some shredded black tights and a tank top. Cancer had styled her hair slightly wavy. Wendy wore a sundress with sandals and Erza had her skirt and button up blouse.

"Let's go eat some pie!"

They met Natsu at the bottom of the stairs, he looked like he took a shower too.

"Where's Gray?" Erza asked.

"Talking to Juvia." Happy said in an exaggerated tone. "They started talking all lovey dovey, we had to get out of there!"

Erza smiled, and started walking towards the door. "They've become quite the pair."

"I'm gonna have to listen to them talk all night long." Natsu sighed.

"That'll be you someday." Happy smirked. "I'll have to move out then."

"That's highly unlikely." Natsu countered. "I'm not made for that kind of junk."

"You're gonna end up like Gildarts then." Happy shook his head. "One day you'll find out you have a love child and you won't remember who the mom is."

"Gildarts has it pretty good." Natsu shrugged.

His words made Lucy go cold all over. It made sense, if he really felt that way...it made sense why he never made a move. It seemed like they'd only ever be friends, nothing more. The thought crushed Lucy. If she didn't have a chance with Natsu... she'd have to keep looking. However, could she ever find a guy that measured up to Natsu? Lucy bit her lip and noticed Erza glancing over at her. Lucy looked back at Erza who then quickly looked away.

She was reading my expression. Lucy thought with a start. Great.

They sat together at the bar and looked at the menu. Despite her crushing mood...Lucy was really looking forward to some food other than fish.

"They only have one fish option." Happy sighed.

"You like salmon." Natsu pointed out.

"I guess"

"Twelve different options for pie." Erza cheered. "But which is the best?"

"I want to try the lemon meringue." Wendy decided. "What pie sounds good to you, Natsu?"

Natsu stared at the dessert menu. "I'll get one of each."

"You've never been one to pass up on sweets." Erza smiled.

"Lucy doesn't pass up on desserts either." Happy said happily. "Trust me, I know."

Lucy rolled her eyes.

"Happy," Natsu said. "Lucy's in great shape."

Lucy looked at Natsu, was he complimenting her?

"Plus, her clothes are always tight enough that if she gained any weight we'd notice."

"And cue my insecurities." Lucy muttered.

When it was her turn, Lucy placed an order for chicken fried steak. The dance floor was crowded with attractive couples. She really wanted to be out there too. Lucy looked around the room. There were tons of attractive guys her age just standing around. Perhaps one of them would ask her to dance. Flirting with some hotties sounded like the perfect way to spend her last night in Fiore. Lucy felt her heart flutter when she saw a familiar face walk through the door. He looked around the room and smiled when he saw her.

Lucy waved Gerrod down. He was actually looking pretty hot. "I was hoping I'd see you here." Lucy said before taking a sip of her drink.

"Is this seat taken?" He asked.

"No, but I was hoping you might ask me to dance."

Gerrod grinned. "I actually never caught your name?"

"Lucy."

He held his hand out to her. "Lucy, would you care to dance?"

She grabbed his hand and they made their way to the middle of the dancing couples. He started out by spinning her and then pulling her close. The dancing was faster than she was used to, but she was able to keep up. He smelled amazing, like sugary musk. The music was pretty energetic, and Lucy was really enjoying herself. She looked over at where her friends were seated. Erza was talking to a guy and Wendy was laughing with Natsu. She saw Gray come in and wave down the bartender.

"Did you get your boots?" He asked.

"Yes, and your discount saved us a couple hundred Jewel. Thanks again."

"No problem."

"How do you know the girl at Wizard and Co.?" Lucy asked.

"We helped cater her wedding." He told her. "

"Was it a big wedding?"

"Not a huge one, around a hundred guests."

"Wow."

"So are you only staying one night?" He asked.

"Yeah, we have a train to catch at noon."

"Well, I better make sure you have a good time then."

"I'd like that."

He spun her out again and the song ended.

"Did you order food?" He asked.

"Yeah."

"I think they brought it out, go ahead and eat then you should let me show you around."

Lucy agreed and they walked back to the bar, hand in hand.

Erza was gone when Lucy got back.

"She's dancing with a guy" Wendy told her and then looked at Gerrod and Lucy's hands. Gerrod let go and pulled Lucy's chair out for her.

"Gerrod this is Wendy."

Gerrod shook Wendy's hand. "Hey, little lady."

"Pleasure to meet you."

Across the bar a group of giggling girls were looking Gray and Natsu's direction.

"Like wise. Your parents are letting you travel all the way to Bellum?" Gerrod asked.

Wendy smiled sadly. "My parents have been dead for years."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that."

"I don't remember them." Wendy said. "So, I can't really be too sad."

"Who takes care of you?"

"My guild."

"We're a part of the Fairytail guild in Magnolia."

Gerrod looked like he was about to fall off his stool. "You fought The Black Wizard, and the dragon and E.N.D."

Lucy threw a quick look at Natsu, who was clearly listening in. Gray looked over at them and then at Natsu. Happy looked a little nervous.

"Who's this?" Gray asked Natsu.

"I don't know, some guy Lucy dragged with her."

"I'm Gerrod," He shook Gray's hand.

"Gray."

"Did you fight the demons and dragons too then."

"Yeah. We had a little one on one." Gray smirked. "I knocked him around bit."

"The hell you did." Natsu growled. "You were outmatched from the start."

"Bullshit."

"That's amazing...You're Lucy Heartfilia then?"

"Yeah." Lucy said, cutting into her food. She's was starting to regret mentioning the guild.

"A celestial wizard, that's really neat. Those must be your keys I saw on your hip."

Lucy nodded, chewing her food.

"How did you defeat The Black Wizard, and E.N.D? I read they were indestructable."

"I didn't." Lucy took a drink of her water.

"You fought some demons though, right?"

"Yeah." Lucy took a bite of her potatos.

Gerrod opened his mouth, but then closed it.

Lucy felt full after three more bites.

"I get the feeling you don't really like talking about what happened a year ago...I'm sorry if I opened old wounds."

Lucy wiped her mouth and stepped off the stool.

"How about that tour?" Lucy grinned, she threw down a couple jewel to pay for her meal.

"Don't stay out too late." Wendy called.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure she gets back before midnight." Gerrod promised before chugging his water.

"We have an early train to catch." Natsu pointed out.

"It leaves at noon." Lucy ran her fingers through her hair.

"It takes you three extra hours to get ready." He argued...rather accurately.

"Yeah, and?" Lucy walked towards the door. She trailed her fingers around Gerrod's back and then motioned him to follow. He grinned and got up out of his seat after her.

"I'll be at the inn later." Lucy shouted to Wendy, taking a quick read of Natsu's face.

I can't believe I've resorted to trying to make him jealous. It wouldn't work anyway.

"Do you like ice cream?" Gerrod asked. "I know of a good place down the road."

"I'm in."

-o-

"So." Lucy began, "Were you born in Fiore or Bellum?"

"Fiore." Gerrod answered. "My parents were born in Bellum though."

Lucy took a bite of her strawberry ice cream.

Gerrod wiped his fingers on a napkin. "We go visit every Summer, my mother's parents are still alive."

"But not your Dad's?"

"No, but she is fifteen years younger than my dad so it makes a bit of sense."

"Why the age gap?"

"An arranged marriage, she was the youngest of six sisters."

Lucy frowned, she didn't know arranged marriages were still a thing.

"They don't really practice that anymore." Gerrod told her. "I heard Eastern Bosco still does some arranged marriages, they're a bit on the impoverished side though. It's kind of a third world nation."

"Fiore's pretty advanced according to what I've heard." Lucy said.

"That's true. We're number one in the East for magic innovation. Alakitasia is catching up."

"Oh yeah?" Lucy thought of the Wizards she came face to face with last year. The Spriggan 12 were incredibly powerful.

"They were led by the Black Wizard for some time."

"Yeah, he built that country you know."

"He was pretty ancient, right?"

"Four hundred years old."

"Wow, how do you know?"

"I-uh...I was pretty close to the action."

"What happened to the evil ones, like, how were they defeated."

"I don't know what happened to Zeref, er, how he was defeated. Those who were taught Dragon Slayer Magic took down Acnologia, and E.N.D ceased to exist."

"What role did your pink haired friend play in all of this?"

"He's a dragon slayer, so is Wendy."

"Wendy too?"

"Mhmm."

"She's so young."

"She's a tough one."

"So..., you're not with that pink haired guy? Natsu?"

Lucy looked around the room nervously. "What gave you that idea?"

"Just how he acted when I was talking to you earlier. Like he didn't want you talking to other guys."

Lucy forced a smile. "You've got it all wrong. We're just friends."

"Gotcha."

They both ate their ice cream in silence for a moment.

"Are there many Wizards in Limesburg?"

"We have a notable population, but we're not quite known for it."

"You never tried to learn any skills?"

"I know some neat card tricks...but no, I only ever practiced baking.

"You're planning on taking over your dad's business then?"

"Yeah, all my older brothers moved on and found different careers. I know it'd mean the world to him if I ran it one day."

"My friend Erza wants to own a bakery, when we return home with our reward money."

"What exactly is this quest?"

"We're looking for a lost hoard of Dragon's treasure.'

'Like gold and jewels?"

"Who knows. Supposedly there is a Legendary Jewel called the Diamond of the Depths, a retired treasure collector is offering twice it's worth to have it delivered to him."

"There is a story around that diamond." Gerrod said thoughtfully. "I can't remember exactly...but it's a sad story. I remember that much."

"A sea witch?"

"Yeah..."

"She was trapped inside?"

"By her lover I think."

"Ouch."

Gerrod chewed what remained of his cone. Lucy wiped up the drops of melted ice cream that had fallen on the table. She sensed Gerrod's gaze.

"What?" She asked, blushing slightly.

"Your eyes are gorgeous." He told her, taking his time to look into them.

"Thank you."

"Let's get out of here."

They spent the next hour and a half walking through the streets, hand in hand. Lucy had decided to let her guard down a bit. She was behind on romance and figured she might play catch up a bit. She flirted here and there, doing what she could to enjoy herself before their quest got serious. Eventually she began to recognize her surroundings... they were close to the Hotel.

What if he wants to come in? Are we going to kiss? I've never kissed a guy before.

Lucy dug her nails into her palm to settle her nerves. Did she really want Gerrod to be her first kiss?

"I guess you need to go in now?" Gerrod said in a soft tone.

"Yeah, I want to enjoy sleeping in a bed while I can."

"You could stay at my place if you wanted?"

Lucy laughed nervously. "I already paid for the hotel room."

"Ah, I see your point."

Lucy leaned against the side of the building. The corner was poorly lit, but she could see Gerrod looking at her. Lucy thought about Natsu, and how she'd rather be looked at by him this way.

"How long do you think this quest will take?" Gerrod said, leaning beside her.

"We don't know, it's never been completed before."

"Damn, how many tough quests have you been on?"

"This is the first of its kind, although we have seen our fair share of danger."

Gerrod laughed and picked up Lucy's hand. He ran his thumb across her palm. "I'd never guess these were the hands of a fighter."

"Why's that."

"They're so...soft."

Lucy was quiet, unsure of what to say.

"I wonder if your lips are as soft?"

Gerrod turned to put his hand on the wall behind Lucy and with his other he pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear and leaned in. Ever hopless, Lucy's mind kept thinking of Natsu. She imagined that it was his breath ticking her nose.

His lips brushing against hers.

His mouth opening hers.

His tongue on hers.

His chest pressing against her chest.

His hands on her back and waist, pulling her closer.

It was Natsu she wanted to breathe in.

Instead it was Gerrod, all Gerrod. Lucy felt sick to her stomach. She wanted to be with Natsu right now, in fact she'd rather be anywhere but here. It was her first kiss, and she didn't even feel fully present for it.
With a start, Lucy forced herself out of her head...

I have to move on.

She followed Gerrod's lead and put her hand against his chest. Gerrod stopped kissing her for a second to catch his breath. "You're pretty good at this."

"Am I?"

He leaned down and kiss the edge of her jaw. Her thoughts went to Natsu again and she tried to shove him out. Gerrod moved his lips around, kissing hungrily. His hands slid down and he lifted her up, using the wall behind her to keep her pinned.

It kind of felt good, but Lucy began to feel rushed. Her heart raced in her chest. Next thing she knew, Lucy was looking through a glass plane.

"Horologium!. She exclaimed." Horologium said.

"Lucy, what-is this one of your spirits?"

"Yes." She replied, relieved." Horologium said.

Lucy face palmed,

"Is everything okay, why are you in there?"

"He must have sensed that I... She paused, trying to think of a suffecient explanation." Horologium said.

"I don't know." She sighed." Horologium said.

"I guess I better go. She decided." Horologium said.

"Uh, okay." Gerrod said, confused. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes, Goodnight. She bid." Horologium said.

Gerrod watched as Horologium walked Lucy into the Hotel. Lucy leaned back against the inside of the clock and sighed.

So much for trying to move on.

Lucy sent her friend away before going up the elevator, she was going to head for her room...but decided she needed some air. Sapped, Lucy went to the top floor and then climbed the stairs to the roof and walked out. The moon was rising in the distance. Lucy could still feel Gerrod on her, her head still hurt where he had tugged her hair and where he had grabbed to lift her up. She could taste him still, even. Lucy groaned and leaned over the barrier. It was cool to the touch, it felt good for a moment. Lucy replayed the moment in her head and then groaned again. Her neck felt sore. she hoped there weren't any marks...how would she explain them.

Natsu might think...

"It doesn't matter what he thinks." Lucy punched the wall in frustration.

Lucy just wanted to scream, instead she slid down against the corner of the barrier and leaned back. She bounced her leg to get rid of her excess energy. Lucy felt like she did something wrong by going out with Gerrod, like she betrayed her feelings for Natsu by kissing another guy.

He's all I could think of the whole time.

Lucy groaned and bumped her head lightly against the wall.

"I really need to get it together." Lucy sighed.

She sat like that until she felt like she had been away for too long. Lucy didn't want one of her friends to find her like this, especially Natsu.

She pulled herself to her feet and made it back to the stairs and then into the elevator where she got off on the fourth floor.

"I miss you too." She heard Gray tell Juvia over the phone when she was walking through the hallway. His voice was coming from an open hotel room.

"I miss you more."

"I miss your eyes and your smile and-"

Your eyes are gorgeous She heard Gerrod say. The compliment carried no weight. Lucy realized. It was sincere enough, but it meant absolutely nothing.

Lucy sighed and slid her room key into the slot.

I'm gonna waste away.

She opened the door and the first thing she noticed was Natsu sitting indian style on her bed. Wendy sat across from him on hers with a less than amused look on her face.

Lucy saw the steam coming from the bathroom and was able to see that Erza was taking a bath... with the door wide open.

Natsu looked up at her but she quickly averted her gaze. She wasn't expecting him to be here.

"Lucy!" Happy called. "The funniest thing happened and you totally missed it!"

"What?"

Wendy shoved a pillow on her face and groaned.

"Clearly it's not funny for everyone." Carla huffed.

"What happened?" Lucy jumped on her bed and laid down on her stomach, not yet having the energy to remove Natsu.

"That boy who stole your keys earlier was trying to put the moves on Wendy." Natsu said.

"Oh." Lucy said with raised eyebrows.

"Natsu scared him away." Happy laughed.

"It was humiliating!" Wendy said into her pillow.

"You can do better than a lousy pickpocket." Lucy sniffed. "He stole my keys and then dropped them on the ground."

"I didn't know all that." Wendy sighed, falling back on the bed and holding the pillow to her stomach.

"Sounds like Natsu was just looking out for you." Erza called from the other room.

"What did he say to you?" Lucy inquired.

"He just...uh, he asked where I was from and we were having a decent conversation...I was so bored...Erza was dancing with guys and Natsu and Gray were arguing."

"We weren't arguing the entire time." Natsu said defensively.

"Most of the time." Happy corrected.

Lucy heard Erza pull the plug on the bath.

"I thought you were getting close to Romeo?" Lucy pointed out.

Wendy turned red. "Lucy..." She whined.

"Romeo." Carla laughed. "That boy has no game nor any real wits about him."

"What." Natsu laughed. "Romeo has plenty of game."

"He's nearly as clueless as you are." Carla shot back.

Lucy bit her lip and suffered in silence.

Natsu sat quietly, probably trying to figure out what Carla meant by that.

"Lucy." Happy was looking around at her neck. "Did you get punched in the neck?"

"No, why?" Lucy felt around her neck.

"You have a couple bruises." Natsu poked one of them. "They're pretty weird looking."

Just as it dawned on Lucy, Erza was announcing it to the room.

"Those are hickies!"

Lucy was mortified.

"Lucy let Gerrod suck on her neck!" Happy exclaimed.

"Shut it, cat!" Lucy sat up and pulled a cover blanket around her shoulders.

"Exactly what have you been up to tonight?" Erza grinned mischievously.

"He kissed you?" Wendy beamed.

"Clearly." Happy said.

"Did he gaze into your eyes?" Erza asked.

Lucy was fully aware of Natsu next to her, she decided to play the card in her hand.

"Yes and yes. It was super romantic."

"You just met him today-." Natsu grumbled.

"So?"

"-And your already swapping spit?"

"Just how much time," Erza began, brushing her hair a little too casually. "Do you think is appropriate before two people can kiss?"

"More than a day."

"A week?" Erza pushed.

Lucy chuckled. "How long, exactly, did you know Happy before the two of you 'swapped spit'?"

A look of disgust passed over Happy's face. "Hey, you're the one who shoved me into his face."

"I guess that's true."

"All because you were too afraid to kiss Natsu!."

"I wasn't afraid. It just wasn't-"

"-Appropriate because we barely knew each other." Natsu filled in.

"You knew each other for a little over a year then." Happy said with a flick of his tail.

"Is that still not long enough?" Erza asked, still pressing him.

Lucy had so many regrets in this moment.

"You should actually kiss a girl before you share your opinion." Gray smirked.

Lucy covered her entire head with the blanket, now the whole team was here.

"I have kissed a girl." Natsu said, falling back onto the bed.

Lucy's eyes widened.

"Lisanna doesn't count." Happy said. "She suckered you into kissing her."

"Nah, she totally counts."

"Color me impressed." Erza said, sliding into bed. Wendy followed suit.

Lucy pulled the sheet of her head and tied her hair into a bun.

"What's wrong with your neck?" Gray asked.

"Gerrod-." Lucy covered happy's mouth. "Alright, we've had a long day...bedtime!"

"Goodnight." Gray shut the door behind him.

"Goodnight!" They called after him.

"Natsu, you too."

Natsu snored quietly.

"Natsu? No one falls asleep that fast Natsu!"

He continued to snore.

Happy climbed over and lifted one of his eye lids. "He's out."

Defeated Lucy went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. He was in the same position when she came back out.

"He hasn't moved." Wendy told Lucy.

"He's such a pain." Lucy grumbled. Not wanting him to be cold, she grabbed an extra blanket that was sitting on the dresser. Lucy draped it over them, making sure Happy got covered too.

"Thanks Lucy." Happy said.

"Welcome" Lucy muttered and she slid into bed. She was able to turn her body away from Natsu, but due to lack of spare room she had tucked a foot under his back.

"Did you have fun with Gerrod?" Wendy asked.

Lucy thought for a moment, she had felt bad for kissing another guy...but knowing that Natsu had kissed another girl made her feel a bit better. All and all, it was a good first experience with romance.

"Yeah, it was great."

"Do you think it'll go anywhere?" Erza asked.

"No." Lucy answered truthfully. "He's too...tame."

"Yeah, that was my thoughts about the guy I danced with." Erza said.

"I'm pretty sure he was in a gang." Carla pointed out.

"Not quite my type."

"Hm."

The last light turned off and not long after Lucy was opening her eyes to a new day.

-
Hope you're enjoying the story so far, if you have any suggestions feel free to message me. See ya next time.