Hello guys~! Okay, school starts for me today so yeah... Wish me luck, hihi!

Also, I have a question, utmost important (not really): Do you guys have a tumblr? I'm thinking of creating an acc just because I want to but I don't know how to use it and my friends doesn't have accs :(( please answer me hehe

MissCelestialHeart Well, she's confused I gave you that ;)) and please staph... You're creeping me out :(( *hides inside a panic room*

Pari forever ft Yep, I'm weird like that. Every time someone's birthday is a month away, I greet them anyway and say that it's almost their birthday xD thank you, seriously. Your support is just ... There's not a word to describe it. love ya too!

fangirlsweg ...Did ya check my 2nd story? :D if you do please let me know what you think through a review and yes, I do know and I'm not cutting Lucy's finger if she ever breaks the promise... or will she 0.0"

myra-is-a-tactician aww thank you, I hope you're enjoying my story just as much I enjoy writing :)

coughdough2000 just continue reading, my friend :)

Thank you for the support, you know the drill.

Faves/Follows and Reviews are appreciated.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.

Between Two Neighbors

The newfound knowledge of getting confused continued for a month and I couldn't take it anymore. Natsu was being Natsu, the night we set things right was also the night he went home with me. We were back to being the way things are, he slept beside me and I stopped having nightmares. But sometimes, he wasn't being himself. There were times that he's being awfully too much. I caught him watching me sleep more than once and he was smiling, and what's surprising is that, I haven't seen that kind of smile before, it felt like he didn't want anybody to see it. He's also bluntly saying sweet things every now and then when we talk, and I was supposed to be used to it by now but it felt different somehow. It's like he's not teasing me anymore and I remember that he does those things because he finds my reactions funny. It's not that anymore. I stopped being the sane person that I was when I suddenly could see everything of Natsu up close.

It was just the other day, that night. I woke up in the middle of the night for some unknown reason and he was facing me, the moon's light cascading his features. My sole purpose of going back to sleep drifted away when I glanced at his peaceful face, I should have stopped there but I scooted closer because of curiosity. And I let that little reason assure myself that what I was doing is alright.

My eyes widened for a moment, I stopped breathing when I see everything of him, and I found it beautiful. His long, dark lashes casts detailed shadows just below his closed eyes, it was sort of an art form in it's own way. His peculiar hair color never looked so good before, the shade looked like it was gradually getting paler under the light. His prominent nose as the center piece of his face. His half-opened mouth, plump lips that were chapped, I stopped there. I could see the soft lines curving over and between those lips, I could almost hear the silent breathes. I've always thought, Natsu looked and acted like a kid. I've never been so wrong. When I backed away a little just to see the entire observation all at once, I only had one word in my mind. Masterpiece.

But it didn't stopped there. I was more surprised when he slowly opened his eyes, I thought he was doing it on purpose. His eyes were shining, the black orbs were melting into an abyss of darkness. I felt chilly when I thought the entire piece couldn't be any more perfect than it already was.

I was waiting for him to say something, anything. And I was yelling loud and clear in my head to say something because we were just intensely staring at each other. I know it was longer, maybe it could have been longer but when finally one of us could move, it was Natsu. He mused a short Go back to sleep and he turned around.

That second, I asked myself what just happened? I could suddenly recollect my thoughts once again.

Sting, on the other hand had been the same. He was being himself most of the time, that's when I knew he wasn't hiding anything from me. He's reckless, and wild, and fun. When I spend my time with him, I felt free—that I could breathe fresh air straight out from evergreen trees. I felt free like I was flying with him without wings. He made me feel life, I never felt so alive when we do things together, whether it was just eating in his restaurant or dancing in the rain once or hanging out in his tree house. It was all sort of different.

It was also a normal drive from one of his restaurants yesterday, we were joking around, teasing and just being teenagers when I noticed some things I haven't before. Sting's blonde hair glided with the wind like the waves of an ocean. His alluring eyes were focused on the road but I could see that he was watching me. How is that possible when he's not even looking at you? His nose along with his mouth worked in curved lines to create something so beautiful. And he was laughing, it resonated in the background like a symphony.

This other newfound knowledge I realized had me pulling over to stop and think figuratively. Sting is usually the one who made me feel this way and the other day with Natsu, it's just the exact same as this. I didn't know how it was possible and it hurts to think of an answer but this is what's happening to me.

I'm confused of both. Natsu and Sting. Sting and Natsu. They've been on my mind for the past several hours this very moment, it irks me to no end that I'm torn between two guys. This is why my promise makes sense now, this is why Sting doesn't want me with him. How could I let this happen? I thought I was doing an okay job, nothing has changed when everything went back to the way it was, except for the fact that I noticed things!

I just had to take a moment and breathe just as far away from them as possible, I couldn't handle my current situation. I know what was happening to me, I just don't know how. It's frustrating enough that I couldn't find the answers all to myself and not Mirajane nor Levy is available to talk to me right now. The best I have right now is my uncle Capricorn. My uncle was tall, very tall that he towered everyone he passes by. He also has this dark glasses that hides the part of his eyes but I had to admit he does look younger with them on.

"Lucy, is there something bothering you? You've been awfully quiet" He started, a worry-some look in his eyes. I chuckled. Capricorn has always been one of my favorite just because he knows things about me, this in particular. I also noticed just know that his once sand-blonde hair is now eggshell white, it sort of blends with his pale complexion.

"I was just... Thinking"

"Thinking about what?"

I don't know if I should tell him. Not because I don't trust my uncle but because it's a situation between guys and it feels like he wouldn't approve of it. But nonetheless, it's been a while since I've seen him. I was certainly lucky that he had some time to meet up with me in the first place. Here goes.

"Uncle, do you remember when we played castle? I was the princess and you were my loyal servant? And every time I did something wrong, you would swear on the swing of the sword that you wouldn't tell mom and dad?" He smiled at the memory but it slowly morphs into a suspicious look.

"Yes..."

"... Can you swear on the sword for me right now?" I bit my lip, if he doesn't like this, I'm sure he would tell them.

"What's this about?"

"About... Guys" I closed my eyes shut, preparing for the worst. Capricorn would surely flip and when he surely flips, he'd flip the table separating us. Why are we in a restaurant near chinatown anyway? It's not any different from down south. But it did not come. I slowly opened my eyes and he had a soft look in his eyes.

"Y-you're not flipping the table?" I asked in bewilderment, just making sure that he's not just a few seconds too late. Capricorn shook his head, a small smile curled on his lips.

"Lucy, the day I found out that you are a lady was the day you talked to me about independence... So, I trust you with your actions among men" Well, he's still as formal when he's trying his best to remain calm about stuff like this.

"I'm going to ask you again. What's this about?"

This time, I did not hold myself back. I told him in a shorter version of course, of all my troubles and unanswered questions that has been bothering me. Sometimes, he would react and drop a few questions and he was being so polite about this, I'm surprised. When I finally finished, I immediately drank some water.

The way that he is now, Capricorn is surely surprised followed by confusion and then understanding. I don't understand how he could gradually react from time to time over a short period of time. He settled with an unreadable expression.

"That's quite confusing for a teenager like you"

"I know" Yes, it was stupid. I buried my hands on my face. When I think about it more, it feels like something I shouldn't be feeling or thinking about.

"But I think it's best to follow your heart. I'm not in the right position to show you the answers but it's really up to you. It's your choice to decide and whatever it is, I know your reason is justified. And I will support you no matter what" He said firmly.

I looked up at him, my eyes slightly glassy from the upcoming tears. This is what I really needed, I wanted a reassurance from someone that I can do things and fix this one because my sanity is slowly losing, I'm about to go crazy.

More importantly, "... So, you're not gonna tell mom and dad?"

He rolled his eyes. "Really? That's what you picked up? After everything I said?"

And we both laughed. Capricorn was really distracting me away from my problems, asking me about college, my friends and my goals. We also talked about his work since he is a vice president of a company not here in Fiore, he said he was just here to sign a contract with another company and he does look like he just came from work in his dark-tailored suit , it's bizarre when I think about it because he really worked hard to get to where he is now. He was the one who lived by the words who really started from the bottom and now, he's holding a high position of one of the most well-known publishing companies in the whole world. Capricorn is one of my inspirations.

But unfortunately, this night had to end. I wish it never did, I really had fun spending the entire day with him even though I kind of ruined his schedule today, he still gave me a chance. Right now, he had to go and do some work even though it's already late to work. We hugged one last time before he insisted on driving me home but I don't want to go home just yet.

I told him that I was fine and I really wanted to explore this side of town. There are still a lot of people walking anyway, I figured it would be nice to look around just like them. So, he bid farewell, promising another day to meet with me again and I couldn't wait.

When he left, I was back to thinking again. I'm forced to think of answers anyway, I don't know if this is still healthy. I thought of Capricorn's advice while I aimlessly walked on the sidewalk with fewer people. He said that I should follow my heart but I don't even know how. I don't know how and where to start, it's been a month already and this is as far as I could get of realizing a lot of things. I wished someone decided for me, I couldn't think of what I really want, what I desire. When I weigh the decision, it's technically impossible.

I don't even know how long I've been spacing out but I reached a wooden bridge over a silent river, chinatown still lighting in red and yellow in the view. There were no people here and I didn't want to stop thinking any time soon. So, I walked over to the bridge, sitting at the center with my knees dangling in between the pillars. I just wish that someone could give me the answers. It was ridiculous that I could become so religious at this point, I started asking for signs of what to do.

The sky were so full of stars it reminded me of the starfish and jupiter, venus and mars. Damn it! I clenched my teeth, why do I have to be reminded every time I stare at something for too long? I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself down.

"Lucy?"

"Luce!"

Two voices said simultaneously. Now, I'm hearing their voices. Great.

I opened my eyes and squished my face in between the space, this isn't working any greater for me. I assumed I was coming up with something while I was thinking but damn it, I had to be distracted.

When I accidentally glanced at my left and right, the color drained out from my body. I thought I was just hearing things, it would have been better if the bridge was haunted and it was playing with me because I was going insane. But that's not the case here because on my left is Sting and on my right is Natsu. They were on both ends of the bridge, how will I escape now?

I was long ago forgotten when their eyes clashed, their gaze retaining into an increasing intensity, it really felt awkward and uncomfortable that I was witnessing everything here. They were glaring at each other, my heart was pumping more oxygen. If glares could kill, they were long ago dead. I could see Natsu's hands bawling into tight fists and it's the same with Sting. I have no idea what to do, I was just thinking about them. But I was not thinking about them meeting together like this.

At this fetal moment, I wish I had the courage to jump over the bridge and escape whatever's going to happen. Even though I could swim, this is still a little risky for my life. I was a few feet above the river and there might be unwanted beasts looming underneath the water, who knows.

"W-what are you guys doing here? How did you find me?" I could still speak.

One of them decided to answer my questions, it was Sting.

"I'm here to pick you up... I just saw you walking" And then he glanced back at Natsu.

"What are you doing here?" He emphasized the third word and he wasn't asking me.

"I was looking for her" Natsu answered.

"Lucy, I think it's getting late... I'll offer you a ride" It feels like he's not talking to me. I'm sure he wasn't.

I asked for space away from them and they're suddenly here. I'm suddenly frustrated once again, this is not helping at all. Before they could even continue, I stride to the right because that's where I came from.

"No thanks... I just need some time alone" I thought they would leave me alone because I asked but unfortunately for me, their foot steps were clicking along the ground. I could almost feel their presence pressing behind me.

I groaned in annoyance. "I said I wanted to be alone" I clarified but they were silently following behind.

"Look... I don't know what the hell is wrong with you guys but I'm staying out of it" I know there's a reason behind their hatred for each other, whether it involved that conflict with Lisanna, I'm staying out of this. They stopped listening to the things I have to say since they looked at each other, I have no other choice but to walk away like nothing happened. And this time, they finally listened and they stopped following me.

It's been a while since they last saw each other—no, "a while" doesn't begin to cover it. Even though an empty house used to separate them, they've never seen nor talked to each other and they weren't the guys to complain. In fact, they never dreamed of seeing each other until they stumbled upon the same girl, but with her aside it was only them. Natsu could feel his veins surging for more blood as he bawled them into tight fists. Sting could only see red in his blue eyes once he glared at the other guy in front of him.

They don't even know how long they were glaring at each other but when they grew tired of the whole facade, Sting stepped forward, daring to step into a more dangerous territory.

"Stay away from Lucy" Sting growled.

Natsu's lips slowly turned into a smirk, making the animal inside Sting growl even more. Natsu stopped digging his nails into his palm, he always thought this guy hated his guts from the moment they became rivals.

"And if I don't?" Natsu challenged. He knows he no longer had the power to threat him, his job is gut-wretching but it also serves great power. Natsu might as well use it against Sting if he annoys him.

"I'm not afraid of you"

Natsu raised his brows at this, daring to take a step forward, mimicking his action with his hands in his pockets. He was ready to bite back, he could feel him seething.

"A bullet between your eyes... How would you like it?" Natsu was talking about his death, thinking of a lot of ways to kill him.

"Stop it with your bullshit, that doesn't work on me" Sting was telling the truth, he was not and never will be afraid of him, even though the guy in front of him is the best sniper in that god forbidden house. He knows how to handle a gun as well, it's nothing special when you're part of that... family. Well, it's only a matter of time until one of them decides to charge.

"If it doesn't, why'd you ran away?" Natsu backfired. In a slow process, Sting's eyes managed to glimmer into a darker shade along with his nature. He knew Sting had the same blood to kill just like him, and he was ready to take him, right here, right now.

Sting was quick, he didn't have enough time to react when the blonde landed a counter punch across his cheek. Natsu tumbled and rolled on the hard ground with deep scratches from sharp rocks. He honestly did not expect that but that doesn't mean he wasn't ready to fight back, he immediately stood up and charged back. Throwing a punch right on his stomach, Sting fell hard with a loud groan.

"Master Makarov taught you well but he didn't taught you everything" This enraged Sting, he was suddenly back on his feet and he was ready to fight the pinkette. Natsu, on the other hand saw this as well, he prepared himself on his usual fighting stance.

They started and ended with practiced punches and kicks flying everywhere, it was surprisingly an equal brawl. One of them got hit several times by the stomach and the knees, the other got hit by the head very hard, along by the arms. It has been difficult for either one of them to speak properly without breaking into a series of groans. Each of them clutched whatever part of their body in pain.

In a quick breathes, Sting said "You stay away from her... She-she's not—she's not the same as Lisanna"

"... Y-y-you're right. She's-she's not Lisanna. That's why I will never stay away from her"

The blonde bitterly chuckled, his recent memory of their feud flashing before his eyes. "What will they say? ... Eventually they're going to find out... And history is going to repeat itself"

Natsu slowly turned around to walk away, he hates himself for not saying anything. He could actually hear Sting chuckling behind his back. It was true though, if one of them found out, eventually it could happen again. But there's something the blonde doesn't know about. "I'm not gonna let that happen" Is the last thing Natsu said before he walked among the darkness, like he has been swallowed that he just vanished.

While Sting, even though he was very tired and hurt, couldn't help but think of Natsu's words. He's not going to give up any time soon and the blonde knew that the pinkette might have some chance. Lucy's a different girl, an opposite of Lisanna actually. This is has to end soon, at least that's what they both thought.

Question: Do you have a tumblr? (for references)

Also, 2nd story. Check it out if you haven't it's called "Pool Action" and I wanna know what you think about it :)

Lastly, I forgot to do this. sorry *cough cough

Disclaimer: The song Natsu sang is titled La vie en rose by (French: Edith Piaf) (English: Louis Armstrong)

IF YOU GOT CONFUSED DURING THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER: La vie en rose is actually "Life in Pink" and the idea is that everything appears rosy and cheerful that's why Natsu said "Happy almost birthday Luce, because everything is rosy and cheerful to you" that's the reference ;)

byee...