A/N: With my ever-increasing busy life, it is becoming a tad bit of a challenge to keep everything up to date. With that being said, in spare time I've started rewriting old chapters, correcting mistakes and filling in few plot holes that I haven't explained. Hopefully it will be less confusing. As always, thank you all for your continuous support and I'd like to hear your opinions on the chapter.


"Can you feel it, Gray?" Natsu asked after he took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of gym in which he and Gray just walked into. The content on his face was impossible to hide as he looked around.

"Sweat?" Gray asked, giving Natsu a glance before making way toward locker-room. Pinkette followed, observing those who are present and to their fortune, there wasn't crowd.

"No. Well yeah, sweat but not just sweat. It's the smell of bodies being molded into perfection.

"I almost forgot that this is your favorite place." Gray added with a smirk on face "Probably picked girls here too. Have you?" He asked but instead of answer he just received a glance from Natsu, one he knew all too well "Look who I'm talking to… Of course you did. You are either hyped about something or you had too much coffee today."

"Nothing like that." Natsu added, opening his bag and pulling out tank top and shorts from it, preparing to change "I just had great week. Things are finally looking up and we finally get to spend some quality time."

"You and Lucy?" Gray asked, already half-way removing his clothes.

"Nah, you and me." Pinkette added, much to Gray's surprise "Come on, ever since this ordeal began we didn't had much time to hang out. I can't believe I am saying this but I do kinda miss it."

"I don't know if I should be flattered or worried." Chuckle escaped from Gray "Well I don't know what to tell you man… Balancing studies, relationship and preparations for games doesn't give much time for free activities." Natsu wasn't all that content with what he was hearing but still knew to keep positive attitude "We gotta start thinking about future."

"Yeah I'll start thinking about it tomorrow." Natsu mumbled begrudgingly. Regardless of much he complained, he understood Gray's point of view. Months fly by fast and they will graduate at one point. Difficult choices, responsibilities, plans, all of it will eventually come forth. For Natsu it was set in stone… do his best and become the best in football but Gray was wavering, tilting from the path they have set when they joined Fairy Tail. If it was just one month ago, he would probably punch Gray in face for breaking the old promise but as time passed, as he met certain blonde, he began reevaluating his views. It wouldn't end their friendship but it would most certainly create many obstacles. Still, Natsu kept his eyes fixed on future in professional sport. If tomorrow will bring changes then today is the day he needs to squeeze out as much as possible. This moment, when even Gray needed a bit of time away from Juvia, was one of such times. He sensed old rivalry is about to be awakened and a juvenile competition of who can lift more will begin.

"Come on." Gray said as he finished changing and opened doors of the locker-room. The smirk on his face instantly vanished and he quickly closed doors, looking at Natsu wide-eyed, pale as death itself.

"Dude?" Natsu asked, confused about Gray's sudden appearance akin to a man who just saw a ghost. Instead of answer Gray just moved slowly moved his hands, motioning on himself, trying to mimic something that should resemble a giant with large arms and jaw that shark would be envious of. It was all that Natsu needed and now he began losing color on his face.

"Dragneel! Fullbuster!" Deep, bellowing voice echoed in hallway, calling for the pair. All hopes of them being unseen have been sunk in matter of second.

"Fuck… He saw us…" Gray added in defeated voice, bowing his head forward.

"How?"

"Hell if I know… This is going to be nightmare…"

"Oy! Don't make me call for you twice!" Once more Elfman called and pair left locker-room, trying their absolute best to appear pleasantly surprised to see their coach in gym "I see you two are early on weekend workout. Good good." He remarked with a nod. True to his position, he was relentless in their training, pushing them to their absolute limits even during warm-ups, knowing that they could take it. Truth be told, though both of them came for exercise, they hoped for this to be less stressful day… that hope has also been drowned, violently.

"Coach?" Natsu asked as he took five minutes to rest, mercifully allowed by the gentle titan "I was wondering… what are you doing here?"

"What the hell are you on about, boy?" Elfman asked, monitoring Gray as he was lifting weights "How do you expect for me to be a physical education professor and a coach of a football team if I don't lead by an example?"

"No not that… It's just that… well…"

"Spill it out boy." Elfman shot, grabbing the weight that Gray was now struggling to push. What needed Gray two hands to accomplish even while rested, Elfman lifted with just one arm, effortlessly.

"Well, it's just that we all thought you have your own gym at home… plus we never actually saw you in gym."

Elfman shot a terrifying stare toward pinkette. If it lasted for few more seconds, Natsu was sure he might pee a little in his pants. There was a great reason for both of them to fear Coach Strauss and not just because of his immense strength. Strict but just, he commanded great respect among his students and professors alike and despite somewhat unorthodox tactics he implemented, they were there for a reason and all players that were on his team, trusted him implicitly. If look could kill, Natsu should've been dead and buried by now.

Giant took a deep breath and slowly exhaled… in thin, defeated tone he answered "It's gone."

"Gone?" Gray asked curiously, sitting up on bench.

"Evergreen wants room remodeled into kids room…"

"Wow… congratulations." Natsu added, not knowing how to react, still treading on unfamiliar territory "Is professor…"

"No, she's not." Elfman added quickly "But we are working on- Wait why am I telling you two this? Back to work!"

"Sorry coach, urgency." Gray cut in, standing up from bench and heading over to bathroom, leaving Natsu alone with coach who was still mourning loss of his precious space in only way he could; loud grumble.

"That reminds me." Elfman ended his moment of lament, crossing his large arms and looking toward pinkette "Next game is against Phantom Lord, make sure you're ready for it."

"Aye sir!" Natsu responded with a grin.

"It ain't just about the win." Elfman added, face slightly disfiguring as he rubbed his neck "Scouts will be there to check out talents. I got in touch with few friends and I know for certain that scouts from Tartaros will be there."

"Really?" Natsu asked, shifting on his seat. Hands gripped the wooden surface and eyes widened in disbelief "Champions are gonna watch me? You mean there's a chance I can be scouted for the Tartaros?"

"They will be watching the game." Elfman corrected Natsu's train of thoughts "I can't say whether or not they will be fixated on you but they will be looking out young talents they can invest in and it's my job to present you boys in best light."

"Wow umm…"

"Hey, you ain't signing contract yet. Reason why I'm telling you this is because I know how you play, I know you are good making snap decisions but for them, if you wanna have a chance to be noticed, you gotta play by the book. Understand?"

"Yes, sir." Natsu nodded, soaking up every bit of information that Elfman was dishing out his way.

"You'll notice that they prefer textbook execution… it might be their version of textbook but they like everything to be done precisely. Got it?"

"Yes, sir." Natsu confirmed again.

"One more thing…" Elfman said, rubbing his chin. Natsu noticed slight hesitation in his coach but waited patiently "I know you are serious about it and playing for professional league… if you, by some chance, don't get scouted, I want you to consider staying at Fairy Tail."

"I am not sure I understand… Stay at University?"

"Look, you are talented kid. I've seen you play, I've seen you pull your team with you. Not many can do that and it takes great amount of confidence in yourself and confidence of your teammates in you to follow you on field. It's a talent that is not often seen and I'd like for you to stay at Fairy Tail after graduation. Take extra year of study for masters degree and become assistant."

"You mean to… train students like you?" Natsu asked. The disappointment on his face was becoming evident. It wasn't an offer he was looking for and the overall hype of hearing that scouts from Tartaros will be watching the game was slowly diminishing. He trusted coach, he trusted his judgment and now he wanted to pull him away from professional career and place in the office, only to guide others toward their own path of fame. Despite this, Natsu knew that this was also one in a lifetime offer… it would open doors to always be on the field in one form or another but it will hinder, if not completely stop his progression to become professional player.

"I ain't saying that you have to do it." Coach said, noticing the struggle that Natsu was having, though it wasn't between two choices. Elfman knew that it was struggle on how to say no without invoking giant's wrath "It's just an offer which you don't have to take. All I ask is for you to give it a lil' thought."

"Right… Okay, thank you coach." Pinkette responded, taking a small sigh of relief.


"Son of a…" Gray said in low, grumbling voice as he moved shoulders back and forth. The long and merciless torture has ended with call on Elfman's cellphone and after he left, neither of them had any strength to continue working out. One hour… that is how long they were at gym and it felt as if they were there entire day "He is a slave-driver. I have no other description for that man. What's your plan for today?"

"Well, it's Saturday." Natsu added, looking around as they left gym "It'll be long, long sleep for me. Shower first, sleep after."

"Not my place to judge wise words." Gray jested, tapping his friend on shoulder before walking away. They parted without many words exchanged, probably for the best since neither had any strength to continue pondering on the future. Natsu, with what energy he had left after the exhausting treatment, decided to take a longer way home, give himself a bit more time to consider the offer that was presented before him. Larger part of him wanted to continue his current path, to reach up to the very top and live life that he planned. Every time fast car would pass by, he would turn to look, constantly reminding himself 'That could be me. That will be me.' His mind was set on it.

By chance or by a greater plan, the longer walk led him to a place he didn't plan to visit but once he saw truck parked in front, it was hard not to take a look. Sabertooth, although technically worked all day, never had many customers early during the day. It was expected, considering that it proudly wore title of nightclub. Those times, when traffic in club is rare and slow, Sting and Rogue used to handle their inventory. As Natsu drew closer, it looked exactly like that. Two men wearing uniforms were carrying boxes while Sting kept his eyes peeled at his clipboard, calculating everything down to the last jewel.

"Do you ever rest?" Natsu asked, tapping Sting on the shoulder and said blonde quickly looked up, turning around only to spot pinkette standing behind him. Wide smile immediately appeared on Sting's face.

"Ain't no rest for the wicked." He replied "Inventory check, stocking up for big event."

"Big event? How come I don't know about it?"

"Well it could be because you stopped visiting after you got yourself a girlfriend."

"I haven't gotten myself a girlfriend." Natsu added, narrowing his eyes at the remark which didn't seem to be a joke.

"No? So… Lucy is available?"

"She is not." Quick reply came, sounding more like a dog warning not to approach territory.

"Jeez, relax man, I was just joking." Sting replied with a laugh "Don't worry, we're keeping your friend safe. She's actually becoming quite an attraction among the customers. Not even sure I should be handing her these…"

"Oh yeah… what are these?" Natsu asked, picking up a sample from one of the boxes. It was a mask, very much like old baroque masks with a strap to keep it on face. The one he picked, though made out of plastic, was still quite ornate. Black basis with golden painted edges.

"That is for tonight's big event." Sting replied quite happily, proceeding to explain "I don't have to see Jiemma's ugly face ever again, all of our financial issues have been resolved and we are celebrating with a party under masks. Free sample for everyone who pays entrance. It's a gig… we're trying to see how well people respond to some unusual and bold ideas and once or twice per month we are gonna change it, do something new, give people reason to come and have quality experience."

"Wow, that actually sounds great." Pinkette added with a grin "And everyone's gonna be wearing these? Waitresses included?"

"Nope, actually… They will be wearing these…" Blonde said and pulled out well packed costume which Natsu inspected. From what he saw on the image of package, it was a cat uniform, skimpy with satin gloves reaching up to elbows. The uniform was more than revealing with furry patches on it. One thing that caught Natsu's attention was the headpiece which was kitty ears. Wide smile slowly crept up on his face.

"Isn't it a bit out of place?"

"Maybe but who cares?" Sting quickly replied, taking package that Natsu returned and stored it back into box "Ever since we put restriction on touching our waitresses, people have been itching to do it. This way it'll be just more of a tease and that means they have to come again and see our beauties-"

"When is Lucy working today?"

"Let me see…" Blonde mumbled as he turned page on the clipboard, looking for the staff schedule "Evening shift so six till midnight."

"Save me a spot for tonight, ok?" Natsu said, tapping Sting once more upon shoulder before running off, leaving said man to look with confusion in direction which Natsu ran off. They've known each other for a while now, he didn't exactly need to be mentioned in the guest list but still he humored the request and added Natsu's name at the bottom.


"I am not wearing this…" Lucy said as she looked upon the package with horror.

"Look, I was told t'deliver it to ya and that's what I did." Gajeel added, making himself comfortable on Lucy's sofa "I didn't pick it."

"Isn't this a Halloween costume?" She asked. With every second passed, more insecure she felt, approaching the edge of absolute horror.

"Why don't you try it first and then complain." Levy said, watching Lucy with great interest and mischievous grin on her face "It's not like you have much of a choice so… better get used to it now."

"I know I know…" Lucy surrendered, dragging herself up the stairs and into her room to put her new uniform on. Five minutes later, she was out and downstairs, presenting herself before Gajeel and Levy. Much to their surprise, the uniform looked as if it was made especially for Lucy; white skirt with furry edges, top that only barely reached under her bosom and long satin gloves. To say that she was embarrassed by her own appearance was a severe understatement. "Just kill me…"

"Look I ain't tha' big judge of a look…" Gajeel started as he looked at Lucy up and down. His left hand reached up and scratched his chin "And with riskin' to be mauled by a midget, I'm gonna say ya look pretty hot in it."

"The big log speaks truth." Levy added, jabbing her elbow into Gajeel's ribs, making him let out a loud groan "I mean if I have the urge to rip it off from you, think about what will Pinky do."

"Will you stop calling him Pinky?"

"Will you stop treating him like a friend?" Levy quickly retorted to Lucy's half-hearted plea.

"He is just a friend. Nothing more." Blonde quickly said, taking off kitty ears from her hair. She wanted to believe that but this week was more than she could handle. True to her promise, Lucy was actually responding to all of his greets at university. In fact, that fear and disgust she had every time he spoke was gone, replaced by a concoction of unknown feelings that threatened to overwhelm her. Much to her surprise… he was being considerate. Kept his distance when needed, nagged when she felt down and managed to pick her up and set her on path again. For the first time, she felt that she actually enjoys his company. That may not have been a new feeling for her but she remembered that allowing him near meant putting her guard down. But there was more than that.

Lucy wanted to believe. She was desperate to believe that Natsu is nothing more than a friend, but every time she mentioned word 'friend' her feelings stirred. It's not a new feeling, no… she felt like this before and she knew well where it leads. Problem was that back then she wanted to surrender to that unique feeling and now… now she didn't know how to shut herself out. Levy was not oblivious to this… she is far too intelligent person to miss the signs along the road. She was observant, watching carefully Lucy's change of behavior every time Natsu was mentioned. At first, she felt disgusted, revolted by the very thought of him but now… now every time she hears name, her face brightens just a little bit. Her conversations with him also changed. She no longer kept her distance, instead, her body almost always was turned toward him and every stupid joke he made was followed by her giggle. Levy knew well what all of that meant and for this entire week, she pushed Lucy forward.

"Sure, whatever you say." Levy said, still keeping her smirk on face. Blonde may lie to herself but Levy knew her better than that "Soooo… have you considered what you'll wear tomorrow?"

"What's tomorrow?" Lucy asked, confused by the question but at the same time fearful of what will come from her friend's mouth. Gajeel seemed to have been less interested in the topic and kept himself silent for the time being.

"Your first date since new age began. If I may recommend, wear something casual but inviting."

"It's not a date." Lucy corrected her through gritted teeth "It's just… two friends going out to see a movie."

"Sunday. Watching a movie. In a chick flick season."

"Hey, tha' is what we did last weekend." Gajeel suddenly interjected, poking Levy's cheek "Sorry bunny, I'm with shrimp on this one… it sounds like a date."

"Why are you two doing this to me?"

"What? Helping you get some quality time with a cute guy who seems genuinely interested in you even after he saw what mess you are? Geez what terrible thing to do." Levy added sarcastically, keeping her grin up and visible "You need to get ready and get going." She quickly added, interrupting Lucy from starting a sentence, even though she was preparing to argue the point Gajeel made "Trust me, you don't have to convince us, we already know. It's you who needs convincing. I am not saying jump on him, although if you do I expect details, but at least consider."

Lucy wasn't left with much choice to begin with. She indeed needed to get ready for work and if there is one thing that comforted her was the fact that events like this meant that her tip might be considerable. It will, without a doubt, help with paying utilities for this month. Nothing else to do but to smile, be polite and soldier through. She was already briefed on the 'event' that was happening at Sabertooth and knew exactly what to expect. As soon as she entered, there were masks everywhere. Every patron, men and women, wore masks. From third perspective, it looked like a fancy renaissance party in modern suits and music but from Lucy's point of view it was actually comforting. She felt detached from the crowd having only small interactions when she took orders and delivered drinks. An invisible barrier that kept her raging insecurities in check. She took a deep breath and proceeded to change into her new uniform.

Hours passed by and customers lined up. One after another, she served them with a smile and a soft voice, slipping among the crowd in a revealing uniform that she knew everyone noticed but no one dared to touch. This was working, it was tiring but it was working and she even managed to accept compliments on her looks rather than to frown upon them and glance at the patron with hidden disgust.

"Excuse me, miss." Deep voice came from behind her, no doubt belonging to a customer.

Lucy turned around and offered a bright smile toward customer, keeping her hands behind her to look as appealing as possible. "What can I get you ton-"

Her voice was interrupted and she stood silent, surprised by a sudden and brief flash that blinded her for a short second. Quickly, she closed her eyes, readjusting her vision before opening them again, unsure what to think of situation.

"I got everything I need." Customer said chuckling, lifting his mask up and revealing his face "Now I have new wallpaper for my phone."

"Natsu… delete that…" Lucy said, keeping smiling face and clenched jaw.

"Sorry, Luce… there is no force in this world that'll make me do that. See this?" He said, turning phone, showing the picture he took with his phone "This is not something I can replicate so this is a unique opportunity where I get to do it and you can't immediately bludgeon me to death."

"Why are you even here?" She quickly snapped from her rising rage.

"Umm… I am a customer? Come on Luce, you've seen me come here before." Natsu replied, placing his mask on face again "I promise that I will only use this for myself, two times per day on weekend, maybe on holidays and always in strict privacy."

"Why are you doing this to me?" Lucy groaned loud, lifting her hand to cover her face. She only now realized that she is almost half-naked in front of him. In fact… majority of her body was exposed, covering only critical areas. For the first time, she actually felt truly embarrassed to look like this in front of him, not counting Laxus's party.

"Like you wouldn't do the same." Natsu said, pulling phone away before Lucy could snatch it away from him "I mean, imagine me, standing in a cute uniform with those fluffy ears on top my head. You wouldn't take a shot of my glorious body?"

"Honestly I would have way too many questions before I even start wondering about your body." Lucy added, lowering her hand. Mental image of Natsu in pink, fluffy cat uniform going 'meow' did manage to make her grin. She was glad that she had to smile so she wouldn't have to cover herself.

"Fine, while you are wondering about it, I will have beer and can you please deliver it over there?" He nodded to the side, pointing toward corner of the club where Sting and Rogue were sitting. That was something she couldn't refuse. As she delivered beer, she felt a strange déjà vu. It was like this first time he saw her at the club… cocky grin, daring request for a hefty tip. Now… he still provided more than his drink actually cost but instead of an innuendo, he simply thanked her and let her continue with her work. If he asked again… large tip for a kiss… would she respond? Would she just find a hole in the rule just to take much needed money? As she walked away a thought rushed through her mind… that evening, when he kissed her… when she involuntarily kissed him back… Would she do that now? In front of everyone? Her cheeks quickly received crimson red color and she wished to have one of those masks. Her name was called and she turned…

"The event is a success." Rogue said, releasing a big sigh of relief as he watched crowd at the center of club. "It's not even midnight and it's already packed."

"I thought there would be more." Natsu added, placing down his glass on table.

"See all of them?" Sting interjected, pointing at the crowd "Those are good boys and girls. They come early, get some fun, vent out the stress and go home. Heavy hitters come after midnight. Party animals, rebels, misfits… they live club life, it's their drug, their fix. Saturday night with one free drink and chance to approach anyone under mask… this is their golden zone and they will remember us."

"I gotta say, I am impressed." Natsu said with a grin, removing his mask from face, moving hands through hair "You thought this through."

"Every competition that rises has to follow our tempo or drop out of the game. We are setting the pace." Rogue added, observing crowd carefully. His eyes landed upon a towering man that was the security of club. Orga was vigilant, ensuring that nothing happens without him missing it. There was still risk of patrons trying to score just a bit more than they should with waitresses and he ensured such a thing never comes to pass. "Now, all we need to-"

"Hold that thought." Natsu said and stood up from his seat, making way toward crowd, leaving owners perplexed at his sudden rush.

"Why are you being stubborn about this?"

"I am not stubborn." Lucy said, clenching her jaw "I am not having this conversation anymore so if you will excuse me I need to work."

"You call this work?" Man said, grabbing Lucy's arm just above her elbow, making her wince at the closeness. "Look, I just want to set things back straight."

"Don't you think it's a bit late for that?" Lucy responded angrily, trying to free herself from man's grip but without much of a success "Now let me go."

"Let's just talk about it-"

"Oy!" Natsu suddenly appeared, grabbing man's wrist and clenching it "Back off."

"Who the fuck are you?" Man asked looking up and down at Natsu. They were equal in size Natsu's wild, pink hair managed to add to Natsu's height and attempts to intimidate his opponent, even though he still wore small blue mask over his eyes.

"He's…"

"I'm her friend." Natsu said, interrupting Lucy's words, maintaining fiery gaze with man "And I'm going to break your arm unless you let her go."

"Now you have bodyguards?" He asked with a snort, releasing her arm and in doing so, she quickly retreated a step back, allowing for Natsu to stand in-between them.

"Yeah." Natsu replied, even though question wasn't directed to him "I'm her mad dog who bites first and barks after."

"Is there a problem?" Orga asked, managing to appear out of nowhere. Man looked up and after short evaluation that he is both outnumbered and outclassed; he pulled hand out of Natsu's grasp.

"Nah, we're good. Just a misunderstanding." He took one more glance at Natsu before leaving.

"You okay, Luce?" Natsu asked, now he was having a sense of déjà vu.

"Yeah… umm… it's fine." She replied, clearly shaken by the event.

"When do you finish?"

"Half hour, give or take a few."

"Alright, I'll wait you. Not gonna let you walk alone home with that creep lurking."

"Right… thanks…" Lucy responded, offering a brief smile before taking another deep breath, finding her strength to return to work. Among the sea of masks, she once again had to wear the heaviest of them all, pretending that she is happy. Though she kept herself focused on every task at hand, she still managed to throw a glance around the room, trying to find Natsu in it. Somehow… she always managed to find him and that gave her just a little bit of relief. This wasn't first time he saved her. He was starting to look more like guardian angel.

Quickly, she shook her head, contributing the sudden rush of her heart to the music rather than the thought of him watching over her. Snap out of it! She told herself and continued. There was always next customer. Last half hour of here work were spent like that, continuously telling herself to snap back into reality and focus on her work… if only it worked.


"Ready to go?" Natsu asked as Lucy left Sabertooth, holding bag into her hand. With slight hesitation, she nodded and quickly followed him "So… what was that about?"

"What?" She asked, still recovering from the loud music and the rush.

"That guy. You know him?"

"Yeah, kind of…" She replied. Now it was Natsu's time to feel slightly uncomfortable as he seems to have managed to hit the nerve.

"One of your ex-boyfriends?" He asked, curious but at the same time anxious about her answer.

"No… yes… kind of."

"Kind of?"

Lucy took a short pause, swallowing heavy rock that was stuck in her throat. Knot in her stomach began to tighten once again "He's…" She started but took another pause, taking a deep breath "That's Sean. He's Michele's father and he was asking me to… resume where we broke off…"

"Wow… umm… So what did you tell him?"

"I didn't. You kind of got inbetween before I could reply."

"Guess I should've stayed back." Natsu replied with chuckle, trying his best to hide the uncomfortable feeling that he was having.

"No, I'm glad you did." Lucy added, looking down at the ground as they were walking.

"Are you thinking of resuming relationship?" Natsu asked. His hands, despite his unusually high blood circulation that made them always warm, now started to be cold as he waited for answer.

"No. I don't know…" She added after taking a deep breath "I'm feeling overwhelmed by everything and it'll only become more difficult as Michelle grows up. I need to have a stable job by then but if I don't… everything will become more complicated and… to be honest, I am not sure if I can handle this by myself."

"Hold there." Natus said in louder tone, standing in front of her, making them both stop "That is the guy who literally abandoned you when you needed him most. There wasn't even a moment of second-guessing in him, was there?"

"No…" Lucy replied sourly, remembering that day as if it was yesterday "Michelle still needs her father…"

"No, she needs her mother. Father left her long before she was even born and trust me on this…" He said, placing hands on her shoulders. "Look at me" Her eyes looked up toward him "You got this. You handled it perfectly up until now and you'll handle it from now on."

"And if I can't?"

"Then we'll pick you up and set you straight." He answered, showing a smile, hoping that it will comfort her just a little bit "You got friends, you got me… whatever I am… I'll help as much as I can."

The weight of the word was slipping down from her shoulders… whatever Natsu did, it managed to produce some effect and she already felt slightly relieved. Future suddenly felt less frightening and she felt just a little bit more relaxed knowing that in all this chaos and rush, she wasn't completely alone. No, she was actually grateful to have someone who will remind her to move forward, for her daughter's sake and for hers as well. That face used to belong to Levy but now… now it changed. Blue turned pink.

"I should probably stop doing this." Natsu commented with a smirk as they arrived in front of Lucy's house "Better not make a habit of escorting you home every night… might actually get some ideas."

"No, I'm glad you did…" Lucy added "I think I would've been terrified of walking back from Sabertooth."

"Are you afraid of him?" He asked, looking over at blonde.

"It's not fear. He'd probably still follow me and refuse to leave until we talk and… well he knows how to touch my every nerve and I would probably make some stupid decision. You two aren't all that different… he can be very convincing."

"So I've been told" Natsu confirmed, although now he didn't know how to take this comparison, especially since it was Lucy who made it and not Levy or Loke "Well if you have troubles with him, let me know. Ok?"

"You are not gonna drop this are you?"

"Nope. Sorry, made a promise." Natsu chuckled "Right ummmm… I should get going before I make things awkward. So I'll see you tom-"

His sentence was suddenly cut short… his eyes widened and the sudden cold rush ran down on his spine, reaching to every nerve he had in body. Five seconds… that is how long it all lasted. It took him first two to snap back from the initial shock, just enough time for Lucy to pull herself away from him and for their lips to part. Other two seconds were spend by looking at her and her blushing cheeks and last one… last one, that lasted longest than previous four, was spent realizing that she just kissed him.

"Don't overthink it. I am just thanking you for saving me from mountain of trouble… and returning the favor." Lucy said in soft, thin voice. She wasn't sure how he will react but to greatest of surprises, he looked like it was his very first kiss.

"Yeah… ummm…" He stuttered, pressing his lips hard one against another "No sweat. I'll see you tomorrow."

She watched him leave, more confused than she was. He wasn't looking back, he wasn't stopping… he just moved along. What she didn't know was that every fiber in his body was screaming, every alarm was ringing. Odd thing was… Lucy was hoping he would come back. But he didn't. It was for the best for if he did, she might've done something even more stupid. With a small smile she walked back inside, only to be greeted by a pair of eyes, belonging to a peculiar, short person and all she said was "I knew it."