Natsu kicked a stone out in the courtyard, cursing the monkey suit he was wearing. It was far too sweaty and far too fitting for him to wear. He would sell his soul to be wearing his regular clothes at the moment, but today was a very important day.

It was the day he would meet his betrothed.

He cursed as the stone skidded directly into a bush, and he went to pick it up before kicking it a few more times. Natsu only stopped when his father, Igneel, halted the stone with his own foot with a smirk.

Igneel rubbed his red beard before slinging an arm around his son's shoulder. "Nervous?"

Natsu scoffed. "You wish, old man. I just hope she's not prissy."

"Her father says she's very intelligent and beautiful. But every father would say that about his daughter, so I don't know what you're getting yourself into," Igneel said with a chuckle, and Natsu jabbed his father in the ribs.

Despite his calm exterior, Natsu actually was nervous. He wasn't used to being around girls other than the ones that terrified him like Erza or confused him like Cana. The only girl he was actually alright with being friends with was Lisanna, but she was just a friend to him. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Besides, she's your betrothed, and you don't get to pick who you get married to," Igneel said, startling Natsu out of his thoughts. He didn't think he would be this taxing to just meet a girl for the first time.

"Igneel!" a voice sounded from the other side of the courtyard, and Natsu picked up the flowers that were sitting on the bench that he had brought with him. He was sure that she was used to flowers such as roses, but Igneel made a big deal about making the right impression.

"Nice to see you, Jude. Still have that mark on your ass where the chipmunk bit you?" Igneel said, stepping forward to embrace the taller man.

"It was a squirrel, and it was terrifying. And yes, thank you for asking." Jude said with a chuckle, and Igneel grinned. He hadn't seen his friend in a long time.

Jude turned to look at Natsu. "Ah, this must be your son. Pleasure to meet you, young man," he said, sticking out a large hand.

"Yeah, likewise," Natsu said, shaking the older man's hand. When was he supposed to meet this girl again? His feet were starting to hurt in these shoes, and he wasn't accustomed to wearing a tie.

"May I introduce Lucy, my daughter," Jude said, stepping out of the way for the young woman to walk into the courtroom.

'She looks… bright,' Natsu thought as the woman stepped toward him, and his eyes traveled down her body in approval. She was beautiful, but more than that she seemed like she held the light of the world in her hands. Her blonde hair swung in a ponytail as she walked, and her brown eyes locked with his. Lucy's pale skin shimmered in the light and even appeared to glimmer underneath the sun.

She was gorgeous. Holy shit, was he going to marry this girl?

"Hello," she said, her voice melodic.

"H-Hello," Natsu stumbled over his words, "H-How are you?"

She giggled before answering. "I am fine. You seem not to be."

Natsu flushed but said nothing as Igneel and Jude chuckled, thankful that Natsu's awkwardness had covered up their own.

"Well, let's go have lunch. I'm sure you're excited to hear more about Lucy," Jude said with a wink, and Natsu's flush deepened.

As she walked next to her father, all he could think was 'Damn straight'.

Lunch was a quiet affair, and Natsu thankfully didn't spill food on himself the whole time. He was able to change into his regular clothes, and so was Lucy.

What would she look like in her normal clothes? Would her skin shimmer or she seem as bright? Would her eyes lock on his and make him nervous like he she did in the courtyard?

Natsu pondered the questions while making his way up the stairs into the music room where Lucy stayed the most. She rarely went to her room, only going up to sleep or eat her meals. She had many hobbies, but music was her favorite.

As he approached, he heard a quiet piano's melody being played. Once reaching the doorway, he stopped and watched her play in amazement. Her hair cascaded down her back now, and it swayed back and forth as her fingers danced in a beautiful song that she sang along to.

"You taught me the courage of the stars before you left," she sang, and he realized it was a piano rendition of one of his favorite songs.

He listened as she sang about how life carries on even after death, and even he felt moved by her words. As she played, he was aware that maybe he understood her better through this song than he would through any words she could ever say. Lucy sounded as gorgeous as she looked, and Natsu smiled softly when she finished.

"That was amazing," he said, and she jumped at the sound of clapping and his voice.

"O-Oh! Thank you," she said, clearly embarrassed.

He grinned, looking around the room. All kinds of music books were stacked up around the tiny room, and although there were no bookshelves it seemed that she organized it all her own. A canvas with an unfinished painting sat in the corner with the light of the setting sun cascading on it, and a violin sat on a stool with dust on it by the crackling fireplace.

"This room is awesome!" Natsu said with a grin, and Lucy smiled.

"Thank you. It was my mother's," she told him, turning to look at the piano. Her fingers rested softly on the keys, and Natsu slowly came around to smile at her.

"I'm sure she'd be proud of you. You're kickass at piano, and your voice is great!" he said with a grin, and she smiled back softly.

"Thank you," she said again, giggling. "Maybe I really should stop saying that."

"What?"

"Thank you. I've said it three times. You really do compliment me too much, you know," she replied with another giggle.

"Well, third time's a charm," he chuckled before sitting next to her in silence.

They stayed there for a few moments, enjoying the silence that they shared. It was peaceful, and Lucy enjoyed the tranquility they felt between them even when nothing was being said.

"Would you–would you maybe like to go to get coffee sometime? I mean, I know you're probably used to fancy espresso drinks, but I know a place that makes great stuff," Natsu said, relieved that he had gotten over the awkwardness of earlier.

She smiled, and he felt his heart race. "I would love that."