Natsu once again found himself watching Lucy who was staring out at the sea. Other than himself, he had never known anyone more infatuated with the sea and sailing. He never thought the wealthy, pampered, daughter of the governor would be most content on board a pirate ship.

"It's so incredible out here." She told him.

"Yes it is." He agreed.

"You know when I was little, after my mother died I used to wish that I would be turned into a golden fish."

"Why?"

"Because then I could swim away from my lonely life and be apart of the sea where I was most happy."

"What about your father? Could you really just leave him forever?"

"My father." She sighed. "He's never really been there for me. All he's done is send me to etiquette classes, teaching me to be a proper lady. But worst of all he would never let me go near the beach or the sea."

"How come?"

"He hated the sea. He hated it because it reminded him of my mother. Just looking at it seemed to deepen his anguish."

Her hand went to the medallion around her neck and she started to move it between her fingers. She always did that whenever she was in deep thought. Natsu happened to take notice of her pendent and realized something familiar about it.

"Hey what's that?" He asked.

"Oh it's my lucky medallion. I've had it since I was a child."

"May I see it?"

Lucy unhooked the chain around her neck and handed it to Natsu. He looked at it very carefully and instantly recognized where he had seen it before. This medallion was given to him by his father on his tenth birthday but he had lost it years ago.

"Where did you get this?" He asked.

"I found it."

"Where? This used to be mine. It was a birthday present from my father."

"I think there must be some mistake. This belonged to a boy I met once but he lost it. I tried to return it to him but I couldn't find him. I didn't know what else to do with it so I kept it."

Natsu began to remember the last time he saw the medallion. It was when he and his father were trying to steal a new ship. While his father searched for a suitable vessel, he had wandered off to look for food. He had sneaked into a mansion where a feast had been served and a little blonde girl had given him food.

"Lucy." He said.

"Yes."

"This little boy, was he dressed in rags and starving? And did you give him food?"

"Yes." She answered as she remembered those events. "How did you know that?"

"Because I was that boy."

"You were? Oh..." She said. "Wow twelve years have done a lot to you."

"I could say the same thing for you."

"So this means that medallion rightfully belongs to you." She said. "Believe me, I did try to return it to you but I couldn't find you."

"That was because I had left on a ship with my father." He looked down at the medallion in his hand. "Funny I thought that I would never see this thing again. You know this is pretty much the only thing I have left of my father?"

"Then I guess it's a good thing that I've saved it for all these years."

"Why did you save it?"

"I don't know. I guess I was fascinated by the person who previously owned it. You told me that you were a pirate and while I was doubtful of your words due to the fact that you were a kid at the time, I was curious about your life. It must've been so amazing."

"It was exciting but it had it's down parts. I mean I had to dig around the garbage for food and steal from market stands. Not to mention I was always on the run from navy officers."

"But you had the freedom to go wherever you wanted to go. Explore new places, meet new people, see new things. I'd give anything to have that."

"It is a great thing to have but it's pretty hard if you're not experienced in the world."

"I'm experienced in the world."

"Yeah in the world of the rich and high class. But in the cut throat, dangerous world of pirates and scavengers you know nothing."

"That's not true."

"It's not your fault. You've been sheltered since day one so it's only natural that you're inexperienced in such things."

You think I don't know anything don't you? That I'm just a stupid pretty face."

"I never said that. I think that you're a really smart, you just don't know a lot about my world."

"Well I'll have you know that I- wait you think I'm smart?"

"Yes."

"Oh...Thank you."

"You're not just smart but you're also very kind. At least you were twelve years ago."

"I'm still kind and believe it or not I do want to help people."

"Don't worry I believe you and I-"

Suddenly the ship hit a bump and it caused Lucy to trip and fall over, he caught her and helped her back up.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"Yes. I'm fine." She answered.

"For a rich girl you sure are clumsy."

"Yes it's these shoes. They can be so difficult to walk in."

Their eyes met and after a moment of silence he said without thinking.

"You know you have pretty eyes."

"Really?"

Upon seeing her blush Natsu realized what he had said.

"I mean uh...Uh...I guess they are...I...I um..." He was tongue tied. "I...I...I-"

"Am I interrupting something?"

Natsu was further embarrassed when he saw that Erza had entered the scene.

"Erza!" He quickly removed his arms from Lucy's waist. "No! No you're not interrupting anything. Listen Lucy I need to...Batten down the hatches now! So um...Bye!"

He quickly ran off.

"What on Earth is the matter with him?" Lucy asked the red head.

"I think I have an idea." Erza said.

"What?"

"Oh nothing you need to worry about. Why don't you go back to your room? It's become very cold up here."

"Will you and Natsu be alright?"

"We'll be fine."

As soon as Lucy was gone Erza approached Natsu while chuckling to herself.

"What's so funny?" He asked her.

"You've done some crazy things Natsu but this one is a doozy."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about you falling for the governor's daughter."

"What?!" He almost dropped the sail. "Where did you get that ridiculous idea?"

"Natsu I've known you since you were ten, I know when you're angry, I know when you're sad, I know when you're hungry, and I know when you're developing a crush. You can't hide your feelings from me."

"I'm not hiding anything and do you honestly think I would ever lose my head over a woman? Especially one from the high and mighty crowd? That's a laugh."

"Denial. That's to be expected from someone as immature as you."

"It's not denial! It's the truth! Geez first Gray and now you, is Gajeel and Laxus planning on making such stupid accusations?"

"Possibly. How you feel about her is quite obvious."

"Shut up! I don't know where you're getting this but it's not true! I'm not crushing on Lucy and I want you and Gray to stop accusing me of this!"

"Very well but what it is true cannot be hidden for long."

"Erza don't get philosophical on me. You know I never went to school."

"Trust me I know but everyone is entitled to have their own beliefs, even if they're wrong." Erza said. "I'm going to get a drink and then I'll come back. While I'm gone I suggest that you do some thinking."

"Get out of here!" He said in annoyance. "You know this is why I never wanted a sister!"

"Yeah right."