Lucy and Kade make a mad dash for the racing game finding no one there, Natsu with similar ideas darts there as well. They each pick their character to race as Lucy picks a girl with a hot pink race car of some type she didn't know, Kade picked an oddly muscular white tiger, and Natsu, being Natsu picked a dragon. They each revved their engine as the countdown from three synchronized with all their screens. Then they were off, Kade immediately slammed into a wall while Lucy stuck her tongue out in concentration and Natsu had a knowing grin on his lips, seeming as cool as ever.

Natsu in first place seemed calm and collected, while Lucy was beginning to stress about not catching up to him, however her steering wheel had a green flashing boost button that seemed like it really wanted to be pushed. So lining her racer up on the straightaway she pressed the boost button which ultimately slammed her car into Natsus, wrecking both of them. The cars were reset into positions.

"What?!" Natsu said, "Thats cheating." Natsu pouted, looking like a kicked puppy.

Lucy humored him a smile, "Didn't see it in the rule book."

Natsu just gaped at her, not noticing that his car stopped moving, Kade finding it harder than it looks to control slams into Natsu and resets both of them. "Sowry Natsu." Kade said while Lucy snickered. She offered Kade a high five as she passed the finish line in first place.

"That's my boy! Way to help mommy out!" she gave a proud laugh

"Ooohh its so on!" Natsu gave a dark smile.

For the next two hours Natsu and Lucy played a series of games ranging from racing to skiball, there was one game that shocked Lucy the most.

Strolling towards the blaring screen, a dancer popped on, loud noises began resounding from the machine, the next game over was a jump rope competition that Kade had taken a liking to. The machine that Natsu and Lucy were currently eying was called Dance Dance Revolution 2 the squares lightening up sporadically or if one of them stepped on it.

"How's your dancing skills." Lucy inquired over the loud music.

"Probably better than yours." he quipped back, standing on the next dance square over Natsu began folding his hands in and giving them a good crack, he did the same thing with his neck. He shook out his arms and legs. Lucy just stared in fascination, she's never seen Natsu dance before but if she had to guess he may be right about his earlier statement, lucy could dance but perhaps not as well as him at this game. After all her coordination was more with her hands rather than her feet.

They both swiped their cards and picked a song named, Let's Groove the poorly animated graphics appeared along with the arrows indicating the start, they both chose hard, Lucy used to grow up playing this game, this song in particular had been one of her mothers favorites to dance to. The electronic music fun and new. The song started and they were off.

Lucy started off strong, having a x23 combo to begin with while Natsu was still trying to find his groove. About half way through the song he started picking up on the beat.

"C'mon Natsu," she panted, "I thought you said you were good at dancing."

"Give me a second to warm up princess! Then I'll really show you my groove."

Lucy rolled her eyes, "Lame pun."

"You're just jealous cause I'm beating you at most of these games. You're talkin' to a veteran over here." Natsu said stomping on the left and right arrows as a combo came on.

'Perfect Combo!' the machine alerted, gaining Lucy's attention to how close their scores were becoming, she vaguely knew this song but not as well as the last one. Seems like the next song was going to be their tie breaker. Lucy peaked at Natsu, seeing the winner's grin encompassing his face, eyes alight with childish glee. She had to admit that he looked a whole lot cuter when he was giving a free smile, like the one right now. She knew what darkness looks like, she lived in her own sometimes, so every time she saw his smile falter when he'd talk to his dad, it made her want to give him a hug and tell him everything was going to be alright. She knew it well enough to see it in other people, but Natsu of all people? She wondered what happened to make this carefree man have a darkness in his eyes. Whatever it was, she hoped that he'd share the burden with her when he was ready.

She'd like to do the same, it would be nice for someone else to know what plagued her thoughts in the dead of night. Maybe she should seek therapy?

Lucy rolled her eyes, like she could afford therapy right now. Not with looking at schools for Kade, the rent, and soccer. She'll take care of everyone first, then herself. But maybe, just maybe Natsu would listen to her story and could help shoulder the weight of her past. That was if he was okay to carry someone else's along with his own. Only time would tell and their trust in each other grew.

The last combo came onto the screen, Natsu and Lucy syncronized their jumps and nailed the last move.

Panting they turned towards each other, eyeing the other down. "Seems we're at a stalemate," Natsu glanced at his phone, "we have about 45 minutes left before the loser buys lunch. Let me tell ya, I'm starving." Natsu moaned, patting his stomach.

"Well good thing we're on our last song. Since you beat me, it's the winner's pick for the last song. Let's see what you got." Lucy gestured to the screen.

"Well seeing as I want to be fair, I'll set on random." Natsu pressed the up arrow until it selected the button Random. "We'll have to see who has the better skills, bring it blondie." Natsu extended his arm and began taunting Lucy.

"Aww is that supposed to intimidate me?" Lucy retorted in a sing-song voice. "I'll give you brownie points for being a good sport about things though." She winked.

"At least one of us can be." He grumbled, running his hand through his hair ruffling the pink locks.

"I'm sorry what was that?"

"Nothing!"

Nastu clicked confirm, and they began their last dance battle to ironically enough the song that came up was Kind Lady. The retro music was back and here to stay it seemed. But seeing as this was an old arcade game she'd cut it some slack. The footwork to this song was entirely new to her and it seemed like Natsu was struggling too. Every now and then there'd be a miss or late. But Natsu and Lucy still continued to have fun and laugh when the other missed a combo or move. The song began to sing, "Had told her how much he'd been hurting. How he was hoping she was not the same. Could you be the kind of lady that I'm seeking? After all of this time could this be true love?"

They didn't pay much attention to the lyrics, the arrows consuming most of their attention, but to onlookers seeing the young couple they could tell that the song resonates with each of them. Kade, who had finished his game after the second round, was watching in facinition. He sat in the too large seat pushed all the way up and watched his two idols in complete awe. Lucy looked at him in the corner of her eye from time to time to see if he was still there. Rest assured he was, and didn't think he'd go anywhere with the show that the two adults were putting on.

Lucy upped her game, shifting her weight to the balls of her feet, she anticipated the next moves and began gaining points on Natsu. She took the lead, but Natsu wasn't going down without a fight, doubling his efforts he moved his feet to the rhythm of the song, one would just gain on the other and the last lyrics of the song queued up on screen, "That will never leave you lonely. And just maybe, this lady. Finally, you found me your Kind Lady…" The chorus ended, the final combo making its headway to the screen, a simple left and right arrow hold. They each landed it respectfully.

Loud retro music from the title screen returned, and a electronic voice presented their scores, "Lucy Wins!" Showing her score, she won by 50 points. Letting out a victory hollar she danced circles around Nastu who reluctantly took the defeat. He knew which game to head to next.

"Kade buddy! You ready for some ultra fun games!" Natsu turned to the kid.

"YES!" he shouted back, little hands clenched into fists.

"Lucy I know what game to play next."

"What's that?" she tilted her head.

"One word. GoKarts."

"Nope." she crossed her arms into an 'x', "Absolutely not. Kade is too young."

"Actually he's fine to ride with an adult."

"Still no."

Natsu got on his knees and gave his best puppy eyes, "Pwease Luce! Please!"

Kade did the same. "C'mon mommy." he raised his hands to his lips and did his best begging he knew how to do.

"You're teaching my son some very bad habits."

"It's not bad if its for a good cause."

Lucy and Natsu stared at each other, not looking away from each other for what seemed like an eternity. A silent conversation passed between them. Shoulders slumped Lucy let out a reluctant sigh, "Fine."

"Whoohoo!" Natsu jumped into the air, throwing Kade in the air.

Kade let out a happy giggle, and held onto Natsu as he led Lucy to the raceway. You got the most points from speed and placement.

Waiting in a short line, Lucy and Natsu continued to smack talk each other. Kade decided to voice his wants as well, "I wanna ride with Natsu."

"Are you sure buddy?" Natsu bent down to his level.

"Mmhmm."

"Mom is that okay with you?" Natsu raised a brow.

"As long as he's safe then it's fine."

Natsu gave a firm nod. "Alright then, welcome Kade! You're on the winning team!"

"Yeah!"

"Whoever said you were winning?"

"Uhh, me duh. You going deaf Lucy?"

"Maybe from all your talk maybe. I don't speak loser."

Natsu let out a mock gasp. "How dare you insult us like this. Here I thought you'd have good sportsmanship." Natsu gave a halfhearted shrug, fighting to keep his frown in place. "Guess some people never change."

"Well I'll have yo-"

"Next." the worker said in a colorless voice.

"Less talky, more walky princess." Natsu said.

Lucy marched to a kart in front of Natsu and aggressively bucked in.

Natsu let out a snicker, "Careful Lucy road rage isn't a good look on you."

Lucy grunted in response, oh she'd show him road rage.

The light turned yellow and Lucy revved her engine, Natsu and Kade doing the same. This was the last thing they did before the time was up. Lucy did not feel like paying for Lunch especially with that smug grin painted on Natsu's face.

Ready, set, GO! The light turned green and everyone was off. Lucy didn't care about any of the racers, she was not paying for lunch. She saw how Natsu eats, this would cost a fortune. Stepping on the gas Lucy made headway and stayed in the front until the straightaway, thats where things got ungly real fast.

From the corner of her eye she saw those obnoxious pink spikes slowly start gaining on her. She tried her best to keep her spot but on the upcoming turn she was going to have to break, unfortunately for her Natsu knew how to drift these stupid karts almost like a drag racer. Natus passed her as she broke and took the lead, the worker on the side gave the final lap warning. Lucy tried gassing it all the way but wasn't making the distance. Natsu let out a whoop from upfront. Kade's hands were thrown up in the air. At least he was having the time of his life up there. It made her happy to see him have so much fun on their date.

Then Natsu did something completely unexpected. He. Slowed. Down. 'Oh of all the cocky-'

Natsu slowed down near the straightaway, the winners flag raised waiting for them to come in. Natsu and Lucy were side by side, Natsu and Kade gave a wave before zooming off towards the finish line. White checkered flag thrown down, it was official. Natsu won the bet.

The worst part, she taunted that she was going to win no problem. She was never going to hear the end of it. A deal is a deal. She'd have to suck it up and deal with the consequences of her bragging.

Slowing to a stop and parking the karts, they all got out and Kade ran to her, hugging her legs. "We won! Mommy we beat you!"

"Sure did kiddo!" She ruffled his hair.

Kade let out a giggle. Natsu strolled up to them, cocky grin and swagger to his step, "So ready for some lunch?" he beamed.

"No." Lucy moaned like a 2 year old.

"Too bad. Kade you wanna get some pizza at the restaurant next door."

"Yeah!"

"It's decided. Pizza. Shall we." Natsu gave a bow.

"Guess so."

Lucy led the way to the outside of the arcade. While incredibly stressful at the end, she had to say she had a lot of fun at the arcade. The three of them, who oddly matched walked down the street to the pizzeria nearby. A waitress led them to a booth where Lucy and Kade took up one side and Natsu took the other. Having Menus placed in front of them they ordered drinks and appetizers.

Kade entertained the both of them, telling them what his favorite games were and how much he wants to go back with Momon and play all the games again. But his favorite thing was the GoKarts, which didn't shock either of them.

"Mommy what was your favorite game?" Kade trend to her.

"My favorite had to be," she tapped her chin, "the dancing one."

"Natsu what was your favorite?" Kade switched to Natsu.

"Mine would be the GoKarts. I love fast cars. As long as I'm driving." he tacked on.

The drinks and appetizers arrived, and the waitress asked, "What am I gettin' y'all this evening?" pen and paper in hand.

"May I please have the chicken tenders and fries?" Kade asked.

The waitress looked at him with a wide smile, "You sure can my man!" she turned to Lucy.
"You should be very proud, he has amazing manners."

"Thank you." Lucy said proudly. Her little man was taught manners as soon as he could speak. If he was going to be anything it was going to be polite.

"What can I get the parents?" she turned to the both of them.

Natsu gave an awkward cough but didn't deny, "Can I have a large pizza with wings, sliders, and chips?"

"Sure thing." Not even batting an eye.

Lucy just looked at Natsu in horror. A bright blush coating her cheeks, "I'll have a burger and fries please."

"You got it dear."

"Thank you." all three of them said at the same time.

After the waiter left they both stared at each other, blush coating each of their cheeks. "I-uhh thought it might be better playing along."

"You didn't have to."

"I know, but I thought it might be easier. I don't mind, afterall." he looked away from her bashfully.

"Well thank you regardless."

Natsu just gave her a shy smile.

"Now besides that, did you have to get all that food?!" she wined.

"What? I'm hungry. All that winning worked up an appetite."

"Oh shut your mouth."

Natsu chucked at that, Lucy was real easy to work up for sure; That's what made teasing her so fun.

"But did you have fun?" he asked.

"Yes." she begrudgingly admitted head down and eyes closed. She didn't feel like looking at his stupid face knowing that he was right.

"Good makes me happy."

"Kade bud, how about you? Did you have fun?"

"Yes sir! Thank you for today Natsu."

The food arrived and they all chowed down. Natsu ate every bit of his food and the leftovers from Lucy's plate which still scared Lucy on how much this guy could eat and still have room for more. When the bill arrived and Lucy saw the total, Natsu snatched it and put his card in before handing it back.

Lucy looked appalled. "Hey! Deals a deal!"

"Lucy you think I'm going to take you out on a date and then make you pay for the meal." he shook his head, "Pops would have my head. I was planning on paying regardless of who won."

"Natsu, this is too much, at least let me pay for the tip."

"No ma'am I'm sorry but it's already been taken care of."

Lucy huffed. "Thank you. I owe you one."

"No you don't, 'sides it was my pleasure."

With the bill taken care of, they headed to the car and began the drive home. After all the excitement from the day, Kade dozed soundly in his carseat.

Back at Lucy's apartment Natsu followed Lucy up the stairs with Kade in his arms, Lucy unlocked the door with a soft click and opened it, Natsu followed her in and continued to follow her to Kade's room. He'd sleep for the next hour or so if he had to guess. With Kade tucked in, Natsu closed the door and was led to the living room where Lucy patted the seat next to her.

Natsu plopped down, and with a contented groan relaxed into the cushions. Lucy scooted closer to him and turned on the t.v enjoying the mundaneness of it after such a busy day of fun. Lucy laid her head down in the crook of Natsu's shoulder, while Natsu allowed his arm to circle around her shoulders and bring her closer. "Natsu."

"Yeah?"

"I mean it thank you. For today."

Natsu rubbed his hand up and down her arm, goosebumps trailed behind his touch, giving way to butterflies in the pit of her stomach, "Of course Luce. I had a lot of fun too."

Lucy nuzzled closer and let loose a contented sigh, "this is nice."

"Wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

Watching t.v for who knows how long, the sun began to set when they finally broke the comfortable silence.

"I should get going. Gray is going to chew my ass out if I'm out any later."

"Couldn't have that, now can we."

"No, no we can not. Cause then I'll never hear the end of it."

"Oh you poor thing."

"Hey, you try living with the snow cone, you'd be more sympathetic I'm sure." He crossed his arms.

"Try living with a 4 year old." she mimicked him, popping a hip out as well.

"Touche. Okay now I'm really going."

Natsu reached for the door, "Wait!"

Lucy grabbed Natu's hand and cradled the other against his cheek. Lucy leaned in, eyes darting to his lips then to his eyes, slowly ever so slowly Natsu felt her breath tickle his lips. They were centimeters apart, if either one of them leaned in it wouldn't be much for a kiss to happen. Natsu looked at Lucy then down at her pink plump lips. Did she really want to kiss him? He licked his lips, he really wanted to kiss her. Eyes closing Natsu began to lean in when he felt a feather light pressure on his cheek. His skin sparked where he felt her lips, the pressure increased ever so slightly. As if she was nervous, but before he could truly commit the feeling to memory she pulled away. Natsu stared at her dumbstruck. She shifted on her feet and played with her fingers, biting those incredibly tempting lips. "Payback, for Lunch."

"Oh. Yeah." was all he could muster.

"Uhh Natsu," Lucy bashfully smiled. "Don't you have somewhere to be?"

"Uhh. Yes. Yes I do." Natsu stiffly began making his way for the door again. When he managed to make the way down the steps and into his car. He slouched back and screamed from the top of his lungs, "Yes! I'm all fired up."

Little did he know that Lucy could hear him, and shook her head gently. That boy was going to be the death of her. But maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.

o0o

A/N: Hello everyone sorry for another late chapter! But this was a BEAST I TELL YOU! Look at this monster! I had a lot of fun writing it! Hope you all enjoyed! I'm going to sleep for a week! See you all next Saturday!

Big thank you to Macaron time, Amanny, rao hyuga 18, Copperreign12, and Guest!

~Baccei