Hey guys, I'm back for the next chapter of '"Just" Friends?'!

Sorry it took so long, midterms and all.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the chapter... and the little cliffhanger at the end. ^.~

Much Love,

BlackRose999


"Just" Friends?

Chapter Nine: Blindsided


Natsu sat in the study of their house and stared at the words on the page. Disbelief in his eyes, a smile formed on his face. He'd done it. He quickly grabbed the page and tucked it away in his pocket as the door opened, trying to look all innocent. "What are you doing here? We'll be late to the gala!" Lucy grinned conspiratorily at him, she wasn't stupid, he was up to something. He smiled and stood, straightening his jacket, he joined her in the hallway with an arm around her waist. The inexplicable weight of the page in his pocket felt like bricks, and he desperately wanted to give it to Levy to have her work her magic.

He needed to wait, if he did it in earshot or eyesight of Lucy… well, the gig would be up and it wouldn't be a surprise anymore now would it?

He went to lead her into the hallway but she suddenly gripped his arm tight. He saw her looking nervous, biting her lip. "Natsu… There's something I need to show you." He smiled, "Show me later, we'll be late." She bit her lip again, but nodded and allowed him to lead her into the hall.

He turned and saw them in the mirror, and for a moment he was stunned by her. She wore a strapless gown, dark blue around her bust faded into a pale golden pink at the ankle. She wore a pair of nude heels and walked easily as the dress was raised at the ankle and flowed behind her like rippling waves. Golden star earrings hung from her ears and her neck was adorned by a crescent moon and stars necklace. In her hair were shimmering silver stars attached to gold strings woven through her silken locks. Her makeup was like her dress, dark on the outside and golden on the inside, setting her pale golden-brown tones off and making her barely-red lipgloss.

She fits the 'Dusk till Dawn' theme perfectly.

He wore a pitch-dark suit with tiny shimmering silver patterns that mimicked stars woven into it, if he stood behind her and she sat in front of him, he finished her ensemble. He opened the door for her and climbed into the driver's seat, knowing full well the fullness of her gown prevented her from driving properly. They were supposed to sing tonight, since they were the world's biggest hit right now they were being begged for performances left and right, and they desperately wanted to do at least one to shut people up.

They got to the Concert Hall and stepped out to the flashing lights, Natsu and Lucy posed a bit and then headed inside out of the cool autumn air, it was October, and it was due to start snowing anytime. She'd discarded her black faux fur jacket in the car, and they hurried inside after posing to allow Lucy to warm up. He rubbed her shoulder as he sat her down and took his own seat beside her, mentally noting the location of Lisanna and Bickslow, who was conveniently across the room from them in perfect view of their table.

He saw Lisanna stiffen at the sight of him and Lucy, then glare at Bickslow when he said something Natsu couldn't hear. 'They seem very unhappy with each other…' Natsu thought smugly. 'How's the new life working for you Lisanna?' He leaned over and gently held Lucy's hand, kissing the back of it and watching with glee as Lisanna bristled. "Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the 'Dusk till Dawn' Charity Gala!" Mirajane said happily into the microphone on stage. For once, she wasn't wearing anything red. She wore a long-sleeved black gown with shimmering silver sparkles that gave the appearance of stars when she moved, the gown was even sheer in some areas.

"Welcome to our annual Magnolian Gala! You all look lovely tonight, especially the ladies." Mira winked at Lucy. "Now then, we have special performances tonight, so without further adieu, let's get the first band on the stage and enjoy the music. Remember to feel free to dance with your partners, it's highly encouraged to have fun!"

Natsu and Lucy waltzed for a bit, dancing softly to the gentle music the first three bands made, and then it was their turn. They'd chosen a duet, and this one hit home for them. As they made their way to the stage, Natsu turned and helped her up the steps to keep her from tripping. "Thank you~" She said softly.

The music started, a soft tune that held an emotional tone to it. And Lucy began.

(Authors Note: Natsu - Bold, Lucy - Italics, Both - Duet.)

Sometimes it feels like, I'm gonna break

Sometimes this world, gives more than I can take

Sometimes, sunshine gets lost in the rain

And it keeps pouring down

It just keeps coming down.

Lucy turned to look at Natsu as their duet began, feeling her heart clench.

This life would kill me If I didn't have you

I couldn't live without you baby

I wouldn't want to

If you didn't love me so much

I'd never make it through

'Cause this life would kill me

This life would kill me if I didn't have you.

They took a breath and kept going, singing to each other as the world fell away into nothing. The audience didn't matter, all they saw was their souls bared between them.

You are my heart, every breath I breathe

I'm safe in your arms, you rescue me.

When I'm weak, you're strong

If you were gone I don't know where I'd be

You were made for me

(You were made for me)

This life would kill me If I didn't have you

I couldn't live without you baby

I wouldn't want to

If you didn't love me so much

I'd never make it through

'Cause this life would kill me

This life would kill me if I didn't have you

Natsu reached out an cupped her cheek, wiping away a stray tear that had somehow escaped. HE found it amazing that her tears didn't e=affect her voice.

If you didn't love me so much

(If you didn't love me so much)

This life would kill me If I didn't have you

(This life would kill me)

Couldn't live without you baby

I wouldn't want to!

If you didn't love me so much

I'd never make it through

'Cause this life would kill me

This life would kill me if I didn't have you…

The crowd erupted into applause, and for a moment Lucy hated it, she wanted to leave, to go home and lock herself away. But Natsu's hand kept her rooted in place. Seeming to sense her need for privacy, he walked off stage with her and headed to the balcony, watching her grab her clutch purse from her chair in the process. She seemed to calm in the cool air, and finally, he asked her what was wrong.

She didn't say anything at first, she merely stared into space with her lip quivering. Then, without a word, she reached into her purse and handed him a little pink testing strip.

A test with two little pink lines.