. Everything Has Changed .


"'Cause all I know is we said, 'hello,'

And your eyes look like coming home,

All I know is a simple name,

And everything has changed.

Come back and tell me why,

I'm feeling like I've changed you all this time…"

~ "Everything Has Changed" by Taylor Swift


Lucy decided she could have throttled the high school worker who'd decided to skip out on her shift without warning on the busiest morning of the week as she swiped sweat from her forehead, wiped her hand on her apron, and pressed her lips together. Her long blonde hair was tied out of her face, stress written on her face as she finished making the coffee and handed it over. "Enjoy," she said, smiling warmly. Even as she wanted to scream at the strands of hair that had escaped her ponytail and tickled and stuck to her cheeks.

"Next!" Lucy called, sighing heavily and grumbling under her breath. "Stupid useless workers…"

She was going to fire that high schooler, she decided, glaring at the counter as she returned to the register. This wasn't the first time they'd skipped out, and with only Lucy working, it made her life ten times harder. Frustrated, Lucy wanted to smack her head on the crumb-cluttered counter. Instead, however, she pushed a smile to her face and glanced up when a hesitant voice said, "Uh...hi."

For some reason, the voice sent something electric spiking through her veins. Her eyes locked onto the uncomfortable looking man, who peered at her from curious onyx eyes. He looked just as puzzled as she felt as he cocked his head a little and his pink hair stuck up at every odd angle as he pushed his hands into his pockets. His mouth opened, closed, and then remained shut, his face filling with simple puzzled confusion as Lucy finally flushed and sputtered, "Hello! What can...what can I get you?"

What was that odd feeling in her chest, she wondered as she rubbed it. Her heart was fluttering wildly, a warm excitement filling her. She felt delighted, relieved to see this stranger. She'd never met him before, but there was something about him that made her want to cry and scream, laugh and tackle him in a hug-

Her face grew even warmer when he smiled, lips curving into a broad grin that lit up his entire face. He delivered an order and it smacked her in the face upon hearing those familiar titles. A sly smile crossed her face. Despite the weird feelings running through her, Lucy said, getting to work, "You're going to see Levy at the museum, aren't you?" He blinked, startled. "She's the only one who orders a sandwich like that...do you want something to eat, too?"

"Yeah." He studied her. "I had some questions about this weird scarf I came across...you're the owner, aren't you? She said you were friends with her. That you couldn't bring her lunch today. She wouldn't talk with me unless I brought her food."

"That's me: Lucy Heartfilia. She's my best friend," Lucy said cheerfully. She flashed him another warm smile and arched a brow when she saw that his cheeks were coloring red, too, as if he was flustered. Something flickered through his gaze. Confusion? Curiosity? Excitement, like she felt? She wasn't sure. "Tell Levy I say hi, would you?"

"Sure," he said finally, his cheeks still a delicate shade of red. He watched her intently enough that she nearly fumbled as she went to work on preparing his food and drinks - though neither of them had asked for drinks. She knew better.

When she was done, the friendly blonde offered the order to him. The bag rustled as she held it out, and he hesitantly took it, careful not to brush his fingers against hers, but then, when he held out some cash, she gently pushed his hand back towards him. She jumped when electric shocks snapped through her veins. He snatched his own hand back, looking startled - maybe more so than she did. "No," Lucy said with a faint laugh, her fingers trembling. "Keep it. It's on the house. I sneaked a cookie and sandwich into there for you, too, Mr…?"

"Dragneel," he rasped. They were a downright mess, Lucy decided as he stammered. "Natsu Dragneel."

Lucy offered him a hesitant smile, leaning on the counter. She offered a gentle, "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Dragneel. Good luck with Levy."

He grinned at her, turning to leave as he called over his shoulder, "Thanks." He'd taken only a few steps before he glanced back. He looked reluctant to leave. Lucy felt the same, grateful he'd done so - even if it was upsetting the other customers waiting for their turn. He studied her closely. "Have I met you before, Lucy?"

She met his gaze evenly, not moving from where she was resting her elbows on the counter. "Not that I know, but it certainly feels that way, doesn't it? Come by sometime, Natsu. I'd like to chat with you again."

He looked beyond pleased with that, his eyes flickering with delight at the sound of his name on her lips. And then he gave her a mock salute and left the bakery. Lucy watched him as he went, ignoring the next customer in favor of it.

She really, really hoped, she realized, that he came to visit her again.


Rewritten as of May 9th, 2018!