Author's Note: Hi everyone! I am sorry about the delay. I am posting this a bit later than I wanted, but it has been a whirlwind of a week! I hope you enjoy the prologue and first chapter! I will try my best to post on a weekly basis, but I am still in the process of writing this story, so it might switch to a bi-weekly update. As always, feel free to leave reviews and let me know what you think! (:

January 10th

Lucy tucked a strand of blonde behind her ear as her ponytail bounced behind her. She had been running down the street for twenty minutes now, breathing heavily as she maneuvered around townspeople. Twist in Fate was clenched tightly in her hand as she sprinted. Her new apartment didn't have power yet, so her phone died, leaving her without an alarm on one of the most important days of her life. She had been reading Levy McGarden's novels for years now and there just happened to be a book signing in the town the blonde had settled in a week prior. No matter how crappy her life was in that moment, Lucy refused to miss this opportunity. She smacked into the door, shoving it open with her body weight as she nearly face planted in the entrance. The bookstore was quiet, save the soft chatter of the cashier and single customer at the register. Her eyes scanned the room, her shoulders hunching as they settled on the empty table by the cafe. She had missed the signing. With her morning ruined, she figured she would get herself a latte before returning to her job search. Nobody in the town was hiring and Lucy was running dangerously low on options at this point. With the advanced rent and the furniture for her apartment, she was almost out of cash. She wouldn't even have enough money for groceries next month if she didn't find some source of income. After ordering her cinnamon latte and cheese danish, she dropped onto one of the bar stools. Her eyes remained unfocused, gazing out the window as she blew on her steaming latte to cool it down. She had placed the novel next to her, hands folded on her lap as she thought over the last corner of town. It was the only area she hadn't searched for jobs yet. There was the hair salon, the pet store, the gym...

"Twist in Fate, eh? Who's your favorite character?" Lucy jumped, startled by the bubbly voice beside her. She hadn't even noticed the small woman seated two stools away from her. Lucy blinked, her eyes struggling to focus as they settled on the bright blue hair glistening in the sunlight.

"Freya, definitely." The woman seemed surprised by this and Lucy blurted out a defense for her decision. "I know she isn't the main character or even one of the major side characters, but to me, she is the strongest of them all. She left her entire family behind to save Rylan and help him find Collette. She supported her friends through everything and even gave her life in the end to save Collette's life. What most people don't realize is that Collette was a complete stranger to her. She simply trusted Rylan's judgement and knew he couldn't live without Collette."

"Impressive. Most people forget about Freya. Did you read her backstory?" The woman asked, a smile shining on her face.

"No. I, uh… don't have power at my place yet. And even if I did, I don't have internet. I need to find a job first before that'll happen. That's the first thing I'm reading though, once I get my computer up and running." Heat rose to Lucy's cheeks as she stumbled through an explanation. A small notebook was set in front of Lucy and her head tilted.

"That's the original. I tend to hand-write everything before typing it up. It drives my editor crazy." The woman giggled, sticking her tongue up over her top lip as she grinned. Lucy's eyes widened as she finally focused on the woman's face. Her heart nearly stopped.

"You're-" Her brain couldn't even form words for her lips to speak. Her palms were sweating as the bluenette giggled.

"Levy McGarden. It's so nice to meet you." She extended her hand and Lucy wiped her palm on her skirt before shaking it.

"I'm Lucy. It's an honor to meet you. I love all of your books, but Twist in Fate is my absolute favorite." She babbled excitedly and Levy laughed along with her.

"You might change your mind once you read Freya's back story. I was thinking about writing a novel with her as the main character. You know, I would love your feedback on it once I start writing."

"Why mine?" Lucy blurted and Levy laughed again.

"You're one of the few readers who actually acknowledges Freya's strength. I want to do her story justice and I think you can help me do that. Plus, I frequent this bookstore all the time, so I'm sure we will be running into each other often." She explained and freed her phone from her purse. She handed Lucy the phone and the blonde's eyes widened. "How else am I going to keep you updated?" Lucy didn't hesitate after that, adding her contact number in.

"I look forward to reading it." She smiled widely and Levy nodded, returning her phone to her bag. She hopped off the stool and gestured for Lucy to follow.

"Come on Lu. I have an idea to solve your job predicament!" Lucy didn't need anymore convincing to follow her favorite author. She dropped off the stool, tossing the remaining crumbs of the danish and the cup from her latte in the trash before gathering the books and following the bluenette. They chatted amicably about the town and how Lucy was adjusting before switching gears and talking about other novels they've read and their top five favorite authors. It was surprisingly easy to talk with Levy and Lucy had a skip in her step as they walked nearly the entire way back to Lucy's apartment. Levy turned the corner right before her street and stopped in front of a two-story building that had the outward appearance of a castle.

"Fairy Tail?" She questioned, reading the sign before meeting Levy's gaze.

"Yep! It's the best bar around. Mira said they've been looking for extra help, so I'm sure she will help you out!" She pulled me through the doors and we were instantly met with loud banter. Groups of people were scattered throughout the bar, filling the various tables. "This place has the same regulars everyday. They just can't seem to get rid of us." She smirked as people shouted greetings at her. Lucy was struggling to take it all in, though she found that she rather enjoyed the chaotic atmosphere of the bar. They stepped up to the counter and a beautiful woman with long white hair stood tall, filling a mug with a draft before sliding it to the busty brunette sitting cross-legged on the stool furthest from the door.

"Levy! How'd your book signing go?" She chirped, stepping over to them with a wide smile.

"Hey Mira! It went really well. I had a good turn out. I actually met Lucy at the signing. She's new to the area and she's in need of a job." Levy cut right to it and Mira brightened even more, which Lucy didn't think was possible.

"Hi Lucy! It's so nice to meet you. Let me go get the paperwork. Don't go anywhere!" She hurried away into the back and Lucy was left with wide eyes.

"She's always like that. You get used to it after a while. I'll be right back. If I don't go say hi to Jet and Droy, they may implode." She winked, disappearing from Lucy's side.

"Hey. Come here often? My name's Gray." A man slid into the spot where Levy once stood. His navy hair shining in the bar's bright lighting. He had a kind smile, but what struck Lucy was the fact that he was standing in his boxers.

"Uh, I'm actually new here. Where are your clothes?" His eyes widened as he glanced down at his attire. It was as if he had no recollection of taking his clothes off in the first place.

"Crap!" He shouted as round laughter escaped the lips of a man behind the bar. Lucy turned to find the source of the voice. He had pink, spiky hair that was rather unruly and bright, onyx eyes that were squinted from his smile. What an odd eye color, Lucy thought to herself. He was laughing hysterically as he clutched his stomach. She felt herself drawn to him, his laugh endearing.

"Way to make a solid first impression Popsicle." He laughed so hard, tears were welling in the corners of his eyes. It was terribly adorable, and yet, a tad obnoxious as well. He was definitely an enigma to Lucy, though her gaze was pulled away when Gray nearly knocked her over.

"Want to go Pyro?" Gray growled, fists clenching as the man behind the bar stopped laughing. He cracked his knuckles, meeting Gray's challenging glare.

"Enough, you idiots. Get your testosterone in check." The brunette, who managed to gulp down her beer already, snapped at them.

"Whatever Cana. Mind your own business." Gray huffed, pushing off the bar and returning to the table by the door.

"Don't mind them. They've been at each other's throats for the past five years. Gray also has a bad stripping habit. He claims he's had it ever since he was a kid, but we think he is full of shit." Cana hiccuped, moving down to sit next to Lucy. "The name's Cana." She extended her hand.

"Lucy." The blonde shook her hand and Cana nodded, reaching over the bar to refill her mug. She winked before turning away and casually sipping her beer.

"Here you go. We have a bartender, server, and kitchen position open! Just circle whichever one works best for you." Mira spoke cheerfully, laying out the paperwork for Lucy to fill out. She thought over the options and eventually settled on the server position. She was fairly awful at cooking and she didn't really want to spend her nights mixing drinks. She filled out all the paperwork, placing her license on the counter and Mira disappeared to make copies of everything. When she returned, they talked about her experience and Lucy explained that she used to work at a small town diner, serving. That seemed to do it for Mira and she hired her on the spot. She pulled a stamp out from under the counter and asked Lucy where she wanted her mark. Lucy was baffled and Mira laughed.

"All the workers, past and present, get a stamp!" She explained and the pink-haired man turned slightly, moving his white scarf to expose his shoulder to Lucy. A red mark was stamped there and he grinned at her.

"Well, okay. Does my hand work?" She extended her hand, palm down. Mira nodded, stamping a light pink symbol onto the clear skin.

"Welcome to the Fairy Tail family!" Mira cheered. "One of our servers can train you today, if you'd like. She's available until six and you'll get paid for your time."

"That would be perfect." Lucy agreed and that was how she met Juvia, a lovely blue haired woman who seemed to speak in the third person every now and again. She also had her eyes glued on Gray for most of the day, but Lucy couldn't complain. She knew her stuff and trained Lucy well. The day flew by and before she knew it, Juvia was clocking out and skipping over to hang on Gray's now clothed shoulder. Lucy sighed, dropping onto a stool and wiping the sweat from her brow.

"You did good today." The pink-haired man grinned at her, leaning against the wall as he cleaned a glass. She smiled, meeting his gaze with her own. Before Lucy could respond, arms were wrapped around her shoulders.

"Lu! You're a natural! I've never seen anyone pick up the job so effortlessly." Levy beamed as she rocked both of them.

"Thanks Levy. I really appreciate you getting me the job."

"Well, I owed you one anyway!" Lucy tilted her head at that and Levy laughed. "Because you agreed to give me feedback on my novel! Duh." She explained before turning to the pink-haired man. He had been watching the two girls with an amused grin. "Can we-" She gestured to herself, Lucy, Cana, and a smaller girl before continuing. "-get a round of shots? Your choice on the liquor." Levy smirked as Lucy's eyes widened.

"Heck yes! Shot time!" Cana hopped on the stool next to them as the smaller girl stood by Lucy's side. The man smirked, nodding his head before turning to pull out shot glasses.

"Hi! You must be Lucy. I'm Wendy Marvell." The girl definitely didn't look old enough to drink, but Lucy wasn't going to question it.

"It's nice to meet you." She shook the girl's hand as Wendy smiled widely. That's how the girls ended up doing shots all night, though Lucy refrained. She only had three. Meanwhile, Cana was asleep on the counter, Wendy was passed out on a table, and Levy was singing the top hits from the radio. She was spinning around the bar and Lucy smiled, watching her dance around. She felt a hand on her shoulder and she looked behind her. Mira smiled kindly at her.

"We are about to close. Do you need a ride home?" She spoke pleasantly.

"No, I can walk. My apartment is just on the next street over!" Lucy assured her, dropping off the stool and grabbing the two books that had managed to not get covered with the fireball the bartender had served them.

"No way. Levy is being picked up by her boyfriend. Cana stays upstairs and Wendy is staying with Levy. At least let Natsu walk you home." She insisted and called for whoever Natsu was before Lucy could politely protest. The pink-haired man poked his head out from the kitchen, brow furrowed.

"I know Mira. I have one more plate to wash and then I'm leaving. You don't have to pay me for overtime. I know how Gramps feels about that." He huffed, but Mira waved him over.

"Just leave the plate. Can you walk Lucy home? Her apartment is a street away, but you know how it gets late at night around here." Mira spoke up before Lucy could protest.

"Oh, sure." He effortlessly hauled himself over the counter and Mira puffed her cheeks out in disapproval.

"Natsu. Was that necessary?" Mira narrowed her eyes at him.

"Yep. Come on Lucy." He gestured for her to follow, sticking his tongue out at Mira before opening the door for Lucy. Lucy waved goodbye to a very intoxicated Levy before following him out. "I'm Natsu Dragneel, by the way. Are you new to town?" He extended his hand and Lucy shook it.

"I'm Lucy. It's nice to meet you. I just moved in a week ago." She nodded, her palm settling into the gentle warmth emanating from his hand. He smiled softly, not commenting on the extended amount of time Lucy held his grasp. She startled, realizing what she was doing. She yanked her hand away, turning to walk before he could comment on it.

"How do you like it here so far?" He asked, eyes scanning the surrounding area as they walked.

"I like it a lot more now that I have a job and that I've met some friendly faces. It's been a rough transition." She admitted honestly. That surprised her and she couldn't place why she was being open with him.

"I understand that. It was the same for me when I moved here about five years ago." He nodded, smiling softly at her. She tucked another strand of hair behind her ear and nodded.

"So, how long have you been bartending?" She blurted, not wanting the conversation to lull off.

"Five years. I started when I moved here. Mira hired me because I tend to make drinks with fire, which brings in a lot of business around the holidays." He chuckled.

"Why with fire?" Lucy asked, turning down the street and leading their stroll.

"Fire is honest and strong. I'm fond of it." He gave her a toothy grin and his gaze was sincere.

"I guess you're right." She acknowledged, hopping over to walk on the curb separating the stone path and the river that wound through town. He watched her carefully, a smile still on his lips as she made her way down the street. Lucy couldn't help her thoughts escaping her, wandering to the mountains she left behind her. Though she was unhappy living in her family home, the mountains always calmed her. They were her solace, always welcoming her in her childhood. "Have you done a lot of traveling in your life?" Natsu tensed in response to the question and Lucy wondered why. It was an innocent question, stemming from her thoughts of the mountain range she once called home.

"Yeah. More than necessary in a lifetime. Why do you ask?" He responded. His answer was simple, but his words were heavy. It was something Lucy picked up on easily.

"I grew up in the mountains and I was just thinking about how calming it was out there. I was just wondering if you have been up in the mountains before." She admitted softly, shoulders hunching slightly.

"I lived in the mountains for a year and it was my favorite home. I also thought they were very calm and welcoming. Do you miss your old place?" He responded, watching her closely.

"No. I only miss the terrain." Lucy stated firmly and Natsu nodded.

"Fairy Tail tends to take camping trips every summer. They go out to the mountains. Mira calls it a company retreat and they close the bar up for a week. You have that to look forward to." Lucy perked up at his words, her eyes bright.

"Really? Do you go on the trip too?"

"No. I stay here and watch over the bar for the week. I try not to leave town very often." He stated and Lucy was going to continue questioning him about it, but the atmosphere between them was a bit tense. She cursed at her thoughts, not wanting to upset Natsu with her rambling. She hopped back onto the stone when they reached her apartment and she realized she was out of time to fix the atmosphere between them.

"Well, this is it. Home sweet home. Thank-you for accompanying me. Are you going to be okay getting to your place from here?" She turned to unlock her door, missing the sudden change in his gaze.

"Yeah, don't worry about me. Sleep well." Natsu spoke under his breath, turning to walk away.

"Wait!" He paused, tilting his head slightly. He kept his back to Lucy though. "Will I see you tomorrow?" Lucy didn't know why, but she rather enjoyed the bartender's company.

"Yep. See yah tomorrow Lucy." He gave her a small smile over his shoulder before continuing his walk down the street.

"Goodnight Natsu. Sweet dreams." She whispered, unaware that the bartender could hear her and that her words made an honest smile blossom on his lips.