Wow, I hit over 50,000 words. Here's a fun little filler for you. :)

I do not own Fairy Tail.

13.

It's been a week since Lucy had moved in to her apartment, Natsu had slept there every night since she moved in. She didn't mind having him and Happy over, she enjoyed her time alone but life was more fun with them around. Laying in bed wide awake, she looked to her side and Natsu and Happy were both still sleeping. She tired to go back to sleep but gave up and made her way to the bathroom to shower.

It was supposed to be a a super hot day so Lucy dressed in her usual mini skit and crop top but voted to were her favorite strappy heels instead of her favorite thigh high boots. She put her hair up in a blue ribbon and sat down at the table to drink her coffee and finish the latest issue of Sorcerer Weekly. There was a spread on her favorite model Mirajane. She wondered if she would ever have a spread like that, unlike her last appearance being labeled as destructive. She sighed.

She had waited long enough for Natsu to get out of bed. She poured a cup of coffee and went to her room. Natsu was sleeping on his back with the covers pushed off his chest only covering his lower half. Voting to sleep shirtless because he got to hot in bed, she resisted the urge to reach out and touch him. She sat on the bed next to him and brushed the hair out of his face. "mmm" he made a purr like noise at her touch. He opened his eyes to see Lucy sitting with a cup of coffee in hand.

She held out the cup to him. "Is that for me?" he asked sitting up in bed. She nodded handing him the cup. Happy woke up from the sudden movements Natsu made. "I need five more minutes," the feline said moving to the end of the bed and curling up with a pillow. They both laughed at his reaction.

Sitting in the kitchen, Lucy was making breakfast. "So what do you want to do today, Lucy?" He asked her drinking his coffee.

"Oh, I don't know, maybe we can take on a job today?" She was in need of rent money but she still had time before she needed to pay it. "We should head to the guild once Happy is up and see what Erza and Gray are up too? Maybe they would want to come with us?"

"Yeah sure" he commented "Just the mention of Gray makes me want to kick his ass." Lucy looked at him and frowned. "What is it with you two? One minute you act like friends and the next you are fighting like enemies. Why." She paused when she had a realization. "Oh I know, it's because you're fire and he's ice isn't?"

Natsu looked up at her and cocked his head to the side. "It's not just that we are opposites, we have always been this way since we were small, it's all in fun, he's like a brother to me and I enjoy the challenge of beating him up. Plus he's so cocky you just gotta punch him."

"Oh brother," Lucy continued making them breakfast, the smell must have gotten Happy out of bed because he entered the kitchen and sat down at the table with Natsu. "Morning," he said with a yawn. "Lucy I need fish."

Lucy went to the fridge and pulled out a fish for the little guy and gave it to him, as well as the plate of breakfast she made for herself and her dragon slayer. "Here you go, eat up." she handed out the food and sat down with a plate for herself. "Thanks LUCY!" they both said making Lucy smile with appreciation.

...

At the guild Erza and Gray were sitting at the table with Levy and Canna. Erza was talking about going to the beach, it was supposed to be one of the hottest days in Fiore and she had just gotten at new bikini that she wanted to wear. "So are we all down for going to the beach today?" she asked the group.

"Yeah i'm in, though I will have to invite Jet and Droy." Levy said " I've been leaving them out a lot lately."

"Yeah, I guess i'll come, I got nothing better to do today," Gray chimed in.

"And I guess i'll bring the booze." Canna was drinking a barrel of liquor.

"Perfect, I think Mira and Elfman were going to come when I mentioned it to them earlier, that just leaves Natsu and Lucy"

"Don't forget Happy" Everyone turned to look at the trio that had entered the guild. "Hiya guys" Natsu strolled on in followed by Lucy who smiled and waved.

"What's going on?" Lucy asked as everyone looked at them. "We were making plans to go to the beach today you in?" Erza asked knowing what the answer was already.

"That sounds amazing! I was going to see if you wanted to go on a job today but the beach sounds like a better idea." Lucy replied, "I can't wait to lay on the beach, Oh Natsu, we gotta go back to the apartment to pack. I have just the swimsuit," Lucy rambled on.

"Wow, what's with those two?" Canna pointed out. No one answered her question as they all talked about beach plans.

"Why don't we all get ready and meet back here in an hour?" Erza suggested, everyone agreed.

...

Time had passed and most were back at the guild ready to leave for their day trip to the beach. Lucy had changed into her bikini and had thrown a beach dress over it. She had a bag packed with all the essentials for the trip including snacks for her boys. "I can't wait to relax by the water" Lucy said to Natsu as they made there way back the guild. Natsu had ran back to his house to grab a few things for himself and Happy meeting Lucy back at her apartment to go back to the guild.

"Yeah, it's gonna be a great day, i'm gonna challenge Gray to a swimming contest" Lucy sighed, she hoped the two could also spend some time together since they were going to be at the beach, it was supposed to be fun and relaxing. "Maybe i'll challenge you to a swimming contest," she said

"Huh, you want to challenge me?" Natsu asked slyly.

"Sure, why not, I just want to be a part, you are dating me, not Gray"

"You think you're funny huh?" he teased tickling her side getting a reaction out of her.

"Yup" she laughed, taking his hand as they walked the rest of the way to the guild.

They were the last ones to get there, as soon as they walked in, Erza was moving everyone out so they could get the most out of their day. She had a wagon pulled up at the entrance and everyone piled in, she invited a few others and they said they might make it later.

...

Once they arrived, Lucy helped Erza set up a canopy and pulled out more blankets and towels. Elfman brought a net for volley ball and set it up with Gray. Mira brought stuff to grill over the BBQ for later. Natsu and Happy ran and jumped into the water. Everyone else fanned out and were either laying in the sun or working there way into the water to get used to the temp.

Lucy was laying on a beach towel soaking up the rays when she heard the commotion, "GRAY, HEY ICE PRINCESS, I CHALLENGE YOU TO A SWIMMING CONTEST!"

"YOU'RE ON FIRE BREATH"

Lucy perked up and ran over to them. "Hey Natsu, kick his ass for me" she called out with a wink.

"Sure thing, sweetheart." He ran into the water splashing Gray.

"Hey, no fair, you can't have a head start, oh and Lucy, I thought we were friends." She laughed watching as he ran after Natsu.

"Did Natsu just call Lucy sweetheart?" Canna asked as she took a big gulp of liquor.

"Uh, I didn't hear anything." Mira responded trying to keep their secret.

"No I definitely heard him say that." Canna assured.

"I heard it too." Elfman said.

"Mira do you know something that we don't?" Canna slurred her words, she was already drunk.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Mira continued prepping food for later.

"Mira, come on, don't be like that." Canna was now standing in front of her giving her the you know something tell me now look.

Erza laughed, "Now, now Canna lets keep ourselves calm."

"What? I was just asking a simple question." she waved her flask around, liquor flying out of it. "Damn, i'm gonna need to fill this thing up again."

"Why don't you just ask the happy couple" Happy chimed in, he was sitting in the sand gnawing on a fish he had caught. Everyone including Erza turned to look at the feline. "Happy," she said sternly.

"What, it's true, it's about time everyone knew anyways, I am surprised you, Mira and Levy didn't spill it yet" Happy chuckled.

"WAIT? What are you saying Happy?" Canna crouched down in front of the feline.

"You know, they won't be very happy when they find out you told everyone you know." Levy replied.

Happy shrugged his shoulders. "If anything, they will thank me."

"When did this happen and how long have you girls known?" Canna asked. Many of the guild members who were there with them gathered around, interested to hear what the feline had to say.

"Sorry everyone, we need to mind our business, when they are ready I am sure they will tell you, but for now keep quiet." Erza commanded everyone.

"Ugh fine" Canna said defeated.

"Alright, now lets all have an amazing day at the beach. Anyone up for a round or two of volley ball?"

"Yeah, i'll show you how a real man plays" Elfman said ready to show off his skills. Canna, Levy, Jet and Droy all said they would join in on the game as well as Mira.

Lucy was watching as Natsu and Gray challenged each other, they made it back to land with no real winner, they both kept calling each other names and throwing punches. "Now now guys, why don't you find something else to do, like maybe build a giant sand castle, or beat each other at a game of volley ball?" They both looked up when she spoke.

"That's a great idea, Lucy" Natsu replied, "Has anyone seen Happy I could use his help?"

"Uh, he was over here but he caught a fish and then vanished." Lucy said looking around hoping to spot the blue feline. "Oh, he's over there with Mira and the gang."

"You don't get help in a competition." Gray folded his arms across his chest.

"Ah, you're just jealous." Natsu teased

"Of what?"

They three ran over to where everyone else was at. Lucy noticed the strange looks everyone was giving her. "What's everyone looking at?" she asked, Natsu was standing behind her just inches away.

"When were you going to tell us all that you two started dating?" Canna questioned slurring her drunken words, getting a menacing stare from Erza who looked ready to strangle her for speaking.

Lucy and Natsu were caught of guard. "Uh, I uh." Lucy was at a lost for words, "Erza, did you say something?" she bellowed

"No, but I can point a finger to a certain feline who did." Happy stood up and started giggling.

"Happy!" Both Natsu and Lucy called out.

"So it's true then?" Canna asked the two. "And just how many people know about this? I fee like I am the only one surprised here."

"I didn't know" Elfman said.

"I didn't know either" Jet responded too. "Since when is Natsu into girls?"

"HEY MAN WHATS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?" Natsu was ready to fight jet for his comment.

"I just meant, I didn't think you would ever get a girlfriend that's all."

"Jet, that's rude, Natsu is a perfect gentlemen, a little destructive and immature, but come on, who isn't?" Levy countered.

"Alright, everyone calm down, we don't need to get worked up over something that isn't our business." Erza spoke.

"It's okay Erza, I guess that the cat is out of the bag," she glanced at Happy who was still giggling. "It's true, we are together and it's been great, we only kept things quiet so we could enjoy the beginning of our relationship. So please don't everyone get all crazy." Natsu hugged Lucy from behind and kissed her head getting hoots and hollers from their guild mates. She shook her head and her face was bright red. "We are a part of one crazy family aren't we?" she looked up to Natsu and he smiled. "Yeah, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

...

With the secret out there, Erza suggested the round of volley ball. She picked two teams to start. On the first team it was Natsu, Lucy, Elfman and Mira and Levy and on the other team it was Gray, Erza, Jet, Droy and Canna. They game began but it quickly got out of hand. Erza said at the beginning that no one is to use magic but when do they ever listen. The game ended with the ball deflated and the net torn to shreds. With their behavior, they had cleared the beach of other visitors and tourist.

"At least we get the beach to ourselves, now" Lucy said with a sigh.

"Hey how about the sand castle contest?" Natsu asked Gray.

"Yeah, lets do it." he replied.

Getting curious stares the two boys had an audience as they began to dig in the sand.

"I guess I should get some food started." Mira said heading back to the canopy. "Let a real man help you big sis," Elfman said following after her.

Natsu and Gray ended up building a sand castle fortress, connecting the two castles together. "Wow, when you guys get worked up you can really create a work of art." Lucy said standing back admiring what they created.

"Thanks, it wasn't supposed to turn out this way." Natsu admitted.

"It is pretty cool" Gray commented. "I wonder how long it will stay like this?"

"For a little while, or until one of you knuckleheads knocks it down." She giggled getting a stare from the both of them. "So Natsu, think I can take you up on the race now?" Lucy asked "You were serious when you said that earlier?"

"Of course I was. I have a little competition in me as well." she stood with her hands on her hips.

"Alright, I wont go easy on you though."

"Good I would hope you would bring everything you got, you'll probably win but i'm gonna make you work for it." she winked at the dragon slayer.

"You're on."

Everyone watched the exchange, "Wow, those two really are in love aren't they?" Levy said, "They both have so much fire"

"No kidding" Canna said.

Natsu and Lucy ran to the water and jumped in. There race turned more into a splashing fight just like before in the hot springs. Lucy was having so much fun and it was nice to finally be open with everyone about their relationship even if it didn't happen the way that she wanted too. They stayed in the water for while until they heard their names. "LUCY, NATSU, come eat!"

"Guess that's our que to get out huh?" Natsu said.

"Yeah, I guess you're right, food does sounds pretty good right about now."

...

Natsu had made a big bonfire for everyone to enjoy as they ate. Mira made burgers on the grill. She also brought fruit and potato salad to eat as well. Levy had brought stuff to make smores after dinner.

"Mira another fabulous meal" Erza said, making Mira blush with delight. Everyone else thanked her for the meal as well. "You are all too kind, I am so glad you liked it."

"Really Mira, you are the best cook I know." Lucy complimented.

It was starting to get dark and everyone had finished eating. Levy brought out the s'mores and passed it around to those who wanted them.

Lucy found a stick and speared her marshmallow. She held it over the fire turning it until it was perfectly toasted to her liking. She placed in on a graham cracker with some chocolate.

"Here ya go" Lucy gave the smore she had just made to Natsu who was sitting beside her.

"Thanks" he bite into it. "I toasted the marshmallow to perfection, you deserve it"

"It's perfect, thanks" he said with his mouth full.

She grabbed another marshmallow, speared it and held it over the fire. The second one didn't come out as great as the first but it was still pretty good.

"Lucy, wanna go on a walk along the beach?" Natsu asked her. "Sure I'd love to." Natsu stood up taking Lucy's hand to help her stand but he didn't let go. He lead her down along the water. Every member of the guild watched as this happened but no one said a word.

"It's a really beautiful night, isn't it?" She said looking up at the sky. More and more stars started appearing. "The stars looking amazing reflecting off the water."

"Yeah it is beautiful." They walked hand in hand down the beach until they were out of sight from their friends. Natsu sat down on a near by log pulling Lucy into his lap. They sat there for a while star gazing.

"Don't you know all the constellations up there?" He looked in her direction watching her gaze up in bewilderment.

"I know most of them" she pointed up and named a few. "You're amazing, I would never remember all of those" He said wrapping his arm around her holding her close.

"Today was really fun wasn't it?" She felt warm in safe in his arms. She was looking into his eyes smiling with complete joy.

"Yeah, one of the best, and there will be many more to come i'm sure of it."

"I never imagined any of this happening before I left home."

"Well, I know I am sure glad you left, you would have made it to the guild one way or another." Natsu said.

"That's true, I've wanted to join a guild since I was small, since my mother gave me Aquarius." She sighed, if only her mom could see her now. Looking up at the big night sky she thanked her mom. A tear ran down her cheek. Natsu noticed and caught it. "Lucy, why are you crying?"

"Oh, it's nothing, just missing my mom is all." she admitted putting her head in the crook of Natsu's neck. He held her for a while. "It's getting pretty late, think we should start walking back?" Lucy suggested, she didn't want everyone to leave with out them. It would be a long walk back to the guild. Natsu nodded and they both stood.

Before walking back in the direction of their friends Natsu grabbed Lucy by the waist and turned her around to face him. "I'm really sorry about you mom Lucy, and I hope one day you can makes things right with your father, but until then I promise to take care of you and be your family." Lucy's eyes were gleaming in the moonlight. She reached up on her tip toes and put her arms around his neck and placed her lips to his. "Thanks Natsu, truly"

...

Back at camp, everyone started packing up about ready to leave. "I wonder where those two went off too?" Erza wondered.

"Yeah, we are gonna leave without them if they don't get back her in the next ten minutes." Canna complained.

"Would you two have patience," Mira sang, "Let them be."

"Aye, i'll go check on them." Happy flew up into the air but someone caught his tail. He looked back to find Erza who was shaking her head.

"I think I see them walking back," Levy pointed down the beach. "Yeah over there." They were both came into view down the beach.

"It's about time you guys got back." Canna bellowed at the couple.

"Sorry to keep you guys waiting, we walked a lot further then we thought and the night sky is absolutely amazing tonight." Lucy apologized to everyone.

"No need for and apology" Erza and Mira said.

Everyone packed into the wagon and road back to the guild where they all said their goodbyes and went there separate ways. Natsu and Happy walked Lucy home but didn't come up. "You're not staying over tonight?" she asked him. "I gotta run back to my house, i'll be by later okay, don't wait up." he said leaving her at the steps. She watched as him and Happy walked off.

In her room she changed out of her clothes and climbed into bed with the book that she picked out with Levy for their book club. She couldn't focus on the story, she was thinking about her night under the stars with Natsu, she wished that he was with her now but she knew she would wake up next to him in the morning.

...

"So why are we going back to the house?" Happy asked Natsu on there way to the edge of town. "I wanted to grab more of my things, plus I have something on my mind." He kept thinking about what Lucy had said about missing her mom and being angry with her father. It made him feel something. He never thought about his mother and Igneel has been gone for a long time now. They were experiencing some of the same feelings.

"What's got you all bent out of shape?" Happy asked.

"Just something Lucy said" he replied, "I don't like to see her cry."

"Why was she crying?"

"Lucy comes from a complicated past, she's only told me about it. I want her to be our family since she was voided of one growing up. You know her mom past away when she was young and her father wasn't much of a parent to her."

"Oh, right"

"So I'm packing up some stuff and we will live with Lucy."

"Aye sir, whatever you say Natsu."

Until next time. Review.

Amanny: Thanks for the reviews. :)

Also, I wrote a one shot called "Late Night" check it out if you want.