The grunts and yells of the combatants echoed in the spacious indoor training hall. A few beings loitered around a refreshments table, whilst they watched the fascinating fight unfolding before them. A tussle between END and Absolute Zero was never boring.

The pair snarled and hurled creative insults at each other as they rained blows and parried attacks. As the fighting reached a fevered pitch, Natsu lunged forward with the intent to deliver a final, decisive blow - only to be thwarted by Gray's cool feint to the side.

"Grr… Quite the dance master, aren't you ya icy bastard?"

"You're just jealous of my moves, you flaming turd."

The Fire Dragon Prince swiveled on his heel, rushing his opponent from the side. Gray barely had a moment to collect himself and dodge the aggressive attack.

"What the hell?! We're just sparring here, you fire-brained moron! You almost skewered me!"

Natsu fell back, a sheepish smile on his face as he scratched the back of his head.

"Ah. Yeah, sorry. Got a bit lost in my thoughts there…"

"You've been really distracted during your sparring sessions for quite a while now, your majesty." Macao, an older fire dragon who had been a high-ranking official in Natsu's army ambled up to the pair - a teasing smirk on his face as he addressed his Prince.

Natsu shrugged, trying to affect nonchalance. His shrewd subordinate did not buy it. Before he could question him more closely though, Natsu hurried to deflect his attention.

"Are you and Wakaba having another drinking contest? This early in the morning?!"

"It's almost noon, you damned dragon!" The talented smoke mage who was leisurely puffing at a pipe spoke up, his irritated words belied by the humor-laden tone with which he uttered them. "Not all beings are lazy asses like you flying monstrosities!"

"Aye," Laughed Bixlow, throwing Natsu a wink from beneath his helmet's vizor. "And you know it, Natsu! You're just trying to change the subject, aren't ya?"

Natsu scowled.

"Weren't you supposed to head back to Pergrande with Freed and Laxus?"

Bixlow chuckled, tipping his beer mug in Natsu's direction genially.

"Nope. I'm sticking around here. Alagesia is where the most beautiful babies are…"

His pronouncement met with raucous laughter from Macao and Wakaba. The latter offered his own two cents.

"Gotta agree with ya there, Bixlow. All these gorgeous magical females, not to mention our own lovely Princess, all holed up here in Alagesia with these clueless dragons. Life is so unfair…"

Macao chuckle, his teasing grin returning as he shot a sideways glance at Natsu.

"We dragons are not as clueless as you accuse us of being, Wakaba. Why, our own Prince has been extremely shrewd with regards to his beautiful human 'best friend'..."

Wakaba leaned forward, with the air of a man about to get a juicy tidbit of gossip.

"Are you tryin ta tell me that your Prince is making a move on our Princess?"

Macao grinned, his gaze now fixed on Natsu's increasingly red visage.

"Can't you tell by the strength of that blush on his face? Not to mention all the rumors that abound about how 'close' they've become! Even 'closer' than they were whilst they were children!"

"Sure, it's obvious that flame-brain here has a little crush on her." Gray joined the conversation, giving up on his spar as a hopeless endeavour as he took in his opponent's distracted mein. "But that doesn't really mean much, does it? He can't really do anything about it. It's not like Lucy's his bonded after all…"

Natsu hung his head, his earlier embarrassment rapidly fading. An aura of unease surrounded him instead, making the other men in the training hall rapidly cease their mirth to regard him with concern.

"Hey Natsu? Are you alright?"

Gray's voice laced with uncharacteristic worry cut through the heavy silence. Happy, who had been ignoring the exchange so far as he munched on his latest fish snack, dropped his treat to glide towards his usual perch on Natsu's shoulder. Before he could repeat the question to his dragon companion, a gruff voice echoed in the training hall.

"She's your bonded, ain't she?"

Gajeel clomped in, his torso bare and his dragon medallion around his neck, obviously prepared for a good practice battle. He approached the center of the hall where Natsu stood stock still beside a confused Gray. The stoic metal dragon folded his arms across his broad chest, waiting for his cousin to either deny or accept his statement.

Natsu looked up, defiance in his mein as he took in the curious looks of the occupants of the training room. After a long moment, his gaze returned to Gajeel's and he nodded briskly. To say his audience was surprised was an understatement.

"Wha?! She is?!" Gray balked, voicing the shock the rest of the room felt. "When did that happen?!"

Natsu shot him a grim smile. "The moment I first laid eyes on her after I returned from the war, popsicle breath."

Gray's expression turned solemn.

"Hmmm. I don't know whether to say congratulations… or offer my condolences…"

Natsu snorted. His friend had summarized his plight in a nutshell.

Gajeel scowled menacingly at the ice mage.

"What do you mean, you icy stripper? The rabbit cares for him as much as he cares for her. There's no way she'd reject him. Or are you implying she's not good enough for our Prince? Or are you daring to imply our Prince isn't good enough for her?!"

His words petered off into a threatening growl, one which Gray promptly rolled his eyes at.

"None of the above, you metal drama queen! I know Lucy loves this flame brained idiot as much as he loves her - but she's got a whole plethora of issues when it comes to the concept of love. Helping her overcome her hangups isn't going to be an easy task…"

Gajeel fell back, pondering Gray's words as the rest of the group regarded the pair with surprise.

"Since when have you defended Natsu so openly, Gajeel?" Macao mused in an astonished voice.

"And since when have you become an expert on love, Prince Gray?" Wakaba exclaimed, his tone teasing.

Both males returned their questioners a deadpan look. Before they could retort, a soft, vulnerable tone cut them off.

"You think she could love me back?" Natsu queried, his normally bombastic expression filled with doubt and worry.

Gajeel offered his cousin a rare, encouraging smile whilst Gray just groaned in affectionate exasperation.

"Seriously Natsu?! Are you that dense? Can't you see the obvious signals of her deep affection for you?!"

"Says the human who couldn't read his own obvious signals towards Juvia." Gajeel grumbled with a quick glare at the raven-haired mage.

Gray shot Gajeel a guilty smile before turning his attention back to his best frenemy.

"I may not have had a clue about my own feelings, but I'm not oblivious enough to not recognize a woman in love. And Lucy is in love with you. Only… I don't know if she realizes it yet. Or even wants to accept it." Gray grimaced, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

From the sidelines, Bixlow piped up.

"Don't lose hope, Oh Dragon Prince. I've heard from Laxus himself just how different her majesty is around ya - she's the happiest, kindest, best version of herself when you're nearby. If that ain't love, I dunno what is!"

Natsu sighed. "I'm her best friend, Bixlow. Of course she'd be comfortable around me! That's how we've always been."

"There is another thing." Gray interjected, his eyes still distant as he mulled over his thoughts. "Have you noticed how you're the only male she's ever allowed to touch her? Even platonically?"

Natsu blinked. "She's hugged Laxus before, and even you, droopy eyes…"

"Yeah, but have you ever seen me hug her? She doesn't mind initiating touch when she's comfortable with a male, but she always deflects when we try to return the favor. Unless that male is you, of course. You're allowed to practically grope her and get away with it!"

The Fire Dragon Prince blushed.

"Bah! That's… It's not love! At best, it means she finds me attractive… And I do not grope her, I respect her too much!"

"Happy accidents then." Gray deadpanned.

"But she also looks at you real funny when she thinks you're not looking." Happy interjected, his voice fond and confident. "Like… you're the most precious being she's ever known. You're also the first being she calls out to whenever there's danger. And it's not because she wants you to save her, but because she's worried about you. She wants you to be safe."

Bixlow nodded, adding more encouraging words. "The cat has good points. Plus, she defends you to death behind your back - Laxus found that out the hard way when he told a joke about you the other day! The way she creamed him for it was frightening and strangely poetic…"

"Juvia's told me stories of just how much she missed you during the war." Gray added solemnly. "She heard a lot from Yukino and Lucy's other close maids. It seems there were many nights when she woke up, sobbing your name and pleading for you to return safe and sound. She'll never admit it to you directly because she's the most stubborn woman alive, but you were the one she longed for throughout the bloody war…"

Natsu nodded, the doubt and worry fading from his expression only to be replaced with steely determination.

"Thanks Gray. And all of you. You're right. She cares for me quite deeply… probably even loves me. I just have to keep being there for her - hopefully she'll open up to me soon. Or at least decide how much she cares for me."

"Why don't you just tell her how you feel at the ball?" Gajeel said. "It could help her realize her own feelings."

"Nay. It's not the right time."

Gajeel frowned. "What do you mean, Salamander?"

Natsu took a deep breath. "If Lucy loves me that's wonderful. But until she comes to me, I won't burden her. She's got enough pressure as it is…"

He paused, ensuring his next words were careful and measured.

"Right now, what she needs is a best friend. Not a lover. And my most important duty as her bonded is to ensure her comfort comes first. The day she wants something more from me… I'll be there. I don't mind waiting. I'd wait forever for my Luce…"

The gathered males all nodded solemnly in agreement, making a silent pact to help their friend anyway they could.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Cool waves cascaded down the polished rocks, a fine mist arising at the base of the tiny waterfall. The crystal clear water in the shady pool rippled with the constant churn, its agitation aided by the gang of giggling females splashing happily in its shallow depths.

"Sister Mira, stop splashing everyone!"

"Aye, yer gettin water in this heavenly booze!"

"Cana, what possessed you to bring a bottle to this lagoon in the first place?! And how did you break into my private store again?!"

"Ah, that would be my fault, your majesty, she told me you requested something from your personal cask, and that it was a matter of utmost urgency…"

"Nay, it was not entirely Lady Yukino's fault. For Lady Cana also said the same to Juvia, and twas Juvia who sent her to Lady Yukino…"

"Relax, Lucy dear, we're here to enjoy ourselves! This is the famed magical herbal pool of Alagesia - it's rumored to increase the loveliness of any female who soaks in it for more than an hour - right Wendy?"

The Princess of the Dragons giggled, nodding emphatically.

"That it is. It's a shame mother and Chelia couldn't join us today…"

"It couldn't be helped." Carla piped up. "Their work in the palace will keep them occupied all day."

Lucy surveyed the group gathered in the pool with affection. Mira laughed as she splashed Lisanna, a grumbling Cana cradling a bottle in her arms as she waded away from them. Yukino floated in the cool waters, a happy smile on her face as she chatted with her neighbors, a reserved yet relaxed Minerva and a sweet, bubbly Juvia. Wendy, Carla and Levy tread the waves closest to Lucy, the four settling into an amiable silence as they absorbed the peaceful scene before them.

"Sooooo…" Cana interrupted Lucy's pleasant thoughts as she sidled up right next to the golden haired monarch, a sly grin on her face. "Is there anyone in particular you'd like to get more 'lovely' for?"

Lucy started, yanked out of her vivid daydream that had involved toasty fires, warm bed sheets and a brilliant, fanged grin.

"Whatever do you mean?" Lucy queried, a slight scowl marring her expression.

"I suppose Cana's alluding to the purpose of this dip." Levy interjected, her teasing tone making it evident that she had caught onto Cana's scheme. "There is most likely someone whom you would like to impress with a dose of increased feminine charms - now who could that lucky man be…?"

Lucy's eyes widened, as she shot a betrayed look at Levy.

"Or perhaps we shoulda said tha lucky dra…"

Lucy moved as quick as lightning, clamping her hand over Cana's mouth and dunking the young woman into the cool waters surrounding them. As Cana struggled to rescue her precious bottle from an early demise, Wendy - a little confused by their tussle and Levy's knowing smirk - innocently asked a question.

"Do you have any admirers back in Pergrande, Lucy? One whose affections you return?"

Lucy released Cana to turn to Wendy, her own expression one of confusion.

"What? No! Err... that is, there is no one I harbor any deep affection for in Pergrande…"

"Really?" Levy tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Prince Garrett would be heartbroken to hear that little statement."

Lucy visibly relaxed, letting out a short, relieved laugh.

"Oh, was that whom you were alluding too, Levy dear? Nay, although I highly respect and admire Prince Garrett as a friend, I would never consider him a potential lover."

"Who is this Prince Garrett?" Mira interrupted as she swam towards the group, Lisanna in tow.

"He's a nobleman in my lower court." Lucy explained. "And he's one of the few men in both my courts to actually merit the title of 'nobleman'. He is an honorable, kind and just man."

"Not to mention, he's gorgeous and a Prince." Levy interjected, a shrewd smirk on her face. "If his family were to wrangle a pardon for their past transgressions against the crown, he would even be allowed to seek Lucy's hand in marriage."

"And tha hunk is crazy about our lil Lucy 'ere." Cana added with a lecherous grin. "He'd marry our gal in a heartbeat."

Lucy rolled her eyes, an amused smile threatening her lips.

"He'd be a hundred times preferable to that awful Junelle Prince! I'm so happy I dodged that arrow to the heart…"

"So you do have a soft spot for him then, eh?" Levy probed, her expression suspiciously blank.

"I care for him as a friend, Levy dear." Lucy stated firmly. "I am not, and will never be, in love with Prince Garrett."

"But how can ya be so sure, sugah?" Cana cocked her head with a frown, taking a swig from her beloved bottle.

"Yes." Levy continued. "You are no expert in love, as you've admitted to me before. What if the affection you bear for him is love, and you just have not recognized it yet?"

Lucy groaned. "I know my own feelings, Levy! I am not in love with him!"

"Do you think he is an attractive man?"

"Wha?! Why… why would you ask me such a thing?"

"Just answer the question Lucy! And be honest - you did not protest when we called him handsome, so you cannot lie your way out of this question!"

Lucy froze, taking a deep breath to regain her composure.

"Levy-dear, are you still angry with me for the events of a few days before?"

Levy frowned a little, a little sigh escaping her.

"Yes. It will take time for me to completely forgive you. But you can work on rebuilding the trust in our relationship by being open with me this evening! I, as well as all the other beings here, only wish to help you find happiness, Lucy. We are worried about you - you need a dependable, loving partner to aid you in all the trials you will undoubtedly face in your future. We will do everything in our power to help you find him. All we ask from you is your honesty, Princess. Please Lucy…"

Lucy sighed. "Of course… And to answer your question… yes. I do find Prince Garrett attractive. But it means little, for I have found many beings attractive - especially our magical friends…"

"Which ones? Tha males or tha females, Lucy?" Cana nudged the golden haired girl with a teasing smile, her air of flippancy easing the tension that had fallen on the group after Levy's impassioned words.

Lucy grinned back impishly. "Both."

A light bout of laughter echoed in the shadowy lagoon.

However, the stubborn fairy of spirit was not to be deterred.

"Hmmm… I must approach this a different way then." She mused. After a moment of thought, a slightly evil grin lit up her angelic face, causing the other females to involuntarily shiver.

"Let's play a little game." Levy purred, the smile she directed towards Lucy deceptively innocent. "I'll suggest a couple - and you have to describe, in one or two words, how you feel about the pairing. Do you dare to try?"

Lucy gulped. She glanced around at the other occupants of the pool, their expressions ranging from amused to worried. The young monarch squared her shoulders, shifting to face her petite fairy friend courageously.

"I've never backed off from a challenge, Levy dear. Ask away!"

"Elfman and Evergreen?"

Lucy blinked. "Err… Happy? And Amused?"

Lisanna's snort of laughter and Mira's fond eye roll was not missed, as Lucy shot them a quick wink before turning back to Levy.

"Gajeel and I?"

Lucy smiled warmly. "Ecstatic. Peaceful."

"Gray and Juvia?"

"Relieved."

Levy couldn't help the quick chortle that escaped her at Lucy's instantaneous response. Juvia's slightly wounded expression had Lucy hurrying to qualify her answer.

"Err… I'm relieved that you two can finally openly express your deep and abounding love for each other!"

Slightly mollified, Juvia nodded to Levy to continue. Levy smirked.

"Sting and Yukino?"

"Very happy. And relieved as well… Now that Yukino is Sting's bonded, she will be safe from the horrible threats she used to face back in is, when she finally gets over her stubborn streak and agrees to stay back in Alagesia like I've been insisting she does..."

Lucy threw Yukino a pointed look that the young maiden waved away.

"My first duty is to you, your majesty. Sting understands. He is prepared to wait for me."

"We can discuss Yukino's predicament later, Lucy." Levy interrupted gently. "Can we first finish our game?"

Lucy shrugged, switching her attention back to her fairy friend. "Certainly, Levy dear."

"Bixlow and Lisanna?"

"Excited. Overjoyed."

"Cana and Bacchus?"

"Wha?! Eww gross! Bacchus? Really? That drunken wandering mage?" Lucy pouted at Cana.

"Wha can I say?" Cana retorted cooly, mirth dancing in her eyes. "He's great under tha covers."

Lucy huffed. "You could do so much better, Cana. Why don't you let me introduce you to…"

"Back ta tha game, ya dawdler." Cana drawled, her tone amused. She winked at Levy.

Levy took a deep breath.

"Prince Garrett and Princess Huisui?"

Lucy started. A calculating, shrewd smile slowly began to form on her face.

"Intrigued… and curious."

"Wendy and Chelia?"

"Thrilled. Fond."

"Happy and Carla?"

Lucy giggled as Carla yelped, falling face first into the cool water in her surprise.

"Tickled. Joyful."

"Natsu and his future bonded?"

Lucy froze. Agony ripped through her as her thoughts forced upon her the image of her best friend with a shadowy, ominous female figure by his side.

The air in the lagoon seemed to suddenly spike in tension, as the golden-haired monarch stared down the petite spirit fairy before her. Lucy's stance immediately reverted to her guarded 'Princess' form, as she struggled to regain her composure.

"I believe I've answered quite enough of your questions for today, dear fairy. Shall we continue this game tomorrow?"

"Why quit when you're ahead, dear Princess? Answer the last question. And be honest - no more lies, to yourself or the rest of us."

Lucy closed her eyes, her lips trembling with emotion. The words escaped her before she could consciously comprehend them.

"Hurt. Sad… and…"

Lucy opened her eyes, looking straight into Levy's hazel orbs.

"Heartbroken."

An uneasy silence fell on the occupants of the grotto.

"You admit that you love him then? You're in love with Natsu…"

"Yes? No! I don't know!" Lucy trembled, a few tears escaping her as she wrestled her gaze away from her friends to focus on a random point in the woods bordering the pond.

"I just… I don't dare think about it. He's far too important for me to lose. Right now, he is the most wonderful best friend a being could ask for - I need him in that way. I cannot afford to risk our friendship for something more, only to lose him entirely once he finds his bonded…"

"But Lucy." Wendy spoke, her voice a tense whisper. "Did you ever think that perhaps you are his bonded?"

Lucy let out a bitter laugh.

"Me? I'm not even magical! His bonded is supposed to be this amazing female who has the capacity to defeat Acnologia. Besides… I am a broken, weak, cruel human woman - Natsu deserves so much better than me…"

"You take those words back, Lucy, ya hear me?" Cana growled, her grip strong as she squeezed Lucy's shoulder. "Yer amazing. And if ya ask me, Natsu and you are perfect fer each other. Don't let a stupid prophecy stand in yer way of happiness…"

"She's right, Lucy." Lisanna added softly. "As the being who made the prophecy, I can assure you that there are many ways to interpret it - and it may even be proven wrong entirely! Natsu has defeated Acnologia all on his own, after all - doesn't that already prove my prophecy wrong?"

Lucy frowned but did not reply, the edge of a dream triggering a feeling of unease in the young woman. Golden flames, her locket attached to Natsu's wristband, and a vicious black dragon haunted her thoughts. Her companions mistook her expression for doubt.

"Natsu cares for you." Mira interjected. "He has ever since we've been little!"

"And besides, there's a good chance you are his bonded, Lucy." Levy added. "Remember how it took Gajeel more than a year to confess the same fact to me? It's very possible Natsu's keeping the news a secret from you too."

Lucy's eyes flashed with an emotion akin to fear. The strange, fleeting look was not missed by the keen eyed dragon of the group.

"Lucy? If my brother were to declare you his bonded - how would you feel?" Wendy queried cautiously.

Lucy flinched.

"I… I'd be honored of course…"

"Would you accept him and return his feelings?"

The Princess sighed, running a hand through her wet locks.

"...Once Laxus takes the throne, I will be free to live my life the way I wish… maybe then, I could be free to love as well…"

She looked up, her fierce and piercing gaze commanding the attention of every member of the little group.

"But until that blessed day, I dare not lose my heart. My first duty is towards my people. Until I am sure Pergrande does not need me to make an influential alliance, I cannot risk forming a bond of love with any being. Even if…"

Lucy's fierce facade crumbled, a despairing sob escaping her as she admitted the reality of her situation not just to her audience, but to herself.

"Even if that being were Natsu."