A/N: Alright this is going to be long one but I read it, double read it and I found no scene to be left out. All of this is relevant in my head for future events and yes, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. I hope you all like it so please let me know what you think about it.

Lucy took her phone and looked at the screen noticing unread mail. She moved finger over the screen and opened it, having to see number not saved in her contacts and with message saying "Guess who". She raised her eyebrow and felt light shiver on her skin Oh God I hope it's not him she sighed and closed eyes. How did he even got her number? Who would give it to her? Lucy felt the urge to call him right now and yell into his ear or perhaps call the police and have them deal with the stalking creep however before her finger could make any of that happen she heard a knock on her door.

Her steps were light as she went down the stairs and stood by the wooden door. Heart skipped what if it's Natsu? He couldn't know where she lived but if indeed it was him on the phone then there is definitely a chance he is knocking on her door, but then question would be how did he know where she lives? She stood, not wanting to open the door yet but knock was heard again and her stomach clenched lightly.

"Lu? Are you home?" voice came from the other side of the door and Lucy let out a giant sigh of relief as she recognized Levy. She unlocked the door and opened them, having to see Levy beam up a big smile

"Oh thank God…" Lucy said quietly as Levy went over to her and hugged her tight. She returned the hug and looked over her shoulder at Gajeel who just waved slightly holding some bag in other hand "Come in"

Both of them walked inside and she closed the door, locking them. They were wearing casual clothes which in Levy's case consisted of white shirt and skirt as blue as her hair while Gajeel was in black jeans and just as black sleeveless shirt with leather jacket on top. He was not bothered the least by outside's temperature which made a lot of guys question if he really is human.

"What's up Lulu? You seem a bit tense" Levy said, bobbing her head slightly, showing concern on face while Gajeel's look wandered around

"No, just… I think I'm getting a bit paranoid lately…"

"Is it about that punk?" Gajeel asked as he smirked "I can still beat the crap out of him. Owe him that much"

"No no… wait, you owe him?"

"Yeah" Gajeel's smirk disappeared and suddenly the murdering gaze appeared "Jet saw 'im hitting on Levy while I wasn't looking"

"I told you for the… 17th time" Levy budged into this conversation having a tint of exasperation in her voice "He wasn't hitting on me, we were just talking"

"That counts as flirting in my book!" Gajeel interjected, crossing arms

"Everything is flirting in your book!" Levy shouted at him, her cheeks were receiving a slight color of pink. Sure she protested when Gajeel threatened everyone but she also loved the fact that he is overprotective when it comes to her… it made her feel special.

"Hey I don't want anyone flirting with my woman but me!" Gajeel looked down at her, she was pursing her lips and her cheeks instead of pink received a lovely shade of red at the mention of my woman.

"You two sound like you are already married" Lucy chuckled observing the couple in their lover's spat

"We are not married!" they both said in unison, making Lucy rather amazed that they pulled it off. It was clear to Lucy that as much as they love each other they are not exactly adept at expressing it in public, which then again made her wonder how was their se… Stop it Lucy! She shook her head lightly, trying to clear it before image of Gajeel and Levy having sex could occur in her head.

"Anyway" Levy cleared her throat, averting the subject as she looked away from Gajeel who, at this point, was as red as her "You told me you quit the job at the restaurant"

"Well not as much quit as I was… fired" Lucy sighed, dropping her shoulders. She indeed worked at the restaurant as waitress with solid pay and good clientele however manager had to "cut the extra expense" and that consisted of Lucy and another waitress.

"Well, we found you another" Levy raised both hands up in excitement

"Really?" Lucy's face suddenly lit up and Gajeel nodded before giving her a small bag that he carried with him "Me and my band play there during weekends. One of their waitresses is sick so I spoke with manager and got you the temporary spot. Old… acquaintance, so to speak"

Lucy took the bag, inspecting the logo of it, recognizing origin of it and curiously she looked inside, picking out articles of clothing. She was glad to have another job but when she looked at "work clothes" she let out a hum, not so much of a shock as she was a bit uncomfortable just by looking at them.

"Yea I know what yer gonna say" Gajeel started crossing arms, having Lucy to look at him again "Ain't exactly secretary to Council but the pay is decent and you get all the tips you earn"

"No no no, I am really happy" she smiled, genuinely happy "I don't care what I'm going to wear as long as it pays. Thank you very much, Gajeel" Lucy moved toward him and hugged, having only to reach to about his chest. He was a bit struck at the moment but after a glance toward Levy and noticing her smile he returned the hug, lightly tapping on her back. That is as far as Gajeel's sentiments can go.

"Hey no sweat, any friend of shrimp is friend of mine" He grinned and looked at Levy again who puffed her cheeks and furrowed her brows "Wha?"

"I am not that short!"

"Hey you need a boost just to reach your own kitchen cabinet! I call that short" Gajeel smirked, Lucy released him from the hug and looked at the clothes again, although not completely pleased she has to wear this she couldn't complain, it is going to pay for her food and rent

"By the way, your shift starts in two hours" Gajeel said, looking away from the tiny fury that was building up beside him

"Two hours?" Lucy asked a little surprised by these words "But I don't…"

"Don't worry, I'll take care of things while you go" Levy interrupted her "I don't have anything else to do so you can go and adjust schedule for next time"

"Alright, thank you so much" Lucy moved and hugged Levy this time, receiving far better reaction than she did from Gajeel and little bluenette giggled and hugged her back tight "Besides, you'll do great and I think those clothes are made for you"

"You think?" Lucy moved away from her few steps and looked with concerning look "I don't know, what if there are a lot of perverts?"

"Then I get to have some fun" Gajeel chuckled with a growl, sounding like a giant rottweiler from hell while he cracked his knuckles

At the same time across the town, Natsu was lying on his bed in room. His lips curved into grin as he observed his phone screen and although there was no reply he was content that the initial seed has been planted. There was small doubt that Loke was tricking him and gave him wrong number but if so there is easy way to test that out later so for now his little bit of curiosity was satisfied. He had some time free, no practice today and with Gray having to close door in front of his nose before he could sneak into his dorm room, entire day was going to be slow. Perhaps a day, but what about evening? Evening was another story and he went over older message he received earlier "Meet you at 9 in front of Sabertooth".

Another day to be full and fruitful. If Lucy is not going to budge in, there are plenty of girls who will. One drink, his charming smile, one dance on the floor and everything was possible. Lucy isn't the only girl on this planet and he had to be on top of the game.

His thoughts were interrupted by the knock on the door and without averting his gaze from the screen he asked "Who is it?"

"It' me!" voice that belonged to Wendy was heard "Wanna go and help me out with homework?"

"Be right there!" he shouted and swiped across the screen to exit messages and stood up going out of his room and toward Wendy's.

The next half hour has passed mostly in Natsu's expression that resembled mix of boredom and extreme confusion… if such mix could ever be possible. Though it was about geography and something about cloud types he was mostly confused as to why she required his help when she did well on her own. Still he gladly endured as he watched her go on and on about it non-stop. Smile appeared on his face as she was doing all her assignments and homework, verbally explaining every process of every answer and every sentence she wrote into her notebook.

"What do you think about this?" Wendy turned notebook and showed Natsu her answers. He looked at what she wrote and blinked couple of times to adjust his vision that was previously locked into some distant point.

"Looks good to me" he grinned

"You didn't even read it all" Wendy pouted

"I did! I promise!" Natsu quickly added "But why do you need my help when you already know all of this?"

Wendy sighed, putting her pen down "I know but, I just want to spend more time with Natsu-nii…"

He gazed up at her noticing rather sad expression on her face. Natsu understood where this was coming from because when he was in highschool he had more time and he was a lot closer to Wendy than now. He was more interested in fooling around than in girls so time was far less of an issue for two of them. She was still in elementary school back then and even though they came from different parents he felt strong connection to Wendy, eagerly protecting her every time he could. Natsu even started few fights because of her which of course never pleased Igneel but there was a tint of pride in him when he saw the boy smiling from ear to ear, covered in bruises and cuts.

This time Natsu felt that he was leaving Wendy out and he knew that his life, if he can call what he was leading, was too fast for Wendy to follow and she was right to feel left out. His hand moved over her head, patting her lightly and moved her closer to him, placing kiss on her hair.

"You know, I know and I think we should do this more often…" he said and grinned toward her and upon hearing those words she beamed up a bright smile at him "now tell me again about those... ummm… cuba… cucu… humus…"

"Cumulonimbus" she giggled correcting him and he nodded along with her trying to repeat

"That's what I said Cumulohumus. Alright and what are these?" He moved finger to the book at another could type

"Stratocumulus" Wendy answered upon looking where she was pointing

"No thanks I just ate" prompting another wave of giggle from her "I'll take desert though"

Two hours later and Lucy arrived at destination, still wearing her usual everyday clothes held same bag Gajeel gave her in her hand. She took deep breath and went to the front doors but before she could open a rather large hand appeared in front almost out of nowhere, stopping her from entering the building. The large hand belonged to even larger man in black suit and neatly combed teal hair

"Wooo cutie, where you think you're goin'?" he asked looking down at her with slightly furrowed brows and piercing glare "We are not opening for half hour more"

"A…actually I'm here for the job"

"Oooh, Lucy, right?" he asked and she nodded quickly, slightly terrified at this guy's giant physique but the tension was lifted as he grinned and moved arm that was blocking her path "Yea I was told you will be coming. Boss is inside, blonde hair, gray shirt and west, can't miss him"

Lucy nodded again and opened doors, looking inside. Place looked amazing, much better decorated than any place she worked so far. Everything inside was in bright colors, the bar was spacious and wall behind it filled with various bottles of drinks from just about any and every brand there is. Every table was made of glass and at the center was the logo of the place that she saw on the way in and by the walls were couches, black leather with small tables beside. Center however was perhaps the most astonishing place she saw, wide podium divided into squares and each was illuminated in different color, going on and off in random patterns.

Aside from the members of the staff there was no one inside. Few of the girls, perhaps four as she counted, dressed all the same preparing for their shift. Behind the bar stood a man in white shirt and red west, cleaning the counter so that it would be sparkling before they open. Her gaze now shifted as one of the man approached to her, wearing clothes that guard, if that was guard actually, described. This should be the boss she thought.

"You are Lucy, right?" He asked

Lucy nodded toward him, having slight feel of anxiety rush through her "Y…yes"

"Relax sweetie, this isn't military camp" young man chuckled and his eyes moved up and down on her "Turn around, let me have a better look" he demanded and took a step back and she complied "Pfff… you'll fit right in with that look, should probably keep you longer than the trial"

Suddenly she felt slightly uncomfortable having to be observed that closely by a man she never saw before but she could either take this as a compliment and move on or consider this a pervert's obsession at which case she'll end her shift before even starting.

"Alright, I take it you got had rules explained to you?" she waved head as she turned to face him. His eyes wandered down to her hand, spotting the bag she held "Well I take it you already figured the dress code. Other than what you were given you can wear whatever you want regarding boots or head accessory for as long as it doesn't cover the face. Make up is your own choice though this is always taken loosely…" he grinned looking around a bit before back at her big brown ones "I guess you can figure out how you are supposed to look"

She nodded "Do not worry, I worked at place like this before"

"Past tense sweetie" he chuckled, trying to ease up her still visible tension "I can only guess where it was but we are not like that. You get 12 000 jewels per day fixed and for now you'll four days per week. Any tip you receive is yours and judging by your look it won't be hard for you to even earn double" he continued to smile at her as she took mental notes

" And that leads me to final rule. Our customers sometimes tend to be a bit… handsy if you know what I mean" she knew exactly what he meant by handsy and it was the 'accidental' slip of hand on either her ass, breasts or thighs.

"Mmmyea, no can do here" he quickly waved his head "You are waitress so you are to be polite, to serve drinks and to be eye candy although the last one you nailed pretty well" he winked making her blush slightly "but this is not a brothel, eye candy is as far as you should allow, if someone tries to get more than you are comfortable with, you are free to report it and the lovely gentleman you saw outside will make sure he gets ticket out through the backdoor"

"Got it!" she said, having a small feel of relief and even soft smile emerged, understanding that at least her bit of dignity would be preserved… not that clothes helped.

"Alright we start in…" he looked at his watch "20 minutes and you work until 10 p.m. which means that you'll work day shift. Night shift starts at 10 p.m and all up till 6 a.m. That is when we are most busy but since you are first time here, better take easier shift till you get used to it"

"Understood" Lucy replied again

"Alright, the dress room is at the back, one of the girls will show you the way, make sure you get ready"

Man winked at her and returned to his previous activity that went on before she came in, leaving her to stand again alone at the door and she took a deep breath again. Alright Lucy, nothing you haven't done before so let's get this started.

Natsu was in his room, looking at the masterpiece he produced this time while looking at the mirror. Dressed in jeans, slightly tattered at "strategic places" with silver chain hanging from the pocket and belt with Fairy Tail emblem as buckle. Shirt was white, short sleeves and both front and back had image of various paint splashes and on both wrists were leather wristbands, both having short and dull spikes. He gently pulled collar of the shirt and took a long sniff at the strong but pleasant scent of perfume he applied earlier and content smile emerged on his face. It was time for the big show.

Twenty minutes later and two young adults entered the Sabertooth, having few looks turn toward them but most were focused on their dancing to loud music, drinking or just having plain fun. Gray wore more relaxed clothes, or at least how he described them to be. Long sleeved white shirt with image of two ice cubes and black jeans along with chain that hung from his neck. Natsu's keen eyes already spotted his potential next "victims" on the floor while Gray was just smirking and looking for good place to start and although bar would usually be the good first checkpoint, they were both interrupted by voice.

"Yo Natsu! Gray!" blonde man, not much than them approached them and greeted both with slight fistbump

"Hey Sting, long time no see" Natsu grinned as Sting moved inbetween of them and placed his arms on their shoulders

"Well it wouldn't be as long if you would to come more often"

"Yeah right, well you know how it is, college, chicks and today's economy hooo… really puts the strain on one's wallet" Natsu grinned impishly and Sting just laughed

"Give me a break as if you care about economy. Come I got perfect spot and I got news I wanna share"

"Hey man, did you redecorate?" Gray asked as he was practically pulled by the blonde across the dance floor, having people move out of their way. They reached couches and Sting sat, having both of them grab a spot and lean back.

"Yeah, didn't like the old look, last century crap. This is more of the predator style"

"No kidding, I like it" Natsu grinned again in sign of approval, not that Sting needed it but he liked having compliments on it.

"And speaking of, guess who owns this place now" both of them looked at him

"No shit! Really?" Gray asked completely shocked while Natsu grinned at what he just heard

"No shit… Rogue and I got the cash and bought this place from Jiemma, now it's ours and working better than ever"

"See Gray?" Natsu turned his head and looked toward him "I told you I should quit the college and start my own business. I mean this is paradise! He gets to party every evening and watch all the angels dance around him mmm mmmmmm!" he hummed as he watched couple of girls in miniskirts pass by "would you look at that? And he even dropped out of college."

"Yea before you get all excited get your facts straight" Gray started, attempting to interrupt before Natsu gets any further with his train of thoughts

"What facts?"

"Well one being that before Sting quit the college he was straight A student, was a candidate for summa cum laude, genius…"

"Summa what?"

"With highest honors. He was prodigy economist"

"Now you flatter me Gray" Sting chuckled but obviously enjoyed the compliments "It's all about demand and supply. Magnolia needed one of such night clubs and we provided the best, of course there's a lot of risk but with good investment smart involvement in events, you get a little paradise as you put it"

Sting's hand rose up, snapping few times with fingers and before long one of the waitresses came.

"Can I get you anything?"

Natsu quickly looked at her, having his jaw drop at the sight of her. Going from down and up, she were boots, white, reaching up to her knees having zipper run from heels to the very top of it. The second thing he noticed was miniskirt long just enough to cover her curve, white with gold trim laced over the edges and it too had a zipper to the side. Further up was the shirt, tight and color of gold with Sabertooth logo at the front and despite it covering her breasts it perfectly pressed against every curve. The length of the shirt was not enough to even reach her navel. Finally his eyes reached her face, light on makeup, only dark eyeliner, small bits of red tint on cheek, lips coated in hot pink lipstick and hair loose, falling over her cheek and framing her face. She was smiling at them although perhaps more of a forced smile but it was present.

The sight of it made Natsu completely baffled, speechless, dumbstruck to the spine and he closed his mouth only to smile wide at her

"Strange places we meet Lucy" he chuckles as he moved a bit on his seat

"You two know eachother?" Sting asked, looking between two of them

"Yeah we're in Fairy Tail"

"Well it's a small world, I just hired her today and she's already hit among the customers"

"That she is…" Natsu said slowly, quietly, eyes fixed upon her as she somehow managed to blush even with her makeup on but remained completely composed even when he licked his lips

"So then, can I get you anything?" she repeated with sweet voice looking toward Sting this time

"I'll have beer, cold" Gray shrugged slightly and without much of thinking

"Right I'll have usual, just tell that to Rufus, he knows and what about you Natsu?"

"Sex on the beach" his words were more insinuating than they were ordering drink

"Alright, one usual for boss, one cold beer and one dream never to come true, coming right up" Lucy winked and turned on her heel going toward the counter. All the while Sting was laughing at her comment along with Gray

"Man that was cold… that was… perfectly cold" Gray added as he watched Natsu lick his lips again

"What's going on between you two?" Sting asked as he wiped his eyes from small tears that emerged from the laughter

"Not telling"

"Dude got cold shoulder from her" Gray teased

"Oh don't give me that crap! You can't even try with her" Natsu quickly retorted and looked at Sting "Ask him about his girlfriend"

"What about your girlfriend?"

"She is smart, beautiful and she is-"

Gray started listing out excuses but Natsu quickly interrupted "stalking you every single day dude!" This gave another reason for Sting to laugh "I mean I could understand her when you two weren't dating but she is still behind your ass every single day! Fuck that dude!"

Before long Lucy returned with tray in hand and placed drinks in front each of them at the table and as she bent down to place in front of Natsu who took the chance to peek into her cleavage.

"Alright, rounds tonight on me!" Sting chuckled with content "gotta celebrate finally owning this place"

"Yea hold onto that…" he went into his pocket and pulled out 10 000 jewel bill and held it between his index and middle finger "tell you what, since Sting is buying, here's a tip for you IF… you give me a kiss"

Natsu's grin was obvious and wide as he watched Lucy, showing shock in her eyes. Her heart skipped but not out of heat or passion, this skip was simply due to anger. He was never going to just leave her alone after this. She narrowed eyes at him, keeping the grin on her lips but it was obvious to him that she was absolutely livid about this situation but what he didn't know was how much she needed the money and this is almost entire day's pay in here. Sting sighed at the sight

"Natsu, how many times have I told you not to flirt with my waitresses?"

"I am not! I am simply offering her a hefty sum for one kiss. I am not touching her am I?" pinkette looked at Sting who had nothing to reply to it, and even though it was much against the rules to force waitresses he also knew that for such tips it was common for much more to happen than a kiss even before he became owner of Sabertooth.

"Only if she accepts… if she refuses you are to stop bothering her, alright?"

"Fair" Natsu grinned and turned toward Lucy again "So what's it gonna be honey?"

Lucy stood tall for few moments, glaring at Natsu who couldn't shake the excitement that was visible on his face now. The struggle inside of her was going on, and it was strong battle. She was in desperate need for more money and this much cash would at least ease up her a bit but at the same time if she would to accept and actually comply to his request he would not stop pestering her until judgment day… however she remembered the reason she is doing this and she knew that there was little place for dignity.

Lucy leaned forward, placing both hands on her knees and the pressure of her arms that clutched her breast made her already tempting cleavage look even better. She tilted her head at him offering but a soft smile from her pink lips that parted. He found the sight completely irresistible, feeling the heat catching up to him around his groin and his heart was pounding faster as she moved closer and just as she was but a centimeter from his lips he tilted head further, planting a soft but quick kiss on his right cheek, closer to ear than to his lip and her fingers grabbed the bill from his own, leaving him short of satisfaction.

"Wait hold on-" Natsu protested as she moved away

"You didn't specify where the kiss should be, your loss" she smiled sweetly at him and took empty tray, moving away from the table, leaving the trio to watch as she folded the bill and placed into small back pocket of her miniskirt.

"I am definitely keeping her around" Sting looked her way for a moment with a wide smile

All the while, Natsu was neither smiling nor frowning, neither was he happy or sad. His expression was completely blank, jaw slightly dropped and eyes wide open as he observed her walking away, not blinking a single time as if trying not to miss any of the sight. He was left there with heart pounding fast and wild, hard enough for him to feel it on the surface of his skin and on his cheek, there was just one pink mark in the shape of her lips.

A/N: Unbelievable! First chapter where Natsu isn't giant asshole and I loved it! I found that his interaction with Wendy should bring about the feel that under the bastard coating there is the gentle side of him but I only gave a teaser scene of it. I am yet to further explore his past and his relationship with Wendy, Igneel and Gran and I really want to work on those characters. Still in this chapter I found out that Lucy has a terrible terrible weapon to use against Natsu. Anyway, thank you for reading, see you on next chapter!