A/N: This scene has been in my head for very long. I know because this is something I once did and I felt just as... well... you'll see. If you wonder what song it was, you'll have to use Google, just remember to listen to original version. It's never too late for classics. I quite enjoyed writing this chapter and I really hope you liked it too. Let me know what you think.

Cold gust enveloped blonde girl as she stood at her doorstep, staring at the inanimate-looking figure that stood in front of her. Her heart began racing so fast and hard that she could hear every beat in her ears. The very concept of time lost its meaning in those few seconds that took for her to fully comprehend meaning of his words. But she lost him. As soon as "I like you" reached her ears, everything went blank. No sound reached her ears, no light would be bright enough to blind her… and the air around her suddenly became cold. His lips are still moving, he is speaking but she can't hear it right away. No, it will take some time before his words finally reach her, before her brain starts working properly again and the blood once again reaches her head. Right now it felt as if every drop of blood suddenly decided to remain at her feet. He stopped talking and looks at her, breathing like he just finished marathon and she finally noticed his eyes.

It felt as if eternity passed right before her eyes, a lifetime of a star would pale in comparison to those few seconds of silence that engulfed two of them. Blood that rushed to her head decided that her cheeks would be best place to be at and the contrast of her pale complexion and red, hot cheeks was far too obvious. She noticed every twitch Natsu made, every blink of his eyes and heaving of his chest. What is she supposed to say now? His eyes are painted with same determination she saw before but instead of odd combination of lust and arrogance, there was sincerity and innocence. Film once again rolled in her head, once again repeated that same sentence. I like you, Lucy… Is he lying? Is he playing his tricks again to slither into her bed? What if he isn't?

And then… the silence was broken?

"Are you insane?" Lucy suddenly shouted at Natsu, making him flinch at her question. He expected for her to either say yes or no… this was not what he expected to hear.

"Yes." He replied calmly, determined to go through with his plan "I am insane and that doesn't change my stance."

"Natsu, this isn't a fairy tale. You can't just confess and expect me to jump into your arms and end the story?" Lucy pressed on; her breathing was as heavy as his.

"I know it's not a story. If it was then I would've kissed you you in chapter ten." Natsu replied, swallowing hard "But I won't just walk around and pretend I am fine with how things are… because I am not."

"I…" Lucy choked on her words.

"You are so set on keeping 'strictly business' policy in life but it doesn't have to be like that." He made a few steps forward and Lucy made one step back, now pressed against the front doors. It was all the sign he needed and he stopped his progression, choosing to stay where he is "You will crash and burn if everything you do has to be beneficial for the future. I get that you have to do what you are doing right now but it doesn't mean you can't look out for yourself too."

"And you think I am not?" She asked, rising her voice to be higher than his. Natsu frowned and quickly cut the distance between them, placing both hands beside her head, lodged firmly against the wooden doors. Like a lamb, she stared at dragon that was seconds away from devouring her… and he could smell her fear.

"No, you are not." He answered, preserving his calmness "You've accepted the idea that all this is just a dead weight, that a boyfriend is a burden that you have to dedicate time to from your life. As an expert boyfriend I am telling you it is nothing like that. Yes, we need that attention, yes sometimes we are jerks and need that one extra minute more but guess what Luce… boyfriend also gives. You think that I will take away time from your daily life but I won't… I am fine with just seeing you during college and at work, I am fine not getting anywhere physical with you until you say it is time to do so, I am fine with date only being ten minutes before your shift ends and I am fine… just having two percent of your time."

"You won't be." Lucy added as she shivered. It was no longer fear or anxiety, it was the feeling that she felt before, one that she associated with pain and loneliness "No one is fine with just that and you- "

"Dammit stop comparing me to Sean!" Natsu growled loud at blonde who gulped hard at his words "He is he, I am me… We are not the same. We never were and we never will be so just… shut up and listen. I don't care what kind of bad memories he implanted in you but I plan to give you some good memories."

"Have you forgotten what I have on my plate?" Lucy asked, finally managing to put together all those little bits of courage that were lost ten minutes ago.

"No, I haven't and that's why I am going through with this. Because once we finish this college, we will be plunged into this world to fend for ourselves. It is going to be hard life if you plan to start it without single good memory of college. Is that what you are aiming for? For next sixteen years to live for your daughter without anyone by your side to carry the burden?"

"Natsu… what are you saying?" Lucy asked. His speech sounded more like marriage proposal with every second passed.

"In the past month, you've managed to give me a lot of memories. Some were good, some were bad and I admit I am responsible for bad ones… but I still have them. Do you know what I realized?" Natsu asked and after a few seconds Lucy waved her head "I realized that you are by far strongest person I've ever met. With shit you go through, with how much you have to carry with you on daily basis… most people I know can't endure as long as you did... and we both know it's just a start of long war. Because of that, I think that you, more than anyone, deserve good memories otherwise these four years will be just gray, blank page. I am sorry, but I can't let that happen."

"Why do you care so much Natsu?" Lucy asked in low tone, gazing up into his eyes that radiated warmth "Why do you still care about… me?"

"Because you are dear to me." He replied without a second of hesitation, slowly backing away from Lucy, giving her some space "Because spending time with you has affected me and made me realize a lot of things. One of them is that you deserve some good memories as well and I'll do what I do best to give them to you."

"I've seen what you do 'best' and I am not exactly hyped to jump into bed with you."

"I am not asking you to." Natsu quickly shot back at her "If I do such then you can sic your friend Gajeel on me. I promise I'll stand still as he pummels me."

"Natsu…" Lucy sighed heavily, pressing her lips together one against another, unsure how to answer.

"I am not asking for more than you know you can give. Right now, I am selfishly asking for a chance to prove that I am someone who can be there for you and show you world in different color."

Lucy was once again left speechless, feeling the pressure build up in her. It wasn't just Natsu, it was also Levy who kept telling her that she needs to make few more mistakes in life. Perhaps she was right but this is not how she envisioned any relationship to start. At best, her idea was to know someone for years and then marry once she reaches her forties and when every other option is exhausted. College was not the place she hoped it would start and most definitely not by someone like Natsu. Never by someone like Natsu. The turmoil in her only grew to be stronger as she realized that he just might stick to his word, that he might actually bring laugh and color pink in her world… and that thought scares her. It petrified her completely with all kinds of questions. What if he is the one? What if her grades suffer? What if Michelle refuses him? Worse yet, what if she accepts him and he refuses Lucy all of a sudden? Will it last? Will it end once his eye catches another?

Will it hurt?

He was standing. Eyes looking down upon her with same warmth as before, slowly melting her inside. But demons refused to stop planting worms of doubt in her head and her chest clenched. Even she forgot why she was suddenly afraid of men, why they disgusted her. Were two kisses all she needed to be persuaded otherwise? She gave one of them and she felt nothing akin to disgust. No, what she did not want to admit even to herself was that she actually liked it… she refused to accept the fact that she liked him.

"I don't know Natsu… I'll think about it." She uttered, reaching for the doorknob.

"I will bug you until you say yes." Natsu added "Tomorrow and day after tomorrow and every day after that."

"Going back to your stalker days, huh?"

"Yep." He added with wide grin on his lips "I plan to stalk you every day, even when you are at home. Don't forget I have your number, I can send you thirty messages in one hour."

"It's that important to you that I say yes?" Lucy inquired; opening her door but still didn't enter. She was interested in hearing his answer.

"It is, only this time it's just me and you. No third party, no wager and no achievement to be made. No, that's a lie… there is achievement. You."

"Me?" She asked, widening her eyes.

"Yes, you." He concurred decisively "I want you. No backups, no replacements. You. That's my motive and those are my terms. But I am not expecting you to answer me now, I know day's been horrible so think about it and tell me answer tomorrow."

For the third time, blonde was unsure what to say. He smiled at her and waved before leaving, casually, as if this was just another 'bye' and not an ultimatum placed before her. She quickly walked inside closing doors behind her. No relief came to her, only the painful realization that for the first time she was not sure what to do. Believing that keeping her mind preoccupied will bring some relief, she buried herself in daily grind. There was studying to be done, spend some time with Michelle and get to bed as soon as her daughter closes her eyes. It was easier said than done, long after Michelle fell asleep Lucy was still awake, sitting by the window and looking out. Maybe Natsu is right… maybe all of her strength is just temporary and life will just slip into cold, gray area where living becomes nothing more than pre-programmed routine. She dreaded that. Of course she wants best for Michelle, for her to live free of the cage that Lucy had to live in but will she be able to do it all by herself? Her hand moved through her long blond locks as she gazed up at the stars. Suddenly her life felt so insignificant compared to billions of stories that already exist out there, on this world, up among the endless skies. Would it be a sin to be selfish just a little bit?

Morning brought no answer and sleeping on the entire matter didn't do much. What will she say to Natsu? No doubt he will wait for her and do some crazy, stupid gig to draw her attention. That thought gave her a small chuckle. At least someone is waiting for her at the college other than Levy. With shaky determination, she left the house, leaving Elizabeth once again in charge as she delves in deep to tackle daily issues. Routine rarely changed and she was greeted by a particular short girl with blue hair. At least that won't backfire and cause more problems but there was one thing she constantly forgot… that thing was the inquisitive personality her best friend had. Once you know someone for over a decade, you tend to pick up even slightest of hints. Levy did exactly that but only inquired once all lectures have been completed.

"Twitchy are we?" Levy asked after clearing her throat.

"What makes you say that?" Lucy asked, already feeling bits of sweat form on her forehead. Great calamity was approaching…

"Oh I dunno… maybe you being less focused, maybe the fact you used too much deodorant…" Levy numbered her assumptions. The mischievous smile emerged and petrified Lucy's very being "Or maybe it's you constantly looking over your shoulder. Spill it sister!"

"What are the odds I can say 'it's nothing' and you actually accept it?" Lucy asked, navigating among the crowd of students on hallway, moving toward the exit. Levy had a lot less difficulty slipping between them.

"There was never a chance for that happening. So what happened? Did Pinky do something?"

"You are never letting go of that name, are you?" Lucy asked, grabbing onto one last straw to change topic.

"I will stop when you start." Bluenette grinned wide "So… what's the latest news?"

Realizing that it is just prolonging the inevitable, Lucy took a deep sigh and uttered "Well, he confessed." The sentence sent her petite friend into almost unnatural glee. The very mention of him brought up entire conversation back inside her head and with it came the very same blush she had. Levy's hands quickly wrapped around Lucy, pulling her into tight embrace. At least someone was having fun with the idea.

"How did it happen? I want details, all the details!" Levy demanded, letting her go and standing in front to block her further progression outside of Fairy Tail grounds.

Lucy took a deep sigh, knowing she will regret every word "Well, he walked me home from work… we talked about our friendship and how he reminded me of Sean…"

"Oh don't tell me you are still on about him…" Levy protested with a groan.

"What do you want me to say?"

"I don't need you to say anything. Just forget about him. How many people have asked you out since you came to Fairy Tail?"

"Including Natsu? Four." Lucy answered after a few moments of thinking.

"And out of those four, only Natsu decided to stick around as long as he is now. You have a chance to actually forget about your daily life and enjoy life."

"Funny how you two suddenly sound same…" Blonde replied, sensing impending déjà vu.

"Answer me this Lu…" Levy started again, rising her finger and placing it right in front of her friend's face "Would you rather spend remaining years in Fairy Tail continuing your daily routine of sleeping, working and studying until you get a job and then replace it with sleeping, working and raising Michelle on your own? Or would you rather have all that and a guy who will genuinely try to make you smile?"

Lucy was once again left speechless. As convincing as Levy can be, this didn't ease up her troubles.

"I know but…"

"But what?" Levy interjected before Lucy continued, waving finger in front of her eyes "Just imagine every day, just like this only with a guy who can talk you to sleep. Chatting, messages, sexting-"

"Levy!" Lucy raised her voice, frowning at her friend who couldn't care less about her choice of words or the fact someone might hear.

"All those sweet white lies and you are really gonna miss that?"

"Yes but what if-"

"For the love of God, take a chance!" Levy shouted, now bringing attention of numerous students around them "What is worst that can happen? Let me tell you… He can be with you, break up with you and you will move on. Being heart-broken is for people and that's the worst possible scenario. Wanna know what's best?" She moved herself closer, lowering her finger and instead she stood way too close to Lucy. They were one finger away from being pressed one against another "Best possible scenario... he just might be guy who will bring down a star for you."

Lucy's eyes closed and she inhaled deep. She doesn't hate the guy… no, quite the contrary. The thought of missing out this opportunity gave her an unusual but oddly familiar feel in her chest. The anxiety came back, reminding her that she is not all fine with idea of pushing Natsu far away. Perhaps this is not something she can put into calculations… just once, just this once… she can take that leap of faith.

"Alright…" Lucy said in soft voice, opening her eyes only to see Levy's bright smile once again adorning her face "I suppose it won't hurt."

"Nope! Now let's go tell him!"

"I haven't seen him at college." Lucy replied "No! I know what you are thinking, I am not going to his house to tell him that. I'll tell him tomorrow."

"Spoil-sport…"

"You sure this will work?" Gray asked, following Natsu two steps behind, constantly looking around.

"Yep. I'm trusting my guts on this." Natsu said as he walked forward with quick pace.

"Remind me again, how did you drag me into this again?"

"Well you said you owe me one, I called in a favor and now we're here." Natsu replied, excitement pouring out of mouth with every word spoken.

"You could've asked me to… I dunno, help you move stuff… help you with exam… cover you at practice… take an actual bullet for you... but no, instead you asked me to sing a serenade under girl's window at freaking midnight?!"

"First of all…" Natsu stopped walking just as they walked under one of the street lamps. The light of it revealed their clothing which was quite formal. Black suits with white shirts. Only thing that was missing were ties. "It's not for every girl. It's for Lucy. Second, I need a partner for the song. Who better than you? You do remember the words right?"

"Yea about that…" Gray interjected, shaking finger in front of Natsu's face "Why did you pick that song? I mean from myriad of possible songs, why did you pick –that- one?"

"I asked Gran actually. She told me that it's one of her favorite songs… that and dad used to sing it to her so I figure it's only appropriate for me to try it out."

"Yea but that doesn't sound like song you sing when you want someone to go out with you… sounds more like song you sing when you screwed up something. Aaaand you screwed up plenty. Things are unraveling." Gray commented, rubbing his eyes "Why couldn't you pick a different song? How about Ben E King? Stand by me is a classic."

"Yea but there's only one vocal in it."

"Exactly!" Gray exclaimed "You can sing it and I can give you moral support, provide you with a beat."

"Gray… don't bail on me." Natsu said, placing both hands on his friend's shoulders "I really need your help with this and... I can't ask anyone else."

Gray let out a long groan, leaning his head back "Ugh… things I do for friendship."

"It took me a great deal to find just the song without voices. I got the app to amplify the phone's speakers… it should be good." Natsu responded, tapping Gray on his shoulders and turning around to continue his walk. Gray on the other hand was significantly less enthusiastic about this, already sensing impending doom that loomed above him. Once more he checked his phone to read the lyrics as he followed Natsu to the designated place. Darkness of the night gave them plenty of cover but once they start singing, they will be everything but inconspicuous. If Juvia finds out, he reasoned, there will be a hell to pay.

"Here we are." Natsu said in hushed tone as he approached front yard of Lucy's house. Street lamp poorly illuminated area that they stood on, but it was sufficient to recognize figures and perhaps faces… should someone stare long enough "All ready?"

"I swear Natsu, if I survive this I am going to kill you…" Gray begrudgingly responded, unbuttoning first button on shirt under the coat "What if she doesn't hear us?"

"Then we sing louder." Natsu replied, setting up the music on his phone. Nervousness quickly overtook him and the idea of dropping this seemed quite attractive. It has been long since he felt his palms this sweaty. But there was no turning back. This will succeed or he will fail. No third option "Here we go…"

Odd sounds reached Lucy's ears and she opened her eyes. The room seemed calm, Michelle was not letting out a cry but there were still… voices. It sounded like singing but worse than that, it sounded like familiar voices singing. Slowly she stood up from her bed and walked over to the window. On her front yard, two figures stood, facing her direction, lightly swaying from side to side. Her eyes quickly widened and she opened her window. Without mistake, it was Natsu, standing one step closer than Gray did, singing from the top of his lungs

Now there's no welcome look in your eyes when I reach for you

Girl you're starting to criticize the things that I do

It makes me just feel like crying

'Cause baby, something beautiful's dying!

"Natsu what are you doing?" Lucy asked with hushed tone that she tried to raise as much as possible to be heard, hoping it won't wake up Michelle. Natsu just smiled but didn't respond. Instead, Gray took a step forward to stand equal to his friend and they sang in unison

You've lost that lovin' feelin'

Whoa that lovin' feelin'

You've lost that lovin' feelin'

Now it's gone, gone, gone, whoaohooo…

Her hand instinctively moved over her mouth, preventing her from saying anything. There they stood, two young men in suits, singing under her window. The flush on her cheeks returned, but instead of light pink it was dark red. Even if she didn't cover her mouth she didn't know what to say. She was completely dumbstruck by the moment, by the act, how they sang as if this is something they do on regular basis. Natsu who once again sang, deepening his voice as much as possible to the verse with Gray jumping in to sing every other line…

Baby baby, I'd get on my knees for you

If you would only love me like you used to do… yeah

We had a love, a love, a love you don't find everyday

So don't, don't, don't, don't let it slip away

Baby, baby, baby, baby, I beg you please, please, please

I need your love, I need your love, I need your love, I need your love, I need your love

Oh bring it on back, bring it on back…

"Natsu, please…" Lucy pleaded, bursting into light giggle and biting her lips hard to hide the wide smile that she could no longer control. The very sight of him down there, making absolute fool out of himself, was as hilarious as it was sweet. It was something no one ever done for her. But they continued, once again singing in perfect unison, intertwining two completely different voices to create a vocal harmony in its own sense.

Bring back that lovin' feelin' whoa that lovin' feelin'

Bring back that lovin' feelin'

'Cause it's gone, gone, gone

And I can't go on whoaohooo…

Lucy suddenly rushed inside and closed the window, leaving both of them down, to recover from the rush.

"How was that? We did good?" Gray asked sighing heavily. Natsu's arm moved around his shoulder and tapped, hard.

"Whoa! That was…" Natsu burst into short chuckle "I tell you I thought I was gonna flunk halfway through."

"Well there's your audience." Gray nodded toward front door that opened and Lucy emerged from her house, wrapped in robes "Now if you will excuse me, I need to vanish before someone sees me. Have a good one."

Gray tapped Natsu on his back and turned around, walking away as he hummed the very song he sang just now. Calamity will have to come later… right now the Universe, no matter how big, was fixated on one girl. And she was left speechless for who knows what time in past two days. Natsu turned down the volume on his phone and took light steps toward the door where Lucy stood, left hand holding her robes closed tight and right one pressing her own lips as hard as possible.

"What did you do…?" She asked as she lowered her hand just enough to be able to.

"I was serenading." Natsu responded with a chuckle "How were we? Tell me it wasn't all that bad…"

"No it was… perfect." She said in shaky voice. There were many emotions that hounded her this week but not one was as strong as one right now. Genuine happiness.

"Really? Cause I thought that in second verse I kinda-"

His voice disappeared into darkness, cut off by one person that knew how to… by pressing her lips tight against his. Arms quickly wrapped around her, keeping her as close as possible. There it is… the same feeling he felt when she kissed him, only this time it lasted longer… much longer.

"Thank you." She responded, finally breaking away from him but still well within his reach "That was, sweetest, most beautiful thing anyone has ever done to me."

"Good 'cause I don't think I can do that once again." He chuckled, moving bits of her still entangled and messy hair away from her face. Even without a single gram of makeup, looking like a scarecrow in low light she looked beautiful. He on the other hand felt overdressed.

"I still owe you answer, do I?" Lucy asked, still trying her best to remove the smile from her own face, alas there was no success.

"And?" He asked, widening his eyes in expectation. She once more pressed her lips against his lips and whispered…

"Achievement unlocked…"