A/N: It has been a while. A lot happened in my life, a lot of things had to be 'moved' so to speak but I am back once more. This story is yet to be concluded and I refuse to end it abruptly and without a proper ending. I had a few mails I haven't answered, most were questions about my thoughts on Fairy Tail's ending. Honestly, I like the ending. It does not exactly show what we wanted to see but at the same time it opened it to a lot of possibilities and imagination... a far better ending than everything being tied down. Still, that does not affect my story as it has its own flow but it is still Fairy Tail story and it does not make me any less sad that it ended. In any case, please forgive me for hiatus and I hope you will enjoy the chapter. As always, let me know what you think, I always accept critics.

Exuberance filled Natsu from his toes all the way up to his unusually pink hair. It has been a good day, god enough to allow himself the benefit of hope that things might yet turn out the way he imagines. He chose to be alone and yet he was far from alone… his thoughts kept him company, images of thousand scenarios filled his head, images of his life, his future… images of Lucy. It will turn out the way he intends, despite her stubbornness that rivaled his, she will eventually budge and allow him to take the lead… all he needed to do, was to keep her trust, to lead her as best as he can and show her that life will allow her a few moments to breathe freely.

Natsu was always picky. It was his nature, be it a girl or a simple thing as picking clothes for the day. It had to match, it had fall into its place and this was no exception. Suit hanged inside closet, black, formal, waiting to be used by its master for occasion to be remembered for many years to come. He took it and placed it on the bed, inspecting for any abnormalities in its design. White shirt, black trousers and jacket, everything a man needs to show class… and Natsu knew how to show class. Be as it may that he was perfect 'boytoy' he knew well when to act like a gentleman if the cause is righteous. Faint scent, gentle hand and carefully picked words promised great conclusions in the past and no small amount of girls fell for this approach. But now… the righteous cause… it was something vastly different. What was he trying to achieve? What was the goal? He pondered long on this question but before any answer could be given, a new question came to ensure his life is not one bit easier.

How long will you keep this up?

Was Gray right when he said it? Is this all just infatuation with pretty girl with no real goal other than simplest of pleasure? After all this time? After all he went through to see her smile at him, is all of it an illusion? A well-tailored suit that hides ugly stench underneath? Flash appeared before his eyes, an image of blond locks and gentle pink lips curved up and it was in that moment he realized that all of this is because of his selfishness. All this was to see her in a dress, made just for her, enveloped around her body perfectly as if it is her second skin. All of this is to show her to everyone, to show person that will hold his hand. Selfish… yes… but it was that very selfishness that made him realize that he doesn't want anyone else beside her but him, not now, not in the future.

"Future…" He uttered, eyes still peeled at his own suit. What is this future he speaks of? Is this all just because he wants what he is yet to receive? Is Lucy truly only there to satiate his curiosity or is she there to satiate something else, something deeply lodged in his mind? It was a thought long since left there, buried but not forgotten. He saw himself, standing tall, proud and mature man with dreams within his grasp. He needs but to extend his arm and all of them will be at the palm of his hand, but while one hand reaches further and further, other holds something, something dear and precious…

No, not something… someone.

"Natsu!" Voice came from outside of his room, prompting him to snap out of his daydreaming "We are gonna go now, do you want us to get you something?"

"No!" Natsu responded to Wendy's question and carefully picked suit again and placed it back inside the closet for it is still too early to wear it. By the time he left, Wendy was already out with Gran, leaving him with Igneel. Man in question was sitting comfortably in armchair with papers in his hands but despite his apparent focus, he immediately sensed Natsu's presence.

"Going out again?" Igneel asked, tilting papers to spot his son.

"No, not yet." Natsu responded and sat down on the couch. There was nothing fascinating about watching his father reading papers… in Natsu's mind it is a pointless thing since every information was not within the reach of a finger. Still, it was nowhere near strong enough to snap Natsu out of his jubilation.

"You seem to be in high spirit." Igneel noted as he went from one column to another, still invested in what he was reading.

"I am?" Natsu asked.

"Indeed. You are usually like this when you go out to meet your lady-friends." Igneel remarked with a slight grin. He was far from oblivious when it came to his son despite his attempts to show otherwise "Is it anyone we know?"

"Actually…" Natsu added with a chuckle "Yeah, you've seen her. She was here not long ago."

"Heartfilia girl?" Igneel asked as he folded papers.

"Lucy, yes." Natsu corrected him "I asked her about three weeks ago and she said yes."

"Three weeks have passed and you find it relevant enough to tell me now? Is there any particular reason why you thought it would be best if you kept it secret?"

"No no!" Pinkette quickly denied "I just… it seemed as if you know her father and I didn't want to make things odd for you."

"Natsu, I haven't spoken with Jude in months. Though I am a bit curious as to why you picked her, considering she already has a daughter."

"It doesn't bother me." Natsu replied and started rubbing palms, one against another. His own curiosity rose as he realized something "I thought you would understand it more than I do… after all, you accepted Wendy when you married Gran."

"That is true…" Igneel remarked with a nod "But you and I have somewhat different understanding of relationships. I was raised to see relationship as a serious commitment. You, on the other hand, look upon relationships with more freedom and in turn that led you to move from one relationship right into another."

Natsu had nothing to say in his defense as he knew well that his father was far from oblivious to his son's 'activities'. Slight grin appeared on Natsu's face as he began reminiscing all the girls he has been with, knowing that he may not remember them all… some of them were even less than a proper relationship, a one night fun with no strings attached. Has all of it somehow accumulated and led to this point? Was this inevitable outcome in which Natsu's fiery charm would be tamed by one relationship? The thought both fascinated and scared him and he came to realize that if Igneel is right in his assumption, Lucy may very well be only girl he will ever go out with. That thought was now far less frightening than it was before.

"How was it?" Natsu asked, turning his head to face his father who looked at him with slight confusion "Was it easy to accept Wendy?"

"Well…" Igneel took a deep breath as he remembered that day "Perhaps not as easy as one would assume. I love Grandine but when time came for her to move in with Wendy, there was slight doubt. I kept asking myself if I will be able to show Wendy same love I have shown you… Will I care for her? You have to understand Natsu, sometimes it is enough to be around someone and to grow to love that someone... but if that never happens, no amount of pretending will be enough to hide the fact you do not care about that person."

"Do you?" Natsu asked, feeling a slight lump form in his stomach. What his father just said could easily turn entire home upside down, especially since Natsu needed just a few weeks to become fond of Wendy. "Honest answer."

"I do." Igneel replied with a soft smile "Wendy has always been shy girl and always preferred to hide behind someone. I admit, I may have looked a bit intimidating to her but she started trusting me once she got to know me. I thank the heavens for having enough time to get to know her and accept her. Even though I am not her father, she is my daughter."

Natsu's guts suddenly relaxed and the weight of the world fell off his shoulder. He thought what terrible thing would it be if Igneel only tolerates Wendy because of Grandine, if his love for her is but a mere mask… He would never be able to see things the same way again.

"Can you?" Igneel asked, breaking Natsu's moment of silence.

"Can I what?"

"Love a child that is not yours?" The weight climbed up again on pinkette's shoulders and his fingers linked with one another "Assuming you continue as you are now and in five or ten years you marry this girl… Can you love her child?"

"I… I think I can." Natsu replied nervously. It was long since he felt this kind of anxiety.

"It will not be easy." Igneel continued, his tone became colder and expression more serious as he sensed Natsu's hesitation "Especially if you decide to have another child, one of your own. There can be no favorites, else you risk losing their trust and love… and I am telling you this now, it will be the greatest of tests."

"Then what can I do? What can I do to not let it happen?"

"Nothing. You will either care for the child or you won't. The problem is not what you will feel, but rather, how you will act when it does come to that point… And I hope I educated you enough to make the right decision."

Room was quiet. Too quiet but it was how Natsu preferred his room to be. Talking with his father often left Natsu thinking and there was no place better to collect his thoughts than in his own bedroom… and he had a lot to think about. There was no doubt that Igneel was right. Every single word he spoke was with intention to make Natsu realize the weight of the situation. It was also beyond doubt that he felt love toward Lucy… an emotion that was long since forgotten but now sparked once more. Her gentle gaze, soft blonde hair, lips that tasted like fresh strawberries and a faint fragrance that soothed him down his sanguine personality. He spread himself across the bed, staring at the ceiling, imagining every possible scenario that could happen in the future. It was in moments such as this that he understood that there is something beyond her looks that drew him closer to her…

But his mind has always been far too active and explosive to let a single nice thought be predominant. Just as train of thoughts led from one smile-inducing memory to another so did it led to some undesirable thoughts. Questions began piling up, questions he either could not answer or he did not want to... at least not yet. Two questions kept repeating themselves in his head as he stared at white ceiling… Is Lucy really that one? If she is, will he come to love Michelle as his own?

His eyes closed shut and he quickly shook his head in an attempt to shake away any doubts. He knew that most relationships happen around his age, relationships that eventually end up with 'until death do us part'. Idea of being with Lucy for long time was anything but repulsive… quite contrary, he could see himself ten years from now still looking her way. She will change, they both will and numerous challenges await them. But how will that affect his dream?

Soft smile appeared on his face at that thought… the dream of becoming a star player of Tartaros and stand at the top, among the legendary athletes of his time. That dream did not change… but his motivation did. For a time, Natsu had a flicker of fear that his involvement with Lucy might shift his focus, that it might change his mind on future path. In truth, it only solidified his resolve… what really changed was the reason why he wanted to get there. It is, as it always was, money, but what changed was the reason why he needed it, why he desired it. It was not for simple vanity and to indulge hedonistic lifestyle, rather, it was to give all he could to someone who meant a lot to him… to provide that someone with all that will ever be needed.

It was all for her, for there was no one more deserving in his mind and all he needed was to give his everything for that dream.

But one happy thought never comes alone… and like a truthful forecast, a plague invaded his ecstatic world. What if Sean comes into game? What if he returns in Michelle's life? What will she say? What will Lucy say? Will he be enough of a man to be a father to a girl who is not his? Will he have enough courage to face the answer he dreads so much? There was only one thought that managed to soothe his racing mind… Once that time comes, he will deal with it appropriately. Right now, there is nothing he could do about it. However, time is a terrible thing, sometimes passes slower and sometimes races as if tomorrow is the end of the world… and just like that it was time for him to be somewhere else, with a plan was surely to succeed.

With a solid knock on the door, Natsu eagerly awaited for the owner of the house to open. It didn't took long for doors to open and familiar blonde hair to appear, much to Natsu's pleasure. Her look, however, was far from enthusiastic. Even though she was happy to see him, she knew that this evening would be mentally exhausting, what with his persistence and sudden aid of Levy, who in this particular instance, refused to be on Lucy's side. Her torments were yet to begin.

"Oh, it's you." Lucy said with a brief sigh, like a prisoner finally meeting her executioner.

"Why, of course. Whom did you expect?" Natsu asked with a wide grin as he entered her house "Who is this mysterious lover that was supposed to appear?"

"Very funny…" She grumbled and shut the doors, leaving Natsu's pursed lips unsatisfied.

"Well I have to keep things fresh, lest you get bored of me." He continued as he followed. Eyes quickly found familiar blue locks and a smile that even a child could not hope to replicate. Levy was beyond excited and Natsu hoped she would be… for she was vital in his plan "Hey there!" he greeted her and received just as enthusiastic greeting in return.

"So, Lucy told me you two are going to a wedding." Levy said as he sat down next to her. Lucy still refused to come close to Natsu, preferring to stand with her arms folded.

"Yeah well I am kinda hoping we can ride the mood and squeeze in. I am sure minister will understand." He teased and his eyes jumped over to Lucy. Her eyes, on the other hand, were wide open as if she has seen a ghost. Faint, red blush adorned her cheeks.

"About damn time." Levy said bluntly.

"Levy!" Lucy quickly shot a cold glare. Barely noticeable blush became far more apparent.

"But I have to get new dress for myself." Levy continued, not paying attention to Lucy's sudden shout "You think you can keep a casual theme?"

"That's exactly why I need you." Natsu said, tone still teasing but his face received a serious note "See, blonde and beautiful over there said she doesn't have any dress and I need a strong ally to convince her to get one."

"I don't know if you failed to notice…" Lucy quickly interjected "But I do not have money to spend on fancy dress I will only wear once."

"That's where I come in." Natsu replied with a wide grin. He knew Lucy is smart girl and true to his expectation, it didn't took her long to figure out what he meant.

"No!" She answered "I won't have you buy me a dress!"

"Why not?"

"Because I don't need it." Lucy answered quickly "I won't have you try and spoil me with expensive gifts. That's not what I want in relationship?"

"But why?" Natsu asked again, light frown formed on his face as he tried to understand her reasoning "What is wrong with boyfriend buying something for his girlfriend?"

"It's…" Lucy made a short pause, eyes wandered away from him "It's not right."

"Look…" Natsu stood up from the couch "I get it. You are strong girl. You endured much, far more than anyone I know and you did all on your own. I get that you have a lot on your mind and that you constantly have to think about meeting ends… but there is nothing wrong with being spoiled every now and then, especially by someone whose job is to spoil you."

"It's not your… job… to spoil me…" She looked down, trying desperately to make her case but her voice gave away the defeat. It cracked down on every word she uttered.

"Yeah, it is." He added and made few steps forward, ending up right in front of her. Left hand reached up and lightly pushed her chin up. Her gaze met with his and a lightning struck straight into his core… it was that look she had that made him want to get closer, just a bit more closer... "It would be a different case if I was unable to do this, but I can and I will. You proved to the world that you are strong but you don't have to prove anything to me... let me spoil you, even for a little bit."

Long sigh escaped Lucy's lips, a clear sign that she admitted her defeat "Fine…"

"Good." Natsu said, flashing a wide smile at her followed by a quick but soft kiss. He yearned for these small moments of meeting her lips more than a blind man yearned to see sunrise again. The gentle touch of her lips was unlike any he ever felt and he kept wanting more and more… but tonight, there was something more important "Now, I called Levy because I know you won't be honest and pick what you like… so…"

"So?" Lucy asked, expecting him to unravel his terrible plan.

"So I was hoping if she can accompany you instead?" He concluded and walked over to the couch where Levy sat. Bluenette was beyond ecstatic at this point, like a child that just saw her favorite chocolate "Three hundred thousand jewels. Will that be enough?" He asked.

"Three hu- Natsu, where did get that money?" Lucy asked wide-eyed as he pulled his wallet out and picked three bills from it, each one a hundred thousand in worth.

"That is none of your concern." Natsu answered with a wink "If you are worried, I earned it fairly and it is mine. So, will it be enough?"

"Definitely." Levy replied as she took all three bills from Natsu "Do you want evening dress or straight to wedding dress?"

"Levy!" Lucy shot a glare at her friend, blush once again returned on her pale skin.

"Oh please, Lu, as if you can tell a difference." Levy replied to Lucy's glare with one of her own "If there is some money left, I know a great lingerie store we can visit."

"Oh my God…" Lucy groaned as she covered her face with hands.

"Surprise me." Natsu added after a short bit of laugh "Anyway, I have practice tomorrow and I barely had any sleep, thanks to dirty messages Lucy kept sending me last night."

"What? I did not!" Blonde quickly responded angrily, though her face was now completely red… only part of it due to her hands pressing the skin.

"Oh right, that was supposed to be tonight. If you do, try not to send too many… there's only so much I can endure before I make a late-night visit." He added to her sudden denial. It was made up but he loved to see her squirm every now and then and the fact that Levy was practically gagging from laughter only added to his small victory. But it was enough for the evening, she endured too much of his torment and he found it fit to leave it at that. Never before in his life as the walk home felt this good and his mood was irreparably elated. There was nothing that could possibly go wrong.

"Idiot!" Gray shouted as he stood in front of Natsu. The later was sitting on Gray's couch in wrinkled suit. His shirt was unbuttoned halfway down and tie hung over his shoulder. Black eyes stared down at point between feet and fingers clasped tight on pink locks.

"You fucking moron!" Gray continued as he rubbed his face, pacing around nervously in front of Natsu. Pinkette refused to look up, refused to answer to cussing that his best friend aimed at him. Instad, all he did was stare down in disbelief, trying to figure out what to do.

"You have done a lot of stupid shit but this… THIS ONE takes the fucking cake!" Gray continued, voice riddled with anger "Hands down, best screw-up in your entire life."

"I know…" Natsu answered after few minutes of solid silence. His eyes finally closed, slowly.

"No, you don't know!" Gray shot back at Natsu "So far, I learned that you went missing, you show up at seven in the morning to tell me that-"

"Don't… please…" Natsu pleaded, slowly waving his head.

"And on top of that I got a call from Laxus!"

"Laxus called?" Natsu looked up at Gray "Why?"

"Cause he wants to know where the cretin is! Well he didn't exactly call you cretin, that is all me but I had to lie to cover your ass."

"I didn't mean this to happen, ok?" Natsu shouted, lowering head once more in shame.

"Ok?!" Gray growled back. He went silent for a few minutes, still pacing around while still wearing his boxers and shirt "You know… you could've went behind my back, screw with Juvia, announce that to entire college and you'd still be in less shit than you are right now. You know what's gonna happen when Erza finds out about this?" No answer came from Natsu. He kept staring at his black shoes. There was fear in those eyes... pure, genuine fear.

"Alright…" Gray broke the silence and took a chair. He placed it down in front of Natsu and sat on it, staring at pinkette. With voice now calmer and anger subdued he proceeded "Why don't you tell me what exactly happened. Everything, no detail left out."

Natsu took a deep breath and slowly exhaled "Well…"