Author's Note: Firstly, I would just like to thank all that are currently and all that will be reading my story. Secondly, I am currently in my sophomore in high school, which means at some points in my story when chapter releases are a little late blame piles of homework and long tennis practice. Now on to chapter 3…

Chapter 3

Natsu's POV

From my spot on the ground, still confused as to why I was there, I could tell that she was definitely something to look at. There wasn't a reason as to why I thought this, maybe it was my super awesome dragon senses or maybe it was something else, I really couldn't tell. This was unnerving, I didn't like the feeling… but in a way I did.

I normally didn't notice the small things about people I knew, let alone a complete and total stranger. Somehow though I noticed how her short blonde hair caught the light when she moved ever so slightly and shimmered like pure gold. Or how her hazel brown eyes seemed to read me like a book when she looked at me.

I was so caught up in my thoughts of her that I didn't notice her reach her hand out in front of me as she asked me, "Do you need any help there?" I took her hand and took shaky breaths as I felt a tingling sensation sneak up my arm, spreading throughout my body.

"Thank you." I whispered in a breathy voice, still trying to keep up with my reaction to her touch. I stared at her in wonder, why does she make me feel this way? Questions sped through my head at a mile a minute.

She smells like strawberries and vanilla… why is that scent so familiar?

Why do I know this face?

Why do I want to touch her so bad?

Do I know her?

Does she know me?

Why do I feel all tingly?

Does she make me feel tingly?

Do I want to know her, if she makes me feel this way?

"No problem. It's the least I could do for your help back there." I barely registered the question until I heard her follow up with. "My names Lucy, what's yours?" Quickly breaking the spell her gaze had me under, I replied with my signature grin.

"Natsu, my names Natsu."

I want to know her.

"And I'm Happy!" My little blue friend said, although I don't remember him being there.

I want to know her.

"Well nice to meet you both! Since you helped with that problem back there could I treat you guys to some food?" Before I could answer her question Happy replied for me.

Being polite Happy said, "We can't bother yo-"

No! I can't let her leave! I thought in a panicked voice.

Both Happy and my stomach let out a loud angry growl. Grrrr! Happy and I blushed instantly.

Without leaving room for a reply she adamantly said. "Well then I guess that settles it! You two are coming with me." She kinda reminds me of Erza in a way, I said with shivers going down my spine.

But the reminder of food made me yell out in excitement, "Alright food!" Happy chimed in with me. She giggled.

I want to know her.

As we headed towards the restaurant I couldn't help but stare at her, the way she walked so animatedly bouncing with each step she took. She was talking but I didn't hear a word she said, I could only stare at her mouth as it formed words. My personality is being really bipolar, come on! Food! Think about food!

Lucy's POV

I couldn't help but feel that Asa-Natsu! His name is Natsu! God! I feel like I'm being possessed by Chiharu! Well, I couldn't help but feel that Natsu wasn't listening to me when I was talking, although Happy was listening to me very intently. He probably just wanted food. I guessed because every few minutes I would see him get this really crazed look in his eyes as he whispered fiercely, "Fish!"

Either way I continued to talk as we walked down the cobble stone streets of Port Haregeon. Countless signs advertising things from books to fish I looked forward keeping my eyes on anything else besides Natsu. I couldn't help but avoid my gaze because if I didn't I wouldn't take my eyes off of him, and then he would think that I was weird.

We approached a quaint little restaurant near the water, as I was about to open the door Happy ran and yelled a battle cry of, "FISH!"

I giggled and turned toward Natsu, not making eye contact and said, "I get the feeling that he really likes fish." He didn't reply right away, but I could feel his eyes burning holes into me.

He finally replied with an enthusiastic, "Yeah!"

He definitely thinks I'm weird. I thought with a sigh.

One thing was for sure was that I was going to be broke at the end of this meal. I watched as the two devoured plates and plates of food that would probably be equivalent to at least 30 of my own meals. Pretty unlucky aren't I, running into a man my subconscious made-up and emptying my wallet in only a day, that wasn't over yet.

I started talking to myself again, ranting on and on about my problems, which I'm sure they didn't hear. They only started showing interest when I mentioned that I was a mage on the hunt for a guild.

"You know Natsu and I are mages too." Happy said. At this I started to laugh hysterically, he definitely was a funny cat.

"You…*breathes*… and him…*chuckles*…are mages." When Happy just nodded enthusiastically, I started to laugh again but this time I stood up and bowed. "Well then Mr. Mages I believe I should be on my way, I still have a lot of guild hunting to do. Bye!" With this I turned, without looking back to notice a very stiff Natsu.

Why am I even bothering with this party? Ah, yes I remember, this dunce that calls himself Salamander told me he would get me into Fairy Tail. So here I am sitting on a boat in formal wear, and the man of the hour isn't present. His entourage is though, I swear all of the girls in the city are on this boat.

"Are you Miss Lucy?" A big man dressed in a tux asks.

"Yes." I reply.

"The Salamander requests your presence in his office." He says as he turns to lead me to his office. God! Could this guy sound more pretentious! "The Salamander requests your presence…" Who does this guy think he is!

As I walked into the room I noticed the large sheet hanging behind a pair of couches, one facing the other. I sat down on the facing opposite to 'The Salamander', studying his relaxed posture.

"Miss Lucy, I'm so glad you could come." He said leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees. His mouth curled up into weird mix of what others could see as seductive and a snarl.

"Well the only reason I'm here, Salamander, is because you promised me something. I can assume I'm here for you to follow through on that promise?'' I said bluntly trying to cut through all of the pointless chit chat.

The snarl came out in full force when he said, "I'm afraid not Miss Lucy." The curtain fell and I could see all of the girls from the port gagged and tied up, still sleeping peacefully unaware of their position. I moved my hand to my belt to grab one of my trusty keys, when I felt the weight of two hands come from behind and latch onto my arms. Of course, I screamed. Loudly.

"NATSUUUU!" As soon as the words left my mouth a loud crash sounded, BOOM! Natsu stood in front of me with burning flames in his eyes. Though he definitely looked frightening, I wasn't scared. What he said next is what scared me, words flowing out almost in a possessed fashion.

"Who dare hurts my Lady Chiharu!" He let out with a roar.