Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait. I had some school work and drama things to catch up on. But hey good news! This is the longest chapter yet. Anyways I hope you enjoy~

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail. Hiro Mashima does.

Natsu had asked her to go to the banquet with him. Him. Natsu. Her best friend, who she was suppose to ask, beat her to the punch. She should have known nothing ever goes according to plan with him.

Honestly does Natsu even know what this means?!

Lucy doubted it. He said it way too nonchalantly. He probably meant it as friends, Lucy reasoned. Either way, Lucy only had one answer. What was she suppose to do? Say no? Ha, in her absolute shock she just numbly nodded her head at his request. To which he smiled his big goofy smile and pulled her into a hug spouting nonsense about how much fun they are going to have together, with a few comments about how great the food's going to be too slipped in. Lucy absently just let herself be hugged and tried to catch her mind up to what was happening. Did that go the way she wanted it to? Nope. She was in disbelief and her mind wouldn't let her do anything besides blatantly stare off into a distance. Natsu however didn't notice, lost in his excitement. When his ramblings were done, he headed off exclaiming how he couldn't wait for the weekend to come.

For the next two days Lucy had many scenarios running through her head. You know how you look forward to something so much, say an event or an occasion, and you spend all your time imagining how its going to go, and what you might do. That's exactly what Lucy did. Did it help her anxiety at all? In a weird sense, she supposed that it did. She imagined all the most likely situations at the banquet with Natsu. He could just spend the whole thing at the buffet table, or perhaps he'll run off and try and find the king's crown again. All of those scenarios comforted Lucy, and yet she felt a little disappointed at these possibilities. Other Possibilities however, those that involve prolonged dancing and heart fluttering, twisted knots in her stomach. How would either of these cases help her anxiety? Well at least she now has some sense of security of what she's getting into instead of just going in blind.

Saturday morning snuck up on her. The banquet was tonight. The banquet she was going to with Natsu was less than about six hours away. She had seven hours to prepare herself both mentally, and physically. Or well now she only had five hours and 59 minutes. She knew it was impractical, but she wanted to look absolutely perfect. She wanted to resemble a golden goddess. She wanted to be the perfect balance between cute and sexy. She wanted to doll herself up in hopes that Natsu would notice her. She knew it was probably going to be a wasted attempt, seeing that Natsu doesn't seem to notice things like that, but she's still going to do it. Besides its nice to pamper yourself every once and a while.

It was already twelve o'clock. Levy was coming over at one so they could help each other get ready. Lucy quickly hopped into the shower and loved the feeling of the steamy hot water beating on her back like a message. She washed her hair and body with her favorite vanilla scented shampoo and soap. The scent wafting through the steamy air relaxed her, totally annihilating her high stress levels. When she was satisfied with the amount of bubbles accumulated on her body she rinsed herself fully off and jumped out of the shower wrapping herself in a fluffy pink towel.

She then proceeded to wash up her face, brush her teeth, and shave. When she was all done she glanced at the clock and noticed she had ten minutes until Levy would arrive. She exited the bathroom and walked towards her wardrobe. She threw on some comfy clothing knowing she was going to change into her dress later anyways. A few minutes later her doorbell rang. Of course it was Levy though with a sheepish smile on her face. Another person was with her. Lucy's scarlet colored long haired friend was towering behind Levy with a smile on her face.

"Hope you don't mind if I get ready with you guys. I tagged along when I saw Levy leaving Fairy Hills."

Lucy didn't mind at all. If anything she thought the more the merrier. It can be a girls bonding thing. Besides, it's been awhile since she had talked to Erza about anything girly. This can be her chance to get the update on her and Jellal's current relationship. Lucy could tell there were feelings other than childhood friends between the two. She just wanted to know if anything had sparked between them yet.

"I don't mind, Erza," Lucy said as she ushered both her friends in. The next few hours consisted of nail polish, clothing being thrown about the place, lots of giggles, and boy talk, mostly directed at Levy about Gajeel. As revenge though Levy proceeded to get Lucy to talk about the whole thing with Natsu a few days ago. Lucy came clean to Levy that she wasn't the one to ask Natsu, and instead he asked her unexpectedly. To which Levy just squeal and congratulated Lucy, not upset at all. Lucy, quick to dispel any misunderstandings, explained that Natsu had asked her to go to the Banquet with him as a friend, she put emphasis on, but with her friends continuous reassuring and denying they successfully induced Lucy to spill the beans about the whole thing. Her mixed feelings, her panic, her happiness. It was a bundle of emotion. Let's just say by the time everything was out in the air everyone in the room had done their fair share of blushing for the night. Lucy was just too cute the way she worried about everything. Erza had her suspicions of Lucy's feelings for the fire dragon slayer before. The way she looked at the boy sometimes reminded Erza of herself with Jellal. But now with that whole spiel, her suspicion was confirmed.

Lucy decided she had enough of boy talk, seeing as she just confessed everything in her heart and went into the bathroom to look for her cosmetics bag in order to start applying makeup.

Where is the darn thing?!

When she finally found it in one of her cabinets she returned to her room. There she was greeted by the blushing faces of both Erza and Levy directed towards Lucy's undergarments. Lucy rushed to grab the pair of undies out of their hands and proceeded to scold them.

People should really learn not to snoop in other people's dressers.

Though she couldn't help but laugh at her friends confused faces when they continued to try and figure out how on earth someone could wear something like that. Lucy just smiled and shook her head, knowing her friends didn't mean any harm. Pretty soon makeup was scattered all over the place as they searched throughout their bags looking for the correct shade or brush.

After all their makeup was done, they slipped into their dresses. Hair was quickly styled to compliment their dress style. When all was said and done all three mages looked stunning.

Levy was adorning a white halter topped dress that flowed to her knees, waist was emphasised with a sparkling black belt. Her tiny feet were in sparkly light blue three inch wedges. Blue locks were curled more to accentuate her features. She looked anglic.

Erza was in a black floor length slim dress that shower off her abundant chest and hip size. Little white swirls and designs were embroider on the bottom of the dress, only noticeable in the light. The back was completely out exposing her shoulder blades that were flat with her poise posture. Black four inch stiletto heels were on her feet while her hair was styled into a clipped up bun, with strands of scarlet hair framing her face. It amazed Lucy that Erza could look so sexy while still maintaining her authoritarian aura.

Last but not least, outlining Lucy's body was a golden champagne colored dress barely ghosting over the floor. The outer flowy bottom half of the dress fabric was accentuated with golden and brown sparkles while the top part clung to Lucy's curves. She slipped on some white silk heeled shoes on her feet and admired herself in the mirror. Blonde hair was slightly curled and put in a half up-do. Makeup had accented some of her main features. She smiled. She believe she had accomplished her goal of looking like a goddess and would have no one else tell her otherwise.

They checked the time. It took them roughly three hour to get all dolled up and prepared. Normally it would have taken them only an hour but with all the goofing off and teasing between friends the process of getting ready was slowed. Not that the group mind seeing as they were making perfect time, with the clock reading around half past four. They were suppose to hitch a ride in a carriage around five to arrive at the banquet in time to meet the rest of the guild there. In the meantime with thirty minutes to spare, the three girls talked about fleeting topics. However remembering how she didn't get to voice her earlier thought when they were talking about boys, Lucy decided to try and direct the conversation towards Jellal.

"So Erza. What's going on in your love life? More specifically with a blue haired male." Lucy carefully prodded while Levy's eyes sparked up with curiosity.

Erza's face erupted into a blushing fit. She honestly hadn't thought about Jellal in a while. It isn't like they see each other much, with him constantly gone. Besides she still hasn't talked to him since that night during the Grand Magic Games. Their shared kiss was so passionate, and yet the sparks didn't set anything in motion. Instead Jellal just lied in order to escape his true feelings. Erza, understood him not wanting to further a relationship and just accepted it. Though she couldn't help but have a little bit of hope bottled up within her.

"Well. There hasn't really been anything going on. And I don't think there ever will be," Erza stated.

"That can't be right. You guys were meant for each other." Levy commented.

"Yeah, You should talk to him. Maybe he's changed his mind since then. Any man in his right mind would," Lucy deducted.

"Thanks guys. But he's the type to stick with his decision. He even told me to move on." Erza explained.

Levy and Lucy just pouted silently making it their mission tonight to hook her up with someone at the banquet. However Erza caught onto their silent agreement and dispelled any plans.

"Don't you two try and find me someone tonight. I mean it." Erza commanded with a raise of her eyebrow. Not wanted to disobey their sometimes scary friend, all plans to find a suitor were abandoned. The conversation then somehow turned to Levy's latest book she was reading which Erza was all over considering the fact it was a slightly provocative book. By the time that conversation ended it was about five after five, and lo and behold a carriage was waiting outside the apartment. They gathered their purses and touched up their appearance a bit before they headed on out to the carriage.

A short carriage ride later to Crocus, and they were there. Inside the banquet hall their guild had gathered in a huge herd that the three girls joined. Erza stood by Master Makarov. Levy found Gajeel along the outer part of the group and took her place by him. Lucy searched for Natsu. He was suppose to be her 'date' for the night and yet, she couldn't see his pink tuff of hair anywhere. This wasn't the greatest start off to the night.

'He better not be off finding trouble somewhere,' Lucy pleaded in her mind. The banquet was just about to begin. All the guilds were with their own members, just talking amongst themselves. It wasn't until after a short speech that the banquet officially started and all the guilds started mixing and mingling.

In the meantime, while waiting for Natsu, Lucy took notice of her surroundings. The ballroom that was hosting the banquet was a picture out of Sorcerer Magazine. Shining marble floors were spotless while white walls with golden decals and swirls were towering way above them. The ceiling was a glass dome, showing off the beautiful pink to purple sky, seeing as the sun was almost about to set. In about an hours time the view will be twinkling stars in the dark blue night sky. This thought excited Lucy.

Many people were talking animatedly, whether they were sitting down on the black leather seats or up on the balcony. Those not chating were on the dance floor already swaying together with their partners to the soothing song flowing through the air. Towards the back of the hall was a humongous buffet table with tons of different types of food. Colorful fruits that caught Lucy's eye were placed right beside-

'...A CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN?!' Lucy yelled in her mind in disbelief. Lucy immediately started walking towards the heavenly sight. She finally reached the luscious fountain, and easily grabbed a wooden stick, stuck a strawberry on it then proceeded in dipping it in the rich liquid steaming down. After about five chocolate covered fruits Lucy had to stop herself. She didn't want to eat herself sick. Shortly when Lucy was out of her delicious daze, she noticed the chiefs beside the buffet table ready to replenish food on the spot.

Smart people, seeing as they are feeding multiple dragon slayers.

Speaking of dragon slayers...

Where on earthland is Natsu?! If he were anywhere you'd think he'd be at the endless food table.

The celestial mage looked up and down the buffet table. No fire dragon slayer stuffing his face. However when she was scanning the buffet table she happened to notice a certain blond haired dragon slayer at the very end of the buffet table admiring the meats. Lucy smoothly walked away from the buffet table and hid behind a pillar. She didn't think she would see Sting so soon. No way was she in any mood to deal with the snobby manchild. Now not only was Natsu currently M.I.A, but Sting was unknowingly keeping her from the chocolate fountain just by standing by the buffet. She prayed to Kami that something would lure Sting away from the table so she could go back to treating herself with sweets.

Little did Lucy know, Sting had already saw her while she was lost in bliss enjoying the chocolate covered fruits. She was hard to miss seeing that she was radiating light like a goddess. Her golden dress catching the ballroom lights in all the right ways, not to mention the dress was complimenting all of her curves. She was a golden star, Sting deemed. The small smile on her face as she chewed on the sweet strawberries, made Sting smile himself. He carefully made his way towards the buffet, keeping a distance at first, staying at the end of the table. He didn't want to look like a tiger stalking his prey, despite that being exactly what he was doing. When she broke out of her blissful state, she started searching around, like she was looking for something. The white dragon slayer turned away at the last second pretending to be interested in all the meats, as her eyes started roaming towards his spot. She had to have seen him.

Glad I wore my most expensive suit.

Though Sting shook his head after that thought.

'It isn't like I want to impress her...or anything...' Sting commented shortly after analyzing his previous thought.

When Sting looked back to where she was, she was gone much to his disappointment. So much for stalking his prey. He'd have to find her sometime later. Until then he'll just mingle a little.

Natsu was, as much as he hates to admit it, running late. Why? Well Gray had given him some last minute advice of buying this thing called a corsage. Apparently it was a little wrist band type thing with an arrangement of flowers on it. Girl's, as Gray stated, loved them. Natsu decided to get one for Lucy, not wanting to start off on the wrong foot by not getting her one when she might be expecting one. Which is ironic now considering being late probably is getting started on the wrong foot as well. And to add onto this just pure terrible start, Natsu couldn't even find a corsage! All the flower shops were closed after five. So what did Natsu do? He wasn't one to just give up. He tried in all of his efforts to make his own. He ran back to his house. He used a black ribbon from Lucy's maid outfit he still had for the wristband and then just glued some flowers that he picked from his backyard. He tried really hard, but something was still off with it. It was only when he looked at the clock that he realized he was super late and that it would have to be good enough.

Better than nothing….I hope.

With this thought he woke up Happy, who had fallen asleep waiting for Natsu to finish the makeshift corsage. Happy, once awake, freaked out about the fact they were both late. Quickly he sprouted his wings and with Natsu, headed off towards the Banquet mumbling underneath his breath about not meeting up with Carla there at the beginning. With Happy's super speed the duo arrived in remarkable time. Still a little late though. Happy parted from Natsu in order to hang out with Carla while Natsu was dusting off his suit from the flight. A sudden nervous feeling came over Natsu as he entered the banquet hall. He toyed with the improv corsage in his hands, looking around for his blond hair friend. The room was full of mages from all different kinds of guilds. Some greeted him with a huge smiles and high fives as he wandered around scanning for Lucy. He finally found her behind a pillar, oddly enough. Striding straight towards her, his stomach started to breakdance.

Why am I so nervous? I'm only going over to talk to Lucy.

When he was close enough he noticed she was peering behind the pillar looking towards the buffet table.

'What is she even doing? If she wants to eat then just go ahead and go over there.'

Natsu smiled, 'She's such a weirdo.'

"Staring at the food table with such intensity cant be good Lucy," Natsu called to get her attention.

Startled, Lucy yelped a little bit at the sudden voice before turning around to see her pink haired friend.

"Natsu! I've been looking everywhere for you!"

Natsu with a sheepish smile only stated that he was running late. Lucy should have known. After a brief scolding about timeliness from Lucy, Natsu mock apologized profusely, enlisting many giggles from his blond friend. Lucy just waved off his fake apologies with her hand. What surprised her was when Natsu grabbed a hold of her hand and wrapped something around her wrist. When Lucy looked to see what it was, she was….shocked. It appeared to be some sort of corsage. She glanced up at Natsu to see him looking away with a slight blush on his face.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

"Oh...Natsu. You didn't need to get me one of these. Who even told you about them? And what flower shop did you get this from? It...uh...doesn't look like anything I've ever seen."

"Gray told me about them saying they were necessary. And I...didn't get it from a flower shop…..I...uh… made it," Natsu quietly said as he scratched the back of his head.

Lucy's heart warmed.

'So that's why it looks like a five year old did it,' Lucy thought amused.

"I love it, Natsu, Thanks!"

Natsu just clicked his tongue in embarrassment. Soon the two moved out from behind the pillar and were talking about random things here and there. Lucy's rent, the cool night sky, and the great buffet table. It was then that Natsu remembered something Gray had said.

Set the atmosphere, huh?

He glanced at Lucy, who was looking down at his homemade corsage with a smile ghosting over her face. She seemed like she was having fun. But what else do people do at banquets besides talk? As the thought crossed his mind he found himself staring towards the dance floor.

…

It hit him. He can ask her to dance. They've done it before and it was fun. He slightly hoped he remembered the lesson he had when preparing for the Magic Dance Ball. If he did it would set a great atmosphere. She would be happy, and maybe just maybe, he can find out if she's hiding anything from him. He set the plan in action.

"Hey Lucy! Let's dance together!" Natsu declared as he grabbed Lucy's hand and pulled her towards the dance floor. Lucy wasn't sure how much her heart could take. She didn't pin Natsu as the romantic type, so where was he getting all of these ideas? They couldn't all be from Gray right? He wasn't much of a romantic either. The certain dance that had started when they reached the floor was an upbeat trade off dance much to Natsu's dismay.

Lucy started dancing with Natsu, and was traded off between several other partners. It was humorous watching Natsu try and keep up with all the steps, though Lucy wasn't much of a dancer herself. Lucy however when it was time for the last trade off was disappointed that she didn't end up with Natsu again. Instead she ended up with….

"Nice to see you again, Luigi." Sting had smugly commented. The minute he spotted her dancing he easily maneuvered his way so that he'd be her last dance partner. Once again the recognition in Lucy's eyes amused him to no end.

'Something must have gone wrong in the dance steps.' Lucy thought.

Because she was pretty sure at the end of the dance you are suppose to end up back with your original person .

So much for not dealing with the manchild.

Alright! So, I'm not so happy with how I ended this...but I have a good plan in mind for the next chapter...and this chapter was just a stepping stone for it really. xD Either way, see you next time~