A lot happens in this chapter.

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

"Hey gramps, Have you ever met someone who just didn't know?" Natsu mused, trying to act casual. He ran a hand through his wet hair.

'Ugh. No that was awful.' his thoughts turned sour as he looked at himself. A clean circle was wiped clear from the steam on the mirror from his shower. He slapped the two sides of his face and cracked his neck. Time for round two.

"Yooo, old man. Hypothetically, of course, say you met this person, who was like us...but didn't know themselves?" His sentence fell flat in a question as he shook his head. His wet hair splattered the mirror with water droplets. This is going to be harder than he anticipated. He thought to the person in question. Her blonde hair shining in the morning sun, resembling pure spun gold. The distinct smell she had told Natsu she was different. She had to be one of them. He rested his heated forehead against the cool glass of the mirror, his sigh fogged against the surface. Suddenly all the steam in the room was sucked out in a vacuum, as the door shot open.

"Would you quit hogging the bathroom in the morning?!" Gray's voice vibrated the mirror. Natsu tighten the towel around his waist, as he passed his angry roommate.

"Yeah, Yeah. Go ahead to take it. You need to wash away the stench of that cold dead attitude of yours anyways, right?" The cool air hit Natsu's body as he stepped out of the bathroom. He sensed Gray following him to his closet.

"You could at least take shorter showers!"

"Or maybe you should get up earlier from your beauty sleep. It doesn't seem to be doing you any good anyways." Natsu taunted with a smile on his face.

"Talk about the pot calling the kettle black." Gray grounded out through his clenched teeth. He whirled back around and headed into the bathroom. Natsu just continued to get dressed, throwing on a pair of jeans and a graphic tee. He grabbed an apple from the kitchen and bit into it, the nice crunch satisfying to his ears.

It's been almost a week since he went to the fair with Lucy and her friends. And he couldn't wrap his head around what to do. He stared at his phone. She had texted him shortly after the taxi dropped him off at his place. And the text had shocked him quite a bit. Warmed his core even. But that's what the problem was. He shouldn't even be hanging out with this girl! This lovely, beautiful girl, who takes life by the horns. Her sweet smile ghosting over her pale face. He shouldn't be thinking about the way her laugh set a low fire inside his being, her eyes crinkling, as she giggled at his lame jokes. Her brown eyes swimming with so much knowledge and experience, eyes that he could get lost in. Eyes that slowly inched forward as she leaned into him. Or was that him leaning into her? Soft pink lips, ready to be taken into his own.

A growl escaped his throat. This is exactly what he was talking about! She was too tempting to his inner...Natsu refused to finish that thought, not wanting to admit it to himself what the root of the problem was. And the killer part is that she didn't know anything! She remained ignorant about the way the world has two sides. Those who were normal, and those were had a special...twist. But how could she not know that when she was twisted herself? Was she playing ignorant just to fool herself into thinking she is normal? Natsu grimaced. Was she in that same predicament? She did seem to shut herself off from society, throwing herself in her school work. Weren't those symptoms of denial? All of these confusing questions made his mind hurt. He should just stop thinking about her. He threw his apple core towards the trash. It landed in without him even looking. He flipped on the TV, and plopped down on the couch. The mindless shows did nothing to distract him from his thoughts. In fact it was all just white noise, making him concentrate even more. Another factor soon emerged to Natsu that made the whole situation change. Her friend, Levy, would know. There is no way she wouldn't know. A giddy feeling shot through his veins as he shoved on some boots, and grabbed his keys. He sent a lone text to the bluenette saying he needed to talk. While he was on his phone he looked back at the text Lucy had sent him a few nights ago.

'Would you call that a good first date? (;

Man he really needed to talk to Levy Before anything of this goes wrong.

Lucy stared at the text screen. Maybe it was too risky of a text? Maybe she was just full of herself. She picked at a lock of her hair, and twirled it between her fingers. She hasn't tried to flirt with a man since...well...ever. She doesn't count that occasional casual flirting to try and get a discount. Besides those never ended up in Lucy's favor. No. This was different. She was actively trying to get a man's attention. Or well does actively count when all you've done is send the man a text with a winky face? It did in Lucy's book, her old dusty book. She flopped down on her bed, wondering what she should do. As a 20 year old in college you would think she would be all about that experience and know how to bend a man around her finger. Well whoever went off thinking nonsense like that just didn't know Lucy. Her past relationships were nothing to go off of.

She mentally went through all of her previous boyfriends. For the first three years of high school she dated an energetic boy named Dan. He was truly her knight in shining armor. Captain of the fencing team. He was the perfect gentleman, always holding doors open for her, pulling out her chair, always sending goodnight texts. She loved him. The way he made her feel needed and wanted. He made her first kiss magical. It was exactly what a self-conscious high schooler needed. They were even voted cutest couple in the yearbook.

But then he got...clingy. Lucy grimaced at the memory. He wouldn't let Lucy have privacy. She wanted to hang out with friends and he would automatically join. Girls night became girl's night plus Dan. He would always get unnecessarily jealous of her guy friends, even when they themselves had relationships. Texting her nonstop to make sure she was okay, and to tell her he loved her. It was suffocating. When they two started talking about colleges was when things finally got to be too much for Lucy. Dan wanted them to go back to his small town and go to the community college. Lucy however wanted to stay in Fiore and go to Fairy Tail, her dream college since she was a little girl. They fought. It was their first real fight, Lucy realized. She ended things. She had to. She didn't want to be tied down in a small town, as a housewife. As much as it hurt her and Dan, she just couldn't do it. Dan had moved back to his hometown without so much as a goodbye, after that. She wondered faintly how he was doing.

A year later she met Sting. Fresh out of high school, Lucy fell prey to his bad boy atmosphere. Who knew Lucy had a thing for tattoos and piercings? The way the club lights danced with the playful gleam in his eyes. Lucy was hooked on him like a drug. He taught her the ropes of adulthood, letting her feel the wild world for herself, only lighting the way. He was rough and rugged, expertly contrasting Lucy's sweet and innocent nature. Lucy would trace over his scar on his eyebrow for hours as he rested his head in her lap as he played video games at her apartment. And when he couldn't beat a level, she would just rub his temples until he would settle down. He would show up unexpectedly and whisk Lucy off to dinner, surprisingly fancy restaurants. He was mooching off of his parents trust fund, Lucy learned later. Lucy tasted danger for a whole six months before he called it quits. Saying she wasn't right for him. Lucy had a funny feeling he broke up with her because she wouldn't lend him some money from her own trust fund. She was slightly betrayal, into thinking that he was only after her money the entire time. Surely that wasn't the case though….right? She might have gained some trust issues from that one.

After that all she really did, romantic aspect wise, was go on blind dates, and a few outings with guys she thought she liked.

'Yet my incident with Natsu is a first.' she thought idly. Surely he was avoiding her because she had misread his intentions. It was silly of her to think they had a moment in the dark cab a few nights ago. It was absolutely insane how she thought a spark had ignited between them. And it was downright delirious that she thought this could grow into anything.

Never one to dwell in disappointment, Lucy grabbed a few textbooks and shoved them into her bookbag. Off to the library for her. Her keys jingled in her movements as she locked her door behind her. Her steps slow and steady as she strolled to the library.

When the old building came into view, Lucy let out alone sigh, as her muscles relaxed. She always found peace at the library. Being surrounded by so many stories is a wonderful distraction for the story unfolding itself in her life. The distinct smell of books wafted under her nose, as the blonde walked by the history sections in order to get to her table. Her table was at the far end of the library, hidden in the unpopular genre of novels, the books that hadn't been checked out in a good five years, just collecting dust in the selves. However it wasn't until Lucy caught a flash of pink did her feet stop in their tracks. She double backed quietly. She was probably just seeing things. Lucy always had a knack for being paranoid. But when her eyes caught the pink tuff of hair once more she couldn't help that little stutter her heart did. He was sitting at a table in the fantasy section, surprisingly surrounded by tons of books. When Lucy creeped closer, she saw he wasn't alone.

Blue hair stuck out like a sore thumb against the dreary brown shelves. Her best friend Levy was sitting across from the pinkie. Her special red glasses snug on her face as her nose was in a book. Natsu was feverishly talking to her about something, but Lucy wasn't close enough to hear anything but the tone of his voice. He sounded desperate. His tone reminded Lucy of Dan's. Lucy didn't know what it was, but something seemed to be bubbling in the pit of her stomach. Here she was, seeing Natsu and her best friend sitting together in the library. She likes all of those things, so why isn't she walking up to the pair to join them? What was stopping her? Maybe it was the fact the atmosphere they had didn't sit right with Lucy. Or maybe it was the fact that Natsu seemingly had enough time to visit with her best friend, but not respond to her text. Even if he didn't want to see her again, the least he could have done was text her his rejection, instead of just ignoring her. But no. Here he was chatting away with her friend in the one place she escaped to in an attempt to get her mind off of him. She saw Natsu's head start to turn towards her direction. Lucy's automatic response was to hide behind the bookshelf. How had he sensed her? She held her breath, belittling herself for hiding. Now it would be weird if they saw her come out of her spot. She mentally prepared herself for the consequences as she peeked her head out from the bookcase to catch another glimpse of the pair.

Green eyes met hers. She whipped her head back so fast it collided with the bookcase. Hard. A few books toppled onto the floor as Lucy's face steadily grew bright red. She rushed to pick them up, crouching down out of her hiding spot.

"Lucy? Is that you?" came the call that was undoubtedly Levy's soft voice. The pitter patter of Levy's feet rushed over to Lucy's spot. Lucy quickly picked up all the books and stood up.

"Uhh. Yeah. I was just, you know looking at some good books." Lucy spit out the lame excuse. At the mention of good books, Levy's eyes shimmered with excitement.

"Oh? Did you find anything interesting?" Levy asked as her hand shot out to grasp one of the many books Lucy had in her arms. Before Lucy could stop her, Levy read the title of the book and froze. The blonde herself looked down at the series of books she had in her arms herself and held in a groan. "You know, I won't judge, but I didn't peg you as the kind of woman who would want to read 'Captain Underpants.' " Levy's voice held a sliver of humor as she gave her friend a knowing smile. Lucy's blush double in severity, as Levy's chiming laughter was spilled throughout the air. The two girls swiftly placed the fallen books back on the shelves. A cough caught their attention. Natsu was walking over to the two girls with a blank expression.

"Hey Lucy." He held her gaze almost religiously, as if he was searching for something. Lucy, being an awkward bean, just forced out a laugh.

"Haha!" Her laugh came off as loud and sudden, piercing the air that even she wince. She quickly lessened her laugher and just stared on. Call her crazy but she swore she could see golden flecks dancing in the green sea of his eyes. She realized she still hadn't responded to his greeting.

"Oh. H-hi there." Lucy decided that the only way to not make this awkward was to just pretend that nothing ever happened. Too bad Lucy was a bad actress. Natsu kept his stare until Levy shoved her elbow into his side, breaking him out of this weird trance like state. Lucy filed in the back of her head to ask him why he always seems to stare later. That is if she can get over her awkward milestone in their new friendship.

"What brings you here?" Natsu prompted as he shared a nervous sideways glance with Levy.

"Ya know. Just...chillin'" Lucy crossed her arms and leaned up against the bookcase. The flimsy bookcase started to tip over, but just before it could lose all of it's center balance Lucy let loose a little yelp and stood ramrod straight

'Oh my god. Oh my god. 'Just chillin'? That's what just came out of my mouth. Oh my god. Why am I such a dork?'

"So what are you guys doing here?" Lucy asked, trying to swallow her embarrassment. Both of them seemed to stiffen as her question. Levy's face went pale, as she answered,

"I was just helping Natsu…" She trailed off as she saw said person tense up.

"with my chemistry homework!" His tone ended up in a higher pitch, as he nodded a bit too forcefully. He coughed to ease the strain on his voice. "Yeah! I had some questions and I thought I could ask Levy." Natsu backed. He wasn't lying. Not really. However when Natsu saw the look in Lucy's eyes, he wished he could come clean. He bit back his tongue. Lucy sensed the two were hiding something, and felt a little...hurt by it. Levy could hang out with whomever she pleased. And she knew she didn't always tell her best friend everything...but. Maybe it was selfish of Lucy, to feel betrayal that her best friend was hanging out with a guy she kinda liked, and was hiding something from her as well. Lucy placed a smile over her face, trying to buy into their words.

"I betcha Levy knew every single answer. She's a genius after all." Her comment made the air lighten up a bit, as she moved on from the previous conversation. Levy laughed and her tense muscles relaxed.

"It was a pain to try and explain things to him though. He is so easily distracted." Levy teased the pink haired man. However it seemed Natsu was just proving her point as he stared at the books on the shelves across from him. Levy coughed to get his attention. He jolted out of his thoughts and gave the two girl's an apologetic look.

"Ah. Sorry. I was just reviewing all the...questions and stuff. We have a quiz over it soon after all." Natsu scratched the back of his head. "Uhh. I'm going to go ahead and go home and study more. It was good seeing you, Lucy, Levy." Before Lucy could utter out her own goodbye, Natsu was gone, walking briskly away from the two girls.

Levy sighed, shaking her head at the man's sudden departure. That was albeit the most awkward conversation she had ever been a part of. The bluenette turned to face Lucy. Her friend was looking off after Natsu's departure.

"Hey, Lucy. You want to talk with me for a bit?" Levy lead her friend back towards the table and sat her down. Lucy complied without a single word. "I know that you know something is up." The blonde's eyes met those of her best friend with shock. At this Levy had to let out a little laugh. "You can't possibly expect me to think that the little act Natsu and I put on was believable at all, could you?" Lucy's mouth moved to speak.

"But...I mean...What were you guys doing then?"

"I was just helping him with some life questions. Nothing really special."

"What kind of questions? He isn't in any trouble is he?" Lucy believed that would explain why he hadn't been responding to her. She couldn't help her blood go a little chilly as she realized the severity of the situation that might be at hand.

"Oh gods no! It's nothing like that. But you wouldn't believe me if I told you." That's a line Lucy always hated to hear. If no one told her anything then how was she suppose to even try and believe in it?

"Try me."

"Lucy." The serious tone in her friend's voice shocked Lucy, grabbing her attention more than ever. Levy took on a hushed whisper. "I honestly wish I could tell you. But it's not really my secret to tell." Warning bells started signaling off in her head. It threw Lucy in for a spin. She decided it was best to think about it later instead of dwelling on it in the present. She wanted to know. But she wasn't going to force it out of Levy. Besides after seeing the pleading look on her friend's face she just had to let it go. So much for going to the library to escape her stressful thoughts.

"Okay. Then don't tell me." Lucy reached across the table and grabbed Levy's hand. She rubbed her thumb soothingly across the bluenette's pale small hand. Levy's eyes searched her's with a warm and thankful sight flittering through them. The tension between the two melted and they shared a smile. If Levy wasn't ready to tell her something, even if it seemingly involved Natsu, then Lucy wouldn't push her.

"Thanks, Lucy." Levy replied as she squeezed her best friend's hand. "You want to go out to eat? We could go to that new Italian joint a few blocks away."

"And stuff ourselves practically full of the free bread? You got yourself a deal." Lucy joked as she let the easygoing atmosphere overtake her. The two girls put back the books consuming the table and headed off. Lucy tried her best to forget about the nagging voice in the back of her head, wondering about the many secrets now in plain sight. After the dinner with Levy, she had found herself in her room again alone with her thoughts once more. She glanced at her phone, and felt the wave of self consciousness at full tilt. She squashed the feeling while her fingers were moving before she could think.

'Sorry. That was too forward of me. I'll see you around.'

There. She sent the text with a heavy press of her finger. That should settle things.

He was laying down on the couch, watching the ceiling fan spin round and round. The cold circulation of air dried out his eyes. In an attempt to stop the agitation, he closed his eyes, too lazy to get up and turn it off. His thoughts seemed to go along in circles with the fan's blades. Levy's answers made things even more confusing in Natsu's mind.

'Or at least the answers I could get out of the girl.' She was more tightlipped than anyone Natsu had ever encountered. He thought back to their conversation and the events that went down at the library.

"What do you mean, you don't know what she is?" Natsu half yelled in frustration.

"Would you clean out your ears once in awhile? I said I won't tell you what she is. It's not my place to tell you!" Levy whispered harshly.

"But it's true she doesn't know herself right? Why hasn't anyone told her?"

"How would you like it if someone walked up to you and told you that you weren't fully human?" However at the recoil of Natsu's head, Levy grimace. "Right...sorry. I forgot about…" Levy took a deep breath and continued with her original statement. "Anyways, if we do that to Lucy she would….she would break. She is already having a rough time."

"Well she has to know sometime!" Natsu was fully ready to march right up to her and tell her. She couldn't live her life in ignorance anymore. It was probably the reason she felt unsatisfied with her life. For she is only really living half of it. And Natsu wasn't going to let her live like that anymore, not after he saw the way her eyes would light up like the bright night's stars.

"I know that! But...just give her some time to reorganize her life." Levy let her voice carry the tone of a plead. She knew Natsu wasn't one to step on eggshells, and why he was so worried about Lucy had Levy wondering if she should be worried as well.

"And what if that time I give, only makes matters worse?" Natsu questioned.

"So help me Natsu if you so much as even think about telling her without consulting me first, I won't hesitate to turn you into a frog!"

"Oh cause we all know your spells work so well in the first place. Remember when you tried to chant that heat spell?" Natsu teased as he tried to sway the conversation in his favor. At the heat rushing to Levy's face he could tell she remembered all too well.

"Shut up! That was an accident! And don't try and change the subject Natsu! I'm serious about this." That's when Natsu caught a hold of a wonderful scent. He slowly turned his head around the stare at a bookcase a few yards away. The smell was wafting from there. He kept his gaze locked on the source. When a blonde haired, brown eyed girl, peaked out from behind the bookcase, he had to work to keep his expression neutral.

'Speak of the devil.' he thought. Her eyes went wide as they clashed with his and she all but slammed her head into the bookcase behind her, trying to hide once more. Natsu stood up fully prepared to run and help the girl, as she had done so many times for him. But Levy was there in a flash, already helping. Natsu saw the nervous glance Lucy sent his way, so he decided to stay back for a bit before approaching her.

The door opening put a screeching halt to his thoughts. Cursed mumbles were all Natsu heard when the door slammed shut, rattling the apartment as a whole. In from the corridor, came a tired looking Gray, his five o'clock shadow prickly and proud on his face. Bloodshot eyes met the lazy ones of Natsu's.

"What are you looking at?" Gray growled out as he ran a hand down his face.

"Nothing, but a frozen bastard." Natsu knew his roommate was exhausted from his busy day, but that didn't stop him from spitting back his own insults. After all, what better way to blow off some steam than a verbal fight with his best friend? And maybe if he was lucky, a few fists would fly as well.

"Well this frozen bastard at least doesn't go brain dead whenever he looks at his phone." Gray hung his coat on the rack next to his shoes he kicked off before coming in. Natsu just clicked his tongue in response.

"If anyone would know about being dead, it would be you, wouldn't it?" Natsu questioned with a small smirk.

'Come on...take the bait.'

The next thing Natsu knew he was shoved off the couch a shirtless Gray towering over him. The two tousled around a bit, Natsu hitting his head on the coffee table's leg, and Gray taking a hard punch to the jaw. Each rolling around on the various items thrown carelessly on the floor. Natsu rolled over his left shoulder, pushing Gray underneath him, switching the two's positions. He almost hissed at the fresh air that hit his newly received carpet burn. Gray struggled and fought against Natsu, his hand flying to Natsu's chin, pushing his face away. Natsu's neck strained at the odd angle his head was being forced into as Gray started to kick the pinkie's shins. Natsu managed to maneuver his head around and he bit down hard to Gray's fingers. A few more hits were thrown as the two continued their improv wrestling match. Natsu grabbed a couch pillow and efficiently smothered the stupid iceblock's face. Gray squirmed for a breath of fresh air. Muffled curses were flown left and right as they both released pent up energy in their bodies. It wasn't until they heard a cough that they stopped dead in their tracks. Natsu's grip on the pillow slackened as Gray slowly slide the pillow off of his face, almost wanting to keep it there, thus blocking the sight of a certain fear. The duo slowly turned their heads dread pooling in the stomachs. Sitting legs crossed pulled up to the dinner room table was the long haired scarlet beauty. She was bringing a teacup to her lips, and gently blew on the steaming hot liquid. Natsu wondered faintly in his mind if he even owned a teacup, let alone tea and the like. The two quickly parted away from each other as Erza opened a lone caramel eye.

"I hope you guys weren't...fighting again." her words sent a shiver down the males spines, making Natsu jump up rubbing the back of his neck to rid himself of nerves.

"No! Why on Earth would w-we be doing that?" Gray dismissed quickly with a swift wave of his hand. Erza slid her eyes to Natsu who refused to look death in the eyes. A jab to the rips from Gray made the man speak.

"Yeah! I was just checking to see what color Gray's eyes were…..with my fist?"

A sudden pain in the back of Natsu head had him seeing stars. Gray let out a groan signaling he had been inflicted as well. Erza stood over the two men, the light blocking out her facial features, a glint in her eye being the only thing seen.

"Green." she said to Natsu. "And blue." she gestured to Gray. "Now since that's out of the way, shall we discuss what I came here for , or would you like it I change both of your eyes to black?"

Natsu and Gray both fumbled about with a denial at her offer. They slung their arms around each other in hopes she would buy the sudden truce. Erza sat back down and sipped at her tea once more. Gray reached over to put back on his shirt mumbling about how he lost in the first place.

The three had been friends for years now, and yet Natsu could never get used to the group's antics. The scarlet maiden had forced herself into Natsu's life when she heard about his failing grade in English that was bringing down the classes average. And as student council president, she wasn't having her classes average being dragged down without her doing something about it. Natsu grimaced as he remembered the countless hours of merciless tutoring he suffered through that semester. And Gray after walking in on one of those tutoring sessions and making fun of Natsu, got pulled into the whole mix. Who know Gray Fullbuster was failing history? Least to say, Erza made sure the two boys achieved no lower than B's in all their classes. Erza's cough dragged him out of his memories.

"As you know, the school's annual fundraising event is coming up in two months. And I have assigned you both up on the committee." Natsu whipped his head around to stare at the woman. His mind was going a hundred miles an hour, all thoughts of dread and pity. He had to almost physically hold his tongue, to keep from yelling no to the red head. The last thing he needed in his life right now was an asswopping. Though he hated when she did this. Volunteering both of them up for the odd jobs no one wanted to do in the council. But he wasn't about to go head to head with Erza, so he just hoped it wasn't anything bad. He glanced at Gray who seemed to be praying to the gods. Erza continued to brief them on the upcoming events.

This year's fundraising had plenty of odd events placed throughout the so deemed "spirit week" besides the typical car washes and cookie dough sales. In the recent years Erza, as the student body's council president, has been trying to spice things up with fresh events. But the woman's idea of cool and fun events...just didn't quite match up with the rest of the college goers. Natsu faintly remembered how her first year she tried to throw a bingo contest. It was sad how almost all of the old professors showed up. It was even sadder that Erza had volunteered Natsu to run the event. After spinning the bingo spinner for almost for hours his hand cramped the worst in his entire life. And his voice was raspy and sore from calling out all the numbers in an albeit board and dreary tone when one attendee complain that his cheerful voice was too loud and straining for her hearing aids. Natsu swore that old lady was out to get him.

So when the words marathon and drive in movie theater left her lips, Natsu was pleasantly surprised. Who knew the redhead knew what the young folk these days found fun.

"I'm guessing you had some help choosing the big events this year, huh?" Natsu said after Erza was done explaining this years events. She sipped lightly on her tea, which by the way she pursed her lips after the liquid slipped into her mouth, wasn't sweet enough. Natsu walked into the kitchenette area that was behind her and opened the cabinet in search of the sugar. He found the bag and set it down next to her. She proceed to scoop three spoonfuls into her tea while she responded.

"I'll admit I had some help from the newbies on the committee." Natsu took up a seat across from her while gray continued standing, picking at a stain now prominent on his shirt.

"Think you can convince some of the newbies to clean up this joint as a sorta crazy initiation. Natsu's been making this place into a pig's pen." Gray sneered in his roommates direction. Natsu just picked at his teeth with his favorite finger up.

"I highly doubt Jellal will appreciate that kind of cruel initiation." Erza laughed. Natsu gave her a grin while Gray an upturned side smile. "Anyways, I'll shall share with you your new roles once I get everything situated down with the council." Erza stood up and dusted off her skirt. "In the meanwhile I expect no more fighting from the two of you." She commanded with a raise of her eyebrow. Satisfied as they both saluted her with an aye sir, Erza gracefully walked out of the apartment, however, not before stepping on an empty pizza box laid out on the floor. The smallest splatter of pizza sauce smudged on her new shoes. "And I want this place spotless next time I visit." her tone left no room for arguments. The door slammed, and the room's atmosphere seemed to die down from the previous events. Gray breathed out a sigh of relief and headed over to the fridge to grab a soda pop. The cool whooshed pop of the can opening made Natsu thirst for one himself.

"Hey toss me one will you?" Natsu asked from the table. Gray tossed the pinkie a drink and then proceeded to chug his own. He let out a satisfied ah at his dry throat being relived. "Busy day at the Palace?" Natsu questioned between his own gulps.

"You could say that. You remember that one chick who used to come in everyday?" Gray sat down in the chair Erza was previously sitting in.

"Yeah. The blue haired one right?" Gray blanched at the mentioning.

"Yep that's her. Turns out we hadn't seen her in a while because she went on a cruise with her folks." He remembered how peaceful the joint had been without her presence. Oh how he is going to miss it. Gray had to keep from choking on his drink as he dreaded relaying the upcoming information. "Well she came in today and was so excited to see me that she ran up to tackle me in a crushing hug."

"Oh now that doesn't sound so bad." Natsu laughed at his friend's expression that turned darker.

"Did I forget to mention I was carrying two trays full of pizza and drinks?" Gray ran a lazy hand through his hair. Natsu winced and sucked in a breath.

"So that's why you didn't come home in your uniform." He duly noted. "So did you two get covered or what?"

"Two medium pizza, extra sauce and six drinks coated us head to toe. It was a bigger mess than the time you slipped on some guys receipt." Gray went to get another drink and popped it open before continuing. "It was horrendous. And the girl was so apologetic. She had taken the brute of the spill since she toppled on me." Gray shook his head as he now paced the area.

"Sounds rough buddy. At least it wasn't really your fault."

"But you know what was my fault. After we had both fallen and got ourselves smeared with the greasy food, I of course lost my cool." he took a breath. "I yelled at her. I don't know why I snapped then. I just did. Maybe it was from all the other incidents she causes, or maybe I was just stressed. But she ran out crying." Natsu grimaced at the story. When Gray lost his cool, it wasn't a pretty sight. And he almost always beats himself up for it afterwards. And now that he made an innocent girl, one of his many admirers no doubt, run crying out of the store, he was taking a ride on the guilty train.

"Hey." Natsu clapped a hand over his shoulder. "Surely you will see her again and you'll be able to apologize." A thought passed through Natsu. "What was her name again?"

"Juvia." Her name flowed out of his mouth as he recalled the name on top of the many receipts he had given her. She had probably told him her name in a conversation that he had just blocked out though, just giving correctly timed hums here and there. Natsu finished his drink and tossed the empty can into the recycling bin.

"With the way she looked at you before, I'm sure this Juvia will be back. After all she is one of your most devoted fangirls."

"Why do you always call them fan girls?"

"Because that's what you call a group of girls who follow you around because you supposedly attract them. Which by the way I don't see possible. They are obviously blind for not noticing your ugly mug." Natsu smirked as he tried to rile up the black haired grump. Of course Gray felt a little angry tick form on his forehead before he swung around face mere centimeters away from his roommates.

"Wanna say that again?"

"You suddenly deaf?" Natsu prompted. But before Gray could let out a battle cry and beat Natsu's with his fists, a yelp followed by a crashing sounded from the neighboring apartment. Several other bumps and noises followed shortly after the initial crash, some sounding like glass shattering and feet pounding on the wooden floors. Muffled yells and shouts were thrown about. Natsu and Gray shook their heads at their neighbors disruptive nature. Little did they know everyone on the apartment complex's floor labeled the two guys as the disruptive troublemakers.

The noises and shouts were coming from the neighbor on their left, and Gray raked through his mind to recall what neighbor it was who occupied that dorm. The face of an elderly woman came to mind.

"Our neighbors seemed to be having some trouble? Want to go check it out?" Gray asked, knowing that Natsu would fully want to investigate the scene of the crime as if he were a detective.

"You betcha! I'm all fired up!" Natsu roared as he headed towards the door. The two males were knocking on their neighbor's door moments later, only for it to fling open. Sharp nails pierced into Natsu's neck as a furry blur was thrown out the door.

"And stay out you filthy animal!"

"Granny! He just wanted to play with Carla!" The voice of a younger girl screamed as she ran up from behind her older guardian. She gasped as she saw the scene before her unfold. Meanwhile Natsu struggled with the animal now digging it's claws deeper into his skin, hissing at the old lady who was shaking her fists at the deemed dirty runt. Gray broke up into a fit of laughter at his friend's predicament.

"Don't just stand there! Help me!" Natsu desperately yelled at Gray. After swallowing back up his amusement, Gray tried to grasp the small cat clinging to his friend, only to yelp back in pain. Three red scratches stung his hand, starting to pulse with blood.

"The little bastard scratched me!" Gray yelled at the stinging pain only to be hit in the head with a wooden cane.

"Watch your language young man!" The neighbor scolded before she slammed the door in front of the two male's faces, that were twisted with discomfort and pain. A now muffled voice yelled,

"Granny! You can't do that to people!" Her cry wasn't rewarded by any response from the old lady, or if it was Natsu and Gray couldn't hear. A second later the door opened once more to reveal the younger occupant. Her dark blue hair was done up in messy pink-tails. A white cat rubbed up against her legs. She looked apologetic as she shut the door behind her and stand out in the hallway with the two strangers her grandma had rudely dismissed. She swiftly tried to removed the cat from the back of Natsu's neck. "Here kitty kitty." At her soft calls the cat retracted his claws from Natsu's flesh and jumped into the girl's arms. She scratched behind the small cats ears calming the creature from his earlier flight. "I'm sorry about Granny. I'm sure she didn't notice you guys when she tossed the cat out. Her eyesight and hearing are deteriorating." The young girl sat down the cat next to her white one currently at her feet. The cat happily meowed at the fairer one.

"No problem. We always knew she wasn't the sharpest neighbor we had." Natsu stated right before Gray shoved his elbow into his ribs while clearing his throat. "I mean...No offense." Natsu corrected. The girl just laugh at the gesture, covering her mouth with her hand.

"Don't worry about it. You said you guys were neighbors? Did you need something?" The girl question, adorning a mature air about her. Gray responded while Natsu crouched down to play with the cat that was previously attached to his neck.

"We were actually just wondering what all the ruckus was about. We live next door on your right and heard quite a fight."

"Oh! I'm sorry! I hope we didn't disturb you too much!" The girl's eyebrows pinched in worry.

"No, no. It was no disturbance, Miss…"

"Wendy. Wendy Marvell. I'm currently staying at Granny's house while my mom is away on a business trip."

"Well then Miss Wendy. Mind me asking why your Grandma was throwing out a cat?" Gray asked as he noticed Natsu play with the little feline a slight smile gracing his feature.

"I found him on the streets a few days ago and brought him in. However he is quite the troublemaker and started causing fuss." Wendy relayed the information with a shake of her head. "It seems Granny grew sick of it. She wobbled all around the apartment chasing him with a broom." Natsu let out a gasp of horror.

"This little guy? Why he seems harmless!" His fingers found the soft spot behind the cat's ears, letting the little guy erupt into a puddle of purrs. The cat meowed in bliss of Natsu's magic fingers.

"Tell that to Granny's sets of ruin curtains." Wendy joked with a raise of the eyebrow. Gray laughed at the image of the little cat climbing on the fabrics.

"So what will happen to him now?" Natsu asked as he helped the cat climb back up onto his shoulders. A headbutt was rewarded on his ear as he heard the cat's purring more prominent. His heart immediately melted. He never had a pet before. Wendy face seemed to fall as she wandered the question herself.

"I don't think Granny will let me keep him any longer here no matter how much I beg." The little girl sighed sadly. "So I guess I'll just take him to a shelter." At the thought of the little guy being tossed away into a shelter, Natsu's heart dropped. As if sensing his fate, the cat meowed quietly, his eyes glistening with what looked like tears. That moment, Natsu's heart broke.

"I can take care of him!" Natsu yelled as he grabbed the animal up in his arms, all bundled up.

"Wait, Natsu. You can't ju-"

"I promise I'll take good care of him! I'm great with cats!" Natsu pleaded to Wendy, only to be spitted by her white cat who hiss in Natsu's direction. "Or at least he seems to like me." The cat in questions meowed contently in Natsu's arms as he licked his whiskers.

"You don't know the first thing about taking car-" Gray started up before Natsu turned towards him.

"Oh but I promise I'll learn! I'll take excellent care of him! It's a him right?" Natsu voice resembled that of a kid in a candy store. "Ah what does it matter. So please! Please Pleassseeee!" Natsu begged the two individuals in front of him. Gray gave a sideways glance to Wendy.

"It's fine with me if it is with you." She responded to his unasked question. Natsu turned his pleading face full on Gray even holding the cat right in front of his face.

"Look how cute he is Gray! How can you say no to a face like his?" Natsu pursed his lips and Gray sighed through his nose as he tried avoiding looking at both the animal and Natsu's face. The pair had oddly seemed already in sync as they both wore pouty expressions, or at least as much as a cat could pull off.

"I'm not cleaning his litter box."

"YEs! WOooo! You hear that little guy!? I'm your new owner!" Natsu shouted as he hugged the cat to his chest. Wendy giggle at his antics, letting out a little cheer of her own. Gray rolled his eyes before heading back inside his apartment after saying his goodbye to Wendy.

"So does this mean I can visit him whenever you are free? I can bring Carla and they can have a play date!" The white cat, named Carla, seemed to arch her back at the idea.

"Of course!" Natsu ruffled Wendy's hair. Who would have thought he would gain a new companion today? He said he goodbyes to Wendy, promising her to set up a play date soon. He closed the door to his apartment rushing inside to play with his newest friend. However Fate seemed to want to rain on his parade as he immediately slipped on the forgotten empty pizza box, thus falling on his ass. The cat yowled at the sudden fall, his claws finding foundation on Natsu's chest. He really needed to clean up the place. Little did he know that his phone he discarded once he got back from the library sat with an unread message that certainly held a misunderstanding.

A/N: Sorry about the lack of NaLu action. I wanted to set up some more characters that will play more important roles in the future. I added a splash of supernatural here. More to come as the story unfolds! Until next time!