Crystal: Well here comes more Nalu bonding in this chapter as well as the introduction to Gruvia and some small intro to Gajeevy! Thank you all for reviewing and thanks again for remaining patient peeps!

Note: Another reason why these chapters take so long is because for most of the time I use to write a chapter I'm debating what song to use next

Song(s): Close by Nick Jonas ft Tove Lo

Close

Lucy was basking in comfort of her bed feeling both blissful yet heavy with exhaustion. However, she seemed to notice that the sun's rays were hitting her directly in the face. She groaned heavily until she realized one fact: never had she let the sun get up before her which meant that she was late for her rehearsal. At that, the blonde jumped out of the covers rushing around the room collecting her clothes and trying to restrain from shrieking when she saw the clock said it was 11am. Not only was she late, but extremely late.

She rushed into the kitchen finding Levy still in her pajamas and still in her half asleep state if the spilled milk on the side of her cereal bowl was any indication. Lucy rushed passed her to serve herself a mug of coffee with milk.

"Levy, do you realize we're really late for rehearsal!" Lucy panicked as she went to go ready herself some toast. "Lu-chaannn, slow down. You make me dizzy", the blue haired woman whined.

"There's no time to relax! We gotta go", the blonde sighed heavily. "But it's Saturday. We don't have rehearsal today", Levy muttered as she put the spoon filled with cheerios in her mouth. The blonde paused suddenly and groaned yet again. "For god's sake! How could I forget! But still I never sleep in this late", the blonde sighed turning off the toaster to sit down across from the blue haired woman.

"Well, I know you were exhausted from last night so I let you sleep. You were even smiling in your sleep you perv", Levy chuckled as she wiggle her eyebrows suggestively. Lucy blushed furiously looking away as she sipped her coffee as a distraction only to spit it out. "Gross! I forgot to add sugar", she mumbled. Yet again, she had been thinking non-stop about Natsu. It was very uncharacteristic of her since she always made sure to focus on rehearsing and such, but she couldn't help it. There was something about him that made her believe she could take on anything.

Levy just stared at her as she seemed to space out and she snorted before going back to her cereal. "Hey, didn't you have somewhere to go?" Levy suddenly questioned. The blonde blinked in confusion as she thought for a few seconds.

"Really?! So you can't stop thinking about the hottie next door yet you forget about your date?!" Levy said outrage suddenly wide awake. Lucy blinked once before she sprung up from her chair and checked the clock to see it was 10 minutes before 12. "Oh shoot! I forgot!" she cried ashamed again as she began to rush once more.

"And it's not a date!" she shrieked from her room as Levy giggled. "Whatever you say", the blue haired women chimed to more of herself after hearing the door from the bathroom close. She stood up to place her empty bowl in the sink before heading to the room to get some clothes to change into. Lucy rushed out from the bathroom still applying her makeup in the process as she too went to change. "Hey, you don't wanna go with me?" Lucy asked her roommate.

"I'll ruin your date", levy mumbled as she placed on her headband. "It's not a date! And he's taking me to his dance studio, you could come and watch I'm sure he wouldn't mind", Lucy motioned dismissively as she fixed her tights under her black skirt. Levy only hummed before a knock at the door caught their attention. "Looks like your prince has arrived", she finally said mockingly. The blonde rolled her eyes before pulling at her shirt and heading to the door.

She had to restrain from staring at how nice he looked before her. Compared to all the times she had seen him in sweats and shirtless, clothes did suit him just as well. He had on a black coat as winter was finally catching up with a white scarf around his neck and a pair of dark blue jeans. The red piercings in his ears were ever present in her view, something she really did seem to be right on him. He grinned at her suddenly. "Hey! You ready? Where's your friend, Levy? Thought she might wanna come", he chuckled.

"Ah, yeah, I'm was intending to bring her along and now that you insist, I should definitely bring her", the blonde smiled back as she retrieved her own red coat and dragged the blue haired woman along.

~~xXXx~~

Finally in the streets, the three walked together with traffic on the roads beginning to get heavy. "Good thing I didn't use my car! Stupid traffic", Natsu mumbled with a small pout. The two woman laughed as he continued to converse happily with them. "I really didn't want to bother", Levy whined heavily.

"It's fine! Luce and I wanted you to come. I'm sure I could also introduce you to some of my guy friends", Natsu winked as Levy blushed. "A-Are they c-cute?" she mumbled bashfully. "You'll have to judge that for yourself. I don't know how it's normal for girls to rate each other like that", he motioned as if he were trying to figure out one of the greatest mysteries of the world. Lucy rolled her eyes used to his silly antics as the crossed the street to a large one story building. "Well, here it is!" the pink haired male announced excitedly.

Levy was about to say something as she seemed to find the place rather familiar, but she was suddenly pulled along with Lucy inside. "Do you open on weekends?" Lucy asked him now that she really took the time to ask him about his studio. "Well, I really don't have a set schedule. It's open every day and we take turns teaching and if we won't show up we always get someone from my team to cover for that time. So far it hasn't been a problem. But anyways let's have you guys take a look", the male hummed in thought before leading them further inside.

A huge room awaited them like that of their own dance studio but much more vast. However the floor was more of matted than of wood. And by the looks of it they got lucky because two people seemed about ready to practice their routine. They were both very attractive, in fact most of them in the studio looked attractive. No wonder Natsu seemed almost unreal. The two people about to start their dance were male and female. The woman had luscious pale gray blue hair to her waist and porcelain skin with pale blue eyes. She wore a grey and blue sports bra and black sweats.

The guy had black hair and dark blue eyes. He only had black sweats on and no shirt. Lucy wanted to face palm. She hoped not all of the guys here had a tendency to be shirtless not that he wasn't well built to begin with, but still.

"Yo, flamebrain, click play, won't you?" he suddenly called out to Natsu. The pink haired male frowned slightly as he removed his coat and was followed by the girls to take a closer look. "I'm coming, ice princess", Natsu mumbled and both woman had to look at each other in confusion for the strange nicknames. The pink haired male clicked play on the iPhone connected to the large black speaker as the song began and the dancers took their positions.

Oh damn oh damn oh damn, I'm so perplexed with just one breath I'm locked in.

Both of them who had started with backs pressed against each other took steps away from each other to the beat of the first repeated phrase before turning to each other as the man grabbed his partner's hand and twirled her inwards against him as if caging her in his arms quickly and the as the last word died out he slowly rocked her side to side almost sensually.

Oh damn oh damn oh damn, I'm so perplexed on that it's almost that it's almost shocking

At that she pushed his arms away as he followed her quick steps feigning to run away before she turned to him hands bumping his chest at the word "Shocking".

I know I know you know you're scared. Your heart your mind your body

The song continued as he clutched to her hands and seemed to manipulate her face seemed to portray being lifeless in his hold as he forced her to cross her arms over herself before he crossed to the other side of their 'stage' to make her lean back.

They won't they won't be they won't be careful but I guess that you don't know me

At this it seemed as if she regained her senses and pushed him away as she stepped back again as she gave a leap away to land on one knee as if shielding herself.

Cause if I want you and I wan't you babe. Ain't going backwards won't ask for space. Cause space is just a word made up by someone who's afraid to get too

At that the black haired male slowly stalked towards her ending just behind her as she had slowly stood up to face him with both of the dancers gazing at each other intensely. Levy and Lucy were mesmerized by their routine so far and wanted to know how they did it so nicely. Soon the main part of the song came as they waited in anticipation

Close. Oh. Oh so close, oh. I want you close, oh. Cause space is just a word made up by someone who's afraid to get. Close oh. Oh so close, oh. I want you close. Oh. Oh I want you close and close ain't close enough no.

Just then he pulled her into a life as she held onto his shoulders. Once he set her down she turned away as he guidde her on her toes to twirl her at least three times before they both got on one knee facing away from each other before rolling away in opposite directions. Once they stood again she ran as he carried her, her legs wrapping around his waist as their forehead touched She tried to push his face away before he set her down abruptly took her face in hands and kissed her giving the sign that the routine ended.

The two woman watching blushed suddenly not having a lot of experience in that sort of area. "Gray, your count was off at the ending. You guys were just thinking about eating each other up", Natsu sighed crossing his arms unfazed. "Juvia apologizes, Natsu-san. She loves Gray-sama too much", she muttered love struck, but she didn't sound apologetic in the least. Gray sighed, "I got carried away by her again", he muttered sheepishly.

"Well, it is what it is. Anyways, I'd like you to meet Lucy and Levy. Lucy, Levy meet Gray and Juvia", Natsu finally directed the girls who gave nod in acknowledgement. "So this is the Lucy Natsu would shut up about since he met her", Gray grinned. The blonde blinked before Natsu had punched Gray in the arm. "Shut up, icicle!" The pink haired male blushed heavily. "Tch, well I know for sure you're the only one who needs to 'chill'", Gray snickered (haha get it lol Okay I'm done again).

Levy gave Lucy a playful shove with her elbow once again suggesting something, but the blonde simply gave a bashful smile. "Yo, salamander! I need you to get your ass over here!" a new voice interrupted. "I seriously don't get the nicknames", Lucy unconsciously voiced to which Gray chuckled. "Ah, it's complicated. Most of us here have known each other since we were kids. Natsu and I have always had our disagreements, but we're still friends so everyone just compared us to ice and fire. As for that guys who is about to show up he went along with the fire analogy and just calls him salamander", the black haired male explained.

Lucy felt slightly embarrassed for having been heard, but at least she finally understood the naming and such. She suddenly felt forwards onto her knees when someone bumped into her. In an instant, Natsu was at her side helping her up. "You dumbass, you dropped Lucy, Gajeel!" the pink haired male yelled at the new figure that showed up. Long black hair a headband at his forehead, piercings on his face, and ruby red eyes. He was just as handsome as the others, but he was really intimidating. The blonde found herself hiding behind Natsu.

Said person looked questioningly at the blonde. "Uh, sorry bunny girl", Gajeel shrugged, but at least he actually did sound apologetic. "B-Bunny girl?" the blonde mumbled confused. Gajeel then directed his eyes to Natsu but then he seemed to suddenly look at Levy who immediately felt flustered by the gaze. Gray, Natsu, and Juvia seemed to shocked to speak as they saw the red eyed male go up to said blue haired woman. "Uh, hi, are you looking to enroll?" he seemed to ask a bit too gentle from his usual self, his team noticed.

"Uh, n-no, sorry. I just came to observe with my b-best friend", Levy mumbled shyly. Gajeel seemed sheepish as he tried to find words to say. "Umm, uh, yeah I'm Gajeel Redfox. Here, take this just in case you change your mind", he rushed out his words as he handed her what seemed like a personal business card. The blue haired woman smiled in thanks. "I'm Levy. Levy Mcgarden", shed laughed before she dug into her purse to pull out a small sticky note and pen and scribbled her number on it before handing it to him. Both upon the realization of what had just happened, blushed furiously.

"He liiiiikes her!" Gray and Natsu's voice rang loudly and mockingly as the red eyed make glared at them still very much flustered. "Shut the fuck up!" he growled before running away from the scene, but not before flipping them off. The blonde came up to a widely smiling Levy before whispering in her ear. "Seems like it turned out a good idea to bring you here. Didn't think you were into the big bad boys", she laughed. Levy turned to her beginning to incoherently make excuses on how both were just trying to be polite, but the blonde smiled slyly after giving her a knowing look.

Soon after a few more observations and lively conversation, they finally decided to retire for the day. Upon reaching the entrance they were met up with Gajeel. "Hey!" Levy waved. Gajeel went up to her with a glare that Natsu had whispered to Lucy was just his nervous expression. The blonde giggled as finally Gajeel placed his hand into his pockets.

"Well, I'm done for the day! And I wanted to know if you'd be down for some coffee?" he asked, but it came out as more of demanding. Levy giggled realizing he was actually quite shy despite his tough exterior. "I'd love to. Lucy, I'll meet you up later", Levy grinned at the blonde who nodded and waved her away. It was already dark and only the street lights illuminated the darkness.

As soon as Lucy and Natsu were left alone they remained quiet for a few seconds before they both glanced at each other. "Uh, thanks for today. Everyone was so amazing. I kind wish I could be just as good in ballet", she muttered looking down. She heard shuffling of feet before hands were at her shoulders. She looked up finding him smiling gently at her. "You're just as good. You're amazing, but you just refuse to acknowledge it. Like I said before, you just have to enjoy it. Every time I danced with you, I felt as though I've had the best experience of my life. You just have to believe in your abilities and forget about getting each step", the male explained as she felt a wide smile tug at her lips.

"T-Thank you. That means so much to me", she whispered as he gave her an encouraging squeeze. He had suddenly brought his hands to hold her face and he seemed to be leaning forward as the blonde felt herself shiver. Was he going to kiss her? She closed her eyes bracing herself when suddenly rain began to pour heavily. "Shit! Run!" Natsu laughed suddenly as he held her hand and they ran down the streets. How the hell was it raining during winter!? Lucy thought wildly. She was disappointed greatly by the interruption of the weather, but then again maybe he hadn't been intending to kiss her at all.

"You know, we should reenact that movie!" his voice suddenly broke into her thoughts as they ran. "The one where that couple runs in the rain. Was it, the Titanic?" Natsu questioned. At that the blonde laughed loudly. "I think you mean, The Notebook", she giggled as he laughed sheepishly in return. She blushed then remembering clearly, he'd said 'couple'. But Natsu couldn't possibly like her right? She ignored her negative thoughts as they finally ran in to their apartment building. He led her to the elevator as they heaved to regain their breath. They were both shivering immensely by just how cold it was and since their clothes was for the most part drenched.

The headed to their respective apartments waiting at their doors to look at each other. "You should take a warm shower. Wouldn't want you catching a cold", Natsu motioned as he placed in his key. She nodded slowly before they awkwardly waved good bye and went inside. Lucy hurried into the bathroom and showered quickly. All she wanted now was to head into bed and rest. She had a great time, and she really thought about the fact that she hadn't thanked him again for showing her his studio. Once she had changed into her pajamas, she reached for her phone as she laid in her bed and covered herself completely with the sheets.

She paused as she looked at Natsu's name in her contacts and was trying to debate calling him. However just as she was about to dial the number, her phone began to ring as said person in question had his name blink up on her screen. She smiled to herself as she went to answer.

"Hey", she muttered softly as she pressed the call on speaker.

"You weren't asleep, right?" he questioned her just as gently. "Not at all. I was actually just about to call you. We've seen each other in person as of late, and I kind of missed talking to you", she chuckled sheepish.

"Yeah. Me too, but seeing you in person is just as great."

She couldn't help, but smile to herself. "I had a good time. Really, thank you. I can't find more words on how much I appreciate the help you've given me. And really it was wonderful. Maybe we could go get some dinner…together?" she questioned feeling herself go red.

The line remained quiet for a few seconds before a snort was heard. She felt herself get angry until he spoke up. "Are you asking me out on a date, Miss Heartfilia?" he questioned. She felt herself go quiet as she thought about what he had said. It was technically asking him out, right? She felt like coming up with an excuse before she could get rejected. "I'm j-just j-joking", his voice faltered. She could feel the disappointment and she knew then she couldn't deny the fact that she did like him.

"No! It is a date, Mr. Dragneel. Will you give me the humble honor of going out on a date with me?" She laughed hoping she wasn't sounding stupid.

"I'm so lame. You beat me to it. I have to redeem myself. So can we forget the whole ordeal?" He asked. She was confused by what he was saying that is until his shaky voice was heard through the speaker.

"Luce, would you go on a date with me tomorrow?" he asked as she felt herself chuckle and she felt butterflies swarm her stomach. "But of course", she giggled as he seemed almost relieved that she had accepted.

"Then it's settled. I'll pick you up around 3 tomorrow", he said almost triumphantly. "And I'll be waiting", she motioned a little too happily. "Great, so I'll see you then. Good night, Luce", he finally said. She loved the way he would bid her a good night. It sounded gentle and it made her feel some kind of way.

"Good night, Natsu", she reciprocated the wish before she pressed the end button. She couldn't help, but smile to herself once more. He had taken the time to ask her instead. She was happy and quite excited. And just as the realization of what she had just done and how bold she had been finally set in, her face burned in embarrassment. She'd only ever been on date in high school and only with her first boyfriend so she couldn't help, but feel excited and nervous. She uncovered herself to her chest and placed her phone under her pillow. When she looked beside her she found Levy grinning widely and smugly.

The blonde blushed furiously. "D-Don't you d-dare", Lucy mumbled in embarrassment as she sunk her face into her pillow. "Wasn't planning on it. You two are the cutest", Levy giggled as she laid down to sleep as well, but not before responding a certain red eyed male's text.

Crystal: Well there you have another chapter of it. Please make sure to leave a review and I'll answer them at the beginning of next chapter. Until next time lovelies