The night was over, but for the two, it just started. They slept the whole day and only Lucy woke up at the evening. She had nothing much to do, but she still went in the main room, to check in Gray could be there. And, he was! Natsu was still sleeping soundly and she figured he won't wake up a while, so she decided it was all right to forget about him a while.

She was stepping shyly and slowly towards the young man, who was talking to somebody, sitting at a table. This time he was wearing his shirt. He eventually noticed her and smiled. She reached him and also smiled.

''There you are, finally!'' he exclaimed joyfully. ''I've been waiting for you all day!''

''I'm sorry, I… have been sleeping…''

''You were sure exhausted after only one dance!'' he said somehow doubtfully.

''N-No, I kept exhausting myself the whole day. B-But it does not matter. Sorry to have kept you waiting.''

''Nah, no problem. I am glad you eventually made it.''

The man he had been talking to left and she sat in front of Gray, on the other side of the table.

''Um… so… I wanted to thank you for forcing me into the dance last night.''

''Yeah, sorry if I were too pushy…''

''No, it's all right; I really had a lot of fun! I've never danced or seen such a wonderful dance before!''

''Really? It's really old and everybody knows it. And besides, you danced it perfectly!''

''That's because you got the lead!'' she blushed. ''I only tried to keep my balance and found myself actually dancing.''

He started laughing and she learned that he already knew that and he had done it on purpose. He then gazed a few moments in her eyes and told her she had danced wonderfully, making her blush even harder and want to change the subject.

''W-Why did you want to meet me again today?''

''Well you seem like a nice person and, because you're not from these places, I thought it would be nice to learn more about you.''

''I see. Well, what kind of thing could you possibly be interested about my travelling?''

''For example, tell me about the places you visited so far.''

His full of energy eyes looked at her with much interest and curiosity about what he was about to hear. But he couldn't know he blocked Lucy quite badly.

''W-Well, I'm only at the beginning about my journey.''

''Oh.''

He seemed a little disappointed and she wondered if he had ever travelled before or more like if he ever ventured outside the borders of his own village.

''Then tell me about the place you come from.''

The place she came from? Her own world. How would she describe her own world?

''The place I come from…It's big. A very big place.''

She spaced out, thinking about her home.

''This place is so big, it makes you feel lonely. There are a lot of people, cold and cruel people… There aren't any good people and you feel stuck inside a cage all the time. You feel… like you are suffocating…''

His smile had disappeared and he was looking at her rather pitifully.

''You don't like that place?''

''It's not like I don't like it. I have bad memories there and this makes that place seem uglier than it might be in reality.''

He thought a little, then asked her:

''What's your favorite memory?''

Lucy looked at him curiously and then fell inside her crowded memories, to find her favorite one, as she was asked.

''I… don't think I have one…'' she finally answered.

Gray looked deeply in her eyes, making her feel uncomfortable. When he seemed like he had woken up, he rose up suddenly, slamming the table with his hands.

''I've decided!'' he grinned. ''I am going to make the time you spend here your favorite memory ever!''

She was first surprised, then embarrassed, then amused. She giggled.

''Fine. But how are you going to do that?''

He sat back at his place and got closer to her face enthusiastically.

''Tell me more about you!'' he said with a lot of energy. ''Tell me what's your favorite color, food, game, land, animal and so on! Tell me what do you like to do most and what made you decide to travel with our pink haired friend! Tell me everything!''

She laughed.

''Okay… Um… My favorite color is green, my favorite food is unknown to you, I love horses, turtles and tigers, I've never been really into sports, though I am really good at swimming and I always wanted to try riding horses and archery, but I am also fascinated by swords. My favorite activity is reading and spending time outside, doing anything, especially in summer –the season I prefer most. Oh, and about my travelling thing with Natsu… Yes, Natsu is my travelling mate's name… Well, it's not like we decided to travel… It…was just meant to be…''

''Did you guys… run away from your homes?''

''N-No…it's more like we were stolen away from our homes. And now we're looking for somebody.''

''Who?''

''A witch. By the name Lollipop. Ever heard of her?''

''A witch?! You're looking for a witch?! Watch out, pretty girl! Witches are only meant to be for trouble! They're like, the bad guys, didn't you know that?''

She blushed hearing the way he called her and decided to take his words as a 'No, I've never heard of Lollipop the witch'.

''So tell me, had I heard wrong back then, or did you say you like reading?''

''No, you didn't hear wrong, I love reading! What about it?''

He was obviously surprised.

''Well… it's um… It's not like, you know… people know how to read, so… You know what I mean… Only royal people know how to read… them, or the priests…''

''R-Really? W-well… I've been taught, so…''

He looked at her like he really wished to be in her skin. He must've longed for the capability of reading. Suddenly, he flinched and then smiled happily.

''Hey! I have an idea! Why don't you teach me how to read and I teach you anything in exchange?!''

She stared at him like it was a weird idea. She had some other plans, like… finding Lollipop and make her get them back to their own world!? But then, she remembered it wasn't like they had to hurry up or anything. And, thinking about it… he might teach her something really useful, like fighting! She had to be prepared for the dangers that would come across their road and besides, she really wished she knew archery and how to ride a horse well!

So, in the end, she grinned widely and looked at him with sparkling eyes.

''That's the most wonderful idea I've heard in a while!''

And, as if she already couldn't wait to start, she asked:

''When can we meet?''

''Wait, do you already know what you want to learn from me?''

''I'd LOVE to be taught the art of riding a horse, archery and fighting with a sword!''

He eyed her doubtfully.

''I-Isn't that a little too much?''

She bowed her head, thinking that he was right.

''Well, I guess I could teach you how to write, too…''

He sighed pleased.

''Yes, this is just perfect! Oh, and, it's already getting dark, so how about we meet tomorrow afternoon? I have some work to do in the morning.''

''Oh, just as you said, it's perfect! I already can't wait! I'm so excited!''

He started laughing because she was so sweet and he couldn't help but take her delicate hand and kiss the tops of her fingers playfully. She blushed and ran away, being taken by surprise. He laughed even harder and, as she turned around to face him, he waved and called out, saying ''See you tomorrow!''

She was still blushing when she returned to her room, closing the door silently behind her. She touched her fingers on the spot he had kissed her and she somehow smiled. But, coming back to reality, she looked around. Natsu was still sleeping, but it seems like he had woken up only to take his shirt off. Even if she tried to control her blood, it still lifted up in her cheeks as her eyes unconsciously travelled over his muscled body. He was really good looking.

She sighed as she realized he still had her pillow under his control. She thought of improvising a bed on the ground, but she had nothing to make it from. She decided to leave this for later, hoping Natsu would wake up by then. She exited the room and went to the bar, where she asked Cana for a dinner.

While she was eating, she found out from the barwoman that, if they didn't have money, they had to work to pay for their consumptions. Well, even though she was taken by surprise by this, she declared it was fair enough and they would do whatever they were asked to do to pay. Somehow, she was happy they had to wait a few days longer; this way she didn't have to argue with Natsu to convince him to let her stay more to teach and learn from Gray. Now they were forced to remain and she would definitely finish her job fast to meet up with the young man every day. She was, in a way happy. But the news wouldn't make Natsu happy, on the other side.

After she finished her meal, she asked if she could bring some food in her room for her 'roommate'.

''I guess you can…'' Cana sighed. ''But this is an exception, I usually don't allow such a thing.''

Lucy made a package and left, thanking the barwoman.

Entering the room silently, because she assumed Natsu was still sleeping, she placed the food on a little table and sighed. The night was falling in and it was already dark inside the room, though outside it seemed brighter. She threw her shoes in a corner and sat on a chair beside the stove that would've looked much better with a fire.

Lucy was already feeling tired. She couldn't understand why, but she felt sleepy like she didn't sleep a whole day. Maybe it had been the delicious food that made her feel sleepy, maybe it was the night that was giving her a taste of dreaming, maybe it was just the need for rest after a full day and not enough sleep.

She reconsidered the idea of improvising a bed, but it just seemed impossible. She gave a look over the bed and saw Natsu sleeping in a different position than last time. Actually, she wasn't sure he was sleeping at all. He posed like he was looking at her. She couldn't tell if his eyes were closed or not because of the dark. She got a little closer to him to make sure. Yes, she was now positive he was sleeping.

Ah, but how lucky, her pillow wasn't under his head anymore! She -silently and carefully not to wake him up- bended over him to take it. But why was it so far away? She bended even more, trying hardly to reach it. When she finally caught the corner of it, she suddenly felt five fingers surround her arm tightly and another five grip her foot. She was lifted in the air and thrown in the bed, in the exact spot she had slept the night before. She was too surprised and scared to react. Trying to understand what had happened, she realized Natsu had caught her and he was now standing on top of her, his fist being prepared to punch her. He stared at her and she stared at him, both of them having their hearts racing. Lucy was confused, while Natsu was even more confused.

''What are you doing?'' she whispered.

He suddenly flinched and got off her. He spaced out and whispered:

''Sorry, I thought you were a stranger.''

She continued to stare at him with surprise. A stranger?! Did that mean he had been asleep, but his senses sharpened at the feel of someone near him? Just what kind of reflexes did he have?!

''Whatever…'' she whispered still confused.

He didn't look at her. He wasn't moving at all and for a long time, nothing happened. She started wondering if he fell asleep again, but he suddenly rose up. He stepped fast towards the bathroom.

''Natsu.''

Somehow, the atmosphere was really awkward as if something had happened between them. He stopped, but still didn't look at her.

''I… got the dinner for you. It's in that package over there.''

She pointed to the spot his dinner was.

''You can eat if you're hungry.'' she added in a whisper and then lowered her head with embarrassment.

She wasn't sure, but she thought she heard a 'thanks', which was very surprising coming from Natsu. And then, he left, entering the bathroom, where he washed his face and meditated about his weird emotions. He couldn't believe he just attacked Lucy. What was wrong with him?

After ten minutes, Natsu managed to reach a conclusion. It seemed more impossible than he could even imagine. Somehow, he pictured he was dreaming. He couldn't understand how he came to this, but… he was sure he was starting to like Lucy. Not to get used to her; to like her.

He exited the bathroom with trembling hands and feet. It was already too dark to see where he was going. He waited for his eyes to get used and somehow, he slowly became more and more conscious of the fact she was in the same room. His mind was still blurred by the shock of his new discovery. He didn't know what to do; he didn't know how to react to anything anymore.

But it was a good thing that she was sleeping. He noticed her thin body on the floor. She only had her pillow and his shirt. He smiled softly. After all, she was still Lucy. She would still take his things if she needed them. And, for the first time in his life, he didn't mind it. But this didn't seem fair at all. Why would she be the one who sleeps on the floor? He hesitated, but then approached her carefully. Her closed eyes were long lost from this world. He couldn't tell what she was dreaming or if she was dreaming at all, but he could tell she was sleeping deeply. He placed his arms under her back and feet and raised her up carefully. Watching her sleep so peacefully took a burden off his heart, leaving it beat as fast and freely as it felt the need to. For a second, he kept her in his princess carry, studying her silently. She seemed more fragile that he would ever imagine. Her arms seemed white in the light coming from the moon that was now shining through the window and they were slowly balancing in the air. A slight idea gently passed his mind as if he could be scared if it came in suddenly. This idea made him want to take care of this beautiful, fragile body and life. He would never hurt her like he did when he slapped her back in their world and nor will he ever hurt her with cruel words and evil insults. Why would he, when he just realized how wrong he has been about her?

Her long eyelashes struggled easily and he remembered he intended to place her back to sleep.

When she was seatedwell, he took hit time to look at her even more. The more he studied her, the more he admired her. Soon, he realized the feeling of her was like poison inside him. It ached because he was not used to it, and at the same time, he wanted more of it, and that made him feel masochistic. He was worried as he realized he was becoming more and more curious about her lips. He wanted to taste them, but he was too afraid of this new feeling to dare anything stupid. He was afraid at the thought of how drastically he was changing. What would she say if she knew he was falling for her? Wouldn't she be shocked? Wouldn't she… reject him?

Well, that only means he had to somehow make her fall in love with him.

Oh, wait. Once he decided this, he just remembered about that Gray bastard. He was only making things worse than they already were! How will he manage him? He had to get rid of this competition!

And, even though he was thinking this angrily, he still couldn't realize he was jealous.

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:. next day.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

The sun was shining brightly and the bids were singing happily. A mild summer breeze entered the silent room through the opened window while the enchanting perfume of roses filled the place slowly. Lucy's eyes slowly opened as she greeted the wonderful morning with a wide and wonderful smile. She breathed in deeply and felt really comfortable. She looked at her surroundings and noticed she was in the bed. She frowned. Weird… she didn't remember going to sleep in bed…

She also noticed the package of food she brought Natsu last night empty. Good, he had eaten, she thought. But… where was he? Ah, he was nowhere to be found. Maybe he had woken up before her and already left. A short thought stroke her mind. What if he left her there alone? He did say she was annoying him, so what if he heard they have to work for their staying there and he left?

No, wait, he wasn't that evil. Right, he wouldn't do that.

She yawned and thought about the afternoon that was coming. She couldn't wait; she will learn a lot of new things! But she suddenly remembered she will have to teach too. But how could she teach him how to read if she didn't have anything to read?

''Oh crap…''

All her good mood vanished as she realized there was no way she could teach him how to read. And so, she probably wouldn't be thought anything in return…

It's surprising how one can become so depressed in just a glimpse of a second. She set on the edge of the bed, falling in a deep meditation. The sun was shining brightly through the window and the birds were singing happily. She was calm and silent.

That's why she just jumped off her bed getting a fright in the moment the door slammed open with a loud BAM! She looked with wide eyes at the one who dared to scare so. It was Natsu; and he looked alarmed.

He spotted her and, without hesitation, he ran toward her and grabbed her, squeezing her waist and dragging her to the ground. Her felt his hand cover her mouth brutally just when she was about to scream. He pushed both of them under the bed, in the further and darkest corner of the wall. He squeezed himself against her not to be seen at all. She could feel through her back the coolness of the rock wall. Her heart was beating crazily and Natsu just insisted on striking her face with his strong fingers. She whimpered with pain and he pushed his hand even harder. She was sure there was going to be a nice wound on her face later. She stopped making any noise, but their hearts were beating too fast not to be heard. She was too confused to be angry, so she just waited and explanation for his actions. The next moment, she heard him hiss softly in her ear to shush. She couldn't tell why, but she knew something was going on and it was serious, so she obeyed.

The following moment, the door opened brutally, but not as brutally as Natsu had opened it. She couldn't see anything because of Natsu, but she heard the steps of many people in armors entering their room and starting to rummage through the wardrobe and bathroom. She felt Natsu push her body even more against the wall as he got himself off the possibility of being seen. It ached, but for now it didn't really matter. She wondered what in the world was happening.

Another pair of steps could be heard entering the room; they were light and slow. Then, they both flinched as they heard the barwoman's voice.

''Ma'am, are you sure this is the room?''

''Yes, this is the room the two rented.'' Cana answered a little annoyed, bored and confused at the same time.

''They must've left.'' Somebody announced what they were all thinking.

''No, it couldn't be.'' the barwoman seemed angry. ''First of all, I never saw them leave. And then, they didn't pay for anything they consumed here! Not to say the room!''

They heard another pair of steps and they guessed someone was looking over the window.

''Don't even think about it. There are very low chances they would jump out of the window. Can you see those roses? Their spikes are too big, they wouldn't dare to jump on them. See, I got a magical rose a few years ago from a witch and now, look what it's become. You do not want to cut yourself in one of those.''

After that, a deep break of silence fell over them and Lucy couldn't breathe because of the nervousness and fear of being heard.

''C-Could you please tell me why you are looking for them?''

''You don't know? I thought rumors spread faster. Did the man have pink hair?''

''He did, from what I remember.''

''Did the lady have long, blond hair and beautiful, brown eyes?''

''Y-Yeah.'' she sweatdropped.

''Then you should know the man is known as The Mysterious Prince and he had kidnapped The Princess of the Kingdom of Skeletons. By the law of The King, be shall execute the Prince for kidnapping and injuring one of the royal family.''

They both figured the knights that hit her with the arrow had blamed Natsu for hurting her. Natsu angered, but he was not as stupid as to blow their cover. One of the knights suddenly realized he hadn't checked under the bed. In that moment, they both thought they would die. Natsu felt his heart race before it stopped completely. Out of reflex, he squeezed Lucy's head protectively. The knight stopped in front of the bed slowly. He bended easily. They thought they were for sure going to die wither from the fear, either from the discovery. The time seemed to slow down. They never saw anything; their eyes were shut tightly. They couldn't hear anything but their strong heartbeats. The knight suddenly stopped when another knight shouted something like ''Wait! Aren't those the ones we're looking for?'' He seemed to have looked out the window. And then, the knight got further and, along with many others, he looked where the other soldier was probably pointing to. He was hassled for being a fool and confusing the two to some ordinary commoners; but Natsu and Lucy couldn't hear anything anymore. They were just extremely glad that soldier had been a fool. You could never imagine how glad they were. They kept silent, heard Cana's screams of protest and offense as to have opened her door to such an insolent prince, then finally started breathing normally again when they left. They waited a minute to make sure they were gone and Natsu finally let go of her mouth. They shifted a lot until they eventually made it back up on their feet.

''We have to leave. NOW.'' Natsu said. He was still pale from the shock of what had happened.

''How do we get out of here? You heard Cana. There is no way we could jump off the window.''

Natsu rushed over to the hole theses people called window. He looked for a long while down.

''We can make it. We can jump.''

''Are you crazy?'' she asked rushing beside him and also looking down. She was shocked to see the biggest plant she had ever read about, needless to mention see. It was all covered with sharp blades the barwoman called spikes.

''ARE YOU CRAZY?!'' she screamed once more.

He immediately motioned her to keep it down. He grabbed a chair silently and placed it under the window. In the next moment, she watched him climb the window.

''What are you doing?! Natsu, are you insane? How in the world will you land on that safely?''

He breathed deeply.

''Who said it's going to be safe?''

And then…

…he let himself fall.

Lucy covered her mouth not to scream and rushed and looked down for him. In a few seconds, she spotted him rising slowly from the ground and looking up at her. He slowly raised his arms in the air and smile at her.

''Come, I'll catch you.''

At first, she just stared at him, not being able to accept what just had happened. Then, she gritted her teeth.

''You idiot!''

He frowned.

''Why are you calling me an idiot?!''

She replying climbing the window.

She was trembling with nervousness and fear.

''Y… You'll catch me, won't you?''

''Yeah. Trust me.''

''Trusting too much kills.''

He looked deep in her eyes and felt his heart raced even more. He felt he was dangerously falling in love with her. Now, as he stood with his arms in the air like that, he felt he wanted her to jump so much, he couldn't resist his feeling. He felt like this was more than just a catch. He felt like he would embrace the fact that he was falling in love with her once he could feel her in his arms safely.

That's right. Didn't he already promise he will protect and take care of this little life of hers? Now was a good opportunity to do so.

She hesitated long enough. She gritted her teeth with fear.

''Let's make it clear, Natsu. I don't trust you. If you don't catch me, I'll kill you, you hear me?''

They both were aware that this sounded more like a beg to be caught than a threaten. Natsu smiled softly.

And then. . . she let go of the rock under her feel, allowing herself to fly for a moment in which her whole attention was on Natsu.

He fell on the ground under the big weight, but he couldn't allow his bones to break. No, he was too strong to be done for over just a small pain like this one.

And besides, for now, he was enjoying the feel of Lucy in his arms. He could feel how she was trembling and hugging him tightly. He rose her in a princess carry and walked slowly away from the roses. He took her to a big tree nearby and hid her beside it.

''Wait for me, ok?''

She nodded and tried to calm down. She only had a few scratches, nothing more, but if Natsu hadn't been there, she would be horribly wounded now. She couldn't believe what she just did.

She looked over her body to check if there were many scratches. Not at all…. Then… why was she covered in blood? Wait… it wasn't her blood.

She widened her eyes and turned around to look at the shape of Natsu who was already far away, trying to enter a stall. The shirt he was wearing was supposed to be white. But it was filled with red spots.

She covered her mouth and only thinking about the pain he must have felt gave her shivers. What… in the world … did he do?

She saw how he managed to enter the stall and around ten minutes later, he returned as fast as possible with a brown horse besides him. She rose up on her feet and prepared to meet him as he was approaching.

''Natsu! You…!''

He looked at her without any kind of expression. He reached her and offered her his help to climb the horse.

''Natsu! Don't ignore me! Why… why did you jump?! You… ah, I can't even find mu words!''

''What was done was done. Can you climb the horse?''

She hurried to climb it and then returned her attention to his wounds.

''You idiot! Don't act as nothing happened!''

Truth to be told, he felt himself really weird about what he had done. He lately felt like he could do anything, be it even crazy. He lately felt like nothing could stop him. Lately… well, since he had discovered his new feelings.

''Lucy…''

He looked up at her and she looked down at him. He suddenly found himself staring in her eyes again. But this time it was slightly different. He felt like he wanted to get much closer to those eyes. He felt he wanted to be one with those eyes. Without knowing what he was doing, he caught her by her dress and pulled her off the horse, towards him. He caught her in a tight hug and he started trembling realizing just how much he needed her beside him. But realizing he was doing something stupid, especially knowing she wasn't aware of his feelings, he immediately regretted he did so.

''Your guard is too weak. Someone could easily kill you like this. Maybe I should teach you some self defense.''

And even though he used that excuse, he could still not let go of her.

As for Lucy, she was too surprised of his sudden action, she couldn't react.

He eventually brought himself to help her climb back on the horse and he also climbed it, taking control over the rein.

And so, they were off. Natsu spotted the knights somewhere, but, fortunately, they didn't notice them. Even so, while they were galloping through the village and houses, Lucy suddenly met eyes in a second with someone.

He had raven hair, dark, deep eyes and he was shocked. She widened her eyes and let the feeling of guilt and disappointment spread though her body.

Gray.