After she got over the shock of Natsu's request, Lucy's heart began to race at the idea. Could she really get up on stage and sing? It's not like she hadn't done it before, of course that was with a few friends in a more private setting. This was in front of people she had never even met on a huge stage. The alcohol was lowering her inhibitions and the voice inside her head was grossly encouraging her on saying, "What did you have to lose?" She was new to town and was looking for a place to hang out and meet new people and this was the place to do it and the way to. It's not like she had a horrible voice, she could do this and own it. But what song?

"Lucy, have you picked a song yet? The guys in the band need to know," Natsu leaned into the bar next to her. His energy was rolling off of him. He was so excited she had agreed to this, so there was no way she could back out now even if she wanted to.

She was flipping through the songbook when she spotted the perfect song for the night. A huge smile crept across her face as she thought about her plan of action. She looked around and found the man she was looking for.

"Found the one?" Natsu hollered the question at her, but she was already walking away.

"Excuse me?" Lucy tapped the man on the shoulder. He turned around with curiosity in his eyes.

"Lucy, right?" He extended a hand towards her.

"Ice Princess, or do you prefer another nickname?" She took his hand and tried to bite her lip and hide her giggle as Natsu roared with laughter from the bar behind them.

His eyebrows rose and he chuckled at her, "I do prefer another actually. Gray."

The name fit him she decided although secretly she preferred Ice Princess. "I have a favor to ask of you," She leaned in close and began talking to him of her plans and he nodded his head.

"Yeah, I can do that, for sure," He grinned from ear to ear.

"Excellent. I'll see you in a little while then." She turned to walk back towards Natsu feeling accomplished and ready to kick this songs ass.

~. ~. ~

"You're up after Levy and you will be preforming…?" Natsu left the sentence hanging. Lucy had decided to keep her song choice a surprise. I mean he could suffer a little since he had put her on the spot tonight right?

"Yes I will be performing." She laughed at his face as his eyebrows scrunched and he pouted his lips. "You are going to get wrinkles if you keep that look up," she leaned over and squished his face even more causing him to have even more wrinkles. He instantly started laughing and took both her hands in his and dropped them to the side, but didn't release one hand and kept it snuggly in his. Lucy wasn't sure if he was aware of what he was doing, but she liked the warmth that his hand brought to hers. It spread up her arms and into her chest where it slowly coursed through the rest of her body. Lucy shook her head and looked for Happy amongst the crowd when she spotted him coming out of a door holding a plate that had a fish on it.

"Are you hungry?" She asked as he approached her and Natsu.

"For fish? Always." He sat next to her by the bar. He looked down at their hands and a wicked smile came across his face.

"What's that smile for?" She leaned over and stole a piece of bread off his plate.

"He liiiikes you," he whispered right into Lucy's ear. Shivers ran down her spine.

"W-w-what?" She sputtered knowing exactly what he was talking about. She gently pulled her hand from Natsu, who was in a conversation, or more like an argument, with Gray. He turned to her and a mix of emotions ran across his eyes as he looked at his hand. Lucy's breath caught in her throat, those eyes were going to be the death of her. He swiveled back around to Gray and continued his conversation as if nothing had happened.

Once again the lights dimmed indicating someone was about to begin their performance.

"Whose next?" Happy whispered.

"Levy?" Lucy wasn't sure if she remembered correctly.

"Ohh. You're in for a treat then." Happy eagerly stuffed some fish in his mouth and turned towards the stage.

A single light turned on illuminating the stage to reveal a big screen on stage and a silhouette of a woman in what looked like a tutu. She was holding something in both her hands and in a split second she lifted the item to her chin and her other hand came across and she created music. She was playing a violin. The bow was weaving back and forth creating a masterpiece, but it began to pick up and soon everyone was clapping along to the beat. She then began to dance. One leg lifted and kicked out and spun her around and she dipped forward and across coming back up right in one swift motion. She burst threw the screen and was still playing as she danced back and forth in a motion of twists and turns. Her outfit was astonishing. It was a cream color and in the light had just enough sparkle to make Lucy notice it. She wore bright crimson gloves as a pop of color. Her pace picked up once again as she kicked both legs into the air and back down into a lunge stance before turning all while still playing the violin.

Lucy had never seen anything like this before. It was exquisite and mesmerizing. Levy was so tiny but the music she was playing was so powerful and big. Lucy was applauding and shouting just as loud as everyone else when the woman finished. Levy laughed and bowed before quickly turning back to the stage and announced Lucy was next.

"Shit." She internally screamed. She was supposed to go after that?! Lucy would look like poop compared to her.

Natsu turned back around and his big smile dropped as he looked at Lucy.

"Luce? You okay?" He put his hand on her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze.

She took a deep breath and sighed, "Yeah. I am." Lucy wasn't a coward and never broke her promises, so she wasn't going to run away no matter what her nerves were screaming at her.

She pushed herself off the bar and smiled big at Natsu. "Hope you enjoy the show!" She winked at him the same way he had done earlier.

Happy and Mira wished her good luck and with that she headed towards the back stage.

Lucy entered the back room and was surprised by what she discovered. It was full of props and outfits. She supposed if there was a theme or you wanted to match your group you had access to all these options. It was whimsical and mystical and Lucy loved it. She laughed as she picked up a mask and looked into a mirror. She held back a scream when a face appeared behind her.

She grabbed her heart. "Christ, are you trying to scare me to death?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," Levy laughed behind her. "Honest, I didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to introduce myself." She held out her hand to Lucy and looked at her with a big, warm smile.

Lucy took her hand and smiled back, "I'm Lucy. Levy right?"

"Yeah!" She had changed from her performance outfit and was now in a cute outfit that was orange and white and really made her blue hair stand out.

"I really enjoyed your performance! It was incredible!" Lucy complimented the woman, happy that she was actually nice and not stuck up as she knew many violinist who were.

"Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it! It was fun to do! You are performing next right?" Levy was fixing her makeup in the mirror while talking to Lucy.

"Yeah, but after your performance I am not sure it's going to be any good," Lucy admitted her nervousness.

Levy stood up shocked. "Oh no sweetie! It doesn't matter here at Fairy Tail if you can sing or not! Obviously you have never heard Droy sing!" She giggled at her own comment. She leaned forward and grabbed Lucy's hands, "Besides, as long as you get up there and do your best that's all that matter. Fairy Tail is a big family and we will always support those who give their best."

Lucy wrapped the woman in a hug. "Thank you, Levy!" This was her first time at Fairy Tail and everyone was already treating her like family without even knowing much about her.

Levy returned the hug. "Of course, Lucy! I'll be waiting for you after your turn okay?" She turned to leave the room, "Oh and good luck! You're going to be awesome!"

Lucy looked at herself in the mirror. She caught sight of her necklace, which was a golden key that had the Aquarius sign on it, and was reminded that she could do anything. "You can do this, girl." She pressed a kiss to her index and middle finger and pressed it to her reflection and walked through the doors to the stage.

~. ~. ~

"Ladies and Gentleman, welcome Lucy to the stage!" A voice boomed over the speakers. Lucy heard the applause and particularly Natsu who was shouting at her to break a leg.

The music began and Lucy closed her eyes and let the music take her away. She walked up to the mic and began to clap her hands to the beat and began to sing a series of "Huh", "yeah", and "woo". She ended the pre-verse with "I want to dance."

She started to sway her hips to the music and sing the first verse. "Clock strikes upon the hour," The crowd fell silent before erupting into shouts of recognition and support for her to keep going.

Natsu's breath caught in his throat when Lucy began to sing. He had never heard a voice that was so pure and light. She thought she couldn't sing well? He laughed. She was going to fit right in at Fairy Tail.

"And the sun begins to fade, Still enough time to figure out, How to chase my blues away, I've done alright up 'til now, It's the light of day that shows me how, And when the night falls," She lifted her hands and made a falling movement and then lifted them back up and glided them in front of her, "Loneliness call."

As she finished her verse, Natsu noticed she went to the edge of the stage and held her hand out to someone. Wait? Was that Gray? Gray easily brought her to the floor where they began to dance with each other.

Lucy sang, "Oh! I wanna dance with somebody, I wanna feel the heat with somebody, Yeah! I wanna dance with somebody, With somebody who loves me." Gray proceeded to spin her around to where Happy caught her. Happy? Natsu looked over his shoulder to where he last saw his kid brother. When did he get over there? He chuckled; this woman was full of surprises. He turned his attention back to the duo that was separating as Lucy finished the chorus. She left Gray and Happy behind and sashayed over to the bar and it looked like she was going to walk straight to him. He had to clench his jaw, so it wouldn't fall open at the sight.

Instead she walked over to Mira and acted like she was having a conversation with her as she sang, "I've been in love and lost my senses, Spinning through the town, Sooner or later the fever ends, And I wind up feeling down." Mira played the concerned friend role perfectly patting her gently on the hand and nodding her head.

She looked over at Natsu then her chocolate eyes were heated with passion as she walked over to him and pointed a finger into his chest, "I need a man who'll take a chance, On a love that burns hot enough to last, So when the night falls, My lonely heart calls." Before he could even think she spun around and ran her fingers through her hair and sashayed back towards Gray and Happy. He was speechless, his mouth suddenly dry. He heard a woman laughing and he felt something wet in his hand. He looked down and noticed Mira had placed a cold water bottle in his hand.

Lucy began to sing the chorus again and Natsu noticed that there was more than just Happy and Gray now. There were two more men from Fairy Tail who were all in a synchronized dance as Lucy danced in between them. She stole one man from the group and began dancing with him. He placed his hands on her hips – which Natsu instantly did not like the idea of another man's hands being on her - and spun her around, but she didn't return to him however. Another man was at the end of her spin that picked up where he left off. Once again Lucy was in the middle and each man was doing his best to win her over with their dance moves.

The song was coming close to an end as Lucy began as series of "Don't you wanna dance?Say you wanna dance? Don't you wanna dance?" The four men were standing in a line behind her standing nonchalantly with their arms cross and wearing sunglasses and Lucy walked in front of them hands out in front like she was asking them a question and when she came to the Happy, who was last in line, she grabbed him by his shirt and began to shake him a little. She let him go both of them laughing. And Lucy finished the song with belt of "with somebody who loves me!"

Fairy Tail exploded with applause and anyone who wasn't already cheering and clapping was now. Lucy was laughing and hugging Gray and Happy. Natsu wanted to feel those slender arms around his neck. Desire shot through him at the thought of Lucy's body pressed against his. Before he could catch her, Lucy headed to the back stage, she didn't have to announce a next person because she was the last performer of the night. "And what a way to end it," Natsu murmured to himself as he ran his hand over his jaw.

~. ~. ~

Lucy was breathless. She forgot how much she enjoyed singing. She thought about the last time she had performed in front of a crowd; gray skies, rain, and dirt filled her mind. She quickly pushed the memories away, now was not the time to think about that. Just like she promised Levy was waiting for her. The bluenette rushed over to Lucy and wrapped her arms around her and squealed.

"Lucy! That was amazing!" Lucy blushed at the girls praises.

"Thanks, Levy." Lucy returned her hug before going to sit down on a nearby stool.

"Seriously though, girl, you have a set of pipes on you! Not a lot of people can sing that song!" Levy sat on a table with mask on it and crossed her arms.

"Really?" Lucy didn't realize that.

The door that leads to the bar area burst open and Gray, Happy, and Natsu stormed in.

"Lucy!" Natsu ran up to her and scooped her up in a hug. "That was amazing!" Lucy squealed as he spun her around before placing her back on the ground.

"Thanks, Natsu," Lucy was sure she was as bright as a tomato.

Happy and Gray were snickering at their interaction.

"Thanks again guys for helping me out!" She turned towards them, stepping out of Natsu's arms.

"Of course, Lucy, any time for real!" Gray said as he patted her head and Happy nodded his head in agreement.

"So are y'all hungry?" Natsu asked the group.

"Aye, sir!" Happy replied.

"Sure, what did you have in mind?" Levy hopped off the table.

"Mhmm. How about some Chinese?" Natsu asked.

"Sounds good to me, flame brain." Gray was stretching his arms above his head.

"Let's go!" Lucy grabbed Natsu's arm and dragged him back towards to bar area before he started yet another argument with Gray. Lucy grabbed her purse and wished Mira a good night before walking out with Natsu to meet the rest of the group.

"Did you have fun?" Natsu asked her as they walked out. The long line of people were now gone, having given up on trying to get inside and looking for someplace else to spend their Friday night.

"I did! Thank you so much for inviting me," She breathed in the fresh air of the night.

Gray and Happy were waiting at the corner of the street.

"Where's Levy?" Lucy asked when she noticed her absence.

"Droy and Jet stole her away," Happy, answered absentmindedly as if this was a frequent occurrence.

"Oh. I see." The group crossed the street once the light changed. The walked a few blocks to the restaurant and just had casual, small talk with one another until they were seated.

"So tell me, what do y'all do?" Lucy asked as she scooted into the booth.

"Squinty eyes and myself are music producers." Gray stated as they looked over the menu.

"Music producers?" Lucy gaped at them.

"Yupp, Droopy eyes and I are some of the best in the business." Natsu said as he closed the menu, ready to place his order. He was trying to act all cool and nonchalant about this news. Both him and Gray were leaning back against their booth with smirks.

"Mhmm. I see. So what exactly does a music producer do?" Lucy questioned.

They both almost hit the table, which caused Happy and her to start laughing.

"I'm kidding. I'm kidding." Lucy laughed out.

"Sure you are," Gray made a smart-ass comment back.

A young girl walked over to them she had white hair with a pink hue to it. She was wearing a cute skirt that flared out and an apron over her buttoned up shirt.

"Hey you guys! Y'all want the usual?" It seemed that they came here frequently.

"Hey Carla!" Happy popped up. He had a slight blush to his cheeks and she couldn't help the smile the dawned her face.

"Hey Happy! You want the fish tonight?" She asked already writing down the order.

"You know me so well, Carla" Happy sighed. The young girl chuckled.

"And for you hun?" She turned towards Lucy.

"Um. May I have some wonton soup and chicken lo mein, the small order, and a glass of water please?"

"Of course, coming right up." Carla returned to the kitchen and soon came back with their drinks.

"So what company do you work for?" Lucy played with her straw as she thought of all the cool projects Natsu and Gray must get to work on.

"It's called Mavis Studios. It's downtown."

"Actually it's not that far from your apartment, Lucy." Natsu commented. "That's where I was running from the other day." A smile spread across his lips and Lucy couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking about.

"Oh you should come by sometime then Lucy! You can see me in action," Happy grabbed her arm enthusiastically.

"That sounds fun! Wait, what do you do there Happy?" Lucy was now interested in what happened at this Mavis Studios.

"I am intern, right now. Hopefully within the next few years I can start moving up in the company." He was so eager. Lucy bet he loved working with Natsu. Not everyone loved working with their family members, but Lucy got the feeling that Natsu and Happy were a pretty good team together.

"That's cool! I will definitely have to come by and see y'all in action then. And y'all should come see my place when I get it all fixed up." Lucy offered.

"Do you have food?" Happy asked.

"Usually." Lucy laughed.

Happy looked at Natsu who wiggled his eyebrows. They started laughing and bumped knuckles.

Their food soon arrived and Lucy's mouth was watering at the smell. I guess she was hungrier than she thought. Before she knew it was midnight and the group of four was forced to leave because the store was closing.

"It was nice to meet you Lucy! I'll see y'all later!" Gray waved goodbye and headed back towards Fairy Tail where his car was parked.

"My place isn't that far of a walk so y'all can go ahead," Lucy leaned into hug Happy goodbye and went to hug Natsu but he held up his hands.

"You think I am just going to let you walk home in the dark at midnight?" He scoffed. "I don't think so!" He dropped his arm around her shoulders and started walking towards her apartment.

"Happy, why don't you go get the car and come back and pick me up?" He threw the keys towards the boy who stood there shocked. He was never allowed to drive Natsu's baby. He must really want some alone time with this woman. Happy wasn't going to complain though.

"Sure thing, bro!" Happy laughed like a mad man as he rushed back towards Fairy Tail.

Natsu and Lucy were silent as they walked back towards her apartment. She was evaluating the feelings that arose when Natsu put his arm around her. The heat radiating from his body melted her. She was falling for this guy she just met. Was this healthy? Is this how relationships are supposed to go? So many conflicting thoughts were running around in her head about her past and her future. Her life wasn't like the romance novels she read, if anything it was a Greek tragedy. Whirlwind, spontaneous loves don't happen and least of all not to someone like Lucy who doesn't deserve them.

"Luce." She was so deep in her thoughts she hadn't noticed Natsu talking to her.

Natsu looked down into Lucy's eyes and saw a confliction of emotions, before they were quickly gone. Natsu wasn't sure if he had imagined them or not. Obviously, Lucy had practice at composing herself quickly.

"Sorry Natsu. What were you saying?" She smiled up at him.

"Oh." He paused; he was mesmerized by that smile. "I was just saying that we were here." He spoke quickly hoping she didn't notice that he was staring at her.

"That was quick." She fought a yawn, which caused Natsu to laugh. He wrapped her arms around her and she smelled his cologne. Jesus, how did he smell so good? It was earthy, with just a hint of cinnamon. She then became quite aware that they were hugging in the middle of the street and she was sniffing him like an idiot. She slowly pulled back unaware that Natsu was enjoying his hug.

"I should go." Lucy turned to walk up the stairs.

"Hey Luce, you think…"He paused and when she looked back there was a blush on his cheeks. His face soon matched his hair.

"Do I think what Natsu?"

"Do you think I could be the man?" He looked up into her eyes. His dark eyes were burning with passion and the street light made his eyes appear to have flecks of green in them.

"What man?" She wasn't sure what he was talking about, but he was dead serious about this.

"The one you take a chance on?" He walked the few steps up to her and placed a light kiss on her lips. Her breath caught and all of her thoughts crashed into one another until there was nothing left, but the raw emotions and sensations her body and heart was feelings. Her eyes fluttered open when he pulled away.

"Think about it okay?" was the last thing he said before he wandered off into the night.

Lucy's fingers brushed her lips. Did he just? A giggle escaped her lips which she quickly clamped down and ran inside up the two flight of stairs to her apartment and slammed the door behind her. She threw her purse on the floor and slid down her door.

Natsu kissed her.

Kissed her.

Her.

Lucy Heartfilia!

"Shit." She whispered. What the hell was she going to do?