~Jacin~

"Isn't this breaking and entering?" I pointed out. Natsu just smiled at me.

"It's not breaking and entering if the occupant is your best friend," Natsu said quietly.

"Really? It's not? Then why are we sneaking around?" I drawled. Natsu just shushed me. He then proceeded to put his two pointer fingers together, furrow his eyebrows, wrap his scarf around his head, and whisper, "Ninjaaaa."

I fought the urge to slap him.

"Ninjaaaa," shadowed another voice. I glanced behind me and saw that Roawin was doing that same.

"Roawin, what are you doing? You don't have to act dumb just because Natsu is doing it," I scolded. Roawin looked up at me.

"But it's fun," he said innocently. His big, blue eyes blinked up at me hopefully. I sighed and nodded, "Just…do the ninja thing. I don't care anymore."

"Come, Roawin. We must infiltrate the high-security fortress that is Lucy's apartment," Natsu hissed.

"And we must do it…ninja style!" Roawin said. I watched the pair as they slowly snuck towards the door. I sighed and strode past them.

I swung the door open saying, "Sorry, Lucy. These two idiots wanted to invade your house." Well, that's what I would have said if my face hadn't been slammed into the wall with enough force to break something. That something could have been my face or the wall, I wasn't quite sure. I groaned in pain and slumped against the door.

"Did you just yell 'Lucy kick'?" I questioned.

"Jacin!" Lucy yelled.

"Who were you expecting?" I asked. And then on second thought, "Oh, so when you yelled out 'I have you now, Natsu' you assumed I was said idiotic ninja?"
I kept my eyes closed but felt her hand gently touch my cheek, "Yeah, I'm sorry. He breaks in all the time and I thought you were him. Are you ok?"

I nodded and pulled myself upright, "Does he really do this a lot?"

"Unfortunately," she grumbled.

"That's an invasion of privacy," I said. I cracked my eyes open and saw something I wasn't expecting. There Lucy was, crouching beside me and staring at me. Her hair was damp which caused it to be a darker color than it is when its dry. There was one other difference about her: she was wearing only a towel. My eyes went wide and I clapped a hand over my eyes, "Sorry!"

There was a moment of silence as she tried to figure out what I was apologizing for. When she did realize, well…she screamed. I tried to stumble out of the room with my eyes closed, but instead slammed by head on the door. Had she closed it? I yelled out.

"That was so not ninja," said Natsu. I kept my eyes closed. "What are you doing on the floor?" he asked.

"Oh! Can I get on the floor too?" Roawin asked.

"What are you doing, Natsu? Get out!" Lucy yelled.

"I don't see why I should," he replied.

"Because she's wearing a towel!" I shouted, my hand still over my eyes.

"What he said!" Lucy shouted.

"Why should I care?" Natsu asked. Something about him was pissing me off…maybe it was his stupidity.

"You asked for this, Natsu," Lucy said. Those words were followed by another 'Lucy kick' and the sound of an unconscious body thunking to the floor. There was a silence.

"Is Natsu ok?" Roawin asked, breaking said silence.

"Stay right there, Jacin. I'll be right back," she said. I heard a series of footsteps and then a door shutting. I dared to open my eyes. Natsu lay on his stomach beside me, his face hidden by the floor. Roawin was sitting proudly on top of him, "Natsu's dead."

I laughed and put a hand on his head, "We should congratulate Lucy when she comes back out." I got to my feet and brushed off my pants.

"Sorry about that," Lucy said as she reentered the room. She was now fully clothed and looked incredibly embarrassed. I smiled in an attempt to ease her nerves a bit.

"It's no problem. Besides, I should be the one who's apologizing. I did barge in. Granted, it wasn't my idea," I said. Roawin wrapped himself around my leg.

"Natsu said that we should do ninja style," Roawin said.

"Yeah, I figured that," Lucy said as she walked up to where Natsu lay. She flipped him over with her foot and his arm flopped onto his chest. She leaned over him, "Do you think you could help me?"

"With what?" I questioned.

She sighed, "I can't just leave him on the floor. He usually doesn't wake up for a while. That would be cruel."

I laughed, "You sure are a sweet girl, aren't you? I can't say no to you." I detached Roawin from my leg and leaned down next to Natsu. I grunted as I heaved him over my shoulder. I walked over to her bed and threw him down. He bounced yet didn't wake up. I then turned to sit down in a nearby chair. Lucy sat on her bed beside Natsu's unconscious body.

"So why did you come here exactly?" she asked.

"I'm really not sure," I breathed.

"Because we missed you!" Roawin said. He hopped up onto the bed beside Lucy and curled up in her lap. I smiled at how much Roawin had grown to love Lucy.

Lucy smiled softly, her own affection shining in her brown eyes, "I missed you too, Roawin."

"Roawin perked up, "Really?"

"Yeah, because without you here who else would I tickle?" she asked. Roawin's eyes went wide moments before Lucy started tickling him. He squealed and laughed. I watched the two together. When Lucy ceased her tickle assault, Roawin was panting and laughing. Lucy was smiling giddily. I couldn't stop staring at Lucy, but I wasn't sure why.

Lucy caught me staring, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

I leaned forward, "Like what?"

"I don't know…like that."

"Is that a bad thing?" I asked.

She paused for a moment to think, "No." I grinned at her reply and stood.

"I apologize again for the intrusion, but we should go. It's pretty late. I was practically dragged here by Roawin," I said. I saw a spark of sadness in Lucy's eyes. I realized what I'd just said, "Not that I was against seeing you, I just though it would be unreasonable to come here so late." She looked grateful.

"You don't have to go yet if you don't want," she said, "Besides, it's not like I can go to sleep with Natsu here." I yawned but smiled. I sat back down.

"I guess I can keep you company for a while, then," I said.

~Lucy~

I watched as Jacin's eyelids drooped. "Jacin?" I asked.

"Mmm," was his only response. I decided to stop bothering him. He seemed exhausted. I wasn't sure what had happened in the time he'd been gone, or what his absence even meant, but I'd hoped that my words had eased his worries a bit. He had thanked me for them, after all.

I sat and watched him. It was quiet and the room was dark. Roawin slept quietly beside Natsu. I couldn't help but smile at tiny Roawin curled up in the crook of Natsu's strong arm. It was a comical sight. I soon turned back to Jacin, though. His head was slumped against his shoulder and he wore a peaceful expression on his face. I sighed and lay down on my bed, gazing at him steadily.

My mind began to wander as I stared at him. It occurred to me briefly that it was sort of strange that I was watching him sleep, but the thought slipped from my mind immediately. I began to think about…well, him. I hadn't met him that long ago and I still felt this way. It struck me that it seemed a little fast, but I didn't doubt him or myself. I didn't have room for doubt in my heart.

I fell asleep just like that, comforted by my certainty.

~Lucy~

I awoke to a rather loud and lengthy groan. My eyes snapped open and I bolted upright, looking around me. Honestly, I was ready to Lucy chop the first thing that moved. I wasn't used to waking up with people in my apartment, especially not three of the most important people in my life. Natsu was still passed out on the bed, but he was lying on his stomach. He let out little snores as his chest rose and fell. Roawin was also still fast asleep and looked like he was about to tumble off of my bed. I gently pulled him farther onto the mattress so that his head no longer dangled off of the side. I found myself wondering how he'd managed to maintain his comatose state in such a position.

"Did I really fall asleep here?" asked a voice. I turned and saw that Jacin's eyes were open. He was rubbing his neck. He caught my questioning stare, "My neck is sore. I guess passing out in this chair wasn't a good move."

"I guess so," I said. I couldn't help but notice the soft light that shone in through my window, casting a warm glow over his face and making his blond hair glow gold.

"Sorry about that, by the way. I didn't mean to fall asleep," he said. He stood up and stretched his arms above his head as he rid himself of the remaining sleepiness. As he stretched, though, I caught a glimpse of his well-defined stomach lines as his shirt stretched tightly over his strong chest. I felt heat rise to my cheeks and couldn't stop staring. When he lowered his arms I felt disappointed, secretly wishing that I could have seen more.

"Don't worry about it," I said, picking up where we'd left off, "I'm used to intrusions. Besides, yours was a very pleasant one."

He smiled and my heart fluttered. I wasn't used to this. Was this sickness that I had worse than it had been yesterday? "Thanks. It was nice talking to someone for a change." He reached up and his fingers glided through his soft-looking hair. He winced.

"What?" I asked. That's when I noticed it. "Oh, no. Did I do that?"

"Wait, do what?" he asked. He reached up and touched his forehead; his fingers lightly pressing against the big, purplish bump on his forehead. He winced and pulled his hand away. "That hurts."

"I can tell," I said as I stepped closer, "Turn your head." He complied and I tilted his head to the side. I, gently as I could, slid my fingers down the side of his face. I didn't want to hurt him. I'd already done enough damage when I kicked him in the head yesterday.

"Actually I think this is from when I slammed my face on the door," he said and smiled slightly.

"You're just trying to ease my guilt," I mumbled, examining his injury.

"Ow!" he cried out.

"Oh, sorry!" I said, withdrawing my hand. He smiled and took my hand, bringing it back to the side of his face.

"I was just kidding. That didn't hurt at all. Actually I'd appreciate the professionally opinion on whether or not I have brain damage," he jested.

I jokingly slapped his arm, "You're such a jerk."

"You don't mean that," he said, pouting.

"Of course I don't," I replied. He stared at me and didn't stop. I suddenly became aware of how close we were. I fought a blush as I fled from the room, "I'm going to go get some ice for you." I felt his eyes on me even as I left the room. Sure enough, when I came back, he was staring at me.

"Stop looking at me like that," I said as I placed the ice against his forehead. He blinked.

"Like what?"

"Like…that," I said quietly, "You know what I'm talking abou…" My voice trailed off as I lost myself in his eyes. His was looking directly at me, not at anyone else. It was the first time I felt destroyed and rebuilt by a single look. I half-expected my knees to go weak. Yeah, it had definitely gotten worse since yesterday. Suddenly, though, I had no control over my body. His proximity, his intoxicating scent, and his mesmerizing stare…it was all too much for me. I leaned forward without thinking.

His lips were soft, but I'd expected that. I can't say that I hadn't daydreamed about kissing him many times before. It's embarrassing but true. I hadn't imagined anything like this, though. I was enveloped in his warmth and every one of my senses were tuned to him. Eventually, they all blurred together. I lost myself and was completely unsure about what I was doing. The one thing I was completely sure of was a painful and horrifying fact: he wasn't kissing me back. Soon enough I felt his strong hands on my shoulders and he shoved me away. There was no way I could fight the blush this time.

"S-Sorry," I stuttered, "I don't know what I was—"

"Lucy, you have to stop," he said sternly. His previously encouraging gaze was now cold and heartless. He stared at me as if he were willing me to understand. As if I hadn't heard it the first time he repeated himself, "You have to stop this."

"Stop what?" I hissed. I had to keep my voice down for fear of waking Roawin and Natsu who were still fast asleep.

He hesitated, searching for his words, "This." I was disappointed by his answer.

"If you mean having feelings for you…then you're out of luck. That isn't something that I can just turn off!" I felt pain in my chest but ignored it. I wasn't going to back down. I had to be strong, both for my sake and for Jacin's. I wouldn't let him be alone anymore, no matter how hard he fought against me.

"Lucy, I like you," he said, "…but I don't want to hurt you."

He looked guilty, which only made me angrier, "You're such an idiot, Jacin. I know two things. The first is that you're a lonely person. You're always alone and you never truly let anyone in." His eyes went wide and he took a step back. It seemed that my words had really struck him hard. Good. "The second is that there is no way that I can ever stop these feelings! I know that you don't want me to be with you or to break through that stupid wall of yours, but I will. I won't let you be alone anymore!"

He stared at me, shock in his eyes. I felt a lump form in my throat as his eyes grew dark and narrowed. His voice was menacing when he next spoke, "You don't know what I've been through, Lucy Heartfilia. You think losing your father was bad enough? Losing your mother? I lost my entire family, my friends, every single person I knew or had even met. You want to know why? There was no reason. It was senseless. That doesn't make it any less painful. Sometimes I ask myself: why did I survive when they didn't?"

I saw in his eyes that by 'they' he meant 'she'. I saw how he missed that girl, the one he was in love with. "If you get close to me, you'll be hurt too. I don't want that and I don't want you," he growled. With that he scooped up Roawin who was shocked awake and slammed the door on his way on. The pack of ice slid from my hand and fell to the ground. With that all my strength left me, the façade of fearlessness slipping sway. I felt to the ground and doubled over on myself. Violent sobs wracked my body. Tears poured down my cheeks and fell, splashing against my knees and pooling in the palms of my hands.

I was alone and scared. What had I just done? Had I ruined my chance to save him, to help him? Was it even possible for me to do that? I felt insecure and hopeless. The image of him glared at me kept flashing behind my eyes. "Luce," said a gentle voice. Arms gently wrapped around me and pulled me close.

"What's wrong, Lucy?" Natsu asked. I buried my face in his chest and my tears slid down his chest. He strokes my hair and rocked me back and forth.

"I-I'm so s-stupid," I cried.

"Hey, you're not stupid. Don't say that," he said softly. His arms strangely comforted me.

"B-but I am, Natsu," I squeaked.

"I'm the stupid one here," he said. He kissed the top of my head, "Stop worrying. Whatever you did, there's always a way to fix it."

"I don't know about that," I said. My tears kept falling quickly, but at least I wasn't shaking anymore.

"You're Lucy Heartfilia. Is there anything you can't do?" he asked. I looked up at him and wiped my eyes. I pulled away from him and his arms fell to his sides. I felt strangely cold.

"I just feel…hurt? No, it's more like I feel afraid…useless," I said.

A pained look showed up in his eyes and he reached for me. He pulled me onto his lap and held me tightly. He didn't say anything this time. Strangely, though, I didn't need his words to comfort me. His presence alone was enough to ease my worries. I closed my eyes and sunk into his chest, "Sorry."

"Don't apologize," he said quietly.

"Thanks."

"That's better."

I hope you liked this chapter, I did. I have plans...big plans. Muhahaha...ok, so that was a little strange. Anyways, I figured you guys already knew how strange I am. And now onto the main event. I guess my unending ego, (actually, I know I'm not that great), leads me to refer to this as the main event. Anyways, I would absolutely love it if you, my wonderful readers, would be so charitable as to leave me a review. They mean a lot to me and I love them.

IMPORTANT QUESTION:
I know in this chapter we get to have an awesome bonding moment with Natsu. My question is as follows: do you want this story to evolve into a love triangle between the three or stay as strictly Lucy x Jacin? I personally could care less, but its up to you guys. Leave me your answer in a review or PM me. Either is fine. Thanks for reading and look forward to the next installment. (Yeah, I just wanted to use that word)

OC List:

Jacin - Lucy's dream guy. Two years older than Lucy. Celestial wizard with both platinum and silver keys. Some troubled past that led to his little brother and himself living on their own. Looking to join Fairy Tail.

Roawin - Jacin's little brother. Four years old. Bubble magic.

Abigail - A girl that Jacin loved and lost. (You'll find out more eventually)

Jacin's Spirits:

Rouge - Platinum celestial spirit. Able to change her size at will.

Fleure - Silver celestial spirit. Flower magic. Is fond of Roawin.

Agwo, Fuegia, Terro, and Cilo - The four elemental spirits, (silver keys).

Venra, Shiea, and Exxos - The three platinum key fox spirits.

Mayla and Diedos - The twins, platinum key.

Grentha - The Grim Reaper, platinum key.

Lupiyah - The Wolf-Woman, platinum key.

Gallego - The Gearmaster, platinum key.

Crossman - Also called Cross. Nice and strict. Platinum key.

Brezza - The Strong Woman, who is pretty scary, (well, Jacin thinks so). Platinum key.

Othos - The Blindman. Caused Lucy to faint. Is actually blind, but able to 'see the truth'. Can read memories and thoughts. Special to Jacin because Othos was his first spirit. Kept around Jacin's neck on a necklace. Platinum key.