I didn't know if this quote was in the book, but I am like ninety percent sure it's from the screenplay, but whatever I put both authors down.

19

West Side Story

"Hold my hand and we are halfway there, hold my hand and I'll take you there. Somehow! Someday! Some... " - Ernest Lehman / Arthur Laurents

Frozen did not even begin to describe what Lucy was.

Sitting astride a metal dragon in a snowy climate was not helping to keep her even a little warm. She was certain her rear end was going to be frostbitten at this rate. Before they even landed back in Magnolia, she was going to have to get peeled from Gajeel's scales.

The wind blew hard and icy against her face, a ragged cough coming from her and attracting Natsu's curious attention.

As was usual, much to her everlasting frustration, Natsu looked unbothered by the weather and by the gusting winds around them. But she had to remind herself that he was used to flying in all kinds of weather. This sort of thing wouldn't even phase him.

"What, are you making those weird noises for?" Natsu demanded, staring at Lucy like she were some new species of spider.

"C-C-Cold," Lucy shot back, teeth chattering in the wind. At least her back was warm where it was pressing against Natsu's chest, and where one of his hands was settled on Gajeel's scaled back, just over one of her straddled legs.

"Seriously, still? I thought we were letting Gajeel into my territory to avoid the frostbite thing," Natsu rolled his eyes and gave her a dry look, "Man you really are hopeless, aren't ya lucy?"

"Alright fine," Natsu hummed, and Lucy almost shrieked in surprise when Natsu dropped his hands on her waist.

She found herself lifted up, off her secure position on Gajeel's back, while Natsu flipped her around. They were now face to face, his forehead brushing into hers and his hands burning into her thighs.

"Just ball yourself up nice and tight, I'll take care of the rest," Natsu snorted and dragged her into his chest. Her chin bumped into his collarbone, her nose pressing into the fabric of his scarf.

His arms were secure around her body, a warm embrace that had nothing to do with the heat latching onto her and seeping into her bones.

Slowly, she relaxed into his strong hold, her legs tucking up into her body as she trusted Natsu to hold onto her.

Natsu snorted a little as Lucy made herself comfortable, but gently tightened his grip on her as he warmed her up. After all, it would be a complete pain if she fell while he was preventing her from freezing solid. Assuming the metalhead even noticed, which was doubtful, there was no guarantee he'd catch them in time.

So it was better he hold her securely, and if that meant her nose was buried in his scarf close enough to tickle his neck then so what? It wasn't like he was enjoying the way she was curled so neatly against him. And he definitely didn't care about her soft breaths against his skin, or the way she smelled like strawberries and honey.

He pointedly ignored the way his heart thumped a little when she shifted against him, and his blood surged a little when she did. Just like he ignored how his fingers trailed over her more exposed arm, to keep it warm, or rubbed her hair a little for the same reason.

It didn't mean anything at all. He was sure of it.

That didn't stop him from jolting when a rumbling laugh from beneath their curled bodies vibrated through them.

"Salamander you better not be doing anything gross with that girlie up on my back," Gajeel growled warningly, "Don't you get too cozy there!"

Natsu nearly swallowed his goddamn tongue.

"Like that would happen!" Natsu's entire head burst into flame in embarrassment.

Gajeel's grumbling response of 'better not' - almost was snatched away by the wind, but Natsu managed to catch it with sharp ears.

His flames died down as Lucy squirmed with discomfort and gave him an equally embarrassed look. They resolutely turned and stared in different directions, both pretending not to acknowledge the weird topic Gajeel had even brought up.

Still, Natsu didn't let Lucy go, even as they flew into the more temperate climate of his territory. His grip loosened and he eased up the temperatures that had surrounding them.

He told himself it was just to keep her secure.

And she told herself that if she moved, her luck would more than likely have her topple sideways off Gajeel's back.

But there was something weird in the air between them. Like the beginning of a friendship. Something strange that had taken root between them without them even realizing it..

When the flight was finally over, and Gajeel was landing carefully in Fairy Tail's courtyard, Natsu nimbly leapt off his back, astonishing their gathering guildmates, and gently set Lucy down.

Her eyes met his as he did, and the weird thing between them seemed to swell for a moment before they were mobbed by the guild shouting their relief they were alright and demanding answers.

The distraction seemed to burst the weirdness Gajeel had managed to stir up, and it was back to business as normal. At least that was what it seemed like. However, Natsu couldn't quite shake the feeling of loss as he watched a sobbing Juvia half tackle and half drown Lucy in her relief.

"Guys! Really, we're fine!" Lucy laughed, holding up her hands, "We had a bit of a side adventure, but it's worked out really well."

"What happened Lucy?" Erza asked, equal parts worried and cautious, "The last thing Gray and I saw was a gate opening when you and Natsu fell."

Lucy nodded, "Yeah. I wasn't thinking and it opened up on its own." She grimaced, "We landed in Natsu's old nest, and ran into some trouble there, but we got away. Then, earlier this morning, Gajeel here helped us out when those dragons came hunting us and was nice enough to bring us back here." She smiled up at the big dragon in gratitude.

Gajeel just snorted and did a kind of all over shrug, "Wasn't gonna let you freeze with just Salamander's company." He rumbled, "That's just cruel."

He spread his wings to fly off again when a scent he'd never thought he'd smell again hit his nose. His eyes widened and he swung his head around, trying to pinpoint it. It couldn't be! That had been nearly fifty years ago! She should be a withered old hag by now!

But it was.

He spied her among the clustered humans near Lucy staring up at him with wide eyes. And just as beautiful as he remembered.

His heart thumped painfully in his chest as he folded his wings and shifted down into his human form, ignoring Natsu's growls and indignant demands over what he thought he was doing.

He strode over to her, ignoring all else, and grinned toothily at the petite vision before him, "Damn Shrimp. You ain't changed one bit!"

Levy's jaw slackened at the sight of the dragon transforming into the wild looking man, her eyes wide with disbelief. It was clear to anyone that his appearance like this before Levy was just as shocking to her as it was to him. If not more so.

"Gajeel you're-"

"A dragon?" He let out a gruff 'gihi' that had the hairs on the back of Natsu's neck stand up.

"Why didn't ya tell me you was a mage, huh?" He drawled. His long legs ate up the ground between him and Levy, and one heavy hand dropped onto her small head.

He patted it, "Damn, you're still as microscopic as ever, ain't ya?"

Levy quickly gathered herself and her cheeks puffed out, giving Gajeel's hand a swat from where it rested on her head and a swipe to his chest

"Cut that out!" She stamped a small foot and glared up at him. It only made his toothy grin grow.

"You're the one who didn't tell me you were a dragon!" She protested, jabbing an accusing finger into his chest.

Erza looked between them, wondering if their guild had room for two dragons in it. Especially with the way Natsu looked to be positively boiling in the background.

"You two know one another?" Erza asked Levy, her hands settling onto her hips.

Levy nodded, "Yeah, we met once, but it was a really long time ago. I got separated from my team in the mountains and came across a warm cave to take shelter in, Gajeel was already in there from the storm."

"I never thought I'd see him again after that... encounter," Levy's cheeks turned a telling shade of rose, and Natsu could be heard swearing profanely under his breath. However it was at such a volume he might as well have been shouting.

Mages could go decades with never meeting someone on their travels again. But thanks to their abnormally long life spans, fifty years really weren't all that much.

"I see." Erza replied, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice, "Well then, would you say he's likely to be friendly to us?"

Gajeel snorted and shot Erza a dry look, "I ain't interested in messin' up Levy's nest." He told her plainly. He wouldn't mind fighting them of course. But nothing beyond a regular spar now that he knew what they were to Levy.

She'd told him about her guild, in vague terms, while they were waiting out the storm that had blown up, and it had been easy to pick up on the fact she considered them nest. That was precious enough to him that he'd promised himself he wouldn't attack them as long as they didn't attack him first.

Of course, at the time, he'd laughed at the idea of them attacking him.

Now...well, now he wasn't sure he would win.

He'd never admit it, but Fairy Tail had done a fine job of keeping Salamander in line. If they could do that they were definitely people he did not want to antagonize into attacking him seriously.

Although there may be a way to avoid that. And piss off the Salamander at the same time.

His grin widened into something wholly wicked, a sure sign he was up to something, and he turned his attention back to Levy, "Come to think of it...I ain't doin' anything in particular right now. Any chance Fairy Tail has an openin'?"

There was a moment of complete and total silence before everyone, especially Natsu, exploded.

Gray was stripping, Erza was pulling her swords, Elfman screamed manly war-cries, Mirajane began to serve drinks at record speed, while Juvia went on the defensive.

Natsu for his part, planted his foot on a bench and rocketed towards Gajeel as a guild-wide fight broke out in anticipation of the dragon's reaction.

"You thieving catfish!" Natsu's roars came from a tangle of limb that comprised most of the guild. It was clear he wasn't even sure he was actually punching Gajeel or some unfortunate fool who had gotten in his way.

"GIHI! What're you gonna do about it Salamander!" Gajeel shouted back at him, "Not like ya can actually kick me out right now, can ya?"

"Ow Natsu, your elbow is in my kidney!"

"Then get your damn kidney off my elbow! I'm busy here!" Natsu snarled back at the voice.

"Get out you stupid dragon!" Natsu howled, nailing Gray under the chin with a loose knee.

That of course kicked the fight into high gear, as Gray's offense to the attack would not be so easily forgotten.

Levy gaped as the fight soon dragged everyone into it, and she timidly edged near Lucy, who was watching it with a bit of exhaustion.

"I think he'll fit right in," She admitted.

"The sad part is...you're probably right." Lucy sighed, and gave Levy an amused smile, "Something tells me he decided to ask to join purely to annoy Natsu."

And maybe stay close to Levy. But she wasn't going to say that here. With dragon hearing there was no telling what saying something like that might escalate this into. She was pretty sure the guild might not be left standing in the aftermath.

She hastily ducked as a stray bottle sailed in their direction and pulled Levy out of the way as it impacted.

"Damnit you punks! That was a bottle of the good stuff!" Cana shouted as the red liquid dripped down the wall to the floor.

A moment later she was pulling out her card magic, which seemed to signal everyone else to pull out their various forms of magic as well, "This can't be good." Lucy moaned, but at that moment Makarov had apparently decided he'd had enough as he grew suddenly to giant size.

"That's enough you brats!" He bellowed, smashing indiscriminately on the worst offenders, "If Gajeel wants to stay then it's my decision whether or not he can stay! Is that clear?"

Various moans and groans were his only answer, and Lucy shared a wry smile with Levy, "Master sure knows how to get his point across doesn't he?"

"Yeah, he does."

Natsu weaseled his way out from under Makarov's foot, eliciting a groan from Max, who he was using as a way to pull himself loose, "Like... hell... he... is"

He struggled out with each breath and then sprang to his feet, whirling on the guild master, "Magnolia is in my territory, and just him being in here a moment longer than I want him to is a violation of our ways. So keep your wrinkly ass outta it old man!"

Gajeel let out a 'tch' of displeasure, because he knew that if Natsu had his way, he wasn't technically wrong in that reasoning.

Makarov instead gave the two dragons a considering look and nodded, shrinking down in size and ignoring the murmuring of the guild.

He met Natsu's gaze and hummed, "Yes. I suppose that is right. Even in your form, you do have the ability to drive out a dragon if you put your mind to it, don't you?" He asked Natsu.

"However, if another dragon sniffed you out in your current state, one belonging to a nest - well I believe even you would have difficulty defending your territory from multiple dragons in your current shape," He folded his hands behind his back.

"If you want some random dragon, one not affiliated with the same guild you are a part of, invading, then go ahead. Chase Gajeel from your territory," Makarov gave him a steely look, one that had even Natsu pausing.

"But know that as you both would be members of Fairy tail, you two would be not be able to take from the other," Makarov's sharp gaze slid to Gajeel, who scowled at the ceiling.

That bit of detail genuinely surprised Natsu, and he gave Makarov a suspicious look.

"What, it sounds like you want me to retain control of this territory," Natsu gave the old man a searching glare.

Makarov only chuckled and smirked at Natsu in response, "Does it?" He asked

He shrugged and turned to head towards the bar where he began to climb onto it, swinging his tiny legs.

Once on, he let out a pleased huff and crossed his small arms.

"Better the devil you know, than the one you don't I suppose," Makarov smiled, "But the choice is yours Natsu. Will Gajeel leave or stay?"

Natsu huffed out, his eyes flashing over towards the stone-faced Gajeel, and then sliding almost involuntarily towards Lucy. She had her fingers folded together under her chin, a thoughtful expression on her face.

His gaze dropped towards Levy, who was biting her bottom lip and looking hopeful.

Ugh.

He wasn't an idiot.

He knew that the munchkin and rustbucket had some sort of relationship. He could pick up on enough context that they had shared a rather happy night together in their homey little cave while waiting out the storm. And whether it was fate, or something even stupider playing a part in bringing them together- ...

...Well he found himself reluctant to tear them apart.

His eyes dragged over to Lucy for another fleeting moment and he scoffed at Makarov.

"Whatever, he can stay I guess," He huffed.

Levy let out an excited squeal and wrapped her arms happily around Lucy. A sight that had Gajeel smirking even as he picked himself up and clumped over to where Mirajane was waiting with a bright smile and the guild stamp.

He presented his shoulder to her and tapped the spot he wanted, "Black." He rumbled, nearly purring with delight over the sensation of the magic sinking into his skin. The same magic Levy wore.

Natsu could keep his territory. He was getting free use of it now anyway. He had his eyes on a much better treasure now.

He paid no attention to the dark looks he was getting from at least two of his new guildmates. Not that he would've cared anyway.

Lucy, meanwhile, made her way to Natsu's side and curled her hand around his arm, "That was really nice of you." She murmured with a smile, "Thank you."

Natsu's cheeks puffed out, "Yeah whatever. Gramps over there just made a couple of good points is all." He huffed, trying to ignore the surge of warmth that raced through him at her approval.

Lucy gave him an amused, almost knowing, look, "Sure." She agreed in a tone that said she didn't believe him at all, "Well, whatever your reason it made Levy happy. So thank you."

Natsu snorted again, but couldn't entirely hide the faint upturn his mouth was taking. So he buried his nose in his scarf, not noticing that it was starting to look a little less ragged than it had, "Can we get some food now?" He whined, "I'm starving."

"You're always hungry," Lucy grinned at him, setting a hand on his back between his shoulders to guide him towards the bar. He allowed himself to be steered, but he let out a surprising bark of amusement at her observation.

"What just because you eat like a bird?" Natsu scoffed.

"Do not!" She protested, pushing him down to sit next to Gray, who had managed to recover his pants at some point.

Natsu scooted his chair away from Gray and gave him a dirty look, but to Lucy's amazement, he didn't get up to walk away and give himself some more space from the other.

Natsu just turned towards her and childishly blew a raspberry, "Do too! Bet you can't beat me in an eating contest, cheep cheep!"

"No one can beat you in an eating contest!" Lucy gaped in horror at the very idea.

But of course...

The guild had ears.

And challengers.

"A real man would take you on! Come on dragon, let's see what you got!" Elfman slammed a mighty hand against the counter top with enough force to dislodge Gray.

The ice make wizard scoffed and rolled his eyes, ready to back away, when Juvia pushed him forward.

"Gray can defeat you both in eating combat! Isn't that right my love?" She smirked viciously at them over his shoulder.

Gray coughed and rolled his eyes at his wife in amusement, "Well... I guess I gotta try now. You both are going down!"

Natsu stared at the guild members who were gathering around for the impromptu eating contest he had only teasingly suggested to Lucy. He was shocked so many people were willing to challenge him. Idiots. All of them.

The corner of his lips tugged upwards as the competitive streak of fire surged to life in his chest.

"Oh yeah? Good luck! I'll destroy you both!" He cackled.

And then they were joined by the shadow of their newest member.

Gajeel stood next to them, his scarred arms crossed over his chest and a slasher smile splitting his face in half.

"Don't even think about it you puny weaklings, only a dragon can beat a dragon! Stand aside!" Gajeel roared with laughter and slammed down heavily in the seat next to Elfman.

"Oh yeah? Fine then, the more of you I get to embarrass, the better!"

"Laugh it up while you can Natsu!"

"Yeah, you're going to be rolling under this table, stuffed after we're done with you!" Elfman cracked his knuckles.

A grin tore free from Natsu's face, the first he had experienced in longer than he could remember, his eyes brightening with competitive spirit and the idea of smashing all of his challengers faces into their loss.

He blinked as Lucy was gently guided away and the armored form of Erza took her spot next to him. She smoothed out her skirt and placed a napkin daintily on her lap.

"If it is a battle of wills, then I will not lose," She proclaimed with a frightening air of calm. Her chin rose in challenge to the gathered men, portraying the air of a General riding into war.

And just like that, Natsu was not so sure of his victory.

Wow you guys are so nervous. I was talking about shaving a day OFF our update schedule, not making it longer. WAY TO JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS. Most of the reviews were panic over longer updates XD... Ultimately we decided to keep it the same for now just so updates don't get stacked.

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR REVIEWERS! KaUiA (Oh, I have no idea what you mean) - OgaxHilda (It smells like VICTORY) - Chouxes - Trollala.X (WelP! Glad it made it better. That's a new one.) - Mezatron - Yuyui Hime - KirstyKakes - .3 - The-Rosette-Wolf (JHC, don't pass out!) - DancesWithSeatbelts (kind wordsss) - bluebirdeyes (oh ya, kytrin snuck that one in during the editing process. I had to re-read the chapter to figure out what you were talking about) - KittyCrow12 - Mo0nyMoon (allow me to smother you in more fluff) - Crash8573 - Pixelbow (That's alright, do your homework! I'm glad you liked the chapter!) - NonTimetisMessor (I guess you'll have to find out) - Snavej (I'll keep that in mind for the future) - Wonderwomanbatmanfan - CaliTues (Yeah we're developing the characters in different situations, so Gajeel gets to graduate from being an asshole. And man, I can't say I'm fond of the term 'whipped') - HalfBlackWolfDemon - Avengerika (Blows kisses) - shvartzit (I've answered this question in a previous chapter :D ) - fusrodafus (A chapter every day? That ain't gonna happen buddy hahaha, nice try though. Gotta respect the brass to ask) - the-clumsy-one (That is an experience I would like or dislike depending on the time of year) - KristiexxNguyen (oh good! I'm glad you think so) - fanficlove2014 (Gotta have us our nalu fufufu) - NaluLuva23 (Yes. We must have a schedule, and no spamming chapters XD.) - SakuraPetal91 (Don't scream yourself hoarse darlin) - Poxxy (Fear not, it won't change. And I'm glad you thought it was cute! He is a big softie even if he doesn't know it.) - Guest - Guest - Amelia Loves Anime (Yes. Yes he was) - Twishadowhunter (always a pleasure) - Animallover (hahaha I hope this chapter satisfied you) - Mechanical-Rose-Sama (mayhaps) - Little Red (I am not sure I understand your question about Edolas. Who is another 'her?') - ThatBrunnette (Yes, Parallels is a collab fic I write with my beta Kytrin. I write What's a Witch on my own. I was also wrote Act 3 of another collab called Trial by Fire with Snogfairy and Toxineena. Beauty and the Beast hm, maybeeee) - ThatOneExoticPotato (Sup bruh?) - kirby42280 (Well here you are! with more excitement coming your way, I promise) - Pineapple (Fear not, update does not chance. We love Gajevy too, but they will not be a focused couple) - eternalstarrlight (I'm glad you like reading the rambles. Because I do it a lot. Hahaha, well everyone but Natsu sees it. And be patient, you will get some asskickery soon. And by soon I mean... eventually.)