Lucy wasn't a big fan of the holidays. Holidays were a time for family gatherings and that was one thing Lucy did not have. Sure, daddy loved to see her during breaks and always welcomed her home but that only lasted a couple minutes before he was busy off doing god knows what. And it wasn't so much fun in a big home by herself when she was used to having someone in the house with her whether it was one of her sisters or a pledge or even Natsu, now.

Daddy tells her every time he will be able to spend more time with her but daddy barely has time to even eat Thanksgiving dinner with her and it makes her angry because the cook and maids worked really hard on this meal.

But it put daddy in a good mood when his precious baby girl was back home and he was able to get some sleep knowing she was in his home eating three full meals a day and not doing hood-rat shit.

Usually during breaks Lucy was out and about with one of her old flames, using them for the company she desperately desired but when she came home for Thanksgiving this time of year she didn't need to because Natsu was calling and texting her every chance he had. Even when it was Christmas break she felt like he was with her the entire time because he didn't let her feel lonely at all.

She had told him a little bit about her home life before the break happened and she was flying back to her hometown. He had asked her why she decided to join Fairy Zeta and her main reason was to find a place to belong with a big group of people who felt like family. She's never had a family and when her mom died when she was just a young girl, her daddy worried so much about who was going to take care of her and what was going to happen that he completely buried himself in work. She told him she wasn't angry anymore nor was she sad but she had accepted that business was his life.

Natsu claimed that's not what a family was and she just agreed, tired of having to explain it and think about it. So he vowed to make sure she didn't feel lonely during her time back at home. She wasn't going to be gone long anyways. She had decided to return home after Christmas since she wanted to spend the New Year with her sisters.

Levy didn't celebrate Christmas and Gajeel lived in Magnolia so she was back before anyone else and Erza said to be back around the time Lucy were to come back. Mirajane had flown out to Edolas to go see her sister that Lucy had no idea about and her other sisters had made a plan to come back closer to when school was going to resume. Natsu never confirmed if he would be back during new years or after since he said he had family things to take care of but she didn't mind because she would be back with her friends.

She didn't expect them to come back so fast. Unlike herself, a lot of people look forward to going back home to see their family and hometown friends. She wondered what that was like to want to go back home.

Sometimes when she was a little girl she wished the business would fail so her daddy would have more time to spend with her. It was an awful thing to wish upon and Lucy was glad it never happened as she was now older and more understanding but it would have been nice at the time.

Lucy spent a lot of time at the mall and went shopping, a whole new wardrobe for the new year she claimed. She even caught herself buying some things for Natsu as she was out and about. Daddy had given her a really nice Christmas bonus on top of a brand new car. Pink sedan with the hood down. It was a shame she couldn't take it to college because it was already an eight hour flight to Magnolia and daddy said he could just ship it to her but she said she doesn't need a car out there since everything was walking distance.

Daddy took great care of her. Always made sure she had enough money in her account to buy whatever whenever. Bought her the newest gadgets and shoes. Whatever his little girl wanted he was willing to buy because he loved her.

So when it was the day after Christmas, Lucy was hugging her daddy goodbye and giving him a kiss on the cheek while she thanked him for her gifts. She wished him a merry Christmas and a happy new year and she was off in her driver's car who drove her back to the airport.

During the whole break, Lucy found herself missing Natsu more and more. Even in the busiest moments of her day, he always remained his wonder-wall, a constant presence in her thoughts. She wondered if it was the same for him, too.

He messaged and called her every day since they had separated. He wished her a merry Christmas and even sent her a short sappy thankful message during thanksgiving which she teased him about. A lot of flirty dirty talk over the phone and there were times where she was blushing and touching herself with the thoughts of him in her head.

She had re-read those messages and stared at the photo of her many love marks Natsu had left so many times and she wondered if she would be finally able to give in to him because it was a new year and new years meant resolutions.

Maybe her resolution would be to see how Natsu really could get because it didn't help that he wasn't next to her in bed or waking her up to go to McDonald's because they were hungover.

But she had too much fun with him. Without the commitment and worry about anything else because Natsu really wasn't hers and she wasn't his but they acted like it. The flirting was fun and she loved it especially when she could get him flustered or vice versa. She was afraid they might lose this spark and energy if they ever did get serious because couples fight all the time and she didn't want to become a boring old couple.

Her last boyfriend and her got boring fast. They dated eight months and after that it was like hell. Maybe he was the reason why she became who she was.

Natsu wished her a safe flight and expressed his disappointment in the fact he wasn't able to pick her up from the airport. He teased her about how he would swing her around and give her nice tight ass a squeeze because he missed it. Missed her. It only had her blushing as she talked about how she would give him a big old fat kiss the next time she saw him and he was like a middle schooler sending her heart eyes. She could just feel his excitement through her phone as she giggled and blushed on the plane. She sent him selfies, making sure her cleavage was out in them and Natsu would send her back the same exact ones as a joke. He would sometimes send her some dangerously low photos that showed his curls but her favorite were the ones of his arms and hands after he worked out.

Natsu knew she was a sucker for those veins. What girls weren't? Lucy was sending him heart eyes and asking for more every time and he made sure he got a good workout in and pumped some iron as he sent her photos of him gripping water bottles and railings to show her how it might look around her throat or his cock. He knew he had her in his grip when she would send some particularly naughty ones back.

Lucy loved being a tease. She lived for the attention and the response as she sent Natsu photos of her in the shower, covering her already hard nipples in her small delicate hands. Sometimes of her sucking on a lollipop or even her legs when she was lounging around in her indoor heated pool. Natsu never failed to let her know how sexy he thought she was and how desperate he was for her. It just made her giggle and want to do it some more.

Coming back to Magnolia was something Lucy had missed dearly. Even the air was different as she inhaled deeply and made her way into a taxi back to MU. She was excitedly texting Levy saying she'll be home in a bit and her small bluenette best friend was even more eager as she sent pictures of wine they were going to slurp up.

Lucy had learned to love the life she was living and she couldn't help but feel like she finally had a place she belonged.

"Erza! Can I borrow your disco ball earrings for tonight? The dangly ones?" Lucy popped her head into her big's room who was sitting at her vanity getting ready. Erza was dressed in the whole nine yards with a black cocktail dress that hugged her in the best way possible. Her hair was tied up in a high pony and she didn't even bat an eye as she pointed at her jewelry box. Lucy was giddy as she went in there to explore, commenting on the ones she wanted to borrow for other occasions. "You look really good."

"Thanks, Lucy, you look really nice as well."

Lucy giggled, twirling in her sequin skirt that hugged her ass like it was meant for her and her black long sleeve sweater that had a slit cut right between her tits so her cleavage can still be presented. She wore stockings under her skirt to keep her warm and all she needed were those disco ball earrings Erza owned.

"Dressing for someone in particular?" Lucy teased as she saw her face rival her hair color.

"W—what? No! I—I wanted to dress up f—for myself!" She declared, cheeks ablaze.

Lucy only giggled, finding her big extra adorable especially when it came to all things love and girly.

Erza had been getting close to some guy on the police squad. He was cute. Blue hair and a cool tattoo under his eye. He was very mature and super sweet whenever Lucy had a chance to chat. Jellal had been around for quiet a while since everyone knew of him but it seems as if the pair had just started to go in another direction recently. Lucy couldn't blame her though, he looked real good in that uniform and she thought about Natsu wearing something like that while he handcuffed her to the bed. She's never seen Erza interested in boys and she always kept to herself or her studies or even sorority matters. Erza was and is a serious woman with goals ahead of her and so when she found out this policeman had her smitten, Lucy was more than excited to tease her about it. Maybe Natsu was rubbing off on her a lot more than she thought.

"Lu!" Levy's voice brought her back. "I need help!"

"Coming!" Lucy said as she collected her earrings. "Is he coming tonight?" She stopped to ask, pausing at her doorway to catch her eyes.

"M—maybe.."

That's all Lucy had to know before she was at Levy's aid, helping her zip up the golden dress she had chosen for the night. It was backless and dangerously low but it wasn't like she had any girls to occupy the emptiness. She did have a dump truck that gave her the roundness and she knew why Gajeel's favorite position is reverse cowgirl.

"What time is Gajeel meeting us?" Lucy asked as she fixed herself up a bit more in Levy's mirror.

"He should be here soon. He's coming with Gray and his lady friend." Levy wagged her brows at Lucy who giggled.

"I'm super excited to meet her! Whoever got Gray's eyes on them has to be amazing."

"Please," Levy rolled her eyes. "She's just a flavor of the month for someone like him."

"She's been his flavor for the past two months. Going on three." Lucy scoffed, turning to look at her best friend. "I think she's going to stick around."

"Want to bet?"

"How much we talkin'?"

Levy's eyes had locked with Lucy's, the two staring at one another with sly smiles on their lips.

"If I win," Levy spoke up. "Gajeel and I get to have a weekend away at your family's cabin up in Mt. Hakobe."

"What if I win?"

"You can go, too."

"That doesn't really benefit me." Lucy hummed, crossing her arms. "What do you have for me?"

"You name it."

"Can I request it when the time comes?"

Levy was quiet, humming to herself as if she was contemplating if it was a good deal or not but the idea of Gajeel and her away at her giant family cabin with enough time to find themselves had her perking a smile.

She stuck her hand out and the two girls were shaking on it, grins on their faces looking too close to their boy toys.

"I say they're end game. I say by summer break."

"I say Gray gets tired of her before Greek week in April."

The sound of the door downstairs had Levy practically skipping out of her room, looking like a love sick dog while Lucy laughed out loud, excited she would bask in her glory when she won. Lucy went into her room, looking at her phone to see Natsu had texted her about wanting to see her fit and how he missed her. She was left grinning as she went to grab her matching heels to slip them on before she was at her mirror, snapping provocative photos to send to her own boy toy. Natsu was instantly impressed, voicing his excitement and his attraction for her and she was like a giggling school girl biting down her smile.

"What's got you looking like a fuckin' creep like that?"

"Fuck you, Gray."

A giggling caught her attention and she snapped her head up to look Gray was not alone. He had a beautiful arm candy attached and the way her dress hugged her curves, Lucy knew exactly what got Gray's attention. Her eyes then went to Gray who looked a bit nervous, eyes refusing to meet hers.

"I didn't know you'd be here, hi, I'm Lucy." She straightened up, a wide smile on her face and her hand stuck out. "I've been very excited to meet you."

"The name is Juvia," she was all smiles, returning the handshake. Lucy noticed the tightness in her handshake and chose to ignore it.

"Juvia," Lucy purred, eyes going over to Gray who was turning red. "Love your outfit. You look stunning. Don't you think so, Gray? Isn't she stunning?"

The attention was on him now, the DT frat boy groaning in embarrassment as he glared at the blonde from the corner of his eyes. She had a shit-eating grin on her face and he just knew she was taking after that stupid roommate of his. He made a mental note to go off on both of them about it later as he clears his throat and mutters under his breath about how she is. The two girls giggle at his shyness and Lucy grabs a hold of her, dragging her away from Gray's side to cling onto her and ask her about herself. They had emerged from the top floor down to the kitchen, popping bottles and speaking louder than usual.

Juvia is a shy girl. She is blushing and quiet and the girls welcome her with very big open arms. Erza, Lucy, and Levy treat her as if she was one of them and Juvia is grateful for it. Juvia does not attend MU but she does attend the beauty school in the next town over and her friend Meredy who happened to be part of an off campus organization did. That was how she had stumbled into DT halloween bash and had run into Gray.

The three women were teasing the ink-haired frat who was red and sputtering up a storm, trying to force them out of the topic and holding a shot glass up.

They clink glasses and laugh and drink as they pregame before heading to the bars. Lucy spent the majority of the night sending photos to Natsu and letting him know he was missing out and he didn't hesitate to let her know how much he wished he could be there and she'd see him before she knew it. He sends photos with a blue cat that she knew as Happy, a childhood kitten he had rescued and raised all on his own. She was soon sending him flirty messages, the alcohol getting to her as the room swayed and her core ached.

Gray didn't think he would be a man who would have a woman by his side that wasn't someone he was just going to fuck that one night. He also wasn't a man who became smitten over beautiful women because he wasn't like that whore Loke. Loke fell in love with everyone. Well, he claims he does just so he could get into their pants faster but Loke had told more woman he loves them than Gray had fucked.

Loke just likes to hang to some of the girls he fucks because he likes to say to always have a back up. Now that's whore level. He was a player. Someone who likes to toy with women's emotions and break them down in the worst emotional ways.

He wasn't that person.

Neither was Natsu.

But what was most interesting about this was that this woman, Juvia, who he met by chance at his fraternity's party was keeping him interested. The day they had gone out to breakfast, Gray wasn't expecting to be so interested in hearing someone talk about themselves. He wasn't even expecting to ask questions but as they were shoveling their mouths with pancakes and eggs, he caught himself asking her more about herself than he thought.

She was two years younger than him. Single child. Aspiring hair stylist who attends beauty school. Smart. Witty.

They spent five hours in that diner that morning and they had exchanged numbers rather quickly, promises of another meeting very soon.

It didn't take Gray long to message her, asking if she'd like to get dinner. He didn't know if he was just addicted to her body or the way she spoke or how well she sucked his dick, Gray was finding himself liking her presence more and every time they saw each other.

He didn't tell anyone about Juvia. They spent their time meeting halfway since she was in the next town over in Hargeon so he didn't have to worry about someone interrogating him about seeing her until he was ready to bring her around.

Juvia lived by herself so they had the leisure to mess around and have privacy whenever. She was an excellent cook and great company. He even found himself not scrambling for a lame excuse on why he couldn't stay or why he had to leave as time flew by when with her. Before he knew it, it's been a month since their fateful encounter and he was unfortunately caught by his childhood menace.

"Dude, are you really fallin' for some girl?"

"I ain't fallin' for her," he grumbled as the two sat in front of the television, fingers tapping furiously on their controllers. "I'm just sayin' she's a cool girl to hang around."

"Yeah, you're fuckin' her so."

Gray just huffed, eyes locked on the screen as he felt some type of irritation and a bit of embarrassment in his throat.

"Nah, I get ya," Natsu smirked, body tilting with his controller. "It's like what Luce and I got."

"Yeah, but at least we actually fuck."

"We'll get there eventually. She's just shy."

Gray snorted. "If you really think Lucy is too shy to sleep with you then you really are an idiot."

"She's just scared of what I'm packin'." Natsu snickered, the blonde sorority sister invading his mind. "It's all part of my plan."

"Whatever. Just don't mention it to anyone, yet. I don't want to scare her off. Especially since I know Erza is going to hound me."

"Yeah, whatever," Natsu was quick to wave away as he was so engrossed in the screen.

Gray didn't think he really cared or paid attention to any of their conversation so he was kind of surprised when Lucy was teasing him about Juvia the next day. The look of embarrassment and betrayal was bright as he glared at the rosy-haired brother who just shrugged carelessly.

Lucy had bugged him all of winter break to bring Juvia to new years. Gray didn't want to bring Juvia around too soon since he knew his friends would probably run her off so he put it off for so long. Until Juvia asked him what he was doing for NYE. Lucy had already told Gray about their plans and he had agreed, making him committed. He went off on Natsu about it over the phone and he ended up inviting Juvia because he was not a pussy ass bitch like Natsu had mentioned.

But he was pretty surprised to see Juvia had blended in pretty well. She hadn't run for the hills just yet and his friends were treating her nicely. She was cute drunk and even cuter when she was waving at him across the room, letting him know she was fine and having fun.

Gray Fullbuster has a fucking crush. And Lucy won't shut the fuck up about it.

"Who would have thought the day Gray Fullbuster finally hangs around one woman?" Gajeel was now part of the teasing, grinning while he chewed on a straw.

The two men hung back as Levy, Lucy, and Juvia danced. Erza had met Jellal at the bar, the older male steering her towards the bar to keep her company so he was grateful she was out the way. He was afraid that Erza would interrogate Juvia till she was a puddle. Gray had warned Lucy to be careful with Juvia and not to pour so many drinks down her throat but it seemed like she didn't really care what he had to say because the three of them were sloppy and shimming on the dance floor without a care in the world.

It was eleven fifty two.

"I could say the same fuckin' thing about you," Gray took the opportunity to smirk through his drink. "You and Levy?"

"That just happened by chance. And I ain't a whore like you so it's nothing like you."

"You've never been with anyone so it counts. And who would have thought your type was petite and cute?"

Gajeel was now blushing as he muttered an insult, his mouth pressed against the rim of his cup.

The bar top table was almost tossed to the side when Lucy came crashing in. Gray and Gajeel automatically stuck their hands out to catch her and the table but she had caught herself, giggling as Levy and Juvia steadied her.

"Lucy, you're blasted."

"Gray," she ignored what he said to whine. "I have a dilemma!"

He could see Levy roll her eyes as she went over to Gajeel, the pierce man tucking her in against his chest making her look so much smaller. Juvia had latched herself to Gray's side and he offered a smile to her before Lucy was tugging on him again, drunk and whiney.

"Everyone here has someone to kiss during New Years," Lucy hiccuped, face flushed red and eyes glossy. "Erza is too busy with a tattoo man." Gray snorted at her nickname. "Levy has Gajeel. Cana isn't here. There's nobody I can kiss. All the guys here are weird."

"And Lucy cannot kiss Gray," Juvia piped up as if it was an option. Gray felt a blush coming and he coughed to cover it up, looking over at Lucy who was looking up at him all glossy-eyed.

"You sure it's the weird guys and not because you want Salamander to be the one kissin' ya?" Gajeel snickered while Levy nudged him.

Lucy snickered right back, turning to look at Gajeel. "Duh," she said, taking back the mechanic in surprise. "If Natsu was here, he would be my New Year's kiss."

"Just a New Year's kiss?" Levy teased making Lucy giggle.

"Maybe if he's nice he can get one for Valentine's day."

"That's not fair, I should be getting one for Valentine's day."

The familiar voice had Lucy's entire body grow cold. She whirled around in her one spot between the couples and judging by their smirking faces, she wasn't going crazy. Natsu was looking as good as ever. From his black sweater to his slacks, he was polished and handsome before the new year.

Lucy didn't hesitate to run over and throw herself on him, jumping into his arms and wrapped her legs and arm around him, latching on like a backpack. Natsu didn't mind as he scooped her up and held her around himself, proud of his new accessory as he made his way over to the table.

"Hey guys, long time no see." He offered a hand up as the said woman clung on his body. He held her by her bottom, a slight blush on his cheeks as she whined in his ear. "Sorry I'm late to the party."

"About time," Gray fist bumped his best friend. "I was wondering when you were gonna show."

"Five minutes before midnight, how charming." Levy stuck her tongue out as Natsu rolled his eyes.

"I'm here, aren't I?"

"What took you so long?" Lucy whined, face pressed against his neck. "I didn't know you were coming."

"I told ice-dick not to say anything, I wanted to surprise you," he rubbed a hand down her back to console her. "I can see you missed me." He snickered as Lucy moaned against his neck.

"I wouldn't start that if I were you," Levy warned as a bartender came over to set down shots on the table.

"What?" Natsu asked before Lucy was back on the floor and a wicked grin was on her face. She had that look in her eyes that she was too far gone to reason and she looked fucking horny. With her red cheeks and glossy eyes, Natsu felt the urge to kiss her and stick his dick down her throat as she wrapped her arms around his torso.

Natsu gulped, unsure if this was a reasonable time and his eyes flickered over at Levy who was shrugging.

"Come on, let's go dance." She purred against him, trying to coax him to come dance with her.

Natsu smirked, finding his hand on her waist as she wobbled against him. "Let me take this first," He grabbed a shot from the table to hold it up against the others before downing it. He snatched the one Lucy was trying to grab for and down it before she could, a cry of protest flying out of her lips. "I'm sober, you're not. I deserve it."

"That's mean," she pouted but he just nudged her to the dance floor. He gave her bottom a light smack and she yelped, scowling as he laughed.

"I don't know how those two haven't fucked, yet." Gray shook his head back and forth.

"They still haven't?" Gajeel asked in surprise as Levy wiggled against him.

"Lyon walked in on them during friendsgiving but I think that's the closest they were to it."

"You would think by the way they act and look at each other."

"It's honestly frustrating," Levy sighed, shaking her head back and forth.

"Wait, Natsu and Lucy aren't together?" Juvia's eyes were wide, shocked to the core. Her eyes trailed to the couple who were dancing together on the dance floor, the look of pure lust and attraction locked on their faces. "I thought they were already in a relationship by the way they are."

"They have mad sexual tension," Gray shook his head. "But they're both dumb. Lucy likes stringing him along and Natsu… he's always fuckin' stupid."

"Gotta give it to him, though," Gajeel nudged his fellow ink-haired friend. "He's kept it in his pants this long."

"Four months is long?" Levy scoffed.

"Two days is long," Gray muttered, finishing his whiskey. "Nobody thought he'd last this long."

With the bar announcing it was a minute before midnight, Levy and Juvia were dragging them over to where Lucy and Natsu were. The girls were dancing without a care, the music swaying and their minds hazy. The boys let the girls take control, their bodies flushed against one another as the heat began to rise. Gray and Juvia were already latched onto one another before the countdown started, hands desperate to fill with their body parts. Gajeel and Levy were awfully close, whispering to each other while they swayed.

Thirty seconds!

Natsu pulled Lucy close and pressed her against his body, smirking at the fluttery look she offered him. He grabbed her by the chin to tilt her head up, looking into her chocolate haze. "Am I going to be your new year's kiss?" His eyes flickered down to her lips before her eyes again.

Lucy was smirking, bottom lip caught between her teeth as she looked at him with such a slutry face she could have had him then and there. She wrapped her arms around his shoulder, slowly, feeling his muscles under his clothes and taking him in. She felt him shiver and it widened her smile as she tangled her fingers into his locks. She batted her lashes at him and leaned in close, smelling the alcohol from the shots he just took.

"What if I don't want you to be my new year's kiss?"

"I'd tell you that's too bad," he was mere inches from her lips. "Because I want you to be my new year's kiss."

"I don't have a say in this?" She felt one of his hands trail up her back while the other held her waist.

"Nope," he grinned, lips hovering over hers.

They locked eyes as the countdown began, eyes filled with want and need. The pounding of their hearts beat against their chests as they leaned in, eyes closed and lips hot against each other as confetti blew and everyone cheered for the new year.

It felt electric as they locked lips, Natsu's hand tucked behind her head to keep her in place as Lucy gripped his hair. It started off sweet and soft, a silent permission to press further and Natsu was only trying to keep it PG but Lucy had other plans as she ran her tongue against his lips to stick it down his throat. She was sloppy but not a bad kisser as she kept Natsu in place, stroking his own tongue with hers as she tasted like a bar. He didn't mind though as he held her close as if he let her go she would never come back. The tingle that ran through his body was addicting and he didn't want to let go as they sucked face.

Eventually Lucy pulled back, gasping for air as Natsu held her putty of a body. He laughed as he could see the dizzy look she had and how red her face looked as she bent over backwards. He pulled her upwards and kissed the corner of her mouth, smiling from ear to ear as she giggled.

"I can see why girls like you so much."

"Not bad yourself," he ran his tongue across his lip, eyes flickering back down to her lips to her eyes. "I've been waiting so long to do that."

"Happy new year," she laughed, wiping the corner of his mouth of the glitter. "I missed you."

"I missed you."

"C'mon, let's go," Gajeel's gruff voice had brought them back to reality. "Shrimp is not doing so well."

"What's wrong with Levy?" Lucy suddenly had pried herself off Natsu who was frowning at the coldness.

"She's throwing up. Juvia is out there with her."

Lucy was quick to run off, trying to find her best friend. Natsu watched her leave and then turned to Gajeel who was smirking at him.

"Glitter suits ya."

"Shut the fuck up," Natsu flushed, wiping his mouth to get rid of the evidence. "Where's that stripper at?"

"Closing the tab and getting Erza but I think Erza has other plans," Natsu turned to see the scarlet haired warrior at the bar with the towns policeman. He's gotten to know Jellal quite well considering how many times the police had come knocking on DT's door. He was more surprised she was there, not knowing she was this close to them without realizing.

He watched her look his way and he offered a hand up to show her his acknowledgment. She waved right back and then went back to talking to Gray before the ink-haired man strolled over to where they were. Gray smirked and put a hand on his shoulder, giving it a taunting squeeze.

"Congrats, you finally got to kiss Lucy. Now you guys can move to the next step and hold hands."

"Fuck outta here," Natsu nudged him off, a small smile on his lips but he still rolled his eyes.

"Yall fuckin' tonight?" Gajeel asked as the boys gathered the jackets and purses of their girls.

"I sure hope so," he ran his hand through his hair as they walked towards the exit. "but I doubt it since your girl wanted to blow chunks."

When they had come outside they saw that not only Levy was throwing up but Lucy was right beside her, blowing chunks of their festivities into a bush while Juvia held their hairs back. She turned to look at the boys and smiled awkwardly.

"Looks like my girl ain't the only one who's blowing chunks." Gajeel snickered as Natsu sighed out loud. "Guess you ain't getting laid after all."

He knew it was too good to be true.

Waking up in the New Year was a goddamn nightmare. Lucy had felt her body retract at the way she threw up everywhere and the way she felt was not any better. But the plus side was that she was with Natsu again and he took such great care of her, she didn't feel as bad. Their kiss last night was so electrifying she had the tingles all morning as Natsu brought her home and took care of her. Levy had the worst of it. She only really threw up because Levy did and she knew if she didn't blow chunks last night she was going to all morning.

Natsu had brushed the throw up out of her hair and helped her undress, throwing on a t-shirt he had left over weeks prior. She was a giggling mess as he stripped her, wondering if he was willing to go further but the queasiness in her gut had her dry-heaving as he fed her crackers. Natsu did express his enjoyment of her matching lingerie and teased her how he was looking forward to taking it off her when she wasn't hammered. She whined and whined all night as he offered her sweet nothings she couldn't resist as he held her while she dozed off.

She woke up in a haze, latched onto her human heater as she chugged a whole bottle of water before stumbling into the bathroom. Instead of her usual hot bath she took a hot shower, rinsing her hair and scrubbing her body of the sweat and grime from the night before. She checked up on Levy to see she had passed out on Gajeel who looked rougher than she was. She only giggled at the pair before going back into her room, changing into her favorite sleep shorts and his t-shirt that she loved to wear.

Natsu was still asleep, his sweater discarded but his slacks still on. He looked so peaceful that it made her not want to bother him but she missed him so much she couldn't resist.

She climbed on top of him and laid on him, purring into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her small body. She giggled at the rumbling noise he made and she leaned up to press a light kiss against his cheek.

"Good morning, Natsu." She purred as he stirred awake. "I'm hungry."

"If it's fuckin' seven in the morning again," he grumbled as he popped open one eye to look at her.

"Nope, it's eight."

Natsu groaned, turning over to flip her on her side and a small squeal flew out of her mouth. He pressed her against his bare chest and snuggled himself into her. "Wake me up later."

"Ugh, you are so lazy. You didn't even drink last night."

"Yeah but I had a long night." He murmured against her hair. "And I took care of you so the least you could do is let me sleep in a bit longer."

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Fine. One more hour."

Lucy spent the time he snoozed scrolling through her messages. Erza had spent the night out with the mystery man and she was more than giddy to know she was having breakfast with him. Lucy urged her to introduce him to us and all she got was a blushing emoji and she giggled. She went through and messaged her daddy to let him know happy new year and he was kind enough to send her a bonus to show his appreciation.

Eventually she dozed off in the midst of her browsing and the warmth Natsu provided wasn't like any other.

She woke up sometime in the afternoon and was a bit upset that Natsu was gone beside her.

Lucy stumbled out of bed with a line of curse words following, going to the bathroom first before seeing if her roommate was awake. Levy was as she was shifting through her closet, her gaze shifting over to see Lucy coming to flip on her bed.

"Nice to see you alive and well," Lucy mused as she laid on the twin mattress. "Where'd your man go off to?"

"He left with Natsu to grab some food for us." She said as she tossed on a t-shirt that looked like a dress on her. "I was in desperate need of something greasy."

"I second that," Lucy giggled, playing with the ends of her comforter. "How are you feeling?"

"Like shit. Remind me to never drink like that, again. I'm pretty sure it was that last shot that got me."

Lucy laughed at that as she flipped over on her back, sinking deeper into her mattress. "We had a blast though."

"I will admit, it was fun." Levy came over to scoot into bed with her friend. Lucy pressed herself against the wall and laid in content as the two best friends stared up at the wall. "You and Natsu seem to get pretty heated."

"Yeah, he's a great kisser." Lucy had a twinkle in her eye. "He even took care of me last night."

"Aw, he does like you," Levy cooed as the blonde blushed. "When are you two finally going to do it?"

"I don't know, I'm having fun." Lucy twiddled with her fingers. "Maybe we can go slow."

"Are you really the type of person to take it slow?"

Lucy was quiet as she thought about her relationship with Natsu. More than friends but less than lovers. That was the best she could describe what they had but she had a sense of belonging to him. She trusted he was only with her and she knew he did the same. His possessive attitude really steered clear of the losers that were itching for a second with her and she kind of liked the predatory behavior he exhibited. It was kind of hot.

She had been out of the game for a while now. Two years strong, going on three. She didn't know how much she could offer. Maybe her instincts would take over and she'll be much more confident about it but she knew Natsu was and is more experienced in this than she ever could be.

His kiss alone was enough for her to understand the urge to come back. She couldn't blame those girls who desperately fling themselves to his side. He was irresistible.

The sound of Gajeel's loud hard steps in the house made the two girls perk up. They waited for the boys to come back as the sound of them bickering back and forth was growing louder the closer they came.

They were boardline shouting by the time they were at Levy's door.

"There's no fuckin' way you could beat a fuckin' lion!"

"That fuckin' chicken would peck your eyes out every time! That's maybe if you survive the one two hundred times! The lion is once a year. I can train!"

"Bullshit! No amount of training will get you the advantage of winning against a lion."

"And you think you'd be able to win every time against a chicken?"

"It's a fuckin' chicken! Of course I'd win! Every time!"

"Are you two really fighting about who would win against a lion or chicken?" Lucy asked, eyebrow raised to her hairline.

The two boys who were in a heated argument turned to look at the two girls who laid on the bed, both on their sides as Lucy spooned Levy. The sight was appealing for them and they were instantly at a hault in their argument, eyes locked on the bed.

"Well, this is a nice surprise," Natsu grinned, arms crossing against his chest. "I wouldn't have taken you for the top but I really wouldn't mind."

"Who says Levy isn't?" Lucy sat up, offering a smirk. "I'm sure Gajeel would know." The blonde winked at the scowling blushing face of the pierced male.

"The offer is still on the table, Lu, you always know." Levy purred, winking at the blonde who swiped her tongue across her teeth, eyebrows wagging in her direction.

"Oh, I know. I'm just waiting to cash it in."

"Can I have a say in this?" Natsu asked.

"No." All three of them said in unison as if they practiced their lines.

Natsu just held his hands up as he walked into the room, approaching the blonde to hand her a bag. "One Mcdouble with a four piece count and a large fry for Miss Heartfillia."

Lucy instantly lit up, scooting off her bed to sit on Levy's floor and Natsu took home right beside her as Gajeel scooted on the bed with his rightful partner. They were quiet as they dug in, small chit chat as they giggled and ate.

"So, what do we think about Gray and Juvia?" Lucy's playful eyes flickered to Levy who raised a brow at her. "I'm thinking Gray and her are end game." Lucy looked over to see Natsu's reaction.

He looked as if he was calculating, his eyes finding Gajeel's before they met Lucy's. A smile began to spread across his cheeks as if he was caught doing something and he looked back at Levy before his eyes went back to the blonde.

"What?"

"You know something, don't you?" She leaned in, cheeks spread.

"No, I don't," he scoffed, shoving a handful of fries into his mouth. "I'll admit you might be right. This is a first for snow-cone."

"What do you think, Gajeel?" She had a glint in her eyes as Levy scrunched her face up in a playful growl.

The attention was now on the pierced male, a big mac in his hands as he was mid bite. "I don't know," he gruffed, taking a large bite. "Once a hoe, always a hoe."

"Thank you!" Levy exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. "Gray is going to lose interest very soon. He's not capable of romantic relationships."

"But there's always a first time for everything," Lucy waved her wrist in a circle, sticking her head out. "Who is to say this won't be his first relationship?"

"That man doesn't know how to have a relationship," Levy scoffed, rolling her eyes at the statement.

Lucy waved her off, leaning back against her palm. "We'll see who wins." She snickered, looking over at Natsu who smirked at her. He held a fry out to her and she happily accepted, leaning over to take it from his fingers.

"Get a fuckin' room."

notes: see ya next chapter!