A/N Hello everyone! So sorry this chapter took longer to post. The month of August was much busier than expected. Thank you all so so much for your favs and follows. Especially the reviews! I love hearing from your guys! I'm so excited to keep sharing this story with you all! I'm already working on chapter six so hopefully it won't take as long to post the next chapter!

And again, thank you all so much.

Enjoy! :)

Chapter 5

Lucy's POV

"Wow, I just can't believe you two almost got married!"

Erza said in disbelief.

Lucy, Erza, Wendy, and Carla all sat in the girl's bedroom, with the early morning rays gleaming through the windows. Making time before their breakfast, so that Lucy could finally tell them the story of how she and the young Lord became acquainted with one another.

"Not almost, but that's what our fathers wanted. But as I said before, we refused each other's hands. He stood up for me. And we became friends." She grinned, crossing her legs. She was seated at the end of one of the beds.

"Still. Can you imagine how different your life could have been?" Wendy included.

"Oh, I know… very different that's for sure."

"Did you ever tell Natsu?" Erza asked curiously.

"Ha. He barged into my room through the freaking balcony the first night we came here, demanding I tell him how I knew Soren." She sighed as she folded her arms.

"Typical Natsu."

"No sense of privacy, that one." Carla added.

"Oh, so that's why he was in your bed that morning." Wendy remarks softly.

The other two ladies' eyes darted towards Lucy.

"I'm sorry, he was in your bed?" The scarlet mage asked in bewilderment.

"We-well he uh, he. It wasn't…" A coherent sentence failed to leave Lucy's lips. She turned to stare at the tiny dragon slayer. "Really, Wendy? You had to blurt that out."

"I'm sorry!" She held her hands up apologetically. "It just came out!"

"What have you and that heathen subjected poor Wendy to!?" Carla accused.

Lucy waved her arms. "Absolutely nothing! Natsu just sometimes sneaks into my bed in the middle of the night and sleeps! It's nothing, it means nothing, we just- "

"Share a bed with each other." Erza crossed her arms with a raised brow.

Her face turned beet red. "Not- Not like that, okay? Wendy just happened to run in that morning and saw him. But fully clothed! I'd like to add. Nothing happens. Ever."

"His arm was around you though."

Her head snapped in Wendy's direction as the sky maiden slapped a hand over her mouth. Is she seriously putting her on the spot? "Did that also, 'just come out?"

Wendy gave an apologetic expression as she shrugged.

She shifted her attention back to Erza, whose eyes were narrowed at her, and she knew she wouldn't be able to talk her way out of this. The scarlet wizard held her intense gaze for a few more moments before she finally cracked and told them the truth.

"We... um. Natsu will sometimes." She avoided their gaze. "Well, most of the time, sneaks into my bed. And we…" Her face went flush. She never actually said it out loud before. "Cuddle… But that's it though!" She averted her gaze back to her guild mates to see their expressions. They were all… amused.

"And how long has said cuddling been happening?"

"Uh... Not long after the Grand Magic Games. At least that's when we started cuddling, but he's been sleeping in my bed before that."

"Oh my." The tiny wizard held her heated cheeks.

Erza shook her head. "You and Natsu are something else, Lucy."

They were something, that was for sure. They weren't together, yet still, their friendship went beyond any normal one. Really, she honestly thought him to be the odd one. She knew Natsu never understood what he was actually doing. She was his best friend; he just enjoys being near her.

Lucy noticed Erza's lips pulled sideways. "So, Lord Halloway has been very… fond of you. These last few days he's taken every opportunity he can to be in your company."

He had been obviously seeking her company. He was very charming to Lucy and dare she say, romantic. He attempted to take her to dinner privately once or twice, but Natsu begged her not to accept his invitation. She only accepted the other night's invite and not last night. She had decided to dine with her teammates.

He was kind and very handsome. She enjoyed his company and his friendship, but she wasn't open to a romantic one.

"Yeah. He's very kind and charming but he's just a good friend."

"Natsu sure isn't shy about showing his disdain for him."

Lucy rolled her eyes. "I know. He goes on and on about how he doesn't trust him. I wish he would just lighten up."

"I doubt he will until we are home." Wendy giggled.

"Yeah, you're probably right."

They all then turned their attention towards the door where they heard a gentle knock. One of Lord Halloway's maids then stepped into the room.

"Misses? Breakfast is ready in the dining hall."

"Oh, thank you. We will be down in just a minute." Erza answered. As the girls began to stand.

It's been three days now since the first attack they faced. Three days and there hasn't been another one. And every time they've searched the mountains nothing has been found. No golems, no wizard.

Although, there is one part of the mountains they had not searched yet, it was even further away from Lord Halloway's estate.

The gang had decided if they didn't find anything today, it was safe to say, if a wizard was involved, they definitely ran off once they realized a guild was here to put an end to their assault and had easily taken out six of their creatures. If that were the case, the team would then make their way home.

The crew had rotated on who searched the mountains, and who stayed behind to watch the lands. She was sure this time it would be her, Natsu and Gray that scoured the mountains today, while the others stayed behind.

For the last three days, Lucy's partner had been… clingy. Anytime the Lord requested her attention, Natsu was there. She would still spend time with the Lord when she could, but Natsu attempted to always be right there with them. There were a couple times she snuck away and gave Soren her time without having a leering Natsu behind her back. And every night before bed, it never failed, Natsu barged in through the balcony complaining about how he didn't like nor trusted her old friend. She, of course, told him to give it a rest.

She would also wake in the middle of the night with him in her bed. And he wouldn't just place his arm on her as usual. He would have his arm firmly around her. Her back flush against his chest. And he would bury his face deep in the nape of her neck.

Last night she had awoken once again pouring sweat with the dragon slayer holding her tightly.

She sighed as she twisted her body around facing her sleeping partner with his arms still firmly around her. She scanned his face as he snored quietly with his mouth agape.

She shook her head and put her thumb and middle finger together to flick his nose.

She saw his nose crinkle as his eyebrow twitched.

"Natsu." She whispered.

He grumbled and peeked an eye at her. "Hm?"

"It's too hot for you to be clinging to me like this. Scoot over." She attempted to push him away but instead, failed.

He grumbled and held her tighter.

"Natsuuu." She complained trying to wriggle out of his hold on her.

He furrowed his brows, attempting to hold his firm grasp on her.

"Ugh, Natsu just scoot over a little bit. You can just lay a hand on me like usual, you don't have to be so close. You radiate too much heat."

"Ugh. Fine." He scooted back only slightly and put more space between them but still close to her as he laid a hand gently on her hip. "There. Is that better?" He grumbled with one eye peeking at her.

She giggled, rolling her eyes. "Yes, better."

His lips curled sideways. "Goodnight, weirdo."

"Goodnight, dope."

Lucy smiled to herself thinking back to last night. She had wondered why he had become so clingy the last few days. Or really, since they had been on this job...

As the girls began to make their way downstairs a maid had stopped Lucy.

"Oh, miss? My Lord has requested a private breakfast with him in his quarters."

That was unusual. He had a private dining area where she had joined him for private dinners he had previously requested, but never his quarters.

She notices Erza's brows furrowed. "His quarters? Don't you think that's a bit too private?" She crossed her arms.

"It's fine, Erza. I think he knows I'll be in the mountains all day and we plan on leaving if we don't find anything."

"Still, his quarters?"

"It's fine, really. You guys go on. I'll meet up with you after."

"Hmm, okay. We'll see you in a bit." She had a touch of unsureness to her tone.

Lucy only gave her a reassuring smile

"This way, miss." The maid gestures for Lucy to walk ahead.

The blue-haired maid had guided Lucy to another wing of the mansion. Where she led her up another flight of spiral stairs. Once they were on the next level they traveled down a wide hall for a few moments before they finally came to a stop in front of large oaken double doors.

Lucy had also been curious as to why the young Lord requested breakfast with her in his room.

She supposed it was an attempt at a real breakfast date before she went back home.

Lucy knew he had flirted with her, and she assumes it's only harmless flirting with old friends. She honestly didn't mind being in his company. It reminded her of a very old time in her life. A time where her father was alive.

Sure, they never got along, but still, she missed him.

Soren had known a part of Lucy and her life that her guild mates didn't, and he was one of the only people left alive from that piece of her life. Natsu had once said he could never see her playing the part of princess, and in a way neither could she. Regardless though, she still enjoyed his company. It almost gave her a sense of nostalgia for another life.

The tiny maid knocked lightly on the door, and she heard Soren on the other side welcoming them in.

Once she stepped inside, she began scanning the room. It was large, open. The whole of the wall directly in front of her, across the span of the room, was made up of three separate, glass, double balcony doors, all of which were opened, and allowed the wonderful breeze to grace the room. It leads to a wide opened balcony. Right in front of the middle doors there was a table with two chairs on either side, with an array of breakfast foods spread about. A single pink flower in the middle. To the left of the room was a king-size canopy bed. On the other side was another set of double doors that she assumed led to a large bathroom.

She saw Lord Halloway standing with a wide grin. The maid left, and he walked around to scoot out a chair, and gestured for her to sit. "Good morning, Lucy. I hope you're hungry!"

"Good morning. Yes, I am. It all looks delicious." She beamed. Once she was seated, he pushed in her chair and moved to his own seat.

"Good." He smiled nervously at her. "So." He cleared his throat. "I assume this will be your team's last day here?"

She cut into her waffles, taking a bite. "Yes. We are still going to search the mountains one more time. But it seems there is no longer a threat to your lands. Which then would mean we have completed the job as requested."

"I see. I can't thank your team enough for the help. I have decided to add to your reward for staying as long as you have to make sure there is no longer a threat."

"Oh wow, thank you! Mavis knows I can always use the extra for rent." She chuckled slyly.

Lord Halloway took a sip of his drink and swallowed thickly. Then, once again cleared his throat. "Well… there is an um, matter I wanted to discuss with you."

Lucy listened curiously. She then heard what she thought to be voices outside the room, arguing. The voices almost sounded like her friends. It then sounded as if someone was shushing another, then silence. The Lord didn't seem to notice or hear what she was hearing.

"Well… you see…" he nervously continued. "For some time now. My uh, staff and close confidants have informed me that I, well I need to think about taking a uh… a wife."

Lucy then coughed mid drink. She gestured her hand and spoke. "Excuse me." Lightly coughing a few more times than motioned for him to continue. She was nervous about where this conversation was headed.

"And they've been pressuring me for some time. Long before you and your friends came here. They keep going on about how it's time to find someone and have a family. I've gone on a couple of dates, been presented to a few eligible young ladies. However, I." He exhaled. "I wanted to have more than just a wife and mother to my hires'. I wanted, well, a companion." He locked his gaze with her. "A friend."

The mage fiddled with her thumbs nervously.

"Lucy, these past few days with you have been amazing. Truly. And I- "

"Lord Halloway, I think I know where this conversation is going, and I don't know if- "

"Just hear me out, Lucy. I know. This seems so sudden but… we were betrothed once before. A-and I know neither of us wanted it then. But, now after all these years. Here you are again… As a young man I didn't wish to marry and part of me still is unsure, but now I am the Lord of these lands. I must do my duty." He inhaled deeply, preparing himself. "And there has been no woman I have met that I could see myself spending my life with. Besides you, Lucy."

The voices behind the door became louder, clearer on who they were. She turned her attention to the door. She heard her friends bickering, mostly Natsu and Erza, with the sound of Gray insulting the dragon slayer with a name she couldn't make out.

Lucy shifted her attention back to Soren and realized he heard them as well. She gave him an awkward grin and chuckled. "Sorry, just ignore them."

The young Lord grabbed her hands, and her face heated. "Lucy, I know this is sudden, I am only a friend, and you may not love me now, but perhaps you could see yourself loving me one day?" He gazed deeply at her. "Lucy, you are an incredible woman. It would be an honor if you would consider being my wife-"

The door suddenly busted wide open with an irate Natsu charging in, only to be grabbed almost immediately by Erza and Gray.

She and the Lord abruptly stood in shock. "Natsu, what the hell are you doing!?"

"Don't do it Lucy! Don't marry this creep!" Natsu turned his attention to his friends holding him. "Let go! I'm not going to do anything!" He snatched his arms back from them. "Lucy. Listen, don't do this. You can't do this." He glared towards Soren. "I knew not to trust him." He looked back towards his partner and his gaze slightly softened. "I knew he would try to do this. Happy was right."

The blonde gave the exceed an annoyed expression and saw he had his paws over his mouth, holding back laughter. She then sighed, eyeing her best friend in front of her. "And what did Happy say?"

"That he was courting you!"

To be fair, Happy was right. That's exactly what he was doing the whole time, turns out. Yes, he would be charming, and flirty, but that was also just his personality to begin with. She honestly had no idea he was looking for a wife, or that he had been even considering her.

"Natsu, you can't just barge in here unannounced-

"There's no way I'm gonna stand by and let this guy talk you into marrying him! I'm not gonna let him take you away from us!"

"I didn't plan on taking Lucy away from anyone." They all turned their attention to Lord Halloway. "I would never expect Lucy to leave behind her friends." He clears his throat. "You see, I am quite a busy man. Sometimes I will travel a lot for business and be gone for weeks or even months. So, Lucy could live here, with me. But I don't wish for her to be lonely. She could go on jobs with you all still and visit Fairy Tail as much as she likes. And same for you guys, you could visit here as much as you li-

"I've heard enough! She's never gonna marry you, you jerk! So, you might as well forget it!"

Halloway inhaled slightly bulking his chest as if he was about to stand up to the fire wizard's rage. Uh oh, this isn't going to end well.

"Well, Natsu. It's not your decision, it's Lucy's." The red-haired Lord stood firm on his words.

Lucy watched as Natsu only stood quietly, staring at him for a moment. And before any of them could blink, he charged forward, flames in hand. "That's it, you bastard!

Lucy's other teammates went to latch onto him, but he was already out of reach. She then skidded in front of Lord Halloway, shielding him from Natsu. His balled fist halted midair.

"Now that's enough Natsu!" The pair glared at one another. "Now I get that you think you're being a protective friend and all, but this is too far!"

He grumbled looking away from her.

"We still have a job to do. So, get it together. Now go. I'll meet you out front in a minute."

Natsu gave her a pleading expression. And she responded with a warning one.

"Natsu, let's go. Now." Erza says firmly, placing her hand on his shoulder.

He scoffed, spinning on his heels and storming out of the room with the rest of the team following behind him.

She turns her head towards the young Lord. Watched him for a moment, perplexed. Unsure of what she should even say. "Um… I'm sorry for all that." She motioned towards the door where her guild mates were moments ago.

"Don't be. Really. I know this is all a lot but- "

"Listen, Soren, we can revisit this conversation. Just… just let me do my job for now. Okay?"

He expressed understanding and nodded. "I will see you later then. Tonight, for dinner? Maybe?" He smiled gently at her.

"Sure, yes."

"Wonderful. I will see you then. Good luck today, Lucy."

She smiled softly nodding as she headed out of the room. Lucy sighed heavily as she walked. The entire situation was almost too much, with the proposal, and Natsu's reaction. He truly wasn't making it easier.

Marry? Marry? Actually, marry him? Marriage. Become a Lady. Having hires?

That part made Lucy's stomach turn to knots. She's never even kissed a man before, and now he's asking her to marry and make babies?

She was still so young… They may have been betrothed once before, but it was only for a blimp, and she hasn't aged like he had. He's seven years ahead of her now.

Soren was great, he was handsome and charming, and any other woman would be a fool to not accept such an offer. However, she for one, wasn't ready and two she wanted to be in love to marry someone, not learn to love them.

The only person she's ever been in love with is Natsu. Unfortunately, she knew that was out of the question.

Which then had her pondering, one day she could possibly marry. If she moved on from her best friend eventually, that is.

The blonde continued outside to meet the ice wizard and heated dragon slayer, along with their feline friend.

"Who does he even think he is anyways? Who asks someone to marry them after three days!

He's been creeping on you the entire time we've been here. I mean come on- "

"Oh, will you give it a rest, flame brain! We get it, he's a creep. You hate him."

"You picking a fight, ice prick!? I'm already fired up!"

Gray and Natsu butted heads with one another, ready to pummel each other.

"Will you both can it!" Lucy shouted, at her wits end. They had already been traveling around the mountains for over two hours and Natsu hadn't stopped his ranting since they left. They were walking a narrow side of the mountains, on the lookout for anything that may indicate an enemy nearby. "I've had enough!"

"You can hardly blame me, Lucy! He asked you to marry him. Literally marry and take you away from Fairy Tail."

"I know Natsu, I was there." She was ready to be through with this whole topic.

"Actually, he said he wasn't expecting her to leave the guild. She just won't live in magnolia."

Natsu whipped his head towards Gray. "That's pretty much the same thing!"

"Wow Lucy, would you really give up your apartment?" Happy questioned.

"Never said I would." Annoyance coated her voice.

They walked along the path in silence before Natsu once again opened his mouth. "So, you're not going to marry him then. Right?"

Lucy stayed silent, lost in thought. Would she marry him now? No. However, being proposed to in any case, had her contemplating her future. Frankly, she thought Soren was a catch, even if she may not have feelings now, maybe she could learn to. Just not as his wife. Perhaps she could date him first? Maybe it was time to put herself out there and move on from her best friend.

The silence obviously affected Natsu, as he became heated once again. "Would you actually marry him!?" He grabbed her forearm, stopping her in her tracks.

She twisted around narrowing her eyes. "I never said that." She snatched her arm back, continuing the path.

"Well, you didn't say you wouldn't either."

Everyone abruptly paused their steps when they spotted a small cave opening ahead.

The four of them all shared glances with one another and proceeded through the entrance. Natsu lit a flame as they made their way into the now lit up cave.

As they walked the path Lucy could feel the pinkettes' eyes on her. Stealing glances her way. He made this entire situation harder. Natsu could be selfish with her time, she's always known that. He'll break into her apartment even if she's requested to be alone. He was always there, getting crumbs on her chair from whatever snack him and Happy had. In a way, she could understand why he'd be upset if she didn't even live in the same town as him, still, she wishes he'd cease with his overreactions and complaints. It would only give her a sliver of false hope. Which then frustrated her further.

"Hey. Sooo, you never actually answered the question."

"Holy hell, dude. Do you have an off button?"

"Shut up, Gray!"

"Both of you, shut up!"

The team moved along the path before it then forked. They halted and shared glances.

"Now what?" Natsu asked.

"How about, I go this way, and you three take the other route?"

"Will you be fine on your own?" Lucy questioned.

"Oh yeah, at least I'll get some peace and quiet."

She chuckled and bent down to dig through her bag.

"How are you gonna see anything without my flame, Gray?" Natsu spoke, taunting him.

"That's what I brought this for. I figured we may need it." She pulled out a small torch and handed it to Natsu. He rolled his eyes and lit it for her, then passed it off to their guild mate.

"Alright, good luck."

Gray waved back at her as they proceeded in different directions.

The trio walked the trail in silence, and she had hoped it would stay that way. Until it in fact, didn't.

"You know, you still haven't actually said if you'd marry him or not."

"Ugh, Natsu." She twisted her body to face him. "I'm not marrying anybody any time soon. Okay?"

He stood there in thought for a moment. "So, wait… Does that mean there may come a time when you would marry someone?"

She raised her brows and shrugged. "Well… that's usually how it goes for most people. We all get older and get married one day, ya know, have families."

He furrowed his brows in confusion and blinked. "No. You can't get married."

Lucy was taken aback at his boldness to tell her she couldn't marry. Her eyes found Happy's for a moment. She then rolled hers, as she saw Happy's bemused expression at the scene unfolding in front of him.

"That's not up to you." She huffed and turned on her heels. She began to walk ahead until she stopped to look back at him. "Come on, I need your light."

Natsu stared for a moment then moved his feet. She could feel the irritation returning to him.

"Lucy, you can't just marry someone. Everything would change."

She chuckled while continuing forward. "Nothing would change, Natsu."

"I'd never see you."

"Yes, you would, we would still go on jobs. We would still be partners."

"But it would just be different. It wouldn't be the same, Lucy."

She rolled her eyes and paused her steps as she turned to him. "What exactly would change? Hm?"

He swallows, fumbling with his words. "Um-uh well, just… Everything."

"Natsu." She takes a small step forward. "Nothing would change. We would still see each other; we would still go on jobs." She lightly nudged his shoulder with her palm. "We would still be partners. The only difference is, I would have a husband."

Natsu's expression instantly changed. His eyes darken in a way Lucy had never seen before.

She found herself gulping and stepping one foot back. And he took one large step forward, their faces now just inches apart. Her breath caught at the sudden closeness and her heart rate increased under his darkened gaze.

"And how would said husband feel about me being in your bed every night." His voice was dangerously low. "And I don't exactly keep my hands to myself." His tone sent a shiver down her spine. She could feel his hot breath grazing her face as her head became fuzzy at his statement. This was the second time in one day their cuddling has been mentioned aloud.

She guessed if she did ever get a husband, they couldn't do that anymore. Or really have him breaking in at all. Now she sees how things could change.

Then she thought for a moment. So, what if it does change. It's not like he would ever take the next step in a relationship with her anyways. So, he doesn't get the right to be mad about any change.

She found herself at a loss for words for a moment, with him still holding her under his intense gaze. She felt her chest flutter as she audibly gulped. "I guess… um, then I guess we couldn't do that anymore."

His nostrils flared. "This is what I meant by, 'things would change.'" He bit out.

She huffed, taking another step back. "Oh well. Change is a part of life."

"I don't want anything to be different between us, Lucy."

She scoffed. "That's just too bad, Natsu. You don't get to have your cake and eat it too. If you're not going to marry me, then someone else will." She then snapped her mouth shut realizing what she had just blurted out.

He only stared at her with an expression she couldn't quite read.

"Bahaha. You hear that Natsu? Lucy wants you to marry her. She, loooves you." Happy then burst into a fit of laughter. She'd forgotten that freaking cat had been here the whole time. Her face turned as red as Erza's hair.

Natsu still gazed at her with a gaping expression. "You… You want me to marry-"

"No!" She chuckled nervously, turning on her heel and began walking ahead. "No. No. Haha, just uh, forget what I said, okay? Let's just continue on with the job." She was overcome with such embarrassment that she hadn't even realized it became darker, since she had walked ahead of Natsu.

"Lucy, wait up!"

She stepped forward again, not noticing the drop off in front of her before it was too late. She screamed, as her body went tumbling down.

"Lucy!"

She heard her partner yelling out. But before she knew it, her vision went completely black.