We'd hook up in my car
Drive it so far
Play you guitar
You'd show me your art
Let down our guards
Think with our hearts
Stare at the stars
We were never apart
It was senior year, and things were becoming rough and rambunctious after school hours. They were transitioning into young adulthood, with puberty and hormones hitting them like a runaway train. Their peers were diving headfirst into new experiences—throwing more parties, transforming crushes into relationships, and setting their sights on their goals and futures.
For Natsu and Lucy, these changes were especially evident in their bodies and lives. Lucy's waist was becoming more defined, her breasts growing larger, and her legs lengthening into a more graceful, supple form. Natsu, too, was getting taller, his physique sharpening with each passing day, his boyish face slowly evolving into that of a young man—though there were still traces of his teenage years.
As they neared eighteen, the pace of these changes seemed overwhelming. Natsu was gaining popularity with the girls and was busy with his sports, with the Nationals just around the corner, while Lucy threw herself into her studies, determined to prepare for college and make her parents proud. With only a year and a half left before their futures loomed large, they both felt the weight of expectations settling on their shoulders.
Yet, despite their growing responsibilities, they still found themselves accepting invitations to parties they couldn't resist. These parties became their temporary escape from the pressures of their worlds—Lucy's break from the burden of expectations and academic stress, and Natsu's chance to be free from the relentless demands of his coaches and teachers, who were always pushing him to perform better. At these parties, they inevitably ended up drinking, despite Lucy's promises to her mom that she wouldn't do it again.
On Natsu's 18th birthday, his father, Igneel, surprised him with a brand-new car. "It's also an early gift for making it to the Nationals. I can't drive you there myself, kiddo, but we'll be cheering for you on the day of the tournament," Igneel said with a proud grin. Natsu's eyes watered with happiness, realizing why his mother, Grandine, had insisted on him getting his license a few months ago. Hugging his dad tightly, he thanked him for the thoughtful gift.
The very next day, Natsu and Lucy took the car for its first real spin, heading to the outskirts of Magnolia. Lucy had always wanted to see the stars without the haze of city lights, and Natsu was determined to show her a place where the sky stretched clear and endless.
With the windows down and the breeze rushing in, Natsu blasted the stereo, filling the car with music. They sang along, even though Natsu could barely hit a single note. Lucy, on the other hand, sang beautifully. She teases him about his off-key attempts, but she still encouraged him to keep singing with her. As they drove, Natsu casually placed his hand on her thigh, making Lucy blush. She smiled, placing her hand on top of his, fingers gently intertwined.
As they were driving with the sun going down, Lucy glanced at Natsu's hand on her thigh, smiling softly.
"You know, you're terrible at singing," she teased, glancing sideways at him.
Natsu let out a dramatic gasp. "Excuse me! I am a 'musical genius', Luce. Clearly, you just can't appreciate true talent."
Lucy chuckled, giving his hand a playful squeeze. "Oh, is that what this is? Because I'm pretty sure dogs started howling three songs ago."
Natsu laughed, tapping his hand against the steering wheel in mock frustration. "You just wait. One day, I'll be the lead singer of a band, and you'll have to beg for backstage passes."
"Uh-huh," Lucy said, rolling her eyes but grinning. "And I'll be right in the front row, covering my ears."
"Wow, so much support from my own girlfriend," Natsu teased, pretending to be hurt. "I thought you loved me."
"I do," Lucy said, her voice softening a little. "That's why I'm trying to save you from public embarrassment."
They both laughed, and Natsu gently squeezed her thigh again. "Yeah, yeah. But seriously… thanks for singing with me. I know I'm bad, but it's kinda fun when we do it together."
Lucy smiled warmly. "Always. We're a team, right?"
Natsu grinned back at her. "Right. Team terrible-singer-and-beautiful-singer-for-life!"
Lucy snorted, leaning her head back against the seat. "Yeah, okay. I'll take that title."
Natsu winked at her. "Good. And hey, we're almost there!"
Lucy gazed out the window, admiring the sunset as they drove higher into the hills. The city below was bathed in a warm orange glow, and the lights were beginning to flicker on, creating a constellation-like pattern against the dimming sky. It was beautiful, and she couldn't help but feel lucky that her family had moved here from Acalypha. Although Acalypha was peaceful, it had always felt a little lonely and lacked the vibrant energy that Magnolia thrived on.
"We're here," Natsu's voice pulled her from her thoughts, and Lucy realized they had arrived at their destination. They had stumbled upon this spot by accident during their annual hike with friends and family. It was secluded, quiet, and offered the perfect view of the sprawling city below.
Natsu shut off the engine, stepping out of the car before coming around to open her door.
"Such a gentleman," Lucy teased as she took his hand, stepping out into the crisp evening air. "I thought chivalry was dead."
"Oh please," Natsu smirked, extending his hand to help her out of the car. "I can be chivalrous when I want to be. Besides, if I don't treat you right, Erza will kick my butt. Also, Mom and Wendy will have my head and dad will totally bury me alive."
Lucy laughed softly, stepping out and taking his hand. The air was cooler up here, the gentle breeze rustling her hair as they walked a little farther from the car, towards the open clearing. The sky was a beautiful mixture of pinks, oranges, and purples, with the first few stars peeking out as the sun dipped below the horizon.
"This view never gets old," Lucy whispered, her eyes scanning the glowing city below, now a canvas of twinkling lights. It almost seemed like the stars had descended onto Magnolia, mirroring the heavens above.
Natsu wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Yeah, it's amazing. But," he added with a cheeky grin, "not as amazing as you."
Lucy rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. "You're so cheesy sometimes."
"Only for you," he shot back, squeezing her side playfully.
They stood there in comfortable silence for a while, watching the sunset slowly disappear into the night. The peacefulness of the moment was perfect, and for once, there were no distractions—just them and the stars.
"I'm really glad we came here," Lucy finally said, leaning her head against Natsu's shoulder. "You always know how to make things special."
Natsu chuckled, "Well, I figured you deserve something nice. We rarely get to date these days because of our schedules. Plus, I wanna spend time with you."
Lucy giggled, "Yeah, me too."
"I love you, Luce." He pressed a soft kiss to her temple, and they both stood there under the emerging night sky, content in each other's presence.
"I love you too, Natsu."
Later on, they found themselves inside Natsu's car, the windows tinted with fog and slightly rocking in the dim light. Lucy's right hand pressed against the glass, leaving behind handprints like echoes of their shared warmth. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension, each moment stretching into eternity as they exchanged shy smiles.
Natsu leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek, causing a shiver of excitement to run down her spine. With her heart racing, Lucy's left hand found its way to Natsu's thigh, a gesture filled with both innocence and intention.
Outside, the world faded away, leaving just the two of them enveloped in the soft glow of the dashboard lights. The rhythmic rocking of the car matched the growing anticipation between them, an intimate dance that only they could understand. Each laugh and glance felt electric, a silent promise lingering in the air as they shared this secret moment together.
When they were settled and calm, they dressed up and laid on the car's hood, the cool metal contrasting with the warmth radiating from their bodies. Lucy turned her gaze skyward, pointing out constellations, her voice soft and melodic as she recounted the stories her mother had taught her when she was a child.
"Look there," she said, tracing the outline of a cluster of stars. "That's Orion. He's always hunting, always searching for something just beyond his reach."
Natsu followed her finger, entranced not just by the stars but by the way Lucy spoke, her passion illuminating the darkness around them. "You know," she continued, her tone shifting to something more reflective, "the stars are like us. They connect in ways we can't always see. Even when one fades, it doesn't really disappear; it gets reborn, shining again in a different way."
Natsu turned to her, his eyes sparkling with the light of the cosmos above. "So, even if we go through rough patches, we'll always find our way back to each other? Like the stars?"
"Exactly," Lucy replied, her smile warm and reassuring. "No matter what happens, our connection will always remain. Just like those stars up there, we'll always shine, no matter the darkness that surrounds us."
Drinking to young
Way too much fun
Out in the sun
Or in when it's gone
Took you to prom
Dance to our song
Dance all night long
'Til the lights come on
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over Magnolia. Natsu Dragneel stood nervously at the Heartfilia residence, adjusting the collar of his shirt for the umpteenth time. He had finally mustered the courage to take Lucy to prom, and it felt like a monumental moment. He reached up to ring the doorbell, and the chime echoed through the house like a portent of something exciting about to unfold.
The door swung open, revealing Layla Heartfilia, who instantly broke into a radiant smile that made the sun seem dim by comparison. "Natsu! It's so good to see you!" she exclaimed, pulling him into a warm hug.
"Hi, Mrs. Heartfilia!" Natsu replied, feeling his nerves ease slightly.
But as he stepped inside, he was greeted by the more imposing figure of Jude Heartfilia, Lucy's father. Jude was the chief of police in Magnolia, and while his reputation was mostly intimidating, Natsu knew there was a soft heart beneath that serious facade.
"Ah, Natsu," Jude said, his arms crossed and a playful smirk playing on his lips. "Just the young man I wanted to see."
"Uh, hey, Mr. Heartfilia!" Natsu greeted, his throat suddenly dry.
"You do remember our little chat from last time?" Jude's eyebrow raised dramatically, and the room fell silent.
Natsu gulped. "Yeah… the one about keeping Lucy safe?"
"Exactly!" Jude leaned closer, lowering his voice for dramatic effect. "If you ever hurt her, I can make your life a living nightmare. I know all the secret spots for community service!"
"Mr. Heartfilia," Natsu said, his hands raised defensively, "I promise I'll treat her like a queen! I mean, I'd never hurt Lucy. I can't even kill a bug without feeling guilty!"
Jude's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Good! Because I was just about to suggest you spend your Saturday cleaning the police station's public restroom if you messed up!"
Layla, barely containing her laughter, chimed in, "Oh, Jude, let the poor boy be! You know he adores our Lucy. Plus, he did survive the dragon battle, didn't he?"
Natsu nodded vigorously. "See? Dragons? Easy-peasy!"
Jude chuckled, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes. "Just remember, young man. I'll be watching."
"Uh…yeah, totally!" Natsu stammered, already feeling a bead of sweat trickle down his back.
"Now go on! I think Lucy is ready!" Layla urged, waving him toward the staircase.
As he climbed the stairs, Natsu took a deep breath, his heart racing with anticipation. The door to Lucy's room was slightly ajar, and he knocked gently. "Hey, Lucy! You ready?"
"Just a second!" she called back. Natsu waited with bated breath, his mind racing with visions of how amazing she would look.
Finally, the door swung open, and Natsu's breath caught in his throat.
Lucy emerged in a stunning gown that shimmered like a golden goddess descended from the heavens. The light gold fabric hugged her curves perfectly, with delicate sparkles that danced like tiny stars in the evening light. The gown flowed elegantly around her as she moved, and her hair was styled in soft waves, cascading down her shoulders. It was as if she were made of sunlight itself, radiating warmth and beauty.
"Wow, Lucy! You look… incredible!" Natsu said, his eyes wide in awe.
"Thanks, Natsu!" she said, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "You don't look too bad yourself!"
"I'm just glad I didn't end up looking like a clown!" he exclaimed, playfully adjusting his own outfit, which was still slightly wrinkled from being crammed into the back seat of his car.
Just then, Layla burst into the hallway, her camera at the ready. "Okay, you two! Smile for the picture!"
Natsu immediately threw up a goofy peace sign, while Lucy posed gracefully beside him. "Cheese!" Layla said, snapping the photo just as Natsu's expression turned into a silly grin.
"Perfect! You both look adorable!" Layla declared, inspecting the photo. "I can already hear the wedding bells!"
"Mom!" Lucy groaned, her face burning.
Jude poked his head out of the bedroom door, his serious demeanor returning. "Just remember, Natsu, if you mess up, there's no wedding to plan."
"Got it, Mr. Heartfilia! I'll take excellent care of her!" Natsu promised, feeling like a deer in headlights.
"Alright, you two, get going! You don't want to be late for prom!" Layla urged, waving them off.
With a final reassuring smile from Lucy, Natsu led her down the stairs and out the door, feeling the weight of the world lift off his shoulders.
The gym at Magnolia High was transformed into a magical wonderland, twinkling lights draped everywhere, and the unmistakable hum of excitement filled the air. Senior Prom was really something. Natsu and Lucy stepped inside, and he couldn't help but grab her hand, feeling a surge of pride to have her by his side.
"Wow, it's like a fairy tale in here!" Lucy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she took in the decorations.
"Just wait until you see me dance! It'll be like the grand finale of a fireworks show!" Natsu jokes, puffing out his chest confidently.
"Sure, if by 'fireworks' you mean a series of unfortunate events," she teased back, chuckling.
They made their way to their circle of friends, where Gray was trying to put a distance between him and Juvia, while Gajeel and Levy stood nearby, the tension between them palpable.
"Look who finally decided to grace us with their presence!" Gray called, rolling his eyes dramatically. "You're late, Dragneel! What were you doing, getting ready for a beauty pageant?"
"Hey! I'll have you know, I'm the reigning champion of looking awesome!" Natsu shot back, striking a pose.
"More like the reigning champion of looking ridiculous!" Gray retorted, trying to suppress a laugh.
Lucy giggled, shaking her head at their antics. "You two are hopeless!"
Meanwhile, Gajeel leaned toward Levy, who was chatting animatedly with Erza. "You look nice tonight, Levy," he said, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
"Thanks, Gajeel!" Levy replied, a bright smile lighting up her face. "You look pretty good too!"
Gajeel blushed slightly, clearly flustered. "Yeah, well, I've been working on my looks. Not that I'm trying to impress anyone or anything!"
Levy chuckled, her cheeks rosy as she nudged him playfully. "Uh-huh, sure!"
Natsu watched the exchange with an amused grin. "Seems like we've got a love story brewing over here!" he nudged Lucy.
"Maybe! I think they'd be cute together!" she whispered back, watching as Gajeel tried to act nonchalant, failing miserably.
"Not as cute as us, though!" Natsu declared, puffing his chest out again, and Lucy couldn't help but roll her eyes.
"Definitely not!" she laughed.
As the music shifted to an upbeat song, Natsu grabbed Lucy's hand, pulling her onto the dance floor. "This is our song! Let's show them how it's done!"
They moved to the rhythm, dancing freely and enjoying every moment. Natsu twirled Lucy around, her laughter echoing in his ears. The energy of the crowd surrounded them, but at that moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the room.
After a few songs, the DJ announced a partner-switching dance. "Alright, everyone! Switch partners!" he shouted, and the crowd erupted in excitement.
Natsu found himself dancing with Juvia, while Gray danced with Lucy. "So, did he ask you out?" Natsu asked Juvia, trying to break the ice.
"It was Juvia who asked my lovely Gray to prom. But I'm okay with it, he accepted Juvia's proposal and that's all that matters." Juvia gushed, twirling around dramatically.
"Don't worry, the guy likes you, Juvia. He's just really stubborn" Natsu said, chuckling as they continued to dance and talk about small things.
Across the floor, Gray was clearly struggling to keep pace with Lucy's graceful movements. "How do you manage to look good while dancing?" he grumbled, almost tripping over his own feet.
"Practice, Gray! Just like I practice being better than you!" Lucy teased, flashing him a bright smile.
After a few moments of laughter and shuffling, the DJ announced another switch, and soon enough, Natsu and Lucy found their way back to each other.
As the music slowed down, the atmosphere shifted, becoming softer and more romantic. Natsu gazed into Lucy's eyes, his heart pounding in his chest. "Lucy," he whispered, pulling her closer, "I've wanted to tell you something all night."
"What is it?" she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"I love you," he declared, his voice steady and full of sincerity. "You make every moment so much better. I couldn't imagine this night without you."
Her heart soared, and she smiled, her cheeks flushing. "I love you too, Natsu! You always know how to make me feel special."
As the music pulsed and laughter echoed through the gymnasium, Natsu and Lucy danced under the shimmering lights, lost in each other's world. The air was filled with excitement, but little did they know, things were about to take a wild turn.
Earlier in the evening, a group of mischievous students decided to spike the punch with a potent mix of alcohol, turning the elegant prom into a boisterous party. By the time the third song began, the effects of the spiked drinks were starting to take hold.
"Hey, Natsu! Let's get some punch!" Lucy suggested, her laughter infectious as she tugged at his hand.
"Only if it's the 'good stuff!'" Natsu replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief. They made their way to the punch bowl, where a group of their classmates were already gathered, cups in hand and laughter spilling over.
"Hey, you two! You gotta try this!" one of the students shouted, raising a cup filled with a bright red liquid. "It's amazing! Just a little taste of heaven!"
"Uh, is it spiked?" Lucy asked, a playful smile on her face as she eyed the drink suspiciously.
"Not at all! Just a little party fuel!" the student replied, winking at them.
With a shared glance and a shrug, Natsu and Lucy grabbed their own cups, taking big gulps of the sweet, tangy punch. "This is actually really good!" Natsu exclaimed, grinning widely as he refilled his cup.
Meanwhile, across the room, Erza—normally the epitome of poise and discipline as the school president—was now dancing with wild abandon, her usually composed demeanor fading under the influence of the spiked punch. Her friends watched in awe and amusement as she spun around, her red hair flying, laughter bubbling out of her.
"Look at Erza go!" Levy shouted, pointing at the sight of their friend attempting to do the worm on the dance floor. "Is she serious?"
"She's definitely having a blast!" Gajeel chuckled, his eyes wide with surprise.
"Someone should keep an eye on her," Gray said, smirking. "I think she's going to need a ride home."
Just then, Jellal, Erza's long-time crush, stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "I'll make sure she gets home safely," he said, shaking his head with a smile. He navigated through the crowd, ready to take charge of the situation.
Meanwhile, Lucy and Natsu continued to drink and dance, the alcohol making them feel light and carefree. Natsu pulled Lucy close, swaying with her, and laughing at how silly everything felt.
"Dancing like this is amazing!" Natsu said, trying to balance as the floor seemed to tilt slightly beneath him. "Who knew prom would be this fun?"
"I know, right? It's like a celebration of… being young!" Lucy giggled, her cheeks flushed from the warmth of the punch and excitement. "We should do this more often!"
"Absolutely!" Natsu agreed, taking another sip from his cup. "But maybe we should keep an eye on what we drink next time…"
As the night progressed, the gym became a whirlwind of laughter, dancing, and random antics. Students were trading partners, and the energy was contagious. Natsu and Lucy found themselves back at the punch bowl, trying to fill their cups again when the lights flickered.
"Uh-oh, someone's getting a little tipsy!" Lucy teased, poking Natsu in the ribs.
"Me? Nah!" Natsu retorted, swaying slightly. "I'm just… practicing my balance!"
Just then, the lights flickered again, and the DJ switched to a slow song, but the chaos continued. People were laughing and pushing each other playfully.
"Natsu, I think we should find somewhere quieter," Lucy suggested, her voice slightly slurred, but her eyes sparkled with mischief.
Natsu grinned, "You read my mind! Let's find a secret hideout!"
They stumbled through the halls of the school, giggling as they dodged groups of students and found an empty classroom. Natsu pushed the door open, and they both tumbled inside, the door clicking shut behind them.
"Wow, this place is... cozy," Lucy said, looking around the dimly lit room. Desks were pushed aside, and a soft glow from the window illuminated the space.
"Perfect for a secret party!" Natsu declared, plopping down onto one of the desks, pulling Lucy down beside him.
Lucy laughed, her heart racing as they sat close. "Do you think anyone will find us here?"
"Who cares? We're having our own party!" Natsu replied, leaning closer.
The atmosphere in the classroom shifted, their giggles quieting down as they found themselves lost in each other's gaze.
"Just to clarify," Lucy said, a teasing smile on her lips, "I'm not responsible for anything that happens after this punch!"
"Same here!" Natsu chuckled, leaning in a bit more, their foreheads nearly touching.
In a moment of spontaneity, Natsu reached out, grabbing Lucy's hand and squeezing it. "You're really amazing, you know that? I'm so glad we're here together."
Lucy felt her cheeks heat up, both from the alcohol and the sincerity in his voice. "You're pretty amazing too, Natsu. I can't imagine doing this with anyone else."
Their laughter faded, replaced by a comfortable silence filled with unspoken feelings. Natsu's heart raced as he leaned in closer, their breaths mingling.
"Natsu…" Lucy whispered, her voice barely above a breath, "Are we really doing this?"
"Only if you want to," he replied, searching her eyes for confirmation.
With a nod and a shy smile, Lucy leaned forward, and their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss. The warmth of the moment enveloped them as they melted into each other.
Natsu wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss as the world outside faded away. Everything felt right, like this was where they were meant to be.
In the distance, muffled laughter and music could still be heard from the prom, but inside the classroom, time stood still. Natsu and Lucy were lost in their own little universe, the spark of young love igniting like a firework.
Outside the classroom, Erza was finally winding down, her laughter echoing through the halls as Jellal tried to keep her steady. "You're not going to fall, are you?" he asked, trying to maintain his balance as they walked.
"Only if you stop being my knight in shining armor!" she joked, a silly grin on her face.
As they passed the classroom, Erza caught a glimpse of Natsu and Lucy through the window, their silhouettes pressed together. Her mouth dropped open, a look of surprise crossing her face. "Is that…?"
Jellal looked where she was pointing, and a smirk crept onto his lips. "Looks like they're having their own little prom after-party."
"Should we interrupt them?" Erza asked, her voice laced with mischief.
Jellal shook his head, still smiling. "Nah, let them have their moment. We can't ruin their fun."
With that, they continued down the hall, leaving Natsu and Lucy in their little sanctuary, unaware of the world outside, focused only on each other and the warmth of young love.
As Natsu and Lucy pulled apart, their faces still close, both knew that this moment, this night, would be one they would always cherish—a wild prom turned unforgettable party, all thanks to a little spiked punch.