Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Should this fanfic ever see the light of day on the great world wide web, I would like to say a few things: First, I DO NOT own Fairy Tail nor its plot nor its characters nor have I ever said nor have I ever claimed to own it (queue Bryce Hall speech after getting his ass beat by Austin McBroom). Secondly, this is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the original fanfiction that inspired me to write this story.

Picture this: the author, yours truly, is sitting on the bus going at the ripe age of 11 or 12, and after an eternity of searching on fanfiction.net you come across it . The most beautiful fanfiction you’ve ever laid your eyes upon, a true work of art. It gorgeously takes you through Lucy Heartfilia growing up with Natsu Dragneel in an AU and it’s spectacular. The right amount of angst and character background to become wholly attached to the author’s version of the characters and then, the most earth-shattering thing happens, the author stops updating the fanfic.

After August 17th, 2017, the author of That Unrequited Childhood Love never updated the fanfic again. Fairy Tail was the first anime I had watched back in elementary school so to say I was devastated was a slight understatement. I was recommending this fanfic to everyone and their mama. My cousins that first introduced me to the show, I put them on. My friends that had already watched the show, I put them on. My friends that had never even seen a single episode of an anime before? I made them watch Fairy Tail and then told them to read the fanfiction (to be fair this was when Fairy Tail still had under 200 episodes). I checked the site every few days for months to see if it was updated because in their notes the author stated that they’d return when they found the avatar and regained their honor. It’s been seven years. Zuko regained his honor in three. Like how hard can it be for someone to regain their honor? 

Regardless, I was peeved because, during the height of the love triangle, the author posted a poll as to who the readers wanted Lucy to end up with: Natsu or her OC.  The LOSERS that read their story won the poll for Lucy to end up with Natsu. I was pissed. I fell in love with her OC so I went to the only logical place I knew to continue her story, Wattpad. I had made it about three chapters in and then got caught up in whatever middle school drama I was involved in and ended up forgetting about the story altogether. From what I remember, the story did fairly well. I believe it ended up at #2 or #3 in the ‘Fairy Tail’ and ‘Nalu’ tags on the site and at my age, that was a pretty big fucking deal. I thought I was the shit. And for all intents and purposes, I was. That meant I was up there with some of my favorite Nalu fanfics like Geeks Game and The Contract . Looking back, my work as a middle schooler was absolutely horrendous. It’s a true wonder that I got any amount of support from that atrocity. The other two aforementioned fanfictions were also not the best structure-wise so maybe it was peak writing for that era. (THAT IS MY OPINION AND MINE ONLY PLEASE DON'T CANCEL ME.)

After reminiscing with one of my dear friends about our childhood and early days watching anime, I remembered the fanfic I wrote seven years ago and after getting bullied by them I am here almost seven years later, to atone for the sins I committed by writing that fanfiction. The source material is around 35 chapters but the chapters aren’t that long, and I plan on keeping the same general storyline written by InLoveWithFairyTail, but I plan on delving a little bit deeper into the characters’ backstories. The original work was in first-person perspective and followed mostly Lucy, but I’m still unsure as to whether or not I’ll entirely follow this. 

I would also like to mention that I got about halfway through the second chapter when I realized that the Japanese academic calendar is vastly different to the one that's in most American school systems. If you don't know, in America we, for the most part, have roughly two semesters. The first semester is generally from August or September to December (excluding Thanksgiving break) and the the second semester is from January to May or June (excluding Spring Break). The Japanese academic calendar (from what I researched) has the year go from April to March the following year. It starts in April and then ends mid-July and then starts again from the end of August to Late December and then from January to March. Not only was this severely confusing for my brain to comprehend at four in the morning but it also made me realize half of what I wanted to happen simply couldn't because of how the breaks were structured. So, I decided to make my own academic calendar. The schooling structure itself will still model the Japanese one (i.e how the grade levels work), but I've decided to make the academic calendar a slight mix of the two school systems so I sincerely apologize if that gets confusing.

So sorry for my incessant yapping and if you’ve made it this far I could kiss you right now for making it through all that. Without further ado, I present The Universe is Infinite (I Thought We Were Too)!

Chapter Text

She stood at the edge of her twin bed staring into the mirror. Shoulder-length light blonde hair brushed and pulled back into a ponytail she had fussed over not getting twenty minutes prior. She tugged at the disgustingly frilly pink dress her mother insisted she wear, tears welling up in her eyes from how it scratched at the back of her neck and the top of her stomach. What if she pretended to be sick? She saw people on TV do it all the time, how hard-

“Lucy, let’s get moving please! ” The shrill of her mother’s voice came from downstairs. With a huff, she dragged her feet out of her room and down the stairs to the foyer where her parents stood. Her mother stared her down, sundress-clad, carrying a tray of cookies, impatiently tapping her sandal against the hardwood floor. “What have you been doing for the past fifteen minutes, Lucy?”

I still have time, she mused. Bringing her elbow to cover her mouth, she tried her best to fake a cough, “I don’t feel well,” she croaked, hunching over to sell it as best as possible.

“Put on your shoes and let’s go please,” the older woman hissed through her clenched teeth, “You’ve already made us late.”

“But Mom, it’s Dad’s friend, why do I have to come too,” Lucy complained as her parents ushered her out the door and across the lawn. Lucy’s mood soured as she walked out into the suffocating humidity of the mid-summer air.

“He and his son just moved here, we need to show some hospitality,” her father replied. Lucy frowned. Not only because she didn’t know what hospitality meant, but she couldn’t figure out what on earth it had to do with her. She huffed as she watched her father ring the doorbell. Some minutes later the front door swung and a tall, scruffy man in his mid-thirties stood in the foyer. He had an unshaven face and sleepy, annoyed eyes that widened at the sight of the people before him.

“Jude! Layla” The unkempt man hollered, grabbing both their shoulders.

“It’s been a while, Igneel,” Her father managed to choke out. Finally pulling away, Igneel glanced down at Lucy and his face broke out into a grin, “You must be Lucy, I have someone for you to-” His sentence was cut off by a crash somewhere deep inside the house.

“Natsu! If that’s what I think it is I am going to wring your neck,” He turned back, ushering them inside. At the end of the entry hall, a small head popped out with a guilty smile plastered on his face. Lucy audibly gasped,

“Your hair’s pink!”

Natsu’s eyebrows furrowed, “Um, no... It’s salmon ” Lucy’s eyes narrowed. It most certainly was NOT salmon. 

“Is not!” She retorted.

“Is too!”

“Is not!”

“Is not,”

“Is too!”

“Ha!” Lucy exclaimed, “You just admitted that your hair isn’t salmon!”

“But you also just said it was!”

Lucy groaned, “That was so you’d admit that your hair is pink, doofus. No one describes their hair color as salmon.”

“Okay, that’s enough, Lucy,” Layla interjected just as Natsu opened his mouth to counter Lucy’s snide remark.

“Sorry about the vase,” he apologized, turning to his father. “I was trying to throw a curveball against the wall.”

“Right, and you thought the kitchen was the best place to try baseball,” Igneel stated in a fixed tone, narrowing his eyes. All his son could do was shrug.

“Well I would’ve had someone to play with, but you brought a girl instead,” 

Lucy sneered, “Me being a girl has nothing to do with that. I bet I could throw farther than you without even trying,” 

At first, Natsu said nothing, face indicating he was thinking hard. Then, he spoke, “You better not be lying because I need people for my team, um.” His sentence cut short, having already forgotten her name.

“It’s Lucy,” She paused, noting his contradiction, “I thought you just said you have no one to throw with. What team?”

“Well Luigi, I don’t have a team right now, but I will have one eventually ,” Natsu stated matter-of-factly. 

“It’s Lucy, flamehead. L-U-C-Y,” She spelt out. 

“Whatever, it’s the same thing. We need to go practice now if you want to be nearly as good as I am,” Lucy couldn’t stop herself from rolling her eyes. “You need to change though,” He started again, looking her up and down, “I don’t know what you’re wearing, but that’s not gonna work.”

She knew she should’ve changed. Lucy turned back to her parents, silently asking if she could go with the boy, grasping at any opportunity to get out of sitting around while the adults talked. After receiving a weary nod from her father, she grabbed Natsu’s arm and ran back out the front door to her house.

“You need to work on your fielding, Luce,” Natsu scolded as they walked back home from the community park. “You’re taller than all of us, we easily could’ve won if you caught the ball before it dropped.” 

Lucy huffed, puffing her outgrown bangs into her baseball cap, wooden bat dragging beside her on the concrete sidewalk, “My height has nothing to do with this, Natsu. You were pitcher, the ball came right at you, you could’ve caught it instead of moving out the way,”

Two months had passed since the two first met. Staying true to his word, Natsu formed a team of sorts to play baseball by heckling the other boys in the neighborhood until they conceded. They only had enough people for one and a half teams by official standards, but they made it work. Lucy was always on the center field and always on Natsu’s team. Always. Natsu made it clear that his job as the pitcher was final and although they never got along, Gray was his catcher. As September drew near, marking the start of the new term, their baseball-filled days lessened as well as Lucy’s interest in the sport. 

Sure, it was fun to spend time with her friend and the other kids in the neighborhood, but the more she showed up with Natsu, the more the teasing happened. At first, it was just the snickering when he first showed her how to bat, but over the two months, it turned into the boys around them solely referring to Lucy as Natsu’s girlfriend. Today was no different. As Natsu was running back to catch the ball, he ran square into Lucy, causing them to topple. The boys had gathered around them mockingly cooing. Gray and Loke had turned to one another, pretending to kiss. It wouldn’t have bothered Lucy as much as it did if Natsu didn’t seem so utterly disgusted with the comments. He had immediately peeled himself off of Lucy, yelling some iteration of how gross it was, and walked off, not even bothering to help her up. Lucy stopped walking; what was so wrong about that idea? The thought left a sour taste in her mouth and Lucy found herself suddenly very annoyed, she sighed again and looked up at the sky, this time noticing the angry clouds forming above them.

“Natsu, we need to hurry back, it looks like it’s gonna rain,” 

Natsu stopped and turned back, finally realizing that Lucy was no longer walking in step with him back to their neighborhood. Without looking up he responded, “No it’s not, we’ll be fine,”

“You didn't even look up! How could you even know?” She questioned.

“I’m almost seven, and I’m older than you,” He stated obviously. “So I’m always right.”

Lucy scoffed, “You’re so stupid. I’m only two months younger than you and besides, that doesn’t even make sense,” With that, she stomped past Natsu, baseball bat still scraping against the sidewalk. Natsu could stay and get wet for all she cared, she was not going to be the one to get sick from the rain.

⥈↭⥈

“Lucyyyy,” Came the whine of Natsu’s voice scratchily later that night through the tin can that lay on the floor of Lucy’s room by her window. After establishing each other as best friends and looking through multiple YouTube tutorials, the two made a tin can telephone so they could talk as much as they wanted. When she didn’t respond he called out to her again, though this time making sure to annoy her enough to answer. She snatched the can off the ground, her mood souring again.

“What do you want,”

“Why are you so annoyed with me, Luce,” She frowned. Natsu hadn’t done anything directly to her to warrant this behavior. 

“Why do you always get so angry when they call me your girlfriend?” She finally managed to ask. At first, there was silence on the other end of the can.

“Because you’re not and you never will be,” He said at last, “I just don’t see you like that” Disappointment washed over Lucy, the reason unknown to her.

“But then how else are we going to stick together forever,”

“Lucy. You don’t have to be dating to stay together, we’re best friends. Besides, dating is for losers.”

“You promise?”

“Huh? Of course, who would wanna date girls, I don’t know what diseases they carry and-”

“No, Natsu, do you promise that we’ll stick together forever,”

“Yes Luce,” He exasperated, “We’ll stay together,” A smile crossed Lucy’s face. In a much better mood, she wished Natsu a good night and slipped under the covers of her bed before her mother came upstairs and berated her for staying up late.

⥈↭⥈

“He does realize he has his own home, right?” Jude wondered out loud. School was starting the next day and this was the fourth consecutive day Natsu had stayed over. The Heartfilia living room had long since been taken over by the “fort” he and Lucy constructed on the second day of his stay. They had spent most of their time reenacting the Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader fight from The Empire Strikes Back , kitchen spatulas as their lightsabers. After listening to Natsu, acting as Luke, scream in agony after Darth Vader, Lucy, cut off his hand for the umpteenth time, the head of the Heartfilia household finally heard enough.

“Oh for the love of God. Please . Do something – anything – that doesn’t involve you two doing that, here. ”

Lucy sighed, muttering a “fine”, jumping down from the kitchen island. Natsu got up from his spot on the floor, no longer clutching his right hand. The two silently made their way out the front door and out to their bikes that lay scattered on the front lawn. It was an unusually hot day for the first day of September, the sun angrily beat down on their backs as soon as they stepped outside. Their small neighborhood was silent save for the cicadas; no one wanted to brave the heat wave. As they got on their bikes, Lucy tried her hardest to hold back her complaints about the loss of the sweet air conditioning inside her house.

“Luce, do you have money?” 

“Why on earth would I have money on me,” Lucy raised her eyebrow, stuffing her hands into her basketball shorts. Grabbing the bottom of the pockets, she tugged at them, turning them inside out.

“There’s a convenience store like a minute away from here that my dad and I go to and I wanted ice cream,” Natsu responded like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“So then why don’t you go get money?”

“I don’t have any, that’s why I asked you. Duh!”

“Let’s just go to your house instead,”

Natsu frowned, “Why do you think I’ve been at your house almost a week? Our AC isn’t working,”

“Ugh,” Lucy groaned, “Let’s just go to the store then so we don’t melt out here,”

That day, Lucy learned a very valuable lesson: never trust Natsu Dragneel with directions. As terrible as most seven-year-olds would be, Natsu somehow managed to be below that bar in terms of navigation. Twelve wrong turns and nearly thirty minutes later, the two finally made it to the small, cramped store drenched in sweat from the journey.

“Natsu, don’t touch me, I’m sticking to you!” Lucy griped, “How could you forget where we were going so many times?!”

“It’s not my fault most of these streets look the same,” Natsu picked at his nose, ignoring Lucy’s noisy complaints, basking in the AC.

“We don’t even have money to buy anything and I’m so thirsty,” Lucy stared at the clear freezer case at the back of the store, mouth watering at the sight of the ice cream trapped behind it.

“You can take one and I won’t charge ya,” Lucy turned around to find the owner of the voice. Behind the counter was a frail old man in his mid-sixties. Her face broke out into a smile. Bowing slightly, she turned to Natsu’s direction to drag him back to the freezers. 

Grabbing two Choco Tacos, Lucy walked up to the counter to thank the old man. Mounted on the wall behind him was a Sony Trinitron KV-13TR27. The pixels on the video playing gave it a slight yellow and pink hue. But that wasn’t what caught Lucy’s attention. No, it was the content playing that made her stop. A woman stood on grass behind a thick white line, left of another smaller, thicker line that lay perpendicular to the first line. She looked down, staring at three yellow balls in one hand. The camera panned to a suited woman seated on a high chair.

“Forty – Love, match point,” The woman on the screen called into a small microphone.

Lucy turned to the man behind the counter, “What is that?” She asked, taking a bite of her ice cream and pointing to the TV.

“That?” He smiled, “That’s a sport called tennis and that woman up there is one point away from winning Wimbledon.” Tennis. Lucy’s father often went to play tennis with some of his friends from high school but she never actually knew what it was.

Cheers erupted from the small box TV as the woman Lucy saw previously holding the tennis balls threw her racquet in the air.

“Game, set, and match. Williams defeated Zvonareva 6–3, 6–2.” The woman in the high chair called out.

“She just earned almost two hundred million yen,” the clerk pointed to the TV, “That woman – Serena Williams – is one of six women in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam.” Lucy was entranced. This sport, she needed to be like that woman on the screen holding that trophy. NO. She needed to be better.

⥈↭⥈

Later that night Lucy and Natsu sat on the lower-pitched area of her roof outside her bedroom window. It was Natsu’s idea. Lucy’s father was watching the news when they returned from the corner store, ‘Meteor Showers’ was the headline. After nagging her relentlessly, claiming ‘first-day-jitters’, she caved and helped him remove the mesh net that sat behind the window. Natsu grabbed her hand and as he helped her out the window her stomach did somersaults. The absence of the sun made the nights significantly cooler and easier to manage. Lucy grabbed a thin blanket with her and spread it to cover both her and Natsu. When she settled down next to him he grabbed onto her arm.

“We need to stick close ya know,” He grinned, “You’re kinda clumsy and it would be bad for both of us if you fell,”

“Natsu, that doesn’t even make sense. If you’re holding onto me and I fall, we both go down together,”

“Um, no. You see these guns?” Natsu let go momentarily to flex, “You’re not going anywhere with these bad boys,”
“You’re stupid,”

“Shhhh, I’m trying to watch the falling stars if you don’t mind,” 

“That’s not even the proper term, stars don’t fa-” 

“Lucy! Lucy! There’s one right there!” He pulled Lucy closer, covering both their eyes, “Make a wish! Quickly!”

“Okay, okay,” Lucy squeezed her eyes shut and tried to think of a wish. 

“What’d ya wish for?” He asked after a couple of seconds.

“You idiot wishes don’t work like that,” She shoved him away, standing up, “It won’t come true if I tell you.”

“But I’m your best friend, that has to count for something,” his eyebrows furrowed as he followed her back inside through her window, “If I tell you what mine was, will you tell me yours?” 

“I want my wish to come true Natsu, I can’t tell you. Come on, get in your cot and sleep before Mom and Dad come back and get angry for us being up so late,”

Natsu sighed, “‘Night, Luce,”

“Goodnight, Natsu,” she replied as she reached over to her nightstand to turn off her lamp, leaving the stars and the moon from the window to illuminate the room.

Chapter Text

“Bye, Mom! I’m gonna walk to school with Natsu!” Lucy called out, hopping to the front door and pulling her shoe on.

“‘Going to’, Lucy. ‘Gonna’ isn’t proper,” Layla called out, “Don’t forget, you have tennis after school at the junior high. Don’t be late, again.,”

Out the door, she turned to look at Natsu’s house. There didn’t seem to be any movement inside. If there was anything Lucy had learned over the years it was that the men in the Dragneel household rarely woke up before 10 A.M, even on weekdays. Sighing, she made her way over to their front door. Before she could raise her fist to knock on the front door, it swung open. In the middle of the door frame was Natsu, hair sticking out haphazardly, sheet creases indented on his face, eyes wild with adrenaline. Locking eyes with Lucy his gaze softened and he smiled. Nastu’s wild, crooked grin was incredibly hard to resist. 

So Lucy gave up trying to.

“Hi Luce, I overslept again,” He informed, trying to fix his hair. 

“When do you ever wake up on time,” She responded, earning a snicker. They walked in step down the sidewalk, the mid-December wind nipping at Lucy’s cheeks. They were six months away from entering junior high. Their usual mornings to school were filled with Natsu challenging Lucy about who she thought would win amongst the DC and Marvel characters in a fight. They could never fully agree. But the walks had been different the last few weeks. Today’s walk was silent, it was almost suffocating.

Natsu had changed. He had been the same Natsu for the last three years, but his behavior had changed. He no longer spent his weekends at Lucy’s house holed up in their blanket fort that occupied most of the living room watching Iron Man for the umpteenth time, instead opting to go play baseball with the other boys in their friend group. He invited her over less, no longer wanting to trade his manga with hers, claiming he had no interest in her shoujo manga despite them both knowing her collection consisted of all the shounen he liked. 

“The two girls who were supposed to be on clean-up today in the classroom and locker rooms with me and Levy keep bailing, so we’ll probably end up doing the whole thing by ourselves again,” Lucy rambled, desperately trying to break the silence, “I also can’t come with you and the guys to the arcade. I’m practicing with the junior high team after I’m done cleaning up with Levy so much so you don’t have to worry about waiting up for me. It’s pretty nerve-wracking ya know? They’re so much older than me, what if they don’t take me seriously? What if-”

“Luce,” He interrupted, staring at her incredulously as they made their way through the school gates, “You don’t have to overexplain yourself. You’re busy, I get it. Besides, not hanging out could be a good thing,”

Lucy stopped, scowling, “What do you mean by that ?”

Before Natsu could answer, Gray popped up behind the two of them.

“Good morning love birds,”

“Ugh, gross! ” Natsu exclaimed pretending to gag, shoving Gray off of him, “It’s twenty degrees outside you icicle, why don’t you have a coat on.”

“I’m too sexy to feel the cold,” He wiggled his eyebrows. It was Lucy’s turn to gag.

“I’ve had enough of this conversation. I’ll see you two in class,” She shoved them off and sped ahead inside the building. 

⥈↭⥈

“Are you sure Natsu doesn’t like you?”

It was a question Lucy had started getting used to. Raging preteen hormones had most of the girls not only in Lucy’s class, but most of her grade, fawning over her friend. She had been eating lunch in the classroom with Levy and Erza at her desk when a group of girls approached them, interrupting their crucial conversation about which Monster High boyfriend was the best. Lucy was trying her best to stifle a groan; she ultimately failed.

“No,” She stated, trying to mask the slight disappointment that momentarily washed over, “No he does not so please, stop asking me.” 

“But he walks you home every day, even when you both have sports,”

“We live right next to each other, of course we go to and from school together,” Lucy had decided she had enough of this conversation, “If you like him, please feel free to tell him, he’s all yours.” She turned back to Erza, opening her mouth to tell the redhead that she was insane for even thinking Gillington Webber was the right answer – it’s obviously Clawd Wolf – when the second question came.

“But don’t you like him?” Lucy stopped, eyes briefly going wide. She shared a glance at her two friends before turning her head to look out the window and into the courtyard where Natsu was throwing his baseball around with his friends, winter coats scattered on the benches. As if he sensed her, Natsu looked up and grinned, cheeks rosy and wind flowing through his hair. Lucy felt like she was in some cheesy rom-com. 

“No,” She said at last. She prayed that was enough to get them to leave her alone.

“Why’d you take so long to answer,” The voice belonged to a girl sitting clear across the room. Of course it wasn’t enough. Just how many people were listening to this conversation? Lucy sighed. Why did she take so long? She didn’t know what to say. Should she have said the truth? Or was lying the right decision? Lucy was raised by good, honest people but in that moment, telling the truth seemed hard – no – it was impossible. But why was it impossible to tell the truth? Telling the truth would no doubt push Natsu further away and she was already starting to stare at his back. Lucy had deluded herself these past months into thinking that her disappointment every time Natsu canceled their plans was solely because they were friends. 

She deluded herself into thinking that every single time that Natsu told her he had a new girlfriend her annoyance was because he would ditch her to walk the girl home. She had deluded herself into thinking what she felt was anything other than raw jealousy. Jealousy that was directed towards the girls that took up Natsu’s time. She wasn’t stupid, she knew – even Natsu knew – that his girlfriends weren’t serious. They were eleven for crying out loud, nothing was serious at their age. Natsu admitted to her that he would accept their confessions because it was easier to concede rather than reject them and see them cry (Natsu was never good at handling other people’s emotions). She wasn’t stupid, but it still didn’t stop her chest from feeling tight and her stomach from turning upside down. 

Lucy was in trouble.

⥈↭⥈

“Lu, what are you gonna do?” Levy asked, sweeping the last of the dust into the pan before dumping it in the trash can. Lucy stopped clearing the chalkboard to turn around to look at her blue-haired friend.

“About what exactly,”

“Don’t be a smart-ass, I’m talking about Natsu,” Levy rolled her eyes, “I honestly don’t even know how you didn’t know you had feelings for him, I knew and I’m barely around you two together.”

“There’s nothing to do, Levy,” Lucy walked over to the window to clap the multicolored dust from the chalkboard eraser, “I’m not putting our friendship on the line for a crush I have. Our parents are friends and have been since before we were born, do you know how awkward it would be if I did that?” placing the erasers in their holder, she went back to her desk to grab her backpack.

“That’s really boring. Lu, you have the chance to go to junior high with a boyfriend and you don’t want to because you’re scared of admitting you have feelings,”

“I am not scared. You can’t be scared of something like that when it isn’t true,” Lucy scoffed, making her way out of the classroom with Levy in front of her, “And you’re the last person who should ever tell me that. I’ll remind you that you still haven’t said a word to Gajeel.”

“Shush up, he’s still here with his friends on classroom duty,”

“Then why don’t we go pay him a little visit,” Lucy grinned, wiggling her eyebrows”  She grabbed Levy’s hand, dragging her down to Gajeel’s classroom. If Lucy was being honest with herself, she couldn’t see what Levy saw in the boy no matter how hard she tried. Levy and Lucy were quite similar in that although they were both opinionated, they were mostly quiet. They liked the same music, the same books, and were both equally obsessed with Yamato in Say I Love You so when Levy confessed that she had feelings for Gajeel Redfox, she was more than slightly shocked. The aforementioned boy was tall, brute, and overtly crude for someone their age. He never wore anything other than black and only listened to heavy metal. Regardless, Lucy was just happy that Levy was happy.

The school was mostly empty as they ran down the hall. The only stragglers were the ones who also had to clean up the classrooms. As they neared their destination, they slowed to a walk.

“I have tennis pretty soon so I’m gonna – going to – have to leave you alone with Gajeel,” Levy gave the blonde a sideways glance. Lucy giggled, “I know, I know, it’s absolutely tragic . But I was late last time and my mom almost yelled my head off, she’ll be even more upset if I’m late this time because I’m practicing with the junior high team today.”

“I didn’t realize you were such a good tennis player, Lu!” Levy marveled, “This is even better, an athletic couple,”

“Levy. We were talking about you and Gajeel, not me!”

“I’m sorry, you just make it so easy,”

“No, I don’t, you’re just delusional. There nothing nor will there ever be something between me and Na-”

The door to the classroom was ajar, the late afternoon sun seeped out into the hall through the opening. Inside, Gajeel’s laugh was loud and antagonistic, but that wasn’t what made Lucy stop dead in her tracks. It was Natsu’s voice as well. Levy knocked straight into her back.

“Lucy! Why’d y-” Lucy covered the bluenette’s mouth with her hand while using the other to put her finger to her lips, signaling her to shush . She pointed to the room and cupped her hand behind her ear.

“Stop, did you hear something,”

“Nah, Gray, you’re just too paranoid,” That was undeniably Natsu Dragneel’s voice. They were supposed to be at the arcade by now. Cautiously, they both peered into the room. Natsu sat at a desk with a paper and pen out in front of him.

“I swear I heard something outside,” Gray sat on top of the table in front of Natsu, shirt mysteriously gone.

“Who are we adding next after her?” Natsu asked, gnawing at the eraser on the pencil.

“Well, who do we have so far?” Loke inquired, picking up Natsu’s paper.

“First is Ultear-”

“Gross!,” Gray immediately interjected, “Why’s my sister first?!”

Droy scoffed, “Have you seen her chest? Why wouldn’t she be ranked first” Gray looked at him incredulously and gagged.

“Those idiots are ranking the girls,” Levy muttered in disgust, disbelief plastered on her face. As much as Lucy didn’t want the list to go on, she couldn’t bring herself to move.

Rolling his eyes, Natsu continued, “Then it’s Mavis, Irene, Erza-”

“Of course Jellal would put the scariest girl in our grade at four,” Gajeel chided.

“ – Levy-”

“And I’m the biased one?” Jellal shot back.

“Guys, can I finish?” Natsu reproached, “Bisca, Cana, Juvia, Kinana, Zera, and Evergreen.”

“That’s perfect,” Loke grinned.

“Wait,” Gray stopped them, peering at the paper, “Natsu, didn’t you forget Lucy?” The two girls shared a look as Lucy’s heart rate picked up.

“Oh,” Natsu paused, absentmindedly stating, “She goes on the bottom,” The guys around him couldn’t contain their scornful laughter. Lucy’s heart leaped up to her throat then harshly plummeted to her stomach, her mouth going dry.

“I can’t believe you just said that,” Gajeel hollered, wiping a tear from his eye.

“Can you blame me? I mean, look at her,” Natsu snickered, “She still dresses like a boy and she hasn’t necessarily developed, ” Natsu raised his hands to his chest, curving up, out, and down. Lucy’s face grew hot. She felt hot. Her stomach was beginning to churn and her mouth tingled like she was going to throw up. She had to get out of there.

Abruptly, she pulled her head away from the crack in the doorway, turning on her heels to make her way to the front of the school.

“I’ll see you tomorrow Levy,” she mumbled. 

⥈↭⥈

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

The hollow sound of the tennis ball against Lucy’s racquet was loud enough to temporarily drown out her thoughts. Natsu was just like every other boy their age and today had been a cold reminder.

Lucy’s shoulders ached. Playing with the older girls was tough. They hit harder, faster, and with more spin than the other people her age that she regularly played. The court was indoor and newly resurfaced, a stark contrast to the ones outside that she and her dad played on that had weeds making homes out of the cracks in the concrete. She looked across the court to the girl she was playing, Mirajane. She was a third-year and the best player on the team. Her shots had enough spin to fly over Lucy’s head again and again. Her volleys angled so precisely that they sent Lucy running off the court. She bounced the ball once, twice, and thrice, before throwing it up in the air, racquet colliding with it at a force Lucy had never seen. The ball came down in the service box and shot behind her before Lucy had the chance to blink.

Ace.

Lucy huffed, walking over to the ad side of the court. It was forty-love. She glanced over to look at the coaches who were turned to one another whispering and occasionally looking back at Lucy. Great. Lucy looked back as Mira called out the score, serving again. This time, Lucy was ready. She moved her body to the right to take the ball on her forehand side, taking it cross-court back to Mira. It was weaker than Lucy intended, but enough to keep Mira at the baseline. They got into a cross-court rally. Lucy needed to end this quickly if she wanted to have a chance at winning the practice set. Mira slugged the ball down the line, forcing Lucy to sprint back over to the deuce side. She planted her feet, connecting with the ball to take it back cross-court. 

Thwack.

The ball had smacked into the white tape, spinning on the top. Lucy held her breath, willing it to fall onto the opposite side of the court. It didn’t. Lucy sighed as she watched it fall back on her side. She slowly walked up to the net to shake Mira’s hand.

“Don’t beat yourself up, you played amazing. I wasn’t even that good at your age,” Mira tried to console her, placing an arm on her shoulder as they walked to the benches.

“I didn’t play even half as well as I normally do,”

“Trust me, you did a really good job. A lot of the girls on the team haven’t been able to come as close as you did today against me, and a lot of them are also third-years. If you keep playing the way you are, you’ll be amazing.” To that, Lucy smiled. She was reaching into her tennis bag to pull out her sweats and hoodie when the door to the courts swung open.

“Hey, Luce,” Lucy’s heart sank.

“Natsu what are you doing here?”

“I got done at the arcade and was bored so I came to walk home with you,” Natsu’s head turned, staring at the girls as they left the building.

“Hey Luce, why don’t you wear tennis skirts like those other girls,” Lucy paused mid-way through placing her tennis racquet in the bag and glanced down at her almost knee-length shorts.

“Why would I need to do that?” She asked, eyeing him cautiously.

“I don’t know, I just feel like it would suit you better,”

“Why, so you can rank me as anything other than dead last on your list of girls in our grade?” Natsu’s face paled. Lucy scoffed, slinging her bag over her shoulder, and placed a hand on her hip. 

“Were you eavesdropped?”

“ That’s what you’re so worried about, Natsu?!” Lucy shrieked, thankful no one else was there to hear, “You’re worried about the fact that I listened to a conversation had in a room where I’ll remind you that had the door open, but you’re not even sorry about the things you said?” Natsu opened his mouth to retort, but Lucy wasn’t finished, “You’re disgusting, Natsu. How can you even say something like that about me and then come here two hours later like nothing ever happened? You knew I was still in school and you decided to do that. Regardless of if it was about me, how could you talk about other girls in that way? You’re even friends with some of those girls,”

“Luce- Lucy,” He pleaded, and if Lucy hadn’t known any better she probably would’ve caved. “I’m sorry, I really am. I wasn’t thinking when I said that.”

“I really, really don’t want to hear it from you,” With that, Lucy walked past Natsu and out of the building to the bust stop.

⥈↭⥈

They didn’t talk for a week.

Natsu had spent most of that time staring at her with a sorry look on his face. She had been sitting at her desk when she heard the door to her room open. She turned and, before seeing who entered, her face met soft roses. They were pink.

“I’m so sorry Luce,” Lucy looked up at Natsu and sighed. “I genuinely wasn’t thinking. I was just around my friends so I said the first thing that came to mind. I know- it’s not an excuse, but please don’t be mad. And if I’m being honest – and this is the only time I’m saying this – I think you’re really pretty.”

Lucy’s eyes went wide, “You what,”

“In a friend way!” Natsu shouted, completely flustered, “Ya know, in the way that friends find their other friends not-so-horrible looking, that’s all I mean by that.”

“Thank you, Natsu, but I’m not the only one you should be apologizing to,” She watched as he deflated, “I’m not as angry at you anymore, but Levy and I aren’t the only ones who know about that list anymore. You need to apologize to the others as well,”

“Okay, okay, I will tomorrow,” He perked up again, “My dad just bought me MLB 2k13, you wanna come over and play it?”

“Don’t you usually play those games with your other friends now?”

“Yeah but this is brand new, you’re always the first person I play new games with.” Natsu grinned and Lucy’s stomach did somersaults watching Natsu’s eyes crinkle into half-moons as he looked at her. In spite of herself, Lucy grinned back.

“Okay, just let me grab my hoodie,”

Yeah. Lucy was in deep trouble.

Chapter Text

Natsu had left to spend the first three weeks of summer with his mom in Sendai, leaving Lucy utterly bored. She had tennis camp during the early morning before the heat made breathing impossible, but the rest of her day was usually spent sprawled on her bedroom floor counting each time her fan made a revolution like she was now. The fan should be fired, Lucy thought to herself, it wasn’t doing its job. She had just gotten out of the shower but could already feel sweat start to cling to the blonde almost platinum baby hairs on the nape of her neck. 36 revolutions.

She closed her eyes, praying a nap could give her some relief. The hardwood floors pressed uncomfortably against her spine and her occipital bone but she refused to lay on her bed. Her bed meant sheets, sheets that would cling to her sticky skin and make her feel hotter than she was. She rolled to the side towards the window, listening to the faint lull of the wind chime that Natsu’s father had hung up on his front porch that spring. 

Brrrr!

Maybe if she stayed still enough whoever was calling would leave her alone.

Brrrr!

Brrrr!

Maybe not. Sighing, Lucy lifted her arm up to blindly grab for her phone sitting on the desk, staring at the screen through bleary eyes.

“Hello?”

“Luuuu! What are you doing today? Do you wanna come over? Erza is already here.” She returned to her first position, staring at the ceiling fan as she considered Levy’s invitation. She figured anything would be better than starting her count over again after closing her eyes. 

“Okay, just let me get dressed,”

“Yay! Can you pick up some ice cream on your way? We’ll pay you back”

“Tell her to buy a cake too! The strawberry one!” Erza’s distant voice called out. Lucy rolled her eyes and chuckled as she rolled herself off her floor and walked to the closet.

“I’m gonna go to a convenience store, Erza. They don’t sell cake,”

“Well, you can at least try,” She heard Erza grumble on the other end of the line, voice distant. Lucy couldn’t help but roll her eyes again.

“Okay, Erza I’ll be there in like fifteen minutes,” With that, she hung up and stared at her closet, trying to figure out what to wear in the heap of clothes that lay at her feet. They weren’t dirty, they were just the unfortunate victims of the previous times Lucy tried them on only to decide they weren’t good enough for that occasion. Lucy wasn’t always a patient person. She grabbed the first pair of shorts she found, which happened to be jean shorts, and a shirt that she realized was Natsu’s as she threw it on. Standing in the mirror Lucy realized she looked a little ridiculous. The light wash jean shorts weren’t snug, hanging low on her waist and stopping three-quarters down her thigh. Her (Natsu’s) shirt was from the carnival their school had held the year before. It was light pink and filled with neon-colored bubble letters.

“It clashes too much with my hair,” Natsu had told her when he received it. She looked at him sideways when he said it, Natsu never cared about how he dressed. Hell, he would’ve been the one to wear the shirt with bright orange basketball shorts. 

Lucy glanced to the right corner of her closet, where the ever growing pile of Natsu’s clothes had started to call home. Although the nights Natsu slept over were becoming rare, the clothes he left behind always grew in number. First, it was a sock or two, then his pajama shorts, then his school uniform of all things even though he had slept over on a Saturday. Lucy had given up at some point trying to return them because they ended up back on the floor of her room a week later.

She was braiding her hair when her phone buzzed behind her on the floor. It was probably Erza harassing her about her strawberry cake. She continued on with her hair. It was almost halfway down her back now. She had finally convinced her mom to stop bringing her to get it cut into a bob, it just didn’t suit her. The top of her hair was bleached almost platinum from the sun after relentless hours of playing tennis in the sun. She was halfway done when the buzzing started again, this time it didn’t stop. 

She grabbed her phone and hit answer.

“Ezra, I haven’t even left yet, I don’t know if they have your cake or not,”

“Well then it’s a good thing I’m not Erza, or I would be very disappointed,” a warm feeling blossomed in Lucy’s stomach and crept up her chest and to her stomach.

“Hi Natsu,” She placed the call on speaker while she set her phone down to finish her hair, “How’s Sendai?” How’s your mom? She really wanted to ask, but that was uncharted territory and Lucy knew better than to pry. Natsu didn’t like talking about his mom, or his older brother in high school, or his life in Sendai before they moved to the neighborhood. Every time Lucy pried a little more than she was supposed to, Natsu’s eyes would gloss over and he’d look anywhere to avoid meeting Lucy’s eyes. There were nights that he did say something, but it was nothing more than “Just a lot of arguing” and then, as soon as that far-away look appeared, it was gone.

There’s a short sigh on the other line, “It’s the same as it always is. I’m just glad it isn’t as hot as home,”

Lucy giggled, tying the end of her hair with her elastic, “You’re lucky you’re not here right now, I feel like I might have to take another shower,” Taking the phone off speaker, she slipped on socks and pads downstairs. Her parents are situated on the couch across from Igneel, cackling about God knows what, and fans pointed directly at them.

Pulling the phone speaker away from her mouth she called out as she walked to the kitchen to grab a glass of water, “Hi Uncle,” she greeted, turning to her parents, “I’m going to Levy’s house for a little,”

“Okay, dear,” Layla responded, her laughter from earlier lingering in her words.

“My dad's there?”

“Yeah, I think they’re watching a rerun of some old show,” Igneel’s head popped up.

“You’re on the phone with Natsu?” Lucy nodded, mouth full of water, “Tell that brat he better be behaving himself over there,”

“You can tell that sour, smelling old man that I can hear him just fine thank you very much, ”  

Lucy swallowed, “I am not telling Uncle you said that,” She faced the adults in the living room again, “Uncle, Natsu says he is and he misses you very much.”

Igneel snorted, “Yeah right . Tell him I better not hear anything from his mother’s neighbors when I go back to pick him up,”

“I will,” She called back as she opened the door to the garage and grabbed her shoes from the shoe bench. She clicked the garage opener and biked down the garage to the sidewalk.

“Okay, Natsu, I’m going to the convenience store. I’ll talk to you later,”

“Bye Luce, I’ll see you soon,”

It’s gross outside.

It was too humid to breathe properly and her calves stuck to the backs of her thighs every time her legs moved upwards as she pedaled. The trip to the convenience store seemed to stretch on for ages without Natsu’s incessant blabbering to distract her from the suffocating humidity.

By the time she made it her hairline was covered in a thin layer of sweat and her cotton shirt clung uncomfortably to her underarms and the top of her back. Propping her light pink bike up against the store’s vinyl siding, Lucy grabbed the handle and walked in, the much-obliged A/C sending shivers up her spine. She made a beeline for the freezers that lined the back of the store walls, the low hum of the generators the only noise throughout. She grabbed a Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake pint for Erza and a cookie & cream for Levy. Her hand met the cool metal rack where the Choco Taco was ten seconds prior. Lucy’s eyebrows met and creased the smooth skin in between them as she turned to her right and finally noticed a boy.

The culprit of the disturbance was a boy who stood maybe half an inch shorter than Lucy and presumably her age as well. His red hair was unkempt and his black eyebrows matched the confused look on Lucy’s face, but his eyes were not on Lucy, but straining to focus on the phone in his hand. The unoccupied one clutched the silver wrapping of the ice cream she wanted. He had yet to acknowledge the blonde in front of him becoming increasingly irritated. Without moving his eyes from the screen in front of him, he ripped the foil-like package open and took a bite, wordlessly turning around to disappear back to wherever it was he spawned from.

“Hey! You didn’t even pay for that!” The hand that wasn’t holding the ice cream now balled into a fist and rested on her hip. The boy turns back around and finally rips his eyes up to acknowledge Lucy. His stormy gray eyes meet Lucy’s brown ones with nothing short of annoyance. 

He rolled his eyes, taking another bite, “Seeing as it’s my grandpa’s, I think I can,” Lucy’s eyebrows furrowed even further. The old man who ran the store would talk about his amazing, kind, and wonderful grandson to Natsu and Lucy. The boy in front of her was most certainly not those things. He was a jerk. 

His attention to Lucy left as quickly as it came once his phone buzzed in his hand for the umpteenth time. His eyes narrowed and the hand holding her precious ice cream came up to pull at a necklace that hung around his neck. The pendant was invisible underneath his crew neck until now, revealing a small shark tooth. His fingers furiously typed as his eyebrows seemed to furrow even closer as Lucy stood and stared with ever growing irritation. Does he not see her still standing in front of him? She audibly sighs, drumming her nails against the glass. The side of the boy’s mouth quirks down and he once again glances up at Lucy as he raises an eyebrow.

“Yes?” he spits out. Well, that’s awfully rude.

“Don’t you think that’s unfair?” He continues to stare blankly at Lucy so she presses on, “That fact doesn’t make you special or put you above the rest of the customers,”

“What’s the big deal? There’s gonna be a restock tomorrow, quit whining,” Lucy’s eyes bulged as she scoffed. Lucy Heartfilia would describe herself in many ways, but a whiner was most certainly not on that list. As she opened her mouth to retort, the wooden bead curtain that hung in the doorway separating the store from the back rooms clanked in front of her. 

“Lucy! It’s so lovely to see you! I see you’ve met my grandson,” He exclaimed with a box of magazines tucked under his arm. 

“It’s good to see you too, let me help you put those out,” She said through gritted teeth, brushing past the boy who, once again, had his nose buried back in his phone. How these two were even remotely related was beyond Lucy. 

Behind her, she heard the smack of skin on skin.

“Taiga, what did I tell you about taking products from the display?!” Turning around, Lucy saw Taiga rubbing the side of his arm. Oh, maybe they were a little similar. There was a slight harshness in his tone that made Lucy wonder if the old man before her was the same kind, frail-looking one she saw most weeks in the summer. He turned to Lucy once more, “Sorry about that, Lucy. I just got some more of those ice creams you like in the back, I’ll go get them.”

With that, Lucy was back in the storefront alone with Mr. Jerk. Nothing was said for a while as the two just stared at each other. The silence broke with another buzz from Taiga's phone. Lucy couldn’t stop her eyes from rolling, nor the sigh that escaped her, nor the next words that fell out of her mouth.

“You know, your girlfriend’s really annoying,” Taiga's head snapped up, cheeks going bright red.

“I don’t have a girlfriend,” he sneered back, eyes narrowing when they met Lucy’s. He once again brought his free hand to pull at the necklace. The stolen ice cream in his hand had long been forgotten and was now dripping onto his screen. “Don’t stick your nose in someone else’s business,” with that, he turned and walked to the back of the store to find a napkin to wipe off the ice cream.

The old man couldn’t find the ice cream in the back, and Lucy had already wasted enough time waiting. So, she showed up at Levy’s house thoroughly irritated with a pint of almost melted ice cream.

⥈↭⥈

First day of junior high. To describe Lucy’s mood as displeased was an understatement. Not because she dreaded school, but because she hated waking up early and a new school system meant waking up an hour earlier than she was used to. Lucy tried her best to ignore the fact that she was up before the sun had even made it halfway up the horizon as she slid out of bed. After dragging herself down her stairs and snagging a bagel (and one for Natsu of course), she was met with the crisp air biting at her cheeks. It was only September, but the mornings had already begun to cool down. 

She knocked on the Dragneels’ front door once. Twice. When there wasn’t an answer after the fifth knock she stepped back off the welcome mat to flip it over. Sticking the spare key in the deadbolt and pushing the door open, Lucy was greeted by an unusually quiet house. She slipped her shoes off and walked to Natsu’s room. She pressed her ear to the door first. Silence. Rolling her eyes, she turned the knob and pushed the door open expecting to find Natsu dead asleep with dried drool smeared on the side of his face. What she did end up finding was far, far worse. Natsu was in fact awake. And also getting dressed. And also only wearing pants. Natsu stood in the middle of the room facing his mirror and apparently buttoning up a shirt was an impossible task for him. Lucy’s face went hot and she fought to stop her heart rate from increasing as her face went pale. All she could muster was a shriek as she slammed the door shut again. She heard Natsu’s footsteps get closer as he opened the door again. He stared down at her with a blank look on his face. He had gotten taller.

“You could’ve told me you were changing when I knocked,” she finally blurted at last. He snickered as he turned and walked back into his room.

“It’s not the first time you’ve seen me without a shirt on,” he paused, “What are you doin’ here anyway? Thought you would’ve been at school already,” 

Lucy stared at him. “Natsu, we always walk to school together, especially on the first day.” He turned around to face her again, nodding. And although his eyes met hers as he did so, they were distant, seeming to look through Lucy. His eyes trailed down to her hand that held his warm, toasted bagel with cream cheese and hot sauce slightly seeping out of the edges. This time, he genuinely smiled.

“You know me so well, Luce,” he remarked, mouth full.

“You’re disgusting. It’s not normal to have that amount of hot sauce with every meal. It’s a bagel!”

“You don’t know good food. Tokyo runs on hot sauce,”

“Said no one ever. You just rephrased the Dunkin’ slogan,” The bickering continued down the hall, out the front door, and down the sidewalk. She had apparently said something funny enough to earn the crooked smile from Natsu that made her feel warm and fuzzy inside despite the chill of the morning.Lucy finally felt at ease again. She could forget about how odd he behaved towards the end of elementary school. She could forget how distant he was when he returned from visiting his mom early in the summer. She could even forget the comment he made earlier in the morning. Everything was back to how it should be.

Until it wasn’t.

They made their way to the school gates. Since it combined multiple elementary schools, the campus was vast compared to their old school. There was a large crowd in front of the main entrance. 

“ This is why I was rushing you, Natsu,” Lucy groaned, dragging the boy with her by the end of his sleeve, “We got here too late now it’ll be impossible to see our homeroom classes and get there on time,” Natsu brushed her off as he met up with Gray and the others behind her. Shoving and a couple of dirty looks later, Lucy finally got a decent enough view to read the last names on the list. Her eyes skimmed the board, frantic. Relief washed over as she read her last name and it quickly dissipated when she didn’t see Dragneel. Or McGarden. Or Scarlett. She was alone. “Natsu, we’re not in the same class this year!” she gripped. He didn’t respond. She finally turned back to see that wasn’t even behind her anymore. 

Beyond the large crowd was Natsu talking to someone. There were too many heads in the way for Lucy to see who. Huffing she pushed past people once more until she was face to face with the most horrific scene. Natsu was talking to a girl. Any normal person wouldn’t have the visceral gut churn that Lucy experienced. Natsu was smiling at her. Natsu doesn’t even pay attention to girls, yet here he was awkwardly scratching the back of his neck as he blushed at the girl that was about Lucy’s height. She couldn’t even bring herself to say anything negative, she was drop-dead gorgeous. She was… developing nicely with icy dark-blue eyes and waist-length white, wavy hair. Mystery Girl looked oddly familiar, but her brain couldn’t quite remember who. 

She waited until Mystery Girl had walked away to approach Natsu. He was still staring at the girl as she walked back to her friends who were all giggling as they looked between her and Natsu. Lucy didn’t even try to stop her eyes from rolling as she scoffed. A bigger student boy meant more girls. More girls to fawn and drool over Natsu. He still hadn’t noticed her. She cleared her through.

“Oh, hi, Luce,” he finally looked at her and just like that, the little twinkle in his eye was gone. “D’you see what class we’re in?”

“If you were behind me you’d know we’re not in the same class.” She scoffed with pure annoyance, “Who was that?” Lucy tried her hardest to sound nonchalant when she said it, but she could feel the jealousy bubble up her throat and out her mouth as the words formed.

“Oh, that was Lisanna. I bumped into her when I was lookin’ for you in the crowd and accidentally knocked her lunch bag outta her hand. She’s really nice” Yeah, Natsu, I’m sure nice was the first thing you noticed when you saw her she sneered to herself, immediately feeling guilty afterwards. She didn’t even know the girl, why was she behaving like this? Before she could comment, Gray, Loke, and Gajeel came up behind Natsu.

“Yo, I didn’t know you had game like that Dragneel!” Gray exclaimed as he slung his arm around Natsu’s shoulder, “That girl is smokin!”

Natsu’s face went pink, “I didn’t really notice, was a quick chat anyways,”

“You better watch out, Dragneel,” Gajeel cackled behind them, “That’s the youngest of the Strauss siblings. I hear her older brother, Elfman, is extremely protective of her.”

“Buzz of man, I was only apologizing for bumping into her,”

“Yeah right a ‘quick chat’ doesn’t end with a girl going back to her friends giggling and blushing,”

“You got a real shot there man,” Gray was wiggling his eyebrows, making a grabbing motion towards his chest. Gross.

“I’m going to class,” Lucy said at last, completely fed up, “See you at lunch, Natsu,” He didn’t respond.

For the life of her, Lucy tried to brush off the comments the guys had made to Natsu. Like he said, he was just apologizing, nothing would come of it, right?

She walked into her home room already dreading the coming semester with no one to talk to. She looked to the far right and saw Lisanna Strauss with her back turned sitting on her desk talking to some of her friends.

“Hi, sorry,” Lucy stood there awkwardly, not quite sure what to do with herself, “You’re, um, kind of sitting on my desk,” She mentally cursed herself. If her mother saw how poorly she was speaking she would’ve had her head by now.

“Oh no! I am so sorry, I didn’t realize it was a full class,” her eyes showed genuine remorse and it make Lucy sick to her stomach.

“It’s okay!” she forced a smile and sat down. She lay her head on the desk; it genuinely could not get worse than this.

“Omg who is that? He’s soooo cute,”

“I don’t think he went to any of the surrounding elementary schools, he must be new”

"Is his hair naturally that red?"

It’s like the universe was set out to prove Lucy wrong time and time again. She must’ve been an awful person in her past life to deserve this. She lifted her head and her eyes met familiar stormy gray ones. Red hair. It was Mr. Jerk from over the summer. With her stellar luck, they shared a desk space.

“I see you’ve put the phone away,” she chided.

“I see you’re still annoying as ever,” he mocked. She glanced down at his neck as he turned to face her. No shark tooth.

“Oh! You finally got dumped!” 

He turned to her, eyes narrowing as he gritted his teeth, “You still don’t know how to keep your nose out of other people’s business. But I guess I can’t criticize you too harshly, someone as annoying as you probably hasn’t even held hands with anyone.” She scoffed. While it might be true it was entirely inappropriate to assume that about someone. Just as she opened her mouth to chastise him she realized she was a hypocrite. She let her annoyance get the best of her all those months ago and she unfairly judged him. She switched direction and started to apologize when she caught a glimpse of the smug look he had on his face. Never mind. She scoffed again and turned to face their homeroom teacher at the front of the class. This was going to be a long year.

Chapter Text

Natsu Dragneel is a liar. 

That was the conclusion Lucy had come to. Quick chat my ass was all the blonde could repeat over in her head as she watched Mr. Liar and Ms. Perfect talk during lunch break. If her mother heard the profanities running through her mind at that moment she would’ve shipped her off to those boarding schools she always threatens when she forgets to do the dishes. She tried not to look sour, she really, really did. However, watching Natsu try to casually lounge in a desk not belonging to him while he talked to Lisanna really did a number on her. Clearly, she must’ve taken comedy classes as a child because Natsu couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear.

“You’re gonna bore a hole in the back of their heads if you keep looking at them like that,” Lucy snapped her head to the side. Levy and Erza had both stopped eating to look at her incredulously.

“God, is it that obvious?” She hid her face in her hands. It was pathetic. You’re not supposed to feel like this over your best friend, right? She should be happy that Natsu’s social life is doing fine. They weren’t supposed to be together all the time, they had their own lives. But it still nagged at Lucy’s heart when Natsu came in during lunch to hang out with Lisanna. She didn’t even get so much as a wave when he came in anymore.

“Lu, I think it’s time you admit that you actually like him,”

“Ms. Prissy has a crush?” the three turned around to see Taiga coming back to his seat. Fan-fucking-tastic. 

“You can’t seem to keep your nose out of other people’s business,” she mocked. Of all people that could’ve overheard Levy’s big mouth, it just had to be him. As the year had progressed Lucy had learned her deskmate was not only a super jerk, but also a super genius. Mr. Jerk was somehow second in the class. It was entirely unbelievable, he was asleep next to her most of the school day. The only thing Lucy could truly ever hold above his head was the fact that she beat him in class rank almost every single time. Almost.

“This is my seat too, so technically you’re invading my space,” he had a sick, smug look on his face as he sat down, laying a paper face up on his desk as he did so. It was their midterm review paper, which was still at least three weeks away. They still had winter break and another week before. Not only was it also already graded, there were zero marks. He noticed the three girls stare and his smirk grew. “Wanted to get ahead of everything, ya know?”

“You’re such a kiss ass, Matsumura,” she all but spat out.

“For wanting to be prepared? I hardly think so,” he leaned closer and low and behold, that damn shark tooth was back dangling around his neck.

“Someone needs to tell your girlfriend there’s better, nicer, and cuter boys out there than you.” He immediately sat back, scowling at her. Ha ha, I won. As soon as the thought passed, she inwardly frowned. That was so childish, Lucy, so so childish. 

The bell rang, Levy and Erza bid their goodbyes and went back to their respective classes. Mr. Big Fat Liar was still there. Lisanna had his phone in her hand, typing something in. Oh god, this better not be what I think it is. You’d have to be a fool to not notice the pink that coated Lisanna’s cheeks as she furiously typed. Her perfectly manicured fingers played with the phone charm that hung from Natsu’s phone. Unbrittled annoyance filled Lucy once more. 

Lucy had dragged Natsu to the carnival over the summer when he had returned after weeks of radio silence from him. He complained the whole bike ride there and complained even more when he saw how crowded it was. Lucy, it’s too hot for this , he had gripped. If she hadn’t been raised as proper as she had, she would’ve cursed right there for the way he was behaving. He had sat on a barrier, melted ice cream dripping down his hand, front hairs sticking to his forehead from sweat, flat out refusing every ride she had suggested. 

When the sun had finally had mercy and started to set, he had seemed to be in better spirits. After forcing her to go on a deathtrap torture of a rollercoaster. Lucy needed something that didn’t require being yanked in all sorts of gravity-defying directions. It was her turn to drag Natsu to the carnival ducks. Once again, the boy complained about how boring it was to just sit down and try to hit plastic ducks with water. She was having none of it. If there was one skill Lucy had gotten from tennis, it was precision. Three ducks down to Natsu’s mere one. She knew he wasn’t actually trying and if she wasn’t so excited to have won she probably would’ve said something about it. She scanned the prizes. If she brought another plushie home her father would’ve complained. There are more stuffed animals on this bed than there are pillows! He would’ve exclaimed. The worker, probably in high school, seemed to be growing fed up with waiting.

“Come on Luce, it doesn’t take long to pick one prize, you have half these stuffed animals anyways,”

Lucy all but rolled her eyes, “Exactly, so now I have to find another one,” the worker let out another exasperated sigh. If you’re gonna be this annoyed, maybe you should’ve chosen a different job. That was when she saw them. The hello kitty phone charms wrapped in cheap cellophane. “That one right there!” she quickly added, “please,” Natsu had given her a sideways glance,

“What are you gonna do with two phone charms?”

“One’s for you!”

He hadn’t even attempted to look pleased, “Lucy, what am I gonna do with this girly thing on my phone? I’m gonna get made fun of by the guys,”

“But Natsu, you have to. They’re friendship charms!”

“I don’t need a stupid, girly, matching thing dangling from my phone to know we’re friends,” Lucy had begged and pleaded the whole ride back to their neighborhood until he had finally given in. Grumbling something under his breath about her being bossy and needy.

“This is so cute,” she had faintly heard Lisanna giggle across the room. She watched as Natsu’s neck slowly turned the color of his hair. Lucy felt as though she was standing on glass and when Lisanna spoke again, the glass began to crack, “Is it a matching one with your girlfriend?” Lucy’s breath hitched in her throat. She wanted to laugh. Anyone could see the desperation on Lisanna’s face, it was the same desperation that filled Lucy every time she looked at him. She saw a look of horror flash across Natsu’s face for a split second. Was that really such a bad thought? Lucy? As a girlfriend?

Natsu laughed, “Nah,”

Crack.

“I don’t have a girlfriend,”

Crack.

Crack. Why was this bothering her so much? He didn’t lie, he doesn’t have a girlfriend. But his initial reaction was stuck on loop in her mind.

“It’s a stupid thing my lil’ cousin made me get with her over the summer,” Oh, the glass began to splinter. As Lisanna handed the phone back to him he grabbed the charm, along with Lucy’s last shred of dignity, and ripped it off. Lucy fell through the glass.

“Yikes,” she forgot Mr. Obnoxious was right next to her. She turned back to him and he pointed to the charm on her phone with his eyes, “Must be one pretty annoying cousin.” When their eyes met again, there was pity where narcissism usually was and it made Lucy sick.

⥈↭⥈

Did you hear? Natsu and Lisanna are best friends. Natsu and Lisanna share earbuds on the bus to listen to the same music. Natsu and Lisanna share books. Lisanna Strauss got Natsu Dragneel to read not just one book, but multiple. Lucy couldn’t even get him to pick one up if it wasn’t 90% pictures. Natsu and Lisanna hang out after school all the time. Natsu has Lisanna toss him pitches to work on his batting average. Natsu asked Lisanna to be the manager of the baseball team. Natsu and Lisanna— Lucy was going to stick pencils in her ears. It was all she could hear the past couple months (eighteen, if you were wondering).

Currently, she’s face down on her bed holding her pillow over her ears. She had attempted to do her summer work but all she could hear were Natsu and Lisanna The Best Friends talking through the tin can that now lived in a corner of her room along with the dust bunnies she told her mother she had cleaned up. Natsu had probably forgotten it’s existence much like her once Miss Perfect Manicure and her perfect eyelashes and her perfect smile and her perfect– okay stop Lucy, this is getting out of hand. It wasn’t like she  could close the window, it was sweltering in her room and the intermitten wind was her only savior. She pondered just cutting the rope that connected the two cans all together but she knew she’d regret it once the feelings-that-shall-not-be-mentioned passed. There were too many good memories and Lucy was sentimental by default; it must be a trait she inherited from her mother.

Now, Leila had made sure her daughter learned proper manners. Manners that told her it was rude to eavesdrop. She truly did try to drown out their conversation at first, but curiosity (annoyance) got the better of her and she just had to know what was so damn funny. Beside, was it really eavesdropping if they were being that obnoxious about the amazing time they’re having? Against her better judgement – and dignity – she got out of bed and crouched down to the can, brushed off the layer of dust that now called its top home, and put it up to her ear.

“Lis! You’re holdin’ the controller all wrong!” She could hear Natsu chuckle, “Come here. Put your hands on here like this – that’s it – now, you wanna press L2 to switch to your closest player, but you really only needa know that when your team is fieldin’. Now when you’re batting, you press LB – that’s this one on the back here – to bunt, and a normal swing is –” 

Lucy had to throw the can back in it’s corner, where it rightfully belonged. Lis? Lis? LIS?! Since when were they on a nickname basis?! She felt her stomach lurch uncomfortably. Even if she closed her eyes and tried to pretend she didn’t just do what she did all she could picture was Natsu coming around Lis and putting his hands over hers to “show her how to properly use a controller”. Even a moron could hold a goddamn controller. There’s no other way to hold it the design made it impossible! Lucy wanted to go back to that can and tell Natsu just that. Tell him that he didn’t need to show her how to use the controller. Didn’t need him to tell her which buttons to press because she could always immediately tell which game it was based on the background music. MLB The Show 18. It came out in March and it was Lucy, his Lucy, that had gone and preordered it as a late birthday gift for him. She knew all of his favorite players, which batting order he chose, the fact that he always made his players bunt at the top of the order to make sure he got them safely to first base and always a power swing when the bases were loaded to get and RBI. What the hell did Lisanna freaking Strauss know? 

Lucy needed to calm down. There was no logical or rational reason to hate Lisanna. Lisanna was a perfectly nice girl. She wasn’t even sure hate was the right word. Dislike? No, that didn’t seem quite right either. Lucy felt absolutely foolish. What would her friends do? Levy wouldn’t even be in this situation in the first place. Gajeel was smitten for her and she knew it, but she also knows her worth and doesn’t feed into his bully antics. Erza? For a girl as brash and out-spoken as she was, that poor child can’t even get a word out when she’s next to Jellal. Lucy was hopeless. She began to look around her room. Maybe, just maybe, if she began to bang her head into the metal frame of her racquet she would lose her memory and –

“Lu! Can you – what are you doing on the floor? ” Leila barged in her room, not knocking like she had began to request, and caught her in her crime.

“Uh,” she was a deer caught in headlights, “I’m uh– cleaning the dust bunnies you’ve been badgering me 

about for the past week..?” Great quick thinking Lucy. Her mother quirked her eyebrow,

“My love, if you’re going to lie, can you please make it something believable,” they both giggled, “Any how, I need you to go to the store to get more juice,”

“Don’t we already have juice?”

“Say that again, Lu!” Jude could be heard from the bottom half of the house, “I tried to tell miss know-it-all that when we were in the store earlier, but you know how your mother is,” Leila rolled her eyes, but a warm smile slowly graced her lips.

“Say that again and I’ll ship you off to that boarding school!” she turned to acknowledge Lucy once more before she left, “The store, please. Now. The cherry lemonade one – without the pulp, your father goes beserk when he feels them, something about ‘I shouldn’t feel like I have to chew my drink goddamnit’. Also, don’t take your bike, there’s a nice breeze outside for once so take a walk,”

“A walk? Mom it’s like, two thousand degrees outside!” she stared at her mom incredulously, clearly the heat had also gotten to her head making her delirious.

“Lucy, it is a perfectly decent temperature outside. I already told you about your hyperbolies and your dramatics, it’s unbecoming,” Lucy’s eyes couldn’t have rolled any farther back,

“My sincerest apologies, mother. Would you like me to tell the other girls at the cotillion that their dresses to be no higher than knee length and that they must only wear gloves up to the elbow to preserve their purity?” She jeered under her breath, but she was sure Leila had heard. Under normal circumstances her mother would’ve had her head on a stake on their manicured front lawn with a note that read “Beware of loud mouth daughters” taped under it, but Lucy didn’t care. She was thirteen for crying out loud, let a girl be dramatic for once. She lay down on the floor.

“Young lady! The store! Now, ” Lucy’s eyes couldn’t have rolled any farther back as she got to her feet, “I don’t have to be up there to know you’re rolling your eyes! Keep doing that and they’ll stick in that position in the back of your head!”

Okay, maybe her mother was right. It wasn’t two thousand degrees outside, but it definity wasn’t let’s-sit-and-have-a-picnic-because-today-is-so-nice weather. If she didn’t feel like peeling her skin off every step she took she would’ve worn a regular t-shirt to hide the awful racerback tan she was developing from tennis. When she entered the store, the familiar hum of the A/C and the cool air felt like the gates of heaven. Like clockwork on the back wall old faithful, the Sony Trinitron KV-13TR27, had the third round of Wimbledon playing with the volume turned low.

“Lucy! My favorite girl. When am I gonna see you up there?” Mr. Matsumura exclaimed, motioning to the TV behind him.

Lucy giggled, “I don’t know about all that, I’m not even sure I’m cut out for the high school team, I hear they’re pretty good. I was sent on a mission to get some juice for the house.”

“Juice? Your parents were just here a couple hours ago for the same thing!” Mr. Matsumura scratched his head.

“Sounds like they just wanted to finally get rid of her,” the voice travelled from behind the bead barrier to the front.

“Matsumura, I see visiting your mom couldn’t get rid of your bad-mannered self,” He walked up to where she was at the cash register. Woah, Taiga got taller. He had stopped dying his hair that god awful bright red and let his dark roots grow out and was sporting a fresh tan. He looked… decent. Don’t misinterpret that, Lucy was just making an observation.

“Ah! Don’t pay that rascal any mind. If anything, America made his attitude worse,”

“You’re telling me? Last summer he came back to school even worse than the last! Rubbing his ‘Amerian education’ in my face!”

“Um, hello?” Taiga interrupted, “You both realize I’m right here and can hear you, right?”

“What an astute observation!” Lucy mocked enthusiasm as she snickered, “I guess that American schooling really did pay off!”

“Ya know what?” Taiga reached into his back pocket, uh oh, she made him mad, “I was gonna be nice today and give you this,” he pulled out the shiny wrapping foil of the ice cream she loved oh so much, “but I think I’ll go back to my ‘American education’ and enjoy it there,” Lucy ceased her snickering almost immediately.

“Wait no, I take it back. American education is amazing and you’re such a good student, better than I am and–”

“Stop, let me get my phone out to record you saying this so you can’t deny it later,” Lucy snarled.

“Give me that.” she lunged for his phone and oh, I guess things with Ms. Shark Tooth are over again.

“Re-lax Heartfilia, I’m rude, not a monster,” as he handed her the precious, precious ice cream, their fingers momentarily touched. Wait, does this mean she can finally say she held hands with a guy? Get. a. Grip. Lucy. If there was a camera inside her brain with people watching her thoughts they’d all be laughing at her right now.

When Lucy got home, the sun had began to set and the lights in the house were off. Maybe Taiga was right and her parents had finally gotten sick of her and just left the country while she was gone. The front door was open too. What if it was worse, what if they were burglarised? Don’t be foolish, Lucy, as her mother would say. Still, Lucy walked in cautiously in the dark, blindly grabbing for the tennis racquet her dad kept on the side. Just as her fingers found the cool grip, the lights flicked on.

“Surprise!” Lucy about jumped out of her skin. In her living room wearing corny party hats stood her parents and Igneel, and in between them was none other than Natsu let-me-show-you-how-to-hold-a-controller Dragneel holding up a birthday cake with ‘Happy 14th LUCY!’ scrawled on in handwriting Lucy would’ve mistaken for a five year old’s if she hadn’t known better.

“I was in charge of the cake,” Natsu grumbled, “Lisanna helped me pick it out this morning,” if her heart didn’t feel like it was on the moon at that very moment, Lucy would’ve probably rolled her eyes and said something like ‘ Why don’t we just invite her on in too since she’s so involved in everything you do ’. They sat on the living room couches and floor eating cake as Natsu reenacted Lucy’s last birthday when he had the bright idea of smashing her face in the middle of her cake, ruining the brand new (not frilly) dress she had gotten the day prior. Igneel had forced him to clean the stains out by hand for weeks after.

The moon rose higher and the adults had grown tired, retiring to their respective beds. But for the first time in years, Natsu had gone to Lucy’s room and was sitting on the ledge just outside her window.

“You think Lisanna and I would make a good couple?” Lucy choked on her spit.

“ What? ”

All Natsu could do was shrug, “Dunno, all the guys said we’d be good together but I wanted to ask you, you’ve always been the most honest with me.” Lucy did not want to have this conversation. Not now, mere moments away from her birthday, not tomorrow, not ever.

“I dunn – don’t – know, Natsu. I hardly know the girl. We were in the same class together a year and a half ago, that’s about it”

“Oh yeah, I forgot you were in her class, I barely saw you in there during lunch.”

“Natsu. I was in there every single day during lunch. You had to pass my desk to get to hers.”

“Oh.”

“Yup.” There was a pregnant pause and Lucy wanted to throw herself right off the ledge.

“I know it’s still the 31st and your birthday technically isn’t for a few minutes,” Natsu had gotten uncharacteristically sheepish, “but I wanted to give this to you now.” He pulled a small, black, velvet box out of his jean pocket. He handed to her, motioning for her to open it. Inside was a small gold necklace with the cancer zodiac in the center lined with tiny diamonds.

“Natsu,” her voice trailed off. She didn’t know that she could find the words, it was beautiful.

“Ya know how hard it is finding these things? Didn’t even know what they were called ‘til I googled it. It’s uh– zodiac signs, right? You’re always going on and on about the stars ‘n what not so looked up the thingy your birthday’s on,” Lucy was grinning from ear to ear. Natsu had put thought into her gift.

“I love it, Natsu. Thank you so much,” Then, Lucy did the unthinkable. What she had only ever dared to let happen in her dreams. She leaned over, closed her eye, and kissed Natsu on the cheek. As soon as her lips met his cool cheek, she froze. What. Had. She. Done. “Uh–” she tried to clear her throat. What the hell , Lucy. If there was a God, a higher power, anything , she used all her might to will that being to swallow her alive. When she figured enough embarrassing minutes had passed, she slowly opened one eye and then the other. Natsu was already looking at her, eyebrow raised.

“Jeez, Luce,” he awkwardly chucked, “didn’t know you liked it that much.”

“Ha ha, yeah…” More minutes ticked by. Where was that damn racquet when you needed it. “I’m um, I’m gonna go to bed.” If her tennis coach saw the speed in which she crawled back inside and ran under her covers, he would’ve been thoroughly impressed. She threw the sheet over her head. When she heard Natsu finally make his way back into her room she spoke once more, “Can you, um, leave the uh, window open. Thanks.” All she got was a hum of acknowledgement.

⥈↭⥈

You have got to be joking. Lucy wanted to throw a fit like she was a toddler again. It was the next afternoon and Lucy’s birthday party. Let’s reiterate that it’s L-U-C-Y’S birthday party, so why in the hell was Natsu allowed to invite Ms. Doesn’t Know How to Hold a Controller. And most importantly, why was Mr. Jerk here. His grandpa said he’d be bored at home all day with his dad out working , they said. Yeah sure, let’s go get joe shmoe off the street and bring him on in while we’re at it. Lucy knew she was being unreasonable, the more the merrier, right? But for once, she wanted a day where she didn’t want to pluck each eyelash out one by one because of her thoughts.

They were all in her basement: Erza, Levy, Gray, Gajeel, Jellal, Juvia, Natsu, Mr. Jerk, and Ms. Perfect. Despite her (very) unwanted guests, Lucy found herself having a good time. Levy bought her the newest installment to the book series the two were obsessed with: The Elite Series . Erza had gotten her a journal for her to process her ‘racing and concerning thoughts’ as the red head had put it. Juvia handed her a card with a few kind words sprinkled in among threats if she had ever ‘tried to take her Gray away from her’. That girl needs help. Then it came.

“Let’s play spin the bottle!” Lucy whipped her head around to Levy. By the time the bluenette had noticed the look Lucy gave her, she had already imagined twenty different ways to kill her on the spot. Everyone in the group had given each other looks

“That’s a great idea!” Literally who was talking to you Ms. Perfect Manicure , “But let’s do truth or dare instead with it instead,”

“Yeah, Lis is right,”

“I agree,”
“That would be so much fun,” 

The universe seemed to be on her side. The first spins were mild, tame even. Lick the other person’s toe, prank call the local pizza parlor, confess your deepest secret – okay maybe not that one. Then it spun. And spun. And spun. And then it landed on Levy and Natsu. Levy cast a sideways glance at Lucy and flashed a devilish grin.

“Natsu. Truth or dare,”

“Dare, always,”

“Perfect,” Levy could rival the cheshire cat at this point, “I dare you… to kiss Lucy!” Everyone started laughing. Lucy was going to wring Levy’s neck the second she got the chance. To her absolute horror, Natsu sat up and leaned toward Lucy.

“C’mon, Luce. Can’t back down from a dare,” oh. My. God. This was actually happening. Lucy’s palms started to sweat as she smelled Natsu’s strong cologne drew closer. She was gonna vomit from either the nerves or that cologne, whichever decided hated her more. She screwed her eyes shut and sat as still as she possibly could. As soon as she felt Natsu’s chapped lips brush against hers, they were gone. It was quick. So quick Lucy probably could’ve convinced herself she hallucinated it. When she was sure he was far away enough, she opened her eyes. Everyone was making kissy faces at them and laughing, but it wasn’t funny to Lucy. She was sure she was more red than Taiga’s grown out hair and her heart was beating so fast she was afraid it would wiggle it’s way from her ribcage to jump out and run. Run where? To Natsu. That stupid little thing would probably be jumping up and down in front of him screaming me! Me! Me! Me! Choose me! Can’t you see I’m right here? She needed to get hold of herself. Her ears were ringing, she couldn’t even hear what the others were saying. She watched mindlessly as Natsu’s hand reached for the bottle to spin again. This time, it landed on Gray and Lisanna. It was Gray’s turn to look at Natsu with a smirk.

“Lis, I dare you… to kiss the cutest guy in the room,” Everyone started oohing. Lucy was officially going to be sick. She could wholly confirm now that her past life had done something to piss of the universe. She watched Lisanna’s face grow pink as she sheepishly looked around. And then, she sat up, leaned towards Natsu, and fully pressed her mouth against his.

If you were to ask Lucy what happened after that, she wouldn’t be able to tell you. Her entire being left the astral plane. She had watched as the two pulled back and unlike when he had kissed her, Natsu’s face was bright. Eyes bright, smile bright, just a big ole freaking star. The guys had all whooped and hollered and patted Natsu on the back and Ms. Man Stealer had sat there sheepishly giggling. All the while poor, poor heart lay in pieces at Natsu’s feet, desperately trying to piece itself back together. Lucy sat on the porch steps, looking at the moon wishing she was anywhere but here. Everyone was gone now. Natsu walked Lisanna home. Lucy hadn’t even bothered to tell either of them goodbye.

“Some party, huh,” People have got to learn how to knock. She looked up to see Taiga looking at her with the same pity in his eyes that he had when he saw Natsu break the phone charm. “Thanks for having me, although I know you didn’t want me here,” 

Lucy wasn’t in the mood for banter, “Thanks for coming I guess, it was nice having a guy around that isn’t as loud as those boys,” He snickered and sat next to her.

“You like him, don’t you,” Lucy was momentarily stunned.

“I can barely tolerate you enough to hold a civil conversation, Matsumura. What makes you think I want to talk to you about my feelings,”

“Well I think talking to me about it would be better than sitting here alone on your porch like a loser,” she turned to glare at him, “Give me a break here, man. Being fully nice to you is not something I know how to do. Besides, I know a little bit more about relationships than your sorry ass.”

“Oh? You mean Ms. Shark Tooth?” He raised his eyebrow at the name Lucy had given the mystery girlfriend. She inwardly cursed, no one was supposed to know the names she gave them in her head.

“Yuki.”
“Huh?”

“ Ms. Shark Tooth? Her name is Yuki,” Taiga started, “We were best friends when we were really little. I confessed to her just before we went to middle school. It was great ya know, the first couple months I mean. She was a little upset we were going to different schools and all, but I tried my best to reassure her that I loved her. Then, I found her with another guy when I was walking to her house one day – that day we met, that’s why I was glued to my phone. She was texting me telling me that it was nothing and he was just a friend she had met that was going to the same middle school as her. I was so in love with her I actually believed it. I didn’t trust him, but I trusted her with my whole heart. It was pretty rocky after that, she’d claim I didn’t love her anymore and break up with me and then a couple weeks later would beg to get back together. I was such a fool. But,” and there was finally a pause, “but, I finally put my foot down before I went back to America to visit my mom a couple weeks ago. I was tired of being tossed around and having my feelings being tugged in all different directions.” There was silence for a few seconds. Lucy wasn’t good with too much silence.

“So… I guess I can’t make fun of you for that necklace anymore, huh,” Lucy wanted to bang her head into a wall. The guy just spilled his just to you and you make a joke out of it? Way to go, Lucy. By the grace of God, Taiga chuckled.

“Guess not. But you know me, Heartfilia. A man as handsome as me doesn’t stay single for long.” Despite herself, Lucy giggled.

“A man? Matsumura you not even have peach fuzz yet,”
“Hey, chill. Gramps says it’s growing in!”

“I hate her,” Lucy blurted. Taiga looked taken aback, “I’m lying. I don’t hate her. But I hate the fact that her hair is always perfect. I hate the fact that her nails are always done so perfectly. I hate how pretty her eyes are and how boring mine are. I hate the fact that she’s always so happy and nice. I hate the fact that Natsu hangs out with her now and not me.” Taiga didn’t say anything after that. He didn’t have to. They both knew Lucy was smart enough to figure out what this was. It wasn’t hate or disdain or dislike or whatever synonym there was. It was jealous. 

Raw. Ugly. Unlady-like Jealousy. For a harmless girl no less.

Lucy learned two other things that night. For one, Taiga Matsumura did in fact have a heart and was in fact human despite her preconceived notion. And two, Natsu Dragneel was a big. fat. liar.

Chapter Text

Tennis was supposed to be Lucy’s safe space — her escape. If anything was bothering her, it would be left in the grass on the other side of the large industrial  garage. The crisp sound of a new ball can opening, the methodic thump, thump, thump, of her dropping the ball on the court as she prepared for a serve, faint cracking noise that followed her adjusting her strings with her nails at the end of each point; all of these were the blonde’s saving grace. 

At least, that’s what she kept having to remind herself of. She was lucky enough to be able to practice with the high school team after her own practice ended. The girls played hard. They hit hard. Harder than the ones her age that frequented the tournament circuits. 

Today, however, was not one of those practices.

Spectators aren’t allowed during the high school practices. The space was already loud enough from the echo of the balls hitting the racquet. This was a rule that had been enforced since before Lucy had started practicing with them. A rule that made exceptions to no one – except if you were the team captain’s little sister and one of her friends.

Lucy had tried to not let it bother her, she really did. But hearing Natsu and Lisanna giggle had her imagining every possible way to commit murder and get away with it instead of focusing on the task at hand.

Just breathe and bounce – one, two, thr–

“ HAHAH!”

Lucy was gonna throw something. Lucy felt her stomach churn in that familiar, inconvenient way. Of course they were here. Of course Lisanna was here. As nice as shewas, there was nothing– absolutely nothing she said that could’ve been that funny. She looked up to glare at Natsu. His white baseball uniform was stained deep red from his own practice an hour prior.

“Shhhhh, Natsu! ” Lisanna whisper shouted, “ I wanna watch Lucy play, ”

“For what? I’ve seen her play a dozen times and I bet 10 bucks she’ll lose this game,”

 Lucy tightened her grip on her racket, trying to focus on the ball in front of her, but it was like trying to block out a hornet buzzing in her ear. She didn’t need this distraction. Not today.

"Don't listen to them," Mirajane said softly, but it only made Lucy more aware of their presence. She could already feel the heat creeping up her neck, the pressure mounting. The focus she had spent years cultivating was slipping away, piece by piece.

“Natsu, that’s so mean!” Lisanna turned back to Lucy to mouth sorry . She said nothing in return; the girl shouldn’t even be here in the first place. She glanced up at Mira on the other side of the net, then resumed her stare at the baseline before bouncing the ball once more.

She could feel their eyes boring through her as she tossed the ball up and slammed it straight into the bottom on the net.

Lucy flinched, a sharp frustration gnawing at her gut. She couldn’t stop herself from looking up. There was Lisanna, standing next to Natsu, both of them giving her a look — as if she was some sort of spectacle for them to enjoy. Natsu was leaning on his hand, grinning like an idiot, and Lisanna stood there with her arms crossed, her gaze assessing like she was judging Lucy’s every move.

"Oops," Natsu mocked, his voice too loud for her liking. “Looks like someone’s not concentrating.”

Lucy’s blood boiled. She straightened up, trying to shake the irritation that suddenly felt like it was all-consuming. Focus. Just focus.

It wasn’t working, she felt her game deteriorating with every passing second. She had to keep her eyes on the court. Had to keep her mind on the game. Yet, all she could hear was Lisanna’s voice, then Natsu’s, mocking her, making it impossible to block out.

She stepped back to the tarp to wait for Mira’s serve. Just as it crossed over the net to her side Natsu had another outburst. She barely caught the ball as it bounced off her racket, the shot so weak it barely made it over the net. Mira was up in a flash and sent the ball racing down the other side of the court. 

Lucy had enough. She finally fully turned to regard Natsu as he laid back on the bench, arms extended behind him mid laugh.

“Natsu!” She said sternly, trying to not raise her voice too much to avoid interrupting the other matches, “If you can’t keep your mouth shut you can leave. People are here to concentrate.”

He only smirked and turned to Lisanna, “See, Lis? I told you Lucy wasn’t nothin’.” If they were in a cartoon Lucy was sure you’d be able to see steam coming out from her ears. She tried to stop the ache in her chest every time Natsu called her Lis, but she couldn’t even remember the last time her had called her anything other than Lucy. This time, Lisanna said nothing.

⥈↭⥈

“Well that was an absolute shit show,”

Practice had ended and for the first time, Lucy was grateful for it. Mira was over talking to her sister and Natsu when the voice came from above her. She placed her racquet back in her bag and glanced up.

“How long have you been here, Matsumura?”

“Thought you didn’t hate me anymore, why’re we still on a last name basis, Heartfilia ?”

“Just because I hate you doesn’t mean you’re not an ass,” she snided, “Answer my question, Taiga,”

“Not long I swear,” the red head put his hands up in defense, “Practice ended and this place was on my walk back home so I figured I’d stop by.”

“Awwww did you come to walk me home? You’re so chivalrous, Taiga,” Lucy mocked as she zipped up her coat and slung her bag over her shoulder.

Taiga rolled his eyes, falling into step beside her. “Yeah, yeah. Keep acting like you’re not flattered.” She kept her eyes straight as she walked past Natsu and out the door with Taiga, trying her best to ignoring his raised eyebrow and questioning look.

They walked in silence for a moment, the evening chill brushing against their cheeks, tennis bag straps digging into their shoulders.

“You sucked today,” he stated bluntly.

“ Gee. Thanks for the analysis coach,” Lucy groaned.

“I’m just saying,” he shrugged, kicking a stray rock on the sidewalk, “you usually play like you’ve got something to prove. Today you played like your brain checked out halfway through warmups.”

Lucy didn’t answer right away. Her fingers fiddled with the zipper of her coat as she stared at the ground.

“I couldn’t focus,” she finally admitted.

“I noticed.” He glanced sideways at her, his voice a bit softer. “Was it him?”

She didn’t say anything, but the sigh that escaped her lips was enough.

Taiga shoved his hands in his pockets. “You deserve better than some guy who laughs when you’re trying your best.”

“You don’t get it Taiga. We’ve known each other for years, that’s just how he is, he doesn’t mean anything by it,”

“That doesn’t make it right. I wouldn’t treat someone close to me like that,”

“Why are you always nice to me when I least expect it?” she asked, kicking at a leaf as they passed a cluster of trees.

“Because I’m trying to soften you up before I tell you something that sucks.”

Lucy slowed her pace and her eyebrows furrowed. “What now?”

He stopped walking. She turned to face him. His expression was unreadable.

“I’m moving,” he said, voice level but lacking its usual cocky lilt. “To Sendai. For high school.”

For a moment, Lucy didn’t understand what he was saying. “What?”

“My dad got transferred. I’ll be living with my grandparents starting summer break,” Taiga continued. “It’s a quieter city, not like here. Way more mountains, rivers… kind of peaceful, I guess. Lots of wide roads and open sky. Less noise, fewer people. Definitely fewer convenience stores.”

Lucy blinked. “So you’re leaving.” Lucy felt utterly distraught and couldn’t figure out why. It’s not like they were best friends. After her disaster of a birthday party almost 9 months ago, they had become less hostile with one another. He still threw insults here and there, but she could at least know he didn’t mean it. At least she hopped he didn’t. 

He nodded, eventually breaking the silence. “Yeah. I figured you’d find out eventually, but I wanted you to hear it from me.”

“Oh,” she said, voice small. “That sucks.”

“It does,” he agreed, lips twitching into a half-smile. “But hey… for what it’s worth, I’m really glad I got to know you before I go.”

“I’m glad I got to know you too,” she said quietly.

They continued walking, the silence between them now less heavy and more reflective. Taiga didn’t push the conversation further, and Lucy appreciated that. She wasn't ready to talk about how strange it felt — the idea of him not being around, not sitting across from her at lunch, not making dumb jokes at her expense just to see her roll her eyes.

By the time they reached her street, the sun had dipped low enough to bathe everything in warm amber light. Her house came into view, porch light already flicked on.

“You wanna come in?” she asked. “I owe you tea or something for being less annoying than usual.” She tried to come off as light-hearted and joking as they had been before, but now she worried that she was coming off as desparate.

Taiga grinned. “I’ll take that as a glowing review.”

But as they entered the gate, Lucy paused.

Natsu was sitting on the steps of her porch, hunched forward with his elbows on his knees, tapping something out on his phone. He looked up when he heard their footsteps, and he gave a small smile to Lucy before turning to Taiga and scowling.

“There you are,” he said, standing up. “I thought you forgot we were supposed to study.”

Lucy blinked. “I didn’t. You’re early.” She did forget. She had been so consumed with getting away from him after practice that she forgot all her plans for the rest of the evening.

Natsu’s gaze slid past her to Taiga. “Didn’t know you brought a guest.”

Taiga raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Lucy stepped forward. “He met me at the courts because it was on his way home from practice, what’s wrong with that?”

Natsu folded his arms. “Didn’t realize you needed an escort.”

The air shifted.

Taiga tilted his head. “Didn’t realize it was a problem, Dragneel.”

Lucy looked between them, suddenly wishing she had remembered and just texted Natsu to meet her tomorrow. She didn’t have the energy for this.

Natsu scoffed. “Not a problem. Just surprised you’ve got the time, Lucy. Thought you were too busy tanking practice to go on a walk with this guy.”

Lucy froze mid-step. Natsu’s words were sharp, but it was the smirk that followed that really cut her. Her jaw clenched, but before she could open her mouth to respond, Taiga had already taken a step forward.

"The hell did you just say?" Taiga's voice dropped lower than usual — not teasing, not light — but sharp and clear.

Natsu sat up a bit straighter, but didn’t lose the cocky tilt to his head. "I said," he repeated slowly, like he was being funny, "Didn’t know Lucy had time for walks after flopping her whole practice. Or maybe she just wanted to impress someone new."

Lucy’s jaw clenched. “Natsu.”

“What?” he said, eyes not leaving Taiga. “I’m just saying—”

“Well don’t,” she snapped. “I’ve had enough today.” Before she could speak anymore, there was a blur of motion beside her.

Taiga’s shoe’s scraped against the pavement as his sports bag dropped and Natsu’s back slammed up against the siding of the house. Taiga had him by the collar, fist bunched in the front of his shirt like he’d been waiting to do it for weeks.

“Say something like that again. I dare you.”

Natsu’s grin faltered for a split second. His hands came up, but not in defense — just… surprised. Maybe even confused. Like he hadn’t expected anyone to check him.

“Taiga,” Lucy warned, “Stop. I’m not in the mood for this right now.”

“Don’t tell me to stop,” Taiga muttered, still staring Natsu down. “You think this is funny? You come to her practice, run your mouth, and now you’re here acting like you’re entitled to be pissed she has other friends?”

Taiga scoffed, brushing his hands off on his jacket like touching Natsu had dirtied them. “Yeah? Then maybe next time, try not being such a jerk to the girl you supposedly give a crap about.”

“ Taiga. ”

“I know,” Taiga said, already backing toward the fence gate again. “I know. Sorry, Lu. I’ll see you tomorrow. Text me if you wanna talk more.”

He gave her a quick glance — softer, quieter — and then turned and left.

She waited until they both got inside the house. “What is your problem?”

“What are you talking about?” Natsu looked at her like she had just decided to ask him about astrophysics.

She stared at him incredulously. “Natsu, you can’t be serious. What was that with Taiga not even two minutes ago.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “Nothing.”

“Doesn’t seem like nothing.”

“Doesn’t seem like nothing.”

“Yes, he is. You don’t even know him.”

And when Natsu turned to look at her, something raw flickered across his face before he masked it with a shrug. “Whatever. Let’s just study.”

Natsu sat back down on the couch, but the tension in the room didn’t ease. Lucy stood there a moment longer, then walked past him and into the kitchen, needing space, needing air, needing—

She wasn’t even sure.

All she knew was that her safe space didn’t feel so safe anymore.

The silence between them was thicker than the textbook pages sprawled across Lucy’s bedroom floor. If it wasn’t for the hum of the heater in the space, Lucy might’ve lost it. She imagined this was what it felt like to be in solitary confinement; except it was teenage-girl-version.

They hadn’t said much since Taiga left — just quietly picked at their notes, exchanged a few words about formulas and vocabulary, but even that felt forced. The usual ease was gone.

Natsu leaned back against the end of her bed and stretched with a loud groan. “My brain’s melting.”

Lucy didn’t look up. “Maybe that’s karma for being a jerk.”

He didn’t laugh — just huffed and rubbed the back of his neck. “You’re still mad, huh?”

“I’m not mad,” she said, too quickly. Then, quieter: “I just don’t get why you had to be so unreasonably rude to him. Taiga didn’t even do anything.”

Natsu stared up at the ceiling, eyes fixed on her stagnant fan. “He did enough.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked, finally setting her pencil down and facing him fully.

He didn’t answer right away. Just tilted his head a little, eyes flicking to her. “You two hangin’ out a lot lately?”

She blinked. “I wouldn’t say a lot , but yeah sometimes. Why does it even matter?”

“Dunno.” He shrugged. “Just seems like he’s always around now. Walkin’ you home. Comin’ to your practice. Jumpin’ down my throat.”

“Natsu—” she exhaled, brows pinching together. “Why do you even care?”

He looked at her then, really looked at her — and for once, he didn’t have that grin to hide behind. “Because it feels like something’s going on.”

Lucy’s heart jumped in her chest. She bit the inside of her cheek and looked down at her notebook. Normally she would roll her eyes and move on, but she wasn’t in the mood to be passive tonight. “So what if it is?”

There was a long pause.

And then, quietly, she asked, “What about you and Lisanna?”

“What?” he frowned. “What about us?”

She shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. “You’re always with her. Laughing at her jokes. Going out of your way to bother me when she’s around. You call her Lis now.”

“Well, I never called ya Lis so I dunno what you’re trying to get at”

“Natsu I’m seri-”

“That doesn’t mean anything.”

“It used to mean something when you called me that.” Lucy couldn’t stop the word vomit coming out of her mouth, “It was always just us. Then all of a sudden you decided you didn’t want me around anymore. You’ve just been cruel.”

Her voice cracked slightly at the last word, but she didn’t stop. “You stopped walking me home, you stopped texting back — and when you do talk to me, it’s just to tease me or act like I’m annoying. Like I’m in the way.”

She swallowed hard, eyes burning now. “And I kept trying to act like it didn’t bother me, like maybe you were just busy or tired or whatever. But then I see you laughing with her , and you’re— you’re kind. You’re soft. You look at her like she’s the funniest person you’ve ever met, and I’m just—”

She cut herself off, shaking her head. “I don’t get it. Did I do something wrong? Did I mess things up?”

She didn’t mean to look at him then, but her eyes found his. Her throat felt tight, like the words had scratched their way out.

He wasn’t playing dumb nor did he look like he was about to open his mouth to say something stupid to change the conversation. His dark eyes swirled with a myriad of emotions: panic, surprise, fear, and something else Lucy couldn’t quite describe. 

Natsu didn’t know what to say. He just stared at her, like her words were heavier than he expected. The tension between them sat on the floor like a third person — heavy and unavoidable.

“You’re the one who changed,” he muttered finally, almost bitter. “Not me.

Lucy’s eyes snapped up. “ Excuse me? What’s that supposed to mean?”

He looked away, jaw clenched. “Nothing.”

Silence again.

Lucy suddenly felt incredibly foolish. She had done such a good job over the years of not showing Natsu how incredibly frustrating this all was. How much it hurt every time he brushed her off, or looked right through her like she wasn’t even there. She was always supposed to be the one who didn’t care. The one who laughed it off. The one who never got hurt.

But now the words were out there, hanging in the air between them like some ugly secret she couldn’t take back.

She wrapped her arms around herself, more to keep her voice from shaking than anything else. “You know what? Forget it,” she said again, quieter this time. “I don’t even know what I thought you were gonna say. I guess I just— I thought we were better than this.” 

The silence dragged, and her skin burned under his gaze. She couldn’t tell if he was angry, or guilty, or just… confused. Maybe it didn’t matter. As the seconds ticked, she realized how exhausted she was.

“I think I’m done studying for tonight,” Lucy said, gathering her papers, her voice tight and low.

Natsu nodded without looking at her. “Yeah. Me too.”

⥈↭⥈

“Oh. My. God, Lu! You’re literally in those dramatic love triangles in the TV shows I always watch!”

“Levy! Try to be considerate of Lucy’s feelings. None of what she just described is exciting in any way.”

“It’s fine, Erza,” Lucy sighed, “I just hope the ground swallows me whole so I don’t have to keep replaying it over in my head. I think I might die from sheer embarassment.”

“Oh, Lu,” Levy consoled, “It’s not even that bad. I’m proud of you for finally telling him how you feel. Erza and I know better than anyone how much it was upsetting you.

“Besides,” she continued, “How great is it that you had the two hottest guys in our school about to fight over you in your own house!”

Lucy couldn’t stop the loud groan that escaped her, “For the last time. There was no fighting over anyone!”

“I mean…” Levy shrugged playfully, “Taiga definitely squared up a little. And Natsu was doing that thing he always does when he’s jealous—you know, where he talks louder and tries way too hard to act like he doesn’t care?”

“He was definitely scowling more than usual today,” Erza added thoughtfully, crossing her arms. “And the way he said Taiga’s name? That wasn’t friendly.”

Lucy whined and buried her head in her arms on the desk. “Please stop talking. This is already mortifying enough.”

“We’re just saying,” Levy teased, leaning forward in her chair, “if this were a drama, you’d be the main character. Like, the brooding best friend versus the sweet transfer student? Peak TV right there.”

Lucy’s muffled voice came from the desk. “Why is this my life?”

Levy grinned. “I still can’t believe you told Natsu how you felt. That’s huge, Lu. It’s way better than bottling it up and pretending like it doesn’t bother you.”

“Oh, yeah, so brave of me,” Lucy said flatly, “confessing my feelings right before one boy insulted me and the other announced he was moving away. Classic win.”

Just then, the classroom door creaked open. In strolled Taiga, earbuds dangling from his neck and an easy smirk tugging at his lips.

“Wait—did I just hear something about a confession ?” he asked, dropping his bag beside a desk.

Lucy froze. Levy and Erza’s eyes widened. Taiga blinked at them, then slowly pointed at himself. “Hold on… are you saying you confessed to me ?”

“No!” Lucy shot up in her seat, eyes wide with panic. “Absolutely not! That is not what I said—” Levy burst into laughter, slapping the desk. 

“Oh my god, your face—” “Wow,” Taiga said, still smirking as he sat backwards on the chair beside her. “You know, I always had a feeling you had a thing for me. All that bickering? Classic repressed feelings.” 

Erza, ever the voice of reason, sighed. “Taiga, don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding,” he said, hands up in mock surrender. “Mostly. But seriously—if you’re trying to tell me you don’t like me, Heartfilia, now’s the time.” 

Lucy groaned, burying her face again. “Please make it stop.”

Just as she peeked up again, the door swung open a second time. Natsu stepped inside, laughing at something behind him — and sure enough, Lisanna trailed in right after, bright-eyed and holding a stack of notes. His laugh died the second his eyes landed on Lucy. His body language stiffened noticeably. Lucy felt it instantly — the room shifted. The air, once light with teasing, now held a quiet tension.

Natsu’s gaze flicked briefly to Taiga, then to Lucy, then back down. “Uh… hey.” 

“Hey,” Lucy replied, trying to sound casual as her pulse jumped. 

Lisanna didn’t seem to notice the awkward beat. “Lucy! I was hoping you’d be in here. Cana said you might have the notes from that weird poetry assignment?” 

“Oh, right. Yeah,” Lucy said, quickly digging through her binder, glad for the distraction. She handed the notes over as Lisanna beamed and thanked her.

Natsu lingered near the door for a moment, clearly unsure whether to join them. Eventually, he leaned against the wall, arms crossed, eyes mostly avoiding Lucy — but she could feel him watching. Every move, every glance. He was quieter than usual. Guarded.

Taiga leaned toward Lucy and said just loud enough for Natsu to hear, “Man, your friend’s kind of intense.” 

Lucy blinked. “Huh?” 

“Baseball boy,” Taiga clarified. “Dude looks like he’s trying not to explode.” 

Levy covered a laugh with a cough. Erza narrowed her eyes at Natsu, who looked like he wanted to be anywhere else but there. Lucy glanced at him briefly, her stomach knotting when he immediately turned his head away like the sight of her burned. Fine , she thought, jaw tightening. Two could play that game.

She turned her glare on Taiga instead, who looked entirely too pleased with himself. He met her eyes, eyebrows raised, and gave a lazy shrug like he had no idea what he’d done wrong. He was playing stupid, and he was doing it eerily well.

Lucy clenched her fists in her lap. Of course he’d make it worse. Of course Natsu would be distant and awkward instead of talking to her like a normal person. And of course Taiga couldn’t resist stirring the pot when things were already uncomfortable. Why did middle school feel more mature than this?

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” she muttered under her breath.

“Immensely,” Taiga whispered back, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement. “I mean, I walk into a rom-com, and I didn’t even have to pay admission.”

Lucy resisted the urge to hurl her pencil case at his head. She knew he was joking, but Natsu’s silence weighed heavy on her chest. This wasn’t funny to her. Not when everything between them still felt unresolved.

Not when he wouldn't even look at her.

The day dragged on and since she had no practice, she had no distraction. She could finish the project she had due the following week, but she knew her mind would betray her and she wouldn’t be able to get a thing done.

The contents of Lucy’s bookshelf lay scattered across her bedroom floor in organized chaos. She had been meaning to clean out her room for weeks now, but it wasn’t until her emotions were threatening to boil over that she found herself dragging everything down and shoving old notebooks, half-used journals, and forgotten knick-knacks into piles. Cleaning helped her think—helped her not think.

She sat cross-legged in the middle of the mess, flipping through a photo album she hadn’t seen in ages. A picture of her and Natsu fell out from between the pages—sun-drenched and smiling at the beach when they were nine. She stared at it for a moment, her throat tightening. Things used to be so easy.

A knock at her door startled her, it was her mom. “Lu, Natsu’s here to see you.”

The younger blonde rolled her eyes. Of course. She got up. “Tell him I’m not home. Tell him I ran away to Canada or something.”

“Kinda hard to lie when I can hear you.” In her head she imagined herself screaming and throwing pillows at her mother for letting the devil himself enter her house ever again.

She crossed the room slowly. “What are you doing here?”

Natsu scratched the back of his neck, not quite meeting her eyes. “You weren’t answering your texts. I just… I wanted to talk.”

Lucy hesitated for a second before stepping back. “Fine. Come in.”

Natsu slid past Layla as she went back downstairs and looked around at the chaos in her room. “Whoa. You moving out or something?”

“No. Just cleaning,” she said flatly, turning back to the pile of books on her floor. 

He stood awkwardly near the edge of her rug, fidgeting with the hem of his hoodie. “Look, about yesterday—”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Lucy interrupted, too tired to relive it. “It’s fine.”

“No, it’s not,” he said, stepping closer. “I was a jerk. I—I didn’t mean to be. I just… I don’t know. I didn’t like seeing you and Taiga all close, and I guess I let it get to me.” Lucy looked up at him sharply, surprised by the honesty in his voice.

Natsu exhaled, eyes darting to the photo on her bed before continuing, “You were right. I’ve been cruel lately. Distant. And I don’t even know why—maybe I got scared or maybe I thought I was supposed to change or act cooler, but none of it gave me the right to treat you like that.”

The words settled over the room like dust.

He shifted again, eyes finally meeting hers. “You’ve always been there for me, Luce. I should’ve been there for you too. I haven’t been a good friend, but I want to be better. If you’ll let me.”

Lucy blinked, caught off guard by the lump forming in her throat. It wasn’t the apology she expected—she wasn’t even sure she expected one at all—but hearing it… it chipped away at the wall she’d been building.

“I missed you,” she admitted quietly, scared that if she said it too loud Natsu would just laugh in her face and say it was all a joke, “Not just the dumb jokes or walking home from school together—but you . The one who actually cared about how my day was going.”

Natsu’s face softened. “I missed you too.”

They stood in silence for a beat.

Then, Lucy picked up the old photo and handed it to him. “Remember this?”

Natsu grinned as he took it, his fingers brushing hers. “We made that sandcastle that got wrecked five minutes later.”

“Because you jumped on it,” she said dryly.

He laughed, and for a second, it felt like nothing had changed. Like they were still those kids on the beach, just trying to make something that lasted.

“I’ll help you clean up,” he offered, rolling up his sleeves.

Lucy smiled faintly, sitting back down. “Only if you promise not to make it worse.”

“No promises,” he grinned.

⥈↭⥈

“I love you, Natsu. I have loved you since before I even knew what love was,” No response, “WELL?!”

“That’s really poetic, Heartfilia. I’m truly touched.” Taiga, lying sideways with his head propped on one hand and a bag of chips in the other, blinked at her with mock sincerity.

“You’re so annoying,” Lucy groaned, throwing a scrunchie at him. Lucy’s room looked like a hurricane had swept through it—ribbons, dresses, papers, and makeup brushes were strewn across every available surface.

“You’re the one that dragged me into this, I could’ve spent my time preparing for my own speech,” he didn’t even try to hide the annoyance in his voice, “You know, as class president and all?”

“You’re the only guy friend I have. It’s not the same as me trying to confess to Levy’s face, I’ll just start giggling.”

Erza sat cross-legged next to Taiga, flipping through cue cards Lucy had scribbled potential confessions on. “It’s a strong opening,” she said seriously. “But maybe too strong? Natsu might pass out.”

“He might pass out from sheer confusion,” Levy added, giggling from where she was curling Lucy’s hair section by section. “It’s sweet, though. Just... maybe breathe in between?”

Lucy collapsed onto the floor dramatically, lying flat on the carpet like the weight of junior high and her feelings were crushing her at the same time. “I hate this. Why am I even doing this?”

“Because you’re tired of pretending,” Erza said, her voice softer now. “And you deserve to say how you feel.”

“Even if he doesn’t say it back?” Lucy whispered.

“Especially if he doesn’t,” Taiga said suddenly, his teasing gone. “At least then you’ll know. And that’s braver than what most people do.”

Lucy blinked at him, caught off guard.

Then Levy jumped in, smiling. “Also, we didn’t spend all morning curling your hair and editing your love speech so you could chicken out.”

“Right,” Lucy said, sitting up with a groan, “no chickening out.”

“Good,” Erza said, standing and smoothing her skirt, “because the graduation ceremony starts in less than two hours, and your mascara is going to melt off if you cry again.”

“I’m not crying again!” Lucy said indignantly.

“Sure, sure,” Taiga smirked. “But if Natsu ends up making you cry, just know I am taking your side in the divorce.”

The school courtyard buzzed with excitement and camera flashes as proud parents and flushed graduates milled about, their voices mingling with the rustling of uniforms and the click-click of phones. The sun was already beginning to dip, casting golden light across the brick walls and cherry blossom trees swaying gently in the breeze.

Lucy adjusted the hem of her skirt and clutched the small envelope in her hand that held her confession speech—now slightly crumpled from how often she'd smoothed and folded it.

“There she is!” Levy called, weaving through the crowd with Erza and Taiga in tow.

Erza’s eyes scanned her outfit approvingly. “Perfect. Now all we need is the boy.”

Taiga leaned casually against the gate, a lazy smirk playing at his lips. “Still time to run, Heartfilia. We’ll tell the tale of your great confession escape for years.”

Lucy shoved him lightly. “Don’t tempt me.”

Before the teasing could continue, “Alright, group photo! Everyone get in!” Mira called, her camera already up and ready.

Lucy felt her heart skip a beat as Natsu jogged up with Gray and Elfman, Lisanna just a step behind him. They hadn’t spoken since the chaos at her house, and she wasn’t sure what to expect—but Natsu gave her a quick nod, eyes lingering on her for just a moment longer than necessary.

“Hey, no awkward standing apart! Everyone squeeze in!” Levy chirped, grabbing Lucy by the arm and dragging her toward the center.

Erza shoved Gray into place beside Juvia, who looked like she might pass out from happiness. Taiga slung an arm over Lucy’s shoulder like it was second nature, and Natsu blinked at the sight of it, but said nothing as he moved to stand beside Lisanna.

“Wow, Natsu,” Gray said, a grin spreading across his face, “you’re standing awfully close to Lisanna.”

“Shut up,” Natsu mumbled.

“Oh, come on,” Mira giggled from behind the camera, “are we witnessing a new couple forming today?”

“Does that mean Lisanna’s getting the second button?” Elfman asked, eyes wide and hopeful. “It would be so manly!”

Natsu flushed. “Seriously, knock it off!”

Lisanna just laughed sweetly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I mean, it’s a little old-fashioned, but kinda cute.”

Lucy tried to smile along, but her chest felt heavy. Taiga must’ve noticed, because his grip on her shoulder softened, fingers brushing gently against her back in silent comfort.

Mira took a couple of photos, then someone yelled, “Let’s do a silly one!”

The group erupted into laughter, striking ridiculous poses—Erza flexing like a gladiator, Juvia clinging to Gray, and Levy jumping on Taiga’s back. Lucy caught herself glancing at Natsu again… but he wasn’t looking at her.

He was staring at the ground.

As they began breaking apart to say their goodbyes, someone called out, “Hey, Lisanna! Are you going to be the manager for Fairy Tail High’s baseball team too?”

Everyone turned to hear her answer.

Lisanna smiled softly and shook her head. “Actually… I’m not going to Fairy Tail High.”

There was a collective pause.

“What?” Natsu asked, startled.

“I’m transferring to Edolas Academy,” she explained. “Their program for aspiring trainers is supposed to be amazing, and Mira says the dorms there are super nice.”

“Oh wow,” Lucy said, genuinely surprised.

Levy raised her eyebrows. “That’s… kinda sudden.”

Lisanna shrugged with a small smile. “It just felt right. I’ve been thinking about it for a while.”

Natsu didn’t say anything. He just stood there, blinking, the button on his jacket still securely in place.

And just like that, the teasing stopped. The group slowly began to disband—some heading toward parents, others chasing after more photos—but Natsu lingered behind, staring off in the direction Lisanna had gone.

Lucy stayed, too, but didn’t say a word.

He finally turned to her. “So... today was crazy, huh?”

“Yeah,” Lucy smiled softly, trying not to let her heart betray her. She glanced up at her friends who were off to the side, pointing toward Natsu like they were at a theater production. Taiga had gotten on one knee in front of Levy, pretending to propose. Levy jumped up in mock excitement, grabbing Taiga’s shoulders and pulling him into a hug, their exaggerated antics impossible to ignore.

Natsu raised an eyebrow. “What’s their deal?”

“They’re making fun of me, no doubt,” she muttered with a huff. But her heart was pounding like a war drum in her chest. This was it. This was the moment. The one she had been agonizing over all day—hell, for years . Lisanna was out of the picture now, at least for a while. If there was ever a time to do it, to say it, to try —

“Natsu,” she began, her voice trembling despite her effort to sound casual, “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you for a while now—years, actually.” She swallowed hard. “Natsu, I lo—”

“Lucy, I lied,” he blurted, cutting her off.

She blinked, startled.

He turned fully to face her now, the messy hair she always used to tug still damp from sweat under his cap. “I told you there was nothing between me and Lisanna and that the nickname didn’t mean anything... but I think I was trying to convince you more than me.”

Lucy felt something crack inside her. She couldn't stop the pure horror spreading through her like wildfire, flushing her cheeks, clenching in her stomach.

“I made a mistake,” Natsu said. His voice—usually loud and careless—was low, urgent, unfamiliar. His eyes, those strange dark eyes she could never quite figure out, were wide with panic. “She’s gonna leave. Lucy, she’s gonna leave and she won’t know how much I like her.”

And then—just like that—he ran.

He turned and sprinted off, disappearing through the crowd with his uniform jacket flapping behind him.

Lucy stood frozen.

The words she had spent years bottling up, planning, rehearsing in the mirror, died on her tongue. Her mouth opened, but nothing came out.

She felt like the wind had been knocked from her chest.

Slowly, she turned toward her friends, hoping maybe someone would pull her into a hug or say something to make this easier. But they were standing there stunned, mouths slightly open, watching her like they couldn’t quite believe what had just happened either.

Levy raised a tentative hand, almost as if to say go after him , but Lucy shook her head.

Her voice barely escaped her lips.

“…It’s too late.”

Lucy stood there for a long moment, rooted in place. The laughter of her classmates, the click of cameras, the excited shouts of goodbyes—it all sounded like static. Muffled, distant. None of it touched her.

Her hands clenched at her sides.

She hadn’t technically confessed. She hadn’t said the words. She could still pretend, right? Pretend she hadn’t meant it, hadn’t almost laid her entire heart bare.

But the weight of it pressed on her chest, a suffocating ache that wouldn’t go away.

Before she could stop herself, her legs were moving. She walked fast, then faster, weaving through the thinning crowd of students and parents. Her friends called her name, but she didn’t turn around.

She wasn’t sure what she was doing. Maybe she wanted closure. Maybe she wanted to stop him. Maybe… maybe she just needed to see.

The sun had started to dip low, casting long shadows across the back of the school. Lucy followed instinct, moving past the baseball field, past the gym. And then she saw them.

Natsu and Lisanna stood beneath the big sakura tree that everyone always took their pictures under during the spring. It had lost most of its blossoms, but a few pink petals still clung to the branches, swaying with the breeze.

Lucy ducked behind the building’s corner, peeking out just enough to see. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest.

Natsu was standing stiffly in front of Lisanna, fidgeting with something in his hands.

“I… I don’t really know how to say this stuff,” he muttered, eyes downcast.

Lisanna tilted her head, her expression soft, eyes full of hope. She, just like Lucy, undoubtedly knew what was coming. “Just say what you feel, Natsu.”

He swallowed. “I like you, Lisanna. I’ve liked you for a while now. I didn’t really get it at first, but… I think I’ve always felt something for you. I just didn’t know what it was.”

Lucy’s stomach twisted. She pressed a hand to the wall beside her, willing herself to breathe.

Lisanna smiled gently. “You’re kind of a mess, you know that?”

“Yeah,” he chuckled nervously. “But I’m your mess? If you want me to be?”

She giggled—light, almost unsure—and then her eyes widened as a sharp rip tore through the quiet between them. Natsu had tugged at the fabric over his chest, yanking it free without hesitation. Threads snapped, the gesture as messy and impulsive as everything else about him.

He held it out in his open palm.

His second button.

The one sewn closest to his heart—the one every graduating boy gave to the girl he liked. A quiet confession wrapped in tradition, whispered through torn thread and unspoken hopes.

Lucy felt her chest collapse inward, like someone had reached inside her and pulled the air right out of her lungs.

Lisanna stared at the button as if it had weight beyond its size, then slowly looked up at him. “You’re sure?”

Natsu nodded, his voice low, steady. “I’m sure.”

With the delicacy of someone accepting a secret, Lisanna reached out and took it from his hand. Her fingers curled around it like it was something fragile—like it might break if she held it too tightly.

“Then… I accept.”

Lucy didn’t hear anything after that. Her mind had gone quiet, too quiet, like the world had muted itself just for her.

A deafening silence rang in her ears as all the blood in her body surged to her head. Her knees buckled, graceless and unkind, hitting the dirt with a muffled thud. She barely felt it.

The breeze stirred. Sakura petals that had clung stubbornly to the branches above finally surrendered. One drifted downward, slow and aimless, before landing near her knee—now streaked with dust and grass.

It was beautiful. And cruel.

She was pathetic. God , she was so stupid. What had she been expecting? That Natsu would change overnight? That he’d finally see her? Really see her?

She bit down on a sob and stood, stumbling a little as she turned and walked away. She didn’t care how loud her footsteps were. She didn’t care if anyone saw her wiping at the tears now slipping hot and fast down her cheeks.

She had told herself it wasn’t too late.

But it was.

Chapter Text

Lucy had never dreaded summer as much as she did this year.

She usually looked forward to the warm weather. Endless hours of tennis, no exams to worry about, and Natsu coming back from Sendai. That’s how it was supposed to be. Natsu was supposed to come back and they’d laze around Lucy’s room in the late afternoons after their respective camps were over. The heat would eventually get to Lucy and she would finally have enough of Natsu’s nonsensical questions—questions like do you think people in the north pole ever get sunburned? or if I wore socks on my hands, would I get athlete’s foot there too?

And she’d roll her eyes. Tell him to go home. He’d ignore her and ask if she had snacks.

It was dumb and familiar and hers. But now... now it all felt like something she’d only dreamed about once and barely remembered after waking up.

Because this summer, Natsu wasn’t coming back.

Or, more accurately, he had come back—but not to her .

He was still in the same town. Still attending the same school in a few weeks. Still somewhere out there, but he wasn’t in her room. He wasn’t asking dumb questions. 

she didn’t even know what she was waiting for.

The text thread with Natsu sat dormant at the bottom of her inbox. The last message from her was a simple “good luck with camp!” and a little spark emoji, sent nearly a week ago. Unread.

She had thrown herself into tennis, almost manically. Her dad had even commented on how “motivated” she seemed lately, and offered to take her to a summer tournament in Osaka. She said yes immediately.

Anything to get out of her own head.

“What do you mean you said yes to a tournament during fireworks night?” Levy dramatically flopped across Lucy’s bed, face-down. “That’s our night!”

Lucy dropped her tennis bag by the door and kicked off her sneakers. “I’m sorry, I just… forgot.”

Levy lifted her head. “You never forget. You literally wrote it in my planner.”

Erza looked up from the magazine she was flipping through on the floor. “Are you avoiding Natsu?”

“No,” Lucy said way too quickly.

Levy and Erza exchanged a look. Erza raised an eyebrow. Levy smirked.

“Okay, maybe,” Lucy admitted, grabbing a pillow off her bed and flopping down on the floor beside Erza with a groan. “It’s just—what if I see him and everything’s weird? What if he knows I was about to say something at graduation?”

“He does,” Erza said plainly.

Levy snorted. “ Everyone knows, Lu. You were halfway through a love confession before he dramatically ran off into the sunset .”

“I hate this,” Lucy muttered into her pillow.

“No, you don’t,” Levy said, nudging her. “You love this. You love him .”

Lucy groaned louder.

There was a beat of silence before Erza said, “Well, whether you want to see him or not, you’re probably going to. Mira said Lisanna’s back early from orientation.”

Lucy sat up slowly. “Wait, already?”

“Yeah. She’s transferring in the fall officially, but she came back to visit the team this week,” Erza said, brushing her bangs aside. “Natsu’s with her, apparently.”

Lucy’s stomach twisted. “Oh.”

Levy reached over and grabbed Lucy’s hand. “Hey. Whatever happens, we’ve got you. And also—maybe don’t skip fireworks night. It could be a sign.”

“A sign of what?”

“I don’t know. Love? Closure? A dramatic final showdown?” Levy grinned. “Fireworks are symbolic, duh.”

“A dramatic final showdown?” Lucy repeated flatly, raising a brow at Levy.

“I’m just saying,” Levy said, squeezing her hand, “if this were a drama, fireworks would definitely be the turning point.”

“Yeah, well,” Lucy muttered, pulling her knees to her chest, “I’d prefer less drama and more popsicles.”

Erza stood and dusted off her shorts. “Let’s go, then. It’s too hot to wallow here.”

It was hot. Not just hot— sweltering , the kind of oppressive heat that clung to their skin like a second, sticky layer. The air was thick and unmoving, saturated with the scent of asphalt and wilting grass. June was only just beginning, but it felt like the dead of August.

The forecast had promised clouds—a light overcast, maybe even a breeze. Liars. The sky was nothing but blinding blue, the sun perched directly overhead like a spotlight turned to max. Every metal surface shimmered in the distance, and even the cicadas sounded like they were complaining.

The three of them walked slowly, feet dragging against the soft, sun-baked concrete. The heat rolled off the pavement in thick, visible waves, distorting everything just slightly, as if the whole world were melting around the edges.

Lucy trailed behind a little, her skin prickling uncomfortably with sweat beneath her shirt. She could feel the heat baking into her shoulders, creeping up the back of her neck like a warning. But even worse than the temperature was the anxiety —rising in her throat like steam, impossible to shake. Each step felt heavier than the last, her dread only mounting with every block they passed.

Lisanna’s back.

With Natsu.

She doesn’t care. She doesn’t. She shouldn’t. She really, really shouldn’t.

The bell above the convenience store door jingled as they stepped inside, and the cold air hit her like a wave of relief. The same Sony Trinitron KV-13TR27 up in the far back of the store, the pixelated colors slowly fading from age. The French Open was on. Lucy closed her eyes for a second and just breathed it in—cool, crisp, and entirely welcome.

Levy made a beeline for the ice cream freezer. “Okay, I’m buying the weirdest flavor I can find.”

“Pick up some barley tea for me while you’re at it,” Erza said, heading toward the drinks aisle.

Lucy lingered by the instant noodles, half-heartedly scanning the shelves. She wasn’t even hungry. She just didn’t want to think.

That, of course, was when she heard the laugh.

A soft one—familiar. Too familiar.

She turned slowly.

At the front of the store, right near the onigiri display, stood Natsu. He was laughing at something Lisanna had said, their fingers intertwined as casually as if they’d always been that way.

Lucy’s blood went cold.

She couldn’t move.

Lisanna spotted them first. Her eyes widened in brief surprise, and she gave a small, awkward wave with her free hand. “Oh—hey, Lucy. Levy. Erza.”

Natsu followed her gaze, and the smile fell from his face as his eyes landed on Lucy. He didn’t pull his hand away, but he looked like he’d been caught doing something wrong. His gaze dropped to the floor.

“Hey,” Levy said, her tone much too bright.

Erza nodded stiffly, grabbing a bottle of barley tea and turning her back to the scene altogether.

Lucy felt something twist deep in her chest.

Lisanna glanced up at Natsu, then cleared her throat. “We were just… grabbing snacks. We’re heading to Mira’s later.”

“Oh,” Lucy said, voice hollow. “Cool.”

An unbearable silence followed, broken only by the hum of the refrigerator units.

Then—because the universe had a twisted sense of humor—the stockroom door behind the register swung open.

Out walked Taiga, balancing a cardboard box in one hand and a roll of receipt tape in the other.

“Hey, I refilled the mint mochi and—” He stopped short when he caught sight of the group in the aisle. “Oh.” His eyes flicked between her and Natsu, and then to Lisanna, who now looked mildly uncomfortable. “Wow. This looks… fun.”

Natsu’s brow twitched. “Taiga.”

“Dragneel.”

Taiga glanced at Lucy and added with a smirk, “Didn’t know this was a class reunion.”

Lucy tried not to wince. Everything felt prickly. Stifling. His eyes flicked briefly to Lucy, his usual smirk fading into something unreadable.

Lucy swallowed and stepped back, clutching the bottle of water she hadn’t realized she was holding. “We should get going.”

Levy didn’t argue. Neither did Erza.

The three of them checked out in silence, Taiga scanning the items without a single teasing comment for once. As he handed Lucy her change, he met her eyes and, just for a moment, she thought she saw something there—concern, maybe. Or pity.

She didn’t want either.

Before they could turn to leave, Taiga’s grandpa walked out from the back, wiping his hands on a towel slung over his shoulder. “You brat! I told you to finish stocking up the—” He stopped mid-sentence when he noticed the group, his eyes lighting up as he spotted the unfamiliar face beside Natsu.

“Well, well,” he said, a grin spreading across his weathered face. “Natsu, you dog! Who’s the pretty girl with you?”

Natsu blinked, caught off guard. “Oh—uh, this is Lisanna. She’s… uh…”

Lisanna offered a polite smile and wave. “Friend from school. Nice to meet you.”

“A friend , huh?” the old man chuckled, giving Natsu a playful nudge. “You always did have good taste.”

Lucy tried not to react. She really did. But her jaw clenched, and her grip on the condensation-slick water bottle tightened just slightly.

Then the old man turned to her, his expression softening. “And you , when am I going to see you playing tennis on the big screen, huh?”

Lucy’s eyes widened, caught off guard by the sudden attention. “I—I don’t know about that…”

“She’s actually going to Osaka next week,” Levy chimed in proudly, slinging an arm around Lucy’s shoulder. “Big regional tournament. She’s been practicing nonstop.”

“Oh-ho!” the old man beamed. “That’s my girl. I’ll be bragging about you to every customer who walks through that door.”

Lucy smiled, heart lifting for just a second.

Then she felt it—Natsu’s gaze.

“Osaka?” Natsu repeated, surprised. “Wait, so… you’re not gonna be here for the fireworks?”

Lucy hesitated, her pulse thrumming. “I—”

“We always go together,” he added quickly, voice low, dropping Lisanna’s hand. “Right?”

Before Lucy could say anything, Taiga’s voice cut in from behind the counter, where he’d been silently bagging their snacks.

“Guess someone’ll have to find a new fireworks buddy,” he said dryly, not even bothering to look up.

Natsu’s head whipped toward him, a flicker of irritation flashing across his face.

Lucy, on the other hand, could’ve melted into the floor.

“Taiga,” Erza warned under her breath.

“What?” Taiga shrugged, finally glancing up with a smirk. “Just pointing out the obvious.”

“Alright, we should really go,” Lucy mumbled, already turning to the door. Levy and Erza followed without protest, though Levy didn’t miss the way Lucy's shoulders had tensed.

Taiga didn’t say anything else as she passed, but his expression had shifted—less smug, more unreadable.

And Natsu, for once, had nothing left to say either.

Outside, the sky was the color of ripe peaches, the sun slowly melting into the horizon. Cicadas buzzed loudly from the trees overhead.

“Fireworks night,” Levy said after a long silence, “is definitely gonna be something.”

Lucy didn’t respond.

She just kept walking, pretending her hands weren’t shaking.

⥈↭⥈

Tournaments always churned Lucy’s stomach into tight, uneasy knots—no matter the size, no matter the stakes. Whether it was a local level 8 or a regional qualifier like the one waiting for her in Osaka, the anticipation always felt the same: heavy, electric, and impossible to shake.

She sat in the passenger seat, forehead pressed against the cool window as the scenery blurred past—green fields giving way to stretches of highway and scattered city outskirts. They had been driving at least 3 hours and the sun and finally started to creep over the horizon. Her 8 racquet tennis bag was wedged between her knees and tennis shoes at her feet, stained from clay and grass and the laces as jumbled as her mind.

Her father drove in silence, one hand resting casually on the wheel, the other occasionally fiddling with the radio dial before giving up and letting the static hum beneath their quiet.

“You’re being quiet,” he finally said, glancing her way.

“I’m always quiet before tournaments,” she replied without looking at him.

“True,” he said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “But usually by now, you’ve asked me to stop for snacks twice and complained about the number of bugs on the windshield.”

Lucy’s lips twitched. “I guess I’m distracted.”

“Want to talk about it?”

She hesitated, eyes tracing the horizon. “Not really.”

Her father didn’t push. He never did. That was the thing about him—he always gave her space to speak when she was ready, and silence when she wasn’t. After a beat, he reached over to turn the AC up a notch, the blast of cool air ruffling her ponytail.

“Just remember,” he said, eyes still on the road, “you’ve done this a dozen times. Probably a hundred if you count all those matches you dragged me to in middle school.”

Lucy let out a soft laugh. “You make it sound like I held you hostage.”

“Well, I didn’t exactly volunteer for the 7 a.m. warm-ups.”

“You always brought coffee and a camping chair.”

“And you always won when you stopped overthinking everything.”

That made her pause.

He was right. She always played her best when she just let go—when the racket felt like an extension of her arm, when the world narrowed to the thwack of the ball against strings and the feel of clay under her sneakers. But that was before—before Natsu had torn something unspoken open in her chest, before her feelings felt too big to carry.

“Thanks, Dad,” she murmured after a long moment.

“Anytime, sweetheart.”

The hum of the road filled the car again, but the anxiety had shifted—still there, still buzzing beneath her skin, but dulled slightly by the steady presence beside her.

She glanced back at the window and whispered, “Let’s just get through this.”

They arrived just before 7:30. The sports complex in Osaka was enormous—sleek buildings with glass-panel exteriors, sprawling tennis courts lined up like a battlefield, and the buzz of competitors, coaches, and spectators filling the air with palpable energy. It was a world that felt both familiar and foreign all at once.

Lucy stepped out of the car, slinging her racket bag over one shoulder as her dad pulled the trunk closed. The moment her sneakers hit the pavement, her nerves came rushing back in full force, prickling under her skin like static electricity. She felt like she was going to be sick.

Around her, other players were already warming up—stretching, jogging, bouncing tennis balls off their rackets in steady rhythm. Coaches barked instructions. Someone’s water bottle exploded from the heat. A girl in a pristine white visor sprinted by, followed by a flustered assistant holding an extra pair of shoes.

Lucy adjusted her grip on her bag and tried not to feel small.

“You’ve got this,” her dad said from beside her. “Want me to hang around, or give you space?”

Lucy scanned the court assignments posted on a nearby board, then looked back at him. “Can you… maybe just stay until I check in?”

He nodded and followed her through the throng of players toward the registration desk. The closer they got, the more the smells of sunscreen, sweat, and fresh tennis balls blended into something oddly comforting.

When Lucy gave her name, the coordinator—an older woman with a whistle around her neck—handed her a schedule and a green lanyard with her player badge.

“Heartfilia, you’re on Court 5 for your first match. Start time is in thirty. Warm-up zones are to the left,” she said without looking up. “Good luck.”

Lucy mumbled a thank you and stepped away, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. Thirty minutes.

“You’ve got time,” her dad said. “Stretch. Breathe. Maybe imagine your opponent is someone you’re mad at.”

Lucy laughed. “Is it that obvious?”

“You keep tugging on your sleeve. That’s your tell.”

They found a shaded bench near the practice courts, and Lucy sat down, pulling her water bottle from her bag and taking a long sip. Her eyes scanned the courts, zeroing in on the one labeled Court 5 .

Just then, her phone buzzed.

She glanced at it, hoping for something—anything. But it wasn’t Natsu.

It was Levy.

[Levy 🐇]: Kick some butt, Lu!!! 🎾 I believe in you!!

[Levy 🐇]: Also I swear to god if you let some girl in a matching skirt combo get in your head, I’ll scream.

Lucy smiled.

And then—another buzz.

This time, it was Natsu.

[Natsu 🔥]: osaka huh. good luck, Lucy. ur gonna do great.

Her heart stumbled in her chest.

She stared at the message a beat too long, then quietly locked her phone and slid it back into her bag.

“Alright,” she said to her dad as she stood and rolled her shoulders back, “Time to kick some ass.”

It was barely 8 and already unbearably humid. Court 5 was slick with heat, the white lines practically shimmering against the sun-baked surface. Lucy bounced lightly on her feet, racket in hand, as she took a few deep breaths near the service line. Her opponent was already warming up on the opposite side—tall, sharp-eyed, with a visor pulled low and a forehand that cracked like a whip during their 5 minute warm-up.

Lucy could feel the sweat sliding down her back even before the first serve. She wiped her palm on her skirt and adjusted her grip.

This was just another match. She'd played in dozens like it. Maybe not at this level, not with this many eyes, not with an umpire, and not while feeling like her whole life had cracked slightly open at the edges—but still. She could do this.

The umpire’s voice rang out from the tall chair beside the net. “First set. Heartfilia to serve.”

Lucy stepped into position, tossed the ball into the air, and slammed it forward with a clean, practiced motion.

The ball clipped the inside of the service box. An ace.

She exhaled sharply. That was one.

The match rolled forward like a freight train. Points flashed by in blurs of speed and instinct. Her opponent was no pushover—she returned with sharp angles and surprising spin—but Lucy had always thrived under pressure. Her footwork sharpened, her serves deepened, and the chatter in the audience dimmed to nothing in her ears.

In 30 minutes the first set ended 6–3 in Lucy’s favor, her pulse was thrumming, but her hands had steadied. She wasn’t thinking about Natsu. Or Lisanna. Or the way Taiga had gone uncharacteristically quiet in the store after watching her flinch.

She was thinking about nothing but the ball.

At the next break, she sat on the bench and drank water slowly, eyes fixed on the far edge of the court. She could do this. One more set. That’s all it would take.

In the second set, her opponent came back swinging. Drop shots, high lobs, anything to throw Lucy off balance. For a few games, it worked. Lucy’s rhythm faltered. She swung and missed an easy overhead. Double faulted twice. Her breathing grew ragged. Her hands began to shake again and her emotions threatened to bubble over and consume as they had when she woke up that morning. Her fingers ran cold, but were slick and trembling with sweat.

Her dad’s voice rang out from the stands: “Don’t let her play your game for you, Lu!”

She blinked. Right. Her game.

Not safe. Not predictable. But fierce.

So she stepped back up to the line, spun the racket in her hand, and aimed a blistering backhand crosscourt that just clipped the sideline. It shifted the momentum.

She won the second set 7–5, collapsing to her knees in disbelief as the final shot hit the net on her opponent’s side.

Applause echoed from the small crowd gathered around Court 5. She stood slowly, shaking hands with the girl across the net, her chest still heaving.

“Nice match,” her opponent said. “You’re fast.”

“Thanks,” Lucy said, voice hoarse. “You too.”

She didn’t realize she was smiling until her dad wrapped an arm around her shoulder just outside the court and whispered, “Proud of you, kid.”

Lucy’s phone buzzed again.

It was Natsu.

[Natsu 🔥]: did u win? 👀

She stared at the screen for a long time, heart in her throat, before finally replying:

[Lucy 💫]: Yeah. I did.

[Natsu 🔥]: knew it. kick ass in the next one too, champ.

She tucked her phone away and stared up at the sky, the Osaka sun blazing hot and triumphant above her. For the first time in weeks, the anxiety quieted.

Her shirt clung to her back, and her legs felt like lead. She barely had time to catch her breath before a tournament official approached her near the bench.

“You're up again in thirty minutes. Court Three.”

Her heart skipped.

Already?

She barely had time to rehydrate and shove a granola bar into her mouth before she was grabbing her racket again and heading toward the next court. The air felt heavier now, the Osaka heat turning thick and sticky, like it was trying to drag her down.

But there was no backing out. Not now. The quarterfinals waited.

And so did Yuuka Sakamoto.

Lucy had heard her name before—last year’s finalist. A powerhouse. The kind of player who made the court feel smaller with how aggressively she played.

As Lucy stepped onto the sun-drenched clay of Court Three, she forced herself to block everything out. No time to spiral. No time to wonder if Natsu had watched her earlier match. Just focus. One point at a time.

Her hand tightened around the racket as Yuuka launched her warm-up serves across the court, fast and low and loud.

Let’s dance.

From the start, it was a slugfest. The kind of match where rallies lasted upwards of thirty strokes and every point felt like a battle. Lucy had to dig deep—physically and emotionally.

Yuuka was relentless. She played like she had something to prove. Cross-court winners, vicious backhands, and flat-out sprints to the net. She even roared after points, fist-pumping like she was already in the finals.

But Lucy didn’t waver.

She matched her, stroke for stroke, even if it felt like her lungs would give out. There was no time to overthink. No space for heartbreak. Just the rhythm of her breath, the sound of the ball against the strings, and the thudding of her heart.

This is mine, she told herself.

Not his. Not hers. Mine.

And the more she focused, the clearer her game became.

She started mixing in drop shots, forcing Yuuka to sprint forward. She caught her off guard with a rare serve-and-volley play. She even started anticipating the sharp leftie angles and cutting them off early.

The first set was a gritty 6–4 in Lucy’s favor.

Yuuka smashed a ball into the net in frustration and threw her head back, clearly rattled. But Lucy knew better than to celebrate early. This was a girl used to winning—and sore losers were dangerous.

The second set was faster. Hotter. Meaner.

Yuuka went all in. Her shots grew riskier. Two aces in a row. A clean winner that whizzed past Lucy’s racket before she even had time to react. She took the set 3–6, eyes burning with vengeance.

As they sat for the final break, Lucy closed her eyes and breathed.

This is just another match.

Except it wasn’t.

Because her dad was in the stands, practically vibrating.

Because her phone had buzzed earlier with a message from someone she wasn’t ready to open yet.

Because this—this court, this pressure, this moment—was hers now.

The third set was brutal.

Every point dragged. Every step ached. Lucy could feel her legs wobble. But she gritted her teeth and fought. And somewhere in that final stretch, she stopped noticing the pain.

She played like she was flying.

When match point came, Lucy lobbed a high shot over Yuuka’s head. The girl scrambled back—too far—and when her return clipped the net and fell short, Lucy dropped her racket.

6–4, 3–6, 7–5.

The crowd erupted .

Lucy fell to her knees, hands over her face, chest heaving. She felt her dad’s arms around her seconds later. Then Levy and Erza’s voices on speaker from his phone, screaming like maniacs.

“You’re in the semis, Lucy!” Levy practically sobbed.

“You played like a warrior,” Erza said calmly—but Lucy knew her well enough to hear the pride under her words.

She sat in the locker room an hour later, still in her sweaty clothes, staring at her reflection in the mirror.

Her phone buzzed.

[Natsu 🔥]: just watched the match replay. ur crazy. that final lob??
P.S. Iim bringing u snacks when you get back. u've earned it, CHAMPION.

The semi-finals had flown by in a breeze.

Lucy barely had time to register the win before she was off the court, towel draped over her shoulders, adrenaline still coursing through her limbs. Her opponent had played well—smart, even—but Lucy was sharper, faster, more focused. The final point landed just inside the line, and the applause that followed was nothing more than background noise to the hum inside her chest.

But the finals… were different.

The sky had shifted into that strange blue-gold blend that only Osaka in summer seemed to master. Shadows stretched long across the court, and the buzz of cicadas competed with the murmuring crowd in the bleachers. Lucy adjusted her visor and stepped into position, heart pounding.

Her opponent: Reina Morimoto. The undefeated third-year. Composed. Elegant. Devastating.

From the very first serve, Lucy knew it wasn’t going to be easy. It was hard, fast, and had the right amount of side-spin that had Lucy flying sideways off the cout to receive them.

Every point felt like a war—like neither of them wanted to blink first. The first set went to Reina in a tiebreak, 7–6, but Lucy clawed her way back in the second. She found her rhythm in the long rallies, catching Reina off guard with well-placed lobs and the occasional net approach. She took the second set 6–4.

The third was where it all broke open—and fell apart.

It was long. Brutally long. Games stretched into deuce after deuce, neither girl giving an inch. Lucy’s calves burned from running baseline to baseline. Her wrist ached from the sheer repetition. At 4–4, she double-faulted. Reina took the game.

Still, Lucy fought.

She broke back.

5–5.

Her father stood at the far end of the stands, arms crossed tightly over his chest. For once, he wasn’t on the phone. He wasn’t distracted. He was just… watching. Lucy swallowed and looked away, throat tight.

Reina held serve. 6–5.

Lucy served with everything she had. Each time she swung she felt as if her arm would swing off at the shoulder. Each point felt like dragging herself through wet cement. She won the first two. Then lost the next. Double faulted again. Deuce.

And then: advantage Reina.

Lucy wiped sweat from her brow, took a breath, and tossed the ball high.

The serve landed in.

They rallied—fast, intense, brutal.

Lucy saw the opening. She went for it.

And overhit.

Wide.

Silence stretched for a heartbeat before applause erupted around her. Not cruel. Not unkind. Just… real.

“Game, set, match—Morimoto.”

Lucy stood frozen. Her racket hung at her side. She wasn’t crying. Not yet. But her throat ached, and something inside her twisted in disappointment so deep it felt like she might drown in it.

Reina crossed the court and offered her hand. “That was incredible.”

Lucy shook it. Her voice caught, so she just nodded.

She had given it everything.

And it still hadn’t been enough.

The drive back to Tokyo was quiet.

The sun dipped below the horizon somewhere past Yokohama, painting the sky in muted pastels. Lucy leaned against the car window, forehead resting on the cool glass. Her racket bag was tossed haphazardly in the backseat, straps still damp with sweat. She hadn’t changed out of her tennis skirt.

Her father hadn’t said much since they left Osaka.

And that was fine.

She didn’t want to talk. Every emotion threatened to boil and spill out of her if she so much as opened her mouth.

The ache in her muscles wasn’t nearly as heavy as the one in her chest. Every point replayed in her head—every rally, every serve, every tiny mistake that might’ve tilted the match in her favor. She had been so close. So painfully close. And it still hadn’t been enough.

The silence in the car pressed in on her until her father finally spoke, voice low, but not unkind.

“You played well.”

Lucy didn’t respond.

He glanced at her at a red light. “You kept your composure. You made her work for every point.”

She still said nothing. Not because she didn’t appreciate it, but because she didn’t know how to say thank you without crying.

When they finally pulled into their quiet neighborhood, the streetlights were glowing like soft halos overhead, and Tokyo’s summer air had cooled into a breeze that barely touched the sweat still clinging to her skin.

Lucy opened the door slowly.

That’s when she saw him.

Natsu was sitting on her front step, elbows resting on his knees, hoodie sleeves pushed up to his elbows. His head lifted the second he heard the car door slam shut.

He stood as she approached.

“Hey,” he said, voice low, almost unsure. “I, uh… heard about the match.”

She didn’t answer. Just looked at him.

He ran a hand through his hair. “Levy sent me the link. I watched the whole thing. You were amazing, Luce.”

Lucy’s throat tightened.

“You didn’t have to come.”

“I know,” he said quietly. “But I wanted to.”

She looked at him for a beat longer, then reached into her bag and pulled out her house keys. Without saying a word, she unlocked the door and stepped inside, holding it open behind her.

He followed.

Her room was dim, curtains drawn, the air slightly stale from being empty the last few days. She dropped her bag by her desk and looked over her shoulder at him. “I’m gonna shower.”

“Okay.”

“You can start the movie if you want.”

He blinked. “ Star Wars ?”

She gave him a small nod, then disappeared down the hall.

She was in an oversized t-shirt and loose shorts, towel draped around her shoulders. She gave a tired sort of laugh and walked over, tossing the towel onto her desk chair. She reached for the remote—

And then froze.

“Lucy…?”

She turned away, but it was too late. Her breath hitched, and her arms wrapped around her middle as the tears started.

“I’m sorry,” she choked out, voice small and watery. “I just—I really tried. I tried so hard, and it still wasn’t enough.”

Natsu stood up instantly, closing the space between them without thinking. “Luce—”

“I should’ve won,” she sobbbed, voice thin and trembling. “I should’ve.”

She turned around, and he saw it—her hands clenched tightly in the fabric of the shirt, her eyes glassy but fierce. “Do you know how hard I trained? How many mornings I woke up before sunrise just to get in extra time? How many nights I went to sleep with blisters so raw I couldn’t even hold a pen the next day?”

“Lucy—”

“I didn’t even care about the trophy. I just wanted to prove that I was worth something! That all of it meant something! I took out the 3rd seed for crying out out! This was it, this was my chance to break the teens and be ranked top 5.” Her voice cracked on the last word, and she stumbled back, sitting hard on the edge of her bed, like her knees had finally buckled under the weight of everything she’d been holding in.

“I’m so tired of giving it my all and coming up short. It’s like—I pour everything I have into something and it still slips through my fingers. What am I doing wrong?” Her hands buried into her hair. “Why does it never feel like enough?”

Natsu crossed the room slowly, carefully, like she was a porcelain doll on the verge of shattering. He crouched in front of her, gaze level with hers. “Luce…”

She looked at him then, and the heartbreak in her eyes nearly crushed him.

“I thought maybe—maybe if I won, something in my life would finally make sense again. That it would feel okay. But I lost. And now all I feel is this… this emptiness. Like everything I’ve been holding together just cracked open and spilled out, and I don’t know how to put it back.”

Tears finally spilled down her cheeks, hot and angry and desperate. “I feel like a failure. And I hate that I do. I hate that this hurts so much. It’s just a stupid match, right? Just a game. But it’s not. It was everything I had left.”

Natsu didn’t say anything. He just reached up and pulled her into him.

And this time, she didn’t resist.

She collapsed into his chest, fists curled in his shirt, and cried—really cried—until her throat burned and her body shook. Until her breath came in short gasps and her sobs went hoarse. And still, he held her like she wasn’t broken, like she was something strong weathering a storm.

“You’re not a failure,” he whispered when her cries began to slow. “You’re human.”

She didn’t answer, but she didn’t let go either.

Not for a long time.

⥈↭⥈

In hindsight, Lucy should’ve known better. She should’ve known the second she left her front door open for Natsu to come inside that everything would go to hell. Fresh off the most crushing loss of her career and her head still full of swirling, unresolved emotions, it seemed like a good idea at the time. It seemed like a good idea to sit so close to Natsu in her bed, to let his faint campfire smell lull her to sleep like it always did, to let everything—every single thing—fade into the background while they watched that stupid movie. She let herself be wrapped up in the moment, in the warmth of his body, in the way he always made her feel like she was home.

But now, in the harsh, unforgiving light of the late morning, Lucy felt nothing but nauseated and horrified.

Natsu was spooning behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist, his knee wedged between hers, his face pressed into the back of her neck. His lips were warm against her skin, sending shivers through her body, even as she felt her stomach twist. This was everything she’d ever wanted, everything she had convinced herself she could never have.

It was perfect. It was perfect, and it didn’t belong to her.

She should’ve known better. 

His soft, steady breathing filled the silence between them, and Lucy’s chest tightened painfully. She didn’t belong here, not in this perfect moment, not with Natsu. It wasn’t Lucy’s fault, but all she could think was that she was a pathetic, desperate fool. She was stealing this moment, this perfect thing, and she couldn’t keep it.

Natsu murmured something in his sleep, and his arms tightened instinctively around her, pulling her even closer, even as his lips brushed against her neck. And that was it. That was the moment Lucy felt her heart crack. She didn’t know if she could take it anymore.

She had never wanted to die more than she did at that exact moment.

She squirmed beneath him, but the warmth of his body, the sensation of his breath against her skin, was too much. Her body felt heavy, her limbs stiff and unresponsive. She struggled to breathe, to think, to escape the suffocating pull of this feeling. The more she fought, the worse it became.

With a panicked, strangled breath, she finally wrenched herself free from his grasp. Her legs were shaky beneath her, her thoughts a chaotic mess. She just needed to get away.

She bolted for the door, nearly tripping over herself in the process. She didn’t even bother to glance back at Natsu, not even for a second. She couldn’t look at him. Not now. Not when everything inside her was breaking.

Lucy ran downstairs, her chest heaving, her breathing ragged. She reached the kitchen, leaning against the counter as she struggled to steady her heartbeat, to slow the dizzying whirl of thoughts in her head. Her mom’s voice startled her.

“Lucy? You’ve got a guest.”

Lucy’s stomach twisted. A guest? Who the hell...?

“Who is it?” she croaked, voice barely above a whisper.

“Taiga,” her mom replied casually, like it was the most normal thing in the world. "He's in the living room."

Lucy froze. Taiga? What was he doing here?

“Taiga’s here?” Lucy’s voice cracked, but her mom was already busy in the next room, probably preparing breakfast or something equally mundane.

“Yeah. Go see him,” her mom added, without looking back.

With no other choice, Lucy made her way to the living room. She stopped short when she saw him, sprawled casually on the couch with his feet up on the coffee table like he lived there. Taiga flashed her a teasing grin, eyes scanning her disheveled appearance like it was the funniest thing he’d seen all day.

“Whoa, Heartfilia,” he snickered, “didn't realize the ‘sleeping beauty’ look was part of your usual routine.” His eyes flicked first to her hair— half tangled in the back and half plastered to her cheeks and forhead, then down to her baggy pajama pants, and the dried drool that was smeared across the side of her cheek and went down to almost reach her neck. "Real classy."

Lucy flushed, pulling at her shirt like it might somehow make her look less of a mess. “Shut up, Taiga. It’s too early for you to be making fun of me.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, well, it’s almost noon. What were you doing all morning? You know you can’t just—”

“Can you not,” Lucy snapped, trying to suppress the tremor in her voice. She just needed a moment, a second of peace to stop everything from spinning out of control.

Taiga, sensing the shift in her mood, leaned forward, wiping the grin off his face. “I’m just messing with you, alright? But hey, you’re allowed to have a bad day. I get it. You had a rough night. Losing sucks.”

She nodded stiffly, sitting down on the couch beside him. Her mind was still too scattered, too overwhelmed by everything that had happened. She couldn’t get her head around Natsu, or the moment they shared, or how much of a failure she felt like. She couldn’t even think straight.

Before she could say anything else, footsteps echoed from the stairs. Natsu appeared in the doorway, looking slightly disoriented, his hair still sticking up from sleep.

“Oh,” Natsu said, rubbing his eyes. “You’re up.” His gaze flicked between Lucy and Taiga, before it landed on her with a gentle smile. "How are you feeling?"

Taiga shot Natsu a look. “You sure you want to ask her that? She looks like she got hit by a truck.”

“Taiga!” Lucy exclaimed, too tired to do anything but protest.

But Natsu only laughed softly, his expression warm but unsure. “Yeah, guess I’m not helping much, huh?” He looked at her with a soft, apologetic gaze, but she could hardly focus on that right now.

Lucy just nodded, unsure of what to say, unsure of how to feel.

Taiga shifted uncomfortably on the couch, looking at Lucy with the same familiar, teasing expression he always had. “Levy and Erza told me what happened last night. You know, the match and all that.” He pulled out a package from behind his back. “I figured you could use a little something to cheer you up. Choco tacos—your favorite.”

Lucy couldn't help but let out a small, appreciative smile. It was a sweet gesture, and for a second, she felt something resembling normal again.

She sat down next to him, reaching for the package of choco tacos, grateful for his thoughtfulness. “Thanks, Taiga. You didn’t have to—"

"Of course, I did,” he interrupted with a lighthearted shrug. “You needed it. Besides, we’ve all got something planned for later tonight.” He grinned, clearly excited. “The fireworks festival, right? I’m going, I figured you were going with Levy and Erza…” He looked up, catching her eye. 

Lucy froze. Her stomach twisted. The fireworks festival. Every year, Natsu and Lucy went together, a routine they’d built without even thinking. The thought of him being there, surrounded by everyone, left an ache deep in her chest.

At that moment, Natsu’s voice drifted from the doorway. “Wait. What are you talking about, Lucy and I always go together every year,” He stepped into the room, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Lucy. “I thought we always went together.”

Taiga’s gaze shifted briefly to Natsu, then back to Lucy. “Well, you’re going with Lisanna this year, aren’t you?” His tone was casual, but there was a bit of an edge to it. “Or am I mistaken?”

Natsu blinked, his eyes flickering with uncertainty before he glanced down, looking away from both Lucy and Taiga. “Right. Lisanna…”

Lucy’s chest tightened as she watched the interaction. She had hoped for something, anything to change, but in the end, nothing ever did.

Taiga leaned back into the couch with a satisfied smirk. “So, yeah, if you’re busy with Lisanna, don’t worry about it. We’ve got it covered, right, Lucy?”

She nodded, her heart sinking, before looking away from Natsu.

⥈↭⥈

The festival was already in full swing when Lucy, Levy, and Erza stepped through the gates of the park. The air was thick with the sweet scent of cotton candy and grilled squid, glowing lanterns strung overhead swaying gently in the summer breeze. Laughter and music bubbled around them in every direction.

Levy was practically vibrating with excitement. “I swear, if I don’t win a goldfish this year, I’m throwing hands with the booth guy.”

Erza tilted her head thoughtfully. “They’re harder to take care of than you think. You shouldn’t take the responsibility lightly.”

“I wasn’t gonna eat it, Erza,” Levy muttered, rolling her eyes with a fond smile.

Lucy offered a half-hearted laugh, her fingers clutching the strap of her bag a little too tightly. She wasn’t sure why she felt so uneasy—maybe it was the familiar flicker of disappointment she’d been trying to shake ever since Osaka. Maybe it was knowing Natsu would be there. With her.

The group wasn’t hard to spot. Gray, Loke, Jellal, and Gajeel were already crowded around a ring toss booth, arguing over who had the best aim. Mira and Lisanna stood nearby, Mira cheering Elfman on as he flexed in front of the strength tester. And there he was.

Natsu.

His hair glowed orange under the lantern light, and he was laughing at something Lisanna whispered into his ear. She tugged playfully on his sleeve, and he leaned in close—too close, Lucy thought—for whatever joke she’d made.

Lucy’s stomach twisted, but she forced a smile onto her face as she approached the group.

“Oi!” Gray called out when he noticed them. “Took you long enough.”

“We had to wait for Levy to pick a yukata,” Erza said dryly. “She rejected five.”

Levy stuck her tongue out. “You guys would be lucky to have taste like mine.”

As the group fell into the rhythm of festival fun—splitting off in pairs to try food stalls, throw darts at balloons, and win tiny prizes—Lucy found herself drifting further and further toward the edge. Natsu hadn’t even acknowledged her presence beyond a casual, “Yo,” when she first arrived. And now he was beside Lisanna again, sharing a skewer of grilled corn.

She checked her phone. One unread message from her dad, asking if she’d made it safely. Nothing from Natsu. She shot him a quick text anyway— “Hey, want to walk the lantern path later?” —then slipped it back into her bag.

Time ticked by. The booths were starting to close down, and the sky was glowing with hints of twilight. Lucy turned around, scanning the crowd.

Levy was gone. So was Erza. She caught a glimpse of Gajeel and Levy ducking into the photo booth near the back of the park, and Erza walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Jellal toward the fireworks hill.

Her heart dropped. She texted their group chat.

[Lucy 💫]: where did you guys go?
[Lucy 💫]: did you leave already?
[Lucy 💫]: hello??

No response. She checked her message to Natsu—still unread.

Lucy stood in the middle of the festival grounds, surrounded by noise and light and people, but she had never felt so painfully, crushingly alone.

The crowd had thinned. Most of the booths were closing or already shuttered, their owners sweeping up bits of confetti and candy wrappers. The cheerful chatter that once filled the air had faded into distant bursts of laughter and the occasional pop of a firecracker in the distance.

Lucy wandered aimlessly, the hem of her yukata brushing against the gravel path as her sandals scraped with every tired step. She passed a dango stand dimming its lanterns and a goldfish booth where the last few fish swam lazily in shallow pools, waiting to be scooped or saved.

Her chest ached in that heavy, breathless way that usually came right before tears—but she didn’t want to cry. Not here. Not when she still had glitter on her cheeks and hairpins she’d picked out with Levy earlier.

Then she saw him.

Taiga was sitting on a low wooden bench just outside a candy booth that was half packed up, the vendor lazily tossing the last of the sweets into a box. The soft yellow glow from the booth’s single hanging lantern spilled across his face as he popped a wrapped piece of hard candy into his mouth, his legs stretched out in front of him.

He looked up, spotting her before she could decide whether to turn around.

“Oh hey,” he said, like they’d just run into each other in the hallway at school. “Lose your entourage?”

Lucy blinked at him, too emotionally drained to offer a comeback. She just nodded and walked over, lowering herself onto the bench beside him with a sigh that came from somewhere deep in her spine.

“Guess you didn’t get the memo,” she mumbled, eyes on the dusty ground. “Tonight was apparently ‘ditch Lucy and go off with your crush’ night.”

Taiga leaned back, arms stretched across the bench’s top rail. “Damn. And here I thought that was tomorrow.”

Lucy huffed a weak laugh.

They sat in silence for a moment, the kind that wasn’t awkward or tense—just still. The night buzzed softly around them, like it hadn’t realized how lonely it had become.

Then, without looking at her, Taiga said, “You looked really nice tonight.”

Lucy turned to him, startled.

Taiga shrugged, unbothered. “Figured someone should say it.”

They sat there for a while, watching lanterns flicker out one by one and listening to the lull of waves crashing somewhere in the distance.

Taiga shifted beside her, pulling something out of the paper bag he’d been carrying. “By the way… I’m leaving for Sendai tomorrow. Early morning train.”

Lucy blinked, turning toward him. “Wait—what?”

He nodded, unwrapping a lollipop. “Yup. My mom wants me to spend the rest of summer there before school starts. Family stuff.”

Lucy stared at him. “And you’re just telling me now?”

“I figured if I told you earlier, you’d start crying and ruin your glitter eyeliner.”

She snorted, elbowing him. “You wish.”

Taiga smirked and held out the lollipop toward her. “Mango?”

Lucy recoiled dramatically. “Ugh, I hate mango flavored candy.”

“Yeah, well, maybe you should be more open to trying new flavors.” He gave her a pointed look.

She narrowed her eyes. “Was that a metaphor?”

“Maybe,” he said with a shrug. “Or maybe I just think you’re kind of a picky eater.”

Lucy huffed, pretending to be offended, but the corners of her mouth twitched upward. “So you’re telling me to move on from Natsu. Subtly.”

“Not that subtly.” He leaned back again, popping the lollipop in his mouth with a lazy grin. “But yeah. Maybe.”

She looked out over the dark sea, the reflection of the last few fireworks sparking faintly in the distance. Her chest still ached, but it didn’t feel like it was collapsing anymore. Not with Taiga there.

“…He still hasn’t texted me back,” she said quietly.

Taiga didn’t say anything at first. Then: “I know.”

Lucy swallowed. “I don’t know why I keep waiting for him.”

“Because you’re not over him yet,” he said, with no judgment in his voice. Just honesty. “But you will be. Eventually.”

Lucy glanced at him, a slow smile creeping back onto her face. “You know, I bet the girls in Sendai will love you. A cool, mysterious boy from the big city? That’s totally their type.”

Taiga scoffed, giving her a flat look. “This isn’t a TV drama, Heartfilia.”

“But you’re kind of a walking cliché,” she shot back, nudging him with her shoulder. “You’ve got the whole sarcastic loner act down. Throw in some rainy window shots and a brooding piano theme, and boom—lead role.”

He barked a laugh. “Yeah, and in the second episode, I open my mouth and ruin it all.”

“Exactly,” Lucy said, biting back a grin. “They’ll be into it right up until you start talking about, like, conspiracy theories and why raisins are the worst fruit.”

“They are the worst fruit. That’s not even a theory.”

Lucy shook her head, laughing now. “You’re impossible.”

Taiga shrugged. “And yet, here you are. Sitting next to me. Sharing a dramatic moment under a festival sky. Kinda poetic, don’t you think?”

She didn’t answer right away. The breeze off the sea picked up just enough to ruffle her hair, and she turned her face toward it, letting it cool the last of her firework-flushed cheeks.

“…Thanks for being here,” she said finally. “I didn’t think I’d end up alone tonight.”

Taiga’s voice was softer this time. “You weren’t alone.”

Lucy looked at him then—really looked. And for the first time all summer, something inside her loosened. Not in the way it did when Natsu smiled at her or when her friends hyped her up before a match. This was quieter. Calmer. But it stayed.

He offered her another mango lollipop. She took it this time.

They sat in silence for a few more minutes, the sounds of the festival dwindling into the hum of the waves and distant chatter. The sky had darkened fully now, the last remnants of firework smoke fading into the breeze.

Just as Lucy leaned back against the bench, letting the stick of the lollipop hang lazily from her mouth, a group of voices called out from a nearby path.

“Taiga! Oi, let’s go! Last train’s in twenty!”

Taiga turned his head slightly, recognizing them immediately—some of the boys from his school’s soccer team, all waving and shouting like they hadn’t been separated for more than five minutes.

He exhaled slowly, then stood up. “Guess that’s my cue.”

Lucy nodded and stood as well, brushing imaginary dust off her skirt. “Yeah, you better run. Wouldn’t want your fan club to get worried.”

Taiga smirked but didn’t move. Instead, he looked at her for a long moment, expression unreadable.

Then he said, “Actually… fuck it. I’ll walk you home.”

Lucy blinked. “You sure? Isn’t your train—?”

“They can live without me for a night,” he said, already falling into step beside her. “Besides, I can’t have you wandering the streets all mopey and alone. What if you run into a guy who actually likes mango lollipops?”

She bumped his shoulder. “Tragic. You’d have no one to debate fruit politics with.”

“Exactly. My nightmare scenario.”

They started walking, the glow of festival lights fading behind them and the quiet comfort of companionship settling between their steps.

The walk home was quiet, but not uncomfortable. The kind of silence that felt like a shared secret, like something unspoken was being carefully passed between them.

By the time they reached her front gate, the sky had settled into a velvety navy and the cicadas had begun to hum again.

Taiga shoved his hands into his pockets and looked up at the house. “Well… end of the line.”

Lucy smiled, brushing some hair from her face. “Thanks for walking me.”

Before he could reply, the front door creaked open. Layla Heartfilia stood in the entryway with a mug in one hand and a knowing smile tugging at her lips.

“Oh,” she said brightly, “I didn’t realize I should be expecting you two back together.”

Lucy’s face immediately flushed. “Mom—!”

“Relax, I’m kidding. Mostly.” Layla winked. “Do you want to come in, Taiga? I have leftover peach pie.”

He laughed. “Tempting, but I should head out before my friends ditch me completely.”

“Your loss,” Layla said cheerfully, already turning back inside.

Lucy shook her head as she pulled her phone from her pocket—and froze.

Lucy waved as Taiga disappeared down the street, his hoodie bouncing with each step until the shadows swallowed him. She lingered for a moment by the front gate, not quite ready to go inside.

The porch light buzzed softly above her. She pulled her phone from her pocket, the screen lighting up with a dozen missed calls and messages.

Levy 🐇 [11:42 PM]: LUCY ANSWER YOUR PHONE RIGHT NOW
Levy 🐇 [11:45 PM]: WHERE THE HELL DID YOU GO
Levy 🐇 [11:46 PM]: erza says she thinks you’re mad but I SWEAR WE WERE GONNA MEET YOU
Erza ⚔️[11:50 PM]: Lucy, I’m sorry. Please text back.
Natsu 🔥 [12:03 AM]: where are u?
Natsu 🔥 [12:04 AM]: lucy?
Natsu 🔥 [12:15 AM]: ur mom said ur home. wtf???

Her fingers hovered over the screen just as headlights flashed across the street. A familiar figure was already jogging toward her house—hair messy, hoodie thrown on over a too-wrinkled shirt, his face unreadable in the porchlight.

Natsu stood a few feet away, chest rising and falling like he’d just run the whole way. His hair was tousled, cheeks flushed, eyes wide and unreadable in the soft yellow glow spilling from the porch light.

“You’re home,” he said breathlessly, as if seeing her made everything settle.

“Yeah,” she said, voice barely above a whisper. “Just got back.”

They stood there, a few feet apart, close enough to hear each other’s breathing, far enough that the distance felt like something more than space.

Natsu scratched the back of his neck. “I was looking for you at the festival.”

Lucy nodded. “I know. I saw the texts.”

He hesitated, shifting his weight like he didn’t know what to say next. “Were you… with Taiga?”

Her fingers curled around her phone. “Yeah.”

Another beat of silence. Then he looked up at her, and something sharp flickered in his eyes.

“Do you like him?”

The question sliced through the stillness.

Lucy froze. She felt the words before she could think of them, a swell of something painful pressing into her ribs.

“I don’t know,” she admitted, voice cracking. “Maybe. He’s… kind. And funny. And he actually listens to me. So, yeah. Maybe.”

Natsu didn’t say anything, but she saw it. The tiny flinch. The flash of something bitter on his face before he masked it.

Lucy’s throat tightened. She swallowed hard. “You were with Lisanna.”

“I didn’t know you were gone,” he said quickly, like he’d rehearsed it. “And you weren’t answering, and then Mira pulled me over and—”

“I get it,” she cut in, not angry. Just tired. “You were with your girlfriend.”

He blinked. “Ok, but—”

“I don’t care, Natsu.” Her voice cracked again, sharper this time. “You don’t get to ask me that. Not now.”

She turned away, reaching for the doorknob with trembling fingers.

“Wait,” he said, stepping closer. “I just… I miss us.”

Lucy’s hand paused on the door. For a moment, all she could hear was the cicadas. The quiet hum of her mother’s wind chime. The ache she’d been carrying since that night in Osaka pressing down on her lungs again.

She didn’t turn around. “Yeah,” she whispered. “I miss us too.”

And then she went inside.

Chapter Text

Sleep. Such a wonderful, and joyous part of life. Lucy cursed her toddler self for ever fighting her mother every time she offered a nap. Because now, as her phone alarm echoed through her room like the death knell of peace, she wanted to scream.

The warmth of her covers and the comforting softness of her stuffed animals wrapped around her like a cocoon. Her brain waged a bitter war: her education and future… or her nice, warm bed and a blessed morning of no one bothering her?

Unfortunately, she didn’t get to choose.

Her window blinds were suddenly yanked open, and the sun shot through her eyelids like laser beams.

“Young lady,” came her mother’s sing-song voice from across the room, “ Get. Up. ”

Lucy whimpered into her pillow and tried her hardest not to audibly groan.

“First day of high school!” her mom continued cheerfully. “You only get one, and I am not writing you a tardy note because you were ‘emotionally attached to your blankets.’... Again.”

Lucy cracked open one eye, just enough to shoot a death glare in the general direction of the sun.

Lucy shuffled her way to the bathroom, squinting at the light like a vampire facing execution. She blinked blearily at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was an absolute war crime . She ran a brush through it with all the love and care of a soldier on the frontlines—until it finally looked less like a bird’s nest and more like something a functioning human might have.

Next came her skincare. Toner, serum, moisturizer. She patted her face like it owed her money. There was something comforting about the routine—the quiet rhythm of getting herself together, of preparing for the unknown with clean skin and neat hair. Even if she had to wear a uniform.

She eyed the crisp pleated skirt and starched button-down like it personally offended her. But it was clean, ironed, and—ugh—cute, she guessed. She tugged it on, adjusted the navy ribbon around her collar, and slid on her knee-high socks. Her blazer still smelled like detergent. That was nice, at least.

“First day of high school,” she said to her reflection, forcing a smile. “You got this.”

She didn’t feel like she got this .

Still, she grabbed her bag and trudged downstairs, the scent of breakfast hitting her before she reached the kitchen. Toast. Bacon. Eggs. Coffee. A suspiciously good-smelling breakfast.

“Mornin’, sleepyhead!” her dad called cheerfully from the stove, flipping something in the pan.

Her mom turned from the table, where she was slicing up fruit. “She’s up! I told you opening the blinds always works.”

Lucy blinked. “Wait… why are you both home?”

Before either of them could answer, a deep, familiar chuckle rolled from the end of the table.

“Well, if it isn’t our future tennis star,” Igneel grinned, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. “How’s the wrist? You feeling good about the new season?”

Lucy straightened a little on instinct. “Yeah. I’ve been training all summer. Coach says I’m on track for Nationals.”

“Atta girl,” he nodded, clearly impressed. “I keep telling this knucklehead here,” he tilted his head at the figure hovering awkwardly beside him, “he could learn a thing or two from your work ethic.”

Natsu snorted but didn’t say anything. He was standing like someone unsure if he was allowed to sit. His bag was slung over one shoulder, and his scarf—always that damn scarf—was bunched a little tighter than usual around his neck.

“Morning,” he muttered, eyes flicking to Lucy for a split second before darting away again.

It was… weird. Or maybe Lucy was just imagining things. But he looked like he didn’t know what to do with his hands, like he couldn’t quite meet her eyes.

“Morning,” she replied, voice a little too even.

The silence that followed was definitely not comfortable.

Her mom cleared her throat. “Breakfast is ready. Sit down, both of you.”

Lucy sat. Natsu did too, but he kept stealing glances at her when he thought she wouldn’t notice.

And maybe the worst part?

She noticed every single one.

Lucy picked at her eggs, her fork making little patterns in the yolk as the conversation between their parents carried on around her. Her dad was talking to Igneel about some new office policy, her mom occasionally chiming in with a laugh or dramatic gasp at all the right parts. The kitchen was warm, loud, and familiar—but all she could think about was the boy sitting just across the table.

Natsu wasn’t usually like this. Fidgety. Quiet. Almost… nervous?

She glanced up. He was looking at her toast like it personally offended him.

Maybe it was the way she’d ignored his texts after the festival. Or the way she hadn’t answered when he asked if she liked Taiga. She hadn’t known what to say then, and she still didn’t.

It was just… different now.

He wasn’t sitting next to her with that easy grin or bumping his knee into hers under the table. He wasn’t throwing bits of toast crust at her when he thought the adults weren’t looking or licking syrup off his fingers with zero shame. He was being weird . And the weirdness was crawling under her skin like an itch she couldn’t scratch.

Lucy stabbed a strawberry.

He used to be so easy. She could predict everything before it happened—what dumb joke he’d tell, when he’d sneak an extra cookie from her lunchbox, how he’d tease her for her tennis visor and then wear it himself just to be annoying.

But now? She didn’t know what he was thinking. And that scared her more than she wanted to admit.

“So, Natsu,” Jude broke the silence first, ever the king of unfortunate timing, “How’s Lisanna?”

Lucy’s fork scraped against her plate, a harsh, metallic sound that echoed louder than it should’ve.

“Things been going—ouch, Layla! Why’d you kick me!”

“Oh, that was you, dear?” Layla said sweetly, sipping her tea. “I thought it was a really big bug that needed to shut up .”

Jude muttered something about betrayal and gently rubbed his shin under the table, shooting his wife an affronted look. Lucy kept her gaze locked on her toast, but her ears were burning.

Natsu shifted awkwardly in his seat, scratching the back of his neck. “Uh… she’s good. I think.” He paused, then added, “She got a new haircut.”

Cool. Great. Amazing.

Lucy could practically feel the sourness rising in her chest, like her breakfast had suddenly turned to sludge. Her jaw ached from how hard she was clenching it.

“I’m gonna go grab my bag,” she said suddenly, pushing her chair back a little too quickly. “Don’t wanna be late.”

Before anyone could say anything else—especially Jude—she was already heading upstairs, her ponytail swishing behind her like punctuation.Lucy slung her bag over her shoulder and practically marched down the street, determined to walk off the storm brewing in her chest. The sky was clear, the breeze just enough to rustle the ends of her skirt, and birds chirped like it wasn’t the most complicated morning of her life.

She was halfway down the block when she heard hurried footsteps behind her.

“Hey! Wait up!”

Of course.

She didn’t turn around. “You're gonna be late,” she called back, not slowing.

Natsu caught up to her anyway, panting slightly. “You walk fast.”

“I have long legs.”

“That’s… yeah. Cool.”

Silence fell between them, thick and awkward. The only sound was the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath their shoes and the distant hum of traffic.

“I didn’t mean for that to come up at breakfast,” Natsu said eventually, rubbing the back of his neck again like it was his default nervous tic. “Your dad just kinda—”

“What’s there to apologize fo?.” Lucy’s voice was sharp. Too sharp. Natsu paused his walk briefly, stunned. She regretted it immediately. “Sorry. I just didn’t sleep well.”

He nodded. “Yeah. Me neither.”

Another silence.

When the school came into view, the noise of students gathering at the gate filled the air like static. Laughter, greetings, excited chatter about new classes and summer break stories. Lucy’s chest tightened.

They reached the front board where all the class rosters were posted. Students pushed and squeezed in to see where they’d landed.

Lucy scanned quickly.

1-A… Levy McGarden… Gray Fullbuster… Lucy Heartfilia.

She smiled faintly. At least there was that.

But the spot beneath hers?

Blank.

Right. No Taiga.

Her throat burned.

“Hey,” Natsu said beside her, peering over heads to find his name. “We’re not in the same class, huh?”

“Nope.”

He didn’t say anything else. And Lucy didn’t either.

Because this wasn’t how it used to be.

Natsu leaned in a little as students continued to push past them, his voice lower now. “Hey… want me to walk you to class?”

Lucy blinked at him, caught off guard. For a second, it felt like old times—like before things got so tangled and heavy.

But before she could answer, a loud voice boomed behind them.

“Oy, Natsu!” Gray’s arm swung around his shoulders like a trap. “Coach wants to talk to us before homeroom!”

“Yeah, something about the fall tournament!” Loke chimed in, appearing with that trademark grin of his. “Let’s go, dragon boy.”

“Wait, hold on—” Natsu looked back at Lucy, eyes wide and hesitant, but Gray and Loke had already started dragging him backward, ignoring his protests.

“Tell her later!” Loke called with a wink, throwing Lucy a charming salute as they disappeared into the crowd.

Lucy stood there alone as the noise of the school swelled around her.

Figures.

She adjusted the strap on her bag, plastered on a weak smile, and turned toward the main building. Her steps were quiet, slow.

So much for walking together.

Lucy finally slipped into her classroom—Class 1-A, the top of the entire year. Bright windows, polished floors, and the quiet hum of students chatting made it feel like the start of something new. And terrifying. Mostly terrifying.

But then she saw Levy already seated near the windows, scribbling something into her planner. Relief settled in Lucy’s chest like warm tea.

“Morning, Miss Honor Student,” Lucy grinned, sliding into the seat beside her.

Levy looked up and beamed. “Look who made it on time for once.”

“I do have a reputation to uphold.”

“Of what? Dramatically late entrances?” Gray said from behind them as he dropped into the seat in front. His uniform collar was askew and his tie was already loosened. “You still snore in class, Heartfilia?”

“Only when the lectures are as boring as you,” Lucy fired back with a smirk.

“Boring? You see these abs, Heartfilia?!” He pulled at the hem of his shirt, “How could you call this boring.” Lucy faked a gag.

Levy snorted behind her hand.

Gray turned to Levy, eyebrow quirked. “So… you and Gajeel, huh?”

Lucy’s ears perked up immediately. “Ooh, are we finally talking about this?”

Levy’s face flushed scarlet. “We’re just hanging out!”

“Sure you are,” Lucy said, nudging her playfully. “You just happen to hang out three times a week, share snacks, and text each other past midnight.”

“It’s not like that!” Levy hissed, her voice rising an octave.

Gray leaned his chin on his palm, smirking. “Tell that to the dude who literally carried your tote bag all the way to the library yesterday like some broody knight.”

Lucy clutched her chest dramatically. “Levy McGarden, our little romantic. I’m so proud.”

Levy groaned and dropped her head onto her desk. “Why do I sit next to you guys?”

“Because deep down,” Gray said with a snicker, “you love us.”

“Barely.”

The classroom door slid open with a loud thunk , silencing the buzz of first-day chatter in an instant. Students scrambled to sit up straighter in their chairs, stuffing phones and snacks into bags as their homeroom teacher stepped in with a clipboard under his arm and the tired look of a man who’d seen one too many back-to-school mornings.

“Alright,” Mr. Kobayashi said, his deep voice cutting through the room like a command. “Seats, silence. Let’s get this year over with.”

There was a weak, scattered laugh from a few students. Lucy glanced at Levy with a raised brow. Levy just shrugged and mouthed, Third-year burnout .

Mr. Kobayashi didn’t bother with introductions or a warm welcome. Instead, he cleared his throat and held up the clipboard.

“We’re starting with class representatives,” he said, flipping through a page. “I don’t like democracy. It takes too long and the same people win anyway. So I picked them myself.”

The class stirred. A few groans. Someone near the back muttered, “Rigged.”

Mr. Kobayashi ignored them. “This year’s reps will be Lucy Heartfilia and Gray Fullbuster.”

Lucy blinked. “Wait—what?”

Gray sat up straighter in his chair, eyebrows raised. “You serious?”

“I’m serious,” Mr. Kobayashi said. “Heartfilia, you’ve got a record of perfect grades, and Fullbuster, I figured it was either this or detention. You two are the face of this class. Try not to ruin it.”

Levy was grinning beside Lucy like Christmas had come early.

“Oh my god,” she whispered, nudging Lucy with her elbow. “You’re totally going to become class president one day.”

Lucy slouched in her seat, face warm. She wasn’t mad , exactly—it was kind of nice to be recognized. But being thrust into leadership before the bell for first period had even rung? That was something else.

Gray turned to glance at her, his usual smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “Guess we’re stuck together, huh, Princess?”

Lucy rolled her eyes but couldn’t fight her smile. “Try not to make me regret it.”

From the front of the classroom, Mr. Kobayashi gave them a long, pointed look. “I already do.”

The bell rang for lunch, and the classroom quickly became a flurry of activity. Lucy gathered her things, a mixture of exhaustion and determination settling in as she planned to get some actual work done during the break. But first, she needed to make sure Gray was on task.

"Gray," Lucy said, turning to him as he lazily slumped in his chair. "We still need to finalize the list of activities for the class. You remember, right?"

Gray barely stirred, his head resting against his arm as he let out a big yawn. He slowly blinked, clearly fighting to stay awake. "Yeah, yeah... I'm... I'm listening," he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. His usual sharpness was replaced by the kind of lethargy that only came from staying up too late playing video games.

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "I know you stayed up late playing video games with Natsu and the others, but we need to get stuff done, Gray."

Gray blinked slowly, trying to focus. "Huh? Yeah, yeah... I heard you." He blinked again, and his eyes fluttered closed as he leaned further into the desk, utterly uninterested in the class rep responsibilities.

Lucy groaned softly, rubbing her temple. "I swear, you're impossible."

Just then, the door swung open, and Natsu walked in, looking more awake than he had any right to be. He flashed a grin at Lucy before heading straight for Gray.

"Yo, Gray!" Natsu called, slapping him lightly on the back. "You still out of it from last night? I thought you were gonna beat me at the game, but man, you were a mess."

Gray gave a sluggish grunt in reply, barely acknowledging him as he stayed slumped in his seat.

Natsu chuckled, standing beside him and grinning down at the dozing figure. "Tough crowd, huh? Guess it’s just me now, huh?" Natsu glanced around the room, his eyes landing on Levy and Erza sitting nearby.

"Hey, ladies," Natsu greeted them with a wave, looking uncomfortably aware of the fact that there were no other guys around. He hesitated, then sighed. "Guess I’ll hang out with you guys for a bit while Gray catches up on his beauty sleep."

Lucy felt the tension that came with Natsu's presence shift in the air. It wasn’t exactly uncomfortable, but it was... awkward. Natsu had always been a natural extrovert, but Lucy couldn’t help but notice how he clearly didn't want to be alone with Erza and Levy.

"So," Natsu said as he plopped down beside Erza, leaning on the back of the chair, "I was thinking about that game last night. Gray was getting destroyed ." He nudged the half-sleeping figure with his elbow.

Erza chuckled, her arms crossed. "How much sleep did you guys actually get last night? I swear, you two were the only ones in this whole school who didn’t look like they had just crawled out of a coffin this morning."

Levy giggled, looking up at Natsu. "Yeah, Gray’s been in a zombie state since first period. You must have been really intense last night."

Natsu shrugged with a grin. "It’s all about the teamwork. We were, like, unstoppable. "

Gray groaned and shifted in his seat but didn’t wake up fully. Natsu looked down at him and, with a teasing grin, gave him a light shove. "Don’t worry, buddy. You’ll get your turn tonight."

Lucy rolled her eyes and tried to get back on track. "Guys, seriously. We need to figure out what we’re doing for the class activities, okay? It’s important.”

Levy, noticing Lucy’s frustration, gave her a sympathetic look. "We’ll get to it, Lucy. Don't worry about it too much. You're stressing yourself out."

Lucy sat back in her seat, trying to zone out as Natsu and Gray picked up their conversation about baseball. She had half a mind to keep pushing forward with class rep duties, but with Gray half asleep and Natsu clearly more interested in the upcoming season, she let her attention drift.

Natsu leaned forward, enthusiasm practically radiating off him. "So, Gray," he started, "You ready for the season? You’ve been slacking off lately, huh? We’re gonna need you to step it up if we’re gonna win the championship this year."

Gray groaned from his half-reclined position, his head still buried in his arms. "I’m ready," he mumbled, eyes barely open. "Just need more sleep, that’s all."

Natsu rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "You always say that. But hey, you’ve been off your game lately. I was watching you last week, and I swear you were missing easy pitches."

Gray muttered something unintelligible in response, but Natsu wasn’t deterred. He had his game face on, even if Gray was too sleepy to keep up. Natsu crossed his arms over his chest, his mind clearly still on the upcoming season.

"No joke, though, we need you at full speed this year," Natsu continued, his tone a mix of seriousness and challenge. "I’m not gonna lie, the other teams are looking good. You saw how fast Levi's team was last season, right?"

"Yeah, yeah," Gray replied, voice muffled, "I was there, remember?"

Natsu smirked, tapping his finger against the desk. "Right, but this year’s gonna be different. I’ve been training with Loke and the rest of the guys, and we’re gonna have a killer lineup. Gajeel’s getting stronger, and Loke’s faster than ever. But we still need you to bring your A-game, man."

Lucy found herself caught in their conversation despite herself. She hadn’t realized just how seriously Natsu took baseball. Sure, he joked around and had his usual wild energy, but hearing him talk about the team like this—it was a side of him she didn’t see often. It was clear he cared deeply about the game, and that passion was contagious.

"So, Gray," Natsu said, leaning forward, "You remember how I hit that home run last season, right? The one in the championship game? I’m telling you, that pitch was nothing compared to what I’m planning to do this year. I’ve got a new technique, and it’s going to blow everyone away."

Gray rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Oh please, Natsu. You’ve been saying that since last year. You always talk about this ‘new technique’ and then whiff halfway through. You’re all talk and no delivery." He stretched his arms over his head, still half-asleep. "I’m just saying, hitting is one thing, but pitching? That’s where the real skill is."

Natsu’s eyes practically sparkled with mock indignation. "You really want to compare pitching stats with me, Gray? Your ERA was garbage last season."

Gray shot him a glare, unamused. "I had an off season, alright? You can’t hold one bad year against me."

"One bad year? You were bad the entire season ," Natsu pressed, leaning closer.

"Yeah? Well at least I don’t spend the whole season trying to hit a ball I can’t even see," Gray snapped back.

Lucy could see where this was headed. As much as she was used to their bickering, this time, it felt like they were about to hit a boiling point.

"No one cares about your stupid stats," she muttered under her breath, but it was loud enough for Gray and Natsu to hear.

Natsu, never one to back down from a challenge, raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying I’m not going to break my record this season, Lucy?" he teased, clearly daring her to say something.

"I’m saying you’re going to break something else if you keep acting like that," Lucy said, smirking. "Both of you are a bunch of stat-obsessed idiots."

Gray leaned forward, giving her an exaggerated shrug. "Hey, if you don’t know what an ERA is, that’s not our problem."

Lucy narrowed her eyes at him, trying to resist the urge to roll her eyes. "I know what it is, thank you very much. I just don’t care."

Natsu leaned in further, practically egging Gray on. "Oh, really? You think you could pitch better than me?"

Lucy crossed her arms, not wanting to get too involved but not wanting to leave them to their nonsense either. "No, Natsu. I don’t think I could pitch better than you. But I also don’t think I’d be throwing baseballs like you were last season. You were lucky to even get one good hit."

Gray snickered, shaking his head. "That’s rich coming from the girl who can’t even hit a volleyball without dropping it."

Before Lucy could snap back, Erza, who had been sitting quietly until now, suddenly slammed her hands on the table, making everyone jump. "ENOUGH!" she shouted, her voice sharp enough to stop Natsu and Gray mid-argument. "You two have been going at it for ten minutes about stats that no one cares about. Stop acting like children and get your act together!"

The force of her yell made both Natsu and Gray freeze, and for a brief second, Lucy thought they were going to pass out from the sheer intensity of Erza's glare. She was holding her sword—though it was only her figurative one—ready to strike.

"You think your stupid stats matter to anyone else in this room?!" Erza continued, her voice full of frustration. "You're both so obsessed with baseball, but have you forgotten why you're here? We’re supposed to be talking about the class representatives’ duties, not arguing about who’s got the better arm or who can swing a bat better!"

Lucy blinked, wide-eyed, not used to seeing Erza so... loud . Levy, sitting beside her, was already holding her head in her hands as if waiting for the storm to pass.

"Gray," Erza snapped. "Stop acting like you don’t know the responsibilities of a class representative. You can’t even stay awake long enough to hold a conversation."

"Uh, sorry," Gray mumbled, now wide awake and looking sheepish.

"And Natsu!" Erza’s gaze switched to him. "Stop making everything about baseball. You’ve been talking about this since before summer break . I swear, if I hear one more thing about your stats, I’m going to make you run laps around the school."

Natsu, visibly startled by her outburst, immediately backed off, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, I get it, Erza. No more baseball talk. Geez." He slumped back in his chair, looking somewhat defeated.

Erza let out a long sigh, clearly exasperated. "You two better get it together. We’re in high school now, not middle school. I expect better of you both."

Levy couldn’t help it; she burst out laughing, though it was clear she was also a little relieved to see Natsu and Gray get put in their places.

"Yeah, I think we’ve learned our lesson," Gray muttered, still rubbing his eyes as he gave Natsu an apologetic look.

Natsu nodded sheepishly, looking almost childlike as he mouthed a silent apology to Lucy.

"Good. Now," Erza said, suddenly calm, "Let’s talk about what we actually need to do for the first month of school."

Lucy smiled at Erza’s sudden authority, already feeling a sense of order being restored. She glanced at Natsu, who was now quietly sitting with his arms crossed, and Gray, who was trying not to nod off again.

"Finally," she whispered under her breath. "Now we can get something done."

"Gray, wait up!" Lucy called, jogging to catch up with him as the final bell rang. Students streamed out of the school building like a flood, but Lucy wove her way through them with ease.

Gray groaned when he saw her approach, slinging his bag lazily over his shoulder. "Don’t tell me you want to actually start planning today."

"Of course I do!" Lucy huffed, grabbing his blazer sleeve and tugging him in the opposite direction of the school gates. "We’re class reps now. That means responsibility, organization, initiative—"

"You're lucky you're cute when you rant," he muttered, letting her drag him back to their homeroom.

"I heard that, flattery will get you no where," she warned, opening the door with a flourish. "Now sit."

Gray flopped into his chair like a martyr. "This is cruel and unusual punishment."

Lucy ignored him, already pulling out her notebook and flipping to a freshly written to-do list. "So we’ve got the welcome event next week, sports club interest forms, and we need to collect the student council forms from homeroom teachers. Easy stuff."

"Define 'easy,'" Gray muttered under his breath, already half-dozing in his chair.

She poked his arm with the corner of her pencil. "Gray."

"Fine, fine, I’m awake." He sat up a little straighter and leaned on his desk, eyes scanning her list. "Guess it’s not that bad."

But just as they were starting to actually get somewhere, the door to the classroom burst open with a dramatic slam .

"GRAY-SAMAAAAAA!" Juvia cried, her eyes wild with panic. "You said you were going home with me today! Who is keeping you from your beloved Juvia?!"

Lucy nearly jumped out of her skin, and Gray visibly flinched. "Oh, crap."

"Juvia!" Gray stood quickly, holding out his hands. "I told you, we have rep stuff to do!"

"You didn’t mention Lucy was involved!" Juvia pointed an accusing finger straight at Lucy, her aura turning thunderous. "You were alone with her ?! For how long ?!"

Lucy blinked, unamused. "This is school work, not a date."

Juvia’s eyes narrowed to slits. "That’s what she wants you to think."

"I can hear you," Lucy deadpanned.

Gray rubbed the back of his neck, looking thoroughly exhausted. "Juvia, I’ll message you later, okay? I just need to finish up here."

Juvia wavered, heart clearly torn. But when Gray turned back to his desk, she let out a dramatic wail and sprinted off. Her cries echoed down the hall even after she vanished.

"...Wow…" Lucy commented once the room had gone still again.

Gray sighed and dropped back into his seat. "Tell me about it. Juvia’s great, but sometimes… it’s a lot. I like her, I think, but I don’t even know what I’m feeling half the time. It's like... she decided we were a thing before I ever got to decide if I wanted to be. She’s sweet, and attentive, and listens— when she wants to. It’s great when it’s just us, but once a girl even so much as breathes the same air as me within a 500 meter radius, all hell breaks loose and I don’t know what to do."

Lucy nodded, her pencil still in her hand but forgotten. "That sounds… hard. Feeling stuck in something you’re not even sure about."

"Yeah," he said, voice softer than before. "And you? Things with Natsu still weird?"

Lucy hesitated, eyes focused on a doodle she was drawing in the margins of her list. A little flame. "Yeah. They’re weird."

"You still like him?"

She gave a bitter laugh, small but real. "I think part of me always will. But lately… it feels like we’re on two different pages. Or maybe even reading different books."

Gray gave her a sympathetic look, then leaned back and kicked his feet up on the chair in front of him. "High school’s weird already, huh?"

"Yep," Lucy said with a sigh. "But at least I’m not stuck doing it alone."

Gray gave her a small grin. "Same here."

Gray stretched with a groan, his arms reaching over his head as he slumped lower into his chair. "Man… school just started and I already feel like I’m drowning."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "You? Mr. ‘I don’t need to study’?"

He gave her a lopsided smirk. "Hey, I didn’t say I was failing . Yet."

She snorted. "What’s tripping you up already?"

"Chemistry," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don’t get any of that molecule bonding crap. It’s like a different language."

"You mean basic science?" Lucy teased, nudging him with her pencil. "Didn’t you take the exact same classes last year?"

"Yeah, but this time I actually want to pass without last-minute panic sessions," he muttered. "And besides, you’re, like, freakishly good at that stuff."

"I’ll take that as a compliment," Lucy said with a small smile. "I don’t mind helping. Come over sometime and we can go through the first few chapters together."

Gray looked over at her, surprised. "Seriously?"

"Seriously," she nodded. "But you have to help me with math in exchange. I swear those letters and numbers are conspiring against me."

Gray chuckled. "Deal. I’ll carry you through equations if you save me from setting myself on fire in the chem lab."

"Perfect." She stuck out her pinky. "We’re officially study buddies."

He looked at her pinky for a second before chuckling and linking his own with hers. "Study buddies it is."

For a moment, they just sat there like that, pinkies linked and heads tilted in mutual exasperation over academics, but still smiling. The classroom was quiet again, golden light spilling through the windows, dust dancing in the air like lazy confetti.

"Guess being class reps won’t be so bad," Gray said.

Lucy leaned her chin on her hand, still smiling. "As long as you stay awake during planning meetings."

"No promises," he said, grinning. "But I’ll try harder if there’s snacks."

She rolled her eyes, but it was fond. "You’re impossible." Flipping her notebook closed, she stood up. “Alright, I think I’ve tortured you enough for one afternoon. Let’s get out of here.” Gray let out a whoop.

The halls were nearly empty by the time they packed up their things and headed for the entrance. Lucy held her bag over one shoulder, the faint chatter of the last straggling clubs echoing faintly through the corridors. She and Gray had actually managed to organize their rep duties without anyone falling asleep—or yelling. A win in her book.

As they stepped through the double doors of the school entrance, Lucy paused when she spotted a familiar head of blue hair just outside the gates.

Juvia.

She was standing with her fingers knotted together and eyes glued to the school doors, her usual soft expression brightening immediately the second she spotted Gray.

"Gray-sama!" she beamed, practically bouncing over to them.

Lucy watched as Gray blinked, then waved a little. “Hey, Juvia. You didn’t have to wait, I figured you went home already.”

"Juvia would never leave without Gray-sama," she said sweetly, shooting a glance at Lucy before clinging lightly to his arm. "We were supposed to walk together today, remember ?"

“Oh, right,” Gray muttered, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

He glanced toward Lucy. “You wanna walk with us?”

Before she could answer, Lucy saw the slight tightening of Juvia’s grip on Gray’s arm, the small flicker of something tense in her eyes. Lucy didn’t blame her—not one bit. If the roles were reversed and it was Natsu walking home with some girl Lucy barely knew, she might be glaring too.

Lucy gave them both a soft smile and stepped back. “Nah, I’ve got a few errands to run anyway. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Gray hesitated. “You sure?”

“Totally. Go before she drags you down the street by your shirt.” She gave a little wave and turned on her heel.

She didn’t look back, even though she heard Juvia giggling about something Gray mumbled under his breath.

The walk home was quiet and calm. Golden hues bathed the neighborhood in warm light as the sun dipped lower into the horizon, painting the rooftops and trees with soft pinks and oranges. It should’ve felt peaceful.

But all Lucy could think about was how empty the walk felt without Taiga teasing her beside her. Without Natsu trying to race her to the end of the block like he used to in middle school. Without someone matching her steps.

The early evening air kissed her cheeks as she passed the park. She lingered for a second, watching a few kids play with sparklers in the distance, their laughter echoing faintly.

Alone wasn’t always lonely. But tonight, it definitely felt like it.

She adjusted the strap of her bag and kept walking, her silhouette stretching longer as the sun began to slip away behind the skyline. When Lucy opened the front gate and stepped up to her door, she didn’t expect the sound of muffled shuffling and her mom laughing inside. She tilted her head, unlocking the door and slipping off her shoes in the genkan.

“Lucy, you’re back!” her mom called from the living room. “We have a guest!”

Lucy blinked, rounding the corner—only to be greeted by the sight of Natsu on their living room floor, crouched in front of a small open carrier. His eyes were lit up with excitement, cheeks flushed like he’d just run a marathon, and a small blue creature was nestled between his hands.

“Lucy!” he grinned. “Look!”

Lucy blinked. “Is that…?”

“It’s Happy!” Natsu beamed proudly. “I just got him yesterday! Isn’t he the coolest?”

The tiny kitten looked up at her with big, round eyes and let out the faintest, squeaky “meow” before immediately flopping over onto his back and purring.

Lucy’s heart melted against her will.

“I was gonna tell you earlier, but I figured it’d be better to just bring him over and surprise you,” Natsu said, scooping the kitten into his arms. “He’s already litter trained, and he follows me around like a shadow! Watch—Happy, say hi to Lucy!”

Happy blinked slowly.

Lucy knelt down next to them, holding out a cautious hand. The kitten sniffed her fingers, then bumped his head against them.

“Natsu,” she said, voice softening despite herself, “he’s so cute.”

“Right?” he laughed, clearly thrilled by her reaction. “I thought about naming him something cool like Dragon or Blaze or whatever, but when he looked at me with those huge eyes I just knew—he’s a Happy.”

Layla smiled from the kitchen doorway, towel in hand. “I told him you’d fall in love with the little guy.”

Lucy glanced at Natsu, watching the way he cradled the kitten so gently in his arms, as if the tiny creature was the most important thing in the world.

“He’s perfect,” she said.

Their eyes met for a moment, and something unspoken passed between them. Not the awkward, uncertain tension from earlier—but something softer, warmer.

Natsu scratched Happy behind the ears. “I was thinking… Maybe you could help me take care of him? Y’know, since I’ve never had a cat before, and you’re really good with animals and stuff…”

Lucy blinked. “You want me to co-parent a cat with you?”

He snorted. “Not like that! Just—like, part-time best friend duties. I mean, it’s either that or I name the next one after you.”

Lucy rolled her eyes, biting back a smile. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Oh, I would. And it’d be a dog this time.”

Happy pawed at Lucy’s hand, curling up between them, completely content.

Later, the three of them—Natsu, Lucy, and Happy—ended up sprawled across Lucy’s bedroom floor. A crinkly toy mouse rolled somewhere under her bed, and Happy was mid-pounce, blue tail swishing with laser focus. Lucy giggled as the kitten jumped too far and tumbled over a pillow.

“He’s already got more energy than you,” she teased, nudging Natsu with her foot.

“Hey, I’m full of energy,” Natsu protested, dramatically flexing one arm. “I just save mine for baseball.”

“Mhm. And yet you still manage to lose to Gray every time you arm wrestle.”

“That was one time! He cheated!”

Lucy rolled her eyes, but she was still smiling as she reached down to rub Happy’s belly. He squeaked in delight and latched onto her wrist with soft paws.

“Hey,” he said suddenly, voice softer than usual. “About this morning… I’m sorry.”

Lucy blinked and looked at him. “For what?”

“For, y’know… making it awkward. When your dad said that stuff about Lisanna.”

She tilted her head, surprised. “Natsu, that wasn’t your fault. Why are you apologizing?”

He let out a frustrated breath, not looking at her. “Because it was awkward. I should’ve said something to shut it down. I don’t want it to be like that between us.”

She sat up straighter, brushing her bangs out of her face. “It’s not a big deal. Seriously.”

But he didn’t seem convinced. “Still… I don’t want things to get weird.”

Lucy raised an eyebrow. “Why would it be weird that you have a girlfriend? You and Lisanna have been together for months now.”

Natsu's mouth opened, then closed again. He scratched the back of his neck, looking completely out of his element—more than she’d seen in a while.

“It’s just… I dunno,” he muttered. “You and Lisanna are both… important to me. And I guess it’s kinda weird for me. ”

Lucy’s heart gave a tiny, traitorous twist at the hesitation in his voice.

He looked over at her finally, like he was afraid of what she might say next.

But she only offered a small smile, even if it didn’t fully reach her eyes. “Lisanna’s sweet,” she said gently. “She really is. I mean, she brought me those little strawberry mochi snacks after I lost my tournament last year. Remember?”

Natsu blinked, like he hadn’t expected her to defend Lisanna.

“She’s kind,” Lucy continued, “and supportive. I’m glad you’re with someone like her.”

There was a pause. The only sound was Happy’s soft breathing and the hum of Lucy’s desk fan spinning in lazy circles.

“…You sure?” Natsu asked, like he needed to hear it again.

Lucy turned to him with a faint laugh. “I’m sure. You don’t need to feel guilty for having people you care about.”

Natsu looked at her for a moment longer, like he was searching for something in her expression. But Lucy only smiled and gave Happy a little poke, distracting the kitten from gnawing on her shoelace.

“You’re really okay?” he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

She nodded. “I’m really okay.”

Happy yawned and curled up between them, as if he’d declared the conversation over. Lucy leaned back on her elbows and looked up at her ceiling.

“We’ve been through worse,” she said. “Don’t make this a thing. It’s not.”

And for once, Natsu didn’t argue. He just sat there, legs stretched out, the tiny blue kitten purring against his knee, and let the silence settle again—this time without the tension.

It was simple.

And that, Lucy thought, was more than enough.

⥈↭⥈

Lucy had ran herself ragged. Between begging Gray to attend the class representative meetings, trying to prepare for the spring dance, somehow becoming editor in chief for their newspaper as a first year, and now the upcoming tennis season, she felt like a piece of silly string—stretched, frayed, and on the verge of snapping.

Her planner looked like it had gone to war. She’d scribbled over entire weeks, color-coded tabs were sticking out at every angle, and at least two post-its were barely hanging on for dear life. She hadn’t even realized she’d started writing “kill me” in the margins until Levy pointed it out in the middle of science class.

“You need a break,” Levy had said, not even looking up from her book. “Or a nap. Or possibly medical intervention.”

Lucy groaned into her locker. “Tell that to the tennis coach. Tryouts are in a week and I haven’t touched a racket since midterms.”

“You haven’t touched a meal since midterms,” Levy replied dryly, shoving a granola bar into Lucy’s hand. “Tennis is the last thing you should be thinking about right now.”

And now, standing at the edge of the tennis courts after a two-hour practice, Lucy could feel her legs vibrating in protest. Her arms ached. Her bangs were plastered to her forehead. Her pony tail was knotted and half fallen apart. She had a meeting with the dance committee in twenty minutes and she was already running on fumes.

But quitting? Not an option.

If she stopped moving, she worried she might not start again.

Lucy was hunched over a half-eaten energy bar on the benches near the court, scribbling something unintelligible into her planner with the last bit of strength she had left. She hadn’t even noticed Levy and Erza approach until a shadow blocked her sunlight—and then another.

“Lucy,” Levy said, arms crossed and eyes sharp with concern. “You look like a raccoon who hasn’t seen sleep since the Edo period.”

“Thanks,” Lucy muttered, not looking up. “That’s exactly the aesthetic I was going for.”

Erza placed a cold water bottle against the back of Lucy’s neck, making her yelp and shoot up straight.

“You’ve taken on too much,” Erza said simply, her voice gentle but firm. “It’s admirable. But it’s also stupid.”

Levy knelt next to her and took the planner from her hands. “We’ll help. Seriously. I can take over the planning and Erza can help coordinate with the music club. You’re not doing all of this alone anymore.”

Lucy blinked, throat tight, but said nothing.

“Oi!” Gray called from a few feet away, jogging toward them and looking more awake than usual. “I thought this was a planning session, not an intervention.”

Levy gave him a look. “It is an intervention.”

Gray scratched the back of his head. “Alright, fair. I’ve been slacking. I’m sorry, Luce.” Then, with a lazy grin, “You know you can ask for help, right? You're like… dangerously close to becoming a walking cautionary tale.”

She smiled, weak but genuine. “Thanks, Gray. Seriously. And sorry if I’ve been… y’know, bossy.”

“You? Bossy?” he grinned. “Never. You only threatened me twice this week. That’s personal growth.”

Lucy huffed a laugh despite herself. “Fine. I surrender. But only because my legs stopped working ten minutes ago.”

“Good,” Erza said, sitting beside her like a sentinel. “Now let’s get to work before you actually disintegrate.”

The classroom they had borrowed for the dance committee was warm, the windows fogged at the corners despite it being mid-afternoon. Lucy sat at the front with Levy beside her, tapping away on her laptop, and Erza organizing flyers by color, size, and perceived threat level. Gray was slouched sideways in a chair with his feet on the desk, but for once, he was actually scribbling notes.

“All the food vendors are confirmed,” Levy said, flipping her screen toward Lucy. “And I asked Mirajane to bake for the refreshment table.”

“Because of course Mira bakes,” Gray muttered. “Is there anything she can’t do?”

“Exist quietly,” Erza replied without missing a beat.

Levy set down her color-coded spreadsheet with a flourish. “I took the liberty of grouping the RSVP list by class year and social compatibility. You’re welcome.”

Lucy blinked. “What does that even mean?”

“She put the loud people in the back and the quiet ones near the food table,” Gray translated as he slid into his seat beside Lucy and slouched immediately.

Erza stood at the front of the room with her arms crossed, surveying the sparse group of students who had volunteered to help. “We’re expecting the music club leader any minute. We’ll coordinate with him to finalize the setlist and figure out when the slow dances go in.”

“I still can’t believe we’re having a slow dance,” Gray muttered, cracking open a soda. “We’re fifteen.”

“And yet some of you are emotionally stunted at eight,” Erza deadpanned.

Just then, the door creaked open and a lanky boy with round glasses poked his head in. “Uh… hey. Is this where the dance committee’s meeting?”

Lucy perked up. “Yeah! You’re from the music club, right?”

He stepped inside with a laptop tucked under one arm and a mess of cables under the other. “I’m Jet. Max and I worked on the playlists over spring break. Uh—he couldn’t come today because he got detention.”

“What’d he do?” Gray asked, more interested now that chaos was involved.

“Drew a penis on the faculty garden lawn. Again.”

“Legend,” Gray muttered.

Jet booted up his laptop and plugged it into the projector. “Anyway, we wanted to show you our mock setlist. We included some classics, a few newer tracks, and—uh—someone requested the ‘Dance of the Fire Ferrets’ from that old show no one remembers?”

“That was me,” Erza said, dead serious.

Lucy leaned toward Levy, whispering, “She’s going to challenge people to sword duels in the middle of the dance floor, isn’t she?”

Levy nodded solemnly. “Absolutely.”

Jet clicked through the playlist while Erza nodded with military precision, giving each song a score out of ten. Gray yawned, head bobbing slightly with the beat. He’d been up late again the night before—Lucy suspected more video games than homework—but at least he’d shown up.

When the projector clicked off, Jet awkwardly asked if they needed anything else and scampered off, narrowly avoiding Erza’s enthusiastic handshake.

Gray rubbed the back of his neck and looked at Lucy. “Hey, uh. Thanks for dragging me to this. I mean it.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Who are you and what did you do with the real Gray?”

He smirked. “Seriously, though. Next time you’re drowning in stuff, ask for help, okay?”

“I will,” Lucy promised, smiling faintly. “Right after I ask you to study with me so you don’t flunk midterms.”

He groaned dramatically. “Chemistry is your fault. I’ll help with math.”

“Deal.”

“Don’t forget,” Erza called from the other side of the room, “we still need to approve decorations and floor plans by tomorrow.”

Lucy dropped her forehead onto the desk with a muffled groan. “Why is high school like this?”

“Because we made it that way,” Levy said cheerfully. “With spreadsheets.”

The soft tap-tap of her keyboard filled the room, punctuated only by the occasional click of her mouse and the scratch of a red pen across a printed article. Lucy sat cross-legged on her bed, the first draft of next week’s school newspaper spread out around her like petals. A half-eaten cup of pudding wobbled precariously on her nightstand.

She rubbed her eyes and leaned back, stretching until her spine cracked. “Ugh… I swear if one more person tries to use the word ‘epic’ unironically, I’m going to lose it.”

As if summoned by her rising stress, a faint thud echoed from her window.

She looked up, blinking.

Another tap.

Lucy stood and padded over to her window. When she slid it open, a small ball of fur launched itself into her arms.

“Happy!” she laughed as the blue kitten immediately began purring and headbutting her chin.

She cradled him instinctively, sinking back onto her bed with the bundle of energy still vibrating in her lap.

“Did Natsu send you to spy on me?” she asked teasingly.

Happy let out a tiny mrrp and flopped onto his side, pawing lazily at a dangling corner of one of her papers.

She reached over and pulled her phone from the charger, scrolling to her texts. Sure enough, there was a message from Natsu.

[Natsu 🔥]: happy missed u. got restless. i think he wanted to hang out

Lucy smiled despite herself.

“I missed you too,” she whispered, scratching behind Happy’s ears. “Both of you.”

He chirped in response, eyes half-lidded now, a small sleepy furnace of warmth on her lap.

Outside, the evening breeze carried the smell of spring and distant sakura petals. Inside, Lucy felt the knot of exhaustion slowly start to loosen.

Maybe things weren’t simple.

But at least they were hers.

Lucy had just started typing again—Happy now curled into a purring crescent by her thigh—when another thud hit her window, this one louder than the last.

She looked up slowly. “Don’t tell me…”

Sure enough, Natsu’s wild pink hair popped into view just outside her second-story window. His grin was crooked, and his knuckles were pressed against the glass as he squinted inside.

“Lucy,” he stage-whispered, fogging up a circle on the glass, “you forgot to feed your dragon.”

Lucy groaned, pushing her laptop off her lap and heading for the window again.

She slid it open. “Seriously? Why do you always climb the tree when you could just knock on the front door like a normal human being?”

He swung one leg inside. “Because that’s boring.”

Happy chirped in delight and launched himself off the bed, scrambling up Natsu’s shoulder before perching contentedly like a fuzzy little parrot.

Natsu ruffled the cat’s ears. “See? He gets me.”

Lucy crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. “You sent Happy here first just so you could show up uninvited five minutes later, didn’t you?”

Natsu scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. “Well… yeah. But also I figured you were stressed. And I dunno, thought maybe you could use a break.”

She blinked, surprised. His tone was softer than usual—genuine.

“…Thanks,” she said, moving aside to let him in. “You want pudding? I left half.”

“Half?” he repeated like she’d committed a crime. “What kind of monster doesn’t finish pudding?”

He flopped onto her bed dramatically, Happy immediately curling into his side again.

Lucy sat back down beside them, reaching for her red pen again. “Don’t get too comfortable. I’m still working.”

“Fine,” Natsu said, then peeked over at her paper. “But if I see the word ‘epic,’ I’m setting this thing on fire.”

“Tempting,” Lucy muttered, smiling as her pen started moving again.

And just like that, the room was full—not just of the quiet sounds of a night in progress, but of something else too. Something softer. Easier.

Lucy tapped her pen against the edge of her notebook as she scanned another paragraph, red marks circling awkward phrasing and typos. Natsu lay sprawled beside her, his head hanging slightly off the bed, idly tossing Happy’s plush mouse toy into the air.

After a while, he peeked over her shoulder again. “Is that article about the new school vending machines?”

“Yeah,” Lucy replied, still reading. “They finally replaced the ones that used to eat your change.”

“Good. That thing stole like 300 yen from me last semester.” He paused. “I still haven’t forgiven it.”

“You filed a formal complaint , Natsu.”

“It was a matter of principle.”

Lucy snorted but didn’t look up. “Well, I’m putting in a quote from the vice principal. She said, and I quote, ‘The students deserve trustworthy snack machines.’” She smirked. “Very inspiring.”

“Almost made me cry,” he deadpanned.

There was a quiet beat, filled only by the light scratching of Lucy’s pen and the occasional jingle of Happy’s collar.

“…So,” Natsu said eventually, shifting onto his side to face her, “you still doing like… a million things at once?”

Lucy glanced sideways at him, eyes narrowing slightly. “I’m managing.”

“You look tired.”

“You look obnoxious ,” she shot back, though the edge in her voice was barely there.

He smirked, then looked back up at the ceiling. “You don’t have to do everything, you know.”

“I know,” she said softly.

“You don’t have to prove anything either.”

That made her pause.

Lucy’s hand stilled over her page. She glanced down, watching the ink bleed a little too dark in one spot where her pen had hovered too long.

“…Sometimes I think if I stop moving, everything will fall apart,” she admitted.

Natsu turned his head toward her again. “If things fall apart just because you took a breath, they probably weren’t built right to begin with.”

That earned a quiet laugh. “Did you get that from a fortune cookie?”

“Nah. Gray said it once and I stole it. Don’t tell him.”

She smiled to herself and turned another page in her binder. “I won’t.”

They sat in silence for a moment again, but it was comfortable. Easy.

“You know,” she said, barely above a whisper, “I’m glad you came by.”

“Yeah?” he asked, tilting his head.

She nodded. “Even if it was through my window.”

“Obviously. I’m a man of class.”

She rolled her eyes. “If that’s what we’re calling it.”

He grinned at her—big, goofy, and utterly sincere.

And for a moment, it felt like the chaos of the world had paused, just for the two of them.Lucy reached for another printout and sighed. “I still have to fact-check the editorial piece, review club highlights, and reformat the entire back page. I don’t know why I thought I could get this all done tonight.”

Natsu leaned over and plucked the page from her hand, holding it upside down before slowly rotating it. “Lemme help.”

“You?” she said, raising an eyebrow. “With editing?”

“I know how to read,” he said indignantly.

“That’s debatable.”

“I helped Happy write a birthday card once,” he added proudly.

“Oh wow, Happy’s card-writing debut was ghostwritten?”

“Collaborative effort,” Natsu corrected, puffing out his chest.

Lucy laughed and handed him the article about the cultural festival. “Okay, fine. Here. Highlight anything that sounds weird or boring.”

Natsu scanned the page, eyebrows furrowing in concentration. “What does ‘multifaceted’ mean?”

“Ugh, just highlight it.”

They worked in a quiet rhythm after that. Lucy tapped away on her keyboard, updating layouts and replacing blurry images. Natsu leaned against her headboard, a highlighter in one hand and a red pen in the other, occasionally asking questions like “Is it ‘affect’ or ‘effect’?” and “Should this sentence be twelve miles long?”

Lucy glanced at the clock. “You’ve actually been really helpful.”

He looked up, a little surprised. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. You’re… better at this than I expected.”

“I contain multitudes,” he said seriously.

Lucy rolled her eyes, but her smile didn’t fade. “Thanks, Natsu.”

“Anytime.” He leaned back, stretching. “Maybe I’ll join the newspaper club. Be your co-editor.”

“You can’t even sit still for ten minutes.”

“That’s what makes me a dynamic leader,” he said, tapping his temple.

“Sure,” she said, biting back a laugh. “You’d turn the paper into a baseball commentary column.”

“Hey, that’s actually a good idea.”

Lucy gave him a look. “Don’t you dare.”

They both laughed again, and for a while, the weight on her shoulders felt lighter—easier to carry. Even the long to-do list on her laptop didn’t seem quite as daunting.

Happy meowed from her windowsill like he was proud of the teamwork.

Natsu grinned and gently nudged Lucy’s foot with his. “Told you you didn’t have to do everything alone.”As the clock ticked closer to midnight, Lucy leaned back in her chair with a long sigh, her shoulders finally relaxing. Most of the layout was done, and thanks to Natsu’s surprising commitment to highlighting entire paragraphs he deemed “suspicious,” she’d caught a few mistakes she might’ve missed otherwise.

Natsu let out a quiet yawn and stretched, his hoodie rising just enough to show a sliver of his stomach. “Alright, I should probably head out. Happy’s already asleep on your windowsill.”

Lucy glanced over and smiled at the little blue cat curled up in a soft fluff-ball. “He’s been such a good boy tonight.”

“Unlike his owner,” Natsu muttered with a grin, standing up and stretching again. “But hey. We actually got stuff done.”

Lucy stood up too, walking him to the window. “Thanks for helping, really. I probably would’ve stayed up until three pulling my hair out.”

“You’re lucky I’m a genius editor,” Natsu said, flashing her a cocky grin as he swung one leg out the window.

She snorted. “Right, I’ll be sure to give you a co-editor credit next issue.”

“You better,” he said, turning to look at her one last time. His expression softened just a little. “Don’t stay up too late, okay?”

“I won’t,” she said, then after a beat, “And Natsu?”

He paused on the ledge. “Yeah?”

“I’m glad you came over.”

He blinked, then smiled—really smiled, the kind that crinkled the corners of his eyes. “Me too.”

With that, he hoisted himself out the window, landing quietly on the tree outside. Happy stirred, gave a sleepy meow, and followed after him without complaint.

Lucy watched them disappear into the night before shutting the window, her heart oddly lighter than it had been just hours ago.

She turned back to her laptop with a small, quiet smile.

⥈↭⥈

The gym had been transformed.

Strings of paper lanterns crisscrossed the ceiling, casting a soft golden glow that made everything feel a little warmer, a little more magical. The decorations were exactly what Lucy had envisioned—blue and gold streamers flowing from the rafters, tiny lights strung around the perimeter of the dance floor, and the refreshment table overflowing with baked goods (thank you, Mirajane).

Lucy stood at the edge of the room, clutching her clipboard like a security blanket, scanning the crowd. Everything was running smoothly.

Everyone looked… happy.

Gray and Juvia were dancing awkwardly in the middle of the floor—well, Gray was mostly letting Juvia steer while looking mildly panicked. Erza stood near the refreshment table, arms crossed, her cheeks tinged pink as she chatted with Jellal, who looked equally stiff in his suit. Even Levy was laughing as she leaned close to Gajeel, pointing at the way Juvia had somehow dragged Gray into a twirl.

And Lucy… Lucy was standing alone.

She had been so busy planning the event, she hadn’t given much thought to what her own night would look like. She told herself it didn’t matter. That this was her role—to make sure everyone else had a good time. That she didn’t need anyone on her arm to enjoy it.

But then the doors opened.

Natsu walked in with Lisanna on his arm, both laughing about something, Lisanna brushing her bangs behind her ear as she looked up at him. They looked good together—Lisanna in a pale lavender dress, Natsu in a black suit with a red tie that clashed horribly but somehow still suited him. His spiky hair looked like he hadn’t even tried, and yet… Lucy’s breath caught for a second.

She hadn’t expected that ache in her chest and willed it to go away.

She turned away before either of them could spot her, pretending to check something off her clipboard. Her throat felt tight, but she pushed it down with a practiced smile.

“Showtime,” she muttered to herself.

But her eyes drifted back, just once, as Natsu guided Lisanna toward the center of the room—laughing, smiling, completely unaware of the way Lucy’s heart folded in on itself just a little more.

The bass from the speakers thumped softly through the gym walls as Lucy slipped out the side door and into the cool night air. She didn’t bother grabbing her coat—she just needed to breathe.

The spring breeze kissed her bare shoulders, gentle and almost apologetic, carrying with it the faint scent of blooming jasmine from the flowerbeds that lined the courtyard. It smelled like the kind of night that should’ve felt magical. The kind of night she used to dream about.

She hugged her arms around herself as she wandered across the flagstones, heels clicking lightly until she found grass. The sound of laughter and music dimmed with each step, replaced by crickets and the whisper of wind through the trees. The courtyard had been dressed up for the dance, but here—at the edge of the school garden, where the willow tree drooped like a sleepy sentinel—there were no paper lanterns or garlands. No reminders of the people still dancing inside.

Just quiet. Finally.

Lucy sank onto the bench with a quiet sigh.

Inside, the world was spinning—sparkling lights, corsages, laughter, slow dances. Her friends were with their dates, and Natsu… well. He was with Lisanna.

She wasn’t bitter. Not really.

Just… tired. A little hollow around the edges.

Her phone slipped from her clutch and into her hands, as if summoned by instinct.

The lock screen lit up: a photo she hadn’t changed, maybe because she wasn’t ready to. Her and Taiga from last summer. She had ice cream on her nose, her ponytail was a mess, and Taiga had been laughing too hard to tell her. She could almost hear it again—his laugh, the distant cry of seagulls, the sound of sneakers on hot boardwalk wood.

Her thumb hovered over his name.

She tapped his contact.

No unread messages. No missed calls. Just the usual thread of old jokes, fuzzy pictures, and little check-ins that had dwindled from daily to weekly… to nothing.

Not because they were fighting.

Just… life.

New city. New school. New people.

New rhythms that no longer included her.

She stared at the blinking cursor in the empty draft box for a long time. Her thumbs moved on their own.

hey. i miss you tonight.
you wouldn’t believe how weird this dance is
natsu came with lisanna lol
i’m fine tho

A beat. Two. Then she held down the backspace until it all vanished.

It wasn’t like he could teleport back just because she missed him. And maybe it wasn’t fair to try and bring him into a moment he’d never really been a part of to begin with.

Taiga had said goodbye gently, but clearly. He’d hugged her at the train station and told her that even if everything changed, she’d always be one of his favorite people. She’d smiled and pretended that was enough.

But tonight, under the weight of paper lanterns and strained laughter, Lucy wished it hadn’t ended with a hug and a promise they were both too busy to keep. Then, without letting herself overthink it, she tapped Call .

It rang once. Twice.

She almost hung up.

Then—
“Hello?”

His voice.

Warm. Familiar.

Lucy closed her eyes for a second. “Hey.”

There was a pause. “Lucy?” He sounded surprised—but not upset. “Wow. Uh—hi.”

“I didn’t wake you up, did I?”

“No, no. Just… didn’t expect to hear from you tonight.” A gentle chuckle followed. “Everything okay?”

She hesitated, then laughed softly. “Yeah. I just… needed a break from the dance.”

“The spring dance?” She could hear the smile in his voice. “You still hate slow songs?”

“Desperately,” she replied, smiling despite herself.

There was a silence that felt comfortable. She leaned back on the bench, her head tilted toward the stars.

“Tell me about it,” he said finally, his voice softer. “The dance. Everything.”

So she did.

Not everything. Not the part where her chest had ached seeing Natsu standing beside Lisanna. But the music, and the flowers, and how Levy had worn glitter eyeliner that sparkled even under the gym lights. How Gray had shockingly remembered to bring the paperwork for the cleanup schedule. How her feet hurt from her heels but it didn’t matter because she just wanted to talk to someone who remembered who she was before all of this.

“I miss you,” she said before she could stop herself. Her voice was barely above a whisper.

There was a beat. Then two.

“I miss you too,” Taiga said, just as quietly. She nearly passed out from shock, half expecting him to mock her.

She breathed out slowly. “Sorry I called out of nowhere.”

“Call me whenever,” he replied, voice sure. “Seriously. I mean it.”

Lucy smiled again—real this time, soft and steady.

“Okay.”

And for a little while longer, they stayed on the phone. Just talking. Just being.

Lucy stayed on the bench even after the call ended, phone resting loosely in her hands, her heart a little fuller, a little steadier. The night had a kind of quiet magic to it now—less lonely, more like a pause between chapters.

She didn’t hear the footsteps at first. Just the crunch of gravel, the faint whisper of voices approaching.

“There you are!”

Lucy blinked and turned toward the sound just in time to see Levy’s sparkly heels flash under the garden lights, followed closely by Erza’s unmistakable stride.

“We’ve been looking everywhere!” Levy huffed, her glitter eyeliner smudged at the corners. “I thought you ran away to avoid the bouquet toss.”

“I was gonna let her,” Gray said from behind them, hands in his pockets. “I hate catching things.”

Erza gave him a sharp look before turning back to Lucy. “Are you okay?”

Lucy nodded quickly, stuffing her phone back into her clutch and rising from the bench. “Yeah. I just needed a little fresh air.”

“Well, good,” Levy grinned, looping her arm through Lucy’s. “Because they’re about to play the last few songs, and if I don’t get a dance with my best friend, I will riot. ”

Lucy laughed, letting Levy tug her forward as the group made their way back toward the glowing gym. The music was louder now, the hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter seeping through the open doors.

Inside, fairy lights sparkled like stars. Couples twirled on the makeshift dance floor, swaying to a slow, soft beat.

“I’m cutting in,” Erza announced, grabbing Gray by the collar and dragging him into the crowd with zero room for protest.

“I didn’t even say yes—Erza, wait—!”

Levy giggled and nudged Lucy forward. “Come on. Just one dance. With me, or I swear I’ll grab the first freshman boy I see.”

Lucy rolled her eyes, but she was smiling now. “Fine, fine. But if he has braces, I’m blaming you.”

The last few songs melted into each other—slow, sweet, a little bittersweet. And even though Lucy hadn’t come with anyone, she didn’t feel alone.

Levy spun her dramatically in a circle while Erza made Gray carry punch bowls back to the refreshment table.

Somewhere on the other side of the room, Natsu laughed at something Lisanna said, but Lucy didn’t look.

She didn’t need to.

Tonight wasn’t perfect. But it was enough.

Chapter Text

The final bell of the year rang out across the campus, a shrill, metallic sound that should have felt triumphant.

Students poured out of the classrooms like water breaking through a dam, their laughter spilling down the hallways. Someone blasted music from a speaker tucked into their backpack; someone else ran past waving a crumpled homework packet like a victory flag.

Lucy moved through the tide with her tennis bag slung over one shoulder, dodging flying papers and shouts of “See you next year!” She kept her head high and her smile steady, waving goodbye to Levy and Erza near the front gates.

“We're getting ice cream later, don’t forget!” Levy called after her, cupping her hands around her mouth.

Lucy gave her a thumbs-up without slowing down. Her feet already knew where she was going.

The tennis courts stretched out behind the main building, quieter than the rest of campus. A few stray clouds hovered in the wide blue sky, and the late afternoon sun made the fence rails shimmer.

She dropped her bag by the bench and pulled out her racket, her fingers running over the worn grip. Her shadow stretched long across the green court.

First year of high school — over.
Just like that.

Lucy exhaled slowly, letting the thought sink into her bones.
It was strange. She had survived. She had grown. And yet, somehow, she still felt like the same girl standing at the edge of something bigger than she could see.

She bounced a ball against the pavement, steadying herself to the soft, rhythmic thud.
Tossed it up.
Swung.

Thwack .

The sound echoed off the fences. Crisp. Clean. Satisfying.

Another toss. Another swing. The ball arced perfectly over the net and smacked against the far fence.

Lucy settled into a rhythm, letting her muscles work while her mind drifted. She thought about long afternoons chasing deadlines for the newspaper, about Erza and Levy dragging her back into the gym for the dance, about Gray falling asleep halfway through their meetings with ink on his face.
She thought about Happy pawing at her notes and Natsu laughing so hard he fell off her bed.

She thought about how much everything had changed—and how much more still would.

Toss. Swing. Breathe.

Out here, alone on the court with nothing but the sky above her and the weight of the racket in her hands, Lucy didn’t have to be anything but herself.

At some point, the low hum of voices and celebration faded into a soft, golden quiet.

And for the first time that day, Lucy let herself smile — real and unguarded — under the wide open sky.

The sun dipped lower, painting the courts in soft gold. Lucy packed up slowly, savoring every second of quiet before heading back toward the school building.

Her bag was heavier on her shoulder now, and the tiredness she’d been ignoring all day finally caught up with her. She was rounding the corner by the side doors—when her foot caught on an uneven patch of concrete.

"Whoa—!"

Lucy stumbled forward, but before she could hit the ground, a hand caught her elbow.

"Careful, Luce," a familiar voice said, laughing a little as he steadied her.

She looked up, straight into Natsu's lopsided grin.

"Thanks," she managed, brushing dust off her skirt and trying to ignore the way her heart had jolted at the sudden contact.

He let go of her, stepping back. His hair was still a little messy from practice, and he had a canvas bag slung over one shoulder. His usual energy practically buzzed off him.

"Sorry, I can't stay and hang out," Natsu said, ruffling the back of his hair. "I'm kinda in a rush. Gotta meet Lisanna. We're... uh, going to that new cafe downtown."

Lucy blinked. "Oh."

"Yeah, she’s been wanting to go for weeks," he added quickly, shifting on his feet. "Mira and 'em hyped it up so much... You know how it is."

"Of course," Lucy said, forcing a smile. She adjusted the strap of her bag. "You better not keep her waiting, then."

Natsu laughed, the same easy sound she'd heard a hundred times before—but now it echoed a little differently in her chest.

"I'll see you later, okay?" he said, giving her a quick wave before jogging off across the courtyard.

No. Not okay.

Lucy watched him go until he disappeared around the corner.

Only when he was gone did she let the smile slip from her face.
The warm evening air brushed against her cheeks as she stood there for a moment longer, alone.

Then she squared her shoulders, tightened her grip on her bag, and started walking again—this time a little slower.

Lucy made her way down the empty corridor, her footsteps sounding too loud against the polished floors. The hum of the vending machines, the faint echo of distant voices — all of it seemed miles away from her.

She pressed her forehead briefly against the cool metal of her locker door before twisting it open. A few stray papers fluttered out, but she didn’t bother catching them.

The buzz of the world around her had dulled into something muted, almost underwater.

She tucked her tennis racket away carefully, almost robotically, her fingers moving on their own.

Behind her eyelids, she could still picture it: Natsu’s smile, carefree and easy, shining a little brighter when he talked about Lisanna.

Lucy let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

It wasn’t like anything had changed.

Natsu had always been important to her.

Lisanna had always been sweet.

And Lucy? Lucy had always been…

She shut the locker with a soft, final click.

The halls were nearly empty now. Students trickled out the doors in twos and threes, their laughter threading through the warm evening air.

Lucy slipped outside and into the fading light.

She walked the long way home without thinking, her bag heavy on her shoulder, her heart a little heavier still.

When Lucy finally reached home, the quiet felt almost too loud. She kicked off her shoes at the door, dropped her bag with a soft thud, and made her way upstairs.

The hot shower was a small mercy. She let the water pour over her head, washing away the tennis ball fuzz that clung to her like a second skin on humid days, the ache in her muscles, the lingering loneliness she hadn’t managed to shake.

By the time she stepped out, wrapped in a fluffy towel, her phone buzzed against the bathroom counter.

[Levy 🐇]: ice cream w us? bring ur cute face plz
[Erza ⚔️]: We demand your presence. Immediate.

A small smile tugged at Lucy’s lips.
She threw on a sundress and slipped into her sandals, tying her hair back into a lazy braid.

The ice cream shop near the station was packed, the line trailing out the door, but Lucy spotted Levy and Erza waving frantically from a table on the patio.

Levy practically tackled her into a hug the second she arrived.
“We thought you bailed on us for a hot shower!” she accused, grinning.

“I did bail for a shower," Lucy said, laughing. "But not for long."

Erza pushed a double-scoop sundae toward her. “We saved you the strawberry one.”

Lucy’s chest warmed at the simple gesture. She slid into the seat between them, picking up her spoon just as a gruff voice muttered, “’Course you guys start without us.”

Gajeel dropped into the seat beside Levy, tugging his hoodie back over his messy hair, and a second later, Jellal appeared with two sodas in hand, setting one down in front of Erza.

Lucy blinked. “You guys came too?”

Gajeel shrugged like it was no big deal. “Free ice cream.”

Jellal offered a small smile. “It’s very nice to see everyone together.”

Lucy was mid-bite into her sundae when she noticed Gajeel aggressively working through a truly monstrous bowl of ice cream — at least five scoops piled high, covered in chocolate syrup, and precariously melting down the sides.

“Are you trying to give yourself a sugar coma?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Gajeel shot her a look over his spoon. “Mind your damn business, Shrimp.”

“She’s got a point,” Levy chimed in, giggling behind her hand. “That’s enough sugar to power a small country.”

Erza leaned forward, her expression dead serious. “Gajeel, if you collapse from brain freeze, we are not carrying you home.”

“I ain't gonna collapse!” he said, shoveling another heroic bite into his mouth.

Unfortunately for him, karma worked fast.

“ Fuck, ” Gajeel froze mid-chew, his face contorting as the telltale signs of brain freeze hit. He slammed the spoon down and clutched his forehead, muttering curses under his breath.

The whole table burst out laughing.

The ever stoic Jellal cracked a rare, genuine laugh, while Levy practically slid under the table from how hard she was laughing.

Lucy wiped a tear from her eye, the laughter bubbling out of her like a dam had broken. It felt good — so good — to just be with them.

The ache in her chest softened, just a little more. The sun had long dipped behind the hills by the time they all decided to call it a night. The streets were lit by warm streetlamps, their footsteps echoing softly on the quiet sidewalks.

Levy and Gajeel peeled off first, bickering in a way that made Lucy and Erza share a knowing look. Not that either of them said anything — they just smiled.

A few blocks later, Erza and Jellal parted ways too, leaving Lucy to walk the final stretch home alone. She didn’t mind. The night was cool and smelled faintly of summer rain, the earthy scent mixing with the freshness of the air. She tucked her hands into her jacket pockets, letting the breeze tug at her hair, and for a brief moment, she just closed her eyes and let the world around her settle.

Her hair had gotten long over the past year—almost to the end of her back now. It used to be easy to maintain, but now it seemed like a constant effort. She hadn’t been able to make up her mind about it. Some days, she loved it, the way it swished and bounced as she moved, the soft golden strands catching the light in the sun. On other days, it felt like an inconvenient weight, falling into her face when she tried to focus, or tangling into knots she had to spend forever brushing out.

She could remember the summer not too long ago when she begged Layla for permission to cut it. She had wanted something fresh, something that would fit the new chapter of her life, but Layla was always against it. No, Lucy. You look beautiful with long hair. You’ll regret it if you cut it. The argument had come up more than once, always dismissed with a gentle smile and a shake of her mother’s head.

Lucy’s fingers instinctively brushed a few strands out of her face as the wind tugged at her hair again, making it swirl around her shoulders. She never got to decide, it seemed. It was the one thing about her appearance that her mom always had the final say on. Maybe it didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things, but tonight, for some reason, the length of her hair felt like an anchor. A reminder of all the little things she never quite got to choose for herself.

The wind picked up, and a few locks blew across her face, tickling her cheek. She couldn’t help but smile, even if it was bittersweet. There were worse things than long hair. Things that mattered more.

The thought passed quickly, and she shook her head. Maybe it was the quiet of the evening or the lingering thoughts of Natsu and Lisanna, but she couldn't help but feel like something was missing—like she was standing on the edge of something but couldn’t quite reach it.

As she turned the corner onto her street, she slowed.

Natsu was standing in front of her house, shifting awkwardly from foot to foot. His cheeks were pink, and his hair looked even messier than usual, as if he’d been running his hands through it non-stop.

Lucy stopped a few paces away, blinking.

“Well, well, well,” she said, grinning as she sauntered closer. “Look who’s back from his hot date.”

Natsu's head snapped up. "It wasn’t like that!" he blurted, face going even redder.

Lucy snickered. “You’re blushing, Dragneel. That’s pretty suspicious. Did you kiss her or something?”

Natsu practically jumped out of his skin. “N-No! I mean— I— Shut up, Lucy!!”

Laughing, Lucy barely managed to dodge as he flailed dramatically, nearly tripping over his own feet in his rush to storm inside.

The door slammed behind him with a satisfying thud .

Still chuckling to herself, Lucy shook her head and looked up at the stars.

“Dork,” she whispered fondly, before heading inside.

Lucy closed the door behind her with a quiet click , the warmth of the house enveloping her immediately. The hum of the refrigerator and the soft ticking of the clock on the wall filled the silence.

She stood there for a moment, staring at the door, the faint smell of Natsu's cologne still lingering in the air.

It’s fine, Lucy. It’s really fine.

She shoved her hands into her jacket pockets, the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her chest. Was she really going to stand there and pretend like she didn’t care whether Natsu kissed Lisanna or not?

Of course, she told herself, she didn’t care. She couldn’t.

But the truth was, every time Natsu brought Lisanna up—or even when he didn’t, and just looked at her with that soft, distant expression—Lucy felt something twist inside her—something she didn’t know how to untangle.

Stop it.

She whispered the command to herself as she trudged upstairs. There was no reason to care. Lisanna was his girlfriend, and that was fine. She should be happy for them.

But as she flicked off the light in her room and slid under the covers, she found herself staring up at the ceiling.

Maybe… maybe she just needed to stop thinking about it.

Lucy rolled over, burying her face in her pillow. It smelled faintly of lavender, calming her as she closed her eyes, trying to find rest.

But even as her breath slowed and she tried to silence her mind, a little part of her couldn’t help but wonder… What if Natsu and Lisanna kissed? What if they were really happy together?

And what would that mean for Lucy?

Her chest tightened as she pushed the thoughts away, squeezing her eyes shut tighter, determined not to feel anything.

⥈↭⥈

Natsu and Happy were sprawled out on the couch when Lucy walked into the living room, still half lost in thought. Natsu had just returned from his baseball camp, and as usual, he was full of energy, even if he was slightly sunburned from the heat.

“Hey,” Lucy greeted them, a small smile tugging at her lips. “How was camp?”

Natsu grinned, but there was a tiredness behind his eyes. “It was good. Hot, though. Could’ve used a few more showers and a few less drills,” he laughed, ruffling Happy’s fur, who was lazily lounging by his side.

“Sounds like you’re ready for a break then,” Lucy said, sitting down beside them. Her gaze fell on Happy, who immediately meowed at her, demanding attention.

She absentmindedly scratched the cat behind his ears before turning to Natsu. “So, when are you leaving for Sendai to visit your mom?” She had been meaning to ask him about it for a while, but the chaos of school and everything else had kept her distracted.

Natsu’s grin faltered, and he blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Sendai?” He scratched his head, confused. “I’m not going.”

Lucy paused, her brow furrowing in surprise. “Wait, what? I thought you were planning to go see her. You’ve been talking about it for months.”

He shrugged, a nonchalant expression crossing his face. “Nah. I haven’t gone in two years.”

Her lips parted in surprise. “Two years? Why not?”

Natsu hesitated, looking away as if the question had caught him off guard. He seemed to choose his words carefully, as if there was more to it than what he was letting on. “I just... would rather be home. It’s complicated.”

Lucy didn’t push it, but the weight of his words lingered in the air. She hadn’t expected him to be so distant about it. It wasn’t like Natsu to brush off something like visiting his mom.

She studied his face for a moment, then shrugged. “Alright. I guess I’ll stop asking.” But the question still hung in her mind—why would he rather stay here?

Natsu flashed a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Thanks for not pestering me about it.” He quickly grabbed the TV remote and changed the subject, but Lucy could tell there was something more to it.

Natsu always got antsy when he visited his mom. Lucy knew that much. He’d start off excited to see her, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Their calls always buzzed with energy his first few days there. He'd be animated, telling her about the latest baseball game or something funny Happy did. His voice always carried that spark, that warmth she didn’t always see in him when he was back home.

But it didn’t take long for that energy to fade.

By the second week, his enthusiasm would start to wane. Lucy noticed it during their late-night calls — the cracks in his tone, the pauses where he was looking for something to say. As the days wore on, Natsu became quieter. He'd joke less, his responses shorter, his smile less visible even through the phone.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to be there. Lucy was sure of that. He did love his mom. She could hear it in his voice when he first arrived, when he talked about the way she always made his favorite meals or how she’d fuss over his baseball gear. But something always felt off. Like there was this invisible wall between them that he couldn’t tear down, no matter how hard he tried.

Lucy had asked him about it once, after he’d come back from a visit, visibly worn out. She remembered how he had shrugged, trying to brush it off like it was nothing. "It’s nothing, Lucy. I just… I don’t know. It’s weird there sometimes."

She never pushed further, knowing that Natsu wasn’t one to open up easily about his emotions. But she could tell it went deeper than just feeling a little uncomfortable. There were things he wasn’t saying—things he was keeping to himself.

It made her wonder about Zeref, his older brother. She’d gathered over time that Zeref had always been a figure of distance in Natsu’s life. From the stories he shared, it seemed like there was always this unspoken tension between them. Zeref was the quiet, reserved older brother who had never quite accepted Natsu’s presence. Maybe it was because Natsu had always been the "lively" one, the one who’d managed to find warmth and light even in a house that sometimes felt too cold. Maybe that drove Zeref even farther away, and as much as Natsu tried to bridge the gap, it never seemed to get any easier.

When Natsu finally came back to Tokyo after his visits, he was always a little quieter. A little less himself. The bounce in his step was gone, and while his friends always joked with him like nothing had changed, Lucy could see it. The weight that followed him back, the frustration in his eyes that he couldn’t quite hide. She hated seeing him like that, but she also knew he wasn’t ready to face it, to unpack the way his family seemed to chew him up and spit him out over and over again.

Lucy thought about it often when he was away. She didn’t want to pry, but she wished he would tell her more, let her in so she could help him carry it. She knew he would never ask for it. He was too proud for that. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, if he let someone in, it wouldn’t have to be so hard for him.

She never pushed him on it, though. Not then, and not now.

Instead, Lucy did the only thing she could: she let him be. She listened when he wanted to talk, let him vent when he needed to, and offered him the kind of friendship that was solid, unwavering, without expectations. Because sometimes, that’s what Natsu needed most. Just someone to stand by him, no questions asked.

So, they sat in silence.

The quiet wasn’t uncomfortable, but it wasn’t easy either. Lucy could feel the weight of Natsu’s unspoken words hanging between them, like a heavy mist that refused to clear. His hands were curled around his mug of tea, the steam swirling in the dim light of the room, but his eyes were distant—somewhere else entirely. It wasn’t like the carefree energy she was used to. There was something heavier, something he didn’t say when he got quiet like this.

She found herself glancing at him occasionally, hoping for him to break the silence, but he stayed lost in his thoughts. Lucy fidgeted with the hem of her sweater, wondering if she should say something, anything to fill the space between them.

Finally, she broke the stillness with a soft question. "Is it really that hard, seeing her?"

Natsu’s head jerked up as if the question startled him, but his expression softened when he saw the sincerity in her eyes. He took a long breath, setting the mug down on the table with more force than necessary. "It’s not hard," he said slowly, almost like he was convincing himself. "It just… it’s like I’m not really there when I’m with her. We’re not the same anymore, not like before."

Lucy felt a pang in her chest at the vulnerability she saw in his face. The Natsu she knew was always full of energy, never afraid to speak his mind, but this version of him—quiet, contemplative—was one she wasn’t used to.

"You miss the old days?" she asked gently.

He met her gaze, the slightest shift of something—regret, perhaps—flashing in his eyes. "Yeah," he said with a shrug. "All the time." Then, after a long pause, he added, "But, it’s complicated, you know?"

Lucy nodded, letting the silence fall again. She didn’t quite get it, but she also didn’t know what else to do. There were things she wanted to say, things she wanted to understand, but she also knew some answers couldn’t come just yet. And so, they sat together, the quiet stretching on as they shared a moment of unspoken understanding. Lucy couldn’t help but smile as Happy hopped onto the couch, curling up beside Natsu, his little paws stretched out. The cat had grown so much over the months, and it was almost surreal to think of the tiny kitten that had once fit in the palm of her hand.

"Man, Happy, you’re getting huge," Natsu muttered, his fingers lightly ruffling Happy's fur. He laughed softly, more to himself than anything else. "I remember when you could barely jump onto the couch. Now you act like you own the place."

Happy meowed in response, flicking his tail with an air of self-importance. Lucy chuckled as she reached over to scratch behind his ears. "He’s definitely grown into that attitude of his."

Natsu gave her a playful look. "Yeah, he’s got the ‘I’m the boss’ routine down, huh?" He paused, watching Happy stretch lazily on the couch. "Guess I’ve been busy with everything else, huh? Didn’t even notice how much he’s changed."

Lucy felt a warmth settle in her chest, watching the two of them interact. It was funny how something so small, like the way Happy stretched out in his favorite spot, could make everything feel a little less heavy. She picked up the toy mouse they usually tossed around for him and dangled it in front of Happy, who immediately pounced on it, rolling off the couch with a playful yowl.

"Guess it’s good to have something constant, right?" Lucy mused aloud, more to herself than to Natsu. She met his gaze for a moment, and he nodded quietly, his lips curling into a smile at the sight of Happy tumbling around in his usual clumsy way.

"Yeah," he said quietly, his voice softer now, almost introspective. "I guess it is."

The room seemed warmer in that moment. The weight of their earlier conversation had lifted, replaced by the lightness of Happy’s antics. Even Natsu seemed to relax, his usual energetic vibe returning bit by bit. As the two of them continued to play with the cat, laughing at his ridiculous leaps and pounces, Lucy couldn’t help but feel, for just a moment, that everything was a little more okay than it had been.

"Happy’s a good distraction," Natsu said with a grin, watching the cat batting at Lucy’s hand with comical determination. "He knows how to make you forget about everything else for a while."

"Yeah, he does," Lucy agreed, her heart feeling just a little lighter. "I guess we both needed that."

The cat let out a triumphant meow and jumped back onto the couch, settling into his usual spot between them. As they sat there, the world outside seemed a little less complicated, the small joys a little more important. And for now, that was enough.

⥈↭⥈

Lucy was not a fan of early mornings. She wasn’t even sure why she had agreed to go out so early. Her mother, Layla, had practically pushed her out the door with a smile that said, "You’ll thank me later," but Lucy wasn’t convinced. Now, as she pedaled her bike through the summer heat to the grocery store, she could feel the sweat trickling down her back and the glare of the sun seeping through her sunglasses.

"Fruits for the week, really, Mom?" she muttered under her breath. She was in a tank top and shorts, trying to keep cool, but the weight of the early hour and the oppressive heat weren’t helping her mood. She took a deep breath as she locked her bike to the nearby rack and headed inside the store, rolling her eyes at the chore ahead of her. The fruits section was just up ahead—bananas, apples, and berries neatly stacked. Simple enough. She could grab what she needed and be done with this errand.

But then she heard it. A voice, smooth and overly confident, came from behind her.

"Hey there, Heartfilia. What’s up?"Lucy shot a glance over her shoulder, already rolling her eyes at the ridiculously smooth tone of voice. The guy was standing a little too close to her, his eyes glinting with that flirtatious glimmer that she didn’t have the energy to entertain. She didn’t even need to look up to know who it was. That overly smooth, almost cocky tone could only belong to one person—Sting Eucliffe.

Sting was another local tennis player in her area. He was a good player, but disgustingly cocky. The two had crossed paths countless times at tournaments, practices, and in passing at the courts. He was talented, no doubt, but his persistent flirting was starting to wear thin on Lucy. It wasn’t that he wasn’t charming in his own way, but the constant attention felt more annoying than flattering, especially with everything else going on in her life.

She had always kept things polite with him, but lately, his attempts to hang out with her had become more frequent. And now, as she stood in the produce section, she could feel his eyes on her from the moment she stepped into the store. He wasn’t being subtle about it, either.

Lucy sighed quietly, turning her attention back to the apples in front of her. "Not much, Sting. Just shopping," she replied, keeping her voice neutral.

"Shopping, huh?" he said, sidling closer. "You know, I’ve been thinking. Since you’re so into tennis, maybe we should hit the courts sometime. I could show you some of my moves. I promise not to go too easy on you."

Lucy’s patience thinned. "I’m really not interested," she said, moving down the aisle to get away from him. Sting, however, was persistent. "Aw, come on. You can’t keep avoiding me forever," he said, trailing behind her. "We could work on your backhand. I’m sure with a little help, you’d be a force to reckon with."

Lucy stopped in her tracks and turned to face him, trying to keep her cool. "I’m good. Really," she said, her tone firm. "I’ve got enough on my plate right now without adding tennis lessons from you."

Sting grinned, unfazed. "You’re tough, I like that." He flashed a smile that bordered on smug. "How about I take you out for a smoothie after this? Maybe we could talk about tennis... or whatever else you’re into."

Lucy raised an eyebrow, visibly unimpressed. "I’m good, really. I’ve got other things to do." She gave him a pointed look and began walking further down the aisle, hoping he’d take the hint.

But of course, he didn’t. Sting kept following her, chatting on about tennis, his voice echoing slightly in the otherwise quiet section of the store.

Lucy sighed, slowing her pace and mentally preparing for the inevitable. She didn’t want to be rude, but she was really getting tired of this. It had been like this for weeks now—Sting constantly popping up, trying to get closer, using tennis as an excuse. It wasn’t that he wasn’t a good player, or even that he wasn’t a nice guy when he wasn’t flirting. It was just... exhausting.

"Sting, I’m really not interested," she said firmly, glancing at him as she grabbed some bananas from the shelf.

He didn’t seem to hear her. "I could teach you a thing or two," he said, continuing to follow her. "I’m sure you could use someone to show you the ropes."

Lucy stopped, turned to face him fully, and set the bananas down on the shelf. "Sting," she said, trying to keep the frustration from her voice. "I’m not going to hang out with you. Stop following me around."

He blinked, genuinely surprised by her bluntness. "What? Come on, it’s just tennis. We’re both on the circuit, and—" Sting was still leaning in, trying to press his point with Lucy, when a voice interrupted from the other end of the aisle.

"Sting, can you take a hint?"

Lucy froze, her eyes widening as she turned to see none other than Taiga Matsumura standing a few feet away. His hands were stuffed in the pockets of his hoodie, his expression relaxed, but his eyes sharp.

"Taiga?" she muttered, taken aback. She hadn’t seen him since he moved away, and the sight of him standing there, casual and confident, was both surprising and comforting.

Sting raised an eyebrow, eyeing Taiga before flashing a smirk. "What's the deal, Taiga? This is none of your business."

Taiga’s expression didn’t waver as he crossed his arms. "Actually, it is," he replied coolly. "You’ve been following her around for a while now. She’s told you more than once that she’s not interested."

Sting scoffed, clearly not taking Taiga seriously. "I’m just being friendly, man. Nothing wrong with that."

Taiga’s lips curled into a smirk. "Yeah, well, Lucy’s a little too busy for your ‘friendly’ attention. You’ve had your chances, and now it’s time to back off. So, unless you want a broken arm, I’d suggest you stop following her around."

 Lucy smiled at his words and twisted around quickly, grabbing his arm and jerking it behind his back in a fluid motion. Before he could react, she pinned him against the bananas with a firm push. The squelching sound of the bananas crushing under his weight was satisfying, but she didn’t let go.

"That’s what you get for not taking a hint," she said, her voice cool as she kept her grip on his arm.

Taiga stepped closer, completely unbothered by the scene. "Honestly, Sting, if you keep this up, you might want to start bringing bandages with you wherever you go. She could probably break your arm in five seconds if she wanted."

Sting groaned, looking less like a confident flirt and more like a man who regretted his life choices. "Alright, alright, I get it," he grumbled, rubbing his arm where she’d twisted it. "You don’t have to act like you’re a martial artist or something."

Lucy let him go with one last shove. "Maybe next time you’ll listen," she said, brushing her hands off as if the whole thing had been nothing but a minor inconvenience.

Taiga shot a teasing grin at Sting. "You should know by now, man. Lucy’s got no tolerance for people who don’t respect personal space. I think she just saved you from being permanently banned from this store."

Sting had walked off, rubbing his bruised arm as he muttered under his breath. Lucy had finally fully turned to Taiga, still reeling from the strange mix of surprise and relief that he was here. Before she could even stop herself, she threw herself onto him in a hug, her arms wrapping around his waist with a quickness that caught both of them off guard.

Taiga froze for a second, clearly startled by the sudden embrace. But then, slowly, his arms found their way around her, holding her lightly, as if unsure how to respond to the unexpected closeness.

“Taiga, what are you doing here?!” Lucy blurted out, a mix of surprise and excitement bubbling up.

He glanced around nonchalantly. “Uh… grocery shopping?” He motioned to his cart, which was filled with random items, a bag of chips, some fruits, and a few cans of soda.

“No shit, Matsumura,” Lucy rolled her eyes with a grin. “I mean, what are you doing in Tokyo?”

“Still shopping for groceries...” He shrugged with an exaggerated expression, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Taiga, I’m gonna punch you,” Lucy warned, though there was no heat behind it. She felt a laugh bubbling up at the absurdity.

He raised his hands defensively, smirking. “Alright, alright. Fine, I moved back.”

Lucy froze, her eyes widening slightly. “Wait, what?”

“Got an offer from two schools for a soccer scholarship.” He paused for a second, letting the tension build. “Fairy Tail and Sabertooth.”

Lucy’s heart skipped a beat. She had to process the words for a moment. "And which did you pick?"

“Sabertooth,” he said casually, but there was something in the way he said it that made her pause.

“Oh.” Lucy’s voice felt a little smaller than she intended, a slight disappointment in her tone. Sabertooth was a great school, but she couldn’t help feeling a little bit of regret that he hadn’t chosen Fairy Tail. It was where she’d ended up, and the thought of them not being at the same school made something tighten in her chest.

Taiga seemed to catch her hesitation. He dropped the casual facade, his gaze softening. “Hey, it’s not like I don’t want to be near you. It just made more sense for me. And I mean, I do have some ties to Sabertooth, you know?”

Lucy nodded, though she still felt the sting of that unspoken distance. She tried to mask it with a half-smile. “Yeah, I get it.”

He looked at her for a long moment, then sighed. “I swear, you’re more disappointed about this than I am about picking Sabertooth.”

Lucy raised an eyebrow. “You’re really telling me you’re not bummed?”

“Not as much as you’d think. I mean, I’m happy to be back in Tokyo,” he said, trying to lighten the mood. “And it’ll be fun seeing you more often, right?”

The sincerity in his voice caused a small wave of relief to wash over Lucy. She knew she shouldn’t feel so upset, but something about Taiga being back, even if it wasn’t the way she imagined, made everything feel right again. “Yeah, it will be. I’m sure we’ll still hang out.”

A soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Good. ‘Cause I missed you, you know?”

Lucy blushed slightly, though she quickly brushed it off with a snort. “I missed you too, dork. You still act like you don’t have a clue how to grocery shop.”

Taiga laughed, the sound easy and familiar. “Hey, I know what I need. Just making it look...interesting.”

“Well, it’s certainly something,” Lucy said, her eyes drifting over his cart again. “The chips are a nice touch.”

“They were on sale,” he defended, grinning widely. “You can’t blame a guy for saving a few yen.”

Lucy chuckled. It was so normal, so Taiga . Despite the years, despite the changes, there was still this undeniable connection between them.

“So, you really are back for good?” she asked again, just to make sure she wasn’t imagining it.

“Yeah,” he nodded, pushing his cart slightly forward. “I mean, why not? It’s about time I came home.”

Lucy’s heart gave a little leap at that. He was back. She couldn’t deny the relief that spread through her. They hadn’t talked as much as they used to, and she had a lot to catch up on, but just knowing that he was back in Tokyo felt like a weight lifting off her chest.

“Well, it’s good to have you back,” she said softly, meeting his gaze.

Taiga gave her that signature grin, the one she knew so well. “Yeah, it is.”

As they walked down the aisle together, laughing and chatting, it felt like things were falling back into place. She couldn’t quite explain it, but it felt like the start of something new between them—something easy, comfortable, and familiar. Maybe things didn’t always have to be perfect, but for now, this was enough.

Lucy and Taiga made their way to the checkout, their arms full of fruit and snacks, still nudging and teasing each other like no time had passed. Lucy dropped a bunch of bananas onto the conveyor belt with a little more force than necessary when Taiga tried to sneak a candy bar onto the pile.

"You're the worst grocery shopping partner," she said, glaring at him as she tried not to laugh. "I feel like I'm babysitting."

"Hey, I’m just trying to keep things interesting," Taiga said, tossing a bag of grapes into the mix with a grin that was way too proud.

Lucy rolled her eyes and reached into her basket for another item when he said, “You know, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you liked me or something—with how bummed you looked about me not picking Fairy Tail, Heartfilia.”

Lucy almost dropped the carton of strawberries in her hands.

Instead, she fumbled it onto the counter, cheeks heating up against her will. "I wasn’t bummed, " she shot back, narrowing her eyes at him. "I was just surprised, that’s all. There’s a difference, genius."

"Sure, sure," Taiga said, smirking as he leaned casually against the side of the cart, arms crossed. "You looked devastated ."

"I did not!" she insisted, giving him a shove with her shoulder.

He laughed and let the cart roll forward a little to avoid her. "It’s okay, you can admit it. I’m irresistible. Especially now that I’m big city famous with my fancy soccer scholarships."

Lucy snorted. "You’re so full of yourself. How do you even fit that giant ego through the door?"

"Skill," he said, winking exaggeratedly as he helped the cashier bag up the fruit.

Lucy shook her head, biting back a smile. She hated how easily he could make her forget everything else—the heavy stuff, the complicated feelings. Around Taiga, it always felt simpler. Easy.

The cashier, a middle-aged woman with glasses, gave them an amused look as Taiga, ever the troublemaker, tried to sneak a bag of chips under his arm when Lucy wasn’t looking.

“Don’t think I didn’t see that, Matsumura,” Lucy said with a laugh, giving him a light shove.

He grinned sheepishly, but there was a spark of mischief in his eyes. “What can I say? The chips are calling my name.”

After paying, they made their way outside, the warm summer air greeting them as they pushed their bikes toward the bike racks. Lucy adjusted her sunglasses as she hopped onto her bike, and Taiga followed suit. They pedaled down the road in comfortable silence, the faint hum of the wheels on the pavement the only sound accompanying their ride.

It didn’t take long to reach his grandpa’s convenience store, a small but well-kept corner shop that had been in his family for years. Taiga grabbed a few cones of ice cream, handing one to Lucy as they stepped outside, settling onto the bench near the entrance. Lucy took a slow lick of her ice cream, savoring the coolness against the heat of the day. Her eyes wandered around the street, her thoughts drifting, before she turned her attention back to Taiga.

“So, what’s Sendai like?” she asked, curiosity in her voice. “ Someone didn’t talk to me much over the past year, now I’m out of the loop.”

Taiga rolled his eyes, leaning back on the bench, his eyes squinting against the midday sun. “It’s... nice, I guess. Very different from Tokyo, though. Quiet. Peaceful. I don’t mind it, but I’m glad to be back here.”

Lucy took another bite of her ice cream, letting the cool sweetness melt on her tongue. “What was it like... living there?” she asked hesitantly, not sure if she was prying too much.

Taiga shrugged, his gaze distant for a moment as he thought back. “It’s not like I hated it or anything. I mean, I was there over the summer with my grandma and then my dad and my came eventually and everything, but it felt like I was just passing through. I didn’t really feel at home, you know? Here, though... it feels like I’m finally where I’m supposed to be.”

She nodded, understanding more than she let on. Taiga’s family dynamic was complicated, and she knew how much he struggled with his own sense of belonging. But to see him talking so easily about returning to Tokyo, it made her happy.

“You’ll like it here again, I’m sure,” Lucy said, offering him a small smile. “It’s good to have you back. Even if you’re at that other school now.”

He chuckled softly. “You’re still mad about that, huh?”

Lucy rolled her eyes, but there was no bite in her tone. “I’m not mad. Just... surprised. I thought we might end up at the same place, you know?”

He grinned, the same easygoing smile that Lucy had always found comforting. “Guess the world had other plans for us.”

She returned the smile, looking down at her ice cream for a moment before asking, “So... what’s Sendai really like? I mean, I’m sure it’s peaceful, but you didn’t want to stay there, did you?”

Taiga’s expression softened, and he sighed as he leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “I don’t know... I guess, when I was there, I couldn’t stop thinking about Tokyo. About... everything I left behind. The people I missed. The things I wanted to do. I always felt like I was meant to be here, not there. And I think deep down, I knew I’d have regrets if I stayed.”

Lucy’s heart warmed a little at his honesty, and she couldn’t help but feel proud of him for recognizing what he truly wanted. She could tell this decision wasn’t easy for him, even though he made it sound like it was.

“Well, I’m glad you’re here,” Lucy said softly, her voice sincere. “It feels like everything is back where it should be.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, both of them enjoying their ice cream as the sun finally dipped below the horizon, the last rays of light casting a golden glow over the street.

“I’ve missed this,” Taiga said after a while, breaking the quiet. “Just hanging out. It feels like no time has passed.”

Lucy smiled, feeling the weight of his words. “Yeah, me too. I’m glad things are finally feeling right again.”

For a few moments, they just enjoyed the peacefulness of the evening, letting the sounds of the street and the hum of the world go on around them. Lucy didn’t know what the future would hold, but with Taiga back in Tokyo, maybe things were starting to fall into place.

Lucy leaned back on the bench, taking another bite of her ice cream as she regarded Taiga with a playful glint in her eye.

“So,” she began, her tone mischievous, “did you have all the girls in Sendai fawning over you while you were there?”

Taiga’s eyes widened slightly, his expression turning defensive as he shifted uncomfortably on the bench. “What? No way. It’s not like that,” he protested, but Lucy could see the faint blush creeping up his neck.

“Oh, come on,” she teased, raising an eyebrow. “A tall, brooding soccer player like you? I’m sure you had no shortage of admirers.”

He rolled his eyes, but there was a sheepish smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I wasn’t trying to get anyone’s attention, Lucy. I was focused on soccer and... other stuff.”

Lucy leaned closer, a smirk curling on her lips. “Other stuff, huh? Like who? Did you have a secret girlfriend I didn’t know about?”

“Definitely not!” Taiga's voice was slightly too defensive, and Lucy could tell he was starting to get flustered. “I wasn’t into anyone there. I was just... I don’t know... getting through it.”

She laughed, enjoying the way he was squirming. “Sure, sure. No girlfriend. But all the girls were just too shy to talk to you, huh?”

Taiga groaned, slumping his shoulders. “You really like teasing me, don’t you?”

Lucy grinned widely, clearly enjoying herself. “It’s too easy, Matsumura. You’re just too much of a catch, and you know it.”

He glanced at her sideways, his earlier embarrassment replaced by a slightly amused expression. “You just wait until I start teasing you about your little fan club back in Tokyo.”

Lucy rolled her eyes, pretending to be offended. “Please, no one’s following me around.”

“Oh, sure,” Taiga said with a knowing smirk. “And you think Sting didn’t follow you around today just to get your attention?”

Lucy’s face flushed slightly, and she quickly looked away. “Don’t remind me about that creep.”

Taiga chuckled, the teasing banter lightening the air around them. “You know, you should just take it as a compliment. You’ve got guys after you, Lucy. It’s a good thing.”

“So we’re classifying harassment as flattery, now?” She rolled her eyes. “Even if it wasn’t that, I’m not looking for anyone right now.”

Taiga paused, his expression softening as he glanced at her, almost like he was weighing his next words carefully. But just as quickly, he broke eye contact and leaned back, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, well, you don’t have to worry about him. He doesn’t stand a chance against someone who can actually... keep up with you.”

Lucy raised an eyebrow at the slight shift in his tone. “Oh? So you’re saying you could keep up with me?” she asked, trying to keep the conversation light, though she felt a little flutter in her chest at his words.

He shrugged, clearly trying to hide his slight awkwardness behind his usual confident exterior. “Of course. I can handle anything you throw my way.”

They both fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of their earlier conversation lingering in the air as they both savored the ice cream, though there was an unspoken understanding between them now. Whatever teasing was going on, they were both more than happy to just be in each other’s company.

Lucy broke the silence again, her teasing tone returning. “Well, you better not let Sendai get too comfortable without you. I’d hate for you to leave Tokyo for good and have all the girls crying over you.”

Taiga gave a half-smile, clearly enjoying her company despite the teasing. “Don’t worry, Lucy. Sendai’s already had its turn with me.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the grin spreading across her face. “I’m sure they’ll miss you,” she said, almost with a touch of sarcasm. “But, hey, now they’ll have to share you with Tokyo, huh?”

He smiled back, the playful tension between them fading into something a little warmer, a little softer. “Yeah, guess so. But I’m pretty sure I’d rather be here.”

Lucy’s heart skipped a beat at his words, though she quickly masked her reaction with a shrug. “Lucky me,” she said lightly, though the smile she gave him was more genuine than she realized.

Taiga looked at her for a long moment, his expression serious now, before he finally broke the silence with a small, almost shy smile. “Yeah. Lucky you.”

They biked the rest of the way to Lucy’s house, the morning heat rising in waves off the pavement. Taiga rode alongside her, kicking a stray rock with his tire as they coasted down a quieter street. Their conversation had mostly faded into easy, comfortable silence, broken only by Lucy occasionally grumbling about her heavy grocery bags.

As they pulled into her driveway, Layla was already standing at the front door, a bright smile on her face. She wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and waved them inside.

“Oh, Taiga! You’re coming in for lunch, right?” she called out, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Taiga glanced over at Lucy, who just shrugged and said, “You heard her.”

He laughed under his breath. “I wouldn’t say no to free food.”

Inside, the house smelled like roasted chicken and something citrusy and sweet. Lucy kicked off her sneakers by the door and carried the grocery bags into the kitchen. Taiga followed behind her, glancing into the living room—and immediately froze when he spotted Natsu slouching across the couch, tossing a ball in the air.

Natsu was sprawled across the couch like he owned it, tossing a ball lightly in the air and catching it again and again. Across from him sat a man who looked so much like him that it was almost comical—Igneel, Natsu’s dad, wearing a wide grin and chatting animatedly with Layla.

Natsu caught the ball midair as soon as he saw Taiga.

His face twisted into a familiar scowl. "Tch. Figures you'd show up uninvited."

Taiga raised an eyebrow, unbothered. "Yeah? Guess some things never change." He continued to take his shoes off by the door.

“Oi,” Natsu called out, sitting a little straighter. “What’re you doin’ here.”

Taiga smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Grocery shopping, mostly. Y’know. Saving Lucy from public humiliation.”

Lucy made a face at him.

Natsu glanced between the two of them and cocked an eyebrow.

Taiga shrugged like it was no big deal. “Moved back. Got a couple of offers for soccer scholarships here. Figured it was time.”

"You still think you’re hot stuff just ‘cause you can kick a ball?"

"You still think you’re the center of the universe just 'cause you can swing a bat?"

Lucy groaned loudly, shoving past both of them. "Can you two not start this again in my house?"

Behind them, Igneel let out a booming laugh from the recliner. "Ah, boys being boys. Brings back memories."

Layla just smiled sweetly and said, "Sit, both of you. Before I make you peel potatoes."

Grumbling under their breath, Natsu and Taiga dropped onto opposite ends of the couch like magnets with the same charge. Happy leapt up into Taiga’s lap without hesitation, purring like a motorboat, much to Natsu’s irritation.

"Traitor," Natsu muttered at the cat.

Lunch was loud and lively, filled with overlapping conversations and the clink of silverware. Igneel kept trying to one-up Layla’s stories, while Natsu sneakily stole extra servings whenever he thought no one was looking. Taiga kept slipping sarcastic comments under his breath that only Lucy caught, earning him hidden smirks.

Somewhere between Igneel trying to explain a fishing trip and Natsu arguing that soccer was boring compared to baseball, Layla leaned her chin into her hand, watching them with a soft, nostalgic smile.

“My, my,” she said warmly, cutting through the noise, “I blink, and suddenly you’re all so grown up.”

The room quieted for a heartbeat. Even Natsu and Taiga stopped squabbling, glancing at each other, then away.

Lucy fidgeted with her fork, feeling a strange tug at her chest. Grown up. It sounded nice when Layla said it—but it also felt a little bit sad, like a door quietly swinging closed somewhere behind them.

"We're not that grown up," Natsu mumbled, cheeks faintly pink.

Layla just laughed. "Oh, you will be before you even realize it."

After lunch, Layla clapped her hands and said brightly, “Alright, you three—kitchen duty!”

“What?!” Natsu squawked, already halfway slouched back onto the couch. "Auntie, I'm a guest you know!"

Layla just winked at him. "Nice try. You're family. No excuses."

Lucy laughed as she started gathering plates. Taiga rolled his eyes good-naturedly and began stacking cups. Natsu dragged himself off the couch with all the drama of a soldier heading to battle.

The three of them crowded into the kitchen, bumping shoulders and elbowing each other as they got to work. Lucy rinsed the dishes while Taiga dried them with a towel slung over his shoulder. Natsu halfheartedly wiped down the counter but spent more time flicking suds at Lucy when he thought she wasn't looking.

"Child," she muttered at him, flicking water back in his face.

He grinned triumphantly, clearly seeing it as a win.

Taiga smirked at the chaos. "Didn't realize the baseball team taught you how to clean, Dragneel."

"Didn't realize soccer made you so good at standing around doing nothing," Natsu shot back without missing a beat.

Lucy sighed and pushed the drying rack toward Taiga harder than necessary. "Can you both cool it? You're like two dogs circling the same bone."

The kitchen filled with the sound of Happy’s tiny chirps as he wove between their ankles, probably hoping someone would drop food.

While Taiga focused on arranging the clean plates, Lucy caught Natsu looking at her out of the corner of his eye. He quickly glanced away when she noticed, pretending to scrub harder at a clean spot on the counter.

Lucy bit back a smile, turning back to the sink. Boys. She could handle them.

When they finally finished, Layla reappeared to inspect their work with a critical eye. "Hmm," she said, pretending to squint. "Not bad. I guess you get to live another day."

"Gee, thanks," Natsu muttered, throwing the towel dramatically over his shoulder.

"You're welcome," Layla chirped, pressing a kiss to Lucy’s head as she passed.

Taiga nudged Lucy's shoulder lightly. "You survived kitchen duty. Proud of you, Heartfilia."

She bumped him back. "Takes more than you two idiots to kill me."

"Yet," Natsu muttered under his breath.

Lucy smiled to herself as she wiped her damp hands on a dish towel. Surrounded by their usual bickering and teasing, the house suddenly felt full and alive again.

For the first time in a long time, she wasn’t thinking about lonely summers or dances she didn’t want to remember. Just here, just now. And it felt...nice.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the porch, staining the white steps a warm gold. Lucy sat cross-legged on the top step, a lemonade bottle sweating in her hand. Taiga lounged beside her, one foot planted on the railing, lazily swatting at the occasional mosquito.

Natsu had taken off about an hour ago, mumbling something about meeting up with Lisanna. The energy he'd brought with him had disappeared just as quickly, leaving behind a quieter, softer kind of evening.

Lucy took a sip of her lemonade, feeling the coolness chase away the heat lingering on her skin. "So," she said, glancing over at Taiga. "Sabertooth Academy, huh?"

He grinned a little, picking at the label on his soda bottle. "Yeah. Kinda crazy, right?"

"Not really," she said, nudging him with her foot. "You're good, Taiga. You deserve it."

He shrugged, like he didn’t quite know what to do with the compliment. "I dunno. It's a weird feeling. Being back here, seeing everyone move on... and now I'm about to jump into a whole new mess."

Lucy rested her chin on her knees, watching the way the sunlight caught in his hair. "You'll be fine," she said. "You're like... the most stubborn person I know. You'll figure it out."

Taiga snorted. "Says you."

She smiled and looked out at the quiet street, the cicadas starting their nightly chorus in the trees. "Is it weird, though? Like... choosing Sabertooth instead of Fairy Tail?"

"A little," he admitted, twisting the bottle cap between his fingers. "Part of me wanted to stay closer. Y'know, easier to see everyone. See you."

Lucy’s heart gave a little stutter, but she swallowed it down and kept her expression light. "But you picked the one that was better for you."

He nodded. "Had to. For soccer. For... everything."

There was a pause, heavy but not uncomfortable. Just full.

Lucy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, the summer breeze playing with the edges of her tank top. "I'm proud of you, y'know," she said quietly. "Even if I have to pretend I'm mad you didn't pick the same school."

Taiga grinned, the easy, mischievous one she remembered so well. "You? Mad at me? Nah. You love me too much for that."

Lucy shoved him lightly with her shoulder, laughing. "Don't push your luck, Matsumura."

But she didn’t deny it.

And for a while, they just sat there, letting the sun sink lower and the night stretch out ahead of them, easy and endless.

Taiga leaned back on his elbows, tilting his face toward the sky as the first stars began to prick the dusky blue. The porch creaked softly under his weight.

"You'll probably hear about her sooner or later," he said casually, like he was tossing the thought out into the evening air. "There's this girl at Sabertooth. Yukino."

Lucy blinked, glancing over at him. "Yukino?" she echoed, her mind snagging on the name. "Wait—Miss Shark Tooth??"

Taiga barked a laugh and shook his head. "No, no. Yuki is Miss Shark Tooth, my ex. Yuki no ’s someone I knew back when I was a kid, before I even moved to Tokyo the first time. She was like..." He paused, thinking. "I dunno. I guess you could say I had a crush on her once."

Lucy tried to ignore the tiny, ridiculous pang in her chest. She shifted her lemonade bottle between her hands. "Oh," she said, aiming for casual. "So, she's at Sabertooth too?"

"Yeah," Taiga said. "We bumped into each other during the scholarship interviews. It was kinda crazy—didn't think I'd ever see her again." He gave a short laugh, almost sheepish. "She didn't even recognize me at first."

Lucy smiled faintly. "Guess you changed a lot."

"Guess so," Taiga said, grinning sideways at her. "Puberty's a hell of a thing."

She snorted. "Don’t get cocky, Matsumura."

He bumped her shoulder with his own. "Come on, admit it. I’m a little cooler now."

"You’re louder, " Lucy said dryly. " Maybe a little taller. That's it."

They fell into an easy, familiar silence after that, the teasing lingering like the last notes of a song. Lucy traced the rim of her bottle with her fingertip, sneaking a glance at Taiga when she thought he wasn’t looking.

Yukino. A childhood crush. It shouldn't bother her... and really, it didn’t. Not much.

Not really.

Lucy leaned her head back against the porch rail and sighed up at the stars.

"So," she said lightly. "You gonna tell me more about this Yukino girl, or what?"

Taiga smirked. "Only if you’re ready to hear how much better I turned out than her other childhood crush."

Lucy rolled her eyes and gave him a playful shove. "You wish, Taiga."

But she was smiling too.

And for the first time in a long while, it felt like summer again—bright, a little messy, but full of possibilities.

The minutes melted away as the stars brightened above them. The summer night buzzed faintly with the sound of cicadas and the occasional hum of a passing car.

Lucy tilted her head back, letting her gaze wander the endless velvet sky. She squinted, spotting a familiar cluster near the horizon.

"See that one?" she said, lifting her arm and pointing. Her fingertip traced an invisible line across the sky. "That's Orion."

Taiga followed her gesture, his brows furrowed in concentration. "Looks like a bunch of dots to me."

Lucy huffed a soft laugh. "You have no imagination. Look—those three stars close together? That’s his belt. And if you follow them, you can see his sword hanging off to the side."

Taiga squinted harder. "I’m still not seeing it."

"You’re hopeless," she teased, nudging him with her shoulder. "But I’ll allow it."

For a while, they stayed like that—Lucy quietly pointing out constellations and Taiga making dumb jokes or pretending he saw completely different shapes instead. A crooked smile tugged at her lips, but it was tinged with something bittersweet.

Because she’d done this before.
Because there was someone else she used to sit with under this same sky, whispering the stories behind the stars.

Natsu.

The memory flickered, uninvited—his messy hair sticking up every which way, his stubborn squint as he tried (and failed) to connect the dots she pointed out, the way he'd grin afterward like it didn’t matter because he had his own version of the sky.

Lucy pressed her lips together, lowering her hand.

Taiga was still rambling about how Orion looked more like a lopsided shopping cart than a hunter, completely unaware of the quiet ache that had taken root in her chest.

Lucy shook her head and forced herself to laugh along.

It wasn’t fair to feel guilty.
She was allowed to have other memories with other people.
Right?

Still, a small part of her curled inward, wishing she could forget the way things used to be. Wishing it didn’t still hurt.

Chapter Text

Lucy really, really needed to learn how to knock.

The morning was hazy with the soft light of dawn breaking through the curtains, casting a sleepy glow over the street as Lucy walked down the familiar path to Natsu's house. The warmth of summer clung to the air, and she could feel a slight sheen of sweat on her skin, even though the sun had barely risen.

She wasn’t in a rush, not really. Natsu had texted her last night, asking her to meet him early so they could head to school together. And knowing Natsu, it meant he had a hundred different plans in his head and none of them actually made sense.

She reached his front gate and pushed it open, heading up the path toward the house. Natsu was probably still asleep, knowing him. Or maybe he was playing video games again—something he always did in the mornings when he was feeling lazy. She reached the door, not bothering to knock. It had become a habit by now; Natsu’s house was practically a second home to her.

No one else was home. Of course, Natsu was always the last one to get ready, and he’d probably still be in the shower. She trudged straight to his room, letting herself in without hesitation. The door creaked slightly behind her as she plopped herself down on his bed, sinking into the pillows. She pulled out her phone, scrolling aimlessly while she waited.

"Natsu? You up?" she called, but the house remained quiet. She flopped onto her back, glancing at the ceiling, waiting.

It was one of those mornings when the heat outside seemed to seep into the house, making everything feel a little slower than usual. Lucy let out a sigh, pulling out her phone to check the time again, then scrolling through her messages. Still no answer from him.

After a few minutes, she heard the sound of running water from the bathroom down the hall. She raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised, since Natsu hadn’t responded to her earlier.

"I swear he can’t hear anything when he’s in the shower," she muttered under her breath, sitting up and tucking her legs underneath herself.

Just as she was about to grab her school bag from the floor, the bathroom door creaked open. She glanced up, expecting to see Natsu coming out in his usual half-dressed, disheveled state. But what she wasn’t prepared for was the sight of him walking into his room, a towel slung low around his hips, his hair still dripping from the shower and down his very toned chest.

For a split second, their eyes met. Lucy froze.

He blinked, clearly just as surprised to see her as she was to see him. "Lucy?!"

Her face immediately turned bright red, and she quickly stood up and diverted her gaze to the wall. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she stood there frozen, like a deer in headlights. "I—uh—sorry! I thought you were still getting ready!" she stammered, her words tripping over each other.

She quickly turned to leave, thinking she could make a hasty exit, but as she tried to step toward the door, she collided with something solid. And that something was Natsu's bare chest.

She gasped, her face flaming even brighter. "Sorry!" she blurted out again, now fully backing away toward the door, mortified.

Natsu was unfazed, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Could’ve knocked, y’know."

Lucy, still not fully recovered from the collision, muttered under her breath, "I didn’t mean to—" But she couldn’t finish the sentence before Natsu, still towel-clad, casually moved past her to grab his clothes from the dresser.

"You really need to knock next time," he teased, walking by her as if it was no big deal.

Lucy, practically a ball of nerves now, tried to make herself as small as possible. "Next time, I will," she said quickly, her voice high-pitched with embarrassment. "I didn’t mean to walk in on you like this," she muttered, her face a permanent shade of red now.

Natsu laughed lightly, looking back over his shoulder as he pulled on his shirt. "Relax, you’ve seen worse, right?"

Lucy’s cheeks became impossibly darker at that, and she quickly spun toward him, her mind racing. "I... I don’t know what you mean by that," she muttered, still not meeting his eyes.

Natsu cocked an eyebrow, a mischievous grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "What, you never seen a guy shirtless before, Luce?" he teased, his tone laced with amusement. "Come on, you can’t be that innocent."

Lucy choked on her spit. Lucy’s stomach did a somersault, and she stumbled over her words. "I—I—just… I’m not—"

"Uh-huh," Natsu said with a grin. "You’ll get used to it."

Lucy was still flustered when she opened the door and started to leave. But before she could escape, she heard his teasing voice call out, "Lucy, I’m not gonna bite."

Her shoulders slumped in defeat. "Not today," she mumbled, but the humor in her tone couldn’t mask how embarrassed she felt.

Lucy practically fled down the stairs, her sneakers thudding against the wooden steps, and heard Natsu’s easy laughter from behind her. She didn’t stop until she was out the door, gulping in the fresh morning air as if she’d just escaped a trap.

She slung her bag over her shoulder and started down the path toward school, her steps quick and uneven. A moment later, Natsu caught up beside her, now fully dressed and slinging his backpack lazily over one shoulder. He looked way too pleased with himself.

"You’re really bad at pretending you weren’t embarrassed," he said, grinning sideways at her.

Lucy didn’t even glance at him. She kept her eyes firmly ahead and crossed her arms. "I wasn’t embarrassed," she said huffily.

"Right," Natsu said, his voice dripping with amusement. "That's why your face turned the same color as your tie."

Lucy elbowed him hard enough to make him step to the side slightly. "Shut up," she muttered.

The two of them fell into their usual rhythm, matching each other's pace without thinking. The early morning sun filtered through the trees, casting lazy shadows on the sidewalk. The city was waking up around them — the sound of distant bikes, shopkeepers pulling up their shutters, birds chirping noisily from the wires above.

After a few minutes of teasing silence, Lucy finally risked a glance at him. Natsu was walking with his usual easy confidence, like the morning belonged to him. His hair was still a little damp, sticking up messily in places.

"You’re such an idiot sometimes," she said, but the corner of her mouth tugged up into a reluctant smile.

"You like it," Natsu said, without missing a beat.

Lucy rolled her eyes so hard it hurt. "I tolerate it."

He grinned wide. "Same thing."

She huffed out a small laugh despite herself, bumping her shoulder lightly into his. The earlier awkwardness was starting to melt away, replaced with the comfortable ease that had always been there between them.

As they neared the school gates, Lucy shifted her bag higher onto her shoulder. "You know, one of these days, you’re gonna push it too far."

Natsu shot her a challenging grin. "What, you gonna beat me up if I do?"

"Maybe," Lucy said sweetly. "Don’t underestimate me, Natsu."

He laughed, loud and carefree, and somehow it made the morning feel lighter, easier. Even if her heart was still doing weird little flips in her chest.

They passed through the school gates together, the familiar buzz of students filling the courtyard. For a brief moment, Lucy thought about how easy it was to be beside him, even when he made her want to smack him half the time. Even when her stomach twisted in ways she didn’t quite like.

Lucy threw herself into her seat the second she got to homeroom, cheeks still burning from that morning's disaster.

Levy and Erza turned to her immediately, sensing drama the way sharks sensed blood in the water.

"You’re late," Levy said sweetly. "Something happen?"

Lucy groaned, dropping her bag onto the floor with a thud. "You will not believe the morning I had."

Levy’s eyes sparkled. Erza folded her hands neatly on her desk, like she was preparing for a full report.

Lucy leaned in, whispering hurriedly, "I went to Natsu’s to walk to school with him like we always do, right? And he wasn’t answering when I called for him, so I just went up to his room to wait—"

Levy gasped. "You went into his room ?"

"Yes! I always do!" Lucy hissed. "And then—he comes out of the bathroom— in just a towel. "

Erza's eyebrows shot up. Levy slapped a hand over her mouth to muffle her squeal.

Unfortunately, Lucy had not been whispering quietly enough. From two rows behind her, Gray snorted loudly. " What now?" Lucy whipped around to see Gray leaning back in his chair, a shit-eating grin already plastered across his face. 

Lucy glared at him and hissed, "None of your business, Gray!"

"You saw Natsu half-naked ?" he said, just loud enough for half the room to turn their heads.

Lucy started slapping his arm with her textbook, "Gray, shut up !"

Levy was giggling uncontrollably. Erza, who usually scolded this kind of behavior, looked weirdly amused.

"Man, you're bold, Heartfilia," Gray teased. "I didn’t think you'd make the first move."

"I DIDN'T—" Lucy choked. "It wasn't like that! I didn't know he was—I just—!"

"Sure, sure," Gray said, winking.

Levy leaned over and stage-whispered, "Was it a good view at least?" She wiggled her eyebrows. “You know, was it impressive?”

Lucy thought she might actually combust. "Levy!!"

Gray was laughing so hard he had to wipe tears from his eyes. Erza, to Lucy’s horror, actually looked thoughtful, like she was taking mental notes. Erza, calm as ever, tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Technically, walking in on someone wrapped in a towel is mildly scandalous. But only if you stared."

"I DIDN'T STARE," Lucy shrieked, slamming her forehead onto her desk.

Gray burst out laughing, Levy joined him, and even Erza cracked a rare smile. 

"You know what he had the audacity to say on top of that?" Lucy huffed, sitting up straighter now, ready to air her grievances.

Levy leaned in eagerly. "What?"

Erza even tilted her head, interested.

Lucy threw her hands up. "He said— and I quote —‘What, never seen a guy shirtless before?’ like I’m some sheltered Victorian child!"

Gray raised an eyebrow. "Uh, hello? I literally walk around shirtless all the time. You’ve definitely seen me."

Levy and Erza both cracked up laughing.

"Maybe it’s different when it’s Natsu," Levy teased, nudging Lucy with her elbow.

Lucy made a strangled noise into the wood of her desk. If the floor could open up and eat her right now, she would thank it.

Gray leaned back in his chair, tossing a pencil between his fingers. "Yeah, that tracks. Natsu’s got that dumb, scruffy thing going on. Girls eat that up."

Lucy lifted her head just enough to glare at him. "I do not ‘eat that up,’ thank you very much."

"Sure you don’t," Gray said with a smirk.

"And then," Lucy went on, voice rising, "he had the nerve to imply that I was… inexperienced!"

“Well..” Gray started, looking at her with a raised brow, “Is the guy wrong?”

“That is so not the point right now, Gray.” Lucy snapped, pointing a very sharp, very offended finger at him.

Levy was practically wheezing into her hands. "He’s got you there, Lu."

"You guys are traitors ," Lucy hissed. "All of you."

Erza, looking far too pleased with herself, leaned back in her chair. "It sounds like Natsu struck a nerve."

"He did not! " Lucy lied, glaring at her textbook like it had personally wronged her.

Gray smirked. "Uh-huh. Sure. That’s why you’re the color of Erza’s hair right now."

"I am not—!" Lucy cut herself off, feeling her face heat up even more.

Gray leaned over his desk, grinning like a cat who caught a canary.
"Maybe if you’re lucky, Luce," he said, tapping his pencil against her head, "you’ll get some firsthand experience this year."

Lucy whipped around so fast her chair squeaked. "GRAY!"

Levy and Erza were full-on cackling now. Gray just shrugged, way too pleased with himself.

Lucy scowled at him, crossing her arms over her chest. "You know what? I think you can help yourself with physics the rest of this year."

That wiped the smirk right off his face.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, let's not get crazy here!" Gray protested, sitting up straight. "I was just kidding!"

Lucy raised an eyebrow, smug. "Were you?"

"You wouldn't," he said, sounding a little desperate now. "You love tutoring me. It's, like, your life's purpose."

"My life's purpose is not bailing you out because you can't be bothered to study," Lucy said sweetly, turning back to her notes.

Gray groaned dramatically, collapsing halfway onto his desk. "I’m dead. You’re killing me, Lucy."

"Good."

Before Gray could beg any further, the classroom door slid open and the teacher walked in, calling everyone to attention.

Gray shot her a wounded look as he grabbed his notebook, mouthing please across the aisle.
Lucy just smirked at him and pointedly looked away.

The lecture kicked off with the scratch of chalk against the board, and the low, familiar murmur of the teacher's voice trying (and failing) to command full attention.

Lucy sighed, forcing herself to focus. She opened her notebook and copied down the first few formulas, but her brain was still buzzing — not with physics, but with the events of the morning.

Every few minutes, she caught Gray glancing pitifully at her from across the room, mouthing exaggerated help me pleas whenever the teacher wasn’t looking. She ignored him completely, flipping a page in her notebook just to make a point.

Next to her, Levy kept stifling giggles, scribbling little doodles of Natsu wrapped in a towel on the edge of her notes. Erza, for her part, was the only one actually paying attention — she sat perfectly upright, already on her second page of detailed, color-coded notes.

Lucy tried to concentrate. Really, she did. But her mind kept wandering back to that moment in Natsu's room — the steam clinging to the air, the water droplets on his skin, the stupid smirk on his face—

She smacked her own cheek lightly to snap herself out of it.

Levy noticed and wiggled her eyebrows.

Lucy hunched lower over her notebook, cheeks burning.

"...and if you look at this equation," the teacher droned on, "you'll see that velocity is directly proportional to acceleration—"

A ball of paper hit Lucy square on the head. She turned to glare at Gray, who pointed innocently at his textbook like he hadn’t just committed the crime.

Lucy narrowed her eyes, picked up the crumpled ball, and flicked it back at him under the desk. It landed in his lap.

Gray opened it discreetly:
Please study or I’ll make you fail. Seriously.

He gave her a defeated thumbs up and finally, finally turned his attention to the board.

Lucy stuck her tongue out at him and went back to writing.
The classroom settled into that familiar hum of scratching pens, muttered calculations, and the occasional yawn.

By the time lunch rolled around, Lucy had almost — almost — managed to forget about the entire towel situation.

That illusion shattered the second she slid into her usual seat by the window, unpacking her bento, only for Gray to plop down across from her with a shit-eating grin.

“So,” he said loudly, immediately drawing Levy’s and Erza’s attention, “how’s it feel seeing your first naked guy?”

Lucy choked on her rice.

"Gray!" she hissed, face flaming. "He was wearing a towel!"

"A tiny towel," Levy added helpfully, hiding a giggle behind her hand.

"I hate all of you," Lucy muttered, stabbing a piece of broccoli with unnecessary violence.

Erza, who was calmly sipping her tea, nodded in fake sympathy. “It’s okay, Lucy. Everyone has to experience their first scandalous encounter sometime.”

Lucy dropped her forehead dramatically onto the table. "It wasn't scandalous," she moaned into the wood. "It was Natsu . He’s like—like a dumb dog."

"A dumb dog who’s very comfortable in his own skin," Gray teased. “Maybe a little too comfortable.”

Levy leaned in, eyes sparkling. “But you didn’t seem very comfortable, Lucy.”

Lucy lifted her head just enough to glare at all of them.

Before she could retort, the door to their classroom banged open, and in strolled the very person who had been haunting her mind the entire morning. Natsu, hair messier than usual, slung his bag onto a chair and plopped down beside her without a second thought. He immediately snagged a piece of fried chicken from her bento.

"Hey," he said through a mouthful, completely oblivious to the way everyone else at the table suddenly got way too quiet .

Lucy, mentally too tired to even be mad, just shoved her bento closer to him. "Use your own chopsticks, animal."

"Yours taste better," he said, grinning.

Across the table, Gray wiggled his eyebrows at her. Levy was nearly vibrating with contained laughter.

Lucy fought the urge to bury her face in her hands again.

She could feel the weight of everyone's stares. Natsu, of course, remained blissfully unaware — or maybe he just didn’t care — as he leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms over his head, the hem of his shirt riding up just enough to flash toned stomach. Levy squeaked audibly. Lucy squeezed her eyes shut. This is my life now, she thought miserably.

"Hey, what's wrong with you guys?" Natsu asked, finally noticing the weird energy at the table.

"Nothing," Gray said too quickly. "Absolutely nothing." Natsu narrowed his eyes suspiciously but didn't press. Instead, he turned to Lucy and grinned.
“You’re weird today, Lucy.”

She shot him a tight smile. "Gee, wonder why."

Gray leaned forward with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Lucy had half the mind to cover his mouth with tape before he could embarrass her even further. "Well, you know, you did seem pretty flustered this morning, Lucy. Almost like our sweet, innocent girl had never seen a guy without a shirt on before."

“Uh… I’ve seen guys without shirts, Gray,” Lucy muttered, her fingers tightening around her lunch tray. “Just not him ."

Natsu raised an eyebrow. “What, you’ve never seen a guy like that before? How is that even possible?” He grinned, clearly pleased with himself.

Gray leaned in, clearly enjoying the chaos he was stirring. “Come on, Lucy. It’s pretty obvious. You were really flustered this morning.”

Lucy’s face flushed deeper. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She was barely holding it together at this point.

“Oh really?” He asked with mock curiosity, “I guess you’re really just not used to seeing guys in a… less-than-innocent way.

Without thinking, she reached across the table, grabbed her chopsticks, and flicked them straight at his face.

“ Shut up, Gray,” she growled, watching as he barely managed to dodge them, the chopsticks flying off to the side.

Erza, who had been quietly eating, raised an eyebrow and looked at Lucy with an almost impressed expression. “You’re getting good at this, Lucy.”

Natsu chuckled, oblivious to the fact that the entire table was now watching with rapt attention. "Yeah, Lucy. I’ve got to say, that was a pretty good shot."

Lucy threw her hands up in exasperation. "I can’t with you guys," she muttered under her breath.

Gray grinned and wiped his cheek. “You missed, but nice try.”

“I didn’t miss," she snapped, “ You just moved.”

Levy snickered while Erza took a long, deliberate sip of her tea, making it clear that, while she was entertained, she wasn’t about to get involved.

Gray raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. You’re feisty today. I’ll leave you alone... for now."

Lucy trudged onto the tennis courts after school, her mind still swirling from the teasing at lunch. The laughter and the smirks still echoed in her head, and she was trying her best to push it all out of her mind. But as usual, her thoughts found a way to circle back to Natsu and the way he had looked at her, that teasing grin on his face that made her insides twist.

"Lucy!"

She snapped out of her daze, realizing she had wandered out of position on the court. One of the upperclassmen, a tall girl with brown hair pulled into a tight ponytail, was glaring at her from across the net. Her name was Cana, and she was known for being tough on the underclassmen.

"Eyes on the game, Heartfilia!" Cana barked, her sharp tone making Lucy jump. "We’re not here to daydream. You missed the last few shots!"

Lucy immediately straightened, feeling the familiar burn of embarrassment rise in her chest. “Sorry, Cana,” she muttered, quickly adjusting her position.

"You've been slacking off during drills for the last week," Cana continued, now walking over to Lucy. "I don't know what you're doing on the court, but it’s not tennis. We can’t have you like this when the Spring season rolls around or I’ll have you benched. Got it?"

Lucy nodded, swallowing the frustration that built up in her throat. She had been feeling off all week, ever since the awkwardness with Natsu and the teasing in class. It was hard to focus on anything other than her tangled thoughts about him and everything that had been happening lately. But here, with Cana’s sharp eyes boring into her, there was no escaping the feeling of being watched.

"Get your head in the game, Heartfilia," She added with a final look before turning back to the rest of the team.

Lucy clenched her fists, frustrated with herself. She hated letting her distractions get the best of her, especially when it came to something as important as tennis. She was good at this— great , even—but lately, her mind seemed to be in a thousand different places. She couldn’t let it continue

As the drill resumed, Lucy refocused, putting everything she had into the next few shots. She forced herself to focus on her form, on the way the racket connected with the ball, the sound it made as it soared over the net.

The rest of practice passed by in a blur, and by the time it ended, Lucy’s arms were sore, but her mind was finally quiet. She was getting better at pushing out the noise, at least for a little while.

As she packed up her things, she was relieved to see most of the upperclassmen had already headed home, leaving the courts empty. It gave her a few moments to herself. The tension from practice had loosened, but she still couldn’t quite shake the weight of Cana’s words, the way they had made her feel like she was failing in front of everyone.

"Hey, you good?" a voice interrupted her thoughts.

Lucy looked up to see Levy walking towards her, her bag slung over her shoulder. "Yeah," Lucy said with a small smile. "Just… a rough practice, that's all."

Levy raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. "You’ve been a little distracted lately," she observed, her tone lighter. "Everything okay?"

Lucy hesitated for a moment. She wasn’t sure how to explain everything that had been going on in her head. "It’s just… I guess I’ve got a lot on my mind lately," she said quietly, picking up her tennis bag.

Levy's expression softened. "I get it," she said. "But hey, you’re one of the best players on the team. Don’t let whatever else is going on mess with your game, okay? We need you out there at your best."

Lucy smiled faintly, appreciating her friend’s concern. "Thanks, Levy. I’ll try." She knew Levy meant well by her words, but being told she was needed out there didn’t help the mounting pressure. If anything, it made her feel like the weight of everyone’s expectations was even heavier.

It wasn’t just the team or the coaches. It was her own mind, too. She felt like she had to prove something every single time she stepped onto the court — not just to the people around her, but to herself. She couldn’t afford to lose focus. She couldn’t afford to let herself become distracted by things like feelings , and relationships , and the weird, confusing way her stomach flipped whenever Natsu’s name came up . But that was exactly what had been happening, wasn’t it?

Levy caught the shift in Lucy’s expression and nudged her gently. "Hey, you okay?" she asked, a little more serious now. "You seem… off."

Lucy shook her head, trying to dismiss the growing unease in her chest. "Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired, I guess."

Levy eyed her for a moment, clearly not buying the excuse, but after a beat, she sighed. "Alright. If you need to talk about it, you know where I am."

Lucy nodded, feeling a little guilty for brushing her friend off. But the truth was, she wasn’t sure she could talk about it — not yet, anyway. Not with Levy, not with anyone. She barely understood it herself.

As they walked off the court, the heat of the afternoon sun started to dip into a cooler evening breeze. The streets were quieter now, the usual after-school crowd beginning to thin as more people headed home.

"You’ve got practice again tomorrow, right?" Levy asked, glancing over at Lucy as they strolled down the sidewalk.

"Yeah," Lucy replied, letting out a small sigh. "I think so. Coach didn’t say anything about canceling it."

"Well, don’t let it get to you too much," Levy said with a playful nudge. "You’re strong. You’ll figure it out."

Lucy gave her a small smile, grateful for the encouragement but still unsure of how to manage everything she was feeling. It wasn’t just tennis anymore. It was everything. The confusion about Natsu. The way her thoughts were all tangled up. The pressure to perform, to live up to expectations. She had a lot on her plate, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep juggling it all without dropping something.

As they reached the parting point near Lucy’s house, Levy gave her a quick hug. "Don’t forget to breathe, okay?"

Lucy laughed softly, grateful for her friend’s care. "I’ll try."

But as she watched Levy walk away, Lucy couldn’t help but feel the tension in her shoulders return, settling like a heavy weight. Would she really be able to do this? To balance everything? It felt like the ground beneath her was starting to crack, and for a moment, she wondered if she was going to fall through.

But she pushed that thought away. She had to keep going. For herself. For the team.

And, maybe, just maybe, for whatever was going on with Natsu.

⥈↭⥈

What the fuck had Lucy just gotten herself into?

It was a Friday night and Lucy was standing in a room of a house she wasn’t sure she knew who it belonged to. Out of nervous habit, she pulled her bottom lip into her teeth, only to be reminded of the cherry lipgloss that Levy had smeared on her an hour prior. What did she do to even get herself in this situation?

The classroom buzzed with energy as the bell rang for lunch. Lucy had just settled into her seat when a few of the upperclassmen burst into the room, practically vibrating with excitement.

"You guys heard about that party next Friday, right?" One of them, Mika, asked as she dropped her bag onto the desk.

"Oh, you mean Kaito's party?" another girl piped up, smoothing her skirt. "The one at that big house on the hill? It’s open invite, apparently."

The mention of the party made the room fall silent for a moment, all eyes turning to the speaker. Lucy’s stomach twisted as a few of her classmates started to murmur. She’d heard about the notorious parties thrown by Kaito before. Loud music, crowds of people, and the inevitable drama. Nothing she wanted to be a part of.

Levy, however, looked far more intrigued than Lucy was comfortable with. She leaned over to Lucy, her eyes practically shining. “Luuuuuu, we need to go. It sounds so much fun! You’d be perfect there.”

Lucy gave her a skeptical look. “Levy, I don’t really think I fit into those scenes.”

“Lucy, please, please, please. You have to come with me!” Levy’s voice was high-pitched with excitement, her hands clasped together in a pleading gesture. “You’ll regret it if you don’t. We need to go together!”

Lucy rolled her eyes. "I actually think I’ll be okay. Kaito and his parties don’t seem very Class-President-and-Star-Tennis-Player friendly.”

Levy groaned, “If you don’t go, I’ll never let you hear the end of it.”

Lucy sighed, knowing full well that her friend was right. If she said no, it would be on repeat for the rest of the semester. She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Fine. I’ll go. But you’re sticking with me the whole time. No leaving me alone with a bunch of drunk strangers.”

Levy’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Of course! I’ll make sure we stick together the entire night! You’re gonna have the best time, you’ll see!”

And so, a week later, with a house to herself for the upcoming weekend, Lucy found herself in front of her mirror, adjusting her outfit with a little more hesitation than she cared to admit. It wasn’t that she didn’t like the way she looked; it was more about the feeling of stepping into the unknown. After all, she wasn’t exactly the type to flaunt her body or walk into a room full of people she barely knew.

She slipped into a slightly tight black top with a deep cut, feeling the fabric hug her torso. The low-rise flare jeans were a little more daring than her usual style, but they felt comfortable enough. Lucy slipped her worn-down Converse on and stood back to assess the full look in the mirror. She didn’t feel “hot,” but she didn’t look bad, either. Maybe it wasn’t so bad after all.

Levy, of course, had already been ready for half an hour, standing in front of her own mirror in a cropped, sparkly top and a skirt that barely reached her thighs. “I told you, Lucy! You’re going to look amazing!” Levy beamed at her reflection, then turned to Lucy. “Don’t you feel more confident now?”

Lucy rolled her eyes but smiled. “Yeah, right. I feel like I’m about to get lost in a sea of people I don’t know.”

Levy laughed, unfazed. “That’s the point! It’ll be an adventure. Now come on, let’s go! We’re gonna have the best time. I can feel it!”

Lucy stood, the thumping bass of the music vibrating through the soles of her Converse. She barely noticed the crowd around her, some people dancing, others huddled in groups talking and laughing. It was the typical party scene, and yet, everything felt new to her. She was standing in a room she wasn’t even sure she knew who it belonged to, a plastic cup filled with some mystery alcohol concoction in her hand. 

The contents burned her throat a little when she took a sip, but it was nothing she couldn’t handle. As inexperienced as her guy friends liked to make her out to be, she had at least known how to handle her alcohol. Many dreadful dinners at fancy restaurants for her father’s company had given her experience. One she silently thanked Jude for now, even if he had absolutely no idea where she was at this very moment.

The flashing lights seemed too bright, the music too loud, but there was a part of her that was oddly intrigued. Lucy's grip tightened around the cup as her mind raced, recalling all the reasons she didn’t want to be here in the first place. But now that she was, she couldn’t help but feel both a little proud and a little anxious. What had she even gotten herself into?

Levy was nowhere to be found in the crowd, but Lucy didn’t mind. She’d been walking around by herself for a little while now, trying to get a feel for the place and seeing if she could find anyone she knew. But all the faces around her were unfamiliar. Some of them seemed overly confident, others just trying to fit in like she was.

Lucy glanced at her cup again. “What am I doing here?” she muttered to herself, feeling both out of place and oddly exhilarated by it. It was like stepping out of her usual routine, and though she wasn’t sure how long she could handle it, there was a strange thrill in the unfamiliar.

Lucy had barely finished her thought when the guy next to her nudged her arm with a grin.

“So, you come to many parties like this?” he asked, leaning in just a little too close for comfort. His breath wafted the juice in his cup that was no doubt spiked, and his cologne a bit too strong.

Lucy shifted uncomfortably, holding her cup with a nervous grip. "Uh, not really. This is kind of my first one," she admitted, forcing a smile.

"Well, then you're in for a real treat," the guy said, his grin widening. "These parties are always the best kind of fun, you know? Lots of people, lots of drinks... and plenty of opportunities to, uh, get to know new people." He let the last part hang in the air with an insinuating glance, his hand sliding a little too close to her arm.

Lucy took a small step back, her heartbeat picking up pace. She wasn’t used to guys being this forward, especially not with her. She glanced around, hoping Levy would come out of nowhere, but the crowd was thick, and her friend was nowhere in sight. 

Maybe it was the buzz, maybe it was just the attention, but the guy was cute, and his eyes were definitely focused on her. Lucy blinked, her stomach fluttering a little. The attention felt... good. Maybe a little too good. Her head swam slightly with the warmth of the alcohol and the thrill of being the center of attention. She caught herself leaning in just a little, her heartbeat quickening. Was this what it felt like to be wanted?

Before she could even process it, his lips were closer—way too close. Just as he made a move to kiss her, Lucy's heart skipped, but something in the back of her mind gave her pause. This wasn’t right. She didn’t even know this guy’s name.

Suddenly, she felt his presence—strong and unmistakable.

"Hey!" Natsu’s voice cut through the air, and before she could react, he was there. His hand shot out, grabbing the guy by the arm and yanking him back, his expression a mixture of anger and frustration. The guy staggered back, startled.

"What the hell do you think you're doin’?" Natsu barked, his grip firm on the guy’s wrist. The guy’s smile faltered, his face reddening as he tried to pull away, looking between Natsu and Lucy.

The guy stammered, clearly trying to regain his composure. "I—uh, I was just—"

"Yeah, I know what you were just doin’," Natsu shot back, his eyes narrowing. “If you don’t want a broken nose, I suggest you get the hell away from her.”

The guy muttered something under his breath and quickly backed off, disappearing into the crowd. Lucy, still a little stunned from the encounter, was about to say something when she heard a familiar, drunken giggle from behind her.

"Lucy!" Lisanna suddenly appeared, nearly stumbling into her, her arms wrapping around her in a warm, overly tight hug. "I’ve missed you so much!" she slurred, clearly drunk but still smiling brightly.

Lucy hesitated for a second, then awkwardly returned the hug, trying to smile through the awkwardness. “Uh, yeah, I missed you too, Lisanna.

Natsu, still standing beside them, shot Lucy a stern look. "Lucy, what the hell are you doing here?" His tone was sharp, but there was an undercurrent of concern in it. "You shouldn’t be at a place like this, and you definitely shouldn’t be drinking. Does your dad even know you’re here?"

Lucy felt a surge of irritation wash over her. She hadn’t asked for a lecture, least of all from him. "I’m not a kid, Natsu," she snapped, her grip tightening on her drink. "I know how to handle myself. You don’t need to tell me what to do."

Natsu’s face softened, but there was still a firmness in his voice. "It’s not about that," he said, quieter now. "I just don’t want you getting caught up in things you won’t be able to get out of."

Lucy’s eyes flashed with anger. "I don’t need your help, Natsu. I’m not some fragile little girl. I can take care of myself."

With that, she pushed past him, brushing by Lisanna as she left. She didn’t want to be lectured, didn’t want to be reminded of how people saw her. 

Lucy wandered through the chaotic house, trying to distance herself from the noise, from Natsu's scolding, and from the sense of discomfort gnawing at her. She didn’t know where she was going, but she needed air—somewhere, anywhere, away from the feeling of being trapped.

As she rounded a corner, she collided with someone, causing a good portion of her drink to spill on her shoes. What a waste of a good drink, she bitterly thought. She looked up, ready to apologize, but then froze.

"Taiga?" Her voice rising as her eyes met his.

Taiga stood there, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Well, well, if it isn’t the princess herself. Lucy Heartfilia." He looked her over briefly, clearly amused, before his eyes narrowed slightly. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Lucy blinked, still stunned by his sudden appearance. "What do you mean, 'What am I doing here?' I could ask you the same thing," she shot back, her voice a little sharper than intended. She quickly scanned the area around him, realizing he wasn’t alone. A group of his friends from Sabertooth Academy stood nearby, chatting and laughing among themselves. "Didn’t you get the memo?” she mocked, “Fairies only, we don’t want your kind around here.” 

Taiga’s smirk remained, but there was a glimmer of something in his eyes, something unspoken but understood between them. "That so?" he replied coolly, crossing his arms over his chest. "Because I didn’t get the memo that this was a 'Fairy Tail only' kind of party."

Lucy rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. "Well, it’s not like I planned on being here," she muttered, glancing around. "This whole thing was Levy’s idea, not mine."

Taiga raised an eyebrow. "You know, for someone who didn’t want to come, you seem pretty comfortable," he teased, his eyes scanning her outfit—those tight jeans, the black top that seemed a little too tight for casual wear, and those worn-down Converse. Lucy flushed slightly under his gaze but played it off.

"Yeah, well, I can’t just stand around looking bored, can I?" she shot back, though her words lacked any real bite.

Taiga chuckled, shaking his head. "You always did have a way with words."

Lucy shifted her weight from one foot to the other, suddenly feeling uncomfortable with the way the conversation was heading. She glanced at his friends again, who were still laughing and enjoying themselves. For a moment, Lucy debated just walking away and trying to find Levy, but something about the way Taiga stood there—so effortlessly confident—kept her rooted in place.

Lucy huffed, still slightly uneasy, “Didn’t think you were into parties like this."

Taiga raised an eyebrow, clearly not fazed by her tone. "Maybe I’m not, but sometimes you gotta let loose, right? You look like you’re having fun," he teased, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Lucy rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped. "Well, fun’s a little overrated right now," she admitted, rubbing the back of her neck. "Actually, I kind of want to get out of here."

"Fair enough." He gave her a knowing look, his expression softening. "But, hey, you might want to lay low for a bit. Natsu’s probably looking for you, and the last thing you want is him turning this whole place upside down."

At the mention of Natsu, Lucy felt the frustration bubble up again. "Yeah, thanks for the reminder," she muttered bitterly. "He’s probably going to lecture me the entire way home about this whole thing." She wasn’t sure why, but Taiga’s presence was oddly comforting. Maybe it was because he didn’t judge her the way Natsu did, or maybe it was because he was a reminder of the person she used to be before all this mess.

Taiga glanced over at his friends, who were still distracted, and then looked back at her with a half grin. "Want to get away from all this? I’m not exactly loving it either, but I can show you a quieter spot around here. Might be better than standing around getting lectured by Natsu."

Lucy paused, considering the offer. It wasn’t like she had many options anyway, and something about Taiga's easygoing nature was a welcome change. Besides, he seemed like he knew how to handle himself in situations like this.

"Alright, lead the way," she said, her tone more relaxed now.

Taiga nodded and gestured for her to follow him. As they walked through the house, away from the chaos of the main party, Lucy couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of relief. Being with Taiga felt easy, like slipping back into a pair of old, comfortable shoes—something familiar in the midst of all the confusion.

When they stepped outside into a quieter area of the yard, Lucy took a deep breath, finally feeling like she could breathe again. She leaned against the railing, looking up at the night sky, the cool breeze brushing against her skin.

"So," Taiga started after a moment of silence, his voice more casual now, "what’s really going on with you? You seemed pretty pissed when I found you."

Lucy hesitated for a moment before answering. "I don’t know… I guess it’s just not what I thought it would be. The whole party thing, I mean. And Natsu, of course, doesn’t make it any easier."

Taiga raised an eyebrow. "Natsu, huh? You two seem close."

Lucy sighed, staring down at her hands. "Yeah, we’re close. But sometimes I feel like he’s the last person I want around when I’m trying to figure things out for myself." She looked up at Taiga, her expression softening. "You know, it’s complicated."

Taiga seemed to understand, nodding thoughtfully. "I get it. Sometimes it’s hard when people treat you like you can’t make your own decisions. But hey, if it helps, I think you’re handling this party better than some of the others back in there."

Lucy let out a breathy laugh. "I’m not so sure about that," she muttered, shaking her head.

The two of them stood there for a moment, the sounds of the party muffled in the background.

 "Hey, Taiga! Game time!" one of his friends shouted from across the yard.

Taiga groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Guess that’s my cue," he muttered, giving Lucy a glance. "You coming in, or are you just gonna stay out here and freeze?"

Lucy hesitated, still feeling the weight of everything. "I guess I’ll come in. It’s not like I have anything better to do," she replied, her voice quieter now.

"That’s the spirit," Taiga teased, flashing her a grin as they walked back inside.

The atmosphere in the house had changed slightly. Music blared from speakers, and a few people were lounging around, but there was a new buzz in the air. Lucy’s eyes scanned the room as they entered, landing on a familiar sight: Levy was sitting on Gajeel’s lap, laughing at something one of the other guys had said. Lucy couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the sight. "Well, that’s a... bold move," she muttered under her breath, still trying to process it.

"Guess it’s one way to do things," Taiga commented with a nonchalant shrug, following her gaze. "Wouldn’t put it past Gajeel, though."

Lucy chuckled lightly, but before she could say anything else, Taiga’s friends waved them over. "Come on, we’re about to start the game!" one of them shouted, clearly eager for the fun to begin.

"Alright, let’s see what this is all about," Taiga said, leading her towards the group. The moment they entered the living room, Lucy’s eyes were immediately drawn to the familiar group of classmates lounging around in a circle, with a few empty bottles scattered about.

"7 Minutes in Heaven," one of Taiga’s friends announced with a wide, teasing grin. "Everyone’s gotta take a turn. You know how it works, right?" The group chuckled, their laughter filled with the sort of easy confidence that came from having played this game a dozen times before.

Lucy froze, her fingers momentarily stilling over the plastic cup of punch she was holding. 7 Minutes in Heaven? She’d heard of the game before, of course—who hadn’t? It was practically a rite of passage at these kinds of parties. But actually playing it? Being the one stuck in a closet with someone else? Her stomach twisted a little at the thought.

She could feel her pulse picking up, nerves rushing in like a wave. It wasn’t the idea of being in a dark closet with someone that freaked her out. It was the idea of the game’s unpredictability, the potential awkwardness of who she might end up with, the knowing glances from everyone else. Sure, she could laugh it off and pretend it didn’t matter, but it definitely did.

Lucy took a slow sip of her drink, trying to calm the sudden anxiety bubbling up inside her. Her eyes flicked across the room to Levy, who was already settled in with Gajeel on the couch, barely noticing Lucy's hesitation. Lucy glanced over at the group of Taiga’s friends, whose attention was now fully on the bottle in the center of the room, each of them eager to take their turn. Her gaze locked onto Taiga, who was casually leaning against the wall, arms crossed, looking relaxed despite the rowdy group around him.

Then, she glanced back at the circle of friends, and the game of 7 Minutes in Heaven loomed larger than before. What could she do? Chicken out and be the only one to bail in front of everyone, making her the center of attention for the wrong reasons? She could already hear the teasing from Levy and the guys, the endless "Lucy’s too innocent for this," and "Can’t handle the heat, huh?" that would follow her for months.

Or, she could just roll with it. Sit in a closet for seven long minutes with a guy she might not know well, or maybe even someone she wasn’t comfortable with. She could grin and bear it, pretend it was all just harmless fun, and let the minutes tick by until the inevitable awkwardness was over. And, for a moment, she considered that option. Maybe I could do this. Maybe it won’t be so bad.

Her eyes scanned the room again. None of the guys seemed like she would end up on those murder docuseries she always found her mom watching on a Wednesday night. Maybe it wasn’t so bad. Maybe she was overthinking it.

Lucy let out a shaky breath and turned back to the punch bowl. She needed another drink. If she was gonna do this, there was absolutely no way it was being one as sober as she was. She reached for the pitcher of jungle juice and filled her cup again, this time pouring a little more generously.

As she swirled the drink in her hand, she heard another friend of Taiga’s call her name. "Hey, Lucy! You in or out?"

She hesitated for a moment longer, then, with a small shrug of her shoulders, she lifted the cup to her lips, taking a deep sip. The alcohol burned, but it gave her an odd sense of courage. When she set the cup down on the counter, her eyes met Taiga’s again. There was something about the way he was watching her, something casual, but expectant. Like he was just waiting for her to make a decision. And, strangely, that pushed her toward the game even more.

Okay, she thought, trying to gather the last of her resolve. It’s just a game. Seven minutes. I can do this.

She wiped her palms on her jeans and walked toward the circle, now standing with the bottle in hand, ready to spin it. The music still pounded in the background, and the laughter of her friends was now louder, more pronounced. Taiga’s friends glanced at her, then at each other, clearly enjoying the spectacle that was about to unfold.

"Lucy’s up first!" one of them shouted.

With a deep breath, Lucy walked toward the circle of people. She felt the eyes of the group on her as they made room for her. She set her drink down and eyed the bottle that was now positioned in the center of the circle.

"Go ahead," Taiga called to her, grinning like he knew exactly what was going on in her head. "Spin it."

Lucy hesitated for a moment, feeling her heart racing in her chest, but then she put her hand on the bottle and gave it a slow spin. The group quieted as they watched the bottle spin, the anticipation in the air thick. Lucy’s heart pounded in her ears, and she couldn’t help but glance at Taiga again, who was standing there, arms crossed and watching her intently.

It felt like the bottle was spinning forever, but eventually, it slowed down, coming to a stop just as it pointed directly at Taiga.

The group cheered, and Lucy’s stomach did a flip. She could feel her face flush, her mind racing. Of course, it would be him. Of all the people in the room, it had to be Taiga.

A low laugh escaped his lips, and Lucy could feel his eyes on her as the group urged them to head toward the closet.

"This should be interesting," one of Taiga’s friends commented with a wink. 

Lucy shot them all a glare, but her heart was pounding, and she was suddenly all too aware of the way her heart fluttered wildly in her ribcage.

Taiga raised an eyebrow, his gaze softening, but his smirk was still there. "Ready?" he asked, his voice low.

Lucy didn’t answer immediately. She just nodded, taking one last deep swig of her drink before standing up.

The door to the closet clicked shut behind them, and the darkness settled around them like a heavy blanket. Lucy could feel the air grow warmer, the space suddenly smaller as she stood there, her back against the cold wood. She could hear Taiga’s breath, shallow and close, just a few feet away. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and despite the growing tension, part of her couldn’t help but feel... intrigued.

The muffled sounds of the party outside faded, replaced by the pounding of her own pulse. Her fingers nervously fiddled with the edge of her shirt, the action making her aware of the tight fit of her top and the slight chill of the room. She could hear Taiga shifting, but neither of them spoke for a long moment. The silence between them was almost deafening, but not uncomfortable—no, there was something about it that made her heart race even faster.

"Don’t hear anything yet, Lucy!" Levy’s voice was filled with mischief and challenge, and the rest of the group joined in with loud laughter and shouts of encouragement.

Lucy felt heat rising in her cheeks at the attention. The pressure was on now, and there was no backing out. She glanced at Taiga, the dim light from the crack under the door illuminating his face just enough to see the smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. His eyes were a little darker now, focused entirely on her.

"So, what happens now?" Lucy’s voice sounded a little breathless, even to her own ears. She cleared her throat, feeling a mix of nerves and... something else that she couldn't quite name. "It’s just a game, right?"

Taiga took a step closer to her, closing the distance between them until their breaths mingled in the cramped space. "Just a game," he repeated, “Right?”

Lucy swallowed, her pulse racing faster. She couldn’t remember the last time her heart had thudded this wildly in her chest. She had to admit, there was something electric about being this close to him, about the way his gaze was so intense, so focused.

Then, almost as if on cue, Taiga took a step closer, his footsteps soft against the floor. She could feel his presence, his body language unmistakable. It wasn’t like the brash, cocky attitude he sometimes wore—it was something more subtle, something that made her breath hitch. There was no denying the pull between them. She could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating, and yet, there was no way she could pull away.

He spoke first, his voice low and almost teasing, but with an undertone of something else—something that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Not what you expected, huh?" he asked, his words almost a whisper, though it felt like they carried far more weight than that.

Lucy tried to steady herself, but her hands were trembling slightly as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "No, not really," she answered, her voice quieter than she intended. "I wasn’t exactly planning on this..."

Taiga’s gaze flicked over her, and for a moment, she swore she saw something flicker in his eyes—something darker. "You’re not one for playing by the rules, are you?" he asked, his voice still smooth, but now with a hint of challenge.

Lucy held his gaze, fighting the nervous lump in her throat. She wasn’t sure what it was, but something about his presence was so magnetic—so undeniably intense—that it was hard to think straight. She felt drawn to him, like a moth to a flame, even though part of her knew she should be more cautious. But in the heat of the moment, she couldn’t help but be pulled in by his proximity.

"I don’t know," she said softly, taking a small step toward him, closing the space between them just enough to make her heart race. "Maybe I like the idea of breaking a few rules."

His lips quirked into a half-smirk, the kind that made her pulse quicken. There was a moment of silence, and she could feel the weight of his stare as it shifted from her eyes to her lips, then back again. It was the kind of look that made her stomach twist, made the space between them seem smaller, closer. The tension between them was palpable, as if they were both waiting for something to snap.

"Well," Taiga’s voice was lower now, rougher. "Maybe we both like pushing limits."

Before she could respond, his hand was on the small of her back, pulling her closer. The movement was fluid, almost like he had done this before—or maybe it was just instinct. Lucy’s breath caught as she felt his body heat radiate against hers, the closeness suddenly overwhelming in the best way possible.

Before she could respond, his hand was on the small of her back, pulling her closer. The movement was fluid, almost like he had done this before—or maybe it was just instinct. Lucy’s breath caught as she felt his body heat radiate against hers, the closeness suddenly overwhelming in the best way possible.

Her hands were on his chest before she could think twice, her fingers pressing against the warmth of his skin through the fabric of his shirt. He leaned in slightly, and she could feel the tension in his body, the way his muscles were taut, like he was waiting for her to make the next move.

Lucy swallowed, her throat dry, her heart hammering in her chest. "Taiga..." Her voice was barely a whisper, the name slipping out before she could stop it.

Fuck it, she thought to herself, fuck it all. It was a light, tentative kiss at first, as if testing the waters. But then, almost instinctively, Taiga’s hands were on her waist, pulling her closer. Surprised, she pulled back. 

Worry flared in his eyes. “Shit, I’m sorry, Lucy. I—Shit, I thought you wanted—”

“Shut up,” Lucy managed to all but breathe out before she pushed her lips back onto his.

The moment her lips met his again, any remaining hesitation vanished. Taiga's hands found their way back to her waist, pulling her even closer, as if to erase any remaining distance between them. This time, the kiss was far more urgent, hungry with a rawness neither of them had expected. Lucy’s heart raced, her pulse thundering in her ears as she lost herself in the sensation of Taiga’s lips against hers.

Her hands instinctively grasped at his shirt, tugging him down toward her, as though trying to pull him even deeper into the kiss. His grip on her tightened, his fingers digging into the soft fabric of her top as their bodies pressed together. The world outside of the closet seemed to fade away—the sounds of the party, the laughter, the clinking of glasses—all drowned out by the pounding in her chest.

The air between them was thick, crackling with tension, and Lucy could feel it in every brush of their lips, in every touch, every movement. She didn’t care about the game, the consequences, or anything else. All that mattered was the moment, this feeling that surged through her—alive, electrifying, and overwhelming.

But despite the intensity, part of her was still slightly aware of the fact that this was Taiga—her friend, someone she’d known for years, someone who had always been just... there. Yet now, in this closet, their connection felt different, felt like it had always been meant to be this way.

As the kiss deepened, one of Taiga’s hand slid up her back, pressing her even closer. The other, still on her waist, sneakily made its way under the hem of the fabric, tracing slow, tantilizing circles just under her belly button. And when his teeth pulled at her bottom lip, she saw stars behind her eyelids.

As quickly as the heat came, it was gone again. Taiga was the first to pull back, the both of them entirely out of breath. Awkwardly trying to clear his throat, Taiga spoke first.

"That was, uh—Good job," he muttered, his voice rough and unsteady.

Lucy blinked, her chest heaving slightly as she struggled to catch her breath. She wiped a hand over her lips, still feeling the imprint of his kiss. "Yeah... uh, you too," she managed, her voice barely a whisper. Her thoughts were still spinning, her heart pounding in her chest, trying to wrap around the intensity of what had just happened. She hadn’t expected it to feel like this, not with Taiga. But there was no denying it—it was real.

Both of them stood there for a moment, the silence between them thick with unspoken thoughts. Taiga ran a hand through his hair, looking almost sheepish for the first time that night. He rubbed the back of his neck and let out a breath. "So... um, I guess we should get out of here," he said, trying to regain some of his usual cool composure.

Lucy nodded, trying to push aside the lingering warmth she felt from their kiss. "Yeah, right." She quickly smoothed her hair, took a deep breath, and pushed open the closet door.

As they stepped out of the closet, Lucy and Taiga’s eyes immediately landed on Natsu and Lisanna, sitting casually on the porch with a group of people. The warmth of the party seemed to evaporate a little as Lucy’s gaze locked with Natsu's, his expression unreadable. He glanced between her and Taiga, his eyebrow quirking in suspicion, before he leaned back slightly, crossing his arms.

"Well, well," Natsu drawled, his eyes narrowing as he fixed his gaze on Taiga, "You’ve got some glitter on your lips there, man."

Lucy froze, her heart skipping a beat. She quickly swiped her finger over her lips, realizing that the lip gloss she’d been wearing earlier was still there, its sparkly residue lingering. She could feel her face flush. Damn it.

Taiga didn’t seem at all phased by the attention. With a lazy grin, he wiped his thumb and casually glanced at Lucy. "Guess you could say it’s thanks to Lucy," he said with a smirk, making sure his words stung just a little.

Natsu’s expression tightened for a second, his gaze narrowing as he shot Taiga a look, trying to figure out if he was being serious. "Is that so?" Natsu finally said, his voice low, his eyes flicking back to Lucy. The teasing lilt was still there, but there was something else beneath it—a protective undertone that Lucy couldn’t quite place.

Lisanna, who had been distracted by her phone, looked up at the sudden shift in energy. She smiled and waved at Lucy, oblivious to the underlying tension. "Hey, Lucy! Having fun?" she asked cheerfully.

Lucy forced a smile, feeling the weight of Natsu’s gaze on her. "Yeah, yeah. Definitely," she replied, not quite sure how to steer the conversation in a way that wouldn’t make her feel even more embarrassed.

Taiga seemed unphased by the awkwardness in the air. He glanced at Lucy with a smirk that clearly said he enjoyed stirring the pot. "I’m just gonna grab a drink," he said, backing away with a nod. "Catch you later, Lucy."

"Yeah, sure," Lucy muttered, still feeling a little lightheaded from everything. As soon as Taiga walked away, she turned her attention back to Natsu, who had stepped away from Lisanna and the rest of the group, trying to act like she wasn’t just thrown off balance by the entire night.

Natsu, however, wasn’t letting it go that easily. His eyes stayed locked on her, a mischievous glint still in them. "So," he said, leaning forward slightly, "You and Taiga, huh?" His voice was teasing, but there was an edge to it, like he was trying to mask something—something protective or... jealous?

Lucy’s stomach twisted. She could feel her pulse quicken again, but this time it was from irritation, not excitement. "What, are you jealous or something?" she shot back, crossing her arms in a defensive posture.

Natsu blinked, taken aback. "I—No!" He immediately backpedaled, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. "I’m just asking, that’s all."

Lucy narrowed her eyes. "It’s none of your business," she muttered, her annoyance creeping in. Without waiting for his response, she turned away, wanting to put more distance between herself and Natsu’s curious stare. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks again.

Just as Lucy took a step away, ready to escape the lingering tension, she heard a familiar voice calling her name from behind.

"Lucy! Lucy!" Levy appeared, rushing toward her with wide, eager eyes and a grin that practically screamed 'I’m dying to know!' "Okay, I need to know everything!" she said, nearly bouncing on her heels.

Lucy’s stomach twisted again, but this time it was a different kind of discomfort. She knew exactly what Levy wanted to know.

Levy wasn’t the type to let things slide, and Lucy, unfortunately, wasn’t the type to be good at keeping secrets—especially when it came to something like this.

Lucy let out a long sigh and turned back toward her friend, her arms still crossed in front of her. "Levy, you really want to know?" she asked, her tone a bit sharper than usual.

Levy raised an eyebrow, not phased by Lucy’s defensive posture. "Uh, yeah! It’s obvious something happened in there," she said, glancing behind her as if checking for eavesdroppers. "Come on, spill it! What happened with you and Taiga? You can’t leave me hanging like this."

Lucy swallowed, a knot forming in her throat. She glanced over at Natsu, who was now sitting with Lisanna and a couple of other people, clearly pretending not to care. The only thing was, his eyes kept flicking over to her and Levy, as if watching her every move. She shook the feeling off, but it didn’t help that the whole situation felt like it had gotten way more complicated than it had any right to be.

Levy was still waiting, her eyes wide, practically vibrating with anticipation. "Come on, Lucy, tell me! Was it... was it a good kiss?" Her voice was low, teasing, but the excitement was evident.

Lucy took a deep breath. "It wasn’t... exactly what you think," she muttered, her face burning. "We just talked, and then—well, we kissed. That’s it."

Levy’s eyes widened comically. "Wait, what ? You kissed him?!" She practically squealed, drawing the attention of a few nearby partygoers. "Oh my god, Lucy! I need the details—was it romantic? Was it... was it like in the movies? Wait—did you enjoy it? You’ve been hanging out with him a lot lately, so—"

Lucy interrupted her, her face flushing as she tried to avoid making eye contact with anyone else. "Levy, not here," she hissed. "We’ll talk later, okay?"

Levy looked like she might burst with excitement but relented, nodding. "Fine, fine! But you owe me big time, Lucy! I’m dying to know what happened after you two—"

Before Lucy could stop her, Levy was already waving goodbye, giving her a wink as she dashed off to rejoin Gajeel. 

Lucy felt herself let out a shaky breath, both relieved and a little overwhelmed. The night had gone from bad to bizarre, and now, with Levy knowing a little too much about what had just gone down, Lucy couldn’t help but feel that this was only the beginning of whatever tangled mess this was turning into.

As if on cue, she caught Natsu glancing her way again, his eyes lingering just a little too long before he quickly turned away, almost like he was trying to pretend nothing had happened. But Lucy knew better. She couldn’t shake the feeling that he was trying to figure her out, and she wasn’t entirely sure if she liked it.

Maybe she should’ve stayed home after all. But then again, maybe not.

The warm water cascaded over Lucy’s body, and she let out a contented sigh, feeling the tension slowly ease from her muscles. Her mind, however, was a whirlwind. The kiss with Taiga, the way he’d held her, how his lips had moved against hers... it had been thrilling, intense—something she hadn’t expected.

She allowed herself a small smile, her thoughts momentarily straying to Natsu. She could still feel the heat of his gaze when he had confronted her at the party, the way his eyes had seemed to soften just slightly. The way he’d acted when he saw her talking to another guy… Was that jealousy? It was almost like he cared, even if he wouldn’t admit it.

Her heart gave an involuntary flutter, but just as quickly, guilt washed over her. What was she even thinking? She had just kissed Taiga, and she was questioning Natsu’s feelings? She shouldn’t even be wondering about him like that.

Lucy sighed, shaking her head. She couldn't afford to get caught up in any of that—especially not now. She had enough to worry about.

When she turned off the water, she wrapped herself in a towel and made her way to her bedroom, her thoughts still a tangled mess. She had to focus, clear her head, but she couldn’t deny that the kiss with Taiga had been... electric. He had been confident, skilled, and his hands had made her feel things she hadn’t expected. God, what had she gotten herself into?

She was trying to distract herself when she suddenly heard a soft thud outside her window. Her heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t have time to react before the window creaked open, and a familiar figure slipped inside. 

"Natsu?" she called out, a little more forcefully than intended. "What are you doing here?"

She walked over to the window to see Natsu perched halfway through the opening, his frame hanging awkwardly as he scrambled to get in. With a final grunt, he dropped to the floor inside her room, landing with a thud that almost made Lucy jump out of her skin.

“Nice form,” Lucy muttered sarcastically, crossing her arms.

Natsu straightened up, ignoring her sarcasm entirely as he brushed himself off. His eyes scanned the room, and then, with a sigh, he turned to her. “I’m here because I need to talk to you.”

Lucy raised an eyebrow. “About what? Shouldn’t you be with Lisanna or one of your other friends?”

Natsu ignored her comment and shook his head. "It’s not about them," he said, his voice sounding much more serious than she was used to hearing. "It’s about you, Lucy."

Her stomach fluttered, but she didn’t let him see her nerves. “What’s wrong with me?”

“Why were you even there tonight?” he asked bluntly, his gaze intense. 

Lucy crossed her arms over her chest, her body language defensive. "What does it matter to you? It’s none of your business." She tilted her chin up in defiance, meeting his gaze with a fire in her eyes.

Natsu frowned, obviously not satisfied with her answer. "It is my business, Lucy. You're not some girl who just goes along with whatever—"

Lucy cut him off, her voice rising in frustration. "I’m 16, Natsu," she snapped. "I can do whatever I want. I don’t need you to tell me what’s right or wrong, or what I should or shouldn’t be doing. I know exactly what I want and who I want to be around. Unlike you. "

Her words hit him harder than she intended, and for a moment, he seemed taken aback. His expression shifted—his usual cocky smirk replaced by something a little more guarded. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Lucy’s pulse quickened, but she didn’t back down. “You’re always so quick to judge me, always acting like you know what’s best for me. Like you can tell me what to do. But guess what? I don’t need your approval. I’m not some little girl you can control.” She took a step toward him, pushing past the irritation and straight into something deeper. “I don’t need anyone telling me who I can and can’t talk to, or where I can go.”

Natsu’s gaze softened slightly, but he didn’t budge. “I’m just looking out for you, Lucy.”

“Don’t,” she muttered, her voice shaking with a mixture of anger and guilt. “I’m not some fragile thing you have to protect.”

The tension between them was thick, but Lucy didn’t give him a chance to respond. She turned away, making her way to her bed as she dropped onto it, her thoughts in turmoil. She could still feel the heat of the kiss with Taiga on her lips, the way he’d made her feel—alive. But the memory of Natsu's gaze, how it had softened when he’d thought she was with another guy, couldn’t be shaken.

She swallowed hard, her mind caught between guilt and confusion.

Chapter Text

“Oh. My. God,” Levy squealed from her floor, “That’s straight out of a movie, Lu.”

Lucy’s heart raced. She let out a nervous laugh, trying to play it off. “I—I didn’t even mean for it to happen, Levy. It just... I don’t know. It just did.”

Levy sat up, pulling her legs beneath her and grinning. “You kissed him, though. Taiga! You kissed Taiga Matsumura . The guy half of our junior high was fawning over and the guy who probably has the same effect on those preppy Sabertooth girls. Don’t even act like you didn’t enjoy it.”

Lucy shot her a look. “I didn’t say I didn’t enjoy it…”

Levy grinned wider. “Exactly. It’s obvious you did. That’s what’s making you all flustered, isn’t it?”

Lucy rolled her eyes, but there was no denying that part of her was still caught up in the memory of the kiss. The way Taiga’s hands had felt on her skin, the way he’d kissed her—slow at first, then heated, like he’d been waiting for her to push back. The way her heart had raced the whole time. She couldn’t lie, it had been... intense.

“Okay, okay,” Lucy said, shaking her head and trying to regain some composure. “But what am I supposed to do about it now?”

Levy smirked. “That’s the part I want to know! Are you gonna see him again? What happened after the kiss? Come on, spill!”

Lucy sighed, collapsing back onto her bed, burying her face in her pillow. “I don’t even know if I should see him again. I mean, this wasn’t just some random make-out. This is Taiga. The guy who’s been... I don’t know. He’s different now.”

Levy tilted her head, a serious look crossing her face. “But do you think he likes you? Or is it just... one of those things?”

“No, definitely one of those things,” Lucy affirmed, “He’s never given any indication otherwise. I feel like I’d know by now if he liked me. I don’t think our relationship is built to be something like that.”

Levy looked at Lucy with raised eyebrows, clearly not convinced. “You sure about that? I mean, you guys were all over each other last night. That doesn’t exactly scream 'I only see you as a friend.'”

Lucy let out a frustrated sigh, pushing herself up onto her elbows. “I don’t know, Levy. I’m just not sure. Everything feels... complicated. One minute, he’s teasing me, the next, he’s kissing me like he can’t get enough. But it’s never been anything more than that. Just random moments. And now... I don’t know what to do with it.”

Levy sat up, crossing her legs in front of her and looking at Lucy seriously. “Okay, but have you thought about what you want? You’re getting all worked up over what Taiga might think or want, but what about you, Lu? How do you feel about him?”

Lucy groaned, throwing her head back and covering her face with her pillow, hoping it would smother her. “Never let me drink again.”

“Oh please,” Levy all but snorted, making her way beside Lucy on her bed. “You were drunker when your dad’s business partner tried to arrange a marriage with you and his son. You didn’t even have a slur in your voice last night. You can’t blame this on alcohol my sweet girl.”

Levy's words made Lucy groan even louder, her face pressed further into her pillow. She had hoped the plush surface would somehow absorb all her frustration. “I just—” Lucy started, muffled by the fabric, “—I just don’t get it. How did this even happen? Why did I let myself get into this situation?”

Levy sat beside her on the bed, the mattress dipping slightly under her weight. She reached over, gently pulling the pillow away from Lucy’s face. “Because you’re human, Lu. You get caught up in things, and sometimes that leads to mistakes or... complications. But that’s life. It doesn’t have to be as big of a deal as you’re making it out to be.”

Lucy pulled herself up, her hair falling messily over her face as she rubbed her eyes. “Yeah, well, this feels like a bigger deal. It’s Taiga. We’ve been friends for years, and now...” She sighed deeply. “I don’t know how to feel about what happened. It was just a kiss, but... I can’t help but feel like there’s more to it than that. I don’t want to make things weird between us, you know?”

Levy, sitting beside her with a thoughtful expression, reached over to pat her friend’s shoulder. “I get it, but you’ve got to figure out if you want more than that too. You’ve been talking about Taiga forever—how much of a mess he was, how he’s changed, how he’s so different now. Maybe that kiss meant something for both of you. But if you keep worrying about what it could mean instead of just being in it, you’ll drive yourself crazy.”

Lucy pulled her knees to her chest, resting her chin on top. She was quiet for a long time, the wheels in her head turning. “I guess I’m just scared,” she admitted softly, her voice small. “Scared that it’s only a fleeting thing for him. Like it’s not a big deal. And then I’ll end up looking dumb, waiting around for something that’s never going to happen.”

Levy’s eyes softened with sympathy. She placed a gentle hand on Lucy’s back, rubbing it in slow circles. “You’re not going to look dumb. And even if it doesn’t turn into something more, at least you’ll know, right? At least you won’t have to wonder forever what could’ve happened.”

Lucy looked at her best friend, her heart twisting a little. She could see the sincerity in Levy’s eyes, the way she genuinely wanted to help Lucy work through her confusion. But it still felt like she was walking through a fog. The night with Taiga—the kiss, the way he’d touched her, the way things had felt so different between them—was all so much to process.

“I just feel like there’s no easy answer,” Lucy said quietly, voice tinged with exhaustion. “And that scares me.”

Levy nodded, her gaze gentle. “Of course it does. But sometimes the hardest decisions are the ones worth making. If you want to see where this could go with him, then take the risk. If you’re not ready, then don’t force it. But don’t let yourself sit in limbo forever, either.”

Before Lucy could open her mouth again, her phone alarm went off. Saturday afternoon practice. Now she had to deal with these emotions on top of intense dehydration and an overly intense team captain. “That’s my queue,” She mumbled, begrudgingly dragging herself out of her bed and to her closet to grab her stuff.

“Don’t fuss over it so much, Lu. What’s mean to happen will happen.”

Lucy gave Levy a half-hearted smile as she grabbed her tennis bag from the corner of her room, tossing it over her shoulder. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But right now, I think I just need to focus on surviving practice without passing out."

Levy chuckled, her expression lightening up. "You’ve got this. Just try not to get hit with any more tennis balls to the face, okay?" she teased, earning a weak laugh from Lucy.

Lucy shot her a look, but the joke did help ease the tension. “I’ll try. But no promises.” She grabbed a water bottle from her desk and downed half of it, feeling the dehydration settle deeper in her body. The combination of last night’s party, the early morning, and the stress of everything going on made her feel like a walking zombie. Still, she had to face the reality of her responsibilities—and her team.

Levy pushed herself off the bed and grabbed her jacket. “You better get going, or you’ll be late. And you know how Cana gets about tardiness.”

Lucy groaned. "Yeah, yeah. Cana doesn't believe in mercy." She waved Levy off before heading toward the door, feeling the weight of her phone buzzing in her pocket. She didn’t look at it, not wanting to risk more thoughts about Taiga or Natsu distracting her any further. She had to focus on practice—at least for the next hour.

As she walked to the car, her mind drifted back to the conversation with Levy. Maybe she did need to stop overthinking things. The kiss with Taiga had been a whirlwind, and while it left her feeling a little shaken, it also made her wonder if maybe, just maybe, she was ready for something more. But she couldn’t figure it all out today. Not with everything else going on.

The ride to practice felt long, and by the time she reached the courts, the last bit of doubt about whether she should be there or not melted away. This was where she belonged. On the court. With her teammates.

She met up with a few of the girls and took a deep breath. No more thinking about Taiga. No more worrying about Natsu. For the next hour and a half, she was just Lucy—the girl who could smash tennis balls like it was nobody's business.

During warm ups Cana came up to her and panic immediately flowed through her. Was she stretching wrong? Was she supposed to bring something and she forgot? Was she finally fed up with Lucy slacking off and she was about to get kicked off the team?

“Saw you with that hot guy we went to middle school with last nigt,” she started, Lucy was immediately confused. “Didn’t know you had guts like that, Heartfilia. I’m impressed. Thoroughly.”

Lucy froze mid-stretch, her heart skipping a beat as Cana's words sank in. "Wait, what?" she managed to croak, her stomach flipping. "What do you mean, 'that hot guy'?"

Cana raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Lucy’s confusion. “Come on, you can’t be that oblivious. Taiga? The Sabertooth kid? You two were practically glued together at that party last night." Cana’s grin widened. “Didn’t know you had that kind of side to you. You’re full of surprises, Lucy.”

A flush immediately crept up Lucy’s neck. "It wasn’t like that," she insisted, immediately feeling defensive. "We were just—" She paused, suddenly unsure of how to explain herself. Was it just a kiss? Was it more than that? Was it even her doing, or had she just been swept up in the chaos of the night?

Cana seemed to sense her hesitation and didn't press further. “I didn’t say anything bad about it,” she teased. “I just didn’t expect it. You’re usually the one who has your head screwed on tight.”

“Yeah, well, sometimes I forget that I can have fun too,” Lucy muttered, her words tinged with a bit more honesty than she intended. She shook her head, trying to refocus. "Besides, it was just a kiss. Nothing more."

Cana didn’t look convinced but chose not to push. Instead, she offered a sly grin. “If you say so, but remember, I saw you. That boy had glitter on his lips by the time you two were done. Whatever happened in that closet—don’t think I didn’t notice.” She winked and turned back to the court, leaving Lucy standing there, utterly flustered.

On one hand, Lucy was relieved. Cana was a merciless captain, one hard to impress at that. So to hear her say she was impressed by Lucy made her feel on top of the world. However, she immediately came crashing back down to Earth when she remembered it was because she came out of a closet in a dingy basement with her hair slightly tossed around and her lipgloss smeared across another guys mouth. Lucy quickly shook the thought out of her head, mentally berating herself. Why did I have to go and do that? She could already feel the weight of the judgment from everyone else, even though Cana hadn't said much. It wasn’t about the kiss. It wasn’t about Taiga. It was about how she was now seen as... that girl. The girl who had been kissed in a closet at a party, and worse, by someone like Taiga.

But as quickly as the guilt set in, Lucy realized something else. No one else knows the whole story . They didn’t know the confusion, the unexpected emotions, the impulsive decisions that had led her there. They didn’t know how she’d spent the entire night questioning what was real and what was just a part of the party atmosphere.

"Focus, Lucy. Focus," she murmured under her breath as she jogged onto the court, forcing herself back into her routine. She had to stop overthinking everything.

Still, the memory of the night lingered. The feeling of Taiga’s lips, the way he'd kissed her like he wanted something more, the way her heart had raced. But the question remained: Was it just a momentary thing, or was it a sign of something deeper? Something she wasn’t sure she was ready for.

As she ran through drills, the sound of tennis balls hitting rackets almost felt like background noise to the chaotic thoughts swirling in her head. When the ball was passed to her, she swung with more force than usual, feeling the tension from the previous night bleed into the game. She wasn't angry, but something about the whole situation felt unresolved.

And then there was Natsu.

Lucy tried not to think about how he’d reacted when he saw her with Taiga. How his face had twisted with something like... jealousy? Or maybe it was frustration. She wasn’t sure which, but she knew it had bothered her more than it should have. Why did his opinion matter so much?

She groaned as the ball bounced off the edge of her racket. Ugh, focus, Lucy!

She wiped the sweat off her forehead and pushed the confusing emotions aside, determined to finish practice strong. But despite her best efforts, her thoughts kept drifting back to the kiss, to Natsu’s glare, to the whole mess of what had happened the night before. It was like a weight she couldn’t shake off, no matter how hard she tried.

By the end of practice, Lucy’s mind was a tangled mess of conflicting emotions. Was she ready for any of this? Was she ready to handle the weight of the consequences her actions might bring? The last thing she wanted was to make everything even more complicated than it already was. It was one thing to deal with her feelings toward Taiga and Natsu; it was another to have her actions scrutinized by the rest of the team and beyond.

She walked over to the shed, where Cana was finishing up putting away the baskets of tennis balls. Her steps felt heavier with every thought weighing down on her. She wasn’t even sure what she wanted to say, but it seemed like she had no choice but to address it.

“Uh, Cana,” Lucy started, her voice hesitant and unsure. She fidgeted with the strap of her bag, trying to organize her thoughts. “Whatever you thought happened in that closet with Taiga, it’s not what you think. I don’t usually—I’m not—”

Cana looked up at her, eyebrows raised, then turned fully towards her with an expression that mixed concern with something else—was it amusement? "Woah, Heartfilia," she said, her tone softer than Lucy had expected, "you don’t have to explain anything to me—or anyone, for that matter."

Lucy froze. She didn’t know whether to feel relief or embarrassment. She just stared at the ground, her eyes tracing the scuffs on her tennis shoes, still uncomfortably aware of every word that had come out of her mouth.

Cana seemed to notice her discomfort and softened further. “I promise you, no one really cared that much to remember who was going in and out of that closet. The only reason I even remember you is ‘cause... a) that was the only break I took before drinking myself into blackout mode—”

Lucy’s eyes widened, horror flashing across her face. “Wait, you blacked out?”

“Yup.” Cana’s grin was lopsided, but there was no real apology in her tone. “Look, I’m not proud of it, but that’s beside the point. The real reason I remember you is because b) you’re always so uptight. I mean, seriously, you’ve been practicing with the high school team since before I picked up a racket, you’re the class president, and you somehow became editor-in-chief of our newspaper as a freshman. You’re, like, the model student. It’s kind of intimidating, to be honest.”

Lucy felt her cheeks burn, and she wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cringe. The truth was, she had always held herself to a certain standard—had always felt like she needed to be perfect, polished, and in control. But hearing it from Cana, hearing it like that, made it sound like she was some sort of alien.

“That’s why I remember you at all,” Cana continued, her voice light, even teasing. “You’re always so... well, together that seeing you out there acting all... well, like everyone else did last night is a bit of a shocker. But hey,” she added, nudging Lucy with her elbow, “it’s not a bad thing. You could use a little less control and a little more fun every now and then.”

Lucy couldn’t stop the flood of shame that spread through her chest. She’s right. I wasn’t supposed to be doing things like that. I’m supposed to be the perfect student, the one everyone looks up to. What would the other class representatives think when word got out about this? What about the other high schoolers who probably saw her come out of that closet? And the worst part? The last thing Lucy wanted was for her mistakes to become gossip fuel for Monday’s meeting.

“Heartfilia,” Cana interrupted her spiraling thoughts with a gentle poke to her forehead. “You paying attention to anything I’m saying?”

Lucy snapped out of her thoughts and nodded quickly, though she still felt like she was on the verge of sinking into her own anxiety. “Uh, yeah,” she stammered, blinking up at Cana with wide eyes.

“Right, so as I was saying...” Cana slung an arm around Lucy’s shoulders, steering her towards the gates of the tennis courts. “You’re too rigid, girl. It’s perfect for tennis, sure, since everyone in the sport’s all posh, uptight, and quiet. But listen,” she continued, her voice softening just a little, “tennis isn’t the real world, okay? You gotta let yourself have fun every now and then, or you’ll drive yourself crazy.”

Lucy walked beside her, feeling the weight of Cana’s words sinking in. It was easy to hide behind rules, structure, and expectations, but there was a real world outside of her carefully constructed bubble. Maybe it was time to loosen up. Maybe it was time to stop overthinking every decision and just... let things happen.

⥈↭⥈

Just like Cana had said, no one around her at school seemed to give her any lingering glances on Monday. If they remembered anything from the party, they clearly didn’t care enough to say anything. Life carried on like normal—classes, crowded hallways, half-hearted lessons—but Lucy couldn’t relax. Not when she knew exactly who she was avoiding.

Natsu.

She hadn’t answered any of his texts all weekend after he confronted her Friday night. She told herself it was because she was too busy, too tired, too... everything. But the truth was uglier: she didn’t know what to say. Every time her phone buzzed with a new message from him, guilt twisted in her chest. It wasn’t like she owed him an explanation, but the longer she ignored him, the heavier the silence between them grew.

Now, at school, she found herself slipping into classrooms early, darting through side hallways, keeping her head down. It was pathetic, really. Since when am I scared of talking to him? But every time she thought about the look on his face at the party—something like shock, maybe hurt—she froze up all over again.

At lunch, she clung to Levy and Juvia like a lifeline. She picked at her food, letting the familiar background noise of the classroom settle around her. It felt almost normal. Levy was ranting about a pop quiz they’d had in history, and Juvia kept interrupting her to show off badly edited pictures of her and Gray she made over the weekend.

For the first time all day, Lucy felt herself easing back into the flow of things—until Gray plopped down across from her with his lunch , wearing a cocky grin.

"Yo, Lucy," he said, balancing a fry on his pinky finger. "Didn’t think I’d see you alive today."

Lucy blinked. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

Gray smirked. "Party, Heartfilia. Closet. Taiga. Ring any bells?"

Lucy's face burned instantly. "Oh my god, Gray, shut up!" She frantically glanced around, half-expecting everyone to be staring. But no one seemed to notice or care. Still, she sank a little lower in her seat, mortified.

Gray just laughed. "Relax. Nobody’s making a big deal about it. Honestly? I'm glad you finally let loose. Took you long enough."

Lucy huffed, crossing her arms. "It was a one-time thing. I don’t make a habit of kissing people in closets."

Gray shrugged, popping the fry into his mouth. "Shouldn’t be. You were fun. You should come to the next party."

Lucy snorted. "Yeah, because my heart could definitely survive another heart attack."

Gray leaned forward, elbows on the table, his grin turning teasing. "Come on. It’s not like you hated it. Especially not with Taiga hanging around. You two looked real cozy. "

Lucy choked on her water, slamming the bottle down and coughing. "It wasn’t like that! It just... happened!"

Gray laughed, clearly enjoying how flustered she was. "Yeah, yeah. Just happened. Sure. Bet Taiga wouldn’t mind it happening again." Before Lucy could snap back, a shadow loomed over the table. Her stomach dropped before she even looked up.

Natsu.

He stood there, his backpack slung lazily over one shoulder. But there was nothing lazy about the way he looked at her. His expression was tight, his jaw clenched just slightly. His gaze flickered briefly to Gray, then settled on Lucy with a weight that made it hard to breathe.

The air between them seemed to snap taut.

For a heartbeat, Lucy thought— hoped —he would say something.
But he didn’t.

Without a word, Natsu turned and walked away, disappearing through the side doors of the cafeteria.

Lucy stared after him, rooted to the spot.

Gray raised an eyebrow. "Uh... what was that about?"

Lucy opened her mouth, but no words came out.
What was that about?
Did he hear everything?
Was he mad?
Why did it even matter so much?

She pushed her tray aside, suddenly nauseous. Her whole body buzzed with the urge to get up, chase after him, demand an explanation for a conversation that hadn’t even happened. But her legs stayed glued to the floor.

What would I even say?
Sorry you saw me kissing someone else? Sorry for moving on? Sorry for being confused about what you want from me?

The words clawed at her throat, but none of them felt right.

She sat back down stiffly, forcing herself to smile when Levy asked if she was feeling okay. She laughed when Juvia made another dumb pun. She pretended to be fine. But inside, she felt like she was splintering.

All she could think about was the way Natsu’s eyes had looked when he turned away.

The weather had taken a sharp turn that week, and by the time practice rolled around that afternoon, it was too cold for the outdoor courts. Lucy shivered against the chill as she hauled her tennis bag into the indoor facility, the scent of rubber courts and fresh sweat greeting her like a slap to the face.

She welcomed it.

Anything to keep her mind off Natsu.

The metallic screech of the sliding doors echoed behind her as she stepped onto the court, blending into the routine of stretching, serving drills, and rallying with her teammates. For a while, it worked. The rhythm of the game drowned everything out—the thwack of balls against rackets, the squeak of sneakers pivoting against the floor, the sharp commands from Cana as she barked out new drills.

Lucy poured herself into it, desperate to outrun the buzzing restlessness inside her.

But the second practice ended, she felt it again—that prickling sensation along her spine, like someone was watching her.

She slung her bag over her shoulder and made her way toward the locker rooms, head down, wiping the sweat from her forehead with the sleeve of her jacket.

“Lucy.”

Her body locked up before she even turned around. She knew that voice.

Slowly, she faced him.

Natsu stood a few feet away, still in his usual hoodie and scuffed sneakers, his hair even messier than usual from the cold dampness outside. His hands were jammed deep in his pockets, his expression somewhere between frustrated and… hurt.

The sight of him made her stomach twist painfully.

“What do you want, Natsu?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

He stepped closer. “You’ve been avoiding me all weekend. You’re still avoiding me.”

Lucy tightened her grip on her bag. “I’ve been busy.”

“Yeah?” His voice sharpened. “Too busy to even answer a text? Too busy to look at me at school? Or maybe you were just too busy making out with Taiga to bother.”

The words hit harder than she expected.

Lucy’s jaw clenched. “I told you already—what happened with Taiga is none of your business.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it!” Natsu snapped, his voice echoing slightly off the walls of the empty courts. A few girls still lingering by the lockers glanced their way before hurrying off.

Lucy’s heart pounded. She hated fighting with him. She hated that she felt like crying and screaming all at once.

“You don’t get to say that, Natsu!” she shot back. “You don’t get to act like you care now just because you didn’t like what you saw!"

His mouth opened, but no words came out. His fists clenched at his sides.

“Why do you even care?” she pushed, hating the way her voice cracked. “It’s not like you and I—”
She stopped herself, biting down hard on the words.

Natsu took another step closer, voice low but heated. “Just answer me one thing then. Do you like him?”

The question sliced through the air like a blade.

Lucy stared at him, stunned. Part of her wanted to lie, just to hurt him back. Part of her wanted to tell the truth and watch whatever fragile thing still tied them together snap for good.

But instead, she forced herself to take a slow, shaking breath.

"It’s none of your business," she said again, softer this time, but no less firm.

For a long moment, Natsu didn’t move. His eyes searched her face, almost like he was hoping—begging—for a different answer.

When it didn’t come, he scoffed under his breath, stepping back like she’d physically shoved him. His jaw tightened, and without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the facility, the doors banging loudly behind him.

Lucy stood frozen in place, blinking back the stinging in her eyes.

She hated this.
She hated all of it.

Her fingers itched toward her phone in her jacket pocket, but she knew it was pointless.
Natsu wouldn’t text her tonight.
And she didn’t know if she could bring herself to text him either.

Instead, she dragged herself toward the locker room, every step heavier than the last.

For the first time in a long time, the tennis courts didn’t feel like her safe place anymore.
They just felt like another place she was falling apart.

Lucy didn’t remember deciding to get on the bus.
One minute she was standing at the stop with her tennis bag slung over her shoulder, and the next, she was watching the familiar streets of Tokyo blur past the window, her body moving on autopilot while her mind spiraled.

Where was she even going?

Dark red hair.

A stupid smirk.

And mango flavored lollipops.

Before she knew it, she was standing outside the sleek, modern gates of Sabertooth Academy.

A gust of cold air ruffled her hair as she blinked up at the building, confused.
What is she doing here?

She shifted awkwardly, half-considering turning around and heading home before anyone noticed her loitering. But just as she started to step back, a familiar voice drifted toward her from across the courtyard.

“…Didn’t think we’d ever actually see each other again,” Taiga was saying, laughing.

Lucy froze, ducking slightly behind one of the decorative pillars by the gate. She felt like an intruder, all she needed was those black ski masks from the movies. She peered around it and saw Taiga standing a few yards away, talking to a girl with short, pale hair tucked neatly under a soft beret.
She looked pretty in a way that made Lucy's stomach knot uncomfortably, her uniform perfectly crisp, her smile sweet and natural. She looked up at Taiga like he placed the stars in the night sky himself.

"I missed you, Taiga" Yukino said, her voice warm and steady. “You haven’t really changed much—personality wise I mean."

Taiga grinned at her, easy and unguarded in a way that made Lucy's chest ache. She watched as he reached over to pull her into a head lock, ruffling her perfect hair. “What’s that supposed to mean? You saying I’m hot now? Thanks, Yukino, I’m flattered.”

Yukino. The girl Taiga used to like when he was younger. She tried to stop the uncomfortable lurch in her stomach and the wave of nausea that consumed her to no avail.

She didn't know why she was hiding.
She didn't know why it hurt to see him smile like that at someone else.
Maybe because it wasn't for her.

She started to back away, but before she could, Taiga's gaze flickered up—and landed right on her.

Lucy stiffened, caught red-handed.

His face brightened instantly. He said something quick to Yukino, who nodded, and then jogged over toward Lucy.

"You stalking me now?" he teased lightly as he approached, shoving his hands into his pockets to fight the chill.

Lucy scowled, mortified. "No! I was just—I don’t know. I wasn’t thinking."

He stopped a few feet in front of her, rocking back on his heels, a lazy grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Sure didn’t look like thinking. You were full-on creeping behind that pillar."

Lucy crossed her arms, suddenly hyper-aware of how awkward she felt. Every time she looked at him, all she could think about was the kiss—the way his hands had felt on her waist, the way his mouth had pressed hungrily against hers, the way she'd kissed him back before her brain even caught up.

She flushed and tore her eyes away.

"So," she blurted out, desperate to talk about anything else, "Yukino, huh? She’s pretty."

A slow, lazy smirk crept across Taiga’s face as he looked her up and down, like he was seeing straight through her.
Lucy immediately regretted speaking. She could feel the way her cheeks burned, how her words had come out sharp and stupidly obvious. He took a step closer, hands still stuffed casually in his pockets. "She is," he said easily, shrugging. "But not my type."

Lucy’s heart gave an embarrassingly hopeful thump at his casual dismissal, but she buried it quickly under layers of pride.

Taiga's smirk widened like he knew exactly what she was thinking. His gaze dropped to her scuffed sneakers, her tennis skirt still clinging to her from practice, the wild, slightly sweaty ponytail at the top of her head.

"You’ve got tennis ball fuzz in your hair," he said, leaning forward like he might pluck it out himself.

Lucy swatted his hand away before he could touch her, mortified.

"I don’t care!" she snapped, a little too loudly. A couple students nearby glanced over, and Lucy wished she could melt into the pavement.

Taiga laughed under his breath, clearly amused.  "Relax, Lucy. You’re cute when you’re all flustered."

Her mouth dropped open, but no words came out—only a strangled, furious squeak.
She could feel herself glowing with embarrassment now, hot and helpless under his teasing gaze.

Then, as if deciding to twist the knife, Taiga tilted his head slightly and asked, voice casual, "Wait... are you jealous?"

Lucy nearly choked.

"What? No!" she said, way too fast—too high-pitched to sound convincing.
Her hands flew to her hips like she was trying to physically plant herself into the ground to look tougher.

Taiga’s grin turned positively wicked.

"You totally are," he said, laughing now. "You’ve got that little scowl you do when you’re annoyed. Like this—" He scrunched up his nose in a terrible (and unfortunately accurate) impression of her.

Her brain was screaming at her to say something cool, something that would shut him up, but all she managed was a strangled noise somewhere between a scoff and a gasp.

"I do not pout!" she snapped, but even to her own ears, it sounded embarrassingly defensive.

The worst part was that she was jealous—and it wasn’t just Yukino.
It was how easy everything seemed for Taiga.
How easily he smiled, how easily he joked, how easily he had kissed her like it was nothing.
Meanwhile, she was standing there like some clueless little kid who didn’t know how to handle any of this.

Taiga chuckled under his breath, clearly delighted by how flustered she was.

Lucy’s hands balled into fists at her sides, nails digging into her palms.

"Relax, Lucy," he said, voice low and playful. "If you wanted my attention, you didn’t have to come spy on me—"

That was the last straw.

Maybe it was the teasing lilt in his voice, or the way he stood there so casually, like none of this mattered.
Or maybe it was how horribly true it all was—that she had been watching him, that she had been jealous—and she hated herself for it.

Something inside her cracked wide open.

"I don’t want your attention, okay?!" she exploded, voice shaking slightly with the force of her emotions.
"God, you’re so unbelievably full of yourself!"

Taiga blinked, caught off guard by the sudden fire in her voice.
But Lucy was already past the point of no return. The words kept spilling out, too fast, too raw to stop.

"Do you have any idea what the past few days have been like for me?" she demanded, voice rising.
"You kiss me at a stupid party, and suddenly everything’s a mess. I can’t think straight, I can't even focus at practice—"
Her hands balled into fists at her sides. "And all you can do is stand there smirking like it’s some big joke!"

Taiga’s smile had vanished entirely now, but Lucy barely registered it.

"I hate you!" she cried, the words tearing from her throat, harsher than she meant them.
The anger in her voice wasn't just at him—it was at herself too. For being so stupid. For letting a single moment turn her whole world upside down.

For a moment, there was only silence between them.
The kind of heavy, stunned silence that left the air feeling too thick, like something important had just been broken.

Taiga stared at her, his expression unreadable. His hands had slipped from his pockets, hanging limply at his sides.

Lucy felt the sting of tears at the corners of her eyes and cursed herself for it.

Without waiting for a response—without giving herself time to crumble—she turned and stormed away, her boots pounding against the pavement.

She didn’t look back.

She couldn’t.

If she did, she was afraid she'd see him standing there with that same lost, confused look—and it would break her even more.

She hated him.
She hated the way he got under her skin.
She hated that he could make her feel so stupid and small with just one dumb grin.

Most of all, she hated that he was right—
That she was jealous.
That somewhere along the way, she'd started to care far more than she ever meant to.

Lucy woke up the next morning sprawled on her bedroom floor, her limbs stiff and her mind unbearably heavy.
The pale morning light leaked through the blinds, casting long gray lines across the half-finished math worksheets scattered around her.

She sat up slowly, wincing as a sharp ache pulsed through her back. Her body protested every movement, but it was nothing compared to the exhausted, foggy numbness clinging to her brain.

Blowing up at Taiga the night before played back in flashes she wished she could erase—the look on his face, the way the words had torn out of her without filter.
After that, the night had become a blur. She had somehow stumbled her way home, head down, heart racing.
She barely remembered trudging up the stairs past her parents, ignoring their worried voices calling after her.
Everything had felt too loud, too much.

Judging by the chaotic state of her floor—papers, notebooks, and an open laptop blinking with a low-battery warning—she must have tried to do homework.
But at some point, she'd given up, curling into herself on the carpet and letting exhaustion take over.

Lucy pressed the heels of her palms against her eyes, trying to will herself awake, trying to will the tight knot in her chest away.
But it was still there, raw and pulsing. Guilt. Embarrassment. Something else she didn’t want to name.

She glanced at her phone where it lay face-down by her backpack. A part of her didn’t even want to check it, afraid of what might be waiting—messages she couldn’t bring herself to answer, reminders of everything she didn’t want to deal with.

Dragging herself to her feet, she shoved her scattered homework into her bag with half-hearted movements.

Lucy rubbed her eyes and finally glanced over at her alarm clock.

8:07 AM.

Her stomach dropped.
She was already supposed to be halfway to school.

“Shit, shit, shit —” she muttered under her breath, jolting into action.

In a flurry of clumsy movements, she yanked her brush through the tangled mess of her hair, wincing as it snagged at the knots.
There was no time to straighten it properly, so she gathered it into a haphazard braid that looked more like a lumpy rope than anything neat.
At least it would keep it out of her face.

Still half-asleep, she darted into the bathroom and scrubbed at her teeth furiously with one hand while trying to pull on a clean sweatshirt with the other. Her reflection in the mirror was less than encouraging—dark circles under her eyes, a pale, splotchy complexion, and an expression somewhere between panic and despair.

Great. Perfect. Exactly the image of a girl who's totally got her life together.

She spat out the toothpaste, wiped her mouth on her sleeve, and shoved her feet into the first pair of sneakers she could find near her bed.

Grabbing her backpack off the floor, she barely remembered to snatch her phone before sprinting down the stairs two at a time, her braid whipping against her back with every step.

She didn’t even bother to stop for breakfast.
She couldn’t afford to—especially not today, when the last thing she needed was to draw more attention to herself by strolling into class late.

By some miracle—and a lot of reckless jaywalking—Lucy stumbled through the front gates of the school just as the warning bell shrieked through the halls.

Panting and clutching the strap of her backpack like a lifeline, she weaved through the crowded corridors, barely dodging groups of students loitering by their lockers.
Her legs felt like jelly and her head was still clouded with the weight of the morning, but somehow she managed to slam into her classroom just before the final bell rang.

She dropped into her seat with a heavy thud , earning a few raised eyebrows from her classmates.
A few seconds later, Levy slid into the seat beside her, looking concerned.

“Whoa,” Levy whispered, glancing over Lucy’s disheveled braid and frazzled expression. “Are you okay? You look like you just ran a marathon.”

Across the aisle, Erza turned slightly in her seat, her sharp eyes narrowing with a similar worry.
“Lucy, if something’s wrong, you can tell us.”

Lucy forced a shaky breath and shook her head quickly, waving them off. “I’m fine. Just... overslept. No big deal.”

Levy didn’t look convinced, but she dropped it for now, exchanging a glance with Erza before turning her attention back to her open notebook.

Lucy sank lower in her seat, letting her hair fall forward like a curtain to shield her face.
The last thing she wanted was to talk about it.
Not about Taiga, or Natsu, or the horrible ball of emotions still lodged in her chest.
Not about how she hated herself a little for blowing up the way she did—or how much she still hated Taiga for making her feel so seen when she didn’t want to be.

She just needed to get through the day.
One hour at a time.

As the teacher began the lesson, Lucy forced her pen to move across the page, copying notes automatically even though none of it really registered.
The buzz of the classroom faded into background noise, and for the first time that morning, she allowed herself to disappear into the motions of normalcy—even if it was only skin deep.

The rest of the school day dragged by in a dull, exhausting blur. By the time the final bell rang, Lucy barely had the energy to haul herself out of her seat.
Shouldering her tennis bag, she slipped through the crowded hallways, weaving past groups of students chatting excitedly about their weekend plans.

She just wanted to get to practice.
To hit something.
Hard.

Lucy tightened her grip on the strap of her bag and kept her head down, silently praying that she'd make it out without any more awkward conversations.

But as she turned the corner leading to the side exit—the one that led straight to the athletic courts—she froze.

Natsu was standing there. Leaning casually against the lockers, arms crossed over his chest, looking like he’d been waiting for her.

For a second, Lucy's heart faltered, stumbling painfully against her ribs. He looked up at the sound of her footsteps, their eyes locking across the hallway.

His expression wasn’t teasing or smug like usual. There was something heavier there—something almost apologetic. But Lucy didn't give herself the chance to find out.

She tore her gaze away and kept walking, brushing past him without a word. No hello, no nod of acknowledgment, not even a glance back. Natsu straightened as she passed, clearly caught off guard. 

"Lucy—" he called after her, voice low and rough.

But she didn’t stop.

Didn’t even hesitate.

The echo of her footsteps down the hall was the only answer he got.

Lucy’s throat burned as she pushed open the doors to the outside, cold air slapping her in the face.
She clenched her fists inside her sleeves, refusing to look back.
Refusing to let him see how much it hurt to pretend he didn’t matter.

Lucy stormed across the courts, barely taking the time to stretch before grabbing a racket and getting in line for drills. The crisp evening air bit at her exposed skin, but she welcomed the chill—it kept her from thinking too much.
From feeling too much.

The first ball flew toward her, and Lucy swung hard.
Harder than necessary.
The ball cracked against the court with a loud smack that turned a few heads.

She didn’t care.

She hit the next one just as fiercely, her movements sharp and fast, almost mechanical. Every serve, every volley, every return—it all came out rushed and aggressive, the pent-up frustration from the past few days bleeding out through every muscle in her body.

Her teammates started giving her a wide berth after a while, murmuring to each other.  Even Cana shot her a concerned glance from across the court, but Lucy kept her head down and hit harder, moving faster.

When a ball skidded out of bounds because of her force, Lucy gritted her teeth and stalked after it, refusing to let herself slow down.

“Heartfilia!" Coach Aries finally called, voice firm but kind. "Come here for a second.”

Lucy jogged over, still breathing hard, her braid sticking to the back of her neck with sweat.

Coach Aries folded her arms, her soft expression laced with concern. “I like the intensity you’re bringing today," she said carefully. "Your power’s impressive when you channel it like that."

Lucy stared at the ground, rocking slightly on her heels, waiting for the but .

“But,” Aries continued, “you’re pushing yourself too hard. And when you do that, you’re not playing smart—you’re just burning yourself out."

Lucy pressed her lips together tightly, the weight of the day sinking heavier onto her shoulders.

"I don’t know what’s going on," Aries said, her voice gentle, "but you don’t have to destroy yourself over it. Tennis is important, yeah, but... so is pacing yourself. You’re no good to the team—or yourself—if you end up hurt."

Lucy nodded stiffly, not trusting herself to say anything.

Coach Aries smiled at her, squeezing her shoulder briefly. "Take a breather, okay? Just five minutes."

Lucy muttered a quiet, "Yes, coach," and walked off the court, the tight knot in her chest pulling tighter with every step.

She sank onto the bench by the fence, hiding her face in her towel as she tried to steady her breathing.

It wasn’t just practice.
It wasn’t just Taiga.
Or Natsu.

It was all of it.
And no matter how hard she tried, it felt like it was slowly, painfully tearing her apart from the inside out.

The sun had dipped low by the time practice ended, casting a soft orange glow across the school grounds. Lucy walked toward the front gates alone, her tennis bag slung over one shoulder, her steps heavy with exhaustion—not just from practice, but from the emotional drain of pretending everything was fine when it clearly wasn’t.

As she neared the entrance, she heard it—giggles.

“Omg, do you see him?” one girl whispered.

“Right? Who even is that? He looks like he walked out of a drama.”

Lucy blinked, confused, and followed their stares.

Then she saw him.

Taiga.

Leaning casually against the stone pillar by the school gates, hands tucked into his coat pockets, dark red hair tousled just so, scarf loose around his neck. He looked like every cliché of a heartthrob, and the girls whispering nearby were practically swooning.

Lucy stopped in her tracks, her heart plummeting to her stomach. She hadn’t expected to see him again so soon.

When he spotted her, Taiga straightened and took a few slow steps forward, his expression unreadable at first. Then he offered a small smile.

“Hey,” he said, voice quiet enough that only she could hear. “Can we talk?”

Lucy considered brushing past him. She didn’t want to do this here—especially not in front of the crowd of curious onlookers pretending not to watch. But something in his tone made her pause.

“I wanted to apologize,” he said. “For yesterday. I was being an ass.”

She looked away, eyes narrowed at the pavement. “You think?”

Taiga scratched the back of his neck. “Yeah. I said the wrong thing. I didn’t mean to make fun of you. I mean, okay, maybe a little. But not in a way that was supposed to hurt you.” He exhaled. “I guess I just... didn’t expect that kind of reaction.”

Lucy shifted her weight uncomfortably, suddenly remembering the heat in her chest, the words she’d screamed at him. I hate you.

She sighed and glanced at him. “Forget it,” she muttered. “I was joking, anyway. I don’t actually hate you.”

Taiga didn’t move. His eyes searched hers for a moment, and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly—not a smile, but something close to it. “You’re lying.”

Lucy stiffened.

“I know you,” he said, voice softer now, more serious. “You only say stuff like that when you mean the opposite. You were hurt. And... that’s on me.”

Her throat tightened, but she forced a laugh. “You think you’re such a mind reader.”

“No,” he said, “I just pay attention.”

She looked up at him then, startled by the rawness in his voice. For a moment, she saw the boy behind the teasing and smug remarks—the one who kissed her like it meant something. The one who was now standing in the cold waiting for her to forgive him.

She looked away again, unsure of what to say, unsure of what she even felt.

“I have to go,” Lucy said quietly, stepping around him. Taiga’s voice stopped her mid-step.

“Truth is,” he continued, eyes still on the ground, “I know you wouldn’t be jealous of me with another girl.”

Lucy turned back, brows drawing together. “What are you talking about?”

He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again, dragging the heels of his palms over his eyes with a tired groan. He looked skyward, as if hoping the words he needed would fall from the clouds.

“I’ve been—” He let out another breath, this one shakier than the last. “I was projecting last night.”

“Projecting?” Lucy echoed, her voice tinged with confusion. “What are you even on about?”

Taiga shifted where he stood, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable. Whether it was the chill in the air or something deeper, Lucy couldn’t quite tell.

“I’ve been jealous,” he said finally, his voice softer now, more raw. “Not of you. Of Natsu. I’ve been jealous of him for years.”

Lucy blinked, stunned. “You... have a crush on Natsu?”

Taiga shot her an incredulous look, eyes narrowing in disbelief.

“Hey,” she said quickly, raising both hands in defense, her tone teasing to mask her sudden nervousness. “I’m just saying, these are progressive times. Love is love.”

“Lucy,” he said flatly, stepping closer, “don’t play dumb. Not now.”

Her breath caught as he moved into the space between them, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from him despite the crisp air.

“I’m saying,” he continued, more gently this time, “after Yuki and I ended... I didn’t think—no, I didn’t want to feel anything for anyone else. I was fine being alone. It was easier that way.”

He paused, swallowing hard, like the words were too heavy to get out all at once.

“But then you came along,” he said, voice lower now, more vulnerable. “You, with your impossible standards and that stupid ponytail that’s always a little crooked by the end of the day. The way you argue like your life depends on being right, and how you take on everything—class president, tennis captain, the damn school newspaper—like the world’s gonna fall apart if you don’t keep it spinning yourself.”

He let out a breath, almost like a laugh, but it was hollow and pained.

“You drive me crazy, Lucy. Absolutely fucking insane . You’re infuriating and stubborn and so goddamn hard on yourself, and I kept thinking if I stayed busy or distracted or logical or moving almost five goddamn hours away, I could push you out of my head. But you... you forced your way in like a hurricane. Loud, bright, messy. And now—now I can’t get you out. You’re just there , in everything. In my thoughts, in my chest, in every single thing I try not to feel.”

He finally looked at her then, eyes searching hers, unguarded and raw.

“I can’t get you out of my heart, Lucy. No matter how hard I try.”

Lucy felt as if someone had pulled the ground out from under her. Her chest tightened, her fingers went numb around the strap of her tennis bag.

He looked straight at her with no teasing grin, no smug expression—just sincerity.

“I love you, Lucy.”

The world around them blurred into silence. The buzz of cars on the nearby road, the chatter of students leaving late clubs, even the wind—it all disappeared in the wake of his confession.

Lucy’s mouth opened, but no sound came out.

She hadn’t expected this. Not from him. Not today. And not like this.

Then—

“What the fuck ?”

The voice cut through the quiet like a blade.

They both turned.

Natsu stood at the gates, eyes wide, fists clenched, chest heaving slightly like he’d been running.

His gaze was locked on Taiga, and whatever he’d walked in on had clearly flipped some kind of internal switch.

Lucy’s breath caught in her throat.

Taiga straightened, his expression shifting in an instant.

And Lucy—

Lucy couldn’t move.

She couldn’t breathe.

She couldn’t speak.

Because suddenly, everything was very, very real.

Chapter Text

“What the fuck ?” Natsu yelled again, louder this time, the disbelief laced with something more dangerous—betrayal. His voice cut through the crisp afternoon air like a slap, drawing the attention of everyone still lingering near the school gates.

Dozens of heads turned. Conversations stopped. The chaos of the afterschool rush slowed, curiosity pulling students into a small, hushed, wide-eyed crowd.

Lucy wished more than anything for the earth to swallow her whole. She wanted to disappear, vanish into the cement, rewind time. No such luck. Lucy stood frozen, her heart slamming against her ribs like a drum. She wanted to disappear. To run. To scream. Instead, she stood between them, useless.

Taiga’s eyes narrowed. “You heard me,” he said calmly, though his voice carried an undercurrent of challenge. “I said I love her.”

“You’ve got some nerve,” Natsu growled, fists clenched, eyes sharp and burning. “You think you can just show up here and—what? Confess to her like it’s some goddamn drama club audition?”

“Natsu,” Lucy started, stepping between them, but Taiga gently pulled her back, stepping forward.

“I didn’t ask for an audience,” Taiga snapped, his voice cool but trembling with restraint. “This was between me and Lucy. You’re the one making a scene.”

Natsu scoffed, bitter. “Funny. You’ve been doing that for weeks—playing your little games, always showing up, acting like you’re some kind of good guy.”

“And you’re not?” Taiga shot back. “You’ve had years to tell her how you felt. You didn’t. That’s on you.”

“Oh, don’t try and flip this on me,” Natsu barked, stepping closer until they were chest to chest.

“I know you’re jealous,” Taiga said. “I know you saw someone else finally treat her like she matters and you couldn’t stand it.”

“You don’t know anything about me.” Natsu growled, voice low and dangerous.

“She’s not yours,” Taiga snapped. “You don’t get to act like she is.”

“Oh, but you do?” Natsu bit back, glaring at him. “You really think you’re better? You’ve been waiting like a fucking snake in the grass for your moment.”

 Taiga’s voice rose, sharp and unrelenting. “You’re pissed because you know I’m right. You only started giving a damn the second you thought you were losing her. But guess what? You’ve got a girlfriend. Lisanna. Remember her?”

Natsu flinched, just slightly, but it was enough.

Taiga pressed on. “So tell me, what gives you the right to be angry? What gives you the right to stand there like you’re the one who’s been wronged?”

“Don’t bring her into this,” Natsu growled, voice low and dangerous.

“I didn’t. You did. You made your choice, Natsu. Don’t show up here acting like Lucy’s your backup plan.”

That did it. Before Lucy could even blink, Natsu’s fist collided with the base of Taiga’s jaw.

Lucy screamed.

The punch landed hard against Taiga making him stumble back a step—but recovered quickly, his own fist crashing into Natsu’s shoulder with brutal force.

They collided like two freight trains—grit and rage crashing in a blur of fists and snarled words. Natsu threw another punch, but Taiga ducked, slamming his shoulder into Natsu’s gut and driving him back into the metal fence lining the schoolyard.

Gasps echoed around them. Students backed up in a widening circle, phones already out, filming, whispering, some cheering, others frozen in place.

“Stop it!” Lucy shouted, her voice cracking under the weight of panic. “Stop it, both of you!”

Neither of them heard her.

Natsu shoved Taiga off him and swung again, catching him hard in the ribs. Taiga grunted but retaliated immediately, landing a sharp jab to Natsu’s cheek that made his head whip to the side. His lip split. Blood bloomed.

“You think you can just show up and confess like you’re some goddamn knight in shining armor?” Natsu growled, lunging forward and slamming Taiga against the school gates.

Taiga shoved him off, eyes burning. “And you think you own her? That you get to decide when it's convenient to care?”

A crowd had already formed, phones out, whispers flying, but Lucy could barely hear them. All she could hear was the thunder of her heartbeat as the boys crashed into each other again.

Natsu landed a jab to Taiga’s gut, then a wild swing aimed at his face. Taiga ducked, then retaliated with a low kick that knocked Natsu’s footing off balance. He grabbed Natsu by the collar and slammed him into the wall again, knuckles raised.

“Say it again,” Taiga snapped. “Say I don’t care about her.”

“Don’t tempt me,” Natsu snarled, trying to break free.

Lucy had had enough.

“ NATSU, KNOCK IT OFF! ” she screamed, voice sharp and slicing through the chaos just as Natsu launched a furious kick toward Taiga’s leg.

He stopped mid-motion, leg still in the air, head snapping toward her like a whip.

Everything froze.

Breathing hard, his chest heaving, Natsu slowly lowered his leg. Taiga looked shaken, his lip split and eye already darkening.

Lucy stepped between them, her glare sharper than any punch thrown. “What the hell is wrong with both of you?”

Neither of them answered.

She turned to Natsu first. “Go home,” she said quietly. “You’ve done enough.”

Natsu’s jaw tensed, but he didn’t argue. He took one last look at Lucy—then at Taiga—and stalked off, fists still clenched at his sides.

The crowd began to disperse slowly, murmuring and whispering as they walked away. Lucy turned to Taiga, who was now leaning against the fence, clutching his side with a grimace.

“You’re an idiot,” she said, voice soft but full of concern.

He gave a weak chuckle. “Yeah, I know.”

She looked him over, biting her lip. His cheek was already swelling, his knuckles scraped, blood trickling from his nose.

“Come on,” she sighed. “Let me clean you up.”

Taiga blinked. “What?”

“My house,” she said, avoiding his gaze. “You need ice. And, like… antiseptic. Or something.”

“You sure?” he asked, voice low and cautious.

“No,” she muttered. “But I’m doing it anyway.”

And with that, she turned on her heel and began walking toward the school gates, not looking back to see if he followed.

The walk back to Lucy’s house was a quiet one. Too quiet.

Not the peaceful kind of quiet—but the suffocating, smothering kind. The kind that hummed with words unsaid and glances stolen when the other wasn’t looking.

Lucy kept her arms crossed tightly over her chest, eyes locked on the sidewalk, boots scuffing the ground with every step. Her mind was racing a mile a second. So many questions she wanted to ask. So many questions she wanted answered. She didn’t know where to start. She didn’t know what to say. Didn’t want to say anything. Not yet.

Taiga walked beside her, half a step behind. His breaths were short and uneven uneven, injuries catching up with him now that the adrenaline was wearing off. He didn’t complain. Not once. Just walked, head down with his hair covering his piercing brown eyes that refused to look anywhere but straight at his feet, as if each step were a penance.

When they reached her house, she unlocked the door and stepped inside, toeing her shoes off by the entrance without a word. Taiga did the same. The silence between them followed up the stairs like a shadow.

She pushed open her bedroom door, instantly regretting every single interior design choice she’d ever made.

It wasn’t like Taiga hadn’t seen her room before—but now felt different. Now, after everything , she was painfully aware of the pastel throw pillows, the fairy lights framing her window, the bookshelf organized by color, and worst of all—the small army of stuffed animals sitting proudly across her bed like loyal, wide-eyed soldiers.

She hadn’t outgrown them. She just… never felt the need to.

Until now.

She dropped her bag by her desk with a quiet thud. “I’m gonna go grab the med kit,” she said, already halfway toward the door again. Then, over her shoulder, she added, “Sit. Please.”

Taiga gave a short nod and unceremoniously let his own bag fall beside hers. He moved toward the bed, posture stiff, still a little bloody and bruised from the fight.

She glanced back just in time to see him lowering himself onto the mattress.

“ What are you doing? ” she blurted, eyes wide with alarm.

Taiga blinked at her, visibly confused. “Uh… sitting? Like you told me to?”

Her hands flew to her hips, exasperated. “ On the bed? Are you serious? You know the rule—no outside clothes on the bed!”

He raised his eyebrows, clearly fighting a smile, but he nodded obediently. “Right. Got it. No outside clothes.”

Then, without warning, he grabbed the hem of his shirt and started pulling it over his head.

“ AH! ” Lucy shrieked, spinning around so fast she nearly tripped over her own feet. “What the hell are you doing now? ”

Taiga paused mid-strip, shirt halfway off, eyes wide. “You said no outside clothes!”

“The chair!” she yelled, still facing the wall, both hands clamped over her face. “I meant sit on the goddamn chair, you weirdo.”

There was a beat of silence. Then, in the most deadpan tone imaginable, Taiga replied, “I’m just trying to respect the rules of the house, Lucy.”

She groaned into her palms.

“I hate you,” she muttered.

“Yeah,” he said, clearly smiling now, “you’ve mentioned.”

When she finally returned with the med kit, Taiga was seated obediently in the desk chair, his shirt crumpled in his lap, an unreadable expression on his face. His bruised knuckles rested on his thighs, the skin split and raw from the fight. There was a gash just below his cheekbone too—nothing serious, but still angry-looking, swollen and red.

Lucy knelt in front of him, setting the kit between them and flipping it open with more force than necessary. The silence stretched between them like static, humming just under the surface.

“Hold still,” she mumbled, dabbing an alcohol wipe against the bruised skin with practiced precision.

“You’re pretty good at this,” Taiga said, attempting a light tone.

“Natsu used to fall off his bike a lot when we were little,” Lucy replied, voice steady but distant as her hand moved with gentle care. The alcohol pad crinkled slightly in her grip. “To Igneel and my dad, first aid was just wrapping a giant piece of gauze around the wound and calling it a day.”

She paused, tossed the used wipe into the trash beside her, and reached for a fresh pair of gloves and an iodine swab.

“So I had to step in. Someone had to do it right.”

There was a beat of silence before Taiga replied. “Figures. You’ve always been the one patching people up.”

Lucy didn’t look at him. “Yeah, well. Someone had to.”

The air between them thickened again, the words heavier than she intended. She pulled on the gloves and opened the iodine wipe with a slow, methodical motion, keeping her eyes down.

“You still do that,” Taiga said after a pause. “Even when you’re the one bleeding.”

Her hands froze for a second—just a fraction of a second—before she resumed dabbing the wipe against the deeper cut on his knuckles. This time, she didn’t respond. Lucy peeled off the gloves with a snap and dropped them into the trash. Her fingers trembled slightly, though she doubted it was from the iodine fumes.

She still couldn’t look at him.

Instead, she busied herself organizing the scattered supplies, even though they were already neat.

“I can’t give you an answer,” she said at last, voice barely above a whisper. “Not right now.”

Taiga didn’t say anything right away. She finally turned to look at him—and there he was, bruised and quiet, sitting on the edge of her chair with his hands resting loosely in his lap. His expression was unreadable, not angry, not sad. Just... tired.

“I don’t even know what I want,” Lucy admitted, hugging her arms to her chest like a shield. “Everything feels so messy. And you saying what you said—I don’t know how to even start sorting through that.”

Taiga nodded slowly, gaze dropping to the floor. “I know.”

Her lips parted slightly, surprised by how calm he sounded.

“I know you,” he added, voice softer now. “I know you need time. You think too much. You care too much. You run through every possible outcome before you ever let yourself feel anything.”

She flinched, but not because he was wrong.

He glanced up, eyes meeting hers. “I didn’t tell you because I expected you to say something back. I told you because it’s true. And I needed you to know.”

Lucy’s throat tightened.

“You don’t owe me an answer,” he said, standing slowly. “But I’m not gonna pretend I didn’t say it. And I’m not gonna take it back, either.”

The silence after that was thick—uncomfortable, but honest. It hung between them like something fragile. Lucy’s fingers curled tightly around the edge of the desk. Her chest rose and fell in shallow breaths, like holding still might somehow hold it all together.

“I just don’t want to lose you,” Lucy squeaked, trying to shove the tears that prickled the bottom of her throat back down. “I just got you back.”

Taiga froze. Then his expression softened, like something unspoken inside him cracked just slightly.

He stepped closer, carefully, like he didn’t want to startle her. “You’re not gonna lose me,” he said, quiet but certain. “Okay? No matter what you end up feeling... I’m not walking away.”

Lucy blinked hard, her vision blurring. “But everything’s changing. And I hate it. I don’t know how to fix any of this.”

“You don’t have to fix it,” he replied. “Not today. Not tomorrow. We’ll figure it out when you're ready.”

She let out a shaky breath, one hand rising to press against her chest as if trying to calm her heart.

Taiga didn’t reach for her. He just stood there, steady and still, like he knew exactly how fragile she felt.

And for the first time all day, Lucy believed him.

The sun had dipped low in the sky by the time Lucy found herself back on the school tennis courts, the orange glow casting long shadows across the asphalt. Her cheeks stung from the cold, but she didn’t have money to pay for an indoor court. Her racquet struck the ball with rhythmic, relentless precision—serve after serve, each one harder than the last. The sharp thwack of impact echoed into the quiet afternoon, cutting through the stillness like a scream muffled by routine.

She didn’t know what she was trying to outrun—Taiga’s confession, Natsu’s fury, her own aching uncertainty—but her muscles moved on autopilot, chasing some clarity she couldn’t quite grasp.

She tossed another ball, arched her back, and slammed it across the net.

Thwack.

The sound echoed in the quiet, empty courts—satisfying, clean, controlled. One of the few things she still felt in control of.

She reached for another ball, but froze when she heard it—the familiar crunch of tires rolling over gravel. She didn’t turn around. Just stood there, spine stiff, waiting. The engine cut. A car door closed. Then more crunching—footsteps this time. Slow. Hesitant.

“Lulu.”

Her father's voice, warm and worn in a way that immediately tugged at her chest.

Lucy lowered the ball. “I’m fine,” she said quickly, not bothering to turn around.

“I didn’t ask,” Jude replied gently, stepping onto the court.

She sighed, finally turning to face him. He looked tired—work tie loosened, sleeves rolled up, concern etched across his brow.

“Your mom and I were starting to wonder where you’d gone,” he said, voice casual but careful. “Your mom was starting to think you’d gotten kidnapped. I told her not to worry—you’d probably just gotten lost in your own head again.”

“I needed to hit something,” Lucy muttered, grabbing another ball and bouncing it against the pavement.

Jude watched for a moment, then reached down and picked up a stray tennis ball at his feet. “Hard day?”

Lucy gave a hollow laugh. “You could say that.”

She served again, faster this time.

Thwack.

The ball ricocheted off the fence.

Jude didn’t speak, just watched as she picked up another ball and repeated the motion. After the third serve, he finally spoke again.

“You wanna talk about it?”

“No.”

“Wanna keep hitting things until your shoulder gives out and I have to carry you to the car?”

She hesitated. “Maybe.”

“You know I’ll let you, right? I’ll stand here all night if I have to.” He walked to the net and leaned against it, arms folded. “Wanna serve a few at me until you feel better?”

A weak, surprised laugh escaped her throat before she could stop it. She looked at him—tie askew, sleeves rolled up, standing there on the cracked court like he had all the time in the world.

“…Yeah,” she said finally, bending down to grab another ball. “You’re gonna regret offering, old man.”

He smiled. “Bring it on.”

Jude adjusted his stance on the opposite side of the court, mimicking a ready position with the grace of someone who thought they remembered how to play tennis back in college.

Lucy bounced a ball against the pavement a few times before tossing it up and serving. Not her hardest—she couldn’t risk murdering her dad—but enough to keep him on his toes. He dodged it more than returned it, the ball skidding past him and hitting the fence with a dull thump .

“Okay,” he said, holding up his hands. “Wow. You’ve gotten better.”

Lucy offered a tight smile, retrieving another ball. “That was me going easy.”

“I can tell,” he said with a grunt, walking back to the center of the court. “What are you running from, Lu?”

She hesitated with the next serve in hand.

“I’m not running,” she said, but her voice betrayed her. It cracked just slightly.

He didn’t press. Instead, he waited.

She stopped. The ball dropped from her fingers, off her shoe, and rolled away.

“I don’t know what I’m doing,” she said finally, her voice small, raw. “Everyone wants me to choose, and I don’t even know who I am right now.”

Jude didn’t move. “You don’t have to have it figured out, Lulu. That’s not your job right now.”

Lucy clenched her jaw. “But it feels like it is.”

He gave a quiet nod. “Because you care. That’s a good thing. But caring doesn’t mean you owe anyone certainty. Not yet.”

Lucy stared at the ball in her hand for a long time. “It’s just… everything’s messy right now. With Taiga. With Natsu. With me.”

She finally served, but her form was off—it hit the net and rolled back to her feet.

Jude watched her carefully. “Taiga’s the one who was at the gate earlier, right?”

She nodded, slowly walking to retrieve the ball.

“He’s a good kid,” Jude continued. “Smart. Kind. Looks like he’d get picked last for dodgeball, but maybe that’s just his choice of hair dye.”

That made Lucy laugh, a sharp breath that loosened something in her chest. She blinked quickly, eyes stinging.

“I think he loves me,” she said quietly.

Jude’s expression softened, but he didn’t look surprised. “And that scares you?”

“I don’t know what I want,” she admitted. “He’s always been there. And now it’s like… if I choose wrong, I lose someone. Or maybe I lose myself.”

She finally looked up at him, her voice wavering. “I don’t want to hurt anyone. I don’t want to make the wrong choice.”

“I just got Taiga back,” she whispered. “And Natsu… he’s been in my life forever. Everything’s shifting and I don’t know how to keep it all from falling apart.”

Jude walked over to her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. “Then don’t try to hold it all together by yourself. Let people show you who they are. Let yourself figure out who you are.”

Lucy stared at the court beneath her feet, blinking hard.

“Mom said you used to be a mess when you were my age,” she muttered.

Jude chuckled. “Your mom is kind. I was a disaster . She cleaned me up.”

Lucy gave him a tired smile. She let out a shaky breath and sank down onto the court. “I hate feeling like this. Like everything’s out of control.”

Jude walked over and sat beside her, groaning a little as his knees popped.

“Welcome to being a teenager,” he said with a chuckle. “But seriously, Lulu? You’re allowed to not have all the answers right now. You’re allowed to figure it out at your own pace.”

She leaned her head against his shoulder. “What if I lose them both?”

He put an arm around her. “Then the ones worth keeping will find their way back.”

They sat in silence for a while, the cicadas still humming, the last bit of sun dipping below the trees.

“Thanks, Dad,” she said softly.

“Anytime, kiddo. Just… maybe warn me next time before challenging me to a match. My back’s gonna be killing me tomorrow.”

Lucy smiled, the kind that felt real for the first time all day.

The house smelled like garlic and something pan-seared when Lucy walked through the door, her tennis bag slung low on her shoulder. Her mom peeked out from the kitchen, her expression softening the second she saw her.

“There you are,” Layla said, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Dinner’s almost ready.”

Lucy kicked off her shoes by the door and nodded, too drained to say much. Her dad set the table without comment, glancing up occasionally like he wanted to say something, but didn’t. For that, she was grateful.

The three of them ate in comfortable silence, save for the occasional clink of silverware and Layla gently asking if Lucy wanted more rice. She said no, twice, then caved and let her mom spoon some onto her plate anyway. It was warm. Familiar. A small pocket of normalcy she hadn’t realized she needed until now.

After helping load the dishwasher, Lucy retreated to her room with a vague “I’ve got homework,” excuse, and shut the door behind her.

The hot shower did little to unravel the tight knot in her chest, but at least she felt clean. She pulled on an old hoodie, hair damp and curling at the ends, and settled at her desk. The soft clatter of keys filled her room as she typed, her editorial blinking back at her like it was waiting for her to figure herself out.

“Change doesn’t ask for permission. It just shows up—and we either fight it, or figure out how to grow with it.”

She paused, frowning at the sentence. It sounded right. Maybe too right. She read it once. Twice. Then leaned back in her chair, sighing.

Tap.

The familiar creak of her window followed—soft, like muscle memory.

She didn’t even have to turn around to know.

She didn’t even flinch. “You know, one day I’m gonna start locking that.”

“Yeah,” Natsu muttered as he climbed in, brushing leaves off his hoodie. “But you haven’t yet.”

“You know the door exists, right?” she said without looking up. 

The sound of sneakers brushing against the floor told her he was already inside. “Yeah,” came Natsu’s voice, lower than usual. “But the window’s... ours.”

Lucy finally turned.  He stood awkwardly for a second before sitting on the windowsill instead of the bed like he usually did. Something was off—he was quieter than usual, his usual chaotic energy dulled. He stood there, hands in his pockets, hair tousled, eyes searching. He looked out of place in her quiet, lamp-lit room—like a storm that had taken human form.

“You always come through that window when something’s wrong,” she murmured.

He didn’t deny it.

“Is something wrong?” she asked, softer now.

Natsu stepped forward, past the line where childhood habits used to end and things had started to get complicated. “Yeah,” he said. “You.”

Lucy crossed her arms, gaze narrowing. “If you’re here to yell at me about what Taiga said—”

“I’m not,” Natsu cut in, but his voice was tense. “I’m not here to yell.”

He sat on the edge of her bed, elbows on his knees, head down like he was trying to keep something from spilling out. When he looked up, his eyes met hers and held. “I just… I needed to know if it’s true.”

“If what’s true?” she asked, even though she already knew.

“That he loves you.” The words were raw and reluctant, like they hurt coming out. “And you didn’t say anything back.”

Lucy stiffened. “That’s between me and him.”

“Yeah, well, apparently everything is,” Natsu muttered bitterly.

The air between them thickened, and for a moment, neither one moved. Lucy’s eyes darted toward the floor, desperate to avoid the storm she saw brewing behind his.

She reached for the nearest deflection. “Your eye looks like shit.”

Natsu blinked, thrown by the sudden shift. “Wow. Thanks.”

“I mean it,” she said, walking over to him. “It’s turning this gross yellow-purple now. You look like someone hit you with a paintball gun.”

“Someone did hit me,” he said dryly. “With their fist. ”

Lucy fought a smile she didn’t want to feel and grabbed a tissue from her desk, gently brushing at the dried blood near his brow. Her touch was careful, but her silence was louder than anything she could have said.

“I didn’t come here for first aid,” Natsu muttered.

“I didn’t ask why you came,” she replied without meeting his eyes.

That shut him up for a beat. Natsu nodded, looking at the floor. Then, after a pause, he said, “So. Taiga.”

Her jaw tightened.

He glanced up. “Did you… mean what you said back? That you hated him?”

Lucy crossed her arms. “Does it matter?”

“Yeah. It does.”

She let the silence stretch before answering. “I was upset. And embarrassed. And overwhelmed.” Her voice dropped. “And he didn’t deserve that.”

“So you don’t hate him.”

“No,” she said plainly.

Natsu nodded again, his jaw ticking. “That’s what I figured.”

Another pause.

“I shouldn’t’ve hit him,” he said, and Lucy blinked in surprise.

“You think ?” she replied, sarcasm sharp.

“I was pissed, okay? And he was running his mouth.”

Lucy stood up and paced to the other side of her room. “You escalated it! You always do this—you explode without thinking and someone ends up bleeding!”

“He said things I didn’t want to hear.”

“And why not?” she snapped. “Because they were true?”

Natsu’s silence was all the answer she needed.

She sighed, scrubbing a hand over her face. “Look, I don’t know what I’m doing right now. Or what I want. But I do know that you punching your way through your feelings isn’t going to help anyone.”

He stood too, but didn’t move toward her. “I wasn’t trying to... I don’t know. Win. Or make some big point. I just—”

“You lost your temper,” she finished for him.

“Yeah.”

Another long, uncomfortable beat.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he spoke again quietly. “But I did. I know I did. And then Taiga comes in and says everything I couldn’t—everything I should have said—” he paused, voice cracking, “and I hated how right he sounded.”

Lucy looked down at her desk, the blinking cursor still waiting for her.

“I haven’t answered him,” she said softly. “Because I don’t know what I want. I don’t know how I feel. Everything’s a mess, Natsu. You and me and him… it’s all a mess.”

He nodded, once, swallowing hard. “So what do we do now?”

Lucy looked back up at him, her eyes tired and vulnerable. “We stop trying to force answers. And we figure out how to stop hurting each other.”

Lucy barely slept at all that night.

The harsh bathroom light flickered above her, casting unforgiving shadows beneath her eyes. Her reflection stared back, hollow and worn, the skin beneath her lashes bruised with exhaustion. She blinked once, slowly, then leaned forward until her forehead pressed against the cool mirror.

This wasn’t just tired. This was soul-deep unrest, the kind that curled into your bones and made everything feel ten times heavier.

She pushed herself back and planted her elbows on the sink, fingers tangled in her hair like a claw trap. Maybe if she tugged hard enough, the stress would drain out with each strand. Or maybe she should just skip the drama and shave it all off. It’d be faster. Cleaner. Cathartic.

“God,” she muttered to herself, straightening up just enough to glare at her own reflection. “Get it together, Heartfilia.”

But her reflection didn’t look like it wanted to cooperate.

Lucy peeled herself away from the sink, dragging her feet back to her room like her body weighed double. She yanked open her closet and tugged on her uniform without much ceremony—blouse, skirt, sweater vest, the usual. Her fingers fumbled with the buttons more than once, and she didn’t even bother to do anything with her hair beyond a low, loose ponytail.

When she finally trudged downstairs, the scent of miso soup and toasted seaweed hit her like a gentle nudge. Her mom stood at the counter, back turned, slipping a pair of neatly packed bento boxes into matching pink wraps.

“You’re up late,” her mother said without turning around.

“Didn’t sleep,” Lucy muttered, grabbing her bag off the hook by the door.

Her mom finally turned, holding one of the bento boxes out toward her. “I made your favorite today. Rolled omelet, rice, karaage... even cut the sausages into little octopi like when you were little.”

Lucy blinked and reached for it, fingers brushing her mom’s just slightly. “You didn’t have to go all out.”

“I wanted to.” Her mother looked at her for a long moment, eyes scanning her face like she could read every sleepless hour. Then she reached out, gently smoothing a strand of hair behind Lucy’s ear. “Rough night?”

Lucy hesitated. Then she gave the faintest nod.

“Well,” her mom said softly, “eat your lunch. Take deep breaths. And if the day gets too heavy, remember you don’t have to carry it alone.”

Lucy looked down at the bento in her hands. The warmth from her mother’s touch lingered.

“Thanks, Mom,” she said, quieter than usual.

Her mom smiled. “Go get ‘em, champ.”

The walk to school felt unusually long. Maybe it was because she hadn’t slept, or maybe because every step forward made her stomach twist with the memory of the day before—the fight, the confession, Natsu’s face in her window. It all played on loop like a movie she didn’t want to watch anymore.

By the time she reached the school gates, her shoulders were tight and her grip on her bag was white-knuckled. Students buzzed around her, laughing, chatting, moving in clusters. She felt like a ghost drifting through them.

She kept her head down as she changed into her indoor shoes and made her way to her classroom. Just as she slid the door open, a familiar voice called out—

“Lucy!”

She paused, barely masking the flinch before pasting on a weak smile.

Erza was waving her over with concern on her face. Levy was right behind her, eyebrows knitted together. “You okay?” she asked. “You kind of vanished yesterday.”

Lucy shook her head quickly, brushing past them. “Yeah. Just tired. I’ll be fine.”

She could feel their eyes lingering on her as she headed to her desk and dropped into her seat. The moment she sat down, she turned toward the window, letting her cheek rest against her palm. Outside, the morning sunlight hit the pavement in golden patches, but it felt cold to her.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Natsu walk in.

Their eyes met—just for a second.

Then Lucy turned away.

The lesson dragged.

She tried her best to pay attention—really, she did—but every time the teacher’s voice droned on about quadratic functions, Lucy found her thoughts drifting. To Taiga, sitting on her desk chair in the draining sunlight with a split lip. To Natsu, furious and aching and climbing through her window like he always had, only this time everything felt heavier.

She didn’t even realize she was just staring at her notes until a soft voice broke her spiral.

“Hey.”

She looked up. Gray had turned slightly in his seat beside her, his voice quiet enough not to get them scolded. He raised an eyebrow, but his tone was unusually gentle.

“You good?”

Lucy hesitated, the lie stuck in her throat. Her instinct was to say yes , but something in the way he asked it—like he wasn’t just making conversation—gave her pause. Instead, she just offered a half shrug. “Not really.” Gray gave a small nod, like he wasn’t surprised. He didn’t push.

Instead, he slid his worksheet in her direction and tilted it toward her. “Think you could walk me through the last problem? The whole equal-and-opposite-reaction thing is kicking my ass.”

Lucy blinked at the page. “You mean the rocket propulsion example?”

“Yeah. I get the gist, but I keep screwing up the direction of the forces.”

That was easy. Predictable. Something she could control. She leaned over, pointing at the free-body diagram. “Okay, so the rocket pushes the gas out one way—right? That means the gas pushes back in the opposite direction. So the acceleration is—”

“Up,” Gray finished, nodding slowly. “Right. I just overthink it sometimes.”

She gave a soft huff. “You’re good at math, you helped me with it all alst year. Physics is just fancy common sense with math attached.”

That earned her a faint smirk. “I should just copy your notes from now on.”

“Or, you could learn.”

He scoffed. “What do you think I’m doing right now?”

Lucy smiled, small and fleeting, but real.

When the bell rang, Gray stood, slinging his bag over one shoulder. “Thanks, Heartfilia.”

“Anytime.”

He paused, eyeing her for a second longer. “And hey—whatever you’re dealing with… just don’t let them tear you apart over it.”

She blinked. “Thanks, Gray,” she whispered softly.

The bell for lunch rang, cutting through the stillness of the classroom like a release valve. Students stood, stretched, and began pulling out their bento boxes, desks scraping gently against the floor as clusters formed in familiar configurations.

Lucy remained at her seat a beat longer, her fingers hovering over her lunchbox like it was some kind of fragile artifact. She wasn’t sure she had the energy to eat, but she’d promised her mom. And the tamagoyaki smelled good.

“Lucy!” Levy slid her desk over, the legs squeaking slightly. “You’re not allowed to sulk alone today, sorry.”

Gray appeared behind them, already half-unwrapping a convenience store sandwich. “Levy’s on a mission to brighten your mood. Don’t fight it.”

Erza dragged her desk over next, setting down her elegant, homemade lunch with careful precision. “We figured a normal lunch might help. You can glare at us all you want, but we’re staying.”

Lucy blinked, then gave a weak laugh. “You guys are the worst at subtlety.”

“We’re also really good at being annoying,” Levy said with a grin, unwrapping her chopsticks. “So… I’ve been thinking about dyeing my hair again.”

Erza looked up from her lunch, surprised. “But I thought you liked the blue?”

“I do! But like, what if I went lavender? Or teal? I found this picture on Pinterest, and—”

Lucy raised an eyebrow. “You were literally obsessed with your current color like a week ago.”

“I contain multitudes,” Levy replied grandly, offering Lucy a piece of karaage from her bento.

Lucy glanced up. The shift in conversation, while obvious, wasn’t unkind. It was Levy’s way of anchoring her back to something simple, something light. And Lucy appreciated it.

“You’d rock teal,” Lucy said, managing a small smile.

Levy’s face lit up. “Right?! I told Jet and Droy, and they said it would ‘distract from my natural charm,’ whatever that means.”

“They’re just scared of change,” Erza said matter-of-factly, picking up a perfectly cut sandwich triangle. “Ignore them.”

Gray, who had been nursing a bottle of strawberry milk, pointed it toward Lucy. “I think you should dye your hair too. Pink. Full anime protagonist.”

Lucy snorted. “Yeah, right. Then I’d really look like I was spiraling.”

“No offense, but you kind of already do,” Gray replied dryly, but there was no bite to it.

Erza jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow. “Gray.”

“What? I’m just saying she needs sleep and a gallon of water.”

Levy chomped down on a pickled plum and made a face. “Okay, note to self—don’t let Dad pack my bento again.”

“Doesn’t he own a restaurant?” Gray snorted, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

“Yeah, but he thinks sour = healthy,” she grumbled. “I miss my mom’s cute rice pandas.”

“You’re spoiled,” Erza said, though there was the faintest tug of a smile on her lips.

Lucy watched the back-and-forth like it was a favorite show she hadn’t seen in a while. Something familiar, easy. She took another bite of her tamagoyaki and leaned forward slightly.

“Thanks, guys,” she said softly.

Levy paused mid-rant about plum toxicity and looked at her. “You don’t have to thank us.”

“I know,” Lucy replied, “But I wanted to anyway.”

Gray gave a casual shrug. “You’d do the same for us.”

Erza added, “And you have.”

They didn’t press. They didn’t ask questions. They just kept talking—about new manga releases, weekend plans, whether or not their physics teacher was secretly a robot.

It wasn’t perfect. Lucy still felt the ache sitting just behind her smile, the tug of everything unresolved. But as Levy leaned her head dramatically on her shoulder and declared herself "emotionally exhausted from math," Lucy allowed herself the smallest of laughs.

For now, this was enough.

The sun had already begun to dip by the time Lucy rounded the last corner to her street, bathing the neighborhood in soft gold. Her book bag felt unusually heavy on her shoulder, but the quiet helped. The hum of cicadas in the trees, the steady rhythm of her steps on the pavement—it all helped.

The class-rep meeting had run long, but for once it hadn’t been stressful. No arguments, no disasters to fix. And with tennis practice canceled, she'd had time to sit alone on the school roof for a while afterward, letting her thoughts breathe.

She was still somewhere in the space between relieved and emotionally drained when she spotted Natsu sitting cross-legged on the front steps of her house—like he belonged there, because for years, he sort of had.

His usual mop of wild pink hair was mostly hidden beneath a knit beanie, the edge pulled low over his ears. A thick hoodie was layered under his windbreaker, and his school jacket was bundled and draped across his lap. He held a plastic bag from the konbini in one gloved hand, and in the other, a still-steaming bottle of barley tea.

He didn’t say anything at first. Just looked up at her, eyes soft beneath the brim of his hat, and held out the bag.

“I got melon pan,” he said. “And those shrimp chips you like.”

Lucy paused, chilled fingers tightening around the strap of her school bag. Her breath fogged faintly in the cold air. “What are you doing here?”

He dropped the hand holding the bag, rubbing the back of his neck with a quiet sort of sheepishness. “Doing what you said,” he muttered, voice muffled slightly by his scarf. “Figuring out how to not hurt each other anymore.”

For a second, the only sound was the rustle of dry leaves skittering across the pavement and the distant hum of a train. The kind of stillness that only seemed to exist on cold, clouded afternoons—quiet, but full of feeling.

All Lucy could do was sigh, watching the fog of her breath curl into the air before vanishing. She walked up the steps past Natsu, fingers numb as she fished her keys from her jacket pocket. Behind her, she heard Natsu’s faint sigh and the rustling of the bag in his hands as he got up. Without turning around she called back to him.

“Get inside, idiot. My mom would kill me if she found out I left you sitting on the porch alone in the cold.” 

She didn’t have to look to know he was grinning. She could hear it in the lopsided warmth of his voice.

“Tell Auntie to stop worrying about me. She should know by now I’m never cold.”

Lucy unlocked the door and pushed it open, stepping aside just enough to let him in. “Yeah, well,” she muttered, pulling her coat off, “you say that until you get pneumonia and I’m the one stuck dragging your sorry ass to the clinic.”

Natsu nudged her shoulder lightly as he stepped inside. “You’d do it, though.”

She shut the door behind them with a soft click , her heart heavier than before—but also, in the quiet of the entryway, a little warmer, too.

The kitchen smelled faintly of miso and ginger, leftovers from dinner. The space was dim except for the warm overhead light above the stove, humming softly in the silence. Lucy tossed her bag onto one of the dining chairs and hung her jacket on the hook by the door. Natsu trailed behind her, rubbing his hands together to warm them.

She pulled two mugs from the cabinet. “Want tea or cocoa?”

“Cocoa,” he said immediately, plopping the convenience store bag down on the table. “I brought the good kind—the one with the tiny marshmallows.”

Lucy raised an eyebrow. “Wow. You actually remembered.”

“I’m not completely useless.”

She snorted, shaking her head as she filled the kettle. “Debatable.” The water in the kettle began to hiss when she heard the unmistakable sound of a drawer being yanked open behind her. She turned just as Natsu triumphantly held up a spatula like it was a sacred weapon.

"You underestimate my power," he said, voice low and overly serious.

Lucy blinked at him, unimpressed. "Please don't—"

"You turned her against me!" Natsu bellowed, brandishing the spatula with reckless abandon.

Lucy sighed heavily, setting the mugs down. " Seriously? "

Natsu took a step back onto the small ledge that separated the kitchen and dining room, arms spread wide. "You will try!" he shouted, beckoning her with the spatula.

For a moment, she stood there, just watching him—utterly ridiculous, illuminated by the warm kitchen light, in his hoodie and sneakers with the sleeves bunched around his wrists. She should have been annoyed.

Instead, she grabbed a metal ladle from the drying rack and pointed it at him.

"Don't make me do this, Anakin," she said solemnly, slipping effortlessly into Obi-Wan's voice.

Natsu’s face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"You can't stop me!" he roared, swinging the spatula as if he were wielding a lightsaber.

Natsu smirked at her hesitation, stepping onto the small raised lip by the dining room like it was the high ground of Mustafar.

“I have the high ground!” Lucy blurted before she could stop herself, grabbing a wooden spoon from the counter and pointing it at him like a blade.

Natsu’s grin stretched wide. “You underestimate my power!”

“Don’t try it!” Lucy warned, shifting into a fighting stance, her laughter threatening to break through the stern face she was trying so hard to keep.

Lucy hopped down, batting his spatula aside and whacking him lightly on the shoulder with the ladle.

"Admit it!" she said, laughing despite herself. "I'm the better Jedi!"

"In your dreams!" Natsu countered, spinning dramatically until he collapsed against the pantry door.

"You were the Chosen One!" Lucy gasped, pressing the back of her hand to her forehead in mock despair. "It was said you would destroy the Sith, not join them!"

Natsu groaned theatrically from the floor, reaching a hand up to her. "Help me, Obi-Wan."

Lucy dropped the ladle onto the counter with a clang and crossed her arms. "That's not how the scene goes."

"Merciless," he wheezed, grinning. She rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched upward against her will. The kettle clicked off behind her, but neither of them moved at first. The kitchen was filled with the kind of easy, familiar warmth she hadn’t realized she missed so badly.

Finally, she walked over and offered him a hand. "Get up, Skywalker. We’re not done being idiots yet."

Natsu plopped onto the couch while Lucy poured the hot water into their mugs. She stirred in the cocoa packets with mechanical precision, the air between them quieter now—like all the tension had finally bled out of the room through laughter and ridiculous movie quotes.

She handed Natsu his mug and settled beside him, tucking her legs beneath her. The bag of snacks he brought—shrimp chips, melon pan, and a few convenience store treats—sat open between them on the coffee table.

“Still think Obi-Wan was wrong?” she asked, sipping her cocoa, her voice softer now.

Natsu shook his head with mock solemnity. “Nah. Dude had the high ground. Can’t fight physics.”

Lucy snorted into her mug.

They fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by the quiet crunch of shrimp chips and the occasional clink of mugs against the table. Outside, the wind rustled the trees and shook the windowpanes slightly, but in the living room, it was warm and still.

Natsu reached for a melon pan and held it out to her without saying anything. She took it without protest, pulling off a piece and popping it into her mouth. It was soft, a little sweet, and familiar in a way that made her throat ache.

She glanced at him. “Thanks. For coming by.”

He looked over, eyes steady and surprisingly unreadable for once. “Yeah. Of course.”

And that was it. Nothing profound, no big emotional confessions—just two people who had known each other for too long, sharing cocoa and snacks while the world outside spun on without them.

⥈↭⥈

It was the first snowfall of the year.

The kind that came without warning—soft and slow, like the sky was exhaling. Tiny flakes drifted down from a pale gray sky, coating the streets, rooftops, and schoolyard in a thin, untouched blanket of white. It wasn’t heavy enough to stick for long, but it was just enough to catch the light and hush the world for a while.

Lucy noticed it the moment she cracked open her window—just enough to let the stale warmth of her bedroom out and the crisp morning air in. A hush had settled over the neighborhood, the kind only snow could bring. The sky was soft and gray, and delicate flakes drifted lazily through the air, gathering on rooftops and fences and the tops of still-sleeping cars.

She stood there for a minute, arms folded on the windowsill, chin resting atop them, her breath fogging gently in the cold. It was a rare kind of peace. No alarm clocks blaring. No tennis practice. No urgent text threads. Just the sound of the world being blanketed in white.

Downstairs, she could hear the faint clinking of dishes and her mom humming softly as she moved around the kitchen. Something smelled like toasted bread and miso soup. Lucy’s stomach rumbled, but she didn’t move—not yet.

She watched as the wind tugged snowflakes sideways, swirling them like feathers. A little part of her wanted to run outside barefoot and feel them melt on her skin. Another part wanted to crawl back under the covers and pretend the rest of the world didn’t exist for a little longer.

Eventually, she pushed off the windowsill and padded over to her desk. Her phone buzzed once.

[Natsu🔥]: look outside

She huffed a small breath through her nose and replied:

[Lucy💫]: i was literally doing that

[Natsu🔥]: wanna hang out? i’ll bring snacks

[Lucy💫]: it’s snowing. stay home.

A moment passed.

[Natsu🔥]: make me ;p

She rolled her eyes and tossed the phone on her bed, but her lips twitched upward before she could stop them.

Another buzz. This time, it was the group chat she had with her other friends.

[Gray❄️]: attachment one image

It was a picture of him and Juvia out on the ice rink in the center of the city. Juvia, with downright blissful smile on her face, was trying to pull a beanie over Gray’s ears that were turning pink from the cold. Lucy let out a soft breath through her nose, something between a sigh and a laugh.

[Levy🐇]: omg stop u guys are so cute 😭

[Erza⚔️]: Juvia’s coordination is incredible. Look at that balance.

[Gray❄️]: I’m being attacked.

[Juvia💧]: Juvia is simply taking care of her beloved 🩵

Lucy stared at the picture for a moment longer than she meant to. The joy in Juvia’s face, the resigned fondness in Gray’s eyes. It was… nice. Comforting, even. Like the world didn’t always have to be complicated.

She picked up her phone again and typed:

[Lucy💫]: You guys are gross. I love it.

[Gray❄️]: come join us? it’s dead here rn

[Levy🐇]: it’s not that cold if u layer 😗

She glanced out the window again. Snow still drifted down, a little heavier now. The edges of her world softening beneath it. She bit her lip, thumbs hovering over her keyboard.

Before she could reply, another buzz.

[Natsu🔥]: seriously. i’m already halfway there.

She groaned, flopping back onto her bed and staring at the ceiling.

“Of course he is.”

Lucy stood by the door, bundled in a wool coat over two sweaters, a scarf wound securely around her neck, and a knit hat tugged low over her ears. Her gloves were mismatched—one navy, one gray—but she didn’t care. Not when the cold bit the air like this, sharp and clean. She stepped outside, boots crunching fresh snow beneath her, and locked the door behind her.

The city felt slower under snow. Softer. Like someone had taken the volume knob and turned it just a few clicks lower. She caught the train into the heart of the city, watching her reflection blur against the windows as snowflakes kissed the glass.

By the time she made it to the rink, her cheeks were tinged pink and her nose was running just slightly—but the laughter hit her first.

Levy was waving from the bleachers with a thermos in hand. Erza was skating with the elegance of someone who had definitely trained for this. Juvia and Gray were... spinning. Or maybe Gray was spinning and Juvia was attached to him like a satellite. Hard to say.

“Lucy!” Levy called, hopping up and nearly slipping in her boots. “I brought your gloves from last year! The fuzzy ones with the cats!”

Lucy laughed, jogging over. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“You’re late,” came Natsu’s voice from behind her.

She turned, eyebrows raised. He stood there in a thick hoodie and his signature scarf, grinning like he hadn’t run full speed through the snow to beat her there.

“I didn’t know this was a race.”

“It is when I say it is.”

“Child,” she muttered, elbowing past him toward the rink.

“I heard that!”

The air above the rink smelled faintly of sweet roasted chestnuts from a nearby cart, and the distant sound of city life was muffled beneath the layers of snow. Lucy laced up her skates on the bench beside Levy, adjusting her fuzzy cat gloves with a grin.

“Last one on the ice is a rotten egg!” Natsu shouted, already bolting toward the rink entrance with a reckless grin.

“Natsu, wait—!” Lucy started, but it was too late. He hit the ice like a cannonball, immediately wobbling and flailing before crashing into the boards with a thunk .

“Idiot,” Gray muttered, helping Juvia tie her skates more securely.

“ Natsu-kun~! ” Juvia gasped in horror. “Are you okay?”

“Didn’t even feel it,” Natsu called, giving them a thumbs-up from the ice, still flat on his back.

“You will tomorrow,” Erza said, gliding past him like some kind of snow-born deity. “Back straight, core engaged. Glide, don’t shuffle.”

Lucy stepped onto the ice with a sharp breath, heart pounding as her blades scraped across the frozen surface. She wasn’t bad, but she hadn’t done this in a while, and the last thing she needed was to fall on her butt in front of everyone. Levy caught her hand and steadied her.

“Come on,” she said with a wink. “We’ve got to outshine Erza somehow.”

Gray and Juvia passed by in a shaky waltz formation—Gray grumbling under his breath and Juvia blissfully unaware.

Lucy let herself laugh, the kind that cracked open her ribs and let the cold in. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so light.

Natsu came skating (badly) up beside her and Levy, catching himself on the edge of the rink. “Bet I can spin faster than you.”

“You’re going to hurt yourself,” Lucy said.

“That’s not a ‘no,’” he grinned.

“I’m ignoring you,” she replied, even as a smile pulled at her lips.

They skated in a clumsy, warm sort of chaos. Friends slipping and catching each other, hands brushing, cheeks pink not just from the cold. There was no talk of confessions or fights or tension—just the kind of laughter that steamed up the edges of your scarf and made you forget the world was complicated at all.

For just a little while, they were just kids in winter.

The windows of the hot pot restaurant fogged up almost instantly from the rush of cold air and the sheer number of bodies stuffed inside the booth. Coats, scarves, and gloves were piled high in the corner. Erza immediately took charge of the ordering while Gray and Natsu argued over spice levels and who could handle more heat.

Levy was halfway through a story about slipping and taking Gray down with her on the ice, her eyes gleaming as she gestured wildly with her chopsticks. Lucy sat between her and Natsu, shoulders flushed from the warmth and belly already half-full from broth and noodles.

“Try the udon,” Natsu nudged her arm, his chopsticks lifting a tangled swirl from the pot. “It’s soaked up all the flavor.”

She took it without thinking, and when their fingers brushed, neither of them flinched.

“Not bad,” she admitted after chewing. “Still think the broth was better before you dumped half a jar of garlic in it, though.”

“You wound me,” he said, dramatically clutching his chest. “Garlic is essential .”

“You’re essential,” Levy whispered around her drink with a teasing smirk, making Lucy nearly choke.

“This is heaven,” Natsu said with a mouthful of enoki mushrooms.

“You’re disgusting,” Gray replied, deadpan.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Steam curled from the bubbling pot between them, the scent of garlic and miso clinging to their hair and clothes. It was loud and chaotic and perfect in the way that only something shared between old friends could be. The kind of moment Lucy knew she’d remember ten years from now and still feel warm about.

Later, bellies full and the cold biting at their flushed faces again, the group slowly split off. Levy was riding with Erza and Gray, who—after insisting he was not blushing when Juvia adjusted his scarf—had finally given in and let her loop her arm through his.

Lucy and Natsu ended up on the same train.

The warmth of the hot pot still lingered in her coat and scarf as they sank into the train seats, the rhythmic sway of the car lulling them into silence. The city lights flickered past the windows, casting golden streaks across the floor.

Natsu sat beside her, legs stretched out, jacket unzipped, hair still slightly damp from the snow that had melted earlier. He was quiet, eyes trained on the darkened glass.

“You’re really bad at skating,” Lucy said suddenly, her voice soft.

“You’re just saying that because I fell once.”

“You fell four times.”

He cracked a small smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Still had fun.”

Lucy turned to look at him fully, her shoulder brushing his. “Yeah. Me too.”

For a while, they didn’t say anything.

Then, softly, Natsu said, “Today was nice.”

Lucy nodded, her head leaning gently against the window. “Yeah. It really was.”

“I liked seeing everyone laugh again,” he added, voice quiet. “You, especially.”

She glanced over at him, surprised.

He wasn’t looking at her—his gaze was fixed on the snowy reflection in the window. But there was something gentle in his profile. Something unguarded.

“I’ve missed this,” Lucy murmured. “When things weren’t… so complicated.”

Natsu exhaled through his nose, a faint puff of air fogging the glass.

“Maybe we can keep it that way. Even if it’s just sometimes.”

She smiled faintly, not looking at him either. “Yeah. I’d like that.”

Their knees knocked lightly as the train rumbled on beneath them.

And for the first time in a long time, it didn’t hurt to just sit in the quiet together.

The night had long since settled into a peaceful lull when the sharp bang of the front door slamming across the street jolted Lucy awake.

She blinked into the dark, the quiet hum of the heater suddenly too loud, too present. A second later, she heard a voice—Igneel’s—raised and frantic, muffled through the winter air.

“Natsu! Natsu, come back here!” No response. “ Please!” 

Then silence again, heavy and hollow.

Lucy sat up, heart thudding uneasily in her chest. She reached over to her nightstand and checked her phone—2:11 a.m.

A minute passed.

Then the doorbell rang, followed by frantic, hurried knocks.

She threw her covers off and sprinted to the door, meeting her parents at the top of the stairs as they emerged from their bedroom, bleary-eyed and concerned. Jude took the lead, flipping on the hallway light and stepping down the stairs. Lucy followed just behind, hugging her arms around herself.

When her father opened the door, the porch light revealed Igneel standing there, his face pale, weathered, and taut with distress. His scarf was crooked around his neck like he’d thrown it on in a hurry, and his hands trembled slightly at his sides.

“I’m sorry,” he said immediately, his voice hoarse. “I didn’t know where else to go.”

“Come in,” her mother said softly, ushering him inside without hesitation. “Please.”

He stepped in, and Lucy had never seen him look so shaken.

They moved into the living room, the lamp casting a muted glow over the couch where Igneel sank down heavily, burying his face in his hands for a moment. Time stopped. No one rushed him.

After a long pause, he looked up.

“He found it,” Igneel said finally, voice strained. “The invitation. I—I was going to tell him. I was. I just... didn’t know how.”

Lucy’s brows knit in confusion. “Invitation?”

Igneel swallowed. “Natsu’s mom. She’s—she’s getting remarried. To someone else.”

Lucy’s mother gently covered her mouth, eyes wide with quiet understanding. Her father sat beside Igneel, brows furrowed, listening.

“I didn’t want him to find out like that. I didn’t even know she’d sent one here. But he saw it in my desk drawer earlier tonight.” Igneel’s voice cracked. “He didn’t say anything. He just stormed out.”

Lucy’s chest tightened.

“He doesn’t talk to her much anymore,” Igneel added, almost to himself. “Barely at all these past few years. But it still hit him. I could see it.”

Silence filled the room again, the clock ticking faintly in the background.

Lucy’s eyes drifted toward the window, beyond which snow had begun to fall again. Harder this time.

“Do you think he’d come here?” she asked quietly.

Igneel gave a small, exhausted shrug. “I don’t know where else he’d go.”

Chapter Text

Where did it all go wrong?

Natsu let his forehead press against the cool bathroom tiles as the shower head above cascaded water down his back and the rest of his body. The droplets hit his skin in erratic rhythms, washing away the dirt and sweat of the day but doing nothing for the heaviness in his chest. Sighing, he ran his fingertips through his hair and tilted his head back, letting the water wash out the sweat that had built up on his scalp. The water traced lines down his temples, over his jaw, into the bruises blooming across his cheekbone. He winced as it stung—sharp and immediate—but didn’t move away.

His knuckles throbbed—raw and split open, the skin scraped from where he’d collided with Taiga’s jaw. He flexed his fingers, slowly, watching how the dried blood rehydrated and swirled in faint red lines down the drain.

The steam thickened, curling around him like smoke, but it brought no warmth. If anything, it made the quiet feel louder. More intimate. Like the walls were closing in with every breath.

Still, he didn’t move.

His chest rose and fell in uneven rhythm. He shut his eyes, forehead still pressed to the tile as if it were the only thing keeping him upright. The silence of the room was absolute, save for the steady hiss of water and the occasional sound of a drip hitting the porcelain below.

And in that silence, a single question echoed louder than all the rest:

Where did it all go wrong?

Was it when he swung first? When he didn’t walk away? Or was it long before that—somewhere in all the things he hadn’t said, hadn’t seen?

He grit his teeth, the tension in his jaw sharp enough to hurt. He’d always charged forward, fists-first and heart second. But this time, he wasn’t sure if there was anything left to fight for.

The tile didn’t offer answers. Neither did the water. But still, he stayed—frozen in the warmth, trying to scrub away the kind of hurt that didn’t bleed.

His fingers tightened against the edge of the tile, knuckles pulsing with dull pain. He was so far inside his own head that he didn’t even hear the door creak open until—

“NATSU!”

Igneel’s voice tore through the bathroom like a lightning strike. “Get your ass out of the fucking shower NOW or I’m making you pay for this month’s water bill!”

Natsu flinched, nearly slipping. The moment shattered like glass, steam curling around the interruption. He blinked up at the showerhead, squinting as water streamed into his eyes.

“Okay! Okay!” he barked back, voice cracking as he turned the knob. “Jeez, you could’ve just knocked!”

“I did,” came Igneel’s grumble from the hallway. “Three times. Then I yelled. Then I gave up on decency.”

Natsu rubbed his face, exhaling sharply as the last of the hot water gurgled down the drain. Reality returned all at once—loud, irritating, and unrelenting. 

“Yeah, yeah,” he muttered under his breath, stepping onto the bath mat and yanking a towel from the rack. “Maybe if you’d gotten a normal-ass shower head instead of a fire hydrant, I wouldn’t need twenty minutes to warm up.”

“ I heard that! ” came the reply.

Natsu didn’t answer, towel pressed to his face to hide the ghost of a smirk that tugged at the corner of his mouth. It didn’t last, though—not really.

Because as soon as the fog on the mirror cleared, he caught sight of his reflection.

The bruises.

The cut lip.

The faintest trace of regret in his eyes.

Natsu paced his room, feet dragging across the floorboards with every turn. His hair was still damp from the shower, dripping in slow rivulets down the back of his neck. The towel he’d used was slung haphazardly over his desk chair, forgotten like the rest of his clutter. His knuckles stung every time he clenched them, which he kept doing—over and over—as if he could squeeze the guilt right out of his fingers.

What the hell was he even doing?

He stopped for a moment, scrubbed a hand through his hair, then resumed pacing with more urgency. He couldn’t stop thinking about Lucy’s face when she’d yelled at him to knock it off. The hurt in her voice had rung louder than her actual words. She’d looked at him like—like she didn’t recognize him.

Clink.

The soft metallic sound jolted him. Natsu glanced down, confusion briefly flickering across his face.

His foot had knocked against something.

A can.

He blinked.

There, wedged near the corner of his bookshelf, slightly rusted and tangled in the edge of an old shoelace, was a tin can with a fraying length of string tied through its center.

His breath hitched.

He knelt down, fingers wrapping around it with more care than he expected. When he gave it a small tug, it resisted—stuck on something—but the string led straight out his open window. The realization hit him slowly, like waking up from a dream he hadn’t realized he was in.

No way.

Heart suddenly pounding in his chest, Natsu moved to the window and looked out. He could just barely make it out in the moonlight: the thin, weathered string stretched across the narrow gap between his house and the one next door, vanishing into the shadows of Lucy’s bedroom window.

It was the tin can phone. Their tin can phone.

They must have left it up there years ago. He hadn’t thought about it in forever, but now the memory rushed back: a summer afternoon, Lucy’s hair in two uneven braids, both of them leaning out their windows and yelling through the cans like it was some kind of magic.

“Can you hear me?”

“Loud and clear!”

Natsu's grip tightened around the can.

He hadn’t meant for any of this to happen— especially not the fight. He just couldn’t handle the idea of losing Lucy to someone else. But now, sitting here with a can full of history in his hand and silence where their voices used to be, he realized something else:

He’d already been losing her.

And maybe it was time to stop running from that.

Without thinking twice, he grabbed a hoodie, shoved the can gently onto his desk, and climbed out the window—just like he used to.

He stood outside her window, breath clouding in the cool night air, fingers hovering just shy of the glass.

He didn’t want to be here.
He didn’t want to need to be here.
But after the fight, after hearing what Taiga said—how easily the words had come out of his mouth—Natsu couldn’t sit with it. Not alone.

So he tapped.

The faint creak of the window came almost immediately. It wasn’t locked. It never was. That meant something. It had to.

She didn’t even turn around.

“You know, one day I’m gonna start locking that.”

He climbed in, brushing leaves off his hoodie, trying to keep the ache out of his voice. “Yeah,” he muttered. “But you haven’t yet.”

Please don’t ever start.

“You know the door exists, right?” she said, still not looking up.

His sneakers scraped softly against the hardwood floor as he stepped inside. “Yeah,” he said, gentler. “But the window’s… ours.”

That part wasn’t a joke.

She finally turned, eyes meeting his. For a split second, Natsu felt exposed. Like she could see every thought racing through him. Normally, he would’ve gone straight for her bed, sprawled out like he owned the place. But tonight he stayed back—perched on the windowsill instead. His limbs felt too heavy. Too guilty.

Her room was warm, lamp-lit and familiar, but it didn’t calm the storm in his chest.

“You always come through that window when something’s wrong,” she said, her voice quieter now.

He didn’t say anything. What could he say? She wasn’t wrong.

“Is something wrong?” she asked, soft as a breath.

Natsu stepped forward. It felt like walking a tightrope—one wrong word and everything could snap.

“Yeah,” he said, throat tight. “You.”

He watched her arms fold across her chest. Her eyes sharpened—ready for a fight.

“If you’re here to yell at me about what Taiga said—”

“I’m not,” he cut in quickly, too quickly. “I’m not here to yell.”

I’m here to break.

He sat at the edge of her bed, elbows on his knees, fingers interlocked so tightly his knuckles turned white. Everything he was holding in threatened to spill out of his mouth, messy and loud and stupid.

But he couldn’t back out now.

“I just… I needed to know if it’s true.”

She frowned. “If what’s true?”

“That he loves you.” The words made his stomach twist. “And you didn’t say anything back.”

That had been clawing at him. The silence. The possibility.

“That’s between me and him,” she said, a wall going up in her voice.

He scoffed, bitter. “Yeah, well, apparently everything is.”

I used to be the one who knew her best.

The tension in the room was almost unbearable now. He could feel her retreating.

“Your eye looks like shit.”

The sudden jab knocked him sideways in his headspace.

“Wow. Thanks.”

“I mean it,” she said, walking over. “It’s turning this gross yellow-purple now. You look like someone hit you with a paintball gun.”

He didn’t flinch when she leaned in, dabbing gently at the dried blood with a tissue. Her touch was soft. Deliberate. Too deliberate.

He closed his eyes for a moment, the image in front of him blurring into memory. In his mind, they were younger—her room messier, her scolding louder. Lucy would make him sit on Mr. Fluffy Bunny, cross-legged and sulking, while she muttered about how reckless he was. She’d press hydrogen peroxide into his scrapes without mercy, roll her eyes when he winced, and call him a baby. Then, like clockwork, she’d slap on a Spider-Man band-aid from the stash in her drawer and shoo him off with a wave.

It felt like a lifetime ago. Like someone else’s life.
And maybe, in a way, it was.

“Someone did hit me,” he finally muttered. “With their fist.”

He hated how comforting it felt—her tending to him like this. He didn’t deserve it.

“I didn’t come here for first aid.”

“I didn’t ask why you came.”

That hit him. Deeper than he expected. She always used to know why he showed up.

He stared at the floor, swallowing hard.

“So. Taiga.”

He felt her body tense.

“Did you… mean what you said back? That you hated him?”

“Does it matter?”

“Yeah. It does.”

Because I need to know if I imagined that look on your face when he said he loved you.

“I was upset. And embarrassed. And overwhelmed,” she said. “And he didn’t deserve that.”

So she didn’t hate him.

“No,” she confirmed.

Of course not.

“That’s what I figured,” he said, jaw clenching. He’d known the answer. But hearing it still hurt.

“I shouldn’t’ve hit him.”

She blinked. He could tell she wasn’t expecting that.

“You think?” Her sarcasm stung.

“I was pissed, okay? And he was running his mouth.” He felt the heat rising again—anger, shame, all twisted up.

“You escalated it! You always do this—you explode without thinking and someone ends up bleeding!”

Yeah, he thought, I know.

“He said things I didn’t want to hear,” he said, quieter now.

“And why not?” she snapped. “Because they were true?”

Silence. He couldn’t lie to her. Not now.

She scrubbed a hand over her face and he hated himself more.

“Look, I don’t know what I’m doing right now. Or what I want. But I do know that you punching your way through your feelings isn’t going to help anyone.”

He stood too, the distance between them feeling both necessary and unbearable.

“I wasn’t trying to... I don’t know. Win. Or make some big point. I just—”

“You lost your temper.”

“Yeah.” He took a shaky breath. This next part—he had to say it. Even if it made things worse.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you. But I did. I know I did. And then Taiga comes in and says everything I couldn’t—everything I should have said—” His voice cracked, chest burning. “And I hated how right he sounded.”

She didn’t respond right away. Her eyes flicked to the screen behind her, the cursor still blinking. Still waiting for words.

“I haven’t answered him,” she said, almost to herself. “Because I don’t know what I want. I don’t know how I feel. Everything’s a mess, Natsu. You and me and him… it’s all a mess.”

He nodded. Swallowed past the lump in his throat.

“So what do we do now?”

When she looked back at him, her eyes weren’t angry. Just tired. And something in him cracked open.

“We stop trying to force answers,” she said. “And we figure out how to stop hurting each other.”

“We stop trying to force answers,” she said softly, her voice calm but uncertain. “And we figure out how to stop hurting each other.”

Natsu nodded slowly, as if the words had weight. He stayed there for a moment, the silence between them thick with the unspoken. His eyes lingered on her, searching for something—reassurance, maybe, or a sign that things would start to make sense.

He didn’t find it.

With a deep, quiet sigh, Natsu stood up, his movements slow, almost reluctant. Without another word, he made his way to the window. He always left this way—through the window. It felt easier somehow. No farewells, no need for explanations.

As his fingers gripped the windowsill, he paused, glancing back at her once more. She was sitting there, her face soft, a mix of vulnerability and resolve. The way her hair framed her face, the way her eyes avoided his—it hit him harder than he’d expected.

But he said nothing. No words came.

Instead, he slid through the window, letting the cool night air rush against his skin. As he jumped down, he landed softly on the grass below, a part of him still anchored to her room, to that conversation. But it was too messy, too raw to fix with words right now.

He didn’t look back.

With a heavy heart, he started walking back to his own house, the sound of his footsteps muffled by the night. The quiet was all-consuming, and as he entered his room through the same route he always did, the weight of everything still lingered in the back of his mind.

And then—just like that—sleep swallowed him whole.

Not soft, not slow. It hit him like a wave, heavy and consuming.

At first, there was only darkness. The kind that felt too thick to breathe in, like floating underwater with no way to tell which way was up. His limbs were weightless. His thoughts, too. Until something began to take shape.

The first thing he recognized was the hum of laughter. Familiar voices, younger somehow—unfiltered and wild, the way they used to be before everything got complicated.

It was hazy, the edges of the scene blurring like an old memory on rewind. They were all there—him, Lucy, Levy, Gray, Juvia, Erza—even Gajeel, reluctantly hunched in the back. They were sitting cross-legged in a wide circle, a bunch of kids crammed into someone's living room with too many snacks and sugar and not enough common sense. Unfiltered. Back before things got messy.

He could smell the faint trace of pizza and soda, hear the rustle of sleeping bags, the occasional pop of static from an old stereo in the corner. Someone’s phone buzzed. Erza had confiscated it without even looking up.

What were they there for again?

He blinked.

The scene shifted.

Now he was standing in Lucy’s living room. His dad and her parents by her side. A banner hung crookedly above the fireplace, letters glittering: Happy 14th Birthday, Lucy!

The memory sharpened. Yeah. That night.

He remembered how she looked—her hair had only just grown past her shoulders then, a little frizzy from the summer heat, bouncing every time she laughed. The sun had bleached her too-blonde almost white in some places, and her freckles had multiplied, dotting the bridge of her nose like constellations. When she leaned over to blow out the candles on her cake, the soft golden glow lit up her eyes—and that was the first time he’d really noticed them. Not just seen them, but noticed them. Brown, but not just brown. They were warm and deep, rich milk chocolate with flickers of gold that caught the light and wouldn’t let go.

He remembered staring too long.

He blinked again—and the dream rewound itself like a glitching tape.

Back to the circle. Back to the dares.

“Natsu. Truth or dare?” Levy’s voice, mischievous and sing-song.

He could hear himself—his younger, dumber self—answering without hesitation. “Dare. Always.”

He should’ve known better. He did know better. Even in the dream, his stomach twisted, like his subconscious remembered what was coming before it played out.

Levy’s grin stretched wide. “Perfect,” she said. “I dare you… to kiss Lucy!”

Even dream-Natsu choked on nothing, sputtering with the same awkward panic he’d felt back then.

Lucy had gone stiff beside him. Everyone erupted in whistles and drawn-out oohs. He’d laughed it off, of course—made a big dramatic show of fanning his face and calling Levy evil. He then turned to Lucy. Someone had braided a dozen glow sticks into her hair. Natsu remembered the way they lit her up like a lantern.

He remembers saying something stupid about not backing out of a dare but in the back of his mind, he was doing somersaults. 

Oh. My. God. This was actually happening.

He could hardly believe the words had left his mouth. His palms were sweaty, his knee bouncing slightly beneath the circle where everyone sat. He hadn’t thought Levy would actually do it. He hadn’t thought she’d dare that.

And now Lucy was sitting there—frozen. Her face flushed, her hands clenched in her lap. He could tell by the way she avoided his eyes that she was panicking, and suddenly, all the bravado he’d been holding onto evaporated.

He leaned in, trying to act like it was no big deal. Just a stupid dare. Just a stupid game.

But he could smell her shampoo—the fruity kind she always used. And his cologne suddenly felt way too strong, like it was choking both of them. Her eyes were squeezed shut like she was bracing for impact.

So he kept it quick. Barely even a brush of his lips against hers.

And just like that, he pulled back.

It had lasted maybe a second, if that, but it felt like time had folded in on itself. He sat back into place and rubbed the back of his neck like he always did when he was flustered. Everyone around them burst out laughing and making kissy faces, but his eyes were on Lucy. She was stock-still, cheeks burning. He could practically feel her heart slamming inside her chest from across the circle.

He hated how she wouldn’t look at him. Was it really that bad?

Trying to shake it off, he reached forward and spun the bottle, hoping it would land on someone random and they could just move on. But nope.

It landed on Gray and Lisanna.

Great.

Gray smirked at him like he already knew what kind of storm he was about to stir. “Lis, I dare you… to kiss the cutest guy in the room.”

Cue the dramatic oohing.

Natsu’s stomach twisted. He glanced at Lucy, who was staring blankly ahead like she wasn’t even in the same reality anymore. His chest tightened.

He didn’t know what he wanted Lisanna to do. Laugh it off, maybe. Joke about Gray being the cutest. Pick anyone else.

But then she looked around, cheeks pink, and leaned in toward him.

She kissed him.

Not a quick one. Not a dare-level peck. A full-on, definite, intentional kiss.

And Natsu froze.

His brain short-circuited. Somewhere, the guys were hollering and slapping him on the back, but he couldn’t really feel it. He forced a grin—because wasn’t that what he was supposed to do? Wasn’t this kind of cool? He’d just been kissed by Lisanna Strauss. His childhood friend. Everyone thought she was cute. He should be happy.

But then he saw Lucy.

Correction: he saw Lucy leave.

She wasn’t smiling. Wasn’t laughing. She was already halfway to the porch, sitting on the steps with her knees pulled to her chest, staring at the moon like she wanted it to swallow her whole.

Everyone else dispersed eventually, the game fizzling out, the buzz dying down. He said something dumb about walking Lisanna home—because it was dark and it felt like the right thing to do—but the truth was, he didn’t know what else to do.

When he turned back, Lucy was already gone.

Was that it? Was that where everything went downhill?

Natsu woke up with a gasp, drenched in sweat, heart pounding like he’d just run a mile barefoot through broken glass.

No.
He thought to himself.
That couldn’t have been where everything went wrong. That was too long ago.

But the dream clung to him like smoke. Even as his alarm blared and the early morning light filtered in through his curtains, it stayed. He blinked hard, once, twice, trying to clear the weight behind his eyes. It didn’t work.

He dragged himself out of bed with the grace of a zombie, his limbs stiff, his brain even stiffer. The floor was cold. The house was quiet. He didn’t bother checking his phone.

The kitchen smelled like toast. Not because someone made any—but because someone should have. He stood in front of the fridge for a full minute before realizing he wasn’t actually hungry. He grabbed a bottle of water instead and leaned against the counter, sipping slowly, eyes staring through the cabinets.

He couldn’t shake her face. Fourteen-year-old Lucy. Glow sticks in her hair. Lips pressed tight like she was holding her breath.
And then—
Her on the porch steps.
And now—
The way she looked yesterday, too proud to look at him for more than a second. Too distant. Too careful.

He ran a hand through his hair and muttered something under his breath. He didn’t even know what. Just sound. Anything to break the silence.

Get moving.

He got dressed in a daze. Hoodie. Sneakers. Didn’t care if they matched. Zipped his bag. Left the house.

The sky was too blue. The wind was too warm. The world felt wrong, like it hadn’t been part of the dream and was now pretending nothing had happened.

He didn’t even realize he’d taken the long way to school until he was already halfway through it—cutting behind the park, past the chain-link fence by the courts, sneakers dragging slightly with every step.

Natsu didn’t feel tired exactly. Just… out of sync. Like the dream had plucked something loose inside him and now everything was rattling.
Why that night?
Why now?

It didn’t make sense.
He hadn’t thought about it in years. At least, not like that.
Not with that kind of weight.

But maybe his brain knew something he didn’t. Maybe that was when things had started to shift, even if no one noticed it at the time.

He blew out a breath and stared up at the sky, walking without really seeing where he was going.

There was no fixing it now.
Right?

He shoved his hands in his pockets and kept walking.

Maybe it was some other time.

The party?

Natsu leaned back in the chair, remembering his shock seeing Lucy in the sea of bodies and flashing colors. 

He never had to lie to Igneel about where he was going. He would simply get an eyeroll and a quick “don’t get arrested and don’t operate any heavy machinery” lecture before heading out the door like he was some construction worker. 

He was well acquainted with the groups of people that usually attended the same parties, it was a regular group. 

What he didn’t expect to find, however, was the sole Heartfilia heir cozied up to a guy he’d never seen before. 

There she was, standing in the middle of the madness like she didn’t belong. She was dressed in a black top and jeans, her hair perfectly in place, looking more like a porcelain doll in a sea of rough-and-tumble teenagers. A vision of restraint. Too good for this place, for these people.

Lucy Heartfilia. Jude’s princess and pride and joy, standing in a dingy basement that had a healthy layer of old alcohol and other unknown substances caked into the floor. 

He also didn’t expect the nausea that followed soon after said realization. He stood too close to her, his hand brushing the small of her back, his fingers curled in a way that sent a chill crawling up Natsu’s spine. He could feel the surge of something he couldn’t name building in his chest. Anger? Protectiveness? Both. Probably both.

“Natsu?” He remembered Lisanna call to him in the haze of his anger. “You okay, babe? You’re squeezing your drink kinda hard there.” He had looked down to see his red solo twisted and mangled, it’s contents a hair away from ending up on the floor. He flashed her a hurried smile before looking up at Lucy again. Unknown-Man had started to lean in and, Natsu’s utter confusion and horror, Lucy had started to lean in too.

Before he could stop himself he was already in the guys face, threatening to break his nose. What was he doing?

Before he could even react, Lisanna appeared out of nowhere, stumbling toward her with that drunken giggle that always seemed to follow her around at these parties.

"Lucy!" Lisanna wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug that was a bit too much for the situation. The scent of alcohol hit Natsu’s nose, and he immediately stepped closer, his posture stiffening.

"Lisanna," he muttered under his breath, not sure whether to be irritated or amused. It was always like this with her—wild, unrestrained, totally unpredictable.

But Lucy didn’t seem to have the energy to laugh. She hesitated for a moment, returning the hug awkwardly, her smile strained as she spoke. "Uh, yeah, I missed you too, Lisanna."

Natsu watched, his irritation still simmering beneath the surface, and when Lucy pulled away, his eyes locked onto hers. He could see it now—her unease, the way her shoulders were pulled tight like she wanted to disappear.

Then, his gaze shifted to Lisanna, who had already started to sway slightly, her grip still warm on Lucy’s arm. Natsu shook his head. He wasn’t about to let this go.

His voice cut through the noise like a knife. "Lucy, what the hell are you doing here?" His words were sharper than he intended, but they came out anyway. It wasn’t just about the party. It wasn’t even about Lisanna or the drink in Lucy’s hand. It was about her—the way she looked too young for this. Too innocent for whatever mess this party was about to become.

Her eyes flashed at him. The words were already on the tip of her tongue. "I’m not a kid, Natsu," she snapped, her grip tightening on her cup like it was some kind of shield. "I know how to handle myself. You don’t need to tell me what to do."

For a moment, Natsu froze. It wasn’t the words that stung—it was the way she looked at him. Like he was just some annoying older brother figure, like he didn’t have a reason to care. But he did care. He always had.

He softened his tone, but the undercurrent of concern was still there, simmering beneath the surface. "It’s not about that," he said quietly. "I just don’t want you getting caught up in things you won’t be able to get out of."

But she wasn’t hearing him. Her eyes blazed with anger. "I don’t need your help, Natsu. I’m not some fragile little girl. I can take care of myself."

The words hit harder than he expected, and for a moment, his chest felt like it was caving in. He watched her turn, the irritation still fresh in his mind, but the pain of her rejection gnawing at his gut. She brushed past him without a second glance, the tension between them thickening with every step she took.

Natsu stood there for a moment longer than he should’ve, his heart pounding in his chest.

He didn’t want to feel like this. He didn’t want to feel the disappointment bubbling up like a poison in his veins.

Natsu had been trying to push aside the gnawing feeling in his gut ever since Lucy disappeared into the closet with Taiga. The party was still buzzing around him, the music pulsing in the background, but he couldn’t shake the image of her with him—him—looking like they were in some kind of secret world.

He didn’t know why it bothered him. Maybe it was the way Taiga had looked at Lucy like she was a prize he was claiming, or maybe it was just the fact that Lucy had been so willing to go along with it. Either way, his irritation was simmering beneath the surface, and he couldn’t focus on anything else.

When the closet door finally creaked open, he wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t the sight of Lucy and Taiga stepping out, both of them looking way too comfortable with each other. The warmth of the party seemed to drain out of the space the moment their eyes met. Her gaze locked onto his, and Natsu felt a flicker of something deep in his chest—something tight and uncomfortable.

He glanced between her and Taiga, his brow furrowing as he took in the scene. What the hell had just happened in there? His thoughts were interrupted as his eyes zeroed in on Taiga, noticing something that made his stomach turn.

He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms as he gave a half-smirk. "Well, well," he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You’ve got some glitter on your lips there, man."

Lucy froze, and Natsu couldn’t help but notice the way her cheeks flushed pink. A slow, almost imperceptible swipe of her finger over her lips confirmed his suspicion. Lip gloss. Of course.

Damn it.

Taiga didn’t seem to care at all about the attention, flashing a lazy grin as he wiped his thumb across his lips, the sparkly residue catching the light. His eyes flicked to Lucy, a smirk curling at the corners of his mouth. "Guess you could say it’s thanks to Lucy," he said, the words deliberately sharp, almost like a challenge.

Natsu’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he tried to read between the lines. Was that just a joke? Or was there more to it? His gaze flicked to Lucy, her discomfort obvious, and something inside him flared. He knew she’d probably laugh it off, act like it didn’t bother her, but it did bother her. He could see it in the way her eyes darted away.

"Is that so?" Natsu’s voice was low, the teasing lilt still there, but now there was something darker beneath it. Something protective. And maybe a little... jealous? He wasn’t sure. All he knew was that seeing Taiga act so casual about it made something in him snap.

Lisanna, who had been distracted by her phone, finally looked up, her usual cheerful smile gracing her face as she waved at Lucy. "Hey, Lucy! Having fun?" she asked, blissfully unaware of the tension simmering in the air.

Lucy forced a smile, but Natsu could tell it was one of those “I’m fine” smiles that never quite fooled anyone. "Yeah, yeah. Definitely," she replied, her voice lacking the usual energy, and he could tell she was just trying to dodge the conversation entirely.

Taiga seemed to sense the awkwardness, and with a lazy nod, he backed away, his smirk still in place as he spoke. "I’m just gonna grab a drink. Catch you later, Lucy."

"Yeah, sure," Lucy muttered, her words quiet, almost absent.

As soon as Taiga was out of earshot, Lucy turned her attention back to Natsu, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world narrowed down to just the two of them. The air between them was thick, charged with something neither of them could quite put into words. Natsu shifted, leaning forward just slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied her.

"So," he started, his voice casual but with that same sharp edge. "You and Taiga, huh?"

He couldn’t help the teasing tone that slipped out, but beneath it, there was something else—something that felt raw and a little too exposed. His heart was beating a little faster, but he wasn’t sure if it was from irritation or something else entirely. Maybe it was jealousy. Maybe it was protectiveness. Hell, maybe it was both.

Lucy’s response was immediate, sharp. "What, are you jealous or something?" she shot back, crossing her arms in a clear defensive gesture.

Natsu blinked, surprised by the intensity of her reaction. "I—No!" he sputtered, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I’m just asking, that’s all."

Her eyes narrowed even further, her annoyance practically radiating off her. "It’s none of your business," she muttered under her breath, and without waiting for a response, she turned away from him, walking off with a small shake of her head.

Natsu stood there, his stomach twisting in a way he didn’t like. What was this? Why was he feeling like this? Why did it matter so much that she’d been with Taiga in the first place?

The image of her walking out of the closet, her lips still shimmering with that damn glitter, kept replaying in his mind. Taiga’s stupid smirk. The way Lucy had looked at him, almost apologetic, but not quite. She hadn’t said a word to explain it, just brushed it off like it was nothing. But for some reason, it wasn’t nothing to him.

Maybe that’s why he’d shown up at her house later that night—hell, it was probably the reason he’d crawled into her room, trying to make sense of the mess of thoughts swirling in his head.

Maybe he’d gone in there to pick a fight, to get something out of her, something that would make sense of what he was feeling.

But as he watched her retreat, her arms folded tightly across her chest, his words didn’t come out the way he planned. There was anger in his tone, but underneath it, there was something else. Something that felt a lot more vulnerable than he was used to.

He didn’t know what he wanted. He didn’t know what any of this meant, but it mattered. It mattered a hell of a lot.

Was that it? Was it the party? Was it the way Lucy had walked out of that closet, her lips still glistening with that damn glitter? Or was it something deeper? He didn’t know.
But the more he tried to think, the more his thoughts tangled up, slipping away faster than he could grasp them.

“Natsuuuu.”
Lisanna’s voice broke through his haze, and before he could even react, a soft flick landed on his forehead.
He blinked, looking up at her, momentarily disoriented. “Huh?”
“You zoned out again.” Lisanna’s face was inches from his, her eyes narrowing playfully. “What’s got you so deep in thought? You’re making me feel like I’m not even here.”
Natsu rubbed his forehead, trying to act casual. “Just tired, that’s all.”
Lisanna raised an eyebrow. “Tired? You’re the one who suggested we come to this café after school. You’ve barely said two words since we sat down.”
He shifted uncomfortably, glancing down at his half-empty cup of coffee. “I guess I’m just... distracted.”
Lisanna smiled knowingly, leaning back in her chair. “Well, when you’re done thinking about whatever it is that’s got you so worked up, maybe we can actually talk. For now, you owe me a proper date conversation.”
Natsu exhaled slowly. He should’ve just told her what was on his mind. About how his head was still full of Lucy, how everything that had happened between them kept replaying like some broken record. How he couldn’t stop thinking about the way she’d looked at him that night, how she looked at Taiga now.

But that wasn’t something he could say, not to Lisanna. Not when she was sitting right there, looking at him like he was the only thing that mattered in the room.

“I guess I’ve just got a lot going on,” he said quietly, still avoiding her gaze. “School stuff. Personal stuff.” His voice trailed off. It was as if the more he spoke, the harder it became to pretend everything was normal.

Lisanna didn’t press. Instead, she reached out, her hand gently resting on top of his. “Natsu,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “You know you can talk to me, right?”

He nodded, but he wasn’t sure he could. Not about what was really eating at him.

After a few seconds of silence, Lisanna pulled her hand back, a small sigh escaping her. “Well, you know, you don’t have to pretend everything’s fine if it’s not. I care about you.”

Natsu’s chest tightened. There it was again—her words, so easy and full of warmth. It should’ve made him feel lighter, but instead, it just made that knot inside him grow tighter. He didn’t know what to say, how to explain that his mind was still spinning around Lucy, that no matter how many times he tried to push it away, the tension between them refused to fade.

“Lisanna…” Natsu started, but he was cut off by a sudden, familiar voice.

“Natsu!”

He turned his head, the sight of Gray and Juvia entering the café making his stomach drop. Great.

Juvia was practically glowing as she waved at them, and Gray was walking behind her, his usual grumpy look softened by Juvia’s cheerful presence. Lisanna’s expression brightened at the sight of them, and she quickly waved them over. “Hey, guys! You should join us!”

Gray, always the joker, grinned as he approached. “Hey, Natsu, getting some quality time with Lisanna, huh?” He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by something.

Lisanna laughed, nudging Natsu’s arm playfully. “We’re just talking,” she said, her tone light, but Natsu could sense that she was trying to cover up the awkwardness that had hung between them.

Gray plopped down at the table next to Lisanna, with Juvia sitting beside him. “Well, if it’s a private conversation, we can go somewhere else,” Gray teased, crossing his arms.

Juvia giggled, glancing at Natsu with a warm smile. “You two look like you were having a deep discussion,” she said sweetly.

Natsu gave a tight smile, but he felt the knot in his chest tighten again. Lucy. It was still there, lingering like a shadow in the corner of his mind. He forced himself to focus on the present, to talk to Gray and Juvia, to enjoy the moment with Lisanna. But it wasn’t that simple.

He kept catching himself staring at Lisanna, trying to convince himself that what he felt for her was real, that he was meant to be here with her. But then, there was the moment when he’d seen Lucy and Taiga together earlier, the glitter on Taiga’s lips still burned in his mind, and he hated it. He hated the way it made him feel like he was losing something he never even knew he wanted in the first place.

The laughter around him grew louder, but it felt distant. He tried to laugh along, to pretend that everything was okay, but all he could hear was the soft, distant echo of his own thoughts.

What the hell was wrong with him?

⥈↭⥈

Natsu got his answer two months later.

After falling on his ass more times than he’d care to admit, he’d finally surrendered to the fact that ice skating wasn’t his thing.

His hands were frozen, his jeans were soaked from landing hard on the cold surface, and he was pretty sure his dignity had taken permanent damage.

 He’d dragged himself off the ice, groaning under his breath, and propped his elbows against the cold railing, catching his breath while the rest of the group zipped and stumbled their way around the rink.

He hadn’t meant to look for her.

But his eyes, like they had a mind of their own, found her instantly.

Lucy.

She was in the middle of the rink, holding Levy’s hands as they slowly turned in a wide, clumsy circle. Lucy was laughing—real, unguarded laughter that lit up her whole face. Her scarf was wrapped up to her nose, and her hair was pulled back under a knit beanie, strands of golden blonde catching the fading light. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, her eyes squinting as she smiled.

He hadn’t meant to watch her. Honestly.

But it was like his gaze just... found her.

She wobbled, nearly lost her balance, and Levy caught her arm with a squeal.  They both burst out laughing, gripping each other tighter to stay upright, and Natsu felt something shift in his chest—small at first, like the click of a lock turning.

After a minute, Lucy made her way off the ice, her skates clicking against the rubber walkway. She stepped aside from the group, pulling out her phone with frozen fingers. A second later, her face lit up at whatever she saw on the screen.

She stifled a laugh, her shoulders shaking as she typed something quickly in response. Another message came through almost instantly, and this time she couldn’t hide the grin. Her cheeks were already flushed from the cold, but something about the way she bit her lip while reading made his stomach turn.

Natsu narrowed his eyes.

He could guess who it was. He didn’t even need to ask.

Taiga.

He was probably off somewhere warm and dry, texting her something stupid and smug that she clearly found hilarious.

Natsu’s jaw clenched.

He told himself it wasn’t a big deal. Just a dumb message. Just a normal conversation between friends. Maybe not even that. Maybe it wasn’t Taiga.

But the tight feeling that settled in his chest didn’t go away.

Not when she laughed again.

Not when she brushed her hair back and smiled at her screen like it was the best thing she’d seen all day.

And especially not when she looked happier standing there with her phone than she had talking to him in weeks.

Natsu looked away, digging his hands deeper into his coat pockets, his brows drawn low.

He didn’t know what that feeling was.

But he hated it.

Natsu sat in his room that night, thoroughly confused.

The clock on his nightstand glowed 1:47 AM, its harsh red light stabbing through the dark like a reminder that he should’ve been asleep hours ago. But he couldn’t. The dreams had been getting worse lately—disjointed flashes of things he didn’t want to see, voices he couldn’t block out, and always that same feeling of being too late for something he didn’t fully understand. It had gotten to the point where even closing his eyes felt like inviting a nightmare.

But tonight, it wasn’t the dreams keeping him up.

It was Lucy.

He sat hunched forward on his bed, elbows on his knees, hands tugging through his hair with growing frustration. His room was quiet except for the occasional creak of the house settling and the distant hum of traffic outside his window. But in his head, everything was loud.

Why was the thought of Lucy with Taiga—no, with any guy—bothering him so much?

It wasn’t like she belonged to him. She could talk to whoever she wanted. She could date, flirt, kiss, do whatever. He didn’t own her. He wasn’t her boyfriend. Hell, half the time he couldn’t even get a straight answer from her without saying something stupid first. So why the hell did it feel like something in his chest twisted every time he saw her laughing at her phone?

He threw himself back onto the bed with a groan, staring at the ceiling like it might hold the answer.

“Get a grip,” he muttered, but even his voice sounded uncertain.

Maybe it was because he still remembered that damn party. The way her eyes had flared when she snapped at him. The way she stormed past him without a second glance. The way Taiga had said thanks to Lucy with that smug, knowing look like he was bragging about something. That stupid glitter. That smile.

Natsu clenched his fists in the sheets.

It didn’t make sense.

“Fuck,” he muttered, digging his palms into his eyes hoping the slight pain would silence his mind.

Did he—

No.

He couldn’t.

He shouldn’t. Not when he knew exactly how it would turn out. But he still couldn’t shake the feeling that he did. 

“I Love Lucy!” Igneel hollered from the living room. “Natsu, come downstairs! I Love Lucy is having a rerun!”

Natsu jumped out of his skin.

His heart practically launched itself into his throat as he whipped around toward the door, disoriented for a second before his brain caught up with what he’d just heard.

“I—what?!”

“I Love Lucy ! Rerun’s starting!” Igneel called again from the living room, completely oblivious to the existential crisis his son was having upstairs.

Natsu collapsed back onto his bed, a groan muffled into the pillow.

“I swear he does this on purpose,” he muttered into the fabric, his face burning. “Old geezer’s gonna kill me with a heart attack.”

Still, the timing was too damn ironic.

He rolled over, staring at the ceiling again, feeling the heat crawl up his neck. The words he’d tried so hard to shove down were now echoing through his head in stereo, thanks to a 1950s sitcom title. And the worst part? It didn’t even feel wrong.

Not when he pictured her face. Not when he remembered the glitter on Taiga’s lips. Not when she smiled at her phone and it wasn’t because of something he said.

He ran a hand through his hair, letting it flop messily over his forehead.

Maybe he was doomed from the start.

With a resigned sigh, he sat up and dragged himself to the door. “I’m coming, old man!” he called down, voice rough from everything he wasn’t saying.

If nothing else, maybe a little black-and-white TV could distract him from the fact that he might’ve just realized the one thing he absolutely didn’t want to admit.

He was falling for Lucy Heartfilia. Maybe he already had. And there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it.

He trudged out of his room, rubbing his eyes and muttering under his breath as he headed down the stairs. He had half a mind to collapse on the couch and pretend he hadn’t just had a full-blown emotional crisis over a girl he wasn’t even supposed to like.

But something in him was buzzing—restless. That kind of tension that didn’t go away until he did something about it.

So instead of turning toward the living room and Igneel’s laugh track echoing off the walls, he made a sharp turn into the kitchen. He yanked open the junk drawer, digging through pens, highlighters, sticky notes, and the occasional expired coupon in search of anything that would let him get the words out of his head and onto a page.

If he couldn’t say it, maybe he could write it.

He grabbed the first working pen he could find and was about to shut the drawer when something glossy caught his eye.

A thick, cream-colored envelope—fancy, expensive. His name was scribbled across the front in soft cursive ink.

He blinked, reaching for it and flipping it over.

Inside was a wedding invitation.

“You are joyfully invited to the wedding of Elena and Ha—”

Natsu stopped reading.

His eyes stuck on the looping calligraphy, the letters blurred as a low static buzz began to rise in his ears. His fingers curled tighter around the edge of the invitation, the paper crumpling slightly under the pressure.

His mom was getting married.

Elena and Haru. A new name. A new family.

She was moving on—building a life that didn’t include Igneel, or him, at least not in the same way. And maybe she deserved it. Maybe they all did. But it still felt like someone had kicked the air out of his lungs.

His chest tightened, and for a second it felt like the whole room was tilting.

The sound of footsteps behind him barely registered until Igneel’s voice cut through the ringing.

“Jesus Christ, Natsu,” his father muttered, clearly annoyed. “How hard is it to grab a fucking p—” He trailed off the second he saw the invitation clenched in Natsu’s fist.

“Natsu,” Igneel said, quieter now. “I didn’t know how to tell you, I—”

But Natsu was already turning on his heel, already gone.

He burst out the front door into the cold night. The snow had started falling again, heavier than before—fat, wet flakes that clung to his lashes and soaked into the thin cotton of his hoodie. He had on basketball shorts. Slippers. No coat. No gloves. But he didn’t feel it.

He couldn’t.

He didn’t know where he was going. He didn’t care. His thoughts were too loud and too tangled to unravel, and the cold didn’t bite so much as it drowned.

The roads were coated in white, streetlights flickering like tired eyes. His feet led him on muscle memory alone—past familiar corners, across icy pavement—until, finally, the trees broke open and the lake stretched before him.

Lake Argen. Frozen now, but he could still see it in his mind—green and gold in the summer, sunlight glittering off the surface. He and Lucy used to race to the far end, splashing and shouting, until their parents hollered for them to come out before they caught a cold.

That was years ago. But standing there now, watching the wind whip snow across the glassy surface, he could still hear her laugh echoing between the trees.

He dropped to the edge of the lake and sat, ignoring the way the frost bit into his legs through the fabric. His breath came in foggy bursts. He didn’t cry. He didn’t scream. He just… stared.

And that scared him more than anything.

He wasn’t sure how long he sat there—minutes, maybe hours—but eventually he heard snow crunching behind him.

At first he thought he imagined it. A hallucination conjured by the cold.

But then he heard her voice.

“Natsu?”

He turned slowly.

Lucy stood there, bundled in a long coat with a beanie pulled low over her ears, scarf bunched around her neck. Her breath curled in the air like smoke. She took a cautious step forward.

“I figured I might find you here.”

Natsu blinked at her, lips chapped and hands red with cold. “How?”

She shrugged a little. “I always find you.”

He swallowed hard, throat dry. “Did Igneel call you?”

She nodded grimly, lips pulled into a thin line. “He came over as soon as you left. I’ve never seen him look so frantic before.”

He looked away, jaw clenched. The wind stung his face, but he welcomed the pain. “I just needed air.”

Lucy didn’t speak for a moment. Then she moved closer, slowly, and sat beside him in the snow. She didn’t say anything else. Not for a while. Then she sighed and stood up, brushing the snow off her coat and extended her hand to him.

“Come on, you’ll get hypothermia if you stay out here any longer.”

She began to turn away when he grabbed the edge of her coat, voice small. “I don’t—I don’t wanna go home. Not now.”

Lucy paused, her breath curling into the night air. She didn’t look at him right away, but she gently covered his hand where it clutched her coat.

“Okay,” she said softly. “Then come with me.”

Her house was quiet when they got there, the kind of stillness that made every creak of the stairs feel louder than it should’ve. Lucy helped him slip out of his soaked hoodie, his fingers stiff and red from the cold. She gave him a look of mild exasperation, then tugged his arm gently toward the bathroom.

“I’ll get the water running. Don’t argue.”

She disappeared down the hall while he stood awkwardly in the entryway, snow melting in a small puddle at his feet. A moment later, she reappeared with a bundle of clothes folded against her chest.

“They’re yours,” she said as she passed them to him. “I found them in the back of my closet.”

He stared at the old T-shirt and sweatpants. The shirt was from a summer camp they’d both gone to when they were maybe eleven or twelve. It was faded and soft from years of washing. The sweatpants were navy with a small bleach stain near the knee.

“They might be a little tight,” Lucy added, almost apologetically. “You were way scrawnier back then.”

Natsu managed the barest twitch of a smile. “Thanks.”

The hot shower stung at first—his skin almost numb from the cold—but it was grounding. He stayed under the spray longer than he meant to, letting the steam clear the static in his brain. When he stepped out and pulled the old clothes on, he realized Lucy wasn’t kidding. The shirt hugged his chest and the sleeves barely hit his elbows. The pants were fine, if a little short.

He padded quietly down the hall, hair damp and sticking to his forehead. The living room light was dimmed, and he noticed Igneel asleep on the couch, Lucy’s cat curled up on his chest like he belonged there.

Lucy was waiting for him in her room. She’d changed into pajamas—an oversized sweater and flannel pants—and was sitting cross-legged on the bed, scrolling through something on her phone. She looked up as he entered.

“Better?”

He nodded and collapsed onto the beanbag in the corner.

For a while, neither of them spoke. The clock ticked softly. A car passed outside. And then Natsu exhaled shakily and said it.

“My mom’s getting remarried.”

Lucy looked up slowly.

“I found the invitation tonight. That’s what I went downstairs for. A pen. But instead, I found that.”

Her eyes softened. “Natsu…”

“She’s getting married to some guy named Haru,” he went on, voice flat. “I guess they’ve been seeing each other for a while, and I just—didn’t know. Igneel didn’t know how to tell me. So he just… didn’t.”

He didn’t sound angry. Not really. Just tired. Hurt in a way he didn’t know how to describe.

“She’s allowed to be happy,” he added quickly, more to himself than to her. “I know that. I do. It’s just… weird. I thought maybe… I dunno. I thought things were finally okay. That we were okay.”

Lucy slipped off the bed and sat beside him, pulling the blanket off her shoulders and draping it around them both.

“It’s okay that it hurts,” she said quietly. “Even if you understand it. Even if you want her to be happy.”

He didn’t respond right away. Just leaned into her side slightly, head dipping forward until his hair brushed her shoulder. Her presence steadied him in a way the hot shower couldn’t.

They sat like that for a long time.

“They were high school sweethearts,” Natsu blurted. Lucy looked at him, eyebrow raised. “My parents—they were high school sweethearts. They grew up together too, next door neighbors.” He was just rambling on now.

“My mom used to tell me how she was head-over-heels for him the moment they met. Igneel never knew though, he was always oblivious.” He laughed hollowly before adding, “I guess I take after him in that aspect.” Lucy had gone still beside him. He could feel her breath hitch in her throat as he continued on.

“Then one day—middle school graduation—my mom confessed. She marched up to him and kissed him in front of their entire class.”

Lucy’s eyes widened slightly at the image, a flush rising to her cheeks despite herself.

“She did what?” she whispered.

Natsu gave a dry chuckle, eyes fixed on a spot on the carpet. “Yeah. Said she didn’t want to go into high school wondering ‘what if.’ Said if she was gonna get rejected, she might as well get it over with in the most dramatic way possible.”

Lucy let out a shaky laugh. “That… kind of sounds like something I’d do.”

He smiled at that—small, crooked, but real. “He kissed her back, you know. Right there. Said it took him four years to catch up, but once he did, he didn’t want to waste any more time.”

There was a long pause.

“That’s why this hurts so much,” he said finally, voice quiet. “They made it work. Through everything. So when she left, it felt like all of that just… unraveled. Like it didn’t mean anything. And now she’s marrying someone else and I don’t even know what that’s supposed to mean anymore.”

He swallowed hard, his voice cracking slightly. “What if it all just falls apart anyway? No matter how much you care?”

Lucy’s hand, warm beneath the blanket, found his. She didn’t squeeze or say anything right away. Just let the silence stretch between them, gentle and full.

“It meant something,” she said at last. “Even if it ended. That doesn’t erase everything they had. Or what they built together. Love doesn’t have to last forever to be real.”

Natsu looked at her then, eyes raw and uncertain.

“You really think that?”

She nodded. “I do. And I think… just because something ended doesn’t mean something new can’t begin. It’s okay to be scared of that. I think your mom probably is too.”

He didn’t answer right away, but she felt the weight of his head come to rest lightly against her shoulder again. This time, his fingers tightened around hers.

“Thanks, Luce,” he murmured.

She smiled faintly, resting her cheek against the top of his head. “Always.”

Outside, the snow continued to fall, soft and silent. Inside, for the first time in what felt like weeks, Natsu let himself breathe.

⥈↭⥈

Natsu hated weddings. This was his first one, but he could already tell attending one wasn’t his thing. He had argued with Igneel like a toddler earlier that morning. His suit was scratchy and he felt like the bowtie was purposely trying to strangle him.

He stood near the back of the venue, off to the side, where he could still see the flower arrangements but wasn’t quite in the middle of everything. He had managed to dodge a few guests so far by pretending to check his phone, but it only worked for so long.

“There you are,” He looked up to see Zeref wearing an identical suit, looking equally uncomfortable. Natsu gave him a firm nod and nothing else. The late January air was already cold, but the air between Natsu and his older brother was colder.

“How’s college?” 

Natsu stopped and started at his brother. “Zeref, I’m still in high school.”

Zeref blinked, then dragged a hand down his face, muttering, “Right. Sorry. Long week.”

Natsu didn’t answer. He didn’t need to. The silence between them said enough.

They stood there like that for a minute—Zeref fidgeting with the cuffs of his suit jacket, Natsu staring hard at the pavement as if it had personally offended him.

“You look like you’re about to bolt,” Zeref said finally.

Natsu shrugged. “I might.”

Zeref huffed out a quiet laugh, but there was no real humor in it. “Figures. I tried to sneak out during the rehearsal dinner and got guilt-tripped into helping with place cards instead.”

Natsu let out a small snort. “You didn’t do a great job. They spelled my name wrong.”

“That was your mom. She said the cursive was more ‘elegant.’”

They both went quiet again. The chatter from inside spilled out each time the door opened—laughter, music, muffled toasts. The weight of the day settled heavier on Natsu’s chest with every second.

“People keep asking me if I’m excited,” Natsu muttered.

Zeref glanced at him. “And are you?”

“No.” His voice came out low, raw. “I don’t want a new family. I just want mine to stay the same.”

Zeref didn’t say anything right away. He looked out toward the trees, the frozen lake just barely visible beyond them.

“I get it,” he said eventually. “It sucks. Even if the guy’s decent. Even if she’s happy. It still sucks.”

Natsu swallowed. That tight feeling in his throat was back again, the one that made it hard to breathe when people smiled at him too long.

Zeref elbowed him gently. “If you need to disappear for a bit… no one’s gonna stop you.”

Natsu looked up at him. “You sure?”

Zeref nodded. “I’ll cover for you. Just don’t do anything too dumb.”

Natsu gave a faint, crooked grin. “No promises.” But Natsu didn’t move.

He stayed planted, the cold seeping in through the soles of his dress shoes, grounding him in a way nothing else could. The wind tugged lightly at the collar of his shirt, and he adjusted it in irritation, though the discomfort wasn’t really from the cold or the stiff suit.

Zeref didn’t leave either.

For once, he didn’t try to fill the silence with advice or overly mature big brother talk. He just stood there, hands shoved into his pockets, watching the guests mill about through the frosted glass windows.

“Like… I’d come home and see your graduation photo in the hallway. Or I’d find one of your old hoodies buried in the laundry. And I knew your name. I knew we were brothers. But it felt like we were just... ghosts to each other.”

Natsu’s voice caught in his throat, something thick and unwelcome rising in his chest.

He glanced down at his hands, fingers trembling slightly in the cold. “I remember coming to Sendai for the first time. I was ten. The house was too quiet. Everything was clean, too clean—like no one really lived there. Mom was always working, and Igneel was still in Tokyo wrapping up the divorce stuff. So it was just me. Alone.”

He rubbed at his sleeve, eyes distant.

“I used to wander around the house, open doors just to see if you'd left anything behind. I found your old bookshelf once. It still smelled like dust and cologne. Your notebooks were still on the desk like you'd just gotten up and left in the middle of doing homework. I’d sit in your chair sometimes. Try to imagine what you were like. What it would've been like if we’d grown up together for longer.”

He let out a shaky laugh. “But I didn’t know you. Not really. You were just this… idea in my head. The older brother who disappeared.”

Zeref stayed quiet beside him, but his expression had shifted—his usual impassive calm cracking at the edges.

“I wanted to hate you,” Natsu admitted, his voice lower now. “But I didn’t. I couldn’t. I just missed something I never even had.” 

Zeref was quiet for a long moment. When he spoke, his voice was lower, less guarded.

“I used to send you letters, you know. After the divorce.”

Natsu turned his head sharply. “What?”

“I did. Every couple months at first. Dumb stuff. Comics I liked, updates from school, questions about your classes. Mom said it was better to let you settle into your new life without me confusing things.”

“Why didn’t you keep sending them?”

Zeref let out a hollow laugh. “They all got sent back. ‘Return to Sender.’ After the third one, I gave up.”

Natsu’s stomach dropped. He looked away, fingers curling into fists again.

“I didn’t even know,” he whispered. “Nobody told me.”

“I figured,” Zeref said softly. “By the time we saw each other again… it was like we didn’t know how to talk anymore.”

Natsu swallowed hard. His throat was burning now, and it wasn’t from the cold.

“I was angry for a long time,” he admitted. “At Mom. At Dad. At you. I thought you just left. Like you didn’t want to be my brother anymore.”

Zeref’s jaw clenched. “I never stopped being your brother, Natsu.”

Natsu blinked rapidly, the world blurring for a split second before he caught himself.

“Yeah. Well. You sucked at showing it.”

Zeref laughed again, and this time it was real—quiet and tired and sad. “Yeah. I did.”

They both stood in the silence that followed, raw and vulnerable and exposed in a way neither of them had allowed themselves to be in years.

“Maybe we can try again,” Zeref said at last. “I’m not saying it’ll be perfect. But I don’t wanna keep being a stranger you happen to share a face with.”

Natsu glanced at him. The bowtie was crooked on Zeref’s neck, and his hair was messy from running his hands through it too many times.

For the first time in a long time, Natsu didn’t just see the perfect older brother who left—he saw a kid, just like him, trying to make sense of a family that broke apart.

“Yeah,” he muttered. “We can try.”

A rustle of silk and the sharp scent of roses preceded her.

“There you boys are,” came a familiar voice, warm but slightly breathless. Natsu looked up to see his mom—Elena—gliding toward them in her cream-colored dress, makeup still flawless despite the whirlwind of guests.

Her eyes lit up when she reached them. “I’ve been looking all over for you two.”

Zeref straightened slightly, giving her a gentle smile. Natsu offered only a brief nod.

Before either could respond, she turned slightly, beckoning to someone behind her. “Natsu, sweetheart, I want you to meet Haru—my husband now, I guess.” Her smile wavered for just a second as if she were still adjusting to the word.

Haru stepped up beside her, his dark hair swept neatly back, a soft, easygoing smile on his face. “It’s really good to finally meet you, Natsu,” he said, offering his hand.

Natsu hesitated for a second—then shook it, polite but distant. “Yeah. You too.”

“And these are my girls,” Haru added as two younger kids peeked out from behind him, both wearing flower crowns and matching lilac dresses. One clung shyly to his leg, the other waved with both hands like she was trying to fly. “This is Minako,” he said, patting the older one’s head, “and that’s Emi.”

“They’re a little hyped up on juice and cake,” Elena laughed, crouching to fix Emi’s dress strap before standing again. “Oh! And Haru has a son too, from a previous marriage. He’s around your age actually, Natsu. He’s probably off brooding in a corner somewhere.”

“Brooding’s his specialty,” Haru added with a chuckle, shaking his head. “We’ll track him down before the night’s over.”

Natsu forced a smile, but the ringing in his ears had returned faintly, and his throat felt tight again. Another sibling. Another new name to memorize. Another person he was expected to make space for.

Zeref stepped in, placing a hand lightly on Natsu’s back. “We’ll catch up with everyone inside in a bit,” he said smoothly. Elena looked like she wanted to protest, but Haru nudged her gently.

“Of course,” she said softly, her gaze lingering on Natsu with a mixture of worry and hope. “Just… don’t be a stranger, okay?”

Then she turned back into the crowd, taking the girls with her in a trail of laughter and trailing chiffon.

Natsu exhaled slowly through his nose. “Another brother,” he muttered.

Zeref crossed his arms, eyes still on where their mother had disappeared. “Well… at least you’re not the only brooding one anymore.”

The inside of the reception hall was warmer than the cold grey air outside, but Natsu still felt frozen. After his conversation with Zeref and the awkward introductions with Haru’s side of the family, he needed a breather—and maybe something to drink.

He pushed past a cluster of people in pastel dresses and floral ties, heading toward the refreshment table. His bowtie had long since been loosened, and his suit jacket was somewhere back on a chair. He reached for a glass of soda, not trusting himself with champagne, and downed it in one long gulp.

He turned to leave—and slammed into someone chest-first.

“Ah—shit, sorry,” Natsu muttered, stumbling back a step.

“No worries,” came a familiar voice. “Didn’t think you were the type to wear a bowtie.”

Natsu’s eyes snapped up.

Taiga.

He blinked in surprise, momentarily thrown off by the fact that Taiga was wearing the exact same tailored black suit, white dress shirt, and narrow lavender tie.

“…What the hell are you doing here?” Natsu asked, confusion slipping out before he could stop it.

Taiga raised an eyebrow, looking just as thrown. “This is my dad’s wedding,” he said slowly. “Haru Matsumura.”

Chapter Text

Natsu faltered for a moment and the world seemed to stop.

“You—you’re fucking with me, right?” He closed his eyes, willing himself to remember the last name on the wedding invitation. Surely this was one big prank. 

Matsumura. Haru Matsumura.

Taiga tilted his head, confused. “Why would I lie about that?”

Natsu blinked. Hard. “This is my mom’s wedding.”

There was a pause—brief, but heavy. Like the universe had sucked all the air out of the venue for a second just to laugh at them both.

“…Wait,” Taiga said slowly, eyebrows drawing together. “Your mom is Elena?”

Natsu stared.

Taiga let out a disbelieving laugh, taking a step back. “No fucking way.”

Neither of them said anything for a long beat. The background noise of clinking glasses and distant laughter carried on without them. 

“This has to be some sick joke,” Natsu let out a shallow laugh. “Of all fucking people.”

Taiga shook his head slowly, eyes wide with disbelief. “Trust me, I’m not thrilled either.”

Natsu's jaw clenched. “You’re kidding, right? You? Of all people? You’re my stepbrother now?”

“This is the worst plot twist of all time,” Taiga muttered, rubbing his temples.

Natsu let out a bitter laugh, the kind that didn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah? Try being me. My mom’s been sneaking around with your dad for who knows how long, and now I’ve got you showing up in matching suits like it’s some rom-com finale.”

Taiga crossed his arms. “For the record, I didn’t exactly ask to be here.”

“Neither did I,” Natsu bit out, his voice lower now, tight and tired. 

They both stood there for a second, staring at anything but each other.

“Does Lucy know?” Taiga asked after a while.

Natsu scoffed. “No. How the hell would she?”

Taiga nodded like he understood, but his gaze had turned distant. There was a long pause. People moved around them—smiling, hugging, raising champagne flutes—but it all felt far away. Natsu stared down at the drink still in his hand, the condensation trailing over his fingers.

“This doesn’t change anything,” Taiga said quietly, as if reading Natsu’s thoughts. “We don’t have to pretend to be brothers or anything.”

“Good,” Natsu muttered. “Because we’re not.”

Taiga flinched, and for a second, guilt prickled under Natsu’s skin—but he didn’t take it back. Just as Natsu turned to walk off, a familiar voice called out behind him.

“There you two are!”

He froze.

Elena approached with a bright smile, her cheeks flushed with the excitement of the evening. Her elegant dress shimmered under the venue lights, and her eyes sparkled—until they landed on the stiff, tense expressions of the two boys.

“I can’t believe you already know each other!” Elena beamed, entirely oblivious to the slow-burning fuse in her son’s chest. “I was hoping you’d get along, but this is better than I imagined! What are the odds, right?”

Natsu’s knuckles tightened around the plastic cup in his hand, the rim warping under the pressure. His stomach twisted. The air in the room suddenly felt too thick to breathe. He couldn’t even bring himself to look at her.

Beside him, Taiga shifted awkwardly, eyes flicking from Elena to Natsu and back again. His lips parted like he wanted to say something, then closed just as quickly.

“We met a while ago,” Natsu said finally, voice low and clipped.

“Yeah,” Taiga added after a beat, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Back in middle school.”

“Oh?” Elena tilted her head, brows raising. “What junior high did you go to again, Natsu?”

He froze.

That one question—so small, so casual—cut deeper than anything else tonight. For a moment, he genuinely thought he might be sick. His mouth went dry. His heart pounded in his ears. She didn’t remember.

She didn’t even know.

Taiga’s voice filled the silence before Natsu could form a single word.

“Magnolia. Magnolia Middle.”

Elena snapped her fingers, nodding as if it suddenly clicked. “Right, right! That’s the one. I knew it started with an M.”

Natsu finally looked up at her. Her face was glowing with the kind of joy only a newlywed could wear. She was radiant, full of dreams and second chances and clean slates. And yet, standing in front of her, Natsu had never felt more like an afterthought.

She didn’t remember his middle school. She didn’t remember the nights he spent alone in her house after the divorce while she was “figuring things out.” She didn’t remember the school events he said she didn’t have to come to because he was too used to disappointment by then.

Elena nodded absent-mindedly and continued cheerfully. “I was so nervous about blending the family, but this—this is a sign. You two already have a connection.”

“A connection ?” Natsu barked out a laugh. “Is that what this is?”

Elena blinked, startled. “Natsu…”

“Did you even think about telling me? At any point?” he asked, voice rising with each word. “You just drop this on me at your wedding ?”

“I was going to—”

“When? After the honeymoon? During the father-son bonding barbecue?” he snapped. “Christ, Mom.”

Her smile faded. “Natsu, I didn’t know how—”

“You didn’t even try!” he cut her off, stepping back like her words physically stung. “You let me walk in here blind. You let him walk in blind. And now we’re—what? Family ?”

“Please don’t do this here,” Elena whispered, her smile faltering as she leaned in closer. Her voice was low, urgent, barely holding back the sharp edge of embarrassment. She darted a glance around them, where a few guests had started to turn their heads, hushed whispers already passing between wine glasses and appetizer trays.

But it was too late.

“I need air,” Natsu muttered, voice brittle. He didn’t wait for her to respond—just turned on his heel and walked.

The cold hit him the moment he stepped outside. Sharp, dry, and biting at his cheeks and ears like needles. It cut through his suit jacket with ease, but he welcomed it. He descended the venue steps briskly, shoulders hunched, trying to outpace the emotions clawing up his throat.

He was acting like a child. He knew that.

But the pressure in his chest wouldn’t stop building, sharp and gnawing, like something was trying to chew its way out. It had started the moment she asked that question— What junior high did you go to again, Natsu? —and hadn’t let up since. It wasn’t the question itself. It was what it meant.

She had forgotten.

His own mother had stood there, glowing in her new white dress, beaming with happiness beside her new husband, and couldn’t even remember the school he went to.

A stupid detail. Trivial, maybe. But it was his. It was the one part of his life she should’ve known, should’ve cared to remember. Instead, Taiga— Taiga —had answered for him. Like he belonged more than Natsu ever did.

And the worst part?

She hadn’t even noticed.

Natsu shoved his hands into his pockets, his pace slowing as he reached the edge of the venue’s garden, breath fogging in front of him. He didn’t know where he was going. He just knew he couldn’t stay.

Not in there. Not around her.

The quiet outside was jarring compared to the low din of the reception. Out here, the only sounds were the crunch of gravel under his shoes, the far-off chirp of winter birds, and the rhythmic thud of his heart beating far too loud in his ears.

Natsu stopped near a bench half-buried in snow, its iron arms cold and unwelcoming. He didn’t sit. Just stood there, staring out across the empty lawn beyond the venue, fists buried in the pockets of his suit jacket.

He didn’t know why it stung so badly. Maybe because part of him had been clinging to the idea that no matter how much changed, his mom would always see him.

But she hadn’t. Not really.

The woman inside had looked like Elena, sounded like her. But everything else—her new last name, her new life, her new family —was a reminder that he wasn’t part of it anymore. Not the way he used to be. Not the way he thought he’d always be.

He let out a breath, watching it cloud and vanish.

They were high school sweethearts. That’s what he’d told Lucy that night. His mom and Igneel. The perfect story. Childhood best friends, a goofy, sweet romance, a kiss at graduation. The stuff that made people believe in forever.

But fairytales ended too, didn’t they?

He remembered coming home to an empty house that first summer he spent in Sendai. No Igneel. No laughter. Just a quiet, spotless kitchen that smelled like lemon-scented cleaner and someone else’s life. His mom’s new life.

He used to think it was Igneel’s fault. That his dad didn’t fight hard enough. That maybe if he’d just tried a little more, things would’ve been different. But now… standing here in the freezing cold, heart bruised and knuckles raw from clenching too tight, he wasn’t so sure anymore.

Maybe his mom had just stopped choosing them .

The thought made his stomach lurch.

And then—Lucy.