Authors Note:
Hey everyone!! So I guess this is a "combo-chapter" because both me and Sophie are writing it. I did Natsu and Sophie did Lucy. Why did we do it? Because it's bloody brilliant.

-Jason

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--- Natsu's POV --- [Jason]

Seeing her like that, Crushed, beneath Kaine's foot. It hurt me... as in emotionally, not physically. And me, being trapped half way under a rock, that should've been all that I felt. But no... Lucy broke that barrier of pain.

It's always more fun when we're together.

Those words stuck with me that whole day, and of course I decided to stay by her side... it was the right thing. And I thought it was because we were friends, but now I question that theory.

And then that moment came when we first heard of Acnologia [Tell me if there's a missing letter in that]. She was crying... saying this was the end but no! No... I couldn't think that way. I couldn't let her think that way.

I wanted to support her, I needed to comfort her. So I took her hand in mine and told her what will happen. I wasn't to sure of my words... but seeing her face made me determined, there was no way I would let her cry and give up. If we were to give up then, we wouldn't be able to be around each other later on.

And as we ran away from the dreaded dragon, my thoughts seemed to black out. I have no idea what happened but I was brought into a deep sleep. Seven long years of sleep that only felt like one night, with only one dream.

Me, with her... Lucy Heartfilia. Yes, the rest of the guild was there but her face was the one that caught my eye. Even Happy was there but his features came out as a blur.

The dream was wonderful. And we acting the same... best friends. Except by the end I was leaning in for a kiss, and she just smiled happily, anticipating it. But it never happened as I snapped awake. And I never mentioned it to anyone. It was my own little secret.

From then on, it was my duty to be with her through everything. Of course I've always been protective of her but now it was different. It felt like my profession. Sneaking into her house to make sure she was okay was only part of it.

Every time she smiled brightly, I felt the urge to close our distance and finish that dream kiss of mine. But I'm smarter than I let people think I am. I know the consequences. She won't like me back and bye-bye to the friendship we once shared. So my feelings were locked away from her and everyone else.

Though they would show so many times when I don't mean them to be. Like when she was falling from the sky. No one was dedicated as much as I was. Not even Happy, when he would've made things easier.

But I took off on my own, tripping over myself in the process but nothing really slowed me down.

When we landed, I was going to hug her, though she was sitting on top of me... So I gave her that smile that she said she loved so damn much, and I got the most beautiful one in return.

Since then, I thought of her as something separate from everyone in the guild. I even started calling them, "Lucy, and everyone else." Because I liked her. And I didn't even know that yet.

She's my best friend yet I feel something more. I already came to the conclusion that I liked her but that wasn't yet clicking within me.

She reminds me of Igneel. When she leaves without a word... I'm sad. When I leave without a word? I don't know... Am I like Igneel too? I love Igneel, but he's my dad.

Do I love Lucy in a different way?

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---Lucy's POV--- [Sophie]

The grand magic games. That's when I felt something strong between us. I liked Natsu since the beginning, and it got real when we were on Tenrou island. But when we awoke from that seven year sleep, and split up into our teams to compete... It clicked.

I had happened to be the first fight... so I was there to show the power Fairy Tail had. And I was surprised... I was doing great. I had Natsu and the rest of Fairy Tail in the stands cheering me on. And I was so close to winning if only flare didn't threaten to kill Asuka.

I felt so ashamed, I let the team down... But Natsu convinced me otherwise by grasping his big warm hand onto my small, pale, delicate one. That's when I realized it. I love Natsu.

I even attempted to say it when I was in the infirmary. But what I said made him blush, and that was enough to me, because his smile was there too. He was fighting... for me.

My back hug was my hint. It was for comfort of course, but also a thank you. For caring for me, and caring for future me. He was the greatest gift in my life.

What nobody saw was his hands grazing against mine as I hugged from behind. And we said nothing... but his presence was enough. His soft touch was all I needed as he traced my Fairy Tail mark with his thumb.

"Your mark is still here." He had said, still looking forward at the star lit sky.

"It's never going away." I answered, and closed my eyes, enjoying the warmth he had brought me.

At this point I didn't care if he loved me the same way. Just him being there made me happy. Sure he was an idiot but he was my idiot and there was no way he could be replaced.

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Authors Note:
Should there be a continuation to this?
Like... The two of them, in the present, meeting up after tracing their past together...
Jason and I had a fun time making this one together so just tell us if you want more chapters where we both right our own parts!!

-Sophie