Lisanna immediately passed it back to Evergreen who quickly moved the ball to Romeo's feet.

"Push up! Lucy, Natsu!" Erza's demand turned me into a full sprint towards the boy. My eyes trained at the movement of his feet, anticipating the next move he might display for us to counter.

Suddenly, a flash of pink covered my eyes as someone else was already trying to pounce on the boy.

Natsu went up to Romeo's face, ready to take the ball.

Just one thing wrong.

He's too close for what Romeo had planned. 

Not only that, Romeo was able to calculate the stride of Natsu's run and easily slide the ball between his feet before moving his way around the bigger man's body and continue on his way.

Too bad for him, I was there to cover Natsu's stupid mistake.

Before the mid-fielder can get comfortable with the ball again, I was able to easily snatch it out of his grasp.

"Damn!" Romeo said.

I passed it back to Wendy for a different plan of attack. Clearly being all up in our opponent's face isn't the way to go.

Natsu stood where he was, cursing under his breath.

Back then, I would've patted his back; tell him to jog it off and be ready for another attacking execution but we're not exactly on speaking terms so I just took my next position for an attacking mid-field play. 

Wendy managed to get Bickslow off her back but Lisanna and Evergreen were already on her back. It's way too early for any sort of attack at this moment since all the defenders on the Subs side are still in a rock solid position. We need to do this a different way and we need to do it quick. 

"Back, Wendy!" I shouted the call.

The girl, with her amazingly nice ears, immediately heel-passed it to Erza who was holding a more defensive posture behind our side of the field. She gave me a quick look of gratitude for the call before having to pass the ball of again since Evergreen was making a mad charge towards her.

Just as the pass connected with Cana, however, Lisanna was suddenly there. Cana never even had a chance.

And in a blink of an eye she easily shot the ball, full force towards her brother standing at the entrance of the goal. Elfman couldn't even move fast enough to catch the striker's shot and the ball kissed the net smoothly.

Mira blew the whistle.

It's 0-1 now. Subs are leading.

Two minutes in.

What. The. Hell?

As the Subs celebrated, I stayed rooted at my spot. It was my call that made us lose that one goal. I thought defensive play was the way to go since both defenses were still tight. 

I guess I underestimated Lisanna. She really has gotten better in the past year.

"Shake it off, Fairy Tail. Next one is ours!" Erza shouted. 

Elfman retrieved the ball and sent it flying towards the center.

"Nice one." A seething voice chilled my bones from behind and a shoulder pushed mines a little aggressively as the person ran by.

And just as Natsu ran back into his position, a hand clasped mines.

"He's an asshole. Ignore him." Gray's voice came through my ears.

"It's kinda hard since I have to rely on him to get goals." I mumbled.

"You got me on your other side, Lucy." I could feel his confident smile. "It's just one goal. We'll get it back right away, no worries. The game plan is look my way for a bit until Natsu gets his head out of his ass and I'll set you up."

"Got it."

I ran into the middle of the circle, turning the ball until it was sitting on the dot in the middle. Placing my foot over it, I quickly calculated the next form of attack.

Playing passively isn't going to work. The Subs know all our tricks so we have to base this on skill. They would probably think I'll send the pass in Natsu's direction. That was the old play that always worked since his crazy passes would throw them off guard. One thing taught me during the last run was they're not afraid to get aggressive as well.

I glanced at Erza then at Gray. 

They nodded.

Good. They got my plan. 

Mira's whistle blew for the start of the next run and the ball was automatically at Erza's feet. I pushed my way passed a couple of the subs, not caring who they were.

My only job here was to be able to stand somewhere where I can get a good enough room to make an escape path in case I get pressed. I know my feet skills beat the entire defensive team so I won't be surprise if they decide to double up on me. 

I can take it.

I find myself standing just below the mid-field line, right behind Romeo who was keeping a weary eye on me. 

"Don't do anything way too dirty, alright? I'm still learning." He laughed, nervously. 

"No need to worry, kid." I winked at him. "This is going to be a hands-on experience. 

Just then I heard the sound of the ball hitting a different set of cleats.

That's the cue.

I ran towards the defensive wall, making Bisca run towards me to apply pressure.

Nice try.

I immediately switch my running route towards Alzack who was ready to run support for his fellow teammate. The switch surprised both of them as I stood in between them.

"You underestimating us, Lucy?" Bisca snapped.

I smirked.

"Just watch." The ball is about to be passed.

Then I sprinted forward towards Romeo again, who was ready to take what he thought would be a bad pass.

I easily one-touched the ball out of the air before it could ever rain down on my opponent and bounce it back. With my back still to him, I kicked it over his head and let it bounce once on the grass. 

Then before it could land, I was on the other side of Romeo with my foot back on the ball for the one touch to sturdy it to my grasp.

Bisca and Alzack were still out of position. 

There's that little slither of light for me to shoot.

But I never got the chance.

I was knocked to the ground by some strong force and the ball was out of my touch. The impact itself took all my breath out of me. 

How did the defenders -

No.

Natsu was on the ball.

He was now challenging Bisca and Alzack.

However, he wasted too much time trying to steal the ball from me that they were able to close that gap between them. So when he made the shot, Alzack's leg came out and was able to direct the ball out of bounds.

Before the ball could even land outside the line, Gray was already in Natsu's face. "What the fuck is the matter with you, ashwipe?!" 

"She was never going to make it so I had to do it!" Natsu argued back.

"That wasn't cool, bro." Alzack spoke up, narrowing his eyes at the pink-headed man.

"Mind your own fucking business! How the hell are you defending that one striker has all of you in a frenzy?!"

Before anyone could do anything, a hard smack across the back of Natsu's head stopped all altercations.

"What has gotten into you?" it was Erza standing behind her right winger. "I know you have a ton of issues with Lucy but she's on our team again whether you like it or not. Whatever issues you guys have, take it off the field. In here we play the game and we play it RIGHT! Am I understood?"

Natsu was covering the spot she hit her but he growled. "Understood." 

A hand reached out in front of me and I was actually a little surprised it was Laxus on the other hand.

I accepted it and got back up.

"Ignore the little fuckboy for a bit. He's a little fucked up but he'll get over himself." Laxus said before jogging back into his position.

Was that weird or what?

"You alright, Lucy?" Bisca asked quickly.

I nodded. "Yeah."

"Alright. Better get ready, we're starting soon."

With the way Natsu's been, Wendy was the one to take the out-of-bounds ball. I was covered by three defenders instantly so I clearly wasn't an option but that just means, two people are wide open. Well, one since the other is Natsu and clearly he can't have the ball in his possession at any time.

Wait.

Three on me.

But they're not fast.

"Wendy!" I called in the middle of the guys.

She glanced at me, clearly confused but she sent it my way regardless.

Bisca, Alzack and Max closed in on me immediately but I'm not the danger.

Someone else is.

I rushed forward, leaving all of them in the dust and stood. 

They're catching up.

The ball is almost here.

I reached my right leg up over my head, jumping a bit to bring all the momentum together. Then just like that, my heel connected with the ball and sent it backwards.

Right into the feet of none other than Erza running towards my pass.

Wide open against Mest.

He stood no chance against the captain of Fairy Tail or her low shot.

It's now tied 1-1.

"Yes!" I threw my arms in joy. 

Erza came up to me, gave me a quick hug with a proud smile painted on her face. "That was amazing."

"No! You were!"

"Oh please. Beating off three defenders is way more impressive than a shot on goal. You set everything up. Recklessly, yes but still."

I giggled as we all jogged back to place for the next kickoff.

"Natsu!" Coach Makarov called. "You're off! Bickslow, take the sub jersey off and join Starting. Jet you're in as Subs' right wing now."

We all exchanged looks.

"What?!" Natsu snapped back.

"You heard me!" Coach didn't sound like he was playing games. "You really think you can play on my pitch with that stunt you just pulled?"

"She deserved it!" 

Yeah I did but bad timing.

"Natsu! Don't make me repeat myself!"

This isn't going to go anywhere. Natsu is hot-headed and if this continued, there's going to be a fight. As much as he hates me right now, I do deserve it and I don't want to be the reason he might become a sub this season.

"Coach!" I interjected.

Natsu whipped around at me immediately. "I don't need your help!"

"I don't give a damn." Now where did this confidence come from? "Whether you like it or not, we need your ass in your position and benching you is wrong. We can deal with our problems later but I'm here to play. Not get into petty fights because of what I did."

Natsu starred at me, not a word escaped his lips. 

I guess I can continue. And now the confidence is controlling my feet so I'm walking up to Natsu now. "Hate me later. Deal with me now."

He looked me up and down really quick before his dragon-like eyes met mines. The cloudiness from all the anger earlier slowly cleared up.

"Alright."

"Fine." Coach sighed. "Just hurry it up already."

The game restarted and the Subs almost scored right off the bat again but Gajeel was smarter. He doubled up on Cana and stole the ball from Lisanna as she was gearing up for her next shot.

"Salamander!" Gajeel called. "This one is for you!"

He sent the ball flying in Natsu's direction. The Subs were still laxing on their defensive hold on Natsu cause they think his head isn't in the game. He easily got hold of the ball before turning to me.

Natsu looked at me.

I returned his gaze with a small nod of my own.

And for the first time since I step foot into his life again, he smirked at me. It's half a smile so I'm guessing I broke some sort of barrier he had on his mind.

I started running.

He started running.

This is it. 

Bisca, Alzack and Max were in the penalty box awaiting my arrival.

But they're standing way to far back.

"Lucy!" Natsu shouted.

Oh...music to my ears.

I heard the kick.

I slowed down really quick, confusing the defenders before picking up speed once again and jumping in the air.

"Oh, no..." Max breathed.

Oh no, is right.

The jump I made me look like a frailing fish. But that was just enough for my left foot to reach high. I swung the side of my foot in a horizontal swooshing motion to make contact with the ball, sending it over the defenders' heads and out of reach from the goalie.

Right into the top corner of the goal. 

I landed perfectly on my legs, watching the ball settle at the bottom corner.

It's 2-1 now.

I was breathing heavily as cheer erupted from my teammates behind me. Even the other team were clapping their hands. Bisca was shaking her head in disbelief. 

"That's the Celestial Striker for you." She said, patting my shoulder. 

"That was terrifying." I laughed.

"For the amount of time you were suspended in the air, might as well be some sort of damn bird." Max added before jogging off.

I made my way back to the other side of the field as well, giving my teammates high fives as I went. 

"The Celestial Striker is back on Fairy Tail!" Gajeel exclaimed. "People better watch out for our Bunny Girl!"

Oh damn, I almost forgot about that nickname.

"I forgot how much I missed your goals." Jellal agreed, giving me a high five as well.

"They are always so beautiful." Erza crossed her arms after our hug, leaning against her fiancee to catch a breath probably.

"Lucy." 

A single voice cut us all out of our celebration. We turned to Natsu who was jogging up to me, his eyes never leaving mines.

The cloudiness was still wiped clean. The emotions behind his eyes were unreadable though and that scared me the most.

We all waited for what he had to say when he was a few inches in front of me.

My heart picked up speed again the moment his scent filled my nose. The urge to reach out and hug him taking its toll on me. If he just stands there like that, all memories of the past couple minutes of him sabotaging me would be totally erased and I'd just be a melting puddle of goo. 

After so much time, Natsu Dragneel still did things to me he doesn't even know. 

I still love him to this very day regardless on how badly he treats me. I can't find myself to ever hate him. 

Natsu is the love of my life and he always will be. Even if he is married and in love with someone else, I am just happy being able to be back in his life without him giving me that look that just teared my entire existence apart. 

I love him.

I hate me.

"What is it?" I gulped.

Natsu sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Look. I apologize for the way I was acting earlier and I just wanted to say..."

I love you, Lucy. 

Wishful thinking is only going to hurt me even further. Nice going, Lucy. 

He held up his hand so fast, I had to flinch away a bit. 

"Nice one." Natsu said, a smile slowly climbing his face.

A real smile.

The smile that just sends me into a time where I would always see it. The same thing that made me fall in love with him over and over again.

But that time is over.

He doesn't love me anymore. I told him he can hate me outside the pitch and he probably already does. I just need to accept it.

I'm the only one that needs to know where my real feelings lie and that will always be with him. I want to try for that friendship we had before everything got complicated. That's the one part I want back just so badly.

A high five, an apology and a smile are good baby steps in that direction.

"Thanks." I reached up and slapped my hand against his, letting it linger just a bit.

That same spark was still there.

The electricity he gives me whenever we touch is just enough to keep me going on with my life and wishing him well in his with Lisanna. 

I let it sit there a bit. Just one more moment.

Then I drop my hand but my eyes never leave his. I've done a pretty good job of hiding my true emotions for the cameras when the press were all over me back in Barcelona. So I can do the same here. It's a skill I mastered just so one day I was brave enough to look at Natsu's when he's awake.

Natsu's eyes held mines for a bit before...widening?

Suddenly, my feet disappeared from under me as I was lifted up in the air. My first thought was Elfman grabbing me and screaming: "What a man!" But he's standing right in behind Jellal over there...

The hit of a familiar cologne filled my nose.

"Way to go, Lucy!" And that voice.

I turned my head just enough to see the buzz cut and the hazel eyes bearing into mines with admiration and warmth.

Holy shit...

"That's my girl."

"Thiago?!"