"Oh yeah. I got the moves like Jagger!" Natsu wiggled his hips, dropped to his knees and popped back up quickly.

Lucy rolled her eyes but couldn't completely suppress a grin. Natsu was goofing off, which was to be expected. Tonight was the Fairy Tail Dance Party and Natsu had a gleam in his eye that promised mayhem and mischief. Everyone stood in the banquet hall waiting for the opening announcements.

The lights dimmed and crowd became silent. An unseen drum began to beat. The guild members smiled at each other and started clapping to the rhythm. The music sped up and everyone stomped their feet. The frantic beat turned into a drum roll and a spotlight lit the stage. The crowd cheered and when the noise had reached its crescendo, a small figure in a top hat and cape stepped appeared on stage. He lifted his hat and brought it across his waist, bowing to the audience. After a dramatic pause, he rose and motioned for the crowd to become silent.

Lucy appreciated the show. Makarov was hamming it up tonight. She nudged Natsu. "Is he always like this?"

Natsu nodded as he looked up at the guild master like a hopeful puppy waiting for a bone.

Makarov raised a hand and looked at it theatrically as if he were about to start conducting an orchestra. "We are gathered here today, to celebrate among friends!" He thrust his hand up and the crowd went wild. He paused, waiting for the noise to die down. "I hope each of you has a great time tonight. Don't forget, we are the number one guild in both strength and camaraderie!" There was more cheering and applause as Makarov made his way off the stage to join in the celebration.

Short and sweet, thought Lucy.

The master was almost off the stage when he spun back around. "Oh, and my dance card is open if any of the young ladies need a partner tonight."

Laughter broke out. Oh, he just had to remind us that he's a perverted old man, didn't he, thought Lucy. She shook her head at the little man who appeared so innocent but somehow managed to keep over a hundred delinquent mages in line.

A pop song started playing and she turned around to see if Natsu wanted to dance but he had disappeared. That's weird, she thought. She scanned the room. Couples were already pairing off. Gajeel was shuffling from side to side with Levy. Juvia had snagged a less than willing Grey. Even Erza and Jellal were letting loose. Finally, her eyes landed on a couple in the corner of the banquet hall; Natsu and Lisanna. The pretty girl with hair the color of ash had her arms draped around the dragon slayer's neck and was whispering something in his ear. Natsu was blushing and running his hands through his hair nervously. Lucy looked away, embarrassed to be watching the intimate exchange.

Great, I'm practically the only person who isn't dancing. Lucy made her way over to the punch. Cana was sitting next to it so it was most likely spiked.

"Hey, how's it going?"

Cana looked up at the celestial wizard with a sullen expression. "What, no one will dance with you either?"

Lucy's smile faltered a little. "Well, not yet. But it's only the first song." She tried to keep her voice cheerful. Cana grumbled something and peered into the bottom of her cup, as if she were surprised to see it.

"Hey ladies."

Lucy and Cana turned around to see Bickslow looking them over with a maniacal smile. Lucy winced. Bickslow wasn't wearing his face armor so his Mohawk and face tattoo were clearly visible. He wouldn't be her first choice for a dance partner, but Lucy decided she couldn't really afford to be picky if she wanted to get any dancing in.

"Hey yourself," snorted Cana. The heavy drinker could really lay on the charm when she wanted.

Bickslow grinned at her. "Would you like to dance?" He held out his hand to her, and bowed slightly.

Cana and Lucy blinked. "Ah, sure." Cana accepted the hand hesitantly, as she glanced back at her friend. Lucy smiled and waved her hand at the couple, letting them know she was fine. Once they were gone, she felt herself start to panic.

Why isn't anyone asking me to dance? I'm cute, right? Cancer took care of my hair. That can't be it. This new outfit rocks, even though it made me nervous about making my rent. What's the deal?

She looked over at Natsu and Lisanna. Lisanna was dancing beautifully. She had obvious talent and wasn't afraid to show it. Natsu was opting for a more freestyle approach that appeared to be a mix of break dancing and karate. Every once in awhile he would lose control and accidentally kick Lisanna in the shins. She seemed to handle the abuse well but Lucy noticed that frown lines were beginning to form.

Lucy tapped her foot and bobbed her head to the music, trying to look like she was enjoying herself. A pit of worry was starting to build in her stomach

She jumped when a low voice spokein her ear. "Care to dance?

Thank you so much to randigirl for beta-reading this chapter. Please read and review.