Seriously...Why am I writing another story -_- Though, I promise this would only be two or three shots!
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail. Mashima Hiro-sama does!
Warning: Still Un-beta. A bit of OOC-ness.
I love you,
but you don't love me.
He loves me,
but I don't love him...
"I thought you love me..."
"I do! I do love you!"
"In what terms...?"
"As...friends..."
He gave me a blank look as I felt guiltier.
"You're my very precious friend...but he's the one for me."
"Luce! Good Morning!"
"Morning, Lucy."
I giggled and waved at my two bestest of friends. Well aside my Levy-chan. She's different.
"Good Morning, Natsu. Sting."
"Hah! Face that. She greeted me first!" Natsu pointed at his brother.
"Hmp! Like I care." I rolled my eyes and giggled again.
"Come on, guys! I want a Strawberry Milkshake!" I jog into them and tangled my arms into them.
"Tell me again why do we treat you your favorite shake?" Sting yawned. "And early in the morning." He added.
"Since you guys lost. AGAIN." I emphasized 'again' in the loudest voice I could. Both boys groaned. I giggled.
"And march to Fairy Café!" They both groaned again.
Natsu and Sting. Both of them are my first friend. I moved in Magnoia from Crocus years ago. We, Papa and I, moved to Magnolia because my Mama died. Papa can't handle the grief, lost himself to his work thus leaving the maids and butler to mend me.
One day, I ran away but since I was still so young and unfamiliar to the streets of Magnolia, I got lost and stumbled into the park.
I went to the isolated part of the park and sat there; letting all of my sadness. And that's how it all started.
Sting and Natsu found me. They said that it was their hiding place and no one knows it except them. Though, they were kind to walk me home. Sting was a bit harsh at that time but Natsu wasn't. In the end, we became friends.
I always ask the maids or butlers to drop me to the park and only pick me up only sun down. Papa seems okay with this so I was happy.
From that day on, my bright world came back.
"Good morning, Lucy, Sting, Natsu."
"Hah. Mira greeted me first." Sting gave a triumph smirk at Natsu and Natsu just look away. I rolled my eyes.
"So who lost?" I giggled and that gave Mira her answer. "Better luck next time, boys."
"The usual, Mira." I took our regular seat which was the sofa table beside the window. I sat opposite if Natsu and Sting who was groaning.
"So what's our next game?" I asked while smiling.
"Basketball!" They both answered excitedly in sync. I rolled my eyes. "I can't even play that." I pouted but a small smile blemish my face. I don't why and when but we always love challenges. The first game was hide and seek. I was the hider and they were the seeker. It was unfair but fun and they never find me.
Then my eyes sparkle. "How about we play hide and seek?" they both gave me blank looks. "What?" I cross my arms and pouted.
"Aren't we too old for that?" Sting said and Natsu nodded his head.
"Well, let's play like before. You guys seek and I hide!" I exclaimed. Both boys' eyes widen and I just raised my eye brow. "What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing…" they both said. Before I could even ask more, Mira came with our drinks. I pouted and sighed in defeat.
I was watching them play. We were at a outdoor basketball court. They were playing while I watch. I have a smile on my face. I don't know why but when they both challenge each other; they were more serious and competitive.
I don't really mind if they were going easy on me but that's why I only choose games that don't require physical strength so much.
"Hey boys! I'm going to buy some drinks. Want do you guys want?" They both halted and wipe their sweats using their back hands.
"Anything is fine, Luce!" Natsu answered and I nodded. "I'll be right back!" I then walked away from the court to the closest vending machine.
The closest vending machine was a 5-8 minute walk away so I don't need to commute or the guys to worry.
Finally, I was in front of it. I tap my chin and tilted my head. 'Water would do well for the boys and I just drank my shake…' I nodded my head as I came with my choice.
I insert my money and press the button for Pocari Sweat water and do it again. I smiled as I carry them at both of my hands.
"Oh…Brother, look. A chick," A shiver ran up to my spine. I quickly turn around and saw…monkeys.
"…Monkeys…?" I sweat drop.
"We are not monkeys!" One of them yelled.
"Gato-nii-san, this girl…"
"I know Zato-nii-san…" The hugest monkeys started advancing on me with lewd looks. I started backing away but then felt the coldness of the vending machine.
I wasn't good at hand to hand (except for kicking but I need them to be distracted) but I'm good with whips. The problem, I don't have my whip.
"Zato-nii-san, look at her melons…"
"Gato-nii-san, let's bring her home…" They started chuckling and their hands advancing on me. I grip on the bottles and closed my eye shut. As much as I hate to be a Damsel in Distress, I couldn't fight. They were too huge and many for me to fight. Not to mention, I was weaponless.
So there's one thing to do for me...
'Natsu...Sting…HELP!'
"GET AWAY FROM HER!" Two voices that I know so well, yelled. I open my eyes and look to my right and saw Sting and Natsu running this way.
They stand before me; their back protecting me. "S-Sting…N-Natsu…"
"Hah! She greeted me first! 2 win in a row!" Sting chuckled and I smiled a little. Even at time like this…
"Yeah...Yeah…Ya okay, Luce?" Natsu turned his head and gave me a grin. I nodded my head but then he looked murderous.
"Oi. Sting-otouto, our Luce is crying. They made her cry…"
Sting then quickly turn his head and look murderous too. I quickly wipe my tears, using the back of my hand.
"It seems so, Natsu-nii." They both gave each other a playful grin but their eyes beg to differ. But then other than that, they never address each other as "Otouto" or "Nii-san". They only address each other if someone they cared so much was hurt or in danger. And here is an example…
"Ready, Otouto?" Natsu went into stance.
"Loser gets to treat the winner and Lu!" Sting too gets into a stance. I grip on the bottles and smiled.
"If a tie, treat me a shake again!" I joined in the bet too.
"SURE!" And they ran forward.
..
..
..
The monkeys ran away and Sting and Natsu panted. They both gave each other a fist bump and I sighed in relief. I fell on my butt and let go of their bottles.
"Is that for us, Luce? Thanks!" Natsu grab them both and throw one for Sting.
"Hey, Natsu. How many did you get?" Sting opened the bottle and drank aggressively. Playing basketball, than running here and then fighting them must have took a toll on them.
"22! Hah! Face that!" Natsu said after his satisfied sigh on his drink.
"Darn! I got 22 too!" Sting clicked his tongue and I grin.
"Yay! Milkshake for me!" Both boys groaned again. And back to our cheerful self; pretending that the incident never happened.
I was currently attending another one of the parties that my father holds. I sighed as I slowly walked to the stage. Papa was calling for me and I have no choice to get up to the stage.
"As you all know, this is my daughter. Lucy Heartfilia." Everyone clapped and I saw Natsu and Sting at the back of the crowd. I plastered a smile on my face. Well, at least I don't have to fake. I waved gracefully at the crowd.
Papa raised his hand and everyone stop. "I'm planning on retiring." My eyes widen. No. This means…
"But do not be saddened. My daughter here will replace me when her time comes though I' am worried if the work is too much for her…"
'No! Stop! I don't want to!'
"So I'm finding a suitable partner for her." I quickly but violently tug on Papa's sleeve. Papa looked at me with his eyes darken a little but I fought back. I fake a smile to him.
"Papa…" I sweeten my voice.
"Yes, dear?" He too faked his voice.
"May I choose my partner?" I asked with a fake smile on my face.
"Sure dear. Your happiness is my first priority." The crowd awed.
"Though, I can't choose. So many men I could choose from. I must not selfishly choose, do I?" I gave them the sweetest and the most fake smile I could do. The boys coughed, embarrassed. While Sting and Nastu made silent gags.
"May I commence a challenge?" I saw Natsu and Sting stop and their eyes lighten. I gave them a look and they nodded their heads, understand.
The crowd then started whispering. "All suitable men can enter." The men then smirked and I resist rolling my eyes.
I gave them another fake smile. "The game is simple. Though it may be childish but I don't want to ruin this wonderful dress that my Papa gave me." The crowd awed again.
"The game is Hide and Seek." The crown quieted down and they seemed to know what the rules were. Good.
"I would hide, of course. It's like a Princess stuck on the tower and my Prince had to go through trials to reach me. Though, there's a time limit." I smirk as I giggled.
"1 hour. That's all. If nobody couldn't find me, then I have no choice but to wait for the one for me." I stepped down on the stage.
"I will only hide inside of our mansion. Outside of it is prohibited. Everyone, please do countdown together so it would be fair." I gave them a smile and everyone nodded.
"Give me 20 seconds to hide. Papa, may I remove my shoes? I'm afraid it would be a hindrance for me." Papa gave me another fake smile and nodded. "Thank you." One of the maids quickly went to my side and removed my shoes. "Thank you."
"Now everyone, count to 20." I smirk as I started running to where I know only Sting and Natsu could find me. I trust them my freedom.
..
..
..
..
"Has anyone found Lady Heartfilia yet?" I heard a man said.
"Not yet! And time is ticking!" Another one said.
"How many minutes left?" Another one said.
"25 minutes!"
"Damn it!"
I heard them running away again and I giggled lightly. I was at a place where no one could see me! Though, as my tick mark appeared…
'Where the heck are they?!'
My hiding place is quite uncomfortable and it didn't help when I was wearing a puffy dress!
"Neee, Sting! I wonder where Luce is hiding." Natsu chuckled and another tick mark appeared on my face.
"I dunno! Maybe she's not here! Let's go back!" Sting chuckled too.
'Don't give in…Don't give in to their mockery…'
Then, something ticklish landed on my bear shoulders. I slowly turn to my side and saw a huge spider. All of my color drained.
"KYAAAAAAA!" I pushed the wall and I landed ungracefully on my face.
"Bwuahahaha! Did ya see that, Sting?"
"Sure did!" I heard them high five and I groaned. Fine, two could play that game.
Still face in the floor, I let out a sniff as I was acting holding it back by balling my fists. My whole body shivered and lastly, fake tears. I push myself a little, enough to see them my tears.
"O-Oi! L-Luce."
"Natsu-nii! This is your fault!"
"Me?! You weren't against it!"
"You just admitted you were the mastermind of it!"
I let out a whimper and they quickly went to my side. "W-Wah! I'm sorry, Luce! The spider is a fake, I promise!"
"Lu! It wasn't me! I swear! It was Nastu-nii!"
"This ain't the time to blame me!"
I resist the urge to smirk in triumph. They help me up as I continue to let out more tears.
"Hey. Is that crying I heard?" A distant voice said. 'Perfect,' I thought in victory.
"Oh no! I'm sorry, Luce! I-I'll treat you the Royal Supreme Jumbo Deluxe Strawberry and Vanilla Milkshake!"
Gotcha!
I stop my tears. I gave him a smirk as I place my right knuckles on my hips. "You better, baka~"
Sting lifelessly gave me his handkerchief and I accepted it. I tap my face. I couldn't wipe my face since the maids gave me make ups and heavy eye make over. Though luckily, my make ups were water proof!
I then tangled my arms with theirs again. "Let's go!" I giggled as I drag then the soul-flying-out-of-their-mouth boys.
...-...-...-...-...-...-
"And so we have a tie! Natsu Dragneeliffe and Sting Dragneeliffe!" the crowds were once again whispering at each other.
"Though, they may be from an ordinary family, Papa said I just need someone to help me with the work."
"Lady Heartfilia, how did they enter the mansion when they are from an ordinary family?" A teenager, from what I can recall, she was named Minerva Orland or something. She seems to be a competition though I had already come up with something.
"There is a cafe called Fairy Café. There was a lottery for customers who bought the Royal Supreme Jumbo Deluxe Strawberry and Vanilla shake. There wasn't many who bought it and it just started last week so the store Manager decided that their will be two winners." I smiled in confidence.
In the last minute, I called Mira up when I was still on the crampy hiding place. Luckily, her costumers from last week until now were people who we trust the most.
Names were Levy, Erza, Gray, Loke, Evergreen, Laxus, Freed, Bickslow, Wendy, Gajeel, Juvia, Cana, Droy, Jet, Alzack, Bisca, Laki, Max, Nab, Reedus, Romeo, Waren, Wakaba and more. Mira's cafe is so famous, ne?
It was owned by Strauss siblings' late parents. They died but Mira and the others managed the by themselves.
Minerva clicked her tongue. I looked back at Papa and saw him emotionless. No emotions were formed.
Well, of course that would be his reaction. He knows that I was the one who gave the invitations to them and it's been like that since we've became friends.
No one asked who were Sting and Natsu. They were rich looking gentlemen and were assumed they came from a very wealthy family. Nobody approached them and that eased my worries.
Why worry? Three words: Papa, reputation, wealth. Papa may not like them but I was the one who convince him that they would not to tarnish our reputation and if they did...I have to stop being their friends and I would be isolate inside the mansion.
Of course I never tell them about our condition.
Now wonder why I invited them? I already know this would happen. Papa would marry me off so I invited Natsu and Sting to parties to parties inside our mansion for the upcoming future.
"...But what about the other parties? I saw them in it too." Minerva smirked at me and I froze.
I thought nobody would be brave to mention that! Sting and Natsu had proven themselves already! The found me when no one did!
"I was the one who invited them. They saved my little girl when she was lost so I repaid them by inviting them to my parties." Papa spoke up and I turn my head to him with my widen eyes.
"Pa-Papa...It was you..." Okay, Lucy. Acting time.
"Is it true, Natsu-san? Sting-san?" I faced them and gave them a look to act along.
"Yes, Lady Heartfilia." They answered.
"Also, Lucy..." Papa spoke up and I turn to him.
"You might have been wondering why they are always by your side." I nodded my head.
"Yes." This might be my answer why Papa let the boys be my friends.
"I've hired them as your guards." I widened my eyes. Is this true...? The real truth…?
I look at the boys and they nodded their heads. For the first time, I can't tell if they are lying.
"School, parties, shopping or in short, being yourself." Now that Papa mentioned it, I never went to their house. I did meet their parents but I was shopping at that time. The three of us only hang out outside our mansion.
I balled my fists and look at the boys. They averted their gaze out of mine. "So as you can see. Even though the Dragneeliffe brothers are from an ordinary family, I trust them so case close. Sweetie, now who do you choose?" I bit my tongue and smiled at Papa.
"May I think about it?" Papa nodded his head.
...-...-...-...-...-...-
The night went smoothly. Guest swarm Natsu and Sting. They engrossed themselves to them and I know Sting and Nastu tried to shoo them but they just kept on sticking to them.
I took this chance to walk back to my room and sat on my bed.
"I hired them as your guards."
I cup my face and sighed. 'Does that mean Sting and Nastu only befriend me because of the money?'
Then I heard a knock. I quickly straighten my back and placed both of my hands on my lap. "Come in."
Papa entered and I narrowed my eyes. He then stopped before me and cross his arms.
"Let's get this clear, Lucy." Papa said with no emotions.
"I defended you because I saw how your mind works. You thought about, not just yours but the boys' future as well. You have thought this far so I rewarded you. I was impressed. You have already what it needs to be a Heartfilia." I know I looked like an idiot now. Papa never said something like that to me.
"And then comes to the Dragneeliffe men." I froze as I gritted my teeth.
"Yes. I did hire them as your guards and that's all. Ask them about more details. I have no right to say anything else." I gave him a blank stare. Is he...
He walked away and was at the door already. "One last thing, Lucy." He stopped and grabbed the door knob. He twisted it and opened the door a little.
"I'm proud of you. Layla would too." He then stepped outside and quickly closed the door.
"Eh...? Eh? Eh? Eh?"
Did he just say...he was proud of me...?
My eyesight became blurry as I swallowed a lump. Real tears... I vowed to stop crying after Mama was buried.
'Speaking of Mama, I might want to visit her.' I smile appeared on my face.
I looked up to the angel statue and smiled down. "Hi, Mama" I placed down my bouquet full of different kind flowers.
"I have lots to tell you. I didn't write it down because I want to tell you." I crouch down and touch the stone plaque that was sitting on the ground before the angel statue.
"Sting and Natsu were hired as my bodyguards by Papa. Unbelievable, right? I haven't talk to the boys yet but Papa did. I made him proud of me." I swallowed on another lump and sighed. "For the first time, Papa was proud of me. He said it. I had proven myself. Is he reverting back before you left us, Mama? I hope so." I exhale.
"Now to the boys...I know they are still sleeping. It's 6 in the morning and knowing them, they can't even move even its noon! I have to ring and ring and ring their phones!" I giggled but it subdue quickly.
I narrowed my eyes. "Are...we still friends, Mama? I hope so. I don't want us to separate, Mama." I squeezed my eye shut as tears were finally rolling down.
"'Course we're still friends, Luce! And why are you cryin'? We're the one didn't tell ya!" My eyes snap open as I turn to face them. They were blushing and looking away. Sting's hands were in his pockets while Natsu was rubbing at the back of his neck.
"We...uh...uhm..." Sting eyes kept on reverting back to me and then away. He then sighed and looked at me in the eye.
He straightened up like a soldier and bowed 180 degrees. "I'm sorry, Lucy." I was taken back and slowly my eyes went to Natsu.
Natsu then went down to his knees and bowed so low. Without his hands. "I'm sorry, Luce!"
I froze as the silence taut.
I stand up and slowly walked to them. I saw them squeezed their eyes.
I raised my hand and balled it into a fist. I punched both boys' head.
"You idiots! I thought we promise each other that we will share our secrets! Papa allowed you to tell me about it and yet you didn't!" Both boys went into Indian sitting style white gripping on their heads. I was in front of them; I was like lecturing naughty kids.
"We-We're sorry..."
"And Natsu! Why did you hurt yourself?! You are already idiot enough and you smash your head to the ground! Do you want to be stupider or you just want an amnesia?!"
"Wh-What's an amnechia?"
"AMNESIA!"
"And Sting! You should bow 360 degrees!"
"WHAT?!" He looked up to me and I glared.
"Good now! How about my milkshake?! You guys promised!"
"EEEEH?!"
I humph and smiled sweetly at them. "Don't worry. We'll pay for it and we'll share!" They grin and I offered my hands to them. "Let's go!"
Though, I too am keeping a secret. A secret no one knows except for Mama.
.
.
.
I'm in love with one of my best friend.
And I value our friendship. That's what keeps me from not to confess and continue to hide my feelings.
Well, the ending was kinda crappy, no? I ran dry on ideas -_-
To those who want to see my cover picture properly, please visit my blog. I've posted it...
Thank you for reading!