CHAPTER 1: BUZZKILL

I just arrived in Mr. Dreyar's office. On time, as scheduled. He was rummaging through his desk, I didn't really pay attention. I found it quite funny that he has a lot of faux artwork with faux signatures. The only thing nice about his office was his wallpaper. The wallpaper was white. Just white and nothing more.

"You wanted to see me, Mr. Dreyar?" I asked smiling as he looked up and closed his desk.

"Lucy, please do call me Laxus." He said fixing his tie and brushing his hair out of his eyes. I nodded and he continued on with conversation. "I just wanted to know how your article for this month's issue of Sabertails is going." He was checking his e-mails on his computer.

"It's going great, I think at least. I'm writing an article comparing celebrity baby weight loss." I said not smiling anymore as his face changed from gleeful to dissapointed. "I see..." He said opening another e-mail.

"Listen, Lucy, just a heads up but the magazine has not been selling well recently." He looked angry now, still dissapointed but his eyebrows we're furrowed he continued, "so we are starting to let people go if their contributions aren't sufficent enough." He shrugged crossing his arms.

Oh no, is he going to fire me?! I could feel my face getting hot and I needed to figure out of how to keep my job. I felt my face full of bewilder. But then he told me, "don't worry, the magazine is not going to get rid of you." I sighed with relief and wiped my hand on my pants since I was sweating. "...yet." A very long pause of silence and frustration overflew me.

"But, make sure its a killer story this month, or I'm afraid that you might be in trouble." I felt angry, and understanding. I did like Mr. Dreyar, considering my friend even realized I had the hots for him. I built up my courage, "but surely you wouldn't want me to leave?" I smirked, but blushed.

"Of course, Lucy. I don't want to get rid of the prettiest girl in the office." He was smiling now, and he continued on opening and deleting e-mails. As if he said that with no interest what-so-ever. He was enthusiastic about it, so I didn't dwell on it.

I blushed and gave him a condensed look, "My hands are tied right now, but just try to get a good story by the end of the month, okay?" He was looking at me when he said that. Finally I got his attention, even though this may be the end of our meeting, or maybe even the last meeting.

"I'll try my best to get something that catches your interest." I paused for a second, "Laxus." He nodded of approval. "Great thanks Lucy, I guess I'll see you around?" He was ignoring his computer now. He says my name a lot, maybe he likes me? "Definitely." I replied with a big smile. He was smiling too... but it was more of a grin.

I finally drove home after my work shift I was tired and I hated that my workplace is an hour away from my house. Maybe I should move, closer. Or I could move farther and just be in anoth- I can't forget about Mr. Dreyar, I'd probably get fired even before I could say I can explain.

I wish the coffee kicked in sooner. I was worn out, and that drive home didn't help. At least I got a nice meeting with Mr. Dreyar today, heh. Or as I should say, Laxus.

I knocked on the door, force of habit. I just moved out from my roommates' place and I got a place for myself. Just a small studio apartment and nothing special. I grabbed the keys from my purse and opened the door.

I really have to find a good story for this month's issue of Sabertails... if I want to keep my job, anyway. I was getting a phone call, can't I just get a minute to get comfortable and just relax. It was Levy so I had to answer it.

"Hello?" I asked we talked recently and I thought she was going on a date with Gajeel or her friends. None of my business anyway, shes really over-protective of him and her friends, or is it the other way around? Or both, or maybe just her. Who knows, I think too much. I decided not to ask about it.

Her voice cracked, "Lucy." Oh no, this was bad, I hope that Gajeel didn't do anything. "Lucy, I'm being let go from Sabertails." she continued very close to crying, "Laxus... Mr. Dreyar he called me this afternoon just after you left!" It was confirmed now that she was crying.

"Oh no, Levy, I'm so sorry! Would you like to talk about it over some coffee?" Did I really just say coffee... maybe I'm over tired. "Coffee?" She muttered and I replied with a grunt, I could tell she didn't like that idea. "I need something stronger than that, Lucy! I'm coming straight over and we're going out!"

She hung up without letting me accept or decline the deal. Like I was going to decline it, that is. I was still exhausted but I went with it anyway. I called her, "Hey do you think we can reschedule? Like 1 hour and 30 minutes." I asked, she sounded determined: "No, we are going now, I know it doesn't take you that long to get ready."

"Yeah I know, I was going to get a shower in but I guess not." I said sighing. She hung up, I guess it was worth the try.

I went to the bathroom and readied my curling iron. It wasn't that new so it took a bit to heat up. A bit meaning: finding an outfit. I exited the bathroom going to my room and opened the side-room off of my room or as known as: my closet.

My clothes in my closet was a small variety. I used my walkway closet for all of my shoes, special occasions, and parties. This counted as a party, of course. I shimmered to the drawer under my hung clothes and opened it.

It contained full of mini-skirts and shorts. Very short shorts. I picked out a shirt first; it was a plain white cropped shirt, then some tight high-waisted shorts which we're a light coral blue, diamante jewelry which was gold, and a watch which was also gold.

I went back to the bathroom and the curling iron was ready. Everything was as planned... so far. I decided to go for the bouncy curls pony tail look and it wouldn't take me that long since I mastered them not to long ago.

Finally I finished my hair but added a long bow that was the same color of my shorts. Perfect timing too, since she just rang the door bell. "Coming, Levy!" I shouted throwing myself down the stairs in my strapped gold sandals.

I opened the door and her eyes were a bit red. Poor Levy, she quickly hugged me and said, "I just can't believe they dropped me! That was really my dream job..." I quickly thought of something comforting to say, "and you were doing so well there!" I managed to say but it was more of a spat. Comforting...

She was probably speechless thinking I didn't care about anything she had to say so immediately I thought of her best article that she had written, "You were the one who got the story on Natsu Dragneel and Lisanna Strauss's break up!" She let go of me and wiped the tears off her face.

"Yeah," she started, "Lucy, that was almost two years ago. I haven't gotten a single good story since then!" I gasped, "Is that why they decided to let you go?!" She looked around and muttered, "I... I don't know. Mr. Dreyars, well he didn't give me a reason..."

Thats a bit strange. Why wouldn't he just tell her, or she might be hiding something from me. She looked down and I noticed she stopped crying. Thats a good thing, I'm pretty sure at least. I could just leave it alone or ask her what the REAL reason is. She is my best friend... "Come on, Levy, what's the real reason? You know that you can always talk to me."

It was a moment before she replied "Really I don't know! Truthfully, I don't think that Mr. Dreyars likes me much." I couldn't tell if she was hiding something, she looked serious and convincing and she was my best friend. I guess I'll just leave her alone.

"Aw, Lev, I'm sure that's not it." I said trying to force a smile but it probably looked more of a dissapointed gesture. "You know, Mr. Dreyars asked me into his office earlier, too." I said as she gasped and looked bewildered, "Did he get rid of you as well?" She said.

"He told me that things aren't looking good for the company." He did tell me that, so I wasn't lying. "Is that why they got rid of me?" She started sniffing again. She definitely didn't know the reason and thats for sure.

I wanted to say no but that would only be a lie so I just told her, "Maybe." I shook my head and bit my nail. "But why me? I really needed that job!" I know she needed that job, of course she did. She really needs some cheering up right now, she was about to cry again. No she wasn't about to, she was crying.

"Come on, lets get going." I said as she immediately smiled looking bright like her usual self. "Ooh, yes!" She spoke and we left my apartment and went outside. We got into her car and I was driving since she was the one who got into the passenger seat. "Hey, maybe you'll even find the perfect guy to pose as your boyfriend for your mom!" She said snickering.

"Oh... that..."

\ 6 Months Earlier /

"Lucy, I do wish you'd at least think twice about finding a nice man." My mom said crossing her arms. Here she goes again I yawned. "I'm serious! I never would have thought Michelle would be getting married before you!" She shouted.

"After all, she is the younger sister!" She managed a convincing smile but I could tell it was fake. I squinted and was alarmed by her shouting, "I know, Mom, you tell me everytime that I come to your house and or see you."

"Oh, Lucy, I didn't mean to scare you but you do know I only want whats best for you." There she went with that same convincing look again eyeing me down. "I understand, Mom." I know she wants me to get married young like she did, I'll make up a boyfriend to keep her quiet!

"You know, Mom, I do actually have a boyfriend." I said. She looked excited giving me the look like 'omg who what when how why.' "You do!? She said and without hesitation she got off her chair and was about to hug me. "So, when can I meet him?"

Oh no, maybe I should have thought this through. "Well, it's still in the early days..." I said looking at my nails. "Ooh tell me his name!" I could either make it be very unbelievable and not tell her or just make up a name. I decided to go with making up a name.

"Um... er... It's uh... He's called... uh Kacey" I stuttered and nervously smiled. "You just have to bring this Kaniee to Michelle's wedding! Oh, Lucy, I am so happy for you, I can't wait to meet him!" "Mom-its ..." But she couldn't hear me since she walked off and I was whispering.

Oh brother. What have I done?!

\ End of Flashback /

I guess me and Levy we're having the same flashback since she laughed, although she wasn't there shes probably just remembering when and what I told her. "You really dropped yourself in it there!" She smiled.

"Ugh, don't remind me. Everytime I see her she asks about 'Kaniee' I don't have and I always have to correct her and say Kacey!" I said frowning. "What are you going to do about it?" She asked now looking concerned.

"I don't know..." I could just tell her tha I would keep an eye out for a guy but that really doesn't sound promising, or I could just make up an excuse of why 'Kaniee' isn't coming or just wing it. "I'll make up an excuse about why he's not at the wedding." I said shrugging.

"Ooh, maybe he dies?!" She looked excited and sounded way to enthusiastic. "Little morbid, Levy." I said and she chuckled, I told her, "I was thinking more like a family emergency or illness... or something." She shrugged acting sad, "Yeah, I guess that could work."

It was a small pause till she finally spoke up, "What if your mom susses that you're lying?" I really wish she wasn't so negative all the time. "Hopefully, she won't!" I said putting my phone in my bag. "Okay. I wouldn't really like to try pulling the wool over your mom's eyes." She had a good point.

She wasn't going to help me with this, so I might as well just live my life till embarrassment. "She can be pretty scary when shes mad." She said covering her mouth. We soon decided to leave after talking about it and I told her that we were going to have a good night, which we were.

We finally arrived at the nightclub. Yes we we're going to rave, we entered and she was already half way across the building dancing. I decided to follow her and she was at the bar already now, drinking, a lot. I sat down next to her and she ordered at least 3 drinks already.

I looked around and being and noticed someone. Is that who I think it is? It definitely was who I thought it was. He was just standing there, just sitting at the bar alone. A celebrity, alone. "Levy! Look! At the end of the bar!" I gasped and she did as well widening her eyes.

"Its Natsu Dragneel! THE Natsu Dragneel!" I fangirled. Levy was shocked, "What!? Natsu Dragneel A.K.A biggest movie star of the decade?!" She continued sounding a little dissapointed, "Or at least he was... untill his split from supermodel Gina Dwight-" I interrupted her, "The story you reported on for Sabertails!"

"Yep..." She sapped in her chair. "He went off the rails and now is supposedly unempolyable. He hasn't made a movie in almost two years." We were still both shocked and I decided to pick up the conversation mood, "Well, movie or not that's definitely him over there!" Levy had a grin on her face, she was getting an idea.

"So go talk to him!" She blurted out. I contemplated this for awhile, "Do you think I should?" I asked. "He might not talk to me, I am a journalist after all." I regretted being a journalist now, is my job really making me miss my oppor- wait was I talking about, this was an opportunity of a lifetime.

I could totally write an article on this. "So? Just don't tell him then!" Levy said slamming another drink. "Think about it, Lucy, he might give you the scoop you need to keep your job." She was acting serious now and she put down her drink and scowled.

"Plus, he's hot! A little flirting wouldn't be the worst thing you could do!" She said blushing and smiling. "I guess a little chat won't hurt..." I said cautiously but idley. "Now you're getting it, go get him, girl!"

Well here goes nothing. I got off the bar stool and walked over to him, I looked back at Levy and she winked at me and pointed at him. I finally was standing behind Natsu, how should I get his attention? Maybe I should just wait for him to notice me, or I could fangirl over him, or just buy him a drink.

I decided to just sit down next to him and wait. A long pause occurred as he slowly turned and looked at me. "Excuse me? You look thirsty. Can I buy you a drink?" He asked. "N-N-Natsu Dragneel?!" I stuttered and blushed. "I guess my reputation precedes me, and what might I call you?"

He was calm, nice, and kind. It got awkward since I was in shock and I felt like I couldn't do anything but I dished out the rock in my stumach and built up my courage, "Sorry, I'm Lucy. I really love your movies! They're the best!" I squealed.

He sounded content and dissapointed and I realized that everyone sounded dissapointed, "Well they were... until all of Hollywood decided I was too much of a loose canon to hire." He said frowning. "Why would they think that?" I knew why they would think that, I was a journalist after all.

"Because that's what my ex told everyone. Her dad was..." I interrupted him, "A famous movie director!" "Sorry..." I looked away covering my face. "It's okay, I guess our relationship was pretty public." He smiled and shrugged. I was still looking away with frustration.

"Anyway, Gina told her dad that I was kinda volatile and I guess word travels fast in Crocus, especially the word of the biggest director on the planet." I felt my face fall cold, and I felt very defensive. So people have been fed lies through out these years.

"That's horrible! They had no right to talk about you like that!" I glared. "Unfortunately that's how it works in Crocus, and it spreads to other locations through out Fiore like wildfire, thats why I've escaped to Shirotsume Town for a short while."

His words sounded fake, he was an actor, and they sounded fake. "Believe it or not there's way less drama here." We both laughed, "So... how about that drink then?" He said curiously. "That sounds great!" He ordered the drink and we waited for the bartender to prep it.

I decided to look around for Levy since she wasn't at her drinking spot. I saw her on the end of dance floor... making out with... I gasped... Gajeel Redfox!? I guess Levy is having a good time! I looked back and apparently he noticed that I was looking at Gajeel. "Hmph, whats your thoughts on Gajeel?" He asked.

"Oh, I don't know, hes cool." I replied. Gajeel was cool, he was on all of the top magazines, including Sabertails! The bartender handed us our drinks, "Thanks!" I said to him. He was already drinking his beer.

He nodded and pounded his chest and coughed, *ahem* "So what do you do for a living?" I'm going to tell him the truth, I don't care what Levy said. "I'm... I'm a writer. Journalist actually." I blushed and looked away again.

He sighed, "So I guess I shouldn't tell you any of my deep, dark secrets then." Damn, why would he want to in the first place though? "It's okay, I'm not talking to you as a journalist right now. Me and my boss kinda are on ends, and its also my day off."

I immediately changed the subject, "Do you try to memorize lines when you go for a drink?" "Okay, point taken - you're not talking to me for a story." He cackled. It wasn't really a lie... I am technically not working, and I'm mad at my boss for firing Levy. SO why do I feel like I'm not telling him the whole truth? Maybe because I wasn't specific, its fine.

"Man, that drink went down quick! Round two's on me!" I smiled. "Well I won't argue with that!" I think I had at least 4 drinks now, and hes had 6. "You're so funny! And so much better looking in person..." I blushed. "You're not so bad yourself." He snickered. My phone was ringing.

"Oh, it's a text from my friend." I read the text and frowned she said, "Am leaving now. Looks like you are hitting it off with Natsu Dragneel, you go girl! Have fun xoxo, lol, ttyl." "Is everything okay?" He asked. "Everything's great, actually!" I smirked and looked over to Levy as she waved to me and made her way across the building to the exit.

"Hey, I love this song! Come on, let's go dance!" I whined pulling him with me towards the dance floor. The DJ was shouting in his microphone it was loud but I didn't care, "And this song is for all the lovers out there, let's slow it down a bit..." Without hesitation we both slow danced together. He is so dreamy...

\ The Next Morning /

I got out of bed, yawned, and stretched. When I got out of bed I knew the room I was in was not my room. Oh my god! I think I slept with Natsu Dragneel! "Hold on... what's this?" I said picking up a piece of paper.

On this day, the X794 Mr. Dragneel and Miss. Lucky Lucy Heartfilia... we're united in marriage! Oh no! I've really done it this time!