Spring Semester, Senior Year; January
"Lu!" the excited bluenette rushed down the hall, her arms full of books. "How was your break?"
"It was great Levy!" Lucy lied with a smile as her best friend approached. "How about yours?"
"Oh, I got to spend some time at the big library in Crocus when we went to visit my grandparents! You should go sometime, it seems as if they've got every book imaginable." Levy's blue eyes were gleaming with excitement as she remembered. Closing her locker, Lucy turned towards her first class. Levy fell into step besides her as she walked, telling stories about the break. Lucy couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Her break had been empty. Sting had spent most of it closeted with her father, learning about the Konzern, and she had been left to the tender mercies of her deportment tutor, Aquarius. They had spent hours going over household management, practicing ballroom dances, and nitpicking over Lucy's merely passable skills at embroidery.
It was the twenty-first century, but sometimes Lucy felt as if she was stuck in the nineteenth century. Her father expected nothing of her but that she would marry for the good of the business and be a successful society lady. She wasn't allowed to get her license, because what was the point of a woman behind the wheel? Grades didn't matter, because it was more important that she was versed in polite conversation, so as to be able to entertain her husband's guests. At times, Lucy wondered if her mother would have raised her this way, but she could remember very little of Layla, who had died when she and Sting weren't any older than six. If you had lived, would you have insisted that I learn to be the perfect lady, or could I have been allowed to do whatever I wanted?
"LEVY!" the shout broke her free of her thoughts, and Lucy saw Jet and Droy rushing across the classroom towards them, about to engulf her best friend in a hug. The three were childhood friends, much like Lucy and Natsu, and were inseparable at times. Levy set her books on a nearby desk and accepted the hugs that they enveloped her with.
"Hi guys!"
Lucy watched as the three began chattering about their vacation, enjoying the glimpse into a normal life. She was surprised when she was jostled from behind. "Move it blondie," a voice growled, and she looked over her shoulder only to find Gajeel glaring at her.
"What are you saying to my girlfriend, Redfox?" Natsu's voice snapped, as his arm slipped around Lucy's waist.
"She needed to move out of the damn way," Gajeel growled back.
"Luce isn't in the way, metal face," Natsu shot. "Maybe if you just looked where you were going sometimes…"
"Students, as intriguing as this is, I have a lesson on government to impart." Natsu and Gajeel shut up as the history teacher, Mr. Conbolt, moved into the room. "Now, if you'd all take your seats, I could get the announcements done and get to my lesson?"
Lucy slid into her seat next to Natsu and pulled out her notebook. While history was Levy's passion, and government Laxus's, Lucy wasn't a fan. She liked the stories history told, but only when they were crafted into something a bit more…interesting than just a textbook. But the school required all students to take a certain number of history credits, so here she was.
"Now that you're all seated, I've got some announcements for you all." Mr. Conbolt sighed as he looked at the paper in his hands. "Welcome back from winter vacation, we hope everyone's break was restful and educational…please remember that the school rules are still in full force, particularly the ones about snowball fights in the hallway…" This particular statement was directed towards Natsu, who had celebrated the end of the previous semester with a school wide snowball fight with his longtime rival, Grey Fullbuster.
"Now…as I'm sure you're all excited to know…" Giggles and snickers filled the room at the less than excited tone of voice Mr. Conbolt was using. "The selections have been made for this year's prom committee. Before I read the names, I would like to remind everyone that it is acceptable for any student, regardless of gender, to participate on the committee. Anyone with any questions or concerns about the selection process is invited to speak with Principal Dreyar at any time. This year's prom committee is: Levy McGarden, Sherry Blendy, Evergreen Justine, Kinana Cubelious, Juvia Lockser, and Lisanna Strauss. The first meeting will be tomorrow after school. Congratulations ladies."
Flipping the page over, Mr. Conbolt continued reading as if he was simply following a script. "Now, nominations for the positions of prom king and queen are being accepted all week. Ballots are in the main office, as well as the ballot box. You may nominate yourself. At the end of the week, the top three candidates from each gender will be announced, and they will be able to accept or reject their nomination. Voting will take place at the beginning of March, and the male and female students with the highest number of votes will join the prom committee. The other students will be recognized as princes and princesses. Are there any questions?"
When there were none, Mr. Conbolt looked relieved. "Now, on to today's lesson…"
At the end of the day, Lucy made her way to the girl's locker room. While official practice didn't start until next week, she had made it clear that her opinion was that her squad should put in some time either in the weight room or the indoor track. Wanting to set a good example, she planned on being there every day after school. Natsu, although finished with soccer, had his responsibilities as captain of the basketball team and would likely be there as well. She enjoyed the days when they were able to work out together, because her father and cheerleading ate up most of the time that she could have used to spend with Natsu.
"Hey did you guys hear?" a voice said as she changed. Not one of her squad, and definitely a freshman from the pitch. "The senior who was in an accident, Yukino Aguria, came in for a visit today."
"That's old news," someone else scoffed. "My sister texted me that she heard Yukino's coming back tomorrow for good. She would have been back today, but there was a paperwork mixup, so she couldn't."
Closing her gym locker, Lucy made her way to the indoor track where she knew Natsu would be waiting. She was surprised that the news took so long to reach her, although it did explain the cellphone usage that seemed more pervasive than usual. Her own phone spent most of the day turned off, since it was the simplest model her father could find. Only Natsu and Levy had her number, outside of her own family, and they knew that she couldn't text very much because of her father's restrictions. Still, Lucy was usually connected to the gossip even without a phone. Good for Yukino though, coming back.
It was now common knowledge around the school that the girl had nearly lost a leg, and that the prognosis wasn't good for the continuation of her dancing career. Lucy pitied the girl. Losing your dream for the future was awful, and she probably hadn't thought of a backup. Also common knowledge was that the driver had been drunk, even as early in the afternoon as the accident was. All of the students had been forced to sit through several assemblies on the evils of drunk driving the previous semester, and Lucy was certain that they would have more closer to prom season.
"Hey Luce, ready to run?" Natsu's cheerful call broke through her thoughts, and she looked up to find him stretching next to the track.
"Yeah, it's been a while since I was able to let loose," she replied, joining him. "I think it's your turn to set the pace."
"Sounds about right," He smiled cheerfully at her, in the way that she knew made her want to melt. "It's good to see you again. I'm bummed that we couldn't hang out much over break."
"It's good to see you too," Lucy mumbled, blushing. She had wanted to spend time with Natsu, but her father forbade her from spending too much time with him, given that she would have to break up with him in the near future. Just the thought made her heart ache, and Lucy swallowed hard. How can I tell him? She knew that anyone she asked would tell her to just go against her father's wishes, but it wasn't that simple. While he had never said anything to her about what would happen if she disobeyed, Lucy could tell that the consequences would be severe.
"Ready to go? I'm thinking a few laps to warm us up, and then we start the actual fun." Natsu bounced eagerly on his feet, looking down the track. Only a few runners were out at the moment, although Lucy knew that it might be more crowded later on.
"Sounds great," she said, pushing thoughts of her father out of her head. Lucy just needed to run, to tire herself out so she wouldn't have anything else to worry about but her aching muscles.
They ran in a companionable silence, someone else having turned a radio on and hooked it up to the track's speakers. By the time they were done, Lucy was ready for a long hot shower and fresh clothes. Maybe a nap too.
"Luce, you gonna shower here or at your house?" Natsu asked as she headed off. "I was thinking I'd shower at my place today."
"I'm okay with that," she called. "Let me just change and get my things."
"See you out front!" With his trademark grin, Natsu jogged off towards the men's locker room. Lucy grimaced as she thought of what she would have to tell him, but she had until March at the earliest before she had to tell him. Maybe later if she could convince her father.
After she got home and soaked in the tub for a while, Lucy checked her email before heading down to dinner. Nothing from Laxus, but that wasn't surprising. He was taking a winter break course that seemed to occupy most of his time, or at least that was the way it sounded at Christmas, when he came for three days. There had been an odd tension in the house then, and while her father couldn't directly exclude Laxus from participating in family events, it was clear that he was excluded nonetheless.
There was an email from Levy though, telling her that while she couldn't nominate anyone for prom queen or king, the bluenette had it on good authority that several nominations for Lucy were already in the box. Smiling, Lucy replied to the message, not having the heart to explain that she didn't care about the position, her father did. Being prom queen…Lucy could care less about it.
At the appointed time, she made her way to the dining room where her father was already waiting, standing in front of the fireplace talking to Sting.
"Lucy, punctuality for a lady is at least five minutes before the stated time, not the stated time. Be sure you observe this in the future."
"Yes Father," she murmured, taking her place at the table.
"Sting, I have a meeting tomorrow that I want you to participate in, so please make sure to return directly from school…"
At the end of the week, the excitement was nearly palpable. After school, the seniors gathered in the cafeteria to hear the prom committee announce the nominations. Levy stood on a table, still barely visible over the crowd. "Alright everyone, quiet down!" she yelled.
When she had the crowd under control, the bluenette looked at the sheet of paper in her hand, the other five members of the committee behind her. "Okay, we're here to give the top three nominees each for prom king and queen, and hear any rejections. First, the candidates for prom king: Natsu Dragoneel, Sting Heartfilia, and Rouge Cheney."
Wild applause greeted the trio as they made their way out of the crowd. Levy looked at them. "Are all of you willing to accept the nomination?"
Natsu gave a thumbs up, and Rogue opened his mouth, but Sting stepped on his foot and said: "I'm too busy, so I'll have to decline the nomination, but Rogue here accepts."
The look on Rogue's face was mutinous, but Levy ignored it. "Very well then. Now, on to the girls. Lucy Heartfilia, Erza Scarlet and Yukino Aguria!"
Cheers accompanied each name, but oddly enough the cheers for Yukino were the loudest. Making her way through the crowd, Lucy stood besides Erza, who was next to the chair Yukino was sitting in.
"Do you three accept the nominations?" Levy asked once the cheering had died down.
"I'm afraid I'll have to decline," Erza said. "I'm too busy with student council activities to run a campaign."
"I accept," Lucy said, and was echoed by Yukino.
"Very well then. Now that the candidates have been announced, the campaigns can begin. Voting takes place during the first week of March. You have until then to gather support!"
Levy jumped down from the table and hugged Lucy. "I'm so happy for you!" she cried. "You and Natsu will make the cutest couple."
"I could end up with Rogue," Lucy reminded her friend, thinking about her father's orders when it came to Natsu.
"You won't," Levy said with certainty. "You two are the cutest couple in school, and the most popular."
"Don't get ahead of yourself Levy," Lucy said gently. "Yukino is a worthy opponent in this race." She nodded at the other girl, sitting and talking with several friends. "It won't be an easy one."
"Nonsense," Levy said. "You two are going to win it."
"Whatever you say Levy," Lucy said, making her way towards the locker room. She had canceled mandatory practice due to the announcement, but made strong suggestions about what the other girls could do with the free afternoon. Upon entering the weight room, she was glad to see most of her squad assembled already.
"I hope you guys weren't waiting for me," she said as she joined them. "You all have been around long enough to know what to do."
"Of course we do," Millenia said. "We're just discussing the nominations. As much as I support you, Yukino's got a pretty good chance. Her accident might bring a lot of sympathy votes."
"It will be an interesting race," Lucy said. "However, for now we need to concentrate on getting back into shape after winter break. Come on guys, no more dawdling."
***Well, still basically just setting everything up. I consider the previous chapter as more of a prologue, and this chapter's the "real" first chapter. The story's written in monthly segments, and the next one is super long. As of right now, I'm pretty set on a certain pairing, but since I'm still solidifying everything, I'll hold off on the announcement. If it isn't obvious in two chapters, I'll eat my hat. If I had a hat.
If anyone thinks that Lucy's dad's really old fashioned, to the point of being cruel, good for you. He's definitely treating Lucy differently just because he has certain ideas about what a girl should and shouldn't do. I certainly don't endorse this viewpoint, but I was trying to craft a situation where Lucy's upbringing and family life would be somewhat similar to that in the canon story.
Other than that, there should be no issues with my posting the next chapter of Still Standing tomorrow. I don't know when this one will be updated next, but I'll try and get it done soon.***
