There's going to be some slight LoLu, but it's more of a guy best friend comfort kinda thing, get me? Anyway, I ended up working during my entire summer vacation! I am physically drained guys. R.I.P

Star's Melody

Stage Four: Anything but Overalls

Her soul was leaving her body. She felt it, how could she not? She had just screwed up her audition because she let her emotions get to her! Groaning, she forced herself to sit up straight while she sat on one of the benches out of Vermillion Zero. The sky was a dessert of blue and white. People passed by with their cellphone against his or her cheek as they yelled or bantered. Lucy could only stare down at her feet against the concrete. She had made an attempt to fight back her tears, but they just slipped out. No one paid much attention to her, and she was thankful for that. The last thing she would want is Sting passing by her then daring to mock her.

Hah! Like I said, no talent or sex appeal!

Her hands slammed against the wooden bench. The thought of him was just infuriating! Yet the thought of him, at the same time, made her feel as if she was slowly going to fall apart into a mush of sadness. She knew getting over him wasn't going to be easy. She wasn't aware that it wasn't going to be easy stopping her feelings for him to get in her way. If only—if only what? Nothing clear came to the woman's mind. She screwed up badly!

For certain, she disappointed Natsu. And he even recommended her to audition.

Her dumb self just had to screw it up—she just had to! And the more she thought about, the more the tears came.

Eventually, Lucy finally stood up from the bench. She knew it was pointless to sit there and cry all afternoon. She had to get home, and ready herself for the next day at the café.

….

Once she was inside her room, she threw herself on to her bed, groaning into her pillow. Lucy didn't bother taking off her shoes. She yanked her cellphone out of her cardigan's pocket, and gazed over the screen to shuffle her playlist. The volume went up, and her sulkiness grew. Entering from the back had made it easy for her not to be spotted by the employees, so for now she embraced the depressed feeling before they barged in with sweets ready at hand. The comfort they gave wasn't an issue—that'd be a crazy thought—but Lucy did want her crying time to herself. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she re-buried her face into the pillow. Today's event was going to continue going through her mind.

What would her mom say?

"Your voice needs…to be louder! Talk, sing as if you mean it."

Lucy didn't mean her words over that cellphone call. She could have been honest about it. Slowly, she gathered herself up. The music from her cellphone went down, and she then pressed it against her ear. The voice from before played again through her mind. He still sounded like Sting to her, but she pushed away that thought. She wandered over to her mirror, to get a good view of her expression. Her dried lips parted slightly as if almost about to gasp, but they soon closed. Brown eyes fell on to the floor, and then to the side. They soon closed while she bit her bottom lip.

A sob escaped her lips, "I…I can't do this…"

Whether her tears were real or not, she couldn't tell.

"Will you forgive me? I understand if not…" the line recited through her mind.

"How can I possibly forgive you?!" she choked, and added in a whisper, "…it's too late."

Lucy's hand fell limply to her side, clenching on to the cellphone. Gazing back up at herself, she couldn't help but to smile a bit. It was more relieving to say what she felt instead of copying others.

Just moments later, her bedroom door busted open. A frightened, and teary eyed Leo appeared in her bedroom. Lucy was quick to rub her eyes. She gaze Leo a crooked smile, but it apparently wasn't reassuring enough.

"I thought—" he started but paused. A moment later, he added, "I thought someone broke your heart again!"

"Not exactly…" Lucy gave off a weak laugh. She could feel his gaze on her was pitiful.

"Considering you aren't jumping into my arms, screaming that you love me…I assume it didn't go well?" He shut the door behind him before allowing himself to sit on her bed.

With a sigh, she sat down next to him, head falling on his shoulder. It wasn't as if she had to be all alone.

"I screwed up…" murmured the blonde.

His hand was place on to her head, lightly patting it. There was a small silence until he spoke up.

"You aren't giving up, right?"

She was tempted to, but it wouldn't be in her character to just give up. Heartfilia's were rare to give up on something. Her mother would have smiled at her and would say to try again.

"It's…" she said in a low voice, "hard to believe that one could mess up so badly."

Leo slid his hand away from her head and placed it back on the bed with his other; he leaned back against his arms, brown gaze on the ceiling.

"You know what my real name is?"

Lucy shook her head in response. That was practically the only thing she didn't know about him. She didn't think any other employees knew either.

"Well…It's Loke," he let out a sigh.

Lucy almost snorted. The references she could pull out with just that name.

"I know," he groaned. "Before I started working here and whatnot, I was just Loke. This is going to be hard to believe, but I was soo unpopular with the ladies back then."

Holding back an eye roll was harder than holding back a snort.

"You're telling me this why?" Her eyes flickered up at him.

"I just felt like telling you," he gave her a light shrug. "Just make sure not to tell anyone. Personally, I enjoy the way my Zodiac name makes women curious on what my real name is." He gave Lucy a wink.

"How come you didn't give me a Zodiac name?" The blonde questioned.

"I told you! I just happen to like your name."

"It'd be cooler to have a Zodiac name!" Lucy puffed out her cheeks.

Loke flicked her forehead, letting out a chuckle as he said, "Too late for that. Everyone knows and loves you as just Lucy."

A blush coated her cheeks. If what he said was truly meant, then she didn't have a need to be changing her name to a Zodiac one. All the clients were nice to her and knew her as plain old Lucy. She smiled at her manager—and pretty much her best friend ever since she started working here—and he returned the smile.

A knock on the door caused both of them to quickly turn towards it.

"Miss Lucy? We heard your depressing music from the kitchen," it was Aries, and her usual worried voice.

"I-I didn't think it was that loud..." Lucy answered with an embarrassed chuckle.

"Sorry, Aries, but do you mind giving us a little privacy?" The manager called out with a grin curving the corner of his lips.

"Eek! I'm sorry!" They both heard Aries scramble off in embarrassment.

Lucy gaped at him, not hesitating to pound him on the head. He cried out in response but then laughed.

"Alright, I'm going to head off now. In the mean time, I want you to rest well because you're going to VZ again tomorrow," Loke got up from the bed, stretching out his arms as he did so.

"I am?" She blinked.

"Yes."

If she were to go back, she wasn't sure what she was going to do let alone even say. Yet she knew she couldn't give up.

Lucy gave him a determined nod, "O...Okay!"

She followed him out the door of the top floor, and waved good night. Lucy returned back into her room, and sighed, deciding she deserved a really, really hot bath. She pulled out her pajamas and a towel before wandering out into the bathroom.

….

This time she took her bike all the way up to Vermillion Zero. Lucy had taken her time, so she wouldn't arrive a sweaty mess. She pedaled up to the bike racks on the side of the building, and later made sure to leave her rusty thing nice and locked. With the same nervousness as yesterday, she walked up to the main entrance. Yet before she could even reach the door handle, the doors flew open.

Two security guards were dragging out the red head Lucy met yesterday. She seemed to have been struggling until the doors flew open.

"You have to accept me! Please!" Erza exclaimed. "Plea—"

Both women made direct eye contact. The security guards released Erza's arms, and nudged her out of the building. She looked back at them and scoffed before turning back to Lucy.

"Lucy, that was one performance you made yesterday," Erza said after clearing her throat.

"Says you," the blonde placed her hands on her hips, head tilting slightly.

"I...I didn't get accepted yesterday," she said, sighing.

Lucy's eyes widened. Erza was insanely good, how could she have not been accepted?

"If you don't mind me asking, why?"

The microphone was soon handed to Erza by Evergreen. Mavis, the President, had asked each woman a personal question that involved much of their opinion. Erza was nervous about what kind of question she was going to receive. She was a very blunt and honest woman, so she didn't need to show off that side of her.

She waited for Mavis's question. Several seconds later, she finally asked: What does love mean to you?

Erza's mind had gone blank. She wasn't very positive about the feeling of love. To her it wasn't hugs and kisses—having a fight and later making up. No, it was none of that. Love was a feeling Erza could never grasp and cradle. She didn't believe in it nor would she ever later on in life.

"Love..." She began, "is a feeling that I believe is pointless to have, and it gets in your way. Love does not provide anything important in life such as oxygen or water. It only gets in the way whenever you want to accomplish something. Not only that, but if either partner gets hurt in a relationship, too much drama happens. Therefore the feeling of love to me is nothing but emotions that excite you, but let you down later on. Especially family love. Such a thing is only forced."

There was a long silence in the room. The women on stage were gaping at Erza, not believing what she had just said.

The President was staring at Erza, wide eyed, jaw dropping slightly. It wasn't long before tears started streaming down her eyes. Next to her, Natsu Dragneel was cackling like there was no tomorrow.

"She's honest! Mavis we gotta keep her!" Natsu wiped a slight tear from laughter from his eye.

"N-No!" Mavis cried out, pouting like a five year old.

"And that's that..." Erza sighed.

The two were seated on a wooden bench by VZ. Erza had her elbows against her knees, hands sulking over either sides. Her head was dropped in embarrassment.

"Well," Lucy finally spoke up, "It seems like we're both in a tough spot..."

"I can't let such a thing get in the way of me becoming an actress," Erza sighed.

Lucy stood up from the bench, remembering why she agreed that she was coming back. She also didn't want a dumb mistake get in the way of her becoming better than Sting.

"Let's back! We'll wait in the front doors for an agent to come out or something. We've tried so hard to get accepted, it can't end now!" Lucy said, confidence in her voice.

Erza stared up at her, a small smile curving her lips. Lucy smiled down at her, and offered her hand. The red head took it and stood up. They made their way back to the VZ entrance. When Lucy said they would wait in the front doors, she really meant it. Along with Erza, she sat down on her knees, and they would patiently wait. Those that came and entered stared at the women, puzzled. Lucy was starting to feel bashful. Maybe sitting in front of the entrance was a bit too much? She peeked over at Erza, and was surprised to see her staring directly at the doors. Admiration washed over the blonde all over again. Deciding to be like her, she also stared straight at the doors.

"Two beautiful women sitting in front of doors? Now what's this all about?" a man's voice spoke up behind them. Lucy and Erza were quick to jump to their feet. They turned to face a handsome man around his forties with brown, slicked back hair.

"And you are?" Erza was quick to inquire.

"My manager, Gildarts," Natsu's head was barely visible over Gildarts'.

"N-Natsu!" Lucy blurted out. Remembering what happened yesterday, however, made her quickly look away in shame.

"Hey, it's the weirdo!" The pink haired man stepped beside his manager. His expression was as lively as ever. His sharp teeth stuck out when he smiled at them.

"It's Lucy!" She snapped, eyes quick to glare at him. He only chuckled at her.

"Lemme guess, you're desperate to join VZ?" Natsu raised an eyebrow as he gazed over both Erza and Lucy.

"We are," Erza answered without hesitation again.

"Y-Yeah..." Lucy murmured.

"Oh, are these two the ones you spoke to me about, Natsu?" Gildarts grinned over at the women.

"Yup!" He nodded.

"I can't believe they lack the love to be in here," he commented.

"Excuse us?" Lucy raised an eyebrow.

"Vermillion Zero is all about love and friendship," Gildarts pointed out while crossing his arms, "I heard from both Natsu and the President you both need a lecture about love."

"Nonsense!" Erza exclaimed, arms also crossed as she glared up at him.

"Anyway," Natsu said, attention turning to Lucy, "We're in luck to find you here because starting today you both will be working here!"

"Eh?!" The duo turned to look at Natsu in shock.

How was it possible they got accepted? Lucy hoped that they saw through their talent as actresses. Yeah, that definitely had to be why. Natsu placed a hand on Erza and Lucy's shoulder.

"Well, let's go get your uniform!"

Lucy glanced back at him, "Uniform?"

When they entered the building, they were greeted by the coolness of the AC. They'd forgotten how hot it was outside. The women were led down the front floor, and up a staircase. Lucy argued that they should have used the elevator, but got ignored.

"Are these the new recruits?" A young man wearing an ear piece for calls approached them.

"Yup!" Natsu nodded. "Good luck you two!"

Him and Gildarts waved to them. Lucy watched them walk into the elevator. She wanted to call out to them, and question what the whole uniform deal was about. Before she could, the young man started dragging them away.

"Boy, I'm glad you guys are here! I kept telling the security guards to bring you here instead, but they just wouldn't listen, Ms. Scarlet!" He let out a frustrated sigh.

"Well, I was making quite a scene..." Erza scratched her cheek.

"What do you mean by recruitments, by the way?" Lucy asked.

"You two are part of a new program! The President called it Fairy Heart, and you are the first members! Your job will be assisting others, and if you do a well job you get points for it," he explained while rushing down the hallway. Erza had no trouble walking as fast as him, but Lucy felt as if she was about to lose her breath.

"So...we aren't acting?" Erza came to a sudden stop. Lucy almost bumped into her.

The ear piece guy also came to a stop and nodded. "The President sees your abilities in becoming fine actresses, but you first need to gain love points before finally going out into the acting world."

"That's ridiculous!" The redhead exclaimed. Lucy had to agree with her there, but at the same time it did make sense.

"I see..." Lucy nodded, "so in order for us to be recognized as pros, we need to handle the small tasks, learn what love is, and climb our way to the top?"

"Exactly!"

The blonde gave Erza a small pat on the shoulder. "If we do this together, I'm sure things will turn out just fine! Besides, this is our only chance to be working here!"

She gave her a slight nod. The trio started walking down the hall again until reaching a room that read "Female Locker Room."

"I'll wait out here," he said.

Lucy was the first to enter followed by Erza. The locker room was pretty small, but clean at least. She gazed around a bit, eyes soon falling on to two uniforms hung by two lockers. Her jaw dropped at the sight of them. One pink overall had a name tag that said "Lucy", and the other was a purple one that read "Erza."

"I can't wear that..." She mumbled.

"Erza, we ca—"

Erza was already changing into her uniform. Lucy blushed at the sight of the naked woman. She had a very toned figure, and breasts any woman would be jealous of. Lucy looked away, waiting for her to finish.

"It's kind of comfortable," Erza finally said as she pulled the zipper up. She adjusted the belt on that dangled from her hips; a logo with F.H inside a pink heart was on it.

Lucy took her own uniform from the hanger, and stared down at it. Why overalls? It could have been anything but overalls. She even encouraged herself to be part of this new section. If Sting saw her like this, it would be the end of her.

"I can't believe this," she sighed.

When she finished staring at her uniform in disgust, she finally changed. She looked over at the mirror, sighing as she pulled her hair into two low ponytails. Erza did the same, but just kept a side ponytail. The uniform also came with two pairs of Converse. That was probably the decent part of the outfit. Lucy slipped on her shoes, and then stepped out of the locker room.

"Oh my God! I knew you'd look lame!" Natsu Dragneel's voice made her eye twitch, and her leg swing.