Hi ya! How's everyone? Just a few weeks ago I checked my mail, and when I realized my last update was on March 28, I was like 'OH MY GOD! SO LONG? I BETTER UPDATE SOON'

And so I'm here with my new chapter. I hope you like it. Sorry if any mistakes.(Please do point out if any, so I can correct it. Thanks in advance.)

I don't know if anybody noticed it, but but DID YOU SEE THIS STORY IS ALMOST GONNA REACH 50 FOLLOWERS? Seriously Thank you(x1000) everyone for your support. It really makes me very happy to know, people read my story and review!

Replies to reviews! (^_^)

Guest: Thanks a lot for your review. I'm glad you loved it(Really thanks) I hope you will enjoy this chapter too!

FDsecretart: Lolz, that's true! Hope you enjoy this chapter too! Thanks for your review!

StiCyLover: Yes there are gonna have a match! Look forward to it (^u^). Thanks a lot for your review! I hope you will enjoy this chapter!

TChacha: I seriously love your reviews! Sting is the hero for this story, so this won't be a NaLu...I guess?*winks* I'm glad to know you liked the story so far, I hope you feel the same way for the rest of the updates too!

Thanks to all who added me to their 'follow' 'favorite' and 'alert' lists. And special thanks to my silent readers too. If I've forgotten someone, then I'm sorry.

Now on with the story!

"Why did you agree with Natsu?" asked Lucy. Her voice made it clear that she was angry and frustrated.

"He provoked me" replied Sting, as a matter of fact.

The two of them were currently walking down the lane, towards Lucy's apartment. After Natsu declared a match with Sting, he left off saying something like 'He'll save her from Sting'

Needless to say, Lucy was annoyed with her so called boyfriend and her idiot best friend.

Natsu challenged Sting for a basketball match. A simple match between the two of them. Whoever scores three points first, is the winner. Simple as it sounds.

"Natsu is the team captain" replied Lucy, looking ahead. Her apartment was visible from this distance.

"So?" asked Sting, his expression not changing.

Lucy opened her mouth to make up a reason, "Don't just 'so' me. You don't stand a chance against Natsu"

Sting stopped in front of her gates, and looked her. She seemed worried for him. That itself made him happy for some reason.

Locking his gaze with hers, "Trust your boyfriend a little" whispered Sting, moving a little close.

Lucy didn't flinch or made any effort to move away from him.

She looked straight at him and said, "Trusting you again, would be the last thing I'll ever do"

Satisfied with her answer, she turned around and went in. Sting looked at her retreating figure, and shook his head before leaving.

-x-

Once inside her apartment, Lucy threw her bag on the sofa and flopped herself on the bed.

She has known Natsu, since the day she joined school. His goofy smile and friendly nature was what made Natsu so awesome. He's been there for Lucy, through up and down.

It was Levy and Natsu, who signed her name for the student council. And with their help she won the election. Natsu was more happy for Lucy, compared to Lucy herself who wasn't that super duper happy.

There was a time, when Levy hinted that Natsu might have a crush on her. Lucy denied it saying 'Natsu's her best friend'.

Natsu was always protective. Even right now, he is!

Thinking over the situation right now, she wondered what would have happened if it was Natsu who would have asked Lucy to be his girlfriend before Sting appeared…

Would things be different than it is now?

Or what would it be like if Sting was the same old Sting as before? Sweet, caring, loving, that angelic looking boyfriend?

Lucy just groaned as she sat up, and grabbed her pillow. She cursed the boys, Natsu and Sting, repeatedly until her ached a little.

She threw the pillow aside, as she got up and changed for the night.

-x-

The next day, Lucy left early for school. The chances of meeting Natsu or Sting, this early in the morning, is pretty close to impossible.

She made her way to the student council room. She was greeted by her table full of paper work.

She sweat dropped at the sight of those paper works. She had left for home yesterday, without coming back to the student council.

She sighed before placing her bag next to her table and started going through the papers.

~x~

Half an hour or so, the members of the student council began to enter the room and greeted Lucy. Lucy greeted them back and continued with her work.

"Yo, Luce"

Lucy looked up and smiled at Gray, who had his bag slung around his shoulder, "Hi"

"What's up? When did come to here?" asked Gray as he picked one of paper on Lucy's desk and went through the content.

"45 mins ago I think" replied Lucy, looking at her watch.

"I heard about it yesterday" said Gray, "What happened during the PE"

"Ah! That! Don't worry. My legs perfectly fine" replied Lucy, as she tapped the floor with her leg, showing see-no-pain expression.

Gray grunted before saying, "Who said I'm worried about you. I'm just worried over 'what might have happened?' to the ground where you feel. I hope there's no crater over there"

Gray faked a worried expression, whispering stuffs like 'Poor ground-san. I hope he's alright'.

Lucy rolled her eyes, before playfully punching Gray's side, to which he faked an expression as if in pain.

"You sound so much like a drama Queen" laughed Lucy, teasing Gray.

Gray stuck his tongue out, to which Lucy laughed more for his oh-so-childish behavior.

"You didn't come to school with Sting today?" asked Gray.

Lucy's laughter immediately died out, as she shook her head left-right, asking him why.

Shrugging his shoulder, Gray replied, "I met up Sting near the lockers. Seems like he's waiting for you"

Lucy let out a 'ah' before saying, "I'll message him later"

"Message him? That too later on?" replied Gray, making an over dramatic shocked expression. Lucy stared at him, before he continued, "In future, I'll get a sweet and caring girlfriend who would actually call and tell me that she's safe and sound wherever she is"

Lucy rolled her eyes, before getting up to step outside for a bit, "In that case, you'll stay single forever, Gray Fullbuster!"

Gray laughed at it before saying, "You can't predict my future, Lucy Heartfilia"

Lucy stuck her tongue out, as she stepped outside and closed the door behind her.

She didn't want anyone to hear her conversation with Sting. She dialed. Sting's number and waited for him to pick up the phone. He picked it up by the third ring.

"Lucy-san? Where are you? I'm waiting for you near the lockers"

-san? Lucy questioned. Since when did he-

She heard an all too familiar voice saying 'drop that - san already' Lucy realized that maybe Levy was with him right now, so he is acting like polite boyfriend.

"Student council room" replied Lucy, not emphasizing why she's here.

"The West side stairs? Ok I'll be there right now"

And with that he ended the call.

So he wants to meet up with her near the west side stairs? Lucy sighed before she stormed her way to that staircase.

West side stairs is not used by many people, as it connects the club rooms. So only the club members would be lingering around, but right now they should be in the classroom...if they are not planning to bunk the lectures.

Lucy reached the place before Sting did and waited for him, who came up after half a minute.

Before Lucy could say anything Sting interrupted, "Why didn't you inform me beforehand?"

"It's not like I had to tell you where I go or what I do, right?" replied Lucy, crossing her arms over her chest.

Sting sighed before pulling out his phone and dialing someone. He stepped a little close to Lucy, occupying her personal safe. Lucy blushed at the closeness, but before she could complain Sting answered the call.

"It's me...yea she's here in the school...what? Even I didn't know that...k. I'll inform her...stop acting like a mother, shadow freak...hm bye"

From the looks, it seems like he was talking with Rogue.

"Look" said/commanded Sting, forcing Lucy to look up, locking her eyes with his, "Next time you do this, keep us informed"

"Did I make you worry about me?" asked Lucy. She wanted it to sound like she didn't care, but it came out the wrong way. Her words were coated with concern. As much as she hates Sting, she didn't like making people worry about her. It made her feel guilty for some reason.

Though she doubted he would say a yes.

"Yea"

Lucy's eyes widened for a split second. Sting was worried about her? Now she felt like apologizing for not telling him. She was about to say sorry, but he continued

"Rogue was really worried. He thought you got kidnapped. I knew that didn't happen, cause who would even do that? I mean, the kidnappers would have broken his bones if he had to lift you. And your pretty heavy Blondie trust me"

Maybe she should say her sorry to Rogue instead.

Lucy glared at Sting, before lifting her hand to push him away he caught it and pulled her closer. He used his other hand to circle her waist and pulled her even closer that their chests were almost touching.

Lucy cheeks turned red and she could feel her cheeks getting warmer. Her heart was beating at an incredible speed that she could literally hear it.

His face just inches away from hers. She was about to stomp his feet, and get away from him, but he was quick and whispered, "Don't move. Erza and Levy are watching from that corner"

Lucy tried turning a bit to see if was speaking the truth but Sting moved his face, blocking her vision and closing the distance.

"Didn't I say don't move?" he hissed through his teeth and looked at Lucy's tomato like face. He could feel her increasing heart rate, and the heat emitting from her cheeks. She smelled sweet like some fruit and her hands were becoming slightly moist.

"Don't worry I'm not going to kiss you...if that's what you are worried about!"

Lucy felt a little (just a little) at ease but this distance was killing her.

Suddenly, Sting let go of her hand and stepped few feet away from her, "L-levy-san? And Erza-san too?"

Erza and Levy came out from their hiding with disappointment clearly evident on their face.

"You shouldn't have squealed so loudly Levy" said Erza as she adjusted her bag on her shoulders.

Did Levy actually squeal? Well, with her heart drumming so loudly, Lucy barely heard it.

Levy apologized to Erza, and started teasing Sting, to which Sting said something, before he waved at Lucy and left the girls.

Lucy touched her cheeks and they were warm, as if she's got viral fever.

"Lu-chan, I'm sorry. I ruined your sweet moment. And here I thought you would finally lose your lip virginity" said Levy, apologetically in a teasing way.

Lucy blushed even more, if it's possible, and denied for whatever Levy was accusing her!

"Levy" said Erza, "Stop teasing her. You better go to class. We have some student council work"

Levy replied affirmatively, as she jogged her to the class. Erza and Lucy went towards the opposite direction, the student council room.

On their way, the two of didn't exchange any words. Erza wanted Lucy to adapt to what happened. She definitely didn't want to freak her out, and Sting was Lucy's first ever boyfriend.

So that situation must have made her uncomfortable...at least this was what Erza thought.

Contradicting to Erza's thought, Lucy on the other hand was pissed off at Sting. He could have simply walked away after telling Lucy about Erza and Levy eavesdropping, instead of leaning so close and all.

At first, Lucy thought she would talk with Natsu and Sting, and convince them not to fight. But now it doesn't matter. Those two can fight or kill each other as they please. Lucy doesn't care about it. And nor is she going to watch their match.

-x-

"Lucy-san? Done with your student council work already?"

Lucy looked up, diverting her attention from her book to Yukino, who just pulled a chair and sat next to Lucy.

"Yea. It was just some proposal" replied Lucy in a soft tone, so as to not to disturb the nearby students in the library.

"What kind of proposals?" asked Yukino, tilting her head slightly.

Lucy hummed as she crossed her arms over her chest before replying, "Something like 'change in cafeteria menu' or the 'list of books that are not there in our library' or something like complaint or advice. I have to just go through the request letters and give the appropriate ones to Erza. Erza does the same. And if she approves the proposal, then it is sent to the principal who takes some action it"

"Seems like its quite burden" replied Yukino, awed by Lucy's response.

"Well if we complete as soon as possible, then it is not that much of burden" replied Lucy, shrugging her shoulders.

She looked at the clock. School's almost over. The whole day she avoided Natsu and Sting. She spent her lunch break with her girl friends.

It was almost time for those two idiots match. Lucy wondered who would win the match. She knew Natsu has more chances of winning compared to Sting. But a little part of her wished that Sting would win instead.

Yukino saw the concerned/worried look on the vice president's face.

"Lucy-san, you ok? Something troubling you?"

Lucy, feeling guilty to make Yukino worried, decided to ask for Yukino's advice.

"Ne, can you listen to me about somethi-"

"Anytime Lucy-san"

Yukino's quick response made Lucy feel a little comfy.

"Say...I have a friend from a different school. She's from a very very rich family"

Yukino nodded, as a sign to Lucy to continue. Lucy felt guilty for lying but brushed it off with great pain.

"Recently she got a boyfriend, but he's just a...what can you say? Bodyguard. Right! Just a bodyguard to protect the mistress"

Yukino nodded again, taking in the information.

"But recently her best friend found out the truth and ends up declaring a war to St-...I mean to boyfriend-san"

"A w-war?" exclaimed Yukino.

"Not a dangerous one," replied Lucy sweat dropping at Yukino's expression, "Just a simple basketball match or something"

Yukino heaved a sigh.

"Poor mistress" replied Yukino, sympathizing with the 'mistress', "So what's troubling you Lucy-san?"

Lucy blinked eyes and licked her lips, before replying, "She's confused what to do if it comes down to where both the boys ask her opinion"

"I would be overjoyed if that happens to me" replied Yukino, smiling like a love struck girl.

Lucy confused and taken back with her answer questioned her for a reason.

"Two guys fighting for me is so~"squealed Yukino, cupping her cheeks, "But then..."

"But then what?" asked Lucy, curious to know whatever Yukino wanted to say.

"I guess, if I was in mistress place, then I definitely would have chosen boyfriend-san" replied Yukino, smiling.

"Eh? Why so?" questioned Lucy, even more confused than curious.

"It seems like mistress likes boyfriend-san"

Lucy cheeks heated up a little at Yukino's declaration but she maintained her posture and waited patiently for Yukino to continue.

"If I had to choose between my best friend and some other friend, I would definitely choose my best friend without a second thought" replied Yukino, "But mistress is already fretting to choose between her best friend and her fake boyfriend. Doesn't that mean that he already has a very special place in your heart?"

"B-but I don't think so it's love..." replied Lucy, almost whispering.

"Then she doesn't want to lose him as a friend, right?" Yukino smiled as she saw Lucy suddenly understand something very important.

That's right!

Natsu is an irreplaceable bestie to Lucy. But surprisingly, Sting made her choose between him and Natsu. The guy she knew only for few months and the guy who knew her since the start.

Yukino got up her seat and gave Lucy a gentle pat, "Hurry up. You're not too late"

Lucy nodded her head before packing her bag and exiting the school library, after thanking Yukino.

Yukino smiled at Lucy's retreating figure as she muttered, "I hope it works out for you...mistress"

Placing her chair and Lucy's chair near the table, Yukino went back to whatever she was doing before talking with Lucy.

Lucy speed walked her way to the school's basketball court.

When she was outside the court, she tiptoed and looked inside.

The ball was lying on one side of the Court.

Confused expression crossed her face as she came and stood at the door, to have a clear view of the area. She looked from left to right, and there at the corner laid the two boys, panting heavily.

Lucy's footsteps echoed, as she made her towards the two lying corpse like looking guys.

The two of them, looked at her approaching figure.

When Lucy was at a foot distance, and she noticed how that top three buttons of their shirt was undone. Their ties were hanging around their neck like some scarf. Their skin sweaty and shirt clutching their body.

Lucy couldn't help but wonder what kind of match did those actually have? With those bruises and purple skin.

"Umm what in the world happened?" asked Lucy, as she bend down and sat few feet away from the two.

"Well..." started off Natsu, scratching the back of his head, "It was kind of like, both of us couldn't score even one goal after ten minutes of starting it"

Lucy was shocked, would be an understatement. Natsu was the key player and he had difficulty against Sting? Who on earth is he? Wondered Lucy, as she glanced at Sting from the corner of her eyes.

"As expected from a Saber" replied Natsu, nodding his head, "Then we had a dispute and ended up fighting instead"

Sting snorted, "Who the hell even started the fight huh?"

"What?" snarled Natsu, as he positioned his stance.

Soon words became action as the two started punching and pulling each other's hair.

From Lucy's point of view, it looked like two brothers were fighting for their favorite car toy. This made her giggle.

They are so kiddish. Lucy got to see another side of Sting.

Later when they started throwing kiddish words like 'monkey, donkey, freak,etc' Lucy sweat dropped at the two, before sighing. She got up, leaving her bag on the floor. She approached the two bickering boys to end their fight.

What she didn't expect was-Natsu hand hit Lucy's jaw in a not so painless manner.

Lucy stepped back a bit, as she clutched her aching jaw with both hands. She hissed as she felt the immense pain. First her leg now her jaw, great!

The two had immediately stopped their fight when they realized what happened.

But Natsu froze in place comically as he knew what was going to happen. Lucy is going to unleash her inner demons and have him killed.

Lucy is even scarier than Erza, when she's angry. Or else she's a sweet smiling angel.

"Oye, you alright?"

Natsu noticed Sting, harshly move Lucy's hand that was on her wound. He examined the wound carefully, gently running his finger on her face.

Natsu's eye widened a bit, as he took in what happened. He didn't expect Sting to be this concerned or worried over Lucy.

"It hurts" whined Lucy, as she winced when Sting touched that aching jaw.

"its dark compared to your fair complexion" muttered Sting, as he noticed the change in color of her skin.

Lucy blushed a little at his compliment (?) and looked at Natsu, who was staring at them absentmindedly.

"Natsu-san, I'm taking her to the infirmary"

Without waiting his response, Sting picked up his bag along with Lucy's bag, and walked towards the door pulling Lucy along with him.

Natsu recovered from his daze, as he picked his bag and jogged behind the two.

"Who the hell are you to decide?" asked Natsu, when he approached close to them. Sting rolled his eyes and Lucy looked at Natsu, with her other hand clutching her jaw.

"I can pretty much understand that you care for Lucy and you can take care of her..." replied Natsu softly.

Lucy's and Sting's were shocked to hear Natsu say that. Natsu speaking softly can be phrased as miracle!

"...is DEFINITELY NOT WHAT I'M GONNA SAY. YOU HEAR THAT?" yelled Natsu, as he glared at Sting. While the two of them, Lucy and Sting, on the other hand sweat dropped for thinking that Natsu would actually mean something like that.

Note: When Yukino says mistress it means she IS referring to Lucy. Just telling you so as to not to get confused in future chaps!

So pour out feeling or your thoughts on this chapter, with a sweet review?

Check out my other stories too!

I won't be able to update till June 21 or so! College reopening and my entrance exams are somewhat clashing, so I better study hard to complete with my studies! I hope I make it(T_T).

Goodbye for now!

PS-I'll try updating!