Chapter 9

The Challenge

Lucy read over her Math homework for about the tenth time. Math was her weak spot and she was always anxious to do the best she could in that subject so that her grades wouldn't be affected.

She glanced at her watch. It was 6:00 PM already.

Just then her phone rang, making her jump. Lucy picked it up and looked at the caller ID. It was Erza.

"Hi, Erza!" She said cheerfully. "What's up?"

"Lucy!" Erza's voice sounded strangely panicked. "Jellal asked me out on a date!"

"Really?!" Lucy squealed. "That's wonderful!"

"Yes, but that's not the point!" Erza cried. "I don't know what to wear!"

"Where are you going?" Lucy asked calmly.

"To the movies," Erza answered.

"Wear something simple, then. Like that lavender blouse of yours and the black waistcoat. And if you have a white skirt, that would be great!"

"Alright," Erza muttered distractedly. "How should I do my hair?"

"How about a braid?" Lucy suggested. "You look really cute in those."

"Right, I think that'll do," Erza said in relief. "Thanks, Lucy. You're a real life-saver."

"No problem! Have fun on your date! And make sure to tell me if you kiss!"

Ignoring Erza's sputtering, Lucy cut the call. She was about to put away her phone when it rang again.

"Who on earth…." Lucy muttered, seeing an unknown number. She swiped the screen.

"Hello?"

"Yo, Star!"

"DragonSlayer? Why am I not surprised?"

"Aw, don't be like that, Star! You know you love talking to me!"

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Sure, whatever you say." She froze suddenly. 'Why does DragonSlayer's voice sound so familiar? It makes no sense!'

"Star, I propose a challenge."

"Yeah?" Lucy raised an eyebrow. "What kind of challenge?"

"Since we live in the same town, probably go to the same school-"

"DragonSlayer, there's only one school in Magnolia. It's a small town, remember?"

"Yeah, yeah…anyway, how about we try to find out each other's identities without setting up a place to meet or anything like that? The first person to find out, wins."

"Wins what?"

There was a pause before DragonSlayer spoke. "A free ice-cream everyday at the Fairy Tail café?"

Lucy grinned.

"You're on."

"Great!"

"Mm…was this the only reason you called?"Lucy didn't know why but she couldn't help but hope that there was another reason.

"I just felt like talkin' to ya, is all."

Again, Lucy felt her heartbeat speed up and cursed inwardly. She didn't even know the guy! She couldn't go and fall in love with him!

"Star?"

"Oh…yeah…" Lucy replied distractedly. "Um, that's great…but really have to finish my homework now…."

Lucy cursed homework to the depths of hell.

"Really…..? That's too bad…"

Lucy chuckled. She could imagine DragonSlayer pouting.

"Alright then, we'll talk later, Star."

"Right. Bye!"

Lucy hung up. She glanced at her messaging app longingly.

The stack of homework on her desk caught her eye. Grumbling under her breath, she kept her iPhone out of sight and grudgingly got to work.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"Sooooo, Erza," Levy said teasing as she, Erza and Lucy walked to their first class together. "How was the date yesterday?"

Erza blushed as she answered. "It was fantastic."

Lucy clasped her hands. "Really? Was it romantic? It was, wasn't it?"

Erza nodded. "He bought me flowers. The movie was awesome. After that, he took me for a walk in the park before we went home."

Levy sighed dreamily. "I wish I had a boyfriend who'd do all of that for me….."

"J-Jellal isn't my boyfriend!"

Erza was ignored.

"Oh~?" Lucy asked wickedly. "Don't worry, I'm sure Gajeel will warm up to you soon enough~"

"I-I didn't say anything about that idiot!"

"Sure sure~"

"You've turned into Mira," Erza grumbled.

"Oh, don't worry," Lucy said with sparkling eyes. "Once Mira gets wind of this, she'll be even worse.

Erza's eyes widened. "Lucy Heartfilia, don't you dare….!"

Bursting into laughter, Lucy started to run as fast as she could, Erza following.As she rounded a corner, she bumped into someone hard, sending both of them flying to the ground.

"Ouch….."Lucy looked up to see Gray. "Sorry about that." She reached out to pick up the phone that he had dropped.

"No problem," Gray assured her.

But Lucy wasn't listening. She was staring at the screen. A composition box for a new message was open. Nothing was typed in the message, but….

It was addressed to DragonSlayer.

(A/N): A little cliffy for all of you~ Thanks again, SunflowerChrysalis for your suggestions.

Review Responses:

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