Smiles had officially made it onto the swim team! Lucy puffed her chest out in pride as she modeled the swim team's jacket in front of her mirror. It was white with gold lettering that spelled out "Smiles". When they had approached Lucy about name on the jacket she had, without a doubt, known "Smiles" would be embroidered on the back. It only seemed fit; after all, it was a swim team exclusive nickname. No one outside the team called her "Smiles". She blamed it on Lyon – captains did hold a fair amount of influence.

Lucy had survived a brutal practice with Aquarius present with as much grace as a Heartfilia could muster. Of course, her technique was all wrong, and she didn't know enough about the sport. She was an embarrassment and blah blah blah. Lucy's favorite comment thus far was, "You're like a cat in water! Except a cat would have more form than you,".

Lucy ignored Aquarius's insults, because if her form was truly terrible she would have kicked Lucy off the team. And as much as Aquarius denied it, she was the one leaving her the ointment and heat packs for Lucy's muscles. So, Lucy deduced she had some potential and, therefore, she would take on Aquarius's snide commentary with Heartfilia grace. Plus, the swim team was friendly and welcoming.

Not to mention Lucy could actually hang out with Gray without someone insisting on a brawl. It was odd – Lyon and Gray would bicker outside the pool area, but once they stepped in the room, they were a cohesive pair as VP and president. Their teamwork shone further in water. They had both mentioned they also were part of the ice hockey team, but they alternated seasons. Water, with its close atom structure to ice, was the next best thing to ice hockey they assured her.

Lucy learned they had almost the exact same interests, but that was where the similarities ended. Lyon, in turned out, was only hot-headed around Gray.

What she didn't understand was how they supposedly hated one another, but worked so well together. When she brought this up they had looked at her like she had grown three-heads.

"We keep our business outside the sport," Lyon had replied, frowning at Gray's slovenly appearance, "but, believe me, I will sooner be caught with Natsu than Gray."

Gray had rolled his eyes, "Yeah, Lyon might be a great teammate to have, but outside of that he's a prick."

"Absolute horror."

"Absolute jackass."

And so, they had ensued another one of their sibling arguments that Lucy had quietly excused herself from.

Smiling at her jacket over her uniform, Lucy's mind wander to Gray whose blond hair had begun growing out. He refused to dye it or even chop it off. When Lucy had asked why he kept his hair blond when he obviously hated it, Gray had given her a long look before smiling, "Turns out I like blonde."

Lucy had blinked at him, "W-what do you mean? You just hated it…"

"A few weeks ago, until I thought about how good someone I know looks in blonde."

Lucy had proceeded to smack his arm and whine about how he was teasing her. He had laughed, but before he left he had added, "I never said I was teasing."

A strong emotion had swirled in his blue eyes, stilling only when he looked at Lucy's hair, "I was serious."

Lucy had felt hot. Not in the physically attractive definition, no, she had felt hot and bothered. Her body was way too hot, she was sure her face was red, and her palms were too sweaty. Gray had left before she could respond and she had stood in the classroom for too long afterwards to not know what he had meant.

However, what she did with the knowledge is where Lucy was at a standstill. Yes, Gray and her got along easily especially if it was just the two of them talking. He was a great study partner, too. Levy, unfortunately, was still too preoccupied to have much time for Lucy. Speaking of Levy, Lucy thought, she was supposed to meet her at the library in ten minutes.

Her tumultuous thoughts about Gray were briefly interrupted and Lucy hurried to tie her hair into a side ponytail. She was applying her finishing touches of makeup when Erza walked in. If by the blue towel wrapped around her were any indication, she had just finished showering. Erza nodded at Lucy in acknowledgment, but, otherwise, ignored her. Lucy stared in awe as Erza changed into an outfit almost instantly. Her hair was done in a minute and she caught Lucy's eyes, shrugging, "I am going out for lunch."

That caught Lucy's attention, "Is it the reason for your elation this past week?"

Erza attempted to put on a mask of indifference, but once the smile cracked her mask she grinned, "Jellal and I are having lunch together."

"Again," Lucy added for her.

"Again," Erza confirmed, color accenting her cheeks.

"Well," Lucy closed her closet, "I think you should teach me how to change so quickly."

Erza opened the door for her as they headed out, "It's what many people call my talent, but I like to think of it as magic - reequipment magic."

XX

Lucy huffed in aggravation; Levy was not at their table. They had met up to study at the library so many times that they had a designated table, but even though it was already half an hour past their arranged time Levy was nowhere to be found. Lucy slammed her book shut, trying to relieve some of her frustration. She understood Levy was heavily involved in school and extracurriculars, but Levy had always shown up to their study sessions or at least sent Lucy a notice via text. Most recently, however, Levy had been cancelling on Lucy more often than not, and since the night at Fairy Tail café, Lucy hadn't seen her energetic blue-haired friend.

When she did see Levy it was during class and the casual words they exchanged were a bitter memory of their previous conversations. Conversations that would go on for hours and with Gray saying such troubling words, Lucy desperately needed her girlfriend to talk to. Lucy decided, after opening her book and staring at the same math problem for a few minutes, that it might be best to stretch her legs.

She made her way onto the third floor, leaving her books and backpack behind, and headed to a small alcove she had pleasantly discovered. It was tucked in a corner without any windows. It held a small green armchair and a small table. Another bonus was hardly anyone ever walked in on you studying. Lucy figured no one really bothered to be in the historical section of the library, and thus hardly anyone knew of the secret hide-out.

So deeply entranced was she by her thoughts, she didn't hear them, but she saw them alright. Levy, with her uniform skirt pushed up, shirt unbuttoned, and pressed against her – Gajeel, equally as naked as her.

Lucy, unable to look away, gasped, "Levy!"

Which promptly ended with two frantic teenagers collecting their things and adjusting their clothing. Lucy shook her head at Levy as she tried to explain what had been going on. Lucy simply muttered, "Text me later. We'll talk later," and walked away before Levy could chase after her.

Well, so much for her alcove.

XX

Lucy laid in her bed, thoughts racing through her head. Her mind wrangled from disappointment to giddiness for her friend's happiness. It also ran into very inappropriate directions when she thought of Gray and her body wondered how it'd feel to feel him pressed against her like Gajeel and Levy. She had only ever encountered such situations in books, but at least then she had known they were fictional characters. These were her friends; they were real.

Ultimately, she decided she was happy for her best friend. Everyone deserves happiness. She was also disappointed and upset. Levy had not confided in her; she had not told her about Gajeel – at least not explicitly. She had also stopped hanging out with her for Gajeel. It was…Lucy searched for the right word…It was…a betrayal. However, Lucy knew she'd forgive Levy soon enough if she apologized, because who was she to hold it on her friend for being happy? She just had to put herself in Levy's shoes, but it didn't hurt any less. If anything it hurt Lucy more because Lucy knew she'd tell Levy everything not keep a secret.

"Ah!" Lucy screamed into a pillow, "Why is high school so complicated?!"

Her phone buzzed.

Lucy eyed her phone, and after considering it, she looked at the notification. It was a text from an unknown number.

Heya, Luce. Are you free?

It was Natsu, but Lucy had no time to be distracted.

Not a good time.

His response was instantaneous.

You okay?

Yeah.

Well, are you free?

No?

Natsu didn't respond after that and Lucy thought it was the end of that. She continued to sulk in her bed but ten minutes later her phone buzzed again.

"No, Natsu. I am not free!" She grumbled.

Can you open your window?

Lucy frowned, but got up anyways. And sure enough, Natsu was on a tree branch just outside her window. She threw the window all the way open, harshly whispering, "What are you doing?!"

Natsu grinned, "Cheering you up."

"By crouching on a tree branch outside my window? Very joy inducing indeed." She replied, sarcastically.

"No, idiot," Natsu rolled his eyes, and pulled a roll of parchment from his back, "To give you this."

Lucy took it and unrolled it. She almost cried – it was her lion! Her terribly painted lion, sewn together again. She looked incredulously from her repaired painting to Natsu, "Did you do this?"

Natsu scratched the back of his head, "Yeah, I'm not a great seamstress so it took me a while."

"When did you," Lucy gestured at it, "manage to take it from my room?"

"Months ago. I also had it rolled up in my room for months…I," Natsu avoided her eyes, "was too caught up in emotions to ever really think of giving it to you."

He continued, "I was waiting for the right time."

"That's why you were looking for me last week," Lucy's eyes widened at the realization. She hadn't thought Natsu to be so…so thoughtful.

She gave him a warm smile, "Thank you, Natsu."

"Don't mention it," he grinned, "I thought a lioness deserved her lion back."

"Lioness?"

He didn't explain, rather he began to descend the tree with ease. His laugh echoed in Lucy's room long after he had left, too.

What ever shall I do with these people and their incessant need to give me a nickname?

A/N: I was inspired and wrote this in the span of two hours, lmao. Forgive the typos and errors. I didn't really proofread it, but ya'll should be used to it by now. However, I still hope this chapter is a treat. Thank you for the favorites/reviews/follows. It makes my day. Thanks for sticking with me and my odd stories. 3 Oh, I'll explain the Lioness thing in the next chapter or so. Also, yeah, I also loved the nickname "smiles" soooo it's here to stay. Thank goodness only Lyon uses it, lmao. See you all around! :D Oh, the Gajevy thing...Yeah, that was...hopefully a treat for most of you. This is rated T for all my dirty dirty loving readers. (-;