A/N: Hooray for all the reviews I got! \:D/ Thank you guys for all the reviews and messages you sent me! I feel so happy! And for those who asked what name I prefer? 'Ayaka-chan' or 'Nina-chan' is fine!

Responses for the reviews in chapter 9:

Le' CarolinnaXannej421/Rin-chan: You really think that I'm one of the most talented Filipino writers in ff? THANK YOU! *flattered* I really appreciate your compliment! And of course we can be friends! I would love that Rin-chan. :D

Ichigoxcanashi Yeah, I've come up with that line thanks to a good friend! Although I think I must have upset 'Gruvia' fans? *deepest apology* Thanks for the positive review!

TinaPandaxoxo I'm happy that my fanfic makes you feel that way! Yes, I intent to make it looong! *laughter* Yes, isn't that cute? GAHHHHH.

Ljessicasoho5578 You think so? I apologize if I didn't make up to your expectations. You followed me in ig? Okay, I'll definitely follow back Jessi-chan. ^^! And yes Juvia had a change of heart because Lucy is just too nice! And shee can be kawaiiii too.

LucyFullbuster08 YES! Finally after 932528945 years! *lol* I finally had the time to update! I'm really glad you can always show your support and makes me find my confidence to keep on going! ARIGATOU. ^_^ ! If you think that way I'll be even happier. Thank you for praying for my country! We are facing hardships but we will be fine soon. Oh, and Loke had to be removed from the last chapter because I just didn't know what to do with him. *Forgive me* :c Thank you for comforting me!

LucyxGray23 Same here! I just l love spoilers. It's nice to wait and expect sometimes, but you can't just get rid of the feeling of wanting to know! :D Thank you for the review!

WendyxMarvell I think so too! Yes, I'll update as soon as I can. But please don't keep your hopes up with updating quickly. Gomenasai. Thanks for the review!

GrayLuaddict I'm glad that your laptop finally got fixed! And yes I also missed your cheery persona. XD It's not the same without you! Haha. Doon't worry if you don't review as long as you can read it. ^^! Yesss, I think I made Juvia waaaay too creepy here. And thank you for the heartfelt pm's you sent me! My heart goes out to you as well! THANK YOU! :D

MissLucyFullbuster Well everyone can be a badass, oh yeah~! Lmao. Thank youuu

MayuriSakura12 I think so too! Wahhhh ^^

MademoiselleRED Your wish is my command!

1fairytaillover kinda don't like juvia too lol

x3m King12 Already did! :D

imadreamer7 Thank you so much! :D

CrimsonFeather24544 you think so? :D thank youuuuuuuu!

So this was what it felt like to be in love?

I have countless experience on which I ever 'liked' someone. In my current state I was being self-absorbed with reality and dream- Back at home; I really didn't understand what it felt like to be with the one you loved or even what to feel when you're with someone you're supposed to 'like.' I was asked out by a lot of good-looking guys and I'd go out with most of them. I thought that it was purely idiotic on how some of my friends would think that falling in love was the best part of a girl's life. I mean I heard that when a girl gets married, when she meets her 'one true love' and other couple of nonsense. But now I think that just by being with the one you love-is the source of happiness that someone can find from someone else.

I Lucy Heartfilia, who always made fun of my friend Erza Scarlet's relationship, have come to realize that crazy stuff happens when you do find the 'one.'

The moment that Gray came to save me from almost drowning-into the abyss of darkness, his voice made me glad, that voice that called out my name so tender. I can even imagine him saying it….whispering it to my ear-

"LUUUCYY! Lucy Heartfilia! Wake up or I'll tickle you to death!" Lucy woke up with her best friend Erza, who currently was crouching down all fours on her bed simply is disturbing her sleep and her good dream.

"Erzaaa! You know I have a weak spot there!" Lucy giggles, as Erza reaches for sides. "Cut it out!"

"Sorry, babes…had to wake you up."

"And why would you wake me up? It's too early—" Lucy, moaned weakly, placing her alarm clock neatly, near the lampshade after scowling at it. Beside the lampshade, laid a photo frame which contained a picture of Lucy and Erza who were full of smiles.

"Well, it's because you've been sleep talking?"

"Oh, I see….wait sleep talking?! What have I been saying?" Lucy demanded, anxiously ruffling her hair out of her face.

Erza stood up and bounced on the bed. "That you love me and you want to accompany for shopping girl!" She stated, winking admirably.

"Yeah, right….I'm sleeping in." Lucy muttered, after giving her friend an annoyed glare.

"Okay, I really don't need you to come with me but…I just thought that you'd be lonely here." She sighed while lying beside her distraught friend.

"Thanks for the thought…but I'll pass. I just want to rest." Lucy murmured, almost being taken in by the dream world again, almost barely hearing anything.

"Fine, but we'll have guests later! That's why I'm currently shopping for foods and drinks. Is it okay to party here?" Erza called out, hurryingly wearing her heels expertly.

"Mmmm…" Lucy replied, not really hearing anything her friend said. She was completely succumbed back into her dreamland.

Erza secretly brought Lucy's credit card—knowing that she'll have to buy loads of and stashes of alcohol-beverage kind. Sorry for using your atm card babes! But what are friends for right? Grrr, that Mira! I told her to meet me here 8:00! It's already 8:30 and she hasn't shown up. I should have taken her number.

Erza was platonically known for being the hottest girl back in her high school. She just graduated-and was set off for college. She could be a trustworthy friend, but she wasn't labeled as the most popular girl of her batch for nothing. She was half-badass and half-angel. So the badass won over and she indeed was able to get her friend's atm card. She's got a lot of tricks up her sleeve.

"I wonder if I should buy the reddish one or-"

"Well if it isn't Jellal's newest girlfriend."

Erza dropped the meat she was peering to intently, shaken by the voice who greeted her.

"Mr. Playboy…finished helping your brother with whatever he wanted you for?" Erza smirked.

"Well, obviously. I heard I missed quite the fun…a pity." Loke scoffed, analyzing Erza's every movement. Erza who realized this threw the meat at his direction.

"What do you want?"

"Come with me. It's better for you to see then to hear. I'm not really a man of words." He explained.

"I know cause you prefer to do it in bed already? Cut the conversation level? Pathetic." Loke laughed it off, but gave her serious look. "Just come…you'll be interested in this."

It has been nearly an hour since Erza left the apartment. Lucy slapped herself awake even though her body was screaming for her to lie down. She was unbelievably worn-off. Her body was stiff and sore. After washing her face, she changed into decent clothes and made breakfast for herself. Willing herself to move around, so that she won't fall asleep. Lucy was in the middle of cleaning when a certain pink paper caught her attention plastered on her mirror, taking the paper and read the content.

Hey, babes!

I borrowed your atm card! I wonder if that's alright? Sorry,

for not asking permission and just taking it. I know you love me anyways.

Love, Erza xoxo

"Shit!" Lucy cursed after reading the note. She hurried over to her secret compartment- and to no surprise was the missing atm card she brought over, the purse that held it for quite a while was opened and stacked in the corner of the compartment. She brought in case she'd need it for emergency. "I'm gonna kill her!" She screamed while furiously banging the drawer. She screamed when she felt her arm ache all over again. It was harshly hit my one of the monkey-guard's and was swollen since yesterday. She didn't have the need to take it seriously. Ignoring the pain, took off to her bedroom in search of her stuff.

"How did she even manage to find it? Ugh! I'll be in trouble if she uses it. My mom would probably have the banks all over the place checked if I purchased money from that card!" Lucy picked up her cardigan, wrapping it hastily over her body and locked her apartment door-all in a minute. She almost lost her balance over some pots lying outside her door, when she saw a girl with a troubled look, standing idly outside Gray's apartment door.

What is she doing there? Could she be Gray's friend?

Lucy sighed and tapped the girl's petite shoulder. "Umm….do you need anything there miss?" The girl had silvery-white hair and when she met her gaze, had the most beautiful blue-orbed eyes.

"Oh! Sorry, but I was just looking for Heartfilia, Lucy-san's place. Do you know which is it? I forgot the room number you see…" She smiled while clutching at her skirt.

"Oh, well I guess I do know since I own that name." Lucy smiled back. "What do you want from me?"

Her face changed from shock to chagrin as she pointed her finger at the other girl. "You're Lucy-san?! Oh, forgive me…I am Lisanna Strauss. Mira-ne's younger sister." She introduced herself and bowed.

"Hello, Lisanna. You can just call me Lucy and oowww…." Lucy moaned quietly as her swollen arm started bothering her again, seemingly the pain reached her shoulder and she reached over to squeeze it, hoping the pain would subside.

"Oh, that can't be good! Mira-ne did say that you were injured so she told me to bring these over." She explained showing the contents of the plastic bag she was carrying.

"Oh no need Lisanna! I appreciate the concern and you coming all the way here but….I really need to go somewhere…pretty important too." Lucy panicked remembering she had to go after Erza.

"Well, okay…but at least let me put some pain reliever?" She suggested.

"Oh, that won't be necessary! Let's goo….." Lucy wailed as the other girl poked her arm. "What did you do that for?!" She cried out.

"Gomenasai! It's just that you're so stubborn! Please, let me apply some medicine Lucy-san." She insisted while giggling back at her.

Okay, better thank Lisanna that she got me preoccupied or you're dead meat Erza.

"Well, okay…if you insist." Lucy muttered, directing the peculiar girl inside her apartment. "Please, make yourself comfortable." Lucy sat down beside the girl who had taken her first-aid kit out and placed it on the table.

"Breathe comfortably and I'll start applying the ointment." She instructed and started to gently pat the wounded part. "Gee, you really had a rough day yesterday huh? My sister couldn't shut up about it." She added conversationally.

"Well, yeah…I guess she told you everything?"

"Yes, she did. Here drink this." Lisanna handed over some green liquid that Lucy didn't even bother asking about and drank it straight-up. They were quiet for a while and Lisanna started placing the bandages on her arm. "There that should do the trick!" She smiled proudly at her work.

"Thank you Lisanna! It hardly stings anymore. I didn't know Mirajane had such a dependable sister." Lucy complemented adding a wink.

"Oh, I'm not that dependable…" She laughed.

"Well, why did Mirajane send you here? Wouldn't it be rational to go here herself?" Lisanna stared at her innocently. "Not that I mind you coming here, of course!"

"Oh, well she said that she was going shopping with some friend…the name…right some girl named Erza!" She spoke up and drank her tea. That Erza! One thing was to get my atm card but to actually shop with Mirajane? What are they up to?!

"Lucy, do you mind if I use you bathroom?" She asked, bowing politely. "Sure! It's the one on the left."

Lucy was left there all alone and she started examining her bandaged wound. I wonder if Gray is still asleep or awake? Should I text him? I might just bother him.

She was broken off her thoughts when Lisanna's phone started vibrating. "Lisanna! I think you have a new message." Lucy waited for a response and curiously peeked into the screen.

Hey, Liz

Sorry, I couldn't reply to your texts last night!

I'll make it up to you. Love ya!

-Natsu

Lucy started getting self-conscious after reading the text-message and Lisanna appeared. "Look Lisanna…I'm sorry I kinda checked your phone and…"

"It's alright Luce…I don't mind!" She reassured Lucy with a smile and after reading the text, she blushed and giggled, much to Lucy's dismay.

Lucy laughed at the other girl's expression. "Umm…so are you Natsu dating?" She asked.

"Oh, yeah! We've been dating since last year. So you know Natsu huh?"

"Yes, I do." I wonder how it feels like to have the guy you like text you and tell them that they love you? Lucy thought to herself as Gray entered her thoughts.

"What are you looking all happy and giddy there for?" Gray demanded as he has been looking at his friend who's been making disgusting expressions for the last thirty minutes.

"Well, for one…your mother's calmed down and Lisanna has forgiven me for leaving her last night!" Natsu exclaimed theatrically.

"What a friend you are…just telling my mother all of my secrets. You could have just given her my diary…it would have contain a lot more secrets." Gray replied coldly at his friend.

"Hey, don't look at me like that! Like I said Jellal dropped me off to the Café where Liz was…and I couldn't lie to liz, so I told her all about what's been happening lately. Loke was there too and he needed an update so I began talking… and that was when your mom overheard us! You should have seen her face. It was like the devil itself bringing down the wrath of hell on the three of us!" Natsu explained, holding on to his phone cowering in fear.

"It's because you're an idiot. What kind of fool would gossip at the Café which is full of people?" Gray snapped back.

"But…the Café that time consisted of only me, liz and Loke. Oh, and Gildarts that time." Natsu reason out.

"Of course idiot! But at least she wasn't that mad. I was expecting her to kill me on the spot. It's a miracle that she took things quite lightly." Gray noted, remembering last night's events.

Gray couldn't keep up with the pretense and spoke up. "M-Mom? What are you doing here? And why is Natsu look like he's seen a ghost? "

"Oh, I think you know better than we do. Is there something you want to explain to your mother Gray?" She simply asked. Her voice was contained but her eyes stared at him with absolute anger.

"I'm sorry man! I told your mom everything about Lucy! I didn't mean to I-"

"Natsu…..do not speak not unless you are spoken to!" Ur spatted at him menacingly and poor Natsu lost consciousness after cowering in fear. Gray shook his head in disbelief and breathed deeply.

"Mom…I know it's wrong that I hid her. I don't expect you or Aunt Layla to forgive me. What I did was unforgivable." Moment of silence passed throughout the room and Ur stood up.

"My precious son…" Ur whispered and her knees gave in, as she knelt down.

"Mom? Are you fine?" Gray advanced and crouched on his knees.

"How could you?! Is that the way I nurtured you?! Is that how I brought you up? To lie to me?! What would your father think?" Ur cried dramatically.

"Mom you're too melodramatic. And don't talk like I'm some plant that you took care of…what's with 'nurture?'"

"As Layla's trusted friend…I should give you hell! But…I'm also your mother and for whatever reason you did…I believe you did it for a good reason, Gray. I know so because you are my son." Ur wiped her tears and hugged her son.

"You're not mad?" Gray asked, returning her hug.

"No, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed in you." Ur broke off the hug, giving him the glare.

"I'm sorry. Please, give me some time…I'll give Lucy back to Aunt Layla for sure, but not now." Gray mumbled.

"Does Lucy know that you're my son?" Gray caught his breath and remained silent. "No."

"I see. Natsu did tell me that you're hiding under the name Gray Fernandez?" Ur raised her left eyebrow.

"Mom, I swear I'll tell her myself. I'll confess to her that I'm Gray Fullbuster. Some more time." He pleaded. "I understand. But you have to do it soon Gray. I can't bear lying to Layla. She's my closest friend. And it's good that you confess yourself. Be a man and fix this." Ur stated roughly.

"Thank you." Gray sighed.

"And as punishment….promise me you'll attend every class once school starts. Together with Loke and Natsu. I don't care how smart you are Gray…you will go to school even if you know the lesson already. That's final."

"Okay, mom."

"I have to go back because your Aunt Layla hasn't been feeling well lately. Get some sleep. I'll know if you don't attend classes Gray Fullbuster." Ur left with one last sharp look and Gray passed out on the floor, too tired to even walk to his bedroom.

"I said I'm really sorry man." Natsu pleaded silently.

"Whatever. Thanks to you I'll be attending classes now. Too boring." Gray imagines the worst case scenario as he attends school.

"Anyway, it's too boring…let's go over to Lucy's! She just a door away!" Natsu said happily. It's a good thing Lucy didn't hear mom last night…or the fact that mom didn't know Lucy's at the next door….or did mom know?

"Awww, you and Natsu are the couple." Lucy praised Lisanna as the other girl showed her pictures of her and Natsu's rendevouz.

"You think so? Well, I do think so too!" Lisanna giggles. The both of them were in the middle of telling each other stories about the guys they dated when in the nick of time the doorbell rang—

"I better get that." Lucy announced.

"I'll be here." Lisanna replied, preoccupied with her phone. Lucy hastily hurried over to the door and peeked outside, revealing a happy-go-lucky Natsu and the boy she can't get her mind off.

"Hey, Luce! We came to hang out! How are you?" Natsu grinned back at her and invited himself inside—automatically heading over to the kitchen.

"Oh, h-hey Gray…morning…" Lucy absent-mindedly flatted her hair, making sure her hair wasn't a mess.

Gray hesitated and flicked a finger on her forehead. "Morning." He greeted and pushed past the blonde.

"Hey, LUCE! Where's the ketchup?!" Natsu called out.

"You have visitors Lucy-san?" Lisanna appeared at the same time. "Natsu-kuuun? What are you doing here?" Natsu was in the middle of swallowing a whole burger and when he realized his girlfriend was there, he choked and Lisanna raced over to pat his back. Lucy grimaced and offered him a glass of water.

"Lis! Didn't know you were here." Natsu spitted out after calming himself down.

"Same here…I was asked by nee-chan to visit Lucy and give her some medicine-"

"Medicine? Are you hurt?" Gray who had been keeping to himself reached out searching Lucy head to toe for any wounds.

"I-I'm fine Gray. It was just a fracture in my arm. But it's all good, see?" Lucy reassured him, raising her arm, the moment she did so she felt a pain rising up her arm. "Ouch…" She cursed silently.

Gray sighed and took off to the kitchen, returning with an ice pack he pressed on to Lucy's arm. "You shouldn't hide this kind of stuff. If it hurts just say it so we can do something about it at least." He implemented.

Lisanna remembered the guy that Lucy was telling her when they were talking and assumed it was Gray. Lucy had said that she started to recently like this guy who was always there for her when she needed him. Lisanna contentedly admired both of them from the sidelines. Could it be Gray-kun that Lucy was mentioning? They look cute together!

Lucy was immobile letting Gray mend her wounds as she considered themselves too close to each other.

"Hey, Lis I'm really sorry about yesterday, okay?" Natsu apologized taking her hands with his.

"I already forgave you." She smiled back when her phone started ringing. "Hello? Yes, I'm here with Lucy-san…oh and Natsu and Gray are here as well. Really? Well, okiee dokiee." Lisanna hang up and cleared her throat.

"Hey, guys sorry to ruin your moment, but Mira-nee invited us over to the Café so you can meet Freed onii-chan." Lisanna said the news as calmly as she could, batting her eyelashes even. "Is it a bad time?" Lisanna asked after a moment of silence dragged on.

"Oh no…sure I can. I'd like that." Lucy answered, moving away from the raven-haired boy.

"Well, thanks! Why don't we go now?" Lucy nodded encouragingly as the two boys wandered off, both chained into silence. Lisanna offered to take them to the café with her Porsche, a yellow car with an ostentatious top. Gray declined and preferred to drive his own car which ended up with Lucy cramping over with Natsu at the backseat.

After a few minutes of driving, Lucy bombarded Natsu with questions. "Hey, Natsu…what's up with Gray? He hasn't been acting himself. Did something happen?"

"H-huh? How should I know? Why don't you ask him yourself?" Natsu sweat-dropped instantly and looked the other way.

"Why are you hiding it from me Natsu?" Lusy persisted, pulling his arm.

"Dunno…umm…hey, gray! Put some music on!" Natsu retrieved his arm and leaned forward; away from hearing distance. Lucy pouted and let the topic go. As they arrived at the Café, which was usually full is surprisingly empty with the signs 'closed' on the front door.

"Well, the Café is closed. Why would Mirajane ask us to meet here?" Lucy asked the petite girl. "Well, we're going to the basement. That's where we'll be seeing them." Lisanna explained. Gray arrived shortly who was staring in space, totally detached from everybody else.

"Let's go then!" Lisanna pulled the blonde's arm and ran over inside the Café. Natsu and Gray followed behind and Lucy was enraptured as she recognized the door that she and Erza entered once. Lisanna, flipped the switch on revealing the lights as they quietly walked with Lisanna on the lead.

"Why would Mirajane stay here?" Lucy asked to no one in particular. Her question was answered when Lisanna opened the last door in the corner "What the-"and what Lucy saw firstly was an amazing place. Simply put aside-it looked like a night club. Glasses were hanging upside down and there were different shades of lights moving in several directions. But the reason she hesitatingly entered the room was everyone was there. Mirajane stood in the corner smiling, Jellal pouring some drinks and Lisanna pulled her inside.

"Babes! Finally someone has convinced you to get out of bed! Let's partyyy." Erza greeted her commendably.

"Erza! You! Where's my atm card? How could you just take it?" Lucy intoned harshly waving her hand for the card.

"Take a chill pill babes. Here's your card. And I did leave a letter right? It's for the party. I was originally gonna have the party in your apartment, but since everyone is here-" Erza smiled platonically. "I'll say sorry, but I'm not." She winked.

"And I'm sorry that you're not sorry." Lucy retorted.

"You can teach me a lesson later for being naughty later, but for now let's dance!" Erza pulled her mystified friend and decided to go with the flow. Everyone started to dance and just have fun. Mirajane pulled Lucy for a moment to introduce her to Freed her fiancée. Lucy's impression was that he was too serious for a guy who can get Mirajane-but beside that he was nice and Lucy can see he loved her. Lucy spotted Loke drinking while changing the music. Things got pretty hot when Natsu started showing his movements in dancing. He moved with the beat while Lisanna watched him with a blissful smile on her face.

Lucy was caught up with having fun with everyone that she didn't notice Gray who sat by himself in one of the lazy seats. His eyes closed, but was obviously still awake. Lucy started to approach him when she was stopped by Loke. "Let me talk to him princess." He winked and headed to his friend. Lucy felt uncertain and realized that the music was turned off. Everyone was at the point where they were just chilling out and talking. Lucy joined the girls who were sprawled on the couch and were just drinking and talking.

"Oh, hey babes! I was just telling them about something from our high school days." Erza said while scooting over to make some space for the blonde.

"So Lucy-chan! You were from Hargeon? It must be cool there. I hear only rich people get to stay in that city." Lisanna asked conversationally. Lucy took a quick gulp on her drink and smiled.

"Nahh, people can get in to if you have special cases and scholarship."

"Oh, but the real deal is the guys there! They are so hoooot." Erza emphasized the last word seducingly and Mirajane made cooing sounds at the girl.

"But you have Jellal-kun already Erza. Why did you agree to be his girl?" Mirajane asked profusedly.

"I guess I was able to just find the right one here."Erza muttered. By the looks of Erza's condition, she was a little drunk and was slightly wobbling as she stood up to get some refill's.

"So is it your first time here in Magnolia, Lucy-chan?" Lisanna asked.

"Hmm…no, not really. I've been here six years ago."

"Really? So I guess you must have missed this city to have come back?" Lisanna asked promptly.

"Well, I like the city now. It was a really bad experience six years ago." Lucy admitted, frowning at the memories that were coming back to her bit by bit.

"How frank of you! Why what made you have such a bad experience here?"

"Well, typically it's that monkey's fault!" Lucy sneered, getting a glimpse of her memories, thinking about them speculatively. "There was this boy in my memories, he's really annoying."

"A boy? What did he do?" Everyone at that point had their attention on Lucy. Even the boys sat closer to hear the story. Loke, Natsu and Gray remained resilient despite the topic.

"Well, this boy was crazy! He has ADHD I swear to God. I was just taking a walk one day and peeked into a well, when he suddenly pushed me! Like can you believe that? He's a jerk." Lucy spatted every word with menace when Gray who couldn't contain it any longer defended himself.

Gray made his way towards the crowd that gathered around the blonde. "How could you be so sure that he was trying to kill you?" He clenched his fists, refraining from losing his cool.

"Well, because I almost fell? Seriously that creep!"

"Are you sure? Maybe you were trying to kill yourself and he just wanted to save you?" Gray reasoned out.

"Of course not! No one in the right mind would push a defenseless girl." Everyone in the room looked from Lucy to Gray who were in the middle of fighting, almost like they were watching tennis, anticipating counter-attacks from both sides.

"So it was the guys fault that you almost died?" Lisanna clarified, breaking the argument.

"I'm positive." Lucy replied quickly. Gray wanted to lose his cool at the very moment, but had been smart enough to walk away instead, sitting back at the couch, frowning ethically.

"What's wrong with him?" Lucy asked to no one in particular.

"Lucyyy! I want you to meet someone!" Erza called out, who was holding a hand of a little girl and had a sloppy grin on her face. Lucy removed all thoughts from Gray and approached her friend.

"What up?" The little girl shied away, and hid behind Erza.
"Wendy-chan, don't be shy! She's my best friend and she's really nice." Erza crouched down levelly with the girl and smoothed her hair. The little girl faced front which revealed dark-brown eyes with long and silky-smooth hair. Lucy has already noticed this girl ever since she entered the room but paid no attention thinking she's one of the guests Erza invited, but looking closely she was clearly underage.

"Hello, Wendy-chan! I'm Lucy. You're so cute!"

"H-Hello, Lucy-ne. I'm Wendy Fernandes." After introducing herself, she put both of her hands on each side of Lucy's face and turned around to whisper something to Erza.

"Oh, why don't you ask her?" Erza told Wendy, nudging her encouragingly.

"What is it Wendy-chan?"

"I need to make an announcement!" She screamed delicately.

"I see you've met my little sister Lucy." Jellal approached us who put his arms around Erza's waist, hugging her close.

"I already introduced her. She wants to make an announcement tho." Erza replied back, putting her hands flirtingly at Jellal's neck.

"What for?" He asked expressionlessly.

"Be surprised." Erza teased after giving her boyfriend a peck on the cheek. "Everyone! Wendy-chan has to say something!"

"Jellal onii-chan! I want to make everyone here my family! Can everyone please cooperate?" Wendy called out as loud as she could, tapping her foot nervously.

"I'm okay with it." Lucy answered, feeling admiration from the brave front she put up with.

"Sounds kinda fun! Count me in too!" Natsu laughed, standing up to stay beside Lucy. Everyone vigorously nodded their heads and Jellal sighed at the corner in defeat.

"Okay! So Loke onii-chan! You will be my uncle! You know the one who gets to give me money and carry my stuff." Wendy pointed to Loke cheerfully.

"What?! That's bullsh-" Loke stopped midsentence when Erza pinched his back. "That's cool!" He laughed faintly. That's a butler's job! A butler! Loke yelled inside his head.

"Hahaha! Hello Uncle Loke." Natsu teased devilishly at his friend who punched him playfully back.

"Then, Freed and Lisanna will be my grand-parents! Mirajane will be the auntie who's good In cooking!" She announced. This earned groans and silent protests.

"Of course Natsu oni-chan will be my pet dog!"

"Whyyy?!" Natsu who was taken by surprise cried dramatically at his girlfriend's shoulder. Throwing death glares at the said brat.

"And the most important would be my parents! My father would be Gray-kun." Gray who continued to sulk in one corner, raised his head curiously waiting for the mother's part. Lucy crossed her fingers, hoping she would be the role 'mother' to be partners with Gray.

"And the mother will be Erza!" Gray and Erza instantly looked at each other in complete horror. Lucy smiled despite the results and giggled. "You guys are happily married! A marriage that will last a long time." Wendy pulled Erza towards Gray. The moment Wendy was out of ear-shot both murmured 'A marriage headed for divorce.'

"What does that make of me?" Lucy asked the little girl.

"You will be my big sister! I ALWAYS wanted to have one!"

"Wendy that's quite enough! Everyone I'm sorry for my sister causing problems." Jellal intervened, bowing his head.

"Come on oni-chan! I never get my fun!" Wendy argued.

"Wendy, listen to me I—"

"It's alright Jellal-kun! It's just a bit of role-playing how bad could it be." Lucy defended Wendy and reassured him with a big smile.

"O-Okay, if you insist. Thank You Lucy."

"Yayy Lucy ne-chan defended me from the evil oni-chan!" She said gleefully and pranced into Lucy's arms.

Three hours has passed and everyone had just been drinking and playing games to past the time. After a while, time passed and everyone has already agreed to the role playing. The little girl-Wendy was a force to be reckoned with.

"It's already getting late." Mira noted, looking at the wall-clock.

"Well, that's not right! We can't let this day end without playing truth or dare! It's like the spirit of parties back at home. Right, Luce?" Erza suggested, manpowering the crowd. She slightly lost her footing but regained her balance perfectly. Another force to be reckoned with.

"Yah! Are you already drunk!" Lucy reprimanded her friend which she ignored completely, looking at Jellal for help. He remained resilent and smirked to himself.

Erza, took the empty wine bottle and spinned towards that circle created by everyone.

"This is fun! I choose dare!" Mira, exclaimed excitedly.

Erza, smiled deviously and motioned the other girl to come near her. "I want you to go to Loke and carry him around the room."

"WHAT KIND OF DARE IS THAT?!" Loke, complained.

"The lovely Erza's dare. Only a real man can actually take it. I understand." Erza, grimaced.

"Don't worry, Loke! I can carry you for sure!" Mira, insisted. After doing a lot of dares which consisted of Natsu drinking while carrying Lisanna which made the girl beet-red and another ridiculous dare of Jellal, taking off his clothes showing off his abs and dancing ballet etc.

"Okay, it's time for truth! Enough of the dare! The dares' are way ridiculous." Natsu, complained.

"Agreed. Let's go for truth." The bottle ended up pointing at the blonde who throughout the game was speculating quietly from the sidelines.

"Ohhh babes! Your turn!" Lucy, took a deep breath and waited for her question.

"Tell us which of all the boys in the room do you think is the most handsome and why would you date him?" Mira counter-attacked the still thinking red-head.

"W-what?" Lucy, blushed. Gray and all the other boys waited for her answer curiously. "This question is a bit….." And at the nick of time the bartender came and dismissed the teenagers since it was already past the limited time for booking the named place. Lucy, breathed and sighed in relief of having been saved from answering the embarrassing question.

"Tonight was fun! I'll be going ahead with Lisanna then. Night guys!" Mira, called off promptously. Followed by Loke and Natsu.

"I guess I'll leave now. See you tomorrow." Jellal kissed Erza goodbye and smiled at the blossoming couple *ehem lucy and gray*

"Babes, can I just sleep at your place? I'm way too tired to go home now."

The remaining group made their way to the apartment and Gray had the red-head on his back since the petite blonde couldn't quite carry her friend. Lucy, helped her friend walk and tucked her friend to sleep at her bed. After making sure that everything was settled, she faced the boy behind her who kept quiet at that time. "Thanks, for carrying her all the way here, Gray." Lucy, called out nervously.

"Sure, no problem." Gray, remained statued there, staring at the blonde with peering eyes that seemed like it would burn her whole being. Getting self-conscious, the blonde cleared her throat and fidgeted with her skirt.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" Lucy, asked.

"None…" Gray, trailed off. Lucy, remembered the past events where he lost his cool awhile ago when she was telling her story about her previous encounter six years ago about the boy who pushed her in the well. Well it was weird….why did Gray lose his cool like that? It isn't like he has anything to do with that person.

"Gray, if there's anything I can do for you…say it." Lucy, appealed to the reposed boy at the moment. After a few minutes of not answering, Lucy lost her patience and stalked towards the exit, but was stopped by a strong hand grasping her waist.

"You can't do anything for me…but I do have a question."

"What is it?" She asked, holding on to the arm around her waist.

"That question Mira asked….who would you have picked." He asked slowly. Lucy, felt herself falter at his grasp of words and hesitated before answering.

"Who knows?" Lucy, smirked in the darkness, feeling victorious for being asked such a question.

"I won't let you go until you answer you know."

"Whaa-at?" Lucy, blushed as the boy tightened his hold on her and his other hand trickled slowly up her neck, sending shivers and pleasure on her skin. "I guess I might have said your name?" Lucy meant to answer but it came out as a question.

"Very good." Gray, scoffed and left the girl bewildered craving for more skin.

"Why were you so intent on knowing?" Lucy, ran after him.

"Because, I knew I was the most handsome guy in the room. Just making sure if you have the right choice." Winking at the blonde and heading straight towards the door. Lucy, giggled at his answer.

"So conceited." She whispered to herself as she watched the silhouette of the departing boy. "Why did I have to like someone like you?"

I'm so sorry for updating soooo late! Forgive me! I have been waaaay busy with studies which I know I'm failing. *slapping myself* Please, support the new fanfic of course GRAYLU that I'm going to post sometime this week. Thank you for the endless support and for those continued waiting for a slowpoke like me.