...I am really sorry in advance for not posting in a really long time. Deeply apologize. I have been so busy and a lot of things have been going on. Hopefully finishing this story very soon and giving the best ending I can give you will make up for it. :) Thanks for the continuous support of my viewers and the constant requests you guys give me. I deeply appreciate it, and i wanted to take time writing this so you guys will know.
PS: Requests are open! I will try my best to make it the best I can. :)
PPS: I made this a double chapter (if you know what that means) so the content (as in information) will be longer. I've never done double chapters before but I wanted to make up to you guys since I haven't posted in awhile.
Enjoy~
CHAPTER !: THE BALL + AGAIN WE MEET
GRAY P.O.V.: I fidgeted with my tie for awhile before stepping out of my strangely cold room. Is this symmetrical? Does it look fine? I kept thinking this to myself as I became OCD about my hair too. After moving it from one side to another, I gave up as I left it alone, "Ah screw it." I mumble as I walked out of my house to see the limousine waiting for me. Natsu, Loke, Gajeel, Jellal, and Loke were waiting in front of the car for me. I strolled over there coolly as I give them high fives.
"Yo" I reply as Natsu gives me a huge grin.
"You look sexy in everything, ice princess~" he teased as I gave him a cold glare. He just smirked as he went back into the car.
"Hurry up! We don't have all day!" Loke called as we all started to go into the car, one by one, "I can't keep my ladies waiting!"
"Tch" Gajeel remarked, rolling his eyes at this manner. I gave a sigh and slung my arm around his shoulders.
"let's have fun. we usually don't go to a ball unless we are playing a concert, might as well enjoy it" I tell him. He just stares at me for awhile as we go into the limo.
"Here are everyones masks" Jellal stated as he gave each guy a mask. I totally forgot about that. Natsu also put a black wig over his head before putting the mask on.
"Why are you putting on a wig flame brain?" I ask as he gives me a glare.
"I'm not a flame brain, ice princess" he retorted as he put on his mask.
i put on my mask too as I smirk, "Flame brain"
"ice princess"
"flame butt"
"ice sh**"
"fu**ing a** fire"
"fu**ing sh**tty ice queen"
"STOP AND SHUT THE FU** UP!" Loke exclaimed, his head on fire and his eyes blazing.
I rolled my eyes as I stared at the window. It was going to be a loong night...but somehow...I have a bad gut feeling that this masquerade part of the ball was not a good idea...
LEVY P.O.V.: "LUCY LUCY LUCY LUCY!" I yell in panic. She turns around with a frown as she tries putting her hair into a fancy braided bun, while Ezra kept staring at the mirror, fiddling with multiple hair accessories. They were both clearly displeased with how they looked, but i thought they were both very gorgeous.
"What is it Levy? Can't you see I'm a bit busy?" She whined as she took a flower hair pin out of the stash Ezra was fidgeting with.
"Lucy! I was going to use that!" Ezra complained as she crossed her arms in dissatisfaction
"You have plenty to choose from" lucy said as she put it in her hair, as she gave a smile, "I'm done."
"But I'm not. I have to look absolutely flawless today...especially since..." Ezra started to blush as she kept digging through the stash.
"We know, Ezra, its Jellal right? Don't worry you look beautiful," I tell her as she looks up to me.
"Thanks Levy, your so sweet." She smiled.
"I think this one will look stunning on you," I say as I pick up a hair pin from the table and hand it to her. She looked super happy and gave me a big hug.
"It's perfect." She said happily, "Your such a lifesaver."
"I may not be super smart like you, but I do have a very keen eye for fashion," I giggle as we both laughed together.
"Levy you should wear this!" Lucy exclaimed in glee as she handed me a pair of earrings. I inspect them nervously as I look back at Lucy. I only had one pair of earrings and I never wore any besides the ones I was currently wearing. Mines were small, fake diamond earrings. But the ones she handed me were the dangling ones, and it looked super expensive. Way to expensive. I was only going to a school ball, and this may have looked like another accessory to a rich girl, but to a commoner like me this looked just like the ones you would see enclosed in a special, super high security case in a jewelry shop.
"Lucy I don't think-" But I couldn't even finish.
"There perfect for you Levy! Try it! Please~" She begged as I sighed, and started to take mines off. This was the very first time I took off these ones, it felt so weird. I then inserted the new ones. They felt a bit heavy, but didn't feel like they were torturing my ear. Lucy then handed me a small mirror.
"What do you think? You can use them for the night. And you look pretty. Just perfect." Lucy says as Ezra gives a nod. I looked in the mirro and I honestly couldn't believe it was me. What would Gajeel say? Would he compliment me? Comment about my height again? Just thinking about him teasing me abut my height already pissed me off, but there was something about him. I wonder what his reaction would be. As I thought this, Lucy commented, 'I'll be back, I need to call the limo."
And so she left. As I kept looking at myself, I realized how much I wanted I wanted Gajeel to see me like this. Not as a shorty bookworm who is teased because of her height, but this girl in the mirror, a pretty woman, who strives to become stronger.
"I'm sure Gajeel will like it Levy. Don't think about it too much." Ezra assured as she patted my shoulder, "C'mon, lets go outside and get to the ballroom. Someone is waiting for you there after all."
I smile. I had such great friends, friends that were always beside me. I was so thankful. As we walked down the limo was there, and the butler opened the door for us. We got in and thanked the butler as he closed the door.
I beamed a smile as we put on our masks, "Next stop - The Ballroom!"
STING P.O.V.: "We are here, sir," said my driver as he parked, "Enjoy the rest of your night. Just call and I will be there as soon as possible." I fidget my tie as I thank him. I wonder what Rogue would think of me, seeing me wearing this. I then wear the mask, which was super uncomfortable. It could have been any type of ball, but it had to be a masquerade. I seriously hate this mask. I thought bitterly. It wasn't how it looked, it was jus the feeling of it weighing on my face. As I exited, my butler explained, "Also, if anything happens don't hesitate to call."
"Thanks, once again for your service," I say as I see him drive off. I was 10 minutes early, but there were a huge swarm of people. Too many. My sweat dropped as the thought of being swarmed by girls came into mind.
Maybe i should have worn a wig or something...I thought as i head into the room, handing in my verification ID to confirm I was a student But then Lisanna wouldn't notice it was me then...
I shake the thought as I head in. The ballroom was a rented space, and I had to admit, it was gorgeous. The chandelier shined in all of its glory, and the food looked super delicious. And, because of the theme, everyone wore a mask. I walked in as I grabbed a drink from a waiter. I look at the girls wearing there dresses, talking with there friends. I wonder how many pounds of makeup are behind those masks...
I sighed as I take another sip of my drink. I wonder when Lisanna is coming. I wonder if shes coming. I wonder what she will look like.
And as my imagination was trying to envision what Lisanna looked like, I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was some girl from the group that I observing earlier.
"Do you have any dances scheduled?" She asked. Its not like I couldn't dance. After all, I was the heir of the Eucliffe Company, but there was only one girl in my mind.
"I'll pass, I'm not much of a dancer," I remark as I walk away. Thats when I saw the Fairy Tail band. And when though were wearing masks, who can't recognize them. Especially Gajeel's hair. People started to surround them, but there was one person in the group i didn't recognize.
His outfitwas just like them, except he had black hair, and I couldn't see his facial features due to his mask. I walk towards them, hoping to find out who it was.
But me and Fairy Tail aren't buddies or anything, so it was awkward to the max.
"Hey," I said. Maybe to abruptly.
"What do you need?" Jellal asked as his girlfriend Ezra was clinging on to him, giving death glares tot he other girls. And if looks can kill, many girls would have been massacred tonight.
"Where is Natsu?" I asked as everyone looked at one another.
"He's coming a bit late, he hooked up with a girl already. You don't want to see him now right?" Loke asked as he slinged his arm over the black masked and haired dude.
"Then who's that your clinging onto Loke?" I ask, "Your only suppose to bring people from school here."
"I know. He's a new recruit of Fairy Tail, he just transferred. He's really reserved but he's chill." Loke told me reassuringly. I was dissatisfied.
"Whats your name?" I ask him as he stared right back at me.
"Ustan, nice to meet you." He said in a low voice.
"Nice to meet you. And I apologize for being abrupt, I just haven't seen you before." I say as I leave, "I'll be off then."
And i left, a lot was gonna happen tonight.
LOKE P.O.V.
-Prior to the Conversation with Sting-
"Hey guys, I need a favor." Natsu said as we arrived.
"What? You need your brain, flame butt?" Gray smirked as Natsu elbowed him.
"No, seriously." Natsu remarked. He didn't look like he was joking around.
"What is it?" I asked as he looked to all of us.
"You see, I don't feel well. I really don't want to flirt with girls or talk with them at the moment. I also honestly have a lot on my mind right now." he explained, "thats why Im wearing a wig and not putting cuss words after every sentence."
"So thats why you went all out..." Jellal muttered, "What are you asking of us?"
"I want you guys to make an excuse that I am no longer at the ball. Something like 'He wasn't feeling well,' or like 'He's grabbing a drink.'" He suggested, "And if they ask who I am, just say, 'This is a recruit, or a trainee in Fairy Tail. He just got transferred to our school.'"
"I got it." I say as I look at everyone,
ll be the one to give the excuse, you guys just go along with it." I tell them. Everyone nods.
"Thanks Loke" He said as I gave a smirk.
"No need to thank me, but find him. Don't let this sacrifice be in vain." I tell him as we go inside.
"I know." He said with a smile, "Don't worry.
-Back to Reality-
But I honestly can't help but worry. Lucy looks disappointed as heck, since the love of her life isn't here, and there are so many people. I didn't think it would be this big of an event. Girls were clinging onto me as Natsu leans into my ear.
"Loke, tell the others I'm going. I have my cellphone so call me when we leave. Thanks for everything." He says as I give a smile. He then disappears into the crowds of people.
Natsu Dragneel...please be careful...
But even then I feel this uneasiness. Just what was going to happen tonight?
LiSANNA P.O.V.: I was late. I knew that fully well. But it wasn't like I wanted to remembering Onee-san yelling at me to enjoy my young years frightened me. I look into my mirror, I was wearing the same outfit as I did that day. I fidget with my dress. It was so uncomfortable. But i was used to it, after all, being a daughter of a prestigious company you do this all the time. But I still haven't gotten fully used to it. i sigh as I remember that man and the irises. I close my eyes, the scene playing in my eyes. His voice was so soothing, and his kind words echoed in my mind. I replayed that over and over as I get up from my seat and into Onee-san's car. I had decided not to go in a limo, so that no one would recognize me. But that man was etched into my memory. I wonder where he is now, what more could we have talked about, will I ever see him again? And if I were to see him again, what would I say?
Even though our conversation was fleeting, I wanted to talk with him. To sit down, and to know everything about him. From his favorite colors to what his darkest secrets. What was this feeling? I'm always reserved and never open myself to people, but I wanted to tell him everything, and show everything.
What...is this feeling?
Why do I feel like I could do anything for him, as long as it was him?
"I'm so naive..." I mumble bitterly as we arrived. There was no one outside and I heard ballroom music playing. I cautiously step out as I thank Onee-san.
"Call me if you want to leave or if anything happens, promise me." Onee-san says as I give her a nod. \
"Have fun!" She smiled as she kissed my forehead, "Love you."
"Love you too," I say with a smile as she drives away. I loko back at the ballroom with a frown. WHat was I gonna do here? I hated such crammed spaces with people I don't even know. And especially because of these masks. I make sure that the mask is secure on my face, as I look around. I then see a gate connected to the ballroom. There was a huge garden behind the place.
My luck.
I walk up to the gate and open it. Gladly it wasn't locked. I closed it behind me as I walked around. There was a huge garden in the back, and on the far right, which was covered by willow trees, was a commute area. Probably for weddings. I make my way there, my feet uncomfortable with the high heels.
I hated parties.
The willow hung so low, all the way to the ground. This was perfect. Perfect place for me.
Using my hands, I brushed some of the leaves away and walked inside.
No one was here. Again, my luck.
A smile crept to my lips as I observe my surroundings. The moon light struck from above, and flowers were decorated everywhere. It was truly breath taking. I see a tree stump near the middle of the fortress of willow trees that surrounded me, and sat on it. My smile grew even wider as I saw the irises right next to me. I plucked one, bringing it up to my nose. This scent, I love this scent. The image of the man replayed once again in my mind.
I let out a relived sigh, today was going to be a breeze. This was the perfect place. I didn't have to worry about family back at home, or the people in the ballroom. It was just me, and this space.
Thats when I heard something drop. I quickly turned around, my eyes widening.
I felt his stare being transfixed on me, as a breeze flowed through his black hair.
My sapphire eyes stared right back at him, I didn't know what to do. Why was he here? Is he a student? Did he know I was a student? Why did he come here of all places?
What do I say?
What do you want to say? I hear a voice in my head say What do you want to tell him?
I take a deep breath, as I give a smile, "Long time no see, the irises are beautiful, aren't they?"
NATSU P.O.V.: I was so shocked. Back at the ballroom, I saw this place and thought it would be a perfect time to take a break. But here I am, face to face, with this girl. This girl that had stolen my heart from our first conversation. What was it about her? What did I see in her that wasn't in any other girl? I wanted to ask, show and experience so many things with her. And this was only in our first encounter. Did she feel the same way?
"Long time no see, the irises are beautiful, aren't they?"
Once her voice hit my ears, I felt so calmed. What was it about her? Her sweet voice hypnotized me, and my breath was taken away by her. The moonlight shone one her like a spotlight as she looked at me with those sapphire eyes.
What do I say?
What can I say?
What I want to say?
"Yes, they are." I answer as I mentally facepalm myself. So uncool, "But your prettier."
I see her smile at that, "Sorry, flattery doesn't work one me." She remarked as she got up from her seat, "Would you like to sit down?"
"No, I'm fine. Thank you for the offer." I tell her as she sits back down.
"Hey, do you remember the first time we met?" I ask after a silence settled between us.
"How could I not? Do you remember?" She asked me. I feel a smile creep onto my lips.
"How could I not?"
She smiled as I continued.
"Remember, you said," Irises are so pure, have always found resolutions, have always been the bird that- can fly with freedom and pride. I am the bird with the broken wing forever chained to the Earth.'" I tell her as she nods.
"I'm sorry for saying such a stupid thing." She apologized, "I really am sorry-"
"Don't be sorry. But if thats the case.."
She looks at me, a bit confused.
"If your the bird that is forever chained to the earth, I'll help you soar, from the highest expanses of the sky to the heavens." I say, while in the bck of my mind I was proud of how I phrased that.
Her lips curled up into a smile. She couldn't stop smiling, "Thank you, your so kind."
"Um...you see..." I hear her say as I walk closer to her. At this point I was right by her side.
"Yeah?"
"For the longest time, I was trying to find happiness. My father abuses me in ways you can't even imagine, and I didn't know what to do. And it was not just me but my older siblings. And I still don't know what to do. This was ever since I was born. And because of that, I wondered how I could be happy. Or if that was possible," she mumbled as she looked away from me.
"I-"
"But you know. Even despite that. Despite the hardships, here I am, with you, smiling like an idiot, as if I didn't have a care in the world. And even if its fleeting. I wanted to say thank you. Because...I haven't felt this happy talking with someone outside of my family," I hear her say as she looks me in the eyes, "Thank you for bringing me this happiness."
I wanted to kiss her then. But I forced myself not to.
"You know, it doesn't need to be fleeting." I tell her as she looks up at me, "We can go tot he school and talk with one another, and if you want maybe afterschool we can grab coffee and sit down, talking. Or maybe even come back to places like this, where its secluded from the world. I know we have only met each other once, and I honestly don't know anything about you, but I want to know more about you. I want to be there for you. So..." I say as I crouch down, our eyes now leveled. I reach out my hand and touch her cheek, her eyes still on me.
She touched the hand I had on her cheek and gently pulled it away, "I wish. I really do. But, its impossible."
"Why?"
"Because, once you find out who I really am, you'll be disgusted and throw me away once your done with me,like everyone else." she said, avoiding eye contact.
"why are you putting me in the same group as those people?" I say, a bit harshly, "Is that how you think of me?"
"But I don't even know your name." She answered coldly.
She stands up, and I do the same.
"listen, I also want to know more about you, to the point where I feel insane, but I don't want to hurt you anymore than this. So let it end here. Let's not interact anymore. You have a life of your own. And so do I. So please, don't go near me." She says as she slowly walks away.
"Thank you for everything, and I'm sorry. So sorry." She says, and right when she takes out her phone I grab her and pull her into a hug.
Why do I feel angry that she said that? I really do love her, don't I...
How could she say that.
Why am I so angry with myself.
"Your listen!" I say a bit louder and a lot harsher, "Whether you hurt me I don't care. Because it won't just be me getting hurt, it'll also be you!"
She said nothing as I tightened my grip.
"I don't care who you are, or what people think of you. Thats not how I think of you! We btoh want to know each other, so why do you runaway? Stop running away! Face the problem head on! I know your dad probably has been super hard on you and your family, but don't run away and forget about that problem! If your afraid I'm here! If your scared I'm here. If you need a friend I'm here. So stop apologizing. I'll make you happier than you are now...I promise you...so please"
I pull her chin up and lean over, our lips only centimeters apart, "Please lean onto me..."
Then the distance between our lips closed.
STING P.O.V.: Not only can't I find Natsu in this place, but I cant find Lisanna. How come the both of them didn't come? Then what was the point of coming if lisanna wasn't here, I am so stupid. Girls kept coming up to me, asking for a dance, or trying to strike a conversation, but I passed. Every single one of them. I felt like this was such a waste. Right when I wanted an opportunity to see Lisanna in a dress...
I wanted to leave. I wanted to get out of here. I grab my phone and dial my drivers number as I walk out of the building. The call kept ringing, so I kept waiting, looking around, seeing a gate leading to the back of the building, A garden.
"Yes sir? is it time to go?"
I kept staring at the landscape, until I was brought back to reality with my driver's concerned voice.
"Sting sir are you alright?"
"Yes, sorry I dozed off a bit there." I say, scratching my head in embarrassment.
"Would you like me to pick you up?" He asked. My eyes were locked onto the gate.
"Just be prepared to come over in a few minutes. I will be looking around for a bit." I say as I walk over to the gate. It was unlocked.
"Alright sir, I will be on my way shortly." He says as I end the call.
I walk inside, looking up at the sky. There was a full moon, and no stars were in the sky. It was so gorgeous.
"If only Lisanna could see this..." I muttered under my breath.
Where is she now?
LUCY P.O.V.: I was soo going to kill Natsu next time I see him. I went to this ball just to see him, and to confess my feelings for him. Face to face. I know he probably already knows, but I wanted to tell him with my own mouth. I didn't just want to be friends. But here I am, all dressed up, with absolutely no Natsu around. And not only that, but Loke said he already hooked up with a girl and left. Was I not his type? Was I not pretty enough? What made that girl better than me? i could do that, as long as I was by Natsu's side...
I felt a ta on my shoulder. It was Gray, "Hey, you alright?" He asked, concerned written all over his voice. I give him a weak smile.
"Its nothing for you to worry about. There was just something I wanted to tell Natsu...and I wanted to see him today," I tell him, "But don't worry, I'll be fine."
He raised an eyebrow and sighed, "Alright, if thats the case, enjoy your time."
"Yeah,"
"But you know," he said as a lush came up his cheeks. He looked away from me, "you look pretty tonight. So don't think of it as a waste just because Natsu isn't here."
I felt my face burning up, "T-Thank you," i stuttered. Silence then settled between us. It was so awkward.
"I-I'm going to g-grab some f-f-food, want to c-come with m-me?" I managed to stutter If it was possible, my face got even redder.
He smiled, his blush darkening as well, "Sure."
And as we made our way there, I could feel someone staring at us. Maybe it was my imagination, but I heard a female voice say, "My love rival, he is mine."
But then again, probably my imagination.
LISANNA P.O.V.: My hands trailed from his chest to his hair. I twiddled it in my fingers and brought him closer, the kiss becoming even deeper. His embrace felt so good, and I felt like I was melting. I wanted to stay like this. But in the same time, this feeling felt so familiar...what was it? I felt him bite my lip gently, asking for entrance. I gladly opened my mouth, letting his tongue explore my mouth. I felt his hands trail down my back, as he grabbed my waist and brought me even closer.
This feeling was overly familiar.
The kiss soon intensified as i gripped his hair tighter, causing him to moan under his breath. I blushed, I felt myself melting more and more. I felt my energy being sucked out of me.
That's when I thought about Natsu.
I honestly tried to erase him from my memory and to move on, but why, in this kiss, it reminded me of him?
Thats when my sweat dropped.
Wait a sec...
What was i doing? I felt his hands tighten their grip on my wrists as he tried to claim dominance over me.
Wait...
What am I doing? Letting him take advantage of me like this?...I have to stop. I have to- I tried to, with my energy push him off, but it didn't work.
My mind was all over the place. I remember the scene as it played in my mind...
My arms couldn't even move, all they did was twitch and tremble at his touch. His lips moved from my mouth to my neck, nibbling, sucking, my skin as I shivered. If things keep going at this rate...
This memory...that feeling back then...its the same...
"N-na-ts-tsu...s-ST-O-Op..." I tried to say in between my gasps and small groans.
I tried pushing the guy I was kissing back, but he then started biting on my neck, hard. I trie dto hold in moans as the memory kept playing out..
"But your enjoying it," Natsu teased as he sucked on my skin a little harder making me squeak, "see?"
I felt him licking my earlobe as I gasped. This feeling...
"I-I...d-d-don't...li-ke...i-it,"
That's when it hit me. This unknown guy from our school...and there kisses feel the same...is it just my imagination?
"Really now?" He asked playfully as he bit my soft skin even harder earning a louder groan making me feel embarrassed. What am I letting him do to me? There's going to be marks at this rate...
I felt the black haired man bringing his lips to mine again. What was going on? Natsu, this unknown guy.
He paused as he looked into my eyes. I looked away breathing heavily,
"Stop...Natsu, I'm serious."
This feeling, its definitely the same.
"Then look me in the eye and say so," Natsu leaned over whispering in my ear. My blush grew darker than ever as I tried to hide my face from him. I was to embarrassed too...and if I told him it would be showing weakness...although technically I'm already showing weakness.
Even there voices, now that I look back, sounded the same...
I hate my life.
"I can't."
"Why not?"
Even though...this guy doesn't look like Natsu from the mask or his hair..why...could it seriously be...
"Because...I just can't," I told him firmly, "Now let go of me. You wanted to kiss me and now you went past my limit."
I finally push the unknown away from me.
"Not until you tell me why," Natsu retorted back.
"Stop pressuring me, why do you need to know anyways?" I ask.
"Because I want to know more things about you," he admitted as my blush grew darker than before, if that was possible.
"What's wrong? You didn't like it?" the dark haired man asked.
I can't believe it.
Out of all people...
Tears started to stream down my face as I covered my mouth.
The guy still looked confused, "What's wrong? Did I make you cry?"
I take deep breaths as I look up at him, eye to eye. His onyx orbs stared back at me. It was really him. The man I was trying to erase from my memory. The one I tried pushing away. And possibly, the first guy I feel in love with.
It was him, of all people.
"Is that you...Natsu Dragneel?"
I KNOW I LEFT A CLIFFHANGER . BUT I HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND ME REQUESTS! COMMENT DOWN BELOW HOW YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THIS CHAPTER. HONESTLY THIS WAS ONE OF THE HARDEST TO WRITE SINCE I WAS SO BUSY AND I DIDN"T KNOW HOW MUCH CONTENT TO PUT HERE. BUT STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER! I ALSO WANT TO APOLOGIZE FOR SPELL CHECK MISTAKES, BUT I HOPE THAT THE YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH THE CHAPTER.
FOR YOURS TRULY,
-burningflame0116
