Chapter 25

"Mine!"

"Mine!"

"No! You stripper move. It's mine!"

"Mine!"

"Shut up you idiots! Mine!"

Laughs, shouts and the ray of sun made Lucy stir from her lying position. She tried to open her eyes and was greeted by blue sky, radiant clear blue sky. She smiled at the thought and closed her eyes again deciding to continue the best sleep she had for the past few weeks. This must be a dream.

"What the hell?!"

The shouting became louder luring her out of her pleasant sleep. She felt annoyed with the continuous shouting that is definitely coming from not far. Lucy decided to call the security and move her hand reaching for her pocke –

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

After that she felt people crowding her murmuring words she couldn't understand due to her just awakening state. She opened her eyes and was met by black ones, one that was full of worry. She felt her face heat up that very moment and took notice of their proximity. His hands were on either side of her body caging her with his face inches away from her. With all force she could gather she pushed the man in front of her and backed away hugging herself.

"Pe-Pervert!" She yelled.

The guy fell on the ground. "You don't have to push me!" He said narrowing his eyes at the girl while rubbing his sore butt.

"What happen Lucy?" The said girl looked to her left and saw some other familiar faces. She saw Levy, Juvia, Gray, Jellal, Erza and even Gajeel who was walking not towards them slowly thinking all the screaming was just nothing.

"E-Erza? W-Where am I?" Her voice was shaking. "I panicked when I felt that I was almost naked." The thought made her shudder which caused her to hug herself Even tighter.

"What else would you be wearing at the beach?" Natsu asked standing up from the ground dusting off sands that was caught in his fiery red shorts.

"B-Beach?" She stuttered and looked around. She looked behind the persons who were surrounding her and noticed the blue sky she thought she was dreaming of a while ago, the bright blue water meeting the sky at the horizon, the fine white sands on which her friends were currently standing on and the palm trees that were scattered along the shore.

Yes, in fact she is in one.

"How did I get here?" She turned to face Erza. "How's the company? How am I going to work? How can I go back?"

She flooded Erza questions. "It seems you drank too much you forgot about last night."

"Drank? Me?" She laughed half-heartedly. But she noticed Erza's serious expression and stopped. "S-Seriously? What happen?" She leaned towards Erza.

Erza shook her head and gave an exasperated sigh. "Yesterday I pulled you out of the company by force after your meeting? And then I brought you to High Life to eat." She emphasized the word EAT. "But then I was surprised you ordered 5 shots of the best-selling liquor and almost drank 4 Tequila Rose." Lucy gaped at Erza's narration. "Then I asked you about this and you gladly accepted the invitation."

"W-What?!"

"Do I need to repeat it?" Erza asked glaring lightly.

So she drunk? Why? …

She thought for a moment and it hit her. The deal and her response were decided yesterday. To marry a man, she knew she'll never love, in two weeks, well she must have a good reason to drink. Must have followed other's suggestion regarding liquors–that you're so drunk you'll forget about everything. Indeed she felt herself lightheaded yesterday but now she regretted it. She felt dizzy. Lucy shivered at the thought of her life after the two weeks she has asked for. But then again, company first. "N-No. Well I guess I have to terminate what I've said." She said slipping her feet to the side to stand. "I'm sorry but I still have a lot of things to do."

She walked towards a big house, not a mansion type just a big rest house, guessing it was the house they were currently staying at. Well there is no other house around other than that so probably it is.

"You can't go back." She stopped on her tracks and turned to see Natsu playing volleyball while talking to her. The others were walking away in a very care-free manner.

She raised her eyebrow and looked from one person to another for a hint but no one made a reaction they just continued walking away. They're all going back to the shore at the court to where Lucy guessed they were playing a while ago. She turned to Natsu. "What do you mean?" She asked Natsu annoyed.

Natsu was tossing the ball up and catching it with his fists, clenched together, and sending up again. He was looking at the ball careful not to let it fall but he was smiling and is talking to her. "This island is called Tenrou. I don't really know this place but Levy researched for it. It has no means of connecting to other people outside the island." Seems like he sensed Lucy's confusion and grinned not losing his focus. "Meaning, no internet, signal or transportation you could use to go back."

Lucy's eyes widen. "Why the hell will you pick a place like this?!" She shouted. She looked at her other friends and now it struck her that the reason why they're not minding her departure was that they knew she can't go.

"It was Levy and Juvia's plan." Natsu said still smiling and hitting the ball with his hands. "They just felt like you need it." He paused, waiting for any reaction. "Well, I think you need it too." Now, his tone rather playful than the teasing one he used a while ago. "In fact this is a good place for us to talk." He was now facing her but still hitting the ball. Lucy shivered at Natsu's words. Why would he talk to her? About what? "So you should not leave!" He yelled. Natsu tossed the ball up twists a little to the right and gave it a strike right towards the people on the court. It landed on Gray's hands and the group continued playing.

Gray smiled and immediately tossed the ball in the air hitting it towards the other side of the court.

Lucy watched the rally going on between the two teams. Juvia, Erza and Gajeel against Levy, Gray and Jellal. Looks like all of them are having fun and couldn't careless that Lucy was having a serious problem at that very moment. Piles of papers and loads of work were left in her office plus she has to think of a way that will stop Jiemma from completely taking over the whole company. Though she knew she can't stop Jiemma from having power over the company she still hopes she could at least lessen it.

Suddenly she felt something in front of her and looked up. "You really shouldn't think of other men while I'm here, with you." He smirked as Lucy felt her face heat up. An image of Natsu and her pressed against the wall of the fire exit made her tensed.

Lucy stepped back trying to distance herself. "A-And you really shouldn't stick your nose to other people's business!" She yelled and stuck her tongue out to him. Lucy turned away from him and run towards Erza, leaving Natsu smiling while watching her with his arms crossed across his chest.

"We'll talk. Soon." He muttered and walked after her.

"But Erza! You know I have a lot of things to do!" Lucy whined as the girls were all alone in their room.

The room have four simple, cozy-looking, single beds. A lamp rested on each side of the beds on top of a nightstand that has one drawer each. Wooden cabinets were lined just beside the door to which Lucy guessed their garments were in. A simple yet elegant looking chandelier decorated ceiling and a potted plants lined at the edge of the balcony giving a fresh feeling.

"Do I even have some things to used?" She asked thinking about the incident the last time they went on vacation. "Well not that I'm already considering coming with you guys.." She immediately added.

Erza just had enough, if Lucy isn't a girl she was sure she knocked her out already. "Lucy.." She said in a low serious tone. "I already told you, I consulted Master Makarov about this. He said two weeks would be better, though we were just asking for one.. Maybe we'll extend for 3-4 days after a week. Also he gave your body guards a two week vacation so they're not here."

Lucy sighed in disbelief. She can't believe Gramps agreed to this after all that happen he has actually considered giving her a break. It was only two weeks until she lost her freedom, her happiness and the Heartfilia name. So why does he agreed on this?

Levy stepped closer to Lucy clasping her hands in front of her chest. "We're very sorry Lucy.."

"Juvia and Levy only thought you needed this. Fairy Law also needed it for the practice Natsu was talking about.. So Juvia and Levy just thought this will be for the better of everyone.." Juvia'svoice was weak and was looking on the floor, guilt-stricken.

Lucy looked from Levy to Juvia. She felt horrible. She's only thinking of herself. All this time these people in front of her had cared for her. And now, with this she's still bringing up her selfish reasons to make them bring her back to the company. She looked at Erza for any signs of what she has to do? For in fact, Lucy hasn't comforted anyone yet. Well she did. But she felt like she's not really good at it, especially now that it was her who was at fault.

Erza widened her eyes purposefully as if relaying a message to the one she was looking at. When finally Lucy kind of got it Erza gestured her head to the directions where in Juvia and Levy were standing sadly. Both girls felt guilty. They knew Lucy was in sort of bad case of depression and they were just thinking that maybe this time could help Lucy. Probably what made Lucy desperately want to go back to Magnolia was that the reason was more important than what they have first thought of.

"We're very sorr –"

They were cut off when Lucy pulled them close together and hugged them together. "I'm sorry. And really.. Thank you!" She said trying to stop her tears from falling. "I really appreciate this."

"B-But.. How's the compa –"

She stopped Juvia mid-sentence. "Now that I think of it, I really don't have anything to do." Lucy pulled away and smiled. "Though if I have I could always go back.. even if I have to swim back." She pumped her fists and grinned widely at both of them.

Erza walked up to them and gathered them together in her arms to give them a gentle squeeze. "So?" She asked when they pulled away.

The three girls looked at each other in confusion.

"Let's eat!" Erza yelled and walked away. Lucy nodded to no one in particular and followed Erza with Juvia and Levy not far behind.

Lucy trusted these girls with all her heart. In truth, she has grown too much accustomed to them. The Lucy before who can't trust so easily in choosing her friends was now quite the opposite. Little by little she knew something has changed in her and for some reasons she just like it. She doesn't really know when it started but she's sure she won't regret she met them. Lucy felt really lucky having themas her friends. They really do care for her. They must have really felt her sadness and grief and stress.

Her thoughts landed on the decision she made before they got here.

Does hiding something to your friends mean that you're lying to them? She felt down at the thought. Why can't she just tell them about it? It will be like 'Hey Erza I'm getting married in two weeks will you be the bride's maid?' or like 'Levy, can you help me choose a wedding dress? I'm getting married in two weeks!' or more like 'Hi Juvia! Can you take over the Band Battle for the next two weeks? Because I need to get ready for my wedding and you're part of the entourage!' She can't even imagine the tone of voice she'll be using once she told them about it.

Lucy sighed. Will her friends be happy for her, now that finally she is in a–'technically'–relationship? She doesn't really like the guy whom she was in a relationship with, though that must be really her very first official relationship. And yet another ruined firsts in the life of Lucy Heartfilia. She sighed. But that's not the issue here. She needs to forget about those very important things for her, put it at the back of her mind, and think of a way to slightly save herself and the company from completely involving the Eucliffe to them. Thinking of it sure is stressful. Well she's in a beach, so probably she'll stress herself a little and more pampering. She just hopes nothing will distract her focused thoughts for the company.

Focus Lucy. Focus L–

"LUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCYYY!"

Lucy cringed at the sound of the voice. They were now in the kitchen baking Lasagna and cake–which they decided it would be strawberry flavored because it would probably be just Erza's–when Lucy heard running steps from the living room. Lucy stiffened. She's totally forgotten about the existence of other people in the island.

"Hmm. What's cookin'?" Gray asked when he reached the counter and sat on a high chair which was facing Lucy, who's slicing strawberries—best job they could assign her in the kitchen work.

She didn't look up; comfortable enough to know that it was Gray who was in front of her. "Lasagna and Strawberry cake." She's now getting used to the idea that she will be stuck here with them for more than a week—not that she didn't really like it.

"What the hell are you doing with Lucy?!" Asked a voice annoyingly enough to make a vein pop out of Lucy's forehead. Here they'll be doing that again. Fighting. Right in front of her. While she is cooking or rather preparing to cook. Holding a knife.

Great. Just.. really great.

"Talking to her?! Does that bother you?"

"It doesn't seem to be just talking to me." He hissed.

"Gray won't ever flirt with any other girl! Does Lucy wants to be Juvia's love-rival?!" Juvia blurted. In shock she cupped her mouth blushing madly as people stared at her, quite in confusion. "What Juvia meant was.. Lucy.. Gray.. Ugh.. Natsu.. Juvia.. Juvia.. Juvia.. Ignore Juvia." She immediately dropped the subject and went back to work earning a smirk from a couple of people–to which Lucy and Gray were the only ones left dumbfounded.

Gray and Natsu started a brawl right in front of the counter which made Lucy more annoyed.

"Can't you act like normal boy friends? Like someone I know?" Jellal said in a clear and big voice for them to hear over the brawling and shouting of curses. When Gray and Natsu looks at him narrowing their eyes, Jellal's hand was on top of Gajeel's shoulder as if pointing at him. "Fine at times, composed at times, quiet at times and nice at times. You should be more like him in front of these.. beautiful ladies."

"So what do you mean by those.. at times at times?" Gajeel hissed with excess popcorns falling out of his mouth.

Jellal immediately retreats his hand and grinned sheepishly. "Levy should be very proud of you."

"And what do I have to do with him?" Levy asked coming out of the kitchen her hands on her hips while holding a spatula in her right. Her face was red but didn't careless and continued her trying-so-hard-to-look-annoyed look.

Jellal smiled at Levy. "You know.. This and that.." Levy huffed and walked back to her station which is by the stove, making sauce.

"I don't like to be Gajeel. He sucks." Natsu muttered finally pulling himself away from Gray's clutch and walking towards the counter.

"Me neither." Gray mumbled walking away up to the second floor. "I'll just change my clothes."

"I don't think he needs to change clothes.. he'll just discard them later unconsciously." Lucy muttered.

Natsu snorted and laughed like a mad man. Everyone looked at him with raised eyebrows. "What?! Lucy is joking!"

Just then Lucy noticed Natsu was now sitting right in front of her. Looking at her, watching her every move. Those were the same eyes that looked at her right after that kiss, though this one was full of joy rather than love, care and worry back then, still for her it's all the same. She tensed. "Uhh.. Uhh.. Erza? I think these strawberries are done." She immediately gathers everything up and walked away from Natsu.

Natsu noticed that Lucy was holding a lot of things and somehow is having a hard time transferring them. "Lucy? You want me to help you?" He asked jumping off the high chair walking towards her.

"No. No. No. I'm.. I'm.. I can do this myself." She said avoiding him as he stopped right in front of her and went to Erza's side. "Thank you for asking." She muttered soft enough hoping no one heard it. But he did.

"Anytime!" He grinned and walked towards her. "What can I do?" He asked right beside her, his left arm touching her shoulder. He felt her shiver and didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing. A good thing because he confirmed he has an effect on her or a bad thing because she shivered? Does she find him disgusting? Oh God. Please. No. Even so, he'll still try. Maybe he could change her mind about him if that's the cause. But like what he got on what Yukino said, he'll stop if he thinks it enough. He won't force himself to her.

Lucy moved towards Erza's side when she felt the contact with Natsu. Now she's cursing herself for wearing sleeveless tops. "No. Nothing. I can do this myself."

Natsu moved closer. "But I'm starving. I could give a hand to help you!" He exclaimed.

She felt the contact again and moved again.

Erza was being shoved to the corner sandwiched by Lucy and the wall. The moving continued until Erza was squeezed on the wall. "WILL YOU TWO MOVE AWAY?!" She yelled making everyone flinch.

"I'm sorry Erza." Lucy apologized immediately. She moved back to the counter hoping Natsu will not follow her. She just can't talk to him right now, can't stand right next to him right now, more precisely she just can't be near him or look at him without thinking about the kiss. As she settled she sighed and continued slicing some more strawberries.

"So you want me to slice that for you?"

Lucy flinched at the voice. She continued instead.

"Or you want me to massage your back? Or just do anything for you?"

She stopped what she was doing and looked up. "Everything's fine. You don't have to do anything for me.." She looked down. "Actually..If you sit with Jellal and Gajeel over there or go and dress up Gray would actually make me feel better."

"Can I just sit here and watch you?"

Lucy tensed. Why the hell is he being difficult? "N-No.." She stuttered. Natsu frowned a little but regained his smile.

"Okay. Then I'll just turn around." Now his back was facing her. Lucy could see every ridge his muscles make. The way his muscles contract as he places his arms on the counter table for support, all of it distracted her. And she felt odd feeling that way. She really doesn't want him to be near her but in truth, she never wanted him far from her. But the feeling he gives her, it just makes her feel uncomfortable.

"What was that for?"

Everyone in the room stopped.

"…"

"Why did you kiss me?"

"…"

"You just can't go kissing people without a reason! Ha! I forgot you do it all the time."

"That's not like the others.."

"Don't deny it! And I'm sorry if it's not as good as the others!"

"You don't understand!"

"What?! What is that that I don't understand?"

"What I felt. What you felt. What we both felt."

"There's nothing. It's just same old playing time for you. Same old sexy time!"

"I already told you it's not that! It is actually, but something more."

"You see?! You said it, straight from your mouth that it is!"

"Did I just say it was more?!"

"Then what's more?!"

"This."

"Eeeeeew Gajeel. What are you watching?" Gray asked in a disgusting tone coming down the stairs in his boxers. He must have stripped while going down.

Gajeel glared at Gray. "Shut up! The endings are the best part."

"What? Sucking tongues out of their mouths?" Gray asked. He looked at Natsu who was also watching the movie frozen on his seat. Behind was Lucy who at Gray's guess was blushing in embarrassment. But of what?

"Haven't you realized it yet?"

"…"

"I love you."

"What if I told you I love you more?"

And then Gray smirked. So that's what it was. Juvia squealed at the scene. Erza just went back cooking while Levy looked at Gajeel.

"I didn't know you're into those movies Gajeel." She teased.

"Am not." He turned off the television.

"HEY! I'm watching too!" Jellal shouted and turned it on again just in time to see the credits. Jellal glared at Gajeel who was walking away. "Now I have to find another movie.." He muttered.

"Can we just watch something not that romantic?" Gray asked walking towards Jellal. He just had enough watching Natsu and Lucy's reactions. Maybe it was Lucy's who was more fun to watch but Natsu's tensed look was fun too. Well, he's helped them with all that he could. For now. So it's all up to them.

Lucy was shaking. What the hell are they watching? The movie, the girl and the guy in it.. Was it she was like the girl? Does that mean he was the guy counterpart? Lucy looked at Natsu's back and turned away as soon as she did look at him. She felt heat rise up from her neck reddening her cheeks.

It couldn't be he holds the same feelings for her as that guy to that girl. And it couldn't be that they'll end up that way in the movie. It just couldn't be.

Natsu couldn't help but think the same way. Now, he felt it. He is stiffening. How does that guy to blatantly confess to her, in front of many people. But on second thought it is actually a movie. But. But. Will Lucy be like the girl? Natsu made his decision. He's going to talk to her during these times she's with him. He's glad he was done with the confused and denial stage. And all that's left was telling it to Lucy and prove it was all true. He just hopes she has the same feelings. After this, he'll search for the person who's behind his parents' death. The sooner the better. If he found them soon, he'll be able to tell Lucy who he is without the fear of putting her life at risk too.

Yes. Perfect plan.

He twirled the seat around to face Lucy. She was shocked and her eyes were wide but composed herself and went back to work. Natsu was sure he of what he is seeing. Her cheeks were actually beat red and smiled. Maybe, there's one thing on their minds. Just the thought of it gave him the courage.

"So Lucy?"

"W-What?" She cursed herself for stuttering.

"Let's watch the sunset before dinner! I heard it's really nice."

"Is that so? Hey Lev –"

"I was hoping it could be just the two of us." He said cutting her off.

"U-Us.. R-Right. Well. I was going to ask Levy or Juvia or someone to accompany you because I.. think I just can't."

Natsu tilted his head to the side with a saddened face. At this point he actually looked like a child. "Is that so?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

"Well then tomorrow!"

"I don't think so. Erza has plans." She said not thinking. Well Erza always has plans so probably it would actually work.

Natsu was one who won't go defy Erza's plans. "Then mayb –"

Lucy turned away and walked towards Erza. "Hey Erza here are some more strawberries."

"What are you doing Lucy?" Erza asked as soft as she could so as no one would hear them, while layering the icing the chiffon and not looking at Lucy.

"Huh?"

"Why are you pushing him away?"

"I-I don't. It's just.."

"Just what?"

"It's just I don't know what to say.. I don't know. I don't feel comfortable like that." She lowered her head.

"Why is that?"

"I don't know.." She just can't tell Erza they made out in the fire exit. Back then she just told them Natsu comforted her and all the feelings she just get after that.

"Then face him. It's not big of a deal. Think of this as a payback."

'He already got his pay!' She wanted to shout it to Erza, but she won't. "It's easy to say."

"Well it actually is easy. You'll just have to talk."

"It's not as easy as you first see it."

"Then what's making it all difficult?"

Lucy looked at Erza to look for a sign of anything which she doesn't really know what the sign is for.

"I-I don't really know."

"Well then. Let's eat." She said. Lucy didn't notice that Erza has already decorated the cake with the strawberries she sliced. Everything was ready now. All that's left was the people who'll sit on each chair.

When all of them settled down eating and chatting began.

"So Natsu.. I heard you have a lot of guestings with Lisanna?" Levy asked out of the blue.

Lucy paused eating a bit but continued but strained ears to hear everyone's conversation. She stayed silent because she has her own problems for her and hers only to deal to.

Natsu stuffed yet another spoonful in his mouth. "Yep. A lot of reporters and TV shows were scheduling us.."

"So how was Lisanna?" Jellal asked. "You know. She hasn't kept in touch with us. Just you."

Gray narrowed his eyes at Jellal. What the hell were they thinking opening a topic like that in front of Lucy? Are they that insensitive of her existence and what was happening?

"Well she's fine. She invited me in this event.."

"What event?" This time it was Gajeel. "Probably it was a couple show." He smirked and the others did too.

Gray looked at them in disbelief. Insane. People are insane. He tightened his grip on his fork. He looked at Lucy, her head was low while eating.

"Natsu what are the reporters asking you?" Juvia asked preventing Natsu from replying at Gajeel's comment.

"Well, they're asking about how we're close, friends and mostly why were always together–which I think isn't. She is in another band now and I am here." He grinned. "And I don't really get what the hell they were talking about the last event. Revelation my ass." And he stuffed another in his mouth.

"Are you sad about her leaving?" This time it was Erza who asked. "I mean.. You know Juvia is the new member but still I won't allow Fairy Law in if she's still here but what I meant was due to the clashing of your schedules.. are you sad you can't be with her?"

"Ca –" Erza pulled Gray down from his sit and forced him to sit down. Her grip not loosening more like tightening. Gray was looking at her as if looking for something.

Natsu didn't answer at first when Gray's incident happen.

"So?" Erza asked persistent to get an answer.

Natsu looked back to Erza. "You're weird Gray." He shrugged him off. "Hm. Actually, I am really sad that Lisanna's not here anymore. But I want to consider everyone's decision too. Beside we could always meet at out free times. And of course Juvia rocks!"

Gray looked at Lucy, she seemed angry? Nope. More like she looked uneasy.. Finally realizing what was happening Gray joined. So they were just provoking Lucy. If that happens she'll snap and soon they'll be forced to talk. He smirked. "Sly people." He muttered. He leaned on the table resting his chin on his hands.

"So Natsu.. did Lisanna confessed to you already? Are you two together now?" Everyone looked at him in shock. Did he just go overboard? He felt a glare on his side. Erza's demon aura coming off of her. "You know we all know she likes you. Well did you accept her?" He turned to Lucy. "Or were you still to oblivious to know she has feelings for you?" Lucy felt Gray's gaze and looked back at him. "Right Lucy?" He smiled.

"R-Right.." Was all she was able to say and she went back to eating.

Wait is it Lucy they were trying to provoke?

Natsu just couldn't answer. Well he's not really oblivious of Lisanna's feelings for him but why were they asking him these questions so suddenly? "Well.. In truth I know of Lisanna's feelings. And she's not confessing.."

"So you're gonna?" Levy asked nonchalantly. Well she found Gray's idea more effective than the others. True, Gray knew Natsu more than anyone.

He was just taken aback. Natsu felt the tension. Who was it coming from? He looked towards Lucy who's been quiet all this time. He stuffed a mouthful of Lasagna in his mouth so he'll have an excuse as to why he won't answer. But he didn't remove his eyes on Lucy.

"Well. Let's just not talk about it if he doesn't want to." To everyone's shock it was Lucy who spoke. She was smiling to all of them and then she went back to eating.

Soon the room was filled with silence.

Natsu could still feel the tension. He really doesn't like it. Why does he have to answer those questions? He must have dropped the subject when the first question was asked. He knew Lisanna topic is a no no for Lucy up until now. Though he knew she's already forgiven her, talking about Lisanna is still an awkward subject to her. And the fact that they were talking about Lisanna's feelings for him while Lucy's there just won't help him win her. This issue won't drop just like this. He just knew he just have to do something.

BLAG

Everyone looked at Natsu.

"I've had enough. Let's talk." He stood up and walked towards Lucy. He pulled her from her seat and out of the house.

Lucy wasn't able to fight him. She just found herself being dragged outside to the shore.

Erza stood up as well but Jellal held her hand.

He looked up at her with pleading eyes. "Erz, Lucy needs to talk to him soon. You know it."

Erza wiggles herself from his grip.

"I'll just watch. You know Lucy's life is kind of dramatic so I better not miss this part." She said and ran upstairs to the balcony. Soon she heard stomps of feet coming her way.