Chapter 52

Inside of Magnolia Mall, Lucy and Cana are enjoying their time together. They are leisurely strolling through, going into stores that interest them. At random moments, Cana has been turning them into photo shoots. And right now is one of those moments.

"Cheese super duper hard this time!" Cana instructs with phone aimed at Lucy. She is setting up another shot to take to send to Natsu. So far, he hasn't texted or called.

Lucy does as she is instructed before sipping her raspberry drink filled with chewy tapioca balls.

"Annnd send!" Then Cana slips her phone away. "I can't believe that he hasn't said a single word."

"He's probably enjoying his time with his family. They are there for a family vacation after all."

"Since it's noon o'clock here, what time is it there?"

Lucy laughs. "Noon o'clock?"

"It's a thing," Cana sasses. "But seriously, what time?"

"Add six hours from us."

"Hm, that's not a super bad time difference."

"It could be worse I suppose."

"Lucy!" a familiar voice calls from up ahead.

She looks away from Cana and her eyes land on Jellal and Erza who happen to be walking towards them. Lucy immediately notices that they are holding hands, but she doesn't make a comment about it. However, she does make a mental note to text Jellal about it later.

The four stand off to the side to not obstruct people from walking.

"It's good to see you again," Erza says with a smile.

"You, too." Then Lucy looks at the both of them. "You two out together in fact."

Pink tints Jellal's cheeks while Erza simply beams.

"I take it that you guys are friends with Lucy," Cana comments, including herself in the conversation.

"Jellal is my editor and a really good friend while I met Erza through Natsu," Lucy explains. "And Cana is my bestest friend."

Cana throws an arm over Lucy's shoulders. "You got that right."

As if examining Cana, Erza tilts her head to one side. "Have we met before?"

Cana shakes her head. "Nope."

"Perhaps you have one of those faces that seems really recognizable," Erza muses.

Lucy resists the urge to laugh while Cana just grins. They both know that Cana has a highly recognizable face due to her star status. For whatever reason, Erza isn't connecting the dots. On the other hand, Jellal recognizes Cana, but he is being calm and professional about things. No need for screaming or being overly excited. He gives Lucy a look, as if asking if he should inform Erza about Cana.

She just shrugs in response.

Cana is quick to catch on between their silent exchanges. Then she looks at Erza. "We haven't met before, but I'm pretty sure that you recognize me. Does Alberona ring any bells?"

"Alberona? What is that–" Erza stops mid-sentence in order to gasp. "Cana Alberona?" she whispers so she isn't too loud to bring attention to herself.

Crossing her arms under her chest, Cana flashes her a grin. "The one and only."

Erza looks at Lucy. "You're friends with her?" Then she realizes the meaning of her words. "Uh, not that there is anything wrong with that."

"Cana was at my very first book signing," Lucy says. "That's how we met."

"I stuck around after getting my signed copy so we could chat," Cana continues. "We really clicked and swapped numbers. Been besties ever since!"

"Friendship is a wonderful thing," Erza comments.

Unbeknownst to Lucy and Cana, Jellal gives Erza's hand a little squeeze. Even now, he is still thanking Lucy for giving Erza's his number.

"Hey, don't let us keep you from your date," Cana says. "You two kiddos have fun now."

Erza's whole face turns pink. "Th-thank you."

Jellal looks at Lucy. "We'll be in touch." Then he looks at Cana and nods. "It was great meeting you."

"You, too," she says.

Erza collects herself, trying to overcome being embarrassed. "I hope you two enjoy the rest of your day."

"Oh, we will," Lucy says. "Bye now!"

The four part ways.

"Hey, I'm in the mood for something chocolatey," Cana announces suddenly.

"To eat or drink?" Lucy asks.

"Both?" There is uncertainty in her voice.

Lucy giggles. "Is that an answer or question?"

"I don't know. I'm still figuring it out."

"Well, let's go to Blue Pegasus then."

Cana glances around. "We might as well go to the one on the lower floor since we're already in this part of the mall."

"Seems doable."

x-X-x

Now the two are sitting down at a table inside of the Blue Pegasus shop. Despite the beautiful weather outside, Lucy is sipping at a hot chocolate. Cana has a mocha coffee and a chocolate filled pastry.

"Is she still staring?" Cana asks, keeping her eyes on Lucy.

Lucy pretends to look around the room to her left in order to steal a glance at perhaps a twelve-year-old girl. She is sitting at another table with her mother and other adults. However, she isn't paying attention to anyone at her table. He wide eyed gaze is on Cana. She just so happens to be wearing a shirt with Cana's face on it.

Then Lucy looks back at Cana and nods. "Totally. I'm surprised that someone sitting by her hasn't noticed yet." She sips some more of her drink. "Are you going to do anything about it?"

"I've thought about going over there…" Cana admits. "Or see who leaves here first. Like, if we get up before them, I'll gladly go over and say hi. But if they make the first move, I'll leave you here to say hi. Regardless of whatever, I'll probably say hi."

Lucy smiles. "I'm sure that she'll love that."

When it comes down to things, Lucy and Cana are the first to stand up from their table. With their unfinished drinks in hand, they approach the table.

The girl's mouth drops open.

"Hello," Lucy greets first, gaining attention from adults.

Cana bends down so she and the girl are better leveled. "Hi."

"Oh, she can't speak," the girl's aunt says.

That isn't a problem for Cana. She specifically learned sign language so she could communicate with fans that range from being deaf and mute. She has met deaf fans who love the beats to her songs that they can feel. She has seen videos of videos of her fans signing along to one of her songs. They have touched Cana, and she wants them to know that they have.

After handing off her drink to Lucy, Cana signs a quick hello to the girl.

Her face lights up and she signs hello back.

Lucy's heart starts to melt.

The girl's mother is showing signs of happy tears. She knows about Cana because of her daughter and she is fan because she learned sign language for someone like her child.

One of the women takes out her phone to start recording the moment.

"What's her name?" Lucy asks.

"Lucy," the mother replies.

Cana smiles and speaks as she signs so the others know what she is saying. "My best friend has the same name."

The younger Lucy looks up at the older one.

She only smiles and nods.

That causes her to smile back.

Lucy's mother looks at Cana. "Can I take a picture of the two of you?"

"I'd love that," she replies.

"This might be silly to ask, but can I post it?"

"Can you do it a couple of hours from now? I'll be gone from here by then."

She nods, completely understanding her. "Thank you."

Then Cana looks at the younger Lucy. "Are you ready for a picture together?"she asks while signing.

Her smile is about as big as can be.

After a quick photo and hugs, Lucy and Cana leave Blue Pegasus to venture into other places at the mall.

"You're such a good person," Lucy comments.

"I'm this way because of my fans," Cana says. "They're worth it."

Lucy playfully bumps her left shoulder into Cana's right one. "You're so sappy."

"You're the one to talk." she snorts.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lucy asks, and sips her drink.

"You know exactly wh–"

When Lucy's ringtone starts going off, she knows that Natsu is the one calling her.

"Who is it?" Cana asks, hoping it is one person in particular.

"Natsu," she replies while taking out her phone.

Her eyes light up with excitement. "Ooo, answers it!"

The two stop off to the side, and when Lucy answers the call, she is casual about it all. "Hello, Natsu!"

Cana leans in towards Lucy's left ear where her phone is. She wants to be involved and know what is being said.

"What's going on?" Natsu questions without hesitation. "Who did you give my number to? Why are they only sending me billions of photos of you and nothing else?"

"Oh, so you are getting the photos," she comments, completely ignoring his inquires.

"Dad took away my phone so I couldn't contact you," Natsu explains even though he doesn't have to. "He wanted me to focus on family time rather than checking up on you."

"I bet that he didn't have to take away Wendy's phone," she snickers.

"That's not the point. And hey, for the record, I'm not complaining about the photos."

"Oh, you're not?"

"You look…" But his voice trails off.

"I look what?" Lucy prompts. She just wants to hear him say something about the tee that she is wearing.

"Why haven't you worn my clothes before?" he asks in all seriousness. "You look good in 'em. Ten outta ten. Cute as fuck."

Lucy giggles. "My friend had the idea that I could wear something of yours."

"The same friend that has been texting me?"

"Yes."

"Who?"

"A friend of mine."

Cana shoots her a wink, obviously aware that Lucy means her.

"Who?" Natsu asks again.

"Someone you haven't met before," Lucy teases.

"So when do I getta meet 'em?"

"When you get back from Paris."

"I get Luce time first before meeting this said friend, okay?"

"Maybe," she teases.

"Luce time first or I don't meet 'em."

"What kind of deal is that?"

"A Dragneel kinda deal."

She giggles. "That sounds more like a Dorkneel sort of deal."

He chuckles. "Maybe that's why you find me so charming."

"Clearly."

Cana can't help, but laugh at them. "You two are such dorks. I love it."

"Hey, who was that?" Natsu asks.

"My friend," Lucy replies.

"I dunno if I recognize her or not."

"That's not the point."

"The real point is" Cana begins to cackle, "that I'm the one hanging out with your girlfriend and not you."

"That's because I'm on a total other continent!" Natsu argues.

"Sounds like a personal problem," Cana teases.

"I'll show you a personal problem!"

"Hey, easy does it now," Lucy says, feeling like a referee.

"She's questioning my love for you!" Natsu says.

Cana laughs. "No, I wasn't."

"Luce, how are you friends with her?" Natsu whines. "She's… insufferable!"

"I must be rubbing off on you if you used that kind of word," Lucy jokes.

Suddenly, Cana gasps under her breath. "Hey, looks like we got company."

Lucy follows her gaze to find a group of incoming paparazzi.

"Looks like we've been found out," Cana says.

"We? You're the famous one here."

"Hey, you're a celebrity, too."

"Luce, what's going on?" Natsu asks, needing to know if he needs to be worrying about her or not.

"You're more famous than me."

"You've surfaced in the news more recently, Miss Kidnapped Girl."

"That's a thing of the past."

Natsu tries again, raising his voice a little in order to reach his girlfriend. "Luce, what's happening?"

"Oh, uh, nothing too bad," Lucy finally answers. "It could be worse."

"What?"

"How about I call you later?"

"Text me before you do, okay?"

"Will do."

"I love you, Luce."

She smiles. "I love you, too." When Lucy puts away her phone, she looks at Cana. "So what now?"

"Well, there are a couple of ways to go about this."

"Like… ?" Lucy prompts.

"We could high tail it on out of here. Or ignore them. Or pose for them."

Lucy laughs. "That last idea seems like you."

"And it'll be even better with you…" Cana hints.

"Let's rock it for them!"


A/N 1: From where I live, Paris is 6 hours ahead of me. To keep things easy, there's that time difference for NaLu :P And I decided to add in some Jerza since I wanted Lucy to run into people she knows!

A/N Part 2: Not related to CAF at all, but a personal thing that still gives me fuzzy feels. My fiancé surprised me at work the other day. Sneaked in the back door and told my boss not to say anything (I had headphones on and didn't hear anything). I see movement to my right side and look over to find him there. Without saying a word, he holds out a pretty bouquet of roses (which he specified no pink so I'm not the biggest fan of that color). When I take them, he goes into his bookbag and pulls out Pocky and Hello Panda, faves of mine. To top that all off, he takes out a package of fried chicken. Because I f-ing love fried chicken. #TrueLove

A/N Part 3: Another personal thing, I finished my first complete draft of Elvina! Specifically at 2:42 am on Nov 28. At 12-point Times New Roman Font and single spacing, it's 195 pages as of now. Did I squeal when I realized what I had done? Absolutely. So far I've done a read through up to Chapter 4. Gotta make it up to 30 and make small changes here and there as I please :P The Elvina hype is so real right now for me!


Guest: Woo, I'm happy you enjoyed it! Yeah, Cana is refreshing to have, not that there is anything wrong with featuring NaLu :P

Anon: I basically BrOTP ship Lucy with everyone, but she's an OTP with Natsu. I love giving Cana and Lucy a sisterly kinda bond. Different than what she has with Levy even though they're close :P And thank you :D I'm still proud of myself for reaching 50! And I love that saying as well! (English is hard though :P)

BeBeSatan: Tbh, I vaguely remember the real "Travis" I think he had more dark sandy hair. And no jacket since swimming trunks only :P But I'm glad you're enjoying CAF so far :D And yeah, Cana! Finally haha :P

Fairy Tail Lover: I think that would be pushing things to be engaged at 2 months. Even for NaLu :P I want other things to happen first…