Hello my lovely readers! Thank you for all the kind words of encouragement and support. It's been a rough time in my life lately... so much has happened :( but I hope if you are going through some rough times, this story will bring a smile and a little light to your life.
As always, I appreciate all the reviews and I try to reply to every single one. Please let me know what you think! This one is a bit exciting!
Lucy sat uncomfortable in the back seat between Levy and Bisca and was quiet as everyone in the car discussed future plans. Lucy didn't know what was happening or where she was going, and it unsettled her. "Here we are!" Grandine called as she pulled into a parking spot.
All the girls exited the car and took in the sights around them. They were at the shopping market along a plaza in the center of town. Lucy could see various shops which sold clothing, jewelry, candles and even food. "Hey girls!" Lucy turned to see Erza and Juvia standing outside one of the stores on the strip.
"Hey!" Levy and Bisca called back as they walked towards the girls to embrace them.
"What are you guys doing here?" Lucy asked as she reciprocated their hugs.
"Did you really think we would miss girls' night?!" Erza questioned and all the other girls laughed (except Lucy who was still confused). She followed the girls as they stopped in each store, some buying things but most just looking for fun. Just as Lucy was starting to warm up to the fact they were just having 'fun,' they all 'coincidentally' walked towards Heart Kruz. "Look guys! They just opened this up!" Bisca commented.
Lucy's eyes trailed down the shop's sign to the store front window where a mannequin wore a stunningly beautiful wedding dress. Her eyes went wide as she realized what the night was for. "No," she began, causing all heads to turn. "I'm not going in there."
"It's just for fun, Lu-chan."
"Uh huh sure it is," Lucy spoke disbelieving her best friend's statement. "I'm not going in there to play dress up!"
…
Why am I doing this… she mentally sighed. Somehow, the girls got Lucy into the store and told the employees she was engaged. The employees responded by shoving a magazine in her face which displayed all their new model dresses and styles. Lucy tried to turn them away by telling them she wanted to wear her mother's dress for her wedding and save the money she would have spent on the honeymoon; however, the girls insisted to do it 'for fun.'
So here she was now, standing alone in a changing area surrounded by wedding dresses. Each girl in her party picked out their favorite and then the employees grabbed a couple for her to try. She sighed again, this time her shoulders slumping, and she hung her head. How deep would she dig this hole?
Her eyes scanned over each of the dresses and then to the curtain which stood between her and the rest of her group. "Why am I doing this again?" she called out.
"Just for fun, Lu-chan." I already heard that excuse.
"We just want a sneak peek of your big day!" Grandine added. Well that's never going to happen. She sighed again and glanced at the dresses. "If I have to do this, I'm only putting one on." She reasoned but the group whined. "I already told you guys I don't need a new dress!" She could hear whispering from behind the curtain but couldn't really tell what was being said. "Okay, Lu-chan… just one is fine. We need to make our dinner reservation anyway."
Lucy silently threw her fist in the air in victory… now, which one will work? Her eyes scanned the dresses one last time but fell onto one dress in particular. The dress was a snow-white tulle dress which reminded her of a princess' ball gown. It has a V-neck and was decorated with a beaded lace corset and an embroidered beaded lace design from the bottom of the dress and worked towards the bodice. It was absolutely gorgeous!
Part of her yelled not to even think about it… but the other part told her she had to but it was just an excuse to mask her excitement and want to try it on. Lucy stripped her shirt and jeans before stepping into the dress. She pulled in up from around her legs to her waist then placed her arms into the straps to pull it onto her shoulders.
It seemed to glide flawlessly across her skin and fit perfectly around her curves. Her hands rested on the dress near her waist as she took in the view of herself in the gown. The length would be perfect if she were wearing heels and the neckline was perfect to display a necklace.
She always hoped and dreamed for her wedding day as a little girl, but as she grew older it seemed more and more out of reach. Here she was, dressed in the most beautiful wedding gown she's ever seen, and she doesn't even get to use it. The dress mocked her just as much as it inspired her.
With a deep breath, she clutched the curtain and moved it aside to take a step out to show her friends. There was a collective gasp followed by a moment of silent awe from the group. Lucy gave a weak smile as she stepped up onto the viewing platform. "Lucy… you look beautiful," Wendy managed to get out. The blonde looked over to see the faces of the friends she brought with her.
Levy and Erza were both crying and holding one another, Juvia was clutching her chest and Grandine suddenly took a picture. "Grandine!" she called out.
"What? You look so beautiful I couldn't help myself."
"Can I get out of this now?" But she was met with a collective no. They wanted her to spin around, walk forward and back in a line and take some pictures before she changed. Just for a moment, she really felt like she was getting married… and she loved every bit of it.
…
Natsu typed away at his laptop as he sat alone in the restaurant. He decided to use his free time to take the chance to apply for better jobs. He was refining his resume and creating different CRs for each position he applied to. He found a couple available jobs in the city he was living in but honestly, he found better ones and a lot more in the town Lucy lived in. Maybe it would help him to move, especially to a city closer to a friend.
If there was anything good to be gleamed from this trip so far, it was that he missed spending time with Lucy. The two of them had so much fun together and despite their time apart, it was like nothing changed between them.
As he was staring at his screen, he didn't notice the white-haired girl walk over to him. "Can I sit?" Natsu looked up to see a smiling Lisanna standing over him near the opposite side of the table. "Uh… yeah sure." Almost immediately, the girl sat down.
"What are you doing?" she asked as she leaned forward to peer over his screen.
"Just applying for jobs," he answered without breaking eye contact with his laptop.
"Your current job not doing it for you?"
"Nah, temp jobs aren't for me. I'm looking for something a bit more permanent and reliable."
"Speaking of which," Lisanna began as she slowly closed the screen on Natsu's hands. "You never told me you were engaged."
Natsu rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, "We were trying to keep it quiet but my mom kinda blew that out of the water."
"She seems proud."
"Yeah," he sighed and Lisanna definitely caught onto the tone.
"Much prouder than when we were dating," Lisanna pouted.
"Why do you say that?" Natsu inquired.
"Well… I feel like your mom tolerated me, almost like she never really liked me."
"No, she liked you."
"Not as much as Lucy," she deadpanned. Well… she did have a point.
"Lucy was always just a friend," he added.
"Not anymore," she spat back. Crap! He almost forgot.
"Distance didn't matter to her," he snapped back; he felt they needed to clear the air between what happened with them but at the same time he felt it was behind them.
"But you're here now…" Natsu didn't seem to notice the comment and angrily went back to his work. Just let it be, he told himself, focus on your work.
Lisanna seemed to notice his frustration. "What's wrong?" she asked as she set her hand onto his.
"Don't worry about it, I don't want to trouble you." He tried to wave him off.
"Natsu," she began, "we used to date, it's no trouble at all." I guess she had a point?
He sighed before he began, "Life is just kinda difficult, ya know? My job leaves something to be desired as well as my social life. I just feel like I'm floating through life right now…"
"Floating?"
"Yeah… like there is nothing to account for in my life in the time I have been away. Plus considering who my parents are, I feel like I should be the President by now, ya know?"
"Yes, your parents are prominent figures in the town, but they aren't demanding."
"I know but they always act so proud of me… I'm afraid I will disappoint them."
"I'm sure that's not possible," Lisanna assured.
"Nothing in my life right now is worth wile." Natsu stared down at the table but Lisanna's face changed from a concerned one to a sly smile. It sounds like he needs a little tlc.
She rubbed his arm with his hand before standing up and leaning towards him. She leaned in such a way that her chest was a few inches from Natsu's nose. Lisanna seductively whispered, "If you ever need a distraction, you know where to find me." She strode over to the door, making sure to sway her hips even more than usual. Before she exited the restaurant, she turned to wink at Natsu over her shoulder. Once she left, Natsu was left at his table wondering what just happened and why Lisanna acted so weird.
…
Lucy enjoyed dinner with the girls much more than shopping with them. She was able to reminisce and joke with the girls without feeling weird at all. The best part was when each of the girls joked about the men in their life. Bisca shared the story about how Alzac passed out when she had their daughter, and Erza jokingly added Jellal looked like he almost did for their first child. Levy shared how her and Gajeel were happy with their dating relationship and the news they were moving in together. Juvia pretty much confirmed Gruvia was a thing even though Gray had never officially asked her out. He invited her on a camping trip near the ocean and they hooked up; she fully expected him to ask her, but she was content enough just being with him. Wendy had just gotten her first boyfriend a week before the festival and she begged Lucy not to say anything in fear Natsu would find poor Romeo and put the fear of Mavis into him.
Of course, the main talk of the night was Lucy's wedding plans. The girls asked about colors, locations, bridesmaids, meal, etc. Lucy was able to end that topic quickly when she assured them, they would have plenty of time to plan since they just got engaged.
"For now, we just want to enjoy the engagement before we start getting in over our heads with all the planning." She further explained.
"That's true," Grandine began, "Natsu's father and I were engaged for more than a year before we had our ceremony."
"Not us," Bisca commented.
"Well that's because you had a shotgun wedding," Levy joked.
"We did not!" Bisca yelled as she nudged Levy's shoulder, "Asuka was just… a premature blessing, which propelled us to have a ceremony sooner rather than later."
"Did you decide where you wanted to live?" Wendy asked.
Pressured and unknown what exactly to say, Lucy responded, "Not yet… We were waiting until after the trip to discuss everything." Maybe that will buy them some time? "I'm just so excited to finally have a sister." Wendy cooed as she wrapped her hands around Lucy's arm and rested her chin on it. "And I'm even more happy its you, Lucy." The other girls couldn't help but audibly aww at the sight.
She and Wendy had always been close; so much so Wendy was a little sister to her. They had sleepovers, would talk about boys, do one another's hair, support each other at extra curriculars and more. The two always shared a special bond… what would she say if she found out?
"So, Lucy…" Erza began, "When did you know Natsu was 'the one?'" She asked as she air-quoted the last words.
"Was it when you two first slept together?" Levy smirked.
Lucy chuckled, not just at the truthful response to the answer but because Levy made it seem realistic that she would ever 'sleep' with Natsu. "Please, Levy-chan, the first time we slept together was when we were 4 years old."
"Speaking of which," Grandine began as she reached down under the table to pull out a small bag, "I got you a present." Lucy stared at the bag as Grandine placed it on the table in front of her. "A present? What for?"
"Just to say welcome to the family," Grandine smirked. Skeptical, Lucy began removing the tissue paper from the bag to reveal the item. Confused when she looked in, Lucy reached her hand in and pulled out the item. She held it up to see it was a maid lingerie outfit complete with two cuff bracelets, a headband and black stiletto heels. Embarrassed, she shoved it back into the bag. "Grandine?! Why would you give me this?!"
"You'll be a married woman soon, Lucy; you both need to have a little fun," she winked following her statement. "After all, it seems you did last night." Lucy's face turned red and her jaw dropped open, while the other girls hooped and hollered. "Whoa, Lucy!" Erza chanted.
"Ow! Ow!" Bisca cheered.
"Get it gurl," Levy added.
"It's not like that guys," Lucy argued.
"You two snuck out together and arrived late the next morning," Juvia reasoned.
"Plus I saw your clothes in a pile near the bed and the two of you were spooing naked this morning when I woke Natsu up," Grandine justified. Lucy blushed wildly again and the girls increased their squealing. Were we really doing that?! Why was he in the bed with me?! Well I guess it was me in bed with him since he was sleeping there before… not the point! I guess based on everything they saw the facts do lean towards that.
Lucy sighed; she knew there was no point in arguing with these people. She could try to justify the truth all she wanted but she knew nothing would sway them.
"So, when was it, Lucy?" Lucy stopped her train of thought to look at the blue-haired teen beside her. "When did you first realize you loved Natsu?"
Lucy thought to herself… what to say? "I guess… I realized that I've always loved him. He was my only friend growing up for a while until I met you all but he continued to support me and encourage me my whole life. No matter what happened, he was always there to hold my hand when I hit my lowest point and celebrate with me at the high points. He is all in one my strength, security and happiness. I couldn't imagine life without him." She glanced back at the group and was shocked to see them all on the verge of tears. "That was beautiful, Lu-chan," Levy whimpered.
"That is what true love sounds like," Erza added. Yep, exactly, true love…
…
Lucy opened the apartment door, quickly went inside and shut the door behind her. After a sigh, she walked into the apartment and searched for another inside. "Natsu?" She looked around but didn't see anyone. "Natsu, are you here?" Silence met her.
She shrugged and threw the bag containing her 'gift' across the room towards her suitcase. Finally concluding she was alone in the apartment, Lucy decided she needed a nice long soak in the bathtub. She usually did this when she was stressed and if any day she needed one, this was it.
Lucy stripped down to nothing and went into the bathroom. It only took her a few minutes to pre heat the water, fill the tub and slip into it. She released a relaxing sigh as the water came up to her chin. Just what she needed, a few moments of peace to herself where she could put life and pause and relax. She tilted her head back on the tub pillow and lost herself in the serenity of the moment.
Natsu was shocked when the door was unlocked to the apartment; didn't they usually keep it locked when no one was home? Whatever. He walked over to the futon and placed his laptop on the living room table. He laid back on the futon and covered his eyes with his let forearm.
His moment alone wasn't much of a success really. He applied for a couple jobs, but he didn't feel too good about the possibilities of getting called back. He didn't get as many applications in as he wanted as well because Lisanna interrupted him. It was nice to see her and talk for a moment… he never imagined they could do that again but there was something comforting knowing they could.
Natsu began to sway his right hand back and forth but was confused when his hand struck something. He glanced over as he lifted his hand and saw a pink lace piece of underwear was stuck on his pinkie. Natsu immediately stood up and, in a panic, started to shake his hand around in an attempt to fling the item off. After a few moments of struggling, he succeeded.
The garment flew off his hand and landed on the floor a few feet away from him. Natsu looked down at the ground next to the futon and was shocked to see a pile of clothes there. They weren't just any clothed, but the ones Lucy was wearing today. Confused, Natsu began looking around the apartment. "Luce?" he called out but received no reply. He strode over to the bathroom door and noticed it was closed; however, instead of knocking (like any normal human being), Natsu opened the door.
As soon as the door opened, Lucy and Natsu locked eyes and for just a moment neither reacted. Once it sunk in that Lucy was naked in clear water and Natsu was standing in front of her, both blushed harder than they ever had in their lives. Lucy screamed and covered herself just as Natsu slammed the door shut. "S-sorry! I didn't know you were in there!" Natsu called out from the outside of the door.
"Then you should have knocked!"
"Yeah… that would have been smart sorry!" He rubbed the back of his neck for the second time tonight. Natsu decided it would be best for him to sit down on the futon, which would be the perfect distance away from the restroom. All he could do was stare down at the ground and picture the mental image he had of Lucy in the bath. Why was his heart beating so fast?!
He snapped out of it when he heard the click of the bathroom door open. He started to turn his head towards the sound, but was quickly stopped but a loud yelling, "Don't turn around!" Natsu immediately stopped and faced forward. "I didn't bring any clothes in, so I need to come out and get them, so… don't look."
Natsu glanced down at the floor to see Lucy's suitcase lying mere inches away from where he sat. "You do realize your suitcase is right next to me right?"
"Yes, so look away!" Natsu half chuckled and half sighed before obeying the blonde's command and turned his head towards the opposite wall. Lucy gave it a few moments before she was confident he was not looking at her.
She clenched the small bath towel around her frame as she tip toed over to her suitcase. Once she reached the luggage, she glanced at the pinkette just to make sure once more he was not looking. She must have stared a little too long because Natsu commented, "Are you gonna grab your clothes or what?" Flustered, she knelt down and began riffling through her belongings to find her pajamas.
As she riffled through the bag, Natsu spoke up once more, "Why did you not bring in a change of clothes with you?"
"Because I thought you wouldn't be back so soon." She found all the necessary items then returned to the bathroom to change. She changed quickly and dried her hair before exiting the bathroom. She tried to keep calm and control her embarrassment as much as she could as she sat own on the far opposite end of the futon as Natsu. "So how was ladies' night?" Natsu asked, implying he figured the night was excruciating.
She shrugged, "It was okay I guess."
"You guess?"
"Well…" she noticed how odd it was that she was already comfortable with him again and not at all embarrassed anymore, "They took me shopping but it was all just a ruse to get me to put on a wedding dress."
"That sounds fun," Natsu spoke, dripping with sarcasm.
"It was oddly fulfilling and gut wrenching."
He tipped his head to the side, "Makes sense. I mean not the right circumstances in getting it, like the ring." Exactly!
"What about you?" Lucy asked but Natsu just looked at her confused. "What did you do tonight?"
He shrugged, "Oh ya know, took myself to dinner and spent the night applying for jobs."
"Nothing exciting?" she pressed.
He was silent for a moment, "I saw Lisanna." She didn't know why but that statement made her heart sink.
"You went to dinner together?"
"We sorta bumped into one another."
"W-what did she say?" she hesitantly asked.
Natsu shrugged again, "We talked about life, jobs, our history together…"
Lucy looked down at her hands as she fiddled with the ring on her finger. Natsu didn't bother to fill the silence so she spoke up, "Do you miss her?" The question didn't pain her as much as the impending answer did. "Kinda?" "Jab number 1. "I mean… she was the only serious relationship I've ever had. I miss having that person to lean on and spend time with; someone to encourage me and have fun with. I miss the companionship." He really did but honestly, this pretend relationship with Lucy was stirring up something within him. He knew now he missed her and more than he thought he did; he missed her smile, her laugh, her sarcastic tone… but he discovered her missed her presence in his life most of all. Yet… there was something else to it he hadn't discovered yet. Natsu was hopeful for what the rest of the week would uncover… Lucy, however, was not.
Lucy began to seethe in her seat; why was he so nonchalant about his dinner with Lisanna?! Just say you went on a date! She saw the number on the cup, the way she looked at him still… something was still there so why is he hiding it?
"You know, Natsu," she began, "We aren't actually engaged… or even dating for that matter."
"I know that," he answered in a 'I already knew that' tone.
"So you can do whatever you want." Natsu just sat and looked at her oddly. "What?"
"If you wanna date Lisanna, just do it already!" She didn't think it would come out as aggressive as she thought it would. So many emotions flooded her system… she was simultaneously sad, angry, confused and depressed. How did this happen?
"Luce?" he began to clarify but she stood up in a panic.
"I'm going to bed, goodnight!" she yelled before trudging over to the bed and throwing herself under the covers. She wrapped the edge of the blanket around her face and faced the wall, hoping she wouldn't have to see his face again before she went to sleep. Natsu seemed to grant her wish because a few moments after she went to bed, the lights in the room turned off and she heard the creaking of the springs on the futon.
She laid awake with her eyes wide open, thoughts running rampant in her head. They seemed to have no sense of direction, yet they all stumbled upon the same conclusion. There was no way that could be it! She denied the thoughts and thumbed through them again by playing different scenarios in her head. No matter what possibilities she tried to reason with herself, the conclusion was the same. If that ending was true, she knew she was in big trouble from here on out. As if this week and situation weren't stressful enough, she had to go and add another issue to the mix. She realized something that would change the course of this week… her life: Lucy Heartfilia was in love with Natsu Dragneel.
