The alarm, blaring in the room, sounded for only a second, when it was then swiftly shut off. Bringing her hand back to herself to rub it over her face, Lucy sat up. Her eyes still partly closed as she looked to the blinding light from her window. Causing her to squint more. In a daze of confusion, as to why she was up so early and where she even was, she glanced around herself.

"My… dorm," she muttered.

And it hit her.

Then with such enthusiasm, her eyes shot wide open, as she jumped out of bed. Sprinting to her door and throwing it open. She shouted "First day back to school!"

"Why so loud..!" a whine was called next to her. Looking to her left, she saw a zombie like Cana strolling out of her room as well. With her mess of hair, slumped shoulders, and bags covered in smudged makeup eyes, Lucy could tell she was in no mood for her antics.

Lucy giggled. "What time did you go to bed?"

Cana closed her door to stand before her blonde friend. She stared at her hands with a tired and almost guilty look. Almost. "Mmh… sometime after midnight. I lost track after that…" she scratch the side of her head with her hand that held her toothbrush and toothpaste. Lucy made a mental note to grad that before she does anything.

"You need to get sleep on school nights, Cana,"

"Yes mom!" she said with a roll of her eyes. "I thought I went to boarding school to get away from my parents."

Lucy clicked her tongue and crossed her arms, trying to look intimidating. "You go to a Magnolia Academy because your parents are generous enough to pay for a school with such a good education."

"Oh right. That," Cana grinned.

Lucy was about to retort back but was stopped by a loud bag from the front door swinging open. Seeing Erza run across the room and into her own. Both girls stared blankly at the redheads closed door.

"Well she was in a hurry," Cana almost laughed but was still too drossy. So it more sounded like a croak.

"Erza-sempai is running a bit late," Juvia walked into the dorm, obviously gotten back from the bathrooms. Her long blue hair was neatly brushed as was her makeup just as fine. Her long lashes curled up with an eyeliner wing whipping out from the corners. Her lips shined just a smidge from her lip gloss. She looked adorably cute and she was still in her pajamas. Though, that might have made it even better.

"Erza-senpai was supposed to assign people for the new mentor program but never had the time. So now she's going to have to run around school to find volunteers," Juvia said.

"Mentor program?" Lucy questioned.

As if on cue, Erza swung her door open yet again. She stood proudly in her school president jacket. Unlike the rest of the uniforms, which were a navy blue, hers was a maroon color. Not only did the jacket show that she had more authority over the other students but as did the golden badge, with the schools logo, over her heart.

"I had the idea of a mentor program to help the students a bit more," Erza said straightening her uniform. "Especially since I know a lot of the teachers can't be available at all time. This can be a way to not only help students and staff but a way for us all to work together."

"That was a really smart idea of yours Erza!" Lucy stared in amazement. She would have never thought of that.

"I try," Erza raised her chin with a smile.

"Yeah," Cana let out a long yawn. "I heard lots of students were getting into fights last year. Maybe it'll help?"

"Well that's the plan! When Juvia heard Erza-senpai's stress, she offered to be a volunteer!" Juvia skipped as she made her way to her room.

"And I very much appreciate it!" the redhead called to her as she walked over to the two other girls in the room. Standing in a line, Erza locked arms with both Lucy and Cana, giving them her best begging but intimidating look.

'How is she able to look cute and terrifying at the same time,' Lucy shivered, while Cana seemed to still be in a daze.

"Now if only," Erza started in an exaggerated tone. "If only I could find two very capable girls to help with the mentoring!"

The question was obvious. Though Lucy was pretty sure Erza wasn't trying to be sneaking about it. But only, Lucy wasn't sure if she'd be able to be a mentor. She was taking a lot of advance classes this year. And, not only that, she's also in Journalism, which has the task of writing the schools newspaper. And she'll have Art History: Literature this year as well. From what the blonde has heard, the teacher in that class is really strict.

Lucy was hoping she'd be able to focus more on improving her writing before she graduates. She's already started on a novel, but she knows there's always room for change. And many of the collages she had applied to went by that sort of moto.

But maybe if she was more active this year it'll look really good on her-

"I'm capable," Cana said bluntly.

Now that was surprising. Lucy stared at her brunette friend, too shocked at her words to say anything. Cana wasn't much of a… volunteer. That's really putting it lightly.

Now Lucy didn't really like to say Cana was lazy, per say. Really it was just that little tedious things like this, she wasn't a fan of. Stating before that to do something that didn't benefit herself was useless. Some might say it were selfish, and it kind of was… though it wasn't like she would never help others. Lucy didn't have enough fingers to count the amount of times Cana got her out of situations.

Like the time Hibiki Lates had broken up with her. Given his reputation for his smooth talk that would only lead to heartbreak, Lucy should have expected that a relationship with this playboy didn't mean forever. Even then, Cana was right by her side through all the late nights of tears, cheesy romance movies, sad breakup songs, and buckets and buckets of ice cream. Not to mention anytime Cana caught sight of the blonde headed boy, she would do everything in her power to prevent Lucy from not. Just a caring friend trying to prevent a meltdown.

There was also the time that Lucy got a 'C' on her math test… and Lucy was scared for her own life. Just the thought of what her father would do or say sent chills down her spine. The man wasn't one to hold his tongue. Meaning if he didn't snap at his daughter for the low score, he would surly blame the teacher. Making it a goal to march right up to the school, into the principal's office, and bitterly ask for a meeting with Principal Makorav and whoever dared to give her such a grade.

So trying to avoid an embarrassing scene, Lucy was quick to ask for help from Cana. Who then photo shopped the test, to boost her grade up a level.

And oh all the horror that Lucy has seen in her life! She wouldn't have expected such a thing out of nowhere… The day Lucy got her first period.

A day of confusion, screams, and pain. Dreadful dreadful pain.

Peaking her head into the bathroom after hearing the commotion, Cana was one to celebrate the day the blonde had finally become a woman. Of course after grabbing hot towels, pads, and new underwear.

So yes. Cana was a very reliable person. But that was only if you were on her good side. And not that Erza wasn't on her good side, but as for every single student and staff of Magnolia Academy… not so much.

Lucy looked to Cana's tired face with question. "Why are you interested in something like this Cana?"

Really it was surprising that she was. Maybe she's finally coming around.

"Huh?" Cana said, seeming confused.

Never mind.

"The mentoring…?" Lucy started. "Why are you doing it?"

Cana's eyes couldn't quite stay open. She constantly fought the urge to let her head drop as she swayed in place. She yawned every so seconds and her arms stayed limp at her sides. It was obvious she was sleep deprived, any person with eyes could see that. Now Lucy was certain that Cana at little to no clue what even she was saying herself.

"Um… Cana I don't think you understand…"

"Well this is great!" Erza cheered startling both Lucy and Cana. "Glad to have you on bored!"

The redhead took the brunettes hand, shaking it very enthusiastically. Cana stared at their hands, still trying to comprehend what was happening, while Lucy watch in absolute horror and disbelief. 'Cana is not going to like this when she comes to. I have to get her out of here.'

"Erza I really don't think Cana if fit for a position like this." A lie.

"Nonsense! Cana said so herself that she can handle it."

"Well it's a very big role and she already has a lot of things she's doing this year." Another lie.

"Well I'm sure whatever it is, the council can help her with it," Erza said with big eyes. "Right Cana…?"

She merely made a 'eh' sound as her reply. As if things weren't hard enough.

Lucy could understood were Erza was coming from. She wanted this mentor program to work. Not to mention she needed help and she needed time, neither of which is she getting.

Lucy sighed in defeat. 'Cana's going to kill me…'

Erza, catching on to Lucy's behavior, beamed at her success. "Happy we could come to an agreement. And you'll be joining as well, right, Lucy?"

Lucy almost coughed when she sucked in too much air.

"Well actually…"

Erza eyes looked so passionate and fierce, there was practically fire coming out of them.

"Uhh..," Lucy gulped. "I was… wondering when you were even going to ask! I'd love to!" Sweat dripped from Lucy's forehead.

Erza smiled, pulling out her phone, starting to type away at whatever it was.

"Fantastic! This might actually work then at this rate! I'll text you both all the information you'll need." She pushed her phone back into her school bag. "Now I have to get going. See you lady's later!"

Both girls stood in their place in a daze. Cana still practically dead and Lucy stunned at what just happened.

After Lucy turned back into her room to get all the necessity's she would need, she walked out of her dorm to the bathrooms. When she got there she found many other girls by the mirrors doing their makeup, brushing their teeth and hair, and washing their face as well as a few off to the side, waiting in line for the toilets. Lucy found an empty mirror that she could use. She sat down all of her supplies and stared to brush her teeth. While she did, many other girls greeted her a good morning with a smile. After she was done with her teeth she moved to her hair to brush out all the bed head nots, then going to her makeup. Lucy only ever wore a light layer of it, making sure to only use the foundation to cover acne and blemishes, and to brush her top eyelashes with mascara.

Lucy still wanted to look cute and presentable. But she was always more of an all-natural kind of girl.

Not like Juvia and other girls she knew. Juvia, is what you would say, a beauty fanatic. She always had bags and bags of makeup items when she came to Magnolia Academy, keeping up all the room on her desk. And Lucy just couldn't believe how much work you really had to put into it to be able to have it all look nice. Every. Single. Morning.

It was definitely talent. And Juvia definitely had that talent. Lucy is sure that she'll have her friend do her makeup on her wedding.

After the blonde was done she took a step back to look at herself in the mirror. Perfect.

Grabbing all her things, Lucy walked back to her dorm to get dressed. When in her room, she pulled out her uniform. Slipping on her white button up shirt, grey skirt, and navy blue jacket, making sure to button the few buttons there were. On her desk there was her red ribbon that went around her collar. She neatly tied it into a bow. Then she slipped on her black knee high socks and her shoes. For the second time of the day she looked herself up and down in her full body mirror. She ran her hands over her cloths to brush away the little imaginary dust and wrinkles.

Lucy always made sure to have her cloths perfect and ready on her first day.

She peered back at herself. Everything looked in order just…

"Ah!" Lucy exclaimed. The blonde grabbed, yet another ribbon from her desk, this time it being a navy blue to match her jacket, to tie her hair up into a ponytail.

"Now I'm ready."

After some time at Fairy Tail, to get her morning coffee and bagel, Lucy made her way to her first class of the day. Walking along the pavement, she looked around campus. Not much had changed since the blonde had left. The grass was just as green and fresh as ever. The trees, that will soon become bare form the cold weather, were still tall and standing. The walkway had yet to form cracks or weeds in them. All the buildings still looked like castles, the type described in Lucy's books, with their tall pointed roofs, the red paint freshly coded every year, brick walls and many huge windows. It really did look like something out of a fairy tale.

Lucy checked her schedule one more time just to be sure. Journalism. Yay! She gave a silent cheer, a giant smile plastered on her face.

Not only is the teacher, Mrs. Elie, a great one with the assignment she gives, but it's also Lucy's favorite class. Most of the time they wrote for the school's newspaper. Like what was happing in upcoming events, ideas the student council were having, and teams and sports. Then there were days were Mrs. Elie liked to expand the way we were writing and she would let us write whatever we liked. And a few times, not to Lucy's enjoyment, they would be timed. They'd pick a note out of a hat and be given a prompt. Then they would have ten minutes to write as much as they could. The class would do this multiple times in one class period until it was over.

Everything in the class was a challenge, which defiantly helped Lucy with her writing. That's why is was her favorite.

"Lulu!" Lucy jumped at the sound of her nickname. There was only one person who calls her that.

"Dan, you scared me!" Lucy exclaimed as she swiftly whipped around to face the boy running after her. His dark brown hair swayed with his movements, covering most of his forehead and ears. His uniform, matching Lucy's, was neatly put together. His grey pants and navy blue jacket not having one wrinkle in sight, and the red tie around his neck was tucked into his jacket.

He looked so much like a business man. He always did. Even when his family owned a ranch he was still so formal and proper.

Dan, just like Lucy, also had to start attending business meetings at a young age. With both of their families owned big companies that automatically assumed the two children would want to inherit. Well maybe Dan wanted to inherit his families business, but who wouldn't want to work on a ranch? Lucy may be seen as Miss Prim and Proper, but she really wasn't all that. Really she was a sucker for the outdoors. Though Lucy knew the life of a rancher wasn't as luxurious as people thought, it was hard physical labor. But it still had some good qualities to it. The smell of the freshly cut grass as you lay in the field, the sun beaming down on you, how your skin would feel once it tans.

Working in the fields never actually sounded bad to Lucy. And it wasn't! When Lucy was young, her family took a trip, for business, to Dan's family ranch. When they stayed there, she learned a thing or two about hard work. It was brutal, and Lucy could still remember how sour her body felt when she was done.

Though it was all worth it, because by the time the sun went down, dinner would be out. They would sit outside, under the stars, the cool air brushing against your cheeks, making them pink, as you keep worm by the giant, blazing, fire. We always sat around together on blankets or logs, a very cozy feel to it. But Lucy did remember her mother asking for a chair and insisting on Lucy using one. She always declined, wanting to get the full experience, much to her parent's disappointment.

Every little thing about the ranch Lucy loved. But the one thing Lucy cherished and appreciated the most was when she learned to ride a horse.

She could still remember Sam, Dan's older brother, lifting her up on the saddle and how tall she felt. Seeing everyone just a bit below her, Sam next to her, holding onto the lead that held the horses, her father standing behind the fence talking with Dan's father, and her mother, looking worried as ever, next to her father. Strolling up next to her was Dan on a horses of his own. Little by little the two brothers eased Lucy into understanding how to ride, and before you knew it, the blonde was taking off into the fields, scaring the wits of her mother, with Dan close behind her. She was amazed at how fast the stallion could run. Feeling the wind brush against her skin, the sun high in the air, making her hair and skin shine. She never wanted to get off. For the week that her family was there, you could bet Lucy spent hours upon hours with her beautiful white horses, that she later named Star.

Lucy shoulders slumped, she was fourteen when that happened. Almost four years had passed. She really wanted to go back.

Once Lucy came to, she realized she was so lost in her thoughts she didn't even notice that Dan was still in front of her talking.

"Um- I'm sorry, Dan. What was that?" Lucy said sheepishly, gripping onto her school bag a bit tighter.

Dan smiled. "I said good morning! And are you ready for school?"

Smiling herself, Lucy turned in the direction of her class, as she walked arms linked with Dan. "Good morning to you too. You know I'm always ready for school."

"Should've known! The famous Lucky Lucy Heartfilia is always game for learning!" Dan laughed.

Lucy almost winced at what he had said. Lucky Lucy was just a little nickname she had caught freshmen year. Between having phenomenal grades, being a rich kid, a goody two shoes, and basically a teacher's pet, it wasn't hard to see that Lucy was lucky. She got everything she wanted. Which led to people believing she was spoiled. So people would talk, get mad, bully, and leave it at that. An endless cycle of misunderstanding

Lucy normally just brushed it off, considering they didn't know her and never put in an effort try and understand her half of the story. But it's still hard to make friends, and to get through the day when practically everyone hates you.

Lucy was just grateful to have the few friends she had, who stuck by her and protected her, without ever being asked.

"Dan…," Lucy said.

Catching on quick, Dan lost his smile. "Sorry Lulu… I didn't mean it like that."

Lucy let a little smile form, pushing her body onto him for only a moment. "I know you didn't. It's true though. I'm always ready to put my face in the books!"

Dan chuckled. "Boy don't I know it! But gods can you get extreme with it!"

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Lucy pouted.

Now Dan was laughing even louder. "I'm saying you're a freak when it comes to school, books, and learning!"

"Oh yeah and you're not?!"

"At least I don't bring my own library every year!"

"At least I don't keep a folder with all the notes I've ever taken!"

"Hey! It's useful! Well I-"

And before they knew it, the two of them were in a battle of wits and insults. Both of them bringing up past mistakes and quirks to try and humiliate one another. They knew just were to hit.

But it was all still in good fun.

The two laughed so uncontrollably that both of their faces began to turn red, tears forming in their eyes, as Lucy held her stomach, it hurt so much. Before they knew it, they were standing in front of the art building, Lucy's first stop.

Lucy, still giggling and gasping for air, turned to her brunette friend. "Well-" she let out a shaking breath. "This is my class. So I'll see you later, Dan!"

Lucy waved and almost turned away, before she felt her wrist being tugged on. When she looked back she saw Dan, kneeling on the ground, with a sad look of his face.

"Oh my dear Lulu, I just hope we will be having classes together this year!" Dan cried, looking very much like he's in a dramatic film.

Lucy nervously laughed, looking at Dan desperately to stand, as people gave them odd looks. She blushed almost pulling the crying boy to his feet, only to lose her strength, and for him to fall to the ground again. 'This would be so much easier if he only stayed small…'

"I never want to be apart from you Lulu! You're the air I breathe! My reason for living! Without you, I am nothing!"

"Dan, but I have to get to class…," Lucy whispered, trying very hard not to look at the passing pedestrians.

Then without warning, Lucy's other arm was being pulled in the other direction, locking it with someone else's. Lucy whipped her head to face the one who grabbed her, getting some hair in her face in the process. But even then, threw her golden strands of hair, Lucy could still make out the face of her blue-haired petite friend. Levy, the one and only, smiled, pushing the hair out of Lucy's face. "Someone's having an exciting morning. Don't go on without me!"

You could almost see the tears formed in Lucy's eyes when she saw her savior.

"Oh Levy, you're here!" Lucy tried to not show how excited to was. She didn't want to be rude to Dan, but one girl could only stand so much affection in her life.

Levy leaned to the side to see Dan on the ground. By now he has stopped his cries to see the newest addition to the group. Levy leaned back to Lucy. "And it's a good thing too. I figured you'd at least like to go through the first day without too much going on," Levy whispered.

Lucy laughed. "Already too late for that."

Dan got up from the pavement and smiled like nothing crazed just happened. "Good morning Levy!"

"Good morning Dan!" Levy pulled Lucy a bit away from the boys grasp. "How are you that's great me too now I know you probably have an important class to go to right now so if you'll excuse Lucy and I we have to get to Journalism ok byeeeee!"

It went by so fast that Lucy could hardly register her friend pulling her away from the awkward situation and up the stairs of the art building. Dan standing at the foot of the steps looking up to the girls in confusion. He quickly got a grasp of what was going on. He shook his head awake, snapping him back into character. He ran up after them. The giggling girls almost made it behind the safety of the door when Lucy's wrist was yet again grabbed. The blond tipped on her feet almost falling backwards. She turned to the boy they were running away from with a big smile, her cheeks a nice shade of pink as she tries to catch her breath.

Dan's eyes were wide from the look on the blondes face. 'She probably has no idea how adorable she looks right now- ah! Not the time for that!'

"You're going to leave without saying bye? I thought we were friends!" he teased.

Lucy rolled her eyes, a smirk still on her face. "Friends don't make it a daily goal to embarrass each other."

"What are you saying? That's the whole job! And Lulu, you know I love-love you!"

Lucy sighed. It'll never get through to his head.

He was a knightly kind of guy. But maybe it wasn't so much of his personality but more of the thick helmet he must be wearing that stops all signs from getting to him.

Lucy unhooked her arm from Levy's to fully face her body to Dan. His body stiffened as he stood up straighter. The air began to thicken as Dan noticed how serious Lucy had become. Her face was calm but stern. Her head held high to not only look the brunette in the eye but to show authority.

Anyone could see how strong was being. But really, they failed to notice how Lucy's knees shook and how tightly she gripped onto her school bag. 'How do I say this?'

"Dan… it's our final year of high school. It's been so much fun with you and everyone. Really, I don't want to have it any other way. It's perfect… But…" she bit her lip. "I want it to be perfect for you too, you know? I want you to get the full exercise too. So… I think… Maybe… like if we did different things… met more people it would make it even better. Kind of branch out."

Dan stood in front of her, saying nothing with an unreadable expression on his face. He then slowly let go of the blonde's wrist.

'Oh god did that sound mean?! Please don't take it the wrong way Dan! Please understand please understand please understand!'

Dan smiled, cupping the back of his neck with his hand. "Yeah you're right! Where's the fun in school if nothing really exciting happens."

Lucy could have fallen from how relived she was.

"I'll try and get a full experience. But promise me you help me out ok?"

Lucy took a double take. She was shocked at how many circles this conversation had gone in so far. But still, she smiled an almost sad smile and nodded. "Yeah. Of course."

Dan stilled had that bright look on his face when he took Lucy into his arms for a hug. "Have a good day ok? I hope I get some classes with you…"

Lucy hugged him back even tighter. "Me too. Have a good day."

Dan pulled away to walk down the stairs. When he reached the bottom he turned to wave at both the girls. They waved yelling their goodbyes down to him as he walked out of their sight.

When he was gone Lucy's shoulders slumped with a heavy sigh. She looked to the ground in defeat. She'll never be able to tell him.

Lucy picked up on the sound of giggles. "You're hopeless Lu."

She looked up back to Levy. She smiled. "Don't remind me."

"Never can have a dull moment huh?"

"Just get me to class so I can wallow in my misery…"

Nothing else was said as the girls again linked arms and walked the rest of the way to class.

'So much for a peaceful moring.'

Not gonna lie- that ending was kinda sad… lol I didn't mean to do that! For those who don't understand, Dan's been in love with Lucy since he's met her. Lucy can only look at him as a brother and has tried multiple times to turn him down without actually saying it directly. She's afraid to break his heart… so that's what that was just now and you'll probably be seeing more of it throughout the series.

And just an extra thing to say about Lucy in this chapter- I made her a horse girl… lol nothing against horse girls but oh my god I did that on accident! It just fit so well. I needed to think of things that made Lucy connected with Dan's family ranch and that was some of the best things I could come up with.

I'm REALLY excited for you guys to see the next chapter! I'm sooooo sorry if it seems like things are going slow but I really just needed to get all this down so the story could make sense. Honestly, most of what was supposed to happen in the next chapter was supposed to happen in this chapter. But I thought it would have been rushed or too long of a chapter. Lol I know a lot of ppl don't complain about long chapter bc heck I don't. Just I wanted to post something for you guys to enjoy and it would have taken even longer if I added more.

Anyways! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and get ready for the next! Some new characters are being introduced in the next! Oooooooooh~~~!