*Notes Are now at the end of the chapter

Chapter 4

Lucy held the heavy metal tightly between her hands. She placed it in front of her, hands straight, one eye closed, trying to aim at the target. Her lips parted, her breathing soft and silent. She could feel the weight of the weapon strain her hands. Then, she pulled the trigger, the bullet cutting through the heart of her target. The thin piece of wood falling back on the ground.

She stood still for a moment before placing the gun down, a triumphant smirk lingering on her lips. Another minute before she removed the earmuffs from her ears and placed them next to her gun. It has becoming a hobby of hers to go to target practice once a week; something her mother snuck her out of the house to do whenever her father was not around.

Strong, firm hands caressed her shoulders and down to her arms, until they reached her hands to entwine with each other. "You're so amazing, Lucy."

Lucy turned her head and gave Loke a warm smile. His bronze, ginger hair was emanating a glow beneath the lights, sunglasses hiding his hazel, brown eyes.

"I know," she winked at him, her eyes glimmering with delight. Loke has always been there for her, through thick and thin, for better or worse, and in sickness and in health. And no matter how many times Lucy tried to turn his love confessions down, he still promised to always be there for her if need be.

The two practically grew up together. Their families always stopping by to visit each other during the weekends, if not, collaborating with projects for their businesses. Lucy never particularly liked Loke back when they were children. He was always so touchy, always proclaiming his undying love for any female that was within a ten mile radius, and he would always say that her complaints were nothing but the jealousy and envy she had towards any female that would catch his interest. Because she certainly was "not his type."

As for her counterargument, while flushed red with anger, he definitely was not her type either. He was cocky, arrogant, quite similar with her current predicament with her new boss. Of course, all rivalry, not that there ever was one, between Loke and Lucy went astray when her mother died. He was the first person she sought out for comfort, and although he was still perverse, he had grown up to be quite mature, but also protective of the blonde female.

When her father suddenly decided to marry Rufus's mother, Lucy had no one else to turn to but him, as well as a few other friends. What began as pure hatred only grew into something rather intimate. However, Lucy has made it clear that she was not interested in any permanent relationship until her vengeance was fulfilled. Upon occasion, the two would share the same bed on certain nights; Loke comforting her with words, caresses and soft kisses, enjoying her whimpers and soft moans in response.

"You always surprise me with your crazy hobbies, you know that?" He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, his arms embracing her whole form. They were still for a moment, before his hands began to gently roam her body. "You make me crazy, Lucy."

His right hand began to travel beneath the white, crop top shirt she wore until it grazed the skin beneath her breast. A soft whimper escaped Lucy's lips at his touch. She let her head fall, her hands on the wall for support. His left hand began to draw circles on her flat stomach. "Loke, no... not... here...I have to get back to work."

Loke ignored her and continued trace shapes on her sensitive skin, earning soft moans from her, "I love hearing you moan, Lucy. You're so beautiful," He buried his head against the crook of her neck, inhaling her vanilla scent. He kissed her gently, this time, a louder moan escaped her pink lips.

"Loke– Oh!" Lucy was cut off when he felt his hand massage her breast, her head raising in the process, her lips parting at the sensation coursing against her skin. She felt the warmth pool in her belly, but the sound of footsteps immediately had Loke letting go of the flustered blonde. He smirked in satisfaction, after all, he was the only one Lucy allowed to touch her that way. She was still facing the other way, her hands on the wall. The temptation to ravage her right then and then was itching at him, but someone was coming, and he would save it for later.

When Lucy turned, Levy, Gajeel, Bacchus, and Cana were already there. It was now, their official meeting place to discuss plans and information regarding Lucy's revenge for her mother. Levy took a seat on the bench, followed by her boyfriend, then Cana. Bacchus remained standing, leaning against the wall.

The Drunk Falcon raised an eyebrow, "Did we interrupt something?"

Loke smirked, Lucy blushed, "No! Shut up!" She could hear the others snicker at the obvious denial. "Okay, look, enough. Bacchus, anything new?"

"Not exactly. I heard your brother is planning on making a contract to collaborate with the enemy, oh and did you hear, Jiemma's son is currently involved with Yukino Aguria."

Lucy's eyes widened at the mention of the name, "What? No, Yukino? She's...she's so nice though! Oh God, don't tell me she's in love with him? Otherwise she wouldn't even think twice about getting involved with a player like that!" Lucy shook her head, "No, no, that's not good. If I'm going to use Sting, I might end up hurti–"

"Whoa, hold on a minute," Loke interrupted, "Use Sting? You're planning on making him fall for you?" He stood in front of Lucy, his eyes narrowed, "What, no! You never told me about that! Lucy, you're going to give him what he wants aren't you? I won't let that happen."

Cana pulled out a bottle of whiskey from her pocket and took a swig of the drink, "Calm down, Loke. You get enough of Lucy almost every night. You can afford to share." Her words were beginning to slur. Bacchus took the bottle from her hand and took a swig as well. "Hey! Asshole, that's mine!"

Levy watched as the two drunks bickered, then turned to her boyfriend, whose arms were crossed, and eyes closed. "Lu-chan, if you want Sting to fall for you, you have to be nice to him. Last time I heard, you two get into pretty big fights." She then placed her arm through his, "See? You have to be sweet to him," then placed a small kiss on his cheek.

Lucy bit her bottom lip, her eyes following Levy's movement. She was never really the kind of girl who acted sweet and innocent to guys, but it was worth the shot if it meant revenge for her mother. Then again, the sudden shift in her attitude would cause suspicion.

Gray sat down on the recliner and watched as Sting fell on the soft mattress of his bed. He had just finished replacing the sheets, for a reason that the raven-haired male did not want to know. It was rather disappointing to see his friend in the condition he was in; letting out his sexual frustrations with the Aguria heiress, because he had a thing for their new housemaid. It only surprised him that Sting was unable to accept the fact that Lucy had no interest towards him whatsoever, when he was the kind of guy who moved on easily.

The mystery that surrounds the girl certainly had its impact towards every male in the household. All of them were curious where such a beauty came from, and if Sting was in fact correct, what she was doing at a club in the middle of the night clad in black rather than her usual white. Natsu was probably the only one who believed that Sting was just too drunk and made the whole thing up. The pink-haired male just could not imagine sweet, innocent Lucy, going around seducing people.

Gray proceeded to place his arms over his head, and lifted his feet over the footstool, making himself comfortable. "I just don't see it man. Lucy with Bacchus? Of all people?"

Sting shot him a cold glare from where he lay, his arms, too, were over his head. He never really liked to picture Lucy with Bacchus. It was just so wrong. The guy was even worse than Sting when it came to females and to top it all off, he was a drunk. Even an endless amount of alcohol would never knock that guy out, at least from what he has heard.

"Yeah well, I know what I saw and what I heard. Lucy herself told me it was Bacchus. She even made up some stupid lie, that only probably Natsu would fall for, that Bacchus and her were good old buddies from a long time ago." Sting sat up, his elbows on the mattress, supporting his frame, "I swear I've heard the surname Heartfilia before, but there are no records of it or whatsoever. Rogue and I started with her family background, but other than the fact that she has a brother, who we still don't know who the heck he is, there's no other information. It's all blank space."

Gray sat still for a moment, thinking, "You know, how many common people are able to hide records of their backgrounds? Not very many right?"

At that thought, Sting jumped from the bed, a wide, understanding smirk on his face. Gray was right. Lucy had claimed that she was desperate for the job, therefore the assumption that her family was either middle class or poverish, would be the first thought that would come to mind. However, given that there are so many blank records about her identity, it becomes obvious that she is, in actuality, a wealthy person. Not very many people can afford to hide personal information in such a broad manner. Even the tiniest details are unknown.

"Is there a meeting I'm not aware of?" The door opened to reveal the Natsu. He leaned on the door frame, his arms crossed, a frown on his face, clearly not satisfied by the topic of the conversation. Though, as much as he hated to admit it, he was beginning to think that there is something off about Lucy. He was just afraid that asking questions would only push her away, especially when he was rather fond of the blonde female.

Gray sighed and pushed himself off the reclining chair, "Did the girls leave? Good. Is Lucy home?"

When Natsu did not reply to the final question, there was a long pause, all three of them wondering where in the universe that girl could be. They looked at each other for the answer only to receive shrugs and a cold, intense glare from Sting and it frustrated the other two because it was obvious he was still sexually frustrated.

"Who gives a fuck where she is? Damn, let's just fire her already!"

"Shut up Sting. Her hours for the day are over. We're only making sure she's okay. Don't let your sex deprived state get the better of you." Natsu fired back at the blonde male. He really hated the Sting he was seeing. He was never this moody, unless he was having trouble with his sister and father. "How about we call up a few of the heiress to companies? I'm sure our parents would have connections and give us their contact information. And if Lucy is in fact as rich as you think, then someone's bound to slip up."

"Juvia speaking. How can Juvia help you?"

"Uhh.. Do I have to do this? Da- oh hi, this is Gray Fullbuster, I was wo—"

"Ahhhhhhh! As in my Gray-sama? Hello? Helloooo?"

Gray took a deep breath, his face flushed with embarrassment. Of all the people he ended up calling, it had to be Juvia. The blue-haired pool and beach model who happens to have an obsession with him. He sent a glare towards Natsu. It was his fault for mixing up the numbers in the first place. At an alarming speed, he crumpled the tiny piece of paper in his hand and threw it in a corner of the house, never to be seen again.

"Levy McGarden speaking."

"Hi, yes, this is Natsu Dragneel, I was wondering if you happen to know anyone named Lucy Heartfilia?

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I can't help you with that. I don't know anyone by that name."

Natsu gently placed the phone down, and shook his head at his two friends.

"This is Cana, state your purpose."

"Uhh, is Lucy there?"

"...who is this?"

"Her...brother?"

"Wrong number."

Sting placed the phone down, the same glare on his face. Sure, he had hoped that maybe something would come out of Natsu's idea, but it was obvious that either nobody knew Lucy, or she had already spoken to them about keeping her identity a secret. "Well, that last one seemed to know her, but she won't speak."

Gray took the phone from the table, after seven calls, there was only one number left. Like Natsu said, someone was bound to slip up, and they could only hope the last one would do so.

"Rufus Lohr."

"Hi, yes, this is Gray Fullbuster, I was wondering if you knew anyone by the name of Lu—"

The sound of the door opening and the person walking through it immediately had Gray ending the call and putting the phone away. Lucy walked in, bags of groceries in both hands and raised an eyebrow at the rather suspicious group standing in the living room, huddled together by the phone. Her eyes slightly narrowed, and she bit her cheek to keep herself from asking what the hell they were up to. Judging by the way they suddenly came to a stop when she walked in, she immediately assumed it involved her.

"Good evening, Natsu, Gray, Sting." She nodded and made her way into the kitchen, the boys following behind her. They helped her unpack and place the food items in the fridge in an awkward silence. Even Sting was quiet as he watched her every movement, the swaying of her hips tempting him. "Sorry I'm late. I ran into some friends and lost track of the time."

Only Natsu seemed to believe the excuse she gave, "That's alright Luce, as long as you're home safe."

Sting noticed how Lucy suddenly tensed. He noticed the way she looked away at nowhere in particular and seem to drift into her thoughts. Her eyes seem to be glazed by a sudden darkness, but he could almost see the loneliness and sadness hidden in those orbs. It was something he was familiar with, and at the time, he almost, almost felt like he understood her.

"So," she began, her voice slightly trembled, "What would you like to eat tonight?"

"Oh no, that's okay Luce, we're actually going to dinner tonight and you're coming with us," Natsu gave her a toothy grin, melting her hardened heart. She could not help but smile back, and something about the way he smiled at her—she just could not refuse his offer—made her want to open up to him. Almost like she could trust him.

However, she learned a long time ago that she could not just trust anyone, no matter how heartwarming their smile made her feel, and no matter how kind he was. The only ones she truly ever trusted were Levy and Loke, but even then, sometimes, she would begin to doubt them, even herself.

Lucy's mouth watered at the food before her. A double cheeseburger with a side of curly fries and a large vanilla milkshake was laid out for her. She could feel the drool slowly making its way down the corner of her mouth, but quickly wiped it away anyways.

It was not that she did not know about these kinds of food. She really, and in all honesty, just never got the chance to try it because she was so used to eating home cooked fancy meals or out in expensive restaurants. Even when she was around her friends, she was too embarrassed to ask such high class people to go to a fast food restaurant.

She knew she was acting like a little kid, getting so excited over unhealthy food, but heck, even as a rich girl, she did not always spoil herself to such things. She knew how to limit herself, especially when her father was around, but of course he was no longer around, and she could do anything her heart desired.

A small giggle had her looking away from the food, and into the eyes of Yukino Aguria, who was seated across from her. Yes, Sting Eucliffe decided to bring a date, because he felt it was necessary since Gray had Mirajane, and Natsu had Erza. Rogue was apparently settling business matters for his company.

"You look so cute staring at the food like that," Yukino giggled again. "Lucy-san, you're so pretty, have you ever thought about working as a model?" The white-haired woman leaned in closer and whispered in Lucy's ear, "It pays higher than these boys do."

Lucy was not sure how to feel. She never actually met the girl in person before but she did hear about her kind-hearted personality. She was seriously beginning to hate Sting for taking advantage of Yukino, but the girl must already know that he was only playing games with her. Disappointed: yes. Especially because Yukino was allowing Sting to use her for sexual favors.

"No. It was never in my interest to model. I don't particularly like being out in the public and being recognized everywhere I go," Lucy took a bite off the sandwich, her eyes shimmering with delight and joy at the different flavor of her meal. Clearly Yukino was enjoying watching her reactions, because she laughed once again.

"You're so strange. Anyone would want to be famous!"

"No. Not me. I only have one goal in mind," at those words, Lucy's eyes flickered to Sting's, who was obviously listening to their conversation.

"I feel so bad. I could call a friend for you if you want. I mean, this is kind of like a group date, so you need a date. I have a few cute guy friends."

"No, that won't be necessary. Thanks though."

"You're right, it won't be necessary," Lucy turned and gave Loke a you-are-going-to-blow-my-cover-and-I-will-kill-you -if-you-do look as he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, "because I'm here now."

"Loke, what are you doing here?" Lucy asked through gritted teeth. She narrowed her brown eyes at him, but the sly smirk on his face never left.

"I told you, I'm not about to let him have you," Lucy's glare hardened, but Loke paid no attention to it, "You guys won't mind if I join you right?"

Sting was pissed. Pissed that some random guy would suddenly show up and claim that he was Lucy's date for the night. It pissed him off even more that she showed no signs of jealousy that he had a date. Not that he cared. No. He could care less about that.

His eyes narrowed as he watched Loke sling an arm around his housemaid. Judging by his appearance, the guy was no common man. He had his sunglasses on his head over his bronze, ginger hair that all the more emphasized his hazel, brown eyes. He was wearing a black business suit, over a white shirt and a black tie to go with it. Not to mention those leader shoes. The guy screamed out money and wealth. Could he be another guy Lucy spent nights with?

Gray knew the guy, since he had all but jumped from his chair and greeted him, asking how he was and how he knew Lucy. Still, it was suspicious when Lucy interrupted him to say that he was a friend that Bacchus had introduced a while back. It was confusing and Sting was beginning to think that Lucy was some kind of sex slave being sold from one guy to another, but he had a hard time grasping his own conclusion because he just could not imagine her stooping so low, or even becoming a submissive to men.

"Sting-kun..." The blonde male immediately froze when he felt Yukino's hand slide over his leg, under the table , making smooth circles with her finger. He could feel the heat rise to the pit of his stomach at her touch, but all the while he continued to imagine it was the blonde female sitting across from her.

Yukino leaned in close to him, "Let's have some fun?"

Lucy was a very patient (sometimes) woman. But her temper was flaring the moment Loke decided it was the time for another one of his sexual endeavors by placing his hand on her leg and slowly made its way beneath her white pencil cut skirt. She wanted to stop him, she really did. But that would embarrass her in front of the guys and Yukino, as well as the rest of the people in the restaurant.

So, she let him continue, but her hand was balled into a fist, trying to keep herself from punching him, and trying to deny the fact that she did enjoy the way his fingers would make patterns against her sensitive skin. It also served to keep her from moaning out loud in front of an audience.

She quickly looked down, hiding her face under her bangs, and forgetting all about the food she was supposed to be enjoying, because now, she was enjoying what Loke was doing to her body. She could feel heat rise to her cheeks just at the thought that he was doing this in public, and when he slid his finger over her sensitive area, she had to bite her bottom lip just to keep from whimpering in pleasure.

When she looked up, the first thing she noticed was that Sting was looking away, leaning his cheek on one palm and the other clenched into a tight fist, a hint of pink on his cheeks. Then his eyes met hers, a sort of intensity met her until he suddenly jerked away.

Lucy stood up from where she sat, her face flushed, and looked at the group in front of her, "Excuse me, I need some fresh air—"

At the exact same moment, Sting stood up from his chair, "I'm heading out—"

They locked eyes, their friends giving them curious glances. Loke was holding onto Lucy's hand, as was Yukino with Sting's, until they finally let go and watched as the two glared at each other and walked out of the fast food restaurant.

"Levy," the blue-haired teen looked up from the book she was reading, slightly annoyed that Gajeel would interrupt her, "Bacchus called. You need to convince bunny girl to lay low for a little while and stop with the investigations, spying, and her whole plan for revenge."

Levy gave him a strange, curious look, "Why? You know how much this means to her."

"You know the only investigator from her mother's case that fessed up to Jiemma's orders?"

"Yeah, what about him?"

"He's dead."

There was cool breeze that Lucy was met with as soon as she stepped out of the building. The moon was out, and its light blue hue lit up the darkened night sky. She remembered when she was younger; her mother would always point out the constellations for her and gracefully trace them with her fingers, almost as if she could touch them.

"See that? The bright star over there? That's Regulus. The heart of Leo. It represents loyalty, bravery, and above all else, love. One day, when you're feeling down, and I'm not with you, just look up at the sky and find the brightest star you can. It means I'm always looking out for you and watching over you. Just like how the heart of Leo is always watching over the other constellations."

A small teardrop escaped her eyes as she glanced up at the sky. She missed her mother, more than anything or anyone else at the moment and she wished she was still alive. Maybe if she was still with her, her life would not be so much as a mess as it is now. Then she would not have to seek revenge from people she could care less about. Her life would not be hell.

"Here," pulling herself out of her reverie, she looked down to find a white handkerchief held out to her by Sting. "Don't beat yourself up just because you couldn't finish your food." He gave a small smirk, as she accepted his offer and quickly wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Thanks," she said a little too knew he was trying to lighten the mood, but it really was not helping, especially when he had that smirk on his face. "Why did you leave Yukino behind? She must be worried."

"Nah, she'll be fine. It's always been this way anyways," he paused and Lucy could not believe what she was hearing. The great Sting Eucliffe was opening up to her. She looked at him, her lips parted. He was looking up at the sky, a genuine, sad smile on his lips, "See, it's a little funny because she was my first love and of course, she was the first and only one to ever really break my heart. I loved her, and she tells me all the time she loves me, but this whole setup is temporary. See, we can't ever be together, because she's already engaged to someone she doesn't know."

Sting looked at her, but she immediately looked away, "You know, an arranged marriage. When she told me that, I forced myself to let go. So whatever amount of pain she might be feeling now, just evens out the playing field."

It was silent for a few moments until Lucy spoke, "You're such an asshole, you know that?"

"Hey, I'm just being myself," Sting let out a small and rather infectious laugh because soon after, Lucy was laughing with him. "Wanna get out of here? I think it's past my bedtime."

He offered a hand out to her, which Lucy, for once, gladly took, "Sure."

"Looks like they ditched us," Loke half heartedly smiled at the Aguria heiress. As much as he was tempted to go after Lucy, and as much as he wanted to take her home and continue where he left off, he knew just how upset she was that he was interfering with what she had planned. He hated the idea that she was slowly walking into dangerous territory and possibly even out of his arms reach, but he could not do anything to stop her, because Lucy Heartfilia was a stubborn woman.

He heard Yukino sigh, her elbows on the table, hands on her cheeks, "Yeah, definitely looks like it." He gave her a long look until she met his gaze, tilted her head to the side, and smiled, "You look very familiar."

Loke smirked, "Well, consider yourself lucky because it's not everyday you see a face this handsome. Would you like a ride home?"

Yukino's eyes lit up, "Oh would I!"

-Well, to start things off let me first apologize for this late update. Now that school is over, I am trying to write at least 1000 more words into the chapters for my stories.

-Second, well, I honestly do not know what to think of this chapter. It's really just a bunch of random stuff going on, because I just needed a filler to introduce what will happen in the next chapter, kind of. Haha. Well, I'll leave it up to you guys and let me know what you thought of it.

-Third, I'm really not trying to make Yukino seem like a total bitch. Just someone, particularly a female, who fits well into Sting's life, even just as an added extra. Minerva is just...oh gods, don't get me started, she just pissed me off...okay nevermind, I'm not going to rant about that. And I KNOW it's a little confusing, because it's meant to be that way until everything clears up, when Lucy and Sting...hah! Not telling you!:P (No, not sex-.-)

-Fourth, Look forward to the next chapter because SHIT WILL GET REAL! . oh yeah I went there. haha

-Okay, this should have been the first thing on the ANs, but I was too lazy to change the 1st,2nd,etc... but anyways, Thank you for all the reviews, follows, favorites! I love all of you guys lots!

-And lastly:

READ AND REVIEW AND REVIEW PLEASE!:D