NaLu4Ever aww thank you sweetie! I was hoping it wasn't too cheesy or anything haha

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail!

Enjoy!

Chapter 14

Lucy stared at the piece of paper she was holding, willing the words to change.

FAIRY ACADEMY'S ANNUAL PARENTS DAY/WEEKEND

It had been a month since Lucy had gone back to her hometown. She'd avoided seeing her father then, and now it seems that she would have to see him next week.

That is, if he actually comes.

Her father had never bothered coming to Parents Day before, but that was when she went to a public school. He would never be seen there. No, Fairy Academy was his idea. If he was going to come to one, it would be this one.

Still, she wasn't sure he would bother. She scrunched up the paper and threw it in the bin under her desk before getting up and going to class.

She was grateful that it was Thursday, her 'easy day'. She had English, Art, two free lessons, and PE. They were all lessons where she could get away with not concentrating.

She tried not to think about that damn letter, but her thoughts kept drifting there. What would she say if her father showed up? That was the obvious question, but not the one that really bothered her.

What would she do if he didn't?

She didn't want to see him – she knew that she would just be hurt and disappointed if she did. However, a part of her wanted him to come, and she couldn't figure out why. Maybe it was to show him that she was happy?

No. Deep down, she knew that she wanted him to come so that she knew he actually thought about her, actually cared about her enough to take time off and travel here. Just to see her.

She knew that would never happen, though. If he did end up coming, it would only be for a personal gain. There would be a lot of rich and powerful families here that weekend – great for networking.

That would be the reason if he comes.

"Lucy!"

The blonde looked up to see a ball flying towards her head. I guess I can't space out in PE, she thought as she closed her eyes, preparing for the impact.

The impact came, but from the side. Someone had tackled her to the ground.

The arms around her felt very familiar. Sure enough, when she opened her eyes, she found herself on the ground, Natsu's face hovering over hers.

"Are you okay?" he asked. "What were you doing daydreaming in the middle of PE?!"

"Y-yeah," Lucy replied. "Thanks,"

Natsu sighed as he got up, holding his hand out for her. Her friends appeared around them.

"Lu-chan, are you alright?" Levy cried worriedly.

"I'm fine," she assured everyone. "Don't worry about me,"

"Lucky Natsu was there to save you," Mirajane smiled innocently.

"Yeah, you could've gotten really hurt, if it wasn't for him," Cana added.

"It wouldn't have been a problem if Ice Princess knew how to aim," Natsu said, turning to Gray.

"I-it was an accident! I didn't mean to!" Gray cried, holding his hands up. "I'm really sorry, Lucy!"

"It's fine, I wasn't hurt, so there's nothing to be sorry about," Lucy told him.

Lucy made sure to stay focused for the rest of class.

"Luce, what's wrong? You've been out of it all day," Natsu asked as they were heading to the library to study after school.

Lucy sighed. She should have known that he would notice. Her first instinct was to lie, but she knew he'd see right through that. For someone so dense, he knew her inside out.

"Did you get the letter about Parents Day?" she asked quietly.

"Oh," he replied, understanding. "I'm sure he's not gonna make a fuss in front of everyone,"

"It's not that,"

"You're scared he won't come," he stated.

"Scared he won't, scared he will – I really don't know what I want," she admitted. "Actually, I do. I want a normal, caring father. But that's not an option here,"

Natsu watched his best friend sadly for a moment, not sure what to do. He'd never met her father, so he couldn't really judge his character and give her comforting words.

"I know," he said suddenly. "How about, if your dad doesn't come, or if he does and is being a jerk, then you can come hang out with me, Wendy and our parents!"

"No, I can't intrude like that," Lucy told him. "I know how much both you and Wendy miss your parents,"

"I never said–"

"I know you didn't, but I can tell," she smiled. "Don't let my crappy family ruin your day, okay? I'll be fine,"

"But Luce–"

"He's never come before, so I'm used to it," she cut him off. "It just gives me more time to study, or write,"

"The offer still stands," Natsu told her with finality after a pause.

Then he turned back to his book before she could argue again.

Lucy was on edge for the whole week leading up to Parents Day.

She still hadn't decided what she wanted more, and she found herself snapping at all her friends. She felt horrible, but she just couldn't help it.

Natsu was trying hard not to get on her nerves and she was grateful. He didn't always succeed, but she appreciated the effort.

Next week, she would make it up to everyone somehow. She just needed to get through this weekend.

On Friday morning, Lucy stood with Natsu and her other friends in the courtyard, waiting to greet the parents.

"It's gonna be fine, Luce," Natsu whispered in her ear. "Remember my offer,"

Lucy just nodded tensely, eyes glued to the gate.

She watched as the parents filed in, finding their children easily and heading off in different directions, talking excitedly. She noticed a few formal families, which was to be expected at a school like this. The parents still looked at their children with love though, even if only a little.

When almost everyone had dispersed and Lucy was still standing there with Natsu, her heart dropped a little. She didn't realise how much she had hoped that he would come.

"Where are your parents?" she turned to her best friend, trying to smile. "I thought they'd be here by now,"

"They'll go over to the middle school first," Natsu told her. "Why, are you going to take up my offer?"

"No, I was just wondering why you were still here," she told him. "Of course, I'm glad you are,"

Natsu wrapped his arms around his best friend comfortingly. He could tell she was holding back tears.

"Lucy?"

Both teens looked up at the voice.

"Papa?"

"How are your studies?" Jude asked his daughter. They were in the dining hall having lunch.

"Fine,"

"I see you are tied for the position of top of the class with the McGarden child,"

"Yes,"

"Their family deals with the restoration of ancient books. They have no use to our business, so don't be afraid to crush the girl,"

"But Papa!" Lucy cried, eyes wide.

"I expect nothing less than the best, and if there are two of you, then that's not the best," he told her sternly.

"No," she said quietly.

"Excuse me?"

"I said no," she cried, glaring at her father. "Levy is my friend! She's the sweetest girl I know, and she has helped me in ways that you would never understand! She's like a sister to me, and you want me to 'crush' her?"

"I did not send you here to make silly friends, I sent you here to get the best education available," Jude told her daughter, voice rising. "I overlooked the Dragneel boy, because their family deals with healing and coal – two very important industries – but if you are going to carry on like this, then I will have to reconsider that,"

"Papa, you can't tell me who I can and can't be friends with," Lucy said dangerously. "There's more to life than business and money! I didn't even know what my friends' families do, and if they know what you do, they didn't hear it from me. They accept me for who I am, not what blood runs through my veins. Why can't you?"

"Lucy!" he roared. "I will not tolerate this sentimental attitude of yours! You are here to get an education so that you can become a doctor – don't forget our deal. I was generous enough to give you the choice, don't throw it back in my face, or I will be forced to step in,"

"Why did you even come?" Lucy asked quietly, her bangs covering her eyes as the first silent tear fell. "You obviously only came for appearances, so congratulations! You have everyone's attention!" she yelled at him, waving an arm around at the families who looked away embarrassed. They had heard his outburst.

"I'm sorry, Papa," Lucy continued quietly. "But I'm not who you want me to be,"

She got up and ran out of the dining hall, towards her dorm.

"Lucy, wait!" she heard Natsu call. He had been in the dining room with his family and had no doubt heard the confrontation.

He grabbed her arm when he caught up to her, turning her around.

"You should go back to your family," she told him, not meeting his eyes. "Don't worry about me – I knew this is what would happen. I'm not surprised,"

"That doesn't mean it doesn't hurt," he said softly.

"Really, I'm fine!" she tried to sound cheerful.

She finally looked up to smile at him, but when she met his eyes, the floodgates opened and she sank to the floor in the middle of the courtyard.

"I don't know why I keep getting my hopes up," she sobbed. "He's never going to change!"

Natsu silently bent and picked her up, lifting her off the ground.

"W-what are you d-doing?" Lucy managed to choke out between sobs.

"I figured you wouldn't want to be on display for this," he told her. "You may not care right now, but I know you, and you will be embarrassed later – even if you shouldn't be,"

She flung her arms around his neck, crying into his shoulder. She really didn't know what she would do without him.

"Natsu, you need to go back to your family," Lucy said, sitting on her bed. "They'll be worried about you,"

"Nah, it's cool," he shrugged. "Dad was actually holding me back during the fight, and then when you ran off he practically pushed me after you – not that I needed it. So I'm pretty sure they're fine with this, and won't be expecting me back so soon,"

"You should still spend time with them while you can," Lucy said. She felt so guilty.

"Luce, it's fine!" Natsu cried, sitting next to her. "They're here all weekend, and this just gives them some time with Wendy,"

"But Natsu,"

"No!" he put his hand over her mouth. "You are going to sit here, and you are going to cry or sleep or write or do whatever you need to until you feel better. I'll do anything you ask, so long as it helps you. Don't feel guilty, please," he told her seriously.

Lucy just sat there, staring at him. He lowered his hand.

"Then," he continued. "You are going to come with me and have dinner with my family,"

"I don't want to–"

"Luce," he cut her off. "My parents want to meet you, and Wendy is dying to see you. You don't want to disappoint them, do you?"

"Why do they want to meet me?"

"Well, Wendy's been talking about you a lot, as usual," Natsu rolled his eyes. "I and I've told them a few things as well. You're my best friend, Luce; of course they wanna meet you!" he grinned.

Lucy nodded before climbing under the covers. She felt like she needed to cry some more, and then sleep.

"Do you need me to get you anything?" Natsu asked.

Lucy shook her head. "Could – could you stay?" she asked quietly as she felt the tears welling up.

"Of course," Natsu told her, climbing into bed with her. He held her as she cried into his shirt for a while, before she finally drifted off to sleep.

A/N: aww my cute little otp! :3

I'm not completely happy with this chapter, but more for the wording and stuff, if that makes sense? Hmm I might come back and change it another day, but who knows?

Please review! :)