Welcome back to this story! Sorry that it's been so long, I've been so busy. Hell, I'm even sick right now. Chaos. I almost deleted this chapter twice... Ugh. DX

I apologize if this chapter starts out slow, it'll speed up shortly. I just don't want to rush things... Uh...yeah. My brain is mush right now. Enjoy this chapter, everybody.

Chapter Three

50 Days Before the Truth

"Lu-chan?" I look up from the romance novel in my hands, gazing at Levy's face. She sighs, looking sad. "I didn't want to bother you since you seemed a bit down today but...do you mind if I tell you something?"

"Levy-chan," I say seriously, sliding my cloth bookmark into my book, marking page 248. "I'm always upset, so it doesn't really matter..."

"You're not upset around Natsu," she points out with a smile, sipping her smoothie.

"I guess you're right," I admit, setting my book down on the table. Even if Natsu and I both have pain we hide, we still are relatively happy around each other. When I'm really upset, he either tries to comfort me or he is sad with me. For some reason, crying with someone feels so much better than crying alone. Perhaps it's because you then feel like you're not the only weak one in the world... I look Levy straight in the eyes. "You can tell me anything anytime."

"Same to you," Levy replies, her voice a bit stern. I glance down at my lap. She knows that I hide my pain from her every single day, no matter how happy I appear to be. "Anyways..." She stirs her smoothie with her orange plastic straw, gazing into the melting slush. "I...I haven't heard from Gajeel in almost a week..." She swallows visibly. "And I...I'm worried. I shouldn't be, since he's not the kind of person who would be picked on or threatened, but I...I am. I don't know what I'm worried about, to tell the truth..."

I lean across the table, getting close enough so I can place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Of course you're concerned. He normally texts you everyday, right?" Levy nods, and I continue. "I would be worried too... Have you tried calling or texting him?"

"Yes," Levy says softly, messing with her smoothie again. "Still no answer."

I whip out my crappy phone and immediately find Natsu's contact. "Hold on, Levy." It barely has time to ring once before Natsu's picked up, and he is ecstatic.

"Lucy!" he cries. "You're not gonna believe this!" I can tell that he's moving around his room, running in circles or something, because his voice isn't the most clear. "That was perfect timing! I just got a call from the school, and guess what?!"

I smile. "What, Natsu?"

"I got accepted onto the soccer team!" he cheers. "Not the super good one, of course, but still! I'm really excited!" My heart flutters in my chest at his excitement. Before I can say anything, he's talking again. "You'll have to come watch me play sometime! I'll score a goal for you!"

"That's great news!" I tell him with a wide smile. "I'm so proud of you, Natsu!" I can hear him cheer to himself on the other end. I laugh, then cut myself off when I see Levy's confused expression. I cover up the phone, and whisper, "Soccer team," to her. She nods, then gives me a thumbs up. I sigh, then remembering what I originally called for. "Natsu?" I try to get his attention as I put him on speakerphone.

"Yea, Luce, what's up?" he replies, sounding pretty chill.

"Uh...have you talked to Gajeel recently? Levy hasn't heard anything from him in the last week..."

"Shit!" Natsu exclaims. "Stupid Metal Head didn't tell her?! He broke his phone at the paintball place the other day!"

I burst out laughing, then turn to Levy. Relief spreads across her face, then disbelief. "What?! That stupid idiot! Who takes their phone into the paintball place?!"

"I know right?" Natsu laughs. "That's what I said!"

"How have you been getting in touch with him?" Levy asks.

"E-mail," Natsu tells her. "His is rock-star-gajeel at gmail. No spaces or caps."

"Thank you so much, Natsu!" Levy squeals. "Are you doing anything today?"

"If by anything you mean sitting on an ugly beanbag eating potato chips and playing Xbox, than yes. Otherwise, I'm free."

I laugh a bit. "You lazy bum."

"Weirdo," he replies. I feel my cheeks heat up. For some reason, that nickname always makes me feel funny inside. It's almost as bad as when he calls me Luce.

"Maybe you could come meet us at the boardwalk." Levy has a mischievous grin on her face as she carries on, "Lucy realllly misses you."

"Sh-Shut up!" I hiss between my teeth, my face burning. I push away the crazy thoughts that are coming into my head and instead focus on the chipping pink paint on my nails. Levy continues talking to Natsu, telling him the time and place and such, but I'm barely listening. All I can think about is the excitement in Natsu's voice, his vibrant smile, his goofy wink, and his silly eating habits. I'm tempted to bang my forehead on the table to jolt myself back to my senses.

What am I thinking? This is insane! I can't be thinking these kind of thoughts...boys are not good...'But Natsu's different...' my inner voice says to me. I push it away again. I'm such an idiot to get thoughts like these... Natsu's my friend, and nothing more... Then again, he is almost perfect...

"Lu-chan?" Levy giggles from beside me. "Do you want your phone back?" I jolt back to reality and snatch it from her.

"Th-Thanks," I stammer. "I kind of dosed off there...started thinking about st-stuff...sorry..."

"You okay, Luce?" Natsu's voice asks from the receiver. My heart jumps nervously as my stomach leaps into my throat. I'd forgotten that he was still listening!

"Fine!" I blurt out, my face heating up like crazy. "I'm completely fine!"

"Well, anyways, I'll you guys in ten," Natsu yawns. "Damn, I'm tired. Been starin' at this screen for too long."

"Bye," Levy says cheerfully.

"G-Goodbye," I stammer, and clip the end call button. I bury my red face into my arms, trying to hide my embarrassment. I can hear Levy giggling and teasing me about it, but I ignore her. I have to calm down...if I'm still like this when Natsu shows up, I'll just die from awkwardness.

Natsu arrives fifteen minutes later, looking a bit frazzled and dazed. "Sorry," he apologizes. "Traffic." There's something in his eyes that makes me want to believe that he's lying, but I push the doubt away. He's just tired, that's all. He runs his fingers through his thick pink hair, pushing a stray piece out of his eyes. "So!" He turns to look at me. "What we gonna do?"

"We could go to the mini-fair thing," Levy points over her shoulder. "They've got a massive coaster over there that I've always wanted to try."

"Uh, rather not," Natsu says quickly.

Levy raises an eyebrow. "You don't like roller coasters?" Natsu shakes his head violently, his spiky hair hitting the side of his head.

"There's snacks," I tell him, and he perks up. "I'll buy you anything you want if you ride the coaster." His eyes widen and he looks really uncertain. I hold out my hand. "Deal?" He slaps it, and I laugh. "Is this always going to be a thing?"

"Oh," he says, a smile playing on his lips. "You wanted a handshake?"

"Are you agreeing to the deal?" I ask him. I watch his mouth move a bit as he chews on his lip, thinking. He finally nods, and shakes my hand. My heart flutters. His hands are so warm...

A flash jolts us both out of our conversation. Levy stands next to us, holding up her phone and grinning like a maniac. "Don't mind me," she winks at me. "Pretend I'm not here." Embarrassed, I turn away from Natsu. He walks up on my left side, leaving Levy on my right.

"This is going to suck," he mumbles under his breath.

We enter the mini-amusement park a few minutes later, surprised that there was little to no line to get in. Natsu's head was turning a million different directions, taking it all in. Levy was practically skipping, obviously excited. "Can we do the coaster first?!"

"No," Natsu says instantly.

Levy frowns, putting her hands on her hips. "You're such a spoil-sport, Natsu."

"Do you want me to get sick on you?" he retorts. "Because I think I ate three fucking pounds of chips before I came here."

"Why would waiting matter?" Levy asks. "You can claim that you'd have time to digest, but you're going to motion sickness anyways."

"Oh..." I glance at Natsu. "No wonder you don't want to ride anything. You get motion sickness." Sympathy floods through me. That must be horrible, not being able to ride coasters or even take normal modes of transportation.

"Yep," he replies, popping the 'p'. "It sucks. The only time when I'm free from it is when I drive: I'm so focused on the road I don't think about it."

I open my mouth to reply when Levy cuts in again. "Don't you just want to get this over with?"

"I guess," Natsu grumbles. "But only if you let me use the bathroom first." Levy and I let him go, waiting just outside. After what seems like forever, I check my phone: he's been in there for ten minutes. What's the holdup? Is there a line or something? I take a deep breath, telling myself to be patient. As they say at the HBSG, 'Patience is the definition of a true lady'. I shift my position on the wall I'm leaning against, then check my phone again. Another ten minutes have gone by.

"It's been 20 minutes," I tell Levy nervously. "Do you think he's okay?"

"Probably just a line," Levy replies. "Don't worry so much, Lu-chan."

Another five minutes later, Natsu finally emerges. He is now wearing his sweatshirt, which was tied around his waist before. I hold back a frown. 'What need is there for a sweatshirt if it's summer and almost 90 degrees?'

"Sorry for taking so long." Natsu shifts almost nervously where he stands, his right hand over his shorts pocket in a slightly protective manner.

I smile at him, letting him know that we didn't mind waiting. "C'mon, let's go." I gently grab his left wrist, preparing to lead him to the coaster. He makes a strange hissing noise through his teeth when I touch him, and I drop his wrist, startled. "S-Sorry."

"Sorry?" he echoes, and I'm suddenly worried he's going to be angry. Thankfully, his expression is more bewildered than anything. "You didn't do anything wrong." His gaze studies my face, his eyes swirling with a mixture of emotions I cannot identify. I stop myself from saying something in response, and instead dissolve into my thoughts.

I know I wasn't imagining things: that noise he made was definitely there, and it was filled with pain. 'But...why? Why is he in pain?' I glance at his wrists, now covered by the sweatshirt. I don't see any blood or evidence of cutting, so that rules that out. 'That's a relief, but if it isn't cutting, what is it? And what's in his right pocket that he's trying to hide from us?'

"Lucy?" his voice brings me back to reality. "You okay?"

"Sorry." I force a smile. "I just got lost in my thoughts, that's all."

Levy opens here mouth, probably preparing to tease me about something when Natsu speaks again. "Good." He seems to relax a little bit. "I got worried for a sec there. Don't scare me like that, okay Luce?" I feel my cheeks heat up. He was that concerned about me spacing out for two seconds?!

Levy smirks. "Blushing much, Lu-chan?" I ignore her, and instead make my way towards the coaster. Levy follows close behind, still grinning deviously. Natsu breaks into a sprint to catch up, slowing down once he's by my side. The three of us head into the entrance of the of the ride, walking past the sign that read 'The Ultimatum'. Levy cheers at the sight in front of us. "No line!"

She's absolutely right: there's only four people waiting in line, and they are about to board. I smile, surprised at this rare occurrence. Next to me, Natsu cranes his next upwards, looking at the roller coaster track above us. His face turns slightly blue, and he swallows hard.

"Two?" the operator man asks, indicating Natsu and I.

"N-No sir!" I stammer. The man gives me a quizzical look. "I-I mean we're not-uh..."

Thankfully, Natsu comes to my rescue. "There's three of us." He thumbs over his shoulder at Levy. "She's with us too." The man nods and lets us through. The group of four had already taken the back two rows, leaving the middle cars and front open. "Not in the front," Natsu says quickly, seeing Levy's expression.

"It only seats two a row anyways," Levy says. "You and Lucy can sit can ride in the back, but I'm sitting in the front!" She grins, and rushes towards the front of the coaster. Natsu turns to look at me, his eyes begging me to be merciful. I can never resist those puppy dog eyes, so I sigh and the seat third from the back. Levy was separated from us from Levy, which was a bit sad (and made Natsu and I look like a couple...awkward.) Although, I'm not sure I mind that much. Natsu really is attractive, funny, and carefree...all things that draw me to him.

I slap my forehead. 'What am I thinking? I see Natsu like...that?! What are these crazy thoughts? I mean, sure, he's practically flawless but...' My thoughts are suddenly interrupted by the lap bar smacking into my thighs. Next to me, Natsu looks dangerously pale.

"L-Lucy?" he stammers. "Will you...will you hold my hand?"

I blush like crazy. "Y-Yeah, sure." I take his hand, interlacing my fingers between his. He squeezes a little bit, just tight enough to be slightly uncomfortable. I ignore it, since it's highly possible he's never ridden a roller coaster before due to motion sickness. He's probably terrified. I give his hand a gentle squeeze in return. "You'll be fine," I reassure him. He nods quickly, and the roller coaster starts climbing up the big slope.

"Shit!" Natsu hisses, clutching onto my hand harder as he closes his eyes tightly. "I feel sick."

"Shhh..." I whisper. "You're going to be okay... You can squeeze my hand as much as you want..."

In the front, Levy turns around and shouts, "Here we go!" She throws her hands into the air, preparing for the drop. My right hand goes numb, and we drop. Levy's screams of delight fill my ears, and I start screaming along with her. This coaster is fun, but horrifying. I've rode this a million times, but the fear never fully goes away.

Beside me, Natsu is completely silent, his eyes wide open. His expression is an odd mix of fear, nausea, and excitement. I manage to smile between my screams, pleased that he appears to be enjoying it a little bit.

The coaster finally reaches a stop. In the front, Levy is whopping and hollering like a crazy person. I'm laughing and grinning wildly, still feeling the adrenaline rush. I turn to look at Natsu. He looks pretty sick, but also very relieved. "That wasn't too bad," he admits as he releases my hand. "I mean, I feel like shit, but it was still a bit fun."

I smile at him, trying to get circulation back into my hand. "See? It was fun," I say as he pushes up the lap bar.

His expression suddenly turns serious. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without you there. Thanks."

I blush crimson and look away. I jump out of the car first, and he quickly follows. We meet Levy at the exit of the ride, where she excitedly talks our ears off. It seems she still has an adrenaline rush too. Natsu finally cuts into her rant, looking much less ill. "Lucy, didn't you promise food?"

I sigh, "Yes, I did. One food item. Get whatever you want, I'm paying." Natsu grins, snatching up my non-throbbing hand. He pulls me over to the nearest churro cart, Levy right on our heels. I swear I see a flash of electronic light, but it fades so fast that it must've been my imagination. Natsu orders a churro for each of us, and I pay. I take a bite of the cinnamon sugar-covered fried dough and smile. "Good choice, Natsu."

"Churros are awesome-sauce," he replies with a grin.

My heart flutters. 'What is happening to me?! Agh! No! I need to stop thinking about him in that way... I don't feel that way... He's not hot...he's not hot...he's totally hot... AHHH! SHUT UP BRAIN! THIS ISN'T HAPPENING! THESE FEELINGS ARE JUST FRIENDLY!' Natsu turns his head, gazing up towards the sky. Golden sunlight frames his face giving him an almost angelic glow. My heart back flips in my chest. 'Or...not.'

That evening, when I return home, I collapse onto my bed. I gaze at my limp hand, shaking it slightly. It still is in pain from the roller coaster... Silly Natsu...

Natsu... My heart pounds in my chest at his name. Thinking of him makes my head spin, face burn, and stomach fill with butterflies. This is a feeling I've never felt before, alien and foreign. He's everywhere at once: memories of him plague my thoughts, his name sits on the tip of my tongue, and I can hear his rambunctious voice in my ears. My thoughts are swirling in my head like a whirlwind of confusion. It takes two hours of scribbling on paper, staring at the ceiling, and talking to myself to finally come to a conclusion.

I have a crush on Natsu Dragneel.

Yes, Levy was taking pictures of them the entire time XD She's almost as bad as Mira! But I can't blame her; the Nalu was everywhere in this chapter! XD

Any guesses why Natsu seemed so out of it this chapter? And why he took so long in the bathroom? (No, it's not anything inappropriate). Remember, the amusement park was almost completely deserted, so it can't have been a line. Tell me in a review, I'd love to hear your guess! I doubt any of you will guess right on, but I've hinted at something close to it already in this story. If you need to, go back and read the previous two chapters (don't worry about the prologue).

~ForeverDreamer12, signing out! :)