Hello! Long time no see, everyone! :D

Happy Nalu Week! Since I don't really have time to write oneshots for the prompts, have this update instead :)

Chapter Five

40 Days Until the Truth

With a loud sigh, I slowly stretch my arms towards the ceiling. The bright morning sunlight streams through my bedroom window, casting gold onto the carpet. I slowly climb out of bed, my feet sinking into the soft white carpet. I breathe in deeply, my shoulders relaxing. I have to be confident in myself today. Today, I'm going to speak with my father about transferring me to Magnolia High.

I change quickly into some comfortable clothes, as I'm going to meet up with Natsu, Levy, and Gray at the boardwalk for lunch. I exit my bedroom and slowly make my way to my father's study. I stop in front of the closed door, my heart pounding. Slowly I take a deep breath...and knock.

"Come in." I slowly push the door open at the sound of my father's voice, trembling slightly. He must've heard my hesitation in opening the door, because he slowly turns around to face me. "Lucy?"

"Hello, Father," I reply, not looking him in the eye. I need to be confident... Slowly I life my head to meet his eyes. "I'm here to discuss my schooling." Father raises an eyebrow, but doesn't say anything. "You see... I don't really fit in at the boarding school, neither do I have any interest in a ladylike career in the future." I take another deep breath. "Dad...I want more opportunities. I want to go to a High School...more specifically...Magnolia High."

My father's eyes widen in surprise. "Lucy!" he exclaims. "Why would you want to go to a normal school when you've got a better chance at the boarding school?!"

"I want to be a teacher," I finally blurt. My father looks shocked. Quickly I continue. "I want to be an English teacher and an author! And I want to actually make real connections with people! I want to meet all Levy's friends! They sound like some of the greatest people in the world! Please, give me this chance!"

My father sighs deeply. "Lucy, my dear... I just worry about you going to a school with boys. Boys are reckless and impulsive: they may try to hurt you in some way."

My mind instantly goes to Natsu's pyromaniac tendencies. I shove the thought away and quickly say, "Not all boys are like that! I know that for a fact!"

Father's eyes narrow. "I see... Does this have to do with that boy you've been calling?" I freeze. "Of course," my father sighs. "There's a boy. That explains why you suddenly want to go."

I realize that lying about Natsu is going to do no good. "That's not the only reason!" I claim. "He's on the bottom of my priority list, Dad! Please, please let me experience a life besides the one you've chosen for me!"

His shoulders slump in defeat. "I'll make a deal with you, Lucy. Get B's or higher in all your classes, and stay away from that boy, and you can go."

My heart sinks. "Dad..." I say softly. "I can pass my classes... No, I will pass my classes! But...you can't expect me to stay away from Natsu."

"Natsu?" My father frowns. "That name sounds familiar... What's his last name?"

"Dragneel..." I reply slowly.

"Of course!" my father exclaims, realization crossing his features. "He's Igneel Dragneel's son..."

My eyes widen. "You knew Natsu's father?!"

"I did," Father replies gravely. "He worked for a fellow company...like a sister corporation. He vanished many years ago...no one knows what happened to him." He sighs again, looking me straight in the eyes. "Lucy...if you want to be with Natsu...you can be."

My heart explodes in my chest. I fling myself at my father, and he catches me, shocked at my sudden affectionate attitude. I wrap my arms around him in a hug. "Thank you..."

"You're welcome, daughter," he mumbles. "No funny business, you hear? I don't want any 'accidents'!"

"D-Dad!" I hiss, my cheeks burning. "I-I wasn't even thinking like that!"

He chuckles. "You're a good girl, I trust you wholeheartedly." He lets go of me, smiling wildly. "Now, go see your friends. I can tell you're dressed for the boardwalk."

I smile gratefully as I leave the room. "Thank you so much, Daddy..."

I pull my beat-up car into the boardwalk parking lot, listening as the old, tired engine splutters to a stop. I jump out of the car, pushing my silky blonde hair behind my shoulders. I walk onto the boardwalk, keeping my eyes peeled for the familiar faces of my friends. I spot Natsu's spiky pink head pretty easily, and slowly sneak up on him. I leap at him, hugging him from behind. My arms wrap around his waist and squeeze gently. I feel him jolt at the sudden contact, but he soon relaxes when he realizes who it is.

"Lucy!" I can tell he's grinning by his tone of voice. I release my grip on him and instead move to stand with the group.

"Hey guys!" I exclaim excitedly. "Sorry I'm late, I was talking to my dad. You're gonna love the news I have!" Just then, I spot an unfamiliar blue-haired girl clinging to Gray's arm. She's very pretty, with long curly blue locks and cream-colored skin. "Hello," I greet her. "My name is Lucy, it's a pleasure to-"

"Love Rival!" she hisses suddenly, clutching onto Gray even tighter than before.

Gray shifts uncomfortably. "J-Juvia, that's Lucy, she's just my friend!"

"Yeah," Natsu interjects. "No way in hell am I letting Icy Stripper Freakazoid Boy steal my Lucy!"

My face burns and Levy chokes on the lemonade she was drinking. "What?!" she exclaims.

I try to will away my blush. "W-Well...uh...y-you see... Natsu and I...we're...kinda..."

"She's my girlfriend now!" Natsu says cheerfully. Everyone's jaws drop.

"Holy shit!" Gray exclaims. "You're kidding!"

"Nope!" Natsu laughs.

"AHHHH OMG!" Levy screams, giving me a huge hug. "I'm so happy, Lu-chan! Ahhh finally!" I can't help but to laugh at her excitement. It's good to have such lively friends. She doesn't stop her rambling even as we sit down at our table at the restaurant. Gray and Natsu are also arguing over something that sounds completely pointless, but I figure trying to stop them isn't going to do anything good either.

After getting our food and beginning to eat, I decide to make my announcement. I clear my throat, alerting everyone at the table that I want to speak. Instantly all eyes are on me. "So, I told you guys earlier that I had news for you..."

"It wasn't you and Natsu being together?" Gray frowns. Suddenly, his eyes widen. "Ah! Juvia! Get your hand off my leg!" He fidgets, trying to move away from the girl. Natsu bursts into roaring laughter, and I can't help but to giggle softly. I wonder what kind of relationship those two have... Is she his girlfriend?

I shake my head slightly, trying to get back on topic. "No, it wasn't." Everyone goes quiet again. I take a deep breath. "So, I talked to my dad... And he said that...well...I can go to Magnolia High."

The group is silent for a moment as they let it sink in. "Oh...my...Mavis..." Levy says slowly. "You're lying. You're lying."

A huge smile spreads across my face. "No!" I squeal, watching her face.

"IT'S JUST MORE GOOD NEWS AFTER ANOTHER, LU-CHAN!" she screams, causing multiple people with us on the restaurant patio to look at us.

"That's fuckin' awesome," Gray grins. "So glad your dead-beat dad decided to be cooperative. I've heard from both Levy and Natsu about how he's a strict asshat."

"He's not that bad," I sigh. I then realize that Natsu hasn't said anything since my announcement. I turn to look at him, feeling nervous. "Natsu?"

His brows are furrowed in thought, sweat gathering on his forehead. His eyes are wide for some unknown reason as he gazes at his hands. Very slowly he lifts his head to look at me. His dark eyes connect with mine, an unfamiliar emotion swirling inside of them. When he speaks, his voice is hoarse and cracked. "Don't." With that, he stands up, his chair falling to the ground, and calmly walks towards the bathroom.

"Whoa..." Gray says slowly. "What the hell was that about?" He shakes his head. "Jeez. Someone's in a bad mood."

"But...he...he wasn't earlier," I whisper, digging my nails into my palm.

"Don't worry, Lu-chan, he probably doesn't want to go to school with you because he's afraid of commitment," Levy sighs. "Natsu gets funny about things sometimes. Just give him some time, and then he'll be so happy for you."

"I hope so..." I reply softly. I gaze outward at the ocean, my heart heavy. 'Natsu...what are you hiding?"

Sorry for the short chapter... However, next chapter will be the first day of school, which means more characters and more secrets! You'll definitely be seeing Erza and Gajeel :)

I hope you enjoyed, and please leave a review!

~ForeverDreamer12, signing out!