After reading the chapter, please read the Author's Note below. (OwO)

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Enjoy~ This chapter contains hints ;)

Chapter 6: Meeting for the first time

It has now been two months since the first day of school has began and so far nothing has went wrong for Rogue or Lucy. Both of their lives went on being peaceful so far. Every time when Rogue and Lucy would hang out or go somewhere they would invite Sting to come along. The past two months made the three to become closer with each other. Every single day they would be together but not this day.

"Ne? Sting and Rogue are both sick?" Lucy said, surprised.

"I'm afraid so. They just texted me last night to tell you about their conditions," Rufus said.

"Thanks…wait, what's your name again?" Lucy said.

Rufus took a few seconds before he finally realize what Lucy just said.

"We've been classmates for two months and you still don't know my name?" Rufus said as he started to emote at the nearby corner.

Lucy doesn't really know who Rufus because she never really talked to the other boys in her class yet she still felt bad for not even taking the time to know their names.

"I'm really sorry that I don't know your name," Lucy said as she walked near him. "Do you mind if I could ask for it now?"

Rufus slowly took a glimpse at Lucy and murmured, "It's Rufus."

"Hn? Do you mind saying that again to me?" Lucy asked.

"It's Rufus Lohr," Rufus finally spoke out.

Lucy smiled when she finally heard his name.

"Nice to meet you again, Rufus. Again, I'm sorry for not knowing your name," Lucy said.

"It's actually okay, Lucy," Rufus said as he stood up.

When they finally cleared things up, both went back to their chairs as if nothing happened between them. It was still a bit too early for classes to start so both students just remained on sitting on their chairs while other students just made the room noisy. It was the first day that Lucy doesn't have anyone to talk to since she usually hangs out with Rogue and Sting before, during and after school. She never really tried to connect with her other classmates though she knows some girls in her class but she wasn't that close with them.

Lucy just continued on sitting on her chair without nothing to do but watch her other classmates talking and laughing. She felt like she was back to her old life again. It saddened her to even think about the past.

Rufus noticed Lucy's sudden behavior and unlike in his memories, Lucy was definitely acting different. He may even know why she's acting differently. In order to prove his suspicions, he went nearer to Lucy. He was currently sitting next to her yet she still hasn't felt his presence.

"Is there something wrong, Lucy?" Rufus asked.

"Hmnn… oh, it's you, Rufus. There's nothing wrong," Lucy said, denying the truth.

"You know you can't lie to me, right?" Rufus said in a serious tone. "I've already memorize the way you say the truth so there's no way you can lie to me."

"I see. Wait, what do you mean by memorize? Have you been stalking me?" Lucy asked.

Rufus just laughed at Lucy's reaction.

"Haha… you really don't know much about me, do you, Lucy?" Rufus said, still laughing.

Lucy really hates to admit it but she really doesn't know that much about Rufus at all and the reason why she doesn't want to admit it is because Rufus might emote again.

"The truth is Lucy, in the past years that I was a student here in Fiore Academy, I'm always known as the Memory Maker," Rufus said.

"Memory Maker? What's that? Some kind of supernatural power?" Lucy asked again.

"Don't mind that for now so tell me, what's the matter?" Rufus said.

"Does it really show that I have some kind of problem?" Lucy asked.

"To some people, maybe not but I'm not some people, am I?" Rufus asked. " Sting and Rogue talk about you whenever they're with me and I have to admit that I do watch your every moves but it's not only you, I also do that to mostly everyone so I already know what you look like when you're down."

Lucy doesn't really know how to respond to what he just said.

"It seems like I can't escape from your question then," Lucy sighed. "My problem is that I just feel kinda lonely when Rogue or Sting isn't with me. I've never been shy before but it's still a little rude to talk to someone who you're not close to."

Rufus clearly understands what Lucy's going through so he thought of an idea to solve Lucy's problem. He stood up from the chair and held Lucy's hand.

"How about today you meet some new people? What do you say?" Rufus said, leaning close to Lucy's face.

Without hearing Lucy's answer, Rufus dragged Lucy to a bunch of girls who were just talking and sitting around. When they came near them, Lucy went nearer to Rufus like a little girl.

"Why hello there, Rufus and Lucy! What do you want from us?" asked by one of the girls.

"I just find out that Lucy here doesn't really know you girls, so do you mind making her feel more welcome in Sabertooth? It is still her first year here in Fiore Academy and she doesn't have many friends yet," Rufus replied.

"Lucy, you could have just approach to us if you want to make friends with us," said by another girl.

"I just didn't know how to approach you guys. Sorry," Lucy said, releasing her grip from Rufus's hand.

"It's alright. We'll be taking her off your hands for now, Rufus," said by another girl who started to drag Lucy to a chair near them.

As soon as Lucy was seated, most of the girls just started to ask about her life with Rogue and Sting. Before he could walk away, Rufus stood there and watched Lucy's expression. She was becoming happy again. The thought that he was the one who made her happy again really lightened his spirits. It has been a long time since he helped someone out.

After 20 minutes, their homeroom teacher appeared with test papers in his hands. Everyone quickly went to their seats and greeted the teacher. When Lucy and the others sat down, something caught Lucy's attention. It was Rufus. He was currently sitting next to her.

"Hey Rufus, why are you sitting next to me? Jiemma-sensei might scold you for sitting there," Lucy whispered.

"Don't worry I have a plan if he does catches me," Rufus whispered.

"Stop whispering you two!" Jiemma shouted as he threw a chalk at Rufus which he swiftly caught. "And Rufus, could you tell me why are sitting on Sting's chair?"

Rufus stood up and went near Jiemma, giving him the chalk back. After that, he showed something to Jiemma.

"Okay, you have now permission to be seated next to her then," Jiemma said.

"Wha~" said by most of the boys in the class.

"Ne? Is there something wrong with my decision?" Jiemma said in a threatening voice.

Despite of being scared of their teacher, one of them still answered back at Jiemma's question.

"Why are you allowing Rufus to sit next to Lucy? It's against the Sabertooth rule," answered by one of the boys.

Jiemma took a deep breath before answering the boy's question.

"Let me put this in the simplest way…. Rufus has permission from Sting," Jiemma said.

"Why didn't we think of that!?" said by the boys.

"Sabertooth rule?"Lucy questioned.

"You see, Lucy, my dad made a rule that's only valid for Sabertooth sections," said by a girl who was sitting in front of Lucy.

"Minerva, can you tell me about that rule?" Lucy asked.

Minerva, the daughter of Sabertooth's homeroom teacher, is probably the only girl in Sabertooth who usually talked to Lucy for the past two months. She has long black, silky hair, reaching down to her lower back while her hair is mostly loose, some of her hair is tied into a pair of bun-shaped loops at both sides of her head and a pair of braided hair can be found below the loops. Minerva isn't really close with any of her classmates but she isn't distant either. She just usually tends to hang out with Rufus and Orga.

"You've been here in two months yet you still haven't notice about the rule?" Minerva asked, dumbfounded.

Lucy just shrugged at Minerva's question.

"The Sabertooth rule which everyone is talking about now is a rule that allows someone in this class or anyone from the school to sit next to anyone they want only if the person they want to sit next to is in Sabertooth," Minerva explained.

"Why does a rule like that only allowed in Sabertooth?" Lucy asked.

"Actually, in every section in this academy has its own special rule. A few years ago, the old principal, Mr. Plue, loved his students very much and thought that it wouldn't be fair if there are no rules for the students to enjoy. Thinking about it made him thought of an idea. He gathered all of the homeroom teachers and told his idea about making one rule for the students to choose. Everyone actually likes the idea so here we are now," Minerva explained.

"Wow, he sounds so generous. Too bad that Mr. Plue was replaced then," Lucy said. "But there's another thing in my mind."

"Ne? What would that be Lucy?" Minerva asked again.

"What did your father meant about permission from Sting?" Lucy asked.

"Oh yeah! There's another thing about the rule. You must have permission from the person who owns the seat before you could use it. My dad added that part despite that it's the students who must choose the rule but I guess his part on the rule is really useful. Just think if anyone in Sabertooth or anyone from different sections can just transfer sits because they only want to," Minerva said.

"I guess your dad predicted what might happen with the rule," Lucy said.

"Wait! How about we ask Rogue for his permission?" asked by the same guy.

Before any of the boys could get their phones, Jiemma stopped them.

"Now who told you can use your phones during my class?" Jiemma shouted.

"But Sir, how could we ask Rogue?" asked by another student.

"I'll be the one who's up to that. I'm going to call him right now," Jiemma said.

Jiemma took out his own phone and started to push on the buttons. The room became quiet with every single student waiting for the call. Even the girls stopped what they were doing and waited for Rogue to pick up.

"Good morning Rogue! Sorry if I disturbed you from your sleep… no, no, none of your brothers are in trouble. The boys just wanted to ask you about your sit… eh, you want me to put on speaker? Okay then," Jiemma said as he clicked on the speaker button and placed his phone on the table.

"THERE'S NO WAY I'M LETTING ANY OF YOU GUYS SIT ON MY CHAIR, OKAY!? IF ANYONE WOULD EVEN DARE TO DO IT, RUFUS AND ORGA ARE GOING TO BEAT YOU UP FOR ME! AND I'M GOING TO BEAT YOU UP MYSELF WHEN I GET BACK THERE! GOT THAT CLEAR?" Rogue shouted from the other side of the phone.

"H-Hai!" the boys saluted.

Jiemma took his phone again and click the speaker button so that he can talk to Rogue again.

"That'll be all, Rogue. Just be sure that you get back here by tomorrow," Jiemma said as he push the end button.

After putting his phone back in his pocket, Jiemma turned around and looked at his students.

"Satisfied?" Jiemma said.

Everyone nodded at his question.

"Now to get back to class and Rufus, you may sit down on Sting's chair now," Jiemma said.

Rufus bowed at his teacher and did what he was told.

After Rufus sat down, Jiemma started the class.

During the half of the day, Lucy had spent her extra time with most of her classmates especially the boys because they just won't let her be. Thanks to Rufus and Orga but mostly Rufus, the boys had to restrain themselves of doing anything fishy with Lucy. Lucy was really glad with what Rufus did to her that morning. Without his help, she wouldn't have any courage to even reach out for her classmates now.

While Lucy was having fun with her classmates, she doesn't really notice that Rufus was always there looking after her.

~~~Flashback~~~

As he walked away, Rufus immediately took out his phone and started to push on digits and letters.

"Send!" Rufus said to no one in particular.

After a few seconds, he already received a reply."

"There's no way, I'm going to let you do that" was the reply. Right now, Rufus was texting Rogue about getting his permission but it seems like Rogue really doesn't want to give his permission.

"I knew it. I should have just texted Sting at the first place," Rufus said to himself.

Before he could do so, he received another message.

"I won't still let you sit on my chair but do you mind if you keep an eye on Lucy for me?"

"He won't let me sit on his chair but he still bothers me to keep an eye on his girl," Rufus sighed.

His phone vibrated one more time as he spoke his sentence.

"SHE'S NOT MY GIRL, OKAY?"

"How the—? He must have put a microchip or something in this class?" Rufus thought as he looked around to find anything out of the ordinary.

When Rufus was finally snapped out from what he was thinking, he began to text Sting and after a few minutes, he got a reply.

"Of course you can sit on my chair but only today cuz I know that Rogue's not there to keep Lucy company. Take care of Lucy, ok?"

"Both of them really care about her, don't they? I'm still wondering why they like her so much. She seems like another school girl for me," Rufus said.

Rufus turned around and started to analyze Lucy. He looked at her from top to bottom. He must admit it but she does kinda stand out from the other girls she was with and her looks does make him blush a little. He quickly shook his head from all of the sudden thoughts.

"There's no way that I'm falling in love again! I made a promise to myself that I won't ever fall in love or even have the slightest crush at someone," Rufus whispered.

"Hey Rufus, are you okay? You seem to be fond with talking on your own," Minerva asked.

"I-it's nothing, my lady," Rufus said, trying to put on a smile.

Minerva just gave the masked man a weird look as a response.

~~~End of Flasback~~~

It was now lunch time and Rufus was all alone at the rooftop. He has always loved the breeze of the fresh air. Inhaling the fresh air was much better than inhaling the AC's air.

"It seems like I'll be eating lunch alone for today," Rufus said to the wind.

He was standing in front of the rooftop's fence, both arms on the railings while his head is facing the clear blue sky. His lunch was untouched ever since he arrived at the rooftop just a few minutes ago. The place wasn't that quiet. The sounds of students talking and walking and shouting can be heard from below. While Rufus continued on looking at the sky, someone came out of the door.

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't know that someone would be here," someone said.

Rufus turned around and was surprised to see who it was. It was Lucy.

"Oh it's just you, Rufus. What are you doing here?" Lucy asked.

"I was supposed to ask you the same question myself. Why aren't you with the lady or the other girls?" Rufus said.

"Hehe… well, I just wanted to eat lunch where Rogue, Sting and I usually eat at. How about you? Normally, I've only seen you eat at the classroom," Lucy said.

"That's true but Lucy…," Rufus said. "You do know that I sometimes eat with you guys, right?"

Lucy became speechless at what he said. It seems like Lucy doesn't really notice him that much when she's with Rogue and Sting.

"Well, I—uh… sorry but I guess I haven't notice you that much," Lucy said.

"It's okay and by the way, I'm here for lunch," Rufus said.

"Really? So how about having lunch together, would you like that?" Lucy smiled.

Rufus just smiled at Lucy's offer.

Both blondes sat against the fence and then they started to eat together. Both of them had wonderful lunches and offered each other their food. As they ate, they started a conversation. Because of their conversation, Lucy learned more from Rufus.

"Rufus, I really want to let you know that I'm really grateful for what you did for me so thank you very much!" Lucy smiled.

"Hmp… don't mention it," Rufus said as he messed with Lucy's hair.

"Hey, stop that already," Lucy said as she tried to get Rufus's hand off.

"Don't wanna… stop me yourself," Rufus said as he came closer to Lucy's face.

The distance of their faces made both of them blush but there was no competition with Lucy's blush. Rufus quickly took his hand from Lucy's hair and both went back to eating.

"Um… Rufus, can I ask you something?" Lucy asked.

"I wonder what her question is," Rufus thought. "What do you want to ask about?"

"Earlier today, I remember you mentioned 'Memory Maker', do you mind telling me why some people called you that?" Lucy asked.

Rufus remained quiet.

"It's okay if you don't want to tell me though," Lucy said, feeling as if she said something that made him mad or something.

"Memory Maker is a title that someone made up because of my ability of memorizing every single thing in a flash and rewriting it after," Rufus said. "I never really know who made that up but because of that person, everyone sees me as the Memory Maker, the person who can use his ability to cheat and use his memory to use it against other people."

Lucy looked at Rufus as he explained the whole thing. It seems like he has a sad story in his life, too.

"I don't think Memory Maker is like that at all. I can say that your ability is really useful for the good… maybe in the future, you can become the greatest detective with your ability," Lucy smiled.

"Hmmph… you just sound like my sister," Rufus said, smiling.

"So you have a sister?" Lucy asked.

"Yeah, she's older than me and she's the only one that I can count on whenever I have a problem," Rufus said.

"We're just the same. I used to have a brother and he's also like my best friend," Lucy said, gently smiling.

"Used to?" Rufus asked.

"To tell you the truth, my older brother died last year in order for me to continue on living," Lucy said. "I actually remember his last words. He said don't cry anymore Lucy… it will be alright… it wasn't your fault… Even if he did say that, I know that it was my fault."

"If your brother said that it wasn't your fault then it wasn't your fault. You have to listen to what your brother said because if he is what you said your best friend then you must know what he was saying was the truth," Rufus said.

Lucy started to tear a little.

"I'm sorry… d-did I just say something wrong?" Rufus said.

"N-no… I was just kinda moved with what you just told me," Lucy said, wiping the small tears that was escaping from her eyes.

"Thanks," Lucy said, hugging Rufus.

Rufus's face became redder than before.

"By the way, Rufus may I know why you are wearing a mask?" Lucy asked.

"Hmmm… I think it just became a habit of mine," Rufus said still stuck in Lucy's hug.

Rufus pushed away from Lucy's hug and said, "If you want, I'll take off my mask."

"Really?" Lucy said in happy tone.

"Of course," Rufus said.

After school…

Lucy was now near the entrance when someone called out for her.

"Oh, Rufus, what do you want?" Lucy asked.

"I just wanted to know if you want to visit Sting and Rogue," Rufus said.

"That sounds like a good idea. I've always wanted to go to Sting's place but he never invited me," Lucy said.

"What about Rogue's?" Rufus asked.

"I've actually went there plenty of times so I think we should go to Sting's place first, is that okay with you Rufus?" Lucy said.

"It's fine with me. We should get going now," Rufus said as he walked ahead.

The two kept on talking as they were heading for Sting's house. As they were almost there, they spotted two familiar faces. It was Lector and Frosch. It seems like the two were also headed for Sting's place.

"Oi! Lector!" Rufus shouted.

"Hn? Oh, hey there, Rufus! Lucy!" Lector shouted as he waved at them.

"Are you heading home?" Rufus asked.

Lector nodded.

"How about you, Frosch?" Lucy asked.

"Fro's going to Lector's house, too," Frosch said happily. "We have something to do."

"Why are you two here? As I remember, your house is supposed to be near Rogue's, right?" Lector asked.

"Yes it is but we just wanted to visit your brother and see how he is doing," Rufus replied.

"I see. My brother's fever might go down if he sees Lucy here," Lector teased. "Let's get going then.

As they arrived at Lector's place, they were greeted by a blonde man. It wasn't Sting but he does look like him. The difference with him and Sting was that the man in front of them was taller and more serious-looking.

"Good evening Mr. Eucliffe," Rufus and Frosch greeted.

Lucy just did what they did without even knowing what to say.

The man just gave them a serious look without even replying to them.

"Good evening dad!" Lector said, happily.

As soon as Lector greeted his dad, a woman came out from a nearby room. She looked young and beautiful. She had long, wavy, red hair just like Lector's hair color.

"Why, hello there, children! I see we have a lot of company right now," said by the lady. "And I see we have a new face."

"She's Lucy, mom. Sting's beloved," Lector said.

Lucy blushed at what Lector just said especially at the part that it was said in front of Sting's parents. Sting's parents eyed at Lucy after hearing what Lector just said. Both of them analyzed her from top to bottom.

"Oi! Oi! I can hear your voices from my room so whose…," Sting stopped his tracks when he saw who was in front of him.

"Sting, why didn't you tell us that you have a girlfriend?" both of his parents asked simultaneously.

"Wha— who told you that?" Sting asked as he started to sweat.

"Don't try to lie to us," Sting's father said.

"Sting, don't try hiding it from us. We aren't mad. Actually, we are really happy. She's really beautiful," Sting's mom said.

"Lector! What the heck did you tell mom and dad!?" Sting shouted, blushing.

"Sorry for the misunderstanding," Sting's mom apologized.

Everyone was now seated in the living room while Sting's mom was bringing everyone drinks. Sting who was still blushing was sitting next to Lucy. His whole face still beet red, thinking of what happened earlier.

"I'm Reina Eucliffe, dear. I'm obviously Lector and Sting's mother," Reina introduced.

"I'm Weisslogia Eucliffe. Sting and Lector's father," Weisslogia introduced.

"Nice to meet the both of you. I'm Lucy Heartfilia," Lucy introduced.

The two looked at each other after hearing her name.

"Nice to meet you, too," Reina said.

"Mom, dad… if you won't mind, Rufus, Lucy and I will be in my room," Sting said, dragging the other blondes.

"I think my son still doesn't know who he's with right now," Reina thought.

On their way to Sting's room, Lucy saw a lot of pictures of Sting and his family through the years. He seemed to have a really happy life.

"I really hope that I won't endanger his life when the Mafia people knew about my life now," Lucy thought.

"We're here. Come on in, you two," Sting said.

As they entered, Lucy quickly analyzed Sting's room. Surprisingly, his room wasn't that different with Rogue's. The only difference with their rooms was that Sting's room had a lot of books on the table and it was a little messier than Rogue's.

"I didn't know that you like books so much, Sting," Lucy said, heading for his table.

"Lucy, wait!" Sting said.

He tried to stop her from going to his table but alas, he was too late. Lucy had already opened one of the books. Lucy was quite surprised at the image she was looking at. It was an image of Sting when he was still a little boy.

"Kawaii~ Sting, why didn't you want me to see this?" Lucy said.

"I'm just a little embarrassed," Sting said. "Give me that, would ya?"

"So, what brought you two here?" Sting said, putting back the book on his table.

"We just wanted to see how you are and it seems like your okay now," Rufus said.

"I see so Rufus, did you do what I told you to do?" Sting said, going back to his bed.

"Yes and thanks for giving me permission by the way," Rufus said.

"What did he do?" Lucy asked.

"N-nothing," Sting stuttered.

He doesn't want to let Lucy know what he made Rufus do for him.

"Well, goodbye now! Take care you two!" Sting said as he waved goodbye.

"Bye! Bye! Take care of yourself, Sting!" Lucy shouted.

"So do you still want to go to Rogue? It's getting late," Rufus said.

"I still want to. I don't want to make Rogue feel lonely because I didn't visit him so if it's okay with you, can we still go to his place?" Lucy said.

Rufus sighed and smiled saying, "C'mon. It's still 7 and maybe we can still catch up with him."

On their way to Rogue's house, they have met up with a lot of their classmates. It was a quite a long way for to go to Rogue's house. While walking to his place, someone even threatened them but it was a lucky thing that Lucy's with Rufus. Without Rufus, that guy might have taken their money and Lucy.

"Wow! He's just as good as Rogue when he fights someone," Lucy thought, amazed at Rufus's abilities.

The two continued on walking until they finally reached Rogue's house. Rufus looked at Lucy. Her face was full of beads of sweat and her hair was slightly a mess. Even if Lucy looked like she was exhausted, she still had a smiling face on. Rufus smiled at how happy Lucy looks.

"We should knock on the door now," Rufus said as he went for the door.

Lucy just nodded in response.

Just as soon as Rufus started on knocking the door, someone already opened it.

"Oh, it's Rufus-niisan and Lucy-neechan. What are you doing here in this time of night?" Romeo asked.

"We just came here to visit your brother," Lucy smiled.

"Hey Romeo, who is it?" a person shouted.

It might have been Alzack.

"It's just Rogue-niisan's friends!" Romeo shouted back. "That was Alzack. We were about to finish cooking dinner. Come in."

The two did what they were told. They left their shoes near the other shoes that were placed near the door. Romeo made them seated in the living room while he called out for Rogue.

"It's been two weeks since I came here at the middle of the night," Lucy said as she looked at the various pictures that was placed on the walls.

"I see. I used to come by here at Rogue's place all the time when I was still new in this place," Rufus said.

"Sometimes, you even slept over here without even telling me," a familiar voice responded.

The two looked around and saw Rogue in a red checkered shirt which had two unbuttoned buttons which made them see a little of his collar bone and a pair of blue pants to match with it. This was the first time Lucy was seeing Rogue wearing a pair of glasses. In her opinion, she found him really cute wearing glasses. (A/N:I love guys and anime guys wearing glasses. Especially when they wear glasses to long that it makes me squeal whenever I see them take it off.)

"Why are you two here anyway?" Rogue asked in a nonchalant tone.

"We just wanted to see how you were," Lucy said.

"Really? But it's already late and you're still wearing your uniforms," Rogue said.

"Lucy insisted to go here," Rufus said.

Rogue eyed at Lucy after he heard what Rufus said. He wasn't that surprised that it was because of Lucy but he has to admit that it made him a little touched.

"Then why are you here?" Rogue asked as he looked at the masked man.

"Because of what you ordered me to do, remember?" Rufus smirked.

"I see," Rogue said.

Suddenly, a phone rang.

"Hello? I'm just here at Rogue's place. But… okay, I'm on my way. Goodbye," Rufus said. "Well, it seems like I have to go now. My sister is looking for me. Sorry if I can't escort you home, Lucy."

"Oh… that's okay… I'm sorry I made you escort me from school to Rogue's," Lucy said.

"See you tomorrow at school then," Rufus said as he passed by Lucy. "Rogue seeing that you are okay, how about you escort Lucy home?"

"Oh no… Rogue doesn't have to… I'll just call home so that they can just pick me up here instead," Lucy said.

"Well, goodbye you two," Rufus said, opening the door.

As soon as Rufus was gone, Romeo appeared again in the living room.

"It's time for dinne— hn? Rufus-niisan is gone?" Romeo asked as he looked at each sides of the room.

"Yes and I think I'll be leaving, too," Lucy said.

As Lucy was about to head out, Rogue caught her by the hand.

"Since your house is far away, it'll take some time before your chauffeur arrives here so how about eating dinner with us?" Rogue said. "Like you said, it has been two weeks since you've been here at night."

"So he heard that part, too," Lucy thought. "Thank you Rogue for the invitation."

Romeo just kept on looking at them and thought that they look like Alzack and Bisca. He smiled at the thought.

"Lucy-neechan, is a perfect addition to the family," Romeo thought.

The three then headed for the kitchen. In the kitchen, delicious foods awaited for them to appear. Alzack was already seated on one of the seats. Romeo seated next to Alzack while Rogue and Lucy were sitting next to each other on the other side.

"Thanks for the food!" they said in unison.

As they ate, the four kept on talking and laughing. Lucy even fed Rogue some food just for fun. Alzack kept on teasing Rogue and Rogue would just pinch his cheek. Romeo, on the other hand, just kept on looking at them. It reminded him a lot of memories when their parents were there to eat with them. He really missed those times.

After they finished eating, Lucy wanted to help out with the dishes but Romeo and Alzack insisted that they'll do it. It is kinda rude to make your visitor do the housework. Instead, they insisted Lucy to keep Rogue company which Lucy agreed to. Rogue and Lucy headed for Rogue's room and remained there.

"So how was school today?" Rogue asked as he sat on his chair.

"Well, it was kinda lonely if Rufus didn't help me," Lucy said.

"Why? What did the masked man do?" Rogue said.

"He did a lot of things for me today," Lucy smiled as she was hugging one of Rogue's pillows.

"Tell me," Rogue said.

"Well, because of him I knew more about our classmates. Minerva also kept me company, too. At lunch, he told me some stuff about him like about him having an older sister and I also shared to him that I have an older brother. We talked a lot of about our older siblings," Lucy said.

"Ohhh… so does he know about what happened to Leo?" Rogue asked. "Wai— I didn't mean it like that."

"It's okay because of him, I've passed my sadness over my brother's death. I also told him that aniki loves eating sweet foods and he has an attitude just like yours and Sting's," Lucy said.

"I see. No wonder your mom made him ate all of those desserts when we first went to your house," Rogue said.

"Yeah, also Rufus took off his mask for me during our talk," Lucy said. "I have to say, he's really cute with or without it."

"So he did, did he?" Rogue said. "Wait! He did?! Unbelievable! He never takes off his mask in front of a girl except for his sister and the lady. As I remember, he only takes off his mask to girls who he is close to and who he likes."

"Really? He doesn't show his face in front of other girls?" Lucy said, surprised. "Wait… girls that he likes?"

"Yep!" Rogue smirked.

"Stop teasing me, would you!" Lucy said as she threw a pillow at Rogue's face.

After that, the two started a pillow fight and ended when Lucy's fetch arrived.

…Meanwhile at Sting's room…

Sting just finished eating and saw the pile of books that was on his table. He went near it and took the book that Lucy opened while she and Rufus were there. He flipped through some of the pages until he stopped on a page that had different pictures on it.

"Whew! It's a good thing that she didn't saw this page," Sting sighed.

It was a picture of him and Lucy at the amusement park a few weeks ago and another picture of Lucy alone.

"It would have been embarrassing if she knew that I have these kinds of pictures with me," Sting said to himself.

A/N: I'm really sorry for the delay you guys. I just had a lot of things to do and I know that even if I have an excuse, it's still not worth the wait you guys have been doing so in exchange this chapter had about 5,000 + words even without the author's note. It's two chapters in one (OwO) Hope you enjoyed it. P.S. I might write another chapter for Rufus because he has an unfinish past here.

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I would love to invite you guys to rolu week and sticy week this coming October and November. Hope you join cuz I'm handling it (OwO)

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Like the chapter, please review it~