I promise to update fast this week.

Because I'll be celebrating something very special.

So I wanted to share it to you readers.

Though I'm not sure how frequent that would be.

Maybe two updates per story I was working on.

Haha

Enjoy! Thanks for reading!

Chapter 6

"Whoooo. I'm really glad you forced me to join you Erza." Lucy said leaning against a big rock. After eating the group decided that they'll now try the hot springs. Erza, Lucy and Levy were on the girls' side of course.

"You still remember you have work on 8."

"I know that." Lucy mumbled. She closed her eyes in relaxation. She must admit she had never tried going to hot springs. After all it was just her and her father. So who would take care of her, she's just little Lucy back then. "Best decision ever."

Levy chuckled. Lucy didn't let this pass. She opened her eyes as if being alerted.

"What's funny?" She asked in an emotionless voice.

"Nothing I just find you.. cute." Lucy blushed. Never had someone complimented her that way.

She doesn't really know how to respond to that. "Why, thank you. You were cute yourself." She smiled, that genuine and innocent sweet smile Lucy always had. "Oh and by the way, thank you.. Levy." She felt awkward saying her name. Like Gray's the first time they talked. It seems a little foreign for her right now but she'll get use to it. Soon.

Levy looked at her in a confused look.

"Well it was for changing me when I was drunk. And of course taking care of me. You know, the Natsu-and-Gray-robbing-my-ref-and-Natsu-got-stomach-sickness incident."

"That was nothing! I'd always be here, always ready to give you a hand." Levy smiled reassuringly. "Besides it was Erza who really asked me to do it."

Erza looked at the two girls. She smiled at Levy. "I haven't thanked you too, yet. Thank you for fulfilling my wish willingly."

"Jellal is my friend, you're Jellal's girl so, I think that makes you my friend too. So I'll do anything in my power to help you." Levy smiled at her a little shy. She turned to Lucy. "And you too."

Lucy was shocked. But then she smiled. She was considered as a friend by someone again, but she knew she shouldn't let her guard down. She won't let Erza get into trouble of protecting her again. But then again, she felt as if being Levy's friend felt.. right. So she'll give it a try. Lucy extended her hand hesitantly and waited for Levy to shake it. "Friends."

There were three girls in the girls' section of the hot spring and four boys on the other. As much as everyone knows there is an equal number of boys as the girls. Well more like lad and lady or may be guy and gal. Whatever appropriate name you may call them. Yet, they were only three in the female's side. The Fairy Law band had stepped into Lucy's life now but not someone who may leave footprints yet, well some may be. They were making their way into her life. But there is this white haired girl that she hasn't interacted with yet. She was shy though she wanted to have more friends. This girl she was searching for, Lucy has never talked to her. She hasn't even heard her voice yet. Levy, Gray and Jellal can be called friend for her now, still they need to earn her trust but time will help them. And not to mention there is Nats – No. Just leave him in that state. No formal relation. Nothing. So she's decided. She'll ask for this white-haired girl. She'll add another person to her you-can-count-with-your-fingers friends. Here goes nothing. "H-Hey Levy?"

It was not just Levy who turned to look at her. For god's sake she was stuttering. "Yes Lucy?" But she was answered by Levy with a smile even though she knew that she was nervous.

This peaked Erza's interest. She looked like she was sleeping but her ears were wide open for their conversation.

"I-I was just w-wondering where is Lisanna?" Her question sounded like a double question. Lisanna's name sounded like the other question. Did she get her name right? Does she ask her correctly? Is something offending? Lucy was frantic.

Levy smiled sensing Lucy's nervousness. She doesn't really know why she acted like that but this is interesting. "Hm. She was in our room. She said she doesn't want to bathe in the hot spring. So I let her. Why'd you need her?"

"Well you see I was just wondering where she is. We're just four girls here so why not stick together." Then there was a short silence.

Lucy continued. "And-And I-I wanted to be friends with her."

Levy clapped her hands in front of her. "That would be great! Lisanna is so sweet. I'm sure you'll be friends with her."

"Really? I hope she'll like me."

"Everyone in the band liked you. I'm sure she likes you too!"

Lucy blushed. "I hope. I'll talk to her at dinner." Both girls smiled happily.

Erza was watching the whole scene. She was just really happy for Lucy. She's been changing little by little, she was beginning to open herself up to other people and it just made her proud of her.

"So Levy I heard you were 'one' of the couples in your band?" Erza asked teasingly.

"One of the..?" Lucy asked curiously. She doesn't really know things like that. It was a celebrity thing. The band they were with is a famous one so it's just common for them to have some issues.

They looked at Levy and Lucy's question was ignored. Still, it lingered in her thoughts.

Levy was blushing.

Erza smirked. "It's that Gajeel right?" Levy remained silent; a blush was still visible on her cheeks.

"So it's true?" Lucy asked teasingly and she walked over to Levy and poked her on the cheeks. She squealed. "Oh how romantic. Levy and Gajeel." She made her eyelids flutter.

Erza was quite shock at her reaction. "Since when did you know about things like this?"

"I knew them a long time ago. I was able to feel them for others.. especially in the books I've read when I was young. Though, I must admit I never felt them.." She stopped for a while. A fake smile sprouted on her lips. "Well, I mean I don't know how to feel it with my current self."

"What do you mean Lucy?" Levy asked. Erza knew what she meant and what was she going to say, but she remained silent knowing it would be better if Levy will hear it directly from Lucy.

"I'll tell you sometime. Let's just enjoy this for now." Lucy leaned on the huge rock next to Levy. Erza smiled to herself and leaned on the wall across Levy and Lucy.

The quiet and very peaceful hot springs hovered by a very dark sky full of stars. The moon was shining brightly, as if it helps make you forgot other stressful things in life. This was life for Lucy, no worries.. for now. "Very peaceful –"

"WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM NATSU?!" A voice from the other side of the wall echoed. The girls somehow recognized the voice as Gray's. They all stayed silent to listen to their conversation clearly, cause if there's something they doesn't want to happen.. it was the disruption of their relaxation.

Splashing of water sounded. Someone has stood up. "Gray calm down." It was Jellal.

"THIS IDIOT WAS GETTING INTO MY NERVES." He said fuming up. He stared at Natsu and pulled him up ready to punch him. "WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?!"

Apparently, Natsu just ignored him again and looked away. He looked serious, which was really peculiar for him. Suddenly, a loud splashing of water and a loud thud sounded all through the air.

"GRAY! STOP! You don't need to punch him!" Jellal immediately went to Gray's side because he was about to launch his knuckle into Natsu's face once again. Gajeel on the other hand was just on one side eyes closed, arms spread and is leaning on the rocks. He was smiling hearing what was happening to his surroundings.

Suddenly, Natsu stood up and due to Gray's somewhat unbelievable strength, Jellal loosen his grip on him and he runs towards Natsu once again. When he fist was about to touch his face Natsu caught it with his hand. Gray looked at him with wide eyes, but soon he smiled as if he understands why he was acting like this. Then Natsu spoke in a low dangerous voice. He looked at Gray in the eyes. "I don't know what's happening but you just pissed the hell out of me since you came here." Then he shoved Gray's hand on the side.

Gray and Gajeel's smile went wider. Jellal took notice of the two band member's reactions and slowly he began to understand. He's not just their manager but a good friend. Jellal knew each and every one of them. He was used to the tantrums and all the drama each of the band members have. But for Natsu this time, he didn't really understand why at first but looking at Gray and Gajeel's reaction at Natsu's sudden outrage, it was as if slapping what's to be known right on his face. He just smiled.

Natsu walked out of the boy's section tying his robe around his rather lean body, his robe hanging loosely on his chest part. He stomped his way and slammed the sliding wooden door to its end.

"It's going to be a long night." Jellal sighed and smiled. He soaked himself back in the hot spring and relaxed.

The girls were silent the whole time. "Did they just fight?" Lucy asked breaking the silence. Sure she heard sloshing of water and some sounds indicating a brawl but that's normal for these boys right?

"It's normal. Let them be."

"N-No. It's not. I think that was a real one." Levy said.

"How'd you know?" Lucy asked with a tinge of worry in her voice.

"Well you know, I've expected them to fight. And if it was just any other normal fights they would now be in here. I mean they've already destroyed that wall." So that was the reason Jellal brought a lot of money, for the compensation of the things they'll destroy. Very nice prediction.

"You're right. But it seems like they didn't so let's just let it go for now." Erza made the decision. She was Erza so what will you expect.

The other girls cannot disagree. This is Erza what would happen if you go against her? So they stayed there. They relaxed. Lucy tried but she's just so worried. Who walked out and slammed the door close? Is the reason that serious? And why?

Time has passed.

"Hey Erza? Levy? Lucy?" A voice from the other side called for them.

"What you're gonna peek?" Erza answered in a serious dangerous tone.

"N-No! I was just want you to know we're leaving. Dinner will be served in a few." The voice was Jellal's.

"Okay. We'll be out after you." Erza has decided that they'll follow after the guys had gone. Safety precautions. They waited for the voices to disappear. "The coast is clear. Let's go now."

They went to their respective rooms.

Erza was now with Lucy giving her a white shirt and long loose red pants. "Here. I only got these for you."

"Thanks Erza!" She immediately wore the loose pants and fitted white shirt. "Uhh. Erza I'll go ahead first. Okay?"

"Okay. But make sure you'll dry your hair. It's cold outside."

"I will." She quickly walked towards the door and left.

Lucy walked around the inn. She decided she'll take the long path cause she's not hungry yet. While walking she noticed a figure at the cliff. It was looking blankly in the open. What was it looking at in the first place? And it was smoking. She takes a closer look. "Hey Pinky!"

The figure turned and revealed the pink haired guy. His face seemed to brighten up upon seeing the smile the blonde girl had on her face. He looked at her from head to toe and back. "So you want wearing matching outfit as me?" He said as he waited for her to come closer. "What do you want my girl?"

Lucy stopped realizing Natsu had long-sleeved red top and white pants. Coincidence? She rolled her eyes. Giving meaning to something like that is really childish. "Stop calling me yours Pinky. You don't have a girlfriend."

"I have." He said as he slung his arm around her shoulder.

She removed the arm and stood beside him looking at what he was looking a while ago. "I'm not yours."

"Yet."

"In your dreams Pinky." She stuck her tongue out to him with a smile on her lips.

"How'd you know you're always in my dreams?"

It was unexpected for Lucy. She blushed as she can't help but smile but she tried to hide it and Natsu laughed.

"You're really cute when your face is red."

"Stop playing with me."

"I'm not." He chuckled. He leaned closer to her ear. "You interest me so damn much, princess."

Lucy backed away looking at him with wide eyes. "I-I'm not a princess!" She smacked him on the chest lightly.

"You are, in my eyes." His eyes sparkled. What had happen? Lucy can't feel any coldness. It's supposed to be cold.

"Sh-Shut up!"

Natsu smiled at her. He turned away and looked back to where he was looking before Lucy came, but this time he had a smile on his face. "So why are you here?" He totally forgot about his lighted cigarette stick on his fingers.

After putting herself together, she managed to answer normally. "Actually I'm here t –"

"Oh. I know!" He cut her off. "You're cold! You seek warmth." Natsu opened his arms to the sides as if asking Lucy to come into his arms.

"As if!" She retorted with a blushing face. Why was this guy so persistent? She doesn't like him.

Natsu expected it so he put his hands down but still smile. He then put his arms at the back of his head.

"I-I was just here to –" Then he exhaled smoke on her face accidentally. She coughed. "You idiot!" Feeling irritated Lucy pulled the stick out of his mouth and crushed it with the sole of her shoe.

"That was my last!"

"I can see you finished a lot." Lucy said looking at the empty cigarette packs on the ground. "I'm glad that was your last. Cigarette smoking is dangerous."

Natsu's eyes sparkled. Then he pulled Lucy by the waist and hugged her. He crushed her body into his. "I knew it." Natsu buried his face at the crook of her neck and smelled her. "I knew you care for me."

"I-I don't!" She said struggling to push Natsu away. But to no avail she wasn't able to free herself. Getting enough of the hugging Natsu pulled away. His hands on her shoulders looking into her eyes.

"You really look cute when your eyes were wide and your cheeks are totally red." Natsu chuckled. "I want to be the only one able to make you look like that."

Lucy backed away from him. "D-Don't get close to me." Lucy said and runs away. Looking at Lucy's disappearing form Natsu smiled. He's definitely enjoying this teasing thing. Even though Natsu didn't notice it his mood had lighten up. His anger a while ago has now disappeared. Maybe he'll stay there for a while; he'll wait for the effect of the cigarette to wear off before he eats a whole buffet.

Lucy's heart was beating loud. It was like her heart wanted to rip her chest apart and beat freely outside of her. She was about to get inside the inn when she noticed someone. She looked that way and saw the girl she's been wishing to talk with. Lisanna. She was there staring at Lucy. It was obvious that she was watching her and Natsu a while ago because to where she was standing the view was very visible. Natsu is still there, on his back to them.

This is Lucy's chance. She prepared herself and smiled. "H-Hey Li –"

"Stay away from him."

Lucy was shocked. Her eyes were side. "W-What do you mean?"

The white haired girl's eyes were burning with.. jealousy? Her face was angry. Even though she smiles, there is something ominous to it. "I said stay away from him you bitch."

Bitch? No one had dared call her bitch. No one. Well that was because Erza was always with her, but right now it felt different. Is she this weak? That she couldn't defend herself. She's not a bitch. She knows she's not. That's not how her mother brought her up. Lucy backed away. What did she do? Did she say something wrong? Is her voice irritating? Does wanting to be friends with someone that bad? "I-I'm sorry." She took a step back.

Lisanna stepped closer. She pushed her which made Lucy stepped back a couple of steps. "Don't get near my Natsu again. He is mine." She smirks looking at Lucy's afraid face. "Slut. Bitch!"

"No one needed you! You're just made for that damn company."

"You have no right to be happy!"

"You'll just make people suffer!"

"You'll only make people feel responsible for you; your so-called best friend feels that."

"Stay away from us."

Lucy gulped. She could feel a large amount of tears threatening to fall. But she won't cry. That'll make her business enemies think of her as weak. She'll be eaten alive if that happens. They'll see her as an easy target. And with that Lucy successfully stopped the tears. She stands straight but she could still feel fear and sadness all over. "I'm s-sorry Lisanna. T-This is all just for the h-hotel. I-I didn't mean to interfere with your lives. I'm sorry." She said and she runs away.

Sweet. Caring. Kind. Lisanna. Does that really blend into the person in front of her a while ago? Or all those were just in her mind?

Lucy was devastated.

She just wanted to be friends with Lisanna.

She waited for her mood to fade before she walks inside the mess hall. Inside she found Erza beside Jellal then Natsu, on Erza's other side was Gray then an empty seat then Gajeel and Levy then an empty seat. Why was Natsu there already? Anyway, she shrugged the thought off. Act normal, she kept on saying to herself.

"Lucy! Seat here!" Gray said gesturing to the seat next to him.

She was about to walk towards Gray when a sudden pull stopped her. "No stripper! Shell seat beside me!" And he stuck his tongue out.

"She's walking towards this seat. Don't stop her!"

"No she's not! She's mine so she'll sit with me!" Natsu said pulling Lucy closer to him.

"That was visible. You even have matching outfits too." Jellal said while reaching for his water. He smirked and so as Gray. Natsu smiled at him, thanking him through his grin for his support.

"You see stripper?! We're totally for each other." Lucy doesn't really care about this whole argument. Her mind was still on the incident with Lisanna.

"Fine. Fine." Gray said lazily. "I know that already." He mumbled with a smile. Why would he not know? He knew it himself the last time he was able to talk with Lucy in private.

She was about to be pulled to the seat Natsu was asking her to sit at when someone coughed from behind her.

"Oh hey Lisanna! It's a good thing you're feeling well." Natsu said with a grin on his face not letting Lucy's hand go.

Lucy noticed that Lisanna was eyeing the contact between her and Natsu. But it was not just that it was her whole being, it was like saying 'why are you still here?' look. "I-I think it's time for my work." Lucy said suddenly pulling her arm from Natsu. He was shocked by the sudden reaction of Lucy.

Erza noticed the look on Lucy's face. Sadness. She called for her name. "LUCY!"

It took her a few seconds before Lucy turned back to the table where Erza and the other were."Yes Erza?" She looked at her with a smile on her face. It was genuine. The smile Lucy would always give to people close to her. But her eyes were a different story. It says it all.

"N-Nothing. I'll send your food at the room and I'll be there shortly."

"Don't worry Erza I can handle that." She said as she happily stepped out.

Natsu was left dumbfounded. What did just happen? Lucy was about to go with him. Lucy a while ago was happy. But why the sudden change in her eyes? He scratched the back of his head. Maybe it was just the eagerness to finish her work. He made his way back to his seat when he was stopped by Lisanna.

Lisanna smiled. "Can I sit with you?"

"Yeah sure." He said not minding if Lisanna cling to his arm as they walk.

The mess hall was filled with the usual bickering between the three boys of the band. There was also the smacking and the glaring from Erza of course which made the hall quiet for a short time. It was the usual fights but Natsu kept on staring at the empty seat in front of him.

Suddenly Erza's phone rang. She picked it up and stands to answer it. "Excuse me I'll just answer this."

The people in the table hesitantly nodded. They were not used to those formalities.

"Hello?"

"Greetings miss Heartfilia –" The voice from the other line answered.

"This is her secretary. But I was with her so I could relay the message to her."

"Her father wanted to see Miss Heartfilia as soon as possible."

"And the reason is?"

The band went silent and turned their heads to where Erza was standing. The phone she was holding and talking to a while ago fell with a loud thud on the ground.