I updated early for I will be away for who knows how long. :( I'll be leaving the country and I'm not sure if I'll get internet connection to the place we're staying at so yeah. I hope you enjoy this. Last chapters if OA coming right up! Probably 10 or less more chapters.

Chapter 29

The whole 'relaxation' was a success. By success, it means nothing bad happened. Everything runs smoothly. Everyone was in peace and actually everyone enjoyed the almost two whole weeks they were all given a break. And for those who're asking about Natsu and Lucy? Well they were the usual. There were fights about the simplest and smallest things but hey, it's part of what they get themselves into. For Lucy the whole break was filled with laughs, teasing, glares that were like daggers, pouting, foods–yes, you read it right–games, swimming, more teasing which means more glares and people getting flustered. It's not really just Natsu and Lucy who's taking the break to spend time with someone they actually cared about. There's Erza and Jellal, who's been very busy with their so called 'babies'–well, for a manager they're actually his babies when it comes to showbiz industry and Erza has Lucy, and you know why–Levy and Gajeel are not really officially 'together' but everyone knows they're getting there. Gray and Juvia wasn't really in that league but it's just obvious that Juvia had a thing for him, which Gray just doesn't know or he just really don't care or like others, just having a hard time admitting what it really was.

And here they were, at Heartfilia's private jet. Levy was sitting with Juvia, both of them were too busy looking at the pictures they captured during the whole vacation. They were giggling and squealing at certain pictures which disturb the other passengers a little. Gray was on window's side, lost in his thought while Gajeel was eating stuff just beside him. Erza sits side by side with Jellal, both of them asleep, as Erza's head lies on Jellal's shoulder and his head leans on top of Erza's, probably the sweetest couple in the plane at first glance. A snore can be heard all over the plane, it was really loud though maybe due to the long time they've been together, they get used to it and find it quite tolerable after 3 days of no sleep. Natsu was snoring really loud as he slept on Lucy's lap, his body extended out to of the chair they were sitting on. The truth was Lucy really want to sleep because when they head back she knew she'll be working on the double. Well she can't sleep, for if she did, her ears will take all the damage the loud snoring gives. She just kept on entertaining herself while watching the clouds and constantly taking a peek on Natsu's sleeping face. Lucy finds it childish as he scratches his stomach while his saliva flows out of his mouth. Well, she finds it disgusting too. The loud snoring makes her want to smack him hard on the face to wake him up but to no avail she just tried to contain in. It was just a 2 hour plane ride. She can handle it.

"Hey, Luce? Why don't you sleep?" Lucy was surprised to see Natsu rubbing his eyes while talking groggily.

"Can you sleep with someone snoring so loud right beside you?" It came out like a whisper-hiss, careful not to disturb other passengers, namely other members of Fairy Law plus Erza and Jellal. She wished he has some sensitivity left in him for his voice was really loud. "And could you tone down? Everyone's resting."

He sat up, slouching to face the other side. His feet dangling on the armchair, as he looked around and sees the other passengers himself. Natsu twisted to his left so he was facing in front, he could feel Lucy right beside him and for him it just felt right. His thoughts wondered to the question: what now? After he partially confessed to her the first night they stayed at the island, they spent most of their times together and to what others may look like they were a couple. He even courted her, traditional dating 101 forced by Erza Scarlet. It was sort of fun even if it's torture to him. What's important is that he was closer to Lucy now. But Natsu wanted to confirm it. He wanted to make sure they were on the same track. For Natsu himself, he can't really consider her his for she hasn't told him what she felt though some part of him tells him she's his. She didn't told him, but the way she acted during their stay might be enough to say something. Still, he wanted to ask her. He knew he shouldn't move fast with this and still has to prove himself to her but he wanted to know if he's.. okay? Is that it? Probably it is. Either way, he'll wait.

He was really happy that Lucy gave him chance. Though he hasn't confirmed it to him yet, her actions was telling him something and he's not oblivious enough not to see through it. That she's kind of returning his feelings, but he really wouldn't put his hopes up. He'll work for it, no matter what.

"Luce..?"

"Hm?" She replied while not looking at him. She's just too entranced by the orange sky and white clouds that looked so soft.

"What would happen if we land?" He could feel her body stiffen. "You know.. I mean, about us."

'Us' might be a strong word, but is there really such thing as 'us' to them?

Lucy looked at him with all her might. She's been asking that herself too. In fact she was torn between telling him what she felt or not. When they get back would everything be like what they used to before they went to Tenrou or should they change? She too wanted to ask him about that, it's just she doesn't know how to start and now that he's the one who asked it first, she doesn't really know what to answer.

"W-W-Well.. What d-do you think?" Deflecting the question might be the best she has right now. What happened to them in Tenrou.. is it really confessing? She knew they said their feelings but it's not straight. Also, the thought of being married days later makes her stomach churn.

"I meant what I sai –"

She looked down not noticing his grinning and blushing face. She knew sooner or later she needs to tell him about the marriage and the deal they had with the company. Now, she's the only heir of the two companies that was left to her, she needs to look for someone to help her in running it or so they say she needed it. "I have something to tell you." It would just be fair to tell him she's arranged to be married a few days later. She doesn't want to make him feel betrayed.

Natsu looked to his side, his smile fading but kept it. "Hey what's wrong?" He cupped her face with his right and looked straight into her eyes. He could see her eyes started to water and pulled her into a hug. "Don't cry. Okay?" He could feel her nod against his chest.

All she wanted was to be with this guy, even if it meant her breaking her promise. But that doesn't matter right now, it was the upcoming marriage. She'll deal with herself later. Only his feelings matter for now. This is what matters right now. "I-I'm.."

"We'll be landing in a few minutes. Please fasten your seatbelts."

Natsu looked up to the speakers and back to Lucy. He smiled at her. "Luce.." He grabbed her hand and looked straight into her eyes when they fastened their seatbelts. "..even if this plane lands and we set our foot back to our lives in Magnolia, I'll still hold on to what I said in Tenrou. I really do care about you Lucy. I meant what I said back then, never doubt any of it." He kissed the back of her hand not cutting his gaze on hers. "Official or not, what matter is I lo–"

"Hey lover boy, the plane landed and you should be hurrying for the concert." Gray said ducking his head to their seats, carrying his bag on his shoulder.

Natsu glared at him, but didn't let go of Lucy's hands. He turned back to her and smiled. "Oh right." He turned to his bag and dug something that must have been on the deepest part of his bag. Finally he pulled his hand and reached it towards her. "Here's your favourite book."

"Did you read it?" Lucy asked quite shock that he borrowed a book from her.

"Well, sort of. I've been through it for 3 or 5 times."

Lucy's eyes widen. She just couldn't believe he reads and then here he was saying he's been through the book for 3 to 5 times?

She was awaken by a kiss on her cheek. "Remember that, okay?" He grinned at her and pinched her cheek lightly. "See you later." He whispered in her ear and moved out intentionally bumping Gray in the process.

"Sorry Lucy, he still has a concert with The Sabers. You know, he's a guest and those showbiz stuff about.." He can't just tell Lucy about Lisanna inviting Natsu for the purpose of 'that's-what-the-fans-like-so-let's-do-it -to-increase-popularity'. But knowing Lisanna, Gray knew she's doing it for her own fun. And Natsu's just that oblivious to see that, or maybe he's just too kind that he values all his friends and forgives them that easy. He smiled at Lucy. "You know.." He chuckled. "Don't worry, he'll come back soon." Gray looked back at Lucy and saw that she was frozen in her place, flushed red and looked like she's not breathing. He chuckled which made her snap out of her trance. She's spacing out. "Looks like you have a boyfriend." He teased. "And you're enjoying." He laughed.

"N-No!" Is he really her boyfriend now? How do you even know when you have a boyfriend?

"No? As in he's not your boyfriend or no you're not enjoying it?"

If Lucy could be redder then she did. Well, she's actually enjoying it but she won't admit it. In fact she's slapping herself inside for actually thinking and feeling that she's enjoying it. She can't speak a thing to Gray. Lucy just can't find the right words to say. She's just too flustered and she just can't get over of what happened between her and Natsu just now. Even if it's minutes that he's left, it seemed that she can't move on to the feeling he's left her. She's still trapped in that moment. Then she remembered the thing about her marriage and she frowned a bit.

"Hey don't be sad! We can watch the concert on TV!"

Lucy looked at him confusedly. "How come we could watch it on TV?"

"Simple! We're Fairy Law. You're Lucy Heartfilia.." He said stressing her surname. "And you're his girlfriend. Well, just 'Fairy Law' would allow us.. but if we add the 'Heartfilia and girlfriend' in the picture then setting it up will be faster might also be in HD or 3D."

"W-What are you talking about?" There it was again. He just said the B-word and G-word right in front of her.

"Just get off the plane. I'll send some people to your unit so they could fix your live telecast via satellite viewing of his concert with free HD cam recording." He dialled a number while waiting for Lucy to fix her things and they'll be leaving the plane. "Uhh, Lucy?"

She glanced to his side. It was just them that were left in the plane. The others were waiting for them in the lobby of Heartfilia's private runway or more like airport. "Yeah?"

"Would you like private viewing on the backstage too? You know the CCTV cameras.." He teased. "Just so you can guar –OUCH!"

"I don't need that!" Lucy said blushing when he hit Gray's arm. He just chuckled. "I trust him.. enough." She muttered softly, hoping Gray didn't hear it.

"Ooooooooooooh! Natsu really had the jackpot out of you." He smiled. No she regrets saying it the moment it came out of her mouth.

"Sh-Shut up!" Why did she even say that? Did she accept it already? Maybe she did? Will it turn out to be a bad idea? She's torn inside. Well maybe, it won't be that bad. But still, it won't change the fact that she'll be getting married soon. And she knew, even if it'll break her heart into pieces, soon she has to tell him about it. So it will be fair on his part.

It's harsh, but it has to be done.

Sed lex dura lex:The law is harsh but it is the law. It's like that but in this case it was in the name of their mutual feelings. It was all for him. It would be hard, but she has to let him go and accept the fact that they're just not meant to be. She chose this path, and there's no backing down on it. She'll be married in 3 days and even her close friends know not a thing of it. But now her priority was telling it to Natsu as soon as possible even if she knew it'll hurt her and him.

"You okay?" Gray asked as he noticed her spacing out.

"Y-Yeah. Let's go!" She forced a smile and went down the plane with Gray following her not far behind.

Loke and Capricorn drove Lucy back to the hotel; they just came from the office for Lucy needs some papers she left in her office. Lucy sighed in the back seat. Capricorn was driving and Loke on the passenger side. They both sensed her distress.

"Miss –"

"Just call me Lucy. It doesn't seem to me that I'm any older than both of you." She cut Loke off.

"But you're ou –"

"Boss. Yeah. I know. But wouldn't it be better if you work with a friend?" She asked smiling weakly at them. They looked at each other and smiled.

"So Lucy, what happen to your vacation?" Loke asked, putting his arms behind his head and practically lied on the front seat.

"Not too comfortable Loke. This is still work." Capricorn reminded him.

Loke immediately sat up straight and looked back to see a giggling Lucy. "Sorry.."

"Nah. It's fine." She smiled at them. "It's actually.. fun." Her voice trailed.

"But you seemed.. stress."

"Well, I was thinking about the marriage.." She looked down. "It's just days away."

"Mi –Lucy. You don't have to do it, if you don't want to." Capricorn said looking at Lucy through the mirror.

Lucy smiled weakly and looked away. "You don't understand.."

"We perfectly understand you. We served the Heartfilia for more than you know."

Lucy looked at Loke questioningly.

"I mean, our ancestors served the Dragneels and your family for so long. You know.." He said scratching the back of his head.

She was caught a bit surprised but hid it. "Hm. Can I tell you two a secret?" She leaned forward causing Loke to pull back and face in front. Lucy was in between the front chairs. She looked from Loke to Capricorn waiting for an assurance.

"Of course Miss Lucy." Capricorn said without averting his gaze from the road.

"Lucy." She corrected.

"Right.."

She leaned closer. "During my vacation, I actually confirmed my feelings for someone." She said in a rather shy tone. "I am thinking we both have the same feelings though I haven't confirmed to him what we were yet, but now because of this deal and marriage.. I'm afraid our fairy tale lasts for only two weeks." She frowned and head back to her seat.

Both body guards were taken aback. They didn't know Lucy was in that dilemma. They only knew she was arranged with some Dragneel in the past and now when that guy died, a Eucliffe came in his place.

"Must be hard to have a lot of guys around you." Loke smiled teasingly. "May you include me?"

Capricorn glared at him.

"Nah. Just kidding." He chuckled. "You know, whatever decision you make you'll still have us. Just choose whatever makes you happy, so you won't regret any."

Lucy looked at them with wide eyes. What makes her happy.. Natsu Dragneel made her happy. But now, he makes her happy and for some reasons she was hoping that he'll make her happy too in the future. And then it struck her.

"You just made friends out of your workers, congratulations!" Loke said grinning at her through the mirror. It made her snap out of her trance and for some reasons, it made her realize. She's actually making friends and she's learning to trust now.

She hesitantly smiled at them. But she smiled.

"I'm counting on you."She said winking at them.

It was not long when they arrived at the hotel and Lucy asked her body guards to bring her luggage to her room. Lucy needs to look for Makarov and ask him something about the marriage. Well, she just hopes the old man is still around. When she's been looking for hours she remembered Natsu's concert. Maybe it's starting and she's promised her friends that she'll be in her room and watch it with them, but seems like she won't because it's really important for Lucy to talk to Makarov right now. She pulled her phone from her pocket and dialled Gray's number but he's not answering. She tried Erza's, Levy's, Juvia's and Jellal's but no response. She thought of Gajeel, but realized she doesn't have his number.. Maybe the concert's too good for them not to bother on small things. She just sent all of them a message:

Hi! Sorry I can't make it in time. Just record everything for me okay? I want to watch it after my meeting. Thank you! =))

As soon as she sent it she hoped she didn't. The message sounded like she was really Natsu's girlfriend asking for footage on how her boyfriend was doing on a concert. She sighed in defeat. Half of her hoping they won't receive it and half hoped they would actually record the show for her.

"Lucy?"

She looked up and saw what she was looking for. She smiled from ear to ear. "Gramps!" She threw herself at him and hugged him tight.

"I.. can't.. breathe.." She immediately pulled back.

"I'm sorry."

Makarov cleared his throat. "So you're back from Tenrou. I was hoping you will prolong your vacation at least long enough that you'll miss your sick wedding. "

"Well.. An idea struck me just a few moments ago.." She said smiling genuinely at him.

"Seems like you're very happy and alive as ever after that two weeks. Something happened to your break?"

She blushed. "Hm. Actually.. there is. But –"

"Tell me. You know you can trust me." He flashed a thumbs-up.

"Well you see there was this guy from a band." Makarov's ears perked up. "Hm. How should I say this.." She muttered. "I don't really like him at first. For like, I mean like as an acquaintance or anything close to that. But when I am sad or in trouble he was always there. I don't really know what happened in the process but through the time I've known him.. I f-f-f-fell f-f-f-f-for him." She blushed at deeper shade of red and sighed in relief when she finally let it out. "I still have some issues with me, but I'm pretty sure about this feeling Gramps, sort of. Though were not really official.." She smiled hesitantly hoping the old short guy would be on her side.

Makarov looked serious. "Who is this coward who can't even ask you officially? Is he worthy of my dear Lucy?" He crossed his arms across his chest.

She sighed in defeat. Maybe she won't get his side. She knew Natsu is not the 'likable' type. Hell, she doesn't even like him the first time they met. But –

"But whoever that guy is, I should thank him for putting that smile on you, again." Lucy was taken aback. "You haven't smiled that way for years, child."

Lucy looked away embarrassed. Who could blame her for not smiling correctly when those precious people to her were taken away from her in a flash? From the Natsu's parents, Natsu himself, her mother and now her father. She valued them with all her life, but God just took them all away from her.

"Tell me Lucy. Who is it?" She could sense something odd in his voice. Was it nervousness? Excitement? She doesn't really know.

"He goes by the name.. N-Natsu of Fairy Law." She could feel heat rise up from her neck to her cheeks and for a brief moment there she swore she saw Makarov leapt in joy but regained his composure as she looked at him questioningly.

He cleared his throat. "Well Lucy, I don't really know.. him. But I would be happy if you let me meet him some other time." He grinned. But his grin faded. "Did you tell him about the deal? The marriage?"

"Gramps.. I was thinking if maybe we could stop this marriage."

He looked at her. "What do you mean?"

"You know, the deal comes by with options. One let Jiemma take over the company until he finds me eligible in running the company and the other was to be married off quickly so Jiemma won't take over, under the second are two other options." She smiled. "One was to marry someone of Jiemma's choice and the other my choice but he will be the one to judge him."

Makarov nodded but didn't really get what she was up to.

"I was just thinking that, maybe I could present Pink –Natsu to the Board and let them decide. Well, you know not just Jiemma but the whole Board. It's not really just the CEO that decides it was by majority."

Slowly, Makarov's eyes were wet. Lucy got scared but eased out when she saw him smiling while crying. Was it tears of joy? "Brilliant. I'm proud of you. Very smart thinking child, I promise to give you my support on that. But are you sure you'll marry him?"

Lucy froze. She didn't think of that. She's marrying him. Oh God, why didn't she think of that before she told Gramps about it. "Well.. I'm still getting to know him. But I'll tell him. I'll ask him this favour.." She said. But she still can't get that off her mind. She's going to marry him and for what? For the company's sake and not for love? That's just fair again.

"I think, if he really do care for you.. He'll do whatever to save you and what was important to you. So don't fret, try and ask him." Makarov gave her a warm smile.

Lucy hugged him once more. Now she walks back to her room. The only problem left was how to make Natsu look eligible and to make him agree to it. It's not that she didn't trust his skills or something like that. It's just.. she needs something from Natsu that would make him look more striking–he's already striking for being a star–so the Board will agree on him fast. She's nervous but she has too. She'll try and ask him later, for she needed to stop the marriage first. But she won't force him if he won't.

She smiled weakly. This will be just a try with no assurance that it'll happen.

It was past 11 when she parted with Makarov. She doesn't really get why the old man was so happy. Is it to her idea or that she actually had someone? She's still not used to having someone, and she hasn't confirmed from Natsu yet. But she knew he'll understand. It's almost like what she read in books, when they actually tell each other their feelings and kissed, but it seems a little different to them because it all started with her first kiss. Though for them it was literally their feelings they admitted, she finds herself fine with it. She'll definitely confirm it to him right after the meeting she's set first thing tomorrow morning. She hopes she won't chicken.

Lucy walked in her room and saw no one. "So the concert's done?" She said putting her hands on her hips. Her friends sure know how to leave a mess. At least they turned the TV off. Lucy saw a red blinking light on the player, which means they've recorded everything.

She yawned and stretched.

"I'll watch it tomorrow." She lay in her bed not bothering to change into her sleeping clothes. "Good night.. Natsu." She said as she drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face.