First of all, I just want to thank you for over 200 favorites on this story! I never thought that this would be possible for me! Thanks for your continued support, and I really hope that you stay with me till the end of this story! Also, I apologize for not updating in so long. Things just got really busy for me, along with the writer's block. However, this chapter is longer than usual to make up for it. Now without further ado, on with the story! (Warning: not proof-read!)
"Awww! They're so cute together!" a blue haired girl squealed while watching the sleeping couple on the couch.
Lucy laid her head on Natsu's chest while Natsu wrapped his arms protectively around her body.
"Who would've thought that Natsu would show affection towards a girl," Gray stated.
"He's growing up so fast," Erza said while wiping away a fake tear.
Natsu stirs awake from their voices. He notices the blonde in his arms and smiles at the sight.
"Finally awake flame brain," Gray asked.
Nastu smirks. He looks at Lucy's sleeping face before putting a finger to his lips indicating for Gray to be quiet. "Where's Gajeel?" Natsu asked in a hushed tone. He was the only one missing in the group.
"He's out on his daily run," Levy simply stated. Natsu nods. He didn't want to get up because it might wake his Lucy up. With her running the company here, she doesn't get much sleep, so Natsu wanted her to be as rested as possible. Couple minutes later, Lucy started stirring. She extended her arms above her head in a stretch, almost punching Natsu in the face while doing so. She opens her eyes and notices her friends gathered around her.
"What are you guys all doing in my room so early in the morning?" I asked innocently. They all raised an eyebrow.
"Luce, we're in the living room," said Levy.
"And it's close to noon," Erza added.
"Apparently you and Natsu had a party last night and didn't invite us," Levy gave a devilish grin.
My eyes widened. If everything they have said was true, then...Natsu! I was laying on top of him! I quickly sat up and he followed my actions.
"Good Morning," Natsu said playfully. I blushed. All the memories of last night were coming back to me.
"I...ahh...fell asleep," I said pathetically. I realized just how stupid I sounded after the words came out of my mouth.
"I can see that," Natsu said amused.
"I don't mean to interrupt your moment, but didn't you say that you would bring us shopping today. It's almost noon and I still haven't had breakfast," Levy pointed out.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!" I scrambled off the couch, almost tripping over my own two feet. I looked down at my apparel. 'Wow I'm a mess,' I thought as I examined myself. "I'm going to change quickly. Why don't you guys order room service in the mean time. Phone is on the table over there." I rush to my room leaving four confused people by themselves.
"Wow, she sure is something," Gray commented.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
I quickly run into my room and slam the door behind me. 'What to wear, what to wear,' I thought to myself. I ended up picking out a plain white top and a floral skirt. 'This should look alright, right?' I put on some tan sandals before starting to do my hair. It was a simple hairstyle-down except for a small section that was tied off on the right side of my head. I put on a light layer of make-up and grabbed my purse before heading back down to meet with the group.
When I got down, breakfast was already on the table. Everyone started digging in on pancakes, bacon, and eggs. 'When was the last time I had breakfast like this?' I thought to myself. I normally never ate breakfast, and when I did, I usually ate alone.
"Come over and eat Luce. Take a seat between me and Natsu," Levy grinned. My face heated up. Gosh she was teasing me again, but I complied anyways.
Just then the door opened and a sweaty Gajeel came in with a towel around his neck.
"Hungry? Breakfast is here," Levy said.
Gajeel grunted. "Yeah. But I'm going to jump into the shower first." He went up the stairs and into his room. We all heard a small click as he closed the door.
Everyone was dressed and ready, so we started to head out.
"Where are we going anyways?" Levy asked.
"It's just a shopping center not too far from here. It's really nice, they even have a three-story book store!"
"Really!" My friend asked excitedly. I smile at my friend's excitement. We both shared a passion for literature. Call us nerds, but we don't care.
Meanwhile, Natsu and Gajeel were having a little side conversation of their own.
"Our girlfriends sure love reading their books, huh," said Gajeel.
Natsu nodded. "Perhaps we should show them something better than books," Natsu smirked.
Gajeel grinned. He knew exactly what Natsu was getting at. It was almost like they were reading each other's minds.
They both went up next to their partners and grabbed them to their sides, earning a squeak from both of the girls.
"Natsu!"
"Gajeel!"
The two boys grinned at their girlfriends.
Gray and Erza was following along a few feet behind them. "Don't we feel like third wheels," Gray said to Erza, who nodded in agreement.
Just then, the group saw two figures start to approach them.
"Lucy!" a female voice shouted. The groups attention were now on the two people. One was a female with short blue hair. She wore a blue dress that went to her knees. The other was a male also with blue hair. He had a strange tattoo over his right eye. He had on a black jacket over his purple shirt, and was wearing jeans.
"Juvia, Jellal, what are you guys doing here?" I asked.
"I wanted to do a little shopping today, but I ran into Jellal, so we decided to do some shopping together. Who are these people with you?" Juvia asked.
"Oh. These are my friends from Japan that I've told you about. Juvia, Jellal, meet my friends Natsu, Levy, Gajeel, Erza, and Gray."
"Jellal?" Erza asked with a surprised look.
"Erza..." Jellal said with the same surprised expression.
The group was looking at the strange interaction between Jellal and Erza.
"You two know each other?" I asked.
The two nodded. "Jellal and I took kendo classes together when we were younger. I was considered the best in the class, before he showed up mysteriously one day and beat me. I was sour at him for a whole week," Erza chuckled at the memory. "Then he just left one day and I never saw him again-until now of course."
Everyone looked at Jellal to see if he would explain his side of the story.
"It was just a summer trip to Japan to visit my grandparents. I just never had the heart to tell her that I was leaving," he explains.
The groups nods. Everyone knew that they had some unsolved issues to take care of, but didn't want to invade their privacy by asking too many questions.
"So how did you meet Jellal and Juvia?" Levy asked me.
"Oh, it was at a business meeting. Juvia's family owns one of the largest banks in the world so I had to talk to them about the my company's finances."
"Wait, does your family own Lockser's Bank?" Gray asked Juvia.
Juvia was entranced by Gray. 'Could this be love at first sight' Juvia thought to herself. Everyone, but the oblivious Gray, could see hearts in her eyes when she looked at him.
"Yes, Juvia owns that company," Juvia said. Gray just nodded, but you can tell that he was interested in the girl.
"As for Jellal," I continued, "his company, Fernandes Enterprise, in involved in a lot of architecture and design and he helped me plan the layout and format of my branch company."
Everyone listened with fascination about Juvia and Jellal's companies.
"Enough of this talking, Luce. Let's do some shopping!" Levy exclaimed. I giggled at her enthusiasm. Everyone chimed in in agreement.
"Well what does everyone want to do first?" I asked.
"Actually Lucy..." Erza said meekly, "I was thinking about catching up with Jellal. Would it be alright if we split up from the group?"
"Sure! You guys must have a lot to talk about anyways." Erza gave me a warm smile.
"Juvia also wants to talk to Gray," Juvia said while looking at Gray with hearts in her eyes. Gray nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I'm kind of interested in learning more about her company. Maybe we can even work together in the future," Gray said.
"Then I would also like to go on a solo date with shrimp," Gajeel spoke up. Levy blushed in embarrassment.
"But we're all supposed to be hanging out with Lucy! Isn't that what we all came for," Levy said.
"It's fine, Levy!" I told my best friend. "You should enjoy you time here with Gajeel."
"Are you sure Luce?" Levy asked.
"Definitely. Since it seems like we're all splitting up today, how about we all go to the beach together tomorrow?" I suggested.
Everyone voiced in in agreement.
"Then it's settled!"
Lucy and Natsu casually walked along the road talking.
"I'm so glad that we bumped in Juvia and Jellal today. Who would've thought that Erza and Jellal were actually childhood friend."
"Gray seemed to be curious about that Juvia girl too," Natsu said.
"You can obviously tell that Juvia had a strange attraction to him though. She's usually a rather reserved type. I've never seen her act like that before."
"Does that girl always refer to herself in first person?"
"Yeah, you'll get used to it. Apparently she started when she was little and it just became a habit."
"Hm."
"So is there any place that you wish to go to?" I asked.
"Matter of fact...there is."
"Natsu! I'm going to die here!"
"Oh, come on. It's not that bad," he reassures me.
"No, no, absolutely not." I protested.
"Nope, we're going in." Natsu takes my hand and drags me into the store. A store clerk greeted us, as I stare at the place in awe.
"Natsu, I'm going to get fat and ugly, and then you won't want to date me anymore," I pouted. Apparently Natsu knew about the massive candy store that is located around here. How? I have no clue.
"Do you really think I'm that low, Luce? But you know, I'm sure you'll still look amazing even if you do gain weight and I would still date you regardless," he smiles.
"Fine. But we need to leave as soon as possible," I stated. Natsu gave me a questioning look.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because me and candy stores make a really bad combo."
Twenty minutes later...
"Sir, that comes to $1086.26." Natsu took out his wallet to pay for all the goodies as I stand beside him, licking my gigantic lollipop. After he paid, we left the store with a billion bags filled with candy.
"I still can't believe that you picked out this much stuff. Might of as well just bought the whole store," Natsu teased.
"Well it's your fault. I told you that I couldn't be in there. And I could've paid for the candy..." I countered.
"No, I wanted to pay for it. Who knew you had such a sweet tooth though. You're almost as bad as Erza with her cakes," Natsu snickered.
"Speaking of Erza," I said, "I wonder what the other's are up to..."
(With Erza and Jellal)
A scarlet haired girl and a blue haired boy sat at a table outside of a local bakery.
"So how have you been, Jellal?" Erza asked as she ate a bite of cake.
"Good. My parents wants me to take over the company soon, but it seems like I still have a lot to learn. I know nothing about international business," he says before taking a sip of his coffee.
"I see. Well knowing you, I'm sure you'll succeed at whatever you do," Erza smiled.
Jellal smiles back. "That's nice of you to say. So how long are you staying in America for?"
"The crew and I will be leaving in two days. It's going to be hard on Natsu and Lucy to be separated again."
"Natsu is the pink haired one, right? Is he the one Lucy's dating?"
"Yes, that's him. Their relationship was a bit rough at first, but they managed to make it work. I'm so happy for the two of them." Erza trailed off.
"Do you have anyone special in your life, Erza?" Jellal asked, secretly hoping that she didn't.
"No...I don't right now," Erza said sadly. Jellal perked up at this piece of information, but didn't let the excitement show.
"I know you'll find someone soon. Any man would be lucky to have you in his life," Jellal smiles.
Erza blushed. "What about you? Do you have anyone?"
Jellal shakes his head. "No. But I do have a girl I like. I actually plan on asking her out soon."
Erza looks down disappointed. She was hoping that maybe they could end up being a 'thing', but she guessed that he already had another girl in mind.
"What is she like?" Erza asked, putting on a smiling face to hide her disappointment.
"Well, I meet her when I was a young boy. She was always so hard-working and determined, yet tender and caring. She always stood up for what was right and helped those in need. She was also the most beautiful girl I ever laid my eyes on. I guess you can say that I fell in love at first sight."
Erza couldn't help but feel jealous of the girl Jellal was speaking so highly of. "What's her name?" Erza asked.
Jellal looked at her straight in the eyes, "Erza Scarlet."
Erza's face turned as red as her hair. "M-me?" she asked as she pointed to herself in disbelief.
Jellal nods. "Is that so surprising to you?"
Erza nods her head. "W-well when you were talking about the girl, I didn't think that it would be me..."
"So what do you say?"
"What do I say, what?"
"Will you go out with me?" Jellal asked.
Erza slowly nods her head, afraid that her voice might fail her.
"Well now that I have you, I don't intend on letting you go again."
(With Levy and Gajeel)
"Shrimp, are you done reading yet? We've been here for hours!" Gajeel says exasperated.
"Shhhh...I'm getting to the good part," Levy said, brushing off her boyfriend. "Why don't you grab a book and join me?"
Gajeel frowns. "Why can't you just buy the books and read them at home?"
"I will buy the book and add it to my collection, but I just love reading at book stores. It's just such a calming place."
"Ok, then how long will it take you to finish the book?" Gajeel asked with a hint of annoyance.
"Not long. Just be patient."
Gajeel groans.
"If you really can't wait, then you can go look at some other stores and come pick me up in a few hours. I won't mind."
Gajeel huffed out a breath of air, before stomping off.
When Levy heard Gajeel footsteps fading, she looked up from her reading.
'I didn't think he was actually going to leave...' Levy sadly thought to herself.
Just then, Gajeel shows up again with a book in his hand-well, manga actually. He sits down next to Levy and starts reading.
Levy lets out a giggle.
Gajeel stares back at her in confusion. "What?"
Levy shakes her head and grins. She knows very well how her boyfriend can be. He tries to act all tough, but he's actually quite the softie.
Gajeel ignores her and goes back to reading his manga. "Wierdo," Gajeel mumbled under his breath.
"I heard that," Levy shot back.
"You were meant to."
Levy pouts. She snuggles into Gajeel arm and continues reading her book.
(Gray and Juvia)
Juvia and Gray walk down the street passing various shops. Juvia was staring at Gray's face the whole time, while Gray was oblivious to her actions.
It was super hot out, and Gray was starting to feel uncomfortable from the heat. He notices an ice cream stand nearby.
"Hey, Juvia." He said as he looked toward the girl standing beside him.
"Yes, Gray-sama?" Juvia replied, secretly hoping that Gray didn't notice that she has been staring at him the whole time.
"Do you want ice cream?"
"Huh?" she asked, tilting her head slightly to the side.
"There's an ice cream stand over there," Gray points. "It's kind of hot out, so I was wondering if you wanted ice cream to cool down."
"Ah.. yes. That would be nice."
The two walk over to the ice cream stand.
"So what would you two like today?" the man asked.
"I'll have a chocolate cone. What would you like, Juvia?" Gray asked.
"I- uh, I'll have a vanilla cone, please," Juvia said.
"Coming right up!" The man hands them each their cones. "That will be $4.55."
"Alright." Gray said while pulling out his wallet.
"I'll pay for my own," Juvia blurted.
"No, it's fine. I got it," Gray hands the man the money.
"You two enjoy your date now," the man chuckled.
Juvia blushed red. 'He said date...'
Gray responded with a "Hn."
The two continue to stroll along the road. Gray was eating his ice cream, while Juvia kept replaying the word 'date' in her head.
Gray looks at the girl. "Your ice cream is dripping," Gray pointed out.
Juvia looks at the melting ice cream and starts panicking.
"Here, I'll help you." Gray takes a hold of Juvia's wrist and lifts it up towards his face. He then proceeds to lick the melted ice cream on the side of the cone. Juvia couldn't help but blush at the sight of the scene. Juvia felt like her heart was about to burst out of her chest.
"There," Gray said, letting go of her arm. "You should eat it before it starts dripping again."
"Hai." Juvia said with her face completely red.
After five hours or so of shopping, the group meets back up. Lucy, Natsu, Levy, Gajeel, Gray, and Erza return back to Lucy's apartment, after saying good-bye to Juvia and Jellal. The group planned to meet again tomorrow for some fun at the beach.
"So Erza, are you and Jellal dating now or something?" Levy teased.
"H-how did you find out?" Erza asked frantically.
"It was just a guess. You've been blushing this whole time. You're almost as easy to read as Lucy!" Levy giggled.
"Hey!" I pouted.
Everyone laughs.
"How was your date with Juvia?" I asked Gray, trying to get the attention off of me.
Gray shrugs. "It was nice. She kept staring at me though, which was kind of weird. I had use the bathroom to check if something was on my face."
Everyone sweatdropped. They all knew that the girl has a crush on him. Gray was just too dense to notice it himself.
Gajeel put his hands in the air in a stretch and lets out a big yawn. "I'm going to hit the sack. See you guys in the morning." He heads into his room and closes the door.
"I'm pretty tired too," said Levy.
"Yeah, we should all get ready for bed," I suggested. "We gotta prepare ourselves for tomorrow."
Everyone agreed and started to head to their rooms. Before Lucy entered her room, she was suddenly pulled to the side into a kiss.
"What was that for?" I asked innocently.
"What? I can't give a good night kiss to my girlfriend?" Natsu said playfully.
I blush. "You can. I was just wondering."
Natsu ruffles my hair. "Good night, Luce," he said with a slightly deeper voice.
"Night, Natsu." I said before entering my room.
So yes, I know, I could've went into more detail with everyone's dates. However, it's really hard to come up with enough ideas and didn't want this chapter to be a billion pages long. Sorry! This story's main focus is on Natsu and Lucy, but Erza and Gray were just so left out in the love department. I didn't want to make Erza date Gray because that would just be weird. Ok, enough with my rambling. Hopefully the next chapter won't take as long to upload. Like always, follow/favorite/review!