This took way longer to update than I wanted. Sorry about making you guys wait so long. Terrible week, I wanted to wait until everything sorted out before I posted again. Hopefully, it won't ever take more than a week to update! And if it does, feel free to come to my house with torches and pitchforks!
III.
I Wonder
Juvia sighed as she hung another shirt on the sale rack, eyes raking over the pink fabric. Sometimes she wished she could break out of her habits, and wear colours other than blue, but that was absurd. After all, why did she even work here? Because the employee uniform was blue.
Juvia had only been working at Club Phantom for a few weeks, after her parents decided they were tired of her pining away for Gray Fullbuster all summer, and told her to do something useful with her life. Working at a high end clothing boutique was not exactly what Juvia would have called a dream job, but it was the best she could do.
Besides, she thought, folding a few patterned jeans. At a store as fancy as this, the pay was great.
The bell jingled as a few new voices filled the store. Juvia recognized one of them instantly, and ducked behind a mannequin as a tall girl with long, black hair rounded the corner.
"I know, Meredy, but think of it this way. Sure he'll be mopey for a bit, but eventually he'll move on to someone even better. Right? And then I won't have to deal with a mopey-dopey brother."
Juvia stiffened. That was Ultear Milkovitch, Gray's foster sister! What could he be moping about?
"I know," the girl named Meredy complained. "But Lyon's always been so sensitive, I wonder if he'll ever get over her. Chelia has to deal with it, and you know how she's pretty much in love with him, so she complains to me and then I have to listen to mopey-dopey Chelia!"
"Okay, one, Chelia is way too young to be in love with Lyon. She's younger than you, for heaven's sake!"
Oh, so they were talking about Lyon Bastia, the other foster brother, the one who already graduated. Juvia deflated a bit.
"Hey, didn't she used to shop here all the time?"
"Who?" Ultear asked, scrutinizing a white halter top.
"Sherry," Meredy said. "Lyon's ex? Maybe if we bought Chelia some clothes from here, he'd be into her..."
"Okay, this leads me to point number two," Ultear frowned. "Chelia is Sherry's cousin. It would be so weird for Lyon to date his ex's younger cousin. Especially if she looked like a carbon copy of her!"
As the two girls continued their conversation, the gears in Juvia's head began turning. Lyon had been attracted to a girl who wore clothes from Club Phantom? Maybe Gray was the same way? They were brothers, after all, and didn't similar tastes run in the family? Even foster families?
"This is cute," Ultear decided finally, throwing the white top over her arm. "Hey, Meredy, what do you think about a geisha for Halloween?"
They wandered away, and Juvia began raking her eyes over the store. They didn't just sell clothes, but designer handbags, shoes, hair accessories... you could style yourself every day! It was different from the type of clothes she wore normally, however...Juvia liked clothes that covered up. She wore boots, stockings, dresses, figure-hiding sweaters... all in blue, of course. It only made sense that Gray didn't see her in the halls...she was practically a wallflower!
But here in Club Phantom...skinny jeans, fancy tops, stylish jackets. Everything popped. She could make him see her.
But she didn't have money to spend on a whole new wardrobe.
As if struck by a bolt of lightning, Juvia broke into a mad dash behind the counter and into their storerooms, right up to a door with the plaque 'MANAGER'. She knocked on the door, and it swung open, to reveal a breathless Juvia to the manager in his leather chair, fingers folded.
"Yes, dear?" The manager of Club Phantom was a tall man in his late 40's by the name of Jose Porle. He had an elegant mustache and wore fancy Italian suits, despite being locked in the back room all day. He raised his eyebrows at Juvia's sudden entrance.
"Um." Juvia suddenly found herself very speechless. What had she been going to ask again? "Sir, Juvia was just, wondering if, er, employees got discounts? In the store?"
His thin eyebrows remained raised. "Why did you want to know, dear?"
Juvia gulped. "Juvia would like to wear something different to school, for a change."
Silence fell over the room. Juvia squirmed. Jose surveyed her, then gestured to the wooden chair by the door. "Have a seat, dear. What did you say your name was, again?"
"Juvia Loxar, sir."
"Why did you want to change up your wardrobe?" He asked, looking like a psychiatrist with his legs crossed and hands together. "To impress a boy? Girl?"
"Boy," Juvia replied, embarrassed. When Jose gestured for her to explain, she continued. "His name is Gray Fullbuster, and Juvia...likes him very much. But he doesn't see her, and she was hoping that a change in clothes could help her."
Jose nodded, like he understood. "Clothes do make the man," he mused. "Or woman, in your case. I see." He clapped his hands. "Well, I'm afraid we don't offer the kind of discounts you need, Juvia, but never let it be said I am not a man who doesn't enjoy striking deals."
"Sir?" Juvia wasn't following.
"I'll make you a deal," he said. "If you agree to come in and work whenever I call, and do whatever kind of work I ask, whether it be manning tills or stocking shelves or doing inventory, you come in and do it. In return, I'll let you borrow whatever you want from our back stores."
Juvia could barely believe her ears. "Sir..?"
"Follow me." Jose stood. He led Juvia to the storerooms, which consisted of boxes upon boxes lined on shelves floor to ceiling, and kind of looked like IKEA. "These are all the clothes that don't go out on the floor yet. They haven't been tagged yet. You can choose from them every day. Just return them before their due dates." He tapped the date stamped on the side of the box.
Juvia's eyes roved over the boxes and boxes of clothes. It was too good to believe.
"Well?" Jose asked. "Do we have a deal?"
"Don't do it."
Juvia pouted at Yukino as they walked down the crowded Mag High hallways together. "Too late, Juvia has already agreed. And besides, why does Yukino not think it's a good idea?"
Yukino pushed her way around a group of chattering freshmen. "This boss of yours sounds like a shady guy. I don't trust him."
Juvia laughed. "No, Mr Porle is a very trustworthy man! He's the manager."
They made it to Juvia's locker, and Yukino leaned on the one beside it as Juvia fiddled with the lock. "And the whole 'having to work whenever and wherever he asks'. What if you're always working? No matter how good you look, you won't be able to spend any time with Gray."
"Perhaps that will add to Juvia's allure," the girl replied haughtily, yanking the locker open. "And then she will be earning more money. And then she will be able to buy clothes all on her own!"
Yukino sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Look, Juvia," she said. "I just don't think you should have to change yourself for a guy. Even if it is Gray Fullbuster," she added hastily.
Juvia's expression softened. "Yukino is very kind," she said. "But Juvia is not changing herself, merely her clothes." She glanced down at her fur-trimmed, knee-length skirt. "Juvia thinks it will probably do her good."
Yukino laughed at that. "All right," she said. "Just don't forget about the rest of us when you become all fabulous, right?"
Juvia grinned, pulling the necessary books from her locker. Then her eyes caught something over Yukino's shoulder, and her face darkened. "Evil Queen alert."
Yukino turned at the nickname for Minerva. Said girl was currently down the hall, leaning against a locker and kissing Sting quite openly. Yukino's lip curled. She hated public displays of affection, especially if they involved her ex-friend.
Minerva raised her eyes to meet Yukino's, and she smirked into the kiss. Yukino turned away, disgusted. She scratched away at some loose paint on the locker, until she felt eyes burning into her. She looked up to see Juvia with a bemused expression.
"What?"
Juvia shook her head. "Yukino is very funny that she cannot see it," was all she said.
"See what? I have 20/20 vision," Yukino retorted, annoyed.
"Her own feelings," Juvia said cryptically, then closed her locker and sashayed away to her next class.
Yukino watched her leave, confusion marring her pretty features. She scratched at her head, wondering what Juvia could have meant. Looking back over her shoulder, she saw Sting and Minerva making their goodbyes, and she made a face.
What did Sting still see in her? She wondered. Wasn't it clear to him how cruel she was? Or was he just blinded by how hot she was? Minerva gave him a flirty wave, walking off. Now that all the halls were empty, they no longer had an audience, and she didn't want anything more to do with him. Typical Minerva.
Sting's blue eyes flickered over to her, and Yukino turned and began walking very quickly in the opposite direction.
Lucy lay on her mattress, above the covers, with her phone the only illumination in the dark room. The time read 1:00 AM, but she didn't feel at all tired. Currently, she was waiting for an email.
Once again, Lucy blessed the heavens that her cell could read emails. She didn't own a computer, and it would be a little weird, stalking the school ones or invading Gemma's computer room. In fact, she blessed the heavens that she had a phone at all; like the Jeep, it was given to her out of necessity. Namely, Gemma had needed to be able to reach her at all times in case he had more chores to do.
When Lucy was younger, she had seen the other houses on the street with maids, and asked Gemma why they didn't have one. He had replied with 'We don't need one, we have you.'
How rude of him.
Lucy's train of thought was derailed by a blip, and her screen lighting up. Eagerly, she leaned in and read.
xXSalamanderXx: so u finish that essay yet
She bit her lip, grinning.
Celestial_Queen: I'm sorry, I don't speak idiot.
xXSalamanderXx: :( meanie making fun of my spelling ineptitude
Celestial_Queen: Hey! Look at you, using big words. :)
xXSalamanderXx: yeah well i'm sitting here with a dictionary so
Lucy giggled, then covered her mouth. The floors were thin.
xXSalamanderXx: neway back to topic at hand. Essay?
Celestial_Queen: Yeah I've written a few drafts out, I haven't decided which one I like best.
xXSalamanderXx: A FEW DRAFTS, SHE SAYS
Celestial_Queen: It's not that big of a deal!
xXSalamanderXx: how do u converse with us mere mortals
Celestial_Queen: Do you need help with yours?
Almost immediately she regretted sending it. In order to help him, they'd need to meet in person, or at least give away some vital information leading to him discovering her identity. Lucy looked wildly around her 'room,' the pathetic makeshift bed and suitcase/dresser – she wasn't ready yet.
Fortunately, his reply assuaged her fears.
xXSalamanderXx: no worries, I think I can do it. when's it due? next week?
Celestial_Queen: In two days.
xXSalamanderXx: whoops. there go my chances
Celestial_Queen: Relax, you'll do fine! You should probably go get to work on it right now, though.
xXSalamanderXx: ya probably. when do we get results back?
Celestial_Queen: Early December.
xXSalamanderXx: great! two months of torture! Lol
Celestial_Queen: Like I said, you'll do just fine. But get to work!
xXSalamanderXx: yeah yeah weirdo. night :)
Celestial_Queen: Good night :)
She waited a good five minutes, just in case he started up the conversation again. When he didn't, she sighed and flipped the phone closed. Speaking of Hargeon entrance essays, she should really get hers done. It looked like tomorrow would be another day in the Mag High computer lab.
The computer lab was quite possibly one of Lucy's least favourite places in the entire school, perhaps because she spent so much time there. Apart from the kids that spent lunch hour playing online video games, she was the only one there. Occasionally, on days like today, she would be accompanied by Levy – but only when Levy had something very important to do.
"You mean you still haven't started it? It's supposed to be sent in tomorrow!" Lucy asked her incredulously.
Levy frowned, tapping her pencil against the desk. "No, I have started it," she said. "I just can't get past the first 100 words."
"What's the problem?" Lucy asked, typing a few sentences.
"I just don't know what to say!"
"Say you love languages so much you'd marry a thesaurus if you could."
Levy smacked Lucy's arm as she laughed. After a few minutes, she asked, "Hey do you mind driving me somewhere after school?"
"Where?"
Levy didn't look up. "Um, just a friend's house. Will you?"
Lucy shrugged, eyes glued to the screen. "Sure."
"You sure this is it?" Lucy asked, looking out the window with apprehension. Levy nodded grimly. She wished it wasn't, but the monster truck in the driveway left no room for questions.
"Thanks for the ride, Lucy," she muttered, opening the door. "I'll see you tomorrow morning, okay?"
"Right." Levy could feel Lucy's eyes on her as she closed the door, and headed up the driveway to knock on the large oak door.
No answer. She gave Lucy a reassuring wave, and waited until the other drove away to push on the door. It opened with ease. "Gajeel?"
As she'd discovered the other night, Gajeel was definitely more than his appearance. For one, he lived on Acalypha Mountain. Granted, it was a bit far away from the other houses, but it was Acalypha Mountain nonetheless. So he had to be rich.
But the state of his house didn't suggest that. The garden in the front was overgrown, the paint was chipping, and one of the windows was boarded up.
But the state of his truck suggested he did have money. As did the state of most of the equipment inside the house, like the high-tech microwave and stainless-steel fridge. And the big screen TV. And the expensive-looking PC.
Levy grumbled to herself as she dropped her bag in the hall, slipping out of her shoes. "Gajeel?" She called again. Where could he be?
Something meowed by her feet, and she glanced down. "Oh, hello, Lily." Yet another surprising thing. He had a cat, and a healthy-looking one at that. Levy would have expected, if Gajeel had any animals, for them to be malnourished and possibly even abused. But Pantherlily, as he was called, was the very definition of a lovely cat.
"Can you take me to Gajeel?" She asked. Lily meowed again, and began padding up the stairs. Levy raised her eyebrows, and started following him. Why not?
She hadn't been up to the second floor of the house yet. It was just as nice, although Levy was now noticing the fine layer of dust covering everything. Lily led her down a hallway, and stopped in front of a door covered in Metallica posters.
Lily pawed at the door, and it creaked open. Hesitantly, she stepped inside, eyes raking over the complete mess that covered his dresser and floor.
Then, in the corner of the room, she spied an iron-frame bed with a lump of black covers. Immediately, all apprehension was replaced with sheer annoyance. "You're still in bed?"
Levy stomped over to the bed, and pulled on the covers. "Gajeel!" She said sharply. "Wake up!"
There came a kind of grumbling, bestial noise from the covers. With an almighty yank, Levy pulled the covers off to reveal a sprawled, sleeping Gajeel, in nothing but his boxers. He growled and twitched, goosebumps erupting over his skin.
"You know," Levy said irritably, placing her hands on her hips. "It is no wonder you're failing all your classes if all you do is sleep on schooldays."
Gajeel turned his head, one eye glaring up at her. "I didn't sign up for this shit."
"Well, tough!" Levy stomped over to the widows, and flung open the curtains. Light flooded the room, and Gajeel buried his face into the pillow. "Listen up, chump. I've set a goal for today; we're going to find something for you to do post-graduation."
She waltzed out of the room to hear him yelling not to call him 'chump.'
He joined her at the kitchen table five minutes later, with a shirt thrown over his chest. She already had his computer fired up, and was working on her Hargeon admissions essay. Eyeing his bed-rumpled hair critically, she watched as he began fumbling with the coffeepot.
"I added a new clause to add to our deal," Levy said at length.
"Hn."
"You have to attend school every day. The only exception being if you are in the hospital."
Gajeel choked. "What? Why the hell do I have to go to school?" She raised an eyebrow "Okay I know that sounds bad but c'mon, I don't actually have to go every day, do I?"
"With IQ's like yours, yeah. You do."
He glared fiercely at her, and violently flipped the switch on his coffee machine. "Fine."
"Fine."
"Then you have to stay late Friday night."
"What?"
He grinned, a certain sadistic tinge to it. "Got a science project due Monday. Unless you want to come here over the weekend...?"
Levy was astounded. "But...but that's Halloween!"
"Yeah?"
"The night of the school dance!" Of course, she hadn't been planning on going anyway, none of them were. But still, the unfairness of it! He raised his eyebrows, waiting for her reply.
"Fine," she shot at him as hard as she could.
"Fine.
"Fine."
Shaking with anger, Levy turned back to his computer and continued typing away. Gradually, she began to feel Gajeel's presence behind her, and realized he was leaning over her chair and reading over her shoulder.
"What's that?" He asked, frowning.
"It's not any of your homework," she retorted coldly. "Some of us have to do our own."
"Che." He snorted. "What's it for?"
"It's my admissions essay. For Port Hargeon University."
"H.U.?" Gajeel sat on the ledge of the table, hunched over his cup of steaming coffee. "You want to go there?"
"Yeah." Levy's fingers stalled, trying to decide how to conclude. "They have this linguistics program, and-"
"Linguini? A program for making pasta?"
Levy choked back a laugh, despite herself. "Linguistics, smart one. As in, the study of language."
"Oh." He returned to looking bored. "What the hell can you do with a degree in language?"
Levy bristled; that was exactly what her dad had said. "Become a translator for a major international corporation, maybe."
"Hn."
He sounded so disinterested, it made Levy's gears begin to grind. "Well, what do you plan on doing? Do you have any interests at all?"
"I dunno." He shrugged. "I like tuning things up."
"Like a mechanic?" She pressed.
"I dunno! Like I said, I don't really give a shit."
As he was talking, Levy had pulled up the web browser, and was searching up H.U. Gajeel hopped off the table and leaned over her again. "What, you don't seriously think I could get in, do you?"
"You have to do something," Levy said. "Besides, looking will make you miserable."
He made a face at her, and she made one right back. "Here, just look at this."
He tilted his head. "Trades?"
"Yeah, welding and such. They don't offer it a Mag Tech, but it's a short amount of schooling and a buttload of money."
His eyes scanned the page, and then he turned to her. "...did you just say buttload?"
"I-yes?"
He started to smile, and promptly started coughing into his fist. Levy coloured. "What?"
"Nothing," he chortled. Levy smacked his arm out of reflex, like she always did when she was embarrassed. He looked down in shock – and started laughing even harder.
"Quiet, you," she finally managed to say. Gajeel, she noticed, had a very infectious laugh. It was making it hard to keep a straight face.
"So what do I have to do?" He asked, finally, done with his laughter.
"For the trades program? Um, it looks like just a copy of your transcripts will do, they don't ask much...they have to be mailed off by tomorrow, though. So you have to come to school to pick them up."
"Can't you just pick them up for me?" He whined, and Levy flicked the side of his head.
"I'll meet you in the office after school, okay? We'll mail them off together."
Levy had turned to face the screen again, so she missed the myriad of emotions that passed over Gajeel's face. She was typing the last few sentences, and was feeling much lighter than before. "Hey, can I use your printer?"
"Um, sure." Gajeel stepped back as she hopped off the chair. Levy followed the sound of beeping around the corner, where a large fat laser printer was sitting. Once she was out of the room, Lily hopped up on the table beside Gajeel and meowed pointedly.
He turned to the cat. If cats could look smug, Gajeel swore that would be Lily. "What are you looking at?"
It was well-known among Natsu's friends that he was not a neat or tidy person. Really, just look at his locker. It was like a hazard zone. And his bedroom was no better. It was, as a matter of fact, the centre of his problem.
"You are so messy, it hurts," Gray commented as he leaned on Natsu's doorframe. "Like, it actually physically hurts me."
"Shut up, Ice Princess." Natsu tossed a pair of boxers in his direction, and Gray shrank away in disgust.
"God, you're gross. Oi, hurry up, would you? Sting'll be here any minute."
Natsu huffed. "Look, I told you. I'm not going out tonight. I've gotta stay home and finish this essay."
Gray threw his hands up. "You and this stupid essay! How long does it have to be?"
"I dunno! Like, a page?"
"That's not an essay, that's child's play," Gray said scornfully. A horn sounded outside. "Look, just bring the laptop with you, we'll help you with it."
"I don't need help," Natsu mumbled resentfully, but grabbed his laptop and followed Gray out of the room anyway.
The white Chrysler was waiting for them when they left the house. Gray lived across the street from Natsu, hence their rivalry-since-birth. Igneel gave them a passing wave through the window as they ran down the steps towards the car.
"Your dad's so cool," Sting commented as the two boys jumped in the back. "I wish my dad was that cool."
"Your dad is plenty cool," Natsu said mildly. "He loses to my dad at poker games."
As they sped off downtown towards the Charming Bar, Gray asked where everyone else was.
"Good question," Sting grumbled. "Jellal's on a date, I think. At least, that's what he tells me. As for Rogue-"
"Not like Rogue contributes to conversations anyway-"
"He just didn't want to come. Hey, what are we doing for Halloween this year?" Sting put the car into park, and turned off the engine.
"Oh, I was talking to Jellal about that." Gray hopped out the side. Natsu, still a little queasy, followed suit. "He had a pretty good idea. Get this – classic MGM horror movie monsters."
"Huh?" Natsu blinked in confusion. Sting stomped on his foot to jerk him out of his daze. Sting had always had little sympathy for Natsu and his motion-sickness; he too suffered, just not quite as badly.
"You know," Gray continued. "Like, Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolfman? He was saying he could be the Mummy, all wrapped in bandages. Rogue could be a vampire, and I'd definitely be Frankenstein."
"That's only four, dude. I'd be the Wolfman, sure, but what about Natsu?" Sting gestured behind him.
"Oh. Uh, Phantom of the Opera?"
"Hey, can I be a pirate?" Natsu asked, finally catching up. "It's close enough, right?"
They were still arguing about it when they entered the brightly-lit bar. Natsu was making a strong case for a pirate.
"Why do you want to be one so badly?" Gray demanded.
"Nothing," Natsu mumbled. "I just want my hair covered."
There were several well-known things about Natsu, such as his lack of cleanliness and general density. But there were also many few-known things about Natsu, and one of these things was that he was actually rather strategic when he had to be. Igneel Dragneel was many things, and a master of chess and Risk was one of these things. Natsu had grown up playing both.
And right now, he was devising a plan. One he was quite a bit proud of, actually. He wished he could send that in to Hargeon.
Celestial_Queen: So you get that essay done?
Natsu lay in bed, with all the lights turned out and the covers drawn over his head. The android phone in his hands illuminated his excited face, and he bit and worried his lower lip.
xXSalamanderXx: yeah actually just finished printing it. :D i'm so proud!
Celestial_Queen: :D I'm glad! Now let's just pray we get in!
xXSalamanderXx: psh are u kidding of course we will
Celestial_Queen: Too bad we won't be in similar programs, though. We might have had some classes together.
Natsu sucked in his breath. This was it, moment of truth. He started to type.
xXSalamanderXx: we could meet earlier, though. U coming to the halloween dance Friday?
To him, it was a perfect plan. Halloween was safe. There would be crowds of people there. And costumes provided ample opportunity to hide identities, if need be. That was why Natsu had been so keen on being a pirate. He could cover up his telltale hair without it being conspicuous.
Barely breathing, he waited for a reply.
Celestia_.Queen: I wasn't planning on it, I guess. Are you going?
xXSalamanderXx: yep. Pirate costume ^^
Celestial_Queen: Aw, you'll be so cute~
xXSalamanderXx: could see for yourself, you know ;)
Natsu bit his tongue. That was probably too far. That was too far, wasn't it? Now she'd definitely say no. He groaned and rolled over.
Celestial_Queen: I'll see what I can do ;)
And he blinked.
Did he just...get an agreement? And a winky face? He bit back a squeal, trying not to sound like a 13-year old girl.
xXSalamanderXx: middle of the dance floor, then. i'll be on the lookout!
Celestial_Queen: 8:00, it's a date.
Natsu really did squeal that time. Screw masculinity. He had a date, bitches.
X
"I can't believe I called it a date," Lucy moaned, head in her hands. "And being so forward? And flirty? What was I thinking?"
Mirajane patted her back. "I think it's a great idea!" She said cheerily.
Lucy made a noise of agony. "And agreeing that I could go to the dance! I can't go to a dance! Gemma would kill me!"
"He doesn't own you!" Cana yelled, slightly tipsy.
"Actually, there's a cheque from the government every month that says he does," Lucy retorted. "At least until I turn eighteen."
"Then it's towards Hargeon and outta here," Levy, Lisanna, and Cana chorused. "Yeah, we know."
"Oh, Lucy, I'm sure Gemma will let you out for one night," Mira said soothingly, rubbing Lucy's back. "What do you have to do, anyway?"
"Friday night? Well, it's the last Friday of the month, meaning I have to clean the house," she griped. "Plus all the regular chores like laundry, dishes. Plus, I mean, what would I wear?"
"You'd think of something," Mirajane continued her rubbing.
Yukino, who hadn't said much, now spoke up. "Break into Minerva's wardrobe and go as her."
That had the table laughing. "Lucy," Erza now threw her two cents in. "If you want to go to this dance, we will gladly accompany you."
"Yes, Juvia would love to go!"
"I was already going to go," Yukino shrugged. "I have this plan to show up Minerva. It'll be brilliant."
"Ooh, I do want to see that," Lucy smiled. "Levy? You in?"
"Uh," the girl tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, about that. I have a previous engagement."
"Look at her and those fancy words," Lucy teased. "Previous engagement, my ass. You've got a date."
"No I don't!" Levy screeched, face flaming red, but the others ignored her.
"So Juvia, Erza, and Yukino will go with me," Lucy beamed. Then her face fell. "I just hope I can get out of chores."
"Lucy," Mirajane said sternly. "Nothing will ever happen unless you ask."