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I do not own anything but my own storylines.

Chapter 4

Parties and Shopping

Levy's POV

I have the perfect plan on how to get Lucy and Natsu together. Mira's not the only one who does matchmaking. Well, technically I don't either but this is a Nalu situation. That's what we've been calling the operation since the beginning. Operation Nalu, it's their ship name, it's cute. Everyone in our little group is involved in it, well except Lucy and Natsu themselves who don't know anything about our plans. They're both dense and helpless so they just need a boost in the right direction. And a party at my place is perfect.

"Hey, Lu!" I went over to her by our lockers and we walked to class together. "So I'm having a party at my house this Saturday. You wanna come?"

Her eyes lit up at the mention of my party. "Uh, yah! Lev, I love your parties, they're the best! I'll be there. Are the others coming?"

"Yeah, the other girls are and even the boys too. The usual ten of us." Lucy's shoulders visibly sagged. The usual ten of us, (aka the Dragon Slayers) which meant Natsu including, obviously. She sighed, "Fine. I'll still go anyway, even if I have to see that pink idiot."

I internally smirked. Of course she would go to my party. Mine are the best because they're unlike others with hundreds of people that you barely know and beyond craziness. Mine are only the Dragon Slayers. The girls: me, Lucy, Juvia, Erza, Mira. And the boys: Gajeel, Natsu, Gray, Jellal, and Laxus.

"Oh and today's Thursday, right? So after school tomorrow, the girls are going shopping for the party," I mentioned.

Lucy lightened up again, "Yes! Shopping! See ya then!" She went inside her classroom as I went into mine next door. I shook my head at my best friend. She can change moods so easily, just like Natsu. Another reason why they're perfect for each other.

And speaking of him, it's time to give him the party invitation. But Gajeel's got that covered for me.

Gajeel's POV

I can't believe shrimp is making me do this. Whenever she has some crazy idea, I'm somehow always involved in helping her. This party of hers better be interesting. But then again, they always are.

"Yo, Salamander!" he was at his locker surrounded by his fan girls. "Alright, break it up, girls. Show's over." They all bowed their heads and went away, giggling. The perks of being popular and scary looking.

"Thank god you came. They're seriously annoying," Natsu said scrunching up his face with annoyance.

"Even more annoying than bunny girl?" I teased.

"Shut your metal face," Natsu shot back. "What do you want anyway?"

"This Saturday. Shrimp's having a party."

"Great! See you there." He waved and left. Wait for it…

Natsu stopped mid-step, finally realizing the one little big detail. "Is she going to be there?"

I shrugged, "It's always us Dragon Slayers."

He sighed, "Ugh, fine. You're lucky this is Levy's party. Well, see ya there."

Well that was easy.

Lucy's POV

It's Friday after school! Time to go shopping! I had to get some new party clothes anyway. I always love shopping with my girls. It's always fun.

We were currently at Magnolia Mall in the clothing sections. They had every possible type of clothes here. We were in our usual store whenever we went to buy cute outfits, perfect for parties.

"Ooh, how about this one?" Mira squealed and pulled out a brilliant red dress. I rolled my eyes, "Mira, we're going to a party at Levy's. Not the ball."

"Well we already have our outfit, now it's your turn," Mira scoffed. "You have to look perfect."

"I just want a cute simple looking one. Levy's parties are like hangouts anyways. It's not like there's any occasion." I walked to another rack and could've sworn Mira said, "Oh, this will be an occasion alright."

"What?"

"Nothing." She said that too sweetly. Knowing her, she's got something up her sleeve. Which always mean trouble. For me.

"Lucy." I turned around and saw Erza holding an assembled outfit. "This will look perfect on you."

"Oh my god, Erza. You're the best!" She always seems to know exactly my taste and always gets me out of these situations.

I came out of the dressing room, showing off my new outfit. It was a simple white off-shoulder crop top with ruffles along the neckline and a frilly pink skirt that went mid-thigh. To cover up some of the exposed skin, I had on a jean jacket with the sleeves rolled up. To finish it off, I wore black lace up heels with a bow on the sides. "I think I'll have my hair the usual way," I decided on my hair style.

The girls all nodded in approval. Then Juvia narrowed her eyes at my neck and pointed, "Is that a new necklace you got?"

I instinctively touched the necklace that I was always wearing. I got a little nervous because I never told them about this before. "Uh, no… actually my mom gave it to me on my tenth birthday," I half lied.

Erza narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "Really? Then how come you never wore it before?"

"Oh, um…" oh boy "I just recently found it because…you know, it's been like seven years since I got it." God, I hope they bought that. Erza still looked skeptical but, thankfully, decided to let it go. I quickly changed the subject. "So how about we all go to Levy's house an hour before the boy's arrive tomorrow and get ready then?"

"Sure," Levy agreed.

We all agreed to the plan and went our separate ways. On my way home, I couldn't help but get a guilty feeling when I lied to my best friends. I mean, I know I have to tell them eventually. But they never asked before because I hid it underneath my shirt. And every time I wore one that had a really low neckline, I would hide it somewhere else. I always have it with me no matter what, even if I'm not wearing it. Natsu has it easy with his signature scarf.

I touched it. Why do I always wear this even after what happened? The answer's simple. It's special to me. I smiled at the thought.

(A/N)-Ooh, what's gonna happen next time at the party?

The next time I update, it will be a double chapter...or should I do one at a time for some suspense? heh-heh :P