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"Oh... my head..." Natsu opened his eyes, the sunlight creeping through the curtains nearly blinding him. His head was pounding and his body was sore. "What... happened?" His words came out raspy and hoarse. He finally adapted to the light, seeing Lucy's apartment. "Lucy?" he called out, making his eardrums beat harshly. No answer.

Natsu stood, still clutching the blanket. He walked over to the bathroom and peaked into nothing but darkness. "Guess she's not here..." he told himself. He turned around and saw Lucy's bed, freshly made. It was the most inviting thing he'd ever seen. He took a step towards the bed when the door opened, a group walking in.

"Oh good. You're awake. About time you woke up, sleepy head." Lucy walked in, a few bags of groceries in her good hand. Wendy came in behind her, followed by Happy and Carla.

"Hey, Natsu. How're you feeling?" Wendy asked.

Natsu gave them a blank stare in return. "Uh. I have no idea how I got here."

They all shook their heads. "I thought you said you sobered up last night. I guess not." Wendy walked over to him and lead him to the bed. "You don't remember anything?" she asked.

"All I remember is getting hit. And hitting someone else." Natsu looked at Lucy. "Oh yeah. I remember seeing Lucy run out, but I don't remember why. All I really know now is my head hurts like hell."

"Probably because you headbutted Gray last night," Happy said.

"What? When?" Natsu asked, utterly confused at this point.

"You never told me he did that, Wendy," Lucy stated worriedly.

"I didn't even know myself."

"Honestly, I knew your memory was bad, but when you're tipsy, it just goes completely!" Carla walked over and stood in front of the fire wizard. "Cana gave you and Lucy a lot to drink. You started with one, but just kept going. Eventually, you two started laughing for no reason. Then Mirajane came into the picture. She blackmailed the both of you into kissing each other. Why would someone like Mira do this? I have no idea. But there you go. A quick summary."

Natsu stared at the white cat in front of him. "That still doesn't explain why I headbutted Gray." He sat down on Lucy's bed, cradling his aching head.

"I don't even know, honestly. Both of you were slobbering drunk. It could've been for any reason."

Natsu turned his attention to Lucy. If what the others were saying was true, it sure would make things awkward. Guilt formed in his mind. Once again, he embarrassed her. He may not have been at fault, but none of it would've happened if he didn't have that stupid idea. To make matters worse, he humiliated her with another kiss. One he didn't even remember. "Lucy... I..."

"Just stop right there." Lucy walked over and bent down, her face level with his. "I remember most of it. It wasn't your fault. Cana got us wasted and Mira took advantage of us. Actually... it sounds bad when I say it that way."

"Whether it's bad or not, she still took advantage. Not in that way though," Wendy said, pink showing on her cheeks.

Lucy scratched her head. A thought popped into her mind. Natsu had been the one to suggest to the fake relationship. So really... it was his fault. He had good intentions, but even the best of them can cause more harm than good. "Look, Natsu... I'm just really frustrated right now. I don't know why the others thought they should meddle in our business. But for the time being, I think I'm going to stay away from the guild hall."

Natsu looked up and smiled. "Well of course you are! We got a trip to go on!"

Lucy's frustration turned into anxiety. Not fear related anxiety, but closer to excitement. "Oh yeah! That completely slipped my mind."

"Look at them. Two star-crossed lovers eloping to a far away paradise! Why don't you and I have our own romantic rendezvous, Carla?"

Carla glared at Happy. "I think I'd rather eat kitty litter."

Happy's eyes turned from bright and joyous to gloomy and distraught. "Oh. Alright then," he said with droopy ears.

"So what do you say, Lucy? Are you ready to go yet or not?" Natsu asked, seemingly forgetting to problem at hand.

Lucy sat down on her legs. "I don't know. I want to talk to everyone and find out the whole story, but at the same time, I just want to stay away. I really don't know what to do here."

Natsu put his hand on his chin. "I still wanna know why I headbutted Gray. Maybe we should just go get it over with. Talk to everyone. It'd be easier than disappearing for a while."

Wendy nodded. "Natsu's right. I'm sure the others feel terrible for what they did. If you keep your feelings bottled up, they might break free at the wrong time."

Lucy groaned. "But they'll probably laugh at me!"

"We laugh at you all the time. You're still just as weird now as you were when we first met you!"

"Happy. Not helping." Lucy stood up. "Can we at least eat breakfast first? Wendy and I went out to get groceries just so we could help you."

Natsu perked up a bit. "Sounds good to me." Natsu noticed Lucy's bandaged wrist. "Wait a minute, what happen there?" he said, pointing to the injury.

Lucy winced. "I fell last night. Wendy healed the best she could, but it still has to heal on its own the rest of the way."

"You can't make breakfast with that!" Natsu said, about to stand up.

"Don't worry, I'll help her out," Wendy said with a closed-eye smile.

Shortly thereafter, Lucy and Wendy started making breakfast. Bacon and eggs, hash browns, pancakes, sausage, toast with a side of oatmeal. Natsu and the two Exceeds made the table, placing plates and silverware out for everyone. Natsu rarely ever used a fork, so he thought it was useless.

"Eggs and pancakes are done. We'll be finished with rest in a minute!"

Carla smiled. "Those two amaze me. How they managed to cook on that tiny stove is beyond me. Lucy with a broken wrist, too."

"When Lucy gets hungry, she'll do anything for food! That's why she weighs a ton!"

"I can hear you, you know."

"Who cares how it's made? I'm just glad they're making it for us." Natsu sat at the table, pouring himself a glass of milk. "You sure you don't want any help, Lucy?" Natsu asked again.

"Relax. I'm fine. Besides, we're almost done." Lucy started working on the bacon, Wendy stacking the pancakes.

"I never realized you could cook, Wendy. I'm impressed." Carla smiled contently, sipping her own glass of milk.

"Alright, here we are. Anything you could ever want for breakfast." Happy was about to speak, but Lucy quickly interjected, "except for fish."

"Wow. This looks delicious! Thanks guys!" Natsu thanked the girls.

The posse of friends, sat around the table, eating quietly. Natsu was stuffing his face faster than the rest. "Excuse me. Where are your manners?"

Natsu stopped in mid bite, looking at Lucy. He smiled and slowed down. "Sorry. I've always had to eat my food fast. All the others would come steal my food."

"You're telling a big fib, Natsu. You were the one going around stealing other peoples' food."

"Hey, I was close wasn't I?"

Lucy giggled. "Sometimes I wish I could've grown up with you guys. I bet there wasn't even a day where something crazy went down."

"Eh, I guess. If you had been there, you probably wouldn't like me."

"Why do say that?" Lucy asked curiously.

"I was a troublemaker."

"Was? You still are!"

"So what if I break stuff easily? Maybe they should build their stuff stronger and tougher."

"You're so childish, it's almost cute." Lucy kept eating, completely oblivious to what she said. Natsu on the other hand, was about to choke on a piece of bacon.

After breakfast, the group of wizards set off towards the guild hall. Lucy kept twiddling her fingers nervously. "This is a bad idea. Maybe we should just forget about and handle it when we get back." She turned around, about to take off.

Natsu picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. "Not a chance."

"Hey, what are you doing? Put me down!"

"Calm down. We're already almost there." They passed under the archway, Natsu setting Lucy down before getting to the door.

Lucy let out a reluctant sigh. "I don't know why I'm so nervous about this."

"It'll all be fine. Trust me." Natsu gave Lucy a kind smile and walked in.

"There you are, you fire breathing maniac!" Gray yelled, sprinting towards him.

"And just where do you think you're going?" Erza said, grabbing hold of Gray's hair.

"Ow, jeez. What the heck is your problem?"

"I have two very big problems I'm forced to deal with on a daily basis. Their names are Natsu and Gray."

Natsu shrugged it off and walked over to the two. "So what I miss last night? I can't remember a thing!"

Erza and Gray groaned. "Of course you don't. After Lucy ran out last night, you went on cursing and screaming at everyone."

"Yeah you did. Then you had the nerve to do a flying headbutt while my back was turned."

Natsu covered his mouth to prevent himself from bursting into a fit of laughter. "Oh... sorry about that. But you probably deserved it anyway."

"That does it! You're getting an ass beating!"

"And who's gonna be the one to give to me, huh?" Natsu taunted back.

"I'll pound you both senseless if you don't quit arguing," Erza boomed.

"Yes ma'am!" the two frenemies said simultaneously with shaky voices.

"Would someone please tell us what happened last night?" Lucy said, clearly irritated.

Lisanna walked over, Mirajane not far behind with her head held low. "About time you came back." Lisanna looked at Natsu. "You have some explaining to do, Mister."

"Me? What did I do?" Natsu said, his hands up defensively.

"You broke Levy's wind reader glasses. Go over and apologize."

"But Lisanna! I don't even remember doing that!"

"No buts! Say you're sorry." Natsu walked off, grumbling to himself. "Honestly, he gives me so many gray hairs! If I could see them anyway.." She turned to face Lucy. "Hey, can we talk to you for a sec?"

Lucy looked at Lisanna. Then to Mirajane behind her. Hesitant at first, she stepped over to them. "What is it?" she said plainly.

Mira looked up. "Lucy, I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I just-"

"Well what did you think was gonna happen, Mira? You straight up blackmailed her! While she was drunk too!"

Mira looked down again, shame painted on her face. "I didn't realize..."

Lucy put her hand up to stop her. "Just save it, okay? What happened happened. There's no use in dwelling on the past." She took a step closer. "All I ask from now on is this. If you want to know something, just ask me. I'm not good a hiding things. All you had to was ask and I probably would've told you."

"I'm sorry." Mira hugged Lucy. "I feel so horrible."

"Hey. It's fine. Just promise me that?"

"I promise. I'll never do anything like that again."

"There we go. You two lovely ladies kiss and make up."

"I do have a few things to say to you Cana!" Lucy walked over and started giving Cana an ear full. "Why on earth would you make me drink? You know I can't handle alcohol! I could've died! Making me do that was awful!"

"Whoa whoa, easy tiger. All I wanted to do was share a couple cold ones with the newly weds. Is that such a bad thing?"

"So first we're dating, then we're making babies and now we're getting married? Good lord, what is wrong with you people!" Lucy shouted.

"The walls talk. Who knows what they'll say next?"

Lucy clenched her fist, but loosened it just as fast. "I'm never drinking again..."

Cana laughed. She put her arm around Lucy. "Not even one little sip?" she teased, pressing a bottle close to Lucy's face.

"Knock it off! Cana, please, just stop!"

Lisanna giggled. "You alright, Big Sis?"

Mirajane smiled shyly. "Yeah, I'm alright now." She leaned in closer. "The worst part about this whole thing? Lucy never even left a suitcase."

"But you said something about her underwear."

Mirajane blushed slightly. "You know those times when we go to the bathhouse? Well, it's hard to miss a pair like that. Especially with Lucy's gorgeous figure." The two sisters shared a warm laugh. "I'm glad she's so understanding. Had it been anyone else, they probably would've hated me for the rest of their life."

"Don't be so dramatic. Come on, we still need to help Big Brother Elf train!"

"What happened to you?" Lucy questioned.

"Gajeel laid the smack-down on him!" Happy said.

"Shut it, Happy. I tried to apologize to Levy for breaking her glasses. And yeah, Gajeel didn't like the fact that I broke them in the first place." Natsu had a decent cut over his eye, blood soaking through the cloth he had up against it.

"What did he do, cut you with a razor blade?" Lucy reached over. "Move your hand."

"What's with you and touching my face?" said Natsu playfully.

"Just move it." He did as he was told. "Ew. Already scabbing. Here, I think I have some antibacterial wipes."

"I don't need that. Gimme a few hours and this will be gone!"

Lucy sighed, shoulders sagging a bit. "Fine fine. Don't accept my help."

"When are you guys leaving?" Happy asked the pair.

"Since we sorted out things here, anytime now would great."

"Oh crap! I still need to pack some clothes. Come on, Happy. I'm gonna need your help." He started running out.

"Aye sir!"

Lucy smiled, shaking her head. 'I'll never understand their carefree attitudes. I wish I could be that easy minded.'

"You better get packing too, Missy."

"Levy! Hey girl."

"If you need any help, I don't mind."

"Sure! Come on, let's get going then."

The two girls started walking back towards Lucy's apartment, chatting and laughing like normal. "So Natsu was snoring bad?"

"I'll say. He's worse than a train." Lucy grinned. "He does look cute when he's sleeping though."

Levy smirked. "Aw, you never told me you thought Natsu was cute, Lulu!"

Lucy made a scrunched up face, red finding its way to her cheeks. "Don't even start with that. I've had to deal with enough of that here lately."

"Probably because you're so bad at hiding it!" Levy said, nudging her friend.

"I'm not hiding anything! I don't like him like that." Lucy looked away, trying to hide her ever reddening face.

"You can't hide it from me. You better spill the beans, girlfriend."

Lucy started running, leaving Levy behind. "I'll never admit it!"

Levy ran after her, laughing as she went.

Shortly after, they arrived at Lucy's apartment. "Ooooh, this one is cute!" Levy said, pulling out a nice looking sundress.

"You think so? I never wear that really. You can have it, if you want."

"Seriously? Thanks, Lu!"

"You're welcome. I probably have more clothes than I know what to do with." Lucy went through her drawers, picking out a few sets to ask Levy's opinions.

"Are you gonna pack those?" Levy asked, eyes widening.

"What? They're just underwear."

"If that's what you call 'just underwear,' I don't wanna know what you consider lingerie."

"Oh come on. What's the big deal?" Lucy grabbed a couple pairs and put them in her bag. Whether they were modest or not was still up for debate.

Levy glanced at Lucy. "So," she began, "Are you ready to tell me what happened with Natsu?"

Lucy sighed, setting her clothes back down. "If you're implying that we 'did stuff,' I'm sorry to disappoint you. All he did was sleep. On the floor."

Levy winked. "That's what I'd say too. You've got scrapes on your knees, bags under your eyes, and a broken wrist. Sounds like a fun night to me." She laughed while Lucy groaned in her pillow in frustration. "I'm just teasing. But in all seriousness, I have a really hard time believing you don't like Natsu." Lucy continued to groan, gradually getting louder. Levy walked over and sat on the bed next to her friend. "You're not really good a girl talk, are you?"

"No, not really. All I had growing up were a bunch of chefs, butlers and maids. Not exactly the type that welcome casual conversation," the busty blonde mumbled, face still buried in the pillow.

"Alright. Time for a crash course. When you have friends that are girls, especially ones you trust, you gossip, tell each other secrets and just have fun. It doesn't have to a serious topic all the time."

Lucy sat up straight. "Are you saying I need to trust you?"

"Well, yeah. You're like my best friend. If you should tell anyone, I'm your girl."

Lucy thought about it. Levy seemed really kind and reserved. But still. How could she admit something she wasn't even sure of herself? "I don't know. I just have a hard time talking about this."

Levy grabbed Lucy's hands, careful with her broken one, pulling her a bit closer. "Sounds like you're having some internal conflict. It'll be easier if you just let it out."

Levy was right. Maybe after talking it out, those feelings of uncertainty would just dissipate. "I'm not sure where to start."

"First off, you have to tell me the truth. Do you or do you not have feelings towards Natsu?"

"I... I don't-"

"Ah! The truth! Honest to God truth."

Accepting her fate, Lucy put her down in shame. "Yeah..." she whispered faintly.

"You see? Was that so hard?" Levy picked Lucy's head up to look her in the eye. "And don't you worry. I won't tell anyone."

Lucy smiled. Then she let out a sigh of relief. She looked at the ceiling and laughed, shaky and quiet. "I can't believe it. Here I was lying to myself. Now that I've admitted it, to someone else and to myself, I feel almost at ease."

Levy scoffed a little bit. "At least the guy you like might actually like you back. I'm not sure if I can say the same."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Gajeel playing hard to get?"

That caused Levy to blush and cover her mouth. "How did you-"

"Obvious. Very obvious."

Levy let out the same kind of laugh as Lucy. "Well, it had to come out at some point."

The two girls giggled. "Now that that's out of the way, this trip is going to be something else."

"Going on a vacation with the man of your dreams. Must be nice."

"I don't think he's the man of my dreams. Just a crush is all."

Levy smirked at the celestial wizard. "Depending on your answer to this next question, I may or may not believe you."

"What question?"

"How long?"

Lucy went slightly red. "How long what?"

"How long have you had a crush on Natsu?"

Lucy's face was priceless. She blushed and paled in a matter of seconds. Then she put her hands on her head, slightly freaking out. "Oh no. It couldn't have been then..."

"Been when? Spit it out, Lu!"

Lucy looked up, eyes unusually wide. "Since that stupid time with Virgo. It has to be. The way I dressed up and had all those crazy fantasies. Oh man, why does it have to be that time?"

"What's so bad about that?" Levy asked.

"It wouldn't be that bad. Except he made me feel like a total idiot. I kept hearing things and it just got to me." Lucy started packing again to distract herself. "I've never had a boyfriend. The thought of a guy actually seeing me as more than a friend made me feel really special. Even if it was Natsu of all people."

Levy put her hand on her chin. "Well, maybe we can fix it. If you don't think Natsu is the one, what about the other guys?"

Lucy made a gagging noise. "Please. Gray is too grumpy, Elfman is annoying, and, no offense, Gajeel is just too rough for my taste. And most the others are too old."

Levy made a big grin. "Then it's settled. You are seriously in L-O-V-E with Natsu. No other way to put it."

"Get real, Levy. I'm so not. He's weird, he always steals my food and breaks into my apartment. He always manages to sneak a peak at the goods. He's got that stupid, cute smile. The way he looks at me gives me shivers. His laugh is adorable. Nothing to like about him."

"You realize a few of those are good things, right?"

Lucy deadpanned. "I'm so doomed."

"I'm gonna starting calling you Drama Mama. I swear."

It was around 4 in the afternoon when, finally, Lucy arrived back at Fairy Tail, waiting for the knucklehead Natsu to show up. She was sitting at the closest table to the door, her suitcase packed and ready. Just like herself, when Natsu didn't show up on time, she began to worry.

"After all this, he ends up making you wait right when you're ready. I swear, he needs to work on timing." Levy sat down beside her friend, handing her a small glass of juice.

"Normally he's pretty good at showing up at the right time. I hope nothing bad happened." Lucy swirled the red liquid around, watching it make a whirlpool.

"Ah, you worry too much. He's probably trying to pack everything in his house." Levy cupped a hand around her mouth. "Or he could be finding something especially sexy for you to wear for him."

"Yeah right. I'd need to see that before I believe it."

Levy looked up. "Speak of the devil."

"Hey, Lucy! I see you got your bag." Natsu had is normal stuff, plus some casual wear, all packed up on his back.

"Oh, hey Natsu!" Lucy said, turning around. "You know I'm ready!"

Natsu smiled. "Well then. We can leave whenever you're ready."

Lucy grinned back and nodded. She stood and lifted up the handle on her rolling suitcase. She turned around and started to wave. "Alright, guys! We'll see you in a few days!"

"Don't make her legs shake too much, Natsu," hollered Wakaba.

"Shoot, knowing him he might actually break her legs," Macao said back.

Wakaba cackled. "Looks like he already got to her wrist!"

Natsu furrowed his eyebrows. "What are they talking about?"

Lucy began to push Natsu out the door, desperately not wanting her face to turn red. "Nothing! Let's just get going!"

"Bye Lu! You two be sure to have lots of fun! But not too much."

"Bye Levy! I'll see you later!"

"Hey, Salamander. Don't go getting soft on us."

"What's the big deal? I'm only gonna be gone for a few days."

"A few days is all we'll need. When you get back, be prepared to have butt kicked!" Gray yelled at him.

"Yeah, yeah. Go put some pants on," Natsu retorted back, walking away, waving his hand.

Erza hurried over to the two. "Be careful. It may not be a mission, but both of you are Fairy Tail wizards. Evil could be around any corner. Be ready to face it head on!" She grabbed them both and pulled them in for a bone crushing hug. After an awkward amount of seconds went by, she let Lucy go. She brought Natsu a little closer. "Oh, and Natsu? If I find out you try to take advantage of Lucy, I'll make sure you never get to use your little friend ever again. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes... ma'am..." Natsu gurgled out, the air still being squeezed out of him.

"Good." She let go and waved them off. "Take care and above all. Be safe."

"Will do!" the pair said.

"I'm still bummed I can't go," muttered Happy.

"Cheer up, pal. It's not gonna be that bad. And you'll have plenty of time to spend with Carla. I'll be sure to bring you back a souvenir too!"

Happy perked up. "Aye sir! Have fun with the kissing and cuddling!"

"I'll break your neck, cat!" Lucy hollered, Natsu pulling her away.

Shortly after the two had left, Erza went up to Gray. "I'm so confused right now."

"What's to be confused about?"

"First they kiss in front of everyone. Then they say they're dating. They get hammered and kiss again. And then, come to find out they're not dating at all. And now they're going off on some extravagant vacation. Alone!"

Gray raised an eyebrow. "If it's taken you this long to figure it out, you're hopeless."

"Figure what out?"

Gray face-palmed. "Those two. They can't be seen without the other near. If Natsu's not picking a fight, he's doing something with Lucy. Staring at her, teasing her, or talking about a new job, asking Lucy to tag along."

"Plus, he's always breaking into her apartment," Wendy chimed in.

"Exactly. Sure, they bicker a lot, but that just makes it all the more obvious. Natsu isn't one for hiding his feelings. When Lucy's around, he's all but straight up confessing his love for her."

"I wish you'd confess your love for me, Darling!" Juvia proclaimed. She jumped on his back and starting snuggling into the side of his neck.

"Get a grip, would ya?" He said, trying to pry the love struck female off of him.

Erza snickered. "It is kind of obvious, now that I think about it." She looked out the open door. "He's finally starting to mature."

Wendy had a thought. "If they do end up together, what's gonna happen to our team?"

"It'll most likely stay the same. When we have down time, I'm sure those two will be all over each other though."

Wendy blushed. "Like kissing and stuff?"

Erza smirked. She leaned in and whispered something in Wendy's ear. The little girl squealed, her face getting brighter. Erza straightened up. "But you'll know all about that when you're older." She winked and carried on her way.

"That's..."

"What did she tell you?" Gray asked.

Wendy's face rivaled Erza's hair. She fell flat on her back, starring at the ceiling, mumbling in an embarrassed daze. "Wendy!" Carla ran over to help the poor girl. "What on earth did you tell her?"

"Exactly what everyone else is thinking. Soon she'll be old enough to go out and experience those things. I don't see what the big deal is."

"Could've at least made it more kid friendly," Gray stated plainly.

"Says the one that likes to run around in the nude."

"I don't do it on purpose! It's a habit!"

"If my darling Gray has such a habit, maybe I should do the same! It'll show him I'm interested in the same things! He won't be able to avert his eyes! Definitely not after he's seen my glorious curves!" Juvia started chuckling devilishly, starting to raise her shirt.

"Don't do that! It's not something I enjoy doing!" He grabbed the bottom of her shirt and began to pull down.

"But Darling! We could bare it all together and express our love in the purest form! The others will only stare out of complete envy!" She started lifting harder, her bellybutton coming into view.

"Just stop it, Juvia! You're going to rip your shirt!" Immediately after the words came from Gray's mouth, the shirt did just that. It ripped. Her whole right torso was exposed, causing quite the commotion.

Juvia gasped. "Gray... I didn't realize you wanted me that bad. To rip off my clothes in front of the entire guild! How bold of you!"

Gray started panicking. "No, stop. Don't say that. It'll take the attention off Natsu and Lucy," he whispered, desperately trying to cover her back up.

Juvia started fawning hardcore. "What was that, my love? You wished to outdo Natsu and his ditsy blonde? You are such a rascal, Darling!"

"Why do you feel the need to torture me?" Gray said, slinking down in defeat.

"I... will never... do that again..." Natsu muttered out, forcing himself from puking all over the sidewalk. He crawled out of the train door, barely mustering up the strength.

"You say that literally each and every time you ride the train. Will you ever learn? Probably not."

Natsu managed to stand, the ground finally stopping its relentless spin. He looked up at the sky and took a deep breath. "Not this time. This isn't about me, remember? It's all about you."

Lucy brushed a strand of hair out of her face. "Trust me. I haven't forgotten."

"Well what are we waiting for? Let's get going! The sooner we put our stuff at the hotel, the sooner we can try some of the food!" He sprinted off, grabbing Lucy and dragging her along.

They reached the main hotel in all its splendor. "Whoa. It looks totally awesome!" Lucy's mouth hung open as they entered the main lobby. Every piece of furniture looked untouched, the floor was beautiful tan granite and the huge chandelier probably cost more than the entire Fairy Tail guild hall. All of the patrons were wearing designer suits and dresses, casually flaunting their wealth like it was no big deal. "They really did change it all up."

"I told you. You think they still have that stupid bingo slot machine?" Natsu looked around, his nose going crazy. Foreign smells kept popping up everywhere. From expensive perfume to the smell of roast duck. Alcohol plagued his nose, making his stomach cramp. "Ugh. Of course there's drinking here."

"What do you expect? The 'high class citizens' love a good spirit."

"You ever drink any of that garbage?"

"Uh, no? I was always too young. Most of it reeked of char anyway. My dad used to drink this disgusting bourbon. I did mistake it for my apple juice one time. I've never puked so much in my life."

"Until last night, you mean."

"Don't remind me. I still have the awful taste of sake in my mouth."

After a few more minutes went by, they finally reached the check in counter. "Hello, Sir and Madam," the gentleman at the counter said without looking up. When he did, he gave them a dirty look, followed by a condescending snort. "Oh, lost, are we? The Cherry Buck Inn is just up the way."

"Actually, we're customers." Lucy reached in her bag and pulled out the tickets. No chance she was letting the scatterbrain hold on to them. "See?"

The man twiddled his pencil mustache. "Ah, yes." He grabbed a book and flipped through it. "Terribly sorry, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"What? Why?" Natsu said.

"You see, I don't believe you came by these honestly. These are exclusive VIP access tickets. It would be more appropriate to associate them with royalty. Judging by your..." He adjusted his thin bifocals. "...petty garb, I'd say you are most definitely not royalty in the slightest."

"Are you serious? Look, pal, I paid for these tickets fair and square!"

"So you bought them from the thief then. I'll ask you again. Please leave or I'll be forced to contact security."

"Listen, Mister. I-"

Lucy stopped Natsu, putting her finger over his mouth. "Sorry about my friend. We got these from Jason, the editor at Sorcerer Magazine. Natsu saved him a while back so Jason gave him a discount on the tickets."

The man gazed at the two, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Natsu Dragneel? Salamander?" The man frantically flipped through guest book again. "OH! My sincerest apologies! You are VIP Number One, Mr. Dragneel."

"Now that's more like it." Natsu smirked, pride in his eyes.

"Wait a minute. A second ago, you were threatening to kick us out. What happened all of a sudden?"

"Forgive me. We received word from Princess Hisui herself Mr. Dragneel would be paying us a visit. For the sake of policy, I must ask, who might you be, Miss?" the man said, voice slightly wavering.

"Oh. In that case, I'm Lucy."

"Last name too, please."

Lucy clutched her skirt. 'Here it comes,' she thought. "Lucy Heartfilia."

The man freaked out again. He adjusted his glasses again, shakily pushing them closer. He eyed the guest book once more. "Oh good heavens! Ms. Heartfilia. Humble apologies to you as well. You are also VIP Number One. Hold on, how is that possible?"

"That's enough, Conrad. I'll take it from here." A stunningly beautiful woman walked over, her body swaying elegantly. She wore a dazzling red dress, flowing down in the back and shorter in the front. Her high heels shined brighter than the floor. Her hair was long and auburn. The sides were braided away from her face and pulled back into a flowing ponytail, all held together with a black ribbon. "Pardon him. He most likely didn't know what the two of you looked like."

"Oh, it's no problem."

The woman stuck out her hand. "I'm Delilah. I own this fabulous resort." She had a voice like silk. It even gave Lucy shivers. Her accent was thick but gentle. She must've been foreign, hence the darker color of her skin, a light brown like the color of fresh almonds.

Lucy shook her hand. "Lucy. And this is-"

"Neither of you need any introduction. Lucy Heartfilia, the famed Celestial Wizard. And Natsu Dragneel, the fearsome Fire Dragon Slayer. Both members of the strongest team of the strongest guild in Fiore. Fairy Tail."

"Wow. I never realized how famous we were," Natsu said, his hands behind his head.

"But of course. Despite the rowdiness, your guild is absolutely adored."

Natsu grabbed Delilah's hand. "Well put her there. It's nice to know we're actually getting the appreciation we deserve!"

Delilah swooned at Natsu's touch. "Oh goodness. You have a firm handshake."

"Sorry about that. I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"Quite the opposite. I like a man with a firm grip." She winked at Natsu.

Lucy felt a pang of jealousy in her gut. "Anyway. Why are we both VIP Number One?" she asked, purposefully changing the subject.

Delilah beamed. "I believe Conrad told you of Princess Hisui's message? What he failed to mention was all the members of Fairy Tail's strongest team, among all the others, are equivalent to VIP Number One status. The tickets we gave Jason were to be delivered to you all, not just the two of you."

"Hold on. You're saying that squirmy little punk ripped me off?" Natsu shouted, clenching his fist.

"Such a bold wizard. On the contrary, Love. That was merely the fee. You can send for tickets in advance, but we require a small fee for delivery. The tickets are a gift, absolutely free of charge. Unless you consider coming and having a good time an expensive cost." She laughed, covering her closed lips gracefully.

"The others are getting tickets too? Oh great." Lucy sighed for the millionth time.

"SO COOOOOL!" yelled Jason in utter awe. "I can't believe I'm once again in Fairy Tail! Such honor! Such glory! Such determination! It's all just..." Wait for it. "...So...cool!"

"Uh, Jason? Why are you here?" said Mirajane, a kind but confused smile on her face.

"The lovely Mirajane! It's a pleasure as always." Jason fumbled around his bag and placed a bunched of tickets on the counter. "I have strict orders from Princess Hisui to deliver these tickets."

"Akane Resort tickets? Didn't Natsu and Lucy get some of those?" Wendy asked, holding Carla in her arms.

"Not just your ordinary tickets, young lady. Exclusive VIP access tickets!"

"What on earth? How many are there?" Carla asked.

"One for every member of the guild! You're all just so cool!" Jason yelled again.

Master Makarov walked over to the crazed journalist. "You're telling me all the members of Fairy Tail are getting exclusive tickets to the most exclusive resort in all of Fiore?"

"By order of the princess, you're all ordered to go and have a good time," Jason exclaimed, giving a salute.

Makarov gave a huge grin. "You heard him, folks. Princess Hisui ordered it. Let's get going!"

"Just one more thing. There's a fee for the delivery."

"Seems fair enough. How much?"

"1000 jewel for each ticket."

Master Makarov deadpanned. "That's... a lot..."