Dedicated to: Tintinbarba because she always compliment this story :)

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CRAM Chapter 09-The Arranged Marriage

{Lucy}

I'm like an idiot smiling to myself.

I can't believe Natsu and I would be friends again.

He was always the reason why my day is a crap.

But now it's the opposite.

"Lucy Heartfilia." I heard Levy-chan's voice behind me. She called me by my full name... which means I did something wrong. But what is it anyway?

I slowly glanced at my now angry bestfriend. Hey, she looks so serious I might shake in fear here. "Uhm.. hi?"

"Don't get me wrong, Lucy," she crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows. "Why did you not attend our movie marathon last Sunday?" Oh shoot! I forgot!

"I'm sorry Levy-chan! I forgot! I was with Natsu!" While I was explaining, I can see her expression getting more annoyed.

"You should've canceled—" she stopped talking, like she was shocked. Now what? "You were with Natsu?!?!" I can see many girls looking in our way as she shouted Natsu’s name. And then I heard girls gossiping.

"Oh my. Lucy is now his girlfriend?"

"But I thought they were just friends?"

"Hey, respect their decision. They are the King and Queen!"

I brought Levy-chan to the C.R.

"Never shout his name ever again."

"Yeah, yeah. What did you do together anyway? Wait a minute... are you two dating? Hey! Why didn't you tell me?" She shook me.

"Say what?! That would never happen!" I whisper-shouted.

"Then why were you with him?"

"Levy-chan, he's my bestfriend. I have decided that I should have some quality time with my best friend. Or should I say friend only right now."

"Okay, okay."

"And besides, you know that Lisanna and Bickslow are in a fight, right?"

"Uh-huh. And they're back together now. So you should say were, not are." Huh? Why don't I know?

"I did not know..." I told myself. "Natsu and I were planning something so they would get back together again." I explained.

"Uhm... hahahahahahahahahahaha!" Uhh, what's funny?

"Lu-chan.... hahahahaha! ...really?? Hahahahahaha!"

"I am not kidding, Levy McGarden." She became serious when I said her full name.

"Okay, okay. Sorry. How did that happen—"

The next words Levy told me was nothing to me now.

I just saw Natsu walking straight, passing by Levy and I. I can see him by the comfort room’s window.

"Hey, Lucy-chan. What are you—" she stopped talking when I pointed to Natsu.

Why did I stare at him? His face was just.. I can't explain it... mad? Grief?

"Levy-chan, wait here." I excused and ran after Natsu. I can see girls still drooling at him.

"H-Hey, you okay?"

"Sure, I'm fine."

"But you don't look like it..."

"Then why'd you still ask?"

My mouth went dry when he sarcastically said that in my face.

What happened?

Does he know already? About Lisanna and Bickslow?

I can't understand him anymore.

◇◆◇◆

The day at my school ended with a scowl in my face. I feel so cranky.

Natsu is ignoring me.

People think that Natsu and I are having a love quarrel. -_-

I just saw Sting and Yukino hugging.

Could this day get any better?

I was driving home when my phone beeped.

Since it is traffic, I took the chance and checked my message.

From: mom

We'll go to the Dragneel's residences. Go home safely.

I feel nervous. I feel like something is bothering Natsu.

And I feel like something unexpected is going to happen.

◇◆◇◆

"Mom, I'm home." I kissed mom's cheeks.

Mom looked at her wristwatch, "It's 6 PM. We'll eat dinner. Come on."

"Okay."

After we ate, mom approached me, "Get ready. We'll go to the Dragneel's. Wear the most beautiful dress you have in your closet."

"Uhm.. okay. What's the occasion?" Mom just ignored my question. -_-

I just wore my most beautiful dress I have and tied my hair up in a ponytail.

◇◆◇◆

We're now going to the Dragneel's mansion.

As his friend, I know he's hurt. I have experienced that just earlier.

"We're here." I was thinking too much.

I stopped walking and stared at his house.

It never changed. Still big.

"Layla!" Natsu's mother hugged mom.

"I missed you!" Wow. They are just neighbors. Besides, I know they meet everyday.

"Hi, Jude. And Lucyyy... you're really a pretty lady." I smiled and blushed. Natsu's father smiled as he welcomed us inside.

"Natsu, Wendy! Come here!" Oh! I almost forgot Wendy!

"Lucy!"

"Wendy!"

And we hugged each other.

"I missed you. Even if we're neighbors, we don't talk to each other now... I'm busy."

"I know. It's okay. We meet at school, anyways."

I turned to Natsu who was texting somebody on his phone.

"Natsu, don't be rude and greet our visitors."

"Oh, hello everyone." He replied and went back to texting.

"Mom, Dad, Aunt Grandine, Uncle Igneel... can I talk to Natsu?" I smiled genuinely at them.

"Sure. Just please don't take too long."

"Alright." Natsu's family and mom and dad went inside their house. And I pulled Natsu in their large garden. He looked at me.

"Our plan..." I started and trailed off.

"No, it's okay. It's now fixed."

"But we didn't do anything..."

-FLASHBACK-

Erm...

"This is awkward. Why did you pull me here anyway?"

"We'll talk about our plan."

"What is the plan, anyway?"

"I'll pretend that I'm the new boyfriend of Lisanna." My eyes widened.

"Don't you think Bickslow would be mad at you?"

"I don't think so. Besides, it's my plan."

"And what about me? What will I do?"

"You'll pretend to be my girlfriend as well."

"Say what?! I. Don't. Want. To. You'll look like a play boy, can't you see?"

"It's a plan. Don't worry, I know what to do." He grinned like a child.

I miss that childish grin he gives me.

-END OF FLASHBACK-

"Oh..." I don't know what hit me, but I hugged him. I know that my hug will comfort him and make him smile.

I just felt that he hugged me back when...

"Lucy, Natsu—OMG. I'm so sorry to disturb the two of you." I quickly let go of Natsu and looked at Aunt Grandine.

"No, ma'am. He's just sad... we were not doing anything."

"Okay then... let's go inside. We have some news for the two of you."

We nodded and went inside.

I can see in my peripheral vision that Natsu is already smiling.

◇◆◇◆

"So.........."

Uhm.. why is there an awkward silence?

"Hey, tell it!"

"No, you tell it."

"Honey...."

"Tell. It."

"But..."

"Hm?"

"Okay, I'll tell it." Dad took a deep breath.

"You two are already married."

*pft* *cough*

Natsu and I coughed. We were shocked.

"That's.. n-not a good joke." I stammered.

Wendy smiled.... which means... it's true.

But... hey....... what about our studies and friendship!?

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DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN FAIRY TAIL. MASHIMA-SENSEI DOES. :)

Friendship and studies... tsk.

What will happen between Natsu and Lucy? Find out on the next chapter.

Vote and Comment!

~sheimaenalu