Hope you enjoy~

Chapter 5: Mate Hunting!

It's been a week since I've been here. I have to admit, as much as I miss home, I like it here. I'm currently at work with Grandeeney as we tailor a woman named Yukino. Apparently she's Sting's soon-to-be-mate and she's extremely sweet. She came in asking for a very elegant dress.

"Oh, i'm so excited!" Yukino hums.

"I know!" Grandeeney sings, "I always thought Sting was such a pain in the ass and thought he would never get a mate! But he sure does have a keeper."

"So when's the wedding?" I ask.

"Wedding?" They both say in unison and then giggle to themselves.

"Lucy-sama, do you mean Mating Ceremony?" Yukino smiles.

"Is that what you call it down here?" I ask.

"We do. It's when two dragons come together and link hearts. The male becomes an Adult, and the female stays at home to care for her mate and children. But Yukino doesn't have any children yet, so Sting is her only priority right now," Grandeeney explains.

Wow, it's kind of like how the nobles do it back home. When they get married the women usually stay home and nurse the young.

"It's great that you finally get to be with someone you love, Yukino," I say.

"I do love him," Yukino smiles, getting teary, "And i've always wanted to mate with him."

"What better day to do it than today!" Grandeeney cheers.

"Why? What's today?" I ask.

"It's Mate Hunting Day today," Grandeeney answers, "The day where all the bachelors and bachelorettes leave the tribe for six days to find a mate outside. Or, they can get married to someone here, if they want."

"Wait, are there other tribes of dragons, like you?" I ask.

"Oh, of course!"

"So, there have been more dragons thriving under our noses for so long? How funny," I smile.

They smile with me.

"So, Lucy, are you staying with us for the next six days?" Grandeeney smirks at me.

"Why would I?" I ask.

"Well, I figured you wouldn't want to be lonely," Grandeeney says.

"I'm going to be lonely?"

Yukino and Grandeeney exchange glances.

"Lucy-sama, you do know that Natsu-san is going, do you?"

That's right, He doesn't have mate...yet.

"Hold on, Yukino!" Grandeeney says out of nowhere, then whispering in her ear, that I could clearly hear, "Natsu could be planning to ask Lucy to mate with him! Maybe he won't be goin' and instead they'll be making sweet love in his hut later on tonight!"

"We just met!" I squeal.

"I think she heard you," Yukino still whispers to Grandeeney.

"I heard everything!"

"So what if you just met! Have you ever heard the story of those two who fell in love at first sight, but it was a forbidden love and they all eventually died a horrible death!" Grandeeney whines then eventually gasps, "THAT'S JUST OUR SCENARIO!"

"Um, Grandeeney-sama, I don't think so," Yukino says softly.

"Well, I do," Grandeeney points a finger at me, "You love Natsu!?"

"WHAT?!"

"I'm right, aren't I?" she smirks at me.

"P-P-Please, Grandeeney," I sputter, "I don't..."

There's just no way! I met Natsu only a few days ago. I can't be in love with him... Sure, his smile always makes me smile, or I love it whenever he holds my hand or hugs me, and get butterflies in my stomach whenever he's with me. That's doesn't prove anything! I'm NOT in love with Natsu. No way, no how.

Besides, even if I were interested in him, he probably wouldn't feel the same way about me.

I take a gulp, "Er...when do they leave?"

"They should be leaving by this afternoon, so if I were you, I would go searching for a certain someone with pink hair," Grandeeney smiles menacingly.

"Oh, I could never do that," I shake my head, "I have work to do."

Yukino and Grandeeney glance at each other one more time before Grandeeney announces, "Lucy, get out."

"What?!"

"I'm giving you the rest of the day off! Now go on, shoo."

"B-But....Yukino's dress," I mumble.

"Please, Lucy. This is child's play for me! Now get!"

She shoves me out of the hut. Sheesh, she's so bold.

Well, now that i'm out, I suppose I could look for Natsu. As I walk through the plaza, I see Lissana and Laxus chatting at a bench. I make my way to them and when I walk up to them, Lissana immediately throws her arms over my neck.

"Hi, Lucy! It's so great to see you!" She cheers.

"Lissana," I chuckle, "I saw you three days ago!"

"That's too long," She pouts, "I miss my bestie!"

"Dear God, please take your girl talk somewhere else," Laxus growls.

"Don't mind him," Lissana smiles, "He's just a dick."

I laugh and Laxus let's out another growl.

"Actually," I add in, "I was on my way to see Natsu. Do you know where he might be?"

"He's probably complaining to his dad," Laxus answers.

"Complaining? Why?"

"Well, you see, these are the six days Natsu hates most," Says Lissana.

"Mate hunting?" I ask.

"Yep," She chirps, "For the past three years, Natsu has came home empty handed. So stubborn that boy is."

Or, like he said, he wants someone he genuinely loves. Someone he wants to spend the rest of his life with. It really is sweet. Everyone in his village doesn't seem to understand that, though.

I do. My whole life, I dreamt about the day I would get married. When I would find my true love. But instead I had my love arranged for me. It really is horrible. Being expected to marry someone for power.

That's like Natsu's situation in a way. Everyone expects him to just find anyone so he can become an adult.

"Lucy?"

I was so deep in thought, I forgot Lissana was there.

"Uh, yes?"

"You okay?"

"Of course," I smile, "I'm perfect! Now if you don't mind, i'm going to find Natsu now."

I turn on my heel as Lissana and Laxus wave goodbye as I take my leave.

Once I make it to Igneel's hut, I wait a moment. What if he's not in there?

That would be awkward.

I take a deep breath and reach for the curtains when they swing open. It was Natsu.

"Luce?"

"Natsu!"

"What are you doing here?" He smiles at me.

"I was looking for you," I reply.

"Don't I feel special," he takes my hand, "Why were you looking for me?"

"Well..." Grandeeney forced me out of work to spend time with you. That's why. "I wanted to spend time with you, is all."

"Oh," He looks taken back, "That's great. I would love to. It's just that..."

I blink at him as he takes a deep breath.

"I have to go get ready."

"For the Mate Hunting?" I chuckle.

"How'd you know?"

"I was oblivious at first. But Grandeeney explained it to me," I smile.

"So you know i'm going to be gone for a few days?" He confirms.

My smile softens, but I still keep it.

"Of course I know, silly. I just wish you wouldn't leave me so soon."