Hiya x t
Here's chapter 9 !!!! ..... Not many chapters left :( OH WELL ENJOY !!!!

Coming home and going back to their usual routines, it felt somewhat nice.

Natsu went back to his firehouse and continued his job as the hot fireman who helped people on need while Lucy went back to being a nurse who also helped people in need. Though, they didn't see each other as much, they always seem to bump into each other in the hospital due to fires or such. It was a hassle and busy week for the both of them due to the drought in Magnolia.

A lot of people were dehydrated, fires seemed to come up a lot more now, and it was super hot out.

The couple barely had time for each other now and Lucy was slowly losing her mind. She didn't know why she missed Natsu so much since he was basically just a stranger to him but she missed him. She missed speaking to him, eating with him, laughing with him, and just him in general.

Why? She would always ask herself but really, she didn't know either.

"Lu-Chan? Hey, Lu-Chan! Lu-Chan?! Hello?" Levy waved her hand in front of the blonde as Lucy eventually snapped out of her daydream and blinked rapidly. She focused her attention on Levy as she blushed. "Y—yeah?"

"Why are you so spaced out? Are you really that tired?"

"Erm... Yeah, kind of." She shrugged as she sighed. "I don't know. Guess it's just 'cause we're so busy this week."

"Or is it because you're missing Natsu?" Mirajane teased making pink dust her cheeks. The two nurses noticed and gasped, both of them crying out in surprise and joy. "Are you actually?!"

"I—I mean, yeah, I do miss him—"

"She fell for him!" Mirajane cried out, squealing with Levy as she agreed. Lucy could only roll her eyes and sigh in annoyance as her two friends got worked up over all this, again.

Suddenly, the doors opened and Erza came in, a sign flying out of her lips. "Lucy, can you do me a favor?"

Shifting towards the scarlet-haired nurse, she smiled. "Yeah, sure, what's up Erza?"

"I've got three boxes of donuts and I need them taken to the firehouse. I don't have time since I'm busy but it's lunch time for you so would you please take them?"

Once hearing fire station, Lucy smiled widely and nodded. "Yes, of course. I'll take them,"

"I bet she's only going because of Natsu," Levy whispered towards Mirajane quiet loudly as she nodded. Lucy, who heard everything, glared at the two. "Am not!"

"Yeah, right."

"I'm not!"

"Alright, stop it you two. Just get over there and say they're from the hospital. Thank you, Lucy." Erza smiled as she watched as Lucy nodded and grabbed her purse. "Anything for you, Erza. I'll be back soon, guys. Have fun and good luck." She smiled happily before getting out of the office to go change.

Coming upon the locker rooms, she quickly changed out of her scrubs outfit and put on her blouse and jeans she came into her, her comfortable running shoes turning into wedges which were one of her favorites. Pulling her hair out from the tight bun, she let her golden curls spill out all over her shoulders. She flashed a dashing smile in the mirror before closing her locker and quickly making her way out to grab those boxes of donuts Erza was talking about to take to the fire station.

—X—

"Urgh, this week was rough." Natsu groaned as he leaned against the chair as Gray, his policeman best friend, watched him whine. "I mean, where are these fires coming from?!"

"Well Magnolia has a drought for almost two weeks now so it's like, normal I guess."

"It's stupid." He huffed as he leaned his head against his desk and played with a pen as Gray laughed, his laugh echoing through the office. "Well, what crime isn't stupid?" He asked but didn't get a reply as Natsu sighed. "I'm hungry, bro. Wanna get something to eat?"

"Yeah, it's almost one." He agreed as he pushed himself onto his feet as Natsu stood with him, his tan large hand running through his locks messily. "God, it's hot."

"Sorry," Gray apologized as if he was the problem as Natsu rolled his eyes. "You're the opposite of hot, asswipe."

"Like you're the one to talk?" He scowled as he opened the door to the office but was cut off when the door opened and a blonde came inside. Gray and Natsu both stopped as the entire office went silent in awe, watching how such a pretty woman came inside carrying boxes of donuts.

Lucy seemed to notice the silence and squirm uncomfortably until she noticed the two idiots by the door. "Gray! Natsu! Help me, will you?"

Gray was the first to notice and act as he went over and took the boxes from her, setting them down at an unoccupied table as Lucy sighed and thanked him happily. Soon, her eyes locked with Natsu's and he felt his breath hitch.

It was like one of those romantic movies where the main character imagined their love running to them in slow-motion and kissing fiercely. But instead, Lucy just strut her way over and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, squeezing slightly.

"Natsu," she spoke, sounding almost like a whine and purr making him stiffen slightly. "I missed you."

His throat felt incredibly dry as he wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her near. "S—same."

"How have you been?"

"Been the same-been busy, actually. How about you?"

"The same with me," she flashed a smile as she pulled back slightly. "I brought donuts."

"For what occasion?" He quirked a brow as he watched his co-worked and his stupid friend grab a couple. "I don't know, Erza asked me to bring them."

"Thank god for Erza. I missed you badly, Lucy. I was about to go crazy," he pouted as he held her hand making her giggle and blush. "Why? Does the almighty fireman miss his beautiful wife?" She teased, poking his nose as Natsu smirked and brushed her hand away. "Why, of course I did. With a person like you as ones wife, you wouldn't want to even blink because one would be afraid they might even miss a second of their beauty."

"Ahem," somebody cleared their throat causing the couple to turn and look at the culprit. "if you two mind, there's donuts for you two and you two are also in public..."

"Natsu-senpai and his wife are amazing!"

"They're so lovey dovey, it makes my heart go thump thump!"

"They're gross. Shut up, guys, you're just encouraging them." Gray sneered, eating his donut a bit aggressively as Natsu flicked his friend off as Lucy blushed red.

"I mean, if you guys wanna fuck, there's always Natsu's office—"

"Gray, shut up!"

"Oh c'mon, Lucy, you know I'm just joking with you!" Gray grinned, swinging an arm around her shoulders to pull her close and yelp in surprise. Natsu shot him a disapproving look towards his friend but by seeing the large smile on Lucy's face, he let it happen. "You're like a sister to me."

"Ew, no, then it's like, I'm related to something like you."

"You tell 'em, Luce!"

"Wow, Lucy, I'm actually hurt. It hurts—I think my heart is going to explode from all the pain you caused it."

"That's false. You heart can in only one condition and that is trauma or injury due to any external element to the heart and I'm sure you don't have any sort of injury or trauma to the heart, now do you?" She flashed a bittersweet smile as Gray scowl and made a face of displeasure to the blonde.

Natsu merely laughed and placed his arm around Lucy as he smirked smugly at the policeman. "Don't mess with a nurse, dickface."

"Natsu, don't butt in."

"Yeah, Natsu, don't butt in."

"Oh my god—you two are literally, five years old." The blonde hissed as she held her palms out in front of the faces of the men. Natsu and Gray both scowled but didn't say anything back since they knew they'll get beaten if they say anything saucy.

Instead, Natsu stuffed his face with donuts.

"Have you had lunch, yet, Lucy?" Gray asked as Lucy shook her head and smiled at random firemen who looked her way. "Do you want to?"

"You mean, with you?"

"No, like, Natsu included. After all, he's your precious hubby-kinz, am I right?" He smirked at her scowling blushing face as she rolled her eyes at him. "Gray, just shut up about it, god."

"But really, when have you and this idiot gotten closer? You've been acting a bit more lovey dovey lately and his father isn't around," he asked, catching onto their feelings as Lucy sighed and watched her pretend-husband growl at his co-workers how they had enough while he continued to eat the rest. "I mean... I don't know either—it just ended up that way, I guess."

"Don't tell me..." He trailed as he eyed her specifically. Lucy only raised a brow in his direction as a smirk slowly crawled up his mouth. "Did you develop feelings for—"

"AHH! No! Stop, shut up, Gray! Shut up, shut up, shut up!" The blonde nurse cried out as she blushed scarlet and shook her head back and forth while covering her ears.

Gray who noticed the color of her face, gasped and his entire face lit up as he started laughing like crazy.

It only caused Lucy to blush even harder.

"OH MY GOD, I CAN'T BELIEVE—"

"GRAY. NO, STOP YOU DINGBAT, I'LL LIKE, SHANK YOU."

"YOU LIKE—"

"NO, DON'T SAY IT, GRAY—"

"NATSU?!"

Swinging her arm in ninety degrees, she nailed the policeman in the face with full force without realizing it. Gray flew back and held his nose as he cried out in pain and surprise.

Natsu and everyone else turned to see a frantic blonde and a bleeding cursing police officer, up against a desk.

"I—I'm so sorry! I—I didn't—I'm sorry!" She cried out, trying to hold in her scream as Gray groaned. "I—I didn't know I was going—oh my god, I'm sorry!"

"Lucy, what happened?!"

"Yo, Natsu, your girl fucking punched me!"

"She what?!" He shouted in disbelief as he came rushing over, looking at the frantic blonde to his bleeding best friend. "Lucy, you punched him?"

"I—It was by accident, I swear! It's a reflex! I'm really sorry, Gray!" Lucy cried out as she continued to chant out apologies as Gray cursed and tried stopping his nosebleed while Natsu merely stared. Soon, he just burst into laughter making Gray scowl even more and Lucy blink in confusion, her tears being washed away by confusion. "E—eh?"

"Damn it, Lucy! I wish I could have seen that! Haha, you got beaten by a girl!" Natsu laughed, pointing at his friend while clutching his gut as Lucy blinked in confusion, staring at her two favorite people there. "Geez, Lucy, what made you so angry that you had to punch ice-brains?"

"E—eh?" Lucy stammered, blinking innocently a she looked at her pretend-husband to her brother-like figure as he quirked a brow at her. "Yeah, Lucy, what made you so angry that you had to punch me?"

Silently standing there in all nervousness, she started to laugh sheepishly as she quickly eyed the time.

"Uh, you guys want lunch?! My treat!"

As soon as Natsu heard the word lunch he was already out of the topic while Gray rolled his eyes, scowling at his friends. Meanwhile, Lucy only apologized once more and went to his aid. "You know you have to tell him sooner or later, right?"

Pouting slightly, she glanced over at her pretend-husband and nodded. "Yeah... I know."

—X—

Sitting in her couch dressed in only a long t-shirt and comfortable short shorts which hid under her shirt, she read a novel. No matter how hard she tried—he wouldn't get off her mind. Was it weird that was thinking of Natsu of all people? It would have made more sense to think of Gray since she nailed him in the face and he most likely has a fractured nose. But luckily he was okay since she didn't hit him too hard.

Closing her novel and staring at an random object in her house, she couldn't help but think for a bit.

He really wasn't her type. He was attractive, yeah, but he's too childish. He's crazy and loud and obnoxious and cocky. She hated those traits in a guy but when she found Natsu and agreed to help him with it, she ended up accepting it and liking it.

Looking at the time, she noticed it was barely seven in the afternoon and she was already thinking of Natsu.

Now she thought about it—it's almost been one month since he proposed to her, huh? And he did say it was just one month... does he even remember?

Just thinking about it made her upset and thinking about not seeing Natsu anymore made her even more upset. She could barely go a week without seeing him and now not seeing him overall? That made her heart hurt. But this was just some stupid deal—they weren't even friends.

"That's right... this is just some sort of deal..."

The next morning was a great as the others for Lucy. Even though it was her day off since last week, she wasn't feeling it. She couldn't sleep last night and her heart hurt too much to even think about anything else. All that would register through her mind is Natsu and how the entire month was just an act put up for his family. How could she forget about that till now? Now all those times she's been with him and wasted was for nothing. She developed feelings for the wrong person and it all just started with a fake proposal.

She felt like shit and knowing that she had a dinner date today with Natsu and Igneel at some fancy restaurant down the street, she was feeling worse.

She shouldn't have agreed or if she did, she shouldn't have spent so much time with him.

He was crushing her ever so slowly and now that she found out she actually did love him... it was killing her.

—X—

Using the spare key Lucy gave him, Natsu came right into her flat as he closed the door right behind him.

Wearing a dashing suit for the dinner date he had, he looked prepared and clean as ever. Since he was a sloppy mess all the time—he looked like a complete different person and he couldn't wait to see what Lucy was going to wear.

"Lucy! I'm home—err, I mean, yeah, I'm here!" He called out as he walked in, looking around to find her nowhere to be found.

Coming upon her room, he peeked in to notice that she was still getting ready by trying to get dressed. She was incredibly sexy in her underwear, standing in front of her closet trying to pick out an outfit. He just wanted to over to where she was and ravish her but he just let her have her privacy and went away.

Sitting on her comfortable couch in her living room, he sighed happily as he turned the television on.

He didn't really pay attention to what was on as he continued to look around, looking at each and every object until he eye fell upon an open calendar that was on her coffee table. Noticing the calendar, he just realized and remembered the deal was supposed to end in just three days.

Pursing his lips in discomfort—he really hoped Lucy didn't remember or care about it.

"Huh? Natsu? When did you get here?"

Natsu turned his head to the side to get a glimpse of the beauty in front of him. His breath hitched in his throat and he swallowed, his eyes wide as dinner plates witnessing his pretend-wife in a skin-tight black dress that portrayed her figure perfectly. Her hair was curled into soft golden curls and her eyes twinkled with beauty.

He tugged on his collar as he sighed. "Damn, is it hot in here or is it just me?"

"Shut up," she rolled her eyes, fighting the smile tugging on the corners of her mouth. "when did you get here?"

"Couple of minutes ago. Don't worry—I used the door."

"You better have," she shot him a playful glare as he grinned. "You ready to head out?"

"Mm, yeah." She said, looking away from him as he turned the TV off and stood up.

He walked on over towards her to received the traditional hello hug but when he opened his arms out for her, she just gave him a look and brushed past him. Staring at her in confusion, he watched her dump her necessary items in another small black purse as he frowned. He also noticed how she didn't look in his eyes—did something happen?

"Luce, you alright there?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"Uh... nothing... no reason." He frowned slightly as he went over to where the door was to put his shoes back on. "I'm going to go start the car. Come out once done, alright? Don't take too long."

"Okay, see you soon." She flashed a weak smile which Natsu caught on, giving her a nod before walking out the door.

Once out, Lucy sighed and slumped against the wall as she ran a hand through her messy locks. "Damn it, Natsu. Don't make me fall for you every time you look at me."

—X—

"Ah, Lucy, it feels like it's been forever since I've seen my beautiful daughter-in-law. I missed you!" Igneel boasted as the three sat at a table as he held his wine glass up to his children. "And Natsu," He added once he realized Natsu was there too, glaring at him. "I hope all is well?"

"Yes, everything is." Lucy agreed while she got wine poured into her cup by a waiter, smiling at the red-haired male.

Natsu didn't speak but just listened, sipping on his wine casually.

"So, tell me, how is everything? Anything interesting? Any news?" Igneel hinted, trying to see if the couple was expecting anything yet. Lucy, who laughed lightly, shook her head and waved her hand in front of herself. "No, nothing really. It's been busy in the fire-station and hospital but it's because of the drought. Nothing really has happened, really."

"I see..." He said a bit disappointed, pursing his lips at the table. "Any who, would you like to hear about my work?"

"Why, I would love to, father!"

Staring at his father and pretend wife talk back and forth, Natsu realized something.

One, Lucy wasn't her usual self and faking most of her smiles and laughs. Two, his father is a nuisance as usual. And three, he was getting slightly drunk off this wine which tasted like stars.

He didn't understand why his wife seemed a bit off and he doesn't understand why she wasn't telling him, either. Lucy tells him almost everything and if she's feeling down, she usually expressed her feelings but somehow, she feels like this wasn't some ordinary problem.

It was kind of a big deal for her.

Continuing to stare at Lucy, he noticed that whenever she would glance his way, she would immediately look away without saying a word. Usually, she would wave, smile, or say some witty comment but for whatever reason, she looked like she was trying to avoid him.

Why?

"Ah, I'm going to use the men's room, I'll be right back, dear." Igneel said as he stood making Lucy nod and smiled as his father walked away. He disappeared into the crowd soon and it as only the couple at the table, Lucy fidgeting awkwardly in her seat while Natsu basically bore his eyes into her. He was tempted to ask her and he knew she was uncomfortable oversomething.

Was it better to discuss it with or without Igneel?

"Erm, hey, Luce?"

"Yeah?" She spoke, staring down at her lap as if that was talking to her instead of him. "Is something the matter?"

"No, why?"

"Well, you haven't looked or spoken to me for almost the entire night."

"That's not true," She said but she still didn't look up making him huff and frown disapprovingly. "Luce,"

"What?"

"What's wrong?"

"I told you, nothing." She spoke with more irritation and annoyance lace in-between her words as Natsu clenched his fist under the table. "Lucy." He hissed, trying to get her to speak about her problems or look up at him at least but all he got was her snapping at him.

"I said it was nothing! Natsu, stop trying to butt into my life!"

He felt a bit hurt.

"Lucy, what the hell is with you tonight?" He furrowed his brows in anger and worry as Lucy continued to stare down at her lap. "I told you, N-O-T-H-I-N-G. Leave me alone, will you?"

"I won't if something is bothering you this badly! Look, Lucy, I care about you. I know when something is bothering you and I know you. You're not like this and all night, you've been treating me like some kind of stranger or bother!"

"But you are..." She muttered under her breath making him scrunch his face up in confusion and lean in closer. "What?"

"I said you are."

"I'm what?"

And for the first time that night, she looked up and locked eyes with the male making his eyes widen in worry seeing the tears glistening in her eyes. "You're a stranger!" She announced making him reel back in surprise and confusion. "Stranger? I'm a stranger?"

"Yes, Natsu, you're a stranger to me. We weren't even supposed to meet, we just ended up meeting up again because you wanted your dad jumping out of your case about being single forever!" She blushed in anger and embarrassment as she looked down at the table once more. "You asked for a month and now that the month is ending, are you just going to push me away because your father finally believes we're actually a thing?"

"Lucy..."

"I was just a tool to you. Someone you used to lie to your father to, somebody to use to push away those boring times, and somebody to play with like a toy. I'm a human being, too, Natsu. I'm not somebody who you can play with one minute and throw away the next. I have feelings and these feelings are fucking crushing my insides like a bolder. You started this and now, I'm trying to end it because it hurts."

"What are you talking about?!" He raised his voice at her as anger built up inside him. Everyone around, turned to look at them but the couple didn't seem to care. "A tool? A toy? Who the fuck do you think I am? Some heartless bastard?"

"Well you used me for the whole month and you asked for a month."

"So just like that, you assume I'm going to 'throw you away'? Lucy, you're fucking crazy if you think I'm going to do that."

"Do you think we're friends?" She asked in disbelief as Natsu furrowed his brows. "What are we then if we're not friends?"

"Strangers. We're strangers, Natsu Dragneel, because I'm not even your wife, your girlfriend, or even a friend for that manner. I'm that girl you picked up at the local cafe because you were a selfish bastard that just wanted your friends and family thinking you won't end up alone for the rest of your life. This entire fake-marriage was a mistake and I'm sorry I fooled your sweetheart of a father like that." She shook her head in disappointment as she pulled her fake ring off her finger and place it in front of her. "You can tell your father I had to leave or make up another bullshit excuse up because you made me lose my appetite."

"I already heard the entire story."

Turning around, the couple realized that the red-haired male was standing right there, a serious expression on his face. He looked hurt and it squeezed their hearts painfully at the thought of their father being hurt.

"You two were just pretending to be a married couple? You were lying to me this entire time?"

"Dad, it's not like that—"Natsu tried explaining but his voice cut him off. "Not like that? What is it like then, Natsu? You two lied to me for an entire month about being married because you were tired of me saying you will never find a woman?"

"Father, it wasn't like—"

"You too, Lucy. I expected Natsu to do something stupid like this but you? How could you?" Igneel asked with pure sadness laced in-between his words as his pained expression made the air get knocked out of her. "Are you telling me that you lied about your name too? Your identity? You work?"

"No, please, let me explain—"She begged but Igneel just shook his head at them, stepping back. "No, I'm done... I have to go... you two can enjoy your dinner, together... I have to go."

"Dad!" Natsu stood to stop him but Igneel just left making the two rise and stare as the red-haired male disappeared once more.

Natsu's entire mind went blank as he didn't know what to say. What could he say? He basically just cut his ties and trust with his father because of the stupid plan. He probably hated the both of them, now.

Looking at Lucy, he noticed that she looked pretty hurt and regretted it, too.

"Lucy—"

"Save it. I'm going to go home, I'm done." She said as she tossed her napkin on the table to grab her purse and walk away making Natsu reach forward and grab her wrist before she left. "Wait, Lucy!"

"No, Natsu! I said everything I could! Stop trying, already! Haven't you hurt us enough?!"

Giving the blonde a wide-eyed look, he felt the wind get knocked out of his body as she jerked her arm free and stomped out of there along with his father.

This wasn't supposed to happen... how did this happen? Everything was perfect just yesterday, everything was amazing. Like they were really married and such—what happened to that?

Sinking back down in his seat and burying his face in his arms, everything disappeared around him as he replayed the scene over and over again.

 geez... what a drama-filled chapter. xD
eh, oh well,

SOOIOI MAY UNICORNS AND JOY BE WITH YOU !!!