Chapter 1 - Recap:

Natsu and I looked at each other. We nodded our heads in silent agreement. Last year we paired up on almost all our group assignments when we could.

We waited to see just what the business project was. Ms. V looked around and when everyone had moved by their partners she started talking again.

She moved in front of her desk again before saying, "This year, you have to be successful business owners,"

• * •

Chapter 2: The Business Project, and Moving In With the Dragneel's

The class was silent for a full minute, a record length I'm sure, before erupting in noise. Everyone was talking to their partners about the new assignment. Natsu turns to face me in his seat with a glint in his eye.

"Hey! Why don't you stay with me and Wendy in our apartment? We can work together even better then!" He grinned.

I thought about it for a moment. Living with them sounded like fun, and I practically lived with them already... Really if they took out the long wall between our kitchens and living rooms it would still be the same. We just wouldn't have to walk through the halls to see each other.

I nodded my head, "Sure, why not" I shrugged.

"Class!" Ms. V called for our attention. The voices grew to a whisper and then disappeared completely. She smiled when the silence had completely enveloped the classroom.

"Thank you, now before I dismiss you all I have one more set of instructions. I have papers up here and all of them have different business situation. You will create your entire business but I will place all of you in different situations. Help each other out. Make deals, form partnerships, whatever is necessary. But you all must act as if it was all reality, all the time. Remember all the classes before you have done this, so they will go along with it,"

A boy in the back raised his hand. "Yes?" Ms. V looked at him.

"So, we have to actually create a business?" He asked.

"Ah, well you don't have to, but you can create props if you want a better grade. Remember this lasts all year, so make it enjoyable for yourself! And don't rush, keep yourself on a good pace. I don't want you burning out early!" She explained

"I'll explain more tomorrow because it's time for you to go. Class dismissed!" She dismissed us and every pair grabbed a paper as they left. Natsu snatched one up as we made our way out into the hallway.

"We have this assignment clinched!" He cheered.

I gave him a puzzled look. "What's the scenario?" I ask reaching for the paper. He holds it above me out of my reach. I scowl at him.

"Hand it over!" I pout.

"I'll tell you after school, Mrs. Dragneel." He smirked at my face and then turned to go to his next class. I wasn't sure how exactly to react so I just made my way through the halls to my math class and sat down as Sir. Guildarts began his lecture. I kept wondering why he called me Mrs. Dragneel...

• * •

I lugged my now heavy backpack over my shoulder. I waved to Levy and Erza as they walked to their houses together. Gray, Natsu, Gajeel and Jellal where staying after for basketball tryouts.

I made my way to one of the gymnasium doors. I sat on a far bench, tucked in a corner. The door to the gym was propped open so I could see the boys as they drilled. Natsu weaved his way around the court and made a few shots. Jellal tried to block but Natsu still got around him. Gray snatched the ball up as it whisked through the net. He arched around Natsu who was trying to find a break in Gray's defenses.

A whistle blew and all the boys circled up around the coach before later splitting off to warm up. That's when I put my earbuds in and began my homework for Gildarts and Miss Aries' classes. I began to yawn as I worked, but I shook my head every time my eyes felt droopy. Finally I put my books and paper in my backpack beside me on the bench.

I put my jacket under my head along with one arm. My other arm dangled limply over the edge of the bench and rested on the floor. I tranced patterns on the tile but I soon fell asleep. Then I heard faint voices. "Yo, look it's Blondie," a deep rough voice said.

"Huh, whatcha talking about- ooooh. Natsu!" Another voice called.

"The hell do you want Popsicle?" A grouchy voice snapped.

"Look dude," the second voice replied.

"Shit, what is she doing here? It's like nine!" The grouchy voice, belonging to Natsu, cursed under their breath.

"Sheesh, Fire Breath just take her home with you. No use asking an unconscious girl questions she can't answer right now," the second voice said.

"Yo Gray! Let's go! I have homework to do so let's get out of here!" The first guy yelled from farther in the school.

"See ya Pyro," the second voice called getting quieter. I heard steps coming nearer to me but I couldn't wake up--not that I wanted to either.

"Let's go Mrs. Dragneel, I have to take you home," I hear Natsu say softly. Shuffling noises could be heard indicating that he had shouldered shoulder my bag along with his duffel. Then I'm lifted into warm arms. I feel the colder night air brush over my skin that's exposed. Soon enough we reached the apartments and I heard the click as Natsu unlocked the door. He laid me down on the couch and went to close the door and shower.

That's when I fully woke up. Wendy peeked out of her room. She saw me and smiled. "Are you sleeping over Lucy?" She tilted her head innocently.

I yawn as I nod my head. Then she ducks in her room before racing out, surprising me, and then hands me some folded clothes. "You can wear these tonight, I'm sure Mama won't mind," she dashed back to her room and closed the door. I went to Natsu's bedroom and changed into the tank top and shorts. I am standing by my bag when Natsu walks out of the bathroom, a pair of black basketball shorts on. He was rubbing his pink hair with a towel when he looked up and saw me.

"Hey Luce, you're awake," he walked over to me.

"Yeah, but I'm freezing..." I reach for my jacket but Natsu grabs my arm and pulls me towards his room.

"Here," he held out one of his older plaid long sleeve shirts after rummaging around for it. I quickly slip it on over my freezing arms.

"T-thanks Nat-tsu," I feel my teeth chattering from cold still.

"Here sleep in my bed tonight," he pointed to his bed.

"B-but.." I start to protest.

"Lucy, sleep in the bed," he said a little more firmly.

"Yeah yeah, ok-kay!" I roll my eyes and then dive under his covers. I curl up in the far top corner in attempts to get warm. Natsu leaves the room for a few minutes and I closed my eyes. Then I hear and feel him get on the bed. I'm still shaking slightly despite being covered up.

"Luce," I faintly hear him.

"Lucy," he calls again and I slowly pull out of my drowsy state.

"Lucy, come here," he says more demanding than before. I finally peek at him from under the cover. He takes that opportunity to attack me with tickles, before pulling me close to him. He was very warm and comfy. I began to fall asleep right there in his arms.

• * •

Chapter 3: Cheer Captain Tries To Change The Game - Preview

I woke up tangled in Natsu's arms, no longer cold but quite comfortable actually. I found it hard to get up for school. But I stood up and got off the bed yawning. I heard Natsu get up too.

"Best sleep of my life," I heard him stretching. I turn to look at him.

"How did you manage to stay warm in only those basketball shorts?!" I squeak.

He shrugs, "I am just a really warm person," he grins.

"Oh ha ha very funny. So, when are you planning on telling me our scenario?" I ask folding my arms.

He walks over to me and wraps an arm around my shoulders an whispers in my ear, "I'll tell you on the way to school, I want to see your reaction in the light"

He pulls away grinning like a madman, and I was dying to know, just what was it?!