Freedom.

That is what comes to my mind when the sweet sound of the bell rings, signalling the end of classes. I was literally exhausted.

I want a vacation!

Oh wait, it's weekend, after all.

It has become a routine for me to walk to the parking lot and see Mr. Popular Pinkie standing with the gang. Still haven't realized what I was trying to imply on?

Good.

Natsu Dragneel aka flamebrain drives me to school and home back, every single day, and today our group planned to do some camping in the East Forest, outside Magnolia after a little sleepover at Gray's place.

Which means I won't get to rest all day.

Great. Just great. Just fucking great.

"I'll pick you up at 6:30 sharp!"

"Okay."

Natsu drove away as soon as I opened the front door. He had seen Gray's house, so he decided he should give me a lift. I took a shower, ate my food and started packing.

Ugh, I need to sleep- FUCK!

My head hit the cabinet when I was trying to get myself out. Let's see how many injuries I got from this state of drowsiness.

1. A cute little bump on my head.
2. A bruise on my knee because I fell down the stairs.
3. A scratch on my foot because I was tripped and my own bed tripped me.
4. A scratch on my hand because of the cabinet in the bathroom.
5. A swollen toe because I tripped, and this time, the coffee table tripped me.

Yay.

The doorbell rung when I was about to plop on the couch.

What did I do to make you hate me, dear life?

I rubbed my eyes and opened the door. Natsu stood there with his infamous signature grin and waved. I moved back to give him some space to walk in.

"You're early, Natsu." I yawned and mumbled.

"Because I knew you'd throw a tantrum if I were late." He mumbled.

"What?"

"Yeah, I am. Were you sleeping?"

"No I wasn't. I was about to, though."

"You're exhausted."

"No shit, Sherlock. Do you think it's easy to complete your homework, prepare for your test and help others cheat?"

"By others, you mean me, especially. Well, it's tiring to do homework and why the hell am I supposed to know why 'x' want to be alone? It's so confusing."

I rolled my eyes.

Idiot.

"Anyways, you can sleep in the car, if you want. Gray's place is a little far from here. It would take thirty minutes."

"So take my stuff and let's rock and roll!"

I threw the heaviest bag at him which he caught after letting out a satisfying 'oomph', took one myself and went outside. He adjusted all the stuff in the car while I hopped in and got comfortable. He jumped in like I did and put the key in the ignition. The car came to life.

"Go to sleep, Luce."

"Hm."

I shifted myself so that I was looking at the view and closed my eyes. The car was humming and the wind was gently caressing my face. Before I completely lost myself into the dark abyss of my sleep, I heard Natsu say, "Sleep well, my Luce."

My eyes slowly opened as the continuous poking came to an end.

"Luce, wake up! We're here!"

The husky voice of Natsu brought me back to my senses.

"You call this a house? It's a freaking mansion!"

And I'm not lying. Stripper's mansion was humongous. I saw many cars parked in line, one after another in a parking lot. There was a fountain, and a servant besides it. Natsu saluted him and he bowed.

I should not be amazed. After all, I lived in one too.

I think I've seen this place before. No, I'm sure I have. It's Fullbuster property though. Maybe I came here a long time ago.

"Are we late?" I yawned again.

I really love my sleep.

"I don't think so. Metal head's car is still missing, or he brought another one. Come on- don't you dare go back to sleep again."

Too late for that. Sorry buddy.

I was halfway there, to my sweet lalaland when I felt a pair of arms, one sliding on my back and one grabbing my legs and whoop! I was carried by yours truly, bridal style.

"Put me down, Natsu."

"You'll fall."

"I won't."

"You will. Stop struggling already. It's no use."

I stuck my tongue out and stopped struggling to get out of his grip. I pouted childishly. He looked at me and gulped.

"Don't do that."

"Don't do what?"

"Don't pout. You look like a baby duckling."

And here I thought- ah, never mind.

I thought about it because he was blushing!

The door opened and soon as Natsu kicked it. Literally. He kicked it open. I couldn't help but stare at it in awe. The house inside was just as amazing as it was from the outside. I would call it 'your typical royal mansion', with all the paintings and chandeliers and decorations.

"Do you want me to close your mouth for you?"

You mean you'll kiss me? How thoughtful of you.

Stupid dirty thoughts. Get off of me!

"Piss off, Dragneel!"

He laughed, making me shake along with his chest.

"Can you put me down now? I'm fully awake."

"I think I should. You're too heavy, you know?"

"Excuse me?"

He threw me, up in the air. He had the gut to drop me, but he caught me before I landed on my butt.

"What? Okay, okay, don't give me that look. Makes me feel like I'll die right now."

He helped me stand up and I straightened myself.

"Go inside while I bring our stuff."

"Thanks, Natsu."

"All for you, Luce. All for you."

And I think I heard him mumble 'my Luce'.

I think I need to go to the doctor.

I could hear many voices talking in a hushed tone. Their conversation was audible. I was about to turn the door knob when I decided against it. They might be planning a prank for all I know. So, I decided to eavesdrop. Not a good habit, I admit, but sometimes you have to do what's right if you want to be- let's say, not pranked.

"You mean she still doesn't know? Shouldn't we tell her?" This voice was of Levy. I'm sure of it.

"We cannot take a risk. She even can't recognize me or this place. Heck, she doesn't even know who Natsu was until she came here." Is that Gray?

Who are they talking about?

"Poor Natsu. He must be having a hard time. After all, he-

"We cannot be sure of that, Levy. He never told anyone. Until she's fully recovered, we have to be careful with what we say or what we do. Telling her all this might be risky. It's better if we be ourselves and let her get closer to us."

This authoritative voice... It's definitely Erza.

"What about-

"Natsu? He'll manage. He'll be okay."

What the hell is going on here? What are they talking about? Who are they talking about?

I straightened myself, knocked on the door and entered.

"Hey guys."

"Lucy! You are right on time! I thought you'd be late because of Fire freak."

"What did you call me, Ice queen?"

And here we go again. Natsu threw all the stuff aside and they started brawling.

Bad decision guys. Erza's here. Oh look, she's going there and bam!

She grabbed a part of their head and slammed it. Hi

"What did I tell you two? Next time, make sure it doesn't happen again."

"Aye, Ma'am." They said in unison, rubbing their heads.

"Now where is Gajeel? He said he'll bring all the food, didn't he? Levy?"

"Yeah. He must be- oh there he is!"

"You mean behind all that food?" I sweat dropped.

"Help me, you bastards! Or eat the food that'll stick to the floor!"

"What did you call us?! Stop copying me! You stop it! No you do first!" Natsu and Gray were at it again.

"Boys!"

"Yes Erza!"

Her voice made them cower and they immediately rushed to help Gajeel.

After the games, movie and all the stuff, we were exhausted, so Erza, God bless her, decided that we should rest because we needed energy for camping too. Seems like everyone had their own rooms in the house. Gray went to his own room, Erza took Levy, and Gajeel was going to his. The only ones left were me and Natsu.

"You know, one person is missing who sleeps with Metalfreak."

"Let me guess, Jellal?"

"How did you know?" Natsu's jaw was left hanging.

"Levy told me about him."

"Oh. I see."

He looked- upset?

"Are you alright Natsu?"

"Wha- yeah. Yeah I am. Come with me, Luce."

He grabbed my hand and dragged me to a corridor.

"Where are we going?"

"To my room. You can't sleep with him, can you?"

"You have your own room?" I asked him flabbergasted.

"Yeah. Gray and I've been the best buddies since we were toddlers. I come to his place quite a lot of times, so he asked his parents to get me a room here, to which they gladly said 'yes'."

"Oh."

Wait a minute- I'd be sleeping in his room?! I can't sleep with a guy!

"Natsu?"

"Yeah?"

"You mean I'd be sleeping in your room?"

"Yeah. Where do you think you'd sleep then?"

"Isn't there a guest room or something?" I asked him nervously.

It's not like he'll take your virginity away from you, Lucy. Clean your dirty mind.

"The guest room is under maintenance."

"Okay." I was blushing.

Why wouldn't I?

"Oh I remember now! I was- oh you're so dead. I'll kill you, you pervy popsicle!"

I tried to control my fit of laughter, but I failed. I burst out laughing. Natsu was totally wet, with ice falling down his head and shoulders. This must had happened because Gray had put a bucket of freezing water and ice cubes on his door. When Natsu opened it, it fell on him. He walked forward but he tripped and feathers fell on him. I laughed even harder, rolling on the floor.

"ICE QUEEN FULLBASTARD! I SWEAR IF YOU'RE NOT DOWN BY SUNRISE, HELL WILL BREAK LOOSE!"

And this was the last straw. Natsu dashed upstairs and in the blink of an eye he was gone. I heard a door open with a long 'bang' and a roar. I face-palmed.

I really have great friends. I hope they don't cancel the trip because of two heavily wounded bastards.