After that day of practice, Natsu seems more open to Lucy hanging out with Loke. They were still not friends, but Natsu wasn't as hostile as he used to be. Loke also seems to dial down his flirting. He still called her princess, but it's less of a pickup line.

The practice for the tournament is going well too. Every day, they stay back in school for it and Erza had decided to utilize that time to thoroughly educate her in the art of defense.

Aquarius was not happy at first about her tardiness, but she allowed it in return for her to work the Sunday shift too. Her one day of relaxation was ruined.

They weren't the only ones with a busy schedule, though. Levy and Juvia were also busy with their cheerleader team, Levy more than anyone. For a petite girl, she leads like a spartan commander.

But no matter how hectic life has become, Lucy was actually enjoying everything. Even if it was painful, self defense was something Lucy had wanted to learn for a long time and it brought her feeling of content knowing she wasn't completely weak.

She was also not ignored by her schoolmates any more. Sure, there were still some who looked at her as if she's dirt, but most of them have been warm to her. If anything, they were friendlier than ever. Lucy was glad for all the new potential friends, but she still would rather be with her gang than anything.

"Ashley-san! Wanna sit with us?" A pink haired girl called out to her as soon as she entered the cafeteria. She waved back but didn't go sit with them. She went to the empty table where soon her friends will come meet her.

"Hey Lucy! Long time no see!" A voice said, and an arm came around her. She turned to see the owner of the hand, Dimaria, sitting next to her on the empty seat. "It's been a while, huh?"

"Y-yeah, haven't s-seen you in a while. Where were you?"

"Oh, here and there. My dad wants me to be more involved in his business. Parents, you know?"

Lucy gave a small smile but said little. She tapped her finger on the table nervously. No matter how many times she talked to her, Dimaria always made her nervous.

"So, you seem to have more fans since the last time I saw you?"

Lucy nervously smiled at that. She wouldn't exactly call them fans, but they did seem to go a little overboard. 'I know they are trying to be better but sometimes it's a little overbearing. '

"You might still want to look out for yourself. They didn't even hesitate to jump ship when they figured out it's better to side with you. Who's to say they won't do it again?"

Lucy frowned as Dimaria left with a wave. Even though she hated the thought, Dimaria was right. Everyone who was acting so nice to her now could change their tune easily.

'Better to stay with people I trust.'

She got up and left the cafeteria to meet her friends outside.

------N------------A------------L------------U------

Dimaria tapped her foot with her phone near her ear. She could not believe that the few days she left that blonde bitch had already climbed up the ladder.

The call got through and a sleepy voice responded, "Hello?"

"Flare! Didn't I tell you to take care of that nerd when I'm gone. Why is she suddenly the apple of everyone's eye?"

"Maria, we really tried to scare her off, but we couldn't do much since Titania showed up. We-"

"In. Secret. I told you to handle it in secret! Now the whole school is being buddy-buddy with her. Can't you do just one thing right?"

"Well, why don't you do it yourself? In fact, you can do all your master plans by yourself!"

"Watch your tone there, Flare, or your family just might know about your trips to Raven Tail."

Dimaria knew that Flare didn't give a shit what the school thought of her. She was the crazy chick, after all. But her family's opinion mattered to her. And Dimaria knew exactly how to use that to her knowledge.

"... Fine. I'll do what you want me to do."

"Don't bother." Dimaria sighed, exasperated. "What I need is information and you're not useful there. Don't worry about your family knowing about Raven Tail. You can continue hanging out with those drugheads."

She hung up before Flare could say anything else and called another number. She knew exactly who to call to get the dirt on Lucy Ashley.

------N------------A------------L------------U------

"So, should I pick you up from work after?" Natsu asked as Lucy got off his bike in front of the aquarium. This was their new routine. Natsu would drive her to work and later pick her up if she was staying at his house. One out of three times she's staying with his family. Luckily, she didn't have to share a room with him like the first day.

"No, I'm going back home after."

"You know I can drive you there too, right?"

"That's too much work for you, Natsu. Besides, you have a game tomorrow. Don't you have to prep for that something?"

She had no idea how they get ready for their game, but Lucy did know that if she was supposed to do something that big then she would need at least two days to mentally prepare her anxious self.

"Well, I do have practice..."

"See, you and I both have work to do. So be on your way." Lucy said, pushing him back to his bike. He seemed to finally give in and got on the bike with his helmet on but he leaned towards her for a peck on the lips before he zoomed away leaving her blushing on the streets.

As she went to greet Michelle and Eclair, Lucy couldn't help but think things are going so well for her. She could just hope that it will continue to be so.

I'll be honest, I'm not happy with this chapter. But I really wanted to write something. If by any chance I have a better idea I will edit this chapter. But If not the this is how it will be.
Till next time!