I Object

♡ 11. Epilogue: I Accept

1 year later...

"Luuuuuucyyyy!"

"What Natsu?"

"I'm hungry!"

"You just ate lunch!"

"So? Let's go eat again!"

"I don't want to."

"What about me?"

"Then you go make your own food. I have some matches in the kitchen drawer."

"But then I won't be able to burn anything since you're not gonna let me."

"Then take some of the leftovers from the fridge and eat that."

"But it's cold!"

"Natsu..." A dark aura was growing around her.

"Luuuucyyyyy! I'm sorry!"

She sighed. "Apology accepted..."

Happy flew in through the window. "Natsu! Lisanna's looking for you!"

"Got it! See you later, Luce!"

"Ah, w-wait, Natsu!" But he was gone before she even got out of her chair. She frowned. She and Natsu have been dating for a year now but lately he's been very mysterious. He also hung around Lisanna, Mira, and Erza a lot; Lisanna most of all.

She looked sadly down at the book she was reading. Could it be that Natsu had gotten tired of her? But he was still the same sweet and kind dragon slayer she fell in love with ever since they defeated Kage. Every night he would come to her house and cuddle with her and the next morning they would walk to the guild together, holding hands and laughing. He still protected her fiercely during dangerous missions and whenever she was hurt, he would anxiously watch over her until she recovered.

No, Natsu definitely didn't get tired me, she thought to herself.

But she still felt a twinge of anxiety every time she thought of that dense, reckless, hopeless mage she loved so much.

♡~♡~♡

The next morning, Natsu wasn't there. Lucy depressingly got up at around noon after lying in bed for hours, moping, and brushed her teeth before taking time to make breakfast and eat by herself. She was especially depressed because this was their one year anniversary since they have started going out and she had hoped that he would remember, but apparently he didn't. Before she could dig into the heap of golden brown pancakes drenched in syrup, however, Erza, Mira, and Levy barged into her apartment.

"What are you doing?!" Lucy shrieked.

"No time! Finish your breakfast!" Erza ordered.

"O...kay?" She shoved the food into her mouth as Levy watched, anxiously bouncing up and down in her chair.

"Hurry up Lu- chan!"

Lucy didn't reply, her mouth full. As soon as she choked down the last mouthful, Levy whisked the plate away and ushered her into the bathroom where Mira gave her a fragrant vanilla shampoo and body wash and she showered and dried herself with a towel until Levy came in and sprayed her lightly with cherry blossom perfume and pushed her towards the living room where Mira and Erza were waiting impatiently. They immediately set to work, Mira applying make- up to her face while Erza styled her hair.

♡~♡~♡

After they were done, they forced Lucy into the bathroom where they made her change into a dress before shoving her out again and making her stand in front of a full- length mirror.