Summer Is Coming - Gratsu

7. Day 3: Princess Lessons, Walking

"My god, you're worse at this then dancing and THAT'S supposed to be harder," Erza said, extremely frustrated at Natsu's foolish attempts of walk three steps in highheels.

"Hey look, I'm trying here!" Natsu shouted, also frustrated with the events that had unfolded. She pushed herself off the floor for who knows how many times today and brushed the dust off her shirt, "Why can't I just go barefoot?"

"Because you're going to a ball and no lady would ever dress barefoot!" Erza yelled back.

"Why do I have to be a lady! What's this stupid mission about?" Everyone in the group stiffened slightly at Natsu's question.

Erza didn't miss a beat, "We are going to the ball, because there is a thief stealing precise crowns from the noble and this is the largest ball in the season, he'll be there. You will be wearing that crown you got and being bait. When the thief tries to take it, we come in and apprehend him. The thief won't take it if he knows you are bait and either Lucy or I can draw as much of attention as you can at a masquerade. That is why you are learning all of this."

It wasn't a complete lie. Natsu was going to be bait, but there was no thief stealing crowns, their was a someone doing a lot worse than that.

"Now again! Hold your chin parallel to the floor, never look at your feet. Look at the people or above, never down."

Natsu wobbled slightly, she held her chin leveled and ,most importantly, she didn't fall as she walked over to Erza.

"Better. Walk over to Gray and have him help you up the stairs," Erza ordered.

Natsu didn't as she was told, "Hey Gray, will you help me up the stairs? Erza's orders."

"Of course, my lady," Gray bowed, twirling his hand in exaggeration as he lowered his head. Natsu blushed; she took his outstretched hand, letting him lead her up the stairs.

"Chin up, chin up," Natsu mumbled with each step. She gripped the railing for extra support.

"Good. Now Gray, lead her down. Hold you hand up a little higher and descend slowly. Let Natsu set the pace," Erza said. All eyes turned to the two as Natsu's heel touch the first step.

"Would you look at that," Levy said in awe, looking from her book to the two on the steps.

"What is it?" Lucy asked looking over Levy's shoulder to see what she was staring at, "Wow."

After the Lucy expressed her shock of what she saw everyone wanted to see. The page was a picture. Cinderella being lead down the marbles steps by the prince into the audience for their first dance.

"That's amazing," people mumbled looking up towards the two almost at the end of their graceful descent.

"The resemblance is uncanny," Mira said, "I can only what they'll look like at the ball.

Erza smiled, both of her plans were coming along nicely. "Lovely you too. Natsu come here I have something for you."

Natsu thanked Gray and walked over to Erza, remembering what She had just been taught when she walked. "What is it Erza?"

"Here," Erza handed her a small box, "A gift from the master. He has quite a sense of humor when it comes to these things."

Natsu took the gift, the paper crinkling slightly. No one had noticed, but Natsu had become a lot gentler and graceful in the past three days. Too bad for Erza, the girl hasn't gotten any quieter or less obnoxious.

Pulling the paper off with one sweep, a pretty wooden bow know rested in Natsu's hand. Lifting the lid, the inside of the box was revealed. Natsu gasped, "How the hell am I supposed to walk in these?"