Rumor Has It *Nalu*

Chapter Seventeen

*I'm debating on this being the last chapter because I'm not sure on where this is going but I'm hoping it will end decently and then I may start back up on my other story, I'm not so sure yet. Anyway, enjoy and I'll probably have the epilogue up by the end of this week or next. I also ended up with a twitter..lol, it's  @ naluwhore  because why not?* 

*Normal POV* 

After calling Erza up and arranging the date they had planned, Lucy helped Natsu and Wendy pack up so they can return home as Virgo should be coming back from the hospital any day now. She was excited to have her friend home again, she missed her too much and was ready for things to go back to how they were. 

The blonde walked her two friends to the door with a promise to do this again sometime under better circumstances. She hugged Wendy and pecked Natsu's cheek while reminding him that the date is tomorrow night and that they were supposed to meet Erza and Jellal at the restaurant at 7. She watched them walk off and went to clean up the apartment that was still a mess from countless popcorn fights during their movie marathons and late night dinners. 

Lucy finished cleaning up the small place and ended up crashing on the couch to catch up on any loss sleep. A few hours later, she was woken up by someone knocking on the door. Moving Plue out of the way, she hurried and opened the door and let loose a squeal that was dying to be released. The blonde threw her arms around her pink headed guardian and welcomed her home. 

*Lucy's POV*

I blinked away the few tears that threatened to flow past my eyes and gave the woman in front of me one more tight squeeze before finally allowing her to come inside. I watched as she looked around with a look of amazement as if she thought I would left the place a mess while she was absent. With a scoff, I shut the door gently and followed behind her and found her staring curiously at Plue. "I got him a little while after you were admitted into the hospital. I was a little lonely before Natsu and Wendy came and stayed over the rest of the time" I said softly. 

"Well I'm glad you left that shell of yours and made some friends, even if it was a small fluffy one" she replied with an amused expression on her face. 

I felt my face heat up a bit and giggled while filling her in on everything that went down while she was out. "and now Erza wants us to go on a double date with her and Jellal tomorrow night.". Looking up, I notice Virgo with a giant smile on her face and seeing it again made me really happy. 

"I'm proud of you Lucy, you've really come a long way from where we started" and with tears in both of our eyes, I embraced her once again but Plue decided he wanted in also. After a bit, we let go and she left to rest for a bit while I went to get started on dinner. 

*Time Skip*

I nervously looked back at my reflection, staring at the dress that Virgo chose for me and checked out the make up she's done. After a final nod I left my room and headed out to where Natsu was waiting. 

"Luce, wow, you look absolutely breath taking" he complimented with a slight blush but a large smile. I felt my cheeks heat up as I gave him a once over and told him he cleaned up nicely. After waving goodbye to Virgo, we left the house and walked to the restaurant as it wasn't far from my complex. 

"Although, Wendy and I miss staying over, we're happy Virgo is back. We like seeing you happy and it's been a while since there was a genuine smile on your face, it's nice to see it again" taking my hand, he swung our combined hands back and forth. I leaned into his side a bit and greeted Erza and Jellal when we saw them outside. 

"Lucy! You look amazing and you cleaned up very nice Natsu"

"You look great as always, Erza and it's nice to see you Jellal" I replied with hug, or a tight squeeze as it is Erza and she never seems to know her own strength. Natsu shook Jellal's hand and held the door open for us as we headed inside. 

We were seated immediately and talked, told jokes, and even talked about how the year has changed for everyone. After about an hour and a half, we all went our separate ways and promised to see each other at school in a few days time. 

"I'll see you on Tuesday, okay Luce?" Natsu said as he walked me up to my door. "Of course, I'll see you then" and before I went inside, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to plant a chaste kiss on my lips "I love you" he whispered. Smiling, I whispered it back before opening the door and going inside, though not before pulling him into another kiss and watching him walk off with a dopey grin on his face.

Laughing slightly, I shook my head and shut the door quietly knowing I was wearing the same look as he had worn. I climbed into bed after doing my nightly routine and closed my eyes, keeping the now smaller grin on my face. And to think, this all started because I decided not to listen to a silly rumor.