After All This Time || A Fairy Tail Fanfiction

Chapter 24

A/N: Don't play the media until the dance! Here's an extra long chapter for you guys (two chapter in one weekend!) since I made you guys wait so long.

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  Lucy struggled to keep her face placid as Kyôka twirled around her, winding a smooth, satin fabric around the blonde's body as she did so.

  "Is this really necessary?"

  "Why of course honey!" She snickered haughtily. "No 'visitor' who comes to Onibus around this time can miss out on our semi-annual Gala."

  "Semi-an... Oh!" Lucy suddenly remembered. "That's right. This one is going to be your Solstice Gala—right near summer. I believe I more informed about Onibus's Equinox Gala."

  Kyôka quirked an eyebrow, "True, our Equinox Gala is more well known throughout Fiore."

  "You sound surprised."

  "Well, I am. You speak as if you've been to it—though it's only for the Upperclass. It's basically the red carpet for those who've  accomplished something outstanding."

  Lucy stiffened, realizing her mistake. "Oh, my bad! I didn't mean it that way. I meant that I've always watched or read about it in The People Weekly."

  "That makes more sense."

  In truth, Lucy had been to the Equinox Gala—several times actually. They'd stopped going when Layla died.

  "I'm done!" Kyôka announced, turning the blonde so she was facing the mirror. "You are quite the pretty young lady! Beautiful golden hair, big brown eyes! A curvaceous body—especially around the hips and breasts. And my! Your skin is gorgeous! What products do you use—"

  "Thanks for describing my anatomy," Lucy drawled, before turning to see her reflection. The dress was very traditional. It was fitted around her bust and torso, but flowed out at the hips and went all the way to the floor. It was a faded pink and had delicate embroidery done on the skirt. Her sleeve cuffs were two big ruffles—her collar as well.

  Her long hair had been twisted up into an extravagant updo, a few stray hairs slipping out and framing her face. There was makeup on her but not ridiculously so.

  The point was... she looked like she'd never left her manor. She looked like a lady, flaunting amongst the rich like she was supposed to be.

  The realization made her sick.

  "Thank you," Lucy nodded politely. "Really, this wasn't necessary."

  "It was my pleasure, darling." Kyôka's lips stretched into a thin smile. "Oof! Look at the time! I'd better get ready as well. Wait in the hall honey."

  "Yes ma'am," Lucy carefully lifted the front of her dress as she walked out the door, making sure to not trip. She made her way down the dimly lit hallway, desperately trying to not stumble in the uncomfortable heels. Mavis, it had been forever since she'd worn something like this.

  Come to think of it, Onibus wasn't far from the Heartfilia Estate. And Him.

  She shuddered at the thought. She was practically walking through the shark zone. All it'd take for her to be sent back, was one recognition. Only one of these elite, upperclassmen had to recognize her for her life to be doomed.

  Baka, she scolded herself. Stupid, dumb Baka!

  "Lucy...?"

  She looked up, snorting to herself at Natsu's perplexed expression. He was wearing a colonial suit, with a lengthy top hat. The attire apparently didn't sit well with him, judging by the way he was tugging at his tie.