To Any Cost

Chapter 20: Who's the Woman Now?

Hey!!! Finals are over!!! So happy... Sorry it's been taking me a little while to update, but I'm planning on updating two to three times a week at minimum. Anyways, I'm going to shut up and get on with the story!!! ;)

_____________________________________________________________________________

   "EVERGREEN AND WENDY MARVELL!" Makarov announced into the mic.

   "That's a real MAN!" Elfman beat his fists against his chest.

   Romeo glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, "They aren't men, Elfman."

   "It takes a MAN to get up on stage!" Elfman declared.

   "No it doesn't," Romeo laughed and turned back to the stage.

   "So," Natsu leaned back in his chair while sucking on the fire from the candles, "You gonna bet on Wendy?"

   Romeo turned beet red, "W-what do you mean?"

   "Oh, come on," Gray swung his newly taken off pants on his index finger, "It's obvious that you like her."

   "I-uh... what-really? Er..." Romeo stuttered. 'Have I really been that straight forward?' he thought desperately.

   "Just ask her out," Laxus boomed in a loud voice, but without meaning to.

   "I-I can't do that!" Romeo stammered.

   "Why not?" Freed was busy working on a crossword puzzle that he'd gotten from who knows where.

   "B-because..." he opened and closed his mouth like a fish gasping for water.

   "It's obvious that she likes you," Natsu replied through a mouth full of fire.

   "No I-wait... Really?" Romeo's eyes widened.

   "God, you're dense," Natsu laughed.

   Everyone at the table sweat-dropped.

   "And you're one to talk because..." Gray accused, brows raised.

   "What's that supposed to mean?!" Natsu retorted.

   Everyone at the table face-palmed.

   "I didn't think it was even possible to be this dense..." Happy stuffed his paw in his mouth to stifle a laugh.

   "WHAT?!" Natsu shot to his feet, "I'M NOT DENSE! COME AND FIGHT ME YOU PERVERTS!"

   "U-uh..." Romeo was taken aback, "What's that supposed to do with anything?"

   "Oh, just shut up, Natsu," Laxus laughed as a woman and a girl entered the stage.

_____________________________________________________________________________

   "I'm so nervous!" Wendy whispered harshly.

   "Oh, don't be," Evergreen smiled seductively while fanning herself, "I'll leave you a couple guys to bet on you."

   "Um... I don't think that's really how it works..." she muttered as she reached the front of the stage. She could see Romeo's wide eyes in the crowd and blushed. 'I hope he wins,' she thought, 'I don't know if I can trust really anyone here...'

   "ALRIGHT!" Makarov shouted, "FIRST IS EVERGREEN! SHE-"

   Jason popped out of nowhere and shoved a mic in front of Evergreen's face. "SO COOOOLLLL!" he squealed, "So, Evergreen! The fans want to know, are you really dating Elfman Strauss?"