The meaning of... A Love Rival?

The Strauss siblings arose early the next morning to get a nice head start on an anticipatorily hectic day.

Also, because Mira told them to.

Dawn did not break as yet and the sky had splotches of mystic pinks, and hazy oranges, signifying the sun making ready to arise from its slumber. Their home was a simple little wooden house in the heart of the forest by the town. The animals residing in the immediate forestation, slowly began awakening from their slumber scurrying about or scattering whenever one of the three got close.

"Gotta get to the guild early and set up the bar," Mira said, "Those drunks, ahem, *Cana*, like to get an early start on their routine alcohol."

"Ugh, big sis my muscles are killing me from the all work from yesterday." Elfman cried, "And I thought mages had hard jobs. Those men who build those houses deserve a holiday or something. They, are a MAN- ow!"

"Careful big guy, you gotta keep yourself intact for hard labour today too." Mira said.

"Don't fret Elf-ni-chan," his younger sister consoled, "You'll do great today as well. If it makes you feel any better I'll give you a massage when we get home."

"Aw thanks sis! You're the best!"

"Speaking of work," Mira chimed,"Lisanna since you skipped out on yours yesterday, today you'll be given not one, but two assignments today."

Mira turned around and gave her sister a knowing look. Lisanna looked to the floor in embarrassment. She didn't even tell Mira anything about the mission yesterday, perhaps big sister knows all. Elfman however, was still in the dark. But before any questions were asked, the guild hall became visible.

"Alright Strauss family," Mira said in an attempt to raise the spirits, "Lets get to work!"

As the morning came in, the guild began brimming with over people and noise. Construction workers were drinking up, getting ready to tackle the strenuous day ahed of them. Mirajane and Lisanna were on bar tending duty, while Elfman was dragged over by the construction workers to eat and drink with them before they got to work.

Then some familiar faces came in.

Levy and Team Shadow Gear arrived together, then Wendy and Carla. Erza, along with Juvia and Gray came in. Then Laxus and co. Laxus walked right over to the bar, and as Lisanna was about to serve him, he politely declined. He wanted Mira's attention. She was a bit busy taking orders and delivering them, so he was going to have to wait.

"Oh ho ho, so lover boy's finally decided to make a move huh?" Cana said while Lisanna refilled her booze.

"This is going to be interesting." She replied back.

Meanwhile, Elfman was still by the table preparing himself to leave with the men, when Evergreen came over and chastised him about eating poorly, and for complaining so much. Freed and Bickslow began to tease. The construction workers joined in.

"Is this your girlfriend? She's hot!"

"She's not my girlfriend."

"Don't listen to him, he's totally Evergreen's boyfriend."

"Freed don't make me-"

"Aw c'mon Elfman, you can tell us! I got a naggy wife just like her waiting for me at home!"

"Well excuse me old man, but what is that supposed to mean!?"

"Hear that Evergreen? You two remind that guy of husband and wife!"

Both Elfman and Evergreen finally hit their limits.

"She's not my girlfriend!"

"He's not my boyfriend!" they screamed simultaneously.

After their extremely clamorous outburst there was a deafening silence that followed. Everyone in the guild turned to look at the embarrassed duo. The construction workers began getting up awkwardly, claiming it was time to go. Elfman followed suit with his cheeks as cherry as a tomato's. Lisanna watched it all in keen interest from the bar. She let out a bemused chuckle.

Oh big brother.

As the gathering of men along with Lisanna's brother exited the guild, a pair of mages walked in. Lisanna's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. It was Natsu and Lucy.

And they were hand in hand.

People began gawking at the couple as they walked by, apparently their train of thought the same direction as Lisanna's. They both made their way to bar, both either oblivious to al the stares or they both moticed but decided to brush it off. When Lisanna realized they were headed her way, she snapped out of her daze.

He looked at her, and gave her the biggest grin.

Mavis, she loved that grin.

Little did she know, but a nearby blonde was thinking that too.

"Man Lisanna Wednesday sucked didn't it? I can't believe those jerks down at Miracle Town didn't count happy as a person!"

She let out a bumbling laugh. "Yeah..."

"Don't worry, I'll make it up to you later. I promise."

Lucy's eye twitched upon listening to Natsu's promise to Lisanna.

Lisanna nodded her head, floundering around the kitchen trying to get them something. She realized it would be rude of her if she didn't say anything. When she finally whipped up matching strawberry shakes, she klutzily brought it over to them... almost spilling it in the process.

"Here you go guys."

They hesitantly took the drinks.

"Thanks Lisanna."

"Yeah and congratulations." She flinched after saying it. She hated how forced it sounded.

"What? What do you mean congratulations? Did I win something?"

"No Natsu, on you dating Lucy! You two came in holding hands together right? Doesn't that mean you're dating?"

It was in that moment that Natsu and Lucy realized they were still holding hands, even as they were drinking their shakes. Natsu immediately disconnected.

Lisanna noted the flash of disappointment that crossed Lucy's face, but she was too relieved to even care! They weren't dating!

"What had happened was, Lucy and I woke up late, so I realized Erza was going to realize we were late, and I, wasn't ready to die today, so I took Lucy's hand and ran straight to the guild." He turned to Lucy.

"Guess I forgot to let go of her hand when we got here, sorry Luce!" He grinned sheepishly.

Lisanna let out a blatant sigh of relief. Lucy noticed this with narrowed eyes.

Natsu finished his shake, then left to go brawl with Gray. The atmosphere between the two ladies was very... awkward. Eventually, Lisanna left to help with bartending duties leaving Lucy alone with her thoughts.

It was then she truly realized, she was not alone in the pursuit of Natsu's heart.

"Oh and um Lucy," Mira said, "I'm gonna need 14 jewel for those milkshakes. Thanks."