"Pumped Up Kicks."
Chapter 2: Where Do I Sign-up?
WARNINGS: grammar and OOC. ENJOY!
The sky was a very nice today, the view amazing as a matter of fact.
I stared at the fluffy white clouds as they passed by before taking another bite out of the sandwich I bought at the cafeteria. I was currently lying down on the grass by this willow tree. It provided perfect the shade from the annoying sun.
I found this place stumbling about during lunch and once I found it I immediately made my way for it. I place my bag against the tree then proceeded to lay down on the grass with my head resting on my bag.
I diverted my gaze away from the sky to look at the students in my school, some already had cliques and what not- sitting down in tables with big groups, others were running about and playing sports.
Who the hell plays sports during lunch?
Food is sacred… those sinners.
And if you're gonna play, play basketball… Pfft.
I shake my head at you all.
The school to be honest isn't bad at all and so far I like my classes… well, some of them anyways…
After first period I painfully realized I had Gray for third and fourth.
That bastard sneaked up on me on all those periods.
Needless to say, he was this close to receiving one of my fists.
Not only that, on one period we bumped into each other and let's just say he had abnormal fucking body temperature.
He was cold, well not freezing but his skin was cool. Wanna know what's more? During fourth period, the air conditioning was broken so the class was warm then literally about thirty minutes into the teacher talking the freaking princess asked to be excused because he couldn't take the heat.
He literally couldn't…
His face was flushed and he was sweating bullets as I looked at him leaving the room.
Fucking ice Popsicle walked away like if he stayed any second longer he would melt.
I was disappointed when it in fact didn't happen.
Tch…
I took another bite out my sandwich before I heard someone speaking.
"Why are you in my spot?"
What the hell? I don't remember anybody being here?
I scrunched up my face in confusion before I slowed down my chewing as I turned my head to the right to look at who had said.
Needless to say, I should have expected this.
My eyes bulged out of my eyes when they landed on Gray and I half spit/ half choked on my mouthful. I sat up immediately, hunching over as I started having a coughing fit. With my right hand in the form of a fist I hit myself on my chest trying to stop the choking and swallow the food that remained in my mouth down.
"Bas-tard!" I coughed again as I glared up at him. "Are you trying to kill me?!"
"No, besides you are simply an exaggerator."
"Like hell I am!"
"You're in my spot."
I snorted as I leaned back down, resting my head once again on my bag. "Oh yeah? Funny that you'd say that since it's the, oh, I don't know, first day of school."
"This is the only spot that has shade against the sun."
"Yeah? Well not my fault that you melt the second that you're exposed to sunlight you vampire."
"Vampires don't melt."
"I know that RETARD!" I yelled at him, he was smirking down at me as he took a spoon out of his blue ice shavings.
"So then why say it?"
"Jesus Christ…" I groaned as I dropped my head onto my hands before someone yelling my name in the distance got me out of my stupor.
"NATSU -KUN!"
I peeked through my fingers to see Lucy and Levy walking towards us, they were both holding bentos and not far off behind them was Jet and Droy whom seemed to be arguing with one another.
Lucy started sprinting stopping once she was standing right in front of me. She smiled at me as she raised her right hand to her forehead and moved it outwards in a salute.
"What's up? "
"Well… I was having a good lunch till this refrigerator arrived unannounced." I pointed at Gray with my thumb as I took another bite out of my sandwich. Lucy's face changed then, she looked confused then she looked towards where I had pointed and she screeched once she noticed Gray standing there.
"Hello Lucy-san." I stared at them exchanging greetings, Gray waving at Lucy who seemed to blush a bit but who waved back nonetheless.
"Gray-kun… how do you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Go unnoticed… it's freaky!" she asked just as Levy reached the group, who by the way looked confused.
"Yeah, mind telling us your magic trick?" I said to him as I kept on chewing. He rolled his eyes at me before looking back at Lucy.
"It's not a trick asshole," he muttered while taking another spoon of his ice shavings.
"What brings you guys here?" he said looking both at Lucy and Levy.
"We saw Natsu and thought we would come and join!" Levy said as she smiled at Gray.
I looked at everyone right now as they gathered around me. Something told me I would not be getting rid of them any time sooner.
My hunch was proven right when they all sat down on the grass. I bet I looked petulant as I sat upright and crossed my legs since lying down wasn't an option anymore.
So much for eating in peace…
Lucy sat down in front of me with Levy next to her. Gray sat in between me and Lucy. The two idiots that had been arguing finally reached us but soon began another argument over who would sit next to Levy.
I looked at them with a raised eyebrow as I grabbed my soft drink that was next to me and sipped on it watching the spectacle without blinking.
"I get to sit next to Levy because you got to walk her to school today!"
"What bullshit is that, Droy?"
"YOU HEARD ME! You got to walk her? Well, then I get to sit next to her!"
Levy put her hands in the air waving them frantically. "Guys it is okay… I mean it's just a spot!"
I shook my head beginning to laugh out loud at their antics, everyone stopped what they were doing- including the two idiots arguing, and stared at me as I rolled to my side holding my stomach.
"M'sorry but you guys are just freaking stupid! BWUAH-HA-HA-HA!" I sat up as I wiped a tear from my eye then I talked again while pointed a finger at Levy. "I can't believe you people are seriously fighting over who gets to sit next to the midget over here."
I laughed a bit harder as Jet's eye twitched uncontrollably, plus, Droy's confused face.
"You guys are funny!"
"Natsu-kun I don't think it's polite to laugh at people!" I heard Levy saying next causing me to stop laughing. Jet smiled as he started to praise Levy.
"Way to go Levy! You go ahead and show him!"
"Levy I'm so happy to know you always have our backs!" Droy yelled next.
"I couldn't help it! It's not my fault you hang-out with idiots!" I looked away from her crossing my arms over my chest.
"Oh yeah?!" Jet yelled out next. I looked at them with a bored expression on my face.
"Yeah…"
"Well then we take that as a challenge then! Let's see how boring you think we are once we beat you in a basketball game!"
My face perked up at the mention of basketball!
Maybes these guys knew where I could sign-up since I arrived late to school and didn't get the chance to see the afterschool activities and the upperclassmen recruiting people.
"That's right! Do any of you happen to know where I can sign-up for the basketball Club?"
Jet and Droy both glared at me as they yelled out, "Don't ignore our question with a question!"
"You play basketball, Natsu-kun?" Lucy said next as she took a bite out of her apple.
"Play it?" I looked at her as I gulped the rest of my drink down then once it was empty I went and crushed it with my right hand. I bounced it a bit in my hand before glancing towards my left were there was trash bin out to the left of the tree behind us, I looked back at Lucy before grinning and tossing the metal piece towards the bin.
I took the last bite out of my sandwich, feeling satisfied when I heard the can hit the bottom of the bin letting me know that it went in.
"Let's just say I play a bit."
Lucy blushed while Levy and the two morons were smiling at me. I could also feel Gray starring at me, I looked at him through the corner of my eyes - he was looking at me with curiosity and amazement. I looked back at Lucy who was now smiling.
"Well then you're in luck!"
"Why?"
"Well, you see Levy here is gonna be the coach for the basketball Club!"
"But I thought Erza said Mirajane was the coach?"
Levy looked at me unblinking and shocked. "Erza is your sister?"
"Unfortunately yeah…"
Levy gasped as she jolted a bit in her spot.
"Now I know where I remember you from!"
"Huh?"
I looked at Levy who just sputtered that out almost as if she grew another head.
She knew me?
"You're that guy that used to hang out with Lisanna, Mirajane's little sister back in America, no? You're that guy she talked about that was really good at basketball, you got your middle school team to national's right?"
Lisanna…
What the hell?
"Yeah… but how do you know Lisanna?"
Levy nodded her head as she took a sip out of her orange juice drink. "Well, Lisanna before she left to America used to be my neighbor; we went to Fairy Tail elementary together."
"SUGOI! You're from America Natsu-san?" Jet said next as he looked at me with excitement.
"Well… more like I was born here then at the age of five my parents moved to America to further their careers and what not."
"That's so cool! Do you know English?"
"Yup… I lived there till my first year of middle school… I kind of had to learn it."
I smiled as Jet and Droy kept calling me cool, even Gray smiled which was the definition of weird in its self. I looked at Levy and couldn't help but ask…
"So… how do you know about me?"
"Oh, yeah, well, she and I would still keep in contact through emails and Facebook! She would send me photos of her life over there… one time she mentioned you and sent me the photo of you when you won districts... You know… the photo Mira-chan took when you picked her up then threw your hand in the air?"
I couldn't help but blush in embarrassment at the fact that Lis had actually sent that photo to someone.
I told her to erase it!
I blushed and looked away scratching the back of my head as I nodded my head at my levy.
"Yeah… I remember."
"Yeah well, that's when she talked about you; she said you were her best friend and that your skills in basketball were really good!" she giggled a bit before smiling at me. "I see now that she was in fact right."
I blushed again feeling embarrassed. I looked at Lucy who just giggled at me, a hand over her mouth.
"What's so funny?"
"You just blush so much its adorable… seems to me like Natsu-san has a crush!"
"DO NOT!" I yelled at her feeling flustered that Lucy was mocking me; she started making little kissy faces then once she saw that my face was probably turning a few shades darker she burst out laughing once again.
"Jerk…"
"Oh don't be so grumpy!"
I rolled my eyes before crossing my arms, trying to make my blushing disappear. "Besides what are you laughing at? Do you even know Lis?"
"Nope, never met her, well, I did but by phone and what not but I have heard about her from Levy and Mira!"
I muttered out 'whatever' and looked at Levy again.
"So, Levy do ya still talk to Lisanna?"
"Yeah, don't you?"
To this I grimaced and looked away avoiding eye contact with her before shaking my head. "No, I don't."
Levy's mouth formed the shape of an 'O' as she slowly nodded her head looking down before she bit her lip and spoke up. "Well she's fine you know… Actually Mira left back to America to finish her studies and graduate earlier because she could actually finish her studies in half the time it would take her here… But I heard that she would be returning with Lisanna…"
I nodded my head as I put both my hands behind my head and leaned against the tree.
I guess it felt good to know my old friend was doing good and what not. I mean I didn't even get to say goodbye to her before coming back to Japan. I wondered if she was still mad at me.
I didn't get to dwell to much in that thought because Lucy spoke up, sounding extremely cheery as she put her arm around Levy shoulders giving me a bright smile. "So you're stuck with us if you wanna join the basketball team."
"Is that so?" I smirked at her as she nodded her head. "Why did Mira leave you people in charge anyways?"
"Well, because Levy is really good scanning a player's ability out just by looking at their muscles."
"Really?"
"Lu-chan…" she buried her face in her hands as Lucy nodded her head.
"Yeah, she and I know each other since little, my father is a professional athlete trainer and well, Levy has always had a thing for watching the players and seeing how they progressed, she learned all by herself and from just listening to my dad. She can determine the height, weight, speed and flexibility of her players… not to mention the faults and strengths each body part they have posses. "
"Okay… "I nodded trying to not look as impressed as I was feeling. I looked at Lucy next wondering why she would be there also. "And you?"
"I used to play basketball in middle school and got trained by my father and Levy so I figured I could be of help and train you guys as well," she paused for bit taking a sip of her drink. "Besides, since before, even in middle me and Levy would spend it here with Mira."
My interest in the blonde suddenly grew to unexplainable proportions.
She played also?
She said she had been trained by her father who was a professional athlete trainer that meant she is actually good.
This girl can play the sport I love…
I wonder what she would think about going for a one-on-one…
Then what she said next had butterflies erupting violently inside me, almost as if she had read my fucking mind.
"If you don't mind I'd like to go play one day a one-on-one with you and see just how good you are?"
She winked at me and I just grinned at her feeling excitement rushing through me.
"You're on!"
"Mind if I join?"
I was startled as I looked at Gray- who looked at me expectantly.
"You need to stop doing that you asshole!"
"No… you just need to stop being so oblivious and retarded."
"You know what let's go for a one-on-one right now then you freaking Ice Popsicle!"
Gray just ignored me and looked at both Levy and Lucy.
"I wish to also join the basketball Club."
Lucy looked down at her watch and grinned. "Well, if we leave now we can make it to the office and I can give you guys the forms!"
"We would have to let Elfman-senpai know!"
"That's right! Not to mention talk to Alzack, Max and warren!"
"Who're those people?"
"Those are the second year players on our team."
I looked at Jet and Droy next. "How do you two know that?"
"Well because we're second years and part of the basketball Club you moron!"
"Yeah, respect your seniors… Pfft."
"So you guys are on the team as well, huh?" they nodded their heads at me while smirking.
"Problem?" Jet said then looked at Droy.
"Yeah, scared?" then they both snickered to themselves.
"Nope… Nope not at all… as a matter a fact," I sat upright and stretched before grinning at them. "All this talk about basketball has me fired up… Where do I sign-up at?"
This was going to be interesting!
I could just feel it in my bones.
Around 7:00 pm… at a basketball court located outside of Fairy Tail high.
I dribbled the ball I had in my hand.
I looked at the distance between me and the hoop. Although I was more of a dunker I also enjoyed making the occasional three-shot.
I grinned as I wiped the sweat of my forehead with my right hand where I had my black wristband.
Let's just say that I was pumped up and filled with adrenaline when I signed-up to the team.
Gray also signed-up and like three other guys as well.
Their names were Reedus, Nab and Niggy.
Weird names if you ask me but hey, I'm not here to judge just as long as they loved basketball they were alright to me.
I breathed in deeply as I moved my feet making sure to bend my knees a bit. My elbows tuck inwards while holding the ball in my hands outwards. I eyed the hoop briefly before jumping in the air putting forced into my wrists as I released it into the air. Yet before I released the ball my peripheral vision caught someone right next to the hoop. I automatically looked to the side and noticed that it was in fact Gray standing there.
I shouted as I stumbled back a bit, my aiming was a bit off and I released with too much forced causing the ball to fly hitting the basketball backboard rather harshly and bouncing off to the side.
Gray to my surprise caught the flying ball with no effort. Then he threw it up in air looking at the ball as it went up and down.
"What are you doing out here so late Natsu?"
"Tch… I should be asking you the same…"
"Well I was actually just passing by when I saw you playing and I gotta admit you're not so bad."
"Oh yeah? It seems to me like you're not that impressed."
"No, it's quite the opposite really."
"Tch, whatever."
I extended my arms out and Gray threw the ball over to me. I caught it then I immediately broke out in a sprint dashing through the court then before reaching the hoop I put all the force and energy I had into my calves and feet, I jumped in the air pivoting my top half a bit forward effectively slamming the ball through the net. I grabbed the rim as I swung back and forth before letting go and dropping down swiftly on the ground.
I stood up straight as I looked at gray with my hands on my hips. "Still not impressed?"
Gray chuckled then rolled his eyes at me. "Never said I wasn't but I can see you're a show-off."
"You joined also right?" he nodded his head at me then I walked over to where the ball had landed and picked it up passing it over to Gray.
"Then show me what you got!"
"Alright… prepare yourself."
I grinned excited for a chance to play a one-on-one with somebody and who knows maybe he would be a great opponent.
I watched him as he walked over to the middle; he dribbled the ball twice before getting into position to shoot.
He had a look of pure concentration and determination before he bent his knees a bit then released the ball into the air. I watched as the ball moved in the air before it completely missed the hoop and actually went over the basketball backboard and hit the fence.
"How was that?"
My head turned back around to look at Gray… this guy…
He sure had nerves…
My left eye twitched uncontrollably as I looked at him who in turned looked totally genuine in the question he has asked me.
"YOU SUCK!"
"I never said I was good now did I?"
"Yeah but you could have given me a little bit of warning as to how much you suck! Why are you even bothering to join the Fairy Tail basketball Club?"
"Because I think that I help in other ways that's why."
I scoffed before answering him. "Yeah, help us loose the games- that I can tell for sure."
I breathed in deeply before going to go retrieve the ball once again.
"Mhm… Natsu, can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
"Why do you play basketball?"
I stopped for a moment as I looked at him.
So he was serious?
I looked back down at the ball proceeding to pick it up.
"Why should I not play basketball?" I looked over at him and grinned before bouncing the ball twice on the concrete. "It's the best sport and I love it… it's my passion and I aim to become the best at it!"
"Well someone's cocky…"
"Shut up!" I threw the ball at him and he dogged it by moving his head a bit to the side. I huffed as I crossed my arms. "I don't even know why you're gonna bother joining when you melt in the sun!"
"No, I don't Tabasco-breath!"
"EH? What was that!? Are you challenging me Ice-Princess!"
"I just hate the heat but for basketball I put up with it! Besides I don't know if you noticed but games are held inside a gym or arena and I practice at night so I avoid the heat and getting a heat stroke."
"Such a vampire…"
"AM NOT!"
"Then stop acting like one!" I sighed before walking over to my things. "Listen… I don't know your reason for playing but to each their own, right?"
Gray just looked at me with a confused expression.
"I don't care if you're on the team or not… just know this… I will become the best player out here in Japan."
"So cocky…"
"Yeah, just don't get in my way ice-for-brains!"
I picked up my jacket putting it on then I put my bag over my shoulder next. Once I was good to go I looked at Gray and noticed he had retrieved the ball and held it out for me. "Nah, I'm good for today."
I looked at him as he stayed looking at the ball in his hands, he was pensive but I wasn't gonna stand here and begin an interrogation.
"Well, see ya." I called out then left.
Gray was weird.
The guy has no presence at all and he sucks at basketball… Why does he even bother?
I just don't get it…
I sighed as I walked down the street, enjoying the view and people walking home. I took off my school jacket letting it hang over my right shoulder. It was actually way to hot right now for me. I let the breeze of the night cool me down. I closed my eyes briefly and tilted my head back a little feeling the sweat on my face getting cold. I felt stomach growling which snapped me out of my Trance as I remembered that I had to be home by eight for dinner.
"SHIT!"
I looked down at my wrist watch and noticed that it was ten minutes to eight and I still needed five more blocks!
ERZA WAS GONNA KILL ME!
And here is the second chapter. Obviously some things are different… way different because I don't want the same story lmao! But ya I hope everyone likes it! The pacing will be a bit slow but not too slow don't know to explain it ha-ha! this story will be mainly natsu point of view but i will show the other characters as well! starting with the next chapter lol Anyways…
ENJOY!
Next Chapter: The Shadow.