A/N: Chapter 3 is here! I hope you guys enjoy this and please leave a review! Thanks! :D
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fairy Tail, Hiro Mashima does. I do not own the song I used in this chapter, either. The song is called, "Shot Heard 'Round The World" by Boys Like Girls, which is my favorite band. :D
Like yesterday, Zane stayed on the roof. He plugged in his earphones and started listening to music. He chose a rock song sung by his favorite band, Boys Like Girls, to heighten his energy and drown in the noise; it was one of his ways of getting rid of his bad mood.
I used to hide away and only try to save myself
From falling in love or staying up on the shelf
I was afraid to walk the streets alone or by your side
Just waiting up for something that could save my life
No, there's no way out, stuck inside my head now
Headed for a break down, when I should be headed out the door
The chorus started playing, and he began singing along. He loved music. He played the guitar and the members from his old gang even said he had a good voice.
'Cause I found out there's no such thing as a miracle, a miracle
And I know you can't hide, it's the shot heard 'round the world
Light's out, there's no such thing as a miracle, a miracle
But baby don't cry, it's the shot heard 'round the world
It was working, he felt his mood slightly get better, and he continued to sing along.
If we could light up every street with our cellular phones
Then maybe we could save ourselves or maybe we won't
But it doesn't matter even if we got no plan
As long as you're holding on to somebody's hand
Because the way out's, stuck inside your head now
But I know we can break out if we can all just step outside the door
'Cause I found out there's no such thing as a miracle, a miracle
And I know you can't hide, it's the shot heard 'round the world
Light's out, there's no such thing as a miracle, a miracle
But baby don't cry, it's the shot heard 'round the world
"But baby don't cry, it's the shot heard 'round the world," he echoed as the song continued.
I'm gonna kiss the sky tonight, maybe you should try it
I'm gonna learn to fly tonight, and you're invited
'Cause all the things that we've become, are making me so frickin' numb
And this time I have had enough
Goodbye, and say hello to the end of the world
'Cause I found out there's no such thing as a miracle, a miracle
And I know you can't hide, it's the shot heard 'round the world
Light's out, there's no such thing as a miracle, a miracle
But baby don't cry, it's the shot heard 'round the world
Light's out, there's no such thing as a miracle, a miracle
But baby don't cry, it's the shot heard 'round the world
He grinned in satisfaction as the song ended. He lied down on the ground and continued listening to music, completely unaware that the door to the roof opened.
Erza fumed all the way to the roof. It was her favorite spot to vent out her anger whenever someone put her in a bad mood. She opened the door to the roof, and looked around. Unfortunately, the reason for her anger was also up there. He had earphones plugged in and he appeared to be singing along to something. She admitted that he had a pretty good voice, but it still didn't change the fact that she disliked the guy. She sighed tiredly and began to turn away, but was surprised by what she saw. He was actually grinning. She shook her head in disbelief, thinking, No, it might just be my imagination. She walked away, not wanting to get into another argument with the guy.
"So, the roof is where he goes to, huh?" She told herself. She shook her head vigorously and muttered, "Why the hell do I even care, anyway?" Then she began walking back to the classroom. "Oh, Erza. You're back already?" She turned around and saw Mira and Cana walking towards her. She nodded and said, "Yes." Cana raised her eyebrows and commented, "That was pretty quick, though. Usually, you'd stay there longer." The president answered, "I didn't feel like staying there long. That's all." Mira smiled. "Okay. Let's go back to class." Erza smiled slightly and went back with her friends. "Oh, and, Erza? I'll take your advice a while ago and try talking to Zeke," Cana said with a wink. "Suit yourself. But he's a tough one to crack. Don't say I didn't warn you," Erza said and shrugged.
They entered the classroom and it was only a short while before their afternoon classes were to start. "It looks like there's no more time. I'll just do it later, then," Cana said. They took their seats and endured the rest of the day.
The bell rang and Cana stood up. She winked at Erza and made her way towards the black-haired student. "Hey there, Zane," she cooed. The boy raised his eyebrows, clearly not amused. "And who the hell are you?" He said roughly. "Oh, you're really quite the cold one, aren't you?" She chuckled. "Just spit out whatever you're going to say. I don't have the time for this," he said as he rolled his eyes. "I was wondering if you'd like to hang out with us after school. Or, if you'd like, alone with me," she said as she winked.
"Sorry, I don't hang out with anyone. Especially if they're friends of hers," he said coldly as he jerked a thumb towards Erza. The brunette was completely caught off guard. As she regained her composure, she said, "Erza's right. You need to completely fix that attitude of yours." He snorted. "Oh, now you're the one telling me that? Did miss 'president' put you up to this?" She glared at him and held him by his collar. "Don't you dare talk about my friends like that!" She said angrily and raised a hand, poised to slap the black-haired guy, but was stopped by Erza's commanding voice. "Cana, stop! He's not worth it." The brunette narrowed her eyes and let him go. "We're just trying to be friendly here. But, if you say something bad about my friends again, I'll make sure Erza's not going to be around to stop me." He scoffed and remarked, "It doesn't matter. None of you scare me." He grabbed his bag and walked out the classroom, feeling pissed.
"Why'd you stop me, Erza? He deserved to get slapped across the face for talking crap about you," Cana whined. "Don't get me wrong, I really wanted to see you slap him, as well. But violence is not allowed in the school," Erza said strictly. "Tch, fine. But next time, he won't be as lucky," the brunette muttered angrily. "Do you want to go to the café' again?" Mira asked. Erza shook her head tiredly. "No, thank you. I want to go get some rest immediately. Tell the others I'm sorry." Mira smiled understandingly. "Okay, we'll see you tomorrow." The president nodded and began walking home.
As she walked the streets, she bumped into a girl with pink hair. "I'm sorry," Erza apologized. "It's okay," the pink-haired girl giggled and walked past the president. Suddenly, rain came pouring in. "Damn, I don't have my umbrella with me," Erza cursed herself and started running.
It had begun to rain and Zane immediately opened his umbrella. He continued walking casually and saw a flash of red running towards the opposite direction. Is that Erza? Why the hell doesn't she have an umbrella? He thought. Then he debated whether to run after her and offer his umbrella or just pretend he didn't see anything and just continue walking. If he left her alone, she might get sick and the chances that he won't see her at school tomorrow was pretty high. This seemed like a good idea to him, but as much as he disliked her, she was still a girl. And he didn't like seeing girls helpless. Plus, there was something about her that he kinda liked. He liked the way she stood up against him and how she seemed unfazed by his cold words.
He chuckled coldly, thinking he was getting a little soft - as though he was reverting back to his old self. Then, he sighed and thought, Fine, I'll help her just this once. I just hope she doesn't take it the wrong way and see it as an opportunity to become closer to me. Then he began running after the scarlet-haired president. Years of being in a gang had its advantages. Zane could run faster than most people, and he didn't get tired as easily. He finally caught up to his classmate and used his umbrella to shield her from the pouring rain. The president turned around sharply to see who had shielded her from the rain. He could read the shock in her face when she saw him.
"Zane?" She asked in disbelief. "Lemme guess. You're thinking that I would be the last person to ever help you, huh?" Zeke said. She narrowed her eyes. "I thought you disliked me?" He sighed and answered, "Yeah, I do. But it's not my style to see girls helpless in the rain, no matter how much I dislike them." She smiled and chuckled softly. "What the hell are you laughing for? Don't get me wrong, this still doesn't mean that I want to hang out with you. This will be the first and last time that I'll be helping you out," he said, looking annoyed.
"Thank you," she said simply.
"Whatever. I'm not getting all friendly with you, no matter what happens. Just take the damn umbrella and get out of here."
"And what about you?"
"I'm fine. A little rain isn't going to hurt me. Just go already, before I change my mind."
"Fine. Just make sure you won't get sick."
"Now, you're worried about me? That isn't like you. Now, go!"
Erza sensed the urgency in his voice, and she hesitated at first. But finally, she decided to just go. As soon as she left, he took cover under a waiting shed. "I really couldn't believe that you just did that, Zane. I thought you were pushing everyone away." A voice said. Zane turned around and found another of his friends from the Lightnings. "Kevin," Zane regarded the man with a simple nod. Kevin was about as tall as Zane and had a lean body. He had long, spiky, blue hair and dark green eyes and had slightly rugged features. He wore a simple dark red shirt and blue jeans with black sneakers.
"Don't tell me you're interested in her?" Kevin asked mischievously. "It's nothing. I just don't like it when girls look helpless," Zeke growled. The blue-haired man raised his hands in the air. "Whoa there, man. Calm down." Zeke said nothing.
"Why'd you let her run off immediately, anyway?"
"You know why, Kevin."
"What? That an enemy from other gangs might see her with you and make her a target?"
"That's exactly it! Dammit, that's why I left the gang and kept pushing everyone away from me! I thought I'd get a peaceful life once I left, but the truth is, enemies of ours still hunt me down, trying to kill me. I don't want anyone getting involved with me any longer!"
"Damn, man. What about Sarah?"
"What do you mean by what about her?"
"She's concerned about you. She's been worried sick ever since you left and changed. All she wants is to see you smile and become happy again. She cried a lot the other day when you argued. She hates seeing you that way, Zane."
"Tell her I'm sorry I made her cry…but I'm still staying this way. Goodbye, Kevin."
"Just take care of yourself, man. I wouldn't know what to tell Sarah if something happened to you."
"Yeah…you guys take care, too. And take care of Sarah for me."
"Got it."
Zane waved at Kevin and began running towards his house, not wanting to get any more soaked than he already was.
As Erza left, she looked behind her, but Zane was already gone. She smiled slightly to herself. He doesn't really seem that bad at all. Maybe I should give him another chance. She thought. But, I wonder why he wanted me to leave as soon as possible? There's still much to learn about him. But, now I know that he actually has a gentle side to him.
She began walking quickly, as the rain was getting harder. Finally, she arrived at her house, and unlocked the door. The umbrella had protected her from the rain, but she was still wet from before Zane had given it to her. She folded the umbrella and left it by the door, then removed her clothes and went into the bathroom to take a shower. She sighed in relaxation as soon as the hot water hit her body.
While she was taking a shower, she thought back on her conversation with Zane a while ago. There was still this obvious dislike in his tone, and she began wondering more on why he disliked her that much. All she wanted was to get to know him better, but what confused her even more was why she even bothered to try talking to him when she did indeed know that he would just push her away. Was it that she was actually getting interested in him?
Sure, she hated him a lot at first, but when he offered his umbrella to her, a little of that hate dissipated. But she couldn't let her guard down; she had already been hurt a lot during her last relationship. She didn't want the same thing to happen again. She wanted to believe that he didn't mean the hurtful things he said during their heat-filled arguments, but then again, she still didn't know him that well. She sighed as she turned off the shower, her thoughts leaving her confused.
She pulled on her pajamas and lied down on her bed. There were a lot of things about him that bothered her, but what bothered her the most was when he kept on telling her to leave quickly. It was as though he was afraid that something might happen. "Why, though? Why does he keep pushing everyone away?" She murmured tiredly and closed her eyes, the exhaustion kicking in.
As Zane was running, he was thinking that maybe Kevin was right. Not the part that he was interested in Erza, of course. He still disliked her. I really couldn't believe that you just did that, Zane. I thought you were pushing everyone away. Kevin's voice echoed inside his mind. Zane sighed tiredly. Maybe he really should just have left her alone in the rain. After all, her getting sick is nothing compared to having gang members after her skin and injuring her badly, maybe even killing her off. Crap, why am I so concerned about her? I really should avoid her again tomorrow and pretend that nothing happened today. He thought angrily.
He arrived at his house and as he went inside, slammed the door shut. "Dammit, Erza! Why the hell are you making my life so frickin' complicated?!" He yelled at the empty house. He sighed in frustration as he changed his clothes and lied down on his bed. "Ugh, I'll just stay absent tomorrow. I don't want to see that damned woman for a day," he said angrily.
A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, even though Zane still acted like a jerk. See you guys in the next one!