REPLIES:

BlueCross03: Oh my! Thanks for your support! I really appreciate it! I thought other people would actually get tired of this already, which really made me feel bad. And how did you get the answers? Am I that simple to read hahahahha xD

CelestialTitania: I'll think about it. Nope, I'm against NaLi actually so you don't have to worry

X-RayWildCharge: Thanks a lot for waiting! Thanks for answering! Oh myyyy! Am I that easy to reaadd? Hahahhaha

Guest: Hehehehehe. Just wait and see

Lacey-chii: Who knows? Maybe? Hahahhahah Oh my gosh oh my gossshhh! I'm so soorry! Here The update is up! Thanks for supporting me up until now!

nalu : I know, I'm sorry. Things in my life had been hard so I sincerely apologize.

Guest: Oh my :3

Chapter 10: Deal?

GRAY'S POV

She was silent with no emotion written all over her face.

Am I right? Is she hiding something from me? How come? We're always this close. We have never kept secrets from one another. Never, or so I thought. "Erza." I called out, "Tell me, please."

She chuckled "Gray, you're always this serious when it comes to Lucy." She said as she hit my back "Calm down, will you? It's just a hunch! You know, a girl's intuition."

"Of course, Erza! I love her! Why wouldn't I be?" I said "Besides, are you sure you don't know anything?"

"Positive." She replied

I studied her, hoping I could at least get a small hint that she was hiding something. Com'on Erza. Stop being such a good actress! It's always like this! You never tell me anything.

"Stop staring Gray." She said while covering my face with her hands.

I laughed "Can't I?" I said in a teasing voice

Erza hit me in the head, hard enough to make me fall into the floor "Stop joking around." She said and walked away.

I quickly stood my ground and caught up with her "Hey! I just was kidding!" I said making a light chuckle.

"Sure." She said flatly.

I chuckled. If only I have this kind of relationship with Lucy. Then I won't have any troubles in making her fall for me, but Natsu got ahead of me and he was her start.

So, I'm going to ensure that I'll be her last.

We arrived at Sweet Kingdom, where you could find all kinds of desserts and sweets. Did I mention this is the only store that Erza loves coming into? I guess not huh? Well, now that I did, you must know now.

As we entered the shop, Erza's eyes sparkled in delight. Her child and girly mode is on and no one can switch it off unless she's out of this store and away from those strawberry cakes. "Gray, Grayyyy!" She called in a cute, childish way as she looked at the strawberry cake that was in display "I want that! You'll get it for me, right?"

I laughed. "Yeah, I'll get it." I said.

Yep, the person infront of me is the Erza that all of the students feared. She never shows this side of her to others though, except for me. Cool, huh?

I picked out a yellow candy star which kind of reminded me of Lucy 'I'll get these for Lucy' I thought as I smiled to myself 'Maybe she likes sweets like Erza does'

"You'll get that for Lucy?" Erza asked

"Yeah, it kind of reminded me of her, so why not?"

She gave me a playful punch "You lover boy!" she said and chuckled.

We're always like this, the best of friends that never separates, helping one another in times of need. She needs me and I need her. Ever since that time, I found her in the middle of the rain,

Crying.

NATSU'S POV

"Y-You'll accept my offer?" she said as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"I don't want you to die, Lisanna." I said not wanting to meet her eyes "So, I agree."

She smiled and hugged me, tightly as she could. "I'm so happy Natsu! Thank you!" she said with delight "I'm happy that, at least when I am still alive in this world, I could be with the person I love."

I indulged myself to the softness of my bed as I recalled what happened this afternoon. "The person I love." I repeat "What does 'love' mean anyway?"

"Love," A female voice said as I stood up and scanned the room to see where it came from

"Mom?" I asked "What are you doing here?"

"Nothing much, I was just passing by then I heard you asking what love is." She said with a giggle.

I gave no response. Instead, I made an Indian squat and waited for her to spill whatever she may say to me about this love thing.

Yes, I am interested in it. I'm old enough to know right?

"Love is a beautiful thing." She said as she smiled like a love-sick person "It can't be compared to any other thing in the world. Money? Food? Riches? These are nothing compared to this sentiment, for the feeling of love is infinite and boundless."

"How will I know if I love someone?" I asked.

She sat beside me and patted by shoulder, giving me a convincing smile. "You can't."

"WHAT?!" I exclaimed.

She laughed "Love is like a rosary. It is full of mysteries." She said while exiting my room.

DAMN IT MOM! You make me even more confused than before! I yell out of frustration as I messed my hair up.

Love here.

Love there.

Love everywhere!

I DON'T UNDERSTAND A DAMN THING! CURSE YOU!

I rolled in my bed in irritation and stopped when I realized that a certain blonde left me in school and didn't even bother to send a text that she'll be leaving early or something! She left me waiting for an hour! Did she intentionally do it or did something bad happen that she have to leave quickly! Or even worse! She went with another guy and got kidnapped again! It makes my mood even duller than before!

I stood up. I must check if Lucy went home safely. If she didn't, then I guess I have to search the entire neighbourhood again! So I grabbed my phone and sent her a text.

To: Luce Heart

Lucy?

To: Luce Heart

Hey!

To: Luce Heart

Are you mad at me?

I know this is spamming but she isn't replying so what else can I do? I need to get answers from her!

To: Luce Heart

What did I do this time Lucy?

Please talk to me!

To: Luce Heart

LUCY!

To: Luce Heart

I'm sorry for whatever doing I've done wrong!

Please forgive me!

I can't take it anymore! So I decided to call her. I enter her number as I waited for her to pick up.

It rang once.

Twice.

Thrice.

There's still no answer coming from her.

"Com'on, Lucy." I pleaded "Pick up!"

"Hello this is Lucy."The other line said

"Hey Lucy! Where have-"

"I'm sorry but I'm busy right now and I don't have time to check my phone. Just leave a me-"

I immediately drop the call as I run down stairs to call the Heartfilia residence. I don't believe that message. Busy? I don't think so. She's never busy for me! I enter the number as I waited for someone to pick up.

"Hello, Heartfilia residence, what can I do for you?"

"Virgo! Is Lucy home?"

"Indeed, she is master Natsu."

"Can I talk to her?"

"I believe not. She wasn't in the mood when she came home. She even locked herself in her room."

"WHAT?! Did she eat her dinner?"

"Yes she did."

"Oh good."

"Punishment?"

"It's fine. Bye." I said as I dropped off the call.

That's weird. Lucy is in a bad mood? Did something happen? Why didn't she come and tell me about it? She always tells me what is bothering her. She's always open to me. So why didn't she tell me now? Was she afraid that I'll punish the boys that flirt with her just like the last time?

In Lunch, me and Gray were behind the gym with the three idiots that gave Lucy the nasty looks earlier. Currently, they are begging us to not hurt them and seriously! Their looks are priceless! "Please! Forgive us!" idiot number one said as he knelt before us "Spare us, please!" pleaded idiot number two who is hugging idiot number three with snot dripping down his nose "We won't do it again!"

"Heh! Like we're going to forgive you for thinking dirty aboutourLucy!" I said as I grabbed the collar of the first idiot, who was now petrified.

"Yeah, besides, Lucy is pure!" Gray said while grabbing the collar of idiot number three "No wolf shall make her unclean unless we are here."

The second idiot, who was now hugging his knees voiced out. "We can't help it! Ms. Heartfilia is a real beauty! As boys, we can't resist ourselves right?" The two other boys nodded.

We looked at each other. I know what he was actually thinking and so is he. We raised them and was about to punch them hard, until Lucy came in and stopped us. "WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING?!" she yelled. "Did you guys know that what you're doing is wrong?! That's a sign of bullying Natsu, Gray."

"But-"

She gave a big sigh "No more reasoning." She said "The fact that you did is wrong. I could've expected a lot from both of you."

"I'm sorry Lucy." We synced.

I should've done that! URG! Now Lucy's scared to tell me what's bothering her.

I've decided to send another text message and promise that this is going to be the last. I seriously don't want her to complain and nag to me about flooding her inbox. For sure, she'll be mad about it.

To: Luce Heart

Luce, I'm so sorry.

If you're mad 'bout me hurting those boys and scared to tell me your problems due to this, then I didn't mean to anger you and lose your trust. I'm so sorry Lucy. It's just that, me and Gray were mad that those boys are thinking dirty of you! It's just... so wrong!

I deeply apologize, Lucy.

I hope you won't stay mad at me anymore. I'm not myself if you are not by me.

Good night.

I pressed the send button and turned off my phone. It's getting late and my eyes are slightly closing.

"Lucy." I said before drowning into sleep.

"Natsu! Wake up!" A voice was heard as it violently shakes my whole body.

"But I'm still sleepy Luce." I lazily said

"What are you talking about dear? This is your mother." I slightly opened my eyes as I adjusted my vision "Lucy didn't drop by today."

"Urg. What time is it?" I said as I slowly got up.

"It's 9:25 AM."

My eyes grew wide in shock as I hurriedly ran into the bathroom. "Why didn't you wake me up earlier mom!" I said while rubbing the soap into my body.

"I did! But you wouldn't wake up!" She said "I wonder how little Lucy could do such thing."

As I got out from the bath, I quickly changed into my uniform. I didn't bother to fix my hair and eat breakfast. I was so damn late and both Lucy and Gray didn't even bother to wake me! Darn it!

I sprinted my way to school as fast as my legs could go. I checked the time as it says 9: 41 AM.

Damn the time!

As long as I could make it into class, I'm good.

It's better late than never right?

GRAY'S POV

Lucy didn't go to our home today. Did something happen? Did those two fought? I actually don't know whether I'll be happy about this or not.

Should I?

"That would be all." Our adviser told us as he stood up "Oh and please be reminded that our new transferee won't be attending classed for a few weeks since she or he is confined in the hospital for further medication. I believe our new classmate is a sickly one so I hope you don't bully or take advantage of her when she arrives, okay?"

Our class agreed as our adviser left us.

"Hey Gray," Erza called "Did you give her the candy yet?"

"No." I said and grabbed the star shaped candy "I didn't get a chance."

"Well then, let's go to the cafeteria." She said as she pulled my arm, dragging me. "Who knows, maybe we can bump into her."

If fate allows it then we will.

We went into the cafeteria as I searched the place to find a certain blonde. Meanwhile, Erza, who's now dragging me to go with her to buy some cake, was enjoying herself. "E-Erza, slow down, will you?" I said as I was now trying to catch up to her pace "Pull tighter and I really think my uniform will rip off!"

"It's sturdy." She said flatly, still continuing to yank me.

I gave a deep sigh. She's so demanding! If only I could- "I-I'm sorry." The girl apologized as she picked her books up; meanwhile, because of her bumping into me, I got free from the deadly grip of Erza and fell "I didn't notice you there."

This is familiar.

The scent of strawberries and vanilla lingers the air as her angelic voice echoed in my ear. "Lucy?" I called as I slowly looked up only to see her beautiful golden locks and her chocolate brown eyes looking into mine. "Lucy?" I called in a rather questioning tone.

"Gray!" She said my name wide eyed "I-I didn't recognize you! I'm sorry."

I simply laughed. She's so damn cute for goodness sake! "No need to apologize, my princess." I replied as I laid my hand on her head and messed it up "Even if you lay your sword infront of my bare chest, I will still forgive you."

She chuckled but not as cheerful as she always does. Is she okay? "What is that Gray?" she asked while laying a playful punch into my right shoulder "Some sort of line from a play? Or are you making a story that made you say something like this?"

"Huh? What do you mean by making a story?" I asked raising one of my brows in confusion.

"Oh, c'mon Gray! You clearly know what I'm talking about, right?" She said while giving me her beautiful smile. Oh, why can't I get enough of her? "When we, authors, write something, we sometimes get a little carried away with the character and somehow, well... act as if we were them."

At some point, I saw her eyes sparkle. Don't tell me... "Are you making some kind of book Lucy?"

She jolted at my sudden question. "W-What?!" She stuttered as she looked at me shockingly. "I-I... I don't! W-Why would you think... t-that I would write some kind of b-book? I-I... I mean I'm just a novice at writing and s-such... A-And I don't think-"

I cut her off. She was clearly lying to me but if she doesn't want me to know about it, why force her right? "Okay, okay, I got it! Don't worry about it, okay?" I simply said as I winked at her "I'll keep your writing abilities to myself." I looked at her, smiling at how much I affected her. Her face was as red as a tomato. Aww... How cute. Lucy is embarrassed. Hahahaha!

"IDIOT!" She said while punching my chest.

"I'm not an idiot, Natsu is!" I said, defending myself as I laughed.

"That makes you a bastard then!"

"Well, at least that'll make you think about me more and Lucy, I'm glad you're back." I said as I gave her one of my signature smiles that'll make any girl squeal.

She stopped hitting me "What are you-"

"I noticed your eyes." I simple said as I touched her cheek. "Did something happen?"

She quickly moved back and looked away "What are you talking about? I'm fine Gray!" she said while making a fake laugh. Talk about mood swings. Is she in her red days? "There's nothing to be concerned of! Really!"

"Tell me." I seriously said, grabbing her shoulders with my two hands as I stared at her, waiting for her reply. "Please, I want to help you."

"I'll tell you after class." She said and looked at me; sadness and hurt was covering her face as I looked at her with sympathy. I loosen my grip as she made her exit. I just looked at her back that was slowly fading away from my sight. My chest tightens as I took a grasp on my shirt near it.

It hurts.

It freaking hurts!

What the hell happened? Urg! Why did that idiot leave her?

"Gray!" A guy approached me while catching his breaths. Did he go to the gym or some sort? I mean man! His sweating that much! "It's Erza... She got into a... fight."

Fight? I laughed and have the boy a pat in the shoulder. "Dude, you know Erza. She always wins the fight. Why tell me such kind of info? Also, don't stress yourself, I mean you're sweating quite a lot! Calm down man."

"But Gray," he said as I saw worry in his eyes. Wait don't tell me... "Erza froze!"

Hearing these two words, my eyes widened.

It can't be...

I ran as fast as my feet would go to search for her. Damn it Erza, where the heck did you go? I searched the whole cafeteria despite all the people I bumped into. I couldn't care less about them right now. What matters most is Erza. She needs me. If something happens to her now then I wouldn't be able to forgive myself. I can't let her get hurt the second time!

Gray, you promised.

I clenched my fist as I run harder. Damn it!

"Don't you want to come back to me Erza?" I heard someone said, making me stop my tracks and walked slowly towards the place where I heard the voice.

"N-No." A small timid reply was heard. Was that Erza? Is she really that helpless with that jerk? What happened to the fierce and brave Erza? "I don't want to come back to you."

"Erza, it was a mistake. Please give me another chance."

"Mistake?"

"Yes, it's all a mistake Erza. I mean we – I was too young to know anything. I didn't know that it would actually end up that way!"

Humph! Mistake my ass. I mean who even does that to a friend?

"I'll think about it." She said and turned her back on him. She was all pale and her hands were shaking madly. Her eyes watery, like she was trying to hold her tears back. Erza, does seeing him hurt that much?

I stood up, making me come out of my hiding place. "Gray?" Her eyes widened, it must be due to shock. I mean who wouldn't? She must have thought I've been eavesdropping – which I actually am, throughout their whole conversation. "What are you–"

I cut her off by sending my fist to the bastard's face "YOU BASTARD!" I held Erza's trembling body still not breaking my eye contact with that bastard. "You had hurt her once and you dare make her cry again?! She had enough of your stupid acts Jellal! Just leave her alone!"

"Don't involve yourself in our business. You are simply a rock in our path."

"A rock you say? Hah! Don't kid yourself! I, Gray Dragneel, had sworn to the gods to protect Erza Scarlet and I'm seriously not going to break that promise." I looked at Erza all confidently as I see her eyes widening in shock.

"Gray."

"Can't you listen to yourself right now?" He said with a light chuckle. "It seems like you're shouting out to the world how much you like her."

"What if I am?"

He stopped – more like froze as I looked at him seriously. "Are you-"

"No, I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that. Let me correct it. I don't' just like her, I love her."

I'm sorry to say this Lucy but I don't want to see Erza in this poor state. I still love you despite saying this stuff infront of Jellal.

"Prove it."

What?

"I know anyone could simply say those stuff you had said so I couldn't believe you. I need proof that you really love her (or at least your love for her is far greater than mine). If you justify your love then I won't be bothering her again." He put his hands inside his pocket and smirked. "So what do you say? Do we have a deal?"

TBC...

It's been a very long time since I've updated. I have no excuses. I was completely down and my body and mind didn't work well. These past months was hell for me so I deeply apologize. Also I don't really have a plot in mind for this. I'm just writing for fun so I just let my fingers type it in without plans.

This chapter was pretty fast paced and clearly not edited. So So sorry for all the mistakes and grammar errors.

Once again thank you for being with me throughout these years especially to my most loyal readers (ehem Lacey-chii)

Love lots! See you next update!

QUESTION TIME!

What is the reason why Erza was crying in the middle of the rain?

What do you think will happen to Natsu and Lucy's relationship?

How will Gray prove his so-called love for Erza? Will it even work out?