A/N: Here I m, back from the silence and with chapters! A little late, I know but there were some... developments that prevented me from continuing story, hopefully such will be few in future.

Wednesday came again and for the past two days Lucy neither saw nor heard Natsu. Not a single text did she receive from him and if it was any day she would be more than glad to not be bothered by him but two things interfered with this thought. First was simple one. With her score and amount of classes she attended every assignment carried a certain amount of points and she always grabbed as many as she could, and for this, she made a deal. The thought of having to work with Vanessa gave her chills right down on her spine, even more having to listen to excuses she would make every time. The other "thing" was seemingly more complicated, it was a mix of feelings that intertwined in Lucy's head, not allowing her to figure out which is which.

Perhaps it was an odd sense of void, that strange feeling where she started missing Natsu but every time she would even think of his name her head would shake almost involuntarily as if trying to clear itself of such thoughts… but the though always came back after a while. The fact that she didn't sleep well last night yet again made things even more difficult and it was starting to show on her. Exhaustion, stress, constant chasing, it was one brick after another that fell on her shoulders, placing more weight on her already shaking foundation. In such times that came, times when everything would pile up on her she would simply wish to return home and sleep through the rest of the day… if only it was possible, if only she could take a moment to breathe.

Bell rang for the start of class and she entered the classroom where Economy class took place. She sat at the front, as usual, having as little distractions as possible for the duration of the class. Distractions however found her and her head turned, looking at rest of amphitheater, seeking for familiar face, but alas, she didn't found whom she was seeking and focus turned toward professor that entered. She took notebook and started writing notes on the subject of inflation that professor Richard explained very thoroughly. This very subject sparked much interest in Lucy as it was one of the subjects she chose to attend and on every class she was more than eager to learn where others attended simple due to lower requirement to pass. Pages quickly became filled as she wrote, only occasionally looking in professor's direction and once again at the back of the class. Small flicker of worry and fear appeared in her chest in expectation of what follows and her leg shook nervously with each minute that passed.

Bell rang yet again and students rose from their seats and began leaving the classroom, leaving blonde student on her seat to finish writing few more notes that she deemed needed to be remembered. She bit inside of her lip and just as she was to stand, familiar female voice reached her.

"Hey Lucy!" girl spoke, standing in front of her desk. Fairy beautiful one could say even though half if it was due to make-up she wore, black hair reaching just a bit lower than shoulders, perfume stronger than Lucy could bear and a small smirk on face, on of a predator that seemingly found easy prey.

"Oh, hey Vanessa…" Lucy replied, resisting biting the lip stronger than she did so far. Her eyes glanced to left where other 'two from the pack' were standing, talking to each other. Of course they would stick together she thought.

"I loved today's lecture it was so… real, you know what I mean?" Vanessa said, voice slightly higher pitched witch made Lucy feel nauseated at her attempt to make small talk.

"Yeah, real…" it was all she could reply.

"So did you pick up an assignment?" question followed, same tone that revealed true intention.

"Yes I did."

"Great, so when can we start? I am free all week" Vanessa seemed enthusiastic as game seemingly played as she expected.

"Actually, I kind of already have partner for it." Lucy replied, each word was more difficult to exit than previous one and for the first time she hoped to see Natsu appear out of nowhere like only he can.

"Already?" Vanessa looked surprised but retained the smile "Well, we kinda, you know, always do assignments together"

"I know but this kind of happened unexpectedly." Lucy said, closing her book, trying to see way out of this situation.

"So…" brunette started, not leaving Lucy to evade and her arms crossed, annoyance was visible on her face despite attempts to hide it "Who is your partner?"

"That would be me." voice reached behind Lucy and in that very instant she felt entire weight on her chest drop down. Never before was she so glad to hear Natsu like this time and her lips curved into small grin that she hid, rather well. "By the way, hey Vanessa, black looks good on you." He added, pointing at her hair but his attention quickly returned to Lucy "You didn't forgot about our deal right?"

"No, no!" Lucy quickly replied, involuntarily showing small bit of excitement. She packed notebook in her bag and stood up.

"Great! Let's get going then." He grinned wide as they both passed by Vanessa and her friends. She frowned, gritting her teeth and as soon as they both left the classroom she picked up phone from her bag. Two of her friends that stood beside quickly came to her.

"Wow, did you see that?" First one remarked, excited about the possible gossip.

"Natsu with a nerd? You think they slept already?" Second quickly followed in the train of thoughts.

"If they did, someone is going to be sorry" Vanessa showed a sour grin, keeping her focus on the screen while fingers pressed on it fast.

Lucy felt relief, pressure completely disappeared from the moment they left the classroom and she didn't hid this feeling. Both of them walked side by side, Lucy was still gathering lost bits of composure while Natsu retained his usual appearance which contained smile and look of not caring for anything, or at least, that is how others would view it. He felt that she needed this, saw that her courage was nearing it's very end and despite the tiny voice that kept nagging him to put hand on her shoulder, he refrained and instead gave her peaceful minute to collect her thoughts. One minute was all he was allowed to give.

"That felt good, didn't it?" Natsu initiated conversation.

"Hmmm? What did?" Lucy asked

"That back then, refusing the lazy bimbo." Natsu added quickly "I mean I would probably go mad if I had to stick with her for more than one day and you had to be with her entire semester? Props for endurance Luce."

"Yeah that felt a bit good." she added in soft voice smiling but like a lightning it struck her "And where were you?"

"Hmm? Who me? I was in the classroom the entire class." He replied, looking at her frowning face.

"No, I would have seen you, you weren't in."

"I was right behind you." he added, showing extended three fingers. At that moment Lucy quickly unrolled her memory. As she entered, did she really miss him? How could she miss him with that ridiculous hair of his? She was confused, started questioning if she was going mad from all the pressure lately to the point of not recognizing one person from another.

"N… no! No?" she questioned, stuttering at her own words. Her feet stopped and she looked at him.

"Yes yes," He smiled wide and turned toward her. His hand reached into his bag and he pulled out Fairy Tail hat and placed it on his head "you couldn't see me because I was wearing this, but! More importantly, why did you think I was not in?"

"That's because I…" and she stopped, realizing that she was about to reveal that she actually was looking for him in the crowd of students. Was she going to allow his ego to boost to such great extent and give him the absolute treat that he would hold over her head entire day? She waved her head quickly, not finishing the sentence.

"Because you were looking for me." Natsu nodded as she was waving head, the grin became smile, revealing his teeth, giving her the obvious, undeniable sign that he completely understood what she was going to say.

It took Lucy five seconds… five agonizing, tormenting, absolutely unbearable long seconds before she spoke and there was no conflict in her words "Yes I was because you and I have a deal and I was merely making sure you did not back down on it."

"Luce, I am many things. Hot, fast, handsome…" he started but Lucy interrupted him

"Delusional?"

"Yeah that too sometimes but I do not go back on my word."

"And what is stopping you from breaking your own word?" Lucy asked almost in almost inquisitorial tone.

"Because if I am not going to be held by my word than what would I be left to stand on? But this is not about that, this is about you… and you, actually looked back and tried to find me." He came close to her but before he could stand too close she took a step back, creating distance between them "So, what are we working on?"

She took deep breath through her nose, knowing there is no way out anymore, she surrendered and spoke "Influence of advertisement in modern consumer society."

"Wow that's… yeah that's gonna be easy," he bluffed, pretending to know what it meant "that reminds me, how come we are already doing this? Didn't we like, finished one this Sunday?"

"First of all, that was drama club, this is economy. Second, semester is ending so classes are bound to produce more assignments for extra points and I need as many as possible if I want to keep my scholarship. Regretting already to have made that deal?"

"Hell no, more the better, means you and I get to spend more time together" he smiled and she frowned but he finished sentence "as friends."

He would continue to tease her more on this subject but the idea was abruptly interrupted by a hand that fell on his shoulder and lightly squeezed. Expression on the owner of the hand was cold, eyes widened and showing signs of great fear. For Natsu it was all he could ever need to understand the meaning however Lucy was confused by this expression.

"Heads up, Attila is on warpath!" Gray said still holding same, terrified expression on his face.

"Fuck…" Natsu sighed, closing eyes and his head simply dropped forward "Me?"

"You"

"Locker incident?"

"Locker incident"

"I told coach that doors just opened, it was not my fault!" Natsu said, raising his voice. His calm appearance and sly grin replaced genuine anxiety.

"Yeah well you're now gonna have to explain that to her" Gray added, still holding hand on his shoulder, ignoring Lucy's presence who all the while was confused by the strange conversation between two students.

"She is not gonna believe me! She wouldn't believe there is a stick up her ass even if there was a stick up in her ass and I told her there is a stick in her ass!" Natsu's voice raised almost reaching the level of a shout. Gray's hand loosened and patted him twice on the same shoulder "she is right behind me, isn't she?" Natsu asked, swallowing hard.

"Was good knowing you, fire-fart." Gray took several steps back, leaving Natsu all alone to stand. Pinkette bit his lip and took one short breath before sporting best of his smile while he turned, facing the red haired girl that stood behind him. There was no frown on her face although anger could be seen and felt. Her arms were crossed and her gaze was fixed on Natsu who immediately started regretting words he said.

"Hey Erza, we were just talking about you." Natsu spoke, voice thin, apologetic even. Lucy was in complete awe at this girl who commanded such fierce respect that even Natsu became smaller than mouse in her presence.

"Yes, I heard quite enough of it" She finally spoke in calm tone "and we have to discuss about something." Natsu nodded quickly to her words, if there was lump of coal stuck between his ass cheeks, it would be diamond by now and everyone had front row seat for this event. She quickly looked toward Lucy who felt portion of the fear from Natsu jump her the moment Erza's gaze fell on her.

"I hope this poor excuse for a student hasn't been bothering you" Erza said in soft tone, much more pleasant than one addressing Natsu "and if he has, I apologize on his behalf" she bowed deeply.

"N…no need, he hasn't been… um… bothering me." Lucy stuttered, still trying to comprehend this unseen force of nature that was waiting to burst.

"That is a relief" Erza offered a small grin and stood tall again, her hand reached for Natsu's arm, grabbing him just above his wrist and pulled hard as she turned in opposite direction "Come, Natsu!"

Natsu yelped, struggling to escape Erza's grasp but with no effort as her hand clutched his arm with such force he felt all blood would stop flowing to his hand. As they moved through the hall, students simply moved out of the way, allowing the duo to pass unopposed. For Lucy, this is yet another confusing moment as she couldn't understand if they did so out of respect or fear although it could have been both. She sighed, sending Natsu sympathetic look, even though he couldn't see it. She felt a little bit sorry for him seeing as he struggled to escape in fashion that a zebra tried to escape clutches of a lion. Gray simply wiped his forehead, removing few bits of sweat that were on it and let exhaled long through his mouth, a sign of relief while his hand pulled his own tie and loosened it up.

"Is he gonna be alright?" Lucy asked, holding her book on her chest and clutched it hard, cringing at the sight of Erza pushing Natsu into room and closed door behind them.

"Hm? Oh him? Well yes and no." Gray replied, focusing his attention to Lucy now that he could breathe again "Don't worry about him, she will yell at him, he will deny everything, she will press on, he will say something stupid and she will send him flying across the room and if he is lucky, only break few bones. Less important ones like skull or spine." He chuckled at this thought.

"But why is she going to do all that?" her eyes widened at Gray's words, feeling chills climb up her spine.

"You don't know?" Gray asked but instead of answer she just waved her head "Right, ummm… where to start. Erza is kind of old friend of ours, Natsu and mine that is."

"I see, that explains their closeness" Lucy nodded, beginning to place pieces of puzzle together in her head.

"Closeness? No no no that's her job."

"To beat him up?" She asked lifting her brow.

"To maintain order." Gray corrected any assumptions she might have had and continued "See, she is both student council president and part of the disciplinary committee, well one of the ten officers in charge of maintaining order inside college premises."

"She can be both?" Lucy seemed impressed as she was listening to Gray.

"Well, president is elected through process of voting. She became president this year for the first time and won by large margin. As for disciplinary committee, there is no voting, you become one if you beat one of the officers in hand to hand combat… and Erza beat all of them…" he shivered slightly, eyes squinted his lips trembled as memory of that day flashed before his eyes, row of officers lined one after another going after Erza who managed to defeat all of them, one by one until all were either down or out of the boxing ring in gym hall. Both Natsu and Gray have witnessed this occasion and both will always confirm that they got severe emotional traumas from that event.

"Theoretically you can be part of every single extracurricular activity available in college at same time," Gray quickly dismissed this thought and snapped back into the reality "but that is physically impossible as attendances are required for them all and most overlap each other in terms of scheduled meetings. Luckily, those two that Erza does can be done at the same time and by Mavis she is doing it well… On top of that she is even president of kendo club."

"Wow" Lucy remarked "I didn't know she was that dedicated."

"Dedicated?" he placed both hands on her shoulders, his eyes widened as much as it is possible "She is a monster! There is no way someone can do all that and be human!"

"Right" she tried to remain composed but the description made it difficult to comprehend. Her eyes looked toward Gray's hands that were holding onto her shoulders and he quickly released her, having both palms still open in apologetic manner for his abrupt action.

"You didn't know up until now?" Gray asked, his right hand moved to unbutton top two buttons of his shirt but as Lucy frowned he quickly buttoned them, with great amount of displeasure as he felt it was choking him. He kept looking at her, as if trying to notice something on her.

"No, I… didn't really didn't look into those things that much other than what I need to do for the grades."

"Oh right, Natsu mentioned that you are…" Gray said, his tone was higher than before but his voice disappeared all of a sudden, remembering that he should not reveal every detail as to why Natsu became interested.

"That I am what?" Lucy asked, frowning yet again at Gray

"That… you are… dedicated student." he quickly nodded in attempt to make himself at least a bit less suspicious, but alas, Lucy was not nearly that ignorant.

"He said I am a nerd." she said in low, annoyed tone.

"Yeah…" he confirmed in equally low tone "Anyway, not sure we got introduced, I'm Gray Fullbuster, you probably saw me at Sabertooth club. And in all honesty, you don't look that much different without all that make-up"

"Thanks, I guess. I'm Lucy." she smiled a bit "Oh hey, you are Juvia's boyfriend, right?"

"That's me" it was Gray's time to smile now.

"Wow, you look… different."

"Different from what?" his smile vanished quickly and he folded his arms.

"Well…" Lucy hesitated for a moment "Juvia talks a lot about you and the way she described you… well you look good, it's just… I expected you to look a bit more, dreamy."

"Dreamy?" he threw his head back and released a groan "Mavis, she always overreacts with that! Really I am surprised that people don't imagine me as 2.5m tall, silver skin and shooting ice from my eyes!"

"Hey be nice, she is good friend of mine!" Lucy giggled, feeling oddly relieved but also surprised as she realized she held conversation with another guy without having the need to just bolt out "Sooo, what is this about locker incident?"

"Oh that? Yeah, see, couple of days ago after shower he decided to do a little 'victory dance' in light of his success at practice match. He was dancing naked, doors opened, he didn't notice but coach did along with half a dozen girls. Give or take a few." With every word of that sentence he was trying to contain large grin from emerging on his face.

"You opened the door, didn't you?"

"Well he shouldn't gloat so much!" he finally surrendered and smiled wide.

"But he is in there, probably having his… bones broken because of it." Lucy protested but this sudden outburst quickly subsided as she remembered that she shouldn't care.

"He is not going to have his bones broken." Gray dismissed, waving both hand and head "Erza likes him too much to physically hurt him beyond few bruises."

"She likes him?"

"Not romantically, she likes him the way she likes me for example, we were always close and watched each other's back. Besides, outside of college she is like, really nice, you don't have to worry pissing her off. She just, likes her role enough to be serious about her job. Good career in government I guess." He turned and looked toward the door where Natsu and Erza went, even though he didn't want to admit he felt a bit worried about him but he didn't allow for it to show.

"Government?" Lucy asked, confused at what she heard.

"Yeah, look at record, every important figure that eventually reached the top in this country was part of Fairy Tail college and part of student council. They practically are giving you lessons on how to be politician and with almost absolute success. Although if... Erza ever reaches there and becomes minister, we might have to look out for mandatory 10 years military draft but not before she finishes entire course in 3 years… Like I said, monster!"

Lucy chuckled and as the bell rang she looked other way and then toward Gray, she didn't understand completely if this new found trust to talk with someone who isn't female. Perhaps it is because he was already taken or the fact that she might have involuntarily listened to Natsu's advice. One of few as matter of fact. She looked at him and yet again didn't feel the urge to run away, nor did she felt the disgust in her stomach despite the knowledge that he and Natsu are close friends. For that single moment, she began questioning if she might actually benefit from letting people come close, perhaps, just perhaps, not everyone are there to take advantage of her. But despite the lack of urge to run, she still needed to and the sound of bell confirmed this, her head turned toward classroom where she was to enter and where students started entering already.

"Right, I have to go now, it was nice talking to you Gray." She said with smile "And Juvia did say you were nice, so… I guess not everything was all made up." and with that she turned and walked away, leaving Gray where he stood.

"Yeah… it was nice talking to you too." Gray replied in silent, mostly for himself. He turned and saw the doors open and from that room Natsu emerged, closing doors behind and leaned against it. Gray walked over to him, handing him the bag that former forgot to bring due to Erza's tug. "So how did it go?"

"Worst day of my life!" he cried. The face of desperation and dread were present. Gray felt little bit of pity for the damage he caused him "But I survived your lame tackle, I survived Erza, this week can only be better."

Gray opened his mouth, he wanted to apologize or at least reveal culprit but the word 'lame' used in that sentence made him close his mouth and smile wide, enjoying the little bit of suffering Natsu had just endured.

"That bad huh?" he asked.

"I may have… made her consider buying equipment from early years of Inquisition" Natsu checked his bag, letting out hum before placing it over his shoulder "What were you doing in the meantime?"

"I had a talk with Lucy actually." Gray leaned against the wall, looking at Natsu, his smiling face slowly returned to neutral, lips straight and brows slightly furrowed "She seems nice though, you still plan to go through with your plan?"

"Hell yeah dude, I'll bed her, I made a promise, didn't I?" Natsu grinned wide, mischievously.

"Wasn't that a bet? Besides you already failed and you owe me a drink." Gray watched as couple of girls passed by, his eyes wandered on them up and down before looking back at Natsu "Look, I haven't seen you try this hard to get girl since…"

"No!" Natsu interrupted him, lifting his right hand and at the height of his face, index finger extended pointing at Gray "Don't even mention her, alright?"

"I am just saying" Gray continued despite Natsu's protest "You seem to be serious about this in your own… twisted way and she doesn't seem to be the girl that you usually go for. It's not gonna end well if all you want to achieve is casual one time sex."

Natsu frowned, he wasn't happy at what he was hearing, a little more and he would be growling like a mad dog but that didn't phased Gray one bit and his gaze turned from pleasant to a cold glare.

"This won't be that scenario." Natsu said in angry voice, lowering his right hand and a few moments later both of his hands were in his pockets "Is that why you talked to her? See if she'll be like her?"

"I did it because I asked Juvia about Lucy and she told me that Lucy is going through some rough period but I couldn't see it on her face. If she has shit going in her life, she is hiding it well."

"And you are not curious about it?"

"Not in the same way you are." Gray sighed again "Look I have to run before professor walks in. I am not gonna tell you what to do but I am just asking you to at least… think this through. Alright?"

With that sentence ended, Gray hit Natsu lightly on the shoulder with his fist and moved along, leaving him to his own thoughts. Natsu continued to frown, taking Gray's words in slowly and as if listening to him he began thinking about this entire plan of his. Was he going only after sex? Yes, there seemed no doubt about it. Thought that he could be the one to break her defenses and reaching up to her was almost intoxicating, a rush of adrenaline for a junky but he remembered the words of her going through rough time seem to have lingered. What could she be hiding, is what she said all that was wrong? Perhaps, he thought, it's time to ask her.