Chapter 11 - Haute Couture Material

"Mummified my teenage dreams

No, it's nothing wrong with me

The kids are all wrong

The story's all off

Heavy metal broke my heart"

- 'Centuries' by Fall Out Boy

Levy ran a brush though her hair, cheerfully humming a tune she had heard on the radio yesterday. It was sunny outside, she'd had a good night's sleep and her favourite book series was getting a television show. Nothing could got wrong today. Her phone beeped, seemingly jinxing her words and Levy's blood turned cold.

She gripped the hem of her uniform skirt to control the shaking, reaching out with her left hand towards her phone. She sighed with relief when she saw it was only Lucy's message, flopping back down to her bed in relief.

"I really need to stop overreacting." The bluenette said to herself, grabbing her smartphone with a sigh as she read the message out loud. "Hey Levy-chan. I need to talk to you. Meet me in the school library in half an hour?"

She glanced at the clock, shrugging. "I've got time. I'm sure I can make it." Grabbing her bag, she couldn't help but wonder what her best friend wanted to talk about.

"What!" Levy burst out, her book falling to the ground with a thud. She hurriedly bent down to pick it up, ignoring the stares of all the students in the library. In a burst of clumsiness, her red reading glasses previously perched atop her head, fell down on the floor as well. Lucy bit her lip, kneeling down to grab the glasses, which were mercifully still in one piece. She straightened back up, placing a hand on Levy's arm, holding out the glasses with the other.

"Uh... Levy?" She whispered in fear of the librarian with a crazy good sense of hearing. "Levy?"

The blue haired girl was seemingly still in shock, but allowed the blonde to drag her to the lumpy couch in the corner. Lucy gently sat her down, placing her book and glasses on the table in front of them. She fidgeted nervously in her place. Maybe I should've kept quiet about this...

"Levy." She repeated, shaking her shoulder gently.

That seemed to shake Levy out of her stupor. "Wha- " she mumbled, raking a hand through her unruly blue locks. "You-you're not kidding about this, Lu-chan, are you? Because that's a really sick -"

"Levy," she interrupted. "I'm not joking. Juvia and Gajeel have been released from police custody and will be joining Fairy Academy from this week. They'll be here until their trial two months later." She echoed Principal Makarov's words.

"Gajeel is staying with Natsu and Gray, a-and I let Juvia stay with me!" She blurted out nervously. "I know I should've told you sooner, but Master said not to, and I wasn't sure how you'd react- "

"How many of you have been keeping things from me?" Levy's voice came out a lot sharper than she intended. "You, Erza I'm sure, Natsu, Gray, Mirajane even, I'm guessing Jet and Droy- "

"Jet and Droy don't know anything. Master said he wanted to tell you three in person." Lucy explained, feeling guiltier by the second. "We all were sworn to secrecy. But-but I didn't want to anything from you any longer Levy-chan. I'm already helping someone who tried to hurt you, I'd only make it worse by hiding it from you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I-I just couldn't bring myself to it."

"It-it's okay, I guess." Levy reassured her, feeling hesitant herself. "It's just, I finally believed I could move on from this incident. I made myself believe that I'd never have to see their faces ever again." She chuckled bitterly. "I guess this is Fate's idea of a rather cruel joke."

"Is there anything I can do?" Lucy started cautiously. "Any way I can help?"

Levy turned towards her, her face exhausted with worry. "I want to cry my eyes out. I want to go back home and lock myself in my room. I don't ever want to see his face again. But," she frowned, closing her eyes to prevent the tears from flowing. "I can't do that, now can I? I have to be brave. For their sake."

"Levy, you don't- "

"I went to visit them everyday at the hospital - watching their bruises, their wounds, their scars slowly heal. I saw what they did to those two. My best friends beat up by those bastards. I've already forgiven them for what they did to me. But I'll never forgive them for daring to lay a finger on my friends. And I definitely won't ever forget!" She vowed fiercely.

Lucy wrapped an arm around her. "I'm proud of you, Levy-chan."

The bell rang, and the two sprung apart in shock, before laughing it off. Levy wiped away her tears, and said that she won't mention anything about Gajeel to anyone, until Master told herself. Lucy agreed, before hurrying out of the library with her.

Their home room was bright and buzzing with activity. Gray and Natsu were turned in their seats, facing Lucy and Erza. Levy, who was supposed to be sitting in front of Lucy had instead swapped seats with Gray for a day. Cana, Loke, Jet and Droy were in different classes, and Bisca and Alzack were busy were their other friends.

"I've never been to a karaoke place!" Lucy was saying sadly, pouting as she did.

"No way!" Natsu exclaimed in disbelief.

"Seriously?" Gray inquired.

"It is agreed!" Erza announced with stars in her eyes. "This Friday we shall all go for karaoke so that Lucy may experience it for the very first time!"

"The Guild doesn't offer karaoke, does it?" Gray asked.

"Nope." Natsu replied, balancing a pencil on his nose.

Lucy turned towards the blue haired girl busy reading. "What about you Levy, you know any good places for karaoke?"

"Huh?" Levy glanced up, confused.

"Oi, what's on your mind?" Gray asked her. "You seem worried."

"Yes, you seem rather out of it." Erza realised. "What's the matter? If it's someone troubling you, I'll sort them out, no problem."

Levy flushed. "Oh it's nothing like that. I was just thinking about something."

Lucy narrowed her eyes at her. She had a pretty good idea why Levy was so worried. She didn't know how to face Gajeel. As far as Lucy had heard, both Gajeel and Juvia were joining the academy today.

"Excuse me?" Freed knocked on the open door, calling for attention. "Levy McGarden please."

Levy slumped in her seat, snapping her book shut as she walked out, dreading the outcome already. Lucy sighed, watching her best friend walk out.

"Master must want to tell her everything." Erza commented, once the girl was out of earshot. "I almost wish I had told he had told her earlier though."

"Mhhmm," Lucy agreed, a crease between her eyebrows. "She's not mentally prepared to face him, is she?"

"You'd be surprised." Gray interjected, "Levy isn't as delicate as people take her to be."

Erza nodded in agreement, glancing at him. "Remember the tree back at Fairy Hills?"

"The really tall one?" Natsu asked. "Damn, even you couldn't climb it back then!"

"Uhh..." Lucy felt lost. "What are you guys talking about?"

"There's this tree in the backyard of Fairy Hills. Well, there was ten years ago." Gray said, a wistful expression on his face. "We were all playing catch or something."

Lucy chuckled, imagining six year old versions of Erza and Natsu. It made her wish she had met them all earlier.

"Actually we were playing with a frisbee. Droy had gotten one from his father as a birthday present." Erza corrected. "He treasured the thing like anything, since he rarely ever got to see his father."

"Anyways," Natsu picked up. "There were these three guys sitting in one corner. Teenagers. We really didn't like them at all cause they always acted so moody and boring!"

"And then this idiot hit one of them with the frisbee and refused to apologise." Gray rolled his eyes. "So they that's tossed it up into a tree."

"Oi, it's not my fault they were being mean to me!" Natsu protested hotly.

"Anyways," Erza cut in forcefully. "None of us had the guts to climb up the tree and get the frisbee, and it was getting really dark out too. We were called in for dinner and shortly afterwards it started to rain. Droy was inconsolable and burst into tears. Levy had recently joined the orphanage, permanently unlike Droy, but she rarely ever talked to anyone. When she saw him crying, she raced outside in the rain."

"By the time we found her, we saw her climbing down the tree, frisbee clenched between her teeth. She was covered in scratches and bruises and was shaking in the cold. She was crying too, because she was so scared she might fall." Gray added.

"Ever since then Levy, Jet and Droy have been best friends." Natsu added. "And they'd do anything for her."

"Wow." Lucy muttered to herself. "I had no idea." She really is fearless sometimes...

"I guess that's when we learnt not to underestimate her, or anyone else who appeared to be tiny." Gray, said with a smirk.

Lucy raised an eyebrow at him. "She would kill you if she heard you calling her 'tiny' of all things!"

"Ahem!" Their home room teacher cut in, before proceeding to role call.

There really is no punishment greater than waiting. Levy frowned, unable to remember the correct wordings of the quote. She didn't even remember which book it was from, but for some reason the words had a grave impact on her. A strange sense of anticipation and dread filled her veins, nervous butterflies fluttering in her stomach and her heartbeat thumping into her ears. She played with the hem of her skirt, glancing between the door leading to the principal's office and the end of the hallway.

Why don't I recall something, she thought desperately, to keep me distracted. L-like the star signs! Let's go by month, Levy. You can do it. There's Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries –

Her inner monologue was interrupted as something metallic clattered to the ground. Her eyes widened as she turned around, scanning the floor for the object. Her hand instinctively reached up to her headband to confirm that yes, her fairy hair clip had fallen to the ground.

"Oh no!" She exclaimed, anxiety temporarily forgotten. "Where did it go?" Her eyes darted across the floor and she sighed in relief as she spotted it near the end of the hallway. Before she could walk across, Levy heard light footsteps and then a hand reached out to grab the shinny object.

He stepped into her vision, accompanied by two others. His eyes widened as he identified the object, and he looked up straight at her. He took two long strides until he was standing directly in front of her, clad in their school uniform. His mouth twitched into a rueful smile, as he held it out. "This thing keeps falling off. You should really get a new one."

"What is this, some sorta talisman?" He asked her, holding up her clip. "It felt out while you were sleeping."

"Y-you could say that." Levy mumbled, holding off another yawn. She could not fall back asleep. "How long do you plan to keep me here?" She asked, pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulder.

Gajeel shrugged. "Until the fighting above stops. In a few hours the festival will end, and you Fairies will probably win. Jose's gonna run an' you can leave." He explained. "Here, catch." He threw the clip, aiming straight for her lap. Levy sighed in relief as she pinned it back into her hair, while he went back to his meditation.

He glanced up, as though realising something. "That thing's gonna fall apart soon." He told her. "You should really get a new one."

Levy gulped, the flashback hitting her with full force. She silently grabbed it, fixing it into her hair. "Thank you." She whispered, refusing to look at him.

Master stood behind Gajeel. "I'm sorry for the wait, Ms. McGarden. Come on in." He opened the door to his office, Juvia and Gajeel at his heels. Levy sighed and walked inside as well.

Jet and Droy joined them shortly, their eyes falling out at the sight of the two ex-Phantom Lord members but they managed to keep their cool.

Master kept it short and concise. He explained why they were now students of the Academy, and that the three needed to move on from this incident. Juvia and Gajeel apologised and they were all dismissed.

There were only fifteen minutes left until lunch break, so Levy ditched Jet and Droy and headed to the library. The peaceful atmosphere calmed her nerves, and the silence helped her sort her feelings.

The Phantom Lord incident had been a huge obstacle in Levy's life. She was harassed, stalked, bullied and verbally abused, and even kidnapped. Her mind moved back to the texts. They were what had hurt her the most. And today, Matser had revealed that the messages were a team effort.

"Gajeel typed out the basic message." Juvia had confirmed. "Aria and Sol added the abusive words and information meant to unhinge you. Totomaru added the spiteful tone while Juvia's responsibility was keeping them in check and making sure they don't go overboard."

All those hurtful words, neither Gajeel or Juvia could be blamed entirely for that. Levy was a forgiving person, and just like she said to Lucy she has forgiven them. But she had also build up boundaries. While Lucy and Gray fully trusted Juvia, Levy had the right to remain wary of her fellow bluenette.

It's not like I have to befriend them. She reasoned. They'll keep their distance, and I'll keep mine.

A person behind her cleared his throat. "Ah listen, McGarden." He said.

"Gajeel?" She unconsciously moved two steps further from him.

"I, uh just wanted to apologise." He continued, scratching the back of his head nervously. "I know what I did to you and your friends should've landed me in jail. But that old geezer - he saved my life. I don't deserve to be let off without any punishment, and you know that. But he's adamant on me leading a better life. I haven't ever done that, and I don't think I can ever really redeem myself or anything but, don't worry. I ain't gonna ever try and come in your way again. You've got friends who care for you, an' they would do anything to protect you. Just look at Heartfilia, she was injured and inexperienced but she still came to rescue you."

"Listen, I don't know what I was thinking when I started all this. When we kidnapped you, I kept you away from Jose cause I couldn't let him win. But, you made me question why I was even with him in the first place. Thanks. I know you'll probably never forgive me, but I can live with that. As long as I apologised, I know that I might've gotten my message across. I'm sorry, and I promise I'll stay outta your way."

His face was impassive, as was his tone and with a stiff nod he walked away. The bell rang a second later but Levy barely heard it. His words were echoing in her mind, however she was unable to process them.

"Gajeel!"

He whipped around, pulling his hands out of his pockets as he saw Juvia advancing. The bell had rang a few seconds ago, but that was the last thing on Gajeel's mind. He was just wondering what the hell possessed him to go up to Levy and personally apologise to her. And apparently, a simple 'sorry' didn't cut it. No, no, Gajeel was apparently an idiot because he turned a one word apology into a full blown rant. He was normally a man of a few words, and years under Jose's influence had taught him to only speak when spoken to.

But the look on her face when the old geezer was ranting on just made him feel so damn guilty. As though he had destroyed something inside of her. And Gajeel had hurt a lot of people, but never had he met someone like Levy who had made him think, 'dude, she doesn't deserve this shit'.

"Uh, Gajeel?" Juvia waved a hand in front of his face. "Are you okay?"

"Heh?" He shook himself out of his stupor, a resolute grimace setting on his face. "Me? I'm just dandy. Perfectly A-okay in this hellhole where Salamander will be the first to try to beat me to crap. And no doubt your boy toy's the second." He added spitefully, trying to ease some of the pent-up anger and frustration. "And then Heartfilia with swoop in acting like that flimsy whip is some sorta machine gun and you'll rush to her side cause you're all the best of friends aren't ya', Juvia?"

She scowled, her lips pressed together in a thin line. "Juvia only wanted to ask Gajeel if he was feeling alright, since she was worried about him. But seeing as Gajeel is back to being a bastard as usual, Juvia really should take her leave and spend time with people she doesn't know fully since her actual, only friend is still busy throwing a tantrum."

"Oh come on, Juvia –"

"No, no not a tantrum, Gajeel." She interrupted him, hand on her waist. "What do you call it? Oh yes, you're in the middle of throwing a hissy fit. So go on, Juvia won't bother you. In fact, Juvia has much better things to do."

With a dramatic flip of her blue curls, Juvia walked away in a huff. A few feet away from where Gajeel was watching her retreating form, she bumped into Lucy, who worriedly asked her if she had seen Levy.

"No, Juvia hasn't." She replied earnestly, walking aside the blonde. "She was with us in the office, but when we were dismissed, Levy just bolted out of there."

Behind her, Natsu groaned. "Lushy! I wanna eat, I'm hungry!"

"Why not check in the library again?" Gray ignored the pinkette and offered a much more sensible solution.

Lucy frowned. "We already checked and the librarian told us that Levy left the library, remember? I tried calling her but she isn't picking up!"

Huh, she's not there anymore? Gajeel raised his eyebrows is surprise, before jamming his hands into his pockets and and reminding himself he didn't give a flying fuck. Besides it was best for him to go and find a dark corner for him to sulk in so that Salamander didn't notice him. The last thing Gajeel wanted was to be the centre of attention again. Unfortunately, fate can be oh-so-cruel at times. Or was it his karma finally coming back to haunt him?

"Oi, Metalhead!" Natsu called out. Gajeel ignored him. Just walk away, Redfox. He reminded himself. Do NOT turn around and respond.

He continued to walk away, hoping the pinkette would just shut up already.

"Gajeel!" A different voice called him.

"Gajeel, listen up!" Lucy repeated out, jogging towards him. She hadn't seen Levy after homeroom. Hell no one had besides these two, that is. "You wouldn't happen to know where Levy is, do you?" She asked him, forcing herself to look into his dark red eyes.

Gajeel scowled. "Why the hell would I know? Leave me alone, Heartfilia." He grunted rudely.

Natsu narrowed his eyes at him. "Dude, just answer the question."

"Please!" Lucy added, unable to hide the hint of desperation in her voice.

"I'm serious." He replied, irritated. "She was in the library last I saw her. I dunno where she is now."

"Oh, so first you had no idea about her, now you're saying you saw her in the library?" Lucy raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms against her chest determinedly.

Crap! "Listen, I really don't have time for this sorta' stuff. Go interrogate someone else."

"You know, it's really stuff like that which makes you all the more suspicious." Gray spoke up. Juvia was standing silently beside him, her gaze fixed and to the ground. A stab of irritation flared up in Gajeel at the sight of his comrade against him.

"Did ya' guys ever think that maybe she doesn't want you all barking around her like puppies?" He said scathingly. "Cause just five minutes with you guys, and you've annoyed me to the limit. So do me a favour and don't come to me for any of this shit. You stay outta my way, and I'll stay outta yours, okay?"

"There is a big difference between you and Levy!" Natsu reminded him. "And don't think we wanted to talk to you, you bastard!"

And then something inside Gajeel just gave way, like a dam bursting open after all the pressure. He walked two steps forward and punched Natsu straight in the face. He heard Lucy gasp, but what shocked him more was the smirk on the other boy's face when he withdrew his hand.

"I was waiting for that." The pink haired boy replied, before swiftly moving forward and kicking him in the gut.

Gajeel was vaguely aware of students gathering around them, and Lucy and Juvia backing away. Gray stood close, ready to jump in just in case.

He and Natsu were equally matched, that he was certain of. Dodging each other's attacks, launching swift offensives but barely ever landing a hit.

"It's not fair!" Natsu called out. "Last time you didn't even give me a proper fight, I'm glad you're back in the game this time though."

"Shut up! That was when I was under Jose. That doesn't count!"

"What do you mean by that?" Natsu paused to contemplate his words, allowing Gajeel a swing at his head. He winced at the impact, but didn't react.

"Oi, what's the matter?" Gajeel stopped his barrage of attacks to stare at him. When Natsu didn't reply, he baited : "Had enough, already?"

"Far from it!" Natsu replied. "You were never working for him at that point, were you?" He smirked, holding up his fists. "It all makes sense now."

Gajeel scowled, bracing himself. "I don't work for no one." He defended himself.

"Yeah right!" Natsu goaded." I remember, before you used to pummel people to the ground at his orders and now you suddenly defying him? Clearly –"

"I have my reasons." Gajeel interrupted stonily. "And you're no one to question me!"

"Correction," Gray stepped in. "we're you're flatmates. Second, we're all in the same school, and third we have to take responsibility for you until your trial. So yeah, I guess we pretty much do have a right to question you." Gray's left arm darted out, grabbing hold of his collar in a death grip, his eyes meeting Gajeel's with unwavering confidence and courage. I dare you to not answer, his eyes said, cause I know you can't. You're not gonna run away again, are you?

Gajeel felt the anger leaving his body, feeling a similar gaze emitting from Natsu. He set his chin, stubbornly. "I said, I have my reasons," he repeated. "But I promise you, I mean no harm. This time." A smirk unintentionally lit his face.

They seemingly understood, and Gray let him go, a glimmer of respect in his eyes as he watched Gajeel's retreating form.

"What the hell was that." Lucy spoke for both girls as hey stared at the boys.

"Bro code." Gray said, enjoying the looks of annoyance on their faces. "Seriously though, that guy has a lot of issues, but he's safe. For now."

"At least we got a good fight!" Natsu smiled at the thought. "I'm all fired up now!"

"No, you're not!" A steely voice rang out from behind him. Erza flicked her red tresses as she handed them detention slips. "Fighting on school grounds, huh? One hour after school. I will be supervising." She smirked as their souls left their bodies at the thought.

"Where did Gajeel go?" She turned to the girls.

"Straight, then take a left!" Lucy and Juvia cried in unison under her softer-but-still-deadly glare.

"And that, " Erza continued with a determined huff as she set the cardboard box on the table. "Is is all of it." It wasn't really much. Just three big cardboard boxes and a long rectangular shaped black case.

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "You mean they don't need any of this as evidence for the trial?"

"Yes, I'm glad that's the case." She replied, smiling at Juvia. "Once the trial is over, you'll be home free. And I'm certain everything will go in your favour."

"Juvia, hopes so."" The blue haired girl replied, fiddling with the hem of her skirt nervously. She turned to Lucy. "We really should get going now..."

Lucy nodding, catching the hint. "I'll take these, can you manage the rest?"

"Don't worry, Juvia will."

"I'd ask Natsu or Gray to help," Erza admitted a little too devilishly. "But they must be punished."

The two girls exchanged frightened glances before hurrying out the the student council office.

Back at Lucy's apartment, they began the tedious job of unpacking everything. The first box contained Juvia's clothes ranging from skimpy jumpsuits to more conservative woolly dresses and hats. Juvia sighed at the clothes and shook her head at Lucy. "All of these clothes just bring back memories Juvia does not want to reminisce. The clothes I was forced to wear at Phantom Lord," she fingered the stretchy material of the jumpsuit, "Juvia would rather donate them to some shop. And same goes for these dresses."

"This material looks pretty rare." Lucy noted. "Are these from France?"

Juvia nodded. "I kept them because I always believed I could go back. But now, Juvia is tired of wishing of bringing back the past and wanting to reliving it. Juvia-I mean, I am going to move forward. And for that, I must let go of these memories." With that she dropped all of those outfits back in the box.

Lucy bit her lip, but decided not to argue. The second box bore better fruit for them. It was filled to the brim with sketchbooks, brushes and bottles of paint.

"Y-You paint?" She asked, her eyes wide.

Juvia nodded. "Mainly watercolour." She admitted bashfully.

"Wow. Like, just wow..."

The third box held two photo albums, a small jewellery box and a very amazing pair of boots. Lucy held them up, awestruck. "I am so not letting you throw these away, these are haute couture material."

Juvia couldn't help but laugh. "Don't worry, Juvia loves those boots too!"

At last, Juvia carefully removed the cover of the black case, gasping as she did so. A beautiful and deadly looking rapier was nestled in silk. The blue jewels glinted of the hilt, but Juvia seemed to be astonished for a completely different reason. "Aqua..."

"Aqua?" Lucy looked at her questioningly.

"Juvia's rapier was named Aqua Slicer. Juvia didn't think she'd see it ever again." She stroked the hilt fondly, a teary expression on her face.

"I'll be back in a bit." Lucy excused herself, deciding that it was best for Juvia to spend some time alone with her things. Inside her room, the blonde heaved a sigh of relief. It had been an eventful few weeks, and Lucy wanted nothing more than to stay under the radar for a bit. Her phone which she had flung on the bed in her daze, began to ring at that second.

"Good day, Miss Lucy." Capricorn spoke quietly. "I have set the date for your photo shoot as per Mr. Heartfilia's insistence. The limousine will be arriving at your apartment complex at nine in the morning and I've –"

"Wait, tomorrow?" Lucy cut in. "I have school, for starters."

"I will have a note of absence sent in immediately. It has already been drafted."

"Not to mention that this is so sudden!" Lucy started. This is bad. If my face is plastered on the magazines, what will everyone at school think? The last thing I want is more attention and people fawning over me...

"I was under the impression you were told that photo shoot will be scheduled, Miss Lucy."

"Oh, father did tell me but..." Lucy trailed off, unsure how to explain it to Capricorn.

She heard a beep on the line, as the secretary received another phone call and promptly hung up with a fleeting goodbye.

"Ugh..." Lucy groaned. What now?

"Lucy, is everything alright?" Juvia hesitantly asked from her doorway.

"Oh, um, yeah everything's alright Juvia. It's just, I won't be able to attend school tomorrow." Lucy admitted. "Something came up."

"Oh," The dismay was clearly projected on Juvia's face. "You sure everything –"

"It's fine." Lucy said sharply, turning away. "I'm gonna go out for a bit, I need some fresh air." I don't want to talk about it.

What was that? She was shocked at her tone. Where did the bitterness seep in from?

"Juvia... will go to bed now." The girl turned away, obviously upset with her. Lucy sighed, but nevertheless walked out of her apartment to avoid any further confrontation.

It's just not fair, she thought to herself. All I wanted was a normal few months after all that chaos last year. Instead what do I get? Two months after having moved in, I'm kidnapped. I go on crazy expeditions with my friends and fight people. All my friend have tragic pasts and so much baggage. How is any different from before? For most teenagers, the biggest fear they have is whether they'll pass that history exam — or what some girl said about them. Here, the students I call my friends… they're more concerned about how to correctly aim a tranquilliser gun and whether they can knock someone unconscious with a single punch. I don't even know anymore…

Lucy shuddered, more because of her thoughts rather than the cold wind as she walked down the street. She vaguely remembered the way to the main streets because of her walk with Natsu and Gray. Was that just a few days ago? It seems like so much has happened since. She shook her head at the thought. It wasn't surprising that she was overwhelmed by her thoughts. It had been a long while since Lucy had gotten time to herself. After everything that had happened, the blonde was aching to talk to someone about it…

"Lucy! OI YOU AIRHEAD! LUSHEEE!"

The blonde turned around swiftly. "Natsu? What are you doing here?"

He raised an eyebrow at her. "I should be asking you that Luce. I came to get more gloves," he started, glancing a few shops down to the same clothes store. "I saw you up ahead as I was coming out but you didn't even respond!"

Natsu started pouting as he whined. "Lushee ignored me. How rude. A-After everything I've done for you…"

Lucy couldn't help but giggle at the stupid faces he pulled. "I just needed some air, you idiot." Another cold breeze brushed against her cheeks, and Lucy was very thankful that she'd at least grabbed a hoodie before leaving. Glancing down, she noticed with horror that it was Natsu's jacket.

"Oh my god, not AGAIN!" She scowled. "Why don't you take your jacket back, I keep accidentally putting it on!"

Natsu held up his hands in defence. "It's not my fault you lovee my hoodie that you wear it everywhere. And you probably don't fit in your own hoodies anymore…" He mock whispered.

"Don't you dare insinuate I'm fat Natsu Dragneel," Lucy glared at him. She caught sight of a coffee shop up ahead and grabbed his arm.

"And for that, you're buying me coffee!" She retorted as she pulled him forward.

Natsu couldn't help but smirk. "It's sugar in those frappes you love that makes you so fat Lushee - OUCH! I'm sorry! I'M SORRY, DON'T HIT ME PLEASE!"

Lucy only smiled in satisfaction as they walked inside. "Oh and you're totes ordering, kay!"

He groaned at her cheerfulness, but none the less got in line. Lucy was walking ahead searching for a seat when she caught sight of a familiar redhead.

"Erza! Mira! Fancy seeing you guys here." She smiled at the two seniors.

"Oh are you alone? Sit with us, I insist!" Erza looked up from her tantalisingly delicious strawberry cake to gesture to the empty seat besides them.

Mirajane was far more observant though, and smirked mischievously. "Of course not Erza. She's here with Natsu."

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Mira, we're friends —"

"All relationships start of as friendships, Lucy. Besides, I've invested highly in this ship, I can't just give up!"

Erza burst out laughing. "And this, is exactly why I don't date."

"Shush, you're just a spoilsport" Mira pouted. "All you do is study and play sports and be responsible and ughhh isn't that so boring!" She reached over the table to poke the redhead. "Live a little! You need excitement in your life!"

"I'm fine, trust me! Besides, I have the love of my life right here!" Erza retorted, pointing at her plate.

Before Mira could respond, Natsu came with their drinks.

"Hello Head Cheerleader Tormentor, Titania Queen of Torture," Natsu greeted the two. "Lushee I don't wanna sit here, can we take these to go pwease."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "What's with the hostility?"

Mira sighed. "Natsu's just mad that he's stuck with Gajeel and he blames Erza. He's been complaining constantly and…"

"She was mean to me!" Natsu sulked. "And living with Gajeel is so ughh. Can I sleep with you tonight?" He asked Lucy, pouting again.

Lucy blushed against the implications, and Mira's knowing stare. "No, Natsu. Sleep in your own bed please. I already have enough to deal with geez!"

"Hmph. Can we leave though?" He glared at Erza and Mira.

"He'll come around." Erza promised, noting Lucy's worried glance. "He knows how important this is."

Lucy sighed as they left, sipping her coffee slowly. "Is it really that bad?"

Natsu grimaced. "We generally stay out of each others way, but he's been less hostile lately. He just argues alot."

"As if Gray and you don't." Lucy countered. "You three are pretty similar."

"Ehhh, I suppose. You got lucky with Juvia though…"

Another stab of guilt hit her. I should talk to Juvia… that wasn't really fair on her.

She shrugged. "I suppose. Soo, how crazy was that last episode of Naruto? I couldn't have ever expected it, oh my…"

Natsu narrowed his eyes at her, but let her change the topic and continue her rambling. That was one of the best things about him, he knew when to stop and give her the space she needed — something many people forgot. Her mind flashed back to her father, but

Lucy stubbornly pushed him away and focused on her best friend instead.

They kept up their non stop chatter until they reached her apartment. "Hey," she started. "Thank you Natsu."

He looked at her confused. "For the coffee? Don't mention it weirdo, its the least I can do after all those times Gray and I raided your kitchen." He joked.

Lucy breathed deeply. Thats not what she meant. "Thank you for everything Natsu. Saving me from Jose, cheering me up, tonight… I don't think I can ever repay your kindness —"

"Lucy, its what friends do. We protect each other. I didn't do it as a favour, you don't hafta repay me geez. And don't thank me, I know you'd do it for me in a heartbeat too! Like, if I ever needed refuge from an angry redhead, or Gray, I know I can count on you!"

Lucy smiled, relieved by his words. "I-I should go," she realised, pulling out her keys.

"Oh yeah. See you tomorrow Lucy!" He smiled at her as started to walk back to the elevator.

And thats when she recalled something. "Oh, about that…" She trailed off as the elevator doors shut.

"Ughhhh!" She grumbled. So much for telling Natsu that she wouldn't be in school tomorrow. As she entered her apartment, glancing at Juvia's sleeping form, she remembered something else.

Lucy hurriedly sped off to her room. "I'm such an airhead, I swear…"

"Hey Gray!" She greeted the boy. "Soooo, I have a small favor to ask for. Please help me out!" She begged, biting her lip. How could she have forgotten about Juvia in all this madness? The poor girl was still new here… "Can you walk to school with Juvia tomorrow?"

"Huh?" Gray sounded confused over the phone. "What about you?"

"I have an appointment." Well, it wasn't exactly a lie. More like the vague truth. Lucy scowled. "Ahhhh I can't thank you enough! I owe you."

"Oh, its nothing." He assured her. "I'll have Gajeel with me, so its good if he has at least one person to talk to."

"Wait, so things aren't so good?" Lucy probed. She might've forgiven Gajeel, but she had yet to make peace with him. He seemed like such a strange character. Every thing she had heard about him seemed so different from what Levy said. Even in school, he seemed tolerable — not a monster.

"Its not as bad I thought, to be honest." Gray admitted. "Natsu and him are always butting heads over something, so thats entertaining to watch. But sometimes it gets a little too heated —"

He broke off, and Lucy could make out faint shouting.

"Annnnd its time to intervene. Bye Lucy!"

"See ya!" She hung up, glancing at the roof of her room to the fourth floor where there was probably another argument raging. "Well, at least we're all safe this time." She reasoned, before falling down on her bed, exhausted.

The quote Levy was trying to recall is from the book, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini : "Of all the hardships a person had to face, none was more punishing than the simple act of waiting."