Secretly In Love
Chapter 12 – Let The Game Begin
A/N: Hey everyone! I wanted to update this first before GATC and GMB because it reached 100 reviews! YAY! I'm so happy! I want to jump around and celebrate with you all :D
Oh yes, I apologize for the late update TT^TT I was very busy! School was busy, and I wanted to finish this yesterday but... something happened to Philippines :( To those who know what happened, and what is still happening, please, I hope you are safe :(
I feel so useless, and I wish I could have done something. So I prayed so many times yesterday, and I lost the mood to finish the chapter, gomene. But I needed to make up for that! And this is it!
Thank you Rosella6199 for beta reading this chapter :D I'm very happy that you at least tried :)
Well, start reading :D
Song: The song in the chapter is Up All Night by One Direction.
Genre: Romance, Friendship, Humor, Hurt and Comfort
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail, Hiro Mashima does.
I wanna stay up all night and jump around until we see the sun. I wanna stay up all night and find a girl and tell her she's the one. Hold on to the—
"You're singing it wrong!" Lucy whined and massaged her temples. Gray, who stood beside her, mimicked the blonde's actions. Natsu groaned, "Why do I have to sing?"
"Because you have to."
"I don't like that answer," Natsu said and Gray shrugged.
"You asked, I just answered," he bluntly said and Natsu glared at him.
"Stupid teacher," he muttered.
"I heard you."
Something caught Natsu's eye before he could say something. He narrowed his eyes and followed a pair who walked through the room. Lisanna sat down across from Loke and grinned from ear to ear, then began laughing as Loke said a joke. Natsu bit his lip and clutched his chest. He let out a breath and turned around to face Lucy and Gray who were talking to each other.
"Give me that," Natsu said and passed by Lucy as he grabbed the microphone in her hand. She raised a brow and sat down on a chair. The music played and he began singing.
It feels like we've been living in fast forward, another moment passing by. The party's ending but it's now or never. Nobody's going home tonight. Katy Perry's on replay, she's on replay. DJ's got the floor to shake, the floor to shake.
Lucy raised a brow at Natsu's newfound energy. A smile adorned her lips and Gray saw it. He involuntarily clutched the checklist in his hand and his jaw tensed.
And people goin' all the way, yea all the way. I'm still wide awake.
Lucy grinned, "Great job Natsu!"
Natsu grinned and, surprisingly, winked at her. Lisanna and Gray saw it and they both widened their eyes and their jaw tensed. Lucy looked just as surprised at them, but then she smiled. "You idiot. Just sing."
I wanna stay up all night and jump around, until we see the sun. I wanna stay up all night and find a girl then tell her she's the one. Hold on to the feeling, and don't let it go. 'Cause we got the floor now, get out of control. I wanna stay up all night and do it all with you…
He stopped singing to stare at Lucy who grinned at him. "Well, that's enough. Go on and eat if you want, knowing you. I'm just going to arrange some stuff first then I'll teach you the next verse," she said.
Natsu nodded, "Sure!"
Lucy smiled and watched Natsu leave the room before sighing. She massaged her temples and looked at a list, "Well, we have a singer now."
"But we need a dancer."
Lucy looked at Gray and sighed, "I know."
"Well… no one wants to volunteer…" Gray muttered and looked at Lucy discreetly.
Lucy flinched and groaned, "Ohhh alright! Fine, I'll do the dance, stupid people being so shy and annoying."
Gray secretly grinned. He checked something on the checklist and looked at Lucy, "Well, that's out of the way." The blonde hummed then leaned back on the back of her chair; she crossed her legs and began tapping the tip of her pen on her bottom lip. "We need… a violinist," she said and looked at Gray. "Don't you agree?"
Gray winced at the look she gave him, "W-Well… we could but…who would play the violin?"
Lucy smiled innocently (though she looked oh so mischievous), "Maybe a certain teacher who is good at playing the violin? Hnn, I heard Gildarts-sensei talking about someone, let's see… someone good with the violin."
Gray flinched and Lucy laughed.
"Kidding! Come on, you should play the violin. I heard that you're good at it," Lucy said and grinned, making Gray's heart beat faster.
"B-But..!" he trailed off the moment he met her eyes. "…You could play me a song while I dance," Lucy said and the teacher bit his lip.
"Pleeaaaseee Gray?" Lucy whined and clapped her hands together.
Gray bit his lip harder and let out a strangled moan, "Fine."
"Thank you!"
"No problem," Gray said lowly and Lucy rolled her eyes.
"Anyway, I'm hungry. I'm gonna go get some food from the cafeteria," Lucy said and stood up from her chair. She grabbed her wallet from her bag and stretched her arms. "You want anything? My treat," she said and grinned evilly.
"You're making me look gay. I just want some crackers and soda. Here," Gray handed her the money and she shrugged.
"Okay, your loss."
"I just don't want to make a student spend money for a teacher. I'll sound so low," Gray said.
Lucy laughed, "What a baby."
"Watch it."
"Okay. Well, I'll be back!" Lucy yelled before she left the room. Gray sighed and leaned back again.
"Now… what song should I play?"
(Lucy's Point Of View)
I walked to the cafeteria, which wasn't that far. And oh my gosh, that was nerve-racking! Can you believe it? I tried so hard not to blush the whole time I was teasing Gray. Damn you Lucy, what's gotten into you?
I still can't get over the fact that I was so close to telling Gray that I love him. I mean, it was so close! But I can't tell him, what if he rejects me? What would happen then?
I hate thinking of the outcome.
I shook my head and opened the doors to the cafeteria. I spotted Natsu beside a wide window, eating some chips with Erza and Jellal who was also eating some… chips. I smiled and walked to the counter where the lady was there, giving me a grin. I must say, she's way too young to be the cafeteria lady.
"Lucy! A pleasure to see you," she said and gave me a wink.
"Catherine! I think it's been ages since we last talked to each other," I said and gave her a slap on the hand. She shrugged, "You seem to be in the mood to bring food for lunch so…"
I laughed, "Sorry. Mama doesn't want me to waste money."
"Nahh, it's alright. So, what can I get you?" Catherine, or who I prefer calling Cathy, said and leaned over the counter.
"Hmm… can I have some chips? I was in the mood for crackers but when I saw Natsu and the others eating some chips, I wanted some too. And uhh, two sodas. Oh yea, and crackers," I said and Cathy nodded. "Alright. Wait here," she said and walked somewhere to get what I ordered.
"Here you go!" Catherine grinned and handed me what I ordered. I gave her Gray's money for the soda and the crackers, and then paid mine. She pushed her black hair behind her ears and blew her bangs before she grabbed the money then she gave me my change. "Come again!" she chimed and I grinned.
"I will!"
As I was walking, I was suddenly pulled to a corridor. I tried to yell but then he or she covered my mouth with his or her hand. "Shh! Luce, it's just me!"
"Natsu!" I exclaimed once he removed his hand from my mouth. He grinned and I sighed in relief. "I thought it was someone else. Don't scare me like that!" I exclaimed and glared at him. Oh that was so damn true, I was scared as hell! What if someone suddenly did that to you? Tch.
"Sorry Luce, but I need your help. It's kinda like a favor," he said and looked at me with pleading eyes. I raised a brow, "I smell something fishy, but what is it?"
"Help me make Lisanna jealous!"
I was taken back. I looked at him wide eyes and I found it hard to speak out words. I didn't know what to say. I was expecting him to ask me for some money, or some food, or to help him with some activities, but not this. I opened my mouth but closed it once I knew I had nothing to say. He clasped his hands together and even knelt in front of me!
I tried to say something, but somehow, the words were stuck in my throat. I gulped and I saw him start to tear up.
"M-Make Lisanna jealous?" I finally choked out. He nodded and grabbed my hand.
"Yes! Please Luce, help me out!"
I bit my lip, unsure. I was REALLY UNSURE! I mean, there I was before, walking back to give Gray his snacks, when I got pulled by Natsu, to learn that he wants me to make Lisanna jealous! What was I supposed to feel? OKAY?
"Please Luce! I really need your help! You're the only girl that I can get help from!" he cried out and I covered my mouth with my hand.
"B-But…" I stammered and he shook his head.
"Please Lucy! I really need your help!"
"But why?" I asked and he blushed for a moment. I raised a brow in amusement and he cleared his throat. He looked at me straight in the eye, and my heart beat faster in anticipation as I saw his determined eyes.
"I like her, Lucy! She's the girl that I'm telling you about!" he stuttered out and my eyes widened.
What the hell?
"Then why do you want to make her jealous?" I asked with a raised brow; confused.
He clutched his head, "It's hard to explain. But I think she doesn't like me! Please! I know this is the only way that she'll explain her true feelings!"
Wow, I never knew Natsu was this smart. Why haven't I thought of this before?
Because you are stupid, idiot.
Shut up. Calling me stupid AND an idiot is like calling yourself stupid as well.
Hnn.
I mentally yelled in triumph but then looked back at Natsu.
"You know, she'll get really mad at me," I said and sighed. But him, being Natsu, grabbed me and pulled me into a hug. He cried and I froze. He was never the one to hug someone so fully. He would usually just swing an arm around someone and that's it. But never, ever, did he once hug anyone, except his family and cousins.
"Natsu… this is wrong. You know that it might affect you and Lisanna's friendship," I said, in hope that he'll just let it go.
But he didn't.
"But I need your help! Please Luce? Just this once?" his muffled voice could be heard. He hugged me tighter and I felt my shirt get a little wet. I sighed and rubbed his back soothingly.
"The festival is also soon… but fine. I'll help you," I said and hugged him back. Oh Natsu, I know what you are going through. I feel ashamed of myself. I'm so ashamed that I do not have the strength to even do what you're about to do now.
I frowned but then Natsu pulled back in arms-length and looked at me with teary eyes. I smiled at him and ruffled his hair. I wiped his tears away by my right hand. He grinned, "Thanks Luce!"
I smiled but then felt something tug at my heart. "You're welcome."
A few minutes later, we went back to the room, or the music room for Natsu to sing again. I already taught him the next verse before we went back and he already got it. He grinned the whole way and I raised a brow, but my lips tugged upwards.
Maybe this won't turn out bad after all…?
We arrived at the music room and Natsu pushed open the door. We walked in, startling Gray (which I just noticed), Lisanna, and a few more people. I yawned a little but then Natsu grinned at me and I gulped. I sense trouble.
And I was right.
Natsu swung an arm around me, which he ALSO rarely does with girls, and began walking to the stage. He looked at me and his grin widened, "I'm gonna do my best!"
I nodded and felt slightly nervous as the music played. I felt Gray, Lisanna and Loke's eyes on me as Natsu began singing "Up All Night". I swallowed a lump in my throat and silently prayed to God that this will be all over soon. I hope.
By the time he finished the next verse; I just grinned and gave him a thumbs up. "Good job Natsu! Take a rest for a while," I said. He had been repeating the verse a couple times, and I noted that his voice was getting a little strained. His throat must be sore already.
Natsu nodded and wandered over a table behind my chair and he sat down. I stood up and sat back down, however, I was in a different position. I sat on the chair but faced the back of it; therefore my legs were at the side of the back of the chair. I looked at Natsu who lay his chin on his folded arms; staring at me with wide eyes.
"Hey, are you alright?" I asked him and he looked behind me, maybe at Gray.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, does your throat hurt?" I said and he clutched his throat for a moment.
He gulped and looked back at me, "A little."
"Here, some water for the little kid," I teased and he groaned. I gave him a glass of warm water and he drank it. He sighed in relief and dropped the glass on the table clumsily.
He looked behind me again, and I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Lucy, you do know you're wearing a skirt," the person, or Gray, whispered in my ear.
"Yea? So what? I'm wearing short shorts ya know," I said.
"Just… warning you," he whispered again.
"A pervert, I say," I said out loud and Natsu snickered.
I felt Gray's grip on my shoulder tightened and I hissed.
"Forget I said anything."
"Good."
LUNCH
It was around lunch and I was on my way to meet Lisanna and Levy at the cafeteria. I immediately stopped walking and looked around, I thought I heard someth—
"Psst!"
-ing.
The heck?
I looked around once again.
"Hey! Luce!"
I narrowed my eyes. I know only a few people who call me Luce, Gray, and Natsu. I turned around to see a hand waving itself at me. I shuddered, okay, creepy.
I walked around a corridor and spotted Natsu. I sighed in relief; I thought it was a stalker. He looked at me and grinned, "Luce! Over here!"
I walked to him and he swung an arm around me (which surprised me). "Hey, do you want to eat lunch with me?" he said and I narrowed my eyebrows a little.
"S-Sure.."
And I realized then, that I didn't like this GAME anymore.
(Gray's Point Of View)
"Oi Gray, isn't that Lucy and Natsu?" Loke said and leaned forward. I looked behind me and saw Natsu and Lucy sitting on a table not too far away, eating lunch. This was the first time that Lucy didn't eat with me, or the gang, which was weird.
I narrowed my eyes and saw that Lucy looked uncomfortable as Natsu grinned and laughed. I didn't notice that my hand was clutching my dress shirt, near my chest. I hissed and closed my eyes, before turning to look at Loke.
"What about them?"
I tried to sound like I didn't care at all, but I do. Heck, I don't even know why! What I want to know is that, why is Lucy eating lunch with Natsu, and yet she looks so uncomfortable. She looks as if she's seen ghosts around the annoying pink-haired idiot.
Loke sighed, "Nothing."
Lisanna and Levy looked behind me as well, and I saw different emotions on Lisanna's face. First, she was happy. Then, she looked shocked, and then she looked very hurt. I'm not sure, but I think she's jealous of Lucy and Natsu.
It's not like I'm not.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Wait…. What?
I am not jealous of Lucy and Natsu! No! For Pete's sake, Lucy is a student. A student. Keep that in your mind Gray!
I let out a breath and looked Loke who had a brow raised. "What?" I asked, and he shrugged.
He smirked a little, "Oh nothing, you just seemed to be staring at Lucy and Natsu for so long. Feeling something new?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, narrowing my eyebrows.
Loke chuckled (bastard) and gave me a stare, "Let's see… maybe you're jealous?"
"What? NO!"
He looked at me with serious eyes, "Are you sure?"
I faltered a bit and I bit my lip. I breathe in some air and returned his gaze, "Yes."
I knew I was fine then, until I suddenly heard students gossiping about Natsu and Lucy. I clutched my spoon and just continued eating my lunch, ignoring Loke who was now snickering. I noticed also that even Lisanna looked uncomfortable, and Mira was just squealing in happiness. Meanwhile, Jellal and Erza were looking back and forth at me, Lucy and Natsu.
"Hey, isn't that Natsu and Lucy?"
"Wha-? Oh yea! It is them! I wonder why they're separated from their group…"
I discreetly looked at Lisanna who closed her eyes and chewed. I heard Loke sigh and I sighed as well. What is wrong with me…
"Aren't they too close than usual?"
"I know right?!"
"Hmm.. now that you mention it. I only see those two together when going to school, and I heard it's because they walk the same way. COULD IT BE?"
What? What could it be?
"Could it be that they're dating?"
(Normal Point of View)
Gray quickly stood up and the gang was startled; even Loke. Lisanna looked at Gray and she understood. She knew she had nothing to be worried about, after all, Lucy liked, no, loved Gray. Why would she be worried about Natsu and Lucy?
"Gray? Are you alright? What's wrong?" Mira asked and Gray hissed.
"I'm fine," he said and gave a light glare at Mira who froze. Being glared at by a teacher was very frightening, and embarrassing.
"A-Are you sure sensei?" Levy asked and Gray nodded, massaging his temples.
"I'm just tired, there's nothing to worry about," he mumbled and looked at Loke who caught his stare. He raised a brow and Gray glared at him, making the student startled.
Meanwhile, Lucy tried her best to look AND sound comfortable, but she was breaking. She could hear everything, all the gossips. She looked behind and saw what was happening with the gang. She felt guilty, but even though she wanted to give everything up, she knew she'd hurt Natsu.
Lucy glanced at Natsu who ate his chicken happily, not faltered one bit by the whispers and glances of every student that were in the cafeteria. "Hey Luce, are you alright? You look pale," Natsu said and gave her a worried stare.
"I-I'm fine Natsu," Lucy said and faked a smile, a drop of sweat sliding down her forehead.
"Well… if you say so. Hey, do you want some?" Natsu asked and gave her a bottle of orange juice. From afar, Lisanna and Gray tried their best not to yell out in frustration.
"U-Uhh… sure," Lucy said and smiled nervously.
She took the bottle and Natsu grinned, "Okay."
"Why is Lucy with Natsu?"
Another whisper was heard by Lucy, Gray and Lisanna. Lucy closed her eyes painfully and just drank the orange juice.
Gray then grabbed his shoulder bag and lunch bag. He then turned his heel and left the cafeteria, making Lucy sigh and clutch her head. Lisanna in the meanwhile, just lowered her head, unnoticed by her friends.
The young teacher stopped walking and looked behind him before walking to the faculty.
He arrived there and saw no one inside, and he sighed in relief. He sat in front of his desk and dropped his bags on the floor, leaning back. He stared at the papers on his desk and frowned.
"Could it be that they're dating?"
A pang hit his heart.
Gray wrinkled his eyebrows in pain and clutched his heart, tears threatening to spill.
"It hurts…"
A/N: TT^TT I was crying! Stupid sad song played on replay =_= Anywaaay, what do you think? :D Do you guys like the chapter? I'm sorry if it's short (I do not know if you call that short... it's 3,394 words... not including the author's notes and the extras..).
And if you're wondering where the EVIL people are, they will come! MUWAHAHHA! Ehem, sorry. Anne and Anna will be shown again! I just love the twins :3
I'm very pleased that I've gone this far! I hope that you do not give up on this story, and please, give me some time to update. Exams are coming soon, but tomorrow I have no school because it was suspended due to the floods. (You can ask me what I was talking about at the beginning of the chapter, do not hesitate to ask.) I'm surprised I can handle the tons of updates O.o
Anywayy... ONTO THE REPLIES! *O*
AniManians17: Yes, Gray is very dense :)) See? He's jealous now. Muwahaha! He shall face the wrath of me, since he's so dense. Yes, it's his turn, hehehe. Thank you for the review, and I hope you liked the chapter :)
Sara6: Hehehe, making her confess at such a short time is too boring c: Plus, Starlet is still there to interfere, kukuku. Thank you for the review, and I hope you liked the chapter :D
RosarioBlack: Waaa, thank you! :D
pikaqueen: I'm glad you like it :D I look forward to your fics as well! :D Thank you for the review and I hope you liked the chapter ^^
xIce Birdx: Naww, don't worry dear, I will update that next :D Hehehe, glad you know the song :3 Weeelll... Gray can't be a teacher at 16, right? =_= That would be illegal. Thank you for the review and I hope you liked the chapter :D
Fullbuster1597: Aye! Thank you for the review and I hope you liked the chapter :)
PurpleDiva888: Heheh, I don't mind c: Yes, it takes more than that for her to confess xD Hahaha, yes, I'm counting on Lisanna as well! *O* I like at how she's blushing at the pic xD Waaa, I miss you so much! TT^TT Thanks for the review and the encouragement. I hope you liked the chapter :D
SpiritFrozenInTime: Waaa, really? Thank you so much! Of course, I hurt as well xD Aye! Thank you for the review and I hope you liked the chapter :)
FTWforANIME: You did? Hahha xD I love Jellal's smirk x3 Thank you for the review and I hope you liked the chapter :D
jessiemaebay: Why, of course :D Thanks for the review and I hope you liked the chapter ^^
otakuninja88: It's because I made her stop! Muwahaha! Naah, it's because it's too fast xD Thank you for the review and I hope you liked the chapter :)
Guest 7 / 5 /12: Waa! When I read your review I was so happy! c: Thank you for trying, and for the review! I hope you liked the chapter :D
phantomhive19: Aye! I thank you as well :D And I hope you liked the chapter ^^
Le' CarolinnaXannej421: Thank you, I'm glad you like it :D Naaw, it's fine :D People call me that anyway. Thank you for the review and I hope you liked the chapter.
Erza Scarlets: Hahha xD I hate her too. Thank you for the review, I hope you liked the chapter :)
IloveCelestialIce: Angel-chan! TT^TT I missed you so much! I'm glad we talked at FB :)) Heheh, did I make you shudder? ;) Kidding! Are you kidding?(lol, same word xD) Your review is still as long as it always will be :D Hahahah xD While I'm replying, and while I read that part, I was grinning cause of you! I know it! Jellal smirking is just... Kyaaa! Well... Gray is dense =_= Hahaha xD Mira is waaaay to dangerous o.O I'm happy she admitted it too! Yea, too early. Thanks for the encouragement and the review! I hope you like this chapter :D
lalala: Hello! ^^ Hehehe, I'm glad you like it :D Waaait, whaaat? O.O Hehe, thank you for the review and I hope you like the chapter! :D
Guest 7 / 26 / 12: Impatient, aren't we? ;D Here it is! I hope you liked it :)
FairyShine: I will not hypnotize you to like GraLu! *waves hands around* Well, you're welcome :)
Unnamed: I see a monster! Hahah xD Well, here it is! Thank you for the review, and I hope you liked the chapter :D
PHEW! My fingers hurt like crazy x_x Well... please review! I really like reading reviews :D It makes me update faster ;D And let's celebrate for the 100 reviews! *O*
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