A/N: Ni Hao~! ^_^ hehe I'm sorry again for the late update but I thank you so so much for understanding :') Much much love and thanks! I'll try to keep my note as short as possible but oh dear, I just can't thank you guys enough! Words can't describe how much you guys mean to me :')

Le' CarolinnaXannej421 hahah little Rin-chan, you never fail to make me smile :') thank you so so much for the support, ne? ^_^ it really means a LOT to me. sorry nga pala Rin T.T waah! tagal n ntin di nkkpg-usap dito, pero since Christmas break ko nmn, bawi-bawi din hahah ;DD PM mo skin un plot mo super intrigued me :DD hahah unli man, thank you talaga ng madamiiii~! :* I hope I don't fail you Imouto-chan *cross fingers*

LoveIsARose waah! thank youuuu! T.T your words are simple yet very much inspiring :') much much love for that! Thank you so so much ;D

fairytaillover416 (Guest 11/23/12) am I right? heheh waah! Filipino ka din! hahah :DD good to know ^_^ While I was reading your reviews, I was like, waah! Ang bait niya :') haha I mean it, really! Thank you so so much for helping me with such kind words and of course, for understanding my sentiments ) I hope I don't disappoint you, though ^^" Much much love and thanks to you :')

Mirajane S and Erza S waah! I so wanted to thank you before but I barely had time T.T much much thanks for being so kind in reviewing most of the chapters for me :') well as for your questions, I'll try to give you the answers with the next chapters :DD

Kill Lisanna haha I used to be a NaLu fan too ^_^ and I still am actually, my heart just chose GraLu more xD hahah anyways, oh my, thank you very much for such kind words! :') they mean a lot to me ;) much much love! ^_^

MudfurTheStud haha thank youu for the review! ^_^ very much appreciated ;)

Lunagorn hahaha another GraLu fan? yey~! xD hehe thank you so so much! for the question, let's leave it at that for now, ne? ;) I'll try to answer them with the upcoming chappies! :DD

IloveCelestialIce waah! ate angel! (hahah un n tlga tawag eh noh? can I call you that? :DD) thank you so so so so so much! Super, as in super touched talaga ko sa reviews mo :') maiiyak talaga ko T.T bait mo kci ihh! hahah xD Thank you talaga ng madaming-madami! :') It's too much for a present, really! :DD Oh and for the GraLu scenes? I'm so glad you liked it! haha Actually thought they were a nay and all but getting such heart-warming reviews from you totally boosted my spirits up! ;) and wahh! LaxusxMira fan ka rin? hahah :DD I find them so cute together! hihi ^_^ much much love! I hope I don't disappoint you with this chappy though!

okay, so much for the "short talk"! Ehem! This is getting harder, really! *prays silently* Please do enjoy your read :')

Chapter 12: Tentative Feelings

Gray's POV

"Gray!" Lucy's voice was scolding as her hand flung to hold my wrist. My hand was shaking in plain anger and it was practically ready to hit the wall beside me. Lucy shook her head earnestly to stop me from doing so, her eyes strict and firm despite the redness. "I bet you that'll hurt." Her voice was soft, worried. Damn. I can't say no.

I turned away from her, flexed my fingers, heaved a deep, collective breath, stopped gritting my teeth and finally dismissed the plan of murdering the innocent wall. Lucy loosened her grip a bit but didn't let go as if to make sure I wouldn't get myself in trouble for hitting the school's wall just because I wanted to hit that hideous animal who dared to hurt Lucy with all those pranks. I clicked my tongue in annoyance. Just thinking about it made my blood boil. Whoever that is, I swear, would be—

"Have you calmed down yet?" Lucy spoke just as I was about to think about the worst possible thing I could do if ever I see the nameless bastard. She took a step closer to me and placed a free hand on my arm. "I'm sorry I kept it from you. I didn't mean to, Gray. I just thought it was some sort of mistake but then it went on, and to say it even worsened. I just… didn't know what to do anymore."

Closing my eyes tightly, I wetted my lips and sighed. It was tormenting to hear Lucy speak with such a pained, creaking voice. I could tell she's on the brink of tears again so with all the strength I could muster, I faced the thing I least wanted to see – the image of my precious angel, crying and hurting. "Shh," Her hands weakly fell to her sides as she forced back soft sobs. "It's okay. I'm just glad you told me now." I wrapped my hands around her, crouching down to the floor as she fell on her knees in her second round of crying.

Silence was all that came by the time Lucy had calmed down. I had my back on the wall; legs sprawled out lazily in front of me. Lucy was sitting next to me, her legs stretched out before her. My hand was holding hers as I stared at the azure sky, clouds drifting by. I eyed Lucy secretly. She was looking down on her lap with a dazed expression on. And just as I was about to return to cloud-gazing, my eyes caught something far more interesting. In no time, I was grinning like mad.

A perfect fit. That's what made me smile so goofily that I actually caught Lucy's attention with it.

"What's so funny?" She asked, looking up at me, her still puffy eyes filled with confusion.

My hand tightened its grip on hers and I raised them a bit for her to see. "Can you tell which one's which?"And again, I found myself smiling even wider. Aside from Lucy sharing something she really didn't want to talk about, her crying her frustrations out to me and us being together in the rooftop like this, the fact that I'm the one holding onto her hand right now, not anyone else, not Lyon but me and only me is just… bliss.

Lucy gasped in realization, a hand pressed over her mouth. Her eyes were filled with utmost fascination, not a single trace of that dull look she had moments before. "That's amazing, Gray! I can't tell. Why?" she exclaimed and examined our intertwined hands further. I kept a tight hold on it, my own simple way of telling her I won't leave her. It was just that, I never felt so happy with holding hands before.

It was something silly for me to even believe it but I actually told her the reason behind my smile. "They say that when two people hold hands and you just can't seem to tell which one's which, they're meant for each other. Just like how their hands seem to be one, their hearts are also one." My eyes travelled from our hands, to Lucy's brightly flushed face. She sat there, still as a statue. Motionless, speechless… so I decided to speak up and brush off what I just said. I almost forgot. I'm not supposed to cross the borderline. She likes Lyon, not me. "Or so they say…" Sometimes, expecting too much can be deadly. "Really now, Lucy? Are you blushing for real?" I teased.

Much to my bewilderment, I didn't get a whack in the head, not even a retort. She remained silent and for a brief while, her lips curled up into a small smile. It was gone as soon as it came, leaving me wondering if it was there at all. "That… seems nice." She mumbled something but I didn't quite catch it.

"Were you saying something?"

I felt her grip tightening for a second as she gave me a bright smile. "Nothing!" Now, this time around, I'm sure that it is reality I'm seeing. There's nobody else in this world that can warm my entire being with such a beautiful smile.

No words came out of my mouth. Her smile was just too infecting that later on, I found myself smiling back. I rested my forehead on hers, hand never letting go, closed my eyes and enjoyed this brief moment of paradise. "I'll always be here for you. Remember that."

Lucy hummed in agreement, her voice echoing loud in my ears. "I know. Thank you… Thank you…"

Once in a while I'd do this. Drown myself in expectations. Ask myself every possible what ifs. Wish for what's clearly impossible. Think of actually being selfish. But that's all there is. Right now, everything around me has gone. Only I and Lucy are left. And it's the closest thing to that wish on a shooting star coming true.

Stomping her feet into a full stop, Lisanna glared at the pest behind her, at least that's what she liked to name him. "How far are you supposed to follo— wrong word, pester me 'til you're satisfied?!" She exclaimed on the top of her lungs. Her breath was hard to catch, she figured. Frustration and annoyance had consumed her beyond her limits.

They stood between the lockers, near the exit of the building. The bell ringed once, twice, thrice. Further on.

Laxus shoved his hands inside his pockets with a conceited smile, distance between them lessening for each step he took. "Until you tell me the way to the infirmary." He casually replied, stopping at a mere meter of space between him and the young Strauss. "If you'd just stop being so stupid and tell me already I—"

Before even giving the guy a chance to finish what he has to say, Lisanna turned on her heel and began to walk away from him again. "Ask somebody else, will you? Just go!"

His eyes narrowed at her and body took over the mind. He took her by the wrist tightly as to prevent her escape. "Look here. That bell earlier clearly says that classes have resumed already. It's important matter that I have to be in the infirmary ASAP. I'm properly asking for directions here. You're the only one I see cutting classes for some weird reasons I can't comprehend. Shit, I don't get you!"

Lisanna attempted to yank free from his hold but his strength was far beyond her capabilities. Exasperatedly sighing, she gave him a dreadful look. "You don't have to! There's no way someone like you would possibly understand what I feel, anyway!" She blurted out, taking him by surprise. She felt his grip loosening a bit and she grabbed that chance to pull her hand back. Warm tears filled the corner of her eyes. Anytime now, they'd be cascading down her cheeks like a waterfall. She dug her face in her palms and took in a collective breath. "Why do you always have to catch me at the wrong time?" Her voice was hoarse, hands trembling, shoulders shaking. The inevitable happened. She was crying.

"H-hey." Laxus called out, calmly this time, his voice getting the slightest bit nervous. His feet started to move towards her crying figure slowly, carefully. A hand rose from his side, landing on her head. Gently, he patted her with such kindness that for a brief moment, she raised her head up to look at him questioningly.

"What are you doing?"

He hushed her with a finger over her lips. "Sorry..." He whispered with uncertainty.

Her lips parted beneath his finger, her voice striving to protest. But as soon as he took it off, every single insult she had in mind turned completely blank. Feeling her knees get weak, Lisanna slid down to the floor with louder sobs, tears streaming down freely.

"I'll stay with you for the time being. Just cry, whine all you want." Crouching down to her level, Laxus smiled, a thought flashing back to mind. The voice he heard before he bumped into Lisanna haunted him. It always had, in his dreams, in his sleep, in the world where she was still in his life. It was hard to figure out whether it was real or yet another one of his longings. Only one thing was clear for him now. This crying girl in front of him reminded him so much of that person that he knew he just can't leave her behind.

Lisanna's eyes widened when she met his gaze. Panic filled her and she stood up abruptly without any word. She rubbed her wet cheeks frantically with occasional slapping. "You did not just see me cry!" She demanded, breathing heavily. She hated herself so much. Of all people, he whom she hated at first sight had to see her in such a vulnerable state.

Laxus shrugged and got back on his feet. He smirked, amused by her actions. Seeing her with such a straight face despite her swollen, red eyes, he just can't help but laugh mentally. "You really are weird."

"I don't want to hear that from you!" She puffed her cheeks furiously, arms folded across her chest, eyes not meeting his.

He found that adorably cute. His smile faded as soon as it came. The longer he looked at the lass before him, the more she troubled him. The resemblance was far beyond his tolerance. "Who are you?" His voice was serious, desperate for an answer.

"It doesn't concern you. You don't have to know. Besides, I am not obliged to answer the likes of you." Lisanna replied stubbornly. Though deep inside, she wanted to throw the question back at him. She wanted to know who he is – him.

Laxus rubbed the back of his head, looking down, and eyes void of any readable emotions. "I see." He whispered loud enough for her to hear. He narrowed his eyes at a sudden thought that came to mind – the voice in the hallway.

Slowly, she tilted her head to steal a glance from him. A pang of guilt hit her. It's just a name, right? "I…" She began. Her words were cut off when Laxus spoke ahead of her.

"Lisanna." He stated, eyes wide as if he just realized something so important. "Lisanna." He repeated, voice full of conviction.

"How…?"

The blonde leaned on one of the lockers behind him, laughing in a way Lisanna found weird. "You may look like her but still, you're not the same person. Well, of course. I should know better." His laughter died down but his smile never left his face.

"Whatever are you talking about?" Lisanna asked as she tilted her head to the side, overly intrigued.

Collecting himself with a deep breath, he put up his usual haughty smirk. "It doesn't concern you. You don't have to know." He teased, shoving his hands inside his pockets as he took steps away from her. "Oh one more thing…", spoke the lad. "He's not the only guy in the world. If you know what I mean." Laxus taunted in stifled laughter. Apparently, he seemed to know the reason behind Lisanna's tears, though not fully, just an idea or a mere hunch. He spoke nevertheless. "See you around, Lisa-chan~" He hummed, disappearing from her sight.

"Lisa-chan… you say?" she repeated. For a while she just stood there absent-mindedly, watching his figure fade into the background. Then it hit her. Confusion. Frustration. Irritation. And maybe perhaps just a little bit of attraction. At least, that's what she insisted on believing, limited to just a fraction.

∞Ж∞

The sun was starting to sink into the horizon. Students flocked near the school gate, eager to head for home. Some were left though – some with clubs to attend to and some who decided to kill some time on the campus grounds. Surely, Lucy was one of the latter. She figured she might as well take advantage of her delinquency for the day. She just missed the whole afternoon session, thanks to Gray who dozed off the whole time while using her lap as a pillow. She had to pull back a smile. It would be weird if other students saw her smiling to herself like that. It wouldn't really matter anyway. She might be the only one left on their building, waiting for Gray who went to buy some drinks.

Gray. She repeated to herself. He looked like an innocent lamb when he was asleep, adorably cute. Not to mention, very, very sweet. A cool breeze blew softly against her cheeks and golden locks, the touch snapping her back to her senses. Lucy slammed both hands on the window pane she was leaning at moments before and gasped, trying to even her breathing. Her heart was thumping like drums continuously battered and pounded. A hand travelled over her mouth, the other clenching the cloth over her left chest. Her eyes were wide and practically bewildered. Had she always thought of Gray that much?

She shut her eyes tightly and sighed thoughtfully, isolating herself from the outside world. Something had always bothered her these days, Gray playing a major role in it. And it was frustrating to not know what that something is. It was wrong, totally wrong. Weird. How can something so wrong feel so right all at the same time?

Footsteps echoed through the dark hallways but Lucy took no notice of it. She was far too engrossed in thinking that she felt like her heart just jumped out of her ribcage the moment strong, familiar arms took her waist possessively without her even noticing someone approaching. "There you are! I was worried about you!" A husky voice exclaimed, worry pretty much evident.

Lucy refused to believe what she saw at first. She stared at a panting Lyon dumbly. Sweat trickled down his handsome features. His breathing was deep and heavy – warm on her ears. His soft, silvery hair brushed against her cheek as his head leaned onto her shoulder. "Lyon?" she huffed, still in surprise. "W-what's wrong?"

He didn't answer. Instead, he hugged her tighter, so tight as if it were the last thing he could do. Moments passed and finally he spoke – softly, gently, and longingly. "Lucy-chii…" He mumbled as he nuzzled into the crook of her neck, his eyelids relaxing, closing shut.

Lucy stood still. It had been quite long since she heard someone calling her by that name. It took her by surprise and even now, she couldn't deny the warm fluttering of her heart whenever Lyon, him alone, calls him by that name. She broke out of her reverie immediately. Her hand found his warm –hot cheek. Has he been running?

Lyon opened his eyes at the touch. It was soothing, he thought. It wasn't long though, when he realized the awkward of a position they were in. Fretfully, he moved away and apologized but Lucy just laughed it off. With his hand scratching the back of his head sheepishly, cheeks fuming red, he sneaked a glance at her before eyeing her fully. His gaze travelled down to her injured foot; he frowned, hand dropping back to his side. "Gajeel told me… And, I saw you from the soccer field. Next thing I know I was…"

Lucy creased her brows at the incomprehensive statement from Lyon. She followed his sight and gasped, stepping her foot behind the other in attempts of keeping the injury from the boy. Her foot was exposed so it was futile. She wasn't wearing her shoe since Gray insisted on carrying her instead and kept the footwear hidden. He came all the way from the field just for that?, Lucy couldn't help but wonder. "This is… uhm…"

He bent down and lightly touched the bandages with a scowl. "Who did this?" His tone was serious, threatening. And his eyes were cold and furious. His eyes met hers and Lucy noticed the hesitation before he spoke. "Was it Ju—"

"Lyon!" Lucy hissed, cutting him off. She knew where he was getting at by the look in his eyes. "No." She said firmly, not even a drop of hesitation present in her voice. "That's not something you should be saying. She's your girlfriend. What were you thinking?"

Lyon stood up properly and avoided her gaze. "Sorry." He uttered in a voice deep and low. "But know this, I won't ever forgive anyone who'd hurt you." The moment he finished speaking, he turned to her, eyes locked together.

It was as if a lump got stuck on her throat, preventing her speech. Her lips parted but no words came out. She eyed him questioningly, searching for answers from his dark eyes. His words weren't that simple, like it had some deeper meaning to it.

"Lucy, you need to know something." The sudden change in the way he called her made the blonde realize how serious he was.

She shook her head slowly, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Look…" He began, pausing as if he wasn't sure whether to continue or not. "…Juvia and I—"

"Luce?" Gray called before Lyon could say any more. He stood a meter away from the two, his sight switching from Lucy to Lyon repeatedly.

Startled, Lucy jolted up and hastily turned to Gray. Lyon wetted his lips and coughed before doing the same. "Hey." He smiled, saluting him casually.

Gray looked at him momentarily, flashed him a quick, small smile and approached Lucy, placing a can of cold soda in her hands. "My bad. I think I just ruined some important talk between you two. Should I leave then?" He chuckled softly and patted her head but Lucy could sense something off. Only, she couldn't quite tell what it is. Forced laughter, perhaps? But why? He took a step backward and sighed, preparing to leave.

"Gray, wait." Lucy spoke, grabbing him by the wrist. She smiled meaningfully at him, eyes expectant, sending him a silent plea. Stay with me, please.

He helplessly did so. A single smile was all it took to win him over, no matter what the situation. Surely, jealousy made him want to leave that place as soon as possible but Lucy wanted him to stay. And he would, for her, despite seeing them together. He grunted mentally, if ever that was possible. He hated being so weak against her. She's like some sort of spell caster that he can't disobey. And damn was his heart loud. He didn't expect Lucy to stop him and the sudden contact almost made him lose his cool.

Lyon stood there silently, hands inside his pockets. Lucy was still holding onto Gray as she stared at Lyon, waiting for an opportunity to speak. Gray had opened his own soda and drank it down in one gulp to calm his rampaging heartbeat. Unfortunately for him, he almost choked to death by the haste intake of the beverage. Of course, he tried his utmost best to not let them notice.

After moments of awkward silence and naturally Gray's quest for breath, Lucy finally decided to break the uncomfortable atmosphere. "Lyon? You were saying?"

A/N: I can't say it's the best one there is but I thank you for allotting time for reading this :') I was supposed to update earlier but I got too caught up in reading The Infernal Devices series that I "almost" forgot ^^" I'm glad I got to finish this chapter though, that book is seriously addicting! I totally recommend it :DD haha ;)

As for when I'll get to update again, I'm not too sure. I really need to get this book addiction of mine in control xD hehe I'm working on it though ;)

Please do review and state your opinions. They are very much appreciated ^_^ Again, I don't mind criticisms, just please do go easy on me! ^^" I'm still an amateur, I know T.T

Early greetings from me as well! Enjoy your holidays! ;)

Love love lots,

MartiaLae