Lucy could not believe her ears. She just dealt with that fucktard, but now she had to live with him?! 'I can't! He'll find ou-'

"Lucy? Are you thinking?"

"Principal, I can't possibly take Natsu in! He is older than me for Mavis' sake! And let's not forget he is my student!"

"Lucy dear, hear me out. I am about to reveal some sensitive and confidential info, so please swear to secrecy."

"Fine, I'll hear you out, but please promise you won't force me?" Lucy pleaded, to which Makarov nodded to and continued.

"Natsu has been having a hard time adapting to college and is especially failing your class. He, out of every teacher he talks about, seems to be fond of you, Lucy. I think you will do him some good, as a person and student. He is very oblivious to many things, sweetie. He has never once thought of girls in his life, so I don't believe you have to worry about that. He has gone through some very serious things in his life, and those things could potentially affect him in the future. Seeing you are of a similar background, you will do him some good. You can help heal him, Lucy. That tough front he puts on, it's just a façade. He's hurting Lucy." Makarov explained, stunning Lucy.

'Similar background? How? Has Natsu been that hurt? Have I aided in that pain he felt everyday? Fond of me? What?' Lucy couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with the information she just got.

"The only reason this was legal was because you aren't an age like 40. That would be a problem. You are the same age, less no? It's like having a roommate, except he is your student. Lucy, you know he has so much potential. This is a little sudden, so I will give you two weeks to decide. If you were to say no, that is fine. Just know this is your call. I do hope you consider, though. That is all. Questions?"

Lucy took a breath in. Living with Natsu. She exhaled. Living with Natsu. Slowly, she replied with, "I'll think about it."

"Atta girl, I knew you would. Please understand I'm not like Mira, I wouldn't try hooking you up or something."

Lucy blushed for the third time that day, and she shuddered thinking about Mira finding out about Makarov's request.

"So, Lucy, you would be living with him for maybe 6 months, just until he graduates his freshman year here. I will send you the information regarding his home location and other relevant info tonight."

"I haven't even said yes!" Lucy pointed. 'I haven't even agreed! This is too much! Doesn't anyone here have an idea just how WRONG it sounds for an 18 year old girl to live with a 19 year old boy?!'

"Oh, right, sorry. I got a little carried away. I have practically raised Natsu since he was 4. I just became happy for him. Pardon, and please, think about it. You'll heal wounds of his he didn't even know he had. Lucy dear, would you like to know why I hired you, despite your age?"

Lucy was genuinely surprised. She thought anyone would take her because of her grades, so she just figured that he said yes because of that.

But she couldn't help but wonder. "…why?"

"Lucy, you are so young, only 17 when you started here. You have so much left to do with your life, so much to learn. When I first met you, I could feel your nervousness and anxiety. I knew you weren't ready to enter this portion of your life so early. But, when I realized you needed a chance, so gave you one. I thought I made the wrong decision at first, since you were so nervous, but then I saw how close you got to Natsu. He trusts you a lot more than you think he does. He cares about you, Lucy."

Lucy flushed. 'No way…he can't care about me… really?'

"Give me two weeks. I'll make up mind in the time. I should probably keep this from Natsu, I assume?"

"Most definitely. He has no filter, that boy…"

Lucy slightly chuckled at that statement, 'He really doesn't...'

"Now, you can get going Lucy. I'll see you tomorrow. Thank you, and have a nice night."

"Goodbye, sir. You too."

Lucy headed out, as as she did, she noticed it was 9 in the morning. 'How in the world did I take two hours with Makarov?'

Deciding that she should just go home, she went to her classroom to retrieve some of her stuff to make her way out, but as she was leaving, she noticed a student in one of the chairs. 'Funny, I swear I thought I locked this room…'

As she got closer, she realized the idiot was none other than Natsu.

"Natsu!" Lucy yelled.

"WHAT, who- oh, Luce. Hey."

"What the hell are you doing? Why are you sleeping in my classroom?"

"I got tired Luce! I didn't know what to do while waiting for you, so I stayed and slept."

'He waited for me…?'

"That's besides the point!" Lucy knew this would go nowhere, so she said, "What do you want?"

"Can I come over? I have nothing to do since my only class got canceled today."

Lucy knew she should say no, and she knew it was wrong, especially after what she was asked earlier. But, she was lonely today and extremely tired, so she gave in.

"…as long as you don't make a mess." Lucy sighed.

"YES! Thanks a bunch, Luce!" Lucy blushed.

Lucy walked out of the classroom and went to her car. As she did, she noticed Natsu wasn't there. 'Where…?'

"Natsu? Where did you go?" Lucy suddenly became worried, and she tried looking for him, and when she didn't find him, her anxiety grew worse.

"Natsu! Where are you?! Come on, n-not funny!" Lucy said, heavily breathing. She could feel her panic attack rising, and when she reached for her bag, she realized she left it in the car.

"N-Natsu! Please!" 'What happened? How did I lose him? Why am I freaking out? It's only Natsu! I just ate my meds! How in the world?'

"Hey, Luce! Sorry, I dropped something, couldn't find- Lucy?! What happened?! Are you okay?! Lucy, speak to me! Lucy!"

He had found her on the ground, crouching, holding her head in her hands, crying. 'Lucy..?'

"Lucy, breathe. I'm right here. It's okay. Shushhh, it's okay, I'm here.." Soothed Natsu as he held her against his chest, as she surprisingly started calming down.

"…Natsu?"

"Luce, it's okay, what happened?"

"I-I don't know, I got worried, I was looking for you for a while, but when I couldn't find you, I panicked…" Lucy said, ending it with a mumble.

"Shush, it's okay. Here- I'll drive. You calm down, sit next to me, 'kay?"

She simply nodded and did as told. Natsu sat in the driver's seat and settled. Lucy sat next to him and just looked out the window. 'How did I lose myself there? How? Over Natsu…'

"Lucy."

Lucy knew Natsu was serious when he said her full first name. She knew he was going to ask about the panic attack.

"Are you okay? You really scared me, you know?"

Lucy blinked. The first thing people usually asked her was, 'what's wrong with you?' She wasn't used to such… concern.

"I'm fine, Natsu. Thank you, and sorry, I shouldn't have panicked like that-"

"Lucy, why are you apologizing? How can you apologize for something you can't control? It's okay. I just wish you would have given me a heads up, you know? I really got scared, thinking you were hurt."

Lucy thought about it, and she realized she should have said something about it. She suddenly felt very guilty. Impulsively, she took his right hand that he wasn't using and intertwined her fingers with his.

"I'm sorry, Natsu. Forgive me?"

"You know I do, but seriously, tell me these things."

"If I make it up with a movie night, is that good enough?"

"Only if you add a sleepover to it."

"Deal."

Lucy and Natsu had known each other for a year, but sometimes, it felt like they have known each other their entire lives. They were best friends. As much as Lucy would never admit it, she cared for him. But the idea of living with him was just ridiculous.

"You have the snacks, Luce?"

"You know I do."

It was about 7:30 pm at night, and Lucy had changed into her PJ's, consisting of blue cotton shorts and a white tank top with spaghetti straps. She wore some white/gray striped fuzzy socks to make it extra comfy. Her hair was braided, with some strands left out.

Natsu also wore his night outfit, which was a pinkish-red short-sleeved t-shirt and gray sweatpants. Natsu had his hair spiky, as usual.

"What movies do you wanna watch Luce? I'm thinking Happy Death Day, Jigsaw, the Conjuring 1 and 2, and Light's out!"

"Natsu, they are all scary! You know how I am with scary movies!"

"Relax, Luce! It'll be fun way to end our Friday night!"

"Natsu! I can't handle scary movies!" Lucy yelled as she have him the dirtiest glare she could to prove her point.

"You know, sometimes I just don't get why you can't handle them. Luce, you're so scary you could star in your own horror movie and makes tons!" Natsu joked as he ran away from the fuming Lucy.

"Natsu Dragneel, I will shove my foot up your- Hey, get back here, asshole!"

They chased each other all around Lucy's huge single family home that she lived in, alone.

'This is your home, Lucy, and it should be fairly close to college's you can work at. Make us proud. Now, I will keep in touch to keep you informed about your marriage in approximately four years. In the meantime, I have to find suitable business partners who can make our railroad company thrive in the time to come. Don't disappoint me.'

Lucy chased Natsu until she physically couldn't, and she figured it was probably because Natsu is was monkey. She saw him trying to climb up the side of her house to get through her second floor window, which was open, and he succeeded.

"N-Natsu, I swear," she breathed, "I will murder you, you retard."

"Luce, you know, with the amount you eat, I don't even know how you managed to chase me like for that long."

"Natsu, you are treading on some very fine lines right now! I swear, I will cut off your-"

Lucy was interrupted by the sound of her phone, and when she went to go pick it up, she hissed, "Natsu, if you even touch anything here, I won't hesitate to kick you out."

As Natsu gulped in understanding, Lucy noticed the phone call was from her only other best friend, Levy McGarden.

"Lu-chan! Hey! Wanna hang today? I just finished work, and I was heading back home until I realized you should be off too! It's the weekend now!"

"Levy, I would love to, but I'm a bit- occupied."

"Say what? How are you- oh. Natsu?"

Levy didn't even need Lucy to yes anything to figure out Natsu was giving her trouble. As much as Levy would kick his ass to the next week, she couldn't help but smile at Natsu's antics. He really was good for Lucy, and she hadn't seen Lucy smile like she does now since-

"So Levy, I'll get back to you tomorrow? Wanna go to the mall tomorrow? I just received my pay, so I think it's time to go shopping! I heard there is a new mall open East of Magnolia."

"Yes! I am so in! I just got paid too, and I really need a wardrobe update. So, I'll pick you up tomorrow at 10?"

"You know it, see you tomorrow."

"Bye, Lu!"

With that, Lucy ended her phone call and looked over to where Natsu was. He was sprawled over her bed, and she couldn't help but giggle and sigh at him. He really was a child sometimes, and Lucy was more than happy to look after him.

"So, Lucy, we need to talk."

He got up, and he sat on the edge of the bed towards the foot board. He patted the area in front of him to signal Lucy to sit. Lucy was not expecting Natsu to become so serious so quickly. She didn't even know what prompted his sudden interest in becoming serious, but when was, it usually was important.

Deciding to put her serious face on, she sat down and answered, "Yes Natsu? What's up?"

"So, earlier. Why didn't you tell me?"

Lucy didn't need clarification to know what he was referring to. She knew she should have told him, but at the same time, she couldn't help but feel a little angry that he was being so demanding right now.

"Natsu, I'm sorry. I should have told you. I just didn't think it was very necessary, especially considering you are my student-"

"Bullshit! I am your best friend, Lucy! You need to tell me these things, and I don't give a damn if you're my professor, you still are my friend Lucy! I want to be able to help you! You know how scared I got when you were on the ground, crying? You can't do that to me! I have been trying to not act pissed, but Lucy, you really an idiot sometimes!" Natsu firmly stated, realizing he sounded angry.

He immediately regretted his words, and looked up at her face, and instead of finding an upset one, he saw her seething.

"Natsu, you asshole! I was panicking! How was I not supposed to when you went missing? I didn't know what happened! Now you come to my place, and have the audacity to yell at me and call me an idiot? Just who do you think you are, Dragneel?" Lucy accused, poking her finger in Natsu's chiseled chest repetitively.

"Lucy, you are an idiot! I'm your best friend, Natsu Dragneel! What happens if you panic outside without me or Levy there, huh? How am I supposed to help you when I don't even know what the fuck is happening?"

Lucy remained silent, her anger slowly leaving her. 'He was concerned for me, this entire time, and I just yelled at him.'

"N-Natsu, I'm sorry, I was wrong. I-I didn't realize…"

'Lucy, why are on the ground? That is a very unladylike thing to do, get up immediately. You are dirtying your clothes, and you are causing a scene. Wipe your tears and save it for when there is no one around.'

Lucy went and hugged him, and pulled him close to her body. He was stiff for a second, but ended up giving in, enveloping her in his arms. 'She is so tiny and fragile, almost as if I could break her.'

"Lucy," he whispered in her hair, "you know I care about you. I was just worried. I'm sorry."

Lucy couldn't help but smile, and she started to cry silently. She ended up pulling away with Natsu's arms still around her. She breathed in, 'you are always tarnishing our family name,' she breathed out. She was ready to tell him.

"Natsu, I want to share with you a bit of my history. Listen to me?"

"Of course, I'm all ears."

"Okay, so it started when I was 4…"

'Lucy dear! Come downstairs! Look at this lovely dress Virgo tailored for you. Go say thank you to Aunty Virgo.' Lucy's mom said as she examined the dress.

'Yes mommy! Coming!' Little Lucy said, excited to see her new dress.

'Okay mom, I'll go, I'll be back in about an hour mommy. Is Aunty Virgo outside? Can I go to her place for today?'

'Of course, my little star. Be back in time for dinner, though. I have to run an errand with your father. Let Virgo know so she can drop you off accordingly.'

'Yes, mommy.'

Lucy ran to Virgo, who was waiting outside with her car. When she saw Lucy, she immediately brightened up. 'Princess!'

As Lucy explained, she was cut off my Natsu, who responded with, "Lucy, you don't need to tell me. I can feel you shaking. Let me know when you are ready, okay? Let's call it a night. I gotta go, Gray texted asking for some help with his car. I promise I'll listen without interruption when you are ready. Okay?"

Lucy could see the disappointment present on Natsu's face. She knew he was upset that she was hesitating with him, but as he walked away, she couldn't get up. She couldn't find the strength to tell him, 'it's okay, I'm ready.' She watched him leave, and he sunk onto her bed, crying at her pathetic self.

Author Note: Hey guys! This is my first time writing, so the chapters may be kinda small since I'm still trying to get the hang of this. Please let me know what I can improve on since I am trying to figure this all out. I also may upload erratically since I'm trying to find my rhythm in how I'll manage this. Please, respectful criticism is welcomed and and questions, I'll answer when I can!"