The sun was still low on the horizon when Lucy's alarm buzzed. She reached over to flick it off, noting the time.

Still too early to call Laxus. It's the middle of the night for him, she thought with a yawn, swinging her legs out of bed. After having returned home so late, she had barely managed to throw sheets on her bed before passing out. She looked around the room, realising she still had multiple boxes to tackle.

"Okay. Let's do this," she said motivatingly to herself. After quickly brushing her teeth and pouring herself a coffee, Lucy mechanically began attacking every box, removing every item and placing it neatly around her home. It took her a couple hours, but she systematically went through every box until all her belongings had found a new place in her new home. The only thing left to do was put up all her decor. She hated the stark white walls and empty surfaces. Those were the only boxes she was yet to tackle and they were big ones. Artwork, little knick knacks she'd collected, posters, fairy lights; a tapestry. She could envision all her decor across her house and it looked so warm. She quickly checked her phone to see if she had time to set it up now, knowing full well she wouldn't.

"What the fuck?!" Lucy screeched. She knew she wouldn't have had time to put her decor up, but now she barely had time to get dressed. She scrambled into the shower, weeping at not being able to take her sweet time, before running out and nearly slipping on her way to the closet. She quickly found a cute outfit and threw it on, clasping on simple earrings, and swiping on some makeup. Another quick time check told her she'd have to leave her house in ten minutes if she wanted to make it to class on time. She threw open her refrigerator and her heart sank.

I haven't bought groceries yet, Lucy groaned. "Okay, Lucy. Grab a coffee on the way, and between classes, eat a fruit. And buy groceries on your way home," she spoke aloud to herself.

She double-checked her bag to make sure everything she needed was there and she was slipping her feet into her shoes when there was a knock at her door.

"Yeah?" she called, lacing up her boots.

"It's me," she heard Gray respond.

"One sec!" she tied the knot quickly and skipped to the door, throwing it open. "Morning!" she said brightly.

Fuck, who looks good at this hour?! Lucy self-consciously tugged at her skirt, adjusting it subtly. She felt frumpy next to him. He had this effortless beauty, with his dark hair, damp from a shower, hanging over his forehead and his immaculate shirt fitting him perfectly. Lucy wasn't sure if she looked like she was trying too hard, or if she wasn't trying enough.

"Morning. You look ready for day two," Gray commented, sizing her up.

"I need to grab a coffee before class. I haven't bought groceries yet, so had to skip breakfast," Lucy shrugged.

Wordlessly, Gray handed her a coffee cup and a paper bag. "Figured you wouldn't have eaten. Got you a bagel. You can eat while we walk."

Lucy's eyes widened. "Gray, you didn't need to," she whispered, touched.

He waved his hand. "Nonsense. I assumed you'd still be unpacking and whatnot. Least I could do."

Lucy smiled gratefully before pulling her door shut and locking it.

As they exited their building, Lucy nudged him with her elbow. "Thank you for breakfast, Gray. I'll buy groceries after class today, and I promise to make you dinner to return the favour."

Gray shrugged, nudging her back.

"Don't worry about it. You can make me dinner after you're all settled in. Done unpacking?" he asked.

"I still gotta put all my art and stuff up, but then I should be done!"

"Your art? You paint?" Gray looked at her curiously.

"Hardly. Just photographs, and things I've collected along the way. General decor, really, but it won't feel like home until I have it up."

"Text me if you need help with it, yeah?" Gray offered, taking Lucy's coffee cup from her and helping himself to a sip.

"Hey!" Lucy protested, trying to snatch it back.

"I'm legally entitled to half of this," Gray said, taking another sip before handing it back to her.

"Remind me to never let you buy coffee for me again," Lucy grumbled, holding the cup protectively. "And yes, I will let you know if I need any help tonight."

"So, do we have any classes together today?" Gray asked, shoving his hands into his pockets. There was a light autumnal chill in the air, and Lucy wished she'd packed a scarf.

"Um, hold on," she said, pulling up her schedule on her phone.

"Do you have the one-thirty with Professor Milkovich?"

"No, I'm doing her course next semester."

"Oh," Lucy said, disappointed. She'd have liked to have her friend in more classes. "Professor Milkovich's course and Professor Bickslow's course are the only two advanced level courses I have."

"So you won't be in several of my classes, then?" Gray pointed out, recalling their conversation from yesterday.

"No, looks like I won't. Just the two."

Gray snickered. "Technically just the one. I'm your TA in Ferny's class, so it doesn't count."

"Of course it counts," Lucy retaliated.

"But you can't sit next to me, can you?" Gray teased mercilessly, chuckling the entire time.

"Fuck off, I'm never sitting next to you again," Lucy huffed, striding away from him until he caught her arm and pulled her back.

"Kidding, kidding. Can I buy you a bagel to make it up to you?"

"You already bought me a bagel," Lucy reminded him, taking a bite.

"Exactly. So we're fine," Gray shrugged.

"You're a sneaky man, Fullbuster," Lucy chastised.

"You'll grow to love it," Gray said as they walked up the steps to the academic building. "Anyway, in case I don't catch you at lunch, see you in the evening?"

"Yeah, I'm heading to the grocery store right after classes, and then home to do my decor."

"Right. Cool, I'll see you," Gray waved pleasantly before leaving Lucy at the door. As he walked away, towards his other friends, Lucy began feeling alone in this sea of unknown faces. She kept her head down and walked to class, hoping desperately to make another friend soon.

It was Lucy's fourth class of the day and she was starving. With Gray having nibbled on a lot of her bagel, and the fact that she missed lunch because she got caught up in the library, she realised she hadn't eaten much since last night. Her stomach was rumbling audibly and she pressed her bag over it, trying to silence its crude noises.

"Hey, you hungry?" she heard the person next to her whisper. She turned to see a gentle looking girl who looked several years younger.

"Sorry, I haven't eaten lunch," Lucy whispered back guiltily.

"Oh, don't worry. Here," the young girl responded as she waded through her bag. She triumphantly yanked out a granola bar and slid it across the table. "Just put tiny pieces in your mouth, the professor won't realise you're eating in class," she advised softly.

"You sure?" Lucy asked in shock. When the girl nodded her head vehemently, Lucy shot her a grateful smile before tearing open the wrapper as quietly as possible. She broke off a small piece and quickly pushed it into her mouth, chewing as discreetly as possible. The instant she swallowed the bite, the rumbling in her stomach ceased and she looked at the girl, mouthing, "Thank you!" expressively. Bite by tiny bite, Lucy pushed the granola bar into her mouth, feeling infinitely better as her hunger pangs dissipated.

When the bar was done, Lucy crumpled the empty wrapper and shoved it into her bag, smiling at the girl gratefully once more. Eventually, the professor announced the end of class, and the sound of scraping chairs filled the room. Lucy made sure to linger, so that she could walk out next to the girl who gave her food.

"Hey," Lucy called as they walked towards the door. "Thank you so much! You're a lifesaver!" she gushed.

The girl, who was so small that she made Lucy look tall, blushed at the effusive gratitude. "It's okay, I was more than happy to help," she said in a soft, gentle voice.

"I'm Lucy. First year," she said extending her hand.

The smaller girl took it delicately. "Wendy. First year, too. It's nice to meet you Lucy!"

"It's nice to meet you! For a second I thought you were an undergrad sitting in on a Masters course," Lucy chatted as they walked.

"I graduated a few months ago, but you're not the first to think that," Wendy giggled. "Most people think I'm still in high school. My mother is very short and petite as well, so guess I took after her," Wendy shrugged.

"Well, it's a good look on you," Lucy stated firmly, not wanting to make the girl feel bad about how young she looked.

"How was your first day? Make any friends yet?" Wendy asked politely.

"It was good! I met one of my TAs, who also happens to be in an advanced level Business course with me, so we went out for a beer yesterday. He's been really nice, but that's about it. I've talked to a couple other people here and there, but it was mostly in passing. What about you?"

Wendy shifted awkwardly. "I haven't really talked to anyone outside of asking for directions and things. Everyone keeps thinking I'm a prospective student, or someone's younger sibling, or a professor's daughter, so they don't pay much attention to me," she said, sounding a little sad.

Lucy didn't know what to say. The girl was still a virtual stranger, and Lucy didn't know how to comfort her, but she did know that she liked this girl.

"Listen, do you want to grab a coffee today? I get done at 5," Lucy offered.

Wendy's face brightened instantly. "Yes, Lucy! I'd love to! I get done by 4:30, but I don't mind waiting for a bit."

"Great! See you by the steps at 5?"

Wendy nodded enthusiastically. With exuberant goodbyes, the girls parted ways, and Lucy smiled to herself, happy to have made a second friend.

On her walk back from the grocery store, Lucy went over the events of her little coffee date, forming a mental image of the kind of person Wendy was.

She's shy, for sure. And innocent. God, that girl is so innocent. Which twenty-two year old hadn't gotten shitfaced even once?! I wonder if she's had sex… I don't think so, but there still may be a wild little kitten underneath her baby doll exterior. Should I be a terrible influence? Maybe take her out partying? She needs a severe confidence boost… Maybe I can set her up with Gray… Or not. I can find someone else. I don't know if Gray is really her type. I'm sure I'll meet someone soon who'll be a perfect match, Lucy thought excitedly to herself. Playing matchmaker was one of her favourite pastimes, and she was thrilled to have found a new subject.

She hauled her groceries into the elevator and up to her house, where she neatly unpacked everything. Satisfied that she'd no longer starve, Lucy changed into shorts and a tank top, tying her hair into a messy top knot, before opening the last of her boxes. Vases, statuettes, lamps, and an oil diffuser quickly found their place around the living room and bedroom. She then got to hanging up framed photographs and art, many of which were Laxus Dreyar originals. She hung those in a prominent spot in her living room so that she, and everyone who entered her house, would get to see what a talented man her stunning boyfriend was. After an hour of affixing and arranging, Lucy took stock of what remained, finding only a stunning tapestry and her fairy lights.

"Okay, I need a chair," she mumbled to herself, before dragging one from the dining table in the kitchen. She pushed it up against the wall and climbed on, tapestry in one hand, roll of tape in the other. She taped up one corner before looking down to make sure it wasn't touching the ground, and to her dismay, a good four inches of fabric swept the floor. She ripped the tape off and got onto her toes, stretching her hand up as far as it would go, and still no luck. She simply couldn't tape the tapestry further up on the wall without falling off a chair.

"This is why people buy ladders," Lucy grumbled irritatedly to herself. Either she had to go and buy a ladder, or forego her tapestry, neither of which were things she wanted to do.

"What am I going to do with a ladder anyway? I'll use it maybe twice, and then it'll just take up space. Ugh, I wish I could rent one!" Lucy groaned. As the words left her lips, however, an idea struck. She hopped off the chair and ran around her house searching for her phone. Finally locating it under a throw pillow, Lucy navigated her way straight to Gray's number.

"Do you have a ladder?" she texted cryptically.

Within a minute, her phone rang.

"Hey!" she said brightly.

"What the fuck do you need a ladder for, Luce?" Gray questioned on the other end of the line, deeply confused.

"I'm going apple picking," she said sarcastically. "No, I need to put up some more stuff and I'm not tall enough. I mean, worst case I'll buy a ladder, but it seems like a waste."

Gray groaned loudly. "I'll be down. Give me a minute," he said before hanging up.

Just in time, Lucy looked down at her outfit. It was definitely too risque. Her tank top clung to her body and displayed enough of her cleavage, and her shorts hugged her ass. She knew she didn't have the time to change entirely, so she sprinted to her closet and threw on one of Laxus's shirts, buttoning it partially. As she checked herself out, happy that she looked more decent, she heard a knock on the door.

"Where's the ladder?" Lucy asked as a greeting.

Gray looked at her exasperatedly before gesturing to himself. "Me. I'm the ladder."

"If I couldn't reach, what makes you think you can?" Lucy sniped, moving aside to let him in.

"Maybe the fact that I'm nearly a foot taller than you," Gray shot back. Lucy opened her mouth to rebuke it before clamping it shut. He was much taller than her.

"Okay fine," Lucy acquiesced. She handed him the tapestry and the tape before directing him to the chair. She made herself comfortable on the couch, putting her feet up and lounging as he got to work.

"This okay?" he asked, looking back at her. He was holding up one corner of the tapestry at the perfect height, and much to Lucy's frustration, he wasn't even standing on his toes.

"Yeah, perfect," she smiled gratefully.

Damn, how is he so tall? It's just not fair. I wish I was taller. He's even taller than Laxus, but Laxus is more built. My man has all those yummy muscles and his back… Oh my god, his back. His abs. His butt. Okay Lucy, calm down, stop fantasizing about Laxus when you have company. I mean, Gray is very attractive too. He's skinnier, but he still looks pretty strong… Maybe he's a swimmer.

"Hey, Gray? You a swimmer?" she asked curiously.

Gray stopped taping, looking at her over his shoulder. "Not competitively, but I'm good. Why do you ask?"

"You have a swimmer's body," Lucy pointed out, trying to not let it sound flirtatious.

"Checking me out, huh, Luce?"

"No, I-!" she began protesting.

"I haven't gone swimming in a while though. No time, I guess," Gray shrugged, cutting her off. He put up the last piece of tape before hopping off the chair. "What next?" he asked, hands on his slim hips.

"You really don't have to," Lucy said guiltily.

"I don't mind. Gimme," Gray gestured towards the boxes.

"It's just the fairy lights, but I can help with that," Lucy offered, pulling them out of the box.

And so, together, the two of them strung lights up all over Lucy's house. Gray connected his phone to her speakers and played music that they both sang along to, laughing whenever one of them went terribly offkey. And when they were done, Lucy stood in front of the switchbox.

"Want to do the honours?" she asked.

"You turn out the main lights, I'll turn on the fairy lights. Teamwork makes the dream work," Gray trilled ironically.

"Okay done. Let's see if you've done a good job, Mr. Fullbuster," Lucy raised an eyebrow before flicking off the lights. Suddenly, her house plunged into darkness, and she heard Gray move towards her.

"Probably should've been closer to the switchbox before you did that," he mumbled, stumbling across the room. When he got to Lucy, he stood right behind her. He reached around her towards the switchbox, his arm coming very close to her body. He was a couple inches away, but Lucy could feel the heat radiating off his body, and it felt like time had slowed. While it may have been only a couple seconds, it felt like many minutes to Lucy, who was acutely aware of how closer they were to another, and how she was almost encircled in his arms, and how there were two voices in her head, one telling her to step away, and the other telling her to not move. But before one voice could win over the other, Gray had turned the lights on, bathing her house in a warm, dim, golden glow.

"Not bad, Lucy. Not bad at all," Gray said appreciatively, moving to the couch. "I like the photographs, by the way."

Lucy shook her head subtly to clear it before turning to him.

"Oh, thanks. Laxus took most of those."

"He's got a real eye," Gray commented, nodding his head in approval before turning to Lucy. "I mean, he did bag you, so I shouldn't be surprised."

And much to her frustration, Lucy blushed. Before she could respond, Gray continued.

"Feel free to throw me out, but I'm starving, so do you, by any chance, have food?"

Quashing the blush, Lucy nodded. "I have chips and cookies kinda stuff, and I also have more of a bread and cheese type situation. What're you in the mood for?"

"Fuck, for real? Can I make myself a grilled cheese?" Gray sat up excitedly.

"I can make it for you, if you want…" Lucy offered awkwardly. She loved how comfortable he'd made himself in her home, but it wasn't something she was used to. Maybe it was the warm lights, or him being there, but Lucy's tiny little apartment was starting to feel a lot more homely.

"Nah, sit. I'll figure it out," Gray said as he stood up heavily. "You want one?"

Out of instinct, Lucy was about to turn down the offer, telling him to not trouble himself, but slowly, she was coming around to the fact that he'd thrown formality out the window and that she ought to follow suit.

"Yes, please. Can you make mine extra toasty?" she requested.

"Like dark gold or nearly burnt?"

"Nearly burnt."

"You got it, Luce. One nearly burnt grilled cheese coming right up," he announced, heading to the kitchen as Lucy curled up on the armchair.

She watched him cook, carefully smearing the bread with butter and neatly laying down slices of cheese, and Lucy couldn't help but smile at his focus. His brow was furrowed and he was biting down on his lip, which made Lucy want to laugh. Clearly, he was no good in the kitchen, but it was endearing that he tried. And when he presented her with a nearly burnt grilled cheese, she had to admit that it wasn't bad at all.

"Thanks again, Gray," Lucy whispered. The corridor was dark, save for one light, and there were no sounds in the building. By the time they finished eating, and talking, and splitting a bar of chocolate, and then drinking a glass of wine each, it was well past midnight.

"Not a problem. Thanks for the food."

"You have a standing meal invite, whenever you want," she offered.

"Literally do not offer me that, because I will only ever eat in your house then," Gray laughed.

"Really though, thanks. Not just for the tapestry and the lights. I'm glad we're friends," Lucy said emotionally.

Gray scoffed and shoved Lucy's forehead. "No need to thank me for being your friend, Luce. You make it easy."

In retaliation, Lucy whacked his stomach, momentarily astounded by the rock hard abs she felt there, before giggling. "Goodnight," she said softly, stepping forward to hug him.

"Night," Gray murmured, wrapping a firm arm around her. They stayed in that hug for a second longer than either of them had anticipated, and with awkward chuckles and waves, they bid each other goodbye.

As Lucy crawled into bed, she checked her phone, having just remembered that she hadn't looked at it in a while.

One Missed Call From Laxus Dreyar

Text From Laxus Dreyar: "Hey babe, guess you're already asleep. Was just calling to find out how your day was. Hope you're settling in well! Mira and I are stepping out to meet some of the producers from the show. They want to take me out for a drink. Talk to you tomorrow? Maybe after your classes? I miss your gorgeous face. I love you so much, Lu. Can't wait until you're in my arms again."

She read the message once more time before the dam burst and she began sobbing uncontrollably. She wanted to pick up the phone and call him now, but he was probably in some loud club somewhere with all these executives and producers and champagne and scantily clad women. She'd call him tomorrow. She'd spend an entire hour with him on the phone. Lucy wasn't sure if she was crying because she missed him, or because she didn't answer his call, or maybe it was guilt. Guilt over something she didn't want to process yet. But whatever the reason, in that moment, Lucy wanted to give everything up just to be able to hold her boyfriend again.

Despite a lovely evening, Lucy went to bed that night sad and alone, with every cell in her body craving a man thousands of miles away.

A/N: Okay I know I'm being terrible introducing this ~ tension ~ but 1. you know you love it, and 2. I really don't want to spoil it or anything, but I guess what I can say is that this won't be a second Getting It. Whether that's a good thing or not is up to you, but this story won't be like that one, mainly because it's boring to write the same plot twice.

I hope you liked this chapter! I am LOVING writing Gray and Lucy together and a lot of their friendship so far and in what's to come is based off of very real friendships in my life, so writing this all is kind of like a stroll down memory lane. As always, please leave me your thoughts! I'd love to know what you guys think about the story so far!