Chapter 6: Lucy

"Hey, it's me, Natsu. I know I was a complete dick earlier and I don't deserve your forgiveness but I'm really sorry. I've been stressed out lately-which isn't an excuse to treat you that way- but seeing you all happy and cheery and me being the bitter prick I am fueled my already boiling anger, and I lashed out on you without meaning to."

I listened to the voicemail, still feeling a bit angry after his declaration during class.

"Ten seconds?! No wait, that's not enough time! Lucy I'm extremely sorr-" The message ended, but sent a smile to my face nonetheless.

I pressed the call button on my phone and pressed it against my ear. It rang twice before I heard a greeting. "Hello?"

"Hi." I said. It was breathy and I mentally scolded myself for the anxiousness in my stomach.

"Lucy, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean anything I said and I know I sound like a complete asshole-"

"It's okay, Natsu." I laughed. "We all have our moments. I shouldn't have snapped at you like I did, it's just the whole 'perfect life' thing pisses me off. I'm sorry."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not at the moment, but thanks for the concern."

"No problem. And you don't have anything to be sorry for, I shouldn't have said what I said."

I smiled. It was nice having someone to talk to without them asking for money or for me to buy anything. I trusted him, but I couldn't tell him about my past right now. It was too early, and I'd rather not have him run away so soon.

"Maybe I'll tell you all of my deepest and darkest secrets later." I teased.

"I'm in it for the long run, Luce. You can tell me when you're ready."

A tear slipped down my face and I wiped it away hastily. I took a deep breath and said, "Thank you, Natsu."

"Wait, are you crying?" I sniffed. "Please don't cry, I'll punch myself in the face if I have to, just please don't cry."

I giggled and he let out a sigh of relief. "I'm fine, Natsu."

"Are you sure?"

I smiled. "Yeah." We sat in silence for a while, but it wasn't awkward; it was comfortable.

"So, how'd you get my number?" He asked.

"You take long breaks when we're studying."

"Tch, whatever." I could hear the playfulness in his voice.

"It's getting late, I should probably go to sleep." I said.

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"

"Yeah. Goodnight, Natsu."

"Goodnight, Luce." The phone beeped.

I sat my phone on my nightstand and laid down on the bed. I stared at the ceiling, feeling anxious about tomorrow and seeing the only true friend I've had.

I went to sleep with a smile on my face, and unmistakable butterflies in the stomach.

{~•~•~}

As Sting was driving me to school, I couldn't help but replay my conversation with Natsu last night. I wondered if I was obsessing over something that might not even mean anything. It was way too early in our friendship to go any further.

Not that I liked him, or anything...

"So, who were you talking to last night?" Sting asked.

I glanced at him. "Just a friend." I tried to hide my budding smile by biting my lip.

"Are you sure? 'Cause I heard some of your conversation and it seemed more than friendly." He pressed.

"Why do you care, Sting?" The way he was implying it was quite irritating.

He parked in the school parking lot and glared at me. "I don't want you talking to him, Lucy."

I glared back. "I don't take orders from you."

"Do you even know what he did to me two years ago? He fucking beat the shit out of me for no fucking reason."

"Natsu wouldn't do that. You act like you know him, but you don't, Sting! I've known him long enough to know that he isn't the type of person to punch somebody without having a valid reason! Even if I don't know what happened back then, you don't get to tell me who I hang out with. So, kindly fuck off." I spat before I got out of the car and slammed the door. I stormed into the school building without answering his calls.

I walked right past my locker and kept going until I got to him. He saw me coming and raised an eyebrow in confusion. Without answering I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him into a hug. Hesitantly, he put his arms around my waist and brought me closer.

"You okay, Luce?" Natsu whispered.

I shook my head against his shoulder and reluctantly pulled away. I wiped my eyes of the tears that fell and looked down at my shoes.

"We can leave if you want, we don't have to stay here." He said with concern in his voice.

My heart beat faster at the word "we" and I honestly wanted to jump at the chance. I knew this wasn't good for myself grades, hence my hesitation in the first place, but I couldn't stay here. I just couldn't.

I nodded. "Anywhere but here." I whispered.

"So I can take you to a slaughter house and you'd be happy?" He said with a lighthearted smile.

I cracked a laugh and lightly hit his shoulder. "Idiot."

He closed his locker and grabbed my hand. It felt warm in mine and I couldn't help but smile. He pulled me over to the from doors as he said, "Well, we have a long day ahead of us."

I followed him out the door that he held open for me, my excitement bubbling in my chest.

{~•~•~}

It's so crazy to see how many people actually stopped writing here

Like, most of the authors that were around when I was around haven't updated in years

It makes me kinda sad, actually

But maybe they're on to bigger, better things :)