Disclaimer - I don't own FT -says lazily- Also, I don't own the fanart either, kiko-x3 on deviantart does ^^

Summary - And that's how I kissed your mother for the first time," I grin proudly, and close the diary; watch my kids clap as they awe at me. "How... how cool..." They retort, hands up in air." A GrayLu fic. High school AU

Genre - Romance, Comedy, Fluff, Family

Rating - K+

Note - This story is written from Gray's POV

Proof-read By - Nora57 (She did an amazing job! I could never proof-read such a long story, haha)

(.x.)

Chapter I

And So We Made A Promise

- April 14th -

It's just another day in the class. Mundane routine, repetitive laughs, smell of ink, and a very disinterested me. I stare boringly at the sight of my teacher, wondering how does he even manages to talk at the same pace throughout the day. Well whatever. All I want is for this end up as soon as possible, so I can go home and get some sleep, I yawn.

"And that's it for today," My teacher utters on hearing the school bell.

Finally!

A wave of clatter but it dies down quickly as soon as the teacher coughs suggestively.

I have a bad feeling, don't know why.

"We'll be having a test on monday, and it will cover everything we studied this week. Study well, okay? Dismissed." My homeroom teacher announces with a smile, and leaves the class. Some of the students complains loudly, others scowl, some just don't care- I feel a mixture of the latter two.

"Damn. Only a few days in, and that geezer is already giving us tests, pssh..." I complain as I lazily put the books in my shoulderbag. as if it's a chore. Letting my body loose, I undo the tie as well. It's still spring, yet I already feel hot, makes me want to curse my ancestors for blessing me with such pathetic genes. I sigh one more time, until I see a familiar figure approaching me. It's Levy— a childhood friend. We don't talk a lot but when we do, she always offers good advice (and I appreciate that.)

"Good work~ You look tired... Because of the test?" She inquires, crooking her neck.

"What are you— an esper?" I say nonchalantly.

"Hehe~ We are childhood friends, forgot?"

"Oh yeah." I say lazily.

"Want me to tell you a good studying spot?" She grins.

"Wha- you know one already? As expected of Levy!"

"Hehe~ It's the school library~" She chimes.

"... Huh? And here I expected something great..." I drawl.

"I'm not finished you know..." She narrows her eyebrows. "There's a a newcomer girl yet she's already the receptionist. Isn't that cool?"

"Yes. Very." I deadpan.

"Aaand, I heard she's very cute and nice~"

"Your point?" I raise my eyebrow.

"Well, it might help you motivate... unless you're into guys—"

"I'M NOT!" I remark hurriedly, and as soon as I do, I find her grinning at me. She played me well.

"Fine, I'll go. Thanks." I rasp, combing my hair.

"Hehe~ Mention not. Then, I'll go. I have cram school, bye~" She says cheerfully, and runs away while waving.

And here I thought she's coming with me... Oh well, it's too hot today anyway. Better skip.

I gather my belongings, and somehow... strip. I hope my new classmates get used to it soon.

- April 18th -

It's been four days since I last heard Levy's word, and I still haven't been to library. Starting to feel guilty, I heave a sigh. Maybe that's the reason I was standing in front of the library entrance. For some reason I feel nervous. As I am about to step in, someone smacks into me. It's Natsu: another one of my childhood friends.

Long story short, I hate his guts.

"Damn you, flame-brain! Where are you looking?!" I grunt at him, as I grab him by the collar.

"It's your fault for standing in my way, ice princess!" He hisses at me, as he grasps me by my tie.

"What did ya say?!"

"Grrrr!"

And that's when I hear a voice.

"Can you two please take it to the side?"

It's soft, smooth voice with just enough intensity to it. I turn to take a look, only to end up awing. Beautiful blonde hair, good curves (yes very good), chocolate brown eyes— she's hot.

"Okay..." Both of us say in unison, and move to the side.

She thanks us, smiles and moves in. So elegant.

"Who was that..." I remark impulsively.

"Huh? You don't know?" I hear a gruff voice. It's Gajeel. Let's just say we are friends (he's more of Natsu's pal)

"Not really..."

"She's a first year. Her name is... Lucy, I think." The pinkette answers, scratching his cheek.

"EVEN YOU KNOW HER?!" I loose my calm.

I expected Natsu to be denser than this.

"Hey, what's with that tone of yours?" He hisses, continuing, "And of course, I know. She's sorta famous— known for being a receptionist when she's only a first year like us, that's not ordinary." He explains seriously.

"Everyone really cares about receptionists in this school..." I sweatdrop.

Gajeel joins in, "And she's hot! Did ya look at her huge—"

And I impulsively end up hitting him. There's a limit to how vulgar you can get (tho yeah, she does have quite a figure)

I'm a hypocrite.

"Bastard, what was that for?All I said is her b—"

And I smack him harder. Good.

He gapes at me for a while, his bitter expression reducing to a mere frown.

"Well whatever. I'm hungry. Let's go, Natsu!" He roars.

"Hey, you, don't order me around!" Natsu squints, but moves along anyway.

"Well then, bye, ice pants." He roars from a distance, and sticks his tongue out.

.

.

And that's exactly the reason I hate his guts.

"Damn you!"

Only ten minutes with them, and I'm this tired.

"Lucy, huh..."

I rub the back of my head, feeling strange.

"Oh well, might as well go check out her— I mean— library. Her library. Right."

That makeno sense. Giving up, I intrude in.

And I immediately like it. There aren't many people around, and those who are, are either bookworms or just soft-speaking. The atmosphere is all cozy and comforting, and very much to my liking. Also, I find the smell of the old books strangely soothing (something I didn't expect I would)

"Besides, talking with her every once in a while won't be too bad," I muse as I fill down my personal details on a piece of paper. It's for my library card.

And then she beams at me with those twinkling eyes, as she grabs the note from me.

"Her smiling face isn't bad either- just like the rest of her."

"Your card will be ready in a few days, please come again!" She says in a pleasant tone, and bows.

I stare at her face for a few seconds, and then I just nod and treading away.

Well, this isn't too bad, I guess.

- April 24-

The test results are going to be handed today. It being my first test; I wanted to do at least a decent job, and I must say, the study at library definitely did its job.

"Gray Fullbuster."

My teacher calls out me, and I walk with quick pace to grasp it. He's smiling.

And soon I get the meaning behind that smile. I have done much better at the test than I thought I would. Thought I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad, because my teacher expects a lot from me now, judging from his words. Well, too bad for him, I don't care.

Walking to my seat, I ponder something. I should thank Levy for the advice, and treat her to something. Never thought library and me would go well.

But deep inside, I know that's not all to it.

After-all, the staff there isn't too bad either.

- April 27 -

As soon as the school bell rings, I throw in the textbooks in my bag, sit for a few seconds and then step towards the library with quick steps. I enter the library, and slow down my pace. As I take a seat, I calmly take out my textbooks, and give off a studious aura. I like how comfy it is especially in a hot day like this. There are no disturbances to keep track of (unlike in the class) so I can concentrate and get my work done efficiently. Perfect for a loner like me.

Besides, she's there. Sitting gracefully on the reception seat, sorting out some documents as she squeezes the bridge of her nose; deep in thoughts. She always has a single earbud in her left ear as she works at a fast pace. She skillfully moves those slender fingers, as she diligently helps others out with a cheerful smile. And once she's done, she takes of her glasses, waves her hair around, and sets them into a ponytail.

That's how it mostly goes. It's repetitive, yet worth a chuckle.

Sometimes, our eyes meet, we nod at each other, and she gives me one of those vibrant smiles- not there's any meaning behind it.

It doesn't feel bad. I can even feel my heart pounding, its a nice feeling.

It's not like I have any special feelings for her. It's been a few days only since I've known her, anyways. But yeah, saying that I'm not interested in her at all would be going too far. In-fact, I'd love to hold a proper conversation with her... except I can't.

Just when I'm in middle of these thoughts, I see her leaving. For some reason, I feel disappointed.

"Tomorrow for sure..." I say, as I sigh dejectedly.

And then I see something unusual happen. I see her move towards me, taking well-placed steps forward.

"Why...? Crap. I'm starting to feel a lil' nervous."

I prepare myself, trying to look calm as possible.

She's standing in front of me, smiling gently and cheerfully as always.

"I've to close the library now, so can you, um, please..."

She says, leaving to rest to my assumptions.

And I just feel like an idiot.

"Sure..." I say, trying to look as disinterested as I can, as I tidy up my stuff.

And then I hear her burst out laughing. I just stay there, gawking.

"Ah, I'm sorry, you just had such an interesting expression on your face that I couldn't help it..."

"Somehow I can't get angry at that one."

"Ah, please don't be. It's my fault..." I gruff in roundabout manner. Speaking politely is hard.

I see her, almost, crack up again, but she suppresses it. Meanwhile, I feel even more like an idiot.

"You are a regular here, aren't you? Uh-"

She looks suggestively at me, and I read her expression.

"Ah. Gray. Gray Fullbuster."

"Right, Gray! I'm Lucy Heartfilia, nice to meet you!" She says in a cheerful tone, and extends her hand.

Somehow, she feels like an ordinary girl this moment. She's normally so quiet, that hearing her speak up is both surprising and refreshing.

I hesitate for a second, but shake her hand after shaking off my thoughts. It's soft, and warm. Letting it go feels like a waste.

"Same.." I reply.

I don't know what to do anymore, so I just arrange my stuff up, and take my leave, stepping forward. She gives me a questioning look at first, but joins me soon enough.

Now, I didn't expect that for some reason.

We walk side by side till we reach the entrance. Somehow I manage to be natural. Maybe it's because I think I can escape while she's locking the door or something.

But instead, she asks me to wait as she's locking it up. Now, I feel nervous again.

"Done~" She comes up suddenly, startling me.

"Oh... Good work..." I speak slowly.

"Thanks! Well then, I'm off. Bye!" She greets me, plugs in the earbuds and walks away- her figure disappearing across a vast distance.

"And here I thought I'm gonna walk her to the school gate or something." I say, ruffling my hair.

So I just freeze... until Natsu collides into me again- not that I know what's he doing here, but oh well.

"I'll overlook this one, flamebird." I say, pacing away.

And the I block my ears, as the piercing yells and yelps of the pinkette slow fade away.

- May 1st -

I am caught off-guard when she greets me, while I pass by her desk. It feels like a direct punch to my face, I don't know what to do. So, I just nod my head and move towards my usual spot.

The idiocy grows.

-May 3th-

"Is it just me or our eyes meets a lot these days?"

"Why am I counting the eye-contacts anyway." I question myself.

"Three times today, huh." I mumble, as I tap my pencil repeatedly.

.

"Damn me."

- May 8th-

My hand touches hers slightly while she is carrying some books around. I'm an idiot, so I don't ask if I can help her (even though I want to) On the other hand, I stare at her hands far too long now. It's slender, and beautiful and-

I might have a hand fetish.

- May 10th -

I amble in the library with high spirits, only to hang my shoulders low.

She's not at here.

And it feels strange, because I've never seen her run late to this day. She's always diligent, proper- always on time.

I pretend not to care, and instead drown myself into the books (At least my marks are top-notch 'cause of her)

I'm studying, but my mind is actually wandering off somewhere else.

"What if she fell somewhere, or sprained her ankle or is ill-"

I'm deluding horrible delusions, as I grasp my skull with much strength. That's when I hear her coworkers talking about the reason behind her absence, as they pass by me.

It turns out, she has a cold.

I part my lips.

"It's just a cold, she'll be back soon."

And then I begin to study again, successfully binding myself into an illusion again.

- May 12th -

She hasn't come for two days now. And I admit, I'm worried. My friends are starting to tease me, and according to Erza (who is in the student council), I'm lonely without having seen (not that I know where she got that information from, but I have my suspicions.)

That's not the case, I just feel worried. Worrying isn't equal to feeling lonely.

Right?

- May 15th -

Her cold is finally cured. Somehow I am having a hard time suppressing my grin. When she greets me with her habitual smile, I perk up. I even manage to return the smile.

Yesterday, I thought about Erza's word for hours, and maybe, she's right. I did feel lonely without the blonde around.

And maybe, I do feel a little extra for that girl.

But it's just a little crush at best, nothing more.

Or so I hope.

- May 22th -

She looks overly joyful today, maybe something good happened? I don't know why, but somehow I feel happy for her. Strange.

When I'm done with my daily share of work, somehow I end up approaching her. She notices me, and instantly puts down the book.

"Hey..."

Darn it. That sounded too weak.

"Oh Gray! Did you need something?" She chirps.

It's been a while since I last heard my name from that mouth.

"Mouth... Lips. What a nice shape. " I reflect, deep in thought.

"Hmm?" She hums, tilting her head.

"A-ah... I just... thought you looked... happy today..."

Gotta strip. Fast. Too sweaty.

She flinches and unplugs the earbud.

"Oh.. you noticed..?"

She didn't catch my indecent thoughts, thank God. I loosen my shoulders.

"It's just.. obvious."

"What's that? haha." She responds, and laughs.

It's a hearty laugh, different from her usual one- It's light and pleasant on my ears.

"It's a little embarrassing but... oh well, it's okay if it's you."

"it's okay if it's you." The sentence echoes.

"Actually, my dad is free today. Normally he's so busy.." She says sadly.

"Oh, it's not like I'm complaining, or anything..." She gestures, eyebrows knit up, as she cracks a nervous laugh.

"Just that spending time with pap- dad is fun and something I look forward, too.." She giggles nervously, cheeks tinted red.

"How cute."

Somehow, I want to hug her. That's a first.

"I see. Have a good daughter and father bonding time."

"... Are you making fun of me?" She stares at me.

Crap. I feel like a sadist.

"Maybe.. I don't know."

"You totally are!" She almost yells at me.

And then she pouts, and looks down.

It's cute. She's really cute.

Maybe I should tease her more from now on.

Just the thought we are making progress is satisfying, my stomach feels full— just like after a good meal. I guess, that's what liking someone means.

Damn this feeling, it isn't half-bad.

-May 30 -

Out of curiosity, I end up asking her a question, it's something I've wanted to ask for a while.

"What are those earplugs for?"

"Why do you ask?" She squints at me.

Somehow I like when she makes that facial expression.

"Well, I thought you are going for a cool girl image or something."

"Hah."

Her blank reaction is so amusing that I end up laughing out loud.

"Oh..."

So you can laugh..."

.

"Now that I think, I really don't laugh much..."

.

"But how does she know... unless— she observes me— a lot."

I clear my throat, feeling my face heat up a bit.

"As for your question, I like music." She says in a straight tone.

"Oh wow, didn't expect that."

"... Rude." She squints.

"Only to you." I whisper, looking deep in her eyes.

I amaze even myself.

5 seconds pass, and she's beet red and is fidgeting.

Red. Because of me.

Just that thought fills me with a manly pride and a surge of joy.

I read the gravity of the situation, and leave with an excuse about running some errands, pretending to be a gentleman (which I am not.)

Maybe, I'm being calculating.

And then I cover my face, my steps getting longer.

- June 5th -

It might be just me, but I feel like she's avoiding me lately. For example - Whenever I talk to her, she avoids directly meeting her eyes with mine, and acts somewhat flustered. Strangest ideas arise in my mind.

"Maybe she digs me." I talk to myself, grinning as I sink my head into the table.

And then I hear a voice- more like sirens of hell.

"Maybe she does~"

It's Cana. Need I explain she's another old friend? Except that she's obsessed with Cola, and also, annoying as hell.

"... dig... She loves digging the ground, isn't that strange? Such a silly girl, haha..." I try to cover it up (lamely)- not that I ever expect such a lousy excuse to work. Shame on me.

"In which the ground is you, huh. Good going, Gray~" She nudges my shoulder, grinning like a horrible drunkard she is.

Great. I already feel like digging my grave.

.

Enough of these puns.

- June 13th -

It's going be midterms soon, maybe that's the reason I find myself practically swimming in my books. The damned things won't leave my side, and I'm too tired to focus. I don't really care about such stuff, but from what I noticed, the blonde likes smart people. Quite honestly, that's the only thing which drives me to this extent. My neck begins to ache from staying in the same position for far too long, so I begin to rub it. When massaging it doesn't help, I close my handbook in rage, fiercely looking up as I arch my neck.

I hear some muffled noises, and then I catch a glimpse of her. She's been giving me a doe-eyed look for God-knows-how-long with her face partly hidden behind a dictionary, which she had in her hands.

"Man, that's a little embarrassing...

As soon as I return the gaze, she bends lower- hiding as she uses her surroundings as an advantage. I awe.

Next couple of minutes, I find myself digging into the books. She's too cute and I'm an idiot.

"Damn, not 'dig' again," I roll my eyes as I rest my cheek on the notebook, the coolness of the paper absorbing the heat.

At that moment, I, Gray Fullbuster realized that my cheeks are burning.

"Why am I blushing when I am supposed to make her blush?!" I retort to myself.

So uncool.

.

"I wonder if she saw," I whisper to myself.

And then, I begin to ruffle my hair (only to make a nest out of them.)

- Jun 21th-

It's break time, and I've my head on the table (as usual), too lazy to move.

"So you finally admitted you like her, huh."

A certain redhead asks curiously.

"Tch. Cana and her loose tongue." I response curtly.

"No, no, it was actually Levy." She counters.

"That girl, I'm so making Gajeel kidnap her one of these days and I don't care if I owe her or not!"

I shout, and heave a long sigh afterwards.

"What happened?" The redhead asks with a concerned look on her face. I can't lie to her, can I?

"Actually..."

I tell her everything carefully, making sure not to add in any weird details in my words.

"Hmm, I see." She nods to herself, and then continues, "Why don't you try a different approach around her?"

Erza asks.

"Oh yeah, like what?" I grunt lazily.

"Anything. Maybe show a different side of yours? Girls like that." She takes a quick pause, and after reading my face, smiles and adds "Well then, I've a meeting to attend. Good luck."And then she leaves instantly (without even waiting for my answer).

"Being in student council must be hard..."

And then I rest my chin on the back of the chair (at which I was sitting in a reverse position)

"Eh, but I really don't know about this one..."

I'm not gonna consider this one... am I?

- Jun 22th -

.

I ended up giving it a thought in the end. Damn me.

.

"Lucy, I'm returning this book I borrowed." I say with a faint smile.

"Ah, o-okay... good... Perfect, mhmm..."

She's still out of it. Maybe Erza is right. Maybe, if I act differently, she may relax a little.

"L-lucy look..."

I say, as I clumsily pull my cheeks.

She gawks at me, trying to get the gist of my actions. And then her eyes sparkle, as if she has finally got it.

"Is that supposed to be a... monkey face..."

she giggled, stifling.

I guess, Erza's advice worked. Unexpected.

But.

"Hey, that was me imitating a dog!"

"... Pfft."

And she bursts into laughter.

"You are laughing too much.." I say in a low tone.

"Because its so- I can't- it doesn't suit you at all- Pfft."

Guess I was wrong for believing in Erza, after-all. Now I'm thought of as a weirdo. Great.

"But thanks, I guess. I needed that.." She says softly.

Okay, she's unfair, and I'm doomed. Meh.

"You've been avoiding me so... I thought, I should do this.."

"A-ah... you noticed..."

"So, she really was... Oh well, It's now or never!" I steel my heart.

"Can you... tell me what is it about?!" I nearly shriek.

"Calm down bro, you did well! Hang in there!"

"It's... nothing... It's not nothing, but-"

"Lucy..." I say emphatically.

There's silence. A minute passes with no words.

"F-fine... I'll tell you... but, not now. I still need to confirm it and..."

Her eyes twinkle, and her cheeks turn bright pink.

"Oh Gray, she is totally into you..." I think as my heart leaps to cloud number nine.

And then I turn to reality. I shake my head, I gotta be thoughtful at this occasion. There's no way, I was letting this chance pass by.

"I... I can wait. We can fix a day and you can tell me then."

I don't even know what I'm saying. My voice is shaking, but its not out of sickness. All I know is that I'm dying of happiness, joy and all these weird emotions I can't seem to comprehend fully.

"That will be... nice..." She says quietly.

"Did it actually work? Lucy- I mean, Lucky!"

"Then... on the last day of this school term, will you tell me?" I say softly, messing the back of my head lightly.

I'm literally dying as I say that, barely able to keep my cool.

She's surprised to a great deal, but soon, nods slowly.

I feel like I should be considerate.

"O-okay... Then, I'll leave.. early today... Bye."

"Already?!" She says breathlessly and immediately covers her mouth.

And I swear, my heart has stopped. I'm dead. Goodbye to world, goodbye to everyone.

"If... If you want me to stay, I can stay, I mean..."

.

Silence again. I regret my words.

.

"That would be nice..."

She says that one meekly but surely.

Remind me again, why am I not dead yet? Oh well.

"A-actually... these new books arrived... and they need setting... I can't do that alone so... help me.." She requests earnestly.

"O...Okay... Got it."

I'm finally helping her work for the first time- Ya-hoo!

"So... where do we begin?"

"About that..."

That day, I slept early and slept longer than I usually do. Which means I died for at least two hours- love is scary.

[To Be Continued]

Writer's Corner

This story. is. so. long. FACEPALMS. Writing is hard. Sorry if the chapter ended abruptly, I couldn't think of anything else.

I tried to keep it entertaining though, as much as I could. I tried my best, really (okay maybe not with proof-reading but with the rest)

So please read, and review! Tell me what you liked and disliked- honestly anything, I don't mind at all. Just give me some feedback, please!