I'm sorry. I screwed up. You don't have to wait any longer. Here it is with almost 1000 words for every month I missed. Again, I am so sorry for updating this late.

Merely an Attraction

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Chapter 11

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I'm not mad at Natsu for writing that chapter. In fact I'm glad he did. It gave me the chance to see what he's thinking about. However, I am not so sure about the part where he said that he hasn't read my book. By the way, it wasn't him who gave me my book back, but Juvia. Apparently Gray gave it to her after Natsu gave it to him. Juvia said that she only read the first two chapters of it and mentioned that Gray had actually no interest in it. I'm a little disappointed by that. Seems like it's quite boring or else they would have read at least up to date.

Anyways, let's get to the good news! A few days ago a girl entered the café during my shift and said that she wanted to talk to me. I threated her to coffee and cake. I looked at her while stirring my coffee. She had short, light-colored hair and fringes framing her face. On her head, she had a dark blue flower clip. She looked around 17. The longer I looked at her, the more she resembled someone I knew, but I can't put a name to her.

She looked like she was still looking for the words to say, so I decided to help her out a little. "I'm Lucy Heartfilia, but I guess you already know that." She smiled and said, "My name is Yukino Aguria. I came to ask you to become my teacher." My eyes widened by her request. Teacher? What did she mean by that?

"What kind of teacher?" I asked her while taking a bite of my cake. "A piano teacher. You see, you're quite famous and I really admire your skills. A friend of mine said that he saw you working here. At first I thought that he was lying. That's why I came to see you by myself. It seems like he wasn't."

I blushed as I saw her exited expression. She was smiling the whole time while telling me all that. And she seemed to think highly of me. If she only knew how I actually am when I'm not playing the piano on the stage. I considered mentioning her that but dropped it after all. "I haven't played the piano for a while now. It's been actually three years since my last performance. I'm not sure if I am the best choice as a teacher. Why don't you look for someone more qualified?"

Yukino looked a little disappointed. She lowered her head for a second. However she lifted it up again and I could see hope shimmering in her eyes. "Please! Think about it! I will give you my number, so you can call me when you decided." I wanted to tell her that I couldn't accept her offer but I didn't want to make her sad.

On the way home I was staring at the piece of paper with her phone number on it. I sighed. What should I do now? I know myself that I am a bad influence on younger people. I mean, hasn't she read the articles on the internet? I went to prison, ran away from home a few times, I smoke, I drink, etc. Even I wouldn't hire myself, so why would a kid do it?

Since I wasn't looking in front of me, I bumped into someone. "Oh, I'm sorry, I wasn't looking." In front of me was a young blond guy. He looked at me for a while and it seemed like he recognized me. He took a deep breath before he said, "Please think about Yukino's offer. She was really excited when I told her that I saw you in the café."

So he was the one who saw me. Maybe he can explain Yukino why I can't take the offer. "I'm sorry, I can't take it. You see, my past." I got interrupted by him, "Yukino knows about it already. She wants you to become her teacher because she admires the way you play and not because she pities you. When we were younger, she couldn't stop talking about you. She just went on and on about how one day she'll play the piano with you." He stopped there and looked on his phone. "I have to go now. But please think about it."

When I arrived at home I saw Wendy, Levy and Erza sitting in the living room. "Ah Lucy, we were waiting for you." Erza said. I looked towards Levy, who seemed to be barely able to keep herself on the couch. "Levy came to ask you for your book and Erza came because, uhm." Wendy said before looking at Erza with a questioning look. "I came for the Cake." She said calmly. "I came because I heard that you get free cake after work." I giggled at her statement. I do get sometimes some leftovers. I put the box with the cake on the table. "Take as much as you want." I then turned towards Levy and said embarrassed, "It's actually still not finished…" She looked disappointed, "But how come Natsu, Gray and Juvia get to read it but I don't? I mean, we are good friends, no?" "Actually, they said that they didn't read it." I told her.

It's true that I have spent a lot of time with her since we both like reading books. And not only with Levy, but with almost everyone in this building. I just have a lot of free time during the day since Aquarius gave me the evening shift. And so I spent my free time with exploring the building and visiting everyone. "Good evening Ladies." Somebody said coming out of my room. We all turned towards him and noticed that it was Natsu.

Erza blushed when she noticed that he was before that in my room, "I didn't know that you two had that kind of relationship." "Do you think he sneaks in her room during night and does that?" Levy whispered to Erza. She got even redder after she heard that. Wendy who overheard that turned towards me, "Why didn't you tell me Lucy? I thought we were sisters?!"

I rolled my eyes, "He comes through the window since he apparently doesn't know the meaning of a door." I stressed the last part which was meant for Natsu. I looked at him only to see that he was grinning. "I'm also happy to see you Lucy." He said. I can't believe that he is so calm. "I even brought Happy!" That second I saw the blue cat running towards me and making its way on my lap.

He is so cute! However he didn't stay really long on my lap since he noticed Charles lying next to Wendy. Damn it! I can't believe that he would actually pick Charles over me?! Whenever he comes in front of my window, I give him snacks. So how come he would rather chose her than me?!

"It's true love Lucy." Natsu said, sitting down right next to me. He was right, they look really sweet together. I suddenly remembered that girl's request. "Are you okay Lucy?" Wendy asked me with a worried expression.

"Just know your expression changed." She continued. I smile and shake my head. "There is nothing to worry about."

Natsu then poked my side. "Must be the lack of cigarettes, right?" He whispered and carefully pulled out his pack. He said it in such a way that Wendy couldn't it. I smiled; he is such a good friend.

We stood up and started walking towards my room. Before entering Erza said, "Lucy, I invited some people over. I hope you don't mind." "It's okay!" I yelled as I closed the door. Natsu already opened the window and left the room. I followed him outside and realized that it was freaking cold.

"Shit! It's cold!" I let out while I started to rub my hands. Natsu opened the pack and gave me one cigarette and a lighter. "You are a lifesaver!" I said to him. He just chuckled, "Technically not since cigarettes are bad for you."

I giggled at his comment. But then I remembered my issue. Maybe he can give me an advice? "Can I ask you a question?" Stupid way to put it; I know that he'll say now 'You just did' in a mocking way. Therefore I immediately continued talking, "What do you think of my influence on teenagers?"

He let out a deep breath. "In all honesty, after what I read under the name Lucy Heartfilia, I would say a really bad one." Damn the papers! They are also the reason Weekly Sorcerer Magazine didn't want to accept me. They lied by telling me they found somebody else just to keep their reputation.

"If a teenager would tell me to become their piano teacher, but I don't want to destroy their image by being a bad influence on them, should I still accept the offer?"

Natsu looked at me with a frown. "Why would it destroy their image? You are the one smoking not her!" Now it was my turn to frown. How did he know it was a girl? He seemed to notice it, "A friend of hers came by to ask you to consider the offer. Since you weren't home I told him that I would pass on the message."

Was it that blond guy? He told me she admires me. Was I maybe too harsh towards her? Shit, I was looking at it from the wrong angle. Upon realizing, I smiled at Natsu, "Thank you. You are such a good friend."

He looked away and smiled sweetly. "Won't you give me an award?" He then asked while still looking down. "What do you wish?" After I said that he looked straight in my eyes and said, "A kiss."

My heart skipped a beat. Damn, I didn't realize it before but Natsu was definitely blushing right now. What should I do? You can't say no to such a heartwarming smile. I just couldn't reject it.

I was slowly leaning forward and he was about to close the gap between me and him. However, I clasped my hand on his mouth and touched his forehead with mine. "You have a fever you idiot. Go home and sleep."

He nuzzled his head in my neck and started laughing weakly, "You noticed, huh?" Natsu backed away and headed inside my room. I followed him. Seeing that he was now lying on my bed and staring at the ceiling, I spread myself next to him.

"The reason I came to your room earlier was because I had a headache and thought you could make it go away somehow. But you weren't there so I fell asleep." He closed his eyes and muttered, "I am glad you came back."

I chuckled; he acts just like a child. Suddenly a loud voice came from the living room, "NOOOOO! I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!" I jumped from my bed and ran towards the source of the scream. Arriving there I found a crowded living room. Almost everyone was here; Erza, Wendy, Levy, Gajeel, Gray, Juvia, Cana, Mira, Elfman, and even people I didn't recognize. Since there was not enough space on the couches, some of them sat on the floor. They were all staring at the TV.

"What happened?" I asked surprised after seeing everyone in my living room. "Tadashi... just died." Gajeel said while covering his face. I sighed, god they scared me. "Okay, but why are you watching it?"

"Wendy told us that you were downloading movies and we decided to watch Big Hero 6 since no one had the time to go to the cinema to watch it there. I am so sorry for bothering you. I'm such a bad friend." Unexpectedly it was Erza who said that. She seemed really sad and like she really regrets what they did.

I tried to calm her down, "That's not what I meant. I was trying to ask why you are watching it here. Why not at Gray's? He has a way bigger TV." They looked at each other that moment and then back at me. I knew that look, they didn't even think about that possibility.

I looked at everyone in the room and like I mentioned there were people I didn't recognize. Mira seems to have taken notice of my puzzled look. "Lucy, may I introduce you to Laxus, Freed, Bixlow and Evergreen."

I did recognize Laxus name. If I recall correctly, then he is Natsu's and Gray's Boss. The other three's names showed up in some conversation in the past.

"Hey Blondie, bring me more popcorn. And bring this guy some tissues." Laxus said while holding his bowl up and pointing at Gajeel. I wanted to tell him to do it himself, but I got intimidated by his glare. I could hear Erza giggling, "Don't worry Lucy. It's his way of showing that he trusts you." I don't know if I should be relieved or still afraid since his glare is getting scarier.

In the end, I joined them even though I have already watched the movie. It's been a while since we all hung out like this. Everybody was busy with work. Eventually, the film ended and my friends started leaving one by one. All that was left for me was clean this mess up and go to bed.

Before heading to my room I noticed that Wendy was still sitting in the living room with Cana. "Man, it's been a while since us sisters got together. How about hanging out one day?" She asked. I could clearly see her flushed cheeks meaning she was drunk. "You should go and get some rest. You don't look well." Wendy tried to talk some sense into her but it obviously didn't work. "What are you talking about? The night is still young. Let's go to a bar or maybe a club!"

"I can't go to clubs Cana. I have not the right age."

"Whatcha talking about Lucy? You are twenty and something, right?" Now she even mixed Wendy up with me. "Why don't you take a nap on the couch?" I told her. She nodded, "I do feel a little sleepy." She fell asleep quite quickly. We covered her with a blanket and turned off the lights. "Did something happen? She didn't seem really happy today." I told Wendy while we proceeded to the kitchen.

"She mentioned that her boyfriend dumped her." Cana had a boyfriend? Why didn't she tell me? "I didn't know until today either." Wendy continued as if she had read my mind. Well, we have spent too much time together so I am not surprised by that.

"Then, do you have a boyfriend?" I asked her with a smirk. I could clearly see that she was blushing, however she kept denying it. "If that's so then maybe someone you like?" That moment she got even redder. Lucy, you just hit the jackpot. "Who is it?"

She covered her face with her hands. "You don't know him. He goes to my school." Wendy said in a low tone. "Tell me more!" I said as I squealed. I just love romance stories. "He isn't in my class. But I see him quite a lot in the hallways."

"Is he aware of you?" That's my most important question. Out of own experience, I can tell that when a person you are crushing on doesn't even know you exist then you are going to feel crushed. "Well…" She stopped there for a second and I saw a faint blush reappearing on her face. Her look said "He knows me but at the same time doesn't"? My eyes widened when I realized what it meant. "Don't tell me some it's some cliché I-did-something-embarrassing-on-my-first-day-of-school-so-he-knows-that-I-am-that-girl-but-doesn't-know-my-name-story."

"I might have fallen down and I might have worn that day my bunny panties and he might have seen them…" She said as her tone went down slowly. I watched her silently. She eventually proceeded. "He then might have found out who my sister is and might have confessed to me that he has a crush on that sister. In the end he might have talked to me just because he thought that I could somehow arrange a date with him and that sister."

Rather than embarrassed, she looked really sad right now. "Oh honey. I'm so sorry. I'm sure that if you tell Cana about this she might reject him." I am 100% sure that that sister, Wendy is talking about, is Cana. Why? That's because she is prettier and more outgoing than me. I'm sure that anyone would fall in love with her. Wendy looked up with a confused expression. Did I say something wrong? "Lucy, that sister is you!" What?

"He said that he likes the type of girls who just don't give a damn about the rules." And that would be me a few years ago. "You can tell him that I have changed." I told her trying to comfort her. She showed me a sad smile. "That's what I did and therefor he isn't talking to me so frequently as before."

"Then why don't you invite him to the café and make him fall for you? If it doesn't work then I'll beat some sense in him." I said while cracking my knuckles. She giggled, "Your delinquent side is showing." I laughed. "If he wants the badass me, then he will get the badass me." Her giggle turned into a laugher.

After a long while of laughing and chatting, Wendy started yawning. "I am tired. Good night Lucy. And thanks you." I smiled, "Good night Wendy." I should also get a rest.

Back in my room, I found Natsu sitting on my bed. It seems like he just woke up. "Lucy?" He asked in a sleepy voice to confirm it was me. "Did I wake you up?" He shook his head. I sat down next to him and stared at my window. "Remember the day I moved here? It was also really late and I found you in my room that night." He chuckled. "Yeah, you willed to sleep with a stranger. I always wondered; weren't you afraid? Didn't the idea of me being a liar cross your mind?"

I thought about his question for a second. "Yes, it did. I was scared. But I had a feeling in gut that you weren't a liar." He raised a brow. "You trust your gut?" What else could I have said? 'I felt attracted to you'?

"You sure are a weird girl Heartfilia. I knew that since the first day we met." He said while ruffling my hair. Thank god the lights were out or else he would have seen my blush. "How is your fever doing?" I asked him, changing the subject. "I feel a lot better now!"

I don't know what was happening to me anymore. I tried to convince me that this was just an attraction. I want to believe that his appearance is the thing I like about him and that there is nothing to it. But the more time I spend thinking about it, the more I feel like this is something else.

"No Happy! Don't do that! Lucy will get mad and then she will yell at me!" Natsu said as he jumped up and ran towards his cat which was scratching my walls. Was he here this whole time? While I was still deep in thoughts, Natsu opened my window and left. I could hear him say 'Good night' but I didn't answer him. I was too busy thinking about my feelings. Why did he wish for a kiss as a reward?

I kept staring at the piece of paper Yukino gave me. Her phone number was on it. My phone was in my other hand and the number was already dialed. The only thing I had to do is press on the button. "Come on Lucy. You can do this." I tried to encourage myself. I took a deep breath and exhaled.

"Okay!"

"Beep… Beep… Beep… Hello?" I recognized Yukino's voice. "Hello. This is Lucy Heartfilia and –"I wanted to continue but I got interrupted. "Thank Goodness. I was really nervous yesterday. I thought you wouldn't call at all. I'm so glad." She sounded relieved.

We decided to meet up at the café again and there we would discuss the rest. "Does that mean you will leave the café? Didn't you love it there?" Wendy asked me a bit confused.

I grew quite fond of the café and the people who work there with me. And I didn't intend to leave it just like that! That place is really precious to me.

"I would never do that!" I told her while shaking my head. "I'd never leave my friends! „She nodded.

In that very moment, we heard a loud knock on the door. I didn't expect anyone. "Is somebody coming over?" I asked Wendy. I thought that maybe one of her friends would come over but she only shakes her head.

I stood up and went to open the door. On the other side was that tall blond guy from yesterday. If I recall correctly, his name is Laxus.

"Oh hey." I said. I didn't know how to greet him since I didn't know him that well. "Is that pink Bastard here?" He said sounding quite annoyed. "It's nice to see you too." I told him before letting him in. "As for 'that pink bastard', I haven't seen him since last night." I told him while trying to smile. He seems like that kind of guy who could crush you if you don't act as he wishes.

"However, I can enter his room if his window is open." I saw a smirk appear on his face after I said that. He then looked at me with a face telling 'what are you waiting for'. Without hesitating, I left him in the living room and went straight to my room.

I climbed out of my window and looked to the side where his window was. Perfect, he left it open. I wanted to peek inside but I was afraid I'd witness something weird. I pushed that thought away and still entered.

There was no one. I left his room and went to the living room. Strange, he wasn't there either. Since the bathroom door was open, I figured he wouldn't be there as well. "Natsu?" I called out but there was no answer. "Miau!" I found Happy on the table in Natsu's kitchen.

"Where did your owner go?" I asked Happy, not expecting an answer. "He left!" I heard a voice after I turned away. I looked back at Happy. Did it come from him? There was no one else here, right?

"Where did he go?" I asked to confirm my suspicion. "Shopping?" It didn't sound really convincing. It was rather a question than an answer. And that voice definitely belonged to someone else.

I looked on the ground and saw white scarf. I kneeled down and saw the pink haired guy's back. He seemed to enjoy fooling me. I stood up and continued. "Do you know when he's coming back?"

"Who knows. Maybe never." "Is that so? Well that's a shame. And I hoped to be able to give him that reward. Too bad." I said as I proceeded to his room from where I could go to my apartment.

I found Laxus sitting in the living room. "Care to explain why he's hiding under the table?" I asked him. Laxus only chuckled. "He did not show up at work even though he had an important meeting he had to attend."

I raised my brow. It seems that my neighbor really is an irresponsible guy. Seconds later, I heard him yelling, "Lucy! I'm back! Where is that reward?" He froze in place when he saw Laxus who was smirking. "Oh Shit." Natsu muttered.

"What bone should I break first? I'll be generous a let you chose." Laxus said while standing up and walking towards Natsu. My expression changed immediately from amused to panic. "Wait! Don't do this to him. His pretty face is all he got. Why don't you just give him a less painful punishment?"

Laxus glared at me while I showed him my most powerful puppy face. It was very effective. "Fine. Consider yourself lucky this girl was here." He said angrily before he left. I sighed as he closed the door behind him. Natsu however recovered quickly from this event. "So Lucy, where is my reward?"

I stared at him with an expression saying "I can't believe it". But I thought of a way to answer him, "I just saved you from Laxus' punishment. I think that it's a pretty good reward." Natsu looked shocked. "Come on! You can't do this to me!"

I started laughing. His desperate face looked so ridiculous and yet I felt bad for him. "BUT, if you accompany me to meat Yukino, I might give you another reward." His face lit up. "Deal!" He then dashed toward his room yelling that he will only get dressed.

"What are you scheming?" Wendy asked me entering the living room. "What do you mean?" I asked her. "I know you. You are brave enough to face anyone yet why do you need Natsu by your side while meeting up with that girl?" She wasn't wrong. My plan is to kiss Natsu again. Ever since that first time I just couldn't forget the sensation of his lips. Like why did his kiss feel so different from the ones of my ex-boyfriends? I just want to try it again, just so that I can confirm what the difference is. "For science." I said to her. She stared at me for a few seconds before saying, "It's only science if you write it down." I snapped my fingers. That's right.

Natsu and I were sitting in the café waiting patiently for Yukino. Well at least I was waiting patiently. Natsu already started getting nervous. "Hey. Can't you just give me the reward now?" I looked up from my phone and told him, "The request is still not fulfilled." The exact same moment Yukino and two other guys entered the cafe. I recognized the blond guy but I didn't know who that black haired guy was.

"Miss Lucy!" Yukino said as she saw me. I smiled at her and waved my hand motioning her to come to sit at our table. From the corner of my eye I saw my coworkers observing us. I told them about this but I haven't told them about my resolution. As soon as they sat down I wanted to tell Yukino what I have decided but I got interrupted by that blond guy. "Hello Natsu! My name is Sting!" He started violently shaking Natsu's hand. I could clearly see the happiness on his face.

Natsu started laughing really loudly. "See that Lucy! I also have a fan!" The customers started looking our way. I smacked both Natsu and Sting. "You can celebrate later after this." I took a deep breath. "Yukino, I am really happy that you asked me to become your teacher. However I can't take the position as your teacher." They all seemed thrown off by my unexpected answer. Sting hit the table, "Why the hell would you refuse!?"

"I don't want to leave my friends here." I said while I threw a look at them. I noticed that they were sobbing. Yukino looked disappointed. "HOWEVER, I might drop by and see how you're improving. Maybe I could give you some advice." I said while winking. Her face brightened up. "THANK YOU SO MUCH!" She said with tears in her eyes. Even the expression in Sting's face eased up. That guy next to them started smiling. Natsu, who seemed like he knew my answer all along, started grinning.

I really wanted to help Yukino, but I didn't want to give up the job in the café and two jobs were just way too much. I knew how disappointed she would be if I refused and the thought of paining someone else hurt. I thought that maybe if I dropped by occasionally and giving her advices would be the best solution.

"Come on!"

"Not here, Natsu!"

"Ease up. No one will see it."

"You can't do it here. Let's do it later in my room."

Erza stated coughing. I looked at her and noticed that her face was red. Gray looked at us really surprised. "Are you two… going out?" I blushed.

Natsu, Gray, Erza and I were sitting in the bar. I was telling them about what happened earlier that day until Natsu swung his arms around me. He then whispered in my ears that I still have to give him is reward. "Mind your own business." Natsu told Gray with glare. I think you know what happened next. Yep, that's it. They started fighting.

"We're not!" I told Erza with a slight blush on my cheeks. "Your face is telling me that you want to tell him about that but you are way too afraid that he might not feel the same about you." She whispered to me so that no one else could hear it.

Is Erza right? Do I really feel like that towards Natsu?

"No I don't!" I yelled while standing up from my bed. I do not have a crush on Natsu. I even googled it. The internet said that people who have a crush on someone get nervous around that person and try their best to impress their crush. Those people also act weird and awkward near their beloved one.

Even though it was late I still got up to go to Cana and ask for her advice. "Obviously nothing of that matches my case. He is not even my type. I mean I never considered the idea of my boyfriend having pink hair." She started laughing, "How ironic. When you were little you mentioned that you wanted a boyfriend with pink hair."

I did? Stupid little me, what have you done? Why, god, why was the only pink haired guy I ever met this idiot? "Natsu is not that bad." I never said that he was bad. He is cute and attractive. In my opinion he could have any girl he wants. "What if he also likes you?" Cana asked as if she read my mind. "That would never happen. I am just a friend to him. He could never think of me as a lover."

Cana shakes her head. "You Lucy disappoint me. You have read so many books in your life and have written so many stories. By now you should have guessed that this whole thing is actually so cliché. Have you ever seen someone who went straight up to the one they like and told them that they like that person? No? Then be the first and write a book about it."

I thought about it for a second. "If the love which is described in the books would be so easy then the story would have end right where they start." I told her. She smiled and took her Tarot cards. She shuffled the deck and put a few cards in front of her. "Why end? It can also be the beginning of a new chapter."

Guess who was sitting in my room when I came back. "I came for my reward." He said as he grinned from ear to ear. I sighed while shaking my head. I can't refuse this smile. I just can't. And there is still that experiment to see what made his kiss so special. Now is the time to find it out. "And something else." What else does he want from me? "I just wanted to tell you that I love you." He said with a smile.

My cheeks turned red. I sat down on my bed because I lost balance all of sudden. Shocked, I didn't say a word and only stared at him. "I love you." He repeated as he saw my expression. "Yeah I heard it." I told him still maintaining that shocked expression. But why? Is he just playing with my feelings? If yes then he is a douchebag.

He turned away and stared at the window. He had something on his mind. After a while of silence Natsu chuckled. He bit his lips before looking at me with a smile. "It was a joke. I didn't think you would react so disgusted." A part of me was relieved that it was only a joke but the other one was disappointed.

He didn't look me in the eyes that evening. I was still in shock. Why would he even joke about something like that? "I have to tell you something." Natsu said while still looking outside the window. "It's got something to do with your parents and you." What did my parents have to do with any of this? I was about to get really mad at him for making so many tasteless jokes and wanted to kick him out of my room. Is he under the influence of alcohol at the moment? Or is he always acting like this?

"To be honest, I knew you even before we met in November. I also knew your parents." I was still not able to process what he was telling me right now. "What are you trying to tell me?" I asked him. Is he hiding something from me?