A/N: Thank you for the reviews again
oshirajinda aww thanks :D hehe i really hope that would happen too ^_^
jdcocoagirl hehe yup, too young indeed :D cute little puppy love perhaps? heheh thanks again for the review ^_^
Hachibukai haha thank youuu! :D I'm glad you liked it ^^ salamat dn dun sa research project hahah ^_^ oh, i love your stories, update soon as well ^_^
What am I supposed to do without you guys? T.T I owe you alot :')
Well, so here's the next one, sorry I took my time with this... things came flashing here and there and I can't seem to express them in writing hehe ^^"
Chapter 4: Things to Worry About
Lucy's POV
"I'll definitely wait for your answer. I promise."
Lyon's voice…Where is this? Where am I? It's dark… What is this place….? I can't see anything…
"You never call me Lyon-kun anymore…Lucy-chii I… forget it…"
Lyon? What are you saying? Where are you? I turned around, searching desperately for the owner of that oh so familiar voice. I smiled, gaining sight of him. I barely recognized him with this mass darkness around us. One thing's for sure, he had his back turned on me. And slowly, slowly… the distance between us gets larger and larger.
His retreating back got further and further away from me. I tried to run after him but I found my legs unable to move, as if they've been glued on the ground. I tried to reach for him, stretching out my arm desperately. But he just got further away. And after a few moments of struggling, I can move my legs again. I ran after him, pained to see him with a girl. No, not just a girl, I know her.
"I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Juvia Lockser."
Girlfriend? No… why? You said…
"Thank you for listening to Juvia's problems back then, Lucy-san. You're the only person Juvia has open up to. It's all thanks to you."
She had… problems… I lent her an ear. I… admired her for her for her sincere feelings for the guy she told me about… I didn't know that she'd be the one… I took hesitant steps backwards. Why? Lyon…Why?
"Here, Lucy-chii, take my hand. A lady shouldn't cry over such small matters!"
'What's wrong? Take his hand. Go on…' A voice, in my head… it's me? I raised out a hand hesitantly, slowly reaching for the hand before me. 'Are you sure about that?' I widened my eyes as I withdrew my hand back, placing it across my chest. Why? It's what I've always wanted… how come I'm hesitating to take it?
"YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A LADY IN FRONT OF ME. JUST BE MY PRECIOUS LUCY HEARTFILIA. BE THE CRYBABY I'VE ALWAYS KNOWN."
Who? A voice from that single ray of light in this darkness… that single ray of light, where is it leading to?
"Gray?"
"Gray?"
"Heh~ Luce, don't tell me you already fell for me?" Huh? Luce? Wh-what did you just say?
I crawled out of my comforter, grabbing a pillow along the way. "What are you doing here, Gray?" I exclaimed, throwing him the pillow I had in my hand, causing Gray to fall on the floor. It's carpeted so it won't hurt that much. "W-what nonsense are you saying?" This is bad. I can feel my face burning up from embarrassment.
"You were calling out my name desperately. Wow, Luce, I'm honoured to be a part of your sweet dream!" Gray gave me a smug smirk which is obviously for teasing me. He placed the pillow beside me as he sat by the side of my bed. "Did you dream about me being your knight in shining armour?" he continued to tease, giving me a flirty wink.
"Ewww! Not a chance! I'd rather call it a nightmare if you're the one I dream about!" I threw my comforter over him, taking that chance to run inside the bathroom but not before pulling a tongue out at Gray. I slammed the door close, my back leaning on it. I slid down, gasping for breath. Geez, Gray, you're crazy! What was that dream? And why exactly is Gray here in my room?
I took a quick shower, too tired to fill in the bathtub. Good thing I had my uniform inside the bathroom. It's been a week since I cried over Lyon. Erza was furious while Levy gave me a comforting hug. Good thing Erza didn't charge at Lyon. I'm pretty surprised at how angry Natsu had been after hearing the news from Levy. I had a hard time making them understand. But eventually, everything has calmed down a bit. The pain still lingers deep inside. I guess it does take time to heal a broken heart. Gray says I should just take my time, no need to rush things. Gray… Why did I even call out for his name? What exactly does that dream mean?
When I got out, I saw Gray reading… my novel? I grabbed the papers away from Gray, earning a big frown from him.
"Hey! I was reading that!" he whined out.
"So not happening without my permission!" I reminded, securing the papers on a drawer I'm sure he wouldn't be able to open. Levy is so gonna kill me if she doesn't read it first! "Why are you here by the way?" I asked as I combed my hair.
"Being mean doesn't suit you Luce!" he poked me in the forehead, laughing a bit.
I covered my forehead with both hands. "You always do that!" I whined out.
"Oh, do I? You noticed something like that?" Gray innocently asked. "It's become a hobby I guess!" he stated, a huge grin on his face. Is it just me or is he really just super cute when he smiles like that? Umm… what am I saying?
"You haven't answered yet…" I reminded in a scolding manner, hands on my hips to denote full authority. This is my room after all!
"What?"
"Why exactly were you in my room?" I asked, exiting the room with Gray following me from behind.
"Mom says I can visit once in a while. I got up too early so I decided to drop by." he replied, a smirk etched on his face.
I gave him a fake smile. He's obviously teasing me! "Gray, you meanie!" I gave him a snob as I quickly ran down the spiral staircase.
Gray burst into laughter as he ran after me, grabbing me by the wrist. "Geez, Luce! You're so easy to tease!" he stated, still laughing. I glared at him which took little effect. Eventually though, he stopped on his own accord. "Okay, I'm sorry. Just wanted to fetch my best friend, that's why I came here." He reasoned out, now bearing a kind smile instead of a smug one.
"Ahem!" a voice caught our attention.
"Papa?" I exclaimed, seeing my father behind us. "You scared me!"
"Gray-kun… get the hand off!" he demanded, tearing Gray's grip on my wrist. For some reason, he was giving out a deadly aura, causing Gray to hide behind my back from fear.
"G-good day, H-Heartfilia-san…" he greeted, trying to compose himself. I'm sure he hates the way he's stammering like that. I can't help but laugh mentally.
"Geez, Papa… What's wrong with you?" I scolded, hands folded over my chest, earning puppy dog eyes from my father.
"Lucy~" he whined out.
"What's the matter, Papa?" I asked in worry.
Papa stood up, and got the dusts off his suit to compose himself. "Ehem" he cleared his throat and locked eyes with me not before giving Gray here a glare. "Just wanted to tell you… Be home early today, okay? Take care of yourself." He gave me a pat on the head. I just nodded in response.
Gray made sure my father was out of sight, before whispering something to me. "Luce, you're father is waaay too protective!" he complained.
I chuckled. "He's always been that way. And it actually became worse when Mama died." I unconsciously gave out a dim smile, remembering my beloved mother. "I can see how much he regretted Mama's sudden death. That's why, he always spends his free time with me whenever he has the chance to, making sure that I feel how much he treasures me. All that despite his busy schedule…"
I found Gray unable to speak so I gave him a bright smile. "I'm sorry, you had to remember about your mother…" he said.
I shook my head to tell him I don't mind.
"You really love your dad, huh?"
"Yup! I'll do anything to make him happy!"
Gray gave out a smile but I can see glints of sadness in his eyes. He probably remembers his dad. I was about to comfort him when he suddenly raised his hands up in the air, stretching them.
"Man! Luce, my shoulders still hurt! I can't believe you were that heavy!" he exclaimed.
I gave him a light punch on the shoulder. "That's mean of you, Gray! No one asked you to carry me home!" I whined out.
"What? So you're saying I should've left you by the river side to sleep?" he teased, much to my annoyance. He has a point, okay. Admit it Lucy, you lose this one.
"Still! That is no way of treating a lady!" I reminded, flipping my hair to my back. "You tease me all the time…"
"Huh? Are you a lady? As far as I know, ladies aren't crybabies!" he exclaimed, a familiar smile on his face. He's definitely teasing me!
And here I am thinking he was actually being nice! After that day, he's been teasing me non-stop. T.T
"G-R-A-Y!"
After a while of chasing Gray around the house, we decided to head for school by foot. Makes me wonder, how are things between him and Lyon? He never goes to school with his siblings anymore... I wonder why. And, whenever I mention Lyon's name in front of him, he gives out a scowl and goes on a bad-trip-mode all day. I hope things are fine between them... Lyon. I've never seen him since then. How am I supposed to face him when that time comes? Do I have the right to be upset with him anyway?
"I think it's finally within my reach!" Gray wore a happy expression as he stretched out a hand, as if grasping something in the air. This caught my attention.
"What is?" I asked, getting a bit curious.
"That one thing I've always wished for…" he stated, giving me a gentle smile. I couldn't help smiling back.
I placed a finger on my lips, wondering out loud. "I guess even someone who has everything a girl could ever dream of, like you, actually has something to wish for." I pouted when I heard a laugh from Gray. "Well, it's like… you know how you always tell me you're contented with everything you have right now. What else could you possibly wish for?"
Gray placed a hand over my head. "You're one to talk, Lady Lucy Heartfilia, or should I say campus dream girl in school?"
"What's with that? I never heard of that!"
"This one's different Luce. It's special." Gray answered, ignoring my previous question. I didn't mind though. Now I'm getting curious at what he's talking about!
Gray's POV
"Like I said! Girls are vulnerable when they're heartbroken!" says Jellal.
Natsu was listening intently as Jellal continued to talk. They're suddenly talking about girls. I don't even know how it got to that topic. I just sat here, poking my leftovers with a fork and not caring about the topic. Geez, they're reminding me of Lucy. She says it doesn't matter anymore but…
"Oy, Gray! You still gonna eat that?" asked Gajeel, pointing at the pickles I was playing with.
I shrugged my shoulders and leaned at the back of my seat as my eyes automatically searched for Lucy. I usually have lunch with her but Natsu dragged me here saying he has to talk to Jellal. Heck, I don't even like cafeteria food! "Ah!" I mumbled out, gaining sight of Lucy. She was with Levy and Erza, laughing as Levy told her jokes. I unconsciously smiled, seeing her smile like that.
Gajeel disturbed my thoughts by poking me with his fork. "Stop staring or she'll melt." He said nonchalantly, leaning his face near mine. Good thing it was soft enough that Natsu and Jellal didn't notice.
"W-what are you talking about?" I avoided eye contact with him, focusing my eyes on anything but Gajeel.
"You're so obvious!" he exclaimed, sitting normally now. "Why don't you grab her while you still have the chance? It's a perfect chance, you know?"
I was taken aback by his words. He's right… he's right but… if I do that… just what would Lucy think of me? She might think I'm taking advantage of her weakness or something like that…
"Gajeel-kun, how did you know what I was about to say?" Jellal asked, surprised and delighted at the same time. Natsu was nodding beside him, much to Gajeel's annoyance. I bet he wasn't even listening.
"Whatever." Gajeel rolled his eyes.
Jellal slammed a hand on the table, startling all three of us. "Listen!" he said in a low, serious voice. "The danger of being lonely is that you fall for the very first person who shows you that you are not alone." He uttered out. His words sank in, making me think of a few things about Lucy. "So I was thinking, like Gajeel-kun has said, a girl's vulnerable state… isn't that the perfect chance to claim her?" he added in a more casual manner, giving his palm a light punch.
I eyed Natsu, surprised to see his fists tightly clenched and a serious, determined face to add. Don't tell me…? It's probably Lisa—
"A chance, huh?" Natsu mumbled to himself, a determined smile slowly starting to form on his lips. "I'm getting revved up!"
"Got someone in mind, Natsu?" our blue-haired companion asked.
"Yeah." He answered without hesitation. "Lucy."
"Wh-what?" I uttered, slamming both hands on the table as my body stood up on its own. "What did you just say?" I asked again, after calming down a bit. Deep inside, I was hoping that I just heard it wrong…
Natsu gave me a look followed by a smile. "Don't get me wrong, Gray. It's not like I'm keeping secrets from you. I would've told you sooner or later. I didn't say it before because I actually thought Lyon would make her happy. But right now, it's the exact opposite." he took a quick glance at Lucy, returning his attention to me after a short while. "I know he's your brother so you may not like what I'm about to say. I mean, how can I even talk like that when I've spent almost all of my childhood years with you guys? But…"
I took a deep breath and sat myself again, trying to look as calm as possible. "But?"
"If he doesn't see her worth, I'll make my move."
I narrowed my eyes at him. You've gotta be kidding me. "I…I don't think you should." I hesitantly uttered out, earning looks from Natsu, Jellal and even Gajeel. "I just think it's not right to take advantage of her weakness right now…"
Natsu stood up and placed an arm around me. "You worry about her too much, Gray! Guess that's normal, you're her best friend after all!" he gave me a smile, a smile that shows no sign of insincerity. "I'll take my chances. You never know when a next one would come again."
You've gotta be kidding me! I didn't know about this! You've gotta be kidding me!
"No kidding here, Gray. Those eyes say he's not lying. Big problem, dude… told you so…" Gajeel whispered, making sure that I was the only one who could hear him. "Take the chance or lose her, to your best friend."
"Luce!" I yelled out in hopes of catching up with Lucy. "I'll walk you home."
Lucy gave me a smile. "Thank you. Why are you so kind all of a sudden?" she asked, eyeing me suspiciously.
Who knows what Natsu might do when he sees you? I gotta make sure I keep an eye on you. Of course, I can't say that out loud! Geez, what am I doing? Natsu's my best friend as well! "Just wanted to drop by." I said which she quickly believed. Take it or lose it, huh? There's no way I can do that. Just no possible way…
"Sure." Lucy replied.
I sighed in relief as I we got further and further from school. Just a few more steps and we're finally gonna reach the Heartfilia's manor.
"I wonder why Papa wants me home early." Lucy said, wondering out loud.
"Who knows?" I simply replied, stopping on my tracks as we reached their gate. Correct that, gigantic gate. "You guys really are crazy rich." I uttered out as a butler immediately opened it for us. Of course I know that fact, but I just can't help but get fascinated every time I see their large and gorgeous rose garden. I gazed at the roses of different colors as we walked towards the main door, admiring them and somehow seeing Lucy from them.
"Like you're not the same." Lucy countered back.
"Whatever. Your family is on a different level. Way higher than ours." I placed my hands behind my head, waiting for Lucy to open up the door. Makes me wonder though… how come she walks her way to school and even back to home when she can always ask someone to fetch her. Guess it's Lyon? Argh! Why am I getting irritated by just the thought of his name?
"Really? I don't really know…" Lucy muttered, interrupting my thoughts. "I'm home!"
"Welcome back, Lucy." Jude Heartfilia answered back. "And, Gray-kun. I'll be at my office for a while. I just have to fix some matters with the company."
With that said, he left leaving Lucy confused. "Why is he home so early?"
As if on cue, I tumbled down after being suddenly punched in the face.
Lucy looked at me wide-eyed. She gasped running back to help me get back on my feet. "O-onii-chan!" she exclaimed in a scolding manner, recognizing my attacker just now.
I eyed the man she called 'Onii-chan'. "Laxus? You're back?"
"Yo! Fullbuster!" said the man as he approached us. His blonde hair, swaying as a huge gust of wind blew. "Missed me, Lucy?" he ruffled Lucy's hair and gave me a death glare. "What are you doing with my sister, huh?" he asked at a threatening tone, pointing an accusing finger at me.
"He walked me home. You didn't have to punch him like that!" Lucy scolded but later hugged him tight. "It's been so long, I've missed you!"
Laxus gave out a haughty smirk, raising up a fist, signalling me to give him a knuckle punch. I did what he wanted, that's how he wants me to greet him all the time. "Sorry about that Fullbuster! You better not be hitting on her, hm?" he stated well and clear, making me give out a nod.
"H-hey, what's up?" I then said. "I'm kinda used to it…your unique way of greeting that is…"
"Guess what? Your cousin's back, Fullbuster!" he informed, gaining Lucy's full attention.
"He is?" she asked, wide-eyed. "Where?"
As if on cue, the said man entered the scene. "Behind you Lucy-chan…" strawberry-blonde, spiky hair, deep, dark eyes covered with blue-tainted glasses and that smooth voice… No doubt this is my cousin…
"Loke!"
-End-
A/N: I wanted to upload this earlier, but I made LOTS of changes. :D
So, from my point of view, its like a new arc? Or so I'd say hehe ^_^ Seriously, why do I like Lucy so much? xD I feel sorry for Gray for giving him such problems!Hehe. What to do with GraLu? Hmmm.. this question keeps on bothering me... I'm really starting to like Lyon for Lucy but Gray is still top notch in my list of guys perfect for Lucy... but T^T *sigh* I'll manage somehow :DD
I guess the next one is on Friday or Saturday perhaps? And... Guess it'd be a once a week update T.T Sorry, classes are coming soon, but the minimum number of chapters per week is 1. So if I have less homework and stuff I'd upload two or more per week but not more than three. ^_^ Hehe my words got me confused there...
Please do forgive me for some of the errors I've made, you're free to point those out, but please go easy on me. Hehe ^^" I'd really appreciate it if you would give me a review. They mean a lot to me. Thank you very much ^_^