A/N: *breaths in* *breaths out* Okay, I'll speak up. Waah! I'm extremely nervous in posting this but still... T.T
I'm very much thankful to those who reviewed the Special Chapter *bows*. Your reviews literally had me crying. (not out loud though hehe) They mean a lot to me, more than you could ever imagine! This chapter wouldn't have existed if it weren't for such kind words :') I'm sorry for such a late update. You pretty much know by now how irritating my school can be. heheh but since there are no classes due to heavy rain here, I finally had the time to finish this up.
Alright, sorry for the extremely late response. I hope you'll read this for my overflowing gratitude for you guys is too much that a 'thank you' isn't enough to repay you but then again...
gRayLu010 I thank you so much! :') It made me smile. I'm glad you liked it :)
GoldenRoseTanya ahehehe thank you soo much! thank you for the continued support and I hope you like this chapter :')
jdcocoagirl to say that I wasn't touched by your review is definitely an awful lie. heheh thank you so much!
AniManians17 Ahehe :') thank you so much! I hope I can meet up with your expectations. thank you once again!
jessiemaebay yeah, I feel sorry for him at times as well... haha thank you for the review! :)
pikaqueen I can't help but smile at your review. Thank you! I'm glad you liked it! Thank you for such kind words and I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you. hehe :')
thebeautywithin13 oh thank you so so much! I'm very much sorry if I got you confused hehe. In response yes, his father died when they were still kids and that's the reason why he was crying. I'm sorry it wasn't stated clearly but if I'm not wrong, I think it's hinted in chapters 3.5 and 4 :) once again, thank you!
Salamander I'm so glad to have such a kind reader like you :') thank you for such a kind review!
weirdismyname friend! waah! I'm missing you even more! ahaha how are you?! thank you for reading and reviewing this! It means a lot to me! Arigatou! Aitaiyou! T.T
Guest 7/2/12 Thank you so much! I've always wanted to thank you (even wanted to pm you so bad.) Your review made me extremely happy. I don't get that a lot so I was completely surprised and happy with your kind words. Thank you again! I hope I don't disappoint you since I'm still new at this... heheh
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Le' CarolinnaXannej421 I'll be using that ne? Rin-chan was it? I totally thank you! Your review completely changed my mood into a good one! Thank you for motivating me so much to continue this! aheheh I hope it suits your interest. I'm not that confident about this, see :') I'm glad to have such a kind GraLu fan. Let's be friends, ne? :)
A general reply for all those who read this... thank you so much! I'm sorry if it took extremely long. I hope I don't disappoint you with this one. Please do forgive me for not being good enough but I'm currently working on improving my writing skills. Thank you once again :)
Now enough of me blabbering nonsense, here you go for chapter 7 :) this is quite the long chapter, I hope this makes up for not updating sooner, hehe
Chapter 7: The Third Time
She leaned on one of the lockers, head down and eyes affixed on the floor as she waited for someone to enter the campus grounds. Her wrist watch was ticking its last 2 minutes before the school bell rings to signify the start of classes but she didn't mind. She wants to speak with him rather; she needs to speak with him, as soon as possible and fix everything that was left undone. She lifted her head up and hoped that the splattering of water she heard was from the guy she has been waiting for. And thankfully, her prayers were granted. Her lips curved into a smile, standing upright and walking a few steps to welcome the pink-haired man dripping wet from the drizzling rain.
"Damn this rain!" the lad complained as he ran on the slippery grounds of school. He had his bag over his head as cover for the rain. It rained harder by the minute and he rushed in hopes of still making it before the school bell rings. Suddenly, the downpour stopped around him and all he heard was the sound of the rain's contact with what he assumed was an umbrella. He halted on his steps and slowly lifted his head up to meet concerned cerulean orbs. "Lisanna…"
"You tend to forget your umbrella at times like this. And you just had to forget it when the rain hits hard. Typical Natsu." Lisanna said, twisting her lips into a soft smile.
"And you…" Nastu began, eyeing the girl before him with teary yet serious eyes. "…were always there to share your umbrella with me… or maybe at least I thought it was for forever. And then you left me, without even a word." He clenched his wet fists tighter for every word he uttered.
Lisanna bit her bottom lip, guilt evident in her features. There was no way she can deny what has been said. What Nastu has said is true and she was regretting it this very moment. She took hesitant steps towards her childhood friend and surprisingly, Natsu didn't budge or push her away. Instead, he stood still with his head down to avoid her gaze. "I'm sorry…", she whispered, resting her head on the pink-haired lad's shoulder. "I'm so sorry…" she closed her eyes and nuzzled herself to the scarf the lad never fails to wear. His scent never changed. It was so nostalgic that a single tear escaped from her eye.
Rain continued to fall and it's getting harder for each second that passes. Classes have started long before. And the young Dragneel stood in silence with the childhood friend he once held so dear, face void of any emotions, eyes staring into nothingness as he uttered the only thing that filled his mind. "Lucy…"
Lucy shifted her head around and her brown orbs met the dark grey sky. She frowned at the sight of water droplets making their way down from the shady heavens. It's been raining all morning and she hated it. It felt so gloomy especially since the presence of one cheerful friend is nowhere to be found.
Gray had his eyes on her as usual, his chin resting on his palm as his elbow settled itself on the table. And when he couldn't take the sight of Lucy staring at Natsu's empty seat any longer, he decided to speak up. "Worried?" he asked in a soft tone of voice. His eyes softened and he quickly averted her gaze when she surprisingly looked up to face him with a questioning look. He didn't expect her to hear him, especially since she was too occupied in wondering of the whereabouts of Natsu and he almost, just ALMOST whispered his question. He hated to admit it, but he was jealous in a way. Of course he's worried about Natsu as well. The said guy would never skip first period even though all he does most of the time is sleep and ignore Freed's lectures. Well, it's just that half-half feeling for him, half-worried, half-jealous.
"Yeah." Lucy replied, cutting the raven-haired boy's trail of thoughts. "Where is he?" she gave Gray hopeful eyes.
Gray shrugged his shoulders to indicate a who-knows response, much to Lucy's disappointment. "You worry about him too much…"
"Too much it's making me jealous." A voice behind Lucy commented.
Lucy managed to release a soft laugh while Gray rolled his eyes in irritation. "Quit with the flirting already, Loke." He said in a deep, stern voice.
"Stop acting like Jude-san, Gray… it's creepy." Loke replied. "Besides… Lisanna isn't here too. Think they're together or something like that? You know… the thing about yesterday?"
The blonde creased her brows for she knew nothing about what Loke had just said. "Yesterday? What do you mean?" She slightly shifted her body in a position to where she can speak with Loke properly and at the same time, avoid getting caught and scolded by their teacher for chatting in class. "Is there something that you know and I don't?"
Loke switched glances between his cousin Gray, and his beloved Lucy, not sure if he should tell the details to the latter. He gave Gray a look, as if he were asking permission, and received a small nod in response. He leaned back on his chair, sighing before explaining things further for Lucy. "You're childhood friends for who knows how long but even before you came in and met Natsu and the Fullbuster siblings, Lisanna was already part of the gang. That fact, I was still aware since I often paid Aunt Ur and my cousins a visit before I left to study abroad. She and Natsu shared a close bond and swore to never leave each other but at some time when Lyon was still in your family's care, Lisanna left all of a sudden, without telling Natsu. And it was only summer 3 years ago that I first met you because I wasn't in the country anymore when you came in to their lives and— OW!"
"Now, Loke. We're not talking about you, get it?" Gray shot him a glare right after throwing a book at him.
"Okay. Okay! And just when I was going to tell about my fated encounter with Lucy. Geez, Gray. That's mean!" Loke whined out, pouting childishly at the same time but Gray paid no attention to his complaints.
Gray rolled his eyes for the nth time, releasing a soft groan to lessen his irritation. "I'll continue."
"Not even a word? She didn't tell him, why?" Lucy asked, seeming to have been overly intrigued by what she had learned. "What about the thing about yesterday?"
"Why Lisanna left, I still don't know. We lost contact with her and this made Natsu extreeeeemely depressed than ever. He wanted to know why and at least speak with her once more but the chance never came. Eventually he gave up and hated mingling with girls since then. Ultear once said that might be trauma, though I really didn't pay attention to it much before. I didn't know a girl could have such a huge effect on him." Gray paused for a couple of seconds and locked his onyx eyes with Lucy's chocolate ones. "At least, that was before…" his eyes widened as realization hit him, his mouth hanging agape. "…before he… you…"
"What about me?" Lucy questioned, her head tilting to her side, denoting her puzzlement with Gray's last words.
Before a Gray Fullbuster could respond, a Loke Celestine waved his hands in between his cousin and Lucy. "Woah. Woah. Woah. Wait! Gray, don't tell me…" he gave out an expectant look, a look that clearly shows how much he's hoping for Gray to assure him it's not what he think it is but got disappointed in the end when Gray slowly nodded his head. "Seriously?! No way! Lyon is one tough guy already! Now even Natsu?!"
Lucy pouted and folded her arms across her chest when the only ones who can understand each other were Loke and Gray. She felt so left out and her eyes almost swirled in confusion. "Okay, I can DEFINITELY cope up with the conversation!" she exclaimed in a tone soft enough to avoid being scolded by the teacher yet loud enough to halt Gray and Loke's little argument. Sarcasm was evident in her voice and her features hinted the slight irritation she was having. She wants them to clear up what she doesn't know, not add up to the questions that were already on her mind.
Loke pointed an accusing finger at Gray while playing the infamous puppy dog eyes at Lucy. The latter though just shrugged his shoulders in disbelief at his cousin's childish antics.
"What's the finger for?" Gray commented as he shoved away the finger pointed at him.
"Lucy! I'm innocent, see?" the orange-haired lad exclaimed enthusiastically, a wide grin plastered across his face.
Blinking her eyes for a couple of minutes, Lucy raised a brow after finally getting what Loke meant. "Not like I'm blaming anyone though… Just wanted to know… What about me? And what exactly happened yesterday with Natsu?"
"Lu-chan, when Natsu saw Lisanna yesterday… it was as if he became someone so void and ignorant of other people's feelings." Levy suddenly voiced out. Her eyes were settled on her notebook, writing the notes that Freed had written on the board. Her eyes showed disappointment and traces of sympathy at the mention of the said girl. From the corner of her eyes, she knew what expression Lucy was giving her. She heaved a sigh, settling her pen just beside her notebook as she leaned back to her chair. "He gave the poor girl a cold shoulder and didn't even give her a chance to speak. His eyes, even his voice was cold…"
Lucy lowered her head. Her heart ached with the thought. As far as she could remember, Natsu was never like that. He may be a little too destructive and violent at times but he was the friend that never leaves you at times when you're in need. "I thought… he wanted to see her so much…. He's not someone to do such a thing so why?" she lifted her head up to face Gray with tears threatening to fall from her brown eyes. "It's sad, don't you think?"
The petite, blue-haired girl gave a small nod. "Because of that, Lisanna cried a lot. Of course she would… if only Natsu would hear her out."
Gray didn't tear his gaze off from Lucy's eyes. Their eyes locked and neither took the initiative to break eye contact. Lucy's lips slowly trembled and Gray knew of what was to happen. He knows every small bits of detail about Lucy just like this moment… he knows that the Heartfilia is currently holding her tears back. He stood up from his seat, neglecting the questioning stares of his teacher and classmates. All he cared about at this moment is Lucy and how to keep her from crying, how to ease the sadness Lucy was having, how he could be there for the girl he treasures the most.
Lucy tried to speak but to no avail. He stared at Gray's deep black orbs in search of Gray's unspoken words but even before she can totally decipher what his eyes meant, the raven-haired lad took her by the wrist, slumped her into his chest and brought her to a tight embrace while patting her head in a soothing manner.
"Sir, I think Luce here has a fever. Can I bring her to the infirmary please? You know this crybaby. She might whine out loud from severe headaches." He said and Freed nodded in response.
Lucy tried to pull away but the arms that encircled her were too strong for her. "Umm.. I don't really…" And the arms tightened their hold, causing a halt in her statement. Heat made its way to her cheeks and the thumping of her heart increased its phase dramatically.
"Shh…" Gray hushed in a soft tone of voice, his breath hot on her ears. "Let's go?"
The lass shut her eyes closed and took in deep breaths in hopes of calming herself and her loudly beating heart. "O-okay…"
It was a hesitant response but Gray couldn't care less. He inwardly smiled and guided the still confused girl out of the room.
With eyes void of any readable emotions, he turned from the classroom door to the still dark sky. "Heh…" he hummed softly, eyes now half-closed. "So that's how it is…"
Gray's POV
With this, it's the third time, perhaps? Though this one's kind of different than before. At least, it's not because of Lyon this time. Why, Lucy? Why stop yourself from crying when it's you who taught me how to cry when I feel like it without feeling weak and useless? Are Lyon's words THAT important to you?
"So, why bring me to the rooftop again?" Lucy asked after what seemed like hours of silence between us, an amused smile etched on her once glum face.
Maybe just this once…
I gave her an evident smile. "Remember what I told you before?"
"Before…?" And she replied with a questioning look.
"You never have to be a lady in front of me. Just be the crybaby I've always known, Luce. You wanted to cry, no?"
Lucy gasped softly, a hand before her parted lips. "You… brought me here just for that?" She shut her eyes closed and soon she was already crying in my arms. "Thank you… Thank you, Gray. Geez, this is embarrassing…" She said after a while, wiping off the tears she had on her face.
I took her hand away and beamed a smile when she stared at me with confused eyes. "Well, at least you didn't hide them, your tears that is. Remember, it was you who told me to cry whenever I feel like it."
A soft laugh escaped her lips and what came next was the sight I've always adored – her smiling face. I smiled inside once more for this time I'm sure that I was able to ease whatever sadness she was feeling before. This is good enough. Being by her side is good enough for me… really…
Lucy interrupted my mental monologue with her sweet, mellow voice. "I just feel bad for Lisanna. Can Natsu really ignore her like that? It's impossible for me to even imagine but… Levy-chan's not the type to kid around. I wonder what happened. Didn't you tell me he wanted to see her so bad? He's such a kind friend to me so why'd he do that?"
Geez, Lucy. You're too kind to worry about someone you've never even met before. "I don't… really know why either." A dumb lie, Gray. For sure, I know something, even if it's not much especially since Natsu is one reason why I still can't tell Lucy these feelings of mine.
~FLASHBACK~
I slammed a book over the paper I was writing at when Lucy started reading out its contents. I could feel the warmth of her chin against my left shoulder. And believe me, it's driving me crazy! I wouldn't deny that her presence is causing me to blush ten shades of red. "L-Luce? Why are you here? This is my room you know, not Lyon's."
Lucy stood up properly and gave out a pout. "Geez, I know that. I came here to see you." After that, she flashed me a sweet smile.
'I came here to see you.' Damn this loudly beating heart. Don't take it seriously, Gray! She's here to see Lyon as well, ain't that obvious?!
"In any case, what were you doing?" Lucy threw me a question that quickly caught me off-guard. She peeked over my shoulder once more to take a look at the paper I hid under a hard-bound book. "Don't tell me, a love letter?" She teased.
"N-no! It's nothing." I defended as I secretly slid the paper away to a notebook, securing it in one of my drawers.
"Now, lying won't work! I already saw it!" Lucy stated with a proud grin on her face. No way! "It was something like… the sole feeling I could never tell…"
As Lucy was still trying to recall what she just saw. I was mentally cursing myself for being so careless. This is bad. I'm doomed if she finds out about that letter. Dad! Help me in here wherever you are right now! I could feel my heart thumping in anxiety and fear. Oh come on, Luce. Forget about that! I shut my eyes closed and prayed silently only to be surprised by Lucy's laughter.
"Of course I was joking. That's as far as I my eyes could see from my position. You could've seen your reaction!" Lucy said between soft giggles.
I heaved a sigh of relief and turned to Lucy afterwards. "Come here you!" I chased her around the room and tickled her when I finally caught her. "That's what you get for teasing me!"
"Hey! Ahahah! St-stop it, Gray! I give up! I'm sorry!" I smirked at my victory and did what she wanted. We slumped on the floor, still chuckling. "That was fun!" Lucy exclaimed and I just nodded in agreement. "Seriously though, you should just tell me who you like and I'll help you out. No need to write a love letter!"
So that's what it is. "It's not a love letter silly girl!" I stated, well and clear.
"Eh? Then what is it?"
"It's a letter for my dad." Her eyes met mine and we sat there in silence. She can't seem to respond just yet for she knows the topic about my father isn't something you take lightly. Of course she'd understand since we both lost one of our parents. Well, it was me who decided to open it up. Dad, are you helping me with this? "I wanted to tell him about y—"
"Gray! Lyon! Someone's paying you guys a visit!" Ultear's voice echoed, cutting off my words. Tough luck, so much for me telling Lucy even the slightest of my feelings.
"Coming!" I helplessly shouted back to Ultear. Who can it be at such a time? I looked at Lucy, who returned me the look I gave her. "Here, can't stand up on your own?" I teased as I raised out a hand for her.
Lucy gave out a cute pout but took my hand anyway. "Meanie!"
Just as Lucy stood up with my help, a loud thud of someone falling down the stairs startled us. I hurried down and Lucy trailed off from behind. There at the foot of the stairs I saw Lyon slumped on the floor, face first. He didn't seem to notice me since he rushed off to the living room excitedly. Good thing Lucy didn't see him being so uncool like that. She just came in. I fought the urge to laugh when I realized why he's such in a hurry. I grabbed Lucy by the wrist and followed after Lyon.
"What the-? It's just you!" Lyon whined in a voice drained of energy as he slouched himself on a sofa. I knew it. Lucy never paid him a visit before coming to my room. No wonder he thought it was Lucy who came just now. Speaking of which, who is our guest?
I turned my head to the seat across Lyon and a frowning face met my gaze. "Geez, what a nice greeting Lyon! I went through all the trouble of coming here and you tell me 'What the? It's just you!' response?" said a boy whom I now recognize as Natsu. He's quite easy to identify with that pink, spiky hair of his.
"You live right next door." Lyon said monotonously, still in his state of depression. I can't help but laugh aloud, earning the questioning stares of Natsu, Lyon and Ultear who just came in from the kitchen with a tray full of cookies.
Lucy came giggling after me. "Why the long faces Lyon-kun? And..?"
Natsu shot her a glare when she asked for his name. There goes his girl-hating attitude. "Natsu." He coldly replied.
I leaned in closer to Lucy to whisper something. "Don't mind him. He's always been that way since his 'girlfriend' left. To think he was actually a sweet guy before, weird huh?"
Unfortunately, the hot-headed friend of mine heard me. "I don't have a girlfriend! I don't even know that Lisanna-girl!" He shouted defensively.
"Lucy-chii! How long have you been there!" Lyon suddenly butted in, a full smile now plastered on his face. "Why don't you take a seat?" he tapped the empty seat beside him, signalling Lucy to take it.
"Oy, how come when it's me you were like 'It's just you!' then when it's her you were like 'Feel free to stay!'?" Natsu asked in a childish manner. Lyon ignored him while Ultear was laughing like mad. "Tch."
Lucy stepped up and raised a hand for Natsu to take. "You're quite the' friendly' one aren't you? I'm Lucy. Lucy Heartfilia. Nice to meet you!"
At first all Natsu did was stare at her hand accusingly, as if he'd get hurt just by shaking it. Then slowly, he took it with hesitation still evident in his features. "N-Natsu Dragneel."
That was something new. He never shakes hands with any girl, even speaking with them. Lucy sure is different. "Hey, since you're here and all. Let's play a game!" She happily announced. I was fine with it and so were my siblings. Only problem was Natsu, who still had a brow raised. "Come on!" Lucy insisted with a smile, making the young Dragneel to stand up from his seat.
"Just who do you think you are? I don't even know you that we—"
"Let's play tag! You're it!" Lucy cut off his words, leaving him speechless as we all ran away from him. "H-hey! No fair! Wait for me!"
~End of Flashback~
Come to think of it… Maybe it was then when he first opened up once again… all because of Lucy. "On second thought maybe I do know why…" I unconsciously muttered out.
Lucy cocked her head to face me. "Huh? Why what Gray?" Okay Lucy, you never fail to ask the weirdest questions.
"He found his comfort for his wounded heart. And the reason behind that wound in the first place comes back to get in the way just when he's finally realized things. I guess that's his mentality. Or maybe he just can't forgive Lisanna just yet." The way I said it was hard for even me to understand. But I wanted to hide the fact of Natsu liking her as much as possible.
"What?" Thank God, she didn't get it.
"Nevermind, Luce. Let's go." I grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her out of the rooftop. I can tell she's still trying to analyze my words since she's not complaining anymore about being dragged again. She suddenly halted on her steps. I did the same.
"Wait a minute. My phone is ringing." Lucy picked her phone up. I'm guessing it was just a message. I didn't pay much attention to it but then worry filled me. Her face went pale and her hands trembled while her eyes were wide from shock as she stared at the screen of her phone.
I was about to take it when she quickly slid it in her pocket again. "Hey, you okay? What was that all about? You look pale."
"N-nothing." I didn't want to believe her but she gave me a convincing smile. "I'm fine. Don't worry." She assured.
"O-okay." The last I can do is trust her.
To say that he was shocked was an understatement at the sight of Natsu Dragneel inside the room. "Why are you here?!" Gray asked, a little too loudly.
"What? I slept in. Rainy days make me feel so sleepy that I can't get out of bed on time. Why do you look like you've just seen a ghost?" Nastu replied shortly. "Oh, hey there Lucy!" He enthusiastically waved a hand at the blonde behind Gray. "I heard you caught a fever. No wonder you look pale."
Lucy awkwardly smiled in response when Gray gave her an I-told-you-so look. "U-umm… yeah. But I'm fine now really." She squeezed the phone that lay inside her pocket secretly as she forced up a smile. Her eyes then scanned the room in search of one person. "Where's Lisanna?"
The smile Natsu had turned into a thin line. "I don't know. Don't even care."
Lucy's eyes saddened at this. What Levy said was true. 'His eyes… even his voice was cold.' She took her seat and made sure no one was looking before she took hold of her phone once again. She bit her lower lip as the message box read:
'Slut. You could just rot.'
She closed her phone and bit her nails in frustration. "What to do?" she mumbled in a panicky voice.
"Juvia? I've been looking for you." A voice all too familiar for her called out.
She jolted up in surprise and hesitantly turned her head to see Lyon with a worried look. "L-Lyon-kun… you see… Juvia has to tell you something."
Lyon tilted his head to the side slightly and waited for the blue-haired lass to speak up. He stood there in silence; patiently waiting but the words never came. Juvia ran off with what he assumed were tears once more. All he heard was a faint. "Sorry."
Laxus roamed the school grounds alone. He was far too irritated by the girls fawning over him. He never did like any of them, those girls, and he never will ever again. In his deep thought, he didn't have enough time to avoid bumping into a junior. "Hey, watch where you're going!" he exclaimed, somewhat scowling. He paused for a moment when a familiar set of cerulean orbs met his bluish-gray ones. She looked exactly like her, only her silver hair was shorter. "Y-you…" He stammered, still in surprise.
"Aren't you the one who's supposed to watch where you're going?" The lass before her snobbishly replied before turning her back on him.
The blonde saw her wipe a few tears and he can't help but put up smirk. "Weird chick." He didn't know why but something about her got him interested at most for the reason is that… she looks exactly like HER.
-End-
A/N: Yes, yes. I'm very much sorry. It's not that great of a chapter. Gomen T.T I was getting hungry so I rushed up some parts of it. I was actually planning to put in some NaLi and NaLu but forgive me, my GraLu senses got the best of me xD
I hope you don't find some scenes to be out of place. I'm still drained of mental energy it wasn't that long since my college admission test(part of the reason why I couldn't update xD)
Reviews are very much appreciated. And criticisms are accepted. Just please go easy on me.
Thank you for reading this. :') That's it for today, I hope you like it :)
A notice for Eyes of Ice: Ever so Mesmerizing
yeah so I don't really have the mood to think of a better title bear with it please xD heheh but okay, here goes, I think I'll continue it :) expect it by December ;)