WAAAH~! I'm sorry! When did I last updated? I don't know! waaah~! I'm just sorry! But here's chapter 20!

I hope you'll forgive me... T_T

Oh and I want to say a happy birthday to Emil C! :D

hehe,, I hope this comes to everyone's liking! :)

And about Three wishes, well, I'm still working on chapter 2,, Don't worry after my defense I'll update it! :)

WARNING: I did not proofread this. Any mistakes you see, is my fault I know, but please forgive me because I'm still as busy as a bee.

Though I thank all of you for the reviews! It's highly appreciated.

Again, English is my second language and I'm not that good of a writer so I beg for forgiveness if there are wrong spellings or grammar...thank you (I know, I'm always saying this but, well, yea)

Genre: Drama, Family, Friendship, Romance, some Humor, Hurt/ Comfort.

Pairings: GrayXLucy, ErzaXJellal, NatsuXLisanna, GajeelXLevy, LokeXsoon to be revealed?, SeigrainXUltear maybe.

Summary: Gray hates the world for taking his parents away, for making his life miserable. But with his new family, friends and a certain blonde girl, will they make him change the idea about the world? Or will he just hate it even more?

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairytail or any of its characters. I am NOT Hiro Mashima!


CHAPTER 20: I Like You


The night had passed with Lucy still clad in her uniform, curled under the warm comforter, hugging her pillow tightly in her arms. She was woken up by a knock on her bedroom door. Opening her eyes, she shifted and slowly got up, looked at her surroundings before sighing in relief that she was inside her room.

As the heiress of the Heartfilia's, everyone thought, or rather expects Lucy to have a large room that could fit thousands people, but as Lucy wants to live her life, she preferred a small room instead; a small room for an ordinary girl, even though she's not 'ordinary' herself.

The room is just as small as their classroom, filled with books, a single bed with pink covers, bedside tables on each side, with one of them with her lamp shade and the other with her alarm clock. There is a portrait of her with her parents, Layla and James Heartfilia, smiling happily, hanging nicely on the wall just above her bed. Across her bed was a 32-inch flat screen TV hanging as well, below it was one of her many bookshelves that is filled with her favourite novels. On one of the corners of her room was her study table, just on the left side of the TV, with her laptop on top of it and her school and council works, filed up and untouched, beside her school bag. A tall, dark brown closet was placed near her bed and was across her bathroom door. Near the closet was the door to her veranda over-looking a beautiful garden just below it. The room was well conditioned.

"Lucy?" Lucy flinched as she heard a loud concerned voice of someone from behind her bedroom door. God knows how many times she had called for her attention.

"I'm up Ms. Supetto…" Lucy answered as she started to walk towards her bathroom to wash her face.

She twisted the faucet and came rushing the cold water. She positioned her hands together and took some water to splash it on her face. She did it for over three times before she looked at herself in the mirror. Seeing the redness of her eyes with big bugs under it, she became confused. Why does my face look like this? She thought while examining her face more, and then realization sank in. She stiffened remembering what had happened yesterday. Her hands travelled downward and clench it into a fist while her blonde locks shadowing her eyes. Why? She asked herself repeatedly, but no matter how many times she asked it to herself, she can't figure out why he did that to her.

HE had promised that he's going, well he didn't really promised but it still perked Lucy's spirit up hearing him say he will go. But then why didn't he? Was he mad or just simply making her mad? But why?

"Lucy, breakfast is ready." She heard Ms. Supetto said again from behind her bedroom door, knocking at the same time. Again, Lucy flinched at the concerned voice. She thanked God that Ms. Supetto was there to wake her up, be it when she's sleeping or daydreaming. What's the use of her alarm clock anyways? Oh yea. She just jumped on her bed after coming home from school, forgetting to set the alarm.

"Yes, Ms. Supetto! I'm just going to take a shower then I'll be right there!" Lucy yelled so she can be heard for she was still inside the bathroom.

She sighed and forced herself to just ignore and forget what had happened yesterday. Thinking about it won't get her anywhere, anyways. Restraining herself from crying, she took her clothes off and took a shower.

She did her morning routines before going down to have breakfast. Opening the door to the dining area, she didn't believe her eyes. Is she still dreaming or is she hallucinating?

"Dad?" Lucy said, surprised.

"Oh Lucy. Good, you're awake. Come on, let's have breakfast." Her father said putting away the newspaper in his hands and waving at Lucy to come over.

Shocked, Lucy walked towards her father and seated herself at the left side of the table.

"Why are you still here Dad?" Lucy asked confused, well aware that her father was always leaving early in the morning.

"What are you talking about?" Her father answered, as if he didn't know what she's talking about, while sipping coffee from his cup. Lucy blinked at her father before smiling sweetly, even though she didn't know why her father was being like this. Despite the fact that he's busy, he still tried his best to be a father to her. They ate peacefully, telling stories that made both of them smile.

After eating, Lucy said her goodbyes to her father and their staff. He offered her to ride with him in their car but she refused. She said that she wanted to experience what ordinary people feels; walking to school and studying in a public school were two of the many others.

Looking at the retreating back of his daughter, James sighed and smiled but then his reason for staying with her for breakfast has something to do with her. Yesterday, seeing her running upstairs without even saying 'I'm home' made him worried. Lucy was never like this before, except maybe when her mother and Plue died.

He wanted to make her happy. He wanted to be a father to her. He wanted to make her feel that she still has a father to rely on, lean on and tell problems with. Seeing her happy face this morning made him realized that Lucy truly loves him, that she wanted attention coming from him. But, what was the reason why Lucy acted like that yesterday after coming home from school? School? Wait, does she have problems concerning school? Or is it something else? He asked himself. And most importantly, why am I asking this to myself? Why didn't I ask her earlier? He thought again and sighed. "I guess, I don't know how to ask her about it. Sigh. I wish she'll be alright…" he muttered, concern evident in his voice, walking towards his car with his driver and bodyguard.

..ooOoo..

Lucy got to school and had completely forgotten about what happened yesterday. As she was walking towards her classroom, she was spotted by the ever so lively Levy and Lisanna.

"Lu-chan!" yelled Levy and Lisanna.

"Hey guys!" Lucy smiled and waited for them to catch up.

As the two of them reached Lucy, Levy nudges her playfully with one of her eyebrows wiggling. "Soooo…how was the makeup class yesterday…with Gray…?" said Levy emphasizing Gray's name.

Lucy stiffened. She looked away and didn't answer the question quickly. Now she regret telling Levy all about her childhood.

Lucy's smile faltered and she creased her face slightly. Why is the world treating her differently these past few days? She just happened to forgot about 'him' and the thing that happened yesterday, this morning. So why did it have to come back to her soon? She sighed. I guess this is what happened if you're 'their' friend. Why didn't I think of this? They're my friends for a long time! I should have known! She thought.

She smiled, or rather forced a smile before answering.

"Good…it went well…thanks for asking…" Lucy said and turned to walk away. Levy and Lisanna exchanged looks. 'Something is definitely wrong!' Lisanna whispered. Levy nodded and told Lisanna that they should leave her alone for now, that something must have happened yesterday for her to act like that.

"I'm going to the council room ok!" Lucy yelled, back facing the two, who was still thinking of what have caused Lucy to be saddened like that. Upon hearing 'council room', images of a sulking Erza flashed in Levy's and Lisanna's minds. Remembering what happened last Monday, the two called Lucy before she could turn to walk towards the stairs.

"Lucy! We have something to tell you!" Lisanna called and ran towards Lucy, with Levy beside her. Lucy, who was having second thoughts if she is going to listen further to her crazy friends (who she thought was teasing her) or will just keep on walking and pretend that she never heard them because she's not in the mood for their 'antics', sighed and decided to just look back. If they kept on teasing her, she will just ignore them. But as Lucy saw them looking worried and sorry at the same time, her bored and cold expression (that she's having unconsciously), turned soft. She can't let her friends worry about her.

"What is it?" Lucy asked looking confused.

"Well, you see, Erza is a little grumpy and depressed." Levy said. So it's not about me? And it's about Erza? Lucy tilted her head slightly and raised an eyebrow to show confusion. Seeing her confused face, Lisanna continued.

"Jellal…" she said. And as what Lisanna and Levy did after hearing Mira's somewhat-barely-called an 'explanation', Lucy's mouth formed an 'o' and nodded, understanding the situation. Lucy looked at them and the look she's having told them to continue. So they explained everything. And by every word they uttered, Lucy's confused face turned into a frown.

"But he was just talking to a girl…" Lucy said, putting her right hand on her waist.

"That's the point…'she' saw them. And the girl was making goo-goo eyes and was all over 'him'…" Levy ended emphasizing the words SHE and HIM, with matching air quotes. Lucy sighed and nodded.

"So the point of this conversation is…" Lisanna said but didn't get to finish because of Lucy's sharp sense of capturing and understanding the situation.

"To not speak of Jellal while Erza's around and since I'm the only one, except for Erza and Mira, that is closer to Jellal, I have to make him talk, right?" Lucy asked. Well, as expected of Lucy.

..ooOoo..

Lucy was in stupor. She continued her walk towards the council room and her talk with Levy and Lisanna a while ago was forgotten and was replaced by one thing, or should I say someone. Who else? Gray…

As she got to the council room, she stopped and opened the door silently, snapping out of her stupor. She closed the door behind her before looking around the room and there she saw a guy with blue hair and a weird tattoo across his right eye. The guy's arms and legs are crossed while his eyes were staring blankly at the ceiling, not noticing Lucy's arrival.

"Jellal…what are you doing here? Classes are about to start." Lucy said, walking towards the said guy. Jellal snapped out of his deep thought and stared at Lucy, surprised.

"Lucy…Oh I was just…" Jellal stopped and looked down, mentally asking himself of what he's doing, then looking up again to see the concerned face of Lucy before smiling and continuing his unfinished statement. "…thinking. I just want to be alone."

"Oh! I'm sorry! I'm just going to drop this here then I'll take my leave." Lucy said as she quickly went to her desk to put her things there until Jellal chuckled. She looked back at him.

"It's fine. And no need to say sorry." Jellal smiled at her. Lucy blushed. Jellal really is a kind and handsome guy. Lucy thought.

Lucy had a tiny crush on Jellal. I repeat, HAD! Well, you can't blame her! Jellal was just…Jellal. Kind, sweet, funny and handsome. Most of the girls wanted him but his eyes are already set. He's only looking at Erza and Lucy had accepted that. He was just like a big brother to her now but, you can't change the fact that he's sweet so blushing is normal. He's just as popular as the other three, and by three I mean Loke, Natsu and Gray.

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Gray…

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The thought of him made Lucy sad again but because of the thought about Gray, she remembered what Levy and Lisanna told her earlier. She snapped out of her trance and looked at Jellal intensely, making the said guy quiver slightly.

"Jellal, what are you doing here, sulking?" Lucy began her 'interrogation'. Jellal flinched and looked down once again.

"Someone's mad at me. I don't know why though. She's been avoiding me since yesterday." Jellal said with a sad smile.

"And by someone, you mean Erza right?" Lucy asked, already knew the answer. Jellal's eyes widen.

"How did you?" he said and realized that she's Mira's friend (and you know Mira) and just sighed in defeat. "…yes." He finally confessed.

"What did you do exactly?" Lucy asked, slowly making Jellal remember what happened that is the cause of Erza's unusual behaviour towards Jellal.

"I told you, I don't know. She just suddenly ignored me, or rather avoid." He said, a hint of depression in his tone. Lucy sighed, she should do the direct approach.

"Okay, so then tell me why you talked to a girl who's obviously making goo-goo eyes AND was practically all over you?" Lucy asked, crossing her arms in front of her chest. Jellal stared at Lucy in wonder. "How did you know that?" he asked.

"Let's just say, I have my source. Now going back to my question." She said waving her hands as she walked towards Jellal and seated herself beside him. Jellal sighed.

"Well, I was on my way towards the faculty office when my phone rang, it was Seig by the way, then he told me that he needed my help so I told him to wait until I discussed everything with the teacher about the makeup class that I promised you. But, you know Seig, he's such a persistent guy. He will never stop until you do what he say." Jellal explained. Lucy, upon hearing this, saddened. That makeup class again. She has to say sorry to Jellal once she helped him with his problem with Erza. And Jellal continued.

"So I looked around and I saw that girl, now that I think about it I never asked her name…anyways, I called her and told her everything about the makeup class. She told me that she'll do it for me. I was grateful, so I smiled at her but then she suddenly changed; from a kind looking girl to an assertive one. SHE COULD'VE EVEN KILL ME TO DEATH IF I DIDN'T STOP HER FROM TACKLING ME! Honestly! What did I do to make her like that?" Jellal asked, shivering at the memory. Sometimes, love can make you an idiot for not noticing other feelings rendered to you by someone else. Lucy shook her head.

"You know Jellal, just explain everything to her and everything will be alright. I know she'll understand." Lucy said tapping Jellal's quivering shoulders. Jellal looked at her with a baffled look. "Who would I explain it to?" he asked. Lucy felt a vein popping and furiously throbbing in her forehead. She exasperatedly stood up in front of Jellal.

"HONESTLY JELLAL! Why haven't you noticed it? She's JEALOUS after seeing you with that girl! Sigh. Look, you and Erza are perfect for each other! You should court her already!" Lucy said towering Jellal. The sudden change of moods of girls will never be comprehended by Jellal. But he doesn't know how to respond to that statement. Seconds later, he realized that he's been found out.

"WAIT! You knew? And she's jealous?" he asked, totally surprised.

"YES! In fact, everyone does! Erza must be the only one dense enough not to notice it! And yes she's jealous. Can't you figure it out yourself?" Lucy said, seating herself again in her previous seat. Jellal blinked then looked at Lucy; the latter looked back and realized she lost her cool and blushed.

"I'm sorry…I shouldn't have said that!" Lucy said, looking away, embarrassed at her actions. Jellal chuckled again and reached his left hand to Lucy's cheek and pinched it. Lucy winced, she glared at Jellal while holding her sore cheeks. "What was that for?" she yelled and hit Jellal's shoulder rather painfully. Jellal just laughed at Lucy's reaction. She was just plain entertaining. Lucy pouted; being laughed at when she's being serious is the last thing she wants.

Seeing her annoyed expression, Jellal suppressed his laugh and smiled at her. "I'm sorry. It's just that you're cute when you're blushing," Jellal said, making the pouting Lucy blush again. "Thank you Lucy…you're a great friend. But I guess I have to settle the misunderstanding first before courting her, I guess." He continued before standing, confusing Lucy. Jellal looked at Lucy again. "But before settling anything, I think we should get to our classrooms already. The bell will be ringing soon." Jellal said and was about to go out of the classroom when Lucy remembered something, so she called Jellal's attention again before looking down.

Jellal looked at her, waiting for her to say what she wanted to tell him. "I'm sorry…" she said. Jellal sighed.

"I told you it's–"

"I cancelled the makeup class yesterday…" Lucy said cutting Jellal off; the latter was shocked. Why would Lucy cancel something important for her? "It's ok but, why did you do that? Did something happen?" Jellal asked worried.

"No, well at least there's nothing wrong with me but, I couldn't let sensei teach me alone." Lucy stated. "Alone?" Jellal asked.

"Gray…didn't attend." She trailed off. At the mention of Gray's name, Jellal remembered something.

"Ah, yes, he did not attend." Jellal muttered but was loud enough for Lucy to hear. She looked up at Jellal in surprise. "You knew?" she asked. Jellal flinched.Oh-oh! What excuse will I make? No one should tell anything to anyone about Mira's plan! Jellal thought, sweatdropping. Then his face lit up.

"YES! He…uhm…went home early! Yea that's right! He said…uhm…there's something important that he had to attend to!" Jellal answered.

And as soon as he said this, the bell rang, making the two of them flinch. "I-I guess we should be going…" Jellal said walking ahead. He sighed in relief. I couldn't let Mira be angrier at me, could I? Though I hope Lucy believed me. Jellal thought. Lucy followed suit but she's still embarrassed by the fact that she cancelled the makeup class, that Jellal even got problems with Erza because of it. Even though Jellal didn't mind it, it still bugs her.

..ooOoo..

It lunch break and Lucy was on her way back to their classroom from the council room after getting the things she needs for her next class.

On her way, someone called her from afar. She turned around to see Loke, running towards her. She waited for him and looked around to see if a certain someone was with him. Finding out that 'he's' not with Loke, Lucy sighed in relief.

"Hey there, Princess!" Loke greeted smiling, Lucy somewhat returned the smile even though she hated to be called names other that her name.

"Hey…" she greeted back.

"Why are you on your own? Where's Levy?" Loke asked.

"She's in the cafeteria…and I already ate lunch." She said, once she saw Loke was about to ask her why she's not eating with Levy. She giggled when she saw how Loke reacted to this. "So where are you going?" Loke asked.

"Classroom…" she answered simply.

"Here…let me help you!" Loke said taking the books Lucy was holding. She was about to take it back when Loke sent her his reassuring smile that Lucy had only seen him use it once before. She doesn't know why but she smiled in return.

Loke walked Lucy to her classroom while talking to her, making her feel comfortable around him. But Loke has other intentions why he's being like this. He stopped walking.

"Lucy…" Lucy was taken aback hearing this coming from Loke. Why is he suddenly calling me by my name? she thought and stopped as well, looking back at Loke.

"Do you…?" Loke said, having second thoughts if he's gonna ask it or not.

"Do I…what?" Lucy urged him to continue.

"Do you perhaps…do you like Gray?" Loke asked. His eyes showed worry and hurt. Lucy's eyes widen. She stood frozen. Her heart is beating fast. How will she respond?

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She needs to lie…she had to…

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She clenched her fist and looked at Loke. She raised one of her eyebrows and scoffed. "What are you saying? Who would like that kind of guy? Psh…" she said and walked ahead. She didn't see how relieved Loke was after hearing that. He catches up to her and continued their previous walk. It seems convincing to me. But why would Levy say that Lucy likes Gray? But hearing it coming from Lucy herself, I'm relieved. It's good that I didn't agree with her… Loke thought.

Flashback

"You like Lucy but, she likes Gray. What will you do? I can help you, you know?" Alice smirked.

Loke spun to look at her. "Why would you help me?" Loke asked.

"Well, let's just say that I don't like them together…so, are you going to accept my offer?" Alice said, flirtatiously.

Loke scoffed "No thank you…I can do it on my own…" he said and walked away leaving Alice surprise. She scowled turning towards her classroom as well.

End of Flashback

"Loke!" Loke flinched at the mention of his name. He looked to his side and saw a worried Lucy.

"Hey, are you alright? Why were you quiet? Did I say something wrong?" Lucy asked. Loke smiled at this.

"Nothing…but were you worried? AWW~! That's so touching Lucy. I didn't know you cared for me so much~!" Loke teased. Lucy blushed and her books from Loke's grasp and stick her tongue out.

"HMP! This is my classroom…thank you for walking me here! See you around!" Lucy said and went inside the classroom. Loke was astounded. Why didn't Lucy counter what he said?This is a development! He thought and smiled by himself, walking to the cafeteria.

Little did he know that Lucy looked back at him and smiled as well. He's cute and nice. I didn't know that underneath Loke's flirtatious attitude there's still some goods in him…just like Gray… She thought. Then she stiffened. Her smile was replaced by a scowl.

"UHG!" she screamed in frustration. "DAMN THAT GUY! WHY CAN'T HE LEAVE ME ALONE? UHG!"

Noticing that the once noisy classroom had quieted down she looked up only to see the surprised faces of her classmates, who chose to eat inside their classroom. She smiled nervously at them. "Hey, how's it going?" Lucy asked and walked towards her desk and buried her blazing face on her folded arms. She then noticed that there was a notebook that wasn't hers. She looked at it and flipped the cover to see if she can find the owners name in it. Loke… she thought.

Lucy stood up and went after Loke.

..ooOoo..

"Loke!" Someone called. Loke looked back and saw Gray. He sent him death glares and Gray was taken aback.

"What do you want?" Loke asked, sternly.

Everyone from the hallway looked at the two best friends, wondering why they were arguing. Everybody whispered different stories to each other, making rumours of why Gray and Loke were fighting. They stopped for a moment to hear what Gray was about to say.

"Look! I don't know what made you like this to me but, I'm sorry! If this was about last Monday then I'm telling you, it's not a date! Lucy is just a friend and she will never be someone special to me!" Gray explained. Everyone gasped and started whispering again. Once Loke eyes widen, everyone halts what they're whispering about and were covering their mouths while others smirked. Gray saw this and noticed everyone, including Loke, was looking at something. Gray turned around and his eyes went wide as well. There, behind him, stood a surprised Lucy.

(Silence)

Lucy bit her lower lip. No Lucy! Don't you dare cry! She mentally said.

"L-Lucy…" Gray said, not really know what to say. His heart felt like breaking and his hands started quivering.Why am I being like this? Gray thought. He doesn't know why but he felt like he needs to explain everything he just said to Lucy.

"U-Uhm…Loke, you forgot this…" Lucy said. Loke went to her side and took the notebook from her shaking hands.She's shaking? Loke asked himself.

"Lu–"

"Lucy!" Gray said cutting Loke off. Lucy flinched. She was avoiding him but fate was against it. Gray walked towards her and grabbed her shoulders, making her look at him.

"Lucy, I'm sorry! I'm sorry for not attending yesterday. Something came up so I went home after class." Yea, nice lie Gray… Gray and Loke thought.

"Yea, J-Jellal, told me that already…" Lucy answered and looked down. Gray sighed; he gathered up all his courage and looked at Lucy determinedly. He needs to do this, or else he'll lose someone he considered important to him.

"Lucy…" Gray started. Lucy didn't even twitch at the mention of her name. Gray sighed again before he continued.

"I like you…" he said that made Lucy and Loke looked up to him, surprised.

..ooOoo..


I FINISHED IT BEFORE MARCH 3! I'm happy! This is my birthday present to myself! :) I hope you'll like it! :)

So how was it?

tell me all about it!

Ja'ne