Chapter 5

Lucy's POV

I didn't ditch school after that day. I kept going up the rooftop, hoping that someone would be there. I smacked myself on the head. No…not him…

But embarrassingly, yea. It was him. That Natsu guy. He never appeared after the first day encounter—to my disappointment.

Wait, what am I saying? I kicked myself. I settled into my desk as the bell rang, signaling lunch time. Only a few students remained in the classroom as others ventured out. I saw Gray, who was tackled by a blue-haired chick. A handsome guy with orange hair was bickering with her. Guess not today.

I flipped through my backpack and pulled out Maze Runner. This should be interesting.

"Lucy? The blonde chick? She's in our class A right?" I heard a nearby brunette mutter. I held up my book higher to conceal my face. I braced myself for rumor attacks.

"They're lies." Natsu echoed in my head. I loosened and relaxed. Right. Why should I care? I went back into Maze Runner, and to my embarrassment, it was upside-down. I quickly flipped it around and read.

"Oh yea, she's really pretty." A girl piqued. My ears perked up. Pretty? My face flushed in embarrassment.

"But damn violent. Look at that dent she made." I rotated my orbs over, scowling at the dent. Mr. Butternuggets didn't bother with my dent for some reason. He seemed to pass and wave it over, like it was normal. It became my territorial marking for my seat somehow, and no one dared to sit on my desk. Except Gray who occasionally escaped from his friends and talked with me.

I wanted to say something, but I pressed the book against my face to shut myself up.

"Well…" Pause. "That was because of Gray. He wasn't very sensitive. I mean I would've been surprised too."

Whoever you are, I love you.

"But not enough to smash the wall out three inches."

Whoever you are, I hate you. I felt my mouth move. No! Not today! Please!

"Cana.." the other girl began as I mentally scribbled her name on my blacklist, "maybe that's just Lucy. But you know, with her strength, I sometimes wonder why she doesn't join a sport."

Cana snorted, "Maybe bad sportsmanship?" A tick mark appeared on my forehead.

"Maybe she's poor?"

"She's the daughter of Jude Heartfilia, Levy."

"Well….I…" She helplessly mumbled. Noooo! Don't give up for me, Levy!

"See? Bad tops good."

Levy mumbled something incomprehensible. I sighed and almost dejectedly slouched in my seat. So close.

"Then why do you act so guilty? Running away. Staying silent. That's worse."

God damn it. His voice kept popping up in my head. I furrowed my eyebrows. But he had a point. I wasn't guilty. Even though the dent was a little too much. I didn't join sports because I forgot to turn in the application. Because of my reputation, I doubted that anyone would accept my late form.

"Then just say it," I mumbled. A few people near me glanced at me surprised. I whipped my head around in embarrassment, trying to cover it up by reading the words in the book. They seemed satisfied and went back to their conversation.

"Oh hey Lisanna!" I unclenched it. Too late. Another person arrived.

"Hey Levy, Cana." A soft voice greeted them. Pretty voice…I felt a little jealous.

"Lisanna," Levy wailed, "help me in this debate." I raised my eyebrow behind the book. Realizing I hadn't flipped one page, I purposely skimmed through a few pages and finally rested on one.

"Cana, don't bully Levy," she chided, "but what is the debate about?"

"I'm trying to prove to her that Lucy has a good heart. But she keeps stomping on my reasons…"

"Oh." I felt all three of their stares bore into me. My book deflected it. Oh god…. I suddenly wished the ground would swallow me. "I never talked to her, so I can't judge her haha."

"Yea…just use the first day event and the rumors as your evidence," the brunette snorted. I bristled a little, clenching my teeth.

"Rumors are lies most of the time, Cana…And you can't judge her by one day.."

Another name to add to my ok list. Lisanna.

"Yea…hey, why don't you talk to her, Levy? Prove yourself." I panicked. The Levy girl was coming over? Oh gosh. No. No. No. No.

I sensed a pause. Maybe she won't? I felt a mixture of relief and disappointment.

"Ok, I will!" she seemed determined. Panic now. What do I say? Oh god! My stupid mouth! No!

"Running away. Staying silent. That's worse."

SHUT UP! Even though Natsu's advice made sense in this scenario, I couldn't. That guy. Geez. I furiously stomped him out of my brain.

"Lucy?"

I lowered my book, just enough to reveal my eyes.

"Uhm…uh…" she seemed lost. I took a brief look at Cana and Lisanna. Cana was a very curvaceous girl, to my disappointment. She was beautiful as her brown wavy hair fell gracefully down to her stomach. Lisanna was simple. She was slender and had short white hair.

"…Welll…uhh…" I looked back at Levy. She was slender too, but was completely flat-chested. Her blue hair was short, and her bangs were held back by a bright bandana. She continued at a loss, "ahh…well…Lucy…uhm….."

Levy. She was the first girl who stood up for me. I lowered my head.

"Staying silent. That's worse." …..

I'll trust you on that one, Natsu…

Cana snorted. "See? She won't talk to you."

Lisanna began, "Wait Levy…Maybe it's not a good time to bother Lucy…"

I slammed my hands on the desk. That's it. I can't take it anymore.

The other students who were bickering fell silent. I'm brave. I can do it.

"Sorry for not responding. Thank you for standing up for me Levy. It was brave of you despite all those stupid rumors about me. Thank you too Lisanna." My legs wobbled. "Cana, I'm sorry that you are frightened by me from what other people say. I'm not a slut. People only say that because of my…this. Yea you get the idea. I'm rich, but I live separately from my father…" Wait, don't say everything!

"…I work really hard to earn good grades because I wish to continue on my father's company. I would never ask him to bribe the teachers for me…." This is scary…no one's talking..

"…The first day, I had trouble controlling my anger. I'm sorry. Gray had surprised me, but it wasn't his fault. In fact, I was really happy to hear him offer. But I'm not good at dealing with people…" They'll think I'm a creep now…

"…I have communication troubles. I don't know why. Nothing traumatic really happened to me. My mother suddenly disappeared, and my dad remarried somewhere else. He tried to force me to go with him to study at Sabertooth Academy, but I refused…" Stop!

Two sides. Is that what he meant. I let out a shaky breath. Maybe I have to let my mouth talk.

"…I have this stupid problem where my body reacts before my mind. I was scared of talking to people because of it. And so, I was known as a cold person. My violent acts that sometimes spilled out gave me the loner, aggressive picture. I'm really sorry. I think I am a jerk. I'm sorry for being one all those years." I bowed.

No one said a word.

I dropped my book as tears threatened to emerge. I'm terrible. I definitely said too much…There's no second chance for me…Standing up, I headed for the door. No one will stop me. It's impossible…even Levy, who tried her best…..

I was halfway across the room until a small hand grasped my wrist. I turned around, surprised. It was Levy. "Uhm…nice to meet you too, Lucy. You're not a jerk. You seem nice to me still…OH! I'm Levy McGarden, and I like Maze Runner too…In fact, I just like to read, and I like the color blue. I love banda—OUCH!"

Behind her, Cana appeared, holding the calculus book she hit Levy with. "Idiot. You're spouting nonsense too."

Levy whimpered in reply. Cana sighed as she eyed me. "I'm Cana." After a moment's pause, she looked the other direction, looking red. "Sorry. I know you were listening."

"EHHH?! You were?" Levy looked at me with round eyes. "Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry, Lucy!"

"You idiot. We were practically two desks away." Cana averted her gaze back to me. "I just wanted to see how you would react. It was wrong of me to provoke you. I'm really sorry."

My knees wobbled a little.

"Hi Lucy. My name's Lisanna." A musical voice flowed behind Levy, and she smiled at me. To our surprise, the remaining students in the classroom came over.

"Hey, you're Lucy right?"

"Is it true? You're the daughter of the Heartfilia company? Wow…I'm jealous."

A red-headed girl faced me and formally took out a hand. It was the representative of our class. "I'm Erza." When I didn't respond, she awkwardly took my hand and shook it for me. I didn't care about her awkwardness though. Oh god…

Is it really happening?

Levy pouted at Cana. "See? Lucy isn't a bad person. She's nice!"

"Whatever, shrimp." And earned a scowl from the slender girl. This wasn't happening. But it is…

"Hehe. You guys are cute arguing." Lisanna's laugh chimed through. Her eyes then looked worriedly at me. "Lucy? Lucy? Are you alright?"

"Running away."

"…Lucy?"

I burst into tears. Gasps appeared around me. But I didn't care. I just wanted to cry out my heart until I die.

"I'm sorry! I cry easily! Don't look at me! I can't look like—wahhhhh!" I wailed.

"LUCY?! OH GOD, ARE YOU OK? WHAT DID WE SAY?"

"SOMEONE GET THE TISSUES!"

"I'M ON IT!"

"RESPOND TO ME, LUCY! WHAT HAPPENED? DID SOMEONE HURT YOU?!"

I continued crying.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The lunch bell rang. As I waved goodbye to everyone, I settled in my own seat, content. My tears had dried up, and my face remained normal because of Erza's advice.

I ran the names through my head. Levy. Cana. Lisanna. Erza. Mavis. Michelle.

I contemplated them as I took a quick peek at Mr. Butternuggets, who was still dragging through a world history lesson. Safe.

Erza was a bit awkward, but she was still better than me. And she was beautiful with her long, luscious scarlet hair draping over her shoulders. She was elegant and refined. And popular enough to win the votes as a student council and a class representative. I envied her.

Mavis was cute. She had a lighter shade of blonde than me. But she was super cute and fun-sized. What made me curious was the wings she wore on her ears. They looked like cat ears. But she was funny and adorable. I let out a small sigh.

Michelle. She was mysterious. Her hair edged between blonde and brown. She looked like a doll almost, fragile. But she greeted me with politeness and was the first to hand me tissues. Somehow, I felt a small connection to her. Odd.

Wait is this normal? I'm so creepy! Who runs a profile description of other people? Gahhh!

"Mavis Vermillion. How long do you plan to space out?"

"Uh ah. Sorry Mr. B. Wahhhh…"

"Idiot." I heard Cana mutter under her breath. The class rumbled with quiet laughter.

"List me the four Congress of Vienna meetings and describe each one, Miss Vermillion." Mr. Butternuggets impatiently tapped the side of his desk with a pen.

"Eeehhhhh?

And that was how we spent the remainder of our period.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Ding! Ding! Ding!

"Mr. Butternuggets is a poop." Mavis whined as she hugged Cana by the waist. I tried to hide my laughter at their height. Cana was like the mom as Mavis was like the child. I focused on putting away my textbooks and placing the needed notebooks into my bag.

"And you're an idiot. Like usual," she muttered.

"Hey guys! Wanna get some crepes? A new shop opened nearby!" Levy danced.

"Yea!"

"Sure. I sort of wanted to try that place. With idiots." She earned two scowls.

"I have…somewhere to go…" The scarlet teenager blushed, matching the color of her hair.

"Ehhh? What's happening? Cram school?"

"..No…" she managed to squeeze out.

Cana rolled her eyes. "It's him right?"

"Asgwrgaoh," Erza garbled and covered her hands. She peeked through her fingers and finally admitted, "Yea…."

Squeals erupted. "OH MY GOSH! WHO ASKED WHO OUT?!"

She looked away. "…Him.."

"CONGRATULATIONS!"

"I'M SO HAPPY!"

"I SHIP IT! JELLAL AND ERZA! SITTING IN A TREE! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Levy sang as others joined her.

I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Erza even though I laughed along with others. I didn't know Jellal, even though he was in our class, but I knew he was a quiet student who studied well. He must be nice then…

Alright, done packing. I heaved the bag onto my shoulders and headed out the classroom.

"…COMES MARRIAGE. THEN COMES LOVE! THEN COMES A BAB—WAIT LUCY! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"

I turned around, surprised to see them all stare at me. "Home?"

"You can't come for crepes?" Lisanna looked sad. "You have to though. It's our celebration of you becoming our friend."

"Yea! Come!"

"Dork. You're supposed to say yes." Cana said, boring her eyes into me. I gulped. But the others seemed unaware.

"Pweaase comeee!" Mavis's eyes shone like stars. I backed away a little. Me? Go with them? But…

"OK IT'S DECIDED! LUCY'S COMING! YAY!" Levy announced. Everyone cheered except the dumbfounded me.

What if he's there?

XXXXXXXXXX

I silently opened the door, tip-toeing my way inside the house. Virgo didn't come greet me. Strange. I looked around. No one. Breathing a sigh of relief, I walked in normally and headed for the spiraling stairs.

"Why are you late?" A deep voice boomed.

"Eep!" I froze in my tracks and looked over at the shadows. A looming figure appeared and stepped in the light. It was my dad, Jude Heartfilia.

"I asked, why are you late?" His voice was laced with coldness. "You're supposed to return home immediately."

I quivered a little at the sight of him. No, you can do it Lucy. "What are you doing here?" I attempted, trying to mimic my dad's coldness.

He seemed offended. "This is my house. I can enter it any time I want."

"You left it. I stayed to take care of it. It's my house."

His eyes narrowed at me. "I pay for it."

"I care for it." This is so awkward. Hurry up and go home. I don't want to see you.

"In this world, it doesn't matter about your petty love for it. Only money matters." Why would you say that…?

"But you still shouldn't forget about this house."

"And why shouldn't I? Move into my mansion, Lucy. You'll be able to attend Sabertooth Academy there."

Each second of the clock ticked slower than before. I felt my legs shake in fear. It's my father. I shouldn't be….

"No, I'm waiting for mom."

The next moment, I was sprawled across the ground with a stinging pain on my right cheek. I looked back at him. His eyes pierced into me, full of bitterness. "You little…"

As calm as I could be, I steadied myself upwards. "Please leave. Your presence is not welcome inside."

Silence. I prevented myself from meeting him in the eye. The bitterness shook me with fear. I heard heavy breathing. He's mad…

Then a vase crashed on impact with the ground. I winced at the sound. He had thrown it on the ground.

"Next time, I won't accept such indecent behavior. Never talk about your mother. Ever again. She disappeared for good," he spat out. I heard him whip out the door. Then silence again.

My legs quivered and gave out. I laughed shakily as I trudged my way upstairs.

XXXXX Natsu's POV XXXXX

I walked into the black and white office, its elegant design aweing me. A woman in her mid-twenties sat in her office chair, casually spinning it. She then spotted me and smiled. "Natsu!" She leapt out of her chair and hugged me. I responded to the embrace.

The guide awkwardly stood there. Minerva looked at her and used her hand to wave it back. "You're dismissed. Thank you, Flare."

She bowed, her loose red hair strands draping down. Then she left.

Minerva turned her attention back to me. "Natsu!"

"I think you already said that," I commented, causing her to chuckle. I then walked over to her stack of papers. Fuji project….Venice…Petersburg… My eyes scanned over the names.

"Oh yes, I needed your advice for the Venice project. The Raven company is willing to exchange their leather to us for a decent price."

I raised an eyebrow. "That easily?"

"Yes. It really does seem easy." She handed me the packet of terms. "Here are their terms."

I took it from her. I then looked at Minerva. "Their popularity is still lower than ours? Why aren't they wagging their tail at the Heartfilia company?"

"Yes. I heard some corruption was growing between the leadership staff members. Even though Jude had fired them." She shrugged. "Maybe they're after our reputation then, if they're not going to them. Better for us."

"Mmm." I looked back at the papers. "It should be fine. They don't realize that by selling us their leather, we're benefitting more than them, product-wise. Their leather is of great quality. They'll only gain reputation for helping the Orlando company."

"Isn't that stupid of them?"

"Well, it's reputation. If they have a good one, they can last longer. It's better for the latter." I handed her back the terms, to which she tossed aside. She walked over and snaked her arms around my shoulders. Woah woman…

"Natsu…." she cooed.

"Hmm?"

"Let yourself be known to public. This is your company…" she murmured as she stroked my cheek. I thoughtfully looked at the plant behind her. A small cockroach scuffled below a leaf.

"You forget Minerva. This is our company. You can run it by yourself publicly." I simply replied.

"But..it's not fair…. I'm doing the work of two people…"

I looked down into her coal-black eyes. Her eyelids glimmered cerulean in contrast with her olive eyes. Nice color choice for your tone…but it stands out too much…just leave it at the eyeliner. Calmly, I raised both of my hands to her wrists, grabbed them, and pulled them away from my neck.

"Sucks to be you eh?" I laughed, earning a small scoff. She spun around and walked to her chair, settling in it.

"You worked hard. This should be your company."

"You're forgetting."

She rolled her eyes. "This should be OUR company."

"Minerva. It's your company. I don't want to be in the spotlight."

She sighed. "Whatever. Work your little part-timer jobs. Does Makarov know?"

I shook my head.

Another sigh. "You're dismissed, Mr. Dragneel."

"Thank you, Miss Minerva," I mockingly bowed. She laughed and shooed me away with her hand. Grinning, I exited out the room, only to see Flare waiting.

"Holy crap woman, you're creepy."

She ignored the comment and glowered at me. "Treat Miss Minerva right," she quietly hissed.

I raised an eyebrow. "I think I'm a complete gentleman." A scream was heard in Minerva's office. Oh yea, the roach.

Flare worriedly looked at her office and returned to me with a glare. "What did you do?!"

"Nothing." I held up my hands innocently. Then I scratched my head. "Might be a bug problem." I proceeded to walk down the hallway with Flare mentally shooting bullets at my back. I ran a hand through my hair, remembering it was gelled. I now had a dark gray suit with a pink tie that matched my hair. Casually, I walked past the workers.

"Thank you for visiting, Mr. Dragneel."

"Please come again, Mr. Dragneel."

"Thank you, Mr. Dragneel."

"Please come back. You are a valued customer."

"Thank you, Mr. Dragneel."

Polite smiles everywhere.

I walked past them even though I grimaced inside. Quickly, I exited out to a bridge that connected Orlando and Saber Hotel together.

Weirdos…