Chapter 5! Alright! Things will hopefully be heating up soon. (Honestly, I'm not really sure how I'm going to take this story. I have a few ideas with how I want it to go, and I'm not sure which one I want to choose.) Still hope that you all enjoy the story!

Invitation

Chapter 5

"Lucy! I've been hearing rumors that you've begun to hang around Cobra and Midnight? Are these true?" The sudden question, and appearance of Erza Scarlet had her jerking in surprise before giving a smile."

"Good morning Erza.

"Morning. Now, the rumors?" She couldn't help but to smile at the woman she viewed as an older sister.

"Yes, I have become friends with Cobra and Midnight. They're great people Erza, just have some barriers when it comes to trusting others." She admitted, continuing to smile as the woman stared at her for a moment. A small smile working onto her features before clapping a hand onto her shoulder. Causing her to wince slightly since she truly didn't understand the concept of holding her strength back. Seriously, this woman could be a one woman army if she so wished to be.

"Very well then, I trust your judgement. Just please be careful, and I'll deal with some of the rumors that have begun to spread about you, and quell the rumors that already existed about Cobra and Midnight." Erza muttered, walking away and Lucy gave a small shake of her head. Leave it to Erza to take care of her friends, and her friends' friends. Well, at least this way no one would bother Cobra and Midnight again, not to mention more people might approach them now.

It had taken her some time to realize that Levy hadn't been joking that people avoided them. She had never paid attention in theater class, or chemistry, but everyone kind of formed a barrier around them. Leaving three or four tables on all sides, while they crowded in the back or to the side. She had caused a murmur in the groups when she had plopped into the seats open on the side, with only a small smile from the men.

Well, Midnight had raised his head from the desk, giving a confused look until he realized it was her. Then nodded before laying his head back down. Since his insomnia had been keeping him up late at night. However, he had been able to wake himself up enough to take notes and share some make-up pointers with her. Cobra had given her a worried look when she had sat beside him in chemistry, but hadn't said anything to refuse her. If anything, it looked like he had been straining his hearing to make sure no one was talking about her.

Which made her respect both of them all the more. Midnight was willing to respect and accept her just as she was them. While Cobra was taking the more protective route, and worrying about what other people would say about her because of it. Both of them were being judged for things that weren't their fault, but not going against it. They lived their lives and lived by simple rules. She wasn't sure if it was because of how they had to live in the past or what, but it was something to admire.

They had survived! They had the courage to continue when many people would have given up, and she wished that she had an ounce of the courage like that. Sure, the thought of people speaking poorly of her stung a little, but that was because Levy and a few others kept pointing out that it should, but it wasn't anything new to her. Just like them, she had survived, but it probably wasn't anywhere close to what they had to endure. Meaning that if they could get through that and come out better, than so could she!

"What has you so deep in though, Dawn?" The tired question had her smiling and turning to face Midnight.

"Just something that Erza said. She was wanting to know if I had truly become friends with you and Cobra. Then went off to kill any rumors about me from forming, while also determined to end the rumors about you two." She explained, watching as he froze in the midst of rubbing his tired eyes, and looked at her in surprise.

"She...What? Why?"

"Well...Simple answer, that's Erza. She defends those she cares for, as well as whoever they may care for. It's a bit difficult to explain in the long run." Rubbing the back of her head, she gave him an apologetic smile and giggled when he shook his head and held out a slip of paper to her.

"Cobra wants to do a study session tonight. Cobra is about ready to throw his English textbook through a wall, and remembered that you were growling in Chemistry about the homework. Besides, we might want to rehearse for the class performance we have to do Tuesday." He muttered, and she took the paper, blinking as she felt the weight within it.

Peeking back one side, she felt a smile blossoming on her lips as she saw a small, golden key that was her way into the library after hours. It had taken a few days more since Cobra said he wanted to make sure that there were no flaws in it. Honestly, she had been afraid that he was changing his mind about giving her a key, but it seemed that was just her paranoia.

"I'll be there for sure! But...The message on the inside telling the time. It looks like Mira's handwriting?" She voiced, watching as he gave a shrug.

"I was too tired to write it, so I asked Mira. She's known all along about us going into the library after hours. Since we don't make a mess, she doesn't raise a fuss about it." He muttered, giving her a wave before turning away from her. Waving back, she slipped the key and paper into her pocket before turning and heading back toward her dorm. She wanted to get ready for tonight, since she was eager to see Cobra. Especially since they hadn't had much time to talk lately, because he always seemed to be looking over their shoulders every time they were close together.

Maybe he was just worried about hearing something bad about them? Well, with Erza on the case that wouldn't be happening any time soon. And anything that would have started would die off quickly. What had her curious though, was why he was so paranoid about it? Only Levy had been that protective over her and that was because of how controlling her father had been, and made sure to hover around whenever she looked uncomfortable.

Now Cobra was doing it, just because he was afraid people would talk bad about her, like they did him. It was sweet, but he didn't have to. Maybe she would talk to him about it during their study meeting tonight.

Cobra twirled his pencil on his finger, watching it as it spun before the momentum finally slowed enough that it dropped onto the table. Giving a growl, he glared at the entrance to the hidden room within the library, cursing his best friend for being late. He knew that Midnight's insomnia most likely got the better of him, most likely knocking his ass out on the sofa or bed.

With a sigh, he flipped open his English textbook, scowling at the words and questions before giving a groan. How he loathed this class! So long as people understood the main point in a conversation, it shouldn't matter what language it was said in. Besides, speaking Chemistry was much easier than this shit. Dropping his head onto the desk, he released a sigh and looked over.

A silver key glinted in the light, and his shoulders slumped as guilt began gnawing at his gut. He had promised Lucy that the key would be hers, but had yet to give it to her. Mainly because he didn't want to spur on the rumors that were bound to start sooner or later. While he was more than happy to call Lucy a friend, he didn't want her to risk a chance of a normal social setting while in college. Sure, he had been thinking that risking her knowing about his past was a good thing, but now...No, there was no chance that he could let her know about his past. He was sure that it would crush her, would taint her. It was a reason he had been avoiding her as of late, trying to force some distance between them. Although, it wasn't working out too well, since she just seemed as determined to stay standing right beside him.

A buzz from his phone caused him to tap the screen, unlocking it before pulling up the message.

'Won't be coming tonight. Too tired. Sent someone in my place. -M.' Cobra blinked before sitting up straight. Well, he was right about Midnight's insomnia kicking his ass, but who the hell would he be willing to give his key to. The only person that came to mind was...

"Cobra?" The soft, familiar call had him nearly groaning. Almost tempting to call the little bastard up and curse him to hell and back. The little fucker wasn't tired one damn bit, he was playing Cupid!

"In here, Bright Eyes." He stated, watching as Lucy entered the room with a smile. Blinking in surprise to see only him, and looked around.

"Isn't...?"

"Midnight bailed, he's too tired." He muttered, watching as she gave a nod before bounding to the chair across from him.

"Oh well, I can still help with your English. Hopefully you can teach me to understand a bit more about Chemistry as well." She stated, pulling out her textbooks, and he could only give a small sound. Since he had been expecting Midnight, who had wanted a partner to run lines with, he saw that Midnight must have given the same excuse to Lucy. Since she was obviously dressed for a scene rehearsal. In a short skirt, with leggings underneath, combat boots, and white tank top that hugged her like a second skin, topped off with a small leather jacket that only came to mid-drift.

The old 'bad girl' image suited her, and he couldn't help but feel himself get a little worked up about her playing the actual part. Apparently in the script, Lucy was to be sassy, witty, and just downright tough. It was the polar opposite of her usual personality, and to say that he wasn't intrigued by the idea would be a complete lie.

"Cobra? Hello, Earthland to Cobra?" He blinked as she waved a hand in front of his face, before tilting her head slightly to the side.

"Sorry." He whispered, quickly looking down as his voice came out huskier than usual. Damnit, that wasn't a usual good sign. He knew that he had feelings for Lucy, and he accepted that. But, there was no way in hell that he was going to let them be known and bother her with something like him. He just had to much from his past weighing him down, and he would be damned if he brought Lucy down with him.

"Let's start with my English first. You're bound to be more patient, and hopefully I can return the favor." He muttered, flipping the book to the right page.

"Oh, you don't want to knock your key..off?" She gave him a curious look as he quickly swiped the key off the desk and into his pocket. Meeting her gaze with a cool one, before she shook her head and pulled an all too familiar key out. But there was just one thing about it...It wasn't Midnight's key! It was a copy of it!

"Thanks for finally getting it to me! Midnight delivered it and the message about when to meet. Sorry I took longer than expected, but this skirt is a pain to get into." She stated, shifting and he just gave a nod. Wondering when the narcoleptic bastard found time to copy his own key, and give it to Lucy! How had he not know about it either!? Looking down, he debated on telling her the truth, watching as she smiled at the golden key, and felt something coil within him, causing him to scowl.

"That's a key copy that Midnight made. It wasn't from me. Little bastard is trying to play..." He froze as she looked up quickly. What the hell was with him!? Was he really going to get jealous just because Midnight, who didn't give a flying shit about the rumors that could ruin Lucy, gave her the key he had promised her?

"Cobra? That key that you hid..?"

"Yes, it's the one I should have given you." He muttered, pushing it to the middle of the table.

"Why?" The question had him sighing as he hung his head and stared blankly at the book in front of him.

"I'm terrified of rumors starting about you. Just from the short time I've known you..., I don't want anyone saying anything bad about you, Bright Eyes."

"So, do you not want me to hang around you or Midnight?" The hurt in her voice caused him to look up, and he felt his chest tighten as he saw her teary eyed and looking crestfallen.

"D..Don't get me wrong! I think you are amazing! You're brilliant, strong willed, spirited, stunning, beautiful. And so much more! You could have so many friends, but hanging around us..."

"I want you and Midnight as my friends!"

"But why!? Nothing but trouble surrounds us! Are you curious as to what happened? Is that the only reason you hang around us? Just to finally learn about our past and then leave?" He was beginning to lash out, his own doubts shooting forward as a defense. As a way to push her away!

"No! I don't care what happened..."

"So, you don't care what we went through back then?"

"That's not what I said!"

"Sure sounded like it!"

"Please, just..."

"No, why do you want to hang around us!? Why are you wanting to get so close to us? Huh?" He glared at her, wishing that she would leave, that she would be so upset with him and leave. All so that she wouldn't be tainted by them. However, another side of him was also hoping that she would stay. That she would stand with them, even if the world was against her.

He tensed as she took a deep breath, closing her eyes and seemed to gather herself. When her eyes opened again, his breath rushed from his lungs. They were sharp, focused, and so full of determination that it had him trembling. She was beautiful looking like that. Like she was ready to take on a whole army, and wouldn't give up until she was the victor!

"Stop trying to make me run away, damnit." The curse from her sweet lips had him leaning back slightly. She was pissed.

"I get it, okay. You've had a tough life. You are selective of the people you go around, and who you open up to. But, Cobra, you were the one who approached me! You were the one who showed me your caring, kind side. You became my friend through your own means, and I refuse to back away from a friend. You're stuck with me, until you tell me to get lost. So, do you want me to leave?" Her question had him freezing. She was leaving this all up to him. He saw it in her eyes, if he said that he wanted her to leave, she would place the key that Midnight had given her right beside the one he was suppose to give her. That she would leave him alone, just like all the other students.

No more of her sitting down beside him. No more sharing her notes, or laughing at his crude jokes. No more seeing those dark, bright eyes that seemed to light from within.

Then again, it also meant no more having to worry about rumors about them spreading. No more worry about his and Midnight's past coming up to drag her down into the darkness that they experienced...He knew what he had to choose, it was on the tip of his tongue.

"Lucy, you need to..."

Until next chapter!