Crystal: Well it's taken me some time, but I finally got this chapter done! Sorry for the wait guys I've been working on updates for my other stories, but I have some terrible writer's block for them. Excuse me if this chapter turns out a bit boring!

AU Credit: Ayumichi-me on Tumblr

Tumblr: celestialgoddesslucy

Friends?

"What?" The blonde was still frozen in place in front of her still scattered papers. Her eyes were wide in shock as she had uttered the question in almost a whispered. She tried to think of any other phrases the gangster could have possibly said then what she thought she'd heard. She could have heard him wrong, right? Still the words rang endlessly in her mind as her face began to feel warm. She scrambled for her stuff as she stood up straight still looking for answers from the teen before her.

She didn't know why she wanted him to say the words again. Maybe to get her to leave without any mistake? Or maybe because she wanted to hear those words? No! She just wanted to make sure she didn't misunderstand him. Yeah! That was it! The gangster shrugged slightly as he too straightened up from his crouched position on the floor. The question wasn't out of line of course she'd be confused.

He looked at her with a serious expression slightly annoyed that she'd make him repeat himself, but it honestly didn't bother him as much as he was making it seem. He leaned forward as few inches from her face as she squeaked. "I said… Fall in love with me", he deadpanned. So she had heard him clearly, but the words she wanted to say had died in her throat. What was she supposed to say when one of the most dangerous yet handsome guys at school requested something like this from someone like her?

As if reading her thoughts he smirked looking at her his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Just so you know this isn't a request, nerd", he pointed out as he crossed his arms. She blinked in confusion as she looked at him quizzically not understanding what he was insinuating. "Wait, w-what are you s-saying?" she questioned him rather having a bad feeling of where the situation was headed. "You heard me. I'm not asking you to fall in love with me. I'm telling to do so", he pointed at her.

As the realization finally hit her, she burned red in embarrassment while at the same time anger began to fill her. "If this is some sort of joke, I don't like it!" She yelled as she ran away down the halls leaving him with a large grin still plastered on his face. "See you tomorrow, nerd princess!" he called out as she squeezed her eyes shut hoping not to let anyone else see how flustered he'd left her. 'Is this his way of teasing me?!' she wondered still screaming internally at the confusion she felt inside her mind and heart. For now she thought it'd be best to avoid him as much as possible.

~~xXXx~~

For the next few days, she had done everything possible to avoid the gangster. She was beginning to feel very conscious around him, and although not even she comprehended why, she rather not wait and find out why. She wanted to be safe and closed in as usual. He was already disrupting her usual way of living. However, she still had to admit that time on the roof was quite peaceful and relaxing; a feeling she hadn't experience in such a long time. In her daze she didn't realize where she was walking as she yet again bumped into a group in front of her.

"E-Excuse me, I didn't mean-" She began to say before she froze on the spot. The group she had bumped into were none other than Natsu's friends, or gang members, as rumors said. The first to give her a glare was a black haired teen with cold dark blue eyes. A cross chain around his neck dangled lowly around his neck over and exposed and tone chest. He was quite handsome, but the blonde gulped knowing well this was practically not a thought to be having in front of another dangerous individual. It was the infamous Gray Fullbuster who would always be seen picking a fight if you so much as tapped him.

The other one seemed more of mysterious, however the dangerous aura around him did not leave. He wasn't glaring, but the intense brown eyes as they examined her were enough to make her blood run cold. He had dark blue hair and a red tattoo under his eye. His arms were crossed as he was casually leaned against the locker with a more curious look on his face. This was Jellal Fernandes who was rumored to have as many piercings as the number of times he's beaten people to their near death. He had at least three piercings on one ear and four on the other.

"Oh? Look what we encountered here", the blue haired teen chuckled in interest, yet the way he uttered the words made it seem as though he was stalking at his prey. "Look, I need to go. Sorry, I'll be late to class", Lucy mumbled as she tried to pass by them, but Gray pulled her back surprisingly gentle. She allowed him to do so out of fear.

"Hey, no need to be in such a hurry. Sorry for the glare thought you were some punk. Hey, it must be her, right?" Gray looked at Jellal ignoring the blonde after assuring her he meant no harm. "Indeed, she fits the leader's description quite well", the latter responded with an amused smile.

"Yeah, nerdy with glasses, but has blonde hair", the black haired male motioned as he pulled gently at one of her long pigtails. Out of instinct Lucy slapped his hand away feeling offended by being easily recognized by such a description even if it was true. "Yep, you're definitely the leader's girl. From now and on entrust yourself to us. We are to protect you here at school from 'bullies'", Gray motioned ignoring her sudden violent action and speaking as if what he had just said was a normal occurrence.

The blonde felt her face warm up as they called her the 'leader's girl' and she knew well who they were referring to if the words still fresh in her mind from the previous day were of any indication. "Look, I don't know what you guys are talking about. I am no one's property or girl or whatever you want to call it. I haven't ever needed to be protected and I refuse to be seen with you gangsters", she deadpanned even when her voice was still quivering from how frightened she still was in their presence.

Thankfully, before they could continue to pester her, her savior in the form of the student council president appeared. Erza Scarlet, the school's monster president and one which they nicknamed the 'Scarlet Beauty'. She was known for her gorgeous looks and dazzling long scarlet hair that fit quite well with her fiery personality when she was angered. Calm, smart, collected, rather cold, but passionate; all qualities of a good student council president and model student. She stepped up to the two members as she fixed her red glasses that were resting a bit below the bridge of her nose.

She put on her best business smile before she began to speak. "Good morning, gentlemen. I would hate to have to push consequences for various violations of the school's uniform code on you, Fullbuster, so I'll give you a warning. Put on your shirt properly this is my final warning for you unless you'd like to chat with me in the council room. May I remind you that stripping is also a complete violation of our conduct code as well", she smiled brightly, but Gray shivered visibly knowing well what that smile truly meant if the dark aura surrounding her was hinting at it. Jellal seemed more casual as he straightened out and gave a light smile of acknowledgement.

The blonde behind Erza could have sworn she saw fondness in those previously cold and intense eyes of his. But there was no way. All Lucy wanted was to go to class without any other disruptions. She'd have to move on quickly or the bell would be ringing soon.

"Such energy quite early in the morning as always, Erza", he chuckled as the blonde noticed her eyes soften as well, but still seemed to scrutinize him slightly. "You know well who I have to thank for my personality. I commend you for still being able to follow rules regardless of what reputation and occupations you have. Such a waste, I'm sure you would have made a splendid council member", she motioned.

He only snorted slightly. "Perhaps, but my hands are far too soiled to get on such a 'righteous' path as yours. I think my current situation rather suits me. It's addicting", he finally said pulling Gray along with him who flicked Erza off as she rolled her eyes. Erza finally turned to Lucy giving no trace of any feeling towards Jellal. "I came just in time it seems. Are you okay?" Erza asked her worriedly as she placed a hand reassuringly on Lucy's shoulder.

The blonde was still stuck on what connection the scarlet haired teen could have with Jellal even his speech seemed like that of an intelligent individual than a gangster, but she immediately recovered from her thoughts when she nodded slowly. "Yeah, we were just talking about, Natsu", she confessed, but also didn't wish them to be punished for such trivial matters. The president seemed quite surprised as she grinned. "Good work, Lucy. With you at Dragneel's side we might just be able to succeed for him to follow the rules. I'm counting on you to be at his side!"

"But I'm not-" Lucy began to protest, but at seeing the happy expression on Erza's face she sighed heavily. "I'm rooting for you!" the president chirped victoriously as though she had made the biggest conquest in a war. The blonde was stunned as the president grinned and ran off. What had she gotten herself into? Did Erza really think Natsu could be changed by such a plain girl as herself?

The mere thought made her feel sort of happy for such value given to her, but who was she kidding. She was probably just a victim of his teasing and he'd surely move on once he got tired of her. She went into her Environmental Science class as she slumped in her chair. "You're a bit late, nerd", a voice whined from behind her. She turned and felt herself go pale at the sight of the guy she'd been avoiding the whole time leaning back leaning back in his chair his feet resting on the desk.

"N-Natsu, what are you d-doing here?" she stuttered nervously. "Ha? I'm in this class just always skipped it, but since I know you're in this class I thought I'd join ya", he motioned as a yawn escaped his lips. He seemed drowsy and exhausted, but she seemed to stare at his face noticing a few new scratch marks on his cheeks. His arms had some bruises and his hands, which were resting at his lap were red with scabs at the knuckles.

He seemed to give out a casual aura, but Lucy knew he was in pain from the way his eye would twitch when he made certain movements. She knew very well he must have gotten into a fight, but with what kind of people she could only just imagine. She was going to ask him if he was okay when she noticed from the corner of her eye by his hip a red stain on his under shirt. Surely it was blood. Not wanting to give an indication that he'd had gotten into a fight since that would surely get him expelled she rose her hand.

"Yes, miss Heartfilia?" the blonde teacher asked from his desk. "Mr. Johnson, I feel a bit light headed and I was wondering if I could have someone escort me to the infirmary. I think I might collapse", she mumbled trying to feign being sick. "Of course! Please do have someone take you", Mr. Johnson seemed to panic as Lucy took no time in grasping onto Natsu's arm and pulling him. He blinked in confusion letting himself be guided out the door by the blonde as she ignored the glares aimed her way.

Once they had reached the infirmary Natsu stuffed his hand in his pocket and looked worriedly at the blonde. "Yo, are you feeling sick or something?" the pink haired male asked as he eyed the blonde for any sign that the blonde might collapse only to find her glaring at him. She stalked towards him and sat him on one of the beds closest to the end pulling the curtain to hide themselves. Luckily for them, the nurse didn't seem to be there at the moment.

"What's the deal, nerd princess?" he asked with a huff, but before he could say anything further he yelled out in pain when something pressed at his hip. "I knew it! You idiot, you're hurt!" she yelled as she pointed at the blood stain at his shirt. He seemed to be finally aware of it as he shrugged. "It's normal. I'm not gonna die", he mumbled as if it wasn't a big deal.

"Value yourself a little more!" she once again yelled at him.

"Why do you even care!? It's not like you're the one who's hurt!" he spat back annoyed by her yelling. Her eyes shook slightly and he felt taken aback as he saw her eyes beginning to water. "Well maybe not now. But if you keep getting yourself into these dangerous situations. One day…you might not actually be here to say it was nothing", she muttered as she turned away from him to wipe at her tears.

To be able to say it wasn't a big deal hit Lucy like a ton of rocks. Who knows how many more times he'd gotten hurt like that, being neglected and not have his wound treated. She wanted to understand him. Understand why he'd decided to live his life in such a way. However, she had no right to meddle in his life when they weren't even friends. She resigned herself to carefully tend to him.

He seemed to remain quiet the whole time and she wondered if her tears had made him feel guilty about yelling at her. She wrapped bandages around his stomach as the she saw that given the look of the wound it was quite possible he had gotten attacked with a knife of sorts. She tried to ignore how painful it was to see the various other scars he had on his body. Her hands slightly trembled as she worked at covering the damage after disinfecting it accordingly. She finally dared to look at him finding him staring at her intensely.

"W-What?" she mumbled somehow beginning to feel embarrassed.

He slightly shrugged. "Nothing much, it's just you're the first person who's ever said that me and much less ever treated my injuries. Thanks", he inquired silently. She wanted to say thank you, but as seeing the way that he had completely lost his cocky and smug attitude was enough to leave her shocked into silence. However, before she could reply to him, they heard the sound of a door opening as Lucy pulled Natsu up to stand as she sat down on the bed. He fixed at his shirt as the nurse finally came in.

"Hmm, what are you two doing here?" the brown haired woman questioned. "We've been here for a while. I felt really dizzy during class. My friend just kept me company and now we're going back to class", the blonde explained as the nurse began to apologize profusely for her absence when she was 'sick'. The blonde felt guilty for lying, but she'd feel worse if Natsu were to get expelled if discovered to have been in a fight. They finally left, as they walked silently down the halls.

They reached the class, but before she was able to reach for the handle, the pink haired teen grabbed her wrist and forced her to turn to look at him. "Are we really friends?" he questioned. The blonde felt confused as he asked, but she felt he was offended. "Uh, don't take that seriously. I know you wouldn't want to be friends with someone like me", she muttered, but even she felt hurt by the words.

"No, I want to be friends. I want to be friends with the nerd princess", he smiled suddenly. She had never seen him smile like that. He seemed genuinely happy that she had called him a friend. "A-Alright, we're friends", she whispered. "Great, than guess we won't go to class and go do friend stuff", he suddenly suggested as he pulled her towards the opposite direction.

"But what about class?!" she struggled against his hold, but he was far too strong. "I have other plans for us", he motioned as he finally reached the parking lot. She felt her heart race. This was considered skipping not only class, but school. He guided her to black motorcycle that was parked in the far end. He seated himself slowly before he patted the space in front of him. "No! I won't skip school", she challenged, but he seemed like he wasn't taking no for an answer as he forcefully pulled her on top.

She squeaked as she heard the groan of the engine as he turned it on. "Please Natsu! We can hang out on the roof until next period", she tried to convince him to try and lessen the danger of their actions, but he completely ignored her as they began to move. As terrified as she was, she instinctively laid back against his chest for safety. He grinned enjoying teasing her by accelerating quickly once they reach the highway which wrapped around a mountain.

She closed her eyes, praying they didn't crash, but he leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Open your eyes, the view's amazing", he breathed. She felt herself unconsciously listen to his request as her eyes fluttered open. She felt mesmerized by the sudden view before her. She had always known the town they lived in was surrounded by mountains, woods, and was at the edge of the ocean itself. But she hadn't ever gotten the chance to glimpse at it in such a way as she was now. She'd only ever seen it behind the tinted windows of her transportation.

"Amazing", she breathed in almost a whisper, but it was said loud enough that the male driving had heard her. "Well, if you like this, you're gonna love where I'm taking you", he smiled as she looked at him curiously, her skip completely forgotten. In fact, she seemed to be anticipating this place he was to take her if it was as pretty as this one.

From the path they seemed to be taking, it seemed they were going into the woods. The blonde was thankful then that they were riding a motorcycle given that the trip into the woods wouldn't have to on foot. He drove in further, at a careful speed, as Lucy looked around curiously. He finally stopped at one of the largest trees she'd seen so far. He turned off the engine as he got off to approach said tree. She noticed a rope hanging from it as he nodded her over with his head.

She walked up to him as he began to climb and stretch out his hand for her to take. She seemed hesitant about it, but he rolled his eyes yet again forcing her to succumb to his whims. She sighed as she took her time to climb. It was actually quite difficult with her uniform, but he seemed to be patient as they finally reached the top. Her eyes widened suddenly.

Before her was the whole view of town with the endless ocean behind. She could even see down the mountains that were around the area. "Natsu, I don't know what to say. It's just beautiful", she breathed feeling as a slight breeze reached her face. "Don't say anything and just enjoy it. Give than we're friends this can be our spot", he chuckled.

'Friends. Their spot' she thought to herself a fond smile on her face. "I'd like that", she laughed as they sat on the branches to admire the scenery. She had yet to realize that this one little incident would bring her a whole lot of hell once she got back.

Crystal: I've been horrible with answering reviews, but I do read them! I promise! Reviews for this chapter will be answered in the next author's note. Thank you!