✿ Lucy ✿

I glared at the test results that were pinned up for everyone in school to see. That bastard had scored better than me again, and I knew he would surely glow with smug arrogance until next semester. His footfalls alerted me of his presence before his annoying voice hit me from behind.

"Looks like I'm still number one, Heartfilia," he snickered.

"You got lucky, Dragneel," I snarled as I whirled around to face him. My former friend, now rival, smirked. I absolutely despised him. Why? Well he suddenly disappeared during middle school and when he came back he acted like everything would be the same. He had missed my mother's death and the most traumatic experience of my life and he wouldn't so much as give me an explanation as to why he left and neglected to call me at least once while away.

"I could help you do better next time," he offered. I narrowed my eyes at him and huff.

"I don't need your help!" I exclaim before taking off. The halls were empty since the school day was over, thankfully. I reach the outside before slowing to a stop and looking back to find he hadn't followed me. I readjust my bag and head home when I feel my phone vibrate in my bag. I quickly grab it out to see Levy is calling me.

"Hey Lev!" I answer the phone.

"Lulu! Hey, there's a party going on tonight, want to go?" I bit my lip and was quiet for a few moments.

"I don't know Lev... You know I'm not the greatest at parties," I respond.

"Lucy, you aren't that bad at them. Now wear something cute and I'll be by to get you at seven," she ordered before hanging up. I stared at my phone, baffled. Then shaking my head I shove my phone back in my bag and head home to finish my homework and get ready for this party.

• ~ •

"Levy I don't think we should be here," I mutter nervously as I glance around.

"Lucy it's fine. It's just a party at Cana's, we don't need to worry!" She reassured me, grabbing my hand and pulling me inside. I was starting to wish I had worn more than my strapless black dress with a red attached skirt and black long socks with red flats. It was kinda chilly out but I just hurried inside after her. Once inside we started talking to friends and she eventually coaxed me onto the dance floor.

We danced together and giggled, having a good time looking like idiots. That's when cheers rose from the crowds in nearby rooms and our eyes met in confusion and fear. This was a party at Cana's, and alcohol was everywhere. She sighed and pulled me off the dance floor when a flash of black scooped her up.

"Levy!" I yelled dramatically but I knew who had her. It was her boyfriend Gajeel who must have returned from his two month trip. I smiled watching them disappear in the crowd but that faded when a hand landed on my waist and a voice whispered in my ear, "Hey baby."

I turn around to see guys I had never met looking at me hungrily. I laughed nervously and then moved to find Levy and Gajeeel so I could be safe.

"What are you doin'? Why don't ya hang out with us," they tried to act cool but I shook my head dismissively.

"No thanks, I have someone I'm here with," I turn to walk away but one of them snaps a hand over my mouth and grabs me by my waist. People barely seemed to comprehend the situation as they were drunk, or simply didn't care. They pull me outside and into the nearby woods. I'm struggling against them but there where three of them and only one of me. They pulled down my clothes and I clawed at them but one held my hands back.

"Stop! No!" I screamed before one taped my mouth and another pulled a knife. He lightly traced it over my skin leaving small scratches which made me wince. I blacked out after a few more moments. When I came to it was darker out and all trace of them was gone. I fixed my dress and fumbled for my phone as I dashed out to the road. Everyone I knew was in there where those guys probably where. Except for one person. I cringed as I dialed his number, and tears had begun rolling down my face.

"Hello?" He picked up and I nearly sobbed.

"N-Natsu? It's Lucy... I uh, I'm at Cana's party but I really need your help. Can you come get me?" I was swallowing my pride by asking him to do this but I'd rather do that than go back inside.

"What happened?" His tone was serious and worried.

"I... Can you just please come get me? I don't want to talk about it.." I murmur in response.

"Yeah, I'll be there," he said before hanging up. I sat down by her mail box and leaned against it. I shivered from the cold of the night air when I realized my top had additional holes in it. All of my clothes did. I hugged myself and closed my eyes.

I feel someone pull me up and I flail for a moment before a calming voice says, "Hey! It's just me Luce, you don't have to be afraid." I open my eyes and Natsu was standing there, looking me over before sighing, "What did you manage to get yourself into this time..." He shook his head as he put his jacket on me and zipped it up over my torn articles of clothing.

"Come on, get in," he motioned towards the car and I got in. We where both quiet in the car as he drove. "I'm taking you to my house for now, okay? I can drop you off at your place tomorrow," he tells me and I eventually just nod. I didn't feel like arguing against him. I saw all his sideways glances at me as I bit my lip in frustration. I had to ask my rival for help. I had to go to Natsu of all people. My head throbbed slightly and I realized I had been jostled more than I last thought. My eyelids felt heavy and I slowly lost consciousness.

When my eyes opened again I was in an unfamiliar place. I sat up and realized I was on someone else's bed, and that's when I remembered...Natsu. I saw a shirt tossed on the side of the bed and a note that read: "wear this". I grumbled to myself for a moment but I eventually stripped myself of the ripped clothing and slid on the t-shirt. It was still dark out so I was quiet as I made my way out of the room. I looked both ways down the hall and saw a set of stairs. I made my way down them and I looked around seeing a comfy living room.

Natsu was laid out on the couch and a pang of guilt hit me. I sighed softly and treaded over to him. I shook his shoulder gently to wake him. He stirred after I called his name a few times. "What?" His response was muffled.

"Y-You should come to your room...this couch barely fits you," I glance at his overhanging legs.

"Are you okay with that?" His voice was husky from sleep and my breath hitched.

"Yeah..." I finally answer. He doesn't move for a few moments and I grow slightly impatient. "Hurry before I change my mind..." I mumble. He gets up, heading for the stair case and I follow him up the stairs. When he reaches his room he collapses on one side of the bed. I crawl in on the other side and bury myself beneath the blankets, feeling safer than I had all night. I stiffened when I felt Natsu's hand over my hip, pulling me closer to him.

I tried to gently escape his arms but his grip only tightened. "Lucy, just stay still," He murmured making me freeze.

"Are you...awake?" I ask quietly as I look back at him, his eye peeking open and a small grin becoming evident on his lips. My face was inches from his and I swallowed nervously.

"Natsu...let go," I demand gently, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Not until you tell me why you hate me," He looks at me seriously. I chew my lip and look away.

"You left me for three years without so much as a goodbye, and you suddenly come back and neglect to explain anything. In the process you missed my mother's death and the worst part of my life-I needed you..." My voice drops. He looks at me with a guilty expression. That's when he reaches up and brushes my hair from my face.

"Lucy, I left because I moved to another country. Dad had an emergency out there and we ended up staying for three years...I had no choice but to leave. I tried contacting you but your father had changed your contacts, believe me Luce I wanted to talk to you so badly while I was away." He explains and relief wells up inside of me-along with a load guilt. I had held a grudge against him for something he had no control over, I had created the mess between us when he got back...

"I'm really sorry," I look down as I whisper my apology. To my surprise his lips connect with my forehead.

"It was a simple misunderstanding Lucy, you don't have to apologize." His arms tightened slightly and heat rushed through me as I flushed with more embarrassment.

"But I was cold to you, I pushed you away..." My voice is tiny as I respond. He holds my cheek.

"You couldn't keep me away if you tried," his voice held teasing but his eyes which where currently locked on mine told a completely different story. My face got warmer and I was sure he could feel it. Not to mention the space between us hadn't grown any, and I could feel his breath brushing my collar bone.

"Is that a challenge?" I raise an eyebrow and he chuckles softly.

"I couldn't rightfully put you up to a challenge I know you will lose, Luce." My heart flutters at the sound of my old nickname.

"What makes you so sure of that?" I ask with a little laugh.

"Well for one, I've got you locked in my arms right now, and you stopped resisting the moment I asked you to," he smirked and I squirmed against him, making him press me against his body further.

"Damn..." I mutter after failing to wriggle away. I make the mistake of looking into his eyes again because my breath catches completely. Our noses are touching and I can't pull my gaze away.

"Luce..." Natsu's voice was low as he muttered my name.

"Yeah...?" My voice was quiet and on the brink of sounding breathless.

"I won't leave you again, okay?" He rubs his thumb on my inflamed cheek. I dazedly nod in response. That's when he slowly closed the small gap between us and his lips met mine. When I don't draw back he smirks and pulls away to look at me.

"You're not going to stop me?" He questioned.

"Why should I, I like you after all..." A smile drew up on my lips shyly. He laughed and pressed his forehead to mine.

"As much as I'd love to stay up kissing you...you need to sleep," he tells me and I sigh quietly before curling up with him and drifting off. I guess he isn't my rival anymore...now he's just the guy I love. Yeah, I like the sound of that...