Dedication to @MistySoul because she was extremely distracting as I wrote this and for thinking of han-words with me. I got a bit hannoyed but it was okay because I'm putting mini-hangst in this and you'll probably hunt me down like hanimals afterwards.

I need to stop.

Natsu's POV

Thursday // 10:30 AM

I'd love to the carnival with you! Taylor had finally texted me back around the middle of my second period class the next day. I snuck my phone out under my desk, face lighting up when I read the message. Should I meet you there?

I'll pick you up around 5, so no worries! I responded, happy to drive her to the date. I shifted in my seat, slightly nervous about the idea of going on a date again. It also didn't help that next period I was going to be taking my huge English assessment, either.

Overall, I was an uneasy, perturbed mess.

The bell rang, releasing us from Science and I hesitantly left the language hall and made a quick detour, finding Gray's second period math class. We had previously planned to walk to the library together so we wouldn't look like losers walking alone.

"You look like you're ready," Gray nodded off to me. I scoffed at his obviously-sarcastic remark, his childness setting me at ease for a moment or two.

"I mean, I studied for, like, three hours last night. It's not like I don't know what I'm doing, but I still feel like I'm going to fail," I explained, not really making much sense to myself. 

"I don't get you," Gray shook his head. I shrugged, figuring that was a good thing.

When we got to the library, the half of the class that signed up for this day were sitting around the groups of tiny wooden tables and chairs. Lime green sticky notes told us where our assigned seat was, and I immediately noted it was in alphabetical order. 

Since Gray was an F and I was a D, and since there were only about fifteen of us in the room, we were pretty much bound to be at the same table, and that benefited us for chatting afterwards. And by chatting, I mean matchmaking planning.

Sure enough, Gray was right across from me. Two girls who I didn't know that well, both with E last names, were also at our assigned table. I immediately took out my flashcards and briefed them over, using the last five minutes or so to stick some eleventh-hour information fresh into my head.

Looking up from my 'monoglot' vocabulary card, I saw Gray was mindlessly scrolling through his phone. I began to internally fume, wondering why the hell he was so calm. Why wasn't he using this golden time to prep for an important test that would affect his life forever? Was he really that perfect at everything that he would scooch by with an easy A?

I began to doubt myself, feeling my world come crashing down on me. What if I don't make an A on this? Screw the drunk list, this is my future! I have to do well or I'll be a smelly hobo for the rest of my life!

I may have been greatly exaggerating, but it still wouldn't leave my mind. I hated myself when I got self-conscious and bashful over things. Me and being insecure about myself was a recipe for disaster.

When we were asked to put all cellular devices off and all study materials away and out of reach, I felt my heart pounding out of my chest. But somehow, the easy smile that Gray flashed me gave me a rush of confidence, and I knew I'd be okay.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Friday // 11:25 AM

Waiting was hell when your life was hanging on what was about to come.

Okay, so maybe that was going a bit overboard. But our English teacher had graded our assessments and was going to be handing them out when the fourth period bell rang at 11:30 and the Friday test-takers were released.

"Crap," I bit my nails, resting my head exhaustively against the plaster wall next to the library. From above me, a wall clock ticked out every sluggish, painful second I had to wait. Speaking of seconds, I had to wait 267 more until I'd get my bubble sheet back.

"I'm sure you did fine, Natsu, so stop worrying about it," Gray gave me a bothered look. "You already took the test anyways, so there's nothing you can do to change your grade now."

"But I know I got question #31 wrong! I should've triple-checked it," I covered my face with my sweater sleeves. "Just kill me now."

"Two minutes," Gray reminded me, the painful warning striking a piercing arrow into my bleeding heart. "Come on, chill out, already. You're embarrassing me."

"Then leave," I muttered.

"No!" Gray chuckled, throwing his arm around my shoulder and leaning his head on it. I tried to push him off but he pulled me closer. 

"Gray, stop this right now," I commanded with a harsh whisper, trying to seem somewhat menacing, which is a daily struggle for a pink-haired male. "I swear, let me go."

"Hey, did you ask Sting about going to the carnival tomorrow?" Gray questioned. "I asked Rogue and he's coming."

"Oh, I totally forgot! But, since I'm going with Taylor, I wouldn't be able to matchmake them," I pointed out, realizing it for the first time myself. 

"You're technically matchmaking them by setting them up this way," Gray told me level-headedly. "And you're actually going with that girl? You barely know her."

"I barely know you," I glared at the raven, pushing his arm off me. This time, he didn't fight back. He shut himself up and picked at his fingernails awkwardly. "But I'll ask Sting right now, okay?"

"Kay," He nodded indifferently. Confused as to why his mood dropped so suddenly, I brushed it off took out my phone and texted Sting.

Come to the carnival tomorrow at 5, I texted him, posing it as a demand, not a question.

You're setting me up with Rogue, aren't you, He responded instantly, seeing right though my walls.

Yes. Rogue said yes, I persuaded him, knowing that would get him to agree.

Fine. But don't try anything funny, He texted back, meaning it. I knew that wouldn't be an issue, because I wouldn't be spying on him or anything weird and stalkerish like some friends do... I would never. Cough.

I'm going with Taylor, so don't worry about that, I told him.

S: Taylor?

N: The girl I met at the frozen yogurt place. She's really nice and pretty. I told you about her. 

S: Oh yeah. Why aren't you going with Gray?

N: One, I'm not gay. Two, neither is he. 

S: But, like, as friends? He's the one doing this bucket list thing with you, and isn't winning a carnival game on the list? He's more special to you than some random hoe.

N: Don't call her that. And Gray's probably going to bring his girlfriend too. Oh god, my teacher's shown up with the English grades. See ya at lunch.

S: Bye. Tell me what you get then!!

I clutched onto my phone for dear life as I fast-walked to get near our teacher. Thankfully she was handing them out in alphabetical order and I got my bubble sheet within thirty seconds. Ms. Winters knew how jittery and nervous everyone was to see their score, so she dealt out the grades quicker than greased lightning.

I pressed the Scantron sheet to my sweater, not daring to look. I knew I was just teasing myself more by keeping myself from knowing the number, but I guess I liked the last-second anxiety.

Gray briefly checked the grade and smiled happily, not bothering to conceal any emotion. I glided over to him, curious on his mark. "How'd you do?" I asked inquisitively. 

"Not telling, he smirked, hiding his bubble sheet behind his back. "Have you looked at your grade yet?"

"Nope," I confirmed, popping the 'p'."I'm too nervous to."

Without reason or my consent, Gray snatched my Scantron away from me. "Hey!" I cried, groping for the sheet. Gray spun around and checked the grade, shaking his head.

"Shame, Natsu, shame," Gray tsked condescendingly. "I expected more from you."

"Oh God! Did I fail?" I asked hysterically, almost bursting into tears. I took the bubble sheet out of his hands and stared at the grade. It was a 94. "Ahh! Yess!" I exclaimed successfully, pumping my fist into the air. "Wait! This isn't a fail? Why did you shake your head at me?"

Wordlessly, Gray held up his own bubble sheet, red-inked 96 in full view for me to capture. "Because I did better than you," He chuckled. "Again."

Rage bubbled up in me. This was around the fourth time he surpassed me somehow, and I wasn't liking it. It should be considered illegal for someone to be so laid back yet perfect at everything. It just wasn't fair! Why couldn't I ever live up to that kind of standard? Didn't he realize this constant banter of jokingly putting me down was adding up?

I sighed shakily and turned away. "Good job," I whispered.

"Thank you," Gray responded cheekily, proudly putting his hands on his hips. "Good job to you two! You did amazing, honestly. I'm really proud."

I nearly did a double take. "What?" I gasped.

"What?" He looked at me weirdly. "You did amazing. The test was really difficult, and you worked hard. You should be proud of yourself too- hey, are you crying."

I stared at my sheet, feeling tears well up. I sniffled, brushing them away. "Haa... yeah. Bittersweet tears, I guess," I admitted. "Maybe someday I'll do better than you, yeah?"

"You're better than me at a lot of things, Natsu," Gray said seriously. "Haven't you realized it yet?"

I looked up, appalled. "What do you-"

But he was already walking in the other direction. He looked over his shoulder, grinning. "You may be going to the carnival with Taylor, but if you don't spend some time with me too, or I'm gonna be sad, okay?" He called.

I nodded, feeling my knees buckle up. "O-okay."

Friday // 12:25 AM

"And then he just said, 'you better spend some time with me too, or I'm gonna be sad, okay?' and just walked off! I mean, literally who does that?" I threw my hands in in the air in disgust. "God, I don't understand people like him..."

"Sheesh, if he didn't have a girlfriend, I'd think he likes you," Sting assumed boldly. My head snapped up from staring at the inside of my PB&J sandwich, which I nearly spit a chewed-up chunk out of. 

"No way in hell!" I defended, shocked he'd say that.

"Come on, I know the ways of the gay," Sting said, flipping his imaginary hair over his shoulder. "But you can't not say he isn't attracted to you somewhat. With saying that, I've been wondering- are you two friends now?"

I shrugged. "Yeah. Kinda crazy, huh? It's only been, like, five days," I recalled. It felt like so much longer than just a short school week.

"Guess that sugary Red Heaven was good for something, yeah?" Sting commented softly.

"Yeah..." I agreed, trailing off. I guess it was. "Anyway. Carnival tomorrow at 5. Are you mentally prepared?" I quoted him from the night of the same party.

"Oh, definitely, but the real question is, are you?" Sting inquired quizzically, raising a blonde eyebrow.

"Sure," I shrugged, knowing all-too-well that I was 100% lying. I had absolutely no idea how this night was going to go, or if I was going to like the results.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

*breathes heavily* drama. ugh. my hanaconda don't.

Yay, go Natsu! I suggest you pay attention and read between the lines in this chapter. It's not a filler- it's hinting at a major aspect of this story, and it may not be what you initially think.

Thoughts on Gray? Sting? Natsu? Cheese?

Next update will either be tomorrow or soon after that. Vote and comment, please! Thanks, my lovelies! x