Lovers with Benefits

Chapter Four - The project

Hey everyone!
I'm so so so happy that my fanfiction is #9 on #gratsu!

That is so amazing :)

This chapter won't contain any smut, have fun anyway!

Gray and Natsu didn't get along. They simply didn't vibe to each other. Their energy didn't fit. They weren't compatible.

A week has passed since Gray joined Fairy Tail High School. The two boys haven't had another conversation - the only communication between those two were angry stares and passive aggressive behavior.

It was a shame, Natsu thought. He found Gray pretty hot. Gray as a person was what turned him off.

There actually wasn't a reason. Was he pissed that he caught him and Loki hooking up on the school's restroom? Yes. But other than that, Gray didn't hurt him or said mean things to him. His presence just... annoyed him.

Gray found Natsu weird. He was a loud person with too much energy. He didn't judge him for hooking up, it's not like Gray was a virgin. He couldn't be bothered by other people's businesses.
Actually, Natsu's anger issues were what annoyed him the most. Since Natsu made it pretty clear that he didn't like him at all, Gray didn't even make attempts to try and befriend him. Why would he?

English class. Most students hated it. Of course not literature freaks Lucy Heartfilia and Levi McGarden. They carried the whole class on their shoulders.

Their teacher, Ms. Aries, was usually nice to everybody. A shy woman who gave out more assignments than she gave explanations during class.

"I've been planning to make a group project that will keep you busy for the next three lessons.
I will give each group a topic they'll have to research about. After you finish your project, I want you to make a presentation."

Some students already paired up with each other before Ms. Aries could finish her instructions:
"Wait a minute, I will give everyone a project partner. I don't want you all to just chat with each other".

Everybody sighed in disappointment.

"Lucy and Levy, I know you two are ambitious students, I will allow you to be partners". The two girls high fived proudly.

A few guys yelled about how unfair this pairing was and grew even more disappointed after Ms. Aries listed the other pairings.

"Natsu, Gray"

Natsu's eyes widened in shock. No way I'm gonna work with this dumb ass.

Gray buried his face in his hand. "Now that's gonna be fun", he whispered to himself sarcastically.

Some minutes later, everyone was working together on their project.

Everyone except Natsu and Gray. They tried to do every task on their own.
Risking a glare at Gray's paper sheet, he saw he had written down much more than himself.

"Uh, can I copy what you wrote down?", the pinkette dared to ask.

The raven-haired man looked up slightly and raised an eyebrow. Without saying anything, he gave Natsu his paper so he could copy his answers.

After doing so, Natsu shoved it back to Gray.
"Can I at least get a thank you?"

Natsu just let out a "Tz".

Not getting any appreciation, Gray grew angry. "The fuck is wrong with you?"

"What? Why the fuck are you getting mad now?"

"I want you to say thank you", Gray insisted, not wanting to hurt his pride.

"Why would I? You're just seeking a reason to fight", Natsu didn't give in either.

"Wow, your parents must be incredibly proud of you", Gray stated sarcastically, pouting out that Natsu had no manners.

Even though Natsu was emotionally strong, this statement hit him like a truck. He lowered his head and simply said:

"I think they would be proud of me. I wish I knew though, but you know. They're dead."

Gray bit his inner lip and regretted everything he ever said to Natsu.
I'm such an idiot.
Knowing that he had to apologize, he left his comfort zone by saying "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"I know you didn't. It's alright", Natsu responded.

The aggressive tension between the two boys decreased, you could almost feel a hint of peace.

They both researched their given topic, letting each other copy from one another. However, they both were still too proud to have another conversation.
It was unusual for Natsu not to talk during class. He found out, it actually felt nice not to say anything. And to enjoy the comfortable silence.

Maybe Gray and Natsu didn't hate each other after all.