N and L (NaLu version from A & D)

Chapter 17

-Natsu-

"You were way too obvious, man." Sting told me. "You're not usually that unfriendly."

It was only a few minutes ago when we left the cafeteria. We went straight to the Basketball court while we waited for the bell.

"I couldn't help it," I said, spinning the ball on my finger. I dribbled once, and made a shot. Swoosh. Gajeel caught it. "I don't like the guy," I added, shrugging.

It wasn't like I didn't try, but Lion was just too nice. We rudely ignored him when he greeted us, which is a test to see how far he would go with his nice-guy act. Yet he just continued to smile at us like nothing happened. I'm a guy, I know how far we can go on being nice and polite. And no one goes that far.

That was why I didn't trust anything about him.

Plus, the first comment I heard from him about basketball was just insensitive.

"Pass me the ball," I told Gajeel. I went half-court, jumped and made a slam dunk. It took me three seconds to do all of that.

Was he stupid? Didn't he realize who we are?

"Well, I can't blame you," Said Sting, frowning as he made a three-pointer. "What do you say, let's beat him up?" I could tell he was serious.

Usually, Loke's comment would earn him a one-way ticket to the toilet bowl. The thing was, I'm not irrational. Truth be told, the only reason why Sting hasn't been expelled yet is because he was with Gajeel and me-we know where to draw the line. I shook my head. "Nah, he's not worth the trouble." I said.

Turning to Sting and Gajeel, I shrugged and said, "Let's just see how it plays out."

-Lucy-
On Friday night, I made sure that the living room was pristine. Levy was busy in the kitchen making drinks and popcorn for tonight. Cooking wasn't my cup of tea.

The door bell rang. I went to the door expecting to see Loke, but it was Natsu with a big grin across his face. He looked good, wearing only a dark blue shirt and beige knee-length shorts. He looked as though he was going to the beach, while I looked like I was going to bed-I was in a loose white t-shirt and plaid trousers that looked like pajamas.

"Aren't you going to let me in?" Natsu asked.

I looked at him a bit annoyed. "Were you even invited?"

Natsu rolled his eyes before saying, "That's been settled."

"That depends," I said. "Did you bring any food?" I asked.

"No." he answered. "But I ordered pizza," he added, smiling.

"Good enough, you can come in." I opened the door wider to let him in. "You know where the living room is."

"I know!" he said, exasperated.

"Grouchy?" I said as I closed the door. He's been so crabby since he met Loke last Wednesday. Just because he wouldn't join the basketball team didn't mean he was to be hated. We're all entitled to our own opinions. I'm not sticking up for Loke, but I just expected that Natsu would at least be happy that Loke chose to be our friend.

"That's just your imagination, N." said Natsu, shaking his head as if I said something fatfetched. He entered the living room, settling himself on the right side of the couch. Before I could reply, the door bell rang again, Loke.

I opened the door and froze. All the chick flick movies I watched ran through my head. You know when the leading man turns up at the leading lady's doorsteps for a date, looking all neat and handsome, carrying flowers?

That's Loke, right a the moment, with his V-neck long-sleeves and jeans. Instead of flowers, he was carrying a tray of lasagna. "Hi." said Loke, smiling at me.

"Cool," I said, eyeing the lasagna. "You brought food."

"Prepared it, too." he said casually.

I stared at him. "You cook?"

He nodded, grinning. "Yeah, it's easy." He paused, "I can guess from the look that you don't cook."

I didn't answer.

"I can teach you some time." he offered.

I laughed. "Right." Like I'll let you die from food poisoning. "No, thanks."

"Try me." dared Loke.

I studied his face, looking for any hint of humor. After a few seconds, I realized he was serious. Unbelievable. I don't know any guy who has that kind of patience.

"Oh good, the pizza's here." said Natsu out of the blue. He walked past me and Loke. I peeked outside; I didn't even notice the pizza arrive. Loke and I watched Natsu as he paid the pizza guy.

"Hey! You're Natsu Dragneel! Awesome! You really inspire us, man. My little bro and I look forward to seeing you play on the first game of the season," the delivery boy piped up.

"Really?" asked Natsu humbly. "Thanks, dude."

"Yeah, my little bro wants to grow up like you someday." the pizza guy continued.

I looked at Natsu and saw something sparkle in his eyes. His face glowed in gratitude. Imstead of rolling my eyes, I absent-mindedly smiled. I felt proud of him.

Natsu placed the boxes of pizza by the table. Loke did the same with the lasagna as he sat on one of the armchairs. I sat beside Natsu on the couch.

"You're here early," Loke commented.

"That's one of the advantages of living next door." said Natsu, shrugging.

Loke was mildly surprised, "Oh, you live next door." After that, there was awkward silence. I could feel the pressure in the room. Who should I talk to first?

"So, where are your parents, Lucy?" asked Loke, breaking the silence. "They're at a car dealership association party with Natsu's parents." I answered.

"By the way, N." Natsu piped in, as though he just remembered it. "Mrs. and Mr. H passed by the house earlier, they told me that they'll be late so they asked me to stay with you and spend the night here."

....

....

To be continued.