Sweetheart

78

The trio made their way through the halls, quietly discussing what big papers they had to do for the term.

"Do you think Mister Fernandes will make us do another research paper?" Lucy questioned.

"No way," Aina answered. "He's making us do that project on abnormal psych."

"Oh you're right. Completely forgot about that."

"So I was thinking maybe we--"

"Hey it's the salutatorian!"

"Ay the valedictorian is here too!"

The trio looked over to Bickslow and Loke and rolled their eyes. Loke was quick to approach them, and he took hold of Aina's hands. The brunette looked to her friends for help when Loke started to speak.

"Such a lovely person you are, salutatorian. So smart and kind, not to mention very beautiful."

"Uh, thanks. Listen, I have to get to class so--"

"Ay Romeo," Gajeel called from across the hall, "cool it."

Natsu and Gajeel joined the group and leaned against the lockers as they watched Loke's attempts. Natsu made quick eye contact with Aina before turning back to Gajeel to avoid suspicion. Gajeel snickered and went to say something inappropriate when Loke roughly stepped on his foot.

"You mustn't utter such vulgar comments in the presence of an angel."

Aina looked back to her friends, silently pleading. Loke had kissed the back of her left hand before letting go and winking at the trio. Natsu rolled his eyes and continued with his friends as they pushed through the halls.

"What was that all about?" Lucy spoke up.

"I have no idea," Aina admitted, "but it was weird and I didn't like it."

Levy started to tease, "Yeah. Especially with Natsu--"

"Shh! People will hear you."

-------

"Your friends are weird," Aina stated simply.

Natsu lifted his head from the library table and quirked an eyebrow.

"Yours aren't any better."

"What are you talking about? My friends are completely normal."

"Your friend wears disguises so she can grab more muffins."

"...Okay, but that's just how Lucy is. She likes her cornbread."

Natsu chuckled and lowered his head back onto the table.

"Tired?" Aina tested.

"Bored."

"Why don't you do some home--"

Natsu moved his eyes so he could make eye contact with her and sighed loudly. He sat up straight and rummaged through his bag to get out one of his textbooks. Aina watched him carefully as he continued to take things out of his bag. Natsu felt her eyes on him, so he joked.

"What's wrong, sweetheart? Can't believe I know what a textbook looks like?"

"You don't usually do any, so I'm just caught off guard."

"Well good because you're helping me with this stupid calc."

"I have to read Persop--"

"We both know you're well ahead on that."

Aina pressed her lips together before shutting her book and grabbing his textbook, flipping to the right page. She got out her own notebook and started to scribble the problems on a blank page.