Sweetheart

87

Natsu hadn't shown up at school, and Aina, being worried that he was going to get caught, sent him a quick text asking where he was. She got no response until free period. Aina looked up from her worksheet and quickly swiped the message when she saw Natsu's name flash on the screen.

I won't be coming today.

How come? Is everything ok?

She didn't get a response, but just knowing that he was okay was enough to calm her. A sudden voice from behind her made her jump. Lucy tittered before sitting next to her friend.

"You have got to stop doing that."

"So," Lucy mischievously started, "how'd it go?"

"Lucy," Aina hissed, flustered. "I already told you the next day."

"Yeah but you didn't even give any details."

"Why would you possibly want details?" The salutatorian threw back.

"Because I'm nosy."

Aina muttered an 'I know' before picking at her fingers.

"I mean, it was kind of unplanned."

"Which is good, considering your reaction last time."

Aina rolled her eyes and gave a half-hearted glare.

"And it just kinda happened. I dunno."

"My little Aina Bear is growing up," Lucy cooed.

Aina groaned and leaned back in her chair, rocking it with her feet. Lucy mirrored her action before suggesting that they all hang out again.

"No, Lucy. You're just gonna interrogate him and you can't do that in public."

-------

Aina arrived at Natsu's apartment and she was quickly buzzed in. Once she reached the top of the stairs, she dragged herself down the hall and knocked on Natsu's door. The pink haired boy opened it and laughed as he leaned in the doorway.

"Out of breath?"

She huffed and ducked under his arm to enter the apartment, going straight for the single chair in the living room.

"So what did you have planned for today?"

"You know," Natsu slyly started, "we could always pass the time by--"

"Don't!"

Natsu looked over at her red cheeks and chuckled before stepping over to her and crouching so he was leveled with her.

"How do you feel about puzzles?"

Aina's face lit up and she quickly said that she loved puzzles.

"Are we doing one? Can we please do one?"

Natsu went into his room and came out again, lightly shaking the box so Aina could hear all the pieces shuffling around. She jumped up from her seat and rushed over to him, grabbing the box from his hands and clearing a small spot on the floor. After dumping the pieces, she immediately sat down and started sifting through the piles.

"Didn't realize you liked them this much, sweetheart."

"My dad and I would always have competitions to see who could finish a puzzle faster."

Her face dropped, a small frown on her face. She shook her head, her smile returning as she located a corner piece. Natsu was waved over, and he soon took the spot next to her on the floor.

"Sort by edge pieces and then sort the rest by color. It's the fastest way."

"Aye aye, boss."

Aina giggled and continued to sort.