The Academy Lovers

Chapter Four: Love?

"Don't stop believing! Hold on to that feeling!...."

Lucy lazily turned off her alarm clock and got up to start her day. She was...happy. She finally had friends. People whom she could rely on. Hopefully people she could also trust. Lucy looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled. She would be a good friend. One step at a time.
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Lucy arrived at school just before the start of first period. She shyly walked in alone. Someone tripped her and she started to fall but someone caught her before she did.

"Didn't anyone tell you, hurting a lady isn't respectful?" Lucy looked up to see she was in Natsu's arms.

"What this your new girlfriend?"sneered Bixlow. Lisanna ran up to Bixlow and kissed him in front of Natsu on purpose.

"Hey babe." She said loudly on purpose.

"Hey Lis." He grinned as Natsu held Lucy tightly, she could barely breath but said nothing knowing Natsu was furious. Bixlow and Lisanna walked past them holding hands as they glared at him.

"Yo-you okay?" Lucy looked up at him. Natsu looked down at her and they made eye contact for maybe two seconds before she looked away. He couldn't help but smile cheeky.

"Luuuuce." He said looking at her. "I see you." He teased. Lucy smiled in a way she never smiled before. "There's a smile I was hoping for to make me feel better." Natsu said before turning down the hall and walking with one hand wrapped around her back. They both headed to class and sat at their normal seats as the teacher walked in.

"Good morning class, today I will assign a partner project that is worth 45% of your grade. You will be working on a essay and display for dragons, the mythical creatures. You may choose a partner but make sure the person you choose, you wont fool around. I will give you five minutes to find partner then make your way down to the Library for research." My. Applebottom said as he sat at his desk. Natsu turned looking at everyone choosing their partners. A ton of girls came up to Natsu wanting to be his partner, he said no though.

"Partners Natsu?" Gray said.

"Sorry already have a partner." Natsu replied.

"Who?!" Gray said annoyingly.

"Lucy." He looked at her and she blushed really, really red. Gray smirked at Natsu.

"Alright I understand." Gray patted Natsu's back as he walked away.

"Lets head to the Library." Natsu sat up and before she could say anything he grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her out of the classroom. Lucy stumbling behind him as they entered the Library. They both sat at one of the brown tables there.

"So what do you want to do for the project?" He smiled at her.

"I-I don't know." She looked down covering her face in her book. Natsu pulled the book away. As she reached to grab it Natsu grabbed her wrist making her blush alot. She tried to look away but this time Natsu never let her. He grabbed her chin with his other hand making her look at him. Lucy blushed even more.

"I was thinking we could make a sculpture of a red dragon." He smiled cheeky at her, finding her blush sweet.

"That's a-a good idea." She slightly moved her hand to get out of his grip. He never let go.

"You're cute when you blush." Natsu smirked as she got even more red. "I could look at you all day."

"Hey guys. What ya doing?" Gray approached them with his partner Juvia. Natsu let go of Lucy's hand and cheek finally.

"We're just deciding on what to do for our project." Stated Natsu.

"Me and Juvia are going to do a mini diagram of a place with a dragon." Gray grinned.

"M-me and Nat-su are doing a sculpture of a dragon labeling each part and m-maybe a skeleton diagram." Natsu looked at Lucy shocked with the idea she thought of on the spot.

"That's awesome Lucy. Who came up with the idea? I'm pretty sure flame brain never thought of that." Gray walked away with Juvia when Natsu looked at her.

"Why didn't you say that before?" He declared.

"I-I don't give idea's, I just follow others." She grabbed her book and put her face into it.

"If you don't put the book down I will tickle you to look at me." She said nothing. "Alright you asked for it." He sat up and she noticed then started to run as he ran after her. They ran around the Library until he finally caught her making them tumble over. Natsu was now tickling her and she was scrambling to break free. She was laughing really hard.

"Natsu... Stop...!" She cried trying to get out after each laugh breathing heavily. Natsu leaned in close.

"What couldn't hear you." He teased. They're noses were touching, her cheeks were red almost like the color of blood. Natsu didn't know what got over him. He felt warm and comfortable.

"Want to hang out at my place after school to work on the project?" Lucy was speechless. She has never been asked to go to someone's house, let alone a boys. Her cheeks turned into a dark pink tone.

"Taking that as a yes." He smirked.

"Y-you can... get off m-me now." She could barely speak.

"Now why would I do that? You're so warm and comfortable." Lucy felt her heart beating fast. 'What's happening' she thought. 'Is this love?'

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I kept my promise. Hope you all liked the chapter. Also, I need some ideas for the next chapter. Any thoughts would be highly appreciated. Thanks!

~Lucy Dragneel