Boy Next Door

5. Grandeeney

Lucy walked out of the school beside Natsu, letting out a long sigh. The boy at her side chuckled as she slumped over, both physically and mentally exhausted.

"Regretting not taking that nap during Gildarts's class?" he taunted. She only groaned in response. Natsu laughed again, but it was cut short when a dark shadow passed over him. Lucy—noticing his uncharacteristic silence—straightened up and turned to see Natsu backing away from Laxus.

"Oh, hi Laxus," Lucy sighed, covering her mouth as she yawned. Her cousin pulled away from the pinkette and focused his intense eyes on her. She got the feeling he was scanning her for injuries. She frowned but kept still until the inspection was over. "Am I going home with you?"

"Well you're not walking home," he replied gruffly, seemingly satisfied. He cracked a small smile. "I doubt you can even find the restroom in the school, let alone your way back home."

"She couldn't find the restroom," Natsu agreed, ignoring the glare Lucy shot at him. "Erza had to help her—twice—and I had to when Erza wasn't there. Do you know how awkward it is to stand outside the girls bathroom? Everyone looked at me like I was some sort of pervert."

"For the best," Laxus nodded while Natsu gaped at him. Lucy giggled behind her hand, turning away when Natsu shot her a wounded look. "Did you have any more problems?"

"Nope," Lucy assured him proudly.

"Not yet," Natsu added in dubiously, frowning and crossing his arms. "That bastard is still in our classes."

"I trust you to deal with that problem. Of course, only if it needs to be dealt with," the blonde said, glaring pointedly at Natsu.

"'No starting up unnecessary fights'. I know already, alright?" He grumbled, looking down with a pout. Lucy had a feeling it really upset him to be told off from fighting. 

"I'm glad," Laxus said. He paused, giving Natsu one last long look before his attention turned on Lucy. "Are you ready to go home now?"

"Um yeah, but can I ask where my backpack is?" Lucy questioned.

"In the car," Laxus waved it away and turned towards the parking lot. Lucy started after him before stopping and looking back at Natsu.

"Do you need a ride home, Natsu?" She asked curiously. Natsu glanced at her with raised eyebrows, smiling.

"I thought I told you I'm no good with cars?" He questioned. Lucy blinked at him before blushing.

"O-oh. No I'm-I'm sorry. I completely forgot I—"

"Relax, Luce! It's cool," he chuckled, "I've got basketball club now anyway. Don't worry about me."

"You play basketball?" She asked stupidly.

"Hmm? Yup!" He agreed, giving her a small wave as he started to turn. "You can watch me some time, but I think if you stay any longer than Laxus will come here and beat me up!"

"Huh?!" Lucy turned and flinched when she saw her cousin staring at them impatiently from the front window of his chevy. She gulped and started forward, waving towards Natsu. "I'd love to see you play some time. Sorry for keeping you."

"That's my line, Weirdo," he laughed, shaking his head. "I'm looking forward to it."

Lucy ignored the way his words made shivers go up her back and waved once again before entering the car. Her cousin didn't say anything as she buckled in, or even when they pulled out of the parking lot. Lucy used the time to take note of the turns they made. She wanted to be used to her new home as soon as she could.