A Racer and A Thug

A Deal

Natsu's POV

A week had passed now and I had grown used to seeing Lucy in the halls. But she would glare at anyone who glanced her way, however she didn't seem to do that with my group. Whenever she came across someone from Fairy Tail she would look for a second but then glared ahead. She did that with me a few times and I was worried that she might threaten me for no reason, but that was never the case.

So far, I've realized I only have about four classes with the gangster. English was first, then Calculus, Gym, and Home Economics. Also there was lunch. I started to think over the idea I had last week. It was risky and I know it might not even play out but I had to try.

I walked into English class and saw Lucy sitting in her usual seat by the window with a bored expression. As I walked closer, I noticed no one bother me or whisper at me.

I walked to my desk and glanced at the thug next to me. Her brown eyes seemed dull and she looked out the window as if she were in another world all her own. Upon closer inspection, I saw purple mixed with brown on her left cheek bone. A bruise.

How did she get that?

The thug quickly looked at me scowling, "Quit staring at me."

I averted my gaze to the floor and quickly sat down. Maybe today might not be the best day to ask for a favor.

.............

Class was over, but I was one of the last to leave because I was so nervous about asking Lucy a favor that I didn't get all the notes down for class and I had to quickly write whatever I could before the bell rang. Now my desk was a mess. I started cleaning up my spot when Lucy woke up from her quick nap. Looking around, I noticed that we were the only two on the room.

This was a perfect opportunity to talk to her.

She started sauntering away, hands in her pockets. I grabbed all my stuff and walked after her. I realized that she wasn't going to wait for me. I needed to act right now.

"Wait!" I called. She stopped mid stride and turned her head.

"What?" She asked in a tone that meant that my question better not waste her time.

Mustering up all of my courage, I breathed in and then out. "I-I was wondering if you could help me."

"Sorry but I don't like helping people," she replied and continued her walk.

"But you don't even know what it is yet," I called, trying anything to get her to listen. She stopped and turned, the action was a bit sudden so I almost ran into her.

"What is it then?" She put her hands in her hips. I was shocked that I actually got her to try and listen. So I cleared my throat and started talking.

"I was wondering if you could help in keeping the students from beating me up."

The thug's look changed from a neutral expression to confusion. "What?" I could tell I was losing her interest and started explaining.

"Well, I've noticed that whenever you're around I don't get picked on. In fact it seems some of them look like they try to completely ignore me. So I was wondering if you could just.....help keep them away...."

"You mean like a body guard?" She asked. I nodded my head. It was quiet for a second before Lucy started chuckling to herself. "Haha you want me to be your body guard against a bunch of your bullies?!" She asked, more in a mocking tone than confusion. "Oh that's rich! Besides, don't you have your little group of racers to help you out?"

"W-well," I looked down not sure what to say. "I don't want my friends to worry about me. I'm always in need of someone's help and sometimes they don't make it in time........most of the time."