Countdown [Natsu x Reader x Gray]

🎓 Chapter 10 🎓

Obsessive Personality Disorder: People with this disorder tend to find an individual of interest and become absolutely obsessed and completely dependent on this individual. You can think of it being similar to a yandere; however, the interest in the target can be romantic or platonic. Think of it as an extreme version of Dependent Personality Disorder. Medication interrupts the obsessive relationship with the target. Thus, if a patient was taking medication but stops, they will no longer have interest in their previous target. Instead, they seek out a new target (though it is possible to become obsessed with the same target if that person is still around). This is why it is extremely important to keep patients who suffer from this disorder on their medication. Also, seeing as this is a personality disorder, the medication for OPD targets the anxiety component of it.

A/N: FYI, Obsessive Personality Disorder is not a real disorder to my knowledge; I just made it up (and do not confuse it with OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder, which are real diagnoses). Dependent Personality Disorder is also a real disorder in which an individual is anxious or afraid of being alone, so they depend on another person's presence to relieve their anxiety. People with Dependent Personality Disorder are often referred to as clingy.

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You continued to tutor Zero, slowly but surely getting him to open up to you and be less tense around you. It's been around a month since you began tutoring him. You turned down the offer to become a student teacher because, while you are enjoying helping Zero, the one-on-one time has made you realize that, that's what you like: one-on-one time teaching (i.e., tutoring) -- not teaching an entire class of students.

It's now October, so 'tis the season for scary movies, pumpkins, candy, and any other Halloween-related stuff.

Even the school was decorated for Halloween.

"Hey, Zero." You greeted, pulling back the empty seat next to the silver haired teen. You were spending your thirty minute lunch break in the library with Zero so you could help him with his math studying before his exam next period.

"Hey, (Y/N)." He greeted back, a small, genuine smile on his face.

"Before we get started," You began, sitting down. "I wanted to see if you were interested in going to a Halloween party with me and a couple of friends. I know parties aren't really your thing -- honestly, they aren't my cup of tea either -- but my friend Natsu wouldn't stop begging. Besides, I thought this would be a great way for you to make new friends."

"A Halloween party, huh.." You could tell that Zero was looking hesitant about going.

He was contemplating.

Do I go to spend time with her and ignore everyone else?

Or do I stay home and have the shrine keep me company?

I don't really want to be apart from her, but I also don't want to go to a party when I'm only interested in her.

"Y-You don't have to answer right now, of course." You assured him, sensing that he was uncomfortable. "Just text me when you make up your mind. The party isn't until the thirty-first anyway."

"Ok." He nodded, relieved to be done with the topic.

You're the only friend I need, (Y/N). No one else matters.

Meanwhile, Natsu and Gray were left having lunch by themselves.

"It's really boring without (Y/N)." Natsu stated, "Why do I gotta look at your ugly face when I eat? At least when she's here, your face isn't as revolting."

"I could say the same for you." Gray growled, "You know, you don't have to eat with me. You could always go eat in the bathroom like the sad, pathetic loser you are."

"What did you say?" Natsu snapped, "You think I'm pathetic?"

"Seeing as the only talents you've managed to acquire is eating without gaining weight and running, yeah, I'd say you're pretty pathetic."

"Oh yeah? And what exactly are you good at, Ice Bucket?"

"Well, unlike you, I actually receive nonfailing grades, I'm attractive, I do theatre now, I can flirt with a girl without getting flustered, I can be in a car without getting motion sick, I have my licence to drive my car, want me to continue?"

"Whatever, Gray. None of that means you're better than me."

"We'll see what (Y/N) has to say. Track or theatre, which one will grab her attention."

"You're on!"

The two boys were interrupted by the bell which signalled the end of lunch. It didn't take long before the hallways were filled with students trying to return to class.

On the way, Natsu and Gray saw (Y/N) exiting the library with Zero.

"(Y/N)!" Natsu called out, running toward you and leaving Gray behind.

"Natsu, you don't have to be so loud." You said, a little embarrassed, after saying your goodbyes with Zero.

"Sorry, sorry." He grinned, scratching the back of his head. "I missed you during lunch. Eating with Gray is no fun."

"W-Well, I had to help Zero with his math studying." You replied, "He has an exam today."

"By the way, eating with you is no picnic either." Gray announced, having jogged toward you after Natsu ran off. "You spill food all over the place. It's disgusting."

"Whatever. I'm ignoring you, Ice Bucket." Natsu scoffed, focusing back on you. "So, why are you tutoring that guy anyway? Is he paying you?"

"Well, no. To be honest, I never really thought about that." You admitted, "But the point is he needed the help and he doesn't have any friends, so I thought I'd be his friend."

"Well don't leave us out of the equation." Gray smirked.

"Yeah, we'll hang with the guy with you." Natsu agreed.

If there was one thing Natsu and Gray could agree on, it was that they were not leaving you alone with another boy they didn't know.