Out Of The Shadows

3. Lunch time chatter

(Zeref Pov)

"I'll leave if you want me to. But, I hope you realize I'm not the sort of person to just ignore people. So expect to be talked to in the future." Mavis's words echoed in my head. I haven't been talked to at school for... Awhile now. And then that little innocent thing comes along, un afraid, thinking she can just say hello. I'm not a liar. I don't want to hide everything I've done. And with what I've done, people won't accept that. So it's better for me to just be a cold hearted ass towards her than lie, and break her heart with the truth. I won't let such terrible things happen. I've already committed my sins. But, I will admit, it felt nice to hear someone say my name after so long. And wether for good or bad, I know it. I can feel it, there's something about Mavis that feels like I have no choice. Like I've been placed on a train of fate, and can't get off. I don't feel that way, about anyone. Ever. So why her?

(Mavis Pov)

I spot Lucy, Juvia, Erza, and Levy sitting at a table in the very back. I rush over to join them, taking out my lunch. Rice, salad, and apple juice. Yum.

"Hey Mavis, you just missed it, Natsu came over and totally just-" Levy began giggling wildly as Lucy covered her mouth with her hand. Her face a bright red.

"Shut up! It's not like that! Don't go around spreading rumours!" Lucy begged Levy.

"What? Juvia thinks you'd make a great couple with Natsu." Juvia said, probably because it meant Lucy being farther away from Gray.

"So, we're just talking about boys. Is very any you'd like to know about?" Erza asked me.

"Actually yes! I'd love to know more of everyone." I said happily, thinking who I should ask about first.

"How about this Natsu character, who is he?" I asked. Lucy blushed at the mentioning of his name, not wanting to look at us.

"He's really immature and childish. He gets into trouble all the time with out realizing, but he's also extremely kind hearted and never gives up when committed to something." Erza told me, giving a light smile. Lucy was still extremely embarrassed. I wonder what happened with them.

"Ok, well I'd love to meet him!" I smiled, "and what about Gray?"

"Gray is beautiful! He's so passionate and will always help Juvia when she's in trouble!" Juvia instantly took the opportunity to speak up. She seems to really like this Gray guy. He must be very special to her. Everyone else sighs.

"Gray's pretty cool, and relaxed. But he has a habit of stripping. It's really weird." Lucy explains, Juvia glares at her.

"How dare you say such things about Gray!" Juvia gasps. Oh my, young love. It's so beautiful.

"Yeah, and Natsu and Gray don't get along all the time. Those two are like fire and ice." Levy told me. I nod. Huh, interesting mix.

"Hmm, what about Gajeel?" I asked, reaching the near end of my list. All eyes turned on Levy. She sighed.

"It's like I say, Gajeel is a dork who will constantly make remarks at my height and drives me crazy. But, he also looks out for me. Like he wants to protect me. So, I guess I'm thankful for that." Everyone makes an 'awww' sound.

"That's so sweet! Now, who's Erza smitten with?" I asked. Everyone looks over at a blue haired boy waiting in the lunch line. He has a red tattoo around his eye that looks really intriguing.

"Jellal, they've known each other since they were young. But, somethings went a bit, wrong. They're not on the best terms now." Lucy said, quietly. I gaze at Erza. Oh, I feel so bad for her. Erza looks at us.

"Oh don't be like that, we've been getting better. And I'm not going to let things in the past define him. I still have faith that there's the sweet little boy I knew in him." She explains. Erza is strangely wise. I enjoy her company.

"Anyone else?" Lucy asks, taking our minds off that.

"Just one last person." I say. I have all their attention now. "What's with this Zeref character?" The atmosphere turns cold. Everyone at the table looks down. What did I do?

"Huh? What's wrong?" I ask, confused. No body wants to speak so it got very quiet for my group. I wait, hoping at least one of them will respond to my question.

"He seems really down, I tried to invite him to lunch bu-"

"You what?" Lucy stares at me. Did I commit a crime with out realizing? What was so wrong?

"Listen, Mavis don't speak to him, ok?" Lucy warns me, some weird sense in her eyes and words. It's a mix of emotions.

"I don't understand, why not?" I ask.

"He's, he-" Lucy stutters on her words, "he's not the sort of person you want to know. So let's all just drop the subject." Erza finished for her. I feel bewildered, astonished at what they said. Yet, it didn't stop my curiosity from growing. I was going to reach the bottom of this Zeref business.