With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

Chapter 28

On Sunday morning, Gray and Natsu were finally going to meet their roommates. Gray was the first to meet his. His roommate was Lyon Vastia, the son of a wealthy bank owner. Once Lyon completed his college education in economics, he was set to inherit his father's business. He was a little older than Gray, definitely wealthier, and from the rumors Gray had heard, Lyon seemed to have better luck with the ladies too.

"So, you're my new roommate," the white-haired young man said as they finally shook hands.

"Yeah, that's me. Nice to meet you," Gray replied.

"I hear you're in Professor Gildart's class."

"I am."

"That's a tough class—must mean you're pretty smart and responsible."

"I guess."

"That's good. That's exactly the kind of roommate my dad wants me to have. My last few roommates were what most people call... party animals. Dad said I needed someone more serious, or he wouldn't pay my tuition."

"Sounds strict."

"Well, you know how dads are. Always pushing their kids, especially their sons, to succeed. Judging by how advanced you are, your dad must've been like a drill sergeant, right?"

"Actually, um... my dad didn't really get the chance to push me." Gray sighed. "He and my mom died when I was just a kid."

"Oh man," Lyon said, eyes widening. "I'm really sorry. I didn't know."

"It's okay. No harm done."

"Still, I shouldn't have been so insensitive."

"It's fine, really. I wasn't left completely alone. My aunt took me in—she's pretty much the only family I have left."

"Again, I'm really sorry. How about I buy you a coffee?"

"That's not necessary."

"I insist."

"Okay."

Funny enough, both Gray and Lyon preferred iced coffee over regular. After grabbing their drinks, they sat down and began talking about their classes and social lives. As they chatted, Gray realized he actually liked Lyon.

"So, any girls in your life besides your aunt?" Lyon asked with a teasing grin.

Gray chuckled softly. "Well, there are two."

"Oh really?" Lyon's grin grew sly. "And here I thought nerds couldn't get girls."

"It's not like that. One of them's just a really good friend. We tried dating, but it didn't work out."

"And the other?"

"That one's someone I've had my eye on for years... but so has my best friend."

"That sounds like trouble."

"No kidding."

"Do you two ever fight over her?"

"No. We agreed that if she ever showed interest in one of us, we'd handle it maturely."

"Good. Believe me, nothing's harder than two best friends being in love with the same girl."

"Mind if I ask who she is?"

"Lucy Heartfilia."

"As in Captain Jude Heartfilia's daughter? The super popular blonde everyone thinks is a goddess?"

"Not exactly how I'd put it, but yeah."

"Dude, she's way out of your league."

"You think I don't know that?"