With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

Chapter 29

The universe must have it out for Natsu. There was no other explanation. Why else would fate have paired him with Laxus Dreyar as a roommate? Out of everyone in the world, it had to be the one person whose sole mission seemed to be making Natsu's life a living nightmare.

"Alright, Dragneel, here are the rules," Laxus said, voice cold and unwavering. "Don't touch my stuff. Stay on your side of the room. Don't talk to me. Hell, don't even look at me. Break any of these, and your face goes straight into the nearest toilet. Clear?"

"Crystal," Natsu sighed, already regretting the day fate had dealt him this hand.

Later that evening, Natsu vented to Gray over the phone. "I swear, Gray, the universe has a personal vendetta against me. Seriously—why else would I get stuck with Laxus?"

"Calm down. Maybe it's not as bad as you think," Gray tried to reassure him.

"It's Laxus, Gray. The guy who tormented us through all of school and even now in college. I'm going to have to sleep with one eye open every night!"

"If you're that worried, why not ask the landlord for a new roommate?"

"Something tells me he's not going to go for that."

"Alright, so you have to share a room with Laxus. Yeah, that makes things way more difficult, but it's not like you'll be stuck with him forever. Besides, I doubt he'll last past the first semester."

"What do you mean?"

"He's a moron—a troublemaking moron. Sooner or later, he's bound to do something stupid enough to get expelled."

"...You have a point there."

"Just ignore him. By the time the semester ends, he'll probably be gone."

"I hope so. Right now, I need something to take my mind off him. Wanna go grab a pizza or something?"

"Sorry, man. I already made plans with my roommate. He's trying to set me up with some girls. No idea how that's going to go."

"Hey, everyone's gotta get lucky sometime."

"Yeah, I guess. See you in class tomorrow?"

"Sure. Bye."

Natsu hung up and stepped outside for some fresh air. The evening was quiet, with hardly anyone around. Wait—there was someone. Lucy. What was she doing out so late?

"Hey, Lucy! Wait up!" he called.

"Oh, hi Natsu," she smiled. "What are you doing out so late?"

"Just needed some air. You?"

"Just getting back from the library. Been cramming for my physics exam."

"How's that going?"

"Terrible. I've been reading the books, but it just doesn't click. I've always had trouble with physical science—it makes no sense to me."

"Really? Funny, I always get straight A's in physics."

"Are you trying to rub it in?"

"No! I'm just saying—I could tutor you, if you want."

"You'd do that for me?"

"Sure. Just say when and where."

"You're a total doll, Natsu."

"Oh no, I'm not," he said, trying not to blush.

"Yes, you are. You're one of the nicest guys I know."

"Me?"

"Yeah. You and Gray. You're the only nice guys I know."

"I'm sure that's not true. You probably know lots of nice guys. What about your boyfriend?"

"He's... nice, in a way."

"What does that mean?"

"I'd rather not get into it right now. How about we meet up tomorrow? At the library around five?"

"Sounds great."

"I'll see you tomorrow then?"

"You will."

"Wonderful."

She gave him a warm smile before walking off to the ride waiting for her. Natsu watched her go, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"No way, man." Natsu jumped, startled by Laxus's sudden appearance. "There's no way in hell that's happening."

"What?" Natsu asked, confused.

"There's no way you and her are ever getting together," Laxus sneered, a cruel chuckle escaping him.

"What are you talking about?"

"Dude, everyone knows you have the hots for her. Everyone except her, apparently. But trust me, you don't stand a chance."

"I don't know where you got that ridiculous idea. Lucy's just a good friend I'm helping out."

"Do you think I'm stupid?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?"

Without warning, Laxus grabbed Natsu and slammed him against the nearest wall.

"You nerds really get on my nerves," Laxus hissed. "You freaks think you're better than me just because you get good grades. The truth is, you're nothing, Natsu. A total loser. No girl would ever go out with you. Especially not someone like Lucy."

"Hey! What's going on here?" Professor Clive's voice cut through the tension as he stepped into the room. "Mr. Dreyar, put that student down—now!"

Laxus hesitated, glaring at the professor as if weighing his options.

"Now, Mr. Dreyar, or I'll have you expelled," the professor warned sharply.

With a low growl, Laxus released Natsu and stormed off.

"Are you okay?" Gildarts asked, concern etched on his face as he approached.

"I'm fine... but Laxus will probably kill me once I get back to the dorm."

"Why's that?"

"He's my roommate."

"Uh-oh."

"Uh-oh is right. He's gonna destroy me."

"Why did you move in with him?"

"Wasn't my choice. He was assigned to me."

"I see. You know, I could talk to the landlord about getting you a new roommate."

"Really? If you could, that'd be amazing. But isn't that against the rules?"

"I'm sure they'll make an exception once I explain how unsettling his behavior is."

"Thank you, Professor Clive. Seriously, thank you."

"Think nothing of it, Natsu. I don't understand that boy. He's got so much potential—why waste it harassing others?"

"Because he doesn't have a brain."

"He's actually smarter than he acts. I just wish he'd apply himself."

"If you ask me, that jerk isn't good for anything."

"Now, don't stoop to his level. You're better than that."

"I guess."

"Well, why don't you head back to your room? You've had a long day. Some rest will do you good."

"Yeah, you're right. See you in class tomorrow, Professor."

"You too."