Sweetheart

9

It had been about a week since the incident and Aina had finally gone back to school.

"Miss Laballe, it's so nice to see you again," Mister Justine greeted. "I hope you're feeling a little better."

Aina smiled weakly and quietly sat down at her desk. She pulled out her notebook and tried to write down whatever notes were already on the board. She could feel the stares, but she chose to ignore them.

"Now I know it's Monday, but if everyone could focus for the rest of the lecture then I'll give you the last ten minutes to discuss your projects with your partners."

The class went by slowly, but the last ten minutes had come and everyone paired up.

"Well hello there, sweetheart. Long time no--"

"Are we still meeting today for the project?"

"Whatever you want, sweetheart," Natsu said as he smirked. "Didn't realize you'd be so eager to see me again."

She rolled her eyes and looked off to look out the window.

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"Hey look! Aina's back!"

Aina laughed quietly at Sting's enthusiasm and sat down in front of him.

"How's your head?"

"It's okay. Still kinda hurts."

"I bet the valedictorian is glad you're back," Sting joked, "because I've been having my discussions with her while you were gone."

"Oh yeah?"

"She's not as fun," Sting pouted.

Aina looked over to Levy to see that she puffed her cheeks.

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"My mom had to pick up the extra shift again, which means that she's working six days again. I feel so bad. It's all my fault."

"Don't think like that, A. You couldn't help it if you got sick."

"Hospital bills are all she knows though. It's not fair to her to always have to pay all these bills."

"I can promise you that she doesn't mind. I'm sure she would rather have you healthy."

Lucy questioned, "How were you in the hospital? I mean, I know that you..."

"What's wrong, sweetheart? Afraid of hospitals?"

The trio froze at the sound of Natsu's voice. Levy gave her hardest glare at the salmon haired boy, but he just smirked and stole Aina's chips before walking back to his table.

"What the hell is wrong with him?" Levy hissed.

"It's okay, Levy. Just let him be."

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It was their free period, and Aina was concentrating on completing the work that she missed. Natsu came sauntering over to her library table and leaned his hand on it. Aina spoke without looking up.

"My mom's home later again today, so I was hoping that we could still use your apartment to work."

Natsu hummed and shifted so he was sitting right next to her.

"What do you want, Natsu?"

"Now is it too much to ask to just sit next to my favorite person, sweetheart?"

"Yes because I know that's not true."

"Aw, don't be like that."

"I need to focus on all this work, so if you would please leave me alone so I can concentrate I would really appreciate it. I can't afford to fall behind."