(Long chapter!)

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🕛Timeskip to after school🕛

I ran outside when I heard the school bell ring. I didn't want to go home, but then again, I had to do that stupid project with Natsu.

I saw him walk out and look around, like he was looking for me. I had to make a choice. Go with him and pass the class, or go home and suffer less? He looked at me and started walking over. I looked at him, then at the sidewalk.

Him.

Home.

Him.

Home.

Finished project at his house?

Go home now and suffer less?

Stupid brain! Make up your mind!

"Hey Lucy! You ready to go?" He said as he walked up to me.

"Uh..." I still didn't know!

"If you're thinking about ditching just to cut, then I'm not letting you." He said.

"No! It's not that!" I said. Although, I did deserve punishment for letting him find out.

"Then what are you waiting for?"

"I...I don't know! How long do you think the project will take? And do you live with anyone?" I said.

"I live with my parents and sister. As for how long, probably up to 11pm, so you might want to tell you parents or something."

"No! There's gotta be a way for this project to go by fast!"

"Why are you panicking? It's not like you'll be grounded for being at a boys house. Were working on a project, so you parents shouldn't go all hectic." He said.

"... Fine. I won't be here tomorrow then." I said as I started walking. Tonight... Tonight was going to be painful.

We got to his house and he let me inside.

"Mom! Dad! I'm home!" He shouted.

"Welcome ho- hey Igneel! Your son brought home a present!" I saw who I think his mother said.

"What?! Lemme see!" A man with red spiky hair said. He walked up to me with a stern face. Then it lightened and turned to Natsu.

"So, you done playing with girls?" He asked him.

"Dad! I just met her today!" Natsu said.

"That's what you said about the other 20. You better not make this girl cry." His mother said. I smirked and began talking.

"Oh, he already made me cry during lunch. Then he wouldn't stop bothering me all day." I complained. She looked at Natsu coldly and he looked at me in disbelief.

"I never meant to! Besides, she hates me!" He said with a pouty face.

"You're right there. I do hate you. I'm not like those prissy brats that complain that they broke their nail, or tore their precious shirt." I said.

"I like this girl! Natsu, you better not loose this one! She knows how to pick a fight! I can sense it in her voice! So strong! So proud! Nothing can make her fall!" His dad said playfully. I know he meant well, but that hurt me. I wasn't any of those things he just said. I was a coward. A freak. I terrified little cat that sits in a vegetable can.

"Yeah, yeah. Where's Wendy?" Natsu asked.

"She's at Shelia's house for the week." His mom said.

"Ok. We'll be upstairs in my room." Natsu said.

"Doing what exactly?" His dad asked.

"A school project. I chose to be her partner sense no one else did. Did you know that she's the kind that sits in the back of the room, not wanting any social interaction?" Natsu exaggerated.

"Unless you want to be beat in your own house, I suggest you shut up!" I said. He looked terrified and continued up the stairs. I looked at his dad and he gave me a thumbs up. I smiled and followed Natsu to his room.

"Hope you don't mind the way I decorate." He said as he opened this door. As I walked up, I was shocked. I had to remember that this house wasn't my house. At my house, every room had some blood painted on the floor and walls, so seeing a spotless room was new, and it felt weird. Stupid Natsu had to notice my expression.

"Sorry if my room isn't to your liking, but I like it." He pouted.

"No, I like it. It's just new, and I'm not used to it." I said quickly.

"Well, what are you used to?"

"White walls mixed with red. Everywhere in the house looks like that."

"You should take me there soon. Sounds cool."

"No! You'll never be allowed to come inside my house in a billion years!" I screamed. His dad burst into the room after that.

"Where's the fire?!" He said.

"No where. I just made her mad." Natsu said.

"We'll, don't make her mad!" He said as he walked back out.

"Let's just get this project over with." I said as we got our stuff out.

🕛Timeskip to when they finished.🕛

"Yes! We're done!" Natsu said as he slouched back in his chair.

"Good! Now I have to go." I said as I tried shoving everything in my bag.

"What's the rush?" He asked.

"I... I never told my dad where I was! Yeah." And nor was I planing on telling him.

"What?! You said that you did!"

"When did I say that?"

"Fine! I'll walk you home then." He said as he followed me downstairs and out the doors.

We walked for a while before I saw my house. All lights were off but one. His office light. Then I saw him standing  his window, looking at me and... Natsu!

"This is far enough. Go home now!" I said.

"What? I can't just leave you here. I need to make sure that you get through your front door safely!"

"Go! Home! Now!" I said.

"No! I'll walk you to your door, then watch you walk inside, then leave." He said. I looked at my dad through the window, and he had a smirk. I saw writing on the window next to him. It said, I finally get to have fun.

"Natsu! Please... Just go. It's safe if you leave!"

"What do you mean, 'safe'? What are you not telling me?!"

"Fine. Walk me to my door." I said. We started walking again, and I saw my dad disappear.

It's OK Lucy. Just punish yourself afterwards, and the pain will go away. I thought.

Natsu knocked on the door and my dad opened it. He was wearing the worst smile ever as he pulled me in for a hug. My dad bowed to Natsu as he took me in. Before he shut the door though, I threw out a piece of paper. I know that Natsu will see it, and I know he'll be confused.

No one, not even he, can prevent what's about to happen. Not even if I tell him.