The Program

Chapter 26

Chapter 26 - ''Innocence''

Lucy Heartfilia

Saturday finally rolled around, it being the first day of March. This month everything changes. We're going to be graduating in twenty days. 

That's why I've been hesitant to tell Natsu about what happened with Sting. I know he would do something about it and get himself in trouble, which jeopardizes him graduating. 

But I still need to talk to him.. I need to tell him. We need communication. I can't hide more things from him. I'm already hiding my health..

I've been keeping everything inside for so long, I just don't know how to let it out. It's not that I don't trust Natsu.

I trust Natsu. I trust him a lot more than I thought I would. He makes me feel comfortable. It's okay to have feelings around him. He wouldn't hurt me. 

It's safe to say that I know him. I still have a lot left to learn. But I'm more than ready for that. I'm in it for the long haul.. well, I can only hope I'll live that long.

Come on, don't think like that. It'll be okay. Nothing has happened yet. My health is stable. I only need to keep taking my medication.

''Luce!''

My head shot up as my eyes adjusted to Natsu running towards me. I've been waiting for him outside the entrance of the school with the route to the bus stop down the block.

Watching him get closer and closer instantly brought a smile to my face. I'm not sure what it is about him, but his presence alone makes me extremely happy. It's that same alive feeling I got back when he first asked me out.

''Hey there, beautiful.'' Natsu greeted, taking another step towards me to pull me into an embrace. He moved his head to place a short kiss on my lips.

Butterflies exploded in my stomach and my whole body started warming up shortly in reaction. Jeez.. what is the man doing to me?

''Hey to you too, handsome..'' I greeted in return, getting cozy in his arms as a small smile found it's way onto my face.

''So, what do you want to do first?'' He asked, backing away in order to see my face but still kept me in his arms.

What do I want to do..

Honestly? It doesn't matter what we do. As long as I'm with him, I know that we'll both be having a good time. Even if it's something as wild as dumpster diving.

''Let's grab a bite to eat first, yeah?''

''Anything you want. How about we try that little cafe..''

Juvia Lockser

Ever since me and Gray made up, we've bounced right back to our usual routine. Now, it feels like how it's always been.. me and him, best friends, always keeping each other company and making each other laugh.

I don't know if it's just me though, but neither of us seem to want to address the elephant in the room..

After the reasons Gray told me, I have been being careful around Freed like I said I would. I have no idea why he was so worried, though. Freed isn't bad or anything. He's been nothing but sweet with me.

But it doesn't add up. Gray warned me.. Cana and Bisca warned me.. why would they need to? I don't want to go along with mob mentality but it's just a little weird. I want to think that I do believe in Lyon and Freed..