Hi everyone! I mean to those who are still reading this years-old unfinished fanfic, I cannot apologize enough for the very long delay… it seemed I got a very bad procrastination streak that I can't be proud of myself of. So I promise to you guys, as long as I have the idea of this fanfic continues running through my head I will make this fanfic finally labeled "complete". So please bear with it.

Disclaimer: I don't own except the plot.

Previously on "A Delinquent Love Life"

During the duration of the walk, I heard him whispers my name in a very guilty and sad tone, but as I said before his actions are too much for me for the day, so I just tuned him out.

After some time I heard him clicked his tongue and then I heard turn his heels and walked away. I peeked to see him kicking pebbles while walking away. I was about to call back to him but remembered I had to rest up so I decided to just call him later. Hoping that would make him realize to at least behave a little.

I don't know how wrong I was.

Okay, this is weird. I never thought that in my whole life I would ever feel this kind of longing. It was like there this sinking feeling that something was missing from my life, and no, it was not like someone close to me had passed away. It was more like somebody was supposed to be close to me, but today that wasn't the case.

And I know clearly who that specific person was, it was the same salmon-haired and dragon scale designed scarf-wearing delinquent with so full of energy. Yeah, the person who supposed to greet me with a warm hug and a big grin at the start of the school while at the same time trying to run away from the school's student council president and maybe a few teachers behind said student council president. I thought by now that it would be so obvious, but if not then I guess I could give the last clue, his name is the Japanese word for summer.

It was now first break-time and I didn't see any sign of him anywhere. I knew he could skip classes without so much care in the world but he would always make it to at least one class subject before break times or else he will say goodbye to all his recess for a week, courtesy of the principal who had enough of him. Believe it or not, most of his other close friends didn't even see him, while others just saw him pass by but before they can even greet him he disappeared like a flame that had been doused with water that left nothing but a trail of ashes and smoke.

"Lu-chan, are you okay?" I was suddenly thrown out of my deep thought. Levy-chan has eyed me with serious concern, well her and Erza who was the only ones currently sitting on the same table with me.

"I agree with Levy, Lucy you look like something has bothered you so much." Well, that's not wrong, but to agree with her that I'm concerned about Natsu's whereabouts would pretty much set the wrong direction to all my girl-friends, who would assume something that's completely out of context. But, I thought it would be best to just admit my serious curiosity about him anyway and hope for the best.

"I-it's nothing really, it's just that I haven't really see Natsu today. Have any of you guys seen him yet?" I'm literally crossing my fingers behind my back, wishing that Levy would not make an unnecessary comment. "Oh, why the sudden interest Lu-chan?" Unfortunately, my dear tiny best friend didn't understand that kind of reply is not what I wanted but go figure.

"Levy I suggest that you knock it off, Lucy here apparently has a point, I too never saw him even once today… no wonder my hands have been itching since this morning." Thank you so much Erza, I never been so grateful to have a friend like you, but on the other hand, that very last comment made me feel a glimpse of the kind of Erza that Natsu and Gray and most likely all other troublemakers in the school felt when facing her wrath.

"Pfft, you're no fun Erza-chan. But now that you mention it, I only saw him once when I was going to give Gajeel his result of last week physics test. And before you made any comment about why just him Lucy, he's the only who didn't get it yet since he skipped physics class today." Damn, and here I thought I could get her back, "but when I saw his face though, it looks like to me he's a bit upset about something."

"How do you know that Levy, for all we could know he might be just pissed up cause he loses to Gray on some dare or bet or some other menial things."

"Erza, you should've known Natsu better. I mean after all you've been friends since kindergarten and you're the one who always straighten him out and Gray when they're about to have 'bout against each other. Do you really think Natsu would just sulk over things like that?" That comment made Erza stop eating her lunch, which is a strawberry cake, and went through a deep thought mode. After a few seconds later, Erza returned her attention to us with a serious look on her face. "It seems that Levy was right this time Lucy, this has never occurred to Natsu before." That statement Erza made only worsens my worry about Natsu. If he never been like this before… it must be serious, right?

After lunch, I went back to my classroom early, trying to see if Natsu would be there since that was the last class we have together this day. On my way to class, I saw a group of my other girl-friends walking my way chatting with each other. Lisanna who was the very first person of the group to notice me waved her hand at me and I waved back at her.

"Hi, Lucy" After she said that the rest of the also noticed me too and they all hurried they're pace walking to where I was standing. They all greet me as Lisanna did simultaneously and proceeded by asking your everyday questions like "How was your study today" or "How was your lunch" and things like that, with exception of Cana who was mostly talking if there were any of us hosting any parties or knowing someone who does. So I answered all of their questions properly when a thought just occurred to me, maybe some of them know anything about Natsu.

"Oh-uh, guys, do you see or hear anything about Natsu today?"

All of them suddenly look at each other with a confused expression. Maybe they don't know anything about his whereabouts too after all.

"Never mind me asking then," I was about to go away when I heard Juvia let out a surprised sound.

"What is it Juvia?" I immediately asked her. The other also focused on her for suddenly reacting like that.

"Juvia remembers that Gray told me about Natsu's plan of going to skip the last class for today and planning to rest at his usual spot." Huh, usual spot? What usual spot? I understand the skipping class is normal to him, but having someplace like that… I thought he was always gone home or somewhere when he was skipping classes.

"Where's this usual spot Juvia?" I asked in a hurried tone, that I will be going to regret later 'cause Cana seemed to catch this as she slung her arm around my neck and smiled mischievously at me, I already didn't like where this is going.

"W-what's wrong Cana?" The nervous tone that I let out only made her smile grew wider than before, it seemed she was going to ask something embarrassing to me….

"Oh-ho, what's this all about Lucy, I've noticed that you've been too concerned about our salmon-haired guy friend this day."

"It's n-nothing r-really." I was aware that I only dug my grave deeper if I continue talking like that.

"Is it really? I mean he's just gone incognito for one day, and then you act like he was in the MIA list. Tell me Lucy, is it really 'nothing'?"

I was fidgeting like crazy, I mean I just noticed that particular thing. Did I really look like what Cana described just now? I mean sure he didn't show any sign of appearance today so much around me, that's pretty normal for someone to do once in a while… but, for some reason, it didn't sit too well with me about the idea that Natsu to do just that.

"Cana cut Lucy some slack I mean it's normal to be worried about something like this. I would act the same if I noticed it earlier." I heard Lisanna spoke up for me. Yay, another friend who got my back while I'm being harassed by another. After I freed myself from Cana's hold I smiled awkwardly at my friends, before going to the other way.

Maybe I'm too worried about him I thought to myself, I'm not so sure as to why that idea just hit me after being pointed out by Cana, well not directly anyway. I kept on pondering as I made my way to my class. Welp, I going to figure it out sooner or later anyway, might as well focus on studying right now, I thought to myself again before entering the classroom.

I for one can proudly myself a well-achieving student. I got A's and B's on my class subjects even at P.E classes, never the one to miss any class except in an urgency, much less skipping school all-day. I always focus on what the teacher has to explain in class, but, it seemed that right now wasn't the case though. I tried my best, really, but I can't just dismiss the idea of what could have made Natsu this… invisible. I was loathing myself for actually wishing for some magical power to fast-forward time, so I could meet up with Natsu and straighten things out.

I almost got caught not paying attention, I was so out of it that I missed my name being called to solve an integrals mathematical problem, I was lucky that I prepared a bit for this kind of mathematical problem. I managed to get away with it, but inside I cursed myself of my slip-up. I took my book and prepare it in front of me to block off my face. Yes, I know it's the oldest trick in the book and had the low chance of actually working, but it's not like I was going to doze off, I skimmed through it half-mindlessly so even if my teacher caught me again, I would at least know some part of it.

As the final bell signalling it was time to go home for everyone has rung, I immediately packed all my things, like I just swooped everything that is on top of my bag into my arm and carried it to my locker and just put everything there. Now, that's out of the way I can finally meet up with Natsu and hopefully end all of this nonsensical worry.

After I grabbed my bag from the class, I hurried myself to the rooftop of the school building, hoping Natsu would be there. As soon as I arrived at the rooftop door I took some time to catch my breath since there were so many stairs that I have to go through to reach this place. A moment later I opened the door hoping I manage to find Natsu here, to my disappointment he was nowhere to be seen. I looked to the left and right checking if traces of anybody was here, unfortunately, there wasn't any. I kicked the door out of irritation, I usually don't do this, but the problem here was more complicated from what I've been through, Never was I this worried for a friend… a male friend especially.

I almost went back, when suddenly I noticed a low groaning sound, I immediately checked the other side of the door. And there he was rubbing his head, maybe he hit his head to the wall he was currently resting on because of the sudden noise from the door I just kicked. He was surprised to see me the moment he opened his eyes, it was so evident from the look of his face.

"L-Lucy, what are you doing here?" Natsu asked, clearly bewildered as to why I'm here. Normally it would be a bit cute if he did that, but now I'm furious and on hell-bent wanted to know why did he conceal his presence from me all day.

"So, I finally found you…"

"E-eh"

I grabbed both his shoulder and then I shook his body like there's no tomorrow because he had made me worried all day for no reason whatsoever.

"L-Lucy, p-please stop shaking m-me… or e-else I'm g-gonna puke." I suddenly let go of him and took a step back in case he really did puke. Still, I'm not just going to let him feel fine just yet. After a few more seconds or so, Natsu straightened his posture back and let out some deep breaths.

"A-alright, now, what did you want to-"

I didn't let him finish, I just slapped my hand across his face. If he was dumbfounded before, then the face he made now made him on a whole new level of dumbfounded. He just stared at me with so much surprise, I think his brain has gone haywire, just like that Spongebob scene with his entire brain office burning.

"What the fu-?"

"Don't you even dare try to curse in front of me right now!" I yelled at him to stop him from cursing. It was supposed to be me the one who has the right of cursing.

"Yes, Ma'am!" He straightens his pose back and went full cadet stance on me. We just stared at each other for who knows how long. The is a hint of awkwardness around us from the very long moment of silence, that is until I see Natsu trying to say something.

"Lucy, is something the matter?" That's it, this boy is so clueless.

"Something the matter? Something the matter!? Of course, there's something that matters. Why didn't I see you for the whole day, you didn't greet me this morning, you didn't sit with me during breaks today, you didn't even attend any class today. Now you still asking something the matter?"

"Uh… I uh…."

"Well?" I may scare him like when he faces Erza, but this has gone way over the line. Now, I can see him sweating like crazy, it seemed that I finally got the reaction I wanted from him. I saw him took some deep breaths, I can sense that I will finally get that explanation that I so wanted.

"Uh… I want some me-time?"

Was this kid being serious? Did he just joke with me at this moment?

"What kind of half-assed answer is that?" Did I just curse out loud? I think I just cursed out loud. Surely, anyone who heard me will feel the kind of irritation I was feeling right now if they were in the same condition as me. This boy is the real kind of impossible to deal with.

"Half-assed? I don't understand… I just want some time to myself is that so wrong?" Natsu oh so carefree reply clearly stated that he didn't understand the situation at all. I sighed and shook my head I took a spot near him and slide myself down to the floor and lay my body against the wall. Natsu who saw this followed me and returned to his position that I found him in.

"Sorry, my reaction was just over-the-top, you have your right for some alone time," I said while covering my face with my hands, I feel so embarrassed of my unnecessary worry and actions. I'm still wondering why did I act like this and never to anyone else. Though, I must admit, deep inside my heart I feel like Natsu is a different case for me. Never I had a friend that is spontaneously amusing like Natsu, especially a male friend. Maybe it was the generic delinquent trait that made him so outgoing.

I felt Natsu has been staring at me for quite some time too. I need to think of something to say to him. Think Lucy, think! "You know Lucy..." Huh?

"Actually, I kinda want to get away from you too..." Wait, what? I was right all along? I turned to face him and found that he was showing a look that is a mix of embarrassment and remorse. Like Natsu was a bit guilty about saying it.

Well, he should feel that way, I mean I haven't done anything wrong to him, or I think I didn't. I'm contemplating the idea of asking him why did he want to avoid me. But, it seems he has more to say.

"You know, yesterday, when you told me to go away when I just wanted to hang out with you hurts me a little. And I was the first person who put on dibs on hanging with you that day, not Erza. So when you prioritize Erza over me I was a little pissed off." Natsu told me. I never realized that he would be that sensitive, I just thought that we hang out with each other so often it wouldn't even bother him when I chose Erza over him that day.

"But, when you told me off that evening, that just added a deeper blow. It looks like you were so annoyed with me, even though I was the one who was supposed to hang with you yesterday."

So, in that sense, I actually did him wrong huh. I guess I gotta try to understand Natsu more. Guess, I need to apologize and straighten things around us "I'm sorry Natsu. ," I said before continuing my sentences, "I would never know you would have felt that way. I guess it is kind of my fault I left you hanging yesterday, but following me around doesn't make it any better Natsu..." I reasoned with him.

Natsu just remained still, until a while later he finally loosens his posture and let out an apologetic chuckle while scratching the back of his head.

"Ahaha, I guess that's a little creepy stunt that I did with Gray. I'm sorry too for that," We both laughed at his remark. "But next time when we plan on going to hang out with each other we're gonna stick to it alright? I don't wanna feel that you care about others more than you do for me."

Aww, that sounded a bit overprotective and cute at the same time. He sounded like a jealous boyfriend hahaha...

"Natsu, you know that I will never do that... I love my friends all the same." I said that while nudging him at the shoulder to tease him a bit.

"I would like for you to put your love to me more though..."

Huh, did I just heard that correctly?

"What did you just say Natsu?"

"Nothing!" the way he answered me seems off, but I decided to not push more into it, I must be just hearing things.

There is a moment of peace, we just stared at the sunset at the rooftop, like those cliche anime moments. I peered over to my side to see Natsu with a very rare expression for him, a calm one.

It seems this is a really great place for him to wind-off.

"So Natsu, what was another thing that made you come up here then, I thought avoiding me was the minor reason." I suddenly came up with the question, when I remembered the reason he pointed to me when I first found him here.

"You know what Lucy, it was never that big of a deal anyway. Let's just go back now." I wonder why the hasty dismissal. But I have to agree with him, it was getting darker and we don't want to be locked up inside this school. And if Natsu doesn't really think much of it anymore then why should I?

We hurriedly went back to our lockers and met up outside the school and shared one last glance at each other. Smiling, we say our goodbyes and went home.

So, uh is this chapter good enough to make up the very long wait? I apologize for the long wait, I just lost my motivation to write anything because I lack the time (gaming took so much of my time). I hope you guys still enjoy this fanfic though.

HoPe-BriNgeR1 out!