CHAPTER 2
Finding a certain logbook from a ton of books is not easy. And it is so not helping that her fiancé has been just whistling a tune on his favorite seat, not even bothering to help her out. After that ugly tune, it was followed by another one which irritates Lucy more.
"Can you please stop? You're not helping!" She almost throw the encyclopedia at him, but she just can't. She can't afford to pay for the possible damages her actions will cause if he dodge.
Natsu stood from his seat and walked behind the blonde. Lucy squeaked when she felt a hand creeping along her waist, caging her in a hug.
"What are you doing?" She uttered in annoyance and surprise while trying to break free from the hug. But whenever she attempts to, he would just tighten his hold like he was doing it on purpose.
He nuzzled her hair, sending shivers across the blonde.
"Is it bad to hug my fiancée? Your hair smells good." He snuggled against her hair more, sniffing it in the process that's why he can't see her face blushing madly in embarrassment.
Her hands turned into fists.
"Natsu—"She whispered.
"What is it?" Innocence lingers on his voice.
"Get off me! You damn lazy pervert!" She hit him with the encyclopedia she was itching to throw at him a while ago while he brought his hands up to defend himself against the strikes.
"You're so violent!" He commented while walking back his seat.
"Idiot! Who told you that you can just hug me like that?" She huffed as she placed the now found log book on her desk.
"I just wanna try it!"
"Then try it with another girl!"
"I can't."
"And why is that?" She raised a brow at him, her hand flipping the pages to find something.
"I'm tied to you. You're my fiancée, remember?"
Lucy rolled her eyes.
"That doesn't mean you can just snuggle with me like that!" She complained, but Natsu doesn't seem to pay attention. His hand's under his chin, his eyes darted upward like he was thinking deeply.
"Come to think of it, you're the first girl who refused my hug." He said in an unbelieving tone.
"I'm just trying to be sweet to you and act like what normal couples would do so you won't get awkward when we're in public." He explained further.
"I don't care! Its freaking summer and you, hugging me isn't going to cool me. It's more getting hot." She said while fanning her hands to show him that it's really hot.
"Oh, Sorry about that." Natsu smirked.
"It always gets hot wherever I go." Lucy raised an eyebrow at him. Hot huh?
"Do you know why is that?" She asked, smirk playing across her features.
"Cause I'm hot." He said while bringing his hands behind his head, his feet resting on the table.
"Yes you are hot."
"I know."
"Cause you're an escape shit from hell." She said sternly.
"HEY!—"He was about to rant, but decided to just keep it himself.
He pouted, which makes Lucy thinks is cute. But she won't admit it, never in front of this crazy dude.
"So mean. Don't you know that the secretary below is dying just to have a hug from me…"
Lucy flipped the book close and dialed some numbers on the phone. Natsu heard her call their secretary to go inside their office and retrieve the logbook. When she came, she gave Natsu a dirty look while puckering her lips indicating a kiss before going outside making Natsu cringed in disgust. Meanwhile, Lucy laughed her guts out on seeing Natsu's reaction.
"You must have seen that face!" She said when she recovered from her laugh.
"You did that on purpose, do you?" He asked in an annoyed tone.
"Yeah. So what?" She rested her head on her hand while looking directly at him.
She looks beautiful as always. But he can't touch her the way he does with other girls. They are the best of friends and he respects her so much. They have known each other for two years and her craziness is pretty much alluring and maybe, it is what makes him like her more. She is pretty sweet and pretty weird. He doesn't know any girls who could be both at the same time. She is easy to be with and she is so kind. That's why he is really thankful that they met on Hargeon back then. If he doesn't met her, maybe his desk would be a messy pile of unfinished work now.
But just because they have been together for two years doesn't mean that he knows everything about her. There are still things that they don't talk about. Like his fear of—they still doesn't know each other too much, okay?
But right now, he feels a certain urge to know her more. They are friends—hell yeah, they are close…but still, it feels like he's still far from the real she.
"I want to know you more, Luce." This question must have surprised her. She gave him an inquiring look as she knitted her brows in confusion.
"What do you mean? What more do you want to know?" She eyed him skeptically; she folded her arms in front of her chest while leaning back on the chair. Natsu eyed him seriously as he mimicked her actions.
"I mean about your personal life. Like have you ever been in a relationship before?" This has caught her off-guard.
She didn't see that coming. It's not like she has something to hide. It's just that, they have never talked about it before and now that he's asking, she felt her heart beats faster. How can she tell him that she has never been in one before? I mean, it's kinda embarrassing. She also never goes out on dates. Her apartment and this company have been her route for an entire two years. Ah—let's add the supermarket, bookstore and clothing store in the list of her route. Aside from that, she has never visited any place before. How can she when she's so busy?
She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't notice herself turning red from the question, making Natsu fall on a wrong idea.
"I see. So I take that as a yes." He nodded in satisfaction.
"NO! I mean I—I have—I—"Come on Lucy! There's nothing to get embarrassed about! But what if laughs? I'll kill him if he does!
"Huh?" He leaned over his desk to hear her more because she's covering her face with a folder.
"I have never been in a relationship." She whispered, but knowing Natsu, she knows he definitely heard her clearly. She readied her fist for his laughter, but she didn't hear any of it, instead she heard him shout in enthusiasm.
"Really? You're a really reserved one, aren't you?" She peeked over the folder to see him grinning at her.
"Well, yeah. Kind of." She replied shyly, bringing the folder down her desk, as she turns her look to the side away from his gaze.
"Don't worry! As your best friend, I'll protect you in everything so that when you finally decided to settle down, you're all safe and sound!" He gave her a thumbs-up with his cute childish grin still plastered on his face.
This cause Lucy to look back at him and blush even more. She turned her gaze away to hide the pinkness of her cheeks saying,
"What's with you all of a sudden?"
Suddenly, Natsu stood from his chair and walked towards the blonde. He placed a hand over her shoulder as his grin grew wider.
"And because of that, I'm hungry. Care to get me a food at the restaurant next by?" He asked while rubbing his growling stomach.
Lucy should have known better. Of course, in everything sweet he says, there's always a consequence.
She hit him with a whip making him wince in so much pain. To where that whip came from, no one knows.
"What's so wrong with I said? You're so weird!"
"Idiot!"
Lucy was waiting for a taxi that night when Igneel bumped into her which caused Lucy to drop her things.
"Sorry Sir!" She bowed in apology before picking her things up.
"Oh! Daughter in law! What are you doing here all alone? Where's that brat?" He said in excitement when he realized that it was Lucy he bumped into.
"Natsu is still inside Sir."
"Come on Lucy dear! Don't call me Sir. We'll be going to be a family soon. From now on, call me Papa or Father, okay?"
"O-okay."
Things are still uncomfortable for her. She's not used to addressing someone as Papa a long time ago. She unconsciously frowned at the thought.
How is he right now? She wants to scold herself. How is he? Might be good as always or got his nose stuck up on his work. But she's no different. Look at her now. Isn't she good? Doesn't she also have herself stuck up with work?
Her thoughts were disarrayed when she felt an arm draped over her shoulder.
"Hi Pops! What are you talking with Luce?" She didn't have to look up for his voice says it all.
"You idiot! Don't leave your fiancée here alone! Are you going to drive her home?" He asked and before Natsu could answer, Lucy did.
"No. I'm going home by myself. Natsu said he has so many things to do and I don't want to interfere." She answered in full honesty as she gives her a sincere smile.
"But Lushyyyy…" Lucy giggles. Now she knows where Natsu gets his immaturity. Yeah. Like father, like son.
He finally gave up on forcing Natsu to drive her home.
"Bye Luce."
"Yeah. Bye Natsu." She turned at Igneel and bowed.
"Goodbye Si—P-Papa. Have a good night."
"Thanks. You too Lucy."
Lucy is about to get in the cab when Igneel asked them a sudden question which made Lucy gasp in surprise. I have a bad feeling about this.
"Aren't you two supposed to kiss?" He innocently asked.
"W-What?" Lucy stuttered, face flushed in embarrassment.
"Yeah. I almost forgot!" If she could be any more surprised, then she is now.
Seriously? Did she just hear him say 'yeah. I almost forgot?'
She turned around and in an instant, her lips met his. Very hot lips colliding with her own. Does the clock stopped ticking or the world just stopped spinning? Is she in hell? Why is it so hot? If she is there, then why do her feet feel so cold? Has she gone deaf, or is it just her heart pounding loud and hard in her chest?
Reality dawned on her. It's Natsu. All of a sudden, the world went back to the way it was, except herself.
"Not bad for a first timer." Natsu purred in her ear and she felt him smirked.
Just like that, she hopped inside the cab, her eyes being shadowed by her bangs. She didn't look back nor did she say a word.
Damn him! He just—he just stole it. Her first kiss.
When she got home, she makes sure she brushed her lips hard. Yeah, real hard that it bleeds. Before she lost a pair of lips, she treats it well and put a bandage on it. She lay back on her bed thinking whether if it really happened or not. The scene kept playing on and on and the feelings kept stirring in her pounding heart.
She tousled her hair, shouting in the process. No. She can't get crazy! It's just a freaking kiss! Yeah! Her freaking first kiss! It's not like she's gonna die or something.
She grabbed her paper works to distract herself when her phone rang.
'Are you okay? Are you mad?' – Natsu Dragneel
She sighed and rolled her eyes. She threw the phone back her bed and continued reading the writings on the paper. Focus Lucy!
The phone kept ringing and ringing so she grabbed it again to throw it against the wall when she saw a lot of text messages from him. She sighed. Maybe, she just can't run away from him. They're best friends after all.
'I'm asking for an answer.' – Natsu Dragneel
'Yeah? Sorry Sir.' – Lucy Heartfilia
She pressed send and seconds later, her phone rings.
"What a typing skills!" She remarked.
'So, what's up?' – Natsu Dragneel
Okay… So she bugged her to just ask her what is up? She pressed the buttons harder as usual, I swear it will break.
'I'm finishing tomorrow's report.' – Lucy
'That's not what I meant!' – Natsu
Really, huh? HE dared to use an exclamation point to her? It irritated her more. Shouldn't he be bothered by what he did? Protect Protect! Protect his f***ing face! If it is his way of protecting his best friend, thanks but, no thanks! Better keep it to himself!
'Then what is it, Sir?' – Lucy
"Luce, don't be like that. I know something is bothering you and I want to know what it is.' – Natsu
Her brows rise as an involuntary response.
'What will you do if you knew?' – Lucy
'Look Luce, I know I have done so much to you and I really owe you a lot. You are my precious personal assistant. You are my dearest best friend and you are my, well—fake fiancée. I know I put you through a lot of things and there is nothing I can do to make it all up to you. I am sorry for dragging you to all of my problems and now that something is bothering you—don't ever deny it—I want to be of help somehow. I want you to know that I' m not just good at giving you problems, but I can also give you comfort that you need. All you have to do is say it and I'll give it.
So Luce, whatever is bothering you, feel free to say it. I'm willing to listen.' – Natsu
Alright. Is it real? Natsu has just made paragraph for her. Lucy blinked her eyes in amusement. She can't believe at what she had read that she has to read it again. Her features soften at the thought of the message. So unlike Natsu. It's very rare for him to be like this. Maybe he didn't really mean to hurt her guts. She's just being paranoid over nothing. At least, she lost it on her best friend and it's not like he took away everything on her.
She picked her phone and started typing.
'The problem is… It's me, it's not you. –erase erase erase-
'It sound like I'm breaking up with him' she thought.
'Thank you. You don't know how your words meant to me. –erase erase erase-
Why does it sound like she's in love with him?
'I'm moved by your words that all I can say is thank you. I'm okay now. Thank you Natsu.'
'Sounds good.' She pressed send and she lay back down the cushions again.
When her phone rang, she got up in an impressive speed and she immediately opens the message from Natsu.
'You sure you're fine?' – Natsu
'Yes. Don't worry. Now, if you would please excuse me, Sir, but I still have to finish some work.' – Lucy
She quickly sends it and rise on her feet to get her ignored work. She brought it along on the bed and it exactly rang when she sat on the edge.
'You sure change your attitude fast. Mood swings? Is it already your 'day' of the month?' – Natsu
'Shut it. I'm busy Sir Natsu!' – Lucy
'But I want to text you more.' – Natsu
She unconsciously smiled as she felt something tingling inside her.
'I'm doing work.' – Lucy
'You can do it while texting me.' – Natsu
'I don't want to hear that from someone who is probably just dozing off right now.' – Lucy
'Oi, I'm not. I'm also busy right now.' – Natsu
'Oh yeah? Like I'd believe that. LOL' – Lucy
'Sure you can. I'm busy texting you that I can't be disturbed.' – Natsu
She felt heat rising up her cheeks.
'Just sleep and let me work in peace!' – Lucy
'Fine. You're no fun.' – Natsu
Seconds later, her phone rang again.
'Don't forget to eat.' – Natsu
She didn't reply and just focused on finishing her work.
At eleven pm, she's already done. She ate just like what he said. Later on, she washed her worn dress and took a bath. She has to take the bandage off her lips when she has to brush her teeth again, putting something new afterwards.
When she's all done and ready to sleep, she grabs her phone to set an alarm but an unread message appeared.
'You still awake?' – Natsu
'Yes.' – Lucy
She wonders if he's still awake. Her phone rang again, saying that he's still.
'I see. What are you doing?' – Natsu
'Texting you?' – Lucy
'So, you're not busy anymore?' – Natsu
'I guess.' – Lucy
'I know you're tired and by the time I send it to you, it'll probably be morning. Have a good sleep.' – Natsu
'Thanks. I want to say the same.' – Lucy
'Well, thanks.' – Natsu
'Goodnight…' – Lucy
How Lucy wished this night would never end. She enjoys exchanging text messages with Natsu, even though most of it is not really that important.
'No good night kiss?' – Natsu
'Kiss yourself, you idiot! You just stole my first kiss a while ago.' – Lucy
'Geehee. But it's good.' – Natsu
'Good yourself! I'm sleeping so don't text me.' – Lucy
She waited for about a minute.
"Maybe the idiot fell asl—'
Her phone rang.
"Maybe not."
She opened the message and read it at once.
'Good night Luce. I'm sorry for every little thing and thank you for being there. I know I sound gay. Seriously, I don't know what will I do without you. Don't worry, time will come and I'll definitely repay you for everything. Goodnight again Luce.' – Natsu
She made a kind smile to herself.
"What an idiot. You don't have to repay me." She whispered and her phone rang again.
- Natsu Dragneel
Happy Birthday Luce!
Sent: July 1; 12:00 am
XOXOXOXO
The next morning, Lucy came to work late.
"Lucy! You're late!" Natsu greeted her upon entering the lounge.
"Well? You kept me up all night!" She didn't mean to shout those words. Upon realizing what she said, she waved her hands frantically in front of everyone who has a dirty smile across their lips. She looked at Natsu for help but the bastard is just smirking.
"Natsu?!" She slightly winced in pain when she accidentally stretched her lips wide.
What a birthday!
Natsu walked towards her after signaling everyone to continue their business.
"What happened to your lips?" He asked in a not so worried tone.
She glared at him before answering.
"Well, I taped my lips so you can't kiss me again."
She was about to exit the elevator to go to their office when Natsu pulled her back. They were the only person in the elevator and her heart is beating loud.
She looked up at him just to see him whistling a tune again, his hands on both sides of his pockets. His eyes were roaming around but didn't dare to look at her.
The door opened at the rooftop. He motioned her to go outside since he said he has to text someone important.
She's nervous. She feels like something is about to happen and it does not help that Natsu is taking his time pretty well.
What if there's a burglar? What if the killer came from the sky? What if it kills her?
She started to sweat badly.
"Natsu where are you?" She said under her breath.
She turned around to find him, but what she saw was rather unexpected.
Natsu offered her a bouquet of flowers but he is still not looking at her.
"Err. H-Happy birthday." He said while scratching the back of his head.
Lucy was astounded that she can't utter a word.
"L-Lucy?"
She grabbed him by the shirt making him gasp in surprise. She held the flowers and yanked him to a tight friendly hug.
"Thanks Natsu! It's one of the best birthdays ever!"
"Well, it does not end here." Natsu hugged her back and soon, they spend their time just like the old times.
Thanks for reading!
Reviews?
Have a good day minna! Jaa!
-A.L.-