Chapter 4

Glancing between the host and two waiters, they began placing food on our table. Exactly how much food did Gray order? Looking over to the entrepreneur, he had a wide grin while I was in the midst of trying to figure out what was happening.

"To start, we have a stack of mini pancakes with chocolate chips served with maple syrup as well as a glass of black tea as a complement. Enjoy." Even as they walked out, I stared at the raven, waiting for an explanation.

"What? Haven't you been to a nice restaurant before?" Narrowing my eyes, he softly laughed as he took a sip of his tea. "I'm just teasing. Think of it as an appetizer before your main course." Gingerly, I grabbed the knife and began cutting the pancake. Stabbing it with a fork, I ate a small piece.

"It's good. Really good especially since they're just pancakes." Looking up to see Gray dig into his pancakes, I took a sip of the black tea. "Wow. The pairing is perfect! No wonder they have two Michelin stars." He merely chuckled as we both finished up the 'appetizer'. After all, they were mini pancakes. On cue, the waiters strode back in and collected the dishes and utensils. They quickly placed clean utensils on the table as the host gently did the same with our food.

"Here we have your croissant french toast with fresh strawberries. We've included more strawberry syrup on the side." Barely containing myself, I licked my lips in anticipation. On my plate are four croissants, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and a good balance of fresh strawberries on the plate. It looks so delicious! "And for you sir, blueberry sweet rolls with a decadent lemon glaze. I shall return to refill your water but if you need anything else, please let me know." Peering over to Gray's plate, his food looked very appealing as well. Clearing my throat, I looked down at my food as I held my hands.

"Thanks for ordering this for me. I really like it."

"You're welcome. If you like, we can do this again." Steadily, I looked up to see him smiling as I did the same. Grabbing the clean knife, I cut the croissants into smaller pieces so I would be able to eat them without having to pause before each bite.

"If I had food like this every day, I'd be so happy." Chuckling, I took a bite of a croissant, making sure to include two pieces of strawberries.

"Who knows? Maybe you will." Glancing back up, he took a bite out of his sweet roll and then swallowed some water.

"Anyway, how are your sweet rolls? I'm not a big fan of lemon so I probably wouldn't like it." After wiping his lips, he began staring at me. Um, did I say something I shouldn't have?

"It's good." Guess not. "I probably shouldn't have ordered it since I have it often. It doesn't taste as good compared to the first time I had it.

"So why order it?" Pausing, I swallowed some water to wash out some of the powdered sugar from my teeth.

"I haven't had anything else here."

"Do you come here often?" He nodded as he took another bite of his roll. Incredulously, I gazed at the raven as I sat my knife on the plate. "This is seriously the only thing you've had out of all the times you've been here?"

"I don't usually change it up when I find something I like."

"That sounds kind of boring." Taking another bite of my croissant, Gray gazed at me as he did the same with his sweet roll.

"Does it? Well, it sounds like a certain someone I've recently become acquainted with." Raising my eyebrow, I waited patiently for him to resume. "For instance, you like to eat a lot of strawberries. Even as a fruit, cake, or something else, you love it. Am I correct?" I scowled at him when he had a smug look on his face.

"It's still different. For example, you could eat tomatoes on a sandwich but it wouldn't be the same as having marinara sauce on your pasta right? You should try different things from time to time. Who knows? You might find something else you might like."

"Even fall in love with?" Bewildered, I nodded my head.

"I guess if you want to put it that way." Finishing my croissants, I pushed the plate a bit further away to create some space.

"I didn't expect to hear you give me advice this morning. It's a nice surprise. Especially if it's from someone who gets called a flame brain by his peers." After taking a sip of my water, I grinned and gave him a thumbs up.

"You can always ask me for advice when it comes to pastries!"

"Even though it wasn't technically about pastries." We both began laughing and honestly, it feels nice being out with Gray. Even though he's sexy as hell, he's not an asshole like you would expect from someone who's rich.

"Gentleman, how was everything?"

"Delicious as always." When Gray blurted out an answer, I gazed at his plate to see that he only ate a couple of pieces. I guess he really did get tired of it. That's kind of disappointing.

"Good to hear. Ms. Milkovich has already picked up the tab so you needn't worry about paying. I'll return with your coats in just a moment." As he left, the waiters came back in and quickly cleared the table. They even used a scraper to clean off any crumbs off the table.

"Who's Ms. Milkovich?"

"She's my sister. The one I mentioned earlier who owns this restaurant."

"I'm sure she's proud having such an establishment. I know I would be."

"Aren't you proud of your patisserie?" Gazing at the raven, he smiled as wiped his mouth clean with a napkin. "If anything, I think your patisserie ranks a bit higher than this restaurant. Just without all the decor and service. Your pastries are your biggest win." Smiling at his compliment, I nodded my head in agreement.

"By the way, thanks for the meal even though I said I would pay for myself." He grinned as the host returned with our jackets in hand. Surprised, Gray suddenly stood up but when the host assisted him with wearing the jacket, I understood why he didn't just take it. Following suit, I slowly stood from my chair, turned my back to the host, and stretched my arms backwards allowing him to put my jacket on.

"Thank you both for visiting Grimoire Heart and we look forward to serving you again in the near future." He bowed his head as I did the same.

"Thanks for the food! It was great!" When the host looked shocked, I peered over to Gray to see him shrugging his shoulders.

"Your compliment means a lot to us! I mean, you are Natsu Dragneel right? The famous pastry chef in Magnolia? I must confess, I didn't recognize you when I first saw you but when I heard your name, I knew who you were! It's an honor having you with us!"

"Thanks I guess?" Amazed, Gray merely smiled and chuckled at the situation.

"Let's head back. Being late wouldn't look good now would it?." Nodding my head in agreement, we made our way back to the entrance. The host slowly opened up the door for us and gave us a smile as we exited the premises.

"Jeez, it's still cold!"

"15 C is not that cold." Ignoring his comment, I shivered in my jacket as the driver of the limo got out and opened the door for us. "After you my cold friend."

"Very funny." Climbing into the limo, I made sure to leave enough space for the raven as I did last time. Realizing that it was still cold inside the limo even when the door shut, I continued to shiver in my jacket. Damn, was the heater even on while we were inside the restaurant?

"Here, I'll turn on the heat." Staring at the raven, he grabbed a mini remote control and pushed some buttons. When I felt hot air come out from the vents above us, I sighed in relaxation.

"This feels so much better. Thanks." When he made a grunting noise, I took that as a sign of acknowledgement. As the limo began moving, I peered out the window to see that the streets were now a bit busier with trucks doing deliveries. Although, this is nothing compared to if you try to drive in the city around 08:00. Everything is basically a standstill with everyone trying to get to work. When I heard some shuffling, I glanced back to see Gray taking off his jacket and wiping his forehead.

"Um, you can turn off the heat if you're too hot." Great, now I feel bad. He shook his head but I wasn't going to have any of it. I moved myself closer to him and reached over to grab the remote control. Trying to understand some of the buttons, I began pushing the down button in hopes it would make the air cooler. Feeling cold air come through, I was thankful that I didn't potentially look stupid. I looked at Gray again to see a look of astonishment. "Listen, if you're hot, just say something. I'm not going to let you be uncomfortable just because I think it's too cold."

"Well thank you Natsu. I appreciate it." Suddenly, he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and gently laid his head on my own.

"Um, what are you doing?" With no response, I looked up to see him grinning as I quickly turned away. Why the heck is he smiling? Whatever. I won't bother trying to move away. And besides, it feels sort of nice. I wonder if he's interested in me. No, that's impossible. No way does a guy with this much money be into other guys. And even if he was, there's no way he'd be into me. 'Now don't do trying to impress our VIP. I did say he was sexy but I'm pretty sure he has a thing for the ladies especially with the way he keeps flirting with Lucy.' Jeez, thanks for the reminder Lisanna.

"So what do you do in your spare time? Seeing anyone?" Startled, I quickly looked out the window to avoid his gaze as it felt like I was burning up in my jacket.

"What kind of question is that?" When it was quiet, I glanced back to see a baffled expression. "I'm pretty sure that's not the type of question you ask when you first meet someone."

"Asking what you do in your spare time isn't a legitimate question?" Rolling my eyes, it was difficult believing that he was pretending not to know what I was talking about.

"Never mind then." Even as we sat in silence, I didn't try moving myself from his personal space. It was just too comfortable being in his arms.

"Looks like we're already here." Well, that was fast. Staring out the window, it was shocking to see that the patisserie was just outside. Opening the door, Gray got out and held out a hand for me to take. This time, I didn't hesitate to take it as he helped me out the limo. Noticing that some of the lights were on inside, that meant one of two things. Either Erza or Lyon was inside and I'm hoping it's the latter.

"Natsu!" The Pastry God must hate me today. With the front door opening, Erza stood in formal attire with a black look on her face. "Why are you late!?" The moment her eyes made contact with Gray's, I began snickering when her eyes widened as she adjusted herself.

"Gray? I didn't expect you here so soon!" Quickly, I walked past Gray and into the patisserie.

"I'm heading in Erza. Let me know if you need anything." Nodding her head, I slowly looked back to see Gray staring at me even though Erza was speaking. I smiled and waved at him goodbye as I made myself ready to start my day.

~10:08~

In boiling condensed milk, a mixture of ingredients including brown sugar, butter, scotch, water, crème fraîche and corn syrup began to thicken. Removing the glaze from the open flame, I stirred in some salt, vanilla extract, and baking powder. "Um, Natsu? What are you doing?" After pouring the glaze over the hot, golden-brown muffins, I sprinkled some coarse, freshly toasted pecans. "You wouldn't happen to know what he's doing would you?"

"Nope but if I were to guess, he's definitely making that for a certain someone." Looking over, Loke wore a devious grin as he pushed his glasses further up on his nose. "What? Did I say something to catch your interest?"

"Instead of trying to piss him off, why don't you try to finish the cream we need for the cannoli?" Switching his attention to Sting, he immediately had a pout on his face.

"Just because he's Natsu's apprentice, he thinks he gets to talk down to us. Don't you think that's a bit mean Lyon?" Glancing over to the white-haired sous chef, he stopped filling a cannoli with sweet, creamy filling.

"Please don't try to involve me with your antics. I don't have the time for them since I have to finish by a certain time."

"As do I." Returning to my pastry, the buns had soaked up some of the glaze but it was still warm enough to serve. "I need to finish this before Gray leaves."

"Oh? What did you just say?" Oh shit. Did he hear me? "Is that for Gray? Ah, I'm so jealous! Lyon, he's making something sweet for your brother!" Quickly glancing over to my sous chef, he merely shook his head as he placed the cream back in the cooler.

"What are you talking about now?"

"He's making a pastry full of sweet, innocent love for Gray. Isn't it touching?"

"A what pastry?" Even though the snow-haired chef looked confused, I scowled as I took some of the buns and placed them on a white plate.

"Loke, did you hear?" With a smile, I turned around with the buns in hand. "Gray was flirting with Lucy this morning." When he had a serious expression on his face, I chuckled as I made my way to the door.

"Did you really make that for Gray?" Peering over to Sting, he didn't bother to look at me as he iced the eclairs with fondant icing. Puzzled, I shrugged him off as I pushed the door open with my foot.

"I'll be in the dining room if anyone needs me." Without waiting for a response, I made my way into the dining room to see Erza and Gray at a table by the window. Surprisingly, they both seemed irritated with something.

"Hey, what are you doing out here?" Peering over to Lisanna, she and Lucy paused in setting up one of the tables.

"Oh nothing. Just bringing a pastry over to them."

"A pastry? I don't remember either of them ordering." Looking away, I smiled as I tried to come up with an excuse.

"It was before you came in. They said they wanted something around this time."

"You're lying." Shocked, I stared at Lucy as she crossed her arms.

"What are you talking about?"

"When you lie, you have this weird tendency to look away when you're talking to other people." Widening my eyes, Lucy smirked as she raised a finger. "Now why do you have that pastry?" Am I really that obvious? Damn, I need to bring this before it gets cold.

"Uh, hey look! There's some dirt on that table over there!" When they both turned around, I quickly walked away as I somehow found myself at Gray's table already.

"Natsu? What are you doing out here? Did you already finish your work for the day?" Shaking my head at Erza, I smiled as I presented the pastry.

"You can say that." Placing the plate in front of Gray, his eyes fell on the pastry as he put some of his paperwork down. "These are butterscotch sticky buns. I noticed you didn't really eat anything this morning so I made these. You know, if you were hungry. Or tired. Or something." When he picked up a bun, I stared anxiously as he took that first bite. Please, please like it! I swear, I'm going to kill myself if he spits it out.

"Wow, it tastes really good. Did you make these for me?" At a loss for words, I nodded my head when I dared to look at him. When I saw that smile, I immediately looked away and scratched my temple. Sheesh, why can't I look at him? "Thanks for making these. I really appreciate it."

"No problem. Besides, we wouldn't want you to starve before our second patisserie opens. I'll be heading back so just let me know if you need anything else."

"We'll be sure to call you, right Erza?" Shaken out of her 'pastry daze', she shook her head while inconspicuously wiping some saliva away.

"Of course. I just hope you have some more of those buns back there." Rolling my eyes, I chuckled as I turned around.

"Don't worry, we always have a couple left in reserves for you. See you later." Feeling victorious, I began walking back to the door.

"Ah, now I see what it is." Right before entering the kitchen, I glanced over to the maids who were both grinning like idiots. "I don't think I've ever seen you like this. Even when we were back in Fairy Tail High. It's so cute to see you in love."

"In love? As if."

"I knew I shouldn't have told him that Gray was his type." Slowly narrowing my eyes at Lisanna, she merely giggled as she twirled around. "It's so cute to see the mean maitre patissier turn to mush in front of a guy he likes."

"Right? And he even made a custom pastry for him. Ah, I wonder what deliciousness he got to taste. I've never even had the rose macaron, have you?" Lisanna shook her head as she pouted in my direction.

"No but I guess to get it, we would need a guy with sexy black hair, abs, muscles and have a cool personality."

"Enough you two. I don't know why you think I'm in love but I'm not. I was just being nice so leave it alone." Annoyed, I quickly pushed the door open and returned to my workstation.

~11:42~

"So, do you like Gray?"

"Loke! Can you please stop talking about my brother like that?" After placing the tray of tiramisu into the cooler, I stared angrily at the idiot.

"I just want to know. It's so rare to see Natsu show any other emotion besides being annoyed, irritated, mad, etc."

"That's true but Gray doesn't really swing that way. I mean, he does have his flings from time to time but they're always with women. Not being mean or anything but I don't think he would like our maitre patissier like that." What? Is that true? But he took care of me this morning like turning on the heat when I was cold. "Heck, he even has this crazy girl chasing after him. What was her name? Juvia? And even without her, he basically has this harem that works directly under him."

"Appearances are deceiving my friend. Besides," Loke pushed up his glasses as he smirked at the sous chef. "Haven't you seen married men getting divorced because they were actually into other men?"

"Even so. My brother isn't like that." Feeling dejected, I leisurely walked back to my station as I stared at the empty board. Did I really go through all that effort for nothing? No, I didn't. I even told Lucy and Lisanna that I wasn't even in love.

"All done!" Pulling me away from my thoughts, I gazed over to Sting as he strode over with a pastry. "What do you think? Do you like it? It looks awesome right?" Looking down, it looked like another strawberry cake but it was different from the one last night. "I call it the Strawberry Summer Cake!"

"You do realize it's Fall right?"

"So what?" Gazing up, Loke and Sting began to approach one another with a determined look on their faces.

"That means no one is going to buy it and it'll just sit on the shelves."

"Oh? If I recall, you're just a simple pastry chef while I'm the apprentice of the greatest Pastry Chef in Magnolia." As they both butt heads with each other, I chuckled as their mini-quarrel actually made me feel a bit better. "Aww, you look like you need a hug. Here." Widening my eyes by his embrace, I could feel my protegé's arms wrap around my waist as he pulled me closer.

"Hey guys, we're going out," Oh shit, is that Gray? "For lunch. What's going on here?" Yep, this day officially sucks.