Previously

She grabbed the reflector and her bag while checking at her phone for any messages. She felt the reflector and bag being lifted from her hold and she smiled at the person who helped her.

Her smile dropped when she saw who it was though.

"Natsu?"

"Hiya Luce! Care for some coffee?"

Chapter 4 (Beggin' On Your Knees)

"What are you doing here?", she asked. Her eyebrows were furrowed and lips sealed in a tight line. Thoughts were running through her mind but she pushed it all out and focused at the task at hand.

"Good morning.", he replied, ignoring her scowl and stern gaze.

"Natsu, I'm busy."

"That's why I'm helping."

She looked at him one last time, listing all the possibilities why he came, then shrugged before typing on her phone. Really, it's not like she can read his mind. Might as well just see how this would turn out.

"Put it at the back.", she said and through her peripheral vision she saw how he grinned triumphantly.

"Here?"

"Yeah."

"Coffee?"

She stared at the coffee in his hands. Coffee sounds great but...

"Sorry, I don't drink coffee.", she clasped her hands together and smiled apologetically before resuming to ignore him and type at her phone.

"Oh. Oh! Sorry! We just... We used to go to cafes often and you liked them before so I thought..."

"I guess I changed then."

"Yeah, you did... you really, changed.", something flashed in his eyes.

Regret? Sadness? Lucy didn't know. All she knew was she's pretending. She's pretending not to remember their moments at the little cafe near their school. How they spent hours there, studying and teasing each other.

She smiled at her own patheticness and tried to get rid of those memories. She doesn't want to remember them, she wished she really can't remember them. But that was unfair, wishing to forget while other people with real amnesia struggle to remember.

"Is it bad, though?"

She stared at his onyx eyes. She doesn't know why she asked that question. Heck, she doesn't even know anything anymore but somehow, through her confusion a memory resurface. She went back to the time when she first saw his eyes.

It was still deep color, an abyss that could get you lost easily. Like a dark ocean where your only choice is to drown and feel it. See it. Be with her memories, no matter how much she denies it, she remembered it all. She remembered their past, and the future she had hoped for.

"No. No, it's not bad. You're perfect you know. You always were."

She looked away, afraid of what he might see if he continues looking at her eyes.

"I doubt it." if I was then you wouldn't have left me on the altar.

She saw Levy went out of the house. Her eyes widened in surprise to see Natsu and for a second her gaze flickered to her.

"Well, we're all set. Let's go."

"Yeah.", Lucy murmured and entered the van, daring herself not to look back. He's not worth it. Levy entered next, telling Natsu to close the gates before slamming the door on his face. She told Reedus to leave immediately. The older man felt awkward at the sudden tense atmosphere but do as they said.

"The gates... ?", he murmured.

"He'll escort himself out."

"Okay, Miss Levy."

On the other hand, Natsu stared at the van as it exited the gates, quickly closing it as Levy had instructed. He fumbled with his keys and grinned as his motorcycle roared into life. He won't be let down by anything.

It was a 20-minute ride to the Ever's and Levy was feeling sleepy. She was determined to catch some sleep but the occasional bumps on the road and the thought of a certain pink-haired man was making it impossible.

She was curious.

So damn curious.

Last time she saw Natsu he was fuming with anger. With how unfair it was to not tell Lucy about him. So what changed that? Unable to restrain herself further, she sat up abruptly from her previously slumped position and turned her head to see Lucy.

"What do you think he wants?"

"Dunno."

"He should stop whatever it is he's planning."

"He should." Levy sighed at her friend's uninterested response. She didn't know what the problem was, well, she knew who the problem is. There's nobody else in this world that could dumpen (or brighten) Lucy's day other than Natsu.

"What happened, Lu-chan?"

"Nothing."

"Lu-chan, you-"

"We're here."

Levy silently cursed at the sudden interruption but promised herself that she will find answers later.

Lucy sighed as she exited the van. She was already feeling exhausted.

"Hiya Luce!"

She jumped at the sudden voice, suddenly losing her footing and her hold on her expensive camera.

"Eeep!", she squealed and fumbled at it to keep it safe, not noticing how she was also falling in her attempt to save the camera.

"Woah careful, Luce!", strong arms wrapped around her waist and her heart throbbed loudly when her back made contact with his chest. When was the last time she got this close to him?

"L-Let go of me.", she stuttered. Cursing their close proximity that riles up her brain.

"Huh?"

She wiggled out. Not caring if she accidentally elbowed him- in which she did because Natsu suddenly let go and clutched his right rib.

"Geez, still violent as ever huh?" She lifted an eyebrow and continued to her destination without saying another word. Natsu followed shortly, jogging a little to catch up to her.

"So, what are we doing today, Luce?"

"It's Lucy. And I have work so go away."

He walked ahead of her and turned around pouting and clasping his hands together like he was praying.

"But I wanna help."

Lucy stopped and raised an eyebrow.

"Don't you have work to do?"

"No, I'm on vacation right now."

"Good for you. Why waste it on me though? Is there something you're not telling me?"

"Uh... Nothing. Just want to spent some time with an old friend."

"Friend huh?", she mumbled and continued walking. Natsu soon followed, walking backwards with his hands on his pocket.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing. Just that you have a lot of time."

"Well, if it's you then I'll give you all my time."

He grinned when he saw her stunned. And the next thing he knew, he stepped on a rock and was falling on his butt.

"Awww."

So much for trying to look cool. He looked at his now red hand and winced at the small blood dripping from it. He looked up and expected her worried gaze and soft brown eyes as she lightly chided him for being so careless, but instead he was met with a short woman who hated him with everything she got.

He lifted his gaze from her and stared at where Lucy continued walking further and further until she completely left him behind.

"It's hurts to fall and be left behind without a word doesn't it? Not even asking if you're alright...", Levy murmured infront of him. It was a jab at him, and whatever physical pain he's feeling right now probably won't even get close to how Lucy was hurt before.

"You know, you guys were so happy. Why did you suddenly leave?"

He was taken aback by the gentleness in her tone. It was the first time Levy had talked to him without snarling or any murderous intent.

"I..."

"Nah, actually, I want Lucy to be the first one to hear it. But you know, whatever excuses you may give, I don't think it would ever erase what you have done. So whatever you're doing right now, I want you to stop it. Lucy's already happy and she had moved on, she doesn't need you in her life."

Silence hung heavily in the air and the tension between the two of them grew thick. Natsu's eyes hid behind his pink bangs as his hands clenched on the ground. Levy stared at him, face void of any emotion.

"Well, goodbye then.", Levy said then moved from her position. Maybe that was it. She just needed to tell him to stop.

"Wait."

The word escaped his lips. He needed to say something. He needed to make his point across.

"Wait!"

He said once again. Louder, stronger and with more determination. Levy stopped and looked at him once more. Wondering if she'd be able to finally take a peak on what's inside his head. On his plans and his reasons.

"Levy, I know you're angry-"

"I'm actually enraged."

"-but I want to make it up to her. I want to see her smile again. I want to make her laugh, to make her eyes light up and make her trust people again."

He closed his eyes as his hands made its way to his hair. Fisting a bunch of pink locks in an attempt to calm himself. His feet moved closer and as he unconsciously made himself smaller. His feelings were a mess and he felt so frustrated.

"She changed. I know, I can see it. She doesn't need people like me. But can you please, please give me this chance? Can you please give me a chance to make her happy?"

Levy pursed her lips. It might sound cruel but she didn't care about what Natsu feels. She only wanted to know his thoughts and while his pleading had lessen her murderous intent, she still hates him.

Because in the first place. He was the one who took that smile away.

Now it only made her even more curious, this man seem so inlove with her friend still, or maybe he was just feeling guilty? Why did he leave anyway? Ugh. Back to that damn question.

"Get up, people are looking. Fix yourself, we have work to do."

He looked up from his slouched position. His eyes turned hopeful, wishing that what he heard was right.

"I said get up. We have work to do."

He was up in a heartbeat and Levy squeak when he suddenly wrapped his arms around her.

"Thank you, Levs!"

They soon entered a tall building and many floors later, the two of them soon entered a studio. It was plain and looked small with all the people packed inside it, bustling around and busy with their own work.

There was a lot of people running errands here and there. He even saw some wearing grass skirts.

Weird.

Their eyes scanned the crowd and soon they found a certain blonde girl. Levy moved first and quietly tiptoep closer to Lucy, though with the noise going on everywhere, it was surprise if Lucy could still hear her footsteps.

"Hiya Lu!", she shouted then used her index fingers to poke the blonde on both of her sides. The bluenette laughed after her friend screeched and continued to tickle her until she was bursting with laughter and tears prickled her eyes.

"L-Le-vy! S-Stop! Haha-ha! Stop! Haha! I said stop!"

They started to attract attention but after the people saw that it was just the two of them, they just shook their heads and continued working. Levy laughed once more and quickly moved out of the way before Lucy lashed out on her.

"I'll be over there, Lu!"

She purposely bumped Natsu's shoulders and smirked.

"I want to see that kind of laugh. I challenge you, sissy groom.", she smirked and walked away laughing.

"Sheez, that Levy, she knew I hate that. I'll tickle her until she beg for mercy when we get home.", Lucy murmured to angrily to herself as she set up the reflector. Her knees felt weak and her hands were shaking badly. She hated how she was so ticklish.

"Need help?", she screeched when a voice suddenly whispered in her ear.

"Shit!"

"Woah! Lucy, calm down.", he said then wrapped his arms on her waist when she suddenly lose her balance.

"Calm down?! You were the one who suddenly sneaked up on me!", she looked at him and felt embarrassed on their proximity.

"L-Let go."

"Oh. Sorry."

She ignored him and went back to what she was doing before. Her eyes scanned the crowd looking for a certain caramel-haired woman. She thought for sure that she'll see her as soon she entered.

"Here, let me help.", he said and reaching higher to adjust the reflector better. She stared at him and noticed how his face had changed.

It was still like before but, his jaws look sharper. His skin was tanner and some freckles, though not noticeable, decorated his cheeks. It made her wonder if he decided to live in a place with a warmer climate during those two years- She really should stop thinking wherever the hell he decided to hide and disappear on their wedding day.

That jerk.

"Is this okay?"

"Yeah."

"You cursed.", he said casually, trying to keep a decent conversation.

"You never cursed before. You used to reprimand me for it. There was one time when Gray and I had a fight and you hit us both with your book for cursing.", he laughed a little and looked at her. She looked at him and pursed her lips.

"You know, I changed."

"I know."

"I'm not that Lucy you're talking about anymore."

He shot her a grin.

"I know."

"So why do you keep telling me these stories?"

"Don't you want to remember who you were before, Lucy? The people you met, the friends you had. The memories you made."

"I'm happy with how I am now."

"So, you don't want them anymore? You don't want the old Lucy?"

She stared at him. She wanted to say yes. She wanted to. She doesn't want the old forgiving Lucy. She doesn't want the Lucy that was always relying on others or the Lucy that was Natsu's partner in every meaning of the word.

She doesn't want the Lucy that was left on her wedding day. The Lucy that was hurt so badly. The Lucy that didn't know where to go, and how to stand up again. She likes this Lucy now. Because now she's stronger. Now she thinks of herself before others. The Lucy now has a wall around her heart and it wouldn't crumble easily.

"Nah, don't answer anymore. Too personal sorry."

She opened her mouth to tell something but Evergreen soon came.

"Lucy! Are you ready?"

"Y-Yeah."

"Then let's start this photoshoot."

Lucy snapped some pictures of five girls. The theme was actually hawaiian of some sorts. She looked at the Natsu from the corner of her eyes. He looked bored. Well, she could give him something to do.

"Natsu?", Lucy called out to him. He quickly got to his feet and went close to her.

"What is it Lucy?"

"Can you please get my tripod? I forgot to bring it with me."

He smiled and saluted at her.

"Okay, Lucy."

With a smile, he jogged towards the elevator. She internally smirked and looked back at the girls.

"Move closer, yeah. Perfect."

A few minutes later he came back and handed her a tripod.

"Here you go, Lucy."

Her brows furrowed and she frowned.

"Sorry Natsu, but that one's too small. Can you get the other one?"

"Sure Lucy!"

She returned her attention to the girls and snapped more pictures. It happened for a few more times, she thought of excuses after excuses, Natsu looking more and more breathless until it took him too long to come back.

She pursed her lips.

Maybe he ran away?

'He seemed to be only good at running away anyway.', she thought bitterly.

"Hey, Luce! Sorry I took long. The elevator stopped working so I took the stairs instead.", he was panting and sweat dribbled down his forehead but Lucy shrugged openly and just gave him a fake smile.

"Here's your thingy for your flash annnnd food! Hamburger and fries! I bet you're hungry. You still eat this, right?"

"Thanks for getting it!", she took her wireless flash control- that she didn't need -and smiled apologetically.

"Sorry, I'm on a diet."

"Oh. It's okay. It's okay."

She shrugged and turned her attention back to the female models. Something was missing. She pursed her lips and looked around. She smiled when she saw some paper windmills. Her smile got wider with her other idea.

She looked at Natsu who was about to take a bite of the hamburger that he bought.

"Natsu?", he froze mid-bite at her call and smiled at her.

"Can you do me a favor?"

.

.

.

"Yes! That's it. More wind please. Thanks, Natsu."

"N-No p-problem, Luce."

She smiled as she looked at Natsu lying on the floor. Breathing hard as he blew on the paper windmills by himself. She tried to smother her giggles at how ridiculous he looked. She remembered how awkward he looked before. Lying at the feet of five girls dressed in a bikini.

He still smiled though and obediently blew at the paper windmills while she snapped some pictures.

"Alright! That's it. Thank you, girls! Thanks, Natsu! Break time guys."

Natsu slumped on the floor at that while Lucy smiled triumphantly.

.

.

.

"Hey Lu! How's it going?"

"Good. How's yours?"

"It's okay. But I'm not talking about that. How's it going?"

Lucy pointed her thumb to where Natsu was resting a few feet from her. Some of his pink hair was sticking on his forehead and sweat dribbled on his forehead. His eyes were close and he was breathing heavily.

Lucy couldn't blame him, he ran some errands and it was quite hot in the room because this was actually a small job and the management doesn't have that much money for this project. She repositioned the electric fan to where she was making Levy pout and moved it so she would feel some cool breeze too.

"What did you do?", she asked eagerly.

"Oh, nothing. Just made him ran 20 floors down a few times and blow some paper windmills."

"No way, haha! The elevator was broken you know and he has motion sickness right?."

"Not my fault.", she said with a shrug. "Anyway, break's over so come on. Get back to work."

"Yeah, yeah."

"Okay! Guys go to your positions! Break's over."

She stood up and grabbed her camera. From the corner of her eyes, she saw him got up too. It was an interesting day at least.

Natsu got up when he heard Lucy's voice. He felt so exhausted. Damn that elevator and his motion sickness. He honestly felt like puking. And why was it so hot here? He still wouldn't give up though. He felt that Lucy was still suspicious of him that's why she was giving him those orders and not accepting anything he gives.

She was trying to get rid of him. Well, it is weird for him to suddenly appear here and claim to help her. But now, he just needs to get her trust back. And this wouldn't stop him. He raised his head and looked at Lucy but frowned when he saw her frowning.

"What do you mean the model's gone?"

"He was trapped in the elevator, sorry."

"But, now we're missing one."

"Sorry, but we're getting it fixed. Can you wait?"

He saw her bit her lip and raised her palm to her forehead. Her brows were creased in the middle and her eyes flashed with irritation.

"How long?"

"From the looks of it, an hour or two."

"Too long. Ever will kill me."

"Sorry." And that's when he decided to jump in.

"Luce, what's wrong?"

"One of the models got trapped in the elevator. We need this finished today.", she said frustrated.

"This building should really do some maintenance check."

"Again, I'm sorry for the inconvenience.", the staff said before leaving. Lucy paced back and forth before she turned her attention to Natsu.

"Natsu."

"Y-Yeah?", he cursed himself for stuttering but she was looking at him with those eyes.

"Help me."

The next thing he knew, he was half naked and was wearing the same grass skirt. Of course he was wearing something it but, he looked at himself in the mirror and cringed at it. Somebody also placed some flower necklace around his neck... and they were pink.

He went out of the makeshift changing room and saw Lucy waiting for him. She was nibbling on cheeto and quickly smiled when she saw him.

"Perfect! I knew I can count on you! Now what's missing? Ah! Oil! Somebody get me some oil.", she wiped her hands on a small towel and grabbed the oil given to her. She shook the bottle a little and poured a generous amount on her palm before rubbing it on his chest.

His eyes widened a little at the gesture and his gaze fixated on her face. She was saying something but he couldn't hear it properly. All he knew was that her hands were on his chest and she was rubbing oil on him. And it felt... warm. Well, of course oil was warm but her gentle caress, was something he missed.

He remembered the time when they were just on her bed. Cuddling and giggling at each other. She would draw random lines on his chest and whisper how much she loves him. He would kiss her forehead in return and spend their time in each other's embrace.

She suddenly stopped and he could see her cheeks dusting a shade of red. She quickly removed her hands from his chest and gave the oil to the nearby girl. He watched as she wiped her hands with so much force as if she was trying to erase something.

"Why did I hold that oil? I forgot that it makes my hands slippery.", she said out loud and quickly excused herself. He stared at her and flinched when another female continued oiling his chest.

When would this day end?

Lucy bit on her lip and clenched her fist. Why did she do that?

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid Lucy. She paced back and forth and went back to her position when Natsu came.

"Go in the middle, Natsu.", she ordered. Going on professional-mode with him to hide her embarrassment.

"Y-Yeah."

She watched as he awkwardly placed himself in the middle. Four other men were in this picture and there were wearing the same clothing as him. Lucy took a deep breath and willed herself to focus.

"Okay. Let's start. Move closer everybody."

She took a few shots and her smile went back to her face. He looked so funny feeling out of place. But that has to stop soon or else she wouldn't be able to take a shot. Ever soon came to inspect the modeling and raised a brow upon seeing Natsu.

"Lucy, is this a joke? Why does your model have pink hair?"

Lucy flinched at the harshness of her voice.

"Well, you see. One of the models got stuck in the elevator so we need a new one or else it wouldn't be balanced..."

"So you decided to sub in a man with pink hair without consulting me?"

She lowered her head and looked at Natsu from the corner of her eye. He looked a little hurt.

"You. Pink haired guy.", Ever said, her hard gaze set on Natsu. Her eyes rake on his body and she shook her head.

"Me?"

"Who else? Sorry, you have the body for it but you have too many scars and pink hair is just..."

"Nah. It's okay. I'll go."

He acted nonchalantly about it and quickly went to the makeshift changing room. Lucy stared at his back until he disappeared from her sight.

She remembered how Natsu was always made fun of for his pink hair, and his scars were a memory of his every fight as he tried to prove himself. Her attention was caught by a cough and she saw Ever raise a brow at her.

"Was that him? I didn't really mind the scars and pink hair for this photoshoot but I really hate cowards.", she heard Evergreen whisper. Lucy shook her head and gave the woman a small smile.

"You didn't have to, and did Levy... you know."

"She didn't. But I'm not blind nor am I stupid. I have known you for a year and never had you cast that kind of gaze to another man. What I did doesn't even make up for half of the pain he gave you.", she looked away and used her fan exaggeratedly.

"And I told you, I did it because I hate cowards. Just like that stupid Elfman.", the caramel-haired woman gritted her teeth and Lucy laughed at how pissed she looked.

"Elfman still haven't given you the engagement ring?"

"No. That stupid lug. I swear if that ring is for another woman I'll strangle him and make sure that he won't be able to make anymore kids-"

"Woah! Calm down, Ever. I'm sure Elfman isn't seeing another. And he'll ask you once he's ready."

"And if he ever did, will you come to my wedding?"

"I'm not sure..."

"Still afraid?"

"I'm not afraid."

"Right, just hurt. Okay! Go back to work! Stop slacking Lucy!"

Lucy wanted to argue about the hurt part but she just quickly scrambled to her feet and arranged the remaining models.

"Move a little to the left! Yes. Look more natural! Okay. Let's take a shot."

For a split second her gaze flickered to Ever and she smiled after seeing the woman barking orders to everybody.

"Smile."

.

.

.

"We're finally done!" Lucy said after taking her last shot. She raised her arms in the air and sighed when she heard some popping. That felt good.

Her back ache after standing for too long and bending a little to get a better angle. She pounded her fist a little on her back before stretching once again.

"Lu-chan!"

"You done?"

"Yeah. Let's go?"

"Sure, but where is he?"

"Didn't he leave?"

"Hmm, I dunno."

Their eyes scanned the crowd and they soon saw a sleeping Natsu at the corner of the room. His mouth was open and his body was limp on the floor.

"Let's... just go."

"Alright, Lu-chan."

I know I'm being bitter but I'mma drag you under

'Cause you just don't, don't deserve "Happy ever after"~

Heeeeyyy guys! Miss me? Haha. I'm alive!

I'm confused. What's the past tense of hang? Hung or hanged? :/ I searched and read a few explanations but different articles just don't match. And hanged looks kinda weird. Haha.

Ah, well, here's the start of Lucy's revenge :D

I changed the title to Beggin' On Your Knees by Victoria Justice

Thank you for your reviews :) and sorry for making you wait!

Hmm, who still hates Natsu?!

Review. Review. Review!