Author Note: Welcome to Chapter 9 of Pastry King! This chapter was a little difficult to get through due to a couple of reasons so please don't mind if the writing seems off. I did my best to have it reflect the writing style from Chapter 8 so let me know if it doesn't. Have fun reading!
Title: Pastry King
Rating: T
Pairings: Gray x Natsu
Disclaimer: Fairy Tail and its characters do not belong to me.
Responses to Reviews:
RadioHeart: Aww, thank you! I do my best making sure everyone's personalities stay consistent from chapter to chapter. I look forward to another review from you!
nori of the sea: Yet another wonderful review! Honestly, I can imagine how your review sounds in my head and it's awesome. Oh my, this story gets you hungry? Maybe I should ease back on the pastries or something. I look forward to your next review as well!
darkhuntressxir: Yeah, Lyon does seem to have a habit of doing that. Maybe he knows what's happening and wants to be a jerk by interrupting. And maybe Natsu will be nicer in this chapter… or not.
AsDarknessSpreads: Haha your review was fun to read. It seems someone always has to be an asshole to someone in this story! Maybe it'll end soon enough and on a good note for everyone.
Mglubsbl25: Oh don't apologize. I only ask that you review if you have the time and chance to do so. I understand you're busy yourself with your own story so I appreciate you reading my own! I'll check out your story when I get the chance!
grayxnatsuFT: Awesome, I'm happy to see that you're enjoying the story even more! I can't wait to write more scenes between Gray and Natsu since they tend to be more exciting.
Dark Sorcerer of Fire: Yay, finally some praise from the critic! However, like I said in the notes above, this chapter felt a little odd to me when writing and reviewing it. It's like it didn't match last chapter but I tried to make it similar. And yeah, I'm not sure who you're referring to when you say "many" people but I'll trust your instincts. Haha. I don't think this chapter is all that exciting but it's some sort of progress I suppose. I actually had to rewrite a couple of scenes because I kept falling back into my old writing style, which was super annoying. I can't wait for your next review!
Natsu's POV
~Wednesday, 07:42~
"So why Fairy Tail's Patisserie?" Staring at the bulky man across from me, I waited patiently for his response. He had a bit of a stubble on his face, which wasn't particularly attractive.
"Well," He started off nervously. "Natsu Dragneel works here and I'm sure I would learn a lot if I were to work with him." He finished up with a nervous laugh, trying to avoid any further eye contact. He seemed like a nice guy but it was obvious he wasn't qualified. I mean, he was basically boring me half to death! After checking a 'No' box on the form, it was finally the end of the interview.
"Thank you for interviewing with Fairy Tail's Patisserie. We typically interview a lot of candidates for this position and if we are interested in moving forward with your application, we will definitely give you a phone call."
"Awesome!" We both stood up and when I saw his hand stretch out, I shook it to be 'professional' as Erza would call it. "Thank you so much for the opportunity and I look forward to hearing a call back soon." As he walked through the dining room, I waited until the very moment the front door closed behind him before letting out a huge sigh.
"What's wrong?" I glanced over to Jellal who paused in organizing the applications, otherwise known as applicants that weren't going to get hired for a variety of reasons.
"Nothing." I looked away from him and stared at the queue forming outside the door, waiting for an interview. "Couldn't we have done appointments or something? I'm just one person!" When I saw red hair walking to the door besides the queue, I anxiously waited to hear how many applicants we had this morning. Was it a long line like Monday? Or a short one today? Either way, it gave me an idea of what time I would be going home. Erza slowly opened the door, letting some chit-chat of the applicants fill our new patisserie.
"What should we do Erza? With these people, there's no way Natsu can go through all of them in one day." That was actually a good question.
As she closed the door behind her, her professional voice made itself known. "Change of plans." I looked over to Jellal to see if he was feeling anxious but all he did was softly smile at me. "Jellal, you'll do interviews for those interested working in the front of the house. Natsu, I will do first interviews with the chefs and if I think anyone is worth your time, I'll send them to you. And don't worry, I know exactly the kind of person you prefer to work with from when we opened our first patisserie. Now let's move these tables and make some signs! Move it you two!"
"Yes ma'am." I said tirelessly but as soon as I got the death glare from the queen of pain, I got my ass in gear. I definitely didn't want to get yelled at the end of all this.
~Wednesday, 07:59~
I stared in awe at how Erza could come up with something like this so quickly. I'm pretty sure she didn't even have to think about it. We left the front door open, letting the queue split into two lines where we made the following sign:
'FOH Positions to the Right: Jellal Fernandes/BOH or Chef Positions to the Left: Erza Scarlet'
The applicants in Jellal's line look more outgoing, friendly and mostly women while those in Erza's line were more serious, nervous and mostly male. I stared at Jellal as he smiled and made jokes with some of the women, which made me wonder if he was even qualified to interview people for our patisserie. I felt a cold shiver run through my body when I glanced over to Erza and I could practically hear her saying, 'Do you doubt my decision in picking Jellal? Huh?!' I shook my head trying to get rid of the thought. She was more intimidating and serious with her applicants to the point it looked like some of the chefs wanted to run away in fear. I know their pain all too well.
I looked down at the wood carved table, thinking about the events this past Saturday. The banter between me and Gray. The fight. How I said I didn't want to see Gray ever again. I could literally feel my heart being carved up again and again just thinking about it. It hurts… and I don't even know why. I don't understand. Why do I like him so much? Why can't I get him out of my head? I laid my right elbow on the table as I used my hand to rub my forehead, trying to stop the impending headache.
I haven't seen or heard from him since then. It's been four days already! Ugh, I wish there was a time machine or something. I would go back and beat the shit out of the past me before I messed everything up. Why can't things be simple? Like making pastries. I sighed to myself before looking up to see that the queue hasn't gotten any shorter. At least it wasn't super cold just yet; otherwise, I would make sure that door stayed closed.
Apparently, Erza had put out a hiring ad in the newspaper or something but I didn't think we would get this many people. Hell, we barely had anyone come to the first job fair we had a couple of months ago. When I saw blonde hair sticking out of my peripheral, I stared at the woman on Jellal's line but she didn't look like anyone I knew. Odd, her hair was so yellow just like Sting's. Tch, just thinking about Sting reminded me of what happened that afternoon. I felt really bad but I told him I wouldn't be able to go out with him that night. How could I after what happened with Gray? He didn't even ask why but I promised that I would make it up to him one day.
"Hey Natsu!" When I looked up to see who called me, I felt a bunch of goosebumps run on the back of my neck in excitement.
"Zeref! How are you?" Before I could stand up to greet the slim raven, he took the chair across from me and made himself comfortable. "I was a bit worried when you didn't show up on Monday."
"Oh you know how it is for me. Work, work, and more work kept me from being here. I live such a fulfilling life don't I? But never mind me, how about yourself?" Zeref began to take off his jacket and had wrapped it around the chair.
"What do you think? I thought I told you I was interviewing all this week. I haven't even found a single chef yet."
"You know that's not what I'm talking about." He stared at me for a bit, leaving me confused. That is, until he continued speaking. "Oh man, did you blackout or something? I know you had a couple of drinks that night but how could you forget your boyfriend?" I glared at him once I understood who he was talking about.
"One, he's not my boyfriend. Two, why are you even asking about him?" He covered his heart in a dramatic fashion as if he was about to faint.
"How could you treat your friend like this? I thought I meant something to you!" He began to cry into his arms when I noticed his theatrics got the attention of some applicants on Erza's line. "Just kidding!" He said with a smile as he pulled out a short glass from his bag and a couple of other ingredients. When I saw him pull out a bottle of vodka, I felt dumbfounded. What the hell is he doing? I eyed him carefully as he mixed all the ingredients together and when he pulled out a cocktail mixer, my eyes widened.
"Zeref!" I said in a whisper so no one else would hear. "What the fuck do you think you're doing? Are you trying to get me in trouble?"
"Now why would I want to get you in trouble?" When I realized he wasn't taking me seriously, my mouth dropped. As soon as a loud sound of liquid and ice began to mix with each other in the mixer, immediately, everyone's eyes fell upon us. I darted my eyes around the room, hoping that whatever Zeref was doing would end quickly. If he didn't, Erza was about to have a field day with him.
"What the hell is that guy doing?"
"Who does he think he is making all that noise?"
"Wait, isn't that a cocktail mixer?"
"It looks like he's making a drink."
"For who?"
"He's making one for Natsu Dragneel!"
"What!?" Numerous applicants screamed in shock. Refusing to look at Erza directly, I instead used my peripheral as she continued to watch us. Why hasn't she said anything yet? Was she was assessing the situation before taking any action? I looked back to Zeref as he began pouring out a pink drink into the glass. When he placed a couple of blackberries into the drink, it looked like a blueberry pomegranate cocktail! Wait, should I be nervous since Erza is probably going to chew my head off? Hmm, I feel a bit guilty for being a bit excited because I'm pretty sure he's making my favorite drink!
"He's bribing the head chef! You can't possibly condone this!" When one of the applicants yelled, Erza immediately stood up. As soon as she stood next to us, she definitely made her presence known when all I saw was a dark figure with red, gleaming eyes.
"May I ask what's happening over here?" She said it in such a nice tone that I didn't know how to respond to avoid her wrath. I shouldn't even bother at this rate. She was on her way to slice and dice anyone in her path and now, that was me and unfortunately, Zeref.
"Oh I'm sorry, did I create a ruckus?" Zeref stood up from his chair and slowly bowed his head to Erza. "That wasn't my intention. In fact, the only reason why I'm making a drink is because I'm actually a bartender. I think that showcasing my skills would be the best way for Natsu to understand why I'm qualified to work at Fairy Tail's patisserie." I looked between the raven and scarlet, anxious about what would happen next. "It's like a pastry chef baking a pastry. How would you know if the chef is good without tasting their pastries?" At that point, I was astounded at how Zeref could come up with such an elaborate story right off the bat. Or did he actually plan this whole thing? Either way, it's pretty impressive.
"Fine, just keep it down over here." Without another word, she returned to her desk and yelled at everyone to focus their attention on the interview. I honestly felt relieved that she let Zeref off the hook.
"Here, something for your stress." He pushed the drink across the table as I stared at it with great interest. I licked my lips in anticipation as I slowly picked up the glass and took a sip. Who cares if it was only 08:30 in the morning?!
"Ah! Tastes good!" Zeref arguably made the best drinks in the city. However, in the next second, I narrowed my eyes at the bartender. After all, this is an interview. "I'm not sure if you're taking this interview seriously enough."
"You're so mean. Do you not agree with what I said not too long ago?" I suspiciously stared at the raven, wondering what his real intentions were. Everything he said to Erza was true but he doesn't have any experience in the kitchen. I'm happy my big sister thought he's qualified but without experience, how could you work at one of the most famous patisseries? "You don't actually think I'm applying for a chef position do you?" I blinked my eyes for a couple of seconds before processing what was just said.
"Wait, you're not?" He delicately brought a hand up to his lips before laughing.
"No silly. I interviewed with that blue haired guy to be a butler. I could never cut it out as a pastry chef, never mind with you. You'd probably kill me." He laughed to himself for a couple of seconds when I felt myself relax in my seat.
"I'm happy." The raven looked surprised to hear that just as I was at the fact it escaped my mouth.
"Aww, I knew you loved me!"
"Shut up." I mumbled as I took another sip of his drink.
"By the way, the guy who interviewed me is hot. You should introduce me." I looked behind him to see Jellal interviewing another woman with brown hair. I glanced back to Zeref as a smirk formed on my lips.
"Unfortunately for you, he's straight. And he already has someone." I pointed over to Erza and when he followed my finger, he shook his head.
"Why do all the girls get the hot guys?" I rolled my eyes at his comment. "Although, that doesn't seem to be the case for you since you somehow snagged the CEO of Fullbuster Enterprise." I suddenly felt goosebumps again but this time, it ran throughout my entire body. How does he know who Gray is? "You're so lucky but I'm really happy for you." I felt annoyed yet excited talking about him as I merely looked away towards the kitchen.
"He's not my boyfriend. How many times do I have to keep saying that? And besides, whatever we had is over now." Without waiting for him to say anything, I continued. "Zeref, I… I think I fucked up. I told him that I never wanted to see his face again. I don't know anything about him except for the fact that he's Erza's investor. And even if I wanted to see him, I don't even know where to start." I took another sip of the cocktail before placing it gently back down on the table.
"Here, why don't I fill you in on who he is?" When I looked back, all I saw was a smile on his face. Every time I had a shitty day or some type of problem, I would always go to the bar so I could talk about it. He always had some sort of solution for me. I'm sure he doesn't get anything out of helping me but he does it anyway. I should probably get him a gift or something to thank him.
"Please, any information would help." I bowed my head but I suddenly felt a hand slap me. I immediately looked up to glare at the raven for hitting me.
"Don't bow your head over something like this. Of course I'll help you. We're friends aren't we?" I looked at him suspiciously but I just smiled and nodded my head afterwards.
"You're right. You've been a good friend to me and for that, I'll make sure you get a position with us."
"Hey, hey, don't do that. I don't want to get a job here because you said something. I want to earn it, not given to me on a silver platter." I nodded my head in understanding. The hard work you put into your career. The good times and bad times. Everything I've done up to this point to earn my reputation is because of my hard work. No one helped or guided me to this point.
"I understand. I'll leave it up to Jellal then to decide whether you're qualified." He smiled as he looked back at the blunette.
"So that's his name. Maybe I can snatch him away from his girlfriend."
"Don't do that. I would actually beat the shit out of you if you ever tried." He turned back and sheepishly laughed.
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. Anyway, back to Gray Fullbuster." I took one last sip of the cocktail as I finished it up, intent on absorbing every detail about the rich bastard. "His company, Fullbuster Enterprise, is the leader in revolutionizing how people live today. Sure, they make smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc. But did you know that they made glasses that could act similarly to a smart phone? For example, if you need a GPS while driving, the glasses could act as one! You could even take a picture, see a compass, send a message, and even make a phone call with it!"
"Are you serious? All that with glasses?" I asked unbelievingly. How could a pair of glasses do all that?
"Yeah, they're so popular that even a pair could sell up to $10K! And they only made it in limited quantities. They also invented an electronic car that can run up to 300 miles! Charging the vehicle back to 100% will only cost you around $2.34 each time! Can you believe that? Imagine all the money you would save on gas! Fullbuster Enterprise is even working on holograms that you can use as personal assistants!"
"Wow." I was surprised. Gray's company does all of this? Strange; he definitely didn't give off that personality or impression when I first met him. Great, I feel really shitty but he was still an asshole.
"Yeah but that's just a small overview. But I'm sure you're more interested in learning more about Gray right?" I nodded my head slowly. "Well, according to the paparazzi, he tends to sleep around every now and again. He doesn't seem to care about anything or anyone that doesn't intrigue him whether it comes to people or electronics. However, he does have a select group of people that he relies and in that group is a person named Juvia."
"Juvia? Isn't she someone who loves Gray or something?" Zeref smiled approvingly.
"So you do know a bit about him." I looked away as I scratched my face nervously, worried that he might think I'm a stalker or something. "No need to be so timid. Anyway, you're right. Juvia tends to keep people who she sees as love rivals away from Gray at all times but he doesn't seem to care. In fact, he relies on her as his personal secretary when it comes to booking things such as flights, events, meetings, etc. Unfortunately, that's pretty much everything I have since I got most of this information from the local gossip around the bar."
"Really? You got all of this at the bar?"
"Yep, you'd be surprised at how much people are willing to share their dirty little secrets after a drink or two." Hm. I guess I shouldn't be that surprised then.
"Thanks, I really appreciate what you've shared. I'm not too sure what I'll do with all that information but I'll think of something."
"Don't mention it. And hey, if you need anything else, let me know. You know you have my number." I smiled as he started to gather his things back into his bag but I pulled the glass I used a little closer to me. I waited to see a confused expression before sharing my plan.
"Let me keep this. I'll clean it and return it to you when I see you next time."
"Is that so? You're so nice!" He said with a laugh, which kind of annoyed me. "Well," He stood up from his seat and slowly put on his jacket. "I'll see you around and hopefully, I'll get that job." He held his bag tightly and gently pushed the chair in.
"Yeah, me too." We smiled at each other and honestly, something was bothering me. Why does he help me out so much? It doesn't make sense and yeah, he may say we're friends but we've never actually hung out. There has to be something more.
"Hey, uh… Zeref?" I stopped him from fully turning around, which caused him to bring his attention back to me.
"What's up?" I looked away, not really able to ask why so directly. Should I really ask? Hmm, well if it's bothering me this much, I should. "Thinking hard again?" I glanced back to see his head tilted, eyes closed, and a smile. "Are you wondering why I help you so much?" I tried to hide my astonishment by keeping a straight face but when he opened his eyes, I couldn't stop myself from looking away again. "Who knows why? Maybe you and I will find out one day. See ya!" Before I could stop him, he was already half way out of the patisserie as I kept thinking about what he said. 'Maybe you and I'? Was that supposed to be a riddle? See? Everything just has to be so complicated.
I wonder if you're thinking about me Gray.
Author Note: And this is the end of the chapter! Sorry about the long wait everyone! I have an evaluation this Friday for a possible promotion so it'll be a little hectic for me at work. In advance, I apologize if the next chapter comes out a little later than usual. However, I did find myself distracted by Red and Green in the Pokémon series while writing this chapter. They're such an adorable couple that I found. I'm totally in love when I read Doujinshi about them, which makes me wonder if I can find some Gray and Natsu ones. Let me know if there are! Until next time everyone, and please, leave a review! They always keep me going to write more!
