Just saying, this fic also has a lot of drama. Prepare for some soap opera stuff!

Lucy's P.O.V

"I'll see you in game then." Gray said as he helped me out of his limousine as soon as we arrived at the Heartfilia Mansion.

I gave him a smile. "Thanks for the date. I actually enjoyed it a lot than I thought. Especially that chocolate cake you bought for me."

"Well, it's exciting to know that my fellow friend in game is someone I know in real life." He said with a grin. "I'll probably be on later though in game. I have to go to work right now so wish me luck."

"Don't die on me." I giggled as I waved him goodbye.

He gave me a wink as he disappeared back inside the car. Then he was gone as the car drove off.

As soon as I saw him disappear, I ran back into the mansion like there was no tomorrow.

I was in a hurry to get back online and check with Salamander.

"Lady Lucy. No running inside the mansion." Spetto snapped as I ran past her inside the mansion. "You're not a little kid anymore."

"Sorry. I'm actually in a hurry." I apologized as I kept on running.

No time to waste.

I had something important to discuss with Salamander.

I ran up the stairs, barged into my own room and quickly grabbed for my game helmet.

"Let's hope Salamander is online right now..." I mumbled to myself as I placed the helmet on my head.

Then I threw myself in bed and pressed the red button on the middle of the helmet.

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I opened my eyes with a start.

I was back in Magnolia town, laying down on something hard but smooth. What was this warmth and coziness I was feeling?

"You awake?" A cheerful voice called out to me.

I glanced up and gasped. "Salamander?"

I quickly lifted my head up from Salamander's knees and turned bright red.

How on earth did I end up on his knees?

I placed my hands on my beating chest and looked away from him.

"Phoenix. Are you hurt?" He said, grabbing onto my shoulders. "Goodness, you're all red. Do you want to go to the hospital?"

"No... I'm fine." I said, forcing a smile at him.

"You sure?"

I nodded. "By the way, where's Happy?" I asked.

Salamander shrugged. "There's been a bug in this game so pets have been temporarily disabled. Gosh, I really miss him."

"Oh god. I hope we get to see him soon." I said, trying to act disappointed.

But in my mind, I was dancing around, happy to know that it'll just be Salamander and I.

Okay Lucy. I thought. Let's get to the point. This is your chance.

"Do you mind we go to a quiet place?" I asked him. "I've got something important to ask you..."

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The two of us arrived at the grassy field next to Magnolia town where we first met each other.

"So what's that important question you have to ask me?" Salamander said as he sat down on a rock.

I let out a deep sigh.

My heart was beating even faster than before.

"Um. Nice day, isn't it?" I let out a soft laugh.

Gosh. It was hard to bring out the topic already.

Salamander looked confused at first. Then nodded with a grin. "Sure is. I think it's a perfect day to go dragon hunting. Whadya think?"

Lucy. I thought with a groan. Stop being a coward and ask that stupid question.

"Yeah. Before we do that..." I started with a deep sigh. "Listen Salamander. I want you to answer my questions honestly."

"Sure thing."

I glanced straight into his eyes. "Do you work for the Heartfilia company?"

There it was.

I finally said it.

Salamander seemed surprised by the question I asked. "How...how do you know?"

"Ice Avenger. I met him in real life." I explained with a smile. "And I recall that you two work with each other."

I guess it was true.

Seeing his reaction, Salamander did work for my father and Natsu.

I couldn't hold my excitement.

"Salamander. Perhaps we know each other in real life?" I said excitedly, grabbing onto his arms.

I couldn't wait to hear his reply.

But instead, Salamander wouldn't look into my eyes. He looked quite flustered, confused, and worried at the same time.

Did I say something to offend him?

"Salamander?"

"Phoenix." He said, finally looking up at me with a smile. "I don't think I ever recall meeting you in real life. Besides, I don't even know how you look like."

Right. I forgot to explain to him who I was.

"I'm Lucy Heartfilia." I blurted out. "Daughter of Jude Heartfilia." There was no way he wouldn't know my name if he worked at my father's company.

I glanced into Salamander's eyes but this time he was trembling.

I could see cold sweat running down his forehead.

"Salamander?" I said his name softly, taking a step towards him.

"So..sorry Phoneix." I don't feel so good." He said, taking a step back. "I think I'm going to log off and take a break."

No...

This wasn't part of the plan.

Where did I go wrong?

"Wait." I said, grabbing onto his shoulder. "Just hear me out on this one."

Salamander didn't say anything but I knew he was listening.

I took a deep breath.

I like you." I confessed with all the courage I had.

He froze for a second and then glanced back at me with a sad expression.

"Salamander." I said with my voice trembling. "I don't know why you're trying to avoid me now... but I really like you. Can't you just give me a chance?"

"Phoenix...or should I say Lucy Heartfilia" He said softly with a sad smile. "Yes, I know you very well... and I like you a lot too."

"I don't understand then." I said. "Why?...after hearing my name, why are you trying to run away?"

Salamander took a deep sigh. "We aren't meant to be from the start. Phoenix, you have to give up on me."

I was pretty confused and upset at the same time.

Why wouldn't he give me a chance?

Why wouldn't he explain anything to me?

Why would he say we weren't meant for each other?

"Is it because I'm engaged with Gray?" I said as tears started to roll down my cheeks. "If that's the case, I can convince father about that..."

"Don't you dare do that." He snapped firmly. He let out another sigh. "Look Phoenix. I'm sorry... let's talk about this later."

"Salamander. Wait.."

It was too late.

He didn't look back even once and logged off, vanishing into thin air.

Where have I gone wrong?

Why was Salamander acting so cold and different?

I didn't get it...

Salamander... who in the world were you?

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Natsu's P.O.V

I opened my eyes with a start and took off my game helmet.

I was breathing hard as cold swear was running down my chin.

No... Why was the world doing this to me?

Why did Lucy have to confess to me? Out of everyone in this world?

I turned pink as I laid myself in bed.

My head was aching...

My chest hurted as if someone stabbed it with several needles.

All I wanted to do was finally act like her brother in game. I even tracked down Lucy in game just so I could be the brother I couldn't be in the real world.

But why did things have to become twisted?

Worst...

Why did I start having feelings for her as well?

As I was tossing and turning in bed, I heard a knock on the door.

"Natsu. It's your mother." I heard my mother's voice from outside. "I'm coming in." She said as she slowly opened the door.

"Mother..." I murmured as she walked in, wearing a black flowing dress and her black hair in braids. She looked very annoyed.

She looked at me with her hands crossed, "Natsu. Why aren't you at work right now?" She said in a displeased manner.

I couldn't look at her eyes. "I... I decided to take a break because I didn't feel so good."

"You idiot." She said as she slapped me in the face.

"Mo...mother?"

"Do you know how hard it was for me to make you heir for this company?" She shouted, angrily. "What will your father think when he sees his son being lazy with work?"

I didn't say a word as she slapped me again in the other side of the face. "Listen Natsu. I paid an expensive price to get rid of Luke Heartfilia. Don't you dare disrespect me with your lazy attitude."

There it was...

The real reason why I had to push Lucy away...

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I was the son of the killer who murdered Luke Heartfilia.. just so mother could make me the next heir.

Author's Note: There it is! The Drama!

Oh god. I watched way too much Korean Soap Operas...

I'll make things more clear about the murder incident next chapter. Thanks for reading :)

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Just in case you guys are confused with what the heck is going on, Lucy likes Salamander. But she still has no idea Salamander is Natsu in the real world because Salamander didn't clarify who he is specifically to her.