A/N: Yay! I'm glad you liked the previous chapter… I am truly grateful to those who alerted and fav'ed not just this story, but my other stories as well… I love you all! *sends a flying kiss to all*, also to the silent readers, reviewers and to those who PM'ed me… You are all my inspiration. :) Special thanks toBareerah123 for this beta'd chapter. I hope… uhm, you enjoy this one… (doubt it, though) hihihi. Responses are down there… ^_^

Notice: All review responses are removed in this chapter. :)

Chapter 14: AN EFFORT GONE WASTE

Lucy's POV

"Yes?" a brunette girl in revealing formal attire raised a brow at me, as she scanned me from head to toe. Wait, was that alcohol I could smell from her?

"I'm set for an interview today and–" I tried to say but was cut off.

"Are you Fullbuster?" she interrupted as one hand grabbed the bottle on her desk and the other hand reached out for a piece of paper.

"Yes." I answered, trying to be polite. I was honestly fighting the urge to laugh, she was obviously drunk, her eyes a bit droopy and her cheeks were tinted red… probably work of alcohol. Hey, isn't this the Blue Pegasus Research Institute? It was kind of odd. Was alcohol allowed during office hours? Yet I found her current situation amusing.

The girl stood up behind her desk, chugging down the bottle of alcohol while reading the paper at hand, she was also struggling to keep her balance, but to no avail, ending up shifting her weight at her desk for support. She slowly fixed her eyes on me and made the last gulp, "Whew, I love this brand…" she remarked as she showed me the logo.

I nodded and cracked an awkward smile, "Is that even allowed at this hour?"

She raised a brow and pointed at the alcohol bottles stacked near the entrance. "Remember Fullbuster, they wouldn't stock that there if we're not allowed to chug it down!" She said matter-of-factly, followed by a loud burp. "Oooh," she waved a hand near her mouth, "Sorry…"

I grinned, I like this girl… though I find this company really weird. "I see,"

"Come on now," she turned on her heel and started to walk towards the corridor, which I assumed was the direction the office of my interviewer was. She abruptly halted as if remembering something, and turned to face me, "You know, you look awfully familiar… where have I seen you before?" she poked her cheek with her finger and fixed her gaze on my face.

"Really?" I said, smiling uneasily. What is wrong with her? How much weirder can she get?

She nodded slowly, "Yeah, Lucy… Fullbuster… was your name, right?"

"Yes."

"Ah. There's no way… you're that idiot's sister…" she laughed unlady-likely.

I felt a sweat dropped on my forehead, seriously?

She then turned around and gestured that I follow her, leading me into a glass door, she opened it and yelled. "Oi, Ichiya-san… The girl Hibiki recommended has arrived." She declared.

Another sweat dropped on my forehead, as I nervously dragged my eyes towards the person whose back was facing us and greeted, "Good Morning, my name is Lucy Fullbuster and I'm here for the interview."

The man swiveled smoothly, a nauseous aura emitting from his body. I could tell he was a short man and was truly self-conceited because as soon as his eyes laid on me, he instantly winked. "Meeeen, you're hired!"

"Eh?" was all I managed to say as I watched him walked towards me and sniff like a dog. "Excuse me?"

"You heard him." the brunette smiled knowingly, "You're hired." She tapped my back receptively.

"Huh? But the interview?" I prompted, confused.

This time, the man that was addressed as 'Ichiya-san' by the brunette a little while ago pulled one of my hand and sniffed, as he kissed it dramatically and raised his head to look me straight in the eyes, "Excellent choice of perfume, darling. Call me… Ichiya-sama! And you may start today."

I felt a vein popped out of my forehead as I pulled my hand away from him. I can't believe I'll work for him from now on! I forced a smile out of me as I nodded drastically just to get this conversation over… fast.

"I'd love to orient you personally about your work, I know you'd like that…" Ichiya said, winking again.

Lucy sweat dropped, Oh, Kami!

"Oi, Ichiya-san… that's Ren and Eve's work," the drunkard girl protested as she hiccupped clumsily, lending one hand towards me… "My name is Cana Alberona, call me Cana. Welcome to Blue Pegasus, Lucy."

I took her hand and shook it, I smiled, "Thank you Cana-san."

"Oh, no. No. Don't be formal, just Cana. Let's finish those display bottles outside, alright?" she chuckled inelegantly.

"Heh. Hehe." I could only crack a smile, now this could be a fun start!

It was an easy first day for me – well at least the first half, I honestly didn't expect that it'd be this easy to get in this company. Cana introduced me to Ren-kun and Eve-kun, both boys were assigned to orient me about my work. I also met a really pretty – yet mean employee named Karen. Cana advised me not to come near her because she was always the reason that most employees resigned themselves from the company.

I roamed my eyes around the cubicle Ichiya-san had assigned for me, it was a bit small compared to my working area on my former job, but it was a reasonable space for a researcher if you ask me.

I had my own personal computer, a stack of books behind my chair, drawers and organizers… well, almost everything that I should need was provided here. "Lucy…" a voice suddenly blurted into my thoughts, which I recognized as Hibiki's.

"Hibiki?" I instantly raised my head and met his eyes momentarily, I stood up and bowed slightly, "Thank you for this."

I heard him chuckle, "Hey, I didn't do much… really."

I stood upright, folding my arms across my chest, "You know what's weird? Ichiya-sama didn't even ask me anything…"

The brown-haired boy laughed hysterically at this, "I thought so… That means aniki likes you."

I shivered animatedly, "Are you serious?" He's gross.I wanted to add but didn't. I don't want to be rude.

"You want to have a cup of coffee with me?" He asked formally.

"Sure." I nodded in response, as I grabbed my bag and stepped out of my cubicle.

At the Blue Pegasus Cafeteria…

Hibiki placed a cup of coffee in front of me as I muttered a silent thanks, he smiled, "I supposed you already met Cana, Ren, Karen and Eve?"

"Oh, yeah… Cana-san loves to drink, eh? And Karen-san… I think she doesn't like me…" I said as I held the cup of coffee and blew softly, "Eve's cute… and Ren too. Though they're both total flirts like you." I remarked as I sipped from the cup carefully.

Hibiki snorted as he took the seat in front of me and placed the tray on the table beside us, "I'm not a flirt. And don't mind Karen, she hates girls that are prettier than her."

"Just kidding…" I teased, though the joke was half-meant. I realized he just complimented me and smiled awkwardly, not making any comment out of it.

Hibiki chuckled, "Did Gray bring you here earlier?" he asked, changing the topic.

I rolled my eyes, "That bastard… he just handed me the address and instructed the cab to bring me here."

"Oh," I didn't miss the glint in his eyes as he rested his elbow on the table and cupped his face with his hand, he looked at me intently thus making me blush a little.

"What?" I asked, tapping my face unconsciously, "Is there a dirt on my face?"

"No… you're gorgeous. I wonder how Gray could just let you run off alone?" He said with a flowery aura, which earned me a sweat drop.

He's flirting with me again…I pondered inside my head as I drank my coffee uneasily, suddenly remembering something, I placed my drink on the table and leaned closer. "That reminds me, can you keep my marriage a secret?"

The man cocked his head to the side, his confusion evident on his features, "If you say so, Lucy…"

Lucy. Something feels nostalgic every time he'd call me by my name. Maybe because I was often reminded of Loke whenever I'd see Hibiki… "Thanks." I retorted, feeling glad he kept his nose out of my business.

And then, the talk went on and on…

After such a long day, I had learned the basics of how research is done in this facility. It was not as hard as astronomy I must admit, but having it all picked up in one day was what made it hard. I stood up, fixed my bag and was about to go when I saw Hibiki in the lobby, talking to Cana and Eve.

When he finally noticed me, he smiled warmly, "Going home, Lucy?"

I nodded as I grinned widely, "Yeah," I walked closer to them and bowed slightly, "Thanks for today."

Cana, who was now strongly reeking of alcohol wrapped her arm around my shoulder, thus, making me stand straight. "Don't worry about it, Loishi. Let's finish that stack tomorrow!" she grinned, obviously drunk as she pointed a newly stocked stack of alcohol bottles.

I felt a vein popped out of my head as I let out a fake giggle, "You're really funny, Cana…"

And then a hand snaked on my left arm, as I impulsively jerked my head to see the owner, it was none other than the young Eve, who was now kneeling dramatically in front of me, while kissing my hand, "It was nice working with you today, Lucy-san. I look forward to working with you more in the future." The boy said making me, once again, sweat drop.

Again, I forced a smile, "Yeah, I'll be looking forward as well." I said.

"Would you allow me to take you home, Lucy? I suppose Gray won't come to get you?" Hibiki asked, as he yanked the poor Eve away from me.

At this, I found myself shortly jumbled, would that be alright? "N-no… I…"

"Who's Gray? Is he your boyfriend? Do you have a boyfriend?" Cana intervened as she forcefully tapped my back.

Eve on the other hand stood up and regained his composure, attempting to reach for my hand again which was protected by Hibiki. "Is that true Lucy-san? Do you really have a boyfriend?"

"Ah… I…" I don't know what to say, I looked at Hibiki hesitantly, he was also waiting for my answer. Damn, someone please save me."I… uhm… no, I don't have a boyfriend." I sighed. Well, technically speaking, I really don't have a boyfriend… right?

Eve and Cana was about to ask me more questions when Hibiki pulled me behind him. "No more questions, you two." He then turned around to look at me gracefully, "Shall I take you home, then?"

He planned all this, didn't he?I nodded timidly as I cocked my head over his shoulder, "I'll see you tomorrow Cana and Eve-kun."

The two both waved goodbyes as I walked out of the front door with Hibiki trailing behind me. "Heh, sorry about that…" he said apologetically.

I could only sigh at his apology. "It's alright… I guess."

He walked ahead of me as he pulled out a key out of his pocket, "Wait here, I'll get my car."

"Okay."

Gray's POV

Ah, today… all I did was think about the brat! Last night, I was tempted to steal a kiss from her again, yet it took every ounce of self-control to stop myself from doing so.

I wonder how she did in the interview. This morning, I made sure she was in great condition. The hell, I even ironed out her clothes, prepared her bath and woke up earlier than usual to review her with the basic interview questions. I know, she's smart but I just want to make sure. She might get overtaken by anxiousness on the spot. It's always best to be prepared.

I knew she was wondering what the hell was wrong with me as well, so the moment she asked me to bring her to Hibiki-senpai's office, I refused. Even though I really wanted to… shit, maybe what she said was true. Maybe I was really poisoned or something? But wait, I only eat food made by myself nowadays. I even pack my own lunch, how could I be poisoned?

I ruffled my hair as I glanced at my wrist watch. It said 5:30, was she get accepted right away? Are they madly in need of researchers? I rummaged my phone in my pocket, as I dialed Hibiki's number… it was the 5th time I did this, but every time I had to press the green button to start the call, my finger seemed to freeze on its own.

I felt like I'm an old man getting worried for her daughter who was still at school? Or worst, a husband waiting for his wife to come home? Damn it. But… isn't she really my wife? And yes, I am her husband who was impatiently waiting for my wife to come home? Maybe I should get Lucy her own phone.

The rice cooker clicked, I even went home early expecting her to be here, whining about how hungry she was.

Again, I opened my phone. This time, I decided, I'd have to call Hibiki-senpai and ask for Lucy. I pressed the phone against my ears as I listened to the ringing on the other end of the line.

Just then, Hibiki picked up, "Gray…" he greeted, a bit surprised.

"Senpai, are you with Lucy?" I asked uncertainly, trying to sound cool.

"Ah, yeah." He answered swiftly, as I heard him pass the phone to Lucy.

"Hi stripper…" It was the brat's teasing voice that I heard next.

I gritted my teeth unconsciously, "Where are you?"

"Oh, are you worried about me?" she mocked, which I find irritating.

"No." I answered abruptly, trying to sound nonchalant.

Lucy chuckled at the other end of the line, "Oh, Gray… I hope you haven't prepared dinner yet, don't include me in the count. Hibiki will treat me to dinner tonight, I'll be home soon right after this."

That's it, damn it! "Is that so?" I recoiled, anger taking over me. I already prepared dinner and she's going to tell me not to make dinner for her because she's going to eat out with some other guy? Don't fucking come home and I'll never make dinner – no! Not just dinner, all meals – for you forever!Was what I wanted to say, but settled at this: "Alright, have a nice dinner."

"Would you like me to get you anything, bastard?" she asked innocently, oblivious to how agitated I had become.

I faked a laugh, "You? Bringing me something? No, thanks!" I said in between my gritted teeth, trying hard to hide my annoyance.

"Tch~ what a bastard." She said, I could tell she was annoyed as well.

In exasperation, I dropped the line that instant. Damn it! I turned around and looked at the dining table which was full of her favorite food (information courtesy of Laxus – yes, not Loke…) bitterly. At one moment, I wanted to throw it all out and just eat an instant ramen, but that would be a very pathetic act.

"Damn that brat… She just wasted my efforts in preparing this," I muttered angrily to myself as I sat down and start to stuff food inside my mouth, "How could she eat dinner with another man when she has a husband waiting for her at home!" I insistently tapped the table. "I'll eat this all! Tch~" I hissed, as I forced myself to eat everything served on the table.

I kept glancing at both my wrist watch and my phone, it was already 8:00 and damn, where is that brat? My irritation now evident in my features, I wasn't able to finish all the food I prepared, it must've been because I lost my appetite… Just thinking about the brat and senpai feeding each other in a fancy restaurant pissed me off to no end.

I stood up, peeking outside the window. It's getting late, and I don't want to sound like a desperate husband insisting on her wife to come home. She's old enough… but still. Again, I hesitantly dialed Hibiki's number… and just before I press the green button, I heard a car engine stopped in front of the house. I peeked out to see Hibiki-senpai opening the passenger door for Lucy.

The brat stepped out gracefully muttering something I couldn't hear from my position. My heart clenched at this sight. How dare she flirt with another man in front of me? I impulsively opened the door and leaned my shoulder against it, as I coughed to get their attention… "How was the dinner?"

Lucy almost jumped in surprise, while Hibiki turned to look at me. He smiled, "It was great for me, I really envy you for having to take your dinner with this lady every day." He said coolly, as if he wasn't talking to the husband of the girl he just took to dinner.

"Whatever." I grunted, as I stared at them with straight face.

Lucy slightly bowed towards Hibiki saying, "Thanks again for today, Hibiki." She raised her head and smiled, "See you."

Hibiki just nodded as he watched Lucy walked inside towards me. At that moment, I wanted to shout this to Hibiki-senpai: "Hah! You flirty boy toy! In your face… she'll come home to me and that'll never change." but of course, stopped myself from doing so. That's childish.

As soon as Lucy walk past through me, I didn't bother to look back at Hibiki-senpai and closed the door. I trailed after her towards the bedroom. "Did you pass the interview?" I started, sounding casual.

"Well," she momentarily stopped rummaging the closet as she looked back at me, "I just got hired… without any interview." she answered, as she went back into looking for clothes to change herself into.

"What? Is that even a reliable company?" I incited.

Gathering up her clothes in one arm, she turned her heel to face me, a brow raised in incredulity, "Hibiki's your friend so I trust him." And then smiled vainly, "It must be my sex appeal…" she chuckled conceitedly.

I felt a vein popped out of my head. Oh, so it was all because of me? I should've listened to Loke when he said: "Keep Lucy away from that Hibiki guy…"

I could only mentally slap myself for my negligence. I'll ask my co-workers about that company tomorrow. My eyes followed the blonde as she entered the bathroom, "Ne, Lucy… I think I should get you a phone…"

It took her a moment to respond, "I don't need it." She yelled, as I heard the water run inside the bathroom.

"Well, uh…" I have to think fast, I must convince her to get a phone or I'll forever humiliate myself by calling Hibiki-senpai just to reach her, "…Loke was always disturbing me, looking for you every now and then…"

The sound of the running water stopped, "Is he bothering you?" I heard her ask.

"Yeah, I got paid from my first project… and I'll get you–"

"I can buy my own when I get paid." She interrupted.

I think I used the wrong reason, "But it'll take time… Just pay me back when you get paid." I insisted.

She emerged from the bathroom door, all dressed up in a very short night gown. I guess she's being comfortable with me now that it was giving me a hard time. Doesn't she realize I'm still a guy? She tapped her face with a towel as she walked towards me, "Okay, I'll tell Loke not to bother you anymore…"

Is she planning on calling Loke tonight? I'm screwed, "I already told him that… and I told him I'll buy you a phone so don't worry."

She collapsed on the bed face-first clumsily as she threw the towel towards my direction. "Shit, I'm so tired." She grumbled.

My eyes almost popped out as the heat from my body rushed up to my face, I could see her panties clearly. Oh, dear. This isn't helping me one bit. I was frozen, my eyes glued on her as she continued ranting about her day… Well, it was incomprehensible for me since my focus wasn't there.

.

to be continued...