A/N: Hi everyone welcome back!
Okay this is completely unrelated but totally urgent news.
My Chemical Romance, the best band in the entire world, broke up. That's right. Broke. Up. I'm Not Okay.
…Get the reference?
Alright, I'll stop with the puns, I know I suck at them.
Enjoy the chapter while I swim in the pool of my tears

Chapter 20: Reconciliation

It was the middle of the final week of the two-week holiday and Lucy walked into the bank, dressed in her white collared shirt and black pants, ready for her shift. She had avoided Nathaniel's calls, texts and visits. In fact, when she saw him walking in the street and enter her apartment she turned off all the lights and closed the binds, ignoring his knocking on the door, pretending she wasn't home.

Lucy didn't know what was wrong with her – she couldn't believe that she was acting like this over a boy. Every time Nathaniel called she was about to answer but she froze again until the ringing stopped. When he knocked on the door of the apartment, the furthest she could go was almost touching the doorknob before silently backing away and cursing herself for this new-found weakness. That being said, he was still the only thing on her mind.

"Afternoon Lucy." A worker greeted as Lucy walked into the back. She nodded in greeting before placing her nametag on the pocket of her shirt and making her way to an empty counter, deeming it open.

Lucy's afternoon went slowly and thankfully the bank wasn't as busy as it usually was. At the moment, there were no waiting customers so Lucy took that time to lean back in her chair and relax. Then, the sliding doors of the bank opened and Lucy froze, the person walking in catching her eye. Immediately she tensed up. The man recognised her and narrowed his eyes before scanning the area, looking for a teller other than Lucy.

A worker pleasantly walked up to the man and indicated that Lucy's counter was free. With a look of disgust on both the man (and Lucy's) face, he made his way to the counter. "Lucy." He said her name curtly in greeting, looking down at her. Lucy rose to the challenge, her stare unwavering from his eyes as she rose from her chair. "You're Nathaniel's father." She said. "Ah, so you do remember me. It has been quite a while since we met. Please, address me as Mr Gold." Nathaniel's father said, pressing his knuckles on the counter, obviously unhappy to be associating with the girl.

As much as Lucy wanted to yell at the man she couldn't. Not the time or place – she didn't want to be out of a job and she promised Nathaniel back at the Orienteering Event she wouldn't do anything rash. "What can I do for you today?" Lucy asked in what she hoped was a polite voice. Mr Nathaniel placed a hand in his pocket and produced a cheque. "I'd like to transfer this sum into my daughter's account – a little surprise for her." He said, placing the cheque on the counter. Lucy got to work, pressing a few keys on the computer and asking for details, as she normally would with any customer, but anyone could see that she kept her eyes on Mr Gold, refusing to back down from his intimidating stare.

"She won a competition you know." Mr Gold said, tilting his head further upward. "Amber is very talented." Lucy rolled her eyes. "I personally don't care about your daughter." She said coolly, slamming one of the keys on the computer. Mr Gold leaned in slightly. "But you care about my son don't you?" He asked with a smirk on his face. "Nathaniel is a friend of mine, nothing more." Lucy said firmly. Well, she hoped he still considered her a friend. "So, could one say that you two spend an excessive amount of time together?" Mr Gold asked, pressing further for information.

Lucy narrowed her eyes. "Why do you care? It's none of your business as to how much time I spend with your son." "Ah, but that's the thing. He is my son so I have the right to know who his friends are, as…" Mr Gold looked Lucy up and down, disgust returning to his face. "Disagreeable I find them. That being said, I'm surprised someone like you got a job at the bank." Lucy felt her blood boil and she bit her lip. Amber had definitely taken from her father, seeing the striking resemblance in both looks and attitude. She could also see that Mr Gold was leading her to into saying something that he could use to his advantage. Lucy refused to give him that chance, pressing a final key on the keyboard. "Done. Would there be anything else?" She asked, ignoring his plain insult of her.

Mr Gold looked slightly amused that she hadn't reacted. "No. My business is done here. But seeing as though you're right in front of me, I might as well tell you what's on my mind." He said. "I don't have the time or interest in listening to you. Leave." Lucy said firmly. Mr Gold folded his arms. "I don't like you, Lucy." He said. "You're an unmannered little girl who thinks the world revolves around her."
"Are you sure you're not talking about Amber when you say that?"
"How dare you insult my daughter."
"Maybe if you looked past her feigned innocence you'll agree with my perception of her."
"I trust Amber. It's you I don't trust. I don't like what you're doing to my children. Amber constantly complains about you and Nathaniel is teaming up against her with you. I'm appalled that my son would do something like that against his own family. I know that it's due to your influence he's acting like this, so I want you to –"
"I told you to leave – "
"Stay away from my family."
"You're not the boss of me."
"Stop acting like a child. I do not want you associating with my children."
"I don't like you butting into my life. Now leave, before I call someone to make you."

Mr Gold smirked. "Fine. I'd say it was nice to see you again, but let's face it – I'd be lying if I said that." He told Lucy before turning around and exiting the bank. Lucy clenched her fists. How Nathaniel had put up with that man for so long, she had no idea. Lucy suddenly felt a buzzing in her side and reached out, grabbing her phone. Nathaniel.

Maybe she missed him. Maybe it was the confrontation with his father. Maybe she just wanted to talk to him. Lucy found herself announcing to her manager that she'll have to take a call. Lucy walked briskly out of the bank, to the back of the building, closing the door behind her. Her finger pressed down the answer key and she lifted the phone to her ear. "Hey Nathan." She said in a shaky voice.

"You answered this time." Nathaniel said plainly. Lucy nodded and then realised that he wouldn't see that. "Yeah…" She replied. There was silence on the line and she waited for Nathaniel to say something. Then she heard him chuckle. "It's been so long that I actually can't figure out what I want to say anymore." He said in amusement. "How've you've been?" Lucy frowned. He was being so civil. Wasn't he going to yell at her? Scold her?

Lucy voiced her concerns. "I've been avoiding you for almost two weeks and completely ruined your relationship with your sister. Aren't you pissed off with me?" She told him. Nathaniel paused. "Lucy, I was angry. But it wasn't directed at you. I was angry at Amber." Lucy was wide mouthed. So she had been avoiding him when he wasn't even upset with her? She groaned – she must've looked like the biggest idiot this past week, ignoring him like she did. "Think rationally – if I was, uh, 'pissed off' at you, why would I bother calling or texting? Or knocking on your door? I guess I was angry at first, when you didn't answer your phone or reply to my texts, but I knew I'd find a way to speak to you sooner or later." He continued.

Lucy leaned back on the wall, closing her eyes in relief. She felt so happy talking to him right now – she missed his sweet and calming voice and how patient he was with her. "Nathaniel… wow. I am so fucking sorry. I've been such an idiot." Lucy said. "No Lucy, don't say that." Nathaniel retorted quickly. "You were upset. I should've given you some time to cool off before calling you straight away, but I couldn't help it. I… uh, I miss you… your company." Nathaniel stuttered. Lucy felt herself smiling. "What's that saying? Great minds think the same?" She asked. "Great minds think alike, Lucy. Why?" Nathaniel replied. "Because I've missed you too." Lucy admitted.

Nathaniel chuckled. "Let's meet up. Where are you?"
"I'm at work."
"When do you finish?"
"Two hours."
"Okay. I'll see you in two hours at the park."
"Huh? What's this? Ordering me around, Nathan? What if I have plans after work?"
"Then cancel them. And stop calling me Nathan – it's Nathaniel."

Lucy smiled at Nathaniel's attempts to take charge.
"This change of attitude… I kinda like it."
"Eh? Really?

On the other side, Nathaniel was leaning back on his desk chair, surprised that Lucy wasn't arguing back at him. He expected her to try and take control of the conversation, but she was letting it flow, content with hearing him talk. His heart swelled at that. "Look, I've got to go." Lucy said in a rush. Nathaniel slumped down a little. "Okay." He said. Lucy paused and Nathaniel could practically feel her smirking. "Don't be late." She said in a teasing tone before hanging up. Nathaniel grinned and shook his head. He missed her so much and couldn't wait to see her.

"So, who was the one warning me not to be late?" Nathaniel was sitting cross-legged on the ground in the park, leaning against a tree with his arms folded and an amused look in his eyes. Lucy dropped her shoulder bag and fell to the floor. Suddenly she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Nathaniel's shoulders in a tight hug. "I'm sorry." She said firmly, resting her chin on his shoulder. Nathaniel was surprised – this was not the reaction he was expecting.

But then he smiled and hugged Lucy back, holding her close. He let out a relieved breath, momentarily closing his eyes. "Hey Luce, since when did you become so touchy-feely?" Nathaniel teased. Immediately Lucy pulled away and her signature scowl was back. "I don't recall you being the boss of my actions." She retorted. Nathaniel chuckled, leaning back on the trunk of the tree while Lucy plopped herself on the ground, smirking.

Needless to say, both felt happy to see each other. They spent hours talking to each other and by the time they fell silent the sun was setting, emitting a calming orange glow. Lucy didn't know whether to tell Nathaniel that his father came by the bank today and couldn't begin to wonder what his reaction would be if she did. Their conversation was still burning in her mind. Stay away from my family…

"You're a little unsettled." Nathaniel said, breaking Lucy's staring contest with the ground. She blinked up at him and bit her lip. "Of course you'd be able to tell." Lucy said. She was quiet before she spoke again. "Your father dropped by when I was at work." Immediately Nathaniel tensed up. "What did he tell you?" He asked. Lucy shrugged. "Nothing I don't already know." She said.
"Like what?"
"We argued, he insulted me, I insulted Amber… Nothing to worry about."
"I'm terribly sorry for my father's actions."
"Don't apologise for him. It's not your fault."

Nathaniel sighed. "I can't believe he had the nerve to insult you. For once, I'm glad you had a remark." He said. "Listen, Nate, if you want to move out you can stay with me." Lucy said abruptly. Nathaniel looked up at her. "I'm serious. The couch is comfy. I fell asleep on it once." Nathaniel chuckled. "Thanks for the offer Luce." He said. "Everything is settled at home, I don't need to move out urgently." Lucy nodded. "The offer's always there." She concluded. "I'll keep that in mind. Come on, it's getting late. Let me walk you home." Nathaniel said, standing up. Lucy followed suit, picking up her bag and standing up, stretching her arms as she and Nathaniel emerged from their secret place.

Walking side by side, Lucy finally realised the importance of having like someone like Nathaniel in her life. She didn't even want him to leave when he walked her up to the door of her apartment. "See ya 'round Nathan." Lucy said, turning to unlock the door.

Suddenly, Nathaniel's hand reached out and grabbed Lucy's, preventing her from twisting the key in the lock. His other hand was pressed against the door next to Lucy's head and he leaned in to whisper in her ear. "That's not my name." He said softly. Lucy's eyes widened and a smirk appeared on her face. She hadn't seen sexy Nathaniel in a while.

"Say my name Lucy." Nathaniel ordered, his voice small so that only she would hear, even though they were the only two in the hallway. "Nathan." Lucy said firmly. She felt Nathaniel's head move side to side. "My full name. I want to hear you say my name." He whispered, sending chills up Lucy's spine. "N-Nathan…" She said, catching herself stuttering. Her heart was beating frantically in her chest. Strange. This never happened before… She thought.

Nathaniel noticed this too and pressed his body against hers. "You've got half of it right. Nathan-iel. Say it." He repeated. Lucy closed her eyes and regained control of herself. She smirked again before twisting in Nathaniel's grasp, managing to catch him off guard. Their positions had changed and now it was Lucy holding Nathaniel trapped between the door and herself. "Pity. Guess I win this time." She said.

Lucy then noticed that although Nathaniel was red in the face, he was smiling. She released her grip, stepped back and crossed her arms, watching Nathaniel adjust his shirt. "For now. I'll see you soon Lucy." He said with a smile, before leaving her, walking to the end of the hallway and descending the stairs. Lucy stared after him and smiled, despite her heart almost bursting from her chest.

She missed Nathaniel already.

A/N: So it's a little short, but I think I've written everything I need for the chapter. We're seeing a little change in Lucy but it's not too bad right? She's still a bad-ass, especially in the few chapters I have written.
Thank you GossipGirl (I'm glad you awwwwwed xD)
Pseudonymous Soul, I was cracking up at your review! The Nokia phone part, ahaha! I don't know, I have a Samsung but I sort of chuck it around, not too far from the ground and it's survived (thank God or I'd need to buy a new phone o.o") Thank you!
Thanks ZorraVixen, as usual! You know when someone feels something when they read you've done a good job and I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm glad you laughed at Alexy, I love him! xD

See you Friday! :D