Chapter 50
"I still can't believe it Cana." Lucy said as she laid on her bed. "Erza wants me to go back. She's inviting me to be her son's godmother and to be the maid of honor for her wedding."
Cana came back to her room with another booze in her hand. She leaned on the door frame. "Well she's your best friend. So, I think that's just normal." Cana said as a matter-of-factly.
"Still, I can't believe this is all happening. I'll see them in 3 weeks.." Her voice trailed off. "I'll see him in 3 weeks.."
Just then Cana plopped her self on the bed making Lucy bounce a little. "So what? Show him you're fine with it? You told that Gramps of yours that you're happy about it."
Lucy let out a sigh. It's true she told Gramps that she's happy for Natsu.. but she knew deep inside she's not. It's not even okay. But then, just the thought of her leaving him like that made her stop feeling being 'not okay' with it. Natsu deserves to be happy too. He deserves to get what he want. Even if he said that he's going to wait for her.. who in their right mind would wait for her to come back? There's not even an assurance that she's coming back. Besides, she hasn't talked to him ever since. Anyone would grow tired of waiting.
5 years is not short after all.
"You're right. I should just get over it." Lucy sat up and looked up at the ceiling. There was silence until the question she's been meaning to ask, but doesn't have the courage to, suddenly came out of her lips."Do you think he's really given up on me?"
"No.." Cana answered immediately. "But.." She paused making Lucy look at her. "I don't know... I haven't really met him. From your stories, you told me he's a man-whore. On your first meeting he kissed you.. It's seems to me that he won't wait that long. I don't think that guy has the patience in him. Also, he's a former vocalist of the hottest band, Lucy. Plus, now he's one of the top bachelor in the world. Who wouldn't want to marry someone like him?" Cana snickered and took a swig from her booze. "He's rich and he could sing. And from what I saw in that magazine, he has the bod. Women will be all over him all the time. He can just pick anyone he want."
Lucy looked down on her hands. She's been playing with the hem of her shirt the entire time. Cana's right. Natsu can just get anyone he likes. He wouldn't have a problem with that. In fact, he never had the problem of getting anything or someone he likes. He doesn't even have to walk to them because girls would swarm around him in a heartbeat. It will be really impossible that he'll wait for her. It's her fault anyway. She should've talked to him when he tried. She shouldn't have avoided them. Now, she doesn't know if he wants her back.. No. Apparently, it's obvious that he doesn't. He's found another.
"But then again.." Cana finally said continuing on her speech. Lucy looked back at Cana. "..you also told me the story after you met. I can tell he's change. I think he really loves you. So maybe he waits. Or waited. I don't really know. I don't know him at all. Some speculations from your story told me he'll wait, some don't." Cana said flailing her hands in the air and laid back on the bed.
Lucy smiled at her. Even though Cana is a drunkard, she sure helped Lucy a lot. Especially when she felt really lonely. Lucy decided to let Cana stay the night in her suite. She was about to stand up when Cana spoke.
"I know you told your Gramps that you're happy for him." Cana's voice trailed. "And maybe your Gramps already told him what you said.. Uhh well what I was trying to say is. Just.. don't let your feelings go to waste." Cana slurred. Lucy looked at her confusedly. "You know.. tell him that you still love him."
Lucy blushed a million shades of red. "I-I.. I do no -"
"Oh please Lucy. Stop hurting yourself. Stop giving yourself a hard time. You've forgiven him the moment you stepped into that airplane, the first day we met. It's been so long and even I can tell that you want to be with him. It's just, what's stopping you?"
Lucy frozen in her spot as she watch Cana until she starts to snore.
What's stopping her?
Guilt.
Leaving him. Leaving them.
Ignoring him. Ignoring them.
Did she still have the right to tell him she loves him after everything she's done? Can she still tell him that? Lucy doesn't want to mess up Natsu's now peaceful life.
Monday morning.
Lucy was greeted by the company's staff as she made her way to the elevator.
Just 2 more weeks and she'll be back to Magnolia. She felt really excited and at the same time nervous. Erza's giving birth and she'll be wedded in two months. Lucy softly smiled. It's true. 5 years has gone by, it'll be bad if nothing could have happened. Something's bound to change.
From what she heard from Erza, the band disbanded because they knew it was about to happen. Besides, the band's been at the top for so long and from their opinion they've reached their goal: To be the best band. Levy and Gajeel had been together for about 2 years now. Erza said that they're saving for their future. Levy now owned a bookstore and a reading cafe. Gajeel started a recording studio and he's now managing other bands. Lucy's really happy for hearing that development. Though Gray still couldn't admit that he had feelings for Juvia. Erza said that Gray owns a restaurant and he's also managing other bands. Lucy could feel competition between Gray and Gajeel but she knew that wouldn't stand in the way of their friendship. Juvia went back to the company and was now promoted to being a manager. She now manages all of the events that the company will be having.
Unknowingly, Lucy smiled. She went out of the elevator and proceeded to her office. She's asked about each and everyone from the band. She even knew that High Life is now called Immortals. Apparently, Jellal expanded and there are now a lot of branches all over Fiore.
She's asked each and everyone of them. But the one person she's been really dying to know about is the one person she can't really ask. Lucy knew that Erza wouldn't mind if she asked her about Natsu.. But for some reasons, Lucy just felt like it's wrong. She just can't make herself ask Erza how he's been doing. In the end, she hung up without knowing a single detail about him.
But Lucy's fine with that. As long as he's doing well, Lucy's fine.
She sat on her chair and immediately went back to work. "Lucy I got your ticket!" Cana said excitedly walking into her office while waving the tickets.
"Ticket? What ticket?"
Both Lucy and Cana turned to see who has rudely interrupted them. "Dan? What are you doing here?" Lucy asked.
Dan walked towards where the two of them are and stood in front of Lucy's table. "What's this ticket for Lu?"
"Uh.. Well.."
Cana crossed her arms across her chest. A knowing smile on her lips as she smirked at him. "Lucy's going back to Magnolia to see her fiance."
"Fiance?!" Lucy and Dan shouted in disbelief.
"What fiance are you talking about Cana?" Dan growled. "I'm the only one whose suited enough to marry Lulu!"
Lucy furrowed her brows at him but then looked back at Cana. What the hell is she saying?
"You heard what I said Dan. Lucy's going back to Magnolia to see her fiance." Cana said still smiling.
"I do not -"
Lucy was about to protest but Cana cut her off. "They're having a wedding in two months." Lucy looked at Cana in disbelief. If there's going to be a wedding in two months it's obviously, Erza and Jellal's.
"I do not allow Lu!" Dan whined. "I am the one you're supposed to marry!"
Lucy opened her mouth to tell him everything was just a joke and that she's going back because of her best friend.
"But Lucy already has a fiance Dan." Cana said covering Lucy's mouth with her hand. "You remember that pink haired man? The hot one? You said you met him in one of your meetings?" Dan nodded. "He's the one! Natsu Dragneel, Lucy's fiance ever since they're kids."
Dan clenched his fists and a tick mark appeared on his temple. "I'm going to Magnolia with you Lu! I'm going to show that bastard who you really want to marry." Dan swore as he stomped his way out of the office while muttering about buying a ticket to Magnolia in the same flight his Lu had.
Finally Lucy was out of Cana's grasp she glared at the other woman. "What was that for Cana? Now, Dan's coming to Magnolia with me." She pouted.
Cana smiled triumphantly. "You're welcome Lu! Now, you won't be alone when you face him. He's got his girl, you have Dan."
Lucy rolled her eyes and smiled back. "And you're coming with us!"
Waiting for 3 weeks seemed like a year. Erza didn't tell anyone that Lucy is coming this very day. It's only Natsu who knew Lucy's coming, but he didn't know when exactly. To Erza that's just right because he needs to prepare himself. Erza arrived at the airport an hour earlier than Lucy's arrival. Even though Lucy strictly told her not to bother going to the airport, she still dragged Jellal there.
"Erz can you please sit down?" Jellal asked, pleading as he placed both his hands on her shoulders. Gently pushing her back on her seat. She was due any day now and if Erza didn't threaten him into going there that she won't give birth to their son, he wouldn't have given her permission. "I'm sure Lucy will pass by in front of us."
Erza obediently sat herself on the seat next to him with a smile on her face. "Sorry. I'm just really excited that Lucy will be here any minute now. I'll be able to see her Jellal! Finally!"
Jellal smiled down at her. "Yes. It's been so long. I wonder how she's been. Did she know you're..?"
She nodded. "She told me not to go here, but I couldn't wait to see her."
"Just don't stress yourself. Okay?" Erza smiled at him in assurance. "Better yet, stay here and I'll be the one to bring her to you." Jellal proposed. He just doesn't want Erza to be squished in the crowd of people that would be waiting for their respective relatives. "At least that?"
Feeling a little tired herself, Erza nodded with a small smile on her face. "But, will you promise me that when you see her grab her hand and never let go." Jellal's eyes widened in confusion. "I just don't want her running off. Tie her to yourself if that's what it means."
"Okay. Okay. Grab Lucy. Tie her to me. Never let her go." Jellal repeated. "You know, I think Natsu should be the one saying that."
"He will. It's part of the reason why I forced Lucy to go home. First, for me of course. She's going to be Zael's godmother. Then, she's going to be my maid of honor. After that, she's all Natsu's."
Jellal sighed and grabbed her hand. "You still helped Natsu even if you told him a million times you wouldn't."
"They just need a push. I can't take too much waiting for them to be together again. It's been so long. For 10 years they didn't see each other, and when they finally have been together things happen. Can you believe it? They waited for 15 years!" Erza exclaimed.
"They were too young to be together for the 10 years they lost each other." Jellal said and smiled warmly. "And it's just fine. I think they're ready now."
Arrival of flight 138! Arrival of flight 138! Arrival of flight 138!
"That's Lucy's plane." Erza squealed. She tried to stand but Jellal held her down.
"I'm going to tie her to me. Remember?"
Erza pouted. "Okay. Okay. I'll wait here. Just promise me you'll be with her when you get back!"
Jellal nodded and soon he is inside the crowd. People were raising their cardboard with the names of people they were waiting for. He was having a hard time squeezing himself to get in front. Lucy, not using her private jet right now is something new to him. He would have thought that Lucy will just be landing on top of the company's building. Instead, he was surprised when Erza directed him to the airport. Soon, he could see Lucy by the exit. She was with some people he didn't know and he felt reluctant approaching her. But then, he promised Erza to grab her, tie her to him and never let her go.
"Lucy!" He shouted. And that instant, Lucy turned to his direction and he waved. He ran towards her with an excited smile on his face.
She stopped on her tracks looking confused as ever. "Jellal? Why are you here?"
Jellal patted her head and smiled. "What else? Waiting for you."
Just then a redhaired man swatted his hand from Lucy's head and glared at Jellal. "Lucy's boyfriend, name's Dan Straight." Lucy opened her mouth to say something but was stopped when a brown haired woman was laughing behind them finding everything amusing.
Jellal looked at Dan and studied him. "I have my wife waiting for us."
"Erza is here?" Lucy asked. "Where is she?"
Jellal immediately grabbed Lucy and he could feel glare daggers stabbing him from the back. "I promised Erza to bring you back. And you have a lot of explaining to do."
"Explai..ning?"
"Well yeah, we've just lost contact of you since.. I don't know. 5 years ago?"
Lucy fell silent and obeyed Jellal. She followed him without restrain. And immediately something caught her eye. A small crowd of people. Jellal stopped in his tracks and stared at the crowd of people.
"Erza!" He said rather loudly. Jellal ran as fast as he could, he left Lucy standing where they stopped. And once he was able to pass through the crowd, sure enough it was Erza in the middle. "Erza, you're water -"
"Where's Lucy?!" She managed to shout at him. "I didn't see her with you! Jellal you promised!" But Jellal ignored her shouts and placed his hands on her back and the back of her knees. Erza pushed him as hard as she could. "You promised!"
Soon enough, Lucy was also inside the crowd. "Erza!" She shouted worriedly. She grabbed her hand. "I told you not to go here! Look at you! You're -"
Erza giggled but pain rushed through her again. "And you can lecture me now?"
Lucy smiled softly. "Can you just concentrate on yourself now?"
"I will if Jellal tie you to himself. He promised that!" Then she glared at the blue haired man. "I told you - Arrrgh - I will not give birth to Zael if you won't do that!"
Without hesitation Jellal grabbed Lucy and placed a ribbon string around her body. It was tied to her torso and the other end was tied to Jellal. Lucy felt embarrassed at the set up but she knew that she just needs to follow. This time Erza allowed Jellal to carry her with Lucy following close. They made their way to the parking lot and Jellal's car was surprisingly how Lucy remembered it. Still with the Fairy plate in front. She smiled.
After securely placing Erza at the back, Jellal tossed his phone to the brown haired woman. "Press 5 then it'll dial to 5 people directly. Talk to each and everyone of them. Tell them it's not a drill!" He shouted. "Erza's water broke!"
He was about to sit on the driver's seat when Lucy stopped him. She placed her hands on his shoulder and looked into his eyes. "Don't panic okay? You're the last person that Erza needs to panic." With that Jellal exhaled and ran his hands through his hair. "I'll drive. Go sit with Erza."
"But -"
"You can tell me the direction. Just stay calm okay?" Jellal untied the string connecting him and Lucy. Just then Erza growled from inside his car. "I'll put it back! We just need to get inside!"
And as what he said, he placed it around her body again once both of them were seated. "Sorry Lucy." He muttered.
"No worries." Lucy giggled. "You know, I'm pretty nervous myself. I'm still surprised both of you are here, and now Erza's about to give birth! But, don't worry about me, okay?"
"It's Erza. She threatened me."
"Obviously." There was a knock on Lucy's window and she saw Dan and Cana. She's totally forgot about them. She opened the window. "Let's meet at the hospital!"
"What hospital? I want to be with you Lu!" Dan whined trying to open the door.
Just then Erza wailed from behind and Lucy panicked. She immediately started the car. "What hospital Jellal?"
"Nearest is Magnolia."
Lucy looked at Cana. "Loke and Capricorn are at the entrance. Tell them what happened and meet us at the hospital." She shifted the gear and pulled the car from the parking space.
"You got a clingy boyfriend."
Lucy just rolled her eyes. "Yeah he's really clingy." Jellal's eyes widened he was about to clarify but Lucy beat her to it. "But, he isn't."
"This is not a drill! That's what Jellal said. Magnolia Hospital." Cana shouted for the third time and pressed the red button, hanging up. She didn't even know who she was calling. It irritated her that some random stranger, of course up until now, because Lucy haven't got the chance to introduce them and he just had the nerve to give her orders. Soon the phone started ringing again.
"This is not a -"
"Hello? Natsu Dragne - Oh shit. This isn't my business phone.. That's just between the two of us, you hear me Jellal?!.." Cana wasn't able to speak. This is just what she had expected. The people she's been calling just who were they really? Are they as important as this? "Jellal? What the hell? I'm busy!"
That just made Cana snap out of her thoughts. She turned to her side and saw Dan. She smiled. "Uhh, yeah. You're Natsu Dragneel?"
There was a long pause before the said person spoke. "Yeaaaah? Who are you?"
"This is Cana Alberona. Lucy Heartfilia's secretary." She said with a smirk.
"W-What?"
"Well Lucy is -"
"Did you steal Jellal's phone? I'll call the police!"
Cana's eyes widened. "No! No! No! Listen! That Jellal person is with Lucy right now."
"L-Lucy is in Magnolia?"
"Yeah." She said confidently. "Oh, and Jellal said you should go to Magnolia Hospital. Lucy's best friend is about to give birth."
"How do I know you're not lying?"
Cana rolled her eyes. One cautious bastard. "Lucy told me you're her childhood friend. She also told me that you're the man-whore who kissed her the first time you met. And Jellal also -" She wasn't able to finish what she's about to say for the other line was cut.
Cana giggled.
"What's so funny?" Dan asked from beside her.
"Nothing. Just, something really nice is going to happen." She looked in front and saw the smirking Loke. Cana knew that Loke understood what just occurred.
Natsu had been having his usual coffee that morning when he received a weird call. A woman calling herself Cana Albadaba was saying that Lucy was in Magnolia hospital with Jellal and that Erza was about to give birth. Natsu doesn't really have a part in their practice when Erza will be giving birth. They didn't even want him to participate because they said he was too busy.. Or so they say. But Natsu didn't really care about that. He immediately went to his car and drove to Magnolia Hospital as fast as he could.
Just the thought that Lucy was in the same land he was stepping at excite him so much. Soon enough, he reached the hospital. He parked his car and went inside. He was greeted with walls that are all white and people wearing scrub suits, nurse suits or doctor suits. Whatever those are. He went to the nurse's counter.
"Lucy Heartfilia.." He almost shouted. "No! I mean, Erza Scarlet. She's about to give birth and she was brought here a few minutes ago."
The brown haired nurse was first stunned by his sudden approach. In front of her stood the former Fairy Law vocalist, and now owner of one of the most successful companies. "Uhh, uhm. G-Go straight then on turn right."
"Thanks!" Natsu shouted and immediately run towards the direction the nurse directed him to. When he was nearing the last turn Natsu slowed down. Would Lucy want to see him the way he did? What would happen if he met her? He's so excited but at the same time he's really nervous. He really wanted to see her. He missed her so much that he knew the first thing he'll do is hug her so tight. But then again, would Lucy push him away? He didn't want to hear that she's happy for him about the issue, straight from her lips.
No. Natsu didn't want to hear any of that. He stopped at the corner and clenched his fist. He's not ready to face her yet.
He want to. But he's not ready.
He didn't even think twice about going here. And what's worst is he didn't prepare himself.
He sighed debating in his head whether he should just go back.
"What are you doing there?"
Natsu stiffened. He slowly turned around. And he immediately noticed the blonde woman beside Jellal. Their eyes locked. He blushed and looked away. She became even more beautiful than she already was. She never fails to make him blush. Lucy had grown into a fine young woman. Something he's been expecting, but what's right in front of him was even better than what he's imagined.
Jellal saw this and smirked. "Why don't you drink this?" Jellal said handing him a canned coffee. "I'll go buy anoth -" He was stopped by the ribbon string connecting him to Lucy.
Natsu's eyes widened as he stared at the string connecting the two of them. "Why the hell is she tied to you?" He glared at Jellal.
"Erza's wishes!" Jellal explained. He grabbed the string and started pulling it up. "Well, uhh.. Erza's not here, so why don't we -"
"Uhh, I'll go buy another drink with you!" Lucy suddenly spoke. "You don't want to break Erza's promise."
Natsu wasn't expecting that. Her voice. How he missed that voice. But, didn't she want to see him? Is she avoiding him? Why? Why would she do that? He couldn't understand. He looked at the ground and clenched his fist. "I.. I don't want coffee or anything. Don't bother."
Jellal sighed. "If you say so. C'mon Lucy." They walked pass Natsu and to a seat by the emergency room. He still couldn't believe it, she's here. She's just a few feet away from him. But now, he could still feel that they were worlds apart. He sat from across them and he couldn't help but stare at her. This silence felt worse than not seeing her. She was so close, yet so far. God knows how Natsu wanted to talk to her. How he wanted to hug her. How he missed her so dear much.
But.
Why did it have to be this.. awkward? Why was there a tension between them? She told their Gramps that she's happy for him, but why won't she show that? But it's not that he wanted her to happy for him about that thing. It's just that. this isn't what he expected her to act. He needs her to show him that she's happy. That she's perfectly fine of everything. That she didn't need him anymore. And with that, Natsu made a resolution that if she did that, he'll leave her alone.
He'll finally let her go.
But right now, all he wanted was to hug her. Talk to her. He badly wanted to hear her voice.
"Lucy." It came out before he could think of saying it. Lucy hesitantly looked up and gave him a small smile. "I.. I miss -"
"Lulu!" He was cut off by another voice coming from the other end of the hallway. There running a redhaired man he hasn't seen before. The guy immediately sat beside Lucy and hugged her from the side. "I missed you Lu! You shouldn't have left me like that."
Natsu was surprised beyond compare. Who is this bastard clinging to his Lucy? He was supposed to be the one sitting beside her. He was supposed to be the one hugging her like that. He glared at the guy.
"Dan, get off me." Lucy said trying to push the man away but Dan only tightened his hug on her my placing another arm around her. Without thinking, Natsu peeled the guy away from Lucy and pushed him far from her.
"What the hell man?!" Dan shouted in anger. He was about to punch Natsu but Jellal stood in between them harshly pulling Lucy in the process.
Natsu glared at Dan. "She said 'get off'." He hissed. "Who the hell are you anyway?!"
Dan smirked. "Lucy's new boyfriend. Nice to meet you, Natsu Dragneel!"
Natsu froze.
He could hardly breathe.
What was it again that's happening? Where was he again? Natsu remembered punching this guy. Oh yeah, and Lucy's here. She's on the floor. With Levy and Juvia helping her up. He couldn't feel his own body. But he knew he's standing. Jellal was in front of him and there was a smirking guy on the other side of Jellal.
That bastard Gray was standing shocked behind the redhaired guy. And Gajeel was, not in his field of vision.
"Did you hear that or do I have to repeat it to you?" Said the redhaired guy whom he wasn't able to catch the name. "I am Lucy's new boyfriend. You hear that? You can't marry her Dragneel!"
Reality hit him hard.
Natsu then breathed deeply and exhaled. He looked at Lucy, she had the same shocked expression and he waited for her to say something but she just stayed silent. He relaxed his body not looking up. "I'm.. I'll be outside. I'll be back." He muttered walking away from the group.
He promised himself that if Lucy showed any signs that she's happy. That she's perfectly fine with everything.. then he'll set her free.
And this is it.
