Lucy's Friend

"What did you and Natsu Dragneel talk about?" Cana's intrigued question welcomed me when I entered the office, Monday morning.

I rolled at her and walked towards my cubicle without answering her. Cana almost ran just to match my fast-paced walk and get the information she wants to hear.

"Business, Cana…" was my brief answer.

"Oh, I know it already!" she crossed her arms at her chest while her eyebrows are wriggling suggestively at me.

My computer made a tiny sound as I brought it to life before meeting Cana's malicious eyes.

"If you know it already then why are you still asking?"

Her questions didn't end there. Hell, it didn't end at all. Even Levy was groped into asking if my relationship with Natsu improved or something. I can't believe my friends. Instead of lecturing me about involving myself to him, which I know is wrong on so many levels, here they are supporting me.

A sigh escaped my lips as I passed the automatic double doors of the clinic. I went to my OB to get myself checked just like what Natsu wants. I'm starting to take pills since I'm on my period, too. I was fishing for my car keys when my phone rang for a call.

Natsu's name flashed on the screen. We've exchanged our numbers after that meeting. But why is he calling right now?

"Natsu…" I said while checking my car for issues. I leaned at the bumper, preoccupied with the call.

"You done with your OB?" he asked.

I surveyed the parking lot because of what he said. Is he stalking me or is it true that he assigned someone to do so? I shrugged the fact the he knows me before he danced with me that night because I know he asked around for my name or something, but this…

"You're freaking me out!"

"I'm guessing. I'm not paying someone to stalk you. Get over that, Lucy," he said.

"Whatever. Yes, I'm done with my OB. I'm on my pills now for my period too."

"Great! Take it religiously if you don't want to get pregnant."

I swallowed and bit my lower lip while thinking of everything that is happening because of what he said.

"You there?" he asked when I didn't reply.

"Y-Yup. Don't worry."

"Who's with you?" he asked with firmness in each word.

"I'm alone. I'll go home after this." I wonder if I'm allowed to ask what he's doing? "Hmm"

"Hmm?"

"Nothing…" I grimaced.

"Text or call me when you're home. I'm in a meeting," he replied.

"Yeah, sure."

I dropped the call and proceeded in digging out my keys from my hand bag. After finding it in one of its pockets, I immediately boarded my car.

The ride to my condo was quick. My daily routine is just to go home after work (if Cana won't drag me to a nearby club), take a jog outside, read a book or paint, and go to bed. That's how I always roll. So tonight, I'm gonna do that.

Wearing my black leggings, red jacket, and white Roshe, I ran along the long road of high street. My thoughts drifted to Natsu as I am maintaining my pace as I jog. Questions about his residence and his daily routine filled my mind. It's six in the evening when he called me earlier. He's still in the meeting that late? His schedule must be hectic then.

When I got to my unit, I grabbed a fruit on the fridge. I should shop. My stocks are running out. I'm a healthy eater, I mostly eat vegetables and fruits but of course I still eat meat… I just don't like it when an animal dies every time I consume meat.

The following days got busier. With the Drakes Corporation's project, Architect just got more pressured than before. He got moodier and his nerves are always on their edge.

So I literally spent the whole week in the chaos of work. I also realized that I'm not available this Saturday because of this project. I told Natsu about it when he called on Friday morning.

"I won't be available either."

I grimaced. He's busy, huh?"

"I'll fetch you later. What is the exact time you're leaving work?"

"I told you I have an appointment. It's my grandma's death anniversary," I said.

"I'm going to drive you to that cemetery. Leave your car in that building."

I was stunned. I didn't know that we could meet each other without doing our 'business.'

"Why?" I couldn't stop myself from asking.

"I'll be out of the country tomorrow for our business. I'll pack my bags later after I dropped you to your condo. Are you out by four? We can't do it but that doesn't mean I can't taste you…"

A bolt of electricity travelled through me. Those small but many volts that I'm feeling materialized as heat. Crap!

I took a glance at the office and saw them busy with their computers. What the hell, Natsu?

"Fine!" I half-shouted. If there's embarrassment in me, my voice didn't let it show. I don't know how I did it, tho.

"See you later."

"See you…"

He cut the line. Even without his voice on my phone, I can still feel the electricity his words inflicted on me. Damnit!

Levy's call for a meeting snapped me out of my thoughts. We spent the whole afternoon brainstorming for the designs. It was three when I decided to arrange my things. Natsu will arrive at four and I need to finish preparing by that time.

I texted Loke to meet me at the cemetery. I wonder if Virgo is with him? Or maybe just like the old times, he's alone.

I also sent a message to Natsu that I'll go to the parking five minutes to four so no need to fetch me at our office. I don't want the employees to think we have some monkey business between us. Everyone in the office knows I have a boyfriend. Although they also know about Sting's infidelity.

The window of his Mustang's driver seat rolled down as soon as it arrived. He's wearing a white longsleeves, rolled up to his elbow. His eyes scanned me, stopping at me chest. He quickly averted his eyes and clenched his jaw.

"What are you waiting for?" he coldly said.

I didn't know that he wants me to get in the front seat of his car. I took a deep breath and proceeded to walk towards the other side of his Mustang. I'm wearing a black bandage skirt and white sleeveless shirt. I placed my bag at his car's backseat. He waited 'till I fasten my seatbelts before driving.

"Is your brother already there?" he asked.

There! How he knew about that, I don't know and I'm not surprised.

"Loke's not yet there. He's on his way."

He nodded; eyes glued to the road in front.

"Do you really have no investigators on me?" I couldn't stop from asking.

"Your family is not very private. Some of my friends know you. I don't think I need to hire someone to know things about you, Lucy.

I couldn't speak. By now… he probably knows everything about my family.

Loke and Virgo Heartfilia are my half-siblings on my father's side. They are both younger than me. Meanwhile, Ashley Luna is my half-sibling on my mother's side, she's also two years younger than me. So basically, I'm the child in between. I am formed because of a mistake. The usual one-night stand. I'm a result of one drunken night. The result of carelessness, sin, and betrayal. Before my parents got married to their respective partners, they had a mistake and I'm the fruit of that.

That's also the reason why I'm not living with anyone. I'm living alone and they're giving me all the luxuries in exchange of not bugging them in their daily lives. I used to live with my grandmother when she was still alive. My grandma died when I was sixteen. I was also that age they gave me a condo and started living alone. Daddy doesn't want me to live with them. Mommy doesn't, too. So I'm nobody's girl. I understand them, though. Why would daddy take me in if his wife would get angry? And why would mommy offer her hospitality if her family would also get angry? I am the materialization of their sin… Everything about me will remind them of their past. So I understand. I understand and accept everything.

To the extent of my abilities, I want my parents to be proud of me. I want them to realize that despite me being a 'sin,' I am still a great child; that they can be proud of me, that I would still obey them and be a good daughter, that despite these reasons, I am still living a rational and honorable life instead of throwing my life away. I want to make them see the reason why Grandmama loved me. She loved me with all her heart and raised me as a girl with no anger towards my parents despite their lack of parental care.

I closed my eyes. Today, I am going to visit Grandma. If only she's still alive…

"Luce?" Natsu's gentle voice startled me.

I didn't open my eyes. I pretended to sleep but the long drive made me real sleepy. I slept the entire ride, Natsu's gentle strokes on my hair woke me up.

"We're here…" he said, lightly tapping my lower left cheek with this thumb while his fingers are still buried in my hair.

I opened my eyes and surveyed the surroundings. The sky is transitioning to an orange hue, a sign that the sky would bid good bye soon.

"I'm sorry, I slept."

I quickly unbuckled my seatbelts. I looked at the back and front of his Mustang and saw my brother's car parked in front.

"Loke's here…" I said, "Oh, damn!"

I almost hit his car's dashboard. I wasn't able to buy flowers because I slept!

"Why?" Natsu asked in a serious voice.

"I forgot the flowers!"

"I bought one while you're asleep," he said and docked his body to get the large bouquet at his car's backseat.

I clamped my mouth shut, accepted the flowers and stared at the green landscapes where many white crosses stand.

"Thank you, Natsu. I'm sorry, I slept through the ride. I really forgot about this…" I said.

"No problem. You might want to go now and check your brother. I'll follow you…" he answered.

My mouth slightly opened. He'll follow me? What are our terms again? Didn't we talk about other people? What if somebody saw us together? Oh well, I'm the only one who'll have a problem if that happens. Everyone thinks I'm with Sting. Natsu's single and very available. Even if he's seen with me, they'll think I'm just one of his girls… wait… is he single?

I craned my neck. Now is not the time to ask about those things, my brother is waiting.

"Okay then…"

I went out of his car and walked along the familiar pathway towards my grandparents' graveyard. I was halfway through when I saw Loke. He's standing with his hands on his pockets. He's a year younger than me but he looks older because of his actions.

"Loke!" I said while greeting him with a tight hug.

He let me hug him. Despite his crumpled forehead and irritated eyes, I know it's all for a show and he won't get angry at me. I placed the bouquet at my grandma's tombstone. I noticed the other bouquets there.

"Dad and Virgo were here earlier…" he answered my unspoken question.

I nodded. That's new. Daddy doesn't really visit during Grandmama's death anniversary, "You didn't join them?"

Loke shook his head, "He said… that you might be here early."

My breathing became heavy. He didn't even care to call me to ask not just purely assume? Well, my dad's schedule is hectic.

"I have work. How can I be here early in the morning?" I asked.

He nodded, "He wants you to join the ConFAP foundation, representing him next week."

My eyes widened. I can't believe he asked me that! The Conveying Feelings through Arts and Painting or ConFAP is a foundation which helps the abused children and even the indigenous children. I know that daddy just donates there to lessen his taxes but choosing me to represent him made me so damn happy. I like painting and would love to help children express their feelings through it.

"Is there a painting workshop?" I asked excitedly.

"That'll just be an opening so probably just biddings and all. You'll represent the company. I won't be available since I'll be in Enca next week. Dad will travel too so he wants you and Sting to go."

My smile faded. Of course, I'll be with Sting! Of course! Loke's jaw clenched. I can clearly see the irritation etched in his face. His red lips pouted. I avoided his eyes and started to think, I can handle Sting, right?

"Loke, you know Stings's – "

"I know what he's doing. I've told dad countless times. I'm sorry, Lu. If our company can't stand alone yet, dad can't let go of the Eucliffes…" Loke's expression darkened more.

His eyes travelled from me to my back. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion so I turned to look what he's looking at.

I though he wouldn't follow! The business society is small. I won't be surprised if Loke knows Natsu! And what would I tell Loke about him?

"Loke… this is Natsu…" I said, eyes on my brother.

"Natsu Dragneel?" Loke asked, meeting my gaze.

I nodded. Loke's eyes on me is intense, like I've done something wrong and I should be punished.

"I'm sorry to interrupt. I'm Natsu Dragneel…" Natsu said while extending his hand.

Loke nodded while accepting it. But after the handshake, he turned to me.

"Dad will get mad at you, Lu…"

Crap! "Why?"

Loke's eyes squinted at me. I know the meaning of that look. I rolled my eyes at him and started explaining.

"We're just friends…"

My cheeks warmed and looked at Natsu who looks so serious. He's waiting for the continuation of what I've just said.

"And we don't like… go to events together."

Loke's neck craned at took a step closer to me and Natsu. "I know…" he turned to Natsu, "If you two are just friends, you definitely can't go to events together."

I stared at Natsu who's now looking murderously to my brother. Crap! Don't tell me they're going to fight?

"Anyway… you have to talk to Sting about the event next Saturday. Dad will call, maybe tomorrow to give you the invites. I'm sorry for this, Lucy."

I nodded, "I'm glad to help, Loke. You know that. I like ConFAP."

"No… I mean, I'm sorry you have to do this with Sting…" Loke said.

"I'll be in that same event next week. Why don't we go together?" Natsu butted in, eyes on me.

My eyes widened. I also saw the anger in Loke's eyes.

"She's going with Sting Eucliffe…" Loke said in a hard voice.

"Well, she can go with me instead, right?"

Loke's eyes squinted. I stared at the two men in front of me. I feel like bringing Natsu here is a mistake. He and Loke can't get along with each other.

"I thought you're Lucy's friend? Didn't you know that she already has a boyfriend?" Loke said with emphasis on the last word.

Natsu's jaw clenched. Loke turned to me and patted my head.

"I'll go now…" he said.