Pasta
I was too early when I arrived at the office one Monday morning. I quickly made myself a coffee. I don't know why I can't sleep peacefully last night. I can't help but to think about what happened the night before. Memories of how I sweated and how I felt couldn't leave my mind. Thinking about it sent shivers down my spine but I couldn't help it…
Too exhausted because of what Natsu and I did, sleep immediately conquered me. I woke up with his body covering mine. Worried texts from Sting, my friends, and even Loke greeted me the morning after.
In the end, I told them that I left to do an urgent and personal matter in the office. Loke got mad at me because I left the event without telling Sting. He was worried sick. Well, at least he's worried sick. Sting got pissed so he didn't bother to reply anymore.
"Early bird gets the worm?" an officemate who came after me joked.
I shook my head and smiled at him, "I still need to finish my assignment so I came early."
Images of what happened between me and Natsu that night kept flashing on my mind. I feel like I need to bleach my mind to cleanse it. This is the consequence. Tsk.
I studied my personal schedule on my phone. Next Saturday would be the painting workshop for the kids in ConFAP where I volunteered to teach. I'll be there to guide and teach them how to paint. No… more like teach them how to express their feelings through paintings; how to use the materials and how to blend the colours. I can't wait for Saturday!
My phone beeped for a text from Natsu as I update my schedule on my phone.
Natsu:
Morning…
I stared at his text and slightly straighten my back before typing a reply.
Me:
Good morning… : )
Natsu:
You at work?
I surveyed the office. Our supervisor is already here as well as some of my other officemates.
Me:
Yup. You?
"Lucy Heartfilia!"
I almost jumped because of Cana's shout. I quickly hide my phone and smiled at her.
"Why did you ditch us last Saturday and where did you go, huh?" she laughed.
I rolled my eyes at her, "I got busy – "
"Got busy? Got busy with?" she shook her head while squinting her eyes at me.
"Whatever. I still need to finish my design…" I said while averting my eyes from her to the computer.
She leaned to my cubicle. She irritatingly smiled, like she's planning something evil, while staring at me who's seriously studying the project I failed to finish.
"You're with him again?"
"Him? Who?" I raised my eyebrow.
"Geez, don't play dumb. Lu… we've been friends for so long now, are you really gonna keep a secret now? Why can't you tell us what's going on?"
"Why are you still asking me if you already know?"
"So you were with him?"
She squealed while jumping. Even if I didn't say the name, I know she's pertaining to Natsu. Who else can make her squeal like this, then? Sting? He wishes.
My cheeks warmed when Cana pointed a finger at me, "You're blushing! Oh my gosh, you're blushing!"
I almost smiled if not for the arrival of our moody supervisor who tried (and failed) to give a lecture to Cana. Scolding her is just really impossible. She's in a constant banter with our other officemates and even our supervisor every single day. Cana's cheeky as hell and most people view it negatively, hence they clash. It's a wonder that she still has her position.
After Cana and my supervisor's breakfast argument – which she won – I saw how Architect sharply glared at Cana's retreating figure – fashionably victorious, she said – before sighing in defeat. I waited for Architect to leave my cubicle before opening my phone for messages. Natsu sent a message again.
Natsu:
At work too. Do you have anything to do later?
I swallowed because of his question. I typed for a reply.
Me:
You mean after work? Nothing. The usual routine. Why?
Natsu:
Let's meet after work. I'll pick you up by five.
I frowned, eyes still on my phone. Why and what for? Well… it's not like I don't want to see him…
Me:
I have work tomorrow.
Natsu:
I know. I said we'll meet after work. Later. What's wrong? It's just dinner.
I laughed at myself. That's what you get, Lucy. And all this time I'm thinking that he's asking me out to do it again.
Me:
Fuck buddies going out for dinner? That's new.
He stopped replying. I bit my lip. I even finished arranging my things and greeted Levy who was almost late, by the way, before immediately looking at my phone when it beeped.
Natsu:
It's just dinner. You're too sentimental. That's just nothing.
I stared at it. Right! He's right! It's just dinner!
Me:
Fine. Five then?
Natsu:
Five. I'll be there.
Cana and Levy's constant bugging continued until lunch. They won't stop until I spill about Natsu and I. So I told them about what happened, an edited and wholesome version of it.
"Oh my gosh! You think it'll happen again?" Levy asked.
I couldn't read if she's excited or worried for me. Cana's very proud. Her smile is so wide that actually hurts my cheeks just by seeing it and she can't stay still.
"For a time, maybe?" I said, "I'll give it a couple of months. He'll eventually get tired of it."
I licked my spoon. I'm eating a yogurt right now. I don't know why this is a big deal for them. Cana does it every time so it's not a surprise. Well, maybe because they know that I haven't did it yet even with Sting.
"What if he didn't?" Levy asked, shifting her arms as if she's uneasy.
Cana scoffed and muttered what sounded like "As if," which Levy ignored.
"What?" I raised an eyebrow.
"What if he didn't get tired of it? Of you, Lu?"
I plucked the strawberry in the yogurt, "You really believe he wouldn't, Lev? That just applies to you and your boyfriend. People like him… always get tired of what he's doing, especially if it's repetitive…"
"You sound like a professional when it comes to these. This is your first time," Levy said, voice worried.
My eyes shifted from Levy to Cana who's smile is still huge. Her brown and wavy hair is dancing with every shift she makes. While Levy's blue hair is kept in place by her signature headdress.
"This maybe my first time but I'm not that innocent. And besides, I learned from the best, right? I learned from my parents. Arrangements like these don't last."
"Lu's right, Lev. She can handle herself…"
I know Levy's just worried for me. She's the only fairytales devotee among us three after all. Well, I used to be like her. I used to dream of a person who can love me with everything he has. But then… that's ideal. This world isn't ideal. That's why I stopped dreaming a dream which would just stay as a dream for eternity.
I went to the building's basement where Natsu usually waits when the clock strike 5. When I saw his Mustang, nervousness quickly crept into me. I saw him leaning on his car's door. His white longsleeves was rolled up to his elbow. When a light passed his orbs, I saw how his dark orbs became onyx in color. This man was created to be the perfect example of perfection. I swallowed. He frowned and I raised an eyebrow to hide the feeling of my heartbeat racing.
He opened the door of his Mustang. I entered in a swift motion. I quickly smelled his familiar scent. Is he always like this? And what about his clients? Or his women business partners? Don't they fall for him? Damnit!
"Where to?" I asked.
"I'm hungry so let's dine somewhere."
I nodded. He drove towards the exit of the basement, "Do you always dine to expensive restaurants every dinner?"
Natsu's eyes stayed on the road. I'm not even sure if he'll answer me. The corner of his lips slightly moved.
"Not always. I cook so most of the time, just in my condo. Why?" he took a look at me, forehead crumpled.
His thick eyebrows accentuated his unique-colored eyes. I can't help but stare at him.
"How often is your 'not always'? You know, people like you dine to places that sells food ten times the average cost of the food most Fiorians eat. You're just wasting money. And to think that many are starving in our country…" I bit my lip. Why do I always fail to shut my mouth?
"People like me?" He chuckled, I can hear the sarcasm in his laugh, "Do you expect me to eat on fast food chains for me to join the average cost of food that you're pertaining to?"
"No. I hate fast food chains. Those aren't healthy. What I'm saying is… why are you wasting that much just for food?"
He glanced at me when we became stuck in the traffic. I avoided his eyes.
"Don't you do it too? You also eat at expensive restaurants…"
I didn't reply.
"We don't only pay for the chef, for the ingredients, for the type of food, Luce. We also pay for the security, for the service, convenience, and many more…"
Damn capitalists. He clearly did not get my point. He just said that he's rich so he can afford those types of food which has expensive ingredients, and a good service.
"I know. I'm just thinking about the people who don't get enough food on their plates."
Natsu laughed. I looked at him. His smile is almost devilish, "What do you want? I sell all my stocks to feed the poor? I'm working just fine. I'm paying my taxes. How they'll handle the money I contributes to help those in need is up to the royalties. I'm a businessman so I can pay for my own bills, my life… I am here to raise the employment rates, pay my taxes, and in exchange of that I get to live the life I've always wanted. Come on… no hate on that."
I squinted my eyes. He's right but I still couldn't help it. He doesn't really care about others. He has no heart. He lacks empathy for almost everything.
"You're one hell of a businessman."
He shook his head, "Luce, you haven't seen the businessman in me yet…"
"I've seen it, Natsu." I said, "Like how you are such a monster for doing that to your brother's business."
His jaw clenched. Crap! I should've just stayed silent! Why couldn't I do that simple thing?
He took me to an extravagant restaurant. A valet went to fetch his car keys and to open my door. He didn't reply after I dragged his brother to our conversation.
His hand is curled on my waist as we made our way inside the restaurant. I stayed silent, embarrassed with my nosiness earlier.
"For two, sir?"
"The private room, please…" Natsu replied.
The woman guided us to a mahogany-colored door. It opened and a two-seater table greeted us. On top of it is a candle and utensils.
Natsu pulled me a seat. I glanced at his face, observing if he's fine but he avoided my eyes. He sat in front of me but covered his face with the menu.
He ordered for the two of us. I didn't say anything. I suddenly feel uneasy like I intruded the most private parts of him. I chewed my lip. I thought this is gonna be exciting. That's what you get, Lucy! You're too nosy!
When the woman left, I felt even colder. I can't wait for this to end. I wish it ends right now or the ground can just open up to swallow me and just disappear in front if him.
"My father's business is dangerous, Lucy. I don't like that. Besides, it's failing. The digits are down. Zeref's good at training men so they're still good but the management is failing."
I wish I could give it up but I couldn't help but to ask, "Why don't you manage it, then?"
"I'm busy with my own business. My father's dead and Zeref is unexperienced in managing. He's been in the army since he was of age, you see. If I can't manage it then, it will fail along with him."
I gritted my teeth. I have so many buts in my head but I chose not to say it out loud. I just stared at the glass of water in front of me.
I cleared my throat, determined to change out topic, "By the way, are you personally going to attend my sister's exhibit?"
He was shocked by the sudden question, "Hmm. I would attend after my meeting. I have one that day."
I nodded, "My mom would be thrilled. How about Jellal? Or… Mr. Dreyar?"
I saw how his eyebrow rose when I said his cousin's first name, "Jellal is busy with his wedding. Laxis will probably go. He's looking for paintings for his home."
I nodded again, "That's great! So… if Jellal's not around, who's his representative?"
His jaw clenched, hard. I didn't purposely ask him that! Of course, he just said that his cousin won't be there! It's natural for me to ask who's attend as his proxy!
"I am not sure yet. Maybe the CEO if he's not so busy. Why do you always ask about Jellal?"
My eyes widened, "I don't always ask about him. I only asked who's going to the event since you've said that he can't come. That's my point."
His jaw clenched again while he played with the glass in front. His eyebrow rose.
"He's busy with the wedding. He can't come," he repeated.
"Fine, then…"
The waitress served our food. He picked a noodles type so I started to twist my fork on the pasta.
"Do you like pasta?" he asked.
"Hmmm… yup. You can say that," I said while we eat.
"What's your favourite food?"
"Hmmm. beef goulash," I said without hesitation.
"What's that?" he asked again, attention on me.
"Beef goulash," I said when couldn't describe my favouritemeal.
"How to cook it?"
"I don't know… Sting can cook that. He's the one who introduced it to me…" I said without thinking.
He didn't reply which made me look at him. He's just staring at his food like it's not delicious at all. I suddenly wondered if he likes pasta. If he didn't, then why did he order one?
"You don't like pasta?" I asked.
His eyes met mine, pitch black orbs staring intensely to my brown ones. My heart literally skipped a beat.
"You don't like pasta," I concluded.
"No… I like it…" I heard the coldness in his voice while he broke our eye contact, "I like girls who can cook pasta…"
I pouted. I stared at him. His features were hard while we're eating. He glanced at me and our eyes met again. I immediately averted mine and just stared at the food.
I wonder if Levy can teach me how to cook this one.
