Not Allowed
The wedding was pretty amazing. The spectacular view was highlighted by the sunset and the calm sea. It was magical! I'm so happy for Jellal and Erza. It heartwarming to witness that there are dreams that really come true. Something in that day made me want to paint again. I want to paint the waves of the sea, the blue sky, and the happiness I feel for Jellal and Erza.
The dinner took place on the shore. We went down on the cliff to sit on the round tables for the guests. A small and informal programme happened.
Madame Irene Belserion had the chance to speak how she feels for the newlyweds in front of the guests.
Erza and Jellal's relatives also made their speeches. Laxus grandfather, Makarov Dreyar who turned out to look after Erza Scarlet when she was younger even cried. He still couldn't believe that his 'granddaughter' got married.
After the speeches was the usual rituals of a wedding. They also started serving the foods to our tables. I tried to look for Cana and Levy but couldn't, maybe they're somewhere in this crowd. Natsu is sitting beside me. In front of us our Mira, Laxus, Juvia, and Gray.
Natsu has his arm on my shoulders while laughing at the two men in front of us. After all the rituals, they formally started the reception. There are some guests who are dancing in the makeshift dance floor. They looked so happy.
I'm drinking wine when I caught a glimpse of Levy and Gajeel at the side. Levy waved at me while Cana just raised her bottle of liquor. I waved and smiled back.
I saw Gray and Juvia dancing in front. Natsu's fingers are playing in my back. He's moving his fingers in a circular motion. It sent shivers down my spine. Even if I think we've had enough last night and earlier this morning, he's giving me again the familiar feeling of it.
I turned to him. He's staring at me and smiled.
"Wanna dance?"
I nodded and smiled back.
He pulled me towards the dance floor. There are many pairs now, both young and old, who are enjoying themselves with dancing. I put my hands in the back of his neck. He put his on my waist.
"This is very different," I smiled. I saw how his lips rose to reflect my smiles.
"We always dance in a bar. But the music there is really different. Loud and wild..."
The music that we're dancing to is calm and acoustic. The voice of the singer is also peaceful and serene.
He spun me around. I followed the movements of his hands before he quickly put it back to my waist like it belongs there.
"Do you like this dance better, then?" he asked.
I nodded. He spun me again and caught me by the waist. I laughed at what he did. Then he kissed me once on my cheek. I felt the warmth crawling on the cheeks because of what he did.
We continued dancing. We danced to all the slow dances that was played by the musicians. We just decided to go back to our table when the music slowly shifted to rock. Mira and Laxus are both smiling at is when we got back to our seats.
I enjoyed the whole wedding event. Natsu was entertained with his conversation with Laxus about the business. It made me think about the business of his brother. Would he really intentionally fail them?
I was absent for two days. If not only for Natsu's work, I think we wouldn't come home yet. Cana and Levy got back first. They were already worried when they found out that we extended for two days. They even thought that we got jealous of Jellal and Erza and decided to secretly marry!
"We aren't in love like what you two are thinking..." I said while shaking my head.
Levy's eyes squinted at me. I think that she's already judging me based on my answers and actions.
"Lucy, you look so freaking blooming. Your cheeks are unusually reddish and your hair seemed to glow since you've met Natsu! When a woman is inspired, she usually gives off that kind of feel."
I grimaced. "I have a new cheek tint. And I go to salon frequently so don't fret."
"Anyway Levy, why are you even worried? The way I look at it, Natsu's unusually sweet for a fuck buddy too." Cana chuckled.
"Which reminds me... you know Natsu, Cana?" I squinted at her curiously.
Cana winked, "Not me. My pops does. Kinda like a father to him, by the way. I know him a bit but we're not really close. He's not exactly close to the women of Fairy Tail Group of Companies."
My eyes widened, "You're included in that group of companies?" I almost slammed the table. We've been friends since our college freshman years and I didn't know about this?
Cana rolled her eyes, "Not me, Lu. My pops. We're just raised like relatives 'cause the elders are close to each other. Pipsqueak's boyfriend is included too. He's just that rude and a pain in the ass cousin that every family have."
I saw Levy facepalmed like she remembered something stupid, "I also didn't know about that until the wedding. Gajeel didn't tell me 'cause he said I didn't ask."
Cana chuckled, "What? You've been dating and you didn't notice that your boyfriend is a huge catch? Couldn't blame 'ya, he doesn't exactly look like a decent person."
"Well maybe he's just humble?" Cana and I snorted. Gajeel is many things but never humble. Levy playfully glared at us before continuing, "I met him at Black Steel when I got my car fixed by him, right? Back in college?" we nodded. Levy panicking over how she met the guy of her dreams only for us to see a man thrice her size with metals all over his face was really hard to forget. I mean, Gajeel's not exactly that bad, it's just not the guy we thought Levy would like.
"Turned out it was just his hobby and that he owns that mechanic shop and several automotive companies all over Fiore and this drunkard here knows and didn't bother to tell me."
"He thought you'll freak out and wouldn't believe him. 'Sides, it'was fun seeing his real self when he's with 'ya. But really, Lev, you didn't notice?"
I chuckled when Levy's face became red, "I-I didn't! My brain just shuts down when it's about him"
They continued questioning the real state of Natsu and me when Cana got tired of teasing Levy and thought of me as her next target. In my mind and surely in Natsu's too, we're still acting out based on our arrangement. Nothing more.
"What if he's just like that to every fuck buddy he ever had? Then, Lucy would be the loser!" Levy irritatedly said.
I let them talk about it. This would lead to nowhere. In the end, Levy insisted to track down Natsu's past affairs. She has many people to ask for. She's obsessing over it. Cana just shook her head at Levy.
We continued working. Cana's abnormally energetic for work. I let her be, at least she's more productive.
"We actually have a college friend who had a short affair with Natsu..." Levy said when she passed by my table.
I don't want to shut her off so I listened. "Who?" I asked.
"Misty Bleumerintt. But she said..." Levy leaned on my cubicle while staring at her phone, "It's just a night. Natsu didn't contact her again after that. Her best friend too, Lamy, it's just one night. According to them, Natsu's just like that. He's known for being like that."
I nodded. My heart jumped. I know I've felt a slight heat there. Heat and warmth that I should just forget, "What do you want me to think, Lev? That Natsu's serious with me? That's hard."
"I'm not saying that he's serious with you. I'm just saying that those are what I've heard from out acquaintances so far. We'll see if I can get more opinion."
Before I could stop here, she left my table already. I massaged my temple. I should stop overthinking! My friends should stop too. But I know that there's nothing that can stop Levy, she's just concerned for me.
My phone rang because of mommy's phone call. I quickly answered it. I texted them last night to inform that I'm back in Crocus. Daddy didn't reply and now mommy's calling me. Maybe they're already sleeping when I texted last night!
"Lucy..." mommy greeted. "Mommy... You called!" I cheerfully said.
"Yes, darling. You're back in Crocus, right?" Mommy asked.
"Yup... I'm at work."
"Okay. Actually, Ashley's so glad that there are many who bought her works. That's why I'm very thankful for you."
"No problem, mom..." my cheerfulness vanished. I don't know why I'm expecting to hear something else.
"By the way, do you remember that painting that you first sold?"
I recalled that huge painting of the orange sky. The sun is setting in that painting with the three coconut tree. Behind those trees is a very huge moon. I was fifteen when I painted it and it was quickly sold. Ever since I got to college, I've been wanting to get that back. I want to buy it but it's too expensive. It's already under the care of the family related to the royals of Crocus. I wonder if mom will buy it for me for my birthday? She knows I really wanted it back!
"Yup! Why, mom?" I asked. "What does it look like again?"
A part of me was disappointed that she forgot about it, but there's a part which became excited because she's asking about it!
"It's... the sunset and a very huge moon!" I sounded so hopeful.
"What's the name of that painting again?"
"Satellite."
Mommy laughed awkwardly... "Umm, darling... Since we can't locate that painting anymore —"
"It's in the family of —"
"Ashley's painting something like that. Is it okay if we name it Satellite too? She wants that name. She already has a concept and the only thing that's keeping her from painting it is your painting. Since you're not painting anymore, maybe it's fine with you."
I couldn't speak because of what I heard. My mouth stayed open and my tears are begging to be freed. I couldn't believe how my mood shifted in just a span of a few minutes. If I was really jolly earlier, I feel like buried in huge rocks now. My throat dried.
"Lucy? Are you there? Are you busy?" Mommy asked.
I tool a deep breath, mommy continued, "You're busy? I can call later if you want."
I cleared my throat before closing my eyes. I just soothed myself by thinking that my painting is still mine. Whoever will steal the concept or the name of it, the feelings I've felt while painting it can't be copied. That's the thing about artists, you can't really completely call yourself original. "Can I see the painting?"
I heard mommy's shock at my question. "Uh... It's not yet done but, of course, darling! We'll let you see it!"
Mommy quickly ended the call. I ran my fingers on my hair.
The want to paint got stronger. I want to paint again. I want to give my feelings a chance again... to be heard by the canvas, or the paints, or the colors.
"Are you done?" a cold voice behind me was heard.
I jumped because of shock. I turned to the familiar guy behind me. Sting has a dark expression while he stands behind me. His white longsleeve has tiny folds. His hair is slightly unruly. I got shocked by his visit!
I almost cursed! I remembered I didn't bring my car because Natsu fetched me in my condo. His unit is near mine. We're both living in Sativus. And he told me he's going to cook for me later in my condo! He'll fetch me here today!
"S-Sting! You're here?" I said.
"Yes, I'm here. I was also here on Monday and yesterday. You didn't come to work? Your dad said that you were in Enca." he turned to face me.
I slowly fixed my things. I want to text Natsu right away. I just hope that he'll wait in the basement instead of going up here
"Why were you here yesterday? What kind of air brought you here?"
Sting's expression darkened more, "I'm here to check on you."
"I just got here from Enca yesterday —"
"Who got married in Enca and why were you gone for days? Four days, Lucy? For a wedding? That wedding must've been grand!"
I cleared my throat, "Yes, it is grand. I took it a chance to have my vacation. It's the wedding day of Erza and Jellal."
"Jellal Fernandes? Since when did you became friends?"
Crap! I tried searching for answers. I averted my eyes from Sting. I feel like he already feels something about this.
"I know Erza, I've modelled for her clothing line years ago. Jellal is Mr. Dreyar's cousin. I also know Madame Irene Belserion. I designed the interior for one of their projects."
Sting nodded. It looks like he accepted my explanation. My forehead crumpled, "Why are you asking? I'm busy, Sting."
"You're almost done with work, right? And why isn't your car in your usual parking? You didn't bring your car again, huh?"
I rolled my eyes, "I'll ride with Levy. We'll have a diner later." And since when did I become a major in lying holder?
I heard my phone ring. That's Natsu, for sure!
"And why are you here again? Do you have a fling among my officemates?" I even surveyed the office to prove my point.
He frowned and raised an eyebrow at me, "Stop doing that. If you're done then we can have dinner. I'll take you home myself..."
"Wow! I told you I have dinner with Levy and Cana. Can you not, Sting? If you wanted a dinner, at least give me a beep! Not like this, don't just suddenly appear!"
"Why? What's wrong with it? Unless you're hiding something, Lucy."
I glared at him, "My schedule will be ruined, Sting. Now can you just go home and stay away from me..."
The sound of him hitting my table using his palm thundered. Almost all my officemates are now looking at us. I even saw Cana stand up because of it.
"I have a tiny hint, Lucy. I know what you are hiding. Just a little evidences left and I do hope I'm really wrong about this..."
My cheeks burned. I wanted to slap him but I stopped myself. I don't want my colleagues to see my sudden outburst! "And when you're right, huh, Sting? You have no right to tell me that! I caught you cheating many times and did you listen to my complaints? You didn't, right?"
His eyes squinted at me, "If you wanna play, Lucy, I hope it's you who's playing and not the one being played."
"What do you mean by that?" I said with emphasis.
"Excuse me, Ms. Heartfilia..." the guy secretary of Mr. Dreyar.
"Yes?" I turned to him.
My voice is still hard because of the argument with Sting.
"Mr. Dreyar is requesting a meeting with you right now. It's about an urgent project. He's waiting in the 4th floor with the others for the meeting."
I turned to Sting. I want him to see how busy I am. If I leave now, even if he asked around, I'm sure Cana and Levy would cover me. So I'm confident. And even if he did find out about us, it's not his business anymore. Who is he to order me around?
"Go gome, Sting. Or better yet, help uncle with work instead of going out there pestering people. Maybe find another girl to hook up with. I'm busy, can't you see. Now, if you don't mind..." I said before walking away from him. He managed to grab my arm. He tugged my to him which made me turn to him.
"When I told you I want to fix us, I was serious, Lucy. I mean it!"
Our eyes met. I have never seen him so desperate. But I won't back down, "So should I be happy? Finally, Sting's faithful with me? Too late, Sting! I'm so over with being a martyr with you!"
His hold on me tightened. It hurts!
"Are you falling for the man you're playing with, Lucy?" he asked with hardness.
My eyes widened. Why would I answer him? Who is he for me to answer him?
"Let me go, Sting!" there's warning in my voice.
"Lucy, he's just using you. If I'm right about this," he shook his head. "You're going to be —"
"I said let me go!" I spat.
He closed his eyes and slowly removed his hold. My heartbeat is still fast when I walked away. I couldn't catch my breath even when I was already in the elevator
Does Sting know everything? I'm being used? Natsu's using me for his lust. We're two consenting adults here. I did agree with him on this. Why would I let Sting's words affect me? This is what he always do. Even when I still love him so much! And now he's telling me that we should fix our relationship? For what? I'm so done with him.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I know Natsu's not serious with me either. Everyone around me just likes me because they need something from me. Except Cana and Levy, of course. I love them more than I love myself.
The lift rang which signals that I'm on mu floor. I didn't even had the time to think why Laxus asked for me.
When I got out of the lift, I quickly saw his office. In the table is a bored looking Laxus who's resting his chin on his hand and in front is Natsu's who's looking intensely at me.
I couldn't breathe. Laxus called for me or Natsu did?
I entered Laxus' office. Natsu quickly went to me. His steps are huge and fast as he made his way to me and quickly grabbed my waist to pull me up and kissed me deep. My heart jumped and I immediately encircled my arms in his neck.
"Y-You called for me?" I asked when he stopped his kisses.
He kissed the top of my nose, "Uh-huh... You're not allowed to be with your ex... No..." he slowly said in a bedroom voice while repeatedly kissing the tip of my pointed nose.
