Revenge

I'm positive that whatever Sting would tell me, it's just his desperate way to get me back.

He goes to the office every day ever since our conversation to fetch me from work. Natsu has been busy with his work so we haven't seen each other for two days now. I know he's scheduled to go to Balsam for a conference before heading to Clover for a project.

"What are you doing here, Sting?" I asked when I saw him waiting on my car.

It's already Friday and he's been doing this for two consecutive days now. I promised Natsu not to see Sting while he's out of town so we really shouldn't see each other.

"I'm picking you up!" Sting insisted before walking towards me.

"Picking me up? What, like yesterday?"

"Don't tell me you'll go to Levy's place again. You're finding ways to reject my offer, Lucy," he said.

"Can't you see? I have my car. I don't need you to pick me up. Might want to pick other girls, I would be more happy. Excuse me..." I clicked my keys to make my car beep but he stopped me. I crossed my arms while glaring at him. His eyes are dark... serious. I averted my eyes.

"Look, Sting... I have more important things to do. Please..." was my calm and formal response.

"Then can I go with you?" he seriously asked.

I was almost lost for words. I am torn. I am torn between keeping my friendship with him or rejecting him.

"Sting, I'll just stay in my condo. I'm not going anywhere," I said.

"Then I'm going to your condo too. I can cook your favorite and we'll have dinner. After that, I can go home..."

He walked closer to me and held my arm. I stared at his hands on my arm, couldn't believe how gentle and soft his hold is.

"Sting, I..." I shook my head. I can't let him go to my condo, "I'm sorry..."

He clenched his jaw. His hand which was previously holding my arm dropped to his side before sighing.

"Then, at least let me drive you home. I won't force you about your unit anymore."

"But my car..." I said while looking at it.

"Just leave it here or I can send my assistant to get it later."

I stayed silent for a few minutes before replying. I want to look at his eyes... I want to see his real intentions.

"Okay..."

The ride home was quiet. Well, at least I was quiet. Stung kept on asking random question just to shove away the awkward air surrounding the two of us.

"You'll work tomorrow?"

"Yup..." I answered while looking at the road.

"Uh, I can pick you up after. Are you working the whole day?"

I shook my head, "No, and... don't send someone to get my car. Don't pick me up, too. I can manage, Sting, I'm fine."

He violently took a deep breath, "You know... I'm trying..." he slowly said like stopping himself from bursting out.

I turned to him. I saw how he shook his head while his eyes remained on the road, "Trying?"

"Nevermind..." he frowned.

My eyes stayed at his form. I have an idea but I don't want a confirmation from him. I let our conversation end that way. There's no point in that, anyway.

"Thank you, Sting..." I said after removing my seatbelts.

We're now in my condo's basement but I felt that Sting still has many things to say. His eyes darkened when I looked at him.

"I know you think I'm telling lies about Natsu Dragneel, Lucy. But it's not..."

I almost rolled my eyes. I am also trying... trying to at least preserve our friendship. Why does he need to do destroy it through this?

"Let's not talk about this, Sting..."

Sting's mouth remained open. It's obvious that he still wants to say many things but stopped himself because he sensed my tiredness of it.

"You have to see Virgo..." he said.

I frowned at the sudden change of topic, "Why?"

"She will tell you..."

I shook my head. I'm both confused and curious about what he's saying. I continued leaving his car and quickly went to my unit.

Even if I'm don't believe anything that Sting said, I still can't help but think about it. Why do I have to see Virgo?

I spent my remaining hours on painting inside my condo. I didn't even notice that I slept while painting a huge canvas. I've been working on this for two days. Ever since Natsu became busy, I filled my schedule with things like these to keep myself from missing him. Going to Levy's house to learn different dishes and painting when I got home became my routine while he's away.

It was Saturday when I saw Sting at our building. I am so damn annoyed with him. He insists on taking me home even if I repeatedly told him no since I brought my car.

In the end, I dragged Levy and Cana somewhere to have a dinner just to scare Sting away. We went to an Isvanian restaurant around Sativus.

"Hmm, when's Natsu coming home?" Levy started while we're eating.

"Tomorrow..." I grinned.

"Oh! That's why you're so excited?" Cana raised an eyebrow at me.

I grimaced at her, "Excited? Aren't you the one who's excited for the weekend, Cana? What's this rumour I'm hearing about your alleged boyfriend, hmm?"

"Boyfriend? Is that even a thing? That just applies to Levy!" Cana laughed loudly.

Levy and I looked at each other before sighing. Cana's always like this. She doesn't really talk about her current relationships and would bring the topic of her love life at the most random time.

"Hmmm... Are you dating..."

I stopped talking when I saw someone entered the restaurant. The woman's eyes and mine quickly met. She's wearing a very classy white dress. While her hair is clipped on her left side. The silver chain on her neck is shining because of the lights on the restaurant.

I wasn't able to finish what I'm about to say. I was too shocked when Touka and I stared at each other

A woman walked towards her. She guided her and pointed a table near us.

"Isn't that Touka Alabaster?" Levy curiously asked. "Yeah..." Cana answered, her playful mood is now gone which made me restless. I don't know why.

Our table went silent. Levy was staring at me while I don't know what to feel. I'm playing with the food on my plate but I already lost my appetite.

I turned to their table. I caught her staring at me. She's frowning. I immediately turned to Levy.

"Are you finished eating?" Levy asked.

I dropped my utensils. I want to go now.

"I'm done..." I said.

Cana raised a hand to call a waiter and ask for our bill. She quickly put the right amount of cash before we stood up to leave.

My gaze caught a glimpse of Touka's table and saw that's she's headed towards us.

"Cana..." Touka Alabaster's smile greeted us.

I glanced at Cana and saw her staring at Touka indifferently, "That's Miss Alberona to you, Alabaster..."

"Pardon me," Touka faced me, her voice soft when she started talking, "Lucy Heartfilia, right?"

I turned to her. I smiled "Yes?"

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" I looked at my friends

"Lu, we'll wait outside?" Levy suggested.

"But..." Cana protested but Levy is already tugging her outside.

I nodded at Levy. Touka smiled when I gave her my attention. I smiled back, suddenly feeling nervous.

"Have you seen Natsu?" Touka asked.

I don't know how to respond to her. Does she know about me and Natsu? Obviously, Lucy... she's asking you!

"No. He's scheduled to arrive tomorrow, isn't it?" she nodded.

There's something in the way she looks at me. Her eyes are filled with pity, agony, and loss and all those emotions are directed at me. I hate it.

"I know what's going on between you and Natsu..." she took a deep breath. "I tried to stop him. I want him to leave you alone but he just wouldn't. I liked what he's doing at first but..."

I am losing my cool. I can't understand what she's saying but I faced her and listened with my head held high at whatever she's trying to explain to me.

"I mean, I want justice for our parents, Lucy. But that was years ago. I already accepted everything inside those three years. Besides, the justice system will only conclude when there's enough evidence. We don't have enough evidence so we can do nothing."

I want to stop her from what she's talking about. I can't understand her but my pride got the best of me. I don't want to look stupid in front of her. Whatever she's talking about, I'm gonna pretend I know what it is.

"But Natsu wants justice. He's not stopping until now. He wants justice for our parents' death. And you... you're just going to be his instrument. I am sorry but I think you should end the relationship you have with him."

I cleared my throat. I can now slowly put the puzzle pieces together but there are still missing pieces. Why did I become an instrument and how did I become involved with the death of Natsu's father?

My heartbeat became faster. It feels like my stomach was drenched in cold water upon realising. I am now slowly putting everything together. Sting... Daddy...

"My conscience won't let me sleep if I won't do this. This thing about revenge will only add ripples and waves of more revenge. Natsu already warned me to not involve myself with the two of you but then... as a woman, I want to be fair to you. I am giving you this information and the choice is all yours..."

I blankly stared at Touka. I was caught off guard of all the ideas. About revenge. About Natsu. About everything we shared.

"Thanks for listening, Lucy," I saw how his face became filled with pity.

I shook my head. I quickly grabbed the control over myself back, "We're not serious about this, Touka. You don't have

to worry about me but thanks for your concern..."

She smiled at me before going ahead. My smile faded when I turned to the door to leave too. I felt like because of what just happened, my legs would give up anytime.

"What is it?" Cana quickly grabbed me for support as if sensing the loss of my strength. I looked at her. Does she know about this? Obviously no. She would never push me to Natsu if she knows about this. And based on her hostile treatment towards Touka earlier, it looks like she doesn't like her at all. Should I believe Touka? My throat dried. I don't know what to believe anymore. All I think about is Sting and his points...

I slightly shook my head before grabbing my phone and dialling Virgo's number. She answered it at the third ring.

"Lucy!" she greeted.

"Virgo... can we talk? I have some questions..."

My sister took a deep breath. It was as if she's expecting the call, "Is this about Natsu Dragneel?"

I didn't know that my body would feel colder than what I felt earlier. But despite the cold creeping in my system, I felt the stinging heat on the corner of my eyes. Crap! Crap! Why the hell am I crying? I'm not even sure of anything yet!

Virgo was in a bar in Sativus. She told me to meet her there so I had no choice. She's with her friends and I know she's usually in the VIP section like us.

Cana and Levy insisted on coming. I already told them what Touka said. My suspicion about Cana knowing nothing was confirmed. She told me how she doesn't know the Alabasters personally and only knows her because they're the clients of the Drakes. But I am so scared of the ideas that's running on my head.

Virgo's wearing a black and white terno top and skirt. Her pink shoulder length hair is properly straightened and kept in place with her signature head band. She quickly smiled at me and greeted my friends when she saw us approaching. I looked at her friends and found them having their own world.

"What do you know about it?" I asked.

"Didn't Sting tell you?" she asked me back.

I didn't answer so she continued talking.

"By the way... if only there's no history, I would be very amazed! Lucy, I know you're beautiful and this might sound biased since I'm your sister but I meant it. But then I don't think Natsu Dragneel would last two... or more months with a girl," she playfully winked at me. "He's a known playboy billionaire."

"What is it, Virgo?" I was getting restless. My heart is about to exploded because of what she's saying.

"The Drakes, their company, thinks that daddy and uncle are planning to create a new business. Something similar to their own company..."

I swallowed. I think I know where this conversation was headed. But... no... if Natsu did really want me for something else, he wouldn't give me those kind of gifts.

"Touka Alabaster, do you know her?" Virgo asked, her neutral and usually emotionless eyes are squinting at me.

"She's... we've met." I didn't know what to tell her first.

"We're friends years ago. Actually, we're in the same circle. We were very close, Lucy. But after the ambush incident, she started to mock me. She's accusing daddy of being the killer of her mom and Natsu's father. She wanted me down my social circle. She talked shit about me to all our friends. She even threatened me that she'll get even in any way possible."

"So are you saying that Natsu... has this relationship with me for revenge, Virgo? But then, why me? Why didn't he use you instead? You're the more legal daughter!"

"I am not the one tied to an Eucliffe, Lucy. Why would he target me? But then if he would, I would be very pleased..." she smiled.

I shook my head. I can't believe all these information.

"I don't believe this," I said like I'm desperately convincing myself.

I looked at Cana and Levy who are just listening to us. Cana stared at me while shaking her head apologetically, telling me that she knows nothing about this. Virgo continued

"Why? How deep is your relationship now, anyway? Do you know Sting's very angry? He smashed a table at Regulus because of this," Virgo raised an eyebrow at me, "I'm surprised he hasn't told daddy about this yet."

My mind still hasn't processed what Virgo just said. My mind stopped working upon hearing and realising that Natsu is just using me.

"Sting's guess is that Natsu Dragneel is using you to get to the company. He will never stop until he-"

"I don't think so..." I forced myself to speak.

Virgo pouted. I think she's a little tipsy. I just stared at her while she laughed.

"Why? He showered you with so many sentimental gifts? He showed you affection? His hot, beautiful and manly features killed all your brain cells? Remember, princess, the devil never reveals his real identity unless he's winning. He will never let you see the ugly side. It's always the attractive side. Always."