Looks Familiar

The meeting ended peacefully. I was thankful that he did or said nothing that might ruin my night.

I opted not to tell Sting, daddy, and Loke about what happened because I don't want them to get worried.

The designs for his mansion kept me busy. Thought it's nothing compared to my stress over the Infinity Towers project, just enough to keep me busy in my condo.

"No, Beau..." Beau touched the paint containers on the floor. I'm already finished preparing myself for a meeting but I still managed to clean Beau's mess.

I'm going out today for a meeting with Mr. Byro Cracy. I already finished the design for his unit in Infinity Towers and everything is ready. I just need his approval for it to start.

"Aries, Virgo's going here later, she told me you're asking her to teach you how to cook new dishes?"

"U-uh... Yes, Miss Lucy. Is that a-alright with you?"

I gave her a warm smile and assured her that it's fine. I found out that Aries is Virgo's friend since she has her on the job training in college to the restaurant where Aries worked for. Virgo's a culinary student that time while Aries was working there as a part timer. It's fortunate that Aries is free during the time we're looking for a househelp. I certainly don't regret hiring her.

"I'll be home late. Don't let Beau stay up late, okay?"

She nodded. Levy and Cana forced me to a night out later. It's Levy's birthday and we'll celebrate it in a bar around Sativus. I just cannot bail on them since today's her birthday and Gajeel threatened me with telling Natsu about Beau's if I won't show up later. He'll propose so that just gives me more reason not to go.

I walked faster towards my car. I slightly lost track of time because of Beau's mess. Our appointment is set on the afternoon since Byro Cracy had many shows in the morning.

I almost ran as I entered the Dreyar building. It's nostalgic. I still remember the times when I was working here. Cana and Levy stayed; my drunkard brunette best friend opted to work here since she doesn't want to be treated as a princess in her father's company, while Levy got promoted and became more passionate with her job.

I looked for the conference room in the first floor. The rooms slightly changed so I had a hard time looking for it.

I took a deep breath before turning the door handle of the conference room after minutes of asking around.

I was shocked to see that there are three people inside the room. Byro Cracy, his personal assistant, and Natsu Dragneel who's talking to my client were all seated comfortably inside. What is this man doing here?

"I-I'm sorry I'm late..."

I saw how Natsu grimaced at what I said. I frowned as I placed my things on the table in front.

Is he really needed here? Byro Cracy stood up to give me his seat but it's not needed. I can find my own seat.

"No problem. We just arrived," my client smiled.

"Shall we start?" I asked when I slightly calmed my breathing.

"Not necessarily. You should rest first. You looked spent."

Byro Cracy crossed his arms which didn't go unnoticed. His biceps are defined and his arms are big and full of tattoos.

Natsu cleared his throat so he caught my attention and eyes.

"You're lucky Mr. Cracy is a nice guy..." Natsu's smile is skeptic. Byro Cracy laughed a little.

"I like my designer so..." He shrugged.

My cheeks slightly warmed. I don't know why. Byro stared at me like I'm a complex puzzle that he needs to solve.

"Thanks! Shall we start? I'm fine now..."

"Yeah, yeah..." Byro leaned on the table towards my direction. I'm sitting in front of him.

Natsu stood up and went to us. I really don't know what he's doing here. I raised an eyebrow and turned to him. His black tux is shouting authority.

"Is it necessary that you are here?" I couldn't help but ask.

"It's my towers after all. I want to see your designs..." Natsu's sharp jaw clenched.

I fished my files for the designs I prepared and gave it to Byro Cracy. When he opened it, I noticed his eyes were glued to me and not to my designs. He stayed that way as he absentmindedly turned the pages.

"Uh, this is your living room... I got the wallpaper you requested. I also matched the furniture to the colours you wanted..."

Byro Cracy stayed staring at me while I'm talking. I glanced at Natsu who's looking intently to Byro.

"I changed the design of your room based on the furniture and bed you chose —"

"The room is too dark, Byro," Natsu butted in so my client shifted his eyes to my design. "But that's okay. It's the way you like it, I believe."

"Yeah! Yeah!" Byro said before looking at me again.

"I also based the kitchen set to your chosen design of the whole kitchen. We also have here your requested music room..."

"I like instruments so..." Byro commented, "Do you like music?"

I was stunned at his personal question. I snapped to my senses before answering, "Hmmm. Not really. I don't always listen to music. I'm into painting..." I said.

"Oh! Painting! You have paintings?"

He intertwined his fingers. He's suddenly interested.

"Yeah, I have..."

"Almost all were sold already," Natsu butted in.

I cleared my throat to lessen the tension, "I have new ones..."

"May I see? Do you have an exhibit?"

I shook my head,

"You should! Do you want me to fund your exhibit? I can! I like art, in general..." Byro nodded his head to prove his point.

"She can afford an exhibit. She doesn't need funds. Thanks..." Natsu's tone now is irritated.

Byro looked at him. I felt my neck and my face heated. "Are you... her boss or her friend?" Byro asked Natsu.

Natsu smirked at Byro but before he can even reply, I already answered.

"He's my client too. Uh... Shall we continue?"

"Oh! We're on the same boat then, Mr. Dragneel?"

I saw Natsu's irritation towards Byro. He's just stopping himself. As he should. This man is his client too!

"Let's get back to your paintings. May I see your portfolio? I want some paintings in my walls too. Can you suggest a piece?" my client said.

I but my lip. I can't believe he's asking me that now. "I'll look to it first. I didn't bring my portfolio."

"May I see your paintings? When can we meet again so I can see some of your works?"

"Why don't you just email him your portfolio, Lucy. That way, you two can save time, money, and effort," Natsu suggested.

Byro pursed his lips and turned to Natsu, "Well, it's different in person, right?"

"If you buy the painting, then you can see it in person," Natsu seriously said.

"Well I still need to choose so it's better to see it in flesh..." Byro Cracy crossed his arms.

"It's better if you won't give my designer a hard time —"

"Excuse me..." I stopped the heated conversation.

Natsu leaned back and I saw how he clenched his fist. My heart raced. He's losing it. I know... I know this is going to be a disaster.

"Let's continue with the music room..."

Byro Cracy turned to me and nodded.

The phone of his personal assistant made a sound that distracted us. She apologised before asking to leave to answer the phone so we continued.

"Natsu, you should leave us," I said.

Natsu's jaw dropped because of his shock upon hearing what I said. It's like he couldn't believe that I managed to say that to him.

"Seriously?" He said while chuckling unbelievably.

"Yes. We're almost done, anyway."

Natsu looked at Byro Cracy. His jaw clenched while slowly walking out and leaving the conference room.

I took a deep breath as I watched him leave without a word before continuing.

"This is the music room. I hope you like it..."

"Yeah... I like all your designs. Even the bathroom and the dining area." He closed the clearbook and gave me his full attention.

I smiled at him. This one is an easy client. But I know why he's easy...

"So... when can I see your paintings?" he asked.

"I will invite you if I have an exhibit or I'll be joining one."

"Aw! I thought you're gonna bring me where your paintings are all stored?" He laughed.

I smiled a little, "That's too embarrassing. You can pick on an exhibit, instead."

"No, No... Don't be shy... Of course I'm the one who insists so don't be shy."

I stared at him with intent, "I'll send you an invitation if there's an exhibit."

The door opened. Both of us turned to look at who entered. I thought it's Natsu but it turned out to be his personal assistant.

She went to Byro and whispered something. The artist frowned and took out his wallet.

"I'll give you my calling card. Send me your invites there. Or if you changed your mind, just send me a text or call."

I accepted the calling card and smiled at him. I know he's hitting on me. It's the reason why this meeting became so easy.

"Sure. No problem."

He shook his head and frowned at me. "What's wrong?" I asked out of concern.

"I have a rehearsal. We'll see each other again, right?"

"Yeah, sure!" I flashed another smile.

He stood up. I mimicked his actions and presented my hand. He accepted it and hold it for a while which I think is longer than usual business handshakes but I opted not to say a word.

"Thank you so much for choosing and trusting me, Mr. Byro Cracy"

"Just call me Byro. You're being formal." He laughed.

It was only when he let go of my hand. I also laughed. "Byro, then..." I said.

Both of us went out of the conference room. Natsu is outside while talking to an influential man who works for the Dreyars. When he saw us, he left the man to go to us. He's not in the mood. I know. His eyes were pitch black and it looks like he's ready to punch someone.

"Thanks for the time, Lucy. Hope you'll call me soon." Byro smiled.

I laughed, "Thank you, Byro..."

I watched the retreating figure of his and his personal assistant. His other assistant went to him along with a body guard. My eyes stayed at the leaving Byro when I felt Natsu's body heat behind me.

"First name terms, huh?" was his quiet but hard voice.

I rolled my eyes before turning around to face him, "Stop being nosy. You're the CEO for God's sake..."

I walked towards the elevator. I'm headed to the floor of Levy and Cana's office. It's not yet their dismissal but I can wait in the lounge. Natsu followed me.

"The man is hitting on you, in case you didn't notice, Lucy. Don't be naive!" he started.

"God! He's just being friendly!" I said while pushing the btton of the elevator which is still on the 40th floor.

"Friendly? Huh? He wants to fund your exhibit? You call that friendly?"

I sharply looked at him but his onyx eyes were sharper.

"I wanted to fund your exhibit years ago too and that... certainly wasn't friendly! I want to fund your exhibit so I can get you!"

I felt his words pinched and touched my heart. I don't understand what I'm feeling. I quickly dismissed those and frowned at him more.

"Not every person is like you! Maybe it's just his way to make friends!" I retorted.

"Excuses! I wanted to be your friend too! That's a step!"

The lift opened. I waited for it to be empty before I entered. Natsu also marched behind me and continued his rants.

"And you even kicked me out?"

"Why are you there in the first place? Don't you have work today? And... why are you here with me?" was my confused question.

"I was there because I know this man is gonna hit on you. And I was right-" he couldn't be stopped with his accusations.

"That's normal in this industry. You talk like you're a newbie!"

His sharp jaw dropped like I said a very huge mistake. I went back to my words.

"What? See? You know it's like that and you let him. You flirted back! I didn't know that flirting back is included in your job as a designer!" He angrily barred his sharp teeth.

"So what if I flirt back? Jesus! You're not my boyfriend!" I shouted back in irritation, "And again, why are you even here? Go back and work!"

The lift made a sound signalling that we're on our floor. I quickly went out and marched inside Levy's department. Natsu tailed me.

All employees inside turned to me as I entered. I saw some familiar faces. An old officemate whistled.

"Why are you here too? Aren't you supposed to go home? Your meeting just ended to so you're supposed to go home, right?" Natsu continue ranting as he followed me like a dog.

"This... looks familiar..." I heard Cana's entertained laugh somewhere.

I roamed my eyes and spotted Cana and Levy who are both watching Natsu's antics.

Levy's mouth is opened wide because of shock while Cana is sporting her usual mischievous smirk.

"She visits us here, you pyro. We're bonding later after work."

I quickly marched towards my petite friend. Some of my old officemates greeted me as I passed by their desks. I smiled at each of them before stopping in front of Levy to greet and hug her.

"Is that so? Where?" Natsu's voice is cold when he asked that.

Levy's hold on my hand is tight and she hugged me back to thank me for my greeting.

"What's happening? Why is he here? He's being territorial, big time. And he still doesn't know that you two have a son?"

I broke free from her hug and shook my head." Oh God... and when he knows?" Levy's eyes squinted, "Hell will rise..."

I clenched my jaw. I don't know. I don't want to think about it. This is all making me confused. He'll probably hurt me. This is probably revenge.

I turned to Natsu and saw him talking to Cana but his sharp eyes stayed glued to my form.

"Dammit, Cana..." I whispered as a hunch of Cana telling him the details of Levy's party later came to my mind.