How's everyone? rdragneel7 I don't think there's good or bad english when I'm reading your reviews. I appreciate and read everything that you guys write. Heart heart!

Pumpkin87 I just reread chapt 30 and I ended up reading from that ch to the latest lol thank you for reviewing!

I'm kinda nervous in posting this chapter... cross fingers that this chapter don't disappoint you guys.. I really worked hard for this chapter huhu I hope you like it! Let me know your thoughts!

PS: song is leaves by ben&ben

Natsu hadn't seen or spoken to his wife in almost a week, and it was because he was so engrossed with his work. He couldn't wait any longer to do his obligations. He'd been taking it easy the week before, devoting more time to his personal life, but his huge company is more demanding than his wife. His daily video conference with Mira is only for one business; he has other businesses to attend to. It was stressing him out that he can't even leave a voicemail for her.

Today though is marked in his calendar. He'd been waiting for this day since he went back from his trip. His schedule is still tight, but not all of it is tied to business. His lunch with Layla Heartfilia is purely personal, not business-related.

His day went by so fast and now he's standing in the middle of the living room of Heartfilia's residence.

Earlier today, he spoke with Layla about his visit tonight. He never expected that he will ever have to do this in his entire life but given the situation and his desperation, it has to be done – it needs to be done. He needs to face the Jude Heartfilia not as a business partner but rather as Jude's daughters' husband – son-in-law – per se.

The living room as expected is huge and the décor is something to applaud about. A black piano will greet you once you enter the space. With two long sofas in the middle, two one-seater chairs, a wooden center table, and a wooden side table, it has a rustic atmosphere. The brick fireplace provided a comfortable atmosphere in the room. There's also a large glass window and a glass door behind one of the sofas which leads to Layla's Garden.

Natsu touched the piano and smiled. He missed playing it. He missed his old life before Zeref had an accident. His mind was wandering when he heard someone say. "Do you play?" It was Layla. At first glance, he thought she was Lucy. There's just too much of a resemblance between them. She's dressed in a ruffled pink flowery free-flowing maxi dress with long sleeves and a flat shoe.

"Yes, ma'am," he replied. As Layla approached him, he took a step back from the piano.

"Really?" Layla sat in the piano chair and patted the empty spot, instructing Natsu to take a seat, which he did. "Lucy despised it. She hated singing, dancing, painting, playing instruments, and anything else we tried to teach her... She didn't like any of it." She chuckled, remembering how stubborn her daughter was.

"I can just imagine her throwing tantrums." Natsu said remembering his latest encounter with her "tantrums" during Juvia's birthday when she kicked him intentionally but acted like it was an accident.

"Oh boy, does she still throw tantrums?" Layla was shocked but her smile never faded. "I thought she was over that stage. I never heard or saw her throw a fit since like 10 years ago?"

"Well, I've been suffering from her tantrums a lot lately." Natsu confessed. Layla looked sorry for him. "Because you did something that she doesn't like." She sounded like she's lecturing him but her tone was soft and warm.

Natsu felt guilty but he didn't get the chance to respond as Layla asked him. "Can you play something for me?"

"Of course." He answered without thinking. Her vibe is definitely the same as Lucy, but a more mature version. He thought. "Do you have anything in particular you like?"

Layla giggled when she heard his response. "Anything. I'm in love with music so I don't mind whatever piece you choose."

He started playing the piano then looked at Layla. Might as well go all out. "Should I also sing for you ma'am?"

But Layla's already singing the lyrics which awed him.

How you even thought it could be right
Cause everything we cherished is gone
And in the end, can you tell me if
It was worth the try, so I can decide

"You have a very beautiful voice, Mrs. Heartfilia." He whispered.

Leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees
And all will be alright in time
From waves overgrown come the calmest of seas
And all will be alright in time
Oh you never really love someone until you learn to forgive

When Natsu saw Jude enter the room, he abruptly stopped playing. Layla directed his gaze in the direction of his husband.

"Why did you stop playing? Keep going.. " Jude said, but Layla already stood up and walked to him. "No. He has other reasons why he is here." Layla said in a firm voice, then she just realized that there were so many paperbags on the floor.

Natsu approached them, and Layla gave him a puzzled look. "Mr. Heartfilia, good evening." He greeted Jude with a simple nod.

"It's long overdue to give these to both of you. I've been busy since I returned but all tof these were purchased on my last business trip except the ones for my wife. All of the blue paper bags are yours, Mrs. Heartfilia, and the black ones are different liquors." Natsu clarified. "And the white ones are for Lucy including the bouquet."

Layla's face is lit up with a big beaming smile. She took one paperbag and it has a limited-edition luxury bag. "You didn't have to give us these."

He knew that in reality these are just petty gifts for the Heartfilia's but still, as what others would put it, it is the thought that counts. "Yes, I don't have to, but ma'm, I'd like to. I'd appreciate it if you'd accept it. " He said with a subtle smile, then reached out to one of the black paperbags and handed it to Jude.

Jude was reluctant to accept it at first, but Natsu gave him a little push. "I heard we have the same taste when it comes to liquor, so I figured you'd like a bottle of The Macallan 1926."Natsu smiled at himself upon seeing Jude's reaction, who peaked at the paperbag he was holding. Jude took the liquor out and inspected it very carefully.

A maid walked into the room carrying a bucket of ice, two glass, and a bottle of whiskey, which she set on the wooden side table. Layla instructed that she carry the paper bags to both her and Lucy's rooms and for the bouquet, put it on Lucy's bed.

"I say you know your stuff," Jude said in approval. "Would you like to drink it?" Jude offered.

"I'd love to if you don't mind sharing it." Natsu shrugged.

Jude laughed at him. "Of course, you paid so much for this. You deserve a glass or two."

"That's very generous of you." It costs a fortune and he wanted to enjoy that bottle of whiskey but seeing that Jude liked it, it doesn't matter now if he won't get the chance to enjoy it and just have a glass or two.

When Natsu spoke again, Jude began opening the bottle.

"But I'm not really here for a whiskey." Then he looked at Layla "Or play the piano."

"I know," Layla approached Natsu and fixed his tie, "I'll leave you two first. I've heard it already and you know how I feel about it. I'll just check if dinner's ready." Layla said before leaving to the kitchen.

Natsu continued after Layla had left. "I'm not here as a businessman, Mr. Heartfilia. I've come to see you as your daughter's husband."

Jude stopped for a moment. "My daughters husband?"

"Yes, sir." Giving speeches is not his thing, but he got used to it after so many press conference, board meetings and other events that he had attended. But standing here and saying what he's about to say by far is the hardest thing that he'll ever do. "I'm here to apologize for everything. I agreed to marry her so it's my job to protect and care for her but what I've been doing is just the opposite. I don't have any intention of hurting Lucy but I still ended up doing it. She's been so good to me that sometimes I think I don't deserve her." Though Jude is fixing their drinks, he's listening to Natsu's every word. "Forgive me, Mr. Heartfilia for hurting your daughter over and over again… but if you'll allow me, if you'll give me another chance, I'd like to make it up to her."

Then he lowered his head and bowed with a deep bend at the waist. Jude eyes widened upon seeing Natsu's action. "Your daughter is my better half, my everything, my… love… Please let me marry her again and introduce her to the world as my wife."

Jude finished pouring them drinks but he did not take them, instead he faced Natsu.

"Thank you for saying those words. It should be me and Layla who should be apologizing for making you marry our daughter." Then he bowed his head just like Natsu. Natsu was shocked at Jude's words and gesture. He straightened his back and said. "Please you don't have to bow…"

"You could have continued to live a peaceful life if it hadn't been for us. I'm grateful that despite it being an arranged marriage, you care for our Lucy. It wasn't supposed to happen, we were sure that she'll despise the idea of arrange marriage all over again. But to our surprise, she accepted it wholeheartedly. We were hoping that doing the same thing again will trigger her to revert back to her old self. Yes, the rebellious one but at least she was striving hard to live her life. We only wanted to have the old Lucy back. For her to live a normal life and not be drowned in guilt…" Jude straightened his back before continuing. "and you're giving her that normal life that we dreamed for her. Hurt, laughter, tears, confusion, doubt, and even love, she's experiencing all of that now. She was freed from her cage."

Natsu's stunned. Jude took the glasses of whiskey that he prepared then gave Natsu one. He gladly accepted it.

"So, if you want to marry our daughter, I don't have a problem with that. But it doesn't mean that I'm okay with what you did to her. I'll let it go this time since you had the guts to apologize and you're Dragneel, I know you don't bow to anyone." Jude smiled at him.

Hearing Jude utter all of those things felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He wasn't expecting it. He was actually thinking that he'll be thrown out of the house before he can even start to speak. But fortunately, who he's speaking right now is a father who cared for his daughter deeply. If it was Jude Heartfilia, the businessman, then it's gonna be a lot worse. "Thank you, sir. This time, I swear I'll give your daughter the wedding she so truly deserves. I'll treat her right."

"Before thinking about the wedding, you should ask her first if she wants to do it. Another thing that I'd like you to know is that if my daughter wants a divorce, I'll support her even at the expense of my company." Jude sounded serious and he took a sip of his whiskey.

"If she wants a divorce, I won't make it hard for her. You don't have to put your company on the line. I know my mistakes and I'll own it. It's the least that I can do."

"You sound like you're closing a business deal." Jude joked.

"Well, this is also business… personal business." Natsu grinned. He felt comfortable around Jude.

"Yeah, I remember. It really is a personal business, Layla mentioned today is your second month of being wed."

"Yes, it's the other reason that I'm here."

They chatted a bit about business before Layla called them for dinner.

Lucy was confused about what's happening. Why is he here and bowing like that to my father? She silently asked herself while leaning on the wall. She did not enter the living room. She peaked again inside and heaved a sigh, but she was surprised when her mother tapped her shoulder.

"What are you doing here, honey? Let's go inside. Your father and your husband are waiting." Layla said while holding her hand, then gave her daughter a second look. "You look like a mess…"

Lucy ignored her mom's remark and asked. "What's he doing here?"

Her mother did the same thing to her and ignored her question. "Let's go to your room, have a quick shower before we eat dinner."

Lucy didn't have a choice because her mom was holding her hand tightly and she's already walking in the direction of the master bedroom.

"Mom, this is your room, not mine." Lucy protested once they were inside.

"I prepared a dress for you today and I forgot to bring it up to your room." Layla responded while looking for the dress that she bought for Lucy.

"What's all this paperbag? Did you go shopping? " Lucy asked when she noticed lots of paperbags on the floor.

Layla just shrugged. "Go, have a quick shower." She said, then handed her the dress.

It didn't take long before Lucy went out of the bathroom wearing a gray ombre bandage dress with a black thick strap on. "Mom, we're just having dinner. I think this is overkill!" Lucy exclaimed. She didn't bother wearing any fancy shoes and just settled with a pair of black ballerina shoes.

"Natsu is here and it won't hurt to dress up sometimes for your husband." Layla said while guiding Lucy to sit in front of her dresser. Layla combed Lucy's hair carefully.

"But you know we're not really ok…" she whispered.

"I didn't forget that, hon, but should we treat him badly because of that? And besides, one of the reasons why he's here is to apologize to your parents…" Layla looked at Lucy in the mirror, who seemed shocked by what she had heard.

"Apologize? To you and dad? Why?" She's so confused.

"You just said it, Lucy. You're not okay. He did something wrong to you and that's why he's here."

Lucy just stared at her reflection in the mirror and did not say anything.

"There will always be challenges along the way, especially for married couples, but the key to overcoming those challenges is talking, listening, and understanding each other. Sometimes both of you even have to compromise on some things just to make the relationship work."

Lucy retorted weakly. "But that's for married couples who are in love, mom."

"And you're telling me you're not?" Layla asked with a pout.

"I…" Lucy sighed. "Will it count if it's one sided?"

"Huh? One sided?" Layla chuckled then hugged her daughter from behind. "Tell me hon, what's he doing here if it's one sided?"

Layla stood up straight then started heading to the door. "C'mon, dinner's ready."

"Mom…" Lucy called out. Layla stopped and looked back at her daughter. "Ours doesn't even have a solid foundation you know…"

"Then why don't you start building that "foundation"?"

"How?"

Layla walked back to her daughter and she helped her stand. "The first step is to stop running away."

Lucy was walking to their dining area and she can already hear from afar her father and Natsu's conversation. It was jargon to her since they were talking about business. When she entered the room, her father gave her a small smile. Natsu who is sitting across from her mom, studied her from head to toe, then he stood from his chair to guide her to the only vacant seat, which is beside him.

"Hi.. That dress suits you." Natsu murmured and she said with a frown, "What are you doing here?"

"Sit first, Lucy." She heard her father say and she followed. Then Natsu went back to his seat.

Lucy was quiet while they were having dinner, the men seemed to be enjoying each other's company, and even her mom looked like she's having a great time listening to both of them. Sometimes, she would even comment on their topic. Am I really the daughter here? She weakly thought.

"Your expansion abroad was a bold move. I thought at first that you were being hasty and it was still too early for that, but it worked out so well. I'm impressed." She heard Jude say.

"Thank you, sir. My team worked so hard to calculate and minimize the risk as much as possible and they did a great job."

"Drop the formalities, Natsu. Stop calling him sir." Layla said.

"Uh, is that really okay ma'am?" Natsu suddenly felt uncomfortable. He wasn't sure if he's supposed to call his wife's parents using their first names.

"I just told you, drop it. Stop calling me ma'am and Jude as sir." Layla turned her gaze to Jude as if she's telling him to say something, and he did.

"What do you call me and your mom, Lucy?" Jude asked her daughter.

Lucy who was feeling left out, was surprised upon hearing her name.

"Yes? Ah.. Uhm.. dad and mom?"

"Right. So, wouldn't you agree that your husband should also call us that?" Dinner like this is rare when it comes to this household because of so many things, including Jude's busy schedule. Lucy also hadn't gone home for a long time, so they hadn't had the chance to catch up and have a normal family time. That's why when his wife, Layla, told her about Natsu's wanting to meet them, he saw it as an opportunity to take a break and spend time with his wife and daughter. He doesn't speak much and shows his affection for his girls, especially Lucy, but that doesn't mean that he doesn't care.

"Huh?!" Lucy almost jumped to her chair.

Layla laughed at her reaction. "Honey, why are you even asking Lucy about that?" she asked Jude then turned to Natsu. "It's the normal thing to do and besides, it would be nice if our son-in-law would call us mom and dad."

They're unbelievable! I know, even back then, they wanted to have a son but... this is just absurd! Lucy thought to herself while playing with her food. She stopped attacking her food when Natsu held her arm. "Are you okay?" He asked.

She glared at him and that made him take his hand back from her arm. Natsu did not push his luck and turned his attention back to his in-laws. "Thank you for having me today… It means so much to me to be able to celebrate our 2nd month anniversary with the both of you."

"We appreciate you Natsu, but if you're really sincere, you'll at least thank us while calling us like you're own parents." Layla said.

Natsu blushed. Do I really need to do it? He silently asked himself. "Well?" Layla added when Natsu did not respond.

It really is embarrassing him and it just doesn't looked like it but all his strength and guts was already drained when he stepped inside this house. He sounded confident when he first spoke with Jude but that wasn't easy. And this... what they're asking... it's too much for him now.

"I don't think I earned that right yet. I'm sorry but I'll have to respectfully decline for now..." he said with a nod.

Lucy who's so bored to death and felt like her parents had turned against her, wasn't able to hide her reaction upon hearing this conversation but what stick to her mind was...

"2nd month...?"

Lucy sat on a bench in their garden. Natsu tried to talk to her a couple of times during their dinner, but she just glared at him every time. So, he ended up talking to her parents instead. She left her parents and Natsu alone. She's always surprised whenever Natsu's around, but not in a bad way though. It's more like she's taken aback by his actions, his words. She remembers what her mom said about running away. She hated it when she always turned her back or declined to listen to him. It's just that, she finds it unnecessary to listen if she knows that whatever he'll say, she won't believe it. She still can't put her fingers on "what" they really are to each other, married? Yes. a couple? No, but she didn't just want to be his wife, she didn't just want them to be a couple. Well... before, yes, being his wife was enough for her. But now, it's more than that. She wanted him to be comfortable with her just like how he is with his "family". She wanted to have her own place in his life.

Her train of thoughts were disrupted when Natsu who's now standing beside the bench handed her a glass of whiskey.

She accepted it and said "I prefer beer though. I'm not really used to drinking this kind of stuff."

Lucy felt relieved that Natsu approached her because she's dying to know what he said to his father, why he bowed to him. Her mom told her but she wanted to hear it from him. Unfortunately, she forgot all of her questions when Natsu looked at him and chuckled. "That's new learning for me. I didn't know. I'm sorry, I'll get you beer next time."

He saw her drink different kinds of alcohol during Juvia's birthday, so it didn't cross his mind that she had her own favorite liquor.

"What's funny?" Lucy asked, sounding agitated.

"Me," he said as he drank everything in his glass before taking the one, he had given to Lucy. "I recall warning you not to make any assumptions about me. That, you have no knowledge of who I am. When, in truth, it is me who doesn't really know you."

"That's because you're not the least bit interested in me," she mumbled under her breath.

He took a deep breath and quietly exhaled, knowing that her words were once true, but things had changed. Now, he's more than just a little intrigued with her. "Knowing everything there is to know about her" is no longer enough for him. She became too important. He wanted to be selfish and greedy and keep all of her smiles and laughter for himself. He wanted her voice, which could make him obey her without hesitation, her strawberry scent, which lingered in every corner of their home, and her brown eyes, which were often full with tears due to his idiocy... he wanted it all for himself.

"I'm not going to deny it. I wasn't interested in learning anything about you at first. In fact, I'm just not interested in women in general." He smiled and then cast a sidelong glance at her. "And I knew right away when I found out you were my wife that you'd cause me a lot of trouble."

Lucy was staring at him intently, which he noticed. He immediately explained, "I mean, I knew it wouldn't be long before you made me like this..."

"Like what?" Lucy snarled and maintained the same expression in her eyes.

His onyx eyes met her brown eyes, and they exchanged stares for a few moments before he continued speaking. "I didn't really want to bring this topic up but I want to know… Can you tell me, Luce, if you're happy when you're with Eucliffe?" Though he knew that he already left, he didn't cross out the possibility that he's still a threat to him.

Natsu averted her gaze as her sharp eyes widened. "You're giving another man your smile and laugh, and I'm not happy about that."

Her heart was racing like crazy inside her, despite her raising an eyebrow. Why did he bring up Sting?

"Yes, he does make me smile and laugh, and he also smiles and laughs for me." She said it with all sincerity. "You're not happy with it? What does it matter to me how you feel, Natsu? I smiled and laughed with Sting, but I don't kiss random..." Her words were cut short when she realized Natsu was now standing in front of her and he was holding her chin, so she looked up to him. She felt nervous, much more when she looked at his dark eyes.

"Yes, I'm not happy with it, Lucy. I'm sorry if I kissed my ex and if I wasn't able to keep my promise not to touch or even look at another woman. I know I sucked at how I handled that situation. I lost my cool and ended up hurting you." He leaned down and rested his forehead on hers. "I know a simple "forgive me" won't be enough, but you still have to hear it. Forgive me, wife… it doesn't have to be "now". I know too well that I need to earn it and I definitely will."

He lifted his head but his hand remained at her chin and he caressed her lips ever so lightly with his thumb. His eyes wouldn't leave hers. "You can smile and laugh all you want with him, Luce, if that will make you happy. But I want you to remember that you're mine."

She liked the weight of his forehead on hers, and as he spoke, she could feel his warm breath and his lips so close to hers were making her tremble. She's thankful that she's sitting right now because if not, her knees won't last. What is he babbling about? You won't say any of this if you're not sick or under the influence of alcohol… Then she realized he had been drinking with her father, and right now he even had a glass of whiskey in his hand. Yes, you're drunk. That's why you say these things… then it echoed in her ears, "you're mine". Her heart throbs, but before she can even say anything, Natsu is already walking away from her.

"It's getting late, I should get going. You should also rest."

Then he's gone, nowhere in sight. Lucy's brain is once again malfunctioning because of him. She didn't know what to think first, but she was getting agitated that after saying all those things, he left her there speechless. There's no way that she'll allow him to leave without giving him a piece of her mind. She gathered all her strength and followed him.

She saw him going out and she walked fast to chase him. She opened their front door with a frown on her face. "Who the hell does he think he is leaving me like that?! She thought angrily, but as she stepped out of their house, his broad back welcomed her. His right hand is resting on his head like he was thinking too much of something. Then he slowly faced her with a blank face and when their eyes met, a smile left his lips. He did not say anything, he just faced her and placed both hands in his pocket. His eyes were enough to ask her, "What's wrong?"

She was supposed to be mad at him and give her response to everything that he just said, but his eyes were enough to calm her angry self. Instead of giving him a piece of her mind, what went out of her mouth was "Are you gonna drive drunk?"

Natsu laughed and slowly walked over to Lucy, but every step forward was a step back for Lucy until she hit the door.

She's now again cornered by Natsu but he just stood one step far from her and his smile is torturing her. She didn't want him to take another step forward but she felt frustrated that he's not doing or saying anything. He's just once again lost in his own world staring at her and so as her. It seemed like eternity but their staring contest ended when she felt his damp lips on hers - his right hand on her waist and the other holding her head. As he tightens his hold on her waist, her body moved on its own, she placed her hands on his shoulder and kissed him back.

It didn't last long as Natsu broke the kiss before she can even snake her arms on his neck but he didn't let her go. He pulled her for a tight embrace before speaking, "I'm not yet drunk, Luce. Are you worried about me?". He's been restraining himself from touching her but just this once, he doesn't mind being kicked by her as a payment for that kiss. He waited for her smart mouth to curse him, a slap on the face, a not so half-hearted kick or even just push him away but none of it happened. He felt lucky!

She missed his scent and this… his lips claiming hers and being in his arms. She doesn't want to admit it but her traitorous body already melted on his touch.

She whispered "Why would I be worried about you…"

That earned her a kiss on her hair "Right… so should I just stay?" Natsu teased as he remembered how she threw herself to him a week ago. But she obviously doesn't remember because she was so drunk.

"Just call a driver…" she mumbled.

He laughed at her response and he let her go. Lucy was stunned upon hearing the melody that he's making now. She felt cold after he released her and at the same time, she's having mixed emotions. He's been giving her his smiles and laughs since he went back from his trip and this laughter beats everything. Maybe because even though he now laughs when he's with her, this is the first time that he did that without anyone else around them… They're alone. That laugh is just for her to hear.

"You're acting strange… I've been wanting to ask you…"

"Hmm?"

"Are you sick?"

Natsu raised an eyebrow then he placed his palm on his forehead like he was checking his temperature.

"I don't think so but…" he grabbed her hand and placed it on his forehead "I think my temperature is beyond normal because you're near me."

He let her hand go then touched her nose with his finger. "I'm not acting strange, Luce. You should get used to this side of me." He took 2 steps back so Lucy would see him clearly. "I'm standing in front of you now as Natsu Dragneel, your husband, and not as the head of any company, so it shouldn't be strange that I act like my normal self in front of you."

She bit her lips while looking at her husband from head to toe. She's trying to absorb every word that he said. "So… this is the normal Natsu Dragneel?"

He smiled and just shrugged, then walked to the door and opened it. "It's getting late and cold, Luce, you should go back inside and I should leave too. I still have a meeting online with Mira."

Her emotions were now all over the place, so she did not argue with him. She wanted to go to her room to reflect on everything that had happened and everything that Natsu had said to her today. Actually, not just today but all this time, how he's acting since his business trip.

Before closing the front door, she heard him say "I'll pick you up tomorrow morning...I hope you'd like my wedding anniversary gift."

Once again, she was left alone by him confused. Gift?I haven't received one.