Chapter 9
As the guests continue to dance, drink, and converse with other people, Natsu and Lucy decided to call it a night already. And so, Natsu along with Lucy walked up to the Dragneels and said their goodbyes.
"Dad," Natsu called as he hand-in-hand walked with Lucy towards the red-haired man
"Ah, Natsu" Igneel then grinned to his son who seemed to be happy
"Lucy has to leave already because she still has an early shooting" Natsu then looked at the blonde who was somehow embarrassed
"Shooting?" Igneel repeated in confusion
"Yeah, she's an actress, remember?" Natsu said as he reminded his father who quickly remembers about the first introduction of the blonde
"Well then take her home safely son" Grandine suddenly intruded as she leans forward to give a cheek kiss to the blonde who was somehow surprised to the gesture, "Take care, Lucy. We'll see you soon, okay?"
"Yes, of course," Lucy said before smiling sweetly towards the blue-haired woman
And just when Natsu and Lucy were about to turn and leave, a sweet voice called out and ran towards them, "Oh, Wendy, what's the matter?" Natsu asked
"Nothing much, just wanted to ask if there will be a chance I could watch in your set?" Wendy innocently asked as she widens her eyes to the blonde
"Well, I'll check. If it's allowed I'll tell your brother to come with you by the set" and with that Lucy genuinely smiles at the young teenager who surprisingly hugs her all of a sudden, "Oh thank you Lucy-nee! I'm so looking forward to it!"
"Alright kiddo, we have to go," Natsu said as he taps the head of the bluenette. When Wendy pulled away, Natsu quickly pulls Lucy towards the door and left the grand ballroom hall.
Soon enough, Natsu began to pull Lucy towards the back part of the house, which Lucy found suspicious.
"I thought we're going home?" Lucy asked as she let herself be dragged by the pinkette
"Yeah, we are," Natsu said without looking back at her
"Well from what I remember the front door is on the other side..." Lucy then pulls her hand away from Natsu who quickly stopped when he lost his grip to Lucy's wrist
"I know," Natsu said as he faced the blonde
"Then why are we heading this way?" Lucy asked as she slightly stepped back
Chuckling at the sudden scared blonde, Natsu couldn't help but find it funny. And so, just to play with the blonde, he tries to scare her even more.
"Because," Natsu then took a big step forward as Lucy stepped backward, "I think we should just have our alone time in a dark place"
"H-hey Natsu!" Lucy shakingly pointed at the pinkette as she stepped back again, "W-what are y-you talking about?"
"Oh, you know...the kissing, making out, touching of skin..." Natsu teased as he advances in his step while Lucy scaredly steps away
"Nani?!" Lucy surprised shouted as she widens her eyes to the man, "What are you talking about!? We are not close to doing that, you big jerk!" Lucy then tries to glare at the man but when she saw the mischievous smile of Natsu, she lost her focus and suddenly slips in her gown, "Kyaaa!"
Boog!
"Hey Lucy, you okay?" Natsu hurriedly ran next to the blonde on the floor
"Oww..." Lucy hissed in pain
"Oi, Luce, you okay?" Natsu repeated
"What do you think?! And get away from me!" Lucy then pushes Natsu's hand away from her
"Hey, I was just joking..." Natsu then drops himself to the floor and sat in front of the blonde
"You have bad jokes...are you socially impaired?" Lucy annoyed asked
"I don't think so...why?" Natsu then cocks his head to the side
"Well you make violating and sexual harassment jokes...baka" Lucy then looks away after insulting the man
"Well, I guess I could be socially impaired," Natsu said as he admitted. When he said that, Lucy gave him a short glance before looking away again, "Sorry..." Natsu said immediately
"Can you please promise me you'd stop making those creepy jokes?" Lucy asked Natsu who quickly nods his head, "Yes, I promise!" Natsu then raised his right hand as if he was taking an oath
"Good...can we go home now?" Lucy then tries to stand up from her position but then she was having a difficult time since she was in a gown and her shoes keeps on getting tangled to her dress
"Yes," Natsu replied as he stood up. When he was finally up, he could see the struggle of the blonde and so he lowers himself again and suddenly scooped the blonde up in a bridal style.
Surprised at the sudden carrying, Lucy squealed as she instinctively wraps her arms around his neck, "N-Na-Natsu! Put me down!"
"Alright, alright, I was just trying to help..." Natsu then lowers his grip to her as he made her stand on her own. When Lucy was finally standing, she fixed herself and made sure she looked normal. Though, no matter how much fixing she does to herself, her cheeks wouldn't stop heating up.
"I guess Loke never carried you like that, to get flustered like this" Natsu commented and Lucy widens her eyes in bafflement
"S-shut up!" Lucy exclaimed before walking away from the man, heading towards the direction they were heading to moments ago. As Natsu watched the blonde walk away, he couldn't help but find Lucy very amusing because she could be all flustered as a girl could be but be an Amazonian when she wants to be mad. Soon enough, he walks closely behind the blonde.
When the two finally reached the garage of the young president, Natsu made Lucy ride his red Jaguar F-type car. Within a few minutes, they were already in the lobby of the actress' condo building. During the ride, they were very silent. They didn't attempt to make any conversation, after all, enough joking happened already in the Manor.
So, when they finally reach the lobby of the condominium building, Natsu slowly looks at Lucy who seemed to be thinking so hard.
"Um, I guess, take care, Luce..." Natsu softly said so that he wouldn't startle the actress
"Oh, uh, yeah...same to you," Lucy said back as she shyly looks at Natsu
Not sure of what to do next, whether they should hug or tap one another on the shoulder, Lucy decided to just nod towards the man. And when Natsu copied her gesture, she slightly turns herself to open the door. But as soon as she clicks to open the door, she looked back at Natsu and asked, "Do you want to come up for a few minutes?"
Surprised at the sudden invitation, Natsu showed his shock by widening his eyes. When Lucy closely observed him, he tried to come up with something to cover up his surprise, "Well aren't you very bold of asking a guy to your home..."
"Wha-hey, I'm just being polite okay..." Lucy then looks away as she felt her cheeks to redden
"I'm just kidding..." Natsu then gives a wide grin when Lucy looked at him and started to glare
"You and your bad jokes" Lucy stated making the pinkette chuckle
"I'd like to come up for a few minutes" Natsu then sincerely smiles towards the blonde who in return smiles genuinely too.
Soon enough, Natsu and Lucy entered the building and headed straight to the condo unit of the actress. Thankfully, not many people were walking around and took notice of the two. Despite living in that condo unit for years, Lucy still gets into a neighbor's rumor about who comes with her in her unit.
So gratefully getting inside the unit without meeting any vulgar neighbors, Lucy quickly offers Natsu a cup of coffee. As Lucy readies the coffeemaker, Lucy excused herself to change into her comfortable clothes. Soon enough, Lucy came out in her pink short sleeping shorts and white tank top. Walking towards the kitchen, she barely noticed that Natsu has taken off his coat and pulled his sleeves up till his elbow.
Being silent in his seat, Natsu had the luxury to watch Lucy prepare the coffee. With his curious gaze, he looked at Lucy from head to toe. At that moment, he saw Lucy's slim figure, her long creamy legs, her round butt, when suddenly, she turned around with two cups in hand.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting..." Lucy said as she walked up to him
With the sudden turn, Natsu felt embarrassed for checking out of the blonde actress, and because of that, his face turned red. So, when Lucy sat next to him on her kitchen island, the actress quickly took notice of his flushed face.
"Hey, you okay? You're red..." Lucy said as she slides the cup to the man
"Yeah, I guess the alcohol is kicking in" Natsu replied as he shakingly took the cup to hide his face
"Well, then it's good that I offered you coffee..." After she smiled to the man, she looked away and sipped on her own cup.
When they have become silent, Lucy had the feeling of starting a real conversation with the man, just like they had on the balcony. So, clearing her throat, she began.
"Hey," Lucy then looked at her side, which Natsu did also, "Just wanted to thank you for a good time tonight"
"You don't have too. If there was someone who should be thankful, it should be me" Natsu then careful places the cup on the table and turns to face the blonde, "Thank you, Lucy..."
Smiling at the expression of gratitude of the man, Lucy nodded as she replied, "You're welcome"
As Natsu turns around to face the kitchen once again, he began talking,"I know that I have told you before that my mom always sets me up for a blind date"
"Yeah, that's why you agreed to the contract because you wanted to end those unwanted dates" Lucy answered
"Well, there is more to it than just that"
"What do you mean?" Lucy asked as she looked at the man with confusion
"The reason why I agreed to this contract was because I wanted to change my parent's mind about me taking my inheritance to give it away to my girlfriend" Natsu slowly glances at Lucy who had her brows furrowed together
"Wait, me?" Lucy shockingly asks as she points to herself
"No," Natsu then sips his coffee before continuing, "my ex-girlfriend"
"Ex-girl-friend?" Lucy said the words slowly as if she couldn't believe what she was saying
"Yeah, I once had a girlfriend who manipulated me once to get my inheritance and transfer it to our joint bank account. Right when I was about to have it transferred to that account as a surprise to my girlfriend, I discovered that I had no power in holding that account, only my ex"
"Oh my, she tried to loot your money," Lucy said surprised
"Yeah, exactly. That is why mom is very suspicious of the women I bring to these kinds of event"
"No wonder your mom kept a very sharp gaze to us," Lucy said in astonishment as she recalled moments that she saw the stern gaze of the middle-aged blunette.
"Yeah, so thanks for keeping up a good show to her"
"oh, acting is very easy for me..." Lucy then smiled to herself before glancing at the smiling man, "Since you started telling the truth, I guess I have to tell you mine too"
"What truth? That your really not a Heartfilia?" Natsu curiously questioned, which earn him a slap on the arm and a glare from the blonde
"No," Lucy tsked at the man first before continuing, "the reason why I was late"
"Oh, that...and the reason why you cut me short last night when I was about to give you details," Natsu said as he nodded
"uh...yeah..." Lucy then shyly looked away as she prepared to tell her story, "Well, you see I am a Heartfilia. But the reason why people never knew that, was because I ran away from home. I didn't want to bring the last name, and attending tonight as a Heartfilia Heiress was pretty much heavy for me."
Looking at Natsu, Lucy saw how focused Natsu was as he listened to her, "So when you called last night, telling me about the plan, I just couldn't do it. I was scared that my father might know I'm flaunting his name, I was mad at myself for thinking like that. I just couldn't bring myself to be part of the plan"
"What made you change your mind?" Natsu asked
"I don't know really...I guess, I just wanted to challenge my fear. I wanted to prove my father that I wasn't a shadow of his, that I make my own decisions"
"Well, that is a lot of courage for you. So, I'm grateful you stepped out"
With his kind words, Lucy looked at Natsu and watched him give her a sweet smile of his. She knew at that instant, she has found another friend, which could keep her real identity. She knew, at some point, she and Natsu will be good friends.
"Thanks for listening..." She said bluntly
"You're welcome"
After that short conversation of Natsu and Lucy, the two then bid one another goodbye. Compared to the situation back in the car, Lucy and Natsu just knew how to say their goodbyes, by shaking their hands. And with that, the two knew that they will be keeping a casual relationship.
Hours past, Lucy found herself being awoken by her assistant in the middle of the night. She was told that she had to start preparing because they had to leave soon for the location of the shoot. And with that, Lucy did her routine while her assistant prepared all the things needed. Within an hour, the whole group was on the road for the location.
When Lucy and her team have finally reached the location, she was put quickly in prep. Her hair was being fixed, her clothes were being prepared and her script was on her hand.
As she tried to memorize her lines, she kept her personal phone in view. From time to time, she'd glance at it and stare if there was a message. But since the time was still too early, Lucy decided to focus on her script instead of her phone.
"Don't be ridiculous Mayhem, I know you did it," Lucy said as she closed her eyes and internalized, "You killed King because you know that he knows who you really are"
"Ahh!" A girl with brown hair then screeches in excitement, making Lucy pop open one of her eyes
"Why are you shouting? Can't you see I'm internalizing?" Lucy said in a pissed tone
"Gomen Lucy-sama...it's just that, I'm like seeing a sneak peek for the upcoming episode," the young brunette said as she bashfully bits her finger
"Are you new to this team?" Lucy asked curiously
"I'm just a substitute for Hana, cause she's called in sick today" the brunette then smiled to the actress. After hearing the explanation, Lucy just sighed and looked back to her script again while the girl continued to fix her hair.
As the two ladies continued their task, the phone of Lucy suddenly buzzed but the actress wasn't able to notice as she was so focused on her script. And so, when the hairdresser noticed it, she said, "Oh, your phone Lucy-sama"
"What about it?" Lucy asked as she continued reading her script
"It's buzzing..."
"Buzzing?!" Lucy repeated in surprise that she almost dropped her script as she tries to look for her phone. And just when she placed the script on the table in front of her, she grabbed her phone and checked who could have messaged her.
As she excitedly opens her phone, she was quickly dismayed when she saw that it was just her agent telling her that she had to drop by the management within this week for a short meet up.
Before Lucy could even react more, Laki, her assistant came up to her and greeted her, "Lucy-sama!"
"Hey, Laki..." Lucy greeted back but with disappointment in her voice
"What's wrong Lucy-sama?" Laki asked as she took the script from the table
"Nothing..." Lucy replied as she slightly throws her phone to the table
When the blonde didn't talk further, the hair-dressed then took her chance to explain the situation to the assistant without getting busted. She began to say it without a sound and despite the struggle of understanding, she was able to decipher that Lucy was expecting a text message from someone.
Before Laki could even console her boss, the actress began ranting without caring who might hear her.
"Is it so hard to call people or text them?" Lucy then eyed the two ladies at her back, "I mean yeah, it's still too early but he knows I have an early shoot. So, is it hard to send at least a good morning message or something?"
"Umm...Lucy-sama?" Laki hesitantly called, "Who are we talking about?"
"I mean yeah, he could be asleep and be busy later. But still, I thought at least we are friends now!" Lucy then puffs in annoyance as she crosses her arms
"If it's so important Lucy-sama, why not be the one to call or text him?" Laki suggested as she sheepishly smiled back at the almost naturally blushing blonde
When Lucy realized that she has been ranting about Natsu not giving her a text or even a missed call, she felt embarrassed. Even the thought that she is feeling disappointed that Natsu hasn't given her at least a greeting, makes her feel embarrassed because she is fully aware that she shouldn't be demanding attention from an acquaintance. So clearing her throat to compose herself again, she smiled to her assistant and said, "It's not important...I don't need to call him or text him...it's not important. Okay?"
"O-okay..." Laki repeated before looking at the hairdresser who was confused as well with the sudden change of attitude.
And just when Lucy nodded in conviction, the assistant director have already begun calling all the actors needed in the scene, and Lucy is one of them.
"Alright, time to go" Lucy then stepped down from her seat and began walking towards the set. When suddenly, she turned around and walked back to the two. Taken aback, the assistant and hairdresser suddenly flinched and watched the blonde walk towards them.
"Lucy-sama?" Laki called
"I forgot," Lucy said as she quickly snatched her phone and walked to the set
"But, you can't bring your phone..." Laki hesitantly reminded. And with that, Lucy turned her back again and walked up to the purple-haired woman, "Right, I forgot" Lucy then handed her phone before walking away.
When Lucy was nearly 3 meters away from the set, she turned her back again and walked up to Laki, who was still stunned at the weird behavior of her boss.
"Can you get my attention if my phone would buzz? I just...just call me okay?" Lucy then shyly smiled to her assistant who was getting suspicious of her boss, "O-okay..."
"Thanks," Lucy said as she tapped the shoulder of her assistant. And with that, she ran quickly to the set.
The taping went on for almost two hours and their first break was called at exactly 7 in the morning. Just when the director calls for a break, the personal phone of Lucy suddenly buzzed. And as instructed by her boss, Laki quickly called the attention of the blonde gesturing that her phone was buzzing. And so, Lucy quickly walked up to her assistant and took her phone.
"Hello!" Lucy quickly greeted without looking at the caller ID
"Lucy!" A sweet voice chimed at the other end of the line
"Oh...Mira" Lucy's high-pitched voice suddenly faded when she realized it was not the person she was hoping to receive a call
"Lucy? What's wrong? You sounded disappointed, are you waiting for someone to call you?" Mira continuously poured questions to the blonde, who quickly snapped out of her disappointment
"Oh no! I was just...thinking that the management wants me to drop by immediately" Lucy then began to walk away from her assistant after handing her a towel she just used
"Oh don't worry Lucy. The management loves you and you are one of the best actresses that agency have. Don't worry about that meet up" Lucy then shyly smiled at the other end of the call
"Yeah, I guess so...so, why'd you call?" Lucy asked as she slowly took a seat on an empty bench, not far enough from the set
"Nothing much, just checking up on my talent. I heard, your dating again?" Mira's voice suddenly changed as if she was holding herself from squealing
Mira is a really good friend of Lucy, after all, she is the older sister of her friend Lissana. With that connection, she knows that Mira is familiar with Natsu as well. But despite all this, she has made a contract with Natsu that no one else would know about the deal and so, Lucy held her tongue back in revealing the truth.
"Yeah...I am...I'm seeing someone" Lucy then closed her eyes as she mental asked for forgiveness to the white-haired talent manager
"Ahh! I'm so happy for you!" Mira finally lets out her squeal, "Not just as your manager but as a friend. I may have shipped you and Loke back then, but now, I'm shipping you with..." Mira then trails off as she realized she didn't know who Lucy was dating, "Um...who are you dating?" Mira shortly asked with curiosity in her voice
"Umm...I'll tell you when we see each other" Lucy then smiled as if she was innocent, "Hey I got to go, I only have five minutes left before we start again"
"Alright..." Mira said in her defeated tone, "Anyways, I'm happy for you that you got rid of that rumor. But, I have to request from you to avoid bumping into Loke for the meantime since I handle him as well. We don't want you two both having more rumors about one another that could destroy both of your careers. Work hard at the set! And I'll see you soon!"
"Okay, bye Mira!" Lucy then pulled her phone away from her ear before staring blankly at her phone. Just when Lucy was about to lose herself in her zoning out, Laki extended a cup of coffee and smiled towards her. Happily accepting the cup, Lucy smiled back at her and thank her. Within a few minutes, they were called back to the set.
Without knowing, the day has already ended and so did the taping. Even if Lucy barely noticed that her taping for that day ended already, she has been aware that she never received a call, not one call from a certain pink-haired man.
"Lucy-sama, we'll be set to leave within an hour. Will you be okay to stay here?" Laki asked as she one by one cleaned up the things of the actress
"Don't worry about me Laki," Lucy then looked up at her assistant before grinning mischievously
"Lu-Lucy-sama?"
"I have a plan…You can bring my things back to the condo, I'll have someone to pick me up" Lucy then smiled triumphantly which made the assistant gulp in nervousness. And with that, the blonde actress stood up from her couch and headed out of her resting tent.
When Lucy was out in the open, a few media was already waiting outside, trying to snap some pictures of the actress. And since Lucy was aware of this, she grinned, even more, when her plan was being set on the play. Soon enough, the actress was standing a few meters away from the media when she took out her phone and began to press on her phone. Within a minute, she is already putting her phone next to her ear as she waited for the call to connect.
Kring Kring Kring
The phone of the young president continued to buzz as he continued to read on some documents that he has been reading and studying for the upcoming annual conference with the board members of the Dragon Empire Group.
As his phone continued to ring, he tried to ignore the resounding chime of his phone but the longer he let it ring, the more he has become unfocused in his work. And so, he slams down the paper he was reading to grab his phone. Surprised at first to see the caller ID, Natsu couldn't help but let out an annoyed sigh before answering the call.
"Hello," Natsu said in a bored tone
"Hi babe~" Lucy answered in her sweet voice which made Natsu raise his brow
"Lucy?" Natsu called her name but then he only heard her soft giggles, "Why are you calling me babe?" Natsu asked in pure confusion, "Aww…you missed me? I missed you too" Lucy continued to ignore his words
"Oi Lucy, what the heck are you talking about?"
"What? You'll pick me up?" Lucy said without a care in the world, which made Natsu stiff somehow in her words. When Natsu finally realized what the actress may be doing, he asked, "Wait, are you in front of some media?"
"Yeah" Lucy then replied in her more normal voice
"So this is a setup?" Natsu then furrowed, even more, his brow when he thought that the blonde was beginning to lose her sanity, "Oi Lucy-"
"Yeah, I'm in Hargeon and taping just ended…" Lucy said as if she was talking to someone else
"Wait are you making me pick you up in Hargeon?" Natsu began to feel nervous as he thought that the actress was trying to set him up to do something she wanted him to do
"You will pick me up? Aww, thank you, babe!" Lucy said in her sweet, almost baby talk voice
"O-wa-wait!"
"Alright! I'll see you in an hour! Bye" and with that, the actress drops the call and before Natsu could stop the actress from hanging up, the call has already ended.
"Ahh! That actress!" Natsu then scowled at his phone when he realized that he has been tricked by the blonde. Just when Natsu was about to ignore the call and throw his phone back to his table, his phone buzzed again but this time, a message came from the blonde.
6:15pm
From: Lucy
Don't even bother to ignore what happened. Because all media in front of me just heard what I said. And so, they are expecting you to arrive within an hour.
38th Ave. Coconut street, Hargeon
See ya! Babe
"Ahh!" Natsu scowled out loud, "You…damn it!" the pinkette then slams his palms on his table before he began to clean up his desk. He quickly fixed his papers, put it back to a folder, and staked it up until all his files were piled up. Soon enough, he took out his bag and drops his phone and glasses inside before pushing himself out of his chair. Within a few minutes, the young president was off on the road heading Hargeon.
Just as expected, a black Maserati suddenly came in view and slowed down to a crowded place. With this sudden site in view, Lucy couldn't help but grin triumphantly as she made Natsu do what she wanted. And so, standing up from her director's chair, taking her handbag, she began to stroll forward to meet the pink-haired president.
"Hi babe," Lucy greeted as she stood before the man, who just stepped out of his car
"Babe…" Natsu said back as if he was testing the word, as he eyed the secretly grinning woman, "Let's go?"
"I'd love to" Lucy then turned her heel and went to stand before the passenger seat. But instead of opening the door by herself, she just stood there and waited. When Lucy agreed, Natsu turned himself as well and headed to the driver's side. And when he was about to open his own door, he noticed that Lucy just stood there as if waiting.
When Natsu realized what Lucy was doing, he mentally cursed at the blonde actress for being demanding, knowing that all photographers present at the venue have their attention. And so, after Natsu threw an irritated look to the woman, who just giggled at his misery, he walked to the passenger's side and opened the door for the actress.
Holding the door for Lucy, Natsu then said to the blonde, "Well, get in…" when Lucy slightly giggled, Natsu continued to give a scrutinizing look at the woman.
"Thanks, babe," Lucy said as she softly caresses the cheek of the man then, without warning Lucy leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his lips. When she pulled away, she quickly gave a quite snappy slap to his cheek then entered the car.
When Lucy did that sudden kiss and slap, Natsu was left stunned and taken aback that he just stared at the manipulative actress. As Natsu continued to stare at the woman, he realized that it was all in the plan of the woman and so, slowly he closed the door. As he was walking towards the driver's side, he heard a few of the mumbles of the freelance photographers.
"I guess it's official, she wouldn't kiss him in public if they weren't dating…"
"You're right. She never even dared to be affectionate to Loke in public, back then"
"They are totally dating"
"Worth a showbiz news"
"Got to call the head! I have an exclusive story of Lucy!"
Once Natsu was at his door and entered the car, he quickly looked at the woman next to him and gave an examining glance. As for Lucy, she didn't mind the intense stare, instead, she even found the situation amusing. And so, she didn't stop herself from smiling as she slowly looked at the man.
"Let's go" Lucy then smiled at the man but then Natsu kept his intense stare at the woman
"Is that your usual habit of greeting people?" Natsu curiously asked but with an intonation of disbelief
"What are you talking about?" Lucy innocently asked back as she tried to calm her smiling face
"You just kissed me in front of those media…" Natsu then raised his brow at the woman whom he found very weird
As Lucy looked away from Natsu, she inwardly smirked to herself before she answered Natsu, "Rule number two, the two must act like a couple in front of the media and family of Natsu", then Lucy looked back at Natsu and continued, "It's called acting babe, acting…"
"Huh…" Natsu astoundingly chuckled as he realized that indeed he was manipulated by the actress, "Right…acting...all because of a deal"
"Yes, babe…now can we go?" Lucy then innocently smiled at Natsu who just shook his head in disbelief
"Of course, babe" and with that Natsu pressed the start button of the car and speeds off away from Coconut street.
To be continued…
