HELLO READERS!
I know it has been a long time since I updated a story. I bet some of you even despise my sudden hiatus here in FanFiction. I will give you one reason why I suddenly stopped updating, it's because of SCHOOL. So, currently, I'm working and at the same time studying so basically all the free time I get goes to either sleep or doing an assignment. SO I AM SORRY.
Now that I have explained myself, I offer you the latest chapter of Secret Deal, which should have been posted months ago. I have a few more days before school starts again, so I hope I can update more stories. But for now, ENJOY THE CHAPTER!
Love,
FairyTailxNaLu
Chapter 15
Dragneel Mansion
10:46 PM
On a Friday night, sitting on her computer chair, Grandine stares at the email sent to her by Erza Scarlet. The red-haired woman has sent Grandine a link to an article about the woman she was tasked to investigate. As Grandine stares at the link, she couldn't help but feel hesitant to open it. With the words Erza has left in her email, saying that it's a news about Lucy Ashley's recent rumor, Grandine couldn't help but be a little doubtful.
With a shaky hand, Grandine holds the mouse of her computer and drags the cursor to the link and clicks it. Immediately a new tab opens in her browser and the page loads. As a picture of Lucy appears, a long article comes up talking about Lucy's current status with Natsu Dragneel, then, later on, discusses the past relationship of Lucy with Loke De Leon.
With the mention of a man's name, Grandine couldn't help but wonder who this actor was. So, taking note of the name, Grandine continued to read the article. The article went on and Grandine discovers the long relationship Lucy had with the actor and how they had broken up. Grandine also became aware of the time Lucy and Loke broke up and then how Lucy began publicly seen with Natsu.
Sighing on her seat, Grandine leans back to her chair and stares at the image shown in the article. It's the photo of Lucy and Natsu taken when they were heading out of the bar, together. In a sudden moment, Grandine sits up straight and drags her mouse to the reply button. Soon, she typed in and replied to Erza that she wants a background check on the actor and all the articles related to him and Lucy.
With a heavy heart, Grandine dropped herself into her chair and clicks on the send. Soon, the email was sent and the woman barely felt comfortable in her seat again.
Strauss Residence
Sitting on the couch, Mira silently watched the showbiz news about Lucy, with Lisanna sitting next to her. Although the music artist was busy texting, the older Strauss couldn't help but glance at her sister and observe her.
Without looking, Lisanna smiled to herself and mumbles, "What is it Mira-nee?"
"Huh?" Mira startled as she sits up straight like she was caught, "Wha-what? I didn't say anything..."
"Yeah..." Lisanna then looks at her sister, "But I can see in your eyes that you have a question for me," Lisanna grins widely when her sister turned a little red before chuckling in her spot
"Alright..." Mira said defeatedly before she turns in her seat to face Lisanna fully, "I have been meaning to ask you this,"
"Okay, spill it," Lisanna turned as well and faced her sister
"Two or three weeks ago, I called Levy..." Mira then trails off as she observes the facial expression of her sister. But Lisanna didn't show any sign of surprise, "And she mentioned something to me about Lucy meeting the Dragneel's..."
"Okay," Lisanna nods her head calmly, keeping up her calm expression
"Do you know anything about it?" Mira then leans close to her sister as if Lisanna was going to whisper a secret
Lisanna kept her lips close and thought for a moment. She began to think about the pros and cons of telling her sister about Lucy's secret. She knew that she had a pact with Lucy that she wouldn't tell anyone about the deal. But then again, Mira is her sister and she is also the manager of Lucy. Telling her a little about the secret would help them keep the secret safer after all Mira had a lot of connections.
"Well..." Lisanna started, still hesitant to speak up
"Yeah?" Mira gleamed as she scoots closer to her sister
"There is nothing much I know…that you don't know," Lisanna then grins innocently as she tries to hide the fact that she is lying to her sister
"Lisanna…" Mira calls her name like it was a silent threat, making the younger Strauss more nervous than before
"…okay, fine!" Lisanna exclaims after staring straight at her sister's gaze, "The only thing I know is that…"
Lisanna trails off again, making Mira widen her eyes to give a little chill to her sister. Feeling uncomfortable with the crazy eyes Mira was giving, Lisanna finally continued.
"L-Lucy…um, did meet Natsu's family. Um…You know about the charity ball that the Dragneel's always have…um, Natsu brought Lucy along as his date," Lisanna then bites her lips as if she is stopping herself from speaking once again.
Finally, being able to connect the dots, Mira nods her head in understanding. She turns away from her sister with a smile on her face, making the youngest Strauss a little nervous and confused.
"I think I'm getting the whole thing…" Mira mutters softly as she nods her head in satisfaction, and this made Lisanna uncomfortable
"What do you mean 'you get the whole thing'?" Lisanna asks
Turning her gaze to her sister, Mira replies, "The whole thing…"
Raising her brow in confusion, Lisanna then shakes her head as she answers, "Mira-nee, I really don't get you…what do you mean the whole thing? What do you understand now?"
"Lisanna, I think you know what I'm talking about…" Mira mischievously smiles at her sister, "This whole dating thing…"
"W-what about it?" Lisanna innocently asks
"I have this strangest feeling that Lucy and Natsu are dating because…" Mira then trails off as she stares and observes her sister fidget
"Because…" Lisanna repeats as she waits for sister to continue
"This is something made up," Mira then gave a stern look to her sister, who was unable to hide her surprise. With the reaction of Lisanna, Mira was able to confirm her thoughts
"N-No it's not!" Lisanna denies, making Mira chuckle for a moment
"Lisanna, do you really think I'm buying this? I've known Lucy for years as much as you do. You became friends with her because I introduced her to you when you both were starting a career in showbiz. Now, tell me about this lie," Mira then leans back to the couch and crosses her arms as she waits for Lisanna to speak up.
Left with no choice but to tell her sister the truth, Lisanna finally told Mira everything about the deal, about how Natsu and Lucy are pretending to be a couple for their personal reasons. Lisanna also mentions how Grandine is background checking Lucy and everyone else close to them to prove that they were faking the relationship.
"So, Grandine has background checked on Lucy and I didn't get to protect her from Erza?" Mira asks baffled and Lisanna confirms her sister
"Wait, how did you know Erza? I just met her a few times but I would never have guessed you knew her," Lisanna then leans back to the couch
"Erza used to be my batchmate in high school. She has always been good at investigating, that is why she used to be the president of the Investigation Club. But besides that, Erza has interviewed me to background check a woman that Natsu used to date,"
"Who is this woman?" Lisanna curiously asks
"The woman who nearly looted Natsu's inheritance money,"
"But that woman was a model. She wasn't your handle, right?" Lisanna asks, confused
"Yeah. But we used to model together…She was practically just starting her modeling career when I decided to step down and be officially be part of Fiore United Artist Agency," Mira then smiles triumphantly
"Anyways, back to the deal…" Mira states as she shakes her head, "What is the current situation now?"
Lisanna then replies, "Well, Lucy told me and Levy to keep ourselves in low profile so that we wouldn't attract Erza's attention and ask us about them,"
"That's right," Mira affirms with a nod of her head, "Keep yourselves out of Erza's radar. The last thing that should happen is for you and Levy to be confronted by Erza to ask questions about Lucy and Natsu,"
"What shall Lucy do?" Lisanna questions as she feels nervous for her friend
"I'll talk to her and tell her that I'll be helping her out. I know Lucy had to resort to this kind of scheme just to get out of media's old and ugly rumors," Mira then softly smiles at her sister, "Don't worry, I'll help Lucy. Not just with the media, but also with Grandine,"
Saturday morning came, and the first thing Mira had on her agenda for the day is to visit her lovely blonde actress. After knowing the truth about Lucy and Natsu, Mira couldn't wait to talk to the actress and tell her how she is supportive of this scheme they are playing.
It is just 7:30 in the morning when Mira came to the actress's condo unit and found the place empty. Knowing that every Saturday is a jogging day for Lucy, Mira made herself a cup of coffee and waited for the blonde to arrive. So, sitting comfortably on the couch in the living room, Mira scanned some magazines and began to read.
Half an hour past, the front door to the condo suddenly opens and Lucy finally appears. As Lucy shuts her door, unsuspecting any guest, she suddenly squeals in surprise when she turned and saw Mira sitting on her couch with a wide smile on her face.
"Kyaa!" Lucy shrilled while stepping back and clutching her chest
"Good morning Lucy!" Mira greets right after the squeal of the actress, "How's your morning jog?"
"Mira!" Lucy scolds as she stomps her foot on the floor while trying to ease down her pounding heart, "You surprised me!"
"Obviously," Mira stated before she chuckles at the red face of the actress, "But I didn't mean to startle you like this," Mira then stood up after she has placed down her cup of coffee. She headed to Lucy and gave her a warm embrace, which Lucy quickly pulled away from as she utters, "I'm sweaty, and your so clean..."
"Psh! Nonsense! I don't care if I hug you even if you are all sweaty because I'll still hug you if I was sweaty," Mira then laughs as Lucy slowly laughed along with the white-haired beauty.
Shaking her head, Lucy then side steps and heads to her kitchen while Mira trailed after her, "So, what made you visit me today?" Lucy asks as she prepares her own coffee, "If you're still worried about yesterday, don't be because I'm all good..."
"Well, I knew that so technically, I didn't come here for that reason..." Mira replies as she takes a seat by the island table
"Really?" Lucy asks back, surprised. She had her eyebrow raised up as she cocks her head to the side, "Then...why are you here?"
"Ohhhh...something that you haven't told me," Mira vaguely answers, making the blonde even more confused
"Um, maybe it's my lack of coffee that is why I'm not getting you. So, could you be more specific and clear, Mira?" Lucy then smiled innocently as not to offend her manager. But Mira just grinned as she leaned forward to the table and rested her chin on her open palm.
"So, how is your boyfriend?" Mira suddenly asks, which took Lucy aback with the sudden shift of topic
"B-boyfriend?" Lucy stuttered for a moment as she felt panicked but then she quickly calmed her heart when she realized Mira was talking about Natsu, "Oh...you mean Natsu?"
"Why, yeah..." Mira continues to grin
"Um...he's good..." Lucy then bites her lower lip before she turns to hide her face and prepare her coffee
"And?" Mira prompts for more information
"And..." Lucy slowly turned to face her manager, "he's...on a business trip..."
"When will he get back?" Mira continues to ask
"Uh...tomorrow?" Lucy replies back but more like in a questioning tone
"Will you be picking him up or will he be driving here?" Mira further questions, making the blonde a little bit more restless
"Uh, he'll be dropping by?" Lucy hesitantly answers and when she noticed the growing smile of the silver-haired woman, Lucy suddenly frowned and gave a stern look at the woman, "Mira, why are you asking so many questions about Natsu and me? Is there any problem?"
"Problem?" Mira echoes back with wide eyes then she furiously shook her head and said, "Oh! Of course not! I have no issue with you dating Dragneel..." Mira then trails off as she waits for Lucy to react
"Right..." Lucy sarcastically replies back with furrowed brows, "But still your presence here is a big question to me, and now that you're asking me many questions, it makes me feel so cautious around you. Mira, what is going on?"
Pushing herself off from the counter, Lucy then walked towards Mira who kept her smile on her face. When Lucy was in front of the white-haired woman, she crossed her arms and gave a stern look.
"Would you please tell me what is really going on? Just be honest," Lucy stated
"Well, let me just clear something. I didn't bombard you with questions because I am doubtful of you or something. In fact, I was trying to help you," Mira then gave a look that told Lucy that she was dead serious
"Wait-you're helping me?" Lucy asks as she points to herself, "In what way is that helping me?"
"With Erza," Mira confidently replies, making the blonde choke in her own spit
"E-excuse me?" Lucy stuttering states as her eyes grew wide, "D-did you just say Erza?"
Mira then laughs as she watches the shocked expression of the blonde. She knew that saying the redhead's name would make the actress baffled but at the same time it simply sends to Lucy the message that she knows about the deal.
"Oh, dear Lucy, did you think that you could keep a secret from me?" Mira then leans forward to rest her arms over the counter and sweetly smile at the actress
"S-secret?" Lucy denyingly repeats, which only made the silverette roll her eyes, "What secret?"
"Lucy, should I ask what you have asked me? Should I ask you to be honest?" Mira then gives a serious face to the blonde, leaving the actress no choice but to be real
"Okay…I admit. I'm having a secret deal with Natsu Dragneel and everything about us is fake. I'm not dating him. We're just pretending to date," Lucy answers as she stands up straight and crosses her arms
"Thank you for your honesty. Now," Mira then stands and walks toward Lucy and held her shoulders firmly, "I shall do my best to keep your secret safe from Erza and the Dragneel family,"
Confused with the words of the woman, Lucy couldn't help but raise her brow and cock her head to the side as asks, "Did I hear you right? You're going to keep my secret safe from being discovered from Erza and Grandine?"
"Why, yes. Your diversion with Natsu is perfect to keep your rumors with Loke away from the limelight. Now, what needs to be handled is the side of Natsu. After all, that man had bad choices in his girlfriends. Those women only try to get the best out of him, particularly his money," Mira then grins triumphantly, completely ignoring the stunned look of the actress.
"I know it's surprising that a person like me would discover your secret. But you must remember Lucy, I am your manager and I would do everything to help you out with whatever issues you have. I am not just your manager, but I'm also a friend. Lisanna, Levy, and I will help you and Natsu keep your secret safe," Mira then smiles wider to assure the actress, who only fidgeted in surprise. Soon enough, Mira pulls Lucy into a hug and gave her a tight assurance of safety.
"Mira…" Lucy mumbles as she pulls away from her manager, "I don't know what to say,"
"There is nothing to say. I just want you to trust me this time, okay?" Mira tilts her head in anticipation for Lucy's reply
"Yes, of course," Lucy then smiles back at the woman before the hugged one another.
Soon enough, the two pulled away and headed to the living room to continue their conversation. As they sat down on the couch, Mira quickly shifts the topic.
"So, about Erza and Grandine. I have some tips for you to keep your secret safe from them," Mira then smiles confidently when she saw the eagerness in Lucy's face
"Please, educate me how to avoid getting busted by Erza. In all fairness, that woman has good looks, but her skills are deadly," Lucy utters before she and Mira laughs together
"Tell me about it!"
Sitting by the window in a nearby café, Natsu continued to type away on his laptop as a blue-haired woman came strutting towards him. Without getting the attention of the pink-haired president, the woman sat in front of him and grinned widely.
"It's Saturday and yet, Natsu-san is busy sitting here doing his work," the woman then sits up straight as she stared at the busy man
"Good morning Juvia," Natsu mumbles out while he continued to stare at his computer
"Good morning," Juvia replies back, "But it would be politer if you greet a person while looking at them,"
And with that, Natsu looked away from his computer and stared at Juvia, eye-to-eye, and greeted once again, "Good morning, Juvia,"
"That's better," Juvia said grinning to the man
As Natsu looked back to his work, Juvia then sighs before she leans back to her plush chair. Watching the pink-haired man, the blunette couldn't help but wonder why the president was overworking himself again despite having a colorful love life.
Slowly, Juvia smiles to herself as she sits up straight and dug into her purse bag. Pulling out her phone, she began scanning her social media and searched for a certain celebrity. After finding the person she is looking for, she excitedly clicked on a photo and showed it to Natsu.
"Natsu-san! Look!" Juvia exclaims as she wiggles her hold to her phone
Slowly looking up, Natsu immediately squinted and tried to figure out who the person was on Juvia's phone. When he finally recognized the blonde-haired actress, his eyes nearly grew wide in surprise. But he immediately calmed himself and moved back.
"It's Lucy," Natsu answers back, nonchalantly
"Yes, I know!" Juvia then takes her phone back as she looks up at Natsu, "And I searched her for you,"
"And why would you do that?" Natsu asked as he crossed his arms over his chest while he dropped his back to his chair
"Because probably you miss her," Juvia sweetly smiles at the man
Sighing at the reasoning of the blunette, Natsu couldn't help but smile at the end, "Juvia, you don't have to do that,"
"Why not?" Juvia slightly pouted
"Because I'm here for business…" Natsu simply replies back
"So? That doesn't mean you can't miss her. She's your girlfriend and probably she misses you too…" Juvia then smiles warmly at the pinkette, "Why don't you call her and…chat and I don't know, talk about whatever you want,"
"Like I said Juvia, I'm on a business trip. I need to finish this because tomorrow morning I'd be leaving Lilia. I don't have enough time," Natsu then sits up and began to work again.
As Natsu started typing again, Juvia was slowly fuming in annoyance. With her forehead crunched, Juvia seriously said, "Save your work,"
Looking up at the blunette, Natsu raised a brow as he stared at the woman, "What?"
"I said, save your work," Juvia irately repeats
"Okay, geez…" Natsu then clicked on the save and said, "Done,"
And with that, Juvia immediately shuts close the laptop of the pinkette and sternly looked at the man. With the intense gaze of the woman, Natsu suddenly shivered in fear as Juvia mumbles out, "You are heading out of this café and roam around the city. You'll take pictures of yourself and the place so that you'll have something to show to your girlfriend,"
"Uh…what?" Natsu baffled asked
"I am not letting you spend your last day here in Lilia city sitting in a café, working your ass off on a weekend," and with that Juvia stood up, making her chair screech back, "Now come on! Juvia will tour you around!"
When Juvia stepped out of her seat, Natsu blankly stared at the retreating woman. Still not moving to clean up his things, Juvia abruptly looked back and snapped at the man, "Natsu-san! Hurry!"
"Oh! Uh-yeah!" and with that, Natsu quickly fixed his things. Soon enough, the duo stepped out of the café and headed towards the first newest heritage built in the city.
Natsu and Juvia arrived at the heritage site for the said Magical Narra Tree that said to grant wishes. As the two stood before the giant tree, the wind quickly blew, and the flowers began to flow in the air.
"Natsu-san, isn't it beautiful?" Juvia asked in enthrallment as she kept her attention to the floating flowers
"…yeah, sure…" Natsu replies back a little sarcastically, making the woman glare immediately at him, "What? I'm serious about it,"
"Well, you don't sound like it," Juvia replies back, annoyed
"Well, I'm honest about what I said," Natsu answers back, trying to defend himself from the annoyed woman, "It's just that…this would have been better for you if Gray was here instead of me,"
Juvia then slightly blushed before she looked away and tried to hide a smile, "I guess you're right. But, don't worry about me. I've toured Lilia many times with Gray-sama already, so, that's good. What matters most is…you," Juvia then turns to look at Natsu with a smile on her face
With the full attention of Juvia on him, Natsu couldn't help but raise a brow at the woman as he gave a slight glance at her.
"Well, thank you for your kind consideration," Natsu then smiled weakly before he turned his back on the tree and headed for a stone bench.
As Juvia followed, the two finally sat down and just observed the people around the heritage, taking a photo. As other people wrote down their wish on a piece of paper, Natsu suddenly wondered if all people placed some wishes on that tree.
"Do all people make wish there?" Natsu asked in curiosity
"Yeah, almost all…" Juvia then looked at the pinkette, "Why? You don't believe in the magic of it?"
"Well…" Natsu then tilts his head in doubt, "I don't think it's magical. It looks like an ordinary tree to me,"
Juvia then chuckles before she looks away from her seatmate and glanced at the tree, "This is not some magical show that it puffs out glitters and shine. It's the belief that people have in that tree…"
"Did you wish there?" Natsu asked
"Yeah, of course," Juvia replies back as if it was an obvious answer
"Did it come true?" Natsu inquired more
"Yes…I believe so it did," Juvia then smiles tenderly at the tree as she recalled her wish, "I met him,"
"Oh god…" Natsu then rolled his eyes as he shook his head
"What?!" Juvia disbelievingly exclaims, "It's normal to wish for things like that…"
"Okay, I'm not judging…" Natsu then chuckled at the blushing face of the woman
The two then was silent but Juvia had something in her mind. As she waited a few more seconds of silence, she finally turned a bit to look at Natsu and ask him.
"So, what is your girlfriend like?" Juvia interestedly ask
"My girlfriend?" Natsu slowly sat up straight and rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, she's pretty,"
"I know that! Lucy Ashley is a brand endorser for Eclipse Make-up. Tell me something I don't know,"
"Okay…" Natsu then took a breath before he continued, "Um, she's just like a simple girl. She's not the stereotypical celebrity actress,"
"Really? What makes her so important for you?" Juvia asked in fascination
"I don't know. She seems different from all the women I've dated. She doesn't see me as a president of a company but…just an ordinary guy, who makes her laugh," Natsu then smiled to himself but when he caught himself doing so, he quickly shook his head and cleared his throat.
"Well, basically like that…"
"Mrs. Dragneel would love her, I assure you that," Juvia then looked at heritage place as she continues, "I have this feeling that she gives you joy like you never felt before. Like, your being yourself around her just like you do with your friends,"
"Psh, what are you saying?" Natsu then chuckles to himself
"I'm saying…you don't act like the Natsu we know whenever you were with Hera. I know, she can be intimidating, too beautiful, but we never saw you relaxed around her. Like you're always afraid that you'd lose her,"
"I broke up with her, remember?" Natsu said to Juvia
"Yeah you did, but like after recovering from a nearly endless pleading with her to take you back," Juvia then shook her head, "A lot of us had to knock some senses to you,"
"Well…I was being stupid that time," Natsu then sighed, "And it's not going to happen again,"
"For some reason, I feel like you made a good choice with pursuing Lucy. You both have a good chemistry,"
"How could you say that when you haven't seen her in person with me?" Natsu mischievously asks
"Pictures…I can sense there," Juvia then chuckles as Natsu looked at her horrified
"You are one creepy woman, you know that?" Natsu then chuckles to himself too
"I've been told…"
Dragneel Residence
Sitting patiently in the living room, Erza tapped her fingers over the envelope she has on her lap. As she waits for Grandine to come down and meet her, she began to recall all the information that she has gathered about the new subject to investigate on. Soon enough, Grandine came into view with a worried smile on her face.
"Well, you seem to be quick with your job," Grandine comments as she stood a few meters away from the redhead
"Oh, Ms. Grandine," Erza then stood up and quickly bowed before her, "I brought you-"
"I know, take a seat," and with Grandine sat in front of the woman and gently accepted the envelope that Erza had handed
"Well, Loke De Leon is an actor under the Fiore United Artist Agency and he had debuted one year earlier than Lucy. The two became a public couple nearly three years ago and they just recently broke up," Erza then slightly sat back
"Recently?" Grandine echoes back, "Like how recent? Three months?"
"…Nearly just a month ago," Erza answers back hesitantly
And with that, Grandine sighed tiredly as she leans back to her seat and began to lose some energy. Baffled with what she has heard, Grandine couldn't help but shake her head in disappointment.
"Natsu is lying to me again," Grandine muttered to herself before looking back at Erza, "That actress said that they just recently got together then that means…"
"It's either Natsu and Lucy were secretly seeing one another while Lucy was still with Loke, or Natsu and Lucy are just faking their relationship," Erza states her observation, which didn't make Grandine assured at all
"But still…Natsu still lied and that actress is using my son," Grandine's face suddenly became serious and her expression became angry, making Erza a little uncomfortable.
"Ms. Grandine, I don't want to be rude, but I think we should give Natsu a break," Erza hesitated for a moment when Grandine sternly looked back at her
"A break? Erza, you know my son. He can be reckless and stupid at times especially with women. I am not going to allow any woman to hurt my son again and try to take advantage of him," Grandine then sat up straight as her fist suddenly tightens, "If that actress wants to play and my son is being an idiot of agreeing to this, then I shall play,"
"Ms. Grandine, I don't think that would make the situation any better. If you want, we can just confront the two and make them admit," Erza then moved closer, "Playing along with their game wouldn't make them reveal the truth,"
"Erza, honey, I don't think you know me very well yet. I am capable of bringing someone down if I wanted to. If that actress is controlling my son, and my son is being foolish, as a mother, I shall do something about it,"
"But-"
"No, Erza. This is not something you should be concerned about. From now on, your mission is done, and you don't have to care about what happens next. If you're worried about Natsu, go and warn him, I won't stop you. But I'm telling you, you can't stop me either," and with that, Grandine stood up and gave a serious gaze at the redhead, "Thank you for your service Ms. Scarlet, you may go," and with that, Grandine turned her back and headed upstairs.
Sunday finally came, and Lucy woke up early that day. As she wears her denim jacket over her plain white shirt, Lucy quickly grabbed her book and purse. Soon enough, Lucy headed to her door and opened it.
"Good morning," a voice quickly greeted the blonde, making the woman stumble back in surprise
"Oh god!" Lucy exclaimed as she clutched her chest in surprise. When Lucy was able to catch herself, she looked at her unsuspected visitor and was surprised to see the pink-haired man.
"I didn't know you easily get surprised," Natsu commented as he stood up straight and shoved his hands to his pockets
"Natsu…" Lucy utters, "What are you doing here? When did you arrive?"
"Just this morning," Natsu then walked past the blonde and entered the condo, making the woman even more surprised, "Why? Did you plan on fetching me in the airport?"
"What? No," Lucy said as her face scrunches and she crossed her arms over her chest, "Why are you here?"
"For you, obviously," Natsu then grinned widely, making Lucy blush a little but quickly dismissed the thought
"Well besides that? Shouldn't you be like, wanting to sleep instead?" Lucy asked as she walked a little closer to Natsu, who was taking a seat in her couch
"Oh, look at you. All concerned about me," Natsu smiled wider when Lucy's face gave a bored look to him. So, Natsu stood up and suddenly tapped the head of the blonde, "Thanks for the concern but I'm okay,"
"I wasn't concerned about you," Lucy stated back, but it only made Natsu laugh as he slowly retreated his hand from her head
"Okay, if you say so…so, how about coffee?" Natsu offered
"I was planning to, but you showed up in my doorstep," Lucy said annoyed
Without warning, Natsu suddenly turned Lucy around and pushed her gently towards the door. The two then headed out of the condo unit and went to the nearest café in the condominium building.
As the two sat down at the café, waiting for their order to arrive, Lucy skeptically watched the pinkette. The actress couldn't figure out why Natsu would come all of a sudden to her place.
"You know, I might melt in your stare," Natsu muttered as he slowly puts down his phone to the table and glance up at the blonde
"Just so you know, I'm not admiring you," Lucy defended before she leans back to her seat
"Okay," Natsu replies, shrugging off his shoulder before leaning back to his seat as well
The two then became silent for a moment but Lucy quickly broke her silence and asked the pinkette. Leaning close to the man, she asked, "Are you drunk or something?"
"Drunk? Why would I be drunk when I just came from a business trip?" Natsu asked back, confusedly with the question of Lucy
"I don't know…you seem different," Lucy then looked away as she leans away from the man
"Did you miss me?" Natsu assertively asks, making Lucy abruptly glance at him with wide eyes
"What? W-why would I miss you?" Lucy then chortles in her seat as she tries to understand what Natsu was going about
"I'm just testing you," Natsu whispered before he smirked mischievously at the blonde. Without knowing, Lucy then slaps the man on the arm and glared back at him
"You are one weirdo!" Lucy exclaimed before she crossed her arms over her chest
A waiter then arrives with a tray at hand. Soon enough, the waiter placed down two plates of sandwiches and a mug of chocolate mint coffee and a black coffee. When the waiter was gone, Natsu quickly grabbed his food and began to eat.
"Your presence really makes me wonder," Lucy stated as she slowly pulled her plate closer while keeping her eyes to the eating man, "I didn't expect you to be at my doorstep,"
Looking up at the blonde, Natsu stared for a moment at the woman before him as he tried to finish his food in his mouth. When he was done, he immediately replies, "Because someone told me that I should make it up to you,"
"Make it up for me?" Lucy confusingly asks back. When Natsu nodded, Lucy asked again, "Why would you have to make it up for me?"
"Because I wasn't here when you underwent that rumor alone," Natsu then smiled gently at Lucy when she finally accepted his reason.
Although that wasn't the whole truth, Natsu just made it another reason why he is sitting in front of Lucy having breakfast with her, despite feeling sleepy after his flight from Lilia city. When Lucy finally began to eat her food, Natsu was finally able to relax and eat his own too. Soon, the two fell into a good conversation over their food.
While Natsu and Lucy eat their breakfast, a few freelance photographers were able to capture them having their meal. With that scene being taken photographed, the images were being sent immediately to the media outlets to bring out news about the actress and the businessman. So, without Natsu and Lucy's knowledge, the two are already up on the internet again creating a noise about their reunion.
This news quickly reaches Grandine, making her smile disappear. With her determination to end the fake relationship her son is trying to show to them, Grandine decided that her plan should be on the move. So, abruptly, Grandine grabbed her phone and called her son.
Kring! Kring! Kring!
"Excuse me," Natsu said as his phone ringed, interrupting his story to Lucy about his trip to Lilia City. When he answered the call, Natsu was obviously a little surprised with the caller.
"Mom," Natsu exclaimed in surprise before he slowly looked up at Lucy who's smile slowly faded after knowing it's Grandine who is calling, "Um, yeah. I just got back,"
Lucy silently watched the man be a little uncomfortable with the call. But she kept silent as not to interrupt their conversation
"Uh, No, I'm good. Everything is good," Natsu then glanced at Lucy and tried to give an assuring smile, but it barely reached his eyes, "Yeah, sure. I'll be there in a few hours…what?"
Natsu then looked alarmed as he gazed at Lucy, making the woman a little scared of what is happening. Lucy could feel her heart beat faster as she continued to watch Natsu's expression turn from one emotion to another.
"Um…yeah, sure. I'll bring her with me," and with that, Lucy's eyes began to grow wide as she began to suspect that they are talking about her
"Okay, bye," Natsu then slowly pulled his phone away from his ear and placed it on the table
"W-what happening? Is there a problem?" Lucy inquired as she felt her body shiver in nervousness
"Well…" Natsu trails off before he continues, "No. There is no problem," He then grinned at the blonde, but Lucy isn't convinced. With the expression Lucy has on her face, Natsu felt defeated as he decides to tell the truth.
"Okay, fine…" Natsu then swallows hard before he added, "Mom wants me to come over in the Manor,"
"O-okay…" Lucy replies back, a little more at the edge of her seat, "But I heard-"
"Yeah, whatever you're thinking. It's a yes," Natsu cuts off the blonde as he nods his head
"Wait, so you're saying…" Lucy trails off this time, making Natsu finish the thought for her
"Yep, she wants me to come over to the Mansion with you. So, I guess you're coming with me," Natsu then smiled sheepishly, feeling a little embarrassed about having this surprising turn of events for Lucy.
To be continued…
