Chapter 17

As Lucy takes her seat by the counter table, she gives a curious look to the pink-haired man who is grinning back at her. She knew that Natsu could be playful and teasing but she also knows that the man is just as mysterious as she is. So, as she hands over Natsu's bowl of spaghetti, she began to ask, "What's with that look?"

"What look?" Natsu replies back as he accepts the bowl and said, "Thanks,"

"That look," Lucy pointed out with her fork before she smiles back at the man

"Would you mind of describing this look?" Natsu chuckles silently as he watches the blond laugh back at his response

"You want me to describe it? okay…You have this smug look, quite manly, and-"

"Handsome, attractive. I know, I was born like this. So…" Natsu then laughed out loud when Lucy began laughing at his own description

"You are one heck of an airhead," Lucy said as she shakes her head in disbelief, enjoying the teasing with the man, "So…how is my cooking? Does it pass your taste?"

"Hmm," Natsu scrunches his face as he tastes his food, while Lucy slowly began to worry that he is not liking his food. Lucy knows that she isn't the best cook, but she also knows that she isn't a bad cook. So, watching the pinkette look like he is not enjoying his food, Lucy couldn't help but worry.

"Look, if the food is not good, we can-" Lucy then trails off when she notices that Natsu was shivering in laughter and soon he was boisterously laughing, making Lucy frown and annoyed, "Were you just playing a joke on me?"

As Natsu slows down from his laughter, he gave a wide smile to the blond and said, "Yes, I was. I can't believe that you are so concerned about your cooking,"

"Well of course! You are my guest and…I don't usually cook for my guests," Lucy then she shoveled a spoonful of spaghetti into her mouth to give herself an excuse not to talk

"Really?" Natsu replied surprised, "So, I'm one of the few people you cook for?" Lucy just then looked at Natsu with a tad of shyness and surprise. As a response, she shrugged her shoulders before getting another spoonful of her food.

With how Lucy seems to be avoiding talking, the two decided to eat quietly and enjoy one another's presence without having any real conversation. But as soon as they finished their meal, the two became awkward and barely gave a glance to each other. Lucy immediately just grabbed the bowls and headed back to the sink to wash dishes.

"You can um… watch tv if you want. I'll just wash the dishes," Lucy said out loud as if she was trying to push the man away. But as silence lingered, Lucy couldn't help but turn around to see why Natsu wasn't answering, only to find him standing behind her.

"Oh goodness!" Lucy exclaimed as she clutched the bowls tighter. Natsu just chortled at the blond before grabbing the bowls from her hands, "Let me," he said before taking over the sink

"What are you doing?" Lucy asked, baffled

"Obviously, I'm going to wash the dishes," Natsu then grinned when the actress just raised her brows at him, "What? You don't think I know how to wash dishes?"

Lucy just stared for a moment before she replied, "No…I'm…just surprised,"

"Well, you discovered a new thing about me," Natsu then opened the faucet and grabbed the sponge. Soon, he was cleaning the bowl when he noticed Lucy continued to watch him curiously

"You know, I don't mind talking while washing the dishes,"

"Huh?" Lucy quickly snapped out of her thoughts as she gazed at the man intensely

"Talk," Natsu said before smiling and looked back at his task

"Oh uh…" Lucy trailed off for a moment as she tried to think of a topic, "What did you think about the food?"

Natsu suddenly laughed, "You're seriously not over with that topic yet?"

"What? I never got a real answer," Lucy insisted as she crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back to the counter

"You want the truth?" Natsu asked back and Lucy nodded despite looking quite nervous, "It was delicious,"

Lucy then smiled bashfully, feeling happy that she made a delicious meal for Natsu, "Thank you,"

"So, how many people have tasted your good cooking?"

"Just a few…" Lucy replies back, still with a smile on her face

"And Loke is one of them?" Natsu asked quite hesitantly

Lucy suddenly stared at Natsu for a few seconds before she shakes her head and explained, "I never really got the chance to cook for Loke. He's a busy actor with all his schedules and having a date with him privately is a difficult thing,"

"For three years? You both never had a private date?" Natsu asked shocked

"Yeah…most of our dates would be in restaurants where media could see us and take pictures of us dating," Lucy suddenly looked down to her fumbling hands as her smile slowly fades away, "I use to think it was fine because I knew my feelings were real and his feelings were real too…"

"But it's not," Natsu nonchalantly comments as he turns off the water

"Yeah, I think so too…" Lucy then looked up at the pinkette and tried to give a smile, but it was too tight to even consider it as a smile

"You know what, let's drink to that," Natsu then turns away and began opening a few cabinets until he saw the wine glasses, "How about we drink some wine?"

"Wine it is," Lucy then walked over to her refrigerator and pulled out her bottle of wine.

As the two headed to the balcony to feel the night breeze, the two continued to talk and discover a few more things about one another. They enjoyed talking about their experiences in their own field of work and relationship with other people. Until they began talking about the vacation tradition.

"So, about that vacation tradition," Lucy then glanced at the man as she tucks her legs closer to her body, "how should we do it?"

"Knowing mom, she'll know that we're faking it," Natsu replies back before he takes a sip from his glass

"Then we'll try to find a way for her not to know we're faking it," Lucy then places her glass on top of the table between them, "I don't think getting caught at the moment would be a great idea for us,"

"Yeah, I know," Natsu answered with a tight smile, "It's just that I can sense that she's on our tail. Just watching us fake this relationship and waiting for the right moment to scold me, and destroy your career,"

"Why does your mom think like that?"

"After what happened with me and Hera, she couldn't relax about me having a relationship with women that she didn't set up with me," Natsu then chuckles, "That's why I needed you. To distract her and make her forget about the idea of setting me up for blind dates,"

"And I did," Lucy smiled sweetly, "It's just that, she's not liking it because she thinks that I have an ulterior motive with you,"

"The funny thing is I expected that at the beginning because I thought you came from an ordinary family. But when you said that you were a Heartfilia, I thought she'd loosen up and give a little more space for me,"

"But she didn't," Lucy then sighs as she turns away from Natsu and looked up at the sky as she slowly takes her glass again to drink, "In fact, she became more cautious about it,"

"Yeah…" Natsu then copies Lucy's position and they both stared at the night sky that barely had stars that night, "The only solution we have is to make it real,"

Lucy then chuckled at Natsu's suggestion, "Natsu, we had a deal,"

"I didn't say that we should fall in love with one another. I just think that we should try to…date,"

"We are dating," Lucy states back but furrows her brows when Natsu shook his head and sat up straight to look at her

"No as in…date-date. Like us being like this, spontaneously asking one another to hang out and talk about anything and not like calling one another because we need to show the public that we're together…" Natsu then looked timid as if unsure that Lucy would like the idea

"Like friends…real friends hanging out," Lucy then sat up straight and gave a sweet smile to the man, "I get it. And I think that's a great idea," Lucy then raised her glass and waited for Natsu to cling his glass to hers.

As the night got deeper and the two got more drunk, Lucy invited Natsu to stay over instead. Since it was the best option for him to stay rather than drive home drunk, Lucy insisted that he'd sleep in her place and without a fight, Natsu just agreed and helped Lucy bring out some blankets and pillows.

As Lucy continued to mumble about how bad it is to drive while under the influence of alcohol, Natsu began to roam around Lucy's room and took notice of all her things.

Lucy has a desk table full of paper and books clattered everywhere. Pens were uncapped, her laptop was open but was not turned on, and a bundle of paper was gathered at the edge of the table. As Natsu grabs the bundle of papers, he began to read the cover page, "The secret life of Lucy Ashley,"

Lucy suddenly froze from her spot and abruptly turns around to see Natsu holding her precious raw novel, "Gah!" Lucy shouted as she bolts into Natsu and grabbed her papers, "Why are you holding this?!"

"What?" Natsu confusedly looked at the blond before he easily takes it back, "What is this?"

"No!" Lucy then tries to grab the paper again but then Natsu kept on dodging her attempts as he tries to read a few sentences. Being desperate and drunk, Lucy suddenly embraced Natsu by the waist and pleaded him, "Nastu~, please?"

Natsu then looked down at Lucy and quickly noticed how her cheeks were red from her drunkenness. Acting up to his instincts, he suddenly brushed her cheeks with his thumb and felt it warm. As he kept his hand cupping her Lucy's face, a smile suddenly came to his lips and said, "Alright, I'll give it back in one condition,"

Lucy then tilts her head as she rests it to Natsu's warm hands, "What?"

"You have to…"

"Kiss you?" Lucy answered for the man and he just smiled at her

"…No, tell me what this story is about,"

"Oh, …it's my autobiography. Since I'm having my break from series, I planned to write my story for the meantime," Lucy then smiled childishly at Natsu as she brings out her hand to take the papers. And Natsu obediently gave it back.

When Lucy was about to pull away, Natsu quickly placed a kiss on her forehead and whispered, "Night, Luce…sweet dreams," and with that, he grabbed the pillows and blanket that Lucy had brought out before turning away from her and headed out to the living room. As Natsu was about to close the door, Lucy quickly called Natsu's attention, "Hey, Natsu," the man then looked back, "good night," she said softly as a soft smile appears on her face

"Good night," and with that Natsu closes the door.


Squatted down by the couch, Lucy curiously stared at the man sleeping on her living room. She remembered that she and Natsu were quite drunk last night and that nothing happened between them because obviously, she woke up alone in bed, in her pajamas.

The moment she woke up, she dashed out of her room and checked her place only to see Natsu sleeping soundly in her living room. She sighed in relief, although she isn't sure why she finds it relieving that Natsu didn't leave her place.

Shaking her head in disagreement with her thoughts, Lucy hurriedly stood up and went straight to her kitchen, "I just need coffee," Lucy mumbled to herself as she headed to the kitchen. As soon as she did, she grabbed her coffee granule and poured it to the coffeemaker.

As she waited for the coffee to be ready, Lucy slowly turned around to check on Natsu. He was still asleep, in fact, he was like dreaming, a good dream that made him smile unconsciously.

"He looks charming," Lucy mumbled to herself as she kept her gaze to the sleeping man until she realized her words. As if snapping out of a spell, Lucy stood up straight with her eyes wide and gasped silently as she turns away and questioned herself, "Oh my goodness Lucy, what are you saying?" She then wiped her head quickly to look at Natsu then looked away again, "I mean…fine, let's be honest…he is good looking, but that's just it. No emotions, no attachment, no crush…"

Lucy slowly turns around again and leaned back to her counter as she sighed in disbelief with herself. She easily crushes on a guy that is handsome, smart, and kindhearted and Natsu is just like that. But she knows her boundary. She can't really fall for this guy because technically they had a deal.

"I know my limitations…I can…just admire him, like a petty crush," Lucy sighs one more time before turning around to get herself a cup of coffee.

Lucy usually likes her coffee with cream but with her present thoughts, she feels like drinking a black coffee, something that is extremely bitter. As she moans in satisfaction with her drink, she began walking back to her living room and squatted close to Natsu again. She just sat there and observed Natsu's face as he slept. She couldn't help but think how Natsu looks calmer and peaceful like he has no problem at all.

Lucy then exhales over her cup of coffee as she thought of wishful thinking that if ever, they had met in a different time and place it would have been great to be best friends with him. He seemed to be the guy who would continuously save you and protect you from any harm because that's how much he cares for a friend.

As Lucy kept her gaze to the man while her mind is in dreamland, Natsu suddenly stirred from his sleep and began sniffing. He slowly rose and somehow this snapped Lucy out of her trance when Natsu began sniffing close to her. With her eyes growing wide in surprise, she suddenly yelped when Natsu mumbled out the word 'coffee' as he opened his eyes wide.

Natsu had his lips on Lucy's cup as he inhales the aroma of the black coffee. With this smell, Natsu couldn't help but be more awaken and realize his surroundings. Instantly, he recognizes Lucy's brown eyes, full of surprise and wonder. Without hesitation, he grinned back at her as he greeted, "Good morning, Luce,"

Lucy then stumbled down on the floor along with her cup, making Natsu a little bit nervous that she might get burnt with her hot drink. As she fell, Natsu quickly sat up straight and asked worriedly, "Hey, are you okay?"

"Huh?" Lucy uttered dumbfoundedly

"I said are you okay?" Natsu then grabbed Lucy's arm to help her stand up as he also did, "Did any coffee spill on you?"

"Uh…no, I'm good," Lucy quickly turned away from him once she and Natsu stood up

Tilting his head in confusion, Natsu tried to shrug it off as he watched Lucy head back to the kitchen. Despite being a little bit confused, Natsu just followed the blonde and headed to the kitchen as well and sat down by the counter table.

"So, you woke up early," Natsu stated as to start a conversation

"Uh, yeah…and you overslept I guess?" Lucy replied back as she turns around to face Natsu and hand him a cup of coffee as well

"Thanks," He said as he accepts the coffee, "I guess I did. It's been a long time since I overslept,"

"A long time? Why's that?" Lucy questioned as she sits down in front of the man

"I don't know…I just never felt homey at my place," Natsu then shrugged his shoulders before taking a sip of his coffee

"Then I guess, you feel at home at my place," Lucy teased

"I think so," Natsu and Lucy then chuckles together until a phone began ringing

"I think it's your phone," Lucy mumbles before she points at the buzzing phone on her coffee table by the living room.

Natsu walked over to the living room and grabbed his phone to answer the call. Seeing that it's his mother calling, Natsu immediately pressed the answer button and enabled the loudspeaker mode. As he takes his seat again at the counter table, he finally spoke, "Good morning mom, what made you call?"

Lucy looked at Natsu with a tad of surprise but Natsu reassured her with a kind smile as they listened to Grandine, "I just called to check up on you,"

"Why's that?" Natsu answered back

"Well, your head security told me that you didn't come home,"

"Yeah, I'm not at home," Natsu then took a sip as he stared at his phone

"Then where are you?"

"I'm at Lucy's place," Natsu then looked at Lucy, who was quietly just observing him

"And why are you there?" Grandine asked with a tone of suspiciousness

Natsu then chuckles at his mother, finding her ridiculous that she is treating him like he was a teenager again, "Mom, do I really need to answer your question?"

"Why of course Natsu, I am worried,"

"Are you sure you want to know? Because you know what usually happens when a couple sleeps together under one roof," Natsu then grinned before glancing at the blonde, who had her face scrunched up in confusion with his words when suddenly it hits her what Natsu meant

"Oh goodness," Grandine said as she felt scandalized

"Gah!" Natsu yelped in surprise when Lucy suddenly hit his leg. Instead of being mad about it, Natsu just chortled as he answers his mother, "Now you made Lucy embarrassed. You just made me tell you about our sexual activities,"

"Natsu!" Lucy exclaimed in astonishment before covering her mouth with her hands. When Natsu shrugged his shoulders at her, Natsu was signaling for her to speak up, after all, she has been heard already, "Um, good morning, Mrs. Dragneel,"

"Oh…Good morning, Lucy,"

Natsu then chortles at his mother's shy voice, "So…is there anything else you want to know?"

"No, I'm good…" Grandine then trails off before she shrieks in remembering something, "Oh, um, your father is on his way to the office. I suggest that you should get dressed and head to the office because he might be looking for you,"

"Well, I was thinking to take a day off today. I just want to take a rest and spend the day with my girlfriend, 'cause I missed her," Natsu then looked at Lucy, who had a dash of pink on her cheeks

"I see…well then, don't forget to tell your father and your secretary. They might expect you to come,"

"Alright, I'll do that, thanks mom,"

"Alright, goodbye," and with that, the call ends as Natsu presses the end call button.

When silence came between them, Natsu decided to clear his throat as he kept his gaze to the blonde actress, "So, are you busy today?"

Lucy is left speechless about hearing everything Natsu and his mother just talked about. Even if she knew that she and Natsu did nothing that he said to his mother, she just couldn't believe that that just happened.

"Hello, Luce? Earth calling Lucy," Natsu mumbles as he tries to catch the blonde's attention and when Lucy shook her head as she snaps out of her thoughts, Natsu couldn't help but chortle softly at the blonde

"Why are you laughing?" Lucy questioned as she raised a brow at the pinkette

"Nothing, it's just that your reaction is amusing," Natsu then grinned at the woman

"Oh, you find my reaction as entertainment, that's great…" Lucy then scowled at the man, "Would you care to explain what just happened?"

"Ah," Natsu the snickers, "Well, that's Mom. She is very curious about our relationship and I just had to give her some little details,"

"Details that aren't true…" Lucy commented back

"Yeah, I know. But she doesn't know," Natsu then smirked, "You know Luce, one thing that could make my mother think that I'm in a relationship is if I sleep in someone else's home,"

"Ah, so you always sleep with women," Lucy then gave a scrutinizing look as if she was judging Natsu

Natsu looked at her baffled for a moment, wondering why was she getting irritated, "No. What I meant of sleeping in other people's home is about me feeling homey with other people's place,"

"Oh…" Lucy then looked embarrassed for accusing him, "so you don't sleep around?"

"I sleep with my girlfriends," Natsu then grins when Lucy gave a disgusted look

"I don't need to know about your sex life," Lucy then stood up as she shivers in disgust and enters her bedroom, leaving the pinkette in laughter.


As the day goes on, Natsu and Lucy finally step out of the condo and heads toward a small restaurant near the building for lunch. To protect their public image, the two strategically walked hand in hand, talking closely as hidden paparazzi took their photos. After all, they knew how the media was closely watching their every move.

"How did you know that there will be paparazzi around?" Natsu asked softly as he leans closer to Lucy, who then turns her head towards the man, "It's obvious Natsu. Just yesterday we were photographed together, so obviously they are obsessed about us again,"

"Smart," Natsu then kissed Lucy's bare shoulder, who was taken aback for a moment but quickly smiles at the man to prevent any doubtful thoughts about them

"Sweet," She utters back to him before she stops walking and wrapped her arms around Natsu's waist as she leans towards him, "This is called public display of affection. As to make more noise about our relationship that we are in a good place, we have to give them what they want," Lucy then sweetly smiled at Natsu, who was attentively listening

"Are you suggesting that we should…make out?" Natsu then grinned when Lucy suddenly blushed at his teasing

"I was thinking of a kiss," Lucy then pulls away from the pinkette and grabbed his hand instead as she pulls him inside the restaurant.

As the two ate their lunch, they talked freely about what is happening with their own lives. Somehow, they are catching up to one another's lives and they feel comfortable sharing every detail of their past experiences. They couldn't help but feel at ease with each other's company even if they were in the public. They were so natural in conversing, laughing at each other's jokes and thoughts to the point that they feel like they have known each other for a long time.

"You know Natsu, it's great to have you as a friend," Lucy sweetly smiled at the man before looking away bashful

"Just as a friend?" Natsu teased as he watched Lucy roll her eyes before they laughed together, "Lisanna is my best friend. But with you, it feels different,"

"How different?" Lucy asked

"I don't know…some of the stories I told you, she doesn't know," Natsu genuinely smiled at the blonde when she looked back at him with a little surprise, "That's how different I feel about you as my friend,"

"Well…it's an honor to know you in a different perspective, I guess," Lucy then chuckles, "After all, we met in an unusual way,"

"Of course, how can I forget. I had to make you look like we were making out," Natsu then smirked

"Excuse me? Weren't you just a pervert back then?" Lucy then laughed when Natsu choked at his own saliva, "You had the guts to run your hands over my thighs,"

"That was part of the the-the show," Natsu and Lucy then laughed together as they just brushed off the memory

"Either way, you helped me out with Loke," Lucy then leaned close to Natsu, close enough to breath each other's air, "Thank you" she mumbles softly before she kisses Natsu on the lips, making the man quite surprise but caught up immediately at Lucy's actions and kissed back when he saw some flashes outside the restaurant.

As they kissed a little longer than usual, Lucy could feel Natsu's arms wrap around her waist and pull her closer to his chest. When she felt his chest, she slowly pulled away as she cups his face with her other hand.

"You're a good kisser," Lucy commented as she smiled at the man and looked at his eyes then at his lips

"Oh, really?" Natsu states back, as he tries to hold himself back from trying to kiss Lucy

"Yeah, I've kissed a lot of actors and I can say, you are one good kisser, good for you," Lucy then moved back a bit to put distance between them because she knows that there is a thin line between flirting and joking around

"Well thank you," Natsu jokingly bowed his head to her, making Lucy chortle at his action, "If there is anything to comment about how you kiss,"

"Oh please," Lucy waved her hand as if she wants to dismiss the topic

"I like your kiss…you have the softest lips and it can make any man crave for it,"

"Are you saying, you're craving for my lips?" Lucy teased

"Yeah," Natsu then stood up and gave a surprised smooch on Lucy's lips before mumbling that he was going to the bathroom. As Natsu left their table, Lucy was left a little surprised and she couldn't deny that her face feels warm. But knowing that its all about teasing, Lucy quickly shook her head and dismissed the thoughts running inside her head.

As Lucy waited for Natsu, a couple suddenly came up to Lucy and softly greeted the actress. The woman expressed her enthusiasm to see Lucy and she requested for a photo together. Being humble as she is, Lucy agreed and said her gratitude for supporting her.

After the photo was taken, the woman immediately smiled at Lucy and said, "Thank you so much, Ms. Lucy. It's really great to see you in person and have a photo with you."

"Thank you so much for supporting me," Lucy then embraced the woman who immediately wrapped her arms around as well before pulling away

"You are my favorite actress. I'd support all of your shows and products,"

"Aw, thank you,"

"I'm also happy for you and your…love life," the woman then giggles as she thinks about Lucy dating a handsome guy, "Natsu Dragneel is a handsome guy and you both look perfect together,"

Lucy suddenly chuckles at the comment of the woman, "He is handsome…"

"Really?" A voice suddenly spoke, making the two women look back and see the pink-haired man standing next to the partner of the woman

"Oh my god," the woman shrieked in excitement, "Can I have a photo with you both?"

"Sure," Natsu agreed before walking closer to the two and stood next to the woman.

Soon enough, the couple fan left the restaurant with a smile on their faces. Natsu and Lucy went back to their seats and just stared at one another before laughing it out.

"Who would have thought that a fan of yours admires me too?" Natsu then chuckles along with the blonde

"I didn't expect that…" Lucy shook her head in disbelief, "I mean seriously, I don't think I heard from any of my fans say that I look perfect together with Loke,"

"But you heard it when it's with me," Natsu then grinned, "We look perfect together,"

Lucy just then chuckled, "Yeah, that's why your mom is so convinced that we're together," Lucy then shook her head as she looked away from the man.

x||...||x

When afternoon came, the two decided to head back to Natsu's place so that Natsu could change his clothes before heading out somewhere again. As Natsu took a bath, Lucy allowed herself to roam around the house. It was just the second time she ever visited Natsu's place and still, she felt relaxed and at home.

"Funny, Natsu feels at home at my place, and I feel at home at his place," Lucy mumbles to herself as she walks over to Natsu's stacks of DVDs. As she scans for a movie, she suddenly pulled out one and glanced at the cover of the movie, "Who would have thought that Natsu has one of my favorite action movies?"

Lucy then stood up and quickly heads to the television and turns it on as she places the CD to the DVD player. As soon as it was on, Lucy excitedly sat down on the couch and grabbed a pillow to cuddle. With her eyes gleaming in excitement as she watched the movie, she barely noticed that Natsu had arrived at the living room with a curious look on his face. Without saying a word, Natsu quietly sat next to Lucy as he tried to identify the movie.

"Phoenix Priestess?" Natsu asked as he took away one of the pillows to sit closer to Lucy

"Yeah," Lucy then scooted next to Natsu and leaned on his side, "Do you have food?" Lucy then glanced at the pinkette

"Uh, you want chips or popcorn?"

"Chips!" Lucy gleefully cheered, "oh and soda, if you have,"

"Um, shouldn't you avoid these foods?"

"Huh? Why would I?" Lucy tilts her head before shaking it off and pushed Natsu to head to the kitchen, "Go! Get the food so that we could watch the movie together!"

Natsu just then chuckled at the blonde as he heads to the kitchen to grab the chips and soda. When he returned to the living room, Lucy immediately grabbed one bag of chips and opened it as she watched. Natsu then sat down again close to Lucy and opened his own bag of chips.

As they watched the movie, Lucy would sometimes switch their bags of chips and comment about the film. It is entertaining for the two to do this movie watching. But what they really enjoy was the comfort they felt to one another as Lucy would scoot closer to Natsu and the pinkette would wrap his arm around Lucy's shoulder. It was always the perfect kind of date for them.

When the credits to the film finally showed, Lucy quickly turns her attention to Natsu and exclaimed, "Isn't the movie great?!"

Natsu chortles softly as he watches Lucy, "Yeah, it's my favorite actually,"

Lucy suddenly gawked, "Oh my god, me too!"

Natsu suddenly tilt his head in surprise, "Really? I thought you chose this movie because you thought it's some kind of a rom-com,"

"What? No…" Lucy then chuckles at Natsu's comment, "I mean yes, I like rom-com, chick-flicks but I also like action movies,"

"Really?" Natsu then grinned, "Then you'll like The Dragon Cry,"

"I heard that movie!" Lucy then leaps out of the couch and headed to the shelf again, "Do you have a copy?"

"No," Natsu then stood up and walked over to Lucy, "But I did order, and it's being shipped,"

Lucy suddenly pouts as she felt dismayed with Natsu's news. Finding her adorable, Natsu suddenly cups her cheeks and gave a light squeeze, "Don't worry, when the DVD comes, I'll call you as soon as possible,"

"Promise?" Lucy then brought out her pinky

"Promise," Natsu said as he seals the deal with his pinky as well

"Great! Now that it's…" Lucy then checks her watch, "6:35 PM, maybe we should head out and have dinner?"

"How about let's order pizza and watch another movie?" Natsu suggested, making Lucy smile widely back at him, "I'd love that."


Dragon Empire Groups Company

After that restful day with Lucy, Natsu went back to work with a happier smile on his face. It was evident to everybody and somehow, they like it just the way it is. Before the incident with his ex-girlfriend, Hera, Natsu used to be this jolly and energetic guy who never gets tired of making others happy with his cheeky remarks about everything. People from the company loved his playful energy because it gave a good vibe around the office. But after what happened with Hera, Natsu lost that kind of energy and it was obvious that the office somehow lost its energy too.

Seeing Natsu have this positive aura by how he greets others and the skip in his footsteps, everyone knew that Natsu was truly happy again and they couldn't wait to thank the person behind Natsu's smile.

"Good morning!" Natsu greeted as soon as he sees his assistant sitting by his desk

"Good morning, Mr. Dragneel!" the secretary exclaimed in surprise to see his boss this early

Natsu suddenly tilts his head in wonder as he observes his secretary, "Wait a minute,"

"Yes, sir?"

"Am I that kind of a shitty boss that makes his people tremble?" Natsu asked as he crossed his arms and leaned on one foot, "I mean, look at you. You seemed so tense,"

"A-am I sir?" the secretary nervously laughed as he tried to loosen up, "No, I'm not sir. Look at me," he then breathed deeply to relax his shoulders, "You're not a shitty boss, sir. I was just surprised to see you this early. I mean, I was expecting you to be a little late because you know…"

"I know what?" Natsu curiously asked

"Well, …you know…still cuddling with your girlfriend under the bedsheets?" The two was then silent and somehow, they both blushed, making Natsu shake his head in disbelief

"Daichi, just…focus on my schedule," Natsu then dashed off and closed his door. He couldn't believe that people actually talked frankly about other people's personal life. Hearing his secretary bluntly say that he was expecting him and Lucy to be still under the bed sheets whether naked or not indirectly, it was weird hearing it from people.

"Do they really talk about stuff like this when I'm away?" Natsu muttered to himself before shaking his thoughts out of his mind. As he was about to head towards his table, someone suddenly clears their throat making Natsu aware that someone was inside the room.

As he looked up, he suddenly saw a woman with long red hair. Standing up straight, Natsu gave a confident posture as he headed towards his table.

"I see that you're earlier than me, Erza," Natsu uttered before glancing at the unexpected guest

"Apparently yes," Erza then smiled at the man before she stands up and gives a formal bow

"Seriously Erza, since when do we do a formal bow?" Natsu chuckles as he approached the woman and gave a friendly embrace, "So, what brought you here?"

"Well, I wanted to talk to you since yesterday but Daichi said you took a day off. I'm guessing with Lucy,"

"Yeah, I did." Natsu then turns away as to take his seat. Erza then takes her seat again as she kept her attention to the man, "I actually heard from Lucy that you both met,"

"Oh…" Erza then clears her throat as if she was a little uncomfortable, "Well, that is the reason why I'm here,"

Natsu had a straight face and gave a sarcastic chortle to the woman before he gave a deadpan look to her, "Erza, I know why you both met,"

"Coincident," Erza defended but the pinkette knew better as he shook his head

"Why are you helping my mother again?"

Erza suddenly stiffened on her seat, didn't expect Natsu to be frank about it. The last time she did this background check Natsu acted like he didn't know. But this time, she was taken aback with Natsu's bluntness.

"Look, I didn't want to. I was assigned to it. If I had a choice, I wouldn't do it," Erza looked at the man pleadingly to understand her position, "My…Ms. Belserion assigned me to it. I tried to decline because I'm your friend, but she wouldn't take 'no' for an answer,"

"So, what does my mother want now?" Natsu then sighs as he looks away from the woman

"Actually, I don't know. The last time I visited her, I handed her some information about Lucy and her past relationship."

"With Loke," Natsu guessed as he tried to understand the situation

"Yes, and I'm pretty sure she doesn't trust Lucy at all," Erza then sighs in defeat, "If there is anything I can do to help,"

Natsu then shook his head, "No, it's fine. I'll take care of it,"

"Wait…" Erza suddenly raised her brows in suspicion, "Are you and Lucy just…faking it?"

Natsu stared for a moment at Erza, thinking and feeling about this situation, "Whatever Lucy and I have, its real,"

Erza then nods her head before she gives a timid smile, "Then I'm happy for you. I've never seen you like this before,"

"I think I'm pretty much the same as before," Natsu gave a wider smile at the red-head

"No, I think you're in a better place," Erza then chuckles as she sees Natsu still unconvinced, "Well if there is anything you want to know or ask for a favor, I'm open,"

"Well, I think there is one thing you can do for me," Natsu then opened his bag and brought out a receipt and handed it over to red-haired woman, "Pick up this order and hand it over to Lucy, then make amends with her,"

Erza curiously tilts her head, "Does she hate me?"

"Nah, I don't think so. But if you do really want to help us out, you might want to clear your side with her,"

Erza then takes the receipt and said, "I will. Thank you."


Dragneel Residence

As everyone left for work, Grandine stayed at home planning the vacation that no one would ever forget. She hates to use their family vacation as a way to destroy somebody but with her current dilemma with Natsu and Lucy, she couldn't help but use it as an excuse to interrogate Lucy's real intentions. She needs to cut off their ties as soon as possible, knowing that their relationship is pure set up only.

"You seem to be in deep thoughts, Dine," Sefera commented as she taps the shoulder of the blue-haired mother, "What's the matter?"

"Am I a bad mother?" Grandine suddenly asks as she looks at her sister-in-law

Sefera gave a tender smile as she takes her seat in front of the woman, "You're just trying to protect your son,"

"But why does it feel like I'm the villain here?" Grandine then looks away as she feels a pang inside her chest, "I just want to protect Natsu,"

"Maybe because you're letting your anger influence your judgment," Sefera then reached out for Grandine's hand, "Don't look at this situation like before,"

"But what if it's just the same again? It would be too late for me to save Natsu from destruction,"

"But what if it's not the same, Dine? You'll just push your son away," Sefera then gave a firm squeeze to her hand as if to convince the blue-haired mother, "The best thing you can do for him is to support him. If you want to protect Natsu, do it. But not in a way that your son could despise you,"

"What do you suggest that I do?"

"Since we're planning this vacation and you want to interrogate Lucy, why not use it to bond with Lucy instead. Get to know her, so that she'll get to know you," Sefera then gave a gentle smile before she stands up to give a warm embrace, "You know that's what your heart really wants,"

"Thank you," Grandine returned the smile to her sister, "Why are you so different from your brother?"

Sefera and Grandine then laughed before Sefera replied, "Well, he grew up in the woods,"

"Right," Grandine then laughed

"So, when do we plan to make this vacation?" Sefera then takes a seat again as she slowly grabbed the papers Grandine has been looking at, "It seems like this vacation would be grand,"

"Well, Igneel wanted to visit Tenroujema island, and that place has a lot of activities that we can do,"

"Oh, I love that place. Iggy and I always goes there for summer and we'd camp out in the woods," Sefera then chuckles at the memory, "That's why he'd always get scolded for involving me in his wild adventures,"

"Iggy has always been for dangerous activities," Grandine then smiled, "And I think Natsu is the same. He likes adventures, not afraid of taking risks compared to his brother and sister," Grandine then sighed in disbelief, "That young man is like his father. Too bold and adventurous not thinking twice of their decisions,"

"That's why you are part of their life. You tamed my brother with your patience and love," Sefera looked at Grandine with admiration, "My mother use to think that my brother could never settle to one woman because he loves adventure more than women,"

"You think I can help my son?" Grandine asked worriedly

"Of course. With your patience and love, you'll be able to protect Natsu just the way you should,"

"Then I guess, the sooner the better," Grandine then gave a confident look to her sister-in-law, "How about this weekend?"

"It's fine with me," Sefera then smiled genuinely at the bluenette, "Adventure is an adventure,"

"Then it's settled. This weekend would be our grand vacation,"

To be continued…