Chapter 9
As Lucy leaned against a wall as she hid from Natsu, Lucy couldn't slow down the beating of her heart. She knows that her face could be reddish as of the moment, because of her encounter with Natsu, which has brought her chills, and may she describe it as a good way of chills.
Lucy sighed tiredly as she felt her heartbeat race so fast, to the point she's like catching her breath. She also has this tingling feeling in her hand that she seems to miss. As she looks down at her hand, she recalled how Natsu held her hand; how she felt his hand was warm against hers, and how safe she felt in his grasp. As these thoughts run through her head, she could almost feel her heart animatedly pop out of her chest. And so, Lucy brought her hand to her chest as if to calm her heart down, "What are you doing to me, Dragneel?" Lucy mumbled to herself as she slowly closes her eyes to feel her heartbeat slow down. But as soon as she closes it, her name was suddenly called.
"Hey Hart," a voice called. Lucy snaps open her eyes as she looked around and there she found her co-worker/ friend. As Lucy stood up straight, the person was now in front of her, "Cana,"
"Where did you go, girl?" The brunette asked as she places her hands on her hips, "I was looking for you…but thanks to that, I found these" Cana then brought up her glasses of wine
"Cana, behave yourself, we are in an exhibit. You can't get drunk here" Lucy said as she tries to scold the brunette but the woman just grinned back at her
"Relax," Cana then taps the shoulder of the blonde, "This is just my way to get focus on the art stuff"
"Well then you have a weird way to get focused," Lucy remarked as she chortled along with her friend
"Well, at least, I'm trying to work…what about you? You seemed to be boy hunting" Cana then smirked mischievously as she sees the sudden change of color in Lucy's face
"Wha-what? No, I'm not. I was roaming around, observing art pieces…" Lucy then looks away as she felt her cheeks to flame up when she recalled her moment with Natsu back at the last painting she observed.
"Yeah-yeah, sure you did" Cana then shrugs off Lucy as she observes the pouting blonde, "Anyways, I was going to tell you that, that gal," Cana then points at a person, which Lucy looked at next, "is one of the artists of this exhibit. I wanted to give you a background check, she is a five-year independent artist and she is very picky about what company to sign a contract with… so, better do your work" Cana then looked at the blonde who was smirking determinedly
"I got this…" Lucy glanced for the last time at Cana before they separated.
As Lissana finishes up her wine glass, the silver-haired woman glanced around to check on the artist she was targeting to talk to. As she sees the artist be finally alone, Lissana smiled to herself until she notices a blonde woman across the room. She scrutinizingly stared at the blonde who smiled after talking to a brunette woman. When Lissana had a gut feeling that the blonde was going to talk to the same person she was hoping to talk to, she made her way up to the artist. With big steps towards the artist, she has finally stood before her.
"Hi, I'm Lissana Strauss, from Dragneel Art Corp. I'm an Artist scout" Lissana introduced herself as she extends her hand to the surprised artist
"Oh, uh…Hi, I'm Aiko Nazuyama" the raven-haired artist said as she shook the hand of the artist scout
"Yes, I'm fully aware of who you are. I'm so pleased to talk to you" Lissana then smiles genuinely when the artist began to blush. Before the artist could reply back, a new voice suddenly introduced herself.
"Hello, I'm Luciya Hart, I'm from Magnolia Art Institute…" then the artist twirls around to glance at the newcomer. As for Lissana, she peeked at the shoulder of the artist and she found the blonde woman she saw. And as she has felt before, she was right that she was a competition.
"Excuse me," Lissana sternly interrupted making the two glance at her, "I believe I was talking to her first"
Taken aback at first to the silver-haired woman's competitive aura, Lucy just smiles genuinely back at the woman, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. I thought you two were plain just having conversation"
"Well, I'm sorry, but I'm having some business discussion with Ms. Nazuyama" Lissana then smirked politely at Lucy who bowed in respect
"Well then, apologies. I'll come back to talk to you Ms. Nazuyama" Lucy then smiled at the artist who smiled back
"Alright…" Aiko Nazuyama then bows her head as she watches the blonde scout walk away and started observing some artwork, "I'm sorry about that…" the artist quickly stated as she looks back at the silver-haired artist scout
"It's fine" Lissana then smiles softly at the artist, "It's normal for us to have some competition during exhibits like this"
"Really? Is that how scarce artists are?" Nazuyama asked back in surprise
"Not really, it just so happens, companies compete against one another to get the great artists…like you" Lissana watched the raven-haired girl blush as she was complimented
"Oh, I'm not really much of a great artist yet. I'm still a newbie in this industry." Nazuyama and Lissana then smiled at one another
"Yes you are, but you're a newbie who has a lot of potential" Lissana inwardly smirked as she thought that she has finally won the artist's attention, "I'd like to offer you a contract with the Dragneel Art corp"
"I heard that company holds a lot of artists…but what does your company have to make me say yes?" Nazuyama then smirks playfully which surprised the scout artist. But of course, Lissana didn't back down, she was a team leader and she will do her best to win this artist's heart. And so Lissana smiled back at the artist, "Well, the Dragneel Art corp holds a worldwide art training for new artists, like you, with renowned artists, whether you're a painter or sculptor. We also sponsor those artists for their international exhibits."
It was visible to Lissana's eyes that the artist was somehow intrigued but she knows, it needs more convincing, "It may sound generic for all companies who are artist agents but in our company, we ensure that these artists are being introduced to the art and culture industry bringing them to fame"
"Oh, I'm not into fame…I'm more into what I can learn more Ms. Strauss" the artist then grins to the scout as if she was daring the scout to convince her more
"oh, well then, it would be a great opportunity for you to be under the training of Master Zen. If I'm not mistaken, you have an interest in ceramic sculpture." Lissana then smiles triumphantly when she notices the spark in the artist's eyes, "As of today, we are finding qualified artists to be under his training for ceramic sculpture. He personally told us that he didn't want an artist that are not familiar with the basics of ceramic sculpture. And I believe, you know more than the basics"
"Yes I do" Aiko giddily agreed as she smiled towards the silver-haired woman. At this point, Lissana knows that she will win this artist's heart
"So, would you like to further discuss the contract?" Lissana patiently looked at the young woman who suddenly appeared shy
"Well, I'd love to go to Master Zen's training. But I'd like to check my options first." Nazuyama briefly glances at the waiting blonde, "If it would be fine, I'd like to see the whole potential of the company and see what we can do about it."
"It would be a pleasure for me to give you a file about our agreement with new artists. If you think you'd like to work with us, you can call me," Lissana then hands a calling card which the black-haired woman happily accepted. And with that Lissana walks away from the conflicted artist and heads towards the blonde scout.
As Lissana was meters away from the woman, she softly taps the shoulder of the blonde but then it still surprised her. As Lucy twirls around to glance at the person, she was taken aback with the person. "Oh, it's you"
"Yes, it's me. I'm done talking with Ms. Nazuyama, you can talk to her now" And with that Lissana smiled towards the blonde before walking away from her.
As Lucy watched the silver-haired woman walk away, she sighed relieved when she realized that the woman was not mean at all. She could be intimidating at first, especially since she looked beautiful with her shiny silver hair, tantalizing blue eyes, and her confident posture. But she thought again, maybe she could be friends with her, and she decided to look for her after her business talk with Nazuyama. And with that, Lucy turns and heads towards the young artist.
After Lucy explains to Nazuyama about the possible career with Magnolia Art Institute, Lucy receives the same reply, that Aiko would look over the contract and check her options and once she's decided, she will give a call regarding her decision.
As Lucy walks away from the artist, Lucy aimlessly roamed around the exhibit. The venue was beginning to be crowded as new visitors come in to buy some art pieces. And this fact has thrilled Lucy because she was feeling pride for the independent artists. When Lucy walked past a painting, a certain silver-haired woman glances at her. Soon enough, that woman tries to catch her to tap the shoulder of the blonde, making the blonde glanced behind her.
"Hi," Lissana greeted as she stood before the stunned blonde. When Lucy turned, she had her eyes widen as she stares at the smiling silver-haired woman, "Uh, hi…" Lucy says back
"Sorry if I surprised you," Lissana said as she continuously smiled at Lucy, "I uh, wanted to say sorry for acting mean to you awhile ago."
"Oh that," Lucy suddenly relaxes as she finally snaps out of her surprise as she recalled her first encounter with the woman in front of her, "It's fine…I know where you're coming from. You must be an artist scout?"
"Yes, I am. So, you're from Magnolia Art Institute, right?" Lissana asks as she gently pushes the blonde to the side as they continued their conversation
"Yes, by the way, I'm Luciya Hart, but you can call me Lucy." The blonde woman then extends her hand which Lissana gratefully takes to shake, "Lissana Strauss"
"By any chance, are you related to Mirajane Strauss? You seem to look like her" Lucy asked as she tries to study the face of the woman. And to her surprise, the woman chuckles and nods to her question
"Yes, I'm her youngest sister. I guess you met her because of Magnolia's Art and Culture Department sector"
"Ah, yes there. But I have met her long before that" Lucy and Lissana then grabs a drink when a waiter suddenly passes by them
"Oh really, that's interesting," Lissana then smiles genuinely at the blonde, which Lucy mirrors back, "who knew we have a mutual person"
"Well, maybe for you 'cause you must have a lot of friends. For me, I don't have a big circle of friends…" Lissana then tilts her head in wonder, "Really? Well, you're friendly. I doubt people would decline to your friendship"
"Maybe not them…but me" Lucy said back almost whispering as she looks down at her wine
"I'm sorry, what? I didn't quite catch what you said" Lissana asks as she leans closer to the blonde. But then Lucy looked up surprised before she started waving in front to dismiss what she said earlier
"Don't mind me…I just said, I think so too"
"Ah, okay…" Lissana suddenly awkwardly looked away as she ponders on the actions of the blonde.
Lissana couldn't help but feel curious about the blonde. She sees Lucy as an open book but then if she tries to read her, she begins to feel like she does not understand anything about her. And so, Lissana looks back at Lucy and realizes that she was like a mysterious woman who holds a lot of secrets.
"So," Lucy said as she breaks the growing awkward silence, "from what company are you? You said you were an artist scout like me"
"Oh I work at the Dragneel Art Corp"
"Dragneel…art corp?" Lucy stunned repeats as she stared at the short haired woman next to her, "So you work for Nat-su…I mean Mr. Natsu Dragneel?"
"Yea-ah…are you alright?" Lissana suddenly notices the sudden change of color in the face of the blonde, "You're face-"
"I'm fine! I-uh-I gotta go" And with that Lucy picked up her gown and quickly dashed away from Lissana. With the sudden departure of the blonde, Lissana couldn't help but find the reaction of Lucy to be odd. But the longer she stared at the last spot she saw Lucy, Lissana decided to just shrug it off.
"Lissana," a voice called to the woman. When Lissana stood by a tall table, wondering, she didn't expect someone to call her name. And so, when she heard her name called, she let out a sweet shriek and twirled around to glance at the person, "Natsu, you scared me."
"Scared you? I barely shouted your name" Natsu said as he walks closer to the silver-haired woman and settled in front of her, "What are you doing here alone? Where are your new recruiters?"
"I don't know. They're probably enjoying themselves with the food and people." Lissana replied as she shook her head and looked down at her glass of wine
"Wait…there's another glass? Were you with someone?" Natsu curiously questions as he slowly turns the bottom rim of the glass
"Yeah, I was making a new friend. But she suddenly left" Lissana nonchalantly replies as she looks up at her boss
"She?" Natsu then smirked mischievously at the silver-haired woman, "I didn't know you were into girls"
"Shut up Natsu! I'm not lesbian, okay" Lissana then rolls her eyes to the man before she chuckles along with him, "But, hey what are you doing here? I thought you were going home after some offering of contracts?"
"Well yeah, I just wanted to say goodbye before I leave." Natsu suddenly lifts the unattended glass of the woman Lissana was talking to and drinks the rest of the content
"You know my friend drank from that. And you drank right where she drank…you're a cheater" Lissana teasingly smiled at the man who just raised his brow
"What? What are you talking about? I'm not a cheater, and who am I cheating?" Natsu finally asked as he places down the glass
"Yes you are...you just had an indirect kiss with my friend. And you're cheating on Miranda~" Lissana then giggles when Natsu contorted his face
"Please, cheating on Miranda? I don't care about that woman. If her family isn't just insistent about those fucked up arranged marriage deal, I wouldn't even dare give a second glance on her." Natsu said, visible to him that he was really annoyed
"But too bad, you're family had does kind of arranged marriage deals" Lissana teased making Natsu roll his eyes and shake his head in disbelief
"Well, the Zuhara wasn't really the family my parents really had a deal with. It just so happened that the real family that I was arranged to suddenly died."
"Oh my, I'm sorry to hear that…I never knew your family had those kinds of problems" Lissana said despite the hand covering her mouth when she gasped hearing the story of Natsu
"Not really…I don't actually remember we went to the funeral of that family." Natsu suddenly slips out of reality when he recalls the faces of that family
"Okay, enough sad stories" Lissana suddenly broke the silence, making Natsu snap out of his daze, "I'll just report to you that Aiko Nazuyama has agreed to be sent the agreement deal. But she said she'll see her options first with other companies. She'll just give a call if she has decided"
"Okay, then prepare that agreement deal quickly and send it to her" Natsu replied back, making Lissana nod in agreement. As Natsu just kept his eyes on his friend, he suddenly remembers something, "Oh, I almost forgot. I met her again" Natsu said suddenly in a change of mood
"Her? Who are you talking about?" Lissana questioningly looks at the grinning pinkette who just continued to be excited.
"The woman at Levy's exhibit" Natsu excitedly shared, as if he was almost bouncing in his position, "I got to talk to her, hold her hand, smile at her-"
"Hold up Natsu," Lissana cuts off the man as she raises her hands to physically stop him from talking, "Tell me the truth, are you in love with this woman?"
"In love? Lis, I don't usually fall in love with a woman I barely know. I basically just know how she looks, how her laughter sound, how sweet her voice is, how soft her ha-"
"Woops!" Lissana suddenly presses her hand to the lips of the man to stop him from talking, "You sound in love with her…Let me just remind you, you are engaged. And even if you are against the marriage, you have no choice but to follow"
Natsu then removes her hand to his lips as he speaks back, "Lis like I said, I'm not in love with her. I just like the thought of her…" Natsu suddenly smiled to himself as he pictures the image of the blonde woman, "I like how her blonde hair falls to her back, how sweet she sounds when she laughs, how bashful she can be when she's shy…"
As Lissana continuously listens to the description Natsu gave about the woman he has been talking about nonstop, she suddenly recalls that she have met a woman that holds almost the same characteristics. Lissana suddenly had the gut feeling that she has met this woman, and if she's not mistaken, he could be describing Lucy.
With that thought, Lissana suddenly felt like telling Natsu about her encounter with Lucy. But then, there was a doubt about it. She didn't know if it would be the best for Natsu. She wanted to make him happier by telling him the name of Lucy but she also thought that maybe that would give him a false hope. And so, she decided to play safe, and that is to keep her mouth shut. "I'll let destiny play its game…"
"Tell me Natsu, if you discover her name..." Lissana looked straight into the eyes of the man, "What happens next?"
Natsu was silent for a moment as he ponders on the question of his friend, "Then I'll get on with my life like nothing happened. Just as I promised."
As Lissana and Natsu stared at one another, the silver-haired woman doesn't know if she should trust his words. But then again, Natsu has always kept his promise, "Okay, then I trust you. I don't want you to get hurt in the process of whatever you are doing"
"Thanks for caring, but I know what I'm doing." Natsu then moves closer to his friend and gives her a hug before he walks away to head out of the exhibit.
After that hug, Lissana just sighed contently as she trusted her friend and gave a last glance to the leaving man.
"I hope you really know what you're doing…"
To be continued…