Chapter 11
Friday, 8:57 am
"Luciya Hart! Where are you?!" A panic voice shouted at the other end of the call as Luciya holds her phone by her shoulder and ear while trying to carry her messed up things and cross the street
"I'm on my way Cana! Just a corner!" Lucy shouted over the busy noise of the streets of Magnolia
"Well hurry up! Rosster is getting impatient here. You should have been here 43 minutes ago!" Cana replied back in a very strained voice
"I know, I know! I just...I'll explain later, ah!" Lucy shouted when she was almost hit by a bike, "Watch where you're going!" Lucy bellowed
"Hey blondie, you okay?" Cana asked worriedly
"Yeah, just a little jumpy here. I'm almost there" Lucy said as she tried to fix her bag from her shoulder
"Alright, hurry up. It 9 o' clock already"
"Yes, yes. I'm at the stairs already. Bye" and with that, Lucy hung up and took her phone away from her shoulder and kept it in her bag. Once she was done, she looked up and saw the building before her, the Dragneel Art Corporation.
"Well, this is it." Lucy said to herself out loud, as she exhaled in relaxation, "It's now or never"
She took one step at a time as she went up the stairs of the building while mentally pleading that destiny would take her side for once. As she was three steps away from the main entrance of the building, a brunette suddenly came out and saw her.
"Hart!" Cana shouted, "Come on!" And with that, Lucy sprinted in her stiletto towards Cana, who was almost scowling at her late attendance
"Yes! I'm coming!" Lucy exclaimed as she ran. When she finally reached her co-worker, she smiled apologetically at her and said, "Sorry,"
"Say that to Rosster, not to me" Cana answered as she walked back inside, followed by the blonde
When the two was finally inside, in front of their manager, the blonde scout quickly said apology, "Sorry Ms. Jane. I just had some trouble back at home"
"I hope this is your first and last late attendance for an outside meeting," Rosster said in a dismayed aura
"Yes, I promise" Lucy then bows her head to her boss
As Lucy pulls her head up after bowing, she quickly noticed a group of men approaching them, which only indicates that the high ups of D. there to greet them.
"Ms. Rosster?" A man with brown hair and black eyeglasses called once he stood before the three women
"Yes, that's me. We're from MAI," Rosster then extends her hand to the man, who gratefully shook it
"Yes, of course. I am President Dragneel's assistant, Daichi Yamato, he will be here in a minute to welcome you" the man then bowed his head, which was mimicked by the three. And just as they stood up straight, a man in black suit and dark red necktie started walking towards them.
With that view, Lucy's breath suddenly hitched as she saw who was coming closer to them. In pure instinct, Lucy stepped back and almost hid behind Cana, who was not fazed at all to the situation.
"Ms. Rosster, it's a pleasure to meet you" the pink-haired man greeted as he extended his hand to the older woman, "I'm Natsu Dragneel, President of D.A.C."
"Of course!" Rosster then shook the young man's hand excitedly, "I never knew that the new president of D.A.C. would be as young as you"
"Well, it was not my plan..." Natsu replied as he shyly scratches his neck
"Oh, by the way, I'm here with my team leaders," Rosster then steps back to reveal her colleagues, "Ms. Cana Alberona for the Fashion Department" Cana then extended her hand to the president who was somehow surprised to see the familiar brunette. When the two shook hands, Cana gave a soft squeeze before releasing her grip on his hand, then she followed it with a wink as if to greet him with I know you.
"And Ms. Luciya Hart for the Arts Department" Rosster finally introduced. When Lucy heard her name, she flinched in her spot, afraid to fully introduce herself. But the moment, her name was called, Cana sidestepped and revealed the blonde woman to the pink-haired president.
With the sudden view, Natsu couldn't help but lose his breath when he saw the woman in the gallery, standing right before him. He was speechless and right now, he just wanted to rejoice in knowing her name now.
Luciya Hart, Natsu said in his mind as he sternly gazed at the blonde. But the moment he realized that he was staring, he quickly shifted his emotion and brought out his professional aura and stature.
"Welcome to Dragneel Art Corp., Ms. Hart" Natsu said in his serious tone as he extended his hand, but it was still evident that the man was testing the sound of her name from his tongue
When Natsu extended his hand to her, Lucy couldn't help but stare at the offered hand and decide whether she should shake it or not. But when she noticed that Natsu was acting professional, she knew she had to act the same. And so, clearing her throat and standing up straight, she placed her hand against his and shook it firmly.
"It's a pleasure President Dragneel, " Lucy said back with her serious voice. As soon as they shook hands, Lucy quickly pulls away from his grasp and stepped back, afraid that she'll explode in embarrassment.
"Well then," Natsu quickly said when he recovered after the short introduction with the blonde, "Shall we?"
"Yes, of course, President Dragneel, " Rosster said on behalf of the them
Soon enough, the group was lead by Daichi towards the grand hall of the building, where the meeting will be held. As they all walked towards the hall, Natsu tried his best not to look back and smile towards Lucy. As for Lucy, she tried her best to keep herself balanced as her day is just starting.
As soon as the group entered the hall, they began their meeting already. All the people involved in the event was present. Lissana was present to represent the Arts department while Bisca Connell was the team leader for culture department, and of course, Natsu was there as the head leader for D.A.C.
They discussed different topics such as the main theme of the event, what kind of talent and skills did they want to show to the audience, how would they arrange the event, what responsibilities each company would hold.
As the meeting went on, Lucy was able to see a different side of Natsu. She knew that Natsu was the president of their rival company, but she didn't know that Natsu's determination and focused aura would actually be appealing to her. Seeing him in a new perspective, unconsciously made her smile and proud. She didn't know why but she felt like he has turned into a matured man she has always wanted despite the playfulness and bashfulness he has in himself.
Just as Lucy was silently and secretly observing the president, her phone suddenly buzzed indicating that she received a text message. So, secretly unlocking her phone, she looked at the screen and saw Cana's short message.
From: Cana A.
Don't you find him hot being so dominant? ;)
9:39 am
Suddenly scoffing in disbelief, Lucy quickly looked up and saw that no one has paid attention to her. And so, secretly texting back, she tried her best not to show any emotion, until she was able to send her text message back.
From: Lucy-Blondie
Goodness Cana, can we not have this conversation?
9:39 am
Before Lucy could return her attention back to the meeting, her phone buzzed again
From: Cana A.
Nope. We must!
9:40 am
From: Lucy-Blondie
Cana no.
9:40 am
From: Cana A.
Natsu's hot in his suit. Agree?
9:40 am
The moment Lucy read Cana's message, she knew her cheeks heated up because she couldn't agree more that Natsu looked very handsome and dashing in his office suit. But she didn't want to agree with Cana, knowing that she would be teased endlessly. So glancing at Cana, Lucy abruptly shook her head and mentally told her to stop but the brunette just chortled at her.
"What do you suggest Ms. Hart?" Jane Rosster suddenly asked the blonde who was startled for a second at the call of her name
"I'm sorry what?" Lucy quickly countered when she looked at her boss
Realizing that the whole attention was on her, especially Natsu, who was intently looking at her, Lucy couldn't help but blush at that fact.
"Suggestions for the event's venue," Rosster repeated
"Oh, the venue..." Lucy then trails off as she one-by-one glanced at the people inside the hall room until her gaze ends with Natsu. Swallowing hard, Lucy tried to slow down her breathing and put on her professional façade, "Since the theme we agreed on is about natural beauty of nature, I was thinking of bringing the event to an outdoor venue, where nature is physically part of the event"
"That could be an option," Natsu suddenly said, making the façade of Lucy breakdown. But before anyone could add on to what Natsu said, a phone suddenly rang and looked at the owner of the phone.
Rosster's phone was ringing and the MAI was calling her. So, Jane quickly took her phone and slightly pushed her chair backward, "Excuse me, I just have to take this"
And with that, everyone nodded as they patiently waited for the manager to return. Despite the silence, people knew that there was a growing tension inside the hall and they didn't know where it was coming from. So acting into it, Lissana suddenly clears her throat and slightly pushed her chair as well, "Excuse me, I'll just go to the comfort room"
"I'll go too!" Cana quickly said as she stood up and made her chair roll backward
As the silver-haired and brunette women began to walk towards the door, Lissana quickly half turned and signaled for Bisca to follow her lead. And so, the green-haired woman softly coughed before pushing her chair back, "Excuse me, I'll just have to drink"
And with that, Daichi took it as a sign to follow next, "Right, the snacks haven't been brought in. Excuse me, I'll just have to retrieve it" and with that, the brown-haired assistant stood.
Soon enough, everyone left Natsu and Lucy alone in the hall, oblivious to the sudden scheme of the others. When the two finally realized that they were alone, Natsu's breath suddenly hitched when he looked up and saw Lucy was staring at him.
As Lucy stared at Natsu, not realizing that Natsu was looking back at her, her mind began to wander in the event they last saw each other, while for Natsu, the longer he stared back at her the more he found himself recalling the time she said that he will know her name in a perfect time.
Before anyone of them could react, the door suddenly opened making their unbearable silence break. When the door opened, a faint squeal was heard, shouting 'don't'. And so, Lucy and Natsu suddenly looked at the doorway and saw everyone behind Rosster who was oblivious to the sudden scream.
"Um, was I interrupting anything?" Rosster asked for anyone, who was frozen in their spot after being caught of eavesdropping
"I don't think so Ms. Rosster," Natsu said ignoring the ridiculous poses of the others
Cana was the first to snap out of her caught-in-the-zone behavior as she cleared her throat and pulled down a bit on her skirt, "Well, since everyone is back, I guess we'll continue" and with that Cana walked back to her seat and quietly waited for the others to return as well.
When everyone was back at their seats, they began to discuss again. D.A.C and M.A.I. agreed to collaborate in scheduling and assigning different artists for the specific theme, both in arts and fashion. Lissana, Bisca, and Cana were assigned to do this task since they were team leaders for each department. As for Lucy, Rosster assigned her to be the direct officer representing the M.A.I that would be working in Dragneel Art Corp.
"What?" Lucy expressed shocked as she leaned forward, "I'll be working here?"
"Yes Ms. Hart," Rosster nodded to her, "Since M.A.I is more of an institute than a company, our facility wouldn't be good enough as compared to theirs. Don't worry, Ms. Vermillion is fully aware of this arrangement."
"O-o-kay...but," Lucy then slumps back into her seat, "what about my job as an artist scout, I mean, that is my specialty. And isn't direct officer supposed to be your role?"
"You're right, I'm expected to be the direct officer assigned here, but unfortunately, Ms. Vermillion put me in charge as the direct officer in M.A.I. since she has an international art conference to participate" Rosster then looked at the DAC president and continued, "President Dragneel, I entrust my responsibility to Ms. Hart because I know she is capable of handling things from here"
"W-wa-wait!" Lucy bellowed as she waved her hands in panic. When all the people's attention was on her, she suddenly blushed in embarrassment, "I-I-I mean...I-I'm not quite sure of my responsibility here"
"You'll be my right hand in command in work, " Natsu said nonchalantly as he sternly looked at the blonde, "You will be reporting to me and all transactions of M.A.I about the event will be addressed to me by you"
"What?" Lucy surprisingly asked
"Yes, that's true. And that goes for me too, you will be reporting new progress and update to me" Rosster then smiled at Lucy who was lost for words.
"Well then, it's set!" Cana suddenly exclaimed as she clapped her hand
"Good," Natsu added
And with that, all the members of the meeting stood up. One by one, the MAI employees except Lucy quickly shook hands with the DAC employees. When Lucy was able to snap out of her astonishment, she slowly stood up and shook hands with Lissana, Bisca, and Daichi. And once it was done, she stopped in her tracks as she thought she would have to shake hands now with Natsu. Without knowing, Natsu was already out of his seat and he was standing a meter away from her. And so, when a hand was extended to her, Lucy quickly looked up and saw Natsu was waiting to shake hands with her.
"Ms. Hart," Natsu said her last name almost huskily. Slowly, Lucy lifted her hand and grasped his hand to shake hands, "I'm looking forward working with you"
With his kind words, Lucy lost her ability to respond as she just stared at Natsu. And just as she willed herself to speak, she felt him pull his hand away, "...Hai"
And with that, Natsu turned his back to leave the room followed by the other delegates of DAC. When they have left, Lucy suddenly felt weak in her knees and suddenly sat at one of the office chairs.
"Hey, you okay there?" Cana asked as she rushed to Lucy's side
"Yeah..." Lucy replied in all dazed, "I think so..."
As the day went on, Cana, Lucy, and Jane returned back to the Magnolia Art Institute. Even if Jane and Cana seemed fine about the meeting, Lucy was still overwhelmed.
When Lucy was back at her office, her mind was wandering that she didn't notice someone entered her office.
"Blondie," the person called and it quickly snapped Lucy out of her daydream
"Oh, Cana...What are you doing here?" Lucy asked as she took the mouse-control and moved it to turn on her sleeping computer
"Checking up on you" Cana replied as she took the empty seat in front of the blonde
"On me? Why?" Lucy asked again as she looked up at her friend
"Well, you look like confused and out-of-your-wits" Cana answered as she pointed at the face of the blonde, who suddenly flushed in embarrassment
"Really?" Lucy asked back as she ran her hand over her cheeks, "Did I look like this in DAC?"
"When the meeting ended, yes. Before the meeting, no" Cana then stood up and walked towards the food table of the blonde, "But you look flustered from time to time during the meeting" Cana added as she took some goodies and faced the blonde
"Flustered? As in like a tomato?" Lucy surprisingly asked and when Cana nodded, Lucy's eyes suddenly widens and slaps her cheek, "Oh my, then Natsu could have noticed my face..."
"Of course, he barely took his eyes off you" Cana then snickered a smile making Lucy blush even more
"If that's the case, I can't work with him on Monday..." Lucy then looked up at her friend who just shook her head
"Don't be silly, blondie, I will be working there too because I have to work along with the other team leaders." Cana then dropped herself back to her previous seat
"Really? Oh, thank God. Promise me not to leave by my side" Lucy then extends her pinky waiting for Cana to seal the promise
"Do I have to all the time? I mean, Natsu might think you're a lesbo" Cana then mischievously grinned
"Cana! Promise me!" Lucy suddenly bellowed, which only made Cana chuckle. When she was able to gain back her normal breathing, Cana brought out her pinky and sealed the promise, "Yes, I promise"
"Good!" Lucy then smiled to the brunette but it quickly faded when Cana added, "But,"
"But?"
"I can't promise that I'd stay once I find the moment for you and pinky to be alone" Cana then crosses her arms over her chest as she watched Lucy gasp
"You won't do that," Lucy stated nervously
"Can't promise, blondie" and with that Cana stood up and walked towards the door to leave. Without another word, Cana was gone from Lucy's office, leaving the blonde scout to be fazed.
To be continued...