Chapter 21

As Lucy opens the door to her apartment, the blonde couldn't define what exactly was she feeling. She was nervous, excited, afraid, and giddy. Having all those emotions roaming inside her chest, Lucy couldn't tell what was happening with her.

"Sorry for barging on you like this," Natsu suddenly spoke, making Lucy turn abruptly towards him and stare for a moment before she snaps out of her daze
"It's fine…" Lucy timidly smiled at the man before turning away from him again and headed inside the apartment, leaving Natsu by the door.

When Natsu had closed the door, he nervously stood by the door and just looked around the place. He thought to himself, "Her place feels so…homey,"

"Nice place," Natsu complimented, capturing the attention of the blonde who seemed to be overwhelmed with everything that was happening
"Oh…uh, I bet your place looks better," Lucy returns the compliment but then Natsu shook his head as he replied, "Nah, not really…Your place feels comfier than mine,"
"Well, it is comfy…" Lucy then smiles shyly as she saw Natsu was smiling back at her, "But sometimes I get lonely here,"
"Really?" Natsu asked surprised, and Lucy was surprised with herself as well as she didn't expect herself to disclose such emotional information
"Uh yeah…you know…people get lonely…when they live alone," Lucy sheepishly smiled as she tries to hide the real reason why she'd feel sad about it, "It's normal,"

Natsu just then stared at her, completely surprised with what he had learned about Lucy. But the more surprising thing for him was the fact that he understood what Lucy was talking about, "I get you," He said, making Lucy tilt her head, "You do?" Lucy asked curiously
"Yeah…I live alone in my apartment, barely invite friends over…I get that feeling of being lonely…at home, I mean," Natsu and Lucy then chuckle together, finding it ridiculous that they were nearly alike in this aspect
"So…what made you drop by?" Lucy suddenly tightens her hold to her waist as she felt vulnerable with her just being dressed in her pajamas and pink silk robe
"Oh!" Natsu gawks as he remembers why he was there in the first place, "Right, um, tonight is Devilish Bar and Resto's opening…and the gang expects you to come,"
"The gang?" Lucy inquisitively repeats, "You mean, Mira and the others?"
"Yeah. They like you around," Natsu genuinely smiled at the blonde as he walked further inside the apartment and stood a meter away from Lucy, "I bet they like you more than me,"
Lucy suddenly chuckles at the words of the man, "Don't be ridiculous. They're your friends, they barely know me,"
"That is why they want you around," Natsu then points at Lucy as he adds, "Get dressed cause we're attending,"
"What?" Lucy then shakes her head in dispute, "No…it's not that I don't like them…I'm just…shy?" Lucy then chuckles at her own words, which Natsu found funny as well
"Luciya Hart? Shy? Oh, come on, you can make a better excuse than that," Natsu then grabs Lucy's shoulder and turns her around as he gently nudged her forward towards a room, "Come on, we're going because Cana would be going,"
"Really?" Lucy shrugged her shoulders as she continues, "I mean, it's not surprising but-"
"Oh yeah, she's probably there already having fun," Natsu then chortles as he remembers the drunken state of the brunette the night before, "And she needs us to take her home,"
Lucy then rolls her eyes as she realized that Cana can be too much sometimes. Nevertheless, she loves her friend dearly.

"Alright, fine…I'll get dressed," Lucy states as she turns around to look at Natsu while she crossed her arms over her chest, "Um, get comfy? I don't know, just chill around the place while I get ready,"
"Great! I'll wait here," Natsu then ran towards Lucy's couch and sat down patiently, "Go, go," he urged while Lucy just chortles at the man before disappearing inside a room.

After 15 minutes of dressing up and waiting, Lucy and Natsu were finally on their way to the bar. Since the bar was just a few blocks away from Lucy's place, the two decided to just walk. During their trip, Lucy could feel Natsu was being a little hesitant as if he felt awkward being with her alone. The fact that they weren't talking made the awkwardness more real. So, clearing her throat, Lucy glanced at Natsu and said, "So, how'd you know my apartment number?"
"Huh?" Natsu was taken aback with the question, "Um? Didn't I tell you that I drove you home once?"
"Yeah, you did. You knew the place, I get that…But how did you know which unit I live?"
"Oh…" Natsu was then silent as he thought of an excuse, "Um…I just guessed,"
"You guessed?" Lucy looked at the man skeptically, "That's a lucky guess," then she chuckles at the idea, making Natsu a little nervous
"Why? You don't believe me?" Natsu asks back nervously as he tries to convince the woman
"Hm," Lucy hummed in agreement before she chortles and shrugs at the baffled man, "I would have believed you if you said that you called Daichi and asked for my address,"
Natsu's eyes then grew wide, wondering if Lucy ever saw him made that call, "Why'd you think that?"
"I don't know…Daichi is just an all-around man. He can do anything," The two then laughed at the idea and how realistic that sound.

"Sorry if I came to your place unexpected," Natsu finally mentions what he has been thinking, "I mean I should have called first,"
"Well, you should have," Lucy agreed before chuckling at the look Natsu was having, "But it's fine…"
"So, um, just don't mind the others if they are bothering you. Especially, Erza…she can be quite persistent in bombarding people with questions that are not relevant,"
Lucy suddenly chuckles as she recalls last night that she was alone with Erza, "Right, Erza…"
"Why?" Natsu questioned, a little afraid to hear what they had talked about
"Nothing much…she just said stuff about…" Lucy then trails off as she glances at Natsu when she suddenly realizes what Erza was talking about, "weird stuff,"
"Weird stuff? Like how weird?" Natsu insists to know
Lucy was silent for a moment as she kept her gaze to the man, when she suddenly blurted, "Love,"
Natsu then stiffened a bit, making him stumble as he tries to continue to walk. When Lucy chortles at him, Natsu quickly shook his head as he tries to ease his mind and say, "Of course, love is weird…" then the two laughs at the thought.

Soon enough, the duo arrived, and Mira immediately welcomed them and urged them to join the group at the far back of the bar. Everyone was there already with drinks in their hands and food was placed on the table. The two squished in and settled themselves as they grabbed their drinks.

"What took you so long, Natsu?" Bickslow exclaimed as soon as Natsu took his seat
"Ahh, something happened," Natsu shrugged, making others gasp as they glanced at Lucy
"Nothing happened!" Lucy quickly retorts back when she saw those looks, which immediately moved on to Natsu again
"Not like that!" Natsu shouted as he felt his cheeks a little warm, then suddenly the guys started laughing making Natsu even more embarrassed, "Shut the hell up!"
"Then what do you mean something happened?" Bickslow asked again as he tries to slow down from his laughter
"he didn't call me and just barged into my place," Lucy answered instead, "That's what happened,"
"What?" Lisanna furrowed her brows at the pinkette, "Didn't we tell you to call her up?"
"I-I was…supposed to," Natsu then looked at Lucy who was smiling back at him as if she was teasing, "but…"
"He didn't have the guts," Cana suddenly remarked, making the others laugh as Natsu gave a surprising look at the brunette
"Natsu being shy—for real, on a girl!" Bickslow and Gray then laughed as the pinkette scowled at them
"I am not!" Natsu defended but then they wouldn't believe him as just continued to laugh. Glancing at Lucy, the pink-haired man asked thru his eyes if she believed them and Lucy just chortles at him as she shrugs her shoulders
"Aw, come on Luce! Don't tell me you believe them?!"
"Alright, fine," Lucy chuckles, "Natsu's not shy…he's just…" Lucy glanced at the man as the other waited for her to finish, "weird,"
Everyone began to laugh again as Natsu rolled his eyes at the blonde. He thought to himself, who was he kidding, of course, Lucy would play along with the others in tormenting him.

As the others continued to laugh, Natsu couldn't help but smile along as he realized that Lucy was somehow trying to be less guarded. He was happy to see another side of Lucy.

"Thanks for coming," Natsu utters quietly
"Of course. Thank you for tagging me along," Lucy smiled sweetly as she nudged the man
"Cheers?" Natsu then raised his beer, making Lucy smile widely as she clanks her beer with Natsu's, "Cheers!"

As the group continued to talk among themselves, Lucy quietly slips out of the table and took her beer as she heads out of the bar for some fresh air. As soon as the cold night's air blew across her face, the blonde-haired woman sighed in content. It has been a long time since she's hung out with people. Just yesterday, she attempted to get to know these people. Now, she seems to be just one of them as if they knew her for a long time. Her life right now is different from the life she had lived for the past years. And it is all because of one person.

"Are you okay?" A man's voice asked, making Lucy turn around to see the man she has to blame for her current situation
"Yeah, I'm good," Lucy smiled before showing her beer to the man, "Just having my beer here outside. How about you?"
"I'm good. I was just worried about you," Natsu then walked past Lucy as to lean on the wall next to the woman
"Why'd you worry about me?" Lucy asked surprised as she leans on the wall as well
"I don't you, you just left the table without saying anything. I thought you were getting sick or something," Natsu gave a short glance at the woman before looking away as he drinks his beer
Lucy then chuckles before chugging her drink, "Let's just say, all of this is new to me,"
"New to you? How?" Natsu curiously asks
"Hm, how do I say this without sounding so aloof?" Lucy tapped her chin in thought as Natsu snorts in surprise
"You? Aloof? I don't think that suits you," Natsu remarked but Lucy shook her head in disagreement
"I'm sort of an aloof. I do have friends and I do hang out with them but…those are rare occasions. I usually stay at home, and avoid people,"
When Lucy glanced at him, Natsu couldn't help but return the gaze as if he's trying to read Lucy's mind, "Why would you avoid people?" Natsu questioned
"It's just my preference…and I guess some personal reasons," Lucy shrugged her shoulders as she looks away and tries to ignore the intense look Natsu was giving her, "Do you find that odd?" Lucy asked as she looks back at him
"No…It just makes you more interesting," Natsu then grins at the woman, "So, what do you think of our friends?"
"Our friends?" Lucy repeated, completely surprised with Natsu's choice of words
"Yeah. They're my friends, they are your friends. Our friends," Natsu chuckles as he noticed the slight redness on Lucy's cheeks, "I guess you never really had many friends,"
Lucy then chuckles as she nods her head, "Yeah. Cana is pretty much my only friend. Then Levy is my rekindled best friend…then there is you, who introduced me to many more friends,"
Natsu raised a brow in confusion, "I did? Wasn't Mira's idea to do the introduction last night?"
Lucy chortles before she sighs in defeat, "You know what, never mind. But still, thanks,"
"Thanks for what?"
"Thank you because you gave me friends that I could not have had if I had never met you," Lucy then sweetly smiled at the man, who was completely surprised with her touching words
"It's my honor to be your friend,"

Natsu and Lucy were just staring at each other when suddenly the doors to the bar opened loudly, and a nearly drunken blunette appeared.

"Lu-chan!" Levy shouted with her arms spread wide open as if she was ready to embrace anyone
Seeing her best friend like that, Lucy quickly stood up straight and grabbed Levy's arm, "Levy-chan, are you drunk?"
As Natsu stood up as well and came close to the two girls, Levy quickly exclaimed, "Lu-chan, Lu-chan, Lu-chan! There is a lot of things we need to catch up on!"
"Yeah, sure," Lucy replies before glancing at the pinkette
"Lu-chan!" Levy then begins to sniff as if she's about to cry, "If you only know…I have missed you for so long!"
"Alright, no need to cry! We can catch up…Come on, let's go back inside," Lucy then looked at Natsu as she mumbles to him that they'd go ahead, and the man just nodded and smiled.

As the night got deeper, one by one, the group began to bid each other goodbye and headed home. When Natsu, Lucy, Cana, Juvia and Gray were the only ones left in the booth, Mira finally took a seat and sighed in content.

"Congratulations Mira for a great opening," Lucy complimented as she raised her drink towards the silver-haired woman
"Aw, thanks, Lucy! Who would have thought that tonight would be a hit?" Mira then grinned in excitement
"Of course this would be a hit. Magnolia loves a good place to hang out and has drinks," Gray comments before he finishes off his drink, "Just look at Cana,"
"Kampai!" Cana drunkenly shouts, "Ay Mira! You now have a regular goer here,"
"Oh really?" Mira snickers at the brunette's comment, "Who?"
"Why of course, me!" Cana then started laughing making the others laugh as well
"I think it's time for Cana to get home," Mira suggests as she taps the head of the brunette who suddenly slumps her head in drunkenness, "Natsu can you take her?"
"Uh, I didn't bring any ride today,"
"Gray-sama brought a car tonight. We can drop Cana home instead," Juvia proposes before looking at the man who just sighed and nodded his head
"Yeah, sure why not," Gray replies back, making Mira clap her hand
"Great!" Mira then stands up from her seat, "I guess you should get going. I'll have to have to close up the bar in a few more hours,"
"Will you be fine on your own?" Lucy asked
"Yeah, I'll be fine. And besides, Laxus is here. He's tending the bar so I'm good,"
"Alright then," Natsu then stood up which others followed and helped the brunette stand up.

As the group headed out of the bar, Mira, Natsu, and Lucy bid goodbye to the other three as they rode the car and drove off. When the car was no longer in sight, Mira looked at the two and asked Lucy directly, "So, how are you going home?"
"Oh, my village is just a few corners away from here. I'll be fine," Lucy said as she shrugs her shoulders
"Natsu, you bring her home, okay?" Mira instructed sternly as she stared at Natsu, who just nodded his head in agreement
"Of course,"
"No, it's fine," Lucy injected but then Mira shook her head
"Nope, Natsu brought you here so he should drive you home too,"
"I don't have a car," Natsu suddenly answers
"I don't care, find a way to bring her home. As long as you bring Lucy home safely," Mira then stepped forward and embraced the blonde as she whispered her thanks again to the woman. When Mira pulled away, she immediately hugged Natsu and told him to take care of Lucy and that they should be safe.

After that, Mira quickly waved goodbye and headed inside because she knew Laxus would be needing her help. So alone, once again, Natsu and Lucy silently stood by the street and waited for each other to react.

"I guess, I'll just walk you home," Natsu sheepishly remarks as he scratches his head
"Right, of course," Lucy replies as she tries to hold back her laughter, "Let's go," and with that Lucy walked ahead of Natsu, almost leaving the pinkette surprised.

As Natsu caught up to the blonde, he shoved his hands to his pants' pockets and made a short glance at the blonde, who just walking silently. But it was obvious that the woman was happy. Even though it was undeniable, Natsu asked the obvious just to start a conversation, "Happy?" he said
Glancing at the man with a smile on her face, Lucy let out a soft chuckle before nodding her head, "Yeah,"
"Why are you laughing?" Natsu asked as he begins to smile, himself, and felt a little curious
"I'm not laughing," Lucy replies as she looks away but doesn't try to hide her smile, "I'm just really happy…"
Natsu tilted his head in wonder as he waited for the woman to continue, "Like what I've told you before I don't usually spend time with others and lock myself in my apartment most of the time. I grew up like that…Didn't have much playmates, roommate, or just a buddy to hang out with,"
"What about Levy? I thought she was your best friend?" Natsu questioned
"She is my best friend…but Levy had her life as well. She had her own set of friends, whom she hangs out with…and I don't usually go with them whenever they invite me,"
"Why not?"
"I don't know…just never been the type to hang out always with a lot of people," Lucy then glanced at Natsu and gave a timid smile, "That's why it's new for me to be like this…"
"New?" Natsu repeats, "What do you mean this is new for you?"
"All of it is new to me…" Lucy looks away as she wraps her arms around herself to block off some cold breeze, "I barely could keep one friend…what more of a gang of friends," Lucy chuckles at her term
"You have me," Natsu nonchalantly comments, making Lucy look at him with a little surprise in her face. Seeing Lucy's reaction made him think about his words and suddenly it hits him, "Well, I don't mean to sound obnoxious but I just mean…"
"I get you," Lucy tapped his shoulder as she smirks at him, "Don't worry,"
"No, I want to defend myself," Natsu shook his head, making the blonde laugh, "I meant that I'll never let you feel alone or be alone literally,"
"Why's that?"
"Because that's the kind of friend I am," Natsu confidently wrapped his arms over Lucy's shoulder and pulled her to his side as if he's trying to warm her up, "You have me, you have us…You have many friends now and we'll never leave your side even if you don't want us there,"

Lucy blushed at the sweet words Natsu was giving her. For the first time in many years, she felt like her heart was going to burst in happiness. For many years, she has felt alone even if there were people around her. For many years, she had yearned to feel like she wasn't walking this life alone like she had people to run to, and that there is someone who'd comfort her even if she was awkward for it.

Without realizing it, a tear drops from her eye, making Lucy sniff and feel her heart clench in happiness. Natsu immediately looks down at her face and sees a streak of tear rolled Lucy's face. Natsu pulled back a bit and asked worriedly, "Are you okay, Luce?"
Lucy chuckles at the nickname, "Why do you make nicknames for me?"
"Because it suits you," Natsu then grinned, "You chose, Luce or Luigi?"
"What?" Lucy questions in bafflement, "Luigi is so far from my name,"
"Exactly…" Natsu continues to grin in contentment, "So, I'll call you Luce,"

The two then stops right at the steps of the apartment building of Lucy. As they pulled away from each other, Lucy immediately faced him and gave a soft look at the pinkette, "Alright, then I'll call you…"
Lucy trails off as Natsu waits for her to finish, "Summer,"
Natsu immediately chuckles at her attempt to annoy him but it only made him happy, "Nice…but no, I'd rather be called Natsu,"
Lucy sighs in content as she gives a soft smile, "Fine,"

The two then just stood there and looked at each other until a strong cold breeze wafted their body, making Lucy shiver. Natsu immediately wrapped his arms around Lucy's shoulder and walked up the stairs until the front door.

"I guess you should head inside," Natsu says as he pulls away steps back
as Lucy turns to look at Natsu, she gave a grateful smile at the man as she replies, "Thanks Natsu…for everything,"
"Don't mention it," Natsu shrugs, "Everybody wants to be your friend and…I just want to be your friend too, so no big deal,"
Lucy smiles once again at the man before she waves goodbye at him and turns to head inside the apartment building. When the door closed, Natsu just stood by a little longer before he smiled at the door and headed home.

An hour before the sun rises, Natsu had gone for running and as soon as the day begins, he ends his run in his favorite bakery. Taking his favorite seat in the shop after ordering a bountiful food, Natsu opens a newspaper and started reading sections on the sports.

After almost fifteen minutes, Lucy suddenly arrives in the bakery and sees a waiter pulling a tray full of food. Having an idea of a person who could eat such many foods, Lucy immediately glanced around the bakery and sees a familiar salmon pink-haired man. So grinning to herself and meeting the waiter halfway, she signaled to the waiter to keep silent as she breaks it to the hungry man.

Clearing her throat, Lucy begins to say, "Sorry sir but your food cannot be served,"
"What?" Natsu reacted almost panicky
Lucy then chuckles as she steps aside and lets the waiter place down all the food that Natsu ordered. Even though the food was being served to the pinkette, Natsu's eyes were glued to the blonde who was smiling and amused by the food being placed on the table. When the waiter was done and left, Lucy took a seat in front of the man and settled herself as her dog sits down and munches on his food.

"Hi," Lucy smiles at the man, who was still stunned with her sudden presence, "What? Didn't expect me to do this?"
"Huh?" Natsu finally snaps out of his thoughts as he tries to make sense of his surroundings then looks back at Lucy, "What did you say?"
"You look surprised. Did you find this unexpected?" Lucy asks before she smiles at him and looked around at his food and grabbed a piece of toast
"Yeah," Natsu finally returns the smile before grabbing his fork and offering it to Lucy, "Good morning,"
Lucy then chuckles, "So, did you do something tiring or this is just your usual breakfast?"
"Oh, I did some running a while ago and…let's say this is just my usual kind of breakfast when I don't bury myself to work," Natsu then laughs along with the blonde, "But please, share this meal with me,"
"Sure, even though I know you don't need my help,"

Natsu then smiles at the blonde before they started digging up on the food. As they started eating their breakfast, Natsu took notice of Plue and hands the dog some good meat. Then he started talking about his pet cat named Happy and how he likes taking care of him.

"So, why don't you bring Happy here?" Lucy asks as she pops a pancake into her mouth
"Well, since I've been busy for the past few days I left Happy in my sister's care. Besides, she has her cat which I believe Happy is fond of,"
"Oh really? That is so adorable," Lucy then snickers in glee, "Does Gajeel have a cat?"
"Oh yeah, Pantherlily," Natsu nods his head as he takes a bite to his sausage
"Pantherlily? Wow, that sounds fierce,"
"Pretty much. The cat has a scar on his eye,"
"Really? You bought cats that have scars?" Lucy asked surprised
"Oh, we don't buy them. We adopt them,"
"Aw, that's sweet of you. All of you," Lucy then looks down to her dog, "I also adopted Plue when I was younger. He was the only one that accompanied me when I was truly alone,"
"But you're not anymore," Natsu comments back
"Yeah, I know. All thanks to you," Lucy timidly smile at the man

"So, Lucy tell me your story," Natsu asks confidently as he leans back to his seat and looks at the blonde
Lucy tilts her head in confusion as she asks back, "What story?"
"Your story about why you're into art," Natsu then sits up straight as he leans forward as if he was telling her that he was ready to listen
"Well, there is not much story to tell. Ever since I was a kid had been exposed to different kinds of art and it was just my world. I loved art and took a major about it. So, here I am," Lucy then leans away as she smirks at the man and crosses her arms over her chest, "How about you? What's your story?"
"Obvious, my family background," Natsu shrugs before he breaks their eye contact
"I know but I don't want that kind of story," Lucy then leans forward and taps on the nose of the man, "Who was your inspiration to love art? And what is your deep connection with the Heartfilia's? I believe your family had some strong connection with the Heartfilia couple,"

Natsu stared at the blonde for a long time before he sighs in defeat and leans back to his seat. As he drops his fork on the table, he kept his gaze straight to the blonde and began, "Well, since the Heartfilia artists were close friends of my parents, I had a close interaction with them especially when they were creating their masterpieces,"
"Really? What's your memory?" Lucy asks curiously
"Many but I won't go into detail anymore," Natsu then looks down as he fumbles with this hand, "But it's them who made me love art. Layla and Jude were my idols and they taught me everything I value now in art. They told me, 'when you look into an art piece, it should bring out an emotion that you couldn't easily understand, then it'll make you look into it until everything makes sense.' And that's exactly how I look into art,"
Hearing him say exactly the words of her parents, Lucy smiled gratefully at Natsu and said, "Now I know…and I truly understand what you mean. Thank you,"
"Thank you? What for?" Natsu curiously asks
"For sharing. They are important to you and being vulnerable is not is easy. I know how that feels,"
"I guess you're right. The Heartfilia's has a soft spot for me and I've never been open about them,"

Buzz…Buzz…Buzz…Buzz

"Um, excuse, I should take this call," Natsu then pushes his chair back as Lucy nods her head. As Natsu presses the answer button, he quickly places the phone by his ear, "Hey, Wendy, what's up?"
"Natsu-nii, I think you should come home," Wendy said with a little worry in her voice
"Are you whispering?" Natsu questioned as he steps further from the unsuspecting blonde
"A bit…will you just come here? As in now?" Wendy replies with urgency in her voice
"Alright, I will. But can you explain to me what exactly is happening first?"
"One word, Miranda," Wendy said almost like the word had a curse
"Right. I'll be there," Natsu then pulls the phone away and ends the call as he walks back to his table and takes his seat again.

As Natsu tries to break to Lucy that he has to leave, Lucy suddenly gasps in surprise after looking at her watch, "Oh my goodness, I'm late. Sorry Natsu, I have to go,"
"Huh? What? Why?" Natsu was startled as Lucy quickly picks up Plue and gave an apologetic smile
"I forgot that I had an appointment with Plue's doctor for his vaccine,"
"Oh…right, of course. Go ahead, see you in the office tomorrow," Natsu said as he waved at the leaving blonde, "Now, time to go home," and with that Natsu stood up and left the bakery to head home, where a new challenge awaits him.

Meanwhile

As soon as the sun rises, Miranda turns in her bed and stretched her body to fully wake up. When a few pops were heard, she sighs in content and quickly sat up on her bed. Grabbing her phone to check her social media account, Miranda hummed in excitement to see who had already liked the latest post of her newly purchased Louis Vuitton handbag. But as soon as she opened her account, unexpected photos appeared before her making her scrunch her brows together as she swipes left to see the others.

"So, they partied without me…again," Miranda then grunts as she continues to see the end of the photos, "Well, it's not like it's a loss for me. But rather it is their loss because they didn't invite me. I'm a Zuhara, I don't beg for an invitation, they beg for my attention," Miranda then smirks to herself after giving herself some pep talk and immediately her self-confidence is as high as possible.

So going on to her usual routine, she stands up from her bed and wears her silk robe before heading towards her coffee-machine that had been prepared by her maids. When an expresso is in her hand, she takes a seat by her study table and continues to scroll her account when she stumbles to another set of photos of Natsu and his friends.

"Aw, poor Natsu. Hanging out with lowly people? He is losing class," Miranda comments as she swipes from one photo to another, "I mean, look, he's partying in a low-class bar named…Devilish bar and resto," Miranda then cringes, "Cheap name,"

As Miranda continues to scan photos of Natsu from last night's event, her finger stops swiping abruptly at a photo of Natsu with a girl.

"Wait a minute," Miranda mumbles to herself before she zooms in at the photo, "Who the hell is this blonde girl?" then she drops her hold to the photo as she tries to figure out the name of the woman next to her fiancé.

When she read the comments and the tagged names, she still couldn't figure out who was the woman and Miranda was beginning to be frustrated.

"It's too early for me to get pissed but this woman is beginning to get into my nerves," Miranda mumbles to herself angrily as she presses a number to call a friend. When few rings were heard and a sleepy voice answered, Miranda immediately gave a threatening voice, "Diane! Do you have any idea who the hell Natsu is with last night?"
"Huh? Hello? Who is this?"
"Wake up you, bitch!" Miranda shouts, making the person on the other line cringe in surprise
"Miranda? Is that you?"
"Who is else?! Will you just answer my question?!" Miranda continues to shout
"Sorry, I was still sleeping…what was your question again?"
"I saw a photo of Natsu from last night partying at Devilish Bar and Resto with his friends. Do you know anything about this?" Miranda tries to calmly ask as she tries to compose herself again
"No, of course not. Natsu doesn't even know me,"
Miranda then sighs in annoyance, "But you know his friends. I made you stalk them, remember?"
"Yeah, sure…what do you want to know?"
"Tell me, who is the woman next to Natsu that Erza posted last night?" Miranda taps her finger on her table as she tries to wait patiently but her tapping was beginning to get loud
"Wait let me see…" a long pause was heard when Diane suddenly spoke again, "That woman is new,"
"New? What do you mean?"
"New, as in I have never seen her before. Maybe she is a friend of a friend?"
"A friend of a friend?" Miranda repeats before she chuckles with annoyance, "Are you kidding me? You listen, Diane, Natsu doesn't take photos with women that are just friend of a friend. Try to figure out who the hell is that woman because I'll shave your head if you don't," then Miranda drops the call as she slams her phone on her table.

Fuming with anger, Miranda clenches her fist as she stares into nothing and mumbles, "Whoever you are, bitch, you'll hear from me soon. Miranda Zuhara doesn't let anyone play her toys. What is mine, is mine and no one can touch it. Only Miranda," she then stands up and heads towards her door.

When she opened her door, she immediately shouts in a loud voice, "Get the car ready! I'm going to pay a visit to the Dragneels," and slams the door shut.

After two hours had passed since Miranda started this hysterical reaction about Natsu being pictured with a blonde woman that she has never seen in her life, the young mistress of the Zuhara clan arrives at the manor of the Dragneel's who was no close to being excited to see her.

As Miranda steps out of her car, Grandine stands by the window to watch over her with such grimace on her face.

"What the hell does this woman want? Why is she here?" Grandine asks the mother butler who has advised her about Miranda's arrival
"From what I heard, the young mistress is going to settle some issues,"
"Issues? She always has issues," Grandine then rolls her eyes in annoyance, "I don't want to talk to her, so kindly send her off,"
"I don't think it has anything to do with you or your husband or your father-in-law," Mother butler bows her head as she steps back
"Wait, what do you mean?" Grandine stops the woman from walking away
"I think you should call the young master,"
"What did Natsu do?" Grandine worriedly asks
"Nothing unusual…except being seen with another woman and I believe that is the concern that the young Zuhara would like to address,"

Closing her eyes, Grandine breathes in and out, as she tries to calm her racing heart. She has nothing against Natsu seeing other people but when mishaps happen such as this, she couldn't help but feel annoyed because Miranda is such a difficult person to talk to. If she could just let her son marry someone who was not as prideful and arrogant as Miranda.

"Oh, dear future mother-in-law," An annoying voice cringes Grandine's ears, "I've been looking for you,"
turning slowly at the newly arrived woman, Grandine tries her best to show a smiling face, "Miranda," she called, "This is unexpected,"
"I know right? Well you see, I shouldn't be dropping by soon but then an issue came up and I think it must be settled. Immediately," Miranda then gives a sarcastic smile
"Of course. We should settle whatever concern you have with our family," Grandine then walks ahead in leaving the study hall, "Shall we have breakfast?"
"That would be nice," Miranda then follows the older woman towards the dining area

When they arrived at the dining area, Igneel, Wendy, and Kaito were all settled by the table, ready to eat. But the moment they saw the young Zuhara, Igneel and Wendy couldn't hide their surprise as they are greeted with such annoying enthusiasm.

"Ms. Zuhara, what makes you drop by this early morning?" Kaito Dragneel asks with no interest at all
"Your grandson of course," Miranda then takes a seat at the other end of the table facing the Chairman of the Dragneel Art Corporation

While Miranda and Kaito talked, Grandine signaled to Wendy to call her brother and that he should be quick to settle whatever issues Miranda has. So when Wendy stood up to call, Miranda cocks her head to the side as she just watched at the young Dragneel leave.

"So Miranda, what exactly is the issue? You might want to inform us so that we could help," Grandine asks
"Well, your son seems to keep me away from the limelight and I don't want him to. I mean I can handle the attention. You know me,"
"Of course, no doubt that you can handle the public's attention. We can talk to Natsu about that," Grandine then gave a sarcastic smile
"Well, that's not the only issue,"
"Then what is?" Igneel sternly asks, making the brown-haired lady shiver in surprise
clearing her throat to compose herself, Miranda sits up straight as she replies, "Maybe you should remind your son that he is engaged to me. He doesn't seem to understand the impact of being taken a photo with someone else,"
"Maybe the person he is pictured with is just a friend. After all, you don't know Natsu's friends," Grandine then smiles but then quickly frowns at her to show her dismay
"Regardless, he has an image to protect," Miranda sternly comments
"That is our concern and not yours," Igneel answers back
"Oh Mr. Dragneel, believe me, it is my concern. After all, the Zuhara family is taking a risk to wed me to your son. I'm just protecting my family," Miranda smirks teasingly to the man, who was not pleased with her comment
"Enough," Kaito suddenly injects as he notices the tension building, "Whatever Miranda sees as a concern, we should look into it. As she said, she's just protecting her family. And we are going to protect ours as well," Kaito then stands up and leaves the table

Being uncomfortable already, Grandine stood up and left as well, leaving Igneel to deal with the woman. When they were left on their own, Igneel stood up as well and gave a firm look at the brown-haired woman, "Listen, Miranda, just because we need your family to strengthen the stand of our company doesn't mean you can just demand every single thing to feed your pathetic ego. But since my father has told us to protect our family, I will try to ignore your pathetic antics. You can wait for Natsu at the study hall," and with that Igneel leaves.

Getting out of his car immediately, Natsu ran up the stairs to head towards the study hall where visitors usually stay. As soon as he was there, he sees Miranda seated by the window with a phone on her hand.

"Miranda," Natsu called as he tries to catch his breath
Looking up at the newly arrived man, Miranda gave a stern look at him first before she stood up and met him halfway. When Miranda attempted to embrace the man, Natsu quickly grabbed her shoulder and kept their distance.

"What are you doing here?"
"No kiss? No hug?" Miranda asked irritated
"What do you want?" Natsu ignores her question as he kept on throwing questions
"I want you to understand your place in this fixed marriage proposal," Miranda sternly replies
Natsu suddenly drops his hold to her as he takes a step back, "I told you, I'll work hard on it,"
"Right. That's why you're seen and photoed with a woman. Is that how working hard for the marriage is like for you?" Miranda questions with anger in her voice, "Look, if you don't like me being around your family, bombarding them with my annoying presence, then make sure that I wouldn't catch you playing around,"
"I'm getting sick of your threats," Natsu replies as he shakes his head
"Now what? Do you want to call it off? Go ahead, not my loss,"
"Maybe I can't call it off yet. But when I do find a way to sustain our company without relying on your family, you'll be nothing to us," Natsu threatens back but then the woman just chuckles at him
"Let's see…You barely made roots in this industry, Natsu. I bet your company will go down the moment you thought that you found a way to cut me off," Miranda then gave a poisonous smile to the man who could feel the coldness of her smile, "Go ahead, find a way to get rid of me. But I promise you, you'll go down with your family's precious corporation. You don't get to threaten me,"

Miranda then walks away from the man, who was having trouble keeping his stance.

"Wait," Natsu mumbles, making Miranda stop from her tracks, "What can I do to appease you?"
Miranda then smirks in success, "I was thinking, maybe we should publicize our engagement. So that you'll be continuously reminded that you can no longer fool around. I'll drop by your office soon and we'll talk in detail," and with that Miranda walks out of the study hall, leaving Natsu to crumble inside and feel helpless.

Far from being seen in the study hall, Wendy watched her brother collapse and break down in tears. It broke her heart because this is the only time, she has ever seen her brother break into tears. She now understands what her brother has been telling her of how he is trying to protect their family, "Natsu-nii"

To be continued…