The 'Bridal Brunch Spread' the hotel offered was completely wasted on us. Fresh fruits and vegetables, finger sandwiches, pancakes, toppings, and so much more covered one table; the other had a variety of drinks from juice to sparkling wine. It was truly a sight to behold and everything smelled wonderful. Months of planning and negotiating details so the five of us could have a good breakfast, and every single one of us had a plate piled high with bacon paired with a cup of black coffee.
Though we should have been focused on Levy and her impending nuptials, they all wanted to know if everything was okay at work and, more importantly, what had happened with Bora. I was hoping to avoid that particular conversation today, but they had seen the light cuts on my hands and knees which were absent at the rehearsal, as well as a faint bruise on my cheek. We did each other's hair and makeup as I shared what I was willing to about the incident.
Pictures were taken, tears shed, and we finally opened the first bottle of sparkling wine for mimosas. We helped Levy into her dress – a beautiful mermaid-style gown made of white satin with an orange lace overlay – and I pushed her blue hair out of her face with a crystal-encrusted headband.
Once Levy was ready, she was escorted from the room by the photographer and the rest of us finally put on our dresses. We all wore nearly identical black A-line dresses, each with a flash of color at the neckline and peeking out at the bottom hem of the skirt. The bride chose colors which she claimed matched our personalities. Erza, the Maid of Honor, had a flash of dark blue. Baby blue for the groom's younger sister, Wendy; yellow for our friend Cana. Last, but not least, a rosy pink for me.
Our petite friend was returned to us infinitely more nervous than she left. There was time for another round of mimosas to calm our (her) nerves before the wedding planner let us know it was time to line up. The ceremony would begin in 15 minutes.
We met up with three of the four groomsmen in the staging area. They're all wearing black tuxedos with the vest and tie coordinating with our dress colors. Since we had a few minutes, I flashed a bright smile at the best man and waved him over, away from the rest of the group.
"What's up, Lucy?"
"You're lucky I don't murder you for last night, is what's up," I whispered venomously. All color drained from his face, and I continued. "You could have at least told your boss which tech was coming. But it seems like that was too much trouble, so instead, he thought I was a prostitute because you find it amusing to buy him women."
He opened his mouth to reply but it was too late. With two minutes until the ceremony begins, we were told to pair up to walk down the aisle. I take my place in the lineup and notice the conspicuous absence of "my" groomsman. Again. Maybe I'll be lucky, and he won't show up, that way I'm not stuck partnered with someone I don't know. I'd rather be spared the awkward conversations.
"This isn't what I was expecting when you told me you were busy today."
I have no words. What the hell is Natsu doing here? In a tux, his vest and tie matched both his hair and my dress. Well, I guess I don't have to worry about awkward conversation, as I'm pretty sure we covered that last night.
"I could say the same. Are you stalking me?"
"You wish." We shared a laugh as I rested my hand on his offered arm. The wedding planner hands me my bouquet of white lilies and we begin our walk down the aisle.
I smile at the groom, Gajeel, as we get closer to him. He actually looks good in his white tuxedo, his long black hair hanging loosely down his back. His facial piercings and crimson eyes stand out more than usual today; he's pretty pale and may actually be more nervous than Levy.
"Don't worry, she's not backing out," I say softly as I let go of Natsu's arm and take my place beside Cana.
Of their own accord, my eyes steal a glance at Natsu. I take a moment to appreciate how handsome he looks in his tux before training my eyes on Erza and Gray as they make their way to the front of the room.
A shift in the music brings the guests to their feet and all eyes are on Levy. Light sparkles off the crystal of her headband. Even from here, I can see tears glistening in her light brown eyes. Gajeel takes her hand and everyone is seated so the ceremony can begin.
It was all I could do to keep my laughter in check during the ceremony. How in the world does a man capable of sitting through board meetings for hours on end manage to become so bored at a wedding? At least ten times in the thirty minutes between 'dearly beloved' and 'you may now kiss the bride,' Natsu made faces or stuck his tongue out at me. Every attempt to make him stop was a wasted effort.
"You are such a child," I chided softly as Natsu escorted me back up the aisle. "Seriously, how do you run a successful, multi-million-dollar company?"
"I usually rely on my good looks and charming personality." He looked down at me and smirked.
Thankfully, we had made it out of the room as I was unable to hold back a snort of laughter, causing the rest of the bridal party to look over at us.
"What's so funny over here?" Erza interrupted as she stepped closer to us.
"Sounds like Natsu thinks he's God's gift to women," Gray chimed in, "and Lucy probably put him in his place."
"Gray, so nice of you to join us." My saccharine tone is enough to let him know he fucked up by opening his mouth. "We didn't get to finish our conversation earlier."
There is a hint of fear in the look he sends to Natsu. I have no intention of saying anything more on the subject, but if he thinks I will share what I know about his so-called 'pranks' with Erza, he will be on his best behavior. That woman can be intimidating at the best of times; she's downright terrifying when she's pissed.
I turn to Erza, fully intent on changing the subject, but I don't get the chance. A warm hand is clamped over my mouth and another lands on the small of my back.
"Sorry, I just remembered I need to talk to Lucy about...uh...work stuff?" Natsu's voice sounded more than a little panicked, and his last words were squeaked out as he pulled me away from the others.
I guess he knows Erza, too; boys are so ridiculous sometimes. Irritated about being dragged around, I used the best weapon at my disposal. I allowed saliva to build up in my mouth, then slid my sloppy wet tongue across the palm of Natsu's hand, immediately earning my freedom.
"Ew, Lucy," he grumbled as he wiped off my spit. "And you called me a child..."
"Hey, I'm not the one who put your hand over my mouth. That's on you. You were practically begging me to do it." As I spoke, I became aware of a familiar tingling, burning sensation on my tongue. "Did you dip your hands in hot sauce while you were getting ready?"
"There were spicy wings on our brunch buffet. I couldn't let them go to waste."
"And you didn't think to wash your hands after eating wings?"
"I did. Why do you think I was running late in the first place?"
"You might want to consider washing them again before touching anything important."
Natsu cocked his head to the right. I could see the wheels spinning, but apparently my words were just too cryptic for him to decipher.
"Don't worry, you'll figure it out eventually," I snickered as I patted his cheek. "So, what purpose did you have for kidnapping me?"
"Death by Erza wasn't on my list of things to do today."
Now it's my turn to be confused. Why would Erza punish Natsu for Gray being an idiot? Yeah, I got nothing.
"Clarify, please?"
"It seemed like you were about to sign Gray's death warrant by telling the she-demon about his tasteless pranks. Which I would usually find fucking hilarious, except she would have pressured you to tell her how you came to possess said information, and that would lead to her knowing about my rather poor treatment of you last night. The end result obviously being my untimely and extremely painful demise.
"So, I brought you over here to plead for my life." He took both of my hands in his and continued his desperate monologue. "Please dear, sweet, beautiful, kind, forgiving, goddess Lucy, please don't tell Erza."
Well this is an interesting turn of events. I would not have said anything unless it continued, but Natsu doesn't need to know that.
"If I don't tell Erza, your life is spared, but what exactly would I be getting out of this?"
"Absolutely anything! Whatever you want, just say the word and it's yours!"
"Deal," I say before shaking his hand. His whole body relaxes as he releases a sigh of relief.
The euphoria is short-lived. It didn't take long for Natsu to realize what he'd promised, and that I had not given him any clues as to what it was that I wanted from him. Truth be told, I didn't know what I wanted. A quick wave from the door tells me we're needed outside.
"You'll owe me a favor. To be determined at a later time." I give an innocent smile. "Time to go outside for pictures, so let's get that over with, then the partying begins."
"Yes, ma'am," he replies, playfully saluting me, then offering his arm so we can walk together towards the gardens.
My cheeks hurt so bad. After tonight, I'm never smiling again. At least we're able to finally sit at the head table in the reception hall. I'm also never wearing high heels again; my poor feet! There's another hour of drinks and hors-d'oeuvres before dinner, and I will only be vacating my chair if forced to do so.
"I'm headed to the bar," Natsu informs me, standing from the seat beside mine, "would you like something to drink?"
"Yes, please. Something sweet and spiked would be fabulous. Thanks, Natsu."
The rest of the men head to the bar at the same time, and the girls have settled around me. This is feeling like high school all over again, except we were swarming around Levy back before she and Gajeel started dating. Today, they've set their sights on me. Gods help me through this.
"You and Natsu seem to be getting along well," Levy broke the tense silence.
"He's nice," I cautiously replied.
"So..." Erza prompted, leaning closer to me. I really do hate all of my friends.
"So... what? I'm not really sure where you're going with this." We all know that is a lie, but they think it's just me being difficult.
"Oh, come on, Lucy," Erza continued, "you two were flirting before the ceremony."
"And during the ceremony," Wendy added.
"And after," Cana joined in. "At one point you two were holding hands, and he looked pretty nervous. Was he asking you on a date? If not, he looked like whatever you two were talking about was pretty intense."
"And?" I hissed at them.
"So why not give him a chance?" Levy asked.
"Well, for starters, he's my boss, and I've known him for less than a day." I'm seething at this point.
"Weak excuses, Lucy," Erza said sternly. "We just want you to be happy. What's the worst thing that could happen if you give Natsu a chance?"
I'm so done right now; I slip my shoes off under the table and grab my clutch before standing. My eyes meet Erza's as I answer.
"Bora could happen, Erza. Excuse me, I need some air." I push my way past them towards the hotel gardens.
The guys are standing in front of the bar about to take a round of shots. I detour towards them, set my clutch on the bar, and grab the drinks from the two closest to me – Gray and Natsu. Both shots are downed in quick succession, then I grab my bag and walk away without a word.
Once I'm outside, I plop my ass onto one of the benches and light a cigarette. I don't smoke often, usually just when I need a distraction from the stress. Inhaling deeply, the smoke fills my lungs; it burns like hell, but I hold it a few seconds before exhaling.
"Hey, Lucy," a deep, masculine voice called out from behind me. "Are you alright?"
"Did you have a hand in their little setup?" I turn around to face him as I ask my question, and the look he gives me tells me all I need to know. "Please just leave me alone; I'm really not in the mood for any of this."
I turned back around as he retreated back inside. Less than a minute passes and I hear footsteps approaching me again. I do not possess the patience to deal with this pervert right now, so I stand and turn towards him, yelling as I do so.
"Are you so fucking dense that you don't understand my simple fucking request?" My voice tapered off to a whisper as I realized it was Natsu – not Gray – standing in front of me. In one hand was a pink drink with a strawberry clinging to the lip of the glass. I sank back onto the bench and dropped my head in my hands.
"I'm sorry. I thought you were Gray coming back out."
"Eh, shit happens." He shrugged and sat next to me, taking the cigarette out of my hand, and replacing it with the blended concoction he brought with him. "While I am pretty offended you thought I was Gray – which you're getting away with just this once, and never again – you looked like you could use the drink. Sweet and spiked, as requested."
"Thank you," I murmured as I took a sip. I don't know exactly what's in it, but it's delicious.
I was almost expecting a lecture on smoking when Natsu swiped my cigarette, but he actually surprised me by taking a drag and handing it back to me. Though he did make a face, probably because they're a little stale.
We sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes as the Sun began its descent. The first touches of sunset slowly transformed the gardens around us into something out of a fairy tale.
"Do you want to talk about what happened in there?"
I released a soft sigh. Part of me wanted to just let it all out; another part is screaming that my problems are none of his business. Once I can reach a suitable compromise between the two, I am free to speak.
"The girls decided I need a man in my life and are trying to play matchmaker by setting me up with someone I really don't know."
"Sounds like you're not even going to give him a chance."
"No, I'm not."
"Why not? Is he ugly?"
"No. And I'm offended you would think I'm that shallow."
"I'm just trying to narrow it down," Natsu defended before blurting out another question. "Married?"
"Not that I'm aware of."
"Gay?"
"Doubtful."
"Is he just not good enough for you?"
"He's probably too good for me, actually," I reply softly, "but that has nothing to do with my decision."
"Don't you think you're being a bit judgmental towards yourself when you say things like that?"
I just shrug in answer and take another sip of my drink.
"Damn. So, who is the unlucky guy?"
Another sigh escapes my lips, and I look up into Natsu's dark eyes.
"The only single person – other than myself – in the bridal party."
"Poor bastard," Natsu snickers. Yeah, he's a little slow putting together the rather obvious pieces. "Wait...me?"
"That is correct."
"But what makes you think you're not good enough?"
"I don't think that's the part you should be focusing on. Unless you make it a habit to date employees?"
"I have a rule against it. It just seems like an unethical thing to do. Not to mention it could really fuck with the dynamics of a relationship."
"In that case, you can talk to Erza, because she's under the impression that's a bullshit excuse."
"Didn't we agree on Erza not killing me?"
"I guess," I smiled. "On a slightly more serious note: am I too flirty? I just...I don't want to say or do anything inappropriate. I really do like my job and have no desire to be fired for sexual harassment."
"Nah, you're fine. I mean, you could give me and my college buddies a run for our money in the sexual innuendo department, which I find pretty impressive. As long as there's an understanding that it won't go further, I really don't mind. But maybe we could be friends...if you want."
"Not that I mind – yet – but why would you want to be friends with me?"
"You're fun to be around," he said, standing from the bench. "You seem genuine and honest – trust me, I don't get that from many women. And you're not afraid to call me out for being a complete ass. All things I need in my life. So, wanna be friends?"
The speed at which this man flips between serious and playful is going to make me dizzy, but as I told the girls, he's nice. There's also the fact that he hasn't pressured me for details about this morning's incident, which is a level of respect that few of my friends show. Maybe having one more friend wouldn't be such a bad thing.
"Sure, we can be friends."
"Now that the drama crap is all cleared up, are you ready to go back inside?" Once again, he offered his hand to help me up. I gave him a nod and accepted his assistance.
"Thank God because I'm starving," he exclaimed, pulling me towards the reception hall. Just before we reached the door, he released my hand. "We don't want to give them the wrong impression."
"Good thinking." I smiled and we walked in.
Erza came striding towards us as soon as we entered, looking upset.
"I'm so sorry about earlier, Lucy," she began. "I wasn't thinking about what could happen with Bo-"
"Nope. You're going to stop right there," I reply firmly. "That subject was discussed privately this morning, and I have nothing more to say about it tonight. We're here to celebrate our friends getting married, and you will not bring it up again. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes. I'm sorry, please forgive me?"
"Always." I opened my arms, and we shared a quick hug. "Now shoo so I can grab some real food. I haven't eaten since bacon o'clock this morning."
We both laughed as she walked back to the table. Three steps towards the buffet line, I realized Natsu was no longer with me. Didn't he just drag me back inside claiming starvation? I turn around to see him frozen in his previous spot, staring at me.
"Is something wrong?" I ask. He's not even blinking, and his unwavering gaze begins to make me nervous. I close the distance between us and whisper, "Natsu, why are you looking at me like that."
"Holy shit," he said with awe.
"What's going on? Did I do something wrong?"
"How the hell did you do that? I've known Erza for years and I've never heard someone speak to her that way and live to tell the tale. And she apologized. Twice! This is completely unheard of. I may need to reconsider this arrangement...
"Hey, Lucy, does your immunity to Erza's rage extend to your immediate family?"
"What are you talking about?" I giggled.
"I'm just sayin'," he started up again as we made our way towards the food, "if it's possible for you to pass that ability to your husband, we'll be getting married next week."
"Natsu, no!" I can only shake my head at his reasoning as I grab two plates, handing one to him.
"Seriously," he said, grinning like a lunatic, "you're not afraid of anyone, are you?"
My smile faltered at his words; I know it was said in jest. Thinking back on this morning's incident, I must have seemed fearless to him. But Natsu doesn't know my past, and I cannot hold that against him.
"That's not a topic I will be discussing tonight, Natsu," I whispered. My eyes burned with the threat of tears, so I took a deep breath, trying desperately to keep them from falling.
"Lucy?"
"Shall we see if there's anything spicy on the line?" I changed the subject as I blinked my tears away and forced myself to smile. "If I'm ruining my makeup tonight, I'd rather it be from putting something hot in my mouth."
I immediately regret my choice of words as I watch Natsu's look of worry turn into a mischievous smirk. He takes a step towards me and leans close, bringing him too close into my personal space, but I'm too hypnotized by the look in his eyes to step away.
"I think I know where you can find something hot to satisfy that craving." His voice was low and husky, and I could feel my face flush at his words. "I'm pretty sure those are fire-roasted serrano peppers next to the tri-tip."
"You're horrible," I grumble, turning back to the table so I can pile my plate with whatever looks good, which included his snarky suggestion.
"You love it."
"Whatever, you cocky ass." He just smiled at my comment as we walked back to our table.
Dinner was followed by toasts, then cake. When it was time for Gajeel and Levy to share their first dance as newlyweds, I finally found out why Natsu needed those files so badly. A large screen was lowered, and a slide show began with the music. As the two danced, images of each of them growing up transitioned across the screen. There were pictures of many special moments they shared, and near the end, a video clip of the proposal.
"That was so beautiful." I dabbed carefully at my eyes with a tissue. "I don't remember Levy talking about that while we helped with the planning."
"She didn't know about it." Gray leaned across his girlfriend, Juvia, to tell me. "Gajeel thought of it before he even proposed. That's why there were multiple angles of the proposal – Natsu, Jellal, and I were all filming that day."
"That's so romantic," Juvia squealed.
"Well, the slideshow almost didn't happen," Gray continued. "Thankfully, Lucy was able to come through at the last minute, since someone is irresponsible and didn't bother to do his part until last night."
"Hey! It's not like it's my fault the stupid computer overheated," Natsu pouted.
I turn to look at him in utter disbelief. Did I not explain to him last night precisely how it was his fault? Oh, that's right, I did.
"It is entirely your fault, though," I reminded him.
"I thought we were friends; you're supposed to be on my side," he whined like a petulant child. The corners of his mouth were slightly upturned as he continued. "How could you betray me like this?"
"Easily, in this case," I laughed. "I'm currently on the side of the innocent computer that you enslaved and abused."
Gray and Juvia laughed with me; it looked like Natsu was about to start defending himself when the music changed.
"Sorry, time to dance. You with me Juvs?" I stood up and took her hand when she nodded, and we joined the rest of the ladies on the dance floor.
After that, I only stopped dancing for three reasons: alcohol, bathroom breaks, and slow songs. Though I did dance at least once with all of the groomsmen; twice with Natsu, who is a surprisingly good dancer.
Gajeel and Levy made their exit before 11pm, and most of the people who remained after that were thoroughly intoxicated and still dancing. I stayed to sober up a bit and rest my feet so I could make it up to my room without falling down.
It was nearly midnight when I was sober enough to stand again without wobbling; I collected my shoes and purse and started across the reception hall. I didn't make it far before a flash of pink caught my attention. I didn't realize Natsu was still around, but there he was, attempting to free himself from the clutches of a cougar, whom I identified as one of Levy's aunts.
My whole body shuddered when I saw what she was wearing – a skin-tight red dress that was so short I'm pretty sure her ass would fall out if she tried to bend over, with a deep V-neck that barely covered her nipples. Not really appropriate attire for a formal wedding, and the way she was rubbing against Natsu was making me fight the urge to gag.
He saw me and mouthed the words 'help me.' I smiled as I made my way over to him, slipping one of my hands into one of his and forcing myself between him and the pest.
"Let's get out of here; I'm tired."
"Get your own man, blondie," the cougar sneered, "I claimed him first."
She wore a victorious look when I glanced back at her, probably thinking I would turn tail and run away. Instead, I decided to step up my game and turned an icy gaze towards her that made her flinch.
"Did you happen to ask permission before groping this man? If not, I suggest you take your hands off him."
"I...I wasn't groping," she stuttered. "Besides, he didn't exactly do anything to stop me…"
"Alright, let me try a more direct approach." I turned to face her, keeping a tight grip on Natsu's hand. "Kindly remove your hands from my fiancé, before I remove them from you."
"I think you meant to say, 'remove them for you,' little girl," she spoke to me as if I were stupid, gaining back confidence with what she must have thought was a mistake on my part.
"I meant it exactly how I said it, you drunken hag. Just because your niece and her new husband have left, that does not mean it is alright for you to assault their friends."
"It wasn't assault," she insisted. But I had seen her touching while he tried in vain to get away from her.
"I suggest you stop touching things that do not belong to you and crawl back into whatever hole you emerged from," I practically growled. "Or would you prefer I call the cops? I'm sure they'd be very interested in what I saw you doing."
Her grip loosened and Natsu was able to free himself from her clutches. But I wasn't nearly done. This bitch needed to be put in her place, and I was going to be the one to do it, consequences be damned.
"That's enough, babe, let's go," Natsu said loud enough for the other woman to hear as he began dragging me away.
I would not have stepped away from the confrontation if Natsu hadn't held my hand tightly and pulled me with him. Not a word was spoken between us until we boarded the elevator.
"Thanks for the save. Again."
"You're welcome. Sorry if I got a little intense; I hate it when people refuse to take 'no' for an answer." I took a deep breath to calm myself before smiling up at Natsu. "You make quite the damsel in distress. That's four times in just over a day that I've had to come to your rescue."
"How is it four? I count the computer stuff, Erza this afternoon, and grabby cougar. That's only three."
We're standing in front of my room when he asked the question. I debated telling him but found myself holding back instead.
"That's a story for another time," I comment while unlocking my door, pushing it open just a bit.
"Fair enough. I have one more question, and then I'll leave you alone for the evening." There was a slight pause, and I nodded my consent. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to, but...what really happened this morning?"
I won't insult his intelligence by acting like I don't know what he's talking about. Too exhausted to explain and unwilling to do so in a hotel hallway in the middle of the night, my brain settles on another compromise.
"That's a story for another time."
Much to my surprise, he nodded and flashed me a smile. He's not going to pressure me into sharing anything? This friendship might actually not be so bad – even if he is the boss.
"I can live with that. And now I shall take my leave so m'lady can get some rest. Goodnight, Lucy."
"Goodnight, Natsu," I said, and he turned to leave. I lingered in the doorway until he was back on the elevator, then finally went inside and fell asleep.
A/N: Since I already have this chapter edited and I'm happy with it - fucking FINALLY - I decided to post it now. Just FYI, not all chapters will be 5000-ish words; some of them will be a lot less, but that's because sometimes it doesn't feel right to ramble on for so long just to add to the word count. Hope y'all enjoy this chapter!