It was Tuesday night and the club was just starting to fill up. Natsu was surprised how much traffic the place got for a weeknight.
Waiting for Lucy's set to start, Natsu sat in his usual booth spinning the scotch around in his tumbler. He was pondering his next move.
Natsu had been working for Fairy Tail Private Investigations and Security for a number of years now, primarily on the PI team. He'd managed cases big and small- from cheating husbands to corporate embezzlement. Hell, he had even assisted local police on several murder investigations. From his point of view, he had already seen it all. All his cases now were merely variations of the past.
When his boss, Makarov, decided to bring the young man in on a major case they were working, Natsu hadn't thought much of it. He expected more of the same.
What he didn't expect, was her.
And now, here he was again, sitting at his booth, glass of scotch in hand, waiting for the lights to dim and the music to announce the entrance of the girl he couldn't seem to shake from his thoughts.
He had not planned any of it before he walked into the bar that first night, before he had seen her. But as soon as he had, he knew he needed to know her.
It had worked to his advantage. His lack of forethought had ultimately put him in the perfect position to keep an eye on the place.
He was becoming familiar with the club- its employees, its regulars. He had even had several occasions to glance around the boss's office when Ivan had pulled him in there for a "friendly chat". With a little more time he would be able to figure out a way to get in while it was unoccupied. Something his nightly visits to the beautiful starlet would aid in.
He knew there was more going on here behind the scenes, and Natsu was set to expose the place.
One of Fairy Tail's top guys over in the private security department, Gray Fullbuster, had used his connections to try and get some info on the operation before they sent Natsu in. It turned out the Tartaros Family, a high profile gang that always had a way of slipping out of the authorities' hands, was rumored to be engaging in some type of negotiations with Ivan. Gray had a unique way of always pissing Natsu off, but he had to admit, the info was good- and not easy to come by.
Makarov said they suspected the club was a front for some type of untoward side business, which would make sense if they were dealing with thugs like Tartaros, but they weren't sure exactly what Ivan had gotten himself in to. Trafficking or drugs, Natsu figured. He hoped it was the later.
Natsu hadn't heard too much about their client. Makarov was playing this one pretty close to the chest. They must be pretty well connected, though, because he was told that once Fairy Tail figures out what's going on at the Blue Kitten they were taking the case straight to the feds.
And that was why this girl was a problem. From the moment he met her he knew he was screwed. He may be using her as a means to an end, but his desire to see her, to know her, was real. He wanted to do a hell of a lot more than talk, but he needed to drag this out. She needed to be comfortable enough around him to spill any secrets she knew about Ivan's business. And he had to stay focused.
There was no hard or fast rule about getting involved on the job. Sometimes it was necessary to make... connections. Lucy was the perfect example. She was the star of the show, after all. Chances were high that she had been around here long enough to know of, if not be directly involved with, the shady business being run through the place. But the fire that exploded within his veins at her touch told him that "connecting" with Lucy was a bad idea.
"Mr. Dragneel," a voice permeated Natsu's thoughts. He looked up to see Ivan leaning against his booth.
"Evening Ivan," Natsu greeted, taking a swig of his scotch.
The older man frowned at Natsu's informality, but brushed it off.
"Enjoying the show tonight?"
"I think everyone here is enjoying the show tonight. You run an impressive establishment. Why don't you join me for a drink," he offered.
"No, no, I'm afraid I have a policy not to mingle too closely with the customers. I'd hate for it to appear as if I were playing favorites."
Natsu nodded. Evasive as ever, he thought to himself.
"Speaking of playing favorites, we should talk about Lucy."
That grabbed Natsu's attention. He kept his face emotionless as he spoke. "Oh? What about her?"
"Well, you see it is very unusual, what you are doing- paying to spend time with my star. And I'm afraid I'm going to have to put a stop to it. I'm sure you've had your fun, but enough is enough."
This was bad. Natsu needed more time to watch the club. He needed another shot at Ivan's office- he knew that was where he was going to find what he needed to expose Ivan.
"If it's about the money, I can pay you more," Natsu offered coolly.
Ivan smiled. "It's not about the money."
Natsu decided to push. "You sure? I could make it worth your while."
"No, no," Ivan said with a wave of his hand. "You see, it's about my star, and it's about this show. People have begun to notice, you see. The girls backstage are all a-twitter over it. Some of the regulars have begun to make comments. They believe I am playing favorites. Allowing you to see Lucy so often... Well, let's just say I am starting to lose customers. My girls need to seem available. I can't have them thinking she is off the market."
Natsu thought quickly over Ivan's words, trying to figure out an angle that might sway his decision. "Of course," he said dryly. "I understand." He gave a long pause and waited until Ivan began to turn away. "Of course I am sure you would hate to lose my business as well?" That caught Ivan's attention. He turned back to the young man.
"True," he said slowly. "You have been an excellent customer."
"Perhaps there is something more I can offer besides just my patronship."
"Oh?" Ivan snickered. "Like what?"
Natsu hesitated. If he wasn't careful, he would blow the whole operation with this move.
"I heard you've been doing some business with Tartaros."
If Ivan was surprised, he did not show it. But there was an angry gleam in his eye as their conversation took a turn.
"I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about. Perhaps it is time for you to leave my club, Mr. Dragneel."
Natsu waved his hand casually.
"I have a bit of a history with them. They can be... stubborn in their business deals. I might be able to help you with your negotiations."
That clearly peaked Ivan's attention. "Is that so?"
"Of course," Natsu grinned. "We are friends, after all, right Ivan? And friends help each other out from time to time. And, as my friend, I would expect you to help me as well."
A wicked smile stretched across Ivan's mouth. "And what is it that you would want, in exchange for such a kind offer."
Natsu shrugged. "It's pretty simple. I want time with Miss Heartfilia."
Ivan eyed him suspiciously. "That's all?"
Natsu smirked. "I really am a simple man. All I want is to spend time with a beautiful woman, so sue me. I'm sure you understand."
Ivan watched him and Natsu held in his breath. Did it work?
"Why don't you come with me to my office and we can talk more about our mutual friends. I'm sure more time could be arranged between you and my little starlet."
Natsu smiled, he was in.
He left his half-finished drink on the table as he followed Ivan toward the back of the room. He heard the music change and paused for a moment, looking back at the stage. Lucy's set had started. He watched as she moved slowly down the cat walk.
He must have lost his mind. Oh well, he thought, too late now.