CHAPTER 10
Lucy and Laki settled in a local coffee shop near the shooting set. Nearly half of the crew were packing away things already and most of the actors had gone home. So, the two ladies decided to settle somewhere else. Lucy also thought that it would be better to get away from some loitering and unwanted paparazzi. She can handle a few cameras pointed at her but being bombarded by them was not something she was comfortable with. Especially now that she'll be trying to let the media know something supposedly about her personal life.
Sighing in her seat, Lucy nursed her warm honey black tea while she carefully watched her phone for any activity. Natsu didn't reply to her text messages. So, she's just assuming that he's on his way. However, she couldn't help but worry that the pink-haired president would ditch her. She pretty much violated a rule.
"Shit," Lucy softly mumbles to herself.
Laki quickly looks up at the blonde and tips her head in wonder, "What's the matter, Lucy-san?"
"Huh?" Lucy snaps out of her thoughts as she looks back at her assistant, "What did you say?"
"Is there anything bothering you? Do you want me to shoo off these paparazzi?" Laki then half turns to look out in the window and counts the wandering photographers waiting for any action from Lucy.
"No, it's okay. They are far enough," Lucy half smiled before looking back at her idle phone. "I'm just wondering if Natsu had left,"
"He'll be here," Laki says reassuringly, "Most likely he'll get stuck in traffic as he leaves Magnolia. From the city proper to Hargeon, if I'm not mistaken will take at least an hour,"
"Has it been an hour?" Lucy wondered.
Laki then checks her watch and shook her head, "Nope. It's just past 30 minutes since you called him,"
"I see…" Lucy then taps on her phone, and it lights up, showing her messaging app open. Her last message was telling him that she and Laki were in the local cafe. But just like her previous messages, he just read it but didn't reply to it.
As Lucy sighs for the nth time, a black Maserati suddenly pulls over in front of their window. As the car was not familiar to her, Lucy tilts her head in wonder who might this rich person be living in Hargeon. Suddenly, her phone rang, startling the blonde.
Lucy immediately answered the call as it showed, Mr. Pinkette.
"Natsu?"
"I'm here," Natsu nonchalantly says, making the blonde doubt the pinkette for a moment.
"You are?" Lucy then looks out the window just in time the person inside the luxury car steps out. He had a baseball cap on, pulled low that it covered half of his face. The man then turns to look straight back at her with his phone by his ear.
Lucy's eyes then widen in surprise as Natsu spoke, "Yep,"
Lucy then pulls her phone away and looked at her assistant. Laki seemed to notice the car as well and quickly realized that it was the man she saw on the internet.
"He's here," Laki mutters in astonishment.
"Yep, let's go," Lucy then stood up with a smile still on her face. She was completely surprised that the pinkette had finally arrived. After being told that the drive may take an hour, Lucy had expected that it will take another half hour to wait. But it was barely 5 minutes since Laki told her that.
As soon as the actress steps out of the café, Lucy immediately noticed cameras flashing, given that Natsu had walked toward her as well. She then whispered to him, "There are cameras on the other side of the road,"
"Yeah, I know," Natsu replies then tilts his cap lower, "That's why I wore this,"
"Oh," Lucy then nods her head. Soon Laki stood next to the actress and handed her handbag, "Thanks Laki,"
Laki just smiled at her boss before looking back at the tall pinkette, "Hi, I'm Laki. Ms. Lucy's personal assistant,"
"Hi," Natsu greets back with a somewhat professional smile that Lucy had noticed last night. It was the kind of smile that was calculated but appears to be genuine enough. "I'm Natsu—"
"Lucy-san's boyfriend," Laki interrupts in excitement, making the pinkette stunned but chuckle after.
"Yes," Natsu then gave another small smile to the assistant. While the purple-haired assistant gushed in awe, Natsu looked back at Lucy and said, "Shall we?"
"Sure," Lucy then took a sidestep, allowing her side profile to be seen by some paparazzi, "Laki would be heading back to my place. She'll be riding with Max. We can go somewhere else," She then took Natsu's hand, which the pinkette found a little surprising but didn't comment on it immediately.
"Okay, then," Natsu then looked at Lucy's assistant and bid her farewell. When Laki had left, Natsu looked back at the actress and raised a brow, "Is this some show?"
"Hm? What do you mean?" Lucy replies as she takes a step closer to the pinkette, which the man had noted instantly.
"This, what you're doing," Natsu gestures to the leaning body of the actress and then to their entwined hands, "Is this for some show?"
Lucy then bit her lower lip as she felt a little bashful that Natsu quickly caught on to her theatrics. She kept her gaze on the man and said, "If I say yes, please do not be mad that I violated some rules,"
"You definitely did," Natsu remarked before smirking at the blonde, "I am putting a smile on my face given that probably you are doing this for the camera,"
Lucy then laughs, which was obviously a staged one, as she nods her head, "Yep. You got it," Lucy then tiptoed and gave a brief kiss on the corner of Natsu's lips.
Stunned by the quick kiss, Natsu barely had time to react. Lucy pulled away and smiled at the pinkette for a moment before stepping towards the door.
"Come on, open the door for me," Lucy muttered as Natsu slowly followed her. Soon enough, Natsu opened the door for her, and the actress immediately sat inside.
Once Natsu took his seat behind the wheel, he exhaled deeply first and pulled off his cap. He ruffled his hair and then gave a stern look at the blonde.
"Is that your usual habit in greeting people?" Natsu raised a brow at the woman, who was just sitting, amused by his facial expressions.
"What do you mean?" Lucy innocently asks back with a tilt of her head. Natsu couldn't help but roll his eyes before he pushes a button for the car to start.
"So, you're into PDA in front of the media. You've always done that with your ex?" Natsu looked at Lucy at the mention of her past boyfriend. He'd expect that that would tamper the sassiness of the blonde. And it did, but not much.
"No. I don't like doing PDA with my real boyfriend. But in your case, since this is a setup, I must put on a good show for these paparazzi. It will help me with my rumor," Lucy then sat up straight and pointed ahead to the street, "Can we go now?"
Natsu grunts at her before looking away and began driving. When they have left the area and knew that the paparazzi were not on their tail, Natsu looked at the blonde and continued their conversation. "Isn't kissing me in public cause more suspicion? You said it yourself you don't like PDA."
Lucy glanced back at Natsu and thought about what he'd said, "Maybe, but I had to make it a statement."
"A statement?" Natsu inquired confusedly as he looks back at the road.
"It's like making things official," Lucy shrugs her shoulder, "Then I'll have to do some SNS posting with you."
"With me?" Natsu eyed the blonde stunned, "What for?"
"It's what netizens say, social media official," Lucy then smirks at the pinkette, who only groaned in frustration. "In that way, you'll be associated with Lucy Ashley and not Lucy Heartfilia,"
"How does that ensure that I won't be associated with you as Lucy Heartfilia?" Natsu furrowed his brow, feeling skeptical about the actress' plan, "You do realize that once you brought out my name in public, they will try to dig up your history,"
"Which they won't find any," Lucy then side glances the pinkette, "Didn't your brother say it last night that Lucy Heartfilia was an elusive person,"
"You went in public last night," Natsu countered, "I'm pretty sure someone had grasped that gossip,"
"I only introduced myself as a Heartfilia to your parents and brother. Wendy didn't even know my real last name. And I prefer that" Lucy then turned to look at the driving man, "Wendy is relatively young and can babble about it and that's the last thing I want to happen. I can't let the public know my real name,"
"And that's because?" Natsu questioned, completely stricken with Lucy's goal of staying hidden.
Lucy then turns away and remained silent for a long time. The pinkette glanced at her with worry. It was certain that Lucy was carrying some baggage she didn't feel unloading. Natsu then recalled Lucy's words,
"You have past issues; I have past issues. You have parent issues; I've got parent issues. We both have bad break-ups that hunt us until now. We're like two peas in a pod."
"Look, if you want to make this work, you've got to let me into your secrets," Natsu muttered, gripping the wheel tighter as he realized the implication that he'd have to open up as well.
"It's not much of a secret, honestly," Lucy softly whispers as she looks down at her fumbling hands, "But it's like pulling a scab. It's a wound that hasn't healed even after long years,"
"How long?"
"Seven," Lucy replies looking out at the dark road and disappearing port of Hargeon. She then sighed and repeat softly, "Seven painful years,"
Natsu glanced at the blonde with a shocked expression and quickly kept mum from making any other comments. Having a rift with your family is not easy as there will always be that weight in your chest, despite thinking how relieved you are to cut off toxic people. No matter how much you'd like to feel grateful for the distance, there will always be some sort of stab in your heart with the fact that the last people you expect to hurt you are the first people to betray you. Holding that pain for years is too heavy.
"I'm sorry," Natsu gently uttered, keeping his gaze on the road. Although he knew Lucy was looking back at him, he decided to continue, "As you said last night, we're two peas in a pod. I have an idea of how you feel,"
"You have an undeclared war with your parents? That doesn't seem like it," Lucy then rolls her eyes.
"Maybe we don't argue by shouting and stuff like that. But there is distrust between us,"
"Distrust?" Lucy questioned, completely unconvinced knowing that he was just given the highest position in the company.
"I know, it sounds weird and looks inconsistent from what you saw last night. But believe me, my mother hasn't trusted me for years,"
Lucy was then silent as she tried to ponder it. She then recalls all of the actions of the blue-haired mother and realized how she had simply shown her distrust to Natsu to make decisions for himself. It was like Grandine was controlling Natsu in the guise of a mother's love and protection.
Lucy peeks at Natsu, who was silent as well, concentrating on his drive. When her gaze didn't relent, the pink-haired man turns to look back at her. Soon, the two gently smiled at each other before looking away, deliberating on their own hunted stories.
After an hour of driving and a drive-thru in a burger place, Natsu and Lucy were on their way to Lucy's condo building. The two didn't talk about their previous topic again and just remained civil. Most of the drive was nearly awkward but it was bearable for both of them as they needed that silence.
When they got stuck in traffic, Natsu glanced at the blonde, who was preoccupied with the other cars on the street. Natsu sighs to himself before looking away and started staring at the red counting-down stop light.
"So, in Hargeon," Natsu started, breaking the eerie silence growing between them, "You'll be working there the whole week?"
"Not really," Lucy answered briefly looking at the pinkette, "Just until tomorrow. Why?"
"Should I start assuming that your boyfriend always picks you up at your shooting location?" Natsu inquired with a tilt of his head over his headrest.
"It depends," Lucy then looked at Natsu fully, "Can you?"
"Can I what?" Natsu raised a brow.
"Be that kind of boyfriend," Lucy then looks away, "You're a businessman, I'm sure you don't have time for that,"
Natsu rolled his head to face the stop light again, "I don't have time for that,"
"But you made it here,"
"Which was against our contract rule. You can't pull this shit again, Lucy," Natsu glances at the actress, who nods her head.
"I know, I'm sorry," Lucy then timidly smiled, "But thanks for not ditching me,"
"I won't…" Natsu then rolls his head again to look at the blonde, "But I can't promise that I can always pull through when you do this unexpected thing. As you said, I'm a businessman, I don't have time for this,"
"I got it," Lucy subtly rolls her eyes at the man before smiling a little.
Soon enough the cars were moving and finally, they reach the building in less than 15 minutes. When Natsu pulled over in the driveway of the condo building, Lucy looked at Natsu for a moment and thought to invite him for a cup of tea. But she quickly shook her head and bid the man goodbye.
"Don't forget, pick me up tomorrow again. Same time, same place." Lucy said as she stood by the doorway of the car, "Now, this isn't a breach of our contract. I've given you a heads-up,"
Natsu chuckles, "I'll try my best,"
"Nope, you'll pick me up," Lucy grinned at the pinkette and closed the door immediately before he could say anything more. Lucy quickly stepped back and waved goodbye to the man.
Showbiz Entertainment Channel
ARTICLE TITLE: 'New Beau': Lucy Ashley finally dating again?
Press People Column
ARTICLE TITLE: Lucy Ashley spotted with her new boyfriend in Hargeon City
Fiore Entertainment Media
ARTICLE TITLE: Lucy Ashley and her mystery new boyfriend spotted dating in public
The Daily Time Inquirer: Showbiz Entertainment
ARTICLE TITLE: Series-Princess, Lucy Ashley seen again with her mysterious boyfriend
Fiore Times Newspaper: Entertainment Section
ARTICLE TITLE: Lucy Ashley and Loke De Leon, officially over
"Well, that was quick," Lucy mutters as she stares at her tablet, showing the various articles posted online.
"Well, doing that public stunt last night was a sure thing, Lu-chan. What did you expect?" Levy then laughs over the phone. Lucy just rolls her eyes as she kept her attention on the tablet.
"I'm just surprised that no one has caught up that this is Natsu Dragneel," Lucy then bites her lower lip in apprehension, "Do you think if his name was brought up, his mother would get mad?"
"That I don't know," Levy sighs in worry as well, "Maybe that would get their attention and they'll put more focus on you. To be honest, I'm pretty surprised that Mrs. Grandine hasn't reached out to you yet,"
"Oh, let's hope not," Lucy then shivered at that idea, "I don't think I will be able to handle that woman on my own,"
"Wasn't she friendly?" Levy questioned.
"She was alright. But you'd really know that she isn't going to be easily fooled. I just can't forget how she looked at us while Natsu and I danced," Lucy shakes her head, trying to dispel the stern gaze of the blue-haired mother.
"I should have been there. At least that way Gajeel and I could have distracted her," Levy then sighs.
"I don't think you being there would make any difference," Lucy slumps back on her couch as she tucks her legs under her fluffy blanket, "She was…appalled by my last name,"
"Well, duh, you're a Heartfilia. The ever-elusive heiress," Levy then chuckles as Lucy smiled slightly.
"Maybe…But I've got a feeling it's more than that," Lucy leaned her head down on the edge of the couch and stared at the ceiling, "It's like, it's ominous…"
"You're just getting paranoid. Forget about your father for a moment and focus on your supposed relationship with Natsu," Levy says with assertion, "You and Natsu have got to work on your dynamics to make this lie believable. On your side, media is easy to fool. But on his side, well…"
"I know, I know…" Lucy trails off as images of Natsu's parents and siblings resurfaced in her mind, "I'm working on it. I just have to make sure that what the public knows is that Lucy Ashley is dating Natsu. Not Lucy Heartfilia,"
"Don't worry. Lisanna, Gajeel, and I will help out in any way we can," Levy then smiled, to which Lucy felt grateful for the assistance.
"Thanks," Lucy then sits up when the door of her trailer opened, and her assistant came in with food in hand. "Alright, Levy-chan, I gotta go. Talk to you soon,"
Lucy then ends the call as Levy says goodbye. When Laki placed her meal in front of her, the assistant took her seat in front of the blonde and grabbed the tablet. She immediately noticed the opened article from Fiore Entertainment Media.
"Well, that was quick," Laki comments looking at her boss.
Lucy smiled at her same sentiment moments ago with Levy, "Tell me about it," she then shoved a spoonful of shawarma rice into her mouth.
As the day nearly ends for Lucy, the blonde actress couldn't help herself roll her eyes at the fact that the pink-haired president has an inclination not to communicate. She didn't want to call him again and look like she was desperate for the man's attention. She was trying to cut that habit, which developed from her relationship with Loke.
But Lucy needed to know if Natsu could make it. She knows that a few tabloid paparazzi were looming around the area, trying to get more photos of her and her 'mysterious boyfriend'. Lucy is aware that feeding these hungry media for gossip may backfire on her one day. But given the last month and countless hurtful rumors made about her, she had to take advantage of this opportunity. As the saying goes, strike while the iron is hot.
Lucy grabbed her phone with her principles crumbling as she thought of calling the pinkette. She hated feeling desperate for someone's attention, it constantly made her think that people don't give care about her while she cared too much for them. But to her surprise, her phone suddenly made a sound and showed Natsu's text message.
4:43 PM
Mr. Pinkette: I'll try to get out of the office by 5:30. See you in an hour.
Lucy smiled to herself before she began typing back to the pinkette. Sherry, who was sitting next to Lucy in the common area for make-up retouching, quickly notices the beaming smile.
"Well, I haven't seen that smile for a long time," Sherry commented, making the blonde actress look up with surprise.
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Lucy innocently laughs, "I smile most of the time,"
"Yeah, you do," Sherry replies, keeping her eyes on the blonde through the mirror, "But not like that,"
"Oh," Lucy sheepishly laughs before she shakes her head, "Probably, but…I guess I'm just grateful,"
"Grateful for your boyfriend?" Sherry cheekily implies, turning the actress a little red, "I saw some tabloid articles about you having a new boyfriend,"
"Oh, that…" Lucy breaks eye contact with the magenta-haired actress, "Well, we're relatively new…Not more than three weeks,"
"Ohhh, interesting," Sherry turns in her director's chair and fully faced the blonde when her hairdresser left, "Who is he? Maybe someone I know?"
"Hm, I'm not sure," Lucy then glances at her colleague, "He's not an actor, for sure. So, I don't know how expanded his connections are to the people in the entertainment industry,"
"Hmm, a businessman then," Sherry then chuckles as she fixes her seat and comfortably leaned on her chair, "I don't know people much in the business field, but I have a few friends who do…what's his name?"
Lucy contemplated for a minute as she didn't feel like disclosing Natsu's name yet in the public. She prefers to stay away from the radar of Natsu's family. To her luck, Laki suddenly appeared next to her and handed her a brief memo. It was a letter from the Fiore Broadcasting Station, inviting her to join a management meeting concerning the show's status. Sherry was handed a letter as well, making both actresses preoccupied with the memo.
An hour later, Lucy was getting ready to get home. Once again, Natsu opts not to inform her of his whereabouts. But trusting Natsu that he was on his way, Lucy instructed Laki to head home first as soon as they were all set. She was willing to wait out in the café on her own. And so, her assistant and driver left.
As Lucy hang out in the café, a few of her colleagues joined her for coffee. Sherry, Dan, and Ren spent an hour with her just talking, having a mundane conversation about the memo, then about their other plans for the future. Despite the company, Lucy casually checks her phone and wristwatch to keep track of time. It was obvious that the pinkette was running an hour late already. And yet, the president hasn't made any communication again.
When Sherry and Ren bid farewell to their co-actors, Dan and Lucy decided to maintain their conversation.
"So, I've heard you are dating again," Dan sheepishly states as he twirls his cup of iced coffee.
"Uhmm," Lucy then pursed her lips, trying to keep the topic brief. The last thing she wants to do is lie to Dan. He was a good friend, and trustworthy. But she didn't want to fool her friend just because he wasn't an accomplice. She has been keeping secrets from her friends for a long time.
"Who's he? An actor?" Dan inquired, looking up at the blonde, hoping it wasn't someone he knew.
"Nope, a businessman," Lucy then looks down, keeping her eyes glued to her nearly empty cup.
"Ahh…" Dan slowly smiled but quickly wipes it off as he shakes his head, "I didn't know you knew people from the corporate. How'd you meet him?"
Lucy glances at the red-haired man and puts on her show smile, "Um, Lisanna Strauss introduced us,"
"Ohh, the singer?" Dan clarified, surprised that Lucy had such a varied group of friends.
"Yep, she's also Mira's youngest sibling. So, basically, we have been friends before we even became part of the entertainment business," Lucy then gave a tight smile, turning away to glance at the open road. Still no black Maserati.
"Right, right, Mira's sister…but how did she know…your boyfriend?" Dan questioned. And this made Lucy look back at him and thought about it as well. She remembered that she asked Lisanna, but the sneaky woman didn't answer her question back then.
"Actually…I don't know," Lucy stared at the now skeptical red-haired man. Lucy just then laughs, trying to cover up any questionable information running inside their heads, "They're probably childhood friends or something,"
"Right, of course," Dan says, nodding his head, but still quite skeptical. "Well, it doesn't matter anyway, right? As long as he's a good guy,"
"Yes, yes… As long as he's a good guy," Lucy then gave a reassuring smile, before glancing at the window again. She immediately regretted it as she spotted a flash of camera directed their way. Lucy internally groans at this as she realized that these photographers will most likely sell another rumor, probably saying that she's dating various guys at the same time.
Lucy quickly looked at Dan and softly whispered, "Um, Dan, did you see the paparazzi on the other side of the road?"
Dan then looked up and slowly returned his gaze to the blonde, "Yeah, I've noticed them for hours already. Why? Want to get out of here? I can drive you home,"
"Oh, no need. My boyfriend is on his way," Lucy then puts her back on the window to block the view of her face, "But if you feel like heading out, it's totally fine,"
"And what leave you alone with these media roaming around?" Dan shakes his head in disagreement, "Nope, I'll wait here with you. In that way, I can meet your very late boyfriend," Dan then raised his brow at his implication.
Lucy just then tries to cover it up with her nervous laugh. Before she could defend the pinkette, a clearing of the throat was then heard, making the two look up at the newly arrived individual.
Natsu was finally there, still with a baseball cap and now with a facemask on. He was sternly looking at the red-haired actor before looking at Lucy.
"Sorry, love, got stuck in a meeting," Natsu then walked up to the blonde and bent to land a kiss on her forehead.
Still stunned at the entrance of the pinkette, Lucy just gapped at the man. When Natsu stood up straight and looked at her co-star, Lucy finally snapped out of her surprise and stood up. Dan stood up as well and brought out his hand.
"Dan Straight," he said, introducing himself.
"Natsu Dragneel," Natsu then clasps the hand of the actor with a little more grip.
"Dragneel?" Dan repeats, tilting his head as he thought the name sounded familiar, "Why does your last name sound familiar?"
"Does it?" Natsu then smirked as he pulled his hand away and quickly wrapped an arm around Lucy's waist. He gently pulled the blonde close to him, making the actress a little astonished by the man's brassiness. "You've probably read it in some newspaper or magazine,"
Dan squints his eyes in disbelief before he shakes his head. "Doesn't matter. It was nice meeting you." Dan then looked at Lucy, who was comfortably tucked under the pinkette's arm, "I'll go ahead. Have a nice night…to the both of you," Dan then gave a tight smile before leaving the coffee shop.
When Natsu and Lucy were left alone, the two decided to take a seat again. Lucy quickly crosses her arms over her chest as she furrowed her brows at the man.
"You're late," Lucy muttered, annoyed.
"I know," Natsu then slightly slides down on his chair to further keep his face hidden, "That's why I apologized that I got stuck in a meeting,"
"You could have texted," Lucy then rolls her eyes at the man, "What is with you and not texting or calling?"
"What's with you with constant texting or calling?" Natsu countered back with a teasing voice but quickly felt guilty when Lucy's face turned dejected.
"I'm sorry," Lucy whispered, as a voice in her mind echoed the same sentiment except with an angered tone. "I didn't mean to be demanding and clingy,"
Completely taken aback by the blonde's reaction, Natsu suddenly sat up straight and grasp Lucy's hand, "Hey, Lucy…"
"No, I get it," Lucy pulls her hand away and stood up, "Come on, let's go,"
And with that, the blonde wore her shades despite the darkness of the night, covering her eyes, and then left her chair. Natsu followed after but was cautious of the blonde's mood. For some reason, he ruined it and felt bad knowing it had something to do with Loke.
After driving for nearly 20 minutes in silence, Natsu decided it was time to break it. He cleared his throat in hopes of catching the blonde's attention. As he glances at her, Lucy kept her gaze on the scenery.
"Hey, Lucy?" Natsu calls gently, to which earned him a soft hum from the blonde, "I'm sorry if I said anything wrong to you,"
Lucy slowly looked at the pinkette, who in turn looked back at her briefly before looking back at the road.
"Look, I was just teasing about the texting and stuff…I didn't mean to hurt you or anything," Natsu then looks back at the blonde again, longer this time, "I'm sorry,"
Lucy softly smiled at Natsu as she nodded her head, "Thank you…But it isn't really your fault. I knew you were teasing, but…it just sounded so familiar that it poked something inside of me. The next thing I know, I was hearing his voice, very angry, hating how demanding I was for his attention,"
"Luce," Natsu quickly called the blonde, with worry in his voice, "Did Loke ever hurt you? I mean in…a physical way?"
Lucy was stunned for a moment by Natsu's insinuation but quickly shook her head, "No, no…Loke never hurt me that way. He was gentle with me in that matter. It's just that, whenever he and I would get into an argument, he'd bring up my habit of asking for constant communication. He gets annoyed with me when I point out that he doesn't tell me his whereabouts or what's he doing…"
"Oh…" Natsu then gave a brief glance at the downed blonde, "I didn't mean to trigger a memory. Sorry,"
"It's fine…" Lucy then looked at Natsu and tried to smile, "I've been trying to lessen that habit. I was actually about to text you this afternoon, but then you messaged me first and I was glad that you did. In that way, I didn't have to constantly call you. I know how busy you are,"
Natsu was then silent, reflecting on Lucy's words. Hearing her experience with Loke, being demeaned for asking a good communication with her boyfriend, was a troubling memory. She didn't have to feel like she was demanding attention, when in the first place, as a couple, they should have had good communication. He knows that their pretentious relationship is far from being real. But if he wanted this relationship to work to fool his mother, then he'd have to put more effort into communicating.
Natsu sighs as he nods to himself, "Lucy, what's your email?" Natsu then grabbed his phone and handed it to Lucy after unlocking it, "I need you to open my workspace app and then sync my schedule to your email,"
"Huh?" Lucy confusingly shook her head as she limply held his phone, "And why would I do that?"
"So that you'll know my schedule. You'll immediately know my whereabouts and what time it will be best to bombard me with calls or texts," Natsu then looked at the blonde with a grin on his face, "In that way, we can communicate better."
Lucy just stared at the pinkette for a longer time before chuckling at the man. "Is this how you make communication work with your ex-girlfriends?"
Natsu raised a brow in wonder, "What? It's the best way for me…" Natsu then shrugs his shoulders, "Daichi constantly updates that. It's like my personal social media for my family. Because I'm constantly on the move, they couldn't catch me in the office. So, they'd always look at my schedule and spontaneously visit me at my office during my open hour,"
"Oh, my goodness," Lucy then shakes her head in disbelief while she tried to subtly laugh, "That is so ridiculous…I mean, the only thing lacking with what you said is that your girlfriend will have to have an appointment with you so that you could both date,"
"Okay, technically that isn't how my relationship worked before." Natsu glances at the blonde before focusing on the road, "Back when I was still a division manager, scheduling wasn't an issue. But when I became the president, things got a little hectic…I'm just lucky enough that I'm not in a relationship now. I don't have to worry about that,"
Lucy and Natsu were then silent, dawning on them what the pink-haired man had just said. So, Natsu cleared his throat and added, "But that's why I'm suggesting that you input your email to my phone so that you'll be able to access my schedule every day. It will be a great cover as well for my family. If they'll know that you have access to that, then they won't find you suspicious enough,"
"Right, of course." Lucy then nods her head as she bites her lip. Soon enough, she began typing her email address into Natsu's workspace app, and immediately his schedule was sent to her email. Lucy thought she'd have to get the app as well and input her own schedule. In that way, she can provide Natsu her schedule. As he said, it was a good cover for their relationship.
Dragon Empire Group Building
As the next morning came, Natsu heads to work like usual. First thing in the morning, he is greeted by his assistant, then he'd be briefed about his schedule for the day. After reciting his morning engagements, Daichi would be bringing in his mug of black coffee with a dash of cinnamon, just to add a little flavor other than bitterness.
As Daichi places the mug next to Natsu's computer monitor, the prim-and-proper assistant stood up straight and fixed his eyeglasses. The pink-haired president quickly notices this gesture and pauses from his typing and looked at him.
"Yes?" Natsu said with a little shake of his head, "What is it, Daichi?"
"Apparently, sir, there is a new email address that has been registered to your schedules. It's an address I am not familiar with and have no recollection of registering it,"
"Oh…" Natsu then baffles, leaning back on his chair, "About that…I authorized it,"
Daichi tilts his head, "You did?"
"Yeah," Natsu then sits up and begins to work again, "I let Lucy register her email to my workspace. In that way, she'll know my schedule..."
"Lucy?" Daichi repeats slowly, as if the name was foreign, "As in Ms. Heart—"
"Ashley," Natsu quickly cuts off, as his hands paused in typing. The pinkette then sat up straighter, if possible, and sternly looked at his assistant, "No one shall use her real name in public. Understood? When we're at events or in public, you'll address her as Ms. Lucy Ashley. In no circumstance will you use her real last name, is that clear?"
Daichi was speechless for a moment. His curiosity was kicking in and he just wants to ask why. But knowing his boss, and his serious voice, he knew when to shut up.
"Yes, sir." Daichi nods his head, "However, what about your parents and siblings? Shall I inform them of this instruction?"
"No need. Although, as much as possible, when in front of Wendy, just use Lucy's screen name. My parents are aware of her last name, and they don't need to call her by her last name all the time," Natsu then rests his back on his chair before he lets out a deep breath, "You're probably wondering why I have to give such instructions…"
"I'll admit sir, I am curious…but I know better than to snoop around with your personal life," Daichi then gave a small smile when the pink-haired president looked grateful for his words.
"Thanks, Daichi…" Natsu then leans over his table with his elbows prompt up and looked at his assistant with kind eyes, "I'll try to explain it to you someday…For now, just follow my instructions,"
"Duly noted, sir," Daichi then bows his head before he takes a step back and heads out of his office.
As the day went on, Natsu's office door was barely opened unless there were documents that needed to be handed in and signed. Daichi always had to sort those documents, based on the urgency of the file. If it was a document that can be provided the next day, Daichi would place it under the 'for later' tray. If it was urgent, such as budgeting, complaints, and proposal project updates, it was handed out immediately.
With regards to email, Daichi always keeps his email open. However, aside from his email, he also has to manage the president's emails. And just like his documents, he sorts it out based on urgency.
Nearly every day, Daichi would have to read at least 40 emails just for the president. Half of these emails are just information that has been acknowledged and approved already by Natsu. So basically, he doesn't have to reread them. Then the other half are emails that require more attention, such as the requisition of meetings, public appearances at certain events, company projects that need to be oversight by the president, and personal activities by the family. There is also his office phone, which can be less intrusive when people are in meeting with the pink-haired boss. But when he's not in a meeting, several phone calls are always coming in.
Daichi can get exhausted just by reading and answering countless inquiries and requisitions. Having the task of constantly adjusting and updating the schedule of the president can be quite taxing. But nothing but a delicious, soft, warm, and chewy chocolate chip cookie can overturn that exhaustion.
"Cookie?" A short purple-haired girl stood before Daichi, making the man look up and smile at the delicious smell of the treat.
"Wow, that smells delicious," Daichi's mouth watered staring at the steaming cookie, "Where did you get that?"
"Pantry," the girl beamed, pushing the plate toward the man, "Here, I brought it to you."
"Wow, thanks," Daichi smiled before pulling the pastry closer to him and picking it up. As he was about to take a bite, Daichi immediately noticed the anticipated look of the girl. That's when it clicked to him, "Wait a minute…" he said, slowly putting down the cookie.
"What?" The girl's eyes then widen as she shows wariness immediately.
"You're from the Fiore Fashion Publishing…" Daichi points out as he drops the cookie back on the plate, "What are you doing here?"
"Umm…nothing," The girl then grins as she tries not to fidget, "Well, I was just instructed to leave some of the warmest and yummiest chocolate chip cookies in the pantry,"
"Hmm…" Daichi suspiciously looked at the girl before leaning forward to check that the pantry was indeed visited by some staff, enjoying the pastry. "Alright then…but I've got a feeling that you're going to ask something else,"
"Who?! me?" The girl then laughs hysterically before whipping her hand back and forth, "Oh, come on, Mr. Daichi…I just need a favor," She then stopped laughing and narrowed her gaze at the man.
Daichi then straightens up, stunned at the sudden change of posture, "Wh-what is it?"
"Umm…okay, I don't exactly understand the instruction but…Mrs. Grandine said that she wants to know Lucy's contact number and that I should come to you for the detail. I don't know who Lucy is…so I'm assuming you know her," the girl crookedly smiled.
"Oh…" Daichi depletes back to his chair then glances at his boss' double door, "Well…"
"You see, it's Mr. Natsu's mother we're talking about…"
Daichi suddenly gave a deadpan look, annoyed that he was being reminded of an obvious thing, "Seriously? You think I don't know that?"
"Well…just reminding," She then shrugged her shoulders, nonchalantly.
"Okay, look, even if I wanted to help out, which really, I don't, I can't give any details about that." Daichi then shrugs his shoulders, making the girl scowl.
"And why not?"
"Because I don't have it," Daichi then gave a triumph smile, "Mr. Natsu only has the contact number of Ms. Lucy,"
"How about email?"
"Nadda," Daichi shakes his head, despite remembering the email registered in Natsu's workspace, "I don't have access to that either,"
The girl then sighs in defeat, "Alright then…If ever there is something that pops up about that Ms. Lucy, can you please contact me? I am practically just 10 floors below,"
"Sure…" Daichi then gave a sarcastic smile when suddenly a ring in Natsu's email was heard.
Lucy Ashley
2:18 PM
Hi Natsu Dragneel!
Lucy Ashley has invited you to sync her schedule in Workspace. Just register your email and you'll be notified of her schedules. Click this…
Daichi audible gasps, making the purple-haired girl stop walking away. She then back tracks her steps and leaned over the man's counter.
"What is it?!"
Daichi abruptly turns the monitor away from the woman and stood up, "Nothing…I just uh…received the email I have been waiting for."
"Oh…okay," The girl then leaned away and took a step back, "well then, remember, just inform me. I'm just 10 floors below," she said with her ten fingers up, "okay?" She then grinned.
"Yeah, sure…" Daichi then gave a tight smile before sitting down again.
When the woman was no longer around, Daichi studied the place and he was relatively alone. He then looked back at his monitor and stared at the recent email, "Oh-kay…" Daichi sighs as he felt a little guilty for lying. He then realizes, he'll get in trouble with the missus one day soon.
Nearly quarter to five in the afternoon, Daichi finally steps inside Natsu's office as Mr. Atlas' team exits. It was another strenuous meeting. However, apparently, Natsu preferred it that way, as it was easier for him to be at ease and to communicate with Atlas' team. If Atlas Flame was present, Natsu would have been more rigid and stoic. And he felt more exhausted when he acts like that.
Daichi knocks on the door, catching the attention of the pinkette, "Good afternoon, sir,"
"Daichi, what's up?" Natsu gave a tired smile as he fixed all the documents scattered on his table.
"Sir, I have left a few emails unread for you to read through. These are communications from Mr. Makarov, Chief Mizayaki, and Ms. Lockser."
"Alright, thanks. I'll look into it tonight," Natsu then takes his seat and lets himself rest for a minute by twirling around in his computer chair. When he faces his desk again, with Daichi still standing in front of him, Natsu raised a brow at him.
"Is there something else?" Natsu questioned, almost sounding annoyed.
"Um, yes, sir…" Daichi then glances over his shoulder to double-check that the door was closed. When it was, Daichi immediately stepped closer and leaned down to whisper at the pink-haired president.
Natsu curiously looked at his assistant, acting all vigilant, "What's with you?"
"Sir," Daichi whispered seriously, "I may not know exactly what's going on, but I have the impression that…the topic about Ms. Lucy Ashley is a very secretive topic,"
Natsu tilts his head in suspicion, "And what made you think that?"
Daichi then stood up straight and fixed his eyeglasses in place, "Well, first, opting not to use Ms. Lucy's real last name may sound a little fishy." Natsu scrunches his brows again at him, and so, he immediately added, "But then I thought, maybe it's just your way to keep your relationship with her in low profile."
Natsu then nods, somewhat agreeing. But Daichi leaned down again and whispered, "However, when Ms. Giya Ito, Mrs. Grandine's junior assistant, dropped by the office, with a basket of cookies, asking for Ms. Lucy's contact number, I immediately realized that something might be brewing…"
Daichi then stood up straight as he nods his head at the stunned pinkette. "Apparently sir, Mrs. Grandine is seeking to communicate with Ms. Ashley. I'm here to ask for your permission to submit details to Mrs. Grandine's assistant."
"No," Natsu quickly replies as he shakes his head, a little rattled at his mother's attempt. He knew that his mother would take an interest but not this early. "Don't give any, even Lucy's email…I'll be the one to give it,"
"Noted, sir." Daichi then felt relieved that he had lied to the assistant. Then he remembered another email, "Oh, I almost forgot sir."
Natsu raised a brow at the man and waited for him to continue, "There was an invitation email sent by Ms. Lucy's workspace account."
"Invitation?" Natsu curiously asked.
"Uh, yes. Account invitation to sync her schedule to your account. Similar to yours, she has sent you her full schedule,"
Natsu was then silent for a moment. He didn't want to react to the news in front of his assistant, so as much as possible, he tried to keep a passive look.
"Right, of course…" Natsu then nods his head, "I'll look into that as well tonight,"
"Actually sir," Daichi then gave an embarrassed smile, "I took the liberty of registering your email already. I'm assuming that's what busy couples do nowadays."
"Do what exactly?" Natsu weirdly looked at his assistant.
"Share their schedules…" Daichi then smiles before he bows his head and turns away to leave the president alone, baffled.
When Daichi had left and closed the doors, Natsu deeply exhaled before he turns his chair around to face the busy city. He'd look down and watch the cars on the road pass by the building. People were barely recognizable as they looked like ants walking around the street. Natsu sighs again in exasperation.
TING!
TING!
Natsu turned to look at his phone. It lit up as a notification appeared on the screen. He had just turned off the silent mode and was a little surprised to hear it ring.
TING!
Rolling closer to his table, Natsu quickly grabbed his phone and read the notification. It was his workspace app, but it wasn't his schedule.
REMINDER:
6:00 PM – Meeting with the Fiore Broadcasting Station with the whole cast of the series "The Secret".
"What meeting is this?" Natsu curiously asked no one in particular before he clicks the notification and unlocks his phone. Soon enough, the application was opened and Natsu immediately saw the whole schedule for the day.
"What is this?" Natsu repeats as he scrolls upward then stops at the header title, Lucy's Personal Schedule.
There was another tab, Lucy's Shooting Schedule, to which Natsu felt a little curious. So he clicked on it and saw the time schedule, location, and reminders for the day.
"Wow," Natsu muttered, "This is…tiring,"
TOK! TOK!
Natsu looked up as the door to his office opens and Daichi peeks his head in, "Sir, is there anything else you need, requiring my assistance?"
"Oh," Natsu then glanced at his wristwatch and saw it was five minutes past 5 PM, "No, no, you can go home. I'm all good,"
"Alright, sir. Have a nice night," Daichi then bows his head before he pulls back and closes the door.
Natsu then was left on his own again. He then returned to Lucy's schedule and clicked on the previous tab. It appeared that Lucy's shoot was done but she still had a meeting at the broadcast station. Curious to himself, Natsu pulled out his schedule on his computer and compared it.
Natsu unconsciously smiled as he saw that his schedule was now free. Although, he is supposed to have a family dinner tonight. Having the prospect of conversing with his mother, and the fact that his mother is looking into his personal life deeper now, he didn't feel like joining the family dinner.
So, grinning, Natsu closed his workspace app and began opening his map application. He typed in Fiore Broadcasting Station and soon a direction was pointing.
"Alright, time to go," Natsu then stood up and began tidying up.
Fiore Broadcasting Station—parking lot
Natsu, sitting in the driver's seat, patiently waited for a blonde woman to come out of the building. In all honesty, he didn't know what he was doing. He isn't even sure if he'll find her. He didn't even attempt to text her about his plan.
Tapping on the steering wheel, and fixing his baseball cap, Natsu alternatively did this while waiting. It has been more than an hour since he arrived. He hasn't seen anyone come out yet. A few workers, heading home, but none he found familiar. Not until he saw a purple-haired woman that he had met the other night, walking out of the building.
Natsu slightly frantic opens his door and steps out. He quickened his pace a little to catch up to the woman without looking suspicious. As he tries to follow the woman, he desperately tried to recall her name.
"Hey! Wait!" Natsu shouted, then the woman stopped and turned. Natsu grinned as he sees her stop and tried to recognize his face. He then remembered her name, "Umm, you're Laki, right? Lucy's assistant?" He said as he finally reaches up to her.
"Mister…Dragneel?" Laki tilts her head before looking around the parking area and got confused, "What are you doing here?"
"Uh, I checked her schedule and I thought I'd surprise Lucy," Natsu then rubs the back of his neck, "Has she left?"
"Oh..." Laki suddenly looks down and huffed a relieved laugh before looking back at him, "No, she's still in the meeting. But they'll be done soon," Laki then gave a sad smile, to which Natsu noticed.
"I see…is everything alright?" Natsu curiously asked, taking a step closer to the assistant. He then noticed the quivering lips of the woman.
"Um, I'm fine…But for Ms. Lucy," Laki then looked at the pinkette with sad eyes, "I'm just glad that you're here…"
Natsu was then silent, unsure of what to say with what Laki had said. The assistant then took a step back and added, "I'm assuming you'll bring Lucy-san home safely?"
"Uh, yeah…" Natsu trails off as he just watches the assistant walk back and nod. Soon, Laki turned away and headed towards a van, which left in a short period.
Heading towards the garden pathway to the lobby, Natsu suddenly noticed a flow of people coming out of the building. Some were whispering and embracing each other and had the same expression as the purple-haired assistant.
Natsu decided to wait and stand by the side, a few meters away from the lobby entrance to easily spot the blonde. When a few minutes passed, he finally spotted the blonde-haired actress. She looked lost in her thoughts as she clutched onto her tote bag.
"Lucy!" Natsu suddenly called, a smile plastered on his face as he slowly walks towards the entrance. When Lucy didn't look back, he called on her again and this time it caught her attention. But she didn't seem to know who was calling her until she saw him, standing a few meters away from her.
People were passing by them and quickly disappeared behind Natsu as he and Lucy just stared at each other. Natsu smiled at Lucy again, a comfortable smile that he couldn't help but put on as he sees the surprise on Lucy's face.
Soon enough, Lucy sprints the distance between them and immediately hugged the pinkette by the waist. Natsu tumbles back with Lucy's force but automatically wraps his arms around her as well.
Natsu chuckles at the gesture. Lucy then tucks her head under his chin, to which Natsu tried to see her face. But the woman kept her head close to his chest.
Chuckling again, Natsu couldn't help but tease, "Surprised?"
Lucy was silent for a moment before she softly whispers, "You're here…"
To be continued…