CHAPTER 3: BACKSTORY

Natsu came over walking to me with the drinks and I was just sitting there looking at my home screen on my phone. "Hey, are you okay?" He asked. "Yeah, where's Zeref?" Zeref had disappeared and he was holding the drinks. "Well, he had to go. But I think I see a good table, come on." He said urging me to get up. I was so tired but I got up and walked behind him towards the table. "Before we get into this, I feel I owe you an apology." He said pulling out my chair to sit in and waiting for me to sit down.

Obviously I sat down because it would just be too petty to ignore it and be stubborn. "For what?" I said as he sat down in the chair next to me grabbing his espresso. "I made some horrible assumptions about your professionalism as a journalist." He said looking rather ashamed for some reason. "And I've thought about it and realized that it would be very impractical to marry someone for a story." He said taking a sip of his espresso. I didn't even touch my drink or take it from the tray. I was just too exhausted.

"That's what I tried to tell you!" I exclaimed. "Besides, it was very honest to tell me the truth about your job." He continued, "Regardless of whether you were there for a story or not, you could have kept it to yourself." Wow, to think I nearly did lie to him! He really isn't a so much of a jerk afterall I have heard about him in Levy's story.

"That is true. Okay, apology accepted." I spoke grabbing my latte now. "But, that aside, what are we going to do about this marriage?" I asked. "I do have an idea. But please hear me out before you interrupt." I almost nodded but then hesitated, "Why would I interrupt?" I asked. "Well... I don't think we should get an annulment." What did he mean by that? Did he really like me, even though we just met last night. It is kind of working in my favor already. I honestly didn't know how to react though. Why would he not want to get the annulment?

"Okay." I said. He looked surprised, "What?" "I said okay." I shrugged taking a drink of my caramel latte. It was quite good, but I don't think I remember thanking Zeref. "You mean you're not angry? You don't want an annulment?" His eyes we're widening and he almost spit out his espresso. "Well, first of all calm down. Secondly, sure and annulment seems like the easiest way out of this... but I'm a firm believer in exploring all of my options, this being one of them. I am curious about why you don't want the annulment though." Thankfully HE didn't interrupt.

I guess he was just too shocked to react. Like I was but not, "Honestly?" He started, "I think being married to you - at least publicly - will boost my career. See I don't know how much you know about me but I stretched the truth a bit at the club." Now I was in shock, he lied to me? After I was so open about everything. Maybe I do regret saying I wanted to not get the annulment. "What do you mean 'stretched the truth'?" I asked. "I told you that my image was destroyed by Gina - my ex - spreading horrible rumors about me." Okay, maybe he wasn't being open about himself now but now he is? I still cannot believe that he lied to me. The nerve in that guy.

"So, that's not true." I said, "It's hard to believe someone who goes back on their word." I cringed. "It isn't true... well partially." He ignored my comment. "After Gina left me I was pretty miserable. I couldn't understand why she had gone. But then the rumors started... they spread like wildfire through Crocus. Probably everyone in Hollywood likes to know everyone else's business." I knew about this, people said things like Lisanna left Natsu for his alcohol problems. "Before long, everyone through I had a drinking problem and had been cruel to Lisanna. I was so angry and hurt, so I started partying more and more. The drink eased the pain. It made it easier to forget."

"So, before long, the rumors became the truth. I did have a problem. But I refused to get help. I simply carried on partying and drinking." He said he was talking very firm. "Then it started to affect my work. I started turning up late. I became angry and unreliable. The calls for jobs came less and less and then they just stopped altogether." He shrugged.

I knew that wasn't it so I tried to think of something in the meantime while he took another drink of his espresso. "Obviously, I cleaned up my act eventually otherwise I wouldn't be here. That's why I feel last night was really my fault. I was drinking and I shouldn't have been. But perhaps this marriage could turn my career around. I mean, I'll have a reason to stay sober and the press will get the wind of it. They might see I'm not who I was before." That's a really risky way to do it, I know the press... I am the press. "Sorry to keep going on. You must have so many questions." He said cracking his knuckles. "Well, actually I do have one... I was just wondering... how did you get clean again?" I asked.

"I was at my lowest point. Even I could see that. But then I met someone and... things... well things changed." Met someone?! He has a girlfriend? I couldn't help myself from asking, "You met someone? Like a girl?" I frowned. "Kind of. Not really in the way that you're thinking." "How then?" I asked. "Her name's Wendy. I met her in a bar one night. She was beautiful and I did want to take her home. But instead, she took ME home. She put me to bed and took care of me. I was so embarrassed, I knew that I had to snap out of it."

Oh no... even if she's not his girlfriend he definitely has feelings for this girl. I sighed not making it noticeable. Things might have just gotten really complicated... "Anyway..." He said. "What I was trying to say was that I have a bigger problem then a couple of rumors to dispel. I have a major image problem that needs fixing - will you help me?"

I know that this was THE Natsu Dragneel. Everyone who either wanted to be his friend or be his best friend or more. But he was asking me, a journalist, Lucy Heartfilia. For help? I know that his magic was destroyed along with the rest of the Fairy Tail guilds' magic but he was still a pretty damn popular dude.

I said, "Of course I'll help you." I don't know why I said it, probably out of sympathy? I honestly don't know why I'm bothering. "We can stay married if you really think that will help." I looked away, I was blushing. I had feelings for him, ugh. I really hate him. "Thanks so much. I really owe you one for this!" He said smirking. "Actually, there may be something you can do for me too..." I said taking another drink. "And what might that be?" He asked. "It's kind of complicated." I spoke. "I'm sure that I can handle it." "Well I need a date for my sister's wedding."

"Lucy, we're married. I'm sure I can accompany you to your sister's wedding." I sighed, he's quite a believer. "You didn't let me finish. There's a catch, before you say anything let me continue. I've told my mom I have a boyfriend for the last six months to get her off my back. I need a date who can convince my mom we've been dating for a long time." I said, "I know you're an actor, so this probably will be a piece of cake." I said. He looked nonchalant, "Oh. Um... well okay." Ugh, I wish that he would take this seriously. "If you're going to do this with me, we'll have to work out stories; how we met, why we married, why she hasn't met you yet." I said. "Well luckily for you - I'm an actor. 'Convincing' is my middle name." He obviously wasn't listening to me when I said he was an actor. "You're sure you can do this?" I asked.

"No Lucy, I'm sure WE can do this." He smiled. "I sure hope you're right." I sighed. I got up with my coffee and told him that I was going to get going back to my place he offered to drive me but I rejected he said that was fine but he told me about me going to his place for awhile to sleep there and such we had a small argument but he eventually convinced me to do so. He obviously had better things to do which is why I rejected his offer, I just know he did. He gave me 150 jewel and told me to get a train. I said okay but the walk wasn't to far, thanks Natsu for the 150 jewel I guess. When I finally arrived home I went to my closet. I changed out of Natsu's sweat pants and took off my shirt. I decided to just wear a brown plaid tartan mini skirt, a black turtle neck long sleeve, a red hair bow to put up my signature side pony tail, with knee high socks that matched the hair bow color, and black boots.

Finally back in my OWN clothes. I better call Michelle back - I know she'd want to know what's going on. I took out my phone and called her. Right away she picked up like she was expecting me to call. "Lucy! How did it go?! What did he say?" She asked. "It went.." Okay or surprisingly well? "...Okay. To be honest with you, I'm not sure about this whole thing." I said. "Hold up, did you get the annulment?" She asked. I sighed and waited a moment, "No, no. We're going to stick it out for the time being. I'm just not sure if its the right thing to do." "Why not?" She asked. "It's complicated. We are pretty much using each other for our own needs, I'm taking him to your wedding and he's using me to boost his career and image. But I guess the good thing is that the decision to not get the annulment was mutual. Natsu wanted to say together too. As I stated before, he aid this would be better for his career."

"Oh okay. I do remember reading something about that... so what are you going to do now?" She urgently asked. "I'm back at home getting somethings together. Then I'm going to stay with Natsu, in his guest room." "You're gonna stay with him?!" She screeched. "Yeah, in his guest room. We agreed that it would be best to be coming and going from the same place. You know, so that when the story get out it looks believable." I said. "Yeah, that makes sense." She toned her voice down.

"Look, I've got to get going. I just wanted to let you know what's happening." I said about to hang up the call. "Okay. You are still coming-" I cut her off, "Yes, Michelle, I'm still coming to the dress fitting tomorrow!" She laughed about me already knowing what she was going to say, "Okay. See you Lucy!" She was still giggling. "Bye Michelle." I said hanging up a second afterwards.

What a crazy day this has been. I guess I better head round to Natsu's if I have any hope of getting an early night of sleep. I quickly put together three bags, a suitcase, a travel bag, and a carrier. One containing my hygiene items, comfort items, and pajamas. The other which was the travel bag contained of; 8 outfits, 4 pairs of shoes, a bag of hair bows, and my phone and charger for it. The carrier held my laptop, tablet, and their chargers. I loaded it in the front passenger seat of my car and drove to his house which he had texted me the address.

I finally was there and pulled in the driveway. I got out, slung my carrier on the side and held both of my bags. When I got to the door I set down my travel bag, and knocked. Then picked my travel bag back up. "Welcome to my humble abode." Natsu said, halfway done opening the door and stepping aside letting me get the whole view. "Humble? Natsu, you have a penthouse suite with three bedrooms! In Crocus!" I said handing one of my bags to him, they we're really heavy. He happily took one and said, "You know, before my career fell apart it was fairly successful." He turned around and started walking, I followed him, "I'll say!" He laughed, "Have you eaten?" I can't even answer that question.

I've been awake after a latte all day. "Actually, I haven't. And now that you mention it I'm super hungry." I gasped as we started going upstairs to the next floor. "Okey dokey, one spaghetti and meatballs coming right up, after I settle you in your room!" He said. Oh boy, this was going to be awhile before I get use to this, there was doors everywhere. We finally reached the room and he set down my bags. "Well, don't expect anything special. These are going to be meatballs coming from a can." I nodded and he hugged me for a second.

"You're blushing, why?" He asked with my head buried in his chest. "Uh, I'm- I'm not!" I stuttered pushing away. "Okay, whatever you say. Well, you can have your time getting ready." He said. "Okay, th-thanks for y-y-your hospitality." I said feeling my face, it was hot, probably red too. "It's no trouble! Though, I do have one more thing I want to discuss with you." "Yeah?" I asked. "How do you want this thing to get out?" He acted as if what just happened did not happen.

"You know, a in release of our... marriage... to the press. I mean, you're the journalist, you can most likely do it better than me. Or, heck, probably better than Zeref!" He was confident in me. "Oh. Um.. I'm not sure." I said. "Well I'll leave it up to you. Take all the time you need." He conversed. "Although... thinking - well never mind. It's up to you. Just don't take too much time really." He mentioned. "I'll think about it, it's been a long day, y'know?" I spouted. "Of course. I'll go and get dinner come down when you're ready." He said turning around and leaving. This is kind of awkward but at least he's being nice about it, I guess. And giving me the choice of how the story breaks.

Hmm what are my choices? I could tell Mr. Dreyar myself - it might help me keep my job. But then I could let Levy tell him - and she might get her job back. Then again, I could just leak it somewhere else. Mr. Dreyar wouldn't be so happy with that, though. What should I do?

I'm sure if I let Levy do it I can hold onto my job another way. Levy needs this break more than I do. I think I'll wait 'til morning to actually leak the story though. I'm far too tired to make any calls now. Ooh, I think I smell dinner. I better go see if it's ready. I walked out the door, down the stairs and towards the living room. I could hear Natsu's voice, I wonder who he was talking to.

I got closer towards the kitchen. He was on the phone, "Don't you think I know it was stupid and irresponsible? Besides, Wendy, I hardly think YOU can lecture me about responsibilities." Wendy?! He's talking to the girl from the club? "Okay, I'm sorry, that was below the belt." He sighed, "I'm just saying I'm not the only one of to make mistakes. Look I was only calling because I wanted you to hear this from me, rather than the gazettes." He waited a moment, "Of course I'll keep you updated. And I promise I won't do anything stupid. You know me better than anyone, Wendy. Do you really think I'd be stupid enough to fall for my fake wife?" I can't believe I've started to like this guy... maybe even have feelings for him!

Whatever he's told me, clearly he has a thing for this 'Wendy'. This 'marriage' thing is going to be harder than I thought.