To be straight to the point and blunt about it, Lucy was simply disappointed. She wasn't angry that her first crush was her family restaurant's rival but instead, she was disappointed.

He was such a cute and funny guy that it made her feel like crap. She didn't know how it ended up as her liking her rival but it was a horrible mistake and she fell, hard. She normally didn't become so attached to a guy like this since guys are guys but this guy made her feel all bubbly and squirm-ish inside. He made her laugh at the times she didn't want to and he was a major sweetheart as well.

Those guys came once in a life-time and she found hers but why did he have to be the rival's son?!

Letting out a loud and heavy sigh, Lucy leaned against her palm as she observed the restaurant with lazy brown eyes. Lunch rush was finally over and it was slowing down—one of the reasons why she was at the front desk instead of waitress-ing.

Did Natsu even know she was his rival? He didn't even see her walk into Heart-Fill so she was sure he didn't know. Should she tell him?

No, she couldn't. He probably wouldn't want to hang out with her anymore and their parents would probably start some kind of civil war which was not needed. Knowing her parents, they could be pretty competitive.

"Is everything alright, darling?" Layla's voice brought her back into reality making Lucy shift her gaze at her twin-like mother. "Are you sick?"

"Mama... can I ask you a question?" Lucy asked making Layla nod and lean next to her. "Of course you can."

"Okay, just do you know, this isn't about me because it sounds like it but it's not me, okay?"

"Erm, okay." Layla muttered quirking a brow at her daughter as she took in a deep breath before speaking. "My friend owns this store which is right across from the same-like store but she fell in love with the other store's owner's son. The couple started going out and uh, do you think she's doing the right thing?"

"I believe in true love when I see it, Lucy," the blonde spoke softly and calmly making Lucy feel hope in her relationship with Natsu. "but," she said making her smile drop. "how could she do that to her own family?!"

"E—eh?"

"Out of all the men, she chooses her family's rival's son?! I mean, come on! That is like, ultimate betrayal!"

"Eh?"

"Lucy, if you ever did that, I would feel such shame! But luckily, our rivals don't have a son! Or do they?" The blonde pondered for a moment as she tried thinking if she's ever seen the family across from her have a son running around her daughter's age. When she couldn't remember, she brushed it off, laughing. "Ah, who cares? My daughter wouldn't ever do that to me, now would you, sweetie?" She cooed as she pinched her daughter's cheeks making Lucy laugh nervously and look away in worry as she wondered what she was going to do.

How was going to ever tell her mother or even start dating Natsu without any drama or commotion?!

"Erm... Mama, could I go on my break now?"

"Sure, since nobody is in right now and lunch rush ended, go ahead! Don't take too long though!" Layla sang as Lucy quickly took off her apron and went to the back to retrieve her phone. Once she grabbed her smart phone, she quickly dialed Natsu's number and called him, nervously chewing on her lip while at it.

After the second ring, he picked up. "Hello?"

"Hi Natsu, it's me, Lucy." She said shyly as she heard shuffling from the other end until his voice boomed from the other end. "Lucy! Hey, what's up?"

"Erm, could I see you now?"

"Uh... let me see, can you hold for a second?"

"Sure, take your time." She muttered as she heard shuffling from the other line once more until she heard some muttered and hushed voices. One sounded just like Natsu but more cut off and muffled and the other one sounded like a woman's voice, soft and gentle.

After a minute, Natsu came back on the phone. "Yeah, I can see you! Where do you want to meet?"

"Uhm... Scarlet's Bakery."

"Sure, I'll see you there soon!"

—X—

"So, what's up? What did you need to talk to me about?" Natsu asked as the couple sat together in a seat by the window in Scarlet's Bakery. It was owned by Lucy's close friend, Erza Scarlet. Her friend was a big food addict and her parents just knew how to take care of it. It was a well-known bakery and they were known for their strawberry cheesecake which, Lucy adored more than life itself.

"Erm... Uh, I wanted to ask you something, actually."

"Are you finally going to ask me out?" He asked, smirking as he grabbed the syrup-drenched strawberry that was on his plate before popping it in his mouth. Pink dusted Lucy's cheek and she shook her head, scowling slightly as he laughed. "Kidding, Lucy."

"W—well, I just wanted to know your opinion on something."

"Okay, shoot."

"Okay well, uh, my friend..."

"Your friend," he confirmed, nodding as he continued to eat his cheesecake.

"Uh, my friend is going through this... this complication. Her family owns this store and the guy she likes owns the same kind of store right in front of hers so they're like rivals of some sort. She really wants to date the guy but she doesn't know if it's the right thing to do... what do you think?" Lucy asked nervously, hoping he didn't catch on as he hummed and leaned against his palm, eyeing the ceiling.

He was quiet for a bit to think as he finally shrugged. "I dunno. She likes him, right?"

"Yeah."

"And he likes her too, right?"

"I think so."

"Then I don't see the problem why they shouldn't date," he shrugged once more making Lucy's heart flutter and her smile widen in size. She was about to tell him that it was her with that problem and that she was the one that was experiencing that but he cut her off. "but," he said making her look at him with wide eyes. "isn't that a bit rude? I dunno, like, I would feel bad for the parents."

"W—why?"

"Because their child likes the rival team!" He cried out making Lucy frown. "It's like the ultimate betrayal!"

"You sound like my mother," the blonde muttered making Natsu quirk a brow. "Your mom?"

"Nothing." She quickly dismissed it as she took a sip of her drink. "Anyways... uh, what if... what if you were in that situation? Would you... I don't know, continue to see her?"

"Hell yeah." He answered back in a heartbeat making Lucy feel good about herself once again. "I wouldn't let some stupid rivalry get between me and my lady. Fuck that!" Natsu scoffed making Lucy smile widely as she felt the happiness bubble deep inside her. "Besides, I'm a bad boy, remember?" He smirked making the blonde roll her eyes and laugh slightly. "This is going to sound better now."

"What is?"

"Natsu, you work at Drag Queen, right?"

"Yeah, how'd you—?"

"You know that restaurant Heart-Fill right in front of it?"

"Yeah?"

"Well I—"She was about to speak when suddenly her phone started to ring making her sentence get cut off. She frowned and eyed Natsu apologetically as he waved her off to answer it, focusing his attention back on his almost-gone cheesecake as Lucy answered the phone call. "Hello?"

"Lucy, where are you?! I need you back in Heart-Fill getting orders!"

"You said I could get on my break! It hasn't even been ten minutes, mama!"

"Yes, I understand, sweetheart, but a bus full of senior citizens just came! I need you back pronto!"

"But mama—!"She started to whine but was cut-off short as the other line went dead.

Natsu quirked a brow at his lady friend in front of him as he crossed his arms and leaned against the table, leaning closer towards the blonde. "Something wrong? Do you have to head back so soon?" He asked, disappointment laced in-between his words making her sigh and nod sadly. "Sorry Natsu but I guess I have to tell you next time."

"Can't you say what it is quickly because I'm really curious?" He asked, grinning slightly as the two rose together making her shake her head and giggle slightly. "Why not?!"

"Pick a place and time and maybe I'll tell you."

"What... like a... like a date?" He asked his eyes wide as pink colored the female's cheek. She looked away bashfully as the couple paid for the food at the front desk. "I—I mean, I guess a date—"

"How about later tonight, then? My shift at Drag Queen ends at six." Natsu quickly spoke, his eyes wide with hope as he jabbed his thumb behind him making Lucy gawk at him.

How eager was this guy to hear the news? Or was he just eager to ask her out, again?

"Erm... sure."

"Great! See you back here at six P.M sharp!"

—X—

"Here is your order of fresh fruit, Mrs. Hilda!"

"Thank you, dear!"

"Anytime!" The young blonde sang as she bowed respectfully to the table full of old women before making her way towards the kitchen to get more orders, a heavy sigh flying out of her lips. She eyed the wall clock that hung on the kitchen wall to make sure she wasn't late for her date with Natsu, another sigh coming out of her mouth when she noticed she still had two hours to go before her little hang out with the male across the street.

Could she really tell him? His response wasn't as bad as her mother's but she had hope. Natsu defiantly wouldn't judge her.

"Lucy, where are you, darling? Somebody is here, get them a table!" Layla's voice brought her out of her little brain session making the younger blonde gasp and quickly come out of the kitchen, a bright smile on her face.

"Welcome to Heart-Fill, table for—?"Lucy said in pure happiness and politeness but froze as she realized who it was at the door.

Without second thoughts, she slammed her back against the wall and hid herself as she felt her heart race in her chest, her eyes wide in surprise.

What was he doing here? He was supposed to be at the restaurant right across the street! They were rivals! He shouldn't be stepping foot in the enemy's territory, he should know that!

Taking a peek at Natsu whom she saw earlier, she noticed how lost he looked since she spoke pretty loudly earlier, the look of confusion and wonder present on his face. How come he looked so calm? Doesn't he know if her mother or father saw him, they'll skin him alive and use him as decoration in their restaurant?

Just then, she saw her mother scowling slightly as she approached Natsu making her heart drop.

She was going to kick him out or worse, she was going to murder him right there.

Ready to jump out and tell her mother it's alright, she was surprised when Layla apologized and ushered Natsu to a booth seat making her watch in complete horror.

How come she was so calm? Why wasn't she kicking him out? Why did she treat him like a regular costumer? Did she not know who this pink-haired male was? She would have liked it if she just kicked him out. Now her secret was revealed and she was planning on telling him later!

"Lucy!" Layla cried out making the younger blonde jumped in her spot, whirling around to face her mother who was scowling at her. "I thought I told you to give the costumer a seat but instead, you're watching from afar! I know he's your age and you might find him 'cute' or 'hot' but darling, please, this is a business and I need you on top of things, alright?" She scolded making Lucy just blink and stare, her jaw slightly ajar.

"Lucy, don't look at me like you're a fish out of water. Answer me—"

"Mama, don't you know who he is?" Lucy suddenly cut her mother off making her furrow her brows. "Who? The pink-haired boy over there?"

"Yes!"

"No, why? He comes in here often. He likes our shakes and our star shaped cookies." Layla said making Lucy gawk even more.

He comes there that often that her mother knew his order and likes? Just how long has he been coming to this restaurant without her noticing? No, she wouldn't have remembered that kind of hair and face any time. But how did her mother know?

"I—I don't know him... erm, uh, how do you know him, mama?"

"I don't know-know him. He's a costumer, Lucy and that is how I know." She answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world as she eyed her daughter oddly, trying to figure out why she was so tense. "What's wrong?"

"H—how come I never seen him before then?"

"I guess he comes when you're taking your break or eating lunch."

"How long has he been coming in here?"

"It's been almost two weeks now. He comes almost every day if not, four times a week. Why? Do you want mama to introduce you? He looks like a fine lad—"Layla nudged her daughter slightly, smiling coyly making Lucy's entire face explode in embarrassment as she tried to push her away. "M—mama! No! I—I, he's not even that cute!" She lied making her mother snicker. "Don't lie to me—"

"Mama!" She cried out making her mother giggle and pat her daughter's shoulder. "Alright, enough of this. Go grab his order, will you?"

"I—I can't!"

"You can't?" Layla echoed in sheer surprise making Lucy grimace at her tone of voice. "What do you mean you can't?"

"I—I... my stomach hurts! I gotta... I have to use the bathroom—I'll be back, okay?!"

"Lucy—"

"Thank you!" Lucy shouted over her shoulder as she made a mad dash to the women's washroom, slamming the door open to slam it back close as she felt her heart leap out of her mouth.

This was maddening. How come her mother didn't know about Natsu? How did she not know about him being the rival's son?

Just then, she remembered her conversation with her mother earlier that day.

"But luckily, our rivals don't have a son! Or do they?"

Her mother didn't know the rival's had a son.

That was so good on her part and it was much safer with her not knowing about Natsu. And if she did introduce Natsu has her boyfriend, her mother and father wouldn't blow a fuse since they didn't know they were the Drag Queen's son. It was such a good thing and she was going to do her best to keep Natsu's secret being revealed.

But... why was she hiding then?

Awkwardly standing in the bathroom of her family restaurant, Lucy stared at the tiled floor for a while before finally deciding to go out there and talk to Natsu.

Taking in a deep breath, the blonde finally mustered enough courage to walk out of the bathroom but her heart completely shattered when she almost walked into said male who looked utterly surprised at first when they barely brushed against each other.

Silently and awkwardly standing in the corridor of where the bathrooms were located, the couple stood in front of each other for a moment before Layla's voice was heard down the hall.

"Lucy, darling, are you out yet?"

"Mama." She gasped as she was about to go but Natsu quickly grabbed her and pushed her back into the bathroom making her yelp in surprise.

Once pushed into the bathroom, Natsu shut the door and locked it as Lucy opened her mouth to say something but he hushed her, pressing her back against the wooden door. The blonde's heart leaped out of her chest as she felt the heat radiating off the male's body, her face hot as it ever was. His firm hands practically pinned her against the door as she heard her mother's footsteps right on the other side of the door, her knees growing weak.

"Lucy, are you okay?" Layla asked as she tried opening the door but it wouldn't budge. "Lucy, why did you lock the door?"

"I—I'll be out soon, mama! Sorry, you know how I like my privacy..." Lucy spoke, her eyes locked on Natsu's dark ones as she tried her best not stutter too much. "I'm sorry."

"Do you need mama to grab some medicine? Maybe some 7UP or Sprite would do?"

"No, I'm fine! I'm almost done!"

"Alright... call me if you need something, okay?" She spoke softly against the door before her footsteps disappeared down the hall.

A shaky breath fell out of her lips and Lucy felt slightly relaxed knowing her mother wasn't going to find out the truth the hard way. But the real problem was... what was Natsu doing hiding him and her in the women's bathroom of her family restaurant?

She opened her mouth to speak but was silenced when Natsu leaned in and practically gave her a heart attack.

"What... what are you doing here?" He asked, voice soft and gentle making her mentally cry out.

"That—that's what I should be saying..!" She hissed as she felt her blush deepen, her head turning to the side as she couldn't handle looking at him anymore. "What are you doing in here? And what do you think you're doing hiding us in the women's bathroom of my family's restaurant? Are you trying to get yourself ban or what?"

"I knew it," he said, pressing his lips into a tight line. "this is your family restaurant, right?"

"Y—yeah..."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I tried! I... earlier today I—"She sputtered, trying to figure out a way to say it but she couldn't as Natsu nodded. "So that was what you were trying to tell me..." He said as he also looked away making her frown and look at him with wide eyes. "Are... are you mad?"

"Mad?" He scoffed, looking back at her with a mischievous smirk plastered on his face. "I'm far from mad, Lucy. I'm surprised—hell, I'm kind of excited."

"Excited?" She echoed in confusion as Natsu readjusted his posture but still had his arms pinning her against the door, the smirk widening in size. "W—why are you excited?"

He let out a soft chuckle and he watched how she tensed slightly. "Because... this will be a hell of an adventure trying to keep this from out parents."

Looking up in surprise, the blonde's eyes widened at his words. "You mean—?"

"Hey," he quickly cut her off. "you want to be my partner in crime?"

Unable to keep her emotions in anymore, a wide smile decorated her beautiful face and she flung her arms around the male as she agreed in a heartbeat.

She didn't expect this to happen but she was glad it did.

Embracing one another in the bathroom, the couple was completely oblivious to their surrounding when suddenly they heard the flush of the toilet and it ruined the entire mood. They froze in their spot and slowly turned around to be greeted with an old women coming out of one of the stall, the look of sheer surprise and horror coming on the faces of the three.

She didn't expect this to happen but she wasn't glad it did.

"Pervert!"

notes: i believe my chapters always turn out like shit in the end but when i re-read it couple days later, i actually like it. but i hope you guys liked it! i'll have, The Chase up sometime this week since it was one of my lovely friend's bday and it's a bday present! other than that, Stars would probably be uploaded maybe tomorrow since I'm almost done with writing that.

thanks for reading and leave a cheeky review. ;*