Chapter 31

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT YOU JERK!?" Gray yelled pinning Natsu on the wall.

The other members of Fairy Law were behind him and Erza was on Gray's side clenching her fists. They were inside Fairy Law's HQ and Natsu just arrived that morning. He was exhausted and came in hurrying but now he was pinned on the wall his bags were on his sides. It was almost 7 when he arrived at the Fairy Law HQ; his friends were on the living room obviously waiting for him though Natsu ignored them. But when he was about to leave again, Gray did it.

"Let me go." He hissed. His eyes were serious and glaring.

"I WON'T LET YOU GET NEAR LUCY!" Gray shouted. In this situation even Natsu's serious tone can't even taunt him. He was really mad when they watched the concert. If it wasn't for the distance of the concert place from the hotel the whole band might have came over to that place and beat him up right away. He promised he'll be that substitute to substitute and he's doing his duty. Gray was beyond furious. He warned Natsu before and look what he did.

"I SAID LET ME GO! I NEED TO TALK TO HER!" This time Natsu shouted giving Gray's arm a push so he won't pin Natsu on the wall but Gray didn't budge. "S-She might be sad right now. I need to tell her what happen!" This time Gray's grip on him loosen. Natsu's eyes they were full of anger but it was not directed to them or him. It was full of hatred and sadness at the same time.

"What do you mean?" Erza demanded taking a step forward to them. She pulled him by the collar shoving Gray away. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN? SAY IT BEFORE I BEAT YOU UP!"

In a second Jellal was on Erza's side walking her by the arm. "Erza calm down. He'll explain. Look at him.." Erza did looked at Natsu. "..he's just as sad as we were." He didn't let go of her arm until she loosened her grip on Natsu and when she did Natsu leaned on the floor weakly. Erza's gaze never left him. She was mad. She trusted him with her and they were not even official and he dared break her heart? She clenched her fists and looked away until he spoke.

"I-I need to tell her.."

"What? Tell her everything's a joke?" Gray said irritably, his arms crossed across his chest.

"That song.. It was for her. I didn't know..that..that will happen." He clenched his fists and hit the wall behind him. "I didn't know. Damn it! I trusted her!"

Everyone looked at him with wide eyes. "What are you talking about? We all saw it! You were lucky Lucy hasn't watched it yet! What if she finds out?" Gray said and lifted his clenched fist about to hit him. "We all saw how you two suck each other's mouth in front of everyone! We all watched it! You –"

Natsu didn't move. "I need to go somewhere else." He said as he began to stood up straight and walked towards the door.

"No!" It was Levy. She rushed to the door and closed it before he could go outside. "You should tell us first! You won't hurt her the second time around! I won't let you!" She said bravely. Her body was shaking because of anger. Levy has grown close to Lucy and just like Erza, she felt the need to protect Lucy. If there's anything Lucy needed protection from.

"You said Lucy hasn't watched it yet! Maybe I could explain it to her! Maybe I could tell her the truth before she knew what's false! Maybe I could prevent her from feeling sad.." Natsu shouted.

"I wouldn't allow you to lie to her again!" Gray shouted.

"I ain't lying! You don't understand!" Natsu said as he runs a hand through his hair. "I used that concert to tell her what I felt, I figured no one will stop me if I said it on stage.." He looked down. "I told Lisanna my plan before I head out.."

"Yo Lis! Thanks for inviting me to your concert!" I was really happy though I was late. She hugged me and I hugged her back. I was just really happy that we met each other again after so long.

When she pulled back she smiled at me. "No worries Natsu! I'm glad you're here, I missed you!" She said and gave me another squeeze before she let me go. "Why are you late?"

"Fairy Law was on vacation!" I cheered putting another coat on. "You know what I'm sort of dating someone now." I whispered to her ear when I pulled and looked at her face she was shock. "Hey!" I said and she snapped out of it.

"Who is the lucky girl?" She smiled at me and I was relieved she was happy for me.

"Lucy of course!" I said pumping my fist. "I'm going to tell the whole world what I felt through my song! And.. I'll confess to her, I always get interrupted when I tried to. I'll tell everyone she belonged to me. Mine only." I told her everything that happened to the island and I didn't notice what her reaction was I just continued until the crew called for my turn.

"See you later Lis!"

"Y-You dumbly told her what you're going to do?!" Gray asked.

"I didn' –"

"Continue!" Erza said in annoyance stopping them from starting a fight.

"After my song I was eager to tell them who I was in love with. But then, I didn't notice Lisanna run towards me and.. did that." He clenched his fists. "I didn't know. I was about to say Lucy's name but –"

"Natsu didn't push Lisanna away when Lisanna kissed Natsu." Juvia said as she stepped forward. Hurt was clear in her eyes, same eyes Levy had and Erza's but Erza's had anger in them. "You didn't push her away."

Natsu remained silent. That's right he didn't. Everyone else was silent too. "I was shocked.."

"That's not enough reason.." Erza muttered. "I still wanted to punch you. And now I just wanted to beat you up, even more."

"I didn't have the time to absorb everything that was happening.."

"Really? For 20 or who knows how long seconds it never sunk in you that she was kissing you?!" Levy shouted.

"That's bullshit! You're that dumb to never really think she would do that? That she would actually have feelings for you? That she'll kiss you in front of everyone? That's dumb!" Said Gray. He ran a hand through his hair in exasperation.

"You don't understand. When I met Lucy I stopped those stupid games and I never kissed anyone except her." He tried to explain. "I thought… I thought Lisanna understood that. She's a very close friend of mine. I thought she won't dare kiss me, and to think it was in front of everyone and I told her about Lucy. I never really expected that. I was really happy that I could finally be able to tell her what I feel and that was… Dammit! I trusted Lisanna!"

"But didn't it sink into you when she pulled away?" Jellal asked out of curiosity whether Natsu was really that slow or dumb or something of sort.

"I did. But she said something…" He paused and continued when everyone remained silent. "She said it was for Lucy. I didn't know what she meant. She pulled away completely after that and pulled me back to the backstage. When we were backstage I snapped at her, she hugged me but I removed her arms. I told her to stay away and I left." Natsu looked at Erza. "You could beat me all you want. Just, not now. Let me see her." He pleaded.

No one seemed to stop him now, and so he runs off. Everyone at the room was still silent thinking of why was that of benefit to Lucy? They were sure it won't and this time it just made them more furious of the white haired girl. Natsu ran off to Lucy's room and hoped he would be in time before Lucy watched that stupid concert. Stupid him for accepting the invitation. Stupid him for letting Lisanna know what he'sll do and kiss him and was too shocked not to do anything. But he was positive, he didn't kiss her back. If Lisanna would do that before, then maybe he would but he had Lucy now and she's the only person running through his mind right now.

Hours after Natsu left Fairy Law were still silent in their Headquarters. There were some conversations but nothing really lasted. Gray decided to sleep. Jellal and Gajeel were looking for something to eat. Juvia went to organize the upcoming event. Levy and Erza were on the couch and the television on, though they were not really watching.

Knock Knock Knock

All of them looked at the door and it was Jellal who opened it.

"May I help you?" Jellal asked hesitantly. They should be careful now, because reporters would be tailing Natsu right now and he doesn't know who the person is.

"I'm looking for Natsu."

"And who might you be?" Jellal asked not fully opening the door for the visitor.

"Makarov Dreyar." Erza's ears perked up and she walked to the door.

"I don't know anyone of that name. I know Natsu wouldn't too." Jellal said thinking that he's outsmarted the old man.

Erza shoved Jellal lightly. "Master.." Erza said, bowing lightly.

"Do you know him Erza?" Jellal asked a bit irritated. "He might be paparazzi!"

"No he isn't!" She hissed. "He's a Board Member of the Heartfilia Group!"

Jellal gasped and immediately bowed. "I'm really sorry for my rudeness."

Makarov chuckled but went to being serious again. "Now, where's the brat?"

"He went to Lucy." Erza answered.

"Pain in the ass." Makarov hissed. He sighed. "He never listens."

"Sir Makarov could you tell us, why you needed him?" Erza inquired. "Did he do something?"

"No. No. I heard what happened to the concert and I wanted to talk to him." He said sighing. "Well. Maybe you know the marriage Lucy was going through.." He said glumly.

"Oh yes. That." Erza said and looked at Jellal. "Fairy Law won't let it happen." She said looking directly at Makarov.

"You won't?" He asked teary eyed.

"Y-Yes?" What could be difficult in making an extravagant show? They all looked at Makarov quite confused. "In fact we're working on it."

Makarov couldn't help but run into them and hug them one by one. "You're very good friends." He smiled at them.

"Lucy's our friend; we'll do anything for her." Levy said walking towards the group and smiling.

"Tell me what I could do to help you help Lucy. It'll be in 5 days and just tell me what you needed; I'll help you with everything I can." Makarov said and he went out of the room.

Erza went in front of them. "That's right. There will be a special event in 5 days as Master said. I think one of the Boards would be requesting a theme. I don't know the details yet but be prepared." She turned to Juvia, who just came in. "Do you know anything?"

"Juvia doesn't know anything yet but I know it was Sir Jiemma who will be in charge of the upcoming event so maybe the songs will be of his favourite." She said smiling. "But Juvia is worried about Natsu and Lucy. Will Natsu be able to talk it to Lucy?" Juvia asked to no one in particular.

"He should. He should." Erza muttered as she clenched her fists.

"Lucy.. Lucy.." Natsu was uttering her name and in his mind were the unspoken things he wanted to tell her as he drove towards Lucy's condo at Viewpoint. He was nervous and mad at the same time. He was mad at himself. Mad that he let her down. They were just beginning this whole new level and yet he failed her. He was nervous of what Lucy will think. He knew her, she's pushing people who might have comforted her and that are just how she is. He doesn't want that. He's not here to comfort her, but he's here to totally take away her sadness. She just has to know what really happened and everything will be fine.

Did she saw it already? What would he do? Did she believe in the news?

Of course she would that's recorded for Fairy Law via satellite. But Gray said she hasn't watched it yet and so Natsu hoped for that.. Still he's preparing for the worst. But there seemed to be nothing that could prepare him from the worst.

He didn't know what to do if he would see her crying or even sad. He knew he'll be devastated. And Natsu's just hoping that she'll hear him.

The red car sped up as it neared its destination. It stopped right at the entrance of the building a guy immediately went to him to get his car and park it for him. He immediately gave his keys runs inside. He went to the elevator and Natsu pressed for the floor he remembered Lucy's unit was. The elevator was still at the top floor and kept on stopping at every floor, he just couldn't wait like this and he took the stairs. He ran up and didn't bother how his breathing became more difficult than he ever experienced. When he reached the floor he sped up and stopped right in front of Lucy's door. Natsu raised his hand to knock on the door but all the will to do that felt like it drained from him.

"I have to.. I need too.. I want to." He muttered to himself and knocked.

He waited for a couple of minutes before he heard footsteps on the other side of the door. His breathing labored and felt like his heart's going to explode. Will he be greeted by a smiling Lucy or a sobbing? Whatever it was he'll do anything to maintain that smile or bring a smile back to her face.

Door opened.

"Loke haven't I told you I don't want visitors?" She said before she could even look at who was the person. "N –Pinky?"

"What's with Pinky? You already called me by my name."

"Oh right. I'm sorry. Well I just thought Natsu would be fine.." She was smiling and Natsu couldn't be happier. He hoped this would be easier. "..but I think that name only fits the person I love. Sorry Pinky."

He was taken aback.

"So what do you need?" She asked leaning by the door frame, her hands across her chest. "Do you by any chance live near?"

Natsu was confused, shock and absolutely heartbroken. "L-Luce.."

"Ah. Ah. Ah. Don't call me that, we aren't even close." She said using her index finger and thumb to make an illustration of closeness.

"Wha –"

"Let's get over it Na –Pinky." She paused. She looked away then back to him again and smiled. "We both know it's just a play. You know.. Adult play. Flirting and stuff." She chuckled.

"It's not for me!" He yelled.

"Now. Now. I'm sorry if you took it the other way I wanted you to feel it." Natsu could see the façade she was showing. "Well then, you should go back to Lisanna. She might be looking –"

"Lucy, stop pretending. Please. Listen to me." Natsu said cutting her off and pulling her to his chest. He held her tight against him. "I don't want to hear those words from you. It's hurting me more that this whole thing's hurting me. It hurts more when you do this. Don't say those. I mean everything, believe me."

Lucy squirmed. "I don't. Sorry." She said trying to push him. "Pinky, that flirting ended when we landed at the airport. Let go of me now."

"Stop pretending. Lucy I lo –"

Lucy pushed him hard. Her eyes were now tear-stained. Natsu didn't notice she was crying on his chest until he saw her face. She wiped her face. "You shouldn't feel that way. Cause I do don't feel it. Like I told you everything's fine. Let's just get over it." She said smiling though tears kept on falling down her eyes and she kept on wiping them. "Everything's a play. Adult flirting game.. I get it." She backed away. "Well congratulations to you and Lisanna!" Lucy walked to him and hugged him awkwardly on the sides of his shoulders, placing her chin on his shoulder. Lucy pulled away and smiled. "Good luck for the upcoming event." She closed the door but it stopped midway.

"I'm not done yet!" Natsu said as he stopped the door with his hand. "You don't understand Luce! Listen to me first!"

"THERE'S NOTHING YOU SHOULD EXPLAIN! I SAID EVERYTHING'S ALRIGHT!" Lucy said bursting her bubble. She clenched her fists. "You.. You don't have an obligation or anything to explain to me." She muttered not looking at him. "I know from the start you love each other and.. and.. I'm sorry for interfering. I'm sorry for the bother. I'm sorry for feeling this way."

Natsu's eyes widen. "Lucy.."

"I know I should be the one mad at you right now." She chuckled to herself. "I know I am. I want to slap you all I want, erase her lips' mark and feeling on yours. But I know I just couldn't. We're just friends and that's not what friends do. They should be happy for the friend who had gotten him or herself into a relationship." Lucy looked at him. "But right now, I don't know if I could.." She sniffled. "I don't know if we could still be friends."

"Lucy.. I already told you Lisanna's my friend. You're the one I love." He said it nonchalant.

She didn't look at him. Lucy's really mad but she can't because it's just those adult flirting game and Natsu was just playing, or that's what she thought. "Felt like the other way around. You know what? Thanks for bursting my bubble and making me talk to you. For letting me tell this to you. I felt light right now and I think I wanted to stay this way. I'm glad this happened, I'm glad you went to that concert."

"That concert it was an invitation.."

"And you accepted."

"What do you want me to do? I trusted Lisanna –"

"And I trusted you." Lucy looked on the floor. "Gray asked me if we should put cameras on the backstage and guard you. But I told him not to." She stared at him and smiled. "Because I trusted you enough.." Tears streamed down her eyes but she kept her smile.

"She forced that kiss on me. I didn't want it." Natsu clenched his fists. "I know, I'm not worthy of your trust but you did and I'm glad you trusted me. I didn't let you down –"

"But you didn't push her away."

"Because I was shocked!" He ran a hand through his hair. "Lucy, I lost your trust but I'll do anything to earn it back. I'll even do that torture –"

"You don't have to. Pinky, you can go back to her and I could go back to the company. To tell you the truth, I am torn between the company and you. I will marry someone eligible soon."

"I won't let that happen! I'll do anything!"

She was taken aback. "No. It's too late." She whispered. "I'm.. hurt. I know there will be a lot of this when time comes so let's prevent it before it happens." Natsu reached his hand towards her. "Prevention is better than cure." She moved away from his touch. "I'm happy this happen, though I'm not really.. I'll say I am." She smiled.

"You don't have to say that. Lucy, we could stay this way. That kiss was nothing!" He holds her shoulder and stared straight into her eyes. "Believe me, you're the one I love. I didn't back away because I was shocked. It was not a kiss after all I didn't kissed her back! Lucy you have to understand!"

"I understand everything clear." She removed his hands on her. "If that was not a kiss then, does that mean you don't have my first kiss too? That it never really happen? That, that day never happen? That we never really met?"

Natsu looked at her. "N –"

"You're the one who told me it was a kiss even though I told you it's not because I didn't kissed back. But then you said.. our lips.." She blushed at the thought but looked away to hide it. "..met and you said that's a kiss." She paused and looked back at him. "So tell me now. Is it you and Lisanna.. kissed the same as to forget that kiss on the first day we met? If that's it then, tell me forget that day and never meet and forget that Lisanna and you or go on?"

"Forget just Lisanna's but not ours!" He yelled.

"That's selfish." She paused. "She has feelings for you. You both have."

Natsu looked into her eyes. "I know you know I only have for you. Please Lucy, you just have to understand. Believe me, Luce."

"It's not that easy. With this incident I've decided.. Thanks for making it easy for me." She smiled weakly and a tear dropped from her eyes again. "Good bye." She backed away and left him frozen in front of her door. Lucy closed it and leaned her back on the door.

Soon slid down and fell on the floor sobbing.