So, this is going to be really long. And I think really dramatic. I hope this makes up for the time I did not updated. Tell me what you think because this story is about to end. :( Thank you for supporting!

Chapter 48

"I won't allow." Yajima said in a firm tone.

Lucy pursed her lips. Out of all the people whom she asked they, the Board Members who were really close to her, are the ones who disagrees with her. She just didn't get it. They knew him so why aren't they agreeing with her?

"Lucy you can be the judge to that. You know him very well." Bob said giving her a weak smile. Lucy knew he obviously disagrees with her too, it's just he doesn't want to reject her idea in a cruel manner.

"I do not allow." Porlyusica stated.

Lucy sighed. She had convinced almost every Board, she even went to all of them personally to get their blessings but these people in front of her just won't. She sat on the largest seat there is and she could see their serious faces except for Rogue and Sting who were sitting the farthest on her left.

"Rogue and Sting, I would love to hear your vote." She said in a rather serious and angry tone.

Both of them cleared their throats and it was Rogue who spoke. "Well, I for one do not know him very well. But I think if he's like Sting then I do not agree."

"Hey!" Sting shouted beside him.

"See?" Rogue said matter-of-factly. "It's difficult dealing with one Sting, why get another?"

With that he was hit by his brother on the head. And Sting huffed in annoyance.

Lucy sighed. They're all right. She knew that deep down. But she knew that he will be fine. He'll be fine with that right? She just knew he could, with a little editing here and there.. And oh, there and there and there.. And here and there.. And yup. They're absolutely right.

"Lucy I got you're point. But are you really okay with this?" Makarov spoke. Lucy looked at him and let him continue. "This company is really important to you. Are you just giving him, his share just like that?"

Lucy smiled weakly. "Well, you told me it's their company too. It wouldn't be called Heartfilia-Dragneel if it wasn't. They didn't have their fair share for the past years. My father managed the whole group in those 10 years.. I think it's time for the Dragneels to get what's theirs."

"I beg to differ and also disagree to your decision Miss Heartfilia." Lucy stiffened at the sound of that voice. She turned around and met those onyx eyes she's been avoiding for the past four weeks. Behind him were Jellal and Erza. "I'm sorry but I decline on getting or receiving or taking over.. Whatever you even call that.. I won't get that share."

"But!"

"Meeting adjourned! Thanks for coming! Thanks for doing your best today. Can I please leave with Miss Heartfilia first?" Natsu didn't wait for any answers he just grabbed Lucy's wrist and pulled her out of the large conference room.

Porlyusica shook her head in annoyance. "Kids these days..."

"We were as reckless as they were when we're their age." Bob added.

"So, you called because Lucy is here?" Gray asked slowly to Erza who was sitting on her desk with Jellal behind him.

"Where is she?" Levy asked in a hopeful tone.

Jellal gave them a weak smile and answered for Erza. "I know you all want to see her.. Even you Gajeel..—" The said guy glared at Jellal and looked away. "But, Natsu and her needs to talk first."

Gray hit the table with his palms. "WHAT?! You left her alone with him?"

"He's not a bad guy who's going to hurt her." Jellal said. "Remember, Natsu Dragneel is the man Lucy's been waiting for all these years. Wouldn't she want to spend time with him?"

Gray huffed in annoyance knowing Jellal's all that smart-ass he always was. "That is, if he's Natsu Dragneel."

A ring on Erza's clock made everyone alerted. She stared at it and says 2pm. She quickly attended to her secretary duties and looked for Lucy's schedule. The schedule she had just been given since Lucy went back this morning. Upon scanning Lucy's schedule, her eyes widened. And all of the members of Fairy Law went in front of her table.

"What is it Erza?"

Once outside the conference hall, Natsu didn't waste any second and went to the nearest room he could enter and pulled Lucy inside. It was dark in there but he could see her face. She was in front of him, finally. All those weeks he's been trying to escape the hospital just so he could see her, felt like they were years back. She was finally, right in front of him.

And the first thing he did was to kiss her hard on the lips, as he pulled her to him placing his hand on her waist and hair. He hugged her tight, like she was his lifeline. He placed his nose on the crook of her neck and inhaled her scent.

"You don't know how much I miss you.." He whispered softly as he reached her ear and kissed her cheek.

Natsu looked at her. She didn't move an inch. She didn't respond to his kiss nor did she hugged him back. Her expression was the same, she was staring right at him like he was a stranger.

"I-I..." Lucy placed her hands on his shoulder. For a moment he was glad that she did that. And then, she looked a way and pushed him from her. "You.. I.. I don't know you."

Natsu's eyes widened. "What do you mean - "

She held her hand up firm to him. "You're not.. I.." She looked a way to bit her lip. "I don't know who you are.. You're.."

He held both her arms. "I do not care who am I now." He said realizing what she meant. "Whether I'm Natsu Dragneel or that Natsu from Fairy Law.. It's not important anymore! What's important is I have you and you have me."

Lucy looked down. "It is to me. It is important to me. I do not know who you are now. If you're Natsu Dragneel, then I want to tell you that, you made me think you're dead. I was devastated. I cannot be the same Lucy as I was when we were kids.. I waited for you for so long. I am alone." She tried to stop herself from crying. She paused for a moment and clenched her fists. "All these years you knew. I dared not to love anyone.. and then you came back making me love another man who was... Oh god." Her lips quivered as she tried to stifle a cry. "You knew how difficult that was.. You were there. You knew all along.. you knew it from the start.. Did I not suffer enough?"

"Lucy.. you don't understand. I.."

"Natsu... No. I couldn't even call you that. Are you the Dragneel or the guy who played with my heart?" She chuckled. "Uhhh. No, both of them played with it. Well you know what I was talking about right?" She looked up at him. "You knew what happened to me after that incident with your family!" She paused. "Now that I've think of it.. You're watching me from afar. You've always known.." She stopped and sobbed. "You've been watching.. You've known and yet, just years later you showed up. Entered my life like you're another person.. You knew since then.. And yet you didn't tell me. You befriended me, told me you love me.. And still you didn't tell me."

"Luce.." His eyes softened. Natsu didn't like seeing her swollen red eyes, especially if he was the cause. He held her hand but she pulled it away and glared at him.

"Why? Why did you hurt me so much?"

"Luce.. I -"

"Don't you call me with that name. You're a stranger to me. I do not know who you are right now. Are you Natsu, my childhood friend or are you the Natsu I just knew?" She smiled. "Oh wait. Do you have another identity?" Lucy glared. "Even though you're a friend from when I was a child, even though you're a.. friend at my present life, I find you.. new" She wiped her tear streaked face. "and distant. I thought you're a new part of the puzzle but then I realized it's just the one that's lost.. And somehow, now, I didn't know where to put your piece nor if could I use it to fill the empty spaces. Should I still use this piece to continue the puzzle of my life or should I just leave it in the past?"

Natsu froze at that. He didn't know what to do. He clenched his fists. His ears couldn't take the words that just came out of her mouth. They were in complete silence. A silence that made Lucy want to get out of there and runaway never looking back. But that would be really rude. Because right now, she's in front of her co-owner. She gathered all her strength. Crying won't get her anywhere and right now she was just wasting her precious time. Nothing will change. As much as she hated what this man had done to her, she needs to be professional for the company. Lucy then cleared her throat as Natsu watched her every move. She wiped her tears and made herself more presentable. She fixed her top and dusted her skirt. She let out a breath and smiled.

"Anyway.. Mr. Dragneel welcome back from the dead, business partner." She held her hand out for him to shake. Natsu still had his hands clenched on either side of his body. He looked at her hand then back to meet her eyes. "The least we could do.. is be civil.."

And that was the last straw.

"BULL THAT!" Natsu hit the door with both his fists on either side of Lucy's head. He touched his forehead to hers as his hands slid down the door and searched for hers. Once he found it, he fought his way into getting his fingers in between hers and held her hand tight.

Lucy resisted and tried pushing him off her. "Let go of me!"

"I don't want civil." He breathed as he lifted his eyes to meet hers. "This is not how you break up with me. This is not why you would break up with me. And you will never break up with me.. I do not want you to."

Lucy tried to get him away. She pushed him with her body and tried to release his iron grip on her hands. "I need to go. I have a flight in 30 minutes! Let me go!"

"Lucy. I lost my memory." She slowed down. And little by little stopped from fighting his tight hold. "I.. It was really hard for me in the beginning."

She stopped resisting. "W-What?"

"Shh." He shushed her. "I'm going to tell you what really happened after the incident. You can ask me anything later, when I'm done with my story."

Lucy scoffed. "What?! Are you going to give me another story to believe to? I don't want any more of your lies. All these years I've been living in one. And now that I'm free you're going to pull me into another?"

Natsu squeezed her hand. "Luce, I just need you to hear me out."

"I cannot take another lie. You of all people.."

"Please?" Natsu pleased and pressed his forehead into hers. He looked at her eyes, and it pains him to see that she was avoiding him. "I'll just tell you a brief story.. I do not care if you believe me or not. I know I messed up big time. But Lucy, after the incident, you're not the only one who's lost. You're not the only one who's life changed forever."

Lucy froze as she heard his words. She did not reply and did not do anything. She stood still as Natsu placed his head beside hers. Natsu inhaled her scent once more and dipped his nose in her hair. After a couple more minutes of silence. They stayed in that position until Natsu squeezed her hands. Natsu took her silence and lost of movement as a go sign and sighed. He lets go of one of her hands and placed his arm around her body as he pulled her close.

"After the incident, Gramps.. Makarov, the whole of the Board hid me. They were the ones who helped me. They didn't want you or your father to be involved. We did not know who was behind that 'incident'. I was the only witness who survived. So Gramps then decided I go to another country for 5 years. It was to heal me and protect me from the murderers of my parents." He tightened his hold on her. She could feel that it was really difficult for him to tell this.

"You - "

He cut her off and gave her hand a squeeze reassuring her that telling her that story was fine. "That was the worst years of my life. I cannot remember who I was back when I was Natsu Dragneel. I do not know my parents.. But in my dreams, I just know they're always there and I watch them be killed every night. And I always wake up screaming.." He chuckled for a bit finding it embarrassing. "I was a kid. I didn't know what to do. And then, Gramps told me everything that happened. He told me about you.. and then I understood why I feel happy at the start of my dream.. I was on a large boat and back by the bay, a little girl in a pink hoodie, gloves and pants was crying with a little snot on her nose while she waves bye to me." He chuckled a bit. Natsu looked down. "I don't know back then why I was happy I was seeing her waving goodbye as she cried."

Lucy was staring at him the whole time. She was shocked as to what she was hearing.

"I felt happy to see her, even though she is crying and is waving bye to me.. I just felt like seeing just her figure, a crying girl with a snot on her nose as she waves bye to me, makes me feel at ease. Even if the dream would have a tragic ending.. I'm just glad I saw her." He tightened his hold on her. "When I met you a few months back.. I knew you were that girl. I quickly came down the stage because I just had to kiss you. You don't know how much I wanted to tell you everything.. But then, what would I say if I can't even remember anything except for that incident. Gramps also told me not to tell you until we found the culprit.. He wanted you safe. And then I wanted you safe."

Lucy looked at him. "What do you mean...?"

"Gramps wanted me to tell you. But I chose not too." He felt her froze. "I wanted you safe. I understand what Gramps wants me to do.. but I couldn't risk you. Besides, I already told you once."

Her eyes widened.

"Back then, I told you I'm Natsu."

"And when was that?"

Natsu pulled away to look at her face. "I can't exactly remember when.. But I think that was before the Riff Off battle."

Lucy blushed crimson red. She remembered that time. It was just a few days after her father passed away, and that was when she first made out with him. She heard him chuckle and she looked up to him.

"The Riff Off?" He smirked as he placed his hand on her waist. "Remember at the fire exit?"

She blushed even more. She tried to keep her composure and looked right into his eyes. "Tha-That's not what matters right now." Lucy pushed him away with her one free hand. "What exactly did you say? I can't remember you telling the truth."

Natsu sighed. "I said I was Natsu, you said 'Just like my real Natsu' and it kinda pissed me off because you were thinking about another man when I just told you I was that man."

Lucy rolled her eyes. "How was I supposed to know you were telling me something like that? For god's sake you even have the same name!"

"Because! I was him! And now, he is me."

Lucy let out an exasperated sigh. "Ugggh! Whatever. That's not the point right now!"

"And what is?"

Lucy wasn't able to speak. Her lips were quivering. "I-I.."

"Luce.. I didn't tell you that story to make you feel guilty or whatever." Natsu ran a hand through his hair. "I just want you to know that I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. Well after the incident I do not know who you are, then when I met you I do not care who you are but Gramps strictly told me not to tell you and then I fell in love with you all ove again."

Lucy blushed and she avoided his gaze.

"We were so close to finding out who was the suspect to the crime, but that happened." Natsu lifted her face. "I'm sorry."

Her eyes started to water and when she closed her eyes a tear came rolling down her face again. "I'm sorry. I didn't know.. I'm sorry I was being selfish. I did not think of what you're feeling. I'm sorry."

Natsu pulled her to him once again and placed her head on his shoulder. He patted her head. "Like I said, I didn't tell that to you to make you feel guilty. It was nothing Luce. I didn't tell you who I was because I love you. All I want is for you to be safe. Nothing more, nothing less. So, I'm sorry. I want you to know that you're not alone even from the start.. We've always been together. In my dreams you're always there."

Just then Lucy's phone rang and they pulled away from each other. Lucy searched for her phone and quickly answered it. "Yes?" She turned to the side so hide from Natsu. "I'm sorry, I almost.. forgot. Yes. it's true."

Natsu was watching her all this time and was curious as to who she was talking to.

"Don't worry. No. No need for that. It's all in my car. Loke and Capricorn will drive me there." Lucy nodded. "Yes, thank you for reminding me Erza.." There was a long pause and both of them are just not talking. "I miss you." Lucy said and hung up.

She turned to face Natsu who was sending her a look of curiosity. "What was that all about? Where are you going?"

Lucy inhaled deeply and placed her hand in between them for him to shake. "It was nice talking to you. I really need to go now."

"What? You're leaving again?"

Lucy nodded her head. She quickly turned around and opened the door which surprised Natsu. She briskly walked towards the conference room as Natsu followed her. She went to where she was seated before and grabbed her papers.

"Luce! Where the hell are you going?" Natsu asked rather loudly.

She ignored him and continued filing her paper in one folder.

Natsu got really impatient and turned her towards him. Tears were streaming down her face as she bit her lower lip to stop herself from crying. He was taken aback by her reaction as his anger died down. "Wha -"

"I'm leaving." Lucy said and wiped the tears from her face.

"Lucy.." Other members of the band showed up by the door of the conference room with worried look on their faces. This gotten Natsu a bit more confused.

"Why are you leaving?" Erza asked. "And why are you -"

"Erza, everyone, I'm really sorry about this but I need to do this."

Levy stepped forward. "Why?"

Lucy sighed. "I'm not planning on being the one to explain this all to you but.. Well, I'm leaving tonight. I'm going to another major branch of the company. I will be staying there for.. I don't know how long. Gramps said I was really needed there.. After everything that happened, finding Natsu Dragneel is alive made an uproar in the business world. The friends of the Dragneels came by a week after the incident at the Band Battle and wanted to have partnership with us. So, I'm going to go there."

Natsu was silent the whole time Lucy was explaining. He didn't care about the whole business thing. The only thing that's registering in his mind was that he just saw Lucy and now she's leaving him again. "Why not bring me with you?" He said nonchalantly.

"Well, you still don't know anything about the business world. And I figured you can practice in this main branch.. Erza will help you with everything. That's the reason of the conference a while ago. I need you to take over the main office while I go out there and get us partners." She said. "We are co-owners. So, we need to work together. Right?"

No one answered her and she just weakly smiled.

"Plus, you still have the Band Battle." They all looked up to see her. "The Battle is not finished yet. I know you all were at the bottom now.. But I believe in all of you. Pull yourselves up! Fairy Law is important to you all, right?" She waited for answers but no one did. "Well.. It was to me."

Jellal looked up to her. "What are you talking about?"

"Well, I think I've been in love with the voice of your songs ever since and I didn't even realized it." Natsu froze. "So go and get what should be yours."

Levy and Juvia ran up to her and hugged her really tight. "We will miss you. Why do you have to go when we just saw you?" Levy asked.

"And where were you this past month?" Gray asked with his arms crossed. "We searched everywhere and it seemed like you're not in the face of the Earth."

Lucy smiled sheepishly. "Well for now that's a secret."

"WHAT THE HELL?!"

"Well, I miss you too Gray. I'll see you soon." Lucy walked up to him and stretched her arm for a fist bump. But Gray pulled her and hugged her tight.

"You just need to come back soon." He said ruffling her hair. "I promise we'll bring the band back to it's rightful place."

"That's the spirit!" She cheered. She walked towards Gajeel and leaned to his ear. "Good luck with Levy!" She whispered and giggled as she walked away before the blushing guy hits her.

"Lucy, I don't see the reason why you're leaving and giving me to this idiotic person." Erza said with a straight face as she walks toward Lucy. "I know you need me."

"He needs you more." Lucy said with a smile. "Well, I am not totally giving the best secretary and best friend in the world to him. I'm just lending because I know you know very well how this company works. You knew how to tame him too. So you're the perfect teacher."

Erza blushed at her words. "W-Well.."

Suddenly, Jellal slumped his arm on her shoulder and spoke for Erza. "She's right Erz. I know she's perfect for the position too."

Lucy nodded. "Well, I need to leave. I entrust the company to you.." She said to Natsu. "Mr. Dragneel." Lucy gathered her stuff and placed them in her bag. "Well, good bye! See you soon!"

Lucy started to walk out of the conference room and to the hallways of the building.

"What? You're just gonna let her leave calling you Mr. Dragneel?" Gray suddenly spoke from beside Natsu. "She doesn't seem really happy leaving. And I personally don't like her come and go like a ghost.. But I don't have the powers to make her stay. Actually, I don't think anyone has. But, are you going to just leave it at that?"

Just then Natsu fell on the floor when Erza smacked him on the head. "That is my first hit. First lesson: Do not do something you'll regret." She breathed the smiled. "But remember, regretting something you did not do is worst than regretting something you did."

"Now go!" Gajeel kicked him out of the conference room with a smirk on his face. "That one's my hit!"

Natsu now irritated by the sudden violence he was getting did not waste any time and stood up. He quickly ran and saw that Lucy was just entering the elevator. "WAIT!" Natsu shouted but Lucy didn't seem to hear him. She entered the elevator and pressed the button to close it.

Lucy closed her eyes in relief. She's now going to where she wants to be. She needs to do this, for the company.. for..

Just then the elevator doors stopped closing and a panting Natsu entered. Lucy's eyes widened in shock as to why he ran after her. "What the..?"

Natsu stood up face-to-face with the shocked blonde and cornered her by the buttons of the elevators. "Why are you leaving?" He asked in between his breaths.

"I already to -"

"You're lying. If it's not really just to get away from you problems, get away from what you're feeling then say it."

Lucy looked at him confusedly. "Say.. what?"

"My name. I'm your boyfriend. Your lover. Your soon-to-be husband. Your best friend. I'm also your childhood sweetheart. Your betrothed. Your fiance since we were kids. And most of all.. tell me, what's my name?"

Lucy bit her lip.

"Stop biting your lip or I'll rape you in this elevator."

Her eyes widened in shock and she tried to push him away. Just then the elevator stopped at floor 36 and the elevator doors opened. They workers and staff who were about to enter stopped midway as Natsu glared at them. And seeing the situation inside, no one dared to enter the elevator and backed away.

"Use the other elevator! Damn it!" Natsu growled and quickly close the doors. He returned his gaze to Lucy and stared right into her eyes. "Now where were we? Yeah, Lucy. Are you going to tell me why you're leaving or are you going to say my the name of your boyfriend, which is of course me."

"I-I.."

"I don't believe my name starts with that letter. But are you going to tell me you're leaving because you're running away?"

Lucy clenched her fists. "I did break up with you.." She muttered.

"I did not agree."

"Well, I am breaking up with or without your permission!"

"Then I just have to sell this company." Natsu pulled away and said that so carefree.

Lucy glared at him. "You can't do that!"

"I'm the co-owner. Plus you made me the head of the main office, so how can I not?"

For once Lucy gave him credit for blackmailing her like that. She hissed and looked straight into his eyes. "Fine! I need some time to get away from here, to free myself, to get away from the Band Battle, to get away from this office and to.. get away from you." She said as her voice trailed. "We both messed up big time. I think we need a break from each other. Let each other think things through."

"But Luce.. You know.." Natsu was a bit taken aback by what she said. Lucy just made her decision and she wanted space. A time to think things through. Suddenly, he felt a hand on his cheek. He looked at her as she looks at him with so much affection in her eyes.

"We both need this. If we meet again.. and.. and we still love each other, may be that time we can continue this love story."

"Luce, don't say that. I'll wait for you of course." Natsu said. He held the hand that was caressing his cheek and leaned into it. "I will -"

"I do not want you to." Lucy said firmly. She smiled at him. "If ever you find a woman, that of course will pass my standards do not hesitate to go date her."

Natsu looked down and kissed the palm of her hand. "I will wait for you."

Lucy smiled at him. The elevator dinged as the reach the last floor. She pulled him by his shirt and pecked on his lips. "I love you, Natsu. Good bye for now." She said to his lips as she kissed him one final good bye and run out of the elevator.

Natsu didn't have the chance to recover from what just happened. He stared at her disappearing figure through the closing elevator doors. "I love you too, Lucy." He shouted and the doors close.