Chapter 51
This day has full of surprises.
Jellal and Erza have been at the airport even though Lucy repeatedly told Erza not to. Then it came to Erza about to give birth. For god's sake after 5 hours of sitting at the plane, she drove to the hospital really fast and at the same time, very careful.
At the hospital, she unexpectedly met Natsu. Lucy and Jellal were going back from the vendo machine, they saw upon entering. Well she was tied to Jellal up until now because Jellal doesn't want to break his promise and of course she didn't want them to fight over something like that. The time she spent just sitting beside Jellal while Natsu was in front of her, staring intently at her, was the longest 5 minutes of her life. She badly wanted to talk to him but she didn't know how to start. And, Jellal is just beside her. She found it embarrassing to talk to Natsu with Jellal around.
Because, what they'll talk about is something that must be just between the two of them. Lucy was so glad when Natsu called her name. She could feel her heart beat faster than it ever did. It's like it's going to burst out of her chest. And just the sound of his voice made her knees really weak.
And then, Dan came. He just had to come when Natsu called her. They could've talked already, but Dan had just the worst timing. Ever. He even jumped to hug her and it made her nervous about Dan's actions while Natsu is just across her. She didn't want to give him the wrong idea. So, Lucy tried her best to push Dan away.
But, as to her surprise, Natsu pulled Dan away from her and that surprised her more than anything that had happened today. Well, aside from Jellal suddenly pulling her as he tried to get in between Natsu and Dan, that was the most surprising thing.
Dan announcing that he is actually her boyfriend froze her on the spot. What the hell was Dan talking about? Lucy had been clear to him ever since that she'll only see him as a close friend nothing more, nothing less. She didn't know what to do though. She remembered Cana saying, she allowed Dan to come along so that Lucy won't be alone when she met Natsu. Because for sure, he won't be alone when they're to meet. So, is this what Cana had been talking about?
Lucy didn't like it. The least.
She didn't want Natsu to get the wrong idea.
"Lucy?" A voice from beside her called. She was now seated on a chair and in front her, stood Gray, Gajeel, Cana and Jellal. Juvia and Levy sat on either side of her. "Are you okay?" Levy asked in a sweet and calm voice.
Seeing all the people she's been missing so much, she wasn't able to hold her emotions. "I'm sorry..." She cried. "I'm sorry for everything."
Gray flicked her forehead. Stopping her from sobbing. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"I-I.. I stopped talking to all of you." She said in a low voice. "I ignored your efforts to communicate with me. I was weak. I -"
"Shut the hell up Lucy." Gray almost shouted with an angry look on his face. "We didn't care." Her heart stopped. "You're back, so you're strong right?"
Lucy didn't know what logic Gray used but it somehow made her smile. She stood up and flung her arms around him hugging him. "I miss you all, so damn much."
"D-Damn?" Juvia repeated, wasn't sure if she heard Lucy right. "Did Juvia just heard Lucy casually including a curse to her sentences?"
Cana laughed. "And you weren't even cursing before? Damn Lu! I really did reprogrammed you!"
Gray patted her head. "Just glad you're back."
"Thank you." She muttered pulling herself away from Gray. Her tears started to flow down her eyes. "Thank you. So much." She pulled Levy and Juvia for a hug. "I missed you guys so much."
"We missed you too Lucy! But!"
Lucy pulled back looking puzzled.
"We have a lot catching up to do!" Levy cheered. "And you owe me a shopping time next week!"
"You owe Juvia a talk over ice cream. And maybe some dinner."
Lucy couldn't believe what she's hearing. Every part in her body wanted to scream with joy. "Of course. Anytime." She beamed. After a moment of peace, Lucy pulled back and smiled at them. "How have you -"
"Lucy.." She stopped and looked up to see Gray. He had his thumb pointed behind him and with a disappointed look on his face. Lucy traced to where he was pointing and sure enough Dan was sitting on one of the chairs opposite theirs. "Really? I thought that pink bastard would be the lowest you could get.. the most undeserving person you could fall -"
She shook her head. "Not my boyfriend, Gray. Not my boyfriend."
Gray made an amused look. Cana had one for a while now and she was smirking down at her. Lucy, not really understanding what those looks mean.
"What?"
Both of them placed their arms on their chests with a knowing look from each other. Cana tried her best not to laugh at her oblivious boss. Finally Gray spoke. "Lucy, you do know the issue that Natsu was in right?" Lucy frowned a little remembering that she badly need to talk to Natsu soon-er. "Well, I think Lucy, you should go."
Lucy looked at him confusedly. Just then she was pushed off the chair and she almost stumbled towards Jellal. She looked back to Levy and Juvia who were grinning at her. "Juvia thinks Lucy should go now. Or she'll think you were her love rival again." Juvia said in a slightly annoyed voice.
"Yeah. Me too." Levy agreed. Juvia glared at Levy. "Uhh, not the love rival of course."
Cana laughed. "I think she's scared to hear what Dragneel has to say." Cana leaned forward and cut the string connecting her and Jellal. Both Jellal and Lucy's eyes widened.
"Cana!" Lucy shouted. "That was Jellal's -"
Lucy felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Jellal and he had a soft smile on his face. "I think that was what Erza would do if she's here."
Erza! Oh right! They were in the hospital because of her. Lucy has totally forgotten of her.
She heard Jellal chuckle and released her shoulder. "Don't worry about her. I'm here, so you can just go talk to Natsu."
"No! Lucy -" Dan shouted to protest but was cut off when Gajeel had held him from behind and Cana has not so gently slapped her hand on his mouth. He kept on saying something incoherent for everyone. Lucy smiled though and she nodded her head to them.
"Tha -"
"Relatives of Miss Scarlet?"
They all looked up to see a person all suited in white scrubs. Her hands gloved to above her elbow and is wearing a face mask and hair cap. Jellal immediately went to her. "I'm her fiancé. How is she doing doc? How's baby Zael doing?"
"She's doing fine, though.." That caught all of them in slight panic. "..it seemed to be that you're not aware that you're having a twin."
"A.. A twin?" Lucy asked in disbelief. "How was it not discovered earlier?"
"Well, we suspect that the baby was hidden very well. The ultrasound wasn't able to detect it before, for the other fetus must have been really small then or maybe it was moving. And so we have to do a caesarian instead of what was planned." The doctor then showed them a few papers, basically handed them to Jellal. "We need you to sign these papers that you agree on doing caesarian."
When all was done Jellal gave the papers back to the doctor. "Please take care of the tw -three of them." He pleaded.
Lucy had known since the first time that she had met Jellal that he is rightful for Erza. She smiled at the image of Jellal pleading for the safety of his future family. "Please take care of them." Lucy said and bowed with a smile on her face.
The doctor nodded. "We will do everything we can, Mr. Fernandes, Ms. Heartfilia." And she walked away.
After a few minutes of silence Jellal sighed. "Twin.." He muttered under his breath as a smile crept up his face. "We're having twins!"
Lucy laughed at his childish before. Something she had never seen before. She was actually surprised to see him jumping in joy and doing some crazy dance moves he must have thought of on-the-spot. She couldn't help but giggle. Others were also smiling and laughing or giggling along with her as they all watch Jellal.
Suddenly he stopped and looked straight at Lucy. Everyone stopped and Lucy felt nervous. The first time she ever felt nervous around Jellal. "What are you still doing here?" He asked.
Lucy doesn't need to be told twice. She immediately dashed away from them.
Lucy had been walking all over the hospital but she haven't seen Natsu. Not even a trace. It's like he just disappeared to thin air. She searched everywhere, the hospital's food station, coffee station, vendo machines, parking lot – but that didn't really help because she didn't see his old car – she even went to the rooftop but still not even a shadow of the person she's been looking for.
She sighed in defeat and walked back to where her friends had been.
Levy was the first to approach her. "Lucy?" At the sound of her voice everyone looked up from each of their own conversations. "Did you find him?"
Lucy shook her head.
Gray stood up from his seat. "Maybe he's smoking some –"
"Smoking?" Lucy asked curiously. As far as she knew Natsu quit smoking. She told him and emphasized to him to stop.
"Well.. there's no one to tell him to stop destroying his organs."
Lucy clenched her fist. This was her fault.
"Maybe he's back to his suite?" Jellal wondered out loud. "I remember Erza told me there's this meeting he has to go to and she just excused herself, finally accepting her maternity leave."
"I remembered Natsu is going to some interview about the issue with Jenny right?" Levy asked to no one in particular. "It's today right?"
Juvia nodded. "Juvia remembered that too."
Gray walked towards Levy and Lucy and stretched out his hand. "I am officially going to lend you my car, by me the one and only Gray Fullbuster." He said jokingly. "Don't scratch it. Drive safely."
Lucy squeezed the car keys in her hand. "Thank you!" She said her tears filling the brim of her eyes. "But, where is Natsu's suite?"
Dan Straight.
He's been undeniably head over heels for the one and only Lucy Heartfilia.
The first time he met her 3 years ago, he can't believe of what he was seeing. A goddess. It was in a party. He was in a table. His father told her to get partners but he just couldn't get himself to walk towards anyone. His father had expected so much from him and he really can't keep up with his demands. He lived behind his father's shadow.
But then he met Lucy.
She had the same destiny as he was. Follow orders from parents and live a life worthy for leading a company. She may have a somehow different story. But to him, keeping your façade all the time, trying to impress other people all the time, controlling your emotions and be always on the dot is what they had in common. Both their lives had been planned out for them.
It had been a difficult life for him. But when he met Lucy, things had just lighten up a bit. He fell for her. But she never did to him. On the first time they've met Lucy told him someone was waiting for her. But he didn't give up since he never saw another guy get near Lucy.
Their connection was plain simple. She understood him, he understood her.
They got really close all through the years they've spent together. And he just felt the need to protect her from everyone. From anyone. And when he heard that Lucy was going back to Magnolia to meet her 'fiance' he felt his blood boil. He knew there was a rumor about that Dragneel having a relationship with another woman other than his Lulu. And that made Dan want to beat the crap out of him. But Lucy wouldn't allow that. Knowing Lucy, she really wanted to be with that Dragneel. She loves him so much. And so, Dan decided to give him a second chance. When he met Natsu in the hospital, Dan felt the need to make this guy go through obstacles before he could get to his princess.
He wanted to test him. And that was what was running in his mind all day. But with what had just occurred.. He realized that he didn't know Lucy very well. He didn't know this side of her.
"Did you just see how Natsu reacted when he heard he is Lucy's boyfriend?"
They all laughed.
"I wish, I could've seen that!"
"Yeah. We just saw how he dramatically exited."
Dan could not understand what these people were talking about.
"I knew something like this would happen!" Cana said laughing along with the people Dan didn't even know. He wondered how Cana could get along with people she barely knew.
"It's really obvious they love each other." Dan strained his ears to get every bits of information these people were giving. "Well, the rumor with Jenny Realight. It was just a set up to Natsu."
"Juvia remembered Erza came to her house one time fuming in anger. She told me that Natsu had been used or something like that?"
Used? Dan couldn't believe was he was hearing.
"What for? Popularity?"
"We'll never know."
"At least Lucy had gone to talk to him.
"I just wish they wouldn't be too stubborn and just go be with each other. Or maybe be, don't be idiots."
"Or chicken out!"
It was hard to believe. Dan was like a statue on his seat. He just ruined a chance for Lulu. He just made things worse for her. Because that Dragneel was actually really waiting for her. Without second thoughts, Dan ran as fast as he could. Away from them and out of the hospital.
Lucy arrived at the place Levy and Juvia, oh so carefully, told her to go to. They didn't even miss a single detail. All the landmarks, new and old to her, were right on where Juvia and Levy told her it will be. She drove through the entrance for visitors and got down. She gave a valet the keys so he could park Gray's car.
As she went down, Lucy's heart was beating so fast. She thanked Jellal for letting her use Erza's flats. It was really helpful after all the running she did. The building she just entered was a new one. She haven't seen the building five years ago.
She looked for anyone she could ask because really she just can't search every room in here. Lucy went to the Receiving Desk at the center of the lobby.
"Good morning! I'm Bisca. Welcome to Sun Suites. How may I help you?" Asked a smiling girl with green hair.
Lucy smiled. "Uhh.. I'm looking for –"
She was cut off when a crowd of people came inside the lobby. She turned her head and sure enough those were the press people. They were following a person that was surely inside the crowd. Flashes of camera from each side. Lucy can't help but feel sorry for the person inside. She shook her head and looked back to the green-haired woman.
"I'm sorry. I'm looking for Na –"
"Call the guards. We need to control the press." Bisca hurriedly ordered another woman in the Receiving Desk. She shook her head. "I just wish Mr. Dragneel isn't so popular. He's a business tycoon and for god's sake he's also a former band vocalist. How could he get himself outside those press without our help?" She asked to no one in particular as she sighed in defeat.
Lucy looked dumbfounded.
"I'm sorry Ma'am. We just need to send the press and protect the famous Mr. Dragneel." She said in annoyance. Somehow, Lucy got the feeling this had happened before. Or maybe a lot of times before. She wondered why Natsu just don't go get a house of his own.
Lucy looked back at the moving crowd of people and sure enough when the guards are there she saw his pink hair. Her eyes widened. Her heart began to beat fast again. He was just there on the right side of the Receiving Desk, facing her. But the press people were blocking him/
"He gets press on his tail everyday. Especially now with that issue with Jenny Realight." Bisca clicked her tongue. "He gets drunk and we have this. Sometimes, he just went back to his suite and we got this." She looked at Lucy who was still watching from afar.
Lucy took a couple of steps towards him.
"Mr. Dragneel, where have you gone? Is it that you're cheating with Jenny? We heard Miss Heartfilia is coming back. Is it true?" Asked one reporter.
Natsu is not moving. He was just standing there. Waiting for the crowd to disappear. For the guards to finally make way for him.
"Is it true with Jenny Realight? Do you really have that kind of relationship?"
"There are rumors about the separation of your company with the Heartfilia, is it true? Are you going to now merge with the Realight?" Lucy felt her heart stop. Natsu looked up and their eyes made contact. His face brightened as his eye went wide. He was about to walk towards her but stopped himself. He looked down again. And then he was blocked from her view again.
"What is your true relationship with Jenny Realight? Is it true you're getting married?"
Natsu didn't look up again. And from where Lucy was she couldn't see his face. She felt the need to just jump inside that crowd and hold him. Tell him everything. But something is stopping her. Her feet were glued on the floor. She wanted to know what his answer to that question is. Lucy never took her eyes off him.
And just then Natsu nodded.
Lucy felt her whole body stop. Her time stopped. The most dreadful thing she wanted was to confirm the issue straight from him. Everything stopped. Except for Natsu. The guards have completely take a hold of the press people and managed to give a free way for Natsu to walk to. He started to walk away without turning to look at her.
To Lucy, it felt like her whole body just stopped functioning. That was the answer. No need to get through this now. Natsu is with another woman.
She felt a hand pushed her forward. Lucy looked back and saw Dan.
"Lulu, I'm sorry for what I've done. I'm sorry for following you here, I just wanted to make sure you're going to be okay.." He said as he scratched the back of his head. "Also, I'm here to take you if he just ever make a mistake of letting you go. I'll take you all for myself. We'll go back to Acalypha if he won't take you back by the end of this day. I won't allow him to see you anymore."
Lucy bit her lip to stop herself from crying.
Dan walked towards Lucy and he patted her head. "Don't worry about the result. So what if he has his own woman?" Dan stated quite angry. "The point of you talking to him is just for him to not get the wrong idea between the two of us and your feelings right?"
She nodded.
"Then go ahead. Tell him everything. Don't hold back. Whatever happen, no matter how he reacts. And always remember, I'm always here to kick his ass."
Natsu had just the worst day of his entire life.
Natsu doesn't know why he was feeling really bad right now. Well, of course he would feel bad. He had feelings for her. But still it was his idea from the very beginning. So, he should've known better. He should've been ready to take on whatever the outcome might have been. 5 years ago, he told Lucy that he will wait for her to return to him. Turns out, she didn't care if he do actually wait. That or maybe, she just saw someone and forgot he is waiting. Well he obviously lost to the waiting part since Lucy told Gramps that she's happy for him.
And then he came up with another deal because he just couldn't get himself to accept what has been said to him. So, he made another deal with himself that if ever he saw happiness in her or even just a sign that Lucy is totally happy, he would let her go and move on himself. And what better sign would there be than meeting Lucy's new boyfriend.
Why was he stranded on the same ground? The one who can't actually move on even if he's the one who had the advantage at the very beginning.
The moment he saw Lucy at the lobby he like he's in heaven. He questioned every nook and cranny of his brain as to why was Lucy there. Standing on her own. But soon enough, he had his answer. Dan was standing close behind her. He now can't hear anything. The only thing he wanted to do was get the hell out of that place.
Lock himself inside his place for maybe an eternity.
When he entered his suite he turned his phone on and plopped himself on the bed. He said he's going back.. but he didn't say when. So maybe, he'll just show himself when everything's fine. When he moved on. Or maybe when he managed to get all the feelings for Lucy out of his system, which he knew would also kill him. Because he just felt like those feelings for her were the stuff needed to keep him going.
His phone beeped. Natsu reached for it and noticed a voice message from Gray.
"Hey bastard!" He said then he laughed. "Can you not be a moron for once? I know it's difficult but I'm pleading you. Everyone here's asking to just please stop your moronic, uhh.. just stop being oh so stupid.. And yeah, well Lucy's coming to talk to you about something. Don't you –" Natsu eyes widened and he immediately sat up from his bed and walked towards his door.
After giving Bisca enough proof that she is, in fact, Lucy Heartfilia, she didn't hesitate to give Lucy the location of Natsu's suite.
Now standing in front of a dark red door, she felt like melting or dying. She wanted the floor to open wide and eat her whole. Lucy had never been nervous all her life. She will confess her love to him. And it will be unconditional. Whatever happens, no matter how he reacts, Lucy will be fine. She told herself that for the past 5 minutes that she's been standing at the hallway.
Gathering all her strength she raised her hand, ready to knock. Okay that's step one. Now she needs to withdraw her hand so she could make a knocking noise –
Then door opened and there stood none other than Natsu Dragneel, in gray sweatpants and black shirt. "How long are you going to stand there?" He asked in annoyance.
Lucy froze in her spot. She can't take her eyes off him. She didn't know how an already gorgeous person could get even more gorgeous as they mature. But the mere proof that there are people like that was standing right in front of her. He changed a lot. She wanted to cry but held herself.
"I-I.. uhh.."
Natsu stepped closer to her, placing his arms across his chest. "What do you want?" He looked from side to side to check for any other company. "I'm kinda busy right now, so can you –"
"I wanted to talk, Natsu." Lucy said looking down on her feet. She fidgeted. Her finger playing with the hem of her loose pink blouse.
Natsu leaned on the door frame. "Okay, talk."
Lucy looked up to him. She bit her lip to stop herself from crying. His careless attitude made her want to runaway and never look back. But she's already here. She had gotten this far just to talk to him. After everything she went through, Lucy decided she'll end this.
"Can.. Can we talk inside?" She asked hesitantly avoiding eye contact.
Natsu sighed. "The office is straight down the hall first room to the right." He said as he let her in and closed the door behind her. "I'll get you coffee."
"No –" She grabbed his shirt before he could get anywhere. "I'll just be here for a while. No need for any drink."
Natsu nodded and led her to the office room. Lucy was surprised it was not as messy as she thought it would be. A large table was on the far back with a computer on it. There were shelves for books but nothing was place on it except for a couple of files, she assumed was from the company. The table was facing a flat screen TV and there were video games, Wii and an Xbox on the floor. Typical Natsu. Even with all the mature environment, he still manages to put a Natsu-touch in his place.
Of course there's a refrigerator behind the table and a container full of snacks on top of it.
Lucy noticed a guitar on the corner of the room. "Do.. you still play?"
Natsu shook his head as he made his way to table. He sat on one of the two chairs that was in front of his table. "Too busy." He gestured for her to sit on the opposite chair and leaned on his own. "So.. what are we talking about?"
As Lucy sat down she felt all the nervousness coming back to her. She clasped her hands in front of her. "I.." Lucy looked up and looked at his face. "Natsu, I miss.." She bit her lip. "I miss you so much."
With this Natsu sat back up from his chair and looked straight into her eyes.
"I.. I'm sorry. I –"
Natsu clicked his tongue. "Are you here for a damn closure?"
Lucy looked at him taken aback.
"If you're here for that –"
"No!" She shouted. "Can please just let me talk first? Natsu I wanted you to know that I miss you. I miss you so much. There's not a day that has passed during those five years that I did not think of you. You're always on my mind. I'm sorry for.. I'm sorry for not talking to you." She said her voice started to give her feelings away. "I got scared. After I left, I thought why would you even wait for me.. I left just like that. I hurt you. I hurt each and everyone of you. So why wait.."
"Lu –"
"Natsu, please. Let me talk first." Lucy leaned forward and reached for his hand. She held it in between hers. She kissed the back of his hand. "I'm sorry I got scared. I don't want to be rejected by you so I didn't come back."
"Why the hell would I –"
"Natsu! Can you just please shut up and listen to me?!" She shouted again and Natsu pursed his lips. "This is my fault. I left you. But I want you to know that my feelings for you.. they never left. All those years I tried to stop myself from buying a ticket to Magnolia and see you, I hoped to move on. But I'm still on this same ground not able to move on. And then, I heard about Jenny Realight." She sobbed. "I'm sorry I lied about being happy for you. I'm not in the least happy. I'm not even okay with it! When I saw that, I was reminded that I am the only one who hasn't moved on. I'm still on the same place. Same ground where, I love you."
Lucy was then pulled to his lap. She was straddling him as she steadied herself on his shoulders. He pulled her into a hug, burying his face on the crook of her neck. His warmth immediately coursing through her. Lucy embraced him back as she continued to sob.
"Natsu, I don't care if you.. if you already love someone else. I will continue to love you." She paused taking a deep breath. She inhaled his scent. "I.. I also want to tell you about Dan." She felt Natsu stiffen under her. "He isn't my boyfriend. He just tends to say that to anyone. I'm sorry Natsu. I'm sorry."
Natsu placed his hand on the small of her back and pulled her to him. Closing every gap that separates them. He pulled away from her just to look at her face. Natsu wiped the tears on her cheek and with one hand he pulled her to him. She looked into his eyes as both his hands were on her cheeks. His eyes was full of care.. full of love. Opposite of what she expected. He pulled her face close to him until she could feel his breath on her face. Mint and spice. Their lips brushing lightly and then he kissed her so tenderly.
"I'm really sorry about everything Natsu." Lucy said against his mouth. "I love you."
No words came out from his mouth. All emotions coming out through actions. He wrapped his arm around her waist and the other at the nape of her neck. He kissed her even more as he titled her head. Natsu invaded her mouth leaning towards her as his arm prevented her from falling.
"Natsu, I'm sorry."
His kisses trailed from her jaw to her neck. He made a rather visible mark as his hands squeezed and roam all over her body and Lucy just kept on moaning sorry and his name. He pulled her lower region against him even more and began to grind himself. He groaned at the touch.
Lucy still didn't know what was happening. Natsu is kissing her. Everywhere. He's touching her in places no one else had been before. She just kept on saying sorry to him. She kissed him with the same force and managed to run her hands in his hair. Lucy was surprised when Natsu stood up. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. He placed his hands on her thigh, supporting her. He kept on kissing her and Lucy didn't notice that he walked until she was being lain down on the bed.
Natsu was above her looking straight into her eyes. Lucy reached for his cheek. She caressed his cheek and he leaned onto her hand. "I'm so –"
"Luce, stop saying sorry." He said and dove back into kissing her neck. "We actually met.." Lucy felt Natsu tugging on her skirt. She shivered at the touch of his lips on her now bare shoulder. She didn't know when Natsu had managed to remove the top buttons of her blouse and pulled her top enough to show he shoulder. "..I'm still on the same ground where, I love you too."
Lucy smiled against his lips. "I love you." She pulled his full body on her so he was right above her, straddling her. She kissed him back as she ran her hands on his chest down to his abdomen.
Natsu continued kissing her. "Luce.." He whispered as he nibbled on her ear. "I don't think I can hold back." He said as he laced his fingers with hers.
Lucy felt tears running down her face. Tears of happiness. She pulled Natsu in for a kiss again. She was new to all this. She was afraid. But with Natsu beside her, she's ready to take everything.. head on.