Chapter 5

~14:52~

Feeling a sharp pain, I immediately regretted banging my head on the locker. After lying on it for a couple of seconds, I exhaled softly as I opened up my locker. The Pastry God must really hate me today. First, Erza yells at me this morning. Then, when Sting gave me a hug, coincidentally, Gray just happens to walk in the kitchen. I mean, he didn't look mad or anything. Just confused really. Hearing a pair of footsteps walk into the locker room, I ran a hand though my hair and rubbed the area where I hit the locker.

"Are you okay?" Hm, didn't expect Sting to come in here just yet.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"I see." When I didn't hear anything else, I glanced over to Sting who basically had a blank expression. "Are you overworking yourself?" I shook my head. "Are you heading home now?" Again, I shook my head. "More work to do?" I nodded. "What are you about to do?"

"I'm going with Erza and the others to visit the second patisserie. Have to make sure the kitchen meets our standard."

"Should be fun then. Kind of like an inspection."

"I suppose." Looking away, he opened the locker and began rummaging through it. "Hey, do you, uh, how should I put this?" Raising an eyebrow, he stumbled a bit over his words. "Sorry, kind of nervous I guess. Never mind, I'll ask you another time." Confused, I turned back to my locker and removed my chef jacket and hat. I wonder what he was about to ask. "Are you interested in other guys?" Taken aback, I gazed at my protegé who was looking in another direction.

"It'd be nice to look at me if you're going to ask that kind of question."

"Sorry." I don't think I've seen him so nervous. And when I say nervous, I mean really nervous to the point he's biting his lip and avoiding eye contact. Weird, he wasn't like this when we first met.

"Well, to answer your question, I suppose I am. You know," Turning back to my locker, I took out the dark, blue shirt I wore this morning and put it on. "Being so anxious isn't good. You act like you're in an interview or something." Wearing my black khakis and checkered scarf, I closed my locker and locked it up.

"Are you seeing anyone?" Curiously, I glanced over to the blonde. Why do I feel like this like this is déjà vu or something? Didn't Gray ask something similar? I chuckled a bit to make the atmosphere less tense as I walked up to him and patted him on his shoulder.

"Why? You interested?" When he started to snicker, I felt a bit better seeing him relax.

"Don't give yourself too much credit." He turned back to his locker as he began taking off his shirt. Even though he's slim, he still has a muscular toned body. I wonder if he works out. When he wore a blue shirt, I gave a grin as he wore a pair of white khakis.

"Well, well. I didn't know you loved me that much to the point you're also wearing a blue shirt."

"You do realize it's a different shade of blue, right?"

"It is? Doesn't look like it to me."

"Natsu! We'll be late if you don't hurry up!" Turning to the door, Lyon walked in wearing something that looked like he was about to attend high school prom. A white dress shirt, blue jeans, and a black jacket?

"Why are you dressed like that?" When Lyon gave a once-over, he looked a bit puzzled.

"Dressed like what?"

"Like you're about to attend high school prom." Grinning, I quickly glanced over to Sting.

"That's exactly what I was thinking! No wonder you're my protegé!" Shaking his head, he ran a hand through his hair and began ruffling it up.

"Very funny guys. Anyway, Natsu, are you ready? You don't even look dressed yet." Staring back at my sous chef, I sighed as I walked over to him.

"Maybe I missed the memo but I'm pretty sure we don't have to wear such formal attire." When he shook his head and placed his right palm on his forehead, I felt a little confused.

"Ah, it's nice being the maitre patissier and be so laid back about everything." Narrowing my eyes, he chuckled as he walked out of the locker room with a wave. "You better come out soon. You don't want to make Erza mad, do you?" Idiot chef. Sighing, I turned back to the blondie who was busy fiddling with something on his phone.

"Hey, I'll see you later."

"See you. Have fun with your inspection!" Without another word, I walked through the kitchen and into the dining room. Quickly noticing that Gray and Lyon were by the front door, I looked around for Erza but all I saw were Lucy and Lisanna cleaning the dining room. Where did she go?

"So you're finally ready." Feeling a warm breath on my ear, I almost jumped into the air as I hastily turned around to see her.

"Where the heck did you come from?" Rubbing my ear, she grinned as she pointed a finger behind her.

"Did you forget we have a women's bathroom?"

"Of course not! How could I forget that?"

"What a terrible liar. Has anyone said to you yet?" Staring back at my older sister, I began tapping my chin as I tried to think back. Has someone called me a bad liar before? Oh, didn't Lucy say something like that?

"Maybe."

"You sound so unsure. Anyway, let's be on our way." As she walked past me, I began following as we joined the two brothers at the door. Whoa, when did Gray change clothes? He was wearing a white dress shirt with a blue jacket as well as a black tie and a pair of white khakis. Pretty good combination if you ask me. And elegant too like a rich person.

"Oh you're still here?" Glancing over my shoulder, my protegé sauntered to us with a grin. "You know, we should hang out sometime to help with my anxiousness as you call it. Maybe when you're not busy with the patisserie and such. Unless of course, you don't want to?"

"Uh," Where in the world did this come from? "Well, we usually go out sometimes for dinner and drinks. Maybe you wouldn't mind joining us?"

"Really? You guys do that?" I nodded. "That's awesome! Sure, that sounds like a great idea. Just let me know the next time you guys go out."

"Hey, we're about to leave. Are you coming or staying?" When I felt a hand on my shoulder, I turned my head a bit to see Gray staring back at me.

"It's not like I have a choice."

"You make it sound like you don't want to see the new patisserie. Oh well, at least I'll be there as company. That has to count for something right?" When he smiled, I looked away as I scratched my temple.

"I guess so." Why the heck is my heart pounding like crazy?

"Sorry, didn't mean to hold you up. I'll see you tomorrow bright and early!" I glanced back up as Sting quickly waved goodbye at the others before leaving the patisserie.

"Looks like he was in a rush." In a rush? Really? He didn't seem like it to me. "Come on, let's go join the others." When Gray grabbed my hand and began pulling me, his hand felt a bit colder compared to mine. That's odd. It's not even that cold in here. "The limo will be here momentarily. While we wait, Erza, we haven't decided who would be working at the second patisserie. Have you given any thought to my proposal?" Whoa, since when did Gray know how to speak so professionally?

"I'm still weighing my options. I need to think about the pros and cons of each and I'll most likely decide on the best one." What the heck are these two talking about? Bored, I looked around for something entertaining when my eyes fell on Lyon. Staring at my sous chef, he began mouthing something to me. Great, doesn't he know I can't read lips? After silently gazing at him, he stared at something near my feet. Following his line of sight, my eyes widened when I saw that I was still holding hands with Gray.

"Natsu, what do you think?" Looking back up, I swiftly glanced between my older sister and the raven as they both stared me down.

"Um, sorry, I wasn't paying attention. What were you talking about?" Seeing Erza give me a black look, I laughed nervously as I tried to avoid her gaze. When I felt Gray's hand tighten a bit, I took a glimpse of the raven who seemed impassive at the moment.

"It's fine. I'm sure you're a bit tired after the long day you had, right?" Huh? Is he making an excuse for me?

"Yeah, sure I guess."

"Anyway, it looks like the limo is here. We can finish the conversation another time." After letting go of my hand, Gray opened up the door and led the three of us out of the patisserie. Staring down at my hand, it felt colder. But why? I know for a fact that I'm usually warmer than others since Loke would always try to hug me when it was cold to warm himself up. Am I getting sick? No, that doesn't make sense. I would be running a fever if that was the case but that's rare for me. "Are you okay?" Quickly looking back up, Gray was holding the door open as I nodded my head.

"I'm fine. I was just thinking about something." Looks like Erza and Lyon are already inside. Better go join them before she bites my head off. Speedily entering the limo, I sat next to my older sister on the side leaving the spot next to Lyon available. Funny, that's exactly where I was sitting just a couple of hours ago. Time sure goes by quickly.

Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring

"Who's calling me now?" Ezra reached into her purse and swiped her finger on the phone before putting it to her ear. "This is Erza. Ah, Jellal. How are you?" I shook my head at the name as I began staring at her. "No, I'm actually free tonight." That's a surprise coming from a workaholic. "At 20:00? Yeah, that sounds good. I'll see you soon." When she hung up, I crossed my arms, ready to question my older sister.

"Let me guess, that was your boyfriend wasn't it?" Putting the phone back inside, she merely smiled as she zipped her purse closed.

"He's not my boyfriend but since you're being so nosy, yes, that was Jellal." When she ruffled my hair, I looked towards the driver trying to ignore her. I don't know why she has a thing for Jellal but something about him isn't right. He doesn't seem genuine like he's fake or something. "Don't try to over think my relationship with him okay?"

"Mind if I ask what you two are talking about?" Ignoring the sous chef's question, I began staring at the food near the bar. Now this is a bit ridiculous. There's even a bar inside a limo with some food? If you add a shower and a bathroom, someone could actually live in here at this rate. Wait, is that a pack of strawberry pocky?

"Nothing really. He's just being a bit overprotective but I don't mind. It shows that he cares, right Natsu?" When I felt her elbow hit my side, I slowly narrowed my eyes at her as she covered her mouth to laugh. If I didn't know her, she could totally give off the impression that she's all lady-like.

"I see. Well, we had an interesting morning in the kitchen didn't we?" Taking a peek at Lyon, I felt a bit perplexed as to what he was talking about. "Don't act like you don't remember. First, you made some sticky buns, which isn't even something we make. And now that I'm thinking about it, Loke is probably right. You were being nice today."

"You make it sound like I'm mean." Fully turning to him, he began laughing nervously as he shook his hands.

"No, it's not that. I mean, it's rare seeing you be nice to other people. And besides that, didn't you find it odd when Sting hugged you?" Widening my eyes, I felt a bit uneasy remembering that particular situation.

"Yeah, I remember seeing that when I went into the kitchen." Feeling even more tense now that Gray joined the conversation, I stared out the window as I massaged my nape. "What was that all about?"

"I didn't get a chance to ask him but if I'm right, I think it was because he thought I looked upset."

"Upset? Why were you upset?" Great, now even Erza has joined in the conversation. And why do I feel like I'm being interrogated?

"I wasn't even upset. Listen, if you guys want to find out why it happened, go ask the person who hugged me. Besides, it's not that big of a deal." When the three of them remained quiet, I began wondering if they gave up asking me these questions.

"Wait a minute. Are you in a relationship with him?" Gaping at the slant-eyed man, I glanced over to Gray and Erza who looked just as surprised as I was by that question.

"Wha-what kind of question is that!?"

"Aren't you though? I know it wasn't too long ago when Loke told me you like you know what but am I right?"

"No! I've had enough of this conversation." Fuming, I stared out the window near the driver. I can't believe Loke was right. 'Listen, Lyon is a nice guy and all and has the best intentions for everyone but sometimes, he doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut.' Now I know what he meant that one night when he had a little too much to drink. No wonder I don't like hanging out with them after work.

"All right, let's not talk about this anymore. We should focus on preparing our inspection of the patisserie. Gray and I will handle the exterior of the building as well as the dining room. Lyon, work with Natsu and make sure the kitchen looks good. I'm sure you know what he likes."

"Haha yep, especially how he likes everything organized." Great, is he trying to cheer me up now? "Um, Natsu?" Rolling my eyes, I turned back to my sous chef who was staring at the floor. "Sorry." Staring at the white-haired chef, he was biting his lips to the point that blood was going to come out if he bit it any harder. What's his problem? He shouldn't talk so much about other people's business and then feel bad about it later. Sighing, I tried to relax myself.

"Just don't do it again."

Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring

"Fullbuster speaking. Ah, Juvia, what do you need?" Juvia? Isn't that the girl Lyon mentioned who's pining for Gray? Why is she calling? "Karasuno? I'm sorry but I'm in Magnolia now. Tell him I'll give him a call back another time when I'm not so busy." As he shoved his phone into his pocket, I could see Lyon snickering out of my peripheral. "Mind sharing what you think is so funny?"

"I just think that it's funny that your personal secretary is so blatant about her love for you. I'm surprised you haven't gotten rid of her."

"She's useful. Why would I fire someone who's productive? It doesn't matter if she has a thing for me."

"I didn't know you were so popular with the ladies." Wait, did that really just come out from my mouth?

"So what if I am? Are you jealous?" Whirling back to the others, I glared at the raven who had one of the biggest smirks on his face.

"Jealous? I'm actually happy not being chased by women."

"Oh? Is that a fact?" When his grin got even bigger, I quickly turned around as I ran a hand through my hair. Why the hell so I feel so hot all of a sudden? "Do you prefer being chased by men?"

"Enough." Glancing at Erza, she had the most serious expression on her face now. Damn, I don't think I've seen her this pissed except when Loke almost burned down our patisserie. Gray merely shrugged his shoulders while Lyon looked like he was about to piss his pants.

"It's fine sis. I'm sure he didn't mean any harm by it." Looking down at me, she exhaled loudly as she took out some papers from her purse.

"I made a checklist for all of us to use to make sure safety and security standards are being met. Please make sure you check off everything during the inspection and if there's anything missing, let me know and Gray and I will take care of it." Nodding my head, I took a piece of paper but didn't bother looking at it. When is the day going to end?