Chapter 6
~20:52~
Seeing my drink placed in front of me, I quickly grabbed it and swallowed the cocktail in one go. Ha, tastes so good! Letting out a satisfied sigh, I sat the empty glass back down, ready for another round. "Are you trying to get wasted tonight?" Bringing my face up, the bartender merely had an amused look.
"What does it matter? Just get me another drink." After staring him down for a couple of seconds, he heaved a sigh before nodding his head.
"You do know that I can actually refuse to give you a drink if I think you're not able to drive home right?" Quickly glaring at the bartender, he scratched his head as he began making a long island iced tea for another patron.
"I'm not in the mood Zeref." When he brought it over, it was so obvious when one of his customers began flirting with him. Merely rolling my eyes, I'm not surprised why some guys would try to hit on him. Zeref has short black hair, dark eyes, and even though he has abnormally shape canines, some men actually found it quite attractive. Add to the fact he's an awesome bartender, sociable, and looks like a teenager even though he's in his late 20s or early 30s.
"So what's up? You seem a bit depressed with a little mix of sadness." When he dropped a couple of blueberries into the red drink he was mixing, I stared down at the counter.
"I didn't know talking about me would make you sound like you're talking about the weather." Hearing a chuckle, he turned around and held the cocktail in his hand.
"Is that what it sounded like? My bad. Anyway, answer my question or you're not getting this succulent blueberry pomegranate cocktail you always like." Giving him the glare of death, he placed the drink on the counter with the stupid grin he always wears. "You should know glaring isn't going to work." Taking a sip, our eyes didn't break connection as he somehow started making another drink. "So just tell me what happened. Is it about a guy?"
"No."
"Oh-ho, so tonight's topic is about a guy you like. Very interesting but give me just one second to make these drinks and I'll be right back." Zeref ran off to the printer that was basically spitting out orders as he proceeded to make them as quickly as possible. Taking another sip of my cocktail and eating one of the blueberries, I looked around the bar/restaurant. So far, so good. I don't see a face I recognize and I definitely don't want to see anyone from the patisserie tonight. Although, it is getting a bit packed in here. Either way, coming here is like a double-edged sword. Since it's one of the most popular restaurants in town, they make some of my favorite drinks but that also means I sometimes run into people like Lucy or Lyon. Sighing loudly, I took another sip.
"Another fantastic day at Fairy Tail's Patisserie." Honestly, it's not that I don't like working there. I love making pastries but sometimes, it's difficult working with other chefs who aren't near your caliber. Now that I would ever say that to them though. Loke would probably say something about how I should show more humility and teach them. Finishing my second drink, I pushed it towards the opposite end hoping Zeref would notice the empty glass. When we arrived at the second patisserie earlier today, it was very similar to the one we work in now but it was more elegant in its design. I do have to say that the kitchen looks extremely better. It had more expensive ovens and tools that we could use to make more pastries each day. I don't mind as long as it doesn't interfere with the quality. Anything that sacrifices quality isn't worth having. That reminds me, didn't Erza say that I would be the one working there and that Lyon would take over Fairy Tail's first patisserie? Yeah! And then we're having week-long interviews and I have to interview all the chefs. Great, the kind of work I dislike doing.
"Looks like you're ready for a third drink." Glancing up to Zeref, I nodded my head as he began making a drink. "You look like you were deep in thought. Wanna share?" Sighing, I looked away as I held my head in my hand.
"It's nothing big. We're expanding our patisserie to a second site that's actually pretty close to here."
"Oh? Maybe that means you can visit more often." He grinned as he placed a skinny margarita in front of me. "But that sounds like good news. Although, I'm sure you don't care in the least do you?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well aren't you the type of person who only cares about what kind of pastry you're going to make? As long as it's delicious, innovative, and people are willing to buy them, you're happy. Hence, you don't really care about the business itself. Or am I mistaken?" Smiling, I took a sip of the margarita, savoring its sweetness. "There's that smile that's been missing all night! Hold on a sec, I'll be right back." When he ran back to the printer, there were basically at least twenty receipts of drinks to make. Must be particularly busy tonight. Looking around the restaurant again, it was busy to the point it was almost packed. It's always like this Friday nights isn't it? Taking a mouthful of my margarita, my head started to pound a bit and I was feeling a bit warmer than usual. "So tell me about this guy you like." Startled, I almost dropped my drink as I slowly placed it back down on the counter. "Heh sorry, did I surprise you? I got some help now so I'm only watching this part of the bar."
"Is that so?"
"Yep, so tell me about the guy that's been in your head lately." Staring at him out of my peripheral, I took another sip when another bartender dropped off some fries. "Here, you should eat some of these instead of just drinking. These are truffle fries with parmesan cheese, truffle oil, and truffle aioli on the side." Taking a fry and dipping it in the aioli, I took a bite.
"Wow, these are really good."
"Aren't they? Now tell me what's going on with you tonight." Groaning in annoyance, I dipped a couple of fries and ate them while avoiding the bartender's gaze.
"It's nothing Zeref. I don't want to talk about it."
"Nothing? Is that why you're trying to drink the night away?" Glaring at the bartender, he merely stared back with a smile.
"If only I could but unlike some people, I have to get up at 03:00 for work." A small laugh was soon heard as he began making another drink, which looks like some type of beer. When I finished my cocktail, I pushed it away again, waiting for the next drink.
"Would you like a glass of Riesling this time? It's sweet." Nodding my head, he uncorked a bottle of white wine and skillfully poured some of its contents into a glass. When he sat the glass down, I quickly took a sip of it, enjoying its sweetness. "I hate being the bearer of bad news but doesn't that guy look like the one who bothered you the last time you were here?" Swiftly twirling around, there stood Loke and Lucy chatting with the hostess near the entrance.
"Great. Somehow, I knew this was going to happen."
"Don't be like that. I actually reserved a spot for you on the other side of the bar. Come, I'll meet you there." Confused, I stood up from my seat with my wine and slowly made my way to the opposite side. Why is the room shaking a bit? Am I already getting tipsy? "Over here!" Near the kitchen, Zeref waved me over as I took a seat in front of him. "See? Aren't you happy I saved you a seat?" Grumbling, I took a drink from my wine glass as the bartender was whispering something with his coworkers. "Well, since you're on this side now, my coworker and I will be switching sides." Winking, he took a receipt that just printed out and began making the order.
"You can do that?"
"Of course I can! I mean, I do have seniority over him."
"As if that even matters." Smiling, he went off to help with other customers as I scanned my new surroundings. Behind me were a couple of tables that stood next to a huge window, which had a beautiful view of the city. I wish I had the day off tomorrow. I don't even remember the last time I had a Friday night to myself. Ezra says it's because Saturday is their busiest day and they need my help so the patisserie can run efficiently and effectively. If I didn't know any better, she only needs me so we can make more pastries to sell.
"Careful." He dropped a basket of truffle fries next to me as I took another sip. I knew I forgot something. "If you keep drinking like that, you'll be flat out drunk instead of being tipsy." Giving an annoyed look, Zeref merely had that stupid smile plastered on his face. "So yeah, I'm not going to keep asking you so tell me about the guy you like. Who is he?" Sighing out loud, I ate another fry with some aioli. "Jeez, you're either stressed or upset. You've been sighing all night!" Scowling at the bartender, I finished my wine.
"Since you're annoying me, the guy I apparently 'like' is an entrepreneur, I think. Anyway, he's the guy investing in our second patisserie and he actually kind of looks like you but way sexier." Pouting, he began pouring another beer. "And I don't know, I get the sense that he's nice but it's kind of unbelievable since he's rich. Sometimes, it even feels like he's interested in me but I don't know."
"Why's that?"
"I heard that he apparently has a harem that works for him and according to his brother, he's had some flings here and there with girls." Gazing at the bartender, he looked a bit annoyed as he placed his hands on his hips.
"Who cares what other people say? I'm surprised something like that even stopped you. You usually don't care about what other people have to say."
"Is that so?"
"Yep and if I didn't know any better, it sounds like you're really interested in him. You're not already in love are you?" Staring at Zeref, I started to laugh at his question.
"You sound like a teenager." His grin didn't leave even when he turned around to make another drink. When he placed the drink in front of another patron, for some reason, he stopped moving. Shaking his head, he quickly took my glass and filled it back up.
"I'm the devil messenger's tonight because apparently, some of your other friends are here too." Following his line of sight, I briskly turned around to see Erza and Jellal.
"You're kidding me." Spinning back around, I heard some snickering from Zeref when I immediately felt the need to hit him. "It's not funny dumbass."
"Sorry, it's just funny how the night is turning out. What a coincidence huh?" Rolling my eyes, I swallowed about half of my wine before placing it back down. "Oh? You should know wine doesn't exist for you to swallow it whole."
"You think I don't know that?" Feeling the pounding in my head even more, I rubbed my eyes trying to get the sleepiness out. Shit, now I'm feeling tipsy? After four drinks?
"Hey look, there's that guy with the white hair. Oh? What's this? Someone I don't recognize is with them." Instantly, I spun around and felt my heart pound in my chest seeing Gray join their table. What the hell are they all doing here? I don't remember any of them mentioning that they were going to have dinner tonight. Turning back around, I desperately tried to hide myself from the world.
"The Pastry God really hates me today." Zeref continued to laugh as he began shaking a drink in a blender cup.
"I feel really bad for you. I could just try to move you but you're kind of easy to spot with that pink hair of yours." Can tonight get any worse? "Want another drink to pass the agony?"
"Fuck you and yes."
"Now Natsu, you know I don't take it like you do." Feeling my face start to heat up, other patrons began whispering to each other.
"Can you be any louder?" He merely smiled as he brought another blueberry pomegranate cocktail.
"By the way, I'll be paying for your drinks tonight and I'm not taking no for an answer."
"But..."
"No but! I'm getting off now so I'll be able to sit and chat with you for a bit. I'm sure you don't mind do you?" Shaking my head, he started informing the other patrons that he's switching swifts to another bartender for the evening. When he disappeared, I ate another fry and sighed loudly. It's kind of odd that they change shifts around 21:30 but according to Zeref, it's because they change to the midnight shift, which lasts until 04:00. I'm surprised they even stay busy that late. "I'm back!" Looking out of my peripheral, Zeref took the empty seat right next to me. "Did you miss me?"
"You flirt way too much. Are you sure you're not doing it on purpose?"
"That's up to you to find out."
"I'd rather not." Leaning on the counter for support, it was getting harder for me to sit up straight. Finally, the alcohol is kicking in. "Before I forget, thanks."
"Oh come on, don't be so sappy just because I paid for your drinks." I shook my head.
"It's not for the drinks stupid. It's for all the times you listen to me when I come here even though you don't have to. It's nice having someone listen you know?" Glancing over, it was a bit surprising to see him turn red as he looked away.
"Yeah, it's no problem. Anyway, do you need help getting home? You look like you're finally starting to feel the alcohol in your system."
"No, I'm good." Even though I go out and drink from time to time, I at least knew my limit and when not to drive. If I didn't have someone driving me, I would just sit in my car and wait for the alcohol to pass.
"All right, well you can't say I didn't try. Will I be seeing you next week again?"
"Depends how I feel at the time."
"Well, I do hope you do stop by next week. It's always a pleasure chatting with you and listening to your stories. It's nice seeing someone accomplish their dreams." Gaping at the bartender, it was a bit shocking to hear him say that. It's not like him to say something so seriously. "Anyway, I hate that our chat is about to cut off but it looks like someone from your friend's table is coming this way."
"Wait, what?" Staring back, Gray was definitely heading in our direction.
"And with that my friend is my cue to leave. Make sure you give me an update next week about your boyfriend!" Boyfriend? My eyes widened as he instantly made his exit around the bar leaving the seat next to me empty.
"Natsu? I knew that was you over here. What are you doing sitting at the bar?" Looks like the seat next to me isn't so empty anymore. Chuckling nervously, I scratched my head as I tried to avoid eye contact.
"I was just passing the time I guess?"
"Passing the time with your friend that just left?" Glancing over to the raven, he looked nice wearing a skinny black suit and white dress shirt.
"I wouldn't exactly call him a friend but he is someone I know. But no, I didn't come here with him if that's what you're thinking."
"So who are you here with?" Not bothering to answer, I ate another fry and followed it up with a drink. "Would you like to join us at our table? I know it must be odd seeing us here. You left so quickly that Lyon didn't get a chance to invite you to go out with us for dinner." So that explains why they're here. "That reminds me, why did you leave like that anyway?" It's because of you idiot. You kept looking at me that I didn't know what else to do. "You must really like that scarf. It feels nice." Surprised, I quickly glanced over to his hand that was touching my personal belonging. I opened my mouth but I hastily closed it as I looked away. It doesn't matter if he touches it. "What were you about to say?"
"I was going to say not to touch my scarf but I don't mind."
"That's good to hear. You know, you're kind of cute when you're all red like that."
"What do you mean?" Confused, I stared at him until he smiled and ran a hand through his hair. Why does he look so happy?
"You don't know? At first, I thought it was because you were blushing but since you've been blushing this whole time, it must because of how much you had to drink. You're not drunk are you?" Shaking my head, I emptied the last drink of the night.
"I'm red huh?" I brought both hands to my face and began rubbing my cheeks. "I guess I do feel a bit warmer but I'm probably not as hot as you are in that suit of yours."
"That's true I guess."
"Wh-why are you sitting next to me anyway? Shouldn't you be back there with the others?"
"Are you telling me to go away?" I quickly shook my head when our eyes connected.
"I was just curious is all." Suddenly, I felt his hand caressing my cheek as I slowly leaned into his touch. His hand found its way behind my head and somehow, I didn't know why or how but we were kissing.