Chapter 13
Taking a step forward into the house, Natsu had a wide grin on his face. Feeling a little confident in showing his home, he warmly calls the blonde, "Come on. You wouldn't want to just stand there," he then turns away and headed toward the door to unlock it.
The moment that the door opened, Natsu sidestepped and let the blonde in first, "Make yourself at home,"
Lucy looked at the pinkette skeptically before brushing it off and walking inside. There was a short hall that led probably to the living room. Natsu dropped his keys on the bowl that was stationed near the door and quickly took off his scarf.
"Come on, you can stay in the living room," Natsu then walked on, which Lucy just followed.
"Wow…" Lucy said in awe as she stared at the place, taking slow steps forward, feeling very wary about being there.
"Impressed?" Natsu asked enthusiastically, boosted with confidence as he grinned at the blonde woman, "I try my best to keep this place clean as possible…"
Lucy looked at the pinkette with surprise, before she began to tease, "by not living here?"
Natsu chortles at the accusation, "No. By—"
"Hiring a maid?" Lucy then tilts her head, amused by the pinkette's deadpan look. She then laughs at the man's annoyance, "Such a rich kid thing to do…"
Natsu rolls his eyes, "Just for clarification, it wasn't my idea. It was mom's idea to hire a maid,"
"Why? Cause you can't look after yourself?" Lucy shakes her head before she started roaming around the house and found the kitchen island. Lucy immediately puts down the bag and looked around the man's kitchen.
"Well, your kitchen looks nice…and new. I'm assuming, you don't usually use your kitchen," Lucy then turns to look for the pinkette. Just in time, Natsu stood next to her as he placed the bag down as well.
"Not because I can't cook but because I'm not always here," Natsu smugly smiled at the blonde, who nods her head in consideration of his answer.
"So, you cook?" Lucy tilts her head, turns around to face the brown bags, and begins to sort them.
"I can make stuff…" Natsu turns as well and helped out sorting the items they bought, "More like fry stuff,"
Lucy then chuckles, "I knew it. So, nothing fancy?"
"Nothing fancy," Natsu repeats with laughter, handing the blonde the box of lasagna noodles, "So, basically I can't make the lasagna for you."
Lucy laughs again as she takes the box from him, "I don't expect you to…"
The two then falls into silence as they continued to sort out their grocery items. When everything was on the counter, Natsu suddenly realized that most of the items were meant for Lucy's house and not his. It wasn't like they were sharing the same house. But for some reason, he felt like the house was homey more than usual.
"I just realized, we brought everything out of the bag…" Natsu then scratches his head, looking at the blonde.
"Yeah, that's the purpose of sorting the grocery," Lucy then leans on one leg and crossed her arms as she looked back at the pinkette.
"I know…but, this is my kitchen," Natsu then stares at the blonde, who slowly widens her eyes in bewilderment. Natsu begins to chuckle as the actress became restless in putting the grocery back in the bag.
Natsu grasps the hand of the blonde, stopping her from rambling, "Relax, Luce. We'll put it in a tote bag instead, those paper bags are ripped,"
"But—"
"Why don't you settle in the living room first? I'll just take a quick shower then we can cook something," Natsu then pushes the blonde toward the living room and settles her on his couch. "Watch tv or something. I'll be quick," and with that, the pinkette runs off to his bedroom.
As Lucy was left alone in the living room, the actress didn't know what to do. She studied the place and took notice of the details she can see in the area. She inspected every corner of his living room, and the more that she did, the more she felt oddly at home.
When she stepped into the house, she knew Natsu's place was very different from the houses of the guys she knew. For instance, Loke's apartment had that vibe of a bachelor, lots of black and white designs, and masculine furniture. In Dan's condo unit, he had a lot of armory gear and toy car models-display. But here at Natsu's place, it was homey as if a family can live there. There were bookshelves, magazines on the coffee table, a toy collection on one shelf, and another shelf filled with picture frames. There was even a small comfy blanket bed and bowl on the floor.
Standing up from the couch, Lucy inspected the bowl. It was empty and clean. She then looked around the house and tried to hear any sound of a living animal. But she couldn't see any, so she then thought, maybe Natsu was still planning to get a dog or something.
Soon enough, she started roaming the living room and looked at the displays. She quickly smiled as she walked up to Natsu's collection of dragons. There were nine dragon figurines, and each was different in color and size. The biggest one was a dark, red-scaled dragon that had a scar on his right eye.
"Ohh, this looks cool," Lucy gently took the figurine and admired it. She examined the intricacies of the details of the dragon and started to smile. She raised the toy and childishly pretended it flew in the air, making her chuckle at her antics. She then puts it back, looking around if the pinkette was sneaking up on her. Lucy couldn't help but blush at the idea that the pinkette would tease her about playing with the figurine.
"I suppose a dragon could be cute," she mutters to herself, staring at the collection. She then proceeded to the next shelf and immediately noticed the various picture frames displayed. Unknowingly, Lucy smiled as she stares at a picture of a small Natsu, sitting on an inflatable pool, wearing only his brief as his swimwear.
"Oh, my goodness," Lucy cooed as she slowly picked up the frame and closely looked at the image, "Little Natsu is such an adorable kid," she then brushes her finger over Natsu's picture. Grinning to herself, Lucy suddenly brought out her phone and made a quick snap of the picture.
Looking at the wide smile of the little pink-haired kid, Lucy couldn't help but be drawn to it. The kid physically resembled the president, but the smile was nearly foreign to her that it made Lucy curious if the kid in the picture was really Natsu. But imagining Natsu smiling like this, she wouldn't doubt that he is this little kid.
Tucking her phone away, Lucy admired the photo and mumbled quietly, "I wonder where this little grinning boy in Natsu is. He seems so different from this kid,"
Lucy then puts back the picture frame and started scanning the other photos. There were photos of him and his siblings, and then to her surprise, she saw pictures of Natsu, Gajeel, Sting, and Rogue. Natsu and Gajeel were more like teenagers already, while Sting and Rogue looked younger.
"How are Sting and Rogue related to Natsu?" Lucy questioned no one in particular. Knowing that no one would answer her question, she proceeded to the next photo.
It was a picture of Natsu's parents looking very young. It was a photo of Igneel and Grandine wearing formal attire. Igneel wore a clean-cut black suit, while Grandine wore a simple white silk dress that ended in the middle of her shin. She held a beautiful white and blush pink lilies bouquet, bestowing a wide happy smile while looking at the red-haired man. Lucy suddenly missed her mom, remembering the bright smile that she wore until her last breath.
Letting out a staggered breath, Lucy pursed her lips as she tries to stop them from trembling. She felt her eyes sting with tears, so Lucy immediately wipes under her eyes to brush them off. As Lucy calms her breathing, Natsu suddenly came out of his room with fresh clothes and wet hair. He was drying his hair off with a towel when he noticed Lucy standing by the pictures, with her back to him.
"Hey, Luce, you alright?" Natsu inquired, curious about the rigid posture of the blonde. But she immediately loosens up her shoulder before turning to look at him.
"Yeah, I'm good," Lucy then walked closer but quickly pass him, "Can I start cooking? I'm getting hungry,"
"Uh, sure…" Natsu muttered, staring at the blonde. When Lucy disappeared inside his kitchen, Natsu immediately threw his towel in the hamper inside his room and dashed to the kitchen.
Lucy stood quietly by the sink, filling up a pot with water. Slowly, Natsu approached the actress and curiously watched her.
Glancing at the pinkette, Lucy sniggers at him, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Natsu didn't reply immediately. Instead, he tried to read her expression first before shrugging his shoulders, "Nothing. I just thought you cried,"
Lucy looked back at the man, a little stunned, "Why would you think that?"
"Your eyes," Natsu bluntly said before turning off the faucet, and then carrying the pot over the stove, "It seemed sadder than usual,"
Lucy just stared at the pinkette's back for a moment before shaking her head clear. She suddenly realizes that Natsu was more observant than she thought. So, she reminds herself that she needed to be more cautious around him. She isn't really fond of sharing her family issues with people, and Natsu isn't an exception.
"You're just imagining things," Lucy replies back after a moment, as she watches the pinkette turn the stove on and sets the pot for cooking.
"Maybe…" Natsu answers back with a query in his voice. But he didn't pry into it more, which Lucy felt grateful for. The pinkette suddenly changed expression as he turns to look at the blonde, "I think I have wine around. Do you drink wine?"
Lucy tilts her head as she thought about the alcoholic beverage, "I do, occasionally,"
"Do you want one?" Natsu asked as he walked up to one of his cupboards and pulled out two glass wines.
"Sure, I can drink some," Lucy then followed the pinkette, who quickly pulled out a chilled wine bottle. The pinkette soon pour the red wine into each glass and handed one to the blonde.
"It's still quite early, given that it's just past four in the afternoon. But I think this would make a great appetizer," Natsu then grins as Lucy scoffs at his suggestion.
Soon enough, the two begins to prepare the ingredients for their meal and comfortably worked together quietly. Although, Natsu purposefully kept his questions to himself first, knowing that the blonde wouldn't open up unless she was ready.
When the two had started layering the lasagna, Natsu decided to break the silence and start some casual conversation.
"So, how often do you cook? You seem adept at cooking," Natsu inquired, smiling at the blonde as he waited for her to finish layering the pasta.
"Not often," Lucy says chuckling as she looks at the man, "But I do cook for my friends when I have time,"
"Do you always have time?"
"Nope," Lucy replies laughing after popping the sound of a letter. She then lets Natsu do his part of pouring the meat sauce as she sips on her glass, "How about you? How often do you cook?"
"Same as you, when I get free time only, which I rarely get. And besides, I'm not much of a cook, I can only fry eggs, sausage, bacon, and other stuff that can be cooked in oil purely."
Lucy stifles laughter while she eyes the work of the man, "Well, at least you can feed yourself if you need to,"
"Yup, that's all that matters," Natsu then puts down the ladle and leans on the counter when Lucy starts putting the white sauce, "It's not like I have someone in the house to cook for me,"
"Not even your maid?" Lucy teased.
Natsu replies with a roll of his eyes, "No, the maid only cleans my mess and makes sure that the fridge is well-stocked,"
"I think, you're still pretty much babied," Lucy then laughs before she takes the tray of lasagna and places it in the oven.
When that was done, Natsu took their glasses and brought them to the living room, and quickly settled on the couch. Lucy later on followed and took the seat at the other end of the couch.
"For your information, I am not babied by anyone. Not even my mom," Natsu retorts, watching the blonde get settled on the couch.
Lucy raised a brow at him before taking her wine glass and sipping, "I doubt that." she said over the rim of the glass. The two then chortle thinking how true that Natsu was overly protected and cared for by his mom.
"Okay, maybe before everything became shitty," Natsu tries to save himself, without knowing that he opens a topic that Lucy has been curious about. "So, what do you want to do? Want to watch a movie?" Natsu then stands up, but the blonde quickly stops him by grabbing his forearm.
"No, no…" Lucy then pulls her hand away, "I'm good. We can just sit around and…talk,"
Natsu stared at the blonde for a moment, trying to figure out what the woman had in mind. But with the way Lucy looked so calm and harmless, Natsu thought that maybe there is nothing wrong with just talking. So, shrugs his shoulders as he takes his seat again.
"So," Lucy instantly starts as the man slumps back on his couch, "How many girlfriends have you brought here?"
Natsu bafflingly looked at the blonde, surprised at the sudden change of topic. He chortled and said, "Oh, so this is talking?"
Lucy laughed at his teasing, "Well, I'm just curious…"
"Hmm, curious or nosy?" Natsu tilts his head, eyeing the blonde who was acting nonchalantly.
"Probably both," Lucy smiled. She then leans close to the pinkette and poked his shoulder, "Come on, share something,"
"And why would I?" Natsu questioned.
"Cause we're friends," Lucy muttered, smiling sweetly at the pinkette, "That's what friends do, share stories of their life,"
"We're friends?" Natsu repeats, feeling pleased about labeling the kind of relationship they had besides being contractual partners.
"I'd like to think so…" Lucy then pursed her lips, "Unless—"
"No, no…" Natsu said shaking his head, before smiling softly and bashfully looking down, "I'd like that…" He then looked at the blonde, who returned the same smile. They both just stared at each other, and somehow Natsu didn't know what to do next. Until he realized that the blonde was waiting for him to start talking.
"Oh, so you're waiting for me to tell the story?" Natsu asked, making the blonde laugh.
"Yes!" Lucy beamed enthusiastically as she brought her legs up and tucked her feet under her, "So, how many girlfriends and who was your last girlfriend?"
Natsu took a moment to think, contemplating how to tell the story without getting emotional, "Hmm, I had three girlfriends. The last one was my most serious relationship,"
"Most serious? Like how serious?" Lucy inquired, leaning her head over her resting arm on the couch.
"Like, we were living together already, and I was planning to marry her," Natsu then looked away, afraid to see the stunned look that the blonde was obviously having. He suddenly stared off while he mumbled, "I was ready to live my life with her,"
Lucy was silent as she didn't expect Natsu's relationship would have been this serious. Lisanna had never mentioned Natsu, and the pinkette had always acted like his past relationship was not that much of a big deal. But hearing this from him, Lucy couldn't help but feel sad for him.
Natsu, having enough of the growing awkward silence, suddenly looked at the blonde and asked, "Did I shock you or something?"
"Huh?" Lucy shakes her head in clarity, "I'm sorry. I…I guess, I just didn't expect that,"
Natsu huffs a tired laugh, "Probably. I've always tried not to talk about it," He then looks away again.
"Is that why your mom's protective of you? Because of heartbreak? Did she say no to your proposal?"
Natsu glances at the blonde but didn't respond immediately, "No…I never got to the point of asking her. There were things she did that my family didn't like, and I was forced to end it."
"What? But why would you end it? You could have talked to her and your family?" Lucy felt invested in the story and felt the betrayal of his family, "You didn't have to end things,"
Natsu shook his head, "No, it was for the best. She—um, she wasn't really into the relationship. She was only with me for personal gains,"
"Personal gains? What does that even mean?" Lucy shook her head in confusion.
"Money," Natsu said impassively, staring away as if he was recalling a distant memory.
Lucy then looked at the pinkette, baffled by his words. She didn't understand what he meant at the beginning until the thought clicked into her mind. His ex-girlfriend had used him for money. She doesn't know how but assumes, the ex-girlfriend probably only dated Natsu so that she'd get luxury items or get to places that money can pay.
Feeling conflicted, Lucy didn't know what to say or react to. So, she bit her lip to stop herself from making further comments. It was better off like that as it simply shows that she didn't know Natsu at all.
"I'm sorry," Lucy mumbles, feeling embarrassed for bringing up the topic. "I shouldn't have brought this up,"
Natsu finally looked at the actress with wondering eyes but later smiled at her. He then shrugs his shoulder as he said, "It's okay. It's not like you knew,"
"Am I the only one who knows? Or does Lisanna…"
"She knows. Even Mira," Natsu then chuckles exasperatedly, "Unfortunately…"
"Wait, Mira? As in Mirajane Strauss? My manager?" Lucy asked baffled, leaning close to the pinkette.
"Yeah, I expected you knew that I knew Mira. Although, I didn't know Mira was your manager," Natsu suddenly stood up and grabbed their glasses. He then headed towards the kitchen, to which Lucy followed.
"Uh, yeah…I never mentioned it to you," Lucy then bites her lips as it slowly dawned on her, "Mira doesn't know about our contract by the way. I made Lisanna promise not to talk about it to her,"
"It's going to be tough to convince Mira about us," Natsu suddenly handed a refilled glass to the blonde, "Especially since she knows about Erra,"
"Erra?" Lucy asked.
"Yeah…my ex-girlfriend. She was a model that worked with Mira back then. She was like a junior member of the modeling agency Mira was in. She was pretty much the reason why I met her,"
"Ohh…" Lucy was then quiet, processing all the details and connections, "I see…I guess Mira's going to be another challenge aside from your mom,"
Natsu shrugs, "Maybe not. Mira is more understanding and open than mom. And besides, Mira is friends with you, so she can vouch for my mom about how good you are as a person,"
Lucy huffs a chuckle, "Well, that's a perk. We have to play our cards well then,"
"Yup, that we do…" Natsu finally smiled at the blonde, despite not reaching his eyes. Lucy was glad enough that somehow his thoughts about his ex were now a little distant. She then thought she needed to give Natsu more distraction to cover up their past conversation.
Lucy suddenly tiptoed and leaned to kiss Natsu's cheek. The man was stunned with wide eyes as he watched the blonde pull back. Natsu felt his cheeks warm up, but he didn't say anything or try to cover his face.
"We can work this out…" Lucy said smiling, genuinely to the man. When the pinkette barely nodded his head, Lucy just chuckles at the man before moving away. Lucy then shifted the conversation and began talking about preparing their plates so that they could eat.
Belserion Security Agency Building
Early Monday morning, a red-haired woman strutted her way towards the president's office of Belserion Security Agency. She emitted confidence and fierce, which many may find intimidating and attractive, but for some, it may be scary. Wearing her black pencil skirt and deep red blouse, she donned allure and sexiness, but her expression said serious business.
Standing before the doors to the president's office, Erza Scarlet fixed herself and calmed her breathing. She felt agitated and alert, which is too much for her in that early morning.
"Ms. Scarlet, Ms. Belserion is waiting for you inside already," the secretary of the president said, making the redhead nod her head in confirmation.
"Thank you," Erza mumbles, peeking over her shoulders before looking back at the door and knocking three times.
"Come in," the person behind the door utters. Erza exhales again before grabbing the door handle and pushing it down to open.
"Good morning, Ms. Belserion," Erza greeted as soon as she enters the room. She closes the door gently and walked up to the woman who resembled her so much.
"Ahh, look whose here…my daughter," the older red-haired woman then stands up and walks around the table to stand in front of the younger one as if she was going to welcome an embrace from her.
Erza tilts her head with a scrunched look before relaxing her face again, "I'm not here as your daughter and you know that. I came here as your senior private agent, as you have requested,"
Irene smirks at her daughter's sternness, "Haven't had your coffee yet, dear?" She then turns away to return to her seat, "You're grumpy when you haven't had your coffee,"
"No, I've had my coffee. I'm just not thrilled being here," Erza nonchalantly replies, taking a step back from her boss' table, "Can we get to business? Why did you ask for me?"
"You're always serious, Erza. Loosen up a bit. Be like Jellal, always calm," Irene then smirks at her daughter again, taunting for a reaction from the younger red-haired woman. But Erza just sighed and kept an impassive look.
"If you're done—"
"So, I read your file and discovered that you went undercover for the case of Erra Ito," Irene then gave an unsettling smile, making the younger redhead almost shiver towards her coldness. Erza suddenly stood up straighter, if possible, which didn't go amiss by her boss.
"I did. Three years ago," Erza shortly replies, showing her discomfort with the topic.
"And how did it go?" Irene questions, despite knowing the full report. Seeing her agent fidget at the case presented simply tells her that this wasn't a case that she handled with gusto.
Erza was silent for a while contemplating whether to answer sarcastically or professionally. But seeing that her boss was obviously trying to provoke her, Erza had to let her snide remarks come out, "If you read my report, then you know how it went,"
Irene chuckles at the reply, somehow expecting it, "Erza, you may think I am trying to push you. But I am just testing this case—"
"Testing this case?" Erza interrupts, a little bewildered by her boss' words, "Why are we bringing up this case in the first place?"
Irene sighs as she closes her eyes and tries to calm herself. She hated being interrupted, "Ms. Scarlet," she calls sternly with a tinge of annoyance, "I am bringing up this case for a reason. Will you please sit down so that we can properly discuss it?"
Erza glanced at the single chair that was positioned sideways to the table. Slowly, Erza sat down and tried to stop her skirt from riding up. She then looked at her boss and gave her full attention.
"Grandine Marvel-Dragneel had mentioned this case and requested the agent that had handled the case of Erra Ito. She was…"
"Natsu's previous girlfriend," Erza completes as she nods her head.
"Yes. So, now, Mrs. Dragneel requests for another private investigation," Irene then watches her daughter become stunned, "So, I'm assigning you since you were the agent that handled the previous case,"
"Wait, what?" Erza shook her head, completely confused as to what was happening, "Why do I have to run another investigation with Ito? She has restraining orders already and the last time I tracked her, she was in Alvarez,"
"Who said you're investigating Ms. Ito?" Irene tilts her head. She then pulls out a folder and slides it toward Erza, "Here are a few details gathered by Milkovich and Mikazuchi last week regarding the woman Mrs. Grandine wishes to be investigated,"
Erza takes the folder and opens it to reveal a photo of a beautiful blonde woman that looked familiar but couldn't pinpoint where she has seen her. There were other photos of her included, one grabbed from social media, and another was a clipping from a newspaper. She then flips a page and reads a brief narrative report. It detailed Natsu's whereabouts and activities last week, particularly with the blonde woman. She then turns to another page and saw a captured picture of the two on the street, looking like they were kissing.
Seeing the contents of the file, Erza felt surprised as this was not something she expected from the pink-haired president. Natsu wasn't just a boss to protect, he was her close friend. Investigating and discovering about him and his past girlfriend was not easy for her. She wanted to confess to Natsu immediately when she discovered the truth, but as an agent, she had to be impassive and must follow protocols and procedures.
She abruptly closes the folder, feeling like hurling in discomfort about invading her friend's privacy once again. Erza was grateful enough that she hadn't read the woman's name yet so that she wouldn't feel compelled to work on it immediately.
"If you have these details already, why do I have to conduct a private investigation?" Erza slightly pushes the folder away from her.
"Because that woman needs to be background checked. Surprisingly, she isn't some ordinary citizen of Fiore," Irene then gave a knowing smile. Even for her, she was getting interested to know about the blonde woman.
"Ordinary citizen?" Erza repeats, finding the term oddly used, "What do you mean?"
"Didn't you see her name?"
Erza suddenly felt embarrassed for missing out on an important detail. But to her defense, she wasn't really thrilled to know Natsu's girlfriend thru covert observation. She wanted to know the woman by being introduced as a friend. Erza finally opens the folder again and reads the personal information details.
"Her name is Lucy Ashley…an actress," Erza then looks up from the folder and gave a questioning look to her boss, "I don't think that is extraordinary. I mean, a lot of businessmen dates celebrities,"
Irene suddenly laughs, clapping her hand in enthusiasm, "I'm so sorry, Erza. I completely forgot that Milkovich and Mikazuchi did not know about a piece of particular information,"
Erza tilts her head, getting confused as she couldn't connect the thoughts, "I'm sorry I don't understand. What detail didn't they know and why not?"
"Simple, it's confidential,"
"What is?"
"Her identity," Irene then leans forward as she prompts her elbows on her desk and rests her chin over her clasp hands. Erza didn't move and almost like she held her breath while waiting for her to reveal the truth, "Grandine Marvel-Dragneel wants you to run a private investigation on Lucy Heartfilia, the sole heiress of Heartfilia Konzern."
Erza's eyes widen a bit with surprise as she takes in the information. No wonder the woman looked familiar as she was like a replica of the late Layla Heartfilia. She didn't know the woman personally, but she was enthralled by her determination to build her name in the business. Layla Heartfilia was one of the first few women to establish a thriving business career.
"Heartfilia? Natsu's dating…a Heartfilia?" Erza dumbfoundedly utters again.
"That doesn't matter, Ms. Scarlet. What you need to focus on is this woman's personal background and relationship status with her remaining parent. Find out about her connection to the Heartfilia Konzern and how she's using it, which can affect the DEG."
Erza was silent for a moment, wrapping her mind with the details she was getting. She then thought that maybe she didn't have to delve into Natsu and Lucy's relationship, but rather investigate the woman's connection to business only.
"So, basically, I just have to investigate Lucy Heartfilia and her affiliation with the Heartfilia Konzern. Nothing personal,"
Irene scoffs, "No, that includes that as well. Apparently, being a Heartfilia doesn't sit well with the mother. So, she needs proof, so to end whatever is going on,"
Erza then was at a loss for words. She was back in this position again. Find solid proof to give the excuse to separate people. Despite knowing the painful truth about Ito, Erza still felt bad about causing pain to the pink-haired man. She knows it was for the best but seeing the pinkette after that painful and forceful breakup, she couldn't help but feel guilty.
"When you start your investigation, Mrs. Dragneel would require you to provide an in-person report. But you still have to do our procedure. Type in your full report,"
Irene just watches her agent become mute. She couldn't help but wonder why her daughter reacts this way. But it's not her place to give comfort or anything of sorts.
"If you don't have any more questions, you're dismissed." Irene then nods her head as Erza thoughtlessly just nods her head and stands up. Soon enough the younger red-haired woman exits her door, making her sigh in exasperation.
Clicking the pen on the table, on and off, Erza stared far away from her computer. Her mind was trying to comprehend and engrave the details about this Lucy Heartfilia. If this woman's identity was being kept confidential, it only means that she isn't allowed to disclose it to anybody else. She was tasked to conduct this investigation alone. She couldn't confide in anyone.
"Penny for your thoughts?" a man's voice snaps Erza out of her trance and quips her head to look at the person. Erza suddenly sits up straight on her chair as she recognizes the face.
"Jellal, what are you doing here?" Erza slightly shakes her head, trying to focus on the present, "I thought you were going on the field for a couple of days?"
"I was supposed to. But I was summoned back in the office, so I had to leave Meredy and Ultear on site and do the recon," Jellal then steps inside the redhead's office cubicle and settles to sit on the edge of her table, "What's on your mind? You looked bothered,"
Erza just stared at the blue-haired man before shaking her head and rolling closer to her desk to try working, "Nothing, just an assignment I got this morning,"
"New assignment? What is it?" Jellal asks, nudging Erza's chair with his leg, "Maybe I can help,"
Erza rolls her eyes to look at the other agent, "You've got a lot on your plate already,"
Jellal then chuckles at the look thrown at him before shaking his head, "It's okay, I can manage. I work in a team now, remember?"
"I'm completely aware that you're in a team 'cause I assigned you to be on that team," Erza then crosses her arms, making the man laugh even more.
"Right, of course…" Jellal slows down from his laughter without breaking eye contact with the woman, "But seriously, maybe I can help,"
Sighing at his offer, Erza could only wish that she can take up his offer. But with the nature and type of the case, she is left with no choice but to decline. Erza shook her head again as she replies, "Even if I wanted to ask for your assistance, I can't. It's a confidential case, single agent investigation,"
"Confidential case, requiring solo recon?" Jellal then looked away, suddenly feeling curious about who was the person but at the same time worried for the woman. "Will it be safe for you?"
Erza raised a brow, "Since when are you worried about me doing solo assignments?"
"Since ever," Jellal then gives a gentle smile at the redhead, and he quickly notices the tinge of pink shade on her cheeks. "I'm just making sure. Since that's a confidential case, I can't snoop around and help out. You'll probably do espionage,"
Erza suddenly scoffs, feeling relieved that she doesn't have to do that given that she's acquainted with the sub-target. Although, it wasn't still the best circumstance because she'll have to deceive and tell numerous lies to her friend and significant other.
"Maybe, but I hope not…" Erza simply replies, trying not to give away her real action plan.
"Well, I'm used to breaking rules. So, if you need me, you know where to find me," Jellal then stands up from her desk and headed out of her cubicle. Before he left, Jellal did a three knock on her wall and made a quick glance at her, and smiled, before disappearing into the hall.
When Erza was on her own again, she lets out a heavy sigh, dropping her weight on her computer chair. She bounced back and forth while letting the chair twirl on its own. She ended up facing the folder, sitting on her desk, away from her reach. She suddenly grabs it and opened it despite her distaste for the assignment. She stared at the photo of the blonde while recalling every personal detail she knows about the woman.
Kring! Kring! Kring!
Erza snapped out of her thoughts as she hears her phone buzz out loud. She leaned close and read the screen, only to be stunned at the name. She quickly grabbed her phone and clicked to answer.
"Hello?" Erza greets with a little apprehension.
"Hi, good morning. This is Sheera Hizumo, senior assistant of Mrs. Grandine Marvel-Dragneel of Fiore Fashion Publishing Corp. May I speak with Ms. Erza Scarlet?"
"This is her," Erza bites her lower lip as she quickly realizes that the call has something to do with the folder she is currently holding.
"Great! Hi. So, Mrs. Grandine instructed me to inform you that she'd like to set a meeting with you regarding a request she made with Belserion Security Agency. I have been informed that you are aware of this request?"
"Uh, yes. I have been given a briefing regarding the request," Erza suddenly gulps nervously, knowing that the case must start sooner than she'd like. "May I know when the best time to meet her?"
"She actually wants it now. Is it possible?"
Erza's eyes widen, "Oh, I'm currently in a middle of a different case," she lies, silently praying that the universe plays along with her, "But I can drop by her office around 4 PM," she then glanced at her watch seeing that she'd have at least 5 hours to make initial research about the target.
"I see. Unfortunately, she's not going to be available this afternoon. Although, I may suggest to her that you drop by the Dragneel manor this evening. Will that be okay with you?"
"Dragneel manor?" Erza repeats as she thinks about her schedule for the day and considers the suggestion, "Sure. I can go there at around 6 PM,"
"Great! I'll relay this to Mrs. Grandine and get back to you for the finality of the meeting. Thank you! Have a great day,"
And with that the call ends, leaving Erza baffled and a little panicky. She then shakes her head to clear her mind to focus and immediately started doing her research.
Erza's not new to consultation meetings. She has done that numerous times to the point that she had lost count. But this kind of meeting was one of the rare kinds she'd handled. Don't get her wrong, she has a lot of experience handling confidential cases, but it's not usual that she must have a meeting with a powerful businesswoman and at the same time the mother of her friend.
Sitting patiently in the reception room, Erza stares at the steaming tea on the coffee table offered by one of the maids of the manor. She had arrived before six in the evening, to give an impression. Unfortunately, the lady of the manor will be late due to her last engagement at work. So, here she is, waiting to be called to meet the missus.
When half an hour had passed, another maid had arrived at the reception room to take away the cooled tea and replace it with another warm pot of tea.
"Hi, um, any word from Mrs. Dragneel?" Erza shyly asks as she leans close to the maid tending to the beverage.
"Madam Grandine hasn't arrived yet. Although, she'll probably arrive just in time for dinner," the maid then steps back before bowing and leaving.
After a few minutes after the maid disappears from the room, a blue-haired young girl passes by and quickly notices her presence. The girl gives a second look before gawking and smiling at the redhead.
"Erza-nee!" Wendy calls before she skips towards the woman. Erza quickly stands up and embraces the young mistress of the manor.
"Wendy, long time no see," Erza then pulls back but kept her hands on the girl's shoulder, "The last time I saw you, you were just about to start your med school,"
Wendy chuckles at that realization, "Really? So, it's been two years? I'm already in my second year—halfway through—but really?"
Erza laughs as well at the ridiculousness of the time separation, "I know…I bet you've been busy with school,"
"Tell me about it," Wendy laughs along with the woman, "but you've been busy too…" her smile suddenly falters but tried to keep one, even a soft smile as a memory resurfaces in her mind, "The last time I saw you here at home, you were doing agent stuff…"
Erza suddenly purses her lips, making Wendy tilt her head and then frown at the realization.
"Wait…Is that—"
"Ms. Scarlet," a maid suddenly calls, cutting off the blue-haired girl. Wendy and Erza then turn their attention to the house staff, who quickly bows her head toward them before continuing, "Madam Grandine has arrived and she's ready to see you,"
Wendy abruptly looked at the red-haired woman, who only gave a tight-lipped smile.
"Does this involve Natsu-nii again?" Wendy whispers, but Erza just timidly smiles as she taps the shoulder of the young girl.
"I can't say. I'm just meeting your mom for the first time again," Erza tries to reassure the girl, but it was obvious she wasn't buying it, "Don't worry about it. She's probably just asking for advice or something,"
"Advice? About what?" Wendy's eyes grew big as Erza slowly side steps to leave and headed toward where her mother might be.
"Probably just security details," Erza vaguely says before she smiles at the girl and leaves her in the reception room. She immediately followed the maid and internally prayed that Grandine did change her mind and would just ask about security details.
As the maid stopped right in front of a double door, the woman immediately knocked and introduced Erza. Soon enough, she was summoned to get inside and so, the maid opens the door for the redhead.
"Erza," Grandine greeted as soon as she sees the red-haired agent, "Long time no see, my dear," she then walks up to the young woman and gave her a gentle embrace. "How are you?" she sweetly asks before turning and urging the woman to follow and sit around her small table, "I didn't see you attend the charity ball,"
"Oh, I'm doing fine…uh, I was just busy that weekend with some cases that's why I couldn't attend," Erza then smiles shyly when the blue-haired mother drops her shoulder in dismay.
"I see…" Grandine then sighs before she eyes the woman, "Well if you were there, you would have discovered that Natsu is dating someone…Although, maybe you knew?"
Erza stared back at the mother before she shook her head, "No. It's news to me…"
"I see. So, no one really knew about it, besides Lisanna," Grandine suddenly rolls her eyes, making Erza cringe at the thought that Grandine didn't like that fact. "You see, that's the reason why I have to do this again,"
"Why? You don't trust her?"
Grandine looked at Erza with a little surprise, "Why, do you?" she asks back with a question, "Because I don't. What did you find about her?"
Erza stilled as she sees the stern look of the woman. She quickly recognizes the lack of enthusiasm for the thought of the blonde woman, "Well, other than the details that has been provided to you last week, there is not much information about her. Specifically, about her being a Heartfilia,"
"Is that so?" Grandine then leans back in her chair as she exhales the setback, "How about her connection with Jude Heartfilia? Any recent engagement?"
Erza shook her head, "Jude Heartfilia had been in various public events but no appearance from this Lucy Heartfilia. The last public photo they had were back in year x789,"
"Then she started acting by then?"
"No, a year after that. She started acting at the age of 22," Erza then grabbed her bag and pulled out a small plastic envelope that contained various papers. She then brought out a piece of paper and handed it to Grandine, "This is the photo. It's a clipping from a newspaper. There are no actual available photos of her and Jude on the internet,"
Grandine quickly looked up, "Really? How's that possible?"
"I still have to look into it," Erza replies, admitting that she has no clue as to why it was like that. She hates to admit it, but this made her curious as well.
"Well then, I expect you to look deeper into her background," Grandine then hands over the paper.
Erza smiles as a glimmer of hope arises for her, "Does that mean I don't have to meddle or…subvert Natsu's relationship?"
"No, you'll have to. But not now. Although, I want you to get close to this Lucy and figure out their deal,"
"Deal?" Erza questions.
"Yes, I have this feeling that Lucy is onto something. Either on Natsu or to this family," Grandine then stands up and gave a gentle smile, "Enough of this conversation. I'll leave that to you, and I hope to hear an update."
Erza was silent for a moment, cursing her fate, "Yes, I will update you."
"Great! Now, let's have dinner," Grandine smiled widely and encouraged the red-haired woman to follow along as they leave the library.
It has been nearly a week since Lucy ended her shooting and was now given the freedom to do anything she liked. Laki and Mira continuously check up on her, asking what she was doing. Lucy would only tell them that she was hanging around her place or that she was going for a run around her condo building.
She refuses to hang out with her colleagues as the guilt still lingered. She knows that it wasn't her entire responsibility to keep everyone's job, but she couldn't help but think that things could have been different.
Levy and Lisanna one time drops by her place and just spent a chill-girls overnight. It was childish for Lucy, but she has to admit, she felt better after that visit from her friends. So now, on a Thursday morning, Lucy found herself a little bit in a happier mood.
She did her morning jog, went to shower, and now eats her breakfast at a close-by café. The place was quite packed at 9 AM. People were in and out of the café, ordering various cups of coffee. But Lucy liked it. She was anonymous at the moment and people didn't recognize her. If they did, no one bothered to ask for a photo.
Lucy suddenly smiles over the rim of her cup as she watches the people in the café. Patrons were busy talking to their companions, some were furiously typing over their laptops. It's such a typical day. And Lucy loves it.
"Coffee?" a waitress asks as she stands in front of the blonde. Lucy quickly looks up at her and grinned.
"Yes, please," Lucy then places her cup down on the platter. The waitress immediately refills her cup.
"It seems like you're having a great day," the waitress commented, making the blonde giggle in agreement.
"I am, thanks Jenna," Lucy then takes her cup again and sips, "I woke up this morning and found today to be a relaxing day,"
"Well, then that's good. It's the first time I saw you in a good mood,"
Lucy sheepishly looked at the waitress, "Have I been a bad patron?"
The waitress laughed, "Oh, no. It's just that, your smile never reaches your eyes," Jenna then takes a seat in front of the blonde, "But I'm glad to see it today,"
Lucy then gives a gentle smile at her friend, "Thanks…I'm glad too,"
"All right, I'll leave you be. Do you want some plain bagel with cream cheese or—"
"Bagel with cream cheese please," Lucy then grins.
Jenna chuckles as she nods her head, "Of course, your favorite. Coming right up," she then takes off and leaves the actress to her own space.
Soon enough Lucy gets her food again and was left to enjoy her personal time. Lucy pulls out a book and began to read. As she gets preoccupied with her book, she barely noticed that someone had approached her table. Lucy wasn't looking up and kept her nose buried in the book until someone cleared their throat loudly.
Lucy abruptly snaps out of her reading mode and looks at the person.
"Hi," the person greeted.
"Hi," Lucy greets back as she arches her brow but tried to cover up her wonder with a smile, "Can I help you?"
The person smiled widely, "I'm a fan of that book. Do you mind sharing a table?"
Lucy looked down at her book then back at the woman, "Um, no…" She then gestures for the woman to take a seat. Soon enough the woman sat down and pulled out a similar-looking book. Lucy immediately noticed it was the next book of the book series she was reading.
"Hi, I'm Erza by the way," the woman then brought out her hand for a handshake, which Lucy gladly shakes as she replies, "I'm Lucy,"
To be continued…