LUCY'S POV
Earlier, when Lisanna and Gildarts had barged into the apartment again, they brought folding chairs and a folding table for the dinner.
Natsu brought the pot of chicken soup he was done making and put it down on the table, leaving the lid on. Gildarts and Lisanna leaned over and removed the lid to take a whiff of the scent, and both their eyes rolled to the back of their skull like they had died and were born again.
"That's the stuff," Gildarts commented with a low tone.
"And here I believed Mrs Dragneel's recipe had died as well," Lisanna giggled, she turned to Natsu who had made his way towards the sink to wash his hands, "As expected from a Mommies boy,"
After a few seconds, Natsu dried his hands and went over to the cupboards to draw plates from them along with a green-patterned cloth for the table where we were sitting, he glanced over at me with those same eyes but they were much different...
Like, he was annoyed at me for something before turning back to Lisanna with that same bored, neutral expression, "I don't eat it as much as I used to, much less cook it,"
"LIAR! How do you still remember the recipe then?" Lisanna poked him in the cheek.
"Born from a different cloth than you, Liz. I don't forget things so easily," Natsu replied to her as he threw the cloth over the table, ironing out the sides near Gildarts and Lisanna.
Natsu got to my side and locked eyes with me for a few seconds. All that filled my head was the taste of his strong tongue as my own wandered the caverns of his mouth and that wonderful expression of surprise on his face. I smiled up at him and he somewhat smirked and just ironed out my side of the table, placing the plates down neatly, he made sure none of them looked out of line with the other before it.
Natsu brought over the kitchen towels and cold vegetables that he placed in the middle on top of a saucer. He then returned with knives and forks, and placed them down on each side of a plate, looking at the table with an expression of perfection.
All I could do was fidget in my seat. The suspense is killing me with the way he keeps looking at me.
An hour after Natsu had set the dinner table, everything was done neatly and we finished the wonderful meal that Natsu had prepared. It was a shame that Natsu sat next to Gildarts on the other side of the table, but besides that, it was the greatest meal I've had thus far, especially from someone from Natsu's class, I don't think any of my previous boyfriends have made a meal for me either, so that means you get extra points, Natsu.
You are amazing.
I wonder how you feel about me... deeply.
Do you check up on me every day to see if I'm alright?
Do you dream about me just like I dream about you?
Have you ever imagined me naked? In your arms every morning and night?
What is going through your head now, Natsu?
Hopefully, you aren't thinking of turning down my confession.
I don't think I can even handle you saying anything other than yes, especially with everything that I can offer. I can make you happy... I know I can.
"So Natsu, how is it working with Lucy?" Gildarts asked so suddenly, he nudged Natsu in the arm, "Is it enticing as those mangas we used to read, eh?"
Natsu turned to me for a few seconds then turned back to Gildarts, "You know she's not in the same department as I am, right?"
"She doesn't do Analytics?" Gildarts raised a brow as he poured himself another cup of beer.
"No. She's in Sales, and you would've known that if you asked her," Natsu said bluntly, not dismissing the hint of annoyance in his voice.
"But with the way you talk about it, I assumed she was working right beside you," Gildarts said before downing his cup of beer in seconds, "Damn! That's hot!"
I spoke up with my hands raised in front of me, "It's a fantastic experience working alongside Natsu though. We don't see each other as much, but it's still nice,"
"You see that, Natsu. There's your chance," Gildarts wrapped his arm around Natsu's neck.
"Ugh, stop," Natsu said with a neutral tone.
The conversations we delved into were slightly perverted because of Gildarts but Lisanna and Natsu managed to tone it down once he had gotten drunk and started talking about god-knows-what. Gildarts would shove drinks into Natsu's hands, and whilst Natsu was hesitant, Gildarts managed to get Natsu to drink.
"Argh! This is amazing, all three of us spending dinner together again *hic*... it would be a complete unit if my little girl was here to drink with her old man..." Gildarts raised his glass to pour himself another batch.
Natsu looked frozen in place but just stared at Gildarts once the man nudged him in the ribs.
"You remember it, aye Natsu... it was like it was just yesterday when you told me about how you wanted to start a family with her... huh, Natsu," Gildarts nudged Natsu playfully in the chest and he just turned away from him with furrowed brows.
"Oh, right... Cana..." Natsu responded in a low tone, he opened a can of beer and began downing the liquid.
I took a can of beer myself and gently opened it, taking little sips as I watched Gildarts and Natsu blaze through their own before they drank another one.
I politely asked, "Excuse me, but who are you talking about?"
Lisanna turned to me with a satisfied grin, possibly from the food we just ate. She had seconds, thirds, and fourths, and pretty much finished the entirety of what Natsu had made.
"Cana, she's Uncle Gildarts' only daughter. We grew up with her when we came to learn martial arts with Uncle Gildarts," Lisanna giggled, "Her and Natsu used to date,"
An Ex???
Well, I shouldn't be too shocked that Natsu has been with someone in the past. Who could pass up on such a man such as himself?
But, saying that, if he wanted a family with her, then there's no way that he's a virgin.
Shame. I would've loved to be your first, Natsu.
I chuckled and leaned teasingly towards Natsu.
"Ooo, I never knew you had a girlfriend, Natsuuu~" I teased, and in response, he glanced at me.
"Well, she's an Ex-Girlfriend now, but of course I've passed by the lane of love before, haven't we all.. well except Lisanna over there," Natsu said before drinking more of his beer.
"Jerk. Throwing strays at me when I've done nothing..." Lisanna pouted at Natsu's comment as she slouched on the table, obviously drifting to sleep because of the food she had taken in.
"What is Cana up to *hic* nowadays, anyways?" Natsu turned to Gildarts with a slight of redness appearing on his cheeks.
Gildarts let out a small hiccup but grinned proudly, "My widdle Cana *hic* she works as a bartender at a successful nightclub *hic*... I think it's called Sabertooth,"
"... I think I overheard Gray and Loke *hic* talking about that place once," Natsu chimed in, he grinned and poked Gildarts in the arm, appearing interested in the conversation all of a sudden, "Say, what more do you know about it, old man?"
"It's run by a young *hic* lad who lets her have free drinks now and then..." Gildarts yawn, "She sometimes brings me drinks here and there,"
"I've heard of the guy, he's InvestorStates star boy; Sting Eucliffe, son of Sabertooth Tech's CEO, Jiemma Orland," Lisanna said half asleep.
"Yeah, that's it!" Gildarts clicked his fingers, "He throws a lot of *hic* parties too, I was even on a yacht party that he *hic* organised once,"
"Ugh, so he's a rich fucker... *hic*" Natsu scoffed lightly before trying to down more of the beer but finding out that it was empty. He turned his beer can upside down in an attempt to see if more was coming out.
I slightly giggled at how silly he was being now.
He soon acknowledged there was no more and just took another can. "Never heard of them,"
"They are one of our competitors, they clashed with our Sales as of late," I added.
"Ah, no way... No wonder Gray has been pissing... his pants... lately..." Lisanna groaned as she slowly drifted off to sleep.
"Um... Lisanna...?" I tapped her shoulder but she was completely asleep now.
"And she's out of it," Natsu stared at the sleeping Lisanna, patting her shoulder to see if she will wake up, "Old man, about Sabertooth, do you know where it is-."
But Gildarts had also slumped onto the table and drifted off into a deep slumber which made Natsu shake his head slowly and let out a sigh.
He then stood up and began to clear the table, "You said they are our competitors, right? Do you know where it is, Luce?"
I began helping to clear the table, "It's probably 40 minutes from here by bus, it's quite big so it wouldn't be hard to find, why do you ask?"
"No reason, just curious," He answered quickly, downing the leftovers of his third can of beer as he made his way over to Gildarts.
"I see," I rolled up my sleeves and wet the sponge so that I could help Natsu with the dishes.
Just as I picked up a plate, I heard a loud smack, followed by a...
"ARGH! WHAT THE FUCK, NATSU?!" Gildarts rubbed the back of his neck as he turned towards Natsu who just stared back at him with a neutral face.
"You aren't sleeping here, get out," Natsu told him.
Gildarts willingly stood up, yawned and walked over to the door, "Aww, at least lemme *hic* sober up..."
"No, get out," Natsu doubled down with the meanest glare that I've seen.
I smiled a little bit at his actions, he's SO much different to my ex.
Although, noticing that now is quite ridiculous, given the amount of time I've spent watching this pink-haired god.
Gildarts turned back to me followed by a small wave, "It was great *hic* meeting you, Lusheee,"
"You too, Mr Gildarts, please have a restful evening,"
He exited the apartment once he threw on his leather jacket and waving back at us a couple of times with a goofy, playful look. I chuckled and waved back whilst Natsu stood behind Lisanna and raised a brow as he nudged her awake.
But Lisanna went back to sleep after a few murmurs, in which Natsu just let out a sigh and gave up.
I chuckled at the two as Natsu now made his way towards the sink. He rolled up his sleeves, as he stood beside me and picked up a plate to wash.
I brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, "Thank you for the meal, Natsu. I really enjoyed your mother's recipe,"
"Don't mention it, Luce," He shrugged his shoulders, "I'm glad you came over and enjoyed it, that's all that matters to me,"
I smiled and got onto my tip-toes to reward him with a little peck on the cheek.
He just smirked in response and continued washing the plates, "Is that how you thank your friends now?"
"Only to the ones I really like," I responded smugly, "Saying that, you haven't given me an answer yet, Natsu,"
Natsu smiled and glanced at me, "Yeah... that. Okay, well, it's a maybe,"
"A maybe...?" I pouted as I looked up at him, "Why a 'maybe'?"
He continued smiling and looked back at the plates he was washing, "It's only been a day and three-quarters that I've known you for,"
"We've worked together for a month though,"
"As colleagues, yeah," Natsu responded.
I sighed.
I reached into the sink and held his hand as I looked up at him. He looked at our interlocked hands and glanced back at me, "Well, I don't want to just be colleagues, Natsu..."
I planted a small kiss on his lips and watched his piercing gaze stare into my own before he turned around, held my cheek and kissed me back.
I felt my cheeks rise in heat, at the sudden warmth of his own lips kissing mine. I melted into his touch, his wet palms holding my cheek as his sweet lips filled my own with intense energy.
This is it!
Keep going, Natsu!
Soon, we'll be more than just colleagues, and definitely more than just friends...
I smiled against his lips as he slowly parted from my own and looked back into my eyes. And with a slow and rough voice, "Quit doing that..."
I smiled, "And what if I don't want to...?"
"Then there's consequences," He said with a somewhat stern yet excited tone, it made me warm on the inside.
The things this man unintentionally does to me, it's amazing. I just want...
Him.
His eyes were half-lidded and it's obvious that the alcohol got to him, so I'll make sure to use this opportunity to let him understand that he needs no one on his earth but me.
I held his hand and raised it up to my chest, in which he instinctively squeezed my breast.
I bit my lip, and watched him look up at me then back down as he gently squeezed my breast once more.
I sighed, leaning back against the sink, my hands clutching the sides as I looked back into those dark onyx eyes which continued to watch me before he kissed me again.
I can't stop...
His hands are on me, and they feel good... so good.
They were strong and demanding, like I always dreamed that they will be. His lips, that tongue of his, forcing its way into my mouth like he owns me.
This is what I want, I want to know every bit about you, Natsu.
What gets you turned on, what makes you excited, sad, angry, I want it all.
We got so lost in this that it took a slight murmur from Lisanna to make us snap back into reality.
Lisanna shifted slightly on the table, but was fast asleep once more.
I don't know why that made us jump, but gosh, this is so intense. So intense that I don't want to stop right now, I want to keep going, even if Lisanna has to listen and watch us... but, I truly want some alone time with him.
I want what we are about to do to be between the two of us, and ONLY the two of us.
And also...
For my peace of mind.
The last thing I need is my herd of followers harassing Natsu constantly because him and I slept together.
"N-Natsuuu... Lisanna is still here," I whispered to him and he glanced at Lisanna then looked back at me.
He breathed on my neck, sending shivers down my spine as he gently undid the buttons on my shirt.
He's so bold.
I didn't know if this was from the effects of the alcohol or he was really into this.
But I'm not complaining.
He knows what he wants and I know what I want too.
Plus, doesn't alcohol reveal the thoughts and actions that a person is having?
I rested my hand on his chest, feeling his firm figure as we locked eyes with one another.
Desire, Lust, and Affection was all I felt in this moment and I wish I could see it in his eyes too.
Suddenly, he seemed to understand what was about to transpire between us as he turned around and went to wake up Lisanna.
I rested my hand against my chest and began buttoning up my shirt, just so Lisanna doesn't get an idea of what e've been doing.
I turned back to washing the dishes.
Tonight truly will be the night... the night I've been waiting for, I can't wait. My heart is beating fast from just thinking about it.
3RD PERSON POV
"Hmmm... Can I not stay the night?" Lisanna grumbled as the pinkette shook her awake.
"No. The last thing I need is you *hic* rummaging through the cupboards like some sort of rat, come on now, I'll get you an Uber-." Natsu pulled out his phone but Lisanna took the device from his hand and shook her head.
"No need for that," She stood up and held the pinkette's wrist as she gently pulled him along, "We'll sleep together, just like old times,"
Lucy's ears perked up at this as she slowly glanced over her shoulder at the two dropping beside each other on Natsu's bed.
It would be a lie if Lucy said she wasn't slightly angry at this. She liked Lisanna and thought that she was an amazing person, but she wished that the silver-haired woman could just understand that not all friendships require two people to be within each other's vicinity 24/7.
Was it so hard for Lucy to just get an hour with Natsu?
Natsu and Lisanna both shared a laugh, given that Natsu was slightly drunk and tired whilst Lisanna was just tired.
"I'm glad we did this, we haven't ate dinner together in, like, forever," Lisanna chuckled
Natsu chuckled, "I don't remember the last time I've gotten this wasted either,"
"Uncle Gildarts sure does bring the best out of people," Lisanna lightly punched Natsu's arm, "Right?"
"Good grief, Liz, don't give him credit now. You'll just toot his horn," Natsu grinned as Lisanna laughed alongside him.
"You should get wasted more often," Lisanna rolled onto her side to stare at the pinkette, "I like this side of you better than the grumpy meanie from before,"
Natsu grinned, "I don't think 'meanie' is the best choice of word for someone who is just serious about work, you know,"
"Well, that's what you look like to me. That's my final say," Lisanna giggled as the pinkette laughed alongside her.
Natsu closed his eyes and relaxed a bit more as a smile was printed on his face. Lisanna just looked at him and smiled at how calm he was now, she traced her finger along his cheek and pinched his chin.
"Just stay like this for a bit longer, would you?" Lisanna said in her mind as she watched the pinkette remain perfectly still and in peace.
She then felt a slight shake on her shoulder and turned around to Lucy who had the kindest smile she could muster on her face.
"Lisanna... I believe it's time for you to go home," Lucy said happily, "I have called an Uber, so you don't have to worry about doing that yourself,"
"Thanks, Lucy. But I think I might just stay the night, it has been years since Natsu and I have seen each other, besides, there's no harm in a sleepover since we all work at the same place, hehe," Lisanna said happily as she sat on the edge of the bed and smiled up at Lucy who kept her composure.
To Lisanna, she saw a kind woman, but currently Lucy was annoyed by Lisanna's presence. This is the closest she has gotten to the pinkette and she wasn't about to let it go down the drain because Lisanna suddenly wants to sleepover.
Lucy sighed as she placed her hands on her hips and looked down at Lisanna with a neutral expression that seemed to match... Natsu's?
"Lisanna, seriously, we've got work tomorrow, yes, but Natsu doesn't need to be disturbed now," Lucy said with a tone that Lisanna was definitely NOT used to.
Lisanna raised a brow, she was confused on where this was coming from, "What...?"
"I mean, Natsu did cook a lot for you, so maybe the best reward for him right now could be some rest and peace by himself, don't you think?" Lucy said with a hint of happiness in her voice which made Lisanna look back at Natsu then up at Lucy once more.
Lisanna sighed, "I guess you're right,"
She stood up from the bed and looked back at the pinkette who was fast asleep now before she looked up at Lucy who just raised a brow at Lisanna.
"What are you waiting for? Get your things together, so we can leave," Lisanna told her.
Lucy was taken aback, not expecting that response from Lisanna, "I- Uh, I still need to do the dishes-."
"You've already done it, what do you mean?" Lisanna pointed at the sink that was indeed empty since Lucy finished up.
The blonde was just looking for an excuse to stay back, and due to lack of preparation, she ended up losing out on her opportunity.
"Come on, like you said, let's allow Natsu to rest for tonight. We'll just see him tomorrow," Lisanna marched happily to the door and with a saddened defeat, Lucy sighed, took off her apron and reluctantly got her stuff together.
She couldn't express how annoyed she was in this moment as she believes that she has been patient enough to at least deserve a night with Natsu.
Lisanna stretched as the both of them left the apartment. Lucy held the door open a bit with her foot whilst looking in her bag, she glanced at Lisanna who was ahead of her and stared into her bag before looking back up again.
"Oh darn, I can't find my phone," Lucy whined, "You should go ahead of me-."
But Lisanna raised the device up with a giant grin on her face, "Not to worry, it's right here, Lucy. Let's go now,"
Lucy sighed and forced a smile as Lisanna went ahead. She looked back into the apartment and happily smiled as she saw the pinkette sleeping peacefully.
"Goodnight, Natsu~" Lucy said before closing the door shut properly.
And all that remained in that apartment was Natsu and his slight snoring.
What a well-deserved end to a night with friends.
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To Be Continued