LUCY HEARTFILIA

I locked myself up in my room yesterday mainly to avoid Natsu. But it wasn't like I could do that for the rest of my stay on this damned island. And so the next morning, I found myself spending my time scrolling through my phone while enjoying a peaceful breakfast. The brute was still sleeping in his room, I guessed, making me think that maybe I should pull a prank to at least get revenge on him for pissing me off yesterday, but... Nah.

My time was too precious just to be wasted on him. Although I admit that seeing his annoyed face would make my day so much better.

Virgo

What do you want me to do, Princess?

Received 8:37 AM

Just update me everytime Papa leaves the mansion, especially if he's not with Capricorn.

Sent 8:37 AM

For the last five months, I had observed that Papa was going somewhere on his own, driving a car that he rarely used. He often left when it was already dark too, which I thought was strange. Capricorn was his personal bodyguard who was always with him no matter the place. By the time I noticed that he had gone out not just once, but three times in those five months without Capricorn, I decided to follow him on the fourth time.

That's when I found out that he was seeing his mistress.

Then everything happened.

I couldn't measure the anger and disappointment I felt that day. The first thought that came into my head was to tell Mama everything, but then I realized that I didn't have evidence. I failed to get one because I was too dumbfounded and heartbroken. My mom loved him so much that I was sure she wouldn't believe me with just words.

"Good morning, Natsu!"

I almost spat my hot chocolate after hearing Spetto's cheerful voice. She was looking behind me, so I was guessing he had just entered the dining area straight from his room. Instead of giving him a glance, I remained my eyes on the screen even though my mind was already elsewhere.

Just leave it to me, Princess!

Received 8:38 AM

"Give me your phone." However, when he stood on my side and showed me his palm, I had no choice but to glare up at him.

"Excuse me?"

He raised an eyebrow, eyes were still looking heavy with red pillow prints on the side of his face. "Give me your phone. It's your father's order."

Father's order? Papa did really know Natsu would be staying here! I wouldn't even be surprised if he's the one who planned this! Just what was he thinking? He knew our history!

"No way!" My grip tightened on my device. Giving it to him meant I wouldn't have any way to contact Virgo!

"You are here because you're basically grounded. You are not allowed to access your social media accounts, as well as watch news on television. So give me your phone." Natsu lazily moved his eyes to Spetto. "And please call someone to cut off our cable."

What kind of hellish vacation is this?!

"You can't do this to me, Natsu! I have to contact my manager!"

"For what?" The boredom in his eyes annoyed me so much. He doesn't care! "You currently have no work, Lucy. You don't have any reason to contact anyone other than your parents."

My eyes widened when he suddenly snatched my phone. "Natsu!" Before I could get it back, he had already shoved it inside his pocket.

"What's our breakfast, Spetto-san?" I watched him walk away in disbelief. He opened the cupboard and pulled out the jar of black coffee. He even had the audacity to yawn!

When he noticed that I was killing him with my glare, he faced me with a goddamn smirk. "You can use mine if you want to call or message your mom."

I was seething. "No, thanks!" Fucker! All he had been giving me since we met was his blank expression. Now, for the first time, he finally showed one! A smug, victorious smirk that made me want to punch his face away.

And he was seriously willing to lend me his phone? I'd rather die! I would surely just get a sight of his messages from different women! If he didn't want his phone getting smashed into pieces, he better put that away from me.

I continued eating my pancake, ignoring him when he took a seat across from me. But then, his annoying smirk that I could see from the corner of my eyes forced me to look at him again.

"You're getting on my nerves, Natsu."

"Really? Don't worry, the feeling's mutual." Slowly, his smirk vanished, leaving his face blank again. His eyes were like looking at the most uninteresting thing in the world. The fact that it was directed at me made me clench my fists.

He then suddenly stood up with his mug of coffee, planning to leave. "Hurry up and change. We're going to the plantation."

I rolled my eyes. "And why would I go with you?" I thought he wouldn't answer, but he mentioned a name that brought chills of fear down my spine.

"Laxus."

Laxus Dreyar, a cousin from my mother's side, was the one managing the plantation. I heard he took over it when Natsu graduated and needed to leave…seven years ago. He was born and raised abroad. We had only met once, yet his image was still clear in my head. He was fifteen when we last met and he was already a very tall man with a perfectly fit body. It was paired by his threatening stare, making him look like a monster in my seven-year old self's eyes.

After eating my breakfast, I went back to my room to get ready. That's when realization dawned upon me as to why Laxus wanted to see me. Damn.

I graduated college with a major in Fashion Design. When I was younger, it was drilled into me that I would be inheriting our businesses in the future, so everyone was expecting me to take up a business major. However, as I discovered myself more and what I really wanted for my future, I decided to pursue arts and design. At first, my father was disappointed in my decision, but he eventually let me venture the path I desired.

Yet now Laxus…!

Wearing an off-shoulder yellow dress, flowy and reaching a few inches above my knees, I grabbed my white sling bag and went downstairs. I found Natsu slouch on the couch, wearing a simple black shirt and leather jacket. Upon hearing the click of my heels against the marble floor, he lifted his gaze in my direction. I blatantly rolled my eyes as objection flashed on his ugly face.

"What are you wearing?" He asked while running his eyes all over me.

I made a face. "Clothes, duh."

"Get changed."

"What?!" Was he asking me to waste my effort searching for the most decent dress I have?

Sure, I had brought clothes with me, but it was all appropriate to wear only inside the house! Pajamas, t-shirts, shorts...and such! I never expected I would ever get a chance to go out of the mansion!

"We're going to ride a motorbike, Lucy. If you don't want your skirt flying around, change into a pair of pants!"

"But I haven't bought any yet!" The clothes I left seven years ago were too tight for me already! "It's all I have, Natsu. If you're still being picky, then just go alone!"

We glared at each other. He pressed his lips in a grim line. A moment later, he breathed out a sigh of defeat as he massaged his temple.

"Whatever."

I followed him outside, frowning. He put a helmet on my head after he mounted his bike, lifting my chin up to lock it. Before I could help myself up behind him, he removed his jacket and handed it to me. I raised an eyebrow.

"For your cover, stupid."

Excuse me?!

I held my tongue back. With only a glare, I grabbed the jacket from him and tied its sleeves around my waist. It was large enough to cover my thighs down to my knees. Holding on to his shoulder for a short while, I helped myself sit sideways and settle comfortably behind him. When I let go of his shoulder to fix my dress and his jacket, Natsu cleared his throat.

"What do you think you're doing? Hold on to me if you don't want to fall off the bike," he demanded. I remained sitting there as if it was the most ridiculous idea I had ever heard.

Why didn't I realize it sooner?!

"Lucy, time is running!"

"F-Fine! Fine!" What the... Why can't we just use a car?!

I took a quick glance at the garage, only to feel disappointed when I found nothing there. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I slowly circled my left arm around his torso, while the right one gripped on his waist. Heat crawled up to my cheeks when I felt the muscles in his stomach clench, his shoulders rose up for a moment. I thought he was not comfortable, so I planned on pulling my arms away. But before I could move, he had already caught my hand on his stomach and pressed it more firmly against him.

"Hold on tightly."

Along the way, I kept on telling myself that it was normal. Being this close with him was normal…for my safety. Our speed wasn't that fast, but it was my first time riding two-wheels. This didn't mean anything. I did this because it's needed. That's all.

That's what I had planted in my mind the whole time I was digging my nails into his abs, afraid that I might fall.

I brushed my fingers through my messy hair right after I stood on the ground, after we arrived. While on the way here from the mansion, I never noticed that the trees that were supposed to surround us had already disappeared. Right now, in front of me was just a narrow roadway, while the rest were covered with trimmed grasses with fences enclosing the entire land. From afar, I could see a few workers guiding the horses around their area. On the other side were the cows. There was a huge space for sheeps, too.

"I thought we're going to the plantation?" I asked as I handed the helmet to Natsu. He motioned me to follow him.

"Later. We have to meet Laxus first."

"I thought we're going to the plantation to meet Laxus?" I asked again, remembering what he had told me earlier.

"Can you be patient?" he responded with a hint of restraint as if he was trying his best to get ahold of his patience.

Wow!

We headed to the two-storey ranch house. A maid was waiting for us at the entrance, and had immediately told us to go upstairs where Laxus' office was located. The silence was deafening. It was smaller than our manor, but I thought it was way scarier to stay here.

I couldn't imagine Natsu working here back then alone. Or maybe he was bringing his girls for company? Not that I cared.

"Natsu Dragneel! Long time no see!" Laxus greeted the moment we entered his office. While the two were busy with each other, I had my eyes busy looking around as my lips parted in surprise. This part of the house was the only one modernized. It was so out of place! Steels and glasses could be seen as one of its interior designs, unlike outside that was filled with marbles, stones, and antiques.

"Lucy?"

My attention was caught by the men in front of me. Laxus spread his arms for a hug, lips were smiling but eyes could kill. Even with hesitation, I gave him a short hug before clearing my throat and taking a step away. He patted my head before bringing his attention back to Natsu.

"Take good care of my cousin, Natsu. I'll break your neck if something bad were to happen to her." I tensed at his sudden threat.

Natsu only smirked, shaking his head. "Leave her to me."

Weirdos!

"Why do I have to be here, Laxus?" I asked in impatience right after we sat on the couch. He chuckled, raising an eyebrow as he crossed his legs.

"I want you to learn how to manage the plantation, Lucy. I'll be away for a week, and no one's here to take over but you."

"But I don't have knowledge—"

"That's why you'll learn. Natsu is here to guide you, anyway."

No. I really didn't want to do it! But did I have a choice? If I wouldn't accept this, I would just get stuck in the mansion until my issue was resolved. And I didn't want that either! I wanted to be productive even though I was technically grounded.

"For only a week, right?"

Laxus nodded. "Yup. You'll actually go here for only three days. You don't have to go everyday because I have already finished the paperworks. All you have to do is record things, such as the count of harvests of each crop. Each sack has specific kilos…"

And he told me everything that I quite didn't understand. I got some things, but most of the parts were like jumbled words circulating in my head. It was just an overview, though, according to Laxus. Because it was Natsu's job to teach me everything in detail.

There's no way I would ever learn a thing from that brute aside from how to glare at people.

"Okay, let's go." I blinked when they stood up. To hide the fact that I wasn't really paying attention, I just followed them in silence, even confused.

We went out of the house. We kept on walking for almost ten minutes before we finally stopped. Letting out a silent curse, I crouched a little to massage my ankle. But I quickly stood straight when Natsu's eyes bore into me, screaming off how weird I was. I looked away, whistling a random tune.

I realized we were in front of a huge barn. The doors were widely open, giving me a clear view of numerous stalls of horses inside. I followed them, and Natsu stopped in front of a beautiful black horse. It was tall, looking so strong and healthy. The horse reacted when Natsu touched its head.

"This is Pablo," he said, brushing his fingers through the horse's hair. "I always ride him to go to the plantation."

I nodded innocently, not getting what he meant. When it finally sank in my head, I stared at him in disbelief. I suddenly wanted to run and go home.

"W-Wait, don't tell me…"

"Ah, Natsu! Natsu, slow down!"

I just found myself screaming to the top of my lungs, gripping tightly on his arm with my eyes firmly closed. Unlike when we rode his motorbike, Natsu was the one behind me this time and I was straddling the horse instead of having both of my legs on the side. Not only that, Pablo's movement was faster than Natsu's bike!

"Damn! Stop moving a lot!" Natsu muttered some curses against my ear. "And your hair's slapping me!"

His arm was wrapped around my waist firmly for support, while his other hand was controlling the horse's rein. Thankfully, Pablo was behaved enough to move smoothly according to what Natsu wanted, or maybe they had worked for so long together that they already had incredible cooperation. But that's not my problem now!

I just wanted to go down and never ride a horse again!

"W-Wait! Natsu, m-my skirt!" I tried using my hand to put down the skirt of my dress that kept on going up because of the wind's pressure, only to fail because of fear that I might fall off if I let go of Natsu.

"What the hell? Where did you put my jacket?!"

"I... I don't know!" I left it in the office!

"Pablo!" Slowly, Pablo's speed decreased until we came into a stop. We were in the middle of the wide field full of wild grasses, and under the heat of the sun! I blew out a heavy breath. "Tch! Do you have a hair tie?"

I nodded, pulling the black tie from my wrist. Natsu took it from me. "Fix your goddamn skirt! What's the purpose of giving you my jacket if you'd just leave it behind?"

"Shut up. I forgot about it, okay? If you had just informed me that we're riding a horse beforehand, I wouldn't have left it in the office!"

Chills ran down my spine when I suddenly felt his fingers running through my locks, gently massaging my scalp. He gathered my hair and brought it up, some strands were left on my nape. I closed my eyes when his fingers brushed my skin, silently scolding myself for feeling strange sensations coursing in every corner of my body. Biting my lip, I distracted myself by pulling down my skirt, and sliding it under my thighs in hope that it wouldn't be blown by the wind later.

"It's done." I swallowed when Natsu reached for the rain again, his one arm sliding around my waist.

When Pablo started running again, I voiced out a loud curse when the skirt of my dress slipped from under my thighs. Natsu's groan vibrated through his chest.

"May I?" he suddenly asked, his voice rough against my ear.

"What?"

"I'll help hold your fucking skirt down, Lucy."

My teeth dug on my lower lip. Soon enough, I found myself nodding. I silently gasped at the feel of his fingertips that touched my skin, searching for the hem of my skirt to keep it in place. Not just in my cheeks, but heat also traveled down to my core. Heck, I wasn't innocent. I had seen movies, I had read books. I knew what these feelings meant and I wasn't liking it.

For the first time since we departed, I kept my mouth shut as I gritted my teeth. My grip on Natsu's arm tightened, digging my nails into his skin, as I tried to keep my senses intact and to distract myself from his warmth.

The long minutes of riding Pablo had finally come to its end. When we reached the gates, Laxus was already there and waiting for us, while his horse was tied to the nearby tree. Not finding my strength to move, I rested my head on Natsu's shoulder and closed my eyes for a while. My knees felt so weak. My throat was dry, too.

"You need to get down, Lucy…" Natsu whispered, heaving for air as his hand busied itself on flattening the crumples of my skirt. His warm, ironclad chest was pressed against my back. It was giving me comfort.

"The audacity!" Laxus' voice echoed. "The audacity, Dragneel! Really? Right in front of me?"

"Ugh. Shut up for once, Laxus."

When I felt like I already had enough rest, I pulled myself away. Natsu took that as a sign that he could finally go down, and so he did. He then looked up at me, his hands finding my waist for support. I put all my weight on him, my hands on his shoulders, and helped myself get off of Pablo.

"Are you okay?" He asked after putting me down, his voice surprisingly held worries. Looking away, I only nodded as I distanced myself.

I was silent the whole time we entered the plantation. Unlike the ranch that had wide empty land, this place was filled with different groups of trees and crops perfectly lined together. Workers were everywhere doing their respective jobs; harvesting, sprinkling water, planting seeds, and so many others. They were all busy, but they had a little time to greet us when we passed by. Most of them were looking at me, murmuring that it was their first time they saw me. And that I looked exactly like my mother.

Laxus began explaining as we reached each division. And I was intently listening this time, trying my best to ignore Natsu's presence just behind me. Ever since we entered the gates, I couldn't get this feeling out of my system. I felt lost, embarrassed, and...something else I couldn't name!

The feel of his fingertips remained. The burning sensation it brought was haunting me. And the thought that I would probably go through it again on our way back to the ranch was enough to make me go crazy...

IT WAS ALREADY dark when we arrived back at the mansion. Spetto greeted us, but since we were both tired, we just asked her to bring our dinner in our respective rooms. I went directly to the bathroom to clean myself up...to rub off Natsu's fingerprints because I felt like I wouldn't be able to sleep all night if I didn't get rid of this feeling.

We hadn't talked to each other since then. I knew he was avoiding me, much to my favor.

I promised to myself that I wouldn't let him affect me again in any way. So I shouldn't feel like this.

After taking a bath, I busied myself eating the food I found on the side table. The thought of what's happening in Crocus visited my head, especially in the mansion. I had planned on messaging Virgo later, but then I remembered that Natsu confiscated my phone.

Damn it. I have to get that back! But what should I do? It's not like Natsu would give it back to me just like that. He wouldn't even let me touch it at all! Should I just ask him politely? Or maybe I should just borrow his phone? Hah! Never!

Even conflicted, I went out of my room. It was already past nine, and he was probably asleep by now. But I really needed my phone so he had to wake up! I had also decided on just asking him nicely, but I would never beg for it.

As I stopped in front of his door, I took in a deep breath before knocking. Once. Twice. Thrice... Until I knocked repeatedly, loud enough as though I wanted to break his door. No one was responding. What the heck? Don't tell me he went out even at this hour?

Not that I care. It was actually in my favor. Now that he was not in his room, I could freely search and get my phone back.

After looking around to make sure that no one would see me, I twisted the doorknob. I almost jumped in joy when I found out that it wasn't locked! I pushed the door as I stuck my head inside, seeing darkness surrounding the room. The only light was the one peeking through the window, though it wasn't that much because of the heavy curtain blocking most of it.

I closed the door behind me, Natsu's familiar scent attacked my nose. The wild beat of my heart was getting painful when the realization that I was really here and I could be caught anytime dawned upon me. I can't let that happen! I have to find my phone before he arrives!

I stepped forward on my tippy toes, and soon caught sight of the untouched tray of food on the nearby table. He didn't eat?

Ugh! That's not your problem, Lucy! Focus on your secret mission!

The first thing that came to my mind was to check the drawers next to his bed, so that's what I did. But my phone was not in the first two drawers. It's only full of notebooks in different sizes and few papers that were highly organized. I was about to open the third drawer when a hand suddenly caught my wrist. Before I knew it, I was pulled by my waist and found myself being pinned down on the bed as someone hovered on top of me, his one knee was in between my legs.

I stared at Natsu in shock. His huge frame was blocking the small light of the moon, but it's still enough for me to see his weary eyes. He looked like he'd just woken up from a deep sleep, plus he didn't wear anything but his sweatpants!

He's here?! He's actually here?! But I didn't... He's not... I thought... What the hell?

I didn't see anyone on his bed earlier! Could it be because he was under his black blanket the whole time?!

"What are you doing here?" His hoarse voice told me that he had been really sleeping before I came!

"I'm... I n-need my phone…" I squirmed under him. I moved my wrist, planning to fix the hem of my nightdress that went up, but Natsu's firm grip didn't allow me to lift even a centimeter from the mattress.

I held my breath when he moved down, placing his head on the little space above my shoulder. He forced himself on it, making me tilt my head just so he could fit. My cheeks flamed. What on earth are you doing, Heartfilia?!

"Is this okay?" he asked.

Shivers ran down my spine when his hot breath hit my bare neck. I felt his hand on my wrists loosen, giving me complete freedom. I could push him away and leave his room as I reminded myself that I shouldn't get close to him again or else I would end up burnt…just like years back.

"Lucy, tell me if it's not okay…"

He was giving me a choice, too. Silence enveloped us.

However, instead of pushing him away, my hands moved and rested on the back of his head. My fingers ran through his pink locks that were always spiky. It was unbelievably soft and smelled so nice. I felt him let out a sigh as I ran my fingertips on his scalp. A small smile formed on my lips.

Lucy, this isn't you…

I instantly lost my thoughts when his soft lips pressed against my neck. I gasped, unconsciously calling his name in a whisper that somewhat encouraged him to go further. My mind went hazy as he started planting slow and soft kisses on my skin. It was so light like a touch of feather, but so hot enough to bring my body on fire.

"N-Natsu—" I placed my hand against his chest to stop him, only to receive a hiss from him the moment I touched his burning skin.

The feeling of a sensual squeeze on my waist made me close my eyes. Natsu's lips reached my collarbone, causing me to loudly gasp, especially at the feel of his tongue. I craned my head up to give him way, letting him travel to the other side of my neck. I was doing my best to keep my mouth shut to prevent any noise from coming out, but I couldn't help it when I felt his sharp canine that started teasing my earlobe.

I let out a small whine. A pleasurable sensation traveled down my core.

He stopped.

"Go back to your room, Lucy." he whispered before pulling himself away. But before he could completely get off of me, he planted a quick kiss on my cheek. "My phone is under the pillow. Use it. The password's your birthday."

I only watched him turn his back, still in dazed. He didn't wait for any word from me as he had already entered the bathroom. Gathering my scattered senses back, I reached under his pillows and felt his device. I stood up and stormed out of his room, walking in the hallway back to my own.

W-What just happened?