CHAPTER TWO

"Checkmate".

A young man with pink hair and a somewhat tanned skin smirked at the pouting woman beside him. The said lady gave a cute frustrated look and glared at the man. "That's not fair, Natsu-san! You distracted me that's why you won! Cheater!" she accused.

The guy named Natsu snorted before sipping a glass of his champagne. "Hardly. You were just sidetracked by my handsomeness, Flare" he chuckled. The woman with long dark red hair raised an eyebrow at him, "Of course, how could I forget? You're so conceited
too".

After putting a pillow behind his neck, Natsu glanced at his companion, "You weren't complaining about my handsome self when we were going at it last night". Flare gasped, a bit scandalized. "What the hell! I'll have you know that—"

She didn't finish what she was about to say because Natsu already tuned her out by putting his headphones on, determined to get a decent sleep before his return. They were currently in a flight, 3 more hours before they land in Japan. He was in a vacation
for a whole month in Hawaii, so now he was to go back. Natsu was a little sad to leave but he was more excited to see his family again.

Flare huffed and since Natsu was currently knocked out, she decided to sleep as well. She rested her head in his shoulders and dozed off. She didn't notice that his cellphone that was beside him kept on ringing.

Incoming call from Grandma Porly

A few hours later, Natsu woke up to someone nudging his shoulders. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Flare standing at his side, with her bag clutched in her hand. "Wake up, Natsu-san. The plane already landed and we're the only ones here".

Natsu looked around to see that she was right. All the passengers were gone. After a few seconds, he stood up and stretched his long limbs. He easily towered over Flare considering that he was a lot taller; 6ft and proud at it too.

He grabbed his duffel bag and put on his shades before they both got out of the plane. They saw how jam-packed the airport was as they entered. Natsu was glad that he could leave as he wasn't really a fan of too crowded places… except for certain places
if you catch his drift. He was about to walk away when Flare caught his arm.

"Hey, where are you going? Aren't we going to my place?" she asked. Natsu raised his eyebrow, "Nope, I'm going home now. It's nice seeing you again, Flare-chan. Your companionship is greatly appreciated" he saluted before breaking away into a run while
laughing. Flare stomped her foot and began shouting at him that she'll kill him the next time they meet.

Natsu was still giggling out of the airport when he suddenly stopped. In front of him stood their smiling family driver. "Welcome back, Natsu-sama. Your grandmother is expecting you at home so she ordered me to fetch you" he said and gestured for Natsu
to follow him. The latter sighed and started to walk alongside him.

"I'm quite surprised that you knew where I was, Wakaba-san. Is there a GPS installed somewhere in my clothes or bag?" he joked.

Their driver, Wakaba Mine, who Natsu is still bewildered up to this day because he couldn't figure out how the old guy could see -let alone be a driver- when he almost never opens his eyes, laughed.

"A little advice, kid. Never underestimate your grandmother's connections" he said which Natsu agreed. The black Lexus GS was parked not too far from the airport terminal so they got inside quickly and drove off. Natsu looked out the window to observe
the scenery. He was only gone for a month but he almost forgot how wonderful the city is.

Crocus also known as the Flower Blooming Capital of Fiore (a prefecture in Japan) is certainly a league of it's own. The place was full of blossoming flowers almost everywhere and it's also one of the largest cities. It has vast amount of buildings and
condominiums with awesome designs. Natsu is not a sappy fellow but whenever he sees Crocus, it just takes his breath away.

His parent's home is located in Mercurius, an area of residence for the wealthy families at the upper side of Crocus. He didn't live there anymore but once in a while he still visits his folks. They arrived after a 30 minute drive and Wakaba called the
maid to open the gates.

His parents house or should he say mansion is really big. Actually, the biggest in the whole area and that's saying something. Tall and wide gates and before you could even make it to the house, you have to pass by their large garden first. His mother's
hobby is gardening.

At last, they arrived at the front door and the other maids welcomed him for his return. They got all his belongings and Natsu followed suit as they all entered his home. He was expecting his parents to welcome him with open arms but what he got instead
is a venomous look from a pink haired old lady who was standing below the staircase.

"Natsu Dragneel, you have some explaining to do!"

Natsu gave his grandmother a charismatic grin, his sharp canines showing.

"I'm back, Obaachan".

They were currently in the living room, his grandmother seating on the large couch while Natsu was kneeling in front of her. It was silent for a while but his knee was already hurting so he decided to hell with it.

"Why do I have to do this, Baachan! Aren't you going to welcome me properly? Can't you see I'm suffering?" he complained, trying to make a puppy dog eyes.

His grandmother didn't even surrender to the annoying wails, her face seeming to go darker with every complaints Natsu makes. "Shut your trap, you ungrateful brat!" she roared making his grandson quickly shut up. She heavily sighed.

"Why do you always give me problems, Natsu? Do you think running off to Kami-sama knows where will solve everything?! Do you think you could really escape your responsibilities?" she asked. Natsu shook his head, he was ready to explain but apparently
his Grandma wasn't done yet.

"Don't you have any shame left? You're already 26 years old, Natsu Dragneel. A grown man! But yet you still don't have a job and continue to be a spoiled brat living off my money. You even have the nerve to use my credit card and spoil all your whores!"
she bellowed, nostrils flaring in anger.

Natsu knew he wasn't going to escape her wrath alive so he figured out to go in a different tactic. He smiled and grabbed his grandmother's hand, "Why are you getting all worked up early in the morning, Baachan? You're so beautiful to get wrinkles on
your pretty face. I even bought presents for you, but I guess you don't care anymore" he let go of her hand and lowered his face, "Your favourite grandson in finally back but you welcome me with this" he snuffled, appearing to be crying for the grand
finale.

His grandma seems to mellow a bit, her anger slowly fading. She couldn't resist it when her grandson becomes like this. She knew he was faking it but a grandmother will always have a soft spot for their grandchildren not matter how much of a brat they
are. His grandma sighed in defeat. "Get up you monkey. Come give your Obaachan a hug" she smiled.

Natsu beamed and proceeded to tackle his Baachan. In came a new round of shouting because he knocked the couch down from the force causing them to fall on the floor.

"So, what did you do in Hawaii? Partied and threw away a lot of my money?" his grandmother asked. They were now in the kitchen having lunch. His grandma made his favourite Japanese curry so they were both in the middle of eating. "I didn't party and spent
all your money. As a matter of fact, I was busy going to the beach to surf and just relax" he spoke before continuing chowing down the food. Natsu has a love for spicy food so he was glad that his grandma made the curry extra hot.

His grandmother quietly observed her grandson and now noticed that he was a little bit tan. She finished her food then ordered one of their maids to make her some coffee and also bring two slices of tiramisu cake.

"Do you expect me to feel much better after your explanation? You have to start being responsible now and not depend on me or your parents for your worthless leisure. Are you listening to me, Natsu?" she lectured. Her grandson made a loud burp causing
her to cringe from his poor manners.

Natsu grinned at her, "I understand loud and clear, Baachan". The maid came back with the cakes and coffee and soon they were engulfed in silence. "By the way, Baachan… where's otou-san and kaasan? I just realized that I still don't see them" he looked
around for his folks but they're nowhere to be found.

His grandmother sighed, "Your mother went shopping with Mavis while your father is with Zeref, they're both inspecting the factory." Oh, so they were both out in the moment. His mother shopping with his sister-in-law while his dad is with his older brother.
That could only mean…

"Are Aniki and Mavis-nee staying here too? I thought they were now living in the U.S?" he asked. His grandma let out an irritated sigh and looked at his grandson straight in the eyes.

"Listen, you no good grandson of mine. I appointed Zeref as the new chief of all the coffee bean factories. That means that he'll be joining me in managing our food company. It was supposed to be you but you always reject my offers and continue to be
lazy. So I gave the responsibilities to your more reliable brother" his grandma explained.

Natsu felt annoyed. Of course, it's his brother who always takes the limelight. He, Natsu Dragneel, the black sheep of the family while there's Zeref Dragneel, the responsible and kind son. Just thinking about it makes him so irritated. His grandma might've
noticed his expression so she looked him straight in the eyes.

"Your brother has nothing to do with this. It's purely my decision to make him join as he is the original heir anyway. Now, I'll be frank and tell you that I will not tolerate your lazing around anymore. You going off to Hawaii was the last straw. As
long as you're in my supervision and spend all my money, you will obey me. Is that clear, Natsu?" she said with a tone of finality.

It was pretty obvious that his grandma wasn't kidding around anymore so he decided to use one of his charms but she suddenly spoke again.

"You know that your dirty tactics and fake acting won't always work, right? It's time for you to start being an adult and stop being a spoiled brat. So we'll start first with finding you a suitable partner so you could finally settle down" she finished.

Natsu's eyes widened and he almost choked.

"What?!" he yelled.

Jenny trudged her way to their house with a sigh. It was already 8 in the evening and she was pretty exhausted from the 3 photoshoots that she had to do the whole day. Thankfully, it was for a well-known fashion magazine so she knew that the pay will
be quite high.

At least they can now pay their rent or else Warren-san would cause a scene again like last time. She was just a few meters away from the house when their neighbour's gate opened and a green haired girl wearing a cowboy hat came out.

"There you are, Jenny! I was waiting for you to get home. Please do something about your sister! I could literally hear her shouting since an hour ago and she hasn't stopped. Asuka can't sleep because of all the noise" she pled and nearly cried.

Jenny didn't know is she should laugh or die from sheer embarrassment. Lucy was causing some disturbance again. Luckily it was Bisca who showed up and not their grumpy neighbour, Ooba Babasaama. She bowed in apology.

"I'm sorry, Bisca-san. I'll definitely talk to my sister about this so don't worry" she awkwardly smiled. Bisca simply nodded and went back to her house. Jenny now walked quickly to her home and what greeted her when she opened the door was her sister
shouting bloody murder and their father hiding behind the couch.

"What the hell is happening here?!" she shouted in rage. Both parties looked at her, a bit surprised at her outburst. Her sister's face quickly morphed back to her glaring mode and pointed a finger at their Dad.

"Why don't you ask this good for nothing Father of ours who nearly caused me my job!" she yelled in frustration.

Jenny nearly pulled her hair from the stress. She was so exhausted and just wanted to rest but instead, this is what welcomed her. She didn't know if she would cry or laugh.

"Lucy could you just calm the hell down! You're disturbing our neighbours! Bisca-san even went out to approach me because her daughter couldn't sleep from all the noise you are making".

That seemed to stop her sister from shouting more and they became all quiet. So Jenny took this a sign to continue, "Can we all just for a minute stop all this nonsense and talk? Nothing will come out from all the shouting and angry insults that you are
making".

Lucy didn't take this too well and glared at them both, "You know what? I'm done with all of this" she then glared at their Dad, "Don't you ever come near me or I would really punch you! You're useless and give nothing but problems to us. I wish that
you weren't our father because you are just an inconsiderate slob who knows nothing but to make our lives a living hell!" she screamed, tears now falling down her cheeks.

Jenny gasped from what her little sister said. She couldn't believe that such words would come out from her mouth. She almost wanted to slap her for being so disrespectful but she quickly halted herself.

"Lucy Heartfilia! What is the matter with yo—" Jenny didn't get to finish because Lucy already stomped her way out to go to the second floor and into her room. She heard the door slam with a loud bang then there was silence.

She looked at their father who was no standing beside the sofa with his head hang low. Jenny knew Lucy's words made an impact and to be honest, she doesn't know what to do anymore to keep their family from falling apart.

"I know that I'm not the perfect father to you both. I do nothing but cause you problems but the Lord knows that I love you both with everything I have. I hope Lucy will someday realize this" their Dad said solemnly. He approached his daughter and patted
her back.

"I can't change myself but for you both, I am trying. I can't change the past but if I could, I'll do anything just to bring your mother back" then he opened the front door and left.

Jenny wasn't aware until she was all alone in the living room that she already started crying.

Lucy was seating on the bed, her pet dog Plue (a white Pomeranian) curled beside her when her door opened. She knew it was her older sister. Jenny sat to her other side and both siblings were quiet, just silently gazing at the night sky. Lucy felt she
was suffocating so she decided to speak first.

"Am I a bad daughter?" she asked in a daze.

Her sister glanced at her, it was evident that she cried too as her eyes were still a little red and puffy. "You're not a bad daughter and you aren't a bad sister too, Lucy. On the contrary, you are what every parents and siblings dream off. A very hardworking
and loving child to your parents and a supportive and protective sibling. We are lucky to have you, Lulu".

Lucy couldn't help but sob again after hearing her sister. "I'm sorry for being so mean. M-my emotions got the best of me so I lashed out at Otou-san" she cupped her face in her hands as if she was ashamed. Jenny gently rubbed her sister's back as she
continued looking at the sky.

"We all had a rough time when Okaa-san passed away, Luce. It hurts and I know it will take time before we finally move on and accept it. I know you took it the hardest because you were the closest to her. But you know right, that Otou-san is grieving
too. He is her husband after all. They were each other's one true love."

Lucy stopped crying but her head was still lowered. She nodded at her sister and continued to listen.

"People have different ways of mourning the ones they love. Maybe in Otou-san's case, this is his way of coping. I know that it's bad and it's not right. But that's why as his daughters, it is our job to correct him and guide him to the right path. We
are the only ones he has left, Lucy. At the end of the day, family is always family" then Jenny carefully hugged her sister.

"I am thankful to you Lucy for being so mature and understanding. Thank you for working so hard to provide for our family since Otou-san couldn't. I know that it's hard for you but nonetheless, thank you for sacrificing a lot for us".

"Everything will be okay in the end" she whispered.

It was a few hours spent with both sisters crying and gently consoling each other as the evening passed.

"What exactly happened that made you go ballistic to Otou-san?".

The Heartfilia sisters were now in the dining table eating ramen. It was already midnight and they just finished from their heart to heart talk when they noticed that they still didn't eat for dinner. So both ended up in the kitchen rummaging for food.

"It was late in the afternoon and I was about to give a customer his ordered soup when I caught sight of Otou-san walking down the street, a ton of shopping bags in his hands. I began shaking with anger and the next thing I knew, I dropped the bowl in
the customer's lap as I quickly ran out the door to chase him" Lucy explained before slurping more of her ramen.

Jenny almost choked on her food and quickly stifled her incoming laugh, a bit apprehensive to make Lucy mad again. She wasn't surprised that her sister did that knowing that their father is an infamous for being a spendthrift and gambler. Lucy might've
been angry because their family was now having financial issues.

"I'm sorry for what happened. I hope your boss didn't get so pissed on you".

Lucy shook her head and heavily sighed. "Pissed? More like he went ape on me. He was so livid that I thought I was going to get my ass fired. Good thing the customer was very understanding, that or he was just too busy looking at my boobs. Man, Dreyar-san
is really scary" she thanked the high heavens that she got lucky with this one.

Her sister's eyes suddenly widened as she quickly glanced at her, "What do you mean "Dreyar-san"? You're not talking about Laxus Dreyar, right?" she quizzed, her voice being slightly on edge.

Lucy raised an eyebrow, "Yes, Laxus Dreyar as in my boss. He's is the grandson of the owner of the café. He is our manager too and can sometimes be a jerk" she then looked at her sister suspiciously, "Why? Do you know him?".

She was startled when her sister made one of the ugliest facial expression that she has seen. Lucy was a bit surprised that her Nee-san could even make such a face considering that Jenny was very pretty. Pretty enough to make boys fall at her feet and
also be quite a popular model.

Her sister sneered, "Of course I know that grumpy oaf! He is Mirajane's boyfriend!".

Lucy can't help but gape, hearts forming in her eyes as she temporarily forgot about her manager. "You know Mirajane Strauss?! Oh my gosh! I have to meet her, Nee-san! She's my ultimate idol. The one and only Mirajane" Lucy was almost salivating just
thinking about meeting the famous model and singer.

Unfortunately, her sister wasn't happy about the new information that she shared. "Are you kidding me?! Don't you dare fangirl about that witch! For both our sake, stop now my dear little sister or else you'll just regret it" she dramatically fanned herself.

Lucy was now confused and a little scandalized by her sister's behavior. "What the heck! Mirajane is the most beautiful and kind-hearted angel that landed on this world to grace us all with her infinite beauty and talent! I'm even surprised that you know
her, Nee-san. I thought you were just shooting for ordinary magazines?" she inquired.

Jenny slammed her fist on the table and gave her sister a nasty glare, "Did you just insult me? I'll have you know that I am now modeling for famous magazines and brands. Also, Mirajane is a witch. Her hair and appearance might be white as snow but her
soul is definitely black!"

"Don't you dare say that about our queen! We, the Starlings, are here to protect our idol from haters and bashers who greatly opposes our beloved Mira!" Lucy hotly defended her idol.

Jenny could only gasp in shock at her, "Why you little br—"

She was interrupted by a loud beep that came from her sister's cellphone. Lucy quickly opened her phone just to be shocked to see the sender's name. It was from their manager, Dreyar-san. She clicked on the text, a bit confused on why her boss would be
contacting her now. Is this about the incident earlier? Lucy thought.

Come to my office tomorrow at 8 am. We need to talk. was what the message said.

Hi guys!

First I'd like to say thank you to all the favorites, followers and comments. :) I really appreciate it!

This chapter made me tear up from the scene between Lucy and her family but also made me laugh at the scenes of Natsu and Lucy's passion to defend her idol from her sister XD

Anyway, the Nalu first meeting will happen soon and also more new characters to come in the following chapters!

Thank you for reading and enjoy! ( ^ ⌣ ^ )