The Shadows of Tragedy

Chapter 24

"Natsu!" Laxus shouted at the handyman as he was working on repairing a window. 

"Yes Mr. Dreyar?" Natsu said.

"The ceiling to my room has a draft. I want you to fix it."

"Yes sir."

"And afterwards I want you to fix my car. There's something wrong with the motor."

"Sorry sir I'm a carpenter not a mechanic."

"So?"

"So I can't really fix it."

"It can't be that different from fixing things around the house."

"Actually sir there is a huge difference. Why don't you just call a mechanic?"

"Do you have any idea how much a professional mechanic charges for these days? You're cheaper."

"But I can't-"

"Now you listen to me if you can repair an old house that's on it's last legs then you can certainly fix my car and if you do anything to mess it up you're out of here!" 

"With all due respect that's not your decision to make.  That's Miss Scarlet's and Mr. Fullbuster's decision. They're the ones who hired me."

"They're both relatives of mine so that gives me every right to fire you if I wish!" He said menacingly. "Now do as I say or you'll find yourself right back where you started, a dirty cretin living in a box and eating garbage!"

Natsu gulped and nodded to show that he understood Laxus's threat. Even though he didn't know the first thing about fixing cars, it was obvious that he had to at least try. When Laxus took a taxi to work Natsu grabbed his tools and approached the vehicle. He popped the hood of the car and took look at everything inside.

"Aww man." He said when he realized that he didn't know where to start. "He can't really expect me to fix this."

"Hello Natsu." A voice said greeted. It was Lucy.

"Hi Lucy. What are you doing here?"

"Just walking around, getting some fresh air. What are you doing?"

"I'm trying fix Laxus's car."

"I didn't know you could work with mechanics."

"I can't. I can do wood work and glass but not mechanics."

"Then why are you fixing his car?"

"He told me to and he says if I don't do it right he'll have me fired."

"Oh he's always so awful to you."

"It's okay I'm used to it."

"You shouldn't have to be used to it. He's being completely unreasonable not to mention stupid. Doesn't he know the difference between a carpenter and mechanic?"

"Apparently not."

"You know I don't think you should do anything for him. He's never once showed you an ounce of respect or decency."

"True as that may be you know he can fire me."

"That's just talk. Erza is the only one who can terminate your employment here. You should tell her how Laxus treats you, I know she wouldn't stand for it."

"I don't wanna bother her. She already has a lot more major problems to deal with. My concerns aren't really important."

"Natsu you're so nice and considerate. How anyone can be so mean to someone like you is beyond me. But it seems to me that you suffer from a low self image. Why don't you go out and do something nice for yourself by buying so new clothes? With what Gray has been paying you should be able to afford them."