The Geek's Game | NaLu Fan Fiction [3rd place in FTWattyAwards Romance]

The Darker Side of His Life

Chapter 29 - recap

"Come on pretty girl, I'm taking you to bed," he sighs and picks me up before carrying me to my room. He set me on my bed and pulled off my coat. I fell asleep, but I wasn't totally out. I felt him as he laid beside me and pulled me close to him. He moved over me to kiss my ear before I rolled over and curled up against his chest, yawning.

"Don't work yourself so hard anymore," he says to me softly. I only sigh quietly in response. He wraps his other arm beneath me and holds me tightly.

"Thank you...Natsu..." I murmur. "I love...you..." I fall asleep completely. And I dream of him.

• * •

Chapter 30 - The Darker Side of His Life

I wake up with the mindset that I have to go to school before realizing it's Saturday. I sit up and realize Natsu is gone. He probably went to his own room after a while. I slid out from between my covers and shuffled to the bathroom. I took a relaxing shower before getting dressed in a black sweater and skinny jeans. I stepped out of my room but almost fell back as Wendy ran down the hall.

"Sorry Lucy! Papa is back from his meeting early!" she cried happily as she ran. I smiled at her chipper attitude, feeling it myself. Though through the warm happy feeling I could sense tension. I stepped out into the hall and followed the quiet patter of Wendy's feet on the floor. Soon the sound halted but at that point I knew where I was going. I had one more corer to round but I already heard elevated voices. One was Igneel's. One was Natsu's.

When I rounded the corner I saw a frozen Wendy, her hands over her mouth. She looked at me and I saw terror and fear in her eyes. I hurried over to her and quietly pulled her to me. I felt warm tears soak into my sweater and her body shook slightly.

"L-Lucy.." she sobbed quietly.

"Shh, it'll be okay..." I murmur to her softly. Her smaller hands grabbed handfulls of my sweater and she cried a little louder. I quickly walked her away and led her to her room before hurrying back. I peeked through a crack in the door of Dragneel's office.

"You can't leave it all to me all at once!" Natsu yelled.

"You are my son, the successor to this company! I am sick Natsu. I won't be around much longer," Igneel said cooly.

"You can't leave Wendy and mom and I! We've hardly acted as a family!" Natsu protests.

"I did what I had to as a father. One day you will understand. When you have your own children," Igneel tells him.

"I don't think I will," Natsu shakes his head, "I couldn't do that to Lucy or our kids." I cover my mouth to hide my gasp. Even now he was thinking of me. I hear footsteps coming to the door and see movement so I scramble to get away. I barely get around the corner before I turn back and see Natsu walking out of the office, looking furious.

I cautiously make my way towards the infuriated Dragneel, but when his eyes land on me I'm practically paralyzed in fear. But I swallow my own fears and push them down and approach him.

"A-are you okay?" I ask hesitantly. "You look upset..." I reach up and place my hand on his cheek. His angry looks began to soften, and I felt my fear slipping away.

"Lucy...we might have to get married sooner. Dad is, well dad is dying. And after he does full control of the company falls to me, because my mom will retire when he passes..." Natsu says, almost guiltily.

I give a small smile, "It's alright if we have to get married before you wanted. If it's what we need to do I'll do it."

"But I don't want to take your graduation from you," he looked at me with sad eyes.

I have a short laugh. "If I still get my diploma, I don't mind if I miss the actual ceremony," I drop my hand, a small smile staying on my lips.

Suddenly Natsu had me in a hug, his arms looping around my waist. His whole aura seemed to have changed in an instant... His emotions could be very, diverse.

"You realize once you are married to me, you might not be able to go back to school...right?" He murmured the question into my hair.

"I figured that might be the case...but I'll learn from you and from helping you. I'm definitely not letting you go at this alone," I respond without hesitation.

"I thought that might be your answer," I heard him sigh, happily. I wrap my arms around him and return the hug.

"I'll always be here to help you. Alright?" I look up at his face.

"Yeah, I know you will Lucy. Besides, who could turn down an opportunity to work with me for the rest of their life?" He teased.

"Hmmmm, well I guess not me. But--I could," I raise an eyebrow.

"But you won't," he kissed me.

"Nah, I won't," I agree.

• * •

Chapter 31 - An Announcement - preview

"It's about time we told people," I shrug.

"You have a point..." Natsu sighs.

"I'll prepare the announcement," Mrs Dragneel tells us and heads off.

"Looks like it'll be official," Natsu watches his mom leave.

"For everyone," I grab his hand.

• * •

Surprise!!! I was able to write!!! I got to go to somewhere else and use a computer~!

Anyway, I am so psyched...

With every chapter the wedding draws closer!

But so does the drama that will ensue ;)

Also talk about wrapping this up will begin soon...and I've already discussed a sequel with a friend, Jessie, and she is already very determined that there be a sequel. But enough of that for now!

I'm not 100% on where they should have their wedding...
So you guys can suggest places if you have any preferences.

Alright, that's all for now! Bye~

- Kels-chan