Lucy's POV

I sat on my office reading business letters, approval papers, and product lists of the company.

I had finished reading and signing two bundles of papers. I sighed at exhaustion and looked up the ceiling.

My mind was crowded of all the hardships I'm going through. I just wanted to give up, as if my life were a game, but it's not. I have to press play, because I can't rewind the past anyway.

Mom survived from the worst but the doctors can't say the her leukemia is gone. She's regained some of her strength but I don't know how long she'll survive.

She's been resting at home, she has a personal nurse to take care of her and the maids are staying in high alert.

Father has been staying by her side, since I've inherited the company. He's been rushing me to get a husband so someone could help
me manage and develop the business but-- *sigh*

Ever since Natsu left, I've felt weak, both physically and emotionally.

Everyday seemed so dull without him.

Sometimes I'd even cry myself to sleep wondering why he'd just leave me like that. I miss him so much, it's like a part of me was taken away.

"Miss Lucy, a Mr. Leon is here to see you." My secretary said through a small speaker sticking out from under my desk.

"Does he have a schedule in my appointments?" I asked.

"No but he told me that you two were dating." She replied.

"Tell him to wait, we'll talk over lunch. I can't let him disrupt my busy schedule." I sighed.

"Oh and Jena? I'm not dating anyone, just incase someone's gonna fool you." I laughed

"Oh, yes maam." She giggled.

After a few hours, I asked Jena to help me organize all my paperwork. Then I noticed my phone vibrating. I accepted the call without checking the Caller ID.

"Hello?" I asked waiting for a response.

"Lucy, I'm outside your office. Hurry up I'm hungry." Loke groaned.

"I'm almost done, give me five minutes." I said as I ended the call.

I carried a folder and my black leather bag. I stepped out of the elevator only to see Loke flirting with the receptionist.

"I see you haven't changed Mr. Leon." I smirked and rolled my eyes.

"G-Good noon Ms. Heartfilia." The receptionist shivered.

"Good noon." I smiled.

"Do you need something from me Mr. Leon?" I asked harshly as we walked out the the glass doors.

"Well, you see Miss Heartfilia. It's the matter of the heart. If you will? Listen to me." He said in a serious tone.

He stopped walking as he faced me.

"I'll hear you out this time, but don't expect me to say yes." I sighed.

He was saddened by what I said, but he hid it with a smile.

Like his usual gentleman-like self, he opened the car door for me and made sure I sat comfortably in my seat.

Without warning he leaned closer and pulled down the seat belt and buckled it.

He drove in silence, this was the first time I've ever seen him like this. It creeped me out but I can't help thinking that this was my fault.

"Loke? What's wrong?" I looked at him curiously.

"Nothing." He said bluntly.

We arrived at a familiar place. Then it dawned on me.

It was Loke's five star restaurant, where we had our first date.

I looked at Loke and he smiled at me.

He pulled out a chair so I could sit and we ordered some food.

"Loke" I said with a pang of guilt.

"I don't deserve this. I don't deserve the way you're treating me. I-I can't--" He cut me off

"Love me? You can't love me, is that right?" He finished my sentence to what he thought I was going to say.

"I can't keep accepting these things you do. I'm not the right person for you." I shooked my head.

"Stop putting flowers on your sentences and just tell me you can't love me for who I am Lucy. Just say it straight forward so I won't think of any other ideas." He said angrily.

"Loke I love you as a friend. So I'd be lying if I said that I couldn't love you. I really do, but not in that way." I explained.

My brows furrowed as I was struggling to explain how I really feel.

"Lucy, why won't you just give me a chance to show you?" He looked me straight in the eyes.

I felt so much guilt. It's been years since he confessed his love for me but I rejected him everytime. I pitied him but at the same time I thought, he does deserve a chance.

"A month." I sighed in defeat.

"A month of what?" He asked confusingly.

"I'll be your girlfriend for a month. If I won't fall in love with you in a month, you'll give up on this, on us." I negotiated

"Three months." He stated

"Two." I leaned closer, wanting to close the deal.

"Fine, but you have to promise me that you'll really stop asking me out." I said crossing my arms.

"You never cease to amaze me Lucy." He chuckled.

"Promise?!" I pouted.

"I promise." He laughed as he patted my head.

After lunch Loke had taken me to see his parents.

I walked up to them with full on respect and elegance.

"Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Leon, it is a pleasure to meet you." I smiled cheerfully after I bowed.

Loke just stood beside me looking at their carved stones.

"This is the first time I've brought a girl to see my parent's graves. One way to know you're special to me." He smiled without removing his eyes off his parents.

"I love you Lucy." He said passionately.

I looked at him in awe. Those three words were simple but to say it in such declaration, somehow made my heart melt.

I blushed and looked away. I heard his faint chuckle and he stepped closer patting my head.

He drove me back to H. Corp.(Hearfilia Corp).

I walked towards my desk but I felt muscular arms around my waist and a chin resting on my shoulder, emitting the warmth I longed for since Natsu had left. I just felt like I wanted Loke to be Natsu for a while.

"Loke?" I asked in curiosity.

"I'll pick you up later, my love." He whispered and left my office.

Loke...

I sighed at the thought of him. I took out the locket from under my shirt and looked at the pictures inside.

"No one can replace the happiness you've made me feel, it's unbearable to think you've left. It's unfair how I can't replace you." I whispered as a tear escaped from the corner of my eye.

Natsu, where are you? Come back to me please. I begged in my mind.