Lara, her arms laden with three shopping bags, stepped out of the car, a look of satisfaction on her face. "Wooo! That was some busy day," she exclaimed, her voice filled with a sense of accomplishment.
Natsu simply nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
Lara and Natsu carried the shopping bags into Lara's room, placing them on the floor.
Lara stretched her arms wide, a yawn escaping her lips. "I am tired," she admitted, her voice filled with contentment.
Natsu his gaze fixed on the door. "I am leaving now," he announced, his tone final.
Lara looked at him. "At least get some rest here," she suggested, her voice soft.
Natsu shook his head, his decision firm.
Natsu was about to get into the car when Lara called out to him, a small shopping bag in her hand.
"Hey, wait!" she said, her voice filled with excitement.
Natsu turned around, his expression a mix of curiosity and impatience.
Lara offered the bag with a warm smile. "Here, for you," she said.
Natsu hesitated for a moment, then took the bag. "Thank you," he replied, his voice still laced with a hint of reluctance.
Lara insisted, "I know you'll say you'll pay for it, but don't. I insist."
Natsu was taken aback by her logic. He tried to process her words, but her next statement caught him off guard.
Lara said, "I know I am a girl that only few can handle, meaning my mom, of course, but here you are, stuck with me, so you are already paying for all this, ain't you?" she said, winking at him.
Natsu's eyes widened in surprise. He couldn't help but smile at her unexpected response.
"Thank you," he replied, his voice softer than usual. He got into the car and started the engine. As he drove away, he glanced in the side mirror to see Lara waving at him. A sense of satisfaction washed over him.
Natsu pulled into the studio's parking lot, his mind still reeling from the unexpected turn of events with Lara. He quickly exited the car and rushed back home.
Upon entering his apartment, he was greeted by the sight of Nen standing at the front door, his small body filled with anticipation.
"Pa-chan!" Nen exclaimed, running towards Natsu and wrapping his arms around his legs.
Natsu scooped Nen up, his heart melting at the sight of his affection. "Sorry, Pa-chan was late," he apologized, ruffling Nen's hair.
Nen shook his head, a wide smile spreading across his face. "No problem, I am grown up now," he boasted, his voice filled with pride.
Natsu chuckled, amused by Nen's confidence. "Yeah, grown up, huh?" he teased, his voice soft. "Look, Pa-chan bought you something," he said, holding up the shopping bag.
Nen's eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked at the bag, his curiosity piqued.
Natsu placed the shopping bag on the chabudai table. "Open it up, Nen-chan," he encouraged him, his voice filled with excitement.
Nen's eyes widened with anticipation as he tore open the box. Inside, a bright red remote control car lay waiting for him. "Woo! It's so cool!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with joy.
"You liked it?" Natsu asked, a warm smile spreading across his face.
Nen nodded vigorously, his eyes sparkling with happiness. "Hai!" he replied, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
"But save money, Pa-chan's money," Nen added, his small voice filled with wisdom beyond his years.
Natsu's heart swelled with pride. "Pa-chan works for Nen-chan, and Nen-chan makes Pa-chan happy, so it's Pa-chan's duty to make Nen-chan happy," he explained, his voice tender.
Nen hugged Natsu tightly, his love for his father evident in his actions. Natsu returned the hug, feeling a sense of peace and contentment wash over him.
"And there's something more, Nen-chan's favourite burger," Natsu announced, a playful glint in his eyes.
Nen's eyes widened in excitement. "Waa!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with anticipation.
"But where's Pa-chan's burger?" Nen asked, his lower lip jutting out in a pout.
Natsu chuckled. "Ah, Pa-chan wanted to eat bread jam today, so it's for you," he explained, ruffling Nen's hair.
Nen's pout disappeared, replaced by a satisfied smile. "If Pa-chan eats bread, I will eat too," he declared, his logic unassailable.
Natsu chuckled again. "Oye, oye, a nice lady gave Pa-chan the burger, and Pa-chan brought it for you. The nice lady will be angry if we waste the burger," he explained, his voice gentle.
"Nice lady gave you burger so it's yours," Nen insisted.
Natsu smiled. "No, Nen, it's yours. Pa-chan loves watching Nen-chan enjoy the food. Pa-chan's happiness comes from Nen-chan's happiness.
Nen took the burger and, with a determined look, cut it into two halves. "Half for Nen-chan and for Pa-chan," he declared, his voice filled with a sense of sharing.
Natsu's eyes widened in surprise at Nen's thoughtful gesture. "You don't give up, do you, Nen-chan?" he teased affectionately.
They both took their halves and started eating. After a few bites, Nen looked up at Natsu with a satisfied smile. "Delicious!" he exclaimed.
Natsu nodded in agreement, a warm feeling spreading through him. "Delicious," he echoed, his voice filled with contentment.