{Sting POV}
My spoon landed on the floor with a clang!
Lucy didn't say anything. Natsu's eyebrows were raised.
"I see..." Lucy said, rubbing her spoon. "I think...I think I understand your argument."
"Oh Lucy dear, we really don't want it, but..." Mom sighed. "I still think it's for the best. I don't want you having to spend most of your year just getting hurt!"
I looked over at Natsu, who was looking down at his plate. He chewed really slowly.
I clenched my fists, angry.
Not angry at Mom, or Dad. No, it was more of an anger towards myself.
Lucy turned her head towards me, and kissed my cheek. I hadn't noticed a tear run down my face.
"Don't cry, Sting." She said. "You'll wear your eyes out."
She patted Eagle's head. "Let's go, Eagle. I want to take a bath."
She left, going upstairs. "Maybe I can sleep bit earlier today..."
Her door closed, but I could hear her silent sobs. Natsu set his spoon down.
"Um, I think I should go now..." Natsu said, smiling nervously. "Thank you for the meal. Have a good evening..."
He left, patting my shoulder. The front door closed, and it was silent once more.
I slammed my palm on the table, standing up.
"Dammit..." I ran to my room, slamming the door behind me.
It was all my fault. If only I had been a more reliable brother. I should've protected her. I should've been there. I should've prevented everyone from hurting her...
I was unreliable. I was useless.
I slumped down onto the ground, bringing my knees up to my chest.
I couldn't say this from everyone else, but I cried all night.
The next morning was quiet.
Lucy was still in bed, not wanting to get up. No one went into her room.
To be honest, I didn't want to go to school today, but I did. It would be better to tell everyone else.
When I arrived, all of my friends were waiting for me at the front of the school.
"Sting!" Rogue ran up to me. "Are you okay?"
My eyes were red. They were stinging, and I could barely open them.
"Yeah...Yeah, I'm fine." I said, my voice shaky. "I'm okay..."
"We heard what happened." Jellal said. Wendy was crying slightly, and Natsu was patting her head.
It was as if Lucy had disappeared. Like she was...dead.
It was sad for all of us.
Rogue stayed with me, trying to comfort me. He hugged me, which was unlike him, but it didn't help.
He gave me the fifth hug of the day. My chin rested on his shoulder. My arms were hanging loosely, his arms wrapped tight under my arms.
(FHOIEHFOWUHEFOKENOJFHJOFAHJAOHF I LOVE STINGUE XD)
"Sting, you're really not yourself today." He said. "Cheer up, man."
I was taller than him, so it kind of looked weird. Nevertheless, he continued to hug me.
"It's just not fair..." I said, leaning my face against his neck. "It's really not fair. It's all of my fault."
He sighed. "I'm pretty sure I told you not say that."
"Why? It's the truth."
"It's not. It really isn't." Rogue said. "Stop thinking like that, you know Lucy won't like it."
I closed my eyes. "She hates being homeschooled..."
He let me go and put his arm over my shoulders. "We're all upset about it, but think; it's for the better. I would want my younger sister to be safe rather than sorry."
I grabbed my back pack and clenched the strap. "Yeah..."
The day seemed to pass by a lot slower. I noticed Natsu talk to Lisanna once or twice, but I didn't really think much of it.
As soon as the last bell rang, I ran out of there.
I ran all the way home, and slammed open the door.
"Lucy?"
She was walking downstairs. Eagle barked and led her towards me.
"Sting?"
I hugged her. She hugged me right away.
"How was your day?"
"The tutor is nice, I guess..."
I pulled her away and patted her head. She searched my face.
"You smell like Rogue." She said, stroking my eyes gently. "And were you crying?"
"Of course not." I said. "Why would I be crying?"
She frowned. "Liar."
She pushed me slightly. "You always lie about these kind of things. Always saying you're never hurt, or you're never sad or upset. Stop sounding as if there's no blood in your veins, you idiot!"
I couldn't help but break out a smile.
"Well, aren't you the cutest little sister in the world."
She frowned. "I'm being serious."
"Ok ok. I'm sorry."
"Anyway. You smell like Rogue." She said, raising an eyebrow. "I want an explanation."
My face started to heat up. Lucy touched my face.
"You're blushing. Something happened."
"He just...hugged me to cheer me up." I said, quickly going upstairs. Lucy followed.
"Are you sure there isn't something going on?" Lucy asked. "Rogue doesn't like hugging people."
"I know, I found it weird too." Lucy smiled and kissed me on the cheek.
"Tell me if something goes on, okay?"
I blushed, before sighing. "Alright."
(Time skip) {Lucy POV}
Weeks passed, and they eventually turned to months. Pretty soon, it was winter break.
"You've improved, Lucy dear." Ms. Rico said. "Are you excited for winter break?"
"Not really." I said, cleaning my desk. "There isn't much to do."
"Really? You don't celebrate Christmas?"
"I do." I said. "But that's really it."
"Aww. You don't have any friends?"
"No." I said. Then Natsu popped into my head. "Well, not too many anyway..."
"It doesn't really matter about the amount of friends you have, you know? It's about whether they're true or not." She said. "I'll be leaving now. Have a nice break, ok?"
"You too, Ms. Rico. Thank you." She left, and I sighed. I walked outside and felt the sun on my face. I faced the sun's direction, recognizing its position.
"He should be home soon..."
"Lucy!"
