Grief

Shock Pt 6

He awkwardly slid the soap against his chest, scrubbing away all the grime covering his skin. He had asked the others to stay outside the bathroom while he washed, fearing that they would see just how extensive his injuries were. His penis was his main concern on the subject, the member being scratched, bruised and bleeding as he washed his genitals.  His ass was worse though, his anus completely raw. It was the reason he didn't want his friends in here, he didn't want them to know about THAT. And honestly, he really wanted to forget. Never remember what they had done to him, hell, he didn't want to remember the beatings! His life was hell during those six years, and he just wished it never happened. He wanted the memories gone. He dropped the bar of soap, banging his fist against the rim of the tub.

'Make it stop!'

Sobs racked his system as his hands cupped his face, his knees curling up to his chest. He rocked back and forth, his boney knees digging into his stomach. The bathwater became waves, splashing out of the tub as his jerks became more violent. Eventually the door opened and his friends came in. He felt his back being gently rubbed, words of comfort spoken in soft voices. He looked up from his hands and saw Lucy on her knees next to the tub, she was the one rubbing his back. Happy was floating above him, and Erza holding a towel for him to use. Gray was standing in the door way with an ever present frown drawn on his face. All of them looked at him in concern, worry evident on their faces.

"Thanks" He whispered, gaze turning to the water. He could see a reflection of himself, his red rimmed eyes and bruised face. He was deathly pale and his cheek bones stuck out, skin stretching and clinging to the bone. His hair shabbily went down to his shoulders and he had but the slightest bit of stubble. He looked awful, but his gaze was drawn to a specific detail. The tiny scar beneath his adam's apple between the wings of his collarbone. His hand traveled up to his neck and touched it.

"I don't remember them touching my neck" he mumbled, staring intently at his reflection.

"Erza had to trach your throat, right Erza?" Lucy murmured, looking at Erza.

The red headed woman nodded, bending down to look at Natsu directly.

"You couldn't breathe, so I had to make an incision and stick a tube down your throat so you could get oxygen"

Natsu turned his head to look at her, nodding his head slightly.

"How about we get you out of the bath, change your bandages, get you some fresh clothes? Mira finished making your soup so hopefully by the time your ready the soup will have cooled off"

Natsu shook his head, eyes widening. They would see his injuries if he got out!

"No"

"No?!"

"I'm not getting out"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not getting out!"

"Oh my gosh, Natsu Dragneel! Out of the tub now!"

Natsu shrank back, wincing at the sound. Lucy covered her mouth, surprise making her blink at her own words. Where the hell did that come from? Guilt swept over her system and she stood up, backing away from the tub as she watched Natsu begin to sob again.

'He had been tortured Lucy! Be more sensitive, he's in a very fragile state of mind...'

"I'm so sorry Natsu, that came out of nowhere" Lucy apologized, leaving the room. What the hell is wrong with her? Erza watched as Lucy swiftly made an exit pushing past Gray out of the bathroom. The red head placed the towel down next to the bathtub, gesturing for Happy to follow her. Unsure, Happy glanced at Natsu then back at Erza, before following the woman out.

"When you're ready the towels right there Natsu" Erza said softly, closing the door behind her.

Drip, Drip, Drip.