Keeping Secrets

Ready For More

Welcome back everybody! So, as some pointed out last chapter, things are fairly chill right now. This is intentional. As I said in my replies to last week's comments, the next few chapters are definitely the calm before the storm. So, til then, let's enjoy the bonding and silliness >:)

KEEPING SECRETS CHP 14- Ready For More

"Am I disturbing you, unc- I mean, Your Highness?"

Natsu noted Larcade's use of his official title- not his familial one of 'uncle'. "Umm... not really..."

When the etherious entered the room, Natsu noted, in addition to the bandages still on his face, especially the one over his nose, how he neither scowled, as he usually did in Natsu's presence, nor wore that tranquil expression as he did most other times. His face was expressionless, and his eyes seemed as empty as his voice.

Larcade stood at the end of Natsu's bed and said, "I wanted to apologize to you. My actions were unacceptable, and I have treated you unfairly ever since you came here to Alvarez. You spared my life when you had absolutely no reason to and for that I am grateful. I do not expect you to accept my apology, but I wanted you to know I am sorry and intend to honor my promise to you in our first meeting."

This was bizarre. Larcade's usual haughtiness was replaced by a somber meekness and eerie politeness. Natsu paused for a minute before he said, "Look, if Zeref made you come here or whatever, you don't have to do this. I told him I was over-"

"Fa- His Majesty didn't make me come. This is something... I wanted to do." Larcade said, serious, but also sounding a little unsure of himself. He slowly made his way to the chair next to Natsu's bed. As he sat down, he continued, "I've been jealous of you for as long as I can remember...His Majesty used to talk about how much he cared for you, and yet, you had no idea how much he had suffered for your sake. I was here, supporting him, but still it felt like day and night he sang your praises while barely acknowledging me... over time I learned to be content in the fact I was by his side, and you were not. That is until you showed up in Vistarion a week ago... it felt like everything I cared about was crumbling away before my eyes. I thought there was no way you were as kind and optimistic as His Majesty described... but there you were, beaming in the meeting with the other members of the Twelve, genuinely excited to be meeting them despite some of their insufferable personalities. And despite my hostility, and Ajeel and God Serena's challenges, you took it all in stride with a smile plastered on your face. Hell, even August, who has never liked me no matter what I do, seemed to make friends with you straight out of the gate. And then, you single-handedly countered all of my attacks I thought no human stood a chance against."

Larcade sighed. "I hate admitting as such, but I overreacted. Bloodman was right, I should have been content to serve His Majesty even if I wasn't his favorite. I would have still been able to be by his side. Now... the only reason I'm not six feet under is your intervention. When August brought me the news that you had spared me, I was infuriated... I felt so humiliated. But then he said something that cut straight through me; 'The fact the father you say you love so much wanted you dead and the uncle you say you hate more than anything wanted you to live shows how out of touch with reality you are.' That's what prompted me to come here once I heard you had woken up. It's all so ironic, isn't it?"

"Look, Larcade..."

"Wait just a moment, Your Highness. I know I have no right to ask... but please listen just a second longer. I just need to know one thing going forward... it's about your loyalty to your brother. When Fairy Tail reforms... What do you plan to do? Will you leave His Majesty and the rest of us behind? Or will you cast aside your found family for your blood?" Larcade stared at Natsu with intensity as he asked. His gaze wasn't malevolent just... very serious. Like he couldn't bear to live another second without knowing the answer.