The promise made but never kept

Chapter Forty One

We're now gathered at Rogue's mansion.

"Merry Christmas, everyone!" Mom and dad greeted to everyone and I came up to them then hugged them.

We greeted each other and I came up to Romeo, smiling.

"Merry Christmas, Little Romeo!" I greeted and he greeted back.

"How's Wendy?" I teased and he blushed.

"She's fine, I guess." He responded while fidgeting.

"You haven't confessed yet?" I gasped in fake horror.

"Sting would be very disappointed, you know?" I scolded, making his eyes widen in shock.

"You finally said his name!" he rejoiced and I chuckled.

"I was just surprise that you can say his name now! What happened?" he exulted.

"I gave him my Christmas gift." I smiled genuinely.

"Gift?" he asked.

"Yup. I gave him his freedom." I smiled brightly and he cried then everyone turned towards us.

"What happened?" Everyone asked.

"L-Lucy-nee f-finally s-set Sting-nii f-free!" he cried tears of joy, and everyone's gaze softened.

"It's my Christmas present for him!" I smiled genuinely and brilliantly.

Everyone turned to hug me and congratulated me.

Rogue walked in and gave me a hug.

"I'm happy to hear that. I'm sure my brother's happy, wherever he may be." He smiled.

"I'm sorry for calling you names, when he passed away. I'm sorry for saying such hateful words towards you. I didn't mean to. It was out of rage. I know that you were also suffering from his death, but I kept cursing you. I know that you were important to him, but I still knocked you out. I'm sorry for hitting and slapping you, I was just blinded by rage. Despite that, you just allowed me to hit you. It was a good thing that Laxus-nii and Romeo stopped me, before I could've completely beaten you to a pulp. You didn't even tell Aunt Layla and Uncle Jude, what I've done to you. I'm really sorry, it's just that I've entrusted him to you. I'm sorry for blaming you, that you couldn't save my brother. I'm sorry for hating you. I was and still am, ashamed for my own actions. I really hope, you can forgive me"' He sincerely apologized.

"No hard feelings, Rogue. And, besides I didn't even feel a thing that day. I was completely numb and I didn't know what was even going on. So, I could say the apology was unnecessary." I chuckled.

"He really loved your smiles, you know." He smiled while tears formed his eyes.

A long black haired girl walked over to us and flashed me a smile.

"Lucy, this is Minerva, my girlfriend. Minerva, this is Lucy... my sister." He introduced us as he wipes his tears away and he smiled gently.

"Hi Minerva! Thank you for changing Rogue's mind!" I smiled brilliantly and she blushed.

"Y-Yeah. Thanks. Nice to meet you, Lucy." She smiled, with a tint on pink on her cheeks.

I excused myself and greeted The Dreyars, then Romeo silently came up to me.

He pulled me to the garden and huffed.

"What's wrong Romeo?" I asked warily.

"There's something I need to tell you. Promise me, you won't get mad." Romeo pled and I nod as I listen in anticipation.