Chapter 5: The Weight of First Impressions
Natsu lay still under her blankets, determined to make this moment last as she tried to stay fast asleep. Her breathing was slow and even, and she kept her body perfectly still, both from hoping that her father would think she was resting peacefully and leave her alone and from the fact that she was too tired to move. The sky outside her window was still dark, and the first sliver of daylight hadn't even touched the horizon yet. There was no way she was ready to get up. And if you asked her, there was no reason for anyone to be up this early.
Too bad her Dad had other plans.
Maybe if she stayed motionless long enough, he'd let her sleep just a little longer. The familiar sound of footsteps approaching her door made her hold her breath. Her father was far too punctual for her liking, especially on a morning like this. He would never fall for her pretending to sleep, but she wouldn't give in.
The door creaked open slowly, and Natsu could feel the weight of his presence in the room. He stood just inside, probably waiting for her to stir. She remained still, hoping he'd walk away.
"Natsu," her father's voice was calm, but firm, filling the small room. She could practically hear the morning hiding in his tone, but she wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of responding. Maybe, just maybe, he'd think she was too tired to get up and leave her alone.
"Natsu, I know you're awake," Fuegoleon continued, his voice closer now. She could feel him standing by her bed, his shadow over her, though her back was still turned toward him.
She stifled the urge to respond but kept up the act. He sighed.
"You can't stay in bed forever," he said with mild exasperation. "It's time to get up."
Still, she didn't move. With a heavy sigh, Fuegoleon turned the lights on watching as Natsu curled up under her blanket, staying quiet save for a few groans and mumbles.
The silence stretched between them for a moment and then came a long, quiet mumble from her father. "I know it's early," he said, his tone lighter now, almost teasing. "But we both have responsibilities to attend to."
Natsu felt her lips twitch at his words, but she was determined to hold out just a little longer. He knew her too well, though. "I know you're awake," Fuegoleon added with a hint of laughter. "You might as well get up before I come back with a cold bucket of water."
Natsu grumbled under her breath, eyes still closed. "I'm sleeping," she muttered, her voice muffled by the pillow, even though she knew the jig was up.
Fuegoleon didn't budge, though she could feel the warmth of his smile. "It's going to be a long day if you don't get moving," he said, more gentle now.
Slowly, Natsu cracked one eye open, peeking from beneath her blanket. Fuegoleon stood next to her bed, one eyebrow raised in that patient but unyielding way that told her he wasn't going anywhere. "You didn't even give me a chance to enjoy the morning," she mumbled as she pushed herself into a sitting position, rubbing her eyes and stifling a yawn.
"I'm not a morning person either," Fuegoleon chuckled softly, sitting at the edge of her bed. "But the day waits for no one."
She groaned loudly, flopping back into her pillows. "The sun's not even awake," she complained, pulling the blanket back up over her head in protest.
Her father chuckled again, pulling the covers down from her face. "True. But if you wait too long, the sun will be high in the sky, and you'll still be here, grumbling. I know you're nervous, Natsu, but you're going to be okay."
The tension in her body began to ease just a little at his words, but she wasn't ready to admit defeat just yet. "Can't I just sleep for five more minutes?" she tried one last time, giving him her best pleading look.
