Keeping Secrets

I Hear Her Breathe

Well, here we are. I've been waiting to get to the boys interacting with their parents, and it only took 200k words and 39 chapters lol. Hope it will be worth the wait!

On the plus side, this chapter coming out on Mother's Day weekend seems very fitting. I will never have such excellent timing again XD

Hope you enjoy!

Chapter title taken from the song of the same name by Sent By Ravens

KEEPING SECRETS CHAPTER 39: I HEAR HER BREATHE

"Why were you hugging my brother?" Natsu asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Uh, well, you see..." Lucy stammered, scrambling for an explanation.

"We were sharing a moment." Zeref said plainly, causing Lucy's face to heat up.

"Don't say it like that!" Lucy exclaimed, flustered.

Zeref looked genuinely confused for a moment, then smirked. "Actually, she was just saying how much she preferred me over you."

"Ahhhh-" Lucy tried to protest, but words failed her.

"Pffft. As if. Nobody prefers your gloomy ass to me." Natsu shot back smugly.

"I believe Mavis would disagree." Zeref replied coolly.

Lucy wasn't sure whether to be exasperated or laugh at their banter.

Natsu rolled his eyes. "Anyways, what are you guys doing here?"

"I wanted to see Mom. Lucy joined me here a little while ago." Zeref explained.

Lucy nodded. "I was just... curious what your mom was like." She admitted sheepishly.

Natsu nodded, oblivious to her flustered reaction.

"If you were wanting some time alone with Mom, we can leave-" Zeref offered.

"No, it's fine." Natsu cut him off, stepping fully into the room. "I don't mind if you two are here. I'll be quick. I'm taking Lucy back to Magnolia after this." Zeref and Lucy moved aside, letting him approach the bedside.

Natsu stood in silence for a moment, gazing down at his mother, expression unreadable. Then, he knelt beside her and gently took her hand in his. Silent tears began to slide down his cheeks, that he didn't bother to wipe away.

"I'm sorry mom." He whispered. His words were barely audible but they carried an undeniable heaviness. "I'm so sorry. I forgot you, I forgot Dad, I forgot everything... and now, we've pulled you back into a world you won't even recognize."

He exhaled shakily. "You're gonna wake up and none of this gonna make sense. I don't even know where to start explaining it all. And for that... I'm sorry. But..." His voice steadied. "I'm not sorry we brought you back. I can't be."

A faint, wistful smile broke through his sorrow. "I can't wait to talk to you again." He gave a soft, tearful laugh and squeezed her hand. "I love you."

Lucy felt her own throat tighten as she watched him. From what she had seen herself, as well as what the others she'd talked to had said, it occurred to her how much growth Natsu must have had over the past year. But actually seeing him like this- vulnerable, open, and raw- was something different entirely. It made her heart ache- and swell. Zeref stood silently next to her, head bowed, but she noticed the faint trembling in his shoulders.

After another long moment, Natsu rose to his feet, eyes red and puffy. He wiped his face roughly with his bare arm before turning to Lucy.

"Alright, Luce. I can take you back to Magnolia now, if you're ready."