Never Give Up

A FATHER'S INTUITION

They were all seated in the living room while the maid served the food Jude had brought home. Even though Sting and Lucy were already full, they still sampled the treats because Jude would hear none of their excuses.

Jude, however, seemed far more interested in watching Sting than eating. His unwavering gaze alone was enough to make the latter break into a cold sweat.

Gray, meanwhile, would have rather been anywhere else. Still, he wisely kept his mouth shut. The last thing he wanted was to end up on Jude Heartfilia's bad side.

"So," Jude said, breaking the silence, "you're Skiad and Weiss's son."

"Y-yes, sir."

"And your name is Sting."

"Y-yes, sir."

Jude took a slow sip of his tea before setting the cup down.

"I think I remember you. Weren't you the one who used to bully Lucy when you were kids?"

"Dad! Seriously?" Lucy groaned. "Do you really have to bring that up? That was years ago."

Jude merely shrugged.

"Don't blame me. That's just how I remember him. You always came home from school complaining about him."

Lucy let out an exasperated growl.

"Look, we're older now. We're friends."

"Just friends?"

"Yes!"

Beside her, Sting discreetly tugged at the collar of his shirt, trying to let some air in.

Jude caught the nervous gesture and raised an eyebrow.

"So..." he said casually, "you're not planning on courting my daughter?"

"Well, I..."

"Stop it, Dad," Lucy cut in before Sting could answer. "He's just a friend."

Gray caught the brief flicker of disappointment that crossed Sting's face.

It disappeared almost as quickly as it came, unnoticed by everyone else.

Everyone except him.

He hated to admit it...

...but seeing Sting's reaction brought him a strange sense of relief.

"Good," Jude said with a nod. "Because I don't want you courting my daughter."

The room fell silent.

"I know who you are, Sting. You've earned quite a reputation in Fiore for the way you treated girls."

The color drained from Sting's face.

"Seriously, Dad!" Lucy exclaimed as she shot to her feet. "This is getting ridiculous."

She grabbed Sting by the wrist.

"Come on. I think it's time for you to leave before my dad says something even worse."

Sting stood and offered Jude a polite smile.

"It was nice meeting you again, sir."

Jude simply looked at him, one eyebrow still raised.

Lucy didn't wait for another comment. She grabbed Sting's hand and practically dragged him toward the front door.

The moment they were out of earshot, Jude spoke.

"Friend my ass."

Gray looked over at him.

"I'm telling you, Gray," Jude continued. "That guy's gonna court Lucy."