Gone (A Sequel to Jealousy)

Coping

Natsu sat quietly in his hospital bed. He held his hand out in front of his face, but nothing. He let out a small grunt, as he felt tears sliding down his cheeks.

"Mr. Dragneel?" A female voice came from a couple feet away, caused the dragon slayer to jump. "I'm sorry. You have a visitor. The old man that was here when you woke up."

"Oh. Okay." Natsu said. Natsu was silently praying that this wasn't real. It was just a dream, and he'd open his eyes to the sight of Gray.

But that didn't happen.

Natsu jumped again when he heard Makarov's voice. "I'm glad you're awake, brat. You gave the guild a scare. Cana barely drank." He laughed slightly.

Natsu smiled slightly, and shifted on the bed, turning his body the best he could towards the loving voice.

"All these years and I can still get you too smile." Makarov chuckled.

Natsu smiled, but still said nothing.

"Have you been crying?" The guild master asked.

Natsu flinched as he felt something press against his face. Natsu figured it must have been the old man's hand, as it wiped away the drop of a salty tear from his face. "I can't help it." Natsu whispered.

Natsu felt something wrap around him. Arms probably. A hug. "Gramps..." Natsu sniffed.

"Don't cry, brat. You'll get me going." The old man's voice ringed with despair and defeat.

"How did everyone react?" Natsu blurted out.

"They were shocked, Natsu. As was I. This is going to be difficult to deal with, but as a family, we will get through it."

Natsu nodded, he knew that he could learn to live with his disability. He knew that it would take time, but he could do it. He knew that everything was going to be fine. But... He also knew nothing would be the same. He wouldn't be able to go on any missions anymore. He'd slow down everyone. He wouldn't be able to walk around town looking at Christmas lights. He wouldn't be able to go fishing as easily. He wouldn't be able to fight anymore.

"New topic." Makarov whispered, watching Natsu's face twist in sorrow. "How's your chest feel? New heart feel okay?"

"Hm? Yeah, it feels fine."

"You sure? If you're in too much pain we could get you some pain medicine."

"I've been in pain before. I'll be fine." Natsu sighed.

Great. Natsu hated the feeling of needing to rely on others, even if it was the doctor trying to help.

"How long until I can go home?" Natsu asked.

"Dr. Jensen wants you to stay in the hospital for a couple more weeks, to see if your heart improves more. Then we can go home, and you'll get the biggest party yet." Makarov said, cheerfully.

Three weeks had past and Natsu got released from the hospital, with a prescription for pain. Natsu had worked as hard as he could in physical therapy, and with trying to walk around, but the nurse always had to help make sure he didn't bump into a wall.

"Now remember Mr. Dragneel, if you feel like you can't breathe, or your chest begins to tighten up on you, go to the hospital immediately." His nurse instructed.

"Yeah, yeah I got it." Natsu mumbled. Suddenly Natsu felt something pushed into his left hand. He moved his hands around it. It was long, and felt like metal. "What is this?" Natsu asked.

"Your walking stick. With that, it'll help you be more aware of your surroundings. You are left-handed right?"

"Yeah, I am." Natsu said, gripping the metal rod in his hand, Natsu stood up, and moved it around in front of him, like he had once seen a blind man do before.

"Good job, Natsu!" Makarov cheered. "You made it all the way to the door by yourself."

Natsu smiled slightly. He had to learn how to walk all over again, but at least he seemed to make it around. Well, in a building at least.

However, his smile turned into a frown when he felt something pushed over his eyes. Glasses?

"These block out the light easier, so you don't hurt your eyes even more." The nurse said.

"Ohh. Thanks." Natsu's feelings dropped. He used to never have a problem with the sun.

"Okay guys! Master called and said that he'll be here with Natsu in just a couple minutes!" Mira shouted over the chatter of the guild.

When the guild got the news that Natsu was coming home from the hospital, Mira, Lisanna and Kiana got to work, cooking all of his favorite foods. Erza make cake.

The guild was thriving with energy. The pinkette was desperately missed through the Guild, and even though most would never admit it, they really wanted to see the damage for themselves.

"Finally, it got weird, not hearing that idiot's voice for weeks." Gajeel chuckled, leaning back in his chair, his feet on the table in front of him.

"Be nice, Gajeel." Levy said, looking at him. "Remember, this is going to be the hardest on him."

"Yeah, yeah. I got it Shrimp." Gajeel grumbled.

The guild doors opened, and in walked Natsu and Master Makarov.