Zervis: AMITY (Book 3)

Chapter 4: Reunited As Three

Natsu's POV

I was pacing back and forth in the living room. My mind was stuck on only one scenario. And that is, how do I react when Zeref comes home? Should I hug him? Or just a pat on the back? Will I cry? Or just stay emotionless? So many options to feel for. All I know is that I have a mixed feeling for his return. I'm happy he's coming back and at the same time, feel like I don't know him anymore. Like, my perception about him changed.

Everything was set for his return. Six months...he called and told me that he'd be back in six months. If I count all the times he spent in jail, it's only been 2 years. Zeref and I have been apart for 2 years. The feeling of wanting to see Zeref again made me excited and at the same time scared me. How will I react around him now? What the revelation that he told me was deep. Am I ready for his arrival?

The sound of a taxi car parking out front of my house got my attention. Looking outside the window, I could clearly see black hair emerging from the door first. I took one last look at my surroundings, the living room was decorated perfectly with balloons, streamers, and a banner. It's now or never.

"No matter how much I hate you...you're still my brother..." I whispered before readying the party poppers.

aaaaa

Normal POV

Today was the big day. As soon as Zeref stepped out of the taxi and unto his home's pavement, his such started twisting knots. Excitement fueled him today. But very often, it does down a bit realizing that his expectations of still being wanted will never turn to reality. But there's no going back now. He promised that he'd come home. The phone call with Natsu made him recall what to do. 6 months...Zeref requested Natsu to wait another 6 months for him. After his horrific nightmare, he wasn't gonna jump on the chance to go home after that wake up call, he needed time. Just hearing Natsu's 'Okay' motivated him. Everyday, Zeref practiced on what he was gonna say to Natsu...to Lucy... And finally, Mavis. He needed to clear everything. The LOOPHOLE that he found from analyzing properly the old God/Goddess forbidden rule was his only chance to set things right. Now it was time to put all of his efforts to the test.

"I can do this.." He said to himself. Zeref put a hand over his chest and felt his racing heartbeat. Never thought the day would come when he would feel so vulnerable. He always referred to himself as 'cold' and 'heartless'. This beating earth topples everything he was.

As Zeref neared the door, he took a good look around the garden. He felt guilty as a memory of him telling Mavis that his 'Mother' was the one who planted and arranged the garden. A punch to the heart was felt when he realized that he also told Natsu that lie. Zeref was now standing In Front of the door. He gripped the handle and exhaled deeply. It was time to face his brother.

As soon as he entered the house with his head hung low, the sound of party poppers startled him. "Uhh..." His eyes scanned the living room. There were streamers, balloons, confetti on the floor, and a huge banner that screamed 'Welcome Home Zeref'. He was mesmerized by he sight.

"Zeref..." His eyes travelled to the source of the poppers. Natsu stood there holding the poppers. His expression was unreadable considering his mouth was in a straight line. The two brothers stood there for minutes just staring at each other wondering who would make the first move.

"Natsu..." Obviously, Zeref did and he felt rejected. At every step Zeref takes toward him, Natsu showed no emotion. Now that they were inches apart, Zeref looked his brother in the eye.