Thorn in his Side

Chapter 10 - Fire and Lightning

It was late at night when Natsu finished destroying the training grounds. Not even Gray came out to stop him. It was peaceful to have the whole area to himself. The stars were out and it made it miss his best friend even more.

Lucy was his best friend and that was it. The first moment he took her hand and ran away with her, he felt it. They were going to be the coolest team in the history of the world. They'd have each other's back in all parts of life. It pissed him off how people somehow thought you have to be together and so they tried to force something, that was never there.

If anyone bothered to talk to them like adults, they'd know that there was zero sexual chemistry between the two. Hell, Gray had better chemistry with Lucy for that, before they proved it with a 'secret' three-month tryst. What pissed him off wasn't that, it was that they tried to hide it. If it would have worked out for him, he'd be the first to line up for the wedding.

Laxus would have been a good choice, once he grew the fuck up. Natsu snorted at that, he wasn't the epitome of maturity either. Yet, he wasn't a wanton playboy and asshole; but he'd suppose Laxus did calm down. Natsu picked up on things by scent, Laxus gave off a different scent around Lucy than he did for anyone else. He kept this to himself and see if the lightning slayer could pry his head out of his ass and figure it out. When he did, Natsu was actually relieved but then Mard Geer happened.

Thinking of that demon, his fists stopped as he saw that picture his brother showed everyone. The asshole was right they did look good together. For two people sleeping he saw a smile on their face that people awake don't always have for each other. Mard was still a bastard and he couldn't trust that Lucy was safe.

Natsu sighed, realizing that was a good chunk of his problem. He didn't trust Lucy, not enough to let her be. No, he always needed to be by her side to protect her. Damnit, he probably had a part in this. Lucy must have felt like she needed to prove that she could handle something without him. Maybe if he let her train more and fall down more and win more instead of coddling her, she may have said no. Then again, giving someone, a second chance was a big part of who she was.

Yet, was she safe with him? So far it looked at way. If he attacked her, could she defend herself?

"She could, you know." Natsu turned around and looked at his brother.

"Why are you here?" He asked with a slight growl.

"I knew the fire in you would get the best of you. So, I figured, I would attempt to be a better big brother." Zeref took off his cloak and sat on the boulder Natsu was just punching.

Natsu blinked and shook his head. "Why did you do it? Will she be alright?"

"I can't tell you that little brother. It had to be done is all I can say. She is alright indeed. Take my hand, I'll show you." He held out his hand and Natsu debated on taking it. "You can go now and see for yourself or you can let the curiosity eat at you."

"Why are you being nice?"

"Because I can and because I have much to atone for. I lost four hundred years with my little brother, I'd like to get to know him."

"Are you dying or something?" He blurted out, not understanding what was going on.

"We are all dying, one day I will too. Death is always inevitable. Now, would you like to check on your friend?"

Natsu scrubbed his bleeding hand over his face and nodded. Zeref took his hand and the strangest feeling crawled over his skin. It was like he was here but wasn't here. Things were darker and there were no scents or sounds, outside of his own heart.

He found himself in a living room, and took in the surroundings. It was done in neutral tones with plush white furniture. It had a fireplace and a large screen lacrimavision against a wall. He noted the end credits of Lucy's favorite movie, The Princess Bride. It was the site on the couch that gave him pause.