Hideaway

Chapter 8 - Family Tree

"You have a brother?" I stared in disbelief at the boy, I knew about his sister but a brother. 

"Yeah Zeref" Natsu began. Everyone in the room was oblivious to this man, so we all gathered around ready to here the story.

"You all know I was adopted, so were my siblings, Zeref was 2 years older then me" He continued, everyone nodded along but I began to realize I didn't really know this man that I claimed to love.

"Zeref, like me was a trouble maker, except he was worse. Everyone in my family was trouble"

"Even your sister?" Levy piped in.

"Yeah, but we weren't really bad people, our parents just didn't adopt us for the right reasons" Natsu continued, his eyes were gazing into us all and I wanted to go crazy. I had never seen him so concentrated on something.

"Zeref spent all his time on his computer, learning new things, hacking new websites. He got caught by the police a few times but eventually he became untraceable. My parents were quick to kick him out once he was 18. Once I turn 18 they officially kick me out too."

"Your sister?" Levy asked again, Natsu had never really told me about his younger sister.

"Wendy, well they had different plans, Wendy wasn't turning out to be how they wanted, just like Zeref and I but waiting for her to turn 18 would take to long. So they signed an agreement that once Zeref turned 18 he would get ownership of Wendy. Zeref was ecstatic when he found out but I guess he forgot until today. Our parents haven't handed Wendy over yet, I honestly have no idea why"

"So thats what your brother wants, Wendy?" Erza questioned.

"Yeah" Natsu sighed. 

"Then lets give her up" Gajeel smirked.

"Don't be ridiculous" Juvia scowled. I looked over at Erza deep in thought, and it seemed everyone else was waiting for her plan too.

"I agree, we hand the girl over, but we will get her back" Erza began earning a few shocked looks but a smile from Gajeel.

"We need that evidence and I doubt Zeref will hurt Wendy" Erza finished and everyone seemed to agree. Finally we all averted our gaze to the pinkette, although Erza made majority of the plans, she always needed to verify them with Natsu.

"Your right, but after we have the evidence, our number one priority is getting ownership of Wendy back" Natsu finally spoke. We all looked at each other before putting our hands in and chanting.

"To freedom" It was nice to know that I had this family. No matter our DNA or differences we will all have each others backs. I have come to love everyone in the group in a different way.  

That night I couldn't sleep, maybe my adrenaline was kicking in or maybe my mind was too stuck in thought. During today's events I was so focused on the plans and the stories that I didn't realize something important. It hit me as I went to bed that I didn't know these people well, especially Natsu. I knew Levy and Gray, we had formed strong friendships over time but the others not so much. 

I went to the kitchen to get some water when I saw Erza watching tv alone. It was the perfect chance to bond with her, so I sat. 

Looking up at the tv I saw a bunch of cat videos playing, I turned my head in confusion only to find Erza's eyes forced open and glued to the screen. Her mouth was open in awe and her hand gripped the couch's soft fabric aggressively. 

"Erza?" I questioned a little nervous of her reaction. Her red hair swung along with her head as she faced me. 

"Oh sorry, I just find these cats so adorable" She placed her hands on her heart. It was weird, Erza acting so sweet and cute. 

"Its alright, I hope I'm not interrupting" I quickly apologized. 

"Shush Lucy, it's fine we can watch cat videos together" Erza smiled brightly before wrapping her arms around me and pulling her into her. 

I don't know how long we stayed up watching cat videos and laughing together but I do know we fell asleep and I felt a little more reassured about knowing the group.