Hideaway

Chapter 13 - Home Sweet Home

Driving in the car with Zeref was intimidating. When Wendy was around I was at least comforted by her presence but she had vanished into the crowd of people as soon as I let her out of the car. Zeref had stayed quiet during the drive with his cold eyes set on mine.

"So what now?" I questioned trying to hide my nerves. He simply let out a giggle.

"I won't hurt you" He shook his head with a smile. Did he really think I could believe that.

"You were so innocent Lucy and look what my brothers done to you" He shook his head once again but this time he showed disappointment.

"In case you haven't realized Natsu ruins the lives of everyone around him" Zeref spoke beginning his story.

"Our parents, were cruel, they were horrible but they weren't always like that" He looked in my eyes and told me a tale that questioned my trust in Natsu. 

"I was the first child they adopted, it is true they adopted me so I could one day run their business, and they also wanted good press and a family will always get you that. However they were kind, they treated me like all children want to be treated. They wanted only the best for me so when I got lonely they adopted another child. This child, he was different. He told me our parents were evil, he told me how we were only adopted for the press and although he was right he actions weren't. In defiance he would terrorize my parents, he would ruin their offices, burn their work, run away. He wasn't rebellious he was straight out evil. My parents couldn't deal with him anymore, the stress was wearing them down. My mother stopped giving us both attention, she decided that if he pinned her out to be a monster then she would become one. My father followed along. We both grew up, I used to blame my parents for my childhood but I soon realized my blame was mistakingly placed. I ran away, started my own hacking business and left that family behind. The only person who was worth saving was Wendy, she was adopted a few years after Natsu and she was the only pure one in that household."

"Why are you telling me this Zeref" I shivered thinking of Natsu in such an evil light,

"Because as we speak Wendy is being taken from those streets" He began.

"No but .." 

"She is safer with me, she will get the childhood she deserves" He cut me off. 

"Why couldn't you of just taken her" I breathed trying to remain calm.

"Because Lucy I'm not just saving Wendy, I'm saving you" Those words rung in my head for the rest of the ride. Save me from what? Natsu? Regardless of what Zeref said I could never be afraid of Natsu. A part of me thought Zeref was lying but the sincerity in his voice swayed me to believe him. All I knew is I had to get to Natsu and find out what is true.

I peeped out the window hoping to find a safe place to jump out and escape but instead I was met with the sight of my house. The car came to an abrupt stop.

"Lucy this is your home, I can't stop you from going back to Natsu, but your much safer without him" Zeref spoke to me one last time before I was escorted out of the car. I watched the black limo drive away seeing Zeref's face through the open window. He stared back at me as if saying goodbye. 

That was the last time I saw Zeref Dragneel. Even though I only knew him for a few hours, he impacted my life and my next decisions drastically.