Hurt so good •Nalu•

9

After a few more hours Larcade finally decided to take me home, well partly the way home. I had to walk about 3 miles, by the time I reach Fairy Hills  it's 7 am. 'Damn I'm beat..' I was able to text Levy and tell her I wasn't dead and I'd explain later on the way to Larcade's house. However it didn't cross my mind that anyone else would have been worried.

I entered the lobby and as I passed the cafe, Natsu calls out from the counter. "Luce! Where the hell were you? I thought something happened to you!" He frantically leaped to his feet and rushed over to me.

"Natsu.." As I'm struggling with what to say I'm reminded that Larcade advised that I keep it hush hush, or else.. So I tried to think up a lie that'd he'd believe.

"Calm down Natsu, your scaring the poor girl." Mira joins in from the left of me, trying to pacify Natsu. She pats his shoulder lightly. "Excuse him Lucy, he's been worried sick since last night.. when he found out you didn't come home.." She then leaned over and added, "Levy called us all, also, she's waiting for you in her room."

My chest tightens at the thought of Larcade, and Jude's plans. Not to mention the look On Natsu's face is killing me right now..

Natsu listened to what Mira had to say, he seemed to calm down as the tension in his shoulders released and loosened to a slump. 'I never thought my secret would weigh so heavily on me.'

I took a breath, "I'm sorry, I got called into work and got stuck there all night."

"I see.. That's what Levy said.. I guess you did get stuck on night shit like me, huh?" He said as his warm eyes filled my gaze.

"Thank you for your concern I'm sorry for worrying you."

"No, I'm sorry, I should've never yelled at you like that." Natsu hangs his head and I'm plagued by guilt even more. 'If only I could tell you!'

I make my way to Levy's room after Natsu heads for the gym. I reach her door and knock with a heavy heart, feeling awful for not telling him the truth..

Levy quickly opens the door and drags me in by the arm. "Lu-Chan! Explain yourself! I was so worried!"

After Levy had calmed down a bit I began to explain what happened after the show. Larcade, and Jude, my father, plus all of the loose ends to explain that.

Levy soon lent me her bed to get some rest, which I graciously accepted. I was far to tired to make it back  to my own apartment at this point.

~•~

I ended up waking up in the late evening, Levy had left a note. Apparently she'd gotten called into work and for me to sleep as long as I need, just lock the door when I leave. I thought about laying back down until my stomach growled, 'Hmm, nope I better get something to eat.'

Locking Levy's door behind me, I decide that now would be a nice time to check out the book cafe Levy told me about. Maybe a new book to add to my collection will help recenter me, so I make my way to Main Street. Luckily it isn't to far from Fairy Hills, I walk down the street with a variety of shops and dinners. I finally make it to the book cafe.

I enjoy myself walking through the rows and rows of shelved books. I finally come across one of my mother's favorite authors, whom has just released a new book. Lesath Scorpius: Sold to the dragon Prince, 'Hmm, well this looks interesting.' I pay for my book and find a place near the large window, facing a beautiful lake.

After patiently waiting, while reading, my order is brought out to me. "Here you are ma'am" the waitress sets down my coffee and sandwich, with that we smile and she bows them turns to leave. It's then I notice the two familiar men, who seem to be having a heated discussion..

'Natsu.. and Zeref?' I close my eyes from behind my book, in hopes to enhance my hearing a bit..

"Natsu! You must leave this girl alone...."

"Fuck off! I ain't listening to you.."

"It's out of my hands! It's a deal that was made by her father."

"Argh!"

This was all I could hear at the highest of their whisper yelling. 'Hm, I wonder if my secret has gotten out..' I quickly finished my food and tucked my newly bought book in my bag, still sipping on my coffee. I was able to leave unnoticed.