Changing a Heart

A Change In Heart

"Lucy" My body shivered with his words. His voice still had that same stern tone as always. That was something I never missed. 

"Father, its been a while" 

"It has hasn't it" He gave me a small smile. I could feel the awkward tension in the air and it was that that reminded me Natsu was right next to me. 

"I'm here because I want you to meet someone" I gestured to Natsu. All the tension didn't seem to bother the pinkette, instead he flashed his signature toothy grin.

"Names Natsu, it's nice to meet you Mr Heartfillia" He walked over to my dad giving his hand a shake.

"You have a good handshake young sir, firm and strong" Did he just compliment him. Here I was thinking my father hadn't changed. Maybe he had. Maybe finally he had accepted that I am not going along with his arranged marriages and business'. Had he finally realised I am my own person. I couldn't say for sure, I couldn't get my hopes up without knowing the truth.

"I'm guessing your Lucy's boyfriend" 

"Yes sir" 

"Call me Jude" 

"Would you look at that Luce, me and your dad are already getting along" Natsu joked making my father laugh. A laugh I don't think I had heard since my mother had passed away. 

"I like this one Lucy, he's a keeper" The two mirrored each other's excited faces. This was not what I was expecting at all. 

"You've changed father?" I got straight to the point, questioning him, was he an imposter.

He let out a sigh. 

"I think I should let you two chat, I'll be in the hall Luce" Natsu began heading to the door but he stopped and gave me a kiss on the cheek making sure I was ok. I gave him a reassuring smile letting him know this was something I had to do alone.

As soon as the doors closed again I marched to my father knowing we were finally alone. 

"Lucy-" He began but was quickly cut off when I wrapped my arms around his torso. I don't know exactly what came over me but I just wanted to hug him. I missed him, I missed the man he was before my mother passed and I had hope that he was finally back.  Well at least I wanted him to finally be back. When my mother passed my father changed, her death changed him. He had given up on happiness even though he had Laxus and me. He put his whole self into his business and how to make more money. Maybe he believed the money could give him his happiness back but he should've known nothing could bring mother back. He neglected Laxus and I, arranging me to marry some man named Thomas. That was the final straw. It was then that Laxus and I moved in with our Aunt. In the few months away my father never contacted us or my Aunty. It was like he didn't notice we were gone. So why is he so different now.

"Lucy, I'm sorry" I pulled away from him looking him in his eyes. They were soft and sorrowful.

"I should never of treated you so cruelly, or Laxus" His voice cracked. 

"Your right about that" 

"It will forever be my biggest regret, I just... I was just so broken without Layla" 

"That doesn't excuse how I treated you, but I promise you I will work the rest of my life to make it up to the both of you" He was being genuine. I could tell and I fully believed his apology. I knew he was sorry, I could see the regret all over his face. Who would've thought he could change, not me that's for sure.

"What changed you?"

"I visited your mothers grave, and your Aunty was there" He began.

"We talked a lot and she told me how you and Laxus were, she told me you guys were happy without me" 

"It was then that I realised how lonely I was and how the only good thing in my life I through away, I turned my back on my own children"

"If Layla was alive, she would hate me" 

"Father I would be evil if I didn't give you a second chance" I cut him off. 

"I forgive you but I'm staying with Aunty, a least till I graduate" 

"I understand Lucy, whatever makes you happy" I felt pleased with those words. I felt like a wrong had been righted in my life. 

___________

Leaving my home I was relieved. All the anxiety about seeing my father again was gone, he pleasantly surprised me. It would take a while if ever for us to be all lovey again but I was glad that he would work towards that. I was glad that Laxus and I were a priority in his life again. I was happy to have my father back. 

"That wasn't so bad now was it babe" Natsu squeezed my hand.

"It wasn't, thank you for making me do this" I turned to him wrapping my arms around his shoulders.

"Lucy, anything for you, besides I think your dad likes me" I felt his hands on my waist.

"Whatever" 

I closed the distance between us, giving him a slow but passionate kiss. I would call it a thankful kiss. I was thankful to have him in my life to encourage me to do the things I fear most. 

Separating again we both headed towards the car ready for a long drive home. 

"Yikes, I play tag and you it for life" 

A long drive of Natsu rapping Nicki songs.