Hidden Powers
[NaLu Fanfiction]
By: JeRein_14

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Chapter 32: Mending a Broken Bond? Or not?

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Lucy's POV

"L-Lushie.." i heard Happy mumbled, feeling the intense stare he and Natsu gave me. Instead of greeting them like i originally intended to save me from looking bitter, but i just looked anywhere but them. Awkward..

"What's for breakfast, Yuuki?" I tried to make my voice sound steady and calm. To let them know i wasn't the least bit affected by them. But it turned out shaky. I just hope the tired look on my eyes would cover that slip up. Just to seem like it was due to tiredness and exhaustion from last night.

"Bacon and eggs. Just let me set the table-"

"I'll help." Not waiting for her response, i stalked my way towards the kitchen. I can feel eyes boring on the back of my head but i didn't look back. I knew everyone in the room was looking at me; Yuuki, Max, Happy and Natsu.. Kurt-nii and Zach-nii were still sound asleep being that my oldest cousin took the most damage while my brother was forced to carry our unconscious leader all the way back here. Once inside the kitchen, i immediately leaned on the counter, shaking my head as if to wake myself up. The thoughts of abandonment flooded my mind at the sight of the Fire Dragonslayer. Unconsciously, i gripped the edge of the counter harder till my palms were white. I keep telling myself that i can do it. That i need this, for closure.

Recollecting my thoughts, i left the kitchen with plates in hand. Still, i was avoiding my former partners eyes. Swear, my hand was shaking while i helped Yuuki in setting the table. I know i'm frowning, scowling even. But that's better than looking scared and nervous, right? I just hope i don't break down while eating breakfast. I need to keep this mask on.

"Oh, God! That smells heavenly." I was kind of startled when a heard my older brother's voice. Glancing at my right, i saw him descend from the stairs with Kurt-nii trailing behind.

"You guys alright to be out of bed?" Yuuki asked, raising an eyebrow at the two. They look awful. I won't even try to sugarcoat it. They were covered in bandages, almost like a mummy. Kurt-nii was wearing a green shirt and black jogging pants. Zach-nii was the same, except he had on a v-neck white shirt. They looked like they just survived a war.

"Yeah. Besides, no one can separate me from my food." Was Zach-nii's reply. I can't help but let a small smile escape. We almost died last night. Yet, here we are, still breathing. We survived but we were lucky. I can't help but feel that Death Corpse pitied us. That's why they allowed us to be free. I have a strange and scary thought. Maybe they're planning something big.

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Breakfast was awkward to say the least. Kurt-nii, Zach-nii and Yuuki were the only ones who actually tried to start and keep up a conversation. Said brother and cousin kept on going about new training styles and techniques. Yuuki would constantly side comment and suggest some things. Max, on the other hand, was silent. It bothered me. He's never this quiet! Too add more to his odd behavior, he was sending Natsu and Happy death glares. The two either doesn't notice or pretends not to. Well, Natsu does. Happy was cowering under my twin's intense stare. Poor exceed. Sympathetically, i bump Max's knee with mine. I did a few times now actually. He would blink, stare at me, continue eating then glare once more when he thought i wasn't looking. It was strange how he's acting all protective over me.

The table was cleared out. I was about to help Yuuki clean the dishes when someone grabbed my wrist. My heart instantly skipped a beat, like it knew exactly who it was. I did, actually. I knew that firm grip and warm touch. I forced close my eyes, all noise seemed to die down.

"Luce..?" I choked down a sob, taking deep breaths to regain my posture. I can't look weak. From the corner of my eyes, i can see that all attention was on us. Happy, Max, Yuuki, Kurt-nii and Zach-nii. All looked worried and concern. They were even sending me a mental message, asking if i need help.

"Can i talk to you? In private?" I envied how calm he was. Considering that he's the most impulsive, carefree and aggressive guy i knew, i'm surprised on how calm is. Atleast, that's how he sound like. I can't see his reaction nor expression since my back was turned on him. Max and the others are still looking at me for an answer. They seemed to got it when they noticed the sudden determination that glinted on my eyes. Whilst trying to find a way to escape the situation and Natsu's firm grip, a voice inside my head said something that ticked me off. 'You're going to run away again?' It made me realize that it was right. I was planning on running away, yet again. I can't keep doing that..

Sighing, i whisked around and faced him. He seemed shock, his eyes widening by my sudden movement. His grip on my wrist loosened a bit. While my inner self screamed that it was the perfect opportunity to run, i held myself back.

"Sure. Let's go to the back." It surprised me when i didn't stutter or choked. Though, it sounded flat. He seemed to notice the tone, his features softening a bit. I shook off his hand and went to the kitchen to use the door that would lead to the back garden, i heard his footsteps which means he was following me. It was small, a few bushes with flowers here and there. A not-so-tall tree on the far end of the land. Lastly, a small table with two chairs a few feet from the door. That was it. Still, it looked peaceful. I often sit down by the tree enjoy the nice shade it provide and read. It was my favorite hobby since i moved here.

"I can't believe Master let you search for me. He broke his promise." I mumbled, completely forgetting that i'm in the company of a dragon slayer who has sensitive hearing.

"He didn't, Lucy. I insisted to come find you. He kept his promise. He gave me a choice which he thought i won't take. Being me, i chose the crazy option. He knew he can't stop me then." He showed me his arm which supposed to held his insignia. Key word: Supposed. Instead of the familiar fiery red fairy with a tail, i saw nothing but bare skin. Sudden realization made me gasp. He quit the guild just to look for me. I hate to admit, it lessen my anger. Slightly, that is. I appreciate the effort. I'm not a cold hearted person, after all. But still. It's not enough.

"Y-You—"

"He promised that he won't let any Fairy Tail Mage go looking for you. Lucy, i quit the guild. Which mean i was allowed to search for you till my heart's content, without worrying about breaking a promise. And i'm telling you. I wouldn't have stopped until i found you."

Suddenly, guilt came crashing me. Just a minute ago, i was mad at Master for breaking his promise. He did all he had to prevent him from searching. He had gone as far as to give him a choice. Quit the guild or not search for her at all. It wasn't his fault that Natsu was too stubborn to give up. I was too fast in jumping to conclusions.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" Again, it was flat. I tried to show less emotion than i should. Though, that facade slightly slipped when he suddenly pulled me into a hug. A tight hug. Before i lose it, i tried to wiggle free from his warm embrace. He didn't budge. Instead, he held me even tighter.

"I'm s-sorry." His voice was shaky. He had his head buried on the crook of my neck, arms wrapped tightly around my waist. I didn't exert any effort to push him away nor return his hug. Truth is, i don't know how to react. I was.. I'm surprised. Even more when i felt him tremble slightly. He's crying!

"N-Natsu-" i started but he cut me off.

"Please.. I'm n-not asking for forgiveness. I've h-hurt you far too m-much to deserve it—let a-alone ask for it. I... I just w-want another to c-chance to prove m-myself." That did it. I used all my strength just to push him off of me. He seemed shocked, almost losing his balance. It hurt seeing his tear strained face, forcing me to look away.

"You're right. Y-You don't d-deserve it. It hurt like h-hell. What you g-guys did to me, i m-mean. I e-expected more from y-you." A flash of hurt clouded his eyes but i held my glare. He deserves it.

"L-Lucy-"

"Let m-me think about it. As for returning, i'll c-come back when i'm ready." He looked broken, probably because i pushed him away and declined his apology. He wanted to protest, yet he held himself back.

"Y-You will c-come back, r-right?" He asked hesitatingly, almost as if he's afraid to know the answer.

"I promised Master i will. If you knew me like you once claimed, you probably know that i don't break my promises. I'll come back. On when, that i'm not certain. You'll just have to wait. As for that second chance, you'll learn the answer when i return." He flinched hearing the bitterness in my voice, especially on the first and second sentences. Good. I didn't bother to hide it, anyway.

"I'll b-be waiting, then."

"About this encounter, don't mention it to anyone except Master." With that, i walked inside the house, not bothering to glance back and see his broken expression.

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Wwaahhhhhh! I did it! I updated! My 18th birthday was last Thursday but I held the party today. Tired as hell but it was worth it! The highlight of today? I FINALLY GOT A FULL SET OF PERCY JACKSON AND HARRY POTTER! A Faul in our stars as well!! I'm loving my life right now!

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☆JeRein_14