I am so sorry for not updating sooner guys! I get...lost...sometimes. I forget about books, I'm not even joking. I'm sorry I left you all hanging there! But I'm back to work. I've got new determination and a better attitude.

I hope you all enjoy chapter 13!

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"Lucy," his voice was soft as it said my name, "I'm Zeref, Natsu's older brother." He held his hand out to me and I shook it. Natsu wrapped an arm around my waist and the contact sent tingles radiating throughout my body. I had a flashback to the first time...it...happened. My face reddened slightly but I took a moment to compose myself.

"So why did you swing by this place Natsu? You never come here." Igneel asks and Natsu gives a small smile.

"It's been too long old man, besides I figured you would want to meet Lucy." At my name he holds me tighter and I inwardly smile.

"My only question is, why is Zeref back?" Natsu looks at his brother suspiciously and I can't help but get curious about their past. Yet another unknown fragment of Natsu's life I would have to find and piece in with the final image.

"I wanted to come see my little brother," his smile was sinister, "and it seems he's made an attachment." His words sent chills running down my spine.

"Why did you really come here?" Natsu raised an eyebrow at the dark haired man who was smiling smugly like he was enjoying every second of what was happening, though he probably was getting a kick out of all this. Zeref sighed and waved his hand dismissively.

"Can't I just come to see family?" His eyes flashed with confidence. Natsu smirked and chuckled softly.

"Not without an ulterior motive, I know you Zeref. You don't do anything without purpose, especially visit us." I glance at Natsu's dad as he said this who's looks where passive. This must be normal for these two.

Zeref grins widely, "You caught me, I'm here on business." He steps back a little and shoves his hands in his pockets. Igneel puts a hand on Natsu's shoulder opposite of me and I feel his body relax a little. I glanced between Zeref and Natsu and it didn't go unnoticed by the older brother.

"Let's sit down and have a nice meal together, this is a opportunity I won't have in a long while." The way Igneel said it tugged at my heartstrings a little. He seemed like a caring man and his sons seemed only to have tension between them. Igneel prepared food and we all talked but it was mainly Natsu, Zeref and their father talking on the past. Then Zeref looks to me before turning an amused look on Natsu.

"Natsu I'm still surprised you became affectionate for a woman, after all you're talk of being a lone wolf for your whole life." Natsu cringed slightly before quickly recovering himself.

"Well, I guess I couldn't really stay alone forever. Besides who wouldn't fall for her?" His comment sends a blush across my cheeks and I shyly tuck a piece of hair behind my ear, suddenly at a loss for words.

"She's beautiful, and I'm willing to bet she's not one to shy away from a fight?" Zeref says it evenly but I stiffen in place and avoid looking at him. Natsu doesn't seem phased as he responds.

"Of course not, I taught her to defend herself." The conversation turned heavy in an instant. How did he know? He wasn't another gang leader was he? Damn it, Natsu...I needed answers!

"Either way it seems Natsu made a good choice," Igneel broke in, "she's a lovely girl." I smile at him and I catch a humored twinkle in his eye as he collects the dishes and places them in the sink. "Why don't you boys head outside while Lucy and I clean up? We'll join you shortly." Igneel said it like a kind suggestion but it was more of an order. The two stood up and casually strolled out. I stand and move to help Igneel clean up.

"Those two didn't really grow up together, that's why they have such tension. Natsu hated Zeref for disappearing when he was younger. And Zeref...he struggles to patch up the mistakes he's made." Igneel begins to explain as I help him wash dishes.

"How old is Zeref?" I ask, he looked pretty young to me.

"Almost twenty nine." Igneel responds smoothly. I gape at him for a moment. "Zeref joined a gang at a measly fifteen. Even before that I couldn't get much of a grip on him..." Igneel lets out a sad sigh. I place a hand on his arm with a gentle reassurance.

"I'm sure you tried your best Igneel," I smile at him and his own smile came back. We finished the dishes before going outside to join the boys. Natsu grabs my hand and after telling me we where leaving we said quick goodbyes and got in his car. After we had gotten in the car I stopped short when I heard him growl angrily. I look up at him with concern.

"What's wrong?" Worry was laced in the two short words. He gripped the steering wheel as he began to drive away. His eyebrows furrowed and he was scowling, and I could see his jaw tensing. Silence was all I got the whole ride home, which only made me scared and my worry built upon itself.

He pulled into my driveway and got out quickly. I followed him inside and grabbed his arm. "Wait," I say with firmness. "What the hell happened?" I ask almost desperately.

"Zeref is the one who made the call, he's the ring leader," Natsu runs his hand through his hair. "The guy who essentially wants you dead and wants me punished for revealing our life to an outsider? It's him." He laughs bitterly.

"W-wait it's Zeref?!" I squeak in surprise.

"Yes, Lucy. And the only way to fix it..." He sighs. "Fuck, the only way to fix it is to initate you in and make you one of the gang..." My heart races.

"And I take it...you don't want that?" I ask softly.

"No! Of course not, it's dangerous! I trust you Lucy but it's them that I'm worried about..." He slams his fist into the wall making it shake. I stared at this distraught Natsu, about to step forward but his voice stops me. "The only other option is to let him interrogate you." He growls with a clenched fist.

"Then I'll do that," I step towards him.

"No, I won't trust that bastard with you..." He sighs.

"Natsu I'll be fine, he won't hurt me," I reassure him. "It will be okay."

He shakes his head slowly, "I'll find a better way. I don't trust him." He walked into the living room and collapsed on the couch. I watched him with a sad look in my eyes. I'd go to Zeref, alone if I had to. I wasn't going to make Natsu stress anymore, and if I could fix this with a simple interrogation then I was going to do just that.