Natsu’s POV

“Woah! You’re awake!”

Who’s that? I thought as I groggily rubbed my eyes towards the person who spoke.

“What in the—!? What are you doing here in my room?” I shrieked. “And why the heck are you stark naked?!”

“As I said, we’re gonna play PS3. Your father told me to wake you up so that after eating, we can play.” He grinned.

“Whatever.” I grumbled, rolling my eyes.

“Gray, Natsu. We’re gonna eat already... good morning to the both of you. And Gray, your clothes...” Wendy reminded, voice trembling.

“Oh, we’re coming and good morning to you, too.” Gray replied, smiling in a disgusting way.

“Stop having an angelic face, you’re like a gay.”

“When will you two learn?” I heard Wendy say hopelessly.

“We’ll continue this fight later, at the game.”

“Oh, I’m so scared.” I taunted. “Make sure that you’ll win, ice princess.”

He walked away, pulling Wendy behind him.

I went downstairs and went straight to the dining room.

“Late, as always.” Dad shook his head.

“What, is it a school day?” I groaned.

He ignored me and chatted with Gray about the upcoming party at Fairy Tail. That topic again, huh?

“Please accompany my son to your school since you’re an old student, Gray.” Gray and I faked a cough. Dad exchanged looks with Wendy, then suddenly stood up.

“I see, so you two aren’t getting along, huh?” I thought he’d never come up with that conclusion. “But I still want Gray to accompany Natsu to the venue, since he’s a new student. Understand?” Father stated with a straight face. What?! But... oh never mind. I cannot disobey Dad. He can be pretty strict at times.

“Alright, Uncle Igneel.” Gray surrendered in an almost surly manner.

“Good.”

I started eating breakfast, which was bacon and egg.

“So, Gray, do you have a girlfriend?” Father interviewed. I controlled my urge to laugh hysterically.

Gray noticed that, but then ignored me and answered, “There’s still no one, Uncle.”

“There’s still no one who loves you!” I guffawed, my tummy aching. Gray and Igneel shot me pointed looks. I cleared my throat to apologize for my laughing, but Gray interrupted me.

“I’m ashamed you’re laughing. Even you don’t have a girlfriend. Pft.” Like what I did earlier, he controlled his laughter.

“I do not have one, but at least many loves me.” I boasted and smiled triumphantly at him.

“So full of himself. Tsk.”

“Wendy, please go upstairs... we boys have got something to talk about.” Father kindly ordered Wendy.

“Why, Uncle? Can I at least hear about it? I promise I won’t be noisy.”

“This is for boys only. You musn’t hear it.” Dad smiled.

“Okay.” Wendy stood up and ran towards her bedroom.

I wonder....

“Dad, what’s the name of my mother?”

“Ira.” He answered shortly. “Son, your mother is dead.” He continued carefully. My eyes widened. But he told me that mother is still alive.

“I’m sorry, son. I just... wanted to tell you the truth when you’re ready. At least I think now, you’re not going to blubber like a cry baby.”

“It’s okay, Igneel. I understand. I know you just didn’t want to add up my stress from the accident. Thank you, dad.” I beamed at him genuinely. He stood up in his chair and walked towards me.

As I was wrapped around his arms, I felt completely warm. I felt the sorrow I once felt when I was hospitalized. I tried very hard not to cry.

“It’s okay, son. You’ll feel better soon, trust me.” He stroked my hair gently.

“How sweet.” Gray teased. I just rolled my eyes at him.

“Oh, by the way, Wendy’s birthday is coming up, right?” Father queried after he pulled away. “I have gifts for the two of you.” He whispered. Even if I couldn’t see him because he’s whispering in my ear, I know he’s grinning widely.

“Enough with the drama Uncle Igneel, Natsu. Let’s play the PS3 already!” Gray exclaimed. We laughed.

~~***~~

“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you!” We sang. Yep, it’s her birthday. Of course because of the fact about dad giving us gifts, I became excited.

“Let’s celebrate this weekend happily and carelessly because tomorrow’s already the first day, and this is Wendy’s birthday!” Igneel raised his juice in the air.

“Sorry, am I late?” Gray’s voice echoed in the room.

“Nope. Have a seat!” Wendy motioned for him to sit down. And because I’m in a good mood...

“Hey! It’s you again! Good luck for our first day tomorrow?” I grinned at him. Everyone fell silent. The three of them just stared at me.

Gray touched my forehead asking, “Uhm, Uncle Igneel, did he bump his head around here?” My eyebrows furrowed.

“Of course not,” I snapped, scowling at him.

“Now that’s more like it.” Gray spoke jokingly. We chortled as he punched me lightly on my shoulder.

“Oh, dear, I’m sorry for not being early!” I heard Aunt Grandine’s voice from afar. When she came nearer, she hugged me and Wendy. “Gray, you’re here! Are you gonna spend the night here or nah?” Aunt Grandine asked.

“No, ma’am, I just wanted to greet and celebrate Wendy’s birthday for tonight.” Gray shyly muttered.

“No need for formalities, dear. You can call me Aunt Grandine if you want, since you’re Natsu’s best friend.” I frowned at the word ‘best friend’. And since when did that happen?

“Okay, Aunt Grandine.” Gray smiled.

“Sorry for being late!” A girl shouted as she entered through the front door. “I missed this house so much.” That was the same girl from the mall the other day! How did she end up here, I wonder? She strangely looked familiar, and now she’s in this house. Could it be that we really knew each other back then?

“Lucy! Bless the heavens, you’re here.” Igneel greeted vigorously and stood up to hug her. “How have you been? You never came to visit us especially on my birthday.”

“I’ve been really busy, Uncle Igneel. Sorry.” She took notice of Wendy who wore a party hat. “Wendy! Glad to see you again. You grew up. Happy birthday!” The two girls went to smile and conversed with each other for a short while.

“Yo, Lucy.” Even Gray knew him? “Long time no see. Being busy doesn’t include the fact that you’ve forgotten me, right?”

“Oh, I haven’t, Stripper. How could I forget your confession to Juvia?” Igneel and I gave him a knowing look and a smirk. “And, I see. Your clothes are off to Neverland.” Gray ran around the house to find his clothes.

The Lucy girl caught my eye on her for a second. When she realized that it was me, she did a double-take.

“Hey,” She nodded once like we were some kind of friends. “Natsu, right?” It was like she was giving me a glare—I don’t know, I couldn’t tell. I could feel some kind of tension in here and I don’t have any idea with the reason.

“I heard your name. Lucy, was it? And yeah, Natsu Dragneel.” The awkward room didn’t have any noise. Weird, but they were all eyeing Lucy and I like we were having some kind of soap opera. I hated these kinds of situations so I cleared my throat. “What’s the matter?”

Nobody answered my question. Lucy did break the silence with me though. “I just came here to drop off Wendy’s present. I have some business after this so I can’t celebrate with you guys. Happy birthday again, Wendy. Enjoy.” She handed Wendy her gift and went out of the house. The party continued like nothing happened.

We celebrated Wendy’s birthday, for, like, forever. We drank drinks, of course not alcoholic ones, because Father will not allow us. We ate our favorite foods. We played with Wendy. I must say, the game was annoying and fun at the same time.

The most important part of the celebration was the cake. When Wendy wished and blew the cake, I dipped my hand on the icing and put it on Gray’s face. I laughed so hard but then he had his revenge and everyone joined in the game. And when we became tired, we washed our faces.

“Natsu, Wendy, the gifts.” Dad called us. Oh, yeah! The gift! I hurriedly went downstairs and almost tripped by the end of the stairs.

Wendy was already there holding...

“A white cat?” I asked, puzzled and surprised. She giggled when she saw me.

“Isn’t it cute?” She cooed the cat. I just nodded. “I named it Carla.” Wendy shrugged.

“Hello, Natsu.” Carla spoke. Amazing, it speaks. I smiled at Carla.

“Here’s yours, Natsu.” Igneel handed me a blue cat. I don’t know why, but I felt happy when I held the cat. “Fish!” It exclaimed.

“What do you want to call it?” Gray inquired.

I thought for a moment. This cat makes me happy and all so...

“Happy. This cute little ones—”

“I’m six years old like Carla.” Happy interrupted. My mouth formed an ‘o’ shape.

“As I was saying, I’ll name him Happy because he makes me feel that way. And he’s now one of my best friends.” I continued.

“Aye, sir!” Happy exclaimed and flew away from my arms. Wait, he can fly!?

“Dad, he’s not just a cat. I mean, where can you see a flying and talking cat? What is he? Also Carla?” I felt dumbstruck. Gray was also amazed, for his mouth went open when Happy flew.

“Carla and him are exceeds, Natsu.” Wendy answered.

“How’d you know?” Gray chimed in.

”Of course, I study that’s why.”

“Now stop asking questions, you three need to rest already. Tomorrow’s the first day of school.” Dad reminded us.

“Don’t worry, dad.” I yawned. “I’m tired already, so, night. Night, stripper and Wendy.” I bid them ‘good night’ as I walked back to my bedroom.

Tomorrow... first day of school... interesting... I thought as I fell asleep.

~CHAPTER 2 – END~

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I’m sorry for the long wait! :(

Eek! The first day of school is tomorrow. I’m sorry because I know you already wanna see Lucy’s point of view. Don’t worry, on the next chapter it’s her turn ;)