Did everyone have a fun Easter? I did.. thanks to my Itty bitty cousins and all the eggs and bunnies they were given. They aren't allowed to eat many sweets you see, so the majority of them found their way into my lair of awesomeness.

Poor things didn't stand a chance..

Chapter 21: Of Sibling Dramatics

For as long as she could remember she has always been the center of his world.

His most precious person.

There were times when it felt suffocating - the way he constantly hovered - but deep down she relished in the fact that her big brother would drop everything he was doing and focus solely on her the second she appeared near him.

He made her feel special.

Loved.

But now things were changing, and even though she knew that this was bound to happen sooner or later - and that she was just being childish - she didn't know if she liked it.

Her brother had found someone other than her to fawn over.

She was being moved to second place.

He didn't seem to have time for her anymore and it was making her feel things she knew she shouldn't be feeling.

Being jealous of your brothers girlfriend? How stupid and pathetic was that?

"Mind sulking somewhere else kid?"

Wendy jumped in shock and looked up to find an elder student laying on a tree branch above her head.

She recognized him immediately of course. There was only one student she knew of that had a scar on his face and his left ear pierced.

"S..sorry.." She stammered, wiping at her face in embarrassment. "I.. I didn't realize someone was here.."

"Clearly."

Wendy hung her head and fiddled with her hands in her lap. Over the past few weeks she had barely seen Natsu and she couldn't stop the feeling of abandonment that welled up inside her.

She had purposely mentioned Lucy staying with them because she knew that Erza wouldn't allow them to go off on their own. She had even invited the rest of his friends so that they could keep Lucy busy so she'd be able to spend time with Natsu on her own.

"Seriously. If you're gonna start up again-"

"I'm sorry.." She whimpered. "I just.. I can't help it!"

Sighing in annoyance, Sting dropped to the ground and stared down at her with a stern look on his face.

He crouched down in front of her, his eyes narrowing slightly, and scrunched up his nose after sniffing the air.

"What's your relationship with Natsu Dragneel?"

Wendy looked up at him in shock.

"W-what?"

"Natsu. Are you related?"

"Yes." She answered quietly. She hung her head and wiped the tears from her face with her coat sleeve. "He's my brother.."

Sting tilted his head to study her more closely and when she looked up at him again, the image of a much smaller blunette with wide eyes and a cheerful grin popped into his head - and he smiled.

"Wendy."

"How do you.. know my name?"

"You don't remember me?" He asked with a fond grin and reached forward to tweak her nose. "I'm a little insulted."

Wendy blinked and slowly shook her head in confusion.

"I'm sorry.. but I don't.."

Sighing dramatically he stood up and brushed the leaves and bark from his clothes.

"Don't worry about it. It's been years and you were only a kid the last time I saw you.. Well, a smaller kid anyway."

Wendy jumped to her feet and narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"How do you know me?"

"What?" Sting teased with a grin. Highly amused by her defensive reaction. "Big brother didn't tell you that your - and I quote - dearest Sting-Kun was in town?"

Her jaw dropped as she stared up at him, the name he mentioned having sparked memories she had of running after her elder cousins when she was a child. She can remember all the games she used to force them to play, until one day it all stopped and she didn't know why.

Not until she was older anyway.

She felt the tears welling up as she stared wide eyed at his amused face and her lip trembled.

"St..Sting-Kun? It's really you?"

A genuine smile spread over his face, one that for the first time in years didn't feel forced - and reached out to ruffle her hair affectionately.

"Who else do you know with a name as awesome as mine?" He teased taking a step back and spreading his arms wide. "Well? Your highness? You gonna give me a hug or what?"

Her face split into a wide grin and without any further hesitation she leapt forward and clung onto him tightly.

"I missed you!" She squealed happily. "I can't believe I didn't recognize you!"

Sting laughed and spun her around before placing her back on her feet.

"Yeah well, we're all guilty of that so we're even."

"Where's Rogue?" She asked excitedly. "And have you seen Gajeel yet? He's here too!"

Sting's smile faltered but it was back up before she noticed the change in his attitude and he shook his head.

"Rogue's back at our place. And I haven't seen Gajeel yet. I didn't even know he was here.."

Wendy pouted at not being able to see Rogue but brightened once more and grabbed her bags.

"Come on! I'll take you to see him!"

"Ahh.. nah its okay.. I have some things to take care of.. but you go ahead."

"But-"

"Go on." He said and patted her head. "We'll catch up again soon okay?"

Wendy sighed in defeat and nodded. "Okay.." She gave him another quick hug and smiled. "I'm glad you're Okay, Sting-kun."

He returned the hug and pushed her gently towards the Academy building.

"I'll see you soon."

"Kay.. See you later!"

He waved as he watched her leave and once she was out of sight, he clenched his fists and spun around to deliver a hard punch to the tree.

It shook and for a moment Sting worried that it was going to fall. Fortunately for him it remained standing and he let out a small sigh of relief.

Damn it. Now he had to worry about the others too? This was just fantastic.

How the hell was he supposed to get a hold of the blonde now?

Something caught his eye and he looked down to find a book that must have fallen out of Wendy's bag. It was at that moment, when he thought of his sweet little cousin, that a memory flashed in his head of a snarling pink haired boy picking a fight with a few street kids that had been bullying his sister.

Another thought crossed his mind as he stared down at the book he now held in his hands, and he wondered..

Could he?

Could he really use the strength of their bond against them?

Grinding his teeth together he turned around and marched back to his room.

He needed to think.

"How could you not tell me?!"

Everyone present paused what they were doing and turned their attention to the doors that had been opened with so much force - they slammed into the walls and bounced back to slam shut behind the fuming blunette who was marching towards her brother.

Lucy - whose legs were outstretched over Natsu's lap while she read - slid them to the floor and glanced between Wendy's outraged face to Natsu's blank one.

"What d'you mean, Wens?"

Wendy came to a stop in front of him, her entire body practically shaking with rage as she glared down at him.

"Sting! How could you not tell me who he is?! Or that he was here!" She screeched. "You knew how much I missed him! You knew and you kept it from me!"

Natsu held up his hands and slowly stood from his seat.

"You need to calm down, Wens.. You could tri-"

"I don't care about that! What I care about is how you could keep something so important from me!"

Lucy turned to lock eyes with Erza who was sitting on the opposite side of the room - and after a brief pause, the red head nodded and stood from her seat.

"Everyone out!" She demanded. "Now!"

No one objected and within seconds the only ones remaining were the siblings, Lucy, Erza and Gray.

"I'm sorry for not telling you, Wendy.." Natsu said softly. "But I didn't tell you because It was better for you if you didn't..."

"What?! Why?!"

"Natsu was just trying to protect you, Wendy." Lucy answered. "Things are-"

"I wasn't talking to you!" Wendy snapped at the blonde much to their surprise. "So stay out of it you uptight cow! This doesn't concern you!"

Natsu narrowed his eyes on his sister and frowned.

"That was unfair and uncalled for, Wendy-"

"It's okay, Natsu." Lucy cut in. "She's just upset."

"No excuse." He growled. "Apologize to Lucy, now."

"No!" Wendy screamed, covering her ears and shaking her head as her chest heaved. "I won't!"

Lucy's eyes widened slightly when she noticed blood trickling slowly from her gums.

She stood up and stepped closer to Natsu.

His own anger seemed to be distracting him from noticing what was happening.

"Natsu." She whispered, placing a hand on his back. "You need to calm her down. Now."

"I-"

"Fangs Natsu. Can't you see them?"

"You used to tell me everything!" Wendy continued to scream. "And now thanks to her you barely talk to me anymore!"

The frown on Natsu's face disappeared and the look in his eyes softened.

The thought of her being upset because he wasn't fussing over her anymore didn't even occur to him.

He thought that she would welcome it even.

That she'd be glad to have some space.

But the more he stared at her distraught expression, the more he realized that how wrong he was.

"You've been so wrapped up in trying to please her that you completely forgot about me.." She wailed. "Did you know that someone punched me last week? Or that the same person came into my room while I was sleeping and cut off most of my hair?!"

"Wendy.. I'm sorry.. I-"

"No! I don't want to hear your fake apologies!"

"Wendy." Erza called out gently. "Take a deep breath... and try to calm down.."

"I can't.." She whimpered miserably. "I'm so angry.."

She fell to her knees, clutching at her head and let out a terrified scream as her muscles constricted and the unmistakable sound of tearing fabric met their ears.

"Shit!" Natsu hissed rushing to her side. "It's okay Wendy! I'm right here!"

"Knock her out!" Lucy screamed, as she tried to block out Wendy's deafening cries.

"I can't! This is the first time for her! If I interrupt the process she could die!"

"Gray!" Erza bellowed as she rushed to Wendy's side. "Inform the Headmaster and get him to contact their parents! Lucy! Outside and guard the door! Make sure no one comes in!"

"What do we do?" Erza asked frantically after the others did as they were instructed. "Natsu?"

Natsu shook his head and held onto Wendy's hand tightly. Tears leaked from his eyes and he grit his teeth.

"All we can do is wait for it to pass.. We can't interfere.."

Erza's eyes shifted to Wendy and she bit her lip.

"How long does this.. process usually last?"

Natsu didn't answer which only troubled Erza further.

"A long time then.." She said under her breath.

Natsu could only nod.

An argument could be heard over Wendy's cries and moments later the doors burst open revealing Sting and Gajeel. It slammed shut behind them and the two hurried over to where they were huddled.

"What the hell salamander?!" Gajeel snapped. "How could you let this happen?!"

"Her screams are echoing around the whole damn Academy." Sting added. "Everyone's freaking out and I'm surprised the windows haven't shattered yet."

"Sting-kun?" Wendy managed to call out between whimpers, causing Natsu to let go of her hand and watch with wide eyes as she rolled away from him to face the direction Sting's voice had come from.

"It hurts!"

Sting glanced at Natsu's crestfallen face and after his nod of approval, sat down cross legged beside her and smoothed back her hair.

"Hey kid. What got you so worked up huh?"

She whined as another jolt of pain shot through her body and curled herself around him.

Erza looked to Natsu with worried eyes. He looked beyond depressed, and a depressed Natsu wasn't good.

"We need to get her some place more private until your dad arrives. She's gonna start turning soon."

"Yeah.. Let's take her to my room."

Natsu moved to lift her but Wendy pushed his hands away.

"No!" She cried. "I don't want you!"

"She's just upset." Erza said gently as she placed a hand on Natsu's shoulder. "She doesn't mean it."

Natsu removed her hand and slowly stood up.

"Can you make sure she gets to my room please, Erza? And keep a close eye on her.. I need some air."

Erza opened her mouth to protest but Gajeel shook his head.

"Let him go. His presence will only keep her enraged and she needs to calm down. It will pass faster that way."

Nodding her head in understanding, she stood and motioned for the others to follow suit.

"Come on then. Let's get her out of here."

As they passed through the door, Gray rounded the corner and skidded to a stop in front of them.

"Her dad's on his way." He panted out. "And the Headmaster is calling an assembly to ensure everyone that she's alright."

"Thank you, Gray."

Erza then turned to Lucy and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"He needs you. Go find him."

Blatantly ignoring the other blondes stare, she inclined her head.

"Yeah. I got it."

Erza gave her a small smile and led the way for Sting and Gajeel to follow.

"That was pretty intense shit.."

Lucy rolled her eyes at the raven haired teen and let out a long sigh.

What happened was a little bit more then intense in her opinion. And seeing Sting again for the first time since the incident shook her nerves more than she was willing to admit.

But she pushed aside her personal conflict - something she noticed she's been doing a lot of lately - and started to loosen the knots in her shoulders. She could tell that her upcoming conversation with Natsu was going to be an exhausting one.

Noticing Gray's eyes on her, she arched a brow expectantly and dropped her hands.

"What?"

"Do you think that we'll still be going over to their place for the break?"

"What do you mean, we?"

Gray shrugged and shoved his hands in his pockets.

"Wendy invited us.."

Lucy stared at him blankly for a few seconds before rolling her eyes and walking off in the opposite direction.

"Hey!"

"I've someone to find." She said with a small wave. "Go make yourself useful and inform the Headmaster where they've taken Wendy."

Gray sent her a sarcastic salute but moved to do as he was told none the less.

"Alright little dragon." Lucy murmured as she moved quickly down the corridor. "Where are you hiding.."

"I seriously used to think that this mental link we share was a pain up my ass. But it's actually proving to be pretty damn useful."

"Not now, Lucy. I want to be alone."

"Yeah." Lucy scoffed as she sat down beside him. "That's not happening."

"Would you please just go?!"

"Do you know how many times I've said those exact same words to you and you never listened?" She retorted. "Way more than I care to count. So shut your face. I'm staying."

"Fine." Natsu glared. "Then I'll leave."

"Fine." Lucy shrugged. "Do whatever you want."

Watching him with a carefree look on her face, She waited until he slid off the water tank he had perched himself up on and neared the door to the roof before folding her legs beneath her - propping her left hand up to rest her chin on - and speaking again.

"But let me be clear." She said slowly. "If you so much as reach for that handle.. You and I are done. Permanently."

Her words had the desired effect as he froze in place and she smiled.

"Wise choice."

Natsu clenched his fists and turned his glare on her but she didn't flinch.

"What's with everyone glaring at me today?" She asked with an exasperated roll of her eyes. "Anyone would think that all this shit happening is my fault."

The anger he was feeling began to dissipate and he lowered his head.

"I'm sorry.."

Lucy sighed and once she had made her way down the ladder and approached him, her leg shot out and she kicked him in the shin.

"Ow!"

Lucy snorted and slapped him with her good hand.

"You need to harden up, and get the hell over it. You can't keep getting depressed over every little thing that happens."

"I know that."

"Do you?" Lucy asked feigning shock. "Then why are you sulking up here like a baby?"

Natsu narrowed his eyes and in return, she hit him again.

Only this time harder.

"Hey!"

"Stop glaring at me moron." She growled. "And listen to me."

Natsu tried his best to smooth out his facial expression and nodded.

"Your sister has never had to share you before. You need to understand that. She just misses you and from what I gather, she misses you a whole fricken lot. You know people tend to say things they don't really mean when they're mad. So harden the hell up, and go to her."

He turned to look at her and continued to stare with an unreadable look on his face.

She sighed and raised her hand to lay it gently against his red cheek and caressed the heated skin with her thumb.

"She loves you." She said in a much softer tone. "You know she loves you. So stop being such a stubborn, idiotic ass and get down there."

His lips twitched slightly and before she knew it, he had his arms wrapped tightly around her and his face buried in the fabric of her jacket.

Lucy turned her head to rest on his shoulder and rubbed his back.

"Come on.. she's waiting for you."

He nodded and reluctantly let her go.

"Thanks.. Lucy.."

Rolling her eyes to hide her embarrassment, she grinned and tugged on his scarf.

"Let's go. I have a feeling that if your dad gets here and you're not in there with her-"

"Shit!"

Lucy watched in amusement as Natsu practically kicked in the door and took off.

A few seconds later he was back with a wide grin on his face.

"Forgot something."

And before she could protest, he lifted her up and ran back the way he came.

"Put me down!"

"Dad? How long have you been here?"

"I'll be talking to you later boy."

Natsu swallowed thickly and watched helplessly as Wendy was lifted and carried out of the room.

Igneel paused In front of Lucy and smiled down at her.

"It is good to see you well, Lucy."

"Thank you.."

"Will you still be joining us?"

Lucy glanced at Natsu briefly before nodding and turning her attention back on the large man before her.

"If that's okay.. Sir."

"Of course it is! You're all welcome!"

"I'm coming with you." Natsu said stepping forward. "We were coming in a couple of days anyway and I need to be with Wendy.."

"Very well." Igneel nodded. "Inform your Headmaster and meet us out front in five."

"Got it."

Igneel bade farewell and after he left, Natsu turned to Lucy.

"Do you.."

"I'll bring her." Gajeel grunted. "Go and be with your sister."

Natsu glanced at his cousins and turned back to Lucy with hesitation.

"Go." Lucy said with a smile. "I'll be fine. I've a few things I still need to sort out before I leave and Erza's always with me so.."

"Two days."

"Two days." She echoed.

Natsu smiled and after exchanging looks with Erza and Gajeel, he grabbed her face and kissed her for a solid five seconds then took off running before she could hit him again, leaving a stunned and red faced Lucy behind.

"Disgusting."

"Dude.. I think I just threw up in my mouth.."

"Guess it's a good thing I'm coming.. even if it was cute.."

Lucy glared at them all as they snickered and stormed off towards her dorm room.

How embarrassing.

"I'm going to hurt you for that you bastard"

"I look forward to it."

"You're so perverted."

"You're so beautiful. What else is new?"

Rolling her eyes for what felt like the millionth time that day, Lucy pushed open her door and after kicking it shut, made her way to her bed and fell on it face first.

"Good luck with your sister.."

"Thanks Luce."

"By the way.. did you know that Gray and the others were invited too? Apparently they're all coming to yours for the break."

She didn't receive an answer for the longest time that Lucy thought he hadn't heard her.

"Natsu?"

"Yeah?"

"You okay?"

"Yeeeep"

"Don't worry about it so much. Like you said, it'll be fun."

Miles away in a speeding car, Natsu groaned into a paper bag and squeezed his eyes shut.

Fun?

He highly doubted it.

Many thanks for the support everyone. I am very grateful. I'm sorry but all things will be revealed in the story :)

Take care and I hope you enjoyed this chapter :)

Xox