Chapter 11
"Mommy!" Layla yelled happily as she quickly walked over as Lucy gave a slight smile to her as she squatted down and gave Layla a hug. "H..hi …bb..babby" she greeted as Layla clapped. "You talked! Mommy!" she squeaked excited jumping in place clapping her hands. Natsu could see that though she was smiling, the smile didn't reach her eyes for there was nothing there, no light, no fire, just empty. " Luce" he thought sadly as he watched Layla happy as she could be grab Lucy's hand pulling her hard to the couch. "Oh tea" said Natsu reminding himself as he went into the kitchen and turned on the teapot turning his back to watch Layla trying to get Lucy to play with her. "Mommy, come on" she begged as Natsu watched her face get impatient and upset as Natsu quickly stepped in. "Hhhey sweetheart, let's go easy on mommy okay?. He said hoping like hell she would get what he was trying to say. "Just wanted mommy to play" "I know baby girl, she's just tired and getting her voice back" he stopped as the teapot went off as he turned and took it off the stove pouring it into a mug. Waiting a couple minutes , he blew on it and then walked slowly over putting it down on the table as Lucy cupped her hands around it and took a sip of it. "T…thank yy..ou" she said quietly as he replied "your welcome Luce"
"What..do I..do ..now?" Taking a seat next to her, he grabbed her hand and entangled his fingers into hers. "we will find something Luce. I promise" Looking down further, she said "you..can't ..ppromise that" "You have a job at the mafia Lucy. You don't have to worry about it" he said remembering. She shook her head as she took another sip of her tea. "that's gggreat..for money Natsu but..what do I do nn.." he saw the tears starting to come down her eyes as she gripped her tea mug hard. "Mmmmy dddream iss dead" she cried putting the mug down and running off towards the stairs. "Mommy!" Layla yelled as she attempted to go after her but Natsu grabbed her arm stopping her. She turned confused as Natsu shook his head. "No Layla..mommy needs to be alone" he said unhappily. "Aww but daddy, I wanna help mommy" Silently, he took her hand and walked her back to the couch where he sat her on his lap bringing her to lay against his chest. "I know baby but unfortunately we can't help her right now" He laid his head looking up at the ceiling as he let out a breath. "What am I supposed to do? She doesn't even want support right now" he thought to himself. "Come on Layla" he said suddenly as he set onto the floor. "Where are we going daddy?" "To aunt Erza's gym. Daddy needs to let off some steam" he said as he took her to get her shoes on.
"What about mommy?" she asked as she got on her boots and grabbed Happy with her backpack. "We are going to give mommy some space, come on Layla" he told her as they went outside, and he locked up the house. Getting her into her car seat, he got into his seat and took off for the gym. "Natsu? surprised to see you here. And with Layla? Said Erza surprised. "Lucy needed some time..and I needed to punch something. Layla, sweetheart, go sit down okay?" he said sweetly to her as she nodded and went to sit in a corner hugging Happy. Slipping gloves over his hands, he began to punch hard at the bag as he started moving around it and punching from side to side. Erza and Jellal didn't pay attention until he started breathing harder and harder getting their attention. "Natsu?" questioned Jellal as he carefully walked over to Natsu but avoided where he was hitting. "What!" he snapped sweating and punching. "What's wrong?" "What ever told you that?" said Natsu as he punched directly into the middle of the bag. "Gee, could it be your heavy breathing, your attitude, hmm, not really sure" Jellal snapped back. He brought his hand up as Natsu went to take a swing and grabbed his fist before he could hit. Holding it, Jellal said softer "Natsu, what's wrong?" Panting, he took his hand out of Jellal and put them on his knees. "It's Lucy." "What happened?" said Jellal and Erza alarmed but Natsu waved his hand to them. "Nothing like what you're thinking"
They sighed a breath of relief then Erza said "what's wrong then?" "She seems completely broken. Hell she barely hugged Layla." "Natsu, you can't expect her to be alright within just a night. Not after what happened" said Jellal reasonably. " I know that…just wanted her to open up and she's completely shut down." "You know her better then anyone Natsu. You know she will open up to you when she's ready" assured Erza. "Thanks Erza" "No problem, we'll let you get back to working out. Come on Jellal" she said as her and Jellal walked away as Natsu started lifting some weights. While he was working on, Erza went and bought lunch and had gotten something for Layla as she said thank you and started eating. Natsu gave her a thankful expression as he kept going. After another hour, he was sweating all over his body as his legs felt like jelly as he took a seat next to Layla rubbing her head. "Ewww, daddy. Your all gross" she complained taking his hand off her head as he chuckled. Throwing Natsu a towel, Erza stood nearby. " I appreciate you getting her food" said Natsu as he wiped the sweat dripping down his face off with the towel. "It was no trouble at all" she replied kindly.
"Well I suppose I better get a shower" he said as he went and grabbed the bag of spare clothes he kept at the gym for when he came and headed for the showers. Lucy's singing voice went through his mind as the water hit his body. "Damn..but if I miss it..it's nothing compared to what she is feeling I'm sure." He thought. After a little while, he finished and came back out seeing Layla coloring. "Hey Layla, wanna go to the park baby girl?" he asked encouraging as she jumped to her feet like he thought she would. "Yes!, let's go" she replied excited as he looked over at Jellal and Erza. "You guys wanna come?" "Sure" they replied. "well let's go" he said as Layla ran to the car and waited as Erza said "we'll meet you there" then got into her car.
" Daddy, daddy daddy!" Layla repeated ecstatic jumping in place as Natsu laughed unlocking the door as she hopped into the car and immediately got into her seat as Natsu buckled her in. "Just wish mommy was with us" she said in slightly sad tone. "Don't worry baby girl, she'll come next time" he lied with a smile on his face as she grinned at him as he shut the door and got into his seat. He sat there for a moment putting his hands on the wheel as he looked up at Layla in the mirror who was giggling in her seat squeezing Happy. "You've got enough happiness for us all Layla" he thought with a warm smile as he started the car.
"Alright, you ready?" he said excited. "YES! FAST DADDY!" she screamed with delight as his foot hit the gas and off, they went with her screaming for joy. It didn't take them long to get to the park with how fast he was going. Layla couldn't get out of the car fast enough as she ran for Jellal and Erza as Jellal picked her up off the ground and swung her in a circle putting her feet back on the ground. "Again, again!" said Layla as she looked at Natsu for permission as he nodded. She grabbed Jellal's hand and took off running with him before he picked her up and began spinning her in the air. Erza and Natsu slowly walked behind them. "So what made you think of the park Natsu..?" she asked warily. " I wasn't ready to take Layla back to a quiet house yet so I thought why not the park" "Your hurting too aren't you?" she said sadly. "I'm fine" he replied as he walked just a little bit faster as Erza looked at him with a sullen look. "you liar. This isn't just hurting Lucy. It's hurting you too. But like usual, your going to bury it and help Lucy instead…You are too perfect" she thought to herself slightly amused as she started walking again. "Alright Layla, give your uncle a break" urged Natsu as Layla laughed but nodded her head and went running to Natsu while Jellal looked like he was going to fall over dizzy. He went to take a step back and stumbled when Natsu caught his back before he could fall. "Woah their man, ha. My little girl did a number on you huh?" he said amused "Yeah no kidding" answered Jellal lightly.
"What now, what now!" asked Layla eagerly. "Slow down there little one, tell you what, you can run but don't go where I can't see you" "Really!" He nodded his head as he held his hand out in front of him as she took off like a shot yelling happily as the adults chuckled watching her. They walked around for another couple hours until Natsu said "alright Layla, time to go home baby girl" he said as she agreed and went to give Jellal and Erza a hug then ran to Natsu who picked her up and held her. "So fun day today then?" he asked happily as she rapidly nodded her head. " it was so much fun!" she answered overjoyed. "I'm glad. Let's go home and check on mommy huh?" he asked. "Let's go daddy!" she agreed as they got into the car and went back to the house. Once they got back, he saw Lucy's car wasn't there. "hmm, well least this means she left the house" he said quietly to himself as he got himself and Layla out.
"Where did mommy go?" she asked curious as they got into the house. "I'm not sure baby girl but she'll be back soon. I'm sure" he replied. "So spaghetti for dinner? ,with all that running around, I'm sure your hungry" he raised his eyebrows as he heard her stomach growl as she quickly put her hands to her stomach making him laugh. "That answers that" he said as she went and sat at the counter with Happy as he grabbed stuff for spaghetti and started prepping for it. After cutting up sausage for the sauce, he dumped it and started the water for the spaghetti as Layla clapped at watching him. He just shook his head in enjoyment. "The simplest things ,even just watching me cook make her the happiest kid" he though. After he stuck the spaghetti in the water, they waited ten minutes then he drained it and got out two plates. "Layla, grab the cheese kiddo" he said as she hopped off her seat and ran to the fridge pulling out the parmesan cheese and putting it on the counter getting back into her seat as Natsu put a plate of spaghetti in front of each of them. He came to sit next to her as she went crazy with the cheese until seeing she had enough, Natsu took it away. "Save some for me would you" he joked as he shook some cheese onto his plate.
Lucy came in a few minutes later as they were eating. "Hey Luce" Natsu said with a mouthful of noodles. Swallowing and clearing his throat, he said "there's spaghetti if you want some" Looking over at them, she said quietly "thank you" as she came over and grabbed a plate and put some on it. Natsu saw it wasn't much but he kept quiet. "Long as she's eating something and not starving herself" Layla smiled happily at Lucy as she acknowledged it but couldn't bring herself to smile back. "So where did you go Luce?" he asked curious. "I..went..out" she answered sounding a little more clear and less croaky. "Lucy! your voice sounds a lot better" Natsu said positively. "Hmph, thanks" she said quietly as she finished her plate and put in the sink. Giving Layla a kiss on her head, she walked but not before Natsu grabbed her hand and swung her back around landing a deep kiss on her as she grabbed his shirt giving in for a moment but released from it another minute later. "I love you" he said passionately. "I love you too" she replied but it was distant as she let go of him and walked towards the back. "Daddy, all okay?" Layla asked seeing the whole thing. "Everything is fine Layla. Finish your dinner sweetheart" he said nicely as she went back to her plate. Once she finished, he put everything away and cleaned up then sat on the couch with Layla as she snuggled right into him as he wrapped a blanket around them as he put on a kid's movie for them to watch. After it was over, he got up as she laid her head on a pillow and covered with blanket. " Bedtime in a little bit alright?" he asked as she sleepily nodded her head.
"Going to check on Lucy first" he thought as he headed towards the back where the pool room was. Knocking on the door, he didn't hear an answer. Cautiously he opened the door. "Lu-" he cut himself off as he looked at the floor eyes opening wide. He saw beer bottles spread around the floor as he looked up at Lucy who was drinking. "Lucy!, what the hell are you doing?. Do you know what this shit will do to your throat?" he yelled over at her as she stopped drinking and just gave a him a uncaring look. "Lucy, you know what this does to you!" he said trying to get through to her as he dodged an incoming bottle as it hit the wall and smashed into pieces. He looked back at the puddle and then back at her in shock. "I don't care!, who care's if my throat get's more fucked up. It's not like I can ever sing again anyway. Who needs to talk. I'll spend the rest of my life as a fucking mute!" Holding his hands out, he said in a calm voice "Luce, your drunk. Your not thinking clear" "Oh yes I am! I am thinking very clearly Natsu" she said angrily. "Luce, I need to go put Layla to bed. You need to stop this" NO" she screamed as she grabbed another bottle and started chugging as he was hard pressed to snag it out of her hand but he quickly before he could change his mind ran out of the room and went to grab Layla trying to stay as calm as he could. "Lay, Layla. Time for bed baby girl" he said quietly as she raised her arms up. He grabbed her and brought up the stairs quick as he could without going fast enough to draw attention.
He set her down as she grabbed her blanket and snuggled with Happy. "I love you daddy" she said sweetly. "I love you too baby girl" he answered kissing her on the cheek as he gave her a smile and turned off her light. Once he was past her room, he raced to the pool room as Lucy sat there. "Alright, that's enough" he said sternly as he walked over and yanked the bottle out of her hands. "Natsu!" she yelled as he threw the bottle away from her. "Your done" he said firmly as she gave a defiant face. "No!, give it back you fucking bastard" she insulted angrily. "What the hell are you doing this for, You have never done this Luce." "My dream is dead Natsu!, my passion is gone. I can never sing again." "SO WHAT!, YOUR GOING TO DRINK YOURSELF TO DEATH!" he shouted "YOU COULD NEVER UNDERSTAND, YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE, GIVE ME BACK MY BEER" she screamed at him as she went to walk past him but he grabbed her by her sides and wouldn't let go. "LET ME GO!" she screamed as she reached for the beer. She clawed at him and flailed her legs as he held tight. "LUCY! He shouted but she wouldn't listen. "What the fuck! she has never acted like this" he thought as she acted like a wild animal trying to get away.
"I need to get rid of this damn beer. Ahh, I hate to do this Luce." he said to himself as he picked up her legs. "Natsu, wha..what are you doing?! She asked panicked. "Don't have another option" he said as he threw her into the pool. "NATSU!" screamed Lucy as she hit the water. He quickly ran and grabbed the bottles she hadn't opened yet as she came back up. "NOOOOO" she shrieked as she got to the side and tried jumping but stumbled grabbing hold. "You fucker" she yelled as he ran out with Lucy on his tail. He managed to dump a couple down the sink before she came screaming, "NAAATSUUUU" he ran over fast as he could to cover her mouth as she screamed through his hand muffled. "Layla is sleeping" he growled at her as she shook her head angrily. "Lucy, for fucks sake, stop!" he begged. She whipped her head at him giving him a death glare. "God damn it baby. I understand your hurting, but this is not the way to do it. Fuck you threw a damn bottle at my head Luce." She thrashed her head around as he sighed. "you're not giving me another choice. I'm sorry" he said filled with regret as he turned her around towards him where he smashed his lips against hers as he began feeling her neck until he found the spot he was looking for.
Realizing what he was doing, she looked at him with rage filled in her eyes. "You conniving bas." Was all she got out as Natsu pressed down on her pressure point knocking her out as she fell into him. Slowly he brought them down to the floor. "I'm so sorry baby" he said quietly as he wanted to scream for the pain, she was enduring that she felt she had to drink to make it all go away. Picking her up, he brought her to the bed and covered her up giving her a loving kiss on her lips. "I love you Lucy" he whispered as he rubbed his eyes and went back downstairs to clean up the pool room. "There's no way in hell I can leave all this here overnight" he said out loud as he swept up the broken bottle pieces. Getting soap and water, he scrubbed the floor of the beer getting rid of the smell. He was finally done cleaning everything after a while as he laid himself on one of the couches looking up at the ceiling. "I'll get up in a minute" he told himself as sleep took ahold of him.