Chapter 15
"Didn't want to wait huh? Said Lucy sullenly as she looked down. Natsu shook his head and said in a clear, plain voice "this can't wait baby. I'm sorry" She looked further down as Natsu put his hands together and leaned forward. "Look, Lucy, we need to figure something out." " I am making this hard on you aren't I?" "No Luce, I ..hmmmph" he said getting annoyed. "Just come out and say it Natsu" Lucy said blunt. "The only reason! This is hard is because I know you are better then this. I know you are hurting, believe me I know baby but drinking is not the way to fix this." "I know that" said Lucy getting annoyed. "I told you! I wanted to go to rehab, I want to fix this" she said adamant. Raising an eyebrow "are you sure about that?" he questioned hard. " " she stuttered as she looked down sadly. "I want to stop hurting you" she said quietly. "You know what means right?" he asked. She looked up at his face seeing a serious expression "that means no more drinking, we will look into the different programs, see what they have" "Okay" Lucy answered quietly agreeing. "You need to do one thing though and promise you will do" "What is it?" Lucy asked immediately. "Go to A.A meetings and I don't mean just once in a while. I mean every week until we've got a good grip on this. I will even go with you if that helps" "Really?" Lucy looked at him hopeful as he walked over and knelt in front of her putting his hands on her knees. Looking at her, he said in a honest , kind voice "yes Lucy. Just like everything else, we are in this together. You aren't alone in this. I promise" She nodded her head fast as she felt tears coming before she could stop them.
Natsu put a hand to her cheek and rubbed it with his thumb as he touched his forehead to hers closing his eyes. " I don't want to hurt you anymore or cause you pain" she said tearfully. "You only hurt me because you were in pain Luce.. and you never cause me pain. The worst thing you ever did was scream at me and then when you tried to throw a bottle at my head the other night" He opened his eyes to see Lucy's face filled with guilt. "I'm so so sorry Natsu" she said deeply. "Hey" he said gently as her eyes looked at him. "Your alright baby" he said as he put his head on top of hers and brought her into his chest. "We'll be alright Luce. I'm not going anywhere. Layla isn't either." "Shouldn't she be home soon?" she asked drying up her tears that had started to fall. "Yeah I think so but no hurry" said Natsu. "Let's start looking to the programs then if we have the time" encouraged Lucy as Natsu nodded and went to grab his laptop and came back and sat down on the couch next to her. "Natsu, I didn't even think about it but do we even have the insurance for me to even do a rehab program?" Lucy said suddenly. "Relax Lucy. We're covered" he assured. "Come on, let's see what we got" They went on a search and began writing things down. Programs for one on one therapy, rehabilitation centers, day treatments. Intensive outpatient programs and then care groups.
"Well we've got a whole list now Luce, it's your choice to figure out which one you want to do." Said Natsu. "I don't want to leave home" putting his hand over hers, he squeezed gently and said "no one ever said anything about you having to leave. We will find something to make sure you can stay home. I can watch over you too" "I appreciate that. Okay, well after looking at them" "Hold up, I don't want this to be a rash decision Luce. Think about what you really want to do. Look over all these and then decide what you want to do. I'll go an" "no" she said quickly grabbing his arm as he got up causing him to look back at her as she begged "please stay" The look in her eyes was enough as he sat back down. "Okay" he said with a soft smile. He sat back on the couch as Lucy picked up the notebook, she wrote everything down on and began focusing. Natsu watched as she crossed things off, added notes to things and mumbled a few things to herself. After an hour, she let a tired sigh as she motioned Natsu to sit up. "Okay, so what did you decide on?" "I'm going to do the day treatment. I have to go to meetings a few times a week and they also have A.A so I'll be able to stay home" "Are they where I can I come with you to the meetings?" "Yes" she answered. "I'm proud of you baby" he said with a smile. "Thank you" she said heartfelt as he leaned forward giving her a deep kiss.
She dropped her notebook to the floor as she put her arms around her as he gently brought them to the floor. She released from him for a second but Natsu brought her right back as she let out a breath before going back to him. He wrapped his legs around her keeping her in place, but she didn't mind as she was focused on him and only him. She put her arms around his neck as she softly grabbed the back of his head with her hands. After another couple minutes, they both released as they looked each other in the eye. "I love you more than the whole universe, you know that. Natsu said distantly as he was lost in Lucy's eyes. Her cheeks grew a slight tint to them as she put a hand to Natsu's cheek and said " I know. I love you too, more then anything" he smiled a loving smile as he brushed her hair out of her face and brought her down for a last kiss before they got up.
" So, when do you think we should start?" asked Lucy. " it's the weekend so we'll call them on Monday and set something up" Natsu told her. "Sounds good to me" she agreed. "Now just to figure out…? "Lucy ,what?!" he quickly said nervously seeing her face suddenly drop. "the medical bills" Relieved, he said "Oh, is that what your worried about?" he said lightly as she looked at him confused. Taking her hands, he looked at her relaxed and calm and said "baby, you don't have to worry about that. Your good. Everything with Wendy was free" "But what about" "The hospital earlier?, that was covered" he said finishing her sentence. "Breathe Luce, your fine baby" he said reassuring her as he rubbed her hands. She let out a deep breath and gave him a small grin. "Jeeze, you almost scared me for a second, thought you were really worried about something. Medical bills are nothing Lucy now that we're part of the mafia" said Natsu. "You forgot to mention that" Lucy said lightly. "Sorry" he replied. "Do you want to head to the store? get you some cold stuff? He asked. "Let's go" she said as they turned and walked out the door. "I have to say, it feels great…not having to look over my shoulder anymore" she said quietly feeling grateful as she saw Natsu with a smirk. " I agree but don't think this means I'll stop being protective cause no there is no fucking way in hell that will ever happen" Lucy giggled as she said " I know. That's who you are my dragon and I wouldn't want you any other way". "Come on my warrior, let's get you some food" he said amused as they got into the car. Once they got to the store, they grabbed the cart and went to dairy section.
"Yogurt?" questioned Lucy. "Yep, Wendy said no hard foods for a bit so yogurt is what you got" answered Natsu. "Now pick what flavor you want" She went for the strawberry flavored as she picked some out and put them in the cart. "Alright, where to next? let's go to the soup isle then we can go look at ice creams" he finished with knowing how she would react. He started chuckling as her eyes lit up. "Ice cream!" she said happily. "Like mother, like daughter" "So what" she said playfully smacking his arm. He just rolled his eyes as they walked forward when Natsu stopped suddenly getting Lucy's attention. "Natsu?" she said as she saw his hands tighten around the cart. She followed his eyes and looked forward. Lisanna was standing in front of them. She started shaking as Natsu stared at her intensely. Lucy immediately put a hand to her bandages. "Natsu told me she was the reason my throat was almost cut the first time" she thought. "I'm sso ssssorry Lucy" she stuttered, her voice quivering with fear. "Ssssomebody ggot to you" she said sadly. "Lisanna, you need to go" Lucy said coldly putting a hand on Natsu's shoulder. " I told you If I ever saw you again, I'd kill you. I'd listen to Lucy if I were you because she is the only reason I'm not snapping your neck like a twig right now" he said darkly as Lisanna flinched and quickly ran the other direction away from them.
Once Lisanna was out of their sight, Lucy turned her head to face Natsu. " Calm down now Natsu. She's gone" she still saw his hands tightened around the cart as she grabbed her purse and pulled his arm yanking him off the cart. She pulled until they were outside where they walked around to the side of the store where she let go as he slammed his fists into the wall causing her to involuntarily jump. Breathing hard, he leaned his head down. "I'm sorry" he said roughly. "She really got to you didn't she?" "That freaking rat of a woman was the reason I almost didn't make it the first time, If I had been a second later, you would of" "Lost my throat" she finished for him. He pounded one of his hands into a wall again. Calmly, she walked over to him as she gently put her hands on his arm. " I didn't lose my throat, you got there in time. You saved me Natsu." She said positively. He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "Lu" "ahh, no. No feeling guilt Natsu. Between the two of us, there's been enough guilt to go around." She said sharply. "I'm okay baby..so you should be too." She said softly as he leaned back and straightened himself up grabbing Lucy and pulling her into him as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
" I really don't know what I would do without you. I'd be a raging hot mess if it wasn't for you" "and I'd be a depressed basket case. Are we really doing this?" "Well as you just saw,..your my strength Luce." "I know…and your what pulls me back from darkness" she whispered softly. "We're each other's greatest strengths" stated Natsu. "And it took you not killing Lisanna to notice that?" said Lucy. "Of course not, I've always known that. I just..wanted to say it out loud" She looked at him lovingly and said " come on, we've got yogurt sitting in the cart and we need to finish shopping" He smiled as he let go of her and they walked back into the store. Finally finishing up their shopping, Lucy dug into the ice cream as soon as they got home. "Now I see where Layla get it's from" he mumbled teasingly. "Shut up" she replied hearing him. "I can't help if it I like ice cream" she protested as Natsu started laughing. "Wipe your lip their Luce" he said as she annoyingly wiped her lip as she felt ice cream coming off if. She stuck her tongue out at him as he continued laughing. He stopped when he heard a knock at the door. Walking over, he opened it to have Layla jump at him knocking him to the floor. "DADDY!" she screamed joyfully as he lifted his head up. "Well..hello to you too baby girl" he said weakly as he was still recovering being knocked on the floor. " Afternoon Natsu" greeted Erza with a light smile. "Hey" he greeted. "Layla, get off me please baby girl" Layla nodded quickly as she got up and saw Lucy who had finished her ice cream.
"MOMMY!" She ran over to Lucy's opening arms and jumped into them as Lucy landed on the couch. "Hi baby" she cooed happily as Layla hugged her. "I'm so glad your not sick or sad anymore mommy" "Well I'm not sick anymore but I'm still sad" "Aww" "Don't worry Layla" said Natsu overhearing as he placed his hands on Lucy's shoulder. "We're going to help mommy so she isn't sad anymore" he said confidently as Layla clapped and said cheerfully "yay!. I get to help" Natsu grinned as he said "yes, yes you do baby girl" "Do you guys need me to help with anything?" asked Erza walking over to the couch. "Nahh, we're good" he said as he thought of something. "Well if you don't need anything else, I'll get going" said Erza as she waved to the girls. Natsu quickly went with her to the door as he walked out with her. "What is it Natsu?" " I got Lucy into rehab" "That's great but why did you need to come out here to tell me that?" "Because I need to ask if you guys could not come over for a little bit. I'll keep you updated but I already know this is going to be hard on her and she will hate you guys seeing her like that" "Say no more, I understand and will let the others know. We will handle the mafia stuff and keep you informed" replied Erza. "Thanks Erza" Natsu said clapping his hand with Erza's. "You got it boss" she replied amused as he waved at her and went back inside.
Layla and Lucy were laughing sitting on the couch when they heard Natsu come back in and smiled at him waving him to come over. Not complaining, he walked over and sat in the middle between them as he put his arms around both of them as they snuggled up next to him. "Okay so what do my ladies want to do today?" he said teasingly. "Play!" yelled Layla. "Ha, we can do that Layla , is there anything else you want to do?" "Park" answered Lucy and Layla suddenly making Natsu bust out laughing. "Alright, alright well then got get your shoes on you weirdo" he told Layla as she ran to get her shoes. Lucy just stood up with Natsu since she hadn't taken her shoes off yet since they had gotten home. "I'll drive" said Lucy. "Sounds, good. Come on Layla" he encouraged as he opened the door to have Layla go flying towards Lucy's car. "Let's go, let's 's go!" she repeated excitedly as Lucy lightly said "I'm coming, don't forget about daddy. He's coming too" "Come on daddy!" she yelled as he got to the passenger side door. "I'm right here you goofball, get in your seat" he told her as she climbed into the back as Lucy buckled her straps and then got in her seat.
"Wait, where's Happy! She cried in a panic turning her head back and fourth looking for him. "Relax baby, I'm sure he's just inside" said Lucy calmly. Natsu kept a straight face as he unbuckled silently and got out. "Natsu?" Lucy called as he headed back inside the house. "Mommy!" Layla cried out getting upset. "it's okay baby" A couple minutes later, Natsu came back out as he went to Layla whose eye's lit up as she saw Happy in his hands. "EEEEEK" she screamed happily hugging Happy to her as Natsu smirked rubbing his hand on her head as she smiled thankfully at him. "Thank you daddy" she cried happily. He chuckled as he got back in the car. "Well that didn't take you long" Lucy joked as Natsu grinned. " I already knew where he was" he answered simply. "he was in her backpack on the floor." "Well aren't you the observant one?" she teased making him chuckle as she started the car. Lucy started the car up as they headed to the park. Layla raced out of the car once Natsu unbuckled her when they got there. "Come on!" she cheered as they walked slowly behind her. "we're coming , just go baby girl" said Lucy. Layla didn't argue as she grabbed Happy tightly and took off running. They went and took a seat on the bench in front of the playground as they watched Layla play. "I'm so happy despite everything that she has remained happy" said Lucy quietly. "You did a great job with her Luce. That's why she's like this" Natsu complimented. "Don't cut yourself short Natsu. I may have done good for a few years but there was no way after everything that happened with Evelyn that if it wasn't for you, she would still be happy…neither would I" Putting an arm over her shoulders, he laid her head on his shoulder. " Well I'm here now and always will be" he assured.
"It's because of both of us that she is happy" Lucy said proudly. He nodded in agreement . "The only thing I wish now is that we could take those scars off her back.. I mean I have mine but., she shouldn't have to endure them" She said looking down towards her stomach. "Hey, hey" he said gently putting a finger under her chin making her look up at him. "Both of you will be alright, these scars do not define who you are baby. They are just that, scars. Nothing more" he said understandingly. "Thank you Natsu" he smiled giving her a peck on the lips as he turned back towards the playground. Lucy was turning back when she saw Natsu's face get serious as he jumped up immediately. "Layla!" he yelled putting his hands to his mouth as his eyes darted around. "Natsu?!" Lucy said panicked. "I don't see her" he said as Lucy looked around. "LAYLA!" Lucy screamed. "ahh" she said in pain as she put a hand to her throat. "Damn it" she cursed in her head at the pain. "Stay here" he ordered as he ran towards the park. "LAYLA!" he shouted as the kids heard his tone and scooted out of the way. "Where the fuck did she go?. We only looked away for a few seconds" he thought. He looked until he saw a path leading away from the park. Quickly, he got eyes with Lucy. "Stay here!, I'll be right back" he yelled as Lucy nodded her head. He ran down the path as he heard something and ran until he stopped dead in front of Layla who was dancing with a butterfly around in front of a water fountain swinging Happy. "LAYLA" he yelled angrily getting her immediate attention. "Jesus" he said quietly as he ran quickly and picked her up pinning her arms to her side as her head laid on his shoulder. "Da..daddy?" she said confused. Taking in a deep breath, he turned around and walked back as Lucy saw them and ran over. "Baby!" she cried as Natsu very shakily put her down as Lucy smothered her wrapping her arms around her.
"Mommy.. .breathe" "Oh" said Lucy realizing what she was doing released her grip as Layla looked at her parents who had very worried looks on their faces. "Daddy?" she questioned seeing his hands shake. "I'm okay baby girl. You gave mommy and I a really bad scare" he answered. "I'm sorry" she apologized sincerely. "Layla, baby what on earth made you go away from the park?" asked Lucy. " I saw butterfly then. It was so pretty. " A BUTTERF-" "Natsu" Lucy cut him off immediately giving him a look as Layla held Happy to her face shaking. "Natsu, yelling isn't helping. What happened to you're okay" "I didn't know where she was Lucy!, for all we know she could have been taken" he said angrily as Lucy stood straight up at him and looked him in the face as he towered over her. "You need to go cool off." She demanded pointing her hand towards the parking lot. "Go" she said as he stared at her. Standing her ground, she pointed again as he huffed and walked towards the car. "Is daddy mad at me mommy?" Layla asked getting tears in her eyes. Squatting down Lucy said "no baby. Daddy isn't mad at you. You know how protective he is . He just..he got really worried. We both did" "I'm sorry mommy" "Don't go anywhere without telling us Layla, alright?" she said gently as Layla nodded. "Come on, let's go find your daddy" said Lucy standing up holding her hand out to Layla. She grabbed it as they went to Natsu.
As she saw the car, Lucy slowly walked up to Natsu as Layla dragged her feet behind her. "Natsu, are you better now?" she asked blunt looking directly at him. He nodded as he knelt down on the ground on one knee holding his hand out to Layla who was hiding behind Lucy. "Go baby" said Lucy gently nudging her forward. Layla took his outreached hand as he looked at her with a calm and gently face. "I'm sorry if I scared you sweetheart" he rubbed her hand as he continued. "I'm not mad at you. I wasn't earlier either. I just got really scared. If anything happened to you and mommy, I don't know what I'd do." "I'm sorry daddy" she cried as tears came down. "Aww baby" he said pulling her into him putting a hand behind her head. "Your alright Layla" he said kindly rubbing her head. Stepping back so he could see her face, she rubbed her eyes. ""I'm sure mommy has told you but just make sure one of us knows before you go somewhere okay?" he said in a serious but kind voice. Layla nodded saying "yes mommy and daddy" "Come here" he said pulling her into another hug. Natsu and Lucy looked at each other as they both let out a breath sharing the same thought. "What if we lost her" "Come on, let's go home" said Lucy. Natsu nodded in agreement as he released Layla who grabbed his hand as they started walking back. Getting into the car, Layla got in quietly as Natsu buckled her in.
He looked for a smile but didn't see one as him and Lucy got in their seats. Looking over at Lucy, he amusingly said "what do you think?" raising an eyebrow. "Just this once" she answered smiling. "Hey Layla" Natsu said getting her attention. "Want to get some ice cream for lunch?" he said happily as she perked right up as they thought she would. "Yes!, ice cream!" she yelled excited. "Okay" Lucy croaked. She tried clearing it but it hurt as she tried. She touched her throat " it was when you screamed wasn't it?" Natsu said knowingly as she nodded. "Come on, let's get both of you some ice cream" he said as Lucy started up the car. "That feels better" said Lucy once they got their ice cream. Layla was licking hers like crazy. Natsu looked at her and said "woah, slow down. If you don't.." but before he could finish, Layla put her hands to her head. "ahh" she grimaced putting her teeth together. "Oh too late" Natsu said lightly teased. "What was that?" she asked once her head stopped hurting. "That baby girl, was what is known as a brain freeze." Said Natsu. "It happens when you eat ice cream or something ice cold too fast. It freezes your brain for a moment" "It hurt" complained Layla. "Take it easy on your ice cream then Layla" Lucy said lightly as they went back to their ice cream.
After they were finished and went back home. Layla went and took a nap leaving Natsu and Lucy by themselves. "Well, what to do now" said Lucy. "Feel like we've done nothing but nonstop moving for last few months. Now actually having the time to crash..it feels weird" said Natsu leaning his head back to look at the ceiling. Lucy cuddled up next to him as she put her hand on his chest getting his attention as he looked back down at her. "I could think of some things to do" he said smirking at her as she playfully smacked him. " Not while Layla is here" she said rejecting his approach. "Hmph, fine" he complained as he huffed. "Oh stop Natsu" she told him. "Later" she said with a grin as his ears perked up and he smirked at her.