Chapter 2.
She pulled until they got to his car. He looked her dead in the face as she looked right back at him. "Let it out Natsu..before you and END explode" "Let what out Lucy, HUH?!" "That rage that we both know is there" "You don't want me to do that" "Yes I do, why do you think I brought you out here. It wasn't just for the hell of it" She flinched as Natsu slammed his fits down onto the roof of the car. Nervously she said ""Natsu" The look in his eyes told her what she needed to know. "Eitherious…I thought Natsu was in control" "He was..until you said something then he let me take over" "Erza" she said sullenly. "Yeah, I'm not as attached but that doesn't change the fact that she is a team member and family"
"Hmm, it's funny. You're a completely different side of Natsu with your own set of emotions and feelings and even though Erza doesn't mean as much to you as she does to the rest of us, you'll still help" Slightly insulted he yelled "come on Lucy! I'm still Natsu, damn. Just a different half. I'm not completely heartless against her." She let out a small laugh. "You've grown so much. Back then, I remember you only ever came out for me and me alone. Now you come out at will. You rescued me, our daughter..and you've even had fun with the team." Fists still on the car, he turned his head and said "even so, I will still come when you need me. You and Layla. I don't care about anyone else when it comes down to it. I'll let my main half have all that worry and everything else. You two are the main ones I have to worry about."
"Hey Dragons" said a familiar voice making them turn their heads to look in front of them. What the hell happened while I was gone?" "We'll show you Gajeel" Lucy muttered motioning for him to follow her. One by one , they filed back into the room as Gajeel's face scowled. "Those scumbags from the other mafia did this?" Gray nodded while the other didn't want to say anything knowing Natsu and Jellal were on short fuses. "Did they say how long she will be like this?" "No" "Hmph, I 'm surprised you haven't started knocking heads Jellal"
"Don't even suggest it Gajeel" Jellal said in a non-joking manner as he turned towards everyone with a scary expression. "Not the time for quirks Gajeel, you idiot" Gray sniped annoyed. He raised an eyebrow at him in disbelief. "Just saying" "Uncle Gajeel, are you trying to make dad explode" thought Layla watching Natsu's body language carefully for it was showing, a few more pushes and he would fly off the handle. "I'm assuming you brought me here for a reason besides making me mad" Gajeel said dryly. Natsu stood tall and walked over and stood intimidatingly in front of Gajeel. "You mean besides the fact that you are a member of this mafia!. Are you done fucking around and pissing me off?" "Eitherious isn't in control anymore…that's all Natsu" Lucy thought slightly on edge from the hostility in his voice.
"Gajeel!" he snapped sternly. "Sir" "I want you and Gray to go around to the other mafia's and find out whatever you can about that damn town Erza went too." "Natsu" Lucy interrupted "It's almost nightfall, sending them out now, that's reckless" "Are you questioning.?" "Your damn right. Your not only risking our members but also my bandmates" the intensity between the two of them was felt through the whole room. Nobody moved an inch fearing the wrath of either of the Dragneels. Narrowing her eyes at him, she said "you made me queen of the mafia so that means I get a say and I'm telling you sending our men into other mafia's territories half cock is an extremely bad idea idea. So Gajeel, Gray" she called whipping her head towards them.
"Yes ma'am" they answered immediately as sweat drops dripped down their faces. "You will go tomorrow with loaded guns and protection. Do I make myself clear?" "Yes ma'am" they obeyed. Turning back to Natsu, without hesitation or doubt said "got an issue with that?" Everyone anxiously observed Natsu except Jellal. "Lucy is right Natsu" "If anyone else had dared override a command like that. They wouldn't be standing" he said in a low voice as he walked over and towered over Lucy who showed no sign of backing down.
"Well it's a good thing I'm not like everyone else or are you so wrapped in anger that you want to treat me like everyone else. If that's the case, then go ahead I dare you. Hit me and see how far that gets you" Tristan, Lilyanna and Layla all sat there with their mouths hanging open in shock. "Mom just threatened dad" "Doesn't realize he could knock her right out if he wanted" "Damn, this woman is amazing." Thoughts raced through their heads as they waited to see what would happen next. "This is exactly why Lucy is the right one for his partner and queen. Compared to when she first joined our mafia, she's not afraid to call him out on anything" Gray thought admiring. "Erza would be so proud if she could see what was happening right now." Jellal thought as he smiled and glanced at Erza.
"Damn, this woman is ballsy and badass, then again her last name is Dragneel" Gajeel thought to himself impressed. Natsu's lips formed a smirk and his seriousness fell from his face. "Damn Lucy, you were hot as hell" he exclaimed then put his hand over his mouth in embarrassment and shock making her giggle slightly. "Well, seems your inner self had some words" teased Gray causing everyone to let out a muffled laugh. "Shut up Gray" muttered Natsu through his hand. "Nice to know what you think of mom there, dad" "Har, har, har laugh it up young lady and the rest of you while you can." It was a few more minutes until the laughing stopped. " I think you guys should head on home. I'm going to stay with Erza" "Are you sure Jellal?" "Yeah , get the girls and Tristan home"
Raising her hands, the kids followed behind her the as the guys lingered for a moment. "Jellal, if you need anything, call me, I don't care what time it is" said Natsu. "Will do Natsu" he said with a thankful smile. "Try to get some sleep Jellal, for her sake" he advised looking at Erza. "We'll make sure those assholes regret messing with our mafia" promise Gajeel. "Okay, both of you out, let's go" ordered Natsu hastily. Pushing the guys out, he slipped a glance at Jellal who nodded knowingly then turned his attention to Erza. Squeezing the doorknob, he put his head down. "We'll get revenge for Jellal, I swear it" he whispered to himself as he walked out the door unaware of the soft smile Jellal had on his face. "Thank you Natsu"
"Are any of you hungry? Natsu asked impatiently. He looked in the mirror at the kids who didn't know what to say. "Tell me now because once we get home, I don't want anyone going anywhere" "Come on guys, I know your hungry" pushed Lucy lightly. "McDonalds?. Is that okay dad?" "That's fine baby girl" said Lucy answering for him.
While they waited in the drive thru, Lucy poked at Natsu. "I know your angry, but you need to let it go for the night. Scaring our daughter and the other two won't help anyone. Mainly you" she whispered. Sighing a deep sigh, "Your right Luce. I'm sorry" "We all feel the same way, trust me" she grabbed his hand and entangled it into hers "I know" he replied. Once the kids got their food and got home, they noticed Natsu was more eased out especially after chomping down two big macs.
" Better now? With some food" "Oh yeah" answered Natsu and Layla chipperly. Lucy laughed having directed the question at Natsu. "Thank you sir" humbled Tristan. "Yes, thank you" agreed Lilyanna. "No need for thanks guys, but your welcome" "We'll get your car back tomorrow Lucy. Sorry about that" Oh, don't worry about it. Gray wanted to get to home to Juvia to tell her what's going on. Gajeel lives closer to him so it only made sense for those to go. Also I just wanted my family with me." "It's okay Luce" he said putting an arm around her as he wiped the tears that had begun to fall down her cheeks.
"She looked so fragile, that's..that's not who Erza is. She's strong, independent. A mafia second leader. The toughest woman I've ever met. Natsu...why did this have to happen to her of all people." His heart ached hearing the pain in her voice. "Believe me ,I wish I knew baby" He hugged her more as her cries turned into quiet sniffles. "We shouldn't have sent her in alone." "Unfortunately you know that would have just made her more determined to go by herself." "At least she wouldn't be in a coma!: she yelled out. "Baby" he said softly bringing her to his chest as she buried her face into crying. Layla balled her hands into fists.
Noticing right away, Tristan and Lilyanna put a hand on top of hers "Lay, calm down" Tristan pleaded knowing she had a dragon's temper. "My father will pay, I swear on my mother's grave." Vowed Lilyanna. They looked hoping their words reached but only saw her face getting deeper with anger worrying them. "Damn you father, you ugly bastard" Lily cursed in her head. "Tristan, Lily" "Ye-yess?" they answered uneasy. "You two can go upstairs onto bed, I got this" he said confident nodding them off.
Silently they stood up and walked towards the stairs. "Luce, you should go too" he whispered lifting her head upseeing her bloodshot eyes. "Go baby, your exhausted and emotional" "But Lay" he shook his head stopping her. "I got her , go on up. I'll be up once we're done" She gave him a longing look as he gently tilted his head up the stairs. "Please don't take too long..I don't want to be alone" she begged.
"I promise, I love you" "I love you too" she muttered hoarsely going up. Once she was gone, in a firm voice, "Layla" noticing she hadn't budged nor had her face changed from anger. "Fuck, this is not the time I wanted my attitude to haunt me" he whined in his head. Getting up, he grabbed her shoulder forcing her to her feet. "Let's go" he commanded walking them to the back. "Why are we here?" she asked uncaringly. "Because baby dragon, you are going to let what your feeling out on the wrong person unless you get it out now" Sadly you have my temperament but that means I know exactly what is fuming beneath that vacant expression."
Taking off his trench coat, he grabbed two sets of gloves and tossed one to her. "So, we are going to make you release it" he said slipping leather pads over his hands. Clapping them together, "Come on" he encouraged. Layla threw her shirt off wearing a black sports bra. Kicking off her shoes, she held her hands up determined. "We aren't staying here all night; your mother doesn't want to be alone and I know you don't so I'm only going to say this once.. no pussy footing around, hit this damn thing as hard as you can because I swear if I feel you holding anything back, you aren't going to like me for our next training session. You got it?" "Yes dad"
"Good, now HIT ME!" he yelled as she charged forward slamming her right hand right in the middle of the pad while her leg curved to the side raising it. Natsu blocked her using the leather pad. "Psh, wimp" "What was that?" "I called you a wimp, can't take a hit from a sixteen-year-old" she said bitterly.
Suddenly with aggression, he pushed her to the floor holding her there with his arm while she screamed angrily. "Scream all you want, you aren't getting up" "YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE SENT HER ALONE!" "This is why your mad?, your angry at me for trust your aunt?" "NO, I'M ALSO MAD AT THE JERKS WHO ATTACKED HER, LET ME GO!" she raged and struggled under him as he pressed harder keeping her down. He could see the familiar fury clear in her eyes like they were on fire. "Fuck.., I know to handle Lucy's fits, but Layla has my temper and her mother's fury, both a dangerous combination." He stressed in his mind. "Let me at her Natsu.." "End?" "You know she won't get anything by me. You shouldn't have too. You're her father" "So are you dumbass or did you forget we are the same person" "Tch, you know what I mean smartass" "Yeah, yeah, okay" His facial expression changed to one of no bullshit. "Scream at me all you want it's not going to help you brat."
She scowled hearing him insult her. "Oh, did I touch a nerve?. Good cause that's what your acting like, a brat. Your letting your anger overcloud you" "And you don't?!" She grunted as she tried moving out from beneath him but wouldn't budge. "This is not about me goddamn it." She twisted her head back and forth as Eitherious shouted "LAYLA NASHI DRAGNEEL!,QUIT YOUR FUCKING SHIT RIGHT NOW."
Her movements stopped abruptly as her body shook from his ferocity. Seeing he had her undivided attention; he released a calming breath. "Now that I have your attention, you have never been afraid to tell me anything. This happens and your all of sudden just getting pissed at me? . No, uh uh, not happening little dragon. You want to be pissed at someone, be pissed at the ones who did this. I'm not the one to blame. Control your anger" He stared into her eyes seeing himself reflecting back. "Dad…" "What is it?" " First, ahh cann " "Sorry" he said realizing he was pressing too hard and lifted himself up off her offering his hand. Taking it , she looked at him with a guilty expression. "I'm sorry daddy..I don't really blame you. I Just got caught up in all of it and kinda lost it" "Ha, yeahh..that tends to happen in this family" he joked.
She chuckled as he said "the one thing you have to remember is unfortunately to control your anger. Mine and your mother's tends to run a bit higher then others and seems we have passed it onto you so that means you need to take a little extra care in letting it out. You don't want to let it out at the wrong person. Speaking as someone who never gave a shit of course but don't do as I did, my childhood was a lot different from yours so by no means does that mean you get to yell out. No, we raised you better than that and you have a mother who loves you unconditionally. Never forget that" With a loving face, she walked over and gave him a deep hug rubbing her face into him making his cheeks go pink.
"I also have a dad who is the world to me..don't you forget it" she said looking up with a radiant smile. He cupped her cheek. "I never will" he cooed rubbing her cheek. "Do you feel better now, or do you still need to let out a few punches?" "I'm alright now" she replied. "Good, lets get upstairs. Your mother needs me and I'm sure Tristan is freaking out wondering if you are okay" With arms over another, they walked back through the house. "I thought for sure you were going to keep me in there for a while longer" " If you were still fuming, I would have." "You knew I was going to give up didn't you" she said cleverly.
"Yep. You don't have as BIG an anger as we do yet, THANKFULLY but yeah, I knew if I held you there long enough, you would open to me like you always do" "Nice job…other dad" she humored with a smirk. Natsu looked at her impressed. "Dad, there's a different look in your eyes. When your just my dad, your eyes when they are angry, they are intense with a fury. When your Eitherious eyes, there's a wildness in them and mad rage almost like your eyes themselves are completely on fire." "Sometimes you are too smart for your own good kid" he said lightly as they went up the stairs.
"Goodnight dad" "Goodnight baby dragon" "Natsu, I thought about this last night, but why couldn't we just ask Jellal where Erza went. She said he was the only one who knew where she was going didn't she?" she said the morning after. "Yeah Luce, but that still won't help us figure out how she was attacked." "Even so, I think we should still give it a shot, it's better than sitting here. Are you still planning on sending out Gray and Gajeel to the other mafia's to investigate it?" "Yes, that hasn't changed Lucy. It's just better since they can actually see now."
Sighing in disappointment, she said "Natsu, just please keep in mind ,they both have their own kids they have to protect and watch out for. These threats that our mafia has been getting from this guy are no joke and after what he did to Erza," "I know Lucy, but this is personal, he attacked our family." "I know that Natsu, I'm not saying I don't agree, I'm just saying that" she started to yell but cut herself off hearing the kids come down. "Morning" "Morning" they greeted flatly not looking at them. "Umm, did something else happen?" asked Layla knowing Tristan and Lily would be too nervous to ask.
"No" they both answered neutral and unfeeling. They stood looking at Natsu and Lucy who hadn't looked up at each other but were still staring down at the counter in front of them. "Mom, dad, what's going on and before you say nothing, you two haven't looked at us since we came down and you haven't even reached eye contact with each other" she stated factually.
"You guys can go sit, I got this" she assured Tristan and Lily turning her head to them as she motioned for them to go." "This is not your concern Layla" said Lucy sternly. "Mom.." she muttered taken aback from her tone.
Looking at Natsu, he had an equally serious face. "She's right Layla, this is not your business." She stood there at a loss for words. "They've never talked to me like this" she thought "I know you guys have kept stuff from me before bbut" she stuttered. "Yes, Layla because as I've said before, you are still a child and therefore aren't obligated to be informed about anything concerning the mafia. Any of it. Your mother and I had a disagreement, that's all. Now go, go sit with the other two" Against her own wanting's , she went to take a seat down on the couch. "I'll have to apologize to her later." "So.." Natsu looked up hearing Lucy who looked at him knowingly. "Yess Lucy, ..I get it., I promise I won't have them gone too long. I know they are worried about their families just like we are too"
Satisfied, she walked over wrapping their hands around each other's waists, she looked at him with a forgiving smile. Leaning his head down onto hers, they held each other's gaze as Natsu soft spoken said "sorry for yelling Luce. I shouldn't have done that" "It's alright, my dragon.. I know you are just wanting to get justice for Erza and watch out for everyone. Just remember Natsu, you are talented at a lot but even you cant control everything" "I know..that's what scares me" "Shhh, it will be okay" she said affectionately touching his cheeks. "You sure about that" he said uncertain. She heard the shakiness in his words.
Forcing his head straight, he looked straight down at her as she told him in a clear , candid voice " Natsu, listen to me, you are the leader of the mafia, not just because of your father, you were chosen because we all believe in you. Every single one of us. Erza, Jellal, Gray, Gajeel, and me. Look at what you've accomplished in the last eight years alone. You've always been a fighter, I know that but you've gone from a mafia member to becoming the master of the mafia, to an established MMA fighter all while being a father and a husband. With everything you have gone through Natsu, it would have driven anyone else mad and pretty sure they might be dead..but not you Natsu" She looked at him with a confident smile. "Whatever your choice is, we will follow you" she assured. "Thanks baby" he said sincere taking her into his arms into a deep hug.