Stone Cold Heart

'Zeref, for the fifth time it's only for a couple of hours,' I pulled a simple black T from my closet.

'Bullshit, you'll be out all night and end up back in jail.' He blocked my doorway,

'That was a mistake, besides I don't plan to drink.'

'That's a shit-filled lie.' Zeref seethed, 'and you know it.'

He's been on my ass since I was released and it doesn't make it any easier when I have a sit-down with Makarov Dreyar.

The head chair in the ABC had requested we meet with him personally tomorrow at 11 a.m.

to discuss my stupidity.

His words, not mine.

Makarov is a friend of the family, our father's mostly but he holds a soft spot for us.

'Enough Zeref.' All this animosity is going to cause me to fucking drink.

I promised Lisanna I'd at least show for an hour, 'it's not a big deal. Now move,'

'If you mess this up Nastu— I swear.'

'You'll do what,' I glared into his dark murky eyes.

'I'll quit.'

I scoffed, 'you wouldn't.'

'Yes I will,' Zeref moved out from the doorway. 'I'm not going to fight you anymore, I'll quit fighting you.'

'But, I'll quit everything else too.' He threatened, I couldn't believe this shit.

'You'd do this shit to me?'

If Zeref quit who the fuck would train me? Set up my matches, handle all my shit.

He's the only one I trust,

He shrugged nonchalantly, 'don't push me.'

'Look, I understand you're upset— you have every right too be.'

I reasoned with him, 'but give me this one night and I'm all yours tomorrow, indefinitely.'

He crossed his arms over his chest, 'I know I've been hard to handle recently but I'm going to change that.'

'How Natsu,' His voice taut with frustration, 'I don't even know if I can trust you.'

Ouch, that hurt.

'Zeref, you know me.'

He scoffed, 'I used to know you.'

'Don't be that way.' I said with a small frown.

'What do you expect?' He spat. 'First, you start ditching training sessions because of her.'

I grit my teeth, 'and then she leaves and I had hoped you'd snap back!' A humor-less chuckle passed his lips, 'but I was sorely mistaken.'

'Instead, you take on a new obsession. One that our father would be very disappointed in.'

'Don't bring him into this,' Anger in my voice, it's one thing to insult me but don't bring our dead father into our argument for leverage.

'You're getting into bar brawls— getting arrested, ruining your credibility as a respected fighter.' He pinched the bridge of his nose.

'The image I built for you, shattered— fucking ruined.'

I felt bad enough, 'Zeref, I'm sorry.'

'I fucked up.' I placed my palm on my chest, 'but I was going through some shit that you didn't understand.'

'That sob-story is overplayed,' Zeref dismissed my comment.

'Why do you do that?' I wanted to pull my hair out. 'You treated our relationship like it was doomed from the start.'

He never wanted her around, he blamed Lucy for everything.

'And it was,' Zeref said as a matter-of-fact. 'She left Magnolia without a word, she didn't even care—'

Maybe he was right, even if I didn't want to admit it.

My blood rushed through my ears, 'enough!' I couldn't bare to listen, I couldn't hear how easy it was for her to up and leave me.

His brows rose at my outburst, 'I know okay. She didn't care— it was all a lie.' I said pitifully.

'You were right, Zeref.' I surrendered. I was done with this useless fight, Lucy wasn't even here.

Who knows where she is, it all left a sour taste in my mouth.

The fact that I couldn't find her, I couldn't even chase after her.

'Don't lie to me—'

'I'm not.' I swallowed thickly and we locked eyes. 'I'm ready to move past that.'

He eyed me skeptically, 'what changed?'

I sighed, 'I realized that I'm tired of having this fight.'

'Really?'

'Yes really.' I said firmly, 'I'm fighting for someone I already lost.'

'She's gone and I have face that.' The heartbreak throbbed in my chest. I'd do anything to see her face, but it wasn't possible.

'Wow, little brother.' He shook his head with a laugh. 'I'm almost convinced.'

'What do I gotta do to prove it to ya?'

'Beat Sting.' He said, 'train your ass off and win.'

'I plan too.' I said confidently.

'Good.' He said with a stiff nod, 'don't be out to late.'

'I won't—' I stopped, 'wait seriously.'

'I'm holding you to your word.' He squeezed my shoulder, 'don't let me down.'

(Zeref's POV)

I walked into my bedroom and grabbed the cigar-box I had resting on my dresser.

I walked over to my bed and sat at the edge, I ran my hands over the wooden surface. In this box, I've collected many important things but I've also hidden a deep secret.

I opened up the lid, a small white envelope sat on top— neat and untouched.

Natsu

His name was written with elegance in black ink. I carefully turned it over in my hands, it was time to see what Lucy left behind for my brother to find,

Natsu,

I know this isn't how we planned for our lives to go, but your brother is right. I'm an unnecessary distraction. I could never ask you to choose, I know how important this is to you. So, I'm leaving— I have too. I can't live in Magnolia and not be tempted by you. It's too hard. I'm sorry for leaving you this way, it was never my intention to hurt you. I love you so much, nothing will change that.

I'm so sorry Natsu.

Love,

Lucy.

P.S.

I don't worry about me, I'm staying with a friend. I know I said I wouldn't ask you but if you ever need me, you know where to find me.

I had half the mind to destroy the evidence, I placed the folded paper back inside the envelope.

It's been three years and Lucy's remained gone, now I never told her to leave Magnolia.

She made that wise decision on her own— all I asked was that she leave my brother or else.

Or else, I'd quit. I'd close down our family Gym and sell it to the highest bidder.

I'd ruin our father's legacy and Natsu's boxing career— if she stuck around.

The guilt bubbled deep in my gut, I'm not completely heartless— I saw what was happening.

I couldn't allow that to happen, not with her. Anyone but her.

When Jude Heartifilia walked into my Gym one Sunday afternoon, draped in a fine suit with a cigar in-between his lips.

Something wasn't quite right,

'Keep your savage brother away from my daughter.'

He demanded that I reign in my little brother's advances toward a Ms. Lucy Heartifilia or else.

I brushed off his threats, and that was my first mistake.

A month later our Gym went up in flames, the insurance called it an 'accidental fire' but I knew deep down that this was only the beginning.

Every so often our Gym would be vandalized, I didn't mention Jude to my brother because I know Natsu.

He's action now, ask questions later.

Not only was I dealing with our family Gym, I was having to drag Natsu to training, for weigh-ins, for every damn thing.

And than there was Lucy with sunny blonde-hair and a gentle touch. She's my brother's biggest vice.

And God, I hate her—

She ruined everything.

My relationship with my brother is forever changed. His Boxing career could be over, it's literally hanging by a thread.

And all he cares about is trying to drown out the memory of someone else.

She ruined him.

Fairy Tale was celebrating!

I walked through the wooden doors and was greeted by balloons and streamers, coming from every direction.

I weaved through the crowd, 'hey flame brain!'

There's only one gloomy bastard that calls me that, I spotted the raven-haired man by the bar.

'Ice prick! Long time, no see.' We shook hands, 'how was the trip?'

Gray shrugged, 'can't complain.' He sipped from his mug.

Gray deals with Jewelry; all that fancy shimmy shimmy ice shit. Woman go crazy for this asshole.

'Hey! Cana!' I shouted over the music, 'can I get a fire whiskey.'

She flashed me a smile and nodded before grabbing the glass.

'You sure that's wise?' Grey asked with a side eye.

'I'm guessing you heard.' I rubbed the back of my neck as Cana placed the glass in front of me.

'Heard.' Gray laughed, 'I saw the whole thing from someone's cell phone.'

I winced, 'damn.'

'It happens to the best of us,' He sipped his beer.

'Tell that to my brother,' I mumbled before throwing the shot back.

A hiss escaped through my teeth and I knocked on the bar, 'Cana! Another.'

The music had been lowered as the rowdy crowd break into a fit of whistles as Mirajane waltzed on stage, 'I wanted to personally thank everyone here today!'

Mirajane smiled wide, 'today is special occasion!'

Cana placed the glass beside my hand as I watched Mirajane, 'My darling little sister just turned 22!'

The crowd cheered, including myself, after all this was why I was here.

'So! Treat her kindly and wish her a Happy Birthday!' Mirajane blew the crowd a kiss as she left the stage.

The music turned up once again, 'where is your girlfriend?' Gray asked.

'How am I supposed to know?' I slammed the glass on the wood. I caught Cana's attention for a refill. 'I've been with you this whole time.'

'You're hopeless,' Gray sighed.

'So I've been told.'

9:30 p.m.

I was buzzed— trashed— smashed.

All of the above.

Lisanna decided to show-up late to her own Birthday Party, but when she walked in dressed in that thin-strapped skimpy blue-dress with heels to match.

I did a double take, I couldn't help but analyze every inch of her.

Her snow-white hair isn't the shade of the sun.

Her cool blue-eyes don't warm up my heart when she glances my way.

Her voice doesn't send my body into a frenzy.

Lisanna is not Lucy.

It's a sad realization— no one is better than the real thing.

I was sulking in my bar stool.

'Earth to Natsu,' Gray wavered a hand in front of my face.

'Stop,' I swatted his hand away.

'Uh are you going to go up there or are you going to keep Lisanna waiting?'

'Waiting— waiting for what,' I slurred.

Gray slapped my shoulder, 'it's her birthday dip-shit. You're supposed to make some heart-filled speech.'

'Me?' I glanced up at the stage; Lisanna was standing there patiently waiting for me.

A nervous smile on her face, 'don't keep her waiting asshole.' Cana exclaimed.

Heat coursed through my veins, from the alcohol and from something entirely different.

I didn't know what to say.

Jesus, I'm going to make a fool out of myself. I slightly staggered off the stool and the crowd parted for me to get through.

I confidently walked onto the bright multi-colored stage. Lisanna smiled brightly and collided with my body as the crowd cheered with whistles and shouts.

Her arms wrapped around my middle as she handed me the mic, I licked my dry lips— praying that some sort of inspiration would hit me.

'Ahem—'

Act sober, take a deep breath.

'I would like to wish Lisanna a very Happy Birthday—'

Her blue-eyes practically tried to gaze into my soul.

'She is a very special person to me and I appreciate everyone showing up to celebrate with her.'

That's it— I'm done.

'Come on Salamander! Kiss her,' A guest shouted up toward the stage.

'Uh—' Lisanna's cheeks flushed bright red.

'KISS HER!'

'KISS HER!'

The crowd chanted— 'I don't mind.' Her voice was timid and shy.

I've kissed Lisanna before, but never in front of a crowd of strangers.

'Salamander! It's the girl's birthday!' The DJ said from behind us.

If it would get everyone off my back and out of these bright ass lights— 'Alright fine!'

I smirked, 'after all not everyone gets so lucky.' Lisanna's face flashed a darker shade.

It's the alcohol talking.

I dropped the mic and pulled Lisanna in by her waist, a tiny gasp let her lips as I kissed her deeply.

Her arms wrapped around my neck, holding me closer as her back arched pulling me tighter,

The crowd filled with screams and cat-calls, I pulled away— Lisanna's face flushed red and her lipstick had smudged.

She giggled like a school girl before reaching for the mic I dropped, that's when I noticed someone in the crowd.

'He sure does know how to put on a show.' Lisanna teased as the crowd remained fired up.

A woman with blonde-colored hair stood behind the bar by Cana watching the entire display.

'What the fuck...' I tried to see more clearly.

(Lucy POV)

'After all not everyone gets to be so lucky.'

Horrified.

I was completely horrified.

I arrived at Fairy Tale 9:15 sharp as I promised, the bouncer informed me to use the back door.

Mirajane greeted me and quickly gave me a set of To-Do's to get done while she managed the front.

I finished and was planning on telling Mirajane but my world came to a stop as I watched Natsu kiss a beautiful woman on stage.

I shouldn't be here.

I need to hide, but I couldn't get my legs to move.

'Lucy!' I flinched as I heard my name, 'Lucy come here!' Mirajane was wavering me down with a friendly smile.

I glanced back at the stage, he was staring at me. He quickly hopped off the stage— oh God, he's coming.

Run.

'Lucy!'

My ears perked up, 'Lucy!'

The blonde-haired woman turned toward Mirajane, it can't be.

'Natsu?' Lisanna called out for me but I was too focused, the woman glanced back at me and I knew.

Those warm brown-eyes can't hide from me, I quickly hopped off the stage.

'Natsu, where are you going?' Lisanna said through the mic.

The crowd moved out of my way as I rushed past them, 'where'd she go?' I demanded.

Gray looked at me crazy, 'who?'

'The blonde girl— Lucy.'

'The back,' Cana pointed to the swinging doors, I hopped the bar. 'Wait— Na— you're not allowed back there.' She huffed as I rushed through the doors.

'Lucy!' I called out, the room was empty. The outside door was propped open, 'Lucy. Please.'

The breeze caused goosebumps on my skin as I pushed against the door, it opened up to the dark alley.

Empty.

I'm not going to relive this shit twice— I jogged down the alley and toward the street.

Magnolia Park sat across the way, in distance I could see someone sitting alone on the park bench and I didn't hesitate.

'Lucy,'

She quickly stood and tried to run, 'Lucy wait.' I pleaded, 'please wait.' I rounded the bench and blocked her path.

'Lucy, look at me.'

Look at me,

Please be real.

My heart drummed in my chest, she lifted her head and faced me— tears rimmed her chocolate colored eyes, her cheeks tinted in a rose blush as her teeth worried her bottom lip.

'You're back,' I breathed— relief, fucking relief filled my chest.

My hands itched touch her, hold her, caress her. I'll never let her out of my sight again.

I took a step toward her, and she stepped back.

'Luce,' I frowned at her weird behavior.

'Don't call me that,' she whispered softly.

'Why?'

Her fists balled together, 'why are you even out here?'

'Wha— what do you mean?' I frowned, and walked closer toward her.

'Stop. Don't.' Lucy backed away as I tried to reach her.

'Lucy,' I whispered in distress.

'Go back,' her voice quivered.

'What— no.'

'Your girlfriend is probably worried about you.' She swallowed thickly.

'Go away.' A tear fell down her cheek.

'I missed you,' I didn't even think. 'I missed you so fucking much.'

A small sob escaped her, 'do you have any idea what you've done to me,'

'And now you're telling me to 'go away', what the fuck Lucy.' I said bitterly.

'I didn't tell you to follow me,' she didn't miss a beat.

'You don't tell me a lot of things.' Something flashed in her brown-eyes before anger filled them.

'Yeah, well you've clearly missed me so much you had your tongue down another woman's throat!' She shouted.

Oh fuck, Lisanna.

'That wasn't what it looked like,'

'Hmph, could've fooled me.' Her arms crossed over her chest.

'Lucy I'm serious,' I said in earnest. 'She means nothing to me.'

She didn't look convinced at all— I panicked.

'What— Natsu!' Lucy squealed when I grabbed her by the wrist, pulled her into me and placed my lips over hers.

It was the sweetest five seconds I've had in years.

SLAP

My cheek stung as I watched Lucy pant heavily in anger.

'What is wrong with you!' She exclaimed, her hand covered her mouth.

'I'm trying to get you to see,' My heart throbbed at her rejection.

'Trust me Natsu, I've seen it and I'm not impressed.' Her brown-eyes darkened.

Now, I was getting a little irked by the attitude. Lucy left me and I was still being rejected.

'You left me remember?' I tried to control my rage but it was bubbling deep down. 'You left me in the middle of night Lucy!' I gripped her wrists tightly.

'Without a fucking word.' I seethed, her wide eyes filled with fear. She didn't fucking care at all how I would feel waking up to an empty bed, hearing the news from her father, wandering the town looking for any sign of her.

So fucking desperate for a fucking clue.

'Let me go,' she struggled against me.

'No.' An unstoppable feeling of anger curled in my gut, 'for three fucking years I've been living in a slow hell.'

'Stop.' I squeezed tighter.

'And it's because of you.' My eyes bled red.

'Natsu,' Lucy whined softly, 'you're hurting me.'

Lucy's eyes filled with tears as our gaze locked, her body trembled against mine and it made me nauseous.

I dropped her wrists as if they burned me, I was so ashamed of myself.

'Natsu, I'm—' Lucy cried as she tried to reach for my face but I moved out of reach.

'Don't touch me,' I couldn't be close to her, not right now.

My heart cracked at her crestfallen face, but I've done enough.

'Wait— Natsu, I have—' She rushed.

I didn't even turn around, 'let's see how you like it.'

I left her standing in the middle of the park under a starless sky.

Huge THANK YOU to everyone that's taken the time to read and comment!