chapter 7 enjoy
With spring break over, Natsu gets his stuff together for school.
He is standing in his room with all his stuff packed into his backpack. He's going over his wounds from his fight with Zancrow.
Unfortunately, the only wound he can't cover up is on his cheek. Even with painkillers, he still has a mild sting from it.
With his stuff gathered and bandages in good condition, he heads downstairs to see Wendy waiting for him.
"Ready, Natsu?"
"Yep, time to go to school."
When they step onto the front porch, Ultear is waiting on them.
They got into his car, with Ultear taking the passenger seat, and it didn't take long to park his car in the school parking lot.
As soon as they enter the building, they're greeted with silence as all eyes are landed on Natsu.
Natsu is too focused on the mental pain from his injuries to notice the stairs.
But Ultear and Wendy noticed putting them on edge as they entered their respective homerooms.
When Natsu and Ultear reach their homeroom, he realizes everyone is gazing at him. Being a guy, his mind is oblivious to why they're staring at him.
"Hey, Ultear, any idea why everyone is staring at me?" He whispered into her ear.
"If I had to guess, it probably has something to do with your match the other day."
"I was afraid of that!"
They took their seats, waiting for the school day to end. But, unfortunately, lunchtime came around.
The couple sat at their table with their friends when the others noticed all the looks sent to Natsu.
Letting a sigh, "if you have something to say, now's your chance," he said in a deep, commanding tone to the entire Cafeteria. Everyone visibly cringed or flinched.
Then one brave soul approached Natsu. The guy standing before him is a boy going by the name Hibiki.
"Sorry for staring. It's just that several of our classmates decided to watch your match the other day. We had no idea what to expect, especially when blood was spilled." He struggled to find the words to continue.
"Is that all? News flash for everyone here what you saw that night is nothing new. Any MMA fighter worth his salt will tell you the same thing." That is all he said before continuing his meal.
Shortly after that lunch came to a close, Natsu walked into the locker room.
Unsurprisingly to him, everyone seems to get out of his way, with one exception Jellal.
He walks up to Mr. Clive, only for him to bring up his hand.
"You don't have to show me the note to know you'll be out of class for a few weeks." this gets a grin from Natsu.
While his classmates did their exercises, Natsu took the opportunity to study for a few upcoming tests.
He didn't have to look up to know he was still getting stairs from everyone.
Seeing discomfort, Mr. Clives tells them it's rude to stare. This snaps everyone out of their trance.
"Thanks, Mr. Clive. It probably is a week before the Stairs stop," he says, working on math homework.
Fortunately, Natsu The stairs gradually faded with each passing day as his wounds healed.
Two weeks later
It's Friday, the last day of the week before the weekend. Natsu just pulled off the last of his bandages, examining his body in the bathroom mirror.
"Looks like they're all gone. Time to get back into training!"
He gets his clothes on and gym stuff packed, heading to his car with his girlfriend waiting on him.
"Hope I didn't make you wait too long?" He said nervously.
"This time, no" she lightly kissed him on his lips before getting in the car.
To no surprise, both Jellal and Erza were there two. But, first, they all did their warm-up exercises.
Today they're working on strength training, Natsu picked Jellal as his spotter, and Erza and Ultear partnered up.
With spotters like Jellal practically equal in strength, both pushed their max left to 110 kilograms.
Then they did sparring, increasing their endurance and damage output, as some would say.
This puts Natsu on edge as hell to see Gray once again, and this time, he won't let him get the drop on him like last time.
The winner has a high chance of getting into the big leagues. He'll make it into the world stage for MMA with any luck.
Natsu and Jellal would shift their focus to Ultear and Erza trading blows every once in a while.
The two were giving it their all, but they were wearing protective headgear to preserve their good looks, unlike the guys.
They talk to them afterward, learning it's so no one gets the wrong idea about Natsu and Jellal s well-being.
The last thing Ultear and Erza want is people to think of their abuse victims at the hands of their respective men.
The two immediately collapsed to their knees in appreciation, bowing how powerful the rumor mill could be.
"I see you finally figure these out!" Mr. Clive added, holding up a headgear the lady was using.
"Yes!" They said in unison.
"Kinda stink. We have to wear these, so no one gets the wrong idea," Ultear said with a sigh.
"It can't be helped" was another couple, a husband-wife walking up to them.
"As nice as these are, I feel so weak having to wear them," Ultear added.
"I know what you mean," Erza said with a sigh.
They quickly got over it, continuing there, sparing another half hour before calling it a day.
Natsu gave Ultear a ride home only to walk her to the door. Just before he left, Ultear grabbed his hand.
She led him inside to the living room couch. Knowing what she was getting at, he laid down, allowing her to curl up on his chest.
He wrapped his arm around her, and the two drifted off to sleep, needing a badly needed nap after a long day.
Ur witnessed unknown to them this whole exchange. The crack in her bedroom door hid her slight smirk, knowing her daughter had found happiness.
Two ended up cuddling on the couch all night. Ultear is the first to wake.
Seeing her boyfriend's arms still wrapped firmly around her. This reminded her of when they kissed in the girl's restroom at the mall.
She didn't admit it at the time and still can't but being next to Natsu made her feel safe.
Especially after her run-in with Gray a few weeks back, she silently thanked her guardian angel, as some would say, for bringing Natsu into her life.
Her eye suddenly felt heavy. She rested her head on Natsu's chest, letting sleep reclaim her.
After a few hours, the sun was just over the horizon when Natsu's eye opened.
He then felt a weight on his chest. When his eyes finally adjusted, he saw his girlfriend curled upon him.
Then he sees her stir awake only to lock eyes with Ultear.
"Morning, beautiful."
"You too!" She lightly pecked his lip.
"Shit, what time is it!" Worry took over his face causing her to giggle. But, unknown to them, Ur is doing her best to stifle her giggle.
Ultear looks to the clock hanging on the wall to see it's 7:00 AM.
She quickly got off him, doing some morning stretches before pointing to the clock.
Natsu cringed, seeing the time, knowing his aunt and cousin were awake.
"Grandeeney's gonna kill me for not checking in with her last night!" He says, getting up before bolting out the door. Then Ur walked up to her daughter.
"He didn't do anything Inappropriate last night, did he!" Ur teased. Knowing Natsu is not like that.
"Mother!" She said, clearly flustered at her mother's words.
"Oh, I'm only teasing Ultear. Just wish your father was here to see you now." Her smile turned to a frown.
"I know" her father's death memories came flooding back to them.
"Well, I can tell you he would approve of Natsu. Maybe he was responsible for sending him out here." She teased once again.
"For once, I hope you're right, mother!"
"We'll better start preparing to visit his…Grave."
"I've been so distracted lately I forgot it's tomorrow."
"Do you want him to tag along?"
"I don't know, mother. I'll have to think about it."
"Make it quick. We leave at 10:00 AM Tomorrow."
"I know!" She said with a sigh.
"Don't give me attitude, young Lady!" Ultear cringed, remembering how uptight she could be the day before her father's death anniversary.
She walked up to her room, pulling out the photo from a small box hidden under her bed.
The photo is of her mom and dad for her 13 birthday party. Little did they know that he got into a fatal car crash two months later.
Tomorrow would be the fifth anniversary of his tragic passing. Ultear slipped into bed, not taking her eyes off the picture.
Natsu did his best to enter his home silently. Finally, he successfully closed the door without making a sound.
Watching his step, he was halfway through the living room when he heard the unmistakable sound of the cleared throat.
Looking to the source, he sees his aunt and cousin right beside him with amused looks in their eyes.
"What are two doing up so early?" he said nervously.
"Making breakfast, discussing plans for the day. Now mind telling us where you've been, young man!" His aunt said in a sing-song voice.
He quickly ran to his room, knowing his aunt and cousin were getting a giggle from the two females.
Let out a massive sigh taking a seat on his bed. Then, finally, the sudden stress of his aunt and cousin's teasing is washed away.
He lay down in his bed, gazing at the ceiling as his mind went over his next match.
Before he and Ultear headed home after training, he learned who Gray's opponent was.
His mind is going in a million different directions at once. First and foremost is mental health. The only reason he won last time was that his mind wasn't in the game.
He also needs to make sure not to underestimate Gray. Arrogance has led to the humiliating defeat for many fighters.
He decided to increase his training regiment. He silently hopes Jellal is up to the task.
He let out another yawn as his eyes felt heavy. Within moments he was asleep.
He woke up two hours later, stretching his body. He checked his phone for new messages.
Nothing, no emails, texts, or calls. He placed it on his nightstand, plugging the charger.
Moments later, his phone vibrated, Lighting up before his ring tone went off. Grabbing it quickly
Briefly checking caller ID, I was Ultear. So naturally, his mind immediately goes over what happened last night when they got home.
"Hellow Ultear"
"Hello, Natsu."
"What do you need."
"I was wondering," she said before everything went quiet.
He waited about a minute, fainting here the sound of her breath.
"Is everything all right, Ultear," he said concernedly.
"Not sure how to put this, so I'll just be blunt. Mom and I are going to visit my father's grave. It would mean a lot to me if you were there, not knowing how I'll react."
"Say no more. I'll be there. All I need is a time and place. I could ride with you or meet you there."
"Thank you, Natsu. I'll text you the details" she hung up then and there. Moments later, he got the text telling him when they'll leave and the cemetery address.
The following day he left early to run a few errands before meeting up with Ultear.
He needed to fill his car up with gas and go shopping. Fortunately, everything he needed to get did not require refrigeration.
The most important item was a small bouquet. He pulls into the parking lot seeing Ur's car hasn't shown up yet.
He patiently waits for them at the entrance to show up. To pass the time, he plays games on his phone.
He soon hears the unmistakable sound of a car engine; moments later, he sees Ur's car pull in.
He walks up to them just as they get out of the car to greet his girlfriend.
"Thanks for coming,"
"No problem," he said, bringing her into a hug before she latched into his arm.
Ur just rolled her eyes in amusement at her daughter's antics.
Ur took the lead heading towards her ex-husband's grave. He was buried high up on the small hill making up the graveyard.
The spot in question has a fantastic view of the cemetery and practically the whole city.
Talking to Ultear, Natsu learned it cost a small fortune to get a spot up high.
He would always be able to watch over the two of them from up above.
Natsu wouldn't admit it. But nevertheless, it was lovely knowing Ultear's father's dying wish was to protect his daughter and keep her out of harm's way.
Natsu's mind immediately goes from what he heard from his cousin Ultear's change in personality around him compared to Gray.
He silently vows not to squander the grace her father has given him.
Then he felt a weight on his arm. He sees Ultear using him as a brace, undoubtedly as memory returned to her.
He strengthened his posture, silently messaging Ultear that he didn't mind.
He sees a small smile grace her face before looking at Ur. She lays down a bouquet of flowers before giving a small prayer.
With a slight foot movement, Ultear followed his lead, kneeling at the grave.
He lays down his bouquet of flowers giving a small prayer. Ultear follows his lead, offering a prayer of her own.
Natsu also took notice of Ultear's dad's name Zeke.
The three found their seats at a nearby bench under a shade tree Ultear grabbed onto his arm again.
Natsu broke this hold only to put his arm around her lower back, tightening his grip.
Ultear rested her head on his shoulder with a content smile. Ur watches the two silently with a content smile of her own.
"Zeke, my beloved, you picked a good one to be with our daughter," Ur noticed Ultear leaning on Natsu, not that he minded going off his expression.
They enjoyed the unusually warm day during this time of year.
"I see you noticed the nice weather in Natsu," Ur said.
"You can say that again,"
"We like to believe it's my father doing. He is known for his warm personality, always lifting the spirit of those around him," Ultear added.
"I see, I take it, it's like this every time you visit?" he said, getting nods from mother and daughter.
Then he noticed the look of longing in their eyes, and he deduced they were going over the final moments with him.
Seeing their expressions darken momentarily, a new idea came to Natsu. He silently hopes it will raise their spirits.
Unfortunately, the two women are unaware of Natsu's poor sense of humor.
"Then again, my name meaning is right around the corner, so there that to contend with" the two women glare at him for a brief moment before letting it go.
They realized it was Natsu's horrible attempt at humor, clearly trying to lift their spirits.
Thinking it over, this type of thing is right up Zeke's alley, even his poor sense of humor.
They stayed there for a few more hours before calling it a day.
"I'll see you two tomorrow."
"Tomorrow, you're not going straight home, Natsu?" Ultear asked.
"Regrettably, yes, I have to get ready for my next match, and you know who it will be," he said the last part with a hint of venom alongside his hardened gaze.
Mother and daughter shared his sentiment with hardened gazes of their own.
"Will you be able to be in the same room with him, Ultear?" There was a moment of silence, putting Natsu and Ur on edge.
"Sure, if you're there, I know I can!" She said, lifting their spirits, getting smiles from both of them.
"We'll see you two later." He waved them off as he drove away.
He drives straight to the gym for some more training. Gray got the drop on him last time.
It won't happen a second time. When he walked into the training area, he saw Mr. Clive.
"Ready, Natsu?" He says, bracing a punching bag.
"Yes," he replies, wearing his training gear, and throwing the first punch.
He went easy at first to get a warm-up. Then, after a few minutes, he did a mix of punching and kicks.
He was hitting the bag with so much force he was pushing Mr. Clive back a few feet.
"Take it easy big guy. I'm not as young as I used to be!" This gets a chuckle from Natsu.
He continued his practice for another hour before calling it a day.
When he got home, it was nearly night time. He took a quick shower before sitting at the table for dinner.
"How was training Natsu?" His cousin asked.
"Good, I think I went a little overboard since I pushed Mr. Clive back a few feet with my punches."
"Why am I not surprised?" his aunt adds with a sigh, only to receive a cheeky grin from her nephew.
"What else did you do besides training Natsu?" Wendy asked.
"Ultear asked me to come along with her and Ur to her father's grave today." This stunned the two women into silence.
Natsu could feel the tension in the air. You could almost cut it with a knife.
Then Grandeeney adopted a questioning look in her eyes.
"Hope I didn't touch a nerve." he thought to himself, looking between his aunt and cousin.
"I Can't believe Ultear would invite Natsu along. The two have never asked someone to come along to Zeke Milkovich's grave."
"Natsu-San must mean a lot to Ultear to go beyond considering wanting him to come with."
The tension in the air grew to the point Natsu had a few drops of cold sweat running down his forehead.
Unable to take much more of them, he fakes a cough to get their attention.
Seeing the look in his eyes, the two females cringed seeing the look in his eyes.
"What are you hiding!"
"Nothing!" They said in unison.
"Wendy, Aunt grandeeney, spill it!" Grandeeney took a deep inhale of the exhale.
"Zeke passed away five years ago. Since then, not a single person has even joined them during their visit. So until today, you must mean a lot to Ultear to invite you along." Grandeeney informed.
This gets a small smile from Natsu, "Did they tell you anything about Zeke?" This time it's Wendy to ask.
"Turns out we share a few personality traits." He said with a blush, getting a giggle from the two women.
"Is that the only thing?" His cousin asked.
"They said he has a warm personality. every time they visit. Their weather is always good."
For dinner that night, they had soup with rice and vegetables. Again, they ate in comfortable silence.
Before Natsu got into bed, he did something he hadn't done in a long time. He gave a small prayer not only to Zeke again but also to his mother aswell.
I decide to cut this chapter a little short than what I usually go
I did this to focus the next chapter on the lead-up and fight with Gray
as always, make sure to fav follow and leave a chapter review