#more of stomping on juvia's feelings too

[gralunaisland]

Do you read fanfic? If you do, is there any fanfic you read and recommend where Gray or someone confronts juvia over her creepy behaviors? I’m trying to find those but it’s hard to navigate among all the gruvia people don’t tag. I be reading a nice fic without gruvia in the tags and bom! You though you could run? No, it has gruvia now! I had to make sure fics don’t even have her tagged to run from the pairing

Thanks for asking! I do read fanfic! I love it actually, since it lets me live out my ships when they’re not canon (which is most of them ಥ_ಥ̥ ). There's unfortunately not enough GraLu fanfiction for my taste, nor enough of juvia getting trashed for her behavior, but tbh I haven't looked extensively into FT fanfic.

It’s mostly because I don't want aspects of it ruined for me since it was my first anime and I hold it kinda sacred and untouched by fanon mostly (I'm not like that with any of the other anime/manga fanfics I’ve read though). Tbh though, on a side note, I've written some GraLu fanfiction before myself, so maybe sometime, after revising and finishing one, I might be compelled to put it here.

Anyway, I feel for you! Even in the few I've read, without any gr///via tags whatsoever, the darn ship slithers its way through every crevice. I hate that people just assume you'll know it'll be there because "duh it's canon duhhh" and therefore don't tag it. -_- Like golly at least warn a person before you scar their eyeballs, will ya?

Idk if you ship GraLu too since you didn't mention it, but one fanfic I found that's an absolute gem is called "Can I Kiss You?" by LuminousRain on the fanfiction website Archive of Our Own! It's literally got the tags "anti gruvia", "juvia bashing", and "anti juvia lockser", so it definitely has some very satisfying bashing of her. Unfortunately, it's not to her face, but it's a cute, short fic about GraLu. I suggest, if you don't already use Archive of Our Own, that you use it because of its extensive library and put in those tags to see what you can find!

I'm sorry I wasn't too helpful in suggesting fanfics to you, I wish you the best of luck looking for some sweet, sweet retribution against juvia! If you ever do find some good Anti fanfic, please feel free to send the titles to me by ask or msg! I’d love to read them.

[vannahfanfics]

Reckless

Word Count: 2500

Fluff, Romance, Hurt and Comfort

Summary: Natsu's started a fight in the guild hall again, and Lucy must yet again try and calm him down. But things go awry this time, and she ends up burned. Now Natsu can't bring himself to be around her. He blames himself for her injury and has convinced himself that he's too dangerous to ever be around her again. What will Lucy do?

Hello, everyone! Here is my story for the Fairy Tail Reverse Bang hosted by @ftguildevents! I had fun participating again this year. Please do be sure to go check out the art done by my partner @xfangheartx​!

Lucy honestly shouldn’t be surprised to hear clamoring bangs, resounding crashes, and vulgar swears bleeding through the grand wooden doors of the guildhall first thing in the morning. Yet here she was, her mouth twisting as it struggled to form an expression that would capture the level of annoyance she was feeling. It was eight in the morning, for crying out loud! What on Earth could they have to fight about? Lucy almost debated on turning around and going home, but she decided against it. Rent would be due soon, and she needed at least one more job to be in the clear. 

With a heavy sigh, she pushed open the doors, trying her best to mentally and physically prepare herself for the chaos. 

A flagon of milk slammed into the door beside her head, causing her to jump nearly a foot in the air with a loud screech. She was too busy trying to keep her heart from pounding out of her chest to notice that the milk had splattered over her upper arm. After that, her attention was captured by the pure and utter carnage ripping apart the guildhall. 

All the tables had been upended and their contents spilled onto the floor, forming a mush of breakfast foods, fruit juices, and wood splinters. Food and plates and cups were flying left and right—some smashed against the wall, while others smashed into people, whether it be those perpetuating this early-morning brawl or those trying their best to hide behind the overturned furniture. Master Makarov was sitting on the bar sipping at some orange juice, his weary not changing the slightest when he shifted left or right to dodge an errant bagel or muffin lobbed his way. 

Lucy just slumped in the doorway and groaned, “What could have possibly started all this?” 

“Natsu said waffles were better than pancakes, and Gray got offended,” Levy quipped from where she was ducked behind an overturned table. No doubt Gajeel was deep in the scrap; he probably had no opinion on breakfast foods, he just liked to throw hands as much as the rest of them. 

“Of course those two are at the heart of this,” Lucy sighed while running a hand over her face. Well, there was nothing for it. She would have to do what she always did—go into the thick of the fight to drag Natsu out by his ear kicking and screaming before he burned the guild hall to the ground. There were soot marks all over, and poor Juvia was doing her best to put out a fire burning on the remains of a fern that simply refused to die. Lucy rolled up her metaphorical sleeves, then stomped into the fray. 

“Natsu? Natsu, where are you?” she shouted above the cacophonic din. “Natsu, you’d better—whoa!” she cried and swiftly ducked a plate that sailed over her head, the fried egg on it flipping in mid-air before landing back on the plate as it sped away. “Ugh, I don’t get paid enough for this. NATSU!” 

“Hey, Lucy!” he cried as he appeared in front of her, his fists flaming and his grin broad. He punched away a muffin as it came sailing at its head, setting it on fire to instantly burn it into a rock-hard lump of what used to be muffin. “I got a question for ya. Which is better—pancakes or waffles?” 

“Don’t drag her into this, moron!” Gray shouted as he vaulted over a table and fell upon Natsu in a fury. Lucy just watched, her soul draining out the soles of her feet, as the two of them scrapped like a couple of toddlers—punches and kicks everywhere. “Besides, Lucy definitely thinks pancakes are better!” 

“What was all that about not dragging her into this, huh?” Natsu growled back. “And no she doesn’t! She likes waffles!” 

Lucy’s eye twitched in annoyance. She liked them equally as much, but she doubted she could tell the hot-headed boys that. Instead, when Gray and Natsu sprang apart to stick out their tongues at one another, Lucy stomped up to Natsu. 

“Natsu, that’s enough! How many times have I told you not to start fights in the—Aiiieeeeeee!” 

She reached out for his shoulder right as Natsu blasted a column of fire at Gray. The flickering flames enveloped her hand, instantly searing her skin. Though she reflexively wrenched her hand back as soon as it hit her skin, just the milliseconds of contact was enough; her skin was bright pink and blistering, clear fluid leaking all over as they burst. Lucy fell to her knees, throwing back her head in an agonized sob. Everything froze around her, everyone halted in the middle of beating one another up with their owlish gazes fixed on Lucy. Not that she realized. 

It hurt, it hurt so bad, she had never felt anything like this. She tenderly held her wrist just underneath the border of burned skin, but that didn’t stop the tendrils of pain from zipping up and down her arm. It felt like snakes of fire were searing through her nerves, burning her from the inside out. She just howled and sobbed, thick tears pouring down her cheeks like the blister fluid sticking to her hand, because she couldn’t think about anything but the pain. 

“Oh, no! Oh, Lucy, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry!” Natsu cried. He fluttered around her, hands flapping around her body like he wanted to help but was too terrified to touch her. “Shit, shit, shit—what do I do, what do I do?” 

“Get the hell back, moron!” Gray snarled and yanked Natsu back by his scarf. “Haven’t you done enough?” 

As Mirajane and the Master rushed to her side, Lucy opened her watery eyes. Everything was a blur around her, but somehow, she could see Natsu clearly. She had never seen such an agonized look on his face; he looked like his soul had been crushed, all the life drained from his eyes as he regarded Lucy’s burned hand like it was Death itself. 

And then he hung his head, two thin rivers of tears rolling down his cheeks. Lucy lost track of him as the guild members crowded around her, all clamoring to get her medical help. And Lucy reached out to the place where he had been with a quiet whimper of his name… 

~~~

“Hey, Lucy! It’s time to change your bandages.”

Lucy looked up from her book at the sound of Mirajane’s voice. She used her good hand to close the book and set it on the barrel that was serving as her nightstand, while Mirajane pulled up a stool to sit at her bedside. It had been several hours; lunch would be starting soon. Lucy could smell some simmering stew wafting in from the kitchen, which was not far from the back room of the guild in which she was currently resting. 

Mirajane gently took Lucy’s hand and inspected the bandages. It was saturated with burn cream, antibiotics, and fluid from Lucy’s blisters, making them a sticky, tan-colored mess. Mirajane began to unwind them, and though she was doing her utmost to be gentle, Lucy still winced and whined as little jolts of pain assaulted her nerves. Clumps of sloughed skin clung to bandages, and as it peeled away from her flesh, it felt like she was being seared all over again. 

“Sorry,” Mirajane smiled apologetically at her. 

“It’s okay,” Lucy breathed through clenched teeth. “It’s not your fault.” 

“Tch, you’re right. It’s Natsu��s,” she grumbled. Lucy quirked an eyebrow, shocked to see Mirajane slip so easily into her dark persona. She immediately switched back, closing her eyes and smiling awkwardly. “Ah, I shouldn’t say that… He didn’t mean to, and he’s been tearing himself up over it all day.” 

“He has?” The conversation was distracting. Lucy hadn’t even noticed that Mirajane was slathering burn cream all over her hand. Lucy relaxed into the pillows with a quiet sigh; it sure felt good, so cold and soothing. 

“Sure has. I’ve never seen him mope like this. Though maybe it’s good for him. Maybe this’ll finally teach him to be more careful with his flames,” she tutted with a click of her tongue. 

Maybe that’s what everyone else thought, but the idea of the normally boisterous, happy-go-lucky Natsu trudging around in a hyper-depressed state made Lucy’s belly twist. It was just an accident. She didn’t want Natsu to blame himself… 

“Mirajane? Will you send Natsu to come see me?” Lucy asked petulantly. She just couldn’t stand the idea of Natsu being sad. If she could do something, say something… 

Mirajane looked at her questioningly for a moment. Her expression was blank, at first, but it slowly softened into a smile. She took Lucy’s hand and gave it a firm pat, then held it tenderly for a moment. 

“Sure, I’ll send him in. Don’t be too hard on him, okay? He’s already heard it from me and Erza.” 

“I’m not going to be hard on him at all,” Lucy reassured with a wan smile. 

As Mirajane rose, Lucy cast her gaze down to her lap. No, she wasn’t going to be hard on Natsu at all. Even though Erza’s and Mirajane’s lectures were both legendary, there was no one in this entire guildhall that could be harder on Natsu than himself right now. And she could tell that by the way he was hovering just outside the door right now, thinking she couldn’t see him. But she could. She could see him trying to hide in the shadows, but nothing could hide the tension in his body, the faint gleam of his green eyes brimming with regret. 

Lucy’s heart shattered when he finally crept into a room—hesitant, like an animal expecting to be scolded and tensing to take off at the slightest provocation. His expression was absolutely crestfallen. She’d never seen him so crushed. The sadness was so pervasive in his expression that he didn’t even look like the same person. It brought tears to her eyes, and Natsu, who was keenly studying every inch of her, instantly shrunk away. 

“You’re hurting.” His voice was hoarse, like a ghost of the happy-go-lucky cry of joy she was so used to. “I… I hurt you, Lucy.” 

“Natsu,” she sighed and reached out her hand to him—her uninjured hand. If she offered the one swatched in bandages, he’d probably collapse right there. 

Natsu reluctantly crept forward. When he slowly, ever-so-slowly slipped his fingers into hers, they were violently trembling. Lucy crooned soothingly and gave his fingers a squeeze; it enticed him to sit on the edge of the bed. However, though his body relaxed just barely, his expression remained broken. Slowly, his gaze fell to her injured hand resting atop her thigh. 

“I… I burned you.” He fixated on her hand like he couldn’t look away, but his expression also grew more pained the longer he looked at it. “It’s because of my recklessness that you got hurt.” He tore his gaze away from her hand, and his mouth twisted into a self-deprecating scowl. “Lucy… I’m too dangerous to be around you.”

“Natsu, stop, please.” She was so desperate to banish that agonized look off his face that she cupped his cheek with her injured hand. He recoiled from the scratchy bandages with a groan, but she didn’t let him flee; she pressed her hand to his cheek again, and this time, he allowed her to gently turn his face back to her. “Please,” she repeated in a voice just as pained as his own. “You hurt me so much more blaming yourself than you ever could with your flames.” 

“Really?” He looked so pitiful, as if he were afraid to even hope. 

“Yes,” Lucy nodded. “It was an accident. Nothing more.” 

“B-but—” 

“No ‘buts,’” she asserted, poking her lips out in a firm pout. “I could have just as easily been hurt by anyone else in the guild. These things happen sometimes.” Her pout curled into a smile, one of amusement and fondness. “That’s what being in Fairy Tail is all about, right? Chaos and mayhem and craziness. Sure, someone may end up with a bump or a bruise or a burn every now and again, but I wouldn’t trade that for the world.” 

Her smile broadened, and when she leaned forward to touch her forehead to Natsu’s, he drew in a quiet breath. 

“More than that, I wouldn’t change my partner for the world.” 

He looked down at his lap. He fiddled nervously with the cloth of her blanket, then slowly reached up to peel her hand away from his cheek. He looked down at it while idly tracing circles over the bandages with both his thumbs. 

“Even if I burn you, huh?” he sniffed, and Lucy melted a little in relief when she detected a little chuckle in his tone. 

“Hey, you gotta be at least a little bit reckless to be a part of Fairy Tail, right?” she joked. “Guess my reckless bit is being with the most reckless knucklehead there is.” She nudged him with her forehead, prompting his uncertain gaze to flick up to her eyes. “But you know what? So what if he’s reckless? He cares so much that he’d worry himself sick over me. That’s still the best partner in the world, in my book.” 

Natsu blinked, and then a bashful smile bloomed on his face. He eagerly pressed his forehead into hers, then came a little closer to bump the tips of their noses together. It was such a tender and touching moment, one of so many that she had the privilege to share with Natsu. Still, she couldn’t deny that he was owed at least a little repayment for her injury. 

“Ow!” he yelped when she pinched the meat of his arm, hard. He jerked back, his green eyes wide, and Lucy stuck out her tongue playfully at him. 

“There. Now we’re even.” 

It took him a minute to register what had just happened. Then, he snorted in laughter and shook his head.

“Man. You sure are something else.” His shoulders sagged as he heaved a sigh—like he were finally letting out all that tension he was holding on to. He practically fell onto Lucy, dragging her back down into the bed. He snuggled up next to her, hooking one leg over hers, and buried his face into her tresses of blonde hair. He’d always said he loved what she smelled like—like strawberry-lemon, whatever that meant. 

“I wouldn’t trade you for the world either, Lucy,” he mumbled softly against her scalp. Lucy hummed, idly tracing abstract patterns into his arm as he hugged her around her middle. “So I’m gonna take better care of you from now on, ‘kay?” 

“I’ll hold you to that,” she said, then yawned. With Natsu’s body draped around her, cushioning her in soft, mellow heat, it was so easy to be lulled into drowsiness. Natsu was already softly snoring in her ear. She allowed herself to drift off, falling headlong into the comfortable twilight of sleep. After all… even the reckless had to sleep sometimes.

[nalu4emily]

The Unexpected Reward - Chapter 17

Summary:  Natsu and Lucy go on a job together, but what they bring home is something neither anticipated. Forced to make a life changing decision, they have to adapt quickly, but that's never easy, especially given the circumstances. As they work together on their toughest adventure yet, they find themselves drawn to one another, in ways they never realised. Rated Mature. 

"Hey, Flame head! Wait up!" Gray called over, catching the fire mage as he hurriedly made for the guild's exit. "Where're you going in such hurry?"

Turning to catch the ice mage walking straight for him, Natsu stopped to answer, "Home. I left Lucy and Haru asleep this morning, so I better get back to 'em."

"Oh... You've not been at the guild much lately, is everything cool with you?" The ice mage pushed further.

"Uh… Yeah! Been kinda busy and stuff, ya know." The slayer shrugged, not seeming too interested in divulging any further information.

"Well, are ya too busy to come on a mission? It's been some time since our last job together as a team." Gray asked, scratching the back of his head.

"It has been a while, now you mention it… I'd have to ask Lucy if she's feeling up to it yet, she's still not feeling too good… Anyway, catch ya later!" Natsu spoke cheerily and turned back towards the door, his hand reaching for the handle.

"Lucy's been sick for an awfully long time now, Natsu." He heard another voice say, halting him in his tracks, "Are you sure there's not something else going on?" Lisanna came up and elbowed him playfully in the arm.

"Hm?" He replied, retracting his arm back to his side.

"That's right! Lucy hasn't shown her face in months now. Has something happened? Are you guys having relationship issues?!" Levy gasped at the thought, her eyes wide with her mouth hung low.

"Relationship issues?" Natsu cocked his eyebrow in disdain; what kind of nonsense was that?

"I think you're getting a little carried away there, Shrimp. You've been reading too many books again." Gajeel teased, poking Levy's pouted cheek as he came up from behind. "And Lucy hasn't been gone that long… has she?"

"How suspicious… His beloved is sick and yet he's not with her!" Juvia murmured, appearing creepily behind Gray, making him shudder. "What is he hiding?"

"I'm not hiding anything! You guys are looking way too much into this." Natsu lied, but for good reason.

The truth was a little more complicated than that. With Lucy being so unwell, she'd not been able to leave the confines of their house, having suffered greatly in the first months of her pregnancy. It'd been hard for the both of them, but Natsu had promised to look after her—to not leave her side, and he'd kept to his word. Having skipped out on job after job, and taking longer and longer breaks between each visit to the guild, it was only natural for their friends to worry and speculate, but it did put him right in the firing line.

He was wasting time. He had to get back to his partner and son, it wasn't fair to keep them waiting. The guild would get their long awaited answers when Lucy returned, which with any luck, would be very soon.

"Can I go now? I got things to take care of." Natsu huffed, starting to get frustrated with their incessant intrusiveness.

Trying to slip out from under the guilds snooping nose, the fire mage was beginning to question whether that was even an option any more, not with the amount of people now crowding him, wanting in on the action. He just hoped the great Titania didn't decide to intervene, then he'd be doomed.

"What things would that be then, Natsu? You're not usually this secretive." Lisanna hinted again, even more curious than before. "I thought you said you had to go home?"

"Just leave the kid alone, he's got his reasons." Laxus shrugged nonchalantly, pretending not to be interested, when really he'd heard everything.

"Yes, listen to Laxus!" Freed jumped in, also creepily appearing out of no where, making the lightning mage quiver. "Natsu doesn't need you all pestering him!"

Said boy sighed, glad to have someone on side and took the opportunity to make his leave—But things were never going to be that easy. The slayer found himself almost smacking his head against the thick, wooden door frame, utterly exasperated, when yet another of his guild mates decided to pipe up and add their two pennies worth.

"Yes, you're right. However, doesn't he usually have the kid with him? Why not today? So many questions that have yet to be answered. It makes you wonder really…" Evergreen chortled to the dubious guild members, hiding her conniving smirk behind her fan.

This was getting out of hand! They were just going 'round and around in circles and at this rate he would never leave. Being backed into a corner, he had no idea what was really going on. His guild mates were chucking all sorts of nonsensical bullshit at him.

Who knew what they were accusing him of? Because he sure as hell didn't know, and was pretty convinced now that they didn't either.

"I've already said Haru's at home with Lucy… The only reason I'm here, is to check in with Mira to make sure everything's ready for his party later. You know, for his birthday today." He explained once again, sighing loudly and slumping forward in despair. "I wasn't gonna bring him in early and spoil the surprise, now was I?"

He wouldn't have bothered with any of it, if it hadn't been for the take over mage and her desire to throw some massive party for the little boy, such was the way of Fairy Tail. But this time, Natsu would've much preferred to celebrate at home where Lucy could be present to enjoy it, too. However, Mira had made her own plans, having suddenly sprung the idea upon the unknowing young man one day in passing, and had given him little choice in the matter—his ultimatum much scarier than Erza could ever be.

"We're well aware of the little one's birthday celebrations today, Natsu." Erza's stern voice echoed through the hall, startling everyone into silence and swiftly marched herself right up to the slayer's retreating body. His heart raced as his worst fear became reality and felt a wave of dread as she approached at speed, her hardened features coming in way too close for his comfort. "However, that doesn't mean I'm any less suspicious of you."

"But why?! There's nothing to be suspicious about, I swear!" Holding his hands up in submission, the fire mage was stunned into silence; his mouth dropping open in disbelief; why were they all so hell bent on this? What even was this? He'd told them what he could; what more did they want? "Lucy and Haru are at home where I left them… What else do you want me to tell you?"

"So secretive and elusive… like you have something to hide. Have you no shame?" Ignoring Natsu's plea, the armoured girl had already come to her own conclusions and summoned one of her treasured swords to point directly at the slayer, her icy glare not the only thing threatening to pierce through him, "Our Natsu would never act like this! He's impulsive and reckless and just downright stupid! What have you done with the real one?"

The fire mage would've taken offence, had the red head not so angrily directed her sharp sword at the bridge of his nose. Narrowing his eyes at the sharp metal so close to him, he gulped thickly, praying to whatever god there was, that today of all days, Lucy might just walk through those big doors, saving him from the hell that was Erza Scarlet.

He shook in his sandals, showered in sweat as the red heads sword tip made contact with his skin, pushing his head right up against the wall, "B-But I am the real Natsu…"

"Then prove it! Explain yourself, now!" She was taking no shit from her fiery companion, not after convincing herself that he was, indeed, an imposter.

Desperate not to be on the receiving end of Erza's wrath, Natsu opened his mouth to speak, but just as quickly shut it again when the old guild doors suddenly creaked open. The sound of an infants voice followed by bickering between two others could be heard filling the loud silence, abruptly halting the interrogation of the defeated fire breather.

"See, Happy! I told you he'd be in here!" The young woman pointed, her eyes landing right on the dragon boy she'd been arguing with flying cat about, only realising moments later the presence of Erza's sword and every eyeball in the building staring unashamedly at her, "Uh… Am I interrupting something?"

"Lucy... you're here..." Natsu croaked in relief, never more glad to see his beautiful girlfriend as he sank to the floor. His voice cracking from the genuine fear the older girl had provoked in him, her sword now fully removed from his face. "My sweet saviour…"

"Uh-oh! Is Natsu in trouble again?" Happy giggled, glancing over at his pink haired friend, taking pity on his horror-stricken features.

"Lucy… You're alive?" Erza stated more than asked, stomping over to the young blonde to inspect her further.

"U-Uh…" The girl in question looked down at herself, confirming that she was definitely alive before looking back up again, confusion etched into her expression. "D-Do you want me to answer that?"

"Maybe you should lay off her a little; I'm sure Lucy's had it rough enough." Gray proclaimed bravely, unable to make eye contact with the unsettled knight.

"Please don't scare her off, not when she's only just returned!" Levy all but pushed Erza out of the way and threw herself at the blonde, who was now trying to balance the new weight along with the baby and herself. "I'm so happy to see you! I've missed you, Lu!"

"I've missed you too, Levy, but I'm sure Natsu's kept you updated." Lucy reassured her, then looked up to all of her other friends, "Hasn't he?"

"Natsu told us you hadn't been feeling well, but that's a suspiciously long illness Lucy, one I hope has a good explanation for making us all worry so much." Erza explained, crossing her arms over her chest.

"That's one long tummy bug!" Mira giggled, walking over to the ever growing group to stand near Lucy. "Anyone would think that you were p-" She paused, eyes growing wide with realisation and darted them down to the stellar mages midriff, before promptly fainting on the spot.

"Huh? Mira! Would think, what?! What were you going to say?!" Lisanna yelled, desperately trying to wake her sister up.

"Oh! I get it!" Gray understood, thinking back to the weird conversation he'd had with Natsu in the park and how it all made perfect sense now. "It definitely explains that idiots weird behaviour." He reached out to pat Lucy on the shoulder affectionately and smiled at her, then turned to smirk at said fire mage still recoiling on the ground. "So that's the way you wanna play? Game on, Pyro!"

Turning his head, Natsu smirked back, accepting the silent challenge as he jumped back up to his feet, looking cocky as ever, "You know it, Frosty!"

"Wait, what does Gray know? Is he a part of it too?" Levy gasped, pointing her accusatory finger at the demon slayer.

"Hell no!" Natsu and Gray yelled out in defence, both offended and totally disgusted by the very thought.

"Then what? What is going on here?" Cana shouted from her bench, having heard everything. "Quit with the suspense and just be out with it already!"

"Juvia understands." Out of the shadows, said water mage appeared before her once 'love rival' and smiled happily at the girl she was about to congratulate, "Juvia is so very happy for you both!" She looked down to her own rounded tummy and placed a hand on it, a noticeable difference in size to Lucy's, "They will be the best of friends, Juvia is sure of it."

Lucy's smile reached the corners of her eyes, relieved the rain woman didn't see this as another rivalry, like their partners apparently did, "Thanks Juvia, I'm sure they will be, despite what their father's might think." They both giggled at the expense of the boys gormlessly standing there, along with the rest of the guild, who still had no idea.

"Hold up! So, what does that mean? You're having a baby too, Lucy?" Lisanna asked, cradling her sisters limp body.

The guild's eyes fell to Lucy, more specifically her stomach where if they looked closely, they would see a small, but noticeable bump stretching out her pink summer dress. She could see the expectant faces of her friends waiting for her to answer, and the warm presence of her beloved dragon slayer come to stand next to her, obviously noticing her hesitancy.

"Natsu, I think you should tell them, I know you're dying to." She murmured, her voice quiet but firm.

"Are ya sure, Luce?" He asked, assuming she'd want to do it after all this time, but seeing the certainty in her eyes and the bright smile lifting her cheeks, he took her hand and turned back to the crowd, not needing any more confirmation than that. He glanced at each person in turn, a sense of pride filling his chest as the words left his mouth, "Heck yeah, we are!"

The entire guild erupted in a chorus of whistles and loud cheers, shaking the very foundations of the building in their excitement for the couple, "Oh, wow! Thanks guys! You're too kind!" Lucy's smile shone brighter than it had done in ages, overwhelmed with glee that their guild mates were so pleased for them.

"They've all been worried about ya, Luce." Natsu whispered closely so only she could hear and leaned in to kiss her cheek, knowing just how much this all meant to her. He took the excitable little guy off her hands, giving her the freedom to catch up with everybody.

"I knew it! I knew there was something fishy about you two! But congratulations guys, that's great news!" Levy cheered, ready to get down to the nitty gritty of every dirty detail.

"You had us worried there, Lucy. For a while, I thought you were never coming back!" Lisanna shared, hugging the celestial mage tightly, probably a little too tight.

"Oh… I'm sorry to have made you all worry, but I'm feeling much better now." The blonde explained, a light tint of pink dusting her cheeks from all the attention she was getting.

She could see Natsu hadn't moved too far away from her and tilted her head to look at him. Chuckling to herself, she could hear Erza try to apologise to him, suggesting the boy punch her right in the face for making such a mistake, a suggestion that was right up his alley, if it weren't for Haru in his arms.

Catching his beautiful blonde staring at him through the corner of his eye, he turned in her direction and winked, grinning as he held the little boy up on his shoulders to walk back over to her, "You feeling alright, Luce?" He asked, worried she may have forced herself into attending the celebrations before she was ready.

She nodded shyly, a little taken aback by the overwhelming attention she was receiving. Feeling his hand once again take hold of hers, she stared up into his confident eyes, then up to the child having the time of his life on his fathers shoulders, "I'm okay, but today's about Haru, not me, and I wasn't gonna miss this for the world." She grinned up at the small boy and reached up to stroke his cheek affectionately, chuckling at his enormous smile.

"You're right! Come on, Lucy! I wanna show you what we've done!" Natsu all but dragged the poor girl outside, Haru and Happy in tow, to show her the sheer amount of effort that had gone in to making Haru's first birthday, special.

The entire guilds courtyard had been lit up like a Christmas tree, with nothing left untouched. Banners and bunting of every colour hung from every post, table and tree. Tables upon tables of delicious food had been laid out with the most gargantuan home made birthday cake (courtesy of Mira) proudly sat in the middle of it all. An enormous pile of gifts had also been laid out, all individually wrapped with little cards to say whom they were from and most importantly, the pool had been filled with all kinds of fun inflatables and toys for all the children to play with.

Lucy looked around in amazement. She couldn't believe they'd gone to so much effort just for a one year old, a child that would unfortunately never remember this, but it didn't matter, she and Natsu would for him. "This is incredible, Natsu! I can't believe you did all this without me!"

"Don't sound too surprised; I can help organise things when I want to. And it wasn't all me, Mira came up with the idea." He looked up to the child above him and chuckled, "You like it, Haru?" The child had no idea what was going on, with no concept of birthdays or parties, he simply cheered anyway, responding to his Daddy's infectious grin, "Good! Well then Luce, let's get this party started!"

With his grin turning evil, he squeezed her hand tight and dived head first into the pool, with no consideration for his, Lucy's or Haru's clothing. She yelped at the top of her voice, her only reply a cackle before being submerged under water, thus setting the mood for the rest of the day.

After a full afternoon of playing with the other children, eating lots of cake and other treats, and opening presents, Haru found himself in the pool once again, this time in more appropriate attire for the water. A pair of cute little lion themed trunks (gifted by Loke), and a cute turtle inflatable ring adorning his middle (a present from Lisanna), made it much easier for him to stay above the surface while enjoying a swim in the water.

Natsu, in his usual flamed swim shorts, also found himself in the pool, diving under and popping back up in random places to surprise the little boy. Haru loved a good game of peek-a-boo, the anticipation of where his Daddy was going to pop up next was just too exhilarating. He squealed and laughed every time he resurfaced, then his eyes would grow wide in anticipation when he dived back down again.

"Gotcha!" Natsu exclaimed, appearing behind the little guy and grabbing his sides. "Does Haru want a go?" He asked, lifting him out of the rubber ring and holding him above the surface with just his hands, letting the infant tread the water to keep himself up, "Look at you! You'll be swimming in no time!"

Lucy watched on from her sun lounger, not remotely amused that the slayer had got her cute dress soaked, or that she now had to lay in just her pastel blue bikini, feeling somewhat self conscious with everyone staring at her exposed belly. She laid comfortably basking in the hot sunlight kissing her skin, trying to catch some semblance of a tan, relaxing while she could. She felt happy, content even, thankful that her symptoms had calmed down just in time for Haru's big day.

It'd been a long time since she'd been able to do this without having to run to the bathroom. With no spell or potion being strong enough to truly rid her of the awful feeling, she'd become well acquainted with the toilet in their house, having spent most of her time with her nose down it. It'd been hard over the last few months adapting to her changing body, her wild mood swings and questionable cravings, but she also knew it would be worth it in the end and it was on days like this, with her friends and loved ones surrounding her that she sincerely felt it.

Smiling to herself, Lucy placed her hand on her small, protruding stomach, feeling the tiny flutterings of the little one moving around inside, "You're an active little one today." She giggled, looking to be talking to herself by onlookers, but she didn't mind. "Then again, you're active everyday."

"Juvia's baby is quite active too, but he's closer to his due date than yours and is much bigger." Juvia said, coming to sit on the next lounger. She cradled her own, much larger bump that'd been covered by a flowy, light green summer dress, finding her regular clothes to form fitting and hot to wear now. "It's quite the feeling when he does somersaults in Juvia's belly."

"He? You're having a boy?" Lucy asked, intrigued to learn more and catch up with her friend.

"Yes, Porlyusica told us the last time we visited. Juvia always imagined she'd have a little boy, maybe watching Haru has something to do with that." She gleamed, looking over to the small fella splashing about in the pool still, having the time of his life with his father.

"I'm so pleased for you! I bet Gray was thrilled!" The blonde exclaimed, knowing he would be.

"Of course! Gray was very pleased. In fact, he made us go out and buy all the boys clothes we could find in the market afterwards. Then he took Juvia home and made-"

"No, it's okay… I don't think I need to know any more!" Lucy felt her cheeks burn red at the very thought.

"Made Juvia dinner…" The water mage finished, furrowing her brows at Lucy's assumption.

"O-Oh… Oops! Sorry Juvia, I thought you were going to say that you guys-"

"Made love? I think those hormones are getting the better of you, Lucy." Cana appeared, wagging her imaginary tail at the slightest mention of sex. "They say you get more horny when you're pregnant. I bet you and Natsu are at it all of the time? Actually, I'm kinda surprised he's not over here right now, with you looking all juicy like that!"

"Cana!" Lucy spluttered, her cheeks burning even more furiously. "You can't say things like that in public!" She didn't want to discuss her sex life in front of others, even if what they were saying was true—when she wasn't heaving of course.

"She's right though, Lucy. Juvia hasn't been unable to keep her hands off of Gray." The blue haired girl reaffirmed, her eyes like love hearts as she thought of her beloved Gray. "And Gray hasn't been able to keep his hands off Juvia, either."

"Wow, looking kinda smug there… You were like that any way…" Cana murmured, shaking her head at the love struck girl.

Well, there went Lucy's relaxing in silence, now she could barely keep from her head exploding—Good ol' Cana! "I don't wanna hear any more!" The celestial mage reiterated, covering her ears for emphasis.

"Oh, come on, Lucy! You're pregnant! That didn't happen by accident! You and Natsu knew exactly what you were doing." Cana retorted, moving herself closer to the flustered girl, her boozy breath permeating the air.

"U-Uh… Well… No, actually. It was kind of an accident…" Lucy admitted, feeling a little awkward by saying that out loud, her friends surprised faces not helping matters, "But it was a good accident!"

"Huh… And here I was thinking you were the cautious type, Lucy… Not that it matters. It's good to let the mood just take ya." Cana grinned, her shock forgotten.

"Don't look so ashamed Lucy, you'll both have another sweet baby to call your own and that's a wonderful thing. I imagine Natsu was over the moon when you both found out." Mira beamed her usual motherly smile as she came to sit near them all, having wanted to get the details on Lucy's pregnancy since earlier, "If Juvia's is a boy, then I bet yours is going to be a girl, Lucy."

"You think so?" The blonde asked back, never having actually considered what the sex would be before, but the thought of having a little girl join the family sounded rather appealing, especially in a house dominated by boys.

"Yes, with Haru as well, we need a little girl to make it more even. And she's gonna have the cutest pink hair and big brown eyes, I can just see it now!" Mira was off in a little world of her own, thinking of blue haired baby boys and pink haired baby girls—she was incorrigible.

"Boy or girl, I just hope that after living in a house full of ravenous beasts, this little one might be more like me. Haru's just a dark haired Natsu, he even laughs like him." Lucy placed her hand where she could feel the little movements of her baby and chuckled down, "But who am I kidding? You've already got your father's energy, that's for sure."

"Hey! Don't say that like it's a bad thing, Luce!" Natsu overheard as he appeared out of no where. "There's nothing wrong with having a mini-me, ain't that right, kid?" He hi-fived the now dry child in his arms, having already dried himself using his magic. "Who cares what they are or who they look like? You'll be in there somewhere, Luce; you're their mother, after all."

"Yeah, you're right." She said, always fascinated by Natsu's simplistic, yet logical way of thinking.

"Any way, it's getting kinda late, I was gonna take Haru somewhere a bit more quiet," Natsu gestured to the current brawl taking place behind him.

"Leaving so soon?" Mira asked, standing to say goodbye to the grizzly birthday boy.

"Yeah, he's all pooped out from the busy day he's had and I think he's ready to go to sleep now. Thanks for organising it, Mira!" He said, before turning swiftly to Lucy, "You coming?"

The bikini clad girl jumped to her feet and stretched her arms up, feeling the tiredness begin to set in, completely unaware of her partners roaming gaze, "Yeah, sure... Just let me put my dress-"

"Lucy! Watch out!" She heard Natsu shout suddenly as she bent to grab the item of clothing.

Feeling herself being pushed back onto the sun lounger, she flailed and reached her arms out to catch herself. Darting her eyes up to see what was going on, she was met with the exposed back of the dragon slayer that had moved to shield her from something. Smoke clouded him and the infant; an unfamiliar heat emanated off of his body. The girl hadn't seen what'd happened, or what she'd been saved from, but if the harsh, heavy breathing of the man in front of her was anything to go by, it was a close call.

"Natsu…" She started, but stalled there after, unsure of what more to say to him.

"What the heck do you think you're doing, you old geezer! Do you have any idea what could've happened just then?!" Natsu bellowed, his voice teeming with rage as his eyes narrowed at the culprit. "You're lucky I was here to catch your stupid attack, or that would've gone straight for Lucy!"

The brawl had come to a complete stand still and Macao, the one that'd thrown a fire ball initially at Wakaba, had gone ghostly pale as the dragon slayer's piercing gaze stared him down. "Hey man, I'm sorry… I didn't even know she was there, it was an accident!" He held his hands up in submission, not wanting to enter into a fight with the maddened slayer, knowing that was one he'd never win. "We got a little carried away, that's all."

"Oh yeah? Maybe I should go all out and see how you like it? Try and dodge this one!" Natsu roared, sending a blazing ball of fury of his own hurtling through the air, aiming it right at Macao's cowering body. Turning hotfooted back to Lucy, the distant cries of the offender being struck by his magic was like music to his ears, his anger satiated.

"Are you hurt, Luce? Did anything hit you?" He did a full search of her body, checking for any kind of injury. His worried eyes eventually fell upon her exposed belly and instinctually brought his hand out to caress it softly, "Is the baby okay?"

Smiling up at him, she brought her own hand to rest on his cheek and pulled him closer, loving just how protective he could be, "Of course, our baby's fine. No need to worry." She guided his palm to where the little one was doing somersaults and allowed him to feel the light pads against his skin.

Unable to keep his infectious grin down for long, he pushed his mouth hastily against Lucy's in a kiss that turned heated all too quickly. Buzzing with adrenaline from the incident, Natsu moved his hand from her belly and tangled his fingers into her hair, holding her in place as he enjoyed the taste of her warm lips.

"That's it, fire breath, you took it too far this time!" He heard Gray shout from behind him, knocking him out of his 'Lucy' trance and pull away, glancing over his shoulder, "Look at what you've done to the pool, you dumbass!" The ice mage pointed to the steaming pit that was once the guilds pool, fuming at the state of it.

"Ha! Looks like you and Juvia are gonna have a fun time filling that back up!" Natsu guffawed, passing the fidgety Haru to Lucy.

"Screw you, Pinky! You're going down!" Gray threatened, launching himself at the fire wizard and starting yet another brawl.

Rolling her eyes, Lucy looked down at the sleepy boy rubbing his tired eyes, and decided to creep away from the fight that just seemed to be attracting more and more people, "Come on then, sweetheart. It looks like Daddy's got himself distracted again." She chuckled, disappearing back inside before anyone had noticed she was gone.

By the time the evening swept in, Lucy had found herself a quiet spot up on a small hill a little ways from the guild, overlooking the lake behind it. She sat cosily against one of the many old oak trees, with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders and the baby laid across her chest, begrudgingly, but slowly falling asleep. She hummed her sweet lullaby to soothe her tuckered out child, hoping to coax him into closing his eyes.

It was moments like this that she cherished the most with Haru, just her and him with no one to interrupt. The atmosphere was peaceful and calm, exactly what she was looking for compared to the ruckus that was the guild's 'after' party that continued on down the street. She could even hear the rumble of their antics from where she sat, but luckily, it was pretty muffled, unable to spoil her quietude.

After weeks of staying at home, it sure made a pleasant change to be watching the sunset instead. She'd grown tired and achy after such a busy day, her feet were sore and her head had grown weary, but still she watched contented as the beautiful evening began to fade.

The young mother could finally hear the soft, even breaths of the slumbering child and gently placed him upon her bent up legs, covering him with her blanket to keep him from feeling the chill in the air. Staring at his little angelic features, she found it hard to fathom how drastically her life had changed compared to just twelve months before. She'd grown so much as a person and gained everything she'd ever wanted and more, making new memories along the way.

She and Natsu had unknowingly plunged themselves into a completely new world, taking on the responsibility of an abandoned child and calling him their own. Haru had opened their eyes to a life they never thought they'd get to experience, especially not with each other. The little boy had brought them together in a way that would forever bind them, creating the family unit they were today. It only seemed fitting to name this day as Haru's official birthday, for it was the day his life, and theirs, had begun anew.

Leaning her head back against the tree, becoming lost in her memories, her eyelids began to close, a wave of exhaustion rushing over her while sleep tempted her in. A rustle of a nearby bush was quick to quash that feeling though, as a startled Lucy snapped her eyes wide open and darted her head over to where the sound had come from.

"Oh, Natsu… It's just you…" She breathed, laying her bleary eyes onto that familiar toothy grin and untameable pink hair, a scaly, white scarf to match. "Tell me, what were you doing hiding in the bushes?"

"Looking for you." He said simply, walking out onto the hillside to join her, having deliberately left out the part that he'd been hiding there for much longer than he'd care to admit. In fact, one might say he'd been there the entire time, watching the beauty that was Lucy quietly sing their son to sleep and hadn't wanted to disturb her until she'd finished. "You left, so I had to come find ya."

"Oh, you didn't have to. I just wanted to settle Haru before he started getting grumpy. It's nice and quiet out here." Her voice sounded airy and light, her eyes half lidded and a little bloodshot. "You can go back and join the others if you want, I'm okay." She offered, but Natsu knew better than that, he always did.

"You don't have to pretend for me, Lucy. I can see how tired you are." He'd learnt pretty quickly in the past few months that pregnancy didn't just make her exceptionally sick, but that it had an array of different symptoms, some physical and others emotional, but all unpleasant and incredibly draining for her. "Why would I leave any way, you're all out here?"

"Happy's not."

"Yeah, and Happy's capable of looking after himself. He's too interested in Carla to notice we're even gone. You know what he's like." Natsu explained, scooting closer to Lucy to take the infant from her legs.

He set the baby down in his lap to keep him warm, the fluffy blanket tightly swaddling his body. The two mages cuddled up to one another, watching the twinkling stars come out to glimmer and shine down onto the glistening water in the distance.

"It's crazy to think it's been an entire year since we brought him home. Who knows where we'd be without him here?" Lucy reminisced, her gaze drifting from the moonlit lake, to the baby snoring peacefully without a single care in the world. "Or where his life might've gone, if we hadn't taken him in."

"We'd be what we always were," Natsu stated bluntly, tearing his own gaze away to look at the girl beside him, "Best friends, going on adventures and honestly, that's kinda the sad truth of it all. As for Haru…" He glanced down at his cuddled up son, smiling sadly as he remembered the first time he ever set eyes on the tiny, lifeless baby, that fateful day, "I made a promise to keep him safe; to make sure he lived… He was always going to come with me, there was never another choice. I just didn't know it then."

"And I'll be forever grateful that he did, because..." Lucy cleared her throat, feeling a little emotional at the thought, "Now, I have you and him! And nothing has ever made me happier! Choosing to adopt a child was the most daunting thing I've ever done, but it's proven to be the best decision I've ever made, one I'll always be thankful for." She gave her own toothy smile, a slight tint of pink dusting her cheeks as she poured her heart out to him.

Natsu felt his heart squeeze tight, her words reminiscent of his own feelings and quirked his lips up at her. Reaching his hand forward, he smoothed his fingers through her golden locks, before coming to rest it under her ear, guiding her to him, "Me too, Luce. Which is why…"

Lucy's breathing deepened the closer she got and felt his other hand come up to hold hers tenderly, paying no mind to him fiddling with her fingers, "Which is why, what? Is there something else?" She asked, cocking her head cutely as their breaths began to mingle. "Natsu?" Her eyes fluttered between his dark ones, waiting expectantly for him to finish.

"I… I wanna ask you something." He murmured just before claiming her mouth, connecting their lips in a kiss so sickly sweet, it made Lucy's belly fill with butterflies.

She could have melted into a puddle right then and there, the feel of his affections always had a way of making her turn to goo in his hands. Her spine shivered and the adrenaline buzzed through her system, not having the capacity to comprehend the words that'd been spoken, for her mind had been taken over by the feel of his hot mouth. Letting go of her hand, he snaked his fingers up to the other side of her neck and pulled her closer, craving those sweet cherry lips that he liked to nip at with his teeth.

Her fingers were now free to roam and touch as they pleased, tangling them up through his hair and tugging on the pink strands at the base of his neck. Desperate for breath, she pulled herself away and gazed into his half lidded eyes for mere seconds, before he impatiently delve down to ravish her neck. The sucking and biting just under her ear caused small gasps and whimpers to escape the increasingly aroused celestial mage, her eyes fogging with lust, until something bright caught her attention.

"What was that?" She asked panting, her voice raspy as she tried to catch sight of whatever it was again. It had flickered like a light, shined like a reflection and sparkled all at once, making her wonder if she'd really seen anything at all.

"What was what, Lucy?" He asked her, not meaning to sound quite so unsurprised, when usually he was the first to go looking for trouble.

"I thought I saw…" She didn't really know what she'd seen, her mind too muddled from the heated moment they were having; maybe it was just her eyes playing tricks? Or worse… someone was spying on them.

Natsu clasped at the hand she had buried in his hair and brought it into view, "Was it this, maybe?" He asked, drawing attention to one specific digit.

Feeling the contrast between his warm skin and the cold hardness of something else against her finger, Lucy peered down in curiosity, her breath stalling when her eyes laid upon the object of confusion. Gasping loudly, she clasped at her mouth, two enlarged chocolate orbs flickered between him and her hand in utter astonishment. Somehow, in the midst of their make out session, Natsu had managed to band the most simplistic, yet beautiful ring onto her finger, where it sat proudly and spoke of untold intentions.

"It's… I-It's beautiful! B-But how did you- When-" She stuttered, too lost in what this all might mean, searching deep within his dark eyes for the answers to her silent, but obvious questions.

"That's the right finger, isn't it?" He asked, looking uncharacteristically nervous, a small pink hue dabbing his cheeks. His heart was beating much quicker than he would've liked, hoping he hadn't screwed up already.

That was all she needed to hear to confirm her suspicions, her brown eyes wet with unshed tears, "N-Natsu, I… I don't know what to say-" She couldn't speak, this was too much and he'd not said anything yet.

"Lucy…" He spoke with every sincerity, taking the ringed hand and entwined their fingers. "I'm not so good with this stuff, but I know that getting married is important to you, which makes it important to me, too. I promised you forever and I guess you could say, this is me making good on that promise." He caressed her soft cheek with his thumb and smiled when he saw the glint in her eyes shine back at him. "So, what do you say? Prepared to commit yourself to this," he gestured to himself and winked playfully, "For the rest of your life?"

Finding herself unable to keep her emotions in check, the girl didn't answer, but instead, launched herself at him, giving him barely any time to move the slumbering child out of the way and brace for impact. Landing on top of the winded dragon slayer, she managed to catch herself with her hands and gleamed down at him, tears falling from her eyes and the smile on her face rivalling his. She leant down and connected their lips once again, taking the lead this time, unable to keep her happiness from pouring out.

To the side, still held in Natsu's opened out arm, was Haru, completely unaware of what was going down, his dreams taking him to far off places. His developing sibling in his Mommy's tummy, however, didn't seem quite so pleased, having been wedged between the two loved up adults as they made out under the sea of stars, had decided to take matters into their own hands. With one almighty kick, the kiss came to a quick halt when Lucy groaned and pulled back, grabbing hold of her bump to sooth the sore area.

"Jeez! Was that the baby kicking you? 'Cause even I felt that one!" Natsu looked surprised, amazed that their baby was so strong, at just five months, that he'd been able to feel the force of the kick against his own abdomen. "Is it still hurting, Luce? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, it just shocked me, that's all. They've never been quite that strong before." She chuckled, sitting herself up and straddling his hips as she looked down to her belly, gently caressing it with her thumb, "You were just trying to tell Mommy to move, weren't you?"

Balancing himself up onto his elbow, Natsu also placed his hand on top of Lucy's bump and smirked, "Or maybe, they were just tryin' to get their Mommy to say yes."

"Like you needed an answer!" Quirking her eyebrow up at his smirk, she shifted back a little as he sat himself up against the tree, laying Haru gently next to them while Lucy remained in place, "But you haven't actually asked me anything yet. Who knows what I could be agreeing to? This is you, after all."

The young man chuckled and grinned his thousand watt smile, knowing she'd catch him out eventually, "Alright, have it your way." The mischievous look on his face didn't disappear, even when he tried to take it seriously, "Will you marry me, Lucy?"

She returned his beaming smile with one of her own, glad to have heard it come from his mouth and nodded her head enthusiastically, "Of course, Natsu, the answer was always a yes."

"Good. Can I go back to kissing you now?" He asked, but didn't bother waiting for a reply and went to pull that enticing mouth back in for a third kiss, hoping this time there'd be no more interruptions in the forms of sparkling rings or unimpressed unborn babies.

But just as their lips were about to touch, Lucy paused ever so tantalisingly close to him and furrowed her brows, causing the boy to sigh impatiently, "What is it now?"

"Have you been holding on to that ring all day?" She enquired, only realising now that he must've got it from somewhere.

"Nah, not all day, just the party. I had to ask Happy to go and get it for me while you were distracted with Haru." Natsu explained, scratching the back of his head, "I was gonna do it myself, but stuff happened and then you suddenly showed up."

"Stuff… happened?" Now she was even more curious; what could've gone on in her absence?

"Yeah… them." He shivered still traumatised, pointing over to where Fairy Tail's guild hall stood, still alive and partying, and Lucy understood immediately just what he was referring to, giving her an insight into what she'd unsuspectingly walked in on earlier that day. "So, I had to change up my plans."

"Oh! Why didn't you just do it tomorrow instead? Rather than make it difficult for yourself." She asked, feeling a little smug when she saw the light go on in his brain.

She'd stumped him there. Always the brains of the operation, he couldn't believe he hadn't thought of that. He'd wanted to do it on a day that meant something to the both of them, but really, did it matter? The result would've been the same.

Noticing her cocky smirk and the playfulness in her eyes, he rose to the challenge, a fire in his belly, "Because, Miss Know-it-all, today was special, just like you said… And it wasn't difficult… I had it all under control…"

"Uh-huh…" She watched him become a little fidgety as if he weren't quite telling the truth and her smirk widened into a smug, toothy grin, "So you were just pretending to be scared when Erza was threatening you? I get it."

His eyes were sharp and intense, just like they were in battle, the one sided grin to boot as he bore into her playful expression, "Your playing with fire, Lucy…" His voice dangerous and brimming with cockiness.

"Then let it burn." She whispered close to his ear, barely able to get the words out before she found herself being forced onto her back, her hands held down above her head, with a fired up dragon slayer carefully leant over her form.

"You asked for it!" He growled, gulping down a large breath as he connected his mouth to the sensitive skin of her neck, torturing her senses with his loving but fierce embrace.

[juviaafullbuster]

I love you's and foreign languages

This one is dedicated to @be-dazzled. Thank you for the sweet request of Gruvia learning a new language together 💙

Summary: After being hit with a weird spell Juvia finds herself no longer able to communicate with the others in the same language. Good thing words are overrated.

*************************************************

"Water nebula!"

From the corner of his eye, Gray could see Juvia using her water attacks on their enemies. She was handling three guys effortlessly. Making sure she was okay, Gray put his focus back on his own fight.

He had finished off two more guys when he heard a scream. Spinning around he found Juvia down.

"Juvia!" Filled with anger, he finished the remaining guys off before rushing to Juvia. "Are you okay?"

Juvia hold her head in pain. She was so focused on the guys in front of her that she didn't see the one coming from behind. He managed to hit her at the back of her head and it left Juvia with a huge headache and a feeling of dizziness. Focusing on Gray she nodded slowly.

"Alles in Ordnung."

Gray looked baffled for a moment, not understanding what Juvia said. To be fair, the water mage looked confused herself. Maybe the guy had hit her head harder than he thought.. they should definelty get her to Porlyusica, just to make sure.

"We should head back to the guild. Those guys aren't a threat anymore and by now the council probably already sent out someone to get them." Gray helped Juvia up.

"Juvia stimmt dir zu." Juvia was confused. What was she saying? She just wanted to tell Gray that she agrees and instead those words came out. Gray helped Juvia up and decided to carry her the rest of the way since she was still feeling dizzy and the weird way she was talking, didn't help calm his worries either. Making their way home, they were both sure of one thing:

This was going to be interesting.

Back at the guild hall

"That must have been a hard hit to the head." Gajeels laughter could be heard by everyone in Magnolia and Juvia could tell Gray was trying to hold back his laughter too.

"Das ist nicht lustig." She was serious, she really didn't find it amusing at all. This whole thing was freaking her out. She tried to do her best glare but judging by the boys reaction it wasn't threatening at all. "Hilft mir."

"It's okay Juvia, calm down. Master already informed Porlyusica, she's on her way." Gray assured her. He didn't need to understand what she was saying, for him to know that she was freaking out and even a little scared. He did feel bad about it. But she was making it so hard to stay serious when she looked so adorable, trying to look mad, failing at glaring threateningly and stomping around like a child.

A little while after, Porlyusica walked in, immediately going to see Juvia. After doing some check ups, she assured the young mage that there was no big damage done and that her head was fine expect for the little headache she would have for a while that was caused through the hit. She explained that it was a weird spell that was cast on Juvia that lead to her speaking a foreign language. Apperantly it was used by dark guilds to make sure that someone who knew too much wasn't able to deliver informations or at least make it harder for him and giving the dark guilds more time.

"It's German. That's why you didnt understand what she was saying. It's not a strong spell, so it should wear off soon, most likely in one or two days. You'll be fine."

"Danke.." Juvia wasn't sure how good those news were. She was hoping there was something to fix her situation immediately. But of course it couldn't be that easy. At least she knew now that there was no serious damage done to her brain. That's something, right?

The next day

"Still speaking German, huh?" Gray looked down at Juvia who was sitting on the bench, deep in thoughts. "Couldn't you have chosen an easier language?"

"Juvia hatte keine Wahl bei der Sache. Das-" she stopped talking midway, realizing that it had no use. Gray didn't understand a thing she was saying anyway. He sat down next to her, leaning back casually. They sat there in silence, both deep in thoughts. Juvia could see Gray contemplate about something. Every time he was about to say something, he decided against it after all. After a while he finally decided to break the silence.

"Teach me something." Gray turned to Juvia and looked at her expectantly. "How do I say.. how are you?"

"Wie geht es dir?"

"How's the weather."

"Wie ist das Wetter?"

"You're looking very good today."

"Du siehst heute sehr gut aus."

"I like you very much."

"Ich hab dich sehr gern."

"Let's get married."

"Lass uns heiraten."

Gray repeated every phrase after Juvia, making her swoon every time she hears him say things like I really like you and let's get married. He can't just say things like that so casually! Juvias imagination was running wild again, even picturing their kids already. They would sure look adorable.

They continued their language lessons for a while before they decided it would be enough for the day.

"Alright, how about we communicate through gestures until you're no longer speaking German. I don't think I'm such a fast learner when it comes to languages." Gray suggested. Juvia agreed. She was hoping that spell wouldn't last much longer anyway.

"Good, there's something I meant to tell you for a while now and I think, it's easier said without words anyway."

Looking a little confused, Juvia gestured for him to continue. He was acting different too, Juvia was sure she never saw Gray that nervous. Before she could overthink his actions, he leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers.

"I think this has been long overdue." He whispered before leaning in and kissing her softly, telling her everything he was feeling without having to use a single word. Juvia immediately relaxed into it, kissing him back and enjoying the feeling of his soft lips against hers until they both had to pull apart in order to catch their breath. When she opened her eyes again, Gray had a huge grin on his face.

"Juvia?"

"Hm?"

"I learned another German phrase earlier. Just for you."

Juvia looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to continue.

"Ich liebe dich."

Juvia could feel the warmth in her cheeks. She didn't need to speak German in order for her to know what this means. It was similar to their language after all. And even if it wasn't, she could read it in his eyes. I love you. He said it, he really said it. She could barely hold herself back from jumping him right here and now. Juvias face lit up and she couldn't hold back the smile decorating her face.

"Je t'aime aussi."

Gray looked at her expressionless for a moment before bursting out in laughter. Juvia pouted, getting frustrated with this language barrier destroying the moment she waited for so long. The spell was supposed to wear off, not get her to talk in another foreign language. But when she saw Gray smiling genuinely and looking so happy, she couldn't help but smile. Maybe this whole thing wasn't so bad after all. And when he went in for another kiss, Juvia couldn't help but love the foreign languages.

"So we are learning French now, huh? Well, it is the language of love, right?"

[doyouevenshipbr0]

HAPPY GRUVIA WEEEEEEEK!!!:))

so i cant promise that ill post something for EVERYDAY but i will do what i can:)

i hope u all have an amazing, gruvia filled week:) enjoy babies!!!

also ok u know what so maybe i did write a story literally exactly like this for gruvia week last yr...... mind ur business lmao

gruvia week day 1: home

*

Juvia was practically running from the train station.

This was the longest mission she had gone on in years, and while she did love to get out and go on jobs, especially with Gajeel, she was itching to get home at this point.

Two weeks without her family was driving her borderline insane, and she was ready to hug and kiss everyone to her heart’s content. She looked up at the sky and noticed it was just about dusk. At the sight of the day almost ending, she picked up her pace a little bit. If she could just speed up a bit, she could probably make it home in time to still make dinner.

In a few more short moments, she stood at the door of her house. She stepped in the doorway and breathed in ready to shout a booming “I’m home!”, but she was interrupted by a commotion that seemed to be coming from the kitchen.

From where she stood, all she could hear was the muffled radio playing music, kids screaming with giggles, and some food sizzling. She was met with the smell of delicious, but maybe slightly burnt, food.

She placed her bag down beside her, and slowly but curiously made her way to the noise. Before she inserted herself just yet, she was wondering just what was going on.

“Storm! Why did you take your brother out of his bouncer!?”!She heard Gray shout, and it was quickly followed by two very familiar giggles.

“Kai’s one year old now, dad! He wants to run around not bounce!” Storm’s voice was mildly breaking with laughter.

Juvia finally got to the point where she could peak around the corner into the kitchen, and luckily she still had yet to be noticed.

Storm was holding the wiggly baby, but was clearly struggling, seeing as Kai certainly did not want to be held. Neva was right by her big brother’s side, giggling along with him. Gray, however, did not look as amused. He was looking back and forth from over his shoulder at the kids, to the many pans full of food he had cooking in front of him on the stove.

“Ok, well, I don’t really want him running around right now. I’m trying to focus on dinner.” Gray tried to calmly explained, but Juvia could tell he was breaking a sweat.

“But if we put him back in, he’ll cry!” Neva explained back. Her curly black pigtails bounced as she excitedly explained herself.

And as if it was on cue, Kai began screaming as tears ran down his red face. Gray instantly threw down the spatula in his hand and bent down to scoop up Kai out of Storm’s arms. He turned right back around, and continued stirring with the food while he bounced a screaming baby on his side.

“Daddy, you’re making my mac and cheese right?” Neva tugged at the apron her father wore.

“Yes, Nev, I’m making your mac n cheese.” He sighed, not appreciating the nagging child.

“Yay!” She cheered.

“But you do have to eat some veggies.” He reluctantly followed up with.

The gasp of betrayal that escaped Neva’s mouth almost made Juvia blow her cover with laughter.

“Veggies?! I hate veggies!” Neva stomped.

“Storm, can you please explain to your sister why we need to eat our veggies.” Gray replied. He didn’t feel like taking the time to explain the pros of vegetables.

“Uhhh, ok.” Storm replied, unsure. He paused and scratched his dark blue waves in the back of his head “Well I don’t like vegetables all that much either. I kinda’ think Mom and Dad just do it to be bossy.” Storm shurugged.

Neva’s deep blue eyes widened with horror.

“Storm!” Gray exclaimed. He should have known a nine year old reasoning with a four year old just simply wouldn’t work. The boom of his voice upset little Kai all over again, and he continued his screaming.

“Oh shit-! I mean- shoot!” Gray spat, and put down the spatula again, this time paying more attention to Kai, and shushing him as he swayed back and forth.

“Ok, Mommy thinks it’s time to step in.” Juvia calmly walked in the kitchen and was met with four surprised faces.

“Mommy!” Storm and Neva ran at her with full speed. She just had enough time to squat down and welcome their impact.

“Oof!” Juvia grunted as her kids slammed themsleves into her, wrapping their little arms around her. “Hello my babies!” Juvia regained her footing and wrapped her arms around them, kissing their heads.

“How was it?! Did you and uncle Gajeel kick butt?! Did you use your water stuff!?” Storm spat questions at her, just as he did every time she or Gray got back from a mission.

“Yes, baby.” Juvia used her hand to push the bangs from Storm’s eyes. “Mommy and Uncle Gajeel did great.”

“Mommy, Mommy, Daddy’s gonna’ make me eat veggies!” Neva cried out for help, planning on Juvia to rescue her from the vegetables.

“He is?!” Juvia pretended to gasp, and she looked up at Gray, who gave a defeated smirk.

She stood back up. “Speaking of food, it smells delicious.” She walked towards Gray, and gave him a big hug as he still held the baby in his hands. Juvia took her hands and squished Gray’s face, planting a big kiss on his cheek, earning a grunt from Gray.

“Oi! Do you really gotta’ squeeze my face like that?” Gray twisted his face free from her hands.

“But Juvia hasn’t been able to squish Gray-sama’s sweet face for so long!” She whined.

She averted her attention down Kai. “And speaking of squishing sweet faces,” She took him from Gray’s arms.

“Hello, my love!” Juvia doted, and Kai smiled at the sight of Juvia’s happy face. She brought his chubby cheeks to her lips and kissed him a bunch, making the baby giggle.

Gray went back to fiddle with the food one more time before he turned off the stover. “Ya know, it’s a lot easier to cook around here when I have you to distract these demons.” Gray sighed, and leaned up against the counter.

“Demons?!” Juvia laughed. “Juvia’s babies are angels.” She continued to sway Kai in her arms.

“Are we talking about the same babies?” Gray playfully raised a brow.

Neva and Storm both laughed, feeling accomplished at annoying their father.

“Yeah, laugh it up.” Gray chuckled back at them.

Juvia sniffed. “Is Gray-sama cooking salmon?”

“At this point, I think I’m burning salmon.” At Juvia’s reminder, he took an oven mit and opened up the oven, taking out steaming salmon.

“It looks great!” Juvia smiled. She missed Gray’s cooking. “Salmon’s Juvia’s favorite.”

“I know. I made asparagus and rice, too.” Juvia looked at the stovetop and sure enough, they were all there.

“And mac n cheese for me!” Neva cheered, raising up her hand.

“You’re gonna try the asparagus, too.” Gray daunted.

“A-spar-gus?” Neva sounded out the word, not being quite sure exactly what it was.

“It’s the nasty vegetable Dad’s gonna’ make us eat.” Storm explained.

“Alright. That’s it you two. Now that my hands are free I can finally kick your butts!” A playful smirk appeared on Gray’s face before he ran at the kids, scooping them up in his arms and slinging them over his shoulders. The two shrieked with giggles as they kicked, trying to free themselves from Gray’s grasp. “One more word and I drop you two square on your heads!” He teased.

Storm and Neva continued to laugh as Gray shook them around a bit. Juvia admired the smiling faces from afar. When they all smiled so hard like that, they all looked the same. It seemed to be contagious, because Juvia felt herself grinning right back at them. Even little Kai was bubbling with laughter, and Juvia couldn’t help the tears that welled up in her eyes at this beautiful feeling.

“Alright, everyone!” Juvia caught everyone’s attention. “Why don’t we eat the yummy dinner Daddy made before it gets cold?” Gray, Storm, and Neva nodded in agreement.

Juvia wasn’t sure if she could put a finger on exactly what this feeling was, but if she had to, she would use one word.

This was home.

[thewritingstar]

Within the Darkness: Gruvia oneshot

Pairing: Gruvia

Fandom: Fairy Tail 

So im working on all these little fics and drabbles so i thought i would give you a little something that i whipped up quickly. I did this in about ten minutes so be nice but you know its been awhile since gruvia and i miss them. 

Basically this fic is an interpretation of the dark emotion Juvia has carried. I hope you like! 

--

There was a time where darkness was the only thing she knew. It followed her like a ghost, chilling her spine every moment it got. She had become so used to the darkness, her shadow as disappeared completely. There was nothing left for the darkness to take, so it began to consume her. 

With every passing second, the dark drained a drop of her life. She hadn’t noticed it ripping apart her soul and if she did, she wouldn’t have stopped it anyways. 

The clouds that lingered in the sky moved closer to earth until it had too began to follow her closely like that of the ghost. She felt frozen most of the time but she grew used to it, it was startling but it brought comfort. When every one left, her darkness would follow. 

She ignored every passing glance and frown. The call towards her as she forgot the world around her as she kept going, where? Where ever the darkness decided to pulled her. 

She felt it. The tug. At first it was by her side but over time as the moons passed, the ghost was now in charge as if she became a prisoner to something she couldn’t place. She wanted to scream and break free, move on from this torture but she would stop herself and allow for that ghost to pull harder this time. 

There was a fear she had. That one day the darkness would leave. It would miraculously disappear into thin air and she wouldn't know what to do. She would be lost without that, although scary at sometimes, it was her shield. It kept innocent people out and kept her in. She was used to it by now. The heartbreak of everyone leaving, it was easier for her to stay away anyways. 

But then it happened. The small little speck. At first she tried to snuff it out, not knowing how it entered her world but it never let. It speckled around, lighting up occasionally. Maybe she had done something? No she was still the same. 

She tried to forget about it, let it rot away until the darkness overtook it. She could look down at herself and saw it. The ghost was becoming her. She was losing a battle, a fast one too and maybe she would stop fighting. 

It was on that final day as she walked towards her prey. A battle to end the war. She met his eyes and suddenly the light around her grew more. It pooled at her feet and she was afraid to step on it this time. Afraid to put it out. The soft glow had made her wince but she couldn’t stop the settling feeling. 

ANd then it went black. She felt the mouth of the darkness open as her body fell from the roof top, her eyes closing as if she were accepting it. The ghost would be pleased. 

Then there was a tug. A grip on her ice cold hand that was warm and soft. She felt that jolt of heat run through her body and awaken this fire from deep within, she thought it had been snuffed out years ago, when the rain started. 

She opened her eyes hesitantly, expecting the darkness and the figure to be another swirled of muddled black ready to take her again. But it wasn’t

It was a blinding light, burning her eyes as she was pulled up. She had never seen such a spectacle of color as the darkness instantly vanished. She could breath and watched as her shadow clung to her like an old friend. 

She turned to see the figure. His eyes dark but not in a way she feared. She could hardly speak as those clouds that were close to the ground lifted and dissipated into the air, she had forgotten what the sky looked like, she had forgotten what life was suppose to be about. 

And like the darkness, the light grew brighter. Each small touch of the hand or that smile would burst her world into a new source like a firework. Those tears she shed were happy ones, grateful for the figure to pull her into the light.

That light captivated her like a moth to a bright beautiful flame. Instead of it pulling and tugging at her with muffled screams, she was running towards it and laughing, when was the last time she had laughed?  

And as she grew older and stood by his side over and over again, she wondered how she ever lived a life among the shadows when it was so warm out here. He kissed her softly, that glimmer in his eyes every time he looked at her. 

“I love you Juvia.” 

“I love you Gray.”

The darkness was something she had forgotten about over the years. His blinding light had given her the power and the flame she always had but was never strong enough to over come. Even if those small specks come through like drops of black ink, he was there to stomp them away with his brightness. 

So learned over time that she had become his own beacon. She had absentmindedly transform his shadows into shards of stained glass, blinding him the moment he laid eyes on her. 

Two prisoners of darkness now controlled their own speckle of light. Dancing within it glory as not even the sun could compare. 

And when she looked back on that little girl who got taken by a ghost and let the rain come down, she wished she could hug her and tell her to never give up. To let her tears flow freely because soon someone would be there to wipe them away. 

The darkness might had destroyed them both and took a piece of who they were but their love was something stronger than that. They had taken what they had once feared and let it blossomed into something they could share together. 

And if you were to ask her what was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen, she would tell you about that burst of light that exploded behind her beloved as her pulled her from the shadows and to a world she had never knew existed. 

--

hope you like it! Kinda of a weird piece but i really enjoyed writing this!

[anaken101]

Gruvia: Avater Arc

This is dedicated to @lovelocksers ! Thank you so much for asking! <3

It was the second month since fairy tail was broken apart and Juvia decided to head to the market place to run some errands.

“Gray~sama! I’m going to the market, do you need anything?”

“No, I’ll be training in the yard”

And with that Juvia took off. She bought the essentials; bread, fruits, vegetables, some meat. That’s when she noticed a new stall near the edge of town.

“Hello blue haired maiden! Would you like to purchase these flower seeds? Spring is just around the corner and these once these flowers grow they are sure to bring good luck to your home!”

Juvia observed the seeds carefully and picked out the ones she like the best.

“Juvia would like to buy these seeds flower seed seller”

“Ah what a beautiful name and beautiful choice for such a lovely woman. That will be 3000 jewels, but for you the will only be 1500, so is that a deal?”

“Yes we have a deal! Thank you!”

And Juvia scurried back home ready to start her garden.

Gray was resting on the porch outside when he noticed Juvia arrived.

“Got all the things U needed?”

“Yes Gray~sama! Juvia also bought these marvellous seeds to start a garden right here!” As she pointed to the bare ground. “Would you to help Gray~sama?”

“No i’d rather just watch”

“Alrighty! Juvia is going to put the stuff away, chnage and then I’ll start!”

Gray was still resting, just enjoying the silence and breeze of the first few days of spring. That’s when Juvia came out wearing a pair of very tight dark blue shorts and a tight white v-neck crop top. Gray was frozen; he’d never seen Juvia wear something like that sure he’d seen her wear a bikini but this was different. Sweat started ripping off his head, but he quickly snapped out of the daze while Juvia didn’t even notice the event.

“Are you sure you don’t wanna help Gray~sama. Gardening is so much fun and you haven’t done anything besides train since we got here”

“No it’s alright I’ll just watch you- I mean! Watch you work!”

“That’s fine by Juvia, more fun for me!”

Juvia got to work using her shovel to dig a moat around the porch of the house where the seeds would be placed, not too deep and not too shallow. She wiped the sweat off her forehead once the digging was done and Gray didn’t even notice as he slowly watched a drip of sweat disseapear into her ample cleavage that was exposed from her top. Then his eyes started to trace her curves and tried to peek everytime she bent down to pick up soemthing. Her beautiful ass were definetly made for those shorts he concluded. He was so intrigued-

“Gray~sama why are you staring at Juvia like that”

“I uh ... I was just ... observing! Observing how your planting these seeds with all these steps and procedures!”

“OH! You want Juvia to show you how it’s done?”

“Umm sure why not”

Gray got up and went to sit beside Juvia on the grass.

“ So the first step was the dig the hole we are going to plant the seed in, then next we carefully count how many to place in one spot and make sure there isn’t too many! Then we take a little bit of lukewarm water and pour it on the seeds. Once soaked we place the fertilized soil on top; not too much and not too dense. And that’s how we plant these seeds!” Juvia turned to Gray with a huge smile on her face proud of her teaching.

He was so entranced by how careful and gentle she was with all the steps and seeds. Gray thought of what a wonderful mother she would be, nurturing and caring for their children. ‘Wait!’ Gray though ‘Did I just say our children! I need to snap out of this. First it was her body and now her mothering skills?! Gray calm down she’s only nakama, you can’t grow feelings for nakama. Although she does always tells you how much she loves you... NO! I need to stop this. I don’t have feelings for Juvia; all I need to do right now is focus on beating END!’

Gray them grumpy stomped away into the backyard. Leaving Juvia confused once again as she was sure he was staring at her breasts and butt earlier.

Oh my god I know I posted this after months, but I had been very busy and with this quarantine stuff I finally found time to write. Hope you love it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

[kiliinstinct]

Closure - Nalu One-Shot for Cutest-Celestial-Princess

Currently Not Accepting Commissions Until My Current List Is Completed! New Post/Prices Coming Soon!

Like my work, but can’t afford a commission? Feel free to tip by buying me a Ko-Fi!

Prompt: Nalu - Set After the Alvarez War, but before Lucy finishes her book- she and Natsu have an unspoken issue still simmering beneath the surface. Series: Fairy Tail Rated: General/Teen Commissioner: @cutest-celestial-princess Word Count: 5239

-----

It wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

It opened the path to dreams and fears Natsu thought he had shoved deep inside to rot and be forgotten. 

“There’s this really good job, and it’s out farther than I’ve traveled before; I think it’s a good chance to find Aquarius!”

How could something sound so positive and be so horrible all at once?

“Awesome! Let’s get Happy and go already!”

“Uhmm… about that…”

The fire in his belly was drenched to soaking embers with the fewest of words. 

“You’re not coming with me.”

Just a few months after the war. A few months of tepid peace, rebuilding and settling down into a pattern many hadn’t enjoyed in what felt like years. The Alvarez War was not a long one. It would not go down in the history books as a 100 years war, but the survivors certainly felt aged. Time slowly crawled away, eroding the burdens and worries with tiny chips from a well-worn chisel. Many Guild Members fell back to their routine as if nothing had changed. 

Others… looked upon the rest of their life with a newfound goal. Lucy had been hiding away in her apartment, diligently writing every chance she could. When she wasn’t, Lucy was at the guild, staring at the newly added Job postings with an intensified interest. Many times Natsu offered for them to head out, leave Magnolia for a few jobs- revert back to a pattern they could be comfortable with. 

She denied them each time. At one point, Happy even claimed she was ‘avoiding’ them, and while that thought forced a frown from Natsu, Lucy had denied it fervently.  However, seeing her eyes gleam, excitement pulling just beneath the surface, threatening to explode while fingers all but pinched and crinkled the request in her hands, Natsu realized the truth. 

Lucy wasn’t avoiding- she was planning. 

“Hah- good one Lucy,” He forced out, laughing at what he hoped to be a joke, “But we’re always a team, and teams go together!”

Her silence screamed volumes. Shoulders tensed under the weight of his own arm as Natsu leaned on her, desperately trying to find the lie in her words. There was none.  Sheepishly, she pulled away from his proximity, guilt suffusing her features now that he could look at her better. Folding the request, Lucy stuffed it in her purse, bottom lip pulling beneath her teeth as she nibbled worriedly against it. 

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. They were a team, now more than ever! Even if Erza, Gray or Wendy didn’t come along (but of course they should if available-), they were supposed to do all their jobs together! Isn’t that what things were culminating to for all these years? Didn’t Lucy used to wait for him to be ready for jobs so they could go together? Didn’t he and Happy always find the ones with rewards that would best help her with her rent? That was how things went, and how he had always expected them to go. 

“I’m not kidding.” Her tercid tone froze him better than Gray’s ice ever could, smile dropping as he stared.  Natsu could hear the tapping of her foot against the hardwood, echoing above the den of chatter in the hall. If he hadn’t been distracted by the strange words falling from her mouth, he would have noticed all present were creening their heads over, desperately trying to listen in. 

“I want to do this for me.” Lucy pressed on, sighing as if all her earlier willpower had drained. “I’ve already talked to my landlady about it and she’s willing to put a stop to my rent payments. Just as long as I do a downpayment before leaving. I can do that. And then I won’t have to worry for months!”

Months? She was talking as if- Natsu’s mouth felt dry and a low whine escaped him, “You’re talkin’ like this job is gonna take ya’ forever, Lucy-”

“It is!” Lucy snapped, pointing a finger at him, “No offense, Natsu, but my world does NOT revolve around you. I have goals, plans! And I intend to see them through. This job isn’t supposed to take a long time, but it’s in a good place to search for Aquarius and that’s exactly what I intend to do! Alone.”

The icy tone in her voice was throwing him off. Why did she sound so bitter, so angry? There were many reasons Natsu could come up with (all revolving around the separation she suffered from breaking her key), but not a single one explained the treatment he was currently getting. Had he… done something to upset her?

Eyes glanced to the telltale marks of an old corruption spidering up her arm and Natsu’s stomach churned. Though Gray had protected her from the Book of E.N.D. the slight hints of damage were still there. While he didn’t want to consider how his own weakness could have caused those damages, Natsu was realizing that maybe he had more to own up to. 

“Look, Lucy, I-” how could he even explain this uncomfortable feeling in his chest? She was strong enough to take care of herself, that he knew, but leaving for months? Where he couldn’t be there in case she needed him? Where they couldn’t laugh and tease or just enjoy the life they had now that the biggest threat in their lives was over?

“I don’t get why ya think ya can just leave me alone like that.”

Those were not the right words to say and Natsu was unprepared for the bitter dam he’d broke loose.

Lucy had gone silent, jaw open- looking as if she’d been slapped. Blinking her eyes rapidly, she struggled to form words, Natsu’s own had fallen from his lips without truly thinking about it and he crossed his arms stubbornly. Since they helped bring the Guild back together, after all they fought and struggled for, she was wanting to just… run off on her own? He didn’t like it. He didn’t have a way to explain why it left a bad taste in his mouth, but it did- and he saw no reason why he shouldn’t say so. 

“.... You,” She seethed, voice gutterral, rising in volume as she took a step forward, right into his space, poking a digit into his chest with so much force, he almost stepped back. Pink brows rose under the fringe of his hair as Natsu stared in shock,  not expecting the absolute rage in Lucy’s eyes, “-Inconsiderate. JERK!”

He stepped back then- forced to by her hand shoving him, advancing against him as he realized, too late, what he had done. Tears were glistening in the corner of her eyes. From sadness? Anger?  Natsu couldn’t get a read on the fluctuating emotions as her pointed nail dug briefly into his skin through the fabric of his jacket.  “Oi- Lucy! Hold up there- “

She interrupted, “Don’t you TRY and calm me down!” She finally backed off, dark gaze turning towards the rest of the guild, many of the eavesdroppers glanced away sheepishly- whistling to themselves. Others (Like Mirajane and Erza) goggled from their locations with wide, disappointed eyes. Lucy didn’t seem to notice. Not then. And she wouldn’t for awhile. “Don’t you remember what I told you back in Amefurashi Village? How I felt during the entire YEAR you had left?!” Her voice was shaky and it lost its loud tempo with every word, cracking when she released the explosion bubbling at the tip of her tongue. “You don’t get to tell me if I can leave you alone or not. I don’t care what’s happened since then. You don’t get to say that. Not now. Not. ever.”

Natsu felt his mouth run dry, his blood cold. It wasn’t a feeling he was used to, but the wind had been knocked from him by Lucy’s words as his eyes darted back and forth between her and the guild around them, unsure of what he could say. Yes, he remembered Amefurashi Village. The bitterness in her tone when she had snapped at him for his unthinking words against Gray. Juvia had interrupted their moment of tension, but that didn’t overlap his memory. The look on Lucy’s face was all he needed to cement it into his mind. 

Not only that, but the memory of her forlorn expression as she slept, finally relieved to see him and Happy again, with only a wall of all her attempts for contact to keep her company. Those memories came hand in hand and Lucy’s reminder stole all words from him. In that moment he realized just how far he had overstepped. “- Lucy, I didn’t mean that-”

She cut him off with a finger pointing to his nose, practically hissing in her rage. “You know what? I don’t want to hear it!” 

The click-clack of her heels echoed through the hall. Lucy turned from him in one fluid motion, her words stabbing him like tiny knives with each stomp against the wood floor. The silence in the Guild was palpable, interrupted only by the slam of the doors, as she made her exit. The walls shook and every interloper took in a breath, their gazes falling on Natsu in bafflement.

“You really stuck your foot in a pile of it now.” Macao mumbled, scratching his neck awkwardly. 

“Ehh, you shouldn’t worry too much about it,” Wakaba joined in, “Girl’s like to blow up, but they get over it quickly enough. Even my wife- “ He was silenced by a sharp elbow to his ribs from Macao. 

Natsu barely heard either of them. His head was buzzing from Lucy’s words. It wasn’t her anger that floored him. Oh no, he could handle that- he could accept her frustration.  This wasn’t just anger or a bomb exploding to calm down later. He had seen what no one else had, the glitter of pain in her narrowed eyes. The hint of water shining in the irises before she forcefully blinked them back as she turned away. She hadn’t stomped off from her anger. Lucy had left to hide her tears. 

He had hurt her. Natsu had hurt Lucy. He felt like vomiting. 

At first, Natsu considered chasing after her, already stepping forward to start his pursuit- but a quick snap of his name from Erza, froze him in place, jaw clenching tight as his teeth ground together. It was hard not to continue, his clenched fists were testament to the inner struggle to rush after his best team mate and make everything right again, but how?

“While I absolutely believe she deserves an apology,” Erza said, moving to his side , her voice was harsh, angry and Natsu didn’t blame her, “I don’t agree with you charging after her like this. Give her the space she obviously wants and think for a change, won’t you?”

Natsu didn’t have it in him to argue the jab. His energy deflated, eyes meeting Happy’s from the nearest counter. The blue Exceed had barely begun eating the fish he’d been given, worry and hurt distracting him. With a noncommittal shrug, he moved to sit by his flying partner, shoulders sagging as a puff of steam blew from his lips. It would have been so easy to turn around and challenge Erza just then, but the idea was an old one, something he’d done often in the past to release emotions he dared not speak out loud. 

Often he would release his anger, sadness, inner fears and loss of hope, into the brawls he instigated and joined. It was a quick release that refreshed him and reminded Natsu that his heart was still beating, that he and those around him were still alive. He could shovel his concerns and what had bothered him and others under a thick rug in his mind after a good fight- finding other ways to bring smiles to his and everyone's faces. 

How often had he been kicked from Lucy’s apartment, suffered a loss or grew angry at some random enemy mistreating her, only to turn around and fight Gray and Gajeel to calm down- ? How often did he return to Lucy with a goofy grin, jokes and crazy antics to distract her and reassure her that everything would be okay? Too often. He couldn’t count the times on his fingers. (Not even his toes for that matter.)

“Way to go, Flame Brain,” Gray said from behind, voice cold and taunting. “I’d have punched you if I were Lucy. How stupid can you get?”

Natsu knew what Gray was doing. The insult was well-deserved, but also done with purpose. It was the very invitation Natsu often took and needed, but rather than stride through the wide open door of Gray’s challenge, he merely tilted his head to glance at his fellow mage and frowned. He didn’t have the energy. Not now. It had seeped through his bones the very moment Lucy had slammed the door. 

“Gray,” Erza snapped, causing the other mage to freeze in place, “Not.now.”

“Uh- yeah, right. Sorry!” 

Natsu’s answer was to slam his head against the counter and groan. 

-

The day had looked to be a good one. With a bright sun, hardly any clouds and perfect wind to keep a person cool. With the sun just below the horizon and stars starting to blink out in the sky, the mood was a complete one-eighty.  Erza hadn’t allowed Natsu to leave until she was certain Natsu knew what he wanted to. (“There will be NO bothering Lucy if you’re going to speak thoughtlessly again!”)  It was hard to be patient, and while he craved the distraction of a good brawl, Natsu had listlessly sulked at the bar instead. 

Now, he wondered if he needed a few more hours to sulk before he ventured into Lucy’s apartment. Coming up to the building he could recognize blindfolded, he readjusted his scarf and grimaced. 

“You know you can just try in the morning, Natsu.” Happy said. He stood at Natsu’s feet, his own frown on his face while he glanced towards Lucy’s window. “I’m sure she’ll be willing to forgive you then! Oh, we can even bring her a gift!”

That could possibly work, but Natsu had a feeling he knew exactly what sort of gift Happy had in mind.

“A big fish!”

Yup.

 Despite the low mood, Natsu grinned. Count on Happy to help even just a little. Kneeling down to pat the Exceed on his blue head, he shook his head and tilted his gaze towards the window he often climbed through. “I don’t think that’s gonna work this time, buddy.  And I think I’ve avoided this long enough.”

“What do you mean?” Happy blinked owlishly, but Natsu didn’t give an explanation. The two had been through so much and stayed by each other the year he had traveled. Above everyone, Happy knew and understood his fears and intentions, but that understanding could only go so far. 

“Don’t worry about it.” Stretching, he rolled his shoulders and pointed towards his goal. “Think you can get me up there? Probably best you don’t stay for this just in case, but I’ll send ya’ a signal when the coast is clear!” “Aye, sir!” The rustling of magic to unfurl his wings was swift, and with well-timed practice, the two were in the air and elevated to the window of Lucy’s bedroom. So many times she had told him to use the door and there had been a few times he had actually listened - when he got there first. 

Most of his window attempts were done just to tease her after her initial complaints, at some point, his blonde partner had stopped complaining and often expected his entrances. Today, he hoped for similar. Natsu had never feared she would lock the windows on him before, but the worry niggled into the back of his brain. It would be far too easy to bust it open if he’d been out for more reasons to anger his partner, but this was a mission to clear the air, not exacerbate their issues. 

Natsu felt relief surge through him as the window clicked open. She hadn’t locked it after all! Exhaling, he lifted his thumb to happy and waved him off. With a whispered ‘good luck!’, his partner flew  off in the direction of the guild and Natsu steeled himself for the true challenge of the night. He slid the frame upward and quickly moved in, careful not to rustle the mattress or knock items over. 

He was surprised not to find her at her desk. Even more so stunned at the amount of papers littering the floor, some crumpled and others torn. Lucy had never been one to be messy. (That was his job!)  Natsu’s stomach churned at the realization that his actions caused such a change in her own routine and he quickly examined the rest of the room, trying to pinpoint his teammate’s location.  The lights had yet to be lit, casting dark shadows over the furniture and he clicked his tongue.  “ - Lucy? Are, are ya’ here?”

He could smell her, but figured he’d ask. The sudden sniffle from the front of her couch caught his attention and slowly, a disheveled blonde peered up from the cushions, eyeing him with narrowed eyes.  “Go away, Natsu.”

He almost stepped back through the window, but closed it behind him as he began his trek across the room. She told him to go away, and many times in the past he had ignored such orders until she’d thrown him out. Age had told him to take her words into account more often, but the fact that she hadn’t barred his entrance was all the communication he needed.  Lucy would be willing to talk.. If he only had the right words.

“I wanted to-” He began, fumbling over his words, “I just wanted to say that…. Uh- I didn’t mean to, that is-” Where had this rambling come from? Snorting, he took another step towards her and muttered, “I wanted t’say sorry.”

A heavy silence filled the air. Lucy’s eyes stayed focus on him as she kept her face pressed against the back of her seat. The low-light had made features hard to distinguish at first, but now Natsu could see the puffiness and redness in her gaze. She wasn’t at present, but he knew tears had stained those cheeks some time ago. It doubled the tumultuous sickness in his stomach and he struggled to swallow.  

Finally, Lucy moved, turning her back to him to settle herself into the cushion. She didn’t repeat her earlier order and her fingers drummed along her arms impatiently. With a huff, Lucy said, `` - do you even know what you’re apologizing for?”

Oh he knew, but it made his throat thicken all over again- as if a ball had been lodged into his throat, suffocating the five inside, smothering him. Why were emotions and words so difficult to say? 

“You don’t do you?” Lucy’s voice cracked, he couldn’t see her face, but Natsu could picture it as if she were standing before him. Her words came out in waves, full of emotion- anger, sadness, just at the cusp of spilling out. “You just think, you can waltz right in here, apologizing and things are going to go back to normal so you can tease me again and have a grand ole time, but you’re wrong! Not this time. We can’t ALWAYS pretend things aren’t upsetting us, you know!”

She was rambling, giving Natsu the answer to his earlier thoughts. Lucy had always rambled when upset, embarrassed even, but Natsu could hear the rise of tone and knew everything he intended would be kicked out the window if he didn’t act fast, but what could he do? What would he do?  What… what would Lucy do?

Natsu had always been better with actions than words and he crossed the floor in a few steps, hearing Lucy’s words, but not processing them as he moved. In a flurry of movement that sent the tassels of his scarf swooping over her blonde head. His arms encircling her shoulders from behind, cut off all complaints as she choked on her words. Her scent was overpowering, with his nose pressed against the back of her ear, feeling the softness of her hair. 

“I- .. Natsu-” Lucy swallowed, tried to find more words as her face slowly began to turn a few shades red, “What are you doing?”

“I’m sorry.” He said. His tone absolute. It wasn’t enough. He knew it wasn’t, but the firmness, the fact he wasn’t crawling on the floor in an attempt to make it funny, deviate with humor,  this was him: serious. 

“Y-you can’t just h-hug me and make it all go away,” She hiccupped and Natsu realized the emotions were spilling over again, but he chose not to notice. Lucy was embarrassed and confused enough, without his teasing. His grip only tightened, a gentle squeeze as he lowered his voice. 

“I know.” He said. “It ain’t like I think this is enough, I just… I really suck at this, Lucy, and I’m not sure if there’s anything I can say t’make it better.” He was sure going to try despite his doubts. “I remember everything ya’ said back then. Ya’ looked so,” Bitter, hurt, annoyed, “I HAD to leave then. At least I thought I did.”

There were many nights he wondered if he had made a mistake. It wasn’t often that Natsu questioned his decisions, usually trusting his gut decisions to lead him down the right track, but after his return? Guilt ate at him like a virus, but he had shoved it away the same as he had done for every negative feeling he had felt for years. How could he be strong if he let things get to him? How could he be dependable? The one Lucy and everyone else could always count on? Back then, he felt there was no other way and even now, breaking through his own inadequacies made his words jumble over themselves. 

“No.” Lucy answered, she sniffled and wiped her eyes. “You didn’t. You could have stayed. You could have been honest or- or… did more than leave me a note! You have no idea how long I looked for you that day! How much I WANTED to go too and you- !!!” 

She fell silent, biting back her words as she untangled herself from his arms. It left a strange sensation of emptiness within him, but he didn’t try to pull her back. Lucy was turning to face him, the extent of her emotions plain on her face. Red cheeks from tears and embarrassment he first noticed, but her bottom lip was quivering, constantly being gnawed between her teeth. It took everything in his body not to lean further to pull her lip down, saving it from the assault. Now wasn’t the time. 

“You already know I lost Aquarius,” She stated, arms crossing while her shoulders quivered. “You know how important she is to me, Natsu. What ALL my spirits mean to me. And I.. I- … “ Her tears dribbled down, dripping off her chin and an almost frantic, tragic whine issued with her next words, “I broke her to save you! To save Everyone!” 

That was it, the dam of strength, the final resolve. It bashed against the hammer of her words and she sobbed, covering her face from the force of her tears. “I wasn’t strong enough and had to-to… do that to her, and you just.. You .. left and I was so.. So…”

Natsu knew without her having to finish: Alone. 

He licked his lips, attempting to dislodge the words on the tip of his tongue. Her words were like blows striking against him, but with a fierce glare, he jumped over the couch, grasping her shoulders to regain her focus as he hissed, “Lucy! You’re not weak. You took on Tartaros by yourself and saved all our asses! I wasn’t there for it, but I knew it when I came to. I just knew it. Don’t blame yourself for that!”

Accuse me. I’m the one to blame. I’m the one who left. I’m the one who ran. “I’m the one who wasn’t strong, I couldn’t protect you. I couldn’t protect anyone- I couldn’t save my Dad!” When did his own tears start to fall? They stung his eyes, burned like his fire, but he forced his gaze on her, refused to blink. 

He couldn’t save Igneel. That was the truth. He had to stand there and watch as Acnologia ripped his father in half. Even after the death of the Dragon King, the pain and the memory stung like a thousand knives, it took his breath away. Inhaling sharply, his fingers lost their grip, falling loosely to his side. Natsu could hardly see the look on Lucy’s face through his blurred eyes. “What… what good was I t’anyone like that Lucy? I keep.. I keep goin’ through it over and over again, but there was nothing I could do. And if I took ya’ with me? Then I’d want to go home so much more, want to goof off, not take things seriously, I couldn’t.. I… I didn’t think I was good enough to be anyone’s partner then Lucy. I-”

I made a mistake. I know I did.  “I didn’t realize how stupid I was until I came back- I still don’t know if I’d do anything different, but I know I messed up, I know I did- but…”

A softness of slim digits interrupted him, reaching out to straight his scarf before Lucy’s face crashed against his chest, fingers digging into the fabric like a lifeline. She was in his arms again and he wasted no time in holding her close. This was a comfort. This was something they both needed, and he sucked in more air, matching Lucy sniffle for sniffle. He hated crying. Hated showing emotion. He hated seeing her cry even more. 

“We’re both stupid.” She mumbled, but no explanation came. Not then. Emotions spilled between them then. No words, only the comfort of each other as their bodies slid to the couch- grips tight around the other as they released the pent of feelings they had buried inside their hearts for over a year.  It was a new experience for Natsu- having only unloaded his full emotions to Happy during their times away from the Guild, but with Lucy? Somehow, the release felt somehow… cathartic. Like a rubber band snapping back into place after being strung tight for too long. 

When their tears dried, sobs settled and breaths grew even, Natsu and Lucy were tangled together on her couch. Partially laying atop him, Lucy breathed into his neck, and his legs felt stiff from the awkward angle, but he kept his hold against her. The room had grown darker, bringing the silence of night down upon the room, but he could light the room later. 

Absentmindedly, his fingers ran through her golden locks. It was a soothing sensation, one that calmed him. Lucy’s body relaxed at the movements and she sucked in air she couldn’t claim through her earlier sobs. With the well of their emotions now emptied, the explosion changed to a weariness that threatened to put the two to sleep. 

“Lucy?” Natsu broke the silence, fingers pausing in their movement as he stared at the ceiling so his eyes could adjust to the light. 

It took her a moment before she answered, as if the edges of sleep were fighting to keep her quiet. She didn’t bother moving her head, certain he’d hear regardless. “Mmm, what is it?”

“Please take me and Happy with you.”

She stiffened and the room grew tense again. Natsu bit his tongue, suddenly anxious. Instead of snapping as he expected, she pushed up to look him in the eye, tired eyes waiting. “Why?”

More words, but he’d already emptied himself out. What more could he say? He wet his lips, eyes flicked to the wall and back again as he wiped his palms on the cushion beneath him. “It hurt being away from you.” He admitted, cheeks heating up against his will, “and you were upset too. I just… think-” words she had spoken years ago sprang to his mind and he jumped on them, “I think it’s better when we’re together.”

Was it unfair? Perhaps, but he meant it. Meant it as much as she on the day she had spoke those words. He didn’t doubt she felt the same. He was positive she did, and the way her lips finally curved into a small smile assured him of that. 

“You know, I wanted to go alone so I could try and get stronger and finish my book,” She said, blowing a strand of hair from her face. It fell back a moment later and she frowned. “I don’t know if I’ll find Aquarius when I go, but I want to believe I will. I didn’t just decide to go on my own to spite you or anything.”

“I know.”  Natsu said. He reached up to tuck the strand behind her ear, gaze faltering. “If you’re sure you don’t want me and Happy with you, fine. I’ll accept it. I just…”

Like her, he didn’t want to feel alone. With the guild, the rest of their team, he was never truly alone, he knew that. Just as Lucy had her spirits, but somehow things felt duller, less bright, when the three of them were apart. He felt it, but did she?

She flopped against him, the tips of her ears bright red, but the sudden movement took the breath out of him. Natsu tilted his head and waited, wondering if this lack of response was her way of denying him again. He would relent, if that was the case, but he wasn’t the greatest at reading her, especially in moments like these. Just when he was about to accept the silence as an ‘I’ll answer in the morning’ and close his eyes, Lucy gave her answer. 

“Okay.”

“What?” Even with great hearing, that didn’t mean he could always trust what he heard. 

Lucy huffed, a soft giggle breathing against his ear. “You both can come. - but I lead, got it?”

Exhilaration filled him and he laughed- relief echoing into the room like a heated balm. His chest heaved from his boisterous cackle and his arms settled around her once again. Later, she might struggle away from him in embarrassment. Morning would come and they’d be just as they were before- best friends, with maybe a hint of more, maybe not. 

For now, they just were- and Natsu couldn’t be happier. 

“You’re the boss.”

Both dozing off, emotions and energy spent- Natsu took one last glance towards Lucy as her breathing grew even, face tilted to reveal the flushed, puffy cheeks. He readjusted them both for his legs to fit over the armrest and yawned. Unfortunately, just as sleep was about to take him, he peeked one eye open towards the window and realized he hadn’t signaled Happy as he said he would. Natsu was sure his partner would chew him out for the transgression come morning. 

He spared another, tired glance at Lucy and figured it was worth it.

[fairiesherefairiesthere]

5 times people got an insight into Freed and Laxus’ marriage and one time the whole guild did.

For @bluejaii, who sent me the sweetest ask and for @aceofheartsworld who always leaves the most heartwarming comments ! 

1. Gildarts

On the unique times that Gildarts is present in the guildhall, there are a few things he likes to do. The first being showering his amazing daughter with love and support, of course. Making good use of the guild's alcohol supply is second and his third favourite thing, involves bothering the shit out of the youngsters. Wendy and Romeo are easy to fool, eager to believe anything as long as it's said by an adult (Wendy more so than Romeo). Others are unbotherable (he doesn't know how to tease Erza without gravely insulting her, she ticks in a weird way.) Elfman is very easy to tease (How's your girlfriend doing?) and flustering Juvia is the simplest thing in the world. Now, one of Gildarts' favourite victims must be Laxus Dreyar himself.

The youngster has always been a bit (a lot) defensive when it comes to personal relationships and it's only gotten worse with the years. So of course, Gildarts has been asking the young man the same question every time he sees him : "You married yet?" It never fails to ruffle his feathers and Gildarts' always hides his laugh when the other man starts to look at anything but him before stomping off to God knows where.

Because Laxus probably relates Gildarts to feelings ranging from lowkey annoyance to highkey annoyance, the youngster tends to avoid him. So it comes as a complete surprise when Laxus enters the guildhall, lays eyes on Gildarts and smirks. His surprise gets even bigger when the young man takes a seat right in front of him and says : "Let's talk old man."

Although he's a little put off by Laxus seeking him out, he's not about to let that deter him from bothering the man. Leaning back, he plans to ask his usual question, absolutely sure of its effect until he studies Laxus carefully. He has his hand propped up under his chin and his smile gets smugger when Gildarts' eyes land on his ringfinger. His ringfinger adorned with an actual ring. A wedding ring. On Laxus' finger. After a minor mindimplosion, Gildarts opens his mouth to scream. Laxus stops him by slamming a menu card into his mouth.

"Listen, I'm here for one reason and reason only", Laxus states and glares at him with eyes that are very, very alike to Makarov's when he's displeased. Fucking genetics. "Okay, shoot."

"You had one wife that you liked, right? Cana's ma." He nods. "She was the love of my life. Why do you ask?” For a long time, Laxus stares at him and Gildarts wonders if the other is evaluating how genuine he is. Then, he crosses his arms and lowers his head unto them. "My partner is amazing", he blurts out and after that, he starts a three hour rant about why he loves his spouse.

-

2. Cana

"Laxus, drink with me!" she yells before plopping down annoyingly close next to him on the bench, invading his personal space just a little bit. She knows it doesn't bother Laxus at all, but it does bother his greenie and Cana has decided that she has the full right to pester him in every petty way possible. Scanning the area, she comes to the conclusion that Freed isn't around. Bummer.

"It's the good stuff", she winks and he gives her an amused huff before shaking his head. "No thanks, I'm good." Sticking out her tongue, she slaps his bicep. "Boo, where did your sense of adventure go? Your tongue for excellent beerrrr", she says while obnoxiously rolling her r's. "I think my husband wouldn't appreciate it too much, should I arrive at home drunk. I don't want to arrive home drunk either, because it makes my memory spotty and you best believe that I do not want to forget a single moment with my spouse."

Oh god. Laxus Dreyar isn't even drunk and he's already sappy. Looking at the clock, Laxus hums before ruffling her hair and standing up. "Dinnertime's rolling around and I'm not a lowly fucker, so I'm going to help my husband. You have fun, Cana." Watching his retreating back, Cana mutters : "Need me a freak like that."

-

3. Gajeel

On some subconscious level, Laxus still makes him feel a bit jittery. They've both been absolutely shitty, turned around and became less shitty. They have even regularly fought the same fights and Gajeel has teased the man quite a bit (as long as there were other people around). Doesn't mean that his body has forgotten what getting electrocuted felt like. So, one can understand that Gajeel felt an itty bitty nervous when Laxus stormed into the guildhall and then in his direction.

"Gajeel." His hope that the man was seeking out someone else leaps out of the window. "What", he snaps back and the other man's jaw tightens. "Your bookworm." Immediately, the protectiveness flares up, nervousness forgotten. "What about her?"

"She likes books."

What. How the fuck does this man's brain work? Looking at Laxus, who's running his hand through his hair and huffing in frustration, he decides to shut up until the guy finds his words. He doesn't seem to be that good at it. "You guys went to that book convention two towns over a few days ago. Did she think it was worth it?"

Laxus being the reading type? That's one that Gajeel did not see coming. Then it hits him like a freighttrain and he cackles. "Need a place to take your boyfriend to? Don't worry, I won't tell a soul."

"My what? I don't have a boyfriend." Oops. Turns out he was too fast. "My bad, but seriously ask Freed out, he'll say yes. Not to overstep any boundaries or something, but you deserve happiness and shit. People tell me that a lot, so I thought I'd relay the message." The corner of Laxus' mouth turns up and Gajeel mentally pats himself on the back. God, he's good at this. He should start making motivational songs.

"Thanks, my husband tends to tell me that too." Then he leaves. The jackass.

-

4. Lucy and Natsu

It's a mystery. An enigma. A plotline more intriguing than anything she'd cooked up lately. What is this baffling conundrum Lucy has been trying to unravel? Laxus Dreyar's dating life.

Okay, maybe it isn't that big of a deal, but the man is surrounded by the prettiest people in the world (Mirajane, Cana, to name a few) and doesn't seem to be too interested in them (she can't relate). If she were less... cautious, she would've asked him about it by now, but alas, she's still a bit of a chicken sometimes. Sue her.

"Lucy, what are we doing?" Natsu flatly asks her. "Spying on Laxus", she whispers back and Natsu hums. "Understandable. Why?"

"Do you think anyone is interested in him?" she asks and wonders if the intricacies of romantic attraction even register in Natsu's head. His answer absolutely floors her. "Lucy, there's only two types of people who haven’t had a crush on Laxus once in their live and those are the ones that aren't into men. Or are too cowardly to admit it. Luckily for me, I'm neither of those."

"You had a crush on Laxus?" He rolls his eyes. "Keep up with the plan Luigi, of course, just like ninety percent of the guild. You've ever thought he's hot?" She admits: "Yeah, like once or twice."

"See Lucy, now you're getting what bi/pan solidarity is."

"Bonding over how hot Laxus is?"

"You might as well start calling it bi/pan/gay solidarity then", a new, terribly amused voice says above them and Lucy lets out an "Eep!" and hits her head against the table. Crawling from underneath it, she and Natsu come face to face with Freed Justine, who's looking both too entertained and smug.

Refusing to let go of her pastime, Lucy puts her hands on her hips and faces the captain. "What's Laxus' dating life like?" she demands to know and Freed shrugs. "I wouldn't know, he doesn't have one."

"Oh", she pouts and he chuckles. "If that's all, I'm gonna join the subject of your espionage." Right before he leaves, he looks over his shoulder and adds : "Since his dating life is nonexistent, you should ask him about his marriage."

-

5. Wendy

The flyer picturing the fair looks positively radiant and Wendy can nearly smell the candy apples and other sugared goods. It's a shame she won't be able to go though, because her team will be going on a mission and it's too far and dangerous for her to travel alone. A shadow alerts her of someone standing behind her and when she whirls around, she comes face to face (well more like face to chest) with Freed.

He too is staring at the poster and shyly she says. "It looks fun, doesn't it? If I were able to go, I'd take someone dear with me." Her voice must've sound a tad bit too longing, because he glances in her direction and asks : "Are you not able to go?" She shakes her head. "No, my team will be away and it's too far to go without adult supervision."

"I could go with you, if you do not mind my company, that is. Ah, I'll be taking someone dear to me along too, so you could invite Chelia if you wanted too." More often than not, she curses her face for revealing exactly what she's thinking, but right now, Wendy is over the moon. "Thank you mister Freed!" she yells before giving him a hug and speeding off. She's gonna have a blast with Chelia!

"Seems like our babysitters are tired", Chelia grins before shrugging. "Eh, at least we got candy out of it." As the two of them share their candy, Wendy looks at the scene in front of them. With an amount of skill that she certainly hadn't expected, Laxus is pinning Freed's hair up with a hairpin that he'd won a little while earlier. The light reflects off the pin and the rings adorning both men's fingers.

"Hey Wendy", Chelia says, laying her head on Wendy's shoulder. "When we're old like those two, let's be like that." Putting her hand on top of Chelia's and weaving their fingers together, Wendy nods sleepily. "Let's do that."

-

+1 Makarov or actually, + the whole guild

"Hey Gramps, you mind if we throw a guild party?" Well, aren't those words he thought he'd never hear out of his grandson's mouth. "You do whatever you want brat, as long as you can pay for it. What's the occassion?"

"Oh I got married."

"You what?"

(They get to hold the party and yes, Makarov cries over his grandsons. Both of them.)

[petri808]

Mocha Latte Dream

So happy I managed to get one done in time lol.  @diabl0o  thank you for the idea!

@nalu-fluff-week Prompt: Cafe

“I am not!”  

“You are too!” Gray quips and crosses his arms, “I can’t see any girl giving such a goofy idiot like you the time of day.”

“Tch, big words for a guy who can’t get to first base with Juvia.”  Natsu picks up his cup of coffee to take a sip.  

“Whatever, at least I have someone who likes me.”

Natsu lifts the coffee cup to his lips before retorting, but quickly realizing it was empty.  “Dang,” the cup drops back to the table, “I need a refill.  Be right back.”  

“Wait!” Erza’s hands fly up to stop the young man from standing up, but it was too late.

As Natsu jumps from his seat and quickly turns, he doesn’t notice another patron about to walk past and bumps right into her, spilling the blonde’s cup of iced mocha down her skirt. The whole table goes silent for several tense seconds as both Natsu and the woman freeze in place.  Natsu’s male friends, Gray and Gajeel snicker quietly while the females, Erza and Levy shake their heads.    

“See… idiot,” Gray mumbles.

“OMG!” the blonde shrieks, dropping her backpack into the seat previously occupied by Natsu.  She lifts the fabric of her skirt to inspect the damage and realizes only about a quarter of the cup had spilled onto it, most ending up on the floor.  But that was still an issue.  “You clumsy!” She catches herself before swearing.  “Ugh!  Pay attention to where you’re going!”

“I-I’m so sorry!!” Natsu panics, his face heating up into a flush.  He waves his hands excitedly in front of him, “I’ll go ask for a rag and order you a brand-new cup of coffee.”    

She jabs her finger into his chest, "you bet your clumsy hands that you're buying me a new one Pinky.  Don’t worry about the rag, I’ll just go wash up in the restroom,” she huffs and stomps away.

“Wait’a go Pinky,” Gajeel sneers, “could you be any smoother about picking up chicks?”

“Shut up!” Natsu levels a glare at the older guy, “and it’s salmon,” he pouts, “not pink…” mumbling as he walks back to the cashier.  

Of all the ways to embarrass himself, really, bumping and spilling coffee all over a pretty girl. “Smooth move…” he groans.  Someone just end his torture please.  His friends were right, maybe he really will be single for the rest of his life.  As the line slowly moves forward, Natsu keeps an eye out for Blondie.  ‘I bet she’s gonna tell her friends later about it. Word will spread about how a goofy boy with pink hair spilled coffee all over her skirt at the FT Cafe.’  His shoulders slump with a heavy sigh, ‘At least she didn’t slap me.’

He places his order for two drinks and moves to the side to wait.  Damn cashier had even sneered at him and pointed out another employee with a mop and bucket cleaning up the mess he’d made.  Talk about even more embarrassing.  Natsu swore he could feel the stares against his back or snickers from other customers. ‘Tch, whatever.  They act like people don’t have accidents sometimes.’

Meanwhile Blondie had made her way back to the table.  He could see the dark, damp spot on her blue skirt like a beacon calling attention to the whole disaster.  ‘It’s just coffee,’Natsu reminds himself, certain that it wouldn’t leave a lasting stain. ‘Fuck it, if it does, I’ll just buy her a new skirt.’ She appeared in good spirits despite what had happened, chatting casually with his friends as if she’d known them forever.  Laughing with them… the woman has such a bright pretty smile….  What was he thinking!  This isn’t the time to have such thoughts!  He turns away quickly, refocusing on waiting for their order.  They were a good group, and it was nice to see her relaxed around them.

“Here you go.”  Natsu places the new drink on the table in front of Blondie.  

She stops mid-sentence of her conversation with Levy, looking up, to thank him.  “Oh, I can move,” she starts to grab her bag, “this was your seat.”

“No, no,” Natsu waves his hands excitedly, “don’t worry, really, I’ll just grab another one,” looking around for an extra chair, “please stay and chat if you’re enjoying it.”

“I am, actually,” she looks back to the group with a smirk, “they’ve been really nice, telling me all about you.”

Natsu glares at the two other males, knowing they were the most likely culprits, “I’m sure they are,” he seethes through a gritted smile.  “Be right back, I’m gonna find a chair.”  The place was fairly busy, but he manages to find an unused one and brings it back to the group, settling in between Lucy and Gray.  

“So, what’d I miss,” Natsu fidgets with the cup in his hands.

“Well Lucy here was just telling us how she’s thinking of coming to this college in the fall,” Gray explains as he leans back, purposely bumping his shoulder against Natsu’s.  

“Yeah,” she blushes lightly, “they have a good creative writing program here, but I wasn’t sure how housing would work so I came to see the campus for myself and talk to an advisor.”

‘So, Blondie’s name is Lucy…’ Natsu’s smiles at the new piece of information.  “Are you gonna be a Freshman?” He asks her.

“Mmhmm,” she nods, sipping at her drink.  “Erza said I could probably get into their Sorority and that’ll take care of housing.”

He sits up straight.  “That would be so awesome!” Natsu utters a little too excitedly, earning a weird look from not just Lucy, but everyone on the table. “I mean,” he pipes back down, “their sorority and our frat are linked, that’s how we all know each other so you’ll fit right in.”

Lucy’s eyebrow raises, “That means I’ll run into you too I presume?”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“It might be for my clothing.”

At that moment you could have heard a pin drop as everyone else’s jaws at the table drop.  Gray and Gajeel wanted to high-five the blonde for getting a crack in, but they all were just waiting to see Natsu’s follow up. The boy rarely ever backed down from a game of jest, even against other girls.  He and Grays bicker contests could go on for hours.  

But instead of getting all fired up, Natsu deflates completely in his chair.  “I didn’t mean to spill your drink,” he pouts, “I’ll even buy you a new skirt if that’ll make you feel better.”

Levy and Erza turn to each other sharing a knowing look, the boy was smitten!  But Gray and Gajeel chuckle.  Gray’s known Natsu since High school, and this was the first time, well first girl he’s ever been so cheeky with.    

It wasn’t the reaction Lucy had expected.  Natsu’s friends had described a high energy, lovable goof ball, who was quick with worded jabs, loving any challenge that presents itself.  She really wasn’t that upset over the coffee debacle and had planned on just teasing the boy as a bit of payback.  The boy was goofy alright, but his pout and genuine despondency over possibly upsetting her, made him quite endearing.  All the guys she’s known till now would have cared less about something this minor.

Lucy relaxes, “that’s not necessary Natsu, I was just teasing.  You seem like a nice enough guy, so running into you again on campus wouldn’t be so bad.”

That perks Natsu right back up again.  He beams with an ear to ear grin, “Really!  Yeah, and of course if you’d like a tour of the campus or anything, I can help you navigate!  It’s a pretty big place and it’s easy to get lost when you’re not familiar with it.”

Her cheeks burn from seeing such an adorable reaction.  This pink-haired boy sure made it too easy to find him charming, and she couldn’t disagree that he was a bit attractive.  “I’d like that actually.  I’ve never been away from home on my own before, but you guys are making it so inviting.”

“Well Natsu here,” Gray slaps him on the back, “is gonna be a Junior so he’s familiar with the campus, and what he don’t know I’m sure one of us can help ya.”

“I’ll probably have classes in the same buildings as you,” Levy chimes in, “cause most of the linguistic courses are there.”

“And I volunteer with Freshman orientation,” adds Erza, “so I’ll make sure you get what you need.”  

“Oh my, you guys are so sweet!”  Lucy’s eyes crinkle in a smile.  She sits up straight, “alright!  I’ve made up my mind, I’m definitely coming here!”

The group chats for another hour or so, regaling Lucy with stories about Magnolia U, the town, and about their little group.  She in turn tells them a little more about herself, her hometown of Crocus, and family’s business.  By the time she needed to go to catch the last train home, she truly felt like a part of their group.  She makes sure to get all of their contact information so they can stay in touch through summer break.  

It was almost sad to say goodbye.  Who’d have guessed an innocent little accident would have led to a wonderful afternoon.  Guess she really had to forgive Natsu now for being clumsy.  “Again, thank you, because I was on the fence about moving here, but now I’m so glad I met you guys.”  

“That’s great to hear, Lucy,” Erza speaks for them all.  “And if you have any other questions registering just contact me, I’ll make sure it’s taken care of.”

Lucy stands up, shouldering her backpack with a smile, “I will.  Have a nice summer everyone!”  She waves and starts off towards the exit.

Just as she makes it out of the glass doors, a man calls to her.  She turns around to wait.  “Did I forget something Natsu?”

“Oh, no,” he breathes out, catching his breath from dashing out after her.  “I—I, had a question…”

“Yes?” she looks at him inquisitively.  

He runs his hand nervously through his hair, “d-do you think over the summer I could see you or something? You know, c-cause I’d like to get to know you better.”

Lucy blinks, surprised that he was asking her that.  She grins, “Natsu Dragneel, are you asking me out on a date?”

“Maybe…” he grins, feeling the weight and heat of the question boring down on him.  “I mean it could just be like a casual, you know, to hang out and stuff.”

She chuckles, “I’d like that.”  Giving him a quick peck on the cheek.  “I gotta run, but text me or something, kay?”  

“Okay!”

“Bye, Natsu!” Lucy waves and jogs away.

He places his hand over his cheek where she’d kissed.  It felt so much warmer than the rest of his face, and no doubt flushed a nice bright shade of red.  Fall couldn’t get here soon enough…

[be-dazzled]

#SIYC

Gray Fullbuster, Juvia Lockser FFnet link: click here Tumblr link: explore here Genre: Multi-chapter, Romance, Comedy Rating: M for Sensitive Content and Language

Summary: Gray Fullbuster is a player both in love and in life. He plays Professional Basketball and is being groomed to be in line with Basketball Legends Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry. There’s just one problem, Gray Fullbuster is a play-ah. His life is a giant mess of crazy parties, waking up with random women and waking up in random women’s apartments. Just living the life.

The opinion of the public on him is waning. To save the million-dollar endorsements in the verge of disappearing, Gray needs to change his image. Therefore, Gray Fullbuster, Fiore Knight’s Team Captain and Most Valuable Player, will be in the next season of “My Star Can Dance”.

There’s another problem: it seems like his star isn’t that bright since his partner, one of Fiore’s prominent ballerinas, doesn’t know him? His billboard is hanging in front of her dancing school! And it was a good billboard since all he was wearing was his six-pack and an Aztec bandana. How come she didn’t notice?

...

You the one that I dream about all day You the one that I think about always You are the one so I make sure I behave My love is your love, your love is my love

–        You Da One, Rihanna

…

It’s been a week or so since the weekend they spent at Juvia’s hometown. She had her mother to thank for the awkward morning following the paper bag incident and what was or were inside it. Juvia just couldn’t face Gray after that because all she could think about was the paper bag full of protection sitting atop her counter. Juvia had her mother to blame for turning her into some kind of a deprived woman who hadn’t had sex in ten years.

Everything just reminded her that she was indeed a woman who hand’s had sex in… she forgot how long. Like when Hoopster was in a one-on-one basketball game with Juvia’s father. Gray’s dark gray shirt clung to his toned abdomen and Juvia could only keep herself from sinfully tracing what they called the ‘happy trail’. When Gray took off his already wet shirt, Juvia swore her mouth ran dry. If she was a man, her blood rushed to that one place.  

 All she could think about was feeling Gray’s skin against her fingertips.

 So, Juvia decided it would be better for her, her heart and her hormones not see Gray for the meantime; just until she got over him and his undeniably delicious body. It was impossible: one, not to see him because of the dance show, and two, it’s hard to get over that godly body of his.

 Juvia, stop. Your mother catching you ogling the Hoopster was enough – embarrassing enough.

A polite knock pulled Juvia’s attention toward the twin wooden doors that spitted out the man of her thoughts recently. He had his casual clothes on – plain white tee and faded denim jeans. Nothing said casual more than his raven hair swept under his Fiore Knights bull cap. When their eyes met, the corner of Gray’s mouth tipped. He looked ready to run towards her and pull her in the tightest embrace. Juvia was sure all she wanted was to fall into his arms. However, someone else demanded her attention.

 “Finally, Mr. Gray is here.”

  Juvia twitched at the moniker. How many times did she ask her friend never to call Hoopster by the name of one of the sexiest main leads in erotic literature? Because she could easily see Christian Grey in Gray Fullbuster. That goes without saying, her inner goddess was clapping back at her – Ms. Juvia Steel.

 A single snap of Levy’s small and slender fingers pulled her away from her ‘Fifty Shades of Gray Fullbuster’ sexy dreams.

 “You should really stop drooling over Gray so much if you want to keep your dignity intact, Juvia.” Levy scolded.

 “I’m not drooling over anyone.” Juvia denied, trying to sound non-defensive by masking her blushing with disinterest.

 Gray approached the two, shaking Levy’s hand while pulling Juvia closer against him. He leaned in to plant a soft peck on Juvia’s left cheek and the ballerina almost jumped in surprise. For a second, she thought Gray would kiss her on the lips, right in front of Shrimp. She almost had a heart-attack.

 “Hi.”

 “Hey.” Juvia sheepishly replied.

 Gray hadn’t released her yet. Rather, he kept her hand clasped in his and maintained their position. He had his back on Levy so he took the chance to say something he wanted to tell Juvia since they came back from her hometown.

 “I really miss you.”

 Juvia smiled, her gaze saying the same, that she really missed him too. Now that they were a couple, they managed to have conversation through their love-stricken eyes.

 “Is there something going on between you two?”

 “Yes/No.”

 The couple answered in unison, albeit differently.

 Which made the assistant show-writer even more suspicious.

 It wasn’t like Juvia was trying to hide their relationship or anything. She told Gray it was better to keep it from the public so that they could enjoy their relationship in private. It was hard not to be able to hug or kiss each other at a whim but because of the show, Gray and Juvia was catapulted to fame. Since then, Gray and Juvia became public figures. Gray was used to the attention. He already had a large number of following – basketball fanatic or otherwise. But Juvia wasn’t. She wasn’t used to the limelight.

 However, Juvia knew this little secret wouldn’t last that long. It was going to come out one way or the other. So, she decided she was going to tell Shrimp about everything. She was her best friend, after all. Levy knew all about the Gray-spell Juvia was under in High School. She’d sit her best friend later. For now, she’d like to keep Shrimp wandering.

 “Really? ‘Cause you guys appear to be so–”

 “–So, what’s the next challenge?”

 Juvia quickly changed the subject when Levy was about to attempt to ask further. She knew how crazy it drove her best-friend and she’d like to keep it that way for a little while.

 “Oh, that’s right!”

 Excitement was written all over the assistant show-writer’s face.

 “This week you are going to dance the tango.”

 “Tango?”

 “Yes! And guess who suggested it.” Levy didn’t even give Juvia the time to breathe when she announced, “it’s Aquarius!”

 The name breathed life to the fan-girl in Juvia. Gray could only cover his ears from all the fan-girl screaming. As the Hoopster watched his girlfriend and her friend jumped around in circle, he realized how it was for Julian Lockser. This was a girl thing he apparently wasn’t a part of.

 “She’s so blown away by your chemistry that she wanted to see you two in a more sensual dance.”

 The word made Juvia stop dead in her jumping, which made the whole celebratory jumping awkward. Levy was left hopping on her own.

 “Sensual?”

 The memory of the bag of “protection” Olivia brought came haunting her again.

 …

 Social dancing wasn’t Juvia’s cup of tea. She was a ballerina through and through. So, the producers of the show hired a coach to teach Gray and Juvia one of the most intimate and fiery dances for couples – the Tango.

 Lyon Vastia was one of Magnolia’s top dancers. He met with today’s hottest dance loveteam – Gruvia, as their fans fondly call them on tweetit. Juvia heard about him. They ran within same circle but it was the first time she met him face to face. Juvia, however, had other pressing concern, such as Levy’s announcement.

 “Aquarius said she will be visiting you guys during training.”

 The ballerina wasn’t sure if the radical heartbeat was due to excitement, pressure, or nerves. Probably, all of the above. Yet, she was thankful. All these fantasies she had about Gray, his hair between her fingers and abs under her fingertips, flown out the window. She couldn’t even care less about this Lyon guy who was apparently trying to catch her attention.

 “We’ll have the team take video footage too.” Levy informed.

 “I guess we should jump into it then.” Lyon started.

 Juvia couldn’t agree more.

 The ballroom instructor started their stretching. He was quite handsy with Juvia, which earned an obviously indiscreet hiss from Fiore Knight’s MVP. Juvia could tell her boyfriend did not like this Lyon guy one bit.

 …

 Gray narrowed his midnight blue eyes at the dance coach with the funny bluish-silver hair. At first, he thought the coach was gay or something. He had never met a guy who was as limber as that Lyon guy. But with the way he was holding and looking at Juvia, Gray was convinced otherwise.

 The green-eyed monster stomped over where Lyon was teaching the ballerina basic steps in Tango. Wasn’t this handsy Lyon supposed to be teaching him? Among the three of them, Gray wasn’t the professional dancer.

 “I think I got it.” Gray proclaimed as he insinuated himself between the two and took what was rightfully his.

 The Hoopster tried to remember where Lyon placed his hands on Juvia. He placed his open palm at the small of Juvia’s back and enclosed one hand in his. Jealousy blocked his view; he didn’t notice Juvia suddenly blushing at the contact. But looking into her blue stunned eyes, Gray became worried.

 “You nervous?” He started a conversation.

 “A little.” Juvia responded.

 But Gray could recognize the tension on her worried eyes.

 “We’ll gonna do fine. Better even.”

 Little did he know, Aquarius wasn’t the reason why Juvia was all red and tensed.

 “Hey, guys. I’m still here.”

  Lyon tried to catch the couple’s attention but Gray enjoyed ignoring him.

 …

 Juvia’s mind was in a mess and it was in a contest with her heart. Her heartbeat was erratic and she knew exactly why – Gray was standing in front of her, smiling with that sinfully sexy smile of his, holding her with heat that penetrated through her skin and entire being.

 When it was Lyon’s hands on her, her body had no reaction. Her mind was still on the fact that she needed to impress her childhood dance hero yet again. But when it was Gray, when it was that raven-haired Hoopster who stood inches away from her, when it was his hands that pulled her closer against him, her whole body was electrified.

 “You nervous?”

 “A little.” Juvia couldn’t fully comprehend the question. She lost her voice for a moment before she responded. Her mind was still focused on Gray’s lips.

 “We’ll gonna do fine.”

 At the back of her mind, Olivia’s voice was telling her to just go for it.

 “Better even.”

 Juvia wondered, were they talking about the dance or…

 “Hey guys, I’m still here.”

 Lyon’s presence made her realize that yes, it was about the dance.

 Focus, Juvia!

 …

 Juvia called for a time-out. She needed a break from Gray’s electrifying touch. It was definitely reminding her that she was twenty five and she was a woman. But above all, that she was a professional. So, in order to regain her senses and composure, Juvia needed to step away from that gorgeous distraction.

 Juvia got a tumbler full of water from the dispenser. She dabbed a towel all over her face and placed it around her neck. Juvia watched the bustle inside her studio. On one end, there was a group of men and women in black shirts with the word ‘crew’ printed at the back. Then, there was Shrimp, leading a discussion with a circle of writers. She scribbled on her notes every now and then. At the other end, not too far from where the dance coach was resting, there was her boyfriend – Gray Fullbuster. She watched him take out a towel from his duffle and bury his face on it. Then he sat on the floor with legs spread open. He unceremoniously downed the water from his own tumbler.

 Juvia saw the Hoopster threw what clearly was a dirty look. The recipient was the unsuspecting dance coach. A cute little snicker escaped the ballerina’s lips and a smile painted itself on her face. She found it amusing. Gray was a full grown man; Juvia was reminded of that fact with the way he held her, kissed her and the way he made her feel that only Gray could make her feel. Sometimes, however, she was reminded of how they first met. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise if the Hoopster – her Hoopster – acted like a child; just like how Gray was acting jealous of the new dance coach.

 She also found it cute how Gray would throw himself at and in between Juvia and Lyon, purposely but discreetly, especially when the dance coach got unnecessarily close. He’d use his body and block Lyon’s alleged advances. He would say he got the step when he obviously has not. Gray was acting so possessive he ended up as the female partner with Lyon taking the lead. The ballerina mentally noted Gray’s fall from glory and promised herself to tease the Hoopster about it, endlessly.

 “Hey Juvs!”

 Juvia knew that shriek even if she had her back from it.

 “Aquarius is in the building.”

 Juvia sprayed the water out before she could swallow it. Good thing Levy was in a good distance. Otherwise, she would have taken a second shower.

 “I’m sorry, what?!”

 Juvia heard it the first time but her ears couldn’t believe it.

 “Yeah.” Levy refused to repeat it. “She’s coming right up here.”

 Juvia didn’t know what to do. She wanted to scold herself but that she couldn’t even do. Her mind went totally dark. Panic rooted her on the floor until the door finally spitted out Magnolia’s Prima Ballerina.

 “So are you just gonna stand there?”

 Juvia jumped at the low voice. She managed to turn around and face the owner.

 “Go say hi.” Gray suggested.

 But before Juvia could utter another word, her ballet hero already approached them.

 “Magnolia’s favorite dance couple.” Aquarius addressed them. “Gruvia, right?” She probably recognized the surprise in Juvia’s eyes when she explained, “I read the news and I’m on tweetit too.”

 Aquarius’ heels tapped on the wooden floor as she approached the couple. Confidence put a slight bounce on her steps. She gave them a once-over; one that made Juvia’s heartbeat triple. But Magnolia’s Prima Ballerina and the show’s Head Judge was not trying to be intimidating. The friendly smile on Aquarius’ thin lips said so.

 The sight stunned Juvia for a second, not able to believe her own eyes. But lo and behold, it was her childhood dance hero, in the flesh.

 “Welcome, Ms. Aquarius.” It was Gray who extended his hand towards the guest and placed a soft peck at the back of her palm.

 “Oh, Mr. Fullbuster, always the charmer.” Aquarius giggled.

 Only when Aquarius’ expectant eyes landed on Juvia did she remember her manners. She almost kissed her hand when she realized that wasn’t how you do it.

 “Ms. Aquarius, it’s such an honor.” When Juvia was able to compose herself, she managed to spit out coherent words.

 Juvia didn’t actually hear what her dance hero said but the latter’s lips read ‘lovely’.

 Aquarius looked around the studio. There was an air about Aquarius that reminded Juvia of the older version of herself – Olivia Lockser.

 “Lovely studio.” That one Juvia heard but the Prima Ballerina’s back was still at her.

 She wasn’t judging my studio, was she?

 A sudden want to impress Juvia’s dance hero hit her.

 “Ms. Aquarius!” The dance instructor emerged from behind Gray. “We haven’t been introduced but I am Lyon Vastia,” He extended his arm to receive the hand of the Prima Ballerina. “I’m the tango instructor. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” But instead of shaking her hand, Lyon repeated what Gray did earlier.

 Chivalry wasn’t dead in this generation.

 Aquarius answered him with a timid smile of modesty. Then, she asked him for an update as to the dance challenge. Lyon Vastia gave her the rundown, only good words to say about the couple. Aquarius looked pretty happy about it. She spun around and turned to Juvia with eager eyes and satisfied smile.

Juvia wasn’t sure what to do so her returned smile appeared rather awkward.

 “Do you two have any idea why I picked Tango?”

 It was the childish Hoopster who answered, “’Cause my chest would look good in that deep V polo shirt?”

 Aquarius began to giggle as if something clever was said.

 “No, Mr. Fullbuster. Although that’s one of the reasons.” She teased back.

 Juvia should really start jumping in the conversation but she couldn’t seem to find the right timing.

 “I suggested Tango because you two have no idea how your chemistry is overflowing.” Aquarius’ suspicious blue eyes jumped between Gray and Juvia. Then, an idea made the corner of her mouth tip. “It’s so overflowing I’m beginning to think this isn’t just for TV.” A lone eyebrow teased a little.

 Juvia gave out a nervous laugh – one which raised some brows around the room and felt like required some explanation. But thanks to the male crew carrying an on-standby handheld broadcast camcorder, Juvia was saved by the bell.

 “Ms. Aquarius, we’re ready for you.”

 “Alright.” Aquarius quickly replied. Then, she excused herself from the group. She walked across the room and towards the interview set-up. A crewmember put on her lapel and asked her to sit on the comfortable armchair.

 The Prima Ballerina easily talked into the camera as if she was giving an interview. Gray and Juvia went over to watch. They both agreed that the fifty-year old ballerina looked good both on and off screen.

 “When you dance, you don’t just move with your body.” Aquarius said in ease like she was used to being on camera. “You move with your mind, your heart and your soul.”

 Juvia’s amused eyes were glued on the Prima Ballerina and every word that came out of Aquarius’s mouth fascinated Juvia. But there was something she said that caught the young ballerina’s attention.

 “That’s why they said that dancing is like making love.”

 Now, where did she hear that before?

...

Writer’s Corner: Hello there, loves! So, as you all know, I forgot my laptop at the city I work in. Because of the Corona Virus plaguing the world today, our region declared a community quarantine, which means I can’t travel so freely. Hence, the new photo header. Also, I hope everyone is doing okay despite this pandemic scare. I hope you guys stay at home and be healthy.  Lastly, please look forward for my Gruvia Week entries this 2020.  Love you!

[aftermathdb]

DEATH BATTLE Review: Venom vs. Crona

Two on two that are within one! Who will win, who will lose?

Venom′s Preview.

We open on a history lesson, about the Klyntar. And how they were a peaceful race that kicked out a loser named Venom. Who went through a multitude of different hosts. From heroes, to villains, to… Deadpool.

And then the Symbiote met Spider-Man.

And, after a lot of adventures, Peter got rid of the thing because it was a creepy goop monster. After this, the Symbiote bonded with one Eddie Brock.

Whose life was screwed from the start.

Between an abusive dad that blamed him for his mother’s death, and having terminal cancer, the guy had nothing to lose and everything to gain by joining with the Symbiote.

Aside from the powerset he got from Spidey, the hosts go over his other abilities, like camouflage, shapeshifting, and 360° vision, and all that other stuff. We get into our first animated segment.

Now, to be fair, Wiz is kinda right.

After going over their feats, they go over his past a bit more.

After accidentally killing a kid after stealing his dad’s car, he was told to plead innocent, and rig the jury. So, he’s been carrying around that guilt ever since.

And on the road to redemption, Venom and his host have fought and gone through a lot of crazy things. From fighting off most of Spidey’s rogues gallery to tanking a sonic blast that shattered glass miles away.

And… Some really weird convoluted comic book bullshit.

After fighting the Symbiote God that tried to turn them all into living weapons, Venom has proven himself a hero in his own right. Even teaming up with Spider-Man on occasion.

Sure, he’s always hungry for brains, but with Eddie’s influence, he’d rather bite the head off of a criminal than an innocent.

Crona′s Preview.

The hosts open up on the history of the world of Soul Eater, which, for those of you unfamiliar, is very… weird. Death is a goofy-looking dude who opened a school where warriors trained to stop evil.

Of the many characters, Crona Gorgon… Was not one of them.

Crona basically had your typical power-hungry abusive mother, who basically tried turning the poor kid into a living weapon… And by living weapon, I don’t mean the ones that actually turn into weapons, I mean the… uncomfortable kind.

Crona’s weapon is Ragnarok (Which I have now recently realized I misspelled numerous times in the captions, so… Apologies).

With all that power at their finngertips, Crona and Ragnarok became a formidable team. And that leads into the animated segment.

And after going over some bonuses of how the powerset works, what with the whole “eating souls” thing, we go into even more powers. Specifically, of the Black Blood.

From being able to project Madness onto others, to shapeshifting, to all sorts of sonic attacks, Crona has some major firepower under their metaphorical belt.

In addition, they go over how Crona has gone up against plenty of Death Academy students like Death the Kid, Maka, and Black☆Star (And for those of you wondering, yes, the star in his name is the official spelling.

Now, Death the Kid could reach supersonic speeds, and Black☆Star is eveen faster.

Since Crona can keep up, this means that they’re in the same ballpark of speed.

And all that Black Blood is also really damn powerful and plentiful.

It could cover this entire city, given similar comparisons to other similar cities in the area, that’s nearly 10,000,000,000,000 tons of Mad Blood.

Thankfully, through the power of friendship and good feelings, Crona ended up saving the world. And made a new kind of Madness that… made everyone obsessed with boobs.

The Battle Itself.

Luis is lead on this fight. Venom will be reprised by Adam Wennick, Crona will be voiced by Sarah Anne Williams, and Ragnarok will be voiced by John Van Doren. “Madness Envenom” by Brandon, and audio led by Chris Kokkinos.

We open on a church, where there’s a single person praying before Crona comes in.

Now, I gotta say: Mad props to the animator who is working on Ragnarok, that is some quality movement. You can’t tell because this is a screenshot, but the animation on Ragnarok is pretty fluid.

Anyways, it turns out the person who was there first was Eddie. And, in true Season Seven fashion, the fight starts because of food. Because why not?

After a very brief back and forth, Venom manages to trap Crona.

But, they’re a tough cookie, and they manage to blast away and make some distance.

Now, this being a sound attack, it deals some significant damage to Venom.

I am so glad I managed to pause it here. This is an epic shot.

And I guess Luis was watching some Jojo, because we get a punch clash.

Venom manages to get by, and camouflages to get the drop on them.

Five Nights at Venom’s.

Venom manages to get in a hit, but the Black Blood is a bit too tough for Venom to beat.

Fitting for a Halloween episode, there’s blood everywhere.

Anyways, the fight takes to the skies, where neither seems to have a specific advantage… Aside from Crona managing to get in a few more licks in and block more hits than Venom.

Crona manages to take the fight back into the church.

Five Nights at Crona’s.

Venom decides to boast one more time before, uh, well…

Yeah, finishing blow in

5…

4…

3…

2…

1…

Verdict + Explanation.

Anyways, Boomstick makes our second Lucy vs. Carnage callback.

Now, Wiz notes that the only advantage Venom had was shapeshifting, camouflage, and weapon versatility. That’s literally it. Venom was screwed everywhere else.

Crona could match Black☆Star, who could get to Mach 9000.

Compared to Venom matching Spidey 2099, who only has Mach 2000, that’s a pretty clear speed difference.

Strength was another. Venom hasn’t displayed anything comparable to Crona opening the Moon’s mouth.

And really, with the Black Blood, Venom couldn’t pull any puppeteering tricks.

Now, the big one: Could Venom survive Crona’s sonic attacks?

Now, the sonic attack that nearly killed him that shattered glass miles away is a good high point to gauge. That clocks in at about 244 dB. Crona’s feat of covering the moon clocks in at 275dB.

And if you remember anything from Black Canary vs. Sindel, sound changes on the logarithmic scale. So Crona’s attack was over a thousand times more powerful than the blast Venom barely survived.

Overall impression.

Magento vs. Robot Man anyone?- I mean… That’s the impression this episode gave me. Like… I know that Ben was largely unfamiliar with Soul Eater going in, and I can assume that the same can be applied to a few of the other team members, but… really? Why not pit Robotboy against EMP Man? How about seeing who wins between Sandman and Juvia? The only way this can feel like it wasn’t “My Weakness is Sound man” vs. “Has Sound as an Explicit Weapon Person” is if the big question was “Could Venom survive Crona’s sonic attack?” They don’t put much emphasis on it, so it feels like they knew going in that Crona would utterly destroy Venom. And while I’m not inherently against fights that are basically stomps (Hell, I still enjoy Flash vs. Quicksilver), they really should have put more emphasis on that question if they didn’t want it to feel like it was one-sided.

I’m happy that Soul Eater is getting some rep before the inevitable Ruby vs. Maka fight (Uh, more money on Maka please), but I was honestly expecting Black☆Star to make it in before Crona. And even then, I would have thought that they would do something more creative than “Black Goopy buddies that bonded with a human host”

I tend to rag more on matchups than I do on animation, and I’ll be real: The animation is still good. Ragnarok is well-done, and they definitely landed the creepy factor quite well.

My own first viewing was a bit tainted because my own mother demanded that I not spend time for myself and instead sit at a table listening to her and my dad talk about  whatever, so my own feelings are a bit skewed because I had to watch this in a rush. Just a little disclaimer.

8.7/10

Next Time…

Speaking of ragging on matchups…

Can anyone vouch for having wanted this? Or, failing that, can anyone vouch for having seen this as a suggestion in the comments section?

Is there a fight that you want me to review? - Send an ask/request, and I’ll look into it!

Do you want to read my fanfic based around DEATH BATTLE itself? click here!

Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you next time for…

Red vs. Red… Blue vs. Blue… It’s I against I, and me against you…

[mdelpin]

Fire & Iron Week 2k19 Prompt: Past AO3 | FF.Net

Let Me Walk With You

Summary: As Natsu prepares to go search for Igneel, his friends try to get him to deal with his feelings instead.

"I said I was going alone and that's final!" Natsu screeched at Erza, the action bringing the entire guild to a halt as everyone glanced at Erza nervously, not sure how she would react to Natsu's defiance.

"Natsu, get back here!" Erza yelled after him as he turned and left the guild, slamming the door behind him.

"I told you it was a bad idea to push like that," Gray pointed out, "He's done this every year since we've known him. It's just something he has to do."

"Letting him go searching for Igneel on his own is not safe, not with everything that's been happening."

"I offered to go with him," Gray informed her, "Heck even Lucy did, he turned us both down, besides he's not going on his own, Happy's going with him."

"That doesn't really make me feel any better," Erza frowned as she stared at the closed door.

"Do you want me to try talking to him again?" Gray offered, although he didn't look very enthused by the prospect.

"What's the point, you're just going to end up fighting, and you know it."

"Mhmm, " Gray agreed with a smirk, "We have some of our best conversations that way."

Erza rolled her eyes at her friend, but his reply had made her relax a little.

"How long do these trips usually last?" Lucy asked curiously. While it was true that she had met Natsu on one of these trips he hadn't gone on another since she'd joined the guild.

"As long as he needs them to," Gray shrugged, trying not to look hurt at the fact that his boyfriend consistently excluded him from something so important to him, "At this point, I don't think it's just about searching for Igneel, it's about dealing with his grief. I've been trying to get him to share some of it with me, but he always says I won't be able to understand."

"Do the other Dragon Slayers do something similar?" Lucy looked at the table where Gajeel and Wendy were sitting, speaking quietly amongst themselves.

"I don't really know, they've been in the guild for less time than you," Erza reminded her, also looking at the other dragon slayers curiously.

To her surprise, she saw Gajeel and Wendy do some sort of gesture that reminded her of Rock, Paper, Scissors which resulted in Gajeel scowling but getting up from the table and walking past them without even a glance. He left the guild, also slamming the door behind him.

"I wonder what that was about," Gray muttered under his breath.

Wendy came to stand near them, "He's going to go talk to Natsu-san about his trip."

"Well, I hope he can get through to him," Erza grumbled worriedly, knowing that whenever those two were involved, it could go either way. After Gray, Gajeel was the person Natsu enjoyed fighting with the most.

"He promised he'd be on his best behavior," Wendy assured her, "He might not seem like it most of the time, but he cares about Natsu-san."

Gray seemed put out by the development and decided to go home early. The rest of the team settled down to wait.

xxx

Gajeel had to smile at how easy it had been to outsmart Wendy. He knew that she'd wanted to be the one to go talk to Natsu, but he also knew the Salamander well enough to know it would have been useless. As much as the Fire Dragon Slayer adored Wendy, this was not something she could help him with. He started the long walk towards the small house in the woods that the Fire Dragon Slayer shared with his Exceed.

When they had first met, Gajeel had been surprised to learn that the Salamander was still so attached to his dragon after all this time. A long time ago he'd turned any longing he might have had for his foster father into rage at being left behind. That same rage had led him into a life full of darkness and bad decisions. Some of which he was still trying to make amends for, but thanks to Juvia and Makarov he was in a better place now both physically and emotionally, and maybe his desire to help Natsu was just his way of paying it forward.

But he supposed the Salamander was a very different person, he'd bought into the whole magic of friendship bullshit hook, line and sinker. And while Gajeel thought that in general, it was a nice outlook to have, for something like this it was dangerous. Salamander was setting himself up for a world of hurt, and it sounded like he'd been doing the same thing for the last seven years.

The dragons were gone, and no matter how determined Salamander was to find them, it wouldn't change a damn thing. Salamander was pushing his friends away at a time when he should be surrounding himself with them and that worried Gajeel, especially when he'd overheard the Ice Freak complain that Natsu was even pushing him away.

As much as he hated their meddling natures, Salamander's teammates were just what the idiot needed to help him get through this, but since he was a stubborn jackass, Gajeel supposed he would have to do instead.

He'd arrived faster than he'd anticipated and found himself staring at the front door of the small house. He knocked on the door as loudly as he could manage, grinning to himself at how much that would annoy the other dragon slayer.

He was not disappointed as a somewhat irritated Natsu opened his door, ready for a fight.

"What do you want?" Natsu's eyes narrowed as he took in his unexpected visitor.

"Let's go for a walk," Gajeel ordered in a voice that would typically not invite argument, but this was Natsu after all.

"I'm not in the mood to play games, say what you gotta say and get the hell out."

Others might be intimidated by the animosity but not Gajeel, this was a language he understood well. He chuckled to himself.

"You in some kind of hurry?" Gajeel asked, grabbing Natsu's arm and pulling him outside, dragging him behind him as he began to walk. He smirked when Natsu dug in his heels and stopped their forward momentum.

"Fine, if it's so damn important to you I'll go, at least let me close the damn door first," He grumbled.

Natsu stomped towards his front door, and Gajeel could almost pinpoint the moment when he considered just running inside and closing the door behind him, but to his credit, he slumped his shoulders in a gesture of resignation right before slamming his door shut and returning to Gajeel.

"What the hell do you want, Metalhead?" Natsu was doing his best to start something, but Gajeel only began to whistle as he walked.

When he thought that Natsu was just about ready to explode, he asked, "What do you expect to find when you go on this little trip of yours? Are you even following a lead this time?"

"Is that what this is about?" Natsu stopped in his tracks, "Why is everyone so worked up about this? They've never cared before."

"I can't imagine you've found anything on any of these trips, so why do you keep going?"

"I won't give up on Igneel," Natsu replied firmly.

"You mean like he gave up on you?"

"You take that back you no good rusty bucket of bolts!" Natsu snarled, his fists lighting up in bright flames, "Igneel would never give up on me!"

"Natsu, we've all done this, it's a dead end," Gajeel decided to use the dragon slayer's name, something he seldom did, to try to get him to rein his temper in. "All of our dragons left on the same day, they clearly had something they had to do that was too dangerous to take us with them."

"You're not going to find him on this trip or any other," Gajeel announced bluntly.

"You think I don't know that?!" All the fight went out of Natsu as he muttered, "I found our cave."

"What?! When?!" Gajeel sputtered, he found himself getting excited despite his attempts to appear otherwise. To have found Igneel's cave was the first solid proof that they hadn't imagined everything as people often told them.

"A couple of years ago, I was lost in some mountains, and there was a storm coming, so I looked for shelter," Natsu shrugged.

"Are you sure?" Gajeel couldn't believe it, Salamander who couldn't keep his mouth shut about anything had been holding on to something as big as this!

"Yeah, our stuff was still in it."

"Did it seem like he'd been back?" Gajeel asked urgently, even as he reminded himself that just a few moments ago he'd been warning Natsu about the folly in this type of thinking.

Natsu shook his head, and Gajeel could see the pain flickering in the dragon slayer's olive eyes, "It looked and smelled like no one had set foot in there in a long time." He stared at a point past Gajeel, willing his eyes not to betray him, "That's when I finally accepted he was never coming back."

"I don't understand. If you know that, then why go back?"

"Because it's the closest I'm ever going to get," Natsu responded simply, and Gajeel could almost feel the emotions that Natsu was trying to keep contained.

Gajeel stared at the dragon slayer for a few minutes trying to determine if this new information changed what he had set out to do, and with a heavy heart, he realized it didn't. Perhaps even more so, it was time for Natsu to face his feelings and finally let go. He had been walking them back to the guild, but now he knew that wasn't the right place to take the Fire Dragon Slayer.

He changed direction and headed towards another part of town using his senses to make sure that person was home.

"You still shouldn't go alone," Gajeel pressed, surprising Natsu by how sincere he sounded.

"Don't tell me you want to come with me?" Natsu scoffed, although he thought someday he might like to take the other dragon slayers there, he was far from ready to share that much of himself with them.

Gajeel dissolved into laughs before replying, "Hell no."

"Then, who?" Natsu asked in genuine confusion.

"For someone as annoying as you, you've somehow managed to find a group of people that care about you more than you deserve." Gajeel pointed out, "You need to stop isolating this part of yourself from them and let them in for once, starting with the most important one."

Natsu looked puzzled by his words until he noticed where they had ended up. He immediately turned to leave when he heard Gajeel rap loudly on the door. He hissed, "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

"What kind of idiot doesn't talk to his mate when something this big is bothering him?" Gajeel grinned, waving and running away as fast as he could, leaving only a trail of gihis in his wake.

Natsu was caught, having already heard the ice mage approaching the door. It soon opened showing a scantily clad Gray gaping at him in surprise, "Natsu? What are you doing here?"

Natsu's first impulse was to flee as he always did when anything remotely serious or dealing with emotions came up between them. He'd never really been able to overcome the fear of being left, so he constructed walls to keep himself safe from heartache. He thought Gray at least understood that part of it.

Gajeel's words stayed with him though, and he knew the obnoxious Iron Dragon Slayer had been right. It was about time he stopped hiding such an essential part of himself from his mate. He decided he would not only talk to Gray about Igneel, but he would also let him in on his secret, and maybe even invite him to come along.

"Can we talk?" Natsu responded with a sheepish grin, and when he saw Gray tense visibly, he quickly added. "It's about Igneel."

Gray smiled and wrapped his arms around him in an embrace. "I've been waiting for a long time to hear you say that," Gray's smile never faltered as he moved out of the way, letting Natsu inside his apartment.

Gajeel smirked from his hiding spot, having decided to stay nearby so he could make sure the Salamander didn’t try to weasel out of the conversation. When he saw Gray let Natsu into his apartment he began the short walk back to the guild. He hummed to himself, the recent events already inspiring him to start work on a new song.

@fuckyeahgajeelxnatsu​

.

A/N: I had fun writing Gajeel, I don't get to do it often so thanks for giving me the opportunity! I hope you enjoy this :)

[leal-5]

Tomb of Time and Destiny: Chapter 2

Erza's POV

It was dark.

I groaned, rubbing my head, wondering if I’d hit it but lucky for me it felt okay. My hand had immediately ceased burning the moment I ripped it away from the wall. I blinked in confusion, hoping my vision would clear. I could hear someone breathing heavily to my left. “Juvia?” I ventured.

A got a grunt in response.

Relaxing a little with relief I pause to catch my breath. "Where is Levy? I know I had her when I fell back..."

"Juvia was certain she had Lucy as well..."

Our voices echoed around the chamber and quickly died out. Up top, there was no daylight. Had we passed out? Was it night already?

"Erza! What's that noise?" Juvia panicked.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. Noise? I tilted my head slighly and that's when I detected other sounds, odd, muffled sounds, the sounds of men crying out, and alarming sounds like men screaming, the clang of metal against metal, and the roar of fire. Had Lucy and Levy brought in reinforcements?

“Levy?” I called while slowly getting up. “Lucy?!”

I must've hit my head hard. I looked up-willing my eyes to see stars, moonlight, anything! But I was met with only darkness.

“Hey!” I yelled upward. “Hey, we're in here!” All I could think was that the guys in charge had discovered the tomb, and set the perimeter off limits. That our class had lost temporary jurisdiction over the site and somehow had not noticed that we were not with them- or at least Juvia and I weren't- before it was set off limits. As for the warm handprint, Lucy’s and Levy's disappearance, and the brightening and fading light from above… had no idea what that was all about.

We must've fainted or something.

I got to my feet and felt my way toward the corridor. “My apologies." I muttered, knowing that I was now spreading oil from my skin all along the wall. I brushed up against a smooth shape and gasped as I felt it give way, then crash to the floor.

"KKKYYYYYYAAAAAA!!!! WHAT WAS THAT?!?!?!" Juvia screamed while jumping on me, nearly toppling me over but I manage to stay upright.

“You remember those four urns near the entrance?" I say while shooting a glare at her. She giggles nervously and hops off me. "Well, let's just say there are three now." I finish, heartsick, thinking of the coming wrath of my teachers and the higher ups when they discovered what I’d done.

Juvia gasped. Never before had I damaged a site or artifact in any way, shape, or form. None of us ever had. But I’d gladly face their fury rather than be stuck in here. She facepalmed herself before pacing up and down the small cave.

"Well," Juvia tentatively said, trying to make light of the situation. "At least the urn helped us know where we are."

I nodded, not feeling any better.

And for sure, there was the curved stone that marked the entrance. I could see the outline of daylight around it as I neared. Only problem: It was plugged at the entrance with a large stone.

"Did they seal the tomb?!" Juvia exclaimed with a gasp, she quickly hurried over to the stone as she tried finding an opening to the other side.

"I don't know...." I whispered, trying to stay calm. I felt myself getting more irritated, time slowly passing by as I began to feel sickened in this muff cave.

I knelt and ran my fingers around the edge, considering options for removing it. The stone looked heavy, maybe six, seven hundred pounds.

I leaned my shoulder against it and pushed, grunting with effort. Even though I was taller and stronger than most women the stone barely moved, even with Juvia's help, and she was almost as strong as me, if not, as strong as me.

Huffing, I blow my bangs of of my face while shooting Juvia a questioning look.

She thins her lips in return and gives a small shake of her head. She began to bang her fists against the large rock as she began to scream as hard as she could, hoping for someone to hear her I believe. That or she just lost her mind… O.O

My response to her odd behaviour is interrupted by the odd sounds coming from the other side. Men:  shouting, grunting.

“ICE MAKE-”

"HEAVENLY BODY-”

Our eyes widen in shock.

'What?! Is that?!…' I shoved the thought aside. Impossible.

And the main thing we had to focus on right now was escape. “Hey! We're in here!” I shouted.

I could hear the pause in whatever was happening. “Levy? Lucy?!” Juvia yelled beside me. But then the sounds resumed.

“Oh, Mavis,” I muttered. I maneuvered in the tunnel until my back and shoulders were against one side, and at an angle, I could press my feet against the stone, Juvia taking the same position beside me. We pushed and pushed so hard that our butts lifted from the ground. 'Almost...Almost…' I grunted, willing that stupid rock to move, move, move… With a sound similar to that of a battle cry, Juvia and I gave the stone a powerful stomp. Perhaps a tab bit too powerful because it went flying as if it were a home run baseball.

Coughing, we shakily get up, waving away at the dust that was falling from the entrance and we cautiously peek outside.

..Oh..My..Mavis

I took a quick glance over at Juvia, who seemed just as shocked as I was from the scenery in front of us. We slowly left the tomb as we stared down at an amazingly large field, in the mere back was a beautiful lake, and all sorts of trees were giving it all a little structure but I noticed something that could not miss my eye for one second…

Freaking…

Dinosaurs… (*-*)

My mouth fell wide open as Juvia began to run back inside, but I quickly grabbed her shoulder, yanking her back to my side. This had to be fake, because no way, that dinosaurs could be around this planet in this year! Juvia cried as she held onto my leg in fear, I shivered as well but my fear immediately grew more as I noticed 4 pair of eyes lurking at us from inside the tomb…

“Juvia…?” I whispered just loud enough for her to hear me, she looked up at me and noticed that I was looking at something in the back when I heard a loud growl.

“RUN!!” I cried as the eyes came closer real fast! Juvia jumped up and ran past me.

“HEY WAIT UP!” I yelled as I felt something following us close behind.

What was this madness?!?

“...za”

Huh?

“...rza!”

Is someone…..

“ERZA WAKE UP!!”

[thetreeshavenotongues]

Gajevy Week ‘19 Prompt: You’re Beautiful

So,I haven’t really kept up with the prompts, and I have a half-written fic for each one that I just haven’t gotten around to finishing, whenever that does happen it’ll probably go on my AO3 account though - no offense to Tumblr, i just actually know how to maneuver Archive and every time I post a fic here I feel like I’m doing something wrong. 

Anywho, this is inspired by one of Rboz’s works, my story is very different, but I love her council Gajevy stuff so, any council works I do for them is heavily inspired by her comics.

Beautiful

They were everywhere. Around every corner and down every hall. Tittering behind their hands and gnawing at her sanity.

It was an infestation, and God how Levy wished she could just swat them with a newspaper.  

“So, Levy-san, what was it like? You know… working with him.” The words were a conspiratorial hiss over the stacks of files on her desk, and, unsurprisingly, did little to help Levy’s mood.

Honestly, she wanted to throw her hands up, roll her eyes to the heavens and possibly light the end of the annoying chit’s uniform on fire; instead Levy only sighed and kept her eyes on the mountain of paperwork in front of her.

“It was fine.” She grumbled, hoping the curt words would be enough to shoo away her annoying assistant and her even more annoying questions.

Over the few months that she had been at The Council, Levy had grown all too used to this vein of conversation, and her day to day mood had suffered dramatically for it. She had been accosted in hallways by dithering coworkers, they had swarmed around her in the cafeteria, and one obsessive soul had even waited for her outside the bathroom door to ask if Gajeel wore boxers or briefs.

It was as if none of the women at The Council had seen a man until the iron dragon-slayer had shown up, practically oozing the type of masculinity that sent them all into a mating frenzy the likes of which Levy had assumed were limited only to nature documentaries.

Of course, Gajeel’s blasé attitude, new rank and the fact that he looked positively sinful in The Council’s uniform didn’t help matters much either.

“Oh, come on Levy-san, you’ve got to tell me more than that,” her assistant pressed, plopping her bottom on the desk and disturbing the organized stacks that had just been placed there – Levy scowled and felt her pen poke a hole clean through the paper she had been working on. “He barely talks to anyone but you and Lily-san. He’s just so mysterious and broody… and have you seen those arms! I mean, he just so….so….” the woman pulled in a deep breath and released a strangled sigh, “ya know what I mean?”

Yeah, Levy knew. She knew all too damn well. When he would stomp down the halls, wearing those shirts that looked like they were painted on, with his jacket held onto his shoulders by some sort of magic she couldn’t quite comprehend and acting for all the world like he owned the place, even she found herself dry mouthed and weak-kneed. Still, she wasn’t about to stoop to the point of agreeing with the woman nor would she offer her two-cents regarding Gajeel’s appearance.

Not that it would matter much anyway.

When they had first arrived at The Council and Gajeel had claimed his spot as a favorite obsession of the fairer sex, she had been subjected to an onslaught of questions – “are you dating?” “Have you slept together?” “Do you like him?” “Does he like you?”- and, in a move that she would forever regret, she had vehemently denied them all and stupidly claimed they were “just friends.” Unfortunately, this had only served to make her the go-to person for all questions relating to and requests for the dark-haired man.

What she wouldn’t give now, to be able to go back in time and tell them all “yes! He’s mine!” Even if it was a bald-faced lie.

She sighed again and pulled herself out of her thoughts, only to realize that the woman on her desk had yet to stop talking. “- each other in the hall yesterday and I swear he checked me out.” It was all Levy could do to keep from rolling her eyes. “So, do you think, that maybe,” Levy groaned, “well, could you ask him if he’d-“

“Sara-san,” Levy cut her off, finally pulling her eyes from her papers to level the woman with a hard stare, “if  you’re interested in Gajeel, then go tell him, but right now, we have a report due by Friday for Jura-san and you were sent here to help me. So, can we please get this done?” A pointed look at her backside currently resting on some treaty copies had the girl blushing crimson and sliding off the desk. 

“Oh,” she mumbled, looking properly contrite, “sorry.” For a moment Levy was relieved – forgiving, even – but the next words out of the other woman’s mouth had her seriously contemplating how quickly she could send a small fire spell at the end of her coat. “So, you really think he’s interested in me too?”

Levy groaned, it seemed like it was just going to be one of those days.

The sun was already setting when Levy finally left her office. Normal business hours had ended, and while she could hear the echoed shuffle of distant feet down the wide marble hallway, she was relieved to find The Council, more or less, empty.

All she wanted to do was make it to her little apartment and take a long, hot bath, read a book and forget all about her day. But even as she made her plans in her head - ticking off everything from the type of tea she would have in the bath to the name of the book she wanted to read - her shoulder ached under the weight of her work bag, a nagging reminder of what really awaited her once she got home.

“I guess there’ll be time for that after I get this done,” she mumbled to herself as she readjusted her bag and rounded a corner, her mind heavy with drafts of reports that had yet to be written. When her nose crashed into a familiar wall of iron muscle however, she knew that even those plans were about to be shot to hell.

“Took ya long enough, Shrimp.” Gajeel’s gruff words were offset by the two hands that reached out to steady her and the almost playful smirk that pulled at his lips.

She took a step back and rubbed her nose, using the time to discreetly look over the man. He was outfitted in his usual sleeveless forest green  shirt and wide legged white pants tucked into a pair of black boots, his Council jacket, however, was nowhere to be found, so she could only assume that he had already gone to his apartment and came back to fetch her.  “C’mon, Lil’s outta town and I’m cookin’ yer favorite.”

 “Gajeel,” she sighed “not tonight. I’m heading home.”

Gajeel’s arms folded over his chest and he gave her the kind of look that told her this would be an uphill battle. “Ya couldn’t feed a mouse with what you’ve got at yer place, Shorty.”

“I’ll pick up something on the way,” Levy replied, side stepping him to continue on her way. She was unsurprised when his heavy footfalls fell in step behind her, she sighed. “I’ve got a ton of work to finish up for Jura-san and after that all I want to do is sink into a warm bath and go to bed.”

“Last I checked there’s a bath and a bed at my place. Not to mention all that damn clothes you made me clean out a draw-“ The little mage spun around and slapped her hand across his lips so quickly that Gajeel barely saw it coming.

“Gajeel!” She hissed, her cheeks a fierce red as her eyes darted around the empty hall. “Shush!”

His fingers wrapped around her wrist, and when he gently pulled her hand away his mouth was already twisted up in a predatory smile. “What’s the matter, Shrimp?” His words were practically a purr as he stepped closer, still holding her wrist to ensure that she stay put – not that he thought his little Shrimp would ever back down from a challenge. “Scared someone’ll think we’re shackin’ up?”

Her eyes narrowed in a glare that was almost threatening, were it not for the red that clung to her cheeks in the cutest way.

“Gajeel-!”

“- Gee hee,” he backed off and released her hand. He knew she would take it as some tactless joke - as she always did when he put forward these clumsy attempts at flirtation – and, for now, that was best. “C’mon, I’ve got work to do too. Let’s have a quick dinner, finish this shit and go to bed, yeah?”

Levy sighed, and shamelessly let her eyes run over his frame. He looked tired – not just from his work and ladder climbing at the Council – but from all of this. And, dammit, so was she - from her aching head to her sore feet to the emptiness that had wrapped itself around her soul for nearly half a year now. An emptiness that was slightly less intolerable in the presence of this emotionally stunted, red-eyed man who did live 10 minutes closer to The Council than she did.

“Fine,” she breathed out, “but if I find out that you’ve just collected scrap metal instead of real food, I’m going home.”

He grinned, “why would I do that when I have you and yer amazing iron around?” Something about the words had Levy’s stomach doing flips and she was all too happy when he sauntered ahead of her, oblivious to the renewed flare of red on her cheeks.

She shook her head and quickened her steps - honestly, the man was turning her into Juvia.

They had just made it out of the winding, cavernous halls of The Council’s main branch when she became aware of his eyes on her. The look was hard and calculating, complete with furrowed brows and pursed lips, and just when she was about to ask “what” he shoved his hand towards her and said “hand it over.”

“Huh?”

He wiggled his fingers and frowned. “The bag, Shrimp. Give me the bag. It’s too heavy for ya.”

She scoffed and pulled the strap a little higher on her shoulder. “It is not.”

“Yer steps are off, I can hear it.” He knew she could be stubborn, more so than him sometimes, and from the hands she had just crossed over her chest and the pout she was sporting, he knew this was going to be one of those times. He dropped his hand and sighed, “you can glare at me all ya want, Lev, but ya look like you’re about to break in half carrying that thing. So,” he stopped walking and turned to face her fully, he bent at the waist and brought them almost nose to nose, meeting her defiant glare with an insidious smirk, “you can either give me the bag, or I’ll take it. Yer choice.”

Her obstinate gaze didn’t so much as flicker and his smirk only widened. “Fine,” he leaned back and shrugged, “you asked for it.”

He bent low, wrapped an arm around her legs, and before Levy could fully register what was happening, he had her slung over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

“What the hell, Gajeel?!” Her small fists pounded on his back, but she received little more than a “Gee hee” from the man in response.

When he started walking again, showing little sign of putting her down anytime soon, she relented on her abuse and settled into a more comfortable position.

“So,” Gajeel was the first to break the silence, “gonna tell me what’s got yer panties in a twist today?”

Levy huffed, “my panties are not in a twist.”

Gajeel scoffed, “Gimme some credit, Lev,” his words came with a gentle squeeze on her thigh and she couldn’t help but sigh.

“It’s nothing serious,” she mumbled, doing her best to ignore the warmth of his large hand on her leg, “just a bit annoyed. I wanted to finish these reports today. I mean, I don’t mind the work or anything, but I haven’t had a night where I didn’t have to take something home with me in so long.” Gajeel grunted, he knew all too well what she meant. Levy had become a fixture in his life over the years, and when they joined The Council, she quickly became a fixture in his home as well, so he had been there on countless occasions, watching her scribbling away at his desk until the wee hours of the morning.  

“Maybe if ya didn’t keep sending yer assistants to be reassigned, yer workload would be a little more bearable.”

Levy stifled a groan “I though Lily was out of town, how did you hear about that already?”

Her answer came in the form of his trademark laugh. She didn’t have a response, so she settled for pouting as she rest her cheek against his shoulder blade.

From her place on his back, she had little else to look at besides his boots and the floor, so when the pavement started to change from the pristine white of the area surrounding the Council, to the dark grey of the city proper, she noticed immediately. Half of the reason she hadn’t put up much of a fight when Gajeel had picked her up was because she knew that at this time the streets around the Council would be deserted – security had been tripled when they rebuilt after the Tartaros incident and the whole surrounding area was off limits to all non-members – the streets of the city, however, were a different story entirely, and there was no way she would allow herself to be carted through the bustling streets ass first.

She sighed, “Gajeel, if I give you my bag, will you put me down?”

He stopped and hummed thoughtfully, “I dunno…I’m kinda enjoying the view.” He squeezed her thigh again and laughed when she released a surprised squeak.

“Gajeel!”

“Yeah, yeah.” He lifted her easily and placed her down.

His hands lingered a moment too long on her waist, and she found herself missing the warmth of his palm on her thigh.

She cleared her throat and he stepped back. “Here,” she offered the bag and muttered an almost shy “thank you” when he took the bag.

“Jeez Shrimp,” he feigned a show of weighing the bag in his hand before easily tossing it over his shoulder, “what’d yer assistant do that made bringing half the library home a better idea than having her help you?”  

Levy scowled and dragged the toe of her boot along the pavement before she grumbled out a response, “she was a little too focused on a Department Head to get any actual work done.”

Gajeel’s brows drew together and his nose scrunched in that way that Levy knew meant he was really trying to figure out who she was talking about. Not for the first time, she wondered if this level of obliviousness was some sort of dragon-slayer specific trait. “That frog guy?”

She rolled her eyes, “you, you dummy.”

For a moment Gajeel looked genuinely confused - his eyebrows shot up almost to his hairline before descending back into a frown  - but his confusion was brief, and before Levy could blink his features had rearranged into an expression of such smugness that it had her groaning before he even spoke. “So, you were jealous?”

“I was not!” Levy sputtered, “It’s just unprofessional is all.” She sniffed indignantly and folded her arms across her chest. “Besides, I told her if she was so interested, she should talk to you herself.”

She threw a glance his way trying to see if the words would garner any reaction, but aside from the disappearance of his grin he was impassive. Two seconds ticked by before he offered a grunt and started walking forward. An awkward silence settled between them.

Levy frowned - after all this time, she still found that she had difficulty reading the man and it irked her to no end. There were moments when he was an open book and they could practically share a conversation with a glance, but then there were still times like this, when he would close himself off completely and even she had no idea what was going on in his head. Was he just intent on getting home? Was he mulling over the possibility of a date with that woman? Or was he upset that she had told Sara to approach him?

She was more than a little ashamed to admit that she hoped it was the latter. She’d hate for him to be upset with her, but at least then she would have a better idea as to where he stood with their…whatever it was they had. But those thoughts were selfish, and she wanted to kick herself for entertaining them at all.

Even with all they’d been through and how close they were, she knew it didn’t make them a couple, at least, not really. Yes, they spent a lot of time together, but aside from the time he had almost drowned, they had never really kissed, they didn’t whisper sweet nothings to one another, they hadn’t so much as held hands in public. But, whatever they had, labeling it as “friendship” also just didn’t seem right – she had lots of male friends, and never did she ever feel for any of them what she felt for Gajeel. It was a little before Tenrou Island that they began to grow unexpectedly close, then the feelings just kind of snowballed from there until they had landed themselves in that strange “not quite a couple” but “more than just friends” grey area.

It was this undefinable something between them that kept them together after the guild was disbanded. Yes, they couldn’t put a name to their relationship, but neither of them had even entertained the thought of going separate ways; so they traveled together, and somehow along the way whatever it was only grew.They ate together, trained together, depended on each other, and when she woke up panicked and crying from the shock of losing her family, he was there, pulling her into his arms and stroking her hair until she fell asleep next to him – a habit which stuck even after the nightmares had stopped coming.

When they found themselves settling down at The Council, propriety dictated separate apartments, but the transition had been a strange and wholly unwelcome one for her. A week after their arrival he had slid her a key to his place over breakfast, and while the gesture wasn’t grand – it was Gajeel after all, the key had been sent her way with little more than a “here, this is yours, Lily’s making Stroganoff tonight,” – it still warmed her heart to know that maybe he missed her constant company as much as she missed his. It wasn’t long before she would have a toothbrush in the bathroom and a drawer in his bedroom and her favorite blanket decorating his bed, and almost overnight her apartment became a place she visited more than lived in.

Still, a conversation about what everything meant eluded them. The topic had never come up even once, and beyond her presence at his apartment nearly every night, they had never actually done anything even remotely coupley, and Lord knew there were plenty of opportunities – they did sleep in the same bed after all. But, aside from the occasional innuendo and the heavy, pierced arm slung over her waist every morning, he had never made an actual move.

On more than one occasion she had attempted to screw up the courage to just bring it up and see things through once and for all; but then, something would happen, he’d make some crack about her height or one of the girls at work - one of those taller, prettier, chestier girls - would come to her for advice about how to get his attention – and whatever resolve she had mustered up would just fade away. It was beyond frustrating and it was probably one of the reasons she was in such a funk after today.

Levy was so lost in thought over the matter that it took a moment for her to realize that Gajeel’s heavy footsteps no longer accompanied the light tap tap of hers on the cobblestone street. When she looked around, she found he was standing some feet behind with a light frown pulling down the edges of his lips.

She closed the distance in a few quick steps and met his hard, red eyes with her curious brown ones. Before she could ask the question that was on the tip of her tongue he asked one of his own. “Why?”

“Why?” She repeated, her brows drawing down in confusion.

“Why’d ya tell her that?” The words were curt, but lacked any actual malice, nonetheless, Levy was not a fan of this avenue of conversation and shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.

“Well, you are, you know,” she hesitated for a moment, as if the next word was some sort of curse, “single.” She fidgeted again, “And I just assumed – well - she has a thing for you, and I’m sure you’ve noticed all the girls following you around, I mean, she is pretty and –“

Gajeel’s hand landed on her head lightly, startling her into a blessed pause from her ramblings. At some point she had dropped her eyes to the floor, but the surprise of his touch brought them back up again. He was staring at her intently, his expression was a jumble of emotions, but at the forefront was confusion and a tinge of disbelief. Then, in a move she would never have expected, Gajeel actually threw his head back and laughed.

“Jeez, Lev,” his shoulders shook lightly, but his laughter had almost completely subsided by the time he spoke again, “and ya say I’m oblivious.”

Levy puffed up, ready to deliver a scathing remark, when the hand atop her head moved. His fingers tangled gently into her blue locks before sliding down to cup her cheek with a tenderness that had her at a loss for words.

He bent down and brought his forehead to rest against hers before closing his eyes and breathing in deeply, “Why the hell would I want “pretty” when I already have the most beautiful girl in the world followin’ me around?”

He opened his eyes and moved back, taking the warmth of his hand from her cheek, then he stepped around her and continued on his way home.

She was left dumbstruck for a moment, her mind reeling and her jaw slack. Gradually his words sunk in, and when they did, she knew she wouldn’t have been able to stop the grin that pulled at her lips even if she wanted to.  

It wasn’t a love confession, it wasn’t even a kiss, but it meant more to her than she had ever expected such simple words ever would. She turned to look at his retreating back and felt her grin grow even wider. He didn’t care about those other girls, because he thought she was beautiful and–

Wait… she replayed his words in her head one more time and her smile dropped like a lead weight.  

“Gajeel!” She yelled at his back, “I do not follow you around!”

He was already smirking when he turned to look at her stomping her way up the street towards him. “I dunno, Shrimp. Looks like yer following me right now.” He threw a laugh over his shoulder before speeding up into a run.  “Gee hee.”

She faltered for half a step, blushed and sputtered before picking up her pace, yelling at his back as she went. “I- you- ugh! Gajeel, you dummy!”

As she raced to catch up with him, she couldn’t completely hold back the smile that pulled at the corners of her mouth. They still weren’t a couple and she had no idea when they would ever figure that out, but it was fine. He thought she was the most beautiful girl in the world, and right now, that was all she needed to know.

[doyouevenshipbr0]

gruvia drabble

author's note: im SORRY im really not over the last chapter. i fr never will be. but yea this one is based on the last chapter a lot more strictly. ALSO the very end issss ooc for gray but it was a cute ending soooo yea hehe. ok enjoy cutiessss<333

*

After a long, grueling train ride, the team had finally made it to the city of Draseel, ready to search for the wood god dragon and take the next step in their mission.

Happy let out a long, obnoxious yawn. "I'm sleepy."

"Yeah, I'm pretty tired, too." Wendy admitted.

"I suppose it is late." Erza agreed. The team sorted out the nonsense with Erza and Erkis, got them switched back, and scolded Erza for being careless. That alone put them back another three hours.

"On the map it says there's a hotel right next to this station." Lucy looked up from the map.

"Alright, snoozing it is!" Natsu cheered. He was happy enough to be off the train, and now he got to rest on top of it.

The group got two rooms for the night, one for the boys and one for the girls. They quickly departed into their two rooms, ready to get some sleep and take on the next day.

Gray barely got a chance to breathe before Natsu and Happy were completely knocked out on their beds. They didn't bother to get under covers or anything, they were just out like a light.

"Why am I not surprised?" Gray sighed. He followed their lead and got ready for bed.

Gray flicked off his bedside light and turned over. After a few moments, he tossed over to the other side. Then onto his back. When a few slow minutes passed, he finally realized he wouldn't fall asleep right then. There was something that was picking at his mind, something he couldn't just easily sleep off.

He let out an exhale and turned his bedside table back on. He made sure not to wake up Natsu, as he didn't feel like dealing with his teasing. He carefully brought the lamp over to a desk that was in their room and quietly sat down. He rummaged through the drawers and to his luck he found just what he was looking for, a pencil and paper.

For awhile, he just stared at the blank paper. He even said "forget it" and tried to go back to bed, but he soon knew that wouldn't happen. So at the table he sat, head in his hands, thinking of how to put words from the pencil onto the paper.

Finally, he thought of something.

"Dear Juvia," He wrote at the top. Then, he hit another block. He was out of ideas once again.

"Ok, Gray, just chill out." He thought to himself. "Just write what's in your head." But that was just that--he didn't know how to translate his feelings into words.

To put it in the simplest words possible, he missed Juvia.

He didn't realize how much he did until he saw her doppelgänger and contemplated love, but he most certainly did. He wondered what she was doing, he thought about what he would be doing with her if they were together, he imagined their reunion when he got back to Fairy Tail, and actually thought fondly about how he would be showered with her love.

He couldn't seem to get her off his mind.

"Gah, this is so embarrassing." Gray thought and scratched the back of his head, his cheeks turning pink.

Again, another deep breath, and he brought the pencil back to the paper.

"Dear Juvia,

The mission is going well. I know you're probably worried sick, and you wish you could be fighting with me right now, but don't worry, I'm fine. The first dragon god on our quest was a water dragon god. Of course, I naturally thought of you." He paused. He went back and erased "thought of you" and wrote "thought of your magic." After a few moments of back and forth, he ultimately decided on "thought of you."

"He was crazy powerful. It made me wonder how your magic would've matched up against him. You're almost as scary as he is, so I'm sure you would've given him a run for his money." Gray smirked at his joke, and he began to think of all the times Juvia's magic had gotten scary strong when she was in a serious fight.

"But no worries, we beat him even though your water magic would've made it a hell of a lot easier. And actually, he's a really nice guy. His magic was thrown all out of whack by this wizard that can steal people's magic. We'll definitely have to take care of them eventually, but for now, we moved onto the wood dragon god in Draseel.

Before we got on the train today we ran into a guild of celebrities that look just like us. The whole thing was super bizarre. Your doppelgänger's name was Juvina, and she was a topless dancer. Hopefully that doesn't give you any ideas for a hobby, because I'll tell you right now, it ain't happening." Gray paused and smirked once again.

"But what really got me thinking was" Gray paused. He wasn't sure how to word all of this without exploding with embarrassment, but he tried his best.

"when we met this girl Ervis; she's an actress. Her next role focuses on love, so we kind of got to talking about that. I can't lie, you're the first person that popped in my head. From there, I couldn't get you off my mind, so I figured I'd write you a letter. It's not like it'll go unwanted. I'm sure you're gonna' eat all this up.

Basically, I just wanted to say" He paused. His hand began to shake a bit, and he took a deep breath.

"I miss you, and I'm excited to see you when we get back to Fairy Tail. Make sure you have your best hug and cheery 'Gray-sama' ready for me when I get back. Honestly, I'm going through withdrawal." Gray finally let go of his breath after he wrote that. Almost everything in him was telling him to go back and erase that bit, but after reading it over for the 30th time, he knew it felt right. It was pretty much exactly what he was thinking, and he knew he had to work on his way of expressing his feelings lately, and this seemed like a good step.

"So I hope all is well at Fairy Tail. I'm sure you're taking lots of missions with Gajeel, and I'm sure you're both kicking ass. I'd expect nothing less. Oh and make some of those Juvi-buns for me. They're pretty damn good.

Sincerely, Gray."

He looked the letter over and over and over. He went back to make little changes, but ended up changing them back. After he finally wore his eraser down to nothing, he decided it was good.

"Ooo is this a love letter?" Gray jumped at the sound of Happy hovering over his shoulder.

"Hey! I thought you were sleepin'!" Gray snatched the letter from the desk and held it close to him.

"I was sleeping. Now I'm awake. Just needed a little catnap." He said.

"Ok, well let's not wake up Natsu." Gray whispered.

"Why don't we wanna' wake up Natsu?" Gray jumped again, hearing Natsu talking over his other shoulder.

"Shit! Since when are you two ninjas?!" Gray held onto the letter tighter, catching his breath from two scares.

"Since when are you a writer?" Happy grilled, notioning towards the paper in his hand.

"I-I'm not!" Gray stood up. "I'm goin' to bed!"

"Is it a looove letter?" Happy teased.

"N-no! Don't be stupid!" Gray was focused on defending himself to Happy and he lost his grip on the paper. Natsu took the opportunity and snatched the letter out of his hand.

"Dear Juvia," Natsu began to read.

"Hey! Give that back!" Gray reached for it, and Natsu pulled away.

"So it is a love letter!" Happy giggled. "What else does it say, Natsu?"

Natsu began skimming the words to which Gray began chasing him around the room.

"Does this say what I think it says?" Natsu's voice boomed. "'I miss you'?!"

"Just give it back, ya' creep!"

"Ah, ah, ah," Natsu paused, and in his free hand he lit a flame, hovering the paper over it. Gray froze.

"One more move, and it goes up in flames." Natsu raised a brow. Gray said nothing. He stood promptly, but on edge.

Natsu continued skimming over the letter. "Juvi-buns?!" He bursted "I thought you thought they were weird?!" He cackled.

Gray folded his arms and looked to the side. "Yeah. They were tasty, alright?" He murmured.

Happy and Natsu exchanged looks and began rolling with laughter.

"What else Natsu?!" Happy said through laughter.

Gray took the opening and grabbed the letter out of Natsu's hand. "I think that's enough story time for tonight."

"We're just teasing, Gray!" Natsu said, still laughing.

"Yeah, yeah, well I'm goin' to bed." Gray practically stomped his way to bed and threw the letter into a random drawer before flopping onto the mattress.

"Hey man," The laughing finally stopped. Gray turned over and saw Natsu and Happy finally collected themselves. "In all seriousness, it's pretty cool that you wrote that."

"Aye!" Happy chimed in.

"Juvia deserves to hear that kinda' stuff. You better mail it out before we leave tomorrow." Natsu smiled at Gray and got back into bed.

"...Thanks." Gray reluctantly said and turned back over.

Once he heard Natsu and Happy snoring again, Gray sat up a bit. He carefully pulled the paper and pencil back out from the drawer. He decided there was one more change he needed to make.

He erased the "Sincerely, Gray." and replaced it with "Love, Gray."

He decided the letter was perfect, and finally rolled over to get a good night's sleep.