#sorry for not making juvia speak in third person but I wanted to keep the text as close to the original as possible

[mespilus]

I was in class yesterday and out of nowhere I remembered this reddit story that I saw on tik tok like last year(?) and I thought "Damn this is very much gruvia coded."

Hope you like it hihihihi

[gruvia4ever0910]

BE MY DATE

*I am having doubts to post this because I’m not really sure if someone will like it, but here I am trying my luck. 😊

Oh my, T.T I’m sooooo nervous...! 😳

*Disclaimer: Fairy Tail, and the characters are owned by Hiro Mashima.

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"How about the girl yesterday?", Natsu asked his raven-haired friend.

Natsu and Lucy are getting married in two months, and they are very excited for that day to come. However, they don't want their friend to be alone in their special day. Yes, all their friends will be there, but it is different for Gray. So, they've been suggesting some girls for him that he can bring as his date for their wedding day.

The wedding they wanted was just a simple ceremony, where only their family and friends are the only ones who will join them. Lucy invited some of her close friends at work and Natsu did the same.

Gray rolled his eyes, "Can both of you stop it already? I told you. I'm fine going there by myself, and I don't have a plan to see that girl from yesterday again.". Gray grabbed his glass then gulped the beer in one go.

Natsu and Lucy looked at each other for a few seconds then back to Gray. "Why? What happened?', Natsu curiously asked.

"Nothing. We just don’t get along so well.", Gray coldly responded.

"Again?", Lucy said annoyingly with her arms crossed. "You are always giving us the same reason over and over again with the girls that we introduced to you, or to the other girls you just met.". She sighed, "Don't tell me you haven't moved on with ---."

Natsu suddenly held Lucy's hand and she looked at him. Natsu stopped Lucy from continuing her words because he noticed that Gray was now getting irritated. Lucy looked back at Gray and she realized why her fiancé did that.

Last year, Gray broke up with his ex-girlfriend after being in a relationship for two years because she just decided to end their relationship without talking to him. Then, two months after he saw her being intimate with someone else. He was so furious, and about to confront them, but Natsu stopped him for making a scene in public.

Gray knew that it was his faults that their relationship ended, but she should've talk to him and fix everything, or maybe end it in a good way.

He moved on alright, but he just don't want to bring up that topic anymore or talk about it.

Lucy rested her arms on the table. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

Gray gave Lucy a half-smile then nodded. "It's fine. Let's drop it already. And ---", raised his hand. "For the last time, I'll be fine."

"We know that, but of course, we want you to enjoy life. You are always working, always busy. We had to drag you here for you to hang out with us. And maybe… just maybe it is time for you to be in a relationship again. You know?", Lucy worriedly told it to her friend in front of her.

Gray lowered his head as a sign of surrendering. He knew that Lucy will not stop bugging him unless he will bring a date on their wedding. They've been having this conversation since the couple announced their plan of getting married to all of their friends five months ago.

Natsu laughed while looking at his defeated friend that was being pestered by his fiancé.

"Let him breath, Luce. He'll find someone.", Natsu said while softly patting Lucy's shoulder.

Lucy gave up for now. She leaned her back on her chair backrest then once again crossed her arms, "Okay, I'll let it slide this time."

"Oh mavis, thank you!", Gray threw his fist in the air celebrating his freedom, but he knew that Lucy will continue bugging him about it. His friends meant well when they were introducing some girls to him, but he got tired for doing the same process. Telling their names, work, hobby, and sometimes he had to make some excuses so he can't go to that date they planned for him.

He is freaking Gray Fullbuster. A handsome man, smart, wealthy, a heartthrob since high school until now. Girls easily falls for him, but he is not a type of a guy who uses those traits to get a girl. Okay, maybe sometimes when he feels like it. But he can meet and date someone without a help from his friends. He was only agreeing so they can stop annoying him, and to be honest, he's not thinking of being in a relationship again. Not now.

>>><<< 

A week after, Gray was sitting in a private room at the bar with Natsu and Lucy again with their other friends to celebrate the birthday of Loke. As usual, they had to force him again to come out from his hive. He's satisfied enough with a beer on his hand and maybe after an hour or two he'll drive back home. But he then noticed that one of their friends haven't arrived yet.

"Where is Cana?", he asked while looking between Natsu and Lucy.

"She's on her way here with Juvia.", Lucy responded. "Oh! I invited her Loke. Is that okay? You all have met her 2 weeks ago in our company retreat, right? And she is also invited in our wedding."

"The beautiful blue-haired sexy-as hell-shy girl?", Lucy frowned on how Loke describe her friend from work. "Uhm, yeah… that is her." Lucy glared at Loke. "Do you really need to describe her like that?"

"Why? I'm just telling the truth, and FYI, I'm not the one who came up with that words.", Loke defensively explained.

"Who did?", Erza joined the conversation. Loke gulped when he heard Erza's voice then he nervously turned his head to Gray's direction. Erza and Lucy frowned staring at Gray while Natsu was laughing his heart out.

"Gray?", Lucy questionably looked at her black-haired friend, but he averted his eyes to somewhere else.

Juvia. A very familiar name that he heard for so many times in one day, and when Lucy mentioned the name, a beautiful blue-haired sexy-as hell-shy girl appeared in his mind. She became the topic of Natsu, Loke, and Gray the day after the retreat when they were in the bar. He really did describe her like that, and both Natsu and Loke teased him about it. Saying that he likes her. Gray didn't deny, but he told to his two friends to keep it a secret, but thanks to Loke who ruined it.

The moment his eyes laid on Juvia at the retreat, he was already captivated by her. He liked the color of her hair, her pale skin that shines under the sun, and the shy smile that she was showing to anyone that talked to her. He tried to focus on something else or someone else, but his gaze kept on going back to the beautiful blue-haired girl.

He wanted and tried to talk to her, but never got a chance because she was always being pulled by her co-workers, especially men. They were flirting with her, and it was obvious that she was uncomfortable. She had to excuse herself, and sometimes Lucy had to drag her away from them.

He'd noticed that some guys were checking her out and were trying to get her attention. He even saw Loke naughtily staring at her too. What a player. He then realized that he was not different with those guys and Loke because he was doing the same thing. Hey, he is a guy and it is normal to be attracted with a woman with a nice body and she totally has one. She was not wearing revealing clothes, but it was still showing her perfect curves.

When she finally joined Lucy on the table, the blonde girl introduced Juvia to her friends. And Gray had a chance to look at her up-close. Damn! She is really beautiful. The very first words he said in his mind. Their eyes met a few times, but she was always the first one to look away while showing a pink tint on her cheeks. He found her cute and interesting.

He didn't understand himself why he chickened out to talk to her that day. He got his own ways to get a girl; easy and fast. But he can't find any reason why he wasn't able to do it with Juvia.

"Why is she with Cana?", Loke asked after taking a sip on his beer.

"Those two.", Lucy chuckled. "They've gotten closer after the retreat. I can't believe they did because we all know that Cana is wild and free, unlike Juvia who is quiet and shy. They are really opposite, but Cana said she really likes her."

"I like her too.", all eyes stared at Erza, and she frowned in confusion. "What? She's sweet, she has a funny side that I found cute, and the way she talks, it's adorable. She is a unique girl, and I want her to be my friend too."

The way she talks… Gray secretly smiled remembering the woman who speaks in third person. Erza is right. She really is a unique girl. She's the only person he heard talking like that. It was weird at first, but when he kept on hearing her sweet voice. It didn't matter anymore. He liked it and can't wait to hear her voice again.

>>><<< 

"Hello bitches!", the door swung open revealing the person they've been waiting for. Cana excitedly entered the room then greeting each of her friends with a tight hug.

"What took you so long?", Natsu asked while receiving the hug from Cana.

"Oh… I went shopping, and it was really hard to find this perfect dress.", she proudly turned around to show off her tight black sexy dress.

"We are celebrating my birthday though, unless you forgot.", Loke handed her a glass of wine.

Cana took the wine then sat beside Lucy, "I didn’t honey, but I have a date later, so ---", winked sexily at Loke.

Loke rolled his eyes, Natsu and Lucy smiled, Erza just shook her head, but the other person inside the room couldn’t care less. He was so happy deep inside when Cana showed up, and immediately looked at the door expecting other person to appear, but no one came in until the door shut closed. He wanted to ask Cana, but he didn't want to receive any teasing from his friends tonight, so he chose to stay quiet.

"Where is Juvia?", at last! Thank you, Lucy. Gray thanked his blonde friend secretly for finally asking. He looked at Cana and anxiously waiting for an answer.

Cana sipped on her glass before answer, "She run into someone on our way here, and told me to go first, but she'll be here soon."

Gray finally relaxed knowing that she was really here, but he was getting impatient because he really wanted to see her now.

"Someone I know too?", Lucy curiously asked. "Nope, I don't think so. It was a girl. Although, guys are probably lining themselves right now at her for what she is wearing tonight.", she laughed.

Gray abruptly stood up making his friends confusingly looked at him. He cleared his throat and finding an excuse to tell them. "Uhm, restroom…", he simply said then began walking towards the door.

Gray stretched his hand to open the door, but someone already did it for him. He froze from where he was standing staring at the woman he's been itching to see and can't even stop himself for checking her out. She was looking so damn hot with the light blue short dress she was wearing; different from the last time he saw her. The dress was embracing her curves, his eyes trailed down on her revealing cleavage that was popping up and down as she breaths. Why is she panting? And her legs that also didn’t prevent him to examine. Those nice long legs.

"Juvia!", Gray got lost in his thoughts when Cana and Lucy shouted her name. He looked at her, meeting her midnight blue eyes. "Gray! Let her in!", he stepped away when he heard Erza quietly shouted at him. "My bad. Uhm, excuse me.", he passed by Juvia and left the room.

"Damn Juvia babe, you are looking good today."

"See I told you. She is stunning…"

"You really are Juvia…"

Gray heard all the compliments his friends was saying to the girl who just arrived.

"Juvia is a bit uncomfortable though ---"

He had heard her sweet voice again, but when the door finally closes, he took a last look at the door before walking to the restroom.

Inside the private room, Juvia was sitting between Lucy and Loke, and they were having a conversation. But she kept on looking at the door, thinking about the raven-haired man who hadn't returned yet.

Gray-sama. She blushed when she said his name inside her mind. Then the memory of the retreat went back recalling the moment her eyes landed on him. He was wearing a plain black long sleeve shirt, demin pants, and a white rubber shoes. Simple, but so handsome. He was just quietly sitting on the table with Lucy and their friends, busy drinking his beer.

She was in-demand that day, praising her for doing a great job organizing the retreat with two of her co-workers, but Juvia mostly did the job. It was well-planned and done professionally. She was really tired but didn't want to be rude when her co-workers or even the bosses were talking to her. Yet, her eyes were still taking some quick peek to the most handsome man she found in the event.

She was getting uncomfortable when some of the guys from her work were asking her out. She knew them being a womanizers', so she was avoiding them as much as possible. She doesn’t want her name to be put in their lists, and she is not that type of a girl. They have looks, but not her type.

When she finally had time to breath, Lucy pulled her into their table and introduced her to the people surrounding the table. Staring at Gray from a far was enough for her, but her being in the same table with him was too much. Her heart was beating so fast, and she can feel her cheeks getting warmer every time she and Gray were meeting each other's eyes.

She was having the same feeling now that she was in the same place with Gray again. Although, he's not returning yet. She quite missed his presence.

>>><<< 

The small room was filled with laughter's, stories being shared, and just enjoying the birthday celebration of Loke. The first time Juvia spent her time with Lucy's friend she felt really comfortable and she was glad she came along. She was engaged in a conversation with Lucy, Erza, and Cana. She was really having a great time, and really enjoying the company of the people inside the room.

All of them were laughing with the jokes that Loke had been telling them, but they stopped when the door suddenly opened then all eyes were looking at Gray who just came back.

"What took you so long ice prick?!", Natsu asked.

"It is nothing that you need to know.", Gray responded coldly.

"Being grumpy again, aren't we Mr. Fullbuster?", Cana said in a teasing way.

Gray rolled his eyes and about to sat on the chair near him, but Loke stopped him and pulled him to sit beside him. That made him settle between Loke and Juvia. His arm brushed against Juvia's, but he didn’t forget to apologize which she shyly accepted.

"You don't have that with you earlier.", Erza pointing the blazer he was holding.

"It's chilly in here.", he said while putting the blazer on and being careful not to bump Juvia again.

Natsu smirked, "That's new. What happened to "cold never bother you anyway", huh?"

"Just shut up.", Gray leaned forward to get his glass of beer then made himself comfortable on his chair.

The celebration continued, Loke and Natsu started their battle in a drinking game. Lucy was cheering her fiancé while Cana was doing the same with Loke, and Erza was busy talking to someone on the phone.

Gray shook his head, didn't want to know why he was in the same room with his idiotic friends doing some silly game, but he didn't miss a single chance to take a glance at the blue-haired girl beside him. She was smiling and giggling while watching Natsu and Loke having their best time of the night.

They haven't said a single word to each other since Gray got back from the "restroom" beside from saying sorry when he accidentally bumped her shoulder earlier, and that was an hour ago, but Gray kept noticing something about her. Like, she doesn't like drinking much because she barely touched her drink, but he can tell that she was already intoxicated; she is a lightweight drinker. She probably likes Nachos because that's the only snacks she's been eating. She smiles a lot and can really handle a conversation so well for someone who is a shy person like her, maybe because she's already used of dealing with people. Lastly, she was uncomfortable with the dress she's wearing because she kept on fixing her dress from top to bottom.

That's the reason why he had his blazer when he got back. When he heard her saying she was uncomfortable, he just walked out from the bar then went straight where he parked his car. It was like his subconscious spoke in his behalf.  

Erza had joined the drinking game, and she was playing it with Cana. Juvia leaned forward to get another piece of Nachos, but she was not the only one who is doing the same thing. Gray reached for a piece as well, both stopped and looked at each other, but Juvia back away immediately.

"Juvia is sorry. Gray-sama can have some first."

Gray frowned after hearing the way she called him. What did she just call me? Juvia was staring him, waiting for him to get a nacho, but he was just stuck in his position.

"Gray-sama?", Juvia called him while looking at him with her big midnight blue eyes.

He cleared his throat then leaned back and fixed himself. "No, it’s okay. You go first."

She nodded, "Thank you." She reached for the nachos then happily ate it.

Gray was watching her enjoying the piece on her hand and he can't help himself from smiling.

"You really like that, huh?", Juvia quickly turned her head at Gray, thinking if he was really talking to her. But her thoughts vanished when she realized that Gray's eyes were secured on her while wearing a smile. So handsome.

Juvia slightly shook her head, removing the thoughts of melting in front of Gray because of his attractive, and sexy smile.

"It's one of Juvia's favorite...", took another piece of nachos and dipped it into its sauce. Gray watched her taking satisfaction in the snacks she's been eating.

"I can tell.", he smirked. Juvia looked at him with confusion. He then realized what he said. She must be thinking that I've been watching her. Well, that was really what he was doing, but he didn't want her to get a wrong idea.

He cleared his throat then looked at Juvia, "It's just --- it isn’t hard not to notice."

"Gray-sama was watching Juvia?", she said with a disgusting look.

"What? No, no, not like that. I'm not --- I'm not watching you…", Juvia giggled by Gray being all defensive.

"Juvia is just kidding Gray-sama." Her laughter continued, so natural when talking to him. Maybe the alcohol helped, or maybe she was just really feeling comfortable with the people surrounding her. Gray's lips curved into smile, and their conversation grew. They didn’t even notice that their friends were watching them.

Their friends looked at each other then back to the two persons who seemed busy with each other's company. Lucy who kept on pushing Gray to have a date on her wedding day stared at her fiancé and gave him a mischievous smile which Natsu already understands.

Erza gestured to her friends to leave the two alone and have their time to get to know each other which they all nodded and go on with what they were doing.

>>><<<

It was getting late, but the birthday celebration was far from over. What happened of going home in an hour or two, Gray?

Being in their own world and still not minding the other people inside the room, Gray and Juvia already shared a lot of things to each other. Gray is not usually the one who talk much. His friends know that, and if he was in a blind date, the girl was mostly doing the talking, yet with Juvia; it’s different. Good different.

"Is that Gray-sama's favorite? Juvia haven't tried it yet, but Juvia would like too if Gray-sama will be the one taking her." she shyly smiled, but her smile vanished seconds after she realized what she said. Gray-sama must be thinking that Juvia is flirting with him. What an idiot! Juvia internally smacked her head for saying those words.

Meanwhile, Gray was caught off guard after hearing her invitation. He blinked for a second, wasn't expecting from a shy girl like her to casually ask him out. But he smiled right away, liking the idea of him spending a day with Juvia.

"Uhm, Juvia… Juvia doesn't…doesn't mean it like that. What she meant was, Gray-sama can… can tell Juvia where to buy one, and… and she will try it. Yeah, that's what she meant.", she exhaled then smile awkwardly, trying to sound convincing, but Gray was just smiling at her for getting flustered.

Gray sat properly then loosened his tie, returning his gaze to Juvia. "What is the point of telling it to you if I can take you there by myself?", his sexy voice gave Juvia chills. Her cheeks became crimson red, eyes widen while looking at the handsome man beside her.

She wanted to say something, but no words are coming out. She was stuck and just having an eye contact with Gray whose smile didn't went away.

Their little time of staring at each other got interrupted when they both heard someone cleared their throat and when they both turned their head, Loke and Natsu were standing in front of them with their arms crossed.

"We are not ruining something in here, are we?", Loke said while smiling playfully and looking at Gray.

Gray wanted to punch Loke and Natsu in their stomach right now for disturbing his pleasant moment with Juvia. He quickly went back to his old self the moment he looked at his "good-for-nothing" friends.

"What do you want?", his voice changed as well. Natsu and Loke knew that he was pissed, but of course, they didn't care. They even liked it.

"We're going to change location.", Loke said.

Then Natsu glanced at Juvia then back to Gray. "You two still like to join us, or ---?", the pink-haired man mischievously smiled at Gray that seemed like he was telling something to him which the raven-haired man understands immediately.

Juvia checked the time using her phone, and Gray averted his attention back to her. Then Juvia looked up meeting his eyes, immediately knew that something was troubling her by her wearing a frown on her face.

"What's wrong?", he worriedly asked.

Juvia gave everyone an apologetic smile then put his phone back inside her bag. "Juvia is sorry everyone, but she can't no longer join, and she needs to go now."

Disappointment showed in their faces, especially the man beside her. Gray was really having a good time talking to her and wanted to spend more time with her, but of course she must have a valid reason why she needed to go.

"Oh right!", everyone looked at Lucy. "You need to go the airport early in the morning tomorrow to see your brother."

Juvia nodded with a smile, "That is right, but Juvia still wanted to join you guys. If isn't because of her ---."

"It's alright Juvia. We can still hang out next time. No worries.". Erza winked then sweetly smiling at her. Juvia nodded with a same smile she received from Erza. She stood up, placing the strap of her bag on her shoulder. "Juvia had a great time. Thank you so much for inviting her." She then faced Loke, "Happy Birthday Loke-san."

Loke happily gave her a grin and waved at her, the other did the same as well, except one. Juvia said her final goodbye to her newfound friends, but before exiting the room she looked at Gray, but he just gave her half smile.

>>><<< 

Juvia was standing outside the bar, waiting for a taxi. She left 10 minutes ago, but she was still at the place where she had spent a great time with her new friends, and with a certain someone.

She kept on looking back at the entrance of the bar. Arguing with herself whether to go back inside or not. She even gave Gray hint, hoping he can drive her back to her apartment, but she guesses her hint was not that obvious. Or he was just so dense to notice it.

She didn't want to leave because she still wanted to get to know Gray a bit more, but she also doesn’t want to disappoint his brother because she made a promise. A promise that she will pick him up at the airport from his business trip. Nothing special really, but she and her brother are really close even though they are really not related to each other.

It is already late, but people kept on going in and out from the bar, and it was hard to get a taxi as well. Busy night.

She was hugging herself because of the cold that was touching her skin. It was Cana's fault for forcing her to wear a dress that she's not used to, it was quite revealing. She can feel some eyes ogling her and also some cars honking their horns at her, and she can't help but feel uncomfortable, worried, and alarmed.

"What's taking it so long?", she mumbled. Now getting frustrated because she's been waiting for too long. After a few minutes, she finally saw a taxi coming. She raised her hand and started waving at the taxi, but it just drove passed her.

She sighed and her shoulders dropped down. Suddenly, someone stood behind her and put a blazer on top of her shoulder, covering her skin from the cold. She nervously jumped and quickly turned around with her eyes wide open. When she saw the person behind her, her eyes soften and exhaled deeply. Feeling relaxed and safe.

"Gray-sama."

Earlier, when Juvia left the room, Gray was really disappointed. He wanted her to stay, but when he heard her reason for leaving, he had no reason to stop her. He grabbed his glass of beer and drunk what's left then placed it back on the table when he was done.

Then he leaned lazily on his seat followed by furiously rubbing his hair. He already missed her presence, longing for her company, and he didn't get to feel this feeling with other women he had met. He doesn't even remember some of their names.

His heart aches, but he was sure that if Juvia by his side, it will heal. She really did something to him, even if she's not aware of it. Damn, he's not sure what was it either. But she was driving him crazy and had a strong desire to see her more in the future.

While he was sulking like a heartbroken teenager, he was not aware of his friend’s eyes staring at him. No one was talking until Erza broke the silence.

"What are you doing?", Erza's firm voice made Gray sat up straight. When he realized that the red-haired girl was talking to him, he confusingly frowned and felt the eyes fixed on him.

"What?", he responded coldly.

"Are you just going to let her go home by herself?", Cana asked with her arms crossed.

"You are stupid if you let that amazing woman slip out of your hand.", Erza plainly added.

Gray gave his friends a confused look, but honestly, he had an idea of what they were talking about. There is no doubt that he likes her, and there was enough sign that him and Juvia were on the same page.

"Go after her Gray.", Lucy said while smiling at her friend.

Gray nodded, immediately understand Lucy's words. "Yeah, I should."

Why didn't he think about it earlier? Instead of moping in his seat like an idiot. He had to smile at himself for losing focus because of the blue-haired girl. He smiled at his friends, "Thanks guys."

After that, he immediately stood up, grabbed his blazer and left the room. He was not sure if he can still catch up with Juvia, but he was hoping he can. When he got outside, he smiled and thanking the whole world because she was still there. He noticed her for feeling uncomfortable in where she was standing, he saw guys looking at her, he heard cars honking their horns at her, and because of the cold touching her pale, delicate, soft skin.

He watched her raising her hand for calling a taxi, he was about to call her name, but when the taxi didn’t stop in front of her, he noticed her shoulders dropped and that was when he began his move.

>>><<< 

"Gray-sama."

"I'm glad you're still here."

They looked at each other, but Juvia was still in the process if Gray was really standing in front of her. She touched his cheek then when she felt a warm skin, she smiled happily. "Gray-sama is really here."

He smirked, and can't stop himself from laughing quietly, "Of course I'm here."

"What is Gray-sama doing here?", she asked. "Juvia thought ---"

She wasn't able to finish her words when Gray cupped her right cheek with his palm. "I can't just let a beautiful woman like you go home by herself. Especially, wearing like that."

He examined her from top to bottom for the second time, but he did not do it maliciously. However, despite of the cold she was feeling, her cheeks were blushing so badly that she felt some warmth sensation from what Gray just said.

Rather than responding with words, she placed her hand on top of his hand where he was cupping her cheek and smiled sweetly.

"Please allow me to take you home Juvia. So, I can spend more time with you."

Gray took her hand and he put them down together. Their hands were now intertwined, and no one was planning to let go.

"It was just a 40-minute drive Gray-sama.", she giggled. "But Juvia doesn't mind if Gray-sama will take a longer route."

How bold. She kept on surprising him. Where is the shy girl a few hours ago? And the girl who wanted to get away from the crowd at the retreat? Who cares? He doesn’t even think it as a bad thing, instead he was craving for more.

"Sounds like a deal." Soon after, Gray pulled her gently so they can cross the road and guide her where he parked his car.

As they were walking away from the bar, their friends were watching them crossing the road with a full smile on their faces.

"It looks like Gray have a date already in our wedding babe." Natsu winked at Lucy and she giggled.

"Do you think Gray will ask her? They are looking so good together." Lucy worriedly asked his fiancé. "I can't believe I didn't think of setting them up!"

"Maybe we can stop annoying him to go on a blind dates Luce. He already found someone he likes."

"You are right…"

"I'll date Juvia if he didn’t ask her." Loke received a smack on his head from Erza. "Aww!", He was rubbing his hair because the pain might disappear, but Erza really gave him a strong one.

"Find someone else. Juvia is a sweet girl and doesn't deserve to be a plaything. Plus, I know Gray will not do that to her." Erza confidently told it to her friends.

Then they left the bar with all smiles on their faces.

>>><<< 

"The retreat was amazing. I can’t believe you managed to do that by yourself.", Gray praised Juvia for doing a great job organizing a big event.

Juvia blushed, didn’t expect a sudden compliment from Gray. "Juvia had some help Gray-sama. She didn’t do it alone.", she responded shyly.

"I heard a different case from Lucy though." Gray told her while focusing on the road.

Juvia frowned in confusion. "What did Lucy-san say?". She slightly tilted her head looking at Gray while waiting for his answer.

Gray looked at her and can’t help but adore her beautiful azure eyes that were staring at him like a puppy. But he had to focus with his driving, so he immediately turned his attention back on the road.

He cleared his throat and began thinking about what to say. "Uhm well… Lucy said that you did all the work, and you didn’t even complain about your co-workers who were supposed to do the job with you. That's what she said."

She slowly nodded then sweetly smiled at him. "Juvia was still grateful… because they appreciate what she did, they recognized her talent, and Juvia was just so happy. And about the people who didn’t do their job are now being punished with a pack of paper works for the whole month. So, it is a win-win for Juvia.", she giggled.

Gray chuckled, liking her honesty and enthusiasm. This girl is really interesting, one of a kind, and definitely worth it.

Gray really did take a longer route, and Juvia didn’t complain about it, but sadly, even though they still don't want to leave each other's side. They had to say their goodbyes because they already reached their destination. Juvia's apartment.

The gloominess of her eyes was shown, but she still managed to give Gray her sweetest smile. "Thank you for giving Juvia a ride home, Gray-sama."

"The least I can do.", he simply said.

"Juvia had fun"

Gray nodded, "Me too."

They were staring at each other, no one was saying some words, and didn’t know what was running inside each other's minds. The silence stopped when Juvia deeply exhales, bit her lower lip, smiled at Gray for the last time then she opened the car door and got out from the car.

But before she closed it, Gray called her name and stepped out from his car. Juvia shut the passenger door while watching Gray walking his way to the other side of the car where she was standing. Their eyes were locked at the each other until Gray was already standing in front of her.

"Gray-sa ---"

He had to do it. He wanted to do it. Juvia's words was cut short because her lips were now being sealed by Gray's lips. She was surprised, but immediately melted by his gentle kiss. He really knows how to make a woman surrender, but it was different for Juvia.

He was kissing her with respect. Soft. Delicate. Slow. Passionate.  

No one wanted to let go and didn’t care about the few people walking at the side of road. However, they needed air and Gray was the first one to pull away, but their foreheads were resting against each other.

Their breathing was sync and they stayed like that for a few seconds before standing straight and locking their eyes at each other, but her hand was still being held by him.

"Go out with me." Gray whispered, but still loud enough for Juvia to hear.

Juvia's eye widen, wasn't expecting to hear those words from him, "G-Gray-sama…"

He smiled. Even though the dark was surrounding them he can still the red tint from Juvia's cheeks. "You don’t need to answer me right away. I'm sorry for surprising you, but I, uhm… I meant that." Cleared his throat. He was starting to sweat. He was nervous, and Juvia was the only woman who made him feel that way. He was only good at hiding it.

Juvia suddenly giggled. His brows drawn together while confusingly staring at the beautiful woman in front of him.

"You are so cute Gray-sama." Juvia actually noticed his cold sweat, his worry, and hesitation, and it was so pleasing for her eyes. With her sudden compliment, it was Gray's turn to feel flustered. He scratched the back of his head, landed his eyes at Juvia who was looking lovely with her giggling then his lips curved into a shy smile.

"Yes."

Gray's smile disappeared, confusingly looking at Juvia, and thinking if he heard her right. "What did you say?"

Juvia bit her lower lip then exhaled deeply. "Juvia said yes with what Gray-sama said earlier. She will go out with you."

Gray's face brightened like a kid who received a lollipop, but in a manly way (if that makes sense).

"You can't turn back now. I'm warning you." he said in a flirty tone.

Juvia nodded, "Juvia is serious and has no plan of turning back."

"That also means, you'll be my date at Natsu and Lucy's wedding."

She chuckled, "Juvia loves that."

He was very satisfied with her answer and smiled even more. That moment, he was so happy and can’t wait to see the future that awaits for him and with the "sexy-as hell-shy girl" in front of him.

[jinkicake]

Jealous, Much?

Bakugo is a needy brat when you don’t give him all your attention.

Bakugo x Reader

I present to you another Bakugo creation. After rewatching the third season and meeting Kato, all I could think about was how cute would it be to see Bakugo jealous of a child. Personally, I think he could be soft with children... right? LOL Also, the reader has a water quirk kinda like Juvia from fairy tail. Second also, the reader and bakugo aren’t dating per say but they’re really close with one another and obviously like eachother. 

WC- 1,829

~~~

“Alright homeroom is dismissed, but,” Aizawa glances around the room before his eyes fall on you. “(Y/N) I need to speak with you for a moment.” Subtly he motions towards the door and walks out the classroom with you trailing behind, ignoring your classmates making noises to instigate.

“(Y/N) I don’t like being the one to ask you this, being forced to be the middleman, Shino wants to know if you can watch Kato tonight. I understand that it is such short notice but she has a last-minute mission and they trust you with him.” Aizawa explains, his eyes darting to the side as he loses interest in what he is saying. You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding in, lifting your hand you cover your racing heart.

You thought he was going to say something about your grades.

“Of course I’ll watch him tonight, don’t worry!” You smile before turning back towards the classroom.

“Also you’re falling behind in Japanese literature so try your best to keep up.” Aizawa adds and you momentarily freeze, the slice of truth hitting you in the back of the head. Dejectedly you walk back to your seat with your head low, wanting to forget the existence of the hell that is Japanese literature class.

Later that evening Bakugo stalks toward your dorm, his hands fisted in his pockets and his shoulders hunched over. It’s not like he cares about you or anything, it's not like he’s worried about what happened in class today. That's not it at all, he’s just coming over to see if you want to train. Train on a Friday night. He halts his actions when he gets to the front of your door, he lifts his fist to pound on your door but freezes when he hears your laugh.

“Stop! You’re so cute.” He hears you coo and his eye twitches in annoyance. Before he can control himself he knocks heavily on your door and steam flushes out of his ears.

“Open up idiot!” Bakugo growls and reverts back into his irritated stance of hunched shoulders with his hands shoved in his pockets. When you finally open the door and poke your head out, Bakugo pushes past you into your room. His red eyes widen at the futon beside your own bed and his eyes nearly fall out of his head when he notices the small child resting on it. “What is this?” He asks dangerously and you raise an eyebrow at his reaction.

“I’m babysitting.” You pause, watching him carefully. “What are you doing Kacchan?” Crossing your arms over your chest you tilt your head at him, his red eyes still trained on the small boy in front of him.

“You have a boy in your room?” He accuses and you continue to stare at him.

“Katsuki you’re also in my room.” You try to explain and he yells out.

“Overnight?!” Bakugo looks agitated and you want to smack the side of his head.

“Yeah I’m babysitting him, also you’ve stayed in my dorm overnight so why are you-“

“That's different!” He almost shouts and you sigh before stepping in front of him.

“We’re going to watch a movie or something, are you going to be quiet and join us or are you going to leave?” You ask, trying to be careful but also lifting your hand threateningly and Bakugo can hear the water roaming over him. He darts his eyes between you and the kid, he doesn’t want to look so attached to you but he will be damned if he leaves you alone like this. With a spoiled face, the blonde pushes past you and sits on your bed, his arms crossed over his chest and a glare locked on his face.

You give Bakugo a pleasant smile as you lean down to give him a quick kiss on the cheek before turning back to focus your attention on Kato. The kid looks at Bakugo wearily and the older boy can only sneer at him in response.

“Okay so I can put on a movie or a tv show, what do you want to do?” You talk gently, face softening at the delicate child. Bakugo turns his face in annoyance, his heart flipping at how gentle you are.

“Can we go see Midoriya?” Kato asks timidly and you hear Bakugo mutter ‘Deku’ under his breath.

“Sure, let me call him first.” You smile at the small boy before leaning over to where your phone is charging on your bed. Cautiously you watch Bakugo’s actions, his demeanor unusually calm. With an irritated sigh, you sit next to him, close enough that you’re nearly pressed into him, in a small effort to calm him down. Flipping through your contacts you find the name of your classmate, glancing over at the simmering blonde once more before clicking and bringing your phone up to your ear.

“Midoriya?” You ask and Midoriya softly responds on the other end of the line. “I’m watching Kato tonight and he wants to come see you, can we come over or can you come to my room?” You tap your foot against the floor softly and Bakugo wants to rip the phone out of your heads to throw it out your window.

Midoriya, on the other hand, is looking at Uraraka with a guilty expression. The brown-haired girl is listening in since his phone is on speaker, she only gives him a reassuring nod in response.

“Oh, I can come over. Can I bring Uraraka?” He asks and you have to contain a squeal at the mention of your two friends hanging out. Your eyes light up and you hit Bakugo in the chest, his eye twitches in response before they fall down to where your fist is gripping his shirt.

“Of course! Of course, I’ll see you guys soon!” You hang up and your phone is knocked out of your hand as Bakugo pushes you back onto your bed. His hands bracing on either side of your head and he dips his face down close to your own.

“What are you so excited about?” He watches your facial expression, his voice is low and dangerous. You open your mouth to respond but close it shut when Kato releases water to hit Bakugo’s head.

“G-get off her!” The young boy yells out, his voice wavering. You can only laugh at Bakugo’s now damp hair before moving out of his arms to sit next to Kato on the floor.

“Our quirks are so alike, smart water boy!” You coo and scoop him into your lap, pressing your cheek against the side of his head. Bakugo only slowly turns around to face the two of you, his eyes dark and sparks are now lighting up his hands. “No Bakugo not in here!” You scold, moving your own hand to drop tiny amounts of water into his palms to cool him down. Bakugo is about to yell until his heart's content when a knock on your door interrupts him.

“What the hell do you want?” He growls towards the door and you quickly stand up, carrying Kato, to open the door. The younger boy’s face flushes when he notices Midoriya in front of him.

“Midoriya, Uraraka! Come in, would you guys like anything?” You offer and open the door for them to enter. Uraraka ends up walking into her crush’s back as he stops in the middle of his steps. An angry-looking Kacchan huffing on your bed is enough of a warning to send him back running to his dorm.

“Midoriya lets watch a movie!” Kato nearly jumps out of your arms and drags Midoriya to the futon on the floor, he hands the other boy the remote and tells him to pick something.

“I’m sorry I interrupted your time.” You apologize to Uraraka, her face flushing bright red in response.

“I-its okay, we were just studying!” She stampers and you raise a brow in response, bringing your face closer to hers.

“A study date?” You instigate and she covers her hands before she starts floating to your ceiling. You grab her wrist and drag her back down to the ground, quietly laughing at her cute reaction. You end up stumbling back when Bakugo roughly brushes past you, Uraraka watches him with concerned eyes as he slams your door after leaving.

“Can you watch Midoriya and Kato for a moment please, I need to deal with him.” You mutter, feeling slightly embarrassed, and Uraraka nods understandingly. “Kato I’ll be right back, be good okay?” You yell over your shoulder before running out into the hallway, chasing after the brooding blonde.

“Leave me alone.” Bakugo growls when he notices you’re right behind him, he stands in front of his own door and you want to sigh at his dramatic antics.

“Wait.” You make the mistake of grabbing his arm when Bakugo clearly didn’t want to be touched because he quickly pushes you off of him. “Katsuki.” You groan when he grips your wrist and applys more pressure than necessary to get you off of him. He doesn’t make any effort to stop, already opening his door and moving inside. The door is pretty much slammed into your face but you were able to make it through the slight creak as you turn your body into water.

“Why are you being such a baby? Do I need to be babysitting you instead?!” You ask angrily, resorting your body back to normal, and resting your hands on your hips as you glare down at the blonde who’s now laying across his bed. Bakugo only darts his eyes to stare at the wall and you take his silence as an answer. 

“I can call you when Midoriya and Uraraka leave. We can have a sleepover with Kato.” You gently lower your voice, sitting down on the edge of his bed, looking over your shoulder at him. He doesn’t respond and you want to punch his face for such brattiness.

“You're such a brat.” You whisper softly, and Bakugo tchs in response before you lean down to kiss the corner of his mouth. “I’ll call you when they leave.” You tell him and then you’re up and out of his room, walking back to your own.

A few hours later you find yourself once again in your room babysitting not one but two boys.

“Be nice to him.” You scowl as Bakugo continues to glare down at the small child. With all the strength you can muster you push the blonde back down onto the bed and turn off the lamp beside you. “Kato if you need anything just wake me up okay?” You tell him and hear him let out an audible ‘okay’ while Bakugo groans that he better not wake him up. Once again you shush the boy beside you before wrapping your arms around him and leaning your head on his chest, squeezing him tightly when you get close enough to him.

[amehanaaa]

How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days

The Nalu is getting real juicy out here. It gets my blood pumping, wow.

Thank you all so much for reading so far! You all make my heart swell with happiness. 

Hope you enjoy this chapter! (Also can be read here.)

Chapter 5 – Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 Words: 4130 Summary: Lucy and Natsu are determined to take the necessary steps to fulfill their lifetime dreams. Little do they know, they have both given themselves 10 days to achieve it.

                                                 ——————–

“Hey, what are you doing right now?”

“Nothing much,” Natsu speaks into his phone as he tightens strings to a trash bag. “What’s up with you?”

“You want lunch?”

“You don’t have to ask me that even once. Come on over, Gray,” Natsu responds, not missing a beat.

Finished with his chores for the day, he waits for his friend to arrive at the station. He stands beneath an awning due to the early summer heat.

As soon Gray’s motorcycle rolls up on the driveway, Natsu’s stomach growls. He cracks a grin when he finds that Gray brought him his favorite—an Italian sandwich with spicy mayo.

Taking their usual seat at the outdoor table, Natsu doesn’t hesitate to take a large bite. “Thanks,” he says in between bites.

Gray nods while watching his friend happily eat the sandwich. Admittedly, Gray couldn’t bring himself to meet up with him yesterday after his episode with Lucy. A part of him regrets ambushing her; he wonders what she thinks of him now.

But most of all, Gray fears that he isn’t being loyal to his best friend. He can’t figure out if keeping the information about Lucy is betrayal. An overwhelming sense of guilt is scattered throughout his chest.

“So, how are you and the girl?” Gray forces himself to ask, careful enough to speak nonchalantly. “Lucy was her name, right?”

Natsu swallows the last bite and wipes the dripping mayo off the side of his mouth. He lets out a loud sigh. “Can I be honest with you? She’s a lot to handle right now. I don’t know what has gotten into her lately.”

His words cause Gray to lift a brow in response. “What has she been doing to you?”

“One second she’s great and loving,” Natsu begins. “The next second she’s being so difficult and toxic. It’s suffocating.”

Gray opens his mouth to respond, but Natsu is already too fired up to stop venting.

“I made her my famous ham last night, but she didn’t eat it because suddenly she was a vegetarian. Then, she assumed I thought she was overweight because I was looking at her plate of spinach. I can’t believe—”

“Hey, Natsu,” Gray stops him gently. “You’re starting to yell.”

“Sorry,” Natsu responds with a large gulp of water. “I don’t know how to fix this.”

“She reminds me of how Juvia used to act,” Gray mentions.

Natsu’s jaw drops at the sudden realization. “That’s exactly who she’s like! How did you and Juvia work through it?”

“Lots of a time and lots of communication,” Gray admits. He realizes that this is an opening to sway Natsu. “But do you think Lucy is even worth it? Or would it be better to cut her off?”

Natsu instantly starts to shake his head. “No way. I’m a man of my word, you know that. No matter how difficult Lucy is, I’m determined to win her over. We only have four days left, anyway.”

Gray sighs under his breath, expecting nothing else from Natsu. He perks up in his seat again when he gets an idea.

“Hey, why don’t we have a guys’ night tomorrow? You can bring your fire buddies and I’ll bring my coworkers.”

Natsu’s eyes light up at the idea. “Sign me up for that. We can have it at my place. It’s been a while since my home has felt like what it’s supposed to feel like—a home.”

The two share a nod, both satisfied that it worked out. Gray is about to stand up and ride back to work, but he freezes when he catches a glimpse of a car approaching the station.

“Lucy is here,” Natsu says.

Gray glances at him, finding Natsu stand and walk towards the car. He actually is taken aback for a second—he has never seen Natsu’s eyes soften that quickly before.

“I missed you today!” Lucy shouts while leaping into Natsu’s arms.

They share an embrace until he pulls back. “Hey, I have someone I want you to meet this time.”

He slides his hand down to intertwine fingers with her, bringing her to the table. Lucy and Gray make eye contact for a split second before they avert gazes to Natsu.

“Lucy, this is my best friend. Gray, this is Lucy,” Natsu introduces them.

There’s a moment of silence between the three of them, but Lucy makes sure it isn’t noticeable.

“Nice to meet you, Gray.” She extends her free hand to him.

“Nice to meet you, too,” he responds as he shakes her hand. He notices that her palm is sweaty, revealing to him that she is just as nervous as he is.

“How well do you know Natsu?” Lucy asks. After realizing that this is the perfect opportunity to find out what kind of person he is, she goes into reporter mode.

“Was it when we were second years in college?” Gray looks over at Natsu, trying to remember. “Or third years?”

“I thought we met our first year,” Natsu responds with a frown. “You sure it wasn’t first year?”

“No, because you had just broken up with Lisanna,” Gray reminds him.

“Oh,” Natsu says plainly.

Natsu is afraid to see Lucy’s expression, but he decides to sneak a glance. He’s surprised to see her with an amused look.

“You’ve known each other for a long time, then,” she comments.

Natsu tries not to express his shock. He expected her to investigate his past relationships, but she doesn’t seem to have any interest in that. Instead, she is more focused on him and Gray’s present friendship.

“Lisanna was a childhood friend,” Natsu explains, feeling as though he owes it to her.

Lucy slightly shakes her head with an assuring smile. “You don’t have to explain it to me. I get it.”

“Okay,” he answers hesitantly. He isn’t sure why he feels the way he does right now; he’s impressed by how relaxed she is about it.

Gray clears his throat. “Well, I should probably start heading out.”

“Wait!” Lucy abruptly exclaims. Releasing her hand from Natsu’s, she rushes over to a nearby tree. “Look, there’s a cat!”

Her hurried steps are enough to scare the cat, causing it to jump onto a branch above her. Once she reaches the tree, she tilts her head back and laughs.

“Natsu, look!” She continues to laugh and points at the branch. “You were made for this job!”

Gray has already put his helmet on when Natsu turns to him with tired eyes.

“Good luck. I’ll see you at guys’ night tomorrow.” He pats Natsu on the shoulder.

Natsu lets out a sigh as he starts to walk away. “Does she know that it’s pretty rare for firefighters to rescue cats out of trees?” He grumbles to himself.

Grabbing a ladder, he sets it at the tree and starts to reach for the unamused cat. Lucy can’t stop herself from giggling as he successfully rescues the feline.

“You should keep him,” she suggests. “Look, he’s snuggling against you!”

Natsu scoffs, not paying attention to its soft fur. “I don’t have time to take care of a cat.”

“We can co-parent!” she insists. “But he has to stay at your house. Please!”

He observes Lucy’s pleading eyes. Every part of him wants to reject the idea, but after remembering that he’s determined to win her over, he accepts the fact that he needs to show his commitment.

“Okay, I’ll keep him.”

“Yes!” Lucy cheers with a grin. “We’re going to be a happy family!”

Natsu gives a small smile in response. Although the station’s front yard is shaded by multiple trees, he feels beads of sweat trickling down his forehead. He can start to sense irritation bubbling up inside of him.

“I’m going to go inside and clean up. I’ll see you later tonight,” he tells her as he takes the ladder and lugs away.

“Um, Natsu?” Lucy asks before he gets too far away. As he turns around, she points to her puckered lips.

Natsu can physically feel his shoulders slump, but he tries to hide it as he returns to her. After they kiss, she tilts her head.

“Did you have a sandwich for lunch? I can taste it.”

“Yeah, I did,” he responds simply, already turning away.

“With meat in it?” she asks, although he doesn’t bother to look back at her.

“Yep!” he answers loud enough to hear her. “See you later!”

Lucy presses her hand to her lips in order for her laugh not to leave her lips. Natsu has already entered the station, leaving her on the yard alone.

“You don’t even know what else is coming,” she giggles under her breath. With that, she leaves the station to start the next part of her assignment for the day.

                                                 ——————–

Natsu has lost track on how many times his phone has buzzed in his pocket for the past hour. He has accepted that the vibration will forever be imprinted on his leg.

Once he is back to his apartment—with a cat in his arms—he checks his phone to find Lucy calling again. He lets the call ring until it automatically declines. He groans when she leaves another voicemail. 30 voicemails, to be exact.

“What is wrong with her?” he mutters, a wave of irritation returning to his chest. “She’s making this so much more difficult than it needs to be.”

He decides that it would be best to just sit down and breathe, so he kicks off his shoes and falls face first into the couch. He shuts his eyes, finally feeling some of the pressure fade.

The moment is promptly ruined as a round of knocks pound on the door.

“It’s unlocked!” Natsu turns his head to shout at the door.

“Natsu!” Lucy shouts while entering the apartment. “Where are you?”

He raises his arm up from the couch. As she walks towards him, he pushes himself to sit up.

“So, I did something a little crazy today,” Lucy says with a bashful smile.

“What did you do?” he asks, almost afraid to know the answer.

“Well, I was messing around at work today,” she explains. “And then I suddenly came up with the perfect name for our daughter!”

Natsu doesn’t have any time to react as he watches her pull out a journal from her purse. She sits next to him, opening the journal and half of the pages landing on his lap.

“Here are all the combinations I made with our names.” She drags her index finger down the lists on each page. Her finger stops at the final, circled name. “Look, her name is going to Nashi! Isn’t it cute?”

“What makes you think we’ll have a daughter?” Natsu’s brows furrow in response.

Lucy gapes at him in disbelief. She folds her arms across her chest and turns away with an audible huff.

“I’m sorry.” He forces himself to reach over and place a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I shouldn’t have questioned that.”

“That really hurt my feelings. You don’t think we could have a daughter someday?”

The realistic side of Natsu wants to be bluntly honest, but he feels as though he has to read a script. He swallows back his pride.

“I think we can be hopeful about it,” he replies.

Lucy shifts in her spot to send him a delighted smile. “Let’s be hopeful together!”

He nods, allowing her to nestle into his chest. Both of them let out sighs, although they’re for different reasons.

“Let’s stay in for the rest of the night?” Lucy suggests.

“Please,” Natsu mumbles in agreement. “Let’s just relax.”

Before she can change her mind, he leans over and turns on the TV. Just for good measure, he closes his eyes and dozes off until it’s too late to commit to anything for the rest of the night.

Meanwhile on the other side of the couch, Lucy can hardly believe that Natsu is still invested into the relationship after being shown the ridiculous journal she made. If it was the other way around, she would be finding excuses to never see him again.

Natsu must be a superhuman if his feelings for her are still as genuine when they first met.

And yet, Lucy can’t keep herself from wondering if her initial feelings are still the same as the current, swirling ones in her chest.

                                                 ——————–

“You’re still together after all that?!” Cana bursts out incredulously once Lucy has updated her from last night’s events. “He hasn’t even tried breaking up with you?”

“I have no idea what I’m doing wrong,” Lucy groans. She takes a bite out of the Italian sandwich she has been craving all day. “I’ve been clingy, needy, whiny, obsessive… I don’t see why he’s still with me.”

“You know what,” Cana begins with a mischievous smile. “I could make up some kind of drink for you to give him. It’d definitely make him dislike you for a bit.”

Lucy shakes her head, dismissing the idea. “I feel like not even that will work. I have to do more than that. It’s already been five days. I have to do something big tomorrow.”

“Why not tonight?” Cana asks.

“He’s having a guys’ night tonight with his friends,” Lucy explains.

“That sounds like something he wouldn’t want to miss out on,” Cana points out.

Lucy’s brows raise in recognition as she takes another bite of her sandwich. She takes a large gulp of her water.

“Cana, you are so right!” she exclaims.

Cana sends her a grin before taking a sip of her mysterious drink of the day. “Don’t forget to take your notes.”

Lucy nods before hastily adjusting the outline to her next move. She planned on taking it easy tonight to prepare new, absurd ways to get on Natsu’s last nerve. But of course, spontaneity always makes its appearance.

Anticipation begins to flow through Lucy’s veins as the workday comes to an end. A part of her doesn’t even know if she’s going to be able to pull off her new plan.  

“You got it,” Cana encourages her, sensing her apprehension.

Lucy sends her a grateful smile as she picks up her belongings. “Thanks. Don’t drink too much tonight.”

“You know that’s not possible!” Cana calls out to her, causing Lucy to scoff as she leaves the office.

Once Lucy is outside, she reads her watch. Natsu should be at his apartment by now, probably setting up for the guys’ night. If she wants her plan to work, she’ll have to wait at least another hour. That will at least give him some time to enjoy, too. To kill some time, she enters a clothing store.

Simultaneously, Natsu has never felt so refreshed coming home. The best part about a guys’ night is that there is no prerequisite for setting up. All it takes is showing up and deciding what to do on the spot.

Pouring the cat some food, Natsu can’t hold back his excitement as the first round of knocks sound throughout his apartment. Soon enough, his place is filled with some of his best friends, along with some of Gray’s familiar coworkers.

“Who wants to play some video games? Elfman and Laxus, you in?” Natsu offers.

“As a man, I can’t refuse a challenge,” Elfman responds while Laxus simply shrugs in response. “Give me the controller.”

It isn’t long until the three of them are yelling at one another, roughly slamming on the controller buttons. Natsu’s stomach even starts to hurt because of how much he laughs. He genuinely is having the time of his life for the first time in a while.

“Since I’ve won each round, I’ll let someone else play,” Natsu announces proudly. He looks over at one of Gray’s coworkers. “Here, Lyon. You’re up.”

“I don’t even know how to play this game,” Lyon mumbles, but still accepts the controller.

Grabbing a water bottle from the fridge, Natsu takes a long drink. He sighs out in relief and watches his friends play for a moment. He can’t remember the last time he has experienced this much freedom.

“It’s been a while since we’ve all gotten together like this,” Gray mentions as he takes another water from the fridge.

“Yeah, no kidding,” Natsu agrees. “I definitely needed this night.”

Although his words say otherwise, Lucy lingers in the back of his mind. After spending several consecutive nights together, he feels as though he should be seeing her. He isn’t sure if this means that he misses her. However, he knows that there’s a fun side to Lucy—she could surely have fun playing video games with him, too.

Making a mental note to invite her over after the guys leave, Natsu rejoins his group of friends. His stomach aches from laughing, his cheeks hurt from smiling, and his thumbs hurt from all the unsystematic button-pressing.

After about an hour of thoroughly enjoying himself, Natsu is in the midst of cheering Elfman on to beat Laxus when he hears the door behind him open. He curiously casts a look over his shoulder to see who it is.

“Hi, Natsu!” Lucy nearly sings as she enters the apartment. “I just wanted to come by and say hi!”

“How did you get in here?” he asks, wide-eyed.

“I was able to get a copy of the key,” she replies nonchalantly. She walks closer to observe Natsu’s friends, some of them acknowledging her while others remain focused on the TV. “Are these your friends?”

Without a second thought, Lucy extends her hands and shakes all of the guys’ hands with a large grin. She waits for Elfman to pause the game until she introduces herself.

“I’m Lucy. Nice to meet everyone!”

The guys mutter a hello in response before Elfman returns to the game. The sound of the TV slightly masks the awkward atmosphere.

Gray leans into Natsu’s ear. “Is she crazy?”

Before Natsu can respond, Lucy makes an announcement.

“I brought snacks!”

All of the guys’ seem surprised at her statement, some of them looking at her with hopeful eyes. The guys have been snacking on peanuts for the last hour.

Lucy reaches inside of her purse and slides out a veggie tray. She places it on the coffee table in front of the TV.

“Eat up!” she tells them excitedly. Being able to see all of their disappointment, she decides to wait until one of them feels obligated to open it and take a celery stick.

Lucy has to bite her lip in order to stop herself from laughing as she goes into the kitchen. Through the opening to the living area, it’s obvious how much they don’t want to eat it.

She stands in the kitchen for a few moments while the guys slowly start to make conversation again. In the midst of observing the back of their heads, she catches a glance of the plant that she placed on the windowsill several days ago. Walking over to it, she finds that nothing has sprouted yet.

“Natsu!” Lucy dramatically gasps. She takes the pot and brings it over to him. “Have you not been watering our plant?”

“N-No, I haven’t,” Natsu admits, helplessly stuttering. “It’s just sleeping, that’s all.”

Lucy is able to see the guys staring at them from her peripheral vision. This setup could not have been more perfect. She takes a deep breath before speaking.

“What if it’s dead already? You let our plant die! Will you let us die, too?” She doesn’t give Natsu any time to respond. “You know what… I’m leaving and taking the plant with me!”

With the pot in her arms, Lucy swiftly turns away and grabs her purse. She storms out of the apartment, not bothering to look behind her. Her hurried steps almost make it to the elevator when she hears footsteps following after her. She has to suppress her disbelief when Natsu sets his hand on her shoulder.

“What are you doing?” they ask simultaneously.

“This is getting a little weird,” Natsu responds first. “You’re acting insane, Lucy.”

She lifts a brow. “Are you calling me insane?”

“No, I said you’re acting,” he clarifies. His voice comes out harsher than he meant it to.

Lucy lets out a short laugh, pressing the elevator button. “You know, I don’t think I can be with someone who thinks I’m insane.”

The door to the elevator slides open. Once she is inside, she turns around to send him a final goodbye wave. Natsu already has his hand at the door to stop it from closing.

“Can you tell me where the real Lucy went?” he demands. “Where is the person I knew before? The one who was observant and kind? The one who wanted to be a dedicated journalist?”

Lucy opens her mouth to respond, but Natsu keeps going.

“Lately, you’ve been all over the place!” he proclaims. “I don’t even know who you are anymore.”

She sends him a hard gaze. “So, does this mean we’re over?”

He returns her stare, swallowing thickly. “Yeah. I guess it does.”

After he takes a step back, she nods in understanding. “Okay, fine.”

“Fine,” Natsu sighs out. His arms stay limp by his sides as the elevator closes.

Once the elevator starts to lower, Lucy leans against the wall with a loud sigh. She can sense the intensity from their argument slowly fizzling out of her body.

“Finally,” she breathes out.

She stands there for a moment, realizing that a pit is developing in her chest. Not out of hurt, but out of loneliness. It’s a heaviness that reminds her of a few nights ago. Lucy’s façade isn’t as strong as it used to be—she is finally feeling her true self peek through.

As Natsu returns to his apartment, he tries to avoid the concerned looks on the guys’ faces. He makes direct eye contact with Gray.

“It’s over,” Natsu states plainly.

Immediately, Gray charges towards him and firmly takes his shoulders. “Natsu. You have four more days! You can’t give up now!”

“Did you just see what she was like?” Natsu scoffs while taking a step back from Gray’s grip. “No way.”

“What about couples’ therapy?” Gray suggests.

“What does that even mean?” Natsu scrutinizes at him, trying to see if he’s serious.

“That’s how Juvia and I were able to work everything out between us,” Gray reveals. “Now, go catch up with Lucy and tell her you’re still dedicated to her. You want that job, right?”

Despite being exhausted, annoyed, and confused all at once, Natsu begins to recognize the reality of the situation. His heart races inside of his chest.

“Okay, okay. I’ll be right back,” he says before taking off.

Since the elevator would be too slow, Natsu goes for the stairs instead. He jumps down three at a time until he reaches the lobby. He’s out of breath as he rushes outside. Luckily, Lucy is still close enough for him to call out to her.

“Lucy!” Natsu shouts. “Wait!”

Lucy’s instantly stops in her tracks. She slowly turns around, finding Natsu catch up to her. She can hardly believe that he’s still chasing after her.

Once Natsu is in front of her, he takes a moment to regain his breaths. “I’m so sorry,” he says in between breaths. “Can you forgive me? I don’t know what I was just saying back there.”

Lucy waits until his breathing regulates. She tightly grips onto the plant pot as she watches him. If she looked insane at the elevator, she isn’t sure what to call Natsu right now.

Natsu knows how desperate he appears right now, but he also knows that he needs to embarrass himself to make his despair look believable. His words frantically spew out of him. “Can you give me another chance?”

“Haven’t you had enough already?” she asks, her voice escaping as a whisper.

“I’ll do anything to get you back,” he nearly pleads. “Gray told me about this thing him and his girlfriend used to do. It’s couples’ therapy. Would you like to do that with me?”

“Couples’ therapy?” she echoes. As Natsu nods, she suddenly gets an idea. “Actually, I know a doctor who would give us a free session. I could call her and schedule an emergency appointment.”

“Yes, let’s do that.” He reaches for her hand, brushing his lips across her knuckles.

Lucy presses her lips together and gently pulls her hand back. “I don’t have to like you right now. So, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Without another word, she continues to walk away. She doesn’t allow herself to look back as Natsu shouts out endless thank yous. She physically cannot believe anything she just witnessed.

Natsu returns to his apartment with the most clenched jaw he has ever made in his life. He cannot believe that Lucy has caused him to turn into someone he never thought he would become.

[gingerxtrash]

As the years go on /8

Pairing: Nalu

Rating: T

Magnolia has two sides, the good and the bad. There are those who are innocent or evil, or even in the middle. The most ruthless yet successful gang in Magnolia is Fairy Tail. The whole gang are best friends as kids but Lucy had to leave and had no chance to tell them. Four years later she came back, but will her friends still take her in? Nalu, Gruvia, Jerza, Gale MENTIONS DRUGS

Hey guys I’m so so sorry on taking so long on updating. I’ve been super busy with work or I would be extremely tired. Lately I’ve been having a lot more anxiety so that really sucks and it messes with my motivation on writing the story. I still have ideas on what to write but I also am having writers block so it’s difficult to decide what to write. I don’t know if I should continue the story because I don’t know if you guys like it or not….any way I hope that you guys enjoy this chapter and please leave a like and review on it.

---Lucy’s P.O.V---

It’s so warm, Natsu’s embrace feels so comforting and warm. Tears are still falling but I am trying to stop them, I don’t want anyone to see my weak side, I don’t ever want anybody to see my weak side once again.

Moments later, Natsu let go due to someone entering the room, it looks like Macao? He has blue pulled back hair with a blue mustache, he had a white jacket with a blue shirt and a pair of jeans. Honestly I couldn’t tell it was him at first because I never saw him with a mustache before, honestly looks like a pervy old man.

“Natsu, I’m sorry to interrupt but you have another mission from Igneel” Macao said then left. Natsu looked annoyed and broke the hug, “Damn old man can’t give me a break, huh. I’m sorry but I must go Luce” he said and stood up to walk out of the door.

I am trying to stop shaking but my body won’t follow my orders, I take some deep breaths then I see a women in the next bed to me from the corner of my eye. The person has long messy blue hair and a bandage is wrapped around her forehead. It didn’t take me long to realize that it was Juvia and he was already awake, ‘she must’ve saw my episode just now’ I curse myself internally because I hate it when others see my weak side.

Juvia is sitting up and just looking straight ahead of her, probably lost in thought. I’m surprised that she doesn’t have a concusion at all from that brick hitting her head, but I am happy nonetheless that she isn’t looking too bad.

“Why?” Juvia said out of nowhere, interrupting my thoughts. I turned my head to look at her but she is still looking straight ahead of her, “Why what?” I said in a quiet voice.

Juvia turned her head towards me and started to raise her voice, “Why are you so selfish that you don’t ask anyone for help!” I look at her, a little surprised at her sudden comment. “I didn’t want to bo-“. She cleched her fists, grabbing the sheets of her bed. “Why do you never ask for help, Lucy! Don’t you know that we care for you and will drop everything to help you!? You may have left us for four years, but that doesn’t mean we will leave you.” I look down in guilt saying nothing. “You give off such a stupid emotionless face, trying to tell everyone that you are not the same person you were before, but do you f*cking believe me to believe that! You never changed from the little girl you were before, even if the others can’t see it!”

I look to her in surprise of what she said, not noticing all that much that she isn’t talking in third person right now.

“Ever since middle school you were verbally and mentally abused, but you shook it off saying a bunch of lies about you had homework to do or sum’. Why would staying to do homework give you stuffy eyes, bruises, and a slight limp? No one else probably didn’t notice it but I sure did! I hated that you always kept that to yourself!” At this point Juvia was almost yelling but also choking up on her words. “But now!? You keep on hiding all the pain and suffering you are going through! It’s not bruises you have…. You were raped by a psychopath, your parents were murdered, and you are taking on these burdens all by yourself. Whatever reason you have to keep things to yourself is not selfless, it is absolutely selfish!” by now she was in tears. I know that all the words coming from her mouth is true, but I really don’t know what to say.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t of talked like that” Juvia said and turned her head.

“No, you are completely right, I didn’t want anyone to know, I kept everything a secret because I was too scared. I kept everything to myself because I didn’t want to look sad when I am with you guys, I wanted to be strong like everyone. Now, I have to keep everything to myself because I want to keep everyone safe. My parent died working on this project and I won’t let anyone take advantage of them.”  I say with a serious face.

Juvia smiles a little and tries to hide her laughter, “you sure are forgetful, don’t you remember that Fairy Tail is the strongest gang is in all of Fiore.” Juvia said with a smirk. I don’t answer but I know without a doubt that she is right, Juvia gets out of her bed and walks towards me then sat on my bed. “Juvia has missed you so much” and gave me a soft smile. I put my head down and my bangs covered my eyes, but I look back up. “I’ve missed you too Juvia” I said, returning the smile she gave me. “Let’s get out of here, the others are worried sick about you” she said, I hesitate a little but I give her nod.

I get out of bed and walks towards the door and Juvia follows behind me, I opened the door, afraid of what I will see. I know for sure they will freak out from seeing the bruises on Juvia and I.

My thoughts are interrupted by a crimson haired woman that practically jumped on me and is now squeezing me to death. She pulls me out of the hug while she continued to grab my shoulders. “Lucy! We were so worried about you when we were told on what happened….how are you feeling?” She said with worried eyes but I responded with a smile, “Don’t worry, Juvia and I are tough girls, so we will be fine” and looked back to give Juvia a smile which she also returned. Gray ran up to Juvia to give her into a hug and said something which I couldn’t hear. I was just glad that he returned the feelings to her that he has always had.

---Third Person---

For the next two hours, everyone talked to each other, updating each other on what has happened over the years, but no one has dared to talk about the tragedies that everyone has gone through

Out of nowhere, a short girl with blue hair in piggy tails run towards the blonde, “I’m so sorry Lucy! It was my fault that you are hurt, I am so sorry that I wasn’t strong enough to protect you” Wendy said while tears were falling down her face. Lucy gently grabbed Wendy by the shoulders and bent down to be eye level with the blunette. “Wendy, you did an amazing job at protecting everyone, but sooner or later we cannot always be the hero. I know the feeling as well” Lucy looked down and remembered the moments that her parents sacrificed everything to save her but snapped out of the flashback to give Wendy a smile.  Wendy was taken aback by Lucy’s words and gave her a sad yet happy smile, “Well, I am happy that you are safe now!”.

“I couldn’t agree more”, everyone turns their heads to see a smirking rose colored hair man standing in front of the table the group was sitting at. “What’s with the confused faces, shouldn’t this be a reunion here?” Natsu said with a toothy grin.

“Hell yeah! Let’s stop moping around and party!!!” Cana said while holding up her wine bottle, ditching the apple juice bottle now. Everyone laughed and nodded, moments later the whole gang was partying and drinking as if they just had a victory in battle, but that is Fairy Tail for you. Even though everyone was having fun, there was still one person who was so unsure about the situation. The blonde was sitting there enjoying the company of those she loved but still put a fake smile on so no one can see her uneasiness. Lucy is originally very good at hiding her emotions when she wanted to, except for one person, the infamous but caring Natsu.

---Lucy’s P.O.V.---

Everyone is so happy. Everyone is having so much fun. And everyone acts so calm right now.

I feel suffocated here, like I don’t belong, like I don’t have a right to be here….I betrayed everyone here, but I don’t get how they can forgive me so easily. What Juvia said earlier was completely right and I can not deny that, but I can’t let go of my ambitions so easily at this point. I remain in thought until I feel a hand on my shoulder, I flinch and quickly turn to see who is touching me. Once I look at the individual, the first thing I see is Natsu with a very concerned look on his face, “Lets go somewhere private” he said to me and turned. I decided to follow him due to feeling a little clausterphobic with everyone going wild.

While walking to a quiet area, it felt like we were walking forever. I don’t know if it’s just my head acting weird from the awkwardness between us. I really want to know what’s concerning him, but at the same time I don’t feel like I have the right to talk to him so freely.  I try to speak, but I can’t figure out on what I should say. I can’t be like, “Hey, tough fight back there” or “Are you a trampoline because I wanna bounce on you”. I mentally stop myself from thinking like that and I can feel my face starting to heat up, thank the Lord that Natsu is still looking the other way.

Wow, I feel so embarrassed to know that I am thinking sexually about him…..I have no right….even if he has the body of a God. Natsu stopped out of nowhere and I accidentally bumped into him, but he didn’t even move.

“So, are you going to stop lying to me and tell me the truth?”

His voice is deep and a little bit hoarse right now, like he has been yelling or straining his voice. I wonder where he had to go earlier….wow, there I go again with thinking about him. Although, it makes sense, I’ve never stopped thinking about him after three long years.

“Uhh.. I- it depends on the question” I said to him while I looked down, so my bangs can cover my face.

“It’s a damn simple question Lucy” he said with a pause. Why does it make me sad that he doesn’t call me Luce, it’s just a nickname, but it’s only a nickname he can call me.

“Why did you create the Celestials?” he said in a husky voice.

I am not surprised nor disappointed by this question, I knew I had to tell him one day if he came back into my life. I look at him silently while he still had his back towards me.

“It was because I had no other choice” I said and there is a pause of silence, “I didn’t just do it for revenge…I did it because I would never be able to forgive myself if someone stole the work my parents died protecting” I said with my head down and my bangs covering my eyes. Only silence is filling the room which kind of bothered me but suddenly I feel warmth. I stand stiff on the ground, not moving a muscle when I feel Natsu wraps his arms around my waste.

“You really are a dumb little girl who has never changed over the last four years” Natsu said and chuckled a little, “Do you really think you are alone?”

“Honestly Natsu…. I am so confused with everything, I don’t know if what I am doing is right or wrong. Fairy Tail is the rightful owner of my parents’ project, but I am just being arrogant by trying to figure this out by myself” I said as I put my arms around Natsu and I rest my head on his chest, tears threatening to fall again.

He tightens the hug and I feel him slightly shake. I don’t know if he is shaking in anger, or if he is shaking because of something else.

“You have gone through so much, you were forced to endure so much pain and suffering at such a young age, yet you still fight for what is right. You are amazing, over the years you still are the girl who is so brave and still stands tall with a smile. As the years gone on, you are still the women I adore.” A tear falls down my face, but I try to hide it, Natsu puts his hand on my face and wiped away the single tear that fell. I am a little shocked from this I stay silent and he gives me a sad, yet uplifting smile, “Luce, you are not alone anymore, you are a member of Fairy Tail, you are my best friend, you are my inspiration, and you are the girl I fell in love with.”

Wait, did I hear him right?! Did he just say he loved me….I…Just how, I am unclean, unworthy of a man like him. He is the heir of Fairy Tail, he can make any girl fawn over him, so why would he want a girl with so many physical and mental scars?

“Natsu, why….why would you say something like that? I left you, I ignored you, and I rejected you….so that means I am not worthy of you” I said as I looked down at my feet and clenched my fists from how anxious I am. Natsu’s left hand squeezed my shoulder and his right index finger lifted my chin up. Our faces were just inches apart.

“Now, where is the girl who held her head up with a smile when she was broken?” He said with his toothy grin that can lighten the darkest room. “No matter what you do to me, no matter if you push me away, I will never let go of you. I won’t let go because I have the strength to protect you, unlike before” I can feel him leaning closer slowly and my body does the same without any thought. I close my eyes when I can feel his breath on my lips and I put my arms around his neck as his hands now rest around my waist. Natsu placed his lips on mine and I don’t dare to resist them….I cannot stop now because my body won’t let me. Without thinking, my hand traveled on the top of his head, softly gripped his hair and the other is wraps around his neck. He lets out a low moan and immediately I start craving more, like it’s becoming an addiction.

Natsu puts one hand around the back of my neck and the other on the arch of my back and rubs it, causing me to press myself closer to him. He moves his lips and starts to kiss my cheek and goes down to the side of my neck. I lean my head back and let out a soft moan in pleasure. I can feel him biting and sucking on my neck, making me let out a soft moan. His lips left my neck and lifts his head to his forehead on mine. I don’t bother on opening my eyes because I just want to enjoy this moment of pure bliss with him, and a moment to feel safe from everything. “Luce, you know I am not the type of person to lie. I will protect you from now on and I will fight with you in your battles. You are not alone when people who love you are around you” Natsu said in a deep and soothing voice. I looked up to see his smiling face, and the only thing I can do is smile. “O-okay” I said and then he gave me another kiss.

“Hey Natsu, Lucy…I’ve been looking for you two when Gray said you guys le-“ Grandeynee said as she entered the dark hallway we were in. She blushes a little then later had a big grin on her face and pulls out a camera, “ohhhh Natsu, just wait until your Father hears about this” Grandeynee starts to run away while Natsu yells for her not to and starts to chase her. I just let out a chuckle and proceed to go back where everyone else was.

‘Do I love Natsu?’

Ha, why am I even questioning this at all, of course I love him, but I don’t want to tell him because the mission I have promised is basically suicide. But I will not let my parents’ deaths be in vain. I will not be the weak one who is helpless anymore. If I die, I die of pride and nothing will change my mind on that.

I realize that I am lost so I just decide to keep wondering around, maybe it can keep my mind off of things for a while. I feel so overwhelmed with everything right now, a life I tried to keep secret is slowly being crumbled into pieces due to a simple injury. As I am walking I see an open door so I decide to peek inside and the only thing I saw was a room full of computers and a young boy. Wait…a young boy with blue hair? I knock on the door and startle the boy, “What’s with the gloomy face?” Happy turned around and had wide eyes, ‘are those tears I see?’ Without a second going by he runs into my arms “LUSHEE!!” Happy runs into my arms and hugs me tight, like he was scared that I was going to leave. “I’ve mi..missed you so much Lushee, please never leave us again” I’m a little shocked to see him crying but I give him a smile and reassure him that I am going nowhere. ‘He has grown up so much, but I am glad he is still as sweet and innocent just like before’.

After a couple minutes we decide to go back to the main hall, a.k.a. he is leading the way because I have no idea where I am.

Before I realize it, we end up in the main hall where all the people here are playing games and drinking to their hearts content, same as they always do. I look at the crowd and I immediately see an orange hair man and a pink haired woman, Loke and Virgo. Happy leaves to go meet up with Carla and Panther Lily. I walk over to Loke and Virgo to ask them when we are going to go home they looked at me with awkward expression.

“Well um…while Igneel and I were talking he told me that he wanted you to stay at his house, so his men can make sure that no one comes near you now that you’re a possible target due to last nights incident.” Loke said with a sweat drop over his head. My eyes start to widen due to these arrangements and I start to blush at the thought of being with Natsu…all alone… Why are they having me stay with them, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself so I don’t need this kind of protection. “Ehhhhh!!!” I feel arms around my waist and I can feel someone’s breath on my neck, “Oh goodie Luce, we can share the same bed just like when we were kids!” I turn around to see an evil grin on my face and I can feel my face heating up. “WHAT WE NEVER SHARED THE SAME BED AS KIDS!!!” I yelled at him and scolded him while all he can do is laugh.  I puffed my cheeks and of course….ran away to escape from this embarrassment. ‘Why does he need to act like this? I should be happy now that I have reunited with everyone that I love so dearly…but I just feel guilty. I should’ve just been more careful while facing Jackal and Tempester. Since I’ve done that, Tartaros are definetely going to make a move since I killed on of their best men. I can’t stop thinking that this is the beginning of something horrible’.

I run out side and I find Igneel out there sitting on the steps and smoking a cigarette, I don’t know what to do so I just decide to leave him in peace, “Oh hello there Lucy” Igneel said and gave me a smile, “Hello Mr. Dragneel” He was wearing suit pants and a red buttoned up shirt, his crimson colored hair is a bit messy right now and he looks stressed and tired.

“You smoke?” Igneel said and offered me a cigarette so I take the offer and take a cigarette, “Sometimes” I chuckled to myself. He gave me a lighter and I lit up the cancer stick, “Lucy, I’m sorry on what happened to you parents. This is my fault that they are dead, so I understand if you have a grudge between me or Fairy Tail” Igneel said with a worried voice as he took a puff of his cigarette. I looked over to him, a little bit surprised that he said this. “And why do you say that?” I looked forward and inhaled and exhaled the smoke from my cigarette, “My parents decided to work on this project. They were loyal members of Fairy Tail and took the name with pride. They looked to you guys with trust and you were their comrades. Their death is no one’s faults except for the ones who killed them.” I said as I looked up to the sky. I could tell that Igneel was a little bit surprised, but he didn’t say a word. “Fairy glitter is their invention, not Fairy Tail’s yet so it is no ones’ fault.” I said as I looked down to the ground.

“You should know that everyone was worried about you and your parents, especially Natsu and the others. Yet, none of them ever lost faith in you, they are true, loyal, and honorable friends that are hard to find in a world like this.” Igneel said and proceeded to smoke his cigarette.

He stood up and threw the cigarette aside and started to walk away, “You are still young so lighten up and let others help.” Igneel said and entered the building which causes me to be alone. I throw the finished cigarette aside and decide to just stop thinking, Igneel is right. Dang, it’s really destroying my ego because of what everyone is telling me.

I decide to rest my head on my knees and I slowly end up drifting off to sleep, ignoring the fact that I am sitting on the cold crick covered stairs.

 Hey guys I am sorry for the boring chapter, I honestly hate this chapter but I feel like some people want at least some fluff between Natsu and Lucy. Originally I want them to be more cold against one another but I wanted to update asap because of making y’all wait so long. I like having humor in my stories because I don’t like being serious for too long. A lot more action will occur in the chapters but I just have to decide on how I will put in it order.

Any way I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and please remember to give a like or review of you opinions of the story. Love you guys and thank you for motivating me to keep writing the story.

Pairing: Nalu

Rating: T

Magnolia has two sides, the good and the bad. There are those who are innocent or evil, or even in the middle. The most ruthless yet successful gang in Magnolia is Fairy Tail. The whole gang are best friends as kids but Lucy had to leave and had no chance to tell them. Four years later she came back, but will her friends still take her in? Nalu, Gruvia, Jerza, Gale MENTIONS DRUGS

Chapter 1 https://gingerxtrash.tumblr.com/post/173317577354/as-the-years-go-on

Chapter 2 https://gingerxtrash.tumblr.com/post/173429902759/as-the-years-go-onch2

Chapter 3 https://gingerxtrash.tumblr.com/post/173535087109/as-the-years-go-on3?is_related_post=1

Chapter 4 https://gingerxtrash.tumblr.com/post/173708634179/as-the-years-go-on-4

Chapter 5: https://gingerxtrash.tumblr.com/post/173978019329/as-the-years-go-on-5-pairing-nalu-rating-t

Chapter 6: https://gingerxtrash.tumblr.com/post/174105976019/as-the-years-go-on-6

Accent 6

[riverofmemoriesft]

. Between the Lines . 175

Lucy was a little more than disappointed when she was called to talk with a few Council members during the third day's battles. Erza had just been striding into the arena, dressed in a shirt and jeans side-by-side with Kagura when Mest had appeared beside her, requesting she accompany him.

It had been a bit of a hard time to convince the anxious Natsu to wait for her, but he promised that if she hadn't come back by the end of the fighting, he'd come looking.

Lucy was thankful.

Now, the blonde found herself surrounded by Council members after traveling to a space not too far away from the arena. Lahar and Mest were the two she recognized. There were a few others that she didn't, but she chose to stay quiet rather than asking who they were. She smiled hesitantly when Lahar stepped forward to speak with her, his voice hushed. "Thank you for coming, Miss Heartfilia. We appreciate your cooperation in regards to all of this...we understand that it's difficult for you."

"It's fine," Lucy told them, touching the keys at her hip when Loke's heated warningly. He wanted to talk with her, too, but couldn't force his way free. Lucy couldn't summon him quite yet, either. Her magic was nearing the point that she could handle it for more than two seconds and she'd already promised to summon him later in the evening after Natsu had left to sleep. "What can I do for you?"

"That's…" Mest took a deep breath and then asked carefully, "Miss Heartfilia, we are asking that you allow us to escort you to Princess Hisui."

"Why?" Lucy said immediately, suspicious.

"Princess Hisui requires your assistance on something she considers important though she refuses to admit to the Council what it is." Lahar tilted his head a fraction. "The Council is powerful, you understand, but even the royal family is above us. We ask that you cooperate and come with us-"

Lucy narrowed her eyes. "Am I under arrest if I don't go? Even if Hisui is running my country, I am equal in her rank and if I need to, I will claim my throne here and now."

"...no," Mest said a little too slowly. Immediately, Lucy recoiled, her eyes widening with shock.

Why the hell was she being arrested by Hisui?!

"What of the king?" Lucy said suddenly, struggling to escape this situation without violence. "Does King Toma recognize that Hisui wants to arrest me? Is he aware of this?"

Lahar exchanged a look with another Council member. "No," he said finally, looking a little relieved. "And in order to arrest a member of a royal family, the king has to give the clear." Mest looked more than relieved as he relaxed, scrubbing a hand down his face. All of the other Council members relaxed, too.

"We didn't want to," Mest explained with a sigh. "Thank you for giving us a way around it. We apologize, Miss Heartfilia, you may go. Stay with your guild. If the king gives the command..."

"You guys really ought to think for yourselves," Lucy said angrily. Without another word she hastily pushed past them, biting her lip. Her hands shook as she realized that she'd nearly been arrested on Hisui's orders for no reason - and by the Council nonetheless.

"Note to self," Lucy whispered as she made her way back into the streets of Crocus. "Don't walk around a-"

Before she could finish her sentence, she crashed into someone. Warm calloused hands grabbed her shoulders to balance her before she fell and she gasped a word of thanks - only to freeze.

She couldn't see the person's face. All she could see was scarred knuckles on his hands as he pulled back. Masculine hands told her of his gender. The rest of him was in a black cloak, a cloak she recognized with ease.

It was the person who'd been sitting in the stands.

A chill crept down her spine. Was she being stalked?

"Sorry," a hoarse voice croaked. It lingered in her ears. Familiar, yet not.

"It's fine," she said finally, furrowing her brow. Troubled, she offered a hesitant smile. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to run into you. If you'll excuse me, my guild and friends are waiting on me…"

He stepped aside, gesturing for her to go.

Lucy let a hand skim over her keys as she bolted past him, jogging as quickly as she could back to the arena. Shaken, the blonde finally slowed to a walk when she made it to a flight of stairs that led up into the stands. She hurried up them, hearing the cheering of a match that was going on.

"Luce!" Natsu said cheerfully when she'd slid into her seat beside him. "Erza tied with...are you okay?" His smile faded as he saw her white face. She shook her head and leaned heavily into him.

"Fine," she lied. "Just...tired." He narrowed his eyes suspiciously and searched her gaze before reluctantly turning his attention back to the match in time to see an excited Wendy triumph over Milliana of Lamia Scale. Milliana looked amused as she surrendered and was greeted after leaving the arena by a proud Erza.

"That's a wrap for the third day of the Grand Magic Games!" the announcer shouted.

Lucy closed her eyes.

Just what the hell is going on here?

"So we're in fourth overall," Erza informed them at dinner that evening. Natsu was sitting contently with Happy at his side. Wendy was on his other and Charle beside her, all feasting on food that had been supplied by a sympathetic hotel owner who felt bad for Lucy. Yet the blonde wasn't there to enjoy it.

She'd gone upstairs to speak with Loke for the first time since the battle she'd suffered from the day before.

She'd been quiet since she'd returned from talking with the Council, jumping at shadows that moved oddly and suspiciously observant when walking along. He pretended he didn't notice.

But he'd seen it all.

"We'll fix that," Natsu argued. "Gray can win tomorrow for sure. Against Eve? The sucker uses Gray's element."

"Damn right," Gray agreed, reaching across the table. He and Natsu exchanged a fist bump, grinning at one another, perfectly willing to be friendly for the time being. "And Juvia's gonna kick Blue Pegasus' ass, too. She's fighting Ichiya."

Juvia flushed nearby. "Juvia will defeat him for you, Erza," she promised.

Erza looked delighted and thanked her for her contribution to the guild.

Chuckling, Jellal said nothing. Natsu turned a long look on him as he wordlessly climbed to his feet and left. "What's up with him, Erza? He's been really crabby or somethin'."

Erza frowned after Jellal. "Jellal...has been having trouble," she admitted. "He says that voices are whispering to him again...he can't make out what they're saying. But he doesn't think they're good and the quiet of the evening helps him when he walks around. He said he's met up with Meredy and Sorano a few times while doing so, and Cobra even joined them once."

"Really?" Wendy looked curious. "I wonder what they're talking about. What do you think, Charle?" she asked, turning to her cat.

Charle met her gaze with an exhausted look that Wendy noticed for the first time ever. "Whatever it is, it won't be good."

Erza looked puzzled. "Is everything alright, Charle? Have you seen something troubling?"

"The future is bleak," Charle said quietly. She said no more, but the rest of them could sense that the future was worse than bleak, and they fell silent, thinking it over as they ate.

Upstairs in the room she'd gone back to sharing with Erza for the time being, Lucy summoned Loke.

The second he was there, he'd tackled her in a tight hug, hoarsely saying, "Good to see you, Princess."

"Good to see you, too," she agreed, returning the hug. He was trembling, she realized, and it only made her hug the Spirit tighter. "Are you guys okay? I want to know what happened when Minerva-"

"Are we okay?" Loke shook her by the shoulders. He'd lost the shades he usually wore and his green eyes met hers with shock. "Are you okay? That's what we're concerned about. Lucy, the last time I saw you, you were lying in a pool of your own blood. You...you were broken."

Lucy reached up and rested her hand comfortingly on his cheek. "I'm okay, Loke," she said softly. "I'm perfectly fine outside of a few bruises."

He looked a little bit happier at that declaration. "You were upset earlier," he said suddenly, sitting on the bed. He glanced up at her, adjusting his tie. "Why?"

Lucy explained how she'd almost been arrested on Hisui's command and how she'd run into that strange cloaked man and Loke furrowed his brow, troubled by this. "I've got nothing," he said finally. "I can't say that I know why you'd be bothered by Hisui… It's particularly concerning that she tried to arrest someone she considers a friend. As for that man, you should mention it to Natsu in case you are being stalked. Just as a precaution."

"Got it." Lucy sat down on the bed beside him and raked a hand through her hair. "Loke...I feel like this whole thing with the Grand Magic Games is hiding something else."

"Don't worry, we've been thinking the same thing," Loke reassured. "We found it very odd that the country would suddenly switch their thinking, reveal magic, and then declare a public event like this in under six months. The Spirit King won't let us get too involved though. Just to be safe. Things like this are dangerous for us. One wrong move and I could be turned against you."

"Really?" Lucy felt sick at the idea of her Spirits being used as tools to fight against her - with the enemy fully knowing she wouldn't fight back. She shuddered and the Lion winked, lifting her hand to his lips to kiss it. He dropped her hand, however, and became serious.

"Loke?" Lucy asked, but before she could say anything more, he hopped over the bed and threw himself right out the window.

"Loke!" she shrieked, throwing herself over to it. "What the hell-"

A shiver ran down her spine as she saw Loke viciously fighting with a cloaked man far below. He was swearing colorfully, his hand fisted in the hood of his cloak to keep it drawn over his head. Loke snarled, baring his teeth like an angry lion, his hands lit up like the sun. "Who the hell are you?" he barked.

It was while they were fighting that Natsu burst into the room, onyx eyes wide. Lucy gasped his name, looking back, and he bolted over to see what she was looking at. His eyes widened. "Who is that?" he demanded, furious. "What were they doing?"

"I have a stalker apparently," Lucy said with a bitter laugh. "As if I didn't have enough on my - Loke!"

Her Spirit had been sent flying into the doors of the hotel they stood in. There was immediately a huge commotion below as people rushed to see what was going on. The man in the cloak shouted an apology and then bolted, disappearing into the night.

"Happy!" Natsu called, ready to hurl himself from the window. Happy, Lucy realized, had attached himself to his shirt, ready to fly.

Lucy stopped him, grabbing his arm. The man had apologized. What stalker apologized?! "Natsu," she said slowly. "I think that man needs help."

Natsu shot her an angry look. "You said you had a stalker and you're now saying he needs help? I'd say. Freaking mental institution would love to have him."

"No," Lucy said patiently, tightening her grip. "I'm saying he might want to ask for help but can't right now. This is the third time I've seen him-"

"Third?" Natsu's voice rose. "What the hell, Luce?!"

Lucy pinched the bridge of her nose, the drain on her magic already significant enough that a headache was forming. But the look on Natsu's face told her it was time they had something new to fight over and by the end of it, Natsu was stalking out of the room, viciously shouting angry words over his shoulder. Lucy stood there near tears, returning the irritable comments right back to him, and Happy just stood there entirely lost as to what he should do.

Wandering the streets of Crocus, Jellal was at a loss. The whispers in his ears refused to leave, only getting louder the longer he hung around others. Beside him, Meredy quietly walked along, simply keeping him company as she stroked the emblem that had been pressed over her hip. The heavenly body mage had come across her by accident earlier in the evening after leaving the hotel behind and she'd willingly joined him, complaining of bothersome nightmares.

They were passing an alley when Meredy grabbed his arm. "Jellal, we're being followed."

Jellal's head snapped up. His dark eyes followed Meredy's gaze and locked on a shadow that looked odd in the moonlight. Someone in a black cloak stood there, frozen, as if realized that they'd been seen.

And then they bolted.

Jellal wasn't sure why, but he found himself surging after them. Meredy ran alongside him, her eyes wide. Her calculating eyes followed a web of streets and she ordered for Jellal to keep going where he was going. Jellal was bewildered, but said nothing as she bolted down an alley.

The cloaked person darted around a corner - and then there was a cry of surprise when Meredy tackled her and they rolled into the middle of the street. Luckily, it was one still shut down from the Games, and no one was out and about.

"Let go of me!" the person screamed. "You have to let me go-"

Meredy ripped her hood off and the pair of mages stared at the person beneath her in horror. The person glared back at them, tears brimming in her eyes. Slowly, Meredy climbed to her feet and the woman took advantage of her freedom to leap to her feet.

"You," Jellal whispered.

She gave a wry grin. "Me."

And then she was gone.

Rather than giving chase, Jellal slumped to the ground, staring after her. Meredy was quiet as she looked down at him, waiting to see what he wanted to do. "Don't tell a soul about this. Not a soul."

"Got it," Meredy agreed in a whisper, her dark eyes round.

The two went back to their guilds without another word.

[gruvia-is-my-power-to-live]

New blog!  Follow me on here for updates or...yeah I can’t think of another reason

~we vibe~

“The pleasure is all Juvia’s.  Now please,” she crossed her legs and opened one of her binders, “what is the theme of your wedding?”

Don’t get Juvia wrong, she was fifty shades of embarrassed and felt a little disheartened knowing that any chance she could have had with Gray were now obliterated.  Was there any chance to begin with?

No matter.  Juvia cleared her throat and resumed back to the conversation at hand.  It’s unprofessional to make the client feel ignored after all.

“I’m glad you asked.  Gray and I,” she reached over to Gray who, in turn, looked back at her with a kind smile, “are actually planning our wedding and we’ve agreed that an elegant sort of energy would suit us best.”  Though she wasn’t able to see it, Juvia could figure that when Lucy reached out, she grabbed ahold of his hand.  As couples do, Juvia mused.

“I was thinking orchids?  Or maybe lilies.  I honestly couldn’t tell you,” Lucy said with a laugh in her voice.  “We’re honestly pretty bad with these decisions.  I can accessorize and dress well but when it comes to other types of decor I’m lost.”  Speaking of, Lucy was in the process of taking off what could be passed off as a designer jacket and purse— in Juvia’s eyes.  She didn’t know much about accessorizing herself.  “Gray here is the exact same.  On second thought, he can barely keep his clothes on by himself.”  He scoffed.

“I think you’re exaggerating there, Luce.”  Gray turned to Juvia.  “I can dress myself fine and it’s just an inside joke between our friends that I can’t keep my clothes on.  That’s what happens when I get near tequila I guess.”

“Juvia is the same!  She cannot stop herself from singing musicals and quoting movies when she drinks.”  The florist found herself leaning closer and accidentally thinking about a shirtless—

Nope!  Married man!

“Erm, apologies.  Juvia merely agrees with the sentiment.  Well, Juvia personally believes that floral arrangements are imperative in sending a message one wants to give.  Think of it as the energy they give.  There is much symbolism in them though they aren’t generally known.”  She flipped to a new page in one of the binders in front of her and pulled out a pen from her pocket.

Twirling the pen in her hands, Juvia made eye contact back and forth with the couple as she spoke.  “Orchids are a beautiful flower and come in multiple colors.  For example, white orchids symbolize innocence, purity, and” she smiled at Lucy, “elegance.  Which is a perfect choice for what you two are aiming for.”  Juvia began writing down their names on the paper and wrote down her growing ideas for the pair.  “Red orchids on the other hand represent fire, desire, romance, and passion.  These are typically meant to be given to someone who you love deeply, or passionately.”

Which I imagine you both have for each other.  Unbeknownst to the woman, the couple opposite her fidgeted awkwardly and looked away.

“Of course, you also have your theme to coordinate with.  So before Juvia continues,” she capped the pen, “what she likes to do is ask how you two met?”

The blonde looked at her fiance with a warm smile.  “Well it’s a simple story I suppose.  Boy meets girl.  Girl becomes friends with the boy and his friend.  The three have great adventures and the girl even starts to date one of the boys.”  She paused.  “They don’t work out and soon enough, girl and boy comfort each other and then one day, they kiss.  Boy and girl date and have been ever since.  And now the boy and girl are getting married.  Fairy tale, right?”  After listening to the story, Juvia couldn’t help but think that it actually wasn’t.  She read these fairy tales when she was at the orphanage as a child and though they were short, they had more love entangled in those words than Lucy’s description.  

It is not my place to judge.

Every couple had their own love language and perhaps this was theirs.  Besides, Juvia wasn’t their wedding planner, just the potential florist.  Therefore all she had to do was listen and provide her opinion on the flowers.

“Very much so.  As we were discussing earlier, orchids are a suitable choice for you two.  There are also other options that may want to be considered.”  Pulling out another binder sitting atop the table, Juvia flipped to a particular page and continued.  “Bouvardia is a beautiful flower itself.  It is often compared to a star, clearly shown by the petals, and grows in clusters on the thin stems.  They are the ideal size for bouquets and come in various colors such as a soft pink, champagne, coral, burgundy, and the classic white.”  She already turned the binder around so the pair could get a better look at what she was displaying while adding how they bloomed in the summer.

“Oh, that’s perfect!”  Lucy clapped her hands.  “Our date is set for August 13th.  Do you think they’ll be in full bloom by then?”  Juvia looked to the calendar, noting that she needed to cross out the previous day.  April and it’s supposed to rain all week.  Very fitting.

“Yes, Juvia knows so.  All she has to do is make a few calls and if you so desire, you will have your bouvardias.  Oh, almost forgot to mention, these flowers symbolize enthusiasm which Juvia deems fitting for you Lucy-san.”

“Lucy-san?  Oh no Juvia please, just Lucy.  I’d like to think that we can become great friends during this time and hopefully afterward.”  Did she add honorifics?  Oh.  That’s a shame considering she was doing so well practicing dropping them.

“Why do you do that, by the way?  Honorifics and referring to yourself in third person.”  Gray couldn’t help but ask.  Which, in turn, received a slap to his arm.

“Gray!  That’s rude to ask!”  The blonde looked at Juvia.  “I’m so sorry.  It is not our business to know and I understand if you do not want to help us any further.  Gray, get up.”  Lucy made to stand and was gathering her things when Juvia intervened.

“No, Lucy-san, Gray-san, please do not leave.”

“Gray-san?”  The man muttered to himself.

Juvia couldn’t help herself but to grasp Lucy’s wrist.  “Juvia did not feel bothered by the question.  It is in fact a common one Juvia receives.”  It really was.  Someone always felt that it was their business to know why she spoke the way she did.  The only difference between Lucy and Gray and the others was that they seemed to be remorseful.  Lucy because she figured it was a personal reason and Gray because...well, he actually asked it.  

Oop.  Let go before it looks like you’re holding her hostage.

“Regardless,” Gray intervened, “Lucy’s right.  It wasn’t my place to ask you.  I let my curiosity get the better of me and I didn’t think before I spoke.  So,” the man reached out to his fiance’s hand and held on, “I’m sorry and I suppose it isn’t that big of a deal to you but it is to us.”

“Exactly.  I think Gray and I can both agree that you’re passionate about your work and your taste is impeccable.  We would love it if you would be the florist for our wedding.  That is, of course, if you are willing and able to.”  Looking at the couple in front of her, Juvia took a moment to let it sink in.

They were both so kind in the few minutes that she has interacted with them.  This wouldn’t be her first wedding nor would it be her last but Juvia sensed that this particular event would affect her deeply.  Not to brag but she always had great intuition.

“Please say yes!  The suspense is killing me.”  Lucy groaned.

“I-It would be an honor.”

***

“Now sign here and we can begin setting an appointment for your plans.”

“Awesome.” Lucy finished signing and set the pen down.  “Ah, I’m so excited for your input.  You know the general idea and now we just need to iron out the details.”

Gray had reached for the pen and signed the space meant for his own signature.  “As long as it’s not all pink I’ll be satisfied.”

Just as Lucy was going to retort, a ringing noise interrupted.  Said woman looked around for her purse and after finding it on the ground, lifted it up and fished out her phone.  “Oh shoot; it’s my caterer.  Excuse me but I have to take this.”  Taking Juvia’s nod of approval, she moved toward Juvia’s desk and turned her back for privacy.

When Juvia directed her attention to her new client, she noticed he was eyeing Lucy’s chair.  Nothing interesting there.  Just her jacket.  He probably misses having her next to him.  Oh to be in love.  Or to have a pair of eyes looking at me the way I bet he looks at her.  Just a particular set...

“Yes we will be right there!  Thank you so much!”  A click and Lucy turned back.  “Gray!  Our appointment!  We’re late!”  Wow she runs fast because the next thing Juvia knew the blonde beauty had her purse in hand and a hand on her fiance’s shoulder.

“I deeply apologize but we have to leave now.  When is your next available appointment?  I’ll take it.”

Caught off guard for just a moment, Juvia came to and blurted out, “This Thursday at three.”  Good thing she looked over her planner before they came in.

“Great.  See you then!”

And then Gray said, “It was nice meeting you.”  One dazzling smile later and Juvia was left alone.

The florist glanced at the table and immediately regretted it.  “How can Juvia organize so well and still make a mess?”  She groaned.

Ding.

Juvia peered towards the door and was pleasantly surprised to see Gray had returned.  “Has Gray-san forgotten something?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact.  It seems as though Lucy left her jacket,” a gaze at the chair which she previously occupied, “and it’s right there.”  Juvia chose to help him out and meet him halfway so she swiftly held it and folded it.  Both held out their arms and stretched them out but when he tried to grab it…

***

Yeah, I saw sparks.

***

Their hands touched and the sudden feeling of warmth caused Juvia to gasp and drop the jacket.  Instead of attempting to save it from the ground, Gray found himself to have the same reaction.  There was no way he felt what he felt.  Her hands must’ve been cold.

An apology was muttered by the man himself and while he bent down to pick up the damned thing, Juvia found herself turning her head to look out the window.  Was someone witness to my sin?!

No.

Just his fiance waiting outside, appearingly speaking on the phone.  The person she was talking to must’ve made a joke since the bride was now laughing…  

Lucy was so kind.  She had just met her but Juvia just knew that she was open and honest.  Lucy was the kind of person she always wanted to be friends with.  Lucy was the type of girl that everyone would go after.

.

Lucy was someone that Juvia so badly wanted to be.

It must be nice being her.

“Well I’ll just be heading out now.  I’ll see you around?”  He snapped her attention right back and it was that moment where she recalled just how beautiful he was.

“Juvia supposes you will.”  One more damn dazzling smile later and he left.

Her eyes followed him out, onto the scene that portrayed itself.  A smiling Gray showed Lucy her jacket and the woman who then hung up the call.  She returned the grin and looped her arms around his neck where he bent his head to kiss her.  They both smiled in the kiss and that was enough for Juvia.  She tore her eyes away and went to put away her binders.

They really were the picture perfect couple.  Both of them deserved happiness.  She thought back on how...satisfied they seemed.  It was then where Juvia settled on something.

I will see through to this wedding and personally make sure that they end up in their happily ever after, even if it pained her.

***

Daffodil: new beginnings

“Sparks” by Coldplay

The way that I got my nails done and immediately felt the struggle isn’t even funny.  It’s so hard to type and what’s worse is how I had to finish the chapter and then work on my outline for this story.  When she thinks fast but can’t reciprocate the energy via typing…

Let me know what you think and thank you all for being interested!