Time Warp
Lucy woke with a start. She wiped away the tears on her cheeks. Some of her future self's memories still haunted her. The grip around her waist tightened. Lucy smiled up at the sleeping man beside her. Natsu's expression was troubled. Lucy's eyes watered as the nightmares invaded her thoughts. I need to calm down. I shouldn't worry Natsu any further, she thought. The sun had yet to rise, so Lucy carefully moved Happy off her stomach and onto the pillow by her head. She tried to loosen Natsu's hold, but his grip was like a vice's. Suddenly Natsu's eyes shot open and he threw his body on top of her's. He buried his head in her neck and let out a shuddering breath.
"Lucy...Lucy...Lucy...," he muttered over and over.
"Natsu...I'm right here," Lucy assured him slowly.
She ran her hands through his hair to calm him. Somehow Natsu's tackle hadn't disturbed Happy. After about twenty minutes, Natsu calmed enough to roll off Lucy and sit up. He sat with his back to her and stared out the window.
"Gomen, Lucy," Natsu mumbled.
"Natsu," Lucy chided sitting up. "You know I'll always be here for you. I don't mind. We're nakama after all."
She could've sworn she saw him stiffen at the word "nakama". She loved him more than nakama, but could he feel the same way for her? No.
"I know, Lucy. Sorry about dropping in again," Natsu said.
"It's fine. Especially with everything we've been through. So, since neither of us are getting back to sleep, I'm going to go make breakfast."
As Lucy left the room, Natsu turned to watch her leave. Her sleep shorts showed off her long legs. He wanted to hold her close a while longer-to chase away the nightmares of course-, but she obviously didn't feel the same. Natsu looked at his still sleeping friend. If only I could dream like you, Happy, he thought forlornly.
About an hour later, Lucy finished making breakfast. She set heaping plates of pancakes and bacon on the table. She set out a plate of fish for Happy, too.
"Come and get it!" Lucy called.
"Whoo!" Natsu and Happy shouted as they ran into the kitchen.
Within ten minutes half of what Lucy made was gone. She finished her third pancake, then excused herself to take a shower. After another hour, the trio were on their way to the guild.
"You're the bestest, Lucy!" Happy proclaimed still thinking about the syrup covered, bacon wrapped fish he'd eaten.
"Aye!" Natsu agreed rubbing his stomach.
"Arigatou, guys," Lucy responded.
They walked into the guild to find the usual stuff. Lucy ran over to Levy and Erza at the bar. Natsu followed a bit more slowly and sat by Gray. He and Juvia had been even more inseparable than usual. Whenever Natsu asked why, Gray's expression would darken and Juvia would become near inconsolable with tears.
"Erza you seem out of it," Lucy said.
"Yeah," Levy agreed. "You've barely touched your cake."
It was true. And very strange.
"Ano...Well, there's something I need to tell you guys. Master said he would make and announcement later when everyone got here...," Erza started.
"What is it?" Gray asked.
"Jellal and Meredy are coming for a visit today," Erza said quickly.
"Really? That's great!" Juvia said excitedly.
"What is?" Wendy asked joining them.
"Carla!" Happy shouted as he dove at the she-cat beside Wendy.
Carla dodged him with practiced ease.
"Oi! Brats! Listen up!" Makarov shouted from the upper level. "Max, Warren, close the doors."
They obeyed. All was silent. Makarov cleared his throat and began speaking.
"Most of you remember Jellal from the Tower of Heaven and Oracion Seis, and Meredy from Grimoire heart. Although, many of you may not know that they have become our allies."
"What about Ultear-san?" Wendy asked.
"She died in Daimatou Enbou to save us-to save me," Gray said slowly.
Juvia gripped his hand and placed a hand on his back.
Makarov continued: "Yes...Jellal and Meredy will be coming for a visit today. Doranbolt has agreed to keep Lahar clear-"
"Since when is Dorannbolt on our side?!" Elfman interject only to be promptly smacked upside the head by Evergreen's fan.
"Atigatou, Ever. Since Tenroujima, Doranbolt has had a sympathies toward Fairy Tail. And because a few well respected mages and a dragon slayer close to his heart all vouched for them and Jellal and Meredy's assistance in Daimatou Enbou, he has granted this favor. Kagura and Millianna have also asked to meet with them here to clear the air so to speak. Erza will act as mediator. Though there is no real need to say this, you are all sworn to secrecy. If any of you are uncomfortable with these arrangements, you are welcome to leave," Makarov said.
No one moved. Mira whispered something to her little sister. Lisanna turned beat red and shouted, "Mira!"
"Don't you dare get any ideas, you match-making demon!" Erza warned.
"No promises," Mira responded with a wink.
Everyone laughed and continued on with life.
"When are Jellal and Meredy coming?" Wendy asked.
Erza, Gray, Juvia, Natsu, Lucy, Wendy, Happy, and Carla had moved from the bar to a booth near the doors. Levy had found a seat by Gajeel on the far side of the room.
"After sunset. Kagura and Millianna should be here any time now." Erza answered.
"So Erza...Have you spoken to Jellal since we met during training? A little birdie told me you two spent a long time together...Alone." Lucy teased.
"Would this bird happen to be blue?" Erza asked glaring at Happy.
Happy gulped an hid behind Carla.
"I won't betray my informant," Lucy responded. "And stop dodging the question."
"Nothing happened. We just talked," Erza said with an almost unnoticeable twinge of disappointment. She stuffed a bite of cake in her mouth.
"I don't believe you."
"Juvia agrees."
"Why do you say that?" Erza questioned.
It was Wendy who answered: "We know more than you think, Erza-san."
Erza could only stare at the young girl.
"The great Titania is speechless! Good job, Wendy!" Natsu crowed.
"Well, Juvia has quite a bit figured out about you, too, Natsu." Juvia said with a sly smile.
Gray laughed. "It's not like he's all that complicated. He's just dense!"
"What did you say, ice princess?!" Natsu shouted.
"You heard me, flame brain!"
"You two wouldn't be fighting, would you?" Erza asked menacingly.
"Of course not!" Gray protested.
"Aye sir!" Natsu agreed.
Lucy, Wendy, and Juvia laughed and Erza went to back to her cake. Just then Millianna and Kagura came in.
"Feelin' spiffy, Er-chan?!" Millianna shouted as she ran at Erza. She stood and hugged her fiercely. She released the younger girl and hugged Kagura.
"Neko!" Millianna shouted and dove at the Exceeds.
Happy flew into Lucy's chest and Lily ran from his place at the bar to Levy's lap. Carla didn't move fast enough. She was ensnared in Millianna's grip. Everyone laughed as Wendy tried to coax Carla from Millianna's deathly squeeze.
"When will they arrive?" Kagura asked Erza asked softly.
"After dark," she whispered.
Cana came up behind Kagura and threw one arm around her shoulders.
"Now's no time to mope! Drink up and have fun!" she slurred as she dragged the other girl to the bar. Mira laughed as she put two mugs of sake on the bar.
"Don't get too drunk!" Erza called after her with a chuckle.
"Kagura! Fight me!" Natsu shouted as he charged at her.
"Pipe down, ash breath!" Gray shouted.
"Shut up, walking icicle!"
"You wanna go, squinty eyes?!"
"Droopy eyes!"
"Natsu, Gray! You two wouldn't be fighting wouldn't happen to be fighting, would you?" a new, yet familiar voice asked.