This is the story of Lyon, who's head-over-heels for Juvia, who's pining after Gray, who's had a secret crush on Erza (basically since forever), but she's completely oblivious because she's totally in love with Jellal. Of Freed, who feels conflicted over his feelings for Mirajane who's ignoring him because she's not over Laxus who still misses what they used to have (even though he's mostly, completely over it). Of Loke who won't give up even though he knows that he has zero chance with Lucy, even though she's sick and tired of clueless, bone-headed Natsu who doesn't understand why there's a problem.

This is the Mazeverse series, a post-Tenrou AU with pairings galore. Gruvia, Lyvia, Grayza, Jerza, Nalu, Nali, Lolu, Graylu, Bixanna, Gale, ElfEver, Miraxus, Laxana, MiraFreed as well as a handful of crackships and rare-pairs as we try to pair the spares. This is the Mazeverse. No ship is safe ;)

Happy Friday! Who's having an awesome summer?

Team Natsu's going to have an awesome 'summer' too, lol. Technically it's actually only April in their timeline, but I don't know it really matters. This story takes place a few weeks after the events of Protective and The Problem with Ranged Weapons (so April for those who are keeping score).

guest: Thanks! It's always a pleasure to hear from you. I am all about the struggle, as you can probably tell, lol. Ah, heartbreak! One of those things that I enjoy so much more on paper than in real life! ;) I'm glad to be of some entertainment and hope that this piece is as satisfying as the last.

- K. Chandler

It had been just long enough for her to have forgotten all about it. It made Erza wonder if Gray had waited this long on purpose.

"So how does this weekend sound? Lucy and the Pyro should be free," said Gray. He had appeared next to her, leaning against the bar casually.

"For what?" Erza asked curiously.

Gray's expression pulled into a lazy grin. "You wanted to go to the beach, didn't you?"

Erza blinked at him. She had asked to go to the beach.

She vaguely remembered telling him so, that time they were stuck up on Mount Haokbe. But, given the circumstances, she really hadn't expected him to remember. Then again, Gray always had a way of surprising her.

"Do you not want to go anymore?" he asked. Gray's casualness seemed forced, his hands wedged deep in his pockets.

Erza shook her head. "…No… that's not it," she said. "The beach sounds great."

"Yeah?" asked Gray, though Erza could see the tension drain from his shoulders. "Okay, well, let's go then. I've found us a little beach house we can rent for 18000 Jewel a night. It's not ocean-front," he conceded apologetically. "But it's still close enough to the beach that we could walk."

Erza gave a thoughtful hum. "If we split it, that's 4500 a person? That's not bad," said Erza.

"An absolute steal," said Gray, nodding. "So I'll go ahead and book it for this weekend. Oh, but if you want Flame Brain and Lucy to come, you're in charge of making them."

"I thought you said they were free," said Erza.

"They are. But if you want this to be a team thing, that's on you to figure out," Gray reminded her with a grin.

"I'll take care of it."

"I know you will. See you this weekend," said Gray.

Erza couldn't help but smile to herself as he strode out of the guild.

The beach! Even though summer was just around the corner, Erza didn't want to wait. A weekend to soak up the rays on the beach would be just the thing.

"Sounds like a good time," said Mira, leaning over the bar.

"Anything that'll get the team together," said Erza.

Mira grinned, her eyes lighting up in amusement. "Is that all it is?"

"Of course, that's all it is," said Erza. "What else would it be?"

"Well…" said Mira innocently, tapping her chin as if in thought. "From over here, it looks a lot like—"

"Mira. Drop it," said Erza. She pulled out her lacrima to give Lucy a call.

"Hey, Erza! What's—Quit that! You dummy… What's up?" Lucy's voice crackled through the lacrima.

"Are you with Natsu?" guessed Erza. She wondered where they were. They hadn't been in the guild all day.

"—Yeah," admitted Lucy after a hesitant pause.

"Put me on speaker. He'll want to hear this too."

"Natsu, it's Erza. She wants to talk to both of us."

"What? No! Tell Erza she has to fight me first," came Natsu's voice.

"I heard that," growled Erza.

"Oh, crap!" Natsu whispered.

"Good going, Natsu," said Lucy. "You're on speaker."

"Erza's going to kill you!" Happy sang out.

"Hey, Erza!" said Natsu with a forced laugh. "What's going on?"

Erza considered reaming him out on the spot, but then decided against it. She didn't want to ruin their sea-side expedition. Instead she said, "Pack your bags. We're going on a team-building retreat this weekend."

"You mean like training in the mountains?" asked Natsu. "That could be pretty cool."

Erza heard what sounded like a high-five, probably between Natsu and Happy.

"Aw, please no!" whined Lucy.

"We're going to the beach," said Erza.

Lucy perked up immediately. "Sweet! That sounds like fun!"

"Lame," said Natsu. "You guys have fun. Me and Happy got some spring cleaning to do."

"You don't clean," said Lucy. "Your place is a sty!"

"It's not that bad," said Natsu.

"I found dirty dishes in your sock drawer!" shouted Lucy.

"I was wondering where those went off to," said Natsu.

"That's just gross."

"Natsu," interrupted Erza, her voice steely. "You will be going to the beach. Don't make me tell you twice."

"…Yes, ma'am."

Next time, in [Mazeverse] Happiness Comes in Waves, Team Natsu has fun with sandcastles: "How is this cheating? Natsu's spitting fireballs!"

Stop back next Friday for the next installment, or just follow me, Karine of R011ingThunder.