Lively as usual, the guild hall could be heard halfway across town and by the noise, even travelers knew it must be Fairy Tail making the racket.

Levy and Lucy huddled themselves in a corner, trying to avoid being hit as much as possible while discussing the latest book that had just been released. The final series of Lacrymosa, a forbidden love cliche.

Natsu had no interest in their discussion and had quickly made his way over to the bar where Mirajane stood, cleaning a few mugs. He hated when Lucy started on long and boring conversations with Levy over books he couldn't quite get into. Now, anytime Lucy mentioned one of her books, it sounded interesting and he would sit and listen in.

"Talking about books again?" Mira picked up the next and final mug, drying it with a cloth.

"Yeah... " His gloomy face turned even sourer and a pout formed along his lips.

"You like it when she talks about her books though. What's the difference?" She stacked away the dishes, turning away from him for just a moment. When she returned her attention to him, she caught the very end of his eyeroll.

"Because she explains things, unlike the books she reads. It makes sense why her characters do things." Mira laughed at his explanation.

"That's because she's the author so she knows more about them than what's just on paper, but when you're a reader, the author only gives out relevant information." Her words didn't brighten his mood. "Why not a job? With Levy?"

He perked up at that, but his eyes traveled over to where Lucy still sat, talking with the Script mage.

"She could use someone like you for this next job. Besides, I'm hoping Lucy will take a different job, its more compatible for a celestial wizard." Mirajane conveniently left out the part where she'd matched up with Gray.

"Oh…" Natsu's mood dropped at the mention Lucy wouldn't be accompanying. "I guess, sure."

"Great!" Mira gave a large grin, almost too wide, and clapped her hands. "I'll let her know and you can head out this evening." She shot off to the back, dodging Elfman's and Laxus's contest of strength which involved anything from hitting one another to throwing things just to see how far they could throw it.

Later that evening, Levy and Natsu headed out, waving goodbye to Mira and Lucy who sat at the bar.

"Her usual team had gotten the flu and I don't think Gajeel would have been perfect for the job, though I'm sure he would have no problem helping Levy.' Mira absentmindedly wiped down the table.

"Yeah…" Lucy pondered the thought, feeling weird about not being able to go. She hadn't gone on a mission without Natsu since she joined. Occasionally, sure, she had taken small jobs but that had been easy and local.

"I do have a job for you and Gray. He met with the client today who made a detour in his travels to stop by, but I didn't want him to go alone. It's only a few days by train away and you should be back by the weekend." She handed over the contract, dealing with a small cult that had been disturbing the trade routes of a town.

"A cult?"

Mira nodded her head, making sure to point out the large reward, "they're using the old mines as some kind of shrine and hideaway. I'm sure you could help."

Lucy stumbled over the reward money. As much as she liked Natsu, the damage he could cause often cut into her rent money, but with Gray, she doubted he would cause so much damage. It would leave her cut with a little over six months rent… even including travel expenses.

"You'll take it?"

"Absolutely!"

"I'll let him know and you can head out in the morning!" Mirajane grinned and headed into the back to grab some more metal for Gajeel who had just arrived.

"Salamander out?"

"Hmm? Oh, yeah. Levy needed some help on a mission, so he agreed to go with her. They left only ten minutes ago." He only nodded, taking the food and cold beverage Mira offered.

"Lucy," Mira pointed over to the entrance, "Gray just arrived."

As Lucy headed over, Mira turned her sights to Gajeel who sat oblivious as he chowed.

"So, Gajeel, I know you returned from a mission just a few days ago, but…" He raised a pierced brow at her, interest in his red eyes. "... Juvia is having some trouble with hunt down a gang of bandits, just a few days train ride from here. She could really use your help."

Gajeel only huffed, Pantherlily coming to rest on his shoulder.

"Another job?"

"Interested, Lily?" The black exceed nodded.

"Yeah, Clara is finally back with Wendy and looking after Happy." The blue exceed had also gotten sick, unfortunately leaving Natsu without him for the week.

"That's good."

"Just give me her location." Gajeel downed his ale and stuffed the remaining scrap metal in his pockets.


"I must admit Mira, you are quite good at this. They don't suspect a thing."

"No, they don't do they?" Mira wiped the bar down, smiling at the stranger who sat just at her feet. "I'm sorry it took me longer, I had no intentions of Juvia being gone for so long, but I guess it works in our favor. Wendy left with Laxus on a contract and to be honest, it left me quite shocked, but Wendy really wanted him to accompany her."

"Its good for the youngest slayer in the guild to team up with the others. To learn." Mira nodded her head in agreement.

"I heard it went well and Laxus was quite happy to go along with her, even if the mission was a bit low for his abilities."

"And this strength contest Elfman and him had going on?"

"Hmmm… I think Elfman is still holding some grudges when Team B won…"

"What?" Mira waved off her confusion.

That had been a fun day. Something she was sure no one would forget.

.

.

.

Man, I've been away from Fairy Tail for a long time, but I want to get back into fanfiction so badly. I've been doing other works, but I'd like to finish this, especially since I feel better about the direction I'm going to take my plot. It's deviated from the original plan, but the idea is still the same. I don't promise to continue this. I may write a bit then drop it again, but I will strive to finish this. Its kind of bad timing with college getting ready to start soon and all, but nevertheless, I'm going to try to finish this and do some more for my Nameless Couples series which involve the same couples.

This will also be posted on my Deviantart and AO3 accounts (brand new!), so if you prefer those platforms, you can find it there!