Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.

Chapter 1

It wasn't easy going to a job alone. It demanded too much of her energy and her will to keep moving on. Perhaps she got used to having company that she didn't even knew that time was passing by. Scolding Natsu and Gray when they get into a heated argument. Stopping Erza from killing the boys. Happy being happy. Sometimes Wendy and Carla would come as well.

Typically, it all ends with them destroying a part of town and letting the guild financially deal with their damages.

Those were the old times — much to Lucy's dismay.

The job she took was tiring. She was asked to help insomniacs fix their sleeping schedule. She found out that there was a [ name of a magical plant that Lucy forgot] that fumes every time the moon lights up upon it. It releases a pungent odor and by just a whiff of its scent can make a person restless. The plant was abundant near houses so she check every inch of the vicinity. It took her two days and one night before she completed the job.

The reward was enough to cover her rent for several months. Although, it would've been larger if she accepted the offer wherein she can study that plant and its properties, the roots and why it only fumes when its illuminated by the moon or what kind of toxins it releases. Maybe it can cure a disease or it can be utilized as a vaccine — who knows. And so she wonders why she didn't accept the offer when she was also curious.

She was exhausted though. So no regrets.

"Lucy,"

Lucy popped out of her thoughts and looked for the person who called her. She found Gray standing a few meters away from her.

"Gray," She softly smiles.

"You seem tired." Gray stepped closer to her. He peeked over her shoulder seeing the baggage she's been pulling. "Got back from a job?"

The team didn't take jobs or missions together anymore. So much things had happened that at some point they were just assigned with different partners or groups. They simply grew apart.

"Yeah," Lucy giggles, rubbing her neck.

Although they were still friends. They still hangout [barge in] at Lucy's place when they have the time but its not the same.

"Can I walk you home?" Gray politely asked.

Gray noted the changes. The events that passed took a big toll on their team. He misses them too but he knows its not gonna go back to the way it used to be back then. It was kinda like saying 'they matured' or something. Furthermore, he knows Lucy is deeply affected by this. Out of everyone in the team ; Lucy cared too much, hurt too much, think too much and Gray didn't know how she handles it all by herself. Gray didn't want her to be alone.

"You don't have to," Lucy replies. She gets shy all of a sudden.

Gray knew how stubborn she was so he went ahead and claimed her baggage away from her.

"Gray wha–," Lucy didn't even got the opportunity to retaliate by his sudden action.

"Come on Luce," Gray gave her a sideway look. "The sun's going down," Gray turned on his heel and walked off, pulling Lucy's baggage with him.

Lucy sighed and followed after him. She positioned her hands behind her as a small smile formed in her lips.

Initially, Gray was supposed to go home. He didn't anticipate that he'll see the blonde mage along the way.

"Are you going to the guild after this?" Gray asked.

The two mages were already in front of Lucy's apartment. Gray is waiting for Lucy's initiative to bid him goodbye. Because Gray didn't want to bother her any longer. For him, everybody seems aloof nowadays. Lucy is one of them. This induces him to push people away too but what's new about that?

"Yeah, I need to report back to Mira," Lucy smiled.

Gray nods in understanding. "Stay safe alright?" He took a step backwards, preparing his body to turn away and leave.

"Chotto matte kudaisai!" Lucy held out her hand.

Gray cocked his brow. "What's the matter Lucy?"

Lucy placed her hand back to her side. "I just wanna thank you Gray,"

"Its no problem," The latter replied placing his hands on his pockets.

In a moment, a strong breeze blew past them. Autumn leaves danced, small waves created in the canal and tousled hair.

Lucy placed a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Don't you wanna talk about it Gray?"

Gray looked at her in the eyes. "Do you?"

"you took the sun with you when you left"

Thank you for reading. I published and edited this via phone.

I'm sorry for any errors.

Let me know what you think by writing a review, til' next time!