Authors note: Important note on the bottom.
| Prelude |
~Home|| Natsu Dragneel~
It had been a rough sort of experience for the entire living occupants since Erza had pushed him and Knightwalker into learning 'Requip', well, not that he was going to use it for the upcoming Exams. If he had to be honest, he wasn't sure what use he could use it for. Though, he had to admit he was glad to have learned a 'bit' of Erza's magic, as the fact she used different types of armors and weapons, and how she just 'carries it around like nothing' because of her Spatial storage always intrigued him just a little bit. However, there was also the fact she had remembered everything she puts in it: Swords, Armors, Clothes,... almost everything she had requiped into over the time he knew it, he didn't realize she kept a constant track of it all, and now that he knew, he realized how much more amazing his lover is. She was a strong S-Class Mage, with every bit of power and magic behind to back her up, and looking down, he wished there was something he could do. However, that wasn't the reason he liked her, well, loves her. The slumbering Titania, tightly clung to him, was a strong woman with a heart full of love and care for others, even if a bit of it was directed towards her former love. Everything of her, the way she fought, look, her strong sense of loyalty to those around her and how tall she stood, yet even she had her cute moments like this. Telling her he wants her to stand with him at the top, meaning he had to first reach the same level as her. That has been his drive to pass this year.
Though, as the sun continued to peak through the windows, feeling the rays grow wider as the second passed, he knew that the slumbering Scarlet Knight beside him was going to sleep as much as possible. Before, he could remember that she was fairly adamant of a 'strict' sleeping and morning schedule, he couldn't help but feel a little guilty that his habits must have rubbed off onto her someway or another. Although, seeing the Mighty Titania sleep so peacefully like this also had its advantages, after all, she always looked so happy when she slept, wondering if it had anything to do with their relationship. For a short while, he was a little worried that since Mira moved in on her own, then with Knightwalker, that Erza would be a little stressed out, but it didn't seem like it, at least to him. He could only hope that he could continue to give her that assuring mindset that 'nothing wrong' would happen.
"Erza..." finding some means, he was able to move in closer to her despite her arms possessively tightly clung to his own. It wasn't entirely bad, it just made it a little harder as the 'next step' was usually having his entire half of his body 'claimed' by her, luckily she was probably a little tired out to do so, "C'mon, Erza..." calling out to her a little more, "Don't want to sleep the entire day..." though to be honest, if the Exams weren't coming up, he wouldn't have said that and would have just gone back to sleep.
Stirring around in her sleep, she mumbled a little incoherently as she tightened her hold onto him. He was beginning to wonder how she got out of bed on her own back when she lived in Fairy Hills. Running his hand through her scarlet hair, brushing it out of her face, he was beginning to remember all the times she had cried in her life. It wasn't the kind of memories he liked to see, it was just at times like these where she was at peace that they often dug their way back from the depths of his mind, making it harder for him to shake them off a little more. Even though he could say without a doubt he was far stronger than he was back then, he knew there was still a ways to go before he could feel at a 'content' point where he wouldn't have to worry about that. Perhaps it would be then he could uphold Simon's promise. It wasn't just a promise to a late friend of hers though, but was also because he never wanted her to feel so much pain if he could stop it.
It wouldn't be long after, that he began to hear footsteps throughout the rest of the house, thinking that it was either Mira or Knightwalker just waking up and getting ready for the day. Though, considering Knightwalker had a tendency to make her way out earlier in the morning there was a chance she was already awake and busy working on getting used a little more to her magic, meaning it had to be Mira.
"Time to wake up,... Erza" calling out to her once more, lightly shaking her gently. With a light smile on his face, he lied back down, facing her as he hadn't any other choice considering his situation. "Dont'cha wanna get a headstart to the day?"
Mumbling a little more, she unwillingly let go of him as she grabbed the blanket and pulled it over her, shielding herself from the sun a bit more thoroughly, "Don't wanna..." grumbling a little. He couldn't help but feel a little guilty that perhaps being with him had caused her to develop some bad habits, "Sleep is important too... for an S-Class Mage..." Now she was saying something completely wrong.
"...I have a feeling something about that is very wrong..." dulling his eyes at her. There was no doubt she was just making an excuse to continue on sleeping, and while he was free from her grasp there was still an issue that she didn't like him leaving her alone in bed. "C'monn..." saying in a kind tone, he pulled the blanket off in one fell swoop, "Can't have the mighty Titania in bed all day" smirking at her.
Rising up, a little tired she rubbed her eyes sleepily, "Natsu... gimme back the blanket..." grumbling a little. Her hair was a mess, though it was no surprise as she moves around a lot when she sleeps.
"Nope" tossing it to the ground so that she had no means to get it, "Morning is morning... you made that perfectly clear to me before that 'one mustn't waste a perfect morning' remember?" smiling a little sheepish at her.
It was then she tackled him off the bed, eliciting a loud *THUD* as they crashed to the floor, using him to break her fall. "Now we're perfectly away from the evil Sun that aspires to destroy the Beautiful Knight's rest..." resting on top of him.
"Would you get out of bed for a ki-" before he could finish, she had already taken his lips with her own.
Falling slump ontop of him, he rested his hands on her waist as their kiss deepened, feeling her hands clasped and trying to grasp onto his bare chest, feeling a little possessive. Their kiss lasted for a few short moments before breaking slightly, burying her head into the crook of his neck, nestling a little more into him as she felt his hands run up her back. It was her 'ultimate plan' to assure that the two of them couldn't leave and be stuck like this. This had meant that no matter what he did, there was no hope for him once she fell ontop, which would result in just having him to 'deal with it' until she felt a little more wanting to wake up.
"Natsu..." calling out to him, murmuring a little more in her half-sleep state, "Do you love me?" asking him, nestling a little more.
Taken back by her question, she pushed her up slightly to look her in the face. "Of course I do" telling her a little oddly, wondering what could have brought that up. "We've been together for... for..." his eyes dulling a little as he tried to think back to how long it had been. Thinking he had to remember how long it had been. It was after the mess with Oracion Seis, then some strange stuff with Daphne had happened and he was locked in a large robot...and it was definitely some point before they had went to Edolas... then Knightwalker came to Earth Land. "Maybe five or six months...?" thinking a little clearly, "Least... I think so...could be seven..." keeping track of time wasn't his forte.
"But you never tell me" lowering her gaze at him, using her hands to support her, "Not once."
Dulling his gaze over at her, "You haven't either..." telling her straight. "Remember? You just dragged me away from Mira saying 'You're mine. Not Mira's. Or Cana's. Mine. End of story'" recalling the beginning of their relationship. He knew it wasn't the truth though, knowing he HAD said it at some point in their relationship, it was just for them words didn't pass much as much as how they displayed it.
"...!" a little flustered, she looked away. "The books say the man is supposed to say it first. Meaning it's your fault."
Sighing a little, he simply smiled. It wasn't hard to see what she was getting at, and while he'd love to fight her to get her to say it, he held her face and moved her to face him. "I love you, Erza."
"..." even though she was smiling, feeling her heart beat and race harder than she's even felt, her face burned redder than her hair, "I love you too, Natsu."
Happy, she let herself fall onto her without warning and nestled into him more. Even though he thought he had finally gotten her out of bed, it turned out to be the complete opposite as she went back to resting on top of him. He could just have easily pushed her off, but considering he knew how she could be, he almost always opted to choose not to. Though, at some point during their little 'scuffle' he was a little distracted it seemed as he caught the scent of another person in the room aside from the two of them. It was familiar, and if it was who he thought it was, it meant that it wasn't going to end well for some people.
"Awww~ So Cute~" hearing the chipper voice could only belong to the Eldest Strauss sibling, Mirajane. Making her way over, seeing the two cuddled on the ground, she had her hair down, wearing a rather large shirt that covered everything, "I love you too, Natsu~" smiling large and bright.
Hearing the voice of her rival, she perked back up, alert. Turning her expression she glared a bit at the Silver-haired Demon standing in the door way, "I thought I had that lock changed..." annoyed.
"You did~ But you're forgetting that I know how to pick locks" carelessly smiling, holding her hands behind her. "Originally I was going to sneak Natsu away while you slept, but unfortunately you woke her up" pouting, puffing her cheeks a bit as she narrowed her eyes at the Dragon Slayer at the end of her sentence.
He wasn't sure how to take that expression. For a slight moment he had forgotten that Mirajane was also in love with him, something he had known for a short while even though she was the one who helped him and Erza get together. Though, the only real reason he caught onto her feelings was because she was very public in displaying it. Since 137-C Levy dropped the 'big secret' that in her universe her Natsu was dating four women: A woman named Sam, Erza, Mirajane, and Juvia; Mira, well, 'this' Mirajane, had taken this as an opportunity to see her previously unrequited love start to get well, required. For a bit of it, it wasn't too bad, but it was Mira, the only person his beloved Erza has ever 'truly' considered to be her rival. He was lucky at the least that Juvia wasn't involved, knowing the Rain Woman for stalking and obsessing over his frie-, well, rival, Gray. Though, since the Ice-Make Mage started a relationship with Lucy, shockingly, the Water Mage had been 'oddly' absent, making him wonder what happened to her. Time to time he feels a 'little' afraid she had taken what 'other' Levy said to heart, but as far as he knew, she was probably just doing something to get herself back on her feet.
"Anyways~" she had changed her tone, "I made a lil' something to start the day" saying with a bright smile, "Y'know~ 'Cause that's what the 'perfect' wife can do~" reinforcing the fact that aside from Erza, she could cook, and to be honest, there was quite a difference.
Shaking a little, the Scarlet Knight wasn't sure which emotion she wanted to process first between embarrassment and frustration. "Ta... Take..." the shaking as getting worse, and he knew from experience this wasn't good, "I'M GONNA GET YOU MIRA!" in a rush she got up from her Dragon Slayer.
"Try and do so, Red~" playfully antagonizing her, she stuck out her tongue while pulling down her cheek, running off way before the Titania could catch up to her.
Things like this had almost been a daily occurrence since Mira 'completely' made her way to live with them, and while there was a little problem with the two of them 'fighting' a lot like they had in the old days, there wasn't a doubt that Erza probably enjoyed having another person 'with them'. Though, he couldn't necessarily say the same in the case when the Barmaid would purposely flaunt her affections onto him. The way those two fought, from what he could remember, is a lot like when he and Gray fought on a daily basis. Though with things with how they have been, it was a little strange that he hadn't really 'fought' with his rival in a while, despite having done so not too long ago. It was probably because they were all busy with the S-Class Promotional Exams coming up, and they all had taken their own means to train on their own. And with Erza Knightwalker being here, she, alongside Mira, wound up being the ones to go on jobs with them from time to time if it meant they could all spend a bit more time together. It was fun, he couldn't complain, though he hadn't known it was going to cause such a weird change just from a couple other things happening. As long as everyone were happy though, he would do what he could to preserve that kind of happiness.
Eventually, the two of them calmed down, more so because Knightwalker had made her way down, a little angry she was awoken from the two of them running all over the place, causing a ruckus. Without any sort of hesitation, she 'punished' them both by a combination of both hitting them both, something made feasible as she had been practicing 'Teleportation' a little since learning Spatial magic. It wasn't perfect and still took quite a bit out of her, but nevertheless it was something she wanted to hone, thinking it suited her for being a 'Huntress'. Using that, and threatening she was going to find a point to make it so 'no one', well aside from her, could touch Natsu, in any sort of way, which eventually got them to stop fighting. That being said he didn't get off the hook either, as it was all technically his fault for not doing anything about it, and while he knew that to be true, he had a little difficult trying to convince her why he didn't want to get stuck trying to stop the 'Demon' and 'Titania' from fighting, as back from his own memory when they were kids, it never ended good for anyone that stood between them. A little contradictory considering Erza Scarlet is usually the one to tell him he 'shouldn't fight with his Guild Mates' despite her having done so quite frequently with Mira, especially as of late.
After it was all settled, they all managed to finally settle down at the table for them to eat breakfast and begin to start the day. Since it was just the four of them, it was a small table, in which Natsu sat at one side, while both Mira and Erza sat on a side of him each, leaving Knightwalker to sit at the opposite end. While the air was still a 'little' tense from the two of them fighting another, food time was unanimously decided to be 'neutral peace time' declaring that no fighting will be allowed, and if anyone starts, they've lost their right to have whatever meal it was that was being presented during the time of assault. This wasn't hard for either the Dragon Slayer or the Huntress, but considering that early mornings were often a bad time for both the Demon and Titania, one of them usually often went without meals.
"So what's everyone up to today~" asked the Silver-Haired Barmaid with a light smile on her face just before she neatly began to eat the breakfast she prepared, "I'm guessing we're taking a day off from training, right?"
Yawning, stretching a little, the Pinkette tiredly felt his sore arms, "That would be a good idea..." stating as he slowly ate his meal, "Mmm... good job, Mira" smiling, he flashed her a large smile, "Even though I've had your cooking for years now, it always feels like its the first time with every bite."
"You shouldn't talk with your mouth full" a little bitter, the Titania lightly 'stabbed' a spoonful of cooked rice into the Dragon Slayer's mouth. Cooking was a couple of the things Erza Scarlet wasn't good with. Almost perfect in every aspect, except for a few minor things. Though, it seemed to be 'more than minor' when it came to a Dragon Slayer who loves to eat.
Stifling a little, Happy couldn't help but hold in a laugh, "Erza's just jealous 'cause she can't cook to save lives... instead her cooking ends lives..."
"...Don't make me cook you a sweet fish and say is from Mira" Scarlet had glared at the Exceed.
Darting her eyes across the table, she then turned her attention to Knightwalker who didn't want anything to do with this, "Doesn't that count as assault?" asking, wanting to get the Scarlet Knight to get in trouble.
"..." ignoring the two, Knightwalker continued to eat her food. She had to admit that the Silver-Haired Demon's cooking was practically the peak of the tallest mountain compared to her Earth Land counterpart, well, not like she herself tried too much. "By the way, Natsu" calling out to him, "This S-Class Promotions you keep talking about..." she added on, "Does this mean you're qualified to be the 'same rank' as these two over here?"
Excited, he was full of energy, "Damn straight!" excited, "...Though... Gray was elected as well..." a little dulled by it, "By no means am I going to fail this year... I'm going to beat that Ice Princess."
"Remember, Natsu" Scarlet had wanted to calm'his rising behavior, "The S-Class Promotions are more than just strength... you'll be tested on a few other things... and don't forget, Mira and I are both proctors, as is Gildarts."
Suddenly his expression changed a little, "Yeah... uh..." this drew everyone's attention as usually when it came to the strongest Mage in Fairy Tail, the Dragon Slayer was usually more than eager to boast how he's going to just rush at Gildarts, "I'm gonna avoid all three of you guys if I can help it."
This had suddenly destroyed whatever tense atmosphere as everything fell into a 'pause', as if by some means time had come to a stop as all three women stared over at the Dragon Slayer in shock. It was especially shocking for Mira and Erza, considering that since they both had known the pinkette from the very first moment he joined Fairy Tail when they were all young, and since then he made the declaration he was 'going to beat Gildarts' whenever the opportunity arose. For once in a while, the two of them stared at another as they suddenly went into a massive frenzy, Mira rushing over back to the counter, and Erza running frantic to see if he was okay.
"No... I didn't use anything weird..." Mira had exclaimed, double checking to see all the ingredients that had been used when she prepared breakfast, "Everything's how they normally are... It shouldn't be any different!"
A little panicked, the Scarlet Knight felt his forehead, his cheek, "Ah hell with it!" flushing up her cheeks against his, and her forehead against hers, "You're feeling normal..." coming to a conclusion, before darting over to Mira, "What did you put in his food!?"
"Nothing abnormal, I swear!... well this time..." uttering that last bit to herself, "But that's not the point!"
He was a little confused, prompting him to speak out, "What are you two complai-" though, cutting himself off mid sentence, his brain processed what Mira tried to hide, "Wait. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN PUTTING IN MY FOOD?!"
"Natsu, now's not the time for jokes!" Scarlet had declared, "You're obviously ill, tell me what was the las-"
Finding it a little bothersome, Knightwalker brought order back to the eating table, by lightly hitting the table with both of her hands, "Okay, before you both lose your shit... more than you already have..." sighing a little, "Natsu" facing him, "Explain what you meant by your statement earlier."
"What?" a little taken aback, "It's true... as much as I want to be S-Class right now, I don't want to have to fight either of you, or Gildarts" telling them, "There's no other meaning I could state..."
The exceed, catching wind of the situation spoke up, "Yeah... I was pretty shocked too when Natsu made up his mind" he told them, "...I ran away thinking he was an impostor."
"Natsu... isn't your dream to beat Gildarts?" asking, Scarlet looked at him, a little worried.
Agreeing with her rival for once was the Demon, "Yeah... Your dream was to beat Gildarts to prove to Erza you're 'the strongest' or so you've said."
"True... that hasn't changed either" he honestly told them, "It's just... I honestly don't think I'm 'ready' to beat Gildarts..." telling them with a large smile, "I mean remember what that 'other' Levy said...? her Natsu is far stronger than I am, and THAT guy can take on Gildarts" reminding them, "...I've been training for months as it is, and she still says he's 'that much' stronger..."
It was a little shocking at first, but for the first time they supposed they understood how much he had changed after all that had happened as of late, "That's surprisingly smart of you, Natsu" Knightwalker was the first to reply, "Considering how important this exam means to you, you woudln't want to recklessly throw that all away to satiate your own ego" pointing out, "Though... this better not mean that you're chickening out either" giving a light glare, "I don't like men who act like scared little bitches despite putting up a front."
"Of course not" meeting the glare with his own hardened look, "I'm still going to beat Gildarts, and if I have to fight him against my wishes I'm going to go all out without holding back."
Smirking a little, she liked the look in his eyes. They were full of fire, the same she saw within the fiery dragon that was presented to her the first time that she had confronted. "Good... That's the kind of man I fell-"
"Wait... I thought you've been saying to him you 'Don't love' him" Mira caught on, interrupting the Huntress' words as she began thinking back to all their previous 'love escapades', "Remember? You always say 'Remember... I. Do. Not. Lo-"
Cutting the Demon off, "I don't" hastily cutting her off, "I mean to say that to 'encourage' Drag- I mean, Natsu over there..." a little frustrated, she sat up, "I'm going to the Guild. Thank you, for the breakfast, Mira" kindly paying her respects over before gathering her empty plates and stacking them at the sink, "Natsu!" calling out the Dragon Slayer, "It's your turn to do dishes" saying just before leaving out of the Kitchen.
"Hmmm~" intrigued a little, "I got work today" sighing just a little, "Sorry, Natsu~ Just look forward to dinner~" saying in an almost cute and loving tone, just before she followed suit, leaving just the two of them.
It was a little odd, seeing that it was just the two of them once more, and although they were used to this, it was even rarer considering with all the 'forced' company they were having with Mirajane and Erza Knightwalker. Thinking it over, he stretched a little, wondering what to make of the situation. He didn't think it was too much of a deal, considering that he was trying to be 'mature' for once, and not wanting to rush out like he used to. There was a without a doubt that he would have done so some point back in the past, but after all that had happened, he had realized just now where he stood, and furthermore, there was more important matters he wanted to attend to first.
"Say, Erza..." calling out to the Scarlet Knight, the only one that had stayed, "It's been a while... but since we're taking a day off, you wanna go out to town?" sheepishly smiling at her.
Hearing that, her body twitched a little, jumping a little in her spot, "...it has been a while" a little flustered, "You do owe me... and there's a new cake shop I've wanted to se-" before she could respond, he pulled her up against her.
"Well... we can see them all" smiling a little more, pulling her in for a full embrace, "Whole day... jus' you an me."
Popping up, "What about me~" the Exceed popped up.
"Urm... Happy..." Erza called out, trying to say with a light smile, "I think Natsu and I want to be alone, if that's okay."
Trying to piece it together, he looked back and forth between the two before finally letting it 'click' in his mind, "Ah!" coming to a halt, "You guys are gonna be mushh-"
"Not THAT!" a little flustered and embarrassed she struck the Exceed, "I mean..." her face continued to fluster at the thought. In a rush of emotions, she unknowingly struck her boyfriend, feeling her emotions reach a peak before before burning a little more.
Rising up, trying to shake himself back to conscious, he could only smile a bit. It was odd a little, her 'outbursts' like this were often moments she couldn't explain but simply 'her emotions breaching their peak'. Smiling a little, the two of them shared the current moment with another as she helped the poor pinkette with the dishes that the other two had left for him even it was his job. Although he could manage to at least do that, he understood the implications as the Titania wanted to take hold of the day and make sure she was able to 'keep him' all to herself for as long as she could under the 'interruptions' would come back. He couldn't complain either since it had been a while since it was just him and her, and since they had a nice break from all the training they were doing there was no real reason for him to push aside her kindly assistance. It was a little exciting, being able to spend time with her like this, and perhaps after everything he was going to be able to clear his thoughts a little more of what he 'needed to do' about everything. Looking at that smile of hers as she helped him wash the plates was something he needed to assure stayed. Little steps. Though, he couldn't help but wonder about it. Was Erza happy with how things are currently? Even if it wasn't just between the two of them, it didn't evade his mind as he wondered how she felt about Mira and Edo Erza living with them. A part of him wanted to believe that under all that 'rivalry' fighting that's increased was just a little bit of fun Erza could have.
~At the Guild || Mirajane Strauss~
As much as she enjoyed working, it was slightly 'slow' as most of the Guild Members were off training for the upcoming exams, or frantically finding more jobs to do since they wanted to make the cut next year and get a head start. Though, that wasn't to say that some of the 'regulars' were still there. As she kept watched at the bar, Cana was still on her side of the bar she claimed being 'her spot' as it was nicely to the side away from the others and she could keep to herself if she wanted. She was among the others that qualified for the S Class Promotional Exams, alongside, Freed, Juvia, Gray, Levy, her younger brother Elfman, and of course, Natsu, and like the latter, she assumed Cana was 'already' ready for the Exams and was trying to just cool her nerves as the Take Over Demon knew how many times she had taken it. Other people like Bisca and Alzack were among those who were working up to get ready for the next years exam, in hopes at the least one of them would be able to participate. Aside from those, others that had no real interest in the exams for one reason or another were namely still present, such as Reedus who was painting as per usual, and Macao and Wakaba, both who were chatting away while passing idle glances at the Scarlet Huntress, who was minding her own business with a novel.
It wouldn't be long, however, until she caught wind of the Demon and bitterly tried to ignore her, keeping to herself as she continued reading, though, what caught the Barmaid's attention was actually what the one from Edolas was reading. She hadn't placed a finger on it, but she had seen that kind of book somewhere recently, as well as it being part of a larger collection-Ah. Right. It was one of Erza's 'secret' smut romances that the Titania kept and sort of 'used as a guide' to determine relationships and emotions. By 'secret' she meant not so cleverly hidden, as the Scarlet Knight had just stacked it in a safe place, not being anywhere in their room considering that the two could wreck it simply by being in love.
Love. Sighing, the barmaid realized a little where she might stand. "What's wrong Mira?" hearing a voice pulled her out of her thoughts. It was Lucy, who was surprisingly alone.
"Ah, nothing~" putting up a front, "What about Gray?" asking, "Usually you're both walking in together, more or less."
Groaning, she limped on the table, "He's off training...again" she told him, "I told him he was fine enough as it is but since Natsu wiped the floor with both him AND Gajeel he's been a little moody about it, especially after McGarden's visit."
"Hehe,... those two will never change" giggling a little, she leaned parallel to the blonde, "Though it's only natural Natsu had the edge" she began to tell her, "I WAS the one who had been training him. I've been working him down to the bone since the beginning, plus since dating Erza and Knightwalker over there, they've been pushing him even harder."
A little exhausted, "I'm surprised he hasn't died yet..." dreading just thinking what it must be like to train under not Mira, but also two Erza's at the same time, more or less.
"He's a tough lil' dragon~" commenting, "I couldn't help it though, he was so driven to protect Erza, and now he has the higher goal of reaching 'that other' Natsu's strength" Sighing a little, she revisted that memory of when it was 'just the two of them'.
Looking over, the Celestial Mage couldn't help but notice something, "Mira... are you 'actually' in love with him?" commenting.
"That is actually a fairly interesting question" surprising them was Knightwalker, who decided to join. She had a crimson tanktop, exposing a decent amount of cleavage as well as the black Guild stamp above her right breast, alongside black cargo pants, with light gray trims lining around to accentuate pockets and the sort, and accompanied with black combat boots, "By the way, Mira, anything good to drink?"
Pondering, she looked over the list she could think of to please the Huntress, "Well... what would you like?" asking with a light smile.
"Water would be nice" asking, taking a seat. "Reading Scarlet's secret book stash is fairly interesting... never thought the 'Proud Knight' would have a collection of this."
Handing her a large class of ice cold water, the Demon simple smiled, "Erza's just like that~" poking at her friend, "She never admits to anything upfront unless it's anger, which I suppose is cute in itself~"
"Tell me about it..." a little full of dread, the Celestial Mage could only reminisce about it all, "She punched Natsu with enough force to almost give him a concussion for accidentally kissing her... well... it's debatable if he had one."
Knightwalker found it a 'little hard to believe' that her counter part could be like that. Well, just a tiny bit. For the entire time they've been together, all four of them, it was a little obvious to tell that Scarlet had her 'own way' of handling emotions when she couldn't necessarily process them perfectly or right. It wasn't like Erza Knightwalker, who simply chooses her ways and had complete control of it, most of the time. Though, that did bring up the lingering question that made her wonder a little about the Barmaid.
"That reminds me... Blondie over there..." Knightwalker announced, not really knowing her name.
Sighing, "It's Lucy" correcting her.
"Either way" shrugging it off, "Luce over there asked out about if you 'actually' love Natsu or not" commenting, "You and Scarlet fight every morning so I am a little curious if you do it just to annoy her."
Smiling, she didn't know what to say. Honestly there were a number of reasons why, it's just that she hadn't necessarily 'gone through' with any of them, at least not directly being up front to the Dragon Slayer about it, "It's a bit of both" telling her, shocking only the blonde, "I'm just a little spiteful is all~ Erza snatched my sweet lil' Salamander away from me. Well... First I snatched him away from Cana~"
"...!" shocked even more, they turned their attention to the brunette who spit out her drink, choking a little, "What th- I never liked him!" complaining, "He was just sad so I thought of taking him out for a drink... or ten..." though her face grew a little concerned, "...actually to be honest, I don't remember what happened later... we were drinking... and I woke up in the backroom the next morning with the worst hangover I've ever had..."
Grinning a little, "That's not what I got from you~" commenting, "Right when McGarden told us 'her' Cana had been fantasizing about their Natsu, you seemed a little 'shocked' as if she spurted out your secret to the rest of the Guild."
"..." unable to find the right words, she merely tensed her expression as she stood up, "I'm going out. My boyfriend is waiting for me to meet up with him since he's gonna help me train for the exams" stating as she began to make her way out to the door.
Watching her, the Barmaid simply waited until she reached the door, "Well~ You should bring him over sometimes~ I'm sure Natsu and Erza would love to double up~" causing the Card Mage to stumble on her way out.
"It's so obvious..." the three of them thought almost simultaneously.
Though, with that out of the picture, and more or less content with her answer, Knightwalker pursued, "I'm guessing the exams are that serious if even the alcoholic is taking a break."
"Yeah,...Mira, what is all that about anyways?" added Lucy.
Realizing this was both Knightwalker's AND Lucy's first time with the exams, "The S-Class Promotional Exams?" pondering if that was what they meant, "Oh right... this the first you'll both be viewing it" she understood, "Every year, registered Guild's across Fiore undergo an exam to allow one of the 'lower-rank' Mages a chance to be an 'Elite'" she began to explain, "The trials change every year, but there are three tests each candidate is to go through if they're 'qualified' to be an S-Class Mage" adding on, "They can have partners, even candidates are allowed to work together, but it doesn't change the fact that only one can advance to S-Class."
"Hmm... I see..." taking it all it, "I'm assuming you're going to be that Ice Princess' partner?" she asked, turning to the blonde beside her.
A little dulled, realizing she may have been around Natsu a little 'too' long, "Yeah..." telling her with a light nervous smile, "At first I was terrified about that... considering Juvia and all..."
"Juvia..." raising an eyebrow, "Who... who is that?"
Everything around them fell a little silent, "Y-You don't know her!?" a little startled, "She's the Water Mage with tight blue curls, wearing an almost thick coat? Stalks my boy-" though it came to her realization, "Wait... speaking of Juvia... I haven't really seen her since Gray and I started dating" saying as she faced Mira, "Is... is she okay?! Am I going to be okay?!" beginning to panic. Realizing that the Rain woman hadn't really been bothering her like she thought she would, she began to fear for her life. Fearing that this was just to get her 'unguarded' and met with possible torture and death.
"What is she talking about?" baffled, she faced Mira.
Giggling a little, "Nothing... Juvia is just one of our 'special' members" she lightly joked, "Before she had a massive obsession with Gray, but it is true that we haven't seen her since you two starting dating..." saying as she faced the Blonde.
"Stalks... Gray..." letting it process. Looking back through her memory, she tried to see if there was any instances, "Actually... I think I may have heard of her" getting everyone's attention, "She was all distraught when she heard that her 'other' wasn't in love with Gray and instead dated Natsu alongside you and Er-..."
Everyone for a moment paused for a moment, even Edolas Erza who took the moment to cut herself off as they tried to piece together all that had been said since everything 'changed'. It wasn't hard for anyone to think about what was the possible thought on everyone's mind, namely: 'Perhaps she took what McGarden said to heart and decided to pursue her new found possible happiness she heard from McGarden, the Levy from Universe 137-C'. Though, the idea that someone like Juvia would pursue such a hot-headed Dragon Slayer seemed too much for it be a possibility. Each of them sitting at the table, namely Mirajane and Erza Knightwalker, had their 'own' reasons for liking and possibly smitten with the Pinkette, and to be fair all of them was built through time spent with him. Considering that Juvia hadn't really interacted with Natsu for the most part, there was little doubt that such a possibility had existed, and surely it was only just mere coincidence that the Rain Woman had been absent from Gray's life, like Lucy was worried about. However, the ones who did know her, were a little worried considering there was no telling what that woman was capable of.
~South Gate Park|| Erza Scarlet~
Having such a rare occurrence, especially for herself, the two of them made their way over to the park just to take in the fresh air and relax a little with one another. With all the mess of intense training and jobs, it was a little tiresome for pair to enjoy any moment of peace, even if you include the occasional bouts of 'war' that goes around the house. Though, it wasn't all bad. Even though having to deal with Mira and both her Edolas counterpart on a longer basis than she would have liked, there was also just a little sense of 'relief' she had just being around people she could bond with a bit more since the two of them had begun to date. Before there was still Gray and Lucy, and after a while it did come to her attention that for some odd reason, she had focused a little more only on Natsu with his training, and while she had enjoyed their team, it was a little depressing that their own lives took a slight turn away. Sure they still saw each other at the Guild, but it was just a weird feeling since they began to go out on their own lives. Perhaps having Mira and Knightwalker around was a nice fill in, especially since she considered her Edolas counterpart to be her 'twin'. It felt they were just a 'dysfunctional family' of sorts. Though, she couldn't help but feel a little clingy, especially considering all she went through back...
Shaking the thoughts away, she didn't want it to cloud her wonderful date with the sweet Dragon Slayer she knew. Lying up together against one of the trees in the work, she passed a light glance to see him resting, as if he was 'doing all he wanted' since they were free today. He didn't necessarily dress any different, but seeing as it was something special for her, he at least threw on a pair of casual dark pants, accompanied with a crimson shirt with a black abstract dragon design, with his scaled scarf around his neck. For her, she enjoyed these moments as they allowed her to wear a casual sundress once in a while, white in color with red floral designs. This time she had a sun hat that was resting just beside her, and although they had asked the Exceed for a 'day alone' he still stuck along.
Seeing that he was asleep, she curiously poked his cheek, seeing if he would react. Though, as she came to realize that he wasn't, she took a little more 'advantage' of him by latching onto his side, nestling up against him. A light blush tinged her cheeks as she was able to outwardly express her inner childish behavior since it was just him around. It was then her thoughts began to drift a little. "7 months...huh?" thinking back to how long it had been. To be honest, she hadn't really thought about how long it had been, as she hadn't really thought about how long it had been because she was focused so much on spending time and everything that had happened in the last few months. "Meaning... in about 5 months... we'd have just been together for a year" thinking still.
It caught her off guard that she would be in a relationship like this, happy and full of just feeling 'safe' after all that had happened. Even with the other two, it hadn't changed, but she began to wonder what was in store for her. They've already had sex, something she didn't think would happen so fast, but thanks to her Edolas counterpart it happened far sooner than she would have liked. Leaving the only step left. Marriage. Well, Kids as well if she thought that far ahead, but for the Scarlet Knight, marriage was the 'big' milestone, and she wondered if Natsu had been thinking about that as well. She didn't want to feel 'obsessive', something Juvia was like, but at the same time it didn't pass her thoughts, wondering what it would be like if she were married to the Dragon Slayer.
"Erza Dragneel..." just saying the name aloud in her thoughts was enough to send her into a flustered mess. Looking up to the slumbering pinkette, she wondered. Would he propose? How would he do it? The beginning of their relationship wasn't necessarily 'like the books' but, it was more 'them', if she had to place a word on it.
Smiling, she reached over and placed her lips softly against his, gently kissing him. Though, she hadn't realized that it was going to be getting his attention, noted by him stirring around in his sleep. She had felt a little guilty, disturbing his peace a little, but the way he was moving made it look like he would have woken up on his own. However, something began to break her attention, as she felt they were being watched. A part of her felt like it was only natural, considering the two of them were out in the open, but it felt more intense if anything. Hearing the Dragon Slayer stirring a little more, it wasn't long after until he stretched out, yawning a little loud.
Rubbing his eyes a little, "Sorry, Erza..." yawning a little more, stretching out, "It's just been a little relaxing being out here with ya" smiling large and sheepish, scratching his cheek a little.
"...Idiot" finding it unfair that he would say such a thing, "It's all right though" smiling she rested up against his chest, "You've been training hard, so you've earned little breaks here and there" telling him.
Stretching a little more, he wrapped one of them around her, "Well... I suppose you're right" grinning a little more, "Though... even when the exams are over I need to keep aiming high..." remembering a couple things, his face fell into disarray a bit.
"Natsu...?" a little concerned, "You all right?"
Snapped out of his thoughts, "Huh...? Of course" putting up a smile, "I was just thinkin' about how long it'll take till I can reach Gildarts' level" trying to assure her.
"...If you say so..." she knew for a fact that for a long while he was haunted by his past failures, and while he said he felt assured that everything was better now, she still wasn't entirely sure. "You know I'm here...right?" asking, "If you have any fears... I'll help you just like I always have" smiling gently, resting her hand on his face.
Smiling back at her, he gently held her hand, "I know..." showing a sign of relief, "But a Dragon has to be brave and strong" smiling largely at her, "Especially to protect 'its treasure'."
The fight with the Berserker left a large impact on him, and she wondered if his past fears were replaced with a much bigger one. For the past time since Knightwalker was in Edolas, she hadn't talked to him about it upfront, though as much as she wanted, there were moments where when she had mentioned 'that time', he passed it off as nothing and just smiled. There was no doubt that she wished she hadn't have to leave so he didn't have to 'fight it alone', and even though he had Knightwalker with him, even when she, Scarlet, alongside Mira and the rest came back, he was already beaten pretty bad, and furthermore he was in 'Dragon Force', meaning something had happened to cause that power to drag itself out.
Before warning him, she cupped his face and stared into his eyes, gazing to try and tell him 'I'm here' even if he wouldn't just out right say anything, she knew him far too long to just accept that nothing was bothering him. And she was right. She wanted to believe that everything that had happened prior was 'in the past', but she learned later that they were just as in the present as the moment they were sharing. Though, unlike his words, his smile was just soft enough to show that he was happy of her actions, and without uttering a word he fell forward, resting his forehead against hers. For her, this meant 'I know...Thank you'. There were no real words spoken, but it was just how they felt when it they felt it happen. Both of them were people of 'action' meaning most times they expressed themselves through gestures and moments, instead of just words. Maybe that was why she felt a little worried sometimes, she wasn't used to being this vulnerable with someone, and the last person before Natsu had left behind years of pain.
~Magnolia's New Cake Shop~
Eventually after that, the two of them had walked around the place. Their hands either locked and entwined with another, or her arm pressed and locked around his as they went around to take in the sights. Magnolia was always a place they were both familiar with, but it was just the feeling of being with another she had enjoyed. And while she had him to herself, she would going to exploit as much of it as possible. During the midst, it wasn't shocking that they would wound up at one of the Cake Shop's, as Erza always enjoyed stopping by and picking up a slice of strawberry cheesecake whenever she could, and since there was a new store opening up, basically another store to increase business, she had wanted to be there for the trip even thought it was still 'technically' the same store more or less. There wasn't much of a difference, if anything there were more chairs out and a nice place outside the shop for them to eat instead of having to stuff themselves inside in a small place, and from what she saw, there were at least three new variants of her special cake, causing her eyes to light up, just finding it hard to believe they could keep surprising her with something so tiny and simple. Considering there was no hurry, she had immediately ordered three slices, one slice each, as she couldn't hold herself back from trying out which one was the best.
It wasn't a little odd she felt a little out of sorts, considering that the Dragon Slayer wasn't big on sweets, but nevertheless he enjoyed seeing her all excited over them. Though, it was trouble, just a little, as she eyed the three different slices in front of her, the trouble being? She didn't know which one she wanted to try out first. Of course to someone she'd consider 'an amateur', they would simply decide to choose at random, but the proud Titania? There was an order to these things. There were three slices in front of her, each of them a Strawberry Cheesecake variant. The first one she labeled (A) had slices of strawberry in it. Strawberry cheesecake with strawberry filling decorating the top. (B) had little chunks of strawberry ornamenting the top, with an extra filling of strawberry 'filling'. And Strawberry Cheesecake (C) was a mixture of both, but with added strawberry cream. The decision was hard.
"You okay there, Erza?" asking, smiling at her as he watched from the spot across from her, "You seem like you're having trouble figuring out which one you want to eat first."
A little startled, she looked at him seriously, "It is!" trying to get him to realize, "My judgement can be skewed if-" though, cut off, she realized that he was looking at her a little off, "...Did I lose you somewhere?"
"Uh... what's scued?" smiling a little nervous at her, scratching his cheek, "Sorry..." a little embarrassed that his girlfriend had to use 'normal' words or 'dumb them down' just a little so that he could understand. He knew the 'important' words, but it was just basic words considering he already had trouble when Igneel was teaching him as a kid.
Realizing what he must be thinking, she smiled just a little gentle and rephrased, "Basically... all three of them look very delicious, and I don't think I can just choose which one I want to start with because they might make the others seems 'less' desirable, or make the others seem MORE desirable... does that make any sense?"
"...Not really" just deciding to smile large and bright at her, "But if you want, I can use my scarf to wrap around your face and feed you them" saying as he unraveled the scarf around his neck, "Happy can help keep track of what one I use, right buddy?" saying as he faced the Exceed who was munching on his own treat.
Smiling, he hopped on the table, "Aye!" raising his paw.
"That's a brilliant idea!" amazed by his 'master planning', "This way, I don't have to decide, and YOU can just feed me them" smiling.
Grinning, he got up and made his way over to her lightly, wrapping the scarf carefully around her eyes so that her vision was blocked. He made sure that while he wrapped it around, he didn't tighten it too hard, and assured there was no other pressure that would otherwise make it uncomfortable. For her, it was a little embarrassing, not by the act of what he was doing, well, not entirely. Being blindfolded was something 'interesting' as it made her senses slightly stronger; the tiniest of touches was a like a jolt of electricity through her body. She didn't know if it was just because it was the scarf that he always wore, or there were some things about her she had yet to discover; and this wasn't the place for it.
"Yoo hoo~ Erzaaaa..." saying as he waved his hand in front of her face, "Can you see me?"
Aimlessly, she just followed the voice, "No..." moving her hands around 'feeling for him', she soon landed onto his head, "But I found you" smirking just a bit, she faced around a little, feeling around as she traced her hands down to his shoulders, not wanting to let go as she was a little more afraid than she would have liked. "All right, Natsu... I'm ready."
"Good" chuckling just a little under his breath, "The first one is coming right up!" announcing, he took her fork and scooped a bit from Strawberry Cheesecake (B), having decided at random, "Open-" though, he froze just a little realizing what was going on.
She had waited for a bit before taking a chance to calling out to him, "Natsu? What's wrong?" curious why he was taking so long.
"N-Nothing..." shaking himself out of it, "Here you go...!" resuming normal pace.
Feeling it breach her mouth, she bit down before chewing on it. "...!" coming to a shocking realization, the taste was far better since her sense of sight was blocked off. "This one is amazing...!" commenting, "It feels like..." trying to find the right words to describe it, "Well... a very big strawberry sandwiching it...!" saying as he gave her another bite from the same set, "Definitely amazing" nodding with a grin on her face.
"All right! Uh... Happy you remember what one that was, right?" asking his friend.
Nodding, "Yup!" assuring him, "Natsu! Natsu! Do this one!" saying as he pushed up the plate of Strawberry Cheesecake (C).
"Sure!" agreeing, "You hear that Erza? There's another one. Get ready" this time he took the scoop from the third plate and brought it towards her mouth, again, trying to... "Wait... what?" his thoughts distracted, he turned and looked around, feeling a rather 'intense' gaze on them "That's weird..."
Curious, the Titania followed up, "What is...? Is something wrong?" asking, a little tempted to remove her blindfold.
"No, it's nothing" assuring her, at least he hoped it was nothing. "...?" noticing though, there was a nice pocket of steam engulfing the place outside, noted by the cloud, "...I should just focus on this..." convincing himself, he managed to bring up the fork with Strawberry Cheesecake (C) and bring it over, "Open wide, Erza~"
Again, she followed suit, and waited until she could 'sense' its presence in her mouth before clamping down, chewing on it, tasting it. "Hmmm..." putting some thought into it, "This is good, very good" she began to say, "A lot like the first one... but a more 'explosion' of strawberries clashing against each other trying to find dominance but it winds up amplifying each other."
"Huh..." both the Dragon Slayer and the Exceed were a little 'shocked' at how well she was doing, "Never thought there was more to it than that."
Smiling, she let go of him for just a bit, shaking her finger, "Of course there is, Natsu" beginning to lightly lecture him, "Taste and texture is very important... you should know, 'Mr. I love my girlfriend's rival's cooking'."
"...That's completely different though" drooping, "Besides, you love Mira's cooking too."
Stunned, she failed to realize that bit. She had to admit, her rival's cooking skills WERE top-notch, wondering that if there was anyone who could top Mira would mean Natsu would be lost forever. "...Just gimme the last one" realizing there was nothing she could say, as she refused to acknowledge such a thing about her rival.
"All right" smiling, he scooped up the last bit, "Last one~" announcing as he motioned it into her mouth.
One last time, she waited, and as she bit down, and almost immediately she was assaulted by the sweet juiciness of the strawberries. For a moment, it felt like her whole body was just punched as the flavors came at her from the get go. "This definitely is one of the better variants" she said, relishing a little in what was going on, "The artificial icing just beats you before the real strawberry flavor kicks in and adds the final punch, knocking you completely off guard" astounded by the sudden flavor attacking."
"Huh... you talk a lot about it" curious. Sure he's had some of Erza's cake from time to time, but honestly he still never got it. "Happy, which one was that again?"
Pushing the cake of Strawberry Cheesecake (A), the Exceed smiled, "This one, Natsu!" saying.
"Thanks" patting his head, he took a scoop and had a taste for himself, "Huh, you have to admit, you really do know your cake, Erza" smiling catching her off guard as she slid the scarf up.
Smiling, she crossed her arms and fell into a 'thinking pose', "Well of course~" saying with a voice of proud and vigor, "I am the Queen of Strawberry Cheesecakes."
"You got that right" smiling, "You smell and taste like it... Wait... do you become what you eat?!" a little shocked, coming to that conclusion.
Realizing what Natsu was getting at, even Happy was shocked, "You're right!" realizing, dropping the fork, "Erza eats Strawberry Cheesecake all the time! Maybe she's secretly becoming one!"
Her eyes darkened at the two. There were multiple reasons for this, and not any of them were pleasant. One of them was that Natsu was inadvertently stating something 'fairly private' out in the open, even if he meant it in an innocent way. While she wanted to get more into that train of thought, there were other pressing matters such as the Exceed who easily took it and added onto it, while also making the assumption that the only thing Erza ever eats is Strawberry Cheesecake. While she couldn't necessarily fault the Dragon Slayer, because he was often clueless about these things, but it was bad enough that the Exceed joined in, and when that happened it usually meant that Natsu would delve further down that wrong path of 'misunderstandings'.
Before she could necessarily react, however, another voice came popping in, "What about you, Happy?" turning, the three of them noticed Cana was there at the counter, seemingly waiting for an order, "You eat fish all the time, doesn't that mean you'll turn into a flying fish instead of a flying cat?"
"Ah!" shocked, his eyes opened wide before tearing up and facing Natsu, "Is that why you feed me fish?! I don't wanna be a flying fish..." crying.
Dulling his eyes at his friend, "...No worries Happy!" telling him with a sure smile, "If that happens I'll just feed you cat stuff and you'll be a flying cat again!" cheerily telling him.
"..." Erza had held her head against her palm, realizing she should have nipped the problem before Cana popped in. Facing the Card Mage, she was a little curious, "So, Cana" calling out to her, "What bring's you here?"
Curious, she shrugged, "Mira chased me out the bar" sighing a bit, "Went back to my apartment... was bored... thought I'd pick up a treat since I had nothing better to do" telling her, "You and Natsu on a date?" asking.
"Yeah" smiling, leaving Natsu and Happy to their own devices, "It's his reward for working hard the past weeks" stating. Though, it then dawned to her about what happened earlier, "...You didn't see anything did you?" narrowing her gaze.
Chuckling a little, "Nah... you're good" shaking her hand, much to the Titania's relief, "Anywho, I'll be heading back to the Guild...or Fairy Hills" having finally received her order that she was waiting for her, she began pondering which one of the two sounded better, "Have fun~" smirking.
"Take care" smiling a little soft as her friend made her way off.
Just as she made her way out the door, she stopped at faced for a moment, "By the way, I wonder if Natsu's gonna taste the strawberries he just fed you~" snickering a little before making her way out.
Right then she felt an arrow just pierce through her, as the realization that everything was seen and noticed as much as she didn't want anyone to. It was bad enough Wendy and, most notable Gajeel, were giving them all questionable looks considering a Dragon Slayer's heightened sense of smell; leaving little doubt of the scents plastered all over another, but she had wanted to try and be a little discreet with their relationship, thinking that it should be something for just the two of them, disregarding the fact that Mirajane and Edolas Erza had 'more or less' forced their way into the relationship. Though, it seemed like Natsu hadn't noticed that, at least not entirely, or it was likely he was just trying to find a situation to where 'no one' got hurt. She knew he and Mira, while not exactly a couple, had sort of a 'close' friendship of sorts, being that they both may have bonded over her youngest sibling's former passing, and later, a great friend in helping him get to where he's at now. As much as she hated to think about it, she was at least thankful for her rival doing that, as she herself was a mess at the time, and things with Jellal didn't make it easier.
~At the Guild... A few hours later~
As the day was growing close to the end, the two of them, three if you included the Exceed, partook in just an adventure of sorts through out the town, or the forest as a whole. She was able to just relax as she watched the Dragon Slayer mess around with his pal, or rested up against him when the two of them went fishing. Just being around him without having to worry about fighting or training was a treat for her, and they would wind up just aimlessly talking about the future, and not necessarily just things about 'them'. Things like what they were going to do if/when Natsu became S-Class, or what kind of additions to the house they should make, if any. Some mentions were brought up that maybe the Dragon Slayer would go out on a 'small' journey just to go ahead to see if he could find his foster father again, as things often made it difficult for her to do that, and even declarations that she was going to follow him regardless as it was within her right to meet her 'father-in-law', though it was a little fortunate that the pinkette didn't necessarily understand it fully as he just happily agreed seeing no trouble with it. There was still a light issue of periodic moments of where they felt the 'lingering' gaze of someone, but surprisingly to themselves it came to a halt, giving them some form of relief.
And as it came to peaking the night, the three of them decided to make their way over to the Fairy Tail Guild Hall to end their day. Normally they would have made their way back home, but considering how late it was and how far away they were from the house, they felt that the Guild was a 'decent' way to end their lovely day. It wasn't the best, but considering she was 'content' with her sole day with the Dragon Slayer, she didn't mind if he ran loose a little around the Guild, especially considering that starting up tomorrow he would be back to training and getting ready to take on the exam. There were still a couple things he had to work on, so he wasn't really in the clear until he can tweak a couple things, and with the revelation he was going to avoid all three of them, there was no telling how it would play out either.
Sitting out on the table of theirs, the two of them were soon accompanied by Lucy and Gray, making the Titania a little happy to feel a little like 'old times' at the moment. "Hey Erza" Lucy called out with a smile on her face, "It's been a little while... how've you been?" asking.
"Things have been good" smiling a little soft, "We've just been busy training for the exams... and well, Knightwalker has been a little busy trying to get used to having magic."
Smiling, "I see that's goo-" however, her attention was cut off as she noticed both Gray and Natsu were in a dead-lock, eyeing another in a tense almost 'vicious' manner, "I'm starting to wonder if this was actually a bad idea."
"I couldn't tell if it was Gray or Loke dying his hair" throwing words, "No way Ice Block would want a rematch so early."
Passing just a look just as tense and 'ready to fight', "I was JUST thinking the same. No way Erza would've kept someone with literal ash for brains."
"That's just their way of saying 'they miss each other' is all" Erza commented, assuring the Celestial Mage, "Good friends have their own way is all."
The two of them just darted their looks at her, "WE'RE NOT FRIENDS!"
"You ARE friends if I say you guys are" glaring her eyes at the two of them, "RIGHT, Natsu?"
Smiling, Natsu was the only one who wasn't terrified, "Your glares don't work on me anymore~ After all we're-" before he could finish his sentence the Titania had kicked him straight off the table, crashing up against the wall.
"...How are you okay with 'nearly killing' your boyfriend?" Lucy felt exasperated just thinking of how they are 'alone' or when they're not in the guild, "Doesn't that normally go against the whole concept?"
Curiously, she looked at her, "What do you mean?" a little off, "How else do we train?" asking her, "Besides... just wait..." saying with a smile, "Three... two... one-"
"Damn it, Erza!" in a light eruption of flames, the Pinkette threw himself back up, stomping his way over to her, "Why didn't you hit Gray as well?!" before bitterly sitting back down, crossing his arms.
Smiling, "See? Perfectly fine" saying as she flung her arms around him, lovingly cuddling him on the spot, "My lil' dragon is so tough now~"
The two of the, namely Gray and Lucy were a little surprised and shocked to have seen such a thing, considering usually one of Erza's strikes be it anything, would be enough to at least cripple the Pinkette, bringing to the Blonde's attention that maybe Mira wasn't lying that he's been 'toughened up'. It was a little surprising though, thing's had really felt so 'weird' for a while, during that period when Natsu and Happy weren't around, but neither of them had wanted to say anything because they just took it as 'something random' he was doing. Thinking, maybe the quest with that monster was probably the last time Team Natsu had been together like this.
"Scarlet" catching their attention was the Edolas Counterpart that had brought herself to their table, "Can I borrow Natsu for a moment? Hour tops" she suddenly came out with a request.
Curious, "Why?" wondering, "We're still 'technically' on a date so..."
"I wanted to try out some of these things in this book" dropping the novel in front of her, "I was surprised you had something like this."
The Titania was stunned, recognizing that book exactly since it was one of the books that were stacked on her shelves along with the rest of them. Curious, the Celestial Mage had picked it up, reading the title, "The Knight and her Dragon Prince...?" curious, she wasn't sure what was so bad about it. To her it seemed like a normal book, "It doesn't sound so-"
"It's nothing!" tries to snatch it, only for Knightwalker to have done so. "Damn it..." glaring at her Edolas counterpart in defeat.
Looking at her a little odd, "What? Did ya get some cool training ideas?" asking, the Pinkette looked at her a little eager, "I bet it's something fun."
"...Sure" rolling with it, "But since Scarlet is being a little picky, I can show you later" smirking a little seductively, taking a spot next to the Blonde.
Exhausted, she just rested her head against her hand. There was no real point in trying to get angry or try to do anything, at least not today as she didn't want to spoil her good day she had. This was probably just the kind of life that she was going to have to live with, but...As she looked around, seeing Knightwalker being happy, more or less, Natsu having a fun time discussing the 'hellish training' he was going to be put through, perhaps it couldn't be that bad. For the most part, she knew that her Edolas self wasn't as much of a threat as Mira was, but even then, perhaps this was just the result of having lived with another for a quite a while.
"Alllll Right~" Mira chimed in, popping with a carrier of food, "Fresh lovely food for the destructive couple~" commenting as she dropped down a couple plates, "Have a lovely date?~" smiling as she dropped the plates down.
It was a little startling, especially for the Titania to have seen Mira be 'nice' for once, usually taking this time to snatch Natsu away from her, thinking maybe she should give her a little more credit. "We did... Thank you..." still a little startled.
"No problem~" smiling, "I just get to have 'my turn' tomorrow right?"
Lowering her gaze, "No" keeping a firm hold on him, "The last time Natsu was left unattended with you, I had to burn every copy issue of that week's Sorcerer's Weekly."
"...I was hoping to forget that..." a little drained, even the Dragon Slayer fell a little ill.
Curious, the one from Edolas pressed on, "Forget what?" Though, before she could get an answer back, the six of them were lightly taken by surprise when a young woman came walking over the table.
She looked to be about the same age as Cana, sporting azure hair that was tightly curled at the bottom. She wore a sapphire blue coat, a cream colored furry trimmed navy blue shawl with a pure white teru teru bōzu attached to it, as well as a matching Russian Cossack hat. It was Juvia Lockser, the Water Mage, a.k.a. the Rain Woman. For a split moment, Lucy was shocked, having seen her approached so fast and out of nowhere, fearing that maybe her time of death is finally coming to pass. Though, for someone she thought was going to to 'rain vengeance' (no pun intended), it didn't quite go as bad as she thought she would.
"J-Juvia?!" A little terrified, the Celestial Mage shook in her seat, using Gray as a shield, "Blame him! He's the one who reall-" though, as she gained her composure that the Water Mage wasn't even looking at her, and was likely just blocking her out as if she never existed in the first place.
Though, it was a little weird, as she was just standing there, looking a little shy. "N-Natsu!" calling out to him, "J-Juvia would like you to sign this!" saying, holding out a permanent marker as well as...
"...Where did you get that?" filled with terror and going pale, the Pinkette had noticed she was holding an issue of the Sorcerer's Weekly. And it wasn't really just ANY issue, but on the cover, was a picture of Mira, Natsu, and Happy. "...I thought Erza burned all of those... why are there still more... why..." falling limp on the table, drained of life.
Seeing that, Knightwalker couldn't believe it, "Are you serious...?" taken back, "How... Did..."
"Oh... It's such a sweet story~" Mira beamed, "Natsu had just barely won against Laxus... and by barely I mean he lucked out...and he stumbled in, asking me to take him as my student~" sighing in happy remembrance, "Though... the price he had to pay...along with the 'nightmarish' training, as he called it in his memoirs..."
Barely speaking up, "...I'm still alive..." groaning a little, still distraught.
"...Was simply to do a shoot with me in exchange for toughening him up~" finishing her 'happy' tale, "Then... Erza had to ruin it and burn all the other copies."
Placing a hand on his shoulder, she fell in silence, "...You poor soul" as if she were talking to his grave marker, "Don't worry, Natsu" telling him, "It takes considerable strength to live with that shame" crushing his mental strength even further.
"Natsu..." calling out, for a short moment everyone forgot that Juvia was there, "Juvia wanted... to present you this as good nature for the upcoming Exams!" saying, she held out a small box towards him, that was under the magazine.
Curious, he just looked at her, "...Sure" a little curious, everyone was taken aback by the strange gesture given by the Water Mage. As he opened it up, it was a steaming meal of cooked meat on rice. "It smells great!" sheepishly smiling, "Did you make this?"
"Juvia did" smiling a little soft, looking a little antsy, "She hopes we can be all in good sport no matter who wins!"
Poking up, "Urm... Juvia" Lucy tried to get her attention, "Gray's taking the exams too."
"...Don't get that started again!" the Ice Mage turned to face her, "Besides, why are you saying that and STILL hiding behind me?!" commenting how he was still used as a shield to fend off any future attacks by the Water Mage.
Though, all was ignored and passed until the Pinkette took a bite from the meal the Rain Woman had given him, "Wow... this is great!" beaming a large smile, "Watch out, Mira. Juvia might actually be your cooking rival!" smiling, laughing just a little.
"..." smiling, the face of 'Fairy Tail's Demon' continued to grow until she felt something snap. "Juvia~" calling out to the Rain Woman.
Turning to face her, "Yes, Mira?" a little blank to what she could have wanted.
However, the atmosphere in the area suddenly 'changed' as if something far greater than Erza's wrath was unleashed. Rather, the air around the Take-Over Mage had suddenly taken a 'sharp' dive. Before they knew it, Mira had switched into her 'Satan Soul' and dragged the terrified Rain Woman away along with her magazine and marker, leaving all a little baffled to what was going on. A little curious, Erza was looking in to see the kind of meal her beloved was given, and thinking that maybe instead of asking Elfman or Lisanna, there was no harm in asking the Water Mage, as she seemed friendly.
"Hey Erza" calling out to her, the pinkette turned over, "You should really have some of this...it's really good!" saying, as he scooped out a bit and held it out to her.
She couldn't lie to say she was 'angry' that some other woman had made her beloved something to eat, but from what she could tell, and by the looks of it, Knightwalker and Natsu, there wasn't 'that much' to it other than just being a good sport. Well, that's what she thought. "Sure..." reaching out, she took a bite, and felt her taste buds dance all over. There was no lie in what the Dragon Slayer had said. The food the Rain Woman had presented was, without a doubt, some of the best food that she had ever had in her life. "It's amazing...!" her eyes lit a little, turning over to face the Ice- Make Mage, who, along with his girl friend just stared at them a litle off, "You really lost a good woman, Gray" telling him with a soft smile, "Juvia's cooking is amazing,... Well, at least she'll find someone nice to cook for, right, Natsu?" turning to face him.
"Oh yeah..." commenting with a light chuckle, "Man... but I feel bad for the person who'll have Juvia stalking over them" saying as he continued to eat the meal his fellow Guild Mate had nicely made, "Remind me to sign that horrible magazine for her... it's the least I can do."
They couldn't deny that Juvia had a 'tendency' to stalk over and obsess over the person of her current affections, and perhaps now Erza had found a 'new ally' in her fight against Mira, since her cooking was the only thing she had over the Dragon Slayer. And as they sat there, exchanging tales, the four of them were then wondering how the rest of the night would play out, and for the Scarlet Knight, clung to her beloved, she couldn't help but feel a little happy that her day went better than she had hoped. Although Mira had ruined it of sorts in the morning, and there was the issue at the Cake Shop, it was still better, perhaps because she got to see his smile. It was still true that she was worried about him, as there was without a doubt something had 'changed', but for the most part, she was surrounded by her friends, and even Juvia was okay. Closing her eyes just a little, hearing the voices and talk of her friends, the heart beat, and feeling the warmth of her dragon, it slowly soothed her a little. Maybe things weren't going to be as bad as she thought it was going to be, gripping a little more onto him. Letting out a relaxed sigh, it felt comfortable, the more she held onto him. She didn't want to let go, not for a moment, and perhaps later on down the line she won't have to.
~The Next Day~
It was then, another day had come to be, and the residents of Natsu's home were out and about, training and getting in ready for the S-Class Promotions like they knew would happen. After their usual run around the perimeter of the forest to start the day with, and meditating, alongside other mental focusing exercises, they all partook in a one-on-one mock battle where they would pair up with one of them, and fight for a set period of time until switching partners. In the beginning, Natsu and Edolas Erza fought against another, while Mirajane and herself went at it. It was a little fun, she had to admit, that even though she wasn't participating as anything more than a Proctor for the exam, it was nice to have one on one with her rival and continue to keep her skills sharp. Sure it was challenging and intense going up against her 'twin' and her beloved, but they were still in the midst of catching up to her level completely, meaning she still had the advantage every now and then. Though, it wasn't like she overwhelmed him, both of them had been showing great progress in surviving more rounds with them the longer they trained like this, something she took pride in for.
Eventually, the two of them had finally switched, lining her back up with Natsu, and Mira against her Edolas Twin. The case was still similar, she wasn't going to go easy on her, which prompted her, as usual, to don her 'Fire Empress' armor so that no matter how 'powerful' he was, she would only take half damage. And as of late, she was thankful for it, primarily because as he grew, the more damage she began to feel him inflicting upon her. He had used Dragon Force on her as well a few times, but she was smart about it and stayed her distance, fending him off with her blade so that all she needed to do was wait him out until the power faded. Though, she had to admit there were some instances she was a 'little' worried, but luckily at this stage she didn't have to to worry about him breaking anything of hers for a while.
"Well... don't just dawdle, Natsu" she called out to him in a small smile, "Wasting precious training time can be detrimen- it can be bad for you" changing her words slightly just for him.
Loosening his body up a little, "Yeah yeah..." stretching. His body was already worn a little, a bit cut up, and perhaps a little bruised from going up against the Huntress. "I think I got the hang of it though" smirking, he launched himself at the Titania, using a burst of flames blown from the soles of his feet to jettison himself further and faster than he normally could.
A direct approach was a little typical of him. While she did anticipate this action, she was a little surprised he chose to use magic all of a sudden this early in their fight, especially in a means to increase his own speed right off from the start. Though, this wasn't going to be enough to clash up against her, at least she was just 'waiting' to see when he was going to use that.
Just as she readied her blade, waiting and anticipating for him, she watched his movements carefully, waiting for any tells. Observing his movements, she waited until he arrived just at the right point, and swung at him vertically. And that's when it happened. In a moment he had 'summoned' a massive array of darkened crimson scales that covered his forearms, his neck, forehead and cheeks. His eyes became slits as his pitch dark eyes turned yellow. Blocking the blade with his forearm, it had clashed with a *CLANG*, feeling her strike up against his hardened scales.
"Really, Dragon Force?" asking him, "You're going to waste in on me when you still have to go up against Mira later?" asking as she tried to press further down onto his scaled arm.
Smiling, struggling just a little, feeling it dig into his arm just a bit. Just because his arm was covered in dragon scales didn't mean he was completely invulnerable to sharp blades, it just made it so that it didn't cut through him or make him bleed. It still hurt like a tiny sting, but it was better than losing his arm completely. "Yeah... well... I've wondered for a while how much damage the increases is... the only thing I've used any moves on was that Berserker, and that wasn't necessarily a good target."
"Well.. just be sure you keep track of your limit..." reminding him, "I'd like my boyfriend to still be in one piece."
It was then the two of them went back and forth. Having a little more 'freedom', the Titania struck at him from all angles and he met those strikes with either a kick, his hand, or a swift dodge leaving just being nicked from a blade stab if anything. But she was right, Dragon Force was a timed limited thing, and the longer he stayed fending her attacks, the more time was going to be wasted as his magic was already burning through his body at a fast rate, not giving him much time nor moves he could use. Though, there weren't that many options he was given as the Scarlet Knight was fiercely relentless, making sure in her movements was met with power behind it, it gave reasoning why she was Fairy Tail's strongest Knight. Vertical. Diagonal. Horizontal. There was no real telling what way she would be coming from, making sure to keep him on his toes, and while they were fairly easy to avoid or block, she would immediately strike once more, the half second after her attack had either been blocked or dodged.
"...This is going to hurt..." Thinking to himself, he bit down on his thoughts and as she swung at him diagonally, he fastened his grip tightly around the blade feeling it cut through as if the scales there were far weaker than the ones on his body, and threw himself forward with the added propulsion from his feet, cocking his right fist back. "Fire Dragon's Flaming Iron Fist: Drilling Talon Rev.!"
Like a spiraling mesh of flames engulfing his entire forearm, they rapidly condensed, giving off a 'drilling' sensation from the light flares that spiraled around his arm. And as he shot it forward, for a split second, she began to feel something weird, and bizarre happen that she hadn't have felt before in the times she had fought with him. A resounding *CRACK* had passed her ears as she was flown back by the immense force that was inflicted as she felt herself crash against the ground, tumbling until she found herself crashed up against the tree just on the outer perimeter of the house.
"Oh shit... Erza!" rushing over to her in loud crashing voices, she heard him yell out his worries for her followed by the loud clang of her sword dropped to the ground. But as she looked up, he was still so far away from her but it all felt and sounded that he was so close. No. It sounded like he was right next to her ear screaming his lungs out right out at her.
Holding her head, a little dizzy, she felt around, worried how bad the damage was to her armor, and to her surprise, all there was, was a tiny crack right where he had hit her. "But..." thinking a little to herself, what stability she could, she had assumed that the damage was far worse than she had anticipated. The way it sounded upon him crashing his fist against her armor made her believe that he had blown a hole through her from the sound of her armor cracking, but the realization was that only a tiny bit of it was damaged.
"Erza!...Are you okay?" breaking her out of her thoughts was his voice as he knelt down to her, "I'm sorry, I didn't think it'd work! Are you-" just with a simple touch, her heart began to shake, crippling and burning in a race of heat.
Bracing herself, everything began to assault her from the inside as if her body was on fire. Her breath began to slowly grow ragged and hot. The words he spoke were crashing and sending her into a spiral of dizziness from the loud volume constantly hassling her, until just as quickly, it died down. Slowly, her heart began to settle, and the volume was lowering back to how it was supposed to. It wouldn't have been long until her breathing stabled back just a little, and it had passed like nothing. Looking at him, his 'normal' self, everything passed as a cool sweat just fell from her body.
"Yeah... I'm fine... just..." thinking for a moment, she stumbled a little as he helped her her, "You really caught me off guard..." smiling just a bit to ease his worries, "Lucky thing I had this on... who knows what'd hav-" looking at him, there was a sign of distress, "Natsu...?"
He was upset. "I'm sorry..." muttering to her. For a moment, she saw the look of a person who had been terrified he had done something like that, "I won't use Dragon Force on you again..."
"..." she had understood immediately why he had come to that conclusion.
Before, even when he had used his spells without Dragon Force, they were still strong enough to do a 'decent' amount of damage against her. It wasn't great, but she could feel the power behind those spells, but she had also noticed the cost of magic behind it, as he was still working on using them so that it wouldn't take as much. That was why when she watched him fight up against Knightwalker when they returned from Edolas, he hadn't used any of them for a few reasons. One, Dragon Force burns through his magic fast, meaning it was either using that or not. Second, because that state heavily amplified his physical stats, any spells that were also physical amplifiers could be 'dangerous' if not careful. Finally, Third, he still hadn't controlled that state to where he could mix the two very well, meaning its 'almost' not good to use in a real fight, which was the intent for their training.
"...Yeah... maybe you shouldn't" saying just a bit, seeing him react, "At least not until you can control your output" saying. "Remember what I told you, Natsu? You will be the one to surpass me. This is proof of it" she began to tell him, "That just means I'll have to keep helping you learn to control it" smiling at him a little, "To stand at the top together, right?"
She had wanted to see that smile of his again, because him being sad was not who 'Natsu Dragneel' was. The Dragon Slayer who is her friend. Her Guild Mate. Her Team Mate. And most of all. Her Lover. Was not a person who was 'sad'. In fact, he was strong in just about every sense of the word, and just as much, he was kind and loving. She already bothered that he was easily swayed by something like that, the fear of losing her. Perhaps that was still lingering in his thoughts, and there was no doubt that she wanted to ease his mind of his troubles, and his worries. Though, there was something she never had yet told him, was that she felt the same towards him. The fear of losing her would eventually drive him to make the same mistake she almost had made just under a year ago, while he was aware about it or not. Would that mean she would have to be the one to smack sense into him? A part of her hoped that it wouldn't come to that, and as she looked at him, her gazed fixed. The feeling she had felt just after that last attack lingered in her mind. Pulling him into a tight embrace, despite the sudden action and the confusion on his face, she tightened her hold onto him a little more, feeling that it wasn't going to be the last time she felt that.
She had felt something spark...
...Something had been released
Authors Notes: CHAPTER 2 is done! Phew... this turned out longer than I wanted to :zzz: Honestly, I realized there was more I wanted to do, but I cut it off here (: It had taken me this long just because school is back, and classes are kicking me - (Darky said 'ass') thanks. XD. Point is, yeah. It's just I get super tired... I think I had like 2.5 hours... then be on campus for around 10hrs? But you don't wanna hear me moan about it (Yes we do Darky~) SO. Yeah. I wanted to write this 'cause my good friend 'thehappy' told me his 'next' cross-over was going to be of my story (This story) and so I wasn't sure whether to write this chapter BEFORE that, or AFTER because it was still in progress. Soo I waited, and pretty much just set this chapter 'BEFORE' it. So! If you wanna know extra bits, check out his story one-shot compilation '' Traveling the Multiverse Ch.3: Three Erza's ''.
This is mainly because he wrote some really cool concepts that I wanna use for the future chapters of this story. But it's really optional. Mainly because I WILL be mentioning and 'lightly' summarizing any points I use from that one-shot. I have mentioned his universe in the prequel of this, so really it was just a cool gesture from a good friend. It's pretty funny too. xD. But again, don't have to, but highly recommend for comedy.
But yeah, there's a lot of things I wanted to do before Tenrou. So while i'm 'basically' setting up to Tenrou I might write a couple more chapters. before Tenrou...so maybe Tenrou exams start at like Ch.5? should be that.
Also! a lot of you guys like Ultear... and Cana...like... wow. xD
Anywho! Yeah I should also mention some stuff about the 'power' scaling because I was never really that specific. Because my story is an AU after ToH that also means Natsu's strength (As well as everyone) is completely redone. For better measure I'm going to use 'ToH' Erza as a measure. Natsu is currently about 1.54 T.E. leaving Gray at .8 T.E. Gajeel at .9 D.E. 'Current Erza' is about 1.87 T.E. Mira is about 1.7 T.E. Knightwalker is at 1.4 T.E. Elfman is at 1.1 T.E. and just because I'm lazy, everyone else is about .7 T.E, not sure about Wendy... she doesn't really fight that much, any ideas?. This isn't permanent, and really the 'only' reason Natsu is ahead was mentioned in the story (Basically he got a headstart). Later on, they're all going to balance out, more or less. Like you'll see Natsu and Gajeel more evened around (and Gray if you guys really want me to), a smaller gap... etc. but yeah. Just a vague measurement or an 'idea' of how to gauge it all. They never really helped show in the actual manga 'how much' only after the 7 year gap, and that was when Natsu lost to Max... so yeah. the reason I used 'ToH' is because that's when Scarlet Dragon takes place, just AFTER ToH.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Lemme know what you thought with a review❤❤❤
