Chapter 2

A. N.: OMG guys I'm so, so, so sorry this hasn't been out sooner.

I've had some epic writer's block, and I can't seem to get the juices to flow very well lately.

Anyways, enjoy this chapter! Shit is gonna be going down the next couple chapters.

If you follow my other stories, I'm looking at getting a chapter out for each of them soon as well. I want to be putting out a chapter every other day for my fics in a rotating cycle. (Save me from my ambition.)

Anyways, I hope you guys like this chapter! I'm not a long chapter writer, so I'm sorry for the length, but I'll try to get more out soon! :)

See end for more A.N. -M. M.

I wonder if this cake will taste even better now that I'm sharing it with Lucy.

Erza and Lucy sat together at their regular table, alone for once. Natsu and Gray were over at the bar, arguing over which dish was manlier; fire chicken or ice cream.

Elfman's influence in starting the argument was negligible, he would assure you.

The two girls had long ago tuned them out, and were happily preparing to devour the entire cake Erza had ordered for them.

Mira had delivered the cake, giving Erza a suggestive look before stumbling back behind the bar, deep in her typical matchmaking stupor, mumbling about "beautiful brown-eyed babies." Erza, horrified that Mira would say such a thing within earshot of Lucy, stared after her, thoughts of murder swirling around in her mind.

Erza had wanted to die when Lucy looked back over at her, eyebrows rising in question at what Erza was sure was a murderous expression. Erza's cheeks turned pink and she looked down, not wanting to explain the reason behind her murderous intentions, missing the softened expression of fondness Lucy sent her way.

"So, would you like to do the honors?"

Erza looked up at Lucy, startled at her softer than normal tone. The Celestial Spirit mage was looking at her expectantly, her arms crossed and resting on the table. Unfortunately for Erza's waning sanity, this propped up Lucy's breasts on her arms, causing her shirt, once again, to threaten loosing its valuable cargo.

"U-uh yeah," Erza cleared her throat and sat up straight, reminding herself that it was the cake Lucy was talking about not-

Erza cleared her throat again and squared her shoulders, reequipping her current favorite set of silverware and dishes. As she served them each a sizable slice of cake, Lucy squealed happily.

"Oh Erza, I love these plates! I saw them in the store window the other day, but I never got them because I knew a certain someone," she took the opportunity to send a glare towards the bar where most of the males in the guild had congregated by now, "would only break them." Erza smiled internally. She had been shopping for groceries at the time when she herself had seen the set of plates. They had tiny paintings of sunflowers around the edges, the petals a beautiful shade of yellow. She had been reminded of her teammate's hair, the same exact shade of gold when wet.

"Thank you, Lucy." Erza took a bite of cake. "If you wish, we can have cake together tomorrow, and I can show you a different set I have. It is quite beautiful." Another bite. "I had no idea you liked china."

Lucy's face lit up and she leaned across the table, her voice rising in pitch in her excitement, "Really Erza? You would be okay with that? That sounds wonderful!" She clapped happily as she said, "I absolutely love china! My mom and I used to sneak out to the park near my home when I was very small, and there was always a china painter there. We used to buy a teacup and saucer every time. I would love to go see if he is still there one of these days." Lucy's expression turned contemplative as she took a bite of cake, her finger tracing the flower's design on the edge of the plate.

"We could go now, if you wish. It isn't that far from here, and it's only morning. I believe there is a short mission up on the board that we could take care of on the way back, if you wanted to do that as well," Erza suggested. Maybe this way we can spend some time together alone, and I can see if my feelings are returned. I'm scared that if I come out and say anything, it will ruin our team dynamic. At the same time, I am positive that if she will accept me, I can be exactly the woman she needs.

If she accepts my invitation it will be a sign that I have a chance.

"Yes! I would love to go! We could even make a day of it! There's this little restaurant that I would love to go to again that's just outside the park. They specialize in things that start in "S" for some reason, so they have extra good strawberry products and spaghetti." Lucy bounced slightly in her seat, her eyes bright with excitement as she kicked her feet, one smooth-skinnned calf sliding along Erza's booted one.

Erza smiled.

Sign received loud and clear.

A. N.: Well, I hope you guys liked it! I just wanted to get the creative juices flowing again, so I will most likely update in the next few days!

Thanks everyone! Remember to R/R. ;)

Until next time! :D

-M. M.