Chapter 3: The Plan to end all Plans

Juvia apologises for the intrusion but she thought that Erza would like to know…"

Juvia stopped dead, halfway in the door way, her hand still resting on the door knob as her jaw dropped. Erza leapt back off Lucy, bringing the covers with her. Lucy shrieked and pulled them back, hiding beneath them and turning bright red.

"Juvia did not need you to put on such an erotic display, if you wanted Juvia to leave all you needed to do was ask…" Juvia huffed, folding her arms and glaring at both Lucy and Erza.

"We weren't doing it because of you!" Lucy exclaimed, peeking her head out of the covers. Then she realised what she had said and stuttered "I mean, we had started beforehand, already… I mean…"

"Never mind," Erza cut in. "What is it Juvia, and why didn't you knock? You know the rules."

Lucy looked up at her red haired companion and was startled to see that she had already requiped back into her armour. She didn't look embarrassed; instead there was a look of stern pride, and of course furious annoyance. Juvia cowered back slightly from the door but remained defiant.

"Well, Juvia thought Erza would like to know that Natsu has returned and was so excited to tell Erza that, well, Juvia forgot to knock…" Juvia blushed slightly and was clearly aware of her own inappropriate behaviour. Erza rolled her eyes, a gesture she had been taught by Lucy, and shooed Juvia away. Juvia left hurriedly, not wanting to feel the wrath of the great Titania.

Lucy buried her face back beneath the covers. She just wanted to hide there, forever if possible. "Well that was embarrassing…"

"Not really." Erza replied.

Lucy whipped back the covers and looked at Erza in disbelief. Erza was sitting with her chin in her , hand. Her face looked stern, her brow furrowed as she was clearly deep in thought.

"What I mean is that this is decidedly an undesirable situation."

Erza glanced at Lucy, who looked hurt.

"I don't mean it like that," She explained quickly "I just mean that now that Natsu is back and Juvia is aware of our situation, we have a serious problem."

She sighed and looked out of the window, still looking thoughtful.

"Though, I am glad that he has returned."

"Me too" Lucy agreed, tracing a small imaginary circle with her keys on the bedsheets below her. Erza was right, Natsu returning created a problem for them both. Lucy didn't want to have to lie to Natsu and she doubted very much that their 'situation' as Erza put it, would stay secret now that Juvia knew. Lucy sighed and pulled her bra and shirt back on. Juvia wasn't a gossip, but she wasn't exactly going to keep something as big as this a secret.

"I could tell Juvia that nothing happened." Erza suggested, turning to Lucy with one of her largest swords in her hand. Lucy yelped in surprise.

"No! No we are NOT threatening Juvia!"

Erza looked disgruntled, but nodded and put the sword away.

"Besides, it's not fair to do that. We can't make her lie on our behalf."

"She wouldn't have to lie, she just wouldn't say anything."

Lucy shook her head firmly. "It'll get out sooner or later, we'd be just kidding ourselves if we thought that it wouldn't."

Erza couldn't help being a little surprised by Lucy's logical conclusion. If Natsu were to find out then it would be best told to him by them themselves. Only then could he get an accurate picture of their situation and how it was not intended as a way to cause him misery. Admittedly, Erza did not want to have to tell Natsu but if things with Lucy were to continue, then it was really the just thing to do. She only hoped that Natsu could contain himself long enough for her to get any bystanders to a safe distance.

"I know what you're thinking, we have to tell him." Lucy predicted.

"Correct."

"In that case then, can we make it official?"

"I don't understand. How could we officialise telling him?"

"No, I meant…" Lucy hugged Erza close to her. She stroked her cheek lightly and gazed upon her beautiful face. "Be mine, officially."

"Oh," Erza blushed, looking slightly sheepish, a rare look for her. "I thought I already was."

Erza and Lucy spent a little more time together in Erza's room before heading down to the guild. They planned to confront Natsu there and tell him straight out about their relationship. Lucy hoped that their revelation wouldn't be the final step in ending their friendship with Natsu. Natsu was the whole reason that Lucy had ever even gotten to join Fairy Tail. He was her first link to this wonderful world, she owed him everything. Without him, she would never have even met Erza.

They reached the entrance to the Guild Hall and Lucy stopped in her tracks. She didn't want to go through with it. It wasn't fair on Natsu, she didn't want to break his heart all over again. Erza walked a few steps and then realised that Lucy had lagged behind. She turned to her and saw that she had turned very pale, staring at the hall doors as if they were the gates of hell. Erza back tracked, took Lucy's hand in hers and leant her forehead against Lucy's.

"Don't worry," She said softly, smiling at the petrified Lucy. "Natsu could never stay mad at you, you're his nakama and his best friend"

"Apart from Happy, and you perhaps" Lucy smiled briefly.

"He may be annoyed with me for some time." Erza admitted "But that's okay, it wouldn't be the first time. We grew up together after all."

Lucy nodded and took a deep breath. She was thankful that Erza was so strong all the time, or at least when it counted. After a moment she gave a small smile and motioned for Erza to lead the way. She squeezed Lucy's hand reassuringly then let go and pushed open the large wooden doors to the Guild hall.

Lucy looked around the room full of chattering guild members. She spotted Natsu and her heart began to do what felt like back flips. Her stomach dropped inside her. He was sitting with Happy, Charle and Wendy. They were laughing and joking. Wendy looked content. Lucy smiled, at least Wendy was settling in well.

Erza and Lucy made to walk over to Natsu. Erza looked determined, Lucy terrified. However Gray suddenly stepped in front of them, completely unaware of their impending mission.

"Hey Erza, I was thinking we could do this job." He said, sticking the piece of paper right under Erza's nose. Erza took the paper and read it briefly. Then her gaze snapped back to Gray, who looked positively bored.

"Why exactly do you want to go on this job? We are only just back from dealing with the Oración Seis…"

Gray sighed and flexed his arms behind his head. "Well I thought Lucy could do with the money for rent." Gray explained, and then added "Also I'm bored as hell and want something to beat up." He smirked and Erza returned the gesture before turning her attention back to the piece of paper for a moment.

"Yes, I agree we should take this job." Erza said, handing back the piece of paper to Gray who grinned casually, one hand in his pocket. "As long as Natsu comes too of course." Gray's smile quickly dissolved.

"What? Why?"

Erza shrugged "He always comes. It wouldn't be the same otherwise."

"But you saw how he basically exploded last week!" Gray argued, gesturing towards the unaware Natsu. "Besides, the reward is low enough already without him taking a share…"

"He can have mine, I don't need it" Erza brushed off Gray's excuse lightly.

Gray went to open his mouth in retort but Erza just glared at him and he agreed reluctantly, stalking off undoing his trouser buttons.

Lucy whipped around to face Erza, who was smiling slyly. "You just accepted to go on a job with Natsu! It's going to be ridiculously awkward after we tell him about us, he's not going to want to go anyway!" Lucy exclaimed, throwing her hands up into the air. Then she huffed and crossed her arms. "Why even bother going on the job anyway?"

"Because you always say you need money for rent." Erza explained, still smiling calmly. "Besides we're not going to tell Natsu now."

Lucy was confused. "We're… not?"

"No," Erza replied, she looked distant, a plan clearly forming in her thoughts. "We'll tell him on the job."

Natsu had been glad to go with them, exclaiming that he was raring to go. Of course when he found out that they would be travelling by train, his attitude did drop significantly. Lucy was slightly taken aback by Natsu's mood. It was like he had never even said anything to Lucy, like none of it had ever happened. Of course they were all aware that it had, including Gray.

"So when are you two love birds gonna tell the flaming idiot?" Gray asked, yawning and stretching before rubbing his bare stomach.

"SHUT UP!" Lucy hissed, jumping up in surprise. She shot a look over at Natsu, expecting him to have burnt down half the train carriage. However, he was blissfully unaware as Erza had been kind enough to knock him out. He was sleeping soundly, a large bump on his head and a bubble appearing from his nose every time he breathed out. Lucy exhaled and sat back on her seat, clutching her chest.

"How the hell did you find out anyway?" She attacked Gray.

Gray stayed cool as a cucumber and smirked. "Juvia, she's told nearly everyone about your 'unacceptable display'"

"It wasn't meant as a display…" Lucy muttered, clearly annoyed.

Gray just shrugged and laughed. Erza remained silent and to Lucy's surprise, she was blushing profusely.

"Everyone knows already?"

"Yep." Gray replied. "Don't worry though, everyone's cool with it. It's pretty hot really, the thought of the two of you…" Erza didn't let him finish his sentence but stamped hard on his foot. It was the only part of Gray within easy reaching distance. Gray winced painfully, but then smirked back at Erza to show he was just playing around.

"Well we'll probably tell him after the job is done…" Lucy said quietly. She was still afraid that Natsu could hear him through his sleeping stupor.

"Ah, good. Don't want him blowing up the whole town. I need some of that reward." Gray said coldly, he obviously hadn't forgiven Natsu for his odd behaviour a couple of days agon. "Be warned though, he won't take it well, he has the hots for you Lucy."

"HOW DID YOU KNOW THAT?"

Lucy jumped out of her seat for the second time. She looked quickly between Erza and Gray for an explanation. Erza shook her head, not a clue. Gray shrugged.

"It's pretty obvious really, he's always talking about you or following you around. Doesn't take a genius to work it out. I knew you would end up with Erza though, that was also obvious."

"Oh come on! You couldn't have known that…" Gray just smiled knowingly and Lucy sat back down, blushing again. She hadn't noticed… How many others had known before she had? Poor Natsu…

"We'll worry about that when it comes to it." Erza said calmly. She was stroking Natsu's hair in a motherly fashion. Lucy wondered if she as even aware if she was doing it. It was pretty cute really. The two clearly cared for each other very much. Lucy felt a pang of guilt. She may be about to ruin their relationship, pulling apart a friendship that had been going strong all these years. Lucy turned her attention to the window, tears welling up behind her eyes. Neither Erza or Gray noticed, she seemed to be just admiring the scenery. Their talk turned to the attention of the job in hand and how they would go about it. Lucy caught snipets of the conversation but found that she couldn't care less about a job or rent money at the moment. She just hoped that Erza had planned this right. If she hadn't Lucy feared for the poor unsuspecting buildings and bystanders that may get in Natsu's way…

The job took the team to the familiar town of Hosenka, where a group of thug mages had been attacking and mugging wealthy tourists. The job turned out to be disappointingly easy as the thugs had only been pretending to be mages in order to easily scare their victims. Gray sulked as he punched the last one in the face, knocking him out easily.

"That really wasn't worth the trip." He muttered, brushing off his bare shoulders.

"I don't know about that!" Lucy said happily. Taurus stood at her side, staring down her top and drooling. One of the thugs began to crawl away so Erza kicked him over and stood on his backside. "You want more punishment?" She asked rather sadistically.

"Oh Erza! Punish me t…"

"Forced Gate Closure!" Lucy shouted smiling before Taurus could finish his sentence. Then a confused look washed over her face.

"Anyone else get a sense of déjà vu?"

"Seeing as the job was done so quickly, maybe we should stay here for a bit. Relax a little and catch up…" Erza suggested

"Ok, now seriously, déjà vu anyone?"

Erza just smiled at her, the guys weren't even listening. "The hotel owner said if we finished the job quickly and quietly we could stay a few days longer for free."

"Quietly? Fat chance of that..."

"Well actually, Natsu didn't destroy anything this time."

Gray, Erza and Lucy looked around in amazement. Everything was still very much intact, except for the thugs. There was something seriously wrong here…

"I suppose I just didn't feel like it!" Natsu grinned, one hand behind his head. The other three just looked at him in shock.

"Also, I think taking some time out is a great idea!" Natsu finished, punching the air in excitement. "Pity I forgot to ask Happy to come."

"Natsu wants to relax…?" Gray asked nervously, his face twitched.

"And he doesn't want to destroy anything…" Erza muttered.

"AND he forgot happy…" Lucy added, ghostly pale, she knew something was missing, but to forget Happy…

Natsu noticed their reactions, his smile faded. "Are you guys ok? You don't look well." He turned his head to the side and put his hands on his hips.

"Em Fine, you…?" Lucy asked him seriously.

"Never better!"

Natsu grinned again and started to run off in the direction of the hotel. The other three glanced at each other for a moment. Who was this and what had they done with the real Natsu?

Later that evening, before dinner, Erza and Lucy decided to take advantage of the Hotels spa facilities. Lucy disrobed and dunked herself into the hot steamy water. Erza followed suit. They were the only two around so Lucy swam over to Erza and kissed her briefly, smiling at her girlfriend.

"Mmm, staying at the spa really was a great idea!" She hummed, the soothing water swirling around her body. "About telling Natsu though, what's the plan?"

Erza swished the water around herself for a second, then dunked her hair back into the warm water. "This is the plan. Bring Natsu to the Hotel to relax, then tell him."

"Erza, that's not a plan!" Lucy exclaimed, rolling her eyes.

"What? The chances of him taking this news well is more likely if he is in a relaxing environment." Erza looked defensive and also taken aback.

Lucy just sighed and laughed it off. Erza didn't understand but chose not to bother, she was too relaxed to try and figure out Lucy's thoughts right now. Besides, she was completely naked and it was quite distracting.

"Remember when we were here last time?" Lucy asked, moving closer to Erza, their bodies just touching. "And you wore your armour into the pool?"

Erza smiled and laughed at the memory. "Yes, admittedly that wasn't my best idea."

"Well I'm glad you aren't wearing it now." Lucy said suggestively. She put her arms around Erza and kissed her collar bone gently. Erza felt hot waves moving all over her body that had nothing to do with the water around her.

"And why is that?" She asked curiously, her hands caressing Lucy's back. Lucy bit her lip and held Erza closer, sliding one hand down her side and then down her stomach.

"Because if you were wearing armour, I couldn't do this." Lucy slid her hand between Erza's thighs. Erza gasped in surprise and clutched Lucy close as she began her descent into pure ecstasy.

"Well, he certainly eats like Natsu…" Gray muttered, looking over suspiciously at Natsu who was devouring every edible thing in front of him. Erza put down her bowl and gazed over at him.

"Yes, unfortunately…" she remarked and then sighed. "I think he's just stressed that's all. The break will do him good."

Gray looked doubtful but nodded anyway. "Where exactly did Lucy go again?"

"I sent her to the shop for some things…" Erza said vaguely. Gray didn't dare ask what.

"Well, I think I'm going to go to bed." Gray said as he stood up and stretched. Erza nodded and smiled at him. Natsu noticed him leaving and waved goodbye. Gray just stared him for a moment, then walked off to his room muttering. What the fuck is going on…

Erza glanced over at Natsu, who was just finishing his meal. He had eaten enough for about ten people and now his stomach was bloated. He lay back on the floor and let out a large belch. Erza went to scold him and then thought better of it. She cleared her throat.

"So, how have you been Natsu?" She asked gently.

"Fine, fine." Natsu replied and stretched.

"I meant, after the whole Lucy situation."

"Ah… well yeah I suppose I didn't take it that well at first." Natsu sat back up and grinned at Erza. "But I'm okay now. Over it really."

Erza breathed a sigh of relief. If Natsu really was okay then it would make telling him much easier. She had actually sent Lucy to the shop in order to get Natsu on his own. Lucy clearly didn't want to have to tell Natsu what had happened and Erza wanted Lucy to be happy. She had decided to tell him alone and she would deal with any problems Natsu may have with it. By the looks of it though, things were going to go smoothly. Erza actually felt proud of Natsu, he was finally showing real signs of maturity. Erza smiled, she felt calm now.

"Well then there's something I wanted to tell you."

Natsu looked at her inquisitively, rubbing his still bloated stomach with one hand and leaning on the other. "What's that?"

"Lucy and I," Erza began, "We have entered into a relationship with one another. What I mean is, she's now my girlfriend. We were afraid to tell you because of the feelings you harbour for Lucy but if you're truly over her then I'm hoping there won't be much of a problem. If we've hurt you in anyway though, we're very sorry and I hope you can forgive us."

Natsu's smile completely faded from his face and he turned a stony grey colour. He stared at Erza with what she realised was a mix between disbelief and fury. Maybe Erza had misread the situation slightly… Was it possible that Natsu had been lying about being okay? She realised her mistake a little too late. Natsu had his fists clenched to his sides now, his knuckles were completely white and his arms were shaking, his eyes wide. He opened his mouth to speak and it was clear that it was taking a lot of strength just to keep sitting.

"What… Did you just say?"