~ The pair made their way once again to Lucy's apartment. The door opened and they walked in.~

"So, have you ever been to North Haven before?" Lucy asked Loki as he sat on her bed while she rummaged through her closet, debating on which shoes to take with her.

"Unfortunately, no; but I hear it's beautiful this time of year.", he smiled.

Lucy smiled back, "Well, maybe if we have time after the mission, we can look around and enjoy the festival."

Loki grinned widely, "You bet! That sounds awesome!"

After she packed a few things into a small suitcase, she grabbed her belt and examined her Gold keys; making sure that each one was there. Finally, she grabbed her trusty whip with the heart-shaped cracker.

Loki grabbed Lucy's suitcase. "Oh you don't have to do that, Loki. I'm fully capable of doing it myself. It's not THAT heavy." She replied. Loki simply stood tall, puffing his chest out a little. "Now, that wouldn't be very gentleman-like. Besides, I WANT to do it for you."

Unaccustomed to such true gentleman behavior, Lucy stood back astonished. "I know there must have been a few guys who only pretended to be gentlemen in order to gain favor with your father, may he rest peacefully; but I am the real deal, Lucy. This kind of behavior isn't going to stop, so you may as well get used to it." Loki said with a lighthearted grin. Left with no other way to really respond to such a bold statement, Lucy just stood there totally taken aback.

Impishly, Loki seized the opportunity and quickly kissed Lucy's cheek. Lucy grinned, amused with Loki's playfulness. "Come on, we better head back to the guild." Loki nodded and carried the suitcase in one hand, and turned off the lights as he exited the apartment; making sure to lock the door behind him.

Once outside, Lucy habitually started walking on the edge of the canal; a smile on her face. Loki smiled softly, enjoying the fact that Lucy took such pleasure in something so simple. She's a really down-to-earth kind of girl, despite her upbringing. He thought to himself. She doesn't know how rare and special she really is.

Upon arriving at the guild, the couple were greeted by Gray and Juvia. "Are the others inside?", Lucy asked. "Well, Happy and Natsu are; we haven't seen Erza yet..."

"I'm here!", Erza called out distantly...with about 15 bags and suitcases.

"Geez, Erza, we're only going to be gone for a little while. You really didn't need to pack so much stuff.", Gray said. "One never knows exactly what one may need during such a journey! Better to be prepared than to go wanting!", Erza proclaimed.

Gray simply rolled his eyes and thought, Whatever excuse you girls want to use for hauling around a bunch of crap.

Suddenly, Natsu busted through the front doors of the guild. "I'M READY! LET'S HIT THE ROAD!"

"Aye, sir!" Happy chimed in.

Erza smiled, "Alright, to North Haven!"

And to the Festival of Love where my dearest Gray might profess his undying love for me! Juvia thought and beamed with joy.

~The group headed out on their quest; Erza lead the way, followed by Natsu and Happy; who were followed by Juvia and Gray. Loki and Lucy brought up the rear; holding hands the entire time. ~