Chapter 7: Relax

The whole group stood in the lobby of the hotel they were staying at, waiting for Mira to return with the room keys.

"Ok, I've got two rooms," Mira said smiling. "Boys your in room 1162, while we're in 1175."

"Well I'm gonna go catch a few z's," Gray said with a yawn.

"I need to rest off this spinning," Natsu said still a little green from the train and air rides. Melchior followed them silently.

"I don't know about you three," Lexi stretched her stiff muscles. "But I am making full use of the hotel spa."

"I could use some relaxing," Lucy agreed. Mira and Erza shared a look, before shrugging and following the now giggling girls.

xX Xx

"This is just what I needed," Lexi sank into the bath. It was comfortably silent as the girls soaked in the warm water.

"So," Mira began with a devilish smile. "It might be about time to talk boys."

The other three froze, eyes slightly wide. "Boys?" Erza flushed a pretty pink.

"Yep," Mira smiled, looking more innocent than she was. "I noticed you really," she smirked at Lexi, "liked that little show of Gray's."

"I-I did not," Lexi turned away red in the face.

"Well it's hard not to look, when he does it all the time," Lucy came to Lexi's rescue.

"All right be honest, do you like him?" Erza wondered earnestly. Lexi felt like she was stuffed into a small space, and she felt hot.

Lucy saw the discomfort on Lexi's face, "you've never been honest to us, what about Jellal?"

"Wh-What ever are you talking about?" Erza asked her face turning darker.

"Well do you like him?" Mira asked with a raised brow.

"Well...I mean...is this necessary?" Erza asked dipping down in the water.

"Ok," Mira smiled clapping her hands. "I've got a slightly different topic," she once again turned to Lexi. "You're new, so have you ever had a boyfriend?"

"Have any of you?" Lexi asked uncomfortable with being questioned like this.

"I have," Mira sighed. "But he isn't really worth remembering."

"I haven't," Lucy smiled thinly. "But it's fine, I'm still waiting for mr. Right."

"And would that someone happen to be a fire breathing pinkette?" Mira sniggered.

"Hey now," Lucy said sternly, her face pink. "What about you making eyes at Melchior when he's not looking?"

"I do not-"

Lexi and Erza shook their heads at the girl.

"Everyone sees it but him," Erza sighed.

Mira then looked back to Lexi. "Why do you keep avoiding the questions when they're directed at you."

"I'm just not used to anyone caring enough to take an interest in me." Lexi said staring down at her fingers. "I know my sister and brother don't like me."

"Why wouldn't they like you?" Lucy asked sitting closer to Lexi.

"I killed our mother," Lexi replied. "And I guess I just want Gray to notice me...because no one notices me...and I've liked him for awhile, even though it's been so long."

"What do you mean you killed her?" Erza asked softly.

"Well I was born with these elements in me, the energy was too much for her body to handle," Lexi had tears welling in her eyes. "Lumenia...she told me I ripped her apart...I honestly don't know what to think, really."

Mira had a hand covering her mouth, Lucy had tears in her eyes as well. Erza moved next to the girls, and pulled Lexi to her in a warm hug. "It's ok, you have a new family now, one that cares for you more than you know."

Mira and Lucy moved in as well, affirming Erza's claim as they joined the hug. Lexi couldn't help it as the tears broke free and spilled down her cheeks, all the while a bright smile lit her face.

"You guys," she sniffled.

"All right, I'm all for emotional support but this is getting kind of awkward," Lucy said teasingly. This got all of them laughing.

xX Xx

Gray lay on his back staring at the ceiling, a scowl on his face. He'd been unable to really relax, what with Natsu snoring up a storm, coupled with the strange dreams he had every time he closed his eyes.

He sat up then, with a frustrated growl. "God he can't even sleep quietly!"

"Should we wake him?" Melchior spoke up. Gray looked over at him.

"Good luck with that," Happy shook his head. "I'm going to head out ahead of you, gonna find the perfect gift for Carla." He flew out the open window.

"He's been here before?" Melchior wondered.

"We were all here," Gray said nostalgically. "It only feels like months ago, but in reality it's been seven years. So much has changed since we were trapped there."

"Is that the reason you avoid Lex-" there was a knock at the door interrupting his question. Gray stood and went to answer it.

On the other side of the door was the girls, all smiling and dressed casually.

"Wake the dragon," Lucy smirked. "We're heading to the amusement park."

"You sure that's the best place for flame brain?" Gray laughed as he kicked Natsu off the bed.

"What the hell?" Natsu jumped up, looking around blearily.

"Come on pyro, we're heading out." Gray smiled like nothing happened, walking out ahead of the other two.

"You better leave," Natsu growled out.

Lucy linked her arm with his, as he attempted to storm after Gray. "Not so fast."

"What is it?"

"Well, we can't very well go to an amusement park with you as you are," she smiled. He only gave her a confused look.

"I have a spell a little stronger than Wendy's Troia spell," Lexi said holding her hands out to Natsu. "Motus sanitas." There was a white glow.

"I don't feel any different," he said looking over himself.

"You won't until you go on a ride," Erza sighed with a good natured smile.

"Well what are we waiting for," Natsu fist pumped as he dragged Lucy down the hall.

Mira inconspicuously took Melchior's arm and lead him down the hall, the young man blushing at the gesture.

xX Xx

They met up with Gray outside the hotel.

"What took you all so long?" He wondered.

"Had to make sure Natsu didn't puke his guts up, didn't we?" Lexi gave him a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. It sent a pang through him, knowing he was the reason.

"What are we going on first?" Lucy wondered.

"Roller coaster!" Natsu cheered. Everyone agreed, but Melchior was a little hesitant.

"Ok partner up," Erza commanded. When no one moved she sighed. "Fine, Natsu and Lucy one, Lexi and Gray two, and Melchior and Mira three."

"What about you?" Lexi wondered, feeling awkward having been paired with Gray who didn't want to be near her.

"Don't worry," Erza smiled at her. "I'm sure I'll have someone in my car."

Once they all made it to the roller coaster, Melchior felt like he was going to melt at the prospect of this ride.

"Is something wrong?" Mira asked softly so the others wouldn't hear.

"I don't much care for these kind of things," Melchior gulped as he watched the fast pace of the ride.

"Don't worry," she smiled serenely at him. "I'll keep you safe."

Soon they were all on the ride, Melchior shook as he took a tight hold on the lap bar. Mira placed a comforting hand on his white knuckled grip.

Lexi sat to the far side of the car, giving Gray enough space so they weren't touching. Once the cars started moving slowly up the hill she gulped, this was actually her first time on one of these. She felt like her heart might explode with the anticipation of the slow pace.

There was a loud roar as the coaster descended the hill, some in fear, some in excitement.

Going around a corner, the momentum sent Lexi straight into Gray. She tensed up as she noticed, but couldn't move. She hadn't felt so awkward in her whole life. She chanced a glance at him, and noticed he wouldn't even look at her.

Once the ride was over she hurried from the platform, much to everyone's surprise. Melchior on the other hand stumbled along with Mira supporting him.

"I think maybe that was too big a start," she said with a wary smile. "I think I'm going to take him back to the hotel to rest."

"Good idea," Erza nodded. "I think we'll all probably do some more here, then I think we should meet at the beach."

"Agreed!" Lucy cheered. "Let's go play some games Natsu."

Gray stayed silent, he nodded in agreement. He decided to go after Lexi.

He walked away from the others in the direction he'd seen her go. He knew he had to fix this, even though his dreams made him nervous to be around her.

He suddenly heard a sniffle, and glanced around looking for the source. He saw some white hair whip around a corner and followed it.

He came upon a figure hunched over on a bench. "Stupid." He heard her say. He walked closer knowing it was Lexi.

"Hey," he reached out slowly, she flinched when he touched her shoulder. "Lexi-" she slapped his hand away.

"Don't," she said her voice sounding so hurt, it pulled at his heart strings. "I don't know what you're trying to accomplish, but you don't need to worry about me."

"Wait I-" she shook her head, she was holding herself now. She stood up and went to move around him, when he suddenly pulled her into his chest.

Her eyes were wide as her face met his cool skin. "What are you-"

"I can't lose you," he said softly, tears welled up in her eyes. "But I can't push you away anymore..."

"Gray I-"

"Hey what are you guys doing?" They sprung apart as if they were burned.

"Natsu?" Lexi blushed profusely.

Gray suddenly took her hand and pulled her away. When they came upon a storage unit, he pulled her inside.

"What-?" There was a click that made them both freeze.

"What the-" Gray grabbed the door knob, it was locked. "Who the hell makes a door that locks from the outside?!"

They heard a familiar laugh on the other side of the door.

"Idiot!" Natsu's voice came through the door. "Stay in there and make up!"

Lexi felt like her legs could no longer hold her weight, she collapsed on a bucket. She stared up at Gray with her sad eyes. "What's going on?"

"Going on?" He repeated.

"Why have you been avoiding me?" She asked. "We've been getting closer, then you start running away like I have the plague or something."

Gray didn't know how to answer her without sounding like a lunatic. "I-I just...these dreams..."

"Dreams?" She was confused. "You're avoiding me because of your dreams?"

"Yes...no...I just," Gray hit the door, facing away from her. "I don't want to lose another person that's important to me...and my dreams lately have been showing me just that."

"Gray," she stood and moved over to him, she hesitated to touch him. Then she gave in and wrapped her arms around him from behind. "You can't lose me by the way." Her voice came out muffled as she pressed her face into his back. "I'm much too stubborn." She smiled as she felt his hands touch hers.

Then suddenly he turned in her grip, and once again pulled her close. "Stubborn or not, you're not immortal." He had buried his face in her hair. "I just...don't want to be alone."

She pulled back to stare into his dark eyes. "You're not, just let me-" she noticed he'd started to lean in, and her heart went into spasms.

Suddenly the door knob twisted, there was laughter. A familiar giggle pierced the moment and they pulled apart.

"Oh," the laughing stopped and two red faces could be seen.

"E-Erza," Lexi said eyes wide. She was holding a blue haired man's hand.

"I-I'm gonna go," Gray gave Lexi a strange look before he disappeared.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know this place was occupied," the man stated apologetically.

"It's fine," Lexi gave a small smile. "I should go too, gotta meet at the beach soon." She moved passed them quickly.

"Lexi I-" she was gone too fast for Erza to say anything. "I'm sorry Jellal, I should go."

"I'll see you around?" He sounded hopeful, which made her blush slightly.

"Yeah," she quickly pecked his cheek before running off.

xX Xx

"Ok, you change into your swimwear," Mira placed Melchior on his bed. "I'll be in my room getting ready." He nodded as she moved back to the door.

He was changed pretty quickly, when the door opened to reveal Gray.

"Oh yeah, the beach," he sighed as he made his way to his bag.

Melchior was feeling better now that he had had time to rest a bit. Once Gray disappeared into the bathroom he left and headed down to the girls room.

He knocked lightly. "It's unlocked." He pushed the door open, only to stop short. His breathing increased and his heart stuttered. In front of him, Mira was still putting her swimsuit top on.

"Hey," she said not turning around. "Could you give me a hand, these ties can be stubborn." He gulped as he moved forward not in control of his movements. Their fingers brushed as he took the top ties and carefully tied them. After he finished his fingers, of their own accord, ran lightly over her shoulders and down her arms where he met her dainty fingers.

Mira had stiffened slightly as she felt his hands move down, she took a shuddering breath as she turned around. Their faces were within inches of each other. She could feel his warm breath fanning over her face.

It was as if a magnetic force had taken over, they both slowly began to lean in. The door flew open. "Mira I-!" Lucy stopped mid sentence. "Oh..."

As her senses returned she pushed Melchior away, turning away quickly missing the slightly hurt look on his face.

He turned swiftly and left without a word, brushing past Lucy who stared after him with concern.

"Mira-"

"I'm fine," the older girl said shakily. "I'll meet you guys at the beach." She grabbed her bag and hurried passed the blonde.

Soon enough the other girls came in, finding Lucy confused.

xX Xx

Everyone had assembled on the beach, some with dark auras. Erza couldn't take it anymore, she picked up Lexi and Lucy with ease and ran to the water tossing them in.

Both girls squealed as they hit the water. Lucy popped up. "Erza what was that for?"

"I can't stand the mopey faces!" She laughed as Lexi came up sputtering. "We're here to relax, have fun!" The redhead then took a running leap and splashed in herself.

She noticed that Lexi seemed to drift away from everyone else, an aura of sadness around her. Erza knew she had to help some way.

"Hey," she touched Lexi's shoulder. "Is everything ok?" She thought back to the shed earlier, and how Gray had left so quickly.

"No it's not," Lexi said softly. "I can't change it...and I'm not sure I want to continue trying."

"Lexi I-"

Lexi turned and gave Erza the best fake smile she could muster. "Never mind, let's just try and have fun." She went back over by Lucy.

Erza felt her heart ache at the sadness she could feel emanating from everyone. Soon enough everyone was smiling and having a good time, or at least faking it.

Melchior sat on his beach towel, not really feeling up to swimming. There was a rustle next to him as a towel appeared. "Mind if I sit with you?" He stared up at Mira, who gave him a smile.

"No, I don't mind," he said feeling staticky as she sat so close.

She then laid out on her stomach, intending to tan a bit. He gulped as he tried to keep his urges under control. He laid down on his back and closed his eyes. For the first time since he was little, he felt at peace. He couldn't explain why, but he knew it was because of the girl laying next to him.

He didn't realize it, in his peaceful state, but he suddenly started to glow a light sheen of gold encasing him, and then he began to levitate just slightly.

Mira felt the warmth next to her and turned to see what caused it. What she saw made her heart drop into her stomach. For reasons she didn't fully understand, she reached out and grabbed him. She could feel the tears in her eyes. He was startled into awareness at her touch.

"Mira-"

"Please don't leave me too," she whimpered, tears spilling over.

"I-I-" at the sight of her tears, he could feel the sting of his own tears. She gasped suddenly, as if she'd come to her senses.

"I have to go!" She got up swiftly and ran from the beach, leaving all her things behind.

"Mira wait!" He called strained, his hand raised as if to stop her. He couldn't figure out what had happened, and the stabbing in his chest made it difficult to breathe. He glanced at the water to see his friends enjoying themselves. All except Lexi, she gave him a sad look, like she understood his pain. It was too much for him, so he gathered his things and left as well.

Lexi watched her friend leave, so disheartened. She could feel his pain, because it was also her own. 'Maybe coming here wasn't the best idea.'

xX Xx

Natsu watched as everyone went through the motions of having fun, he noticed it the moment they all got to the beach. Everyone assumes that he is dense, but he is much more observant than they think.

A sudden splash to his face brought him back to reality, followed by Lucy's raucous laugh. "You should see your face."

"What's wrong with it?" He asked feeling his face.

"You look so serious," Lucy moved through the water until she was in front of him. To his surprise she lifted her hand from the water, and smoothed her fingers across his brow. "There, that's better, I like it when you're not serious." She gave him a bright smile. He could tell from her smile she felt it too, the weirdness that had permeated the group.

He could hear his heart in his ears in that moment, and he was sure that his face was flushed. He opened his mouth to speak when her eyes flew wide and she jumped back. He was confused for a second until he was roughly pushed under the water.

"Gray what the hell!" Natsu yelled as he came back up for air. Gray was holding his sides in laughter, the girls all rolled their eyes knowing what was coming next.

"Let's go," Lucy looped arms with Lexi and the two walked out of the water. "After all, children need to play."

xX Xx

AN: I know this isn't one of my more popular stories, but I like writing this story. I hope whomever reads this story likes it and decides to give it a fave, a follow or a review which ever strikes your fancy ;) I'll see you in the next chapter. Buh-bye