I am SO sorry for not updating in AGES. Truth is I've been spending more of my time doing Rebel of Time (sci-fi Lyoray, in case you're interested) because I am super in love with that fic, and then I've been doing various challenges over on various amino apps and then also finally getting onto writing my original novel and whatnot. It's not as if I haven't known where to go with this one, I've had the opening of this chapter spinning around in my head for quite a while actually.

And then there's the inevitable notion of having more fanfic ideas pop into my brain at the most random times. Like, I wrote the first chapter to a high school AU fic (also Lyoray) called My Future is You that I spent practically the entire summer planning and writing bit by bit. And then since I'm a major fan of medieval fantasy stuff (knights, dragons, fairies, princes, sirens, pirates, etc.) then I've had the idea of a Lyoray fic based on that badgering at my brain too.

And then I've also been trying out new anime like Dive!, Tales of Zestiria, Servamp, etc. And when I haven't been writing or watching shows, I've either been reading or focusing on my OCs over on DeviantArt (DesertCalor is my username).

But, alas, I am here to give this little thing a bit of a well needed update! Here we go! (Also if you're a fan of musicals then I am really into Be More Chill right now ;))


The next morning the team awoke early and Lyon could tell Gray had had a restless night even when they'd both returned back to his room. His eyes were dark and his chest heaved with deep, heavy breaths as he tried to keep his eyes open while Briar talked them through their plan once more. Gray was startled slightly when Briar snapped her fingers in front of him and he groaned in response.

"Sorry, what were you saying...?"

"Oh nothing important, just about my wedding that's coming up within the week. Jerome will make such a wonderful husband I'm sure" the Avatar member had her arms folded and her fingers lightly tapped on her arm as she half-glared down at him.

"...Please, don't kid". Gray stifled a yawn and stretched his arm above his head as he stood from where he'd been sat. "And before you say it, I'm fine". He noticed her glance at his injured arm and growled lightly. "It doesn't even hurt anymore. I'd say it's even healed". To prove it he stretched it out to the side and flexed the muscles that laid beneath his skin. "See? All good".

Briar rolled her eyes. "You're going to get yourself killed. But, come on, Master Arlock wanted to talk to us before we left for the trial grounds". She then walked out of the room they were in (Gray's room) and he slowly followed her, casting one last tired glance back at his friends before he shut the door behind him.

Juvia wrung her hands together nervously and Natsu tapped his foot impatiently. Lyon just sighed. "Well, I suppose there's nothing we can do but make sure he doesn't do anything stupid".

"Oh, because what you've let him do right now is perfectly fine" Natsu spat with venomous sarcasm in his tone as his green eyes narrowed at the Lamia Scale mage. "Some bodyguard you've turned out to be".

"I tried talking him out of it but he wouldn't listen. You know as well as anyone just how stubborn he can be" Lyon countered softly. Natsu's tone unnerved him. He knew the words were targeted at him directly, but they felt more personal than they should. He turned his attention to Juvia. "Juvia, could you possibly pack some things we'll need? I need a small word with Natsu". He then took hold of the Fire Dragon Slayer's wrist and dragged him out onto the balcony he and Gray had stood on last night. "Now, whatever you want to say, say it" He growled with a challenging look in his black eyes.

Natsu seemed to hesitate, taking in the surrounding area and making sure nobody was within earshot for what he was about to say. He then locked his eyes on Lyon, who clearly didn't look impressed. He huffed and crossed his arms. "I know about you and Gray. Such a brotherly love, isn't it?"

"Get to the point, we don't have time to waste. Now spit it out".

"I saw you both!" His eyes flashed almost dangerously. "Last night out here!"

Lyon blinked, admittedly slightly taken back. "What do you mean...?" He asked slowly, just to make sure he was hearing correctly.

"I heard you leave last night, so I got curious and followed a little bit. Then I saw the both of you revealing your little secret without knowing at all". Natsu hissed a little through gritted teeth. "That's why you wanted to come and find him with us so badly; because you and him are-" A fist collided with his jaw suddenly, effectively cutting him off. "Hey, what the hell?!"

"Keep your stupid voice down!" Lyon hissed. "Yes, Gray and I do have the sort of relationship that most would not think of us having, but that doesn't concern the likes of you".

"Doesn't concern me? I'm the one who came out here to find his stupid ass! You said you wanted to see for yourself that he was really okay, so you tagged along! But no, the real reason was because you became so desperate for his attention. That's just like you, isn't it?"

"You talk as if you're jealous, Dragneel" Lyon half-sneered. "I understand he's your guildmate - or used to be - but others are allowed to care about him too".

"Not the sort of people who have abandoned him once before and have the potential to do so again".

"That's what you're worried about? Do you honestly think this relationship would've occurred between the two of us if he thought the same way you do? Do you think he would trust me as much as he does?" A silent pause followed and Lyon grunted lightly as he made his way toward the balcony's exit. "Just as I thought".

He felt Natsu get a tight grip on his own wrist.

"Just...make sure he gets out of this mess, okay? ...Alive".

"...You have my word".


Sorry, I know it wasn't much but NATSU KNOWS.