After that night, Gray's and Camilla's relationship didn't automatically go back to normal. They weren't a couple, more like good friends. They spoke on semi-friendly terms, speaking when spoken to, but never seeking out conversation. They danced around each other, never seeking out each other's companionship. Neither of them mentioned the words that were spoken that night.

In a way she was grateful that they at least spoke to each other. She knew their relationship would never be the same, if they even had any sort of relationship.

But in another way it hurt more to be near him but not with him. Whenever she saw him she was reminded of all the happy memories she had with him. She hadn't removed her ring, nor had Gray asked her too so it was safe to say he still cared for her in the romantic sense. Instead of wearing it on her finger, she had purchased a simple silver chain to wear the ring around her neck. If Gray had noticed, he didn't say anything.

….

Camilla awoke to the sunlight streaming through the infirmary window and Gray at her side. He was leaning against her and her against him, each supporting each other. She carefully maneuvered herself out from under him and allowed him to stretch out as much as he could on the small bench. She took note of his sleeping face and couldn't help but smile.

Four years ago she would have woken up and took the time to just watch him, the peacefulness of whatever he had been dreaming, before she got up to take on the day.

But her from four years ago was different than her now. Her smile fell and she turned to leave, intent on getting Annalise breakfast before she woke up. Perhaps doing something would help ease her troubled mind. Though, after what had happened last night, she hoped Gray being there, even for a little while, would scare away any intruders.

As she left however, she felt a hand grabbing at her wrist. Turning back, she saw Gray's eyes flutter and his hand tighten as he muttered in his sleep. He adjusted, his free arm bending to cushion his head as he lay on his side. Camilla let a wistful smile once again curl the corners of her lips as she gently removed his hand from her wrist and left the room.

The guild was still pretty much empty, only Mirajane and a couple other stragglers in the hall. Camilla walked behind the bar counter and towards the kitchen.

"It's nice to see you up and moving Camilla!" Mirajane said cheerfully and took a small break from cleaning the counter to give the girl a hug.

"It's nice to see you too Mira, I'm just stretching my legs a bit. I assume you heard what happened with Annalise?" Mira looked solemn but she nodded.

"We were talking about planning a surprise party for Annalise; her birthday is in a few days correct? You've spent nearly two weeks here." She offered and Camilla smiled warmly,

"I would love that….. Something like this for Annalise would be the best thing I could ever ask for for her."

Camilla carried a small plate of eggs and toast up the stairs to the infirmary. As she reached the door however she paused, hearing something inside. It sounded like singing, a child singing.

"Don't worry about a thing,

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright!"

(This is 3 Little Birds by Bob Marley)

Camilla smiled sadly. She recognized this song. It was Annalise's favorite, one she sang when sad or scared or worried. She opened the door before the next verse could start and went inside. Gray was nowhere to be found.

"Mama!" Annalise cheered happily, breaking off her song.

"Hey sweetie, how are you feeling?" She set the breakfast down on the bedside table, taking a seat on the bench.

Annalise hummed as she shrugged.

"'Usica helped me feel better." She chirped, 'Usica' was her nickname for Porlyusica since she had problems saying her whole name.

Camilla ruffled her hair and smiled,

"That's good, but I have some good news for you! Do you know what is in a three days?" She asked, sitting on the edge of the bed and took her hand. Annalise cocked her head to the side, eyes wide with curiosity.

"What Mama?" She asked, frowning as she thought. Suddenly she brightened and a wide grin nearly split her face.

"My birthday! It's gonna be my birthday!" She cheered, waving her arms erratically before throwing them around her mother, giggling overtaking the pain of the situation.

….

Camilla had a basket on her arm, walking through the snow covered streets of Magnolia as she searched for what she needed. She knew she could just purchase a cake but would rather make a small one for just Annalise. She had the ingredients in mind, murmuring to herself the list as she walked through the market.

"Camilla?" The woman looked up and spotted Juvia, head tilted to the side as she studied the ravenette.

"Oh…. Juvia I didn't notice you." She said quietly, glancing away.

"... mind if I walk with you?" She inquired softly and Camilla froze for a moment before nodding. It would be nice to catch up with her friend.

"Are you making a cake for Annalise?"

"Hm? Oh; yes, Lissy says she'd rather have something homemade rather than a store bought cake. She declared it a tradition when she could first talk." Camilla smiled a little at the memory.

She had been extremely poor, money was tight and she had no way to buy a cake for Annalise's birthday so she scrounged around and found ingredients and an old recipe for a cake and voile, a cake was created.

"How have you been?" Juvia asked a little while after they had finished shopping and had returned to her home after she insisted on helping.

"I-it's hard. I knew this wouldn't be perfect if I were to ever come back…. but it can't help but hurt. We were supposed to be married Juvia; Gray and I were to be married and now we are barely on talking terms." Juvia frowned at this as Camilla unloaded the ingredients she needed.

With a sigh, Camilla looked around the kitchen.

"I guess the good side is I have magic huh?" She said with a dry grin and Juvia's eyes blew wide.

"You have magic now?!" Camilla actually laughed at this and raised a hand, yellowish-white magic pulsing around her hand as she summoned the dishes required from the various cupboards and drawers. They floated down and onto the counter almost silently and Juvia gasped.

"I do, after I woke up I discovered I had magic power manifesting in the way of telekinesis and force fields." She explained and Juvia clasped her hands together, eyes glittering.

"Camilla that's amazing!" Camilla smiled at the compliment before she glanced to the ground, fingers clenching into fists.

"Would you be able to help me get stronger?"

"Pardon?"

"Juvia look at me. I've lost my edge, I have magic I'm not totally accustomed to and someone is after my daughter. Please….. help me get stronger, train me, or send me to someone else who can…" Camilla clenched her jaw, looking up at her friend. Juvia's gaze softened and she nodded,

"Okay… okay I'll help you! I'll try my hardest to help you and Annalise as much as I can. I promise!" The water woman declared and pulled Camilla into a tight hug.

This is so disappointing. This chapter is so short *sweatdrop*. I'M SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG! I had this half done for a long time but I've been working so dang much I haven't had time! Also I realized I should probably have an outline but I really don't, I've just been kind of going off of the top of my head, in the moment kinda thing.

Next chapter probably won't be out for a while, simply because I would like to get some things pre-written and possibly some new stories published (I'm not saying what cause I honestly have no idea.)

For those of my readers in the West Coast; please be safe during the wildfires. For those of my readers in the south and in Texas; please be safe during the hurricanes. Hurricane Irma is now a category 5 so please please please be safe!

Until next time!

FairyTailWzard over and out!~