Author's note: Hey everyone, the new chapter is up! I do not own Fairy Tail.
HIDDEN FEELINGS
CHAPTER 10
It was another sunny day in the city of Magnolia. After last night's adventurous ball, the Fairy Tail mages took their time in getting off their fluffy, comfortable beds. Having enjoyed a relaxing, good night's sleep, they slowly made their way towards the large dining room to have their breakfast. The mansion was almost completely tidied up, although there were still some decorations left, which was kinda surprising especially considering that most of the stuff was having the day off.
"So, last night was pretty fun!" Loke commented cheerfully, as he poured some fragrant, warm coffee in his cup.
"I agree. Not only we succeeded in our mission, but we also had the chance to enjoy the ball! It's been a while since I was in an event like that" Erza nodded in agreement, as she started to fill her plate with her favourite treaties.
"Here, Gray! Have some coffee!" Lucy said with a slightly flushed expression, as she filled Gray's cup with the hot beverage.
"Thanks Lucy!" Gray said as he held his cup high, in order for Lucy to fill it. He looked at Lucy with a fond expression, smiling, and Lucy looked back with a similar expression. The two of them leaned closer, but then both of them felt someone staring at them and turned slowly towards the other side of the table. They noticed both Loke and Erza looking at them, with knowing smiles.
"You guys are really nice to each other! Even nicer than usual, that is" Loke commented, leaning on his hand.
"Last night must have been really special to you two" Erza added, as she folded her arms.
"Um, well…" Lucy mumbled, as she looked towards the table with a sheepish smile, as Gray rubbed the back of his head.
"I guess, there's no point in holding it back from you guys. You pretty much knew about it, anyway. Okay then, here it goes" Gray said slowly, before he continued with a more clear voice. "Lucy and I are, together. We finally cleared our feelings for each other and, I confessed to her last night" he admitted, as he took Lucy's hand and held it gently, while Lucy looked at him with a fond smile.
"Way to go, Gray! For a while, I was afraid that you didn't have it in you, but you finally did it!" Loke smiled approvingly.
"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence!" Gray mumbled with a pout.
"Congratulations, both of you! That's, really good to hear!" Erza said, with a slightly flushed expression.
"Thanks, guys! We knew you would be happy to hear that" Lucy responded gratefully.
"Wait until the others find out, back at the guild! That would probably call for a party" Loke said cheerfully.
"Yeah, about that. We would appreciate if you didn't tell anyone about it, yet. There are a couple of things that, we should clear out first" Lucy said, as she exchanged a knowing look with Gray.
"Of course! This is a personal and private matter for you two. It's up to you how you will handle this" Erza said, as Loke nodded in agreement.
"Thanks again! Your support means a lot to us" Lucy sighed in relief.
"I guess it's about time we get back to the guild. We should inform Lord Blackwood, and then pack up" Erza said, as she took a sip from her coffee. The mages finished up their breakfast, and walked towards the garden, where the nobleman was enjoying his tea.
"Of course, but wouldn't you like to spend a few more days at the mansion? I would be glad to have you as my guests" Lord Blackwood suggested.
"We appreciate the offer, sir. But, we have been away from the guild for a while now. We should be getting back" Lucy responded politely.
"I understand. I am aware of the bond that Fairy Tail mages share with their guild, so I expected this to be your answer. In that case, allow me to express my gratitude for you assistance, and offer to make your way back more comfortable. I have arranged for a carriage to take you back to the city" the nobleman said, smiling.
"You are very kind, my lord. We accept your offer" Erza said, with a formal tone.
"A carriage should be much faster than walking all the way back" Gray commented.
"I'm glad to hear that! And to make your journey more comfortable, I have arranged for a few guards, as well as someone of my trust, to accompany you. You might not need it, but it should make your trip a little safer" Lord Blackwood said.
"Someone of your trust?" Erza wondered, as David walked towards them.
"The carriage is prepared, my lord! We are ready to go whenever you give the word" the brown haired noble said.
"Thank you, David! The carriage is at your disposal when you are ready, dear mages" Lord Blackwood said.
"You'll be travelling with us?" Loke said with some surprise.
"So it seems. At least, until we get to the city" David responded simply.
"Good. Maybe we should have that sparring we talked about, before we leave" Erza said, with a small smile.
"As you wish, my lady! It would be my honour" David said, as he took a small bow.
"Eh? You guys are seriously gonna fight now?" Lucy exclaimed shocked, looking between them.
"Relax Lucy! It's gonna be fine" Gray appeased her with a calm smile.
"This should be interesting" Loke commented, as Erza and David stood in front of each other, Erza summoning one of her swords, and David drawing his own sword from its sheathe, and taking a fighting pose. The two competitors then engaged in a quick paced sword fight, with Erza attacking with swift strikes, and David skilfully blocking them.
"He is actually holding his own against Erza?" Lucy said stunned, as David unleashed a swift counter attack.
"He is pretty good, but there's no way he's better than Erza" Gray said calmly, but keeping a close eye on the fight. The two competitors continued their duel, until Erza was finally able to knock the sword out of her opponent's hand.
"You win, my lady! As expected from one of Fairy Tail's finest!" David said gracefully, as he took another small bow.
"You are really good too! Your strikes were swift, precise and well balanced. I have met very few others with your skill in sword fighting. I am impressed!" Erza said with a composed smile, as she walked towards him and shook his hand.
"That's really kind of you, my lady!" David responded, with a charming smile.
"See? I told you that Erza would win!" Gray said, with a satisfied smile.
"Still, I'm a little surprised that she had to struggle that much. For a while, I thought that David had her" Lucy commented, still surprised.
"If Erza had fought using her magic, then this fight would be over much quicker. But this was just a sword fight duel, and despite Erza's skill David proved to be a really adept swordsman as well" Loke explained, smiling calmly.
"Indeed, that was impressive display of skill from both of them!" Lord Blackwood agreed.
"We should better go pack our things, then" Lucy said, as Erza and David walked towards them.
"Then I'll have your things transferred to the carriage once you have packed. I'll be waiting by the front gate, when you are ready" Lord Blackwood said, as the small group moved inside the mansion. The Fairy Tail mages nodded, and walked towards their rooms. About ten minutes later the mages were at the front gate, their bellongings already packed on the carriage. Lord Blackwood, as well as Geoffrey, Nathan, and the maids, were also there.
"This is it then! Farewell, mages of Fairy Tail! It has been a pleasure meeting all of you! Lucy, I couldn't be happier to see you after so long! You have truly grown into a wonderful, young lady! Know that you, and of course your friends, will always be welcome in my mansion!" Lord Blackwood greeted the mages, with a warm expression.
"The pleasure has been all ours, Lord Blackwood! You have been a truly, wonderful host! Goodbye then!" Lucy greeted back, as she took a small bow. The mages then greeted friendly the stuff members, who all responded in a very warm way, they got on the carriage, and left the mansion.
It was almost noon, when the Fairy Tail mages finally reached the city of Magnolia. Smiling joyfully, they slowly made their way towards the guild.
"So Gray, do you have any plans about later today?" Loke asked casually.
"What do you mean?" Gray said, with a puzzled expression.
"I mean about you and Lucy, of course! You are finally together. Aren't you going to ask her out?" Loke said silently, as he pointed discreetly at Lucy, who was chatting with Erza.
"Already? I mean, it's not like I don't want to, or I haven't thought about it. But, we just got together" Gray responded, with some surprise.
"So? All the more reason to ask her out! Why stall? Come on Gray, it's not that hard! Just pick a place that she likes, and spend some time with her" Loke said simply, with a wave of his hand.
"Fine, enough already! I told you, I have already thought about something! Anyway, why do we keep talking about Lucy and me? I appreciate all the tips and your encouragement, but shouldn't you think about your situation? I mean, now that the mission is done, aren't you going back to the Spirit World? What are you going to do about Erza? What are you going to say to her?" Gray asked, with some concern.
"I know what you mean, and I've been thinking about it since last night. Actually, I've been thinking about it almost from the moment I joined you on this mission. Don't worry, I do not intent to hurt her. I will avoid that, no matter what!" Loke said, with a serious expression.
"I'm also concerned about you, buddy! This must be difficult for you too" Gray said, with the same expression.
"Thanks, Gray, but you don't need to worry about me! I'll be fine! I'm a womanizer, remember?" Loke said with carefree smile, but Gray knew that his friend was a lot more troubled than he let out. He sighed, and decided to leave it at that.
"Well, you are not the only one who needs to figure things out. I also need to come up with a way to talk to Juvia" Gray said, with a troubled expression, as the small group finally reached the guild.
"We are here!" Erza said, with a smile.
"I wonder if Juvia will be inside" Gray said, as he ruffled his hair.
"Gray, let me talk to Juvia" Lucy said, as he turned towards him.
"Really? But, I need to set things straight. I need to act like a man, and be honest with her" Gray retorted.
"I know how you feel, Gray. But, Juvia is one of my best friends! I am the one who needs to talk to her. Explain things. Let me do it" Lucy insisted.
"Maybe, we should both talk to her?" Gray suggested, but Lucy shook her head.
"It might be too much for her. Please, let me talk to her" she said, with a decisive expression.
"I agree with Lucy. She should be the one to talk to Juvia" Erza nodded in agreement.
"Okay, have it your way. You know better" Gray admitted as he sighed.
"Come on, then! Everyone is probably waiting for us" Lucy said eagerly, as she opened the door, and the small group got inside. They barely made a few steps inside the guild, when a familiar, loud voice was heard.
"YOU GUYS ARE FINALLY BACK?! WHERE THE HECK HAVE YOU BEEN?!" a particular pink haired mage yelled, as he landed in front of them.
"That was fast!" Loke said, with some surprise.
"As I expected" Lucy mumbled with a nervous smile, before she continued with a louder voice. "Calm down, Natsu! We can explain" she started saying.
"You guys ditched us! You left without us!" Natsu roared, shooting flames around him.
"Aye! Lucy, how could you do this?! And to think, that I wanted to save some fish for you!" Happy said, angry as well.
"Gray, I bet this was your idea!" Natsu yelled, as he suddenly pointed a finger at the dark haired mage.
"My idea? It wasn't my fault that you went fishing, Flame Brain!" Gray snapped angrily.
"You wanna go, Ice Cube? I've been itching for a fight for days now!" Natsu yelled back.
"Bring it, Ash Face!" Gray growled, as the two of them bashed heads.
"Enough, you two!" Erza said twitching, as she got in the middle.
"Come on, Natsu, it can't be that bad! I'm sure you had stuff to do too" Loke interfered with a calm smile, but unable to hold back a small laughter.
"You! Loke, you bastard, you took my place! If you want to be part of the team, then ask next time!" Natsu raged, fuming, waving his fists around.
"I'll keep that in mind" Loke said, lifting his hands in defence, with a slight sweatdrop.
"You'd better!" Natsu said angrily.
"Don't be like that, Natsu! We didn't ditch you guys! It's just that, we couldn't wait too long" Lucy tried to appease him, as more guild members moved towards them.
"Calm down Natsu! See? They didn't just forget about you" Lisanna said, with a calm smile.
"It's okay, Natsu-san! Next time, we'll all go to a mission together!" Wendy said cheerfully.
"Hmph! Fine!" Natsu pouted, as he folded his arms and blew a small cloud of smoke, finally showing signs of calming.
"Welcome back, everyone!" Mirajane greeted them, with a warm smile.
"You've been gone for while! So, tell us, what happened on that mission? You all seem refreshed" Cana commented.
"We'll tell you everything! It was actually, a lot of fun" Lucy said, as they made their way towards the bar.
"Welcome back, Gray-sama!" Juvia greeted with a small smile, as they passed by her.
"Um, hey Juvia" Gray mumbled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. He glanced towards Lucy, who nodded decisively.
"Juvia, may I talk to you for a while?" she said, as she moved closer. Juvia looked briefly between Gray and Lucy, before she answered.
"Okay, Lucy" she said, as the two girls moved to a more private spot.
"So, how are things between you and Freed?" Lucy started, trying to sound casual.
"Oh, um, things are, quite well! Freed-san is very kind, and surprisingly romantic!" Juvia responded timidly, as she shifted in her spot.
"That's great! I'm glad for you, Juvia" Lucy said with some enthusiasm, before she continued with a more worried expression. "Listen Juvia, I need to tell you, about something. About me, and Gray" she mumbled, looking at the ground.
"Lucy and Gray-sama are together, right?" Juvia said, with a silent voice, causing Lucy to look up, and stare at Juvia with a stunned expression.
"How, did you…" she stammered.
"Juvia noticed how Lucy and Gray-sama looked at each other. Juvia knew, that there was something between you" Juvia responded, with a small smile.
"Juvia, I… I don't know what to say. Yes, Gray and I, are together" Lucy said, feeling lost. "But listen, nothing is going to happen, unless you are okay with that" she continued, with a more stable voice.
"Why would Lucy do that?" Juvia said, tilting her head in confusion.
"Because Juvia, you are one of my best friends! I could never do something that would hurt you! I care about you" Lucy said intensely, as she grabbed Juvia's hands.
"Lucy..." Juvia mumbled with a choked voice, before she smiled. "Juvia is glad to hear that! Juvia also considers Lucy a dear friend, and wants her to be happy! So, she won't get in the way of her and Gray-sama's happiness! If you want to be together, then Juvia is okay with that!" she said, with an honest expression.
"Are you sure?" Lucy asked, with wide eyes.
"Of course! Lucy is, after all, Juvia's rival in love!" Juvia responded jokingly.
"I guess you have a point there! But before that, Lucy is Juvia's friend!" Lucy said softly, as she hugged her friend. "Thank you, Juvia!" she mumbled.
"It's okay, Lucy" Juvia said, with a smile. The two girls remained like this for a while, until Lucy finally broke the hug.
"Come on, let's go to the others" she said, as they made their way towards the bar.
"There you are! Is everything, okay?" Gray said with a concerned expression, lancing between Lucy and Juvia, as they moved closer.
"Yes! Everything is just fine!" Lucy said with a wide smile, as she looked at Juvia, who nodded in agreement.
"That's great!" Gray said gladly, as he sighed in relief. "Okay, perhaps you should continue the narration about what happened at the mission, then. You are better at this kind of stuff" he continued casually.
"Where are Loke and Erza?" Lucy asked curiously, as she looked around, and noticed the two of them missing.
"They went outside. Loke said that he wanted to tell something to Erza" Cana said, with a wave of her hand.
"I see" Lucy said, as she looked towards Gray, who nodded with a knowing look.
"It's a really nice day today, isn't?" Loke said vaguely, as he looked towards the sky.
"Yeah, it is. But, I doubt you wanted to tell me about the weather, Loke" Erza responded, as she folded her arms.
"Not really. But then again, it's not so bad to stand around and watch the scenery sometimes. The clear sky, the soft grass, the colourful flowers, the green trees. We should appreciate those small moments of beauty, once in a while!" Loke said simply, as he turned towards Erza.
"I suppose, you do have a point" Erza agreed, as she glanced around with a small smile.
"So, these past couple of days at the mansion. They were pretty fun, right?" Loke said, as he walked slowly towards Erza.
"Indeed, they were. It's been a while since I last had this kind of fun at a mission" Erza replied, still smiling.
"I'm happy to hear that!" Loke said cheerfully.
"I have also noticed that you showed some sort of, interest, towards me. Why is that?" Erza asked, with a hint of curiosity.
"Why not? I have always thought that you are a fascinating woman! You are kind, smart, brave, beautiful! I could make an entire list of your merits!" Loke said with a charming smile.
"I'm flattered!" Erza said coolly.
"You see, I know that you've been through a lot, and you've been alone for quite some time. And I- I couldn't be there for you, even though we were supposed to be friends" Loke mumbled with some regret, as he looked towards the ground.
"That's all in the past, Loke! And it's not your fault that you couldn't be there. Besides, you've been through some rough times yourself" Erza said, with a soft expression.
"Maybe, but still! Now that I got the chance to be around for a little longer, I wanted to make these days good for you. To make you feel better! Although, this might not have been such a good idea" Loke said, as he looked towards Erza.
"Why are you saying that?" Erza asked, tilting her head.
"Because, I'll have to go. And this could result in the exact different outcome, that I intended" Loke responded.
"It's okay, Loke. I knew that you would have to leave, eventually. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't enjoy these days" Erza said with a small smile, but Loke had a feeling that Erza wasn't as calm as she appeared.
"Erza..." he mumbled, trying to come up with something, anything that would make this situation more comfortable.
"Loke, you made me feel, special! This mission had been so much fun for me, because you were there! And last night, when you asked me to dance, you made me feel like one of those fairy tale princesses who dance in royal balls! I thank you for that, and everything else!" Erza said, looking towards the ground, with a sweet smile and a flushed expression. Loke couldn't help himself and before he knew it, he had wrapped his arms around the red haired girl, who looked up with a surprised expression.
"Erza, you truly are the cutest, most wonderful, most amazing girl I've ever met! You deserve to be happy! You deserve to be with someone who is going to make you smile! Who will make you feel as special as you are! Who will wake up every morning, and thank his luck for having someone as amazing as you! I just wish, I could be that guy" Loke's voice became a whisper, as he caressed tenderly Erza's silky, fiery red hair, holding her in a warm embrace.
"Loke" Erza whispered.
"Even if I leave, you won't be alone. You know that, right?" Loke mumbled affectionately.
"Yes, I know" Erza responded, with a warm expression.
"Good! Then it's time for me to go. For the moment, at least. But not before, this" Loke whispered, as he leaned closer. Erza blinked in surprise, but then relaxed and closed her eyes, as she felt a warm, gentle touch on her red lips. Loke rubbed her back tenderly, as he gave Erza a light, soft kiss, before he slowly pulled away.
"Be happy, Erza! I'll see you again!" he said, before he vanished in a golden light.
"Yeah, again. Next time" Erza mumbled, with a flushed expression.
"Erza, are you okay?" a familiar voice was heard behind her, as Erza slowly turned around.
"Mira! I- I am fine!" she stammered, trying to sound calm. Mirajane stared at her with a knowing look, before she moved closer.
"Come here, sweetie! It's alright!" she whispered, as she gave Erza a warm hug, in which Erza responded by wrapping her arms around her tightly.
"Thank you, Mira!" she said, with a choked voice.
"Of course, Erza! I'll always be there for you" Mirajane soothed her, as she held her closer. The two girls remained like this for a long while, until Erza slowly moved away.
"Thanks, Mira! I- I think I needed that. I feel much better now!" she said, feeling relieved.
"I'm really glad to hear that! Come on now, everyone's inside and waiting for you" Mirajane said lightly, as she wrapped her hand gently around Erza's. Erza nodded, with a relaxed smile, as the two girls walked together, towards the guild.
The sun had slowly started to set, giving a light orange and purple shade to the sky, as Gray made his way towards the park of the city. It wasn't long before her reached his destination, stood on a spot near the entrance, and waited patiently. He tapped his foot nervously on the ground, and kept looking up and down the road, waiting for someone. After a while, a small smile appeared on his expression and he sighted in relief, as the one that he had been waiting for moved towards him with quick steps.
"You are here!" the dark haired mage said, still smiling.
"Hey, Gray! I wasn't very late, was I?" Lucy said, with a light smile.
"Not at all! You are right on time" Gray said, rubbing the back of his head. "You look great, Lucy!" he continued, as he looked at the blonde girl's outfit.
"Thanks! Does that dress seem familiar?" Lucy asked with a small smile, as she did a small spin.
"Wait, that's… This is the dress that I bought for you, a few days ago!" Gray said, noticing the familiar blue spring dress that Lucy had tried on at the clothes store.
"Exactly! Since it was a gift from you, I thought it would be fitting to wear it on our first date!" Lucy said, smiling brightly.
"That's a nice thought! Even though, it's not really a date. More like, a walk in the park. I mean, we did just come from a mission today" Gray said a little awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head.
"That's fine too! So long as we spend time together!" Lucy responded, with a warm expression. Gray couldn't help, but smile back.
"Let's go then! I know a spot that I think you will like!" he said, as he offered his arm. Lucy giggled and wrapped her hand around it, as the two of them made their way in the park.
"So, what do you think?" Gray asked, as they reached a small, green hill. There were a couple of trees around that caused a pleasant breeze to blow, and the nearby river added to the tranquillity of the scenery.
"It's very beautiful!" Lucy exclaimed, as she looked at the nice view of the park and city that the hill offered.
"I'm glad that you like it! It's a nice spot that I discovered ever since I was young. Sometimes, I like to come here and relax" Gray said with a smile, as he put his arm around Lucy's shoulders. Suddenly, a stronger breeze blew, and Gray felt Lucy slightly tremble next to him. Without a word, he took off his jacket, and put it around Lucy.
"Thanks, Gray!" Lucy smiled brightly, as Gray wrapped the jacket around her.
"No problem! I wouldn't want you to get cold" he said, softly.
"That's probably something that shouldn't trouble you" the blonde girl said, with a small laugh.
"The cold never bothered me" Gray said casually. He caressed Lucy's cheek tenderly, and she leaned on his touch with a gleeful smile. Gray felt his face slightly heat up as he put his arms around Lucy, holding her gently but firmly. Lucy looked at him with a flushed face, her breath coming out slightly heavy.
"You are really beautiful, Lucy! You know, I never thought I'd feel like that" Gray whispered.
"I think, I understand. When I'm around you Gray, I feel, fuzzy, light headed. Like, I'm in some sort of dream! I want to be with you" Lucy said, with a small smile. Gray smiled back, and held her even closer. Slowly, he leaned closer and closer, until Lucy felt a pair of warm lips cover her own. It took her a few moments to realise what was happening, until she slowly relaxed to the kiss. Gray felt Lucy kiss back, and that encouraged him to deepen his kiss, taking Lucy into his arms, and enjoying her soft, sweet lips. After a few moments, they broke the kiss, both of them panting, and with flushed faces. They smiled, and watched the sunset, with Gray holding Lucy close in his arms.
Author's note: I think this chapter turned out okay! Since Gray and Lucy got together in the previous chapter, I thought about having them spent some time together. And about the scene with Loke and Erza, I tried to keep it a little more positive. Anyway, this seems like a nice closure to the story, since it feels complete that way. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I would really like to know what you think about it! See you next time, guys!