Hola Mina! Happy Sunday! ^.^

*Clears throat* I DO NOT OWN FAIRY TAIL or all its lovelies! Hiro Mashima does

PROCEED WITH CAUTION: CHAPTERS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FROM THE ANIME/MANGA FROM TARTAROS ARC FORWARD!

Here is my first fluffy chapter for you guys! So I hope you enjoy the craziness that is the lovely members of Fairy Tail!

As I've said before this is an AU so all those pairings that I want to see together are GONNA HAPPEN! Muahahaha…

With that said on to the chapter!

~~~~~~~Chapter 11 ~~~~~~~~~

Lucy woke up feeling something warm pressed against her back. She snuggled closer to the source of heat. She was more than content to forget everything that happened and just lose herself in the moment. She finally noticed that what she was snuggling against was kind of hard…and was moving…

It's so warm. Lucy had to fight her desire to stay where she was, especially now that she was aware that she was actually pressed against Natsu's sleeping form.

How did I get into this position? Lucy tried to backtrack and recall how this happened. She remembered sleeping on the opposite side of Natsu before the storm hit…

THE STORM! As the fog of sleep finally wore off she remembered the hell she had lived through last night. She had woken up as if she was in a trance and relived the most horrendous memory of her life. The murder of her mother and then on top of that she had collapsed against Natsu in a mess of tears and she hadn't even been able to speak. God I'm exhausted, Lucy felt beyond emotionally drained. Too much had happened and she just wanted to disappear into a temporary hole and forget this nightmare.

Lucy knew that, wasn't going to happen. She was going to have to face reality and explain to Natsu just what had happened. Erza and everyone in the guild deserved to know just what had really happened that night, or at least they deserve to know more than just the basics.

"I know you're awake," Natsu whispered close to Lucy's ear causing her to shriek and roll away.

"Natsu!" Lucy blushed furiously from the feel of his breath against her ear, it felt like a gentle caress. Get it together Lucy!

Lucy looked around as she noticed that everyone else was awake and looking at her. Dammit, how long have I been asleep?

She saw the identical looks of concern on everyone's faces. She sighed internally, this was a look she was growing familiar with and honestly she was tired of seeing it. It reminded her that too much had happened to her recently. She also really did not want to explain exactly how her mother had been murdered as it was still too fresh in her mind. Lucy attempted to keep her composure...at least for the time being.

She glared over at Natsu before turning back to everyone, "I am really sorry for worrying all of you guys." Lucy bowed her head feeling guilty for causing them to feel that way.

"Luce-"

"No Natsu, ever since I came back it has been one thing after another and I honestly feel guilty for being the cause of everything."

Happy flew over to Lucy, who caught him and pulled him into her chest.

"You guys deserve an explanation about what I saw but it's just a little too much right now. It's still too fresh for me." She kept going hoping that they would let her finish.

"I saw my mother murdered by Mard Geer, she was…right there, dying before my very eyes by that…words can't even describe what I think of him. I just need time guys, trust me when I say that it feels good to finally have my memory back." She lightly scratched the top of Happy's head as she kept going.

"But for now, I just want to step away from the pain and get used to just being back here with you guys." She looked at her fellow guild members knowing that they would understand where she was coming from. At the very least if anyone could understand her it was these people.

Gray looked at Lucy understanding her need to keep to herself, hell, we have all done it…even when we shouldn't have, "Lucy don't worry I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we understand and you don't have to worry."

"Yea Luce! Whenever you're ready I'll be there!" Natsu said while getting up from his spot on the floor. Shit! I said I! I meant to say we…Natsu quickly busied himself with collecting their things since he figured he'd be boarding the carriage of death and doom soon.

"Erza said that the guild was going to have a-"

"Happy…" Erza glared over at the small blue exceed warning him to keep his mouth shut in other terms. She had already threatened Natsu to not say anything but it seemed that Happy almost let the surprise slip.

"What Happy?" Lucy held him up to see what he was hiding from her.

"Um..."

"We're gonna have a drinking contest!" Natsu replied quickly trying to help his partner out before Happy ended up receiving some kind of punishment from Erza. Natsu shivered at the thought. Gray just turned to keep Lucy from seeing his smile… a drinking contest…really? Then again in our guild that is a possibility, not bad Flame Brain.

"A drinking contest huh?" Lucy was not convinced. Besides she knew her friends were not the best at keeping a secret so she imagined there would probably be some kind of surprise waiting for her at the guild. Oh well, it's not like I don't know Happy's weak spot I can always figure out a way to get it out of him later.

"Alright everyone, it's been decided. Lucy, you collect whatever things you want to bring back with us from your home. Gray! Natsu!" Erza looked at them to make sure she had their attention, "You guys will help Lucy put her things in our carriage."

Gray laughed at the expression on Natsu's face at the mention of transportation. Some things will never change…

*****Fairy Hills*******

Lucy sat across from Levy, looking out of her window. As soon as she had arrived back to Magnolia she had apologized profusely to the small blue haired mage.

"Thanks for letting me stay here when we got back Levy." Lucy smiled over at her friend who was currently getting ready for whatever was going on in the guild. "I just realized, when we got back, that I couldn't stay at my apartment anymore. At least not until we have dealt with that asshole Mard Geer and I know it's safe."

"It's okay Lu-chan! I am happy you asked! Although I'm surprised you didn't take Natsu and Happy up on their offer to stay with them. You guys are really close and..Hey! You're blushing! Did something happen while you guys were at your house?!"

Lucy laughed, there really is no point in hiding it from Levy, besides I need to talk to someone about it before I go crazy. "No! Nothing happened or I mean not really anything happened." She twirled her hair in her hands, nervous now that she was going to admit something she had kept secret for so long.

"Okay all done!" Levy plopped down next to Lucy on her bed, "Spill Lu-chan!"

"Okay! Okay! Well I mean Natsu has just been acting strange lately, He is much more attentive than he was in the past. When I leave to go somewhere I can expect to see him follow me at some point. Levy one time, when we were sitting together he burst into flames after warming my hands up because I was cold. When we were on the carriage ride here Erza had knocked Natsu out and she and Gray told me that Natsu would not let me go. After I fell asleep he held onto me the entire night."

Levy burst into a fit of giggles rolling over on her bed.

"Levy!"

"Oh come on Lu-chan! Isn't it obvious!?"

Lucy pursed her lips at her friend, "Isn't what obvious? Natsu is just concerned is all."

Levy sweatdropped, I love you Lucy but sometimes you can be so dense…you guys were made for each other. "Sure…he's just concerned. Lucy admit it! At least admit to yourself that you have feelings for Natsu!"

"I…I mean…"

"Lu-chan, it's okay. I mean imagine how I was feeling when I realized what was going on with Gajeel. I know it can be a little nerve-wracking but you need to admit it to yourself."

Lucy looked at Levy knowing she was right, I mean I even heard my own mother say it when I was in my memory. "Okay! Okay! Okay! You're right I do like him." She got up and started pacing, "I mean my heart races when he is too close to me, and I wanted to stay with him but the fact that I wanted to stay with him freaked me out, and then when he touches me I freak out…UGH!" Lucy let herself fall face first back onto Levy's bed.

"I'm doomed! Levy! I don't think he feels the same way and even if he did! We are partners, wouldn't things get weird? Ugh!"

Levy rolled Lucy over so she could see her face, and to stop her from trying to smother herself. "No, you are not. Trust me, I have a feeling things will work out sooner than you think." Levy wasn't about to tell Lucy but she and the rest of the girls planned to be unavailable for the evening so Lucy was going to have no choice but to stay with Natsu. She only hoped Mirajane had convinced Laxus and the rest of the gang to make sure Natsu did not take no for an answer.

"You think?" Lucy asked expectantly disgusted at the hope that bloomed within her chest.

"Yes, I do! Now come on we have to go to the guild before someone comes looking for us!"

"Wait a minute… you said Gajeel! Are you and him-?"

Levy just smiled, "that will be a story for later, I am sure you are dying to hear just what changes happened in the guild since you've been gone."

"Okay fine!" Lucy's smile stopped for a second as butterflies entered her stomach again, "I don't know why I am so nervous" she said sheepishly knowing that she was stalling.

"It's okay Lu-chan, it's been a year! Once you see everyone again that feeling will disappear."

Lucy knew she was right, "Alright let's head over then."

*****At the guild******

Lucy figured there would be some kind of celebration but seeing the welcome home sign surrounded by the familiar faces of her family was better than she had imagined.

There was a loud "WELCOME HOME LUCY!" as soon as she entered the guild hall. Everyone crowded around her talking at once.

"Love rival you're back!" Lucy laughed waiting for the obligatory Gray comment afterward but surprisingly Juvia didn't say anything else as she hugged Lucy.

Here was her family, the family of her heart who was always there when it mattered. I am so happy to be back!

Someone cleared their throat behind the crowd of people. Natsu and Happy came over to stand beside Lucy as the Master jumped onto the bar wearing his customary fools hat.

"The hardest thing a parent has to do is say goodbye to one of their children. Lucy…I can see by the look in your eyes that all of your memories have returned. I apologize for the part I played. Maybe if we had arrived earlier-"

"Master! You didn't know." Lucy said vehemently. She knew it was not the Master's fault and she was not letting anyone besides the one truly responsible take on that burden.

The master smiled over at her pleased to have her back in the guild safe and sound. "Still the results of that day weigh heavily on me. All I can say is that I am happy you are safe and back with us. Here is where you will stay."

Lucy heard a small whisper from someone "Damn right," on her left, all too aware that Natsu had tensed at the Master's words.

"We protect our family and even though your parents are no longer with us, I know that they are proud and happy for you. They are proud of the daughter that they raised and that she is going to be kept safe. That is what they wanted for you because they loved you."

Lucy did her best to not cry, keep it together…keep it together… Levy placed a hand on Lucy's shoulder.

"There will be a time for a serious discussion and for creating a plan but now is not the time. Now is the time for celebrating the return of one of us, a comrade, a loved one and a friend. Every one of us here loves you and is happy at your return. Fairy Tail members can do nothing less and he will pay with every fiber of his being for the day he decided to mess with one of our own." The master's fist clenched during the end, all around Lucy she could hear murmured agreements.

The master raised his right arm with his palm facing inward. He slowly raised his thumb and forefinger in the traditional Fairy Tail sign.

"Welcome home my child! Let's celebrate Fairy Tail style! Pour out the drinks!"

The guild hall erupted into a fit of cheers as everyone raised their hands mirroring the symbol of solidarity, trust, and love. Lucy couldn't keep it in anymore and as she slowly lifted her arm, she joined the rest of them and yelled through her tears, "AYE SIR!"

**And Then***

"Lucy! Co...me… here!"

"Cana is drunk already?" Lucy laughed as she walked over the card mage who was sitting with a barrel of alcohol between her legs on one of the tables. She was surrounded by Mirajane, Lisanna, Juvia, Levy, Meredy, Wendy, and Erza.

Lucy gulped, she could only imagine what was going to become of her when she went to sit down. Lucy's head couldn't stop spinning from how much had changed. Some mages from Lamia Scale and Crime Sorciere had come over to celebrate her return as well. Apparently, she had been informed by Jellal just a little while ago that when the magic council was wiped out during the Tartaros incident they had been pardoned. He had told her that it was because of the help they had provided after Tartaros.

Lucy had to remind herself to close her mouth on way too many occasions today. When she had seen Meredy and Lyon together, when she had seen Jellal blushing at something Erza had said, even Mirajane and Laxus were way too close to not be considered a couple! Was there something in the air that everyone decided to partner up within the last year. Those weren't the only ones. There was definitely something going on between Lisanna and Bixlow...not that they would admit it. She was happy that Elfman and Evergreen were no longer trying to hide their relationship. I mean everyone knew those two were together so I'm glad they are no longer hiding it.

Lucy walked over to the girls, "I honestly cannot believe how much has changed."

Mirajane giggled, "By changed do you mean so many of us have either admitted our feelings or are in a relationship."

"YES! What in the world happened? I mean okay guys spill it! Erza are you guys officially dating?"

Meredy nudged Juvia in the side, "You mean once they had that conversation about the identity of his 'fiancee'?" She and Juvia started laughing only to stop with a look from Erza.

Erza blushed looking over at Jellal who was sitting with the boys, "Um…well I knew he was lying about that." She smiled remembering, "He was never a really good liar after all. Honestly Lucy after everything that had happened in Tartaros it just didn't make sense anymore. We all know that things can happen that will cause us to potentially lose people. I for one did not want to stop living or guarding myself anymore."

Lucy placed her head on the table smiling dreamily at Erza, she felt so happy for the requip mage. She knew how much she had struggled with her past and letting people in and finally seeing her happy was so rewarding!

"Jellal found me actually not shortly after my fight with Kyoka. I know I really didn't talk about that moment much but…"

"Erza," Mirajane placed a hand on Erza's shoulder, "we know. I was there I saw what she did to you."

She nodded before continuing, "Anyway I was sitting alongside a bank just starting at the water when Crime Sorciere walked by and Jellal saw me."

*****Flashback*****

Why can't I stop shaking? Am I ever going to recover from this?

"Erza…?"

Erza jumped realizing that she had spaced out. She hadn't realized that Jellal and the rest of Crime Sorciere had walked past her.

"Jellal"

"Jellal! We will go on ahead! You can contact us when you are finished talking about our Lacrima and we will meet up later." Meredy waved at him already walking away from the pair. No more running Jellal. This is what Ultear would have wanted, I am not going to let you torture yourself anymore.

"But Meredy…" Jellal sighed knowing that his words fell on deaf ears as she and the group had left them alone. Jellal looked over at Erza who was looking over at him. She had been sitting looking so lost with her knees pressed against her chest. He was not used to seeing her that way. He couldn't help the strong desire to take away her pain. The desire had washed over him like a tidal wave.

Meredy was right, he needed to stop hiding. He knew he did not deserve her, the amazing beauty that lived in the light but try as he might he could not forget her. Her strength, her loyalty, her capacity for love made her so unreachable to him. But, no matter how hard he tried he could not get her out of his mind. He knew he was nowhere near good enough for her yet. He had not atoned for his sins enough…and yet…with her sitting by the water looking as if the world had crushed her very soul he could not leave her.

Erza waited, she knew that Jellal was fighting some kind of internal battle before he decided to sit down next to her. He didn't say anything, simply sat by her waiting for her to open up the conversation. My shaking has stopped. Just to have him next to me is enough to drive away the blinding fear that had taken over my heart.

"Thank you."

Jellal looked into Erza's dark chocolate eyes and he couldn't help himself, "You have nothing to thank me for Erza. It is I who should be thanking you."

"What do you mean?" Erza scooted closer to him unable to stop herself from wanting to be near him.

"Erza for so long I have struggled with what happened between us as children. You are and have always been the light that has kept me sane. Even in my darkest moments, there was something about you that kept me going. I have kept my distance from you because I have committed sins that most days feel are beyond redemption. The imprisonment of so many of our friends, the death of Simon…"

Erza didn't say anything she merely placed her hand on top of his, no longer able to stop herself from reaching out to him. Funny how the roles have reversed and here I am comforting him.

"With establishing Crime Sorciere I have honestly felt a measure of comfort. I have felt that I am fighting on the same side as you now. I know that what I have done can never be forgotten or forgiven but still I have-"

Erza could not listen anymore, "Jellal please stop. For too long you and I have been puppets of other forces in the world. Did you ask to be enslaved as a child? Did you ask to be taken to that horrible place and be placed in a situation where you had to watch loved ones being tortured and killed? Did you ask to be put into a situation where you had to save me which is what gave the demon of Zeref the opportunity to take control of you? These are all things that we have lived through."

Erza stood up bringing Jellal to stand next to her, she placed her hands on his shoulder unable to tear her gaze from the sad look in his crystal blue eyes. "We have survived. We survived and lived. While there are things from your past that cannot be erased, that does not mean that the essence of you, who you are as a person is not worth or does not deserve some measure of happiness."

She turned her back, afraid that she would not be able to keep her composure, "For too long I have told myself that my sole purpose is to be a pillar of light and a source of strength for others. For too long I have cast aside my needs and desires because in the grand scheme of things I felt that the safety and protection of my family and friends were more important. But now…after everything that has happened I am questioning so much… and being a pillar of strength can be such a weight to carry…"

Jellal heard the crack in her voice and could not stand it. He grabbed Erza by the waist and turned her so that he could properly wrap his arms around her. This was a side of Erza that he had not seen in awhile, a side of her that was also dear to his heart, her vulnerability. I could lie to myself and say that I am not affected but really this woman is what keeps me going.

Erza clutched her hands onto the lapels of his jacket, she pressed her cheek against his chest and listened to the sound of his erratic heartbeat. "Erza let me be your pillar of strength. I know I am not-"

Erza placed a finger against his lips, "Please no more. Promise me Jellal, no more hiding, no more imaginary fiancés, no more leaving without me knowing if I will see you again, let's fight together. I want you to stay by me." She blushed as she whispered her inner most desire to him, not caring anymore.

Jellal blushed at the mention of a fiancé. He knew it had been a stupid move on his part but he had freaked out at the possibility of finally feeling his lips pressed against hers and the idea that she was beyond him was too much at that moment.

Jellal knew things were different now, he would fight with this woman by his side. No more running away. He knew that he would have a lifetime to seek redemption but he could no longer deny what they obviously both felt. He placed his finger under Erza's chin and brought her face up to meet his.

"No more running away." Jellal wiped at the tear that had formed at his words before closing the distance between them. Jellal brushed his lips against her and pressed her tighter against him.

All thoughts fled from Erza's mind at the realization that it was finally happening. Her lips moved in response to his while their mouths melded as if they were made for each other. Jellal deepened the kiss by biting her lip which made her gasp in response. He took that opportunity to invade her mouth with his tongue. Erza grabbed Jellal's hair with her fist allowing him to deepen the kiss without losing control of herself…

*****End of flashback****

Lucy fanned herself as Erza finished her story…woah who would have thought!

Erza blushed as she continued, "Nothing further happened of course! But ever since then Jellal has not been far and has been at the guild hall more often than not."

"More often than not?" Meredy chuckled, "Erza he is never too far from you! Even when we go on jobs he does not like to be gone for longer than a week. If he is going to be gone he somehow convinces you to go with us."

Cana burst out laughing along with the rest of the girls at that comment.

"I wonder how he convinces you!" Cana said after sipping from her drink, Lucy was always amazed that no matter what Cana did she never managed to spill any of her alcohol. Lucy stepped a little to the left knowing exactly where this was going. While some things had changed in the guild Erza's temper was not one of those things.

"Cana!"

Mirajane stepped between the two girls before a riot could start. Now that she had Lucy here, she was definitely going to keep her here as long as she had to do that she could pry the information that she needed from her, and Erza was not going to ruin that. "Erza here!" She pulled out a delicious strawberry cake that she had saved especially for this purpose.

Erza knew that she was being bribed but there are just some things I can't say no too. She grabbed the cake from Mirajane and sat down.

Lucy joined her before sighing happily, crisis avoided, "Erza, I really am happy for you both you deserve to be happy"

Erza smiled at Lucy chewing on a bite of her cake.

"Okay, so my next victim will be Juvia! What has been going on with you and Gray lately!? Don't think I haven't noticed that he keeps looking over this way!"

Juvia just laughed at Lucy's expression. "Juvia-san is more than happy to talk about what has happened between Juvia and my darling Gray-sama." All the girls couldn't help but smile at the vacant expression Juvia got whenever she thought of Gray.

A/N 1: Ekkkkk I am so happy! Over 3,000 views, 34 followers, 19 favorites, and 6 reviews! I will always respond to all you lovelies who review because it seriously makes me so happy and motivated! Those that I can't message directly I will give you a shout-out here!

Guest: Thank you so much! I am glad you are enjoying the story!

A/N 2: I hope you guys enjoyed the fluffiness! Don't worry there will MOST DEFINITELY BE A LOOONNNG NALU MOMENT :) after I have had some fun with the other ships of course! Did you guys enjoy the Jerza moment? Let me know what you guys think of my first Fluff! Or what you thought of the chapter in general. Tehehe

I will be continuing the guild celebration for a couple of more chapter since I am about the Fluff right now. I need a break from the angsty moments lol. I am planning on having the guys have a moment hehehehe so is there any specific guy from Fairy Tail that you would see harassing Natsu about Lucy? Let me know your opinion and I may include it!

Until next time guys!

*Arigatou Gozaimasu* ^.^