Tales of Magnolia : Chapter 12


"The rebelious fire burning in my heart will only be put out when justice is served. "

~MasouPanchi


" Juvia and Gray. "

"Check."

"Loke."

"Check."

"Natsu and Lucy."

"Check."

"Gajeel and Lev-"

The Scarlet haired woman threw her arms in the air in exasperation.

"Goddammit Jellal! Let's just get on with it already!"

A smirk came from the said man's face.

"Oh? Are you that impatient?"

Erza raged across the room, before going back to where she was standing. She grabbed Jellal's shirt and pulled him close.

"Do not make me wait another second, or else."

He kissed her forehead. Then her cheek. Then her lips.

"Relax, Erza. We'll get there eventually."

She pouted like a little child, but before she could reply, he grabbed her hand and dragged her toward… the kitchen.

From his spot at the door, Gajeel opened wide eyes. He could feel Levy's small body freeze. He, himself was feeling very awkward. This was not happening within his hearing range. Even if he got the other side of the house, he would still hear them. The Thief had to find some way to get Levy and him away from the mansion, for a little while. People deserved privacy.

Still he couldn't believe they were going to do it in the kitchen of all places. Maybe it was Erza's fetish or something. He really didn't want to know. As he was setting out for his bedroom, Levy's small voice was heard.

"Oh geez, Erza's always in the mood whenever Jellal is near."

That stopped him dead in his tracks. Out of all people, Levy was a witness? Realizing he was loosing his cool, he breathed in deeply and turned around, his trademark smirk back on his face.

"Why Short Stuff, I would never have guessed ya weren't that innocent after all…"

A loud banging noise was heard in the kitchen, and he heard a gasp. Gosh, he really needed to get away from here.

"I don't get what you mean." Levy's eyes were fixated on him now.

Gajeel began to sweat. Feeling even more uncomfortable, he decided to pick up Levy. After all, if she wasn't going to move, that was the easiest solution. She yelped a little, before placing her chin in her hand, already used to the way Gajeel transported her across Gray's mansion.

"What is it, this time?" She asked, more curious than annoyed.

Gajeel kept on walking straight ahead.

A few minutes passed before he finally broke the silence.

"I figured ya would know, but on second thought, I guess you don't."

Impatient, Levy squirmed under his hold, so that she could poke him in the cheek.

"Yeesssss?"

He grabbed her hand before she could torture his face again, but kept his eyes straight ahead. A slight blush appeared on his face, before he answered.

"Ya know, people kinda need, uh what do ya call it? Privacy. Yeah, they kinda need privacy when they're mating."

Levy's hand dropped from Gajeel's hold.

"Say what?" She asked, disbelieving.

Gajeel turned away from her stare.

"I said it's better to leave them when they're doing it."

Again, Levy thought she didn't hear well. When the information finally processed to her mind, she began to laugh madly. Gajeel on the other hand had no idea of what was going on, and frowned at Levy's melodious laugh.

"What's so funny Shrimp?" He growled.

Levy tried to dry the tears she had let escape during her joyous moment.

"Gosh, Gajeel! They're not doing that! Erza and Jellal just have those afternoons where both of them cook strawberry cakes together!"


Mirajane Strauss' Mansion, Courtyard

Gray couldn't bear the giggles.

He had enough.

Ever since he placed a step on Mirajane's property, every single lady he had passed seemed to giggle or whisper flirtatiously at him. He knew he was good looking, but he just hated the fact that all those girls just complimented him for his looks and wealth.

Juvia on the other hand seemed to be in a grand conversation with the hostess.

In fact, Mirajane had been introducing her to various court ladies, and Juvia was quite the refined young woman. On the inside however, she was twirling in madness, trying not to make one careless mistake and to blow her cover.

"Miss Wendy, I must say, you must feel terrible at the disappearance of your uncle. Oh, how we do feel your sorrow! You have all our sympathy."

The Dancer smiled awkwardly. She knew they were just saying this out of politeness. They didn't give a damn about her family as long as theirs wasn't involved in it.

"That is most thoughtful of you, Milady." She replied, curtsying.

Gray spotted her from afar, as they had been separated at the entrance. Mirajane had insisted on taking care of Juvia's hair and make-up as fast as she could, because while Juvia was certainly good at taking care of her hair, Gray hadn't been so when he'd sliced her cascade short. She was now wearing a wig, and he almost didn't recognize her, but for the dress she was wearing. Of course, since she pretended to be royalty, she could only wear one of those extravagant dresses, and he had to admit, she looked pretty good in one.

He made his way toward her, hoping to get there fast enough, when a hand grabbed his arm.

"If this isn't Gray Fullbuster!" A lady with pink hair exclaimed. She winked at him, dragging her companion over to Gray. When he faced him, surprise fell upon his face.

"Lyon."

The other man replied by glaring at him.

"Gray."

Lyon's escort, Sherry looked uncomfortable, and she started to switch her weight from one foot to the other.

"Was this a bad idea?" She asked.

They didn't hear her, too busy glaring at each other.

"So tell me, Gray. What made you so impatient of returning to court lately?"

Taking place in a nearby armchair, and inviting Lyon to do the same, Gray folded in legs.

"Well, you know. Wendy Marvel is here, and I thought I might take a look."

The white haired man pondered over the issue for a little bit, thinking it worthy.

"Ah, well I guess it's good to have you back."

Gray nodded back in response. He looked over to see how his partner was doing, and fortunately, he happened to see the secret sign she was making. Juvia hand was placed on her hip, all five fingers resting on the fabric of her dress except for her pinky finger. That was the sign they had invented to mean that they needed to consult each other.

"Same here. If you'll excuse me, I have personal matters to attend to."

Sherry curtsied, and Lyon shook hands with him.

Juvia promised her new court of admirers to be back shortly. She silently slipped away in the mansion, her heels clicking on the floor. She knew Gray was behind her, but she didn't turn around, because she was undercover and Wendy Marvel had no acquaintances with Gray Fullbuster. When she turned around a corner, she saw an empty bedroom, and made a slight dash for it. Gray picked up the pace, closing the door after him, and making sure no one had seen them together.

"Well, I would never have guessed you to be such an actress." He teased her.

She snorted.

"Oh please, like you have any idea what it's like living on the streets."

They sat down on a burgundy sofa, and Juvia pulled her skirts up. Surprised, Gray asked the question.

"Anyways, why did you call me here?"

In response, the Dancer removed her shoes, and slipped her stockings off. Gray was beginning to feel uneasy, and that only made it worst when Juvia turned and put her feet on his lap.

"Please give me a foot massage!" She pleaded.


Central Market

Lucy was certainly glad she'd taken Natsu with her.

Erza's list of groceries having proved to be endlessly long, she was glad to have some strong extra arms to carry the whole thing. Natsu's incessant whining was starting to drive her mad, so she was glad he was at least doing some of the work.

"Heeeyyy Lucy~" His voice reached her.

Oh god, she pleaded. Sighing, she turned toward him, only to hear a loud grumbling noise.

"I'm hungry~"

Yes, yes I know that. You've been saying it for the past hour, She said inwardly.

"Buy me spaghetti~"

It's unhealthy- Wait a minute.

"What?" She finally caught Natsu's eyes.

Again, his stomach growled.

Passerby looked at them strangely, and Lucy was sure they were no ordinary pair. A young couple loaded with food, and one of them whining like a child, was no everyday sight. Wait. Did she just say couple?

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" She yelled out in frustration. "Fine!" She told Natsu and proceeded to grab his arm and to drag him off in some random restaurant.

Little did she know he would be eating five portions and that their remaining money disappeared in an instant. The prince patted his belly, content.

She just stared at him wide eyed, fork held in mid-air with the remains of her spaghetti dish underneath.

"Thanks Lucy! I'm gonna pay okay?" He told her, as he made his way toward the cash register. She shook her head in disbelief, hurrying to finish up her pasta. Unknowingly, she'd picked a pretty good place, and the chef was really friendly.

"Did you enjoy your meal, Miss?" He asked, as he came by.

Lucy patted the corner of her mouth with her napkin, before giving him her most charming smile.

"Oh yes! Thank you again, Mr. Reedus it was delicious!"

The large man giggled, before walking off to another table. Natsu soon came back, a paper in his hand and a piece of cookie in his mouth.

"Hey Lucy! Look what I found!" He exclaimed like a little kid.

She sighed and rested her chin in her hand, preparing for yet another surprise.

"It's a Knight tournament! I signed both of us in!"

Her hand dropped and she stood up abruptly.

"What!"

~from Tales of Magnolia: Chapter 12


A/N: I'm mean, leaving you guys on a cliffhanger. But hey, I'm sick. Allergies are annoying. I'm sitting in front of my screen blowing my nose every two second. So, I hope this chapter was good anyways. I got a little sad at the number of reviews for the last chapter because I only got seven, when I usually get between 10-15 on a new chapter. Please don't give up on this story guys! The best part is just about to begin! Anyways, I strongly wish you best luck not getting runny noses this spring, and my tissue count is now up to 27. Please keep an eye out for Tales of Magnolia: Chapter 13! Unlucky or Lucky number? You choose!


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