Ok kids, here's the deal. I will be out of town for 2 weeks so I wont be able to update for a while, but I have not abandon this story, quite the opposite I am falling more in love with it with every chapter. I will update as soon as I can after I get back, until then Please review. I don't understand why I have so many readers, yet so little feed back. So if you would be so kind, please after you read leave me a review and tell me how you are feeling about the story so far. Alrighty then, ill be seeing you. Hope you enjoy this latest chapter, I tried to make it alittle longer to help hold you guys over ^_^. ~Poprocx

I had been flying toward Lucy's when I decided I should probably get ahold of myself before I showed up there, in a sobbing soaking mess.

This is how I found myself sitting on the wooden railing of the bridge that me and Gray had been standing on the night before. Letting me feet dangle toward the water far below me, I glanced briefly over to the large oak tree that Gray had frozen.

It was still frozen solid and sparkling beautifully as the rain gently fall on to it, I could see a few people standing near it touching the ice in confusion before quickly flinching back from the cold bit.

I had finally stopped crying and now I was just sitting watching the rain hit the water's surface below me, ripples and bubbles moved about in a hypnotic dance.

"I'm such a mess," I mumbled, as I looked at my pathetic rippling refection underneath me, eyes red and puffy hair sticking to my neck and forehead, yup pathetic was the right word. "Just call me Mrs. Destructo, Master of chaos."

"Valkyrie?" a small voice said from behind me. I quickly snapped my head over to see Levy and Lucy standing there with bags full of groceries and two umbrellas.

"What are you doing?" Lucy asked, as Levy rushed forward and quickly put her umbrella over me, effectively blocking the rain.

"Your chilled to the bone," Levy said, as she reached out and touched my bare forearms, "Come on, come with us." Levy helped me off the railing and linked arms with me while Lucy walked ahead of us, with her arms full of grocery bags.

I smiled slightly as Lucy led us down the street and then onto a dirt path that was heavily covered with trees and brushes; after just a few minutes a small cozy cottage appeared nestled amongst the trees surrounding it and sitting near a small stream.

The cottage itself was very small and cozy looking, with a brown shingled roof and stone walls, there were hundreds of wild flower all around the small home and their sweet sent filled the air; the rain that was still falling made the whole scene seem brighter and almost full of magic.

I heard Lucy giggle beside me, "It's beautiful isn't it? I made the same face the first time I came over to Mirajane's house."

"This is Mirajane's house?" I asked in surprise, "Why are we going there?"

Levy jumped up and down beside me, "We are having a girl's day."

I blinked in surprise, "Girls day?"

I glanced at Lucy; she gave me a slight blush. "I would have invited you, but I haven't seen you since your Dragon slayer training and thought that maybe you were still recovering."

I waved her off and smiled, "Oh, it's ok. I can just go…" I stopped walking and talking as I realized I didn't have anywhere else to go, now. I frowned down at my soaked boots, when I suddenly felt Levy link arms with me again.

"Don't be silly you're coming now, too." She gave me a large sincere smile, "Since we know you're feeling better and all."

I had to force myself to not snort with humorless laughter at her statement 'feeling better.' Frankly, I preferred getting beaten up by Laxus compared to how I felt now.

I quickly cleared my throat to cover it and looked away from both of them, pretending to look at the stream as we walked up to the cottage door.

Levy did a little fancy knock and a second later Mirajane, wearing a pair of yellow pajama pants and a light gray t-shirt, swung open the door with a large smile. "Lucy, Levy… oh and Valkyrie! So glad you all made it."

We walked into the cottage and I quickly scanned the inside, it was just as cozy and beautiful on the inside; Mirajane must have a green thumb because there were even more flowers scattered about the house; there was a large fire place that had a cozy fire sending off a comforting warmth around a small living room, with a small cream colored couch, a coffee table, and a few large multicolored bean bag chairs.

I blinked as I looked at all the other women in the room; I recognized Jess, and the short white haired girl, who had yelled at me for fighting Juvia, and as if my thoughts made her appear, my eyes jumped over to the window seat to see… Juvia.

She was also wearing pajamas, hers were light blue shorts with a dark blue long sleeve shirt and a short thin silvery robe, that she let hang open. She was sitting with her knees pulled up to her chest, her arms tightly wrapped around them as she stared blankly out the window.

I was about to move over to talk to her when Mirajane let out a small gasp and I turned to look at her.

"Valkyrie!" she said in a horrified voice, "Your soaking wet and freezing cold." She flinched as she touched my skin. "Come on; let's get you into something dry."

I tried to protest as she dragged me up a small flight of stairs and into a cozy bedroom. I stood awkwardly in the doorway as she started to pull out some clothes from a beautiful white wash vanity.

"Here," she said, as she handed me a Black noodle strap shirt and a pair of fuzzy Pajama pants that had small white snowflakes all over the pink fabric.

I felt my stomach sink, "Thanks." I grumbled quietly while I reached out to take the clothes.

"Is everything, ok?" she asked with concern heavy in her voice,

I stayed quite for a minute and stared at her, unsure if I should tell her everything or not. I decided against it, the last thing I wanted was to be a babbling basket case of gossip.

I sighed and nodded giving her a small smile, "Nothing I can't handle."

Mirajane didn't seem convinced but she gave me a small nod and said I could take my time before she left me in the room by myself and went back down stairs.

I let out a shaky sigh as I looked down at the snowflake pants in my hands and I felt my eyes sting again. "Cruel irony." I moaned internally,

After I switched out of my wet clothes and put on the fuzzy ones Mirajane gave me I made my way back down stairs. The girls were already deep into a very competitive game of charades.

Jess was standing on the small coffee table waving her arms around wildly and kicking up her feet;

"A teapot..."

"You're flying…"

"A Spastic monkey…"

"Lucy when she sees a spider…."

"HEY!" Lucy shouted from somewhere in the other room and every one erupted into laughter.

I felt a small smile play at my lips as I stood at the base of the stairs just watching and listening.

"Valkyrie!" Jess suddenly spotted me and bounced over to me, she look gorgeous as always; her long black hair was in a pin up style again, but this time it was large curls that hung past her shoulders and a small red rose pull up on one side of her head. She wore a red long sleeve shirt and a pair of short pajama shorts that were white with ruby red lipstick writing, 'Beauty' across the butt.

She smiled widely as she gave me a quick hug and turned back to face everyone, "Everyone, this is Valkyrie. Valkyrie, this is everyone." I felt my cheeks heat up as I gave a small wave.

"Valkyrie?" said a young woman with long brown hair, who was wearing only a blue bra and brown pajama shorts. "Natsu's sister?"

"Ya," I nodded, "I know it's quite a shock…"

"A shock?" the girl with short white hair yelled suddenly, cutting me off. "I'll say it is a shock. How would you feel if you thought you were alone your whole life, with no family? Only to find out that you had someone all along, but they had chosen to leave you?"

I felt the familiar wave of guild wash over my heart, drowning it in a burning like pain. I looked at her about to respond when Lucy and Levy appeared at my side looking enraged and glairing daggers at the other girl.

"Enough Lisanna!" snapped Lucy, as she swung her arm out in front of us in a slicing motion.

"You don't know what Valkyrie has been through…" Levy stamped her foot showing her frustration and I couldn't help but smile at their loyalty. They didn't even know what I had been through and yet they still stood up for me.

"It's ok, guys." I said, as I gently paced my hand on Lucy's shoulder and stepped forward, I looked at Lisanna as she stood giving me the death glare. She was wearing light blue pajama pants and a white t-shirt, with a pair of panda bear slippers.

"So, you're Lisanna." I said with a straight face,

She crossed her arms over her chest and frowned deeper, but said nothing and I could almost feel everyone else's eyes on us, as they watched with intensity.

"I believe I own you thanks," I said after a minuet, causing her to snap her head back around and look at me surprised.

"Why?" she asked keeping her tone harsh,

"I have heard that your have been one of Natsu's closest friends since he first came to the guild. That means that your one of the reasons he became who he is today; strong, funny, a leader. In other words… happy." I cocked my head at her as I started to see her face soften.

"You were able to help fill a piece of the hole that was left in his heart; I understand how much you care for him. For that I owe you a great dept." I smiled and extended my hand to her, she hesitated for a minute before taking it and giving it a light squeeze.

I stared back into her eyes and a silent acceptance passed between us and a small smile appeared on her lips.

I practically felt everyone in the room let out a heavy sigh of relief and Mirajane suddenly jumped up off the couch and clapped her hands excitedly. "Okay ladies, enough drama. We have a party to plan."

I turned to look at Lucy and Levy, "Party?"

Their faces instantly light up with excitement, "Yup." Lucy said, as she wiggled around with a dreamy look on her face, "The Halloween party."

Levy giggled at Lucy and rolled her eyes, "Every year we throw a huge Halloween party at the guild." She explained at we moved to sit on the floor near Lisanna and Jess.

"Not just any Halloween party, Levy." Jess squealed excitedly, "A 'COSTUME' Halloween party." Jess threw her arms out in a wide sweeping motion, before she squealed again. "This is the day we start planning everything for the event."

I scrunched my eye brows in confusion, "Costume… Halloween… party?"

Jess's face went pale and she looked like she might faint. "My dear, don't tell me you never dressed up for a Halloween party?"

Lucy, Lisanna, and Levy looked equally horrified and I felt my face heat up in embarrassment. "Uh, well… not exactly." I mumbled,

"Oh. My. God!" Jess said, slowly she eyes practically popping out of her head. Then she jumped up on the coffee table again, "Listen, everyone!"

She waited until the other girls stopped talking and turned to face her, "This year we have to make this party our best Halloween party ever, because this will be the first time Valkyrie has ever celebrated Halloween."

I quickly jumped up and grabbed her arm, "Jess," I snapped, then turned to face everyone else, laughing lightly. "I have celebrated Halloween."

Levy snorted a laugh and Lucy hip bumped me, "When was the last time?" she asked with a cheeky smile.

I looked around at all their excited faces and let out a defeated sigh, "When I was 5."

Jess squealed again, "That doesn't count, Hun. Oh my God, we are going to have too much fun."

She snapped her fingers and suddenly her small note pad appeared by her head and started writing frantically, "Oh and don't you worry. I will make you the most gorgeous costume…"

I blinked wide, "Oh no, Jess. Don't do…" I stuttered in vain,

"Oh pish posh, I do what I want and I want to make a costume for you," she pulled down her ruby red glasses to wink at me, "You have someone to impress, after all." She quickly bounced off hollering for Mirajane.

"Impress?" Levy whisper quickly in my ear causing me to turn and look at her, she had an evil grin; she gripped my arm fiercely and dragged me to a far corner with Lisanna and Lucy right behind us.

"Okay, who was Jess just talking about?" Levy asked, in a hushed voice as she turned to face me. I blinked as I looked at all three of them. I could tell, Lucy had an idea of who Jess had meant, but she looked just as interested as Lisanna and Levy.

'What am I supposed to tell them?' I thought frantically, 'I know that Jess had been talking about Gray, and Lucy is expecting me to say it was him too. But after what happened earlier…'

I sagged my shoulders and looked around to make sure no one else was nearby, especially Juvia. It seemed to cruel to even mention Gray in front of her let alone the fact that we almost had… something.

"She meant Gray… but," I whispered and I instantly heard both Lisanna and Levy gasp, Lucy giggled excitedly and did a little hop of joy.

"I knew it," she beamed, "What has happened since we last talked? Oh my gosh, we can go on double dates; me and Natsu and you and Gray. That will be so much fun."

I quickly clamped my hand over Lucy's mouth and looked around again, "No, no we can't. It's not like that…"

Lucy's forehead wrinkled, and I pulled my hand away from her mouth, slowly in case she started freaking out again. "What do you mean? You guys were hitting it off at my house the other day and I haven't seen Gray so interested in a girl since… well, ever."

I sagged my shoulders again and placed a hand on my forehead as I felt it start thumping, "Something… came up." The three girls started at me in unbelief. "I was actually heading over to your house, Lucy. When you guys found me, I need to ask if I could possibly stay with you… for a while."

Lucy frowned at me before she grabbed my arm and started pulling me toward the stairs, "Mira!" she shouted, "We need to use your room for a bit."

Mirajane popped her head out from the kitchen area with a concerned face, "Oh okay, go right ahead."

Lucy along with Levy and Lisanna rushed me up the stairs and back into the small room I had changed in. Lucy shammed the door shut and turned to face me, "Ok, Valkyrie. Spill it. What happened with you and Gray?"

I groaned loudly as a flopped face down on the queen sized bed. "It's all my fault," I shouted into the mattress.

"What?" Lisanna said,

I turned my face away from them, pulling my knees up and hugging a pillow to my chest. I knew I looked pathetic, but then again I seemed to be looking like that a lot lately.

Levy sat on the bed and gently rubbed my back, "Valkyrie?" I felt my eyes start to sting and I buried my face in the pillow.

"Come on, you can tell us anything." Lucy said, as she kneeled next to the bed.

I turned to face them and saw how concerned they all looked; I wiped my eyes as I moved to sit on the bed while still hugging the pillow. "Ok, I'll tell you."

I looked around at all three of them before I took a deep breath and retold the whole story. Everything, starting from when I got home after dinner with Natsu to ice skating in the park, the story about my history with Trey, how Gray had carried me home after I had cried myself to sleep and ended with our fight from earlier that morning.

When I was finished I was crying again and so were Levy and Lucy, Lisanna's eyes were also misty as she covered her face with her hands. Lucy reached out for me, but then pulled her hand back as if I had shocked her.

"Oh, Valkyrie," she sobbed, "I'm so sorry you had to go through that."

Levy slowly wrapped her arms around my shoulders and pulled me into a tight hug, "You don't have to ever be that afraid again, you're with us now."

We all cried together for a long time until silence fell over us and somehow the four of us ended up tangled together on the small queen sized bed, staring up at the ceiling that was painted to look like a beautiful blue sky with clouds and a few butterflies.

After a while, Lisanna sat up and looked at me. "I know I am not really one to talk," she glanced at Lucy briefly before looking back at me, "But I think you might have made a mistake."

I blinked at her as me and Levy sat up too, "With Gray, I mean." She said quickly, when she saw my confusion.

"Oh Lisanna," I sighed and flopped back on the bed, "I wish I had.

"You know," Levy said as she tapped her chin, "I agree with Lisanna. I think Gray really dose care about you and if you let this chance pass you by I honestly think you will regret it."

"Even if I did believe that he might still maybe want to be… whatever we almost were," I snapped as I hopped off the bed and started to pace back and forth. "How could I be that selfish and ask that of him?"

I saw my three friends exchange glances as they sat on the bed watching me.

"Ask what of him?" Lucy said first,

I stopped walking and stared out the window away from them, "How could I ever ask him to pick me, after everything that I have done? After everything that was done to me?"

I placed my hand on the glass letting it absorb the cold from outside, "He deserves someone… pure." I felt the fresh tears silently slip out from under my eye lids and splash onto the windowsill.

There was a long moment of silence, before I felt six arms tackle me into a fierce hug; I blinked in surprise as I saw all three girls clinging tightly to me.

"Valkyrie, you're amazing." Lisanna cried, as tears spilled down her cheeks,

"Gray would be Lucy to have you." Levy said, as she squeezed me tighter,

"You deserve to be happy to, you know." Lucy said as she gave me a wide smile, tears making her eyes sparkle.

I felt my heart practically explode from their show of love and compassion. I quickly hugged them back and smiled slightly, "You guys are the ones who are amazing."

We all turned when there was a gentle knock on the door and Mirajane poked her head inside. "Everything okay in here?"

Lisanna sprang forward and clutched her sister's arms, "We have to help Valkyrie win over Gray."

"Lisanna!" I shouted, mortified.

Mirajane's eyes sparkled with a mysterious gleam that made my skin crawl, "Oh?"

She said quietly, as I started to wave my hands in front of me. "No, no, no. Lisanna wasn't listening to me. Gray doesn't feel that way toward me."

"Not true." Lucy spoke up causing my head to snap around to look at her. "From everything you just told us and from what I have witnessed, it seems like he feels a great deal toward you."

Levy nodded beside her, "It's true; Just from the fact that he comforted you after you shared about your past, carried you home when your cried yourself to sleep, removed your shoes before putting you in bed, and if that wasn't enough you said he chased after you down five flights of stairs and out into the rain just this morning." Levy stopped and leaned forward to poke my stomach, "Sounds to me like he cares for you more then you want to admit."

Mirajane walked over to me and placed her hands on my shoulders, I slowly raised my head to look up at the older girl feeling like my emotions were being torn into a million different directions.

"What are you afraid of, Valkyrie?" she spoke so quietly that I almost didn't hear her.

I stared at her kind face and thought how I was supposed to answer. 'I was afraid of a lot of things; the dark guild that was always chasing me, the fact that I was now a Dragon slayer Alpha, expected to lead four other dragon slayers.

I was always afraid of Natsu getting hurt and now I was afraid of the guild being in danger because of me and that included all these women who were being so kind and accepting of me.' the more I thought about it, the clearer my true fear became.

I looked back up at Mirajane's concerned face and finally dropped my own face into my hands, "I'm afraid of being alone, again." I choked out,

Mirajane wasted no time in hugging me tightly to her, "You will never be alone again, you are a member of fairy tail, now. Your one of us and we will always be around when you need us."

I smiled up at her and looked over at Lisanna, Lucy and Levy; they had large smiles on their faces too.

There was another knock on the door and we turned to see all the other girls peeking into the room.

"Everything okay?" the girl with long brown hair asked,

"Yes, Cana." Said Mirajane as she gave me another side hug, "Everything will be fine." She looked at me as she said it, letting me know she was talking to me. I let another thankful smile grace my lips as I hugged her back.

"Okay than," Jess squealed again as she hopped into the room, her note pad following close behind, "Let's get on with the party planning shall we?" she said in a sing song voice that caused Cana to cover her ears and moan loudly.

After we all had moved back down stairs, Mirajane and Lisanna started to set out all kinds of snack type food as we all got settled in the living room again.

Everyone was excited about the Halloween party, they all planned out the food and drinks that they would all make to bring, they talked decoration and games, assigning jobs to everyone in the room.

Lucy was assigned to set up the guild hall using her celestial spirits, Levy and a Girl with purple hair named Laki, were assigned to setting up the outside of the guild with all the games.

Cana and a shy girl named Kinana were put in charge of the drinks; Mirajane and Lisanna were going to handle the food, Wendy and a green haired woman named Bisca were assigned the task of getting all the prizes ready for the games.

Jess was obvious going to be handling all the costumes, and that just left… Erza, who had yet to arrive; Juvia, me, and a woman with light brown hair named, Evergreen.

Mirajane grinned widely at us, "Okay, your three can handle the decorations."

"Decorations?" Evergreen snapped, "Please, My talents would be more useful with costumes, would they not?"

I watched as a vain in Mirajane's forehead pulsed, even though she continued to wear a large smile. I covered my mouth to keep from laughing out loud at her obvious annoyance at Evergreen.

"Your right," she said through clenched teeth, "You will be a big help to Jess, I'm sure."

I leaned over to Lucy, "What's with Mira?"

Lucy smiled and gave me a wink, "Mira has a little green monster on her back when it comes to Evergreen."

I looked back over at Mirajane as she continued talking like nothing was wrong, "What do you mean? What could Evergreen have that Mira would ever want?"

Levy lend in close and cupper her mouth like she was telling me a secret, "Mira has a thing for Laxus, and Evergreen is part of his team."

My mouth formed a small 'O' as I nodded in understanding, I glanced back over to look at Evergreen; she was wearing a very short green satin night dress with a long sheer green robe that had a large green boa around the collar, very sexy for a day in with the girls.

"If that's the type of girls he is in too then, Mira should want nothing to do with him." I said matter-of-factly, as I popped a few m&m's in my mouth.

Lucy giggle beside me as she took a large bite of her pizza, "I used to think so too," she chewed then swallowed before speaking again. "But know I know Laxus better and he is an amazing guy. Thou I haven't seen him show Evergreen, Mira or any other girl any interest… maybe he is gay."

Lisanna gasped loudly, "Lucy, don't say that." Me, Levy and Lucy all flinched at her harshness, "That would be a cruel joke to the female sex, if he was that good looking but just out of our reach."

Me and Lucy stared at Lisanna with shocked faces while Levy choked on her soda, "What?" Lisanna shrugged, "I may be Mira's younger sister, but I'm not freak 'in blind. The man is fine."

We all erupted into laughter just as another knock came to the front door. By now, it was becoming late in the afternoon and the sun was falling down over the far mountains making the sky look a velvety burnt orange.

Lisanna hopped up to answer the door and soon returned with a very tired looking Erza right behind her. Lucy and Wendy quickly jumped up and rushed over to give Erza a hug.

"Erza!" Lucy shouted, as she threw her arms around the red head. "Where have you been?"

Erza let out a chuckled as she hugged the two girls back, "I am sorry I am late. My job took longer than expected."

"It wouldn't have if you would have asked us to go too." Lucy snapped placing her hands on her hips. "We are a team after all."

Erza smiled, "Your right. I will inform you next time."

Lucy and Wendy smiled, seeming pleased with her answer.

"If it is alright, Mira," Erza spoke to the white haired hostess, "May I use your shower? I came straight from my job and am feeling a little weary."

Mirajane smiled wide, "Of course, Erza. You know where it is. Help yourself."

Erza nodded as she turned to head up the stairs, her intense gaze suddenly landed on me, sending an involuntary shiver up my spine.

"Valkyrie?" she called and I looked up from my plate, pretending like I hadn't been watching her. "Would you come with me a moment?"

I nodded and stood up to follow her up the stairs and back into Mirajane's room, 'I'm finding myself here a lot today.' I thought briefly.

Erza closed the door behind her before she turned to face me crossing her arms over her armor clad chest. "Gray is looking for you."

She said is so nonchalantly that my mouth fell open in surprise; 'I don't know what I had expected her to say but that sure as hell wasn't it.'

"Oh, well… umm," I stuttered moving my hands about, trying to figure out what I was supposed to say.

"He is worried." Erza said in her usual monotone voice, her sharp eyes piercing into me.

"Ya, about that… see, we had a… well," I felt like I was in trouble, like a child caught drinking out of the milk carton.

"You should go speak with him." I blinked at her in surprise, 'Damn her and her blank face and logical words of wisdom." I ranted mentally,

"I know," I sagged my shoulders in defeat; "I just don't know what to say to him."

"The truth would be best." Erza said flatly,

I scrunched my nose slightly, "It's a little complicated… you don't know the whole story."

"I believe I do." Erza responded, as she took a small step toward me, "Gray shared your story with me."

I snapped my head up to stare at her, "What?" I asked in confusion, "Why would he…"

"He ran into me while looking for you," Erza started to explain; "He was running around all over town in a panic."

I slowly lowered myself to sit on the bed and Erza moved to sit beside me, "He fears you ran away again."

I looked down at my hands in my lap, feeling guilty now. "I didn't think he would… I thought I was doing the right thing. I never meant too…"

Erza place a firm hand on my shoulder, and I looked up at her noticing her face had changed. She had a warm smile, though it was small, and I saw a deep compassion in her eyes. "I understand."

And I believed her, something about Erza calmed me, it seemed like she knew exactly how I felt and what I had been through.

"What can I do?" I asked, "Since you know… about me." I said quietly, "You know what I've done…" I felt my bottom lip quiver and I had to stop talking.

Erza's grip tightened slightly on my shoulder, "I know that Gray cares for you regardless." Erza said in a firm yet calm voice.

"But he shouldn't want someone damaged like me." I said, as I looked back down at my hands, "I could never make him happy, he deserves better."

Erza made a humming noise, as if in thought, before I felt her hand leave my shoulder, "I agree that Gray deserves someone special," she said as she moved to the window, "but I disagree with you on one the other two things."

I blinked up at her in question, "What?"

She turned to look back at me as the orange glow of the sunset shined onto her face making her red hair look like it was on fire. "You are not damaged and I believe you have the ability to make Gray truly happy."

I stared at her letting her words sink in, "I don't know…" I started quietly,

"Go to him." Erza said, making me blush wildly.

"Erza, your making me feel like I'm in some kind of sappy romance novel." I cupped my flaming cheek in my hands to hide my blush.

"Forgive me," she laughed, "I am just eager to finally see Gray happy. He has been a hollow man for a long time."

"What do you mean, a hollow man?" I asked, as a stood up to join her by the window.

"I have known Gray a very long time," Erza smiled fondly, "He has always kept a piece of himself hidden away. I never understood, but never asked either," she turned to look at me with a small smile. "We all have our secrets."

She looked back out the window, the sky now turning navy blue and some stars were peeking through, that's when my brain registered that the rain had stopped, and I felt my heart take a small leap as I briefly picturing Juvia down stairs laughing with her friends.

Erza's calm voice snapped me back to the present, "Regardless of his secrets, Gray has been a dear friend to many of us at the guild; it would mean a great deal to all of us to see him truly happy, finally free from whatever torments him."

"You think I can somehow do that?" I asked in surprise,

"I do," She smiled again at me,

"Oh… no pressure." I mumbled,

Erza laughed again, "When I saw you two eating in the café before, I saw a look on Gray face I have never seen before."

I cocked my head at her in interest, as she placed her hand back on my shoulder and smiled wider, "He looked at peace."

"At peace?" I said in confusion,

Erza nodded, "Content, able to relax." She laughed again as she clutched her stomach slightly, "The proof is that he barely noticed my presence until I was practically on top of you both. It is very unlike Gray to have his guard down."

I frowned as I felt my heart flutter and warm up, 'Could Gray possibly still want to see what could happen between us?' I smiled wide as I felt myself starting to hope.

"Look, Valkyrie," Erza said, "I don't know if what you guys have can be called love yet, but…" she smiled again, a very kind and caring smile. "I think you own it to Gray and yourself to find out."

That was the last push my heart needed before it plummeted over the edge and into wild abandon; my face practically split in half with my joyous smile, as I launched myself at Erza catching her in a tight hug. "Thank you, Erza." I beamed.

She hugged me back before pushing me away and pointing to the door, "I last saw him on the north side of town, near the forests tree line."

I smiled at her again before I sprinted from the room and raced through the party planning tornado down stairs, "Valkyrie?!" shouted Levy as I ran past her,

"I'll be back!" I shouted, as I threw open the door and ran out into the coming night, "There is someone I have to see."

Lucy and Lisanna raced outside after me, "Is everything alright?" Lucy yelled, as I jumped into the sky calling my Dragon fairy wings forth from my back.

"Yes," I shouted back at them,

As I rose higher into the sky I smiled to myself, "Everything is alright."