ii. Gray
Here comes the answer, as well as a voice of a third person.

..

"I love you, Erza. I truthfully do."

The land is vast and the sky is high, yet Natsu's words are resonating through the wind. Erza feels like she's in a closed space and his voice is ringing in her ears like a bell, it sounds mildly grating but hearing it sends a jolt of joy within her.

His palm is still placed on her cheek, the touch light but warm. It is sweet and she unconsciously welcomes it. His gaze is determined and unshakable, taking on her own with such intensity that leaves no room for any doubt. With just that strong yet honest eyes of him, Erza believes all his words.

She breathes.

Here Natsu is, trapped beneath her, with probably the softest gesture she has ever seen him do, confessing his love for her in a way that she can't even mistrust. If there's an instance that she isn't harboring any feelings for him, then this is more than enough to flicker something inside of her.

Erza loosens her hold on his clothes. She smooths it over in a slight show of guilt, and then her hands remain atop his chest, intending only to rest them in there and not to push him. She reluctantly closes her eyes and heaves a sigh. When she opens them, she chooses not to look at him.

Natsu withdraws his hand, attempts to peer on her eyes and when she doesn't let him, he resigns on just observing her face.

"Okay." Erza doesn't stutter, but the tone she uses is laced with apprehension. "I believe you, I do."

There's a significant pause following her response, only the sound of the leaves in the nearby forest can be heard. The sun is nearing its setting, a minor fact that implies how long they have been here, how long she has been seated on top of him. She immediately thinks of covering her face with her hands out of embarrassment.

Before standing, however, she wishes to resolve this issue which poses a question or two in her mind.

"Your feelings are properly relayed to me. But what do you want to happen now?" she asks, purposely sounding merely curious.

To her utter lack of preparedness, Natsu holds onto her waist, supporting her whole weight plus her metals, and briskly sits up. It happens in only a flash and before Erza can even react, she's already seated at the grass across him and the distance separating them is only a minuscule amount of inches.

Being in this proximity, Erza can no longer hide her eyes from him. He is staring at them openly, willing them to listen to what he has to say. Not for the first time, she was rendered speechless by the fierceness of his gaze.

"What I really want is to make you happy. I want to be by your side, love you wholeheartedly and maybe..." Natsu averts his gaze after this, and Erza finds the transition so adorable. "Maybe be loved by you, too."

She chuckles inwardly. Natsu, with his cheeks lightly flushed, is cute.

'He's being so sincere, so true to his feelings and so honest with me.' And Erza believes that she can only repay this by giving him an answer that comes from her heart and not from her overly calculating mind which is already weighing the consequences of each action.

She muffles all the unnecessary thoughts and listens to her heart. Sometimes, her mind and her heart are in a disagreement, and most of the time, she's following her mind. But now, all she needs is what her heart dictates her to do.

Natsu is so close to her that the warmth that is naturally radiating off of him is almost tangible. Still, she doesn't back away.

"I can't say I feel the same." There's an urgency in her voice that she implores to make Natsu listen until the end. "But I'm not saying no."

He looks confused with what he's heard.

Erza sighs not in exasperation but in defeat and she hopes Natsu doesn't misinterpret it.

"You may not be aware of it, but even when my heart was so closed off, so single-mindedly reserved for one person, you were still giving me moments where I would be left at awe. You were still very capable of making it flutter, and it was even without your knowledge, much less your effort." Natsu is still, but his eyes are gleaming with excitement and hope. "So now that I'm not avert to the potentiality of 'someone else', I'm very much looking forward to how you can sweep me off of my feet."

He lights up with this, Erza swears it is almost in a literal sense for an instant, and gives her a grin. "You mean it?"

"I do. But that is not to say that we will immediately become a couple. It's going to be a first time for me, probably for you, as well." He nods. "So it's better not to rush."

"Yeah, I agree."

"Though maybe we can enter a relationship where we are less than lovers..." she trails, getting a bit embarrassed, herself, as Natsu waits with bated breath.

"But close," she says ultimately and hears Natsu's gasp.

He's looking at her intently, his eyes so bright and his grin so broad. The flush on his cheeks have returned, but so is the high spirits that he naturally emits.

"I'd like that. Thanks, Erza," he speaks softly and it makes Erza's breath hitch.

It is only been seconds but he's already so smooth and so adept on sweeping her off of her feet. She has a sneaking suspicion that it won't be too long and hard to get it done and yet, she finds herself smiling as she realizes that she isn't actually opposed to it.

..

Happy is currently chewing on his fish. He does it so uncharacteristically absentmindedly and without too much of vigor. But it isn't really that important right now.

What's important is that Natsu, who is also chewing on his bread roll just across from him, is so resolute in not telling him anything.

The event yesterday has left the whole guild hanging. They're very curious of how the fight has gone, who is the victor and if they have truly finally settled the score. Who has come out to be the stronger of the two?

To be honest, Happy has thought of just flying towards them, an action that will certainly disregard Gray's words and pleas. But aside from Lucy holding onto him, he also has an inkling sensation that if he has done that, Natsu will get mad at him. He doesn't know why, but he feels that he will. So he has dumped the thought away.

After all, he can just ask Natsu once they see each other at home.

Or so he has truly believed.

Natsu has looked so overjoyed. His aura has been fluffy yet full of elation and exuberance and Happy hasn't understand why he has refused to say anything when asked if he has won. He's pestered him, annoyed him and even bugged him endlessly, yet he only has a grin to offer him as an answer.

It baffles Happy and he almost regrets not coming after them.

The one thing that is acceptable about this, though, is that no one in Fairy Tail seems to know what has happened. They all have been blatantly refused to get their curiosity sated. And even when some are already showing vexation from not acquiring anything from Natsu, he still shakes his head and dismisses their prying.

One of those people is Lucy.

Lucy, who Happy believes is partly concerned and partly annoyed, has her eyebrows furrowed. She's been asking Natsu to please, please tell her something, yet Natsu is just ignoring her. She pouts when she sees her efforts crushed. They have always been so close to each other, not as much as Happy and Natsu but still very close and sometimes, Natsu is willing to go to impossible lengths just for her sake, a feat that impels Happy to tease Lucy incessantly.

But that is not to say that Natsu haven't ignored her before, especially when it is only to quench her whims.

Therefore, Happy likes to think that this matter isn't so huge that it is worth of a different approach or an usual reaction. Maybe the fight yesterday hasn't actually happened and maybe they are only making a great deal out of nothing. After all, if Natsu really is the winner, he will gloat and boast it at everyone, and if he's the loser, he will be fired up to challenge a rematch.

Right?

Happy releases the fish from his mouth and sighs. All this thinking is affecting his appetite and making his dish go bad. He shouldn't be mulling over it, he isn't even made for one. The only time he ever has to think about something has been on that fight for Natsu's life and he doesn't want to have a repeat of that. Not ever again.

However, just when he's about to throw all his thoughts and free his mind, Erza enters the guild and walks straight to the bar.

They all stare at her, cautiously yet unabashedly, trying to decipher what her current mood is and maybe catching a clue of yesterday's result. Happy hears her asking for a hot tea, still not giving them any attention, and he takes a glimpse at Natsu's direction. He can't see anything unusual, he doesn't seem indifferent but also not eager.

Lucy's gaze is fixed at Erza, her thoughts probably the same with everyone else, including Happy. If they can't get anything from Natsu, they will try to get something from Erza.

Happy watches as Lucy nods to herself, probably encouraging herself to speak, go ask and just please get answers. He silently cheers on her.

"Erza." Because their table isn't that far from where Erza's bar stool is planted, Lucy stays on her seat. Happy bets it is also so that they can all hear. "Please tell us, who won yesterday?"

Silence permeated he whole guild for a few seconds and everyone is just waiting with edginess and nervous tension. Erza faces them, her teacup being elegantly held by her fingers. Her back is straight and one of her legs is crossed over the other. Her pose is, Happy thinks the word is imposing, but he sees that the expression she has isn't far from placated.

She doesn't seem angry, to say the least.

She glances at where Natsu is for a moment, Happy doesn't know if their gazes meet because he's firm on awaiting Erza's answer.

"It's a win for..." They gulped, preparing themselves for it. "The both of us, I guess."

She smiles and everyone sighs in great disappointment, everyone except Natsu.

Happy witnesses how the subtle smile on his lips grows into a grin, yet he doesn't look prideful, just genuinely happy. What kind of reaction is this? This is probably the first time he has seen his partner like this. It doesn't look out of place, but it is certainly a very rare thing to see from him.

"You heard her!" he says to the few who voice out their discontent and simply laughs at their chagrin.

Erza has given them the answer, but it just throws them off balance all the more and Happy is so so confused as to why both she and Natsu are smiling to themselves.

Obviously, there's a secret between them, but what is it?

..

Erza is getting started on her slice of strawberry cake when Natsu sits beside her without a word.

His presence is overall fiery, but he has a way to tame it and make it calming for her comfort and Erza finds that she's liking the warmth and quietness that he emits. He sprawls half of himself over the table, seemingly mindful not to be too brash as to disturb her, and proceeds to rest in there. His back is on her and his attention is at the rest of the guild, but his closeness is telling her that he's here because she's here.

She continues to eat even as a wave of delight hits her.

After a while, she hears a chuckle, amusement clear on his voice as he watches the little antics from their guild mates. There's a playful argument going on on the other side and Erza can already sense the foreboding ruckus that is waiting to happen, especially because Gray is there. And because Gray is there, Natsu naturally wants to join.

"What's wrong?" she asks when Natsu is still unmoving, even when he's practically already bouncing on his feet. "Why aren't you going?"

He sits up straight and glances at her cake. There's a grin on his face when he looks at her. "Yeah, later."

Erza is in the middle of chewing a piece of strawberry when it dawns on her. Then she swallows.

"Are you, by any chance, protecting my cake?" she asks tentatively. She doesn't know what to expect but there's already a glint on her eyes from the possibility that his knowledge extends to where her priority lies, and also to the fact that her prime concern takes precedence for him.

"Hmm? Yeah," he replies casually and so simply, the expression on his face so innocent and honest.

Erza swallows again, this time with an invisible lump on her throat. Her heart has leaped a bound and Natsu isn't even trying. He really knows exactly how to win her over.

She smiles to herself and savors the moment.

..

Gray doesn't know what to feel when Natsu, out of nowhere, asks him to come with him.

He doesn't even know where they're going, he's just following the idiot somewhere far from the guild. He suspects that this has something to do with Erza, but to be honest, he really doesn't feel like getting his hands on this business.

He's content with simply watching over them, getting directly involved in their affairs is not on his wish list, they can take care of themselves, after all.

As they reach the end of the clearing, Natsu stops. It looks like an outskirt of the forest, with a few hills on the other side and across from where they stand is a massive land of green grass, its extent is as far as his eyes can see. It is breath-taking in way that calms his nerves and relaxes his mind. He can stay here for hours just to appreciate the nature.

"We're here," Natsu speaks. He sits under a shade of a tree, completely subdued and at ease.

Gray watches him for a moment, still wondering why the hell he has been brought in here, by Natsu to boot. But then shrugs when he feels the soft bed of flourishing grass inviting him over. He joins Natsu and sits.

He takes a breath of fresh air, considers lying down, and go forth with his decision as the idiot beside him remains silent. He notices the faraway look on his eyes and remembers that he has seen Natsu like this before. Gray opts to be gracious and lets the other collect his thoughts.

He'll talk after that.

It is a surprise to him how much consideration Natsu is putting into this. Maybe this proves how serious he really is when it comes to Erza and although Gray is already aware of that, he is complacent to get reassurance from him. He closes his eyes and relishes on the cool wind blowing on his face. Natsu and Erza are going to be just fine, he's almost sure of that already.

Eventually, Natsu kicks his foot. "Hey, wake up!"

"I'm not sleeping, idiot!" He sits and drops a kick of his own. "Are you ready to talk now or are we gonna beat each other first?!" he asks, not without a challenge.

Natsu clicks his tongue at first, then talks. "I'm taking Erza on a date, I need your permission."

Gray laughs in amusement. It feels strange to hear that from Natsu, but with him knowing his feelings all along, it is not to the point where it doesn't sound like him.

"Why do you need my permission?" he inquires, intentionally putting a wicked tone on his voice.

Natsu's gaze is fixated on the landscape across them and Gray can't tell what kind of face he's making, but his voice when he speaks is careful and profound.

"After me, you're the next closest to her. I want to have your blessing."

Gray has to wonder how he has established the fact that he's the closest to Erza when truth of the matter is that she and Gray are already friends before he has appeared in their lives. But that's merely a small detail that he can let go. What's sticking to his mind is that Natsu is actually asking for his blessing and he's being awfully serious, too.

He can't help but heave a sigh.

"First of all, are you together now?" he asks. He decides to take this seriously, as well.

"No, not yet." He scratches the back of his head, then he sends Gray an embarrassed look. "She said our relationship right now is close to that though, so we're probably on our way to that."

He smirks. He sees what probably is a blush on his cheeks but chooses not to mention it. "I see. Then let me tell you what you need to hear. I'm not worried about you hurting her, you don't even stand a chance." He snorts. "But if you make her cry..."

He casts his eyes down, remembering with disgrace how they have become the reason why Erza has shed tears. It has been one of their greatest regrets. Maybe they're being too sensitive over her tears, but if there's just one thing...

"We already made a mistake once, if it happens again, I really can't forgive myself. Which is why, Natsu, if you ever make her cry, forget about her beating you up, I'm going to hunt you down and mess you up so bad no one will be able to recognize you."

His tone isn't laced with venom, as a contradiction to the heaviness of his words, but he knows that Natsu won't dare to take it lightly.

"Yeah, I know. If that happens, I'll gladly offer myself."

"Glad to know that, but I'm also talking about you refraining from becoming a self-sacrificing idiot." Natsu meets his gaze with this, his eyes widening a fraction. "You hear me? If you're gonna be together, that means your life isn't yours alone anymore, so before you can even think of sacrificing yourself for the sake of others, you should consider how she will feel first."

"With your own self-sacrificing stunts, I doubt it's convincing coming from you, Gray."

Suddenly, Erza is standing there behind them, speaking in a well-mannered yet amicable tone. It is refreshing to see her without her armor on, and with her expression so comfortable and free, plus the wooden basket that she's holding on her hand, she resembles a simple pretty lady out for some relaxing time.

Gray is startled with her appearance, but not so much that he is taken aback. He only briefly wonders since when she has been here. On the other hand, Natsu's face visibly brightens. He doesn't run to her and act like a love-struck idiot, but Gray can see how much her presence is affecting his mood. He privately lets out a chortle.

"Like you're one to talk," he retorts on Erza's previous jab, chuckling when she averts her gaze and pretends not to hear anything. "Anyway, as long as you keep what I said in mind, then I'll give you my permission and blessing." He turns back to Natsu.

"All right. Thanks," Natsu murmurs, earning a curious glance from Erza.

She takes this time to stroll past them and sit right in front of where they are, her wooden basket placed beside her with heed. "By the way, I've been meaning to ask you, Gray." He gives her a questioning look as she goes on. "Back then, when you said 'someone else', are you referring to this?"

She's pointing a finger to Natsu's direction and Gray is so entertained with the way Natsu tries to cover his face.

"Maybe, maybe not," he answers playfully and plots on how he can embarrassed him even more. He finds so much fun and joy with his embarrassment.

"Are you possibly aware of his feelings all this time?" she asks again.

Gray gives Natsu another glance and laughs. "It's hard not to when I've been constantly with you two."

Erza's gaze has soften as she, too, glances at Natsu's way. "Really?" she mumbles inadvertently, probably wondering why she hasn't notice anything.

"He's whipped, you know." Gray stands, dusts his pants with a hand and hears a tiny groan made by Natsu. "He's whipped right from the start."

The two of them are at a loss for words and Gray mentally pats himself for a job well done as he makes his way to leave. But before that, he doesn't waste the chance to tease them just a bit more as he bids them farewell.

"Enjoy your picnic date, love birds."

..

-k-