Wendy shouldered her bag, pulse hammering under her skin. This wasn't a big deal, right? Just two friends going on a trip together. By themselves. Well, Carla was coming too, so maybe that made it better.

"Calm down, child. There's no reason to stress." The Exceed stood beside the Sky Maiden in her human form, arms crossed and surveying the busy station. Wendy flushed as she shifted her weight back and forth. "You're the one who invited him, after all."

"I know," she said, suddenly acutely aware of the gentle movement of hair against her back. Maybe it was time to cut her hair. Or maybe that was just her trying to hide from the thoughts plaguing her at the moment. "I'm not worried. I mean, I wanna spend time with him. But… I dunno. Does he know this is, or, well, does he think-?"

Carla rolled her eyes affectionately as she listened to the young woman's rambling. She worried far too much, especially over things that did not require any stress. It was obvious the boy liked Wendy just as much as she did, even though they had spent so many months apart. With luck, today would prove to both they were a good fit for each other. Otherwise, she would have to deal with Wendy fretting for the foreseeable future. Even her clairvoyance couldn't see the end.

Carla turned without quite knowing why. Understanding flashed through her as Romeo entered her field of vision, the young man withdrawn and seemingly sullen as he shouldered his way through the bustling crowd. Something must have alerted him to Carla's gaze, for not even a moment later, his eyes shot from the floor and locked on the little of the Sky Maiden he could see. It was almost comical the way his face changed and brightened as soon as she entered his field of vision.

The Exceed snorted, drawing Wendy's attention. She glanced over before smiling as they waited for Romeo to join them. "Hey, Wendy!" The purple-haired wizard said, ever so slightly out of breath. Wendy grinned in response, holding out the tickets she'd purchased just minutes before.

"You ready?" She asked, breathless herself. Romeo nodded, but nothing else happened. Carla snorted again. Really, these children were ridiculous.

"The train leaves soon," she reminded them brusquely in an attempt to snap them back into reality. Wendy blinked, the only reaction she gave for a moment. Then she turned, cheeks on fire and gaze dropping to the floor.

"Uh, yeah. Um, this way." And already, Wendy was back to a stuttering mess who could not be trusted to walk in a line without tripping. Carla sighed to herself even as they followed. Hopefully, the girl who had so brazenly invited Romeo to join them yesterday would return soon. Otherwise, Carla would be trapped with two teenagers who could barely understand their own emotions, let alone talk about them. Oh lord, this was going to be a long trip.

XXX

Despite Carla's apprehension, the journey to Margaret Town passed quickly. After several awkward minutes, Romeo finally broke the ice, and they fell into an easy conversation reminiscent of the time spent together before the 100 Year Quest had taken them hundreds of miles apart. While Wendy led them through a wide variety of topics, nothing really was said.

While they rambled on together about the upcoming Grand Magic Games, she couldn't help but wonder if that was because neither wanted to be the first to actually say something, something meaningful that might change the course of their friendship. She blushed before dragging her train of thought in a completely different direction, praying that the man across from her was unaware of the shade of her skin.

Of course, Romeo was paying such close attention to her that he noticed the moment she zoned out of the conversation. He pretended he didn't see when her cheeks darkened, turning his gaze to the landscape flashing by and letting her change the subject yet again.

Carla bit back an exasperated sigh.

Eventually, the train pulled into the station. Romeo grabbed Wendy's backpack from the empty seat, swinging it onto his shoulders before she could protest. His next instinct was to offer his hand to her, but he managed to suppress the urge. Hopefully, it wouldn't be for much longer. A funny feeling crept through his stomach at the thought. He wouldn't mind more of that twisting warmth, he realized as the trio stepped into Margaret Town.

Wendy chattered on happily about the year she had spent here, their steady steps bringing them closer and closer to the Lamia Scale guildhall. Some time along the road, Carla transformed into her Exceed form once more and soared above their heads, offering the young adults a semblance of privacy in the busy streets. Without being consciously aware of what they were doing, both wizards walked close enough to touch, arms brushing every few steps. Wendy debated how bold she would have to be to slip her hand into his.

Of course, that was when she heard her name called from a familiar voice.

Wendy turned, eyes scanning the crowds until she located the source. Leon stood by the mouth of an alleyway, arm outstretched to catch her attention. She grinned before glancing over her shoulder at Romeo. "Come on," she laughed. He followed with a smile, Carla right behind.

They shoved their way past people until they joined Leon, the Ice-Make wizard surprised and as joyful as Wendy had ever seen him. "Hey, Leon," she said. Carla landed at her side, transforming in the blink of an eye.

"Wendy, Carla, I wasn't expecting to see you. No one's heard from you in years." Leon gave them both a smile, warmth in his gaze. He nodded at Romeo, vaguely remembering the boy but not bothering to put a name to his face.

"We just got back last week. We were on the 100 Year Quest, remember?"

"Of course. I'm sure all of Ishgar knew where you seven were." Leon waved his hand in acknowledgment. "And I'm assuming since you're here, and since your entire team is as pigheaded as they come, you succeeded?"

"Yup!" Wendy grinned, hands clasped behind her back in a new habit gained to prevent the fidgeting that bothered Carla so much. Her grin turned mischievous. "And before you ask, Gray's back at the guild. He's been spending a lot of time with the twins."

"That's right," Leon mused. "Juvia had children a few years back. What are their names again?"

"Storm and Sylvia," Romeo answered, adjusting Wendy's bag on his shoulders. "That's why she hasn't competed in any of the Grand Magic Games these past two years."

Leon nodded as he thought back on the past couple years. "Has Fairy Tail even participated recently?"

Romeo shook his head. "A lot of people have been getting married or having kids, and Laxus doesn't trust me or Asuka to compete against the likes of you or Minerva yet, so we've just been watching."

The Ice-Make wizard couldn't help the smug look that crossed his face at the boy's words. "Wise of him."

Carla rolled her eyes. "If you've had quite enough of stroking your own ego…?"

Leon turned a piercing glare on the Exceed, but she simply raised an eyebrow, unfazed. He sighed, shoulders deflating ever so slightly. "What brings you to Margaret Town today, Wendy?"

"We're here to visit Shelia," came the response.

Leon softened further. "I should've known. You two always were joined at the hip." He glanced around for reasons Wendy couldn't comprehend before smiling again. "How about I walk you to the guild, hm?"

"Oh, we know the way. If you're busy, really, don't worry."

"Nonsense." And that was that.

Leon made polite conversation as they meandered their way through the streets toward the Lamia Scale guildhall. Romeo trailed slightly behind Wendy, content to listen to her describe the past three years. Hearing the story again gave the Purple Flare wizard a chance to appreciate just how powerful the blue-haired woman was. Even when attempting to be humble, it was impossible to miss the awesome things she had accomplished within such a short span of time. Romeo found himself staring at her in awe.

Carla let out her sigh this time.

In no time at all, they were standing before the guildhall that Wendy and Carla had called home not too long ago. The doors were wide open, a steady stream of people entering and leaving the building.

"Is there something special about today?" Romeo asked, tugging Wendy's backpack closer to avoid the crowds. Wendy shrugged and looked at Leon for an answer.

He shook his head with a good-natured sigh. "Our S-Class trials are coming up, so everyone has been in and out constantly."

Wendy smiled as she tucked her hair behind her ear. "Oh I remember those days."

"Are you even S-Class, Wendy?" Leon raised an eyebrow in a combination of both genuine curiosity and slight mockery.

She flushed before raising her chin in defiance. "Our guild didn't have S-Class trials for years after the last one, and then when they finally started up again, my team and I were on the other side of the world, besides, Erza is S-Class, so that means our team can go on those jobs regardless."

Leon hummed before letting her answer slide, preoccupied with guiding the three Fairy Tail wizards through the busy guildhall. His gaze drifted over the sea of people, recognizing many and yet unable (and mostly unwilling) to name most. He caught Jura's attention over the heads of their guildmates, the Wizard Saint home for a few weeks before his duties in the Magic Council dragged him back to Era. Leon jerked his head toward Wendy, and the Earth mage nodded in return.

Wendy kept her head down, hoping to avoid a wave of recognition. She loved her time with Lamia Scale, but she had befriended many people, and she was lacking the energy to greet all of them at the moment. Maybe later, or maybe not at all. If she was honest, she was only here for Shelia and perhaps Leon and Toby. Seeing Yuka could be nice as well.

With Carla and Wendy walking swiftly behind him and Romeo trailing behind, Leon led them all into one of the backrooms, the same one in which Wendy and Carla had reunited with Natsu, Lucy, and Happy several years ago. When the door closed behind Romeo, Wendy let out a sigh. "I forgot how many people are in this guild."

Leon snorted, pulling out a chair and collapsing into it. "You're telling me. So many new faces every day."

Romeo's lips lifted in a smile. "I don't think I can count the number of people who have joined Fairy Tail in just the past three years." He glanced at Wendy and Carla, the girls sitting across from Leon. "I completely blame you and your team."

"It's not all us." Wendy blushed, eyes sparkling even as she turned her attention to the smooth wooden table. Romeo's cheeks darkened as well, gaze entranced by how the color of her face made Wendy's face so much brighter.

Carla held back yet another sigh.

Leon noticed the strange interaction and found himself agreeing with the Exceed. It was almost painful, watching the two teenagers dance circles around each other without ever actually saying anything. And he had only been around them for the past ten minutes or so. He couldn't imagine how Carla felt after spending the entire day in their company.

The door swung open again, startling Romeo when it nearly hit him in the back. He turned, flush growing due to embarrassment.

Jura stepped into the room, a soft smile on his face as he met Wendy's gaze. "Hello, Wendy. It's a pleasure to see you once more. And you as well, Carla."

The Sky Maiden jumped up, her own grin splitting her face. "Jura! It's so good to see you! What are you doing here?"

"I'm back in town for the rest of the month," he answered, deep voice reverberating throughout the room. "I assume Makarov is also enjoying his break at home?"

Wendy frowned and bit her lip. "Actually, I don't know where the Master is."

"He's on vacation," Romeo cut in, fidgeting ever so awkwardly at standing a mere foot away from Iron Rock Jura. "He, uh, claimed that he wanted to get away for the first time in years. He should be coming home at the start of April."

"Ah. So we shouldn't expect him back in Era on time, should we?"

"Never can," Romeo said with a laugh. Jura nodded slightly in acknowledgment, remembering the long months Makarov had refrained from answering their summons to join the other Wizard Saints. He had valid reasoning for staying away, but Jura and the other members of the Magic Council had come to understand that Makarov would only appear on his own time, no one else's.

Then the Earth mage returned his attention to the Sky Maiden, her eyes still bright and full of energy. He smiled, finally moving from the doorway to stand by the wall. "Wendy, I must tell you, I've had a lot of help in Era."

"Oh?" Wendy frowned slightly, confused at the seemingly abrupt change in topic. Jura dipped his head again, gaze drifting to the door at his left. It was cracked open, and through it he could hear the approaching footsteps, eagerness evident in the speed at which they fell.

"Yes, after Levy returned to Fairy Tail, I found myself with more work than I thought possible." He refrained from adding that the massive increase in paperwork was caused in part by the reformed guild. "It's been nice to have an extra set of hands. Especially from one as talented as she is."

The door crashed open one more time, the former God Slayer's excitement nearly too much to contain. Shelia tumbled into the room, blues eyes scanning the figures in front of her before they locked onto Wendy. The blue-haired girl leapt to her feet. "Shelia!"

"Oh, Wendy!" The two girls collided, pulling the other close and holding back the sobs of the joyful. Carla rose as well, shaking her head in affection at the reunited friends.

"I was wondering how long it would take for her to show up," Leon said with a smirk. Romeo glanced over at him, the Ice-Make wizard unable to hide the affection in his gaze when it came to Shelia.

"She was running an errand for me," Jura explained, a soft smile of his own appearing. "I asked Yuka to send her back here when she returned."

Shelia pulled away, arms sliding from around her best friend as their hands met in between. "I've missed you so much. Oh, and Carla!"

"Hello, Shelia." The Exceed smiled, a tear of her own shining in her eyes. "You're looking wonderful."

"So do you. You guys have been gone for so long! I was starting to wonder if you'd forgotten about us."

"Never." Wendy squeezed Shelia's hands, shining tracks glistening on her cheeks. "We just took a little longer than expected."

Romeo snorted. Shelia turned, finally becoming aware of the other man in the room. "Oh, you're Romeo, right?"

He grinned as he shook his head. "Shelia, there's no need to pretend. You talked to me every time you were in Magnolia to see if Wendy was home yet."

Wendy raised an eyebrow as Shelia laughed, face beginning to match her hair in color. "Damn, way to throw me under the bus, Romeo."

"You came by like every other month even when you were working for Jura all the way in Era. I think you deserve a bit of teasing for that."

"It's not my fault I missed her!" Shelia turned back to Wendy after sticking her tongue out at the Purple Flare wizard. "And I really did. I love you both so, so much. Oh, you have to tell me everything you did. I want to know about it all."

Wendy nodded, squeezing Shelia's hands even tighter. "I'm yours all day. And you better tell me what's been happening with you. But, I have to admit, it might be nice to see Toby and Yuka. It's been so long since I've seen anyone but my team members."

Shelia laughed, wrapping an arm around Wendy's waist and pulling her closer. "I can't imagine spending three years with only Leon and Jura." The girls giggled as Leon let out a long-suffering sigh. Carla rolled her eyes, tail twitching behind her.

As Leon stood and started toward the door, Romeo shifted awkwardly, unsure if he should follow behind or stay in this room or just wander Margaret Town until Wendy came to find him. But she wouldn't have invited him along just to leave him behind, would she?

His question was answered when Wendy glanced over at him, still smiling wide as she wiped away tears. She tilted her head toward Shelia. "Come on."

"Oh, I don't wanna intrude on your time together." Inwardly, Romeo cursed, but outwardly, he shrugged, still shifting his weight back and forth. But Wendy laughed, eyes sparkling behind the thin veil of tears.

"I invited you along because I want to spend time with both of you. Besides, it seems like you and Shelia are already friends."

Shelia scoffed, a good-natured grin on her face. "I'm sorry that my love for my friend drew me to worry about her." Then she turned her attention to Romeo as well, unaware that they were the only ones left in the room. "But, of course we want you to join us. Come on, I've never hung out with you with Wendy actually here."

He grinned, but he couldn't help but still feel like an outsider. Shelia must have seen the hesitation on his face, for she continued on. "If you don't come with us, I'll just get Carla to fly you around so you have to join us."

"I most certainly will not," came the disgruntled response from the hallway. Wendy and Shelia giggled again. And then Wendy held out her hand in a clear invitation, one that Romeo could no longer deny. After all, he'd been searching all day for the perfect time to take her hand in his, and here she was, offering him the opportunity on a golden platter.

He slipped his hand into hers, their calloused palms meeting and sending a wave of heat down both of their arms. Wendy tugged him toward their huddle before her face could warm, knowing that Shelia was watching their interaction closely. "Come on," she managed to say, eyes still locked on Romeo's. "We got some people to see."

XXX

"You'll come and visit soon, right?"

"I promise." Shelia pulled Wendy close, tears damp against her skin for the second time that day. I found enough excuses over the past few years to come to Magnolia. I think Jura's gonna find it more believable now that you're home now." Wendy giggled softly as she sniffed, holding her own tears at bay.

"Come now, child," Carla scolded gently. "This is as bad as when you rejoined Fairy Tail. The pair of you have survived this long. And with the miniature communication lacrimas, you really don't have to worry about missing her."

"The power of love will keep us connected," Shelia agreed with a brilliant smile.

"I know," she muttered, swiping at her face with a free hand. She hugged Shelia tight once more, knowing that her friends spoke the truth and yet unable to think past the heavy stone in her gut as their departure crept closer and closer.

Almost as if he could read her thoughts, Romeo spoke up. "We only have a few minutes until the train leaves." His tone was apologetic, yet his gaze kept darting towards the clock hanging above their heads. The closer the minute hand ticked toward 6, the tenser his shoulders became. Wendy noticed the change and begrudging let go of Shelia, the pink-haired girl's teeth digging crescents into her bottom lip.

"I love you," she said, pressing a soft kiss against Wendy's cheek. "And I love you too, Carla." The Exceed gave the ex-God Slayer a nod, a smile warming the sharp lines of her face.

Then Shelia faced Romeo, making her gaze evident as it switched between her best friend and the Purple Flare wizard. "Stop wasting time," she said. "I'm going to come visit in two weeks, and I better not be disappointed." Then she grinned, a final tear slipping down her cheek as she turned before disappearing into the evening.

Wendy stared at her friend's retreating back, mostly confused and yet still wildly embarrassed. Romeo stood flushed, torn between spontaneously combusting or running after Shelia and forcing her to take her words back. If their time wasn't running out, he very well may have.

"Three minutes," Carla warned, letting the amusement in her voice hit her young friends to shake them from their stupor. After all day of watching them dance around each other, especially these past few hours with Shelia as a buffer, she was beyond relieved that someone had finally given life to the unspoken truth. There was only so much sighing one Exceed could do in a day.

"Think she's right?" Wendy murmured, cheeks on fire as she looked over at Romeo from beneath her lashes.

He swallowed hard, finding no other answer beside the one on the tip of his tongue. "I suppose so." His crooked grin, mastered after hours of watching Natsu, appeared, the effects slightly lost under the heat of his blush. Then he stretched his hand out to her, bridging the gap that had spanned between them for so long.

Wendy always thought finding a way to reach out to someone was the hardest thing she would do. She never knew the right time or what to say or what to do or if they would even accept her outstretched hand.

Turns out, it wasn't so bad when there was someone else reaching back.

Aw, I love these two. I wish their friendship was explored more beyond like a few scenes of them like talking together for like a moment or so in the background. Ah. Anyway.

I didn't really explore what happened with Shelia as much as I wanted to, but here's basically what's going on with her in my mind: She lost all of her magic in the War, as we all know, but she can't just leave the magic world. It's been a part of her for so long, and she was really really good at it. And, as Jura said, when Levy left the Council to rejoin Fairy Tail, he was left with a lot more work, so he asked Shelia if she wanted to help him out. Obviously, it's not a perfect solution, but she's still around magic and working and has a purpose, you know? To me, she never recovers her magic because that would pretty much erase that enormous sacrifice she suffered in order to save Wendy and Carla, but Shelia's always been strong. She wouldn't just crumble because of a set-back.

Anyway, there's my two-cents. Also, I plan to have updates going up about every other week, for a bit while I get my crap together for Book Two, so there's that to look forward to :) Let me know if you had any questions, because I most likely have the answers :) Hope you all enjoyed! Until next time!