Haloha, everyone! Hope you're all in good health! At this point in the story, this is where SilverWrath's fanfiction ended, so this is where I'll kick things off at my own pace.
Anyhow, have fun reading!
Chapter 9 : My Feelings…
The train had slowed down into a halt, coming down into a complete stop as the Sun slowly disappeared on the horizon.
"We have reached our stop in Magnolia. I repeat, we have reached our stop in Magnolia. Please don't forget your belongings…"
"Wendy, time to get up. We're here." Carla spoke in a hushed voice, poking Wendy's arm.
Wendy slowed opened her eyes. She rubbed them for a bit and stretched her arms upwards. "Hey, Carla." She yawned.
"Natsu, wake up." Lucy softly spoke, stroking his cheeks in a circular motion. "We're here."
Natsu weakly turned facing upwards and opened his eyes. He blinked a few times. "Is it morning already?" He asked groggily.
"No, silly. We're back in Magnolia from our mission." Lucy giggled.
"Oh, right… man, I'm beat." Lucy helped Natsu off her lap.
"Let's leave. Come on, everyone." Erza stood up, motioning others to follow her. Lucy helped Natsu stand up and put his arm over her shoulders. One by one, the Fairy Tail wizards had stepped out of the train on to solid ground.
Carla walked beside Wendy. She noticed she was walking rather oddly. Wendy seemed to be limping forward.
"Wendy, are you able to walk fine? Do you need help?" Carla asked with concerned.
"It's fine, Carla. I can manage. I just need to rest my leg." Wendy assured her and smiled.
"Feels good to finally be back." Gray took a deep breath in and let it out slowly.
"It sure is." Erza smiled. "I'm going to head to the guild to report to Master Makarov." She turned around and glanced at Wendy and Natsu.
"Lucy, can you accompany Wendy back to her dorm? I need to make sure nothing bad happens to her. Her leg's not in the best condition."
"Mhmm… well I don't mind but what about Natsu?" Lucy asked, looking at Natsu.
Erza directed her gaze at Gray. "Gray, do you mind helping him back to his house? Make sure he gets back safely."
"Sure thing, Erza." Gray put Natsu's arm over his shoulders, letting him off Lucy. "Come on, pal."
"Thanks…" Natsu said reluctantly.
Wendy sighed in relief. She was a little happy Gray would be accompanying Natsu rather than Lucy, though she felt a bit guilty for thinking this.
"Well, make sure you two gets lot of rest. I'll be off now." Erza went towards the guild, waving back to the others.
"Catch you later, guys." Gray helped Natsu walked over back to his house with Happy flying behind.
"See you later, Gray! Come on, Wendy, let's get you back to your dorm." Lucy put her arm over Wendy's shoulders. Carla kept her pace beside Wendy.
"Okay, Lucy." Wendy said with an awkward smile.
And so, the group had split off on their respective paths.
…
..
.
Gray and Natsu walked in complete silence. Only the sounds of their footsteps and the flap of Happy's wings in front of them could be heard.
Gray seemed to be in deep thought, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't. He was debating internally whether he should say what was on his mind. Natsu noticed his expression and decided to break the silence.
"What's wrong?"
"Huh?" Gray turned his head towards him.
"You seem like you want to say something. Spill it."
"No, I…" Gray's voiced trailed off. He was unsure.
Natsu waited, understanding that it seemed serious for him.
"I'm… sorry." Bowing his head down, Gray said in a sad tone.
Natsu's eyes widened in surprise. "You're sorry? Sorry for what?"
"I've… hurt you." Gray said weakly.
Confusion grew on Natsu's face. He raised an eyebrow. "You hurt me? What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about that battle we had against that big guy!" Gray uttered with annoyance in his voice. "I hurt you, didn't I? It's because of me you…"
Natsu closed his eyes, trying to remember the battle against the golem. When Gray shot his ice arrow against the golem, the golem manipulated its trajectory and directed it towards Natsu. He hummed in realization.
"Oh, don't worry about that. It wasn't your fault, was it? I heard from Lucy." Natsu shrugged it off. He didn't even remember it till Gray reminded him.
Guilt rose in Gray's chest. He would have preferred Natsu to hit him or get mad at him to make himself feel better. "Still, I was reckless. I should have known better. I never considered what it could d-"
"Chill, Gray. It's no big deal." Natsu cut him, being carefree as always.
"Look, I'm just… worried about you, okay?" Gray admitted, his cheeks becoming a faint red.
"… Oh." Natsu awkwardly looked the other way.
Natsu and Gray were rivals since their childhood, always challenging each other whenever they had the chance. Deep down, though, they cared for each other; they were loyal friends. It's quite rare that one of them would openly express their worries and compassion for one another. They knew this, they just weren't used to it.
A year ago, in the battle against the legendary black wizard Zeref, Gray tried to cast Lost Iced Shell, a far more dangerous and powerful version of the Iced Shell which encases the target in ice at the cost of the caster's life. The difference with Lost Iced Shell is that it erases the existence and the memories of the caster from the world. Gray was absolute in his will to stop Zeref, even with his own life. He was about to finish casting Lost Iced Shell… that is until Natsu put a stop to it.
"Are you crazy? Or did you forget what happened? On that island, I stopped you then too. I'll never let you use that spell."
"I know but… I lost control. I let my emotions run wild. I actually tried to kill you, Natsu. This guild doesn't need someone like me! That's why…"
"I'm not any different from you! I gotta know… you and me…are friends… right? So you can't die! Don't even think about it, okay?! I can't lose you! You understand?!"
Gray had taken it to heart ever since then. No matter what, he would fight to live for his friends. He promised himself he wouldn't be careless with his own life anymore. We don't die for our friends. We live for them.
They both walked in awkward silence, with Natsu's house appearing in full view.
Damn, did I.. make this too awkward? Gray thought to himself. Maybe I should have not run my mouth…
They were now in front of the door.
"Get some rest, flame-brain. You'll need it." Gray tried to lighten the mood, patting him strongly on the back.
"Heh, see you later, icicle-head." Gray let Natsu off his shoulders, watching him walk to the door. However, Natsu stopped and stood still for a few moments, then turned in place to Gray.
"Gray."
"Hmm?"
"Thank you. For worrying about me." He raised his fist for a fist-bump and gave his toothy grin, blushing slightly.
"… Yeah." Gray smiled warmly, returning his fist-bump.
The rivals of fire and ice shared a moment of brotherhood together.
…
..
.
On the path to Fairy Hills were three individuals walking together. The Sun was setting down on the horizon, signaling the approaching of night time. Lucy was walking beside Wendy, making sure she didn't put pressure on her left leg. Carla was keeping a watchful eye on Wendy. Lucy and Wendy were making casual conversation about the time when they got separated.
"He managed to keep you safe in the river, huh?"
"Yeah… I still have no idea how he did that. I mean… it felt like all hope was lost." Wendy said.
"Oh, Natsu… somehow he always finds a way, even when everything is not in his favor." Lucy said, a blush appearing on her cheeks.
"Yeah…" Wendy observed Lucy's face, particularly the way she talked so fondly of him.
"Still, I'm really glad both of you are safe." Lucy patted her head. It definitely wasn't as warm as Natsu's, but Wendy enjoyed it regardless. "You have no idea how Erza reacted when she heard that you two went missing."
Wendy smiled wryly, having a few guesses. "Oh really? What did she do?"
"She was restless, cutting every tree in plain sight and shouting your names. Gray and me had to hold her back sometimes. Then she'd tried to chase us down instead!"
"She left a path of destruction, that's for sure. I believed she terrorized the forests more than the Whisperer ever did." Carla huffed.
"Oh wow. I guess I shouldn't be surprised." Wendy couldn't help but laugh at her friends' antics.
"Oh, looks like we're here already!" Lucy exclaimed. They had already reached Fairy Hill's dormitory. "Times flies by so fast when you're having fun, eh?"
"Haha, yeah." Wendy chuckled. She then felt Lucy's arms wrapped around her body suddenly. "L-Lucy?" She was startled a bit.
"Let me know if there's anything I can do to help, okay? I'm always here for you." Lucy warmly said. "You're just as important to me as the others are." She gently stroked her back.
"Lucy…" A mixture of guilt and happiness filled Wendy's chest. She considered herself quite lucky to have a valuable friend such as her. She was kind and looked out for her, just like Erza. They were like her own older sisters she never had, maybe besides Carla, though she was more like a protective mother figure. The guilt came from the way she thought and acted whenever Natsu and Lucy were together. She wondered… did Lucy only see Natsu as a best friend? Or did she want it to be something more? When she observed the way Lucy talked so fondly of Natsu, she could tell Lucy cherished him… but how just how far did she cherish him? She hoped it was nothing too deep… she shook her head. Don't think like that, Wendy. Lucy's such a wonderful person… but what if she did feel that way? Wendy frowned a bit. Carla silently took notice of this.
"Wendy, are you okay?" Lucy's voice interrupted her train of thought.
"A-Ah, I'm fine, don't worry. Just feeling a bit tired…" Wendy nervously scratched her neck, avoiding Lucy's gaze.
"I see. Sorry to take your ear off." Lucy smiled warmly and gently pushed her forward towards the dormitory. "Make sure she gets lots of rest, okay?" She said to Carla.
"Of course. I'll scold her if she doesn't." Carla said jokingly.
"Haha… Well then, I'll be off. Bye, you too!" Lucy waved her hands and walked in the opposite direction.
"Bye, Lucy! Thank you!" Wendy waved back. Soon, Lucy's figure disappeared in the distance.
"Let's go, child." Carla opened the entrance to the dormitory.
"Yes, Carla." Wendy followed behind. They both walked back towards their room, and Carla unlocked the door, urging Wendy to go in first.
"Finally, home sweet home…" Wendy sighed in relief and plopped on to her bed, enjoying the softness.
"Make sure not to strain your leg." Carla placed herself beside Wendy and sat on the bed.
"I know, Carla." She rolled over to her front.
Carla simply observed her in deep thought.
"Wendy, there's something I'd like to ask you." She asked with a serious tone.
"What is it, Carla?" Sensing the seriousness in her voice, Wendy straightened her posture and sat on her legs.
"How do you feel about him?" She asked bluntly, gazing directly into her eyes.
"….Huh?" Wendy's eyes shot open, still processing what she said. How do I…?
"I said, how do you feel about him?" She repeated herself in the same manner.
"…HUH?!" Her heart stopped. Wendy's face flushed a red that could even surpass Erza's scarlet hair. "W-What?" She frantically waved her arms around. Steam was practically fuming out of her ears. She shifted herself backwards until her back reached the bed's headboard.
"Oh, I see." Carla lightly nodded to herself, understanding the situation.
"I-I didn't say a-anything yet!" Wendy stuttered. She was still in disbelief at what Carla asked.
"Oh, then will you tell me?" Carla smirked.
"I…" She slowly grabbed a pillow and hugged it tightly, burying her face in it. "Why do you want to know?" She pouted.
"I'm just curious, is all. I've just noticed you act differently when he's involved." She said plainly.
Wendy wanted to crawl into a hole. Was I that obvious? She tried to calm herself down to no avail and opened her mouth. "He's a… good friend of mine… " She wasn't sure if she should let Carla know.
"Just a good friend, you say?" Carla asked, pressuring her further.
"Y-yeah… he's like a good, dependable older b-brother!" Wendy tightened her hug on the pillow. She did not want to be found out so quickly, especially not by her white Exceed.
"Really… so there's nothing going on between you two?" Carla inched closer.
"Y-yeah! There's absolutely nothing going between me and Natsu!" Wendy exclaimed… but she regretted it immediately. Her heart ached at what she just uttered. She didn't want that at all. She definitely wanted something, anything, to spark between them.
"You know… I didn't mention his name. How did you know I was talking about Natsu?" Carla smirked, raising her eyebrows twice.
"…Huh?" Wendy froze for a few seconds, realizing only now Carla never referred to anyone in particular. Her eyes widened in shock over her own idiocy. I JUST DUG MY OWN GRAVE! She slammed her head against the pillow.
Carla chuckled, putting a hand over her mouth. "So there's nothing going on between you too, you say?"
Wendy remained silent, glancing over to the side. Her heart and mind were having their own battles, thinking of what to say.
"I see." Carla nodded. "So you wouldn't mind if Natsu and Lucy started going out together?" She bluntly asked.
Her words cut deeper than a knife into Wendy's heart. She froze at her question, clueless how to respond. She clenched the hem of her skirt. "I…don't…" What was she supposed to answer? Yes? No? Maybe? Her heart and mind were in shambles, trying to think of anything to say.
"Would it be okay with you if Natsu loved Lucy, and not you?" Carla's words pierced her heart.
"I…" Tears started welling up in her eyes, now travelling across her cheeks. Carla's words lacerated through her fragile heart. Her mind spiraled out of control. She buried her face deep in the pillow, clenching her hands tightly, digging her fingernails into her skin. Her body squirmed uncomfortably in response.
Carla took a few steps back, surprised by her tears. I think I might have gone too far. Feeling guilty, she attempted to apologize to her. "Wendy, I'm so-"
"It's not okay." Wendy barely answered through her tears.
"Huh?" Carla's eyes widened.
"It's not okay because I…" Her lips trembled in fear. Her grip around the pillow was shaking uncontrollably. Carla waited patiently, not wanting to interrupt her.
"Because I love Natsu! I don't want to hand him to anyone!"
…
Silence.
…
Wendy slowly lifted her head to look at Carla's expression. Much to her surprise, she didn't notice any of the judgmental or concerned look she was expecting. Instead…
"…I see." Carla gave a smile that was full of warmth.
Wendy took a few moments to calm herself, burying herself back into the pillow. I can't believe I said that! And to Carla out of all people!
"You didn't want to tell me because you thought I wouldn't approve of your feelings for him, didn't you?" Carla walked to her and gently rested her paw on her lap.
Wendy's eyes widened a bit. I guess nothing gets through her, huh? "…Yeah." She admitted.
"Well you're right. I don't approve of you going out with that barbarian." Carla strictly said and crossed her arms.
"Oh…" Wendy's heart sank in her chest. She looked down to her pillow. I expected as much…
"… but who am I to judge who you love?" Wendy felt her hands intertwined with another.
"Huh…?" Wendy looked up and saw Carla had transformed into her human form.
"I'm glad you finally admitted your feelings." Carla said softly, gently holding both of her hands in hers.
"Carla…" Wendy was shocked. She would never imagine, in a million years, to hear this from Carla. "You knew all along?"
"It was just a hunch, but it seemed I was right." She smiled. "You seemed to be always looking at him. You have this adorably dumb expression on your face whenever he was with you."
"Hey!" Wendy pouted.
"And you always looked sad whenever Lucy stole him from you." Carla said in a teasing tone.
"Well…" Wendy's cheeks rose in heat.
"But perhaps my favorite expression… is your smile." Carla gently caressed her cheek. "I've never seen you smile so brightly before. The smile you show to Natsu… it's beautiful. And I have him to thank for that."
"Carla…" She held her hand that was on her cheek.
"It's… not my place to decide who you should or shouldn't love." Carla looked off to the side. "Wendy, does Natsu make you happy?" She asked, looking straight at her.
Wendy hummed shyly. "…Yeah."
"I see." Carla nodded. "That's all that matters to me." She gently pulled Wendy into an embrace.
Wendy wrapped her arms around Carla. She couldn't believe her ears. It was the first time she could openly talk about her feelings. She felt eternally grateful to her.
"Still, did it really have to be Natsu? Surely you could have found someone else better." Carla jokingly chuckled.
"Hey, Carlaaaa…" Wendy huffed and pouted.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding." Carla slowly let her go. "I just never thought I'd see my little Wendy grow up and fall in love so soon…" She started tearing up. "Honestly, I was quite hesitant. I felt like I always had to be protective of you as your guardian… but you grew up to be such a strong and wonderful human being."
"That's so sweet of you, Carla. Thank you… you are a bit overbearing sometimes, though." Wendy stuck her tongue out playfully.
"Hey, don't talk to me like that!" Carla said bashfully.
"Haha…"
"Ahaha!"
The dragon slayer and her Exceed laughed and shared a wonderful moment together, having a playful banter with each other for a while.
Natsu may certainly not be the most ideal partner for Wendy… Carla thought. But she believed in him. If there was a chance Natsu would ever reciprocate Wendy's feelings, she was sure he would cherish her well, keep her safe, and make her happy.
"Hey, Wendy…"
"What is it?"
"When will you confess to him?" Carla asked plainly.
"C-C-Confess?!" Wendy's eyes widened in embarrassment. She had never clearly thought about confessing to Natsu. It passed by her mind sometimes, but she never put much thought into it. "I... uh… don't really know.." She twiddled her bangs.
"You don't know? You better make a move soon, or else Lucy will snatch him away." Carla advised.
"Lucy? Does she…" Wendy's voice trailed off, afraid to finish it.
"…She loves Natsu. I'm sure of it. They've known each other for a long time, and really… anyone can tell from the way she acts around him… at least… that's how I see it." Carla didn't sugarcoat her answer.
"I-I see…" Wendy dropped her shoulders and bowed her head down. She didn't want to hear it, nor believe it. Confidence in herself slowly dropped.
"Have more faith in yourself, child." Carla patted her back. "You've got a chance just as much as Lucy does."
"I do?" Wendy's eyes lighted up a bit.
"Of course. And there's also another fact which, depending on how you look at it, could be good or bad."
"What's that?" Wendy raised an eyebrow.
"Natsu's incredibly dense." Carla crossed her arms. "He understands nothing about love. Nothing." She shook her head. "He's denser than a black hole."
"Oh…" Wendy nodded. She was aware Natsu didn't seem to show any interest in the opposite sex. Everybody in the guild knew it was impossible that Fairy Tail's fire dragon slayer would even understand love, let alone be interested in another girl, but those opinions could have changed with Lucy in the picture. Coming to think of it again, that's probably going to prove an obstacle between her feelings and him.
"I agree. If you want to win him over, you need to be direct with your feelings." A voice added.
"Yes, yes." Carla nodded.
"I see… I guess you're right… huh?" Wendy and Carla looked at each other. Who said that? They turned their heads towards the voice. Their eyes widened.
"Good evening, ladies. Mind if I join you on this lovely conversation?"
"E-E-Erza?!" Wendy shouted in surprise.
"When did you get here?" Carla asked.
"I wanted to check on Wendy before returning to my room from the guild. I… may have unintentionally eavesdropped a bit." Erza answered plainly. She didn't seem regretful in the slightest. She sat next to Wendy on the bed.
"H-How much did you hear?" Wendy asked.
"Since you admitted your feelings for Natsu." Erza smiled dryly.
"Oh god…" Wendy's face rose in heat. She buried her face in her hands, dying of embarrassment.
"Don't worry, Wendy. It was quite obvious actually." Erza patted her back, intending to comfort her.
"That doesn't make me feel better…" Wendy puffed her cheeks in annoyance.
"I could tell from the way you acted around Natsu this past year. Though, it was the way you acted during our mission that confirmed that idea for me. You really love Natsu, don't you?" Erza asked her straight on, not beating around the bush.
"I… yes." Wendy decided there was no point in hiding it. She plopped her body on to her bed.
Erza chuckled. "I won't tell a single soul if that's what you're worried about, you can count on me." Erza gave her a thumbs up. "Still, our little Wendy learning about the joys of love… it brings a tear to my eyes." She said proudly.
"Erzaaaa!" Wendy was embarrassed. She didn't want to hear anymore.
"Come now, there's nothing wrong with falling in love. In fact, it's such a grand and wonderful feeling!" Erza's eyes sparkled in excitement.
"And there she is, in her own little world…" Carla sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"Say, Wendy. Have you asked him to join you for the Harvest Festival?" Erza asked.
Wendy immediately stood from her bed and looked directly at Erza, slapping her hands to her head. "That's right! I haven't asked him yet!" It slipped my mind!
"Oh, I see. I think this would be an excellent opportunity to get closer to him." Erza put a hand on her chin. "Why don't you ask him tomorrow? I'm sure he would love to go with you."
"Y-You think so?" Wendy would be overjoyed if Natsu went with her to Harvest Festival.
"Of course. All you have to do is ask him out. Simple as that." Erza nodded her head.
The only problem Wendy had was asking him with unfortunate timing. First time, she got interrupted by Lucy. Second time, she got interrupted by Carla. She just had to make sure that she could ask him out with no distractions. Third time's the charm.
"Yeah, I can do just that!" Wendy gave her a thumbs up, feeling confidence restore in herself.
Erza smiled at her newfound confidence. "That's great to hear." Erza's lips curved downwards as she thought about Lucy. She's… probably going to ask him, too. At first, she assumed Natsu and Lucy would go out together. Everybody was wondering when these two would just start dating already. They seemed perfect for each other. They looked pretty cute together, she thought. But she never considered that Wendy would harbor feelings for Natsu as well. What a surprising development. She debated whether she should tell Wendy about this, but ultimately chose not to upon seeing Wendy in her own little world.
Wendy was grinning from ear to ear. "I can't wait to ask him out! It'll be so fun!"
"Don't get too excited, child. Get some rest first." Carla smiled weakly, shaking her head at her dragon slayer's excitement.
"Ah, yes. You need your rest, Wendy. Sorry for intruding all of a sudden. I'm sure we can talk this some other time." Erza stood up from the bed and walked to the door. "Sleep well, alright?"
"Erza. Thank you so much." Wendy stood up and bowed her upper body down. Without Erza's encouragement, she probably would be having second thoughts right now.
Erza softy smiled and nodded. "You're most welcome, Wendy. I'll be waiting for the good news tomorrow." She walked out of the room and closed the door, leaving the two to themselves. Lucy and Wendy, huh… what a surprising turn of events.
Wendy simply stayed in silence and lied down on the bed, thinking about Natsu. She was happy she could be open about her feelings towards both Carla and Erza (under unfortunate circumstances). Encouragement and a little push were just what she needed. She can just imagine it now.
Natsu, would you like to go out with me to the Harvest Festival?
Then she was sure he'd flash his signature grin she loved so much.
Of course, Wendy! I would love to!
He'd then put his arm around Wendy's shoulders.
Oh, Natsu…
"Look at you giggling like a child." Carla smirked and interrupted her fantasies.
Wendy snapped back to reality, heat rising in her cheeks. She rolled over to her front and buried her crimson face in her pillow. "L-L-Let's get some rest, shall we?"
"Haha, oh well." Carla walked to the windows and closed the curtains, dimming the entire room. She walked back to the bed and spread the blanket over Wendy's body. She transformed back into her Exceed form and got under the blanket with Wendy. Wendy cradled Carla in her arms.
"Good night, Wendy."
"Good night, Carla." Wendy slowly closed her eyes, drifting into sleep.
I can't wait to ask Natsu out to the Harvest Festival.
