Haloha, everyone! Hope you're all having a good day! Thanks for the reviews as always! Sorry for the later-than-usual upload, it's been a hectic day.

This chapter is a bit of a shorter and slower-paced one, which is setting up for the next chapter (which is going to be on the longer end). Just going to throw this out there, this and the next chapter will also give a bit more 'screen time' on the Gruvia and Jerza ships which may or may not be your thing.

And to address some reviews…

To Xavier Arias Gonsalves, ahah yeah there might come a point I'll stop bashing Natsu. About Mirajane, I definitely took inspiration from many other fanfictions where she's a matchmaker, I think it fits her quite well. I think it'll make for an interesting challenge to Wendy's feelings.

To The One who saw All, don't worry! I don't really mind. Personally, if people wanted to leave longer reviews, they would. It's cool with me.

To Crappyfanfiction, ahah, thank you! I definitely want to write stuff like this some more. As well as for how long the chapters is, really depends on my inspiration ahah, though I do want to strive for longer chapters, eventually.

Anyhow, enjoy reading!


Chapter 15: Our Fairy Night, Part 1

The moon glowed in the sky, accompanied by millions of stars in its vicinity. It was in the dark of the night, a time where Fairy Tail was hosting an extravagant event.

It was the night of the Harvest Festival.

The guild was hustling and bustling, not because of the usual brawls between its residents, but because they were celebrating the event. The day had started with excitement and cheers, filled with many games and stalls throughout the morning hour. It had continued with the Miss Fairy Tail contest, which ended up being a violent showdown between Erza and Mirajane. The Fantasia Parade followed after, showcasing the wizards' diverse magic and abilities which made for an explosive and entertaining performance. To end the festival, the day would conclude with the most anticipated event…

The Fairy Night. A night where people could invite each other to dance under the moonlight. A night where they would realize their feelings for one another.

Serene music filled the background. Fancy calm lights threaded around the ceiling in intricate patterns. It made for a very fitting ambience for what was about to come. Its members were chatting with one another and drinking the night away. Long tables were placed near the edges of the guild in a straight line, filled with colorful and appetizing food made by the Take-Over siblings. Along one of these food tables was a certain individual taking a slice of cake to distract herself from the event. She was sporting the same dress she wore on Lucy's night of celebration as well as the flower hairpin Natsu got for her.

"Chocolate or Vanilla… I guess I could take both." The blue-haired girl said to herself, taking a slice from each flavored cake.

"Don't be a glutton, child." Her White Exceed said in a joking manner. She wore an elegant black dress, contrasting with the color of her fur.

"I'll eat what I want." She replied dryly.

"Oh, dear…" She wasn't going to scold her for good reason. Her dragon slayer was in an incredibly bad mood. In fact, she'd been in an incredibly bad mood since this morning the Harvest Festival had started.

"You need to save some for others, Wendy."

"If they wanted it, they would have taken it." She decided to take two slices of each instead.

"Is Wendy going to be okay?" Happy asked.

"… She will. I hope." Carla sighed, rubbing her forehead. It was the first time she'd seen Wendy act this way.

Since the Harvest Festival had started, Wendy hadn't seen Natsu even once the entire day. She wanted to at least meet him, tell him to have a good time, maybe have a meal together, but he was nowhere to be seen. She knew the reason why they haven't been able to see each other. And that reason alone turned her mood sour.

He must be having a lot of fun with Lucy.

That thought made her twitch her eyebrows. She thought she could accept that Lucy invited him out. She thought she could accept they wouldn't spend time together during the festival. But she couldn't. She desperately wanted to see Natsu. To hear his laugh. To see his smile. Despite having spent a lot of time together during the mission at Nightglades, during their date… it wasn't enough. It made her want to spend time with him even more. Not to mention that today was a special day, a celebration where the guild poured their efforts into making it a success. And on such a special day, she wasn't able to spend time with him, let alone see him.

I want to see Natsu…

She frowned as she took a spoonful of her cake. Eating cake was all she could think of to distract herself. Surely, the sweetness of the cake could lift her mood, right?

This cake doesn't taste sweet.

She sighed deeply, taking another spoonful of her cake.

"Carla, is she feeling sick?" Happy asked her.

"No, I wouldn't say that…" Carla folded her arms. Happy wasn't aware about Wendy's feelings for Natsu. I'm not sure if I should let him know. Wendy wouldn't appreciate that.

"Hello there, Wendy." A voice greeted her.

Wendy turned to the voice. "Erza..."

Erza wore an elegant, strapless dress which perfectly matched the color of her scarlet hair. On her hair was an azure blue rose attached at the side.

"Are you having fun?" Erza asked.

"… I guess." Wendy took another spoonful of her cake.

"Mhmm..." Erza hummed in response. She could tell Wendy wasn't her usual self. I guess it's really bothering her a lot. Maybe I can help take her mind off it?

"Do you want to walk around together with me?"

"It's fine. I'll be okay here."

"… Alright." Erza smiled. She guessed Wendy probably needs her time alone to be with her thoughts. Jealousy is quite something. Still, Erza didn't feel right to leave her alone by herself. "Do you mind if I accompany you for a bit?"

Wendy turned her head to her, then turned back to the cake. "Sure… I don't mind."

Erza stood beside her and took a plate. I hope she'll be alright…

Meanwhile, various other scenes were taking place at the guild.

"This suit might be a bit too tight for me." The raven-haired man said, adjusting his tie.

"Gray, my darling!" A cheerful voice approached her. He turned to face her.

"Oh, Juvia… you're here." Gray said.

"You look really handsome, Gray! That suit really fits you well." Juvia walked around him, taking in the sight of how the suit tightly accentuated his muscles.

"O-Oh, thank you." Gray blushed, scratching his cheek.

"How do I look, darling?" Juvia twirled around to show Gray her dress. She wore a dark blue halter dress which emphasized the figure of her assets. On her head was a white hairband with two ribbon folds popping out.

Gray averted his gaze, trying to direct his attention away from her chest. "It looks… really good on you. You look… beautiful."

"I'm… really happy to hear that." A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

The two remained in silence, admiring each other's company for a while.

"Juvia…" Gray gazed straight into her blue eyes.

"Yes, Gray?" Juvia saw the seriousness in his eyes.

"W-W-Would you…" Gray stuttered. His hands started trembling. I'm feeling way too nervous!

"Hmm?" Juvia waited patiently.

"W-W-Would you like to d-d-dance-"

"Take deep breaths, Gray." Juvia cradled his hands, feeling how shaky they were.

"Juvia…" Gray bowed his head, softly squeezing her hands in his.

"Are you feeling nervous?" Juvia asked with a smile.

"… Yeah, I am." He admitted.

Juvia giggled. "It's okay." She placed his hand over her chest. "I'm feeling nervous too."

"O-Oh." Gray could feel her heartbeat over her chest. With his free hand, he took hold of her hand and placed it over his chest too. "Guess that makes two of us, then."

"Yeah, your heart… it's beating so fast." Juvia smiled. Feeling his heartbeat felt soothing to her.

"Juvia…" Gray gently held both of her hands in his and took a deep breath. "Would you like to DANCE WITH ME!" He bowed his head down sharply. Okay, that was too aggressive, Gray. You need to chill. He thought to himself. He didn't mean to raise his voice in the end.

"Juvia?" He waited for her response, but he heard nothing back from her. Damn, maybe I was too aggressive. As he raised his head, his eyes immediately widened at what he saw.

"Juvia, you're just as beautiful as the first time I laid my eyes on you." A man pulled Juvia away from Gray.

"O-Oh… uhh..." Juvia was at a loss for what to do.

"Lyon?!" Gray uttered in surprise.

"It's good to see you, Gray!" The man now known as Lyon, greeted him. "How have you been?"

"What the hell are you doing here, Lyon?" Gray furrowed his eyebrows.

"Is that any way to talk to your elder apprentice?" Lyon smiled, glaring at him. "I'm simply joining the event to have fun."

"Oh yeah? What are you dragging Juvia in for?"

"What for, you ask? I want to invite her to the dance, of course." Lyon held Juvia's hands. "Juvia, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

"O-Oh, I… uh…" Juvia averted her gaze.

"Hey!" Gray forcefully pulled Juvia away from him. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"G-Gray…" Juvia has never seen Gray act this way. Wait, is he… jealous?!

"No way in hell she's dancing with you." Gray growled.

"And why is that, Gray?" Lyon crossed his arms.

"She's mine." Gray declared, bringing Juvia's head closer to his.

W-What?! Did Gray admit his love for me?! Juvia's face flushed red. Steam blew out of her ears.

"Oh, is that so, dear brother?" Lyon stripped out of his suit. "Why don't we prove which one of us is worthy of Juvia's love?"

"You asked for it!" Gray gently pushed Juvia away and took off his suit in an instant, which Juvia caught with her hands.

Oh no, they're fighting over me! I know you'll win, Gray darling! Juvia silently cheered for Gray.

"Watch me, Juvia! I'll show you I'm worthy of standing by your side!" Lyon got into his casting stance.

"That ain't happening!" Gray shifted into his casting stance.

In the distance, Erza noticed the commotion they were causing. "Just what is that idiot up to now…"

Wendy didn't really care about the commotion Gray was getting himself into. She simply stared at her empty plate, having finished her cake. She sighed deeply. She still couldn't take her mind off Natsu and Lucy, wondering what they were doing together.

Wendy... Erza frowned at her current state. She wondered what she could do to cheer her up, but she guessed Wendy would have to bear with it for the rest of the night. All's fair in love and war, I suppose.

"Erza." A voice called out to her.

Erza turned around to the voice and saw the person she had been expecting to meet this night. "Jellal. You're here."

"I did say I wouldn't want to miss it." He smiled warmly. He observed the dress she was wearing. "I see you're wearing the dress I bought for you. You look really… beautiful."

"I-It's only because of the dress you picked." Erza's cheeks dyed a faint red. She twiddled her fingers. "But… thank you."

"You don't have to be so modest, Erza." Jellal walked closer to her. "It matches the color of your hair quite well."

"I see. So that's why you chose this..." Erza smiled bashfully, darting her eyes away. "You look great in that vest, too." Erza said, eyeing his well-built upper body.

"Ah… thank you." Jellal blushed at her compliment. He wore a dark vest over a formal white, long-sleeved shirt.

He noticed Wendy over her shoulder. He raised his hand, about to greet her as well, but Erza raised a palm in front of him and shook her head.

"She needs some space. She's not in the best mood right now." She informed him in a sad tone.

"Oh, I see…" Jellal nodded. "Is it because of…?" He whispered, putting a hand over his mouth.

Erza nodded in affirmation. "Yeah…"

Jellal could already piece the situation together. Before meeting Erza, he met with Natsu and Lucy on the way. They were laughing, spending time together. It was nice to see them spend time together, but he also felt bad seeing Wendy alone by herself. I'm sure she must have wanted to spend time with Natsu…I can't imagine how she must be feeling right now.

"She's strong. I believe she can handle it." Erza assured him.

"… Yeah. I believe in her, too." Jellal agreed. He hoped Wendy would be able to bear with her feelings.

Wendy was already on her ninth slice of cake. Still, she couldn't taste any sweetness that could help calm her mind down. She felt her taste buds had gone numb, yet she still kept on eating slice after slice. Maybe I should eat some pudding instead…

"Now what's a lovely girl like you eating by her lonesome?" A bubbly voice called out to her. She felt arms wrapping around her from behind.

That voice… Wendy recognized it all too well. "Sherria?"

"Hey, Wendy! It's been a while!" She hugged her tightly. "I missed you."

Wendy remained silent, still focused on whatever Natsu could be doing with Lucy.

"Wendy?" Sherria walked to her side. "Are you… feeling okay?"

"O-Oh, it's fine. I'm… okay." Wendy shook her head. She sighed deeply, dropping her shoulders. She couldn't even be subtle about it.

"You don't seem okay to me. Do you want to talk about it?" Sherria gently held her hand.

"I…" Wendy felt unsure. Honestly, she would have preferred to be alone with her mind. But maybe talking about it could help to ease some of her worries…

"Let's talk about it." Sherria pulled her towards two empty chairs. She made Wendy sit down on one chair while she sat down on the other.

"Sherria…"

"There's clearly something on your mind. I want to help you." Sherria gazed into her eyes.

Wendy averted her gaze and looked forward, observing the multiple people spread around the guild. Just then, her heart tightened at what she just witnessed. She saw two people laughing together, enjoying each other's company.

Natsu…

Sherria noticed Wendy was clenching the hem of her skirt. "Wendy?" She followed her line of sight and saw Natsu and Lucy together. They seemed to be happy, chatting the night away. Ah… bingo.

"It's going to be okay, Wendy." Sherria gently squeezed her delicate hand. "You've still got a chance."

"Huh?" Wendy tilted her head.

"It's about Natsu, isn't it?" She smiled.

"Ehh? How did you…" Her cheeks rose in heat, surprised that Sherria figured out the root of her worries.

"Come on, Wendy. Did you forget?" Sherria placed her arm around Wendy's shoulders. "You've had feelings for him since a long time ago."

Wendy hung her head downwards, reminiscing that conversation she had with Sherria about a year ago.

After the battle against Tartaros, Natsu and Happy had left Fairy Tail for nearly a year to do some training. He only told Lucy about this, and no one else. Out of everyone in the guild, Lucy felt the most devastated by the news of his departure. Unknown to everyone, another member of the guild was just as devastated if not more… Wendy.

She had cried silently into her bed every night, wishing it was just one of Natsu's dumb jokes. If it was, this had to be the dumbest joke Natsu could ever come up with.

She waited. And waited. And waited.

He never came back. She felt heartbroken that he could even be serious to just disappear all of a sudden. And why didn't he let Wendy know? She wondered. Why did he only let Lucy know about this? It was obvious to her, really. Lucy was special to Natsu in a way Wendy could never hope to be. Yes, he valued every single member of the guild, but Lucy was different. It was clear he saw Lucy differently compared to everyone else in the guild. Even her.

It was at this point she realized that she truly fell for the fire dragon slayer. Since Natsu rescued her back at the battle against Oracion Seis, she had been developing a crush on him. She chalked it up to some strong attraction to him as an older brother, but she knew…

She knew she was hiding behind an excuse to cover her feelings. She was afraid of realizing them because he already had Lucy. What right did she have to interfere? That was her conclusion. But after he left for a year, that's when she acknowledged her feelings. That she loves him. That she didn't want to lose him. That she was afraid if he was not to be by her side anymore. But he was gone. It was too late to tell him about her feelings. What was she supposed to do with herself?

She joined Lamia Scale, hoping to seal the hole in her heart left by her feelings for him and the disbandment of Fairy Tail. But a year later…


"You have some visitors, Wendy." Lyon told me.

"I do?"

"Yo!" Natsu raised a hand.

"Long time no see!" Lucy followed.

"Hey, Wendy! You remember us?" Happy jumped and waved his hands around.

"Oh wow! I can't believe it! I missed you guys so much!"

Natsu walked up to me and patted my head. Feeling his touch, his warmth after such a long time…

"Have you gotten a little taller?"

Tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn't believe he was standing here right in front of me.

"Sorry, I guess I'm still kind of a little shrimp."

"Glad to hear it." He then carried me over his shoulder, taking me by surprise. "We're going home, okay?"

"Eh?! Natsu, wait!"

We sat down together, and Natsu told me about getting everyone back in Fairy Tail. At the time, Master Makarov's whereabouts weren't clear, but Natsu chose to think about that later. Since they found me, naturally he tried to get me back.

"Get your stuff together, and let's go!" Natsu grinned.

That smile… why does it have to be so pure?

"Well, uh… Natsu… I'm a member of the Lamia Scale guild now. I can't just walk away with you."

My heart constricted at my words, as if chains were ripping it apart.

"You're kidding?!" Natsu uttered in shock.

"Why?!" Lucy's eyes widened.

"I'm sorry, you guys..."

No… I really want to go with you.

"Why can't you come with us?" Natsu slammed the table.

I want to, Natsu… I really do.

"She's clearly made up her mind. Don't berate her for it." Carla interjected.

"Please, don't get mad…"

I'm so mad at myself.

"You're really going to stay here?" Natsu frowned, dropping his shoulders.

Please, don't look at me like that, Natsu. It hurts too much.

"Yeah…" I hung my head downwards. I couldn't bear to look at him.

"Wendy…" Lucy called out my name.

"Are you happy here, Wendy?" He asked me.

I was happier when you didn't leave me. And now here you are, making my feelings go crazy.

"Yeah… I love this guild."

"I see…" I could hear the smile in his voice, as if he was accepting it. "Lucy, Happy. Let's go."

"But Natsu-"

"If she's happy here and doesn't want to come back to Fairy Tail, then there's nothing we can do."

No, please don't leave me.

They passed by me, and I couldn't even look at them. I was too afraid.

"Bye, Wendy. See you around!"

No, this isn't goodbye! I need you!

With a heavy heart, she casted away her feelings and chose to stay with Lamia Scale. That was until…

"Listen Wendy, you need to go and be by Natsu's side again." Sherria told me.

"… What?"

"You love him, don't you?"

"H-Hold on! You're making it sound like something else! I mean, I do look up to him, sure… but it's way different. He's more like my big brother."

Why did I deny it? I love him. I'm helplessly in love with him.

"You know… that's love too. If you don't go, you'll regret it. It's obvious Natsu still believes in you. In Fairy Tail. He has a lot of love to you, and Fairy Tail's a guild built on love. It's what brings you together."

Wendy stayed true to her heart and joined Fairy Tail once more, because this was her true home. Because this is where Natsu is. She wouldn't lose sight of who she loved again. She would chase her feelings this time and not hide from them anymore.

"Sherria… when I meet Natsu again, I'm going to confess my feelings to him!"


"How could I have forgotten…" Wendy said timidly, remembering the words she said to Sherria. With everything that happened during the Alvarez invasion, it must have slipped her mind.

"Judging from the looks of things, I'm guessing… you haven't confessed to him yet?"

Wendy puffed her cheeks. "… No."

"I see." Sherria nodded in understanding.

"I'm… afraid, Sherria." Her voice trembled in fear.

"Afraid? What are you afraid of?"

"What if… Natsu loves Lucy instead? What if he rejects me?" The thought of being rejected by Natsu caused her heart to tighten. Tears began welling in her eyes. She put a hand over her chest to comfort herself. "What if he-"

"Stop right there, Wendy." Sherria put a finger to her lips. "You're worrying too much."

"But…"

"We don't know any of that for sure, do we?" Sherria smiled warmly. "Look, when Natsu left for a year, you thought he was going to leave forever. But he came back to get you, didn't he?"

"Yeah, after a year…" She pouted.

"Yes, it took him a while, but he still did come back for you, right?"

Wendy nodded slowly. I was so happy he did…

"Listen, Wendy, we won't know if we won't try." Sherria rested her head on to hers. "I think you should take the chance. We have to risk heartbreak to find love."

Risk heartbreak to find love…

"It's okay to be afraid. Anyone would be when confronting with their own feelings." She pulled Wendy closer to her. "I think you should take the chance before you end up regretting it."

Wendy felt her worries lighten a little. Honestly, the thought of rejection still lingered in her mind. But she believed Sherria was right. In finding love, she'd have to risk heartbreak… but was she ready for it?

"Sherria… thank you for being here." Wendy squeezed her hand.

"Of course, Wendy." Sherria returned her squeeze.

Wendy wiped her tears. "I've decided." She turned to look at Sherria straight on. "I'm going to confess to Natsu tonight."

"W-Wow." Sherria's eyes widened. "Are you sure? You don't have to force yourself to-"

"… I'm sure." Wendy nodded. "I can't… keep running away, pretending everything's going to be okay." She pumped her fists to her chest.

"I see." Sherria sensed the determination in her voice. "Let's hope for the-"

"ICE MAKE EAGLE!"

"ICE MAKE LANCE!"

Sounds of ice clashing against each other could be heard in the distance. Sherria turned her attention to Lyon, who was in the middle of a battle with Gray.

"Lyon?! Oh, come on! What are you doing!" Sherria uttered, visibly annoyed with his behavior. "Sorry, Wendy. I need to handle him." She patted her shoulder and left towards Lyon. "Lyon! Stop this! Where are your clothes?! Put them back on!"

"Ahah, okay…" Wendy laughed awkwardly. She was left to her own thoughts now. She had been thinking about what she said a moment ago. Confessing to him… Determination and fear filled her heart. This past week, she really enjoyed the time she spent with Natsu. But she knew there would come a time where all of this would end. Where she wouldn't be able to spend time together with Natsu. Where she wouldn't be by his side anymore…

She clutched the clothes around her chest. It physically pained her to even think of those outcomes. That's why… I need to tell him. Even if there was a one percent chance he would accept her feelings, she had to try. But what do I do if I get reje-…. She shook her head to break that train of thought. It's no use thinking about something that hasn't happened yet. I'll figure it out when that time comes. What matters now is conveying her feelings to him. Now, whether he would accept it or not, she would cast those fears away as best as she could.

TINK!

A mechanical sound could be heard from the ceiling. Two doors split the ceiling open to reveal a shiny, crystalline sphere which slowly descended. It rotated in a slow pace, reflecting white light into the surroundings with geometric patterns. The song had softly transitioned into a more ambient and romantic mood.

It signaled the beginning of the Fairy Night.