Haloha, everyone! Hope you're all having a good day! Thanks for the sweet reviews as always! Got some things to share with you all, but first…

Let me address a review by AJ… ahah yeah, writing Natsu is certainly a tricky thing. I find myself rewriting his scenes the most, as a matter of fact. I think this is the general style of writing him I'll stick with for now, and I hope I can improve in writing him. Thank you so much for the input!

To The One who saw All, thank you! Ahah, yeah I mentioned it was still a NaWen just to reassure my readers. Not going to spoil anything though, but I'm definitely writing for Wendy's side! :3

Anyway, just a bit of rough news (for those who are curious). You'll notice this chapter is on the shorter end. I planned to not release a chapter today, but I feel it wouldn't be fair to you, readers. I settled with a shorter chapter and revised pacing to build for the next one. Lately, university life has been keeping me real busy this week. I'm not able to make much time for writing this story. I'm sorry to say I may or may not release a chapter next week, depending on how busy I am. I'll do my best to manage my time though because I really do enjoy writing this story and hearing your reviews. We'll see what happens.

Anyhow, enjoy reading!


Chapter 17: And so, it begins.

The Sun had risen over the horizon, signaling the start of the next day after the Harvest Festival. The curtains were spread open, allowing the light rays to pass through the windows, brightening the entire room.

"Mmmh…" The blue-haired girl shifted in her sleep. She slowly opened her eyes, regaining awareness of her surroundings. She felt a comfortable warmth envelope her body. Craving this warmth, she instinctively tightened the scarf around her little body and snuggled close against it.

"Good morning, Wendy." A voice greeted her.

Wendy stretched out her arms and yawned. "Morning, Carla…"

"How was your sleep?" Carla said in a hushed voice.

"It was… nice." Wendy pushed herself into a sitting position. She glanced downwards, realizing she had Natsu's scarf wrapped around her. Ah, right… he lent me his scarf last night. She pressed the scarf against her nose, taking in his comforting scent. Carla smiled, noticing her cheeks were dyed a faint red.

Carla sat on the bed. "That's Natsu's scarf, isn't it?" She asked, folding her arms.

"Yeah, he gave it to me last night." Wendy replied.

"I see. That's really kind of him." Carla raised her eyebrows.

Wendy glanced at the scarf. "It's really… comfortable." Sleeping with his scarf on, it filled her with a sense of safety and calmness.

"I see." I wonder if they've grown closer last night. Carla thought to herself. It was nice, seeing this side of Wendy. She had been worried about her mood ever since Lucy invited Natsu to the Harvest Festival. In a strange turn of events, Natsu asked Wendy to dance for the Fairy Night. She knew Natsu wasn't the kind of person who was interested in dancing, yet he still asked Wendy out to dance. Well, I'm glad he did. Wendy must have been overjoyed.

"How was the dance with him last night?" Carla asked, wondering how she felt about it.

"E-Eh? You… saw us?"

"Of course. You and Natsu were practically the center of attention."

We were? Wendy wasn't really aware of her surroundings during the dance. All her senses were focused on Natsu, and Natsu only. The way he guided her hands to his touch, the way he guided her feet to the music, the way he caused her heart to flutter at every step. If everyone really did watch… Wendy wrapped herself in his scarf to hide her flushed face.

"No need to be so shy, child. It was a really wonderful sight."

"Muuu… It feels so embarrassing…" She said in a flustered voice.

Carla giggled at her dragon slayer's reaction. Oh, Wendy…

"Well, stay in bed all you like. I'm sure yesterday must have been tiring."

"Wait, what time is it?" Wendy rubbed her eyes.

"Oh, it's just a few hours before noon." Carla answered.

"Huh?" Wendy froze, her eyes shot open. How long did I…?

"Don't worry, child. It was a busy event last night. I didn't want to wake you up. Besides, you were sleeping really soundly. I didn't really want to bother you."

Wendy quickly glanced at the clock, then swiped away her blanket. She lifted her feet off the bed on to the ground.

"Wendy? Are you in a hurry for something?"

"Why didn't you wake me up?!" Wendy dashed towards her wardrobe, taking her signature green dress and necessities for bath time.

"Did you… have something to do today?" Carla asked.

"I need to go and see Natsu!" She said in a hurried tone.

"What for? Didn't you have enough of seeing him yesterday?" Carla said in a joking manner.

"It's for his scarf. He probably needs it back!" Wendy slammed her wardrobe. She paced to her doorstep and stopped for a moment. She turned her head to Carla, blushing a little. "I also… want to see him."

"Is that so? I see." Carla smiled. She's become more honest with her feelings recently. "Well go on, then. Take your bath. I'll be waiting outside."

Wendy smiled back, then immediately ran out of her room towards the public bathhouse.


Outside the Fairy Hills dormitory…

..

.

After taking her bath and changing her clothes, Wendy walked together with Carla in the direction towards Fairy Tail. She was donning her signature green dress with her red animal ear-like attachments and flower hairpin, only this time she also had Natsu's scarf wrapped around her neck.

"Slow down, child. You're going to trip over yourself." Carla advised.

Wendy slowed down, matching her pace with Carla. "Sorry, it's just… I think Natsu would really want his scarf back."

"Knowing him, I'm sure he wouldn't mind lending it to you for a little while longer." Carla said, looking forward. "Besides, to me, you look like you want to keep it for yourself."

"Hey!" Wendy turned her head to Carla. "That's not… true." She said reluctantly, holding on to the scarf.

"Sure, sure." Carla smirked. "Do you think Natsu's in the guild right now?"

"I hope he is." Wendy glanced downwards. I really want to see him…

Memories of last night flashed through Wendy's mind. When he asked her to the dance, when he comforted her as she cried, when he lent her his scarf to calm her down… she wanted to experience those moments over and over again.

It was unfortunate she wasn't able to confess her feelings to him, but he told her he would wait till the day she was ready. Next time, she would pour out her feelings bare to him. This time, she wouldn't rush herself. I really need to get myself together.

Moments later, they reached the guildhall's entrance. Wendy took a deep breath, adjusting the scarf around her neck as a good luck charm. Let's do this! She pushed the doors wide open and entered the guild with Carla. Carla told her she would head to the bar to get some drinks from Mirajane and left her, to which Wendy nodded. She immediately scanned around the guild, hoping to find signs of his pink hair anywhere, though her attention was shifted on to a certain scarlet-haired girl who was waving at her.

"Wendy! Over here!" Erza waved her hand, motioning for Wendy to come over to their table.

"Hey!" Wendy waved back, approaching their table. Around the table, Erza and Jellal were sitting together. Jellal is here? What a surprise. They seemed to be having a casual conversation. Wendy took a seat beside Erza.

"Hello there, Wendy. It's good to see you again." Jellal smiled and bowed his head.

"Hi, Jellal!" Wendy smiled back. "What are you guys doing here?"

"We've just finished cleaning the guildhall and all, after last night's event." Erza answered,

"Oh…" Guilt set in to Wendy's chest. Because she slept in longer than usual, she wasn't able to participate in the cleanup after the event.

Erza patted her head, noticing what she was thinking. "Don't worry about it. Everyone who was here pitched in to help. It didn't take too long to finish bringing the guild back to its usual glory."

"A-Ah, okay." Wendy nodded. Still, she wished she could have helped in some way.

"Hmmm…" Erza's eyes were drawn to the white cloth around Wendy's neck. "Say, Wendy… is that Natsu's scarf?"

"Oh, yeah. This is Natsu's. He lent it to me." Wendy held his scarf.

"I see. So he lent it to you." Erza said thoughtfully. "I'm pretty surprised."

"Why's that?" Wendy asked.

"It's not very often that Natsu takes off his scarf."… aside from the times we've taken baths together. "It's really special and important to him, isn't?"

"Yeah, it is…" This is why she felt she needed to return it soon.

"And the fact he lent it to you…" Erza said in a suggestive tone. "Huh, I wonder." She put a finger to her chin.

"What is it, Erza?" Wendy seemed lost to what Erza was implying.

"It's just… you're the first person I've seen Natsu give his scarf too. He's never given it to Lucy."

"Huh, that's interesting to hear." Jellal said.

"W-Wow, really?" Wendy's face rose in heat. I'm the first person… she unconsciously snuggled against his scarf. For some reason, she felt happy, knowing she was the first person to have the honor of wearing his scarf.

How cute. If Natsu lent Wendy his scarf, doesn't that say something about his feelings? He'd normally never take off his scarf under any circumstances, but he still lent it to Wendy. I wonder… does he feel something, anything, for Wendy? If he never lent it to Lucy, but he lent it to Wendy, that must say something, right? She thought this was good progress for her. But then… what does that say about his feelings for Lucy?

"Still, I have to say I'm jealous."

"Huh? Jealous?" Wendy tilted her head. Erza's jealous?

"Oh, you know. I wish he chose me to be the first person to wear his scarf." Erza said casually, resting her face on her hand which was plopped on the table.

"… Eh?" Both Wendy's and Jellal's eyes widened in surprise.

"Erza, what do you…" Wendy defensively held his scarf closer to her, away from Erza.

"Hmmm?" Erza hummed. She then noticed the odd reactions from Wendy and Jellal, then finally came to a realization. "N-No, I don't mean it in that way, Wendy! I'm just curious how his scarf feels to wear." She frantically waved her hands around to clear up their misunderstandings.

"O-Oh, I see." Wendy sighed in relief. The idea of other girls wearing Natsu's scarf… she wasn't too fond of it. She'd rather be the only girl with the privilege of wearing his scarf. No one else is allowed to… W-What are you thinking, Wendy? She shook her head at the ridiculous thought.

"Oh, yeah." Wendy placed her arms on the table. "Have you seen Natsu anywhere?"

"Natsu? I haven't seen him come to the guild today." Erza briefly raised her shoulders.

He didn't come to the guild today? That's strange. Wendy wondered if he was still recovering from his injuries. I think he should have recovered by now. Maybe he's still sleeping?

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen Lucy today either." Erza added. "They may be tired after yesterday's event."

"O-Oh, I see…" Wendy replied timidly. She was trying to hold back her disappointment and jealousy from showing in her voice. I don't know but… what if they are together, hanging out somewhere?… she pouted.

Her pouty face is cute... Jellal thought. Honestly, he's still surprised by the fact that Wendy has feelings for Natsu. The time she hugged him after the battle against Zero… he always assumed it was that of gratefulness, but there might have been a deeper meaning behind it. It isn't my business but… he wondered how Natsu felt about Lucy. Those two are practically joined at the hip…

She's just so adorable. Erza rubbed her shoulder to comfort her. "Hey, now. He'll be back soon before you know it. At least you have his scarf to keep you company in the meantime."

"Yeah… you're right." Wendy clapped her cheeks a few times, trying to cheer herself up. All she could do was wait.

The doors to the guild swung open, revealing Gray and Juvia, who was locked on to his arm.

"J-Juvia, could you please get off me?" Gray asked, rubbing the back of his head.

"No, I want to be right here." Juvia said, nuzzling against his arm.

"Come on, Juvia…"

"… Do you dislike it?" Juvia asked, gazing into his eyes.

Gray averted his gaze, blushing a bit. "It's not that I dislike it… it's just… embarrassing."

"You're just so adorable, Gray~" Juvia tightened her arms around his.

Gray sighed. It was going to take him awhile to get used to this… physical closeness. After the Fairy Night, he has been more accepting of Juvia's advances. Entering the guild, he noticed the two other members of Team Natsu. "Oh hey, you guys." They approached them, Juvia still clinging to his arm.

"Hey there, you two." Erza waved, motioning them to come over.

"Greetings, Gray, Juvia. I hope my presence here isn't bothering you." Jellal said in a polite tone, bowing his head.

"Oh, no worries, man. It's cool." Gray and Juvia took a seat besides Jellal. "What'cha guys up to?"

"We're simply biding our time here. Where have you two been?" Erza asked, facing Gray and Juvia.

"We were having a morning stroll around Magnolia Town." Juvia answered cheerfully.

"Oh, a little date, eh?" Erza asked in a teasing tone.

Gray sighed, rubbing his forehead. When you put it that way… his attention was drawn to Natsu's scarf on Wendy's shoulders. "Huh, did Natsu lose his scarf again?"

"Huh?" Wendy adjusted his scarf. "N-No, he gave it to me." Why would he lose his scarf?

"He gave it to you?" Gray raised an eyebrow. That's a first from him.

"That's so romantic! Gray darling, do you still have that scarf I knitted for you?" Juvia exclaimed, clasping her hands.

"O-Oh, yeah, I do…" Gray said lowly. He was too embarrassed to wear it in public. Although, the scarf she made for him was really warm to wear.

"You should wear it often! It contains all my love for you!"

"Cut it out, will you…" Gray's ears dyed a faint red.

"Haha. Your friends are quite passionate, Erza." Jellal chuckled, turning his head to her.

"Oh, believe me. You have seen nothing yet." Erza said, finding Gray's reactions amusing.

Wendy looked to her left… Erza and Jellal.

Wendy looked to her right… Gray and Juvia.

Do I even… fit here? They were all chatting and sharing smiles with one another. She saw herself as a very uncomfortable and out-of-place third wheel in this group of friends. She nuzzled against the scarf around her, imagining Natsu was right here beside her. I miss him. She found herself craving more and more of his attention recently. Wendy remained silent, not really paying attention to their conversations. But it's nice to see their love grow for one another.


After a while…

..

.

"This tastes… pretty sweet, Carla. I don't mind, though." Wendy said happily, drinking through a straw from a glass of tea.

"Mira said this was on the house. She might have added too much sugar." Carla briefly raised her arms. She recently just returned to the group. She ordered some tea for herself and Wendy.

"Say, Jellal. We should have a friendly sparring sometimes. I've never gotten the chance to fight you." Gray said, resting his face in his hand.

Jellal rubbed the back of his neck. "Er, forgive me, Gray. I'm not sure if I can prove a decent opponent to you."

"Don't give me that look. You're incredibly strong. You even charged against Acnologia by yourself." Gray chuckled.

"… Well, it's been awhile since I've engaged in combat." Jellal considered his request. "Very well then. You're o-"

The doors were pushed open slowly, creaking as it moved. They turned their attention to the entrance and saw…

"Oh, it's Lucy. Seems she's finally here." Gray said.

Wendy glanced at the entrance. If Lucy is here, that must mean… her train of thought was interrupted when she heard faint sobbing enter her ears. Her eyes widened. Crying?

This didn't escape the attention of the others, either. They all turned to Lucy, who was walking forward, crossing her arms. Her eyes appeared a light red, her shoulders were slumped, her head was hung downwards. They didn't sense any of the bright and cheerful energy from her like they usually do.

"Lucy? Has she been crying?" Juvia asked with concern.

"Oh, no… what happened?" Wendy looked at her, worried if she was in trouble.

"She looks like she's been crying for a while…" Carla said.

Feeling concerned, Erza stood up, waving her hand towards her. "Lucy."

Lucy slowly her raised and noticed Erza calling out to her. She briefly rubbed her eyes away with her forearm. "Hey…" She said with a strained voice, approaching them. I don't want them to see me like this.

Erza guided her to a seat between her and Wendy. "Hey, what's the matter? Did something happen?" She asked in a hushed voice.

"No, it's nothing…" Lucy dismissed the concern.

"You can't hide it from your face, though. It's clear as day." Erza smiled, gently caressing her cheek.

Lucy remained silent, about to cry again. She held herself back, not wanting the others to be worried about her.

Wendy gently held her hand to comfort her. "You can talk to us about anything, Lucy. We're here for you."

Lucy looked to Erza, then to Wendy. She hung her head downwards. A few tears escaped her eyes. She was grateful, having friends like them. Is it really okay to…?

Erza glanced at Jellal and Gray, intending to communicate a message through eye contact. Perhaps she needs some girls' time. She may not be… comfortable with guys around.

Jellal and Gray understood the message behind her eyes. Got it, we'll give her some space. Just as they were about to stand up from their seat…

"It's okay. I want you… to hear about this." Lucy said weakly.

Gray and Jellal looked at each other for a moment. If she wants us to, then… Gray returned to his seat. Jellal was feeling quite hesitant, considering he wasn't a member of Fairy Tail. I'm not exactly Mystogan here... he wasn't sure if he should get himself involved, out of consideration for Lucy and the other Fairy Tail members. Invisible from everyone's sights, Erza gently pulled his hand back down. Don't worry.

Lucy squeezed Wendy's soft hand, finding it quite comfortable. Lucy sniffed a few times, rubbing away her tears. She took a deep breath, calming herself first.

"It's about… Natsu." She whispered.

"Natsu? Did something happen to him?" Erza asked. Now that she mentioned Natsu, they realized he didn't come back with her.

Did something between them? Wendy thought. That probably explains why Natsu isn't with her.

"We… got into an argument." Lucy continued. "Well, not an argument exactly." She rubbed her temples in frustration. "It's… complicated."

Damn, Natsu, what did you say to her? Gray thought. He was tempted to ask Lucy if he could knock some sense into him. Just for the heck of it.

"Take your time." Erza rubbed her back, trying to soothe her.

They got into a fight? Wendy wondered how that was possible. It's almost impossible to imagine them arguing with one another. Sure, they do have their fair share of disagreements on things… but up to the point Lucy cried? To the point she was hurt? That's the last thing Natsu would ever want to happen to her. Natsu, what did you do? She hoped it wasn't anything too serious. Her heart ached seeing Lucy like this.

"We… talked about a few things. I don't know… he's just so…" Lucy sighed. "I wish he understood me better."

Erza hummed in response. She wasn't able to piece together what she was saying yet. She and the others waited patiently for her to continue. Wendy used both of her hands to gently rub Lucy's hand in circular motions, the same thing Natsu would do to comfort her.

"Or maybe I'm such… a complete fool." Lucy gritted her teeth, facepalming herself.

"There, there…" Erza said in a hushed voice. If she had to guess… a misunderstanding between friends?

"… Could all of you keep this… a secret?" Lucy asked, glancing at everyone. She fully trusted them, she just needed reassurance.

"You can count on us, Lucy." Wendy said, giving her a warm smile. Carla raised a paw, giving her a thumbs up.

"Of course." Erza said.

"For sure, Lucy." Juvia replied.

Gray and Jellal simply smiled and nodded.

"… Okay." Lucy felt her burden lighten a little. She strengthened her posture and collected her resolve. I don't have to do this alone… I always have Fairy Tail, my family, here with me. They've always gone through things together. And she suspected everyone else was expecting this would happen someday. We've known each other for so long.

"I…" Her voice trembled.

They all looked at her in anticipation of what she was about to say next. While Wendy waited, she took a sip of her tea.

"I confessed to Natsu."