Haloha, everyone! Hope you're having a good day! Thanks for the reviews as always! Just got a few things to say about this and the next chapter.

This and the next chapter will give a bit more focus to Natsu and Lucy's relationship. NaLu readers, you're in for a treat... but at the same, you're not, ahah. You'll just have to wait and see~

Anyhow, enjoy reading!


Chapter 22: Separation


After talking with Lisanna about the matters of the heart, Natsu and Happy made way to Lucy's apartment to talk about tomorrow's date.

"Hey, Natsu?"

"Yeah, buddy?"

"When we get to Lucy's apartment, you should probably keep quiet about Wendy's confession." Happy advised.

"… Why's that?"

"It would… create some problems between you and Lucy… like Lisanna said."

"… Yeah." Natsu nodded.

"… Oh?" Happy raised an eyebrow. He wasn't expecting him to listen easily.

"… Lucy would be jealous, wouldn't she? She might feel… I don't know… hurt, knowing Wendy has feelings for me." Natsu slowed his pace. "I don't want to cause any problems between Lucy and Wendy…"

"… Aye, sir." Happy flew in front of him. Natsu seemed to be taking this more seriously than he expected.

As Lucy's apartment started appearing in full view, Natsu's mind was drawn to Wendy. He was worried about her. They didn't exactly end on a pleasant note. Gray and Erza are with her… they'll take care of her for sure. He wanted to be there for her, but he had faith his friends would be by her side. Would she even want to see me after this?

Natsu raised his head, noticing the window to Lucy's bedroom was unlocked. She doesn't leave it open usually. Normally, he would take this opportunity and boost himself up… but he didn't feel like it for some reason. He'd just walk through the front door as Lucy prefers him to.

"Hey, I left my window open for a reason, you know!" A voice called out.

"Lucy?" Natsu stepped away from the door and looked at the window.

"It's not like you to go through the front door like a normal person!" Lucy shouted, popping her head out of the window.

"Haha, I just felt like it." Natsu grinned.

"Well, get in here! I was waiting for you." Lucy moved away from the window.

"Alright, then… ally-up!" Natsu jumped on to the wall and scaled it until he reached Lucy's window, and rolled in. Happy soon followed and flew in. "Sorry I'm late. I went to the guild for a bit."

"Oh, it's fine!" Lucy took some snacks out from her drawer. "Why did you go to the guild?"

"I… talked with Lisanna about… stuff." Natsu said, taking a seat on the floor.

"Oh, Lisanna… I see." I wonder what they talked about. Lucy sat on her bed. "Hey, you don't have to sit on the floor, get over here." She patted the spot beside her.

"Ahah, okay." Natsu did as followed, sitting beside her.

"So what did you talk about with Lisanna? If I had to guess, was it about me?" Lucy asked in a teasing manner.

"… Yeah." Natsu replied bluntly.

"… O-Oh." A faint red dyed her cheeks. She didn't expect Natsu to outright admit it.

"I just… asked her some advice about feelings and all that. She also taught me about… jealousy." Natsu laid his back on the bed.

"Jealousy? That's interesting to hear." Lucy opened a packet of chips and offered it to Natsu and Happy.

"Yeah… uh…" Natsu scratched his neck. "Lucy, I've got a question about jealousy."

"Shoot."

"Do you… get jealous when I'm with other girls? I've been told that… happens when you're in love."

"Hmmm… I'll admit I have." Lucy crossed her legs. "When you… confessed to Juvia, that really shocked me." Although, it was amusing to see Gray lose his cool…

"Oh, sorry." Natsu hung his head downward. "I-I didn't mean to…"

"Don't worry about it, Natsu. You're trying to learn about feelings so you can understand mine… and that means a lot to me." Lucy placed her hand on his to assure him.

"… Glad to hear that." Natsu smiled, then looked the other way. "Then what if…"

"Mhmm…?"

"I've seen this in the book. If there was someone else who loved me, how… would you feel about it?"

He must be referring to Wendy. Happy thought as he munched on chips.

"I guess I would be… fairly jealous." Lucy briefly raised her shoulders. "I… wouldn't want to lose you to anyone, so… um… yeah."

"I see…" So Lucy wouldn't like it. Natsu's mind then shifted to Wendy's feelings. Doesn't she… know about Lucy's feelings? Wendy was there with the others when Lucy asked Natsu about what he felt towards her. When she confessed, she expressed her displeasure about him and Lucy being together. Doesn't this mean she was… hurt knowing about Lucy's feelings? Was she always hiding it? Natsu let out a depressing sigh at the thought.

"Natsu?" Lucy noticed the frown on his face. "Is something the matter?"

"N-No, don't mind me. Just… thinking." Natsu brushed it off.

"You can always talk to me about anything, Natsu." Lucy smiled, gently squeezing his hand.

Natsu briefly considered telling Lucy about Wendy's feelings for a second, but quickly threw that idea out of the window. She doesn't need to know… at least not yet. It pained him to hide such an important matter from her, but he didn't want to risk hurting Lucy any more than he did. Wendy probably wouldn't want her to know, either…

"Thanks, Luce. It's all fine." Natsu returned the smile, then pumped his fists up. "Anyhow, let's talk about our date tomorrow!"

"Aye!" Happy jumped in excitement.

"Haha, sure." Lucy blushed. "I've been brainstorming some ideas, actually."

"Oh, yeah? Let's hear it!"

"Don't expect too much, though." Lucy went to her desk and grabbed a paper and pencil, then returned to the bed.

"I'm sure it's going to be fun as long as I'm with you, Luce." Natsu grinned at her.

"I-Is that so…" Lucy felt a heavy weight on her shoulders. Even though it was Natsu that asked her out, she wanted this date to be the one where Natsu could understand his feelings, and in turn… understand hers.

Lucy cleared her throat. "So, Natsu… I need to make sure of something."

"Yeah?"

"I know… you're not exactly the type of person who goes on dates." Lucy placed the paper face down in front of him. "So I doubt you'll find most of my ideas… appealing to your tastes."

"I really couldn't care less, Lucy." Natsu patted her shoulder. "I'm determined to understand your feelings, so throw me whatever you got!" He then took the romance book he was carrying. "We can even use this for reference!"

"Natsu…" Lucy truly appreciated how much he wanted to understand. Natsu didn't have to figure out his feelings alone. They could figure it out together. "All right! So here's what I planned." Lucy flipped the paper.

"That's quite a long list you got there." Natsu commented, eyeing the paper of their date plan.

"Y-Yeah, I had been brainstorming for a while." Lucy put the pencil over her ear.

"So what'cha got for me?" Natsu laid down on her bed in a prone position.

"There's a lot of stuff I want to do with you. To start, I'd like us… to meet in front of the guild tomorrow. What place better than Fairy Tail to begin our date, eh?"

"Sure! That's a good start."

"If you have any suggestions, feel free to tell me. You don't have to agree with everything I'm saying."

"Haha, all right, Luce."

And so, for a while, Natsu and Lucy discussed the plans for their date, beginning from where they would meet to where they would finish off. They talked about restaurants they would eat in, places they could hang out in and spend time together, as well as activities they could both have fun with. Natsu didn't really give much input because he wanted to stick to Lucy's idea of a date.

"Hmmm, how do we go about ending this date…" Lucy rubbed her chin as she tapped the paper with her pencil.

"I could accompany you back to your place?" Natsu suggested.

"But then you'd be going back alone."

"Yeah, is it… not okay?"

"I mean, there's nothing wrong with it… but I'd prefer it to be…" Blushing, Lucy bit on her lip.

"Yeah?" Natsu raised an eyebrow.

"… Romantic." Lucy whispered, which Natsu caught with his dragon senses.

"Oh." Natsu folded his arms. "Well, I don't really know but…" He gave the romance book to her. "Maybe this will help?"

Couldn't hurt to try. Lucy took the book from Natsu's hand and began flipping through the pages. Almost immediately, her eyes lighted up with ideas for their date. Would Natsu be okay with this?

"Natsu…" Lucy placed the book down in front of him, then pointed to a particular scene. "What… do you think of this?"

Natsu scanned the pages Lucy was showing him. The protagonist is shown to be confessing her feelings to the boy under the starry night sky. The boy says nothing but instead approaches her and pulls her in for a kiss. That means… the boy feels the same way about her?

"I was thinking… um… we could end our date this way." Lucy twiddled her fingers.

"You… want to confess to me again?" Natsu titled his head at a curious angle.

"Not exactly… I want to end our date on a romantic note." Lucy rubbed her hands together. "And well… if you finally understand your feelings by this time… and you feel the same way about me…" Feeling nervous to finish her sentence, her face rose in heat.

"I see!" Natsu understood, putting his right fist on his left palm. If I have romantic feelings for her, I can tell her that by giving a kiss? Natsu figured he could follow the book. He wasn't going to repeat the mistake last time when he couldn't kiss her. Thinking about it, Natsu still didn't know why he wasn't able to kiss her that time. What made him hesitant? Maybe because I didn't understand about feelings. Yeah. With his newfound knowledge of love, maybe this time… he could love her the same way she loved him.

"What… do you think?"

"That's a great idea, Lucy!" Natsu gave her a thumbs up. "I'll do my best to be… romantic!"

"Heh, I'll believe it when I see it." Lucy giggled. "I've got high expectations for you!"

"Aye, Natsu will have to prove himself!" Happy exclaimed.

And so, the two have closed curtains on their date plan. All that's left was to execute it.

Tomorrow.


Somewhere in a small village…

..

.

"This is a surprisingly quaint place." Erza scanned her surroundings.

"Yeah. To think this was part of the local village…" Gray added.

The group heading on the mission had arrived at their destination some time ago. They've already met their client and received their mission instructions. For now, they were offered to stay at their guest house until night time arrived, because that was when the monsters would begin attacking the village.

"A quite spacious room, indeed. The villagers are very kind." Erza said, walking around the guest house. The guest house had a wooden and natural interior design, equipped with many beds and furniture to accommodate its guests' needs. For seven wizards, this room was more than enough to fit all of them.

"Gray darling! Let's take the beds over there!" Juvia pointed to a sizable bed in the corner that could fit two people.

"T-They don't have separate rooms?" Gray asked, flustered by Juvia's question.

"No, this is the only guest house they have." Erza answered, taking the center bed. "I don't see any problem with this. We should be grateful they're even offering us a place to say."

"You don't see a problem with this…" Gray sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"Come on, darling!" Juvia dragged Gray's arm to her chosen bed. "It'll be just like old times!"

"Set up your belongings here, everyone. We've got a few hours before nighttime, so let's rest up before then." Erza commanded.

"Carla, they seem to have smaller beds too." Lily said, pointing to the small beds that seem to be conveniently Exceed-sized.

"How interesting. Let's see if they're any comfortable!" Carla and Lily flew to those beds, setting up their belongings.

Wendy stood in front of the doorstep, remaining silent. She was looking off into the distance, not focused on anything in particular. She's been in a depressed mood since they got off the train.

"Wendy, let's get in." She felt a hand pat her head softly.

Wendy turned her head to the voice and saw Gajeel. He was ushering her to enter the guest house. Staying silent, she slowly took a few steps in and sat on an unoccupied bed, still unaware of her surroundings.

It doesn't sit right with me to see her like this. Guilt rose in Gajeel's chest. He felt partially responsible for the way Wendy reacted. I wonder if my story reminded her of something bad that happened in the past?

Gajeel sat on a bed opposite of her. "Hey, Wendy?"

Wendy slowly raised her head, regaining control of her sense. "Gajeel…"

"I'm… sorry for what I said to you this morning." Averting his gaze, Gajeel ruffled his hair awkwardly. "I didn't mean to make you cry."

"N-No!" Wendy frantically waved her hands around. "Don't… worry about it. I just… wasn't feeling well."

"Hmmm… would you have wanted Salamander to come on the mission?"

"… Huh?" Wendy's eyes widened at his question.

"It's just… you mentioned him."

"I see…" Wendy hung her head downward in sadness. "I did, didn't I…"

Something must have happened between them since the Fairy Night… there's just something different about her when Salamander's around. Sensing this was a difficult topic to talk about, Gajeel stood up to give her some space. "Get some rest, Wendy. It's going to be a long day."

Wendy nodded and began taking off her bag.

After a while, the group finished setting up their belongings in the guest house. Everyone chose single beds, except for Juvia who chose a couple-sized bed for herself and Gray.

"Since we got time, feel free to do whatever you like, as long as I can see where each of you are." Erza said, walking to the balcony. "Don't leave my sight. I'm going to stay up and keep a lookout."

Everyone was fairly tired after the long train ride, so most of them chose to sleep or lie down. Wendy laid down face first on her bed, burying her face in the pillow. She wanted to shut down her mind, but her attempts were futile at doing so.

Natsu… what are you doing?

Her mind was drawn to Natsu. She didn't really feel the need to ask that question, since she was very aware of the answer. He must be talking about his date with Lucy… that didn't sit well with her. What would I be doing if I didn't go on the mission? To her, there wouldn't be any difference. Despite how painful it was to leave those two alone, Wendy wouldn't want to interfere with their date either way. I don't have any right to… but still, she hated it. She hated the feelings she was experiencing. She hated the fact they were going on a date. What could I have done? Get in Lucy's way? Wendy rose from her bed and shook her head. I can't stop thinking about it. Wendy scanned her surroundings, hoping to find anything that could distract her train of thought. Gajeel's fast asleep… Carla and Lily are already sleeping too. Wendy stood up and turned around. Juvia seems to be asleep too… where's Gray? As soon as she asked that, she caught him outside on the balcony, simply gazing into the night sky.

"Hey, Gray." Wendy greeted as she approached him.

"… Oh, Wendy? You aren't asleep yet?" Gray turned his head around.

"N-No… I'm having a hard time sleeping." She stopped beside him.

"Ah, got'cha." Gray nodded, then turned his attention to the sky.

"How about you?"

"Uh… well…" Gray scratched his cheek awkwardly. "I'm having a hard time sleeping, too."

"Really?" Wendy raised an eyebrow, then teased him. "You sure it's not because of Juvia?"

"Urk..." Blushing, Gray averted his gaze. "… You got me."

The two remained silent for a while, simply observing the stars in the skies.

"Hey, Wendy… are you feeling better?"

"Huh?"

"It's just… in the train this morning..."

"Oh…" Wendy bowed her head down. "It's fine… I didn't mean to worry you guys…"

"It's cool." Gray smiled. "Sometimes, we just have to let our emotions out."

"Yeah…"

"We're always here if you want to talk about it, Wendy." Gray patted her shoulder. "I don't think I'm the best guy when it comes to things like this… but I don't mind listening."

"… It's honestly pretty complicated." Wendy sighed. "I… don't know what to do."

"Mhmm…" Gray rested his head on his arm. "It takes time to figure things out."

Wendy sighed. "Gray, could I… ask you something?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm… a bit curious about your relationship with Juvia."

"Oh." Gray raised his head. This has taken a surprising turn. "What… do you want to ask?"

"This is just a hypothetical question…" Wendy rubbed the back of her neck. "If there was someone else who loved Juvia, what… would you do?"

"Huh…" Gray paused for a bit, thinking of what to say. Well, there's Lyon for starters. "… Of course, I won't let her go." He declared with determination.

"… Eh?" Wendy was surprised by his straightforward answer.

"I want to make Juvia happy. I can't do that if someone else wins her over." Gray put his hands on his hips, feeling thuds in his heart. "I'll listen to my feelings."

Listen to my feelings… "That's really admirable of you, Gray." Wendy said, wishing she could have done the same.

"Heh? I don't think that's something admirable, really…" Feeling embarrassed, Gray ruffled his hair. "I've yet to… return her feelings."

"You should return her feelings soon, you know?" Wendy chuckled, nudging his arm.

"I will. Definitely. Eventually. I just… need to prepare myself."

"Haha, take your time." Wendy rubbed her hands. "Gray, another question…"

"Yeah?"

"This is still hypothetical… um… if Juvia didn't feel the same way about you, what… would you do?"

"…" Gray straightened his posture, tapping his fingers on the balcony railing. "I guess I'd have to let her go."

"… Let her go?"

"It's one thing if she feels the same way about me." Gray gripped the railing. "It's another if she doesn't… if she truly doesn't feel the same way about me, there's nothing I can do. I'd have to accept it and move on." No matter how painful it is… it's not my choice to decide who she loves.

"I see. Even if… it would hurt a lot?"

"… Yeah." Gray sighed. Actually, just imagining it was enough to send his heart sharp pangs.

Gray observed Wendy's expression from the corner of his eye. He sensed some feelings behind her questions. Anxiousness? Sadness? He couldn't tell. It was like a mixture of feelings he couldn't pinpoint. She's asking me... but it's like... she's asking herself?

"Hey, Wendy?"

"Hum?"

"This is just me taking a shot in the dark but… is there someone you have feelings for?"

"…" Wendy's eyes widened, then slowly lowered down.

Feeling he just asked something quite uncomfortable, Gray waved his hand. "Y-You don't have to answer-"

"… Yeah." Wendy answered softly. "I do."

"… Oh." Gray folded his arms in awe. "… Is that what you meant by complicated?"

Wendy hummed in response.

"… That's something, alright." Gray let out a deep breath. "Do they… know about your feelings?"

"Yeah, he does…" Wendy sighed. "There's someone else who has feelings for him, too…"

"That must be really rough, Wendy." Gray rubbed his chin. Someone else, too? That's rough for her… I wonder who he is.

"I don't know what to do, Gray." Wendy rested her arms on the railing. "I feel… really lost."

"… It really is difficult." Gray gazed into the sky. "Will he… uh… your feelings…" He wasn't sure how to word this properly.

"… That's what I'm afraid of." Wendy whispered, feeling tears travelling down her cheeks. "S-Sorry, I didn't mean to cry again."

"Hey, don't sweat it." Gray patted her head softly. "To be honest, I also fear the same thing you do."

"Huh?"

"It's odd, isn't it? By now, you'd think I should be completely aware of Juvia's feelings." Gray chuckled. "But I do have that fear deep inside… that she may turn her feelings around. Even though it's probably impossible."

"I see…"

"That's why… it's okay to be afraid, Wendy. It… may not be what you want to hear, but that's just life sometimes." Gray said in a wistful tone. "You know, life keeps moving on... and so should we."

Gray's words rang loudly in her ears. That was the cold, hard truth coming from the ice wizard. She didn't want to hear those words… but it was the truth. At some point, she would have to confront it.

"Yeah… I guess it is." Wendy sniffed, rubbing her tears away.

Wanting to lighten the mood, Gray said the next thing that came to his mind. "Hmmm… let's make a bet, Wendy!"

"A bet?"

"If he returns your feelings, I will… confess my feelings to Juvia. No hesitation!" Gray pumped his fist to his chest.

"… Hah?" Wendy went dotted eyes at his bet.

You've made it awkward, Gray! Gray thought. "O-On second thou-"

"Haha!" Wendy burst out laughing. "I'm sorry, what kind of bet is that?"

"Ahah, I just wanted to… cheer you up a bit." Gray covered his face with his hands to hide his embarrassment.

If he does return my feelings… I can only hope. "All right, then! You're on!" Wendy pumped her fists up.

"Huh?"

"Don't go back on your words!" Wendy winked. Admittedly, she had little confidence in the bet.

"W-Wait, I-I was just…" Gray's eyebrows twitched. He was half-joking when he made that bet.

"We should get some rest! Let's not stay up too late." Wendy turned around and walked back into the guest house.

Gray was frozen in place, now regretting the bet he made. Well, it's not like it's going to happen soon… right?

Wendy plopped on to her bed face first. Talking with Gray eased some of her worries. She put her head under the pillow to cloud her eyes with darkness. As she closed her eyes and wrapped herself in a blanket, her mind was drawn to Natsu. She craved his warmth, to be near him, to be within his arms. This blanket was nothing compared to his gentle embrace. But I guess this will have to do. If he came on this mission, maybe she could have asked to sleep with him.

Natsu, I miss you…

..

.


Natsu's house…

...

..

.

Natsu was currently lying down on his bed. He was getting ready to go to sleep, but his mind wasn't able to rest. Usually, he could just shut his mind at will, considering nothing much goes through his head anyway, but not tonight.

Wendy, I hope you're doing okay…

He couldn't stop his mind from worrying about her. He was certain she would be all right. After all, Erza, Gray, Juvia, and even Gajeel were on the mission with her. They wouldn't let anything happen to her. There was a part of him that wished... he could have gone on the mission.

I can't stop thinking about her.

Natsu rolled over to his side, staring into the wall. Tomorrow, he would be going on a date with Lucy, so he could understand his own and her feelings. But if I accept her feelings… doesn't that mean I…

The mere thought of hurting Wendy's feelings sent a sour taste to his mouth and discomfort to his chest.

I can't sleep like this. Natsu let out a heavy sigh.

"Natsu?"

Natsu turned to the voice. "What is it, Happy?"

"Having trouble sleeping?"

"… Sure am." Natsu bent his body forward into a sitting position. "I'm worried about Wendy."

"Wendy?"

"Yeah." Natsu rested his back against the wall. "I'm just… I don't know. I can't stop thinking about her."

"Is it… about the confession?" Happy asked.

"… Maybe." Natsu sighed again. "Hey, Happy…"

"What is it, Natsu?"

"If I accept Lucy's feelings after the date, that means I'll have to… Wendy's feelings…" Natsu hesitated at the end of his sentence.

Happy nodded, understanding what Natsu wanted to say but couldn't. "… Yeah."

"…" Natsu remained silent. He was at a loss for what to do. He faintly remembered Lisanna's words.

"The best you can do for them is to be respectful and upfront towards their feelings, even if… it's not the answer they want to hear."

This is frustrating. Natsu plopped down to his head and buried his head under the pillow. Right now, he needed his sleep. He'd think about this later.

I've gotta focus on my date with Lucy.

Tomorrow.