Haloha, everyone! Hope you're having a good day! I hope the last chapter managed to put a smile on your face :3
Now that the ship has finally sailed, I'm probably not going to focus on the plot much. I might go for a casual, less involved development. Starting from the next two chapters, I'll mostly focus on a plot centered on NaWen's relationship, followed by Gruvia and Jerza. Stuff like them spending time together, fluff moments, and going on a date.
Anyhow, enjoy reading!
Chapter 26: Moving on
It was a brand new day. A familiar scene unfolds as the Sun's rays shone through the windows of a certain individual's window, illuminating the entire room. The individual in question responded by shielding her face with the blanket. A scene the White Exceed is too used to seeing by now.
"Mweheheh…" were the sounds coming from within the blanket.
"Wake up, Wendy." Carla poked the blanket with her paws. "It's already morning."
"… Mweh?" Wendy popped her head out of the blanket, slowly opening her eyes and adjusting them to the light. "Oh… morning, Carla."
"You sound like you're in a good mood." Carla observed her expression.
"Really? Am I?" Wendy stretched out her arms and fingers outwards, resulting in some satisfying cracks.
"Indeed, child." Carla sighed, rubbing her forehead. "You were even rolling in your bed throughout the night, muttering some nonsense."
"I did?" Wendy scanned her surroundings. She didn't feel anything was out of the ordinary.
"You were even giggling and grinning in your sleep." Carla smirked. "Were you having a pleasant dream, perhaps?"
"A dream? I don't think so." Wendy scratched her head. She shut her eyes, allowing the events from yesterday to flash through her mind.
"I love you, Wendy."
"Mwehehe…" Wendy grinned brightly, hugging her pillow. She was getting all giddy just remembering it. "That would have been a wonderful dream…"
Wait. Wendy instantly froze in place. A dream?
"… Wendy?" Carla noticed color was slowly leaving Wendy's face. "Is something the matter?"
"No, no, no, no, no." Wendy cowered, holding her head. "No, no, no, no, no!"
Was it just a dream?! Was it a dream all this time?!
"W-Wendy?" Carla called out, growing concerned for her. "What's-"
"Oh god! Please tell me it wasn't a dream!" Wendy's body began trembling, anxiousness setting in to her chest. "It wasn't a dream, right?! Tell me it isn't!" She lifted Carla and stared straight into her eyes.
"I-I don't know what you're referring to, child?" Carla was dumbfounded. What is she talking about?
Was it all in my head?! Did my mind come up with that entire scene to protect my heart?! Wendy was coming up with a lot of outlandish theories in her head. Did I experience heartbreak and my mind protected me?! Wendy shook her head, trying to regain her composure.
"I don't know what's going on in that head of yours, child. But please… calm down."
"I can't calm down!" Panicking, Wendy quickly slid across the bed to her wardrobe. She snatched her necessities and a change of clothes for bath time, then dashed out of her room to the bathhouse. God, this can't be happening!
"W-Wendy?! Hold on!" Carla simply watched in awe as she left the room. What's got her so worked up early in the morning? She spread her wings and followed after her dragon slayer.
A few minutes later…
Outside the dormitory…
…
..
.
After taking her bath and putting on her signature emerald dress, Wendy sprinted through the dorm's entrance, heading towards the Fairy Tail guild.
"Wendy!" Carla flew after her. "What are you in a hurry for? You're going to trip over yourself!"
Wendy didn't respond, still sprinting towards the guild. It seemed she was too focused on this matter that Carla's words didn't reach her ears. Carla was even falling behind her.
Was it all in my mind?! Worries pushed her to go faster, to find her answer. It felt too real! Was it too good to be true?!
As soon as she reached the entrance, she burst through the gates with full force.
"Huff… huff…" Wendy panted, dropping her hands to her knees. I can't stop now. She raised her head, scanning her surroundings. She saw Erza and Gray sitting together on one side, then there was Gajeel, Lily, and Levy on another. Finally, a familiar pink hair entered her sights. Natsu! She took a few steps forward, then noticed he wasn't alone. No, whether he was alone didn't matter. It was who he was talking with that caught her eye. There, she saw…
Natsu and Lucy.
"No…" Wendy clenched the fabric of her chest. Her worst worries were rapidly closing in on her mind, causing a sense of uneasiness in her heart. Did Natsu… actually turn down my feelings? Because he accepted… Lucy's? That thought immediately sent a sharp pang to her heart. Was it all in my head…?
"Guh…!" Feeling she could break down any moment, she turned around, about to exit the guild until…
"Wendy!" A familiar voice tugged at her heartstrings, prompting her to turn back. There she saw Natsu, walking towards her.
"Natsu…" Wendy's heartbeat raised in anticipation and fear. Talking with him could result in one of two things happening. It would either confirm her nightmare or confirm her dream.
"Woah, did you run all the way here? You're rather energetic this morning!" Putting his hands on his hips, Natsu gave a bright smile.
"A-Ah, yeah… I did." Wendy hung her head downwards. Usually, seeing his smile did wonders to her heart, but all it did was push her worries through the roof. She was trying to maintain her composure, to prevent herself from breaking down in front of the man she loved.
"You know…" Natsu awkwardly scratched his reddened cheek. "I find myself strangely nervous yet happy around you."
"… Huh?" Wendy's eyes widened at his statement.
"I don't think I've felt this way before." Natsu averted his eyes. "I guess this is what happens when we're… lovers now, huh?" He ended with a smile. In his mind, he had always seen Wendy as his sister. Now that he's starting to see her as a woman, just being with her sets his heart racing.
We're lovers. Wendy echoed those words in her mind. A wave of realization hit her, causing a few tears to escape her eyes.
"… Wendy?" Natsu noticed the tears travelling down her cheek. He reached out towards her cheek. "What's wro-"
"NATSU!" Wendy shouted her name.
"W-What is it?!" Natsu flinched, taking a step back and retracting his hand.
In a robotic manner, Wendy slammed her hand to her chest. "Am I, Wendy Marvell, currently dating you, Natsu Dragneel?"
"… Why are you so formal?" Natsu chuckled, finding her question amusing. "You are, to answer your question."
"… Oh." Wendy rubbed her tears away. She then burrowed her head on to his chest. "I feel so embarrassed..."
"What's up?" Natsu caressed her blue hair. "Did something happen?"
"No, it's just…" Wendy felt all the tension leave her body. "I thought yesterday was a dream… and you turned me down." Why was I so worried…
"Oh, really?" Natsu raised an eyebrow, then patted her head to reassure her. So that's why she asked that… "Haha, don't worry. It wasn't a dream."
"I guess… I was really scared." Wendy raised her head to look up at him. "I'm sorry for worrying you."
"It's totally okay, Wendy." Natsu gazed into her eyes. "What can I do to ease your worries?"
"O-Oh… uh…" Blushing, Wendy averted her gaze. A few ideas did instantly pop up in her mind, one of which already escaped her mouth before she could process it.
"C-Could you… give me a good morning k-kiss? On my c-cheek?" Wendy clasped her cheeks. Oh god, what am I saying? Wendy hoped it wasn't too forward of her, considering they just started going out just yesterday. I mean… we already kissed. She felt embarrassed, remembering the events of yesterday.
A good morning kiss? I don't see why not. Natsu bent down to her level and gently caressed her cheek. Yesterday, I kissed her on the lips… now, he was getting embarrassed remembering it. He brought his face closer and pressed his lips forward to her cheek. "Good morning!"
Wendy bashfully buried her face in his chest. Her face grew hot the moment he kissed her on the cheek. She was embarrassed, yet elated. "T-Thank you…"
Seeing Wendy get all adorably flustered was causing Natsu to feel flustered as well. "H-Hey now, you're making me feel embarrassed."
"You're embarrassed, too?"
"Y-Yeah…" Natsu averted his eyes and raised his arm to cover his face. "Why wouldn't I be?" Even on the cheek…
Hearing him admit that made Wendy want to jump with joy. It was all hitting her now. We're really lovers… for so long, she wanted Natsu to look at her as a woman. She still found it hard to believe that they were in a romantic relationship. The good morning kiss sealed the deal. It's not a dream!
Natsu and Wendy walked to the bar and took a seat. Upon noticing Wendy, Mirajane immediately greeted her.
"Good morning, Wendy!"
"Morning, Mira!" Wendy waved.
"I see you and Natsu have been getting closer lately." Mirajane said in a teasing tone, putting emphasis on the word 'closer'. "What can I get for you?"
"Uh…" Wendy wasn't sure if she should respond to Mirajane's comment, considering she brushed it off easily. Does she… already know? Mirajane had razor sharp senses when it came to the matters of romance and matchmaking. "I'll just have a glass of tea."
"One glass of tea coming right up!" Mirajane disappeared into the kitchen.
Wendy rested her arms on the table. She was thinking of her relationship with Natsu. Nobody knew they were dating right now. She didn't feel they needed to keep their relationship a secret, but she wasn't sure when would be the right time to tell others about it. Hmmm… I guess I should ask Nat-
"Hi, Wendy." A voice beside her interrupted her train of thought.
She turned to the voice and saw…
"O-Oh, hi, Lucy!" Wendy nearly panicked seeing her. Right, the person I'm most worried to see…
"You seem a little on edge today." Lucy chuckled. "Were you in a hurry?"
"O-Oh, I…" Wendy rubbed her neck awkwardly. Lucy seemed… normal? No, she wasn't cheerful as she usually was. It seemed Natsu hasn't told her about their relationship yet. That's fair… she was surprised Lucy even came to the guild today. Now, what was she going to tell her? She could say she just wanted to meet Natsu, but Lucy might be curious about that.
"Yesterday's mission was quite troublesome." Carla interjected, landing on the table beside Happy. "She just wanted to come to the guild, when she really should be resting."
"Oh, I see." Lucy nodded, then patted on Wendy's shoulder. "Don't push yourself too much, Wendy."
"A-Ahah, sure." Wendy glanced at Carla. Did she just jump in for me? Thank you, Carla!
Carla narrowed her eyes at Wendy. Why were you in such a hurry, anyway?
It was your fault for suggesting it was a dream! Wendy returned her gaze, waving her hands.
"Here's your glass of tea!" Returning from the kitchen, Mirajane placed a glass of tea in front of Wendy. "Careful, it's hot."
"Thank you, Mira." Wendy brought the glass closer to herself. She took a few sniffs of the pleasant aroma before taking a small sip…
"So, care to tell me how did Natsu respond to your feelings?" Mirajane asked with a bubbly smile, her body facing Lucy.
Wendy nearly spit out her tea, hearing her question. Why's she asking that now?! She glanced at Natsu, who was faintly blushing at her question. She was scared to glance at the other person beside her.
"My, my. No need to get so flustered, dear." Mirajane gave her a cloth to wipe herself.
"I think it's already obvious to you, Mira." Lucy said with a forced smile.
Oh no… this is the worst timing. Wendy's hands trembled slightly.
"Maybe it is… except I meant to ask her." Mirajane pointed at Wendy, then turned around and disappeared into the kitchen, but not before she flashed a devilish smirk.
She's putting me on the spot?! Wendy robotically turned her head to Lucy.
"…" Lucy stared at Wendy. Natsu? Her feelings? Huh?
"L-Lucy…" Wendy barely voiced out.
"What did Mira mean by that?" Lucy's pupils slightly diminished as she asked that.
What… should I say? This wasn't how she wanted to tell Lucy. How would she react to her going out with Natsu, who Lucy had feelings for? Who turned her down? Wendy didn't want anything to happen to their friendship. She was scared to even tell her.
"I… uh… she…" Shaking, Wendy clenched the hem of her skirt. I don't know what to say…
"Lucy." Natsu cut in, placing his hand on Wendy's shoulder. "There's something I gotta tell you."
"Natsu…" Wendy felt calmer, having Natsu's arm comfort her.
Natsu gently squeezed her shoulder and gave her a knowing glance, as if asking for her permission to tell Lucy.
The sooner, the better. Wendy nodded, bracing herself for the worst.
"What is it, Natsu?" Lucy directed her gaze to Natsu.
"You remember how I said I realized my feelings for someone?"
"Yeah, I did." Lucy folded her arms.
"You're looking at her now." Natsu wrapped his arm around Wendy.
"… Huh?" Lucy blinked a few times, still not understanding the situation.
Natsu took a deep breath to prepare himself. "Wendy and I are dating now!" He loudly and proudly declared, announcing to everyone within earshot distance.
"N-Natsu!" This is so embarrassing! Wendy covered her face to hide her embarrassment.
"…" Lucy remained silent for a moment, processing his words. Wendy….? She glanced at Natsu, then Wendy, then back to Natsu. Her pupils instantly shrunk.
"WHAAAAAT?!" Lucy slammed the table and stood up.
Erza stabbed and broke through her plate of strawberry cake. Gray froze his glass of water in utter shock. Gajeel nearly choked on his iron. Carla was paralyzed in mid-air. Similar reactions could be heard from other residents.
Basically, they were shaken to their core.
"H-Hold on, you and Wendy?" Lucy pointed at the bluenette. Wendy was the last person she'd expected Natsu to fall for.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Gray jumped in and stripped out of his shirt, lost for words. His mouth comically dropped to the floor. "You and Natsu are going out?! Since when?!"
"This explains your recent sleeping behavior…" Carla sighed, folding her arms and nodding to herself. "Is that why, Wendy?"
"I… uh… well…" Being bombarded by questions, Wendy couldn't deal well with this pressure. W-What do I do?
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" A commanding voice roared throughout the guildhall. "Can't you see you're all bothering her if you're just tossing your questions around?"
"A-Aye, sir!" They all reflexively froze in place and gave their best Happy impression, not wanting to incur Erza's wrath.
Erza…? Wendy was also taken back by her sudden intervention.
"I'm sure there are more appropriate times to discuss Wendy's personal matters." Erza patted Wendy's shoulder. "… which I'm especially curious about."
She's going to interrogate me later, isn't she? Wendy chuckled nervously.
Erza then directed her gaze to Natsu, wrapping her arm around his head and slamming it to her chest plate. "I believe congratulations are in order."
"Ouch! E-Erza!" Natsu was trying to free his head from her iron grip.
"Wendy." Lucy brought her face closer to whisper in her ear. "Could I talk to you in private?"
Wendy's body immediately tensed up. Nevertheless, she still managed to force out a reply. "S-Sure…"
"I'll be waiting outside the guild." Lucy left the guild shortly after that message.
Wendy simply watched as Lucy walked through the entrance. She could take a few guesses what Lucy wanted to talk about… and all of them pointed to one thing. Will she… hate me? She didn't want Lucy to hate her. She didn't want her to think she stole Natsu from her. Maybe I'm thinking too much. Wendy glanced at Natsu, seeing Erza and the others were taking his attention.
No, I need to face her myself. Steeling her resolve, Wendy exited the guild, leaving others to Natsu's company.
Natsu and the others noticed Wendy and Lucy leaving. Natsu wanted to reach out to her, but ultimately decided not to.
"Oh, woops..." Gray rubbed his neck awkwardly. "Did we… offend her?"
"It must be awkward seeing your two best friends dating…" Carla added. Especially if you had feelings for them.
"I'm sure those two are going to have a good, long conversation." Erza commented. "There's nothing to worry about."
"I hope you're right about that." Gray turned his attention to Natsu. "Damn though, I was under the assumption you and Lucy were already together."
"What gave you that idea?" Natsu raised an eyebrow.
"You practically walked in together with her this morning." Gray folded his arms. "I thought maybe you didn't want to announce your relationship yet."
"It wasn't certain that Natsu felt the same way about Lucy." Erza said.
"Huh…" Gray directed his attention at Erza, pondering her statement. "The way you're saying that… did you already know about Wendy's feelings?"
"Indeed, I have." Erza nodded. "I imagine it wouldn't have been… tactful if you brought on the topic of their relationship."
"Huh, I see." Gray sat on a stool beside Natsu. "You and Wendy, huh? I would have never guessed."
"Didn't you ask me before if I had feelings for Wendy? I'm surprised that you're surprised." Natsu replied flatly.
"That, I did. It's just…" Gray stroked his chin. Thinking that Natsu had feelings for Wendy was vastly different from actually seeing Natsu and Wendy together. Hell, Wendy even feels the same way! "Actually, now that I think about it, how did your date with Lucy go? Since you and Wendy are together now, that means…"
"… The date was fun." Natsu's lips curved downwards. "The date made me… realize my feelings." He was reluctant to bring that memory up. Gray immediately understood his silence.
"… Damn, I gotta apologize to Lucy and Wendy." Feeling guilt swell in chest, Gray ruffled his hair. He was the one who initiated the idea of leaving Natsu and Lucy alone together. A wave of realization finally hit him. I understand now why Wendy was somewhat hesitant to go with my idea. Wendy's behavior during the mission made much more sense now. That's why she was asking me about Juvia. And Lucy… she must have been rejected after the date. Was the date even a good idea?
"You couldn't have known, Gray." Erza assured him, sensing the turmoil in his mind. "One way or another, Natsu would have eventually realized feelings."
"… I guess." Gray ruffled his hair once more."I was really sure you would have fallen for Lucy. I didn't even think Wendy was in the picture."
"Hey, that's rude." Carla cut in and put her paws on her hips.
"S-Sorry!" Gray reflexively put her palms together, as if to ask forgiveness. Slip of the tongue.
"… I love both Lucy and Wendy." Natsu spoke suddenly, catching everyone's attention. "They're both special to me, and I wouldn't have it any other way. But Wendy…"
"It feels… different whenever I'm with her." Natsu fidgeted, trying to find the right words. "I find myself… thinking about her, wanting to be by her side…"
Gray, Erza, and Carla gave each other long glances before looking back at Natsu. Their mouths were left agape… getting to see this new side of Natsu. A side of him that seemed impossible.
"When I saw her smile… I think that's when I started having these feelings." Natsu rubbed his hands awkwardly, a faint red covering his ears. The smile she showed during the Fairy Night vividly appeared in his mind.
Natsu's capable of showing such emotions. I'm glad. Erza nodded to herself.
I'm sure Wendy would get ecstatic to see Natsu like this. Carla smirked.
Seeing Natsu embarrassed is really… unsettling. Gray thought, crossing his arms.
"You really love her, don't you, Natsu?" Erza asked. It was clear to her now that the love Natsu harbored towards Lucy was different from the love towards Wendy. He's learning his feelings well.
She means romantic love, doesn't she? "… Yeah, I do." Natsu replied, covering his cheeks with his scarf. I shouldn't really be getting embarrassed over this! He was semi-grateful Wendy wasn't here to witness him.
"I see." Erza smiled. Natsu has made his choice. She believed Natsu followed his heart.
Her eyes moved to the guild's entrance, thinking of the two girls involved.
Considering Lucy seemed normal this morning, Erza hoped she wasn't barricading her emotions. Getting rejected… I can't imagine how devastating it is.
Lucy. Wendy. I wish for the best.
Outside the guild…
..
..
..
Wendy was able to locate Lucy easily by her scent. She was sitting on a wooden bench, appearing lost in thought.
"L-Lucy…" Wendy reluctantly called out to her.
"Wendy!" Lucy smiled and waved, then patted the spot beside her. "Come! Sit with me."
"S-Sure…" Wendy found her smile… slightly unnerving to say the least. She sat beside her.
"The guild's getting rowdy as usual, isn't it?"
"Y-Yeah, I guess so…?" Feeling awkward, Wendy rubbed her fingers together.
What followed after was a moment of silence, one Wendy found uncomfortable. Lucy seemed to be unbothered by it. Is she just pretending things are okay? I can't tell. It was hard to read what was going on behind Lucy's expression.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Lucy swung her bag on to her lap. She then began rummaging inside it and took out what appears to be a frame. "I wanted to give this to you."
"What is it?" Wendy took the frame from her hands. Upon closer inspection, her eyes widened at what she saw. This is…
"I asked Levy to print it." Lucy scratched her cheek awkwardly. "I figured you'd want to treasure this."
This was a while back when we went on that mission! The memories zipped through Wendy's mind. This photo was taken on their last mission with Team Natsu.
What was in Wendy's hands was a photograph from the mission at Nightglades, when Wendy asked Natsu to take a photo with her. In the photo, they were forming a heart symbol with their hands together.
"You're giving this to me?"
"Yeah. Do you like it?"
"… I love it!" Wendy hugged the photo close to her chest. I'll treasure this.
"I wonder why it never crossed my mind." She sighed, gazing at the blue sky. "Back then, I thought it was a cute photo between siblings. I didn't think there was any deeper meaning behind it."
"Lucy…"
"But now… it's all painfully obvious. The way you've acted around him…" Lucy turned her head to look at Wendy. "You've… always seen him more than a brother."
"…" Wendy averted her gaze for a moment, then looked back at her. "… Yeah."
"I see…" Lucy smiled timidly. "I'm… surprised. That you're the girl Natsu fell for. Oh, I don't mean that in a bad way. It's just…" Lucy rubbed her forehead. "You seemed so much like a sister figure to him. It never occurred to me."
"It's okay." Wendy chuckled. "I get that impression a lot."
"Can't say I'm surprised." Lucy drew her gaze back to the sky. "How long… have you had feelings for him?"
"I'm not sure..." Wendy followed her gaze. "Anna told me I've always been fond of him since we were kids."
"Wow, that long ago?" Lucy raised an eyebrow.
"But I think… when he rescued me from Oracion Seis… that's when I started to have feelings for him." Wendy brushed her fingers against the photograph. "B-But it's only recently that I really… chased my feelings."
Natsu's question popped up in Lucy's mind. "If there was someone else who loved me, how… would you feel about it?"
"I see." Lucy nodded in understanding. It all clicked in her mind now. Wendy must have confessed to him after I did. He must have been in a dilemma, figuring his feelings for both of us. Her eyes seemed to wander around the sky.
"Lucy…" Wendy scooted closer to her. "Do you… hate me?"
"… Huh?" Turning her head to her, Lucy blinked at her question. "Why would I hate you?"
"Because Natsu… well… he…" Wendy tried to piece the words together in her mind, but it was difficult to voice them out. She didn't want to be insensitive of her feelings.
"Oh." Lucy smiled, understanding what she was implying. "I could never hate you, Wendy. You're an important friend to me. You're like the little sister I've never had." Lucy gently cradled her hand.
Wendy stared at Lucy's hand, then gently wrapped her fingers around it.
"And as for us, I'd appreciate if you didn't act any differently." Lucy winked playfully. "Nothing has to change between us."
"O-Oh, all right." Wendy was most worried about this. She was afraid that Lucy would view her differently after she started dating Natsu. Still, Lucy's surprisingly… facing this better than I thought… it didn't sit with her well. Something seemed… unnatural about the way Lucy was acting.
"Lucy…" Wendy tightened her grip around her hand. "You're not… pushing yourself, right?"
"What do you mean?" Lucy titled her head quizzically.
"I-I could be wrong! It's just…" Wendy averted her eyes for a moment, hoping she wasn't appearing insensitive. "You just don't… seem like yourself. Like you're putting up a front."
"…" Lucy stared at her for a moment, then returned a smile. Soon after, a few tears escaped her eyes.
"Lucy…?"
"I'm sure… Natsu told you he turned me down." Lucy dropped her shoulders, holding back her voice.
"If I'm being honest here…" Lucy hung her head down. "I wish I was the one by his side. I was really… no, I still am heartbroken."
Wendy remained silent. I can't imagine the pain she's going through…
"When he told me he didn't feel the same way…" Lucy gritted her teeth, more tears running down her cheeks. "When he told me he realized his feelings for someone else…" She shut her eyes in frustration. "… it's like my heart had shattered into a million pieces."
Guilt rose in Wendy's chest. She felt responsible for the pain Lucy was going through. Wendy had to admit… she had always unconsciously hoped Natsu would turn Lucy down for herself. So she could have Natsu all to herself. Of course, she felt terrible for thinking that way.
"Everything had been going so well till the end of the date." Lucy covered her teary eyes with her free hand. "I… really didn't expect he would..."
Wendy frowned. She wished she could say something… anything to cheer Lucy up. She wouldn't be surprised if she was the last person Lucy wanted to vent to, given their circumstances.
"Even looking at him is painful." Lucy gazed at Wendy's eyes. "Now that I know you're dating him… I'd be lying if I said I wasn't bothered by it."
Wendy's eyes slightly widened at hearing that, but she wasn't surprised. I'd probably feel the same way too…
"I do want to find it in myself to support you, to support Natsu." Lucy sniffed, rubbing her tears away. "I don't know if I can… do that right now."
"…" Wendy began rubbing her hand in circular motions, using her thumb to comfort her. She didn't know what to say.
"Loving someone means… to let them go. To hope they'll choose you over and over again." Lucy gripped the hem of her skirt.
"… And Natsu chose you." Lucy exhaled, feeling her heart sting as the words came out of her mouth. "He's much more cheerful and brighter when you're around." During the Fairy Night, he showed a smile I've never seen before… and that was when he danced with you. Lucy admitted that thought to herself.
"… You really think that?"
"Yeah, for sure." Lucy nodded, then wrapped her arms around Wendy. "I want you to promise me something, Wendy."
"What… is it?"
"Promise me you'll cherish him and love him well. I know he can be dense sometimes, but I have no doubt both of you will be happy together. Both of you are so important to me. I know you'll treasure each other well."
"Lucy…" Wendy returned her hug.
And finally, Lucy released her emotions like a waterfall, unable to contain the overwhelming sadness in heart. Wendy tightened her arms around her, wanting to comfort her. She remained still, giving Lucy all the time in the world to cry out her feelings. For Lucy, talking to Wendy was a way for her to put in the final nail in the coffin of her feelings.
Natsu. Wendy. You have my blessings.
A while later…
..
..
..
Lucy decided to leave for her apartment early. She didn't want anyone to see her in this current state. She asked Wendy to let everyone else know she'll be fine, and to let Natsu know he has her blessings. After bidding Wendy farewell, she walked back to her apartment.
Wendy waved back slowly at her back as her figure disappeared in the distance. I hope Lucy will be okay. She wished she could have done something more.
"Yo, Wendy." A voice approached from behind her.
"Gray?" Wendy turned around to the voice, seeing Gray walking towards her.
"I'm guessing you had a good talk with Lucy." Gray looked around, noticing Lucy wasn't nearby.
"… Yeah." Wendy looked off to the side. "She told me to let you guys know she'll be fine."
"Ah, got'cha." Gray sat beside her. I have faith in Lucy. "So, uh…"
"Mhmm?" Wendy hummed in response.
"Congratulations on your and Natsu's relationship." Gray smiled, patting her head.
"O-Oh, thank you." Feeling embarrassed, Wendy twiddled her bangs.
"And… I'm sorry, too." Gray rubbed his neck.
"Sorry?"
"Yeah. It must have hurt when I suggested that date idea, didn't it?" Gray explained. "Sorry about that."
"O-Oh, it's fine!" Wendy frantically waved her hands around. "You were only trying to help Lucy. I can understand that."
"I see…" Gray sighed in relief. "Gotta say, I really had no idea you were in love with Natsu."
"Ahah, really?" Wendy scratched her cheek awkwardly.
"Yeah, you always struck me as his little sister." Gray explained. "But it makes sense now. The way you've acted around him... you've always had a thing for him, huh?"
"Y-Yeah." Wendy admitted.
"What's even more surprising to me is Natsu falling for you." Gray chuckled. "He was embarrassed and all talking about you."
"He was embarrassed?" Wendy's eyes lighted up. I wish I could have seen that…
"He sure was." Gray replied. "I never thought I'd see the day Natsu falling in love."
"… Same here." Wendy wrapped her fingers together. "To be honest, I'm still… finding it hard to believe we're lovers now." I'm just… so happy.
She sure is a girl in love. "Same goes for the rest of us." Gray said, then patted Wendy's shoulder. "Still, I'm happy for you. It seems you were worried for nothing, eh?" He referred to their conversation during their last mission.
Wendy's eyes immediately widened as she remembered a crucial detail from that conversation. "Gray, you haven't forgotten about it, right?" She asked.
"Forgot about what?"
"Since Natsu returned my feelings…" Wendy said in a teasing tone.
"Oh… Huh?" Gray blinked a few times. Suddenly, a wave of realization crashed against his mind, causing his expression to darken.
"You have to hold up your end of the deal!" Wendy smirked.
"Listen, Wendy." Gray raised his hand. "I was obviously j-joking when I made that bet."
"Oh, what is this?" Wendy giggled. "Are you not a man of your word?"
"Mhrmrm…" Gray grumbled. He honestly never expected this turn of events involving Natsu and Wendy's relationship. "I mean…"
"You shouldn't keep her waiting, Gray." Wendy continued in the same teasing manner.
"I know! I know!" Gray ruffled his hair. "I just… haven't found the right time." I'm just plain scared, is all.
"Haha, I'm kidding, I'm kidding!" Wendy waved a hand, feeling guilty seeing Gray's reaction. She then stood up and walked in front of him. "Thank you, Gray."
"… What for?" Gray asked.
"Remember when you told me you'd listen to your feelings? That you'd want to make Juvia happy?" Wendy grinned, putting a hand over her chest. "It's… really moved me. I want to listen to my feelings. I want to make Natsu happy too."
"… Haha, is that so." Gray's lips curved into a smile. Silently, he congratulated Natsu for being brave about his feelings. For being able to confess to Wendy.
I'll catch up with you soon, Natsu.
