Haloha, everyone! Hope your're having a good day! Thanks for the continued support as always! Can't believe we've reached 30 chapters in already.

This chapter is a shorter one, more of a filler kind, focusing on each ship's moments to bridge with the next chapter.

To address a review by... nawen2, ... I'm not sure what you mean by writing a NaWen story when I already am writing a NaWen story? If you're referring to having more NaWen moments, they'll appear for sure!

Anyhow, enjoy reading!


Chapter 30: Inviting You


"… Natsu?"

"What's up, Wendy?"

"Can we… take a detour?"

Natsu was accompanying Wendy back to her dorm, Fairy Hills. She recently had a shopping trip with Erza and Juvia.

"Sure." Natsu nodded. "Is there somewhere you wanna go?"

"Not really." Wendy gripped the hem of her skirt, bowing her head down. "It's just…"

"… Yeah?" Natsu slowed down his pace to match with hers.

"I don't… want to go back just yet." Wendy softly squeezed his hand, a faint red covering her cheeks. "I want to be with you a little longer… if it's okay with you?"

"Oh." Natsu couldn't help but smile at what she just said. "Of course it's okay with me, Wendy!"

"I-I see…!" Wendy's lips curved upwards. I'm getting so giddy here…

"Let's stop somewhere by my place." Natsu suggested, tugging her hand along the cobblestone path. "I'm beat from working at that café."

"Oh, sure!" Wendy agreed. "But Natsu, your job isn't over yet."

"… Huh?" Natsu went wide-eyed at her statement. Not over, yet? "What'cha mean by that?"

"Have you forgotten that I'm still your mistress?" Wendy winked, puffing her chest outwards in a haughty display.

"Heh, is that so?" Natsu raised an eyebrow, finding her usual antics amusing. "Well, come along, Mistress Wendy!" I'll have to change out of this soon…

The dragon slayer duo walked toward Natsu's house. His house wasn't their destination, but the lake nearby it was. It's where Natsu and Happy spend their time fishing. Located near the lake is an impressive tree which provided decent shade.

"Let's rest here." Natsu sat down, his back resting against the tree. He patted the area of grass beside him.

Wendy followed suit, placing the shopping bag on the ground. She sat down and folded her legs inwards, laying her back towards the tree. "This is... a really nice spot. The weather's cool here."

"I know, right?" Natsu let out a relaxed sigh. "Sometimes, I end up falling asleep here, haha. Happy always has to wake me up."

"I can imagine that." Wendy giggled. Her attention was drawn to the fluttering leaves above her, some of them scattered across the blowing winds. "I think I'd fall asleep here if I'm not too careful."

The two watched the skies in silence, simply living in the moment. Slowly, Wendy scooted closer to Natsu and snuggled her head against his shoulder.

"Natsu…" Wendy broke the silence.

"Mhmm?"

"… I'm sorry." Wendy bowed her head down.

"Huh?" Natsu blinked in surprise. "About what?"

"For… doubting you." Wendy whispered, believing he'd catch it with his dragon hearing. "I… was worried when I found out you were at Lucy's apartment."

"Oh…"

"You just wanted to check up on her, didn't you?" Wendy continued, hugging her knees. "But I still felt… jealous. Even in the café, I couldn't control my jealousy."

"Wendy…" Wanting to reassure her, Natsu caressed her hair.

"We only started dating yesterday…" Wendy loosened her hug around her knees. "… yet I already feel like… I'm not being a good… girlfriend."

"Don't say that, Wendy." Natsu softly said, wrapping his arm around her delicate body and pulling her closer. "That's not true."

"Natsu…" Wendy snuggled closer to him, desiring more of his body warmth.

"It's as you say, we only started dating yesterday." Natsu nuzzled his head on to her own. "Honestly, I'm still learning about romance and stuff. I don't even know what jealousy feels like, but I bet it sucks."

"Mhmm…" Wendy hummed in response. She was somewhat curious to see how Natsu would express his jealousy. "I've always wondered… if we needed to act differently. If we needed to be more… lover-like."

"Heh, really?" Natsu gently rubbed his thumb around her cheek in circular motions. "I don't know how lovers act. Heck, we've known each for a long time. I feel we're pretty close already."

Wendy leaned in to his touch. "That's true… it'd be hard to change how we act around each other." She's always looked up to Natsu as an older brother for the majority of her life.

"Not a problem for me." Natsu grinned. "We don't have to change right away. Goin' at our own pace is more of my style."

"Hehe, yeah… I think you're right, Natsu." Wendy smiled. For someone who's just learning about romance, he seems to be calmer and more collected than she was. We are an odd pair of lovers…

"But there's one thing I know for certain." Natsu flashed his signature smile, a faint blush appearing on his cheeks. "I feel… close to you, Wendy. Close in a way I can't explain…" He tucked her head under his chin.

"Natsu…" Wendy's heart fluttered with happiness, seeing his smile and hearing his words. They may have known each other their entire lives, they may have started dating, they may even be an odd couple… but she'll never regret falling for Natsu. She loves him, he loves her… and she hoped it'd last for a long time. I love you, Natsu.

The two remained in silence, simply enjoying each other's company. Just being with the man she loves, she was extremely content. Resting her ear on his chest, she could hear his heartbeat, a sound that always soothes her, a sound that was proof of his feelings. Now that they were lovers, these moments felt more special… she wanted to cherish every single one of them. Wendy looked forward to more of these moments with Natsu in the days to come. Spending time together, going on dates, taking missions together…

I want to do them all with Natsu… going on dates…

Going on dates…

Going… on… dates?

"AHHHH!" Wendy screamed as a wave of realization hit her like a truck. I just remembered something!

"W-Woah, Wendy?!" Shocked, Natsu flinched to the side. "W-What's wrong?"

"There's something I forgot to ask you!" Wendy dug her hands into her shopping bag. Earlier, Erza had given her the ticket, and she placed it in her bag for safekeeping.

"Uhuh?" Natsu stared.

"I wanted to invite you on a date!" Wendy said, her eyes bubbling with excitement. She handed the ticket to him. "Here!"

"What's this…?" Natsu took the ticket from her hand, his eyes inspecting it in closer detail. Oooh, very shiny. "A trip to a premium resort…"

"Yeah! We'll be going on a triple date!" Wendy continued. "Erza invited us to come along."

"I see." Natsu nodded. "Erza's coming along too?"

"Yep! Erza, Jellal, Gray, and Juvia, too! They're all coming along."

"Oh, sounds fun." Natsu chuckled.

"Yeah!" Wendy smiled brightly. "I'm really excited. We haven't gone on a date as an official couple!"

"Haha, is that so…" Natsu patted her head softly, finding her smile infectious. "So the first date doesn't count?"

"No, it still does!" Wendy puffed her cheeks out. "We just weren't a couple back then."

"Heh, make up your mind." He ruffled her blue head till it was a mess. "This will be our second date then!"

"No, it'll be our first!" Wendy huffed. "We'll have two first dates!"

"Two firs-… you're not making any sense. It'll be our first!"

"Second!"

"First!"

And thus, the heartfelt banter of the dragon slayers continues…


..

.

"Darling, as much as I love your skin, I don't think you should be walking around naked."

"Damn it, when did I even take it off?!"

Unaware as he always is, Gray had stripped off his clothes a while ago. Fortunately, Juvia had anticipated this and collected his clothing on the way.

Gray put his clothes back on swiftly before any public incident could occur. Last thing he needed was to be arrested for exhibitionism. "Thanks, Juvia."

"But of course, darling!" Juvia smiled brightly and clung to his arm.

The two wizards were taking a casual stroll together. Gray was originally accompanying her to her dormitory, but Juvia decided to do a little sight-seeing around town.

"So, you really aren't going to tell me what you went shopping for?" Gray asked with curiosity in his voice.

"No, I can't!" Juvia puffed her cheeks out. "It's a surprise!"

"Yes, you did say that before…"

"I do want to show it to you, but it would spoil the surprise!" Juvia continued. I need to hold myself back!

"Huh…" Gray bent his neck to get a better look at her face. "So could I say this surprise is for… me?"

"Of course, it is!" Juvia giggled, nuzzling her head onto his shoulder. "You'll just have to wait and see on our date."

"Heh, is that so…" Gray smiled wryly. It only served to pique his curiosity… wait, date?

"Wait, Juvia." Gray slowed down his pace. "Did you… say a date?"

"Oh, did I not mention it?" Juvia blinked twice.

"… You didn't."

"… Teehee!" Juvia playfully smacked her forehead with her fist.

"Don't teehee me!" Gray sighed at her antics. "So, what's this about a date?"

"Ah, here!" Juvia took her ticket out and handed it to him. "Erza invited us! Er, well, not exactly… she invited me, and she gave me an extra ticket to invite you… so yes, Erza invited us!"

"… Right." Gray took the ticket and looked at it in greater detail. "A trip to a premium resort…" How did Erza acquire such a thing?

"S-So, uh, Gray…" Juvia twirled her hair bangs, blushing slightly. "Would you… like to come with us? On a triple date?"

"A triple date?" Gray raised an eyebrow. Huh, if Erza invited Juvia… and possibly Wendy, too?

"Yes! We'll be going with Erza, Wendy, Natsu, and Jellal!" Juvia said excitedly. "It'll be a triple date if you come along!"

"Huh… you know, a little vacation sounds fun." Gray chuckled. "Why not, I'd love to come along."

"That's wonderful to hear, darling!" Juvia grinned cheerfully. "It'll be our first date together!"

Our first date… Gray gazed at the sky for a moment. This was a good opportunity for him to get closer to her… and maybe this will help him realize his feelings. His lips curved up into a smile.

"You're smiling, Gray!" Juvia poked his cheek.

"Hmmm?" Gray brushed his fingers against his lips. "… I suppose I am." He wrapped his arm around Juvia's head, bringing it closer to his own.

"G-Gray?" Juvia's eyes widened.

"I'm… really excited for the date." Gray whispered, his hair draping over his eyes. He could feel his face rising in heat. He had found the idea of dating her repulsive at one point in his life… but maybe not anymore. For once, he was looking forward to spending time with Juvia.

"… Me too, darling."


..

.

"The skies sure are clear today, aren't they, Erza?"

"It's certainly a good day to be outside."

Erza and Jellal stopped at a bridge, looking over the railing. They could hear the flowing water beneath them.

"So… what was this important matter you wanted to discuss?" Jellal asked, turning his head toward her.

"Oh, that was a little lie."

"… I'm sorry?"

"Mhmm… maybe it isn't." Erza smiled. "I wanted to discuss our trip to the premium resort."

"Ah, is that so…" Jellal returned his gaze to the flowing water beneath him.

"I haven't been fully truthful with you… regarding this matter." Erza rubbed her fingers together.

"… Really?" Jellal raised an eyebrow, though she wasn't looking at his face. It's not like Erza to lie… then again, it probably wasn't anything too serious, knowing her.

"So I received these tickets from Mirajane." Erza said.

"Oh, that's quite nice of her." Jellal smiled. I'll need to thank her later.

"She… had a condition about giving me these tickets."

"A condition?" Jellal asked. What could this condition be?

"The condition was Wendy and Juvia must invite Natsu and Gray to come along." Erza answered the question in Jellal's mind. "She… wanted all of us to grow closer with one another."

"Ah…" Jellal stroked his chin for a moment before turning to Erza. "Is that why it's called a triple date?"

"Certainly, though that was Juvia's idea." Erza giggled.

"Haha, I see." Jellal returned a laugh. As I expected… it wasn't anything too serious, thankfully. He wasn't sure why Mirajane imposed such a condition on this triple date. I don't think it's an issue at all. He had heard Mirajane was some sort of matchmaker in Fairy Tail, supposedly. Perhaps this is her way of getting us closer… Jellal nodded to that thought but felt something was amiss…

She wants Wendy to invite Natsu…?

That would mean Mirajane knows about Wendy's feelings for Natsu. Surely, she must know about Lucy's feelings for Natsu, too? It's not my place to say, but… this doesn't bode well for Lucy. Since it wasn't up to Erza to decide who could come along, there wasn't much he could say. So why did Mirajane choose Wendy over Lucy?

Of course, Jellal wasn't aware of Natsu and Wendy's relationship, that they had just started dating.

And Erza wasn't planning on telling him. She preferred for him to see their relationship with his own eyes.

"So, hypothetically speaking, if Natsu and Gray decline to come on the trip, our triple date would be impossible." Erza stated in a knowing manner.

"You're saying that as if they've already agreed to come along." Jellal said with amusement.

"Oh, don't worry about that. I'm sure they will." Erza smirked, running her hand through her scarlet hair. She gripped the railing tightly, creating a dent in it with the force of her hands. "It will take a little convincing to change their minds."

"Ahahah…" Jellal laughed awkwardly. Doesn't seem like saying no is an option.

"Juvia wouldn't have any issues inviting Gray. He's been warming up to her recently." Erza said. "Now, Natsu… I believe Wendy won't have any issues inviting him, as long as she omits some… details."

"… Details?" Jellal folded his arms on the railing. "Mind if I ask what these details are…?"


..

.

"How far is this premium resort? I haven't heard of this place before." Natsu asked in a curious tone, stroking the bluenette's hair.

"Ah… well… you see…" Wendy's eyes began nervously darting around. This was the one question he hoped Natsu would never ask. "Hum… it's… probably not far. You could… go there on foot if… you tried." She tried to give a vague enough answer, hoping Natsu wouldn't press the matter further.

"That sounds awesome!" Natsu grinned with innocence in his eyes. "I'd hate to take the train…"

"Hahaha…" Wendy anxiously twiddled with her hair bangs. A wave of guilt washed over her as she saw Natsu's smile. She didn't have the heart to tell him the truth, afraid he would change his mind.

I'm sorry, Natsu!

..

.


"Wendy's a clever one." Erza smiled. "I'm sure Natsu will be wrapped around her little finger."

She has full faith in Wendy, huh? Jellal thought. He got the strange feeling that Wendy would be able to convince Natsu to come along, just not in the way Erza is expecting.

"I hope it goes smoothly with them." Jellal smiled. "We've… never gone on a date before, haven't we?"

"You mean to say you've never gone on one with your fiancée?" Erza asked in a joking manner.

"Hahaha…" Jellal let out an awkward laugh. "You won't ever let me live that down, will you, Erza?"

"Who knows?" Erza turned around, her back facing him. She looked over her shoulder to look at his face. "It certainly wasn't one of your best excuses."

"… I concede." Jellal shook his head weakly.

"But I am glad to see you've changed in a positive light." Erza spun to face him. "I like you better this way."

A faint blush appeared on his cheeks. "I'm… flattered to hear that." Jellal turned his head. "You've… also changed. You've become quite… bolder with your actions."

"O-Oh." Now it was Erza's turn to blush. Surely, Jellal was referring to their little… swimsuit hunt. Now that Erza was thinking about it more calmly, she had to admit she dragged Jellal into a weird situation. Wanting him to be the first to see my swimsuit… what was I thinking?

"I didn't… exactly dislike it." Jellal admitted, scratching his cheek awkwardly. "It was just… unexpected, is all."

"Oh, you didn't dislike it…" Erza repeated his words in a whisper. I wonder how he'll react on the beach…

Erza coughed into her fist, clearing her throat. "Consider it a preview of what's about to come."

Jellal hummed in amusement. "… I'll be waiting with great interest."


..

.

After spending some time together and discussing the future trip to the resort, Erza and Jellal went their separate ways.

Erza went to the guild to inform Mirajane about her plan. Mirajane had asked her to let know if she was successful on getting the couples to go together.

Upon entering the guild, she saw Mirajane behind the counter, wiping mugs as she always is. As soon as she noticed Erza coming in, she greeted her with her usual bubbly smile.

"Hello, Erza!" Mirajane placed the mug down on the counter.

"Mira." Erza bowed her head, then took a stool and sat in front of her. "I presume you know what I want to tell you."

"Oh, my…?" Leaning on the table, Mirajane moved closer to Erza. "Tell me about it."

"I've already handed the tickets to Juvia and Wendy." Erza explained, resting her head on her hand, which was plopped upright on the table. "It should be smooth sailing from here."

"That's lovely to hear." Mirajane giggled. "I can't wait to hear the stories of your trip."

"I hope it goes well, too." Erza let out a faint sigh. "I must admit… I'm deeply envious of Wendy."

"Why is that, Erza?"

"Her feelings for Natsu… they're remarkable." Erza said. "In the face of Natsu's obliviousness and Lucy's feelings, she stilled pulled through and won his affection."

"She's one of a kind." Mirajane smiled. "Although, why must you be envious of her? You're in a desirable position yourself."

"… I suppose I am." Erza hummed, folding her arms.

"It's clear you and Jellal feel the same way about each other!" Mirajane said, waving her hand. "Let's face it. Neither of you want to take the step forward."

"I…" What she said struck a nerve.

"Actually, it's not that you don't want to." Mirajane let out a dramatic sigh, shaking her head. "You're both afraid. Dare I say, even cowa-"

"Hey, that's uncalled for." Erza furrowed her eyebrows at her.

"Be like Wendy!" Mirajane clapped her hands, encouraging Erza. "Stake your claim! Make the first move!"

"… I'll consider it." Erza rubbed her temples. Wendy certainly has me beaten here. Maybe she'd have to take matters into her own hands.

"Setting that aside, I'll be making reservations for your stay at the resort." Mirajane said, straightening her posture. "Let's discuss the finer details of the trip, shall we? I think you could pass this on to Juvia and Wendy."

"Oh, by all means…"

Mirajane and Erza discussed the triple date in greater detail. Said details include what time they would need to depart, what transportation they would have to take, what'd they need to pack, where they'll be staying at, and so on.

..

.


At Fairy Hills dormitory…

..

.

Erza went back to the dormitory after finishing her business with Mirajane. As she reached the entrance, she saw the back of a familiar blue hair.

"Juvia." Erza called out, waving to her.

"Oh, Erza!" Juvia turned around and wave back.

"What a coincidence. It seems we've reached our dorm at the same time." Erza looked around, searching for another blue-haired girl. "Wendy… hasn't come back yet, has she?"

"No, I don't think so." Juvia answered. "I only just got here."

"I see." Erza nodded. If Wendy wasn't here, that could mean… she and Juvia gave each other knowing glances. It was already too obvious at this point.

She must be spending time with Natsu… the same thought occurred to both of them. Having realized this, they both let out a long and deep sigh.

"Hey, Erza?" Juvia called out, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Yes?"

"… Let's do our best on the triple date!" Juvia pumped her fist up. "We can't let ourselves be upstaged by Wendy!"

"… Agreed, Juvia."