Aloha, everyone! Hope you're having a good day! It's already been a year since I started writing this story. And we are slowly approaching the end of this story… time sure files by, huh? I'm grateful for all the support this story has gotten. I didn't think I'd still be writing this even a year later.

Definitely not going to write this for another year. I think this story needs to end sometime soon.

Anyhow, enjoy reading!


Chapter 47: Aftermath and a massage.


"Wendy, could you pass me that hammer?"

"Here you go, Gray."

After the great battle against the kraken, Erza decided to help the resort staff in restoring the beach. Although the beach suffered little damage, as most of it had been mitigated, Erza felt she needed to take responsibility for it. Seeing Erza offer her help, the others felt obliged to follow in her footsteps. They were in this together, after all.

Of course, there were some… concerns.

"Mnnguh…" Natsu clutched his right arm, which felt a lot of soreness. This really sucks. Erza had advised him to sit down and take a rest. He pushed himself the most out of everyone. Using two elements put a lot of strain on his body. It was his first time utilizing sky magic, too.

He didn't take any issue with resting, no. His eyes followed Wendy as she repaired some of the buildings with Gray. She's working hard… a sour taste filled his mouth. What he had an issue with was the fact he was resting while she was working. I wanna help her…

He actually tried to help her, but Wendy went on a tantrum and told him he should be prioritizing rest over anything else! Obviously, he bowed down to his girlfriend. He didn't like seeing her mad.

"You look really tense, Natsu." Juvia patted his shoulder. She was resting beside him. Her back had suffered major injuries, but fortunately, Wendy had eased most of the pain.

"Hmmm, do I?" Natsu briefly raised his shoulders. "I didn't think using Wendy's sky element would be this tiring…"

"You went all out, didn't you?" She asked. "Besides, it was your first time using her sky element."

"Yeah… and it felt aweso–ough…!" he pumped his right arm out, then retracted it back in pain.

"Easy there…" she smiled timidly. "I still find it surprising that you can eat air now."

"I'm pretty surprised myself…" he instinctively rubbed over his neck. "Can't you eat ice?"

"… Huh?" Juvia blinked at his question, unsure if she heard him right. "Why would I be able to eat ice?"

"You and Gray are lovers, right?" Natsu grinned. "And he's a demon slayer!"

"E-Er…" Juvia scratched her cheek, confused. She didn't understand how Natsu and Wendy received each other's elements. How does this even apply to her and Gray? I can't wrap my head around that…

"Could you dumb it down for me?" she asked. "Do you think I would be able to use… ice magic like Gray?"

"He's a demon slayer, after all!" Natsu puffed his chest out. "Hasn't he marked you or something?"

"M-Marked me…?" her eyes widened at his choice of words. "Like… claiming me as his?"

"Yeah!" he nodded. "Did he bite your neck?"

"B-Bite my neck...?" her face glowed a deep red, flustered at the thought of Gray biting her. W-What is Natsu saying?! Those are such questions one wouldn't expect from Natsu. She grew even more confused with each passing question. Though she couldn't deny the idea of Gray doing those things was… interesting. But if Natsu is saying those things, does that mean he and Wendy actually….?!

With her dragon hearing, Wendy could pick up on every word the fire and water wizards were exchanging with each other. Every now and then, she would glance in their direction. They're awfully close… too close for her liking. Why is he having a good time with her? Of course, she understood there was nothing to worry about. After all, Juvia and Gray were already together. Still, these feelings of jealousy persisted in her heart. It might have been due to the fact Natsu was her mate. I don't want to admit it but… she often felt possessive of him when others were involved.

Before they started dating, she was mostly worried about Natsu returning Lucy's feelings. Now the celestial wizard is the least of her concerns. After they started dating and became mates, any girl was enough to rile up her feelings. I hope I can control my emotions better… she wouldn't want a repeat of what happened on the ship.

"You put on quite a show, Wendy." A voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Hmm…?" Wendy turned to Gray.

"How were you able to eat Natsu's fire?" he asked. "I can't wrap my head around that."

"Oh, well…" Wendy scratched her cheek. Obviously, she knew the answer… but how do I explain this?

"Is it the same way Natsu was able to eat Laxus's lightning?" He guessed. In that case, Laxus actually gave his lightning power to Natsu.

"No, I would say it's different…" she replied. "It's… a bit complicated to explain."

"Oh, so you do know?" he raised his brows. "Is Natsu able to eat winds, too?"

"It's… because of our marks." Wendy rubbed over her neck instinctively.

"Ah, right!" He bobbed his head in understanding. "I noticed the marks spread across your body when you and Natsu used both elements."

"Right." She nodded. "These marks… it allows me and Natsu to use each other's powers."

"Wow, that sounds cool." He said in awe. "Wait, so you've always had that mark on your neck like Natsu?"

"Y-Yeah…" Wendy didn't like the direction this was going. Please don't–

"How did those marks appear?" He asked innocently. "I don't think I've seen them before. They must have appeared recently."

"W-Well, you see…" Wendy blushed, averting her gaze. "That's, uh… we gave each other those marks."

"Oh." Gray blinked, not expecting the answer to be so straightforward. "You… gave the mark to him? And he gave the mark to you?"

"Y-Yes…" she nodded timidly.

"… How, exactly?"

"That's… a bit embarrassing to explain."

"Oh, alright." Gray decided not to press further. Huh, must be a dragon slayer thing. "Anyhow, you're in the same league as Natsu and Gajeel now, being able to use two elements."

"Haha, I think Natsu's in a league of his own now." Wendy smiled proudly. "He can use three elements now!"

"I stand corrected." Gray grinned.

With his dragon hearing, Natsu could also hear the conversation going on between them. Much like Wendy, there were certain feelings appearing in his heart. Feelings he wasn't used to. Seeing Wendy close with Gray, he couldn't help but feel…. agitated. Territorial. What is this feeling? It sucks… he shook his head, trying to clear these negative thoughts away. It's not like he had anything to worry about. After all, Gray had Juvia. But his heart didn't understand that.

Is this that jealousy feeling…? Is that what Wendy has been going through for so long? If this had been plaguing her for so long, he felt terrible. She's really patient for dealing with this…

"Natsu. Juvia." Erza walked up to them. "How are you two feeling?"

"I'm feeling better." Juvia replied. "Although my back's still quite sore."

"My arm doesn't hurt so bad." Natsu pumped his left fist up. "But I can help around, too!"

"Better to prioritize your rest, you two." Erza said, folding her arms. "Don't push yourself."

Afterwards, Gray and Wendy came to them as they were done with their repairs. Wendy sat down beside Natsu.

"Great job, you two." Erza tossed two cans of drinks to them. "Have some refreshments."

"Thanks, Erza." Gray caught the can and popped it open. "I'm glad there wasn't much to repair."

"It's a miracle we managed to keep damages to a minimum, considering the threat we faced." Erza crossed her arms.

"Even on our holiday, we're still fighting baddies." Gray chuckled. "That's one way to spend our time."

"We also got to witness Natsu and Wendy show off their new elements." Erza smiled, crouching down. "So it was not a total waste."

"Haha, yeah!" Natsu grinned. "We were awesome!"

"It's pretty amazing." Erza sat down. "The fact that you can use each other's powers."

"They were simply meant for each other." Juvia clasped her hands together. "It is the power of love."

"Of course!" Natsu wrapped his arm around Wendy, bringing her closer to him. "It's our combined power! Why wouldn't it be amazing?"

"Natsu…" Wendy's cheeks glowed a faint red. Power of love… the marks were certainly proof of their feelings for each other.

"I had noticed something was off about you, Natsu." Erza said. "When we were on the way to the beach. I couldn't pinpoint what it was, but now it all makes sense."

"Huh, something off about me?" Natsu asked.

"In the elevator, you didn't succumb to your motion sickness." Erza gave a knowing smile. "Did you realize that?"

"… Oh!" Natsu drew his chin back in realization. "I didn't?"

"Now that you mention it…" Gray folded his arms. "Natsu was able to hold his own."

"Is it because of my sky magic?" Wendy asked. Now that I think about it, Natsu didn't look dizzy when we were in the elevator. I never registered it…

"Your influence is rubbing off on him." Erza let out a little laugh. "I wonder if you could achieve a similar effect, Gray?"

"Huh?" Gray tilted his head. "What'cha mean?"

"Perhaps you could use your demon slayer powers to mark Juvia and gain access to her water element?"

"… What?" Gray nearly choked on his drink.

"Oh, Erza!" Juvia playfully cupped her cheeks, flustered by such an idea. "Just what are you suggesting?"

"I'm just saying." Erza winked. "I don't have a clear understanding of Natsu and Wendy's marks, but…"

"Doubt it." Gray averted his gaze, his cheeks heating at the ridiculous idea. "I'm a demon slayer, not a dragon slayer. I don't think it would be the same."

"But if it was possible… would you try?"

"…" Gray remained silent and scratched his cheek. What am I supposed to say…? He couldn't deny he was a little interested.

"Enough about us, Erza." Juvia steered the conversation away for Gray's sake. "When will you and Jellal get together?"

"H-Huh?" Erza's eyes widened in surprise.

"Don't you think it's about time?" Wendy jumped in. "You two are clearly in love with each other."

"Where is this all coming all of a sudden?!" Erza huffed, her face matching the color of her scarlet hair. "Why are you all getting on my case?"

"You wouldn't want Jellal to move on, would you?" Gray teased.

"Mnnggh, it's not that easy!" Erza clawed at her face. "I can't just… tell him how I…"

"Let me tell Jellal!" Natsu's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'll tell him how you feel! It'll be easy!"

"No, don't you dare tell him!" Erza slammed her fist to the ground. "Jellal mustn't–"

"Did someone call me?"

"Kyah?!"

Jellal appeared behind Erza, presumably with his Meteor ability.

"J-Jellal!" Erza spun around in panic. I hope he didn't listen to our conversation!

"Hello." He gave a gentle smile. "How are the repairs going?"

"They're done on our end." Gray answered. "It didn't take too long. How are things on your end?"

"I see. That's great to hear." Jellal said. "The staff said they were very grateful for our help in defending the resort. They didn't want us to help with the repairs."

"No worries." Erza smiled. "We are happy to help. After all, we do want to enjoy our time at the resort."

"Also, as a token of their gratitude…" Jellal took out several pieces of what looked like paper from his pocket. "They wanted us to have this."

"What's this?" Erza observed the new items in his hand.

"First-class passes to the upcoming firework festival."

"The firework festival?" everyone asked in unison.

"I didn't hear of this event until just recently." Jellal explained. "There's a firework festival coming up, and with these passes, we can have access to exclusive areas for the fireworks."

"Intriguing." Erza stroked her chin. "I was not aware of any upcoming festivals."

"When is the festival?" Juvia asked.

"In a few days." Jellal answered. "It will be held on the highest floor of the resort, but we can view it from anywhere."

"The highest floor…" Wendy hugged her legs close to her chest. "I think that'll be a breathtaking sight."

"Aren't you afraid of heights?" Natsu poked her cheek. "Maybe we shouldn't go to the highest floor." And I hate elevators… wait, I think I should be fine with elevators now!

"I am." Wendy plopped her head on his shoulder. "But I think I can be braver with you by my side."

"Heh, really?" Natsu grinned, a faint red glowing on his cheeks.

"I think we should partake in the fireworks festival." Erza suggested. "What do you all think?"

"Of course." Gray agreed. "Nothing like a beautiful explosive display to end our vacation."

"It'll be a fun experience." Jellal added. "A wonderful memory to create."

"That settles it, then!" Erza stood up. "We'll humbly accept their kindness."

The fireworks festival… Wendy thought that sounded like a fun time. And watching it together with Natsu… she would love to bask under the starry night sky of fireworks alongside him. A romantic way to spend time together, and if the mood was right, things between them could develop in other directions.

"You know what that festival calls for?" Erza placed her hands on her hips. "A trip to the plaza!"

"Let me guess." Gray ruffled his hair. "This resort has a plaza?"

"Why wouldn't they?" Erza smirked. "I figured we could all buy new clothes for the occasion."

"Perhaps we should take a rest first, Erza." Jellal patted her shoulder. "I imagine all of us are quite exhausted after the fight. And Natsu and Juvia aren't in the best conditions."

"Oh, of course." Erza nodded in understanding. "Shopping can always wait. Right now, you two need to recover first." She said, glancing at the fire and water duo.

It's not THAT bad… Natsu thought, but he didn't want to incur Erza's wrath. But if not for Erza's sake, he'd rest for Wendy's sake. She was proving to be a more terrifying woman.


Returning to their room…

..

.

As they stepped out of the elevator, Natsu realized his motion sickness didn't bother him that much. That's insane! The others were impressed by this, too. Through the marks, it seems Natsu gained Wendy's resistance to motion sickness. Erza wondered if Wendy gained something from him, too.

"And we're finally back." Erza pushed the door open to their hotel room and urged everyone to come in first before she entered and closed the door behind her. "Take it easy, everyone."

Everyone nodded and returned to their respective rooms. Gray helped Juvia to head back to their room, while Wendy helped Natsu to their room.

"Thanks, Wendy." Natsu pulled his arm away from her and sat on the bed.

"Does it hurt anywhere else?" Wendy asked, sitting beside him. "Do you need me to heal you?"

"I'm fine, really." Natsu patted her head. "You don't have to worry."

"But I am worried!" She fumed. "You pushed yourself so much out there."

"It was worth it." He grinned. "Now I have your sky magic! How awesome is that?! And you even have my fire now!"

It still hasn't fully sunk in for Wendy that she now has dual elements, and it's Natsu's fire. I mean, that is amazing but… her concern for his wellbeing overshadowed that fact.

"Honestly, my body is sore all over." Natsu plopped his back onto the bed. "Kinda hurts to move around."

"Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?" she asked.

"Nah, it's fine." He closed his eyes and relaxed. "I think I'll be okay after a good day of rest."

Wendy placed a finger on her chin. One idea popped in her mind, one that she found rather enticing. I think I could ease some of that pain!

"Let me massage you, Natsu."

"Huh?"

Wendy cracked her knuckles and stretched her fingers outwards. "I know a thing or two about massaging the pain away!"

"… No, no." Natsu pushed himself up by his elbows. "I don't really need–"

"Come on, it'll be fine!" Wendy crawled on to the bed. "I'm a healer, after all!"

"I appreciate the thought, but…!" he inched himself away till his back reached the headboard. I have a bad feeling about this! Memories of the beach date flashed in his mind. That was a crazy day!

"I see…" Wendy puffed her cheeks out and clutched her arm. She threw her gaze away. "I guess you must hate having your girlfriend massage you, hmm?"

"Mnngh…" Her words stung him a bit. He had a feeling Wendy didn't mean her words, but he didn't want to see her sad.

And he didn't exactly dislike her massage before.

"Fine, fine." He sighed in defeat, ruffling his pink hair. "Do as you like."

"Yay!" Wendy pumped her fists up in victory. "I promise I'll be gentle."

Crossing his arms over the hem of his shirt, Natsu slowly lifted his shirt up, revealing his body for Wendy's eyes to see.

"W-Why are you taking off your shirt?" Wendy asked, feeling a bit flustered. Her cheeks heated at the sight of his bare skin.

"Hmm?" Natsu stopped midway. "Oh, I thought it would make things easier. Should I keep it on?"

"Mhmm… I don't mind, either way." Wendy tapped her fingers together. If she were more honest with herself, the shirt is better off.

And fortunately for her, he did take off his shirt along with his scarf, completely leaving his upper body bare for her.

It was a feast for her eyes and her eyes only.

Natsu laid down on his front, putting his chin on a pillow. Wendy grabbed an oil massage bottle from a nearby drawer. She then straddled his back. A very nice back he had.

"Relax for me." Wendy dispensed some oil into her palm and rubbed her hands together, coating her skin with oil.

"I'm as relaxed as I can be."

Wendy pressed her hands against his shoulders first. Healing magic pooled through her palms and infused with his body. A warmth spread across his chest, one that Natsu found comfort in.

"Oh…?" Natsu's eyes widened. "That… feels really good, actually!"

"See, I told you!" Wendy giggled. "Let your girlfriend massage your stress away."

With a gentle pressure, her hands rubbed down, stopping at his middle back, then moved up again. She repeated this for a while, smoothing his skin with massage oil.

"Mnnguh…" he let out a soft groan. "That hits the spot, Wendy…"

"I'm glad to hear that." She continued massaging his back. His skin felt rough as it rubbed against her soft hands, but it was quite toned. Her fingers traced each of his back muscles.

"Guess I was worried for nothing…" He mumbled to himself.

"Worried?" Wendy tilted her head at a curious angle. "Why's that, Natsu?"

"O-Oh, nothing." He shifted his head. "Just thinking to myself."

"Were you worried about me massaging you?"

"Mhnn… maybe?" he closed his eyes, burying his face in the pillow. "After what happened on the beach…"

The beach…? Wendy replayed the memories back in her mind… ah! Soon, it clicked in her mind.

"I'm sorry about that." Wendy slowed down her pace. "I was just… jealous."

"Jealous?"

"Y-Yeah…" she nodded. "It's because Erza asked you to put lotion on her. When I imagined you touching her bare body, I… despised it. I'd rather have you touch me than her."

"Oh, I see…" he hummed. Jealousy, huh? Erza was like his own family, so he didn't have second thoughts about listening to her request. When he saw Gray and Wendy talking with each other alone… was I feeling jealousy too?

"And I'm glad I asked you to…" she leaned into his ear to whisper. "Because I quite enjoyed your massage."

"O-Oh." Her voice tingled his eardrums in a rather sultry way. "Thanks, I guess…?"

"Hehe." Wendy applied a stronger pressure as her hands forced themselves downwards. Maybe I can use Natsu's fire to warm my hands? Nothing wrong with trying. She imagined heat surging through her palms. A comfortable warmth spread across his back, a warmth that differed from his own body heat.

"Oh, that feels different…" Natsu sighed in content. "But it feels really nice! I feel like I could fall asleep."

"Does it feel that good?" Wendy giggled. Her hands moved to his sides, wrapping around his waist. He really has a nice body… and she has the privilege of having it to herself.

Her fingers instinctively brushed against every of his curves. At some point, it stopped being a massage, and she was just giving his body the appreciation it deserves. Wendy, don't get distracted! She shook her head, trying not to let her hands wander into tempting territories…

"Just where are you putting your hands, Wendy?"

"Huh?!"

In an instant, Natsu flipped himself and Wendy over, effectively switching their places. He was on top of her now. He pinned her wrists to her sides.

"Hey, what are you–"

"I think you're enjoying this a little too much, eh?" He smirked.

"No, I am not!" she puffed her cheeks out, avoiding his gaze. "Okay, maybe I am…"

"Let me return the favor…" his eyes darkened as his hands wandered to her stomach.

R-Return the favor?! Wendy's eyes widened. Her heart thumped rapidly against her chest... at the ways he could touch her.. I'm not mentally prepared yet!

"W-Wait, Nats-kyahahah?!"

"You're very ticklish here!" Natsu tickled her stomach furiously. "Here comes my secret technique: dragon tickles!"

"Natsu, stop! Ahahaha!" Wendy laughed out loud at these ticklish sensations. "I'm going to cry!"

"Hehehe!" Natsu drew his hands away and dropped beside her.

"Jeez, way to go and interrupt my amazing massage." Wendy poked his cheek in a playful manner.

"Haha, you've done more than enough." Natsu locked his hands behind his head. "My body feels pretty relaxed."

"That's good." Wendy turned to face him, lying on her side.

"I might just lie down for a while." He sighed deeply, closing his eyes.

"You should." She smiled softly, gazing at his side profile.

"Mhmm…" Natsu turned his head to look at her. His curious eyes met her gentle ones, then traveled down and stopped at her cute lips.

"… What?" she raised her brows. "Do I have something on my face?"

"You know, Wendy… I just remembered something." Natsu cupped his cheek. "I haven't gotten that morning kiss."

"A morning kiss…?" Wendy intertwined her fingers with his hand on her cheek. "Oh, weren't we interrupted twice?" First time, their friends were eavesdropping on them. Second, the explosion drew their attention.

"Yeah!" he grinned, then his cheeks became a slight red. "So, uh…"

"Mhmm…" her lips curved into a sweet smile. "You don't even have to ask."

That's what she told me last time, too… he thought. Nothing wrong with making sure.

Natsu gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. Her lips… slowly closing his eyes, he leaned closer to her face as she stayed still in anticipation.

Their lips met in a gentle kiss. A calm yet pleasurable sensation tingled through his nerves. A kiss that made him aware of his feelings for her.

Without their knowledge, both their marks glowed faintly, signaling their need for each other.

Natsu pulled his lips away, only for loneliness to creep up on their senses. Well, he got his morning kiss, so it was enough, right?

Wrong.

Wendy preferred her lips filled with his, so she sought to correct that.

"Whew…" Natsu blushed. "That was, uhm…–mmnh?"

Coiling her arms around his neck, Wendy pushed him on to the bed and straddled him, capturing his lips once more. One kiss couldn't satisfy her… she needed more.

The soft sensation of her lips ignited his senses, his desire to take her. He didn't expect her to take drastic action, but no complaints from him.

Their marks glowed even more intensely, representing their desires to feel closer, more intimate with one another. Thoughts of only each other filled their minds, tainting them with lust.

His hands instinctively hugged the luscious curves of her ample thighs, teasingly stroking up towards her hips… and froze.

"Wendy…" Natsu forced their lips apart, already lacking her attention. "We should stop…"

These desires rising in him were the same desires he felt during their time at the hot springs. And he somehow knew they weren't ready to cross this line.

"Natsu…" it was getting difficult for them to think straight. Because of the mood, his scent was deeply alluring, and she wanted nothing more than to claim him.

"I don't think I'll be able to hold myself back…" he buried his face into the crook of her neck, taking in her fresh scent, his self-restraint crumbling by the second. "If we go any further…"

Wendy's mind understood his words, but her instincts were screaming to give in to her desires. Her body craved his touch, for his hands to move up further…

SLAP!

Natsu slapped himself, taking him out of his lust-filled daze and surprising Wendy out of hers.

"Natsu?!" Wendy cupped his pained cheek. "Why did you slap yourself?"

"Felt like I was losing control." He grinned sheepishly. "I don't want to hurt you in any way."

"I know you'd never hurt me." She rubbed his cheek in a circular motion to ease the pain. "I trust you."

"Mhmm…" he nuzzled into her forehead. Knowing she trusted him to allow herself to be vulnerable, it's precisely why he didn't want to let anything happen to her.

But maybe there will come a time when they don't have to hold back.

"I think I'll lie down… for real, this time." He chuckled, running his hand through her bangs.

"Okay, okay." Wendy got off him and stood away from the bed. "Take a good rest, all right? I'll check up on Gray and Juvia."

"Sounds like a plan." He adjusted his head on the pillow.

"Rest well!" Wendy planted a quick kiss on his cheeks, then exited the room before he could react.

Natsu placed his hand on his cheek. The warmth of her lips still lingered around his skin. He sighed and his lips broke into a smile.

She knows how to get me fired up.