Aloha, everyone! Hope you're having a good day! Here's a chapter focused on NaWen and GruVia. This is going to be a double upload, with the next chapter dedicated to Erza and Jellal.

Anyhow, enjoy reading!


Chapter 49: Fireworks Festival


"I'm having a bit of trouble putting this on…"

"Here, let me help you with it, Wendy."

A few days later, after engaging in the kraken battle, the wizards were getting ready to join a very much anticipated event…

The Fireworks Festival.

They also received first-class passes to the viewing because they fended off the kraken invasion and helped in repairing damages done to the resort.

The day before this, they went shopping together in the resort plaza. Other than buying gifts and souvenirs for everyone back at home, they also went shopping for yukata outfits. With new yukatas, they'd be dressed up for the occasion.

Currently, the girls are holed up in Erza and Jellal's room. They were preparing the yukatas and putting them on.

"I'm so glad we bought these new yukatas." Erza said, posing in front of the mirror. "The quality is nothing to scoff at."

"Couldn't you have just requipped into one you already own?" Juvia asked while she was helping Wendy put on her yukata.

"Very true." Erza twirled around. "But none of them feel as comfortable as this."

"I second that!" Juvia exclaimed. "Oh, I can't wait to see how my beloved Gray looks…"

"Can you believe Natsu wanted to wear casual clothes to the festival?" Erza sighed. "Wendy, you need to teach him how to dress for the occasion."

"Haha, I don't think Natsu really cares about stuff like that." Wendy replied. "As long as he can have fun, that's what matters to him."

"Come on, don't you want to see Natsu wearing a yukata?" Juvia squeezed Wendy's shoulders, positioning her in front of the mirror. "I bet you do."

"Well, I…" A faint red appeared on Wendy's cheeks as she imagined Natsu in different attire. I would love to see him wear one. Seeing Natsu wear a butler costume when they went to that café made her heart skip a beat. I wonder if he would wear anything else if I asked.

"And… done!" Using a flowery ribbon, Juvia tied Wendy's blue hair into a ponytail behind her back. "What do you think?"

"Wow…!" Wendy checked herself out in the mirror, turning left and right to see her yukata. "Thank you, Juvia!"

"You look so adorable, Wendy!" Juvia clasped her hands together. "I know Natsu will think the same!"

Each of the girls wore yukatas that differed from each other, especially in terms of color and patterns used. Wendy wore a pink one with a red ribbon sash tied around her. Her yukata had white flowers and petals scattered all over, making for an innocent look.

Juvia wore a light purple one with a dark purple flat sash tied around her back. Hers had purple roses of various shapes and sizes on the cloth, making for a pretty and pure look. She tied her hair into a ponytail resting over her shoulder, using a silver flower ribbon.

Unsurprisingly, Erza wore one whose color nearly matched the shade of her scarlet hair. Her yukata had a navy blue sash wrapped around. Gold butterflies and yellow lilies were visible on her choice, making for a strikingly passionate look. Her hair was tied into a ponytail, similar to Wendy's.

"You girls are looking fine and dandy." Erza wrapped her arms around the two bluenettes and brought them closer. "Next up… is putting makeup!"

"Makeup?" Wendy asked. She hadn't considered putting on for tonight.

"But of course!" Erza pinched Wendy's cheek playfully. "Putting on the yukata isn't enough. We have to look our best for the boys! I'm sure they'd appreciate it!"

"I came prepared!" Juvia had already whipped out a makeup set for everyone and placed it on the table. I'm going to blow my darling's mind out of the water!

"Mhmm…" Wendy had mixed feelings about using makeup. On one hand, she wasn't exactly against it. But on the other hand… would Natsu care about that? Memories of her first date flashed through her mind. Jellal had suggested using perfume, and that turned out to be a great idea.

"If you're wondering whether Natsu will notice," Erza made Wendy sit down on a chair, facing the mirror, "he will, for sure. If he doesn't notice that his own adorable girlfriend put on makeup for him, I'll beat some sense into his skull."

Please don't. Wendy chuckled awkwardly. But it would make me really happy to have Natsu notice me more…

"Okay." Wendy nodded, clenching her fists in determination. "I want to look my best!"

"That's the spirit!" Erza patted her back with more force than necessary.

And so, the girls started their makeup session.


..

.

"Wow, this feels kind of nice to wear!"

"Erza did say these were of the finest quality, Natsu."

Transitioning to Natsu and Wendy's room, the boys were just about done putting on their festival clothes.

"I could fall asleep in these clothes!" Natsu plopped down on his bed.

"They're not for sleeping in, flame-brain." Gray sighed, adjusting his yukata in front of the mirror. "And get off the bed! You'll ruin your clothes."

"Come on, I'm just lying on the bed." Natsu rolled over to this front. "You should try it!"

"Wouldn't you want to look your best for Wendy?" Jellal asked with a smile. "I'm sure she'd appreciate it."

"Wendy, huh…" Natsu shifted into a sitting position. Would she want to see me wearing a yukata? The job request of being butlers flashed by his mind. When Wendy saw him wearing a butler costume, she had a very… interesting reaction. She looked like she enjoyed it…

"This is the beach day all over again." Gray crossed his arms. "It doesn't click with Natsu's head until he experiences it." But he understood the way Natsu thinks, admittedly. Before his relationship with Wendy began, he was completely clueless about romance and love. He's made progress here and there… Wendy sure is a patient girlfriend.

Natsu's yukata was a black color, filled with red flowers of different shapes and sizes. Interestingly enough, a pink sash matching his salmon hair color was wrapped around him.

Gray wore a light blue one which fitted his ice element. For its base color, it had a cloudy texture where it appeared white in some areas, then faded into blue. Flowers of blue and pinkish hues appeared on his clothes and a dark blue sash wrapped around him.

Jellal's choice of yukata had a shade darker than his azure blue hair. Contrasting with Erza's yukata, his had a red sash wrapped around him. Bright sparkly flowers filled his clothes, a fitting style with his Heavenly magic.

Natsu got off the bed and grabbed his scarf. Can't forget this! He wrapped it around his neck, his white scarf contrasting with his black yukata. Like with other clothes, his scarf stood out prominently. Not that Natsu really cared about that sort of thing.

"We're all ready now." Gray said. "Let's head to the living room. The girls could already be waiting for us."

"Okay." Jellal nodded.

"Let's go!" Natsu pumped his fists up.

They exited Natsu's room and walked to the living room, which was empty.

"They might still be getting ready." Jellal said. "Let's wait here."

Gray took a brochure regarding the Fireworks Festival and sat on the couch. I'll read this in the meantime. He wanted to refresh his memory on what the Fireworks Festival had to offer. There's a lot to look forward to.

"Natsu, does Fairy Tail have any events dedicated to fireworks?" Jellal asked.

"Fireworks…" Natsu sat down on the couch and thought about his question. "No, I don't think so." He knows Fairy Tail has events with fireworks. But is there an event dedicated to fireworks? None.

"It might be nice to suggest this to the old man." Gray added. "Erza has been thinking of new events to bring to Fairy Tail."

"We should have a Firework Fighting Festival!" Natsu grinned devilishly. "That sounds fun!"

"Can you think of something that doesn't involve throwing your fists left and right?"

"Oh, dear…" Jellal let out a soft chuckle. He had a strong feeling that this could escalate into a brawl soon.

The sound of a door opening interrupted their conversation, prompting them to turn their heads around.

"Everyone, we're ready!" Erza exclaimed.

"Hey, it's about time!" Gray set the brochure aside. "We just got do–..."

"Gray, darling!" Juvia approached him. "Sorry we took too long!"

His mouth went agape at the sight of Juvia in her purple yukata, radiating with a sense of mystery. The way her yukata fitted her figure, it drew out a beauty of hers he couldn't put into words. Even the way her hair was tied, it's as if he was seeing a different side of her.

"J-Juvia…" He couldn't pry his eyes away from her beautiful dress.

"My eyes are up here, darling." Juvia gently cupped his cheek and tipped it upward, his eyes now meeting her own.

His eyes shifted to her face, which left him stunned momentarily. Her eyelashes and eyeshadow immediately caught his attention. It made her innocent blue eyes… prettier. A deep sea of blue he found himself getting lost eyes darted to her pinkish lips. Were they always this cute before? Did it always make him feel like he needed to… take them?

Gray looked off to the side, rubbing his neck. A faint red appeared on his cheeks. "You look really amazing, Juvia."

"That makes me really happy." Juvia giggled. "I dressed up just for you, darling."

Juvia's eyes scanned over his entire appearance. She thought his yukata was such a cute fit on him, contrasting with his cool demeanor. She also noticed he styled his hair slightly differently. A feast for her eyes.

"You're quite handsome, too." Juvia whispered. "You look so dreamy."

"… Thank you."

"My, I always wondered how'd you look in a yukata." Erza walked up to the Jellal. "Pleased to say it exceeds my expectations."

"How flattering." Jellal smiled, facing her.

Jellal silently admired her dress. Of course, it resembles the color of her hair. To see the great Titania in such traditional clothes, he felt incredibly grateful to bear witness to her beauty. Not only that, but her luscious lips also matched the shade of her hair. It oddly felt… nostalgic.

"Wow, that looks good on you, Erza!" Natsu wrapped his arm around Jellal. "You're one lucky guy, Jellal!"

"W-Well…" Jellal scratched his cheek awkwardly. Thanks for the support…?

"I appreciate the compliment, Natsu." Erza tilted her head. "But don't you think you should direct that compliment at someone else?"

"Hmmm?" Natsu raised his brow at her. "What'cha mean by that?" As he asked that, he became very conscious of a familiar sweet scent travelling by his nose.

"Natsu…" a meek voice called out to him. The sleeve of his yukata was tugged.

Natsu turned to the voice. And his eyes widened to impossible standards of what stood before him.

There she was, standing in front of him, twiddling with her hands together.

There she was, wearing a lovely pink yukata which contrasted with his black one. Natsu thought nothing of these traditional dresses. Sure, they looked fine on their own. But right now, Wendy was wearing one… and all of a sudden, she looked mesmerizing.

"How do I look?" she asked timidly.

Her question didn't even register in his ears. His eyes were too focused, taking in the sight of this new side of hers. His eyes moved to her face… and it left him breathless.

Her eyelashes looked lavish, her cheeks glowing with purity. And especially her luscious lips, they were such a gentle pink. He always thought she had cute features, but now they looked even cuter. With the makeup, she exuded a sense of maturity. Natsu had to blink a few times to make sure that he wasn't seeing someone else.

"Natsu…?" Wendy gazed into his onyx eyes.

Certain feelings were ignited in his heart. But these weren't feelings that made him lust or desire her in a draconic way. These were nothing like his draconic instincts, no.

These feelings filled his heart with a hopeful warmth. It made him want to treasure her, to cherish her more.

She was just so precious.

"Wow, Wendy…" Natsu locked his hands to his hips. "You look so… different! But in a good way!"

"Thank you…" Wendy silently sighed in relief. He noticed… it made her giddy inside.

"I can't take my eyes off you." Natsu crouched down and gently cradled her cheek. "You look really… beautiful."

"Mhmm…" Feeling his mere touch, Wendy's cheeks blushed a deeper red than her own makeup. Hearing his sweet yet genuine words made her heart tingle with delight.

Wendy took in the sight of him in his new yukata. He looks really good in it. He wouldn't wear this normally, but she appreciated how it fitted him. As always, his scarf stood out, but she felt it added to his charms.

"The yukata looks good on you." Wendy caressed his bangs away to get a good look at his face.

An unexpected heat surged through his face at her mere touch. Maybe now he wanted to look good for her.

"It won't take too long till the Fireworks Festival begins." Erza said. "Let's head to the festival and see what it has to offer."

"All right." Natsu stood up.

The wizards shortly left their room and went to the elevator. Their destination was on one of the higher floors.


..

.

Moving up to the Festival Floor…

TING!

The elevator doors slid open, allowing the wizards to leave. As they left, they were greeted by the sight of the starry night sky, festival stalls all around, and the crowd moving through.

"Wow!" Gray said in awe. "It's pretty packed here."

"It is a festival, after all!" Juvia said.

Upbeat music could be heard playing, filling the atmosphere with a lighthearted and cheerful mood. Faint orange lamps floated through the air, presumably with the assistance of lacrima technology. Only the lights from these lamps and the moon illuminated their surroundings.

"It is quite festive here, indeed!" Erza observed their surroundings, excited to start checking the stalls out.

"Ah, wait." Jellal showed them their first-class passes. "I almost forgot to give this."

"Oh, thank you!" Erza accepted one, then Jellal shared them with everyone else.

"This will allow us access to exclusive areas for the fireworks viewing, right?" Gray asked.

"Right." Jellal nodded. "Don't forget to use them when it starts."

"Very well!" Erza turned around, facing the festival area. "So, this seems like a perfect opportunity to have another triple date!"

Natsu and Gray exchanged glances with Wendy and Juvia. A date to celebrate the Fireworks Festival sounded like a wonderful idea! They were all onboard with the idea.

"That sounds like a plan, Erza." Gray held Juvia's hand and brought her closer. "Juvia, let's check out that stall!"

"G-Gray?" Juvia's eyes widened in surprise, not expecting Gray to take initiative.

"Let's make the most of our date." Gray tugged her hand along. "Come on!"

"Okay!" Juvia clung to his arm and joined him.

"If it wasn't obvious before, he's clearly in love with Juvia." Erza commented, then took hold of Jellal's hand. "Let's not be upstaged!"

Jellal simply smiled and Erza dragged him along for the ride.

"Time for the fun to begin!" Natsu grinned. "Let's go, Wen–…"

"Ahm, Natsu…" Wendy weakly tugged his finger, bowing her head.

"Yeah, Wendy?"

"This is… basically a date, right?"

"Yeah?" Natsu nodded. "I would love for it to be our date!"

"Can I… make a request?" She said softly. "But it's a bit of a childish one…"

"What is it?" Natsu cocked his head at a curious angle.

"Do you remember when you took that job request with Gray to work as butlers in that cafe?"

"Ah, yeah I do!" he nodded. "What about it?"

"And when you called me your mistress…," she looked at him with upturned eyes, "I really liked that."

"Oh." Natsu raised his brows. "Do you want me to call you my mistress? I'm not wearing the butler costume, though."

"No, you silly. You don't have to wear a costume." Wendy giggled. "But… I would like to ask something similar."

"Yeah?"

"Can you… call me your princess for tonight?"

"… Oh." He blinked at such an innocent request. His lips curved into a gentle smile.

"I know." Wendy looked off to the side. "It's pretty childish, isn't it?"

"So what if it is?" Natsu got down on one knee and cradled her arm. "If you ask me, there's nothing childish about that. It just means you have the excitement and heart of a child!" And that's really pure!

"Mhmm… you might be right about that." Wendy giggled sweetly. Natsu always knew how to make her feel safe and secure. Being straightforward is the Natsu way, after all.

During the Fairy Night, when Natsu asked for her fair hand to the dance, Wendy felt like it came straight out of a dream. Natsu was her knight in shining armor (maybe a fire-breathing maniacal dragon) and Wendy, his princess (maybe also a dragon.)

Since this might be their last date in the resort, she wanted to make the most of it.

And just for one night, she'd love to feel that way again.

Gazing into her kind brown eyes, Natsu offered his hand to her.

"Will you be my princess, Wendy?"

"I… would love to, Natsu."

Their hands intertwined together as Natsu stood up. His comfortable heat pooled through her hand, filling her heart with happiness.

"Let's kick off our date, shall we, my princess?"

"But of course!" Wendy elegantly raised her dress as a princess would.

And so, the princess and her dragon began their date, moving into festival grounds.

Many stalls lined up across their path, some hosting various games and others providing food.

And what better way to start their date than getting some sweets?

"Look, Natsu!" Wendy pointed at a food stall selling a sweet that looked like a cloud. "Let's try that!"

"Woah, what is that?" Natsu took a few sniffs, receiving a soft, fruity scent. "It looks like a cloud!"

They approached the stall and saw a spinning device of sorts which wrapped strings around it, growing in size.

"Would you like some cotton candy?" The stall owner asked with a bright smile.

"Cotton… candy?" Natsu asked. That sure looked like cotton, but it didn't look like any candy he'd seen before.

"Oh, are you two a couple?" she asked. "Couples can get special discounts! All you have to do is kiss each other!"

Wow, a couple discount! Wendy's eyes lit up. I wonder what this tastes like. "Hey Natsu, let's–mnngh?!"

"… And there!" Natsu sealed her lips for a quick yet passionate kiss. "Do we get our couple's discount?"

"My, you're a bold one!" the owner chuckled, handing them three cotton candies at a discounted price. "Your girlfriend is a lucky woman!"

Natsu happily accepted the cotton candies after paying for them. "Woohoo, let's try this out, Wendy!" He handed one to her.

"Natsu!" Wendy fumed, her face heavily blushing.

"W-What?"

"W-Why did you kiss me so suddenly?" she pouted cutely. My heart wasn't ready!

"… To get the couple's discount?"

"I know that!"

"But you asked me–"

"I needed to prepare myself first…" she crossed her arms. Jeez, he knows how to get my heart racing…

"S-Sorry…" A frown grew on his lips. He didn't understand what he did wrong, but he still felt bad, regardless.

"… I'm not mad at all." Wendy broke out into a soft laughter, then wrapped an arm around his, her other hand holding a cotton candy. "I didn't say I didn't enjoy it." In fact, she very much enjoyed it.

"Heh." Natsu grinned, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. Hearing her sweet laughs made his heart tingle. Guess I have to be careful about kissing her suddenly?

Wendy took a bite of the cotton candy, and a sweet, delicate taste filled her tongue. A fluffy texture spread all over her taste buds. "Wow, it's so soft, Natsu!"

"Really?" Natsu chomped on his cotton candy and it felt like he was eating a cloud (not that he has ever eaten an actual cloud.) "Wow, it really is!"

"Come on!" Wendy pulled his arm along, keeping him close. "Let's check out the other stalls!"

"All right!" Natsu grinned. "I'm fired up now!"

The two shared a lot of sweet time together over sweet candy.


..

.

"Gray, darling! I want to try out that game!"

"Go for it."

Whereas Natsu and Wendy kicked off their date with sweets, Gray and Juvia kicked theirs off with a little game of marksmanship test.

"You ever used a gun or rifle before?" Gray asked, curious.

"Nope!" Juvia said with confidence. "But I'm pretty accurate with my water shots, so this can't be that much different!"

"I don't think that's how it works, Juvia." Gray ruffled his hair, finding her logic amusing.

They approached the game stall, and Juvia paid for three rounds. The owner handed her a rifle and gave her instructions.

"Whatever prize you can knock over, it's yours!" The owner exclaimed.

"Watch me, Gray!" Juvia pumped her fists with determination.

"I'm watching." Gray folded his arms.

Juvia steadied her rifle, lining up her aim with her target to the best of her ability. Here goes…!

BANG!

"Ah, I missed it!" She huffed. "Second time's the charm! I was just warming up, darling!"

"I'm sure you were, Juvia." Gray held back a chuckle.

She lined up her aim again, taking a moment to focus on her target. Don't miss this…!

BANG!

"I missed it again!" Juvia puffed her cheeks out, a little annoyed. This is harder than it looks! She tried lining up her sights again. I can't disappoint Gray!

"Be calm, Juvia."

"Eh?"

Gray stood behind Juvia, his hands gently holding hers to adjust her grip and stance.

"G-Gray?!"

"Put your elbow on the table." Gray shifted her arm down to stabilize her aim, her elbow now supporting her grip. "Take deep breaths."

"Mnngh…" Heat surged through Juvia's body. She could feel his broad chest hugging her back. His faint breaths brushed against her bare neck, tickling her senses. H-He's so close…!

"And open fire!"

BANG!

"Congratulations, you get a prize!" The stall owner cheered.

"Huh…?" Juvia blinked, surprised she hit a target.

"You did it!" Gray patted her back proudly. "Third time's the charm, as they say!"

The stall owner gave Juvia a big plushie. She reluctantly accepted it into her hands.

"Wow, it's so fluffy!" Juvia hugged the plushie, twirling around with excitement.

"You deserve it." Gray smiled, enjoying the sight of a happy and cute Juvia.

"I didn't know you were good at using guns." Juvia remarked.

"Well, I don't have much experience with real guns." Gray smirked. "Now, guns made of ice? That's a different story."

"Mhmm…" Juvia leaned into his chest. "I didn't know my boyfriend was so talented."

"… Heh." Gray blushed, caressing the back of her hair. "Don't flatter me too much."

Juvia twirled around and pulled his hand along. "Come on, let's play a game you want to play!"

"Haha, all right!"


Some time later…

..

.

A good amount of time had passed, signaling the beginning of the fireworks. Everyone began gathering at spots where they could catch a good view of the fireworks.

"Where is everyone going?" Natsu asked.

"The fireworks!" Wendy pointed to the sky. "I think they're going to start soon!"

"Oh!" His eyes widened. "Wouldn't wanna miss it!"

"Come on!" Wendy pulled him to a secluded spot. "Let's use the first-class pass!"

To use the first-class pass, they had to scan it on lacrima devices, which would then allow them entry to exclusive spots. Wendy and Natsu found a pleasant spot high on a hill, so they redeemed their passes for this secluded spot.

"Watch your step, Wendy." Holding her hand, Natsu carefully walked up the hill. The path wasn't dangerous, but it was somewhat steep.

"Wow…" Wendy's eyes widened in awe. A sight of nearly the entire resort appeared before them. The great sea, the night sky, the faint lights, and the moon's reflection on the water stream as far as their eyes could see. Cool winds blew past and the sounds of rustling leaves could be heard faintly in the distance.

"This is amazing…" Natsu stood on the edge. "It's like we're on top of the world!"

"I'm… still afraid of heights." Wendy trembled, staying a good distance away from the edge.

"It'll be alright." He stretched his hand towards her. "I won't let you fall."

"Still…" She reluctantly approached him.

"Take my hand, my princess." He whispered. "You have a whole world to see."

"… You're being unfair, you know that?" She smiled sweetly, taking hold of his hand, standing right next to him. How could she say no to her lovable dragon?

Wendy took a deep breath, steeling resolve into her legs. As she looked down, her fear of heights kicked in, but with Natsu right next to her, his presence alone melted her fears away.

With Natsu beside her, she could conquer anything.

SPARK!

Multiple fireworks launched into the sky, exploding into a colorful array of explosions, filling the sky with loud, explosive sounds.

Hand in hand, Natsu and Wendy simply stared at the fireworks in silence, appreciating the moment. No words needed to be said. No words needed to be expressed.

Natsu turned to Wendy, his eyes focused on her face. The colorful lights from the fireworks illuminated her facial features, drawing his attention to them.

Instinctively, he brushed her bangs away and cradled her cheek. Wendy turned to him, her eyes now focused on him and only him. The sounds of the explosive fireworks, as loud as they were, were now so faint, fading away.

Wendy slowly closed her eyes and stood on her toes, tilting her face upwards. Natsu leaned closer to her face.

Their lips met in a gentle yet passionate kiss, its intensity matching with the fireworks shooting into the sky.

I love you.

They didn't need to convey the words out loud. Their kiss was more than enough to express their feelings for one another.

Wendy, his princess and Natsu, her dragon.

Like a happy ending of a fairy tale.


..

.

"It's already starting."

"Yeah…"

Gray and Juvia found a secluded spot near a lake and sat down next to each other, gazing into the starry night sky.

A stream of fireworks shot into the sky in rapid succession, then exploded one by one into a multitude of colors.

"Wow…" Gray whispered, admiring the view. "What a sight…"

"They're so beautiful." Juvia added, hugging her knees close to her chest.

The two watched in silence. There was just something… magical about the moment, being able to watch the fireworks together, having each other's presence, which made it all the more comfortable.

As Gray gazed at Juvia's side profile, highlighted with colorful lights, he never thought his relationship with her would come to this point. He always thought he'd be better off without her. But I was so wrong… there's no way I could let go.

I won't let go.

His hand crept up to hers on the ground, taking hold of it affectionately. Juvia inched closer to him and laid her head on his shoulder.

"Juvia."

"Yes, my darling?" She turned her head to look into his eyes.

"I'll always stay by your side." He gently met their foreheads together. "That's a promise… from me to you."

Juvia nuzzled into his touch and intertwined their fingers together. A soft smile adorned her lips. Juvia didn't need to hear a promise because his actions were already proving himself.

"There's nowhere else I'd rather be, Gray…," she whispered, "than being right next to you."

The two shared a warm, intimate closeness under the sky full of fiery stars.

With the conclusion of these two couples…

… there's just one more couple to close the curtains on.