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Italics stand for a flashback.

Chapter 64

Should I or Shouldn't?

After a while, we managed to make it back into town. We went over to Nadi's office and then told him what had happened regarding the bandits, including Everlue. He was very pleased with us and paid us with the reward for completing the job. In addition, we also called the royal knights and to have Everlue taken away. It was nightfall now, and Erza and I had just left the mayor's house having collected our pay.

"Do you mind if we split the reward fifty-fifty?" I asked her.

"It seems fair to me," said Erza. "After all, we both did our fair share of the job even though we had some surprises."

I then looked up at the dark star-filled sky, which also had a crescent moon glowing brightly. "Looks like it's nighttime now. Should we rent out an inn or something?"

"That would be the best course of action right now," said Erza. "It's already nightfall and since we were able to complete the job as well as still in town, we might as well stay here for the night."

We then walked around town trying to find a place to stay. As we walked by, the city seemed a bit more scarce now. Most of the people had gone to their homes and went to bed except for a few night owls. Soon enough, we managed to find an inn close to the middle of town. It wasn't anything fancy and a modest place, but it was just right for those who were weary travelers who wanted to rest their tired bodies.

Erza and I went inside the inn and rented ourselves a room. Then when we got inside the room, we both made ourselves at home. Erza then decided to take a bath while I lied on the bed, waiting for my turn in the tub. As I rested there, I gazed up at the ceiling, thinking about everything that had happened today. The job went pretty well, and there weren't any issues, but I was still thinking about Everlue and about what he said to me when he was trying to capture me.

"Like I'm going to let you, boy. Once I'm done with you, I'll collect your body, and then I shall become my former rich and powerful self!"

"What on earth could Everlue have meant when he said that?" I wondered to myself playing with my necklace. "Was what he said nonsense or was planning to sell me or something? Man, I wish I knew. I know it shouldn't be anything to worry about, but still..."

Then, Erza came back in wearing nothing, but a towel. Then, using her magic, she changed her towel into pajamas, which was a shirt and sweats, colored light purple with red crosses all over them.

"All right, Willy," said the redhead. "It's your turn for the bath now."

"Alright then," I said as I got up from the bed. "Thanks, Erza."

"Maybe a good soak in the tub will clear my thought a bit," I thought. "For all I know, I'm probably overthinking about this, and there's nothing to worry about."

I then stepped inside the bathroom and stripped down and stepped into the tub. I let out a content sigh as the warm water made my muscles relax, and I sank into the water up to my face. This was the first time in a while that I was able to relax in a bathtub like this. The water felt nice and warm, and it was just what I needed.

As I sat there in the tub, I couldn't help but notice the water. For some reason, it got curious as to how the water tasted. So, I scooped up some water in my hand and then drank it. The taste of the water wasn't too bad, but it could have tasted a little better. After I had a good soak in the tub, I then washed my body, making sure that I was completely clean. After that, I got dressed and left the bathroom to get ready to sleep. However, when I came in, I noticed something quite peculiar. I saw Erza lying on the bed with her back toward me looking immersed with something unaware that I just got out of the bath.

Feeling curious as to what she was reading, I quietly walked over to where she was sitting and peeked over her shoulder. It seemed like an ordinary chapter book. I couldn't help, but read a couple of lines.

I arched against him when he moved to my other breast. Two fingers worked inside me, a little uncomfortable but nothing I couldn't handle. Not so long as he kept his mouth on me.

This made me feel confused a little and yet at the same time, take more of an interest as to what Erza was reading. I then lightly tapped her on the shoulder, trying to get her attention.

"Um... Erza," I said quietly.

Erza suddenly snapped her head around and let out a startled yelp. She was so surprised that the book she was carrying went flying out of her hands and into the air. She managed to catch her book and immediately hugged it close to her chest, blushing bright red.

"W-w-w-willy!" she squeaked. "H-how long were you standing here?!"

"About a minutes or so," I replied. "Sorry, but I was interested in the book you were reading. You seemed to be really into it, so it must be good."

Erza's face went even redder than before making it as red as her hair. "D-Did you see?" she stammered.

"Well... if you mean if I saw anything in the book, I was only able to read a couple of lines," I replied. "Something about... moving someone to a breast and having two fingers inside of someone."

Erza's faced then paled as she seemed to freeze in horror. There was a long and awkward pause. Then Erza sank to the floor a look of despair written on her face.

"No... you saw it. You saw my deepest darkest secret..." she wept.

"What secret?" I asked her feeling more puzzled than before.

But Erza kept on rambling. "How could I have been so foolish?" she cursed as she clenched her fist. "Why did I think it was such a good idea to read the book that Levy gave me on this job?! Especially since there was a possibility that I would be caught!" She then looked at me, her eyes filled with tears. "Willy, I'm so sorry that you had to see me acting in such a shameful manner. You may strike me down if you wish."

I stared blankly at the redhead, not sure what to make of this. "Um, I'm not gonna strike you, Erza," I said. "Why would you want me to hit you just because you're reading a book?"

"Because it's not just an ordinary book!" said Erza. "It's a romance novel."

I still felt a little confused. Then Erza showed me the book that she was reading. On the cover, it had a picture of a man and a woman gazing lovingly into each other's eyes with the title on top that read: A Passionate Embrace. From the looks of things, it was a romance book just as Erza said, but I was still puzzled.

"I don't understand," I said. "It's just a romance book. I mean what's the big deal?"

Erza blushed bright red as she hid her face from behind her book "Willy... do you know what kind of book this is?" she asked.

"A romance novel, right?" I answered.

"Yes, but... it's more than just a romance novel. It's a romance novel for those who are adults," explained Erza. "Do you understand what I mean?"

I raised a brow. "I'm sorry, Erza, but I don't understand what you mean."

Erza then stood up and crossed her arms, furrowing her brow. She also paced a little as if she was trying to find the words to say. Then she stopped.

"Willy. Let me ask you this. Do you know how the birds and the bees work?" she asked. "You know... how babies are made."

"Well... not really," I said thoughtfully. "I have heard some things about that from Sieri, but I never fully understood it."

"Well... this novel as a lot of that kind of stuff," said Erza blushing once again. "It has... a whole lot of... well... lovemaking."

As soon as she said those words, I remembered back when I was little, and I happened to come upon Sieri who was just as embarrassed as Erza was right now. That was when I understood.

"Oh, I get it, Erza! You were reading an erotic novel!" I said brightly.

Erza immediately let out a startled squeal and immediately dove at me covering my mouth with her hand. "Be quiet!" she snapped, giving me a panic-stricken glare. "Do you want the entire hotel to hear you?! Keep your voice down!"

I let out a few muffled grunts in surprise as she forcibly covered my mouth. After a few seconds, Erza let go of my mouth.

"So, I was right," I spoke in a low voice. "It is an erotic novel."

Erza nodded timidly in response. Then I sighed, shaking my head.

"I wouldn't be so embarrassed about that Erza," I said. "Sieri read those kinds of books all the time back when I was little. I mean I don't think less of you if that's what you're worried about."

Erza then looked at me, her eyes filled with slight hope. "Really? You don't?"

"Of course not. I mean you're still Erza," I said. "Besides, I've always been a little curious about those kinds of books myself. So maybe if possible, I'll start reading one myself."

Erza's eyes sparkled as she held my hands, and tears streamed down my face. "Willy! You're such a kind soul!" she wept. "You're one of the most kind-hearted guildmates I've ever had the pleasure of knowing! Just what I would expect from you!"

"Um... thank you... I think?" I answered wryly.

"However, you must keep my obsession with these kinds of books a secret," said Erza. "If anyone else found out about this, my reputation in the guild will be shot. If anyone found out about it..." She then drew a sword and pointed it dangerously at me. "I would have no choice but to silence you personally. Is that clear?"

"S-sure thing, Erza," I said wryly smiling. "I won't tell a soul. You have my word."

"Good. Now then, let's get down to business," said Erza as she put away her blade.

"Down to business? What do you mean?" I asked.

Erza then walked over to her cart of stuff which somehow miraculously was able to fit in the room and started digging through it. Then she pulled out a couple more books from it and placed them in front of me.

"Since you know my secret of these kinds of books and you appear to have an interest in them, I brought some for us to read," she said. "Feel free to pick the one you want to start first."

At first, I was going to decline, but then again, I was still interested. Not to mention I didn't want to get on Erza's bad side again considering that she had just pointed a sword at me. Not wanting to make her more agitated and worried, I decided to humor her and pick a book.

The very next morning after we spent the night at Shirotsume, we left the town behind us, and we managed to make it back to Magnolia by afternoon. I was feeling a little bit tired due to the night I had with Erza. The reason being that Erza and I stayed up a little and Erza was recommending some books to try out. I had to admit, that was a side of Erza I did not expect to know, but on the plus side, I did get to have a new book to read. After all, I do like to read books.

Anyway, we came back into the guild hall and walked inside. As we came in, we went up to the front of the bar and were greeted by Makarov.

"Welcome back, you two," he said. "I take it that you both have succeeded in the job?"

"Yes, Master," replied Erza. "The job was handled without any problems at all."

"Good. Very good," nodded Makarov. Then he looked at me. "So, how did you like your first official job as an official Fairy Tail, Willy?" he asked.

"It was easy-peasy," I said with a small smirk. "Although, I kinda wish I had a bit of a better challenge."

Erza chuckled. "Come now, Willy. You're starting to sound like Natsu. Don't tell me that you're obsessed with fighting like he is."

"Not really. I was hoping to test myself a bit," I said. "But on the plus side, I was able to cover my rent for this month."

Then I looked around noticing that a couple of the members weren't around. Not only that, but I noticed that Mira wasn't around either and neither was Elfman.

"Hey, Mr. Makarov? Do you know where everyone went?" I asked. "I don't see Natsu, Mira, Elfman or anyone else for that matter."

"Let me see," hummed Makarov thoughtfully. "Natsu, Gray, and Lucy went out on a job; I can't say where Elfman is, and I haven't seen Mira either."

"Oh. And here I was hoping to see those two today," I said. "Oh well. I suppose I'll have to see them another time. Until then, I think I'll head home. Thanks again for going on the job with me Erza. I enjoyed our time, and I'm glad to have had your help."

"The pleasure's all mine," said Erza. "If you ever need my help again, please feel free to let me know."

"Of course I will," I replied.

Then Erza whispered in my ear so that Makarov wouldn't hear them. "And remember to keep my secret a secret."

"Don't worry. I'll remember," I whispered back.

Then I left the guild hall and walked back to my apartment. As I headed home, I walked along the canals close to the edge looking into the water. The channels seemed so lovely, and I felt a little tempted to dive in and take a swim in them, but I didn't think that would be a good idea.

Soon enough, I made it to the apartments, and I had just gone inside and walked to my room. I came to my door and opened it walking inside. As soon as I walked inside, I found a surprise awaiting me inside the room. Sitting on the L shaped couch were two surprise guests, Mira and Elfman. I was so surprised; I practically fell over.

"Mira?! Elfman?!" I exclaimed.

"Oh. Hey there Willy," said Mira. "Welcome home."

"Sorry about this, Willy," said Elfman. "Hope you don't mind, but we let ourselves in. By the way, you got yourself quite the manly apartment. It's pretty nice."

As the two continued to make themselves at home, I couldn't help but feel a little baffled at this.

"This must be how Lucy feels when Natsu and Happy invade her room," I thought to myself. "But... I have been looking for the two, so I suppose I can overlook this. Hopefully, this won't happen again."

"Look you guys; I'm glad to see you," I spoke. "But please try not to do this again."

"Aw come on Willy. Aren't you happy to see us?" asked Mira pouting. "And here we went out of our way to see you."

"Come on, Sis. We kinda barged into his room without asking," said Elfman.

Mira then smiled. "I know. I was just teasing. By the way, Willy, how was your first job with Erza?"

"Oh. It was fine," I said as I sat down. "The job was handled pretty well, and we managed to take the bandits into custody."

"I only wish I could have gone with you," said Mira. "But sadly I had to work at the guild hall..."

"Not to mention that you have an appointment with Sorcerer Weekly in a couple of days," said Elfman. "No doubt that you're gonna be busy."

"Sorcerer Weekly? Is that the name of a newspaper or something?" I asked.

"Why, yes. It is," said Mira brightly. "Sorcerer Weekly is a magazine subscription that details guilds and what they do. It talks about magic items, popular conferences, and even takes photos of popular mages."

"Mira here has been in Sorcerer Weekly quite a few times," said Elfman. "Which is why she's one of the most popular girls in the guild and Fiore."

Mira's cheeks turned slightly pink. "Aww Elfman, you're making me blush here."

I couldn't help but feel a little amazed, staring at Mira in surprise. "Wow. I had no idea how popular you are," I said. "And to think back when we were kids, you didn't want to have anything to do with anyone."

Mira chuckled. "Well, I was a scared, timid little girl back then," she said. "That and I was a bit tomboyish. Too much so for my own good."

"I'll say you were," laughed Elfman. "You were quite a man back then."

"But... Elfman. How many times do I have to tell you?" said Mira sweatdropping. "I'm a woman, not a man."

Then I laughed too. "It's great to know that you two have been doing well since joining Fairy Tail for the past six years," I said. "It makes me feel a bit jealous. I wish I could have been there back then. You guys must have been lonely without me."

"Well... it has been a little lonely," said Elfman. "But thanks to our friends in the guild, we've hardly had the time to be lonely."

"That's right. And thanks to our friends, we've made so many memories with them," added Mira. "And besides, we can make up for those years of being apart by making new memories." Then Mira gasped. "Oh, yes. I almost forgot. Willy, I've wanted to ask you the very first chance that I saw you, do you have any plans for the next few days or so?"

"I don't think so," I replied. "Why?"

"Well, there are two things I need to ask you," said Mira. "One of which involves the three of us."

"You see... it has to do with Lisanna," said Elfman.

The moment I heard that name, the image of Lisanna's gravestone appeared in my mind making my heart skip a beat. I also could feel the pang of guilt bubble up in my heart, but I did my best not to show it.

"Wh-what about her?" I asked.

"Well, in a couple of days from now, it's going to be the anniversary of Lisanna's death," explained Elfman. "Ever since she died, we've been visiting her grave as a tradition."

"And we know that you still feel a little shocked for finding out about it, but we were wondering... if you wanted to come with us to the church," said Mira now speaking in a low voice. "I mean... you don't have to, but we felt like we should ask anyway. You know, to pay for your respects."

I closed my eyes and thought about this wondering what I should do. I've seen the grave before, but it still haunted me that Lisanna was now dead even after a couple of days afterward. However, on the other hand, it would be the right thing to do to pay my respects to her after all these years, even if I didn't want to go.

After feeling a bit conflicted about making my decision, I gave my response.

"I'm not thrilled about this, but I'll come along," I said. "I mean Lisanna is like a sister to me, and it wouldn't be right if I didn't pay my respects to her. I'll go."

Mira and Elfman smiled, feeling relieved.

"Good. It'll be great to have you with us," said Mira. "We'll head over there a couple of days from now."

"Sounds like a plan to me," I said. "By the way, what was the other thing that you wanted to ask me, Mira?"

"Oh, yes. I almost forgot," said Mira. "Could you help me around the guild tomorrow if you're not busy? I have a lot of errands to run, and I could use some help. We could also spend some time catching up."

"Sure. I'd be happy to help," I said with a smile.

"Great. Then I'll see you tomorrow then," said Mira. Then she happened to look up at the clock. "Oops. Look at the time. I have to get back at the guild hall for work."

"Then you'd better get going then," I said. "I don't want you to be late."

"Come on, Mira. I'll walk with you back to the guild," said Elfman. "I gotta get ready to go on a job anyway."

The two of them then said their goodbyes to me as did I and then walked out of the room, leaving me by myself. As soon as I shut the door, I went over to my bed and plopped down right on it, burying my face into my pillow. I wouldn't be lying if I didn't say that was somewhat stressful. First, there was the whole thing with Everlue, and now there was this. I would have said no, but I had to pay my respects not to mention I didn't want to disappoint Elfman and Mira. Lisanna was like a sister to me. Well whether I liked it or not, I was going to see Lisanna's grave once again.

I lied on my bed face down, enjoying the softness of my pillow. Feeling a tad bored, I looked to my side, and I saw the book that Erza had given me to borrow. I could still remember the other night when she completely wonked out on me. I took the book and looked at it, resting my eyes on the cover and then looking at the back. I knew that I was curious about reading it before, but now I wasn't sure if it was a good idea for reading it in broad daylight, considering it was one of those books. Then again, I was in the privacy in my own room, so it wasn't like there was anyone around to watch me or anything.

Then after a few minutes of staring at the book, I then opened it up and began to read it unaware of what I was going to find out when I read the book.

NO POV

The landlady who was in charge of the apartment that Lucy and Willy were staying in was going through her papers by the entrance of the flats. She was a stout middle-aged woman with purple hair, also wearing a revealing real dress with a boa, and wore some high-heels.

She was just about to wrap up sorting through them when someone came to the door and walked up to her.

The landlady looked up. "Can I help you?" she asked the mysterious stranger.

The stranger was a middle-aged man about younger than she is. He had long white hair that was tied into a ponytail and had a beard that was also long, but neatly trimmed. He wore an overcoat that covered most of his body and even wore a hat that obscured his face.

The stranger looked at the landlady and smiled, looking friendly. "Hello there, ma'am," he said. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I have a favor I need to ask you." He dug into his overcoat and pulled out an envelope containing a letter inside and handed it to her. "Would you please give this to a Mr. Willy Falconer? It's imperative that he reads it as soon as he can."

The Landlady looked at the letter in her hands and then looked up at the stranger. "Sure. I can give this to him," she said. "But who is this from?"

The man smiled, having a hint of darkness, unaware to the woman. "Let's just say that it's from someone that knows him... and that someone is looking forward to seeing him soon. Very soon..."

And then the man turned on his heel and walked out of the building.

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Until then, Dragoman out!