Disclaimer : Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima.
A/N: This chapter is the result of ItsJ Gacha's review, that's why it took me a while to write. It was a very good point so I decided to do it justice.
Kana's POV
She hadn't noticed at first. She couldn't really pinpoint the first time she had vague misgivings and she still had no idea what had triggered it. It had rather been a gradual awkwardness but it turned into a sneaking suspicion and finally bloomed into full anxiety with all its corollaries. Now, she was worried. Well, not exactly. She was also quite peeved. This was not a healthy way of managing issues. She admitted freely she may not be the best to place blame and point an accusing finger but still. At least she knew what she talked about. And avoiding problems wasn't a Fairy Tail motto.
She couldn't say what tipped her off exactly. Maybe it was the unhappy gleam in Lucy's eyes. Maybe the disquiet in her stance. Maybe it was her whinging in the Guild at night. Maybe it was all the times she was without Natsu and Happy. Whatever it was, she became suspicious so she began to watch her. It didn't take her long to determine something was wrong and that she was quite curious about it. So she went to Lucy and tried to weasel out the information but her friend wouldn't confide no matter how she approached it. She assumed alcohol would loosen her tongue and Lucy would start spilling her secrets. It backfired spectacularly. So spectacularly in fact she had been taken aback. Lucy couldn't hold her liquor, it was no secret. However, she would never have imagined she would flaunt herself in front of their males guild mates. Worse, she clung and pressed herself against Gray and tried to seduce him. Gray! Poor guy hadn't understood what happened. He had looked at Kana with undisguised embarrassment and concern. Sure, he was used to Juvia latching on him but he wasn't quite as bothered as he wanted the others to believe so. She had seen him blush occasionally and look at Juvia sweetly when he thought nobody was watching. But Lucy, that was news.
After this abysmal display, she decided she had to take measures. They were a group of rather close friends but Levy had been Lucy's best friend from the beginning. If somebody knew something, it would be her. So she sidled next to her one morning. Jet and Droy were surprisingly nowhere to be seen, Gajeel and Lily were away on a mission and Mirajane was out in the back where she couldn't eavesdrop. Now, they would be able to talk undisturbed.
— Hey Levy! she called out.
— Kana! How are you doing? Not on mission? It's been a while…
— Yeah, well. It's not as fun to go on missions without Loke and I've got enough jewels to drink for the whole week." Levy hummed softly in agreement. "Actually, I'm concerned about Lucy. Do you know anything?"
— No, why would I?" The blue-haired girl replied, shaking her head negatively and actively trying to appear engrossed in her book.
— Come on… Everyone knows you tell each other everything! You have to know something!
— And why do you think something's wrong?
— Because she flirted with Gray," she whispered, looking around in case Juvia pounced on her suddenly.
— What?! But I thought…" she began before leaving her sentence hanging in the air.
— It's Natsu, isn't it? What has he done now, the idiot?" she mused. levy remained silent. "I did a tarot reading and I got some very interesting results: the Emperor, the Popess and the Death. Do you know what is implies Levy? It means revelation, knowledge, love and transformation." She let her words sink in and watched the other girl. She seemed unsure. Her lips were slightly pinched, her brows furrowed and she got that same intense look she had when faced with a new challenge in a book. "Are they involved?" she wondered, a bit surprised with that piece of information.
— Not to my knowledge. But I think she may be struggling with the idea," Levy admitted.
— Of Natsu loving her? It's obvious that hot-head is quite taken with her actually. He had spent so much time on his own when we thought Lisanna was dead, it has been remarkable when he had introduced Lucy to the Guild. He had never inducted anyone nor shown any inclination to do so. Do you remember, Levy? He was always going on solo mission with Happy, quick to anger, always ready for a fight and heartsick. And then one day, he came back with that girl in tow and they were both undeniably glowing. We hadn't seen him smile that genuinely for so long."
Both remained silent, lost in their own reminiscences. For a time, she had felt like a big sister to their group as they were rowdy, loud, ill-mannered children and she was the less temperamental, the most serious of the lot. It stopped when she began drinking she thought and a scowl marred her lovely features. Still. She felt some vested interest in their well-being somehow. She had always been quite fond of Gray and they were both close friends with Loke. It helped. She knew Juvia would take care of him. Of course, he needed first to stop being a tsundere and a jerk to her then pull himself together and grow some balls. But she was confident he would be alright. She was more concerned for Erza but they weren't as close and the armoured-mage refused any feelings of sympathy. As for Natsu, she had been very concerned after Lisanna's death. He had been so… lost and despondent and angry. And after a few days, he had acted as if nothing had happened at all. It was not healthy, she knew that. She assumed he knew it too but had no other frame of references to deal with the pain. When he had brought Lucy back from wherever he had met her, she had been surprised to say the least. But the girl was so loving, so kind, so lively, she and her hit it off quickly. And she had to admit, Lucy complemented Natsu well. She was as energetic, as feisty and loud as he was. She didn't let him get away with his childishness or misbehaviour but she had enough of a sense of humour to appreciate his pranks and silliness. But now she was different. She knew something was wrong and she had hoped she would confide. If not in her, at least in Levy. She understood her wish to keep things for herself and to deal with her issues on her own but clearly she wasn't managing them and she was struggling. She had given her time to come out with it and find some outward help. She hadn't. So now, it was their responsibility to make it better. She hadn't forgotten how Lucy had been there for her throughout Tenrō.
— Levy, we need to do something. I refuse to sit idly by while she blubbers and get herself drunk silly.
But the blue-haired script mage convinced her to wait a bit still. Lucy was arguably very stubborn and she could be single-minded so she assumed whatever tricks they came up with would be very quickly discovered and brushed off by their blond friend. They would wait until she was so obsessed that she wouldn't see through their scheme. But Kana's worry only grew. She reduced her drinking to keep a better watch on Lucy: she had discovered few new facts but they were very telling.
First, she elected group missions rather than going alone with Natsu and Happy.
Second, they always kept a distance between them. A safety net?
Third, they never seem to willingly touch each other in any way or form. Why were they suddenly so shy when they had always been over each other? They had a very touchy-feely way of interacting so this was very curious. She had a feeling they were much more aware of the other's than they used to be. Maybe they had finally discovered their casual intimacy tended to go beyond the realm of friendship. She smirked slightly at the thought. She knew Lucy was very innocent on that topic. Each time she wanted to embarrass her, she had brought up one of her former boyfriends and all the fun they had. A blazing blush would invariably and positively bloom on the blond's face. She had teased her often enough about it. Lucy always complained about her lack of any love life but she would hide her face whenever she talked about sex. Well, now that she thought about it, she wasn't even sure the celestial mage had experienced her first kiss. No doubt she would feel flustered if she suddenly found herself with stronger feelings and desires. But it really wasn't a good enough reason to drag herself miserably.
Last, Loke has been very much present.
She had always liked Loke and they had done several missions together before he became a Spirit again. They got on well and partnered easily so it had felt very natural to talk him into one. It had been an easy, lucrative mission that they could do in two days time. It was on their return trip that she directed the conversation back to Lucy. Loke had been so adamant about his commitment to her and couldn't stress enough how serious he was about it, it was easy to maneuver him to talk about her.
— Say, Loke, you've been around a lot recently. It's nice to see you again.
— Well, yeah. Someone's got to watch out for Lucy if she's not in any capacity to do so herself, right?
— What makes you thinks so? Lucy is a skilled mage.
— Oh, Kana. We've known each other for years now. You're aware she's not behaving as she usually does. And it's all Natsu's fault, he spat. She was taken aback by the anger in his tone. He seemed to have worked himself into quite a fury.
— He would never hurt her. You know that. So why are you angry?
— Lucy is suffering because of him. That's all I need to know.
— I still think you should have both sides of the story before placing blame. He scoffed and she frowned.
— There is something you simply cannot understand. The bond between a Spirit and its mage is unequaled. Any of us would die its master. And Lucy is mine so she prevails over anyone and everything. Actually, she would even without a contract.
— But Natsu is your friend.
— It is not a matter of personal friendships. Nothing matters more than her. And he made her cry. Regularly. I simply cannot accept that.
— And you have no idea what's wrong? He glared at her darkly.
— Do you? he wondered and she sighed in defeat.
— Nope. But I'd very much like to.
She had waited per Levy's wish. And it brought nothing positive. She had even tried to talk to Natsu. Not only had he looked completely baffled but he had felt insulted and snubbed her. She hadn't talked to him since. Enough was enough. Time for plan B. She banged on Levy's door: they were going to plot.
First they took her shopping. It had been a while and they wanted it to be clear: this was a girl outing.
They would shop, get pampered, gossip and have fun together. It had been too long anyway since the last time. They organised a whole day in Akane resort. It took some of their savings but it was worth it. After a few lazy hours at the beach, they had enjoyed the hot springs. Juvia had seemed in Heaven, Levy and Lucy giggled in a corner and Erza looked at her expectantly. She would have to wait still before her curiosity was satisfied. They treated themselves to a nice, fancy restaurant and were now talking and drinking sake in their room. All her friends were becoming quite drunk already but she had a distinct advantage. She was never drunk out of her mind.
— Hey girls! How about a little game? she exclaimed. Emphatic nods all around. "I suggest we all choose 10 questions. I'll turn them into cards, deal each of us an equal number and we have to answer them truthfully. What d'ya think?"
It took time. She hadn't planned they wouldn't manage that. In the end, she wrote some down herself. They would be sober by the time they were done otherwise. Hopefully, she could cheat and give Lucy some questions of her own. It was her cards after all. She smirked. Juvia went first. She drew the first card of her deck ad it read itself out loud.
Have you been in a guy's room? She blushed.
—Yes, she stammered. Juvia went to Gray-sama's once to give him a present. He wasn't there so I came in and left it on his bed.
Do you have racy lingerie?
— No, came Levy's soft reply. I'm not like you. I wouldn't fill it and I look ridiculous in it, she admitted. The girls hooed in sympathy and offered words of comfort and denials.
Have you ever stolen anything? It was Lucy's turn to blush.
— What? Miss Proper is a thief?
— I'm just borrowing it!" she defended herself quickly. All the girls heads swiveled to her in a silent demand of explanation. She blushed fiercely to the root of her hair and folded under the pressure. "It's just a shirt and I'll give it back anyway."
— Whose shirt? Levy asked coyly. And why would you steal it?
— I didn't steal anything. I borrowed it because it's comfortable and I like it. It was lying around haphazardly anyway. And I don't have to answer! It's Erza's turn now!
Who is your favorite person?
— That's so easy! She beamed. It's Lily of course! He's the best for practice!
Clearly, she was drunk.
Who was your first kiss?
— You've never met him, girls. He was very handsome. His name was… hum… Yougi I think. And god, was he skilled… She saw the other girls watch her with envy and jealousy. She smiled. Maybe she'd call him back. She must have kept his number somewhere.
Who is your best friend?
— Gajeel-chan is Juvia's best friend. He was Juvia's only friend for a very long time and he is always there when Juvia is sad.
Are you drunk? Levy giggled then broke out into loud guffaws.
— Gods, yes !
Have you ever slept with a guy outside a mission context?
— Actually yes," Lucy admitted quietly to all her friends' surprise. Kana didn't miss how Levy perked up, suddenly sobering from her helpless fit of drunken laughter. "Natsu used to climb through my window and make himself comfortable in my bed." Was that wistfulness in her tone and a sad smile on her lips?
— And he doesn't anymore? Kana asked quietly. The other girls kept silent as well, intuitively knowing this was a sore subject for Lucy. Afraid she'd clamp shut again maybe. Or that she'd burst into tears. She seemed about to do so.
— No.
— You miss it? asked Erza, perceptive despite the amount of alcohol she had consumed.
— Course. He's warm and he smells good. It's nice. But now, he won't even sit next to me." She sniffled.
— Juvia is jealous. Juvia wants to wake up in the arms of her beloved too." She pouted.
— Natsu is not my beloved! Lucy shouted. No, yelped. Yelled? Sobbed? Complained?
— Well, you are both awfully cosy. You sleep together, steal his shirt, spend all your time together. I don't see why you wouldn't admit it. Juvia is silly with her antics, but at least, she's honest about her feelings," said Kana.
— Juvia is silly? she heard the rain woman on her left repeat quietly. As for Lucy, she was doing a perfect imitation of a fish out of water.
— Yes sweety, you are. But we like you anyway. Even Gray does, whether he admits it or not," Kana said matter-of-factly. Juvia swooned, lost in her own dreams.
What's your favorite color?
— Blue, Erza answered immediately. The blue of a summer sky when nights descends upon it.
— Jellal's hair-type-of-blue you mean, muttered Lucy. Erza deigned not even glare at her and ignored her royally.
What's your biggest regret?
— Not telling Gildharts sooner that he is my dad.
Have you ever wore special clothes to cover a hickey?
— If Gray-sama gave Juvia a hickey, Juvia would be really proud to show it. Juvia would not hide it under special clothes, she declared. The girls just rolled their eyes. Definitely a resounding no.
Have you ever performed in a street?
— Well, yes! It was a mission with Jet and Droy, before Tenrō. We had to do it for a charity. We had fun!
Have you ever been seen naked by a guy?
— Why do I always get those questions? Lucy grumbled. "Kana, you cheated I'm sure!"
— Just answer Lucy, Erza said resignedly, with a heavy sigh.
— Yes, she ground out. The others looked at her with wide eyes. "It was Zilkonis' fault!" she amended. "He vanished my clothes then threw me away and I ended up riding a bell with Natsu. It was so embarrassing!"
— And that's without mentioning all the times you kicked him out of your flat because he barged into your bathroom when you were in there… Levy added and Lucy glowered at her. She could have sworn she heard her mutter "traitor".
Who's the sexiest guy in the Guild?
— Oh, that's an interesting question! Let's see. Elfman is too big. Laxus scowls too much. Freed is gay. Bickslow isn't too bad on the eye without his helmet, given he keeps his tongue in his mouth. Gajeel is a thug, Jet is too thin, Natsu too loud, Gray too aloof and Loke too effeminate. Hum, so I'd go for Natsu because he's got the biggest, most contagious smile of them all.
— You left out some members of the Guild, Erza…
Have you ever lied to get something cheaper than it was?
— I don't think so but as there are a few nights I don't quite remember, I cannot say for sure.
They played well into the night and finally drifted off to sleep with happy, contented smiles. They had a lovely day and made Lucy laugh. And she had a clearer picture of what bugged her friend so much. She only had to wait morning and find a way to get her alone.
She found her leaning on the railings quite early the next morning considering the time they went to sleep. She was staring out, her face presented to the morning sun and the salty air. She seemed pensive.
— Hi Kana.
— Hi Lucy. How's your head?
— Manageable.
— Can I talk to you a moment?
— It's about Natsu, isn't it? She sighed. "Go on then," she said with a little show of her hand, frowning slightly.
— He's your best friend." She waited until Lucy nodded. "What happened to you guys? Everyone can see something is wrong. We're worried for you." She refused to answer and hung her head sadly. "After what you said last night Lucy, I don't think I'll be shocked whatever you're hiding. And I promise I won't make fun of you."
— We woke up together about two months ago. I don't remember what happened that night. What did you do to us, Kana?"
— Nothing! How can you say that?
— Only your magic could have. Didn't you get new cards then? A new spell you wanted to try?
— Not that I can remember but I'll think about it. One thing I'm sure however, my cards cannot make you have sex. Because that's what you were worried about, isn't it?
— Yes.
— But there's more… she guessed. She saw Lucy clench her fists.
— Natsu is my best friend. I need him. I don't want to lose him.
— Finally realised you're in love with him?
— I'm not! He's an idiot, rude, pilfers my food, destroys everything, rummages through my belongings, he's ill-mannered, loud, rash, childish, immature and a scrapper. Why would I?
— Because he's also caring, brave, loyal, handsome, funny, optimistic, determined, protective and thoughtful?" Lucy huffed and deflated. "Are you ashamed of him?" she wondered. Was that disappointment she felt towards Lucy?
— Of course not! she exclaimed, hurt and betrayal upon the accusation warring on her face. "It doesn't matter anyway. He won't even sit with me now."
— Maybe he's met a girl and he doesn't want her to believe you two are involved.
— Natsu?" she barked a deprecating laugh. "He wouldn't know what to do."
She felt a sudden, fierce rush of anger towards her blond friend and was quite taken aback by the loyalty she realised she harboured for Natsu. Jealousy made anyone hurtful but this was low.
— You're childish, unfair and petty Lucy," she chided. "Maybe you're the oblivious idiot after all."
— I have no idea what you're talking about, Kana.
— This is what you should know: his biggest smiles are for you. He goes on solo missions just to give you rent money. He is always there for you, whatever happens, whenever you need. He chooses missions perfect for your magic first. He picks up your bags and humour you when I know he hates shopping. He brings you trinkets and souvenirs. He makes you laugh when you're sad. He is always at your side. He has caught you every single time you've fallen. He protects you and tears apart anyone who hurts you. Tell me now that Natsu wouldn't know what to do.
— I never looked at it that way," she stuttered, humbled and ashamed.
— So maybe, just maybe," she continued unperturbed, "he's not very keen on the idea you'll reject him. For once, maybe he's done something selfish and tried to protect himself."
— I wouldn't hurt him!
— Really? And what did you do when you woke up together?
— I slapped him and ran off into the bathroom," she mumbled.
— Yes, very mature reaction.
— We were almost naked!
— So what?! From your own admission, it's not the first time. What in all blazing hell was so different this time?
— I don't know! she yelled and they heard one the girls grumble in her sleep at the sudden noise.
—I'll tell you. Anyone with eyes can see you're hopelessly in love with each other. You need to admit it before your relationship is completely ruined. Believe me, if you don't make it right, you won't even be able to mend your friendship. You've discovered your best friend is a handsome guy that you would very much like to keep to yourself and never share. Well, good for you! Now stop being a coward Lucy. You need to talk to him and tell him how you feel.
— I'm afraid to lose him.
— You won't.
— What if it doesn't work out?
— Won't know till you try, will you?
— I'm not risking it.
— You will be able to let him go and move on? To let him move on? Date someone else? Fall in love with another girl?
— If that's what it takes," she replied with teeth clenched. Kana scoffed.
— You're in serious denial. Mark my words, Lucy: this will be your biggest regret and if you decide upon that path, you will lose him entirely. The two of you could have something beautiful and meaningful. But you must allow yourself the opportunity. He loves you, don't doubt it. And obviously, you do too. You're making something simple very complicated. Make it right again, Lucy, you belong to each other.
There was undeniable pain in Lucy's eyes as she dithered on the brink of change, undecided. She could do nothing more for her if she didn't wish to be helped so she left her to her thoughts and went to wake the other girls. She knew she would take the right decision.
A/N : I hope it was worth the wait !