Chapter 5: Forget Me Not
—[Oh, the sky rained down light. Leaves dancing in the midst of it all. Someone ran with a kite. I remember cars passing by, shining some, a little clean.
The ground, I saw, was filled with grass, so green, nature's beauty in sight. People were at a distance. I felt at peace as I sat alone, away in a daydream…
…and all the while Life, standing by, expected a lot. And nearby, something loomed in the depths of darkness. It was Death, awaiting my arrival, for my end.]—
Part 1: Strong as Steel (Tough as Nails)
"It's been about two weeks since I gave you the pamphlet. Have you been?" Laxus Dreyar opened his locker, then took another glimpse of the work colleague.
Gajeel walked to his own locker to get ready for work. Rolling his eyes, he grumbled, "Of course not. I ain't going there since I'm too busy."
Lieutenant Dreyar gave a hum of acknowledgement.
A locker shut. "Oh, yeah. How's your search for a cat?" asked Laxus. He hid a grin, an eyebrow raised at the ridiculous enthusiasm Gajeel had in this subject.
"You have no idea. I feel like everyone's got one. And I want one, yet I still haven't gotten one just yet…"
"Heh. Maybe you'll get your detective shield after you do."
"I plan on getting it. Right now, 'find a cat' is more important on my to-do list."
Conversation eased into light topics.
"Don't laugh - I'll get my shield soon enough! You were only promoted recently. 'Youngest around to be a lieutenant.' All because of-"
"-my family. My grandfather was a well-respected cop - yeah, yeah, I got in just because of family ties. And leadership skills."
"That's due to you being a delinquent before. Gi-hi-hi. A gang leader."
"Look who's talking. Mr. To-be-singer Redfox."
"Whatever. Have you got an outing with your friends on Friday?"
"Yeah. It was Freed's idea. And Evergreen complained she's got nothing to do. Bickslow insisted we go drinking to celebrate."
"That crazy dude?"
"Just because your first impression of him was a junkie-"
And, like that, the certain topic about the pamphlet was swept right under the rug.
The locker room filled in soon enough, and the officers got to work. Be it work with documents and computers or out in the field and streets. Work was work, and they had another day ahead of them.
In a certain office, three individuals sat. All frowning, scowling, sitting with a straight back.
A real comfortable atmosphere for anyone to enjoy.
One officer not-too-smugly handed their superior a report on their latest case.
"We got their hideout. All the hidden stash was found in our prime suspect's hotel room." Officer Mest Gryder - undercover known as Doranbolt - then added, "The suspect was apprehended. Just as I predicted, it was Zoldeo."
The bastard threw Gajeel a nasty look.
Rolling his eyes, Gajeel leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Arrogant Yomazu bastard and that scared-chicken-shit Kawazu - those two were top priority."
"They worked for Zoldeo-"
"They worked for Zoldeo, sure, but those two bastards were raising havoc - mugging and all - and our priority-" Gajeel glared right back at the whiny moron. "-was having no more casualties." A pause. With a sardonic smile, he added, "Ya shoulda stayed in Vice if you were gonna bitch about how we do things in Homicide."
The two officers shared a stare-down.
It didn't last five seconds.
Papers flipped, and then the two looked from staring aimlessly to the one in charge.
Captain Belno wore her usual purple turtleneck even though it was hot as hell outside. She also wore her usual serious expression, scrutinising the report. "I see you two are getting along well." she commented, still reading through the pages.
She looked up to then scrutinise the two officers. "A reminder as to why the both of you are currently in my office." Her hands gently left the folder on the desk, yet the action had the intensity of slamming the desk.
The officers both shifted uncomfortably at the addressing of the issue.
Gajeel pushed away the need to bite his lip - it was already cut from receiving a punch. Mest rubbed his knuckles, the skin rough and healing, proof of a…disagreement.
Of course, there was much more evidence of brawls having taken place…Not that the officers ever stopped to think about it.
Sighing, she continued. "There have been too many instances in which you two argued - and I do not mean with words."
"Out of all the cops in this department, you two have the highest conflict rates." Brows creasing, her gaze went from the report to the two officers. She sternly warned them, "I will not tolerate in-house fighting. Do I make myself clear? If there is an issue, talk it out with words." Shaking her head, she sighed again. "Next time I.A. will not let it slide." That finally should get them to understand their actions have consequences?
The two left the office soon enough. Only time would tell if anything changed.
"Back from the principal's office?" Meredy asked. "Ultear never gets in trouble, you know. She is an amazing detective. You guys should follow her example…Even Erik doesn't get into much trouble. And the new guy, Macbeth from Narcotics, and even mad-lab-rat Lamy follow the rules too. And…Now that I think about it…You two are the only real troublemakers. Hahaha!"
The two guys still scowled.
It was Mest to say a moment later, "Yeah, well."
Meredy frowned. "You both look so serious. Oh, no - was it serious?"
"We got a warning. Internal affairs probably won't let go if we cause trouble again." Mest said.
"Boys causing trouble. How unsurprising."
The three turned to see Detective Kagura Mikazuchi. She stood with a twirl of her lips upwards, arms crossed, all relaxed leaning against the wall. She definitely looked pleased. "I hope you two behave from now on."
"You're in a talkative mood." Gajeel mumbled.
"We have a new case. Some crazy arsonist. Rustyrose has got a DNA match. He's waiting for you guys to join us in the briefing room. Strategy meeting." Kagura said, dismissing the comment and angry looks, walking with them to the elevator. "Here, the file on the confirmed person of interest." She took out a folded paper. On it, the name 'Zancrow' was bolded.
Gasping, Meredy did a double-take on the photo of the confirmed suspect. "Oh, my gosh - I think, oh my gosh - I went to school with him."
The elevator slowly arrived. "Erik is such a bastard - can't blame me for hitting him." Mest grumbled, getting a nod from Gajeel. It was one thing they agreed on.
Gajeel's phone then began singing. At the ringtone, Mest gaped. "You still have that ridiculous-"
"-You're new, so I'll tell you again. Don't bother." Meredy laughed. Her laugh was strained, her gaze stuck on the paper.
Taking the phone out, Gajeel saw the screen, a smile creeping on. "Excuse me, single people. It's my girlfriend." he said, grinning.
"Hey, babe." Gajeel heard his colleagues groaning or 'aww'-ing - except Kagura of course, the stoic - and he spoke as the doors closed. "What's up?"
"Hi. I'm on my break. Just wondering what we should have for dinner."
"Anything's good with me. Also - I just survived a lecture. Wanna hear me sing?" At that, all of them groaned. Once the elevator door opened, everyone went back to work.
Just another day…Ah, the beauty of an ordinary day…
Part 2: Liar Liar (…-Pants on Fire)
Jellal loved classical music.
It wasn't for a pity-party, or for reminiscing about anything. That would be…pitiful…Listening to beautiful music was calming. He'd been listening to a few today.
The current work of art he was listening to was by the composer Rachmaninoff. A glance at his phone - bought and handed over by Erza - he could see, on the bright screen, the words Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18.
He could only get through the first three minutes before he paused it and took off his earphones - also bought and handed to him by Erza.
In front of him stood a house. A big house that had different aromas of lovely foods he could imagine, and it left his mouth watering.
"I'm not late, am I…?" he mumbled to himself, indifferent at the time he saw as he was checking his watch. This watch…It was one of the very few things he owned that had been returned to him after his release.
Once he neared the house, he heard conversations. Soft music played, open at a low volume. He knocked on the door. And waited. Distantly, he saw his shirt was wrinkled, and brought a hand to smooth it once - not that it did much…Well, it wasn't an issue.
Glancing back up at the door, he saw the doorbell. His hand raised again, this time to ring the bell.
The door opened faster than his planned action. "Oh, Jellal - welcome!"
It was…
"Sorry it took me a while to open the door…Uh, I'm Yukino." she said with a meek smile, ushering him inside. "If, you didn't remember-"
"-No, I wouldn't forget. It's good to see you again, Yukino." His whole face felt off when he gave a smile. The memory of a certain red-head is all it took to make the smile just a bit sincere, one side of his mouth turning up just enough so he was smiling.
Slowly, his feet led him inside the house. Yukino followed, either embarrassed or flustered, her cheeks red, faltering in her steps, falling behind.
The overwhelming delicious smells increased as he continued his slow-pace. On the walls, what he assumed were family pictures. Three children, all smiles - one or two with a pink-haired boy grinning amongst the three - and then there were more picture frames where they were older…-And then there were two of them. No longer three. One of the two, he identified to be Elfman.
Jellal pulled his eyes away from the picture frames, walking to where he believed was people.
He had no idea where he was going.
There were conversations, muffled, but that had to be where everyone was, so…
Taps of feet, and he heard a quiet, "I shouldn't have assumed you forgot…Sorry…" His head tilted at that - but once again, he was too slow to turn around, actions not enough.
In front of him was Elfman, and his probably-sister. "You made it!" Elfman exclaimed, glee on, apron on, and a hand holding out a tray mostly empty of cookies.
"Hi, I'm Mirajane." The person - also with an apron - smiled brightly as she spoke.
Elfman brightened once a cookie was taken. "Jellal, this is my big sis. Me and her made these - they're fresh out of the oven!"
"Thank you." he nodded, the chocolate chip cookie seemingly melting in his mouth. It was good.
Probably, his expression reflected the tsunami of emotion - probably not, but it was always possible - because Mirajane laughed. "It's nice to meet you, Jellal. Glad you liked the cookie. Please, have some more - we made way too many."
"You should be a man and have another. There are more trays in the kitchen." Elfman then grumbled about not putting enough chocolate chip into the cookie…The cookies seemed to have enough, but Jellal wouldn't know.
It was Mirajane to suggest Elfman work hard in the kitchen - meaning there was still work to be done left for the younger sibling - while she led the way and talked about how wonderful the weather was, how good it was to have people over, and so on.
They walked outside into the backyard. At the end of the backyard was one of the most beautiful gardens Jellal had ever seen. Flowers of different kinds, decorations surrounding them, and, at the back and corners of the backyard were some tomatoes, and a few other things he couldn't identify from afar.
Most of the people from the last meeting were here - the nice lady, Minerva, sat in a chair with phone in hand, beside the girl that had a boyfriend…What was her name?-
"Hey," Cana said. "You strong? You don't look all that strong, but I feel like you are…" She reeked of alcohol, just as the first and only meeting she'd attended, possibly not even coherent, but Jellal greeted her nonetheless, leaving her question as rhetorical. But in the back of his mind, he imagined he'd certainly be strong. If he had powers or something. For sure. Never was he weak, so…
The guy that was glued to her the first meeting then showed up behind her. The guy - architect? - glanced at Jellal, then at Cana. "Are you also telling him how we met? Want me to?"
The guy was like someone explicit in his affection for women, just like Loke - who had been in one of the meetings, no suit in sight, only casual clothing, hair done differently with more casualness, and a confession of how his work required all that, even the nickname 'Leo the Lion' and how his name was, in fact, Loke.
"Nah, Hibiki. You go ahead." Taking a swig of a flask that somehow materialised in her hand, she wobbled over to Lyon sitting by himself, who - once Cana was in vicinity - instantly waved her goodbye and rushed back inside the house, stiff in his movements.
The tension and robotic-like stiffness…It reminded Jellal of those times in lock-up…Those days had been stressful…
But Jellal assumed the guy enjoyed solitude, since he was the only person alone - other than Hisui busy with papers, and Brandish, busy taking pictures of every delicacy laid out on the big table in the middle of the backyard. "-And since I was one of the three best workers in the bar, my boss let me leave early." Hibiki was saying, holding an empty cup.
Jellal walked with him unhurriedly back inside the house, just following his lead.
"It's a good thing the chief is so easy-going like that, because that night, after hearing Cana's troubles," He brought a hand up to his chest, appearing very noble. "I knew I had to do something. And I knew a way to make her enjoy her time. And she suggested it to me - before I said anything - so she's smart. I'm a great guy to choose amongst the bartenders, so…"
"Are the other bartenders also great?" Jellal asked, just to make conversation.
"Oh, there are. You know how I said there are three top workers? Well, the other two are my good friends Ren and Eve. Though Eve is interning at the forensics department-" With a shake of his head, Hibiki sighed. "Us three will always be bartenders, part-time or otherwise, the best of the best, always getting ladies, always taking notes from the chairman on how to be a better bartender…But it's good to see Eve take initiative and work hard in what he wants to do." The guy then patted him on the shoulder, then gestured at a door in the hallway.
Hibiki opened the door - presenting the kitchen - filled his cup with water, and raised his eyebrows at the sink.
The sink was full of dirty dishes Elfman was putting away into the dishwasher. Probably items used in the making of the cookies and such. And, really, the sink was full. It was incredible how the guy worked hard until, within moments, half the sink was cleared.
Apparently, Elfman didn't need their help, laughing it off with a 'I can do it, I've carried a fridge before. This is easy!' which either meant he was joking and didn't need assistance or he was super strong.
Back in the backyard, Hibiki joined Cana at the 'snackbar' with Mirajane, and handed her the water. She reluctantly drank it, and her flask vanished from its place on the tabletop…Those carefully watching would've seen Hibiki put it elsewhere.
Meanwhile Jellal went to where the others were sitting in a poor attempt at a gather-up. He joined whenever he could in the conversations, about life, jobs, and - something he could relate to - finding hobbies, like maybe forming a volleyball team. For some reason, everyone seemed to be cool with volleyball of all the sports…
The sun up in the sky, Brandish took selfies. At some point…Jellal was faced. "Oh, yeah. Jellal, you said you had a question about something? Last meeting?"
Right. Last meeting, he'd ended up confessing to needing advice. He grimaced, but recovered quickly to nod and give a small smile, hopefully appearing friendly. "I, yeah, that's right. I was just wondering how to make something up to someone…?"
"One time," Brandish began, blankly staring. "I was sick, and this guy who I thought was my friend, Marin, wasn't there. And, like, I found out afterwards that he'd been out to travel. Gave me a bracelet to atone." She paused, adding, "I pushed him once as a joke for his annoyingness, and he fell down the stairs. Was in casts and all, barely visible. I allowed him to paint my nails with his one functioning hand. He said it was the best time for him as he recovered. Thanked me for my kindness."
So…A gift? "Giving her a gift would work…?" he thought aloud, nods of agreement following.
Huh. Sounded simple enough. Maybe Jellal could do that.
They talked some more, and in the midst of it all, Hibiki entered, nervously laughing. "Cana's drinking finally didn't agree with her. Bathroom's busy."
Minerva snapped her fingers. "I have an idea. Hibiki. As an expert in knowing what a woman likes, why don't you help Jellal with picking a gift for his girlfriend?"
He flushed a rosy red.
"I never said-" he tried to correct, he did, but then words of 'female' and how he said a gift for 'her' were given as proof. And he could not say anything more whilst his face burned…At the very least, he got some advice from this. And, honestly? Hibiki was the right man to ask about what gifts were best, and since Jellal had no knowledge in this department of 'gifts', this really was helpful.
Part 3: Art of Chillness (Just be Calm & Carry On)
"Bathroom's that way…"
Elfman's brows creased at the nauseous look Lyon wore.
Was he allergic to one of the foods…?
Oh, he should've asked! It wasn't manly of him to forget asking!
All Elfman could do was stare whilst the guest rushed into where he'd pointed at.
Lyon walked into the bathroom and shut the door, locking it quickly. Taking deep breaths - or, trying to, his hands fumbled with the soap, bringing it up to smell it. "I don't believe this…" he grumbled, voice coming out shaky.
This issue was still an issue?
Memories, of alcohol smells everywhere, of a monster-
Water opened at the max, he washed his hands with the soap. The water rushed down the drain fast and he couldn't bring himself to decrease it or warm it up. His fingers felt like they were freezing, but it wasn't bad. It was grounding. And the soap that he rubbed his hands in smelled nice…The smell of this soap…Strawberry, sweet, fruits…
-"Gray actually went to that monster?!"
Yells and screams. Too much blood.
Smells of alcohol - so much of it-
He thought he'd gotten over it…
-Slurred words. "Boy. Thinked y'd kill me…?" Alcohol smell near the monster - blood - the monster laughing in that drunk manner-
…But he felt like puking his guts out.
His heart hammered in his chest, and he took another deep breath.
Everything felt like it was all buzzing and he wanted to go to the gym and just calm down.
He needed to calm. Down.
Still, his heart kept sprinting, too fast, blood pumping, his face heated, heart beating way too fast, memories-
Splash of the glacial water onto his face, he let out a long breath.
Calm. The fuck down.
A few seconds - or a minute, he couldn't be sure - and then he turned off the water, taking the hand towel to wrap his hands.
Man, his hands were cold.
He left after he cleaned himself up and felt freshened up.
Opened the door to leave just when a flood of alcoholic smell overwhelmed his senses.
Cana looked green, holding onto Hibiki, Elfman behind them with his hands hovering in the air like the host was uncertain what to do.
But Lyon was not really focused on them - not really. Not when the scent of that damn drink was too strong.
"-I'm gonna-" Cana began, echoing words that Lyon had already thought of.
And then Cana pushed him away to do exactly what he'd been feeling like.
Once she was done vomiting, Hibiki said something about thanking Lyon for 'having things handled here'.
Lyon had only been stuck in place and watching the drunkard as she threw up.
At the very least, Elfman was here too.
The guest would be taken care of by the host.
Smell in the air hit him once again.
It was too much-
He went to just get out of here, but Cana held onto one of his ankles, the hem of his trouser grabbed in a lifeline, and he could not move.
Wonderful.
Absolutely wonderful.
Some more retching after was when Cana muttered, "Thanks f'r stayin'…"
Like Lyon had done a thing.
"Here…" Elfman said from the door, and Lyon flinched. Hard.
Too focused on Cana, he'd forgotten about everything else - surroundings gone from his mind.
Great.
There were tissues and a bottle of water in the host's hands.
"So, Ly-on. Lights off?" When no movement was made, Cana looked up from where she was taking a sip of the bottled water. "H-ey. Can you close the lights? My head feels like it's gon' explode…"
"Actually, closing is wrong." Lyon's words received a scrunched up face. "It's turning off the lights - that's the correct way of saying it." he said, a trembling hand going to tap the lightswitch off.
Darkness enveloped the bathroom. And his heart resumed its pounding.
This was too perfect.
At least some light entered from the door that was ajar.
He bit his lip, and listened to the speaking. Or tried. The blood rushing in his ears was too loud, and his vision swam with shadows. It was too difficult to focus.
"-Elfman, that's good! You've made new friends, and work at the rest-raunt. Your lil' sis'd be proud. I'm cert'n."
"Thanks. I…I really appreciate you saying that. I try to be a man and live a good life, y'know?"
"Yah." That said, Elfman said he was going to find some antidote or something for Cana, and left.
A pull on his trouser had Lyon's gaze snapping down. About half of Cana's face was visible from the light hitting her, and Lyon saw her smiling. And that erased the memories clawing its way up - of an evil smiling monster. "So," Cana began, actually talking to him for the first time despite being in a few meetings together. "Heard y'were mean t'your bro. Rude."
Lyon couldn't speak a word. His tongue was heavy in his mouth, teeth not sitting right as he clenched his jaw. "Bet he's feelin' better since y'guys made up."
Another tug on the hem of his trouser. "You listening? Du-de?" Cana dragged the word out, her expression twisting to annoyance.
"I am listening." he snarled. "And no, of course we didn't make up or fucking talk."
She blinked at him. "Really? Aren't you sorry?"
"Of-fucking-course I'm sorry." Lyon felt like maybe he was breathing too hard, but he couldn't move to get out of this place when there was that hold on him.
Cana hummed. "How will he know you're sorry if y'didn't tell 'im…Sheesh…You guys, not expressing emotions n shit…"
"He must be scared of me. He must hate me - I can't talk to him." Lyon justified. Jumble of words as he reasoned the simple, logical explanation for his in-action.
At that, Cana laughed, her hold loosening. "If my dad ever came ba-ck, an' apologised, I'd be learnin' that he's actually feeling sorry." Her face fell as she whispered, "Right now, I dunno if he doesn't care, is away enjoying his time, or, even cares about me at all." Looking up, she had an incredulous look on as she raised her voice. "I seriously can't be-lieve you. If you feel sorry, just tell 'im. Simple, yeah?"
Part 4: Sweet Memories (Lovely! More?)
Erza had left the two idiots by themselves.
Well, really, she hadn't.
She thought Loke was with them. And he wasn't.
"If he has been busy womanising…" Her threatening words died down as she saw a flash of a familiar suit-wearing guy enter the library.
It would be understandable if it was due to emergencies - she would've known if it was, so it couldn't be - or if it was some sort of important thing, she would understand. But he hadn't even texted back.
And she loved making new memories with her friends! It was a delight, and truly fun!
Loke should've been there too, even if it was to watch the two morons break one hand each in a stupid attempt at raising a car from the wheel with claims of being the stronger one. After the two got lost in their camping fiasco, she thought they'd learned a lesson in not doing something stupid - trying to play tag of all things in an isolated area and leaving their phones behind so Erza could find them hours past midnight. Seriously! Camping wasn't meant to be like that!
And people were meant to learn from their actions so as to not do anything stupid the next time!
There shouldn't even be a next time! Gosh!
Unbelievable! "Morons, all of them…"
Some random stranger wearing glasses and a bandana in a nearby table was caught staring at her words, and gave Erza a smile, the stranger wincing at the terrible attempt of a smile. The girl quickly turned back to her laptop, keys being pressed audible if one focused or strained to hear.
Erza raised a brow, but said nothing to demand what the stranger was staring at, too busy waiting, her fingers tapping the tabletop while she waited for her friend.
And waited and waited.
"Sorry I'm late…" Loke sighed as he pulled out a chair.
"You always say that." she remarked.
What a friend! Not even saying hi, but instead flirting with some worker in the library stacking up books in a bookshelf. Their schedule didn't involve leaving a worker blushing and interrupting the workflow in a library!
A shrug. "I can't help it." Grinning, he leaned forwards. "I love making ladies desperate for the sight of me-"
"-I demand you stop the foolishness right now."
"Yes, ma'am…!" he yelped out, pitch high, words barely audible from how quiet he got so suddenly from seeing Erza glaring.
It was good.
Her glare was still just as effective.
"Natsu and Gray are waiting to be discharged. We should make certain they do not act like children."
"Of course. Those two seem to never grow up. Unlike me, am I right?" he asked, the cat-like grin returned full-force.
Erza exhaled. How exhausting to say facts. "You're all children…" This was really exasperating.
Spending time to reminisce about later on wasn't supposed to be about injuries and irritating behaviour. It was supposed to be fun, lovely, and just fun they have all-together.
They stood up to leave when, again, Loke paused to go to a female.
This guy…!
Watching as the bandana-wearing stranger talked with Loke, Erza felt herself boiling with rage. "Loke!"
Said moron glanced at her. Waving her over - as if asking for a beating - he kept conversing with the stranger.
"This is Levy. She's one of the people in the events I go to. Y'know, the one I told you guys about?"
"Ah, yes." Erza nodded.
She turned to the person meekly waving from her seat. "I'm Levy…You must be Erza?"
"Yes. How do you know?" she demanded, ready to interrogate the stranger known as Levy who apparently knew Loke even though he rarely attended those so-called fun meetings.
Those meetings most definitely couldn't be fun. She hadn't experienced it herself, so how could she know? "Oh, Loke here told me all about his friends, and he mentioned you, Erza - a lady that didn't act like a lady, red-head with a fierce will who'd do anything for her friends. Someone who he was glad to have as a friend…"
The two were staring at her in expectation of something. Maybe Levy expected her to be friendly. Maybe Loke expected her to be flustered at the complimenting, or a yelling for describing her as 'lady that didn't act like a lady' - how dare he!
"It's really nice to meet you…" Levy tried again, smile dropping slowly.
A nagging feeling in the back of her mind reminded her that this irritation she felt was due to a certain someone named Jellal attending those event-meetings.
And if Levy here was there too…
"Tell me," Bending over so she was face-to-face with Levy, she then asked, "Do you have someone you love?"
"Well, uh, I mean-" Levy gradually turned more and more pink, and finally answered. "I have a boyfriend…You don't have to worry! I have no feelings for Loke!" the girl ended saying with a laugh, not seeing when Loke acted like he'd been shot in the heart, turning into crumbling concrete, glasses shattering just like his feelings.
Erza gave a nod at the words.
This was…oddly relieving.
Not that she wanted Jellal to not have a relationship. Not that she cared about his personal interests in women or if Levy could be a potential person he'd take a liking to.
Swallowing, she pulled Loke with her. "It's good to meet you as well." she said to Levy, and then added, "Good luck with your work!" Erza waved her goodbye with one hand, dragging along the late-arriving friend with the other.
They made it to the hospital in the middle of another petty squabble the two idiots were having.
Then, they went to Natsu's part-time work so he could get the week off - the guy never took any days off, so this was a good time to. He wouldn't be able to work with one hand.
"How horrible!" the person in charge of the flower shop said. A hand running through her pink hair, she wiped off a non-existent tear. "Take as much time as you need until you're better. It's my hope that you get better soon. With…love!"
Not long after, they were back
Gray was the one to push Natsu's buttons for once, playfully making fun of how Natsu had to eat with his non-dominant hand, while Gray didn't.
That was resolved fairly quickly with Loke entering the conversation to say, "You two really should've let a man do the job of lifting a car. With my strength and skills, I could easily-"
"-shut up! Nobody asked you!"
"Yeah! We're stronger anyway!"
"That's right! And you weren't even there."
"If you were there, then maybe we could've seen you make a fool of yourself."
Loke fortunately was smart enough to say quietly enough the two didn't hear him say, "I wasn't the one making a fool of myself…"
Finally those two were getting along, agreeing with each other.
Some would say Erza was seeing the glass to be half-full.
It was optimism where Erza saw an opportunity for them to hang out together more until the two got better.
They'd remember these days, she knew. In the future, they'd look back, and remember all these days, friends forever. And all she could do was hope things would turn out alright.
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Sorry for the delay! :) Here is the most recent chapter - I consider this chapter a kinda break-y sort of chapter, just to have a glimpse of the other characters, I guess? c:
CharmGirlLove - Thank you for the review! Your kind words flatter me - really, made my day (and reminded me to update XD apologies for the extreme tardiness. Not intentional, promise) And, but of course there'll be use of skills. :D It'd be a waste otherwise…
I cannot promise the updates will be regular nor soon. But I'll try! :D
Hope the new year is going well & wishing luck if not
Later~