Hello everyone! I can't believe my first Fairy Tail story is coming to an end. It was short and sweet, but I'm happy that so many of you enjoyed it. There is a lot I want to tell you, but I'll wait until the end to do my spiel. For now, enjoy the last chapter of "Your Life's Art"!

Disclaimer: I own the words! Thaaat's about it. -.-

Special Warning: After the end of the chapter, there are two BONUS scenes that went on while Lucy and Natsu's first make-out happened. It was a request from CalaveraCandiedSkull, who wrote one of the stories that inspired me to give NaLu a shot. The first one is Jerza, and the second is Gruvia. Hope you enjoy them!

Chapter Six: Love; Gajeel Style!

"Why me?" This time, it wasn't Lucy asking. Laughing at Levy's loud groan, Lucy sat on the bench next to Levy. In the same spot they had met that fateful Monday two weeks ago, Levy seemed to be having a rough start to the week.

"Gajeel problems?" When the groaning girl covered her face with her hands, Lucy knew she hit the mark. "What happened now?"

"He…kissed me." The mumble was so soft, Lucy had almost missed it. Thinking about the statement, Lucy couldn't see why Levy was so distraught. Her question was answered when Levy pulled her head out of her hands and looked to Lucy. "He kissed me and we had sex, Lucy!"

"Whoa what?! When?"

"Friday night." It had been three days and Levy was just telling her now? Lucy had called the girl the second she woke up Sunday morning! Trying to be supportive, Lucy shoved down her irritation and smiled.

"Th-That's great!" When Levy stared at her in pain, Lucy tried again. "That's not great?"

"No, it's not great. He kissed me after telling me he was offered a job six hundred miles from Magnolia."

"What?!" Levy rubbed her arm as she looked away, wincing.

"Juvia's words had been bugging me all week, so I finally told Gajeel I needed to talk to him. I wanted to just know what he really felt about me. And since you and Natsu had figured it out, I thought maybe I should give it a try. He said he had to tell me something too, so we agreed to dinner at my place. Before I could even open my mouth, he told me about the job offer. He was thinking about taking it!" Now Lucy understood why Levy was so upset. "I told him to take the job, that it would be good for his career. There was no point in telling him how I felt if he was planning on leaving anyways. Gajeel stayed quiet for a bit, and then he kissed me. Lucy, it felt really good! Everything that I had wanted from him. I couldn't stop kissing him. One thing led to another and we slept together. He even left a hickey on my neck."

"I wasn't going to say anything about it, but it's hard to miss." It was still that dark after three days? Gajeel certainly seemed to like rough sex. Or at least claiming his territory, since Levy always had a few guys chasing her tail.

"When I woke up the next morning, he had already left. He wrote me a note saying he was going to be gone for a few days, since he had to talk to the company about their offer. I think he's really going to take the job."

"Tell him not to go then! I'm sure if you call him, he'll answer." Levy made a face at Lucy's suggestion, looking down to her feet in guilt.

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Why would he want to stay here? There's nothing for him but wasted time and money. All we do is fight, which causes him more stress than he needs. The college has offered him a professor position next year, but he's not going to take it. Not when he's got a job that will pay him twice as much."

"But what about your feelings for him? Or the fact you two finally had sex? Don't you think that'd count for something?"

"I can't ask him to stay when there's such a great opportunity for him somewhere else!" Levy shouted, closing her eyes tightly in anger. Lucy knew the frustration of being unable to express feelings to the one person who needed to hear it. She had just been in that situation a week ago.

"You're a great opportunity for him too, Levy. At having a happy life. Sure, it may not pay as much, but Gajeel seems more comfortable here than in any other environment. Money's never really been a problem for him. You know he loves working with Professor Makarov, even if he can't admit it. Most importantly, he would be miserable without you by his side. You just need to tell him how you feel."

"And what should I say? That he should stay because I've had a crush on him for two years? That I can't see my life without his annoying scowls and stupid protectiveness?" Levy looked up to Lucy, tears welling in her eyes. Lucy went to speak, stopping when something tall caught her gaze behind Levy. Not noticing her friend's distraction, Levy fisted her hands on her lap and closed her eyes. "That yeah, he's annoying and rude. He picks fight with me for no reasons and makes me mad because he enjoys my flushed face. That his rare smile makes my heart race and every time he takes care of me I feel special? Do you think he'd believe a word that came out of my mouth if I did say that?"

"Levy—"

"That idiot wouldn't know love if it came up and Natsu-punched him in the face! He wouldn't believe that maybe I seriously am starting to think I may love him…possibly!"

"Who are you to say what I'd believe, shrimp?" Lucy stayed quiet when Gajeel's voice cut off Levy's love-rant, catching the petite girl off guard. Before she had time to turn around, Levy was lifted off the bench by the back of her sundress and into the air. Levy turned her head to Gajeel, who had his traditional scowl on despite the heavy blush on Levy's face.

"Ga-Gajeel!"

"You're a pain in the ass to find, even on such a small campus." Levy's eyes lowered at his comment, biting her lower lip to keep herself from crying. Lucy felt for the girl, knowing this was probably the worst way to confess to the person you love. At least she had known Natsu was in the room. Gajeel kept his strong gaze on her, his eyes narrowing a bit as he spoke. "I can't imagine how hard it'd be to track you down from six hundred miles away."

"I wouldn't be your problem anymore," Levy muttered, trying to hold onto any self-dignity she had. The older guy sighed before closing his eyes.

"I asked Makarov to have an office with a view. Got a weird look from the old man, but he didn't ask much." Gajeel scratched the side of his temple as he spoke, trying to act casual despite the wide eyed look Levy gave him. Finally he looked back at the girl he was holding, speaking gruffly. "Let's get three things straight. One, from now on, I get to threaten any guy who touches you. You're my problem, nobody else's."

"Hold on a second—"

"Two," Gajeel continued, not giving the girl time to argue. "I have a cat named Pantherlily. He will destroy anything you leave in the living room of my apartment. That is his territory; he has earned it."

"…Okay," Levy said, realizing this conversation was going in a direction she liked. He talked like he expected her at his apartment a lot…

"The most important is three. You stop going to bunny girl regarding things you should talk to me about. It took her six years to get a relationship going with the idiot. I don't want to know what garbage she'd put in your head about ours."

"Even just sitting here, I get attacked," Lucy muttered, though more to herself than the two locked in their own conversation. Levy stared at Gajeel quietly, which seemed to unnerve the guy more so than her yelling.

"What's with the staring problem?"

"You said 'ours'." It was three simple words, which could really mean anything, but it made Gajeel quickly drop Levy from his grasp and step back.

"What about it? If you don't want that, then just tell me now." Even though he barked the response out, Lucy could see the tiniest blush on Gajeel's face. Levy noticed too, her smile suddenly appearing again.

"You want to be with me?" Gajeel quickly turned away from her, crossing his arms while looking at the sky.

"Someone's got to make sure you don't get yourself in trouble. I took on that responsibility the day after your presentation; I don't intend to quit. Ever. You and your annoying group of friends will have graduated by the time I start next year, so there is no conflict of interest. You're stuck with me until you tell me to leave. And even then, I'll probably stay. I'm not letting a small fry like you dictate where I go and don't go—hey!" He didn't expect Levy to jump into his back, hugging him from behind. He stumbled a bit, glaring at the happy girl behind him. "I'm not a playground here!"

"Shut up, you big lug nut," Levy mumbled into the back of his shirt, squeezing him tighter. He didn't say her name, and not once did he give the indication that he loved her. Like Lucy said, it would take him years to even hint at that possibility. Still, Levy couldn't have been happier. Somehow, someway, she had just started a relationship with the frowning man in front of her.

"You're such a handful." Even as he said it, Gajeel rested his hand on Levy's head while looking back to the sky. Lucy couldn't stop herself from squealing at the scene that unfolded before her, knowing Gajeel would probably yell at her for it later. Not giving him the time, Lucy grabbed her stuff and ran past the two.

"I've got to go to class Levy. Good job Gajeel, and congrats on the relationship!"

"Hey, bunny girl—"

"Thanks Lucy!" She heard Levy shout back. Lucy knew she was cutting it close on time, but there was no way she could have interrupted that scene. Even if it mean Mira's wrath for the rest of her life. Not liking the sound of that, Lucy ran even faster up the stairs and into the classroom. She smashed into someone, causing her to fall back onto the ground. Instantly sprouting tears from hitting her butt so hard, Lucy whined before pushing herself back up to her feet.

"For a woman who is so tiny, you sack like a football player." She gasped when she saw Loke on the ground, completely flattened. Moving over to help him up, Lucy apologized as the two made it to their seats.

"I'm sorry; I just thought I was going to be late! And since Professor Mira cancelled class last week, I wanted to make sure I was on time." Their teacher had left a note on the door the week before, explaining a family emergency had come up. Though class wasn't held, she left the drop-box open to turn in their assignments.

"Or maybe you're a little excited to see if your sexy drawing of Natsu won you the teacher's attention?" At the dirty way Loke described it, Lucy scrunched her nose at him.

"The picture, Loke, did not have to be sexual." Professor Mira's voice cut off any response Lucy was going to make. Looking up at the young teacher, Professor Mira dropped her stuff onto her desk while gaining the attention of everyone in the class. "Good afternoon class."

"Good afternoon!"

"Most of you completed the project I asked of you wonderfully. I saw lover's eyes, tousled hair, and everything else that make's the human body enticing. However, appreciation of the naked body is not always about sex. Sometimes, it's a snapshot of the innocence or vulnerability that one has when exposed completely to the world." A picture was pulled from Professor Mira's bag, the teacher continuing to talk while she pinned it to the wall. "It can be passionate in a way that nobody but the artist feels. Or, it could be filled with enough emotion that an entire room is brought to silence with a single glance."

And silence the room it did. Lucy's eyes widened as she stared at the drawing in front of her. Or, to be precise, her drawing. Lucy had awoken the next morning before Natsu, who had always been a deep sleeper. After making the few calls to her friends about what had happened the night before, Lucy sat on the side of the bed and watched Natsu sleep. Before she even realized what she was doing, Lucy had started to draw his naked body without the embarrassment or nerves she had the night before. There was just something so relaxing about Natsu when he slept. The drawing came so naturally to her, that within two hours she had completed it. Fearing Natsu would yell at her for drawing him sleeping (it made him look more feminine than the first picture), Lucy barely had time to look at her own creation before she tucked it away with her school supplies.

But now, staring at the picture, Lucy felt warmth fill her entire body. With one leg entangled in the sheet of the bed, Natsu's sleeping face seemed angelic despite the night they had before. One hand rested next to his head while the other across his stomach, focusing some attention to his happy trail below. His mouth was set in a serene smile with a few strands of hair resting over his forehead. The morning light that had poured through her window gave the drawing an ethereal glow, something which she had never noticed before. The lines were sharp, and there were no hesitation marks that would indicate she had lost drive or motivation in the piece. In all honesty, Lucy didn't know she could draw so well. Natsu helped her, even when he didn't realize it.

"One of you captured the true meaning of the project. You found what makes you the best artist that you can be. Inspiration. With that talent you will go far." Mira glanced to Lucy, a smile filling her lips. "Don't ever let that passion slip away from you, because I will be awaiting your next masterpiece."

"Natsu!"Lucy threw her keys on the coffee table as she ran through the living room. "Natsu answer me!" She peeked through the kitchen to see if he was in there, but there was no sign of him. Her scowl increased before she was yanked back into a hard body, arms circling her tightly.

"What's up, Lucy?" She turned in his arms, his bright grin only making her mood better. She laughed and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.

"My piece got picked this week!" She squeaked as he picked her up, swinging her around in a circle.

"I told you I'd be the better pick for your project! Gray would have never beaten me!"

"Yeah, you're probably right." He blinked at her soft smile, slowly placing her back on her feet. Still her gaze didn't waver from him, gently sliding her hands up to cup his cheeks. She felt them warm under her fingertips, but he didn't pull away. It had been over a week since they had confessed their feelings to each other. Though she was thrilled to know Natsu was in love with her, neither one of them had said it to the other since. And worse, he hadn't asked her out. He had no problem with sex, which they had experimented with every day since. They were like bunnies in heat, half of the time Lucy initiating it. It helped with the stress she had been feeling from the project. Not knowing what the outcome would be for an entire week made Lucy feel more strained than normal. Sex was a good release for her, and Natsu sure as hell wasn't complaining. Lucy was surprised she could even walk after the trick Natsu had used that morning. Natsu was a quick learner when it came to things that Lucy liked, and he made sure to show off what he learned the next time they went at it. Even in sex, Natsu was always taking care of Lucy before himself.

Sex, however amazing it was, didn't mean a relationship. Lucy knew that.

"You've got this funny look on your face right now, and I'm not really sure if I'm supposed to say something or you just have to pee." Natsu seriously had a knack for ruining any moment possible. Lucy sighed and dropped her head, keeping her hands on his face to show she wasn't done.

"Natsu, sometimes you just say things…" She shook her head, knowing she needed to keep focus on what Mira had said to her. Taking a deep breath, she looked up at him with a serious face. "I have to tell you something."

"Is it bad?" She shook her head again before Natsu picked her up, slowly walking over to their couch and laying down on it. It was Lucy's turn to blush when she realized she was straddling his hips, but he was too focused to notice. "So then tell me what's going on."

"My professor really liked my piece today. She told me that…" Lucy hesitated, not sure if she should go on with the conversation. Would it scare him away? Was she moving too fast? The last thing she wanted was to make him feel like he had to stay with her after a few mind-blowing rounds of sex. But he said he loved her, right? And he said it first!

"What'd she say?"

"That you're the reason I draw so passionately. You're my…my muse, I guess. A-and that I shouldn't let you go. Because if you leave, I'll lose my inspiration to draw!" She quickly added the last part, knowing the entire response came out weird. Nothing like some girl calling you her 'muse' to freak you out a little bit. Still, Natsu seemed normal as he nodded his head in understanding.

"So then what?"

"That's it."

"Oh, okay." He paused, searching her face for a few moments before he looked to the coffee table. "Hey, do we still have that Chinese menu lying around? I haven't eaten all day."

"W-What?"

"You know; a menu? It's like, a piece of paper with—" She smacked the side of his head and glared down at him.

"That's not what I meant you idiot!"

"Well then I'm sort of lost in our conversation. Did you want Italian instead?"

"No! I don't care about the food."

"Then you talk in too many riddles! If Chinese was okay, why did you hit me?"

"Don't you get what I was saying? I was telling you that I don't want you to ever leave me!" She yelled, earning a weird look from Natsu before he pushed his body into a sitting position. She squeaked when she slid into his lap, but a hand on her back kept her from falling off of him. Natsu pressed their foreheads together, keeping his eyes open to stare into hers.

"Well duh, Luce. I don't ever want to leave. And if I am going somewhere, it's with you." Lucy looked away, but kept her forehead against his while he laughed. "Even if we're dating, you're still my best friend."

"If?" She asked quietly.

"Sorry, when. It's got to be when, because I love you too much for it to be an if!" Well, she got one thing she wanted from him. Even though he had said it to her multiple times that night, it still felt amazing a week later. She ran her hand through his hair, resting it on the back of his neck.

"When, then?"

"I was just kind of waiting until after your project. You've been so stressed out this week! And I'm not sure if you know, but you get very scary when you're stressed. You nearly bit Gray's head off at trivia."

"I…did?" Lucy faintly remembered a scared look on the stoic boy's face, but she couldn't exactly remember why.

"Hell yeah! I've been making fun of him all week because of it. Erza said we should just leave you alone until you found out about your art project. The only time we really talked was when we had sex. Not that I minded! You were really good, Lucy, and that time when you grabbed the whipped cream…" She looked up at him slowly, blushing when she felt his body twitch under her. He leaned forward, kissing her gently while rubbing the lower part of her back. She relaxed into his kiss, his fingers turning her body into jell-o. How did he manage to do that so easily? She was just getting into the kiss when he pulled away, grinning. "I guess I should ask now before we christen the couch."

"We just had sex this morning!" He ignored her protest as he laid her out on the couch, crawling between her legs before she could close them. He rested his hands on either side of her head, keeping himself perched above her.

"So how about it, Luce? Want to be my girlfriend?" She knew that it was what she had been waiting to hear all week, but she still blushed.

"Of course, Natsu. I love you." He gave her a thumbs up, and Lucy felt herself relax. She giggled when he nipped along her neck, then easily gave in to the passionate kiss sprung upon her. Even though the past two weeks had put their relationship through the ringer, Natsu was still her best friend and the guy she was in love with. He was an idiot, but that was okay to her. He was hers, and that made everything else perfect.

"Wait, how did you finish your picture without me modeling? …Lucy? Luuuuucy!"

Well, almost.

BONUS SCENE NUMBER #1

Erza Scarlet was a woman who never let fear rule her. She had faced several hardships in her life, and never backed down from a challenge. It was just in her nature. She was a leader to all, an inspiration to most, and even an idol to a few people she had met in life. Erza never let it get to her head, however, and stayed humble when complimented on her intelligence, courage, or martial arts skills. She was, in many people's view, unbreakable.

"Your apartment is lovely." But the challenge Lucy's words had placed in front of her was more than she thought she could handle.

"Thank you," Erza replied politely, watching Jellal move through the apartment. She stayed by the door, unsure how Lucy's comment would play out through the night. Though she was slightly upset with Lucy's way of bringing it up, the drunk girl wasn't wrong. Erza wanted to know where Jellal's feelings stood. Years had gone past without any movement in their relationship, and Erza had tried to be patient. But his confusing signals of embracing intimacy one day, and pushing it away the next, was wearing on her. The unbreakable girl had a slight crack in her armor, and she was scared Jellal would eventually break her spirit completely. She needed to face her fears tonight.

"Do you live with anyone?" He asked, admiring the art on her walls. She shook her head, fiddling with the black clutch in her hand.

"My roommate dropped out of school, and I was allowed to stay alone because of my consecutive academic performance." She saw a faint smile rise on his lips, which made her blush. Jellal was more than handsome when he smiled.

"You were always the smart one of our group." Silence followed after his comment, and Jellal winced before looking to her bookcase. When she saw her friend stop in front of her photo album, Erza quickly moved toward him.

"Wait, that—"

"It's the same one from when you were little." She stopped at his comment, looking away at the pain that edged his voice. He remembered it. She heard him pick the album out of its case before he moved, slowly seating himself on the couch. She followed suit, her knee brushing the side of his when she sat down. She watched him flip through the photos, something that they had done a million times when they were little. Sometimes it was the only thing to keep Erza from crying herself to sleep. "I forgot how cute you were when you were younger."

"D-Don't say things like that." She blushed at his smile, pushing her hair behind her ear to distract herself.

"I used to tell you that all the time at the orphanage." And he had. Jellal had been the one who always comforted her when she cried, laying in bed with her while asking her questions about the photos she had.

"It's different now."

"Yes, you're right. Now, you're beautiful. I never thought I'd get to see you again after…" After their own version of hell. Erza was only twelve when everything precious in her life was shattered. Her friends, family, and home were all destroyed in a war she never wanted to be a part of. She was brought to an orphanage that took in any of the surviving children from the raid. There she met many other kids her age, including Jellal. She found him cute from the first day she met him, admiring his positive attitude and hopeful smile. Being with Jellal gave Erza hope that everything was going to be okay.

But the people there were far from nice, and used the children to work as slaves in their vegetable fields. There were punished for moving too slow, or not being able to keep awake after several days of labor. Anyone who cried was whipped or beaten. Those who got sick or became incapacitated from work injuries weren't to be found the next morning at roll call. Their screams that woke the other children at night were the last trace the orphanage owners left of them. There were no investigations, because all of their loved ones were gone. If they were lucky, they were fed once a day. They were subjected to torture with no hope of escape.

A year they went on like this. The final straw was when Erza took the blame for a younger child's mistake, earning her a severe beating. She lost sight in one of her eyes from the attack, and in later years had to wear an eye-patch to regain the ability to see. She was returned a bloody mess for the other children to try and salvage before roll call. One look at Erza's beaten body made Jellal decide it was time to break out. The two of them spent weeks planning their escape, watching and learning the habits of their owners. On the perfect night, Jellal lead as many of the children as he could away from their own hell. Jellal held tightly onto Erza's hand, promising her he would make sure she would never be beaten again. The plan led them through a hole in the side of the orphanage home, down through the fields and out on the open highway. It was a twenty mile walk to the closest town, and then they were free. Hope was in every one of their eyes when they reached the pastures without alarming their abusers, but disappeared quickly when emerging from the fields.

Standing between them and the highway were the two orphanage owners and a hatchet. Some of the younger kids started to cry when realizing there was dried blood caked on the sharp grove of the weapon. Erza hid behind Jellal, knowing their plan had failed. But when Jellal pushed her toward the kids, and told her to keep going, Erza was more scared for Jellal than herself. She could see his knees shaking, despite the brave look he put on for the younger kids. She wanted to stay with him, but the other children needed her guidance to the town. Only she and Jellal had been there before. Taking one last look at the boy she owed her life to, Erza turned around and never looked back.

Jellal never talked about that night, or how he got out of the situation alive.

"You've grown up as well, Jellal."

"Ah, have I?" He asked, sending her another smile that made her self-consciously look away.

"Y-Yes. Any woman would be happy to be by your side." She watched his fingers trail over the faded pictures she had managed to hold onto despite the wild escape. The photo album was the only thing she had left of her family.

"Would that make you happy, Erza?" She stayed silent at his question, knowing what he was referring to. It was bound to come up eventually. A little flutter of panic filled her stomach, but she tried not to show it while placing her hand over his.

"It's been a long journey for the both of us. Companionship is something that would make anyone happy."

"That's not what I'm asking." She knew that. Closing her eyes, Erza stood to create space between them. She was stopped by a soft grip on her wrist. If she wanted to, she could shake the hold off with little effort. The hold he had on her heart, however, was another story. "Was what Lucy said correct? Do you…love me?"

"M-m-my friend was extremely drunk tonight."

"Still, I can't help but feel that she speaks more truthful that way," He replied, making Erza lower her head to hide her face. To have her inner most feelings thrown out in such an embarrassing way was not how the headstrong woman was planning on telling her childhood savior. But here it was, unable to be taken back. She closed her eyes when she heard him stand, but still refused to answer his question. Even when he turned her body toward his, Erza only met his gaze with a silent stare. "Answer me."

"No."

"The Erza I know doesn't run from a challenge."

"And I stand here still." It was true; she wasn't running away. She kept her shoulder squared with his and refused to let her blush chase her pride away. Jellal's obvious irritation showed in both his crinkled nose and raised voice.

"But you won't give me an answer!"

"What good would a response do? You've heard Lucy's words; you say yourself they are truth. I won't embarrass myself more by saying I love you." The statement was contradictory; she knew it was admitting her feelings. She just couldn't get herself to say it in the conventional way. Erza wasn't Lucy or Juvia; being love struck did not excite her. In fact, love was one of the emotions she had only reserved for her friends and members of Fairy Tail. Her pride and achievements were seen to others like badges she wore proudly. But to Erza, they were the armor that kept her heart safe. She was intimidating to most men around her, and none dared to approach her in a romantic way. Either their fear of her refusal or their envy of her achievements made them stay far from her. It was lonely, but she was content with her life. That was until Jellal appeared again. Here, staring into the tormented eyes of her long lost companion, Erza felt herself letting the shield lower for him. He was the only one she had left herself open to. The only man she could ever love like this.

"Erza, I've loved you since the night those monsters almost killed you." His direct confession stunned her, leaving her unable to respond. This was the first time they had ever talked about their experience at the orphanage directly. His face held no embarrassment from his admission, only guilt and shame. "It was why, the night you escaped, I was willing to sell my soul to the devil to give you freedom. I wasn't afraid to end a life to make sure you could start yours all over again."

"Jellal…" She whispered his name like a prayer, feeling his hand shake on her wrist. She wasted no time flipping the hold, lacing her fingers between his to try and sooth him. Like remembering a bad dream, Jellal's free hand covered his eye. The other was wide open, Jellal shaking his head slowly.

"I still can remember those monster's faces. I see their twisted smiles and murderous smirks as they promise to find you and kill you slowly. How they changed to pure fear when I wrestled the hatchet from their possession. For those few minutes, I…I wanted to kill them. Like a demon had possessed me, I didn't stop even when they begged…I watched life disappear from their eyes without remorse." His breathing became heavy as tears slipped down his face. She knew he was remembering every detail, and she quickly pulled him into her arms to try and scare off the fragments of memory. A part of her knew what Jellal had done, especially when the orphan owners never came searching for them. Jellal had never returned either, and she had always thought he had died too. Erza had made sure every one of the orphans got a proper home, being the last one to leave that town. Still she never caught sight of him. Now she knew why; Jellal had been too mortified over what he had done to come back to them. He thought they would see him as a cold-blooded killer.

"You were young; you were doing what you needed to protect the children. If they hadn't been stopped, they would have just gotten another group of kids to start over with. You were strong," She whispered, slowly falling to her knees with him.

"That wasn't strength; it was evil. Something that could still live inside of me now. I could never trust myself to be with someone. If they made me mad, I could…" He choked on his own words, and Erza shook her head before holding him tighter.

"You would never harm an innocent person. I know you."

"You can't say you know me after what I did that night."

"The past will not repeat itself if you are aware of it." He stayed silent at her response, and Erza was almost afraid he hadn't heard it. His hands slowly gripped her arms around him, fingers trembling while he buried his forehead into her shoulder.

"When Lucy said what you truly felt for me, I was filled with happiness and fear. Though I feel so strongly for you, my fear came with the realization that being with you could cause you pain. I can't trust myself enough to risk it. It's better to watch you from afar then to ever put you in harm's way. So many times when we were together, I couldn't resist holding your hand or watching your blush. But knowing of how dangerous I am, I never would go further than that. This is why I cannot allow you to continue loving me. I'm sorr—" Jellal seemed shocked when Erza yanked him back far enough to slap him across the face.

"That's not your choice to make!" She shouted, shaking her head once. "I choose what my destiny is, not you or anyone else. I love who I want to love; feel what I wish to feel! These emotions cannot be altered because of your fear of pain. They won't change because of what you did to protect me all those years ago. For you to allow your fear to destroy your happiness is something I cannot stand to see. You will rise from these ashes and live, Jellal! I won't let you fall back into that darkness ever again! Friend, enemy, lover, or comrade, none of it matters to me. I will never let you face these demons alone again."

"Erza…" He looked up at her, Erza weakly smiling through her own tears as she cupped his cheek in her hand.

"You will fight through this with me, and make it out alive. If we're together, nothing can break us. Friendship and love; that's what makes even the strongest demons tremble. We will get your happiness back, Jellal. Together."

"But…is that okay? For me to rely on your strength in facing my own demons? It sounds pathetic, from a man's point of view." Jellal sighed and dropped his head to rest against hers, their breathing intermingling between their lips. His hand reached out to grasp the one that had struck him, holding it tightly through his declaration. "But I am not a normal man, and you are certainly no ordinary woman. Erza Scarlet…I would be honored to have you by my side in this battle. I cannot ask you to be my girlfriend or lover yet, because I know I haven't gotten rid of the guilt and pain that would only hinder our relationship. But know this; you are the only woman who has a hold of my heart. If these demons can be dispelled within me, and I can be half the man you deserve, I will ask for this hand for eternity. I see myself with nobody but you in end."

"I will wait for that day, Jellal Fernandez." Her cheeks slightly warmed as his mouth leaned closer to hers, his last words whispered against her lips.

"Thank you." The kiss he placed against her trembling lips held no happy ending. It was a kiss of promise shared between two warriors. A declaration of never-ending hope, to see the day when their kisses wouldn't be tainted by their bloody past. Erza kissed him back whole-heartedly, relieved her feelings were understood. She could wait besides Jellal for as long as he needed.

True love was patient for those who deserved it.

BONUS SCENE #2

"You look good enough to be a model, Juvia." Juvia hesitantly laughed at the once over Lyon gave her, putting her hands in front of her while shaking her head.

"Juvia thinks Lyon is being too kind. Juvia isn't the type to model." Blushing at the lingering stare on her legs, Juvia focused her attention on the sandwich she had been nibbling on during the entire conversation. Though Lyon was a sweet guy, Juvia never felt the same spark she did with Gray. He complimented her far more than Gray, and in much more romantic ways. But there was just something about her true love that could never be rivaled by his step-brother.

"You are too hard on yourself. Really, your body is a beau—oh. It's you." The sudden dry tone in Lyon's voice had Juvia turning behind her, excitement instantly appearing in her features.

"Gray!" She squealed his name, which normally caused the older boy to wince or send her a disapproving look. When neither happened, Juvia hesitantly took a step toward him in concern. Was he drunk again? She furrowed her brows then quickly dismissed the option. Gray was a loud drunk, and would be trying to talk to anyone he could. The scene was extremely rare, and Juvia could only remember one time he had let himself get wasted. So, if he wasn't drunk, then why wasn't he scolding her?

"The party was much better when you were distracted with beer pong. Go back and play with Natsu and Gajeel; Juvia and I are busy." Lyon's statement got a fierce glare from Gray, but no words. Okay, now Juvia knew something was off. She hurried to Gray's side, placing her hand on his arm in concern.

"Did something happen? Juvia heard commotion earlier, but Lyon refused to let her get involved." She noticed the discoloration of his left cheek, implying that he was in another fist-fight. So that was what all the yelling was about. She knew that it was most likely Natsu, since she had seen them arguing before Lyon dragged her into the other room. "You're hurt, Gray."

"Take a walk with me." It wasn't a question or a suggestion at all. Normally, any request from Gray was polite and regal. He had manners even when he was half-naked or bleeding all over the place. But this time, his request was different. Juvia's face turned red at the forceful tone in Gray's voice, instantly realizing she enjoyed a forward Gray just as much. There was no side of Gray that disgusted Juvia. Her knees trembling when he grabbed her hand, Juvia barely had time to wave bye at the fuming Lyon before she was out of the living room. He snagged his keys to the apartment on the way out, stopping only to give Juvia time to grab her jacket.

"You don't have a shirt on," she warned, knowing how cold it could get in the middle of the night.

"It's fine." His voice was short while he moved out of the house, and Juvia wondered just what it was that Natsu said. Knowing she was getting her hopes up, she remembered that at least part of the fight was about her. She had almost fainted at the way Gray called her name, though she hadn't been close enough to hear what the actual fight was about. Still, it must have been something important if he had been that worked up over it. Juvia stayed silent as they walked through the parking lot of the dormitory, the streetlights lighting their pathway. He had yet to let go of her hand, but she would rather cut her tongue out than make a peep about it. Instead, she turned her attention onto the man next to her. Short puffs of white air escaped his mouth, but he seemed to not notice. Maybe he had gotten used to the cold because of his stripping habit? She glanced to his chest before looking away quickly, feeling like a pervert. This certainly didn't seem like the time to be ogling him, especially if he had something important to talk about. Gray didn't make it a habit to leave his own events.

"Are you enjoying the party, Gray?" She asked, trying to jumpstart whatever conversation he wanted to have with her. He shrugged, looking over to her as they stopped beneath a light post.

"It's mayhem whenever I let Natsu come to these things, but nothing I can't handle."

"Did you two make up? Juvia saw you fighting earlier." At the mention of the scuffle, Gray scoffed and crossed his arms.

"It was more about what Lucy said."

"Lucy?" Her jealously taking hold of her, Juvia instantly intensified the grip on Gray's hand. "Did Lucy try to make a move on Gray?! Is that why Natsu went after Gray? Juvia will have to have a word with her!"

"What? No, no! For the last time, Lucy and I are just friends." Gray smacked his forehead before turning toward Juvia. "She told me something…about you."

"About Juvia?" She tilted her head slightly, wondering what exactly Lucy said to cause the grimace on Gray's face. Not liking to upset her love, Juvia took a step closer and relaxed her grip on his hand. "Whatever Juvia has done, she is sorry."

"The night I had to stay late at the art studio…did Lyon ask you out for dinner?" She wasn't expecting that was what was bothering Gray. Juvia slowly nodded, instantly regretting it when Gray pulled away from her. "So, like a date?"

"What? Oh, no. Juvia only accepted Lyon's dinner proposal because Gray was busy. But Juvia does not consider it a date," She defended, shaking her head several times. Didn't Gray know she only had eyes for him? From how he ran his fingers through his hair, she was starting to think he didn't.

"You're the only one who thinks that way. When two people go out like that…" He looked up at her, and groaned at the innocent look she had on her face. Did this girl understand just how easy it would be for her to be misinterpreted as Lyon's girlfriend? Without warning, he felt the corner of his eye twitch. That was not the image he wanted to think about, especially with Lucy's information still fresh in her head. Not to mention Natsu's taunting.

"But Juvia doesn't see that as a date."

"Lyon did. That's why he tried to kiss you, right?" Gray said it so casually, he was sure she didn't notice the slight anger in his tone. His eyes narrowed when he saw the faint blush on her face as she seemed to remember something. No doubt the kiss. That really pissed him off more than he liked. "He only tried, right?"

"Huh?" Was Juvia so distracted by her memory that she didn't hear his question? Not liking that Lyon could get under Juvia's skin that simply, Gray closed the distance between the two of them.

"Did Lyon actually kiss you?"

"No." Her answer was so quick, Gray knew she wasn't lying. A part of him knew before he even asked that Juvia would never kiss Lyon, but something about Natsu's taunting rubbed him completely wrong. While it was true Gray wasn't in a relationship with Juvia, some things were just understood between them. Like not going on dates with that bastard Lyon. Seeing the confusion on her face from his questioning seemed to prove that she was still as head over heels for him as she had been for years.

"I ain't losing Juvia to him" He was shocked at how possessive he sounded in the earlier fight with Natsu. Hadn't he just been telling Lucy a few days ago that the girl was only a friend? Glancing over to Juvia again, he knew that had been a lie as soon as it came out of his mouth. Even if they weren't official, he had to admit he enjoyed having her by his side. That was why he bought her the box for her DVDs. That was why he gave her a key to his apartment (even though Lyon had been the one to suggest it first). Hell, Juvia was the only girl he had let sleep in his bedroom. Ever. He mentally groaned at the jabs from Natsu he had gotten after the midget discovered that information. He had to pay the idiot not to tell Juvia about that particular information.

"Do you like Lyon?" Somehow, it wasn't enough for him to just see her admiration tonight. He wanted to hear it too. It was a pride thing, or a jealousy problem. He wasn't sure. It just pissed him off, and he knew it was evident in his voice. Her eyes widened at his blunt question, but no response came from her. A panic he had never felt with Juvia set in. He placed his hands on her shoulders to get her to focus on his voice. "Do you have to think about your feelings for Lyon?"

"N-N-No! Juvia only wishes to be with Gray! Juvia is just…confused as to why Gray is so concerned about Juvia's feelings for other men." He was acting like Natsu, which was almost impossible to admit. Whenever Lucy would even mention another guy, Gray was subjected to an hour rant about everything wrong with him according to Natsu. The flame-head would freak out and fret about something so insignificant, Gray would want to punch him across the face. Sometimes he did. But now, feeling the bitter nips of jealousy in his own heart, Gray could see why Natsu had acted that way.

"I just…I have some personal hang-ups that no girl would want to deal with. So I'm kind of expecting you to give up on me eventually." It was weird, admitting his insecurities with Juvia. Or with any girl for that matter.

Dating for Gray was just…hard. Gray didn't know how to take care of other people. Sure, he was a great friend and always came through when Natsu or Lucy needed his assistance with something. But to actually take care of someone?

"Juvia will always be with Gray, no matter how many hang-ups he has. She has stayed this long, dealing with Gray's emotional problems, hasn't she?" Her hands rested over his, and she gave him a reassuring smile. Gray paused at the unexpected response, realizing that Juvia walked a different path than most college girls. She was pretty capable of taking care of herself. Sure, it was obvious that Juvia liked to cling to him like a baby Koala. She just seemed to enjoy being around Gray. But she was very intelligent and had a bright future in her biology major. Add that to the fact that Juvia was really pretty, and had been turning guys down for as long as Gray could remember. She knew several self-defense moves thanks to the ever cautious Erza, and had a knack for picking up his apartment whenever his schoolwork and job overtook his life. She helped with their laundry or dishes, and was always a phone call away if Gray just needed someone to talk to. He couldn't quite remember a time when Juvia had let him down. She was a very reliable person when it mattered the most. And when it came to Gray, Juvia was happy to just be in the same room as him. There were no crazy demands and she never stereo-typed him for being a man. She appreciated everything he did for her, and never hesitated to help him when he needed it. She was just simple.

Basically, Juvia was his girlfriend without the actual title.

So…why weren't they dating? Gray scowled a bit at his own question. When people asked him that, he never did quite have an answer. It just seemed like the obvious reply to deny anything was going on with him and Juvia. That had been his response for years, right? But he had no interest in other women, and he always felt himself gravitating toward her. On nights when he had nothing planned, Juvia was normally the one he called first. Sometimes he'd call her just to check in when he hadn't seen her for a couple days. Sexually, it was a no-brainer that he found her attractive. He had caught himself looking at her legs more than once. Now that he was the one asking the very question that had been haunting him, he felt almost stupid. Maybe even a little embarrassed. And that was not something Gray was willing to feel for long.

"Do you want to go out for dinner?" The two locked eyes, Juvia blushing at how close Gray had gotten to her. Her breath hitched for a moment, and he took the second to clarify his question. "This isn't like you and Lyon, either. I'd like to take you on an actual date tomorrow."

"Really?" She asked, squealing when he casually nodded his head. Instantly the girl's arms were around his neck, hugging him tightly while she continued to chant 'yes' in his ear. He sighed while scratching the side of his head, knowing this tiny step on his part would seem like a monumental jump for Juvia. The woman was a little over the top more times than not, and they still had a long way to go relationship-wise.

Still, Gray couldn't wipe the smile off his face when wrapping one arm around her waist and pulling her closer to his body. Maybe taking care of someone so simple wouldn't be bad after all.

Happy end for all! I hope that you enjoyed this story, as well at the little bonus scenes at the end. I love love love working with these characters! Each relationship has their own flare, and I hope I did each of them as you would like. I loved writing this story, and I hope the ending did it justice to all Fairy Tail fans. Give me a shout and let me know.

Now for your help! As you know, I mentioned a new Fairy Tail project coming up. It's still in the works, but it's definitely going to be a longer story. With that, I feel I may need someone to help bounce ideas off of. Kind of like a sounding board? Let's just call them a Gopher; someone who does whatever I need them to do without complaint…okay, sounded kind of sexual. But you know what I mean! . If you're interested at all, send me a message with a little about your writing experience, Fairy Tail knowledge, and about you in general! =D thanks in advance and make sure to REVIEW!