Note:Out of curiosity, I created a poll about what stories are you really interested in/ waiting for an update. I'm not demanding for votes (Since I don't feel the need for it.). Just feel free to vote, that is.

Apart from that, I'm truly happy that some people still read and support this story. So, I'd like to thank the following for reviewing the previous chapter:

Schnow-flakes

Naomi Miyoko

Miyazawa Yuki

Hinagiku Zeelmart

RosesxandxNotes

oishi-.-ME

andulgence

XxMidnightStarxX

ilovegraylu

Guest (2/14/13)

Guest (3/31/13)

Guest (8/12/13)

Chapter 9: Catching Up

"Can I…" He trailed off. "Can I really leave you? Just from yesterday I found out that you regained your memories, and after all of that pain from losing you…I…I'm going to leave you again?"

"Don't be silly, it's just two days!" Lucy laughed, trying to lift his spirits up.

"But, what if something happens to you?!" His eyes narrowed down at the girl.

"Loke's with me, and if you're that worried then I'll just stay at the guild." She tried reasoning until he finally agreed.

"Fine, but for your own sake…stay safe." He reached his arms out, hugging her like his life depended on it.

"You too, Gray." She smiled at him.

"Hah, it's as if you're saying that something bad might befall on me!" He joked.

"How nice of you to ruin the mood." Lucy harshly pushed him back, and went on ahead the pathway.

"I didn't mean it, I swear!" He ran after her retreating figure.

'Only three more days, huh?'

Normal POV

The guild was as busy as the previous day, and only a few of the members had remained. Although this time, Gray had scheduled the day for training. Unfortunately, the celestial mage was against this and wanted to come along. Gray declined, but after a whole lot of convincing—he was forced to do so…

"…It's hot," The blond mage continuously whined while trying her best to trail behind the ice mage. "Gray~"

"Then why did you follow me here? Natsu and the rest would have loved to keep your company…" He stopped in mid-sentence. "Now that you're…you know…you,"

"But I wanted to be with you, and besides…now you won't be worried about me?" Lucy said in an unsure tone.

"Correction. I'll be even more worried." He said, wiping the beads of sweat falling down from his forehead.

The two were walking through a small forest that was located near Magnolia. Gray didn't want to go somewhere that was too far away from the guild, seeing as he didn't felt the need to travel to another place. Alas, he picked a spot where a wide meadow was. The ice mage never really knew about the place from the beginning, as he accidentally discovered it while taking a solo mission…

"I'm not that troublesome, you know!" Lucy faked a hurt look.

"You are…"

"Anyway…" The blond trailed off, trying to change the topic of the conversation. "I heard that you were a wreck when I 'wasn't here'." She said, emphasizing the last two words.

"To be honest, yes I was." He lowered his head down.

"…I'm sorry," A soft mumble was heard behind him.

"It's not your fault, Lucy." Gray stopped afoot to give a reassuring look at the blond. Lucy quickly averted his eyes-a hue of pink brushed her pale cheeks. A long sigh escaped his lips, then a smile ghosted over his features.

"You and I know it all too well," Lucy looked up at the tall, built man. Because of her small stature, she had to arch her neck as high as possible. "So at least let me make it up to you by never leaving your side." Her brown eyes glanced at his blue ones.

Lucy widened her eyes when she saw Gray blush a mix of red and pink shades, his hand trying to hopelessly cover it up. It was one of those rare moments whenever he blushed. She thought.

"If you weren't in a child's body, I would've kissed you because of what you've said." Gray bluntly remarked whilst looking away from the girl. After a few seconds of realization, this time it was Lucy who reddened up to a thousand roses.

"…I-Idiot. Pervert," The blond looked away as her petite fingers fiddled the hem of her skirt in a nervous manner.

"Let's get going then?" Gray asked, and looked down at his companion. The latter gave a small nod, and the two continued to trudge through the dense area.

(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

"Gray! It's so beautiful!" Lucy shouted in amazement. Minutes after walking through the forest, the two had finally arrived in the secluded area. Truth be told, the blond had not known that the grassy field that Gray told her about was to be this wondrous.

"I told you so," Gray smirked while combing his long fingers through his raven colored hair. Although the sun's rays were still hitting them, the two had forgotten about the heat due to their astonishment.

"It would be fun if we had a picnic here!" Lucy exclaimed. She spun around the field a few times before landing on the grass, laughing like a little girl.

"I wonder…" Another suspicious smile crept on his lips. "Lucy…" He took a seat next to the girl.

"Hmm…?"

"I love you," Gray said in appeasement. He earned a fitted chuckle when the blond instantly turned red.

"W-What?!"

"I said I love y-"

"I heard you the first time, you idiot!" Lucy turned away from the raven head, still having a case of erubescence.

"Yes, yes. Well, you stay put." The ice mage stood up from the grassy floor, and walked towards the middle of the field. He then began his training while Lucy sat there in surprise when she saw ice make spells that were foreign to her.

Had she really been gone for a long time, to the point where the she would have to catch up with the others?

A sad look appeared on her features. What was she to do…?

Dame's Notes:

No need to state the obvious, I know it's short. But-there are some who wanted a new chapter so...I had to put this up for not only their sake but, also mine.

Another reason why it's short-I didn't want to write random things just for the chapter to be long. Because that would be boring, no doubt.

If you want to request something or if you have something in mind, don't be afraid to ask me.