Two Hearts, One Wish

by bestangelbaby

When two people from different worlds make the same wish, they are brought together by forces and reasons unknown to them. Watch and see how the addition of this new person will affect Earthland and the lives of the people connected. No pairings as of yet, may change in the future. Will be rated M for language and scenarios in the future.

5. Chapter 5

Previously:

He sits back in his seat and lets a smirk cross his face as he watches the smiles in realization start appearing on the young faces in front of him. "You can't join something that you already are a part of in your heart." he finishes with a look of pride shining in his eyes. Cheers erupt from the guild as everyone is laughing, crying, and cheering all at the same time. None more so than the newest member in the center of the celebration.

---

The welcoming party starts before the Master's words finish echoing throughout the guildhall. Never before in my life, have I felt as accepted as the members of Fairy Tail make me feel. This feels right. I feel like this is where I belong. Right here, with these people. My happiness overwhelms me and I start crying, again, much to the horror of the boys. I laugh as the tears run down my cheeks, vastly amused with the reactions of the guys.

Lucy and Erza share a look of understanding between each other and embrace me with a large hug. When the worst of my joyful tears are over with, I thank both girls with another warm loving embrace. Erza even manages to not slam my head against her armor. As the party gets into full swing, it seems that every time I turn around someone is pushing a tankard of something into my hands. I politely thank them, move on and give it to someone else. At one point, I forgot what I had in my hands and feeling thirsty, I took a swig.

As soon as the taste of alcohol registered, I spewed out the drink in a large spray. Seeing that, most of the guild pauses in their partying and starts laughing at the different faces I make while trying to get the taste out of my mouth. Mirajane, taking pity on me, brings me over to the bar and gives me some sweet, non-alcoholic, fruit juice to help rid the taste of alcohol.

"You don't really drink much do you?" she asks with a giggle after I drown almost the whole mug in one go.

I let out a sigh in relief before answering, "No, I don't drink at all. I never want to touch that stuff." I make a face in distaste before adding, "Nasty tasting drink. I never understand why people like it so much."

"Well, people seem to like it because it makes them happier, more free to express themselves." says Mirajane cheerfully.

"More free to act the fool and make dangerous mistakes as well." I mutter darkly while staring into the mug. A hand gently places itself on mine. I look up into the concerned eyes of Mirajane.

"You had something bad happen back in your world." she states. I nod before looking back down, trying to keep the memories at bay. "I won't press you for the story, but if you ever want to talk about it I'm willing to listen." her gentle voice says to me. I look back up and give her a soft smile.

"Thanks Mirajane, that's means a lot to me. I'll be sure to take you up on that offer when the time comes." I place my other hand on top of hers, and I give it a gentle squeeze.

"You can also talk to me if you have any other questions or concerns, or if you just want any advice. I'll be glad to help the best I can, or just be a shoulder you can cry on." she gives me a sweet, happy smile which I can't help but return. On the bar stool, I turn around to face the guildhall as the partiers have a great time. I let my smile fade as an old memory returns. There are some things that can't be shared, even amongst family.

---

The celebration lasts longer than I would of expected. The sun slowly starts to sink and bathes the guildhall in a golden light. I sit there lost in my thoughts as I survey the guild when not brawling. Its sorta peaceful like this. Lucy and Erza seem to be in deep conversation about something. And there's Gray with, whoszat again? Low key? I sit up a little straighter. Huh? Where's Pinky and Happy?

Elfman, in what seems to be a heated debate, slams his fist on a table to make a point and he happened to hit the edge of a plate. The fork and spoon on the plate fly into the crowded hall and almost immediately people start fighting. I give off a slightly amused grin. There's goes the peaceful vibe. A beer mug crashing into the bar next to me brings me out of my silent reminiscing. Feeling the need to release some tension and clear out the dark thoughts I recently had, I fly into the fray.

Feeling my heart beat faster and my internal worries melt away, I dodge thrown objects, and flying fists. Adrenaline pumps through me and I grin like a fool. My punches don't affect the guys very well, but my kicks were much more effective. After a while, I notice that none of the people I been brawling with weren't really fighting me. I would get punched, but there is no real power behind any of them. They were more of a tap than anything.

Treating me with kid gloves huh? I'll show them what a country-girl can do. Determination drives me forward as I attack harder and fiercer trying to get someone to fight me for real. At one point, I come across Gray using his magic to slam someone else to the ground. I move in from behind and knock him down with a well placed kick to the lower back. I raise my fists ready to block a return attack while bouncing on the balls of my feet. Turning around in anger, he sees that I was the one who attacked him. Grumbling, he shakes his head and moves off to fight someone else.

His reaction gives me an empty feeling inside. I shake my head to clear it and pick someone else to fight. Yet despite how I fought, none of the guys would fight back and I haven't seen any of the other girls in the fray. Finally, I get sick of the special treatment and I slink off to sulk at an empty table in the back. I watch the others in jealousy as they were having the time of their lives.

Man, this sucks. I always wanted to get into a proper fists-out, drawn-out brawl, and when I get the chance, no one wants to fight me. This really bites. I let out a frustrated groan and slam my head onto the table. The smell of oak and beer assaults my nose as I lay facedown on the table, grumbling to myself.

Moments pass by while I listen to the drunk revelry. Heh, just like home. Everyone is out having fun while I just sit on the sidelines, watching. Guess things aren't as different here as I first thought. Even in another world, people are people wherever you go. A light touch on my back startles me and I lift my head in response. Standing beside me is the short, petite, blue-haired girl named Levy.

"Uh, hi there. Can I help you?" I start off lamely.

"Hi! I'm Levy. Levy McGarden! Pleased to meet you, Krysti!" she chirps very energetically. I can't help but smile and chuckle at her contagious happiness before extending out my hand for her to shake.

"Nice to meet you too, Levy!" I cheerfully greet back as she shakes my hand vigorously and seats herself down beside me. "You're the one who broke that body swap spell, right?" I ask.

"Yup! The answer was actually very simple. Can't believe that it took me so long to figure out all I had to do was read it backwards." she bemoans while shaking her head sadly.

"Hey! You still managed to figure it out, which is awesome! I wished I could have been able to help, but I can't even read your language." I tell her in a sheepish manner.

"Eh? You can't read?!" she looks at me, horrified. Both of her hands cover her mouth like I told her I like to kick puppies.

"I can't read your language." I correct her while chuckling. I clear my throat before continuing, "But oddly enough you guys have some things written in my language. I see bits and pieces that I know from other languages and then there are some that I don't recognize at all." I shake my head in confusion. "It's like a conglomeration of different languages that I know of, with some extra thrown in. I honestly can't make heads or tails out of it."

"I never heard of anyone knowing of another language that isn't of the ancients. As far as I know, everyone speaks the same!" she says loudly while waving both of her arms wildly in the air, shock written all over her face.

"Not me, I have to have this…," I tap at my ear where I have the translator firmly wedged in place, "…magic translator so I can speak to everyone. When I first met Natsu and the guys, it was really frustrating that I couldn't communicate very much. I'm just glad that my world and yours have a lot in common otherwise I would have been totally lost!" I say in relief. Her eyes start bugging out which causes me some concern. "Hey, are you ok, Levy?"

"Your world!?" she almost screeches out in shock.

"Oh? No one mentioned it? Yea, I come another world." I state calmly.

"Oh. My. GOD!" she squeals that last word much louder than I anticipated, making me clap my hands over my ears. She grabs onto my arm with a vice-like grip before shouting, "You have to tell me everything!"

"Uh, sure." I chuckle weakly under her audio assault.

---

Krysti and Levy spent the next few hours discussing the differences and similarities of the each of their worlds while the brawl inside the guild calmed down. Afternoon and evening blends gently into night without the girls noticing. When the subject came to books, the overly excited blue-haired girl makes a dash to drag over her fellow book lover. Lucy is confused to why she is being dragged over until the conversation starts up again about books.

They then have a rather lengthy talk punctuated with excited squeals from one girl or the other. While all the while Levy's teammates Jet, the fast running magic user, and Droy, the plant magic user, were at a table behind the girls marveling at how cute the blonde and bluenette were.

Before Lucy and Levy leave for home, Krysti gets them to promise to help her learn how to read, much to the enjoyment of the new friends. Left alone again, but feeling much better, Krysti stays at the table for the rest of the party and watches with no small amount of jealousy when Cana and Erza join in a renewed brawl and gets no special treatment from the guys. It was short lived as Erza defeated the other fighters with terrifying efficiency.

This leads to Krysti understanding even more why her friends are so afraid of making the red-head mad. She then snickers to herself at the thought of how her friends must of viewed her being able to stand up to Erza. The Fairy Tail members leave the guild in small groups not long after Erza takes out almost every fighter, each helping the other stagger home with lots of pained groans. Except for the ones who partied and fought so hard that they passed out on the floor.

Krysti shakes her head sadly at the sight, but makes no move to help them. Unsure at what to do, or where to go, she sits quietly at the table waiting for Natsu to return.

He has been missing since before the 2nd brawl and Krysti hopes that he remembers that he and Happy invited her to stay with them.

By the time most of the people have left, Mirajane appears from behind the bar and starts working on moving broken furniture around. Seeing this, Krysti pops up out of her seat and moves over to help the young woman. She protests, not wanting the guest of the party to clean. Krysti stubbornly insists and sighing in defeat, Mirajane goes and hands her a broom from behind the bar.

Sighing again, she gives up the broom with an, "Ok, but only sweeping! You're not to do anything else!" she commands sternly with both hands on her hips.

"Yes Ma'am!" Krysti chirps with a large grin and a salute.

With a laugh, Mirajane goes to do other cleaning duties while the brunette moves to a corner of the hall and start sweeping in a leisurely manner. She smiles to herself at the familiar task and starts to hum in content. When all was left was the sweeping, Mirajane approaches Krysti with a rubberstamp. Krysti slows her sweeping and looks at white-haired in confusion as the she moves closer.

"If you are a member of Fairy Tail, you need a guild mark on you to prove it.", Mirajane explains when she see Krysti's confused look. A look of understanding appears on the other woman's face before the younger asks, "So where would you like it and what color?"

Looking surprised, Krysti asks, "I can choose a color? What choices are there?"

"Any color you want, no limits." she answers with a small grin.

"Hmmm." Krysti frowns in thought, considering her choices. A couple of moments later, she perks up with a smile.

"I would like it in royal blue, if you please. And right here." she says while patting her left hip.

"Ok, let me set the color and we will be ready." Mirajane says while fiddling with the stamp. Krysti maneuvers her night gown and sweatpants to expose where on her hip that she wanted the guild mark. One quick stamping later, and it is complete.

Krystina Skye VanHawkins is now an official member of Fairy Tail.

Krysti twists and turns, trying to get a good look at the stamp before giving up with a sigh. She looks up at a giggling Mirajane before giving her a smile in return.

"Thank you Mirajane, I'm really glad to know that now I'm considered a full member despite not knowing any magic. This has been some crazy day." she says gratefully.

"That's Fairy Tail for you, a crazy day is a normal day. And please, call me Mira." she replies with a warm smile. Placing a hand on her hip that is holding the stamp she reaches out to grab the broom while adding, "Now let me take that broom and finish sweeping for you. Its late after all."

"Naw, I got it. You been doing all the hard work with the furniture moving and stuff. This is the least I can do. You can go on home, I'll finish up." Krysti tells her firmly.

"Well, ok. If you're sure." the blue-eyed woman smiles and waves goodbye, leaving Krysti as the only person awake in the hall. Everyone else that passed out has been moved to another room that was set up for the overly enthusiastic partiers to sleep in years ago. With a contented sigh, she continues to work in silence on sweeping everything up that she can. By the time she finishes, she is tired and footsore.

Taking the broom back to the bar, the brunette leans it up against the counter and turns to survey the hall. Too tired to be picky, she heads over to an empty nearby bench that hasn't been destroyed in the fight to lay down on top of it. Using her arms as a pillow, Krysti lays down on her stomach and proceeds to get comfortable. Unsure of when Natsu will return, she decides to try to get some sleep in case he doesn't show.

---

A hand on my shoulder and a voice in my ear wakes me up from a dreamless slumber.

"Hey! Krysti, get up! It's time to go!" says the voice in my ear loudly.

"Huh? Wha…?" is all I say as I lift up my head to see who is shaking me.

"What are you doing sleeping here? It's time to go home." the voice says. I open my eyes to see a blurry image focusing itself into the missing dragon slayer.

"Huh? Natsu?" I yawn. "What are you doing here?" I ask as I go to rub the sleep out of my eye.

"I've come to take you home. Remember? You're staying with me for a while at least." he tells me. Another yawn forces its way out of me.

"Ah, that's right. You did offer." I push myself off the bench and into a sitting position. "Where were you? I didn't see you for most of the celebration." I ask him tiredly.

He looks away like he is embarrassed before answering, "I was at home, trying to get it ready for you. I never lived with someone before. Well, besides Happy that is. I wanted to make a good impression." At those words, I feel touched that he was going through all that trouble for me.

"Oh Natsu, you didn't have to do all of that." I gently tell him with a warm smile.

He shakes his head before smiling widely. "I want to. After all, we're family!" Looking up into his eyes, I feel a large smile form on my face as well.

"Yes, of course. Family." I say, agreeing with him. I get off the bench with a stretch to wake myself up more as my joints crackle and pop from the movements.

"Your body sounds like an old person each time you get up." he says with a smirk and amused glint in his eyes.

"Your's will be the same when you get to my age, punk!" I playfully retort. He starts walking out the guild while I follow along.

"Who are you calling a punk, grandma?" he replies with a grin.

"You, that's who, dragon-breath." I quip, grinning back.

"Hey! My breath doesn't smell that bad!" he says in a mock hurt tone.

"Apparently you never smelled your breath in the morning. Phew!" I act like I'm waving away a bad smell with one hand.

"At least I don't eat like a pig!" he retorts a bit grumpily.

"Wrong again, dragon boy. I raised pigs, and you can shovel down the food just as fast as they do!" he pouts at this, which looks ridiculously cute on him. I poke his cheek with a finger. "Aw, did I hit a nerve there?" He pouts more.

"I'm sorry Natsu, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." I apologize. His face doesn't change and he doesn't look at me. I smile and say softly, "I missed you at the party. Everyone was having fun, and two more brawls started."

"Aw man! You mean I missed a chance to beat up that ice-bastard?" he whines as he looks back toward me with disappointment in his eyes. The jab from a moment ago now forgotten.

"Heh, yea. You did. But if it's any help, I gave him a couple of pretty good kicks." I state proudly.

"EH? You went and fought?" he asks incredulously.

"Yea, I jumped in with the others." I let my smile fade and now it's my turn to pout. "Only no one would fight back with me. I punched and kicked but no one would fight me. They treated me like a kid." I cross my arms over my chest with a humph.

"Of course they wouldn't fight you! You're a girl!" Natsu exclaims like it is the most natural fact in the world. I glare at him before smacking him upside the head. "OW! What was that for?!" he yells while hold the back of his head.

I bite off angrily, "It shouldn't matter just because I am a girl! I wanted to fight dammit! I'm no girly-girl. I want to get in there and get my hands dirty. If I was just a kid, or sick, or staying out of the way, that's one thing. But I went into the middle of it and I wanted a bare-knuckle showdown with blood and sweat flying everywhere! That and I saw no one had a problem fighting Erza or Cana when they joined in!"

After shouting this, I proceed to march down the street leaving him behind me. I am not a feminist, but I never really considered myself a girl. I always felt much more at home as one of the guys. So it always irks me to be reminded that yes, I am a woman, and no, I can't do everything a man can. It's always been quite the sore spot with me and one of the few things that would actually make my temper explode. Natsu right then just hit the button perfectly to set me off.

"Goddamn sexist males. Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I don't want to roughhouse with the guys. I wanted some fun dammit!" I mutter out to myself after I passed by a few streets while silently grinding my teeth.

"I would like shum fun too, girlie. Why don't we have shum fun toge-together?" a unfamiliar drunken voice calls out from the darkness.

"Beat it dick-wad! I am so not in the mood!" I growl out to the dark figure not bothering to stop my angry march.

"Well that's too bad, besuse I am!" declares the drunkard before snaking out a hand and catching my wrist in a tight grip, jerking me to a complete stop. I narrow my eyes at him as my anger grows.

"You're going to regret that, fucktard." I hiss out. Ok, self defense lessons, number 1, if they catch you by the wrist, hand, or arm, step up closer and drive a fist into the solar plexus. A grunt of pain sounds out as I put my thoughts into action. Step 2, use this time to break out of the grip by twisting through the thumb and index finger. A dancer's twirl and my wrist is free. Step 3, if their head is low enough, grab them by the ears and drive your knee into their nose. A loud cry of pain follows a crunching noise. Last, if they are still upright, finish it with a blow to a vulnerable area. A thump of something hitting the ground hard follows after I go for a vertical kick to his face.

Breathing heavily, I lower my foot as I stay on high alert in case he has buddies. With no signs of anyone else around after a couple of tense moments, I relax my body suddenly feeling cold. Wow, I didn't know how heated up I was from my earlier anger. Guess that is where the expression 'make my blood boil' stems from. I shiver a little and start walking away from the drunk in case he gets up and wants to go for round two. As I pass by that building the drunk was at, a warm hand lands on my shoulder. Instinctively, I twist out of the grasp and jump away while still spinning to see who my new attacker is.

"Whoa, calm down there. It's just me." Calls out Natsu's familiar low voice. I start relaxing again as he continues to talk. "I saw how you took care of that jerk back there. That was awesome! I had no idea that you can fight like that!"

I arch an eyebrow at him before replying sharply, "I took some lessons while in my world, just in case for guys like him. Usually I don't get bothered by those guys, but there is always just the one that doesn't give a damn." I take a calming breath and ease up on my sharp tone.

"I don't have the physical capabilities yet to do a lot of fighting stuff, but what I can do, I do very well. I always wanted to be able to train to get stronger. But between my job, my family, and college, it was hard enough just to learn and train with what I know right now." I finish in a regretful manner.

Both of his hands land on my shoulders a couple of seconds later as he says, "Ok then. Let's train together so we both can get strong." My eyes widen.

"You really mean that?" I ask with hope in my voice.

"Of course I do! I wouldn't have said it if I didn't." he laughs out.

Really excited, I ask Natsu next, "Can we start tomorrow then? After I get settled in?"

"Sounds like a plan!" he agrees cheerfully. "So let's get home and get some sleep! Man, I'm feeling tired. Cleaning up is hard work." Natsu whines like a little kid. I laugh lightly while shaking my head at him. We walk along the streets in companionable silence, only hearing the sounds of our footsteps echoing through the streets. Minutes tick by and all of my earlier emotions are slowly replaced by a deep feeling of content. Clouds start to cover the moon, reducing what little visibility there was.

Barely able to see anything, I step closer to Natsu and wave out a hand trying to make contact. I feel cloth and quickly grasp it feeling better now that I have an anchor. I feel his pace slow down as he lights a flame on the end of two of his fingers. The light is slight, but enough that I can see my way. I smile to myself at the flames as I follow him outside of town.

This should be very dangerous, a man I barely know leading me to his house outside of town in the dark. Yet, I don't have a care in the world. I look over at Natsu and watch how the light of the flickering flames dance over his face. I trust him. I don't know why, but I trust this man. Sensing my gaze, he turns to look at me before giving a carefree grin. I feel my cheeks heat up at the sight as we walk into the woods. Wow. That grin. Just wow.

Before I know it, we reach a small home with a wooden door. He opens it gently and holds a finger up to his lips to tell me to be quiet. I nod in agreement before he lets me in. With so little light, it is hard to see anything about the house. Long shadows are cast all over the place making strange shapes dance along the walls. He leads me to a couch like piece of furniture that has a pillow and a blanket of sorts on it. Still quiet, he motions me over to the couch. Ahh, so this is to be my bed for the night. Better than a wooden bench, that's for sure.

He turns away to go to what looks like a hammock hanging between a pole and the wall when I feel a tug on my hand which stops him. I forgot. I was holding onto his clothes ever since the clouds rolled in. He turns back to me with a questioning look in his eyes. I let go of his scarf with a smile. Before I could have second thoughts, I stand on tip-toes and lean in to give him a peck on the cheek.

"Thank you, for everything." I whisper as quietly as I can. Turning around, I start to make up my 'bed' without waiting for his reaction. As I lay down and make myself comfortable as I can on the couch, I hear cloth rustling from the other side of the room. I close my eyes and let exhaustion pull me into much needed sleep.

---

Warm.

As I wake up, that is the first thing that I notice. I feel so content and warm that I snuggle deeper into my pillow wanting to just stay there as long as I can. I scratch my nose as it itches, and before I know it, it itches again. I start to wake up more now. Taking in a deep breath, the smell of wood smoke and spices overtake my senses. Oddly calming despite my dislike of smoke. I settle deeper into the pillow, inhaling the smell. Something tickles my nose, like a fly fluttering around so I swat at it. I can hear slight giggling coming from nearby. Another tickle with another swat by me followed by more stifled giggles.

Hmm? Ok, what's going on? Quiet shushing with another giggle follows more stuff landing on my nose. Oh, so that's what's going on. The little scamps. My nose starts itching like crazy, but I ignore it. The giggling quickly stops and with it a renewal of the tickling. I clench my hand under the covers trying to ignore the itching while waiting. Almost, just a little bit more…. When I can almost sense that whoever it is starts leaning in close to me, I take in as deep as a breath as I can.

Erupting out of the covers, I let out as mighty of a roar as I can to scare whoever has been plaguing my nose with itchy stuff. Natsu and Happy are holding onto each other in fear as I wave my arms wildly at them while still roaring. Before I know it, I feel like I'm falling and my roar turns into a shriek as I fall. Waving my arms in panic at the sudden turn of events I forget to catch myself as I land face first into the floor. Pain explodes across my face as I feel more than hear odd, loud, crunching sounds. I cry out loudly as I turn over to get off of my face. Tears well up in my eyes at the stabbing pain. My legs thump on the floor, but I don't care as I hold onto my face with both hands.

"Ow." I whimper out in pain. I can hear loud rambunctious laughter from two different voices. Ignoring them, I just squeeze my eyes shut as I lay there in suffering. I'm gritting my teeth to keep my from crying at how much it hurts. Warmth starts falling down my face and a familiar taste enters my slightly open mouth.

Blood.

Oh shit. I take my hands off my face to see blood covering them. Using my bloodiest hand to cover my face again, I use my other one to push myself up into a sitting position up against the couch. The laughter abruptly stops.

"Krysti? Are you ok?" I hear Happy's voice quiver in uncertainty.

"No." I whine out at them in a muffled voice. Tears are streaming down my face along with blood as I turn to face the two males and soon their eyes bug out. Looks like they see the blood. I remove my hand from my face and wipe both of them on my pants. After somewhat cleaning them, I pull the neckline of my gown up over my face to start wiping off the blood.

Pain explodes from my nose as soon as I touch it and I let loose a loud howl of, "FUCK! OWWW! OW! FUCK! MY NOSE! OWWW!", before I could stop myself. Quickly letting go of my nose in favor of less pain, I squeeze my eyes shut again waiting for the throbbing to die down. Frantic footfalls zoom around me and I open one eye to peek at the activities. Through the wateriness of my eyes, I realize that I'm laying on the floor again and I can feel the blood sliding down the back of my throat.

The dragon slayer and his cat are running around like crazy, throwing stuff around like they are searching for something. The throbbing my nose lessens and I open both of my eyes now. Damn, never had this happen before. Hope I didn't break it. Although I'm pretty sure I did. Raising the neckline of my gown again, I carefully start wiping the blood off of my face while avoiding my nose. A cry of triumph takes my mind away from cleaning the blood off of me.

I see Happy flying right at me with a cloth in his paws, with a frantic look on his face. Before I can say anything, the cloth is thrown in my face. Normally, this would never been a problem, but unfortunately this was not a normal situation. I let out another cry in pain as the cloth sets off a new wave of throbbing agony. I yank it off quickly and curl up into a ball with my arms around my head to protect my face from more abuse. Intended or not.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" I hear a voice cry out. I ignore it in lieu to focus on easing the pain. Ow, dammit. This hurts. I hear more voices talking that I continue to ignore. Two strong arms wrapping around me jostles me and causes my nose to bump into my legs. Stabbing pain lances through me and its all I can do to not faint. I can hear a loud, high pitched noise from nearby and soon my throat begins to hurt. My vision is blurry and I see a pink and blue blur in front of me.

What's going on…? Sunlight and wind is soon felt on my face. But the blurs stay in place. I hear rapid thumping, and my head throbs with it. My body feels like it is being jerked around rapidly and my vision darkens. The pain lessens as darkness overcomes me.

---

It was another normal morning at the Fairy Tail wizard's guild. Mirajane was behind the bar, serving food and drinks. Levy was with Lucy chatting about their favorite books, Gray was busy talking to Cana while she drank heavily. Macao and Wakaba were talking about the good ole days and everyone else were going through their morning routines.

Yep, just another normal day.

Until a sudden crashing from the entrance catches everyone's attention. Natsu is standing there breathing heavily with a bloodied and unconscious Krysti in his straining arms. Looking frantically around, he sees Mirajane and rushes over to the bar.

"Mira! Krysti fell and got hurt! She needs help!" he shouts out anxiously. He lays down the hurt brunette gently, trying not to hurt her more. Everyone rushes over to see what happened to their newest member.

"Oh my! What happened to her!?" Mira exclaims.

"Its all my fault!" cries out an obviously upset Happy. "I was trying to wake her up by using my tail to tickle her nose when she suddenly shot up and then fell on her face." he starts crying harder and flies into Lucy's arms, seeking comfort.

"She needs to go to a hospital!" calls out Macao.

""Jet!" cries out Levy.

"On it!" he answers, before straining to pick up the plump woman and using his magic, speeds off to the hospital as fast as his namesake. Following close behind him was most of the guild that was there this morning. Thankfully, it was a slow day at the hospital so there was no wait when an exhausted Jet makes it to the lobby. The nurses quickly take charge of the injured woman and they take her deep into the building while leaving Jet in the lobby.

He takes a seat while stretching out the aches in his arms and back, unused to carrying anything while running. A few short minutes later, the majority of the guild shows up at the hospital. Jet moves over to them as they catch their breath from their frantic sprinting.

"She is already admitted, there is a doctor with her right now." He tells them calmly.

"Thank god!" Natsu shouts out in ragged relief. Seeing all the blood on Krysti and having her pass out on shook him up more than the others realized. Erza clamps her hand on the dragon slayer's shoulder.

"Tell us exactly what happened. From the beginning." she demands in no uncertain terms and a hard stare on her face.

"Y-yea." he starts off a bit shakily, still catching his breath and terrified of the look the red-head was giving him. "She was sleeping on my couch and Happy and I thought it would be funny to wake her up by having her slap herself awake. We used Happy's tail to tickle her nose. She swatted at it a few times before she shot up out of the couch roaring at us. Before we knew it, she fell on her face and it wasn't until she sat up that we saw all the blood." he ends in a guilty tone. Lucy, Levy, and a few others gasp at the mention of the blood for they were too far back to see the brunette's blood covered face and clothes.

Taking a deep, calming breath, Natsu continues, "Happy found a rag for her face, but she kept screaming in pain. I did the only thing I could think of and that was bring her to the guild. She passed out along the way." He looks down at the ground sullenly at this point. A nurse with a clipboard walks in at this point asking for Jet. He, along with the rest of the guild, surround her within a blink of an eye to find out what's going on. Looking uncomfortable as she glances around nervously at the crowd of people surrounding her, she focuses on Jet before speaking.

"The young lady that you brought in will be fine. She just has a broken nose and the doctor is setting right now." At this news, a collective breath is let out in relief. The nurse continues on in a professional manner. "She is however going to be in a lot of pain, so for now we have on strong painkillers. The doctor believes that it will be best for her to stay the rest of the day and the night to help make sure that nothing else happens while her nose is at this tender stage. Is any of her family present?"

"We are her family." Erza states. The nurse blinks at this.

"Um, no. I mean her blood relations. We need them to fill out some forms." the nurse replies back a bit hesitant. Erza shakes her head in denial.

"She doesn't have any blood relations. We are the only family she has." she clarifies. The nurse nods at this, used to the way family works with Fairy Tail, before she hands Erza the forms.

"Please complete them the best you can. Leave it on the counter there and I'll be back to pick it up later." The nurse then bows a bit before going back into the hospital. After hearing the good news that the brunette will be ok, most of the guild members trickle back out of the hospital to update the rest of the guild. Just before Levy leaves, she stops and hurries back to Natsu who is still staring at the floor with clenched fists.

"Oh Natsu, before I forget I wanted to give you this." she hands him a bag that she was carrying on her shoulder. The action brings him out of whatever thoughts he was having.

"Huh?" he says before picking up the bag and sniffing it. "What is it?"

"It's the reward money from the Changeling spell mission. Well, most of it. I took enough for rent and a few other little things." Levy explained.

"I can't take this Levy. You're the one who solved the message, not me. It's yours." Natsu states as he pushes the bag back towards the short girl. Levy smiled and stepped back from Natsu as she shook her head.

"You said you were planning on using it to help Krysti. I want to help her too, that's why I'm giving it to you." She giggles before adding. "At the very least it will help with the hospital bills."

The pink-haired man gives Levy a big open-eyed grin before saying cheerfully, "Ah. Thank you Levy. This will help out a lot."

"Think nothing of it Natsu, anything to help out a friend." she chirps very happily while holding her hands behind her back. "Tell her that I hope she feels better soon! I'll be by later to visit!" she shouts out while almost skipping out of the building with Jet and Droy following close behind her like lost puppies. Silence soon falls as the last of the Fairy Tail members depart which leaves Lucy, Gray, Happy, Erza, and Natsu in the lobby.

They go and take seats at different points of the lobby, waiting for news of their newest friend. Erza already completed the forms since they don't know much about Krysti, medically at least. The nurse quietly retrieved the forms without alerting any of the anxious people as to when she has taken them.

Close to an hour passes in silence, as each of the team members are lost in their thoughts. Footsteps echo in the hallway and everyone lifts their head up in expectation, hopeful for news. A middle-aged looking gentleman with slight graying at the temples of his blonde hair walks in. He looks up from a clipboard that he is carrying to look at the people in the lobby.

"Friends of Krystina, I'm assuming?" he asks in a low gentle voice. Shooting up from their seats, the Fairy Tail guild mates rush over to surround the doctor.

"Is she ok!?" Gray loudly exclaims. Not fazed in the slightest, the doctor laughs in the same gentle tone.

"Yes, she will be fine. Her nose was only broken, so we put her on some strong painkillers while we were fixing her nose. It was enough so she wouldn't feel it. Everything is fine now, she just needs to stay tonight to let everything set." he explains calmly. As he spoke, everyone's face sprouts a happily relieved face.

"Can we go see her?" asks Happy as he floats just behind Natsu.

"Is she awake?" asks Lucy at the same time.

The doctor looks at them both before addressing their questions, "Ah, yes. She is awake, but I wouldn't suggest visiting her today."

"Eh!? Why the hell not!?" loudly asks a fuming dragon slayer. At this the doctor looks slightly sheepish which worries the others.

"Well, uh… it seems that she doesn't have much tolerance for painkillers. As I said, we put her on some fairly strong ones which knocked her out as to allow us to set her nose. She woke up not soon after we moved her to her room…and uh… well…" he trails off unsure how to proceed.

"Well?" asks Erza in a very stern tone. The doctor takes a deep breath before he plunges in.

"Well, the painkillers have caused her to be very, I guess we could say loopy?" he says with a slightly nervous laugh.

"Loopy?" asks Lucy in a soft questioning tone.

"Yes. Loopy. She is completely out of it. She has been talking to the nurses, but is not making any sense at all. I can't understand anything she is talking about. She kept getting out of the bed despite multiple times telling her to stay put. It if wasn't for the fact that we put restraints on her, she would probably be trying to dance around the halls." he says in an almost defeated voice. Hearing this, the rest of the group become slightly mortified and exasperated.

"That sounds like Krysti alright." says Happy in a sagely way.

"We would give her some pills to let her sleep it off, but I'm leery of giving her more medication with the amount of painkillers in her. Normally this wouldn't be a problem but with her reaction towards the painkillers, I don't want to add any possible complications that might arise." The doctor explains.

"That sounds like a good idea, who knows what she would do under additional medication." agrees Gray before he slightly blushes at some thought he had while he stands there suddenly shirtless.

"What are you thinking about, pervert!?" Natsu scolds, noticing the blush on his rival's face.

"I'm not thinking about anything, flame-brain! And who are you calling a pervert?" Gray retorts in a louder voice. Immediately the two are butting foreheads as usual when they are having fights.

"You're the pervert, droopy-eyes! You're half-naked with a blush on your face, that makes you a pervert!" Natsu almost shouts back.

"Like you're one to talk ash-breath! You're practically half-naked yourself with that open jacket you wear all the time!" Gray shouts angrily back. As the two boys growl at each other, Erza walks up between them and with a loud clang, hits them both hard on the head. They both fall face first to the ground with their butts up in the air and one leg twitching.

"Quiet both of you! This is a hospital. A place to rest and recover. Not a place to fight. Understood?" she barks out quite loudly. The hospital staff along with Lucy and Happy shrink back in fear at the armored red-head, not daring to contradict her that she too is being loud as well.

"I am sorry for the disturbance that these two ill-mannered boys have caused. I won't let this happen again." Erza states with her usual no-nonsense manner. The doctor looks askance at the two boys just pulling themselves up off the floor before coughing to try to clear the awkward air. Clearing his throat, he takes a deep breath and regains his professionalism.

"If you can come back tomorrow morning, the medication should've run its course and we can put her on much weaker painkillers as she heals. She should be ready to be discharged by then." explains the doctor. Erza nods in agreement.

"Ok, we will be back tomorrow to pick her up. Thank you Doctor…" she trails off slightly.

"Shibiwa. Doctor Shibiwa."

---

I wake to the smell of slightly stale air with a chemical clean scent. Groggily, I open my eyes to see a blurry white ceiling and white walls. Man, another weird dream. I swear my imagination scares me at times. What the hell was my brain on to dream up a Judoon from Doctor Who to be dressed as Miss Piggy from the Muppets and singing love ballards to the Lucky Charms leprechaun? And what the hell was that other weird dream? Shooting stars and a giant guy with a huge weird moustache…

I yawn quite loudly before I go to rub the sleep out of my eyes only to find out that I can't move my arms. The shock wakes me up completely and I look down at my body to see 3 sets of straps holding me down

"What the hell!" I exclaim loudly. Why the hell am I strapped to some sort of hospital bed? I struggle in my bonds, wanting to get out. I use my weight to start rocking the bed trying to tip myself over when a nurse hurries in at the commotion.

"Miss Krystina! What ever are you doing!?" she cries out shrilly.

"Why the hell am I strapped down!?" I shout back louder, not stopping my struggles. The nurse throws herself on the bed in attempt to stop the rocking.

"We had to! You wouldn't stay in your bed to rest after we finished setting your nose!" she shouts back. At this, I stop trying to free myself. Now I'm feeling perplexed. Setting my nose? I voice my question and the nurse, looking relieved that I stopped, answers, "Yes. Yesterday you were brought in unconscious with a broken nose and we gave you some strong painkillers so you would stay asleep as we fixed it up for you." She takes a calming breath while straightening out her clothes.

"You woke up a short while afterwards and you were having an unusual reaction to the mediation that was still in your system." she finishes.

Feeling worried, I slowly ask, "Unusual reaction?"

She nods then clarifies, "You were acting very silly and saying the most ridiculous things. And you refused to stay in bed. In fact, if we didn't restrain you then you probably would have been running around doing who knows what in the hallways. The doctor was afraid you would re-injure yourself so we had to do this." Feeling extremely embarrassed, my cheeks heat up while I look down in shame.

"I'm so sorry to have caused so much trouble for everyone." I whisper out feeling my cheeks warm from the embarrassment.

The nurse just laughs it off, "Oh no need to worry, it was quite entertaining to watch. Even though we didn't understand most of what you were talking about. Mostly we were just worried you would've injured yourself further. Honestly, I never seen anyone react the way you did to the painkillers. Usually it would either knock out patients completely or just leave them in a slight daze." I sink further into the bed at this. Seeing my embarrassment, she pats me on the head in a gentle, reassuring way.

"Oh come now, it wasn't all that bad. At least we were able to keep your friends from seeing your antics." I look up in surprise.

"My friends?" I question. She nods happily.

"Yes, they were quite worried about you, the poor dears. Dr. Shibiwa convinced them that it would be better to wait until today to see you, so the medication would have time to run its course." She leans in closer for a conspiratorial whisper. "That and to give you time to get back to normal so you wouldn't be embarrassing yourself in front of them." I nod gratefully to her. Thank god for small miracles. Natsu and Happy would never let me live it down.

She winks before adding, "Especially those two good looking guys." I blush at that. I cough to try to clear out the additional embarrassment caused by that last remark.

"Thank ya'll very much. It's very kind for ya'll to of thought about my feelings in such a manner." I say, feeling extremely thankful while my cheeks still feel quite warm.

"So how are you feeling, dearie?" the nurse asks me cheerfully. I mentally go through a checklist on how each part of my body is feeling, wanting to give her a truthful and complete answer.

"Hmm, besides starving and needing the bathroom, I feel just fine." I tell her after a moment's thought.

"Well let's get one of those taken care of." she says with a chuckle as she goes to release my straps. Quickly and efficiently she lets me out of my restraints to which I immediately start stretching. Nothing like a real good stretch after not moving for a while. I hop out of bed and onto the cold floor to finish the stretches and popping of my joints. The nurse raises her eyebrow at all the crackling and popping noises as my body limbers up.

I give her a sheepish grin after I finish while scratching my cheek. She rolls her eyes and grins back, causing the both of us to laugh. Moving off to the side, she points out where the bathroom is located at the other end of the room. As I start walking I immediately notice a breeze where there should not be one. I quickly turn to face her, feeling my cheeks heat up like crazy.

She laughs at my reaction as I find out that I'm wearing a hospital gown. Just like the ones at home. Oh thank god they kept me from running down the halls dressed like this. My blush turns up a notch at my next thought. What if Natsu and the others saw….? I let out a squeak and run to the bathroom while holding the back of the gown as closed as possible.

Slamming the door shut, I can hear the nurse's laughter through the wooden door. Oh gods. I could've done without that bit of embarrassment. Swiftly, I take care of the reason why I wanted to use the restroom in the first place. Washing my hands afterwards, I look up into the mirror to see that the middle of my face is bandaged and that they go all the way around my head. Tentatively, I reach up to touch my nose and jerk back with a hiss of pain. Ok, now I know. No touchy the nose at all. I sigh as I see that my cheeks are still quite pink.

Geez, I don't know why I was so embarrassed that she saw my bare backside. She is a nurse after all and more than likely seen a lot more than what I was showing. That and it's not like I'm ashamed of my body. Sure I can stand to lose some weight, but its not like I'm morbidly obese. Usually I'm much more comfortable with people seeing my body. I shake my head at the thought. Maybe its just something to do with the hospital and I didn't know I was in a gown until too late.

I give myself time for a fortifying breath and I leave the bathroom to see an unknown male standing in the room with the nurse. I stand in the doorway looking at him as he whispers about something on a clipboard with her. She glances up to see me and smiles widely.

"Ah, Miss Krystina! I was just telling Dr. Shibiwa about you." she says perkily.

I nod before moving over to the taller male, mindful of my exposed rear end and where it is pointed. I extend my hand to shake his while giving him a warm smile.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Shibiwa. I want to thank you for everything you and the rest of the staff has done for me. I also want to apologize for my actions and the trouble I caused." I say this last bit bashfully and look down at the ground as I let go of his hand.

"It is not a problem, Miss Krystina. We here at Magnolia Hospital are always happy to be able to take care of our patients in any way that we can." he says in a pleasantly low voice. At this, I lift my eyes and take a good look at this man. Warm eyes are the first thing I see. The color of deep jade, with flecks of brown in them. Laugh lines around his eyes and neatly kept blonde hair are the next things I see. Slight graying at his temples tells me that he is an older man, but not that much older. The sight of his smile causes a slight tingle spread through my body.

I give him a much warmer smile as I reply, "And I really appreciate everything that you did. Thank you so much." A cough from the far end of the room catches our attention. Natsu is standing in the doorway glowering in my direction while Lucy and Happy are smirking.

Now what are they up to this time? Despite my thought, I give them a happy grin.

"Morning guys. Didn't expect ya'll so early." I chirp.

"Early?" Lucy snickers. "Could barely make this guy here leave the lobby yesterday. Would've slept here if we let him" she continued while pointing at the disgruntled guy next to her. He looks more angry at her comment and looks away to stare at a blank wall. I'm surprised at her statement. He was that worried? How bad was I hurt? Still mindful of the back of my gown, I walk towards Natsu.

"Is that true, Natsu?" I gently ask him, trying to make eye contact. He just huffs and puffs his face out slightly.

"Aye, sir! Erza had to drag him out to have him get some sleep." Happy cheerfully tattles. Feeling saddened that I caused this much worry, I step up quickly and catch him in a hug. I feel his body stiffen at this.

"Kr-Krysti?" he says hesitantly.

"I'm sorry that I worried you this much, Natsu. I can't recall what exactly happened, but I'm sorry nonetheless. I never meant to cause anyone to worry about me." I rest my cheek on his shoulder, careful not to have my nose touch anything. His arms slowly move up and wrap me in a warm embrace. I didn't realize how cold the room or I was until then. I partly melt into him just enjoying the warmth.

"It was mostly my fault, you shouldn't have to apologize. I'm the one who should be saying sorry." he says a bit sadly. I pull away enough to look up in his eyes. He gives me a startled look at my sudden action.

"It doesn't matter whose fault it was. What's done is done and I'm fine. Time heals all wounds, and this one will be just fine as well." I close my eyes and smile widely. "Anyways it's just nice to know that someone cares about me so much. Thank you, Natsu." I open my eyes at this point without dropping my smile. He looks at me in surprise before pulling away while turning to look elsewhere. He blushes and has a bashful expression on his face. I slightly pout, missing his warmth.

"We-well of course I c-care, you're family after all." he slightly stutters.

I lightly laugh at his reaction while agreeing, "Yup, family." Lucy claps her hands in happiness and smirks over at us. Before I can figure out what that particular smirk meant, a throat clears and we look over to see Dr. Shibiwa getting our attention with an amused grin on his face. Oh my. He looks really handsome with that grin.

"Sorry to interrupt, but before anything else I will need you to finish filling in this paperwork. Your family wasn't able to complete it yesterday and you were… indisposed until this morning." he informs while holding out the clipboard in my direction. I blush knowing what he is hinting at.

"Sure thing, Dr. Shibiwa. I'll take care of it." I say while walking back over to him. I hear Lucy gasp and Happy sniggering. I look over my shoulder to see her pointing a shaking finger at me and Natsu has a huge red blush on his face. "What's wrong?" I ask, slightly turning back towards them.

"Umm, your gown…." Lucy says weakly as she starts blushing and her hand falls.

"Eh? My gown?" I repeat. Why would she be worried about my gown…? Oh,. OH! I blush as well while twirling to hide the back of my gown. Both sides of it is now clenched tightly in my fists as I bring them together so I'm no longer mooning anyone. The doctor gives a hearty chuckle over our reactions as he hands me the clipboard.

I grin sheepishly over at him as I take the clipboard in one hand while the other holds both sides of my gown together. My sheepish smile turns into a real one and I let out a small laugh at the look of warm amusement in his eyes. He is definitely a handsome man. If he is my doctor, maybe I should get hurt more often. I blush hard at that last thought.

"They lllllike each other!" Happy and Lucy cry softly in unison which causes me to look down in slight embarrassment at being caught admiring the doctor's looks. I hear an annoyed huff coming from Natsu, and I look over to see him glaring slightly at Dr. Shibiwa.

Ok, what is with that look? It's like he doesn't like the doctor. That's odd though, he seems like a nice guy. Nice and handsome, probably really smart too… I mentally kick myself out of that thought process to concentrate on the forms in my hand while my cheeks heat up a bit more. The nurse is already gone by now as I move backwards to sit on the bed. Still smiling warmly, Dr. Shibiwa leaves the room as well but not before saying he would be back soon with the release forms and instructions for at-home care.

After he leaves the room, the tension in the air relaxes while Lucy and Happy follow me to sit on the bed as well. Natsu moves closer to lean up against the wall next to me. Sitting back against the headboard, I rest the clipboard on one leg while the other leg hangs off the edge. Leaning forward, I start to look over the form only to remember that I can't read it.

"Umm, I'm going to need some help." I say lamely.

"Help with what, Krysti?" asks Lucy curiously.

I lift up the clipboard as I tell her, "Uh, I can't read this."

"Oh! Sure, I'll help you with that." she chirps. She scoots up to sit next to me and leans over to look at the questions. We go through each question quickly, although she does blush quite a bit when we get to the more, feminine questions. It doesn't help that Happy starts to ask about those particular questions.

Hushing the curious cat, I do notice one odd thing, it doesn't ask about my last period as most forms I'm used to seeing. Huh. Wonder what that's about? Oh well, I'm certain they have their reasons. We sit in silence after the forms are finished, waiting patiently for someone to come back.

"So Krysti," says Lucy, trying to break the silence, "what are your plans today after you get out?" she asks.

I reply absentmindedly, "I dunno. Maybe whatever I was gunna do yesterday before I messed that up."

"And what was that?" she inquires. I look over at her as I frown in thought. I shake my head negatively before wincing slightly in pain. 2nd memo to self: don't shake your head hard.

"Can't remember what it was. Hey Natsu, do you know what I was gunna do yesterday?" I call out to the guy next to me.

"We were going to train together to get stronger! Umm, I think there was something to do about settling in first, I think?" he starts off excitedly then trails off in thought.

"Ah! That's right! I was going to get settled then train with ya." I smack myself lightly on the forehead, careful to avoid my nose. "Can't believe I forgot that."

"Krysti, you shouldn't be forgetting stuff like this. That's Lucy's job!" seriously states Happy.

"You crappy cat!" shouts an enraged Lucy.

"Fufufufufu!" laughs the blue cat as he flies out of reach of the angry blonde. She huffs out in annoyance before turning to me.

"So what is with this sudden need for training?" she asks, still feeling miffed.

I let my attention wander as I hear a revved up Natsu start telling Lucy about the run-in that I had with the drunk. I chuckle to myself at his energy. I feel a paw on my leg and I look up to see Happy giving me his intense look.

"You lllllike him." Happy says. I raise an eyebrow in confusion.

"I thought we went over this. Of course I like him. I wouldn't be rooming with him if I didn't like him." I tell the cat matter-of-factly. Happy shakes his head in denial.

"I mean the doctor. You lllllllike him." Happy clarifies. I feel a bit of heat on my cheeks that I hope is hidden by the bandages.

"Well he is a nice guy, why wouldn't I like him? He seems like he would be a good friend." I say nonchalantly to the little blue cat. Happy just gives me a look of disappointment before flying over to land on Natsu's shoulder. I smirk to myself.

I know your game now silly little cat. Gunna have to do a lot better than that if you want to get me flustered. Stretching my arms over my head, I arch my back until my spine pops. I let out a satisfied sigh and I close my eyes to lean back against the headboard to relax. Instead, I fall against something soft and warm against my bare back.

"Huh?" is what I say as I open my eyes in surprise to find that Natsu was face to face with me and had on a large grin.

"Hey, hey Krysti. How long does this 'settling down' take? I want to get to training to get stronger!" he asks me excitedly. I can't help but smile back with his contagious happiness.

"Well that depends on how much stuff I have and how much room I'm allowed to use. It shouldn't take long at all since all I have is the clothes on my…." I trail off. "Hey, where are my clothes?" I start looking around to see if they are hiding anywhere.

"You mean these clothes?" asks the nurse as she enters the room with my clothes neatly folded up.

"Ah! Thank you….uh." I trail off again, realizing that I didn't know her name.

"Saiya. My name is Saiya Kaname. And you're very welcome, Miss Krystina. Dr. Shibiwa is almost done and will be back shortly." she informs us pleasantly.

"Saiya. That's a beautiful name. Thank you Miss Saiya, for everything." I tell her gratefully as I take my clothes out of her arms. I look down and let out a small sigh of relief to see my iPod and earbuds on top of the clothes. Nurse Saiya then turns around to leave the room and I face Natsu again.

I lift up my clothes for emphasize as I continue our conversation, "This is all I have, so I guess I just need a tour around the house, know the rules and then that's that, I guess." I end with an awkward shrug.

Natsu takes his arm away as he almost bounces up and down in excitement and starts to babble about the training he wants to do that so fast that I can barely understand him. Lucy and I share a small laugh at his antics. I smile over at him, feeling quite amused at my roommate. I look down at my clothes and grab the sweatpants intending on putting them on.

I step off of the bed and with a flick of my wrist, unfold my pants. I turn them around so they are in the right direction. Bending down, I quickly step into the leg holes and just as fast I pull them up. The immense feeling of confidence and security has me let out another sigh in relief.

"Ahhh, that is so much better now!" I say feeling quite happy and much better about my situation. It's a wonder how much better a simple pair of pants can make one feel, especially after going basically bare-arsed in front of everyone. If I can get some regular clothes to wear, I would probably be ecstatic. I make a grab for my gown and as I unfold it, I recoil in horror at the amount of blood on it.

Holy shit! I bled that much!? No wonder they were worried about me! How the hell did I break my nose and do that?! Unknowingly, I voiced my last thought and Natsu's voice breaks through, catching my attention.

"Uh, well… Happy and I tried to make you wake yourself up by tickling your nose and having you smack your face." he looks down and rubs his neck out of embarrassment before continuing. "And well, you suddenly jumped up and roared to scare us. You must've leaned too far over because you then fell face first onto the floor. We didn't know you were actually hurt until you sat up and we saw the blood." He looks like a little kid about to get scolded now.

"You wouldn't answer us, so in a panic, I picked you up and ran you over to the guild, then they had Jet run you over here."

His head lowers as he mumbles out some apology that I can't really hear. Hmm, so I tried to scare them in the middle of their wake up prank. Then I fell over and hurt myself. Yup. Sounds just like me and my luck. I look over at Natsu and I place my hands gently on his shoulders to catch his attention while giving him an encouraging smile.

"Hey, it was mostly an accident ok? Things happen, and lord knows that with how many times I have been hit in the face that sooner or later I was going to break my nose. So stop looking sorry about it, dragon-boy. Ok?" I use one of my hands to place it under his chin and lift his head up from where he had it hanging low in guilt. In a softer tone I continue, "I'm not blaming you and I'm not blaming me." He perks up with a small grin before nodding in agreement.

I nod my head once and growl out, "Damn right it's ok." I take my hands away from him and step back before realizing how close we were. I feel my face heat up with that realization and I had a sudden desire to hide my noticeably pink cheeks. Without further thought, I take my gown and slide it over my head and over the hospital gown while keeping it high enough that it hides my face.

I work on taking off the hospital gown while my bloody nightgown covers my movements. Finishing getting the gown off and taming the heat in my face, I put my arms into the nightgown's sleeves properly. I then uncover my head while pulling out the hospital gown through the collar. I look over to see the others giving me incredulous looks when I finish.

"What?" I ask them nonchalantly while shrugging. "I didn't feel like walking to the bathroom." I then sit down on the bed again while they just exchanged looks at my answer. I grab my iPod and earbuds and slip them into one of my pockets. A knock sounds from the door and we all look over to see Dr. Shibiwa entering the room with more papers and a small bag. He gives me a look with a raised eyebrow when he sees that I'm wearing my bloody clothes. He coughs a slight bit before handing me the papers.

"These are the release forms, I just need them filled out as best as you can. After that, you're free to leave. Just make sure one of the staff gets it before you go." He then hands me the small paper bag that rattles some in my hands. "And those are some weaker painkillers for you to take for your nose. They should hopefully not give you the same…reaction as the stronger ones did last night." I chuckle a bit nervously, knowing what he was talking about.

"If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to come back at any time. If I'm not here, then any of the other doctors or nurses can help." His warm tone changes into a more stern, lecture-like one as he continues. "I do however want to see you back in a week so we can check how your nose is doing. It was a nasty break, and I want to make sure that it is healing properly. It is hard to tell right now because of all the swelling, so keep the bandage on at all times. We put a splint on your nose to hopefully let it heal the right way but until the swelling goes down naturally you are not to do anything that could re-injure yourself. That includes no sports, no fighting, no physical labor beyond light household chores, no running, no out of town missions." At this point his stern look hardens along with his tone.

"I know how stubborn you Fairy Tail mages can be, and as your doctor I expressly forbid any of those activities or anything else of that sort. This break was nasty, but if you hurt yourself before you're healed it could become lethal." I nod my head solemnly in agreement.

"Yes, the nasal septum bones could potentially get pushed into my brain which often leads to death." I recite from memory to the doctor. I hear a squeak from behind me as he lifts an eyebrow in surprise as his hard look softens. I smile softly as I think back to my medical courses that I taken over the years. Not enough to qualify, but enough to know what needs to be done for a range of injuries from minor scrapes to short of life-or-death.

"I took a lot of medical training back where I am from." I look down towards the ground and I let my smile fade away as I shrug. "Never know when you are going to need to know these things. Heh, just didn't expect that I was the one who was going to get injured."

"Seriously, Krysti? You can die from a broken nose?" asks a very worried Happy as he floats on his wings to land gently in my lap. I rub his head affectionately as I explain further.

"Normally no. Almost all broken noses aren't going to kill you, but however if these bones here..." I pause to point toward the top of my nose, careful to not touch in case I get another round of stabbing pain. "...get broken and pushed up at an angle, the broken pieces can get pushed into the brain and that will usually lead to death. Not all the time, but fairly often. That's why if you're going to punch someone in the nose, you punch them straight or downwards. Never up." I look away from Happy's watery eyes to look back up at the doctor.

"Am I forgetting anything, doctor?" I ask him curiously, wondering if magic may have a difference in some unknown way.

He has a calculating look in his eyes as he answers, "No, I do believe you have the subject quite covered." I chuckle at this. He looks at me curiously.

"Pun not intended?" I ask with a grin. His eyebrows shoot up as realization hits and he lets out a hearty chuckle.

"Yes. Pun not intended." he agrees with an amused grin. He shakes his head before coughing lightly to get back on track. "Now, I'm certain you know this, but I'm going to say it for the benefit of your friends. Don't get the bandages wet, or we will have to reapply them. That includes steamy hot baths, anything beyond light exercise, or even applying ice to your face. Also, if you experience any more trauma with it, as in getting hit in the face or falling down again, I want you back here as soon as possible. Is that clear?" he asks that last question in a very stern voice, like I'm some kid who doesn't know how to listen.

I just give him a warm smile before answering, "Of course, doctor. Thank you again for everything. I'll be sure to be careful about not letting anything hit me before I'm fully healed." He gives me the warmest smile I have seen yet, which causes another tingle to spread throughout my body. My cheeks heat up a bit as I watch him turn around and walk off. I look at the forms and groan. More paperwork. Ug. I grumble slightly to myself before catching Lucy's attention again.

"Hey Lucy, do you mind by any chance?" I ask while pointing at the papers.

She smiles before answering, "Of course not." and just as before, she and I put our heads together to fill out the forms while Happy and Natsu stand back, talking to each other.

A particularly loud , "I am not!" catches the attention of Lucy and I. We look up to see a very red-faced dragon slayer fuming at a very mischievous looking blue cat. I snicker while Lucy shakes her head.

"I wonder what Happy said this time." Lucy wonders quietly. I shrug, not caring at this particular moment.

"I was telling Natsu that I think that he is jealous of the doctor!" loudly proclaims the flying cat.

"I AM NOT!" shouts out Natsu, his face almost tomato red now. Lucy and I exchange looks at Natsu's particularly strong denial of Happy's accusation. "I'm not." he mutters before crosses his arms over his chest and hunching his shoulders, looking away sullenly.

"Happy." I call quietly. The cat turns to look at me just as he was going to say something else. "How about we leave Natsu alone for now, ok? Whether or not is he jealous is his business and we shouldn't pry if he doesn't want to tell us." I continue in the same quiet tone. Happy pouts big-time at this, but he nods in agreement. He goes over and sits in Lucy's lap, still pouting.

The blonde and I chuckle before we go back to the forms, but not before I see a grateful smile on Natsu's face. Luckily, it seems all the rest is just reading about different ways to take care of various injuries. Kinda smart, has the people read basic first aid, so they are less likely to show up with minor wounds that are easy to take care of. But some of this is outdated. I mean seriously, using butter on a burn is just a bad idea. Maybe I should make it a point to come back to share what medical knowledge I know to help them out…

A few minutes of listening to Lucy read, and finally everything is done. I sign at the back of the forms to say that I 'read' the papers before I straighten them out in a neat pile. I hop out of bed with the papers firmly held in one hand while lifting the other one over my head.

"No more paperwork! Yay!" I cry out happily. My stomach growls out loudly, causing me to lower my head in embarrassment. "Heh. Guess I'm hungry." I explain lamely while the other three laugh at me.

"Let's go eat!" yells out an over enthusiastic fire mage as he grabs my arm and starts dragging me out the door. I hop on one leg as I try to turn myself in the direction he is pulling me.

"Hold it!" Lucy shouted. Natsu halts suddenly at Lucy's shout which causes me to crash into him, side-first. We stagger at the impact, but he steadies the both of us quickly with an arm around my waist. I hiss in slight pain before shooting a grateful smile in his direction as Lucy started to lecture.

"We can't have her go out and eat dressed like that! We need to get her some new clothes that aren't covered in blood. I mean it looks like she just came back from killing someone." the blonde states with her hands on her hips.

I mutter softly, "And 'she' is right here." before I look over at Lucy as I say louder, "Wouldn't it look just as bad while clothes shopping?"

Lucy looks a little taken aback by that before she plows on, "Yes, but there will be a lot less people at the clothes shop during this time of day and easier to explain away the blood."

I think this over before replying, "That sounds reasonable. Only problem is that I don't have any money for new clothes. So until I can earn some, I'm stuck with these."

"Don't worry about that! We got plenty of it for you to use!" says Happy cheerfully.

"I don't want you guys to use your money to buy me stuff. It wouldn't be right…" I try to protest before getting cut off.

"We went and got some from a mission just to use to help you. So it's ok. If getting you some new clothes is the fastest way to get some food, let's do it!" Natsu says excitedly.

"Seriously? You guys did that for me? Aww, thank you! I'll do my best to work hard to pay you back!" I cry tearfully before giving everyone a big hug.

---

The four friends left the hospital but not before making sure to hand over the paperwork to a passing nurse and paying the bill at the lobby. When everything at the hospital was taken care of, Lucy takes the lead and marches off with a spring in her step. The other 3 follow the blonde girl of their group to a small shop a few streets over. Going inside, three faces recoil in horror while the fourth looks in bliss.

Pink.

Everywhere and almost everything is covered in pink, lace, and frills. Super excited, Lucy grabs Krysti's arm and drags her deeper into the store. Unable to break the grip on her arm, Krysti looks back and stretches out a hand with a silent plea to the dragon slayer to save her from the horrors of the shop. Looking traumatized, the boy and the cat stand by the door trembling in fear as the females disappear within the bowels of the shop of feminine hell.

"Lucy! Sweetheart! Come here dear and give Auntie Vi a hug!" A high, nasally voice calls out. Both girls look over to see a tall, super thin, and inappropriately dressed for her age older woman heading quickly their way. Lucy brightens up and steps into the hug of the shop owner. "If I'd known you were coming this early I would of had tea ready." Auntie Vi quite happily declares. Krysti hangs in the back, inching towards the door in the hopes to get away before she is spotted.

No luck.

When the owner noticed the larger woman nearby her happy expression turns to one of horror and disgust. No small wonder though, Krysti was dirty and unkempt, her clothes were covered in blood and dear lord, she was barefoot. The woman who calls herself Auntie Vi has to hold herself back from shuddering.

"Um, Lucy dear..." she hesitantly calls out. "Who is your...friend?" she says the last word like it pained her to say.

Not noticing or ignoring the shop owner's tone, Lucy replies happily, "This is the newest member of Fairy Tail and friend, Krysti. We are here to shop for new clothes for her."

"Really." Auntie Vi said with much less enthusiasm than when she greeted the blonde. Lucy nods while heading to her friend and grabbing her arm to drag her over to the much older lady.

"Yes, she is going to need an entire new wardrobe." Lucy continues in a sad voice, again ignoring how uncomfortable the other women look with each other. "She lost her whole family and everything she owns to a bandit attack during the night. My team and I found the poor thing in the woods hurt and scared while we were on our way back from a mission. We couldn't just leave her alone with no money, or way to support herself and only the clothes on her back. We let her join the guild so she can have a place to stay until she can get back on her feet. She just now got out of the hospital after treating her wounds."

At first Krysti looks confused at what Lucy is telling the other woman, before quickly picking up that it would be much easier to believe that she a victim of bandits than from another world. She is impressed at the blonde's storytelling skills and realizes she needs to play her part. So she starts acting in what she hopes is a believable way to help sell the story.

Very quickly, the shop owner looks at the frightened looking brunette in a new light. Her heart aches at the look of unshed tears in the young girl's eyes and snatches her up in a tight hug. The brunette is very stiff at first, but timidly starts to hug back with shaky arms.

"Oh you poor, poor dear! What horrors you have seen! I can't imagine what you had to go through! So much loss and so soon and at such a young age!" the shop owner wails out. Krysti thinks about what she really has lost, and she lets out a small sob before clutching onto the woman's thin frame even tighter. This is the first time she is letting herself feel the sorrow of her situation and it hits her quickly and hard. The older woman lays her head on top of the brunette's and gently rubs her back.

A quiet "There, there." is heard occasionally as Krysti pours out her heart.

Hearing the sobs, Lucy's eyes also tear up and she too joins the women with a hug to offer comfort to the girl who in fact did lose everything but the clothes on her back. After some minutes of crying, the brunette's cries calm down until she is just sniffling. She eases off on the tight hold she had on Auntie Vi, and sensing that she is better the other women gently release their hold as well. They don't back away and stay close to Krysti in case she breaks down again. She sniffles and looks up into Auntie Vi's face with a look of gratitude.

"Thank you ma'am." she says quietly before hugging the shop owner again. The older woman returns the hug with a laugh.

"Please, call me Auntie Vi." she requests before breaking the hug to dry her wet eyes.

"Thank you, Auntie Vi." the brunette says, her voice full of gratitude. During this, Lucy hasn't taken her eyes off of Krysti, sensing that her new guild mate hasn't gotten everything out of her system yet, being no stranger to loss herself. She plans on being there as much as she can for the older woman. Auntie Vi seems to come back to her senses and claps her hands to gain the attention of the younger girls.

"Ok, now." She pauses to clear her throat. "New wardrobe, eh? I'm certain we can do something about that. What type of clothes are you interested in sweetie?" Looking embarrassed, the brunette looks down while dragging a toe through the carpet.

"Well, actually at this moment, I would just like a shirt to replace what I'm wearing now." she says softly.

Eyes widening, the shop owner places a hand over her heart in shock before exclaiming, "But dear, you need much more than one shirt to make up a new wardrobe!" The brunette nods her head in agreement.

"That is true but, well, umm..." she trails off before her stomach rumbles quite loudly. She laughs nervously in embarrassment. Lucy steps in at this point to help ease the situation for the poor brunette.

"She hasn't been able to get a bite to eat since the day before yesterday. We just need the one shirt for now so she doesn't start a scene before we eat. That and we got a couple of friends who are waiting for us outside who are impatient and probably very hungry as well." she smoothly explains. Krysti nods in agreement and smiles fondly at how considerate Lucy is towards her. The respect and fondness she has for the blonde increases.

Auntie Vi smiles softly at the two girls before replying warmly, "Of course, let's go get you measured, sweetie. And I'll get you some cookies I baked to nibble on. Don't want you to start passing out on us from lack of food." The brunette perks up quite noticeably at the mention of cookies. The eager look on her face causes the other two women to laugh gently as all three go towards the back of the store.

During all of this, Natsu and Happy wait outside for the girls. With the town so quiet this early in the morning, he was able to hear everything going on in the store. He got distressed and anxious when he heard sobs from coming inside the shop. If it wasn't for fact that he could hear comforting words coming from inside and with how girlish the inside of the shop was, he would of barged in to see what is going on.

He just stood outside feeling quite agitated at not being able to do anything. Happy wasn't sure what was going on since his hearing, although quite good, is nothing compared to the dragon slayer's. When sounds of gentle laughter and happy voices came from the shop, he visibly relaxed much to Happy's relief. Natsu went and settled down by the wall of the shop as he waited for the girl's return. He is already learning from being around Lucy, when girls shop they take quite a while. So when less than 10 minutes later the shop doors open and his two guild mates exit the shop, he is surprised. When he sees Krysti, he is stunned. How can someone seem to change so much in so short of a time?

She is wearing a baby blue shirt that fits her curves nicely with a wide neckline that has a small amount of lace on it. Her hair was brushed and part of it is in an elegant bun with two chopsticks sticking out of it for decoration. It now shines like gold where the mid morning light hits it. She is even carrying herself differently. He can't place how, but he knows its true. He finds that he is having a hard time not letting his jaw drop at the transformation.

Lucy smirks at the look on his face, planning on teasing him about it later as revenge for how much he made fun of her during her first days in the guild. Auntie Vi comes out of the shop to give the girls one last hug. Glancing over at Natsu, she gets a knowing look in her eye. She turns back to the younger girls and gives them both a peck on the cheek.

"Make sure you both come back soon, ok dears?" she says sweetly before turning to Krysti. "Especially you sweetie, I know there is a lot more I can help you with." She smiles mysteriously before glancing at the dumbstruck man nearby again. With promises made to come back soon, Auntie Vi heads back into her shop. Door closing, the girls turn back to their male friends.

"Sorry for the wait, ready for some food?" Krysti calls out to the guys. This seems to snap Natsu out of his thoughts and he grins very widely.

"Food!" yells out both of the guys. They start running down the street to the nearest restaurant they know. Lucy just sighs and Krysti smacks her forehead lightly with the palm of her hand.

'Those guys and when it comes to food." Lucy sighs out.

"So how long do you think it will be before they realize we aren't with them?" Krysti asks.

"Probably like last time, all the way to the restaurant." Lucy quips. They look at each other and bust out laughing. "Come on, I know of a good spot for breakfast. They can catch up to us later." Lucy says.

"Right behind ya." chirps Krysti. She folds up the bloody gown in her hands and gives it to Lucy to put in the bag. They then set off at a much more leisurely pace than the males. A couple of streets later, a thundering of steps announces the return of the guys. Sliding to a stop in front of the women, Natsu gives them an accusing look and opens his mouth to say something. Krysti clears her throat to interrupt and gives him a You-better-rethink-about-what-you're-going-to-say look when he focuses his glare on her. His mouth shuts with an audible click as his eyes widen. He stays silent for a moment before looking down with shoulders slumped, and mumbles out a bashful apology.

Happy laughs at the defeated looking dragon slayer which causes him to glare at the cat. Krysti nods and hums in approval before turning back to follow Lucy and the guys fall in behind. They take a right, then a left before Lucy stops at a small café alongside one of the canals that runs through the city. Happy and Natsu start to chant for food when Lucy turns an evil glare in their direction.

Quickly they quiet down and shiver in fear until Lucy looks away. They sigh in relief and Natsu turns a miffed look in Krysti's direction when she giggles at their antics. They are soon seated and given menus. Natsu helps read the menu to a grateful brunette and before long the four of them are enjoying breakfast. Krysti and Natsu enjoy a rather large breakfast of eggs, pancakes, and lots of bacon, to the silent wonderment of Lucy. Happy is munching on a plate of fish, while the blond just sticks with a small fruit salad.

Lucy does get quite the kick watching the dragon enthusiasts start a small fight for the last pancake. Since they both have eaten quite a bit, the battle is nowhere as fierce as it could've been. Forks and butter knives clash for dominance. It ends when the pancake splits in two and Natsu got the largest piece. He gulps it down in victory and Krysti playfully vows to get retribution. Natsu just smirks in superiority, quite content in his victory. Lucy just laughs at them while Happy snickers evilly. Already used to his game, the other three don't pay Happy much mind.

After paying the bill, they head outside to find that the sun is now over the buildings and the streets are filled with people. Krysti lifts her face towards the sun with her eyes closed and lifts her arms to bask in the warmth. She makes a small 'hmm' of pleasure before dropping her arms and faces the others as they look at her odd behavior. Brushing it off, Lucy grabs Krysti's arm and starts pulling her along in the direction they came from.

"Let's go get more cute clothes for you!" cries out Lucy excitedly. The tomboyish woman immediately panics at the thought of going back into the pink shop and digs her heels in the street to keep from being dragged.

"Uh, Lucy! Wait!" Krysti calls out hurriedly. Lucy stops, a puzzled look adorning her face. Krysti quickly tries to come up with an excuse to keep from going to that overly pink shop. Even if the shop keeper is surprisingly sweet for someone who looks like a mix of Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians and Yzma from the Emperor's New Groove, those clothes just aren't her.

"Actually, I think maybe I should get more regular clothes. Since I'm, uh, going to be training with Natsu! Yea, that's it. I'm going to train with him, a lot. And if I get nothing but nice clothes they are going to get ruined most likely. I can always pick up some nicer ones when I need them for something special." she finishes nervously, hoping that Lucy won't press the issue. And she doesn't much to the relief of the brunette.

Lucy has a very disappointed look on her face since she wasn't going back to one of her favorite shops for more clothes. So a partially dejected Lucy leads them to a different shop that had regular clothing, much to Krysti's and the other two's relief.

Although Lucy did still try to get Krysti to buy more feminine clothes. Being mindful that she is living with someone else and may be moving out soon, the brunette decides to get just a few pairs of the essentials. She purchased 5 different shirts and pairs of pants to start with, along with normal undergarments. Two different outfits that are going to be used in training along with few night gowns along get added to the mix.

Getting quickly bored listening to the girls debate over the different undergarments, Natsu and Happy start to play around with all the various female underwear. Krysti is amused and just watches them horse around while Lucy is embarrassed to no end.

The immature acting boys ignore the blonde as she scolds them which starts to cause a scene. Krysti sighs in a put upon way as she notices the employees looking over the teens in displeasure. She decides that embarrassing the scarf wearing man will most likely be the quickest way to end this before they get kicked out of the store. That and the mischievous teasing side of her just can't help but leap at the chance to really embarrass the dragon slayer. The fact that Natsu looks really cute with blushing cheeks had no sway in the matter. None at all. She strides over to the trio and places a hand on the blonde's shoulder as she takes in a breath to continue scolding them.

She turns the glare that she was giving the boys on the brunette that quickly fades when she sees who she was glaring at. Krysti gives her a smile and a wink before going up to the fire mage. He has quite the silly face while wearing some underwear on his head which causes her to laugh. He gives a happy grin seeing that he is making her laugh unlike Lucy who just gets angry. He stops in confusion when she reaches up to the feel the material on top of his head. With a thoughtful expression she takes it off his head before examining it closely.

"This won't do. The material is too rough for practicality." she says in all seriousness. Dropping the underwear in a nearby pile of dainty stuff meant to be lingerie, she digs through a different pile before quickly coming up with a plain looking pair of granny panties. "Now this is what you're going to want to wear especially while training. Here, feel how soft this is." she tells him while grabbing his hand to make him feel the garment.

"You don't have to worry about chaffing with these types. With how much you move and run, you definitely want comfort over looks. Of course, if you feel like there is too much material, we can get you some of these."

With that, she reaches over and grabs a few thongs of different colors before continuing, "With these, you are definitely going to have less worry about any sort of chaffing in the sensitive areas as you move around and train, although you will have to deal with the feeling of having this string in your butt crack all the time, especially when you bend over."

By now, Natsu's face is completely pink and isn't able to answer at the onslaught of information streaming his way. Lucy is covering her mouth and is having a hard time trying not to laugh at the expression on his face. Happy looks like he is in pain from trying to stifle his laughter.

Behind Natsu, Krysti can see Erza and Gray enter the store. Upon seeing their friends deeper inside, the two new arrivals make their way quickly over to towards their friends. Krysti looks back over towards Natsu and decides to ignore the other two heading their way as she continues her 'lecture'.

"Now you can get that pair you had with you, with the rougher material." Krysti keeps going, and moves to grab the underwear she took off his head. "Those are more meant though to be used when you're less active, like when you are hanging back at the guild, or perhaps going on a date. You see how delicate this is? Its meant to make the wearer feel pretty, and be seductive. So if you want to just feel pretty, these are a good pair to use for that."

By this time Gray and Erza are within hearing distance and the amount of stifled laughing coming from Lucy and Happy increases. Krysti looks thoughtfully down at Natsu's hips and then back at the underwear. His face is no longer pink, now its red with embarrassment and his head sinks into his scarf trying to hide it.

Happy and Lucy aren't helping out his situation either with their struggles not to laugh. They really want to see how far this will go. Erza and Gray are confused at the antics of their teammates and stay silent to figure out the situation.

"I'm not sure exactly what size you wear, so I'm going to grab a few that look right and we can have you try them out, of course it also depends on how tight of a fit you want." Krysti's tone turns a bit playful. "But we can't have it too tight after all, we can't let the boys be completely stifled no matter how nice it looks." She grabs a few different types of underwear before presenting them to the dragon slayer with the most innocent expression on her face.

"Now which one of these would you like to try on first?" she asks in all seriousness. At this, Natsu's face turns tomato red and he tries to stammer out something that couldn't be understood. Gray looks scandalized and Erza looks thoughtful.

"I would say the most plain would be the best to start with, that way you can get a better feel of the size and kind you want." Erza says in her normally serious manner. At hearing her voice, Natsu literally jumps a few feet in the air and spins to face the rest of the team. Lucy and Happy burst out in laughter unable to hold it any longer, both of them in tears. Natsu looks absolutely horrified at his other teammates coming in at the worst possible time.

Gray's scandalized expression turns into one of the largest, most evil grins that anyone has ever seen. The blackmail possibilities are endless and he can't help but smile. After fighting Gray for so long, Natsu knows exactly what is going on in the raven-haired male's mind.

And it spells nothing but trouble for Natsu.

"It's not what it looks like!" Natsu squeaks out before coughing and lowering his voice, "Really, this isn't what it looks like at all!" Gray says absolutely nothing. He just keeps grinning. This situation for him was like his birthday and Christmas from the last 10 years, all wrapped up into a gift being the ultimate humiliating moment for his rival.

"Oh?" Erza says surprised as her eyes widen slightly. "Then what is it suppose to be, Natsu?" He starts waving his arms around sporadically while trying to form a coherent sentence.

"I... She...They... UG! Stop grinning at me like that, Snowflake!" Natsu shouts out in exasperation. Gray just ignores the insult and keeps grinning, knowing that he has the upper-hand. No matter what Natsu says to him is not going to change the fact that it looks like he is shopping for women's underwear. So far this is turning out to be the best day ever for the ice mage.

"Dammit, droopy eyes! Stop grinning like that! You're creeping me out!" Natsu shouts out in mortification. Gray just keeps grinning. Natsu starts to throw a punch when Erza catches his forearm in a tight grip and gives him a frosty glare. He wilts under it and he slinks off to a nearby sitting area to fume in silence. The evil glare he gives everyone lets them know that he is planning on vengeance. Painful vengeance.

With his grin still adorning his face, Gray leans in toward Erza and whispers, "There is no way that I could ever get that embarrassed." Hearing this, Krysti quirks an eyebrow at Gray feeling that he was challenging her ability to embarrass people. As Barney Stinson would say 'Challenge Accepted'.

"So you don't think you can be embarrassed as easily, huh?" she retorts, while placing a hand on her hip and a challenging glint in her eye.

Gray looks at her shocked that she heard that while Erza looks slightly impressed at the brunette's hearing. Recovering quickly, his normally stoic expression returns while he crosses his arms over his bare chest. Krysti and Lucy wonder where his shirt went and how did they not notice him taking it off?

"I know that I can't." he states confidently. The brunette eyes the taller bare-chested male knowing just what to do.

"Well that's good to hear, because I think you would be perfect to help me decide something." She starts off with a grin. Gray looks down at the older woman, wary of what she is about to do. "I been having a debate with Lucy and you would be an unbiased opinion that would settle the score."

"Okay..." he starts off slowly. The grin leaves her face as she looks at him in complete seriousness.

"Under wire or no wire?" she asks him. His eyebrows shoot up in confusion and his arms fall away from his chest.

"What?" he asks, not understanding the question.

"Under wire or no wire?" she repeats while leaning closer to him. Lucy, having a good idea now of what Krysti is planning on doing, has to turn away and cover her mouth as she tries not to laugh again. She has barely recovered laughing from Natsu's embarrassing moment. Now she gets to see the stripping ice mage have a turn at being embarrassed. She is having a field day with this since usually its the two males making her feel humiliated. Gray leans away unsure of what is going on.

"I... don't understand." he says slowly, looking more perplexed.

"In bras, do you prefer under wire or no wire?" Krysti asks in utmost seriousness. His face takes on a slight pink tinge.

"I... er, uh. Don't know?" he finishes, quite unsure about the question and starting to feel uncomfortable. The brunette lightly smacks her forehead.

"Of course, you wouldn't. You never wore a bra. We can fix that." She grabs his cool arm and drags him over to where the majority of the bras are 2 aisles over. His face turns more pink as he tries to struggle against the tight grip on his arm.

"Hey, wait a minute! Let me go!" he protests.

He is ignored.

Krysti tightens the grip on his arm as they make it to the bra section of the store. She waves away a sales clerk who starts in their direction with a smile on her face. The woman nods and heads off in a different direction and ignores Gray's pleas for help. It's not uncommon for guys to look panicked amoungst women's undergarments. Krysti looks at his chest, and then back to the bras and then back again. At this point, he is just trying to pry her arms off of his when she suddenly lets go to his relief. He flexes his hand and arm to get the circulation flowing again when two very warm somethings land on his chest.

Surprised, he looks down to see Krysti's hands on his chest. It isn't until she starts to squeeze that he understands what is going on. Shell-shocked, he just stands there gaping as she gropes him.

In public.

She takes her hands away to make more groping motions as she studies her hands before going back to grope him again. It takes him almost a full minute to process what is going on. He slams his arms over his chest as he takes a step back, his face fully pink. Chortles coming from his teammates are not helping his situation.

Krysti then with her hands still in groping position asks, "Hey Lucy, you would say this would be about a B cup, right?" Red-faced, all the blonde can do is nod vigorously. She knew if she spoke, the dam would break and she would be laughing on the floor. Krysti nods in satisfaction before digging through the bras nearby. Feeling violated, Gray takes another step away from woman in front of him. He looks back towards Erza and gives her a silent plea for help.

She folds her arms over her armored chest before replying simply, "I would like to know your opinion of this matter as well." Gray can feel the bottom of his stomach drop. He was doomed. Damn him and his bragging mouth. A triumphant cheer brings him back to the situation at hand and his blush deepens at the sight of Krysti with an armload of different bras. She lays them near Gray and starts to fuss about.

"Ok, so color wise, I'm torn between black, dark blue, and red." She holds up a black one by his skin. "Black looks good since it goes with everything and it nicely contrasts your skin." She put that one down and hold up a dark blue one. "This one however goes nicely with your eyes and your guild mark. Would help compliment your color scheme." She put that one down and brings up a lacy, see-thru, red bra.

"Ah, but this one, yes, I think this one would do quite nicely. Not only would it work well with your skin tone and add some color," Krysti's voice at this point lowers in a sultry way with a big, mischievous smirk gracing her features, "but I bet it would help you feel oh so sexy when you show it off the next time you strip." His eyes widen at her words. She then chirps happily. "Here, lets see if this fits."

She reaches around under his arms with the red bra in hand. He jumps away like he been burned with his face blazing as red as Natsu's have been.

"Keep that away from me!" he practically shrieks. The entire store looks over to see the red-faced man cringing away from a bra that a girl is holding towards him. As soon as he realizes how loud he was and is now the center of attention, his blush creeps down his neck and even some of his chest turns pink. Now he feels mortified. Hanging his head in defeat, he slinks away to a different bench and tries to hide his face in his arms. Krysti stands there in triumph, feeling quite proud in her achievement.

Looking around she sees Happy and Lucy slumped together, trying not to die from laughter. Natsu has poked his head out of his scarf and is happily laughing at Gray's embarrassment. While Erza on the other hand is looking at Krysti in a displeased manner. The brunette raises an eyebrow in question and Erza hardens her expression in response.

Getting the message, Krysti rolls her eyes but nods in agreement. She heads over to Natsu and grabs him by the arm and drags him, still snickering, over to Gray. Grabbing Gray's arm with her other hand, she pulls his arm to try to get him up.

He doesn't budge and Krysti tells him quietly, "Come on, we are going outside to talk this out." Reluctantly, he allows himself to be pulled along, his whole face still blazing red while Natsu's is bright pink. She marches them out of the store and rounds the corner of the shop to drag them partially into the small alley next to it. Placing both boys at one wall, she leans up against the other one and folds her arms across her chest.

Studying them for a moment, she then takes a deep breath and starts, "First off, I want to apologize to the both of y'all. It went too far and neither of you deserved such embarrassment. Although it was partially y'alls fault as well." Both boys look at the older woman in surprise. They clearly didn't expect an apology from her.

"Gray, I'm sorry that you were that humiliated, but you did challenge me to embarrass you as much as Natsu was. And well as Natsu already learned, you don't make a dare or challenge me without being ready for it to go further than you expected. Right, Grilled?" The brunette aims a smirk over at the dragon slayer whose pink face darkens slightly at that particular memory.

Krysti lets her smirk turn into a serious expression as she continues, "Natsu, the reason why I went to embarrass you was for one, you and Happy were seriously embarrassing Lucy with your actions. Two, the ruckus the three of you were causing was making the sales clerks and the other customers uncomfortable and were most likely going to get y'all kicked out of the store. Three, I figured embarrassing you would be the fastest way to put a stop to the antics. You will have to admit I didn't know Gray and Erza were going to show up at this time."

At this, Natsu looks down at the ground and nods, still recovering from his earlier bout of embarrassment. She places a hand on his shoulder and her expression softens.

"Hey, don't get me wrong. I loved watching you and Happy play around like that. I thought you guys were hilarious. Just there is a time and a place to act silly and being inside of a store while trying to shop is not one of them. Oh you can be a little silly, but you went over the line in there. Basically as long as you're not bothering other people it should be ok, although there are limits." the brunette gently chides.

An idea seems to pop into her head at the sudden change of expression and the gleam in her eyes. Not knowing what to expect, the boys lean away from her. Amused at their reactions, Krysti waves her hands in a placating manner.

"Calm down buckos, I'm not going to do anything. How about as a way to make things more even, you two try to find a way to embarrass me?" she says with an excited grin. "Providing of course that we don't bother people outside the guild and no one gets hurt. After all I didn't hurt you two besides your pride."

"You groped me." Gray accuses and this causes Natsu to snicker. Krysti lifts an eyebrow at this before giving the ice mage a sly smirk as Gray elbows Natsu in the side.

"You enjoyed it and you know it." she teases in a flirty fashion and this causes Gray, who was almost fully recovered from his earlier embarrassment, to start turning pink again. He splutters in indignation and Krysti chuckles at his reaction.

"Ok, ok. Before you go having a heart attack, let's make it even then." His eyebrows shoot up as he watches Krysti places her arms behind her head.

"Wha...?" is all he can say with his jaw flapping uselessly. Natsu, just stands there frozen, not sure what is going on at all.

"Grope me."

Two little words. Just two. Nothing special about them but all the same, powerful enough to cause the brains of both boys to malfunction. They both stand there slack-jawed trying to wrap their minds around the situation. This woman. This impossible woman is acting so blasé about what she just said. So at ease its like she commented on the weather and didn't just tell a guy to molest her in public like its no big deal. What kind of woman is she to be so calm and collected about something so personal?

As they get to know her, they start to slowly understand that this woman truly is from another world. She is not like any girl they have ever met before. Almost every time they turned around, she is showing a new facet to her personality that they can hardly keep up with. Whether she is scared, sad, happy, mischievous, confident, loyal, flirty, angry, or silly. Each new emotion opens up a new personality and makes her harder and harder to figure out.

They know so much about her, while at the same time they know nothing. Each time they think they start to figure her out, she reacts in an unpredictable way that usually leaves their heads swimming. She has only been in their lives for four days and already she commands a huge part of their life.

Gray and Natsu are more alike than they would ever want to admit. Despite one being as cool as ice and the other as passionate as fire, both are thinking the exact same way as they watch the older woman in front of them. They are both intrigued and intimidated, pulled in but held at arm's length. Both of the boys just stand there, stupefied, as they watch her slowly bring her arms down after staying that way for a minute. She quirks an eyebrow at the lack of reaction from the two rivals.

"Ok, we will just take a rain check for some other time then." Her eyes twinkle merrily as she happily waves good-bye to the boys. "I look forward to see what you two come up with." She winks in their direction before turning around. "Catch ya later!", she chirps over her shoulder as she leaves. They stare after her as she almost skips back out into the street.

"So..." Gray begins before swallowing hard.

"Yeah..." Natsu says in agreement as his head slowly sinks into his scarf.

---

After going inside the store, I lean up against the wall and let myself laugh silently. The faces on those two were priceless! If only I didn't have to save the battery on my iPod, I could of taken a picture of their expressions. Thinking of what I did to earn those expressions, I allow myself to blush. I can't believe that I told Gray to grope me. When the hell did I get so bold? Would I of even been ok if he actually did take me up on my offer?

With my eyes closed, I picture how that might of happened and honestly I just feel confused. I shake my head to help clear my thoughts. This place is definitely affecting me. Maybe those meds haven't fully run their course? I take a deep breath and push all those confusing thoughts off to the side. I need clothes, and then we can go get shoes. Oh shoes, how I missed thee. Pushing myself away from the wall, I make my way back to where I last left the girls and Happy.

I spot them quickly, not far from the undergarment section. I let a big grin overtake my features as I wave over towards them to get their attention. I see Happy jumping up and calling attention to my arrival. The other girls look over at me in curiosity. Most likely wondering where the guys are.

"Hey, where did Natsu and Gray go?" Lucy asks while looking for them in the store. Called it.

I hook a thumb over my shoulder to point back out the way I came before answering, "Back outside. Most likely plotting revenge for how much I embarrassed them." Hearing this, Happy flies off with a gleeful look on his face. Probably wants to get in on the planning. I can see Erza leveling a stern glare in my direction and I give her a put upon expression.

"Before you start Erza, I apologized to them both and told them that as long as they don't bother anyone outside the guild and don't hurt anyone they are welcome to try to humiliate me so we would be even." She straightens up her posture slightly in surprise before nodding.

"Good. I'm glad that the matter is settled." she says in her normal no-nonsense manner. A thought occurs to me, Maybe I should let them know about that rain check with Gray. I frown slightly as I debate with myself if I should tell them or not. Looking at Erza decides the matter. I'm telling them.

"Hey guys." This catches their attention. "I should let you know that I did give Gray free rein to get even with me." I start to explain.

"You already said that, Krysti." Lucy cuts in with a confused look on her face. I nod over towards her.

"Yes for the humiliation, but I gave him permission for something else." I pause at this point, mainly for dramatic effect.

"For?" Erza prompts, looking interested. Looking around for anyone nearby that could hear I lean towards the girls who also lean towards me to hear what I am going to say.

"I gave him permission to grope me back." I say simply. Erza's eyes widen in shock and Lucy has to clamp her hands over her mouth to keep from shrieking.

"Why would you do that!?" hisses out the blonde in a furious whisper while her face flames to life.

At this, I shrug before saying, "Honestly, he seemed extremely scandalized that I did that. It seemed like it was something separate from the humiliation. Like I not only humiliated him, but I violated him. So I told him he can return the favor for that as well." Erza's face reddens to where it almost matches her hair. Lucy herself looks like someone just came up and goosed her.

"B-bu-but a m-maiden shouldn't h-have to submit herself t-to..." the red-head trails off, not able to form a complete sentence.

"Girls. It's okay. I am a grown woman. I know what I'm doing. I'm not exactly a blushing virgin here." Huh, now that I said it, I am okay with the idea. I mean its not like I don't like the guy. And him being ripped like he is certainly helps. The girl's eyes almost pop from my statement.

"You mean, you...you..." Lucy tries to ask while raising a shaky finger towards me. I roll my eyes at the super shy duo.

"No, I have not. I'm waiting til marriage. That doesn't mean that I don't know the other stuff." I tell them while cocking out a hip and placing my hand on it. The way their faces redden up, I swear I could almost see steam coming out their ears. I roll my eyes at the dramatics.

"Look, I just wanted to give you a head's up that one or both of them might try something like that to me and I wanted to try to avoid a big freak out with you two if and when it does happen. Heck, there is a good chance that those two numbskulls will forget that I even offered by the time their next fight rolls around." I say matter-of-factually.

"Still, that's just foolish. What if he actually remembers and wants to do that?" Erza asks, her face not quite as red as before. I move over to grab the clothes I plan to buy and with them securely in my arms, I look over at the two girls and give them a smug grin with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, then I would get to enjoy having a sexy guy fondle my chest" I tell them cheekily. Both girls seem to of broken down by this point and I walk away, silently laughing my butt off.

---

Clothes purchased and blushes under control the 6 friends enter a shoe shop and to Lucy's dismay, Krysti only wants to get a pair of men's hiking boots with a pair of combat boots. Krysti lightly growls at the constant barrage of the flimsy high-heeled things that Lucy kept pushing on her.

Erza is being no help as her eyes are sparkling at the combat heels section. Natsu and Gray are more subdued as they just sit in separate, nearby benches really not wanting to risk a repeat performance of mortification. While Happy is cheerfully munching on a fish that he recently acquired from somewhere. So its mostly Krysti and Lucy who are doing anything.

"Lucy, I'm sorry. But no way am I am going to wear those things! I will seriously break an ankle if I even try. That and I much prefer to wear boots so at least my feet are protected better." Krysti snaps, her patience wearing thin at the blonde's constant badgering.

"But Krysti, you're a woman! Don't you want to look good in case you might meet someone special?" the younger girl pleads.

"If something as simple as the clothes I wear is enough to make someone like me, then I say they can go to hell! I don't want people that shallow in my life, I want them to like me for being me. That includes being rude, crude, and not being dolled up. If they can't like me at my worst, I'm sure as hell not going to give them my best." Krysti growls out with fire in her eyes. The guys wisely stay quiet while the females 'talk'.

"Krysti is as scary as Erza." whimpers out Happy to which Natsu silently nods in agreement.

"She's also way more awesome..." Natsu says under his breath as he thinks about her kindness in dealing with his motion sickness, the way she handled herself in a fight, and even out glaring Erza while the red-head is angry. Luckily for him, Happy didn't hear Natsu's words, or the cat would have even more things to tease him about. As if the blue fur ball didn't have enough as it is.

"But…" Lucy begins before getting cut off.

"No buts, Lucy!" a faint snickering is heard but is ignored as the irate woman continues. "I don't want them, and I don't need them. That is final. I want my clothes to have function and practicality over fashion and looks. If its comfortable, I'll wear it. That's how I shop, and I expect you to respect my wishes young lady. You can wear what you want to your heart's content, but this is my decision on who I am and what I want. If this really bothers you so much, you don't have to stay. I'm not stopping you." Krysti finishes with a huff. Lucy hangs her head down in shame.

"I'm sorry, Krysti. I didn't know you felt so strongly about this. I still want to help you. And I promise to stop trying to force you into getting what you don't want anymore." she softly says, while looking extremely depressed. The brunette lets out a long suffering sigh before placing her hands on Lucy's shoulders.

"Hey, don't be sad about it ok? If I do ever want to get some nicer clothes for special occasions, I will totally have you help. I just want plain stuff for everyday use for now." Krysti tells her in a soft, encouraging tone. Lucy perks up at that future promise. With that problem resolved and the group of 6 leave the store after paying for the boots and a few pairs of socks. Without wasting any time, Krysti moves to the nearest outside bench to put on her new socks and hiking boots. Standing up, she stamps both feet a couple of times to get a feel of the boots. Satisfied, she grins widely, finally feeling better that she isn't barefoot anymore.

"Shoes!" she cries out happily as she does a little dance in celebration. "Blessed, blessed shoes!" the other five just laugh in amusement at her antics. They next stop off for bathroom necessities, which the boys didn't care for at all. In fact, they didn't even go into the store which suited the girls just fine. Nothing special, some lotion, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, and other necessary female toiletries. So besides taking time to find what smells good to the brunette, it was a quick stop.

Although Erza did have to break up the fight that the boys got into while waiting. Krysti had a good giggle fit at the buddy-buddy act that the boys put up to keep Erza happy. They sent the older woman a glare once Erza looks away for laughing at them which just made her giggle all the more and she even sticks her tongue out at them childishly. Lucy chuckles lightly at the scene and Happy just shakes his head while shrugging his shoulders like there is no helping them.

Krysti has them stop at an apothecary's shop next and goes in by herself with the money bag. The others are confused as to why she doesn't want them to go in with her. They mill around, coming up with different theories why she wants to be there all alone, each one more ridiculous than the last. Minutes later, the brunette appears with two additional bags to go along with the other six bags she has. Ignoring their questions, she hums happily while walking down the streets in a random direction.

Without being asked, Gray moves up next to her and snatches four of her bags to carry them for her. After her initial shock and small flare of anger, she settles down and gives him a grateful smile which he returns with a small nod. Always competing with the ice mage, Natsu goes up and snatches the other four bags despite the brunette's protests. Both guys fully ignoring her and denying her attempts to get back her bags, she gives in with a pout.

No one notices the fond look she gives them as she pouts. Natsu smells a bunch of different things in the bags he took, but one causes him to smile as he recognizes it. Ginger. He grows very excited that soon he will be able to start getting rid of his motion sickness. Erza, Lucy, and Happy look on at the interactions of the three ahead of them with mixed feelings.

Erza has sisterly pride that those two uncouth boys are finally acting like gentlemen for once. Happy is laughing to himself at how much he will get to tease Gray along with Natsu. Lucy is happy that they are behaving but is also kind of jealous since they haven't acted like that towards her despite knowing them longer. Noticing the look of utter excitement in Natsu's expression, Gray can't help but throw an insult in the dragon slayer's direction out of habit more than anything else.

It has the desired effect and now Natsu is glaring at the raven-haired boy over Krysti's head. Natsu insults him back and almost immediately the two start bickering. Erza sighs in disappointment, while Lucy and Happy look disgruntled at how quickly they start fighting. Before they know it, the boys are getting ready to come to blows and they both forget about the bags in their hands and the woman between them. Gray lifts up a tightly clenched fist quickly and the forgotten bags in his hand swing up and smack Krysti in the face.

She immediately recoils and cries out in pain, her hands flying up to protect her face from more damage. She is lucky that those bags just had clothes in it, but the pain is still intense. Her pained cry immediately snap the boys out of their argument. Guilt replaces anger and they stand awkwardly as Lucy and Erza rush in to check on their friend. As the girls hug the older woman and move her away from the boys, they turn as one and send very nasty glares at the males.

Gray and Natsu wilt under those venomous looks. Sensing that, at the moment, Natsu and Gray are chastised enough, the two younger women usher Krysti back to the hospital as per the doctor's orders. The guys trail a good ways behind the girls and Happy decides to fly next to Natsu to keep him company. Each time one or both of the boys tries to get closer to the female trio, Lucy or Erza would glare them away. Also, each time the boys heard a pained groan, they would flinch and shrink in on themselves.

"This is your fault you know." Natsu softly accuses Gray. The raven-haired male starts to argue back before slumping his shoulders in defeat. It was his fault. He started the fight and he was the one to hit Krysti in the face.

"Yea, you're right." he says too softly for any normal person to hear. After growing up with Natsu, he knew that his scarf-wearing companion would hear him just fine. Natsu turns to look at Gray with a gob smacked look on his face, can't believing that his rival actually agreed with him on something. And without a fight! The dragon slayer stands up taller and prouder and can't help the smug look on his face.

---

After exiting the hospital with new bandages and given the all clear, Krysti turns to her friends with a wide grin before she says, "So I don't know about you guys, but I could do with some lunch. Anyone else interested?" She gets a chorus of agreement from the others as the mood around them lightens considerably.

Erza suggests a place that she likes to frequent and before anyone can make any other suggestions, she purposely marches off in the direction of that restaurant. They look at the red-head in slight exasperation before dutifully following after her. Thankfully there were no more incidents during the meal. Lucy left right after lunch to go home and do some chores, while Erza claims she has business at the guild. Gray grumbles something in an awkward manner before he too leaves.

So Happy, Natsu, and Krysti make their way back to the dragon slayer's house with Natsu insisting that he carry all the bags. Krysti huffs at this at first, but settles for ruffling Natsu's hair after he stole the bags from her. He gives her a mock-glare at that and she just smiles sweetly in response. Happy is flying ahead, happily munching on a fish while the other two walk side-by-side along the streets. As they near the edge of town, the brunette notices that Natsu has been quiet and is looking down at the ground as he walks. Thinking that he looks like he is bothered by something, Krysti decides to broach the subject.

"Hey, Natsu." she starts off quietly.

"Hmm?" he says as he turns to look down at the woman beside him.

She looks him in the eyes before asking, "Is everything ok? You seem bothered by something." He then grins at her.

"Naw, I was just thinking about something. That's all." he replies casually.

"Mind sharing?" she asks back. He looks ahead at this point and crosses his arms behind his head even with the heavy bags in his hands.

"I was just wondering about that fight you had two nights ago and how much you wanted to brawl with the guild. You just don't seem like the type of person who likes to fight." he says after a moment. She also look ahead at this point before a teasing grin appears on her face.

"And you don't seem to be the type who likes to cuddle while sleeping either." she points out with a playful tone. Blushing, he splutters out a protest with his arms waving wildly and items start flying out from the bags. Laughing loudly, she holds out a hand to calm him down. "It's ok! I think its cute." This statement causes him to blush more and start pouting. His expression causes the woman to have a loud giggle fit as she stops to pick up the fallen purchases. Thankfully none of them were damaged. At the loud laughter, Happy flies back to see what is going on.

"Natsu, why is your face so red?" he asks innocently. Natsu mutters out a reply. Happy looks over to see his newest friend still giggling and he gets that intense look on his face he likes to use when he teases. "You lllllike her." he accuses.

"Do not!" shouts out the scarf wearing guy while his face gets decidedly redder. Krysti who heard Happy's comment, giggles even louder as she picks up the last item. She slings her arm that is holding the wrapped package over the blushing boy's shoulders which causes him to stiffen.

She grins at the laughing cat before saying cheerfully, "Of course we like each other! We're family, silly thing."

Shaking his head while losing that intense expression, Happy says, "That's not what I meant."

"What did you mean then?" she feigns a look of such absolute innocence that it causes Natsu to snort in suppressed laughter.

Happy, taken aback by her question stutters a bit before muttering, "Oh never mind. I'm going to get a fish." He flies off somewhere to get the treat feeling disgruntled. The two people left behind turn to look at each other before bursting out in laughter as the cat gets out of earshot.

Slapping his leg, Natsu cries out between laughs, "Did you…see his face?…Priceless!" Krysti is hunched over a bit, holding her stomach.

"I know!" she laughs out. After another moment, their laughter calms down, but they still have large smiles on their faces as they turn to face each other. The woman gets a glint in her eye before grinning widely. She rushes off quickly in the direction that they were heading, leaving Natsu standing there confused.

That is until she shouted over her shoulder, "Race ya home!"

He gets a competitive glint in his eyes while a grin takes over his face before crying out, "I'm all fired up!" Quick as a whip he takes off after her and catches up within seconds. He pulls ahead then matches her pace so she can keep up, both of them laughing breathlessly. At the edge of the forest, they slow down and Happy rejoins them with a large fish in his paws.

Breathing heavily, Krysti is still smiling while Natsu isn't even slightly winded. She gives a good-natured jealous glare that he doesn't notice. Giving the brunette time to catch her breath, the three then continue towards home. When in sight of the house, Krysti squeals in delight and talks about how cute it looks. This causes Natsu and Happy to look embarrassed, but proud at the same time.

"Wait a minute…" Krysti starts off, causing the other two to look at her. "Is that actual tree branches growing out of the walls?" she asks.

Natsu nods with a wide grin, "Yup. It's a nice big one too." She looks over in slight disbelief at the male walking beside her before looking back at the house. A smile with a small chuckle escapes her lips before full on laughter ensues. The cat and fire mage stop to look at the woman in confusion. Why is having a big tree growing in the house so funny? Almost as if she read their minds, she eases up on her laughter so she can speak.

"I'm sorry, it just struck me as really funny that I'm going to be living in a house with a entire tree inside it, when back home we didn't even have plants in the house cuz my parents thought it was too much of a hassle." she explains.

"Ok, but I don't really understand." Natsu says with a grin as he tilts his head some.

Happy flies past the two while excitedly shouting, "Fish!" This causes the man and woman to start laughing again. They start walking towards the quaint looking 1 story bungalow. Light yellow walls with a red tile roof and stones line the bottom. It has white paned windows and a chimney on the side made of the same rocks that lined the bottom of the house. A small room extension in front held the entrance. Finally, some unknown animal skull perched above the wooden door completed the outside decorations.

Approaching the house, Natsu opens the door to let in an eagerly awaiting Happy who flies in as soon as the door is wide enough to let him in. Krysti follows behind Natsu as she gazes around the outside of her new home, but is shocked when he suddenly closes the door in her face. Wide-eyed, she stands there unsure about what to do. She starts to raise her hand to knock, but then stops to leave her hand hovering in midair. A look of confusion runs rampant on her face as she tries to figure out what to do. After standing there for a couple of minutes with nothing happening, her expression saddens.

Biting her lip, she slowly turns around to trudge back into town, feeling that she was mistaken and was only allowed to stay the one night. She lets out a sigh and hangs her head down as she starts picking her way down the path.

A small creak comes from behind her and Natsu's voice calls out, "Hey, Krysti! Where are you going? Don't you need to put this stuff up before we go train?" She turns back to face the pink-haired guy, confusion written on her face.

"Huh? So I am allowed to stay?" she asks. Looking confused himself, Natsu leaves the entrance to walk toward her.

"Well, yeah. I wouldn't have invited you to be roommates if I wasn't allowing you to stay." he states like it is the most obvious thing in the world.

"But you shut the door in my face when I tried to enter." Krysti tells him. His eyes widen in surprise.

"I did?" he rubs the back of his head sheepishly. "I'm sorry, I guess that was a force of habit. I'm not used to having other people here." he ends with a small grin. Krysti just smiles back, happy to know that it was just a simple mistake. He reaches over and grabs her wrist. With a small tug, Natsu leads her back to the house that they are now going to share.

---

Longest chapter yet, woot!

Apologies for taking so long to update this fic. Combination of work, life, writer's block, and proofreaders not proofreading. I went on and submitted this chapter when it became apparent that the two people who I use to beta my story aren't going to do it anymore. So more apologies for spelling and grammatical errors.

Before anything is said, I know that Gray and especially Natsu are acting OOC towards Krysti. With Gray its more of a plot device to help out in future plots, especially with the upcoming Gruvia angle. Natsu, to me, seems like his apparent mini crush on her is a lot more natural. Not spoiling, but if you watch the Jigglebutt Gang filler you see how happy and grateful Natsu is to a stranger just rubbing his back. So I think that he would of course start developing somewhat of a crush on a girl who not only takes very good care of him while sick, but offers a cure for his motion sickness and shares a lot of common interests with him. Like a love for dragons for one. But that's just me and my take on how he would react.

I'm always happy to receive constructive criticism on my work and if anyone is interested in being a Beta or proofreader for me, I would very much appreciate it. I say the more opinions and perspectives I get on the story, the better I can make it. Of course, if someone wants me to Beta or proofread their work, I will be more than happy to offer my services. Always happy to lend a helping hand and make new friends.

*crosses fingers* Hopefully the next chapter won't take so long to update.