A/N: Why does my computer have to be located in the basement of all places. It's summer here but ironically every time I enter the room a mini-blizzard hits me square in the face. Moral of the story- always bring a blanket and a piping hot mug of tea.

Chapter 12 – Road Trippin' With Her On My Mind

I sprint over to Erza's desk, almost tripping on her calculus book along the way. When I got to her side she was mumbling incoherently.

"Candles… I… mean to… am… sorry…"

I wasn't used to seeing her helpless. It's so unnerving. I just want to see Erza back to being her normal, confident self. "Hey, Erza, you gotta wake up. It's just a bad dream ok?" I say the last part gingerly. Lucy told me Erza's had some really terrible nightmares in the past two weeks. But for some reason she never remembers what she imagines.

"Natsu, Lucy?"

Her familiar voice cuts through my heavy thoughts.

"What are you doing here? I thought you guys were eating dinner or something," she asks with surprising alertness.

"How are you feeling?" I ask tentatively. Erza isn't acting like a girl who has just had convulsions. She looks like a regular girl studying for tests, with her hair in a messy bun and a mug of tea by her side.

"I'm fine, tired of studying for all of this nonsense though." She motions to her desk and jokes, "I feel like some of my brain cells have just died."

Lucy and I exchange concerned looks as our eyes silently have a conversation. We both are worried about her but don't know what to do.

All three of us sit in awkward stillness for a few minutes until Erza breaks the unusual silence in the air. "Lucy do you mind calling Gray? He hasn't returned any of my calls this past week and the jerk even avoids me during class. He hasn't given me the silent treatment since elementary school, and that's only because I offhandedly said hockey was for losers."

Lucy sighs and leans back into her chair. "Lately he's been kind of grumpy, but let's see how this goes." Everyone waits expectantly to see what happens. On the fifth ring he finally is on the other end and Lucy turns it to speaker phone.

"Hey Gray, what's up? We were just wondering if you'd wanna hang out right now? Everyone's in my room and we were thinking of going to a movie or something."

"Yeah sorry, I'm not really feeling it today. Thanks for asking."

Lucy huffs in annoyance. "Ok whatever. Don't hang out with your friends. The Gray I know wouldn't have any qualms about it though."

"Well I guess I'm not that kind of person anymore," he says bluntly.

Her phone beebs, marking the end of the call. "He hung up-" Erza began. "The nerve of that brat. Don't you think I'm the one who should be mad at him, not vice versa? He's been moody to EVERY FRICKIN ONE OF US-"

Almost instantaneously we both tackle Erza, accidently knocking the breath out of all three of us. "Erza, stop yelling ok? I don't need more detention," Lucy growls between her breath at the squirming red head. In a softer but firm tone she says, "We're straighten this out, even if one of us has to knock Gray out once or twice for the truth."

Erza clenches her jaw as a single, angry tear makes its trail on her cheek. "Yeah, he'd better watch his back if he wants to have any of his friends left."

Gray's POV

Shoot, I think I over did it. No doubt I came off as a huge, insensitive jerk. We all have that time where we wish we could take back our words. Well, now was that time for me. (unfortunately this kind of thing happens quite frequently) I run a hand through my hair, thoroughly stressed and silently cursing. I worry I'm doing more harm than help. It's too late now, might as well continue on with the plan and pray to high heaven that I'm doing the right thing.

Hair messily sticks up in all directions as I rifle through my satchel. I'm in a grumpy mood as I make sure that I have everything for the road. Energy drinks? Check. Dark chocolate? Check. Phone? Check. And most importantly- my helmet (it acts like a speaker) that lets me listen to some of my favorite alternative punk bands.

I stuff my feet into a pair of worn-out combat boots and grab a leather jacket as I head out of my dorm. Halfway to the parking lot I realize I forgot my keys. This whole situation has affected me more than I thought. Or maybe it was the fact it was 5:30 in the morning.

After 5 minutes of scrambling to find my keys I finally make my way to my motorcycle. The sight of it makes me smile a bit, after months of Ultear having her hands on it it's mine again. My sister claimed I was quote, "irresponsible and therefore the older sister gets to keep it." Her logic was so wrong, but every time I tried to get it back she hid it. How could you hide an 8 feet, 400 pound machine you ask? Well, let's just say Ultear has an annoying talent for hiding anything. Mom finally made her return it and in hindsight I really should've asked Mom first. Would've saved me from angrily throwing an egg at Ultear. Oops.

After two pit stops for gas and a whole lot of miles, I finally find the exit I was looking for. I almost missed it had I not previously slowed down to change the song. (Trust me, any artist who sings about toaster ovens is definitely on something.) Exiting the ramp from the freeway I see the sign I drove 6 hours and got up at 5 A.M. for. Feelings of relief and exhaustion wash over me, but then I think about what lies ahead. Trepidation replaces the relief I felt moments before, and whether I like it or not nervousness has ingrained itself into my bones.

The sign says the name of Erza's early childhood hometown. Rosemary Village is in 15 miles.

A/N: Ughh, writing about motorcycles makes me want to drive one really badly. Too bad I'd have to buy one myself, I'm utterly... rich! Just kidding (I wish lol) Moving on, here is round 11 of the shout-out corner.

SkyDrakov and GrayzaForever990 - Thank you guys for the fave! :D

WelcomeToTheAnimeParade - Lol your reaction xD As you can see Erza is perfectly... fine? *cues dramatic music

Iceberry2666- Yeah, she's ok! That's Titania for ya :) *for now mwahaha

KittyBlaze - Thank gosh we share the same view :) Btw your username reminds me I really want to own a cat. Since I have no money I'll just kidnap my friend's xD

MAILORDERCOWBOY - Sorry for the shortness, I tend to have a short attention span sometimes. *curses YouTube xD* Love your profile pic too! :)

erza scarlet19 - Thanks for your sweet review! :)

Joey Klay - Hmm, the irony is pretty funny actually xD But you know what they say, opposites attract and Erza does have her fun loving side :D