A/N: I still own nothing. Also, please keep letting me know what pairings you'd like to see the most, as then I'll know better how to structure the story up. :) Thank you!

3. Gifts

"We're back!" Natsu paraded the room with a goofy grin. Behind him stood Erza Scarlet, looking angered at something and behind her, Gajeel and Laxus were crawling their way back in. The looks on their faces hinted of annoyance, but Mira still smiled kindly, polishing one of the glasses.

"Nice to have you back!" She said welcoming them. Her eyes peeked curiously through her lashes."How did it go?"

"Ah, that was easy!" Natsu exclaimed, giving her one of his toothy grins."Ne, where is Lucy? Happy and I got her a present!" Mira's eyes widened, hearing the words."I think she'll like it."

"Lucy went out with Levy a few hours ago. I think they'll be at the park," she bit her lip to keep herself from inquiring more about the present.

"Natsu!" Lucy waved from the door. She was breathing heavily, as if she'd been running for miles and Levy was giving off the same expression. Gajeel gave a grunt, seeing the small bluenette struggling, but did nothing to help her.

"Lushi!" Before the blonde could react, the blue exceed had flown straight onto her boobs. Happy hugged her, nearly crying from the feelings seeing his nakama made him feel. Lucy laughed, patting the pet on his head. "Lucy!" Natsu grabbed her into a hug, almost suffocating her. He too was sincerely happy to see her."You won't believe it!" he exclaimed."Happy and I saw a fish this weird! It was almost as weird as you!" He waved his hands around, pretending to be one of them.

"Oy, squid-fish!" another voice interrupted."So you've finally gone bonkers?"

"What did you say, Ice Princess?" Natsu's attention was immediately shifted to the stripping ice mage."You wanna have a go?" Lucy giggled, seeing how it was back to normal again. Erza smiled slightly, waving it off. After all, for once, Natsu had behaved almost sufficiently during their mission and, as she reminded herself, Natsu and Gray had been separated for quite long. They were good friends after all, weren't they?

"Erza!" Lucy greeted her cheerfully, tearing the redhead's attention to herself."It's nice to see you again! I hope Natsu didn't cause too much trouble!" The blonde was equally worried about both of her friends, knowing how much of an unlikely team they formed?

"Oh, he was not a bother. How have you been Lucy?" She spoke politely, smiling rather forcefully. Lucy shivered, but reminded herself how good friends they were.

"I've been rather good, thank you!" She smiled herself and was about to change the topic, when Mira's helpful voice piped up:"Oh, she's doing far better than rather good! Lucy got a letter from a boy this morning!"

Needless to say, this stopped any movement within the guild. The brawling boys turned their heads towards the blushing blonde, who denied the accusations thrown at her.

"Who was it?" Erza demanded harshly, knowing of some bad experiences her friend had had. Lucy shrugged nonchalantly.

"No one," she said, avoiding her eyes. She could not tell how she'd asked help from the rivalling guild, now could she? It was better to keep quiet. Damn Mira for being such a blabbermouth!

"Yeah, Lucy, tell us!" Gray inquired, cracking his knuckles in sync with the boy he'd been fighting against. Both of them had a strange glint in their eyes, as if already planning the murder of the poor lad.

"I.. I told you it's not like that!" Lucy protested, waving her hands in front of her."It was no letter of importance."

"Oh, I see," Natsu shrugged."You should have said that thing first!" He grinned at the spluttering girl, who was trying to explain how she had not even started the topic, and jumped onto one of the stools."Man, I'm hungry!" He rubbed his tummy childishly, earning snorts from all around."Mira, can I get some chicken?"

Lucy elbowed him for the lack of manners and gave the lady an apologetic nod. Mira smiled and got to it, giving the girl another of the strawberry milkshakes along the way. Lucy, surprised as she was, took this chance to take her pills.

"Didn't you say you had a present for Lucy?" Mirajane inquired, putting the plate in front of him and setting the food on fire. Natsu looked a bit confused for a moment, but grinned remembering what the white-haired girl was talking about. He took a huge bite of the chicken leg, before poking through his pockets for the gift.

"A gift for me?" Lucy wondered, eyeing the boy suspiciously. It was not every day Natsu went making presents to everyone. Natsu pulled out a huge winged fish, earning a laugh from Lucy and a hit on head from disappointed Mira. Honestly, what had she expected? Lucy shook her head at the absurdness of her best friend.

"Thank you, Natsu!" she said, grinning."I'll make sure to cook it well tonight!" Her laugh only intensified when the winged cat settled on her shoulders. When Happy began to drool, however, the exceed soon found himself flying through the air with a loud "Kya!"