Standard disclaimer applies.

notes:
kaji (火事) = fire
mizu = water

CHAPTER 8

"So… are you going to tell me what's been bothering you lately?"

The question snaps Natsu out of his thoughts. He looks at the celestial mage walking beside him, a curious expression playing on her face. His mind has been repeating a particular scene from two weeks ago. "I don't know what you're talking about," he smugly responds.

Lucy hums teasingly, not convinced. "You know what I'm talking about. This is our sixth mission in two weeks. You're always choosing the easy ones, and not taking the others with us. What's up with that?"

"We need to earn money to buy more fish," Happy, who is perched atop Natsu's head, supplies the answer instead.

"Nah," Lucy shakes her head in protest. "It feels like Natsu just wants to avoid being in Magnolia."

Bull's eye!

"Stop being on my case, will ya? I don't even know why you're complaining. Easy job with bigger payment. Isn't that what you always want?"

"Hmm… While that is true, it feels like you're making sure we go on jobs where Gray and the others aren't needed," Lucy smirks.

Natsu ignores her comment and walks ahead of her. Presently, the two mages and the blue exceed are at a small town east of Magnolia, which is two stations away. The mission itself is simple, at least on paper. The request specifically states for two Fairy Tail mages to appear for a few hours. A significant amount of jewels will be rewarded. No questions asked, Natsu ripped the poster from the board and tells Lucy to follow him.

"I wonder why the client wants Fairy Tail mages only," Happy changes the direction of the conversation, much to Natsu's delight.

"It does sound a little strange," Lucy muses. "I really hope it's not something peculiar or dangerous."

"As usual you're too cowardly to do anything with a pint of danger," scoffs the fire mage, not caring if he's going to upset the blonde mage.

Lucy simply ignores him, knowing full well that lately the pink-haired boy is always on edge. Most of their guildmates have also noticed that Natsu is unusually moody. Perhaps the strangest attitude he's been displaying is not even getting into a fistfight with Gray.

Instead, Lucy continues her discussion about the mission with the blue exceed. Once they get to the heart of the town, following the directions provided on the mission poster, the three mages reach the address in no time. A quaint one-storey house stands erect in front of them. The sides of the house are littered with flowers and herbal plants. A white picket fence surrounds the whole structure. Inside the fence stands an elderly woman, her grey hair secured in a tight bun. She smiles at them as she opens the gate.

"Fairy Tail mages, I presume?"

They greet her and start introducing themselves. The old woman opens the gate and leads them inside the house. The three sit at the couch in the small living room, and the elderly woman serves them cookies and tea.

"Please call me Mizue. My request is quite odd, but it must be done for my beloved Kaji."

Mizue proceeds to tell the three mages the complete details of the mission. Inside the bedroom is her sick husband. Tears start welling in her eyes when she tells them that he's in his deathbed.

"Kaji and I have been married for sixty-two years. I was eighteen; he was nineteen. We never had children, but we were very happy. My dear husband's wish since he was a young boy was to be a mage. Unfortunately, the magic dwelling inside his system never materialized. He said that if ever he became a mage, he would try his hardest to become a Fairy Tail member. Kaji always followed news about Fairy Tail. He was especially heartbroken when your guild lost its prominence for about seven years."

Mizue continues to reflect about her life with Kaji. They have lived their life with Kaji's small salary from being a salesman. Since they didn't have any children, the couple often helped out at the orphanage, but never really considered adopting.

One thing for sure stands out to the three mages — the love between Mizue and Kaji is sincere, deep, and everlasting.

"I know that my request is quite shallow, but I would like for you Fairy Tail mages to show him a few magic tricks. Just enough to appease his heart as a long-time fan of your guild."

The elderly Mizue wipes the tears from her eyes with a handkerchief. "I don't know how long my husband will stay with me, but I want to forever engrave his smile in my memory."

Both Lucy and Happy tear up from Mizue's words. Natsu remains stoic, but the lump in his throat is a big sign the boy is majorly affected.

"You can count on us, ma'am," he tells her with conviction and utmost respect. A picture frame catches the corner of his eyes. The photograph is a little faded, indicating its age. He stands up from his seat to get closer to the picture. A couple dressed in wedding garb smile brightly, their happiness clearly captured. But what caught Natsu's eyes is the hair colour of the husband and wife. "I'm assuming this is you and your husband?" he asks.

Mizue nods. "Yes. It is our wedding day. The two of us are always being teased for having such contrasting hair. Kaji stood out with his deep blue hair, while my curls were the brightest pink. Of course years later, mine had faded into grey while dear Kaji lost most of his blue strands," she laughs at the memory.

Happy chuckles as he stands next to Natsu to gaze at the photograph. "It's almost like you and Juvia-chan, only opposite in hair colour," he bemuses.

Natsu stiffens upon hearing Happy's statement. He eyes Happy from the corner of his eyes, but it seems the cat only said it as a passing comment. Instead, the fire mage turns to Mizue.

"I think it's time for us to bring happiness to your husband, ma'am," he tells her with his toothy grin. This is one mission Natsu is wholeheartedly going to achieve.

"Juvia is so very thankful that you brought her along with you and Pantherlily."

For the tenth time that day — heck, Gajeel actually lost count — Juvia expresses her gratitude towards her best friend. Gajeel rolls his eyes at her and grumbles something inaudible.

"I think what Gajeel is trying to say, Juvia, is that, contrary to what he tries to show, he relies heavily on your presence when going on jobs," Pantherlily interprets Gajeel's jibberish griping.

"Shut it, Lily. That's not what I said," protests the iron dragon slayer. "Stop being such a drama queen, Rainwoman. You always tag along with me anyway. I don't know why you're making a big deal out of this one."

Juvia awkwardly giggles, trying her hardest to appear cheerful. It is the opposite inside her, however. For the past two weeks, Juvia has been staying away from Magnolia as much as she can. She only shows up at the guild to check the job postings.

Luckily for her (although she feels saddened about it), she hasn't set her gaze upon a certain mage. She knows he's avoiding her. Not to mention, he's been going on missions with Love Rival-chan alone.

Perhaps he is indeed following Juvia's advice — to take his relationship with Love Rival-chan a little further...

Stupid, insensitive idiot!

"Who is?" Pantherlily asks.

"Oh!" Juvia falters in her step. Lately, as Lisanna has noted, Juvia has been voicing her thoughts out loud. A dangerous hobby to develop, for sure!

"Hey, if you're referring to me, that'll make you an ungrateful bitch," scowls Gajeel.

Juvia shakes her head. "Juvia is never ungrateful. Although, Gajeel-kun might be right," she pauses, a sad visage replacing her fake smile, "Juvia is quite a bitch." She flinches just by calling her name with a derogatory remark.

Gajeel blocks her from walking forward. "What's up with you, Rainwoman? I've been noticing you're always looking so gloomy lately," comments Gajeel. He directs his eyes up the clear blue sky. In fact, it is quite a cheery day considering the autumnal season.

"Nothing's wrong with Juvia. Look Gajeel-kun, the sun is shining so brightly. If Juvia is gloomy, how come the weather's not synchronized with Juvia's mood?" she posts the question that's been bugging her as well.

"I guess Stripper really permanently took your gloominess away," states Gajeel, shrugging his shoulder. Juvia hides her frown.

"So, are we nearby your client's mansion?" Juvia changes the subject. The two mages along with Gajeel's exceed are on their way to the Rayne Estates. The mission details are vague. It mentions a retrieval of a family heirloom for two million jewels. For something so simple, the reward is awfully high.

Pantherlily takes out the map from Gajeel's pocket. "The mansion is located in the isolated part of the town. But it says here, we won't miss it. I'm guessing it's that huge house on top of that hill." The exceed points in the northeast direction. An outline of a huge building, mostly covered by tall trees, stood lonely from afar. It seems they'll reach it after a few more minutes of walking.

When the three reach the main gates, the huge metal sign 'RAYNE' welcomes them. "Gihihi, imagine if that's your last name, Rainwoman. I think Juvia Rayne suits you," Gajeel cackles at his own joke.

Juvia rings the bell and introduces herself through the intercom. The moment she states she's from Fairy Tail, no further questions are asked; the gate automatically opens for them to enter. The group walks a few more blocks ahead before reaching the main entrance of the mansion. Outside, a maid waits for their arrival, bowing down to them in full respect.

"Good morning, highly honourable Fairy Tail mages," she greets with strict politeness. "Lady Rayne is waiting for you at her office. Please follow me, Ms. Lockser, Mr. Redfox, and Mr. Pantherlily." The maid leads them inside the expensively decorated halls. She knocks on the door and announces the mages' presence.

As soon as they step inside, the three are greeted by a statuesque woman, probably in her late seventies. Her long greying braid rests on her right shoulder, falling all the way down to her stomach. She is clad in a simple blue dress, but the fabric is velvety, giving off a rich, sophisticated vibe.

"Thank you for accepting this job," she bows to them. "My name is Summer Rayne, and I've been waiting for someone to help me with such an important mission, albeit quite simple."

Juvia bows as well in response. "You have such a beautiful name, Lady Summer," she couldn't help but comment. "My name is Juvia Lockser; I am a water mage. This is Gajeel Redfox and Pantherlily. They are the ones who chose and picked the mission."

"Please take a seat and we will discuss the task over tea and cake," the Lady of the Manor offers. The three follow suit.

While the maids are preparing the small snack for the guests, Lady Summer begins her tale about her family heirloom. "The item I lost does not exactly belong to my family. I am ashamed to admit that I have no right over it. In terms of legality, I am not the rightful owner. But if in terms of the matters of the heart, I thought I have every right to it."

Juvia listens intently, knowing that the Lady Summer has already lost Gajeel the moment she mentions 'matters of the heart'. Gajeel has no time for such petty details. He wants to know the instructions and get to the task right away. However, out of respect for the Lady's status, he remains silent.

"It belongs to the man I love during my younger years," Lady Summer smiles with a faraway look. She is reminiscing, Juvia could tell. "His name is Cobalt Magento. He was already betrothed to someone when I met him. He is the son of a powerful duke, but he was willing to defy his father's orders to be with me. Hence, the two of us planned to elope. I, the heiress to a lord's estate, would run away from home at the age of sixteen, leave our inheritance behind, and start anew just by ourselves. As the date of our eloping neared, I started to get scared. I couldn't go through with it. I was used to the lavish lifestyle, and I knew that I wouldn't be able to survive without my father's money."

Tears start staining the still-smooth skin of the Lady's cheeks. She doesn't bother to wipe them. "I never showed up at our meeting place. I betrayed his trust, and I lost his love. A month after our supposed elopement, that man I love was wedded to his betrothed." Lady Summer pauses when the maid enters the room to serve the tea and cake. Once the servers left, Lady Summer resumes with her storytelling. "The man I love is no mage, but he has some magical abilities. He can somewhat manipulate fire into figures," she smiles at her recollection. This tiny detail makes Juvia gasp. Fire, just like her Natsu...

"Prior to our elopement, Cobalt told me of a powerful heirloom from his family's forefathers. It was passed down to the first born, whether male or female. The Magento family are known to be fire manipulators, though none never really travelled down the path of being a full-fledged mage. This heirloom, a ruby pendant, encases the fire created by the first born. Cobalt promised to give me this pendant, which holds his fire."

"D-did he give it to you?" Juvia interrupts, too curious.

"No, my dear. He gave it to his wife, which really angered me." Lady Summer refuses to meet anyone's eyes, too ashamed of the next words she uttered. "I had commissioned someone to steal it from his wife," she confesses after a few minutes of silence. Juvia gasps at the admission. She notices Gajeel frowning, but Pantherlily keeps a deadpanned expression. "The loss of this heirloom led to Cobalt's early demise."

"Oh..." Juvia realizes hot liquid steadily leaking from her tear ducts. "How come?"

"I didn't know the magic behind it, but it seems his life force is connected to the pendant. He gave it to his wife to show that he's entrusting his life to her. I found out about it by accident just a month ago."

Juvia has heard of a similar circumstance back when she's still in Phantom Lord. A family of mages stored their life force in a vessel — a pendant, a ring, a watch, any material that can serve as a holder — which allowed each member to gain more magical powers in their body. Once the vessel reached a certain distance away from its owner, death came swiftly. It seems the same concept applied with the Magento family.

"Hence, I investigated more about the heirloom, after years of having it in my possession. That was when I found out that Cobalt had a son. It seemed his wife left the Magento manor after her husband's death. I wish to return the heirloom to Cobalt's only son."

"What happened to it?" for the first time, Gajeel speaks up.

"In my fit of anger upon finding out I caused my love's death, I hurled the necklace down the cliff leading to this mansion. I might be asking the impossible, but I hope you can retrieve it using your magic."

Gajeel and Pantherlily exchange a look of disbelief. The Lady Summer makes retrieving a lost item sound so easy, but it's not.

"If it's down the cliff, it might have fallen down the sea," Juvia muses. "It's a good thing Juvia came along, Gajeel-kun. Juvia might be able to retrieve it if it's in the water!"

Lady Summer stands up and takes a box from the desk. "I'm not sure if it'll help at all, but I learned that dragon slayer mages have heightened senses. That's why I specified for a dragon slayer mage." She hands the box to Gajeel. "Do you think you'll be able to sense it just from using this box, my dear?" she gives him a hopeful look.

Gajeel takes the box and sniffs it. He narrows his eyes as soon as he gets a whiff of something strange. "It might work. I can smell the faint scent of burning mint or somethin'."

Lady Summer covers her gasp with her hand. "Cobalt always smelled like peppermint. Could it be that his natural scent is mixed in with the fire he created and encased inside the pendant?"

"It's quite possible, my Lady," Pantherlily supplies the answer.

"Well, I can try and trace it. But, if it indeed fell in the water, it'd be hard for me to follow it. The scent of water dulls a dragon slayer's sense of smell," explains Gajeel.

Juvia thinks back to Natsu's own explanation. A sad smile plays on her lips. "Lady Summer, Juvia apologizes but she wants to ask, do you regret not showing up at the meeting place?"

Lady Summer chuckles, but the laughter never reaching her eyes. "Every single time I breathe. I always envision a life with him. What could have been... What would I have become... Look at me, I lived my life surrounded with riches, but I am alone."

"You... never married?"

The Lady shakes her head. "I couldn't trust myself with anyone else. That's why I must retrieve this necklace. I will increase your payment, in fact. It's not enough to pay for the crime I committed against the man I love. But at least, let me return what's rightfully his son's."

Juvia stands up and takes Lady Summer's hands into hers. "Juvia cannot exactly judge you, since Juvia's done some crazy antics before too, especially involving people she loves. Juvia supports your way of contemplating. If Juvia needs to swim deeper into the sea, Juvia will do it just to retrieve this necklace." Juvia offers her an assuring smile. She turns to her two friends and proposes to jumpstart with the mission.

The completion of a mission, especially a successful one, often leaves the mages happy and fulfilled. Not to mention if the reward money is bountiful! Yet the trio of Nastu, Lucy, and Happy departs the client's town with forlorn expressions. Lucy's tears continue to fall after as they bid Mizue a goodbye.

The group ends up refusing to take the payment from the lovely couple.

Natsu contemplates what just transpired. When Mizue assists her husband out of their bedroom, the trio meets a frail old man whose long years are made noticeable due to the happy lines on his face. The wrinkles around his eyes get more prominent once his gaze sets upon Natsu's face.

"Ah, the great salamander," he excitedly exclaims, albeit his voice came out hoarse. A coughing fit interrupts the words he was about to deliver.

"My Kaji is a big fan of you, Natsu-San," explains Mizue. "And he has a not-so-hidden infatuation on the water Mage. Is it Julia or Sylvia my dear?"

Kaji points at her chidingly. "H-h-how ma-many t-t-times do I have to s-s-say it's Juvia?" He struggles to say. There is a hint of joy in his tone however.

"I shouldn't learn your pretend-mistress's name anyway," Mizue feigns anger.

"But Juvia-chan is for Gray, I read such gossip on Sorcerer's Weekly," Kaji informs his wife.

"And I'm only yours," Mizue nods her head, eyes sparkling.

The trio watches the scene in amusement and awe. Kaji tells them that seeing the salamander with his exceed is enough of a joy to him, but he's also thankful to meet the celestial Mage. Lucy offers to introduce him to her celestial beings, Virgo being Kaji's preferred one.

The trio showcase their magical prowess, albeit with restrained strength. Natsu creates flames that won't scald the elderly man. The excitement in his eyes lights up the boyish charm that's been gone for years. Kaji admits he recalls his boyish dream of becoming a Mage and joining a guild. He turns to Mizue, clasps her hands tightly, and thanks her profusely for her last gift. He vows to take this memory with to the afterlife. So when the time comes that Mizue joins him, he'd know the woman to marry again in his next life.

Death, Kaji claims, will never sever the bond and love he has for Mizue.

Do I want that with Juvia?

Natsu questions himself. How does he see his future self? How would he feel without Juvia in his life? Does he want to sleep on a bed knowing she isn't there when he opens his eyes? Does he prefer a life he can't share with her? His inner turmoil grows bigger each day.

"Mizue and Kaji's love story is an inspiration," Lucy suddenly speaks up while sniffing. "Theirs is the most genuine love that should serve a lesson for many."

"You're probably thinking of writing that as a novel. Tsk, tsk," Happy chimes in with a snide remark.

Lucy glares at the blue cat and sticks out her tongue. "Whatever. A cat like you won't know." She turns to Natsu and shakes her head. "And Natsu here won't know either."

"Nah-uh," protests Happy. "That's what you think," he gives a smug smile towards Natsu's direction. "Natsu actually has a girlfriend."

"WHAT?!" both Lucy and Natsu yelps in harmony.

Natsu growls at his best friend. "What the fuck are you talking about, cat?"

"Y-you have a g-g-g-g-girlfriend," Lucy asks in disbelief, stuttering. She just couldn't see Natsu as someone being romantic and all.

Happy spreads his wings and hovers in front of them. "The great Happy knows everything that happens in Fairy Tail," he announces to the two. He notices the fire dragon slayer is sweating as if afraid of being exposed. So I'm right, Happily naughtily thinks to himself. An evil grin appears on his face. "You've been trying to get rid of me for the past few months. I know you were bringing your girlfriend to our house."

"And you spied on us?!" Natsu bellows in anger.

Lucy gasps. "So you actually have a girlfriend?" Her question is ignored.

"Why would you spy on me?!"

Happy glares at Natsu. "I didn't spy on you, stupid. I don't do those. But you don't trust me enough to tell me you've a girlfriend."

"She's not my girlfriend!"

"So you're actually bringing a girl to your place?" Again, Lucy is being ignored.

Happy folds his arms and flares his nose up snobbishly. "I've never really seen the girl, but you always smell like fresh water, like you just stepped out of the shower. I may not be a dragon slayer, but I have good nose."

"What are you saying? You can tell who this supposed 'girlfriend' is by the scent on Natsu?" Lucy interjects.

Happy shakes his head. "Nope. That's why Natsu is always showering after to wash away her scent."

Oh... so Happy hasn't associated the scent of fresh water with a certain mage!

"I can't believe you didn't tell me and Happy about it. I thought we're you're closest friends," Lucy tells him with a disappointed and sad look. "Is she someone we know?"

"None of your business," Natsu grumbles. "Plus, it's over."

"What did you do?"

Natsu looks at her incredulously. "Why are you assuming it's my fault?"

"So it's her fault?"

Natsu sighs out loud. His mind's a whole mess at the moment, and his emotions are quite unstable after the whole mission. "I... really don't want to talk about it," he tells her but adds, "at least I'm not ready to do so."

"I see," Lucy nods understandingly. "Just so you know, me and Happy are always ready to listen. We won't judge as well."

"Aye!" Happy agrees. He flies towards Lucy who is already walking ahead. "I think it's Lisanna," he whispers to the blonde mage's ears. Lucy hums in response, actually having no clue of this mysterious girl. "Or it might not be from our guild," Happy adds.

"You're not helping at all,' Lucy mutters annoyingly. "We need to investigate."

"You guys know I can hear you," Natsu barks up in exasperation. "And it's not Lisanna."

"This explains why he's so moody for the past two weeks," Lucy states to Happy. "Looks like Fairy Tail's fire mage is indeed in love."

"Aye!"

"Didn't I say I don't want to talk about it?"

Lucy whirls around and halts, placing both her hands on her waist. "But I'm curious. You don't have to tell us who the mystery girl is. Just why your relationship ended."

"Does it really matter? It's done and over with. It's not like we had a relationship to begin with!"

"Ooh, intriguing. You mean you were just fooling around with her?"

Anger flashes in Natsu's eyes. He doesn't like what Lucy's implying. Then again, that's exactly how it sounds like coming from him. "She... that girl is in love with someone else," he finally confesses, hoping this clue won't give away the girl's identity.

"Ayayay," wails Happy at the same time Lucy muttering 'crap' out loud.

"Yup, so let's put a period to this conversation," Natsu says this with finality, but it seems his blonde friend doesn't want to let it go just yet.

"Did you ever tell her how you feel?" Frowning, Natsu walks ahead of her, blatantly disregarding her question. As if in competition, Lucy quickens her steps, matching his pace much to the annoyance of the fire mage. "Unwanted advice, but it might be better if you let this mystery girl know what's inside your heart. You'll never know…" Lucy trails off, gazing up at Natsu with a kind smile. "She might just reciprocate."

The sour grimacing of Gajeel only added to the heavy feeling inside Juvia's chest. A variety of emotions shrouds her whole being. Is she supposed to cheer out loud for completing a mission successfully? But perhaps, she shouldn't feel so elated witnessing the grief in Lady Summer's eyes as she held the necklace in her palm?

Juvia isn't sure. The mission leaves a sweet and sour taste on her tongue. The necklace has been retrieved from the deep underwater; it's a task so easily handled by the water mage. The hardest part of the job is the added request by Lady Summer — to accompany her to return the Magento heirloom to its rightful owner. The son of Cobalt Magento is gracious and respectful, though the pain and hurt visible in his eyes. The stately lady of the Rayne Estates has gone down on her knees to beg for his forgiveness. Suffice to say, it has been a heavily tensed scene to witness.

There's also the very heirloom itself that plagues Juvia's mind. Upon retrieval, the water mage has intently stared at the piece of jewellery. The tiny flame encased inside the ruby pendant reminds him of a particular man's intense gaze.

She wonders about his whereabouts. Does he think of her? Does he replay in his mind the passionate moments they spend with each other? Does he crave to touch her once more? Does he desire for her presence at all?

Because, damn it all, Natsu is all she thinks about every time she blinks.

"Gajeel-kun, how do you know if you're in love?"

The weakened dragon slayer (only because they're riding inside a speeding train!) rolls his eyes, ready to hurl the cakes he consumed at the Rayne Manor. "Is this about Stripper again?" he whines, his words barely audible.

"Well… yes and no," Juvia sheepishly answers, giving him an unsure smile. "Juvia is just so confused with how she feels," she admits easily to him. It's always easy to confide in Gajeel, though he always replies brusquely.

"You want me to be honest?" he stares at her from the corner of his eyes. When Juvia nods, he sighs out loud, hoping he won't throw up in the middle of a serious conversation with his best friend. "It always seems like your feelings for that Stripper is a little," he pauses, perhaps to find the least hurtful term, "trivial."

Juvia repeats the word with a scowl, "Trivial?"

"Hmm, maybe I'm using the wrong word. But it ain't as deep as you want people to think it is," he tries his best to explain, still hoping the water mage doesn't get offended. "Or what you're trying to make yourself believe."

After a few minutes of pondering, Juvia seems to comprehend his statement. "Does it seem like my affections for Gray-sama are quite superfluous but not sincere?"

Gajeel shakes his head in disagreement. He never hates having serious talks with Juvia. It's just that sometimes one needs to tread carefully lest she'd flood the area due to tears. "It's sincere, but not just deep enough to warrant being called," he pauses again and puts his fingers up to make air quotations, "in love."

Juvia wants to get mad at what he's implying, but she knows he's partially right. It's just painful to hear it out loud. "Does it always appear as if Juvia is trying too hard?"

"Yes," both Gajeel and Pantherlily react at the same time.

This time it's the exceed who explains what the dragon slayer meant. "See Juvia, I do believe you're so grateful and thankful towards Gray, especially when he took away the gloominess from your atmosphere," Pantherlily carefully explains. "But you're always overcompensating for it. You also created in your head that 'cause Gray released you from the constant rain, you must reciprocate it by falling in love with him."

"When Juvia isn't really in love with him," Juvia supplies with a nod, catching both Gajeel and his exceed to gawk at her. "Juvia has been aware of her fleeting feelings for Gray-sama. Juvia still loves him though, perhaps will always love him. But it's just different with how Juvia feels towards Nat— er, someone else."

Gajeel doesn't catch her near slip-up due to dizziness. Pantherlily is a different case, however. He raises a brow as he continues to stare at Juvia. He doesn't say anything though.

"So how does Gajeel-kun know that you're in love with Levy-chan, not just love her as a nakama?"

"What? Who says I'm in love?!"

Juvia gives him a bewildered look. "Gajeel-kun doesn't love Levy-chan then? Poor Levy-chan!"

"Wait, wha— Oi! Rainwoman, stop making this about me. I know nothing about all these baloney love-stuff. You feel what you feel. Why need to dissect and learn theories about it. There's no right or wrong when it comes to that beating organ," lectures Gajeel in a rather crude way. "If that thing," he points towards Juvia's chest, "if that thing tells you it's beating for that one person, why'd you have to ask your brain to decide?"

The water mage chuckles loudly. Dear Gajeel-kun makes it so easy! "So, all Juvia just needs is for her boobs to beat to know if she's in love, right?" she asks him with feigned ignorance.

"Yeah, twist my words, annoying, foolish Rainwoman!" Gajeel spits in irritation.

Juvia sticks out her tongue at him, suddenly the heavy feeling inside her heart being lifted. Her best friend is indeed right. Why does she need to make it complicated?

It's simple really. She knows that her heart is beating for a particular someone for a long time now. With a great resolve, she launches herself at the grumbling iron-eating mage, giving him a big hug. "Thanks, Gajeel-kun. You really helped Juvia figure out her confused heart. You too, Pantherlily," she tells them, pulling the exceed in the hug as well.

If someone at the guild asked to describe Natsu in one word, most (if not all) would probably whip out their thesaurus for the word 'idiot'. Some would mean it in jest, while others in complete earnest. Natsu completely agrees with the latter.

After all, he really is an idiotic fool with moronic, stupid tendencies! Hurting Juvia is his biggest crime. He has no clue how to remedy the situation.

But something about what Lucy said ignites the flames of determination inside him. As soon as the trio arrived at Magnolia, Natsu forms a firm decision to make amends. After all, he realizes, he desires no one except for Juvia. He desires nothing than knowing, at the end of the day, he can have his arms around her slender frame. He'll do anything to get back in her arms.

That is the very reason why this dumb, half-witted fire dragon slayer ends up scaling the wall of Fairy Hills. It is already night time, and he wears the darkness like a cape.

He gets inside Juvia's room with no trouble (surprised that the windows remain unlocked!). But like he already deduced, Juvia's room is silent. No trace of any presence inside at all. A smirk plays on his face when he notices the things on her bed or lack thereof. Whatever happened to those ice-jerk dolls, he doesn't give a damn.

His main mission is to apologize to the water mage. Yet, that is futile at the moment. It's all in vain since the blue-haired goddess is nowhere in sight. She's probably out on a mission yet again…

Leaping out of the window, Natsu decides to put off his apology for the next day. It will give him enough time to practice what to say to her — for the right words to come out.

When he reaches his house's front door, he could tell Happy is shuffling inside their small kitchen. The various aromas of grilled fish and other cooked food fill his senses, making his stomach growl. As he steps inside, the blue fur of the exceed disappears inside his room.

"Yo, Happy," he calls out gruffly. "Why'd you clean the house? Are you expecting Carla?"

Natsu takes off his scarf. The only time he does so is when he's at home. He's about to throw the scarf on the couch, but decides against it. After all, as strange as it sounds, he doesn't want to waste his best friend's efforts in cleaning. Natsu scratches his head as his eyes scan the organized living room.

"Honestly, fish-breath, this is creeping me out. What's gotten int—," he comments as he enters his room, but gets cut off when he collides with something soft.

"Natsu-san, you should watch where you're going!" complains the harmonious voice. "Here, help Juvia up," the blue-haired mage extends a hand and orders him to assist her.

"Well, you should do that as well," he retorts, pulling the girl to her feet, until he realizes who he's talking to.

"HOLY FUCK, JUVIA, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN MY HOUSE?!"

The blue-haired maiden cocks her head to the side, blinks non-stop, and puffs her cheeks. "Juvia lives here."

A/N: I apologize for the delay. It took me some time to figure out what direction I want the story to go. This is the 3rd version I wrote, and I think this is the right way to go. I don't think I'll take too long to write the next chapter. I know that there are no interactions between our two leads, but please be a little patient. I felt that this chapter serves as a transitional one for the two. Hence, I really won't put a big gap between this chapter and the next. So here's hoping you all won't give up on this story.

Once again, my sincerest thank-you to all who left a feedback. The kind words were inspiring.