Hey guys! Wb. I hope you enjoy.

Rated M.

M is for MATURE people.

If I can pretend to be, then you can too.

DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING! *sob* However sometimes I wonder if Mashima-sama used to follow me around and take character ideas from me and my friends.

At least let a girl dream!

Chapter 16

Into the Woods We Go

Gajeel made his was home with many things consuming his mind, infuriating as it was, they all seemed to be centered around a tiny blue haired mage. His cheek still burned from where she'd slapped him, he'd have to get her to do it again before the sensation faded much more. He liked her spunk. He hadn't intended things go so far, but all preamble bullshit had been thrown to the wind when she'd crawled on top of him with that dagger. He arrived at the Fairytail dorms and stalked up the stairs to his room. The iron wielder never really cared for a home—this was just a place for him to shower and sleep. Just a one room studio and it suited him fine. Pantherlily never seemed bothered by it either, but smelling that little sprite of a girl in his lair made him second guess things that before never would have mattered. He stood in the entrance and smelled deeply. She'd been here. Stepping inside the dark room didn't bother him, he could see just fine. Her smell led him to the small counter that entered into the tiny kitchen. On it stretched out a blasted costume. He growled and grabbed the note that was pinned to the plastic.

Gajeel.

I know these kinds of things really aren't your thing, but I picked out costumes for both you and I days ago and I just know you're gonna love it.

~Levy

PS. Don't worry! I don't expect you to tell me or anyone else that you love it, but I know you will!

Curiosity got the better of him and he examined the costume. Upon identifying it, he grinned. "Geheh."

^.^

It was a lovely Autumn morning in the city of Magnolia. The ground was littered with multiple colored leaves ranging from the brightest of yellow to the deepest of red, baring the trees to winds that would only grow stronger as winter started to rear its heavy head. The people of Magnolia continued their preparations for the upcoming winter, oblivious to their local magic guild being all but shut down this day. FairyTail wizards and mages alike were busy prepping for the party their sweet Mirajane had worked so hard on. She had tried to give her friends and family something to look forward to before the Sacred Rite started to creep fear into hearts that were meant to be strong. And in that endeavor, she had been a success.

The only fear conspiring to take the hearts Fairytail wizards were questions such as:

Will she be shy?

Will he dance with me if I have the courage to ask him?

Will I be nervous?

Will she never look at me again if I step on her feet?

Will he smile when he sees me?

Will she hate me after tonight?

Will he love me after tonight?

All these questions held the potential for great wealth, or great disaster. The difference was that These questions were those of life. A warm feeling stirred in the hearts of all guildmates, of hope. The feeling of being alive made these questions and breathed essence into them. Not as the questions that brewed from a long awaited and sometimes feared All Hallow's Eve Sacred Rite, which was meant to bid farewell to life. No, for the first time, every wizard of Fairytail anticipated something sensual. A celebration of life.

In the dorms of Fairy Hills, that warm feeling seemed more like a lustrous glow filling the hearts of every lady there. In honor of their hostess, the She-demon herself, many of the girls had volunteered to sponsor a picnic at the park for a late breakfast. Natsu heard the word 'brunch' used. Some ladies had brought blankets for people to sit on but most just made themselves comfortable in the soft grass. The atmosphere was carefree as some ran and played games, others simply laughed and talked, and others lounged in the morning light.

Lucy sat on a blanket shared with Levy, Mirajane and Lisanna. They giggled as they watched Plue try to open a container to get the sweet treats within. "Oh Plue!" Lucy smiled and opened it for him. They watched him enjoy the contents for a moment, before a ball bounced right into the middle of their blanket before it continued on its way. Unfortunately for the ladies, that ball was tailed by two very competitive wizards who were coming fast. Fire and ice wielders raced through the girl's spread, effectively destroying the remains of the their desert. Natsu and Gray reached the ball at the same time and started trying to kick it in different directions.

Levy chuckled, "Well, at least we were pretty much done already!"

"Rrragh!" Lucy growled, "They really should watch where they're going! Look at this mess!"

"Sorry about that ladies!" Laxus approached them, "Gray's on my team, I'll make him apologize."

"Not before I make Natsu!" Cana ran past them, speaking fast, heading towards the boys.

Laxus grinned after her and took off towards the three of them. Natsu kicked the ball out from under Gray and towards Cana, she took it and ran off, Gray and Laxus ran to catch up to her. Natsu hung back. He heard what Cana and Laxus had said, and if being the first to apologize was another way for his team to beat Laxus and Gray, then he'd go do it! He sprinted over to the girls and squatted down in front them and scratched his head.

"Uh, sorry about that guys." He said awkwardly.

"Oh Natsu," Mirajane smiled, "It's alright! I'm glad you're all having fun!"

Lisanna giggled and Lucy sighed, "Oh Mira don't encourage him!"

Natsu smirked at Lucy, "Aww come on Luce! Mira's got the right attitude!"

"Is it just you four playing?" Levy questioned.

"Well," Natsu frowned. "Gajeel and Juvia were supposed to be playing, but Ironeyes didn't want to be on either mine or Laxus' team, and Juvia didn't want to play against Gray. So looks that way."

Levy's eyes grew mischievous, "Gajeel doesn't think he wants to play huh?" She turned to Lucy, "Come on Lulu! Let's go!"

Lucy's head perked, "Wh-what?"

Levy pulled her to her feet, "Come on! You'll be on Laxus' team, and I'll be on Cana's!"

Lucy laughed, "Alright then little girl! Just so that you know, I hate loosing!"

Lucy took off at a head start, Levy ran off after her.

Natsu blinked after them, then glanced back at Mirajane and Lisanna, "What just happened?"

Mirajane smiled, "Looks like it's you, Cana and Levy vs. Laxus, Gray and Lucy!"

Natsu grinned, "Oh yea! I'm all fired up now!"

He took off after them at more scramble than run.

They ran after the ball. Laxus had just grabbed Cana, allowing Gray to kick the ball away. He was only wielding the ball for a moment though, because Natsu dove for it, knocking the ball away. Right to Lucy!

"Thanks Natsu!" and Lucy started kicking it back the other way. "Laxus!" She kicked it over to him just as soon as Levy came at her.

Natsu just loved it. He took every opportunity he could to get his hands on Lucy. He would snatch her out of the air to keep the ball from her, he would wrap his arms around her waste to hinder her from kicking it. She'd noticed his attempt to sabotage her and she would try to trip him when he ran past, or would jump on his back to slow him down. They played back and forth with the ball until Lucy and Levy couldn't run anymore, then they all sat down to enjoy each other's company, breathing hard and exhausted, they still managed to laugh and joke. Eventually Gray and Natsu began to argue over who actually won the game, but since there hadn't been any goals to score points from, there wasn't any declaration of victory.

Eventually Cana stood up and stretched, "Well ladies, I think it's about time we start to get ready!"

"Already?" Gray asked.

"Oh your right Cana!" Levy bounced to her feet. "Let's get out of here."

Lucy turned to Gray, "We won't be able to get into the guild unless we're together. Where should we meet up?"

Gray, who was of course, shirtless, reclined back into the grass, "That's right. Most of the guys are meeting the girls outside of Fairy Hills, but you won't be there huh?"

Natsu listened carefully, trying to hold in his growl.

"Yes, I'll be at my house getting ready." Lucy replied, adjusting her seating so that she could see Gray, and Gray could see her.

Natsu was growling now, though hardly audible, and Levy placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Gray smiled up at her, "I'll pick you up then. We'll be dressed up all funny together. That way when you think people are lookin at cha weird, I can just tell ya they're lookin at me."

Lucy chuckled, "Always the gentleman!" She stood up and stretched.

Natsu couldn't decide if he liked or hated when she did that...

"Lulu, are you going to need help getting ready?" Levy asked, stepping in front of an increasingly jealous dragonslayer.

"Nah," Lucy smiled, "I've got all this... stuff that Mira gave me for Cancer to fix me up with. I'm good. I'll see you there!" The Celestial mage started to walk off.

Natsu started to go after her when he felt a hand on his shoulder, he turned around ready to bite someone's head off, but hesitated when he saw that is was Cana. She winked at him, "Easy lover-boy. She's a big girl, she'll be alright. Besides, we're gonna have to get you suited up too!"

^.^

So the ladies disappeared to their respective homes, while the guys fooled around a little bit more before doing the same. Many enjoyed much needed showers or baths, others took naps. Soon enough, the sun started to set, and the men (the one with dates anyway) began to congregate outside of Fairy Hills. Elfman and Freed were the first there. Elfman was dressed in a black and white stripped shirt and well worn pants. He had a pair of handcuffs slung over his shoulder.

Freed raised his eyebrow at the sight, "What pray tell, are you supposed to be dressed as?"

Elfman smiled, "A real man will dress to make his woman happy, and my woman will go nuts over a captured thief!"

Freed shook his head, and simply straightened his coat. Freed looked natural in his fancy coat and trousers. He appeared to be the kind of gypsy that would swindle you for all you were worth if you gave him an inch.

Next came Laxus and Bickslow. The lightning dragonslayer looked breathtaking in his bright red coat and tan colored baggy pants. He donned a hat with a wide brim, clearly he had chosen gypsy. His companion, Bickslow seemed very excited with that tongue sticking out of his wide smile all the time. He was a cat burglar, the only part of him not covered in black was his mouth.

Lisanna suddenly ran out of Fairy Hills, dressed as a cat burglar as well—but so much more than that! She was dressed in black leather all the way up to her chin. Her boots went up to her thighs and the heel looked like it could cut glass. Lisanna ran right through the doors and straight into Bickslow's arms. "You look great Bickslow!"

"Not near as great as you, Baby! Those boots are positively sinful!" He replied. The two of them stayed arm and arm, and started heading for the guild.

Laxus folded his arms, "Well, at least we know one of these girls can get ready promptly... How long are we gonna be stuck out here?"

"A real man can wait without complaining." Elfman retorted.

Laxus snorted.

Gray showed up next. He was dressed in a black dress shirt and black pants tucked into his black boots. He wore a long cape and had a sword on his belt. He wore a black wide brimmed hat and a black mask and walked right up to the door and knocked.

Natsu trudged his way to the group of testosterone, every inch of him expressing his sulkiness. He looked up at the doors, "What the hell is Gray doin here?"

Laxus chuckled, "Ain't no tellin."

All the men outside were surprised when the door opened only a little and Gray was pulled in.

"Aww, What the fuck?!" Laxus exclaimed, "They never let a man in there!"

Natsu snickered, "I knew he was a Ice princess!"

The men had a pretty good roar of a laugh at Gray's expense.

Next came Gajeel. He glowered after he arrived, and specifically made it a point not to talk to anyone. Of course though, Natsu was here to poke fun at him.

"What the hell are you supposed to be? Blackbeard?" Natsu laughed, "It's a Thieves and Gypsies Ball, not a pirate convention!"

"You dumbass!" Gajeel barked at him, "Pirates ARE thieves!"

"They're bad guys! Not thieves!" Natsu barked right back at him

"Thieves!"

"Bad guys!"

Gajeel stopped and folded his arms, "Whatever Salamander. Least I got the girl I want!"

This sent Natsu flaming, "...What?!"

"Geheh," Gajeel smirked, "You heard me!"

"Would you guys pipe down?! They can hear you all the way inside! Geez.." Gray's voice was approaching the two of them.

Natsu turned his flaming bad attitude his direction of course. "What in the flaming fuck are YOU supposed to be!? Did the Ice Princess go in there to borrow a dress?"

"For your information, I'm Zorro! Kinda like the Robin Hood of an alternate universe, not that a sizzle brain like you would understand!"

Natsu took a step toward him but Gray kept right on talking, "You listen to me! Don't TOUCH Juvia tonight! You keep her safe and see that she gets there. I better not find any burn marks on her just cuz you can't keep your cool. I'll take her off your hands as soon as we get there."

"Yea well YOU-" Natsu paused, "you'll what?"

"You heard me." Gray narrowed his eyes, "I'm takin' my date back."

Natsu's fired died down, "Well... you-you keep those ice talons off Lucy!"

Gray was already walking off.

Laxus grimaced at the sad little bowl of drama he just witnessed. "Girls take too damn long."

^.^

The Celestial mage sat in front of her mirror in the dress she'd worked on for hours. Cancer had explored the bag Mira had left for him and was just finishing the multitudes of braids he'd decided to dress her hair in. Those braids were decorated by many different colored feathers scattered all throughout her hair. She even had a few miniscule braids lacing through her bangs. Lucy had to hand it to him, it seemed like a nice way for a gypsy to keep her hair.

When he tied off the last braid Lucy thanked him for all his help.

"Oh, we're not done yet, baby." He fished out one more thing from the bag.

Lucy gawked at it, "What IS that? Is it supposed to go on my dress?" Cancer was holding a big, blood red rose that had deep maroon (the same shade as her dress) feathers jutting out from it where normally leaves would have been. There was a black netting material sewn under the rose that created an interesting effect.

"No baby, It's gonna complete your look right up here."

He gently but firmly placed the strong clasp that was hidden under the rose into Lucy's hair. She was surprised how light the thing was. It hung where she would sometimes put a side ponytail and it made the large feathers display themselves all over that side of her head while a few of them stuck out toward the sky. "Uhh... are you sure this doesn't make me look like some kind of burlesque girl?"

"Nah baby. It tugs all those other feathers into your dress and makes the whole look pop."

Lucy jumped when she heard a knock on her door.

"That's my cue, Baby." Cancer disappeared with a bow.

Lucy smiled, now alone in her room, "Thank you, Cancer."

^.^

Gray waited impatiently at Lucy's door. Why does she have to live so far away? If she really wanted privacy, she'd go to Fairy Hills where that flaming weirdo would be nailed to a stake for breaking in to. Whatever. Where the hell is she?

The door opened and out walked a vision.

Gray had to assertively remind himself that this was Lucy. He had to remind himself that she was a sister to him, and sinful thoughts would not be tolerated. He had just come from visiting Juvia, and she had looked a vision too—with her long blue locks down and silky: his favorite choice for her hair. She had dressed to match him. Female Zorro... pretty hot.

These were the things he was telling himself when he scratched his head and said, "Wow Lucy... you look great."

Lucy smiled bashfully, "You don't look so bad yourself! Zorro huh? Nice touch with the sword."

"Yea, I can't imagine how these... fencing swords could be good for much."

Lucy chuckled, "Yea no kidding."

Gray stepped back and awkwardly held his arm out for her, "Um, shall we?"

Lucy smiled pleasantly and took his arm, "We shall!"

^.^

The sun was almost fully down by the time the two of them got to the guild. Walking with Gray had been just as refreshing as hanging with the girls had been the past two nights. He was a good conversationalist and down to earth. His logic matched hers and having a light conversation about Zorro had been fun. They could hear the guild before they could see the guild, and they chuckled about that.

"Looks like the party started without us." Gray smiled.

Lucy laughed, "What, are you surprised?"

"Ha! No, not really."

When they entered, the place was packed! Having nearly every member of FairyTail in the guild at the same time, rough housing, carousing and drinking could make even the fearless claustrophobic. Lucy scanned the room, but with so much going on, it was hard to tell what and who were where. Suddenly, Master's voice rang above everyone else's and eyes everywhere were pulled upstairs.

"LISTEN UP YOU BRATS!" Makarov stood on the handrail, Mirajane, Freed, Laxus and Cana standing just behind him. Her eyes trailed the other faces up there, and she finally saw him. A fire dragonslayer stood next to a blue haired masked woman all in black. He looked amazing... His black coat trimmed in maroon fit him perfectly as though it had been tailored just for him. Only two precious buttons at his chest were clasped, leaving the rest of the coat to hang open and display his warrior's body in full glory; from his strong neck and defined collar bones down to his torso and the top of his V-line, he was a dragon god. His tempting V-line was cut off by a golden sash with an ornate dragon embroidered across it in orange and red. The sash appeared to be used as a belt, assisting the dark maroon trousers that slightly bulged over from where it was tucked into his shin high black boots. Sitting above his brow wound a dark maroon bandana where one large feather hung down. The feather looked just like the many she wore on her headdress. That feather is what made her realize that Natsu Dragneel had dressed to match her. A fact that she really shouldn't have been impressed with, it had Mira written all over it... but still...

He was looking right at her with the eyes of a predator.

^.^

As soon as he smelled her, Natsu took a look out the window. He had been going to leap out the window and greet her with a happy smile and whine to her about how cold Juvia had been to him. It wasn't his fault she'd made him escort her! She didn't have to be an Ice queen! However, what he saw out there made his vision tint all in red.

He watched her walk and talk and laugh on the arm another man. His goddess under the stars as the moonlight hugged every curve she had in her arsenal actually looked happy to be with Gray. He growled when she hugged his arm as he said something that was supposed to be witty. He wanted to rip his throat out and make him eat it.

Juvia was behind him, she put a hand on his shoulder. "Wait Natsu. Just wait. Out of everyone here, Natsu must know that Juvia is the only being that feels the same."

Natsu turned and looked at her, and saw the same murderous intent in her eyes as must have been in his. It shamed him to know someone here knew what he had been thinking.

Juvia took his arm and he let himself be pulled from the window as she spoke. "Juvia will not rush into Gray-sama's arms. Gray-sama will have to come to Juvia and beg Juvia to dance." She paused and looked to him, "Juvia understands that this is not Natsu's way, but Juvia would advise Natsu against running to her side." The rain woman smiled to him for the first time all night, "Natsu looks very attractive tonight. Let her admire Natsu first."

Sounded reasonable, but he wasn't sure he could do it.

^.^

"LISTEN UP YOU BRATS!" Makarov's voice boomed, "We are all officially here now. So shut up and listen to the Ball's matron."

Mirajane stepped up. She made more than a few guildmates gasp when they saw her low cut emerald green gypsy dress. Her hair was styled to tumble down in curls on only one side of her head, and she jingled when she moved from not only the many multicolored bangles she wore on both wrists, but also from many tiny bells she had sewn into the natural pattern of her dress. "Thank you Master"

The She-devil smiled as she looked down at her family and friends, "I am so glad so many of you came. You all look so amazing! If we were a guild of theives and pickpockets, we'd be the best this world has ever seen!" Her introduction was greeted with many hoo-rahs.

"Now, if you think about it, gypsies and thieves don't really do much formal Ball dancing." She waved her hand and suddenly the roof was transparent, everyone could see the stars in the night's sky. Magic lacrima must be very handy indeed. "Outlaws like gypsies and thieves did not have elegant ballrooms! Most may not have been fortunate enough to even have a place like this!" The platinum headed mage motioned to the guild they loved. "No, I believe, if they wanted to celebrate life, it would in the loving embrace of mother nature! Now," she turned to stare in the many faces of Fairytail. "Lend me your power so I can take us to a very special place. Out into the middle of nature to dance and play and make merry! Couples, hold you partner's hand and try to merge power. Those runes aren't there just for show! We must share our power to cast the spell to take us all to," she winked, "an enchanted forest!"

Lucy was astonished to realize how much it bothered her when Juvia took Natsu's hand. She heard Gray tsk beside her. She looked over to him and he rolled his eyes and offered his hand to her. Lucy took it, then looked back over to Mirajane, refusing to look to Natsu and Juvia again. Mirajane was holding Freed's hand and had her eyes closed. The blonde decided it best to close her eyes too, and focus on channeling her power.

It was an odd thing, to merge her power with Gray's. Feeling something so cold wrapping around her creation magic filled her with chills.

Juvia and Natsu were not able to merge power at all. It wasn't working. All they did was cancel each other out. Natsu let go of Juvia's hand and grimaced at her. Juvia nodded and simply started focusing on her own power. The fire wizard frowned, unable to concentrate. Why did everything have to be so damn difficult? His Lucy was right down there and he didn't have a chance to get down to her.

Everything went black. The darkness was fleeting but absolute. It had been as if everything and everyone had ceased to exist for that small moment. When the blackness faded, the entire guild stood in a meadow of pink and purple grass circled in tress. The trees had lanterns and charms hanging from them and fireflies fluttered through the air unhindered. The stars twinkled in the night sky in a way no one could ever see when close to a city. This looked like a great place to hunt down his prey. Natsu smiled at this new and surreal place and started pacing around the treeline as Mirajane announced the beginning of the Ball.

From hot springs to enchanted forests, at least we're getting somewhere!

Stay naughty

Seri, aka *Lick*