Chapter 3: Flavour of Mint

–[Take my heart and keep it?

I know I took yours and - I'm sorry - I broke it…

Still, I want you to hold mine, hold it, please, only a bit, just, just a little bit?

Just enough so you know I truly care - I'm so sorry-…and when I say I love you, I mean it]–

"Fuck…" Lyon breathed again. He stood by the door of a small building, waiting with a few others.

One tall guy standing near him seemed taken aback by his use of foul language, but Lyon couldn't care less.

The tall guy had light-coloured hair like Lyon, and he carried some bags in his hands. The smell from the bags was making Lyon gulp down sudden hunger - though he couldn't be the only one. Many of the people passing by had repeatedly turned to the bags. Someone amongst them even had their stomach rumbling, although Lyon wasn't sure who it had been.

Currently, besides Lyon, there were seven people.

The tall dude with food.

Some dark-blond guy in a light blue suit-shirt was tapping his head on the wall. The guy was slumped against the wall, and had been one of the first to arrive, though he had arrived kissing a brunette. Him and the long-wavy-haired brunette stood near Lyon, and reeked of alcohol. There was no way to tell if the alcohol smell had been from both of them, or just from the lady or the guy, but Lyon still inched away.

There was a girl wearing a bandana sitting on one of the two benches. She was one of the last to arrive. She silently peeked around from her seat. Her eyes were wide and her lips were turned up and she radiated with excitement - that, Lyon really didn't understand.

And there were three other females, one sitting on the other bench and meekly staring down at her phone, her hair just as a light-colour as Lyon's own - she didn't meet their gaze, sitting quietly. She had arrived just a few minutes earlier yet did not speak a word and just sat stiffly, cheeks pink, and biting her lips. Obviously nervous. The other did not make a sound either, but sat, composed, wearing a calm expression, had bangs, short green hair, and sat beside the silent girl. Both of them wordlessly sat a polite distance away on the bench. One fidgeted and repeatedly checked her phone, the other boredly gazing at the sky, calmly waiting.

The third female had been the first to arrive after Lyon. She had dark hair and - similar to Lyon - she stood on one side of the door. She was on the other side of the door, but close enough to hear Lyon muttering under his breath. Thankfully, she remained ignorant to Lyon's continuous, quiet but audible, colourful cursing.

He peered at his phone. It was already 9:32AM and that was two minutes past the start time he had read in the paper. With another loud exhale, he put his phone away.

What the fuck was taking so long?

About ready to explode, he took a silent breath. In, and out. He couldn't lose it here. This wasn't that big a deal anyway - nothing for him to get overly angry about but still he felt deeply enraged. Why, he couldn't tell. His thoughts needed to be put in place properly. He had to do something or he was gonna lose it. Patience was a virtue he had, yes, he was sure, but not this morning - plus a headache - and definitely not around some random people.

Alright. He could…list these people by numbers. Again. He'd done it so many times now, for sure he was on the brink of going mad.

Lyon - punctual as always - had arrived first. Then after some time, the lady with dark hair. Then…the drunk lovers? Shortly after, the tall dude who was suspiciously carrying some food. Then the bandana girl. And then, that silent-as-a-mouse nervous girl. Moments after the silent girl with bangs.

Someone sprinted through the street - jay-jogging, Lyon thought, feeling hysterical, wanting to laugh at his thought but didn't have enough energy to even laugh - and the guy skidded to a stop before the door. The guy wore a suit and tie and everything - awfully well-dressed. Lyon frowned at his own casual clothing in doubt. Was this a formal thing? If so, this day was going better than ever. "Am I late?" the orange-haired guy panted. His hands loosened his tie, albeit it was already loose, the few top buttons of his white shirt undone.

The tall guy responded after a moment of silence, shaking his head. "No - I think we're all on time. And that's manly!"

"Ah, I see. Thanks." exhaled the suit guy. Pushing his azure-tinted sunglasses, the guy then turned to the silent black-haired lady who - now that Lyon was actually paying attention - had an unbothered expression, hoop-earrings and, for whatever reason, was also dressed rather formally. The guy leaned towards her and purred, "I certainly am manly, don't you agree?"

"Believe what you'd like."

Lyon didn't care that this was the first he heard her speak since she arrived soon after he had. He knew none of these people, and he did not care for them. Simple as that. He simply kept his arms crossed and stood with his back against the brick wall just as he had been for the past…Hour? Maybe a bit more. His muscles were aching, and his eyes burned from the sun directly hitting him. And his head ached more than it had in a while now.

The suit guy stood straight, then turned to face them. He brought a hand to his chest and grinning arrogantly, stated, "You can call me Leo, the lion!"

Socialising…Been a while since he'd done it.

But Lyon was certain this guy was worse.

"Leo? - My name's Levy. Nice to meet you!" the bandana girl brightly responded right back.

The guy's grin widened. He strode right over to the bench she was at and sat down almost close enough to touch. He then threw an arm out casually to rest it on the bench. "Likewise."

Were they flirting?

Lyon glanced at both people. They were mere strangers - why bother talking?

The guy threw her a charming smile that must make girls weak. Lyon had just the right label for this guy - a player.

The bandana girl - Levy? - flushed and looked down at her lap, mumbling something so quietly that Lyon couldn't catch the words. From what he saw - the reaction of the suit guy - Leo? - blinking like he'd been rejected, Lyon could only assume that was the case. Because right after the guy was shaking his head in defeat and standing up. "Too bad." Lyon heard the guy sigh dejectedly.

Suit guy then set sights on the bench with the two quiet girls and clearly planned on sitting in the middle - why on earth did he call himself Leo the lion? A nickname? Was it something to do with the zodiac signs? If so, Lyon did not have much of any interest nor knowledge on said topic.

Nervous levels of the shy girl must have neared maximum once the guy approached the bench. As the guy was in front of the bench, ready to sit between the girls, the girl with bangs raised a brow at him, but said nothing.

Fortunately for Lyon, no more flirting began in time. Why? The woman on the flyer showed up.

Finally.

"…Yes. Alright." the lady was saying to someone. She was inside a car sitting in the back, some guy driving, her window open. Just like in the paper, she had her long green hair neatly brushed, earrings and a necklace on, but was missing her smile, a more serious expression on.

This lady must be Hisui…or were they meant to call her Miss E?

Lyon sighed, shifting from one foot to the other. His headache wasn't much of an issue, but his eyes truly burned. He needed a cold drink. Or a nap. His stomach growled quietly, and he glanced at the bags of the tall guy. Really, Lyon should've eaten breakfast before coming here. There were pins and needles in his feet to top it off. Wonderful.

He exhaled once more. Like watching paint dry, he watched everything around him with dull interest.

The lady known from the paper as Miss E - or Hisui - left the car, and blinked at them waiting by the door. She walked towards them with a smile more apologetic than the one in the paper, saying, "Oh, sorry for making you all wait."

A blue-haired guy had also left the car after her. He had a blank look, and seemed to feel blue.

Lyon could still smell the alcohol from the lovers.

Was Hisui and this blue guy also lovers?

…Not his business.

He took a step back, unfortunately nearing the alcohol smell, and watched Hisui open the - apparently - unlocked door.

"This door will usually be open, so, please enter. You're welcome to wait inside if I happen to be late. I'd hate to make all of you wait outside." she said, her soft gaze skimming through all of them.

We already waited for your late arrival, Lyon thought bitterly.

Hisui walked inside, the blue guy following, and Lyon waited for the alcohol stenched couple to enter. Everyone entered but him and the shy girl taking slow steps. He saw her glance up at him only to drop her gaze just as fast.

Lyon stepped inside with his hands in his pockets. Footsteps and heels walking at a leisure pace, small chattering loosened the atmosphere. There were paintings, hand-drawn and a bit pathetic compared to some others, and paintings on a whole other level. Honestly, Lyon found it baffling that they were put side to side on the same walls of the hallway. Still…Paintings were all a work of art. Decoratives were lightly placed above the frames. It gave the whole place a cosy and homey feel. Staring around, Lyon exhaled some unease, inhaling the comforting calmness.

The person in front of him decreased their pace and - oh, it was that bandana girl. She smiled at him, and quietly said, "Hi." Her positive attitude would not have received her a smile. Not from him. If she expected Lyon to return the kind gesture, she was sorely mistaken. Still, she kept smiling. "Gum?" she offered.

After a moment, he took one with a small 'thanks' and chewed on the minty gum. "What's your name?" the bandana girl asked in a friendly manner.

His sharp gaze stared right back at her warm gaze. A moment, and Lyon turned to stare at the tall guy in front of him - the plastic bags were making that irritating paper-crinkling sound every unbearably slow step. "Lyon." he finally answered. His voice sounded colder than he remembered. Saturday morning he had gotten the paper that was bound to end up in the trash.

After that, the entire weekend, he had been either holed up at his house or at the boxing club - Jura, the coach, didn't ask much, only commenting on this and that - about his form and technique errors, giving pointers. Little communication there from Lyon's end. The need to talk always decreased with little socialising done.

It didn't help that, on Sunday morning, once he woke up in cold sweat, actually woke up late, sun already up, he had rushed outside.

Then he had recalled that, oh yes, the person he had planned on seeing went camping Friday.

Then Lyon had been trying to pretend he was out on a jog.

…And. Alright.

He admits.

One main reason for constantly going to the coffee shop to catch a sight of him was…Well, not that Lyon would admit aloud, but when you wake up in cold sweat wondering if your hands truly were responsible for the death of a certain someone, checking for yourself - seeing them alive and well - that, in itself, was enough to reassure his racing thoughts and heart and simply to put panic at ease.

His gaze flickered to the bandana girl, and then back to the bags in front of him relentlessly making annoying noise.

"I'm Levy." she said, quickly brightened by the late, but still given response. "It's good to meet you!"

Good? Good to meet him?

He kept his lips a thin line and his eyes in the front and kept walking.

Probably, Levy was disheartened by the lack of response. She slowed further until Lyon no longer saw her.

A twinge of guilt began to eat at his insides. Socialising - he could do that much! What - of course he could, he was just…not in the mood. And out of practice.

He still could've sounded the slightest bit nicer…

Oh well.

Nonetheless, he heard Levy speaking in that energetic tone. "Hello, my name is Levy. What's yours?"

"I, uh," the shy girl stuttered. Lyon had to strain to hear the words, and he took even slower steps. "I'm - I'm Yukino."

"Yukino? That's a pretty name! It's nice to meet you."

"Um - it's…nice to meet you too…"

Lyon entered a room after the food-bag carrier. He threw the gum in the trashcan by the door. Dust covered every surface, tables evenly placed at the back of the room. Chairs cluttered the middle of the room and even those were full of dust visible to the naked eye. Some wind blew through the windows, the curtains moving lightly.

"Alright, then!" Hisui opened the curtains and the light shined in.

Now the dust was really clear to see.

Everyone must be feeling the same, because Hisui let out a nervous laugh. "I hadn't expected so many people to join us today." she explained. Gesturing at the open door leading to the hallway, she continued with a warm smile. "There was a smaller room prepared for a couple of people, but I think this room would be best for a group this big."

She went across the room to a door. When she opened it, mops and tissues and cleaning supplies came into view. A small closet for tools required right now. "If you could all help, it would be a quick fix." Her face was a little red - embarrassed? Lyon couldn't blame her. But she did seem sincere in her apologetic tone.

"Oh, of course I will help a fine lady such as yourself." the lion guy stated. His arm was closing in to perhaps put it around her shoulders, but instead he was handed a tissue box. Hisui grinned. "Thank you."

"Me too. Helping is manly." the bag-carrier voiced.

And then everyone was given cleaning tools - or just took some - to help around. Lyon had not come here to do menial tasks like cleaning. Still, he did help out.

Within minutes the room was ten times cleaner. Extra chairs were stacked by the windows. And the trashcan by the door was no longer empty.

"Now then." Hisui began with a breath. She took a seat in one of the eleven chairs that now formed a large oval, encouragingly saying, "Please, take a seat."

Everyone did as she asked.

Lyon was fortunate enough to be sitting far from the two lovers. Well, there was one seat between him and the two, They had stolen kisses even while cleaning up, and no more needed to be witnessed, and the smell of alcohol - really not something Lyon wanted to be near. On his right, Lyon had the girl with bangs. She was the only barrier he had against the possibly-alcoholic-guy. And sitting on Lyon's left, Levy, who currently spoke with the nervous girl sitting beside her.

Hisui sat on the other side of the nervous girl. "We will begin with introductions."

Lyon had no way of containing his unreasonable anger, and scoffed out, "Is this some therapy group nonsense?"

Firmly, Hisui held his gaze. "Not necessarily." she replied evenly. "This group is meant for helping you with any problems you may have in life. As it says in the flyer, I would like all of us to help one another to overcome obstacles we face, be it big or small."

"If this is some ridiculous psycho-analysing thing for you to do, I'll take my leave - Are you a therapist or something?" Lyon demanded. His words kept tumbling right out without thought and he found his skin warming from the unusual rage he felt for no apparent reason. Hisui simply kept his gaze, her composure unbroken.

"It is not mandatory for you to be here. And, no. I am not any kind of therapist or psychologist." Pausing, she gradually continued, facing the others more. "I'm Hisui, but I prefer any students of mine to call me Miss E. You can all call me Hisui, if you'd prefer. Although I have studied all sorts of branches of psychology back in Fiore University," she said, glancing at Lyon before continuing, "I do not have a profession in it. My career is…I want to say law, but that would be wrong…I work mainly in the community centre. I help out in volunteer activities, which is something we will be doing every once in a while. Volunteering will be a part of the work we will do - but throughout the process of this 'event', I hope your problems will be resolved, and perhaps, along the way, you might make some new friends."

She then took out some papers from a binder she had been holding. The lion guy sat next to Hisui, and was trying to help her out, but was politely refused. Lyon found the lion guy to be persistent, because the guy was then turning to his left and now talking with the dark-haired formal-wearing lady. Both wore formal things. Maybe they were meant to be.

"You know, I think this Hisui lady is that person." the possibly-alcohol guy whispered, locking onto Lyon as he spoke.

Why was Lyon of any interest? "What person?" he asked, the tiniest bit of curiosity peaking through his impassiveness.

The guy leaned further towards him, and the alcohol stench nearly had Lyon grimacing. But that wouldn't do - it would be rude. He kept his expression neutral, just as it had been the past who knew how long. "I heard that, in Fiore University's psychology department, led by some old professor. And that old guy - the head of that department - apparently has a daughter, and I think this lady is that man's daughter."

"Oh." Lyon blankly nodded.

How fascinating.

"I'm Hibiki, by the way." the guy, Hibiki, said - not slurring his words so, maybe not an alcoholic? Maybe an arrogant guy, what, with that grin the guy wore.

Whatever. "Lyon." he replied, but the insolent bastard - Hibiki - wasn't at all paying attention. Instead, Hibiki looked down at the revealing part of the girl with bangs, and her skimpy shirt really left little skin to hide.

Hibiki tilted his head up from her chest and at the girl in question. He gazed at the girl, remarking,"My, how beautiful you are."

Lyon caught sight of the brunette sitting next to Hibiki. She hiccuped - definitely a drunkard - and sluggishly moved her hands around, searching for something in her blue leather purse.

Didn't that guy - Hibiki - already have a girlfriend?

The girl with bangs merely stared at the host of his event, her emotions unreadable.

"Right, here is the paper. If you could all write your names down, and mark the day and time that works best for you, it would really help." Hisui said. She handed a paper with some sort of chart and a red pen to the shy girl.

Hisui cleared her throat, continuing while the paper was passed on and written on. "I'd like you all to know that today is simply the first day of many meetings. We will be doing many different activities, ranging from outdoor activities to cooking challenges. There will be competitions - small, but I hope you find it all enjoyable. I want to make it clear that - at any point - if any of you feel uncomfortable, please let us know, and if you are unable to meet here for any reason, do not feel obligated to join us for every meeting."

A paper and pen made its way from Levy to Lyon.

Writing his name in the space provided, simple enough. Which days and time…Morning, noon, and evening…Lyon raised his eyebrows. How should he know? He never had much of anything to do, but showing he was not busy at all would look bad. He went ahead to mark the 'unsure' box. That should do.

The pen was red, and literally had the colour 'red' spelled out on it in big black bold letters, but the colour written with the pen turned out to be blue. What sort of misleading sorcery was this? Seriously…

Before Lyon gave the paper back, he saw how, at the top of the short name list - the shy girl's name, Yukino, was written. Yukino had marked just about every box for day and time. Levy had only marked the mornings - all of the mornings, he noticed as he offered the paper to the girl on his right.

Yukino and Levy had both made the day and time clear…

Should he change his answer? Make something up?

His heart leapt to his throat at the minor inconvenience - but the paper was taken out of his hand before he could change what he wrote.

"The pen?" the girl uttered, tone so monotone.

Lyon blinked at her. Right. He gave the pen, and relaxed in his seat. The taste of cool minty flavour lingered on his tongue.

From a peek at the paper, he saw the girl right down 'Brandish' as her name. "Now, I know this place might be far from where you all live, and I do apologise for that." Hisui said. Lyon snapped his gaze at the woman speaking truth.

Crocus was the capital city, and although Lyon lived closer to its border, it had still taken around ten minutes by car. He bet some of these people must've taken longer.

"We might have some meetings in other places if given the opportunity." There appeared a frown on her face, and she inquired, "Did anyone have any questions before we continue with introductions?"

Nobody said anything.

"Alright," Hisui nodded, then smiled at the shy girl still staring down at her hands. "Would you like to continue?"

"Me…?" she meekly asked.

"Yes. Please, go ahead." Hisui nodded.

Pursing her lips, the words were too quiet but in the silence just audible. "Hi, everyone…I'm Yukino." She glanced up at everyone staring right back, and quickly her face heated up, dropping her gaze.

"Anything you'd like to add…?"

Hisui's encouragement had received a shake of the head. The host gave an understanding nod, and looked at Levy.

"Um, hi everybody! My name's Levy, and it's great to meet all of you." she grinned. "I work at a library, and I really like doing research. Hope we get along!"

Levy's smile received many in return, but then everyone was staring at Lyon, which made no sense.

Then it hit him.

Shit.

"Right, I suppose it's my turn then." He paused to clear his dry throat, and continued calmly. From his seat, he saw the lion guy busy whispering at the formal-lady and not at all paying attention, rudely ignoring. He'd bet a lot of money that the guy wouldn't know the name of any male in the room. Quietly, and quickly, he introduced himself. "I'm Lyon."

…The same encouraging expression and words from Hisui that had been thrown at Yukino was now thrown at him.

But of course, he had literally nothing to say.

His refusal was not prodded at.

"I'm Brandish." The girl with bangs said. Lyon's eye twitched at seeing the lion guy paying attention whenever it was a female speaking. That guy was so irritating…

Some more silence passed. Hisui must have picked up on the plain answers, so she quickly said, "You could add in any issues you have in your life?"

Thank god Lyon didn't have to deal with such a question.

"Well…" Brandish began. With certainty, she then declared, "I have horrible social skills. At least, I'm told so. I'd like to fix that."

Nodding, Hisui beamed at getting some more descriptive answers. "Now my turn." the womaniser stated. Flipping his hair, one side of his mouth tugged up, he gazed at each female. "It's wonderful to meet all you lovely ladies. The name's Hibiki. If any of you want, later, we can spend some quality time together."

Lyon did grimace this time. No amount of alcohol stench would have made his face scrunch up as much as this ridiculous display of open affection - and at mere strangers.

Why had he even thought of coming here?

Hibiki halted his gazing into each female when Hisui gestured at him to continue. "I do have many skills, however," he dragged his gaze to Levy, and winked. "I do have a career in researching. I'm a computer research scientist, or a data analyst. Take your pick. I love doing some extensive research." His tone seemed to have some underlying message Lyon didn't care to pick up on, because a few faces began to change to a deep shade of crimson.

"And…" His smirk dropped. An almost gloomy expression taking place, he added, "I have an issue with keeping anyone in a relationship."

"So, you and her aren't lovers?" Lyon questioned, waving vaguely in the direction of the drunkard, regretting opening his mouth when Hibiki sadly replied, "No. We only met last night."

"Oh, we did." the brunette breathed out. She still had a flushed face, laughing a little as she put her arm around Hibiki, and the two kissed quite deeply.

At the words and the sight, Lyon felt his own face heat up.

Hisui cleared her throat.

"My name's Cana. My iss-ue would be…" the brunette slurred, then took out a small bottle from her purse, laughing. "I mean, it's obvious, right? I can't seem to…leave the drinks…but my dad left me, so…" Her bright expression melted. Tears were quick to rush down her flushed cheeks. "He left - I mean…"

She stood up. Wobbling upright, she shook her head jerkily. "I - I just, I can't do this." Her hand covered her mouth and she rushed out the door.

"Wait, Cana!" Hisui called after her as she followed out the door.

A few seconds of silence, and the lion guy boredly took out his phone. It was comical when shock overtook him. "What the - it's Monday?"

"I think that's been established several times." Lyon dryly responded.

"I knew it was Monday, but it's Monday and - shit." The suit guy jumped out of his seat just as Hisui entered the room, frowning. "Cana said she'd be joining another time…" she sighed, then furrowed her brows at the guy busy scrolling through his phone. "Is there something wrong?"

The guy pushed his sunglasses, skimming through what Lyon could assume were texts. "Yeah, I mean, no, just, it looks like my friends had planned this trip and, I'm like, more than a day late. I said I'd be there, and I completely forgot - it slipped my mind…Lost my phone, I didn't ditch them…" the guy muttered, scowling.

His scowl turned upside down and he let out a laugh. "But hey, looks like I wasn't the only one late. Still - how could those two be left alone? Where's the knight in shining armour when you need her? They're gonna…Ugh…-Oh, also," he turned and deeply stared at the females. "Just so you all ladies understand, I'm always available, if you wanna have any fun later." He blew a kiss, smirking. There was a small smile on his lips as he turned to bow at Hisui rather exaggeratedly. "I'm terribly sorry, your highness, but I'll have to take my leave." And then he was also gone out the door.

Everyone gaped at the open door.

Some seconds of awkward silence took place before Hisui cleared her throat and went to take her seat. "…Let's continue with the introductions, shall we?"

"Right." Levy nodded.

All eyes focused on the next person - the blue guy. "…My name is Jellal. I…am here to do community hours," he paused, staring around at the confused and surprised faces. "I am also here to - hopefully - resolve an issue in my life."

Jellal stared at their expressions. 'Community hours that he had to do, provided it was under the supervision of Hisui' might have been a better and more honest way to put it, but that might have been too much given information. His dark gaze went to the person sitting next to him.

"You can continue…" he said.

"Uh, right. I'm Elfman, and I like cooking. And I brought these!" Elfman showed the bags of food, and Jellal leaned away when one of the bags nearly hit his head.

It did smell good.

A moment after, the bags were gone, revealing trays full of cupcakes with animals drawn in cream, cookies in different animal shapes, some fruits, some crackers and biscuits, and a few packaged snacks.

Elfman expertly held all the trays in both hands. Grinning toothily, he exclaimed, "Me and my big sis made these! I hope everyone has some."

With a frown, Jellal stared down at the tray full of cookies offered in front of him.

It would not do to reject an offer. "Thank you." he quietly said. Grabbing one, he shook his empty hand at the other offered snacks.

He gradually munched on the cookie. It was in the shape of a bird, and the taste…The taste was so delicious, and the kind gesture so unexpected, Jellal was on the verge of crying just as much as the girl, Cana, had. His expression remaining neutral, he listened to the talking.

"Oh, wow, Elfman. You didn't have to, but thank you." Hisui was saying. She had a sweet look on her face, and her voice soft. It was foreign to Jellal.

She was a mere stranger he met today - and she was being nice. To him.

The people and the entirety of today was unfamiliar territory for him.

All the trays had been moved around the chairs, and the cupcake and fruit tray was left on Jellal's left, while the other ended up on the other empty chair. Nobody had declined the tasty snacks. Yuino and Levy were conversing quietly. Elfman had long since left his chair to hold out a tray to everyone, stopping at Hisui, busy explaining something, probably recipes, and the host had an animated look on her face as she listened. Jellal noted how Lyon was the only person still wearing a frown. "Mh, man. These are very good." Hibiki spoke after swallowing down the last bit of his cupcake.

"They're manly!" Elfman nodded.

Hibiki laughed, agreeing, "Most definitely, they are." Then, with a hand grabbing a cupcake from the tray on the empty chair beside him, Hibiki held it at Brandish, who was already finishing her cupcake. "Care for one more?"

Brandish took it with a nod. "It's really delicious, Elfman. Thanks." she said.

"Ouch. Being ignored is so new to me, but it still hurts." Hibiki groaned, holding a hand to his chest.

Jellal felt a tap on his shoulder, and turned his head to his right. It was the only person left to be introduced. "I saw you only take one cookie." she was saying, holding out a bird cookie. "Here, have another."

He slowly took it from her. "Thank you." he mumbled.

From the corner of his eye, Jellal saw how the lady no longer had an empty look - her lips had twisted up at the edges, if only a little.

A minute or so passed filled by comforting conversations. Hisui had been the one to state they should finish the introductions. After Elfman went to his seat and everyone quieted down, the final person spoke.

"I do believe they say best goes last." With all attention on her, she continued, lips tugged upwards. "My name is Minerva." Some wind blew through the windows, whistling loud in the quiet. "In the past, I have done wrong to many - I only stopped recently." she sighed. "I hope to make amends, and do what I can to pay for all the pain I've caused."

"I'm here for the same reason. Actually, I also did wrong to many-" Jellal came to a halt. Steam must've poured out of his ears at how hot his head felt. This embarrassment wasn't meant to happen, and the plan was to not reveal his terrible actions of the past.

Thankfully, Hisui simply nodded to the both of them sympathetically. "It's good to understand your goal here, because then we can all help through the process of resolving the problem."

Elfman hummed at that and raised a hand before speaking in a solemn tone. "Then I'll be a man and say that…Well…Two years ago, I lost my little sister. And it still really hurts." From sitting right next to him, Jellal could see the watery gaze held sorrow and grief.

Would Jellal ever understand those emotions?

Perhaps it was best he never did. It seemed…

He observed how Elfman wiped at his eyes, twisting his mouth so he wore a small smile.

It seemed painful.

"Thank you for sharing that with us," Hisui said, then skimmed through each individual. "Who have we not heard more from? Yukino? Would you like to tell us about a problem in your life?"

Yukino blinked up then looked down and wrung her fingers together. "Um, it's nothing important, just…I was…" She took a deep breath, and softly said, "I want to feel worth something again. Maybe make some friends? My social life is ruined. If I can, it would be really nice, but…-I lost my home, and, and my confidence, and my friends - my dignity - all because I made the mistake of failing one class in Fiore University…"

"If I'm not mistaken, a failed course can always be re-taken." Hibiki informed, although he frowned deeply when he received a sad laugh.

"I know that." Yukino sniffled. "It's just…I was expected to be the best in every class. Failing one resulted in being kicked out - no longer considered a part of the family. If only my older sister hadn't left to study abroad, I could have had her by my side…" she ended quietly.

"If you'd like, we can be friends!" Levy said. "Those guys sound like mean jerks, but true friends stick by you no matter what."

"Your mind's beauty leaves me speechless, darling." Hibiki grinned. In return, though, Levy flushed completely red, loudly blurting out, "I have a boyfriend!"

Hibiki pouted at that, although Jellal doubted it was from true distress.

Then Levy exhaled, fiddling with her thumbs. "And I really love him. My problem is how his bad temper gets him into fights, and I can't do anything to help him." A crease began forming as she stated, "I want to help him - I don't want him getting hurt - fighting whenever he's not at home or at his work, and I really, really want to help but I don't know how." She gulped, before glancing up at Lyon.

"You're the only one who hasn't said much of anything." Brandish said from next to Lyon. Everyone was waiting for the person who had spoken the least to add something.

Jellal had seen in the mirror the same broken look Lyon had in his eyes.

While waiting, Jellal suddenly wondered - did this man also come here, not from wanting to, but out of necessity?

That thought was instantly defenestrated. After all, Jellal must be the only one with a criminal record. It was thoughtless and horrible to even assume such a thing about a stranger.

Hisui spoke up in the silence, gently asking, "Lyon? It's alright. You don't have to say anything if you don't-"

"-No." Lyon cut in, tone harsh, voice cold just like his eyes. "Everyone already told their own problems, so it's only fair that I do the same."

Jellal watched something flicker in that frigid gaze. Determination? Resolve?

"My…" Lyon bit his lips. It looked like the words hurt physically to say aloud. "My-" he tried again, but broke off in uncertainty. With a deep breath, hesitation still evident in his expression, he finally said, "I shot my brother - I shot him in the head."

Someone sucked in a breath.

Horror, shock, disbelief. Many varying degrees of all passed around the room that was now deadly quiet. Wide-eyes staring at the confession of the guilty.

It should have been this reaction for Jellal, really. At least, he'd expected this for himself.

Lyon must've processed his own words a little too late, because he scowled and, firmly, snapped, "I didn't kill him - it was merely just…a graze." He dropped his glare to the cupcake he held.

His voice lowered, he continued. "I want to make up for my callous actions. The actions I took were so cruel, and, and, I want to try fixing what I did…"

"The important thing is taking the right actions now, even if it might feel late." Hisui stated, voice tender. "It is never late to make up for any wrongdoings."

Jellal thought those were too similar words to the ones he had heard from a certain person bent on taking time to visit him. How could anyone believe it was 'never late' to do the right thing? How could anyone believe any terrible deed could be made up for? It was impossible. There was no changing time…No making up for the past…No undoing any of the mistakes…

A scoff escaped Lyon. "Yeah, I bet."

"It's the truth." Hisui frowned at the voice laced with sarcasm, the expression all too ready to admit defeat in a battle that never took place. "Actions cannot be taken back, but you can always take the right ones now." she spoke, confident in her words.

Hisui then turned to everyone and said, "I would like to tell you all how you can start solving the problems you all have. The first step, the most important one, is to understand what you want. If you want, say, a girlfriend," she gestured at Hibiki, "Or closure," her hand went to Elfman. "The first thing I want you all to do is figure out what it is you're looking to get at the end. What would you like to have at the end of this? What are you looking for? If you all know the answer to that, then the first step is taken."

Some of the people had uncertain looks - including Brandish, Lyon, and Yukino - while others like Hibiki, Minerva, Levy, and Elfman nodded at what they grasped from the statements.

Jellal simply thought the words over.

He did not, in fact, have any end-goal. What did he want…? Until now, he had assumed he deserved to have, to want, nothing.

This step would be challenging.

"Some of you might find this difficult, but going through this first step will make things much easier in the long-term." Hisui said, as if reading the thoughts people had. "We will have the next meeting right here. Wednesday morning, if it works for all of you?" She smiled encouragingly. "Don't worry. The process might take a while, but the end-result will be worth it." She stopped, softly adding, "Have patience, and your issues, big and small, will be solved. Hope to see you all next time."