A/N : Ahem... Well, seems this one is a small and chapter 11, I'M SORRY ! I forgot I removed a bunch of text I actually didn't like at all.
Anyway, please enjoy !
As the sun blazed overhead, casting a warm glow over the streets of Magnolia, I strolled down with Wendy on my shoulders. The air buzzed with joy and celebration, people gathering along the roadside, cheering and waving as we passed. News of our victory in the Grand Magic Games had spread like wildfire, and the whole town seemed to be basking in Fairy Tail's triumph.
Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, I couldn't help but crave a moment of peace and quiet. The constant cheering and excitement were thrilling, but after all the adrenaline-fueled battles and celebrations, I needed a moment to just breathe and recharge.
"Aaaah, it feels so good to be home!" squealed Lucy, stretching out as she stepped through the guild doors.
"Tell me about it," added Gray, collapsing onto a couch with a heavy sigh. "I think my muscles are still sore from the last fight."
"You're always sore, Gray," teased Natsu, plopping down next to him. "Maybe you should train more."
"Shut up, flame-brain," Gray shot back, but there was no heat in his words.
"I'm out of energy. I need some peace and quiet," I muttered, slumping onto the bar, the same spot I always claimed. Mirajane gave me a knowing smile.
"Long day, huh, Haru?" she asked, already pouring me a drink.
"You could say that," I admitted, taking the glass gratefully. "Needed a breather after all that excitement."
Wendy giggled, hopping onto the stool next to me. "You always say that, but you love the attention."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the grin that tugged at my lips. "Yeah, maybe a little."
Mirajane leaned on the bar, her expression softening. "You did great out there. You all did."
"Thanks, Mira," I said, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the drink.
"Hey, Luigi, what're you doing tonight?" Natsu asked, grinning mischievously at Lucy.
"IT'S LUCY, NOT LUIGI!" she yelled, earning a few chuckles from around the guild. "And I have no idea yet. Maybe a nice bath and some relaxing," she added, holding her hands to her cheeks and daydreaming with a blissful expression.
"That does sound like a plan indeed," said Erza, smiling. "I could use a little rest this evening. What about you, Haru? Mira? Wendy?" she asked, turning to us.
"I think I'll just hang here until I get tired," Wendy said cheerfully.
"And I'll probably go for a nice bath too. Sounds like a great plan," Mira added happily.
"I dunno" I mumbled, still half asleep on the counter.
At those words, Wendy bonked my head. "Hey, you could be more polite and look at people when you talk!" she scolded.
"Ow!" I groaned, rubbing the sore spot.
"Little one is starting to get her hands on ya, Haru. You're done for sure," laughed Natsu, his grin wide and mischievous.
The entire guild started laughing, earning a smile from Wendy.
"I think I need a coffee or I'll just fall asleep right now," I mumbled again, still rubbing my sore spot.
"It's already 8 PM. Who drinks coffee at 8 PM?" deadpanned Gray from his couch.
"Well, I can, popsicle," I teased him.
"I have no energy, but fuck you, Haru," he replied.
"Love you too," I said.
Everyone sweatdropped.
With that, a few members took their leave. Lucy and Erza headed off for a well-deserved bath, while Wendy went out for a shower, promising she'd come back later. Natsu went fishing with Happy (yeah, whatever), and the others just wandered about.
Gray came up to me and sat down at the counter. "Wanna have a fresh one, Haru? It's on me."
I looked at him, a smirk forming on my face. "Well, can't refuse when it's proposed like that."
He chuckled. "Mira, can we get two beers, will ya?"
She nodded from afar, already grabbing the mugs.
"So, how ya feeling?" he asked, leaning on the counter.
"I feel like my body got run over by a train, then a bus, and finally a plane. Other than that, I'm completely fine."
"Same here, and I didn't fight Jura," said Gray. "Can't believe you actually held against that monster."
"Want me to be honest? Me neither," I said, staring blankly ahead. "I mean, I wanted to..."
Mira came over with the beers. "And two fresh ones for two not-so-fresh boys!" she said happily, earning a middle finger from Gray.
"So, any plans for bright futures, you two?" she asked us, leaning on the counter.
"Guess training is on the list for me," said Gray, becoming serious. "All this made me realize I'm way too weak compared to others. If this tournament was one-on-one and not a team game, I would've been kicked out way earlier," he added, frowning.
"Bro, what?" I replied, incredulous. "You kicked Rufus' ass. Like, tell me how many people could actually deal with that mind fucker."
Mira laughed. "You get really vulgar when you're tired dear," she teased.
I pouted, and she poked my cheek, clearly enjoying herself.
Before we could continue our conversation, Juvia came over. "Gray-samaaaa," she called out, earning a deadpan look from Gray.
"Here it goes..." he mumbled.
She launched herself onto his arm. "How is Gray-sama? Is Gray-sama tired?"
I watched Gray struggle, trying to hold back my laughter. His exasperated expression was priceless.
—
After a while, Juvia left, mentioning she needed a shower.
"Gosh, she's such a pain when she does that," said Gray, shaking his head.
"Oh come on, iceheart, I'm sure you like her," I replied, sipping my beer.
I could swear I saw Gray blush for a moment. "I do not," he answered quickly.
However, I exchanged a knowing look with Mira, both of us smiling.
"Yeah, whatever, we'll see..." I teased.
"We'll see nothing!" he yelled, making me laugh.
Time flew quickly as we sipped a few beers and chatted. Eventually, Mira decided to take her leave, bidding us farewell.
We sat in silence at the bar, finishing our last drinks.
"Hey," I said.
"Mmh?"
"Thanks for the other night. Ya know, under the tree."
"Yeah, don't mention it."
"I actually appreciated it. The fact you didn't say anything," I admitted.
"I know you hate that shit. The only time you can actually deal with it is when it's Mira or Wendy."
I nearly spat my beer. "That's not true!"
"It is, sparky."
"Yeah, whatever... Anyway, thanks again."
"It's all good. Don't wanna get cocky here, but I think I know you the best, besides Mira and Wen."
"To be fair, that's probably true," I confirmed, standing up. "Gotta get some rest, heading to my little sweet spot."
"The roof again?" asked Gray, already knowing the answer.
"Yep, one word and you're a dead man."
"Sure thing," he laughed, before fist-bumping me.
And like that, the entire guild had finally reached home, taking some well-deserved rest for the upcoming days.
A/N : GRAY MY GUY ! I love writing those kind of interactions.
Hope you liked them aswell, next 2 chapters are... Let's say, me trying to create some fluff moments and developing relationships. I'm telling you right now, small chapters ahead. I promise after those things get hot !
Until then, see ya !
.Nei.