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"Random Subject Prompts"

Chapter 002: Gray Fullbuster

Anime: Fairy Tail

Prompt: Train journey

Chapter Warning: none

RSP*RSP*RSP

In order to keep positive relations between guilds, Master Makarov had decided to send Gray on a mission with a member of Mermaid Heel. Well-known for being an all-female guild, Gray mentally wondered at the 'odd' pairing, but had shrugged and accepted. If the Master wanted him to go, then he would.

Besides, he'd needed a break from Juvia and her constant clinging. At first, he had just thought she was weird – nothing new, considering which guild he came from – but now it was getting exhausting. He wasn't sure what to do about her, how to explain that he didn't feel the same way. Probably never would, as cruel as that sounded. Although beautiful and strong, Juvia wasn't Gray's type.

To be completely honest, he didn't think he would ever consider dating any girl from his guild. Don't get him wrong, they were all special, independent, and gorgeous. But they were nakama. Family. If the relationship turned sour… He shuddered. He didn't want to even imagine the repercussions.

And he especially didn't want to feel the wrath of Erza. His scarlet haired team mate would definitely beat him black and blue if he made any girl cry.

A piercing whistle brought Gray out of his thoughts, and he glanced around the train station. He'd been so deep into his musings he hadn't realized he had made it to his destination.

Even more shocking – all of his clothes had remained on his person.

Well, that's probably a good thing, he decided. He wasn't sure what to expect from a member of Mermaid Heel. From past experience, those girls could be as scary as Erza was or as delicate as Lucy was when it came to personal sensibilities. First impressions were important, and Gray would rather start off the mission on good terms.

"Now, I just have to find her," he muttered under his breath, navy eyes carefully scanning for anyone who resembled a mage from another guild. All he knew was that her name was Kagome Higurashi, and that she was Mermaid Heel's darling.

In other words, if anything happened to her, Gray was a dead man. In more ways than one.

"Excuse me," a soft, feminine voice spoke from behind. Gray jumped, startled, teeth gritted as he kept a yelp from escaping. "But, could you help me? I'm not familiar with this town…"

Whipping around to face the owner of the voice, the Ice-Make mage had his mouth open to scold said individual for sneaking up on him, but paused, stunned. Unknowingly, his cheeks heated with a flush as he continued to gaze at the young woman.

She had raven colored hair that had a natural wave, and mesmerizing amethyst eyes. The colors contrasted perfectly with her sun-kissed skin. He also noticed how petite she was, with delicate hands and fine bones, but her bust size was rather impressive – not that he was looking, of course. Her facial features also included a pert nose, kissable pink lips, and a jaw that was appealingly stubborn.

Currently, the young woman, whom looked around his age, wore a fitted, long-sleeved white blouse tucked neatly into a pleated green mini-skirt. A matching ribbon was tied within her dark tresses, giving her an almost girlish appearance. On her feet, she wore black thigh-highs, and traveling boots that had a slight heel. Lastly, she carried a ragged yellow backpack over one slim shoulder, obviously prepared for a long journey.

"Um, excuse me?" her voice sounded once more, and Gray snapped to attention, embarrassed. He hadn't meant to space out like that, but she… she was just so… pretty, his mind supplied.

"Uh, right," he stuttered, rubbing a nervous hand on the back of his neck. "Right. You were asking for directions, weren't you? Where are you looking for?"

She smiled sweetly. "It's more like a person I'm looking for," she replied.

"Your-Your boyfriend, I take it?" he guessed, feeling disappointed. Although, he really shouldn't. He was about to go off on a mission for who-knows-how-long, and it wasn't like he knew anything about her or vice versa.

"No," she answered, amused. "I'm actually a mage from Mermaid Heel, and I'm on my way to complete a job, but I was supposed to meet my partner here. The problem, however, is that this is the first time I'm meeting him, since he's from another guild. The Fairy Tail Guild."

Gray blinked, dumbfounded. No. No, his luck couldn't be that good, right? This couldn't be… "Kagome Higurashi?"

It was Kagome's turn to blink. "Yes. Are you… Are you Gray Fullbuster?"

He smiled. "Yeah, that's me. It's nice to meet you." Really nice, actually, but it wasn't like he was going to say that out loud. Instead, he held out a hand to shake.

Kagome accepted, smoothly slipping her smaller hand into his bigger one. "Nice to meet you, too." She released a light laugh, causing butterflies to take flight within his stomach. "What a coincidence. I thought you were a mage by how you dressed, but to actually be the one I was looking for…" Her eyes glinted with amusement.

"I was thinking the same thing – about looking for someone dressed as a mage, I mean," he quickly corrected. His eyes unconsciously took in her outfit again, cheeks flushing once more.

A cheeky smile appeared on her face. "This is just my traveling clothes. What I normally wear for missions is different." She winked, turning flirtatious. "Don't worry. You'll be able to see it in no time."

With that, she flounced away to find the correct train they would be taking, leaving a dazed Gray behind. Mentally, she laughed. She wasn't normally so playful, especially with people she had just met, but Gray Fullbuster… There was something definitely special about him. She wasn't sure what, exactly, but their current job wouldn't be boring, at least.

Glancing over a shoulder, she smiled at the other mage, who still stood in the same spot she'd left him in. With a little laugh, she called out, "Gray, come on! Our train is leaving soon, and we still have to find seats."

That seemed to gain his attention. With a smirk settling onto his handsome features, he quickly caught up with his temporary team mate. Even if the mission turned out boring, at least the train journey wouldn't be.

And the best part was that he and Kagome would get to spend a lot of time together. Plus, he wouldn't have to worry about Natsu, that flame brain, puking all over the place due to his motion sickness.

Oh, yes, this train ride would definitely be Gray's favorite.

"Uh, Gray? What happened to your clothes?"

"Damn it!"