Extremely long note ahead and the same note across all stories I just updated.
In the first instance, the reason I am updating so many stories all at once is because I stick to my word and I did say if I passed my specialist exam, I would update every story that had a proofread chapter ready.
Studying for this exam has basically consumed two years of my life so it is a relief that it is over.
The reason I seem to have disappeared for most of the year is not because I've actually disappeared, but because I haven't been able to shift my focus.
After getting COVID on the back of last year, I started writing a Danmachi fic. It was fun, easy, and since the world is easy to encapsulate, I was focusing on that in the lead up to my exam, with the plan to switch to my Naruto story, TTONU, after the exam.
Then I failed the exam which was quite frankly a crushing blow to morale.
At the same time this was all going on, my dad, who has been sick for a while now, got a lot worse this year and passed away mid-year.
Even with all of that going on, I was still trying to study for the resit of the exam in October.
Then, my own health, which also hasn't been great, also worsened and I needed to be admitted to hospital briefly for some heavy immunosuppression.
Again, all this time I was studying for an exam which basically is a hurdle to ever get into a medical speciality and has limited attempts so I was very anxious and stressed.
How this ties into the fanfiction aspect of things, is given all of this happening, I just couldn't muster up the motivation to switch stories. What this has meant though, is I've written 300K+ of Danmachi fanfiction in the past year.
There is a second exam that I need to do next year, but it is a practical exam, not a memorise all of medicine multiple choice trivia exam.
I will keep writing for Danmachi up to a certain point, I'm thinking the Xenos arc, as that one I'm a little bit stuck trying to work out how to play it.
Coming to my other stories now.
I very much intended to finish TTONU this year but as above, lots of stuff happened. Once I switch from Danmachi, I fully intended to focus on it.
That being said, I will also be writing for other stories too.
Again, because of the exam, I haven't really been able to enjoy anything, as anything that was not study related, would bring up a feeling of guilt. For that reason, for most of the past 12 months, I've just been watching shows that I can passively watch in the background without distracting me, in other words, not anime. This means I have yet to watch the end of Naruto (really far behind), end of Fairy Tail (somewhat far behind), or Cour 3 of TYBW (releasing now).
I plan to write for these archives when I get around to watching them, which will probably be from the start of next year.
My pat reon has also been increasing in support so I am now doing two updates a month.
I also made a discord server, plus there is another shared writer discord server where I have been spending most of my free time this year
Remove spaces first:
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan personal discord - discord. gg/ mgAZ9GGuFG
Shared writers' discord - discord. gg/ veQrzjgNYh
Currently, I'm doing a rural term and the internet here is pretty spotty, so I'll be doing a lot more writing as I can't really do much else. As I said, I'm probably going to get out a decent amount of Danmachi in the first instance. I'm up to LN 5 at the moment and will probably work my way through to LN 7 or the just before the end of 8. Then I will start catching up on my anime and write for some other archives.
The thing is though, I do have a lot of chapters banked, even with all of these updates, I still have 8 raw chapters done and 39 proofread chapters ready to go, so I'll be doing double chapters every month with ease for almost 2 years, even if I don't write a single word, but of course I will be writing.
As I have said many times in the past, even if it takes years, I plan to finish each and every story I've started.
Thank you everyone for bearing with me and enjoying my stories, I hope to continue to deliver the best work I can for all of us.
TL;DR Life has been hard, hopefully turned the corner now.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Natsu, Juvia and Mira, along with Happy, would travel to meet the new Council, while discussing the events of the tower. After learning that the Council would still be backing Natsu, Natsu was finally given his Wizard Saint medal, with Ultear getting a surprise of her own. Afterwards, the Council would make plans of appointing new members and another Wizard Saint. After returning to Magnolia, Mira would return to the guild, while Natsu, Juvia, and Happy went to shop for a mattress. By the end of their search, Natsu was falling asleep and barely managed to make it home, pulling Juvia along in his sleep until the next morning, where Natsu would remain sleeping. Calling for help via Happy, Makarov and Mira would arrive and decide to take Natsu to Porlyusica, with Mira given the extra task to retrieve Erza so the group could establish what happened on the tower. After that, Natsu's condition was deduced to be related to his consumption of Etherion. With the others leaving with this knowledge, Juvia would confide in Porlyusica that she also felt different, before deciding to remain with Natsu until he awoke.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
'Dragon or E.N.D. talking'
"Dragon or E.N.D. thinking"
Techniques
Chapter 13 – Blood of the covenant
A small groan served as Juvia's morning alarm clock. It wouldn't have woken a normal person up, but after waiting almost three days to hear any sort of noise from the person who had groaned, Juvia was alert as a hawk. Seconds after Juvia's eyes had opened and snapped into focus, they caught the sight of movement, as the previously asleep Natsu used his right hand to rub his brow and cover his mouth momentarily, as he gave a big yawn, before his eyes opened.
'Hm? Oh, morning Juvia… this doesn't look like my house.' Mumbled Natsu with a big yawn.
'This is Porlyusica's house, we brought you here after you didn't wake up.' Explained Juvia.
'Really? How long have I been asleep for?' Asked Natsu, sitting up and looking alert.
'Almost three days now.' Answered Juvia, before giving a small groan herself as she pushed down her fatigue.
'And you've been looking after me all this time?' Asked Natsu.
'Juvia was concerned.' Admitted Juvia.
'For three days?' Questioned Natsu.
'Juvia was very concerned.' Insisted Juvia, causing Natsu to smile.
'Thanks for looking out for me, Juvia.' Thanked Natsu, before seeming to think something over.
'Actually, three days means the mattress should be ready to be picked up, but I haven't made the frame yet!' Exclaimed Natsu.
'That's okay, Juvia is just glad that Natsu is awake.' Spoke Juvia reassuringly.
'Come on, we better get going.' Suggested Natsu.
'But shouldn't we thank Miss Porlyusica first?' Asked Juvia.
'Nah, the best thing we can do for her is not bother her too much, she already knows how much we need her, so giving her peace and quiet is the best thanks we can give.' Explained Natsu, grabbing Juvia's hand and leading her out of the home, closing the door quietly behind them.
'That's right, everyone knows I hate humans…' Grumbled Porlyusica, staring at the closed door as she entered the living area, before moving over to the bed Natsu was lying on.
'But I didn't seem to hate the two of you.' Finished Porlyusica, as she made the bed, before giving a sigh, as she sat down on it.
-line break-
'Natsu, where are we going? Shouldn't we go to the guild to let them know you are awake first?' Questioned Juvia, as Natsu pulled her along.
'We can go after, I want to get the bed first.' Declared Natsu.
Juvia smiled in exasperation, seeing Natsu wasn't going to be deterred and decide to jog beside him, instead of letting him pull her along, causing him to smile as well. The pair slowed down at the door of the shop and entered, seeing the owner had just opened up shop. Upon spotting Natsu, he waved him over, before walking away from the counter to a small storage shed and returned wheeling out a large box.
'That doesn't look like the thing we picked out.' Commented Natsu.
'The mattress and pillows are inside, you can have a look, it's all there.' Explained the proprietor, which Natsu did, giving a small nod afterwards.
'Thanks!' Said Natsu, before picking up the box and hefting it onto his back.
'Juvia, can you get the door?' Asked Natsu, to which the blue-haired girl obliged, allowing Natsu to exit, before he seemed to remember something.
'Juvia, can you take the money bag off my waist strap and give it to him, I'm sure it's enough.' Requested Natsu.
Juvia blushed before walking over to Natsu and reached for the string tying a bag to his waistband. Juvia took the bag off carefully, paying close attention not to let her hands wander. Upon securing the bag, Juvia walked it over to the owner and gave a small bow as she placed it on the countertop, before following after Natsu who had exited the store. The store owner was surprised that the whole sack had been left behind and assumed they had measured out the right amount before coming, only to open the sack and see five times the cost of the mattress on the table.
'Wait, this is too much!' Cried the store owner, rushing out to see the pair almost off in the distance.
'Keep it! Thanks again!' Shouted Natsu, before continuing on his way.
'Natsu, are you sure it was okay to do that?' Asked Juvia.
'Yeah, why not? I can always get more money on another job if I need it, but I can't make one of these. Come on, let's get home so I can start building.' Advised Natsu.
'What about the guild?' Asked Juvia.
'Fine, but we need to drop this off first, or something might happen to it.' Relented Natsu, to which Juvia nodded.
Making their way back to Natsu's humble abode, the pair found the place empty.
'I guess Happy must have gone to stay with Lucy or something.' Said Natsu, causing Juvia to pout cutely.
'Juvia is curious, why does Natsu think Happy would stay with Lucy?' Asked Juvia.
'She's the least scariest person in the guild, I think.' Mumbled Natsu thoughtfully.
'Does that mean Natsu thinks Juvia is scary?' Asked Juvia.
'I mean you were pretty scary when we were fighting, you're attacks hurt a lot too.' Recalled Natsu with a smile.
'Juvia is sorry she is scary.' Apologised Juvia, only for Natsu to drop the mattress on the floor and dust his hands off.
'It's no big deal, after Erza and Mira, I'm probably the next scariest in the guild.' Laughed Natsu.
'Juvia doesn't think Natsu is scary.' Protested Juvia, causing Natsu to smile.
'Of course not, we're friends.' Countered Natsu, causing an arrow to strike Juvia with the words "Friends" on it.
'Only my enemies should find me scary, never my friends.' Added Natsu seriously.
'Besides, do you mean I wasn't even a little bit scary when we fought?' Asked Natsu in disappointment.
'Juvia was certainly stunned by Natsu's intense gaze, but Juvia did not feel scared.' Admitted Juvia.
'Hmm, maybe you already knew we were going to be friends then.' Rationalised Natsu.
'Yes, Juvia believes you may be right.' Agreed Juvia, causing Natsu to smile.
'Of course. If you weren't scared, that means you knew we weren't enemies.' Reiterated Natsu, before standing up.
'So do you want to go to the guild now, or get some wood first?' Asked Natsu.
'Juvia would like some wood! I mean Juvia would like to get some wood first.' Replied Juvia excitedly, before calming herself down.
'Awesome, let me go show you where I get my wood from!' Offered Natsu, to which Juvia nodded.
The pair exited the quaint dwelling and took a trip into the forest. The pair eventually arrived at a small, cleared area, which had a few saplings of various heights in a straight line.
'This is where I get all my wood from.' Declared Natsu.
'Why are there small trees here as well?' Asked Juvia.
'Well, after I take a tree, I have to plant another one, otherwise I'd run out eventually.' Explained Natsu.
'Why would Natsu do that?' Asked Juvia.
'Balance is important. You can destroy, but you also need to create, just doing one is reckless.' Said Natsu.
'How can creating be reckless?' Asked Juvia curiously.
'Well, let's say you have ten babies but there is only enough food for five, you either have to split the food between them all, which means none of them will grow up as well as they could, or you need to send the other five somewhere else to find found which is dangerous for those five, either way, someone loses. The best thing to do would be to just have five babies. It's like with me and Happy, I always made sure I had enough to be able to get Happy enough fish, but if I had two of Happy, I'd go broke.' Explained Natsu.
'Juvia thinks that is a strange analogy to make, can't Natsu just get more money, or for the babies, more food?' Asked Juvia.
'Of course, but that means you are taking more away from others, so someone else is worse off. That's why I didn't mind giving that guy a bit more for the mattress. When you get paid for a job, someone has to pay you, and that person has less money now too. That's why if I keep cutting down trees, eventually there won't be any trees left, so if I take one, I leave one. You can't live without balance. It's like life and death.' Replied Natsu.
'Or fire and water.' Added Juvia.
'Yeah, you get it now. Everything has a balance to it.' Said Natsu, before he punched a tree over and caught it against his back on the other side, before giving it a small heave and uprooting it.
With the tree now on his back, Natsu walked out of the clearing towards his home and dropped the tree down, before heading back into the forest. Natsu pulled out what was left of the trunk and burned it to ashes, letting them fall on the ground. Natsu then took a handful of seeds and planted them around the area where the old tree had been.
'Hey Juvia, can you make it rain over here?' Asked Natsu.
Juvia nodded, and a small storm cloud appeared over the place where Natsu had planted the seeds and trickled a deluge of rain down over the soil.
'Okay, that's enough.' Announced Natsu, which caused the rain cloud to disappear.
'Natsu, why did you burn the old tree?' Asked Juvia.
'To give the new trees something to grow from. Come on, we can go to the guild now.' Replied Natsu.
'Does Natsu want to get his vest and sandals first?' Asked Juvia.
'Oh yeah, I didn't even realise. When I was with Igneel, I would just wear a pair of shorts and that was it.' Admitted Natsu fondly, a small sad smile appearing on his face.
'Does Natsu miss Igneel?' Asked Juvia, as the pair walked back to their abode.
'Yeah, I always miss Igneel. I know he is out there somewhere though, so I just need to keep looking for him.' Explained Natsu.
'Does Natsu have any clues?' Asked Juvia.
'Nope, I never do, but that's why if I ever hear anything about fire, dragons, or anything like that, I go searching. I've not had a lot of luck to be honest.' Admitted Natsu, with a sheepish grin.
'Once Natsu finds Igneel, what would Natsu do then?' Asked Juvia.
'Well, I know I want to find out what happened, but also I'd love to show him what I've learned and all the new friends I've made.' Explained Natsu, as he opened the door to his house and walked over to his vest.
'Juvia thinks that is nice.' Whispered Juvia.
'Yeah, I'm sure Igneel would love to meet you. We haven't met any water mages before.' Added Natsu.
'You would want Igneel to meet Juvia?' Gasped Juvia.
'Of course, you're my friend and also my roommate now, once I set things up here.' Said Natsu.
Juvia felt a new word strike her as "roommate" joined the already present "friend".
'That's nice.' Sighed Juvia, crying softly on the inside.
'What about you, Juvia, do you have anyone you want to see who you've become now?' Asked Natsu, as he put on his sandals.
'Juvia doesn't have any family, but if Juvia had to think about who Juvia would want to see her progress… Juvia would want Gajeel to see how much Juvia has grown.' Admitted Juvia, causing Natsu to tilt his head to the side in curiosity.
'It sounds like you were close with Gajeel. It's kind of funny to me, since Gajeel was always thought to be a pretty mean guy, and you seem to be really kind.' Commented Natsu, as the pair exited the house.
'Juvia understands how Natsu would think that. The truth is that Natsu himself had quite a reputation as well. Juvia knows not to trust reputations though. Gajeel does have a hard exterior, but he is a good friend. Gajeel and Juvia just had the wrong friend with Former Master Jose.' Explained Juvia.
'Hey Juvia, you said Jose had two faces… does that mean he was mean to you guys?' Asked Natsu.
'It depends on what you define as mean. Juvia finds being ignored much meaner that being treated harshly. Phantom Lord needed to produce results; it was that simple.' Replied Juvia, which caused Natsu to frown.
'That doesn't sound like a guild to me.' Muttered Natsu with a small frown on his face.
'What does Natsu define as a guild then?' Asked Juvia, as the pair started to walk to the guild.
'A guild… I think a guild is a group of friends who have fun going on adventures together and helping each other out when they need it.' Replied Natsu.
'Hmm, Juvia likes the sound of that, but it doesn't sound like a guild to Juvia.' Mumbled Juvia.
'What do you think a guild is then?' Asked Natsu, startling Juvia, who hadn't expected him to hear that.
'Juvia thinks a guild is a place where mages gather for security and safety, as well as a means to earn income and reputation.' Spoke Juvia calmly.
'Hmm, I guess that is true too.' Agreed Natsu with a small shrug as they exited the forest and made their way down a bustling street.
'Sorry, Juvia didn't mean to disagree with Natsu, but what Natsu describes as a guild seems more like a family, or at least what Juvia imagines a family would feel like.' Clarified Juvia.
'I guess that's fair to say, since even though we are friends at Fairy Tail, it is really more like one big family.' Added Natsu, before he paused and stared at the building he stopped in front of.
'This doesn't look like the guild, but this is where it normally is.' Muttered Natsu.
'Hey Natsu, welcome back!' Called a man from behind a stall.
'Max? Where's the guild?' Asked Natsu.
'This is the guild, we finished rebuilding.' Said Max.
Natsu and Juvia walked over to the stand being managed by Max, a Fairy Tail mage who used sand magic.
'See, we've expanded, and we have a souvenir shop now too, the figurines are our best sellers.' Explained Max, holding a model of Natsu and Makarov.
'When did you make these?' Asked Natsu.
'A few days ago now. Thanks to Mira, we got all the details right, see, your one even has a little medal.' Said Max, pointing out the sculpture had its own Wizard Saint medallion.
'Actually, you're one of our biggest sellers, Natsu, which is saying a lot, given the clothes on all models are removable and you're only second to Mira.' Explained Max.
'Juvia will take ten!' Declared Juvia, causing Max to raise an eyebrow.
'They are three thousand jewels a piece, are you sure you want ten?' Asked Max.
'Juvia understands. Juvia will take a dozen then.' Said Juvia, plopping a bag of jewels down on the counter.
'Why do you need so many?' Asked Natsu curiously, causing Juvia to blush.
'So Juvia always has a Natsu with her, they are good luck charms.' Admitted Juvia.
'I mean, you're already staying with the real thing, but I guess if you move out, you might want a few.' Shrugged Natsu, causing Max's eyes to widen.
'You're living together?' Asked Max in disbelief.
'Yeah, we just bought a mattress today and I'm going to build a bedframe soon.' Explained Natsu casually.
'Excuse me, can you confirm the money so Juvia can take her purchase?' Interjected Juvia, snapping Max back to the job at hand.
'Uh yeah, sure. Yeah, it's all here, here you go, a dozen Natsu figurines.' Mumbled Max, heaping a few onto the table, which Juvia quickly pocketed, before they seemed to disappear.
'Say, where is everyone else?' Asked Natsu.
'Oh, let me give you a quick tour then. You've already seen the outdoor café, but inside there's more. We've got a games area and an indoor pool. Everyone can go up to the second floor now as well, which was also redone, but you still need to be S-Class for S-Class jobs.' Advised Max, guiding the two through the guild.
'Where is gramps?' Asked Natsu.
'Over here Natsu my boy!' Called Makarov from the edge of the bar he was sitting on, with Mira behind the bar wiping down the table.
'Natsu, Juvia, what can I get you? Hungry? Thirsty?' Asked Mira.
'Meat!' Said Natsu instantly, only to find a roasted leg of meat offered to him.
'I figured. What about you, Juvia?' Asked Mira.
'What would you recommend?' Asked Juvia.
'I know just the thing!' Declared Mira happily, before coming back with a plate of assorted sweets.
'Cake?' Questioned Juvia.
'It's Mochi, Kuzumochi is my favourite.' Answered Mira, pointing to one of the clear pieces of desert.
'Juvia is not so sure about eating cake for breakfast.' Mumbled Juvia.
'Natsu is eating meat for his breakfast, I don't think Natsu minds too much what he eats and when.' Pointed out Mira.
'Yeah, all of Mira's food is great.' Chimed in Natsu, before digging back into his almost finished meal.
Juvia tried one of the cakes and found it was delicious.
'Told you, Mira's cooking almost made up for how scary she was when she was younger.' Commented Natsu, noticing Juvia's smile.
'Oh Natsu, I was never scary, I was mean, there is a difference.' Joked Mira with a smile.
'Hmm, I dunno, I bet Happy would say you are scary and mean.' Hummed Natsu thoughtfully, polishing of the last of the meat on the bone.
'I'm only scary when people do something wrong.' Pointed out Mira.
'Guess that is fair.' Agreed Natsu.
'So when are we going to start setting up for the parade?' Asked Natsu.
'After the reporter has come.' Replied Makarov.
'I thought I slept through that, when are they coming?' Asked Natsu.
'Tomorrow.' Said Mira.
'Have Lucy and the others come back yet?' Asked Natsu.
'They came back a few days ago now, Erza even told us what you did on the tower, that's why we knew you would be okay. Of course, that didn't stop Juvia from staying with you until you woke up.' Advised Mira.
'Yeah, Juvia is great, without her I'd be a mess, and our house would be just as bad.' Agreed Natsu.
'Oho, so you two are living together now?' Asked Makarov, as he took a sip of his mug.
'Yeah, at least until Juvia finds another place she wants to stay at.' Admitted Natsu.
'Well, Juvia, you could always stay at Fairy Hills if you want, the rent is well within your means, especially if you are taking jobs with Natsu.' Offered Mira.
Juvia appeared to have a zoned-out expression on her face and seemed to be mulling something over.
"Love rival… or love ally? Mirajane is confusing." Thought Juvia, before feeling someone pat her on the shoulder.
'What do you think Juvia, do you want to stay at Fairy Hills?' Asked Natsu.
'Juvia is happy staying at Natsu's home, if that is okay with Natsu?' Replied Juvia.
'That's great! You're a much better roommate than Happy.' Cheered Natsu, causing Juvia to feel the weight of the word "roommate" pressing down on her.
'Be careful you two, being roommates with someone can put a lot of tension on a couple.' Said Makarov.
'Nah it's great, we even just bought a new bed to have fun on.' Said Natsu, causing the guild to collective spit take.
'What?' Asked Makarov, being the first to regain his voice.
'Yeah, I couldn't just let Juvia sleep in the hammock.' Said Natsu.
'And where will you be sleeping Natsu?' Asked Makarov.
'The hammock, the bed is for Juvia, we can just use it when having fun.' Said Natsu.
'And what do you mean by fun?' Asked Mira.
'Like when we make pillow forts together and play games. Do you want to come play with us too, Mira?' Asked Natsu, causing Juvia to blush and the others to become catatonic.
'Hmm, maybe some time, but I'll let the two of you get comfortable first before inviting a third person over.' Suggested Mira, sending the red Juvia a wink.
'Well it'd be four since Happy is still there most of the time, although I don't know where he is right now.' Admitted Natsu.
'I'm here!' Announced Happy, floating across to the group.
'Speaking of four.' Commented Mira, as Lucy, Erza, and Gray followed after Happy.
'Did we miss anything? Why is everyone so stiff?' Asked Lucy.
'Oh, that's just after hearing about Natsu and Juvia setting up a bed together in Natsu's house.' Said Mira, causing Lucy to exclaim in surprise.
'Is that why Happy keeps sleeping over at my place?' Asked Lucy.
'Oh, so it really is just the two of you, well then maybe I will take you up on the offer to sleepover sooner rather than later.' Teased Mira, causing Lucy to blush.
'That sounds like quite an uncomfortable living arrangement. I have extra rooms just for my armours, wouldn't you need space as well, Mira.' Commented Erza.
'Oh, if it is just for a sleepover, I wouldn't need to bring too many things.' Replied Mira, waving off the redhead's concerns.
'Hmm, that seems reasonable. Could I have a slice of strawberry cheesecake please?' Asked Erza, taking a seat beside Natsu.
'I see you finally got your Wizard Saint medallion.' Commented Erza.
'Yeah, they gave it to me after the tower.' Said Natsu.
'That's nice. I would think after what you did, they would be all too happy to have you associated with them.' Commented Erza.
'Associated? You're going to be their golden boy for the next few years at this rate.' Commented Gray.
'I guess you could be one too, they've got another spot open now.' Said Natsu.
'Ah, actually, now that you bring it up, they have appointed a new Wizard Saint. A mage from Lamia Scale named Jura Neekis.' Interjected Makarov.
'Another one already? They weren't kidding about restructuring.' Commented Natsu.
'Well, I guess the same could be said about us, both in terms of the building and our new members.' Commented Makarov.
'Members? Who else has joined Fairy Tail other than Juvia?' Asked Natsu.
'Well why don't I let him introduce himself? Hey, come introduce yourself!' Said Makarov.
Of all people Natsu was expecting, seeing the Iron Dragon Slayer stand up from a bench and walk towards the group, was one person Natsu never would have guessed.
'So, it sounds like there is more to you than we might have thought.' Commented Natsu, as the tension in the guild started to rise.
'Is that so? So, what, you want to be buddies?' Asked Gajeel with a sharp gaze.
'I don't want anything, but if you try to harm this guild again, I will be the one to personally kick you out of it. Otherwise, I'm willing to give you a fresh start, nothing good, nothing bad, you need to earn the guild's respect.' Countered Natsu, offering a hand.
Juvia watched on nervously, as did the rest of the guild. The entire guild was silent, waiting for Gajeel's reaction. Even the more outspoken members like Gray and Erza were not interfering. Gajeel clenched his fist and relaxed it a few times and Natsu narrowed his eyes.
'G-Gajeel, Juvia thinks you should…' Started Juvia, only for her voice to die in her throat as Natsu turned to look at her, indicating for her to be silent.
Juvia frowned, wanting to help one of her friends make the right choice to be accepted by her friend-slash-roommate-slash-future-lover, but understood that this was an important step for Gajeel.
'So Rain Woman is on your side?' Whispered Gajeel.
'She's on your side, or I wouldn't be offering you my hand.' Hissed Natsu, flexing his own hand into a fist momentarily, before relaxing it again.
'Gajeel Redfox.' Said Gajeel, taking Natsu's hand.
'Natsu Dragneel.' Said Natsu in return, causing the guild to collectively release the breath that they had all been holding.
'That's enough fun for me today, I've got work to do. I'll see you back at home, Happy, Juvia.' Announced Natsu, before turning on his heel to leave the guild.
'Can I get a fish to go?' Asked Happy, to which Mira gave him a small mackerel.
'Thank you! Are you coming, Juvia?' Asked Happy, slowly floating after Natsu.
'Y-yes, just a moment.' Called Juvia, before walking towards Gajeel.
'Juvia is glad that you joined Fairy Tail, please try to get along with everyone.' Said Juvia, giving a small bow, before making to follow Happy.
'Seems like being friends with Salamander is good for you.' Commented Gajeel.
Juvia paused, turning partially back towards Gajeel.
'Yes, Juvia agrees. Juvia also thinks being friends with the right person will help Gajeel as well.' Added Juvia, before following after Happy and Natsu.
'So how do you think that went?' Asked Natsu, once Juvia caught up to him.
'Juvia is unsure, but Juvia believes that just like Fairy Tail helped Juvia, Fairy Tail will help Gajeel.' Said Juvia.
'Ohhh, was it really Fairy Tail that helped Juvia, or someone in Fairy Tail?' Teased Happy.
'J-Juvia doesn't know what you are talking about.' Mumbled Juvia with a small blush.
'Hey Natsu, should we go and stay at Lucy's place?' Asked Happy.
'I need to go build the bed frame, Happy.' Pointed out Natsu.
'We can get Lucy to help?' Offered Happy.
'Juvia will help.' Interrupted Juvia quickly, causing Happy to snicker.
'It's ok, I don't need any help with it, why don't the two of you go do something fun together?' Suggested Natsu, surprising both Happy and Juvia.
'Are you sure?' Asked Juvia.
'Yeah, you should do something fun and Happy is good at stuff like that. By the time you get home, everything will be ready to go.' Declared Natsu with a smile, before waving the pair off who stopped in their tracks.
'What is Juvia supposed to do now?' Asked Juvia aloud.
'Do you want to go fishing?' Asked Happy.
'Juvia has never gone fishing before.' Admitted Juvia.
'Don't worry, I'll teach you.' Offered Happy cheerfully, before floating into the air and gesturing for Juvia to follow him.
-line break-
It had taken most of the day, but Natsu had completed the bedframe. It was a simple frame the same width of the mattress, but the headboard had a more intricate design with one half appearing to be a wave with little droplets of water cut out in the waves, while the other half had many smooth spikes in the shape of a flame.
'Natsu, Natsu! We went fishing and caught so many fish and I didn't even need my fishing rod.' Exclaimed Happy in delight, as he flew in through the door.
'How did you catch fish without a rod?' Asked Natsu.
'Juvia made the fish jump out of the water, she's the best Natsu, you have to stay with Juvia forever!' Exclaimed Happy.
'What do you think, Juvia, want to stay with us for ever? You've got Happy on board.' Joked Natsu.
'I would love to.' Replied Juvia, recognising Natsu was joking, but still beaming as she responded.
'Well in that case, I think it is time for you to try out your new bed.' Declared Natsu, gesturing to the new bedframe and mattress.
'It looks lovely.' Appraised Juvia.
'Don't worry about how it looks, try it out.' Suggested Natsu.
Juvia took her hat and boots off, before placing them beside the door and walking over to the bed. The covers were already pulled back and the pillows were already at the head of the bed.
'Come on, try it out.' Insisted Natsu, patting the bed.
Juvia obliged and immediately felt herself relax. Juvia was then encouraged by Natsu to lie down, which she did, and moments later, had fallen asleep, finally being at ease enough to rest after many days of watching over Natsu. Natsu smiled as Juvia's breathing softened and raised the covers over her.
'Good night, Juvia.' Whispered Natsu, before giving a yawn himself, after which, Natsu hopped up to the hammock and closed his eyes himself, joining Juvia in the embrace of sleep.