So… my year has gotten underway, and it is a big year for me, the study year, where I will spend the next 12 months or so studying constantly in preparation for my specialist exams. What this means is I might not be able to write very much at all, barring small periods of leave throughout the year. The good news, however, is I recently did have a period of leave and managed to crack out (not including this one) another 22 chapters worth of updates across multiple stories, so I will have no trouble updating monthly. Most of them are already proofread, barring a few chapters, and all of them are on my pat reon already. I would love to say that if I do find some time to write and get up to 26 banked updates I might even move to fortnightly updates, but just one month in and I have written 0 new words… so it seems unlikely.
I am still somewhat present on my discord, (discord. gg/ mgAZ9GGuFG) so join that if you want to discuss things with either myself or some of the other people in the discord.
Hopefully the next 12 months go smoothly, but only time will tell.
Thanks for reading.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Erza and Natsu would deal with the aftermath of Natsu destroying the tower, with Erza's childhood friends coming back to Fairy Tail with them. In the Magic Council, Siegrain would throw a tantrum in his office, before Ultear would reveal many truths to Siegrain, revealed to be really Jellal, and advise him to make contact with Oración Seis. Arriving at Fairy Tail, Natsu would speak with Gray and advise him of an encounter with a man named Silver Fullbuster, who had been sent to find him, with Gray absorbing this knowledge, but not changing his relationship with the Fire Dragon Slayer. Afterwards, Natsu would find Gajeel and convince him to join Fairy Tail, with Juvia coming along as well, just in time to meet Jason, who was working on his issue for Sorcerer Magazine. Later, Laxus would see this issue while others were mocking Fairy Tail, only to decide he needed to confront Natsu.
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
Techniques
Chapter 7 – Great Expectations
'I hear something unexpected.' Said a mage, with a large purple serpent around their neck.
'Unexpected?' Asked another mage, clad in a racing suit.
'It seems Brain will be able to move much faster than he could have ever thought.' Said the man with the serpent.
The man in the racing suit seemed confused, before starting to hear the sound of footsteps. A blue-haired man wearing a cloak approached the pair and spared the two a glance each, before walking between them and continuing on his path.
'Should we do anything, Cobra?' Asked the man in the racing suit.
'No need, Brain is already aware.' Said the man with the snake, known as Cobra.
Further inside the cave, a dark-skinned man, dressed in a robe and holding a staff, was seated on a smoothed rocky outcrop. As the sound of footsteps reached the ears of this individual, they looked ahead and a smile started to bloom on their face.
'To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure, Jellal?' Asked the man.
'I have experienced a recent setback and as I understand it, you could use my help. I would like to shake the sting of defeat off and plan to do so by helping you with your goals.' Said Jellal.
'This is quite an intriguing offer, Jellal. With your help, our goal will be achieved almost immediately. It begs the question however, as to why? Why have you come to me?' Asked the man.
'I know the truth Brain, Oración Seis, Grimoire Heart, the Dark Guilds. I know now what is happening in the world outside of my little tower.' Said Jellal.
'So you say you know the truth and that is why you want to help? Very well then, if this truth that you know has led you to us, then I will not look a gift horse in the mouth. I will send for the others immediately and we can then head to Nirvana.' Said Brain.
'Very well. I do have one request though, I want a certain mage to be targeted by Nirvana, the one known as Salamander.' Said Jellal.
'A device capable of destroying all Light Guilds… and you want to target a single mage… that sting must be quite painful.' Said Brain.
'So do we have a deal?' Asked Jellal, holding out his right hand.
'Certainly.' Said Brain, as he stood and took the hand, grasping it firmly.
-line break-
'So, is this really the best job we can get right now?' Asked Natsu, squishing a barely conscious bandit's face into a brick wall.
'Got to agree with Flame Brain, this is low effort for us, Erza.' Said Gray, grinding someone's face into the ground.
'Lucy needed some money, we were doing her a favour.' Said Erza, descending a set of stairs and dragging an unconscious body with her.
'Thank you so much!' Cheered Lucy, with Taurus giving a thumbs up, as Lucy bounced on the spot.
'So are we going to head back for another job then?' Asked Natsu, after the group exited the bandit lair.
'There is no need to rush, we have one more night at the inn, so we can relax first.' Said Erza.
'Hey, is that Loke over there?' Asked Lucy.
'Huh, I think it is.' Said Gray.
'Hey, Loke, you got a job out here too?' Asked Natsu.
'Yeah, you guys too?' Asked Loke.
'Oh hey, I'm glad I caught you, I wanted to thank you.' Said Lucy, before Loke flinched.
'Well… I'm in the middle of a job so…' Said Loke, before running away.
'What the hell was that?' Asked Lucy.
'Did you do something to him?' Asked Gray.
'Come on, you know Loke has a bad past with Celestial Spirit mages.' Said Happy.
'I'm going to get to the bottom of this.' Declared Lucy.
'Just be careful Lucy, digging into the past means you might find more than you bargained for.' Said Natsu.
'He is not wrong, Lucy, just be careful.' Said Erza.
'Geez, you two are really bringing down the mood here.' Said Gray.
'Well we're not wrong, even you…' Started Natsu, before giving a sigh.
'You know what, it doesn't matter, even if the past sucks, you just need to make new memories for the future, right?' Said Natsu, changing tact and causing the group to smile.
'Why don't we go have something to eat together, to celebrate a job well done?' Proposed Natsu.
'As long as you're buying, I still need to make rent.' Said Lucy, knowing Natsu's appetite could literally eat her rent money along with the food.
'Sure, my treat.' Said Natsu.
'Natsu's the best!' Cheered Happy.
'If you keep feeding Happy so much, you might go broke.' Joked Gray.
'Nah, I'm sure I would eat myself broke before Happy can.' Said Natsu.
'Challenge accepted!' Declared Happy, causing Lucy to smile.
'As long as it isn't my savings you eat through.' Said Lucy.
'Come on, I heard of a nice place in town.' Said Erza.
'Awwww.' Groaned Happy.
'Happy that was rude.' Chided Lucy.
'Sorry, but Erza always picks sweet places.' Said Happy.
'And they don't have fish or meat.' Added Natsu.
'You guys do eat other things though?' Asked Lucy.
'I do, Happy doesn't, guess I need to get out my emergency stash.' Said Natsu, before a fish seemed to materialise in his hand, which he handed to Happy.
'Thanks Natsu!' Said Happy, taking the fish.
'Where did you even get that from?' Asked Lucy.
'Lucy, we are mages.' Said Natsu, causing Lucy to blush momentarily.
'Well, excuse me, I didn't know there was a fish creating spell.' Huffed Lucy.
'It's just a pocket dimension… a fish creating spell, don't get Happy's hopes up like that, it is a good thing he is distracted with his current fish right now.' Said Natsu.
'But how are you keeping it fresh?' Asked Lucy.
'I grabbed some of Gray's ice back when we were kids and kept it.' Admitted Natsu.
'I never knew the two of you were such good friends.' Said Lucy.
'Natsu, Gray, and I have been together for a long time now, of course it is natural we became friends.' Said Erza.
'I think you and Natsu are a little more than just friends now.' Muttered Gray, causing Happy to snicker.
'That's right, they have a thing.' Said Happy.
'Actually, I've been meaning to ask about that, are the two of you living together now?' Asked Lucy.
'No. Should we be?' Replied Erza.
'I mean, you're married or something, right?' Asked Lucy.
'Why don't we discuss this over food?' Suggested Natsu, causing Erza to nod.
'I agree, we can discuss this over some food.' Said Erza.
The group then set off, with Erza walking slightly in front of the group, looking for a specific store.
'Actually, are you guys going to start acting like a couple now anyway. I mean, we see what Loke gets up to, have the two of you even gone on a date?' Asked Gray.
'Depends what you consider a date. We did destroy an evil tower and spend some time on an island.' Said Natsu.
'When did the two of you go to an island?' Asked Lucy.
'A few days ago, you noticed when I completely disappeared for a few days, didn't you?' Asked Natsu.
'Of course, I couldn't go on any jobs without you!' Said Lucy.
'You could have just asked to go with me or Erza.' Said Gray.
'But we're Team Natsu! How can we go on missions without Natsu?' Asked Lucy, causing Natsu to pat her on the shoulder.
'Thanks Luce, glad to know you've got my back.' Said Natsu, noticing that Erza's eyes briefly darted back to the pair, before swivelling forward again.
'Found it, over here.' Said Erza, before walking towards a restaurant.
'I mean, I guess I shouldn't be surprised.' Laughed Natsu, as the group were outside a cheesecake shop.
'Actually, how does Erza manage to eat so much cheesecake and stay so thin?' Whispered Lucy.
'You think Erza is thin?' Asked Natsu back in a whisper.
'I mean, for someone who eats cake every day, yeah.' Admitted Lucy.
'You do know Erza burns all of it off with training and jobs, she can get away with eating anything really.' Said Natsu.
'What's the hold up?' Asked Erza.
'Nothing.' Said Lucy, jogging to walk beside Erza, as the pair entered the shop, Natsu and Gray following suit, with Happy floating behind.
'What were the two of you talking about?' Asked Erza.
'Oh nothing, I was just wondering what your secret is to getting away with eating cheesecake every day.' Said Lucy.
'Well, I do eat my meat and vegetables too. Besides, a well-made cake is full of nutrients too. Fresh strawberries, fresh milk, delicate cream…' Replied Erza, before starting to daydream.
'But how do you stay so thin?' Asked Lucy.
'Thin? I didn't think I was thin.' Said Erza, looking at her arm curiously.
'That's funny, Natsu said the same thing, you two are really on the same wavelength.' Said Lucy, causing Erza to tilt her head to the side in curiosity.
'What does he think I am then?' Asked Erza, only to hear Natsu whisper into her ear.
'Perfect.' Said Natsu, startling the knight.
'Let's get a table.' Said Erza, forcing away a blush.
'What did you say to her?' Asked Lucy.
'Nothing that wasn't true.' Said Natsu.
'He likes her.' Said Happy.
'We all know that.' Muttered Gray, causing Happy to pout.
'Lucy, Gray is being mean to me.' Whined Happy.
'Well you are trying to stir things up all the time.' Said Lucy.
'Well excuse me for wanting some drama, ever since Natsu and Erza became a thing there is no drama in the team, everyone is getting along too well.' Said Happy.
'And that's a bad thing? Aren't teams supposed to be a team?' Questioned Lucy.
'Yeah, but without the drama, my comedy skills aren't appreciated.' Said Happy.
'You have no comedy skills.' Deadpanned Lucy, causing Happy to wail dramatically.
'You wound me! How cruel you are, Lucy!' Said Happy.
'Aye.' Mock-saluted Lucy, causing Happy to gasp.
'You can't steal my catchphrase!' Exclaimed Happy.
'Come on, we have a table.' Said Erza, interrupting the back and forth.
The group made their way to a booth, Happy was quickly seated on the inside, with Erza and Natsu either side of him, with Lucy beside Erza, and Gray beside Natsu.
'I've taken the liberty of ordering for everyone, I believe everything will be to your tastes.' Said Erza.
'I wonder what you picked for us?' Asked Lucy.
Moments later, a set of plates came out. As expected, Erza had a strawberry cheesecake as did Natsu, while Lucy had vanilla, Gray had blackberry and Happy had blueberry.
'I suppose none of us should be surprised.' Commented Gray dryly.
'Definitely not, but does it really matter?' Countered Natsu, seeing Erza already eagerly eying her slice of cake.
'It does look good though.' Said Lucy, having a small sliver of the cake, only for her eyes to light up.
'It really is good!' Exclaimed Lucy, causing Erza to smile triumphantly.
'Happy why don't you try a piece?' Suggested Erza.
'I don't know.' Said Happy hesitantly, before giving a sigh and breaking off a small piece with his paw, which he popped into his mouth.
'Mm that isn't as good as fish, but it is tasty.' Admitted Happy.
'Guess I'm next then.' Said Gray, taking a forkful.
'It's nice, but we never doubt you when it comes to sweets anyway.' Said Gray, causing Erza to nod.
'As you should.' Said Erza, before turning to Natsu.
'I already know I will like it.' Said Natsu.
'What makes you say that?' Asked Erza.
'Because it will taste like you. I'm convinced your part strawberry cheesecake at this point.' Teased Natsu, causing Erza to blush.
'You can't eat me like a cake, Natsu.' Said Erza.
'Hmm, is that so?' Asked Natsu, before taking a small piece of his cake and eating it.
'Delicious, of course.' Said Natsu, causing Erza to smile.
'So if we've finished with the flirting, spill you two, what's going on with both of you?' Asked Lucy, causing Erza to blink in surprise.
'We've been flirting?' Asked Erza.
'Well, I have.' Laughed Natsu.
'I see. How does one flirt?' Asked Erza.
'What do you mean, you've seen Loke flirting heaps?' Interjected Gray.
'Yeah, and what is up with that guy anyway?' Asked Lucy, before shaking her head.
'Wait, let's talk about you two first before moving on to Loke.' Decided Lucy.
'Well, it isn't like I need to do anything differently; I'm just saying the stuff I was keeping to myself. I always thought Erza was amazing, she was just a bit severe at the same time. I couldn't just come out and say how amazing Erza was to her face though, she might think I was joking.' Said Natsu.
'He's not wrong, even now I don't think Erza has fully processed things.' Said Gray.
'What do you mean, Gray? Natsu and I are married, what more is there?' Asked Erza.
'Erza, you know people who are married do certain things with each other...' Hinted Lucy.
'What do you mean?' Asked Erza.
'*cough* Like the stuff in those books you read.' Whispered Lucy, causing Erza's face to explode in colour.
'T-T-that's what you meant? H-H-how shameless?' Stuttered Erza.
'But Erza, if you are a couple now, you can do couple things without being embarrassed.' Said Lucy, causing Erza's mouth to open in realisation.
'I didn't realise that.' Said Erza.
'Of course it can still be embarrassing at first, but you'll get comfortable with it eventually.' Said Lucy, causing Erza to hum.
'Natsu, can I sleep with you tonight?' Asked Erza, causing Lucy's jaw to drop.
'Sure. My room or yours?' Asked Natsu, causing Gray's jaw to drop too.
'Since I suggested it, why don't you come to my room then?' Suggested Erza.
'Sure, guess that means Happy gets the room all to himself.' Said Natsu, causing Happy to cheer.
'So I guess that's sorted, should we talk about Loke now then?' Asked Natsu, bringing Lucy back to her senses.
'Yeah! What is with that guy?' Asked Lucy.
'No one really knows the details, but Loke has had a bad experience with a Celestial Spirit mage in the past.' Said Erza.
'So what, because I'm a Celestial Spirit mage he is going to avoid me forever, we're in the same guild?' Questioned Lucy.
'Trauma isn't easy for people to get past Lucy, unless someone comes and smashes it to pieces and pulls you to the here and now.' Said Erza, sparing Natsu a loving look.
'She's not wrong, you'll probably need to trap Loke and beat it out of him… unless that is what the last one did.' Added Gray.
'A word of advice Lucy, don't dig into things unless you are prepared to deal with what comes up. Unearthing pain and then leaving is a cruel thing to do.' Said Natsu.
'I'm not trying to start trouble; I just want to thank him properly.' Huffed Lucy.
'I know, Lucy, just know that you might be getting in over your head.' Said Natsu.
'Nothing gets over my head.' Said Lucy.
'That's because Lucy's head is in the clouds.' Chimed in Happy.
'More like the stars if we are being technical though.' Said Natsu.
'Natsu, that's not an expression.' Whined Happy.
'Besides, if we are getting really technical, Lucy's head is attached to her neck.' Added Gray.
'You're not wrong, but that isn't the point.' Said Natsu.
'I'm sitting right here.' Mumbled Lucy.
'That is correct, Lucy is right here with us, perhaps we shouldn't talk about her in front of her?' Suggested Erza.
'I thought it was mean to talk behind someone's back, isn't this nicer talking to her face?' Said Happy, causing Erza to mull this over.
'That is true, but this isn't what Lucy wanted to talk about.' Said Erza after a moment.
'Yeah, back on topic. Natsu helped you out with your past, Gray, why can't I try and help Loke?' Asked Lucy.
'She likes him.' Purred Happy.
'Is this true, Lucy?' Asked Erza.
'I just wanted to thank him for my finding my keys properly.' Said Lucy.
'I could hold him in place for you to thank him.' Offered Erza.
'*sigh* No thanks, it wouldn't be as meaningful.' Said Lucy, before picking at her cheesecake with her fork and sampling another piece.
'Well why don't we finish up here and go back for some rest, no sense letting the rooms go to waste?' Suggested Natsu.
'Why, are you eager to sleep with Erza?' Teased Gray.
'If you had a partner like Erza, wouldn't you?' Countered Natsu, leaving everyone gobsmacked.
'Are you serious? You can't do that with us there with you guys!' Protested Lucy.
'We're just going to be sleeping, what's the big deal?' Asked Natsu, with Erza nodding.
'So wait. When Erza said she wanted to sleep with you, she just meant actual sleep?' Questioned Gray.
'She did say sleep, not mate after all. Besides, I don't think either of us would want to do that with the three of you next door anyway.' Said Natsu, with a blushing Erza nodding in agreement.
'So you are thinking about it?' Asked Lucy slyly.
'Well now I am after you brought it up.' Admitted Erza, causing Lucy to snicker behind her hand.
'You're really cute sometimes Erza.' Teased Lucy.
'I disagree, I think Erza is cute all the time.' Said Natsu, resting his eyes on the blushing Erza.
'Ugh, this is making me sick, the two of you are too hot and cold.' Said Gray.
'Isn't that the two of you?' Asked Happy.
'Not what I meant.' Sighed Gray in frustration.
'And I'm always fired up, I just get more fired up than normal sometimes.' Said Natsu.
'And Erza?' Asked Lucy.
'Erza is hot and cold, because she is always hot and sometimes cool.' Said Natsu, causing Happy to snicker.
'You're being a lot more lovey-dovey today, Natsu.' Teased Happy.
'Well, that isn't only my fault.' Said Natsu.
'What do you mean?' Asked Lucy, only for Natsu to zip his lip teasingly as he wagged his index finger.
'Come on, we should head back if everyone is finished.' Said Erza, getting a nod from Natsu.
'I'll go pay and then we can leave.' Said Natsu, with Gray quickly sliding out of the booth to let him out, before sitting back down.
'So Erza, why the sudden change?' Asked Lucy.
'What do you mean?' Asked Erza.
'You're being all lovey-dovey with Natsu too.' Pointed out Happy.
'Yeah, you aren't even really embarrassed by it anymore.' Added Gray.
'Well, I think I didn't really realise what I mean to Natsu until recently… and after that it is hard to not feel a certain way.' Admitted Erza.
'But why are you blushing so much then if you like it?' Asked Lucy.
'This is a new feeling, and I am not comfortable with it yet, so it is still embarrassing, even if I am happy about it.' Revealed Erza.
'Well, you had enough nerve to ask to sleep with him, I'd say you're doing just fine.' Said Gray.
'I've been working up to that for days.' Admitted Erza.
'Wow, you're really nervous about this, Erza. You shouldn't be though, Natsu would never do anything to upset you, he really does like you.' Said Happy, causing Erza to smile.
'I know, that's what makes me nervous. I know how Natsu feels about me, but my mind is still in a different stage. Natsu was like a little brother to me only a short while ago, and his personality has changed so much.' Said Erza.
'I don't think it has, he seems the same to me, just super into you as well now and with a few extra features.' Said Gray, causing Erza to smile.
'I'm glad to have you as my friend, Gray. I'm sure Natsu feels the same.' Said Erza.
'Save the sentimental stuff for Natsu, you still scare me.' Joked Gray.
'All sorted, ready to go?' Asked Natsu, returning to the group.
'Yes, let us go.' Said Erza.
-line break-
'Um, are you sure a pillow fight is what you should be doing right now?' Asked Lucy, seeing the three preparing to square off.
'Of course, you need to tire yourself out before going to bed, or you won't be able to sleep.' Said Erza.
'I might just go for a walk instead.' Said Lucy, with Happy following along.
'Actually, this would be a good time for Plue to get some exercise too, the sky looks lovely tonight.' Said Lucy, pulling out a silver key and causing a small white creature, with a yellow drill for a nose to appear.
'Want to go for a walk?' Asked Lucy.
'Puu-puun.' Said Plue.
'What do you think is going on between those two, huh Plue?' Asked Lucy.
'Puu-puun!' Exclaimed Plue, waving his hands up and down.
'Hey there foxy-mama, you look real good in that yukata, you a tourist.' Said an odd-looking man in a short-sleeved shirt, his head constantly shaking from side to side.
'We're from Oshibana. How about it, wanna come have a drink with us? It'll be funky.' Offered his partner, a man with a necklace and bandana and a slew of other accessories and jewellery.
'Sorry, I've already got company.' Said Lucy, internally thinking the pair were incredibly lame.
'So by company you mean that cat and…' Said the man with the twitching head, before he and his partner stared at Plue in confusion.
'I'm sure we'll make better company, come with us and we'll have a real funky time.' Said the bandana-clad man.
Lucy felt herself stiffen as the two men grabbed her, finding her body wasn't responding to her anymore.
"Are these guys mages?" Thought Lucy nervously, only for the sound of a massive impact to break her thoughts up.
Loke had arrived and just smashed the twitchy headed-guy to the ground, before swinging a kick at the bandana-clad man.
'Are you hurt?' Asked Loke.
'Loke!' Exclaimed Lucy, in a mix of shock and relief.
'These two guys were from a rogue guild, and they've been targeting women in the area. I was in the middle of a job to capture them.' Explained Loke.
'Well, I better go drop these guys off, so if you'll excuse me…' Said Loke, as he made to leave, only for Lucy to interrupt.
'Wait! Thanks for saving me and… thanks for finding my keys for me as well.' Said Lucy.
'No worries, it was nothing.' Said Loke.
'Um… if you don't mind, can I buy you a drink?' Said Lucy.
'What?' Gasped Loke in disbelief.
'What a development!' Exclaimed Happy, only for Lucy to give him a dry glare.
The group of four went to a small bar, after dropping off Loke's bounty.
'Why are you sitting so far away?' Asked Lucy, as Loke sat three seats down from her, the chef nodding his head in agreement, as he looked between the two.
'S-sorry.' Said Loke, before coming to sit on the stool beside Lucy.
'Natsu and the others tell me something happened between you and a Celestial Spirit mage.' Said Lucy, causing Loke to smile sadly.
'Is that why you hate me?' Asked Lucy, only for Loke to look up at her in surprise.
'I don't hate you, whatever gave you that idea?' Asked Loke.
'The fact that every time you see me you bolt, and I know it isn't because you are shy with how many girlfriends you have.' Said Lucy, causing Loke to let out a mirthless laugh.
'I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, that was never my intention. It would be for the best if you just forget about me.' Said Loke.
'Hey, I'm not one of your girlfriends, so don't talk to me like you are breaking up with me!' Protested Lucy.
'Loke… I get that you might have a bad past like Gray, but friends are supposed to help each other out. I don't want to upset you or whatever, I just wanted to see if I could help.' Said Lucy, with Loke continuing to sit their silently.
'You don't have to talk to me about it, but you should speak to someone about what's bothering you. I'm sure someone like Erza would love to try and help you out.' Said Lucy.
'I know Natsu would probably want to help too, but he wouldn't want to pry, but if you open up to him, he would do whatever it takes to help you move past whatever is bothering you.' Said Lucy, with Loke's silence persisting.
'*sigh* I guess I won't bother you anymore, I just really wanted to say thanks and see if I could repay you for finding my keys and now saving me from those two as well. I'll be off then.' Said Lucy, standing and preparing to head back, only for Loke to grab her arm.
'Lucy… I don't have long left to live. I don't have much time left.' Said Loke quietly as he embraced Lucy in a hug.
'What?' Asked Lucy in shock, as Loke broke the hug.
'Ah, you fell for it! That's just a little trick I use when chasing girls.' Said Loke with a grin.
Lucy clenched her fist in anger for a minute, before remembering what Natsu had said.
'A word of advice Lucy, don't dig into things unless you are prepared to deal with what comes up. Unearthing pain and then leaving is a cruel thing to do.'
'You're lying. Don't make me do what Gray suggested and beat the truth out of you!' Shouted Lucy in anger.
'I'm not lying, this is how I get sympathy from girls.' Said Loke.
Lucy pulled her hand back and slapped him across the face, sending his glasses clattering to the floor.
'Don't lie to me! I hate being lied to!' Roared Lucy, causing Loke to actually take a step back, as the blonde calmed herself.
'I know none of you like to talk about your pasts before Fairy Tail, even I don't, but there is something real in what you said, so tell me the truth.' Said Lucy calmly.
'It isn't something you need to concern yourself with, Lucy. It is my mess to deal with.' Said Loke, speaking honestly.
'That's not how Fairy Tail works, all of our problems are everyone else's problems too, or should I go and get Erza to beat some sense into you?' Asked Lucy.
'There's nothing she can do to help. There's nothing any of you can do to help, just leave it alone.' Said Loke.
'You know, if the rest of the guild left things alone, I wouldn't be here anymore and would be in some stupid political marriage right now. We're your friends, Loke.' Said Lucy.
'You're right, we are friends, that's why I have to leave now before I do, or say, something I regret.' Said Loke, running out of the bar and leaving a fuming Lucy behind.
'Lucy, why don't you wait here while I get the others, you look like you need a minute.' Said Happy, backing up nervously.
'I really tried, Happy. I know something is wrong, but he won't open up to me.' Said Lucy sadly, causing Happy to pause.
'Maybe he can't open up to you because you're a Celestial Spirit mage.' Suggested Happy.
'Well who will he open up to then?' Asked Lucy bitterly.
'I know, I'll get Natsu, people love opening up to him.' Said Happy, before flying away, leaving Lucy behind with Plue.
It was a few minutes later that Happy returned, with both Natsu and Erza.
'Lucy, why did you need me to come to a bar?' Asked Natsu, with Erza nodding her head in the background.
'I just got into it with Loke, and I think something is wrong, but he won't talk to me.' Said Lucy, pointing to Loke's glasses on the floor of the bar.
'Erza, why don't you stay with Lucy for a bit, I'll go and find Loke.' Said Natsu, turning to leave.
'Not to worry, Lucy, I'm sure Natsu will get to the bottom of this.' Said Erza, coming to sit beside Lucy.
'I hope so… where is Gray?' Asked Lucy.
'We… may have… accidentally teamed up against him in the pillow fight and knocked him out cold.' Said Erza, causing Lucy to let out a small laugh, despite her current mood.
'Well, good to see you and Natsu are getting together in some way.' Teased Lucy.
'Can we get a pair of drinks here?' Asked Lucy, to which the bartender obliged.
'Come on Erza, spill the beans already, I can't have just put some naughty thoughts in your head today.' Pressed Lucy.
The stoic redhead downed her drink in one gulp before responding.
'I am finding it hard to understand what Natsu likes about me. Even just calling me perfect, I have never felt that way about myself. I am the weakest and most flawed person in the guild and to have Natsu speak so highly of me… it makes me nervous.' Admitted Erza.
'Is that because you like him too, or because you aren't sure if you deserve to be with Natsu?' Asked Lucy, taking a sip of her drink.
Erza gestured for another drink as her cup was refilled, downing that too, before speaking.
'Both. When I think of the others in our guild, I don't know what Natsu sees in me. I am definitely not the best choice for a romantic partner. Someone like Mira, or Cana, would have more experience and know what to do and how to do it, I would just embarrass myself.' Said Erza.
'Maybe he likes that about you.' Pointed out Lucy, causing the knight to blush.
'I just… I don't feel like I deserve someone like Natsu… what he has already done for me… I can't even explain it and I've done nothing for him.' Said Erza, before gesturing for another drink.
'Well maybe you think that, but maybe Natsu doesn't.' Said Lucy, causing Erza to hesitate with her next drink.
'I've never been this unsure before. I always knew what I should do next in the past, but I have no plan here, no strategy.' Said Erza.
'Well if you are thinking about it like a battle, of course there isn't any strategy. A relationship is something based around feelings, not tactics.' Said Lucy.
'Right now I feel like I'm going to be sick.' Said Erza, preparing to down her next drink, only for the blonde to hold her hand.
'Maybe take a break for a second. I'm sure it won't be as bad as you think. Natsu is the kind of guy that you can trust to be there for you. After all, I jumped out of a window in the sky just because I knew he would be there to catch me.' Said Lucy, causing Erza to let out a long breath.
'I know. Natsu is the kind of person who would always be there for his friends. So as his partner, I am scared of what he might do for me.' Said Erza.
'Being scared isn't a bad thing, good things can be scary too.' Said Lucy.
'It is a good thing you aren't into Natsu; you're starting to make me fall for you now.' Said Erza, causing Lucy to blush.
'I think you've had enough to drink for now, Erza.' Said an embarrassed Lucy, wresting the cup from Erza's loose grip and moving it behind her.
-line break-
'Man, where did Loke go?' Mumbled Natsu, as he made his way through town, chasing down Loke's scent, but finding it broken up and mixed with Lucy's now as well.
"If I were Loke and wanted to be alone, where would I go? Edge of town? A mountain? Hotel room?" Thought Natsu, before realising the one place he could go without anyone being around.
Natsu made his way back to where they had fought the bandits and found Loke sitting on top of the building and looking up at the stars. Natsu popped his wings out and gave them a quick flap to bring him up to the top of the building, before letting them go as he touched down.
'Pretty funny to see you looking at the stars when you are scared of Celestial Spirit mages.' Commented Natsu, looking up to the sky as well.
'Natsu? What are you doing up here?' Asked Loke, turning slightly to glance at his star gazing partner.
'Lucy was worried about you, so she got me and Erza to help out.' Said Natsu.
Loke sighed at this, with Natsu taking this as his chance to sit beside Loke, both of them hanging their legs off the edge of the building.
'I do wish she would stop meddling. I'm worried about what might happen to her if she keeps this up.' Said Loke sadly.
'Don't worry about Lucy, she's pretty strong. She's no Erza, but she can hold her own and take a beating.' Said Natsu.
'That reminds me, I've been meaning to ask and congratulate you about that. To go after Erza, even I wouldn't try that.' Said Loke.
'Actually, I remember you did try that once and you almost died.' Said Natsu, causing Loke to laugh.
'Actually, you're right, I think I blocked that memory out. Erza is terrifying.' Said Loke.
'Hmm, not really, she's just like a coconut, hard outer shell, but soft and sweet inside.' Said Natsu, causing Loke to smile.
'I didn't realise you liked Erza so much, now I feel bad I ever tried to flirt with her.' Said Loke.
'Well, you flirt with everyone after all… but you don't run away from everyone.' Said Natsu, causing Loke to sigh.
'You don't understand. This is my problem.' Said Loke.
'Sure, it is your problem, and it isn't any of my business to dig. I know you'd do the same for me, even though we both know we'd be there for each other if we needed to be. Lucy though, she wants to help, and she is going to dig.' Said Natsu.
'I know, that's what scares me. Natsu, I don't want to get anyone mixed up in this.' Said Loke, as he interlocked his fingers and clenched his fists anxiously.
'Yeah, I get what you mean. I never wanted to do this either and now I've dragged Erza into it as well. With everything said and done though, I'm better off now than I was before. Maybe you can be too.' Said Natsu, before standing up.
'Natsu…' Started Loke, only to stop when Natsu gave him a look.
'Unless you believe in your strength, don't do any digging yourself. If you change your mind though… just let me know.' Said Natsu, before hopping off the building and walking away.
Loke brought his hands to his face, rubbing his forehead.
'What am I going to do? I can't get them involved in this.' Said Loke sadly, before leaving as well.
-line break-
Natsu made his way back to Erza and Lucy, and noticed they seemed to have settled down since he had left.
'Everything okay?' Asked Natsu.
'Aye!' Said Happy, with Lucy nodding.
'Did you find Loke?' Asked Erza.
'Yeah, he's trying to protect us and deal with his problem on his own, sounds like someone else I know.' Said Natsu, looking to Erza.
'So what should we do then?' Asked Lucy.
'I can't decide that for you. Loke though, I won't press there, but he knows he can come to me if he wants. That's me though, if you want to do something Lucy, trust yourself, but it sounds like Loke is also trying to protect you.' Said Natsu.
'I can decide for myself if I need him to protect me!' Said Lucy, causing Natsu to grin.
'I know you can, but sometimes people are stubborn. Let's get some rest tonight and see what we can do tomorrow.' Said Natsu.
'Oh, excited to sleep with Erza, are you?' Teased Lucy.
'I mean, I sleep on her lap a lot of the time you know, but it would be nice not getting punched before it.' Joked Natsu, causing Erza to flush.
'Natsu! Come sleep with me right now!' Said Erza boldly, causing Happy and Lucy to start giggling.
'Go to bed you two.' Said Natsu, before Erza marched over to Natsu and started to pull him along.
Erza easily led Natsu back to their inn and to her room, noticing Gray was still unconscious, but seemed to be sleeping peacefully now, rather than being knocked out. Once the pair were inside Erza's room though, all of Erza's confidence vanished.
'Erza, are you okay?' Asked Natsu.
'I think all my drinks wore off just now.' Said Erza, feeling her previous self-assurance melting away.
'Erza, do you trust me?' Asked Natsu.
'Of course I do! There is no one in the guild I can depend on as much as you.' Said Erza, causing Natsu to smile.
'Then please just relax, this isn't a race or a battle, you don't need to push yourself to do anything you don't want to.' Said Natsu, causing Erza's expression to soften.
'I know… just let me get ready first.' Said Erza, pulling her yukata closed.
'Can you get in first?' Asked Erza.
Natsu nodded and laid down on the futon. Erza took a moment, but then joined Natsu as well, facing away from the Dragon Slayer and pulled the blanket over them. Natsu and Erza were within arm's reach of each other, but neither moved for a few minutes. Eventually, Erza turned to see Natsu was lying on his right side, turned away from her. Erza slowly crept closer until she was pressed against Natsu's back. It took a moment for Erza to work up the courage, but she managed to put her left arm over his shoulder. Erza felt Natsu brush her hand with his remaining right hand, keeping his left claw under wraps.
'Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you.' Whispered Erza.
'You didn't.' Said Natsu.
'Natsu… can you face me?' Asked Erza.
Natsu turned in place, with Erza's arm remaining draped over his form. Erza stared into Natsu's eyes and felt herself becoming drowsy.
'Can we… stay like this tonight?' Asked Erza.
'Sure, but are you going to be comfortable like that?' Asked Natsu.
'Could you hold me too?' Asked Erza, only to feel Natsu's arm reach over her waist and pull her slightly closer.
Erza felt her eyes starting to close and felt the tension in her shoulders fade away.
"This is nice." Thought Erza, before falling asleep in the warm embrace.