December 16th

Lucy squinted at the wall from where she sat at a table with Erza and Gray on the Third Day, waiting to see who would climb up and sing. Not taking her eyes off of the big red bow atop the window, she said slowly, "Every time I come in here, I swear there's just one decoration that's been moved around or added. It's like Mira's slowly trying to make me crazy."

Gray, a mug of black coffee in hand, flashed her a grin. "Sounds about right. Watch out for Christmas Eve," he suddenly added, gaze darkening. "That's when Mira puts the mistletoe out. She doesn't mess around with it, and I heard you're high up on her target list this year, Lucy."

Lucy made a face, grumbling. "I don't need mistletoe to get someone to kiss me," she grumbled under her breath, lifting her tea to her lips. Erza chuckled from her place on Lucy's left, gaze skimming some paperwork she'd offered to help Makarov with.

Turning her attention onto other matters, Lucy scanned the guildhall again. Finding no sign of her missing partner, she finally asked, "Have either of you seen Natsu this morning? It's almost ten and he's not here yet." For someone who'd been determined to see every day of the Twelve Days, he was cutting it frighteningly close.

"Nah, but Happy's in." Gray nodded in the direction of the blue-furred Exceed, who was chatting with Charle and Wendy. He waved his paws around to create a visual aid for whatever they were discussing. "Means he's going to be around eventually. Don't worry so much. He'll be here. He never misses the Twelve Days. Outside of last year, of course."

"I have yet to see him miss a single one," agreed Erza. "He'll be here, Lucy." She threw Lucy a kind look, then set aside her paperwork and sighed. She pushed a few strands of scarlet hair from her eyes as she questioned, "Have you two finished your Christmas shopping yet?"

Lucy shook her head and Gray made a so-so motion with his hand. "Just a few more left to go. I'm not sure what to get Wendy," he admitted.

"Wendy will love it, regardless of what you get her," Lucy reassured, patting his shoulder. A flash of pink caught her eye. "Oh! There's Natsu!" She straightened, waving to catch his attention, but he promptly ignored her. She spluttered, outraged, and Gray laughed.

"He's probably out shopping," he said. "He always waits until the last minute. This is normal, too, trust me."

Lucy huffed, insulted. "Still. He could at least say hi."

"Well, since he's being an idiot, do you want to go ice skating with me, Wendy, and Romeo after the third person sings?" offered Gray.

"Sure." Lucy threw another look over her shoulder, frowning. Natsu would have loved to join them. He'd be upset when he heard they were doing something as a team without him – even if it was his own fault. "Are you coming, Erza?"

"Of course." Erza beamed. "I recently purchased new skates and have been meaning to try them. This will prove to be the perfect time to do so."

Excited by the idea of ice skating, Erza promptly hauled herself onto the top of the table they sat at. Gray burst out laughing, and Lucy couldn't help but laugh with him at the look on Erza's face when she practically shouted, "On the third day of Christmas, Fairy Tail gave to me…" She paused, her cheeks flushing beneath the attention and cheers of her guild. "...three new swords, two manly gifts, and a teddy bear just for me!"

Gray raised his mug of coffee in praise, and Lucy clapped and cheered with everyone else. "Go, Erza!" she called as Erza clambered back down, face nearly as brightly colored as her own hair. Several people came over to congratulate her.

Lucy used the chance to look back at where Natsu had been, frowning again when she saw him slip out, off to do who knew what.

A hand squeezed her shoulder. "C'mon," said Gray as he climbed to his feet, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. "Let's get going. He'll find us later. He's an idiot, but he won't avoid you all day. He'll come looking eventually." The ice-make mage offered her a hand that she willingly took. He ruffled her hair once she was standing. Lucy got the feeling he was trying to make her feel better. "Coming, Erza?"

Erza nodded. The color in her cheeks had died down to a manageable rosy hue. "Let me give the paperwork to Master Makarov. I will meet you outside."

Gray nodded, tossed an arm around Lucy's shoulders, and tugged her towards the door. He shouted for Wendy as they went, and the youngest dragon slayer came running with an excited squeal, Romeo hot on her heels. Lucy's lips curled into a warm smile.

It was nice to see her friends so happy.

It didn't take long for Natsu to track Lucy down later that afternoon thanks to an eavesdropping Mirajane. He ended up at a lake outside of town that Fairy Tail often used to ice skate in the wintertime. It was far enough out of town that most of the civilians didn't come out to use it, but just in case, Gray would come out two or three times a week to ensure the ice was thick and safe. He was even paid for it by the town's mayor, Natsu had heard, out of sheer gratitude that it saved the mayor from having to deal with a number of people going through the ice.

When he reached the lake, Natsu paused at the shoreline to watch, lips twitching.

Wendy and Romeo were in the midst of a break, working on a snowman together. They were half-way done, both bending their heads together so they could whisper about something or another. Their breath clouded the air. Natsu noted that neither Charle nor Happy were present; they'd likely remained at the guildhall, hiding from the cold.

Gray, Erza, and Lucy, however, were skating. Gray was clearly experienced at ice skating. He glided in easy circles around them as they struggled, offering tips when needed. Erza glared at him after a short moment, looking frustrated, and promptly tripped him after a few heartbeats.

Lucy's laughter filled the air, and Natsu found himself watching her, his eyes softening. Lucy clapped her hands over her mouth to try and stifle her giggles – only to yelp, nearly sliding despite having not been doing anything that might have made her lose her balance. Natsu wondered if Gray had manipulated the ice somehow. Erza narrowly caught her elbow, keeping her upright, but the movement must have caused her to notice him. Suddenly, Lucy's eyes had locked onto him and an even brighter smile appeared on her face as she shouted, "You made it!"

That, of course, had everyone else glancing over and calling warm hellos (or a heavy sigh, on Gray's part). Natsu fought back his urge to puff his chest up in pride, relieved that they were happy he was joining them so late. "'Course I did," called Natsu, holding up the skates he'd made sure to bring. "Not gonna let the team go without me!"

Gray threw him a dark look as Natsu carefully made his way closer to the frozen water. "Just make sure you don't melt the ice," he warned. "I put a lot of work into it this year."

Natsu pretended not to hear him, burning snow away from the ground so he could sit and not get soaking wet in the process of putting on his own skates. He glanced up briefly when Lucy skated over to wait for him to join, leaving Erza to gently scold Gray for trying to instigate fights when they were having some fun as a team. When Natsu clambered to his feet, Lucy was standing there, waiting with a smile.

He flashed her a grin. "Hey, Luce."

"Hi." She skated backwards a little to give him room to step onto the ice. He took a moment to get used to the unfamiliar feeling of ice beneath his feet, having not skated since last winter. It didn't take long. He cackled when Lucy almost fell, startled when he playfully bumped her shoulder with his. "Natsu Dragneel," she seethed, arms thrown wide for balance. "If you make me fall–"

Natsu rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't let you fall, Luce." She eyed him suspiciously, and he nudged her again, this time gentler than he had before. "Seriously," he said. "I promise I won't make you fall on the ice."

She nodded after a moment, relaxing. "I'm holding you to that," she said warningly. He believed it. Even silly little promises like that were something she took seriously.

A sudden yelp made him look back, and Lucy clapped her hands over her mouth, laughing loudly. Gray stood in the middle of the ice, wiping a snowball from his face. "Hey," he protested, glaring over at Wendy, who stood with a look that was just a fraction too innocent.

"Sorry," Wendy said, not sounding sorry at all. "We were trying to throw it between you and Erza."

Natsu didn't believe it for an instant.

The Third Day was Erza! ;) Who will be next?

Thanks to the lovely reviewer (Jedi Jelsa777) as well as those who favorited and followed!