What Fairy Girls Want
by Ulquiorra9000
Chapter 13: I've been waiting for this (for so long!)
"...and this is the science and engineering building," Kagura Mikazuchi said modestly as she and Erza Scarlet continued their delightful morning tour of Crocus University's campus. "We boast the best mechanical engineering program in all of Fiore. It's even been mentioned in magazines."
"Very impressive," Erza said with a polite nod. It was fun having her old rival/friend show her around, but it was also so warm today, and not a cloud in the sky to cover that sun! Erza was already working up a sweat just from casually strutting around CU's campus, wearing a short red skirt, sneakers, and a yellow tube top with straps. Kagura, meanwhile, wore white booty shorts (so hot!) and a white babydoll T-shirt. She sure liked that color.
Next, Kagura showed Erza the language and journalism building, and then they toured the library, where Kagura introduced Erza to her friend Yukino Agria, who was checking with a librarian to see whether a certain meteorology book was available for checkout.
"A pleasure," Erza said warmly, offering a hand for the other girl to shake. "Crocus University is an incredible place. Kagura was kind enough to show me around. I mean, I was here earlier with my boyfriend, but we didn't see much on that date."
"So you're the legendary Erza Scarlet," Yukino said brightly, her eyes sparkling. "You're even more beautiful than Kagura said! And you carry yourself with such confidence. I can see why Kagura looked up to you as her rival in high school!"
"Goodness, you're making me blush," Erza teased her. She turned to Kagura. "I have quite the reputation to live up to."
"Well, what's your GPA?" Kagura asked, folding her arms over her huge breasts.
"I believe it's 3.8."
"Got your future planned?"
Erza beamed. "I'm going to open my own bakery and sell desserts all over Magnolia!"
"And your social life?"
"It's a whirlwind of fun, and I've got a boyfriend who loves me very much."
"Your wardrobe?"
"I'm a trendsetter," Erza said with a wink.
"Cup size?"
"36F."
Yukino's jaw dropped as she stared at Erza's chest. "No way! You're even bigger than Minerva!"
Kagura nodded with satisfaction. "All that, Erza, is why you live up to the legend and then some."
"Now you're making me blush," Erza told Kagura.
"With you here, Erza, I feel like I can do anything," Kagura told her, her eyes hardening. She lowered her arms and tightened her hands into fists. "I can't even put into words how you electrify me, Erza! To have you in my life once again, it's..."
"It's just until later this afternoon," Erza reminded her rival. "The MCC soccer team will be driven back to Magnolia at 4:00, and the rest of us are taking a bus back home around that time, too."
"I hope you return home with lots of good memories of Crocus," Yukino told Erza, clasping her hands under her chin. She had sparkles around her. "It's the city of love! Did you go on any dates with your boyfriend? Did he like it here, too?"
Erza smiled. "Yes, Jellal was most impressed!"
"How come you didn't bring him here?"
"Because I am here," Kagura cut in, puffing out her chest. "I'm reconnecting with my rival and idol! I don't want some blue-haired chimp getting in the way."
"You seriously don't like him," Erza muttered.
"Forgive me. I just get so fired up when you're with me...!" Kagura raised one of her clenched fists for dramatic effect. Flames of passion roared to life around her!
Yukino giggled. "Oh, my."
"I'm sorry, but that book is checked out," the librarian told Yukino when she arrived. "I can help you find something similar, though."
"Ah. Okay, thank you!" Yukino told the middle-aged librarian kindly. She smiled at Erza. "Enjoy the rest of your tour, Erza. Why not get a bite to eat in the student union's cafeteria before you go? We have so many tasty options!"
"Perhaps. Good day." Erza saluted, then allowed Yukino to escort her out into the open air. As they went some guy with a boombox held under his arm wandered past, nodding his head to the beat.
"Where next? I wouldn't mind the student union -" Erza started.
Kagura took hold of Erza's hand and locked eyes with her rival. "I have another place in mind. My place."
Erza knew what that meant. And sure enough...!
"Welcome to my castle," Kagura breathed as she and Erza threw open the door to Kagura's bedroom door in her on-campus dorm. The two girls were already getting hot and heavy, their arms wrapped around each other as they kept kissing in a haze of passion. "Sorry about the mess. But I couldn't wait."
"I don't mind it dirty," Erza breathed right back. "Your bedroom is where you can be truly you. That's what I wanted to see."
"I'm touched. Now, enough chit-chat. I need the real thing. Now." Kagura shut the door, then shoved Erza right onto the unmade bed.
"Oooooh!" Erza yelped with pleasant surprise. "So assertive."
"That's right." Kagura tore off her thin white shirt and started running her hands along her lovely breasts, her skin caressing the violet fabric of her bra. "Now, how do you like it in the bedroom, dearest rival? Anything oral? What kind of penetration? And the foreplay?"
"I'm a dominant bad bitch," Erza said with a cocky grin. "Jellal can't get enough of it."
"Not today, sweetheart. I'm dominating you," Kagura declared, stepping toward her lover for today. "I want to punish you for staying behind in Magnolia when my destiny called me to Crocus."
Erza nodded, trembling with anticipation and curious lust.
"I want to dominate you to show I can be #1 for once."
Nod.
"And..." Kagura's hard eyes softened a bit. "I want to share an amazing, unforgettable day with the girl I care most about in the whole wide world, because what is life without her?"
Erza beamed. "The feeling is mutual. I'm so glad we got a chance to clear the air and fix our friendship, Kagura."
"I know." Then Kagura adopted a wicked aura, smiling widely and cracking her knuckles. "Now spread those legs, Erza, and don't you dare resist what comes next!"
No need for alarm; Kagura was just getting in character. Erza was more used to being on the giving end, so being on the receiving end felt so fresh... and scary, in a good way!
Erza lay flat on her back and did as she was told, groaning with anticipation as Kagura knelt in front of her. Kagura licked her lips as she ran her hands up Erza's warm, slightly sweaty thighs, and then Kagura's trembling fingers arrived at Erza's crotch. Her fingertips toyed with the thin fabric of Erza's blue and white striped undies, and Erza groaned again.
"Do your worst," Erza begged her. "I can take any foreplay. Destroy me!"
"Hold still, Erza." Kagura's wicked smile widened, and she slipped her hand right under the fabric and got her fingertips in. She held nothing back, roughly and aggressively fingering Erza for all it was worth. Holy shit! Kagura's technique looked sloppy and desperate at first, but it actually worked! Fuck fuck fuck...!
Erza gasped and clutched Kagura's sheets as waves of white-hot pleasure swept through her from her navel, marveling at how Kagura's raging fingers stimulated the flesh of her labia and vagina with unbelievable precision, her touch like that of a goddess. Wow! Erza kept squirming in place, her breaths coming in rapid gasps as she felt her lube tricking out of her, all while hearing Kagura's fingers go shlick-shlick-shlick with her lady parts. Mmmmmmmmmm~!
"This shit's coming off," Kagura declared. She withdrew her fingers and leaned in, baring her teeth. What the...
"Oh my!" Erza squealed as Kagura did the unthinkable, and bit down on her panties with her teeth alone and tore them right off! Whoo, Kagura was like an animal, obeying her every instinct! And who cared about the undies? Erza was wearing a cheap pair today, anyway. She didn't mind the thought of walking back to the Sleepy Inn commando. The thought of it actually excited her a bit. So uninhibited!
Kagura tossed the torn undies aside and dove right back in, this time using her teeth, tongue, and lips to toy with Erza's sweet pussy like never before! What an experience! Kagura made Erza's flesh dance for her, and it was all Erza could do to hang on tight as she rode the horny roller coaster. She actually felt herself building up toward the climax at double speed, and made a mental note to ask Jellal to up his game with cunnilingus. He could learn a few things from Erza's rival here!
"C-come... coming...!" Erza panted, and the warning was barely in time. A gleeful Kagura drew back just as the squealing Erza started squirting, her sweaty navel bucking as she went, and she hoped this didn't make too big a mess.
"Impressive. That was a lot," Kagura noted, watching her rival get her love juice everywhere. "I'd expect nothing less from you, Erza."
"And now... I expect a lot more from Jellal when he eats me out," Erza huffed.
"I'm sure. But enough about him." Kagura climbed onto the bed and got onto her hands and knees, face to face with her temporary lover. Kagura's hair hung around her face as she asked, "Do you want me?"
"I do."
"What am I to you?"
"The..." Erza swallowed. "You're the amazing girl who makes me feel special by wanting so badly to defeat me."
"Hmmmm. Interesting answer."
"It gets boring having everyone look up to me as #1. I want someone who fights to be even better! Does that make sense?"
"It makes perfect sense." Kagura leaned down and started kissing her rival again, this time more sweetly, savoring the sensation. She lowered herself even more and squished her breasts against Erza's, and what a lovely feeling it was. And best of all, Kagura was ready to show a little more skin, undoing her bra as she went. She sat back up and tossed the garment aside, giving her chest a wiggle. Her boobs jiggled, the nipples perky and cute.
"I want them," Erza breathed, reaching up.
"Come and get them," Kagura challenged her.
Erza went for it. She got two handfuls of Kagura's melons, gently squeezing and fondling them and marveling at the feeling of another girl's breasts in her hands. Ah, Kagura was such a mature beauty, and Erza wanted to soak in every last bit of it. Erza kept it up until she eventually decided to let her hands wander down Kagura's narrow waist, and then her hands arrived at Kagura's wide, curvy hips.
"Ah. Is it that time?" Kagura asked, still sitting upright on her rival.
"Please...!"
Kagura softly slapped Erza's cheek. "Beg me!"
"I want more!"
Slap. "I can't hear you, rival!"
"MORE, PLEASE! I NEED IT...!"
Kagura nodded with satisfaction. "Then here goes." She rolled over and lay next to Erza on the bed, reaching down to slip off her very short shorts. Erza watched with glee as Kagura's lacy black panties came into view, an expensive-looking pair with a little pink ribbon on the front. Once Kagura had her shorts off, she sighed with pleasure, slowly slipping her fancy undies down her long legs, and Erza couldn't get enough of it. Such anticipation! She made another mantal note, vowing to get at least one expensive pair of undies from Vicky's Secret and give Jellal a striptease. She ought to share the idea with Mirajane and the other girls, too.
"There we are," Kagura said sweetly as she tossed her fancy black panties into her laundry hamper. She stretched out and made a playful pose, giving Erza a full view of her body. "Do you want some?"
This time, it was Erza who licked her lips.
Kagura blushed. "In that case... dominate me."
And Erza did.
The two girls squealed, giggled, moaned, and gasped with unbridled pleasure as they squirmed all over the bed together, making that poor bed creak and groan with the force of their rival-tastic lovemaking. Erza did it all: she stuck her fingers knuckle-deep into Kagura's womanhood, she licked and sucked on Kagura's nipples, and she held Kagura down as she ran her tongue all over the other girl's chest. For good measure, Erza even rode on Kagura's face, rubbing her pussy on Kagura for all it was worth. "Mmmmfff-mmmmf!" was the response, and Erza knew that meant "More, more!"
Erza didn't know how much time passed as she and Kagura exhausted themselves with every position, but by the time they were done, both girls were naked, sweaty, sore, and thoroughly satisfied. All lingering resentment or awkwardness was so fucking over. It was nothing but good times, now and forever.
"Erza?" Kagura asked quietly as her rival started getting dressed again.
"Yes?"
Kagura smiled. "I'll miss you all over again. But this time, in a good way."
Erza smiled right back. "I'm sorry I have to go."
"Just make Jellal happy for me, okay?"
"I will."
Erza had everything back on minus her shredded undies (oooooh, this did feel nice), and gave her scarlet hair a sexy toss. "Is it okay if I don't 100% understand what we just did? Was it a moment of catharsis? A daring experiment to satisfy your curiosity? A chance for you to feel like my equal?"
"How about... all of the above?"
"That works for me." Erza swung open the bedroom door and took one step out. She looked over her shoulder at her rival.
"What is it, Erza?"
Erza blinked. "I, um... oh, it's nothing big. Just... good luck. With everything." She gently shut the door, then headed out of the dorm and back into the warm CU campus.
That was exactly when a sudden breeze kicked up, and Erza yelped as the naughty wind tossed up her short skirt, showing off her naked ass and lady parts for anyone could see them! Erza went bright red and forced the fabric back down with a hand, frantically thanking the heavens that no one actually saw that. Darn it, she could use a decent pair of panties right now!
Oh, fuck that. Once Erza got back to the Sleepy Inn, she'd look drop-dead gorgeous in her next outfit for the day.
Her new swimsuit!
o*o*o*o*
"How about some ice cream to start?" Lucy Heartfilia asked brightly as she and Natsu started their morning date not far from the Triple Tree Hotel. "Let's find a parlor and try some new flavors! I'll buy."
"That's real sweet of you. Pun intended," Natsu said with a wide smile. "And wow, it's so hot today. A cold treat is just what I need!"
"So, even the fiery Natsu Dragneel needs to cool off every now and then," Lucy teased him lightly as she and Natsu started off down the sidewalk downtown.
"Can you blame me? The sun's killing me!" Natsu fanned his face, wincing as he glanced up at the brilliant mid-morning sun. "It's a scorcher today."
"I think I know what's really bothering you," Lucy said, softening her tone.
Natsu blinked. "Huh? What?"
"I know how much soccer means to you," Lucy said. "Yes, it's just a game, and life goes on, but you poured your heart into that game last night, and your team didn't win. You must be devastated."
"Well..." Natsu scratched his head. What did he feel about that? It was hard to say! Disappointed, embarrassed, furious, eager for a rematch, maybe? Or was he a gracious loser while the Sabertooths were at least halfway humble winners?
Last year, Natsu would have been fucking pissed about something like this! But now...
"It kinda stings. No pun intended this time," Natsu said, imagining the blond captain of the CU Sabertooths team. "But I'll live. There's always the next game! I can't wait."
Lucy smiled. "That's the spirit, Natsu. You'll bounce back from this, I promise!"
Natsu chuckled. "Oh man, I think you feel worse about the final score than I do, Lucy. Are you secretly a huge sports fan? Laki and Kinana are too, but they totally deny it."
"Oh, I don't mind watching a few games of soccer or baseball for a fun change of pace," Lucy said with a shrug as she and Natsu crossed an intersection. "But it's not about the game. It's about you! Maybe I'm just projecting a little."
"I dunno what that means," Natsu admitted.
"What I mean is..." Lucy gestured. "You're living the kind of life I want, Natsu, and I'm rooting for you. When you win, it feels like I won. When you experience a setback, I'm upset for you."
"Well, that's real sweet," Natsu said with a wide smile, and he felt a pleasant thrill in his stomach. Lucy was such a terrific gal, supporting him like that! Well, lots of his friends were there for him, most of all Gray and Lisanna, but none of those friends described it quite like Lucy did. Is projecting always this flattering?
"Thank you, Natsu," Lucy said, blushing. "I feel like I'm just starting my real life here in college. Remember what I said about being stifled and lonely at home? I haven't succeeded or failed in anything on my own just yet. And I admit, I'm a little scared of what comes next for me, whether it goes well or ends in disaster! But you... you've already dived right into life and swam with all your might in its waters. I hope I can be so bold someday."
"If you ever need a little push, I'll be there."
"I'll take you up on that!" Lucy smiled, then looked serious again. "When I see you charging ahead with your life like this, Natsu, I feel so fired up to take my turn. But until then, do you mind if I cheer you on from here? Can I ride sidecar in your life and share your joys and sorrows?"
Natsu stared at her. "Uh... I'm not sure what to say."
Lucy winced. "I know, I got carried away. I apologize, Natsu. I'm just being weird about this, aren't I?"
Natsu patted a hand to Lucy's head. "No, nothin' weird about wanting to tag along for the ride, Lucy! Based on what you've told me, you've got a lot of catching up to do. Welcome the Natsu world. I'll be your guide."
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. tour guide!" Lucy giggled.
"I think I get the gist of what you were saying, Lucy," Natsu said. "If you wanna hang out with me and get fired up from watch me in action, go for it. Real friends look out for each other."
"That would be wonderful, Natsu."
"Does that mean you'll try out for one of the sports teams? Or just journalism stuff?"
"Just journalism and creative writing for now," Lucy said, swatting Natsu's shoulder. "I'm sorry, but I can't kick a ball like you do."
"Well, MCC has a tennis team and a croquet team. We even have a foosball team! They kick ass."
"Isn't that just an informal club that meets in the game room?"
"That doesn't make them any less passionate about their craft," Natsu said loftily.
Lucy laughed. "I'll take your word for it!"
"Hey, there's an ice cream parlor," Natsu said, pointing. "Wanna duck in and chill out? Pun intended once again."
"Yes, let's." Lucy took Natsu's hand (what a feeling!) and led him inside, where a cheerful middle-aged man with a bald head and a cherub-like grin greeted them.
"Welcome to Bob's Ice Cream and Gelato, my little angels," he said warmly. "I offer 50 different flavors and six types of waffles cones! And every topping you can dream up: chopped nuts, candy bits, hot fudge, and so much more!"
Lucy gave Natsu a fond look. "Order anything you like, good sir. It's on me. Even if you order two!"
Natsu lit up like a Christmas tree. "F-for real?!"
Lucy nodded.
"Aw, yeah." Two minutes later, Natsu had a towering ice cream cone in each hand, with each scoop a different flavor: vanilla, chocolate, orange, cherry, mango, pineapple, hazelnut, strawberry, and a few Natsu had never even heard of before!
"Here comes the sugar rush," Lucy joked as she and Natsu exited the shop with their desserts. She had a two-scoop ice cream cone with sprinkles. "Are you fueling up for the trip to the water park this afternoon?"
Natsu swallowed a sweet bite. "Hell yeah I am. Thanks again, Lucy. Losing to the Sabertooths doesn't feel so bad after this!"
"So you do feel bad about the final score," Lucy teased him.
"Do not!" Natsu grinned.
"I'll do anything to take your mind off last night's game, Natsu. Anything..."
Natsu perked up. "For real?"
How about visiting some local shops? Like a clothing shop that Lucy just had to check out.
"What do you think, Natsu? Could I pull this off?" Lucy asked when she and her date finished their ice cream and paid a visit to a nearby clothing outlet with some trendy duds on the racks. Lucy held up a bright red sleeveless dress with silver sequins, smiling her head off.
"I think the gals would know," Natsu admitted. "Y'know, like Levy and Evergreen and Lisanna."
Lucy pouted. "Well yes, they could give me expert advice. But I wanted to know if you, Natsu, like how this looks on me." She wiggled the dress a bit.
Natsu cocked his head in thought, arms folded. "Uh... maybe? Where would you wear it? Looks pretty fancy."
"How about at an award ceremony? Or a cocktail party, or a gala downtown?"
"What's a gala? Can you eat it?"
Lucy snorted with laughter. "It's a fancy social occasion! Haven't you heard of celebrity galas? Like in magazines?"
"The last time I held a magazine, I rolled it up to whack Gray on the head for stealing my last beer."
"Ah. Well, beer wars aside, what do you think, Natsu? Is this me?"
The dull gears in Natsu's brain slowly clanked together until that little light bulb went on with a ding. Of course! "It looks fantastic, Lucy. I'd eat any gala with you if you wore that!"
Lucy smiled. "And what would you wear?"
"Whatever has the least stains or wrinkles in it."
"I'm guessing you're not much of a clothes shopper."
"Sometimes, Elfman or Jellal will bring me along to look for deals at the thrift store. Jellal found a plaid shirt in his size for just 15 Jewels! Total steal!"
"Well, Natsu, you're expanding my world with sports and courage. Why don't I return the favor? I'll help you glow up."
"Glow up?"
"A makeover! Clothes make the man."
"I guess."
"Now now, Natsu. You're getting serious about girls this year, aren't you? That means taking your appearance more seriously. This is one of my strengths. Let me help you."
Heck, if Gajeel could dress all fancy for his ruined Ironwings concert, why not? Natsu beamed. "I'm your dress-up chump, Lucy. Do your best."
"And it's my treat once again."
"How much money do you got?!"
"I know how to hunt for bargains. Now, let me see..."
Natsu was fine with whatever duds Lucy chose for him. What he cared most about was that look of unrestrained joy and satisfaction in her eyes as she went! Natsu never would have guessed that this girl grew up all stifled and lonely. She could brighten any room and was living the good life for all it was worth. He said as much by the time Lucy rounded up some sick deals and got them rung up at the register.
"Aw, you're making me blush," Lucy said as she did exactly that, reaching into her purse for her credit card. "Just promise me you'll look your best in those, okay? Maybe on future dates, for example? I'll wear this." She patted the fabric of the red dress she just bought.
Whoa, how far ahead was Lucy planning with these dates? Natsu didn't ask, but he got the feeling Lucy saw a romantic future of just her and him, with Lisanna and Cana nowhere to be seen. Natsu didn't want to say no, but he also knew that those other two girls had delicate, maidenly hearts that he would never even think of trampling on -
His phone chimed.
"One sec." Natsu checked his phone, and saw the text invitation waiting for him, including the address.
"What is it?" Lucy asked idly as the clothes were bagged.
Natsu pocketed his phone. "Lucy, is it OK if we cut the date a bit short? Sorry about this. And thanks for the new threads."
"I... all right." Lucy gave Natsu's pocket a quick glance, then headed for the door. "I'll keep these in my hotel room for now. See you at the water park!" She threw a wink over her shoulder as she headed out the door.
"See you!" Natsu waved and let Lucy take her leave before exiting the shop and going the other way, headed for a certain bar and grill once he pulled up the directions. Here goes nothing!
o*o*o*o*
"Wasn't our first date in a place like this?" Natsu commented lightly when he met up with Cana Alberona in a charming bar and grill about three blocks away from the clothing store where Natsu got those new duds.
"It's my kind of place," Cana said, patting the table of her booth. She had a few empty beer mugs in front of her. "Come on, sit with me. We need a talk."
Oh, crud. That sounds serious! Natsu slowly sat, trying to read his friend. She didn't seem angry or upset... but she also didn't seem to be in the mood for a fresh date today.
"I've been doing a little thinking," Cana said, leaning forward slightly, her lovely violet eyes fixed on her friend. "Ever since our date yesterday morning. Sorry if I ended things a little abruptly back there. But I had to do it. It gave me time to think, and make my decision."
"What kind of decision?"
Cana took a deep breath. "My decision to end things right here, Natsu. I don't think we should date anymore. Or hook up."
Natsu sat there and stared for a moment. "Oh," was all he managed to say.
"I guess I finally got tired of playing games with my love life," Cana continued. "I mean...!" She gestured frantically. "I didn't mean to treat our dates like a game. I was being serious about us, Natsu. Really, I that's the truth. Or at least, that was as serious as my confused, screwed-up self can manage."
"Hey, you're being too hard on yourself," Natsu cried. "Come on, Cana, you're awesome. Why are you beating yourself up? What's wrong?"
"You're so sweet," Cana said fondly. "Don't worry, I'm not being that hard on myself. Still, after we failed to say I love you yesterday on our date, it got me thinking. I wanted so much for you to tell me you love me, and when it didn't happen, I realized that we're not meant to be."
Natsu was not used to this kind of drama in real life! He'd seen stuff like this in those visual novel games Levy kept recommending on the Steamy game platform, but to deal with the real thing...! He didn't know what dialogue option to try. "I'm sorry," was all he could think of. It was true, after all.
"Eh, I don't think anyone needs any apologies," Cana said dismissively. She cracked a smile. "You would never try to hurt me, would you, Natsu?"
"Nuh-uh! Never."
"You're a great friend, my dear Natsu," Cana told him. "I guess it should stay that way. We had fun together, didn't we? Such carnal pleasure... I'll always cherish that. And now, we can move on."
"Move on..." Natsu repeated vaguely, and at once, both Lisanna's and Lucy's smiling faces popped into his head. Was a chat like this in their futures, too?
"Trying to get serious with you made me realize I've still got some growing up to do," Cana admitted. "We weren't ready for a real relationship, were we? I'll do some soul-searching and see what I can come up with."
"What made you want to date me?" Natsu blurted out.
Cana smiled. "Great question. I'm not sure the answer will make much sense. Maybe I was bored and wanted some fun. Or I had a shallow idea of what romance is. Or I just wanted to beat Lisanna and Lucy in a competition for a boy's heart. I knew for a while that both of them were into you, so I dived in."
"Wow, I'm popular this year," Natsu commented. "Cana, I dunno what else to tell you about this, so..." He leaned forward, hands on the table. "I really, super-duper hope you find real happiness out there one way or another. I'm rooting for you!"
"Thank you so much."
"And by the way, I think I know where you're coming from," Natsu confessed. "About growing up and stuff. Being with Lisanna and Lucy made me realize the world's a much bigger place than I thought. It's time I became man enough to handle it all. New year, new me!"
"That's wonderful, Natsu."
"Thanks. But enough about me," Natsu said. "Cana, you must be hurting right now, right? This can't be easy for you."
"Wow, you can be pretty sharp sometimes." Cana made a watery smile.
"It's just 'cause I know you so well, Cana." Natsu winked.
Cana laughed. "Got me there, Natsu!"
"We can talk about if you want."
"Don't worry about it. Now then..."Cana sat back and clapped her hands. "I'd say that's enough heavy talk for now. I said my piece, and we're still friends. I'd call that a job well done."
"If you need me, I'm here for you," Natsu added quickly.
"Duly noted. For now, though, we should think about something more fun. For example..." Cana spread her arms wide. "Aren't we due to hit up the Aqua World Park with our dear friends before going home?"
Natsu gave the thumbs up. "Damn right, Cana! Should we head there together, or...?"
Cana shook her head. "Let's part ways for now, Natsu. I'll see you there."
"Just as well. I'm still on a date with..." Natsu said casually. He clapped his hands over his mouth.
"Oh, my. You're seeing someone today?"
"It's Lucy," Natsu said in a small voice.
"Well, go you, Mr. stud! Why not meet up with her at the pool to finish the date? But watch out! I'm out of the love game, but Lisanna is still on the prowl."
Natsu scratched the back of his head. "Yeah. Love triangle at the pool."
"Makes me wonder how long you're gonna juggle those two maidens." Cana winked.
"Not for much longer, I swear!" Natsu yelped.
"Good to know. Okay, I'll pay for this and be on my way." Cana waved to get a waiter's attention, then paid up and headed for the door. "See you around, playboy."
Natsu awkwardly waved goodbye, then took his leave as well, heading in the opposite direction to his hotel. Along the way, Natsu realized that deep down, he had felt the same way as Cana: that their relationship was never going to be anything real. Hooking up was steamy fun, but by now, they both deserved better. And so did Lisanna and Lucy.
Damn, this Crocus trip kept getting more complicated!